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. , , , , . This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Editor's note: This is an October 2013 article that is picking up traffic in April 2016. (10-23) 17:18 PDT DAVIS -- A former UC Davis police officer whose pepper-spraying of protesters gained worldwide notice thanks to a viral video has been awarded more than $38,000 in workers' compensation from the university for suffering he experienced after the incident. Former police Lt. John Pike, who gained a degree of infamy for his role in the incident, was awarded the settlement Oct. 16 by the state Division of Workers' Compensation Appeals Board. The claim "resolves all claims of psychiatric injury specific or due to continuous trauma from applicant's employment at UC Davis." The incident that resulted in the $38,055 settlement happened Nov. 18, 2011, on the UC Davis quad during a demonstration opposing tuition increases. On the widely circulated video, Pike is seen dousing protesters for about 15 seconds with orange pepper spray. Pike was suspended with pay afterward. According to a database of state worker salaries, he earned $119,067 in 2011, the last year for which figures are available. More than 17,000 angry or threatening e-mails, 10,000 text messages and hundreds of letters were sent to Pike after the video went viral, according to the police union. Pike repeatedly changed his phone number and e-mail address and lived in various locations. He left the campus police force in July 2012. In a statement, UC Davis spokesman Andy Fell said, "This case has been resolved in accordance with state law and processes on workers' compensation. The final resolution is in line with permanent impairment as calculated by the state's disability evaluation unit." Earlier this year, UC Davis settled a federal lawsuit by paying $1 million to three dozen protesters who were pepper-sprayed. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Long before billionaire Larry Ellison made his first dollar, the tony enclaves on the Peninsula were already home to some of the richest and most powerful Bay Area residents. From railroad barons and shipping magnates to mining giants, San Mateo County had no shortage what we'd now call high-net-worth individuals. In 1947, legendary LIFE magazine photographer Peter Stackpole, a San Francisco native, was granted access to many of the sprawling estates in places such as Woodside and Hillsborough. The photographs he made of poolside butlers and polo matches uniquely capture a private view of a waning era of opulence rarely seen outside of more public settings. Published on Aug. 18, 1947, the LIFE article, titled "The Peninsula: It is the playground of San Francisco Society," paints a picture of "the brown hills [that] are dotted with green oases," between "the city" and "the ranches and orchards of the Santa Clara Valley." Clearly, it was an era before Silicon Valley had even been dreamt up (let alone to transcend its geographical name and creep north to San Francisco). RELATED: Stackpole's photos of the building of the Bay Bridge One sprawling estate featured in the photo essay, Filoli, owned by heiress Lurline Matson Roth and her husband William P. Roth (who became board chairman of his father-in-law's shipping company), was called "the showplace of them all" by LIFE. Today, the estate in Woodside truly is a showplace, having been donated in 1975 to the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The estate is open to the public for tours. Watch a 1950 newsreel of Lurline Matson Roth's namesake sail for Hawaii: Ultimately, the Peninsula was destined to become more than just a playground names familiar names like Hearst, Spreckels and Crocker. In the magazine, LIFE noted that the post-war housing boom had already begun to see smaller houses in planned developments dot the area, eventually creating cities and neighborhoods that are much more familiar to us today. But according to the magazine, "mansion-dwellers or small homeowners, they all agree that they would rather live on the Peninsula than anywhere else in the world..." A deadly virus has invaded the population of Atlanta, and no one can stop it. You think youve seen this story before, and you may have, but that doesnt take anything away from Containment, a gripping new limited series on the CW by the co-creator of The Vampire Diaries that is, you should pardon the expression, infectious. Premiering Tuesday, April 19, the 13-episode Containment was adapted by Julie Plec from a Belgian series called Cordon, from the term cordon sanitaire, a strictly enforced quarantine set up to contain a disease. The previously unknown virus is thought to have been brought into the U.S. by a Syrian man who flew in the cargo hold of an airliner in order to join the rest of his family. Because of his nationality, though, bioterrorism is suspected. What is known about the disease is that it is contracted through bodily fluids, is highly contagious and has a 100 percent mortality rate, according to Dr. Sabine Lomers (Claudia Black), an expert at managing health crises. She swoops in to take control of the situation from local cops, ruffling a few feathers in the process, including those of Maj. Alex Carnahan (David Gyasi). Lomers enlists the cops to set up a strictly enforced quarantine area in downtown Atlanta, enclosing the hospital, among other buildings, where a young teacher named Katie Frank (Kristen Gutoskie) is stuck with her young sons classmates, who were on a field trip. Also stuck inside the quarantine area are Carnahans best friend, fellow cop Jake Riley (Chris Wood), and the Centers for Disease Controls Dr. Victor Cannerts (George Young), who is working frantically to find a cure for the virus. As is standard for the subgenre, Containment is constructed with a number of secondary character stories. Carnahans girlfriend, Jana Mayfield (Christina Moses), is a data retrieval expert who keeps getting cold feet about moving in with him. Shes inside the quarantine zone while he is outside. Teresa (Hanna Mangan Lawrence) is 17, unmarried and pregnant by her boyfriend, Xander (Demetrius Bridges). Like Carnahan and Jana, Xander and Teresa are on opposite sides of the cordon. The wild card is a rogue journalist named Leo (Trevor St. John), who is so cynical about both the cops and the medical authorities that hes spreading misinformation and inciting panic through a series of Internet posts. Also standard for the subgenre is the deterioration of the social structure within an artificial microcosm. As various powers at the top vie for primacy, others trapped within the quarantined area try to hold on to basic values against invasions by motorcycle-riding tweakers and avaricious hoodlums looking to make a buck off the rapidly dwindling food supplies. At the same time, old bonds between people are strengthened in the face of the epidemic and new bonds are formed as well, some of them romantic. As the story continues, we almost forget about Patient Zero, the Syrian. Did he carry the disease into the U.S. and, if so, was it a case of bioterrorism, or is something else going on? Plec and her writers skillfully weave the various story threads together, hitting all the right notes to build interest in the personal stories and in whether the budding pandemic can be thwarted. The limited series even has a kind of faux zombie element, as the bike-riding tweakers storm the building where Jana and a small group of survivors are holed up. The flaws in Containment are so minor as to be nearly irrelevant. The actors are, typically for the CW, too attractive to look real, and while crowds are threatening to riot outside the quarantine area, and insiders are living in constant terror, the rest of Atlanta seems to be going blithely about its business, at least in the sun-filled aerial shots. Containment may not be the CWs answer to Downton Abbey, but its a very well-made, well-written and well-acted thriller that will keep you guessing about everything except for the quality of the series. David Wiegand is an assistant managing editor and the TV critic of The San Francisco Chronicle. Email: dwiegand@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @WaitWhat_TV Follow me on Facebook. Containment: 13-episode limited series. 9 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, on the CW. GENEVA The United Nations special envoy to Syria met with a government delegation as part of peace talks in Geneva on Friday as humanitarian workers warned that fighting in Syrias north was triggering a new wave of civilian displacement. Syrias U.N. ambassador Bashar Jaafari said he had constructive and fruitful discussions with Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura and said his delegation proposed amendments to de Misturas blueprint for negotiations. Jaafaris brief comments to reporters suggested the government is still focusing on the basic principles toward a political solution in Syria and is not yet willing to consider what de Mistura calls the mother of all issues political transition away from President Bashar Assads rule. The Damascus team arrived as fighting escalated among pro-government forces, rebels and the Islamic State group throughout Syria, and especially in its north. Around 30,000 displaced persons have fled from their shelters near the Turkish border as battles intensified between opposition fighters and the Islamic State group, according to Human Rights Watch. Medicins Sans Frontieres, also known as MSF or Doctors Without Borders, said it was extremely worried about their security and access to health care. The international medical relief organization said it knew of just five operating hospitals in the Azaz district, where much of the violence is concentrated. Muskilda Zancada, head of the MSF mission in Syria, said the situation on the ground remains very unpredictable. Opposition groups in the north are also under renewed pressure from pro-government forces, which have launched a new offensive to besiege the rebel-held part of Aleppo, Syrias largest city. BEIRUT Syrian troops exchanged fire with rebels in the contested northern city of Aleppo on Thursday in a renewed bout of fighting that could further mar peace talks under way in Geneva while the Islamic State group attacked rebel-held areas in the countrys north, forcing thousands to flee toward the border with Turkey. The renewed fighting underscores the fragility of the cease-fire that has largely held for several weeks despite deep differences between government and opposition representatives in U.N.-brokered peace talks. Those negotiations resumed Wednesday in Geneva, with U.N. envoy Staffan de Mistura meeting Syrian opposition representatives. Khalid Mohammed/AP HIT, Iraq Iraqs counterterrorism forces are increasingly relying on air power in the battle to take full control of a key town in western Anbar desert from Islamic State militants, the elite forces commander said Thursday. The fight for Hit, a small Euphrates River town west of the capital of Baghdad, has become pivotal in Iraqs campaign to claw back territory from Islamic State fighters in the sprawling province. The town sits along an Islamic State supply line that links Iraqi territory controlled by the extremist group with its base in Syria. LAGOS, Nigeria With marches, chants and prayers, Nigerians marked Thursdays painful second anniversary of the mass abduction of the Chibok girls, still angry and frustrated the teenagers have not been found but hopeful a new video might lead to their safe return. BRING BACK OUR GIRLS NOW & ALIVE, proclaimed a banner carried by red-shirted protesters marching in the capital of Abuja, using the phrase that made the captives a worldwide cause after their kidnap from a school in the northeastern town of Chibok by Islamic extremists of the Boko Haram militant group. The fighters stormed and firebombed the Government Girls Secondary School on April 14, 2014, and seized 276 girls who were preparing for exams. Dozens escaped within hours, but 219 remain missing. Boko Haram has killed and kidnapped thousands in a campaign of violence in recent years as it seeks to establish an Islamic caliphate in Africas most populous country of 170 million people that is divided almost equally between mostly Christians in the south and Muslims in the north. It has forced young men to be its fighters and girls to be sex slaves or even suicide bombers But it was the mass kidnap in Chibok that grabbed the worlds attention. Since then, the inability of Nigerias government and military to rescue them has led, in part, to the electoral defeat of President Goodluck Jonathan. A social media campaign using the hashtag #BringBackOurGirls reached to the White House, where U.S. first lady Michelle Obama tweeted in May 2014: Our prayers are with the missing Nigerian girls and their families. Its time to #BringBackOurGirls. While much of the world has moved on, the girls are not forgotten in Nigeria, where there were marches Thursday in major cities. Hundreds chanted We want them back! as they demonstrated in Abuja. President Muhammadu Buhari was visiting China on Thursday, but his office issued a statement that said he understands the torment, frustration and anxiety of the parents, and will not spare any effort to ensure the safe return of the girls. Noting that thousands of people kidnapped by Boko Haram have been returned to their families, the statement added that Buhari shares the hope that the Chibok girls will ultimately be rescued and reunited with their families as well. In Chibok, some parents of the girls joined Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Borno state Gov. Kashim Shettima and other officials at the burned-out school to pray for the safe return of the victims. On Wednesday, CNN broadcast a proof of life video, believed made in December, that the government confirmed had been sent by Boko Haram in a bid to open negotiations over the Chibok girls. The video showed 15 girls, who have been identified by parents and schoolmates, wearing the Islamic hijab with one of them asking the government to keep unspecified promises. They gave the date as Christmas 2015, but it was unclear how long the government has had the video. BERLIN Amnesty International says a plan by religious leaders to visit the Greek island of Lesbos was a golden opportunity to expose the disturbing plight of thousands of refugees and migrants arbitrarily detained there since the ill-begotten EU-Turkey deal came into force on 20 March. Gauri van Gulik, deputy director for Europe at Amnesty International, called on the pope to speak out about the violations, fear and uncertainty suffered by thousands of refugees and migrants trapped in limbo on Lesbos and elsewhere in Greece. Border Security US Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich urged US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to promptly address border in the Bootheel region of southern New Mexico. Reduced Reimbursements New Mexico health care providers are as Health and Human Service Department executives and lawmakers consider how to bridge a $417 million budget gap. Critics Challenge Health Department Health department to decide how to cut 53 school-based public health clinics budgets Transgender Polices Shaping Up in Santa Fe Schools The New Mexican reports the Santa Fe Public Schools District is working quietly to shape specific policies to on school campuses. 'Forget About It' Gov. Susana Martinez faced a tough crowd at a glitzy gala in New York City last night. Michael Coleman, the Albuquerque Journals Washington bureau chief, was at the event and reports Martinez received a standing ovation, but many in the crowd were during her biographical speech. Johnson Wows UNM Crowd While Martinez was trying to cut through the loud chatter in NYC, was greeting about 70 supporters at the University of New Mexico. Martinez Adviser Quitting Scott Darnell, , is stepping down from his $116,000 a year job on April 22. Nick Piatek, a deputy secretary in the state Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department, will take over Darnells job as deputy chief of staff starting April 25. A former White House staffer, Piatek previously worked in the Governors Office as director of boards and commissions. Defanged Heath Haussamen writes, The Center for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), which has a history of watchdogging New Mexico politicians, has been taken over by a man who also leads or advises several of the big-money groups crucial to the Clinton-for-president effort, recently reported. Many former CREW staffers say that Clinton ally, David Brock, has defanged the prominent, nonpartisan watchdog group that helped lay groundwork for whats become the Clinton email server scandal, The Center reported. Life-Saving Device Invented in New Mexico Suicide bombers seem impossible to stop, but a group of that could help save lives and eliminate one of the world's most deadly, frightening and elusive types of weapons, reports Ryan Luby at KOB. The device is the size of a baking pan and sits atop a small tripod. It uses a small X-band radar -- the type of technology used in air traffic control and weather radars. But instead of tracking planes and storm systems, it can detect suicide vests and the things terrorists stuff inside them to kill people. Top Burgers I dont know if they were invented in New Mexico, but . Now, 20 local restaurants are vying for top national honors. You can cast your vote in the Sandwich America survey on USA Today here. Holms First Pitch KRQE reports the Albuquerque Isotopes have invited The best part of going: The first 3,000 fans will go home with their very own Holly Holm bobble-head. And boom, the evening will end with a fireworks show. Santa Fe Reporter First Judicial District Attorney Jennifer Padgett says she has been in the middle of a "paradigm shift" over how best to decide whether police officers acted lawfully in shooting citizens. For more than a decade, Padgett's predecessors had presented police shooting cases to "investigative grand juries" for review. In all but two cases, the panels determined the shooting officers were "justified" under New Mexico law. But the practice in recent years has become increasingly controversial, primarily because of prosecutors' lack of impartiality and the grand juries' inability to return indictments even in cases they found unjustified. It has drawn the ire of families of people shot by police, civil rights groups, legal scholars and even judges, who shelved the use of investigative grand juries in Albuquerque. "Only recently has that been questioned. So, I feel like I am at a really good point to actually examine the policy behind how we are going to treat this in the 1st." Thats what Padgett, the newly appointed top prosecutor for Santa Fe, Los Alamos and Rio Arriba counties, told SFR and New Mexico In Depth during an interview on March 17 for a story about the use of investigative grand juries. She said she anticipated taking a January police shooting by a Santa Fe city officer to an investigative grand jury but had not made a final decision. Further, Padgett said she had not decided on a more permanent policy for her office. What she didn't say was that another police shooting caseinvolving NM State Police officers from April 2015was already scheduled for an investigative grand jury on May 31. That fact came to light in an affidavit Padgett swore out on March 14, three days before her interview with SFR and NMID. "It is the standard policy of the First Judicial District Attorney's Office to convene a grand jury to investigate all officer involved shootings that result in death," Padgett swore in the affidavit. SFR and NMID obtained a copy of the affidavit this week. The DA swore it out as part of a public records lawsuit filed by the family of Ethan Noll, a 34-year-old former Marine who was fatally shot last April by state police officers in Edgewood. According to state police, Noll refused to get out of his car following a traffic stop on April 4, 2015. That led to several hours of attempted negotiations, which included Noll threatening to shoot officers. Eventually, he got out of the car. According to a state police news release issued around the time of the shooting, he pointed an assault-style rifle at officers. Five state police officers fired at Noll, killing him. Noll's family has sought recordsincluding 911 recordings, police reports, audio and video of the shootingfrom state police, the Santa Fe County Sheriff's Department and the Edgewood Police Department since days after the shooting. The agencies have refused to turn over the records, saying then-District Attorney Angela "Spence" Pacheco did not want them released until after the grand jury presentation. In her affidavit, Padgett reiterated that position, saying release of the information could prejudice the grand jury. Reached by telephone this week, Padgett told SFR and NMID she didn't mention the scheduled grand jury presentation in the Noll case during her March interview because "it wasn't on my forefront." "It was not an intentional omission," she said, adding that SFR and NMID did not ask about the Noll case during the interview. SFR and NMID did ask several questions about whether Padgett intended to use investigative grand juries for any police shooting cases and what she thought of the process as it has been used in New Mexico. Despite her sworn affidavit, Padgett said she may not use an investigative grand jury to review the Noll shooting. "It is an incredible disservice to the law enforcement officers and the decedent's family to have this pending for more than a year," she said. "So, I felt it was important to get that grand jury setting. I didn't want to pull the case from the grand jury and stop that momentum." Padgett said she has met with her top prosecutors and will meet with state police next week to discuss how her office will proceed with the Noll case. She said she hopes to decide by the end of next week whether she will use an investigative grand jury or decide herself whether the officers who shot Noll acted lawfully. She said her statement in the affidavit about the "standard policy" of the DA's Office referred to the "longstanding policy" of her predecessors. Padgett has not yet decided on a formal policy for reviewing police shootings. The SFR and NMID story about investigative grand juries published March 23 "definitely got my wheels turning," Padgett said. "I thought at first that using the grand juries was going to be my policy as well," she said. "But the Reporter bringing it to my attention triggered me to do a lot of research and educate myself. My perspective has totally changed." Gov. Susana Martinez appointed Padgett to serve the final year of Pacheco's term after the latter stepped down at the end of last year. Padgett has two opponents in the upcoming June Democratic primary. This story was reported in partnership with New Mexico In Depth as part of The Justice Project. Santa Fe Reporter TeamTalk managing director David Ware has resigned from the company he founded 22 years ago, acknowledging his behaviour had been "sub-optimal" and attracted complaints, saying he stayed on too long. The Wellington-based company's board accepted Ware's resignation today and will start looking for a replacement, it said in a statement. Ware said he should have left the company last year, and had received complaints from "a few of the 200 staff" over some aspects of his behaviour which he described as "sub-optimal". "I have been under huge stress for the past few years running three companies, commuting between Auckland, Wellington and Timaru while facing a challenging market situation and my health has gone downhill," Ware said. "I haven't handled relationships well and the stress has taken a toll, so I'm heading to the farm to watch the grass grow." Ware has been an outspoken critic of the Telecommunications Development Levy, which replaced the old Telecommunications Service Obligation to cover the costs of non-commercially viable customers, calling it a tax to subsidise the rural initiatives of larger firms such as Chorus and Vodafone New Zealand. Chairman Roger Sowry told BusinessDesk the board is "negotiating around the transition" over the next few weeks to determine the details of Ware's exit. He declined to comment on whether the complaints triggered Ware's resignation. TeamTalk struggled to embed its 2013 Farmside acquisition into the wider business, eliciting a series of writedowns in the value of the rural internet provider and its assets. The telecommunications firm has since overhauled its operations and has said it's performing in line with forecasts so far this year. The shares rose 1.5 percent to 70 cents, having declined 5.5 percent so far this 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 WASHINGTON: India has expressed concern over the hike in visa fee by the U.S., saying it is "discriminatory" and largely affects Indian IT professionals. During a bilateral meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Michael Froman, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley also underlined the need for early conclusion of Totalisation Agreement which would benefit Indians working in America. Referring to the visa issue, he spoke about "India's concern over the hike in the H-1B and L1 visa fee, which is discriminatory and in effect is largely targeted at Indian IT companies". Last year, the U.S. Congress imposed a special fee of up to USD 4,500 on H-1B and L-1 visas -- popular among Indian IT companies -- to fund a 9/11 healthcare Act and biometric tracking system. While agreeing on the USD 1.1 trillion spending Bill, Congressional leaders decided to impose a special fee of USD 4,000 on certain categories of H-1B visas and USD 4,500 on L-1 visas. Jaitley expressed India's keenness in early conclusion of a Totalization Agreement with the United States, a finance ministry statement quoting him said. As per Industry estimates, Indian professionals contributed more than USD 25 billion to the U.S. Social Security during the last decade, without being able to retrieve their contributions. The U.S. has entered into agreements called 'Totalization Agreements' with several nations for the purpose of avoiding double taxation of income with respect to social security taxes. Under these, professionals of both the countries would be exempted from social security taxes when they go to work for a short period in the other country. The two countries are also engaged in negotiations for a Bilateral Investment Treaty to protect investments. The finance minister emphasised on sustained engagement and a rapidly increasing trade and investment partnership between India and the U.S. as key elements, saying India looks forward to strengthening and deepening this economic engagement. Jaitley is currently on an official trip to Washington DC to attend the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank and other sessions. He is accompanied by RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, Economic Affairs Secretary Shaktikanta Das, and Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian and other officials. Read Also: 7.5 Pct Growth Not Enough For India's Requirement: Arun Jaitley Accelerating Internal Economic Reforms Key To India's Leadership Role' WASHINGTON: India and the U.S. have agreed to enhance collaboration on tackling offshore tax evasion and increase cooperation in sharing of cross-border tax information. "We are committed to continued collaboration and sharing of experience in tackling offshore tax evasion and avoidance, including joint tax audits and tax examination abroad," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew said in a joint statement yesterday. The statement was issued after Mr Jaitley and Mr Lew co-chaired the 6th U.S.-India Economic and Financial Partnership (EFP) in Washington on the sidelines of the annual Spring Meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. "We look forward to the Competent Authorities of the two countries engaging in bilateral dialogue to move forward cooperation in these areas," it said, adding the two nations "resolved" a significant portion of bilateral tax disputes. Mr Jaitley and Mr Lew were joined by other senior officials from both sides including Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen and Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan. During the meeting, Mr Lew is believed to have appreciated Mr Jaitley's effort to successfully resolve more than half of the concerns related to tax disputes. "Over the past year, our tax authorities resolved a significant portion of bilateral tax disputes between the United States and India," the statement said. "Our governments have begun to accept bilateral Advance Pricing Agreement applications by companies in both jurisdictions in an effort to enhance cross-border bU.S.iness processes and strengthen our commercial ties," it said. Noting the progress in sharing of financial information between the two countries under the Inter-Governmental Agreement pursuant to Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), the statement said India and the U.S. will continue to engage in discU.S.sions on full reciprocal arrangement on FATCA. "We look forward to increase cooperation in sharing of cross-border tax-information," it said. Acknowledging that enhanced cooperation in tackling money laundering and combating financing of terrorism through increased information sharing and cooperation, the two leaders agreed on the importance of fighting illicit finance in all forms as an important means of tackling global terrorism. The U.S.-India Financial Regulatory Dialogue has brought together the financial regulators on both sides to discU.S.s a range of issues pertinent to their financial sectors and to financial stability, the statement said. Expert staff from Treasury and the Ministry of Finance are having consultations on the U.S. experience and international perspectives on the regulatory design for India's recently launched payment banks, it added. Read Aslo: Hillary Cites Effort In Getting India, China Commit To GHG Cut Islamic State On Defensive, Says Barack Obama MHOW: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today underlined the need to strengthen rural economy to boost the country's development as he launched a village self-governance campaign in Mhow which, he said, has been inspired by Dr BR Ambedkar's vision. The campaign 'Gram Uday Se Bharat Uday Abhiyan' (village self-governance campaign) has been inspired by Amdedkar, who was farsighted and a votary of social harmony and modern technology, PM Modi said. "Mahatma Gandhi's dream of gram swaraj has not taken shape yet, and even almost after 70 years of Independence, the desired change has not manifested. We have launched this Abhiyan (campaign) to ensure change in villages," PM Modi said addressing a huge gathering here on the 125th anniversary of Ambedkar at his birthplace. The campaign aims at creating awareness about various schemes of the Centre for rural India, among other things. "India's development won't happen through 5 or 50 cities and industrialists, and foundation of villages will have to be strengthened for sustainable development," PM Modi said. The prime minister said the government had announced that 18,000 villages which don't have power will be electrified in 1,000 days. But now it appears that electricity will reach them in less than 1,000 days due to government's initiatives. He said it was unfortunate that even after 70 years of Independence, power hasn't reached a large number of villages in the 21st century and people in these places are still living in 18th and 19th century. The work to lay optical fibre lines in 2.5 lakh villages was underway to bring in digital connectivity, he said. Nearly 10 lakh families have given up cooking gas subsidy in last one year, Modi said, adding that one crore poor had been given LPG connections in the same duration. PM Modi said that five crore poor will be provided cooking gas connections in three years. The government has taken a resolve to double the income of farmers by 2022, which will be accomplished, he said. "Some economists and intellectuals told me that doubling the income of farmers was a Herculean task. I told them I had been picked up to accomplish difficult task," he said. There was a need to improve purchasing power of villagers to strengthen rural economy as a large chunk of rural populace makes purchases from the cities, he said. Read Also: India Tests N-Capable Missile From Arihant Cabinet Nod For India-UAE MoU To Prevent Human Trafficking NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today pitched for value addition and use of scientific methods in agriculture to double income of farmers and making the country self sufficient. Speaking at the launch of National Agriculture Market portal (eNAM) to integrate 21 mandis in eight states for online trading of commodities, Modi said agriculture sector needs to be seen in a holistic manner to provide maximum benefit to the farmers. The Prime Minister said e-agri market is a turning point in the farm sector which will benefit not only farmers but also traders and consumers. Modi asked states, where APMC law is not there, to come up with new mandi law to facilitate online trading. In those states where APMC law is in place, the Prime Minister urged them to make necessary amendments to ensure that the benefit of e-agri market reaches to farmers. Agriculture sector should not be seen in isolation. There should be an holistic approach towards agriculture sector and thats when the maximum benefit for the farmer can be ensured, Modi added. To boost farmers income, he stressed on the judicious usage of water, fertiliser and electricity and asked farmers to take advatage of soil health card scheme. Modi said the governments initiative in the budget to allow 100 per cent FDI in food processing sector will help reduce wastage of fruits and vegetables, and promote manufacturing of value-added agri-products. Highlighting benefits of e-agri market, the Prime Minister said this will improve the economic situation of farmers by enabling them to decide sale of their produce. This is a transparent system of agriculture trading, which will benefit farmers, traders and consumers. Farmers can decide when, where and at what price they can sell in the wholesale mandis online. Farmers will be not dependent on others. They will be able to decide on their own, he said. Through this pilot launch of eNam, Modi said farmers can sell as many as 25 agriculture commodities in 21 mandis in eight states Gujarat, Telangana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Jharkhand and Himachal Pradesh. The government aims to integrate proposed 585 wholesale mandis much before March 2018. Modi said taking up allied activities like poultry farming, fishery, honeybee keeping, among others, will enhance income of farmers. He also asked farmers to take up pulses in a big way to make the country self-sufficient. Today, we buy pulses from overseas. Why not our farmers grow? Noting that 100 per cent FDI in food processing will empower farmers, Modi said, If you sell raw mangoes you will get less money, and if you sell ripe mangoes you will earn more and if you sell pickle made up of raw mangoes then you get much better amount. The Prime Minister said he has asked soft drink makers like Coca Cola to to mix 5 per cent natural fruit juice in aerated drink. This will boost demand for fruits and benefit farmers. He also exhorted farmers to go for timber plantation on the boundaries of their farm fields for additional income. Stating that states cooperation was necessary for early implementation of eNAM, Modi said: There are some states where there is no mandi law. I request those states to make new law for farmers sake. In states where mandi law exist, they need to amend it as per the current scenario and changing technologies to facilitate online trading, he added. Modi hoped that states will be pressured by farmers to give priority to eNAM after seeing its success in 21 mandis. At present, there is no protection to farmers as they are forced to sell their produce in nearby wholesale markets. This scheme is such that it will not only benefit farmers but also traders and consumers. It is a rare scheme that benefits all three, Modi said adding that it would help government to monitor production. The Prime Minister said modern labs at mandis will be set up to check the product quality to be sold via online market. This will ensure better price to farmers in a transparent way. He expected that farmers would take benefit of this portal in a big way in the coming days. Urging farmers to adopt per drop more crop policy, Modi said the days of flood irrigation have gone now and more focus should on usage of micro-irrigation like drip and sprinklers that will help boost yields. He also urged farmers not to rush to take another crop by burning wheat/paddy straw. Instead, suggested them to keep on their farm fields for a while to use it as bio-fertilisers. This will benefit farmers and help curb pollution. While highlighting variours agriculture schemes launched by the NDA government, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh attacked the OppositionCongress for not doing enought for the farmers in their regime. Without taking the name of Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, Singh said, Their talk about farmers is a drama. They used to give slogans to empower farmers. But their actual intention was to strengthen their own family. Telecom Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said he has directed his ministry to ensure eNAM portal is simple for the benefit of farmers. Read Also: India Tests N-Capable Missile From Arihant Cabinet Nod For India-UAE MoU To Prevent Human Trafficking Elements of the modern world, like the screen you are reading these words on, exist because someone back in the past dreamt of it, and dared to chase that dream. Those were visionaries, doers, innovators; today we brand them as Entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs dream, entrepreneurs change, entrepreneurs inspire. In the last leg of the last century some men and women from South Asia arrived in the USA, chasing their dreams, hoping to bring a difference to their lives, but most importantly to the world around them. Dreams well accomplished, but they decided to chase another; to give back to the world, to fuel the entrepreneurial growth and founded The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) in 1992. Entering its twenty-third consecutive year and scheduled for May 6-7, 2016, at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, California, the TiEcon2016 is the worlds largest conference dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship. Offering entrepreneurs the opportunity to connect with investors, potential clients and partners, TiEcon16 will focus on the leading areas of innovation and bring together seasoned experts from multiple industries to brainstorm on technologies of the future. On the platter, this years TiEcon serves over 100 sessions and closely 500 tech startups and mentors, investors, potential clients and partners. Day 1 will focus on Future of Cloud & IT, Data Economy and Internet of Things, whereas Day 2 will be dedicated to Trending Tech, Social Entrepreneurship, Youth Entrepreneurship and a Best Practices track for Entrepreneurs. TiEcon has always been enthusiastic about presenting to the entrepreneurial community, insights and ideas from luminaries representing industry leaders such as Tesla CEO, Elon Musk, HP CEO, Meg Whitman and former GE CEO and management guru, Jack Welch to name a few. TiEcon16 intends to be no less and the span of two days will witness thought leaders from giants such as Adobe, Cisco, IBM, Mastek, SanDisk, Trimble, VMware, Google, Facebook, Twitter, WorldLink and AirBnB discuss concerned verticals and share their views on the current as well as future technology landscape. Other attractions of the event: Entrepreneurship Bootcamp A daylong invite-only session, the Bootcamp will take 100 budding international entrepreneurs through a rigorous readiness program including making mock presentations to get ready for making pitches to investors and venture capitalists (VCs). VC Connect Created to connect entrepreneurs with VCs, entrepreneurs will get personal five-minute meetings with multiple VCs allowing for a brief introduction between the two, gauge interest, arrange follow-up meetings and accelerate the overall process. Mentor Connect An amazing opportunity for budding entrepreneurs to learn from veterans, TiEcon speakers and TiE Charter members who have lived through the entrepreneurship experience. Entrepreneurs will be allowed to choose a mentor of their choice (five entrepreneurs per mentor), float their startup ideas before the mentor over a round table discussion, communicate feedback and absorb lessons from the mentors entrepreneurial journey. Destination India Emulating China as the fastest growing major economy and with a new government emphasizing on eliminating Red Tape to make way for Red Carpet, India is fast rising as the safe haven for business investments in the era of weakening global economy. Destination India maps to Indian governments initiative Make in India that aims transform the nation into a global manufacturing hub. Destination India will offer a reflection of the opportunities as well as challenges of doing business in India. TiE50 TiE50 is TiE Silicon Valleys premier annual awards program for technology startups worldwide and has a formidable track record; since its inception in May 2009, 94 percent of the winners and Top Start-ups have been funded, attracting Billions in investments. The organization has announced that this years TiE50 will not be restricted to any specific technology segment and early stage companies will receive the spotlight. Expo The 2016 Expo will feature 100 exhibitors including startups, research labs, universities, and technology corporations showcasing their products and services. With thousands of attendees from around the globe coming together in the worlds largest confluence of its kind, the Expo presents immense business potentials to the seekers as well as the providers. Ranked among top 10 conferences worldwide for ideas and entrepreneurship by Worth magazine, a list that includes Demo, TED and World Economic Forum, TiEcon16 is a must-go event for technology enthusiasts, particularly aspiring entrepreneurs. The conference attracted 4,600 attendees from over 220 countries last year and expects to breach that count for this year. For more information, visit www.tiecon.org. Read Also:Obama Praises Young Indian-American Science Wizards Trump, Clinton Declared Winners In Missouri Ahead Of NY Polls Hula group creates global connection When the pandemic ushered everyone indoors, Moorpark resident and longtime dancer Lisa Rauschenberger decided to get people back outsidesocially distanced, of course. She began to hold weekly hula lessons at... Hospital offers safe option to dispose of meds, narcotics Los Robles Health System is working to crush the opioid drug crisis by raising awareness about the dangers of opioid misuse and the importance of safe and proper disposal of... Rotary works to promote worldwide peace, goodwill The Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise recently invited administrators and principals from the Simi Valley Unified School District to attend a meeting and receive the book The Nonviolence Handbook: A... Free books and Halloween treats Big fun awaits kids at local little libraries Simi Valley has about 20 registered Little Free Libraries that offer free books for children, teens and adults. In addition to providing free books to the community, the Little Free... By clicking Agree, you consent to Slates Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and the use of technologies such as cookies by Slate and our partners to deliver relevant advertising on our iOS app to personalize content and perform site analytics. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information about our use of data, your rights, and how to withdraw consent. Agree The Jordanian would have been Humam al-Balawi, the supposed al-Qaida turncoat whom the CIA codenamed "Wolf." As the CIA ushered him on to its base on Dec. 30, 2009, al-Balawi detonated a suicide bomb. A Jordanian intelligence official and an Afghan driver also died, while six people were injured. It was the most lethal attack against the CIA in the 15-year Afghanistan war and possibly since the 1983 embassy bombing in Beirut. Thank you for visiting the Daily Journal. Please purchase an Enhanced Subscription to continue reading. To continue, please log in, or sign up for a new account. We offer one free story view per month. If you register for an account, you will get two additional story views. After those three total views, we ask that you support us with a subscription. A subscription to our digital content is so much more than just access to our valuable content. It means youre helping to support a local community institution that has, from its very start, supported the betterment of our society. Thank you very much! System error error: Can't call method "get_id" on an undefined value at /usr/local/bricolage/data/burn/stage/oc_1027/smetimes/dhandler.html line 25. context: ... 21: 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(0x5612f0282460)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 948 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f01b15f0)', '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(0x5612f0282460)') 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(0x5612f01b15f0)') 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(0x5612f02501a8)') 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(0x5612f01b15f0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f01b15f0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612e71e4850)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f01ac9f0)') called at (eval 592) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f01ac9f0)') 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(0x5612f021d598)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 948 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612e71e4910)', '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(0x5612f021d598)') 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(0x5612e71e4910)') 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(0x5612f00fd168)') 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(0x5612e71e4910)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612e71e4910)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612ea8ffd68)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f01ac6e0)') called at (eval 592) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f01ac6e0)') 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(0x5612e77f5278)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 948 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0267000)', '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(0x5612e77f5278)') 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(0x5612f0267000)') 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(0x5612efe41b70)') 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(0x5612f0267000)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0267000)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612e71e3598)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f0216268)') called at (eval 592) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f0216268)') 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(0x5612efe54218)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 948 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0295ec0)', '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(0x5612efe54218)') 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(0x5612f0295ec0)') 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(0x5612efe86578)') 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(0x5612f0295ec0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0295ec0)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612e71e4838)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f0259c20)') called at (eval 592) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f0259c20)') 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(0x5612f02ac268)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 948 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0133110)', '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(0x5612f02ac268)') 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(0x5612f0133110)') 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(0x5612f0228208)') 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(0x5612f0133110)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612f0133110)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612e71e2970)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f02aba10)') called at (eval 592) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f02aba10)') 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(0x5612f023a868)', 'main') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/Request.pm line 948 HTML::Mason::Request::call_dynamic('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612eff8e218)', '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(0x5612f023a868)') 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(0x5612eff8e218)') 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(0x5612f023e570)') 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(0x5612eff8e218)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 165 HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler::exec('HTML::Mason::Request::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612eff8e218)') called at /usr/share/perl5/HTML/Mason/ApacheHandler.pm line 831 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handle_request('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler=HASH(0x5612e71e2970)', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f01f64a0)') called at (eval 592) line 8 HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler::handler('HTML::Mason::ApacheHandler', 'Apache2::RequestRec=SCALAR(0x5612f01f64a0)') called at -e line 0 eval {...} at -e line 0 Riding this popularity, he has overseen a far-reaching anti-corruption campaign, bagging extremely well-connected political, military, and business figures along with tens of thousands of other lesser figures. Along the way he has marginalised the authority of the country's Premier, Li Keqiang, while putting himself in charge of numerous "leading small groups" to direct policy on sensitive issues such as internal security and economic reform. According to relatively reliable polling, Xi is enormously popular among the laobaixing the common folk on the street. He is the subject of dozens of laudatory videos and other social media messaging cranked out by Chinese propaganda organs. In the view of many Western analysts not to mention many in China Chinese leader Xi Jinping has achieved a quasi-cult-like standing within China reminiscent of the 1960s when the "Great Helmsman" Mao Zedong lorded over the Chinese masses. The Prime Minister along with the leaders of hundreds of Australian companies is in China. Amid the deal-making, they would do well to also take careful measure of Chinese President Xi Jinping, his leadership style, and their implications for Australia in the years ahead. Casting his eyes abroad, Xi has visited more than 40 different countries in just three years and has set out an ambitious foreign policy agenda. Through the "One Belt One Road" initiative and the creation of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Beijing has pledged hundreds of billions of dollars to connect China by land and sea to its markets across Eurasia. Xi has overseen China's massive land reclamation activities in the South China Sea, bolstering its military footprint thousands of kilometres offshore. It seems he has had a remarkable run. Or has he? In fact, contrary to his carefully polished public image and all the international media hype about his Mao-like standing, Xi is not all-powerful. The Chinese leader himself took the highly unusual step of publicly acknowledging that several recently ousted top-level political and military leaders including the flamboyant rising star "princeling" Bo Xilai and former internal security chief Zhou Yongkang were involved in not just corruption, but "political conspiracies" to "split the party". To admit this tells us a lot about the machinations at the uppermost reaches of Chinese politics. Xi's sweeping anti-corruption drive against the highest levels of the party and military means he is generating a lot of disgruntlement, fear and, no doubt, enemies. Many thousands of senior politicians, officials and military officers over China's own Gilded Age of the past 20 years have been involved in some form of corruption petty, middling or worse. That makes deciding who to target for corruption less an objective process than a political one. Intellectual elites at universities, think tanks, cultural institutions, and in the media are openly criticising the country's turn towards a harder form of authoritarianism which increasingly suppresses even modest attempts at contrarian or out-of-the-box expression. Among the broader population, there is also evidence of growing discontent. As the Chinese industrial and manufacturing sector slows, Chinese workers are pushing back. According to a recent study by the Hong Kong-based China Labour Bulletin, incidents of labour unrest in China have nearly doubled every year since 2011, reaching more than 2700 in 2015. Professor Peter Shergold. Credit:Wayne Taylor He would have been just as censorious of a former senior ACT planning and development bureaucrat in the land planning and development area who has left the service to sell, to the same developers his knowledge of how the ACT government is a chancer's paradise. As secretary of Defence, Ayers once cancelled a completed tender process, and reopened bidding, this time forbidding the hitherto successful bidder to reapply. He had discovered that a senior air force officer, associated with the tender specifications, had been hired by the contractor. The contractor said it would sue. Ayers told it to go for its life. It didn't. Ayers thought the appearance, and substance, of things mattered. As it happened, he was an enthusiast for the idea of public subsidisation of sport (and was a former member of the Raiders board, a job that sometimes seems ex-officio for Defence secretaries). But he would have thought that even by low ACT government standards, the processes and incestuous appearances of the Manuka development proposal were appalling. He most emphatically did not agree with the proposition that there could be, or should be, "Chinese walls" in the modern marriage partnership. Nor did he think that classic principles of conflict of interest had to be suspended because both partners had careers. Or because the ACT is a small place where some degree of conflict is inevitable, and thus, should be ignored. Politics is a game for volunteers, and those who will not submit to the rules should get out. One of the costs of being a politician is a degree of self-denial by spouses of deciding not to work in the same patch. There is nothing more politically unattractive, nor calculated to further lower the status of politicians, here or elsewhere than the modern appearance of government contracts going to mates, cronies, insiders, and people who have made careers of sidling up to those who wield power. Or to the development of an industry of such mates, who prostitute their knowledge and access for personal profit. It's even more ugly when it is, as it so often in in Canberra, on a merry-go-round of people who never seem to have had real jobs, other than in politics. If Meegan Fitzharris and Andrew Barr can't see it, the electorate should tell them so, most emphatically, come October. There's a good argument, indeed, that Fitzharris cannot now retrieve any pretence of disinterest (for example, by persuading her partner, Pierre Huetter, to get a more appropriate job) unless the development proposal is withdrawn. Husband and wife are enthusiastic careerist political players, and close friends and political allies of the chief minister. One is elected (up to a point at least) after having been a minder. Her partner, now parlaying his inside knowledge of how to persuade ACT politicians, is also a former adviser to Barr. Each is where he or she is because of their power to harness political networks, political connections, insider knowledge and party power to personal benefit. They live and breathe ACT factional politics. The reality, of course, may differ from the appearances. But appearances are as important, not least in a government which unconvincingly pretends that there is no need for protections of the public interest through an anti-corruption commission. There could be nothing less convincing than the claims by the chief minister, or the minister, that the problem is being addressed by the system they have put in place. The would-be developer deserves no sympathy because the proposal is now tainted, probably irretrievably, even before its economic, planning and aesthetic merits have been assessed. It hired lobbyists for their connections and capacity to influence Labor politicians. If the scheme needed this sort of inside influence, one is entitled to expect that there's something unconvincing about net public benefit, the externalities, and the public interest. One question it invites is whether senior officials in the ACT administration are giving their government frank and honest advice about value for money, where the public interest lies, and about good process and administration. Or whether they even have the expertise with which to do so. One has to hope so, if without much confidence, given the government's enthusiasm for appointing enthusiasts and apologists, and its open impatience with process. But one can be reasonably sure that no one will find out from FOI. The ACT has the weakest FOI Act in Australia, possibly the world. Ayers, who started his public service life as a social worker/prison officer at Pentridge, alongside a lot of old mates, came to Canberra in 1967 to head the ACT welfare system, then became a social welfare adviser in PM&C. He headed Aboriginal affairs, then social security and was involved in the Block review of practical public service management. A pacifist, he became head of Defence almost by accident. He made ministers look good, and did not lose many, and almost everyone he worked for revered him. He had a great zest for engagement, as well as a tender care for tending and rehabilitating the wounded. His "club" the Emperor Court at Yarralumla was his first aid station. He was not a leaker, and he was sensitive to the political needs of government, not least with reflexes to protect both ministers and governments from themselves. He counselled me decades ago that leaders are only ever remembered for the quality of their appointments, and the way they develop, shape, and inspire the careers of others. Those who attend his funeral on Tuesday will see from the attendance how content he deserves to have been with his own record. In years of conversations, and lots of Chinese food, I heard him complain about a million ways of the world, and trends in government, public administration, law and order and social justice. They were continuous seminars on good government if all too often based on bad examples. But I cannot remember his ever complaining that he was unable to serve his ministers as well as he might because of the risk that his advice might, if it came into the public domain, embarrass government. Nor can I remember his arguing, even to one of his proteges Alan Hawke (who performed an FOI review for the last government) that high level political advice needed more protection under the law than it was getting. Or as three recent heads of PM&C have argued, that the law ought to be amended, to weaken access rights under the act so as to protect better administration. Some of Ayers' old colleagues might retort that Ayers needed little personal protection from FOI because he rarely committed anything to writing, and, generally, superintended a process of having expert advice being delivered by bright young deputy secretaries rather than by himself. When Ayers retired and was being feted by his colleagues, a most senior public servant commented to me that in all the years that he was a colleague of Ayers, he had never seen him with a piece of paper in his hand, nor remembered ever reading anything written by him. Perhaps that was so, but it failed to recognise how much Ayers was across the advice flowing to ministers. Ayers managed by moving around. Most of his time and effort (and intelligent delegation) went into ensuring that the advice which went was the best of which his department was capable. The Ayers signature was discernible enough, as was, in time, who had won and lost the arguments. The dying days of the first Turnbull government are seeing the revival of a piece of permanent anti-accountability agenda at the top levels of government. There's Martin Parkinson, heads of prime minister and cabinet, a former Treasury head wrongly sacked by Tony Abbott, in part for earlier having been associated with climate change policy. Parkinson's predecessor, Michael Thawley, moaned about the constraints of FOI just before he returned to financial and political advising in the US. Both seem to take it for granted that modern frank advice now needs be oral, not in writing, so as to frustrate the media and others who might embarrass the government. Both recognise that, if that happens, there can be problems with good government, and frank and fearless advice, because decisions are not well documented, and institutional memory fails. And there is Peter Shergold, a former secretary of prime minister's, and also a former head of the public service agency, who thinks that one of the reasons public administration is going to hell in a handbasket is because of FOI. Shergold, as commissioner nearly two decades ago, was the big advocate of public service reform, and adopted, enthusiastically, the idea that the public service was timorous and risk averse. It seems, if one reads his report for the Abbott government, that his reforms did not work. Senior public servants, so many of whose careers were shaped by his reforms, are still, it seems too scared to take risks, and too scared to be frank and fearless. Shergold's confidence that he had devised the right protections for their independence, integrity and expertise, was not, it seems, justified. The answer, apparently, is to make public servants less publicly accountable for what they tell the government. Shergold has adopted, virtually, without criticism a royal commission report by Ian Hanger into the administration of the government's roof insulation scheme, as well as a far-from-disinterested review of the Labor Party's administration of the National Broadband Network to ask the rhetorical question of why many big government projects fail. The answer is not, apparently, that the genesis of such schemes comes from quick and dirty ideas in the minds of politicians and their minders and urgers (NBN) or Treasury and PM&C (roof insulation). Such players in the cabinet process largely escape criticism or censure from Hanger and Shergold, and, surprise, surprise, the paper trail on central control and organisation of these fiascos is surprisingly thin. The problem with roof insulation, it seems, was incompetence, timidity and lack of frankness by the hapless folk handed responsibility for a project imagined elsewhere and told to implement it in an impossibly short time. By folk whose agencies had been structured, in part by people such as heads of PM&C and Finance, in such a way that they lack program management capacity. With NBN, the real problem was not FOI, but just the sort of "can-do" "bugger process" approach that modern public service "reformers" seem to want. These supposed disasters are easy to criticise, because the projects are Rudd-era ones. The Abbott government, which commissioned and received the Shergold Review, had been keen to make continuing political capital from claims that any deficiencies were probably criminally negligent. A Shergold might need more agility, innovation and resilience to critique modern coalition catastrophes, such as the VET blowouts and coalition NBN. "The program design and implementation of the HIP and the NBN were compromised by the APS failing to provide robust advice," Shergold says. "Public servants did not draw sufficiently on external views and expertise, and the partial evidence they did muster was unable to exert influence through its advice to ministers. There was a failure to provide sufficiently frank and forthright advice to ministers on important elements of policy design and risk. "There was a significant gap between the inadequate levels of candour displayed in written advice and that reportedly conveyed in oral briefings. Public servants failed to keep detailed records of key decisions and how they were arrived at, nor did they put into writing concerns regarding design features of the program, despite testimony that this was raised orally with ministers. "The APS, Hanger concluded, 'ought to reinvigorate its willingness to provide, in writing, advice that is as frank and robust as the advice it is willing to give verbally'." Shergold or Hanger is right about the last bit. Where he is wrong, flat wrong, is in thinking that any public service to protect the minister overrides the duty to give frank, robust and (generally) written advice. Experience shows, more often than not, that the arse being covered is not the minister's, but the public servant's. Now, the woman is refusing to undergo the procedure in PNG, and her lawyers have successfully asked Australia's High Court and Federal Court (where the case is now being heard) to block Australia doing anything with the woman until the matter goes to trial later this month. The woman's lawyer, Ron Merkel, has raised the spectre that Australia could be in breach of PNG's laws by sending S99 to have an abortion in Port Moresby. He told the High Court of Australia last week: "it would appear if the Commonwealth were involved in that activity, it is probably illegal and she herself would be committing a criminal offence ... not only is her health at risk ... by what is being proposed by the Commonwealth, but she runs the risk of committing a criminal offence." Last year, the PNG legal fraternity and women's groups were alarmed when a PNG couple were sentenced for killing their unborn child. In a case understood to be the first prosecution for abortion in PNG, but one that could establish case law in the matter, Leoba Devana was sentenced in October to five years' jail for terminating her third pregnancy at about 16 weeks. The Turnbull government's intervention to support sacked Queensland Nickel workers has brought financial relief for those who lost their jobs but it also prompted tears from an emotional MP. Ewen Jones, whose electorate of Herbert takes in the QN refinery outside Townsville, stepped away from the microphones during an emotional moment at a press conference with Employment Minister Michaelia Cash. "This is a tough day in Townsville, because this says that this is the end of the line for a lot of these people," he said. Supporters of the Lebanese Shiite party Hezbollah cheer as they listen to a speech by their leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut in February. Credit:AP Hezbollah refers to this contract with its supporters as al-Waad al-Sadiq, or "the faithful promise". When the Dahiya was devastated by Israeli bombardment during the 2006 conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, Hezbollah announced a "jihad of (re)building" which was given the corporate name "Faithful Promise". By outperforming the government in providing relief and services, it enhanced Hezbollah's standing as an alternative authority. It is a role that is under severe pressure as Hezbollah asks its young footsoldiers to fight and die across the border in Syria in support of the Assad regime. Some of its opponents have taken to planting bombs in the Dahiya, one of the reasons Ms Faulkner cited in her decision to leave Lebanon and take her children with her. Lebanese gather at the site of an explosion during rush hour in southern Beirut, the stronghold of Hezbollah, in January 2014. Credit:AP Because the abduction attempt happened in Hadath, it touches on Hezbollah's promise to its constituency that it can uphold the law where it operates. 2. Who it happened to Ibtisam Berri with a picture of her granddaughter Lahala Elamine, at her home in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Credit:AP When the two children of Ms Faulkner and Mr Elamine were snatched from the bus stop in Hadath, a relative was with them, Mr Elamine's mother, Ibtisam Berri. She claims to have been assaulted in the fracas, and the footage we have seen does appear to show her being manhandled. Many of Lebanon's notable families are large and have branches in many parts of the country. But the Berri family are a close-knit group with significant contingents in the United States and Canada but all of whom hail from the southern Lebanese town of Tebnine, to which they regularly return. The entrance to Baabda Women's Prison in Lebanon, where Sally Faulkner and Tara Brown are being held. Credit:DZ TV The most prominent member of the family is Ibtisam Berri's cousin, Nabih. Lebanon's National Pact states that the country's president must be a Christian, that its prime minister must be a Sunni Muslim and that its speaker of parliament must be a Shiite Muslim. Nabih Berri has filled the latter role since 1992. It is hard to imagine Australias speaker in 1992 when Paul Keating was PM still holding the post today. What makes this even more bizarre is that Mr Berri is the leader of a movement called Amal (Hope) which was once dominant in Lebanons Shiite community but which long ago had its role and powers subsumed by Hezbollah. A police truck transports Sally Faulkner and Channel 9 presenter Tara Brown to Baabda Women's Prison in south-eastern Beirut on Wednesday. Credit:AP So why is he still there? Because the turbaned Shiite clerics who run Hezbollah need a representative in parliament and the region who wears secular garb and is not associated directly with their militant activities. Mr Berri lived in the US in the 1970s and has global connections. If one of the most influential men in Lebanon feels his family has been slighted, it can present a significant problem for diplomats trying to untangle this mess. But even he will have to tread carefully, and not only to avoid being seen to interfere in a judicial process. The plan for a joint committee was made after Mr Bassil met with Australian ambassador Glenn Miles. But the first person that Mr Miles (second from left, below) and embassy liaison Marko Dokmanovic (first from left) went to see when this affair broke was Lebanon's internal security chief, Major-General Ibrahim Basbous: General Basbous was supposed to retire in June last year, but Lebanon's politicians can't agree on who to replace him with, and the question is now also tied to who will be the next army chief. Mr Bassil wants the army job to go to his brother-in-law, Brigadier-General Chamel Roukoz. With no deal in sight, General Basbous' contract was extended. Incensed, Mr Bassil warned that such measures and the failure to bring in new blood could bring down the government. The exhibition at Megalo brings together five bonsai artists with five printmakers: Sui Jackson, Peter McLean, Annika Romeyn, Amy Kerr-Menz and John Hart. Although apparently some of the Bonsai artists have started to make prints and some of the printmakers have commenced their own bonsai, it is predominantly two separate exhibitions of bonsai plants, where a number of quite wondrous creations easily steal the show, and the image-makers whose pieces line the walls. As in any art form, in bonsai it is not difficult to master the rudiments, but it takes talent, patience and technical mastery to achieve a great bonsai, like the Chinese Juniper, the Prostrate Juniper and the European Hornbeam bonsai trees in this exhibition. Bonsai is an art of constant growth, change and development and in fact there is a Japanese saying: "When a bonsai stops growing, you know it is dead." Bonsai/Print: Chinese Juniper, Megalo. The most successful of the printmakers is Annika Romeyn, whose work for a number of years has been growing in scale and in complexity as she explores in her prints dynamic and innate forces in nature. She appears preoccupied with the idea of being in nature and conveying the experience of travelling through nature. As opposed to those artists who set out to observe the "wilderness", she seeks to participate in it and through her art to evoke it. Romeyn has two pieces in the exhibition, a huge monotype (made up of smaller sheets), titled Precipice (2016). Measuring 228cm x 112cm, and within a muted monochromatic palette, it has this sense of ambiguity, where the boundary between the microcosm and the macrocosm is blurred and it is unclear if we are observing something huge that is seen in minute detail, or something quite miniature, that is viewed from close-up. In this, there is a tangential connection with the bonsai theme. Her other piece, a drawn concertina book Fallen Sentinels (2015), is an effective journey through a landscape, where an idea is taken for a walk through the bush and is allowed to have a series of visual adventures. Both are outstanding and captivating pieces. The other artist whose work stops you in your tracks is Peter McLean, who had a solo exhibition at Megalo last year. It consists of two monotypes printed on old maps, titled Batchelor N.T. and Eucumbene, both made in 2016. For a long time artists have played with the idea of the body as a map, that John Donne memorably described: "Whilst my physicians by their love are grown, Cosmographers, and I their map, who lie Flat on this bed". McLean has made the tree as the body on the map that is explored through time and space. Conceptually it is quite challenging and artistically effective. There is a combination of the defined cartographic space and the organic growing shape, both in a way mapping the known and in a strange way opening the path to the unknown. John Hart's screenprints are dramatic and possess a certain "wow" factor, but have the potential to be pushed further beyond the literal. Amy Kerr-Menz, best known as a textile artist, employs katazome dyeing and katagami stencils, to create simplified tree designs, while Sui Jackson takes her tree shapes onto blown glass. Fresh from securing a major deal with Singapore Airlines for international flights to Canberra, Chief Minister Andrew Barr has begun a medium-term strategy to woo Chinese carriers and see daily services to and from Asia. In the final days of a trade mission to Singapore, Shanghai and Hong Kong, Mr Barr will meet with representatives from China Eastern Airlines, introductions to start what could be a five year process of negotiations. Chief Minister Andrew Barr during a visit to Singapore Airlines' training centre this week. Credit:Andrew Webster The approach follows a previous meeting with China Southern but Mr Barr said the government's main focus was strengthening ties with Singapore Airlines and driving tourism through the massive Changi Airport, which hosts more than 50 million passengers a year. Singapore will begin four services a week to Canberra in September, landing on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. In a code sharing deal with Virgin Australia, the airline will link the New Zealand capital Wellington with Canberra and Singapore. Bendigo Bank's decision to stop opening most of its community bank branches in Canberra on a Saturday has unsettled local shareholders. They say extended hours was one of the pillars of the community-based style of banking and should be restored. The Curtin community came together for the grand opening of its Community Bank in 2012. Credit:Elesa Kurtz A Retain Saturday Trading Group has been formed following the decision led by Michael Lindfield who was chairman of Canberra's first community bank, which opened in Tuggeranong in 2001. Mr Lindfield said there was growing disquiet in the ACT about the direction of the community banks which are locally owned and work as a franchise of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank. Bowden is a professor at the Australian National University medical school and an infectious diseases expert at Canberra Hospital. He loves teaching and his rapport with students is obvious when a group of fourth-year students are co-opted for a photo session with their lecturer. Bowden also loves to write and uses a readable style that appeals to publishers. And readers. His first book, Gone Viral, sold well and received solid reviews. The publicity blurb for Infectious says: "A young woman's flu symptoms mask a rare tick infection. A man develops shingles then suffers excruciating facial pain later in life. After years of frustration, a family eradicates head lice forever. "In the age of Ebola, Zika virus and antibiotic resistance, leading infectious diseases physician Frank Bowden offers eye-opening insights into the serious issues that keep us awake at night, and the everyday infections that affect most of us. He busts myths, reveals the latest medical breakthroughs, and explores the big issues confronting public health." He divides the book into three themed sections: the bugs themselves; the last gleam of twilight for antibiotics; and the "disturbing tendency of some patients and doctors to diagnose and treat diseases that either don't exist or, if they do, should never be looked at". This busy professor wants to transcend the limited audience for academic papers, and communicate the messages gained from his experience to the wider community such as, the impact of infectious diseases. "In some areas of medicine, we underestimate the power of infection [but] there are things which we must never ever lose sight of," he says. He cites sepsis or blood poisoning. "That's a medical emergency and that needs to be treated in exactly the same way as a heart attack," he says. "Across the world, we know that's not the case." He pursues the importance of this point, particularly as the risk of dying from a heart attack has reduced over the years, for patients who make it to Accident and Emergency. But people don't realise blood infections carry an "enormous risk" of death. "In Canberra we see as many blood stream infections as we see heart attacks," he says. The reversal from the epidemic in heart attacks a few decades ago is a product of medical science. And children don't regularly die from measles. The advances in pharmacology mean doctors are left to treat the more difficult cases. For instance, urinary tract infection in older people is incredible common and there is no vaccination for people who contract "golden staph". "The idea of the book is to give people some practical ideas about what they can do themselves to guide their decision-making about antibiotics," Bowden says. "We sometimes give the wrong antibiotic for the wrong reason for the wrong time. "Their obsolescence is an ineluctable consequence of a fundamental biological mechanism evolution. "In his Nobel acceptance speech in 1945, Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of penicillin, predicted that Staph aureus would soon develop resistance to the drug. "We can all help slow the resistance movement by not expecting an antibiotic for diseases that won't respond to them." In the chapter, "antibiotic mythbusting", he looks at seven misconceptions about antibiotics he commonly hears "from my patients and, I am afraid to say, my colleagues". The myths include "The doctor would only prescribe an antibiotic if I really needed it" and "Because antibiotics are so safe, it's OK to take one if you don't really need it, just to be on the safe side". In a candid admission, the campaigner reveals his children have secretly sought second opinions when their medico father advised them. And he is scathing about some members of his profession. "Some of my non-infectious colleagues prescribed them for the flimsiest of reasons or, if they are needed, they choose the wrong one, or give the wrong dose, or continue the course for too long," he says. "The inappropriate use of antibiotics both in the community and in hospitals is an issue of international public health significance. Antibiotic resistance is no longer a theoretical threat it is now a clinical reality that can't be ignored. We are now at the beginning of the end of the Age of Antibiotics." Bowden says the message about antibiotic resistance is analogous to global warming the trend for bugs to evolve resistance to antibiotics has been apparent to doctors and scientists for years, but not to the lay person. Research on new antibiotics has fallen away, but the bugs have kept evolving. "Now we're at a point, all over the world, where there are germs that 10 years ago could be treated," he says. "We are no longer talking about the future, we're talking about the present. "Ten years ago in this hospital we never saw those [exotic] germs, now we've started to see them often. "We've got patients on the ward at the moment who have bugs which are resistant to previously what were our most powerful antibiotics. "Probably once a week we see a person who has a bug for which that antibiotic no longer works. Luckily we've still got some choices. "In Australia we've still got some choices but if I was in India, every day I would see germs for which there was nothing left, absolutely nothing. "If we were to follow what's happened in a lot of places on the Indian sub-continent and south-east Asia, we will find a significant number of our patients will present with bacteria for which we have no antibiotics that will work against them and we will then be back into the pre-antibiotic era. "I don't know how many of the bugs would be like that but there is no question it will be an increasing problem." Medical tourism is a particularly fraught activity, this expert says. "If you come in with an infected hip [in future years] because you've had it replaced overseas and it's infected with a germ for which we have no antibiotics, you'll have to have the hip removed." Bowden is concerned the trend for self-diagnosis of infectious diseases has become a "widespread and disturbing distraction". "There is, for example, no question that Lyme disease is an important infection in the United States and Europe but there is no microbiological evidence of it existing in Australia," he says. "Yet, excluding the cases picked up in these places, each year hundreds of Australians believe they have acquired Lyme disease locally. "Most suffer from a variety of non-specific complaints, none of which is consistent with Lyme disease as it is seen anywhere else, and many look for a doctor who will prescribe months or even years of intravenous antibiotics." Loading Imagine feeling green grass brush against your skin for the first time in your life as a young adult. This was the case for 20-year-old Dada Merritt, who was adopted along with three other Haitian children by a Canberra couple two years ago. The children: Lussa, 11, Dada, 20, DJ, 12, and Philo, 14. Credit:Jay Cronan The children had grown up in one of the world's poorest and most deforested countries, and now found themselves in the leafy suburbs of the Australian capital. Canberrans Cay and Max Merritt took a sabbatical from their full-time jobs and set off on a volunteer journey around the world. The home in Rockingham Close in Melbourne's affluent suburb of Kew. Credit:Wayne Taylor The Ostrava companies and a host of other entities associated with Grimm and Ash are in provisional liquidation and the regulator is seeking winding up orders so that full liquidation can be commenced. The couple's Collin Street offices, which were a mess when visited by Fairfax Media a year ago, are now vacant after they were turfed by the provisional liquidators. ASIC's investigation is still ongoing, but the regulator has flagged in court documents that its action could lead to criminal or civil charges being brought against Grimm and Vanessa Ash over their alleged mismanagement of Ostrava client money. Concerns were first raised over the management of the owner's affairs just months after he moved into the nursing home. In January last year, Sue Lyttleton was appointed administrator to the elderly man's affairs by the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal in January 2015. Lyttleton alleges $832,013 was transferred in a "sequence of transactions" from the owner's superannuation trustee account into the bank accounts of Ostrava. The transfer was identified as a pension transfer. "The withdrawal and payment of the plaintiff's pension benefit into one or more Bankwest accounts operated by the Ostrava companies was unnecessary and of no benefit to the plaintiff (the owner)," the statement of claim says. The transfers were instead to the benefit of Vanessa Ash and Mr Grimm's Ostrava companies and to the benefit of themselves, Lyttleton alleges. Lyttleton alleges in late October 2015, the couple produced the "purported lease" drafted on December 24, 2014, over the Kew property. The lease names the owner as the landlord and Mr Grimm as the tenant yet Vanessa Ash, using her power of attorney, signed the generous five-year lease on behalf of the owner. Lyttleton says this lease agreement was not to the benefit of the owner and rather to the benefit of Vanessa Ash and Mr Grimm. By September, Lyttleton sought to evict the couple from the home after forming "the view that it was in the best interests of the plaintiff for the Kew property to be sold with vacant possession and the proceeds to be available to provide for the plaintiff's care and needs". The administrator alleges for Vanessa Ash and Grimm have refused to leave the property. They have also declined to hand over the money from the owner's super fund. Indeed, Vanessa Ash and Grimm were home on Friday morning when visited by BusinessDay but declined to comment ahead of releasing a formal statement later on Friday. Lyttleton alleges the actions of the couple were "dishonest and fraudulent". She is seeking declarations the transfers and lease agreement were unfair to the owner, the return of the owner's money, compensation and costs. Vanessa Ash says the allegations are wrong. "[The owner] would be horrified that this action was being taken on his behalf," she said. ''I am living in [the owner]'s house in accordance with the express wishes of him. "I am the joint executor and joint beneficiary of his will. My family and I visit him every week and love him dearly." Vanessa Ash says all of the couple's activities have been lawful and according to the owner's wishes and says the administrator did not know the owner when he had his faculties. "I have complete faith that we will get a fair hearing in court when we refute these allegations," she says. Grimm says the Ostrava matter was before the Federal Court on April 1 for directions where the judge ordered mediation, which will occur in mid-May. "We are hopeful that the matter will be resolved in that forum," he says. ASIC has declined to comment. It's not the first time Grimm has been the subject of serious allegations. In May last year, Fairfax Media revealed ASIC had been warned about Grimm's business dealings in 2005 by Labor MP Luke Donnellan, who is now minister for Ports and Roads and Road Safety. Donnellan requested a review of Grimm's "fraudulent investment activities and the obtaining of financial advantage by deception" under parliamentary privilege. "Grimm is indeed the grim reaper in the Melbourne stockbroking world," Donnellan said. Donnellan alleged Mr Grimm raised $1 million from mum and dad investors leading up to and during the dot-com boom in the late 1990s and early 2000s through investment company Equity Partnership. Yet, ASIC took no action and Grimm has maintained the allegations stem from an embittered former business partner. After close to 18 months in a long drawn-out battle, the immediate future of the $2.5 billion listed Investa Office Fund was sealed in less than 25 minutes. In a meeting room in the basement of the Radisson Blu hotel in Sydney, about 60 unitholders, investment bankers, public relation advisers, media and IOF staff, gathered to hear a short speech from the independent chairperson of the IOF independent board committee, Deborah Page, who declared that there were not enough proxies received to get the DEXUS cash and scrip offer over the line. Investa has taken a 75 per cent stake in 420 George Street, Sydney. Credit:Tyrone Branigan DEXUS, run by Darren Steinberg, needed more than 75 per cent of votes, but Morgan Stanley, with 8.9 per cent and newcomer Cromwell with 9.8 per cent, voted against the offer. Mr Steinberg has said through the whole process that win or lose, its business as usual for DEXUS. Shaw & Partners said they did not see the "No" vote as a big loss for DEXUS. Col Allan, the longest-serving editor at Rupert Murdoch's News Corp and the master of the lurid tabloid headline, will retire as editor-in-chief of the New York Post at the end of the month, ending a 42-year career at News. Allan, 62, joined Murdoch's Australia-based operations in 1974, and rose through the ranks to become first editor-in-chief of The Daily Telegraph in Sydney and then editor-in-chief of the New York tabloid in 2001. Long-serving editor Col Allan in Manhattan in 2003. Credit:James Estrin A man who embraced controversy, Allan was a master of the pithy tabloid headline and the bold political stand, usually in support of the right-wing politics of his proprietor Rupert Murdoch. Back in Sydney for the 2013 federal election, Allan was said to be behind the front page Telegraph headline "Finally you now have the chance to kick this mob out", run just days before polling day. Hours after announcing Allan's departure, the Post published a full-throated endorsement of Trump. Real estate company McGrath has requested a trading halt while it assesses its earnings forecast amid a slowing real estate market. McGrath, which only listed on the Australian Securities Exchange in December, says it will make an announcement prior to the start of trade on Tuesday. John McGrath on the company's listing day in December. Credit:Edwina Pickles The company floated in December and has never risen above its IPO price of $2.10. It closed on Thursday at $1.30. "The trading halt is requested pending an announcement in relation to an update of how McGrath is progressing against the prospectus forecast," the company said in a statement to the ASX. ACCC chairman Rod Sims. Japanese shipping company NYK has pleaded guilty to criminal cartel conduct. Credit:Dominic Lorrimer Australian Competition and Consumer Commission chair Rod Sims says retailers need to tread carefully in making any demands for ad hoc payments, especially if the amounts of money are large or any commercial "threats" are connected to non-payment. "If the demands are not in accordance with a contract or if it relates to significant sums of money or is accompanied by commercial threats, we would of course pursue it," Mr Sims says. "I would hope our court case we established with Coles sends a message about what can and can't be done [with suppliers]." Wesfarmers did not comment on the supplier claims beyond its statements in relation to the rebate issue from earlier in the week. It's a shadowy part of the retail landscape and most suppliers are too frightened to speak out publicly for fear of losing their contracts. Wesfarmers managing director Richard Goyder says he first became aware of the rebate scandal on March 24 and an internal investigation was launched. The probe claimed the scalp of Target's outgoing managing director Stuart Machin before it was even released. It's understood the details of the rebate debacle were leaked to the media from a senior source within Wesfarmers, forcing the conglomerate to act quickly to limit any further damage and defend its much-admired corporate culture. Speaking after the report was released, Mr Goyder described the use of rebates to boost Target's earning as "breathtakingly stupid". The scandal centred on about 31 overseas suppliers, which allegedly agreed to pay Target additional rebates in exchange for higher prices on their product lines before the end of the financial year. But it appears local suppliers were also under pressure to make extra contributions, including advertising and promotional charges as Target's senior team turned to creative accounting to polish up the half-year result. These charges fall outside the fixed-rebate agreements and are part of the far murkier world of levies and charges that suppliers pay to keep their products on the shelves of Australia's big retail chains. It's a shadowy part of the retail landscape and most suppliers are too frightened to speak out publicly for fear of losing their contracts. There's nothing unusual about the big chains charging suppliers for products to appear in catalogues, but demands for large advance payment, such as the small Target supplier received, are uncommon, according to experienced retailers. A manufacturer says he was routinely asked to contribute one-off promotional charges on purchase orders that basically "wiped out" his profit margin on the sale. He says retailers dangled the big carrot of future orders to justify the charges but orders depended on a range of variables such as seasonal demand, pricing and how products were promoted. In its death throes late last year, it's understood collapsed electronics brand Dick Smith pressured its suppliers to bring forward all possible payments, including advertising charges and promotional costs, as it battled to make up for sagging sales. Another supplier revealed Target approached it late last year with a request for six months of advertising charges. The small business agreed to the big charge as long as Target would raise purchase orders through to the end of the financial year. Target notionally agreed to raise the orders but they never materialised and then the advertising charge was deducted from the supplier's monthly invoice. The supplier strongly objected to this and after considerable haggling the funds were eventually paid back. It appeared that Target was "testing" the supplier, a source close to the retailer says, to see if it could get away with the charge without sharing any of the risk with the supplier. Negotiations with suppliers have already landed Wesfarmers in hot water after it was fined $10 million in 2014 for unconscionable behaviour towards suppliers at Coles and forced to pay back $12 million to grocery suppliers after a review found its buyers acted in a threatening and aggressive manner. And Woolworths' demands for Mind the Gap payments from suppliers landed it in court this year after the ACCC launched proceedings in December over allegations that Woolworths developed a strategy, approved by senior management, to urgently reduce a $50 million shortfall in its first-half profits. Woolworths is defending the legal acton. The concentration of ownership in the Australian retail sector, including the major supermarket chains, has pushed retail rebates beyond similar charges in Britain and the US, and market watchers claim it partly accounts for the high prices Australians pay for groceries and general merchandise. Rebates are based on a fixed percentage charge that is deducted from a supplier's invoice, or the wholesale cost of an order, to fund promotions or discounts. On top of these charges the suppliers get hit with a range of more ad hoc charges to cover things such as catalogues or special advertising campaigns. "Rebates are pretty much a fixed percentage of our trading terms agreement, they come off all purchases made through our warehouse and they're exorbitant," a supplier says. "The catalogue advertising requests that come through from all retailers, except Aldi, are over and above these rebates. "Buyers tend to understand that we build in these costs into the products. However, the official party line from retailers is they expect suppliers not to build the cost in and provide this as a genuine volume discount. "They have normal margin expectations when selling product and fail to consider any rebates when calculating margins at retail. It is almost like rebates go into a separate profit centre for the business." A supplier who sells into the Australian and British retail markets says Australian retailers often complain about products selling for less in Britain than in Australia. He says the biggest difference between the two territories was the cost of rebates, which run 8-10 per cent overseas in his slice of the retail market, compared with up to 15 per cent in Australia. "I often have retailers asking why certain products are cheaper overseas than in Australia and this is why," he says. He said the growth of rebate rates, which are up more than 20 per cent at some big-name retailers in Australia, meant it was unlikely they would be unwound any time soon, despite pressure for chains such as like Aldi, which does not charge rebates. "I've been in retail since the 1980s and rebates have always been there but over that journey they have taken on a different role," he says. "What would happen if everyone gave up rebates? There would be a huge hole ... there is just that much income generated from rebates." An experienced retailer said it was essential companies had strong financial controls to ensure transparency over supplier rebates and charges. "Rebates are tricky and complex because there are many ways to skin that cat," he says. "They can be used, which is what happened at Target, to bring forward earnings ... they can be messy and often hard for auditors because they are not transparent." Wesfarmers said this week there was no excuse for the conduct that had occurred at Target and Mr Goyder said there was no reason or suggestion that rebates had been used at any of its other retail businesses to bolster earnings. Retail analyst Brian Walker says retail rebates are all about "squeezing as much money out of suppliers as possible" and illustrate the uneven power relationship between producers, suppliers and the major retail brands in Australia. He says the problem in Australia, with the concentrated ownership of big retail brands, is that "quite often retailers were big enough to monopolise supply and that's a difficult situation for suppliers". However, Walker says Australia's ongoing appeal to the big, international retail brands was slowly breaking the stranglehold of the major brands. "Rebates will come under more and more pressure as competition opens up the market." Palmer helped himself to millions from QNI but this amounts to a fraction of the profits, profits earned in Australia, which are siphoned out by multinationals. Take oil major Chevron, which borrowed money at 1.25 per cent on the money markets in the US then, after currency changes and a spot of financial engineering, lent billions to its subsidiary here at 9 per cent, delivering Chevron Australia a lavish tax deductible loss. The Australian Taxation Office took them to the Federal Court, where the judge found Chevron did not bring enough evidence to show the transaction was at arm's length. Chevron has appealed. The money lost in tax is huge, much larger than the $73 million which the government has now said it would stump up for Clive Palmer's workers. What's Shell's economic reality? Once upon a time, multinationals had proper 'bodies corporate'. Typically, they had six or eight directors who made decisions in the interest of their Australian entities, a director's duty. Shell Australia for instance used to be called Shell Australia. It had a full board, board meetings were generally attended. After every year end, the company would produce a glossy annual report, its financials there for all to see. A press conference, though meagrely attended, would be held. Now the Anglo-Dutch giant refers to itself as "Shell in Australia". Its statutory financial statements are nowhere to be seen. If you fork out $38 a pop to the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) you can find them. Net, they have paid no corporate income tax on $60 billion in revenue in three years. Shell is a big one but the pattern is clear. Thanks to tricky financial structuring, multinationals regard paying income tax as optional. "Leakage" they call it in the land of tax lawyers. ASX companies, such as Woodside, Shell's peer on the North West Shelf, are bound to file their accounts publicly, and free of charge. They are visible, and they are filed unlike Clive Palmer's accounts of yore on time each year. Compliance, generally, has been in freefall over the past decade. Even the Business Council of Australia, which pontificates to government on good business practise, has only managed to get its accounts in on time in eight of the past 16 years. The question needs to be asked of multinationals: what is the economic reality? Is Shell a little piece of London, and Chevron a little piece of America, which has been given carte blanche to plunder Australia's resources, pay little (in royalties in the case of Chevron) for them and bank all the proceeds of their sale in foreign head office bank accounts? Once Chevron has paid the money it pays to real Australians (during construction Gorgon & Wheatstone), there is not much in the way of ongoing economic benefits for Australians. Are these really Australian exporters? Multinationals used to run subsidiary companies and the money earned by those companies was banked in Australia and circulated in the Australian economy while the parent waited patiently for a dividend. The 60 Minutes team in custody in Lebanon: Tara Brown, David "Tangles" Ballment, Stephen Rice and Ben Williamson. Meanwhile, in Australia, a tale of another mother allegedly driven to desperation played out in the disadvantaged outer-Melbourne suburb of Heidelberg West. Sofina Nikat, 22, of South Asian descent, who had recently migrated from Fiji, was charged with killing her 14-month-old girl, Sanaya Sahib. Sanaya Sahib's body was found in Darebin Creek last year. Nikat was separated from her child's father, reportedly because the relationship became abusive. It's been alleged that the people with whom she sought refuge were dangerous too; two men who had contact with the child recently have been charged with serious offences. One is believed to be a violent ice addict. Nikat had obviously struggled to cope. She contacted Victoria's Department of Health and Human Services seeking assistance. While there is always a public howl when authorities fail to prevent a child's death, there is next to no political appetite to provide money to ameliorate the misery that leads to such deaths. Now in custody, she is reported to be severely mentally unwell and at risk of self-harming. But, in spite of her probable mental health problems and her disadvantage, the allocation of sympathy in Nikat's case is much more complex. The natural maternal reaction to the allegations against Nikat is the polar opposite to the Faulkner case: I cannot understand how any mother could do that. No matter how bad it got. Because above all else, we value the lives of our children, right? Whenever there is a child death against a background of dysfunction, the same questions are always asked. How could this have been allowed to happen? Why didn't family services intervene earlier? "Did authorities do enough to protect Sanaya?" one headline read. No one ever asks where the children should be taken to, or who will pay for this mysterious safe place. Which brings us to the differing political reactions to the two mothers' plights. In the Faulkner case we have Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop personally intervening to set up a joint Lebanese-Australian taskforce to resolve the family dispute. We have Australian diplomats working around the clock to get the Australian mother and the 60 Minutes crew out of jail. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has commented on the case. But down among the broken playgrounds and the generational misery of Heidelberg West, there is no political response. No high-level government machinery has whirred into action. While there is always a public howl when authorities fail to prevent a child's death, there is next to no political appetite to provide money to ameliorate the misery that leads to such deaths. Few politicians ever go to an election promising more money for the family services department to take kids out of bad homes. Few politicians ever allocate extra funds to build better group homes, or promise to do anything to relieve the creaking load placed on the caseworkers who work with dysfunctional families referred to the state. With the exception of terrorism, there are few political dividends in preventing an ill from occurring. Much better to invent one and promise you will fix it. In NSW the "disgrace" of "soft sentencing" has worked for successive governments. The fact that crime is falling in almost every category has not dimmed the political enthusiasm for law and order campaigns. Meanwhile, programs that teach basic mothering skills to disadvantaged women whose children are at risk of being removed from their care are desperate for money. Some are funded by the NSW government, but only at the extreme end, and they are massively over-subscribed. The gap is filled by the charity sector, which reports great difficulty in raising money for women who are at risk of harming or neglecting their babies. One tireless woman I spoke to this week runs her small disadvantaged mothers' groups through a patchwork of private grants. She spends her weekends working on the applications. And as soon as children lose their chubby Facebook photogenicity? Their political value could barely be lower. Particularly if they're Indigenous. Aboriginal children are 24 times more likely to be locked up than non-Aboriginal kids. They are 6 per cent of the general youth population and more than 90 per cent of the jailed youth population. This is despite the fact that we know there is an unarguable correlation between the involvement of children with child protection services and the likelihood of them ending up in the juvenile justice system. They are called "crossover kids". Judge Mark Marien, the former president of the NSW Children's Court, said that in the case of many young offenders "the clear underlying cause of their offending behaviour is essentially a welfare issue rather a criminogenic one". In other jurisdictions as diverse as Sweden and New Zealand, child offenders are diverted away from the justice system as much as possible, and reoffending rates are lower than in Australia where a more punitive approach is taken. But again, when is the last time you heard a politician going to an election with a "Less punitive on crime!" slogan, even if it was only applied to children? We hold it as a dear collective truth that, as a society, we put our children first. The Jungle Book is not a jolly musical tale with jazzy numbers such as The Bare Necessities. It doesn't have an ape character called King Louie. And it's not all jungle stories: you can also read about a mongoose fighting a snake, a young elephant handler, the animals of the Queen's guard, and a seal leading his people to the promised land. I'm talking about the original Jungle Book, not the film adaptations by Disney, which is what most children and their parents know: first the 1967 animated classic, and now the live action remake. By all means let's enjoy the big-screen versions, but let's not forget where they came from. Baloo and Mowgli in Disney's new remake of The Jungle Book. Credit:Disney The Jungle Book was a collection of short stories about anthropomorphic animals by Rudyard Kipling, first published in 1894 (a second Jungle Book was published the following year). Kipling lived in India until he was six, and returned there as a young man, and his memories informed the stories he wrote in America for his daughter Josephine, who died when she was six. In his day, Kipling's reputation as a prose writer and poet was huge: he was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature. Nowadays he's not quite so highly regarded, partly because he was a passionate fan of the British Empire not a good look in these post-colonial times. Yet he's still revered, and his work is celebrated by fans and collectors in the Kipling Society, which has a very helpful website. Rudyard Kipling was a celebrated writer in his time. The Mowgli stories of the "man-cub" abandoned in the jungle and reared by wolves have always had the strongest appeal to readers, and these are analysed in great detail by Daniel Karlin in his introduction to the 1987 Penguin Classics edition. He says they reach out to children and adults in different ways; adult readers need to recognise "the primacy of fantasy, of dark inward play". These are classic coming-of-age stories, but the maturing of Mowgli is a troublesome and ambiguous journey where he is torn not between nature and civilisation, but between two different civilisations, for animals in Kipling's world are ruled by the Law of the Jungle (a system bizarrely adopted by Lord Baden-Powell and his Boy Scout movement: the junior scouts, or cubs, are still ruled by Akela, the wolf leader). It's an acquired taste, perhaps, but one of the great pleasures of the Jungle Book stories is the sonorous, Biblical language the animals speak. You don't get that with Disney. The power of the Mowgli stories makes itself felt most strongly in their language of description, Karlin says, in phrases such as when Father Wolf "spread out his paws one after the other to get rid of the sleepy feeling in their tips". Critics have sought to analyse the Jungle Book stories as fables or allegories, and indeed they have their didactic side, with Baloo the bear as the schoolmaster; but the meanings shift, and can be subsumed by the wonder of it all, what one critic calls the "world of the wild and the strange, the ancient and the far". Cultiver's Trabzon cushion. Credit:alexia@alexiabiggs.com TURKISH DELIGHT Sydney company Cultiver has added a collection of cushions to complement its range of top-notch, pure linen bedding. Owner Nicolle Sullivan sources silk-velvet pieces in Turkey that are woven with ikat designs that have been produced there for centuries. Trabzon has a distinct cream, pale blue and orange tear drop pattern. Trabzon silk velvet cushion, $150. Cultiver, cultiver.com. MATERIAL WORLD Sydney textiles company Rouse Phillips is the work of artists Tim Rouse and Anastasia Phillips, who produce soft furnishings and upholstery textiles for interiors, plus hand-knotted rugs and kilims. The pair draw inspiration from the Australian landscape in an abstract way, and each design is printed by hand on natural cloth using fine art and design techniques. Moonflower cotton fabric, from $160 per metre. Rouse Phillips, rousephillips.com. LIGHT SHOW Melbourne-based, German-born designer Volker Haug has produced distinctive interior lighting since 2007. From ceiling pendants to table lamps and wall lights, his work has a unique style with a minimal, playful aesthetic. Side Kick, with its structural lines in polished brass and braided metallic cable, has a ceiling mount that counter-balances the intersecting arms below. Side Kick pendant light, $984.50. Volker Haug, 9387 1803, volkerhaug.com. STANDING OVATION IKEA's Ikornnes mirrors tick all the boxes when it comes to a combination of function and style. Made from ash veneer, the corners are softened with rounded edges. When not used on a tabletop, the smaller mirror can be hung on a wall and the stand swings forward to become an extra shelf or somewhere to hang a scarf or tie, and the larger floor mirror includes a hanger at the back for clothes. Ikornnes table mirror, $39. IKEA, ikea.com/au. MELTING MOMENTS French candle-maker Cire Trudon has been in operation since 1643 and was the official supplier to the royal court of Louis XIV at Versailles. Promeneuse combines fluted Italian antique glass with brass; it resembles an old-fashioned lantern but is a diffuser. A brass spoon holding a scented wax cameo sits in a ceramic dish, then a candle lit underneath melts the wax and diffuses the fragrance into the air. We might call it Victoria today, but just before Europeans arrived, this triangular chunk of land was a place with many names for the Kulin nation people, who lived here in five main groupings, using many languages. After colonisation, the white newcomers were astonished even disbelieving when they found out about oral histories that told of how ancestors of the Kulin people had witnessed volcanic eruptions on this land. It took a long time and corroboration from geologists and archaeologists for them to take those oral histories seriously. Steaphan Paton and Megan Cope chart the geology of Victoria in Transcendence. Credit:Joe Armao Geological time might seem vast and awe-inspiring, but so too are Indigenous histories. The most recent volcanic activity in Victoria is believed to have been about 5000 years ago, the last rumbling in volcanic upheavals that had been shaping the local lands for about 5 million years. The evidence remains in craters, strewn boulders, crater lakes and lava flows, especially throughout western Victoria but it is the oral histories about that time that can be even more impressive. Refugee on Nauru convicted, fined for attempting suicide Were sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. Were working to restore it. Please try again later. Dismiss High speed rail draws ridicule each time it emerges as a political issue. Credit:AP There was nothing surprising about any of this head-shaking reaction, of course. It is a much-honoured national pastime to shoot down different ideas (big or small) and resist even the slightest hint of change. We might be surrounded by sea, but we are also girt by the status quo. More than 50 years ago, Donald Horne had a considered rant about how Australia was a "lucky" country that lived on "other people's ideas". In his classic book, Horne talked of a social climate that was "largely inimical to originality" and of leaders who lacked curiosity about the events around them. Has anything really changed since then? Sure, Australia has had bursts of ideas (like, say, during those krazy Whitlam years), but these are the exceptions to the rule. Big ideas bubble up from time to time before they are banished to a dark corner of the national consciousness, where they sit in cold storage marked 'NOT FOR AGES' We are even highly skeptical of the idea of ideas. Witness the mass eyebrow raising over Kevin Rudd's 2020 Summit back in 2008. Sweeping into power after 11 years of John Howard, Rudd invited 1000 experts to Parliament House to talk about where the country should be in twelve years' time. Delegates hadn't even put texta to butchers paper and the whole thing was dismissed as a pointless ego-flexing exercise. Other big ideas bubble up from time to time before they are banished to a dark corner of the national consciousness, where they sit in cold storage marked "NOT FOR AGES". Meanwhile, seemingly comparable countries put Australia in the shade when it comes to confronting similar concepts. New Zealand went as far as having a referendum on the design of its flag this year and Scotland had one on whether it should be independent from the UK. Ireland voted to change its constitution and legalise same-sex marriage. Away from the warm fuzzy social identity stuff, there is constant talk about the pressing need to reform the Australian tax system. Endless papers are produced and policies are floated, only to be hastily batted away again. This isn't just a symptom of the Turnbull government circa 2016. It happened under Labor, too (remember the bells and whistles Henry Tax Review AKA wonk's ultimate bookshelf decorator?). Some like to blame Australia's aversion to change or bold ideas on our fledgling island nation history. We like to look inward and tread carefully. And we love to take the mickey. But our politicians are also culpable here. On Thursday, while talking about another idea legalising euthanasia and why it is largely absent from the political agenda, Bob Hawke blamed the fear factor. "Politicians, by definition I think, are not the bravest of people ... They hear some people in the electorate or something in the media saying, 'We don't like that', and that's almost enough for them to say, 'We won't touch it'," Hawkie told Radio National. "Their first concern is saving their seat, they don't want to do anything that is going to lose them votes ... It's not very brave." Politicians also have a unfortunate habit of overpromising and underdelivering on ideas. Despite the hype, when Rudd got around to responding to the 2020 Summit report (more than a year later), he adopted about nine of the 962 proposals. So the average dude in the street has good reason to be cynical. But politicians of course exist within a broader political culture that would rather make digs about change than seriously ponder its merits. If voters are cynical and resistant to change, they hardly create the sort of climate that helps MPs go out on limb. Or even a shuffle slightly in any direction that might be interesting or creative. Microsoft has sued the US government, arguing that a law that can be used to prohibit technology companies from telling customers when law enforcement comes looking for their data is unconstitutional. Microsoft's lawsuit is the US technology industry's latest high-profile challenge to the reach of law enforcement into cyberspace, coming a couple months after Apple fought an FBI order to disable an encryption measure on an iPhone connected to a mass shooting. Orders that prevent Microsoft telling their customers when they're being surveilled are becoming more common, according to Microsoft. Credit:Bloomberg The company's case, filed in US District Court in Seattle, challenges a law enforcement tool Microsoft argues is being used in a way that violates its rights and those of its customers. When law enforcement agencies get a warrant to grab emails or other data stored online, they can request a court order that bars internet service providers from informing the user that their documents were seized. Microsoft has received about 5600 federal demands for consumer data in the last 18 months. Almost half were accompanied by such secrecy orders. Sydney designer Johanna Johnson has made headlines dressing the Hollywood A-list for the red carpet. Now her former employees are seeing red over her alleged failure to pay them tens of thousands of dollars in entitlements. The Alexandria-based bridal and red carpet couturier, who has dressed the likes of Mad Men's Christina Hendricks and Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop, is at the centre of a legal battle to wind up her company after it failed to comply with a court order to pay a former staff member more than $35,000. Alana Teasel is owed more than $35,000 by Johanna Johnson's company. Credit:Daniel Munoz Ms Johnson posted on Facebook on Thursday about the company's "expansion plans", which include relocating headquarters to the United States. But designer Alana Teasel, 29, a former head of production at Ms Johnson's company, is one of a number of former staff members who claim Ms Johnson owes them thousands in entitlements, including superannuation. Notorious property spruiker Henry Kaye reaped up to 60 per cent interest from a discredited land banking scam into which mum and dad investors from across Australia have tipped tens of millions of dollars. On Friday morning Federal Court Justice Beach named Kaye and his sister Julia Feldman as beneficiaries behind the scheme, known as Foscari, in Melbourne's outer west, which was a key focus of a Fairfax Media investigation in 2015. Through 2013 and 2014 Foscari was marketed as an "iconic architectural masterpiece" to unsophisticated investors as part of a network of land-banking schemes across Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia. Fairfax Media estimates that hundreds - possibly thousands - of investors have sunk more than $100 million into the schemes, much of which may now be lost. In 2001 the direct path to citizenship was cut off. "Then they knocked off social security access," says Gassin. "In 2005 they removed access to higher-education loans. In 2012 it was the removal of disability services." Inia arrived in March 2001, just a couple of weeks after the cut-off point of February 26. "There is not even an avenue for me to apply for residency or citizenship," she says. "I don't want it for free, I want the opportunity to be able to apply for residency. There is no option for anyone in my situation. Many others out there are in the same situation." Gassin says not a lot has changed under February's new deal between John Key and Malcolm Turnbull. New Zealanders who have earned at least $54,000 each year for five years and meet health criteria can apply for a different class of visa one that would in turn allow them to apply for citizenship. It applies only to special category visa-holders who have arrived in Australia since 2001. In 2001 the direct path to citizenship was cut off. "Then they knocked off social security access," says Gassin. "In 2005 they removed access to higher-education loans. In 2012 it was the removal of disability services." No one who arrives after February 19, 2016, will be eligible. Those who are marginalised or struggling will remain so, as will their children. A large number will still be excluded from what Australians consider basic rights. No one is suggesting that we go back to the 1970s, when New Zealanders could get off the plane and get on the dole. Back then Bondi was famous for "bludging" New Zealanders taking extended state-sponsored holidays sometimes for years. But the seemingly arbitrary nature of the bureaucratic process has frustrated many. When Australian-based New Zealanders who were working overseas on the February 26, 2001, returned, they discovered the law had changed and they were no longer entitled to any benefits or citizenship. They included actor Russell Crowe, who arrived as a child and contributed millions to his adopted country. He was denied citizenship in 2006 because he had been away in 2001 working on the Oscar winning film Gladiator. "Arbitrary and ridiculous," was his curt response. Says Rose, "It's like Malcolm Turnbull inviting you for dinner then saying you needed to bring your own food, but if you get food poisoning you are on your own." "The reality... is that we will still get the same horror stories disabled without support, single mothers struggling to support their children," Gassin says. "Homelessness is still going to be there, it won't make the slightest bit of difference." Gassin is concerned about "the lock-in of disadvantage across two or three generations" as the children from poorer backgrounds have been unable to access Youth Allowance or HECS. "Research shows that the children of New Zealand citizens are only half as likely to go to university as their classmates." This is an issue the federal government conceded and addressed last year. A spokeswoman for the Minister of Social Services said: "The government recognises that some New Zealanders who have been long-term residents of Australia since childhood can face additional challenges in accessing higher education. On November 30, 2015, the government successfully secured passage of legislation, extending access to student loans to New Zealand Special Category Visa holders who came to Australia as children, and have resided here for at least 10 years. This change commenced on January 1, 2016." New Zealanders pay only domestic fees (not the much higher international fees) for going to university. But a more vulnerable group is still barred from access to welfare support. "We hear from a lot of women mostly single mothers who can't get any support for their children," says Gassin. "They might have an Australian father who is not paying any child support. The children are are living in dire poverty with a Kiwi mother." To go back to New Zealand would mean abandoning their children. Though the government spokeswoman says New Zealand women can access counselling services, there are no financial pathways for them to escape violent relationships. Rose says no refuge will turn a woman away but ongoing support is nearly impossible without Centrelink. "I know of women being made destitute by their partners so they can get the kids. They can't get into government housing because they are not permanent residents; they can't get into rehab because they can't pay for it." Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's official wine list has doubled since Tony Abbott was in office but industry experts have slammed it as conservative, boring and embarrassing. When Mr Turnbull retires to The Lodge in Canberra or entertains dignitaries at Kirribilli House in Sydney, he has more than 370 bottles on offer worth close to $9000. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and wife Lucy sample sparkling wine at the Flavours of Tasmania event at Parliament House in Canberra. Credit:Andrew Meares But it appears his sommelier may be honouring the age-old tradition of buying the second cheapest bottle of wine available. The average bottle of wine costs just $25. John Leyshon, president of the Canberra District Wine Industry, said some of the wines on offer were embarrassing. Botany residents living near a decommissioned chemical plant have not been exposed to unsafe and elevated mercury levels, an independent review has found. The report apparently puts to rest longstanding concerns of residents in the southern Sydney suburb about lingering mercury contamination from a chlor-alkali plant that operated in the suburb for more than 50 years. Contamination in the Botany area had residents concerned. Credit:Sahlan Hayes "We're well below the [Australian safety] criteria for all samples: fish, soil and air," said Victoria Lazenby from the environmental consultancy Senversa when presenting the findings to a public meeting on Thursday night. "The public health risk is low [] we've got a lot of confidence in that conclusion." The Senversa study built on two previous independent reviews and found a sample of local fish had levels of mercury comparable to those bought at local fish markets. Two Sydney karaoke bars have been ordered to temporarily close their doors after authorities allegedly discovered illicit drugs and instances of serious liquor law breaches inside the late-night haunts. Queen KTV in Ashfield and K1 Karaoke Lounge in Haymarket were both issued with closure orders by the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) on Friday. Faces temporary closure: K1 Karaoke Lounge. Credit:Facebook Queen KTV will be closed for six months as of 9pm on Friday night after police alleged multiple breaches of licence conditions and numerous incidents involving the detection of prohibited drugs including suspected overdoses on or near the premises. The karaoke bar on Liverpool Road allegedly allowed patrons, including minors, to become intoxicated, and "failed to implement strategies to respond to identified risks to patrons and the community", ILGA said in a statement. A 27-year-old man from the Central Coast has been arrested after allegedly impersonating a returned soldier at a range of veteran events and functions marking national days of commemoration. It is alleged the man also pretended to be a veteran at meetings of the Australian Defence Force's Veteran Peer to Peer Support Pilot Program, which helps ex-servicemen and women with mental health conditions. A 27-year-old man has been charged with allegedly impersonating a veteran at events on the Central Coast. Credit:Peninsulanews.asn.au About 6.45pm on Thursday, the man was arrested and charged with dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception when he attended the Peer to Peer events, and possession of an unauthorised decommissioned pistol. A police raid on the suspect's home in Umina Beach allegedly found replica military medals, badges and the pistol. As the seven-year-old girl lay on the examination table at a Sydney hospital, she asked her mother "are you disappointed?" and "am I dumb because I kept Mr Peter's secret?" Days earlier the girl's mother received a call from a Child Abuse Squad detective. He told her he was investigating maths tutor Quy Huy "Peter" Hoang and his abuse of his young students. Maths tutor Quy Huy Hoang. Credit:Daniel Munoz The mother was advised to take her daughter to hospital for a sexual assault examination. Her fears were confirmed and the little girl was identified as one of five children from three different families Hoang molested between 2007 and 2014. Canterbury mayor Brian Robson is a college board member. Credit:Brendan Esposito The struggling Bankstown Community College, which has 14 students, two staff and mounting debts, is selling the building which has been its home for more than 20 years. One of the college's directors is the Labor mayor of Bankstown, Khal Asfour. The auction of the Chapel Road building is being handled by LJ Hooker Bankstown, which specialises in residential premises. One of its three real estate agents is Gizele Asfour, the mayor's sister. In her letter, Ms Mihailuk said that she had been advised that Ms Asfour was "overseeing the sale of the property and has been liaising directly with college staff". Cr Asfour told Fairfax Media he had declared a conflict of interest when the board was choosing the agency to handle the sale. Mr Deiri, said he was the successful tenderer because he was the cheapest. Doing the conveyancing for the property sale is solicitor Gus Dibb, who is also a director of the college. The sale of the building has been prompted by another of the college's directors, Sam Pambris, who has called in a loan. The outlook for the auction does not appear promising with Mr Deiri admitting that only two people had inspected the two-storey commercial premises. But the college's board members who include Brian Robson, the mayor of Canterbury, as well as Cr Asfour, Mr Dib and Mr Pambris, claim they are confident of a good result. Asked if any of the current board members or their relatives intended bidding, the college replied by email: "The sale will be through an open and transparent public auction process and the board is happy with the amount of interest shown by prospective buyers." A year ago a Fairfax investigation revealed that the directors of the college had voted to use the last of the college's meagre cash reserves to fund the purchase of the bottom floor of its Chapel Road office. Although the college's auditor had warned of its "grim" financial circumstances, in June 2014 the college spent $1.11 million buying the floor which houses Summerland Lebanese restaurant. This was $270,000 over the valuation the board had obtained. To fund the purchase, the directors borrowed $605,000 at 10 per cent interest per annum from fellow board member Mr Pambris to fund the purchase. This gave the college ownership of the entire building, which is now zoned for redevelopment allowing up to 12 storeys in height. In 2015 Cr Asfour told Fairfax Media that the rent from the Summerland restaurant was to "save the college from going under". Fast forward a year and the college is struggling to avoid bankruptcy after Mr Pambris, who recently unsuccessfully sought the Labor nomination for the federal seat on Barton, called in his two-year loan which is due to expire in June. Cr Asfour accused Ms Mihaliuk of providing "misinformation" and that her motives were "not in the best interests of the college". For her part Ms Mihailuk said staff members of the college had contacted her directly expressing concerns about the sale. Jasmine Riley jumped from a cliff while holding her two-year-old son. "What upsets me most is how a girl, who I knew so well, was in such a dark place. And how long she was there for. It's one of the most devastating things I've come across," Mr Wilson told Fairfax Media. Parents who kill their children and themselves unleash upon society an incomprehensible trauma, one which sits at the complex juncture of murder, suicide and child-killing. Australia has one of the highest rates of filicide in the developed world, with an estimated 25-27 children killed by a parent each year. Between 1997-2008, 291 children were killed by parents in 239 incidents, according to data from the National Homicide Monitoring Program. The fusion of tragedy and outrage means public reaction to filicide-suicide as it is known by clinicians is inevitably visceral, Dr Carolyn Johnson from the University of Western Australia said. "Society's survival depends on children being nurtured to adulthood. If someone kills their child it is like a slap in the face." Though filicide remains chronically under-studied compared to other categories of homicide, Australia has produced much of the groundbreaking research. "It's very clear there are common patterns and there are ways of tackling the problem as a public health issue," says Professor Brown from Monash University's Filicide Research Project, where she and her colleagues are conducting the first national study of all Australian filicide deaths between 2000-2012. Cases of filicide-suicide have emerged as a distinct subcategory. Despite their perception as one-off tragic incidents, there have been three in Sydney in the past six months alone. In September, Vietnamese-born Phuong Cao, 29, drove to her former partner's home in Campsie, in Sydney's south-west, where police believe she killed her 17-month-old daughter before taking her own life. Just over a week before Christmas, 30-year-old Archana Kunnath died after stepping in front of a train at Harris Park. Remarkably, her daughter who she was holding in her arms, survived the incident but with serious injuries. Then, at about 10pm on March 24, murder-suicide headlines announced the death of Jasmine Riley and Braxton. Each time these cases are catapulted into the news, the media grapples with the best vocabulary for discussing them, while the lingering question is left unresolved by an impatient news cycle: why? Clear motives and reductionist checklists will rarely explain the complexity behind filicide-suicides, Professor Brown said. "Looking at motive doesn't seem to take you very far. But looking at perpetrator types and the risk factors around each type gives you a point around which you can intervene," she says. While research indicates mothers are just as likely as fathers to kill their children, fathers are much more likely to do so as an act of revenge against their former partner. Dr Johnson's analysis of nine Western Australian cases where fathers killed their children found that most of them had been violent towards their partners, and seven had made previous threats to kill themselves or their children. Cutting across the gender divide, however, was mental illness. In a 10-year study of 40 Victorian filicide cases, Professor Brown and her colleagues found that parents who were treated by a medical professional for suicidal and homicidal ideation were never assessed in terms of the danger they posed to their children. "They treat the parent, but they don't think about them in relation to children they may be responsible for, particularly young children who don't have any way of protecting themselves." Evidence of similar failings within the community service sector was uncovered by Dr Johnson. "What I found in my research was that when people were known to an agency or several agencies but there wasn't communication between them to develop any kind of risk plan. In some senses the kids were invisible." Given the well-established link between suicide and homicide in psychiatric literature, both experts believe professionals should be required by legislation to make safety plans for children when treating mentally ill parents. Dr Johnson is adamant every death of a child at the hands of their parents is preventable. "There are always warning signs," she says. "People don't kill their kids on a whim. This is something that's developed over a long period of time and has its roots in things that happened to that person along time ago that were never addressed." In the weeks since her death, Ms Riley's friends have raked through memories and replayed their conversations with the young mother, searching for signs that their friend was not only suicidal, but homicidal. Mr Wilson remembers sharing a rare moment of vulnerability with Ms Riley a few years ago, when she spoke frankly of her desire to be a mother. "She told me being a mother was what she wanted to be in this life. She said 'I don't know if being a wife is going to be me, but being a mother definitely is'." Another close friend Annie Eriksson, who now lives in Sweden, said they would phone each other every week. "She was going to come and visit me, we were always talking about that. She seemed so happy." But as Easter approached, Ms Riley called her every day. "On the morning of the day it happened, it was night time here, we spoke for 20 minutes. I think she called to say goodbye. "But there was nothing that indicated something like this. I could never in my wildest dreams image she could do something like this. Never, ever, ever." Lifeline 13 11 14 beyondblue 1300 224 636 The push to have Queensland divided into two separate states now has a working committee committed to investigating how North Queensland could become Australia's seventh state. The Working Group for the Establishment of North Queensland brings together Katter Party MPs at both a state and federal level, as well as LNP federal MP George Christensen, independent state MP Rob Pyne, economists, academics, local stakeholders and business and farming representatives. Bob Katter during Question Time. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Launched on Friday, the group plans on "establishing the case as a strong representative body to lay the ground work for a referendum". "The arguments put up by the State Government that we can't afford it are an offence. Just the opposite is true. We can't afford not to," Federal KAP MP Bob Katter said in a statement. Notorious bank robber and prison escapee Brenden Abbott will remain in Queensland custody for at least another fortnight. A Queensland magistrate on Tuesday ordered the newly paroled 53-year-old, nicknamed the "Postcard Bandit", be extradited to Western Australia to face another 16 years behind bars over a 1989 jailbreak, but his legal team is attempting to block the decision. Brenden Abbott will remain in Queensland for at least the next fortnight. Credit:File Supreme Court Justice David Jackson on Friday rejected a request by Abbott's lawyers for almost six weeks to prepare their case - arguing his extradition is an abuse of process - and instead set the matter down for April 29. AAP A university student accused of racial discrimination over a Facebook post has amassed a hefty legal bill, which could blow out to $200,000 if the case goes to trial. Alex Wood is being sued under the Racial Discrimination Act over a 2013 post he wrote after being asked to leave a Queensland University of Technology computer lab reserved for the use of Indigenous students. Three university students are being sued, alongside the university and two staff, by the administration officer who asked a student to leave the room. Credit:Glenn Hunt "Just got kicked out of the unsigned Indigenous computer room. QUT is stopping segregation with segregation," he posted on a Facebook page called QUT Stalker Space. The post attracted comments critical of both the incident and the existence of the Indigenous-only space. For more than three decades Jean O'Leary has lived with the torment of knowing her brother met a violent and painful death. But much of her agony comes from what is not known. Jean O'Leary has issued a public plea for information about the murder of her brother George Brown 32 years ago near Bulli 32 years ago. Credit:Chris Hyde Who murdered George Brown? Why? Where are they now? Who else could be keeping the killers' grisly secret? The tortured remains of Mr Brown, a Sydney horse trainer, were found inside his incinerated car at the top of Bulli Pass on April 3, 1984. The government will now require the owners of the three big mines in the Valley - Hazelwood, Yallourn and Loy Yang - to increase their bonds to half of the owners' estimated costs of rehabilitation by June, and then the full cost by the start of next year. Responding to a sweeping inquiry into the impact of the brown coal industry on the Latrobe Valley and the fallout of a massive 2014 fire at the Hazelwood mine, Premier Daniel Andrews accepted findings that the bond levels were inadequate and risked taxpayers one day being exposed to the eventual costs of rehabilitating the massive mine sites. Victoria's big brown coal players will each have to stump up tens of millions of dollars as extra security for the clean up of their Latrobe Valley mines, with the Andrews government agreeing to dramatically increase rehabilitation bonds. That means AGL, which owns Loy Yang, will have to increase their bond from $15 million to $112 million by January 2017. The bond for Energy Australia, which owns the Yallourn mine, will rise from $11.4 million to $68.5 million, while the bond for Hazelwood's owners will go from $15 million to $73.4 million. The bond changes come amid a broader response by the government on Friday to the long-running Hazelwood mine fire inquiry. The government says it will accept in principal all of the inquiry's recommendations and will now draw up an implementation plan to put them in place. Mr Andrews announced that a further $51.2 million would be put aside in the state budget to enact the recommendations, including establishing new health programs and air quality monitoring for the Latrobe Valley. "We've had companies for too long that have been allowed to put aside just a fraction of what it costs to keep their mines safe and what it costs to return those mine sites to the community, to whom they fundamentally belong, at the end of useful life," Mr Andrews said at an event in Morwell. West Australian 'Potato King' Tony Galati will be allowed to grow as many spuds as he wants now his long campaign for market deregulation has triumphed. Until now, an outdated law written in the days of post-war food insecurity has meant the WA Potato Marketing Corporation has determined who can grow potatoes, what kinds and what quantities. SpudShed owner Mr Galati has been vocal in his opposition, a battle that has gone all the way to the Supreme Court. The government now intends to repeal the law and deregulate from July 1, with growers to get a $14 million 'adjustment package'. David and Wendy Farnell have avoided facing perjury charges for lying under oath. Credit:Channel Nine "Yet they allow this child to live with this man, who is surrounded by people who believe him ... and trust him, so they're not going to be able to protect this child either. "The court delayed what was a logical, common sense decision for so long now that this child has had some relationships with the people she is now living with." Baby Gammy with his birth mother shortly after doctors gave him the all clear. Credit:Reuters Pipah's birth mother, Pattaramon Chanbua, 22, applied to the court in April 2015 to raise Pipah after learning Mr Farnell was a convicted paedophile who had served time in jail for molesting young girls in the 1990s. She was born in Thailand in December 2013 by commercial surrogacy using Mr Farnell's sperm and an unidentified woman's egg after several failed attempts by the Farnells to conceive using IVF. But Ms Johnston said it was inconceivable the court would allow a child to live with a convicted sex offender and said the surrogacy arrangement was flawed from the beginning and would never be approved in Australia. "There's no way he (Farnell) could've had a child here (in Australia) as a surrogate, or under one of the programs, because he's a convicted sex offender, it wouldn't happen. "So he went overseas and bought a baby, he bought two, and he's pleading that he left the other one there. "I've been dealing with child sex offenders and their fanciful lives and I can tell you one thing, they're very good liars, otherwise they wouldn't be able to get away with what they do." She also argued that Pipah's safety could only be guaranteed if she lived with her birth mother and twin Gammy overseas. "You do not let a child, if you can avoid it, live with a registered sex offender," she said. "You just don't do that." "Where she should be is at home, with her little brother in Thailand." 'Safety program' to try protect Pipah The Family Court also ordered DCP officers to visit the Farnell home at least three times a year by appointment and make additional unannounced visits. The Farnells must also comply with a "safety plan" developed for Pipah due to the risk of Mr Farnell grooming her. The risk of sexual harm to Pipah was enhanced by Mrs Farnell's inability to shield her from grooming tactics Mr Farnell might employ at home. This meant Pipah could never be left alone with Mr Farnell, or even Mr Farnell in the company of Mrs Farnell, with the court order insisting a member of the "safety network" be present. Mrs Farnell told the court she would be happy to leave Pipah alone with Mr Farnell when she turned six - about the age of Mr Farnell's other victims. "Due to the incalculable level of Mrs Farnell's ability to protect Pipah from grooming behaviours, Mrs Farnell is not to be the person who supervised contact between Mr Farnell and Pipah," Justice Thackray ruled. DCP would also have to ensure the safety network used a 'Words and Pictures' method to try help Pipah understand why she can't be left alone with her father. But Ms Johnston said the method was useless in this case because the 'safety network' were people who cared about Mr Farnell, not Pipah. "A storybook is not going to change anything for this child," Ms Johnston said. "She has to live with this man... it is quite probable she would never disclose (abuse), because she would be too fearful of being outed from the family network. "She would risk a great deal by speaking out and the people that are surrounding Mr Farnell are people that trust him, and care about him and will protect him, even against her." According to her Mr Farnell could not be trusted and, if was was truly repentant, should do everything he could to not re-offend. "It is in his best interests ... to make sure he is not in the company of young children. It's like an alcoholic would not get a job in a pub," Ms Johnston said. "We've got the word of a convicted child sex offender, I don't know how much value you can place on that, but on my money, not much." Risk of re-offending unknown The Family Court also ordered DCP undertake further psychological assessments of Mr Farnell to learn more about his risks of re-offending. "Mr Farnell will undertake further psychological assessment to understand more about his risk of reoffending, and interventions which may lower that risk," Justice Thackray said. "Mrs Farnell will undertake parenting capacity assessments to establish her ability to protect Pipah from sexual harm, and to establish interventions to improve this." The court believed a bond between Pipah and her twin Gammy could be formed by the Farnells sending artwork drawn by Pipah to her birth mother and twin Gammy at least three times a year once she starts school. But Justice Thackray decided against ruling regular electronic communication between Pipah and Gammy and Mrs Chanuba, leaving that decision to both families. Neither parents have seen the other twin since the Farnells fled Thailand with Pipah in February 2014. The twins sparked a media frenzy when it was initially reported the Farnells abandoned Gammy in Thailand after learning he had down syndrome. Pipah and Gammy were born prematurely on December 23, 2013 with serious medical complications, with Mrs Chanuba forming a bond with them during her pregnancy, prompting her desire to keep one. But the Farnells fled Bangkok with Pipah when it became apparent Mrs Chanuba planned to involve police to try keep both twins after she learnt of Mr Farnell's paedophilia past. The Farnells also lied in an affidavit to the Family Court, which claimed Mrs Farnell's eggs - not a donor - had led to the twins' conception, and that baby Gammy had died after birth. They told their family back in WA the same lies. Drivers in and around the Perth CBD have been warned to prepare for congestion on Friday night, with the West Coast Eagles taking on Richmond at Domain Stadium and Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath htting the stage at Perth Arena. The Eagles and the Tigers will clash in a rare Friday night AFL match in Subiaco at 6.10pm, with Main Roads saying traffic is likely to be heavy in the local area. Richmond and the Eagles will again clash on Friday night - and it could spell traffic trouble for drivers. Credit:Paul Kane A full list of road closures and changed conditions around the stadium can be found here. Meanwhile, Osbourne and Sabbath return to Perth for a concert at the Arena which is set to start at 7.30pm. Further details can be found here. The Clinton campaign named this sisterhood forged in the shared loss of a child the "Mothers of the Movement," and they have become an unlikely linchpin of Clinton's success in the Democratic primary. At campaign stops, Mrs Clinton introduces them as "a group of mothers who belong to a club no one ever wants to join". The mothers will arrive in New York this week to help Mrs Clinton compete for the April 19 primary. Maria Hamilton, Geneva Reed-Veal, Gwen Carr and Lucia Mcbath, who all lost children in police encounters or gun violence, at a campaign forum for Hillary Clinton in South Carolina in February. Credit:New York Times Having these women by her side has provided Mrs Clinton with powerful and deeply sympathetic character witnesses as she makes her case to African-American voters. And they have given her campaign, an often cautious and poll-tested operation, a raw, human and sometimes gut-wrenching feeling. The presence of the mothers has also proved a shrewd political move, influencing black leaders and lawmakers to back Mrs Clinton. Gwen Carr, the mother of Eric Garner, one of the bereaved black mothers united by the loss of their children. Credit:New York Times "Those not supporting her are reluctant to go against her, because we led the marches and the rallies on these things and have worked very closely with the mothers," said the Reverend Al Sharpton, whose National Action Network will host Mrs Clinton and her opponent in the Democratic primary, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, for a discussion of civil rights issues at its annual conference this week in New York. "It certainly influences how we related to her campaign," added Reverend Sharpton, who has not endorsed a candidate. A woman holds a campaign sign at an event for Hillary Clinton in South Carolina in February. Credit:New York Times On Wednesday, Mrs Clinton received the biggest applause of an otherwise lukewarm reception at Reverend Sharpton's convention when she introduced Sybrina Fulton, the mother of Martin, and Gwen Carr, the mother of Garner. Senator Sanders has the support of Ms Garner's daughter, Erica; the director Spike Lee; West; and other prominent black figures, and he talks frequently about being arrested in the 1960s while marching for civil rights. But the mothers have allowed Mrs Clinton to "really tap into the pulse of the black community," said Yvette Clarke, a New York legislator who has endorsed Clinton. "The other candidate on the Democratic side did not reach out to us," Annette Nance-Holt, whose 16-year-old son, Blair Holt, was shot on a Chicago bus in 2007, said at a campaign event last month. She explained starkly that she was not swayed by Sanders' promise of free college "because my child is dead". Mrs Clinton's outreach to the women began early, even before she officially announced she was running for president, and has continued throughout her campaign. In December, Ms Reed-Veal, the mother of Bland, received a Christmas card in the mail. "I know this is the first holiday without your baby," the neat cursive handwriting read. "Just know, I'm thinking of you". It was signed, "Hillary". She received another note from Mrs Clinton when a grand jury declined to indict anyone in her daughter's death. That kind of personal touch inspired Ms Reed-Veal to join Mrs Clinton's campaign. At a black church in Milwaukee last month, sitting on stage next to the candidate, she told her story and implored the city's black residents to vote for Mrs Clinton. "Drive up to the corner where that young man is standing with his pants hanging down, and if he is 18 or older, take his hand and make him vote," Ms Reed-Veal said. "Make that young man know that people died for him. Make him understand that." For many of the mothers, supporting Mrs Clinton meant absolving her of the pain caused by the policies of her husband, former President Bill Clinton, including a 1994 crime bill that built more prisons, put 100,000 additional police officers on the streets and increased sentences for nonviolent drug offences. Ms Garner, who made an ad for Sanders, said Hillary Clinton was "constantly throwing around my dad's name" but had previously "called people like my dad 'superpredators'". Mrs Clinton used the term in 1996 to describe urban gang members and has since said she regrets doing so. And last week, Bill Clinton faced intense backlash after he drowned out the chants of Black Lives Matter protesters. "She's not her husband," Ms Nance-Holt said in an interview. "She's her own woman." The mothers must also contend with critics who say that Mrs Clinton's early and frequent outreach is a cynical ploy to woo black voters, who have largely swayed the primary in her favour. "People go around and say, 'You're being pimped by the secretary,'" Ms Reed-Veal said. "Who in the heck is going to exploit us?" Mrs Clinton shows a different side when she is around the mothers. She talks less and seems more maternal, growing teary and turning to Scripture in response to the women's pain. "Let us not grow weary of doing good, because in due time we will harvest if we stay focused," she often says, paraphrasing Galatians 6:9. "No one can deny that Bernie Sanders has just as much sympathy and compassion, but God put us in all sorts of packages," said Charles Rangel, a New York legislator, who is supporting Mrs Clinton. "He doesn't look like compassion. He looks like a guy raising hell on TV." The events at which the mothers appear unleash emotional reactions. At Tabernacle Community Baptist Church in Milwaukee last month, a woman in the congregation wailed as the other mothers told their stories. "When we heard those screams, we knew," said Nance-Holt, who had driven from Chicago to campaign for Clinton. "That was the sound when your child has been murdered." Shanghai: Plans to deepen United States-Philippine military ties, including joint patrols in the South China Sea, reflect a "Cold War mentality", China's defense ministry said, pledging to resolutely oppose any infringement on the country's sovereignty. The comments, published on the defence ministry's website late on Thursday, come after the United States said it would ramp up its military presence in the Philippines and announced that the two countries had started joint patrols in the disputed waters. US Secretary of Defence Ashton Carter plans to visit a US aircraft carrier passing though the sea a move sure to anger China. "A strengthening of the US-Philippine military alliance ... is a manifestation of the Cold War mentality and is not conducive to peace and stability in the South China Sea," the defence ministry said. As swiftly as it was announced, Edward Snowden's schedule of virtual appearances in Australia has been dramatically curtailed. ThinkInc, the edu-tainment firm that originally planned for the ex-National Security Agency contractor-turned-whistleblower to make live video appearances in nearly all of Australia's capital cities, has reduced those appearances to just two Sydney and Melbourne. A screenshot of an encrypted video interview with Edward Snowden. Think Inc co-founder Suzi Jamil (bottom right) was the intermediary putting Fairfax Media's questions to the US whistleblower in Russia. "Regrettably, due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, we have been forced to cancel the Adelaide, Perth, Canberra and Brisbane shows," the group said in a statement to ticket buyers. Asked the reason for the change in planning, ThinkInc director Suzi Jamil said: "There is a range of reasons for the cancellation of other cities. Tokyo: North Korea tried but failed to launch an intermediate-range missile on Friday, the birthday of the country's founder, Kim Il-sung, the South Korean military said. "North Korea appears to have tried a missile launch from [the Sea of Japan] area early morning today, but it is presumed to have failed," the Joint Chiefs of Staff said. People in Seoul, South Korea, watch a TV screen showing file footage of a missile launch conducted by North Korea. Credit:AP The missile appeared to be a type called the Musudan, also known as a BM-25, the joint chiefs said. South Korean government officials warned on Thursday that it had spotted a mobile launcher carrying one or two Musudan ballistic missiles near Wonsan on North Korea's east coast. The Musudan is an intermediate-range ballistic missile capable of travelling between 2400 to 4000 kilometres putting the US territory of Guam within reach and of carrying a 1.3-tonne nuclear warhead, according to the Nuclear Threat Initiative. Berlin: Chancellor Angela Merkel, caught in a bind by Turkey's bid to silence a German satirist who lampooned President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has said that her government would allow the case to go forward, but that the outdated law that permits it would be repealed with effect from 2018. Announcing the decision to allow the court case against Jan Bohmermann, the comic, to proceed, Ms Merkel repeatedly insisted that Germany backs the freedom of press, opinion and culture and believes in the rule of law. "Not the government, but the courts and the legal system will have the last word," she said. Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Credit:AP Pointedly referring to Turkey as a partner and a NATO ally, Ms Merkel said that Germany expects the government in Ankara to heed democratic norms and that Berlin has observed attempts to restrict freedom of media and the justice system in Turkey "with great concern". But her decision also made clear that she cannot afford to antagonise Mr Erdogan after striking an accord with him to keep illegal migrants from proceeding to western Europe in exchange for billions of euros in aid. Vatican City: US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, addressing a Vatican conference on social justice on Friday, decried the "immoral" gap between the world's rich and poor that he said was worse than a century ago. The Democratic hopeful from Vermont has campaigned on a vow to rein in corporate power and level the economic playing field for working and lower-income Americans who he says have been left behind, a message echoing that of Pope Francis. The trip is inconveniently timed for 74-year-old senator, coming four days before a Democratic party primary in New York. A loss there would blunt his momentum after winning seven of the last eight state contests and give front-runner Hillary Clinton a boost in her drive to the party's presidential nomination. PHILIPSBURG:--- On April 7th 2016, a joint meeting was held between the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, headed by the Hon. Minister Silveria Jacobs and the Ministry of TEATT headed by the Hon. Minister Ingrid Arrindell, with the intention to work collaboratively to come up with a short term and long term solution concerning the School Bussing Transportation Service. Both Ministers give the green light for a joint School Bus Committee which includes prominent members of both Ministries, since both Ministries are working on a solution to come to a more efficient, safer and cost effective School Bussing Transportation Service for a number of years. The joint Committee had its first meeting on April 12th , 2016. The Committee is working diligently to come up with a short term and long term solution and will report to their respective Ministers within short. The strife is to look for solutions which are fair and encompasses the current operators and government in the short term, as well as solutions going forward in the long term, which government feel will be beneficial to all parties involve. The committee has another meeting scheduled early next week after which they will complete a report and plan of action to the respective Ministers. Once the plan is approved by the Ministers, a information meeting will be scheduled with the current operators. Let us continue to work together and work and push St. Maarten Forward. PHILIPSBURG:--- The judge in the Court of First Instance ordered on Thursday that three of the suspects that were arrested on November 26th 2015 in the Papegaai investigation remain behind bars as the case will continue on July 20th. On November 26th investigators arrested five suspects one being the owner of Casa Blanc, Carmen Priest who was later released. The other suspects that were arrested are Jessica Priest, David Priest Jr, and Quincy Priest. Carmen Priest has been released but her son, daughter and grandson remains behind bars. The suspects were charged with human trafficking, deprivation of liberty, and the possession of illegal firearm. PHILIPSBURG:--- On Wednesday, April 13, the launch of the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Participatory Policy Planning Conference at the NIPA. This two day conference is intended to discuss the topics needed to form St. Maarten ECD Policy and the benefits of expanding investments of ECD on St. Maarten. Welcome statements and introductions were given by Honorable Minister of Education, Culture Youth and Sport Silveria Jacobs. The Department of Youth Affairs within the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport is the entity responsible for monitoring the Rights of the Child and had therefore assumed the responsibility for the role of ensuring that laws and policies for early childhood development are established. In order to draft the preliminary Vision and Mission Statements of the ECD Policy, identifying the important activities and services to be developed under each Strategic Priority and considering the responsible entities and budgets for each type of activity or service must be established. The effects of early intervention for especially disadvantaged children lead to improvements in childrens survival, health, growth, and cognitive and social development. Children who receive assistance in their early years achieve more success at school. As adults, they have higher employment and earnings, better health and lower levels of welfare dependences and crime rates than those who do not receive there early opportunities. Therefore having policies in place to regulate ECD in order to positively influence the socio-economic development of the people of St. Maarten. Participants as stakeholders in ECD were various policy makers from the Departments of Youth, Education, the Division of Public Education, Emiliy Vargas-Baron; Internation Policy Consultant, SECDA, early childhood educator schools, Stichting Justitiele Instellingen St. Maarten (SJIS) and the Inspectorate representatives for the Ministry Public Health, Social Development and Labor. At the conclusion of the conference, a presentation of the final draft Work Plan for the ECD policy will be presented to Minister Jacobs. iBasis Agrees to Sell SMS Business to MessageBird and Partner on Future Business LEXINGTON, Mass. April 14, 2016 iBasis, a KPN company, and MessageBird today announced a definitive agreement to sell the iBasis A2P & P2P SMS hubbing business to MessageBird, an innovative communications services company based in Amsterdam. The agreement also establishes a partnership for future business opportunities. The transfer of iBasis SMS business, including customer and vendor relationships, expands MessageBirds global reach in the messaging landscape. iBasis, a leading international provider of wholesale voice and mobile data services, has over the last two years increased its focus on emerging 4G services such as LTE roaming and VoLTE. Robert Vis, CEO of MessageBird said: This accelerates our already rapid growth and strengthens our strategic position in global messaging. We are excited to offer iBasis customers our cloud-based messaging solutions, through which we provide scalability and global deliverability to over 10,000 existing customers in 60 countries. We are pleased to be able to find a strong partner to ensure continuous high-quality service for existing and future SMS customers, while enhancing our focus on the development of new mobile value added services, said Feddo Hazewindus, CEO of iBasis. Allyke, the Visual Shopping Company, Closes $1.3 Million Seed Round WELLESLEY, MA (Marketwired) 04/14/16 today announced it has closed $1.3 million in seed funding with investments from retail veteran Benedetta Casamento and well-known Boston angel Joe Caruso. Both will join the companys board. The investment will fund further product development, marketing and team expansion. Casamento is CEO of luxury lifestyle brand Calypso St. Barth and is a renowned retail and fashion expert with stints at Talbots and Liz Claiborne. Caruso has been a startup advisor for more than 20 years, making early investments in companies like Hubspot, Constant Contact, and Carbonite. Benedetta and Joe will play key roles as both investors and board members. With guidance from our seed investors, Allyke is changing how consumers shop, said Allyke founder and CEO Greg Moeller. Visual shopping makes finding and purchasing products fun. Our platform takes visual search to the next level and, most importantly to our retail partners, helps spark positive buying emotions in their consumers. Greg and his team are solving one of the biggest challenges facing enterprise retail how to create a differentiated, enjoyable buying environment, said Casamento. Allyke will help consumers purchase when they want, where they want, and how they want, with a consistent experience across all channels. This is the omnichannel retailers are envisioning. Casamento continued, Retailers are looking beyond simple tools and technology for comprehensive solutions that define a consumers shopping experience. Allyke provides the platform for this type of experience. Meanwhile, Caruso was particularly attracted to the breadth and depth of experience represented by the team. When you combine the teams energy, commitment and retail industry expertise with the technology and the size of the market opportunity, Allyke is a winner on many levels. Allyke has created a for enterprise retailers who want to offer a differentiated and consistent consumer experience while improving overall results. It lets consumers shop naturally, using images rather than keywords, dramatically increasing conversion across online, in store, and mobile channels. Learn more at Media Contact: Bobbie Carlton 781-718-7619 Big Switch Networks Recognized on CRNs Virtualization 50 List SANTA CLARA, CA (Marketwired) 04/14/16 , the leader in bringing hyperscale-inspired networking to data centers worldwide, announced today that , a brand of , has named Big Switch to its 2016 Virtualization 50 list. The annual list recognizes channel-friendly companies that provide some of the most innovative virtualization technology available. Selected by CRN editors, the 2016 Virtualization 50 list recognizes technology vendors that are leading the way in meeting a growing need for state-of-the-art virtualization offerings. These vendors are instrumental in helping solution providers select and deploy the right tools for building virtualized environments a critical first step in transitioning customers to the cloud. In addition to honoring vendors for outstanding products and services, the list serves as a valuable guide for solution providers looking for best-in-class virtualization technology suppliers. CRN editors select companies for the Virtualization 50 list on the basis of multiple criteria, including each companys overall impact on the market, its influence on the channel as a whole, and the desirability of the technology and services it makes available to its partners. Big Switch has made its imprint across the globe with a customer base that stretches across the US, APAC and EMEA, supporting companies and organizations across tech, financial services, government, telecom, and higher education. After a banner year in 2015, in which Big Switch experienced more than 300% growth in revenue and closed multiple deals of over $1M, the company is following a similar trajectory into 2016, fueled by a Series C round of $48.5M in funding and strong partnership with Dell and VMware. In January, Big switch announced significant updates to its product lineup. This included enhancements to its Big Cloud Fabric product, the networking industrys most advanced open networking switching fabric, which now offers deeper integration with VMware and provides administrators with physical network automation and visibility into vSphere Server Virtualization Environments and NSX Network Virtualization Deployments. In addition, Big Monitoring Fabric shipped with 100 Gb support, and advanced monitoring features powered by a new x86 service node, as well as a new inline DMZ security mode with policy based service chaining. Virtualization encompasses some of the most powerful tools in the IT industry today, enabling the centralization of resources and remarkable scalability of IT infrastructure, said Robert Faletra, CEO, The Channel Company. This thriving segment of the IT market is the driving force behind the rapid, fascinating transformation of the data center, and we are pleased to shine a spotlight on some of the key players in this space. Its an honor to be recognized by CRN for our efforts in helping our partners over the last year, said Douglas Murray, CEO, Big Switch Networks. Its been a very rewarding period in which Big Switch has continued to innovate and win the trust of service providers and enterprises across the globe as we transform enterprise networking. The Virtualization 50 list is featured in the April 2016 issue of CRN and online at @TheChannelCo names @bigswitch to @CRN 2016 Virtualization 50 list #CRNVirtualization50 Big Switch Networks is the market leader in bringing hyperscale-inspired data center networking technologies to a broader audience. The company is taking three key hyperscale technologies OEM/ODM bare metal and open Ethernet switch hardware, sophisticated SDN control software, and core-and-pod data center designs and leveraging them in fit-for-purpose products designed for use in enterprises, cloud providers, and service providers. The companys Big Monitoring Fabric is a next-generation SDN solution to monitor existing networks, and the flagship Big Cloud Fabric is the industrys most advanced bare metal switching fabric intended for new data center pods such as private cloud, big data, and VDI. The company is backed by Index Ventures, Morgenthaler Ventures, Silver Lake Partners, Accton, Redpoint Ventures, Khosla Ventures, Intel and Goldman Sachs, among others. For additional information, email , follow , or visit . Big Switch Networks, Big Cloud Fabric, Big Monitoring Fabric, Switch Light OS, and Switch Light vSwitch are trademarks or registered trademarks of Big Switch Networks, Inc. All other trademarks, service marks, registered marks, or registered service marks are the property of their respective owners. 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. 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. Media and Analyst Contact: Codeword for Big Switch Networks 707.364.1248 JSAs Telecom Exchange Heads to Los Angeles November 14-15 MIDDLEBROOK, VA (Marketwired) 04/14/16 , the preeminent marketing, public relations and event-planning firm serving the telecommunications and technology industries, announces today that , the premier industry networking event where communications and technology meet, is expanding to Los Angeles. TEX LA will take place on November 14 and 15 at . TEX LA is expected to bring in more than 50 exhibitors, including service and solution providers, data center operators, investment and research firms and software, hardware and app development tech firms, and more. As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, the underlying communications infrastructure continues to be a necessary and critical part of the enterprise IT ecosystem. According to , global spending on cloud, mobile, social and big data technologies and solutions in 2016 will be $3.5 trillion, growing to more than $3.8 trillion by 2019. Were bringing TEX to the West Coast at a critical time in our industry in the midst of an explosive growth of the high-tech sector and the digital convergence of telecom and technology, states , CEO and Founder of JSA. Leveraging the success of our other TEX industry networking events, which include New York, London, and Denver, TEX LA will serve as a catalyst for closing business with key decision makers. The executive-level event has a history of bringing together top thought leaders in communications and technology to meet and close deals. TEX offers direct, one-on-one, pre-planned meetings, a neutral exhibit floor, the Video Interview Zone (AKA the red carpet) for broadcasting news, engaging CEO Roundtables on the industrys trending topics, a VIP dinner announcing the latest inductees into the Telecom Hall of Fame and more. For more information or to secure your space and branding at TEX LA, visit . To participate at TEX NYC, taking place June 21-22, 2016 at Cipriani Wall Street, please contact . Celebrating more than a decade of success, Jaymie Scotto & Associates (JSA) is the preeminent provider of Public Relations, Marketing and Event Planning services for the tech and telecom industries. Awarded Most Outstanding Telecoms PR Agency by LiveWire for 2015 & 2016, our success is attributed to our skilled JSA team, innovative tools, and established media and industry relationships, allowing us to deliver the finest outreach and brand awareness services available with measurable return on investment. Our clients enjoy insider access to the top reporters, bloggers, analysts and thought leaders shaping tech and telecom as well as critical networking opportunities, including JSAs own industry networking event, The . We also feature client and marketplace news via (our video newsroom on YouTube), (our podcast channel on iHeartRadio), (our monthly panel discussions with top thought leaders), (our video newsletter) and (our industry blog). To learn more about how JSA can elevate your brand, visit . Join the conversation: Follow JSA on and . Embedded Video Available: For media inquiries, please contact: Jaymie Scotto & Associates (JSA) +1 866.695.3629 Aryaka Networks Selected as Finalist for 2016 Best of Interop Award MILPITAS, CA (Marketwired) 04/14/16 today announced its selection as a finalist for Interop Las Vegas in the SDN category alongside Cisco and VMware. The Best of Interop Awards recognize exhibitors for innovation and technological advancements in 10 core areas of IT. Award winners will be announced at Interop Las Vegas 2016, held May 2-6 at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. We are honored to be selected as a finalist for the 2016 Best of Interop Award, said Gary Sevounts, Aryakas Chief Marketing Officer. Aryaka is seeing phenomenal growth and customer traction with its latest SD-WAN functionality. Being nominated as a finalist in the SDN category this year further validates Aryaka as a primary innovator and leader in the software-defined networking space. In addition to being an award finalist, Aryaka is also showcasing its new service and Software-Defined Network Platform at Interop Las Vegas, one of the industrys most-respected independent technology events for modern IT and networking professionals. Aryakas SD-WAN Ultra is the first fully integrated SD-WAN solution that combines a global private network, WAN Optimization, and cloud/SaaS acceleration to deliver enhanced application performance, reduced capital expenditures, and simplified network operations at branch offices, all as a fully managed service. Aryakas new offering addresses the Achilles heel of SD-WAN solutions inconsistent latencies and jitter associated with their dependence on the public Internet for transport of mission-critical voice, video, data, and application traffic that is vital to business execution. It is the first and only SD-WAN solution that enables enterprises to solve application performance issues without having to invest heavily in legacy MPLS technology. Aryakas provides end-to-end enterprise-grade connectivity, application acceleration, and other network services to globally distributed enterprises. This network platform has been designed from the outset to reduce complexity and cost, provide high performance for cloud services even in geographies like Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa and deliver Application Acceleration as just one of a range of network services that can be provisioned on-demand. Congratulations to Aryaka and all Best of Interop finalists on the success of their new products and positive impact on the IT community, said Interop General Manager Jennifer Jessup. These are the types of visionary solutions that define the future of networking. Were excited for Interop attendees to be able to interact with these products first-hand in the Expo. After a thorough review of all finalists, an expert judging panel will announce the winners on May 4, 12:00-12:45 pm on the Expo floor. For more information on the 2016 Best of Interop Awards, please visit: Aryakas Software-Defined Network Platform provides optimized, software-defined network connectivity and application acceleration to globally distributed enterprises. Aryakas services have over 10 million users across 4,000+ sites. Leading brands such as Skullcandy, Air China, Freescale Semiconductor, and ThoughtWorks, as well as partners such as Microsoft Azure, AWS, Intelisys, and SK Broadband, have all chosen Aryaka for their enterprise-grade networking needs. To learn more, visit . Follow us on , , , and . Interop is the leading global IT infrastructure event series, offering in-depth education alongside a showcase of emerging technologies in an independent, vendor-neutral environment. For 30 years, Interop has brought the IT community together to explore the latest in network infrastructure, encouraging collaboration, and interoperability. Through dynamic conference programs, Interop helps professionals at all career levels leverage the network, systems and applications that enable business innovation. The Interop Expo and InteropNet Demo Lab provide immersive, hands-on experiences, while connecting enterprise IT buyers with leading suppliers. Interop Las Vegas is the flagship event held each spring, with an annual event in Tokyo and Cloud Connect China in Shanghai. For more information, visit . Interop is organized by UBM Americas, a part of UBM plc (UBM.L), an Events First marketing and communications services business. For more information, visit Shehzad Karkhanawala Public Relations Manager Aryaka 408-273-8420 Country Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Canada Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman 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Tuvalu US Virgin Islands Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland United States Minor Outlying Islands United States of America Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe By Jagdeesh Mann Special to The Post If you should find yourself at either of this months Vaisakhi parades in the Lower Mainland, pressed between hundreds of volunteers handing out steaming plates of fresh Indian food, take a moment to think about Christmas. No, not the modern product-placement version of Christmas as iconised by St. Nick holding up a frosty bottle of Coke. Rewind back two hundred years when the 25th of December was not universally celebrated, when there was no such thing as a Christmas tree, and when most businesses did not even consider it a holiday. Today as many Christians and non-Christians alike mark the Yuletide celebration. It is the international holiday. It seems conceivable that in multicultural Canada, the South Asian festival of Vaisakhi will transcend its cultural roots and be absorbed into the roster of annual national celebrations. As it stands today, approximately one million people of South Asian descent in this country circle these dates on their calendars. In the coming two weekends, over 400,000 people will converge to Vancouvers Punjabis Market, and 128th Street in Surrey to mark the start of a new year in North India, and concurrently honour the Sikh faith. The centre-point of the parade is a float showcasing a copy of the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib. It pinches its way through the dense crowds and past stages showcasing cultural performances. At hundreds of street stalls along the assigned route, families cook and give out traditional vegetarian fare from chickpea curries coupled with pooris, to jalebi sweets topped off with hot cups of chai tea. There are even stalls serving the uniquely Indo-Canadian fusion delight, the deep fried bread-pakora. These events in the Lower Mainland are the largest Vaisakhi celebrations held outside of India. Yet each year they become a little more uniquely Canadian as the festivities attract more diverse attendance. National institutions like the Canadian Armed Forces have become an anchor at the parades. Dozens of corporations and community organisations wedge for booth space along the parade route. The economic impact of the event is impressive. According to a study performed by Vancouver consulting firm MNP, the 2014 Surrey Vaisaskhi Parade generated close to $30 million in spending by out of town visitors alone. On the surface, Vaisakhi in Canada still has a distinctly Indian flavour much in the same way Chinese New Year has retained its own. But the underlying values of giving back, sharing, and embracing our common humanity the principles upon which the Sikh faith was founded are arguably as much Canadian as anything else. Few today know that jolly Saint Nicholas, aka Santa Claus, was actually born in Turkey and never saw a snowflake in his lifetime. Does it really seem like such a stretch the next great Canadian event will have started as an Indian harvest festival revered by Sikhs? Jagdeesh Mann (@jagdeeshmann) is a contributor for the South Asian Post based in Vancouver. Longtime Kamloops resident, Chanan Kaur Bagri, passed away peacefully on Tuesday April 12, 2016 at the age of 90 years old. Chanan was born in the small village of Sidhma in Punjab, India on March 1, 1926. She was the eldest of seven children and helped raise each of them. On June 9, 1941, she married Sucha Singh Bagri and together they had five children. With her husband mainly working in Canada, she showed strength, love and devotion by raising her children, brother, and running a farm all on her own. In May of 1967, she was able to bring her family and join her husband in Canada; first in Kitimat and then a year later settling in Kamloops. As the years went by and her family expanded to include grandchildren and great grandchildren, her commitment and dedication to her family only increased and flourished. Her loving nature set the foundation for all generations of the family. Chanan will always be remembered for the love and devotion she had to her family and for the generosity she showed to all she knew. She is survived by her five children: Tarsame (Erica) Bagri, Gurmej (Kashmir) Janda, Baxsho (Bahader) Johal, Gurmail (Kewaljit) Bagri, and Surinder (Parmjit) Bagri; fifteen grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; brothers Sohan (Gurdev) Sidhu and Swarn (Salinder) Sidhu; and numerous close family members. She was preceded in death by her longtime loving husband of 74 years, Sucha Bob Bagri. A special thank you to all the care aids, nurses, and doctors that have helped in the care of Chanan over the years. A gathering to celebrate Chanans life will be held at 1:30pm on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at Schoening Funeral Service Ltd., 513 Seymour St., Kamloops. Bhog Ceremony and Prayer to follow at the Sikh Temple; 700 Cambridge Crescent, Kamloops. Noie: End result all that matters for this one, for this Irish team Notre Dame needed this one, even against a program like UNLV, to keep moving forward toward exactly who knows what 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 Kandinsky Crater on Mercury NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Carnegie Institution of Washington NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft was the first probe ever to orbit the planet Mercury. It arrived in orbit around the innermost planet in our solar system in 2011 and ended its mission in 2015 with a crash into the planned planet's surface. The probe snapped more than 200,000 photos of Mercury. Here: Kandinsky crater lies near Mercury's north pole, and may have hosted water ice. MESSENGER spacecraft's Wide Angle Camera broadband image appears at left, outlined in yellow, and superimposed on an MDIS polar mosaic. The view on the right shows the same image but with the brightness and contrast adjusted to show details of the crater's shadowed floor. Image released Oct. 15, 2014. Read the full story here. Four Views of Mercury NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Carnegie Institution of Washington The Mercury Atmosphere and Surface Composition Spectrometer (MASCS) instrument aboard NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft shows spectral surface measurements of the planet Mercury. Image released April 29, 2015. Mercury's North Polar Region NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Carnegie Institution of Washington This view shows Mercury's north polar region, colored by the maximum biannual surface temperature, which ranges from hotter temperatures in red to lower temperatures in purple. Image released March 16, 2015. Crater with Slumping Sides on Mercury NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Carnegie Institution of Washington This view of Mercury shows two craters. The one on the left has a sharp rim for about one-quarter of its circumference (at the right side).The other three quarters consist of a broad terrace, created by slumping and inward movement of material, the cause of which is unknown. Image released March 9, 2015. Van Eyck Crater on Mercury NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Carnegie Institution of Washington Van Eyck crater on Mercury show long-shadowed features in a new image from MESSENGER spacecraft. Image released Nov. 14, 2014. Alver Crater on Mercury NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Carnegie Institution of Washington Alver crater appears on the limb of Mercury, just on the horizon. Image released Oct. 22, 2014. Crater Li Po on Mercury NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Carnegie Institution of Washington Crater Li Po on Mercury appears in the lower half of this image obtained by MESSENGER spacecraft on October 29, 2011. Image released Sept. 29, 2014. Berlioz Crater on Mercury NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Carnegie Institution of Washington The top image shows a view of Berlioz crater, with the areas that contain radar-bright material marked in yellow and persistent shadows marked in red. The middle image, acquired a few hours later, shows details within the shadowed crater. A distinctively darker region sits on the crater's floor, which corresponds well with the radar-bright and shadowed regions as shown in the bottom image. Image released Oct. 15, 2014. Read the full story here. MESSENGER Crater Hollows Mosaic NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Carnegie Institution of Washington Scientists with NASA's MESSENGER probe created this mosaic image showing a 9-mile (15 kilometers) crater on Mercury's surface. Image uploaded Feb. 7, 2014. [See the Full Story Behind this Mercury Photo Here] Mercury Seen by Messenger in 2013 NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Carnegie Institution of Washington A far-off view of Mercury taken by the orbiting MESSENGER spacecraft on April 23, 2013. MESSENGER Spacecraft Survey of Surface of Mercury NASA/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory/Carnegie Institution of Washington NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft captured the most comprehensive survey of the surface of Mercury. The Solar Dynamics Observatory has a Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI), an Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA), an Extreme Ultraviolet Variability Experiment (EVE), as well as solar arrays and high-gain antennas. The Solar Dynamics Observatory is a NASA spacecraft launched in 2010, in time to catch sunspot and solar activity at its peak in 2013 as a part of the sun's 11-year cycle. The satellite continuously records high-definition views of the sun's atmosphere in detail never seen previously. In addition to simply observing the sun, NASA is using this observatory to get better at predicting solar activity. SDO aims to provide insights on the structure of the sun's magnetic field, as well as how energy is transferred from the sun into space. So far, SDO has captured high-resolution views of solar flares, provided more information on predicting magnetic activity, and even captured two planets Venus and Mercury going across the face of the sun (from the perspective of Earth.) An IMAX view SDO is the first of NASA's Living With a Star program probes. The sun is an invaluable source of energy and warmth for the planet; however, its variability can at time cause problems. A large solar storm has the capability to knock out power lines or communications satellites, for example. The program's major goal, therefore, is to understand why the sun's energy varies and how it can affect Earth. One instrument on board is the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly, which can record pictures of the sun in IMAX resolution. With high-definition images available in most of the 10 available wavelengths every 10 seconds, it allows scientists to watch over the corona and see any changes no matter what temperature. The continual observations were expected to yield more information on the causes of solar flares and coronal eruptions. The other instruments are the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager, which can track electric currents and magnetic activity in the corona, and the Extreme Ultraviolet Variability Experiment, which monitors ultraviolet solar emissions. The spacecraft originally had a five-year life span, but has lasted beyond an 11-year solar cycle, and was still performing well as of mid-2018. Launch and first year in space SDO cost $850 million to construct and launch. The satellite was lofted into space Feb. 11, 2010, aboard an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. From there, the satellite was placed in an inclined geosynchronous orbit that traces a figure-eight path every day above the Earth as it watches the sun. "SDO's inclined geosynchronous orbit was chosen to allow continuous observations of the sun and enable its exceptionally high data rate through the use of a single dedicated ground station," according to the Solar Dynamics Observatory website. Controllers were astounded at what SDO produced in its first year of observations, particularly its views of the sun's corona. Normally that portion of the sun is best visible during eclipses, but with SDO, scientists were able to watch what the corona was doing from its tip to the sun's surface. "The science is really ramping up and it's very exciting to find out all the capabilities of the instruments," Phil Chamberlin, SDO deputy project scientist at Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., told Space.com in 2011. The mission has definitely exceeded my expectations so far and my expectations were high to begin with." Solar maximum, Venus and 'tornadoes' As the sun moved toward solar maximum (when solar activity is highest) in 2013, SDO's capabilities really began to shine for astronomers. A May solar flare was captured in high resolution, with pictures in multiple wavelengths showing the extent of the prominence eruption. The flare, though, was considered medium-sized, meaning that more spectacular eruptions could come before the cameras. With SDO's eye on the sun, anything that passes in front of it could also be captured by camera. A notable example was Venus, which transited across the sun (from Earth's perspective) June 5-6, 2012. The event is predictable but extremely rare; the last transit before was in 2004, but the next one won't occur until 2117. In 2016, SDO also captured Mercury going across the face of the sun. The next transit will occur on Nov. 11, 2019. In 2016, SDO captured a solar "tornado" that was five times wider than Earth, moving across the sun's surface in both images and video. At the time, NASA said this was likely the first time a video had been caught of the activity. The solar tornado was shaped by the sun's magnetic field; tornadoes on Earth, by contrast, occur due to wind activity. It also moved a lot faster; scientists estimated the sun's tornado whirled at up to 186,000 mph (300,000 km/h), while an Earth storm typically goes no faster than about 300 mph (483 km/h). More of these plasma tornadoes have been captured by SDO, such as one that occurred in late 2015. Observing events such as this gives scientists more insight into the underlying mechanisms of the sun's plasma production. Long-term observations SDO's long-term observations of the sun also show scientists when something different is happening. For example, in June 2011 there was a coronal mass ejection that ejected an immense amount of plasma, or superheated gas. Scientists in 2014 published results saying they observed the plasma splitting into "fingers" of matter in a similar way that has been observed in the Crab Nebula, a supernova remnant. This was an unusual opportunity to study what is known as the Rayleigh-Taylor phenomenon on a large scale. Also in 2014, scientists observed magnetic field lines looping and causing an eruption in the sun's atmosphere. The high-resolution footage captured by SDO confirmed a theory that had been held for years. These sorts of observations will make it easier to predict where large flares happen, which could better protect infrastructure on Earth, scientists said at the time. SDO briefly underwent a glitch in 2016, when it did not snap back immediately into science mode after watching the moon pass in front of the sun on Aug. 2. NASA recovered the spacecraft's instruments within a week. That same year, SDO also captured footage of a "coronal hole" (an area with less dense material) in the sun's atmosphere, In 2017, NASA released a video showing seven years of sunspot observations by SDO. That same year, SDO participated in observations of the total solar eclipse that swept across the United States in August. SDO regularly takes pictures of all solar eclipses it sees, including a partial one in October 2017 and a total eclipse on its launch birthday on Feb. 11, 2018. On Sept. 6, 2017, the sun showed that it could still send out huge solar flares even when it's not at peak activity. It belched out an X9.3 flare, the strongest one since 2006. That November, SDO also saw a circular filament a cloud of charged particles that usually appears as an elongated strand. NASA said the find was not scientifically noteworthy, but still interesting as it is a rare view. SDO had a popular chicken mascot called Camilla Corona SDO, who regularly attended NASA Social events and even once took a balloon ride to the edge of space. The mascot was reassigned to more general public relations work in 2013. Yet even as she announced that legal proceedings would go ahead, the chancellor also signaled her intention to abolish the law before the end of the current legislative session, saying it was "unnecessary." The chancellor also shared her concerns about the situation of the press in Turkey and the plights of individual journalists in the country. She added that the German government would ensure freedom of expression at home and she emphasized that the independence of the judicial system applied as much in Turkey as it does in Germany and "other countries in the democratic world." 'Kicking Kurds, Beating Christians' Merkel, in short, was doing her best to walk a political tightrope -- trying to satisfy Erdogan while at the same time seeking to assuage those voices which have accused her of sacrificing European values in the interest of securing a political deal with Turkey aimed at reducing the number of refugees coming to Europe. Ironically, it was a tightrope not unlike the one Bohmermann was trying to walk. His Erdogan poem was cleverly constructed. In the televised skit, he is talking with his sidekick Ralf Kabelka about the limits of what is allowed in Germany. Abusive criticism is not allowed, Kabelka says, whereupon Bohmermann -- to make it clear exactly what isn't allowed -- recites his poem about Erdogan. When the audience started applauding, Bohmermann prevented them from doing so. The poem includes references to "goat fucking" and "oppressing minorities." It calls Erdogan "dumb as a post, cowardly and uptight" and "perverse, lice-ridden and a zoophile." "Kicking Kurds, beating Christians all while watching child porno films." It goes on in that vein. The satirical verses drove a wedge through the country. Bohmermann managed to demolish a nationwide consensus that hadn't really been up for debate for years: What are the limits of humor? For Bohmermann, though, consensus generally isn't the solution; it is the problem. He views consensus as poison. His lines -- and Merkel's decision to allow legal proceedings to ensue -- have now divided Germany into two camps. One camp views Bohmermann as an uncompromising political artist. Those in the second camp are unable to get beyond the insulting nature of the poem -- the "pig fart" and the "shriveled testicles." They wonder if it is really worth it to defend Bohmermann's freedom to distill art out of insults. The real provocateur, of course, is Erdogan himself , the man who is Bohmermann's target and the man who is making life extremely difficult for Chancellor Merkel. And his provocations have nothing funny about them. It is a context that cannot be forgotten when discussing the insulting poem that Bohmermann composed. Those who criticize Erdogan are, depending on the circumstances, accused of being "terrorists," "traitors," "provocateurs" or "agents" of a foreign power. In a country where the majority is politically illiterate and gets its information from pro-government television, most people believe the dominant narrative of an evil world trying to keep Turkey in its place. In such an atmosphere, it is even possible for a schoolchild to be prosecuted over an ill-considered Facebook post. No longer is the discussion focused on whether the satirical poem successfully made its point or not. The work of art has become much broader than that. ZDF, the chancellor, Erdogan and the German public: All have become part of Bohmermann's work. Kowtowing to Erdogan The chancellor's role in the drama, put on full display on Friday, has been that of a politician who is trying her best to stay above the fray without getting her precious hands dirty. On the one hand, she sought to soothe the irascible prince of the Bosporus, on the other, she didn't want to seem as though she were kowtowing to Erdogan. She has failed on both counts. Germans are no longer certain if the chancellor still knows where the limits of her power lie. And in Turkey, the desire to take legal action against Bohmermann has only become greater. Bohmermann is both provocative and exasperating -- which helps explain why this scandal has not generated the reactions one has come to expect when an artist is being threatened with prosecution. The country has neither joined together to laugh at Bohmermann's poem nor has German society unanimously rejected the stereotypes used in the insulting work. Indeed, the effect of Bohmermann's sketch is akin to that of a real work of art: It is a puzzle that has inspired people to think hard about our crazy world and the mad times in which we live. Instead of holding up a mirror to the country, which is allegedly the function of cabaret, Bohmermann has sent the country into a hall of mirrors and has provoked all kinds of strange reactions. It is, in fact, these reactions which have transformed the mini-sketch into a bona fide work of art. Mathias Dopfner, head of Springer Verlag, the publishing house that puts out Germany's mass-circulation tabloid Bild, wrote an open letter in which he expressed "full and complete" support for all of the insults in the poem. Bild publisher Kai Diekmann tried his own hand at satire by inventing and printing an "interview" with Bohmermann -- one which wasn't funny at all. The German government has elevated beating around the diplomatic bush to a new art form. Government spokespersons have been reduced to stammering. The culture pages of German newspapers have dubbed Bohmermann's transgression as the only kind of real satire that is possible anymore. And other artists have expressed solidarity with Bohmermann. But a surprising number of people, many of whom are usually among the first to jump on the freedom-of-expression bandwagon, have declined to sign on this time around. Germany, it would seem, is unsure how to respond. Bohmermann has triggered a debate over a question that, it was thought, had long since been answered. When, after all, was the last time that Germany has seriously discussed where the limits of freedom lie? Even ZDF head Thomas Bellut, who approved the satire's broadcast, considers the poem to be borderline. "You can see it both ways," he says. The ZDF editor responsible, who talked about the controversial scene with Bohmermann before ultimately giving it the green light, "will not face any kind of disciplinary measures," Bellut says. The Least Bad Decision He made the decision to remove the scene from ZDF's online video hub based on "my personal system of moral values," Bellut says. "It was not an easy decision. But I still think it was the least bad decision that I could make." The decision taken by the ZDF head and its program director is not uncontroversial among the broadcaster's employees. On Thursday, the station's committee of editors sent employees a letter that wasn't shy about praising Bohmermann's poem. The letter noted that the ZDF program had a direct effect on heads of government and launched a debate. "Program mission fulfilled." But Bellut rejected the demand by the editorial representatives to put the satirical poem back on line as a "historical document." Still, Bellut says, Bohmermann can count on the full support of ZDF. The broadcaster has ensured him comprehensive legal support in his legal dispute with Erdogan. "We will accompany him through all levels of jurisdiction," he says. Bellut was on vacation when the episode of "Neo Magazin Royale" was aired. He was watching the program live, but switched it off before the controversial scene with the poem came on. It was only the next morning that he and his program director Norbert Himmler were alerted. Together, they decided to block access to the piece of satire and take it off of the station's video hub. Because the piece was removed on April 1, there was initially some confusion surrounding the move. Was ZDF's decision to take down the piece just a gag? Was it Bohmermann's next satirical coup, carried out with the approval of ZDF? Searching for Allies The comedian had already been involved in a similar caper. Last March, after German public broadcaster ARD aired a video of then-Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis showing his middle finger, Bohmermann claimed that it was a fake and that he had been involved in producing it. ZDF management had been previously informed of the stunt and the station only came clean after several hours. It was a precedent that led many to believe that ZDF was merely pulling a prank when it pulled down Bohmermann's Erdogan poem. Bohmermann himself was in his Cologne studio on April 1 recording his next show when news arrived that his video was being taken off line. In the corner stood the leftovers of a cake that Twitter's German office had sent him two days before due to his heavy use of the social media site. Wearing a hoodie and with his smartphone pressed to his ear, Bohmermann paced up and down the halls. He seemed distraught, say colleagues, like he couldn't believe the news. And he seemed unsure of himself. He had been censored before. During the presentation of the 2012 German Television Prize, similar to the Emmys, Bohmermann attacked TV host Oliver Geissen, an important figure at private broadcaster RTL. When the show was later broadcast by RTL, the controversial parts had been removed, but the episode had no effect on Bohmermann's career. The removal of the Erdogan poem from the ZDF media hub, though, has really shaken him. It was his program, after all. Was he not able to do as he liked? Those who have spoken to him in recent days say that he doesn't seem to know exactly what exactly has happened to him. Much of what he has done since the scandal broke has seemed despondent. Bohmermann has written and called a number of public personalities, including journalists and intellectual leaders -- even those who he doesn't know personally. It is unclear what he was expecting to hear from them. Advice? Encouragement? In his search for allies, he wasn't particularly picky. He chose Christian Schertz as his attorney, a prominent lawyer in Berlin who Bohmermann has frequently lampooned on his show in the past. He also sent a direct message via Twitter to Merkel's chief of staff, Peter Altmaier, asking him for help. He addressed Altmaier simply because they both follow each other, but after an initial reply, Altmaier didn't write back. Seeking Shelter at the Slaughterhouse Bohmermann also tweeted directly to Kai Diekmann, the publisher of Bild. He sent a joke wondering how someone named Himmler (like the ZDF program director) could be in a position to make decisions regarding humor in Germany. He also sent a photo of himself in his bathroom wearing only boxer shorts with a smiley on the back. He wrote: "Kai, stand by me." In a further message, he requested that Diekmann respect his privacy, which is a bit like a pig seeking shelter at the slaughterhouse. Diekmann behaved as one would have expected: He tweeted out some of the personal messages he had received along with the message that he was "seriously concerned" about Bohmermann's wellbeing. It is difficult to say whether Bohmermann has realized that he has written a work of satire that will go down in history. He isn't talking, after all. Perhaps he is simply overwhelmed by the perfect cultural, medial and political storm he has created and has been unable to withstand the buffeting. The situation is such that Cologne police undertook an analysis of the possible safety issues facing Bohmermann and drew the conclusion that an attack is not out of the question. There haven't been any concrete threats, they said. However, it is "very likely that Erdogan himself wasn't the only one who felt insulted, but perhaps one or two of the Turks living in Cologne," said one high-ranking officer. What, though, was Bohmermann trying to achieve? Was he trying to create a scandal, or was it just an accident? The skit itself seems rather hurriedly produced, not at all comparable to the professional video productions that Bohmermann normally assembles. But perhaps it is this rather naive approach that ultimately led to the skit having such an explosive impact. It begins with a cumbersome, pedagogical explanation of what makes for insulting criticism, recited in a humorless tone. Bohmermann then interrupts the lesson to give an example: the Erdogan poem. It is almost reminiscent of a Monty Python skit. There is that scene in "Life of Brian" where a character is to be stoned for saying Jehovah, and yet the protagonists keep saying Jehovah by accident. Jehovah. Jehovah. Jehovah. Whether Bohmermann really wanted to insult Erdogan isn't the point. It seems likely that he just wanted to reach a higher plain of humorous debate, one that is neither commentary nor protest. And as with all artists, it is not up to him to interpret his own work or to ask before it is presented whether it is permissible, whether it is a constructive contribution to the public debate or what people might say about it. Something of an Oddball Bohmermann is part of a new generation of television personalities in Germany, but he is also the best of the bunch. He is the cleverest and most ambitious of them and also the best at marketing himself. He is political and takes positions on the issues. And there is another difference: For Bohmermann, television is only one of several mediums he uses to distribute his content. He also approaches his audience elsewhere, such as in social media. When Bohmermann last year claimed to have faked the middle finger of the Greek finance minister, he initially made the announcement in the Internet, and not on television, a move that stirred up the German media world. But for online city dwellers in their thirties, Bohmermann has become something of an idol. Those who like him can take comfort in knowing that they are on the correct side of the political spectrum. Like many comedians, Bohmermann was something of an oddball as a student. He had friends, to be sure, but even as graduation was approaching, he was more interested in Legos than in girls. As a teenager, he built a website for small, local businesses. And even today, he doesn't take part in activities that most people consider normal. He doesn't drink alcohol and he doesn't like going to parties. His father was a police officer, and was occasionally tasked with providing security during neo-Nazi marches. Bohmermann learned early that even extremists are protected by the state and he has a deep appreciation for the police. His father, though, died of leukemia when he was 17 and Bohmermann began writing for the local newspaper to earn a bit of money. He has never spoken much publicly about his father, nor does he talk about his wife and children. Early on in his radio career, Bohmermann frequently found himself at odds with the system, partly because he regularly provoked his bosses. He was deeply troubled by the constraints and rituals that characterized conformist, bland public broadcasters. At the station Bremen 4, he says he was suspended from presenting on air for a month because he refused to say "This is Bremen 4" four times an hour, instead having a 60-year-old show assistant do it -- or he would change the words around. Another station took him off the air after just six months. Then, Bohmermann submitted his own resignation from state broadcaster Hessischer Rundfunk because he felt he wasn't getting the respect he deserved. He has remained pugnacious throughout his career. He believes in public broadcasting, but he modifies it according to his needs. Television is his prisoner and he does with it as he pleases -- knowing full well that there are senior managers at the broadcasters who believe that people like Bohmermann are out to ruin television. Along the way, he has undergone an astounding transformation. Just four years ago, he was still insisting that he had no interest in politics. That may have been, of course, simply part of his image, but at the time he seemed much more intent on producing complete nonsense. Back then, he said that he sees himself as a comedian and not as a maker of cabaret. Or perhaps performance artist would be more apt. Racist Cliches Even Bohmermann's music videos are political today. A few weeks ago, he filmed one in which he paraded out all the cliches about Germany. It was intended as proof that the recycling-obsessed, outdoor jacket-wearing, nice Germans are in the majority and not those who vote for the right-wing populist, anti-immigration party Alternative for Germany or those who join Islamophobic Pegida protests. It ran under the slogan: "Make Germany great again." At the point in the video where he calls out to the mob, "You're not the people, you're the past," it's no longer the character speaking, but Jan Bohmermann himself. The fact is that he does have a problem with the rise of AfD and Pegida. That becomes apparent when you speak with him privately. He's very much troubled by German history. That's why the fact that some consider him to be racist following the Erdogan episode is so deeply upsetting to him. The Political Disaster Yet while Jan Bohmermann's personal drama is happening quietly behind the scenes, the political game is being played out very publicly. As it unfolds, the Bohmermann affair of state is slowly detaching itself from its protagonist. The satirist is merely the trigger for unfolding events. It is others who are causing it to escalate. Within days, what began as resentment between two countries has become an outright political disaster. It is one partly triggered by Merkel's spokesman, Steffen Seibert, ironically a former ZDF journalist himself. Following a complaint by the Turkish government, Merkel held a telephone conversation with Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu. The next day, Seibert reported in a press conference that Merkel was of the opinion that Bohmermann's satire text had been "deliberately hurtful" and that she had described it as such to Davutoglu. It was an unusual thing to say given that Seibert normally blocks questions from journalists about Merkel's phone calls -- and the move was intended to prevent Erdogan from taking legal measures on his own. Four days later, it became clear that this had been a miscalculation. That's the day a fax containing an official diplomatic note verbale from the Turkish Foreign Ministry arrived in the legal department of Germany's Foreign Ministry. In it, the Turkish government announced that it would submit a criminal complaint in Germany against Bohmermann for insulting a foreign head of state under Paragraph 103 of Germany's Criminal Code, a relic dating back to the era of the Kaiser. A Lack of Unity Because such legal proceedings may only be carried out if authorized by the federal government, the ball was now in Merkel's court and the maneuvering got underway in earnest. In formal terms, a letter from Germany's Foreign Ministry to the responsible public prosecutor would suffice to get things rolling. But Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier (SPD) didn't want to personally take on that level of responsibility. He informed Merkel that he felt this was a matter for the entire German government. The debate went on for days but no consensus developed. On Monday afternoon, officials from the Chancellery, the Foreign Ministry and the Justice Ministry met to brief each other on the latest developments. The meeting -- led by Merkel's foreign policy advisor, Christoph Heusgen, and Stephan Steinlein, Steinmeier's state secretary -- failed to produce any results. In the Chancellery, officials tended to favor allowing the criminal proceedings under Paragraph 103 to go ahead as a way of deferring ultimate judgment to the justice system. Berlin government officials made the case that a precedent had been set in the case of former Swiss Federal President Micheline Calmy-Rey, who was the last person to successfully place a criminal complaint under the law in Germany in 2007. After a Swiss national had posted insults about her on the Internet in Regensburg, Germany, a German court prosecuted the man. Besides, government officials argued, Seibert had already said what the chancellor thought of Bohmermann's poem. How could they now refuse Erdogan's demand? Fear of Turkey? There is also a feeling in the Chancellery that Germany has shown Turkey the "cold shoulder" in recent years and that there is an opportunity right now to draw the country closer to Europe again. And of course there is also a nightmare scenario: The chancellor fears that Erdogan may scrap the refugee deal with the EU if she doesn't yield to the Turkish demand. The treaty is more than just a piece of paper to Merkel -- it's proof that the refugee crisis can be solved with means other than barbed wire. If Erdogan were to scrap the treaty, which was so painstakingly hashed out, it would be a significant defeat for the chancellor. The Bohmermann scandal also became the source this week of a serious row within the government coalition. The SPD and the conservatives are in no way united on the issue. In contrast to Merkel, Foreign Minister Steinmeier does not want to yield to Erdogan on the issue. Officials in the Foreign Ministry fear that giving in might encourage other foreign government leaders who somehow feel offended to take similar action. "We are skeptical about whether criminal law is the right path here," one source close to Steinmeier says. When leaders of the government coalition met up on Wednesday night in the Chancellery, they actually had more important issues to talk about than the Bohmermann affair. Germany's new integration law was on the agenda as was a reform of the country's inheritance tax and the Energiewende plan to eliminate nuclear power. But that night, at 12:30 a.m., Horst Seehofer, the head of the Christian Social Union, the Bavarian sister party to the CDU, asked Merkel and SPD chairman Sigmar Gabriel to private meetings. Merkel told Seehofer that she wanted to grant Erdogan's request. Seehofer answered that the German people viewed the deal with Turkey very critically. "Under no circumstances can we allow ourselves to become dependent on Turkey," he said. But he also said he would not stand in the way of Merkel's decision as long as she also noted when making it that freedom of the press must also apply in Turkey. But Merkel proved unable to sway Gabriel during a meeting with him. This led the chancellor to consider once again cancelling the usual Thursday noon press conference in which the results of the coalition committee meeting are presented. Merkel had been concerned that the Bohmermann affair would overshadow everything else. But then she changed her mind. At the press conference, she addressed the Bohmermann scandal only by saying that the government was still reviewing the matter. She didn't mention a word about the political dispute behind the scenes that had led to the delay. For Merkel, the Bohmermann scandal is a debacle because it lays bare the shortcomings of her own refugee policies. It was right to negotiate a treaty with Turkey in order to reduce the flow of refugees, and of course this must also entail making some concessions to the Turkish autocrat in Ankara. Global politics, after all, is not an ethics seminar. The problem is that Merkel made it sound as if there were no other way for getting the refugee crisis under control than entrusting herself to a man who has no qualms about exercising any power he has at his disposal. A Bow to Erdogan Merkel's political approach is based on finding consensus to solve problems and breaking even the most difficult aspects of politics down into manageable portions. This also served as her approach in the Bohmermann scandal. She emphasized, of course, that the values of Germany's constitution are "non-negotiable." She said: "Journalistic freedom applies to us, but we will also demand it in Turkey." At the same time, she snubbed Bohmermann's disparaging poem. It was a bow to Erdogan's belief that heads of state always know best when it comes to how far satirists should be allowed to go. On this issue, it will be hard for Merkel to win with anybody. In Germany, she will now be viewed as a chancellor who has a wavering stance on artistic freedom. With a bit of good will, one might be able to accept the decision as having been a necessity in terms of realpolitik. But realpolitik must also be measured against the results it produces. In this case, Merkel's efforts at rapprochement with a man who seems to view his country as more of a sultanate than a democracy did little to prevent Erdogan from taking action against Bohmermann. To the contrary: It appears that her actions encouraged him to tap all the avenues available to the Turkish leader in the German Penal Code to launch a legal challenge against Bohmermann for insulting him, including personally filing a criminal complaint, which he has also done. The move ensured that the public prosecutor would have to investigate the case even if the federal government made the decision not to pursue it. The provocation actually serves Erdogan because it will enable him to close his ranks even further. The more effort his critics make in poking fun of him, it seems, the more solid support among his backers grows. His efforts to snub his opponents are a targeted political instrument that Erdogan frequently deploys in a way that fits well with his quick-tempered character. Still, Turkey has a tradition of satire and it still exists in the country. There isn't just one Bohmermann-like case in Turkey, there are hundreds. The situation there for satirists is so dire that most Turkish humorists don't want to talk publicly about the conditions under which they are currently forced to work. "Today I talk and tomorrow I'll be buried," says one, who prefers to remain anonymous. "It's enough that we risk our lives with our texts and drawings. We don't have to talk to the media as well." For Merkel, the Bohmermann affair comes at a bad time, just as the refugee deal with Turkey -- a deal which she is almost entirely responsible for putting together -- is beginning to gain traction. On Wednesday of this week, European Council President Donald Tusk spoke before European Parliament in Strasbourg, noting that the numbers of migrants coming to Greece from Turkey across the Aegean Sea has dropped significantly. In January, he said, it was 70,000 people, in March it was just 30,000 and in April, just 1,000 people have arrived thus far. "How many would have come in April if we had not taken action?" he asked.the European Parliament in Strasbourg, noting that the numbers of migrants coming to Greece from Turkey across the Aegean Sea has dropped significantly. In January, he said, it was 70,000 people, in March it was just 30,000 and in April, just 1,000 people have arrived thus far. "How many would have come in April if we had not taken action?" he asked. Top Commission officials who are critical of the deal also admit that Turkey has at least partially upheld its end of the bargain and that the number of refugees heading for Greece is dropping. But there are problems. According to Amnesty International reports, Turkey has sent up to 100 Syrians back into Syria every day this year. "Is this true? And if this is true, can we continue with a deal that is against international law and against our obligations?" asked Guy Verhofstadt, floor leader for the Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, in Strasbourg. His party believes Erdogan is using the deal to force Europe to back away from its values. "We have already given him the keys to the gates of Europe and now we risk handing over the keys to our newsrooms to him so that he decides and controls our media," Verhofstadt said. Bohmermann's skit, he said, is "not my taste in humor, but in a free society such satirical poems must be possible. That is the price we pay for our freedom, and we pay happily for our freedom." With his skit, the artist Jan Bohmermann has created a monument to himself. And even if hardly anyone has been able to see the Erdogan number in its entirety, it already belongs in the German Historical Museum. By Markus Brauck, Jorg Diehl, Dietmar Hipp, Isabell Hulsen, Hasnain Kazim, Alexander Kuhn, Nils Minkmar, Martin U. Muller, Peter Muller, Ann-Katrin Nezik, Rene Pfister, Fidelius Schmid and Christoph Schult This special sale of Hunday young-stock comprises 70 heifers. 16 in-calf heifers due to the Angus. 24 bulling heifers 1714 mths old & 29 heifer calves 10-4 mths old. They are sired by Gen-I-Beq Brawler, De-Su History, Coldsprings Ponder, Regan-ALH DooDah & Silverridge Album. There are 16 Brown Swiss cross heifers in this special group of heifers. Following the heifer sale almost 10,000 doses of semen will be sold. The sale also features the monthly Border & Lakeland monthly club sale and a number of part dispersals totalling 211 head comprising 119 Holsteins, 46 Brown Swiss, 43 Ayrshire & 3 Jerseys. The Border & Lakeland Holstein Club sale has an excellent offering of 77 outstanding milking heifers and cows all freshly calved from the following herds: Bluestones, Bowberhill, Cambus, Chishillways, Cumcatch, Cuthill Towers, Hailstone, Kepculloch, Meiklefirth, Monyruy, Petteril, Plaskett, Roansbank, Weirston, Wormanby. The sale also features a number of dispersal sales including: The second sale to disperse the Ballygreggan pedigree Ayrshire herd for Mr A C Millar Ballygreggan Farm, Campbelltown. Comprising 35 Ayrshires. There are 27 cows & heifers in milk & 8 in-calf heifers. This is a special group of freshly calved milkers all giving large volumes of high quality milk. The herd is currently av.6572kg 4.40% 3.37%. There are 3 Excellent, 5 Very Good & 10 Good Plus selling. Ballygreggan Cushie 10 is a super EX92 pointed cow her special Poos Stadel Classic daughter sells due in May. Cows sired by West Mossgiel Modern Class, Willsbro Red Razzle & Wisconsin Red. In-calf heifers sired by Poos Stadel Classic & Barr Governor. BVD tested clear. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate DANBURY City officials said they were thrilled to learn this week that the long-anticipated lease for Naugatuck Valley Community Colleges downtown campus has been finalized by state officials. For more than eight years, officials with the community college, which already has a satellite location on Main Street, have been working on plans to expand its presence in the city due in part to a growing enrollment at the existing facility. Downtown stakeholders have said the campus is one of the cornerstones of redevelopment efforts in the citys center. Everyone, including the university president and local landlord Joe DaSilva worked very hard to make this happen, said P.J. Prunty, executive director of CityCenter Danbury. Having the college stay in our downtown is a critical to downtowns future. While state officials had selected the Pershing building owned by DaSilva at the corner of West and Main streets at least a year ago, it took some time for state officials to move forward in the leasing process, which required approvals from a variety of departments including the state attorney generals office. NVCC President Daisy Cocco De Filippis said in a recent statement that the new Danbury campus has been a significant dream of the community college for many years. De Filippis noted that enrollment in Naugatucks local programs spiked significantly after it began offering for-credit classes in the spring of 2009. In the fall of 2010, the local center had an enrollment of about 389 students but by fall 2014 that number had already nearly tripled to more than 1,100 students. I am delighted to expand our campus in Danbury as it thrives as a college community in the downtown area, De Filippis said. We are about access and changing lives by means of offering a quality, affordable education in support of our students and the needs of community and industry partners. The college will lease approximately 20,000 square feet of the buildings second and third floors, which is more than three times the size of its current facility. The larger space will include additional classrooms, a large lecture space, computer labs, science labs, a health lab, a large multipurpose room for tutoring, a library and a seasonal bookstore. In January the states Bond Commission approved $2 million for the purchase of equipment to fit out the space. DaSilva, who could not be reached for comment Thursday, has been working on fixing up the building during the past year in the hopes that the lease would move forward. I just walked through the building about a month ago with Joe and they are ready to go full steam ahead, Prunty said. Mayor Mark Boughton said he is happy to see the project move forward, particularly in light of the near $1 billion projected deficit that members of the state Legislature are trying to grapple with in Hartford. In these economic times you just dont know what state projects will move forward, he said. But we are happy to see that this campus is going to become a reality. NVCC officials said it will be accepting applications for the fall 2016 semester this week, which will include a substantial increase in the number of types of courses offered at the facility. dperrefort@newstimes.com 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. WASHINGTON Nurse Helene Andrews had no idea her life was about to change forever in 2009, the day she handed a 25-year-old psychiatric patient at Danbury Hospital his medication and a cup of water. Without warning, the patient suddenly became viciously violent, Andrews said at a Capitol Hill news conference Thursday. He punched me with his full strength in my jaw, hurtling me backward onto the floor. The impact of my body crashing down shattered my left leg at the hip. She recalled: I lay on my back in excruciating pain, all of the bones and soft tissues in my hip were torn and broken, only my skin held my now lifeless leg onto my body. She needed total reconstruction of her femur and hip with supporting rods. After weeks of intensive rehabilitation and six months of physical therapy, she was cleared to go back to work. Upon her return, Andrews learned staff was not consistently alerted to patients with violent histories, and her attackers mother had visited something that could easily trigger a violent assault. The psych unit was poorly configured on two floors, so much of the staff knew nothing of the assault. The security guard on the unit was not able to prevent the attack. After being cited by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration in 2010, Danbury Hospital took steps to prevent a repeat, and Connecticut enacted laws to prevent workplace violence. But Andrews and a host of other victims joined lawmakers in Washington, including U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-Conn., to call for national OSHA standards for violence on the job. Preventing workplace injuries should be given the highest priority, said Andrews, one of four health care workers at the news conference to offering harrowing accounts of injuries suffered in similar attacks. A report Thursday by the Government Accountability Office on workplace safety showed the nations 15 million health care workers are five to 12 times more likely to suffer workplace injuries than other workers. Workers in state hospitals and residential and nursing facilities a good portion of them involving psychiatric care were higher still. The incidence of non-fatal attacks is on the rise, the report noted. In 2011, 22,250 cases were reported, according to U.S. Labor Department data. In 2013, there were 24,880 a 12 percent increase. We need to have very focused (OSHA) standards so theres absolutely no confusion out there in terms of not just enforcement, but also prevention, said Courtney. This is an issue that deserves to be at the highest level of focus (for) OSHA. Email: dan@hearstdc.com Lack of preparation seems to be a shortcoming for many U.S. executives who conduct business overseas. Few people take the time to do their homework so they can learn to interact comfortably with people of other cultures. Executives from other countries, on the other hand, often spend substantial time and money researching U.S. businesses and social customs. To stay competitive, cultural competence and a global mindset are a must. You must be willing and able to adapt to the clients culture and ways of doing business. Of particular interest are the nuances of dining out in a foreign country, since we all must take meals, often together. Here are some of the cultural differences you might encounter. Dont pass judgment. What may be considered bad form in the U.S. may be a common practice in another country, like slurping soup in Japan and Hong Kong. It is a sign of approval and appreciation and should be interpreted as a compliment. Related: Swapping Your Cubicle for the Beach: Here Are the Secrets to Making It as a Digital Nomad Let the host determine the seating. In China, the most honored position is the middle of the table, with the guest of honor in the middle on the other side and the others flanking the host in order of importance. When it doubt, let the host indicate where you are to sit. Slow down. In many cultures mealtime is an experience and not to be hurried. Business meals can last several hours and the wait staff will not rush your table as they do in the U.S. or bring the check until you ask for it. Dont necessarily clean your plate. In the U.S., leaving a little bit of food indicates that the food was delicious and you are finished. Conversely, cleaning your plate in Cambodia means you want more and the host has not provided enough to eat. Speak more softly. A common complaint about Americans is that we speak and laugh too loudly. Lower your voice to a comfortable speaking volume. Related: These 5 Global Business Leaders Speak Multiple Languages. Should You? Cut your food. In many countries, like Germany, Italy, Chile and Brazil, utensils are used to cut and eat your food -- even when eating pizza or what we consider finger foods. Practice the continental style. Europeans use the Continental style of managing silverware--the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right without switching hands. If you pause to speak, cross your fork and knife across your plate to indicate that you are not finished, or the wait staff may remove your plate. In Japan, never stick your chopsticks upright in your rice. This is a funeral gesture used to honor the deceased. Instead, place your chopsticks in front of you parallel to the edge of the table. Watch your hands. In the Middle East, India and parts of Africa your left hand is used for hygiene purposes and should never be used to eat. In India, do not even touch the plate with your left hand. In Thailand, many dishes that contain glutinous (sticky) rice are eaten with the hands, as are dishes served in Ethiopia from a common serving plate. Many cultures are more comfortable when your hands are in sight, like Russia and France. Related: Good Manners Are a Career and Business Necessity Tipping is not always necessary. Tipping is not expected in many countries (check the Conde Nast 50-country tipping guide). In Japan it can be considered an insult. In Greece, Guatemala, Italy and Hong Kong a service charge is included in the bill at restaurants and bars. An additional tip is not obligatory, but is common to round off the amount, especially when paying in cash. As you can see, there are many variations on dining cultures and they can vary even between neighboring countries. To avoid unintended faux pas, research the customs of your intended destination before you travel. Related: Minding Your Manners When Dining Abroad The 6 Signs of Cell Phone Addiction Brush Up on Your Manners and Learn How Adam Smith Can Change Your Life With These Books Copyright 2016 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved Currently Reading Court cases that sent shockwaves through industries B Ps pay chief is facing mounting pressure after the humiliating shareholder revolt over boss Bob Dudleys controversial 14 million pay packet. Dame Ann Dowling, chair of the BP remuneration committee and a Cambridge professor, bore the brunt of criticism over her failure to negotiate a better deal for shareholders. Dudleys 20% pay rise, sanctioned by her pay committee, was overwhelmingly voted down by investors. BP also took independent advice from FTSE 100 pay consultant Gerrit Aronson on the deal. PIRC head of governance Tim Bush said: Dame Ann should be held to account for this. Its for the board to decide if shes the right person for the job. High Pay Centre director Stefan Stern added. She will certainly have to consider her position. But the board as a whole has some serious thinking to do about its attitude and approach to top pay. The oil group pointed out that 98% of shareholders voted to re-elect Dame Ann at yesterdays meeting. She is now leading a review into BPs remuneration policy, which will overhaul how much its executives get paid. Under laws introduced in 2013, BP will have to win support for this new pay policy at next years annual meeting or bosses will not get paid. The previous policy which triggered Dudleys 14 million payout was approved in 2014 with 96% of shareholders voting in favour. by PwC suggested that an exit could remove 12 billion of value from the UK economy. B rexit could spell disaster for more than 20,000 struggling UK exporters, a leading turnaround firm has warned. The UKs exporting industries are already under significant financial pressure and can ill afford any potential risk to the 50% of British exports that go into the EU, said Julie Palmer partner at Begbies Traynor. The firms latest quarterly Red Flag survey which takes the pulse of UK industry showed 21,000 manufacturing companies in significant financial stress during the first three months of 2016. That is a massive 20% rise on the 17,500 companies under financial stress at the same stage last year. Food and beverage companies are the worst hit with a 29% increase in distress levels, said Palmer. But it is right across all manufacturing sectors. The Red Flag manufacturing figures show that the threat of uncertainty surrounding the referendum has already put the brakes on this segment of the economy, which should be accelerating with the benefit of recent sterling weakness, with many UK firms adopting a wait and see approach to any change to the UKs relationship with the EU. A Vote Leave spokesman dismissed the findings. Any fears about trade after an exit vote are groundless, he said. After we vote to leave we will do a free trade deal with Europe but wont be run by Brussels. There is already free trade zone from Iceland to Turkey and we will part of that. Begbies research also found that the UK financial-services sector, which has significant exposure to European markets, has also seen a strong rise in companies in potential trouble. Those suffering significant financial distress rose by 23% from 4383 in the first quarter of 2015 to 5391 at the end of this March. Ric Traynor, executive chairman, said: The impending threat of a potential Brexit raises difficult questions over how the UKs financial-services firms could withstand any loss of passporting rights, foreign investment or influence over EU regulation. The current weakness in the UKs manufacturing industries and financial-services sector doesnt bode well for the UKs negotiating power with Europe and indeed other potential trade partners should Brexit become a reality. TheCityUK this week warned that up to 100,000 jobs could be at risk in finacial services if the UK voted to leave Europe. Its research by PwC suggested that an exit could remove 12 billion of value from the UK economy. I n the hushed environs of fund-management offices in London and Edinburgh, theres an unmistakable air of jubilation. Not just because its the end of the first week back from the ski slopes but also thanks to their revolution against Bobs Piggybank. Er I mean BP. Anger about Bob Dudleys pay had been building for months through the Investor Forum the arm of the Investment Association where rival fundsters chat about their common grievances. Yesterdays co-ordinated effort, they hope, sent a signal about corporate pay to boardrooms around the world: tie management pay to our returns, or else. WPP, AstraZeneca, Centrica, beware. British fund managers are a conservative bunch, not naturally inclined to rock the boat. So youre unlikely to find one prepared to demand BP scalps. Even remuneration committee chairman Dame Ann Dowling seems safe for now, despite the pressure from Pirc, the shareholders provisional wing. Perhaps their caution has some grounds: remember how we bayed for Alison Carnwaths head at Barclays over Bob Diamonds pay in 2012, only for it later to emerge that shed been the lone voice arguing against it? Shareholders say that theyre giving the dame one last chance to fix BPs pay next time around. The trouble is, theyd made it plain to the board that they were unhappy long before yesterdays vote, yet BP shovelled Dudley his cash anyway. Frankly, this is a company that doesnt seem to care what investors think. S hareholders of Poundland who kept hold of the stock after yesterdays gloomy update got a shock as analysts took an axe to forecasts. HSBC, JPMorgan, and Citi were among the brokers who cut their target prices for the discount retailer. Poundland, which was relegated from the FTSE 250 in March after a torrid 2015, revealed that its 55 million takeover of 99p Stores had hit sales in the second half of the year. While HSBCs Andrew Porteous agreed this was a legitimate reason for losing focus on the core business, he was concerned by the extent and duration of the slowdown. The previously bullish analyst slashed his target price by almost half to 160p and dropped his rating to hold. Heeding the advice, investors ducked the shares, which dropped 11.25p, or 8%, to 131p an even heavier fall than yesterday taking them to new lows and a long way off the 300p price the company floated at two years ago. It was a cautious end to the week as investors were waiting anxiously on the meeting this Sunday between oil producers about a potential crude freeze to bolster the faltering price of black gold. The FTSE 100 has been tracking Brent closely over the last few months and its dip today down by 51 cents to $43.33 a barrel saw the blue-chip index drop 14.15 points to 6350.95. Housebuilder Berkeley Group again bore the brunt of concerns about a slowdown in the luxury sector. The companys share price backtracked 113p, or 3.8%, to 2863p, taking Berkeleys decline during 2016 to above 20% as it closes in on the top flights biggest losers so far this year namely Barclays, RBS, Ashtead, and the biggest casualty, Next, which has shipped a quarter of its value. William Hill, off 4.4p at 329.1p, was hobbled by the mighty Goldman Sachs, which stripped the bookmaker of its buy rating following last months profit warning. Meanwhile, investors became weary of retirement-home builder McCarthy & Stone, which retreated 13.1p to 253.9p with Tuesdays half-year results in mind. Finally, cyber-security firm Osirium Technologies became only the 11th company to float on AIM this year. It raised 8.8 million by selling shares to institutions at 156p a pop double what it had originally hoped to make. Osiriums shares leapt to 183p. It is especially good news for its broker, Panmure Gordon, 1p cheaper at 58p. The City outfit has been under pressure to do deals and get more IPOs across the line. U ntil this week I took roughly the same interest in the affairs of the small Gloucestershire settlement of Stoke Gifford as I did in the comings and goings of the fictional Borsetshire village of Ambridge, which is to say: none, unless there happened to be a good stabbing coming up. Suddenly, though, you cant ignore the place. This is thanks to the joggers. Stoke Gifford has a park in which a few hundred people regularly get together to run as part of an initiative called Parkrun, which encourages people to do something which, if had they any gumption, they could do for themselves: put one foot before the other and dont stop until you feel quite ill. Having previously allowed joggers to do their thing for free, the parish council in Stoke Gifford now wants to charge them. Initially it proposed a fee of 1 per jogger. Now it wants to charge Parkrun directly. And because we live in an age of communal bleating and acquired victimhood, this has caused an outbreak of toga-tearing and hiccupping grief across the country, oxygenated by that symposium of the feeble-minded which we collectively call social media. I scarcely need to say there is now a petition; of course there is. And a handful of instinctively right-on former sportspeople, including Dame Kelly Holmes and Paula Radcliffe, have condemned the councils fairly reasonable decision as, to use Holmess term, a disgrace. This amusingly self-defeating squalling has resulted in forthcoming Stoke Gifford Parkruns being cancelled for fear of mass protests of the osmotically offended. I have nothing against jogging or joggers. Indeed, I regularly plod my sorry way around Battersea Park. If anyone stopped me to demand a pound, I would tell them to jump in the goddamn river. Of course, they would not stop me and demand a pound, because I do this plodding entirely of my own volition, rather than through a nannying organisation, and could happily do it elsewhere if necessary. It takes the barest motivation to put on a pair of shoes and start running; a disgusted look in the mirror and a pang of self-loathing for eating all my childrens Mini Eggs is usually enough. Perhaps I possess a streak of iron determination that others lack. Even so, and with a respectful nod to our straitened times, charging a quid to jog whether directly or indirectly does not seem exorbitant. You could buy Tata Steels Port Talbot plant for that. Yet there was a woman on the radio this week literally crying about her jogging habit being effectively terminated by this decision, as though the local council had ordered runners to be culled like tubercular badgers, not merely encouraged to contribute to the cost of the public utility they enjoy. It is no secret that services in this country are declining. It is sad that the money tree has dropped most of its leaves. But the childish over-reaction in this instance masks a basic unwillingness on the part of adults to act proportionately or independently. Run for a fee in the park, or run for free elsewhere. It isnt a big deal. Either way, get a f***ing grip. A date with Suzannah and her sidekick Obviously the TV event of the week is a new series beginning tonight at 8pm on Channel 5, entitled Henry VIII and his Six Wives. Its presented by the respected Tudor historian Dr Suzannah Lipscomb, and some oik from this parish, with a silly quiff and too-tight jeans. Dan something. Snow, maybe? Out of keeping with the current vogue in all prime-time television, I dont get my six-pack out in the show. But watch closely and you may get a glimpse of Henrys nethers. Dont worry: these are the nethers of Henry VIII in his golden years, when he was a dashing young Renaissance prince and not a fat, bloodthirsty, tyrannical bloater. Were not trying to put people off their dinner. Enjoy the show. Travis Bickle: Uber driver Its 40 years since the release of Taxi Driver, so the Tribeca film festival in New York is putting on a special screening to celebrate. I wonder what has changed most in the four decades since the release of Scorseses lean, sweaty, nihilistic psychodrama: Western cinema or taxi driving? Well, Im writing this in the back of an Uber Exec (free mineral water, natch), in which I get to control the stereo while the driver stares glumly at his Waze (all routes to the City are declaring themselves gridlocked). On balance, perhaps the only thing that has changed are the gadgets. About time for Netflix to reboot the Scorsese classic as a series: Uber Driver. You talking to me? No, Im playing with my iPhone. Leave me alone. Bono, the answer to world peace Bono suggested this week that the best way to fight Islamic State would be to make fun of it, and that the US should consider deploying Borat, Amy Schumer and Chris Rock to send up Islamic fundamentalists fighting for control of Syria and Iraq. Perhaps an even more hilarious option would be use Bono himself, who could be filmed giving policy advice for an hour at a stretch, which would reduce both sides in any conflict to convulsions of hysterical laughter, rendering them incapable of lopping off heads or liquidating one another with drone strikes. T he visit by President Obama next week promises to inject new vitality into the Brexit debate. The president, say White House officials, will intervene in the debate if asked (he will be) and as a friend. This in theory avoids the elephant trap of the US president being seen to tell Britons how to vote, which would almost certainly go down badly in some quarters. But assuming that he will go out of his way not to hector the electorate of a friendly state, his intervention could indeed add a fresh dimension to the debate, which is precisely what David Cameron hopes for. The US has made no bones that it is in its interest for Britain to be in the EU, and not just because it is easier for it to deal with a bloc rather than several countries. As one spokesman observed: We believe that all of us benefit when the EU ... can work with us to advance our shared interests, whether on security or prosperity. The reality is that Britain shares the US approach to the world and its values to a greater extent than almost any other European country. Britain is a spokesman for the American view of the world within Brussels. Outside the EU we would be less useful, though obviously were Britain to leave the EU it is inconceivable that the US would not be willing to forge free trade deals with us. So those Eurosceptics who think we would forge stronger alliances outside the EU with non-European partners have to deal with the reality that this is not what Britains most powerful ally actually wants. But the president will also be dealing with the critical issue of security and military co-operation against Islamic State in Iraq and Syria and, perhaps, in Libya. Here the reality is that Britain is already a less useful ally. The reduction in ground troop numbers to around 80,000, with more to go, means there is much less we can do to realise a strong and effective foreign policy. Britain is effectively leaving more of the heavy lifting in the world to the US: that really does undermine the special relationship. Sibling advantage There are few more fraught issues than the question of how places at primary schools are allocated. Where a child goes to school has a profound effect on his or her life chances; how places are allocated also affects social mobility and community cohesion. The suggestion then, from the website Netmums, that schools should no longer give automatic priority to siblings when the family has moved outside the catchment area, will give rise to lively debate. Certainly, parents routinely abuse the system by occupying accommodation close to a good school for as long as it takes to get one child in, only to move house elsewhere in the knowledge that younger siblings are assured entry. Yet it is also true that it is simply easier if all the children in a family go to the same school. There are no universally acceptable solutions. Perhaps school catchment areas should be expanded, perhaps sibling priority should be abolished, perhaps schools should admit pupils on the basis of social need as well as proximity. One thing is certain: if we had more really good schools the problem of demand would be ameliorated. Respect for the Queen Today's poll showing the publics widespread affection for the Queen reflects the respect she has won through her dedicated life of service. She is an example not only to other members of the royal family but to anyone who believes in the values of community and citizenship. It is notable that the popularity of the younger royals is also high a sign perhaps that Britains position as a constitutional monarchy is currently secure. The five months that have passed since Kensington Palace announced that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge planned to embark on a royal tour of India must have been fraught ones for Kates left-hand woman Natasha Archer. After all, for the royal PA turned fashion stylist (below) there can surely be no charge more terrifying than assembling a royal wardrobe with the dynamism to withstand tasks including rhino-weaning, elephant-painting and the hugging of dignitaries under the baking hot Indian sun. Along with 75 per cent humidity and temperatures that have yet to fall below 35 degrees, Kates clobber has also had to cope with archery, a six-mile hike and a spot of ritualistic dancing. And then theres the small matter of being culturally sensitive while avoiding cultural appropriation and, with it, the looming certainty that our Duchess would spark a global hate campaign should a sliver of shoulder or a flash of thigh make it on to a front page. Oh, and did I mention the whole world is watching? Truly, its a terrifying undertaking, for which Archer should be awarded a long holiday and a medal for bravery, just for making it through unscathed. With this in mind, Ill go out on a limb early here and let Archer off the hook with a respectable seven out of 10 - not, I hasten to add, because Kate hasnt put a wedge-clad foot out of place on this passage through India but because the duchess and her style sidekick appear to have tapped into the zeitgeist for fashion that embraces modesty. AFP/Getty Images You see, while many of Kates choices have drawn heavily on the culture of the host nations - notably the Bhutanese handwoven skirt and questionable Paul & Joe capelet (above) worn to Thimphu Dzong - it is impossible to consider this holiday wardrobe without wondering if shes fallen under the spell of Gucci designer and all-round global fashion superstar Alessandro Michele. Royal India tour: Kate's top fashion moments A host of this weeks outfits, among them the free-flowing dress by Indian designer Anita Dongre and the Alice Temperley two-piece that saw Kate through the Queens birthday celebrations in New Dehli, certainly suggest she may have been riffing on Micheles current infatuation with clothes with flounce. Tiziana Fabi/AFP/Getty As a result of the style sets borderline obsession with Micheles approach theres a hunger for fashion that brings together prints, textures and ideas from various points of interest - a sort of style kleptomania - and Kates Indian summer suggests shes fully on board. Instead of sticking to a streamlined silhouette, she opted to add volume and has boldly experimented with colour. Its only a pity she didnt take it further and adopt Micheles wide-rimmed Deirdre Barlow specs and metallic pussy-bow blouse. Oh what pure joy HRH Gucci could be. It seems that the duchess, a fashion fan with an enviable collection of Alexander McQueen, has also taken more than a passing interest in French fashion house Chloe - currently in the charge of Brit Clare Waight Keller - with a dedication to its style of grown-up bohemia very much part of her Indian-style repertoire. Royal appearance: Kate Middleton during an art class run by Salaam Baalak, which provides emergency help to homeless children at New Delhi station One A-line, ankle-length gown (above) from the unlikely source of Manchester-founded, fast-fashion brand Glamorous allowed Kate to cut an easy-breezy figure as she met street children. Another macrame embroidered Topshop creation embodied the same mood. But it is not just for this attempt, accidental or otherwise, to keep abreast of fashions current preoccupation with the Gucci granny that Kates wardrobe wins our praise. Frankly, its a relief to see her step outside her comfort zone. Heathcliff O'Malley/Daily Telegraph/PA In a week when the Duchess enjoyed more outfit changes than anyone else in history (even Madonna), the tour made a welcome change from Kates staple 18-hour shift dresses. Highlights from her collection of replacements - rumours suggest she packed 12-15 outfits, two for each day - include a paisley-print Anna Sui gown (above) which saw the duchess embrace print along with a longer length than is standard K Middy protocol and a stunningly embellished creation by US designer Tory Burch. A Temperley two-piece gave us cue to rejoice in the fact that a member of the British royal family had the balls to attend a state occasion wearing a crop top, albeit layered under modesty panels, that also stood out. Heathcliff O'Malley/Daily Telegraph/PA Kates fondness for nude wedges and helmet hair notwithstanding, the common thread running through all her wardrobe choices this week is a level of political correctness that few - Michelle Obama aside - will ever be forced to master. It is this that means however on trend, or politically sound she is with her choices, the duchess rarely looks at ease. During the royal couples trip to the Kaziranga National Park (above), came the exception. Here was a comfortably clad Kate sporting a white cotton shirt, a pair of Sebago moccasins and khaki jeans from Zara who looked cool in both senses of the word. More of that please, Natasha. @karendacre H ave you ever met someone and just wanted to smell their armpits? Have you ever smelled someones armpit to figure out if youre compatible? The answer is probably no. But were it to be yes, then an event that is perfect for you is coming to town. Bompass & Parr, the madcap duo behind previous events involving breathable alcohol, skulls, jelly and boozy saunas, are laying on the dating night with a difference, and it really does revolve around participants smelling each others armpits. The event is supposed to be a small-scale revolt against a "highly deodorised" online dating world, and will urge guests to explore their dating partners personality via the armpit. 50 free things to do in London 1 /66 50 free things to do in London A Cockroach Tour at the Science Museum Get a bug's eye view of the human race with the Science Museum's Cockroach Tour. Step into their shells (literally) and explore how science and technology are influencing our climate. Every Saturday and Sunday at 2pm and 4pm. sciencemuseum.org.uk Columbia Road Flower Market Come rain or shine, this East End institution peddles its colourful flora every Sunday from 8am-3ish. You'll get the best bargains as it starts to warm down. Check out the adjacent galleries, coffee shops and boutiques which open up at the weekend too. columbiaroad.info Getty Climb up Big Ben Did you know you can wear yourself out climbing up all 334 steps of Big Ben to hear the Great Bell chime the hour up-close? As well as taking in stunning views across London, you can also explore behind the clock faces. Guided tours only at 9am, 11am and 2pm every Monday-Friday. Book ahead. parliament.uk Getty In-store gigs at Rough Trade East Brick Lane's independent record shop hosts regular free gigs from the likes of Kendrick Lamar (pictured), Gabrielle Aplin and Foals. Wristbands are given out one hour before kick-off. roughtrade.com Getty Kerb Street Food Markets Making cities taste better one street food market at a time, Kerb are the ultimate foodie guerillas. Find them at King's Cross (Tuesday-Friday), the Gherkin (Thursday) & UCL (last Wednesday of every month). Feast with London's best traders including Mother Flipper burgers and the Meringue Girls (pictured). kerbfood.com (Picture: David Loftus) Hackney City Farm Give your kids a dose of the countryside in the concrete jungle at one of London's city farms. Our favourite is Hackney City Farm, which is packed with donkeys, pigs and chickens. Open from 10am4.30pm every day except Monday. hackneycityfarm.co.uk Play table tennis at PING Tables at Earl's Court hangout PING are free on a first come, first served basis. Don't miss tournament Tuesday. Games of Beer Pong are positively encouraged. weloveping.com Alfie's Antiques Market A hidden gem full of gems, this Marylebone market is an indoor haven for antiques, vintage, collectables and 20th Century design. Open 10am-6pm Tuesday to Saturday. alfiesantiques.com Gigs and club nights at the Social This central London bar has been going for 15 years. Theres a great range of weekly club nights with a mixture of resident and guest DJs spinning the tunes from house and disco to funk and hip-hop, plus showcases of some of the best new bands around. thesocial.com Lunchtime concerts at St-Martin-in-the-Fields Every Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 1pm you can listen to tomorrow's classical music stars, from pianists to choirs, play and sing for free at this beautiful church on the edge of Trafalgar Square. No ticket required. stmartin-in-the-fields.org Nike Training Club You can register for these free womens exercise classes via Facebook around two weeks in advance. Theres yoga, running and general fitness training sessions held in a mixture of indoor and outdoor locations including Clapham Common, Victoria Park and the exercise space in the Nike Town shop. facebook.com/NikeTrainingClubUK Walk the Tamsin Trail in Richmond Park Walk, run or cycle around the seven mile perimeter of London's largest royal park and try to spot a herd of Red Fallow deer (pictured). Don't worry - there are plenty of tea stops along the way. royalparks.org.uk Popcorn at Heaven One of London's biggest weekday club nights, Popcorn is one for hedonists who like to dance to house, hip hop and even cheese for seven hours on a Monday night. Just grab a wristband from G-A-Y Bar in Soho for free entry. popcorn-heaven.com The Queen's House at Greenwich Designed by Inigo Jones in 1616, this Italian Renaissance-style mansion marked a departure from Tudor architecture and houses a fine art collection of maritime paintings. Open Daily 10am-5pm. rmg.co.uk Guided tours of Tate Modern Tate Modern is spectacular to look at just from the outside (approach from the Millennium Bridge for the best view) and you can also join a free tour lasting 45 minutes and led by in-house experts, at 11am, 12pm, 2pm & 3pm. No booking required unless for a group of more than 10. tate.org.uk Karaoke at Paradise by Way of Kensal Green Think you've got the X-factor? Hire the private karaoke room (which takes up to 25 guests) for no fee every Monday and Tuesday. Boy George (pictured) has had a go. There's even a button to press to order booze. Call 020 8969 0098 to book. theparadise.co.uk Friday Night Skate Can you hold your own on rollerskates? Join a marshalled street skate (bladers welcome) which meets at Wellington Arch in Hyde Park at 8pm every Friday. Weather dependent. lfns.co.uk Evensong at Westminster Abbey Westminster Abbey is always open to those who wish to worship. Come for the evensong service to hear the dulcet tones of the Abbey choir. Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday at 5pm or Saturday & Sunday at 3pm. westminster-abbey.org Meditate at Inner Space Those who need some respite from the grind of life can drop in to Inner Space for free lunchtime and evening meditation and positive thinking classes. innerspace.org.uk Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace Everyone should watch the Queen's Guardsmen in action at least once in their life. The changing of the guard takes place at 11.30am on odd days (2, 4, 6 etc) throughout the month. royal.gov.uk Ain't Nothing But The Blues Bar This Soho stalwart claims to serve up the best blues on this side of the pond seven nights a week. From Sunday to Thursday, entry is free all sweet night long and it's free before 8.30pm on Friday and Saturday. aintnothingbut.co.uk Watch a trial at the Old Bailey Anyone can attend the public galleries of London's premier criminal court the Old Bailey to watch trials in session. Be warned, you can't take in bags, cameras or mobile phones and there's no cloakroom. Open Monday to Friday, 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm. cityoflondon.gov.uk Rex Features New Act Night at the Comedy Cafe Theatre Forget big arenas and ticket prices to match, this night in Shoreditch is where many a comedy star, including Jimmy Carr and Mickey Flanagan, cut their teeth. Every Wednesday at 7.45pm. comedycafetheatre.co.uk Natural History Museum Volcanoes, dinosaurs and a full-sized blue whale skeleton are just some of the wonders of the Natural History Museum. nhm.ac.uk NHM The Curve Gallery at the Barbican Centre The Curve is always hosting exciting installations that carry no charge but might come with queues, such as Random International's Rain Room (pictured). barbican.org.uk Gigs at Birthdays This mini bar/club has staged many a free gig, including an impromptu one from Bloc Party (pictured) that prompted massive queues. Make sure you refuel upstairs first. birthdaysdalston.com Ceremony of the Keys This 700-year-old ceremony is the nightly locking up of the Tower gates. Its a popular event and for dates in 2014 youll need to apply in writing, but online bookings are being taken for January 2015 onwards. hrp.org.uk Piano recitals at Bar Nightjar Recently voted the world's second best bar for its stupendous cocktails, this Old Street speakeasy also does a fine line in live music. Most nights there's a charge, but entrance to Piano Tuesdays is on the house. barnightjar.com Whitechapel Gallery Around since 1901, the Whitechapel Gallery can be counted on for pioneering new talent in contemporary art - think Rothko and Frieda Kahlo. The best part? Admission to exhibitions is free. whitechapelgallery.org Turner Collection at Tate Britain The Clore Gallery at Tate Britain boasts the world's largest collection of Turner paintings. Over 300 oil paintings, sketches and watercolours chart his development from boyhood to mature master and elevator of landscape art. tate.org.uk Turner, Joseph Mallord William 1775-1851, Norham Castle, Sunrise c.1845 (Tate) Portobello Road Antiques Market Yes you will have to wade through SLR-wielding tourists, but wandering up the two-mile Portobello Road is still a good day out: roam antiques stalls, stock up on bargain bowls of fruit and veg, and explore the fashion market. Open every Saturday from 9am-10am. portobellomarket.org Rex Features Backpacks, trails & workshops at the V&A Borrow a backpack for your mini art fiends (suitable for 5-12 years) and embark on hands-on activities, jigsaws, stories, puzzles and games to be enjoyed in and around the V&A. No need to book, available every day from the Sackler Centre. vam.ac.uk Victoria and Albert Museum, London Mediatheque at BFI Southbank Like old movies? The BFI has a ready-to-watch archive of nearly 3000 films and TV series. Simply log on at a viewing station and get reacquainted with old classics from London Town (pictured) to Ab Fab. bfi.org.uk Courtesy of BFI Mediatheque The Alibi Dalston hotspot The Alibi is always free entry. Don't miss the dive bar's film (Monday) and karaoke (Tuesday) nights . thealibilondon.co.uk Lunchtime recitals at The Royal Opera House The ROH holds regular lunchtime recitals where you can catch rising orchestral and choral stars. Seats can be reserved online nine days before the concert and always go fast. They also run free backstage tours for nosey parkers. roh.org.uk Peter Mackertich courtesy of the Royal Opera House Good gym 'Do good, get fit' is the mantra at play here. Join this group of runners and and you'll be sent on community-helping missions such as visiting the elderly. Everyone wins. goodgym.org Angel Comedy On most Saturday nights the likes of Tony Law (pictured) will tickle your ribs for free from 8pm. angelcomedy.co.uk The Wellcome Collection One for curious cats, this free gallery is all about medicine, life and art through the ages. Make the most of the library, cafe and temporary collections such as Death: A Self-Portrait (pictured). Don't miss their uber-popular Thursday night events. wellcomecollection.org Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Lunchtime music at the Royal Festival Hall Find a seat in the Clore Ballroom and simply listen. You'll be treated to jazz, folk and world music from rising stars and established ensembles. Every Friday southbankcentre.co.uk Parliament Hill The view from here is one you need to see and will revive even the most world-weary Londoner, especially on a clear day. And there's a lido nearby for brave swimmers. cityoflondon.gov.uk The Wallace Collection A treasure trove in a historic townhouse setting, the Wallace Collection allows you to gawp at old masters, vintage armour, porcelain and furniture. Open to art buffs seven days a week, 10am-5pm. wallacecollection.org Be in the BBC audience Get your 15 minutes of fame and apply for tickets to be in the audience of a BBC TV show. These guys are entranced by Question Time... bbc.co.uk Friday nights at Catch Every Friday is free at this Kingsland Road bar and club. Expect anything from live bands to Nineties dance, indie and hip hop. thecatchbar.com Speakers' Corner Speeches and debates have been taking place at the north-east end of Hyde Park since the 1800s. Stop by to hear wide-ranging views on a huge variety of topics. Or why not rock up and give a speech yourself? royalparks.org.uk Pic: Alex Lentati British Museum Not only is it a rather stunning piece of architecture, the British Museum is also an archive of fantastic art and artefacts from all over the world, including the Rosetta Stone and Elgin Marbles. Find anything from African textiles to a virtual autopsy of an Egyptian mummy. Open daily 10am-5pm. britishmuseum.org Trustees of the British Museum Borough Market Rain or shine, Borough Market is a great place to refuel after a walk down the river, with hog roasts, lamb burgers and many other culinary delights. A real London institution. Full market open Wednesday-Saturday. boroughmarket.com Lectures at LSE LSE puts on regular public lectures and everyone is welcome. Expect star speakers - past guests include Kofi Annan (pictured), Bill Clinton and Mervyn King. lse.ac.uk LSE / Nigel Stead Broadway Market Sandwiched between London Fields and the Regent's Canal, this old Hackney market is now a hipster hunting ground. Get on your fixie and munch on the trendiest galettes, store up on fresh veg and have a mooch around the vintage clothes stalls. It's easy to while away a day at the cafes which spill on to Broadway. Open on Saturdays 9am-5pm. broadwaymarlet.co.uk Eric Huang Flickr CC World music and exhibitions at Rich Mix East London's premier cultural centre, Rich Mix hosts open mic spoken word nights, exhibitions, acoustic music (with free cake!) in its bar. richmix.org.uk Museum of London 450,000 years of London history are on display in the permanent galleries at the museums City and Docklands locations and you can even browse a number of collections online. museumoflondon.org.uk Named Romancing The Armpit, the event aims to reveal a lot about people through their odour, by focusing on the biological release of Major Histocompatibility Complex molecules. That's MHC for short. Apparently, daters will be drawn to people whose MHC smells different to their own. We guess there's only one way to find out if that's true. The event has no rules, so if you shower an hour before or a week before, you wont be disqualified for having bad-pits. Style isbeing considered, however, so participants are encouraged to start practicing plaiting or curling their armpit hair for extra kudos. Romancing The Armpit takes place on Wednesday April 27 at Alcoholic Architecture near Borough Market. Tickets are 10, and include a perspiration inspired cocktail upon arrival. Lovely. Visit bompasandparr.com for more information. Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESgoingout Review at a glance A nother fine film about drone warfare, last years Good Kill, starring Ethan Hawke, concentrated on the psychological pressure it inflicted on a veteran pilot, repeatedly inflicting carnage in Waziristan from the safety of an air-conditioned box in Nevada. His orders were clear and unsparing, his crack-up personal. The movie showed us neither the drone itself nor any footage on the ground over there. Eye in the Sky, written by Guy Hibbert and notably well directed by the South African-born Gavin Hood (Rendition, X-Men Origins: Wolverine), takes an entirely different approach. Its a tense thriller about a single action, taking place in Nairobi, commanded from London, albeit piloted from Las Vegas and its presentation of the moral dilemma about whether to strike or not is complex and wrenching. If the script is at all realistic about the decision processes involved, then any assumption that drone strikes are fecklessly ordered needs revising. The film opens in a dusty backyard in Kenya (it was all shot in South Africa, near Cape Town). A woman bakes bread, a man makes his little daughter a shiny hoop. The camera backs out up into the sky to give a long view of this township. Then we are back in darkness, in Britain, 4.15 am. Helen Mirren, playing Colonel Katherine Powell, wakes besides her snoring husband and goes out to a secure studio to start her working day, learning that a Western agent in Nairobi has been killed by al-Shabab. We look into her face, looking at the faces of the terrorists she is pursuing. Originally, the film was called Kill Chain, reflecting the complicated chain of command that has to be followed before action can be taken: Eye in the Sky is much better because this is a film very much about looking and seeing, living and dying through whats on a screen, and vividly photographed. TODO: define component type brightcove Originally, Mirrens part was written for a man but she commands the role perfectly, holding our sympathy however authoritatively and aggressively she acts: her thing in many a performance, that. Her base is the Permanent Joint Headquarters at Northwood, otherwise staffed by men all calling her Maam, and she is in direct charge of a mission being flown from Nevada by a junior and sympathetic pilot (Aaron Paul, Jesse in Breaking Bad). However, the operation is overseen by a politically sensitive Cobra committee in London, chaired by Lieutenant General Frank Benson, the late Alan Rickman in his final role, using all that gravitas and that slow, deliberate delivery of every word, as if it were a single item to be prized for itself as much as it is part of a flowing sentence, to great effect one last time, trying to overcome the haverings of the British Foreign Secretary (Iain Glen) and his legal and political advisers. The plan is to use the drone, the eye in the sky, merely to oversee an action on the ground by Kenyan special forces to capture a Somali terrorist and his wife, formerly Susan Helen Danford, radicalised in a west London mosque, whom Colonel Powell has been tracking down for six years. It is, she insists, an operation to capture, not kill but this plan soon disintegrates as the terrorists move into an impenetrable al-Shabab stronghold. TODO: define component type brightcove Despite their previous informer having just been executed, Colonel Powell insists on a man being sent in on the ground, a Somali agent played brilliantly by Barkhad Abdi, the actor who came to the fore as the piratical villain in Captain Phillips. He infiltrates the al-Shabab compound using another drone, a miniaturised camera disguised as a flying insect, taking pictures inside the secret rooms, which he watches on a cigarette packet-sized screen nearby, also being simultaneously viewed in the command centres around the world (with a digital facial recognition expert contributing from Hawaii). And these images reveal that the terrorists are at that very moment arming up with suicide bomb-vests and recording suicide videos, so the pressure to use the drones Hellfire missiles instead becomes urgent. But all along the line, from the pilot himself to the upper reaches of government I would refer up there are queries and hesitations about the morality of attack. Psychological pressure: Alan Rickman in his final role Lieutenant General Frank Benson / Keith Bernstein And then that little girl, Alia (Aisha Takow), whom we have seen being sympathetically protected by her father from an Islamist hardliner who condemns her for playing with her hoop, comes innocently into the danger zone to sell the bread her mother has baked. So what is acceptable collateral damage? And how can it be calculated when those suicide bombs must be taken into account as well as the missiles impact? Eye in the Sky plays very effectively between the static situation of all those involved in the decision-making, confined to characterless rooms around the world, watching their screens, and the extremely fluid, dangerous, fast-moving situation on the ground in Nairobi, which they can only observe helplessly unless they unleash the drones weapons. This is a new kind of warfare and a new kind of war film: tense, involving, an upsetting demonstration of what is involved, even if it seems to err on the side of caution and rectitude on the part of the British authorities, worried about how they are going to justify their actions on the Today programme (despite a dramatic intervention, via screen-link, from a US adviser, perhaps modelled on Hillary Clinton, who furiously tells them to proceed). In the end it is Helen Mirrens character who forces the issue. A woman politician on the Cobra committee rages against Lieutenant General Benson: In my opinion, that was disgraceful all done from the safety of your chair. In his last lines on screen (he has a voice role only in the upcoming Alice Through the Looking Glass) Rickman pronounces, as though cutting the words into stone: Never tell a soldier that he does not know the cost of war. Think how long it could possibly take to say that sentence, then triple it. Eye in The Sky - Helen Mirren leads tributes to Alan Rickman Effective drone warfare is surprisingly recent, reveals a recent study actually called Kill Chain by Andrew Cockburn (Verso, 20), and it was apparently invented by a Jewish Iraqi, Abraham Karem, whose first protoypes used in the Balkans had little range beyond the direct line of radio waves, were vulnerable to breezes and produced fuzzy video only. But the advent of GPS changed all that and they are now technically highly effective, multiplying fast. Yet whether they are effective in the wider struggle remains a more complicated question. General Stanley McChrystal, US commander in Afghanistan, warned in 2013: What scares me about drone strikes is how they are perceived around the world. The resentment created by American use of unmanned strikes... is much greater than the average American appreciates. They are hated on a visceral level, even by people whove never seen one or seen the effects of one. And many of their critics, not only the sympathisers of those they target, now think their control structure is running out of control. Eye in the Sky suggests otherwise. It is thoughtful, timely, expertly made and cast and it has a serious bearing on what is happening in the wider world now. Few enough films can claim as much. Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESgoingout T he festival season is here, and London has stages built, amplifiers on standby and guitar techs ready to go. Forget swimming through Glastonbury's muddy fields or fighting off gangs of feral teenagers at Reading: there's plenty of musical goodness to be enjoyed in our capital. Flick through the gallery above for all the details of London's musical happenings this summer. Variety is London's strength: Alice Cooper will be up to eleven one night, while Beyonce gets Drunk in Love on another. Highlights this year include a reformed LCD Soundsystem, Stevie Wonder performing his seminal work Songs In The Key Of Life in full and French electro-swing group Caravan Palace reminding the city to take itself a little less seriously and dance more. Tickets tend to sell out extremely quickly for all of the above festivals, so book now while they're still available thank us later. For those tempted to head further afield, read our complete guide to all the best music festivals of 2016. Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESgoingout M artin Morales pioneered Peruvian food in London when he launched Ceviche on Frith Street back in 2012, introducing many to its signature dish of fish cooked in citrus. Hes now set to bring Soho another dose of the countrys cuisine as he prepares to launch what he says will be Londons most traditional Peruvian restaurant yet and every single dish will be gluten free. Casita Andina will serve food from the Andes, and is inspired by Moraless grandmother, who lives on the mountain range. It will even be fitted out to look like a traditional house from the area, complete with textiles made using ancient Andean weaving techniques and works by Peruvian artists on the walls. It will be Londons first picanteria, says Morales, referring to the rustic restaurants found across Peru which serve home-style comfort food. It will serve warming food for the soul, with plates designed for sharing, and will be cosy with lots of character I think Soho needs more of that at the moment. Man with the plan: Martin Morales Dishes will include lamb loin served with maca (a ginseng-like root vegetable), mushrooms and crushed corn nuts, and chupe a traditional fish stew made with king prawns, coriander and quinoa. Everything will be gluten free in part because traditional Peruvian dishes simply dont tend to use wheat, but also because Morales believes that light, gluten free food leads to a better overall eating experience: I believe in all-round great eating you should eat food that tastes great, but also that makes you feel great. The restaurant will import its own chocolate from Peru for desserts such as choc con sauco, a melt-in-the-middle chocolate mousse. Other ingredients bought directly from Peruvian farmers will include unusual kinds of quinoa, corn and chilli, though 90% of produce will be sourced from within the UK. It won't be entirely traditional, though. "I take inspiration firstly from my travels in Peru, but also from chefs such as Jason Atherton and David Chang. It's Peruvian cooking, but there will be elements of fusion because there's no point in pretending that we're not a London restaurant," says Morales. Casita Andina will feature a ceviche counter and a bar specialising in pisco, Perus national spirit, as well as an open-air patio on the first floor. Its due to open in July. It will be Morales's fourth restaurant following Ceviche in Soho, Andina in Shoreditch, and a second Ceviche near Old Street. Follow Ben Norum on Twitter @BenNorum Follow Going Out on Facebook and on Twitter @ESgoingout Barlow and Barlow is an up and coming interior, ktichen and lighting design studio based in Notting Hill, founded by siblings Max, 28, and Lucy, 30. The duo are fast becoming known for their creative approach that doesn't shy away from colour or personality. Here, Lucy tells us how she got into the industry, where she looks for inspiration and why she's obsessed with pineapples. How did Barlow and Barlow come about? I had been working for two years in Cheshire for the designer Mark Gillette whilst Max was working as a lighting designer for John Cullen. But I missed London and after I moved back, I got offered a job as the interior designer on a big project on the Strand. That was the beginning of my career as an independent designer and a year later Max decided to leave John Cullen and team up with me - thus Barlow & Barlow Design was born. Barlow and Barlow Do you have any advice for those hoping to break into the industry? Never try and cut corners - artistically it will lead to disappointing work, professionally it can put you in a weak position and financially youll always pay for it in the end! Can you describe your design ethos? Always fresh and always exciting with classical references and lots of personality. Barlow and Barlow Where do you seek design inspiration? Im lucky enough to have travelled to some wonderful places but you cannot ignore whats on your doorstep. From the Georgian grandeur of west London to the urban cool of east London and everything in between, it means youre never short of inspiration living and working in London. Are you working on any exciting new projects or collaborations? We have just started work on an amazing warehouse space in Soho. Its an old printing factory that has been beautifully restored and offers a living space thats more like Brooklyn than London - genuine loft living. Barlow and Barlow What was last piece of homeware you bought? I have a penchant for pineapples and recently bought a wicker one back from the Bahamas to add to my ever growing collection. Do you have a favourite restaurant or hotel in London for design? Tony Chi's entrance of The Rosewood Hotel followed by the India Madhavi-designed Gallery restaurant at Sketch followed by the Tom Dixon-designed Dandelyan bar at the Mondrian - that would be a pretty perfectly designed night! Dandelyan bar at Mondrian London Do you have a favourite interiors shop in London? Gunievere, an antiques shop on the New Kings Road is one of my most inspiring shops to visit - the visual merchandising there is second to none and the variation of antiques is just amazing. What would Barlow and Barlows top room makeover tip be? Funnily enough Ive always thought the old wedding adage works well for interiors: Something old antiques are key for me to give a space a sense of weight and drama; something new one cant live in the past so cleverly mixing antiques with some more contemporary pieces makes for exciting and current rooms; something borrowed not literally, but having things that people have given to you and mean something special always gives a room character and makes it a personal and happy space; Something blue a life without colour would be no life at all and all houses should have something blue. Whether it be the walls, a velvet sofa or a piece of delftware china, you really cant go wrong with blue. Barlow and Barlow What home trends do you predict for the coming months? I feel like antique wooden furniture deserves a comeback. It can often be cast aside as old fashioned, but actually a nice wooden side table or wardrobe can look stunning in any interior. Are there any colours youre championing for spring? Pink is having a major moment and I must say Im very easily swayed by anything in pale and dusky shades of pink. Pantone's new rose quartz colour has really captured the imagination of the interiors world. Barlow and Barlow What is your most treasured piece of furniture? I had a dining table made when I designed my flat 4 years ago. The base is a Louis XIV style painted in turquoise with an industrial zinc wrapped top. Its pretty mad but it seats 10 and has seen some serious dinner party action! Describe a day in the life of an interior designer My favourite days are when we are in the studio putting schemes together in an explosion of fabric, wallpaper, wood and marble samples everywhere. My least favourite days, but no less important, are the days of schedules, spreadsheets and budgets. Sadly you cant do one without the other... For more info visit barlowandbarlow.com. Follow Max and Lucy on Instagram @barlowandbarlow Follow Kate on Twitter @kate_lough M ost friendships develop so naturally that you don't even realize how or when they started. Sometimes, though, you want to make an effort to befriend a new acquaintance or become a better friend to existing pals. To help you out on that front, we scoured the psychological research to find science-backed strategies to get people to like you. Read on to find out how to develop better relationships, faster. 1. Copy them Mirror mirror: mimicking somebody's behaviour is a useful tool / Corbis This strategy is called mirroring, and involves subtly mimicking the other person's behavior. When talking to someone, try copying their body language, gestures, and facial expressions. In 1999, New York University researchers documented the "chameleon effect," which occurs when people unconsciously mimic each other's behavior, and that mimicry facilitates liking. Researchers had 78 men and women work on a task with a partner, who was really a confederate working for the researchers. The partners engaged in different levels of mimicry, while researchers secretly videotaped the interactions. At the end of the interaction, the researchers had participants indicate how much they liked those partners. Sure enough, participants were more likely to say they liked their partner when their partner had mimicked their behavior. 2. Spend more time around them According to the mere exposure effect, people tend to like things that are familiar to them. Knowledge of this phenomenon dates back to the 1950s, when MIT researchers discovered that college students who lived closer together in housing projects were more likely to be friends than students who lived farther apart. This could be because students who live close by can experience more passive, day-to-day interactions with each other, such as greeting each other in the common room or kitchen. Under certain circumstances, those interactions can develop into full-fledged friendships. More recently, psychologists at the University of Pittsburgh had four women pose as students in a university psychology class. Each woman showed up in class a different number of times. When experimenters showed male students pictures of the four women, the men demonstrated a greater affinity for those women they'd seen more often in class even though they hadn't interacted with any of them. Taken together, these findings suggest that simply spending more time with people can make them like you more. Even if you dont live near your friends, try sticking to a steady routine with them, such as going out for coffee every week or taking a class together. The best apps for Londoners 1 /16 The best apps for Londoners Zip car Join, reserve, unlock and drive it really is that simple. The capitals preferred car clubs app gives 24/7 access to cars and vans in your neighbourhood and lets you extend or cancel reservations on the go. Free Uncover Sick of being stuck on waiting lists? You need Uncover, which redistributes cancelled reservations at some of the capitals top restaurants, including The River Cafe and Nobu. Not for planning freaks, though tables typically become free at 40 minutes notice. Free Uber So popular its become a verb, this private driver service has revolutionised travel in the capital. Its speedy and affordable, making it a welcome alternative to the night bus. Free Santander Cycles Launched this summer, the official app for Boris fifth child can be used to search for nearby docking stations and check bike availability. Theres also a journey planner featuring easy, moderate and fast routes to satisfy all cycling tribes. Free Plume Air Report This new app has been downloaded by 3,000 Londoners. Sensors gathering air pollution data submit updates every hour, resulting in a scale that ranges from fresh to extremely polluted. Free Nightcapp Heres an app that will have booze hounds raising their glasses. NightCapp is a map that pinpoints more than 1,500 London watering holes that stay open past 11.30pm. It also shows users when a bar is about to close by highlighting it in orange. Better get moving. Free Money Dashboard An award-winning budget planner, this helps you keep track of personal spending across multiple accounts, pay off credit cards and even makes suggestions on how to manage your finances better. Free Her Promising to introduce women to a lesbian that hasnt slept with any of your friends, this revamped dating app includes queer-themed news and blogs, upcoming event notices and an improved algorithm-matching system. Free FoodMood This new startup, which reckons its Tinder for food, pledges to narrow down your choice of lunchbreak destinations. Hit yum or yuk on photos of dishes in your area. Juvenile, but strangely addictive. Free Daily Yoga This offers more than 50 yoga sessions, as well as a database of 500 yoga poses. Suitable for all levels, programmes include yoga aimed at specific areas of the body and weight loss. Namaste to that. Free Coffee Meets Bagel Billed as the anti-Tinder, this new kid on the block delivers just a single match to users once a day. Coffee Meets Bagel uses Facebook profile information to recommend suitors based on friends of friends. Neither coffee nor bagels are included. Free. Bristlr Do you have a beard? Perhaps youd like to stroke one on a regular basis? This can be arranged. Unlike other dating apps, Bristlr is unashamedly all about hooking up the hairy with the hairless. Theres even a beard-rating option for aficionados. Free 3. Compliment other people People will associate the adjectives you use to describe other people with your personality. This phenomenon is called spontaneous trait transference. One study found that this effect occurred even when people knew certain traits didn't describe the people who had talked about them. According to Gretchen Rubin, author of books including "The Happiness Project," "whatever you say about other people influences how people see you." If you describe someone else as genuine and kind, people will also associate you with those qualities. The reverse is also true: If you are constantly trashing people behind their backs, your friends will start to associate the negative qualities with you as well. 4. Be in a great mood Emotional contagion describes what happens when people are strongly influenced by the moods of other people. According to a research paper from the University of Ohio and the University of Hawaii, people can unconsciously feel the emotions of those around them. If you want to make others feel happy when they're around you, do your best to communicate positive emotions. 5. Make friends with their friends The social network theory behind this effect is called triadic closure, which means that two people are likely to be closer when they have a common friend. To illustrate this effect, students at the University of British Columbia designed a program that friends random individuals on Facebook. They found that people were more likely to accept their friend request as their number of mutual friends increased from 20% with no mutual friends to close to 80% with more than 11 mutual friends. 6. Don't be complimentary all the time The gain-loss theory of interpersonal attractiveness suggests that your positive comments will make more of an impact if you only deliver them occasionally. A 1965 study by University of Minnesota researchers shows how this theory might work in practice. Researchers had 80 female college students work in pairs on a task and then allowed those students to "overhear" their partners talking about them. In reality, experimenters had told the partners what to say. In one scenario, the comments were all positive; in a second scenario, the comments were all negative; in a third scenario, the comments went from positive to negative; and in a fourth scenario, the comments went from negative to positive. As it turns out, students liked their partners best when the comments went from positive to negative, suggesting that people like to feel that they've won you over in some capacity. Bottom line: Although it's counterintuitive, try complimenting your friends less often. 7. Be both warm and competent Social psychologist Susan Fiske proposed the stereotype content model, which is a theory that people judge others based on their warmth and competence. According to the model, if you can portray yourself as warm i.e. noncompetitive and friendly people will feel like they can trust you. If you seem competent for example, if you have high economic or educational status they're more inclined to respect you. Harvard psychologist Amy Cuddy says that, especially in business settings, it's important to demonstrate warmth first, and then competence. "From an evolutionary perspective," Cuddy writes in her book "Presence," "it is more crucial to our survival to know whether a person deserves our trust." 8. Reveal your flaws from time to time According to the pratfall effect, people will like you more after you make a mistake but only if they believe you are usually a competent person. Revealing that you aren't perfect makes you more relatable and vulnerable toward the people around you. Researcher Elliot Aronson first discovered this phenomenon when he studied how simple mistakes can affect perceived attraction. He asked male students from the University of Minnesota to listen to tape recordings of people taking a quiz. When people did well on the quiz but spilled coffee at the end of the interview, the students rated them higher on likeability than when they did well on the quiz and didn't spill coffee or didn't do well on the quiz and spilled coffee. 9. Emphasize your shared values According to a classic study by Theodore Newcomb, people are more attracted to those who are similar to them. This is known as the similarity-attraction effect. In his experiment, Newcomb measured his subjects' attitudes on controversial topics such as sex and politics and then put them in a University of Michigan-owned house to live together. By the end of their stay, the subjects liked their housemates more when they had similar attitudes about the topics that were measured. If you're hoping to get friendly with someone, try to find a point of similarity between you two and highlight it. 10. Casually touch them This is known as subliminal touching, which occurs when you touch a person so subtly that they barely notice. Common examples including tapping someone's back or touching their arm, which can make them feel more warmly toward you. In "Subliminal: How Your Unconscious Mind Rules Your Behavior," author Leonard Mlodinow mentions a study in France in which young men stood on street corners and talked to women who walked by. They had double the success rate in striking up a conversation when they lightly touched the woman's arms as they talked to them instead of doing nothing at all. In a University of Mississippi and Rhodes College experiment that studied the effects of interpersonal touch on restaurant tipping, waitresses briefly touched customers on the hand or shoulder as they were returning their change. As it turns out, they earned significantly larger tips than waitresses who didn't touch their customers. 11. Smile In one study, nearly 100 undergraduate women looked at photos of another woman in one of four poses: smiling in an open body position, smiling in a closed body position, not smiling in an open body position, or not smiling in a closed body position. Results suggested that the woman in the photo was liked most when she was smiling, regardless of her body position. Bonus: Another study suggested that smiling when you first meet someone helps ensure they'll remember you later. 12. See the other person how they want to be seen People want to be perceived in a way that aligns with their own beliefs about themselves. This phenomenon is described by self-verification theory. We all seek confirmations of our views, positive or negative. For a series of studies at Stanford University and the University of Arizona, participants with positive and negative perceptions of themselves were asked whether they wanted to interact with people who had positive or negative impressions of them. The participants with positive self-views preferred people who thought highly of them, while those with negative self-views preferred critics. This could be because people like to interact with those who provide feedback consistent with their known identity. Other research suggests that, when people's beliefs about us line up with our own, our relationship with them flows more smoothly. That's likely because we feel understood, which is an important component of intimacy. 13. Tell them a secret Self-disclosure may be one of the best relationship-building techniques. In a study led by Arthur Aron at Stony Brook University, college students were paired off and told they should spend 45 minutes getting to know each other better. Experimenters provided some student pairs with a series of questions to ask, which got increasingly deep and personal. For example, one of the intermediate questions was "How do you feel about your relationship with your mother?" Other pairs were given small-talk-type questions. For example, one question was "What is your favorite holiday? Why?" At the end of the experiment, the students who'd asked increasingly personal questions reported feeling much closer to each other than students who'd engaged in small talk. You can try this technique on your own as you're getting to know someone. For example, you can build up from asking them about their last trip to the movie to learning about the people who mean the most to them in life. When you learn intimate information about another person, they are likely to feel closer to you and want to confide in you in the future. 14. Expect good things from people According to the Pygmalion effect, people treat others in ways that are consistent with their expectations of them and therefore cause the person to behave in a way that confirms those expectations. In a Harvard Magazine article, Cuddy says, "If you think someone's a jerk, you'll behave toward them in a way that elicits jerky behaviors." On the other hand, if you expect someone to be friendly toward you, they are more likely to behave in a friendly manner toward you. 15. Act like you like them Psychologists have known for a while about a phenomenon called "reciprocity of liking": When we think someone likes us, we tend to like them as well. In one study, for example, participants were told that certain members of a group discussion would probably like them. (These group members were chosen randomly by the experimenter.) After the discussion, participants indicated that the people they liked best were the ones who supposedly liked them. 16. Display a sense of humour Research from Illinois State University and California State University at Los Angeles found that, regardless of whether people were thinking about their ideal friend or romantic partner, having a sense of humor was really important. Meanwhile, not having a sense of humor, especially at the office, could backfire. One study of 140 Chinese workers between ages 26 and 35 found that people were less well-liked and less popular among their colleagues if they were "morally focused." That means they placed a high value on displaying caring, fairness, and other moral traits. The researchers explained that was because morally focused individuals were perceived as less humorous by their colleagues. 17. Let them talk about themselves Harvard researchers recently discovered that talking about yourself may be inherently rewarding, the same way that food, money, and sex are. In one study, the researchers had participants sit in an fMRI machine and respond to questions about either their own opinions or someone else's. Participants had been asked to bring a friend or family member to the experiment, who was sitting outside the fMRI machine. In some cases, participants were told that their responses would be shared with the friend or relative; in other cases, their responses would be kept private. Results showed that the brain regions associated with motivation and reward were most active when participants were sharing information publicly but also when they were talking about themselves, even if no one was listening. In other words, letting someone share a story or two about their life instead of blabbing on about yours could give them more positive memories of your interaction. T his bustling city can often be overlooked as a pit stop before the real holiday starts on one of Thailand's island paradises. But there are plenty of reasons to linger in Bangkok - not least, the food. From a vibrant street food scene to giant food halls to rooftop bars, there is plenty to get your teeth stuck into. Bangkok is also a deeply spiritual city and there are hundreds of temples and shrines to visit, as well as relaxing massages to be had and famous Thai hospitality to experience. But for now, here are six reasons foodies should stick around in the capital. 1. The street food scene Street food heaven, Bangkok is the place to experience the unique experience of sitting on white plastic stools and experiencing a taste explosion like no other. For the uninitiated, the more hygienic and trendy places to start exploring street food delights are at Sukhumvit, Soi 38, 42 and 49, which are favoured by tourists and expats alike. If you fancy a food adventure beyond the well loved Pad Thai and Fried Rice, try Sai Krok Isaan, the fermented North East pork sausages on skewers. Khao Mun Gai, steamed chicken on rice much like the Hainanese Chicken, offers a welcome respite from chillies and strong flavours. 2. Hip neighbourhoods With Khao Sarn road and Sukhumvit firmly on the tourist trail for backpackers and luxury travellers, there are less well traversed neighbourhoods of Bangkok that beg exploration. Stroll around the Ari neighbourhood for a laid back vibe, Ekkamai for hipster watering holes and every cuisine from Greek to Japanese, Banglamphu in old Bangkok for live music and Sukhumvit for its street food. 3. Food courts Bangkoks shopping malls are home to sprawling food destinations of their own, quite separate to the restaurants they contain. These food courts feature rows and rows of indoor food stalls selling a vast array of meals from Indian, Malaysian, Vietnamese, and Japanese to regional Thai specialties in a comfortable setting. The best time to visit is at lunchtime as they often start running out of food by the evenings. Central World has a smallish but perfectly formed food hall, where the food is excellent. Siam Paragon has a vast gourmet hall thats worth a visit for sheer scale alone, while the one in MBK is compact, popular and a great place to kick start the experience. 4. Roopftop bars Bangkoks rooftop bars demand a cocktail or two against the city's sunset. The newly opened Movenpick Bangkoks rooftop bar is an oasis of calm away from the chaos of the main road - try the Tom Yam cocktail. For a more glitzy night out, visit the Sirocco rooftop bar at the Lebua Hotel at the State Tower the location for Hollywood blockbuster The Hangover or the Moon Bar at Banyan Tree. The Tom Yam cocktail at Movenpick (Andres Reynaga ) / Andres Reynaga 5. Night markets Bangkok is a shoppers paradise if the large-scale malls dotted along Ratchaprasong and Siam are anything to go by. But the real attractions are the night markets and floating markets. The former come alive after 9pm, when the stalls are all set up and shoppers arrive in earnest. Chatuchak Friday Night Market, Patong and Nana are all well trodden markets, but do check out the newer vintage flea market Siam Gypsy Junction and the new, revamped Rod Fai market in Srinakaran. Getty Images 6. Floating markets No trip to Bangkok is complete without an early morning trip to a floating market at the weekend. Kwan Riam is a new-ish floating market that offers a cleaner, more comfortable experience without the tourist stampede at some of the others. The other one to visit is Bang Nam Phueng. More of a riverside market than a floating market, it offers a glipse into Thai countryside and village life with great food and drink on offer. Mallika Basu is a London-based food writer, cookbook author and cookery personality; quickindiancooking.com. Follow her on Twitter@MallikaBasu_ and find more of her recipes for the Evening Standard here. Follow us on Twitter @eslifeandstyle and sign up to our newsletter here A woman has been arrested after a man was left fighting for his life following a stabbing in south-east London. The victim, believed to be in his 20s, was knifed at an address in Prince John Road, Eltham, at about 12.12pm today, police said. Paramedics rushed the man to hospital with life-threatening injuries. Police said a woman, aged in her 30s, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. She remains in custody at a south London police station. Greenwich borough officers are investigating and enquiries continue. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101. T wo estate agents have been jailed for building a cannabis factory inside a former basement bar in south London. Aidan Lynch, 51, and Jason Smart, 47, had 526 cannabis plants growing inside four interlinked tunnels at the old bar beneath a parade of shops in Crystal Palace. Police found the haul with a street value of 497,000 after executing a drugs warrant at the address in February 2013, Woolwich Crown Court heard. Each tunnel housed approximately 125 cannabis plants, which were lit with a sophisticated timed lighting system, police said. Manager of Forest Hills Home to Home estate agents Lynch and his employee Smart were caught after they entered the former bar while the officers were still there. Each tunnel housed up to 125 cannabis plants / Metropolitan Police Police then discovered the men had been forging tenancy agreements for properties later turned into cannabis factories, with the help of an accomplice, 37-year-old Patrick McArdle. An extensive investigation found that Lynch had transformed at least seven properties into cannabis factories, which had the combined potential to produce up to 2 million. Lynch, of Devonshire Road, Forest Hill, was today jailed for five years for one count of conspiracy to produce cannabis and six counts of permitting a premises to be used as a cannabis factory. Smart, of Gladiator Road, also Forest Hill, was sentenced to three years in prison for one count of conspiracy to produce cannabis and four counts of permitting a premises to be used as a cannabis factory. Jailed: Aidan Lynch (left) and Jason Smart / Metropolitan Police Both men were found guilty of the offences following a three-week trial. Their accomplice McArdle, of no fixed abode, was jailed for five years and six months on February 16 at the same court after he was found guilty of conspiracy to produce cannabis and for the production of cannabis in relation to another unconnected incident in Essex. Accomplice: Patrick McArdle / Metropolitan Police Detective Constable Kirsty Marchi, the investigating officer from Lewisham, said: "This was a very long and complex investigation. "Lynch and Smart ran a very sophisticated operation and they thought they would get away with it, but the execution of the drugs warrant at the address at Crystal Palace Parade brought their operation crashing down." A man is seriously injured in hospital after being stabbed in the stomach in east London. Police officers discovered the injured man, believed to be in his 20s, while on patrol in Prince Regent Lane, Newham, at about 10.35pm on Thursday. He was taken by ambulance to hospital with stab wounds to his abdomen, police said, but remains in a serious but stable condition. The street, near the junction with Glen Road and Newham University Hospital, was cordoned off for several hours following the stabbing. Detectives from Newham CID are investigating the incident but there have been no arrests so far. Anyone with information can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. A police chief today warned commuters to be alert not alarmed as it emerged most people think a terror attack on the UK is likely within 12 months. Deputy Chief Constable Adrian Hanstock, from the British Transport Police, urged the public to carry on with daily life despite research saying 82 per cent think an attack likely or highly likely. It also showed a third of people would consider avoiding travel to central London after the Brussels and Paris strikes and a quarter have felt nervous a fellow passenger may be a terrorist. Dep Chief Con Hanstock said: One aim of terrorists is to intimidate and cause fear. Tackling those who seek to disrupt our way of life is never going to be easy, but with the public and the authorities working together we can help manage the risks more easily. The public should be alert but not alarmed and trust their own instincts. If they see anything that strikes them as not quite right or out of place they should report it. No piece of information will be considered too small or insignificant. The BMG Research analysis found that following Paris and Brussels even more people, 87 per cent, think a strike is either likely or highly likely in the next five years. Loading.... Some 34 per cent said they would consider avoiding travelling to the centre of London after Paris and Brussels. Loading.... Around 19 per cent said they had felt at risk while in a theatre, cinema or club and around 23 per cent said they had been in a venue and taken time to work out what to do in the event of a terror attack. Loading.... Loading.... Meanwhile 28 per cent said they had felt nervous that a fellow passenger on public transport may be a terrorist. Loading.... Dep Chief Con Hanstock said the results showed the public are not being overly alarmed by the threat from terrorism. Offering practical advice, he said people should always report unattended bags and packages to staff or a police officer and keep personal belongings close. He added: Passengers and rail staff are the eyes and ears of the transport network and we encourage them to work with us and report anything suspicious to the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. In an emergency always call 999. S cotland Yard today said police are seizing more deadly automatic weapons from criminals in London as detectives revealed that an innocent bystander was gunned down with a suspected Skorpion sub-machine gun last month . Police believe two murders have been carried out by gangsters armed with the deadly military grade Skorpion weapons in the last eight months. Last month Oliver Tetlow, 27, died in a hail of bullets when his killer stepped out of a blacked-out car in Harlesden and opened fire. Detectives believe Mr Tetlow was killed in a case of mistaken identity and say the weapon used was a Skorpion sub-machine gun which can fire 1,000 rounds of ammunition per minute and is used by the Czech army. Murder: Oliver Tetlow was killed with a sub-machine gun / Facebook The weapon has also been linked to the murder of bakery owner Erdogan Guzel, 42, who was also the innocent victim of a gangland drive-by killing in Wood Green in July last year. Another woman bystander was also struck by bullets but has since made a full recovery. New figures seen by the Standard show that police seized 18 sub-machine guns from criminals in the capital last year, compared to 13 similar weapons in 2014. Police also revealed that sub-machine guns had been fired in London 11 times in the last 12 months, compared to seven times the year before. In October last year three plain clothes officers escaped injury despite being shot at by a sub-machine gun - also thought to be a Skorpion - when they were carrying out inquiries in Willesden. Today police said there had been a worrying increase in the use of automatic weapons but they were seizing more of the weapons from criminals. Detectives believe the guns are being smuggled in from Europe via established contraband routes or thorugh the post. Last year a crime boss who smuggled eight Skorpion sub-machineguns into the UK via Parcelforce was jailed for life. Alexander Mullings, 23, used a hidden phone in his Wandsworth prison cell to arrange the trafficking of the weapons to addresses in London. Three weapons were recovered by police but five were outstanding. The figures were revealed as the Met announced a new crackdown on armed criminals saying they had recovered eight handguns and three AK-47s in the past week. Sub-machine guns were fired 11 times in London in the last 12 months / National Crime Agency Thirty people have been arrested in a series of intelligence-led operations against gangsters while officers are mounting extra armed patrols and armed stops on cars linked to gun criminals. Det Supt Damian Allain, of the Trident gangs unit, said: There has been a slight increase in the use of these automatic weapons. We are seizing more automatic weapons and we recognise there are potentially more Skorpion weapons in circulation but we are targeting the suppliers to get them off the streets. Gun crime in London is low in comparison with other world cities, but we are determined to bring it down yet further. This operation is not just about catching people in possession of firearms - its about letting them know that police are out on the streets, targeting gun crime activity and disrupting their ability to move guns about London. He added: We are calling on Londoners to tell police what they know about people in their community who carry guns. We will do something about it. He said police were also seizing more non-lethal weapons such as air and BB guns. In a similar operation last year police seized 11 guns, including a Skorpion, three shotguns, six handguns and an AK47. F unding to build desperately needed new schools across London will be cut by more than half by 2018, official figures have shown. The Department for Education cash is set to fall from 323 million in 2015 to 141 million three years later. It means Londons share of the national funding for new schools will fall from 25 per cent last year to 14 per cent in 2018. Some 13 London boroughs are not expected to receive any funding. The capital has the biggest shortfall of school places in the UK with town hall experts predicting it will need 131,000 more by 2020. The figures come ahead of primary school offer day when parents find out whether their children have got places in their chosen schools. Labours mayoral candidate Sadiq Khan, who obtained the figures, pledged to take action on the growing school places crisis. If elected, he said he would convene a working group of councils to make sure new schools were built where they were most needed. The Tooting MP warned the drop in funding could lead to more children missing out on a place at a school of their choice. He said: My daughters are teenagers and I remember only too well the panic as we waited to hear whether they had got a place at the school of their choice. Fewer children in London are getting their top choice because of the growing shortage of places. Schools minister Nick Gibb said: Khans figures are wrong and show why he just cant deliver for Londons parents. "One third of all places created since 2010 have been in London and through the free schools programme we have created 50,000 new places in the capital. S chool sibling rules should be relaxed because so few other children are able to get into oversubscribed reception classes, the head of a parenting website said today. Anne-Marie OLeary, editor in chief of Netmums, said some classes are almost entirely made up of the brothers and sisters of children already at the school. In some cases children with no siblings are only able to get a place if they live within feet of the school gate. Her comments come ahead of primary school offer day on Monday when children across the country will find out which school they will go to in September. Thousands of London children are expected to miss out on their preferred schools because competition is so fierce in the capital. Ms OLeary said the number of free schools opening is nowhere near enough to address the demand for school places in London. She said: One little free school here and there is not going to make much of a difference. Its a big issue that needs a big plan. In most areas children with siblings at a school get priority for a place even if their family has subsequently moved out of the area. It means in some cases children who live next door to a primary school but do not have siblings there cannot get in. Ms OLeary suggested relaxing the rules so that siblings still get priority for a place but only if their families still live somewhere in the catchment area. Ms OLeary lives in Balham and her four-year-old son Atticus starts school in September. She also has a two-year-old daughter Florence. She wants her son to go to the school that is 300 metres away from the flat she and her husband have lived in since before they had children. She said: We decided to stay living there because we had always fallen safely within the catchment area. We could have moved to a bigger home but we extended our flat and committed to the area. But this year we found out that 30 of the 60 places are likely to be taken by siblings. That will shrink the catchment area. I have spent many evenings trying to work out how many metres we are from the school. Your childs education is the most precious thing and it is out of your control if you are the parents of an eldest child. It seems horrible to pit children against each other. I dont like the idea of any child being deemed as more important than another. M Ps have called on the Governments spending watchdog to investigate whether a shake-up of hospitals in west London is providing value for money for taxpayers. A group of 11 MPs, including shadow chancellor John McDonnell, want the National Audit Office to investigate the closure of two A&Es, a maternity unit and a hospitals paediatric department. It can also be revealed that an expansion of paediatric facilities at St Marys Hospital in Paddington, to cope with the closure of the childrens wards at Ealing Hospital in June, will not be completed until Christmas. St Marys expects to treat an additional 1,000 sick children a year. An interim assessment unit on its paediatric wards will be used until the permanent facility is completed in the A&E department. The MPs letter comes after an inquiry by Michael Mansfield QC described the shake-up of care, known as Shaping a Healthier Future, as deeply flawed and likely to cost 1.3 billion. It was meant to save 1 billion by treating more people out of hospital. The emergency departments at Central Middlesex and Hammersmith hospitals closed in 2014 and fears remain about the future of the A&E at Charing Cross, despite it having seen a 13.5 per cent rise in attendances. Harrow West Labour MP Gareth Thomas, who organised the letter, said: The Government hasnt been able to tell us whether the programme has delivered the savings planned, but we do know 235 million has been spent on management consultants and a further 1 billion of investment is required. Given the disruption these closures caused for residents in north-west London, and with more closures planned, it is essential that the full business case is published and that residents can consider whether the Shaping a Healthier Future programme represents value for money. A Shaping a Healthier Future spokeswoman said its draft business case demonstrated the value for money of the proposals and was endorsed by an independent panel of experts before being accepted by Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt in 2013. She added: The business case requesting capital funding will be subject to scrutiny by NHS England, the Department of Health and the Treasury, which will each ensure the programme is value for money. T he number of London neighbourhoods where average house prices top 750,000 has overtaken those where they are below 300,000 for the first time, Soaring local property markets across the capital have dramatically worsened its chronic affordability crisis over the past five years with the 300,000 home rapidly becoming an endangered species, new analysis shows. The new figures - from Savills estate agents using Land Registry data - show that just 103, or one in six, of Londons 628 electoral wards now have prices under the 300,000 threshold. The vast majority of these of in east and south London, with only a tiny handful in west London, and none have average values below 200,000 - again for the first time. By contrasts there are 106 wards at 750,000 or above, mainly in west, central or north London. The 300,000 ceiling is seen as significant as it is at the outer limit of what is within reach for a young working couple on typical London wages. In 2010, when David Cameron entered Downing Street, there were 365 London wards with prices below 300,000 - including 63 at 200,000 or less - easily more than half the total. This compared with just 40 above the 750,000 mark. Just five years later after an explosion in values that has pulled the property ladder out of reach of thousands of young Londoners this has shrunk by two thirds while the total at 750,000 or more has more than doubled. But over the same period wages in London have barely moved, making it harder and harder for buyers to raise the mortgage funding they need. According to the Office for National Statistics the median salary has inched up only four per cent in five years to 28,392 while the average has actually fallen slightly - to 36,258 - probably because of lower City bonuses. The growing affordability gap has been widened by a huge wave of investment money, much of it from Asia, that has fuelled demand for London property. Yesterday housebuilder Telford Homes described its apartments in its new development such as The Liberty Building on the Isle of Dogs, where one bed flats start from 495,000, as relatively affordable. It said that two thirds of the 68 apartments sold so far have gone to international investors in Hong Kong and China. Lucian Cook, Savills head of residential research, said: This analysis highlights the scale of house price growth over recent years and its recent shift to outer London. "Weve seen a significant fall in the number of locations that are affordable for aspiring home owners and a sharp rise in the number of locations where existing home owners have been able to build or store their housing equity. This growing gap between those with and without housing equity is one of the major challenges for policymakers. Paula Higgins, chief executive of the HomeOwners Alliance said: Its shocking that Londoners are being pushed further and further out. The people that live and work in London make it such a great place to be but it is being turned into as dead city. A London preacher and his friend sparked outrage today by praising a fanatic who murdered a Pakistani politician for criticising the countrys strict Islamic laws. Former imam Qari Mahmood, 38, and Khalid Iqbal Malik, 43, who attend Lea Bridge Road mosque in Leyton, hailed killer Mumtaz Qadri a hero and a martyr. Qadri was convicted of killing Punjab governor Salman Taseer after shooting him 28 times over his support for liberal reforms of blasphemy laws in 2011. In an online video published last month, hours after Qadris funeral following his state execution, Mr Mahmood, of Waltham Forest, hails him a hero and blesses his martyrdom. He adds: We are praying to Allah that he will grant us the same martyrdom... this is a man who loves God and his Prophet. Published video: Khalid Iqbal Malik People are crying for him and praying for him.... and you can see how moving the funeral is... God help us to take his mission forward. The video appeared on online media channel Zara Sochoo run by Mr Malik which has more than 60,000 followers. When asked why the clip was put on the channels Facebook page, Mr Malik also hailed Qadri a martyr. He said he did not recall the video but added: He [Qadri] did a great act. It was not murder because, you know, not everyones opinions are the same. Mumtaz Qadri was a great religious person. In front of him, someone said to his Holy Prophet something [bad] like that, so he shot him. Waltham Forest council is investigating and councillor Ahsan Khan has stepped down from his cabinet role after it emerged he had organised a mini ceremony on January 28 at which Mr Malik was presented with a community award for building up a large online following. Mr Malik was handed a crest bearing the boroughs coat of arms by mayor Saima Mahmud. During the ceremony, councillor Khan praised the cleric for the channels good content and for it getting over 500,000 hits across Europe. Other videos on Mr Maliks news channel include two Muslim men fighting each other topless, which he said is a traditional game, and a man beating a dog. Hannah Stuart, an extremism researcher at the Henry Jackson Society think tank, said: To call Qadri a martyr is to continue to justify fanatical vigilantism as religious duty. Father-of-three Mr Mahmood claimed he had been misinterpreted, adding: I do not condone any form of violence or extremism My praise for Mumtaz Qadri was in the gallant way he accepted the court verdict of his death by hanging. "My sympathy is with him with respect to him being subject to a brutal form of capital punishment which I believe should no longer be practised. Mr Malik added by email: The views expressed on the media channel Zara Sochoo are likely the views of the speakers or individuals or organisations. "They do not necessarily represent my personal views or opinions. I condemn all forms of terrorism and violence. He said he was not personally responsible for all the channels content. A council spokesman said the mayor gave Mr Malik a memento at the event organised by Councillor Khan. He added: Qari Mahmoods video which was later published by Mr Malik after it appeared online in March is clearly of huge concern and the matter has been referred to our monitoring officer so that a full and independent investigation can be carried out. He said Councillor Khan had stepped down from his health and wellbeing cabinet role to aid the investigation. Both he and the mayor have stated they do not support the views of Mr Malik or Mr Mahmood and consider any such intolerance unacceptable and irresponsible, he added. Mayor Mahmuds role will also be investigated. There is no suggestion she did anything more than present the crest. Junaid Alam, one of three imams at Lea Bridge Road mosque, said Mr Mahmood and Mr Maliks comments were against Islam and had never been made in the presence of the Sunni mosque. B oris Johnson hit out at Barack Obama today, telling America it was hypocritical to try to make Britain stay in the European Union. He went on the attack after it emerged that the US President will intervene in the knife-edge EU referendum battle during a visit to London next Friday. After lunch with the Queen at Windsor Castle and talks at No 10 with David Cameron, Mr Obama will warn that the UK would lose global influence if it quits the EU. White House officials yesterday set out for the first time the arguments he will use, including that Britain and the EU would both suffer from a break-up. Mr Johnson told the Standard: I honestly dont mind the idea of him joining the debate. "Where we do part company, and where I do mind, is that it is plainly hypocritical for America to urge us to sacrifice control of our laws, our sovereignty, our money and our democracy when they would not dream of ever doing the same. Former Tory defence secretary Liam Fox also rebuffed the White House, saying America would never join a body such as the EU because that was alien to how the United States sees itself. In a speech tonight, Dr Fox will say: American politicians are entitled to their opinions, but when the US has an open border with Mexico and a court that can overrule the Supreme Court ... then perhaps we will listen. But US deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes said: We believe that all of us benefit when the EU can speak with a strong and single voice, and can work with us to advance our shared interests, whether on security or prosperity. He said Mr Obama would speak out if hes asked his view as a friend during the visit, which will include meeting teenage Londoners at a town hall in the capital. Mr Obama, who is in the final year of his presidency, flies in on Thursday evening from Saudi Arabia as part of a farewell tour. Formal talks with Mr Cameron will also cover the global economy, the battle against Islamic State, and concerns about Russian aggression in Syria and Ukraine. Tory MP Jacob Rees-Mogg dismissed Mr Obama as a rather unsuccessful American president and fellow Brexiteer Michael Fabricant scoffed: Will anyone care? But Labour MP Chuka Umunna, a Remain campaigner, said it was hilarious that Tory MPs thought the public would trust them over the president. Ex-Labour chancellor Lord Darling, who backs Stay, said the battle was too close to call, telling BBC radio: Yes, I am worried. A new air force is to be deployed in London to stops hundreds of drivers leaving their engines idling and spewing out toxic fumes. Two traffic wardens will be tasked mainly with reducing engine idling and raising awareness about air quality. They will be able to issue 20 on-the-spot fines if drivers refuse to turn off their engines when parked. If the pilot project in Westminster is successful, four more traffic wardens will join the pollution-busting team using electric mopeds and bikes to get around. For a greener healthier city, we need to work with drivers and encourage them to turn their engines off when stationary, said Heather Acton, Westminster city councils cabinet member for parking and sustainability. That is why weve created our new air force, who will lead the charge in spreading the positive message on air quality across the borough. The council is seeking to create a Low Emission Neighbourhood in Marylebone where four of the traffic wardens would operate. Scientists have put the death toll in London from nitrogen dioxide and tiny particulate pollution at more than 9,000 a year. Westminster introduced the 20 fixed penalty notices for engine idling last May. Traffic wardens have approached more than 1,500 drivers on this issue since then but have not yet issued a fine as most people turn off their engine. The traffic wardens are employed through parking enforcement firm NSL. Mark Hoskin, its director for local government, said: Turning off your engine when stationary may sound like common sense but you would be surprised at just how many drivers leave their vehicles running while parked. In partnership with Westminster city council, we are working hard to reduce engine idling which will significantly improve air quality, help the environment and reduce noise pollution. This makes financial sense for drivers too. The response so far has been great. Westminster is bidding to be one of two boroughs to receive 1 million funding from the Greater London Authority and Transport for London to set up the Low Emission Neighbourhood in Marylebone. One of the proposed measures is to trial a number of residential parking bays only for electric cars. Under the plan, a small number of residents would contract to share an electric charging parking bay. T he next mayor of London should consider building on the green belt to address Londons housing crisis, a Tory think tank said today. The Centre for Policy Studies said rival candidates Zac Goldsmith and Sadiq Khan, who have both insisted they would protect the green belt, should review the rules. Almost a quarter of land within Londons boundaries is classified as green belt and about 60 per cent of this is within 2km of a rail or Tube station. The think tank suggested that whoever took over from Boris Johnson would struggle to build the 50,000 new homes needed annually in the capital. Its report, Who Will Fix Londons Housing Crisis?, said the priority should be developing brownfield sites but added that this alone was unlikely to solve the housing problem. The report singled out the Labour candidates 50 per cent affordable housing target for criticism, saying it would be ineffective and counterproductive as it could reduce the number of new homes built. It also said it was regrettable that Mr Khans fare-freeze proposal could impact on the money available for investing in the transport network, as it could slow the pace of housebuilding. The report claimed the Labour MPs rent cap idea would prevent the growth of good quality rental homes in London, and could increase rents. Report author Daniel Mahoney said: Increasing the supply of homes in London can be achieved by setting reasonable affordable housing targets, not setting rent caps, freeing up public sector land, expanding Londons transport system, reviewing the green belt across London boroughs and promoting simplified planning zones. T he nation's faith in the Queen has leapt in the run-up to her 90th birthday, a poll reveals today. The exclusive survey for The Standard showed trust in Her Majesty jumping from a score of 68.9 in November to 74.1. The rise in the BMG Research polls trust index score was more than twice as large than for the Royal Family as a whole. It also highlighted how the public, particularly women, are in thrall with a golden generation of younger Royals. Prince William, the Duchess of Cambridge - Kate Middleton - and Prince Harry are all at least as popular as Her Majesty herself. Two thirds of adults, 66 per cent, have a favourable view of the Queen who celebrates her 90th birthday on April 21. Loading.... Prince Harry, though, is the favourite Royal on 70 per cent, having impressed many people with his work with injured soldiers, followed by Prince William on 68 per cent and the Duchess of Cambridge on 66 per cent. Interestingly, the results of our latest poll show William, Kate and Harry all scoring very highly with young people, added Michael Turner, research director for BMG Research. Almost two thirds of 18 to 34-year-olds hold a favourable or very favourable view of the young Royals, suggesting that there is a golden generation of popular and engaging Royals who have caught the imagination and affections of young people as well as older. William and Kate Middleton are on a seven-day visit to India and the mountainous country of Bhutan where they arrived yesterday. They will return to India tomorrow. Earlier this week, in a sign of their growing role in the Royal family, they raised the pressures facing steel manufacturers in the UK and India during a lunch with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a royal palace in New Delhi. The surveys findings on the younger Royals will reinforce the view that the Monarchy in Britain has a bright future. Their popularity is also far higher than Prince Charles, on 43 per cent, Prince Andrew on 23 per cent, Princess Anne on 42 per cent and the Duke of Edinburgh with 46 per cent. The Queen - her family in pictures 1 /24 The Queen - her family in pictures Camilla Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince George, Prince William, Princess Charlotte, Prince Louis, and Kate Duchess of Cambridge appear on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the Platinum Jubilee Pageant outside Buckingham Palace in London, Sunday June 5, 2022 AP (Left to right) The Duke of Gloucester, Duchess of Gloucester, Princess Alexandra, Duke of Kent, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence , the Princess Royal, the Duchess of Cornwall, the Prince of Wales , Queen Elizabeth II , Prince Louis, the Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, the Duke of Cambridge, the Countess of Wessex, James Viscount Severn, Lady Louise Windsor, and the Earl of Wessex on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, to view the Platinum Jubilee flypast, on day one of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Picture date: Thursday June 2, 2022. PA Photo. See PA story ROYAL Jubilee. Photo credit should read: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire PA In this photo released by Kensington Palace on Monday May 21, 2018, shows an official wedding photo of Britains Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, center, in Windsor Castle, Windsor, England, Saturday May 19, 2018. Others in photo from left, back row, Jasper Dyer, Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles, Doria Ragland, Prince William; center row, Brian Mulroney, Prince Philip, Queen Elizabeth II, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, Rylan Litt, John Mulroney; front row, Ivy Mulroney, Florence van Cutsem, Zalie Warren, Remi Litt. (Alexi Lubomirski/Kensington Palace via AP) AP Royal move to Windsor Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Louis, the Duchess of Cambridge, Princess Charlotte, Prince George, and the Duke of Cambridge, on the balcony of Buckingham Palace, to view the Platinum Jubilee flypast. PA The new generation Prince William holds George as The Queen waves during the Trooping of the Colour this year, flanked by the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry Chris Jackson/Getty Images Looking upwards Lord Elphinstone (left) speaks to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, along with Princess Margaret, Princess Elizabeth and King George VI (far right), at Holyrood Palace in Edinburgh in July 1937 Fox Photos/Hulton Archive/Getty Images Daddy's girl Princess Anne reaches up to her father as he holds Prince Charles OFF/AFP/Getty Images Fledgling family The Queen and Prince Philip with a young Charles and Anne at Balmoral AFP/Getty Images Changing times And with later generations at Balmoral with Sarah, the Duchess of York holding Princess Beatrice, Princess Diana, Pince Philip, Peter Phillips and Prince Charles. Seated are Prince Harry, Zara Phillips and Prince William Rex Features Trooping of the Colour The Queen holds Prince Andrew in 1961 at Buckingham Palace AFP/Getty Images In training Queen Elizabeth with Princess Margaret, Prince Charles and Prince Andrew in the royal train en route for Christmas at Sandringham Reginald Davis/REX United royals The crowned heads of Norway, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein and Monaco surround the Princely Couple and Great Britain's Royal Family after Charles and Diana's wedding OFF/AFP/Getty Images A new era Prince William's christening in August 1982 PA Wire Strength of the Crown The Queen, Prince Charles and Princess Diana share a joke with Geoff Capes during a break in the field events at the Braemar Games REXMAILPIX All smiles Diana, the Princess of Wales, and The Queen smile to well-wishers in London on August 4, 1987. AP Photo/Martin Cleaver A happy start Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, wave to crowds on July 23, 1986 from the balcony of Buckingham Palace in London while Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Mother look on AFP/Getty Images Familiar face Prince Harry smiles during the Sovereign's Parade at the Royal Military Academy in Sandhurst, in April 2006 Dylan Martinez/AFP/Getty Images She's a Great-grandmother The Queen stoops to talk to Prince George at the christening of Princess Charlotte on July 5, this year in King's Lynn Chris Jackson/Getty Images Nearly twice as many people believe that William, rather than Charles, should succeed the Queen, 49 per cent compared to 25 per cent, according to the poll. Loading.... But even the younger Royals have a long way to go to get anywhere close to Her Majesty on recognition of her devotion to public service. Loading.... Fifty-four per cent of the public believe she sets the best example of public service, followed by William on 15 per cent and then Harry 14 per cent. Next is Kate Middleton on seven per cent, Prince Charles and Princess Anne joint on four per cent, and Prince Andrew and the Duke of Edinburgh both on one per cent. The BMG Research trust index is a monthly tracker metric that asks a nationally representative sample of UK adults if they can indicate whether they tend to trust or distrust certain professions, individuals and institutions. An average score is calculated on a scale of 0-100, based on a marking system of 100 for tend to trust a lot, 75 tend to trust, 50 neither trust nor distrust, 25 tend to distrust and zero for tend to distrust a lot. BMG Research interviewed 1,518 adults across the UK between 24 and 29 March. Data are weighted. A Welsh woman has been banned by a judge from naming her daughter Cyanide. The woman, from Powys, South Wales gave birth to twins and chose the name Preacher for the girl's twin brother. She claimed it was her human right to name her own children, and said Cyanide was a "lovely, pretty name" with positive connotations as it ended the lives of both Hitler and Joseph Goebbels. However, after social workers took the case to court, the Court of Appeal ruled the "extreme" names might harm the children. The court was told the mother had a history of mental illness, drug and alcohol abuse. Cyanide: the woman wanted to name the child after the poision taken by Adolf Hitler / Roger Viollet/Getty Images The two babies, along with the mother's three other children, have now been taken from her care. Lady Justice King said courts would only intervene over the names of children in the most extreme cases. "This is one of those rare cases where the court should intervene to protect the girl twin from emotional harm that I am satisfied she would suffer if called 'Cyanide'", she said. Although Preacher was not deemed to be as bad as Cyanide, the judge ruled it was in both twins' interests that their names should be chosen by their half-siblings. R eading a book to the end has become too difficult for university students due to their short attention spans, academics have claimed. Professor Jenny Pickerill, who teaches environmental geography at the University of Sheffield, told the Times Higher Education magazine that students "struggle" with the books she recommends. The professor claimed her students often complained "the language or concepts are too hard" and they suggested other, easier alternative things to read instead. She said: "There is a disjuncture between the types of reading we want students to engage with and the types students feel able to do." Jo Brewis, a professor of organisation and consumption at Leicester University, said she avoided recommending entire books because it was too much of a challenge. She said: "Graduates and postgraduate students seem mainly not to be avid readers." K illing a poacher for the first time was traumatic for all involved, says Joseph Okouyi, senior wildlife warden at Minkebe national park. My men returned fire and hit the poacher, killing him instantly. They didnt know what to do, he adds. In the rush to escape they failed to bury the body, an omission that proved unsettling in the week that followed. Twelve days later, fearing a bad omen, Mr Okouyi and his men ventured back into the forest in north-east Gabon to retrieve the corpse. The journey was arduous, and the smell, when they got there, even worse, but it was a relief to do the right thing. We had to return the body to his family, says Mr Okouyi. He is a human. He needs a good sleep. Minkebe national park is the front line in Gabons escalating war with poachers. Bordered by Cameroon to the north and Congo to the east, the Belgium-sized expanse of pristine rainforest is an easy target for central African gangs looking to make a quick buck from Africas white gold. Loading.... Gabon has about 40,000 forest elephants roughly half the worlds population a large proportion of which live in Minkebe. But what was once a haven for the sub-species has, for 15 years, been a site of mass slaughter. From 2002 to 2011, poachers ran amok in the park. Beyond the reach of the authorities, a camp of 7,000 people trading ivory, gold, prostitutes and drugs sprung up amid soaring gold and ivory prices, the latter reaching a high of $240 a kilo. By the time Gabonese paratroopers razed the camp in 2011, 75 per cent of Minkebes elephants were dead. A permanent battalion of 100 eco-guards and soldiers now patrol Minkebe, but poachers have returned, crossing from Cameroon in smaller groups of 10 to 50. For six months clashes have increased in frequency and intensity as poachers embraced a new tactic: shooting at eco-guards on sight. Commited: Professor Lee White, left, with President Bongo Ondimba, centre, with and ministers of Interior and Mines in Minkebe Its worse than ever, says Professor Lee White, the British-born director of Gabons national parks agency (ANPN). In the past, poachers would drop their weapons and run. But recently theyve been shooting at my men at the first opportunity. Commentary: Gabon president Ali Bongo on why his country needs global support Ivory poaching is an increasingly serious issue across Africa. In the past 10 years, international criminal poaching gangs have been responsible for the loss of 70 per cent of forest elephants in central Africa. My country of Gabon has been more successful than others at clamping down on the poachers, but between 2004 and 2012 we lost more than 10,000 elephants from our biggest herd. Unfortunately, the damage done by poachers is much more far-reaching than the brutal murder of these majestic animals. The people who profit from this barbaric trade are as happy to traffic people, guns or drugs as they are ivory so it is a matter of national security as well. These organised gangs also do deep damage to rural communities across Africa. Fleeing hunters, elephants seek refuge in nearby villages, where they eat and destroy peoples crops and terrify rural populations. As a leader committed to creating equal chances for my people, I am determined to stamp out poaching. African countries are taking important steps to end poaching, but as the criminal trade relies on an international demand for ivory, we need support from governments and businesses across the world. Britain has already played a leading role in 2014 the Government and their Royal Highnesses Prince Charles, William and Harry hosted a summit on wildlife crime that led to the establishment of the Elephant Protection Initiative. We must build on this success and unite to ensure the elephant has a safe future in Africa. The escalation is driven partly by improvements in the ranger force. With training from the British and US armies, ANPN guards have never been so effective at tracking and apprehending poachers. But its also down to pressure piled on hunters, usually poor members of the persecuted baka pygmy minority, by ruthless and brutal paymasters operating out of a military base in Djoum, just over the Cameroon border. Professor White says: Around six months ago the risk of being arrested, having guns and ivory confiscated and eventually being deported back into the clutches of the Cameroon poaching gangs started to outweigh the risk of shooting at my men. Last November a soldier with an eco-guard patrol was shot in the shin by a poacher armed with a Kalashnikov. The bullet exploded his bone and he had to travel three days through the forest to reach an area where a helicopter could get him out. Minkebes remote location is one of the greatest challenges for ANPN staff. Intensive logging right up to the Gabonese border means Cameroonian poachers have easy access to northern regions of the park, while Professor Whites men must hike or travel by boat for four days. The helicopter is expensive, and must be used sparingly. Despite these challenges, Gabon is committed to protecting its elephants. Needs protection: Forest elephan Since succeeding his father in 2009, President Ali Bongo has prioritised the modernisation of Gabons national parks. When Professor White took over ANPN the same year, it had no vehicles and only 60 staff controlling 13 national parks and three million hectares. It now employs 700 and has a budget of almost $20 million, which pays for military training, weapons and vehicles. To further emphasise his commitment to saving Africas elephants, President Bongo last year signed up to the Giants Club, the protection initiative backed by the Evening Standard. If we carry on this way, I do fear one of our men will be killed On April 29-30, he will join fellow African heads of state, business leaders and conservationists at the inaugural Giants Club Summit to drive protection measures and work out a co-operative framework to deal with the poaching crisis. If the situation in Gabon worsens, Mr Okouyi worries he will have to bury one of his own men. If we carry on this way, I do fear one of our men will be killed. Take the incident in November if the bullet hit him in the chest, he definitely would have died. The special Mothers Day program at the Meadowlands Racetrack that will feature the inaugural edition of the $150,000 Elitlopp Playoff Trot will be featured in Swedens V64, a Pick 6 style wager that routinely handles for than $1 million and guarantees SEK 10 million (Swedish Krona currency) if there is a single winner. The V64 will be comprised of six trotting races on the Meadowlands program and will be the main wager that evening on Swedens national tote and advanced deposit wagering platform, ATG. A total of seven Meadowlands races will be offered for separate pool wagering in Sweden and Finland. In addition, the Elitlopp Playoff, which awards the winner an automatic invitation to the prestigious Elitlopp in Sweden, will be broadcast live on national television on Swedens TV4 network. All other Meadowlands races that day (night in Sweden) will be broadcast live on ATGs television channel and shown at all online and brick-and-mortar wagering outlets throughout Sweden. This will be the first time the ATG has broadcast a V64 race card on its television network from outside Scandinavia. We continue to be extremely excited for what is shaping up to be a must-see event, said Meadowlands GM/COO Jason M. Settlemoir. This has been a wonderful show of cooperation with our Swedish counterparts. Jeff Gural and I would like to extend a huge thank-you to Sam McKee who has worked tirelessly to help put this event together with officials from Solvalla Racecourse and the ATG. Fifteen of the premier trotters in North America have been nominated to the Elitlopp Playoff, including defending Aged Trotter of the Year JL Cruze, Mare Trotter of the Year and former Horse of the Year Bee A Magician, plus Breeders Crown winner Creatine and TVG Series champions Resolve and Shake It Cerry. Fans that wish to follow along the road to the Elitlopp Playoff may visit a special website (elitloppplayoff.com) that will provide the latest news and profiles of all nominated horses at www.elitloppplayoff.com/ and follow along on social media using #ElitloppPlayoff. (Meadowlands Racetrack) Daleiden Files Motion to Dismiss Texas Charges Contact: Alexandra Snyder, Life Legal Defense Foundation , 202-717-7371NAPA, Calif., April 15, 2016 / Standard Newswire / -- A motion to quash David Daleiden's criminal indictment has been filed in Harris County, Texas today. The motion seeks to invalidate the charges filed against Daleiden after he was indicted by a grand jury for allegedly using a fake identification and violating a state statute prohibiting trafficking in fetal tissue.Harris County District Attorney Devon Anderson came under fire from Life Legal and other pro-life organizations in January after she failed to file charges against Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast (PPGC).Videos released by David Daleiden and the Center for Medical Progress clearly show PPGC's director of research, Melissa Farrell, discussing compensation for intact bodies and parts of aborted babies. In one video, Farrell says, "We had two levels of invoicing for [fetal specimens]. We had it worded as 'per consent,'" which she defined as "paying for the specimen itself." PPGC takes in over $24 million in annual revenue."District Attorneys have a great deal of latitude in how they conduct grand jury investigations and can readily obtain indictments in cases they want to prosecute," notes Life Legal Defense Foundation Executive Director Alexandra Snyder. "It is famously said that prosecutors have so much influence over grand juries that they can get them to 'indict a ham sandwich,' yet DA Anderson refused to connect the dots between paying for an aborted specimen and fetal tissue trafficking. We are hopeful that the judge reviewing today's motion will recognize the absurdity of charging David for the crime committed by Planned Parenthood."This is not the first time DA Anderson has elected not to prosecute abortion providers, even in the face of documented evidence of criminal activity.In 2013, Anderson's grand jury investigation into late-term abortionist Douglas Karpenwho has been called the Gosnell of Houstonfailed to return a single indictment, even though Karpen's former employees stated that babies were born alive and then murdered in his clinic on a daily basis. In 2014, Karpen's attorney donated over $25,000 to Anderson's campaign.Life Legal continues to coordinate Daleiden's defense, including preparing for possible charges in California after Attorney General Kamala Harris raided David's apartment and seized his personal property. Life Legal also heads up Daleiden's litigation team in three separate lawsuits filed against him by StemExpress, the National Abortion Federation, and Planned Parenthoodincluding PPGC.About Life Legal Defense FoundationLife Legal Defense Foundation was established in 1989, and is a nonprofit organization composed of attorneys and other concerned citizens committed to giving helpless and innocent human beings of any age, and their advocates, a trained and committed voice in the courtrooms of our nation. For more information about the Life Legal Defense Foundation, visit www.lldf.org All the important decisions concerning the day-to-day operations of the airline are taken by the management team of the airline under the overall supervision, control, and direction of the board of directors. New Delhi: AirAsia on April 15 asserted that effective control of its joint venture AirAsia India is with Indian parties and said "vested interests" were trying to prevent the local no-frills airline from offering competitive service and fares. The assertion comes amid concerns expressed in various quarters about effective control at the low cost airline AirAsia India - jointly owned by Malaysia-based AirAsia Bhd and Tatas. AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes said it is time for India to end patronage and put people first and emphasised that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has promised fairness and transparency. According to AirAsia, a provision in the brand license AirAsia India and AirAsia Bhd explicitly states that substantial ownership and effective control of the licensee remains at all times with Indian residents. "We are shocked and surprised by the unprecedented opposition we continue to face in the Indian market from vested interests that are determined to find any reason or argument to block us in our endeavour to offer Indian consumer the most competitive service and fares," AirAsia said in a statement on April 15. It reiterated that AirAsia India's majority ownership and effective control are with Indian parties as per regulations. "All the important decisions concerning the day-to-day operations of the airline are taken by the management team of the airline under the overall supervision, control, and direction of the board of directors (which include a majority of Indian nationals)," the statement said. Meanwhile, Fernandes said the "constant attack on AirAsia, especially by certain members of media has saddened me but we will prevail. It is time for India to end patronage and put people first". Last month, Tata Sons said it would hike its stake in AirAsia India to 49 per cent by buying additional shares from Arun Bhatia's Telestra which would be exiting the airline. Telestra Tradeplace had around 10 per cent stake. While Tata Sons would buy 7.94 per cent shareholding, the remaining stake would be purchased by the carrier's two directors - S Ramadorai and R Venkataramanan - in their individual capacities. Post deal, Tata group and Malaysia's AirAsia Bhd would have 49 per cent stake each in the no-frills airline. Meanwhile, Fernandes on April 15 also said Modi government has promised fairness and transparency and having met the Prime Minister, "I am even more excited about our future in India". "My father was a proud Indian and of all the things that I have done, nothing would have made him prouder than what we are trying to achieve in India. AirAsia is about creating jobs and enabling people to do things they never ever thought possible. We made Asia smaller. That's all we want to do in India," he noted. Revenue of the Bengaluru-based firm grew 23.4 per cent to Rs 16,550 crore in the March quarter compared with Rs 13,411 crore in the same quarter of 2014-15 Bengaluru: Country's second-largest software services major Infosys today reported a 16.2 per cent growth in consolidated net profit at Rs 3,597 crore for the quarter ended March 31, 2016. It had posted a net profit of Rs 3,097 crore in January-March of 2014-15, Infosys said in a BSE filing. Revenue of the Bengaluru-based firm grew 23.4 per cent to Rs 16,550 crore in the March quarter compared with Rs 13,411 crore in the same quarter of 2014-15, it added. On a sequential basis, Infosys' net profit rose 3.8 per cent from Rs 3,465 crore in the October-December quarter while revenue was up 4.1 per cent from Rs 15,902 crore during the same period. Reacting to the results, the stock was trading at Rs 1,172.05, down 0.87 per cent, on BSE at 1002 hours. Infosys Managing Director and CEO Vishal Sikka said: "Over the course of this year, we saw this strategy of bringing automation and innovation to our clients, on a foundation of learning and education, start to show results in the organic growth of our client relationships, in our win rates in large deals, and in the types of projects we are seeing in strategic areas where we never participated before. " In US dollars, Infosys net profit grew 7 per cent to USD 533 million in the March quarter from USD 498 million in the year-ago period while revenues rose 13.3 per cent to USD 2.44 billion from USD 2.15 billion a year ago.For 2015-16, profit was up 1.9 per cent at USD 2.05 billion while revenues grew 9.1 per cent to USD 9.5 billion. Infosys said it expects revenue for 2016-17 to grow in the range of 11.5-13.5 per cent in constant currency and 11.8-13.8 per cent in US dollar terms, in line with industry body Nasscom's estimate of 10-12 per cent for the fiscal. The company said it has appointed Mohit Joshi, Ravi Kumar S and Sandeep Dadlani as presidents with effective immediate effect. Cash and cash equivalents, available-for-sale financial assets, certificates of deposits and government bonds were Rs 34,468 crore as of March 31, 2016."Our growth trajectory improved in FY16 and we navigated the external business environment well. We will continue to focus on leveraging operational efficiency levers for consistent profitable growth," Infosys CFO MD Ranganath said. During the quarter, cash generation was strong and Infosys managed a volatile currency environment effectively, he added. Infosys said its quarterly annualised attrition rate has declined to 17.3 per cent in January-March of 2016.For the March quarter, Infosys' total headcount stood at 1,94,044 as against 1,76,187 a year ago. Net additions in the March quarter stood at 661 people. "Employee attrition reduced further in Q4, and is reflective of increased engagement with our people all through the year, and our steps to make Infosys an exciting place for the world's best talent. We continue to reimagine our internal processes to increase organisational agility," Infosys COO U B Pravin Rao said. The momentum of large deal wins continued this quarter and bookings were strong, he added. Infosys Board has recommended a final dividend of Rs 14.25 per equity share for the financial year ended March 2016. In fiscal 2016, over Rs 216 crore (USD 33 million) contributed by Infosys was utilised across projects related to healthcare, education, culture, destitute care and rural development, it said. In addition, the company has spent Rs 86 crore (USD 13million) crore on multiple initiatives including Chennai flood disaster relief, environment sustainability and conservation of natural resources aimed at long-term sustainability of ecosystem. A review will be made after two months by an independent agency about the services and if due to poor services problem is faced in dealing with law and order or disaster management Lucknow: Telecom companies were on April 15 pulled up by Lucknow District Magistrate Rajshekhar who issued a stern warning to them, saying they should improve services within two months or face action. "In past six months, it has been observed that signal strength, voice quality, 3G services, remote place connectivity of your companies are deteriorating, affecting lakhs of consumers," the DM told the telecom companies. "Action under provisions of Disaster Management Act, 2005 could be initiated against you (telecom companies) after two months if services are not improved," he said. Rajshekar said he has written a letter in this regard to regional managers of the telcom companies including Vodafone, Airtel, Aircel, Telenor, Idea and Reliance. The DM said no attempts were being made by these companies to improve service and strengthen networks due to which problems of voice break, congestion, calldrops and poor internet connectivity is witnessed. "You know that at time of disaster better mobile and internet connectivity is needed and it is your duty to provide it. If any problem is witnessed in disaster management due to poor connectivity, action can be taken against you under provisions of the Act," the letter said. A review will be made after two months by an independent agency about the services and if due to poor services problem is faced in dealing with law and order or disaster management, action could be taken, the DM added. 'Fan' may remind you of the early 90s when Khan had made his mark by giving rise to the genre of the anti-hero with movies like Anjaam, Darr and Baazigar. Rating: Director: Maneesh Sharma Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Waluscha de Sousa, Shriya Pilgaonkar 'Rehne de, tu nahi samjhega' (let it be, you won't understand) is the last thing we hear before the curtain falls on 2 hours of director Maneesh Sharma trying to make the audiences 'understand' exactly that -- what it means to be a Fan. We are a country well acquainted with the term -- fan. Shah Rukh, Sachin, Amitabh Bachchan, Salman for us are emotions. We build temples, we pray, we fast, we celebrate this emotion. Maneesh, in his film, takes this a step further. Partly inspired by The Fan made by Hollywood director Tony Scott in 1996, Maneesh 20 years later Indianises it by aptly choosing the man who isn't alien to the concept of fans, Shah Rukh Khan. The twist here though is he plays both the fan as well as the superstar. While it perhaps would not have been too tough for Khan to play a star, portraying the role of his delusional fan (Gaurav Chandna) Khan would surprise many who have been waiting to see him in this avatar. It may remind you of the early 90s when Khan had made his mark by giving rise to the genre of the anti-hero with movies like Anjaam, Darr and Baazigar. His body language, his mannerisms as the star and as the fan is markedly different and for the first time gives us a glimpse of not just Shah Rukh Khan the star or Shah Rukh Khan the actor, but also Shah Rukh Khan the person. He executes this complex act and passes with flying colours. Not new to facing backlash for his controversies in real life, he effortlessly touches upon the shades of grey in a star's life. While Khan's acting prowess will keep you glued to the film, Maneesh's brand of crisp and tight storytelling holds the plot together. The lack of songs doesn't even register as the journey of Gaurav, his obsession with his idol and how he deals with a heartbreak, engages the audience. The scene when Gaurav comes to Mumbai and is standing outside his idol's house is one of the most powerful scenes in the film. That episode makes him realise the chasm between him and his idol. From this point, the film takes a dramatic twist. It's a film about SRK, the star and SRK, the fan. And by the end of it, the fan wins hearts -- with his dialogues (thanks to Habib Faisal), costumes (Niharika Khan take a bow), his persona and his toothy grin (outstanding VFX). Cinematographer Manu Anand makes the film look like a visual treat. Gaurav rules the film through its various twists and turns, its emotional crests and troughs and even in its ending. He makes you believe how it's good to be a fan but superstar Aryan Khanna justifies how one must have their own identity. The film's VFX is at par with Hollywood. The action scenes shot in Dubrovnik and in Delhi are top-notch, designed by Korean action director O se-Young. If you are a fan and even if you are not, this is a film that's worth a watch. The Nebraska Supreme Court has upheld a judgment against the City of Gering and Scotts Bluff County stemming from an accident that seriously injured a Gering woman. The City of Gering and Scotts Bluff County had appealed a September 2014 ruling by Scotts Bluff County Judge Randall Lippstreu, awarding Rosa Moreno a judgment for $575,203.62 for injuries and other damages Moreno suffered in a Jan. 12, 2011, accident between a Scotts Bluff County Handibus and a City of Gering Fire Department vehicle. Moreno was one of two passengers in a Scotts Bluff County Handibus van when the vehicle was involved in an accident. The Handibus was exiting the Wendys parking lot on Tenth Street when a Gering firefighter Jeffrey Vance, driving a Gering Fire Department vehicle, struck the Handibus vehicle. Moreno sued Scotts Bluff County and the City of Gering, alleging that the Handibus driver, Charles Haggard, and that Vance had been negligent. In their appeal, both the City of Gering and Scotts Bluff County admitted liability, but contested damages, citing a cervical fusion surgery performed by a Regional West neurosurgeon. The neurosurgeon, Dr. Omar Jimenez, had said that the surgery was necessary, however, prior to trial, the two entities cited news reports that Jimenez performed an unusually high number of spinal fusion surgeries, according to court records. The two entities subpoenaed records from Regional West, but the court overruled a motion to compel, reasoning that the records were not relevant to Morenos case and did not involve parties in the lawsuit. At trial, the City of Gering and Scotts Bluff County questioned the doctor extensively and introduced testimony from a physician who opined that the fusion was unnecessary. However, the district court judge took the surgery into account in issuing his ruling and found that the surgery was necessary. The county and the city said in their appeal that the court erred in not compelling Regional West to submit records requested in a subpoena, in finding that the surgery was necessary and in awarding damages to Moreno related to the surgery. The Nebraska Supreme Court found that the Scotts Bluff County district court judge did not err in his rulings regarding the Regional West documents, as the two entities had other options to submit direct evidence and the courts findings regarding Morenos surgery were supported by evidence introduced at trial. CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) A U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs police officer faces a federal kidnapping charge following what prosecutors allege was a violent confrontation with his wife at their home on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Wyoming. The U.S. Attorney's Office in Cheyenne has filed a criminal complaint against William Arthur Curran. The complaint identifies Curran as a BIA police officer and a member of the Yankton Sioux Tribe of South Dakota. The complaint alleges the officer's wife reported her husband had handcuffed her and threatened to kill her at their home in Ft. Washakie on Monday evening. It states she called 911 while she was restrained. Curran faces an initial court appearance Thursday in Casper. Court records don't indicate that he has retained a lawyer yet. Pratyusha Banerjee, better known as Anandi for her role in popular TV serial Balika Vadhu, committed suicide at her suburban home on April 1 Mumbai: The parents of TV star Pratyusha Banerjee, who allegedly committed suicide, have written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis requesting for a probe by Mumbai Police Crime Branch into her death. In their letter to the CM, they have alleged that Pratyusha's boyfriend and actor-producer Rahul Raj Singh was "solely responsible for her death". "...she fell prey to conman Rahul Raj Singh, who has not only cheated my daughter and is solely responsible for death, but also cheated many innocent girls like her to the tune of lakhs of rupees," said the letter, dated April 13, signed by Pratyusha's mother Soma Banerjee. Read: Pratyusha suicide: Rahul Raj's former girlfriend Saloni Sharma breaks her silence The letter, which has also been addressed to Minister of State for (Home) Ranjit Patil, Mumbai Police Commissioner Dattatray Padsalgikar and Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Deven Bharti, alleged that their complaint was not being heard by police. The actress' mother alleged that instead of seriously investigating the matter, the Bangur Nagar police, where the case has been registered, was giving a free hand to the accused to destroy the evidence. "He (Rahul) also has been threatening us and the witnesses. The death of my daughter is being coloured and portrayed as a suicide committed due to depression," it stated. "Our appeal to you is that the investigation in the case should be transferred to Mumbai Crime Branch for a fair investigation so that justice is done after our daughter's untimely and mysterious death," the letter further said. The 'Balika Badhu' fame actress was found hanging at her residence in Goregaon on April 1. She was then rushed by Rahul to a hospital in Andheri where she was declared dead. Rahul, who has been booked for abetment of suicide, has been undergoing treatment for alleged depression at a hospital in Borivali since April 3. The Bombay High Court had on Tuesday granted Rahul interim protection from arrest till April 18. LINCOLN The Nebraska Supreme Court has upheld the states hate crime law in a case involving a 2013 assault of a man who was with two gay friends outside an Old Market restaurant. Under the state law, a third-degree assault can be enhanced from a misdemeanor to a felony if the victim is targeted because of race or sexual orientation or the victims association with those of a certain race or sexual orientation. In an opinion released Friday, the Supreme Court addressed what amounted to a challenge of how the hate crime statute should be applied. Gregory Duncan was convicted of the enhanced assault after a jury determined he sucker punched Ryan Langenegger because the victim was hanging out with two friends who are gay. Langenegger is straight. Duncan appealed his conviction, saying prosecutors failed to prove he threw the punch because Langenegger happened to be with two gay men. In an unanimous opinion, the Supreme Court upheld the conviction. The high court pointed to witnesses who testified at trial they heard terms such as faggot and queer directed at Langenegger and his friends by one or two men who were with Duncan. Prosecutors said the only reason Langenegger was hit was that he was with Joshua Foo, who is gay, and Jacob Gellinger, who is gay and was dressed in drag that night. The groups had been eating at Pepperjax Grill in October 2013. A rational jury could infer from this evidence that Duncans motivation was his belief that Langenegger was associated with homosexual people, Supreme Court Judge William Cassel wrote in the courts opinion. Duncan, 37, was sentenced last June to a term of one year to 1 1/2 years in prison for the felony assault. He was released in January after having served about seven months. LINCOLN Nebraska students attended the 2016 Attorney Generals Youth Conference held at the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln. Fifty-three high school juniors from 36 Nebraska communities participated in the April 12 event. Students were selected from across the state representing numerous high schools and communities. Applicants submitted a short resume of activities, their favorite Constitutional Amendment, and short essay along with recommendations. Events of the day included remarks from Attorney General Doug Peterson, lunch at the Governors Residence, and a visit with Gov. Pete Ricketts. It has been a very encouraging day to spend time with energetic and engaged young people. We will be in capable hands if these students become our future leaders in Nebraska, Peterson said in a statement. In addition, participants heard messages from Chief Justice Mike Heavican and Scott Frakes, the Director of the Nebraska Department of Corrections. An overview of the Attorney Generals Office included: a panel discussion by the Bureau Chiefs for the Attorney Generals office, words of wisdom and warning from the Attorney Generals Outreach Coordinator, Ryan Sothan on issues of consumer protection and internet safety and a quick outline of the AGO Mediation Center. 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This non-cooperation directive came after Binaifer approached the CINTAA for the 38-year-old actress' decision to make an unceremonious exit from the show, which was seen as an utterly unprofessional approach. The association then ordered Shilpa to resume shooting and report back on the 'Bhabi Ji Ghar Pe Hain' set, but the actress refused to budge from her stance. As a result, the actress, who was in talks with the makers of 'The Kapil Sharma Show,' is left with nothing. Friday, 15 April 2016 21:32:09 (GMT+3) | Sao Paulo The Chilean price distortion commission, CNDP, has concluded a safeguarding investigation over the imports of wire rod and has recommended an ad valorem tariff of 38.9 percent over the external purchases of the product. CNDP recommended the 38.9 percent ad valorem imports tariff to be applied provisionally for a period of six months. In a meeting held earlier in April, three-quarters of the members of the commission have recommended the ad valorem, provisional duty, which is yet to be applied. CNDP suggested the provisional duty to be applied to the following products, which fall under the current Customs Tariff Statistics Position Numbers: 7213.2000, 7213.9110, 7213.9120, 7213.9190, 7227.1000, 7227.2000 and 7227.9000. A local union said the recommendation is a good start, but said the needed tariff could be around 70 percent. Chilean steel producer CAP has welcomed the recommendation, which is not a final decision, and added these needed actions to protect the nations steel industry should continue. Friday, 15 April 2016 16:59:34 (GMT+3) | Istanbul Saudi Arabia has lifted its export ban on cement and rebar since the construction industry in the country is suffering from the impact of lower oil prices, which has resulted in the government cutting back on spending on many projects, according to a report by Reuters. According to Reuters, among the conditions that firms in both the cement and steel sectors will have to meet in order to export goods is payment of the difference in energy costs between the local and international market. Reuters quoted Mohammed Alomran, a member of the Saudi Economic Association, as stating that the companies which will likely benefit from the reported lift of the export ban are those close to the sea as sea transportation is cheaper. Friday, 15 April 2016 14:08:20 (GMT+3) | Istanbul Turkish steel producers have increased their wire rod offers to the export markets by $20/mt in the past week to $490-500/mt FOB in parallel with higher production costs caused by the ongoing rises seen in global scrap and billet quotations. Although demand for Turkish wire rod in the export markets has remained at low levels during the past week, buyers in the target markets have stepped up their inquiries. Senate Speaker Calin Popescu Tariceanu announced he will show up at DNA Brasov on Friday, to be heard as a witness in the case concerning the illegal retrocession of the Baneasa Royal Farm and of 47 hectares of forest in Snagov. Senate Speaker Calin Popescu Tariceanu announced he will show up at the DNA Brasov on Friday, in order to be heard as a witness in a corruption case. The Senate Speaker pointed out in a press release on Thursday that he was invited at the hearings by phone, to be heard as a witness in case file 259/p/2015. I want to inform the press that, as a show of respect for legal provisions concerning the confidentiality of the investigation, I will not make any statements on my arrival at and departure from the DNA office, Calin Popescu Tariceanu stated. The Senate Speaker added that he usually promptly informs the press about his activities of public interest, such as his presence at the DNA to be heard as a witness. This time, I deliberately kept this information secret, in order to verify whether DNA workers leak confidential information to the press. A short while ago, I was contacted by members of the press who asked me: is it true that you have been invited at DNA Brasov? Q.E.D., so I decided to release this communique, Tariceanu pointed out. The study was published in the journal Criminal Justice and Behaviour. Washington: Kids who decide to join gangs are more likely to be depressed and suicidal - and these mental health problems only worsen after joining, a new US study has found. Gang membership is associated with greater levels of depression, as well as a 67 per cent increase in suicidal thoughts and a 104 per cent increase in suicide attempts, researchers said. "Youth who join a gang are much more likely to have mental health issues, and then being in the gang actually makes it worse," said Chris Melde, a Michigan State University (MSU) professor of criminal justice. "It doesn't act as an antidepressant. And some people may be seeking that out ? a sense of well-being or purpose," said Melde. With an estimated 850,000 members in the US, gangs remain a "stubbornly persistent" problem, according to the US Justice Department. Many youth - particularly poor and minority youth join gangs to escape hardship for the promise of money, protection, status or a sense of belonging they are not getting at home, school or elsewhere. However, Melde has studied youth gangs for years and found no discernible benefits. For example, the rate of substance abuse and violent victimisation only increase after kids join gangs. In the study, Melde and Adam Watkins from Bowling Green State University studied national survey data of more than 11,000 middle- and high-school students. Youth who joined gangs had significantly higher levels of depression and suicidal thoughts than those who did not join gangs. Further, membership in gangs made these underlying problems much worse. "If you think of gang membership as a coping mechanism - trying to cope with the hand you've been dealt in life - it does not work," Melde said. "Kids join gangs for reasons, but when we try to find the benefits whether it is for protection, a sense of worth, whatever - we are finding it actually makes an already significant problem in their lives even worse," said Melde. The study was published in the journal Criminal Justice and Behaviour. Panaji: The special public prosecutor representing the state in the Louis Berger bribery scandal in Goa has decided to withdraw from appearing in the case. In a letter written to Superintendent of Police (Crime Branch), Special Public Prosecutor Rajiv Gomes noted that a complaint of dual nationality registered against him with Margao police has been transferred to Crime Branch, which appointed him as SPP in the Louis Berger case. "It has been brought to my notice yesterday that crime number 31/6 of Margao Town police station registered against me on false allegations of having acquired Portuguese nationality has been recently transferred to the Crime Branch for investigation," Gomes said in a letter dated April 14. "I have always demanded that a fair, just and expeditious investigation be carried out in the said case registered against me so that the truth surfaces at the earliest," he said. "Hence pending investigation in conformity to the ethical standards of my profession and in order to facilitate a fair and just investigation, as well as to dispel any element of suspicion in the investigation due to my status as a Special Public Prosecutor of Crime Branch, I find it desirable that I immediately withdraw my appearance in crime number 93/15 of crime branch police station special case State v Churchill Alemao and Others," he further said. Gomes had appeared for the state to oppose the anticipatory bail plea filed by former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat in August last year and also to oppose the bail petitions of others accused, including former PWD Minister Churchill Alemao, in the Louis Berger bribery case. Last year, the Crime Branch had registered an FIR against Kamat, Alemao and others in connection with the case of alleged payment of bribe by officials of Louis Berger, a US-based firm, to an Indian minister to win consultancy for a water augmentation and sewerage project funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Goa. Alemao, who was PWD minister in the Kamat government, and three others, including former vice-president of Louis Berger Satyakam Mohanty, head of JICA-aided project in Goa Anand Wachasunder and alleged hawala dealer Raychand Soni were then arrested in connection with the case. Kamat had got anticipatory bail from a trial court. The Goa bench of Bombay High Court had also upheld the order of the trial court that granted him anticipatory bail. The 61-year-old Congress leader was heading the state between 2007-2012 when the New Jersey-based consultancy firm allegedly paid the bribes. Even as Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and other critics call for big banks to be broken up, the banks themselves are working on ways to do just that. The banks dont want to be broken up, of course, but the Dodd-Frank Act requires them to write what amounts to a living will. If a big, complex institution gets in trouble, regulators want to know how to separate the pieces in a way that doesnt endanger the financial system. The trouble is, the process of writing these liquidation plans has been slow and contentious. We learned this week that both the Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. have rejected plans from five of the eight biggest banks. Two other banks failed to get their plans approved by one of the two regulators, and only Citigroup appears to be close to having a satisfactory plan. Citigroup was among the shakiest too-big-to-fail banks during the financial crisis, so weve made progress if regulators think it could be wound down during a future panic. On the other hand, Bank of America, Bank of New York Mellon, JPMorgan Chase, State Street and Wells Fargo all just flunked their living-will assignments. Jack Tatom, a St. Louis-area economist whos a fellow at the Johns Hopkins Institute for Applied Economics, Global Health and the Study of Business Economics, believes the failing grades are regulators fault. The biggest problem is that the regulators havent been very transparent about what they are looking for, Tatom said. The regulators are going to have to show more cards, provide more guidance. The five banks face sanctions if they dont have satisfactory living wills by October. Presumably theyll make every effort to meet that deadline. Even then, though, the too-big-to-fail problem wont be behind us. Just because a bank has a wind-down plan doesnt mean it will work. The thing about contracts is that theyre imperfect and they cant anticipate every eventuality, says John Howe, a professor of finance at the University of Missouri. Im skeptical that this will work, but nobody really knows because we havent tried it. The other problem is political. Will a future administration take the risk of closing a big bank? Or, remembering how the bailouts of 2008 kept things from getting worse, will it try to engineer something similar? I can imagine that it might be politically unpopular to break up a bank if that might lead to at least temporarily higher levels of unemployment, Howe says. Essentially, Dodd-Frank dealt with the too-big-to-fail problem by emphasizing the word fail. The thinking behind the living wills is that every bank should be capable of being liquidated in a pinch. Sanders proposes to solve the same problem by ending too big, but breaking up the big banks raises difficult questions. How do politicians decide the optimal size of Bank of America? Is it half the current size? A quarter? A forced breakup might destroy jobs and hurt customers who value big banks for their extensive ATM networks and sophisticated corporate services. The market isnt saying that the behemoth banks are too big, but they do get an unfair advantage from the perception that they have Uncle Sams implicit backing. Doing everything possible to dispel that perception seems like the right approach. The biggest challenge isnt rewriting the banks living wills, its convincing the public that they can actually work. An unidentified American company was defrauded last year out of nearly $100 million by individuals who created a fake email address in order to pose as one of its legitimate vendors, U.S. authorities said on Thursday. The details of the scheme came as the U.S. government filed a civil forfeiture lawsuit in federal court in Manhattan seeking to recover about $25 million in proceeds derived from the fraud held in at least 20 bank accounts around the world. Nearly $74 million has been recovered and returned to the American company, authorities said. The case appeared to be the latest, and one of the largest, examples of a "business email compromise," a growing type of cyber scam in which fraudsters target businesses that work with foreign suppliers or regularly perform wire transfers. The FBI said in an alert issued to companies last week that businesses had suffered $2.3 billion globally in losses from email wire-transfer scams from October 2013 to February of this year. The complaint filed on Thursday "appears to be the largest email scam that I've seen," said Tom Brown, a former Manhattan federal prosecutor who is now managing director of Berkeley Research Group's cyber security practice. The scheme at issue in Thursday's lawsuit took place from August to September and was identified after a Cyprus-based bank identified suspicious transfers, authorities said. According to the lawsuit, the perpetrators carried out the scam by creating a fake email address that resembled that of one of the company's vendors in Asia. The perpetrators then posed as a vendor while communicating with a professional services company that was hired to handle the details and logistics of vendor payments for the American corporation, the lawsuit said. The fraud caused the American firm to send $98.9 million meant for the actual vendor to an account at Eurobank Cyprus Ltd, which discovered the fraud, the lawsuit said. Eurobank, which did not respond to an email seeking comment, on its own initiative in September restrained nearly $74 million of the funds. The remaining $25 million was laundered through other accounts in locations including Cyprus, Latvia, Hungary, Estonia, Lithuania, Slovakia, and Hong Kong, authorities said. Foreign governments at the request of U.S. authorities have restrained 20 accounts worldwide that received portions of the remaining stolen funds, which are now the subject of the lawsuit, authorities said. Scores of low-wage workers and sympathizers were out again Thursday, chanting and waving signs in front of low-wage employers in St. Louis. This time, there was a twist: A low-wage employer was chanting with them. I was standing with my employees because they deserve $15 an hour, said Tammy Dale, owner of the Teachers Loving Children day care center in south St. Louis. She donned a yellow Fight for $15 T-shirt and brought children out to watch the demonstration in front of her center at Louisiana Avenue and Chippewa Street. Dale starts workers at $7.65, the states minimum wage. Why not give them a raise? I cant, Dale said. Most parents she serves in the poor neighborhood are low-wage workers themselves, and collect state subsidies for child care. The government isnt paying us enough, so we cant afford to pay our people enough, she said. Missouri pays $16.95 per day for a preschooler. The Fight for $15 movement was born four years ago to demand that the minimum wage be raised to $15 an hour. Its trademark one-day strikes have repeatedly drawn fast-food workers to picket lines around St. Louis and across the nation. Another round on Thursday put pickets at McDonalds restaurants on Kingshighway and Hampton Avenue in the city. Lately, the movement been scoring big victories elsewhere. California and New York are phasing in a $15 minimum by 2022. Oregon is raising the wage to $14.75 in Portland by 2022, with $13.50 and $12.50 minimums for other areas. Cities, including Seattle and Washington, D.C., hiked their own minimums. Chicago will raise its $10 minimum to $13 by 2019, above the Illinois state minimum of $8.25. But in Missouri, the movement has hit roadblocks in the courts and the Legislature. Last summer, the St. Louis Board of Aldermen voted to raise the minimum in the city to $8.25 at first, then to $11 by 2018. A circuit court judge blocked that move, ruling that it conflicted with state law setting the minimum at $7.65. The Kansas City Council voted to raise that citys minimum to $13 by 2020. Then the Legislature put a halt to both efforts. Lawmakers took a bill aimed at municipal bans on plastic grocery bags and expanded it into a ban on local minimum wages. Gov. Jay Nixon vetoed the bill, but the Legislature overrode his veto last fall. The movements hopes now hang on the Missouri Supreme Court. The court is hosting challenges both to the new law and the judges ruling in the St. Louis. Meanwhile, the Fight for $15 movement keeps marching and chanting. Craig Ellis, 21, works two part-time jobs, earning $8 an hour at a McDonalds in Hazelwood and $10 at UPS in Earth City. He takes a long bus ride between them. I barely see my child because I work constantly, said Ellis, the father of a 1-year-old. His girlfriend, with whom he lives, also works part time for low wages. Eight dollars an hour is enough to pay the phone bill, the light bill. But I have a mortgage, he said. He isnt discouraged by the Legislatures determination to block city-by-city wage legislation. Were not going to stop until its done, Ellis said, between chants at the day care center. Nationally, the minimum wage issue has become a battle of the academic studies. Opponents cite studies indicating that raising the minimum causes employers to cut jobs. Advocates cite other studies showing that wages can rise with little job loss, with the costs absorbed through lower profits for business owners and higher prices for goods and services. A $15 minimum in Missouri would be a disaster, said Dave Overfelt, president of the Missouri Retailers Association. Youd see many layoffs and it would be such a devastating blow, he added. Where is the money going to come from to pay for it? St. Louis relatively low cost of living gives it a competitive advantage in attracting business from the coasts, and a higher minimum would diminish that edge, said Patrick Ishmael, director of government accountability for the conservative Show-Me Institute in Clayton. Once you try to act like California, you end up frittering away those advantages, he said. The Fight for $15 movement has strong support from labor unions, especially the Service Employees International Union. The union is now bargaining with St. Louis University Hospital, demanding a $15 minimum for all hospital workers. The next move may be an attempt to put a higher-wage initiative on the ballot during the next statewide election in 2018, said Lenny Jones, the unions director for Missouri. Thats not an easy task. It involves collecting signatures from 5 percent of voters in six of eight congressional districts to put a law-change on the ballot. A constitutional change requires 8 percent in six districts. Jones hopes to rally an army of union member volunteers to collect the signatures. Thats how the last successful minimum wage issue got on the ballot in 2006. We had a shoestring budget and we got signatures in six weeks, said Jones. A higher wage would pass with voters, he predicted. When we started this movement, people thought we were crazy, Jones said. There has been a steady progression of support for higher and higher amounts. The union considered trying for a vote this year, but decided to try a city-by-city approach instead. Lately, the business community has been pushing an alternative a higher earned income tax credit for the working poor. The credit is a reverse income tax. On the federal level, low-income people with jobs can get a tax refund even if they owe no income taxes. A family with three children can claim as much as $6,269. The St. Louis Regional Chamber, a major business group, is pushing the Legislature to adopt a version for the state income tax. The proposal would give working poor couples a state credit equal to 20 percent of their federal credit. But, unlike the federal plan, families could collect only enough to bring their state income tax to zero. The plan would cut state tax revenue by about $56 million. A higher minimum wage helps teenagers from affluent families working part time, noted Chamber spokesman Hart Nelson. The tax credit helps the folks we really need to help, he said. Shaun Hayes, who led several St. Louis area banks before regulators banned him from the industry, now faces a new round of legal troubles. Hayes and developer Michael Litz were indicted for alleged bank fraud and misapplication of bank funds from Excel Bank, a Sedalia, Mo.-based financial institution that failed in 2012. Hayes also was indicted by the grand jury Wednesday for allegedly causing false entry in bank records, according to court documents unsealed in federal court Friday. Each felony count carries a maximum penalty of up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to $1 million, the U.S. Attorneys office said. The indictment accuses the two men of fraudulently using Excel funds to bail out failing investments. The alleged scheme involved Hayes using his position as Excels controlling shareholder to push through improper loans and then concealing the nature of those loans from the bank. Hayes, 56, of Frontenac, was arrested Thursday night and made his first appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Shirley Mensah Friday afternoon, handcuffed and wearing a gray-and-white striped prisoners uniform. Hayes will be held in custody until at least his detention hearing and arraignment Tuesday, the judge said. Hayes said little during the hearing other than to say he was arrested at his sons baseball game, in response to a question from the judge. Hayes attorney, Karl Dickhaus, declined to comment on the case after the hearing concluded. He said his client intends to plead not guilty. Litz, 61, of Ladue, is expected to turn himself in early next week. He could not be reached for comment. Hayes bought a controlling stock interest in Excel Banks parent company in 2007, according to the indictment. Excel had a loan production office in Clayton and a branch in Kirkwood. Litz was an owner and president of Eighteen Investments, which marketed properties under the name Bellington Realty, one of the largest buyers of foreclosed homes in the St. Louis area following the housing bubble in 2006. Hayes and Litz were co-owners of McKnight Man I LLC, which was seeking to develop property at Manchester and McKnight roads in Rock Hill. In 2009, Centrue Bank threatened to sue Hayes and Litz after the McKnight Man loan became delinquent. At around the same time, Centrue sued Eighteen Investments, Litz and others over delinquent loans that the business had borrowed. The Eighteen Investments and McKnight Man loans owed to Centrue totaled over $4 million. Hayes used his status at Excel to have the bank buy the delinquent loans from Centrue, the indictment alleges. Hayes and Litz allegedly worked together to have Excel Bank issue a $3.3 million loan to a straw party identified only as LS, and those proceeds were used to pay off the Eighteen Investments and McKnight Man loans owed to Centrue. Underwriting safeguards designed to protect Excel Bank were not followed in making these loans, which jeopardized the soundness of the bank, the indictment alleges. When it was closed by regulators, Excel Bank had $200.6 million in assets. Pine Bluff, Ark.-based Simmons First National purchased Excels assets and agreed to take on its deposits in 2012. At the time of Excels failure, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. estimated the cost to the bank insurance fund would be $41 million. Excel Bank lost millions of dollars from Hayes alleged crimes, did not repay the taxpayers $4 million TARP investment in the bank and did not make 11 dividend payments to Treasury which lost nearly $5 million when the bank failed, Special Inspector General Christy Goldsmith Romero of the Troubled Asset Relief Program , said in a statement. This case is being investigated by the FBI, the Federal Finance Agency Office of Inspector General, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Office of Inspector General and the Office of the Special Inspector General for the Troubled Asset Relief Program. These are complex financial transactions that dont lend themselves to an easy investigation, said Richard Callahan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri. A tremendous amount of credit goes to the investigators who worked on this case. Callahan said his offices investigation spanned two years, and other investigators have worked on the case for several years. Shaun Hayes long career in banking started at United Missouri Bank in the early 1980s. Before the decade was over, he rose to become president of Allegiant National Bank, a tiny bank formed in 1989 by a group of St. Louis investors. Allegiant moved its headquarters from far northeastern Missouri to St. Louis, and Hayes was CEO of Allegiant Bancorp for a dozen years growing its assets to more than $2 billion before it was sold to National City Bank in 2004. Hayes stayed on at National City for four years as president and CEO of Missouri banking before leaving in 2008, the same year he was named chairman of the St. Louis Sports Commissions board of directors. After Hayes left National, he had executive or consulting roles in three Missouri banks that failed in the span of a little more than a year: Excel Bank; Sun Security Bank and Truman Bank. In 2014, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. accused Hayes of mismanaging Excel Bank prior to its failure and banned Hayes from working in the banking industry. Hayes nonbanking business ventures spanned from real estate to a Lions Choice fast-food franchise that filed for bankruptcy in 2012. In 2010, Bank of America obtained a $10.2 million judgment against Hayes and other investors in connection with a development in Gulf Shores, Ala. SAN FRANCISCO Microsoft Corp has sued the U.S. government for the right to tell its customers when a federal agency is looking at their emails, the latest in a series of clashes over privacy between the technology industry and Washington. The lawsuit, filed on Thursday in federal court in Seattle, argues that the government is violating the U.S. Constitution by preventing Microsoft from notifying thousands of customers about government requests for their emails and other documents. The government's actions contravene the Fourth Amendment, which establishes the right for people and businesses to know if the government searches or seizes their property, the suit argues, and Microsoft's First Amendment right to free speech. The Department of Justice is reviewing the filing, spokeswoman Emily Pierce said. Microsoft's suit focuses on the storage of data on remote servers, rather than locally on people's computers, which Microsoft says has provided a new opening for the government to access electronic data. Using the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), the government is increasingly directing investigations at the parties that store data in the so-called cloud, Microsoft says in the lawsuit. The 30-year-old law has long drawn scrutiny from technology companies and privacy advocates who say it was written before the rise of the commercial Internet and is therefore outdated. "People do not give up their rights when they move their private information from physical storage to the cloud," Microsoft says in the lawsuit. It adds that the government "has exploited the transition to cloud computing as a means of expanding its power to conduct secret investigations." SURVEILLANCE BATTLE The lawsuit represents the newest front in the battle between technology companies and the U.S. government over how much private businesses should assist government surveillance. By filing the suit, Microsoft is taking a more prominent role in that battle, dominated by Apple Inc in recent months due to the government's efforts to get the company to write software to unlock an iPhone used by one of the shooters in a December massacre in San Bernardino, California. Apple, backed by big technology companies including Microsoft, had complained that cooperating would turn businesses into arms of the state. "Just as Apple was the company in the last case and we stood with Apple, we expect other tech companies to stand with us," Microsoft's Chief Legal Officer Brad Smith said in a phone interview after the suit was filed. One security expert questioned Microsoft's motivation and timing. Its lawsuit was "one hundred percent motivated by business interests" and timed to capitalize on an increase in customer privacy issues spurred in part by Apple's dispute, said D.J. Rosenthal, a former White House cyber security official in the Obama administration. In its complaint, Microsoft says over the past 18 months it has received 5,624 legal orders under the ECPA, of which 2,576 prevented Microsoft from disclosing that the government is seeking customer data through warrants, subpoenas and other requests. Most of the ECPA requests apply to individuals, not companies, and provide no fixed end date to the secrecy provision, Microsoft said. Microsoft and other companies won the right two years ago to disclose the number of government demands for data they receive. This case goes farther, requesting that it be allowed to notify individual businesses and people that the government is seeking information about them. Increasingly, U.S. companies are under pressure to prove they are helping protect consumer privacy. The campaign gained momentum in the wake of revelations by former government contractor Edward Snowden in 2013 that the government routinely conducted extensive phone and Internet surveillance to a much greater degree than believed. Microsoft's lawsuit comes a day after a U.S. congressional panel voted unanimously to advance a package of reforms to the ECPA. Last-minute changes to the legislation removed an obligation for the government to notify a targeted user whose communications are being sought. Instead, the bill would require disclosure of a warrant only to a service provider, which retains the right to voluntarily notify users, unless a court grants a gag order. It is unclear if the bill will advance through the Senate and become law this year. Separately, Microsoft is fighting a U.S. government warrant to turn over data held in a server in Ireland, which the government argues is lawful under another part of the ECPA. Microsoft argues the government needs to go through a procedure outlined in a legal-assistance treaty between the U.S. and Ireland. Twitter Inc is fighting a separate battle in federal court in Northern California over public disclosure of government requests for information on users. The case is Microsoft Corp v United States Department of Justice et al in the United States District Court, Western District of Washington, No. 2:16-cv-00537. Anheuser-Busch, Nestle Purina PetCare and Monsanto some of the largest employers in the St. Louis area are joining a growing list of companies expanding paid time off and other benefits for parents after the birth or adoption of a child. On Thursday, A-B announced that full-time salaried employees who are new mothers can take 16 weeks of paid time off after the birth of a child up from eight weeks. Meanwhile, secondary caregivers, whether male or female, can take up to two weeks of paid leave. In its old policy, a parent who worked for the brewer was given one paid day off when their partner gave birth. A-Bs vice president, people, Sandro Bassili, said the brewer made the change after listening to feedback from employees. The new generation wants to join companies that give back, are flexible and have a good work life balance, he said. St. Louis-based Anheuser-Busch, the U.S. unit of Belgium-based A-B InBev, has 17,000 employees. A-Bs new policy follows several other announcements by companies in recent months offering more time for parents to care for and bond with their children: Facebook said in November that it was extending paid leave for new fathers to four months, matching its maternity leave; and Netflix said in August that its employees could take an unlimited amount of time off in the first year after a childs birth or adoption. Theres been a frenzy to compete on the benefit, said Carl Maertz, professor of management at St. Louis Universitys John Cook School of Business. Its about competing for talent, whether its attraction or retention, and part of that is public relations: to show, Were the good guys. Other companies with a large local workforce are also beginning to expand benefits. Earlier this month, Charlotte, N.C.-based Bank of America extended its paid maternity and paternity leave to 16 weeks from 12 weeks for its U.S. employees. Beginning last September, Creve Coeur-based Monsanto increased its paid time off for parents to 20 business days within the first 12 months of a childs birth or adoption, up from seven days. New mothers can also still take between six and eight weeks of paid time off for disability leave. At Nestle Purina PetCare, which is based in downtown St. Louis, parents can take one week of paid leave after the birth or adoption of a child, and the company recently expanded its benefits to also offer paid time off for up to 14 weeks. Employees who are caregivers can also take up to six months of unpaid leave to care for newborn babies. And, beginning in January, all Nestle employees were given the option to return to work on a reduced work schedule in the final eight weeks of the caregiver leave period, said spokeswoman Wendy Vlieks. Companies with more than 50 employees and public agencies must provide eligible workers with up to 12 weeks of time off as part of the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, but theyre not required to pay workers while theyre on FMLA leave. Most employers dont offer paid time off after the birth or adoption of a child. Only 12 percent of workers in the private sector had access to paid leave through their employer as of mid-2015, the most recent figure available, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Glenn MacDonald, the John M. Olin Distinguished Professor of Economics and Strategy at the Olin Business School at Washington University, said the strong job market was making companies compete more aggressively to attract and retain employees. Companies can throw a lot of money at people or they can start to modernize their HR policies, he said. SLUs Maertz said the change in benefits would probably continue only with larger companies that can afford it. Youre seeing it a lot in the tech and financial sectors because they can afford it, he said. If they were hemorrhaging money, they wouldnt be making these announcements. Smaller companies and those that are struggling are not going to do it. ST. LOUIS A group of online petitioners are seeking to stop the Southwest Bank Building from being robbed one more time. The building in south St. Louis was the site of the "Great St. Louis Bank Robbery" in 1953, when three masked men rushed into the lobby with shotguns and shouted: "This is a hold up! Everybody stand still!" The event is considered one of the St. Louis Police Department's finest moments. Police rushed the area and foiled the robbery. Despite 40 gunshots, no bank employees or customers was hurt. Years later, the event became a Hollywood film starring Steve McQueen. Now, the building, at the corner of Southwest Avenue and South Kingshighway, houses BMO Harris Bank. Local residents worry the out-of-town bank will turn the building into dust. Mary Ellen Ponder, the chief of staff to Mayor Francis Slay, said the bank has not applied for a demolition permit, but they are considering redevelopment options, including a potential Walgreens. "We told them they can't tear the whole thing down because it's in a preservation review district," Ponder said. "We're actually making headway with them." Chris Nardella, a spokesperson for BMO, said the bank is in the "early process of exploring options to enhance the building." "We are exploring potential ideas that would preserve the historic elements of the current building while enhancing and updating the functionality of the site to better serve the needs of the community," Nardella said. "At this point, it's too early to say what those plans might entail as no decisions have been made." Nardella said the bank is committed to the Hill neighborhood and maintaining its branch there. The bank, which dates back to 1925, started as a local institution serving The Hill's Italian immigrants. It grew in assets and locations over the years before it was gobbled up in 2002 by Marshall & Ilsley, then later becoming part of BMO. "St. Louis, unlike a lot of cities, still has a strong stock of historical buildings, but each one that we tear town, rather than repurpose, demolishes the character of our City and one of our greatest assets," Alderman Megan Green wrote on Facebook. In a joint operation, the city crime branch and state Anti-Terrorist Squad teams on Thursday night conducted raids at Riya Industries on Vehlala-Zak road here and seized 1364 kg of Ephedrine and arrested its owner Narendra Kachha. Ahmedabad: Gujarat Police has seized 1,364 kg of Ephedrine, a raw material used to prepare party drug methamphetamine, from a factory in the city outskirts, with an international market value of Rs 270 crore. In a joint operation, the city crime branch and state Anti-Terrorist Squad teams on Thursday night conducted raids at Riya Industries on Vehlala-Zak road here and seized 1364 kg of Ephedrine and arrested its owner Narendra Kachha. Police has also named the son of a former Congress MLA Bhavsinh Rathod, Kishorsinh as kingpin of the drug racket, who is yet to be arrested. Kishorsinh Rathod and a Mumbai-based Jay Mukhi had procured this drug from Sholapur in Maharashtra from another person named Punit. They gave this drug to Kachha to convert it into crystal math (methamphetamine), a party drug, Joint Commissioner of Police heading the crime branch, J.K. Bhatt said here. Kachha, who has a BSC degree is associated with pharmaceutical business for the last 20 years. Earlier he used to work in different companies and has a wide experience on how to make the party drug from ephedrine, he said. Ephedrine is a drug used to prevent low blood pressure and also used for asthma, narcolepsy and obesity. It is a Schedule A controlled substance. CHICAGO Illinois is seeking legal help as its deteriorating credit standing threatens to end bond-related deals with banks at a big cost to the cash-strapped state, according to a government website. A week ago, Illinois advertised for an outside law firm to assist with potential termination of interest-rate swap transactions and with replacing bank letters of credit, both related to $600 million of variable-rate bonds issued in 2003. Illinois set an April 22 deadline for responses from bond counsel firms, in a request for proposals on the states procurement website. The Rauner Administration is exploring options to reduce taxpayers risk exposure to swap agreements entered into by prior administrations, Catherine Kelly, a spokeswoman for Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, said on Friday in an emailed answer to questions. The nations fifth most-populous state is inching closer to a situation that could trigger termination of interest-rate hedge agreements with five banks. Further downgrades of Illinois relatively low general obligation credit ratings could force the state to pay termination fees to the banks recently estimated at $163 million, according to the states solicitation to prospective law firms. The trigger would be a two-notch downgrade of the states Baa1 rating with Moodys Investors Service to Baa3 or a three-notch downgrade of its A-minus rating with Standard & Poors to BBB-minus. Both agencies have warned of future downgrades if Illinois big pension problem and structural budget deficit worsen. Illinois has the lowest credit ratings and worst-funded public pensions among the 50 U.S. states. An impasse between its Republican governor and Democrats who control the Legislature has left the state without a full budget for the fiscal year that began July 1. The states pile of unpaid bills, a gauge of its structural deficit, has ballooned to $7.36 billion, while options for dealing with a $111 billion unfunded pension liability are limited. The swap counterparties are AIG Financial Products Corp., Bank of America, Merrill Lynch Capital Markets, JP Morgan Chase, and Loop Capital Markets with credit support from Deutsche Bank AG. Also looming is the Nov. 26, 2016, expiration of six bank direct-pay letters of credit backing the variable-rate bonds. If the facilities are not renewed by the current banks or replaced by other banks, the state could be forced to pay off some or all of the bonds before their 2033 maturity. The letters of credit are from JP Morgan Chase Bank, PNC Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, State Street Bank and Trust Company, Royal Bank of Canada, and The Northern Trust Company. The St. Louis Art Museum has announced the appointment of a new assistant curator of modern and contemporary art. She is Hannah Klemm, currently Fisher Collection graduate curatorial fellow at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, where she has worked on the contemporary German art collection. She starts at SLAM on May 9. In a statement, curator of modern and contemporary art Simon Kelly said, Contemporary German art is both a major strength of the Saint Louis Art Museums collection and a focus of Hannahs scholarly research. The museum will benefit from her insights and perspective. Before going to San Francisco, Klemm was a curatorial intern at the Art Institute of Chicago and at the University of Chicagos Smart Museum of Art. She's a doctoral candidate at the University of Chicago, Klemm is completing her dissertation on the German artist A.R. Penck; she has her masters degree in art history from the Courtauld Institute of Art and a bachelors degree in art history with honors from Sarah Lawrence College. As a journalist and intrepid adventurer, Gail Pellett has made her way around the world. But her new memoir, Forbidden Fruit, focuses on a single year in Beijing. For a woman who attended Berkeley in the 1960s and created a womens studies class at Washington University in the early 70s, Beijing in 1980 was a claustrophobic throwback, a place where she was treated like a Western spy. Carrying a suitcase of jazz tapes and colorful clothes, the 37-year-old, Canadian-born redhead stood out among the Chinese. She wrote in her journal: Between my hair and bright colors, I have already caused accidents men bicycle into the backs of trucks while staring at me. Everything I was, she says, was antithetical to being Chinese. She arrived in China soon after the American consulate had opened, the first experienced journalist to be hired at Radio Beijing in 40 years. The country had been a closed book for 30 years, she said in an interview from New York. No scholars, no diplomats, no journalists, no tourists from the West. Mao Zedong had died four years before; Deng Xiaoping was newly in power. I was there at a pivotal moment that has all these resonances today. Called a foreign expert, Pelletts duties included teaching classes but also editing to smooth the English used in reports. Pellett soon learned that foreign journalists were segregated from the Chinese. Anyone who visited her at her apartment had to fill out a lengthy form explaining their relationships. Parcels were examined. The segregation didnt totally surprise Pellett, she writes, but nothing could have prepared me for the emotional trauma of living with the surveillance, mistrust and fear that reinforced it. The experience also challenged some of the left-wing ideas shed held. I was an activist at Washington University (and she has an FBI file to prove it). As a masters candidate in sociology, she and others believed the Cultural Revolution was egalitarian, anti-authoritarian, anti-bureaucratic. Her year in Beijing tempered some of her idealistic views. Pellett delayed writing her memoir for many years, worried that friends and co-workers in China might be identified and endangered. For the following decades she worked as a radio and TV producer for Bill Moyers and PBS. Pellett writes that sometimes she thinks the China she witnessed has been drowned out by its economic growth. But then she hears news stories about political repression or Western journalists whose visas are withdrawn. Last year, almost three-fourths of foreign correspondents in China who answered a survey said they had been subject to intimidation or harassment. The mistrust is still there, Pellett says. Tony Messenger Tony Messenger is the metro columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Follow Tony Messenger Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today It didnt take dead bodies piling up outside the offices of Criminal Justice Ministry for the caseworkers there to know St. Louis had a heroin problem. But the bodies, riddled with bullets, they did pile up. Two were dumped in the alley east of CJMs offices on Park Avenue. Two others were shot in a car just a block to the east. Yet another man was shot and killed in his car at the intersection of Tucker Boulevard and Chouteau Avenue. The common denominator was heroin. Theres a turf war going on, says Eric Schultz, who is a caseworker at CJM and helps men leaving prison find a place to rent. For Schultz, and his co-workers, its nothing new. All of them have struggled with their own drug demons. Most have been to prison. Schultz was a CJM client before he was an employee. These are men who have seen the scourge of heroin up close. Schultz lost a girlfriend and one of his best friends to heroin overdoses. Aaron Laxton lost a nephew and a niece. And David Bollinger, who helps men who have served out their prison sentences get reintegrated into society? Ive lost everybody I grew up with, he says. On March 12 last year, he buried his brother. So pardon the fact that they see the current wave of publicity over heroin addiction and death as an opportunity. The heroin epidemic in St. Louis is at a tipping point, says Laxton, the director of client services at CJM. All the right people are starting to die. What he means and it would sound crass if not for the fact that these men cared about heroin addiction when it was only killing blacks in the city is this: When white people from West County are starting to die, people start to care. Laxton is hoping to take advantage of the increased focus on the heroin problem. Through a $60,000 grant through AIDS United, hes working to raise support for the idea of legalizing a needle exchange program in St. Louis. Most users of heroin, if they stay alive long enough, gravitate toward taking the drug intravenously, often through a syringe. Once a junkie has a syringe, he or she tends to hold on to it, Laxton says, increasing the opportunity for the transmission of HIV and hepatitis. The idea of a needle-exchange program is not just to get rid of the dirty rigs to reduce the transmission of various other diseases, but also to introduce drug addicts to treatment. Once they come in to get a clean syringe, whether at CJM or some other organization, there is an opportunity for interaction with a caseworker who might help direct the addict to treatment. Various federal studies have shown needle exchange programs reduce the transmission of disease and do not increase drug use. But the politics of passing such a law is tough because, at its core, it treats the disease and ignores the violation of law. This year, state Rep. Holly Rehder, R-Sikeston, filed a bill that would legalize needle exchange in Missouri. Under current law, possession of a syringe, even if its clean, could be charged as a possession of drug paraphernalia violation. The bill hasnt had a hearing and wont pass this year. Its a start, Laxton says. The best science tells us that needle exchange programs actually reduce drug use because you engage people in care, he says. Theres also the cost benefit. In 2012, taxpayers spent more than $25 million in Medicare and Medicaid costs for HIV and hepatitis hospital charges that were a result of drug use. Eventually, budget-crimping lawmakers might be moved by the opportunity to save money. The needle-exchange idea is hardly a panacea to the heroin epidemic. Its just one of many tools that those people working in the trenches want to have at their disposal. Others include more widespread access to Narcan, which can reverse the effect of heroin and save lives. Its now being carried by more and more law enforcement officials in the St. Louis region. Rehder is also pushing a bill that would end Missouris status as the only state in the nation without a prescription drug monitoring program, which would seek to limit doctor-shopping for opioids, often an entryway into heroin use. Laxton also wants to see strengthened Samaritan laws, to encourage those who experience a friends overdose to call for help without fear of reprisal. Nobody does heroin alone, Laxton says. The men who help ex-cons at CJM know theyll continue to deal with drug addiction up close because of their clientele. But thats not their only concern. They see the spread of the drug, and the increase in violence, and they believe now is the time to deal with some of the root causes. Its in the schools. Its at the parties. Its cheap, says Bollinger. Its the new gateway drug. ST. LOUIS A federal judge here was asked Thursday to approve a $1.6 million class action settlement that could mean up to $180 per copy for dental businesses that claimed an Indiana company sent tens of thousands of unsolicited junk faxes. The Sunset Hills dental office that filed the suit stands to get $10,000 as the class representative. But Sunset Tower Family Dentistry office manager Barney dePenaloz said that he was not motivated by the money. I was getting 40 faxes a day, he said, from multiple senders. You cant get them to stop. The dental offices 2015 lawsuit against Zimmer Dental Inc. and an employee said that they were subjected to a prolonged junk fax assault of 19 faxes from Zimmer in seven months, some coming only seven days apart. He said that he started collecting the Zimmer faxes several months after they began arriving. Zimmer, based in Indiana, sells dental implants and other products. The company denied any wrongdoing as part of the settlement. A spokesperson did not respond to a call seeking comment, and its lawyer deferred to the company. The lawsuit says the Zimmer faxes were unwanted and did not provide a fax number, as required by law. They also did not provide the mandatory opt-out notice stating that failure to comply, within 30 days, of a recipients request to the sender not to send future faxed advertisements is unlawful, the suit says. The faxes did show a phone number to a voice line. In court Thursday, lawyer Ronald J. Eisenberg told U.S. District Judge Ronnie White that it was a great outcome that came after a lot of challenges. White had stayed the case while Zimmer applied to the Federal Communications Commission for a waiver, he said, and while three cases with potential to impact the suit went to the U.S. Supreme Court. Eisenberg called the settlement unique, citing the minimum settlement of $1.6 million that meant at least $100 would go to members of the class for each fax. Of 36,215 potential fax recipients, just over 10 percent, or 3,709, responded to a mailed, or faxed, notice of the settlement. Of those, 486 went to Missouri and 1,530 went to Illinois, court filings show. Eisenberg said that 3,600 submitted a simple claim that will likely earn $180 for each fax. In a separate category, the 109 with proof of the number of faxes they received will get $180 per fax. He said that the second group averaged 20 faxes, and therefore will receive an average of $3,600. Which is pretty much unheard of in a TCPA class-action settlement, Eisenberg said, referring to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. The plaintiffs lawyers will receive $533,333. Zimmer lawyer David Almeida agreed with much of what Eisenberg said, calling the settlement incredibly robust. He encouraged White to approve it. White granted preliminary approval of the settlement in November. The claims deadline expired in February. White told lawyers Thursday that he would take their motion to approve the settlement under advisement. The class included anyone who received one of Zimmers faxes since Feb. 17, 2011, as long as the recipient didnt either have an established business relationship with Zimmer or hadnt given the company permission to send a fax. The faxes also had to be lacking notices that the recipient could halt them by calling or faxing a number. The TCPA regulates telemarketing calls and faxes, and carries a potential penalty of $1,500 per fax for knowing and willful violations. The law has been cited in a recent wave of class action lawsuits that have netted multimillion-dollar settlements. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce said that the suits are surging and have gone beyond targeting telemarketers to target individual businesses. WebRecon LLC, which primarily tracks suits against debt collectors, said that TCPA lawsuits representing 14 litigants were filed in 2007. By 2015, that number, which includes all types of TCPA lawsuits, had skyrocketed to 3,710. As a May 1 deadline looms for high school seniors deciding where to attend college, students are thinking twice about universities in Illinois, where the worst budget crisis in state history has halted funding for higher education. Public colleges havent received state aid for the year that started July 1 as Gov. Bruce Rauner, a Republican, and Democratic lawmakers fight over a spending plan. The strain has spurred colleges to furlough staff and cancel projects. State scholarships for low-income students havent been paid. High school counselors and some state schools say theyre hearing that more students are looking to private, community colleges or out-of-state options, because of the funding uncertainty. Youre having an upswing in students that just are not going to those schools that are struggling financially, such as Chicago State University and Northeastern Illinois, said Amanda Andros, a counselor at Lane Technical College Prep, Chicagos largest high school. Theyre not sure if the university is going to stay open. Pensions, bonds and state employees are getting paid during the impasse, but higher education funds are stuck at zero, leaving public universities and students who rely on state aid among the hardest hit by the budget standoff. As more students look elsewhere, Illinois risks a long-term loss of residents, further pressuring the economy of the state that ranked 49 out of 50 in terms of population gains in the last three years. This week, the Democrat-led legislature approved $3.9 billion of spending that includes funding higher education and scholarships for low-income students, but Rauner will veto the measure, according to his office. Richard Goldberg, his deputy chief of staff, criticized the lack of revenue behind the bill, calling it filled with empty promises. Republicans have pitched ways to pay for higher education, such as changing the procurement process to free up funds or giving Rauner authority to make other budget cuts. CLOCK IS TICKING As the states leaders bicker, at least one university is running out of time. If Chicago State University doesnt receive funding by the end of April, it will exhaust normal operating dollars. Without aid, most of the more than 900 layoff notices it sent out in February will be executed on April 30, said Tom Wogan, a school spokesman. What we are hearing from recruiters is that high school counselors are increasingly telling students to avoid Illinois public universities, Wogan said. Thats a product of this budget crisis causing a loss of faith in the market for prospective college students. The uncertainty isnt comforting for holders of university debt. Moodys Investors Service cut the ratings of three universities in February, dropping Eastern Illinois to junk. If theres a perception that the educational system is deteriorating, then I think that will have an impact on potential new employment and on migrants decision to move to Illinois, said Alan Schankel, a managing director at Janney Montgomery Scott in Philadelphia. Its a real problem. The state is losing students, said Sherri McLaughlin, a counselor in Jacksonville, Ill. Shes seeing more students going out of state or opting for junior colleges. McLaughlin, whos been a counselor for 17 years, said she was even advising students differently in terms of what to ask schools. Instead of saying, How many kids go to school here? and Whats your graduation rate? now youre looking at asking the school, Where is your financial stability? McLaughlin said. Theres more difficult decisions being made now when youre choosing a school than they had to just a year ago. Randy Dunn, president of the Southern Illinois University System, said its Carbondale campus was hearing from admitted students who arent ready to commit. SIU has more than 6,000 students who receive need-based state aid. The school covered those grants this year but cant commit to backstopping them for the coming year, he said. BLOOD IN THE WATER Illinois higher education competitors are taking advantage of the states fiscal floundering. Advertisements and solicitations from universities trying to get into the Illinois market are popping up, Dunn said. Some of our more savvy regional competitors see blood in the water, and there is clearly a concerted effort to then try to pick off some of those students in this uncertain environment, said Dunn. The budget isnt affecting universities equally. The states flagship institution, the University of Illinois, has seen a record number of applications for the year that starts in August. President Tim Killeen is projecting at or close to record enrollment. The schools three campuses serve more than 80,000 students and have very good liquidity, according to Moodys. Private schools arent immune. Last month, the Illinois Institute of Technology sent a letter to students asking them to reimburse the school for covering the need-based state aid that Illinois should have paid. Students have the option of a 12-month loan through the university. If they dont pay, they cant register for classes. The budget standoff has created a crisis of confidence in Illinois education, said Matt Bierman, budget director and vice president of administrative services at Western Illinois University. As more students go out of state, fewer return, he said. We turn out police officers and nurses and teachers and business entrepreneurs, said Bierman. The states leaders need to realize theyre causing long-term damage, not just to higher education, but to the entire workforce in the state. WASHINGTON Retired Marine Daniel Lamb on Friday led an impromptu rendition of God Bless America with the U.S. Capital in the background and protestors chanting, one person, one vote, and money aint spending, corporations aint people. Got arrested on Monday, said Lamb, 55, who was here with several hundred demonstrators as part of a Democracy Spring protest against big money in politics. The York, Pa., said he paid a $50 ticket and was back with protestors who rallied around the Capital. The protestors were trying to highlight the influence of money in elections and what Lamb called a rigged political system stacked against politicians who dont have friends among the wealthy, like the one he supported, former Virginia Democratic candidate Jim Webb. The DNC (Democratic National Committee) had their girl from the get go, Lamb said, referring to former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who came under attack in a debate in Brooklyn Thursday night from rival presidential candidate Bernie Sanders for accepting large campaign donations and $225,000 speaking fees from Wall Street firms. There were a handful of fresh arrests for civil disobedience again Friday as several hundred protestors circled the Capital on a bright spring day. The protests were organized by a group of mostly left-wing organizations, from the anti-war Code Pink to the East Coast Cannabis Coalition. Lamb said the aim was bipartisan, however, and he said he walked with Republicans on a 140-mile march from Philadelphia who were equally upset at the proliferation of big, and increasingly hidden, money in politics. I havent seen this esprit de corps since I was in the (Marine) Corps, he said. Demonstrators held signs saying Political Revolution Starts Now, and Defeat the Empire of Big Money. One speaker proudly told the crowd hed been arrested four times this week in acts of civil disobedience. The Center for Responsive Politics says that the amount of dark money flowing into federal campaigns, mostly the presidential campaign, is three times what it was in 2012 at this time, and that year a total of more than $300 million of undisclosed money from large donors and corporations flowed through campaigns. The anonymous donations, sometimes in seven figures, have proliferated since the 2010 Citizen United decision before the Supreme Court. In that ruling, a split court said that spending on campaigns was essentially free speech hence the chant here of money aint speech. ST. LOUIS St. Louis Post-Dispatch reporter Carlos F. Hurd and his wife, Katherine, left New York harbor on April 11, 1912, for a two-month holiday in Europe. Four days later, he woke up amidst one of the most stunning events of the 20th century. The Hurds were aboard the S.S. Carpathia, bound for Italy. At 5:40 a.m. on April 15, Carlos Hurd went topside to inquire about the commotion. A crewman, motioning to shivering newcomers, told him, "From the Titanic. She's at the bottom of the ocean." Four days out of Southampton, England, the pride of the White Star Line had struck an iceberg at 11:45 p.m. April 14 while on its inaugural run to New York. The Carpathia heard a distress call and reached the scene at 5:30 a.m., three hours after the Titanic went down with 1,503 passengers and crew. The Carpathia rescued 706 survivors. Hurd interviewed many of them, including a ship's officer who was at the helm when it struck ice. His 5,000-word report scooped the world on April 19 in the Post-Dispatch and the New York World, the Pulitzer newspaper in that city. The sinking of the Titanic. Here are seldom-seen photos of the rescue On April 14, 1912, the British liner RMS Titanic collided with an iceberg in the North Atlantic at 11:40 p.m. ship's time and began sinking. ( How he filed his dispatch is legend in the newspaper trade. The Carpathia's captain had refused to accept Morse code "wireless" transmissions from reporters, or accommodate Hurd. As the ship steamed into New York harbor, a tug sent by publisher Joseph Pulitzer drew alongside. Hurd had to evade the crew to toss his package, which he had tied to a buoy. It got entangled on a Carpathia guy line. A sailor, urged on by passengers, grabbed the package and returned it to Hurd, who dropped it to the Post-Dispatch's New York bureau chief on the tug. The stories filled four pages in Sunday's Post-Dispatch. An accompanying article by Katherine Hurd ran under the headline, "Stories of Women who Survived Titanic." Hurd, then 36, had been with the Post-Dispatch for 14 years. He and Katherine lived at 5577 Cabanne Avenue with their children. In 1917, Hurd wrote a gripping account of the race riot in East St. Louis. He covered politics, Veiled Prophet balls and the world wars. Katherine Hurd died in 1928. Carlos remarried, worked nearly 50 years at the newspaper and died in 1950 at age 73. One of his last assignments was writing a regular feature, "The Old Days." Read more stories from Tim O'Neil's Look Back series. WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. Donald Trumps campaign manager wont be prosecuted for battery after briefly grabbing a female reporters arm at a campaign event, but prosecutors said Thursday the situation might have been avoided with two simple words: Im sorry. State Attorney Dave Aronberg said at a news conference there wasnt enough evidence to justify bringing misdemeanor simple battery charges against Corey Lewandowski for the March 8 dustup with Michelle Fields, then a reporter for the conservative Breitbart News website. Although Lewandowskis act wasnt criminal, Aronberg said there may have been an easy way to defuse things. In a case like this we do encourage an apology. Had an apology been given at the beginning of all this, we could have avoided the whole criminal justice process, Aronberg said. Although police in Jupiter, Fla., found enough probable cause to charge Lewandowski last month after viewing a video recording of the encounter, Aronberg said prosecutors are held to a higher legal standard. We have the burden of proving each case beyond a reasonable doubt, he said. Lewandowski denied grabbing Fields and Republican front-runner Trump stood by him, rejecting calls by his opponents to fire or discipline him. Instead, he went after Fields, accusing her of exaggerating and changing her story. Not backing down, Fields tweeted a photograph of her bruised forearm and said she had been yanked backward. The investigation proved that Lewandowski pulled Ms. Fields back as she attempted to interview Trump, according to a memo by another prosecutor, Chief Assistant State Attorney Adrienne Ellis. The memo says Lewandowski could have believed Fields was making unwanted physical contact with Mr. Trump that led him to pull her away. Trumps campaign said in a statement: Corey Lewandowski is gratified by the decision to drop the misdemeanor charge and appreciates the thoughtful consideration and professionalism by the Palm Beach state attorney and his staff who carefully reviewed this matter, as well as Mr. Trumps loyalty and the support of his colleagues and family during this time. The matter is now concluded. Hyderabad: The AP government has approached the World Bank for a loan of Rs 6,600 crore for construction of the new capital city of Amaravati. A senior official in the Finance department confirmed this, adding that preliminary discussions showed that the World Bank had, in principle, acceded to the request. The state government has focused on national and international financial agencies for loans as its hopes of getting large funds from the Centre have dimmed. The Centre has accepted the state governments request for World Bank assistance, having recently sent it a No Objection letter regarding this. The senior official spoken to said that HUDCO too had agreed to finance the capitals construction and that at the recent Partnership summit held in January 2016 at Visakhapatnam, the Capital Region Development Authority and HUDCO had signed a Memorandum of Understanding to this effect. He said that HUDCO had agreed to the state governments proposals, seeking a loan to the tune of Rs 7,500 crore, and would raise the funds in the first phase. The state government has requested the Centre to sanction Rs 4,000 crore per year for the construction of Amaravati. But the centre has so far sanctioned only about Rs 1,850 crore of which the state government has already spent Rs 850 crore on capital-related projects. She wanted to ensure that the BBMP did not lose revenue as a result of these hoardings, said one of the residents. Bengaluru: Is BBMPs special commissioner (welfare), V. Rashmi Mahesh paying the price for backing locals in removing illegal hoardings in the Mahadevapura zone? The officer, who has been absent for a few weeks now from work, was allegedly told to back off when she became a little too supportive of the people complaining about illegal hoardings in Bellandur, especially the ones defacing the lake area. Locals say the officer was very receptive when they approached her for help on the issue. About a month ago, we led a citizens' drive backed by Rashmi, who ensured that all illegal hoardings were removed. She wanted to ensure that the BBMP did not lose revenue as a result of these hoardings, said one of the residents. Enthused by her support, the people of the area even developed an app to help them take pictures of illegal hoardings and identify them through geo-tagging the geographical area around them. The aim of the app was to find out how many illegal hoardings there are in the Mahadevapura zone, they explained. But just when they thought they were close to being successful in removing all the illegal hoardings, things began to go wrong. Three days after Rashmi aggressively launched the hoardings removal drive, things slowed down. On checking ,we were told she had been asked not to get involved. Other officials took over and failed to respond to us. Eventually, the drive took a backseat, added one area activist, blaming the hoardings mafia for having its way. Said a resident, "The ad mafia has overpowered honesty. We were impressed with Rashmis sense of duty and commitment. She was people-friendly and supported our drive. Its depressing to see an honest officer pay the price. 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. l After the brush off from the police, the residents took to social media on Thursday. They recorded a video of the gun-toting rowdy and posted it on social media. Bengaluru: In a shocking development that is now trending in social media, 3-4 goons flashing pistols were seen occupying the residential welfare office of an upscale apartment complex in Electronic City. The trouble started when residents of Ajmera Infinity, a gated community situated on Neeladri Road in Electronic City, opposed the builder's move to integrate the amenities of their apartment complex with his new projects that are coming up in the vicinity. The residents have lodged a complaint with the jurisdictional police alleging harassment and threats. The situation turned for worse on Thursday when one of the residents recorded a video of the goon flashing a revolver and tagged it on social media. What was even more shocking was when the harried residents approached the police to lodge a complaint against blatant hooliganism on Wednesday evening, the policemen allegedly told them to sort out the matter amicably between themselves and dissuaded them from filing a complaint. After they got no response from the police, despite repeated attempts, the residents took to social media on Thursday. An Ajmera Infinity resident told Deccan Chronicle, We have been having a harrowing time with the builder. When we spotted the armed men and asked them as to what they are doing here, the four men said that they belong to Ajmera security. After one of the residents recorded the video of one of the goons brandishing gun on Tuesday night, we immediately approached the police on Wednesday and informed them about the same. But, to our disappointment, the cops refused to take the complaint. Over 3,000 plus residents of this complex are under house-arrest and dread to come out of their homes. The residents alleged that the goons, who have been camping in the marketing office of the residential building, not only misbehave with residents and senior citizens, they were even seen clicking pictures of women. Residents feel insecure It was very disturbing to see goons within our campus. Ajmera Infinity is our home where our family and children should be having the luxury of enjoying the facilities that we all have paid for. Instead, we all have a major fear of goons and their terrorizing acts in our campus. These goons were sighted taking pictures of women and children in our campus and also found sitting in the previously designated marketing office of Ajmera Housing Corporation at night, said Kinjal, a resident. Another resident raised concern over the safety of his family. This has now become a cause of concern for me and my family from safety standpoint. I came to know that these goons were settled in AHC marketing office and this says a lot about this illegal structure. I hereby request association to evaluate need of this illegal structure called marketing office and plan to demolish or take any other action deemed fit from legal standpoint. Also entry to such rowdy element should be restricted to our campus for safe and secure environment, the resident added. We the residents of Ajmera Infinity Apartment located at Niladri Road, Electronic City are being tormented by goons and rowdy elements at the behest of the builder. Local police station is not able to take action against these rowdy elements, said another resident. Bone of contention The Ajmera Infinity was built with amenities such as club house, swimming pools and other facilities. The builder later acquired an adjacent piece of land and constructed villas, without these amenities. He then demolished the boundary wall of Ajmera Infinity and tried to impose the rule that the villa residents too can use amenities provided at Ajmera Infinity. Residents of Ajmera Infinity tried to build the boundary wall, which was demolished twice by the builder with the help of goons and rowdy elements. However, the residents were persistent about trying building the boundary wall. The builder then responded by stationing the goons in his marketing office in the premises. A tough crackdown on rogue traders saw 19 vehicles seized by police in Stratford yesterday. Sixty vehicles were stopped by police, eleven of which had no tax and eight had no insurance, while a male motorist was also arrested for driving with excess alcohol. The offences were discovered during an operation at the gyratory on Thursday morning, part of a wider nationwide crackdown on rogue traders. Sergeant Richard Thomas from the Stratford Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: "I am concerned that following changes to the road tax laws, drivers are either forgetting or not taxing their vehicles. If caught, drivers face having their vehicles seized. I would advise all car owners to check the status of their current car tax. The operation in Stratford was just one of many to take place across the region last week with motorists, suspected fraudsters and traders all targeted. Organisations such the Department of Work and Pensions, the Environment Agency, HM Revenue and Customs, the DVLA, Boarder Force and Scambusters were involved across the area. The week-long crime prevention initiative also saw police issue advice to protect older people withdrawing large amounts of cash. Belgian-artist Bisser recently spent some time in Leuven, Belgium where he just wrapped up this brand new piece of work. Entitled Kraken gaat door! which translates to Squatting Goes Through, Bisser painted several of his signature characters crammed in together in a tight space. The title comes from the wall itself which was tagged with the inscription prior to Bissers arrival. Take a look at a few more shots below and make sure to let u know your thoughts down in our comments section. E-House (China) Holdings Limited (NYSE: EJ) announced that it has entered into a definitive Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") with E-House Holdings Ltd. ("Parent") and E-House Merger Sub Ltd. ("Merger Sub"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent. Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, Parent will acquire the Company for a cash consideration equal to US$6.85 per ordinary share of the Company (each, a "Share") or American depositary share of the Company, each American depositary share representing one Share (each, an "ADS"). Subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the merger, Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company, with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent, and each of the Shares (including Shares represented by ADSs) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the merger will be cancelled and cease to exist in exchange for the right to receive US$6.85 per Share or ADS, in each case, in cash, without interest and net of any applicable withholding taxes, except for (i) Shares (including Shares represented by ADSs) beneficially owned by Mr. Xin Zhou, the co-chairman of the board of directors and chief executive officer of the Company, Kanrich Holdings Limited, On Chance, Inc. and Jun Heng Investment Limited, each controlled by Mr. Zhou, Mr. Neil Nanpeng Shen, a member of the board of directors of the Company, Smart Create Group Limited and Smart Master International Limited, each controlled by Mr. Shen, and SINA Corporation (collectively, the "Buyer Group"), (ii) Shares (including Shares represented by ADSs) owned by the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (iii) Shares (including Shares represented by ADSs) held by the ADS depositary and reserved for issuance and allocation pursuant to the Company's share incentive plan, and (iv) Shares owned by holders who have validly exercised and not effectively withdrawn or lost their rights to dissent from the merger pursuant to Section 238 of the Companies Law of the Cayman Islands, which Shares will be cancelled at the effective time of the merger except for the right to receive the fair value of such Shares determined in accordance with the provisions of Section 238 of the Companies Law of the Cayman Islands. The Buyer Group intends to fund the merger through a combination of a committed loan facility in the amount of $350 million arranged by Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Co., Ltd., Nanhui Sub-Branch (the "Lender") pursuant to a debt commitment letter issued by the Lender and equity contributions of members of the Buyer Group pursuant to equity commitment letters issued by such members. The Company's board of directors, acting upon the unanimous recommendation of the special committee formed by the board of directors (the "Special Committee"), has unanimously approved the Merger Agreement, and resolved to recommend that the Company's shareholders vote to authorize and approve the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, including the merger. The Special Committee, which is composed solely of independent directors of the Company who are unaffiliated with Parent, Merger Sub or any member of the Buyer Group or the management of the Company, exclusively negotiated the terms of the Merger Agreement with the Buyer Group with the assistance of its independent financial and legal advisors. The merger, which is currently expected to close during the second half of 2016, is subject to various closing conditions, including a condition that the Merger Agreement be authorized and approved by an affirmative vote of shareholders representing two-thirds or more of the Shares present and voting in person or by proxy as a single class at an extraordinary general meeting of the Company's shareholders. As of the date of the Merger Agreement, the Buyer Group beneficially owned, in the aggregate, approximately 44.9% of the outstanding Shares (including Shares represented by ADSs). Pursuant to a voting agreement entered between the Buyer Group and Parent, the members of the Buyer Group have agreed to vote all the Shares and ADSs beneficially owned by them in favor of the authorization and approval of the Merger Agreement and the merger. If completed, the merger will result in the Company becoming a privately-held company and its ADSs will no longer be listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The Company will prepare and file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") a Schedule 13E-3 transaction statement, which will include a proxy statement of the Company. The Schedule 13E-3 will include a description of the Merger Agreement and contain other important information about the merger, the Company and the other participants in the merger. In connection with the merger, Duff & Phelps, LLC and Duff & Phelps Securities, LLC (collectively, "Duff & Phelps"), are serving as the financial advisor to the Special Committee, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is serving as U.S. legal counsel to the Special Committee and Walkers is serving as Cayman Islands legal counsel to the Special Committee. Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP is serving as legal counsel to Duff & Phelps. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP is serving as U.S. legal counsel to the Buyer Group, and Travers Thorp Alberga is serving as Cayman Islands legal counsel to the Buyer Group.rger proceed. 272,992 total articles have been posted to this category. Sign-up to StreetInsider.com Premium to see all today's market moving Corporate News reports. A woman takes shelter after another earthquake hit the area, at a hotel in Kumamoto, southern Japan, April 16, 2016. REUTERS/Kyodo By Shinichi Saoshiro and Kiyoshi Takenaka TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese rescuers were digging through the rubble of buildings and mud on Saturday to reach dozens believed trapped after a powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck a southern island, killing at least 32 people and injuring about a thousand. The shallow earthquake hit in the early hours, sending people fleeing from their beds on to dark streets, and followed a 6.4 magnitude quake on Thursday which killed nine people in the area. Rain and cold were forecast overnight, adding extra urgency to the rescue effort. Television footage showed fires, power outages, collapsed bridges, a severed road hanging over a ravine and gaping holes in the earth. Residents near a dam were told to leave because of fears it might crumble, public broadcaster NHK said. NHK said about 150,000 people in total across the affected region had received evacuation orders amid fears that heavy rain could trigger more landslides as the two quakes have made the ground unstable. "I felt strong shaking at first, then I was thrown about like I was in a washing machine," said a Tokai University student who remains isolated in the village of Minamiaso in Kumamoto province on the island of Kyushu. "All the lights went out and I heard a loud noise. A lot of gas is leaking and while there hasn't been a fire, that remains a concern," the student, who is sheltering in a university gym with 1,000 other students and residents, told Japanese media. Many frightened people wrapped in blankets sat outside their homes while others camped out in rice fields in rural areas surrounding the main towns. About 422,000 households were without water, and about 100,000 without electricity, the government said. Troops were setting up tents for evacuees and water trucks were being sent to the area. The National Police Agency said 32 people were confirmed dead. The government said about 190 of those injured were in serious condition. "RING OF FIRE" Heavy rain and wind were forecast, with temperature expected to drop to 13 degrees Celsius (55 degrees Fahrenheit) overnight. Firefighters handed out tarpaulins to residents so they could cover damaged roofs. "The wind is expected to pick up and rain will likely get heavier," Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told a government meeting. "Rescue operations at night will be extremely difficult ... It's a race against time." Self Defence Forces personnel in the town of Mashiki, close to the epicenter, were providing food and water. "I don't mind standing in line. I'm just thankful for some food," said a man in his 60s waiting for a meal. Japan is on the seismically active "ring of fire" around the Pacific Ocean and has building codes aimed at helping structures withstand earthquakes. A magnitude 9 quake in March 2011 north of Tokyo touched off a massive tsunami and nuclear meltdowns at Fukushima, contaminating water, food and air for miles around. Nearly 20,000 people were killed in the tsunami. The epicenter of Saturday's quake was near the city of Kumamoto and measured at a shallow depth of 10 km (six miles), the United States Geological Survey (USGS) said. The shallower a quake, the more likely it is to cause damage. The quake triggered a tsunami advisory which was later lifted and no irregularities were reported at three nuclear power plants in the area, a senior government official said. The city's 400-year-old Kumamoto Castle was badly damaged, with its walls breached after having withstood bombardment and fire in its four centuries of existence. ECONOMIC DAMAGE Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda, speaking at a G20 event in Washington, said it was too early to assess the economic impact but bank operations in Kumamoto were normal. The USGS, which is a government scientific body, estimated that there was a 72 percent likelihood of economic damage exceeding $10 billion, adding that it was too early to be specific. Major insurers are yet to release estimates. Electronics giant Sony Corp said a factory producing image sensors for smartphone makers would remain closed while it assessed the damage from the quakes. One of its major customers is Apple which uses the sensors in iPhones. Toyota Motor Corp halted production at three plants producing vehicles, engines and trans axles in Fukuoka. Toyota said there was no damage at its plants, but it was checking the status of its suppliers. It will decide on Sunday whether to resume production. Nissan Motor Co Ltd stopped production at its Fukuoka plant which produces vehicles including the Serena, Teana, Murano and Note. South Korea said it had rented five buses to transport 200 South Korean tourists stranded in Oita, to the east of Kumamoto. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said nearly 80 people were believed trapped or buried in rubble. Rescuers managed to pull 10 students out of a collapsed university apartment in the town of Minami on Saturday. Extra troops would be sent to help, with up to 20,000 due by Sunday, as well as more police, firefighters and medics, he said. "We are making every effort to respond," Suga said. The region's transport network suffered considerable damage with one tunnel caved in, a highway bridge damaged, roads cut or blocked by landslips and train services halted, media reported. Kumamoto airport was also closed. There have been more than 230 aftershocks of at least level 1 on the Japanese scale since Thursday's shock, said Japan's meteorological agency. "We have already seen of several of the mid to upper 5 plus magnitude range, and over the next several days and weeks, we would not be surprised to see more earthquakes of this size," said John Bellini, a geophysicist with the USGS. (Additional reporting by Linda Sieg, Elaine Lies, William Mallard, Chris Gallagher, Jon Herskovitz and Jack Kim in Seoul; Writing by Robert Birsel, Michael Perry and Nick Macfie; Editing by Lincoln Feast, Martin Howell and Gareth Jones) AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk equipped with 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 meets fuel-efficiency and emissions guidelines for Japan's Eco-Car tax incentive First American-made, American-brand gasoline-powered vehicle to deliver such performance Part of the award-winning Pentastar engine family, 3.2-liter V-6 features fuel-saving Engine Stop-Start (ESS) technology Segment-exclusive TorqueFlite nine-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment Industry-first rear-axle disconnect technology automatically and seamlessly matches driveline mode with driving conditions Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk most capable SUV in its class with standard-equipment Jeep Active Lock 4x4 system Add another milestone to the Jeep brand's storied history: the 2016 Cherokee Trailhawk is the first gasoline-powered, American-made, American-brand passenger vehicle to qualify for Japan's Eco-Car tax incentive. When equipped with the 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6, the Cherokee Trailhawk also the most capable SUV in its class meets the fuel-efficiency and emissions-level requirements tied to the 58,000 consumer tax break. "At Jeep, we don't sacrifice operating efficiency for capability," says Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand and Global Lead Executive for International Operations FCA. "This achievement vindicates our efforts to deliver products that resonate in a highly complex industry climate." The Pentastar-powered Cherokee Trailhawk achieves a 10.3-km/L fuel-efficiency rating in Japan. The vehicle also earns a 4-Star emissions rating, which is the other requirement to qualify for Japan's Eco-Car tax incentive. The 3.2-liter Pentastar in the Cherokee Trailhawk boasts two mini-oxidation, three-way catalytic converters and four heated oxygen sensors to help reduce emissions. The 3.2-liter Pentastar shares design features with the 3.6-liter Pentastar, named three times to the prestigious list of Ward's 10 Best Engines. The smaller-displacement V-6, which is rated at 200kW (272 hp) and generates 315 Nm (239 lb.-ft.) of torque, also benefits from Engine Stop-Start (ESS) technology. A standard feature on the 3.2-liter Pentastar, ESS increases fuel economy by shutting the engine off whenever the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Meanwhile, the vehicle's radio, gauges, heating/air-conditioning system and other equipment, remain operational. The engine restarts automatically when the driver her/his foot from the vehicle's brake pedal. Further boosting the Cherokee Trailhawk's efficiency are its segment-exclusive TorqueFlite nine-speed automatic transmission and its industry-first driveline system that automatically and seamlessly matches performance settings with driving conditions. With its wide ratio spread, the TorqueFlite gearbox is designed to ensure the Pentastar V-6 operates at optimal levels at all times. Four overdrive ratios benefit highway driving while also reducing overall noise, vibration and harshness. The Cherokee Trailhawk's 4x4 system, dubbed Jeep Active Drive Lock, features apower transfer unit (PTU) and rear-drive module (RDM) that automatically engage and then disengage, depending on driving conditions. This dramatically reduces spin losses and saves fuel. The combined attributes of the 3.2-liter Pentastar, TorqueFlite transmission and Jeep Active Drive Lock 4x4 system not only deliver efficiency, they make the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk the most capable SUV in its class. Its two-speed PTU produces a 47.8:1 crawl ratio. The ruggedly stylish SUV arrives at Japan dealerships in May. The Jeep Cherokee was also listed among the 10 best cars in the 2014-2015 Japan Car of the Year of Award the first American vehicle to be so honored. The Jeep brand marks its 75th anniversary this year. The entire Jeep Cherokee lineup is produced at the Toledo Assembly Complex in Toledo, OH. About Jeep BrandBuilt on 75 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence. The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, Renegade, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models sold outside North America are available in both left and right-hand drive configurations and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Follow Jeep and FCA US news and video on:FCA Content On Demand (COD): www.fcacod.comCompany blog: http://blog.fcanorthamerica.comCompany website: www.fcanorthamerica.comMedia website: http://media.fcanorthamerica.comFCA360: www.fca360.comJeep brand: www.jeep.comJeep blog: blog.jeep.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/jeep or www.facebook.com/ChryslerGroupFlickr: www.flickr.com/jeepexperience or www.flickr.com/chryslergroupPinterest: www.pinterest.com/jeep or www.pinterest.com/FCAcorporateInstagram: www.instagram.com/jeepofficial or www.instagram.com/FiatChrysler_NAStreetfire: www.streetfire.net/uploaded/chryslervideo.htmTwitter: www.twitter.com/jeep or www.twitter.com/FiatChrysler_NAYouTube: www.youtube.com/thejeepchannel or www.youtube.com/pentastarvideo Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160413/355151 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2016-jeep-cherokee-trailhawk-first-gasoline-powered-american-made-american-brand-passenger-vehicle-to-qualify-for-japan-eco-car-tax-incentive-300251941.html SOURCE FCA US LLC Post-hoc analysis on clinical response of ceftobiprole in staphylococcal bacteremia BASEL, Switzerland, April 15, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. (SIX: BSLN) announced today that a broad range of posters and oral presentations with scientific data on the antifungal isavuconazole (CRESEMBA) and the antibiotic ceftobiprole (Zevtera) were presented at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID). At the conference, which was held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, starting on April 9, 2016, the company hosted symposia on new perspectives in the management of nosocomial pneumonia and current challenges and recent developments for the treatment of invasive mold infections. The data presented on isavuconazole included further analyses from the isavuconazole SECURE phase 3 study in invasive aspergillosis and the results of the ACTIVE phase 3 study in invasive candidiasis. In addition, in-vitro data on the activity of isavuconazole against a variety of fungal pathogens, including isolates with reduced susceptibility to other azoles, were presented. For ceftobiprole, the presentations included data from a post-hoc analysis of patients with staphylococcal bacteremia from four double-blind, randomized, phase 3 studies in complicated skin or pulmonary infections. The data demonstrated that clinical responses with ceftobiprole were similar to those for standard-of-care comparators, with a trend towards lower 30-day all-cause mortality with ceftobiprole. Bloodstream infections caused by Methicillin-susceptible and -resistant Staphylococcus aureus are a potentially life-threatening complication of staphylococcal infections in other sites of the body. Isavuconazole posters and presentations at ECCMID 2016 Pharmacodynamics of isavuconazole in experimental invasive pulmonary aspergillosis: a virtuous cycle between bench and bedside - L. Kovanda, R. Petraitiene, V. Petraitis, T. J. Walsh, A. Desai, P. Bonate, W. W. Hope; ePoster EP0006 Efficacy and safety outcomes in patients with probable or proven versus possible invasive mould disease from the phase 3 secure study, evaluating isavuconazole versus voriconazole for the primary treatment of invasive fungal disease caused by Aspergillus spp. or other filamentous fungi - J. Maertens, D. Selleslag, W. Heinz, R. Herbrecht, G. Rahav, M. Giladi, M. Aoun, O. A. Cornely, N. Azie, A. Kaufhold, M. Engelhardt, M. Saulay, A. Ullmann; ePoster EP0010 In vitro activity of isavuconazole against Candida and Aspergillus - M. C. Arendrup, R. H. Jensen, K. Astvad; Oral presentation O227 Isavuconazole versus caspofungin in the treatment of candidaemia and other invasive Candida infections: the ACTIVE trial - B.-J. Kullberg, G. Thompson, P. Pappas, J. Vazquez, C. Viscoli, L. Ostrosky-Zeichner, C. Rotstein, J. Sobel, R. Herbrecht, G. Rahav, E. Van Wijngaerden, J. De Waele, S. Jaruratanasirikul, P. Chetchotisakd, L. Kovanda, C. Lademacher, M. Lee, M. Engelhardt; Oral presentation O423 Intra-subject variability and exposure-response relationship of isavuconazole in the phase 3 SECURE study in patients with invasive mould disease caused by Aspergillus spp. and other filamentous fungi - T. Kaindl, M. Engelhardt, R. Townsend, A. Desai, L. Kovanda, M. Saulay, A. H. Schmitt-Hoffmann; Oral presentation O424 Population pharmacokinetics of isavuconazole in patients with invasive Candida infections (IC) and combined analysis of patients with IC or invasive aspergillosis - A. Desai, L. Kovanda, C. Lademacher, R. W. Townsend, S. Mujais, P. L. Bonate; Poster P1572 In vitro activity of isavuconazole against azole-resistant environmental Aspergillus fumigatus isolates, cryptic Candida strains and emerging yeasts - P. Le Pape, B. Ariza, C. Loge, R. Lavergne, F. Morio, C. Picot, S. Valderrama, C. Alvarez; Poster P1584 Ceftobiprole posters and presentations at ECCMID 2016 EUCAST zone diameter breakpoints and quality control criteria for ceftobiprole 5 mcg - E. Matuschek, J. Ahman, A. Santerre Henriksen, G. Kahlmeter; Poster P0825 A pooled analysis of clinical cure and mortality with ceftobiprole medocaril versus comparators in staphylococcal bacteraemia in complicated skin infections, and community- and hospital acquired pneumonia - J. Rello, G. Rahav, T. Scheeren, M. Saulay, M. Engelhardt, T. Welte; Oral presentation O318 Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ceftobiprole in adults who are severely obese - A. Schmitt-Hoffmann, M. Engelhardt, J. Spickermann, M. Jones, A. Kaufhold; Poster P1250 Bone penetration of the new-generation cephalosporin ceftobiprole in patients following hip replacement surgery - A.-H. Schmitt-Hoffmann, M. Engelhard, J. Spickermann, M. Jones, A. Kaufhold; Poster P1251 Pharmacokinetics of ceftobiprole in paediatric patients - J. Blumer, A.-H. Schmitt-Hoffmann, M. Engelhardt, J. Spickermann, M. Jones, A. Kaufhold; Poster P1252 Ceftobiprole resistance in Danish MRSA - A. Larsen, A. Petersen, F. Hansen, A. Santerre Henriksen, R. Skov; Poster P1343 Comparison of MRSA susceptibility to ceftobiprole as determined by either Etest or microdilution methods - L. Galia, G. Cornaglia, A. Mazzariol; Poster P1345 For further information please visit www.eccmid.org. About CRESEMBA (isavuconazole) Isavuconazole is an intravenous and oral azole antifungal and the active agent of the prodrug isavuconazonium sulfate. The drug was co-developed with Basilea's license partner Astellas Pharma Inc. Astellas commercializes isavuconazole in the U.S. and Basilea holds full rights in markets outside the United States. Isavuconazole was approved in March 2015 by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the use for patients 18 years of age and older in the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and invasive mucormycosis, and was launched in the U.S. by Astellas in April 2015. Isavuconazole is marketed under the trade name CRESEMBA. The European Commission granted isavuconazole marketing authorization in October 2015 for the treatment of adult patients with invasive aspergillosis and for the treatment of adult patients with mucormycosis for whom amphotericin B is inappropriate.1 The European marketing authorization is valid in all 28 European Union member states, as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Basilea has launched CRESEMBA in the UK and Germany, and launches in additional European countries are planned throughout 2016. Isavuconazole has orphan drug designation for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis in Europe and the U.S. Outside the United States and the EU, isavuconazole is currently an investigational product and not approved for commercial use. About Zevtera (ceftobiprole) Zevtera (ceftobiprole medocaril) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic for intravenous administration with bactericidal activity against certain Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and susceptible Pseudomonas spp.2 Ceftobiprole is approved for sale in 13 European countries and Canada for the treatment of adult patients with community-acquired pneumonia and hospital-acquired pneumonia (excluding ventilator-associated pneumonia).2 It has been launched in Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom and Austria. Ceftobiprole received Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the potential treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia and acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections. Ceftobiprole is not approved in the United States. About Basilea Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is a biopharmaceutical company developing products that address increasing resistance and non-response to current treatment options in the therapeutic areas of bacterial infections, fungal infections and cancer. The company uses the integrated research, development and commercial operations of its subsidiary Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd. to discover, develop and commercialize innovative pharmaceutical products to meet the medical needs of patients with serious and potentially life-threatening conditions. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: BSLN). Additional information can be found at Basilea's website www.basilea.com. Disclaimer This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For further information, please contact: Peer Nils Schroder, PhD Head Corporate Communications & Investor Relations +41 61 606 1102 [email protected] [email protected] This press release can be downloaded from www.basilea.com. References 1 European Public Assessment Report (EPAR) for CRESEMBA: http://www.ema.europa.eu [Accessed: April 12, 2016] 2 UK Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) for Zevtera: http://www.mhra.gov.uk/ [Accessed: April 12, 2016] Press release (PDF) http://hugin.info/134390/R/2003843/739757.pdf HUG#2003843 Source: Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. Bengaluru: The government may have removed garbage bins to popularise door-to -door collection of the city's rubbish, but now that it has not proved to be efficient, the bins are coming back in some parts thanks to people's initiatives. Fed up with the black spots created near a school in Bhoompasandra and concerned about the students health, members of Citizens For Sustainability (CIFOS) and a few parents put their heads together and found a solution by installing community trash bins at street corners. They adopted the three bin concept for the two garbage kiosks that are safeguarded by a metal frame and manned by two pourakarmikas. The bins are used to collect wet, dry and hazardous waste and the pourakarmikas are expected to educate the people on segregation. The initiative has been received well by the people. Mr T. S. Subbaiah, an architect, who pooled in money for the project with a few parents and members of residents welfare association, says the bins have been created in such a way that they discourage people from littering around them. "Since the bins are enclosed, people have to come up to them to handover the garbage. This way, garbage is segregated at source and sent to waste processing plants," he explained. To make the project a success, students and their parents have been visiting houses in the locality to create awareness about segregation and the health hazards of dumping near the school. Each unit cost about Rs 18,500. Since people have pooled in money there is no burden on any individual. We want this concept to be taken up across the city, not by the BBMP but by citizens. We are calling upon politicians to donate such kiosks on their birthdays instead of spending on hoardings and neon signs, Mr. Subbaiah added. TORONTO, ON -- (Marketwired) -- 04/15/16 -- ModiFace, the leading provider of augmented reality technology for the beauty and medical industries, today announces the launch of the Conair Virtual Hairstyle Makeover app, a unique web-based HTML app that allows users to try on new hairstyles and hair effects, save their favorite looks, and share a photo collage on social media. The mobile-optimized app works on any mobile device, enabling users to try the latest hairstyles and effects directly by taking a photo on their phone. "The Conair app provides a great way for consumers to experiment with new hairstyles and hair effects. The best part is, by saving a photo collage users can share multiple looks instantly and get their friends and family to vote and comment on the best look. Aside from being very useful, this provides a great way for social engagement for Conair," said Jennifer Tidy, Vice President of Partnerships at ModiFace. "Since the app launched, we have reported an unprecedented increase in time spent on site from those who have interacted with it versus those who have visited the site as a whole. The session duration time has outperformed the site by 188%! That said, if our consumers are enjoying their experience online, the hope is they'd remember and consider us at a time of purchase. The Conair Makeover Tool offers an experience we believe our online site visitors would enjoy," said Bradley Mark, Digital Marketing Manager at Conair Corporation Users can try the new tool on the web at the following link: http://conair.com/makeover For more information, please contact: [email protected] or (647-350-6525). About ModiFace ModiFace is the leading creator of augmented reality technology for the beauty industry, providing custom web/mobile try-on apps, in-store mirrors, and visual e-commerce. ModiFace's patented technology, which is based on over a decade of research at Stanford University, powers over 150 custom augmented reality apps for beauty brands such as Allergan, L'Oreal, Unilever, Yves Rocher, and Sephora. For more information, visit http://www.modiface.com. Media Contact Jessica Garcia Uproar PR for ModiFace 321-236-0102 x233 Email Contact Source: ModiFace NEW YORK, April 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The New York Racing Association (NYRA) has awarded two contracts to Noor Staffing Group (NSG) to supply contingent staffing services for the Belmont Stakes and Saratoga Race Course. These contracts were awarded after a competitive request for proposal process. NSG will provide approximately 1200 temporary employees such as Mutuel Clerks, White Caps, Brand Ambassadors and more for the Belmont Stakes and approximately 400 Mutuel Clerks for Saratoga Race Course. As part of its efforts, NSG will host a series of job fairs. The first, for the Belmont Stakes will take place on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at Aqueduct Racetrack from 3pm-7pm in the Equestris Restaurant. Thereafter, job fairs for the Belmont Stakes will be held at Belmont Park-North Shore Terrace as follows: Tuesday, May 3, 2016 2pm-6pm Saturday, May 14, 2016 10am-3pm Sunday May 15, 2016 10am-3pm The Saratoga Race Course job fair will take place at the Saratoga Springs City Center in Downtown Saratoga Springs on June 16, 17 and 18 NSG will have staff at Belmont Park on numerous days throughout May to assist with walk-in temporary employees seeking employment. NSG will also be on-site in Saratoga during July (dates to be determined). "Noor Staffing Group is proud and honored to partner with NYRA at two of the most storied venues in the world of thoroughbred horse racing," stated Habib Noor, President of NSG. "We look forward to helping NYRA to continue its tradition of excellence by hiring temporary staff that possess the guest-centric spirit for which NYRA is known." To apply for available positions: www.nyrajobs.com, [email protected] or by telephone (646) 790-2777. About Noor Staffing GroupNoor Staffing Group, LLC, a certified Minority-Owned Business Enterprise, is an established and rapidly growing national provider of contingent staffing, executive search, outsourcing and project-based services. NSG operates in over 30 states, servicing a prestigious client base in myriad functional areas and industry groups. The cornerstone of NSG's unique culture and growth is dedication and commitment to entrepreneurialism, professionalism and a relentless work ethic on behalf of its clients. For more information about Noor Staffing Group, please visit the company's website at www.noorstaffing.com. PRESS CONTACT: Jacob ElettoChief of StaffNoor, Inc.[email protected] To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/noor-staffing-group-awarded-two-contracts-from-the-new-york-racing-association-inc-nyra-300252030.html SOURCE Noor, Inc. BROOMFIELD, Colo., April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Effective April 15, 2016, Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) subsidiary RockResorts will no longer manage Half Moon in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The owners of the property (Half Moon Bay, Ltd.) and RockResorts have mutually agreed that based on ownership's goals for the property and RockResorts' focus on its mountain lodging properties, this is the right direction for both parties. In connection with this agreement, Half Moon will repay Vail Resorts the amortized "key money" investment of approximately $4.5 million and will pay Vail Resorts a termination fee of approximately $3.5 million. The termination fee will be recorded in Resort Reported EBITDA in fiscal 2016, which was not incorporated into the Company's most recent commentary on its Resort Reported EBITDA guidance. In fiscal 2015, Half Moon contributed approximately $600,000 of Resort Reported EBITDA to Vail Resorts. About Vail Resorts, Inc. (NYSE: MTN) Vail Resorts, Inc., through its subsidiaries, is the leading global mountain resort operator. The Company's subsidiaries operate nine world-class mountain resorts and three urban ski areas, including Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge and Keystone in Colorado; Park City in Utah; Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in the Lake Tahoe area of California and Nevada; Perisher in New South Wales, Australia; Afton Alps in Minnesota, Mt. Brighton in Michigan and Wilmot Mountain in Wisconsin. The Company owns and/or manages a collection of casually elegant hotels under the RockResort brand, as well as the Grand Teton Lodge Company in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Vail Resorts Development Company is the real estate planning and development subsidiary of Vail Resorts, Inc. Vail Resorts is a publicly held company traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: MTN). The Vail Resorts company website is www.vailresorts.com and consumer website is www.snow.com. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160119/323609LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rockresorts-announces-termination-of-management-agreement-for-half-moon-300252373.html SOURCE Vail Resorts, Inc. SODERTALJE, Sweden--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News: Scania will this one time postpone the release of the Interim report for January to March 2016. It will be published on 2 June instead of on 19 April as planned. This is due to the fact that Volkswagen AG has decided to postpone the publication of the Groups quarterly financial statements for the first quarter 2016, from April to May. Scania is a part of Volkswagen Truck & Bus GmbH and one of the worlds leading manufacturers of trucks and buses for heavy transport applications. Scania is also leading provider of industrial and marine engines. Service-related products account for a growing proportion of the companys operations, assuring Scania customers of cost-effective transport solutions and maximum uptime. Scania also offers financial services. Employing some 44,000 people, the company operates in about 100 countries. Research and development activities are concentrated in Sweden, while production takes place in Europe and South America, with facilities for global interchange of both components and complete vehicles. In 2015, net sales totalled SEK 95 billion and net income amounted to SEK 6.8 billion. Scania press releases are available on www.scania.com (http://www.scania.com/se) This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160415005193/en/ Scania Hans-Ake Danielsson Press Manager +46 (0) 8 553 85 662 +46 (0) 70 346 88 11 +46 (0) 8 553 834 34 [email protected] Source: Scania WASHINGTON, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau: GASTRONOMIC MILESTONE Profile America Friday, April 15th. Today marks the 61st anniversary of the opening of a small hamburger restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois. It was the first of what would become one of the world's best-recognized brand names McDonald's. The franchise shop belonged to Ray Kroc, whose main interest at the time was selling the machines that mixed milkshakes. The name came from two McDonald brothers who ran a hamburger shop in California. The first day's revenue at the Illinois outlet was $366.12. That shop is now a museum housing artifacts from the growth of the chain, which has famously served billions of hamburgers around the world. In the U.S. today, there are nearly a quarter-million fast-food outlets serving hamburgers and other comestibles, with earnings of $185 billion per year. You can find more facts about America's people, places and economy, from the American Community Survey, at www.census.gov. Sources: Kane's Famous First Facts, 2464 Kroc biography/accessed 2/2/2016: http://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en/our_story/our_history/the_ray_kroc_story.html Franchise story/accessed 2/2/2016: http://famousdaily.com/history/mcdonalds-restaurants-founded.html Fast food establishments and revenue/NAICS 722211: http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ECN_2012_US_72I2&prodType=table Profile America is produced by the Center for New Media and Promotion of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Audio" in the "Library" pull-down menu). Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110428/DC91889LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/us-census-bureau-daily-feature-for-april-15-gastronomic-milestone-300247961.html SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau The logo of car-sharing service app Uber on a smartphone over a reserved lane for taxis in a street is seen in this photo illustration taken in Madrid on December 10, 2014. REUTERS/Sergio Perez BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Argentina's biggest city vowed to punish Uber Technologies Inc on Thursday for defying a ban and President Mauricio Macri showed solidarity with cab drivers as the ride-hailing company opened a new front in its battle with the taxi industry. Uber's launch in Buenos Aires this week met with widespread protests by drivers of the city's black and yellow cabs, along with threats from officials, echoing resistance the U.S. company has faced in many of the more than 400 cities where it operates worldwide. "We have already ordered the service to shut down," said the city's Transportation Secretary Juan Jose Mendez. "If they keep operating it becomes a criminal issue." Cab drivers and city officials accuse Uber of violating local regulations and risking passengers' safety by offering rides with drivers who lack a taxi license. Uber said it was permitted under Argentine law. "Uber continues to operate normally ... It has not been prohibited, suspended or shut down," the company said in a statement on Thursday. Macri, who was mayor of Buenos Aires before assuming the presidency in December, threw his weight behind the cab drivers. "I support the city government's position defending taxi drivers. They are a symbol of the city and of Argentina," Macri told journalists. ($1 = 14.33 Argentine pesos) (Reporting by Walter Bianchi; writing and additional reporting by Brad Haynes; editing by Andrew Hay) By Daniel Wiessner (Reuters) - A former cosmetics saleswoman for Procter & Gamble Co (NYSE: PG) is suing the company, claiming that she was fired after becoming pregnant and being told earlier by a supervisor that "pregnancy is not part of the uniform." The lawsuit was filed in federal court in Manhattan on Friday by Tiffany Kantrowitz, who for two years worked at P&Gs Dolce and Gabbana makeup shop inside Saks Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. P&G has a licensing agreement to make and sell Dolce and Gabbana products, according to a company representative who declined to comment on the lawsuit. Neither Dolce and Gabbana nor Saks was named in the lawsuit. Kantrowitz says she was fired by P&G in February 2015 after asking to be allowed to sit down while dealing with customers because she was pregnant, in violation of the federal Pregnancy Discrimination Act and a similar New York City law. Instead of accommodating Kantrowitz's request, the lawsuit said, P&G forced her to take breaks that were deducted from the leave time she was entitled to under the Family and Medical Leave Act. She says she planned to take leave only after her baby was born. "For (P&G), ever vigilant about the image of its makeup shop sales associates, pregnancy did not comport with the 'perfect look,'" the lawsuit said. Before she became pregnant, the suit said, Kantrowitz told a supervisor she wanted children and he responded that "pregnancy is not part of the uniform." When Kantrowitz was fired, the company told her it was because she had taken "tester" items for personal use, according to the lawsuit. But P&G encouraged its cosmetics staff to do so, the suit says, and never warned Kantrowitz against it during her time with the company. Pregnancy discrimination has been a top issue for groups that focus on employment protections for women, along with pay parity and wage increases in industries that employ disproportionate numbers of women. The issue received national attention last year, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that United Parcel Service Inc (NYSE: UPS) improperly denied a pregnant driver's request not to lift heavy packages. The court, in a 6-3 decision, said employers must offer legitimate business reasons to deny accommodations to pregnant employees, and cannot simply claim it would be expensive or inconvenient. The case is Kantrowitz v. The Procter & Gamble Company, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, No. 1:16-cv-2813. (Reporting by Daniel Wiessner in Albany, New York; Editing by Alexia Garamfalvi and Steve Orlofsky) MUMBAI (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - India will sign an agreement soon with the United Arab Emirates on improving cooperation to stop human trafficking, following a similar recent deal with Bahrain, as part of a drive to tackle the growth in trafficking between the two regions. More than 150,000 people are known to be trafficked within South Asia every year, but the trade is underground and the real number is likely to be much higher. South Asia is the world's fastest-growing region for human trafficking and the second-largest after Southeast Asia, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Under the accord with the UAE, aimed at helping women and children in particular, anti-trafficking units and task forces will be set up and bilateral cooperation improved, India's government press bureau said on Wednesday. The two nations will ensure rapid investigations and prosecutions of traffickers, while safeguarding the rights of victims, who will be sent home quickly for "safe and effective reintegration..." the press bureau statement said. The accord is expected to be signed "very soon", it added. India also has an anti-trafficking agreement with neighboring Bangladesh. India is both a source and transit country for trafficking to the UAE. Men, women and children are taken there from South Asia, Southeast and Central Asia and eastern Europe and tricked into forced labor and sex work. Men also go to the UAE voluntarily to work on construction sites, in hotels and as drivers, while women go to work as domestic helpers, nurses, beauticians and cleaners. Some workers are also subjected to forced labor by unlawful withholding of their passports, restrictions on their movement, non-payment of wages, threats and physical or sexual abuse, according to the statement. "The reinforcement of anti-trafficking efforts at all levels between the UAE and India is essential" to prevent trafficking and protect victims, it said. (Reporting by Rina Chandran, editing by Tim Pearce. Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, corruption and climate change. Visit news.trust.org to see more stories.) By Yesim Dikmen and Melih Aslan ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Leaders from more than 50 Muslim nations accused Iran on Friday of supporting terrorism and interfering in the affairs of regional states, including Syria and Yemen, a condemnation that may widen the divide between Iran and its main rival, Saudi Arabia. The leaders, including Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, have been attending a summit in Istanbul this week of the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to discuss a such issues as the humanitarian fall-out from Syria's civil war. "The conference deplored Iran's interference in the internal affairs of the States of the region and other member states including Bahrain, Yemen, Syria, and Somalia, and its continued support for terrorism," the OIC said in its final summit communique. It also stressed the need for "cooperative relations" between Iran and other Muslim countries, including refraining from the use or threat of force. Both Turkey, which has assumed the three-year rotating presidency of the OIC, and Saudi Arabia are part of the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State militants in Syria. They are also opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a stance that has put them at odds with Iran, an ally of Assad. Shi'ite Iran is also allied with the Houthi movement in Yemen, which has been battling forces loyal to Yemen's Saudi-backed president in a conflict that has killed more than 6,000 people since March 2015. While Turkey and Iran have stark differences over Syria, they have managed to keep their diplomatic and trade relations. Still, majority-Sunni Turkey is close to Saudi Arabia, which has cut diplomatic ties with Iran, and it is concerned about Tehran's growing clout in Lebanon, Syria and Yemen. 'WE ARE MUSLIMS' A day before the communique, Iran's Rouhani urged summit delegates to avoid sending out divisive messages. "No message which would fuel division in the Islamic community should come out of the conference," said Rouhani, according to Iranian state television. In a speech at the summit's closing news conference, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan addressed the need to reconcile the divisions. "We are Muslims, we will not allow Islam to be divided," he said. The leaders also condemned what they called the aggression of Armenia against Azerbaijan and called for the unconditional withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh region. On Thursday, Erdogan said the countries had agreed to work more closely to fight terrorism and would establish an Istanbul-based center for greater police cooperation. (Additional reporting by Humeyra Pamuk and Daren Butler; Writing by David Dolan; Editing by Gareth Jones, Larry King) Downtown Manhattan and the One World Trade building (R) are seen from the observation level of the Empire State Building in the Manhattan borough of New York February 4, 2015. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri By Edward Krudy NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York City's largest public pension is exiting all hedge fund investments in the latest sign that the $4 trillion public pension sector is losing patience with these often secretive portfolios at a time of poor performance and high fees. The board of the New York City Employees Retirement System (NYCERS) voted to leave blue chip firms such as Brevan Howard and D.E. Shaw after their consultants said they can reach their targeted investment returns with less risky funds. The move by the fund, which had $51.2 billion in assets as of Jan. 31, follows a similar actions by the California Public Employees' Retirement System (Calpers), the nation's largest public pension fund, and public pensions in Illinois. "Hedges have underperformed, costing us millions," New York City's Public Advocate Letitia James told board members in prepared remarks. "Let them sell their summer homes and jets, and return those fees to their investors." The move is a blow to the $3 trillion hedge fund industry where managers like to have pensions as investors because they leave their money in for longer than individuals, sending a signal of stability to other investors. Hedge fund returns have been lackluster for some time. The average fund lost about 1 percent last year when the stock market was flat, prompting institutional investors to leave. Research firm eVestment said investors overall pulled $19.8 billion from hedge funds in January, marking the biggest monthly outflow since 2009. Performance at some of the funds with which New York City invested was far worse. Luxor Capital Group, a long-time favorite with many pensions, lost an average 18.3 percent a year for the last two years. New York city's public pension system has five separate pension funds with individual governing structures. The system has total assets of $154 billion, with about $3 billion invested in hedge funds as of Jan. 31. NYCERS had $1.7 billion invested in hedge funds at the end of the second quarter 2015, according to its financial report. That amounted to 2.8 percent of total assets and was the smallest portion of its 'alternative investments' portfolio, which included $8.1 billion in private equity. Unaudited data from the city Comptroller's office showed NYCERS' hedge fund exposure was $1.4 billion as of Jan. 31. Comptroller Scott Stringer, a trustee, said eliminating hedge funds would a help NYCERS construct a "responsible portfolio that meets our long-term investment objectives". NYCERS paid nearly $40 million in fees to hedge funds during its 2015 financial year, while its hedge fund portfolio returned 3.89 percent over the year, according to its financial report. "Hedge funds are charging exorbitant fees for high-risk and opaque investments," said James. Public pensions started to invest heavily in hedge funds after the financial crisis in 2008-2009 to diversify their assets. A CEM Benchmarking survey of public pensions with a total of $2.4 trillion in assets found 5.2 percent of assets were invested in hedge funds in 2014, compared to 1 percent a decade earlier. (additional reporting by Svea Herbst; Editing by Nick Zieminski) Mumbai: The idea of Indian nationalism emerged from ancient civilisation and youngsters should strive to preserve pluralism which is essential for "survival" of the country, senior Congress leader and former minister Shashi Tharoor said on Friday. "The magic of Indian nationalism is that its not based on a particular language, a particular geography, a particular religion or even a particular ethnicity. Indian nationalism is an idea emerging from ancient civilisation, united by a shared history and sustained by our pluralist democracy. "As young Indian and future leader you must aspire to preserve this pluralism, which is so essential for India's survival," he said while addressing a convocation ceremony at Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) in suburban Vile Parle. Tharoor said India is fast becoming an "entrepreneurship driven economy" which has changed its perception on global stage. "India is increasingly becoming an entrepreneurship- driven economy. Indians abroad have already proved themselves in a number of start-ups they have helmed in places like Silicon Valley. "And I know that there is a place not too far from here being called Powai Valley for increasing number of start-ups that are located there. All these have gone on to change our outlook of world," the Thiruvananthapuram MP said. He told students that they have abundant opportunities in present era compared to the 1970's. "I remember very few options were available to graduating students in India of 1970s. In early 1970s, our economy was still very close, sociologist protectionist, international exposure was limited and the word 'globalisation' had not even been heard. But today world is smaller and the opportunities are far greater. Today's graduates have a wide variety of choices in India or outside," Tharoor added. A total of 349 students of MBA, MBA (Pharmaceutical Management) and MBA (Human Resources) were conferred degrees on the occasion while remaining 347 students will be getting them tomorrow. UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 8-K Current Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): April 11, 2016 NEWELL BRANDS INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Delaware 1-9608 36-3514169 (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) (Commission File Number) (IRS Employer Identification Number) 6655 Peachtree Dunwoody Road Atlanta, Georgia 30328 (Address of principal executive offices including zip code) (770) 418-7000 (Registrants telephone number, including area code) NEWELL RUBBERMAID INC. 3 Glenlake Parkway Atlanta, Georgia 30328 (Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report) Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below): Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) Introductory Note On April 15, 2016, Jarden Corporation, a Delaware corporation (Jarden), became a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Newell Brands Inc. (formerly Newell Rubbermaid Inc., a Delaware corporation, and referred to herein as Newell), as a result of a series of merger transactions (the Acquisition). The Acquisition was effected pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of December 13, 2015 (the Merger Agreement), by and among Newell, Jarden, NCPF Acquisition Corp. I, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Newell (Newell Merger Sub), and NCPF Acquisition Corp. II, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Newell (Successor Merger Sub). Following the consummation of the Acquisition, the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Newell was amended, and Newell was renamed Newell Brands Inc. Item 1.01. Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement. On April 15, 2016, Newell entered into Amendment No. 5 (the Amendment) to the Third Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated as of February 17, 2012, among Jarden Receivables, LLC as borrower (Jarden Receivables), Jarden as initial servicer, SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. as administrator, and SunTrust Bank, PNC Bank, National Association and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as lenders (the Receivables Securitization Agreement), for Jarden Receivables $500 million securitization facility (the Receivables Securitization Facility). The Amendment was entered into, among other things, to replace Jarden as the initial servicer with Newell as the successor servicer on the Receivables Securitization Facility. Newell will assume all of Jardens obligations under the Receivables Securitization Agreement. Newell also entered into an Amended and Restated Performance Undertaking in favor of Jarden Receivables, pursuant to which Newell has agreed to guaranty the due and punctual performance by certain Newell subsidiaries of their respective obligations under the Second Amended and Restated Receivables Contribution and Sale Agreement, dated as of July 29, 2010. The information provided in Item 5.02 of this Current Report on Form 8-K under the caption Board of Directors is incorporated by reference into this Item 1.01. Item 2.01. Completion of Acquisition or Disposition of Assets. On April 15, 2016, Newell Merger Sub merged with and into Jarden (the First Merger), with Jarden continuing as the surviving corporation and as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Newell and, immediately following the effectiveness of the First Merger, Jarden merged with and into Successor Merger Sub, which continued as the surviving corporation (the Subsequent Merger and, together with the First Merger, the Merger Transactions). As a result of the Merger Transactions, Successor Merger Sub, with the legacy business of Jarden, became a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Newell. Successor Merger Sub has been renamed Jarden Corporation. Pursuant to the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the First Merger, each holder of shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Jarden (the Jarden Common Stock) issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the First Merger were entitled to receive per share consideration (the Merger Consideration) consisting of (i) $21.00 in cash, without interest and (ii) 0.862 of a validly-issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of common stock, par value $1.00 per share, of Newell (Newell Common Stock). At the effective time of the First Merger, each option to purchase shares of Jarden Common Stock that was outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the First Merger automatically vested (to the extent unvested), and, in exchange for cancellation of the option, entitled the holder thereof to receive the per share Merger Consideration for each Net Option Share (as defined in the Merger Agreement) of Jarden Common Stock underlying such option. At the effective time of the First Merger, each restricted stock award representing a right to receive shares of Jarden Common Stock that was outstanding immediately prior to the effective time of the First Merger (other than a limited number of restricted stock awards that were cancelled in exchange for similar awards in respect of Newell Common Stock based on the terms of such restricted stock awards), automatically vested (to the extent unvested), and thereafter were cancelled and converted into the right to receive the per share Merger Consideration for each share of Jarden Common Stock underlying such restricted stock award. No fractional shares of Newell Common Stock were issued in the First Merger, and Jarden stockholders received cash in lieu of any fractional shares. Under the indentures governing each series of Jardens outstanding senior subordinated convertible notes, the First Merger constitutes a fundamental change and a make-whole fundamental change, which entitles the holders of such notes to convert their outstanding convertible notes and receive the Merger Consideration that such holders would have received had they converted their notes immediately prior to the First Merger at the applicable conversion rate (after giving effect to the increase in such conversion rates applicable to make-whole fundamental changes). Within 10 calendar days of April 15, 2016, a fundamental change company notice and offer to repurchase (the Fundamental Change Notice) will be distributed to holders, which will establish the date through which holders will be able to convert their notes. In the event any holders elect not to convert their convertible notes into Merger Consideration, such holders will be entitled to surrender such notes for repurchase at a fundamental change repurchase price equal to 100% of the principal amount of such notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, subject to the terms and conditions to be included in the Fundamental Change Notice. After the completion of the fundamental change repurchase offer, holders conversion rights under the indenture, if any, will relate solely to such holders right to receive the Merger Consideration. Jarden Common Stock, which previously traded under the symbol JAH on the New York Stock Exchange (the NYSE), will cease trading immediately prior to market open on April 18, 2016 and will be delisted from the NYSE. - 2 - The foregoing description of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the full text of the Merger Agreement, a copy of which was filed as Exhibit 2.1 to Newells Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 14, 2015 and is incorporated herein by reference. Item 2.03. Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant. The information provided in Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference into this Item 2.03. Item 4.01 Changes in Registrants Certifying Accountant. (a) Subsequent to the filing of Newells Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and Newells joint proxy statement/prospectus, the Audit Committee (the Audit Committee) of the Board of Directors of Newell (the Board), in connection with the Acquisition, conducted a competitive process to determine Newells independent registered public accounting firm for the 2016 fiscal year. The Audit Committee invited several independent registered public accounting firms to participate in this process. Following a competitive review and receipt of proposals from the independent registered public accounting firms that participated in the process, on April 11, 2016, the Audit Committee authorized the dismissal of Ernst & Young LLP (EY) as Newells independent registered public accounting firm effective upon completion of the review of Newells unaudited interim financial statements as of and for the quarter ended March 31, 2016. The Audit Committee authorized the engagement of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC), who has served as Jardens independent registered public accounting firm, to serve as Newells independent registered public accounting firm for the 2016 fiscal year. No audit report of EY on Newells consolidated financial statements for either of the past two fiscal years contained an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion, or was qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles. During Newells two most recent fiscal years and subsequent interim period through April 11, 2016, there was no disagreement (as described in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions) with EY on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedures which, if not resolved to the satisfaction of EY, would have caused EY to make reference to the matter in their report. Newell provided EY with a copy of this Form 8-K prior to its filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission) and requested EY to furnish Newell with a letter addressed to the Commission stating whether EY agrees with the statements made by Newell in response to Item 304(a) of Regulation S-K and, if not, stating the respects in which it does not agree. A copy of EYs letter, dated April 15, 2016, is filed as Exhibit 16.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K. (b) In conjunction with a request for proposal and competitive review of other independent registered public accounting firms noted above, on April 11, 2016, the Audit Committee authorized and instructed Newell to engage PwC to serve as Newells independent registered public accounting firm to audit Newells consolidated financial statements for the 2016 fiscal year. - 3 - During Newells two most recent fiscal years and subsequent interim period preceding PwCs engagement, neither Newell nor anyone on its behalf consulted PwC regarding (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified proposed or completed transaction, or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on Newells consolidated financial statements, and no written report or oral advice was provided by PwC to Newell that PwC concluded was an important factor considered by Newell in reaching a decision as to the accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue, or (ii) any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement (as described in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions) or a reportable event (as described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K). Item 5.02. Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers. Board of Directors In connection with consummation of the Acquisition, the Newell Board passed a resolution to expand the size of the Newell Board to 12 directors, effective April 22, 2016, and to appoint Martin E. Franklin (Founder and former Executive Chairman of Jarden), Ian G.H. Ashken (Co-Founder and former Vice Chairman and President of Jarden) and Ros LEsperance (former board member of Jarden) to the Newell Board, also effective April 22, 2016, to serve until the next annual meeting of Newell stockholders and until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified. Certain biographical information with respect to Messrs. Franklin and Ashken and Ms. LEsperance is set forth in Newells joint proxy statement/prospectus, filed with the Commission on March 18, 2016, the relevant portions of which are incorporated herein by reference. Except as described below, Messrs. Franklin and Ashken and Ms. LEsperance will be paid in accordance with Newells director compensation program, described in Newells joint proxy statement/prospectus, filed with the Commission on March 18, 2016, the relevant portions of which are incorporated herein by reference. In addition, on December 13, 2015, Newell entered into an advisory services agreement (the Advisory Services Agreement) with Mariposa Capital, LLC (Mariposa Capital), a company controlled by Mr. Franklin, and for which Mr. Ashken and James E. Lillie (former Chief Executive Officer and board member of Jarden) will serve as officer(s) and/or employee(s) pursuant to which Mariposa Capital has agreed, until the third anniversary of the effective time of the Subsequent Merger, to provide Newell with certain strategic advisory services and such other services relating to Newell and its subsidiaries as may from time to time be mutually agreed to by the parties. Mariposa Capital will be paid an annual fee of $4.0 million for providing such services and has agreed to provide to Newell, upon Newells request, an average of 120 hours of such services for each fiscal quarter during the term of the agreement. During the period of the Advisory Services Agreement, Newell has agreed to provide to Mariposa Capital office space and bear all reasonable costs and expenses of the overhead and support services relating to such office. Until no later than December 31, 2016, the office space provided shall be Jardens office space in Miami, Florida. In addition, Newell shall reimburse Mariposa Capital for the cost of all reasonable out-of-pocket fees incurred by Mariposa Capital, including the reimbursement for use of private aircraft to attend board meetings of Newell. In consideration of the benefits to be received by Messrs. Franklin and Ashken under the Advisory Services Agreement (in their capacity as partners in Mariposa Capital), each of Messrs. Franklin and Ashken has agreed to waive all fees and remuneration (but not including reimbursement of certain expenses), to which they otherwise would be entitled to receive in their capacity as directors of Newell during the term of the Advisory Services Agreement. If Mariposa Capital is terminated without cause (as defined in the Advisory Services Agreement) prior to the third anniversary of the effective time of the Subsequent Merger, Mariposa Capital will be entitled to receive, within five business days following receipt of written notice of such termination by Newell, an amount equal to $12,000,000 less the sum of all fees paid by Newell under the Advisory Services Agreement to that date. The foregoing description of the Advisory Services Agreement does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by, the full text of the Advisory Services Agreement, a copy of which was filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Amendment No. 1 to Newells Registration Statement on Form S-4/A, filed with the Commission on February 17, 2016, and is incorporated herein by reference. - 4 - Officers Upon completion of the Acquisition, the following appointments to Newells senior leadership team became effective. The other officers that served on Newells senior leadership immediately prior to the Acquisition will continue to serve in their respective roles. Michael B. Polk Chief Executive Officer, Newell Brands Inc. Mark S. Tarchetti President, Newell Brands Inc. William A. Burke President, Jarden Group Bradford R. Turner Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary Certain biographical information with respect to Messrs. Polk, Tarchetti, Burke and Turner is set forth in Newells Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the Commission on February 29, 2016, the relevant portions of which are incorporated herein by reference. In connection with his appointment as President, Jarden Group, Newell and Mr. Burke terminated the Retirement Agreement and General Release between Newell and Mr. Burke dated October 7, 2015 (the Retirement Agreement). The Retirement Agreement, pursuant to which Mr. Burke was to receive certain benefits from Newell in connection with his retirement, was previously reported on Newells Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 7, 2015 and filed as Exhibit 10.35 to Newells Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the Commission on February 29, 2016. Newell is currently reviewing the Chief Financial Officer position. John K. Stipancich will continue in his position as Chief Financial Officer pending the completion of this review, which Newell expects to conclude in the next several months. The press release announcing the closing of the Acquisition, filed as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K, also serves to announce the foregoing changes to Newells Board and senior leadership team. Compensatory Plans In connection with consummation of the Acquisition, Newell assumed the sponsorship of the Jarden Corporation 2013 Stock Incentive Plan, and also assumed the outstanding restricted rollover stock awards (as defined in the Merger Agreement) granted under such plan and the award agreement evidencing the grants of such awards. Item 5.03. Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws; Change in Fiscal Year. Following the consummation of the Acquisition, the Board amended Article FIRST of Newells Restated Certificate of Incorporation, effective April 15, 2016, and amended and restated Newells By-Laws, effective April 15, 2016, each to reflect Newells name change to Newell Brands Inc. A copy of the amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the By-Laws, as amended, are filed as Exhibits 3.1 and 3.2, respectively, to this Current Report on Form 8-K and are incorporated herein by reference. Item 5.07. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. Newell held its Annual Meeting of Stockholders on April 15, 2016. For more information on the proposals presented at the meeting, see Newells joint proxy statement/prospectus, filed with the Commission on March 18, 2016, the relevant portions of which are incorporated herein by reference. The stockholders approved the issuance of Newell Common Stock to Jarden stockholders pursuant to the Merger Agreement: For 230,645,871 Against 521,902 Abstain 392,720 - 5 - The stockholders elected each of the nine nominees to the Board for a one-year term by a majority of the votes cast: Director For Against Abstain Thomas E. Clarke 226,366,298 1,510,391 3,683,804 Kevin C. Conroy 227,125,369 1,881,556 2,553,568 Scott S. Cowen 227,194,833 1,535,725 2,829,935 Michael T. Cowhig 228,559,948 675,256 2,325,289 Domenico De Sole 226,620,985 2,049,760 2,889,748 Michael B. Polk 228,955,929 481,376 2,123,188 Steven J. Strobel 225,281,741 1,219,237 5,059,515 Michael A. Todman 225,311,985 1,196,647 5,051,861 Raymond G. Viault 224,110,282 1,228,085 6,222,126 The stockholders approved the advisory resolution approving executive compensation: For 211,859,946 Against 19,066,668 Abstain 633,879 Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits (d) Exhibits Number Exhibit 2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of December 13, 2015, among Jarden Corporation, Newell Rubbermaid Inc., NCPF Acquisition Corp. I and NCPF Acquisition Corp. II (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Newells Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 14, 2015). 3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Newell Brands Inc., as amended as of April 15, 2016. 3.2 By-Laws of Newell Brands Inc., as amended April 15, 2016. 10.1 Advisory Services Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2015, by and among Newell Rubbermaid Inc. and Mariposa Capital, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Amendment No. 1 to Newells Registration Statement on Form S-4/A filed on February 17, 2016). 16.1 Letter from Ernst & Young LLP dated April 15, 2016. 99.1 Press Release of Newell Brands Inc., dated April 15, 2016. 99.2 Jarden Corporation Audited Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and for each of the three years ended December 31, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of Newells Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 15, 2016). 99.3 Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of Newells Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 15, 2016). - 6 - 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 hereunto duly authorized. NEWELL BRANDS INC. Dated: April 15, 2016 By: /s/ Bradford R. Turner Bradford R. Turner Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary - 7 - EXHIBIT INDEX Number Exhibit 2.1 Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of December 13, 2015, among Jarden Corporation, Newell Rubbermaid Inc., NCPF Acquisition Corp. I and NCPF Acquisition Corp. II (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of Newells Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 14, 2015). 3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Newell Brands Inc., as amended as of April 15, 2016. 3.2 By-Laws of Newell Brands Inc., as amended April 15, 2016. 10.1 Advisory Services Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2015, by and among Newell Rubbermaid Inc. and Mariposa Capital, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of Amendment No. 1 to Newells Registration Statement on Form S-4/A filed on February 17, 2016). 16.1 Letter from Ernst & Young LLP dated April 15, 2016. 99.1 Press Release of Newell Brands Inc., dated April 15, 2016. 99.2 Jarden Corporation Audited Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and for each of the three years ended December 31, 2015 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 of Newells Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 15, 2016). 99.3 Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Statements (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 of Newells Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 15, 2016). - 8 - Exhibit 3.1 State of Delaware Secretary of State Division of Corporations Delivered 12:36 pm 05/06/2008 FILED 12:36 pm 05/06/2008 SRV 080508722 - 2118347 FILE RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF NEWELL RUBBERMAID INC. Newell Rubbermaid Inc. (the Corporation ), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware, hereby certifies as follows: A. The name of the Corporation is Newell Rubbermaid Inc. The Corporation was originally incorporated under the name NEW NEWELL CO. The Corporations original Certificate of Incorporation was filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on February 23, 1987. B. This Restated Certificate of Incorporation, which amends and restates the Corporations Restated Certificate of Incorporation in its entirety, was duly adopted in accordance with Sections 242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. C. The Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation shall read in its entirety as follows: FIRST: The name of the Corporation is Newell Rubbermaid Inc. SECOND: The address of the Corporations registered office in the State of Delaware is Corporation Trust Center, 1209 Orange Street, Wilmington, New Castle County, DE 19801. The name of the Corporations registered agent at such address is Corporation Trust Company. THIRD: The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of Delaware. FOURTH: The total number of shares which the Corporation shall have authority to issue is 810,000,000, consisting of 800,000,000 shares of Common Stock of the par value of $1.00 per share and 10,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, consisting of 10,000 shares without par value, and 9,990,000 shares of the par value of $1.00 per share. The designations and the powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations and restrictions thereof, of each of the classes of stock of the Corporation are as follows: A. Common Stock . Each holder of Common Stock shall be entitled to one (1) vote for each such share of Common Stock. B. Preferred Stock . The Preferred Stock shall be issued from time to time in one or more series with such distinctive serial designations and (a) may have such voting powers, full or limited, or may be without voting powers; (b) may be subject to redemption at such time or times and at such price or prices; (c) may be entitled to receive dividends (which may be cumulative or noncumulative) at such rate or rates, on such conditions, and at such times, and payable in preference to, or in such relation to, the dividends payable on any other class or classes of stock; (d) may have such rights upon the dissolution of, or upon any distribution of the assets of, the Corporation; (e) may be made convertible into, or exchangeable for, shares of any other class or classes or of any other series of the same or any other class or classes of stock of the Corporation, at such price or prices or at such rates of exchange and with such adjustments; and (f) shall have such other relative, participating, optional or other special rights, qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, all as shall hereafter be stated and expressed in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of such Preferred Stock from time to time adopted by the Board of Directors pursuant to authority so to do which is hereby expressly vested in the Board. C. Increase in Authorized Shares . The number of authorized shares of any class of stock of the Corporation may be increased by the affirmative vote of a majority of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon, without a vote by class or by series. FIFTH: [Reserved]. SIXTH: A. The Board of Directors shall be divided into three classes (which at all times shall be as nearly equal in number as possible). The initial term of office of the first class ( Class I ) shall expire at the 1988 annual meeting of stockholders, the initial term of office of the second class ( Class II ) shall expire at the 1989 annual meeting of stockholders, and the initial term of office of the third class ( Class III ) shall expire at the 1990 annual meeting of stockholders. At each annual meeting of stockholders following such initial classification, directors elected to succeed those directors whose terms expire shall be elected for a term of office to expire at the third succeeding annual meeting of stockholders after their election. The foregoing notwithstanding, each director shall serve until his successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, unless he shall cease to serve by reason of death, resignation or other cause. If the number of directors is changed, any increase or decease shall be apportioned among the classes so as to maintain the number of directors in each class as nearly equal as possible, but in no case shall a decrease in the number of directors shorten the term of any incumbent director. B. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors shall determine the rights, powers, duties, rules and procedures that shall affect the power of the Board of Directors to manage and direct the business and affairs of the Corporation. C. Newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors or any vacancies in the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation or other cause may be filled only by a majority vote of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director. Any director so chosen shall hold office for a term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders at which the term of office of the class to which he has been elected expires. D. The provisions set forth in paragraphs A and C of this Article SIXTH are subject to the rights of the holders of any class or series of stock having a preference over the Common Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation to elect additional directors under specified circumstances as set forth in this Restated Certificate of Incorporation or in a resolution providing for the issuance of such stock adopted by the Board of Directors pursuant to authority vested in it by this Restated Certificate of Incorporation. E. [Reserved]. SEVENTH: In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by statute, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to make, alter or repeal the By-Laws of the Corporation. EIGHTH: A. Subject to the rights of holders of any class or series of stock having a preference over the Common Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation to elect additional directors under specified circumstances as set forth in this Restated Certificate of Incorporation or in a resolution providing for the issuance of such stock adopted by the Board of Directors pursuant to authority vested in it by this Restated Certificate of Incorporation, nominations for the election of directors may be made by the Board of Directors or by a committee appointed by the Board of Directors, or by any stockholder entitled to vote in the election of directors generally provided that such stockholder has given actual written notice of such stockholders intent to make such nomination or nominations to the Secretary of the Corporation not later than (1) with respect to an election to be held at an annual meeting of stockholders, 90 days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of stockholders, and (2) with respect to an election to be held at a special meeting of stockholders for the election of directors, the close of business on the seventh day following (a) the date on which notice of such meeting is first given to stockholders or (b) the date on which public disclosure of such meeting is made, whichever is earlier. B. Each such notice shall set forth: (1) the name and address of the stockholder who intends to make the nomination and of the person or persons to be nominated; (2) a representation that the stockholder is a holder of record of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to nominate the person or persons specified in the notice; (3) a description of all arrangements or understandings involving any two or more of the stockholders, each such nominee and any other person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the nomination or nominations are to be made by the stockholder or relating to the Corporation or its securities or to such nominees service as a director if elected; (4) such other information regarding each nominee proposed by such stockholder as would be required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the proxy rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission had the nominee been nominated, or intended to be nominated, by the Board of Directors; and (5) the consent of each nominee to serve as a director of the Corporation if so elected. The chairman of the meeting may refuse to acknowledge the nomination of any person not made in compliance with the foregoing procedure. C. [Reserved]. NINTH: A. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the stockholders of the Corporation must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation and may not be effected by any consent in writing by such stockholders. B. [Reserved]. TENTH: [Reserved]. ELEVENTH: Except as otherwise provided in this Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of Directors shall have authority to authorize the issuance, from time to time without any vote or other action by the stockholders, of any or all shares of stock of the Corporation of any class at any time authorized, any securities convertible into or exchangeable for any such shares so authorized, and any warrant, option or right to purchase, subscribe for or otherwise acquire, shares of stock of the Corporation of any class at any time authorized, in each case to such persons and for such consideration and on such terms as the Board of Directors from time to time in its discretion lawfully may determine; provided, however, that the consideration for the issuance of shares of stock of the corporation having par value shall not be less than such par value. Stock so issued, for which the consideration has been paid to the Corporation, shall be fully paid stock, and the holders of such stock shall not be liable to any further call or assessments thereon. TWELFTH: No holder of stock of any class of the Corporation or of any security convertible into, or of any warrant, option or right to purchase, subscribe for or otherwise acquire, stock of any class of the Corporation, whether now or hereafter authorized, shall, as such holder, have any pre-emptive right whatsoever to purchase, subscribe for or otherwise acquire, stock of any class of the Corporation or any security convertible into, or any warrant, option or right to purchase, subscribe for or otherwise acquire, stock of any class of the Corporation, whether now or hereafter authorized. THIRTEENTH: Anything herein contained to the contrary notwithstanding, any and all right, title, interest, and claim in or to any dividends declared, or other distributions made, by the Corporation, whether in cash, stock or otherwise, which are unclaimed by the stockholder entitled thereto for a period of six years after the close of business on the payment date, shall be and be deemed to be extinguished and abandoned; and such unclaimed dividends or other distributions in the possession of the Corporation, its transfer agents or other agents or depositaries, shall at such time become the absolute property of the Corporation, free and clear of any and all claims of any persons whatsoever. FOURTEENTH: A. The Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the Corporation) by reason of the fact that he is or was or has agreed to become a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was serving or has agreed to serve at the request of the Corporation as a director or officer of another Corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted in such capacity, against costs, charges and other expenses (including attorneys fees) ( Expenses ), judgments, fines and amount paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding and any appeal thereof if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. The termination of any action, suit or proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction, or plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that the person did not act in good faith and in a manner which he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had reasonable cause to believe that his conduct was unlawful. For purposes of this Article, serving or has agreed to serve at the request of the Corporation as a director or officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise shall include any service by a director or officer of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of such other Corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, or with respect to any employee benefit plan (or its participants or beneficiaries) of the Corporation or any such other enterprise. B. The Corporation shall indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action or suit by or in the right of the Corporation to procure a judgment in its favor by reason of the fact that he is or was or has agreed to become a director or officer of the Corporation or is or was serving or has agreed to serve at the request of the Corporation as a director or officer of another Corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise or by reason of any action alleged to have been taken or omitted in such capacity against Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the investigation, defense or settlement of such action or suit and any appeal thereof if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the Corporation and except that no indemnification shall be made in respect of any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the Corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery of Delaware or the court in which such action or suit was brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnify for such Expenses which the Court of Chancery of Delaware or such other court shall deem proper. C. To the extent that any person referred to in paragraphs (A) or (B) of this Article has been successful on the merits or otherwise, including, without limitation, the dismissal of an action without prejudice, in defense of any action, suit or proceeding referred to therein or in defense of any claim, issue or matter therein, he shall be indemnified against Expenses actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection therewith. D. Any indemnification under paragraphs (A) or (B) of this Article (unless ordered by a court) shall be made by the Corporation only as authorized in the specific case upon a determination that indemnification of the director or officer is proper in the circumstances because he has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in paragraphs (A) or (B). Such determination shall be made (i) by the board of directors by a majority vote of a quorum (as defined in the By-Laws of the Corporation) consisting of directors who were not parties to such action, suit or proceeding, or (ii) if such quorum is not obtainable, or, even if obtainable a quorum of disinterested directors so directs, by independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (iii) by the stockholders. E. Expenses incurred in defending a civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding shall be paid by the Corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding and appeal upon receipt by the Corporation of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified by the Corporation. F. The determination of the entitlement of any person to indemnification under paragraphs (A), (B) or (C) or to advancement of Expenses under paragraph (E) of this Article shall be made promptly, and in any event within 60 days after the Corporation has received a written request for payment from or on behalf of a director or officer and payment of amounts due under such sections shall be made immediately after such determination. If no disposition of such request is made within said 60 days or if payment has not been made within 10 days thereafter, or if such request is rejected, the right to indemnification or advancement of Expenses provided by this Article shall be enforceable by or on behalf of the director or officer in any court of competent jurisdiction. In addition to the other amounts due under this Article, Expenses incurred by or on behalf of a director or officer in successfully establishing his right to indemnification or advancement of Expenses, in whole or in part, in any such action (or settlement thereof) shall be paid by the Corporation. G. The indemnification and advancement of Expenses provided by this Article shall not be deemed exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or advancement of Expenses may be entitled under any law (common or statutory), By-Law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in his official capacity and as to action in another capacity while holding such office, or while employed by or acting as a director or officer of the Corporation or as a director or officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, and shall continue as to a person who has ceased to be a director or officer and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, executors and administrators of such a person. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Article, the Corporation shall indemnify or make advancement of Expenses to any person referred to in paragraphs (A) or (B) of this Article to the full extent permitted under the laws of Delaware and any other applicable laws, as they now exist or as they may be amended in the future. H. All rights to indemnification and advancement of Expenses provided by this Article shall be deemed to be a contract between the Corporation and each director or officer of the Corporation who serves, served or has agreed to serve in such capacity, or at the request of the Corporation as director or officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, at any time while this Article and the relevant provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law or other applicable law, if any, are in effect. Any repeal or modification of this Article, or any repeal or modification of relevant provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law or any other applicable law, shall not in any way diminish any rights to indemnification of or advancement of Expenses to such director or officer or the obligations of the Corporation. I. The Corporation shall have power to purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any person who is or was or has agreed to become a director or officer of the Corporation, or is or was serving or has agreed to serve at the request of the Corporation as a director or officer of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against any liability asserted against him and incurred by him in any such capacity, or arising out of his status as such, whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify him against such liability under the provisions of this Article. J. The Board of Directors may, by resolution, extend the provisions of this Article pertaining to indemnification and advancement of Expenses to any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that he is or was or has agreed to become an employee, agent or fiduciary of the Corporation or is or was serving or has agreed to serve at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise or with respect to any employee benefit plan (or its participants or beneficiaries) of the corporation or any such other enterprise. K. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this Article shall not affect the validity or enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Article. FIFTEENTH: No person who was or is a director of this Corporation shall be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (i) for breach of the duty of loyalty to the Corporation or its stockholders; (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or knowing violation of law; (iii) under Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law; or (iv) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. If the Delaware General Corporation Law is amended after the effective date of this Article to further eliminate or limit, or to authorize further elimination or limitation of, the personal liability of directors for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, then the personal liability of a director to this Corporation or its stockholders shall be eliminated or limited to the full extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law, as so amended. For purposes of this Article, fiduciary duty as a director shall include any fiduciary duty arising out of serving at the request of this Corporation as a director of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, and personally liable to the Corporation shall include any liability to such other Corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, and any liability to this Corporation in its capacity as a security holder, joint venturer, partner, beneficiary, creditor or investor of or in any such other corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise. Any repeal or modification of the foregoing paragraph by the stockholders of this Corporation shall not adversely affect the elimination or limitation of the personal liability of a director for any act or omission occurring prior to the effective date of such repeal or modification. This provision shall not eliminate or limit the liability of a director for any act or omission occurring prior to the effective date of this Article. SIXTEENTH: Whenever a compromise or arrangement is proposed between this Corporation and its creditors or any class of them and/or between this Corporation and its stockholders or any class of them, any court of equitable jurisdiction within the State of Delaware may, on the application in a summary way of this Corporation or of any creditor or stockholder thereof or on the application of any receiver or receivers appointed for this Corporation under the provisions of section 291 of Title 8 of the Delaware Code or on the application of trustees in dissolution or of any receiver or receivers appointed for this Corporation under the provisions of section 279 of Title 8 of the Delaware Code order a meeting of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of this Corporation, as the case may be, to be summoned in such manner as the said court directs. If a majority in number representing three-fourths in value of the creditors or class of creditors, and/or of the stockholders or class of stockholders of this Corporation, as the case may be, agree to any compromise or arrangement and to any reorganization of this Corporation as consequence of such compromise or arrangement, the said compromise or arrangement and the said reorganization shall, if sanctioned by the court to which the said application has been made, be binding on all the creditors or class of creditors, and/or on all the stockholders or class of stockholders of this Corporation, as the case may be, and also this Corporation. SEVENTEENTH: The Corporation reserves the right to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this Restated Certificate of Incorporation, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed by statute, and all rights conferred upon the stockholders herein are granted subject to this reservation. [Remainder of page intentionally left blank] IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be signed by Dale L. Matschullat Senior Vice President - General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of the Corporation. By /s/ Dale L. Matschullat Name: Dale L. Matschullat Title: Senior Vice President - General Counsel and Corporate Secretary State of Delaware Secretary of State Division of Corporations Delivered 10:59 AM 05/09/2012 FILED 10:52 AM 05/09/2012 SRV 120533382 - 2118347 FILE AMENDMENT TO RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF NEWELL RUBBERMAID INC. Newell Rubbermaid Inc. (the Corporation) organized and existing under and by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware does hereby certify: 1. That at a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Corporation resolutions were duly adopted setting forth a proposed amendment of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, declaring said amendment to be advisable and calling a meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation for consideration thereof. The proposed amendment is as follows: Article SIXTH of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation shall be amended by replacing the Article thereof numbered SIXTH so that, as amended, said Article shall be and read as follows: SIXTH: A. At each annual meeting of stockholders of the Corporation commencing with the 2013 annual meeting of stockholders, directors whose terms expire at that meeting (or such directors successors) shall be elected for a one-year term (with each remaining director whose term does not expire at such meeting being referred to for the remainder of such term as a Continuing Classified Director). Accordingly, at the 2013 annual meeting of stockholders, directors whose terms expire at that meeting (or such directors successors) shall be elected to hold office for a one-year term expiring at the 2014 annual meeting of stockholders; at the 2014 annual meeting of stockholders, directors whose terms expire at that meeting (or such directors successors) shall be elected to hold office for a one-year term expiring at the 2015 annual meeting of stockholders; and at the 2015 annual meeting of stockholders and at each annual meeting of stockholders thereafter, all directors shall be elected to hold office for a one-year term expiring at the next annual meeting of stockholders. The foregoing notwithstanding, each director shall serve until his or her successor shall have been duly elected and qualified, unless he or she shall cease to serve by reason of death, resignation or other cause. B. The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors shall determine the rights, powers, duties, rules and procedures that shall affect the power of the Board of Directors to manage and direct the business and affairs of the Corporation. C. Newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors or any vacancies in the Board of Directors resulting from death, resignation or other cause may be filled only by a majority vote of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director. Any director so chosen shall hold office (i) until the next election of the class for which such director has been chosen if such director has been appointed to serve in one of the remaining classes of directors or (ii) until the next succeeding annual meeting of stockholders and, in either instance until such directors successor is elected and qualified, unless he or she shall cease to serve by reason of death, resignation or other cause. D. Any director, or the entire Board of Directors, may be removed from office at any time, with or without cause (except that Continuing Classified Directors may be removed only for cause) by a majority of the shares then entitled to vote at an election of directors. E. The provisions set forth in paragraphs A, C and D of this Article SIXTH are subject to the rights of the holders of any class or series of stock having a preference over the Common Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation to elect additional directors under specified circumstances as set forth in this Restated Certificate of Incorporation or in a resolution providing for the issuance of such stock adopted by the Board of Directors pursuant to authority vested in it by this Restated Certificate of Incorporation. 2. That thereafter, pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Directors, the annual meeting of the stockholders of the Corporation was duly called and held upon notice in accordance with Section 222 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware at which meeting the necessary number of shares as required by statute were voted in favor of the amendment. 3. This amendment of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation was duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of Section 242 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Certificate of Amendment to be signed this 9th day of May, 2012. By /s/ John K. Stipanich Name: John K. Stipanich Title: Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT TO RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF NEWELL RUBBERMAID INC. Newell Rubbermaid Inc. (the Corporation ), organized and existing under and by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the DGCL ), does hereby certify: FIRST: That at a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Corporation resolutions were duly adopted setting forth a proposed amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation and declaring said amendment to be advisable. The proposed amendment is as follows: Article FIRST of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation shall be amended by replacing the Article thereof numbered FIRST so that, as amended, said Article shall be and read as follows: FIRST: The name of the Corporation is Newell Brands Inc. SECOND: That, pursuant to Section 242(b)(1) of the DGCL, a meeting or vote of the stockholders of the Corporation is not required to adopt the amendment. THIRD: This amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation was duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of Section 242 of the DGCL. [Signature page to follow] IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Certificate of Amendment to be signed by an authorized officer on the 15th day of April, 2016. NEWELL RUBBERMAID INC. By /s/ Bradford R. Turner Name: Bradford R. Turner Title: Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary Exhibit 3.2 BY-LAWS, AS AMENDED AS OF APRIL 15, 2016 As adopted by the Newell Brands Board of Directors, effective as of April 15, 2016 BY-LAWS OF NEWELL BRANDS INC. (a Delaware corporation) (as amended April 15, 2016) ARTICLE I OFFICES 1.1 REGISTERED OFFICE. The registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware shall be located in the City of Dover and County of Kent. The Corporation may have such other offices, either within or without the State of Delaware, as the Board of Directors may designate or the business of the Corporation may require from time to time. 1.2 PRINCIPAL OFFICE. The principal office of the Corporation shall be located in Atlanta, Georgia. ARTICLE II STOCKHOLDERS 2.1 ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of stockholders shall be held each year at such time and date as the Board of Directors may designate prior to the giving of notice of such meeting, but if no such designation is made, then the annual meeting of stockholders shall be held on the second Wednesday in May of each year for the election of directors and for the transaction of such other business as may come before the meeting. If the day fixed for the annual meeting shall be a legal holiday, such meeting shall be held on the next succeeding business day. 2.2 SPECIAL MEETINGS. (a) Special meetings of the stockholders, for any purpose or purposes, may be called by the Chairman, by the Board of Directors or by the President. A special meeting of stockholders (a Stockholder Requested Special Meeting) shall be called by the Board of Directors upon the written request (a Stockholder Special Meeting Request) of the holders representing in the 1 aggregate at least fifteen percent (the Requisite Percentage) of the outstanding voting stock of the Corporation; provided that such shares are determined to be Net Long Shares (as defined in 2.2(b)) that have been held continuously for at least one year prior to the date of the Stockholder Special Meeting Request (the One-Year Period) in accordance with the requirements set forth in Sections 2.2(b), 2.2(c) and 2.2(d) hereof. (b) For purposes of determining the Requisite Percentage, Net Long Shares shall be determined with respect to the stockholder(s) of record making the Stockholder Special Meeting Request (each such record owner, a Requesting Stockholder) in accordance with the definition of net long position set forth in Rule 14e-4 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder (as so amended and inclusive of such rules and regulations, the Exchange Act); provided that (i) for purposes of such definition, (A) the date that a tender offer is first publicly announced or otherwise made known by the bidder to the holders of the security to be acquired shall be the date of the relevant Stockholder Special Meeting Request, (B) the highest tender offer price or stated amount of the consideration offered for the subject security shall refer to the closing sales price of Common Stock on the New York Stock Exchange (or any successor thereto) on such date (or, if such date is not a trading day, the next succeeding trading day), (C) the person whose securities are the subject of the offer shall refer to the Corporation, and (D) a subject security shall refer to the outstanding Common Stock; and (ii) the net long position of such holder shall be reduced by the number of shares of Common Stock as to which such holder does not, or will not, have the right to vote or direct the vote at the Stockholder Requested Special Meeting or as to which such holder has, at any time during the One-Year Period, entered into any derivative or other agreement, arrangement or understanding that hedges or transfers, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, any of the economic consequences of ownership of such shares and which derivative or other agreement, arrangement or understanding remains in effect. Whether shares constitute Net Long Shares shall be decided in good faith by the Board of Directors. (c) In order for a Stockholder Requested Special Meeting to be called, the Stockholder Special Meeting Request must be signed by the requisite percentage of holders (or their duly authorized agents) and must be delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation. Any Stockholder Special Meeting Request shall set forth with particularity (i) the names and business addresses of the Requesting Stockholder(s) and any individual, partnership, firm, corporation, association, trust, unincorporated organization or other entity (each a Person) acting in concert with any Requesting Stockholder, (ii) the name and address of each Requesting Stockholder and the Persons identified in clause (i), as they appear on the Corporations books (if they so appear), (iii) the class and number of shares of the Corporation beneficially owned by each Requesting Stockholder and the Persons identified in clause (i) and documentary evidence that the Requisite Percentage of Net Long Shares have been held continuously for the One-Year Period by each Requesting Stockholder, (iv) a commitment to promptly notify the Corporation upon any decrease occurring between the date on which the Stockholder Special Meeting Request is delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation and the date of the Stockholder Requested Special Meeting in the number of Net Long Shares owned by such Requesting Stockholder, (v) an acknowledgement by each Requesting Stockholder that any decrease after the date on which the Stockholder Special Meeting Request is delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation in the number of Net Long Shares 2 held by each Requesting Stockholder shall be deemed a revocation of the Stockholder Special Meeting Request with respect to such shares and that such shares will no longer be included in determining whether the Requisite Percentage has been satisfied, (vi) a representation that at least one Requesting Stockholder, or a qualified representative of at least one Requesting Stockholder, intends to appear to present the item of business to be brought before the Stockholder Requested Special Meeting, (vii) the text of the proposal or business (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and, if the business includes a proposal to amend these By-Laws or the Certificate of Incorporation, the language of the proposed amendment), and (viii) all arrangements or understandings between each Requesting Stockholder and any other Persons, including their names, in connection with the proposed business of the special meeting and any material interest of each Requesting Stockholder in such business. In addition, each Requesting Stockholder shall promptly provide any other information reasonably requested by the Corporation. The only business that may be conducted at the special meeting properly called by the Requesting Stockholders shall be the business proposed in the Stockholder Special Meeting Request; provided, however, that the Board of Directors shall have the authority in its discretion to submit additional matters to the stockholders and to cause other business to be transacted. The Stockholder Special Meeting Request shall be delivered personally or sent by registered mail to the Secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive offices of the Corporation. If the Board of Directors determines that the Stockholder Special Meeting Request complies with the provisions of these By-Laws and that the proposal to be considered or business to be conducted is a proper subject for stockholder action under applicable law, the Board of Directors shall call and send notice of a Stockholder Requested Special Meeting for the purpose set forth in the Stockholder Special Meeting Request in accordance with Section 2.4 of these By-Laws. The Board of Directors shall determine the date for such Stockholder Requested Special Meeting, which date shall be not later than 45 days following the Corporations receipt of the Stockholder Special Meeting Request, and the record date(s) for stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at such Stockholder Requested Special Meeting. (d) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.2, a Stockholder Requested Special Meeting shall not be held if (i) the Stockholder Special Meeting Request does not comply with these By-Laws, (ii) the business specified in the Stockholder Special Meeting Request is not a proper subject for stockholder action under applicable law, (iii) the Board of Directors has called or calls for an annual or special meeting of stockholders to be held within 60 days after the Secretary receives the Stockholder Special Meeting Request and the Board of Directors determines that the business of such meeting includes (among any other matters properly brought before the annual or special meeting) the business specified in the Stockholder Special Meeting Request, (iv) the Stockholder Special Meeting Request is received by the Secretary during the period commencing 90 days prior to the anniversary date of the prior years annual meeting of stockholders and ending on the date of the final adjournment of the next annual meeting of stockholders, (v) an identical or substantially similar item (a Similar Item) was presented at any meeting of stockholders held within 60 days prior to receipt by the Secretary of the Stockholder Special Meeting Request (and, for purposes of this clause (v), the nomination, election or removal of directors shall be deemed a Similar Item with respect to all items of business involving the nomination, election or removal of directors, the changing of the size of the Board of Directors and the filling of vacancies and/or newly created directorships), or (vi) the Stockholder Special 3 Meeting Request was made in a manner that involved a violation of Regulation 14A under the Exchange Act, or other applicable law. If none of the Requesting Stockholders who submitted a Stockholder Special Meeting Request appears or sends a qualified representative to present the item of business submitted by the Requesting Stockholder(s) for consideration at the Stockholder Requested Special Meeting, such item of business shall not be submitted for vote of the stockholders at such Stockholder Requested Special Meeting, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such vote may have been received by the Corporation or such Requesting Stockholder(s). Whether the Requesting Stockholders have complied with the requirements of this Section 2.2 and related provisions of the By-Laws shall be determined in good faith by the Board, which determination shall be exclusive and binding on the Corporation and the stockholders of the Corporation. 2.3 PLACE OF MEETING. The Board of Directors may designate any place, either within or without the State of Delaware, as the place of meeting for any annual meeting or for any special meeting called by the Board of Directors. If no designation is made, or if a special meeting be otherwise called, the place of meeting shall be the principal office of the Corporation in the State of Georgia. 2.4 NOTICE OF MEETING. Written notice stating the place, date and hour of the meeting, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be given not less than ten nor more than sixty days before the date of the meeting, or in the case of a merger or consolidation of the Corporation requiring stockholder approval or a sale, lease or exchange of substantially all of the Corporations property and assets, not less than twenty nor more than sixty days before the date of meeting, to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such meeting. If mailed, notice shall be deemed given when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, directed to the stockholder at his address as it appears on the records of the Corporation. When a meeting is adjourned to another time or place, notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the time and place thereof are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken, unless the adjournment is for more than thirty days, or unless, after adjournment, a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, in either of which cases notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting. 2.5 FIXING OF RECORD DATE. For the purpose of determining the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, or to express consent (to the extent permitted, if permitted) to corporate action in writing without a meeting, or entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix, in advance, a record date, which shall not be more than sixty nor less than ten days before the date of such meeting, nor more than sixty days prior to any other action. If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held, and the record date for determining stockholders for any other purpose shall be the close of business on the 4 day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting unless the Board of Directors fixes a new record date for the adjourned meeting. 2.6 VOTING LISTS. The officer who has charge of the stock ledger of the Corporation shall prepare and make, at least ten days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of shares registered in his name, which list, for a period of ten days prior to such meeting, shall be kept on file either at a place within the city where the meeting is to be held and which place shall be specified in the notice of the meeting, or, if not so specified, at the place where the meeting is to be held, and shall be open to the examination of any stockholder, for any purpose germane to the meeting, at any time during ordinary business hours. Such lists shall also be produced and kept at the time and place of the meeting during the whole time thereof, and may be inspected by any stockholder who is present. The stock ledger shall be the only evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to examine the stock ledger, the list of stockholders entitled to vote, or the books of the Corporation, or to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders. 2.7 QUORUM. The holders of shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to cast a majority of the total votes that all of the outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation would be entitled to cast at the meeting, represented in person or by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at any meeting of stockholders; provided, that if less than a majority of the outstanding shares of capital stock are represented at said meeting, a majority of the shares of capital stock so represented may adjourn the meeting. If a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast by the holders of shares of capital stock represented at the meeting shall be the act of the stockholders, unless a different number of votes is required by the General Corporation Law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these By-Laws. At any adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the original meeting. Withdrawal of stockholders from any meeting shall not cause failure of a duly constituted quorum at that meeting. 2.8 PROXIES. Each stockholder entitled to vote at a meeting of stockholders or to express consent or dissent to corporate action in writing without a meeting may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder by proxy, but no such proxy shall be voted or acted upon after three years from its date, unless the proxy provides for a longer period. Without limiting the manner in which a stockholder may authorize another person or persons to act for such stockholder as proxy pursuant to the foregoing sentence, a stockholder may validly grant such authority (i) by executing a writing authorizing another person or persons to act for such stockholder as proxy or (ii) by authorizing another person or persons to act for such stockholder as proxy by transmitting or authorizing the transmission of a telegram, cablegram, or other means of electronic transmission to the person who will be the holder of the proxy or to a proxy solicitation firm, proxy support service organization or like agent duly authorized by the person who will be the holder of the proxy to receive such transmission, provided that any such telegram, cablegram or other means of electronic transmission must either set forth or be submitted with information from which it can be determined that the telegram, cablegram or other electronic transmission was authorized by the stockholder, or by any other means permitted under the Delaware General Corporation Law. 5 2.9 VOTING OF STOCK. Each stockholder shall be entitled to such vote as shall be provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, or, absent provision therein fixing or denying voting rights, shall be entitled to one vote per share with respect to each matter submitted to a vote of stockholders. 2.10 VOTING OF STOCK BY CERTAIN HOLDERS. Persons holding stock in a fiduciary capacity shall be entitled to vote the shares so held. Persons whose stock is pledged shall be entitled to vote, unless in the transfer by the pledgor on the books of the Corporation he has expressly empowered the pledgee to vote thereon, in which case only the pledgee or his proxy may represent such stock and vote thereon. Stock standing in the name of another corporation, domestic or foreign, may be voted by such officer, agent or proxy as the charter or by-laws of such corporation may prescribe or, in the absence of such provision, as the board of directors of such corporation may determine. Shares of its own capital stock belonging to the Corporation or to another corporation, if a majority of the shares entitled to vote in the election of directors of such other corporation is held by the Corporation, shall neither be entitled to vote nor counted for quorum purposes, but shares of its capital stock held by the Corporation in a fiduciary capacity may be voted by it and counted for quorum purposes. 2.11 VOTING BY BALLOT. Voting on any question or in any election may be by voice vote unless the presiding officer shall order or any stockholder shall demand that voting be by ballot. 2.12 NOTICE OF STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS. (a) No business may be transacted at an annual meeting of stockholders other than business that (i) is specified in the Corporations notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) given by or at the direction of the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized committee thereof), (ii) is otherwise properly brought before the annual meeting by or at the direction of the Board of Directors (or any duly authorized committee thereof), (iii) is otherwise properly brought before the annual meeting by any stockholder of the Corporation (A) who is a stockholder of record on the date of the giving of the notice provided for in this Section 2.12 and on the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to vote at such annual meeting and (B) who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this Section 2.12, or (iv) involves the nomination of directors, all of which nominations must be made in compliance with, and shall be exclusively governed by, Article Eighth of the Certificate of Incorporation and Sections 3.15 and 3.16 of these By-Laws. Clause (iii) above shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to submit such business before an annual meeting of stockholders; provided that nothing in this Section 2.12 shall be deemed to affect the rights of a stockholder to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporations proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act. (b) In addition to any other applicable requirements, for business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder, such stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in proper written form to the Secretary of the Corporation. To be timely, a stockholders notice to 6 the Secretary must be addressed to the Secretary and delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than 90 days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of stockholders. In no event shall any adjournment or postponement of an annual meeting or the announcement thereof commence a new time period for the giving of a stockholders notice as described above. (c) To be in proper written form, a stockholders notice to the Secretary must set forth as to each matter such stockholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting: (i) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting; (ii) as to the stockholder giving the notice and any Stockholder Associated Person (as defined below), the name and record address of such stockholder and such Stockholder Associated Person, as they appear on the Corporations stock ledger and, if different, their current names and addresses; (iii) as to the stockholder giving the notice and any Stockholder Associated Person, (A) the class, series and number of all shares of capital stock of the Corporation that are owned of record by such stockholder or such Stockholder Associated Person, if any, (B) the class, series and number of, and the nominee holder for, any shares of capital stock of the Corporation owned beneficially but not of record by such stockholder or such Stockholder Associated Person, if any, and (C) a description of all Derivative Transactions (as defined below) by such stockholder or such Stockholder Associated Person during the previous 12-month period, including the date of the transactions and the class, series and number of securities involved in, and the material economic terms of, the transactions, such description also to include all information that such stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person would be required to report on an Insider Report (as defined below) if such stockholder or Stockholder Associated Person were a director of the Corporation or the beneficial owner of more than 10% of the shares of the Corporation at the time of the transactions; (iv) a description of all arrangements or understandings between such stockholder and any other person or persons (including their names) in connection with the proposal of such business by such stockholder and any material interest of such stockholder or any Stockholder Associated Person in such business; and (v) a representation that such stockholder intends to appear in person or by proxy at the annual meeting to bring such business before the meeting. (d) No business shall be conducted at the annual meeting of stockholders except business brought before the annual meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in this Section 2.12, provided, however, that, once business has been properly brought before the annual meeting in accordance with such procedures, nothing in this Section 2.12 shall be deemed to preclude discussion by any stockholder of any such business. If the chairman of an annual meeting determines that business was not properly brought before the annual meeting in accordance with the foregoing procedures, the chairman shall declare to the meeting that the business was not properly brought before the meeting and such business shall not be transacted. 7 (e) If information submitted pursuant to this Section 2.12 shall be inaccurate to any material extent, such information may be deemed not to have been provided in accordance with this Section 2.12. Any information previously submitted by the stockholder pursuant to this Section 2.12 shall be supplemented by such stockholder and Stockholder Associated Person, if any, not later than 10 days after the record date for the annual meeting in order to disclose any material change in such information as of the record date. If a stockholder fails to provide such written update within such period, the information as to which written update was required may be deemed not to have been provided in accordance with this Section 2.12. (f) For purposes of this Section 2.12: (i) a Stockholder Associated Person of any stockholder shall mean (A) any person controlling, directly or indirectly, or acting in concert with, such stockholder, (B) any beneficial owner of shares of capital stock of the Corporation owned of record or beneficially by such stockholder and (C) any person controlling, controlled by or under common control with such stockholder or a Stockholder Associated Person as defined in the foregoing clauses (A) and (B); (ii) Derivative Transaction by a person shall mean any (A) transaction in, or arrangement, agreement or understanding with respect to, any option, warrant, convertible security, stock appreciation right or similar right with an exercise, conversion or exchange privilege, or settlement payment or mechanism related to, any security of the Corporation, or any similar instrument with a value derived in whole or in part from the value of a security of the Corporation, in any such case whether or not it is subject to settlement in a security of the Corporation or otherwise and (B) any transaction, arrangement, agreement or understanding which included or includes an opportunity for such person, directly or indirectly, to profit or share in any profit derived from any increase or decrease in the value of any security of the Corporation, to mitigate any loss or manage any risk associated with any increase or decrease in the value of any security of the Corporation or to increase or decrease the number of securities of the Corporation which such person was, is or will be entitled to vote, in any case whether or not it is subject to settlement in a security of the Corporation or otherwise; and (iii) Insider Report shall mean a statement required to be filed pursuant to Section 16 of the Exchange Act (or any successor provisions), by a person who is a director of the Corporation or who is directly or indirectly the beneficial owner of more than 10% of the shares of the Corporation. (g) This Section 2.12 is expressly intended to apply to any business proposed to be brought before an annual meeting of stockholders other than (i) any proposal made pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act and (ii) the matters set forth in Sections 3.15 and 3.16 of these By-Laws. In addition to the requirements of this Section 2.12 with respect to any business proposed to be brought before an annual meeting, each stockholder submitting such business before an annual meeting of stockholders shall comply with all applicable requirements of state law and of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 2.12. Nothing in this Section 2.12 shall be deemed to affect the rights of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporations proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act. 8 ARTICLE III DIRECTORS 3.1 GENERAL POWERS. The business of the Corporation shall be managed by its Board of Directors. 3.2 NUMBER, TENURE AND QUALIFICATION. The number of directors of the Corporation shall be not less than nine and not more than thirteen, with the exact number to be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors, and the term of office of each director shall be as set forth in the Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended. Except as provided in the Certificate of Incorporation, a nominee for director shall be elected to the Board of the Directors by the vote of the majority of the votes cast with respect to that directors election at any meeting for the election of directors at which a quorum is present; provided, however, that if the number of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected as of the date that is ten days prior to the date that the Corporation first mails its notice of meeting for such meeting to the stockholders, then the directors shall be elected by the vote of a plurality of the votes of the shares present in person or represented by proxy at any such meeting and entitled to vote on the election of directors. For purpose of this Section 3.2, a majority of the votes cast means that the number of votes cast for a director must exceed the number of votes cast against a director (with abstentions and broker non-votes not counted as a vote cast with respect to that director). A director may resign at any time upon written notice to the Corporation. Directors need not be stockholders of the Corporation. 3.3 REGULAR MEETINGS. The Board of Directors may provide, by resolution, the time and place, either within or without the State of Delaware, for the holding of regular meetings without other notice than such resolution. 3.4 SPECIAL MEETINGS. Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by or at the request of the Chief Executive Officer or any two directors. The person or persons authorized to call special meetings of the Board of Directors may fix any place, either within or without the State of Delaware, as the place for holding any special meeting of the Board of Directors called by him or them. 3.5 NOTICE. Notice of any special meeting of directors, unless waived, shall be given, in accordance with Section 3.6 of the By-Laws, in person, by mail, by telegram or cable, by telephone, or by any other means that reasonably may be expected to provide similar notice. Notice by mail and, except in emergency situations as described below, notice by any other means, shall be given at least two (2) days before the meeting. For purposes of dealing with an emergency situation, as conclusively determined by the director(s) or officer(s) calling the meeting, notice may be given in person, by telegram or cable, by telephone, or by any other means that reasonably may be expected to provide similar notice, not less than two hours prior to the meeting. If the secretary shall fail or refuse to give such notice, then the notice may be given by the officer(s) or director(s) calling the meeting. Any meeting of the Board of Directors shall be a legal meeting without any notice thereof having been given, if all the directors shall be present at the meeting. The attendance of a director 9 at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, and no notice of a meeting shall be required to be given to any director who shall attend such meeting. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any regular or special meeting of the Board of Directors need be specified in the notice or waiver of notice of such meeting. 3.6 NOTICE TO DIRECTORS. If notice to a director is given by mail, such notice shall be deemed to have been given when deposited in the United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the director at his address as it appears on the records of the Corporation. If notice to a director is given by telegram, cable or other means that provide written notice, such notice shall be deemed to have been given when delivered to any authorized transmission company, with charges prepaid, addressed to the director at his address as it appears on the records of the Corporation. If notice to a director is given by telephone, wireless, or other means of voice transmission, such notice shall be deemed to have been given when such notice has been transmitted by telephone, wireless or such other means to such number or call designation as may appear on the records of the Corporation for such director. 3.7 QUORUM. Except as otherwise required by the General Corporation Law or by the Certificate of Incorporation, a majority of the number of directors fixed by these By-Laws shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at any meeting of the Board of Directors, provided that, if less than a majority of such number of directors are present at said meeting, a majority of the directors present may adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice. Interested directors may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the Board of Directors or of a committee thereof. 3.8 MANNER OF ACTING. The vote of the majority of the directors present at a meeting at which a quorum is present shall be the act of the Board of Directors. 3.9 ACTION WITHOUT A MEETING. Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors, or of any committee thereof, may be taken without a meeting if all the members of the Board or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing, and the writing or writings are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board or committee. 3.10 VACANCIES. Vacancies on the Board of Directors, newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors or any vacancies in the Board of Directors resulting from death, disability, resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or other cause shall be filled in accordance with the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation. 3.11 COMPENSATION. The Board of Directors, by the affirmative vote of a majority of directors then in office, and irrespective of any personal interest of any of its members, shall have authority to establish reasonable compensation of all directors for services to the Corporation as directors, officers, or otherwise. The directors may be paid their expenses, if any, of attendance at each meeting of the Board and at each meeting of any committee of the Board of which they are members in such manner as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine. 10 3.12 PRESUMPTION OF ASSENT. A director of the Corporation who is present at a meeting of the Board of Directors or at a meeting of any committee of the Board at which action on any corporate matter is taken shall be conclusively presumed to have assented to the action taken unless his dissent shall be entered in the minutes of the meeting or unless he shall file his written dissent to such action with the person acting as the secretary of the meeting before the adjournment thereof or shall forward such dissent by registered mail to the Secretary of the Corporation within 24 hours after the adjournment of the meeting. Such right to dissent shall not apply to a director who voted in favor of such action. 3.13 COMMITTEES. By resolution passed by a majority of the whole Board, the Board of Directors may designate one or more committees, each such committee to consist of two or more directors of the Corporation. The Board may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member of any meeting of the committee. Any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution or in these By-Laws, shall have and may exercise the powers of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it. In the absence or disqualification of any member of such committee or committees, the member or members thereof present at the meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of such absent or disqualified member. 3.14 CHAIRMAN AND VICE CHAIRMEN. The Board of Directors may from time to time designate from among its members a Chairman of the Board and one or more Vice Chairmen. The Chairman shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors. In the absence of the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer and the President and Chief Operating Officer, and, in their absence, a Vice Chairman (with the longest tenure as Vice Chairman), shall preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors. The Chairman and each of the Vice Chairmen shall have such other responsibilities as may from time to time be assigned to each of them by the Board of Directors. 3.15 NOMINATION OF DIRECTORS. (a) This Section 3.15 is intended only to supplement, and does not amend or supersede in any respect, Article Eighth of the Certificate of Incorporation. Subject to the rights of holders of any class or series of stock having a preference over the Common Stock as to dividends or upon liquidation to elect additional directors under specified circumstances as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation or in a resolution providing for the issuance of such stock adopted by the Board of Directors pursuant to authority vested in it by the Certificate of Incorporation, only persons who are nominated for election as directors in accordance with the provisions of said Article Eighth of the Certificate of Incorporation, the following procedures of this Section 3.15, and the procedures set forth in Section 3.16 of these By-Laws shall be eligible for election as directors of the Corporation. (b) Any stockholder who is required by said Article Eighth of the Certificate of Incorporation to give, or has given, written notice of such stockholders intent to make a 11 nomination or nominations for election of a director shall also give timely notice in proper written form as provided in this Section 3.15 to the Secretary of the Corporation, at the same time and in the same manner as such stockholder is required by said Article Eighth of the Certificate of Incorporation to give written notice to the Secretary. (c) To be in proper written form, a stockholders notice, as provided in this Section 3.15, to the Secretary must set forth: (i) all of the information, representations and consents required by Article Eighth of the Certificate of Incorporation and Section 2.12(c) of these By-Laws; and (ii) as to a nominee, all of the information, representations and consents required by Article Eighth of the Certificate of Incorporation and Section 3.16(i)(iii) and the last sentence of 3.16(i) of these By-Laws. (d) If information submitted pursuant to this Section 3.15 shall be inaccurate to any material extent, such information may be deemed not to have been provided in accordance with this Section 3.15. Any information previously submitted by the stockholder pursuant to this Section 3.15 shall be supplemented by such stockholder and Stockholder Associated Person, if any, not later than 10 days after the record date for the annual meeting in order to disclose any material change in such information as of the record date. If a stockholder fails to provide such written update within such period, the information as to which written update was required may be deemed not to have been provided in accordance with this Section 3.15. (e) For purposes of this Section 3.15, the terms Stockholder Associated Person, Derivative Transaction and Insider Report shall have the same meanings as given them in Section 2.12 of these By-Laws. (f) No person shall be eligible for election as a director of the Corporation unless nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in Article Eighth of the Certificate of Incorporation, this Section 3.15 and Section 3.16 of these By-Laws. The chairman of the meeting may refuse to acknowledge the nomination of any person not made in compliance with the foregoing procedures. (g) The provisions of this Section 3.15 are separate from, and additional to, and the stockholder shall additionally comply with, all other applicable requirements of state law and of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in this Section 3.15. Nothing in this Section 3.15 shall be deemed to affect any rights of stockholders to request inclusion of proposals in the Corporations proxy statement pursuant to Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act. 3.16 INCLUSION OF DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS BY STOCKHOLDERS IN THE CORPORATIONS PROXY MATERIALS. (a) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in these By-Laws (including the provisions of Section 3.15 concerning the provisions of stockholder notices for nominations of directors), the Corporation shall include in its proxy statement and form of proxy (hereinafter, the proxy materials) for an annual meeting of stockholders for the election of directors, in addition to the persons selected and recommended for election by the Board of Directors or any committee 12 thereof, the name, together with the Required Information (as defined herein), of any person nominated for election (the Proxy Access Stockholder Nominee) to the Board of Directors by one or more Stockholders that satisfies the notice, ownership and other requirements of this Section 3.16 (such person or group who nominates a Proxy Access Stockholder Nominee, the Eligible Stockholder). (b) To nominate a Proxy Access Stockholder Nominee, the Eligible Stockholder must provide timely notice in proper written form as provided in this Section 3.16 to the Secretary of the Corporation of such Eligible Stockholders intent to have its Proxy Access Stockholder Nominee included in the Corporations proxy materials (the Notice of Proxy Access Nomination), at the same time and in the same manner as such stockholder is required by Article Eighth of the Certificate of Incorporation to give written notice to the Secretary; provided , however that such notice with respect to an election to be held at an annual meeting shall be given no earlier than 120 days and no later than 90 days prior to the anniversary date of the immediately preceding annual meeting of stockholders (the last day on which a Notice of Proxy Access Nomination may be given to the Secretary, the Final Proxy Access Nomination Date). In addition to other requirements set forth in this Section 3.16, the Notice of Proxy Access Nomination must include the name and address of the Eligible Stockholder (including each stockholder and beneficial owner whose stock ownership is counted for the purposes of qualifying as an Eligible Stockholder). (c) For purposes of this Section 3.16, the Required Information that the Corporation will include in its proxy materials is (i) the information concerning the Proxy Access Stockholder Nominee and the Eligible Stockholder that the Corporation determines is required to be disclosed in the Corporations proxy materials by the regulations promulgated under the Exchange Act; and (ii) if the Eligible Stockholder so elects, a Statement (as defined herein). Nothing in this Section 3.16 shall limit the Corporations ability to solicit against and include in its proxy materials its own statements relating to any Proxy Access Stockholder Nominee. (d) The maximum number of Proxy Access Stockholder Nominees (including Proxy Access Stockholder Nominees that were submitted by an Eligible Stockholder for inclusion in the Corporations proxy materials pursuant to this Section 3.16 but either are subsequently withdrawn or that the Board of Directors decides to select and recommend as Board of Director nominees) that may appear in the Corporations proxy materials with respect to an annual meeting of stockholders shall not exceed 20% of the number of directors in office as of the Final Proxy Access Nomination Date, or if such number is not a whole number, the closest whol As the Panama Papers leak shines a light into the murky dealings of the financial elite, we examine claims New Zealand is not so squeaky clean. New Zealand may market itself as 100% Pure, but some claim business dealings here have been anything but. Many Kiwis have been asking questions about New Zealand's financial security, offshore accounts, trusts and overseas interests following the Panama Papers' leak. Justin Griffiths-Williams Author Roberto Saviano. Investigative journalist Italian journalist Roberto Saviano wrote an expose of the black market cocaine economy - and concluded New Zealand's banking system had been used for narco-trafficking proceeds and exploited by the Calabrian mafia, known as the 'ndrangheta. The book ZeroZeroZero, published in English in 2015, explores the global narco-trafficking economy, cartel violence and the seemingly insatiable appetite for cocaine around the world. READ MORE: * OPINION: New Zealand 'complicit' * German editor admits he does not know Panama Papers' source * NZ trusts at the centre of the Malta scandal * The mafia hunter * Mossack 'bragged' about the ease of New Zealand registration * Money laundering on a global scale revealed in massive document leak JOE RAEDLE/GETTY IMAGES Panama firm Mossack Fonseca & Co, which specializes in setting up offshore companies, is at the center of an international scandal and continues to maintain it has broken no laws and that all its operations were legal. Saviano's book traces the origins of narco-trafficking cartels to their beginnings in the 1980s and the heyday of Colombian cartel overlord Pablo Escobar to its modern incarnation, typified by the Mexican Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman and mafia groups. The author said the vast sums of money created by production, distribution and consumption of cocaine led to a need for equally vast laundering networks. FFXNZ BOOKS Detail from the cover of Zero, Zero, Zero by Roberto Saviano. UNDERWORLD FIGURES BRAG ABOUT NZ So, what's the New Zealand connection? A few years ago, Government officials from the Reserve Bank admitted around 1,000 entities registered in New Zealand could be used for criminal enterprise. Saviano's book says one of those enterprises was the 'ndrangheta. In ZeroZeroZero, he details the spread of the 'ndrangheta - also known as the Honoured Society - to countries such as Canada and Australia. Mafia elements, in Australia, have been present there since the early 1900s and their activities include reinvesting money from Italy in legal activities and cultivating cannabis. "Then cocaine arrived, and all the families there...got in on the business. "Australia has become such a 'ndrangheta colony that an independent crimine [annual meeting] has been established there, divided into districts...Even the codes for affiliation and promotion to higher ranks have made their way to Australia." Saviano said a senior underworld figure Nicola Ciconte, who died in 2013, was a broker. "For most of his life his official job has been as a broker, a financier. "So [the 'ndrangheta] turned to him not only to get cocaine into the Southern Hemisphere but also - and more important - money. "Ciconte...was not always reliable...but in the end he allegedly bounced money through Hong Kong and some other offshore channels so as to launder and deposit it clean in Australian, and even New Zealand, banks." Elsewhere in the book, Saviano said a Ukrainian underworld figure, Semion Mogilevich, also had Southern Hemisphere links and "maintains relations with organisations in New Zealand, Japan, South America, and Pakistan." MOVES TO CLEAN UP DIRTY MONEY While the institutional system has changed, its roots go back to the late 1990s and early 2000s, when New Zealand's company, trust and taxation regime was reviewed and, bluntly, found wanting. The scale of the problem is difficult to quantify, for obvious reasons, but it has been estimated at $1.5 billion annually. In 2010, the Cabinet noted there was "a risk New Zealand could become a jurisdiction of choice for criminal interests." In 2012, New Zealand was removed from a list of trusted banking jurisdictions in the European Union, such was the concern around the potential exploitation of the offshore and shell company system and the Government moved to tighten the regulatory regime. That same year, a Fairfax Media investigation uncovered links between entities on the Companies Office register and the looting of hundreds of millions of dollars from a Kyrgyzstan state-owned bank and Mexican cartel drug money laundering. New anti-money laundering legislation was introduced, one of several laws designed to combat the risk of New Zealand's system being exploited. There has been progress but part of the difficulty in scrutinising the New Zealand environment is the number of agencies involved, the structuring of the financial world and the nature of entities such as offshore trusts and shell companies. WHERE DOES THE (LAUNDERED) BUCK STOP? Acting chief executive of the New Zealand Bankers' Association Antony Buick-Constable said the anti-money laundering and counter terrorism laws were designed to help protect the country from financial crime, improving New Zealand's reputation overseas. "Banks take their obligations under the law very seriously. "New Zealand banks are committed to complying with their domestic and international legislative and regulatory obligations, and operating in accordance with those compliance requirements. "Banks have an important role to play in meeting the law's aims. In accordance with the AML/CFT Act, banks are required to assess risk, establish a programme to manage and mitigate risk, and conduct due diligence on their customers, as well as reporting any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities." In the wake of the Panama Papers leak, the Government has announced a review of the tax regime. The Organised and Financial Crime Agency of New Zealand acting deputy director Stuart Mills said the police in New Zealand have not laid any charges against members of the Calabrian mafia in relation to money laundering. Economist Shamubeel Eaqub has said the rules in New Zealand have been in place for some time but, for example, the tax liabilities of offshore trusts mean they likely facilitate money laundering. The Financial Markets Authority (FMA), in a statement, said the anti-money laundering laws placed obligations on certain financial service providers, known as "reporting entities." Responsibilities for regulation are shared between agencies in New Zealand and the police financial intelligence unit. For example, the FMA regulates financial markets but does not regulate offshore trusts, which, as asset holding entities, are not classed as financial services. Businesses that provide trust services as their main function are captured by the legislation and regulated by the Department of Internal Affairs but accountancy firms or legal firms providing trust services are not supervised by the department or captured by the legislation. MAJOR SHELL COMPANY IN NZ CRACKED OPEN A financial intelligence unit 2014/15 report referred to a major laundering operation that uncovered millions of dollars from the Sinaloa drug cartel, money funnelled around the world that was linked to a Latvian shell company registered in New Zealand. Once the company was registered with the Companies Office, a power of attorney agreement was used to transfer directorship to a Russian national, without his knowledge, then a bank account was opened in Latvia. "[The] majority of the intelligence regarding the abuse of New Zealand shell companies has come from overseas partners, or from investigation of shell companies involved in offending overseas. "For the most part, this information relates to laundering of proceeds of crime generated overseas that flow through New Zealand companies' bank accounts commonly held in Eastern European countries such as Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia. "Reports have also identified accounts held in Europe (Belgium and Germany) and island nations such as Cyprus and Mauritius," the report said. Saviano's book was published in 2013 but it was not available in an English translation until 2015. The author has been under permanent police protection since his 2006 nonfiction book Gomorrah exposed the tactics and structure of the Naples-based mafia, the Camorra, and was used as the basis for an acclaimed film adaptation. The tenant of a $1 million state house is charging boarders rent for a room vacated by her grown-up children. Housing New Zealand said its tenancy agreements forbid tenants to sublet the HNZ-owned premises they were occupying - or "any part of it" - but they are allowed boarders. A Housing NZ spokesman said: "There are a number of reasons why a tenant may have a boarder. A boarder is classified by Housing New Zealand as anyone, living at the property, who makes contributions to the tenant or their partner towards the rent and who is 16 years or older and financially independent. This would include extended family, adult children, and friends. "While there is no blanket rule on the number of boarders allowed in one tenancy the house must not become overcrowded due to having boarders." Neighbours of the woman holding the Housing NZ tenancy had complained that she was renting out rooms. She has occupied the two-bedroom house in Auckland's posh Freemans Bay, which has a council valuation of $1.4 million, for more than a decade. She has also, contrary to Auckland council rules, built a 'dwelling' in the back yard without building consent. READ MORE: * Housing New Zealand 'lost' millions in state house sales - Labour * Auckland state houses worth millions * Housing NZ transfer 2800 Auckland state houses to new authority * Lobby groups to examine housing issues at New Zealand Housing Summit One of two current boarders, who didn't want to be named, said he had lived with the woman and paid her rent on and off for around a year. The boarder said there was currently one other paying visitor but several other people periodically came and went from the house, paying the Housing NZ tenant board money. When the boarder was approached for comment, his landlady had been on holiday in Australia. He did not know how long the woman had been renting out rooms. He confirmed there was a structure in the backyard of the house, but said this was currently unoccupied. The HNZ tenant who was the sole leaseholder of the property closed the door of her Freeman's Bay home when she was approached for comment, refusing to say anything. Neighbours, unhappy at the flouting of council rules when they have had to go through lengthy processes to gain consent for their own modifications, had dobbed the woman in to Auckland Council. Auckland Council has ordered the backyard structure be pulled down. Housing NZ said tenants who pay an income related rent are required to declare everyone who is living at the tenancy to the Ministry of Social Development which administers the income related rent system and advises Housing New Zealand what the rent is to be. Tenants paying an income related rent can have up to two boarders without it affecting their rent. * Note this story has been updated from an earlier version after Housing New Zealand provided further information around its rules on boarders. Safety concerns have triggered the closure of police community kiosks, including this one at Waikanae. Meanwhile, 105 small police stations also needed immediate security upgrades, police say. Inadequate safety features have triggered the sudden closure of police community kiosks. Police said 105 small police stations also needed immediate steps to enhance security after a "terrible attack" on a civilian working for police in Counties Manukau. The closure of some volunteer-staffed kiosks was announced on Friday, with police saying a safety audit identified multiple potential risks. A police spokesman said it was up to each of the country's 12 police districts to decide which kiosks to close. READ MORE: * Alleged drunk driver crashes into Taumarunui police station * Sole-charge police officer attacked with greenstone club; saved by public help Police Association president Greg O'Connor said the Counties Manukau attack and new workplace safety laws added a sense of urgency to the issue. "I think police suddenly realised how vulnerable they are under the Health and Safety Act." He said the association had "for some time" been concerned that new police stations were designed impractically, with little ability to deal with "volatile" and violent characters. He was doubtful the kiosks or community policing bases would reopen soon. It was not clear on Friday how many kiosks had closed nationwide, but they included one in Waikanae, north of Wellington, which had a sign outside saying it was closed until further notice. Russell Feist, a volunteer at the kiosk, said volunteers and retailers were disappointed the town's community policing base was shut. "Some of the retailers think petty thefts are going up in the area and are particularly concerned, and would like to see a stronger police presence." He was not persuaded safety concerns warranted the kiosk's closure. "It's been seen as an excuse and it's thought that, if the police throughout New Zealand were having to insure [volunteers], it's an additional cost that might be seen as not worth it, certainly when they are short of money ... "None of us want to be threatened with a knife, or held up, but you can't go through life living in fear. It's very unlikely, it's not a bad community." Feist said people reacting to the news felt it was "taking health and safety to a ridiculous extreme". Some locals also voiced disappointment. "I think it's really important to have a police station in each town," Gemma Aston said. "I was actually going there to report something, and I don't have time to go to Paraparaumu, and the one in to Paraparaumu is usually closed at 4.30. Barbara O'Donaghue said: "We're all elderly residents here, we do need a police station, even a community police station." Assistant Commissioner Allan Boreham said new features were needed to deal with the most likely threats at publicly accessible police premises. "Increased security measures we are looking at include issuing staff and volunteers in these stations with Officer Safety Alarms (OSA) as soon as possible," Boreham said. "We are not suspending our volunteer network but we need to ensure they are performing roles in a safe environment," he added. "We don't want to make our premises less welcoming to members of our communities, but we must do all we can to ensure our staff and members of the public are safe." Boreham said Counties Manukau police district decided volunteers should not be in the station's open reception areas, but must sit behind the front counter. In last week's assault, a member of the public attacked a police contractor in the reception area. "This was a terrible attack and we have a responsibility to ensure that our staff are safe when they are at work and we must take every possible precaution to mitigate the risk of this happening again." Eileen Fraser was born in October 1953 and worked as a journalist for the Taranaki Herald. This photo and text appeared in a book her mother Pearl Fraser compiled about the people and places of their hometown of Waitara. A woman who died a recluse lay undiscovered for more than a week in a house so squalid it had to be demolished. Eileen Fraser's body was found by police carrying out a welfare check at her home in Waitara, Taranaki. Her story is the latest from a growing list of New Zealanders who die alone. According to coroner Tim Scott's report, officers were called to Fraser's address to complete the welfare check after a child was seen throwing a stone which broke a window of her Grey St home. The 61-year-old was found dead, living in what Scott described as "squalid conditions." Deena Coster The Fraser family homestead being demolished. READ MORE: * He lay dead in a Wellington apartment for two months - but who was Jim Grant? * Tracing the untraceable - if people die 'indigent' - how are they laid to rest? * How does someone die alone? * Reclusive rich-lister John Spencer was once NZ's richest man * Body lay in flat for months Scott ruled that Fraser had died of acute pneumonia sometime between August 27 and September 3 last year. She was cremated on September 10. Her passing went by without any public acknowledgement. There was no funeral notice to announce her death nor any formal service to bid her farewell. 1 of 3 Deena Coster A blue vase was rescued from Eileen Fraser's property before it was demolished by the New Plymouth District Council recently. Next door neighbour Rona Hooson is looking after it but intends to donate it to the Waitara history project team. 2 of 3 Deena Coster While the Fraser house has now been demolished, a shed still remains on the property, which is still full of old furniture and debris. 3 of 3 Deena Coster An extract from an essay Eileen Fraser wrote as a fifth form student at Waitara High School in 1966. She was known as a book worm and went on to write for the Taranaki Herald as a cadet reporter. Fraser's ashes were given back to one of her three half-siblings for safe-keeping. Recently, the Waitara home in which Fraser spent the last years of her life was also removed. Her Grey St home and many of her possessions were completely demolished after police notified the New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) about the state of Fraser's property after her death. Deena Coster The Grey St home Eileen Fraser died in last year featured in a book her mother Pearl Fraser compiled about houses and their owners. The house was built in 1890 and had been in the Fraser family since 1945. Concerns included evidence of vermin, excrement and a foul odour. NPDC customer and regulatory solutions manager Katrina Brunton said an inspection was carried out and the property was deemed unliveable due to its condition. Following consultation with Fraser's relatives and after seeking legal advice about the process, a decision was made by NPDC for the house to be torn down. Deena Coster The spot where Eileen Fraser's home once stood is empty. Members of Fraser's family did not want to comment for this story. Fraser worked as a journalist in the Taranaki region, where she spent the majority of her life. Referred to as an "eccentric" and "very much her own person" by some, primary school friend Vicki Speck said Fraser was a "real book worm" while former newspaper colleague Paul Peters remembered her as being an avid follower of the horoscopes. Peters recalled one instance when she called in sick to work one day because of an unfavourable star sign. Fraser enlisted in the Royal New Zealand Air Force in May 1978, but was given an administrative discharge 50 days later. It is understood she spent some time working for Air New Zealand after this but due to privacy reasons, the national carrier was not able to confirm her employment. Fraser made her way back to Waitara by 1994 when she moved into the Grey St address and lived there until her death 21 years later. Neighbour Rona Hooson said Fraser had been a friendly and polite person but also a fiercely private one. All the time she had known her, Hooson had never stepped once inside the Grey St house. And as far as she knew, nobody else did either until the police turned up last September. Despite Fraser's guarded nature, Hooson said people did look out for her and she had not been forgotten about, either in life or after death. "We kept an eye on her and gave her as much help as we could or that she would let us." Massey University Professor of Psychology Darrin Hodgetts said there was no one reason why people chose to withdraw from people but it often had a negative impact on the socially isolated. "Human beings are social beings and connections are very good for their health and welfare," he said. While it might be a conscious choice to avoid people or the result of losing contact with friends or family due to moving away or unresolved conflict, not having regular contact with other people created "psychological vulnerabilities". These included becoming unwell mentally or losing the safety net many of us turned to for comfort when things went wrong. But Hodgetts said making an effort to develop connections was the best way to break down the walls reclusive people had built up around them. It was not an easy fix, but it could create the opportunity to address whatever had led to the person locking themselves away in the first place, he said. "I think it takes time. It's about showing kindness and empathy." Long serving Taranaki policeman Senior Sergeant Mike Hannah is set to retire after 33 years on the job. A police officer retiring after 33 years on the beat says cops are buckling under political pressure to drive crime rates down. But Taranaki's Senior sergeant Mike Hannah says officers still at the coal face lack the appropriate resources and training. "I kind of feel for the guys who are still here because it's like you're shifting deckchairs on the Titanic some days - you might be balancing the deck but you're still going down," he says. ANDY JACKSON/Fairfax NZ Waitara police officer Senior Sergeant Mike Hannah has retired after 33 years in the force. Hannah, who has been on the job since 1983, says over the years there have been "shocking changes" to the way police operated, but others were a long time coming. READ MORE: * Personal touch key to crimebusting * A fine balance of work and sport * Victims silent on gangs * Suspicious package at Hawera police station Crime reporting lines, new safety guidelines around police pursuits and crime resolution rates being made public by police were among the initiatives which he says don't work. And often staff were not given adequate training with new tools, like tasers, which could be difficult to access. ANDY JACKSON/Fairfax NZ Senior Sergeant Mike Hannah says it felt poetic finishing his 33 year career with the police in Waitara where he was born. "When tasers were first introduced it was easier to sign out a Glock (pistol), I couldn't believe it but they revamped it pretty quickly." Crime reporting lines were also an initiative that worked in bigger cities, but not in rural areas. "I'm quite proud of the tradition New Zealand police have and I become very disenchanted when I see things that affect the public's belief in our ability to do our job or their ability to get hold of us," he says. Mark Dwyer Mike Hannah goes through items recovered from the burglary of the House for Karen in 2006. "If you are from a rural location you want to see someone and talk to them because that's how you do business and sadly we are not doing that any more because we are having to follow a model which probably improves the service in bigger areas but it's actually made our service worse." "I think to a certain degree it has affected the public's confidence in us. I've lost count of the number of times I couldn't get hold of staff in my own station." He says new technology, which was touted as saving police time, was a double edged sword. Cameron Burnell Mike Hannah, a fifth dan black belt in Taekwondo puts one of his students through their paces in 2010. "When they roll out this technology and say it's going to save police all of this time, I haven't seen it save any. "Sure I'm not writing it down on a piece of paper any more but I'm still writing it down on this little phone." However he says the devices did come in handy when identifying people and at traffic stops. Hannah, who has worked as a detective in the CIB, says nowadays police were not spending enough time out in their communities talking to people. "I was trained to talk to people and that's where you got your information from, learning to read people. Who is telling you fibs, who is not telling you fibs, who can you rely on and what's the body language like. He says the additional information, including crime resolution rates, made available to offenders, by headquarters through the media, wasn't helping. "Offenders read the newspaper, offenders are now being told that police don't investigate burglaries, but we do, they're told we are very poor at catching anybody which probably because of the numbers, I'm not surprised in some areas, and if you do get caught you get a pathetic punishment. "You are actually putting the message out there - go commit burglaries." Safety guidelines around pursuits was another thorn in the side of frontline officers. "When I joined the job car pursuits were bloody exciting to be perfectly honest, because I've been in a few, but they were few and far between. He says at the time police would do everything in their powers to take the offender's car off the road but now the criminals know if they push the limits officers have to back off. "Some patrol cars got dented and some other cars got dented but the pursuit ends and the message going out amongst offenders is if you are going to run from police, give it a couple of corners and if you are not away dump the car and run because it's going to end badly for you and they knew that so they didn't engage in that behaviour." The introduction of tasers had stopped a lot of the macho behaviour from offenders wanting to go toe to toe with police and punch it out, Hannah, who holds a fifth dan black belt in Taekwondo, says. "They are now just stopped because you have got a taser and they don't want to go there so it's let's get the handcuffs on and go home. "He can manfully give up and say he had a taser, where as back in the day they wouldn't." Hannah says there was one thing that had remained constant during his career. "Alcohol is still the biggest problem, it was the big problem when I joined and it's still the biggest problem now." But despite the criticism, Hannah - who has been bitten, punched, and had dogs set on him by offenders - also says that being a policeman has been the best of experiences "I really enjoyed catching the offenders and making them accountable and doing the best for the victims." The 54-year-old retired from police last week, almost 33 years to the day he joined up on April 5, 1983. "I thought about it six to eight months ago but then thought I would hang in a bit longer until I was 55. Because back in the day you had to retire then, it's always been about those goal posts." Hannah, who served his first three years in Palmerston North and the next 30 in Taranaki, has worked at every station around the region. He says it had always been his goal to join the police or the army but some advice from his father helped him to make his choice. One of the worst assignments Hannah had during his career was having to transcribe 440 hours of surveillance tapes. "That nearly did my head in, just having to go to work everyday and just listen to those guys and try to figure out who is saying what and what are they saying." His hard work resulted in seven convictions for aggravated robbery and Hannah also received the Commissioner's Commendation so it was a positive result, he says. During is career Hannah also received the NYPD Centurion Foundation's Centurion of the Month award, New Zealand police's bronze and silver awards and commendation. Hannah has no immediate plans on how he's going to spend his time now he's retired from a career that has dominated more than half of his life but will be heading to Russia with his wife Sarah, who works in the oil and gas industry, in four months time. He says after experiencing a taxi ride through the streets of Chelyabinsk, in southern Russia at speeds of up to 120kmh it should be an adventure. "They didn't appear to slow down for any reason. The weather didn't matter, it was snowy and icy and they were still racing around town at 70kmh, nose to tail and it was just a little bit freaky." Hannah says overall he had an amazing experience in the police and still has gifts bought for him by people he's helped. "I will always treasure them." OPINION: NZ Prime Minister John Key's tax return would no doubt make interesting reading. As the issue of tax dodges and hiding assets continues to stew globally, some notable individuals have come under the spotlight. Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron was forced this week to make his tax returns public to quell speculation he was connected to overseas trusts handled by the now notorious Panamanian tax firm Mossack Fonesca. Police raided the firm's main office in Panama this week, a bit late perhaps given the scandal broke two weeks ago. As expected Cameron's tax affairs look quite tidy, a contrast to those of the somewhat dishevelled Labour opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn whose tax return was illegible, late and wrong (he paid too much tax). Key was asked if he would make his tax return public, but he quickly squashed such a prospect. Labour leader Andrew Little, whose tax affairs are less complicated than Key's, was a starter however. With the wave of tax scandals still cresting - thank you leakers and journalists - momentum is gathering for a tax revolution around the world. No more hiding assets, no more tax shelters, no more secreting profits in the Bahamas, no more foreign trusts is the increasingly strident cry. One measure that needs to be seriously looked at is making every taxpayer's return publicly searchable. I don't blame Key for not wanting to reveal his tax returns when no-one else is required too. Such a move should take in everybody or no-one. It sounds revolutionary. New Zealand has inherited an English coyness about talking about income or how much tax people pay. Money is vulgar and a gentle woman or man does not discuss anything as down to earth as salaries and tax. Income is regarded as an intensely private matter because of the strong feeling that it's no-one else's business. But this is clearly wrong. It is very much our business what other people earn and pay in tax. We have a great interest in ensuring everyone does their share to pay for the benefits an advanced, democratic society provides. We need to accept, of course, that society can only prosper if people are rewarded for hard work and talent. The other side of the coin is everyone does their bit for the running of society in a fair way according to their abilities. Those who turn their talents into financial success, pay a bit more, the less well-off pay a bit less. But the social contract is only any good if we can check on individuals. People are greedy and will shirk their tax responsibilities if they can. Every day we hear of some other tax dodge used by the rich and clever to get around the system. It's not only the rich of-course. The black economy - jobs for cash - is another big tax dodge. That's why we now need a much more open system to ensure the system is self policing. It's not as bizarre as it seems. In Scandinavia tax returns have been public for over a century. In Sweden, the returns of middle to high income earners are searchable. The Finnish tax administration publishes tax returns online, with searches costing about a dollar. Norway goes a step further by publishing every single taxpayer's income, tax payment and net worth. Openness in our tax system will no doubt create some awkward situations especially in big workplaces. Employers will have to justify higher wages for some and not for others. Envy and bitterness will be inevitable. Nosy parkers will have a field day. But we would get over it especially if everyone was in the same boat, including every business and company active in the country. Such transparency would be a great weapon against tax evasion. If people know their neighbour or member of the public can scrutinise their return, they will have a greater incentive to be honest. Charities would also benefit because no-one will want to look mean. It might not stop every dodge or the exploitation of every loophole, but at least the identity of those using them will be out in the open. It would, in New Zealand, for instance, stop the odious practice of structuring income so families can claim Working for Families payments and student allowances. We would soon find out who is rorting the system and it won't just be the outwardly rich. The greatest advantage of an open tax system is that it would change the culture of secrecy. If every income earner's tax return was available for scrutiny, business would have to bend to the pressure of releasing their own tax payments. If neighbour's could search each other's returns they would expect to be able to do the same to a big corporation or the local garage business. With better compliance would come greater tax income for the state, a fairer tax system and perhaps a reduced tax burden on all of us. The report stated that in as many as 149 cases the drivers police verification was not submitted! BENGALURU: At a time when the transport department is going all out to rein in cab aggregators such as Uber and Ola on safety and pricing issues with new rules coming into effect, the state run cab service is in the dock for non-compliance on all counts! In its report for the year 2015 which was released recently, the Comptroller and Audit General of India has rapped Karnataka Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC) for shoddy job and risking the safety of passengers, who use airport cab from Kempe Gowda International Airport to city and back. In a scathing attack on the corporation, which started the cab service in 2008 soon after the launch of the airport, the CAG has said, In the background of recent incidences regarding safety of cab users, an audit review was conducted on 500 air-conditioned and 150 non AC cabs run by the corporation to airport and was found non compliance on almost all counts. The report stated that in as many as 149 cases the drivers police verification was not submitted! In about 111 cases, the vehicle insurance had expired that covers life of driver and passengers, and so was permits issued by RTO to run the taxis. In many cases the CAG found that the owners of the cabs had employed drivers in violation of the contracts. Further, it also stated that KTDC didnt have records of any vehicle he had engaged. As per the terms, the cabs were to be fitted with GPS with Mobile Data Terminal with digital meters, printers, and all the bookings to be controlled by one central reservation (call) centre. In a damning revelation, it was found that 223 cab operators had switched off the devices at the time of audit. On running the operations through call centre, an agreement was entered with CERT Info Track Telematics. But the company didnt honour the agreement in terms of guaranteed trips. As against the commitment of 15,930 trips per month, CERT only facilitated 329 to 804 trips per month! The company was charging a whopping Rs 11,700 per taxi as call centre and parking charges at KIAL! The CAG has further pointed out that the KSTDC has so far spent Rs 1.15 crore, but failed to establish a call centre in the last seven years. 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. Of these 136 taluks, 65 which are spread over 12 districts in north Karnataka BENGALURU: As many as 136 taluks are reeling under acute scarcity conditions but the severity of drought this year could take up more taluks by the end of the month. Of these 136 taluks, 65 which are spread over 12 districts in north Karnataka, are severely affected without sufficient drinking water for local people and fodder for the cattle. According to revenue minister Srinivasa Prasad, the state government has released Rs. 214. 50 crores for drought relief works, but spent only Rs. 124.29 crores. Besides, RDPR department has released Rs. 50 lakhs each to 185 Assembly constituencies for drinking water, adding up to Rs. 68 crores. Besides, the urban development department has released an amount of Rs. 45 crores with the government focusing on supply of drinking water, fodder, and shelters for cattle in all these areas. With CM Siddaramaiah planning a three-day visit to six districts of north Karnataka, officials are busy to gathering latest statistics about amount spent for drought relief works and latest update on drinking water crisis and fodder scarcity in these areas. Official sources said nearly 3469 villages are facing severe drinking water crisis. People of north Karnataka migrated to south following drinking water crisis, and weddings and social gatherings have been postponed due to drinking water crisis. The government, however, is able to provide drinking water to only 817 villages in 19 districts, including 8 in north Karnataka. At presently, the government has been providing drinking water to Kolar, Dharwad, Bengaluru (Rural), Bengaluru (Urban), Chikka ballapura, Vijayapura, Kalabu ragi, Ramanagara, Chitra durga, Hassan, Belagavi, Chikkamagaluru, Gadag, Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada, Tumakuru, Udupi, Bidar and Koppala districts. Employment under MGNREGA only hope This is the only area where the state government has been doing good amount of work to provide succour to drought affected people by offering 150 days of employment under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guaranty Scheme. As on April 13, the state government has been able to provide employment to 4.95 lakh workers. Out of 6093 Gram Panchayats, 5034 have taken up MGNREGA projects in order to provide employment to people affected by drought. Day back, the Special Commissioner of MGNREGS, Prabhash Chandra Ray and other officials did video conference directing all CEO of ZPs provide employment to the people under MGNREGS without any fail. Even Chief Minister has strictly directed the officials in ZPs and TPs to provide employment under MGNREGS, CM has also warns that if officials failed to provide employment, heads will be rolled, said an senior officials who overseeing the implementation of MGNREGS. All GPs have been directed to provide employment of 61000 individual works and 10000 new community works. Out of 6093 GPs, 754 GPs have yet to provide employments, directions have been issued in this regard, said senior official. In 12 districts, total Rs. 1830 crore works have been done for 6 crore man days. The arrears of Rs. 750 crore have been released. The pending liability is Rs. 247.33 crore. We have asked Rs. 1618 crore from the Centre, the Centre has released Rs.892 crore on April 2016. Remaining Rs. 802 crore is pending from the Centre, said a senior official. Meanwhile, the state government has given strict instructions to public sector banks not to deduct MGNREGA amount which has remitted to beneficiaries account for loan amount due from them. Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had visited the victims of the Puttingal temple fire. (Photo: Twitter) Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Friday defended Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Kollam after the Puttingal temple fire claimed over 100 lives and called it a big relief. Chandy took a completely different line from that of the state police chief, who expressed apprehension at Modis visit as the police force was already exhausted carrying rescue operations and the Prime Ministers arrival would mean making extensive preparations for his security. Read: Kollam temple fire: Centre stands by people of Kerala, says Modi "The Prime Ministers visit to the site of the tragedy was great for people. A national leader came to Kerala and that was a big relief for Kerala people. Their preference and help is great thing for Kerala. We all focus on giving the best treatment to injured people," Chandy said. According to a report in Indian Express, the Director General of Police of Kerala, TP Senkumar had objected to Modis visit to the site of the disaster. Read: Rahul Gandhi visits fire accident site in Kerala "I did object to the idea of the Prime Minister visiting the region within 12 hours of the accident. I told them it would be better for the PM to visit the spot a day after the disaster. But the PM wanted to visit that day itself. Our entire force had been working from early morning, engaged in rescue and relief work. So much work was still left and all of them were tired because there was no provision of even drinking water. We had to make arrangements for the safety and security of Prime Minister Modi and Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi too," he told the newspaper. Modi visited Kollam on April 10 and flew there in a navy helicopter where he was received by Chief Minister Chandy and several MPs. Immediately after reaching there, he went to medical college to see the injured people. Earlier too, Chandy had said he was thankful to the Prime Minister for coming to Kerala to share their grief. He said he was also grateful to Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi for visiting Kerala in this hour of grief. Modi, who termed the incident as "heart-rending" and "shocking", had announced Rs two lakh each as compensation for the next of the kin of the dead and Rs 50,000 each for the injured. The body of Maj Deswal was brought in a chopper from Delhi to Jhajjar police lines. From police lines, his body, wrapped in a tricolour, was taken to his home. (Photo: PTI) Jhajjar, Haryana: The mortal remains of Major Amit Deswal of 21 Para who was killed on Wednesday in an encounter with militants in Manipur's Tamenglong district, were consigned to flames at his native village Surheti here this evening with full military honours. People from all walks of life attended the last journey of the Major and paid rich tributes. Maj Deswal of 21 Para SF was killed in a gunbattle with Zeliangrong United Front militants in forested Nungba area during a combing operation undertaken by Rashtriya Rifles and Special Forces. Ankit Deswal, Amit's younger brother, lit the funeral pyre amid the chants of 'Major Amit Amar Rahe'. Haryana minister O P Dhankar, former Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, local MLA Geeta Bhukkal and other senior officials from army and civil administration were present and paid their tributes. The body of Maj Deswal was brought in a chopper from Delhi to Jhajjar police lines. From police lines, his body, wrapped in a tricolour, was taken to his home. Amit, who is survived by wife, Neeta and 3-year-old son Arjun belonged to a family of armymen. His father, Rishi Raj is a retired Subedar, his uncle Shamsher and brother-in-law Sanjeev are also serving in Indian Army. His grandfather, Nathu Ram had also been in army. Amit had last visited his home in February to attend his brother's marriage. The official opening of Westland Milk Products new UHT plant in Rolleston is a significant boost for the Canterbury dairy industry and is a sign of the continuing shift to value-added products, says Food Safety Minister Jo Goodhew. It is important to celebrate good news stories such as this new UHT facility, which combined with the strong medium to long-term outlook for the sector, gives dairy farmers confidence that the period of low prices they are currently experiencing is only temporary, Mrs Goodhew says. The new plant can process 14,000 litres of milk per hour and has been constructed by Westland Milk Products, New Zealands second biggest dairy cooperative and third biggest dairy company overall. Liquid UHT milk is a growing global market with huge opportunities, with exports to New Zealands top Asian trading partners doubling between 2013 and 2015. Investments such as these help to deliver more jobs and add value and diversity to New Zealands dairy exports. Id like to congratulate Westland for reaching this milestone, says Mrs Goodhew. Source: Office of Jo Goodhew. Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne is travelling to New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on the World Drug Problem (UNGASS), which takes place over 19-21 April. Major themes of the UNGASS meeting are likely to include the death penalty, new psychoactive substances and the impact of technology, says Mr Dunne. Along with a number of other health ministers and heads of state from across the globe, Mr Dunne will participate in panels and policy roundtable events ranging over human rights, international cooperation and evidence-based policy. The Conference provides an excellent opportunity to discuss drug policy at a global level. New Zealand is one of a number of countries that have in recent years moved towards treating drug use as a health issue, rather than a criminal justice issue. While we still have work to do here in New Zealand, it is my view that we are making good progress in how we address wider drug-harm issues. At an international level, we often share common problems but frequently differ in our solutions. There is no one-size-fits-all approach as geographical, social and cultural features all play a role, but UNGASS nonetheless represents an outstanding opportunity to discuss and share ideas, views and approaches." Source: Office of Peter Dunne. Hutt Valley Police are currently investigating an incident in Reynolds Street, Taita, where a shot was fired at a house. The incident occurred at approximately 10.48pm last night where it appears a shotgun was used. Police can confirm that no-one was injured as a result of the incident. Police have cordoned off the address and are currently completing a scene examination. Police staff will also be completing an area search around the neighbouring streets and property. Police believe this is an isolated incident, and staff are speaking with the family who live there. Police are asking for anyone with any information on the incident, including anyone who saw something suspicious, to contact the Lower Hutt Police station on 04 560 2600. Alternatively, information can also be provided anonymously via the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Source: New Zealand Police. Put on your dancing shoes and get into the swing of things with the Mercury Bay Big Band this weekend. Creative Mercury Bay proudly presents the MBBB in concert with special musical director and New Zealand jazz maestro Dr Rodger Fox at the Whitianga Town Hall on Sunday afternoon. CMB chair Jan Wright says the upcoming concert will also feature local guest vocalists Chockie Brown and Justine Williams whose big beautiful voices will leave everyone spellbound. This is a brilliant opportunity to see a local band and vocalists in concert with an absolute jazz legend, she says. The programme has been specially chosen by Rodger and features a great range of jazz and swing pieces including Louis Armstrongs Basin Street Blues, Billie Holidays God Bless The Child and Eddie Harris Cold Duck Time. Based fulltime in Wellington, Rodger arrives in Whitianga tonight and will hold a workshop with the big band on Saturday to prepare for the concert the following day. Jan says for the past ten weeks the big band has been hard at work rehearsing the programme in Rodgers absence and theyre really looking forward to both the concert and the workshop. This is the second time theyve have worked with Rodger and they just absolutely love working with him. The band finds their sound takes a huge leap forward, Rodgers such a talented musician and teacher who pulls their sound together and brings the best out of them, says Jan. Creative Mercury Bay presents The Mercury Big Band with special musical director Rodger Fox and guests vocalists Chockie Brown and Justine Williams at the Whitianga Town Hall on Sunday, April 17, from 2pm. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $10 for children/students, $40 for family (2 and 2) and are available from Whitianga Paper Plus. For more information visit the Creative Mercury Bay website at: www.creativemercurybay.co.nz SunLive has two double passes to give away to two lucky readers for the concert on Sunday! To get in the draw simply visit and like the Thames Coromandel SunLive Facebook page. The winners will be drawn at 5pm on Friday, April 15. Foreign Minister Murray McCully travels to New York this weekend for UN Security Council related meetings, and will then travel to the UK, Germany and France. Minister McCully will participate in a UN Security Council meeting on the Middle East region on Monday 18 April and will undertake a series of related bilateral meetings in New York. In London Minister McCully will be meeting with British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and will be attending a meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group. Minister McCully will also travel to Berlin to meet German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and will continue on to Paris for meetings in support of New Zealands engagement in the UN Security Council. My meetings in the UK, Germany and France are an opportunity to discuss how New Zealand can work with our European partners on issues of common interest on the UN Security council agenda, Mr McCully says. I will also be using my time in Europe to support Helen Clarks candidacy for UN Secretary-General, and to discuss the New Zealand/ EU Free Trade Agreement. In France, the Minister will represent New Zealand at centenary commemorative services in Longueval in the Somme. New Zealand has a long history with Europe, and our First World War centenary commemorations underline this shared history, and our shared values. I welcome the opportunity to pay my respects in this centenary year of the Battle of the Somme, Mr McCully says. SOURCE: Office of Murray McCully Sapper Michael Tobin was the first New Zealand Expeditionary Force member to die on the Western Front in World War I. Michael was a member of the NZ Tunnelling Company and is remembered on Taurangas World War I memorial gates as well as on a plaque provided by his family for the Tunnelling Company memorial wall in Waihi. A park ranger who hit a French freedom camper on the head with a torch has been told to pack up and leave by the Employment Court, Stuff writes. Jarron McInnes, a ranger at TECT All Terrain Park, was dismissed from his job after a fight with a freedom camper on January 12, 2016. New Delhi: Delhi police has beefed up the security of JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar and Umar Khalid following the recovery of a letter threatening to behead the two and a gun in a bus operating between an ISBT and the varsity's campus. The university students who have been agitating ever since they were arrested in a sedition case over an event on campus, meanwhile, demanded that the JNU administration lodge a police complaint against various individuals who have been issuing threats to Kumar and others. Read: Pistol, threat letter against Kanhaiya Kumar found on Delhi bus A country-made pistol and a threat letter against Kumar, purportedly written by a man who had earlier threatened the student leader over Facebook, were recovered from a bus operating between Kashmere Gate ISBT and the university campus yesterday evening, a senior police official said today. It was the driver of the bus who spotted an unclaimed bag and raised an alarm. He also registered a complaint at a police station in New Delhi district. "The security provisions have been enhanced in view of the threat perception," the official said. Read: Slipper hurled at Kanhaiya Kumar in Nagpur, attacker detained Police is trying to ascertain identity of the bag's owner and several persons have been questioned. With the gun, there was also a letter which said that Kanhaiya and Umar Khalid will be decapitated, he added. The letter was purportedly written by a person who had threatened Kumar over Facebook earlier saying that men with weapons are already present inside the campus, ready to kill him any moment, police said. Kumar doesn't get security cover inside the campus but the university authorities have clearly been instructed to inform Vasant Kunj (North) police station every time he leaves the campus and security is provided accordingly. Agitated over the alleged inaction by JNU administration over the issue, JNU students union demanded that the matter of security be raised by the Vice Chancellor with the police. "I have repeatedly alerted the JNU administration to these threats. But there's no positive response. We are disappointed by the silence of the administration and VC on this issue. Is the VC under pressure from the Modi government to not act against those issuing threats? Or, is the JNU administration being deliberately complacent?," JNUSU vice president Shehla Rashid Shora said. "We want the VC to raise the issue with police and lodge an FIR against those issuing threats. The sense of impunity which goons and murderers are perceiving under Modi govt has to be ended. The sense that nothing will happen emboldens them," she added. Kumar, Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya were arrested in February in a sedition case over an event on campus against the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru during which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised. The French authorities believe Antoine Denevi supplied guns to the terrorist who attacked a Jewish supermarket in Paris and killed five people in January 2015 Two other residents outside the apartment block in which the suspected arms trafficker was living, in Calle del Tajo. :: NITO SALAS The presence of Antoine Denevi had not gone unnoticed in the neighbourhood. Local residents say there were constant problems with noise, often late at night, sometimes caused by drinking alcohol, from those who shared the rented apartment in Rincon de la Victoria. They had hung a red and white flag at one of the windows, but the neighbours didnt know where it was from. Nor did they imagine that the young man would be arrested on suspicion of supplying the weapons used by jihadists in the attack which took place on 17 January 2015 in a Jewish supermarket in the centre of Paris. Five people died in the attack, as well as the terrorist Amedy Coulibaly. Denevi, who is 27 and originally from Sainte Catherine, in France, was caught early on Tuesday morning in a joint operation carried out by the National Polices Intelligence Team - including officers from Madrid and Malaga - and the French Judicial Police. They searched his home, a rented apartment in Calle del Tajo, and confiscated fake documents that he had been using and a European passport in the name of another person, as well as IT material which will be analysed by experts. Two other people who were living in the apartment were also arrested, both Serbian, as a result of illegal items found during the search. The key piece to this puzzle, however, was Antoine Denevi. The French authorities had issued a European search and arrest warrant for him because they believed him to be the head of an arms trafficking gang that supplied Amedy Coulibaly, who carried out the attack on the Jewish supermarket in Paris in January 2015, two days after the attack on the offices of the Charlie Hebdo magazine. Coulibaly was killed by French police after he shot dead a municipal police officer and four other people in cold blood. The investigation discovered that Antoine left France weeks after the Paris attacks to avoid being found by police and he arrived in Malaga in March. It wasnt the first time his presence had been detected in the province: he had already been in Malaga in December 2014. After that, he travelled several more times to Spain. In fact, the police traced him to several towns in the south of the country. He reappeared on 30th March 2016, and applied for a document to register his residence here as a citizen of the EU. The French authorities found Antoine Denevi by following the clues from the weapons and ammunition used in the Paris attack (two AK-47 assault weapons and two semi-automatic pistols), which had been acquired on the black market. Investigators suspect that his suppliers were individuals of Serbian origin and that, after fleeing Paris, Antoine continued with his illegal activities, using false documentation. The operation in Rincon de la Victoria was coordinated by a court in Lille (France) and one in Torremolinos, but after being arrested the suspect appeared before High Court judge Eloy Velasco in Malaga, who ordered that he be remanded in custody. Denevi denied having sold weapons to Coulibaly and agreed to be extradited to France, where he is wanted for arms trafficking and for belonging to a criminal organisation. The Ministry of the Interior has stressed that this operation was the result of excellent cooperation that exists between the Spanish and French police, and legal authorities, especially in the fight against jihadi terrorism and any other form of crime that facilitates terrorist activities. The French Minister of the Interior, Bernard Cazeneuve, expressed his thanks to his Spanish counterpart, Jorge Fernandez Diaz, for his cooperation in this operation. Many thanks for your valuable support and friendship. This is very good news, the French Minister said to Sr. Fernandez Diaz during the conversation in which Fernandez confirmed that Denevi had been arrested. They were noisy, but we had no idea :: Eugenio Cabezas R. DE LA VICTORA. Calle El Tajo is a narrow street, just 50 metres from the beach in Rincon de la Victoria. On Wednesday afternoon it was full of TV cameras, photograpers and journalists who wanted to talk to local people about the alleged weapons dealer. The peace and quiet of the block of apartments at number 4 was being disturbed for the second day, after police officers raided one of the properties and searched it for six hours on Tuesday, after arresting Antoine Denevi. He had moved there about a month previously, together with three other people: his girlfriend and two men, one Serbian and one from Montenegro. They used to make a lot of noise, but we never suspected for a moment that they were terrorists, said one local lady who preferred to remain anonymous because these matters are very sensitive. Another resident, who lives in the apartment next door, on the third floor, says they arrived about a month ago and didnt go out much, we rarely saw them. She said they spoke French to each other. They used to shout a lot and they were noisy, but I think they drank a lot of alcohol, sheexplained. We used to comment on how much noise they made, but we didnt suspect anything like this, she said. The owner of the apartment lives in Malaga and has been renting it out for several years. This is a very quiet block and we never imagined that anyone like that would come here. Thank goodness they were caught, said 36-year-old Javier Lopez, who described the police raid as spectacular to watch. Three Senegalese men, whose arrest resulted in a protest in front of Benalmadena police station on Sunday, have been released with charges The protesters in front of the police station in Benalmadena. :: A. G. Around a hundred men of sub-Saharan origin gathered outside the Benalmadena police station on Sunday in protest against the way in which the towns authorities have decided to act against illegal street vendors. This followed the arrest of three Senegalese men in the area close to the Castillo Bil-Bil in an operation against this type of illegal trading in the town. According to municipal sources, eight officers were on patrol in the area, where they spotted a group of vendors. After these men refused to identify themselves, the officers proceeded to apprehend them using minimal force, a move that resulted in injuries to four of the officers. None of the injuries have been described as serious. The men were then taken to the National Police office in Torremolinos. This led to the mobilisation of the Senegalese community in front of the Local Police station in Benalmadena, as they decried the cruelty and overzealousness of the town halls latest policy. The town hall has described the latest initiative as very efficient, although to counter it the vendors are forming large groups of eight or ten, making them harder to detain. The local councillor responsible for security, Javier Martin, met with members of the community to discuss the matter on Monday but insists that numerous attempts have been made to integrate them, to construct cooperatives, and to get them involved in Benalmadenas street markets, all to no avail. The Local Police cannot turn a blind eye to this sort of illegal activity, he said. The local government is striving to explore all possibilities to ensure that the areas commerce is all above board. The three detainees were released on Monday and await trial. Here I am, lying on the beach, jug of sangria to hand, enjoying myself in Spain where, as everybody knows, the weather is always hot and sunny and the living is easy. Well, no, actually. Im slaving over a hot laptop which is how I earn my living. Not that many UK residents would believe that, certainly not those on social media who accuse long-term expats like me of abandoning our country and having no right to exist, really, let alone vote in the EU referendum. Whats it to do with you? Get back to your sunbed! they shriek, with more than a few expletives thrown in. It has a lot to do with me, and any other British citizen who happens to have been abroad for over 15 years. We may not be living in the UK, but we do count. Or we should. People who have been away less than 15 years can vote in UK elections and the EU ref. The rest of us cant. The UK government admits that the time limit is purely arbitrary, and guess what? Its going to introduce votes for life, and soon. To be honest, I dont care about being able to vote in UK elections while Im not living there; I would rather have a say in what the Spanish government does with the tax I pay, but that is something the EU will have to sort out. I do, however, want to vote in the referendum. The point is that the result of the referendum will affect all British people in the EU, no matter when they left the UK. Our government gave us the legal right to live and work in other EU countries. It didnt say: But if you do, then we will cease to recognise your existence after 15 years, yet for many of us, thats exactly what it is doing. The UK government says there probably wouldnt be time to organise a vote for all expats. David Cameron had until 2017 to hold the referendum. He is in an unholy rush to get it over with and for some quite understandable reasons but those who have been abroad for 15 years or more are being treated as collateral damage. Why should other Brits decide our future for us? The EU referendum is not an election. Civil servants say it is being run on electoral lines, which is why we cant vote. Members of the House of Lords cant vote in elections either, but they can in the EU ref. The people of Gibraltar cant vote in UK elections, but they can in the EU ref and rightly so, because the result will affect them. It will affect me too, but apparently thats different. A Brexit would affect all British expats in EU countries. And, heaven forbid, if Britain were to go to war, and if I had a son of fighting age living with me here, I suspect the UK government would be quick enough to call him up to serve his country. No 15 year rule would be applied to us then, Im sure. I am a British citizen like any other. I did not agree to forfeit anything when I exercised my legal, freely-given right to live and work in another EU country. So why, Mr Cameron, do you now think I dont count? Soria spoke in front of the media on Friday morning. :: EFE Jose Manuel Soria has today, Friday, resigned from his position as Minister of Industry, Trade and Tourism and all other political duties after the Partido Popular politician was revealed to be an administrator of offshore company Mechanical Trading Limited. Sorias resignation follows a week of ambiguity surrounding his involvement with offshore companies after the minister initially denied allegations of financial activity despite his name appearing in leaked Mossack Fonseca documents. It was revealed by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalism (ICIJ) on Monday that the Spanish minister had been listed as an administrator of UK Lines Limited, a British company registered in the Bahamas by Mossack Fonseca, for a period of two months in 1992. Upon the release of the documents, Soria initially claimed that he was unsure as to why he had been named in the papers and argued that it was due to an administrative error. After being called to explain his links to the Bahamas-based company by opposition parties, Soria appeared in front of the media to deny claims that he had ever benefited from the offshore company and rebuffed suggestions of holding a position of power within the business. I have never made decisions, had participation in, nor occupied any type of management position in this company, Soria declared in Lanzarote on Monday. However, on Wednesday morning the politician changed his stance on the developing situation by admitting to knowledge of business dealings with the British company based in the Bahamas. The 58-year-old revealed that Consignataria Oceanic, a family fruit and vegetable sales firm based in the Canary Islands, had done business with UK Lines Limited in the past. Soria was very quick to explain that the dealings were of a purely commercial nature. A day later, El Pais released a document which identified Soria and his brother, Luis Alberto Soria Lopez, as administrators of Mechanical Trading Limited- a company registered in the tax haven of Jersey. Soria was due to appear in front of parliament next Monday to explain his involvement in the papers, however, in a conference held on Friday morning the politician resigned from his post as Minister of Industry as well as all other political duties including his role as party leader of the PP in the Canary Islands. The debate about changing not only the time but also working hours is under way. Business owners and unions welcome the idea, but for some sectors it would be almost impossible to implement Social habits. :: SALVADOR SALAS As part of the EU, Spain often looks to Europe as an example in many different matters. The most recent focuses on time: should we be bringing our working hours into line with our European neighbours? This subject has been discussed for years in social circles, but now it has entered the sphere of politics. Last week, acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy announced that if he regains power, Spain will return to the same time zone as the UK and Portugal, which means our clocks would go back an hour to Western European Time. Until 1941, when Franco put the hour forward as a temporary measure to help Hitler, Spain used to be in that time zone. The same proposal was also included in the draft agreement drawn up by PSOE and Ciudadanos a few weeks ago, so it has obviously become a political policy. It would, however, result in numerous changes to social, cultural and work aspects in Spain and would mean that for most people the working day would finish at 6 pm. In fact, the consequences would be far-reaching. Take work, for example. According to the latest report from the OCDE, which refers to 2013, people in Spain work on average 1,665 hours a year. This is 105 fewer hours than the European average (1,770 hours a year) but is almost 300 hours more than Germany (1,388). Nevertheless, Spain is not exactly at the top of the productivity lists. Why not? The answer lies in our way of working and our schedules. In Spain, the working day begins around 8 or 9 am; there is a half-hour break (sometimes longer) for breakfast and then another break at lunchtime, when people go home and eat. That lasts for an hour and a half or two hours (if its not a business lunch, that is), and then everyone goes back to the office and doesnt normally leave until the boss does. This is a deep-rooted tradition in Spanish working culture, and the division of the day into two sections not only makes it seem interminably long but also poses a challenge in terms of organisation. Spanish workers are often in the office until 7.30 or 8pm, at least. In other words, we work fewer hours than the European average and we are also the worst organised. That is the problem. Leave the office at 6 pm Under the new proposal, if places of work were to close at 6 pm people would gain almost an hour and a half for another important part of Spanish life: the family. Balancing work and family life would be possible for a large number of workers, who would be in a similar situation to those in other professional categories such as public service employees and others who work intensive hours from 8 am to 3 pm. This would appear to be a good move and one which is desirable for everybody; the idea is certainly appreciated by business owners and unions. The president of the Malaga Confederation of Business Owners (CEM) and the Confederation of Business Owners in Andalucia (CEA), Javier Gonzalez de Lara, says there are three aspects to the proposed change: productivity, rationality and flexibility. He believes Spain is failing on a basic premise: Time is gold and much more important than money, but in our country we have a tradition of not valuing time, not ours or anybody elses, he insists. Unsurprisingly, the change is also supported by the National Commission for the Rationalisation of Working Hours in Spain (Arhoe), which started this debate nearly a decade ago. We have to look at our social habits, and that includes things like prime time TV ( the best programmes are screened after 10 pm), the times football matches are played and what hours our children keep. They go to bed later than they should and then they dont perform as well at school, says Javier Gonzalez de Lara. Through his own experience he knows that the interminable working lunches in Spain are another enemy. Also, he says, We should look to women as an example, at how they organise their time: You dont often see women holding gargantuan business lunches or dinners, he points out. Of course, the restaurant sector would not have to apply the new working hours, but it would have to adjust to the new policy. Lunchtime could start earlier and end at 4.30, which is a very reasonable hour, says the president of the CEM, who thinks peoples domestic lives could also do with some reorganisation. Jose Luis Casero, the president of Arhoe, agrees 100 per cent. He is pleased by this new attempt by politicians to put Spains time back to where it used to be. Having time for yourself, or your family, or for leisure pursuits, is very important says Casero, who has noticed a growing tendency among young people to look at other things, beyond salary. They are also seeking an emotional benefit, in the form of time for themselves, he explains. 30% more productivity As well as improvement in quality of life, Spain would benefit in terms of productivity; according to Arhoe, by adapting working hours, this would increase by 30 per cent. Nor would there be additional costs for the companies, because the increased productivity would compensate for the 300 million euros that those who defend the present system say are saved in energy costs. Unions agree that there is a need to think about rationalising working hours, but without losing sight of the quality of employment. The secretary for Health at Work of the CCOO union in Malaga, Juan Antonio Perles, says there are two fundamental problems in this regard: on one hand, the increasing difficulty of balancing work and home life especially for women; they are often forced to take part-time jobs so they can look after their families and work, and that makes employment more precarious, he says. And on the other hand, the growing incidence of psychosocial work risks, which he says are largely ignored. These include health problems arising from dependence on work, stress, depression and others. For that reason, unions welcome the discussion about flexibility but say that workers should have sufficient autonomy to take part in this debate through collective negotiation. Juan Antonio Perles is not very optimistic when asked whether progress has been made in recent years. In general, employment has become more precarious; maybe some interesting things have been done in terms of flexibility in major companies, but that is mainly due to a strong union presence, he says. The head of the Faculty of Social Studies and Work at Malaga University, Ana Rosa del Aguila, is also cautious about evaluating the speed with which these changes would be incorporated into the social, cultural and work model. It would take us several decades, she warns, but she is still in favour of the measure. In fact, in the academic sector there would need to be alternative measures, because many students work in the mornings and attend lectures in the afternoons. That would mean the working day could not finish at 6 pm. On the other hand, Ana Rosa says that shifts could be organised to cover all needs, and that idea will no doubt have to be extended to other professions in which, by their very nature, the debate cannot be held in conventional terms. These include restaurants, bars and shops, which need to be available at times when other people want to enjoy themselves, or when they have time to go shopping. It makes it very difficult for working hours to be rationalised in our sector and for us to find a work-family balance says Jose Simon, the spokesman for the Mahos association, who believes long business meals are a Spanish tradition. Its part of our culture. The Spanish like to sit around a table and talk for ages over a meal he insists, although he admits that nowadays the meals are taking place very late these days. Now, its normal for a dinner to start at 11 pm, he says. He is not, however, rejecting the idea of a change. In fact, he thinks it could be beneficial if other sectors were to adjust their hours . The situation for shopkeepers is similar, especially owners of small and medium-sized establishments , who would have to decide whether to close at 6 pm like offices and lose business ,or implement greater flexibility at the cost of their own free time. Its not easy, and there will never be total agreement about the matter says the president of the Traders Association of the Historic City Centre Maria Jose Valenzuela. What about health? Finally, what about the impact on our health? Would lunching and dining earlier affect us? Would it be good for us, or not? As Dr Federico Soriguer, who is an endocrinologist, points out: People in Spain havent always eaten late. In the early 20th century they used to have lunch at 1pm and they also ate dinner earlier than they do now. He thinks it would be a good idea for Spain to recover its lost hour so there would be more time for food to be digested, and he agrees with others who have commented on the proposed changes: Its not just a matter of changing mealtimes. There would have to be an overall strategy, he says. Patna: With the CBI getting a nod to prosecute him in the alleged cheating and corruption in the LTC scam, JD(U) Rajya Sabha MP Anil Sahni on Friday denied the charges and refused to resign. "It's a conspiracy against me... Why shall I resign on moral ground when I have not done anything wrong," the second term Rajya Sabha member from Nitish Kumar's party said. Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari has given his approval to CBI to prosecute JD(U) MP Anil Sahani against whom the agency had filed a chargesheet for alleged cheating and corruption in the LTC scam. The Bihar MP is reportedly the first from the Upper House who will be prosecuted by CBI after the Chairman's sanction. The MP said he would also talk to lawyers to file a defamation suit. CBI had filed a chargesheet against Sahani alleging that he, in collusion with other people, used forged e-tickets and fake boarding passes to defraud Rajya Sabha of Rs 23.71 lakh as travel and dearness allowance reimbursement without undertaking the actual journey. Sahni alleged he fell victim to a "racket" which operated in raising fake bills for LTC for parliamentarians. "Twice, I drew attention of authorities in 2013 about a false bill submitted in my name by racketeers against the LTC allowance," he said, defending himself in the controversy. "I invite the probe agency to check my bank accounts in Delhi as well as in Patna to ascertain the flow of money for this," he said. The JD(U) Rajya Sabha member, son of former JD(U) RS MP Madan Sahni, said he would seek time with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who is also the JD(U) National President, to discuss the issue. Asked who was "conspiring" against him and for what reason, the JD(U) MP from Muzaffarpur said he did not know. "I might be targetted as I come from a poor community and have been raising issues concerning dalits and have-nots," the JD(U) Rajya Sabha MP said. Besides Sahani, whose term in Rajya Sabha ends in April 2018, others named in the CBI chargesheet are Anup Singh Panwar, an employee of Delhi-based Air Cruise Travels Private Limited, N S Nair, then Office Superintendent (Traffic), Air India and one Arvind Tiwari. Members of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha get 34 free air tickets in a year for themselves, their family members and associates for domestic travel. 153954381 Need more time to file your tax return this year? The filing deadline is April 18 this year, instead of the usual April 15. (FreezeFrameStudio) Syracuse, N.Y. If you're scrambling to finish your tax return by the end of the day, relax. You've got a few more days to file. The usual April 15 filing deadline has been pushed pack to April 18 for 2016. That's Monday. The switch applies to both federal and state returns. You can thank the Emancipation Day holiday in the District of Columbia for the extra time. Emancipation Day is a celebration of the anniversary of the Compensated Emancipation Act. Signed by President Abraham Lincoln on April 16, 1862, the act freed 3,000 slaves in the District of Columbia. Since April 16 is a Saturday this year, the holiday is celebrated today, April 15. And since the Internal Revenue Service is based in the District of Columbia, the tax filing deadline was switched to Monday. (In Massachusetts and Maine, the deadline is Tuesday, April 19, because Monday is Patriots Day in those states.) Taxpayers who need even more time to complete their federal returns can request an automatic six-month extension. That can be done electronically through the Free File link on IRS.gov. The request must be filed by April 18 (April 19th for residents of Maine or Massachusetts.) The six-month extension gives taxpayers until Oct. 17 to file their returns. The only catch is you must estimate your tax liability and pay any amount due when you request the extension. Taxpayers will get extra time to file their returns in 2017, too. Next year, April 15 falls on a Saturday, so the filing deadline will be April 17. Contact Rick Moriarty anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-3148 IMG_1336.JPG Sheriff's deputies are investigating a fatal two-car crash on I-81 south near LaFayette. May 8, 2015. (Provided Photo) Amy Dell Syracuse, NY -- A Rome woman accused of drunkenly causing a fatal wrong-way crash on Interstate 81 hurled insults at officers and informed them that her mom was a Skaneateles judge, deputies testified today. Amy Dell, 33, was described as belligerent and aggressive when responding to Deputy Michael Kern from the back of an ambulance. There, and repeatedly at the hospital, Dell told him that her mother was a Skaneateles judge, Kern testified. (Dell's mother is Skaneateles Town Justice Kathleen Dell.) Kern did not indicate that he handled anything differently. Kern, and another deputy, asked Amy Dell repeatedly for permission to do blood-alcohol tests. She refused, but was eventually forced to after a warrant was signed by County Court Judge Thomas J. Miller. Amy Dell has since been indicted on numerous felonies, including aggravated vehicular homicide, which could send her to prison for 25 years, if she's convicted. Today, Amy Dell was in court for a different judge, Anthony Aloi, to determine whether statements she made could be used against her at trial. Amy Dell suffered minor injuries in the early May 8, 2015 crash on I-81 south in LaFayette that killed New Jersey man Bruce Ham. After being pulled from the wreckage of her Ford SUV, Amy Dell was treated in the back of an ambulance. Kern testified today that he began to ask her questions: How did the crash happen? She couldn't remember, he testified. Where was Dell coming from? She left her shift as a bartender at Destiny's Revolutions, then went downtown and had two drinks with a friend, he testified from her responses. Where was she headed? Back home to Rome, he testified. Kern told Amy Dell that she was headed in the wrong direction: southbound on I-81. "That's not right," he testified she told him. (Amy Dell is accused of going the wrong way on I-81 before the head-on collision.) During the questioning, Amy Dell began repeating that her mom was a Skaneaeteles judge, Kern testified. He described her as "very frustrated, "very irate" and said she told him to leave her alone. Hours later, at the hospital, Kern told Amy Dell she was under arrest. The deputy again asked if she would submit to a blood-alcohol test. She refused and said she wouldn't say anything without a lawyer. During his questioning at the hospital, Amy Dell flipped the deputy off, called him pathetic and hurled an expletive, Kern testified. Amy Dell also said that she just wanted to go home and repeated that her mom was a Skaneateles judge, Kern testified. Another deputy, Detective Eric Horn, testified that he informed Dell that the other driver had died in the crash. Amy Dell took a deep breath, then replied: "How do you even know it's my fault?" Horn testified. After her blood was drawn, Amy Dell fell asleep at the hospital, a deputy testified. Later that day, she was taken to LaFayette Town Court for arraignment. There, Amy Dell made a remark out of the blue, the judge and a deputy testified. "I didn't have that much, I was out with my friends, I think I blacked out," Amy Dell said, according to Deputy John O'Neil. Defense lawyer Stephen Lance Cimino raised issues with a few parts of the testimony. He noted that Deputy Kern recorded that Amy Dell refused a roadside sobriety test, when she was, in fact, in the back of an ambulance at the time. Cimino argued that cast doubt on Kern's credibility regarding statements he said Amy Dell made to him. Cimino also argued that deputies continued to question Amy Dell after she wanted a lawyer. Horn said that he continued to talk to Amy Dell, but did not ask her any further questions. Cimino has previously suggested that a medical condition -- not alcohol -- made Amy Dell get on I-81 going the wrong way. He also has questioned two alcohol tests taken by the court order for producing inconsistent results. One test came back with a blood-alcohol content of 0.21 and the other 0.16. (The tests both showed Amy Dell was above the legal limit of 0.08, but only the higher one qualifies as an aggravated DWI charge.) The manager of an Armory Square bar admitted to removing video of Dell falling outside his bar. That video was later recovered. Dell faces trial May 23. She remains in jail. Police say a Central New York woman tried to escape custody after being arrested for DWI in a hit-and-run crash. The Auburn Citizen reports Lakisha A. Francis, 41, of Auburn, is accused of jumping a curb with her vehicle and hitting a pole on North Street early Thursday morning. She fled the scene, but authorities found her just before 1:30 a.m. from a trail of car parts and took her into custody after she allegedly kicked an officer and refused a breathalyzer test. The Auburn Police Department told the publication that Francis refused to be processed at the police station and, while in one of the interview rooms, slipped out of her handcuffs and tried to escape. It's unclear how she removed the handcuffs. Charges against Francis include driving while intoxicated, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, leaving the scene of an accident, a turn signal violation, a breathalyzer test violation, second-degree harassment, obstruction of governmental administration and third-degree escape. Francis was arraigned and remanded to Cayuga County Jail. COVERT, N.Y. -- A man was trying to murder a woman last weekend in Seneca County when he cut her neck, deputies said today. Don P. Sipp, 40, of 4739 Seneca Road, Covert, was indicted Friday for attempted murder in what the Seneca County Sheriff's Office called a "case of extreme domestic violence." Deputies responded to Sipp's home at 4:36 a.m. on April 9 for a report of a domestic violence incident, said Sheriff Tim Luce. When deputies arrived, they found a seriously injured woman, he said. The woman had cuts on her face and neck, Luce said. She was also bruised and suffering from fractured bones in her face and body, he said. The scene was covered in a "large" amount of blood. Sipp, the defendant, was present and suffering from minor injuries, Luce said. The victim was rushed by ambulance to the Cayuga Medical Center in Ithaca before being transferred to Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre, Pennsylvania. She was released from the hospital on Tuesday. After being treated at the Cayuga Medical Center, Sipp was taken into custody and charged with two counts of first-degree assault, a felony. He was held in the Seneca County Correctional Facility without bail while deputies continued to investigate. The Seneca County Sheriff's Office presented the case to a grand jury after the victim was released from the hospital, Luce said. The grand jury indicted Sipp for four felonies: Attempted second-degree murder First-degree assault, two counts Second-degree assault Third-degree criminal possession of a weapon Sipp remains in jail without bail. Deputies referred the victim to Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes, Luce said. According to Mr Kittaiah, a former railway employee who had headed the BSI state body in undivided Andhra Pradesh, people are inclined towards Buddhism because it does not believe in cast distinctions. (Representational Image) Hyderabad: The number of people getting inspired by Buddhism and its principles has been on the rise in the Telugu speaking states, especially in Telangana, in the last five six years. Scores of people attending Buddha Jayanti meetings held every year on May 21 at Lumbini Park is a pointer to this, says the Buddhist Society of India (BSI), the national body founded by Dr B.R. Ambedkar in 1955. Mr R. Subba Rao (retired IAS), former DGP Mr C. Anjaneya Reddy, Mr Veeranarayana Reddy (retired IPS), Prof. Kancha Ilaiah, senior advocate Mr Bojja Tharakam, senior journalist, Mr Mallepalli Lakshmaiah, Prof. P. Sivanagi Reddy, writer Borra Govardhan are some of the prominent names influenced by the Buddhas life and teachings. Read: Rohith Vemulas brother sees full freedom According to Mr Kittaiah, a former railway employee who had headed the BSI state body in undivided Andhra Pradesh, people are inclined towards Buddhism because it does not believe in cast distinctions. It is opposed to the caste system and regards people of all castes equally. Vexed with caste discrimination in the society, Dalits, most of them Ambedkar followers, are taking to Buddhism. Rationalists from backward and upper castes are also embracing Buddhism, the BSI member said. In Telangana, a major chunk of the Buddhist population is in Adilabad due to its common border with Maharashtra, which has the biggest presence of Buddhists in the country. Nearly 25,000 followers reside in Adilabad. The numbers are also rising in Hyderabad and Karim-nagar districts of late. In Andhra Pradesh, Buddhism is finding acceptance in Visakhapatnam, West and East Godavari districts as well as in Nellore, according to the BSI. People embracing Buddhism should follow the triple gems of Buddhism and five precepts, stated a resident monk from Maha Bodhi Buddha Vihar located in Secunderabad. Buddhist followers regularly visit the temple. On special occasions like birthdays, birth and death anniversaries they come and give offering to monks. Some attend chanting and meditation prayers, he added. Senior journalist Mr Mallepalli Lakshmaiah said that there were quite a few Buddhist sites in both the Telugu states. Nagarjunakonda, Phanigiri, Dhulikhatta etc. in Telangana, and Amaravati, Vijayapuri and Shalihundam in Andhra Pradesh are some of the most popular sites visited by Hindus and Buddhists. Transition from Hinduism to Buddhism is easy. Buddhism doesnt interfere with existing beliefs. One can be part-Hindu and part-Buddhist, he said. Meanwhile social scientist Mr B.S. Ramulu said that reservation was not the criteria for those embracing Buddhism. The social discrimination is a major factor. They do not think about reservation. In Maharashtra, which has a big population, Buddhists fought for separate reservation and got it. They were not ready to be treated as Buddhists using SC reservations, he said. New Delhi: Turning its attention to the status of the employment of minority communities in government services, the Narendra Modi-led NDA government at the Centre has launched an exercise to know their exact numbers and trends. The move comes at a time when the Prime Minister has engaged minority leaders in consultations recently to stress the inclusive nature of his governance. The government has asked the secretaries of all Union ministries, besides heads of Central public undertakings (CPSUs), to submit reports on the exact number of employees from the minority communities in their respective offices. The secretaries of the Union ministries have to submit their reports to the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) by this month-end, sources said, adding that CPSU heads have to give their reports to the Department of Public Enterprises. The move to get the numbers of the minority community in government employment is essentially to ensure their adequate representation in the Central government civil services. Also, the officials concerned have to explain the reasons if there is a declining trend, sources said. The note sent to the ministries and the CPSUs states that the headcount exercise should also include the number of minority employees recruited last year. The note also states that it should be found out if the recruitment of such employees has decreased from the previous year and, if yes, then the report should also mention the reasons for such a trend. The government has said that if a declining trend is found, then assessment and analysis be done for remedial measures. In case there is a decline in the percentage of recruitment of minority communities with reference to such recruitment for the previous year, then reasons for such decline may be examined and intimated, the government has stated. Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Zoroastrians (Parsis) and Jains are the official minority communities. The Jain community was given minority status in 2014. The government has specified that the reports should also have data relating to people from the Jain community. The Manmohan Singh government, following the Sachar Committee report on the status of minority communities, had sought such a headcount in the armed forces, but was vociferously opposed by the BJP at that time. Afortnight ago, in this column I had described the wrangle between India and Pakistan in the icy wastes of the Siachen glacier. Today, let us examine another dispute between the two neighbours. This one in the balmy waters of the west coast of India namely, Sir Creek. Not many would recall in the days leading up to the Gujarat Assembly elections in December 2012 that the then chief minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi, had created a minor storm in the teacup by alleging that Sir Creek was being handed over to Pakistan by the then UPA government. Nothing was farther from the truth. What is Sir Creek? It is but a 96 km-long tidal estuary on the western border of the two countries. It empties itself out into the Arabian Sea. What is the quarrel? It is centered around the interpretation of the frontier between the erstwhile state of Kutch and Sindh. After Independence, Sindh became a part of Pakistan and Kutch was amalgamated into the state of Gujarat. The dispute is about delineating the borders of India and Pakistan. In 1914, a Bombay government resolution bet-ween the government of Sindh and the erstwhile ruler of Kutch demarcated the frontiers of the two territories by delineating the eastern flank of the creek as the boundary line. This ipso facto put Sir Creek in the territory of the province of Sindh and, therefore, according to Pakistan now in its territory. This line, also referred to as the Green Line, is disputed by India. It bases its claim on two constructs. The first is based upon a map dating back to 1925 that shows the boundary lies in the middle of the channel as delineated by the installation of mid-channel pillars dating back to the same time. The second asserts that the Green Line is only an indicative line also referred to as the ribbon line in procedural gobbledygook. The Thalweg doctrine of international law asserts that the boundaries between two states can, by mutual consent, be delimited in the middle of river channels. It would be instructive to note that all these claims and counter claims based upon historical records pre-date the birth of two sovereign nations i.e. India and Pakistan. What needs to be done is that a physical demarcation needs to be made by both the countries from the mouth of Sir Creek to its very top and then eastwards to a point on the line designated on the Western Terminus. From this point thence onwards the tribunal award of 1968 crystalises the boundary between the two countries. Why is it proving to be difficult to draw this line? It has less to do with some territory gained or lost in marshy wastes of the Rann of Kutch through which the Sir Creek runs and more to do with the fact that the delineation would define the land and sea terminus that then actually determines the acreage of the exclusive economic zone under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea Pakistan has been contending that should it accept the Indian interpretation that the boundary between the two countries lies in the middle of the Creek, it would lose several thousand kilometres of its exclusive economic zone. Indias assertion is to the converse: Were it to accept the Pakistani claim it would be similarly disadvantaged. For the last 47 years, many rounds of negotiations between India and Pakistan have yielded no result in terms of an abiding resolution to the dispute. Like in the case of Siachen, it is linked to the larger problems that bedevil the two countries. From Indias point of view it is terrorism and from Pakistans sta-ndpoint it is Kashmir. As territorial readjustment of boundaries in the context of the Indian subcontinent is both an emotive and a cultural issue, any give or take that involves the loss or gain of territory just does not seem possible. In the wake of the attack on the Indian Parliament on Decem-ber 13, 2001, at the height of Operation Parakram, the largest mobilisation of the Indian armed forces after the 1971 war, General Pervez Musha-rraf, the then President and Army Chief of Paki-stan, asked one of the foremost foreign strategic analysts of South Asian affairs, for a read on Indian intentions. The analyst ostensibly told Gen. Musharraf that India would do nothing for India fights over territory and not people. It factors in the casualties as the price of living in a bad neighbourhood and moves on. His incisive insight into the collective Indian psychological matrix proved to be prophetic. Operation Parakram ended in a whimper and even subsequent terrorist attacks by Pakistan-backed se-mi-state actors, including 26/11, were absorbed by India without a robust response. The bogey trotted out for this inaction is that both are nuclear weapon states and any coercive reaction can lead to disastrous consequences. This claim is belied by the Kargil episode. Given this peculiar angularity in our psyche, India would not accept any international arbitration on the pre-mise that disputes should be resolved bilaterally and Pakistan, in turn, would not accept the Indian proposal for a demarcation of the maritime boundary under the aegis of the technical aspects of the law of the sea. It is, therefore, a stalemate much like Siachen. What complicates matters is the perception that the area is oil, gas and mineral rich and, therefore, umbilically tied to the energy security imperatives of both the countries. This could prove to be the proverbial gamechanger. Gere lies the crucial distinction between Siachen and Sir Creek. If the latter has oil, gas and minerals in the wider continental shelf and the disputed economic zone to be delineated in terms of how the land/sea terminus is determined, perhaps it makes a case for a joint endeavour between India and Pakistan. The two, through their respective government or public sector entities, can demarcate acreage for joint exploration. Public sector is the key because private money is a coward and likes to find the safest harbour. A case is repeatedly made in the Track one and a half to Track five between India and Pakistan that economic linkages, if sufficiently developed, can surmount the political and military differences between the two countries. Though this idea may sound fuzzy at the moment but as the adage goes confusion is the first stage of resolution. It is to be hoped that the authorities in Kashmir will handle the volatile situation arising out of allegations of molestation of a young woman in Handwara firmly, but with sensitivity. For several months it has been suggested in Kashmir through provocation on social media sites that a storm will brew in the coming summer. This is an indication that anti-India outfits on the other side of the LoC might have a plan to spread unrest to re-kindle old fires. No sooner did the allegation begin to surface last Tuesday that a young girl student was molested by an Army jawan in Handwara in north Kashmir than all hell broke loose. Violent protests were met by police firing and three people were killed. This set off widespread protests across the Valley. The separatist weighed in with a bandh call. Everything seemed to be happening as if on cue. It is well to remember that allegations of dishonouring of women have been hurled before at the uniformed forces in Kashmir and found to be without basis on close examination. A few years ago, in south Kashmir, a young woman is said to have been dragged from a river bank by a jawan and assaulted. A string of people, including well-positioned medical personnel, found themselves proffering doctored evidence, only to be caught out. But the fire had been lit and much damage was caused. An incident of mass rape was alleged from a part of Srinagar, only to be found dubious. Violent protests based on unfounded allegations or undue anxiety are made a mobilising tool by secessionists aided by unscrupulous planners in a neighbouring country. In the present Handwara case, the alleged victim has reportedly said in a video that her tormentors were local elements and not anyone from the Army or J&K police. This video should be placed for scrutiny by responsible people engaged for the purpose by the state government, and then appropriate action taken. The government must not shy away from taking strict action against the uniformed personnel or mischief makers, whoever is found guilty. The government has already squandered some of its authority right on taking over recently by letting the NIT campus episode in Srinagar gain a communal colour, with unthinking Hindutva-type elements in New Delhi, including Union ministers, misjudging the issue in the name of a foolishly wrought nationalism. Such mis-steps aid the cause of the secessionists. DSD hit with fine - seafarers jailed Dutch shipping company DSD was fined $2.5 mill in US federal court for operating a crude oil tanker without the proper environmental safeguards in the Gulf of Mexico and lying to the Coast Guard. The company was convicted on eight counts last week. In addition, four crew members were also charged. Three have been convicted and sentenced to up to six months in jail. A fourth crew member has pleaded guilty and was awaiting sentencing. The fine and sentences stemmed from a November, 2014 spot inspection of DSD's Aframax Stavanger Blossom by the US Coast Guard. USCG officers said that the ship lacked an oily water separator. When the USCG boarded the ship, officers reported that she did not have the proper environmental equipment and that the crew had forged the log book to hide the fact they were illegally discharging the oily wastewater. The USCG claimed that the ship had discharged 20,000 gallons of oil-contaminated water during the last two months of operation. In addition, prosecutors presented evidence that showed DSD personnel were aware the ship was operating illegally. A company memo dating back to 2010 showed evidence that the company was aware of the potential problem, but continued to allow the ship to operate in violation of US and international law for another 57 months. The US district judge ordered DSD to pay $500,000 of the $2.5 mill fine to fund marine research in the Gulf Coast region. DSD was also placed on three years' probation. The four crew members convicted will have their merchant marine certificates revoked meaning they will no longer be allowed to work on commercial vessels. GAC Russia joins forces on Northern Sea Route GAC Russia has teamed up with the Far East Development Fund to address the challenges faced by shipping companies transiting the Northern Sea Route (NSR). The strategic partnerships first move will be to conduct extensive research within the shipping community to collect data on NSR navigation experiences. Building on this feedback and the belief that the NSR will be a significant factor in the future development of global maritime trade, the initiative will then explore a range of options to make it more competitive and attract more traffic. Denis Askinadze, Far East Development Fund managing director, said: It would be hard to overstate the significance of the NSR for Russias economy. It has been an important transport corridor contributing to the economic growth both of the Arctic regions and of Russia as a whole. Pursuing the goal of practical development of the NSR and drawing on the GAC Russia teams extensive local knowledge of the Arctic region and global shipping and logistics expertise, we believe that this partnership will address the challenges and help to form a hands-on solution for all users of the NSR. Arkady Podkopaev, GAC Russias managing director, said that the companys operational bases in Murmansk and Sabetta, combined with a network of well-established agents along the NSR, enables it to provide a single point of contact for integrated shipping and logistics services in the Arctic region. Its a complex area in which were well-versed, he said. Were committed to providing optimal support to our client base and reducing their costs. With that in mind we are about to conduct a client survey, to ascertain the needs and concerns of those using the NSR, and to ensure that we address the same. The survey will involve shipping companies, ranging from those who have already used the NSR to those who have ruled it out for now. Their feedback will form the basis on which GAC Russia and the Far East Development Fund will build their future strategies and, in GACs case, deliver services aligned with specific needs. We firmly believe were on course to make the NSR more attractive to shipping companies and encourage them to take advantage of the shorter distance and time benefits on offer, concluded Podkopaev. Our aim is to bring about fast and positive change by 1st July, 2016 when summer navigation commences, and all those who take part in the survey will in turn benefit from the expected mitigation of economical, technical and organisational challenges highlighted leading to optimum support during their NSR navigations. ILO minimum seafarer wage held The recommended ILO minimum wage for able seafarers will remain at its current level of $614 basic pay per month until at least 2018. This follows an ILO Joint Maritime Commission (JMC) meeting held in Geneva last week, comprising representatives of maritime employers co-ordinated by the the ICS and seafarers unions co-ordinated by the ITF. Speaking after the ILO JMC meeting on behalf of ICS, Max Johns (German Shipowners Association) said:The continuation of the current minimum wage until at least 2018, at the increased level, which came into effect in January, 2016, as a result of the previous JMC agreement, means that employers should benefit from a period of stability in what are otherwise very challenging markets for the global industry. ICS, in its role as an official ILO social partner, said that it firmly supported the global minimum wage, a concept unique to the international shipping industry. While the ILO minimum only refers to the basic wage for the non-officer grade of Able Seafarer, the total minimum payable is much higher overtime payments are taken into account and other pay related entitlements under the ILO Maritime Labour Convention. The ILO JMC is next scheduled to review the ILO minimum wage during 2018. Markets - Rates on a roller coaster ride VLCC general activity was described as steady last week. Rates remained on a roller coaster and it felt as though they were more driven by sentiment than any change in fundamentals, Fearnleys said in its weekly report. Rates in both the MEG and West Africa corrected downwards early in the week but rebounded towards the end of the week. WAfrica/East business was already working dates up to the third week of May and could correct upwards from last done at WS60. Suezmax activity in West Africa picked up after several weeks of rates moving sideways. Due to an unexpected injection of barrels for end April loading ex Nigeria, in combination with tight position list for early May, a stronger momentum for owners was created with firming rates. The Med/Black Sea areas remained slow at the time of writing (Wednesday) with the April loading programme in the Black Sea covered. In the East, activity seemed to have settled for now, but with the May Basrah cargo programme out, it might create enough interest for the rates to hold. The North Sea and Baltic markets have been on their way down since last week, but with a massive Urals programme due this month, that could easily change. We are also seeing several Aframaxes leaving the area, giving owners hope for a swift recovery. In the Med and Black Sea, we started the week with a long list of tonnage ready to fix. Charterers made the most of this opportunity and almost fixed their whole April programme at once. Unfortunately for owners, the position list has been so long that charterers have managed to keep rates at bottom levels. Going forward we believe the market will remain at bottom levels, as we expect lower cargo activity in the week to come, Fearnleys concluded. Not surprisingly, there were several deliveries reported during the past couple of weeks. For example, on 8th April, at a naming ceremony in South Korea, Maersk Tankers christened two more newbuilds at Sungdong Shipyard - Maersk Teesport and Maersk Tianjing. Both vessels are MRs and join their sister ship Maersk Tangier, which was delivered on 5th February this year. Maersk said that the vessels were a part of a renewal programme. Last year, Maersk Tankers took delivery of the first two of 10 vessels ordered from Sungdong - Maersk Tampa and Maersk Tacoma. Within the next few years about 20% of the fleet will be replaced with newbuilds already ordered - 10 vessels from Sungdong and nine additional MRs from Ningbo Shipyard in China. The vessels from Ningbo are expected to be delivered in 2017 and 2018. As part of our Taking Lead Strategy, we have increased our investment in the product tanker business in order to strengthen our fleet. Besides the newbuild order book we have also replaced some of our older vessels with secondhand vessels. We will continue our renewal of the fleet, when we believe that the pricing is at an attractive level again. At the time being the price level is too high, explained business manager Claus Grnborg. Elsewhere, Ocean Yield has taken delivery delivery of the 49,000 dwt IMO II chemical tanker Navig8 Turquoise from STX. Following her delivery, the vessel commenced a 15 years bareboat charter to Navig8 Chemical Tankers.She is the fifth to be delivered out of a series of eight chemical tankers to be chartered to Navig8 Chemical Tankers. Ocean Yield's CEO Lars Solbakken said: "Year to date we have taken delivery of four vessels and will during the next 12 months take delivery of another nine vessels bringing the fleet to a total of 27 vessels." Also on the 8th April, in South Korea, the JSC Latvian Shipping Co subsidiary LSC Shipmanagement (LSCSM) took delivery of the MR Elandra Palm. Elandra Palm is the second of three new ships built by SSP Shipbuilding. The first of the three ships Elandra Spruce was delivered on 11th January. The next addition is expected in May when the Elandra Oak will be added to the fleet. It has been reported that Daewoo (DSME)is to build two Suezmaxes at its Okpo shipyard in South Korea by transferring the order originally won by its Romanian arm after failing to win new orders recently. According to local media, DSME announced on Wednesday that it will construct the two Suezmaxes, ordered originally at Daewoo Mangalia Heavy Industries (DMHI) in Rumania for $130 mill in total, at its Geoje shipyard. DMHI, which has been put up for sale as part of the financially-crippled shipbuilders efforts to restructure, was awarded the order from an unnamed Greek company in December, 2014. South Koreas state-owned policy bank Korea Development Bank, DSMEs main creditor bank, has tried to sell the loss-making DMHI, but it has yet to find a buyer. DMHI has said it will not take any new orders after it completes its current crop of newbuildings. It is highly likely to serve as a repair yard or be shut down after its last order is delivered, local media said. The only order reported recently was for a second VLGC at HHI for SK Shipping for $76 mill. She is to be delivered in first quarter of 2018 and chartered to SK Gas for 15 years. She was originally an option which was recently declared. Three Aframaxes were reported to have been chartered for between 12 and 18 months at rates varying between $23,500 and $26,000 per day. The 2005-built LR1 Energy Challenger was said to have been fixed to Phillips 66 for 12 months at $21,200 per day. MRs were being fixed for around $17,250 per day for 12 month periods. In the S&P market, the 2002-built Aframax Stresa was reportedly sold to Far East interests - some saying Saudi Arabian buyers - for $19.5 mill. Leaving the fleet was the 1995-built Panamax Georgios said to have been sold to Pakistani breakers on private terms. Six tanker crew abducted Pirates have attacked a Turkish oil tanker sailing near the Nigerian coast and abducted six crew members, including the Master. The identities or motivation of the pirates, who attacked the Maltese-flagged 2007-built, 15,857 dwt chem/prod tanker Puli, were unknown, Turkish TV channel NTV reported on Monday. Puli is owned by Turkish shipping company Kaptanoglu and managed by K Tankering & Shipmanagement, according to the Equasis database and Turkish news reports. The tanker had sailed from Gabon and called at Abidjan in the Ivory Coast last week, before travelling to Nigeria, according to official data from International Maritime Traffic. Taking the lid off the teapots Last year, China allowed the small privately owned so called teapot refineries to import crude oil purchased on the international market as an alternative feedstock to the more expensive domestic grades, including fuel oil. These typically range between 20,000-100,000 barrels per day capacity with a few exceptions. Earlier this year, 16 companies led by Chinas largest private refiner Dongming Petrochemical, formed an alliance - China Petroleum Purchase Federation of Independent Refiners - in an attempt to improve their negotiating position with suppliers and ease any credit risk concerns for companies previously unable to deal in international trade, Gibson Research said in a recent report. This move came on the back of two deals last year, which failed, as the refineries could not obtain letters of credit for crude purchases from traders. Two crude cargoes worth $50 mill arrived on Chinas east coast but had to be diverted, following concerns about dealing with these new entities. The newly formed pool of refiners aims to get around these problems and has the potential to purchase up to a fifth of Chinas 2016 crude import requirements. Most of the teapots are based in Shandong Province (North China) and prior to the relaxation of purchasing restrictions, struggled to operate at 30-40% capacity, due to poor margins and the inability to import crude. Beijing started granting quotas in July, 2015 and by January this year, 12 teapot refiners had been granted permission to import 51.4 mill tonnes of crude. Applications from a further six refiners, totalling 24.5 mill tonne, are currently being processed, with a further five applications for unknown quotas currently under examination. Total imports for the teapot refineries this year could reach 57 mill tonnes - equal to a VLCC arriving every other day - if they use their full allocation. Further demand increases in 2017 are expected, Gibson said. Dongming Petrochemical has set up a company in Singapore called Pacific Commerce to pool together 16 refineries to increase their buying power and also consolidate chartering; it is thought that at least one oil major has signed contracts with the new company. Of course, larger shipments to these refineries lead to logistical problems particularly as the teapots are spread around Shandong Province, many with very limited storage capacity. A lack of pipeline facilities to some of the more remote refineries also means that a great deal of the crude has to be trucked. Several projects to improve terminal and port handling services are currently underway. However, the issue how to offload a fully laden VLCC remains a headache. Qingdao and Rizhao are the two main VLCC ports serving the teapots and the recent surge in imports has created widespread congestion, particularly at Qingdao, with many cargoes scheduled to be delivered last month. The impact of these delays will slow down the appetite for further crude purchases in the short term, however a pipeline from the new port of Yantai is due to come into operation in June, which should ease the congestion. China may have stopped buying many commodities, but there is no slowdown in their thirst for crude at least for the moment, Gibson concluded. Its got to be the heat. We have been warned this is going to be a long, hot summer. And since we are not Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman shooting that memorable movie in a cool studio, we are allowed to crib and sound crabbity. Paseena, paseena... and the mercury hitting indecent highs is doing ajeeb things to people. Last night, for example, just as I was about to fall asleep at an awards function most noble and laadli beti ke vaastey etc... but hellishly long, and unbearably self-righteous, I forgot my overpowering drowsiness when the compere cracked this delicious joke. I have always liked Lola Kutty (real name, Anuradha Menon), and sort of wondered what happened to the smart, sexy, witty actor after her cheeky turn on TV as a curly-haired Malayalee hottie, taking the rest apart. Well... there she was on stage, wearing a short, flowered summer frock and minus the trademark jasmine strings in her hair. Gone too, were the nerdy black spectacles and gaudy saris. Fortunately, the curls were intact, if considerably shorter. Said the delicious Kutty, in no particular context: Kangana Ranaut and I have curly mops in common. I am willing to take all the films Kangana rejects. In fact, I am willing to take all her rejects Hrithik Roshan, too. But the only way I can date him is if I send him a legal notice! Ouch! I wanted to rush up on stage and hug her! Its okay to speak out of turn. As the irrepressible Ranveer Singh always does, and fortunately did, at another awards function. When Sophie Chaudhary, the compere, referred to him as half-Sindhi, he promptly turned it around to demand all sorts of freebies, grinning, After all, I am half-Sindhi. Wheres my free TV? Free phone? Possibly, encouraged by the younger stars humour, Rishi Kapoor, seated at (no relation) Rana Kapoors table (Rana heads Yes Bank, and was one of the sponsors of the event), went on stage and told Rana he should have distributed free notes to all the guests as samples since thats what sponsors are supposed to do distribute samples! At one point, amused by Ranas attempts to hog the mike, Sophie asked him whether hed like to co-host the event with her! This brand of irreverence and brashness in public spaces is refreshing and most welcome. Arent we tired of gush? At a recent function, I was tickled when a lady ticked off the organiser who had said, Behind every successful woman is a man... her husband. The feisty lady snapped, There you go... being a man yourself, you refuse to give me credit for my many years of hard work. Atta girl! I wish more celebs would follow suit and stop going yada yada yada while accepting their 1,069th award of the year. Perhaps, they memorise a standard thank you speech and trot it out each time. Some of them quickly look at the brightly-lit sponsor wall behind them and remember to acknowledge the real benefactors those who pay for the show. Others, dutifully and boringly thank the jury members, and then launch into the yawn-inducing, It has been a fantastic journey so far... Id like to share the experience with you. Cliche piles up on cliche and I feel like yanking the mike out of the awardees hands to say, Spare us. Just take that bloody trophy and go home. Mercifully, the younger lot of Bollywood stars is incredibly wicked and happy to publicly take the pants off rivals, friends, seniors, just about anybody. They have the attitude and wit to get away with outrageously personal remarks. We must thank Karan Johar, Saif Ali Khan and Shah Rukh Khan for raising the bar and making insults so cool! Since nobody but nobody is spared these days (I get slaughtered every day), those with thin skins are better off staying away from the glare. Amitabh Bachchan has mastered the art of making fun of himself... and he does so with enormous elan. I was talking to a foreign diplomat over lunch, when he mentioned he had timorously approached Mr Bachchan for a public service campaign. To his utter delight, Amitabhs spontaneous response was, I have just two things to sell my presence and my voice you can have both. That was it! The diplomat was overwhelmed by Amitabhs generosity and said something like this would never happen with superstars back home. These are positive stories about our badnaam Bollywood stars. Most times, I think our actors have the best deal going in life. Yes, they do have to sing (and dance!) for their supper, but they also risk limb and limb when they are shooting. Some of their injuries are permanent, but the show goes on! SRK has a new film coming up. The exacting and punishing promotional schedule is on. This has become a non-negotiable part of movie-making today. No longer can stars do their job in the studios and go home. Its all about the publicity, and that killer opening weekend which tells them whether or not the films a hit. Amitabh Bachchan made a sardonic observation at an awards function when he said the film industry may soon need to rename itself, since nobody shoots on celluloid anymore. When we have switched to digital and there is no film involved, should we call ourselves the digital industry henceforth? He didnt know it at the time, but his telling remark about renaming was given a brand new twist, two days later, with the needless and meaningless rechristening of Gurgaon to Gurugram. Which guru? Whose gram? Up next: What about Modinagar? It already exists. I guess that can stay... but lets see... maybe theres a plan to create a brand new township and name it Shahpur? Or, Amitgram? SHARE Kevin Garwood, 27, 2000 block of Northwest 21st Terrace, Stuart; warrant for possession of child pornography. Jay Cone, 43, 5600 block of Southeast Pine Avenue, Stuart; grand theft. Michael Smith, 42, 4700 block of Regina Drive, Fort Pierce; possession of oxycodone; possession of methadone; possession of alprazolam. Maria Leyva, 63, 8400 block of Southeast Mangrove Street, Stuart; warrants for forgery, falsifying certified title affidavit, criminal use of personal I.D., fraudulently obtaining driver's license, making false affidavit/perjury; out-of-state state warrant, Los Angeles, California, perjury. David Caswell, 27, 1200 block of Southeast Alligator Street, Palm City; sale of heroin within 1,000 feet of a church; sale of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a church; possession of heroin; possession of cocaine. William Anders, 40, 5900 block of Southeast Circle, Hobe Sound; trafficking in oxymorphone; possession of Xanax; possession of suboxone. David Morris, 36, 8800 block of Southeast Colony Street, Hobe Sound; warrant for child abuse intentional act. Sam Mcgeehan, 35, 5600 block of Southeast Pot O Gold Place, Stuart; warrant for battery on an officer. Jeremy Johns, 33, 1300 block of Northeast Silver Maple Way, Jensen Beach; out-of-county warrants, St. Lucie County, dealing in stolen property, giving false information to a pawnbroker. Tyler Hulsberg, 25, St. Johns; warrant for violation of probation, tampering with a witness, resisting arrest without violence, child abuse. Richard Dargan, 58, 2500 block of Southeast Calusa Avenue, Port St. Lucie; fleeing and eluding; battery on an officer. Raymond Sheltra, 31, 16000 block of Southwest Morgan Street, Indiantown; warrant for violation of probation, DUI, 0.15 or more. Joseph Vars, 53, 100 block of South Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach; warrant for petty theft. Arrested in St. Lucie County. SHARE By Nicholas Samuel of TCPalm MARTIN COUNTY Cash, jewelry, and a firearm were the items targeted in three residential burglaries in Martin County the past two days, Sheriff William Snyder said Thursday. Deputies believe these burglaries are related because of their similarities. Burglars stole valuable items from a Jupiter home April 12, and from a Palm City and Tequesta home April 13, where they broke out glass windows and doors for entry. "The method of entry, the items taken and the time these three burglaries occurred gives us a reasonable working theory they are all related," Snyder said. Cash and jewelry worth thousands were taken from all three homes, and a firearm was stolen from one home, Snyder said. All three burglaries happened in the afternoon. The sheriff said he thinks more than one suspect is involved, but that these aren't the same pillowcase burglars that hit the Treasure Coast from 2011 to 2013. "Their whole style is different. There are no similarities (to the pillowcase burglaries)," Snyder said. The pillowcase burglars broke into residences during the day and typically took cash, small electronics and jewelry. Those suspects would use pillowcases to take out the stolen items. Snyder said the burglaries are bound to happen again and urges residents to use their home alarms, call 911 to report suspicious activity, get a description and tag number of any suspicious vehicles and keep a close eye on their neighbors' homes. "People here are excellent about watching out for their neighbors," Snyder said. "People work hard for their property and have every right to come home and find their door locked. SHARE By Jan Lindsey, Special to Treasure Coast Newspapers PORT ST. LUCIE A 16-year-old Lake Worth girl was arrested Thursday after she allegedly stole an Audi A6 and T-boned another vehicle, then fled in the stolen car. She told St. Lucie County deputies she panicked after the crash and changed seats with her passenger, according to a St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office arrest affidavit. The woman whose car was hit followed the Audi until it stopped in the first block of Mediterranean Boulevard North in Port St. Lucie, the affidavit states. People got out of both cars and were arguing in the street when deputies arrived just after midnight Thursday. A man had left the Audi running in the driveway of a residence while he went inside, according to the affidavit. The 16-year-old jumped behind the wheel as her companion climbed in and drove until she failed to yield, hitting the second vehicle. She then changed seats with Kaitlyn Renee Vernon, 18, of Royal Palm Beach, who drove away, it states. Vernon and the 16-year-old each were charged with grand theft auto and operating a motor vehicle without a license, records show. The 16-year-old also was charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage. She was turned over to the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice, according to the affidavit. Vernon was released from the St. Lucie County Jail on Thursday after she posted $4,125 in bond. SHARE Dustin Siel, 23, 1500 block of Southwest Curtist Street, Port St. Lucie; aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill; fleeing/eluding police aggravated fleeing with injury or damage; property damage criminal mischief; fleeing/eluding police fleeing with disregard of safety to person or property; grand theft of a motor vehicle. Cody Pyke, 35, 4100 block of North U.S. 1, Fort Pierce; warrants for giving false information to a pawnbroker, dealing in stolen property. Edwin Romain, 44, 5500 block of Northwest North Crisona Circle, Port St. Lucie; warrant for grand theft. Tavorris Tumblin, 35, Riviera Beach; battery or domestic battery by strangulation. Vicente Montanez, 75, no address; warrants for battery, child abuse, intentional act. Amber Martin, 25, 1700 block of Belle Vista Way, Port St. Lucie; warrants for battery, tampering with a witness, victim or informant. Jake Obrien, 23, 3600 block of Southeast Hyde Circle, Port St. Lucie; out-of-county warrant, Martin County, for amended violation of probation/community control dealing in stolen property. Bryan Moore, 22, 4500 block of Southwest Daemon Street, Port St. Lucie; warrant for order to revoke bond, possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana, sale, manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to sell, manufacture or deliver marijuana, DUI impairment. Robert Hickey, 64, 200 block of Northeast Entrada Avenue, Port St. Lucie; warrant for robbery no firearm or weapon. Albert Copeland, 20, 2300 block of 10th Road, Vero Beach; battery by a person detained in prison or jail facility. Travis Whitfield, 31, 1000 block of Gatewood Avenue, Fort Pierce; battery by a person detained in prison or jail facility. Joseph Vars, 53, 100 block of South Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach; warrant for petty theft. Khalil Hopkins, 22, 2200 block of Southwest Cape Cod Drive, Port St. Lucie; warrant for sale, manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to sell, manufacture or deliver marijuana. Anthony Digiacomo, 40, 300 block of Northwest Dorchester Street, Port St. Lucie; warrant for vehicle theft grand theft of a motor vehicle. Tony Kruska, 27, 2600 block of Southeast Caladium Avenue, Port St. Lucie; out-of-county warrant, Martin County, violation of probation, possession of cocaine. Christopher Cornwell, 700 block of Southeast Carnival Avenue, Port St. Lucie; warrant for court order to revoke bond, driving while license suspended, prior conviction. Charles Miller, 33, 1500 block of Royal Green Circle, Fort Pierce; warrant for violation of probation, DUI. Jeffrey Gray, 68, Palm Bay; warrant for violation of probation, driving while license suspended. Raymond Sheltra, 31, 16000 block of Southwest Morgan Street, Indiantown; warrant for violation of probation, DUI, 0.15 or more. Daniel Seavoy, 29, 5300 block of Deer Run Drive, Fort Pierce; driving with suspended license, habitual offender. Arrested in Indian River County. Richard Dargan, 58, 2500 block of Southeast Calusa Avenue, Port St. Lucie; fleeing and eluding; battery on an officer. Arrested in Martin County. Michael Smith, 42, 4700 block of Regina Drive, Fort Pierce; possession of oxycodone; possession of methadone; possession of alprazolam. Arrested in Martin County. By Andrew Atterbury of TCPalm Indian River County Two School Board stalwarts will not seek re-election this year, clearing the way for a new dynamic in 2016 and beyond. While the board is losing 16 years of knowledge and experience, new membership has its advantages, said Dale Simchick, current board chairwoman. "We will lose that benefit but we will also gain a fresh set of eyes and the fresh eagerness of a newly-elected person," said Simchick, who was appointed to the board by Gov. Rick Scott in 2013. Claudia Jimenez, who was first elected in 2008 and re-elected in 2012, said she will not seek a third term. The director of religious education at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Vero Beach, she is pursuing a theological-studies masters degree. Matthew McCain, who also was elected in 2008 and re-elected in 2012, told the Press-Journal he would not seek re-election. He did not respond to calls seeking comment. Each board member brings a unique professional experience and must learn the complexities of a school system and its finances, Jimenez said. That knowledge doesn't come overnight, she said. Hopefully, those elected this year bring diverse perspectives and are willing to ask questions, she said. Consensus isn't always good for a school board, according to Jimenez. "If everybody agrees all the time, there's something that isn't functioning properly," she said. Differences of opinion help school boards learn and lead to better decisions, said Charles Searcy, who was elected in 2014 and previously served on the board from 1996-2000. New members have to be bold and speak up when they disagree, Searcy said. They must support the superintendent and district staff but also be willing to question their recommendations, Searcy said. "They're brand new but there's no one-year waiting period before you can have input," Searcy said. "You're expected to produce." Switching from election mode to being a full-fledged board member can be a challenge, said board member Shawn Frost, who was elected in 2014. New members are expected to make a vote on what is essentially their first day on the job, he said. The success of a future School Board member is decided long before he or she is are sworn in, Frost said. During his campaign, Frost said, he learned how local education is heavily driven by policies made in Tallahassee. Understanding trends and what's coming up next is a big part of the job, he said. As far as having two new members on the board, Frost said he welcomes "diversity of thought." "I want someone who cares about policy and will take the time to do the work," Frost said. Voters should listen as candidates speak, and examine their education knowledge, Simchick said. Those running should be doing their homework on budgets, finances and laws now, so they can hit the ground running once elected, she said. "A person should be willing, while running, to put the work in and understand the basics," Simchick said. At their best, school boards can be a model for students and the community by working together, Jimenez said. Each new personality or point of view introduced to a board is another opportunity to listen and respect differences of opinion, she said. "I think that's what keeps it vibrant," Jimenez said. "You are absorbing new perspectives, new ways of seeing education." Indian River County School Board Election District 3: Four-year term, $33,417 annual salary Incumbent: Matthew McCain, an accountant who has served since 2008 Candidates: Stephen Sczurek, 60, legal technician; Laura Zorc, 44, conservative education activist District 5: Four-year term, $33,417 annual salary Incumbent: Claudia Jimenez, a former educator who has served since 2008. Candidates: Tiffany Justice, 37, stay-at home mother of four; John Kim, 23, produce exchange owner Filing deadline: June 24 Source: Supervisor of Elections Office; Press-Journal research Sebastian resident Len Dube (far right with back to camera) wants to bring his military memorabilia collection to the city with the help of the American Legion Post 189. (PHOTO TAKEN FROM VIDEO SHOT IN VETERAN'S SERVICE OFFICE AND MUSEUM IN TORRINGTON, CONNECTICUT.) SHARE By Janet Begley, Special to Treasure Coast Newspapers SEBASTIAN With thousands of veterans calling Indian River County home, Sebastian resident Len Dube can't think of a better place to house his collection of military memorabilia. The Connecticut transplant, who is selling his New England property this summer, told the City Council Wednesday he wants to bring his collection to the city with the help of the American Legion Post 189. Currently, the collection is housed in the Veteran's Service Office and Museum in Torrington, Connecticut. Dube said the collection includes 28 mannequins outfitted in full military regalia representing soldiers from the Revolutionary War to the global war on terrorism. Other items, including firearms and military equipment such as canteens, are part of the display, as well as old photographs. "I started collecting very early in life about the age of 17," Dube told council members. "The items pay tribute to veterans and their families." The collection would be set up at the American Legion Post 189, 807 Louisiana Ave., according to Wayne Newland, who chairs the Sebastian Veterans Advisory Board. "We've been offered a pre-manufactured office from a facility that is going away," said Newland. "All we would have to do is move it to the grounds of the American Legion Post and put the museum collection out there." Dube will assume all costs associated with the move, Newland said, and the museum would be open to the public. Mayor Bob McPartlan, an Army veteran, asked Dube if a tank was part of the museum's collection and was disappointed to learn there was no heavy equipment included. McPartlan has often expressed interest in having a tank on display in the city, similar to the one that is displayed in a park in Okeechobee. "I've been dying for a tank," joked McPartlan. "I'm an Army guy. I love tanks." Newland said the military museum will be a first for Sebastian. "We're trying to enhance things for our veterans," he said. VIDEO | Torrington Military Museum Family of Fernandez Jones grieve at Sandsprit Park in Stuart. (ERIC HASERT/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS) By Will Greenlee of TCPalm STUART As the Martin County Sheriff's Office concludes its investigation into the offshore boating accident that left three family members dead last weekend, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission begins scrutinizing the vessel to determine a cause for the tragedy. You can call it a boat autopsy. Part of the wildlife commission's probe will focus on an examination of the 24-foot, center console Sea Ray boat, which the agency pulled from the water less than three days after the incident. Port St. Lucie residents Fernandas Jones, 51, a Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office corrections deputy, his son, Jayden Jones, 9, and his stepfather, Willis Bell, 70, drowned, according to a preliminary autopsy report from the regional medical examiner's office. Jones' cousin Robert Stewart, 45, of Port St. Lucie, remains hospitalized at Martin Medical Center in good condition. The investigation could take several months, said Officer Amy Moore, FWC spokeswoman. "They'll be able to do a complete investigation, and take into consideration what they see, what they find on the vessel and what account they recover from the survivor," she said. "It's not a quick process because they want to find out the truth." Martin County Sheriff William Snyder has said by all indications the incident is an accident. According to Carol Lyn Parrish, another FWC spokeswoman, FWC investigators are certified in boating accident investigations through the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. Gary Haupt, program manager and lead instructor for the course, said steps involved include determining the vessel's capacity in terms of maximum weight and engine horsepower. "That would be the first step to see if there was any overloading situations that occurred," Haupt said. Haupt said much of the investigation will focus on what the survivor recalls. "If it wasn't an overloading situation, what in the world is going on?" he said. "Was it a failure of the hull, was it a failure to anchor properly?" Haupt said sometimes boaters anchor from the stern, rather than the bow, which can "create a susceptibility for water to inundate over the transom." Environmental conditions and other variables must be considered, such as whether the drain plug was in, personal flotation devices and equipment issues. "The investigators would have to look at the totality of the circumstances involved and then kind of narrow it down through ... a deductive reasoning process to see what was the primary cause," he said. According to an FWC report, about 8:40 a.m. on April 10 the boat was about 1.5 miles offshore when those on board noticed water in the back. They tried to get it out using a bilge pump and buckets, but in about 5 minutes the boat sank and capsized. Stewart was found on a beach the next morning, as were the three bodies. "For them to describe a bunch of water in the back of the boat, is that because it was rough seas and it was inundating the boat?" Haupt said. "Or is that a function of something failed in the hull, or did they forget to put a drain plug in?" The drain plug is at the back of the boat near the engine. It can be removed to drain excess water that may accumulate in the bilge area, which is under the floor. Haupt said it's typically removed when the boat is taken out of the water, to let the water drain. It's important, he said, to put the plug back in. "Whether that's what occurred or not who knows?" he said. "But that's one of the processes to look at if in fact the drain plug was properly installed." Haupt said water weighs 7 to 8 pounds a gallon, and the weight quickly adds up. "That's a dynamic weight so it's sloshing around and it's creating more problems than just conventional passenger weight," he said. "It's kind of like a snowball effect." He also said what people remember under stress also can be skewed. "It's still an investigator's role to sort that out and see what the evidence indicates compared to what the witnesses say," he said. The Vero Beach Municipal Power Plant. (FILE PHOTO) By Isadora Rangel of TCPalm State Rep. Debbie Mayfield has tried unsuccessfully for the last six years to convince the Legislature to crack down on the Florida Municipal Power Agency. As she leaves office, the four Republicans running for her seat are aware the winner will take the baton on the city's arguably most important issue. Mayfield came close this year to getting a bill passed to require the FMPA to disclose its financial information, but the bill stalled as the agency lobbied heavily against it. Her successor will face the same political structure in Tallahassee that requires making inroads with House leadership and establishing enough clout they can use in horse trading to achieve their goals. The candidates running for District 54 said they want to build on what she started, the awareness she's brought to the issue in Tallahassee. They said they also want to create a coalition with lawmakers from other municipalities trying to exit their contracts with the FMPA. Vero Beach got the exit price for one of its four contracts with the agency, a cooperative of 31 municipally owned electric utilities, but contracts for its interest in three power plants don't have an exit clause. The city is contractually obligated to these projects until they stop operating or another municipality buys out its shares. That means Vero Beach is unable to leave the contracts it entered almost 40 years while its customers 60 percent of whom live outside city limits pay more than their neighbors served by Florida Power & Light Co. Candidates recognized the Legislature can't make laws to ensure the city leaves the contracts because that's a legal issue, but as Mayfield did this session they said the FMPA needs to share more of its financial information with the public and be held more accountable to ratepayers, a claim the agency rejects. "This was a market-driven contract and I think market forces are going to settle it," said candidate Gregory Mackay, an Indian River Shores doctor. "I think a legislative fix isn't going to allow the market to do what's supposed to do." LEGISLATIVE ROLE Mackay and the other three candidates support the ill-fated bill Mayfield, R-Vero Beach, filed this legislative session after a 2015 state audit found some of the FMPA's business practices resulted in $247.6 million in losses in the previous year. The bill would have required the FMPA to disclose, among other financial information, the fair market value of its power-generating assets based on how much a willing buyer would pay a willing seller. The point was to help the city exit the contracts by showing how much the power plants are worth, but the FMPA and a legislative staff analysis said it's nearly unfeasible to come up with a fair-market value because there's a limited pool of buyers looking for power plants. The FMPA also said its financial information already is public under Florida's public record laws. Candidate Erin Grall, a lawyer who lives in unincorporated Indian River County and is served by the Vero Beach utility, said she is interested in legislation that maintains a provision in Mayfield's bill to require the agency's board members be elected officials because "they are the ones accountable to the citizens." Dale Glading, a Vero Beach Baptist minister, said he would collaborate with Mayfield on the best legislation with more transparency in mind. "She has laid the groundwork, so I think it will be a little disingenuous of me to do anything other than talk to her first to see what coalition she has worked with and which members are willing to listen," Glading said. Lange Sykes, a Vero Beach business owner and Realtor, said he would continue to work on the transparency issue, but opposes putting the FMPA under the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission, which oversees investor-owned utilities such as FPL. "I don't believe in adding another layer of bureaucracy," he said. POLITICAL GAME A bill's chance of becoming law typically depends less on its content and more on who files it. Lawmakers with support from legislative leaders often get appointed to powerful positions and committees within their chambers, which leads to enough clout to push their issues. With an eight-year term limit in place, lawmakers have little time to establish themselves. Mayfield, who's running for the state Senate, is the chairwoman of the House Local Government Affairs Subcommittee, which oversees bills dealing with local issues. She got her FMPA bill through two of its three assigned House committees, but it wasn't heard in enough Senate committees in time for the end of session in March. She said she doesn't know what stalled the legislation, but said some lawmakers were wary of it because they thought it would have increased regulation. She said she's experienced how political tides can change for lawmakers. From her first session in 2009 through 2013, many of her bills became law, including one to require insurance companies to cover orally administered cancer drugs the same way they cover intravenous or injection ones. In 2014, she filed a bill she said Republican legislative leaders disapproved of to repeal the state version of federal Common Core education standards. Since then, she's had a tougher time getting her bills through. She got three laws passed in 2014 and 2015, but none this year. "Politics is an ugly process," Mayfield said. "It's a matter of where we (lawmakers) are moving in politics. What member are we trying to promote to be successful?" The Vero Beach Municipal Power Plant. (ERIC HASERT/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS) By Colleen Wixon of TCPalm VERO BEACH Much like a divorcing couple agreeing to obligatory counseling, Vero Beach and Indian River Shores will meet for another mediation session, yet few expect results. Vero City Council agreed April 4 to seek mediation in response to the Shores' plan to regulate its electric rates and service once the town's 30-year franchise agreement with Vero Beach ends in November. State law encourages local governments to use mediation as a first step to resolve conflicts before litigation, City Manager Jim O'Connor said. "In the hope of avoiding additional litigation costs, the city believes that it is most prudent and efficient to proceed with (mediation)," O'Connor said last week in a letter to Shores Town Manager Robbie Stabe. In September, the Shores Town Council created its own electric utility authority, with the power to approve or reject rate increases. The move targets providers such as Vero Beach electric, which are outside the rate jurisdiction of the state Public Service Commission. Providers such as Florida Power & Light Co. already need PSC approval for rate increases. Vero Beach officials say the town's actions violate state law and go against court precedent. While officials from both sides pledge a good-faith effort, Indian River Shores Mayor Brian Barefoot said the town's outside counsel on the case may stay home in Tallahassee for the session, which could be scheduled this month. "It won't be an 'all hands on deck'. It's not necessary," Barefoot said. The purpose of the mediation session is confusing to Barefoot. "Are we mediating a right that we have a right to do?" Barefoot asked. "We passed an ordinance. They didn't like it." Vero Beach council wants to get mediation out of the way now rather than wait until closer to November, when litigation would be likely if the Shores tried to regulate its rates, Vero Beach Mayor Jay Kramer said. Litigation is expensive and leads to higher electric bills, Kramer said. "It's just not fair to everybody to keep piling on legal costs," he said. Previous mediation efforts between the two municipalities have been unsuccessful and expensive. Another round likely would have similar results, but fulfills each side's obligation to try to resolve differences. Last year's mediation sessions cost about $5,634 for the state mediator's time and travel expenses, divided among the city, the Shores and Indian River County. Each side was accompanied by a team of lawyers specializing in electric-utility issues, who charge several hundred dollars an hour. In the end, Indian River Shores resumed its lawsuit against Vero Beach and continues to push for a sale of its portion of the Vero system to FPL. The Shores already has put Vero on notice it plans to end its relationship in November. About 3,500 Indian River Shores residents are Vero Beach electric customers. The town repeatedly has sought relief from the Public Service Commission to evict Vero electric from the town's rights of way and roads unless Vero pays for use of the town's property. Vero estimated a $64.5 million impact on its remaining customers if the city sells the Shores portion to FPL. For its part, FPL offered the city $13 million for the Shores customer base. Iris Anderson (left) asks part owner and property manager Ronen Hazan (center) for the residents of the building to start receiving monthly rent receipts. Marc Meyers, Fort Pierce building official, listens at the apartment building on Tuesday. Anderson has been living at the property longer than any other current tenant, she said, yet "there's not one voice for everybody." (LEAH VOSS/TREASURE COAST NEWSPAPERS) By Keona Gardner of TCPalm FORT PIERCE Iris Anderson hates to complain about the exposed electrical wires under her cabinets; she knows her neighbor Kristin Luspina has a situation just as bad in her apartment: mold and mushrooms growing in a closet next to a leaky water heater. Worse yet, second-floor neighbors Yasmine Monroig and Damien Serchwell have no electricity because a breaker has been broken since February and the property owner has yet to repair it. The living conditions of these three tenants are indicative of what others also face at the 14-unit apartment complex at 1610 N. 25th St., north of Orange Avenue. On April 7, the city condemned the structure, giving the property owner 26 Investment LLC, of Fair Lawn, New Jersey until Sunday to fix the problems or the tenants would be forced to move out. "This is a public-safety issue," said city Building Official Marc Meyers. "It is unfortunate that they have been placed in this situation through no fault of their own. But we have to make sure our residents are safe." Representatives of 26 Investment LLC, could not be reached for comment. Whether the city follows through on the condemnation and the 13 tenants are forced to move remains unclear, however. City building officials and the owner's representatives toured the complex Tuesday, and the owner's representative applied for permits Thursday. The city modified the order to allow residents to continue living in the apartments while repairs are being made. Each of the 13 tenants pays $650 a month in rent. The owner has accumulated $53,050 in unpaid code-enforcement fines since Dec. 30, according to city records. "It is hard to think that people live like this in this day and time," said Anderson who lives in the complex with her husband. "We pay our rent on time and yet they still can't fix anything." All the city can do is pressure the owner to make repairs, according to Meyers. "The city can't hire someone to fix the property because it is not the city's property," he said. The apartment complex landed on the city's radar in May, when inspectors noticed drywall and air-conditioning repairs being done without permits, Meyers said. City building inspectors issued an immediate stop-work order and instructed the owner by certified mail to address those issues, Meyers said. The notices went unanswered, he said. "Our biggest problem in the city is absentee landlords who collect the money and don't care about the condition of the apartments," Meyers said. Building inspectors returned to the property in June and found six additional violations, including structural cracks and an additional broken breaker box that was sending out double the proper power level. "The wires are taking on more electricity than it can handle and the wires could overheat and cause a fire," said St. Lucie Fire District Inspector Brian Putnam. For Serchwell and Monroig, it's not that they get too much power to their apartment. They don't get any. The couple runs an orange extension cord out their second-floor bedroom window to an outlet in the first-floor laundry room. It pulls in enough electricity to run a box fan and a TV. Yet the extension cord poses a great risk of a fire, Putnam said. "An extension cord was not meant to provide electrical use for sustained periods," he said. "The cord could overheat and cause a fire, or because the extension cord is outside it can get covered by leaves or palm fronds and overheat and cause a fire. This is all-around a dangerous situation." Without electricity, the young family can't purchase groceries because there is no way to keep food cold or hot. Serchwell, the father of Monroig's children, estimates the couple spends about $300 a month eating out. "It's expensive. But what else can we do?" Serchwell asked. They sent their 3-year-old son and 6-month-old daughter to live with Monroig's mother in Port St. Lucie. On Tuesday, the owner's representative paid for a hotel room for Monroig and Serchwell for one week. Their children, however, will remain with Monroig's mother. "I'm a mom. I want to spend time with my children. I want to give them their baths and read them a story and tuck them in at night," Monroig said. "But I can't. It's not safe for them here." Mumbai: The US government has recommended that Windows PC users uninstall Apple Inc's QuickTime video player after security software maker Trend Micro Inc said on Thursday it had discovered two new bugs in the software. Trend Micro said it had uncovered two critical vulnerabilities in the version of the QuickTime media player for Microsoft Corp's Windows operating system, which could be leveraged to launch attacks on PCs if users visit a malicious web page or open a tainted file. The warning does not apply to QuickTime for Apple's Mac computers. A spokesman for Apple declined comment. Trend Micro said that it did not know of any cases where the bugs had been exploited by attackers, but urged Windows users to immediately uninstall it because Apple was phasing out the program, which means it will not fix the bugs. The Department of Homeland Security's United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team, or US-CERT, said in an alert on Thursday that the bugs put users at heightened risks from viruses and other security threats since Apple was ending support for the product. "The only mitigation available is to uninstall QuickTime for Windows," the alert said. Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Anthony Westbury is a columnist for TCPalm.com. Is he welcome in the tent or deliberately being kept outside? That's a question St. Lucie County Commission candidate Sal Anicito is still asking himself a month after being "thrown out" of the Democratic Party of St. Lucie County booth at the county fair, which runs from late February to early March. Anicito is running as a challenger to incumbent Chris Dzadovsky for the District 1 seat on the commission, but he feels he's not getting much help from the local party. The local Democratic Party had the booth to allow candidates to meet and greet members of the public at probably the largest gathering of people in the county. However, this year, it seems some of the candidates were more equal than others. "When I became a candidate in January, I contacted the party via email and left several messages for Celeste Bush (the county chairwoman),"Anicito, 62, said. "None were returned. I even left a message with her husband; that wasn't answered either. "The big issue with the booth was that you had to be interviewed by her and she only wanted people capable of winning," Anicito continued. "By the time I did get to talk to her, it was the week of the fair and I was told no." To qualify for the ballot, candidates can either get 1,823 petition cards signed by registered voters or pay a filing fee. In Anicito's case that fee is $4,536. As he pointed out, the booth was the only site at the fair where signature gathering was permitted. Candidates are not allowed to rent their own booths or to stroll the crowds seeking signatures. Anicito decided to go to the fair anyway. "I dressed up," said Anicito who had a 30-year career with the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office and the Fort Pierce Police Department, "and I introduced myself to the officials. I was told to take my cards and get out. I was literally thrown out. I thought we'd work together as a team but was told 'there is no team here.' " As Anicito said, "it took the wind out of my sails because I now see how St. Lucie County politics are. Now I know why the same people keep getting elected." Anicito's opponent, Dzadovsky did work the booth several times at the fair, he said. Celeste Bush, Democratic Party chairwoman, responded to the charges. She pointed out there were 19 Democrats who applied to run for office. "Most of those people were unknown to me or the party apparatus," she said. "The Democratic Party locally is maintained by volunteers who work hard to get Democrats elected ... What we cannot do is give away our time and hard-earned resources to people we do not know and who have not been vetted." To allow all 19 candidates to get their petitions signed would have been "annoying" to fair visitors, Bush said. She also suggested that if candidates cannot get the 1,823 petition signatures and must pay the fee instead, perhaps they should not be running in the first place. Bush penned a letter explaining the new policy . "The Democratic Party is established to WIN elections," Bush wrote. "WE only recognize VIABLE candidates" who demonstrate "a practical strategy to WIN." She closed the letter with this line: "If this sounds tough or over the top, please remember our goal is to elect Democrats. This is not achievable when Democrats attack Democrats. We need to work together to reach our goals." It sounds to me like that was the last thing the party was doing. This is a microcosm of what's going on at the national level of both major political parties. While Donald Trump is running away with the popular Republican vote, top party officials are plotting to prevent him from becoming the nominee. The Democratic Party also has been accused of stacking the deck against Bernie Sanders. "This is the first time I've run for office. I was very excited at first; I'm not so excited now," Anicito said. Cathy Townsend is running for the District 5 seat on the county commission. She said she, too, was excluded from the booth at first but kept showing up every day until she was allowed inside. "It was my persistence that made the difference," Townsend said. Martha Hornsby is running against incumbent Joe Smith for the Clerk to the Court position. She had all her petitions signed back in December. She attended the fair to help out other candidates. However, the new policy did leave a sour taste, she said. "I believe everybody should get a chance to be on the ballot. Leave it up to the voters (to choose). That's the American way and an important part of our democratic process." Absolutely. Yet it seems both parties exclude those they don't like. That mindset may be one reason many voters are registering as independents and why we have candidates like Trump and Sanders, who challenge the status quo. Vero Beach Mayor Jay Kramer (left) and Indian River County Commissioner Bob Solari. (FILE PHOTOS) Ask two Republicans the same question and what do you get? A different answer. This is not a joke I read on the Internet making fun of the winter's GOP debates. It's what happened the other night when two local officeholders debated in front of the Indian River County Republican Executive Committee. It was so bad Indian River County Commissioner Bob Solari and Vero Beach Mayor Jay Kramer, seeking to unseat Solari, couldn't even agree on a definition of Seven50. Seven50's website, approved by a consortium of South Florida governments, nonprofits and universities, says Seven50 "(maps) the strategy for the best-possible quality of life for the more than 6 million residents of Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Martin, St. Lucie and Indian River counties." Indian River County and Vero Beach opted out of the consortium. Yet Kramer's definition at Wednesday night's debate was quite different: "Basically, it's regional planning. You have a lot of the big players in industry major power companies, major construction companies they want to go ahead and plan your infrastructure, plan your roads, plan your zoning on how you're going to develop your cities, and set specifications that overrule your own zoning laws." Solari's response: "Now, because (Kramer's) answer wasn't correct: Seven50 is not regional planning; it's planning from the Department of Housing and Urban Development up in Washington, D.C. It's (Barack) Obama's way of imposing its (sic) will on Indian River County. If you don't know who your enemies are, what are you going to accomplish?" Seven50 was the most trivial disagreement the two had, but it's an example of their polarization. The disagreements ran the gamut, on questions related to the Indian River Lagoon, county management, short-term rentals and even All Aboard Florida. Solari defended the County Commission's allocation of $2.7 million to fight the proposed passenger rail line in court. As proof of success, All Aboard Florida's initial news release in 2012 claimed the line would cost $1 billion and service would begin in 2014. Now, he said, the service is projected to cost $3.5 billion and begin in 2017. Kramer said the only way to stop the service is to enlist Gov. Rick Scott, whose campaign Kramer chaired twice locally. After all, Scott in 2011 rejected $2.4 billion from the federal government, killing a proposed high-speed rail line between Orlando and Tampa. "Do you think that filing lawsuits against Gov. Scott, his commissions, his boards is going to do you any favors?" Kramer asked. "If you want to stop the train, you've got to play ball with Gov. Scott," Kramer said, suggesting that supporting a potential Scott U.S. Senate bid with private funding would help. "You know how Tallahassee works." Solari was incensed by the suggestion, noting Scott's not about to upset the 8 million South Floridians who want the train to please the 600,000 on the Treasure Coast who don't. "Backroom politics, trying to feed more dollars into the governor's pocket is not the answer," Solari said. "That's just a corrupt form of government which has brought us the problem. The solution is focused work trying to beat the enemy." Some other disagreements: INDIAN RIVER LAGOON: Kramer wants the county to join the regional Indian River Lagoon Council (Solari fought against it) and get the county to begin eliminating septic tanks like his city. Solari said the city's septic tank-removal program has been ineffective. He wants to continue to fund projects such as three marshes the county has built to clean lagoon water. COUNTY MANAGEMENT: Solari is proud of the county's cost controls. Kramer said county department heads are hamstrung by top-down management. Thus, these professionals' skills are not used efficiently. SHORT-TERM RENTALS: Kramer said a strong city ordinance has helped avoid problems. He disagreed with Solari's notion the county's short-term housing committee has been effective. Kramer said it legitimized the short-term rental industry. The Solari-Kramer race is a microcosm of a divided Republican Party that has lost the past two presidential elections and may face a third loss this year. While Kramer and Solari may be on the same side of the issues above, their solutions are as disparate as those of Donald Trump and Ted Cruz. Blue-green algae is seen in the St. Lucie River at Shepard Park in July 2013 in Stuart. (FILE PHOTO) SHARE By Editorial Board The health risks posed by polluted water in the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon may be taking an ominous and potentially deadly turn. For years, Treasure Coast residents have raged against the environmental and economic impacts caused by voluminous discharges of tainted freshwater from Lake Okeechobee. Now we are learning the negative impacts may damage the human brain. MORE | Scientists: Toxin in blue-green algae could trigger neurological diseases How pervasive and destructive must this crisis become before state and federal officials end the discharges? Scientists have identified a possible link between neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, and a toxin produced in blue-green algae blooms. The toxin Beta-N-Methylamino-L-alanine is a nonprotein amino acid that grows in blue-green algae. BMAA can impair nerve cells and leave plaque deposits in the brain. Follow our Lake Okeechobee discharge meter for daily updates. Bottom line: What we still don't know about toxic algae blooms may be altering our brains. While recognizing the presence of BMAA in algae blooms, the Florida Department of Health downplays any connection to brain diseases. "BMAA is one of the many possible environmental triggers to neurological disease that is being investigated by researchers in Florida and elsewhere," according to a health department fact sheet. "There has been little evidence of BMAA being linked to neurodegerenative diseases in the general public." Feel better? Probably not. Nor should you. Add in the fact toxins from blue-green algae also can be breathed in and you quickly realize the potential, far-reaching implications of the BMAA revelation. Our river and lagoon become a petri dish when conditions are ripe. It may happen again this summer when temperatures rise. Lower salinity levels and increased nutrients in our waterways the result, in large part, of Lake O discharges create the perfect storm for algae blooms. BMAA is one more potential health hazard lingering in the shadows of our collective conscience. Yes, scientists have yet to establish a definitive connection between neurological diseases and exposure to BMAA. "But the evidence is growing," said Larry Brand, marine and atmospheric science professor at the University of Miami. Florida health officials need to be proactive in keeping Treasure Coast residents informed of the latest findings with respect to BMAA. And state and federal officials need to accelerate their efforts to move more water south of Lake Okeechobee and end the discharges. Our region is weary of paying such a high price to accommodate the state's flawed water delivery system. SHARE By Editorial Board A STORY REMEMBERED: Next time she reads to school-age children, perhaps Florida's first lady should skim the book before she begins. Earlier this month, Ann Scott visited a Hillsborough County fifth-grade class and read aloud from "A Land Remembered" in honor of a statewide literacy award the school had won. One version of the book is aimed at young people, but apparently Mrs. Scott was reading from an outdated, adult version of the book, which invoked "massage parlors, porno movies, bars, adult book stores" and sidewalks "teeming at night with prostitutes and junkies and winos and professional muggers." The conversation depicted in the book and reportedly read aloud, at least in part, by Mrs. Scott also was peppered with profanity. Parents complained, Scott's office issued an apology and the school district issued a statement saying district officials did not pick the book, the Tampa Bay Times reported. So who did? Maybe he or she should go back to Biscayne Boulevard. PROVIDED PHOTO The "Power in Pink" Committee presenting the "Power in Pink" luncheon at Admirals Cove April 19. From left are Randy Lee, Holly Lee, Mary Booher, Sandy Humbert, Karen List, Debbie Price, Rosemary Hubartt, Todd Wodraska and Joshua Archondo. In the back row are, from left, Gwyneth Fournie, Michele Jacobs and Donna Lewis. Not pictured are Lili and Carlos Berrocal and Celine Pelofi. SHARE PROVIDED PHOTO/CAPEHART PHOTOGRAPHY Payson and Kim Coleman PROVIDED PHOTO/CAPEHART PHOTOGRAPHY Ross Meltzer and, Kae Jonsons PROVIDED PHOTO/CAPEHART PHOTOGRAPHY Suzanne Holmes, Gary Harris PROVIDED PHOTO/CAPEHART PHOTOGRAPHY Linda and Mike Hanley The second annual "Power In Pink" luncheon is scheduled for Jupiter on Tuesday, April 19 at The Club at Admirals Cove. This informative, intimate luncheon gathers Susan G. Komen South Florida supporters, local philanthropists and volunteers while fundraising for Komen South Florida. Last year's event drew hundreds of attendees and raised thousands of dollars to support breast cancer screening, education, and research. About 75 percent of Komen South Florida's net income is granted out to hospitals and organizations that provide breast health education, breast cancer screening, and treatment; the remaining 25 percent supports the national Komen Grants Program, which funds cutting-edge research programs worldwide. Power In Pink" is chaired by Lili Berrocal, Carlos Berrocal, Holly Lee and Randy Lee. Junior chairs are Celine Pelofi and Joshua Anchondo. To purchase tickets, or to inquire about sponsorships, please visit komensouthflorida.org/south-florida-events/powerinpink or call Marilyn Blonder Opas at 561-514-3020, ext. 17. $1 million gift to battle substance abuse in women Leadership and supporters of Hanley Center Foundation celebrated the first gift from the newly established ALEX AND ANI Butterfly Fund at their recent "Club Colette Dinner Dance" March 30. The fund was established thanks to the fulfillment of a $1 million pledge from eco-conscious jewelry and accessories brand ALEX AND ANI. "We have more than a million reasons to celebrate," said Kae Jonsons, CEO of the Foundation focused on substance abuse education, prevention and recovery. "It's significant that ALEX AND ANI, led by a team of strong women, will now benefit women throughout Florida. The ALEX AND ANI partnership and extraordinary funding from sales of their CHARITY BY DESIGN Butterfly Charm Bangle will allow Hanley Center Foundation to assist more women so they and their families may find the hope that comes with recovery." To underscore the theme of the evening, butterflies fluttered everywhere in Club Colette. Strands of butterflies dangled from the cozy club's trademark tented ceiling, evoking a shower of the colors of spring. Tabletops were decked with more butterflies, along with vases of spring flowers - including daffodils, tulips, crocuses and more. And to sweetly crown the themed evening, a colorful chocolate butterfly perched on top of the beautiful Baked Alaska presented to each guest for dessert. The evening was chaired by David Fritz, chairman of the Hanley Center Foundation board, and Michael Hanley, board member. Sponsors of the evening included Gold Benefactors Hanley Family Foundation and Thomas Peterffy; Table Hosts Andrew Forsyth and Kelly Williams, Nievera Williams Design and Wilmington Trust, N.A.; and Media Sponsor Palm Beach Illustrated. The pledge fulfillment was achieved through the donation of 20 percent of the purchase price of every "Butterfly Charm Bangle" ALEX AND ANI sold. The bangle is designed to remind the wearer to have faith in change and to move forward with a positive outlook on life, according to literature sold with each bracelet. Currently the bangle is sold through ALEX AND ANI stores nationwide, alexandani.com and authorized retailers. Sales will continue to benefit Hanley Center Foundation through the end of 2016. The first scholarship award from the new ALEX AND ANI Butterfly Fund at Hanley Center Foundation totaled $50,000, and was presented during the celebration dinner to Gratitude House. The donation will fully fund treatment for two women at their local facility. Gratitude House is Palm Beach County's only treatment center where pregnant and post-partum women can receive treatment, so they can give birth to drug-free babies and reside with their babies while in treatment. Going forward, the special fund will continue to fund treatment options for local women. "It is really so gratifying to see the impact of ALEX AND ANI in action," said Lia Moreggi, ALEX AND ANI partnership manager, who spoke at the dinner event and presented guests with ALEX AND ANI bangles as a favor for the evening. "It's amazing to think that sales of one of our charm bangles helped to generate more than $1.2 million for such an important cause." Michael Hanley presented a video from his mother, Mary Jane Hanley, who cofounded the Foundation with her husband Jack, as she was unable to attend the evening. For more information about Hanley Center Foundation please call 561-841-1212 or visit www.hanleycenterfoundation.org. Joint Mission The Board of Directors of Joint Mission, invites the public to attend an open house at their new location and warehouse Thursday, April 21 from 5:30 7:30 p.m. on Old Dixie Highway in Lake Park. Light refreshments will be served and there will be a special performance by 15 year-old Francesca Alfano, who sang in The Great Hall of the Library of Congress and Governor Rick Scott's inauguration ceremony. Joint Mission is a non-profit organization founded by the former owner of True Treasures Elena Johnson and her husband Howard C. "Scrappy" Johnson to provide material support for those men and women who have served our country and are transitioning into a home after being homeless. For those who are interested in attending, please RSVP to Tim Coppage, executive director, either by phone, at 860-539-2748 or email tim@jointmission.org. by April 18. Send items and photos to CarolChatter@aol.com. Thank you for reading! Please purchase a subscription to read our premium content. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. Facebooks WhatsApp last week announced it would roll out end-to-end encryption for its users to better protect their privacy, but the move could make the service more attractive to spammers, too. While encryption can safeguard information from data thieves, it also can block data protectors from detecting malicious activity on their networks. WhatsApps encryption policy is a win for privacy advocates, but it will not stop the growth of spam on the platform and could make the problem worse, said Simeon Coney, chief strategy officer for AdaptiveMobile. WhatsApp has always had limited spam control in place, he told TechNewsWorld, and encryption will make detecting spam and malicious links with malware that much more difficult. Spam Magnet Over the last three to four years, mobile carriers have made it harder for spammers to deliver their junk messages, Coney noted. Thats prodded them to look for greener pastures. Weve seen spammers move from services like SMS, MMS and RCS to services like WhatsApp, he said. Not only does it cost spammers less to spew their rubbish on WhatsApp, but its easier to find targets there. WhatsApp is a very friendly service to spammers because it allows them to validate phone numbers to see if they have a WhatsApp account, Coney explained, so they can upload large number ranges to test who has a WhatsApp account and just send bulk messages to them. Because end-to-end encryption prevents protection systems from seeing whats in a spam message, they cant guard against malicious activity like phishing, account hijacking, spam and malware. Its simple economics, Coney said. As certain channels get closed off to these spammers, theyre finding other ways to reach their targets. They only make money if they get their messages through and they get a reasonable conversion rate. Making Sense of Mossack Fonseca Data If youre a journalist and someone drops 2.6 TB of hot data in your lap, where do you begin to make sense of it? For the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, the answer was Nuix. Nuix provides services for turning large pots of data into searchable pools of information. With its software, which the company donated to the ICIJ and the German newspaper Sddeutsche Zeitung, the investigative journalists were able to process, index and analyze the Panama Papers, 11.5 million documents taken from the Panama offices of Mossack Fonseca, an international law firm and a major player in the offshore asset industry. Much of the data in the dump was scanned documents, which were turned into searchable information with Nuixs optical character recognition software. Other Nuix analytical tools helped identify and cross-reference Mossack Fonseca clients throughout the document cache. 1,500 Data Types Nuixs search technology was developed in 2000 at the request of the Australian government. They had a huge cache of Lotus Notes emails, and they didnt have a way to tag them, format them and make them easily searchable, said Keith Lowry, Nuixs senior vice president of threat intelligence and a former chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Defense. Over the years, we have been able to absorb a lot more types of information, he told TechNewsWorld. It has grown to the point where we can natively ingest over 1,500 different file types and flatten the data and make it presentable to whomever is analyzing the data. Although 2.6 TB of data is immense by journalistic standards, its only a medium-sized data set compared to some Nuix has been enlisted to massage in its e-discovery and regulatory investigative work. On any given day, our software is sorting through petabytes of data, Lowry said. Nuix gave the ICIJ and Sddeutsche Zeitung technical assistance in processing the data stolen from Mossack Fonseca, but no employees ever handled the data, the company said. We didnt participate in the collection of the data, Lowry said. We just processed it for them. iPhones Secure Enclave Maybe the FBI just wanted to impress legislators of the urgency for action on the Going Dark issue or maybe it just wanted to thumb its nose at Apple, but last week it began demonstrating to lawmakers how it cracked the security on the iPhone 5c of San Bernardino, California, gunman Syed Rizwan Farook. The first legislator on the agencys demo list was Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., who, with colleague Richard Burr, R-N.C., is drafting legislation to compel companies like Apple to extract data from their products or provide technical assistance to government authorities to extract the data when ordered to do so by a judge. Feinstein and Burrs bill is a response to a recent tussle between the FBI and Apple. The FBI wanted Apple to write code that the agency could use to brute force the lock code on Farooks phone. Apple refused to do so, saying such code could be used to undermine the security of all iPhones. Eventually the FBI found a way to access the data on the phone, but its believed the method wont work with newer model iPhones. Thats because Apple added another chip called the Secure Enclave to the latest models of its mobiles. What it does is lock up all the encryption keys, said Matthew Green, a professor specializing in cryptography at Johns Hopkins University. Even if you can hack the phone itself which is what the FBI did the encryption keys will still be locked up, he told TechNewsWorld. Panic Room in a Phone The secure enclave where high security functions, including login, are handled is a separate environment from the iPhone as a whole, noted Georgia Weidman, founder and CTO of Shevirah. If someone, be it a security researcher, the FBI or a malicious attacker, discovers an exploitable vulnerability that allows them to attack the latest iOS release, they will need another, likely more sophisticated exploit to take that access to the next level to also exploit the secure enclave, she told TechNewsWorld. Think of it like a panic room at a celebritys home, Weidman continued. There are walls, security guards, and all other manner of industry standards of home security on the house. A very skilled burglar may bypass them, but they will have to work even harder, basically starting again, to get into the panic room. It was bad form for the FBI to show legislators how it compromised Farooks iPhone while keeping Apple in the dark about it, she added. As security researchers, when we find security issues we practice something called responsible disclosure. We inform the vendor of the issue we found so it can be fixed, Weidman said. By refusing to share the technique they used with Apple so it can be fixed, she continued, the FBI is moving into the territory of black hat hackers, or hackers for evil, keeping the vulnerability open so they can use it again as it suits them in other cases as they arise. Breach Diary April 3. The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists publishes first article in series on the Panama Papers, a trove of 11 million files stolen in a data breach of Mossack Fonseca, an international law firm headquartered in Panama and a major player in the offshore industry, which is used by some of the worlds rich to hide assets and facilitate a number of unsavory and illegal activities. April 4. Ponemon Institute releases a survey that finds 37 percent of businesses do not believe their third-party vendors would notify them of a data breach; 73 percent doubted that a fourth-party vendor would alert them of such a breach. April 4. Security blogger Brian Krebs reports banking sources are telling him that for the second time in less than a year, fraudsters have compromised the Trump Hotel Collection payment card system. April 4. Hackers post to the Internet personal information of nearly 50 million Turkish citizens, exposing them to possible identity theft and fraud. April 5. KSN-TV in Wichita, Kansas, reports tax information of 1,357 employees at Hutchinson Community College is at risk after their W-2 data was emailed to an unauthorized third party. April 6. Trend Micro reports that a data breach at the Philippines Commission on Elections has exposed on the Internet personal information, including passport and fingerprint data, of 55 million voters. April 6. U.S. District Court Judge R. Gary Klausner approves a multimillion-dollar settlement of a lawsuit against Sony Pictures Entertainment that will give some 437,000 people identity theft protection from the time a data breach was discovered in 2014 through 2017. An exact figure for the settlement cant be determined yet because the deadline hasnt passed for workers to sign up for the protection services. April 6. Whiting-Turner, a Baltimore construction company, files breach notification letters with California and Vermont stating that tax information of its employees and their children is at risk because of a security incident at a vendor hired to provide tax services for the builder. April 7. The National Childbirth Trust, a charity in the UK, alerts 15,085 new and expectant parents that their email addresses, usernames and passwords have been compromised by a data breach. April 7. U.S. Magistrate Judge Nathanael Cousins rejects a motion by health insurer Anthem to inspect the computers of former customers in connection with a lawsuit resulting from a data breach in February that compromised the records of as many as 80 million customers. April 7. Einstein Healthcare Network in Pennsylvania alerts some 3,000 patients their personal information is at risk because a database at the providers website inadvertently was exposed to the Internet. April 7. The Hill publishes a discussion draft of a bill by U.S. Sens. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and Richard Burr, R-N.C., to force companies to provide information or data to the government in an intelligible format when served with a court order. Upcoming Security Events HTC this week unveiled its latest flagship smartphone, the HTC 10. The phones camera is outfitted with new, larger sensors and 12 million new-generation UltraPixels. Both the front and rear cameras sport the worlds first optically stabilized, larger-aperture f/1.8 lenses on, the company said. The rear camera also has a faster laser autofocus. The front UltraSelfie camera has a wide-angle lens and screen flash. Both cameras take sharp, high-resolution photos, even in low light, according to HTC. Is it a good camera? Yes. Is it a sexy style? Of course, said Ramon Llamas, a research manager at IDC. HTC deserves credit for makes its 10 one of the best camera phones on the market today, but mass-market consumers are not rushing into stores for snazzy camera phones, and they remain niche differentiators for now, remarked Neil Mawston, an executive director of research at Strategy Analytics. We expect the HTC 10 to sell reasonably well in the United States and worldwide, but it isnt an iPhone killer or an HTC savior, he told TechNewsWorld. Standout Features The HTC 10 is the best phone HTC has ever produced, and it has a few standout features, noted Ville-Petteri Ukonaho, a senior analyst with Strategy Analytics. Among them are its camera, the BoomSound feature, materials used for the body, and a UI that differs it from the competition and offers more customization than before, he said. Brushed aluminum certainly is better than the LG G5s painted aluminum, Ukonaho told TechNewsWorld. The camera, with its UltraPixel setup, is similar to that in the Samsung Galaxy S7, he pointed out. Both are 12 MP cameras with similar apertures, and their pixel count is quite close. The wide-angle lens on the HTC 10s front camera makes for better selfies, though. BoomSound has been around for a while now, Ukonaho observed. Now the dual-speaker setup returns, with the secondary speaker acting as a subwoofer. The K.I.S.S. Principle at Work Apart from the camera, the HTC 10s simplified app drawer captured the attention of Daniel Gleeson, a senior analyst with IHS. Cutting down on app clutter is a huge plus, and should make the device very easy for new users to adjust to, he told TechNewsWorld. People want less bloatware, less confusion and greater clarity as to whose apps they should be using, IDCs Llamas told TechNewsWorld. The HTC 10 echoes that higher approach of simpler is better and easier. Missing the Wow Factor The HTC 10 is a me-too Android rectangle and is unlikely to turn around the companys fortunes, noted Strategy Analytics Mawston. The hardware design looks very similar to most other smartphone models on the market, while its core specs, features and apps are little different to many of its rivals, like the Galaxy S7. HTC will have two versions with different Qualcomm Snapdragon CPUs. That strategy is the same one adopted by LG and others, Ukonaho said. It saves the main chipset supply for the most important markets. Offering two versions allows HTC to reuse marketing assets and should help streamline the manufacturing process, keeping down costs, IHS Gleeson said. That should help it compete against white-box Chinese manufacturers. Still, the HTC 10 lacks the wow effect that would make customers buy it, Ukonaho noted. That, and the bad reputation it got with last years overheating model, require heavy marketing efforts for HTC to succeed with the 10. HTC is feeling pressured both from Apple and Samsung at the high end and from Huawei and Lenovo at the mid- and low end of the market, Gleeson said. Without any clear differentiating factor, it will be very tough for the HTC 10 to recover the market share HTC has lost in recent years. IHS has predicted that HTCs shipments will fall by nearly half this year, and the companys long-term future is not in the smartphone market, Gleeson said. Its very much dependent on the success of its virtual reality product, the HTC Vive. Chinese authorities have issued censorship instructions to the media following the release of thePanama Papers, according to news reports published last week. The leaked documents reportedly listed several top Chinese officials who used Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca to set up offshore companies. The names include relatives of at least eight current or previous members of the Chinese Communist Partys Politburo Standing Committee, such as President Xi Jinpings brother-in-law Deng Jiagui; Li Xiaolin, daughter of former premier Li Peng; and Jasmine Li, granddaughter of former Standing Committee member Jia Qinglin. Instructions Issued The Chinese government issued a notice ordering the media to find and delete any reprinted reports regarding the Panama Papers, according to a report in theChina Digital Times. Media were ordered not to follow up on related content, the report said. Any websites that contain materials from foreign media attacking China will be dealt with severely. The China Digital Times omitted the name of the issuing body in order to protect the source. Another notice reportedly instructed a website to withdraw an article about the Panama Papers and related stories from its home page and move them to the back end of the site. Western Influence Western media and Washington have controlled the interpretation of document leaks, minimizing information negative to the U.S. and emphasizing information about non-Western leaders, the state-run Peoples Dailyasserted. The leaks might be disinformation, the publication hinted, adding that the West would be happy to see such leaks occur if they attack its opponents. No mention was made of any Chinese subjects of the Panama Papers. Exposing the Truth Its now increasingly difficult to completely hide the digital trail of illegal transactions, no matter how rich and powerful you are, commented Chenxi Wang, chief strategy officer atTwistlock. The Great Firewall was fairly effective in restricting the access of people in China to the Internet until application-level messaging apps such as WeChat and QQ became popular, she told the E-Commerce Times. The Great Firewall doesnt work on them. As more people in China use those apps and others like them to communicate, the Great Firewall will become increasingly less effective unless the government bans the use of such messaging apps, Wang said. Getting Around the Curbs Chinas Great Firewall is effective enough with average citizens, but, as with other censoring efforts, usually fails with the tech-savvy, she pointed out. In addition to application-level messaging apps like WeChat, tech-savvy Chinese are using anonymous communications and VPNs, Wang said. Sometimes VPNs dont work at all in China, but you can usually find one that will get you around the Great Firewall. Even Fang Binxing, the creator of the Great Firewall, hasgotten in on circumvention: Earlier this month, he reportedly showed students at Harbin Technical Institute how to use a VPN called Tianhe, or Galaxy, to access Google and other blocked websites. Theres clearly a willingness to take the risk of getting caught in China, noted Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group. There are simply too many connections between the West and the East for a strategy like this to work. Beijings best strategy would have been to discredit the leaks as false, he told the E-Commerce Times, but that needs to be done early, and that boat, too, has likely already sailed. Chariot for Women, a ride-sharing service that excludes males 13 and older, reportedly has postponed its launch to sometime this summer due to heavier-than-anticipated demand. The company originally had planned to debut the service in Boston next week. Chariot for Women is open to all women, including transgender women. Children, including boys under the age of 13, also may ride. Focus on Safety The premise for the gender-restricted service is pretty straightforward: Disturbing stories about Uber drivers abound, and theres an untapped market for serving women and children only. Founder Michael Pelletz, who once worked as an Uber driver, got the idea for Chariot for Women after he picked up a young man who was behaving strangely. The mans actions scared Pelletz enough that he went to a police officer for help. The Chariot for Women app is focused on safety, and the company will conduct thorough background checks on drivers before taking them on, it said. Its drivers will start the day by answering a random security question to verify their identity. After a passenger requests a ride, the system will send her a safe word that the driver then must provide to verify identity before the passenger gets into the car. The passenger also will receive a picture of the driver, the make of car that will pick her up, and its license number. The app will use real-time GPS tracking and maps so customers will know exactly when their ride will arrive and wont have to wait on the curb. Giving Back Chariot for Women will donate 2 percent of every fare to womens charities, the company said. Customers list 10 local and national charities they would like to give to; that list will pop up in the app when they get into the car, and they can choose which of the charities gets the 2 percent of the fare allocated for charity. Speed Bumps Chariot for Womens gender focus has raised legal questions, but founder Pelletz has said that the company is prepared for any challenges. A similar service in New York SheTaxis has been operating since 2014 and is preparing to launch an Android app in addition to the iOS app currently available. Theres a need for this service, particularly given the recent horror stories related to Uber, said Susan Schreiner, an analyst at C4 Trends. The concept is very interesting, and will go a long way to eliminating the creep factor. It also will eliminate problems women have encountered using regular cab services, she told the E-Commerce Times. Theres been times Im coming back from the airport late at night when Ive gotten into a cab and its a little bit scary or the driver is rude, and I dont need that. Finding Its Way Support for Chariot for Women has lit up the twitterverse. Uber is a step above cab, but this sounds even better! wrote Sarah Dudley. Brilliant idea! Wishing @ChariotForWomen huge success, tweeted Valentina Vitols. Actress Debra Messing also tweeted support for the concept, as did Global Tech Women, an organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology. However, in a city like Boston, which is not a huge city and not a high-crime city, you wonder about the idea, remarked Laura DiDio, a research director at Strategy Analytics. Id think a service like this would be better targeted to a larger city with a higher crime rate, like New York, she told the E-Commerce Times. With competition from Uber, Chariot for Women might have to offer another inducement, she said, like a 20 percent discount. What makes the Islamic State especially dangerous is that it is present both on the ground attempting to function as a state and online, White House National Security Advisor, Susan Rice said. (Photo: AP) Washington: Calling the Islamic State as the "most dangerous" terror organisation, US National Security Advisor Susan Rice on Friday said America has a four-point strategy to fight the dreaded militant group which poses an "enormous" threat to civilians under its brutal reign. What makes the Islamic State especially dangerous is that it is present both on the ground attempting to function as a state and online, Rice said. "It is essentially a hybrid: a terrorist organisation and an insurgency, which exploited the chaos in Syria and Iraq to occupy large swaths of territory," she said. "Holding territory provides ISIL with financial resources and manpower. It buttresses their false claim to a so-called caliphate, granting them a unique and powerful appeal to potential followers. At the same time, they have harnessed the power of social media to recruit fighters and inspire lone-wolf attacks," Rice said. The Islamic State, she said, poses an "enormous danger" to civilians under their brutal reign. "The ISIS is the most dangerous terrorist organisation. It is a destabilising force in the Middle East. It is a threat to people around the world," she said. "But let's be clear. As President Barack Obama has emphasised, ISIL does not pose an existential threat to our nation. We have faced down and defeated much greater adversaries. ISIL is not Nazi Germany. It is not the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War. This is not World War III or the much-hyped clash of civilisations," she said. "On the contrary, we alienate our Muslim friends and allies and dishonor the countless Muslim victims of ISIL's brutality when people recklessly and wrongly cast ISIL as somehow representative of one of the world's largest religions. ISIL is a twisted network of murderers and maniacs, and they must be rooted out, hunted down, and destroyed," Rice said. Broadly speaking, the strategy to destroy the ISIS is focused on four main dimensions, she said. "We are relentlessly attacking ISIL's core in Syria and Iraq; we're targeting ISIL's branches; we're disrupting its global network; and we're working around the clock to protect our homeland. It is a complex effort. It will not be accomplished fully in just a few weeks or months or even a few years. But day by day, mile by mile, strike by strike, we are making substantial progress," Rice said. Rice also said Pakistani forces are working to push al Qaeda out of restive Waziristan while the US are targeting fighters who cross over into Afghanistan amid growing influence of dreaded Islamic State terror group in the region. The MVP-company always does its best to be at the forefront of digital innovations and advancements. Obviously, the people behind Smart Communications strive to put our nation at par with first world countries when it comes to network upgrades and as a paying subscriber, that's something that I can appreciate What is LTE Advanced? LTE Advanced is also called 4.5G indicating that it is a significant step forward from 4G or LTE as we have it today already deployed. We can also call it LTE with a Turbo Boost because everything gets so much faster How does LTE Advanced work? we are able to combine three channels of LTE at once and by that, more than tripling the download speed How fast is LTE Advanced? we have seen that even if there are five or seven or ten users in one [LTE-A] cell, still, people will get 70, 100, 120 megabit per second Tech bloggers ran SpeedTest on our Smart LTE-A powered Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge smartphones and these are the highest 4G+ mobile data speeds that we got: 205.62mbps Download Speed and 25.40mbps Upload Speed Do we need a special device to access LTE-A or LTE Advanced? But many more devices will be rolled out this year and will become available not only on the high-end but - step-wise - also on the lower end When can Pinoy consumers start experiencing Smart LTE Advanced? How can Smart LTE Advanced benefit consumers? What are some practical uses of LTE-A? Apart from its LTE Advanced service, Smart is also continuously improving their current 3G and 4G networks as well as building new infrastructure for the arrival of 5G in 2020. On June 3, 2011 in Boracay, I was fortunate to be one of the first individuals to experience ultra-fast 50mbps LTE mobile internet speeds in the Philippines as delivered by. [The other day - April 13, 2016 - as a seeming follow-up to that landmark experience, Smart Communications flew me and my friends in the local tech media to the same gorgeous island for the launch ofAnd I feel honored to have personally witnessed Smart's stellar efforts to be the first to offer the fastest and most innovative connectivity services to Filipinos.Regardless of which network we are subscribed to, I think we all have to give that to Smart.--Let's give credit where it is due.Now, for my friends and readers who've been sending me questions since yesterday about Smart's new LTE-A network, allow me to share some details that were disclosed at the launch."It is about making the internet faster.. The user experience is just so much better if you have higher speed," shared, Chief Technology and Information Advisor of Smart Communications."What we are doing is in principle very much comparable to a road or a highway. If you have only one lane on both sides, then of course, only two cars can travel along. If you do road widening, you put a second lane, then more cars can go or the cars go faster. And if you put three lanes, they can go three times faster [...] And this is exactly what the innovation is in LTE-A, which we launched here. Thanks to new capabilities in handsets [and] thanks to new capabilities in the network,," Mr. Horn explained.Quoting Smart's Chief Technology Advisor: "We have measured here in [Boracay], 200 to 250 megabit per second with the Samsung [Galaxy] S7 phone. 250mbps! Think about that. That's amazing over-the-air. Now, I have to qualify; We know that mobile networks are shared, right? So if there are more users sharing the cell, of course, not everybody will get 250mpbs. But, which is still an amazing speed.""What's important to know is that you need a phone or device that supports the technology. At the moment, we know that - from- theandare supporting it.so that all customers eventually will be able to enjoy all of that.""We are actually switching it on tomorrow [, April 14, 2015]. And we will cover all of Boracay [...] by end of this quarter," Mr. Horn told us. As for the rest of the country, Smart reps told me that their engineers are working very hard to deliver the service nationwide at thepossible time.Just imagine what you can do with download speeds of 100mbps and upload speed of 20mbps? If you have a 4GB file that you need to download, you can get the entire thing in less than a minute. If you're a video creator who needs to regularly upload 4K or Full HD videos on Youtube, you won't have to wait for hours before your clip goes live on the site.If you have more questions about Smart LTE Advanced, kindly leave them in the comments section below and I'll try to forward them to our friends at the company. Then, I'll share their answers in a follow-up TechPinas post regarding this freshly launched service. LG is a household name in the US as its brand is commonly associated with consumer electronics like televisions and smartphones. The South Korean technology giant is also well-known in other parts of the world for its line of personal computers, products the company only recently brought to the states. Following the US launch of its 13- and 14-inch Gram notebooks late last year, LG is now introducing its 15-inch variant to the American market complete with updated internals. The super lightweight laptop features a 15.6-inch IPS LCD panel operating at a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080 that's driven by your choice of Intel's sixth generation Core i5-6200U (2.3GHz, Turbo up to 2.8GHz) or Core i7-6500U (2.5GHz, Turbo up to 3.1GHz) alongside 8GB of DDR3 RAM. The Core i5 model includes 256GB of solid state drive storage while the i7-equipped notebook ships with 512GB of local flash storage. Both include dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, an HDMI connector, a USB 3.0 Type-C connector, two USB 3.0 connectors, a single USB 2.0 connector, a microSD card slot and a headphone jack. Battery life is rated at about seven hours from the 2-cell 4,495mAh battery pack. The system is comprised primarily of magnesium, a lightweight material that affords a total system weight of just 2.16 pounds. That is extremely light for a 15-inch class notebook. Pricing is set at $1,099.99 for the Core i5 variant and $1,499.99 for the faster i7 model, both of which are available as of writing from Amazon, B&H and Fry's Electronics. Bosnian archaeologist Semir Osmanagich nicknamed as the "Bosnian Indiana Jones" by the locals, is an archaeologist who is known for making disreputable claims in the field of archaeology. He has landed himself in a controversy yet again with his new assertion. This time, the controversial archaeologist claims to have discovered the world's oldest and largest ever manmade stone ball in a forest near the Bosnian town of Zavidovici. Osmanagich truly believes the giant sphere was humanly constructed and that it could prove the existence of an ancient and advanced civilization, which existed more than 1,500 years ago. This spherical stone, which is partly buried in the ground, has a diameter of approximately 8-10 feet and weighs more than 30 tons, and is believed to be highly rich in iron content. The stone however, hasn't been chemically tested yet, though the red and brown tinge of colors on the stone indicates high iron content. If the tests do confirm the presence of iron, then this stone ball would be hailed as the largest manmade sphere, surpassing the ones previously discovered in Mexico and Costa Rica in South America. Dr. Osmanagich, originally from Austin, Texas, has been known to the archaeological world for all the wrong reasons. However, he receives plenty of support and funding for excavations from the Bosnian Government who believes him and is treated as a celebrity in the area. However, certain scientists who have also seen the newly discovered rock have asserted that it seemingly appears to have been naturally formed than manually constructed. Refuting Dr. Osmanagich's recent claims, Mandy Edwards, University of Manchester's School of Earth has explained that the sphere might have been made from a natural phenomenon called concretion wherein the natural mineral cement is precipitated within the spaces between sediment grains. The other geologists and archaeologists in the region are also referring to Osmanagich's work and findings to be pseudo-archaeological and that they pose a threat to the real heritage of Bosnia. Previously in 2005, Osmanagich landed in a controversy when he claimed that he had discovered a bunch of hills in the Visoko valley of Bosnia, which according to him were actually the primitive pyramids connected via tunnels. However, his contentions were met with mockery from the European Association of Archaeologists. The president of the European Association of Archaeologists, Anthony Harding, described his Visoko excavation as "a total absurdity". "There is some genuine archaeology on the hill and I'm told it's medieval, possibly Bronze Age or Roman. But the speculation that there could be a 12,000-year-old structure beneath is a complete fantasy and anyone with basic knowledge of archaeology or history should recognize that", said Harding. Further, here is an additional nugget of information on the side -- it's interesting to learn that this region was believed to have hundreds of similar huge spheres in the early 20th Century. However, most of them were destroyed in the '70s sadly because of the rumors that they had gold hidden inside of them. Only around eight of these structures are believed to still exist today. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. AT&T will not sell the newly launched HTC 10 smartphone, but the unlocked model will be compatible with the carrier. HTC launched the highly-anticipated HTC 10 on April 12 and the Taiwanese handset maker has confirmed the availability and compatibility of the handset across various carriers in the U.S. "In the U.S., HTC 10 will be available across multiple wireless providers including Verizon Wireless, Sprint and T-Mobile, which will announce colors, availability and pricing. In addition, HTC will be offering an Unlocked edition ... compatible with AT&T and T-Mobile networks," says HTC. HTC has not yet confirmed if the carrier will offer the phone, but a tweet from Jeff Gordon, the head of communication at HTC, hints that AT&T may initially not offer the HTC 10. Customers who pay for a smartphone outright will not have a problem with the news, but those who want to the handset on an instalment plan may find it disappointing that AT&T will not offer the HTC 10. However, HTC is offering a 12-month installment plan, in which those who will buy the HTC 10 directly from its website will have to pay $58.25 monthly. HTC is also offering a promo that allows customers to avail $100 discount on HTC 10, which brings down the cost of the mobile phone to $599. For U.S. buyers, simply enter HTC1008 in the box under promotions on the checkout page. The preorder of the device started on April 12 and its shipping will begin in May. HTC confirmed that the unlocked HTC 10 available from the company's website will be available for $699 and customers will have the option to choose from two hues: Carbon Gray and Glacier Silver. HTC has also confirmed that the HTC 10 purchase from the company's website will include "UH OH Protection," which offers one free replacement without any charge. Customers can get their HTC unit replaced, as long as it was damaged or cracked within 12 months after purchase, as part of the protection plan. Although AT&T will not initially carry the HTC 10, the carrier may offer the handset in the near term. It remains to be seen if the non-availability of the HTC 10 on AT&T has any impact on U.S. sales. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A teen kidnapped by his own dad for 13 years pleaded with a court judge to release his father from jail. Julian Hernandez, now 19, was taken from their Alabama home by his father, Bobby Hernandez, when he was only 5 years old. He took the witness stand on April 13 and told the court judge about what he really felt about his father. Julian said his father loved and protected him more than anybody else during his life. "I don't know what else to say other than not to send my father to jail," he said. This, along with Julian's other touching testimonies about his father were the most persuasive statements while deciding on a sentence, says Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge Cassandra Collier-Williams. Flashback To The Scene Of The Crime The year was 2002. Bobby came to babysit then preschooler Julian in his mother's home in Birmingham, Alabama. However, he soon took his son away, leaving only a note that said they went fishing, but never returned back. The father and son duo then lived in Cleveland, Ohio and used different names. Bobby was able to obtain a driver's license and Social Security card under the name Jonathan Mangina. Julian, on the other hand, was known as J.J., according to a neighbor. Julian's Life Julian lived under a new name and even a new birthday. He was able to obtain straight-A grades in high school, managed to stay away from drugs and alcohol in the midst of peer pressure and sustained his status as a student athlete. He is now looking to bag a college scholarship. Julian said his father was always there for him and would provide whatever it is he needed. Ultimately, his dad helped him whenever he had problems. Truth Revealed As Julian entered his senior year in Cleveland High School, one of the most prominent thing in his mind was to get into college. He started obtaining requirements for college applications, but encountered some problems with his Social Security number. Julian asked for help from the school's guidance counselor, who subsequently discovered that Julian was included in the list of missing people by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The Sentence Collier-Williams described the crime as a horrific action for any parent. With this, she sentenced Bobby to four years imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release. The range of prison sentence that a judge can give to a person with this type of crime is from three to 54 years. The judge also revoked the restraining order that prevented Julian from seeing his father during the arrest in November 2015. Collier-Williams acknowledged that the crime is a mother's worst nightmare, but then she also considered the testimonies of the child and the way his life turned out after 13 years. People Against the Father Despite the touching moment, not everyone was pleased. Julian's maternal grandmother thinks Bobby should be served with the maximum sentence of 54 years imprisonment. The grandmother wrote in a statement read by attorney Gloria Allred that Bobby was a vengeful person, who took Julian to get even with the boy's mother who left him. Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Timothy McGinty was also not happy with the decision. He said Bobby had threatened Julian's mother to kidnap their son if she would leave him. McGinty believes that this is one of the greatest crimes in history and thus, warrants a very long imprisonment to prevent him and others like him to do this sort of act in the future. Julian came to the rescue of his father and said that even if it was painful to grow up without a mother, taking his father away will just add up to the pain. "Taking him from me now is just doing the same thing all over again," he said. Where Is the Mother? Julian's mother was not present during the court hearing, but Allred also read a statement coming from her. The mother recalled how Julian had such a sweet smile and chubby cheeks. The boy would love to hear at least three bedtime stories every night. They were happy, but then their lives changed forever on Aug. 28, 2002, when Julian was kidnapped. A little mystery was noticed by the judge, though, as the police report filed immediately during the incident and the statement released by the mother during the recent court hearing had some discrepancies. In the police report, the mother said Julian's clothes and toys were missing when she arrived home during that day. In the recent statement, she said that her son's clothes and Lego toys were left behind. Now, the boy stands up today for his father and the mother has no opinion on whether the offender must go to prison or not, Collier-Williams said. Bobby apologized to his son, his mother and family while shedding tears, a few minutes before his sentence was served. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. How can authorities better protect the public and detect the presence of tiny explosives in crowded spaces, such as airports or rail stations? For scientists at Loughborough University in the United Kingdom, the solution is an explosive residue detector using cutting-edge laser technology. The new device is poised to identify small, practically invisible amounts of explosive particles employed in acts of terrorism. The detection system, dubbed ExDtect or Explosive Residue Detection, combines pulsed lasers and video cameras with a large-coverage, fluorescent imaging capability. It can remotely and instantaneously scan crowded areas and automatically alert its operator once it detects traces of explosives. The fully automated system is said to produce better images than those generated by most CCTV. Using some of the laser technology that we have invented here over the past few years, we were eventually able to adapt this technology so that we could see the explosives and reject all other materials, says creator and professor, John Tyrer of ExDtect. He and colleagues are currently conducting field trials in undisclosed locations around the UK. While it is hardly discreet or sophisticated in appearance, ExDtect gets the life-saving job done without causing delay or being intrusive. Im sorry to say, but the Brussels attack, this would have instantly sorted out the terrorist before they came into the terminal, and similarly the concert in Paris, he tells BBC. Europe has suffered two major terrorist attacks in less than six months, with at least 162 individuals killed in the Paris attack in November 2015 and in the Brussels bombings in March. The perpetrators detonated eight bombs using potent explosives, reportedly using triacetone triperoxide (TATP). The creators explain that the technology does away from officials monitoring a TV screen or sniffing dogs that work by detecting particles in the air. Current systems, too, rely on airport security personnel who randomly swab passengers before boarding considered both time-consuming and prone to human error. However, creating ExDtect was not without difficulty. Tyrer warns that explosives are sticky, leaving fingerprints everywhere, even days later, posing the challenge of seeing explosive particles alone and not some other traces. Tyrers team addressed the issues with ExDtect ably seeing the explosives while rejecting all other matter during 15 years of development that cost them nearly 4 million (about $5.7 million). The cost is potentially offset by being included in ticket prices. The government will likely put off bulk-purchasing it, Tyrer adds, since ExDtect is a distressed purchase, with some waiting time until people realize they need to buy it badly enough. The developers are currently working on a portable version of ExDtect to enable the use with handheld systems. Photo: Josh Hallett | Flickr 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In a limited time offer, LG is selling select smartphone batteries at 60 percent off and charging cradles for 50 percent off. In addition, purchased bundles that contain both a replacement battery and a charging cradle can get the customer up to a 70 percent discount. Removable batteries is a much-requested feature by smartphone users because it allows the replacement of the component when it becomes damaged for whatever reason, or if the battery is no longer performing well after a good amount of charging cycles. In addition, users can have spare batteries on hand so that they can swap them out with depleted batteries in situations where there is limited access to electricity for chargers, such as when on outdoor adventures. For LG smartphone users that are interested in buying replacement batteries, included in the offer are those for the LG V10, the LG G4 and the LG G3. The batteries are now only listed for $15 each. Charging cradles, which also allow users to charge up their batteries even without access to electricity, are also included in the offer. However, only charging cradles for the LG V10 and the LG G4 are being offered, also at prices of $15 each. Customers that choose to buy a bundle of a replacement battery and a charging cradle for their LG smartphone will not have to pay $30 though, as the bundle will get a further discount to take down the total price to only $20. LG is also providing free ground shipping for purchases made under the offer, which further makes the deal a tempting one. Android smartphones have long been proud of the removable battery feature, compared to Apple's iPhones which do not have removable batteries. LG rival Samsung, however, decided to make the Galaxy S6's battery a non-removable one, though actually just very difficult to remove. This drew the ire of customers, prompting the company to bring back the feature for the Galaxy S7. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A team of Chinese scientists has claimed to edit human embryonic genes to make them HIV-resistant, the second published experiment of its kind. Is China beginning to embrace genetic modification and human cloning? In 2015, another team of scientists in China reported successfully editing the human genome through the use of the CRISPR technology. This works by editing certain parts of the DNA to hopefully address numerous disease such as the Zika virus, blood diseases like thalassemia and autism. With the scientists in China paying extra attention to gene engineering and human cloning, it seems that they look forward to the potential of being the first nation to advance in the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and other diseases, which were once dubbed untreatable. It Lacked Medical Justification Critics said that the new study lacked medical justification and cited ethical considerations accompanying gene modification. A Japanese bioethicist, Tetsuya Ishii, said that the research was merely just playing with human embryos. Only four of the 26 embryos in the study were successfully modified. Most of the embryos also incurred unplanned mutations, a side effect similar to the findings in the research done in 2015. The researchers destroyed all the embryos after three days. A professor of biological chemistry at the University of California, Dr. Peter Donovan, said that the study was both a success because the researchers were able to modify four embryos, but also a disturbing experiment, since 22 embryos others had negative effects. The failures accompanying these studies show that the new method, CRISPR gene-editing, may not be ready to be used on human embryos. Human Cloning: Pros and Cons Human cloning could help the medical field in a lot of ways. Cloning could renew damaged tissues and grow new cells to replace them. This will allow scientists to create genetically identical organs that could be used in transplants for kidneys and bone marrow. On the other hand, there are potential risks of human cloning. When there are identical genes, genetic diversity is limited and this can weaken the ability to adapt to various circumstances. Ethical Issues Governing Cloning And Gene Modification Since the term human cloning was coined, a lot of critics have long been questioning the ethics of the process. Many believe that this could lead to the eradication of one's individuality and humanity's diversity. Others believe that experimenting on embryos for clinical purposes is unacceptable. Though scientists agreed that using viable human embryos in research should not be banned, editing the DNA for the sole purpose of experimentation should not be allowed. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Russian scientists have created a long-distance quantum communication device that cannot be hacked in theory, paving the way for the development of quantum communication systems that ensure security of information exchange. The device, which is still in its experimental stages, has the ability to transfer a single-photon quantum signal across a distance of 250 kilometers (155 miles) or more. The best part is it will be permanently changed the moment hackers try to disrupt the transmission. The Problem With Data Security Data security has increasingly become a major problem not just in large companies, banks and other industries, but also in small firms and individuals. For example, Verizon Enterprise recently suffered a major security breach in which hackers were able to steal data of 1.5 million Verizon customers. Such problems exist because present algorithms used in data encryption are almost always vulnerable to cracks, regardless of how complicated the algorithms are. Information security using the basic laws of quantum physics is different as the original user can immediately know when there is any kind of disruptive intervention. Making The Most Out Of Quantum Now, a novel way to exceptionally produce and transfer quantum bits has been created by experts from ITMO University and Heriot-Watt University. "To transmit quantum signals, we use the so-called side frequencies," says study author Artur Gleim from ITMO. Such approach enables simplification of the device's design and provides a large room for the quantum channel. For study co-author Robert Collins, the discovery may pave the way for the smooth coexistence of various information with varied wavelengths in a single optical cable. Aside from that, it can also be incorporated into current fiber optics together with traditional communications. How Does It Work? Quantum bits may be incorporated in the system by directing laser radiation into a modulator, which houses the data transmission process. The wave emitted by the laser is separated into numerous individual waves. After transmission into the cable, the same separation will occur at the receiver's end. Depending on the pace directed by both the sender and receiver, the waves will either boost or cut each other. Such action is translated into binary digit combinations, which will serve to collate a quantum key. Although the waves undergo different changes during the transmission process, these alterations are always identical, and with the extra run, these get smoothened over until the receiver's end is reached. Therefore, both the sender and receiver get the same combination. At present, the team is looking to develop a full quantum cryptographic system that will give out quantum keys and transfer helpful data at the same time. The study was published in the journal Optics Express. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The United States drug spending has hit $425 billion in 2015, a new report revealed. The IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics report published today showed that U.S. spent $424.8 billion for drugs in 2015, a 12 percent increase from 2014. Net spending on prescription drugs in 2015 jumped by 8.5 percent to $309.5 billion, while net price for existing brands have an average rise of only 2.8 percent, which signified a reduced growth rate compared to previous years. The agency theorized that the slowdown in drug spending could be due to the intense lobbying of insurance companies against specialty drugs for treatment of diseases such as hepatitis C. Pharmaceutical companies are then forced to give out rebates and other discounts so their new products can get into insurance formularies. Senior VP and executive director of IMS Institute for Healthcare Murray Aitken said the 2015 shift in the market dynamics, including heightened competition, pushed manufacturers to embrace lower price increases. Drug Spending Will Continue To Increase Despite the lower drug spending for the past year, the agency acknowledges the drug market is still rapidly growing. Using wholesale prices, the IMS report stated that drug spending will continue to increase by as much as 46 percent or $640 billion in the next five years. The agency took into account the number of research pipelines that are rife with new, experimental drugs that are expected to launch by 2020, particularly in oncology therapy. In 2015, oncology drug spending accounted for $39.1 billion, an 18 percent growth from 2014. Autoimmune drugs accounted increased by almost 29 percent to $30.2 billion. Aitken cleared that the price increases on the said drugs, although high, are still manageable as it will be compensated by reduced price increases for branded drugs. "We have more people with health insurance (now), and that could be a reason we're having more uptake in brand-name drug use," said Aitken. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America agrees with the IMS report that drug prices are moderating, which they attribute to aggressive negotiations from big purchasers and generic utilization rates of almost 90 percent. Despite the dive in drug spending, politicians and consumers alike are still complaining of the price increase that are straining their budget to which IMS research director Michael Kleinrock agrees. "Patients are facing high costs," Kleinrock said while pointing out that manufacturers are not pocketing all of the costs. Government Solution The agency is also looking at intensified competition with the introduction of "biosimilars" or cheaper versions of expensive drugs. So far, the Food and Drug Administration has approved development of two biosimilars. Photo: Dominique Godbout | Flickr 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. New York: India is "not forthcoming" in resuming comprehensive dialogue with Pakistan and such an attitude is "impeding" prospects of normalisation of bilateral relations, Pakistan's envoy to the UN has said. Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi told a group of students and faculty members from the US Army War College last week that despite a positive start following the coming to power of the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India suspended talks between the two countries on "flimsy grounds and set unacceptable pre-conditions" for their revival. According to a press release by the Pakistan Mission at the UN, Lodhi said in spite of Pakistan's call to resume broad-based, comprehensive dialogue, "India was still not forthcoming". "This attitude was impeding prospects of normalisation between the two countries," the release said. Lodhi said that defeating terrorism, growing the economy and building a peaceful neighbourhood were among Pakistan's top priorities, including promoting peace and security in Afghanistan and normalising relations with India on the basis of resolution of outstanding disputes. "These national priorities frame our international diplomacy and our foreign engagements," she said. Lodhi further said one of Pakistan's key priorities was regional connectivity and integration and cited the connectivity project with China linking the two countries through an economic corridor. "The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor that would link Pakistan to Central Asia and the Eurasian landmass will not be confined to China and Pakistan but will be win-win for the entire region," the release said. A dwarf dark galaxy has been spotted by astronomers thanks to light from the distant object being magnified by a gravitational lens. This surprise finding was made by researchers using the Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) observatory in Chile. Gravitational lensing, a phenomenon first predicted by physicist Albert Einstein, occurs when light passes on either side of a massive object before being recorded by astronomers. This bends the path of light, similar to the action of a glass lens. This effect is sometimes used to examine distant galaxies, which would normally be too far from the Earth for astronomers to study. In the new ALMA image, light from a distant galaxy, shown in red, is seen arcing around a less distant galaxy, pictured in blue. Distortions in the wave, expressed as a white dot, reveal the presence of a dark dwarf galaxy sitting roughly four billion light years from Earth. Gravitational lens SDP.81 was the focus of a study by astronomers, testing new high-resolution capabilities of the ALMA observatory. The research team did not discover the dwarf dark galaxy hidden in the image until a year after recording the image. Dwarf dark matter galaxies are exceedingly hard to detect. This relatively small body contains roughly 0.1 percent of the mass of our own Milky Way galaxy. Techniques used in this new finding could allow astronomers to find other similar concentrations of dark matter spread around the Cosmos. "We can find these invisible objects in the same way that you can see rain droplets on a window. You know they are there because they distort the image of the background objects," said Yashar Hezaveh of Stanford University. Dark matter may be difficult to detect, but physics suggests that roughly 80 percent of the matter within the visible universe is of this elusive variety. This bizarre material does not interact with light or other forms of electromagnetic radiation, but does exert a gravitational influence on the space around it. This dark matter galaxy may exist as a satellite of the more-traditional galaxy creating the lensing effect. Astrophysicists believe a galaxy like our own should be accompanied by thousands of satellite galaxies - instead, astronomers know of just 40 such bodies. If these satellites are mostly dark matter, this could explain the discrepancy. Analysis of the ring and detection of the dark dwarf galaxy will be published in the Astrophysical Journal. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A newly identified dinosaur species with an unusual set of arm muscles fit to lift feathers has helped scientists in Alberta solve a decades-long case of mistaken dinosaur identity. The bird-like dinosaur, which hunted for food in the bayous and swamps of southern Alberta, was first thought to be part of a different species of dinosaurs. Now named Apatoraptor pennatus, the dinosaur did not use its arm muscles for lifting heavy weights or brawling, but for moving its feathers, paleontologists from the University of Alberta said. A Case of Mistaken Identity Greg Funston, a Ph.D. candidate at the university, was working on a nearly complete fossilized dinosaur skeleton found in the Western Canadian province's badlands when he observed something strange. Mistakenly thought of as a member of the group of dinosaurs that resemble modern-day ostriches, the fossilized skeleton was classified as an ornithomimid and kept in the Royal Tyrrell Museum since its discovery in 1993. It was brought out again to celebrate the museum's 25th anniversary. That was when he realized that the skeleton was actually a new type of caenagnathid dinosaur, part of a family of bird-like maniraptoran theropod dinosaurs. Although the dinosaur was already called Epichirostenotes, Funston said the features did not quite match up. Some of the proportions and several shapes of the finger bones were off, as well as the features of the lower jaw. After putting the fossils under CT scan, Funston found the signs of unusual arm muscles, which had tiny scars similar to those left by feather-moving muscles of birds. What were the Feathers For? The Apatoraptor is about 2 meters (6.6 feet) long and 180 kilograms (396.8 lbs.) in weight, making the dinosaur a bit larger than the average human. "Because these animals are way too big to fly, they're probably using their feathers for display," said Funston, adding that the displays were possibly meant to attract potential mates. Implications of the Discovery The name Apatoraptor means "deceptive thief" while pennatus means "feathered," Funston said. This is his first time naming a new dinosaur. "It's really exciting on a personal level," said Funston. "But what I am most excited about is what it means for this field of paleontology." The Apatoraptor fossil is the most articulated skeleton from anywhere in the world. This means that the dinosaur's bones are still in the same position when it died. It's also by far the most complete skeleton for caenagnathids in Alberta. The discovery of the well-preserved fossilized skeleton is very crucial as it will help future studies further understand the new dinosaur species. Funston said it will help fill in the gap for some of the missing puzzle pieces in the group of caenagnathids. "Because it is a relatively complete skeleton, it helps resolve the relationships of caenagnathids, which have always been problematic," said Funston. In fact, most caenagnathid fossils are only represented by single bones or isolated material. With this, scientists couldn't tell if they came from the same dinosaur. Apatoraptor helps scientists picture what these animals looked like, allowing them to confirm if the features they use to separate the caenagnathids are significant or not. The findings of the study are published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Despite public protest, wildlife officials in Florida concluded on Wednesday that black bear populations in the state were large enough to allow the second hunting season in more than 20 years. The state's Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is set to meet again in June to mull over decisions on how the bear hunt could be managed. "There is a process of how the hunt is set up, what the quota objectives are," said FWC Chair Brian Yablonski. "There's a ton of options out there." Bear hunts in the state ended in the 1990s, and were only returned in October 2015 after the FWC approved a controlled hunting of 320 black bears. The reason for last year's hunt was the growing presence of black bears in the suburbs. Black bears are creatures that enjoy eating the contents of trash cans. Many of the animals raided garbage, and four even interacted directly with humans. Are Black Bears Endangered Species? The commission's official population count of adult black bears at the time of the 2015 hunt was at 3,500. In March this year, FWC bear researcher Walter McCown said the population is now at 4,350, which exceeds the commission's 2015 estimate by 24 percent. The number may seem robust enough to justify the 2016 bear hunt, but a nonprofit wildlife conservationist group known as the Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) has said the population growth in the state does not bode well for the animals. CBD Florida Director Jaclyn Lopez said the impact of development and growth factors in Florida must be accounted for in considering whether black bears are endangered. More than 100,000 people have signed a petition to stop the hunt in 2015, but to no avail. Some groups brought the matter to the court, but they were only able to reach a ruling that said the seven-day hunt could be interrupted if the quota was met in less than the expected time. The CBD has issued a recent petition to declare black bears as endangered species. If successful, it would prohibit hunting and any activity that would lessen the animal's population in Florida. However, the FWC sees declaring black bears as threatened species as an unnecessary precaution. A spokesperson for the commission said extensive field surveys performed last year, as well as in-depth scientific analysis, showed rising numbers in the population of adult black bears. Even so, public outcry is also insistent. Laura Bevan, southern region director for the Humane Society of the United States, told the Christian Science Monitor that the October hunt did not deal with problem bears, but with bears in the woods. "Problem bears in human areas are already dealt with harshly by officials," said Bevan. Most of the bears killed in the October hunt were slain in private property, near feeding stations arranged by hunters to lure the bears in, Bevan explained. Official regulations state that hunters are not allowed to kill bears whose heads are still in the feeding basket, but anything goes when nobody's watching. "We don't even like calling it a hunt," added Bevan. Possible Solutions Along with Bevan, Tracy Coppola of Humane Society of U.S. believes trophy hunting is not a solution to alleviate the rising population of bears in Florida. Coppola said the best way for concerned residents to help wildlife conservation efforts is by speaking out and being vocal about their state's management initiatives. Bevan said, although Florida saw an increase in black bear population, the state has yet to teach residents to co-exist with the animals. Bevan and Coppola mentioned the efficacy of bear-proof trash cans to deter bears from raiding them. This is already implemented in Western states. "We've basically invited the bears to dinner," added Bevan. Photo : D. Griebeling | Flickr 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. High profile names such as Stephen Hawking, Mark Zuckerberg and Russian billionaire Yuri Milner are keeping their hopes up for one of the most ambitious space projects ever: sending tiny interstellar space probes to visit the nearest star system, Alpha Centauri. Known as the Breakthrough Starshot project, the plan is to use a giant laser situated on our planet to push a fleet of nano spacecraft to nearly the speed of light. If successful, the iPhone-sized probes are estimated to cross the void within two decades - an incredible feat for interstellar travel. It will take four years for the data to be transmitted home. The audacious project is truly exciting, but experts say it is not immune to potential issues. Do They Have A Permit For Planetary Laser? A 100-gigawatt laser on Earth is supposed to push the tiny Starshot probes to accelerate almost at the speed of light. However, such a laser would be powerful enough to destroy anything, frying orbital satellites in its wake. Starshot project leader Pete Worden, director of NASA's Ames Research Center, said they won't fire when satellites are in the way. "We anticipate that there would be international agreements in control of this," said Worden, believing that the world will take the Starshot project with a grain of salt. Worden and his colleagues will work with countries to get the necessary permits. Is It Really Cheaper? Milner, whose first name is that of the first man in space, Yuri Gagarin, has already invested $100 million of his own money into the Starshot project. In the space industry, this amount is only crumbs. NASA's New Horizons probe was built at $722 million, and was able to fly by Pluto, which is about three billion light years away. Three billion light years is only 0.012 percent of the distance between Earth and Alpha Centauri, which is located 25 trillion light years away. It would cost seven times as much as Milner's pledged funding to actually reach the star system. Milner is aware of this, but he hopes that his seed money can at least kick-start the project. What Would Happen To Distress Signals From Far, Far Away? The Starshot team hopes that about 1,000 mini-spacecraft will be launched in the next decade. However, one problem is that once these tiny probes leave the solar system, they will be on their own more than ever. Communications between our planet and the Starshot probes cannot happen faster than the speed of light, and so if one of the probes faces trouble a light year into its space journey, then it will take about a year for its distress signal to reach Earth. It will then take another year before instructions from the Starshot mission control team to reach the tiny craft. If this is the case, the probe would have either fixed itself or died completely. What Is The Team's Main Priority? There is still no technology that could allow something as small as a postage stamp or an iPhone to transmit a signal across trillions of miles of interstellar space. This is one of the main priorities of the Starshot team. But why is sending data so important? Bruce Betts of the Planetary Science said that without an effective way to send data home, the mission could end in failure. "If you could fly to a forest, and you could see a tree fall, but you can't mention to anyone," added Betts, "did it really matter?" 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Microsoft filed a lawsuit against the United States government, particularly the Justice Department, over what it calls "unconstitutional" gag orders, compelling it to remain silent and not inform the affected customers that their cloud data has been accessed as part of an investigation. The company filed the suit on April 14 in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington. "Microsoft brings this case because its customers have a right to know when the government obtains a warrant to read their emails, and because Microsoft has a right to tell them," reads a part of the complaint. This lawsuit aims to shoot down Section 2705 (b) of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act that is used by the United States government to force companies in turning over their customers' data, "their email content or other private information," but gags them to inform customers that their cloud data has been inspected by authorities. "This statute violates ... the Fourth Amendment, which affords people and businesses the right to know if the government searches or seizes their property," says Microsoft. It also adds that this legal mechanism breaches the First Amendment, "which enshrines Microsoft's rights to talk to its customers and discuss how the government conducts its investigations." In a blog post, Brad Smith, Microsoft's president and chief legal officer, shares that in the past 18 months, the government has required that the company should maintain the secrecy about 2,576 legal demands. Smith goes on to say that what's even more surprising is that 68 percent of the total secrecy orders (which is equivalent to 1,752), have "no fixed end date at all." "This means that we effectively are prohibited forever from telling our customers that the government has obtained their data," says Smith. He also said in an interview with Bloomberg that it is vital for businesses, such as Microsoft, to know when the government accesses their "file room," whether it is located in the cloud or down the hall. He said people must not lose their rights "simply because technology is moving to the cloud." The Justice Department is presently reviewing Microsoft's filing, according to spokeswoman Emily Pierce. This battle between Microsoft and the government comes hot on the heels of a high-profile face-off between the Federal Bureau of Investigation over iPhone encryption. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Nine people were killed and hundreds were injured when a 6.4 magnitude hit Japan Thursday night, reports say. The 6.4 quake that hit Kyushu, Japan's third largest island, surprised most residents as it happened at 9:26 p.m. (1:26 GMT) April 14 at a depth of 7 miles near Kumamoto city. Majority of the victims affected by the earthquake come from Mashiki, Kumamoto Prefecture, about 9 miles east of Kumamoto city. Kumamoto prefecture disaster management official Takayuki Matsushita said that as of Friday morning, about 44,400 people were evacuated in 500 shelters in Mashiki town hall. 14,500 households have no power supply, while more than 25,000 homes have no water supply. Saibu Gas Co also suspended gas supply to about 1,100 homes following 54 reports of gas leaks. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe addressed reporters Friday morning and shared that the government now has firefighters, police officers, and troops of Self-Defense Forces working on rescue operations. Abe also said that the government will extend support, including food and medical support to the affected victims. A total of 1,084 officers coming from 19 different prefectures are now mobilizing to hit the disaster areas, said the National Police Agency. Yasuhiro Soshino from the Japanese Red Cross Kumamoto Hospital said that they have treated more than 200 injuries, 15 of which were serious cases. "Red Cross medical teams in other areas are also gathering at our Red Cross hospital," Soshino said. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga estimated that the earthquake collapsed 19 houses, as hundreds of calls about damaged building came in. Suga said his office also received reports that a number of people were trapped or buried under debris. Kumamoto police reported that the nine casualties of the earthquake include five women and four men: Fujito Aramaki, 84; Toshiaki Ito, 61; Masataka Murakami, 61; Sueko Fukumoto, 54; Tomoko, Tomita, 89; Tatsuya Sakamoto, 29; Yoko Miyamori, 55; Yumiko Matsumoto, 68; and Hanae Murakami, 94. Total number of injured individuals is now reported to be more than 800. Japan Meteorological Agency did not issue a tsunami warning. The earthquake hit about 74 miles northeast of Sendai nuclear plant in Kagoshima Prefecture, but Suga said there were no reported abnormalities in the facilities. Kyushu Electric said that they are monitoring the plant to look for any possible damage or abnormalities. The U.S. Geological Survey reported an initial magnitude of 6.2, but upgraded it after thorough damage assessment. The Meteorological Agency reported multiple aftershocks that ranged from 3 to 5.7 magnitudes Meteorological Agency earthquake and tsunami division director Gen Aoki said that more aftershocks are likely to follow. "Generally speaking, an inland earthquake with the focus relatively near the surface tends to be followed by many aftershocks," said Aoki. The quake happened just five months after a magnitude-7 quake hit the southern coast of Japan and five years after the magnitude-9 earthquake that claimed thousands of lives. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Paramount Pictures' adaptation of the popular manga and anime Ghost in the Shell has been the subject of unhappy reviews due to the production's decision to use a very much white actress to play the role of a very much Japanese cyborg in a story that takes place in 21st Century Japan. Yes, the official first-look image released by Paramount on April 14 features Scarlett Johansson dressed up as Major Motoko Kusanagi. The photo did its job and captured the attention of fans and news outlets alike, but most of the comments it received raised the issue of whitewashing in Hollywood. Neither Johansson nor anyone from the production has responded to the negative comments over the first-look photo, but that does not stop fans from saying what is on their minds. Take a look at some of the comments below. #GhostInTheShell was developed in JAPAN. The characters are JAPANESE. Being a cyborg doesn't make Motoko Kusanagi not JAPANESE. ferdosa (@ferdosa_) April 14, 2016 Heres the thing about the ScarJo casting in Ghost in the Shell, it's all about upholding this idea of white being palatable for the majority Aiah Samba (@Dualityman81) April 14, 2016 Scarlett Johansson staring in "Ghost in the Shell"?! This isn't MARVEL. Stop with white washing already. Aaron Toponce (@AaronToponce) April 14, 2016 @FanBrosShow oh hey I didn't know Ghost in the Shell was about the white woman savior. (Nope) Alberto Lima (@AL_Write) April 14, 2016 Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Agent May is also not too happy about the whitewashing issue. Nothing against Scarlett Johansson. In fact, I'm a big fan. But everything against this Whitewashing of Asian role. https://t.co/VS6r6iish9 Ming-Na Wen (@MingNa) April 14, 2016 As for the production, Paramount and DreamWorks Pictures only announced that the production of the Hollywood version of Ghost in the Shell is already underway in New Zealand. "We are so pleased to be in Wellington to shoot Ghost in the Shell. ... The city boasts state-of-the-art production facilities and a rich urban landscape that make it an ideal setting for a sci-fi action film," Producers Ari Arad, Avi Arad, Michael Costigan and Jeffrey Silver said. Yes, New Zealand is indeed the ideal place to shoot a film about Japan. Scarlett Johansson has already shown versatility in the roles she played in her previous films so we really have nothing against her getting an awesome role and she probably recognizes how amazing Major Kusanagi's role is, which is why she chose to audition for the part but let us hope that, at the very least, the major themes of the internationally acclaimed story will remain intact. Ghost in the Shell is an original story written and illustrated by Masamune Shirow and serialized in Kodansha Comics from 1989. It follows the protagonist Major Motoko Kusanagi, a cyborg who leads Public Security Section 9, the unit assigned to track down and seize the Puppet Master. In the adaptation, however, Kusanagi and Public Security Section 9 will be coming after the Laughing Man, which will be played by Michael Pitt. Ghost in the Shell, the Hollywood version, is slated for release on March 31, 2017. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. BlackBerry is a staple of mobile security, but recent reports indicate that the company is willing to break into its own devices at the authorities' request. The company helped the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to intercept and decode messages that were sent and encrypted through BlackBerry's BBM service. Canadian authorities have reportedly had a masterkey for BlackBerry devices since 2010. The findings are part of Project Clemenza, an operation that allowed the RCMP to apprehend seven men who were involved in a murder conspiracy. During the operation, more than 1 million messages were archived and cracked by a server in Ottawa. The report comes from Vice and Motherboard and shows that not all mobile manufacturers share Apple's stand on encryption and cooperation with the government. BlackBerry clients who were connected to an enterprise server were not affected by the break-in. This is because corporate BlackBerry servers operate using internal encryption keys, whereas handsets that use public servers function using the peer-to-peer encryption key embedded into the smartphone during the manufacturing process. In case you were wondering, all personal BlackBerrys use public servers. Somehow, the RCMP got the key and wasted no time to start unlocking BBM messages. The most interesting questions regarding the case are still unanswered. Did RCMP manage to crack the handset's encryption by its own means? No official statement came regarding the subject, but Vice and Motherboard cited court documents hinting that BlackBerry was in close cooperation with the Canadian law enforcement agency. It is possible that RCMP took an approach similar to the one FBI deployed in the case of the iPhone 5s belonging to one of the San Bernardino shooters: delegating a third-party to do the dirty work. The Bureau finally employed a third-party to crack open the iPhone of San Bernardino shooter Syed Farook after Apple repeatedly refused to give the authorities full access to the device. Earlier this year, Apple appealed to the United States Congress in the dust-up it has with the FBI over encryption issues and security. In comparison, there is a strong chance that BlackBerry simply offered authorities the access key needed to unlock the data from the suspects' phones. As the company counts several national governments among its clients, it is logical to cater to their needs. During the development of Project Clemenza, the Indian government pointed out that BlackBerry should permit officials a lawful way to monitor a part of the network data belonging to the company. One important question that remains unanswered is if the RCMP still holds the decryption key. Motherboard notes that unless the company delivered a massive update post Project Clemenza, the RCMP is probably still able to break into BBM messages. At the time of writing, we are unaware of such an update taking place. BlackBerry refused to take an official standpoint on the story, but we will keep you posted with any news we have. Device encryption has become one of the hottest topics in the tech industry after the recent legal clash between the FBI and Apple. Whether or not companies should renounce their privacy policies and yield themselves to national security arguments is a long debate, and it seems to be merely starting. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In an effort to rally fans into the playoffs, the NBA's Dallas Mavericks revealed a new emoji keyboard on April 14. The keyboard, created by Swyft Media, includes a wide range of Mavericks-themed emojis, including an image of the team's arena and Owner Mark Cuban. "We want to attract and engage the next generation of Mavs fans - and in order to do that, we need to speak their language," said Cuban. "Mobile is a critical piece of our fan engagement strategy and an important way to carry the excitement from American Airlines Center to fans' mobile devices. Our new lineup of Mavs branded emoji and digital stickers delivers fun and entertaining content that our greatest MFFLs can share with their friends." The free app can be downloaded onto both Apple and Android devices. Additionally, the Mavericks website promotes the emojis as a way to show team pride "year-round," including beyond the playoffs. "Mobile messaging apps are where millennials and GenZs are spending most of their time these days, and the Dallas Mavericks are creating a fun, engaging way to make their brand and team a focal point of the conversation - building brand loyalty and fan engagement." said Evan Wray, co-founder and vice president of Swyft Media. "This keyboard takes the fun beyond physical arenas and into mobile, with content that inspires playful banter and fun rivalry exchanges across messaging apps and social media." Swyft Media has worked with more than 300 popular global brands, including Ford, 1-800-Flowers and MillerCoors. The company's mobile engagement platform allows users to create everything from emojis to photo filters. The Mavericks are not the first to embrace the emoji as a marketing tactic. Everyone from Kim Kardashians to Pope Francis now has an emoji keyboard. In Summer 2015, Sony announced that it would be creating a movie based on emojis - the smiley-faced characters that can be found on every smartphone. At CinemaCon in Las Vegas, Sony President Kristine Belson revealed that the upcoming movie would also be an "app movie." For example, Spotify will be the music streaming service featured in the film. The fact that a movie based on emojis may not be so far-fetched when this statistic is considered - 5 percent of smartphone users say they use emojis "several" times per week. A whopping 92 percent of the online population uses emojis. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. For those who miss the upstairs-downstairs drama Downton Abbey, a new app by the creator of the show may quell these yearnings. Julian Fellowes, who is responsible for the smash hit, has now created an app that features some of the same tensions that can be found on Downton Abbey. However, it centers on Belgravia instead of Lord Grantham's estate, a wealthy district west of London. The app launched on April 14, and Fellowes calls it a "cross between a novel and a computer game." He went on to tell the Telegraph that it was quite a change from Downton Abbey. Unfolding in 11 weekly episodes, Belgravia is based on Fellowes' latest book of the same name. Actress Juliet Stevenson narrates the stories, which follow the lives of two families after the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. "Just a stone's throw from Buckingham Palace, behind the closed doors of London's grandest houses, scandal and intrigue reign," reads Fellowes' website for Belgravia. Currently, the first episode is available for free after registering on the website. The app itself will be available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store for everyone who wants to follow through all 11 parts of the story. Those who register now can take advantage of a 30 percent savings deal, which prices the entire series at $13.99 for the remaining 10 episodes. People who want to purchase individual episodes will need to pay $1.99 for each. Many have drawn comparisons of Fellowes' latest work to podcasts, such as Serial, which notably ends on cliffhangers each week to keep listeners longing for more. These types of media have seen success in an era when channels such as Netflix encourage the public to binge endlessly on content. However, one thing is for certain with Fellowes' latest endeavor Belgravia listeners can potentially find Downton-like satisfaction in the characters featured in the novel. There is the social-climbing businessman (James Trenchard) who is married to the humble schoolteacher (Anne Trenchard). Then, there is the lovesick daughter (Sophia Trenchard) and the less-than-successful son, set to inherit the family fortune (Oliver Trenchard). Those who can stand to wait will be able to purchase the hardcover novel version of Belgravia on Amazon beginning July 5. Depending on the success of the app, it may become difficult to hold off and avoid spoilers. 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Taliban's resurgence has raised serious questions about Afghan forces' capacity to hold their own, with an estimated 5,000 troops killed last year, the worst ever toll. (Photo: AFP) Kunduz: Afghan security forces drove Taliban fighters back from Kunduz city Friday, officials said, as the insurgents began the 2016 fighting season by targeting the northeastern provincial capital they briefly captured last year. Fighting took place within city limits as well as in six provincial districts, Kunduz governor Asadullah Omarkhil said in a video statement. "Fortunately they have faced defeat by the Afghan security forces," he said, adding that 30 insurgents were killed and 20 wounded within the city's limits. At the moment, the security situation is absolutely normal. They dreamed of capturing the city of Kunduz, but they faced a jaw-breaking answer from Afghan forces," he said. The Taliban left security forces reeling with their brief takeover of Kunduz late last year, their biggest victory since they were toppled from power in 2001. On Tuesday the insurgents announced the start of the "spring offensive" even as the government in Kabul tries to bring them back to the negotiating table to end the drawn-out conflict. Shir Aziz Kamawal, a police commander in charge of Kunduz province, confirmed that fighting had taken place in six districts Friday, saying the insurgents had "failed" but that fighting was ongoing. A Taliban spokesman said security forces had "fled" the districts. The insurgents are known to regularly exaggerate their battlefield claims. The annual spring offensive normally marks the start of the "fighting season", though this winter the lull was shorter and the Taliban continued to battle government forces albeit with less intensity. The Taliban's resurgence has raised serious questions about Afghan forces' capacity to hold their own, with an estimated 5,000 troops killed last year, the worst ever toll. Peace talks which began last summer were abruptly halted after it was revealed that Taliban leader Mullah Omar had been dead for two years. A four-country group comprising Afghanistan, the United States, China and Pakistan has been holding meetings since January aimed at jump-starting negotiations, though their efforts have so far been in vain. Although Marvel's Civil War movie hits theaters next month, this summer sees a new civil war brewing in comic books with Marvel's Civil War II. That war, which will pit Captain Marvel against Iron Man, starts when a mysterious new character arrives in the Marvel universe with the power to predict future events. The superheroes start arguing over how to use that power, and the information this stranger offers. Captain Marvel believes that this knowledge of the future could stop criminal acts from happening, with Iron Man believing that punishment should come only after a crime gets committed. This divides the team into two factions. Siding with Captain Marvel is Captain America (Steve Rogers), War Machine, Spider-Man, Vision, Medusa, Blue Marvel, The Winter Soldier, Spectrum, She-Hulk, Hawkeye and Ant-Man. Iron Man's team includes Captain America (Sam Wilson), Thor, Black Panther, Star-Lord, Luke Cage, Hercules, Miss America, Daredevil, Black Widow, The Hulk (Amadeus Cho) and Deadpool. Marvel recently released a sneak peek at Civil War II #1, featuring writing by Brian Michael Bendis and artwork by David Marquez. "The Marvel Universe is at a crossroads," Marvel wrote in a press email. "A new power has emerged, one that can predict the future - for good or ill - and the heroes of the Marvel Universe are faced with a choice: Wield the power of 'predictive justice' to change the future as they see fit, or reject it and allow tomorrow to unfold unaltered. Protect the future. Change the future. Choose your side." The story of Civil War II will kick off with a major character death, which will leave the team of superheroes questioning what's right and what's wrong. "People's personal accountability is the theme of this one," Bendis said to the New York Daily News. "From the way cops are acting on camera, to the way people talk to each other online." Fans looking to get another sneak peek of Civil War II can pick up a prologue by Bendis and Jim Cheung on Free Comic Book Day on May 7. Later that month, Civil War II #0 by Bendis and Olivier Coipel goes on sale. Civil War II #1 goes on sale in comic book stores and online on June 1. Photos: Marvel 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Southern California Gas Co.s plan to fully deploy a network of upgraded gas meters faces hurdles in some parts of Orange County as local officials assert they have the authority to approve where pole-mounted wireless transmitting units should go and how they should look, thehas learned.Municipalities including Laguna Beach and Newport Beach have been involved in lengthy talks with SoCalGas over the setup of poles and antennas that collect data from advanced meters at homes and most businesses, and send the data to the gas company.Cities across Southern California are in various stages of shifting to the advanced meter networks, which eventually are expected to eliminate the need for human meter readers.SoCalGas is still in the process of obtaining permits to install network units in Laguna Beach and Newport Beach. Buena Park has had the technology since late 2012. The network also has been set up in Irvine, but some recent installations were needed to fill gaps in the coverage. The systems in Seal Beach and Huntington Beach are works in progress.The local permitting challenges are the latest bump to emerge in the gas companys massive effort to upgrade millions of old analog meters and phase out the process of sending workers through neighborhoods to read the units manually. Over the last six years, SoCalGas personnel assigned to meter reading have been reduced from more than 1,000 to about 70, company figures show.The meter upgrades, which began in late 2012, drew opposition from a major watchdog group and the utility workers union after they were proposed eight years ago. And more recently, customers complained about big hikes in bills in January and February that some suspect may be tied to the meter changes. The company said the large bills were primarily due to cold weather that required more indoor heating.SoCalGas says that the advanced meters which, in most cases, are attachments or modules added to existing meters are highly accurate and cost-effective, and that their rollout has been a success. The company says it is 80 percent complete with the installation of advanced-meter modules in Orange County.But company officials also have said that recent changes in meter-reading schedules, in part related to the transition to the upgraded meters, resulted in longer billing cycles for some customers and larger bills.Customer bills are always reconciled and customers are not billed for more gas than theyve used, said Melissa Bailey, a SoCalGas spokeswoman, in an email. If one billing cycle was longer, then another one will be shorter.In recent weeks, several customers told thethat theyve received corrected bills after gas company representatives told them their usage had been estimated some for as long as six consecutive billing cycles. Some customers said they were told the estimates were because of a shortage of meter readers, while others said they were not given any explanation. The company has noted estimates of usage for billing purposes are permitted at times under state regulations.Jerry Acosta, a spokesman for the Utility Workers Union of America, which represents meter readers, said he is not aware of any personnel shortages. Bailey, of SoCalGas, said there are enough meter readers to handle areas that are without a fully deployed, advanced-meter network, as well as customers who opt out of the program.However, a Feb. 26 report filed by SoCalGas with the California Public Utilities Commission, which regulates the company, hinted at a link between possible delays in getting local permits for transmitting equipment and the continuing need to maintain meter readers.The gas company indicated in the report that as many as 245 of its planned 4,600 data collection units havent been installed because some municipalities are requiring the utility to obtain permits.SoCalGas has claimed it is essentially exempt from obtaining local permission to install its data collection sites because the company is regulated by the state utilities commission, according to the report and what some local city officials say theyve have been told by the gas company.If these municipalities continue to assert their current positions, they will considerably delay or prevent the network installation timeline, for the roughly 245 network sites, according to the report.That means SoCalGas will likely have to maintain certain functions including manual meter reading and related billing systems for far longer than was anticipated, the report says, which would negatively impact expected operational benefits.Among the benefits the system offers are operational cost savings and environmental benefits from removing 1,000 vehicles used by meter readers traveling nearly 7 million miles a year from the streets, Bailey said. The upgraded meters also are considered more accurate and eliminate potential for human error in reading the meters, she added.The SoCalGas report warns of potential problems in completing the state-approved system if local agencies are allowed to determine where data collection units can go and how they look.This discretionary permitting process, the report says. would effectively give a municipality the unilateral right to significantly modify the planned location or design of the DCUs and even preclude the installation of DCUs by the utility.Utilities commission spokeswoman Terrie Prosper said in an email that SoCalGas interpretation of the permitting situation is correct but offered no specifics.Several Orange County cities including Laguna Beach have remained firm in defending their permitting prerogatives.The states utilities commission approval of SoCalGas advanced-meter project didnt take away local jurisdictions, cities discretion for regulating time, place and manner, referring to the proposed transmission sites, said Scott Drapkin, Laguna Beachs principal planner.Gas company officials have been working with city officials there for more than a year to place roughly 20 wireless transmitting units around the city. City officials have been concerned the installations will interfere with ocean and canyon views.Generally, new poles can be 24 feet or higher, with a data-collection unit, antennas and a solar panel up top, according to some permit applications filed by the gas company. In some instances, data collection units and antennas are mounted on existing light poles, without solar panels an option cities tend to prefer because they arent as bulky.The number of meters transmitting to a single data collection unit varies, but on average, there are about 1,300 meters for every unit, the gas companys Bailey said.The proposed units in Laguna Beach would be mounted on new and existing poles, Drapkin said in an email. But city officials are seeking the least intrusive installation, designs and locations, he said.In Newport Beach, gas company officials felt they didnt have to go through a review process when discussions began two years ago, said Jim Campbell, the citys principal planner.After some healthy disagreement, both sides agreed that transmitting units can be mounted on streetlights, which helps reduce scale, Campbell said.SoCalGas has submitted permit applications for about 20 of its 30 proposed wireless sites, the city says. And its possible most permits will be issued within the next month to allow installation to begin.Bailey, the gas company spokeswoman, said in a prepared statement that since the start of the advanced-meter roll out the gas company has worked collaboratively with all jurisdictions in our service territory to receive the necessary permits for installations of our communications network/Data Collection units.The city of Irvine has worked with the gas company to locate the best locations for the wireless units, said city spokeswoman Kim Mohr, in an email. After complaints about a couple of sites, SoCalGas worked quickly to relocate the units, she added.SoCalGas received slightly more than 220 complaints and questions after installing more than 3,400 data-collection sites across its service area, according to the companys Feb. 26 report. Complaints touched on aesthetics, glare or location. Now Reach Your Goals With Googles Newly Introduced Goals Feature in Calendar Yesterday, Google launched a new feature Goals to Google Calendar in its Android and iOS app to celebrate 10 years of Google Calendar. We all have goals. It could be learn a new language, spend more time with family or exercise more. This new Google Goals allows you to enter your goal and how often you want to do it. It will find the time for you to work towards your biggest goals. Google goals will integrate these into the app that runs your life your calendar. However, the tool relies on you entering almost every meeting and scheduled activity onto the platform in advance to work efficiently. To set new Goal, (like Learn French) simply answer a few questions (like How often? and Best time?) and youre all set. From there, Calendar will look at your schedule and find the best time frame to point time for that goal. You can also defer a goal at any time, and Calendar will make time for it later. Also, Calendars should help you make the most of your time and not just be tools to track events. Google says that Calendar will get smarter over time with your goals, as well. If Goals works, Google might finally have found a way to make us all better people. 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. In addition to Xi, the new Standing Committee is composed of Wang Huning, director of the Political Research Office of the CCP Central Committee, and Zhao Leji, secretary for the... | Read More Kamaljit Dorairaja and her daughter Ishlyn Kaur were discovered lying dead inside their house in Rawang town of the country's Selangor state on Thursday. (Representational image) Kuala Lumpur: A 33-year-old Indian-origin Sikh woman and her seven-month-old daughter have been found dead at their house in Malaysia and police have arrested her husband, a media report said on Friday. Kamaljit Dorairaja and her daughter Ishlyn Kaur were discovered lying dead inside their house in Rawang town of the country's Selangor state on Thursday. The deceased are believed to have either been strangled or smothered to death though the exact cause behind their death was not immediately known, Malay Mail Online reported. The two were first spotted by her father-in-law who raised an alarm. Meanwhile, Police have arrested Dorairaja's husband, a lorry driver in his early 30s, in connection with the double murder after initial investigations. Medical officers said that Sasha's body has been badly bruised. (Photo: YouTube Video Grab) Rostov-on-Don: A Russian woman has been accused of torturing and thrashing her two-year-old son while filming the entire act on camera, according to a report in the Daily Mail. In the video, the woman, identified as Tatiana, can be seen screaming and repeatedly hitting her son, Sasha, in the face as the child screams in pain. The woman claimed that her motive behind shooting the video was to threaten her ex-husband who had filed for a divorce. She recorded the cruel act at her home in Rostov-On-Don, a city in south western Russia. The couple's relatives said that Tatiana has been threatening her ex-husband and his family with the gruesome videos. Woman filmed herself brutally beating son for revenge: A case was registered against Tatiana after an unnamed relative found the video tape and informed the police. Medical officers said that Sasha's body has been badly bruised. Although the child did not suffer permanent injuries, his father claims that he might have suffered mental trauma. Sasha's paternal aunt and his grandmother are fighting a case for his custody. Investigators are further probing the matter and legal action would be taken against Tatiana, if convicted. Skys The Five was created by two of the biggest names in publishing and TV: author Harlan Coben and producer Nicola shindler With over 60 million books in print worldwide, Harlan Coben is one of the most high profile thriller writers at work today. Yet despite having 28 page-turning novels to his name such as Tell No One, No Second Chance and Gone for Good, the New Jersey-based authors work had never until recently made it to the small screen. But he was specifically targeted by Red Production to help them create new drama series The Five for Sky. Red founder Nicola Shindler (Happy Valley, Last Tango in Halifax, Queer as Folk) recalls: We started having conversations with the Sky drama team about how you do a thriller on TV which has the same impact as a thriller you read, where instead of staying up to read the next chapter you have to watch the next episode. Red head of development Richard Fee then suggested approaching a thriller writer to help plot such a story, which could then be taken on by a scriptwriter. We put together a top ten list of writers to work with, and Harlan was at number one, says Shindler. So Red approached him via his agent. Within two hours of getting in touch, Coben himself emailed straight back saying he had an idea. Do you want to hear it?, he asked. Coben, speaking over the phone from the US, picks up the story: I had this idea playing in my head, and I was going to write it as a novel, but I always saw it too visually to be a novel. He outlined the basics straightaway: a story about four friends, one of whoms brother goes missing; twenty years later, one of the friends is a policeman and discovers that the young brothers DNA has been found at a crime scene, suggesting that he is alive. That was such a good, gripping start that we said yes straight away, says Shindler, who then travelled to New York with Fee to meet Coben. Over the course of a two day visit, Coben talked through the storyline. And Shindler was impressed: He always knew the ending. He had a brilliant opening, but then he has to know the ending too, otherwise he cant start writing. Its really unusual for a writer. Lots of them could learn from that. Shindler and Fee came away with a five page document outlining the story. We then had to turn it into a ten part television series, adds Shindler. Danny Brocklehurst (The Driver, Clocking Off) was brought on board to write the script for The Five. The pair clearly got on well: Danny brought a great sense of pace and a fantastic understanding of how to break things up to tell the story. Our mantra throughout this show was to not make it too timid, says Coben. For his part, Brocklehurst would read a different book of Cobens before writing each episode to get a feel for the way he tells stories. Coben was involved throughout the scriptwriting process. We would tell him that we have 20 minutes when nothing happens in episode seven, and he would go away and then throw ten ideas at you. It was a great way of working, says Shindler. The Five is set in the UK and filmed in and around Liverpool and Cheshire. A fan of British dramas such as Happy Valley, Coben says seeing his story through a foreign lens adds a whole new element to his typically US-based dramas. Shindler explains that one of the big challenges of producing The Five was its scale. We have never done ten hours before. And a single story over ten hours is really tough. The budget was bigger than she is used to, with Skys investment topped up by a pre-sale to Canal Plus and backing from distributor StudioCanal, the parent company of Red. The brief from Sky was to produce a show that would sit well with its American imports. So the production team aimed for a cinematic look to the drama to lend a sense of scale and ambition. The storytelling is a little bit heightened, certainly in comparison with Happy Valley, and I think you need the visuals to go with that, notes Shindler. She credits director Mark Tonderai for creating the cinematic look of the series. Unusually, he directed the entire series shooting for 127 days between March and October 2015. It was incredibly difficult for Mark, but it really paid off for us because we had such a single, strong voice on it. The Five was shot in blocks of two episodes at a time. We had a two week break between each block where Mark recced for the next block and did a bit of editing. And we were editing while filming. It was like he worked 24 hours a day. Looking back, Coben says he enjoyed making the switch from books to TV; he even makes a guest appearance as a waiter in one episode: Ive never collaborated in my life as I write novels, but with The Five everyone had their own ideas to add in a positive way. The Five is on Sky 1 from April 15th at 9pm DETAILS The Five is a ten part drama about four friends, Mark, Pru, Danny and Slade. When they were 12 years old, Marks five-year-old brother Jesse was bothering them so they told him to get lost. Jesse ran away. He was never seen again. Twenty years later, Danny now a detective learns thatJesses DNA has been found at a murder scene. Commissioners Anne Mensah and Cameron Roach, Sky Exec producers Nicola Shindler, Red Production Co; Harlan Coben; Cameron Roach Producer Karen Lewis Director Mark Tonderai Creator Harlan Coben Lead writer Danny Brocklehurst Editors Paulo Pandolpho, Celia Haining, John Murphy DOP Tico Poulakakis Production designer Lisa Soper Post Dock 10 Camera Arri Amira CGI c/o Face North VFX Share this story Mohan Lal's New Year Gift To NTR Malayalam Superstar Mohanlal who is busy with shooting of 'Janata Garage' is said to have surprised Jr.NTR with a special gift on the eve of Malayalam new year(April 14 th). Mohanlal gifted a delicious sweet Kani to NTR. The sweet is quite famous in Kerala. It is also heard that Mohanlal gifted Lord Sri Krishna silver idol to NTR. The young tiger was very much thrilled with unexpected gift from the star. Touted to be a perfect blend of mass and class elements, the film is shaping up at a brisk pace in a specially erected set in Saradi Studios, Hyderabad. The film is expected to establish NTR's market in Malayalam. Saikumar will be seen as NTR's father in the film. Samantha and Nitya Menen are the leading ladies opposite Tarak. Tamil actress Devayani, who was last seen in Telugu cinema over a decade ago, is making a comeback as Mohanlal's wife . The film is scheduled to hit the screens on August 12th, 2016. News Posted: 15 April, 2016 KCR to hold talks with AP Govt over Godavari water Hyderabad, April 15 (INN): Chief Minster K. Chandrashekar Rao said that the Telangana Government was ready to hold talks with Andhra Pradesh over sharing of Godavari River waters. Speaking to media persons after participating in Sri Rama Navmi celebrations in Bhadrachalam on Thursday, KCR said that neither Telangana nor AP would gain anything with fighting. Therefore, he said deliberations should be held with neighbouring State on all contentious issues. He said that his government would extend total cooperation to AP to resolve all pending issues. The Chief Minister said that the Telangana Government would maintain friendly relationship with all neighbouring States. He said Andhra Pradesh could utilise Godavari River water at Damogudem of Khammam district. He said even if AP utilises 1,000 TMC of water, an additional 1500 TMC water would remain available. KCR informed that he had already enlightened his AP counterpart N. Chandrababu Naidu over possible submergence of mandals in Khammam district. He said Naidu has given an assurance to resolve the issue. The Chief Minister promised overall development of Khammam in the next three years. He said two irrigation projects, including Seetharama Project, have been sanctioned in Khammam district. KCR alleged that the leaders of opposition parties have no knowledge about the irrigation sector. He said they have confined themselves to baseless criticism and creating obstacles in State's development. News Posted: 15 April, 2016 Alina Sablina, daughter of Elena Sablina, organs, including her heart and kidneys, had been removed for transplant without her family's permission. (Photo: AP) London: When Elena Sablina's daughter Alina was killed in a car crash in Moscow two years ago, she was devastated. One month later, Sablina accidentally discovered from a forensic report that six of her 19-year-old daughter's organs, including her heart and kidneys, had been removed for transplant. "I was shocked that organs were taken from my child without my permission," Sablina told The Associated Press. Yet all of that was legal. Russian law explicitly allows doctors to take organs from deceased patients without informing their families. Sablina sued for damages in five Russian courts and has lost every challenge. In frustration, she recently filed a case with the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, contending that the removal of her daughter's organs violated several articles of Europe's Human Rights Convention. Sablina also hopes her daughter's case will prompt a change in Russian law. "(Doctors) just came with a briefcase and took what they wanted," said Sablina, who said she would not have agreed to the donation even if asked. "Who gave them the right?" More than a dozen countries in Europe, including Russia, have a "presumed consent" donation system, where, in an attempt to boost the number of available organs, the government assumes people will be donors unless they specifically opt out. Others, like England, require people or their relatives to provide permission before anything can be taken. In some countries with presumed consent, including Spain and Belgium, doctors still consult family members before removing organs. But in Russia, doctors don't always seek the family's permission beforehand. A recently proposed amendment, however, would require Russian doctors to inform a patient's relatives within 12 hours of their loved one's death of any intention to remove organs or tissue, giving the family time to object. But the amendment does not make it mandatory for doctors to obtain the family's consent before taking organs. The proposal is still awaiting approval and there is no timeline on when Russian lawmakers might debate it. Still, that would only be a partial solution, critics say, since Russia still lacks an organ donation infrastructure, including a viable way for people to opt out. After her daughter's accident in Moscow, Sablina and her husband flew from their home in the Ural Mountains city of Yekaterinburg to be with her at the hospital. The doctors told them to prepare for the worst. After five days, Sablina said the doctors said they were too busy to talk, that she and her husband could not see Alina that day and asked them to leave. The following morning, Sablina got a telephone call from a funeral home informing her that her daughter had died. She inadvertently discovered the organ removal as she reviewed a criminal case file against the driver implicated in the fatal collision. One doctor had removed her daughter's heart while another took her kidneys. Doctors also cut out part of her aorta, her adrenal gland and a piece of her right lung. Sablina sued the hospital and two other institutions involved. Her lawyer, Anton Burkov, said Russian law gives doctors a disturbing amount of discretion. "Every single act of organ removal is conducted without any permission from the relatives," he said. "Doctors can freely ignore the families since it is completely legal to harvest organs in secrecy." Burkov said they have requested priority status with the European Court but that a judgment could still take two to four years. A similar case filed by a Latvian mother resulted in a ruling against the country and a modified law. The Russian ministry of health did not respond to repeated requests for comment on the case. Alexei Starchenko, chairman of Russia's National Patient Safety Agency, said every hospital that performs organ transplants has its own waiting list, describing the system as "corrupt" since there is little transparency to explain how organs get distributed, unlike the clear criteria used by most other Western countries. Russian lawmakers say the taking of organs without permission is partly out of consideration for grieving families. In a 2003 ruling upholding the law, the Constitutional Court said it is "inhumane to put the question of harvesting organs or tissues to a person's relatives at practically the same time as they are notified of his death." Some experts backed Russia's approach, saying it ultimately serves a greater good. "My sympathies lie more with the governments that are trying to save lives through transplantation of healthy organs that are absolutely of no use to the deceased or their families," said Robert Wintemute, a professor of human rights law at King's College London. "If we stop and ask whose organs these are, they don't really in any sense belong to the family." Others said stronger safeguards were needed in Russia. "To behave as the doctors in Russia behaved, is totally unacceptable," said Dr. Roberto Cacciola, a transplant surgeon at The Royal London Hospital in Britain. In England, he said, multiple doctors and nurses must ensure consent has been obtained from the family before removing any organs. For Sablina, the lawsuit in the European Court is an attempt to honor her daughter's memory. "If I don't start to fight against such an inhumane, cruel law, if I just stop and forget about it, I will betray my girl," Sablina said. "This law should be changed. The law should be humane." Britains Treasury chief George Osborne and his counterparts in Germany, France, Italy and Spain have agreed to share info on the beneficial ownership of companies. (Representational image) Madrid: The European Unions five biggest economies, including Germany and Britain, have agreed to share information on company ownership and are urging other nations to do the same to make it harder for criminals and tax cheats to avoid the law. The move announced late Thursday comes as the leak of the so-called Panama Papers claimed another political casualty: Spains acting industry minister resigned after his name was linked to offshore companies. Icelands PM was forced to resign earlier this month as a result of the leak. Britains Treasury chief George Osborne and his counterparts in Germany, France, Italy and Spain have agreed to share info on the beneficial ownership of companies. Taylah Smith, 20, doesn't fit the stereotypical image of an avionics engineer. But the second-year apprentice at Jetstar's Newcastle engineering facility says she loves her job. "It is such a unique and specialised field," she says. "Most people, when I tell them what I do, they have no idea and their jaw drops." Ms Smith, who has been interested in engineering since she was at school, is one of four female apprentices at the low-cost airline's engineering facility in Newcastle. She works 11-hour day or night shifts on a four day on/four day off basis to ensure the aircraft keep flying safely. Jetstar, which unusually for the aviation industry has a female chief executive, Jayne Hrdlicka, and a female chief pilot, Captain Georgina Sutton, has been working hard to recruit more women in traditionally male-dominated fields. Islamabad: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chief Bilawal Bhutto on Friday said that no meeting will be held between his father Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in London. Bilawal Bhutto took to twitter and ruled out all the rumours and speculations regarding the meeting. Earlier, PPP members had advised Asif Ali Zardari not to meet the premier. The senior members said that PPP had already faced losses and meeting with PM Nawaz Sharif in prevailing circumstances will further damage the partys image. Sharifs visit to Britain on Wednesday for a pending medical check-up has set political circles abuzz after he landed in controversy following the Panama Papers leak as PPP co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari is also present there. At a time when Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan threatened to march toward Nawaz Sharifs residence in Raiwind, leaders of the opposition had been casting doubt on the reason for the Sharifs sudden visit to London. Zardaris movement in London is also being closely monitored by the media. There were speculations Sharif had gone to London to meet Asif Ali Zardari to form a strategy with him to avoid possible threat from the PTI. On Thursday, Imran Khan and Pakistan Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan travelled through the same flight from Lahore to London. Senior PTI leaders including Jahangir Tareen and Aleem Khan also accompanied Imran Khan. The PTI chief had announced that he is going to UK for two fundraisers and a rally for Kashmir in Birmingham. Apart from these activities, he said that he would also meet experts of two companies specializing in forensic tax audits. Reportedly, Pakistan minister Shehbaz Sharifs family was also onboard the flight. Addressing a news conference in Islamabad on Wednesday, the Interior Minister rejected speculations that Sharifs London visit has anything to do with the Panama papers scandal. The minister said he was facing medical issues from last two or three months and he went to London for his medical treatment. Nawaz Sharif and his family are under fire at home after Panama Papers leaks that prompted corruption allegations against them. He departed to London to have his medical check-up, but political circles were abuzz the Pakistan premier actually intended to meet Asif Ali Zardari to seek advice from him as to how to end the crisis surfacing after the Panama Papers leaks. The leaked Panama Papers, comprising 11.5 million documents from Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca, exposes how some of the worlds most powerful people have secreted their money offshore, and also implicated Sharifs sons Hassan Nawaz Sharif and Hussain Nawaz Sharif. In the official lingo, Australia is being forced to "transition" away from the mining boom. But to what? Julia Gillard began grappling with the "challenges and opportunities" presented by China's maturing economic development in 2012 when she released Treasury's 'Australia in the Asian Century' white paper. It too extolled the opportunities that would flow for Australia to replace record iron ore exports with shipments of health and financial services, meat, wine and dairy. Add to this list cherries from Tasmania and crayfish from Geraldton, Mr Turnbull this week told a "gala lunch", while extolling the virtues of the recently signed China Australia free trade agreement. "The early export gains have been extraordinary," he claimed. It's a nice idea that we could replace our mining boom with a services-driven export boom. But it's time for a reality check. The Economics Society of Australia recently asked a panel of economists whether they agreed with the following statement: "As the Chinese economy makes its transition from investment-led to consumption led growth, the Australian service sector which currently accounts for around 20 per cent of total exports, will produce a second 'Chinese economic windfall' for Australians." A majority agreed, but most rejected the notion that the resulting services boom would be anything near the size of the commodities boom. How could it? China is Australia's biggest trading partner, with about $150 billion of goods and services changing hands each year. Australia exports about $90 billion to China, and they send us $60 billion of goods and services. Last financial year, our exports of iron ore accounted for more than half of our exports to China, followed by followed by coal ($7.5 billion) and gold ($7 billion). Our service exports, by contrast, pale in comparison, earning us $5 billion from educating Chinese students and $2.5 billion from travelling Chinese holidaymakers. In the economists survey, emeritus professor at the Curtin Business School, Margaret Nowak, raised the obvious elephant in the room: Australia's lack of a comparative advantage in services. "In the case of consumption-led growth in China, there will be opportunities for Australian services providers in many fields, such as education, health and tourism. However, Australia does not have the obvious comparative advantage in these sectors that it had in the resources sector," she wrote. "Australian service providers will need to be competitive with other developed economies, including newer developed economies in our region such as Singapore. Australian suppliers will need to work hard and smart to be competitive in this market," she concluded. Despite the government's rhetoric about all the "opportunity" that flows from a burgeoning Chinese middle class, in reality our major China boom is over. While not many countries had the iron ore China needed to fuel its steel furnaces, there plenty of other suitors lining up to supply them with food, holidays and an education. Australia can be as nimble, agile, innovative and excited as we like, but just because we're good at providing services, doesn't mean we'll necessarily sell lots of them. Economists make an important distinction between a country's "competitive" and "comparative" advantage when it comes to trade. Illustration: Glen LeLievre. Global trade makes all countries richer when countries specialise in producing what they are relatively best at: what they can produce at relative lowest cost. Cost, here, includes not just upfront costs of production, but the "opportunity cost" of not producing other things that we could be producing. So, country A might have a "competitive advantage" at producing both widgets and ice-creams. It produces the best widgets and ice-creams at the lowest cost. But rather than trying to produce both, it makes sense for country A to specialise in what it is relatively best at, and leave country B to make the other. A country's "comparative advantage" is what should ultimately drive its export strategy. And in doing so, it is impossible to ignore relative costs. It is far from clear that Australia has a natural comparative advantage in the sale of services. Australia is, after all, a high wage and high cost country. Unlike our rare deposits of iron ore, there are many other developed nations who can compete with us in the provision of services. Indeed, the Chinese themselves, who may have lacked iron ore deposits, will increasingly provide their own services. Australia must look to which services it can provide that others can't. If we're looking for a comparative advantage to replace iron ore, we must find something similarly rare hidden on our own shores. It is closer to home that Australia's true comparative advantages lie: in our beautiful natural environment and safe political system. Rather than gallivanting around Chinese provinces, government officials would serve Australia's export prospects better by focusing at home in our areas of obvious comparative advantage: beaches and teachers. Cairo: Thousands of Egyptians angered by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's decision to hand over two islands to Saudi Arabia called on Friday for the government to fall, chanting a slogan from the 2011 Arab Spring uprising. Their protests signalled that the former general, under mounting criticism now also for the struggling economy, no longer enjoys the broad public support that let him round up thousands of opponents after he seized power in 2013. Egyptians gather in Cairo to shout slogans against Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi at a protest condemning the decision to hand over control of two strategic Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia. Credit:AP Egyptian security forces detained about 50 protesters, according to two security officials. Police surrounded crowds at the press syndicate, site of the biggest demonstration. Mr Sisi's government prompted an outcry in Egyptian newspapers and on social media last week when it announced a maritime demarcation accord that put the uninhabited Red Sea islands of Tiran and Sanafir in Saudi waters. Washington: Donald Trump is super popular in Pennsylvania and likely to win that state's primary on April 26. Or is he? The New York billionaire is leading handily in Pennsylvania polls, but because of the unique way the state selects its delegates, there's a big opening for Texas senator Ted Cruz and, to a lesser degree, Ohio Governor John Kasich. Texas senator Ted Cruz's campaign has been effective at recruiting delegates. Credit:AP And the GOP race for the nomination is very much about delegates now, as Senator Cruz and Mr Kasich try to keep Mr Trump from reaching the 1237 delegates needed to win outright on the first ballot at the GOP convention in Cleveland in July. The commonwealth has 71 delegates but only 14 "at large" ones are bound by the popular vote statewide and only for the first ballot. Three delegates are allocated to state party leaders and the rest 54 are chosen in each congressional district. Washington: Donald Trump is accidentally turning Megyn Kelly into a superstar. There's just no other way to interpret the result of his relentless and personal attacks on the Fox News Channel anchor. A report that Kelly had been spotted entering Trump Tower in New York on Wednesday for a private meeting with the Republican presidential front runner lit up the internet like a celebrity sighting. And, in a way, that's what it was. "Journalist meets with person she covers" wouldn't normally be much of a headline. But, of course, this was not your normal sit-down. It appeared that Kelly wanted to keep the visit quiet. But once word got out, Fox News used it to hype Wednesday's episode of The Kelly File. It turned out that Kelly didn't have much to reveal. She confirmed that she had requested the meeting and that the hour-long session included discussion of a future interview. There's not much Gowrie mum-of-five Beverley Margosis hasn't done to help a dog in need. Since migrating to Australia from England 17 years ago, she has dedicated her spare time - and professional life - to assisting man's best friend. Gowrie mum Beverley Margosis has lost 22 kilograms since the image for the phone book was snapped. Credit:Elesa Kurtz She started cleaning out the kennels at the RSPCA when she first arrived in Canberra. She's been a dog foster carer for ACT Rescue and Foster for 11 years. And for the past decade, she's volunteered at the pound, helping to assess the temperament of dogs who need to be re-homed. In her business, Bev's Pet Services, she's also a "canine myofunctional therapist", which means she can give lucky pooches a massage or some physio as well as taking them for a walk. ACT Brumbies chief executive Michael Jones will find out on Thursday if he will lose the whistleblower protections currently safeguarding his job, as club rugby presidents weigh up whether to withdraw their support for an extraordinary general meeting designed to dissolve the club's board. Mr Jones lost his bid on Friday to call new evidence to bolster his argument for temporary whistleblower protection as the high-profile stoush returned to the ACT Supreme Court on the eve of the Super Rugby team's on-field clash against the NSW Waratahs in Sydney. Michael Jones outside the ACT Supreme Court last month. Credit:Rohan Thomson But in a new twist to the backroom drama, it emerged on Friday night that Canberra's club rugby officials - who hold the balance of power in the Brumbies boardroom - are considering calling off an EGM set for Thursday night. The club presidents will hold a meeting on Wednesday night where it will likely be decided if proceedings to dissolve the board go ahead or if the EGM transforms into a 'round-table discussion' with the board. The Making of Midnight Oil at Tuggeranong Arts Centre, 137 Reed Street, Greenway. Open Monday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am-4pm. Until May 14. I should preface the following discussion by stating that I am not a fan of Midnight Oil or their music. I am however very interested in how such an icon of Australian popular culture translates its highly physical, visceral theatrical performances into an exhibition format. According to a publicity blurb the exhibition is "a celebration of the band through images, sounds, words, artefacts, documents and collected fragments from the uncompromising, unique journey of Midnight Oil". The preceding only hints at the huge amount of material the curator Ross Heathcote (and others) have amassed in formulating the contents of the exhibition as presented at the Tuggeranong Arts Centre and other venues across Australia. Midnight Oil posters from 1981 through to 2009. The exhibition is obviously a labour of love, even obsession, on the part of its organisers. There are hundreds (perhaps thousands) of individual items including but not confined to record covers, venue tickets, t-shirts, photographs, videos, audio tapes, posters and other graphics right through to a full stage set-up (an installation making very effective use of the Centre's theatre space). The resultant agglomeration of material fills the foyer, both of the exhibition spaces and the theatre. It is visually overpowering and accompanied as it is by equally overpowering audios of various of the group's hit songs, especially demanding of the viewer. The level of the sound is I presume meant to capture the drama of the live performances. I personally found it not only audibly intrusive but obstructive of objective examination of the "stuff" that comprises the exhibition. The "stuff" as I have said, is plentifully present. There is just too much and its multiplicity means that much of what should be integral to any examination of "the life and times" of a musical group is difficult to "find". We do not need multiple examples of the ephemera that accompanied the group on their tours or at their many gigs. We need a selective and informed vision to coordinate the plethora of objects displayed. Careful editing rather than joyous accumulation would have resulted in a much less visually and thematically harrowing exhibition experience. Millions of dollars of taxpayers' funds would be put to better use if they were spent on bulking up the corporate regulator's powers instead of a royal commission into the embattled financial services sector. That is the view of Brad Fox, chief executive of the Association of Financial Advisers, who argues Australia had more than adequate regulation in place to govern the biggest industry in the country. "We have the most stringent financial advice rules in the world, we have a very robust financial system. It's not perfect, but let's spend the money making sure that we're using the rules that are in place," said AFA chief executive, Brad Fox. "The money will be better spent on providing ASIC [the Australian Securities and Investments Commission] with greater resources to police the more than adequate rules that we have in place," Mr Fox said. "We have the most stringent financial advice rules in the world, we have a very robust financial system. It's not perfect, but let's spend the money making sure that we're using the rules that are in place." Gu Ming, who teaches Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) manufacturing at Guizhou Anshun Vocational Institute in Guizhou province, has been removed from his teaching position after he asked students to down liquor shots at his office. Beijing, China: A Chinese teacher has been suspended after he reportedly rated students by their alcohol drinking capacity leading to several students getting intoxicated. Gu Ming, who teaches Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) manufacturing at Guizhou Anshun Vocational Institute in Guizhou province, has been removed from his teaching position after he asked students to down liquor shots at his office. "Those who 'ganbeied' (finish) a full glass of liquor get a full 100 mark for their exam, half glass gets 90 marks, and a sip gets 60. Those who do not drink at all will fail," one student posted on Weibo. Fu Guisheng, deputy director of the institute, told state-run Xinhua news agency that Mr Gu may have meant it as a joke, but clearly his remarks did not go down well with netizens. Several students were seen intoxicated on campus, he said. The incident has drawn intense debate online, with many lambasting the teacher, while others sympathized, saying the teacher was only helping students get used to a usual social practice. Many of the students may go to sales meetings, and how much one can drink may decide how many deals he can seal, said Lapingjun, another Weibo user. "There is a culture of gaining other people's trust and recognition through drinking, which is sad but true," he said. Governments in New South Wales and Queensland have indicated they are satisfied bankrupt coal miner Peabody Energy has deposited enough money for rehabilitation of its local mines. Rehabilitation of Peabody's Australian coal mines became a hot topic this week after the company filed for "Chapter 11" bankruptcy in the US on Tuesday. Peabody's Australian assets were excluded from the bankruptcy ruling and continue to operate. Peabody's Australian assets were excluded from the bankruptcy ruling and continue to operate while its American parent began the long task of refinancing its debt and trying to turn the business around. Six of the company's mines are in Queensland, where the government had in recent years offered rehabilitation bond "discounts" to miners and where the auditor general conceded in 2014 that rehabilitation provisions were often insufficient. Ms Dhu died after she was held at South Hedland police station in WA. Credit:ABC News So what is the story, 25 years on? According to the federal Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion, many of the recommendations have been implemented and the anniversary is a time "to acknowledge the progress that has occurred to reduce Indigenous deaths in custody". "At the time the royal commission was established in 1989, First Australians were more likely to die in custody than non-Indigenous Australians. This is no longer the case," he said. With respect, minister, this is beside the point. The issue is whether Indigenous people are more likely to be placed in custody or prison because of their Aboriginality, with the inevitable result that lives are destroyed and lost. On this, the royal commission was explicit: "An examination of the lives of the 99 (deaths investigated) shows that facts associated in every case with their Aboriginality played a significant, and in most cases dominant, role in their being in custody and dying in custody." The situation now was summed up by the Chief Justice of Western Australia, Wayne Martin, who said in a speech last year: "Aboriginal people are much more likely to be questioned by police than non-Aboriginal people. When questioned, they are more likely to be arrested rather than proceeded against by summons. If they are arrested, Aboriginal people are much more likely to be remanded in custody than given bail. "Aboriginal people are much more likely to plead guilty than go to trial, and if they go to trial, they are much more likely to be convicted. If Aboriginal people are convicted, they are much more likely to be imprisoned than non-Aboriginal people, and at the end of their term of imprisonment they are much less likely to get parole than non-Aboriginal people." As Patrick Dodson, one of the commissioners, reported this week, the rate at which Indigenous people are imprisoned has more than doubled over the past 25 years; the incarceration of Indigenous women has risen by 74 per cent in the past 15 years; and Indigenous youths now comprise more than 50 per cent of juveniles in detention. This is the big picture, borne out by the statistics, with one notable exception: Victoria, the only state to reach a formal Aboriginal Justice Agreement after a 1997 summit reviewed progress in implementing the commission's recommendations. Here, the parties take the agreement seriously and hold each other to account. The small picture is revealed in two recent inquests of Aboriginal women in the west that expose failings as comprehensive as in any of the deaths investigated by the commission. One is the case of Ms Mandijarra, who was found dead in the Broome police lock-up in November 2012 after being arrested for drinking on the local oval. The other concerned Ms Dhu, 22, who was in police cells for non-payment of fines that stemmed from offences that began when she swore at police as a 17-year-old. A compelling case can be made that both women would be alive today if the recommendations of the royal commission had been implemented in a comprehensive manner. The same goes for Kumanjayi Langdon, who died in a Northern Territory lock-up last year after being picked up in a "paperless arrest" for drinking, and several others. For all the claims by governments and their agencies that the commission's report as been acted on, Peter Collins, of the Aboriginal Legal Service of WA, says: "The reality outside Victoria is the recommendations dropped off the radar long ago. If you asked a police officer working in a busy regional police station in WA whether he knows about any of the recommendations, the likely answer would be 'no'." Greens senator Rachel Siewert sees value in an inquiry into if, and how, the states and territories have implemented the commission's recommendations, but whether such a move would temper the "tough on crime" instincts of the WA and NT governments in particular is doubtful. "It isn't ignorance of the recommendations that is the problem it's the enduring belief that locking more and more people up is going to solve the problems of criminal offending and make the community safer, despite decades of evidence that shows the absolute opposite," says Jonathon Hunyor, principal legal officer of the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency. Another step forward would be to accede to the calls from groups like the Change The Record coalition and commit to justice targets and invest more early intervention, prevention and diversion strategies. If those in power need motivation, they could do worse than put themselves in the shoes of Gunditjmara man Richard Frankland, who worked as a field officer for the royal commission, compiling the case stories of those who died in custody. The impact is summed up by Jack, a character in Conversations With The Dead, the confronting play Frankland wrote about his experience. "Imagine that you're a Koorie, that you're in your mid-20s, that your job is to look into the lives of the dead and the process, policy and attitude that killed them. "Imagine seeing that much death and grief that you lose your family, and you begin to wonder at your own sanity. Imagine when the job's over but the nightmares remain and the deaths keep on happening more than ever. Dr Charles S. Hirsch, the New York City chief medical examiner who raced to the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, and returned to the morgue with every rib broken to face the monumental challenge of identifying the victims of the attacks, has died in Westwood, New Jersey. He was 79. Pathologist Charles Hirsch had all of his ribs broken in the attack, but rushed to establish a temporary morgue anyway. Hirsch, a forensic pathologist, was the chief medical examiner from 1989 to 2013. The role is akin to a coroner in other jurisdictions. In 2001, when two jetliners commandeered by terrorists struck the World Trade Center, Hirsch and six aides rushed downtown to establish a temporary morgue. When the North Tower collapsed, two aides were severely injured. Hirsch, thrown to the ground, broke all of his ribs. His cuts sutured by a medical team, he returned to the examiner's headquarters at First Avenue and 30th Street coated in a ghostlike grey soot. That substance, which he would keep in a glass bowl on his desk, explained the cause of the victims' deaths. "If reinforced concrete was rendered into dust," he said, "then it wasn't much of a mystery as to what would happen to people." Another Hollywood "whitewashing" row has broken out after the first image of manga sci-fi thriller Ghost in the Shell featuring Scarlett Johansson as the Japanese character Major Motoko Kusanagi. The futuristic film, based on the Japanese comics of the same name, is currently shooting in Wellington, New Zealand, in a joint production between Paramount Pictures and Dreamworks, with the Weta Workshop stepping up for special effects. Questions raised: Scarlett Johansson as the Major Motoko Kusanagi in the first image from Ghost in the Shell. But social media has erupted in a debate over whether an Asian actor should have been cast for Johansson's role, with an online petition attracting 66,000 signatories to date. "The original film is set in Japan, and the major cast members are Japanese. So why would the American remake star a white actress?" said the petition's author Julie Rodriguez. "The industry is already unfriendly to Asian actors without roles in major films being changed to exclude them. One recent survey found that in 2013, Asian characters made up only 4.4 per cent of speaking roles in top-grossing Hollywood films." Ghassan Moughabghab, the lawyer for Ms Faulkner, confirmed negotiations between the two parties were underway. But the father, Lebanese man Ali Elamine, is said to be unwilling to drop charges against the 60 Minutes crew, amid reports the Nine Network gave Ms Faulkner more than $100,000 to fund the child-retrieval operation. The parents at the centre of a bungled child-recovery operation are attempting to negotiate a custodial agreement, the lawyer for Brisbane mother Sally Faulkner has told Fairfax Media. He said Mr Elamine was seeking that the pair's divorce be concluded in Lebanon. Ali Elamine with his children Lahala, 6, and Noah, 4. Credit:Channel Nine Ms Faulkner is demanding access to her children, reportedly either in Lebanon, Australia or a third country, and is said to be willing to drop her claim for custody if Mr Elamine drops abduction charges against her. She has provided Fairfax Media with 150 emails she says she sent over the past 12 months begging her ex-husband to let her see her children. Ms Faulkner said Mr Elamine never answered her requests. Ms Faulkner has an Australian custodial ruling in her favour while Mr Elamine has a Lebanese custodial ruling in his favour. Mr Moughabghab said Mr Elamine was prepared to drop charges against Ms Faulkner if she was prepared to drop charges against him in an Australian court. The judge, Rami Abdullah, who is presiding over the case, which has gained international media coverage because of the Nine Network's role in the dramatic child-recovery operation in Beirut, is said to be sympathetic to Ms Faulkner's case. He does not see her actions as a kidnapping but rather a desperate attempt by a mother to reunite with her children. Veteran Australian journalist Ray Martin has defended the actions of the 60 Minutes crew imprisoned in Lebanon, recalling how he was involved in filming a remarkably similar child recovery operation in Spain in 1980 while working for the same television program. In fact, Martin even drove the vehicle carrying the recovered one-year-old boy and his mother from Barcelona to the Spanish capital Madrid, before the mother and her son later boarded a boat to Gibraltar and fled the country. Martin said the story he filmed for 60 Minutes more than 35 years ago was "very much like" the one that the 60 Minutes crew - comprising Tara Brown, Benjamin Williamson, David Ballment and Stephen Rice - are now imprisoned for in Lebanon. The High Court will hear a legal challenge to the Turnbull government's Senate voting changes on the day of the federal budget. The changes, the most significant to the way the Senate is elected in 30 years, were passed last month with the goal of stopping minor parties using preference deals to translate a small primary vote into a parliamentary seat. Several crossbench senators have been left vulnerable by the new laws, including Family First senator Bob Day, who brought the legal challenge. At a directions hearing in Canberra on Friday, Chief Justice Robert French ordered that the matter be heard by the full bench of the court on May 2 and 3. The boy was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, says police. (Photo: Representational Image/AFP). Dhaka: In a shocking incident, a Bangladeshi woman allegedly killed the child of her tenant by throwing him on the floor after she got irritated by the toddler's cries. The toddler, Hafizur Sheikh, was on Thursday crying in a room of his house when an angry Nupur Begum came in and threw him on the hard ground, hurting his head and chest, a police official quoted the child's family as saying. The boy was rushed to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Hafizur's father is a rickshaw-puller and the family used to live in a rented room in southcentral Barishal city at a house owned by Nupur's husband. The woman is on the run since the incident and authorities are trying to catch her, bdnews24.com quoted the police official as saying. A major bank will help foot the bill for a glitzy pre-election political fundraiser to be fronted by Treasurer Scott Morrison and his deputy Kelly O'Dwyer at the same time as they are resisting calls for a royal commission into the scandal-plagued banking sector. The $1200 to $2500-a-table breakfast, scheduled for 10 days after Mr Morrison delivers his first budget, will be held under the banner of co-sponsor National Australia Bank. NAB is one of two corporate sponsors for the May 13 event organised by the Higgins 200 Club, a fundraising body that supports Ms O'Dwyer, the federal member for Higgins. The breakfast will be held in the Palladium Room at Melbourne's Crown Casino and will include a panel discussion with former Liberal treasurer Peter Costello, the previous member for Higgins, and former Reserve Bank of Australia board member Warwick McKibbin. Australia's refugee intake would increase to 50,000 a year, including 10,000 via a new "skilled refugee" category, under a policy to be announced by the Greens. The policy would provide a "dignity package" for asylum seekers waiting for their claims to be processed in Indonesia and Malaysia to discourage them from attempting to come to Australia by boat. It would also shut down the offshore detention centres on Manus Island and Nauru, saving an estimated $2.9 billion over four years, most of which would be re-invested into "a fairer system that helps more people". Malcolm Turnbull has called for restraint by all countries involved in South China Sea tensions, as Beijing becomes increasingly strident and the US stations more warplanes in the Philippines in readiness for a potential military conflict. An international tribunal will rule within weeks on China's use of artificial islands to claim territory and station military assets. There are growing concerns that Beijing could reject a negative ruling, pushing the dispute between the Philippines and China towards a conflict involving the US. The dangerous situation has overshadowed Mr Turnbull's first prime ministerial visit to China, in which he has asserted that China is at its strongest when it is open rather than closed - a reference to increasing restrictions on the internet, which hamper e-commerce and freedom of expression. A sexual predator who went under the guise of a maths tutor to sexually abuse five children over many years will spend at least 18 years behind bars. Quy Huy Hoang stared straight ahead as Judge Kate Traill sentenced the 68-year-old to a maximum 24-year jail term. Quy Huy Hoang sexually abused five children. Credit:Daniel Munoz The Downing Centre District Court heard Hoang manipulated his victims and their mothers to give him the perfect environments to sexually abuse young children. Hoang used his position of trust in the Vietnamese community and as a teacher to gain access to children for his own "sexual gratification". Dexter Lilly and his older brother Harrison Lilly. Credit:Rebecca Lilly/Facebook Ms Lilly took Dexter to numerous GPs after she noticed coffee spots all over her son's body and said they all told her there was nothing to worry about. "I had noticed that he was born with at least 15 little cafe au lait spots, that is pretty much the main qualifying characteristics in babies that doctors should be picking up on," she said. Dexter is three months away from his second birthday. Credit:Rebecca Lilly/Facebook "The last GP I saw looked at me and said 'He is fine, every child is different'. "He really made me feel like I was one of those crazy mothers who just wanted something to be wrong and I very nearly gave up then and there." Thankfully she didn't and Dexter was diagnosed with the rare disorder just before his first birthday. "When we were told about the extent of the tumours he had our world just shattered, we had to rebuild our lives," Ms Lilly said. "It has been about six months since our world collapsed around us." Living with neurofibromatosis Life for Ms Lilly consists of dropping her 5-year-old son Harrison to and from prep and racing across Brisbane to get Dexter to his multiple specialists, who all tell her the only thing she can do is to monitor any changes. "Every specialist gives us their own list, it is vitally important but we feel so frustrated, all these specialists just give us a lot of these reasons why they can't make him better," she said. "There is none who can say what will happen because it is such a variable and unknown condition, he has a shortened life expectancy but no one can say what will happen. "I need someone to sit back and say what is going to happen then we can work towards something, at the moment we know nothing with certainty. "We don't even know if the tumours are going to grow at the same rate, or quicker." Ms Lilly was told Dexter would likely lose his right eye and go partially deaf. What else happens depends entirely on the growth and spread of the tumours. "It invades all different areas, it can get anywhere, there is some concern where it originated whether it was in the brain and is going down, or if it was in face and is growing up unto the brain, either way represents terrifying outcomes," Ms Lilly said. "When they begin encroaching on internal organs we have to deal with that when and where it arises. "They can't operate on it, even the portion in his face, we were hoping it could be cut away but they can never remove the tumour completely because it is too close to the nerve. "Dexter's tumour have already partially deformed his face and will grow more quickly because there is no bone restricting it." A 'fighter' While Dexter's life has been turned upside down, his mum said he was a fighter. "From day he has been really strong and determined," she said. "He is generally a happy child, I know when there are times he expresses himself a lot from screaming, I can tell that he is in pain sometimes. "I think he has a high pain threshold, sometimes they grow on the nerves and can cause pain. "He deals really well and that is what we are trying to focus on at the moment." Dexter's aunt set up a crowdfunding campaign to raise money to help the family of four who rely on a single teacher's income to pay for Dexter's weekly appointments, something Ms Lilly said she and her husband Luke struggled with. "We feel like we should be able to care for our children on our own but it became very difficult, we still struggle to accept that we can't manage," she said. "We now have 14 individual specialists that he has to see on a regular basis, and a lot of them are private, and that is a choice we have made because we are not prepared to wait for the six to 12 months it would take in public system, it is just too urgent." The campaign had raised $4,272 so far. The boyfriend of a Brisbane woman savagely attacked in her home has refused to be interviewed by police. The hospitality worker has been on life support since Wednesday afternoon, when paramedics were called to her inner-north home where she was found unconscious and with serious head injuries. Police are investigating how a woman received critical injuries in her home at Windsor. Credit:Jorge Branco Detective Inspector Tim Trezise said police held grave fears for her health, with doctors confirming she had suffered "potentially fatal" brain swelling. Family members have travelled from interstate and overseas to be by her hospital bed. It's a bird! It's a plane! It's ... that jacket your ordered from Asos.com. Within months, some Australians may get the option to have items they purchase online delivered straight to their doors by drones. Australia Post is trialling the use of remotely piloted drones internally, with the backing of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. If the initial two-week trial is successful, the company hopes to trial the service with consumers by the end of the year. "We're exploring the viability of adding this to our multiple methods of delivery," Australia Post chief executive Ahmed Fahour said. Can you fly an iPhone to the stars? In an attempt to leapfrog the planets and vault into the interstellar age, a bevy of scientists and other luminaries from Silicon Valley and beyond, led by Yuri Milner, a Russian philanthropist and Internet entrepreneur, have announced a plan to send a fleet of robots no bigger than iPhones to Alpha Centauri, the nearest star system, 4.37 light-years away. Professor Stephen Hawking is one of three members of the board of directors for the mission. Credit:Getty Images If it all worked out a cosmically big "if" that would occur decades and perhaps $US10 billion from now a rocket would deliver a "mother ship" carrying a thousand or so small probes to space. Once in orbit, the probes would unfold thin sails and then, propelled by powerful laser beams from Earth, set off one by one like a flock of migrating butterflies across the universe. Within two minutes, the probes would be more than 600,000 miles from home as far as the lasers could maintain a tight beam and moving at a fifth of the speed of light. But it would still take 20 years for them to get to Alpha Centauri. Those that survived would zip past the stars, making measurements and beaming pictures back to Earth. Video grab of Kulbhushan Yadav, whom Pakistan had arrested on March 3 for his alleged links with Indias foreign espionage agency RAW. (Photo: PTI) Islamabad: Pakistan has accused Indias Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) of plotting to kidnap Pakistani officials in the coming weeks, according to media reports. The security agencies have told the government that India wanted to kidnap some Pakistani officials to be in a position to bargain for the release of alleged RAW officer Kulbhusan Yadav who was arrested in March, reports said. Read: Pakistan claims arrest of yet another RAW agent in Balochistan Security officials said RAW was working with Afghan National Directorate of Security (NDS) and plotting to target Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. Yadav, who was allegedly New Delhis chief spy for Balochistan and Karachi operations, was caught by the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) at Pak-Afghan border after a long-drawn catch operation codenamed Blue Bird. The arrested spy is the biggest catch in the history of counter-espionage of Islamabad and New Delhi. The two intelligence agencies, RAW and NDS, can also make bids to kidnap officers from the air force and navy, said the intelligence report. Interior ministry officials confirmed the information but declined to share any details. Read: Indians arrest is a Pak Army ploy Earlier, Yadav told interrogators that he had very specific instructions from his top bosses that said, Keep Balochistan and Karachi burning. Paralyze the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the seaports of Pakistan. The Indian foreign ministry had confirmed the arrested man was member of its naval corps but said he was a retired officer a claim which Pakistan is not ready to accept following his shocking disclosures. A Facebook page that rated the appearance of students at Melbourne University has been taken down, four days after the launch of a petition calling for its removal. Melbourne University law student Laura Blandthorn, 28, launched a petition earlier this week, claiming that: "The Hotties of Melbourne University" Facebook page perpetuates rape culture, sexism and disrespect." Law student Laura Blandthorn's petition has caused the "Hotties of Melbourne University" Facebook page to be taken down. Credit:Penny Stephens Under one photo of a female student on the page, a user commented: "Shoot me with tranquilliser right now before I go out to hunt!" In other comments, a girl was called a "bitch" with "bad breath", while another girl was described as a "0/10". Fears are growing for a 10-year-old Melbourne girl and her 13-year-old brother who have been missing for more than a week. Victoria Police are appealing to the public to help find the missing pair, Tanika and Jason Seymour, who were last seen in Carrum Downs on Wednesday, April 6. Tanika Seymour A police spokeswoman said they were unaccompanied when they went missing but declined to give further details. Jason is described as medium build, dark hair and brown eyes. Tanika is described as slim build, long dark hair and brown eyes. Police have released photos of the siblings in the hope that someone may have information about where they are Anyone who sees them should contact the Carrum Downs Police Station on 8770 4100. Former Essendon chairman Paul Little is on the verge of winning the influential role of overseeing the state's $21 billion tourism and events industry. The Victorian Government has earmarked Little to replace interim chairman Sir Rod Eddington at the helm of the soon-to-be established Visit Victoria, which will merge the Victorian Major Events Company and Tourism Victoria. Set for new role: Paul Little. Credit:Josh Robenstone Little will join the new board as deputy chairman and is expected to take the top job after the new entity opens for business in July. Gerry Ryan has also been appointed to the new board which should be unveiled in the coming weeks. An alleged drug trafficker accused of leading police on a highly reckless car chase through the city throwing cash out the window and waving a fake gun at pedestrians has been charged with 44 offences. Sean Paul Murphy, 26, has been wanted by authorities for weeks since he allegedly fled from police officers who were approaching him near the Queen Victoria market in Melbourne's CBD where he was suspected of being involved in a daytime drug deal. Police surround the damaged BMW dumped in a CBD lane. Credit:Eddie Jim In a black BMW, he allegedly rammed the two police cars that had boxed him in. The officers then smashed his car window with a baton, deployed capsicum spray, and tried to pull him out of the car. A violent struggle followed, in which police officers suffered cuts and abrasions, before he sped off. It is not always this warm in the middle of April, but Melbourne has managed to deliver a high of 27 degrees on exactly this day two years in a row. Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Peter Newham said the warm weather wasn't the norm but it was a repeat performance. Friday was a beautiful, if not record-breaking, day in Melbourne. Credit:Rebecca Hallas "It doesn't happen too often at this time of the year, but it did happen on this day last year," Mr Newham said. "It was 27.6 [degrees] this time last year. We have got to 27.0 so far ... it might go a bit higher." A Victorian business has developed a herd of cattle and a flock of sheep it hopes will make kosher meat more affordable for consumers. Known as Ben Pekuah, the "ancient ritual breed" allows all of the meat from the animal to be consumed, according to AK Ben Pekuah's managing director, Stephen Bloch. Rabbi Meir Rabi and Chris Nixon inspect a herd of cattle raised for the kosher market. Credit:Joe Armao According to Jewish law, animals must meet several requirements to be considered kosher. Cattle must also be slaughtered according to ritual methods but the meat from the hindquarters is rarely sold on the regular kosher market due to the presence of the forbidden fats and sciatic nerve. The breeding of Ben Pekuah livestock followed an approach by a Melbourne rabbi to the Victorian Farmers Federation about 10 years ago about establishing a new kosher meat supply chain. A six-figure sum will be paid in compensation for the destruction of a "famous" native tree that will be felled and turned into park furniture to make way for the CityLink Tulla widening project. Regular travellers from the airport will probably recognise the enormous lemon-scented gum on a median strip on Flemington Road, just down from the off-ramp which passes by Melbourne's iconic "cheese sticks". This month Parkville residents were shocked to receive a letter saying the 94-year-old tree would be cut down. Some neighbours, including 70-year old Ann Read, have vowed to chain themselves to the tree in the event the chainsaws move in. "A few battles have been won by that technique," she said. Imagine being 17 years old and losing your father to brain cancer, then not even a year later finding out that you only had four weeks left to live. Darryl Mitai faced that prospect after being diagnosed with Renal Synovial Sarcoma, an extremely rare type of cancer that attacks the kidneys until they are basically non-existent. A family friend Deb Willis, who lost her 17-year-old daughter to cancer last year, contacted charity Cinderella Kids to surprise Darryl and her family with one very special day to celebrate her life. The day started with a knock on the door from a stranger asking Darryl and her family to come with him. They were then ferried via 1950s-style fire brigade to a surprise party attended by those closest to her. Spice lovers who love a taste of Asia are in for a treat during WAtoday's Good Food Month presented by Citi when Thai-based Aussie chef Dylan Jones makes his first visit to Perth. Mr Jones co-owns Bo.Lan, in Bangkok, one of Asia's 50 best restaurants and is set to partner local chef Ivan Blackwell at the Apple Daily Bar and Eating House at Brookfield Plaza on April 27 in a taste of Thailand from 6.30pm. Dylan Jones has a treat for lovers of spice. Mr Jones said local foodies could look forward to the best local produce married to authentic Thai flavours. "We'll start with a number of amuse bouche (French for "delights the mouth") tasting dishes and follow those up with main dishes that will rely on what's fresh and what's in season," he said. Yeah, so why bother with the post? Actually, the original plan of the Japanese was to formally declare war PRIOR to the attack. Their diplomats in Washington dropped the ball and did not get the declaration finished in time. Where the Japanese really ****** up was in not launching the planned third wave of the attack. They lost their nerve at the wrong moment, primarily because they had expected our two aircraft carriers to be in port and they were not. I'm convinced that at least PART of the reason for dropping the nukes was to show the Russians we did indeed have the bomb, they did work and we WOULD use them. IMHO of course. A Perth university student who was shot in New Orleans in what police said was a botched drug deal says he is recovering slowly and has his family by his side. Toben Clements, 21, and his friend Jake Rovacsek, 23, were shot in the chest and stomach in a suburb of New Orleans earlier this month, while on a holiday following the Intercollegiate Mining Games in Montana. Jake Kovascek (left) and Toben Clements were the victims of a shooting in New Orleans. Credit:Facebook He also told friends not to believe media reports, following widespread coverage in Australia and New Orleans of the shooting. "Recovery will be a slow process, but I will recover nonetheless," Mr Clements posted on Facebook. A woman from Wales cannot name her baby daughter Cyanide, a British court has ruled. The woman, whose name cannot be published for legal reasons, has infant twins and wants to name her son Preacher and her daughter Cyanide. She says the poison is a "lovely, pretty name" with positive associations because Nazi leader Adolf Hitler took it before shooting himself. Local officials objected, and a family court judge ruled against the mother in September, saying she was not acting to secure her children's welfare. She challenged the ruling, saying it was her right to choose her children's names. Desperate family members of the 60 Minutes team held in Beirut have confronted Channel Nine executives as the child snatching drama enters its second week, amid claims that the network indirectly funded the botched child snatching attempt. According to a report of Wednesday's meeting, the wife of one crew member asked Nine chief executive Hugh Marks: "Since when is Channel Nine in the business of child stealing? Is that what we do now?" But the network has rejected the claim, made in News Corp newspapers, with a Nine spokeswoman insisting: "That was just not said." A widespread corruption probe and fast-moving impeachment proceedings are rocking Brazil just months before it gears up to host the Summer Olympics. A global leak of documents that offers details about offshore investments by some of Brazil's top elected officials is landing like "an atomic bomb" on some of the very legislators undertaking impeachment proceedings against President Dilma Rousseff. Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff could be kicked out of office if her opponents are successful with a motion in the country's Congress. Credit:AP This summer was supposed to show how a sleeping giant had awakened to take its rightful place on the world stage, much as China did when it hosted the 2008 Summer Games. Instead, Rousseff sent word to Greece, the birthplace of the global games, that she won't attend the ceremonial re-creation on April 21 of the original flame-lighting in Ancient Olympia. Moscow: In Ukraine's most sweeping political reshuffle since its revolution two years ago, Parliament has voted to seat a close ally of the president as prime minister and handed critical ministerial posts to presidential staff members. The new Prime Minister, Volodymyr Groysman, will replace Arseniy Yatsenyuk, who resigned on Sunday. Yatsenyuk, a fluent English speaker, won praise in the West but was never able to manage Ukraine's notoriously fractured Parliament, and he argued with President Petro Poroshenko. With his close ties to the president, Mr Groysman will be expected to ease some of the rifts in the pro-European camp. Ukraine's Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman after he was appointed in Parliament in Kiev. Credit:AP The previous government was swept into power in 2014 on a wave of popular anger at the authoritarian, corrupt and Russian-aligned presidency of Viktor Yanukovych. But infighting soon broke out among the victors, paralysing the government and stalling International Monetary Fund aid for an economy on life support. Wasn't there a credenza on that wall? And this bookcase weren't there books on the shelves at one point? What we see and what we don't plays a dangerous game with us during Manhattan Theatre Club's American premiere of Florian Zeller's West End smash The Father at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre. Through several ingenious flourishes of playwriting and stagecraft, we're placed directly in the brain of Andre (Frank Langella), an 80-year-old Frenchman who is powerless to stop his life from unraveling around him. We first meet Andre in the midst of an argument with his daughter, Anne (Kathryn Erbe). Andre has chased out yet another helper, this time threatening her with a curtain rod and accusing her of stealing his prized watch. Andre, we learn, is no longer in a place where he can live alone, and Anne is about to move to London to be with her companion, Pierre. Shortly thereafter, a man claiming to be Pierre appears in the living room, but Andre doesn't recognize him. And when Anne arrives home from the market, Andre is further thrown for a loop when she seems to be a stranger to him as well. To give more away would destroy the Twilight Zone-like nature of this Rubik's Cube of a drama. It's a smart, tricky, and ultimately heartbreaking look at the bewildering disorientation caused by aging, memory, and identity loss, and the grief it causes when families rapidly start to lose their patience. Andre is a five-course-meal of a role for an actor of Langella's stature, a Lear-like man whose disintegration from authority figure to whimpering child calls on a performer's entire arsenal of emotion. While he has a tendency to veer into Master Thespian territory, complete with flailing arms and affected speech pattern, Langella is quite extraordinary when he drops these histrionics to burrow into Andre's fragmented world. These poignant instances are devastating, and one in particular is so overwhelmingly difficult to watch that it provoked three rounds of collective gasps from the audience. The painful honesty Langella brings to these moments forever sear them into our memory. It's difficult to stand up against a performance as beautifully small and distractingly large as Langella's, and the rest of the cast is only adequate, without going above and beyond. As Anne, Erbe is strangely apathetic, wearing only an air of exasperation along with a handsome business suit (Catherine Zuber provides the upper-crust costumes). Kathleen McNenny and Hannah Cabell radiate various degrees of warmth as the other women who come in and out of Andre's life. Charles Borland is surprisingly vicious as an uninvited guest, while Brian Avers, hair shiny and slicked back, is appropriately smarmy as Anne's companion. Director Doug Hughes should shoulder most of the blame for the deficiencies in the performances, but they are also partly caused by the script. Christopher Hampton's translation from Zeller's original French retains the Parisian setting, though the dialogue is distinctly English in tone. For their part, the actors speak with American accents (except Langella, whose dialect can only be described as "theatrical"), and one wonders why Hughes and the British-born Hampton didn't just switch words like "flat" to "apartment." Not that the geographical location is a crucial element to the work itself, but changing the setting to the United States could have allowed these elements to be less distracting. Scott Pask's stately set is a seventh character, with antique pieces of furniture intriguingly serving to distort our beliefs as much as Andre's. Donald Holder's harsh zaps of strobe lighting further add to this enigmatic quality, with illusion consultant Jim Steinmeyer providing assistance to make transitions look like magic. Ultimately, The Father will strike a chord with anyone who has lived (or is currently living) through a family member's battle with memory loss. It also teaches us an important lesson: After spending 90 minutes walking around in their baffled shoes, we'll think twice the next time we let frustration get the better of us. 2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk First Gasoline-powered USA-made, USA-brand Passenger Vehicle to Qualify for Japan Eco-Car Tax Incentive Part of the award-winning Pentastar engine family, 3.2-liter V-6 features fuel-saving Engine Stop-Start (ESS) technology SEE ALSO: Totally Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk AUBURN HILLS, MI - April 14, 2016: Add another milestone to the Jeep brand's storied history: the 2016 Cherokee Trailhawk is the first gasoline-powered, American-made, American-brand passenger vehicle to qualify for Japan's Eco-Car tax incentive. When equipped with the 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6, the Cherokee Trailhawk also the most capable SUV in its class meets the fuel-efficiency and emissions-level requirements tied to the 58,000 consumer tax break. "At Jeep, we don't sacrifice operating efficiency for capability," says Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand and Global Lead Executive for International Operations FCA. "This achievement vindicates our efforts to deliver products that resonate in a highly complex industry climate." The Pentastar-powered Cherokee Trailhawk achieves a 10.3-km/L fuel-efficiency rating in Japan. The vehicle also earns a 4-Star emissions rating, which is the other requirement to qualify for Japan's Eco-Car tax incentive. The 3.2-liter Pentastar in the Cherokee Trailhawk boasts two mini-oxidation, three-way catalytic converters and four heated oxygen sensors to help reduce emissions. The 3.2-liter Pentastar shares design features with the 3.6-liter Pentastar, named three times to the prestigious list of Ward's 10 Best Engines. The smaller-displacement V-6, which is rated at 200kW (272 hp) and generates 315 Nm (239 lb.-ft.) of torque, also benefits from Engine Stop-Start (ESS) technology. A standard feature on the 3.2-liter Pentastar, ESS increases fuel economy by shutting the engine off whenever the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Meanwhile, the vehicle's radio, gauges, heating/air-conditioning system and other equipment, remain operational. The engine restarts automatically when the driver her/his foot from the vehicle's brake pedal. Further boosting the Cherokee Trailhawk's efficiency are its segment-exclusive TorqueFlite nine-speed automatic transmission and its industry-first driveline system that automatically and seamlessly matches performance settings with driving conditions. With its wide ratio spread, the TorqueFlite gearbox is designed to ensure the Pentastar V-6 operates at optimal levels at all times. Four overdrive ratios benefit highway driving while also reducing overall noise, vibration and harshness. The Cherokee Trailhawk's 4x4 system, dubbed Jeep Active Drive Lock, features a power transfer unit (PTU) and rear-drive module (RDM) that automatically engage and then disengage, depending on driving conditions. This dramatically reduces spin losses and saves fuel. The combined attributes of the 3.2-liter Pentastar, TorqueFlite transmission and Jeep Active Drive Lock 4x4 system not only deliver efficiency, they make the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk the most capable SUV in its class. Its two-speed PTU produces a 47.8:1 crawl ratio. The ruggedly stylish SUV arrives at Japan dealerships in May. The Jeep Cherokee was also listed among the 10 best cars in the 2014-2015 Japan Car of the Year of Award the first American vehicle to be so honored. The Jeep brand marks its 75th anniversary this year. The entire Jeep Cherokee lineup is produced at the Toledo Assembly Complex in Toledo, OH. About Jeep Brand Built on 75 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence. The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, Renegade, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models sold outside North America are available in both left and right-hand drive configurations and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Mazda Begins Rollout of Aqua-tech, World's Lowest-impact Water-based Paint System, to Overseas Plants Mazda Begins Rollout of Aqua-tech, World's Lowest-impact Water-based Paint System, to Overseas Plants - China's Changan Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd., is first to get the technology - TOKYO, Apr, 14 2016, Mazda Motor Corporation has announced the introduction of its unique Aqua-tech Paint System at Changan Mazda Automobile Co., Ltd. (CMA), the company's vehicle production facility in Jiangsu, China. The technology was first introduced at the Ujina Plant No. 1 in Japan, where installation of the system was completed in 2012. CMA becomes the company's second plant and first overseas facility to feature the innovative low-impact paint technology. Reducing volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions from vehicle body paint shops is a long-standing issue for the automobile industry, which has traditionally favored VOC-heavy oil-based paints and thinners. Automakers moved toward water-based paints in an effort to reduce VOC emissions, but the energy-intensive evaporative drying process required for these paints resulted in increased CO2 emissions. Mazda's unique Aqua-tech Paint System overcomes this trade-off by simultaneously reducing emissions of VOC and CO2, and makes far more efficient use of energy and paint materials than traditional paint systems. Even after completing installation of the Aqua-tech Paint System at Ujina Plant No. 1 in 2012, Mazda continued to develop the technology to enhance system performance and usability. The company is aiming to achieve high-quality and efficient vehicle manufacturing at its global production bases by developing technologies such as Aqua-tech in Japan before rolling them out at overseas facilities. Mazda worked with CMA to efficiently introduce the Aqua-tech Paint System at Japanese standards, and minimized installation work and paint development in China. The transition was achieved quickly and without stopping the line or interrupting production of vehicles using traditional oil-based paints. The Aqua-tech Paint System at CMA is used for all body colors, and the quality of the finish is as high as that of vehicles painted in Japan, even for designer colors such as Soul Red. "As an automaker, we have an obligation to not only make high-quality cars, but also reduce our impact on the environment," said Kiyotaka Shobuda, Senior Managing Executive Officer. "Our painting technologies, which have helped KODO design gain recognition worldwide, represent Mazda's efforts to meet that obligation. Moving forward, we'll continue to develop innovative technologies at our parent factories in Japan before introducing them at the same high standards overseas. In this way, we'll provide customers around the world with high-quality cars and contribute both to preserving the environment and enriching society." Mazda will continue its efforts to contribute to the realization of a sustainable society through a variety of technological innovations. The company aims to enrich people's lives and become a brand that has a special bond with customers. About Mazda Mazda Motor Corporation started manufacturing tools in 1929 and soon branched out into production of trucks for commercial use. In the early 1960s, Mazda launched its first passenger car models and began developing rotary engines. Still headquartered in Hiroshima in western Japan, Mazda today ranks as one of Japan's leading automakers, and exports cars to the United States and Europe for over 30 years. For more information, please visit www.mazda.com UN Calls for Stop the Crash Safety Systems to be Fitted as Standard New York NY, April 15, 2016; Today the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution which represents the strongest ever commitment on road safety made by UN Member States. The resolution supports the ambitious road safety targets now included in the Global Goals for Sustainable Development and also the Global Plan of the UN Decade of Action for Road Safety (2011-2020) which provides an integrated and holistic framework for road injury prevention. The General Assembly resolution includes the following text on vehicle safety: Invites Member States that have not already done so to consider adopting policies and measures to implement United Nations vehicle safety regulations or equivalent national standards to ensure that all new motor vehicles, meet applicable minimum regulations for occupant and other road users protection, with seat belts, air bags and active safety systems fitted as standard; The resolution builds upon the 'Brasilia Declaration' passed by the 2nd Global High Level Conference on Road Safety held on 18-19 November 2015 in Brasilia and endorses the standard fitment of active safety systems which are the primary focus of the Stop the Crash Partnership. Active safety systems refer to vehicle technologies which rather than protecting people during a crash can avoid the crash from happening at all. The most important of these are: Electronic Stability Control ESC is the most significant advance in vehicle safety since the introduction of the seat belt and one of the most important crash avoidance systems currently available. Autonomous Emergency Braking AEB is an advanced safety technology that can help drivers avoid or mitigate collisions with other vehicles or vulnerable road users. ABS for Motorcycles ABS for motorcycles prevents wheel lock-up and ensures bike stability as well as optimal deceleration while braking. Taken together the UN General Assembly resolution, the Brasilia Declaration, and the Global Plan for the Decade of Action (2011-2020) provide a very clear statement of intent as regards the levels of safety that should be applied to all new passenger cars by 2020 at the very latest. The Stop the Crash Partnership warmly welcomes the General Assembly's recognition of the vital contribution that crash avoidance technologies can play in contributing to the United nation's ambitious goal to halve road deaths and injuries by 2020. David Ward, Chairman of the Stop the Crash Partnership said: "Today's UN resolution is a significant step forward in vehicle and road safety. The Stop the Crash Partnership was created to promote active safety systems with a proven track record in crash avoidance. The recognition and endorsement of this approach by the UN will help accelerate the adoption of the legislation required by governments across the globe to mandate these life saving technologies." Thomas Burkhardt, ADAC Vice President Technical Services said:"As the world's second-largest mobility club, the German ADAC is convinced that investing in vehicle technology and sound road safety education will increase road safety, saving many lives and ensuring national prosperity." Ola Bostrm, Senior Director of Autoliv Research said: "Saving more lives in global traffic is a matter of aligning visions and policies. It is also a matter of proactively ensuring access to life saving technology worldwide. Active safety development and indeed today's resolution are important pieces to this puzzle. As a company and as members of Stop the Crash, we are proud to be a part of this development." Dr. Dirk Hoheisel, member of the Bosch board of management said: "For Bosch, safety comes first. As Bosch is committed to keep drivers, passengers and other road users from harm, we welcome the UN's resolution as a vital step toward achieving accident- and injury-free driving worldwide. Bosch supports the global efforts to make life-saving technologies standard equipment in every vehicle." Amanda Long, Director General, Consumers International said: "Safer vehicles are urgently needed to help stop 1.25 million people dying and 50 million more being injured in road traffic incidents each year. Today's UN resolution creates a clear global benchmark for safety standards. Governments and manufacturers must now act to satisfy consumer demand for safer vehicles. Regulation and enforcement of these standards, plus the implementation of crash avoidance technologies will minimise loss of life, particularly in low and middle income countries a which account for 90% of total global road crash deaths." Frank Jourdan, member of the Executive Board of Continental AG responsible for the Chassis & Safety Division, said: "Autonomous Emergency Braking or AEB systems are an important step on the way to accident-free driving a our Vision Zero. In the passenger car segment, the introduction of these systems is being driven forward powerfully by NCAP organizations. By way of example, AEB systems play an increasingly crucial part in obtaining a 5-star grade in the Euro NCAP ratings. In my view, it won't be long before we can expect to see such systems as standard equipment. Every single injury or fatality in a road accident that can be avoided by AEB systems makes it clear what a very real benefit this technology offers." Nikolai Setzer, Executive Board Member and Head of the Tire Division of Continental, said: "This UN resolution is a great tailwind for our joint Stop the Crash campaign. It underlines that this campaign is focussing exactly on the right life saving technologies. We will of course try our best to demonstrate the high relevance of tire quality and maintenance on top of ESC, AEB and Motorcycle ABS, too." Peter Shaw, Chief Executive of Thatcham Research said: "We welcome any initiative that will lift the basic minimum legislative requirement to include active safety systems like AEB on all cars. The motor industry and legislators cannot ignore the overwhelming evidence that AEB can reduce crashes and save lives. It should be standard on all vehicles as soon as possible." Dr Stefan Sommer, Chief Executive Officer, ZF Friedrichshafen said: "The recognition by the United Nations of the importance of active safety technologies is further evidence of the impact that these technologies can have on a global scale. There is ample evidence of the significant toll that road fatalities and injuries have and it is up to governments, industry and other stakeholders to work together and help make road safety a priority as people around the world deserve these advancements in safety that can be provided. Editors Note: Led by Global NCAP, the #STOPTHECRASH Partnership includes the ADAC, Autoliv, Bosch, Consumers International, Continental, Denso, Thatcham, ZF-TRW, and the Toward Zero Foundation. All are united in their shared commitment to promote advanced vehicle safety technologies in support of the UN's Global Goals and the Decade of Action for Road Safety. For more information visit the campaign web site www.stopthecrash.org A A You are receiving this message from Global NCAP, info@globalncap.org at ARW Media Ltd. United Kingdom, Global NCAP, 60 Trafalgar Square, London, London, WC2N 5DS sue@arwmedia.co.uk If you would like to stop receiving messages of this type in the future, you may unsubscribe RNG said: The government needs some revenue or there would be no government. Sabcat may claim that would be good but most don't agree, the disagreement being more along the lines of how much and what should they do or not do. Next is the can of worms of what is the "best" form of taxation, with criteria for best being wide ranging and very dependent on one's political stance. I do not believe the form of taxation is related to the happiness quotient of people. Should the income tax been revenue neutrally replaced with some other form of taxation at those times it wouldn't matter. Click to expand... In this same letter, Grace told President Reagan that one-third of the tax dollars collected are wasted and another third not collected. With two-thirds of everyones personal income taxes wasted or not collected, 100 percent of what is collected is absorbed solely by interest on the Federal debt and by Federal Government contributions to transfer payments. In other words, all individual income tax revenues are gone before one nickel is spent on the services which taxpayers expect from their Government.Your slice of the pieThe fiscal year 2004 federal budget is about $2 trillion. The spending in percentages this year looks like this:26.2%military22.6%interest on the debt19%health care5.5%income security3.4%veterans benefits3.3%education2.5%nutrition spending1.6%housing1.6%environment11.4%everything elseLooking at it a different way, if you had $1,500 deducted from your paychecks as an income tax and your tax dollars were directly applied to government expenses, your contributions by category would be:$393military$339interest on national debt$285healthcare$83income security$51veterans benefits$48education$38nutrition spending$24housing$24environmental protection$216everything elseBut, if the Grace Commission is correct, then not one penny of income tax money is actually being spent on services the American People expect their government to provide.So what is funding government? Tax researcher Richard Standring believes the U.S. funds itself with loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).The IMF?The IMF was created at the United Nations Monetary and Financial conference in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, July 12, 1944. Per Title 22, Section 286 U.S. Code, the U.S. became an IMF member in 1945.Standring followed checks naming the IRS as the payee. He claims the checks go to a Federal Reserve bank, a private banking institution that has never been audited. The money then goes to the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and is deposited into what is called a Quad Zero account. It is from this account that IRS tax refunds are distributed (per 22 USC 286 and 31 CFR 11, section 214.7).According to Standrings research, whatever is left over is then transferred to the IMF. From there the money is redistributed among countries throughout the worldincluding the U.S.in the form of loans. These loans must then be paid back to IMF bankers at interest.According to the U.S. Bureau of the Public Debt, Americans were in the red $1.663 trillion in 1984. Twenty years later the debt has increased nearly five-fold to $7.1 trillion.InferencesGovernment waste is no secret.In 1984 the Grace Commission accurately predicted $multi-trillion government debt by 2000.The IMF, not the American people, is funding the operations of government through loan capital it receives, in part, through taxation of Americans wages.With every dollar paid to the IRS in taxes, Americas debt to the IMF increaseswith interest.Paying wage taxes supports global banking, not the U.S. government or Americans.What about schools and roads?Schools, roads and bridges are not funded by income taxes at all. Property taxes fund schools; roads and bridges are funded by gas taxes; airports, sewer and water systems are funded by user fees. Authorities warn about rainbow fentanyl Victims often arent aware theyre taking it The Ventura County Office of Education and state health officials have issued a warning to schools and families about rainbow fentanyl, a form of the potentially fatal synthetic opioid that comes in bright colors. Rainbow fentanyl can be found in... Cancer support community to host remembrance event Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara invites family members and friends of those who have died from cancer to attend the second annual Evening of Remembrance from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thurs., Nov. 3 at Cancer Support Communitys Garden of Hope,... Grant advances CSUCI research Cal State Channel Islands assistant professor of computer science Scott Feister and assistant professor of mathematics Alona Kryshchenko recently received $112,480 from the National Science Foundation to continue a grant to support their research project, Enhancing Laser Based Ion Sources... Healthcare agency recommends flu shots The Ventura County Health Care Agency offers options for the community to receive flu shots through its Ambulatory Care Clinic system, public health clinics and pop-up clinics. Although seasonal influenza viruses are detected year-round in the United States, they are... 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... The Pentagon calls him Haji Imam. His other nicknames include Abu Ali al-Anbari, Abu Alaa al-Afri, Hajji Iman, or simply the Hajji, the Arabic word for pilgrim but one that is colloquially used to refer to a revered person or gray eminence. Iraqi and American security officials were so confused by his multiple noms de guerre that they identified him as two distinct high-level leaders of the so-called Islamic State; Wikipedia even has two biographies, and two photographs for the one jihadist whose obscurity was in direct proportion to his significance. For Abd al-Rahman Mustafa al-Shakhilar al-Qadulithats his legal nameis known as a man of many talents. Hed have to be to attain the rank of second-most powerful figure in ISIS, next to the caliph himself. The U.S. military announced that al-Qaduliwho oversaw ISISs intelligence operationswas killed in an airstrike in Deir Ezzor, in eastern Syria, on March 25. Although his death was proclaimed at least four times before by the Iraqi government and twice by the U.S.-led coalition, this time it might be real. Several ISIS supporters eulogized him on social media, and new details about his curriculum vitae and all-important role within the organization have been disclosed, possibly because operational security is no longer a priority. That the No. 2 man in the worlds most dangerous terror organization may be dead matters almost as much as weve only been able to learn about him in death. Al-Qadulis biography has been cloaked in rumor, myth, and misinformationor disinformation, given that much of what had been produced on his history came from disgruntled al Qaeda sources looking to ruin his reputation following the bin Ladenists split from ISIS in 2014. Al-Qaduli had been mistakenly identified as a former officer with the ousted regime of Saddam Hussein, and an unusually high-ranking one for ISIS recruits: He was said to have been a major-general in the Iraqi army. Actually a physics teacher by training, al-Qaduli was a jihadist since the 1980s, first as an informal preacher and then as an activist-in-exile. Amid harassment by the former regime, he left Iraq for Afghanistan in the late 1990s and returned in 2000 to Sulaymaniyah, in northeastern Iraq, to join Ansar al-Islam, a jihadist organization operating in the Kurdish region. (Interestingly enough, al-Qaduli denigrated Michel Aflaq, the founder of the original Baath Party, as a freemason, a common accusation hurled by ISIS against those it perceives to be conspirators against the true Islam.) In 2003, al-Anbari started a local and independent Islamist group in Tal Afar, known as Jihad Squads, to fight the occupying American forces. In 2004 he joined al Qaeda in Iraq, then under the leadership of the Jordanian jihadist Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the founding father of ISIS. He found clerical authority in the group, becoming a Sharia judge and formal preacher, positions he held amid his many portfolios to until his supposed claimed death last month. Even with this new biographical information, some details remain obscure. Was he a native of Tal Afar, the notorious gateway town from which many ISIS members hail? (If so, the al-Afri nom de guerre would make sense: the name simply means from Tal Afar, just as al-Anbari means from Anbar province.) Khaled al-Qaysi, a knowledgeable Iraqi journalist and a close observer of Islamist groups, insists that al-Qaduli was in fact born in Hadhr, in southern Ninewah province. He was from everywhere. Whatever his true provenance, there is no denying al-Qadulis ideology. We obtained more than 20 hours worth of recordings of lectures he gave to his organizations high clerics, focusing on Islamic creed and modern democratic norms. The main themes of ISISs propaganda narrativethe pathological hatred of Yazidis, the obsession with Sunnis deemed impious or illegitimate because of their willingness to partner with non-Muslims, work through democratic state institutions or (worst of all) turn militarily on takfiri extremists such as ISISare evident in al-Qadulis sermons to such an extent that his impact on shaping the ISIS worldview may have been greater than that of the caliph, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. In the recordings, he is also identified by yet another, hitherto unknown, nickname, al-Dar Islami, or a resident of the House of Islam. In each of his sermons, he breaks down his arguments against man-made constitutions and laws, parliaments, courts, and democratic norms like devolution of power and popular sovereignty in a coherent and unparalleled manner. He makes his views about minorities, and specifically Yazidis, clear. He considers them infidels and takes their participation in the Iraqi parliament (where there is exactly one Yazidi MP) as proof that true Sunni Muslims have no place in democratic legislatures. Al-Qaduli denounces the Iraqi constitution because it doesnt allow Muslims to demolish Yazidi places of worship: Who is in power today of the parties that claim to belong to Islam [who] works in accordance with this constitution? he said in one of his sermons. He detests Salim al-Jabouri, the Sunni speaker of the Iraqi parliament and a leading member of the Muslim Brotherhood-aligned Iraqi Islamic Party. Did you know that he is working hard to bring back the Yazidis to their hometowns? Did you know that if he is able, and he wont, God willing, he will bring back those people and he will pay for them to rebuild their places of worship? Those turban-wearing [clerics] will help him to do that, he continues, referring to the Shia. Why? Because the constitution upholds freedom of belief, religious rituals and the protection of places of worship. Its hardly ISISs fault alone. But now, Jabouris position is in jeopardy. Another leitmotif is al-Qadulis hatred of the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist organization that originated in Egypt and has branches across the world and largely seeks to transform Muslim societies through gradual and non-violent means. Its acceptance of democratic tools is deemed by ISIS as evidence of apostasy. Al-Qaduli dedicates much of his indoctrination on religious Sunni groups and individuals that engage in politics or associate with tawaghit (false deities, which he uses metaphorically to refer to man-made laws and institutions). A Muslim, to al-Qaduli, should avoid the habitats of apostasy even if that involves abandoning their financial rights by not filing a court case. A Muslim must not attend sermons in any mosque anywhere in the world if the imam does not adhere to the Islamic creed as al-Qaduli understands it. Muslims, in other words, have little hope if they do not travel to the House of Islam, the areas controlled by ISIS. And while in its latest issue ISISs propaganda magazine Dabiq doesnt mention al-Qaduli by any of his known noms de guerre or allude to his reported demiseby contrast, the three Belgian suicide bombers who struck Brussels on March 22, and another Belgian who resisted an earlier police raid, are fondly remembered as martyrsits tempting to see this issue as a posthumous tribute to his obsessions. The cover story, after all, is on the murtadd [apostate] Brotherhood, which ISIS calls a devastating cancer that has emerged, mutated, and spread since its founding in 1928. These political Islamists are working not only with the tawaghit and crusaders throughout the Middle East but legitimized Shia Irans Islamic Revolution and endorse interfaith dialogue with Jews and Christians. According to different sources, including al-Qaysi, al-Qaduli took a lead role in overseeing ISISs internal police state. In January 2014, around the time al-Baghdadis deputy in Syria, Hajji Bakr, was killed by Syrian rebels, al-Qaduli handled the intelligence services, or amniyat, in the country, and then in both Syria and Iraq after the killing of Abu Muhannad al-Sweidawi, a former Saddamist. Al-Sweidawi was a close friend and associate of Adnan Ismail Najm, known by his nom de guerre Abu Abd al-Rahman al-Bilawi, the mastermind behind the takeover of Mosul. In a sense, al-Qaduli was ISISs director of national intelligence. The killing of al-Qaduli, Haji Bakr, al-Sweidawi, and al-Bilawi signals the loss of ISISs Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, the men who defined the groups military, security, and ideological pillars like no other members had since the death of al-Zarqawi. Of this elite cadre which founded the so-called caliphate, only the caliph himself, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadinow recuperating from injuries to a leg and his back sustained from a U.S. airstrike that hadnt even intended to target himand Abu Mohammed al-Adnanithe ISIS spokesman who runs all over Syria and oversees foreign terrorist operationshave eluded the coalition. Even still, the winnowing of the uppermost echelon of the organization doesnt mean the imminent end of ISIS, or even the beginning of the end. For a decade, since the killing of its top leaders in 2006 (al-Zarqawi) and 2010 (Abu Omar al-Baghdadi and his war minister Abu Ayyub al-Masri), ISIS has adapted to changing wartime exigencies (the al-Anbar Awakening, the surge, the U.S. military withdrawal, the Syrian revolution) and regrouped. It went from being a foreigner-led insurgency to a cosmetically Iraqized one to a genuinely Iraqi-led caliphate enterprise. With its renewed emphasis on attacking Western targets inside the West, ISIS has similarly undergone a quiet transformation during the past two years, which is really more of a bifurcation into two organizations. There is the battered but still formidable army of terror, but there is also a powerful and menacing new foreign operations arm composed of, and increasingly administered by, European nationals. As agents of a Jihadist Internationale, these sons and daughters of France, Belgium, Germany, Britain, and the Netherlands are doctrinally beholden to al-Baghdadi but they are nonetheless given a great deal of latitude and autonomy for planning and carrying out attacks abroad under the franchise banner of the black flag. They may well represent the next generation of ISISs leadership and stand to inherit the Shura Council once the graying beards of ex-Saddamists, veteran al-Qaeda jihadists, and former American detainees are gone. A male student scored a major victory in his lawsuit against the University of Southern California, which kicked him off campus for a remarkable non-crime: failing to de-escalate an orgy. This was a crazy case, and the decision in his favor impugns not just USC, but the federal governments entire strategy to combat rape by making colleges deal with it. Over the past five years, the Obama administrations Education Department has instructed universities to take sexual harassment and violence more seriously as part of their obligation to obey Title IX, a little-known gender equality law. While that all may sound like a good thing, the policies universities have been forced to put in place are shockingly illiberal, leading to routine violations of students due process rights, their right to free expression, and even their right to sleep together. The student who filed the lawsuit against USCJohn Doewas suspended for allegedly sexually assaulting a female victim, Jane. He denies the assault took place. Thats hardly surprising. But whats notable about this case is that Jane actually agreed. She consistently described their sex as consensual in interviews with USC investigators. The university took a different view. Despite Janes testimony, administrators found John guilty of numerous sexual misconduct charges, including non-consensual sexual touching. He was suspended for 2 years. The court of appeals recently ruled in Johns favor: USC denied him a fair hearing, he was not afforded an adequate opportunity to defend his actions, and the school did not present sufficient evidence he was guilty, according to the judge. (PDF) The sexual encounter in question took place at an off-campus fraternity party in January 2013. John and Jane met that evening and later engaged in two consensual sexual encounters. The second time, they were not alone: two other men, who were not university students, became involved. They became rougher with Jane than she wanted, and she eventually began to cry. The encounter ended immediately and everyone went their separate ways. John was not accused of doing anything improper: In fact, Jane later texted him, saying she enjoyed her time with him. Months later, after attending counselling sessions, she came to consider herself a victim of sexual assault. And she was right to think thatthe other two men had not asked for explicit consent to touch her. But these men were not USC students, and it was USC that fielded her complaint. John soon became the target, and was eventually found responsible for sexually assaulting Jane. He appealed this decision, in no small part because their sex was consensual. On appeal, the university decided it had erred in suspending him for assaulting Jane. Instead, it decided to suspend him for failing to prevent the other two men from assaulting Jane. Consider the madness of such an outcome. A university told a female student that her consensual sexual encounter was rape, and then punished a male student for not putting an end to group sex quickly enough. That the incident took place off campus and involved non-students only adds to the silliness of USCs involvement in the first place. As outrageous as USCs actions were, there is nothing novel about them. In fact, universities all over the country face lawsuits for denying basic due process rights to students caught up in sex disputes. In addition to Johns, several other recent cases unfolded in the accused students favor. Federal judge Dennis Saylor is allowing a lawsuit against Brandeis University to proceed. The plaintiff, a male student, was found guilty of serious sexual transgressions against his former boyfriend, according to Brandeis administrators. But the details of the case cast serious doubt on whether such a description fits. The plaintiffs crimes were, among other things, waking his boyfriend by kissing him and stealing glances at him in the shower. Whats more, Brandeiss adjudication process was unfair to the accused. The judge described it as essentially secret and inquisitorial. Another lawsuit, this one against James Madison University, survived a motion to dismiss. The plaintiff in this case was accused of sexual assault by his former girlfriend. He was initially cleared of the charges by the university. But the girlfriend appealed this findinga finding of innocenceand during the second proceeding, the accused was barely able to review the supposedly new evidence against him. He was barred from attending the second hearing, and ultimately suspendedfor 5 years. These cases represent just a photograph of the sexual assault adjudication landscape on American college campuses. There are plenty of examples of the opposite phenomenon: universities mistreating truthful accusers and letting male students get away with abusive behavior. Indeed, universities routinely botch these proceedings for both sides, denying fundamental due process rights to some students, while re-traumatizing others. College administrators lack legal training, of course, so its little surprise they are doing such a bad job. One cant help but wonder why campus kangaroo courts handle rape at all, rather than leaving it to the police. But universities are not in the business of policing students sex lives by choice. Under the federal governments current understanding of Title IX, they are actually required to intervene. What is this fearsome law? Despite its reputation as an all-encompassing prohibition against offensive speech and conduct, Title IX is actually just one sentence long: No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance. The original purpose of the statute was to ensure that womens clubs and activities received equal funding as to mens clubs. No unequal treatment for male athletics, in other words. But five years ago, the Education Departments Office for Civil Rights (OCR)the agency charged with ensuring Title IX compliancebegan interpreting the statute much more broadly. OCR officials informed university officials that the law required vigorous policing of sexual harassment and sexual violence on campus. Harassment, according to OCR, was subjective, meaning that universities had to proactively investigate all accusations, no matter how unreasonable they seemed. This has led to some serious breaches of academic freedom. Northwestern University Professor Laura Kipnis, for instance, was accused of violating Title IX after she wrote a scandalous column for The Chronicle Review. (The subject of the column, ironically, was Title IXs chilling effect on speech.) A lengthy, expensive investigation ensued. Kipnis isnt alone. The Title IX Inquisition, as critics call it, has become so pervasive and so detrimental to the desired climate of free expression on college campuses that the American Association of University Professors recently released a report (PDF) accusing OCR of abusing the law. Title IX has also been a disaster for due process. OCR has told colleges that they must evaluate claims on a preponderance of the evidence standard. In theory, this means that students should be found responsible if administrators are just 51 percent sure they are guilty. In practice, given that students are often denied legal counsel, the right to cross-examine witnesses, and records relating to the charges against them, it often falls to the accused to prove that he is innocentan inversion of the principles of modern justice. Justin Dillon, a partner with the law firm Kaiser, LeGrand & Dillon and an expert on campus legal issues, is deeply concerned about OCRs guidance. Title IX is being used as an excuse to regulate everything from how college students talk about having sex to how they actually have sex, wrote Dillon in an email to The Daily Beast. Title IX is being turned into a speech code, which is something it was never intended to be. The situation has become so dire that Dillons firm, in partnership with the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education, is now seeking a client to sue OCR. Their hope is that a court might eventually rein in the rogue agency and correct its reckless interpretation of Title IX. In the meantime, the lines separating protected speech from illegal harassment and messy sexual encounters from sexual assault have become a whole lot blurrierto the great detriment of the quality of life for many college students. It would be an exaggeration to say the government drove Christopher Baltz to break the law, but it definitely built the highway that took him there. On April 9, 2014, Baltz was arrested in a sting operation in the Dania Beach area of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, after a longtime acquaintance requested his help stealing a safe containing money and heroin out of a motel room that he said belonged to a drug dealer. Baltz was addicted to heroin and in desperate need of money to fuel his habit. Unbeknownst to Baltz, his accomplice was working as a confidential informant for the Broward County Sheriffs Office. The informant made it easy: chauffeuring Baltz door-to-door from his house to the motel and even giving him the key card hed need to gain access to the room. The informant claimed he got it from a girl he was dating who worked at the motel as a maid. Sheriffs deputies recorded the burglary from a surveillance post in a room next door, the second time theyd run the scheme that week. Baltz was charged with three felony offenses, including armed burglary after the deputies planted an unloaded firearm in the safe. He wound up pleading his case down; but it cost him $15,000 in lawyers fees to narrowly avoid a felony conviction. He served eight months on house arrest and remains on supervised release until September. To the casual observer, Baltz, 33, fell prey to a string of bad choices, helped along by a shady associate and some overeager cops. But the theatrics that led to his only serious run-in with the law was the final act in a drama that began years earlier, when Baltz became collateral damage in a growing war against prescription drug abuse. Baltz began using heroin after the opioid painkiller he was being prescribed for chronic pain became harder to obtain. Policymakers have redoubled their efforts to win the war on opioid abuse, as an unprecedented number of Americans continue to die of prescription drug overdoses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a broad set of recommendations in March for physicians and treatment facilities that dispense opiate medications. The same week Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker signed into law some of the most restrictive regulations ever governing the therapeutic use of narcotic drugsincluding limiting first-time prescriptions for opioid pain medication to seven days worth of pills. At least six states have passed similar measures restricting the amount and potency of narcotic medications doctors can prescribe. The goal is to keep potentially dangerous substances out of the hands of people who shouldnt have them, but Baltzs story is a reminder that sweeping public policy changeseven those with noble goalsoften have unintended consequences. *** Baltz was in his third year of treatment for chronic pain resulting from a severe motorcycle accident and was being prescribed a high dose of oxycodone when Florida Gov. Rick Scott declared war on the states robust pain management industry in 2011. Florida had acquired a reputation as Americas pill mill capital. Nearly nine out of every ten oxycodone pills dispensed in the U.S. was prescribed by a doctor in the Sunshine State. Things were so bad that the media had taken to calling the interstate highway system in Florida the Oxy Express. Scotts crackdown led to the closure of some 400 pain management clinics almost overnight, while a coordinated effort by the Drug Enforcement Administration targeted pharmacies suspected of over-dispensing controlled substances. This took the form of more aggressive enforcement of a decades-old federal mandate known as corresponding responsibility that holds pharmacies legally accountable for ensuring the drugs they dispense are being used for a legitimate medical purpose. In theory, the policy is designed to add another check in the process of preventing drug abuse and diversion. In practice, it places pharmacists in the unwarranted position of policing doctors, and discriminating against patients on the basis of often arbitrary red flags (for instance, paying for their prescriptions in cash). The net effect of the crackdown in Florida was profound and acute. Prescription drug deaths dropped precipitously within the first year-but heroin deaths rose 39 percent, as patients cut off from legal opioids turned to illegal drugs for relief. At medical conferences, physicians began discussing the plight of these new opioid refugees. These are patients, like Baltz, who had been using narcotic medication for an extended period of time under a doctors careusually for chronic painand now faced nearly insurmountable hurdles to accessing their drugs. Some of these patients were also abusing their pills (legitimate need and addiction are not mutually exclusive). Others followed rigidly to their doctors prescribing guidelines. They were all punished just the same. News trickled out of Florida of patients traveling miles from home to find a doctor to prescribe their medication or a pharmacy to dispense it. Before you know it youre driving around for three days going from pharmacy to pharmacy, taking off work and fighting off withdrawal looking for a place that will give you your medicine, Baltz told The Daily Beast. Then things got even worse. In spring 2013two days after receiving a courtesy call confirming his monthly appointmentBaltz showed up at his pain management clinic only to find it had been closed down. Within weeks he was making regular trips to Miami to buy heroin. The government wants to prevent people abusing pain medication, but theres no exit strategy, said Baltz. I never even saw heroin until this happened. No one would deny keeping dangerous drugs off the illicit market is an important goal. Opioid-based medications are powerfully addictive and can be fatal if improperly used. But patient advocates worry about the impact of blunt-force policies designed to curb abuse. According to the United Nations, 5.5 billion people around the world already suffer from inadequate pain treatment. This includes roughly a third of all cancer patients in the U.S. When the UN General Assembly meets in New York later this month to discuss global drug policy, protecting pain patients from the fallout of the war on drugs will be high on its agenda. Over the years Ive seen the chronic-pain pendulum swing in both directions, now the pendulum has swung extremely over toward the prohibitionist model, said Dee Green, who spent 25 years as a registered nurse in Georgia, which replaced Florida as the pill mill capital after Gov. Scotts crackdown. Green says she and her spouse both suffer from chronic pain issues and blames media sensationalism for focusing on addiction and abuse while largely ignoring the consequences of restrictive policies. We have seen many negative changes in treatment options over the last few years. It is scary, she said. Dr. Lynn Webster, a board-certified anesthesiologist who has been using opioids to treat chronic pain for more than three decades, says the aggressive anti-opioid messaging is having a chilling effect on the doctor-patient relationship. Physicians across the country are saying they are not going to prescribe opioids to any patient, he said. Webster is internationally respected in his field. From 2013 until last year he served as president of the American Academy of Pain Medicine. But detractors have criticized the AAPM for receiving financial backing from drug companies like Purdue Pharma, maker of OxyContin. They accuse providers like Webster of colluding with pharmaceutical giants to get millions of Americans hooked on drugs. For a time, that view appeared to be shared by the DEA, which in 2010 sent nearly a dozen armed agents to raid the Salt Lake City pain management clinic Webster ran after several of his patients suffered fatal overdoses. Webster spent the next four years in legal limbo, and was vilified in the press. In a December 2013 CNN story reported by Dr. Sanjay Gupta Webster is repeatedly referred to as Dr. Death. Then, in June 2014, the DEA quietly withdrew its investigation after the U.S. Attorney for Utah declined to file charges against Webster. We have declined prosecution in that case and have concluded that we could not prove criminal wrongdoing beyond a reasonable doubt, Melodie Rydalch, a spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney in Utah, told the Salt Lake Tribune. Though he was cleared of any wrongdoing, Webster says the experience took a toll. It was probably the most costly experience, both personally or professionally, of my entire life, he said. My reputation was tarnished forever. Dr. Webster is one of hundreds of doctors and pharmacies that have been investigated by the DEA since it launched its OxyContin Action Plan in 2001. The plan signaled a shift in federal enforcement tactics away from a focus on illicit street drugs and toward preventing controlled pharmaceuticals from falling into the wrong hands. Over the next 13 years the DEA added more than 1,500 personnel and more than doubled its budget. It also significantly ramped up administrative audits of registrants authorized to dispense controlled substances. (As The Daily Beast reported last year, over the same period the DEA was increasing its quotas of Schedule II pharmaceuticals approved for commercial sale). During one year alone (2009-2010) the number of regulatory investigations conducted by the DEAs Office of Diversion Control (responsible for policing prescription drugs) more than tripled, according to the Government Accountability Office. How many DEA audits actually lead to a formal sanction cannot be determined from available data, but the agencys aggressive enforcement stance is having an effect on both the medical community and the agency itself. A law firm in Texas that specializes in medical licensing reported a ten-fold increase in inquiries in 2011 from physicians concerned about DEA sanctions. Meanwhile a government audit from 2014 found that that agency became so proactive in policing prescription drugs that it had created a backlog in cases that actually increased the time it takes to shut down the most problematic prescribers. Federal law requires that all prescriptions for controlled substances be for a legitimate medical purpose, but it doesnt define the term. In December The Daily Beast filed a detailed Freedom of Information Act request seeking, among other things, any guidelines the DEA uses in determining if a physician or pharmacy has violated that rule. In its reply the agency said that such a consideration is made on a case-by-case basis, but cited a policy statement from 2005 denying that it must meet some arbitrary standard or threshold evidentiary requirement to commence an investigation. The agency also provided responses to letters from concerned citizens strongly denying it is engaged in a crackdown on pain doctors. Whether intentional or not, the federal governments own research shows DEA enforcement efforts are coming between patients and their medication. The concern now is that policy changes like the CDCs new guidelines on the prescribing of opioid medication will push even more desperate patients like Christopher Baltz into the illicit drug market. The guidelines are comprised of 12 recommendations, including favoring non-opioid alternatives for the treatment or chronic pain, limiting opioid prescriptions for acute pain to three days, and always defaulting to the lowest effective dose when narcotics are necessary. They elicited a strong response from many pain management doctors, who accused the agency of stacking its professional advisory board with anti-opioid lobbyists. And prominent voices in the medical communityincluding the American Cancer Societyblasted the CDCs methodology. Ironically, there is evidence that restricting patient access to pain medicine could actually lead to more overdoses, not fewer. Medical examiners are already unsure of how many deaths attributed to unintentional overdose are actually suicides. Chronic pain patients frequently suffer from ancillary mental health problemsincluding depression, anxiety and insomniaand are at least twice as likely to commit suicide. In 2013, when the Department of Veterans Affairs responded to a runaway painkiller problem with a new Opioid Safety Initiative, reports surfaced of patients being cut off their medication without proper dose reductions. Within months the agency came under fire for its new policy when a 52-year-old Navy veteran shot himself in the head in front of an outpatient clinic in Virginia after he was forced off his pain meds. The medications were the only thing that was helping him, and when they took that away from him, his life just went downhill, a friend of the dead man told a local paper. There are, fortunately, effective policies that are likely to reduce overdose deaths without inflicting unnecessary suffering on patients. They include addressing the woeful lack of pain management and addiction experience among medical practitioners, many of whom have less knowledge about the properties of opiates than the average street addict. There is almost no training in this area, said Dr. Webster, who in addition to treating pain is also a certified addiction specialist. I can tell you that, for years, physicians recoiled from addicts. We didnt want to deal with them, and even today many in the medical community view addiction of being a character flaw. Its not uncommon for doctors to prescribe opiates to patients without bothering to mention that physical dependency is likely. Often these same doctors will irresponsibly cut a patients dosageor even discharge themwithout properly weaning them from their medication. Its not that these doctors lack compassion; more often they simply underestimate the severity of opiate withdrawal or have no experience dealing with dependency. Meanwhile, there is evidence that the majority of prescription opioids that are diverted for illicit use come from the acute care setting, not the treatment of chronic pain. Dr. Daniel del Portal, who teaches emergency medicine at Temple Universitys Lewis Katz School of Medicine, says the modern health care system often incentivizes doctors in acute care settings to find a quick fix for patient complaints. The pressure is on physicians to make patients happy at any costs, he told The Daily Beast. In January, the Journal of Emergency Medicine published a study he co-authored that found voluntary guidelines on opioid use introduced in at Temple University Hospital led to a sustained reduction in the number of patients going home with painkiller prescriptions and actually improved patient satisfaction. Finally, doctors say there is little use in recommending alternative treatments for patients if they cant afford them. Pain pills are cheap, and usually fully covered by insurance; physical therapy, chiropractic care, and yoga are expensive, and almost always include co-pays (if they are covered at all). As for Baltz, he has been opioid free since his arrest in 2014. During the writing of this story his girlfriend gave birth to his first child, a boy. Baltz said he values his sobriety but still holds policymakers responsible for recklessly targeting pain clinics like the one where he received treatment, without providing adequate support for patients. Unfortunately, the war on drugs is once again threatening to disrupt his life. Baltz said he recently discovered the herbal supplement Kratom is effective in treating his pain. Kratom, which works on the same brain receptors as some mild opiates, is sold over-the-counter in most states. But thanks to pressure from anti-drug forces, state legislatures have begun considering banning it. In February, the Florida House passed a measure that would place Kratom in the DEAs Schedule I categoryjust like heroin. Given the lengths the state of Florida has already gone to keep him in needless pain, Baltz doesnt seem surprised by the move. But he bristles at the hypocrisy. People will do anything not to be in pain, and this is something mild thats non-narcotic to help, he said. The government has no problem approving all different types of hard synthetic drugs for people to get addicted to, and here is something totally natural and mild and they want to make it illegal. I think they just want to keep making arrests. LESBOS, Greece Hala Hilal, 32, is sitting on a foam camping mattress inside her white prefabricated refugee hut in the Kara Tepe camp as if it is a plush velvet sofa. Sit, sit, she says, smoothing out the space next to her. Her younger sister, Hala Maloud, comforts her baby in the corner of the hut and then joins us on the mattress. A large purple silk scarf hangs in the doorway and smaller bright orange and yellow handkerchiefs cover the window holes to give the place some color, Hala Hilal explains. Soon a younger woman rushes in with paper cups full of sweet hot tea that Hala Hilal offers, as any proper hostess would do when guests call in. Im sorry I dont have anything to offer you to eat, she says apologetically. There is no kitchen or refrigerator in the hut, just a heating stove and mattresses. She starts flipping through photos on her phone. She smiles when she reaches one of her and her friends having dinner at a fancy restaurant in Damascus. There is one of her house, which was an enormous villa with colorful tiles and ornate chandeliers. Then another of the rubble her house became. Then she gets to a picture of her husband, who was a jeweler. He was killed by Daesh, she explains, using the Arabic acronym for ISIS. Her English is good, but she doesnt know the word for decapitated so she slowly runs her index finger across her neck. Her eyes well with tears. He was not shot with a gun. They removed his head. He was such a good, good man, she says. He was my hero. A few days after they took him out to the fields to kill, they put me in a prison, she says. She managed to send her six children away with her brother, who brought them to Greece via Turkey before the borders all closed. They are now in Sweden with his wife and their six children. She shows a picture of four of them in bright puffer coats in front of a snow-covered mountain. We Facebook and keep in touch on Whatsapp, she says. But its not the same as being there. I need to be with my children. There was a time when she never thought she would see them again. She was meant as a gift for the man who killed her husband. Not a wife, because I am too old, she says. I was to be a sex slave. Thats what they kept threatening. Then, 2 months after she was captured, a bomb destroyed the place where she was being kept and she escaped. She found her sister, Hala Maloud, at her parents home and the two of them left for Turkey with Hala Malouds tiny infant in tow. Her sister has no idea if her husband is alive or dead. He left to fight ISIS to avenge the death of his brother, she says. He has never seen our baby. Then, the women explain, their luck ran out. In Turkey, they found a trafficker who would take them to Greece on March 20 for around $250, a considerable discount considering many who previously crossed paid 10 times that figure. But prices were cheap because it was the very day that the accord between the European Union and Turkey drastically changed the way refugees reached Europe. No longer would they be allowed to stay a few days on Lesbos and then take a ferry to mainland Greece and make their way to northern Italy. As of March 20, no refugeesno matter where they are fromare allowed to leave the tiny island until and unless they qualify for one of three categories. Previously, Syrian refugees of a certain social class would essentially skip the line and be swooped off to a better place, leaving those with fewer resources to suffer longer and harder. As unfair as that may have been, it was the unwritten rule. The aid workers in Lesbos have plenty of stories about private cars waiting to pick up certain refugees as they got off the rubber dinghies. The new EU law has equalized everyone. No matter who they were in Syria, refugees will have to apply and be accepted into the European relocation program under which they will be moved to a country, not of their choice, that is accepting refugees. They could also be accepted into the much more difficult family reunification program, which allows them to join family members already in place in Europe, but it puts any family members who may be living under the radar as unregistered immigrants at risk since everyone must be vetted. Plus, the reunification procedure can take six months or more. Many people opt for the relocation option and just plan to move to join their families once they have been placed. Or they could be deported back to Turkey in exchange for Syrian refugees in camps there who have already been accepted into the relocation program. One might think that either of the sisters would automatically be accepted into the family reunification program, given the fact that they have family in Sweden. And they might be, if their cases are ever heard. There are around 60 agents with authority to make decisions working in Lesbos, and there are more than 2,500 refugee applications to process. The two sisters have been given waiting numbers in the mid-4,000s. The agents are still working through the 2,000s at a rate of about 45 applications a week. Before the new law, it took Greek authorities about 10 minutes to register their names and send them on their way, essentially to fend for themselves. Now Greece has to do the heavy lifting on the bureaucratic side, too. An aid worker for the American International Rescue Committee who has joined us in the tent to help translate, explains that almost all of the people in the encampment have similar versions of the sisters stories. They are all equal victims, they are separated from their husbands or children, he says. There can be no priority when every story is as bad as the next. And they all have to be vetted. It all takes so much time. He says that every day there are around 20 new legal cases that various aid agencies try to find lawyers for, to help in any way they can to expedite the process. In the meantime, they seek to try to find some semblance of normality in the tent. A young teenage girl comes in to escape from her own mother. You know how teenagers are, Hala Halil says. Its even harder to go through all those things when you are living like this. They have their first loves, their first kisses, all the problems of growing up in a refugee camp. People get divorced, people fall in love. Babies are made. Life goes on. Still, most of the refugees who find themselves now stuck between borders are not at all equipped to live this way. I have never slept in a tent, or on the ground like this, Hala Maloud says, and all the women emphatically agree. They are all wearing makeup and their hair is all coiffed by a woman in a tent down the aisle who has opened a little beauty salon. Pictures of refugees slogging through mud, fighting for bread crumbs and breaking down border fences somehow defies the truth about who they really are. Look at this!, Hala Maloud says, touching the cubicle wall. You should have seen my house in Syria. All we worked for is now replaced by plastic walls. But what is perhaps the saddest side of the story is that, despite the fact that all these women want right now is to get into Europe and find their families, it is the last thing they ever thought they would want. These women, like many of the Syrian refugees on the move, never ever dreamed of coming to Europe. We are different from Europeans, Hala Halil says. It is not our culture but I suppose we can try to learn it if we have to. I would rather be in Syria without war than have to do this. Syria is beautiful. I had such a good life there. I was a happy woman. I loved my husband. I had it all. And now its gone. LESBOS, Greece Just 48 hours before Pope Francis is expected to touch down on the Greek island of Lesbos, two men with a barrel of paint are busy whitewashing graffiti that says no human is illegal and liberty and freedom off the stone walls of the Moria detention facility. Four barefoot young boys wearing visibly dirty clothing sit atop the wall, leaning into the wire fence to watch the painters below. Above the curious boys, rings of sharp razor wire glisten in the morning sun. The fact that the men are covering up something that, to even the most casual observer, would certainly not offend this pope is lost on everyone. This isnt because of the pope, a guard tells The Daily Beast Its just a coincidence. And when the razor wire was temporarily removed when Angelina Jolie visited? Time will tell whether that will come down for Francis, too. But one thing is clearthe painters arent just whitewashing the graffiti off the walls, they are clearly brushing over the deplorable conditions that refugees fleeing war now face thanks to a contentious agreement between the European Union and Turkey. It involves a one-for-one exchange whereby refugees who entered Lesbos illegally by boat after March 20 are subject to deportation in exchange for vetted refugees who will be relocated elsewhere in Europe. The Moria camp used to just be purgatorya place where refugees who arrived from Turkey by rubber dinghy could stay until they recovered from the trauma or until they could catch a ferry to mainland Greece and try their luck getting to Germany or joining family elsewhere in Europe. Aid workers say the average time anyone stayed on Lesbos was about a week. It was never a great place, but the international aid agencies had all set up programs to provide basic amenities like running water, toilets, a change of clothes, and basic hygiene products. Now, after the EU-Turkey accord, Moria camp has become a closed, guarded detention center, which is truly hell on earth. There is no running water here, no clothing, nothing. It is a prison, a young 28-year-old woman from Afghanistan called Mahdia tells me through the fence around the back of the facility. Look at my shoes. The back of her right boot is completely missing, exposing her bare heel that is covered with scratches. Next door to Moria, an open field was turned into a tent camp called Afghan Hills to hold the overflow. (The friendly yellow sign and a few tent stakes are all thats left.) The refugees there could still benefit from the meals and aid worker donations, and they had access to showers, latrines and running water. But when the accord was implemented, all the refugees at Afghan Hills were marched across the street by armed guards and locked into Moria. Munsif, a Palestinian man, had been living in Syria. He says he had no choice but to escape through Turkey to Greece or he would have been murdered. He had been moved from the Afghan Hills to Moria. I just want out of here. I want to go home, back to Palestine. I want out of here. I want out of this terrible place, he says, shaking the metal fence. It has been 28 days since I applied to go home. I have not been told anything. There is no one here even to ask. What makes things especially bad for the refugees, who risked their lives to cross from Turkey to Greece, is not just that they are locked up. Many of the international aid agencies also shuttered their programs at Moria and have either left the premises to avoid being affiliated with a detention and deportation camp or greatly curtailed their services, leaving a vacuum that has made Moria even more unbearable. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is one of the few agencies that remains, even as their programs supporting infrastructure have been curtailed drasticallythough they still have a human-rights monitoring program as well as services to help counsel refugees on asylum and their legal rights. Under the new provisions, these so-called hotspots have now become detention centers, UNHCR spokesperson Melissa Fleming said when the accord was implemented. Accordingly, and in line with UNHCR policy of opposing mandatory detention, we have suspended some of our activities at all closed centers on the island. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) pulled out entirely. We made the extremely difficult decision to end our activities in Moria because continuing to work inside would make us complicit in a system we consider to be both unfair and inhumane, Marie Elisabeth Ingres, MSF head of mission in Greece, said in a statement when they left. We will not allow our assistance to be instrumentalized for a mass expulsion operation, and we refuse to be part of a system that has no regard for the humanitarian or protection needs of asylum seekers and migrants. The problem is, of course, that when these major agencies dug in their heels on principle, they took with them any semblance of basic human comforts like adequate medical care, hot running water, and basic comforts. Sure, there are still toilets and showers at Moria, but since the NGO that took care of cleaning and plumbing left, they are said to be in unthinkable condition. Now, Lesbos is divided into two camps, quite literally. Moria is hell, and Kara Tepe, the other main camp on the island, while far from heavenly, is better. Kare Tepe is run by the municipality of the capital of Lesbos under the watchful direction of its mayor, Spyros Galinos. This is not a military camp, he told The Daily Beast as he walked around the grounds, past tents housing major aid agencies ready to help. This is a village and the travelers here are our guests. The Kare Tepe camp, nice as it is by any standard of refugee housing measure, is hardly a Club Med. Around 1,000 people deemed too vulnerable to stay at Moria sleep in prefabricated containers that are lined up in rows on a plot of land outside the port city. Angeliki Karydi, senior protection manager for the American International Rescue Committee, which has seen to the toilets, sanitation, and a paved walkway for wheelchairs at Kara Tepe, says the biggest change she has seen since the EU-Turkey accord was implemented is the loss of hope. Now refugees who reach Lesbos dont stay just a week, and, in fact, no one can predict with any certainty just how long they might have to stay. The refugees come with a completely different plan than what they can realize, Karydi told The Daily Beast. They saw their dreams completely shattered. Now, because all refugees must apply for asylum or other relocation or family reunification programs in Greece, where there are only about 60 officers on tap to process thousands of applications, refugees could face waits of six or seven months instead of a week. We are starting programs dealing with integration, she says, which has never been a necessity on Lesbos. We are trying to teach them basic Greek and some cultural history. But what worries Karyid most is not about what will happen to those who have made it to Lesbos. Its about those who are no longer coming. The average arrival has dropped from several hundred to thousands every day to just 92. I worry for those who wanted to come, she says. I just hope wherever they are, they are safe and that human rights are being respected. I just hope that those who couldnt come are OK. On Monday, a judge in Hendersonville, North Carolina, demanded that a mother stop nursing her child in his courtroom. Yet he had absolutely no legal right to ban her from breastfeeding. Stephanie Rhodus came to court the morning of April 11 with her 8-month-old baby, Archer, in tow, prepared to plead her case to Judge Peter Knight regarding the custody of one of her older children. Rhodus said to me that she began nursing her son upon arrival, as she thought it would be awhile before her case was called. She also noted that she believed her baby was teething; breastfeeding can be especially soothing to infants during that developmental stage. When her case was called first, Rhodus and her baby went before Judge Knight and she began to speak. At first, the judge did not comment on her nursing, but 5 minutes into the proceedings, it became clear that Knight felt like hed seen enough. In official audio obtained by several local media outlets and an ABC affiliate, Judge Knight makes demands of Rhodus that run explicitly counter to the legal protections offered to nursing mothers in the state of North Carolina. In the recording, Judge Knight can be heard saying: Maam you need to cover up. Thats for you not to realize that is absolutely ridiculous. Step outside and cover up right now. Stand up and go. Rhodus didnt know what to do. I was shocked, she told The Daily Beast. Already flustered and trying to resolve a bitter custody battle so that she might be able to see her son on his pending birthday, Rhodus said that she worked to cover her baby as he ate, while she continued to speak with the judge. Her baby, like many, did not like being covered up while eating, which only made the situation more tense. I didnt know what to do, or how to react, Rhodus said via phone, her voice wavering slightly at the recall. And so I just, I um, I stopped breastfeeding. And my baby was fussy the rest of time I was in there. Rhodus also pointed out that Judge Knight was not upset about the presence of a fussy baby in the courtroom; rather, it was merely the act of feeding the baby that apparently had him riled. He pretty much forced me into a position to neglect my childs needs, she said. She added that she was so shocked by his demands that she felt unable to collect her thoughts enough to properly argue her case. Ultimately, the judge ruled against her and she will be unable to see her son for six months. When reached for comment, Judge Peter Knight gave the following statement: We as a court routinely accommodate women who are nursing, including while they are waiting for a case to be called in the courtroom. However, when a case is called and a party is participating in a formal hearing before the court, all litigants are expected to respect the same rules of procedure, decorum and dress. That was the case here. If breastfeeding accommodations were needed, those certainly would have been made. Regardless of how the judgeor anyone elsefeels about breastfeeding in public, a mother nursing her child is protected by law. The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) has a summary of all state breastfeeding laws, a resource that all nursing mothers and perhaps Judge Peter Knight should spend an evening reviewing. Forty-nine states, the District of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands all have laws that specifically allow women to breastfeed, be it in the privacy of their own home or in public. Idaho is the only state in the country without these provisions. Specifically, North Carolina law states that a woman may breastfeed in any public or private location where she is otherwise authorized to be, irrespective of whether the nipple of the mothers breast is uncovered during or incidental to the breastfeeding. La Leche League, an international nonprofit in support of breastfeeding mothers, applauded Rhodus, while sharply decrying the actions of the judge. When Judge Knight in Henderson County, NC, shamed Stephanie Rhodus for breastfeeding and ordered her to leave the courtroom, he directly implied that breastfeeding in public was inappropriate, improper, and disgraceful. However, vast amounts of research have shown that, whether in public or private, breastfeeding is the normal and healthy way to care for a babys nutritional and emotional needs, said Diana West, director of the Leagues media relations, in an email. It is also a legally protected right in North Carolina. Still, the laws protecting breastfeeding mothers are only useful if women understand their rights and are empowered to stand their ground when challenged by ignorance. From life sentence to an $800,000 lawsuit: Prisoner of the Century's 17-year battle against the court Huynh Van Nen is dubbed Prisoner of the Century for being the only person falsely charged for two counts of murder. This is potentially Vietnam's most high profile lawsuit for false criminal charges ever. Huynh Van Nen was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2000. After serving 17 years, Nen was proved to be innocent and subsequently released. On April 11, Huynh Van Nen and his family filed a VND18 billion ($800,000) lawsuit at Binh Thuan province People's Court to compensate for two false murder charges, emotional distress and legal fees. The Whiskies & Spirits Conference Australia After more than a decade of global conferences held in Europe and North America, the Whiskies & Spirits Conference will be coming to Australia for the first time in August 2017. Hosted by the Adelaide Convention Centre and organised by the Whisky Live Australia team, headed up by Ken Bromfield and Doug van Tienen, the Whiskies & Spirits Conference Australia will be a two to three day business event. It will bring together the whole industry to debate and discuss the hot topics of the day relating to importing and exporting, production, marketing, finance and development. Beginning Friday August 4, 2017, the Conference will bring to Adelaide some of the big names in the spirit drinks world, to advise, educate and foster. Damian Riley-Smith, conference director, says: The global spirits business continues to surge and the Whiskies & Spirits Conference offers a unique environment in which to learn from the best to harness growth and development of this critical industry sector. We are very excited that the moment is now right to bring the conference to the southern hemisphere, and that Adelaide, Australia, is proving such an enthusiastic host. Doug van Tienen says: Whisky Live would like to acknowledge the efforts and support of the State Government of South Australia through its Major Events Bid Arm. The Government has provided tremendous support throughout the determination process and we look forward to working with them to orchestrate a great Whiskies and Spirits Conference in 2017. Further information The first Whiskies & Spirits Conference was held in Edinburgh in 2006 Since 2007 it has been held in Glasgow, London and New York In 2017 the Whiskies & Spirits Conference will be held in India, Australia and the UK For more information contact: Europe Damian Riley-Smith Email: damian@paragraphpublishing.com Tel: +44 1603 633 808 Australia Ken Bromfield Email: ken@whiskylive.com.au Tel: +612 8338 0032 Visit: http://www.whiskiesandspiritsconference.com/europe/london-2016/ 12 April 2016 - Rebecca Sterritt Paragraph Publishing, content manager Shareholders in Vietcombank, Vietnams largest listed bank by market value, on Friday approved a plan to sell 10 percent of its stock to foreign investors. The shares will be sold to no more than 10 foreign investors, possibly including existing foreign investors. The share sale will raise foreign ownership in Vietcombank to nearly 30 percent, Nghiem Xuan Thanh, Vietcombanks chairman of the board of directors, said at a shareholders meeting on Friday. Foreign investors will be allowed to hold a maximum of 30 percent in Vietcombank. Currently, the State Bank of Vietnam holds a 77.11 percent of stake, while Mizuho Bank has 15 percent and other local and foreign shareholders have 7.89 percent. Shareholders have already approved a plan to issue bonus shares at a ratio of 35 percent. The plan, expected to be carried out this year, will help raise the banks charter capital by nearly VND9.3 trillion ($413 million) to VND39.6 trillion. Additional funds from the share issuance will be used to finance the banks infrastructure, technology, branch expansion and investment in other projects, board member Le Thi Hoa said. Chairman Thanh said Vietcombank has already prepared a plan for an M&A and will seek shareholders approval when the management finalizes a partner. Apart from a competitive price, the partner must have strong financial muscle and a management system to support Vietcombank, Thanh added. August 6, 1955 - April 13, 2016 Judith Greer, 60, of the Edge Community (Brazos County), passed away on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 in her home. A memorial service celebrating her life will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 16, 2016 at First Presbyterian Church in Bryan, fellowship and reception to follow at the church. Serving as ministers for the memorial service are Hospice Brazos Valley Chaplain Cherry Moore, Associate Pastor Marie Mickey and former pastor Dr. Robert Leslie. Cremation services are in the care of Callaway-Jones Funeral Home and Crematory. Judy was born to Jack and Edna Irick in Belvedere, Illinois on August 6, 1955. After graduating from Bryan High School in 1973, Judy attended Texas A&M, later graduating from Austin's Brackenridge School of Nursing in 1979. Judy's nursing career included working in hospital settings, home health nursing, nursing home administration, and Director of Nursing at Hospice Brazos Valley. When diagnosed with ovarian cancer in February 2013, Judy was with HealthPoint (formerly BVCAA) where she used her leadership gift to help her employees reach their full potential. She believed in giving chances where perhaps chances had not been given. The Texas A&M Health Science Center, College of Nursing rewarded Judy's love of leadership with the Legacy Award in Leadership 2013. Judy wanted her message about ovarian cancer to be heard. "I want each person to understand that ovarian/fallopian tube cancers are deadly. Demand a yearly CA-125 lab test. Pay for it yourself, if necessary. Be diligent but not paranoid." Judy & her family wish to express their gratitude to Dr. Christine Lee at Texas Oncology in The Woodlands for her excellent care. No words can possibly convey our appreciation for Dr. Erin Fleener and ALL of her staff for their care, thoughtfulness and love during Judy's fight against ovarian cancer. We are also forever grateful for the staff in the Oncology unit at CHI St. Joseph who gave not only their skills but also their hearts to Judy and her family. Finally, we thank those at Hospice Brazos Valley, some of whom knew Judy from when she herself worked there. We thank Cherry for her comfort and kindness, Casey for her gentleness, love and care for not only Judy but her family these past weeks, as well as all the people who made things happen for us so that we could get Judy home where she wanted to be. Judy's father, Jack Irick, precedes her in death. Surviving Judy are her mother Edna Irick; husband of almost 34 years Hal Greer; sons Ian Greer (and wife Kristin), and Tad Greer; daughter Holland (Hollie) Greer; brother Justin Irick (and wife Monica); sister Vicki Ward; grandchildren Ethan and Adalyn; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews from both the Irick family and the Greer family. Donations in Judy's memory may be made to Hospice Brazos Valley or a charity of your choice. Please leave condolences for Judy's family at CallawayJones.com "You stole my heart long ago with your infectious laugh and your optimism...and belief that the journey we are on is worthy to be pursued. We are of stardust. And the universe is vast. Our journey is privileged. And we are all just passing through infinity." from a loving friend New 'dormitories' being built in Bryan should be controlled Have you noticed the 4 bedroom, 4.5 bath, 2-story square houses with the front yards paved for parking being built all over the city? I am concerned over what is happening in some of the older neighborhoods in Bryan. They are referred to by some as townhouses, but in my opinion are simply dormitories. Are the bedrooms rented separately? A city councilman in an interview on WTAW stated he had no concern over the fact that they were being built, nor any concern over where they are being built. If one lived in an affluent area as he does, I don't suppose you would have need for concern -- except that he was elected to care about the city of Bryan. I have written my own single-member district councilman, but have had minimum concern shown there, as well. One example: There are six of these directly across from Crockett Elementary School on Elm Street. With four bedrooms in each, that adds at least 24 cars to the traffic already around that school. Some residential property owners obviously are selling out to the builders of the dorms, including a former Bryan City Councilman. When a street becomes partially filled with such structures, the remaining owners aren't going to have the desire to remain, so will then sell out eventually as well. I urge everyone who hates to see older neighborhoods become dormitory rows to write their city councilman with his or her concerns. I am not familiar with all the ordinances, but these structures, surely, do not fall in the category of a usual townhouse. There must be something that can be done with the rewriting of zoning ordinances, rental property rules, parking requirements, or structure requirements that would limit the neighborhood takeovers by the builders of these dormitories. CAROLYN JOHNSON Bryan College Station should look at secondary school attendance boundaries I attended the April 12 College Station school district's community forum on school boundary readjustments. I would like to balance The Eagle's report that "many of Tuesday's speakers urged board members to not rezone boundaries for upper-level campuses such as middle and high schools, but rather focus on elementary and intermediate zones." I was one of many residents who spoke in favor of readjusting the high school boundaries, specifically with the goal of making the two high schools "comparable in composition," a boundary adjustment parameter adopted by school district for all of the recent school boundary adjustments. The two high schools' student profiles are not comparable in terms of racial/ethnic distribution or in terms of social class characteristics. For example, whereas 33.3 percent of A&M Consolidated High School students are economically disadvantaged, only 19 percent of College Station High School students are economically disadvantaged. The school board should charge the Boundary Adjustment Committee to change the high school attendance zones to ensure that both high schools are comparable in composition. THERESA MORRIS College Station So while the right-wing press might decry being 'dictated to' by Brussels, we could equally conclude, as the then Shadow Environment Secretary Maria Eagle did, that EU "meddling" on this issue is instead "a damning indictment of the government's total failure to tackle the UK's air pollution." Along with legal air pollution limits, the EU's Habitats Directive is also frequently cited as a vital environmental protection potentially threatened by 'Brexit'. 'Investment protection' Despite providing these protections, the European Union is currently enthusiastically promoting a 'polluters' paradise': 'Investor-to-State Dispute Settlement' (ISDS) systems, which allow corporations to file lawsuits against states in shadowy international tribunals. One example is the 1 billion action brought by the Swedish energy giant Vatenfall against the German government in the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID), an institution of the World Bank group based in Washington, DC. Vatenfall argued that the climate-protection requirements being imposed on its coal-fired power plant along the Elbe River in Hamburg would entail "significant additional costs" for the company. After the two parties settled out of court in 2010, Vatenfall sued Germany again in 2012 for losses incurred as a result of Angela Merkel's plan to phase out nuclear power plants, with the German government coughing up over 3.2 million in legal fees from the beginning of the arbitration in 2012 until mid-October 2014. Chevron has attempted to use similar tribunals against Ecuador after being ordered to pay $9.5 billion in compensation for "the contamination of a Rhode-Island-sized section of Ecuador's Amazon." ISDS is, as increasing numbers of Europeans know, a central part of the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). Currently, around 8% of US companies operating in the EU are covered by ISDS under Bilateral Investment Treaties; TTIP would cover all US-firms: more than 47,000. Of the 149,399 responses to the EU's consultation on TTIP, 97% of participants "voiced either a general rejection of TTIP or opposition to ISDS in TTIP." But 'investment protection' remains a key pillar of the proposed treaty. Caroline Lucas writes that "some of our dirtiest power stations have been closed thanks to EU directives"; perhaps tomorrow TTIP will be keeping them open. Of course, as Adam Ramsay argues, "Westminster has been pushing TTIP within the EU and would happily sign up to just such a treaty as fast as Cameron could whip out his biro." 'Better regulation' - deregulation by another name It might be added that the UK government is among the leading advocates of the Juncker Commission's less-known 'Better Regulation' agenda, described in a recent report by the European Environmental Bureau and others as "an exercise that was originally about 'cutting red tape'" that "has started to unravel the legislative safety net protecting people and the environment." The British government's enthusiasm for initiatives like TTIP and 'Better Regulation' suggests that a vote for Brexit would not automatically lead to an escape from investment protection or deregulation. But the European Commission's willingness to support and expand this agenda calls into question Caroline Lucas' claim that "even today, our EU membership offers us protection from the Tories' worst instincts." And why is Brussels promoting such aggressive business-friendly legislation when not long ago many on the British left were speaking enthusiastically of a 'social Europe'? It might have something to do with the fact that Brussels is, by some estimates, "second only to Washington in the concentration of those seeking to affect legislation", with around 30,000 lobbyists in the city, "nearly matching the 31,000 staff employed by the European Commission." Revolving doors of power As in Westminster, influence does not just come through traditional lobbying, but through the ease with which individuals can transition between the private sector and public office. The Corporate Europe Observatory (CEO) is the most comprehensive source on this, highlighting, for example, how "one in three (9 out of 26) outgoing commissioners who left office in 2014 have gone through the 'revolving door' into roles in corporations or other organisations with links to big business". People such as Viviane Reding, who went on to sit on the board of the mining company Nyrstar. Fossil fuel giants are well-represented, as documented in CEO's November 2015 report 'Brussels, big energy, and revolving doors: a hothouse for climate change'. Among the several cases examined in the report, Marcus Lippold's CV is particularly impressive. Lippold, according to his LinkedIn profile, "is Principal Representative for Europe and Russia, responsible for regional corporate planning and policy for Saudi Aramco" - the world's biggest oil company. Previously, "he worked for the European Commission's Energy Directorate, first as Senior Energy Economist and later as Coordinator for international energy relations" and "prior to working for the EU Institutions, Marcus had been working for ExxonMobil for many years, holding various management positions in the company's Downstream and Midstream divisions." As Corporate Europe Observatory point out, the role with Aramco is "an officially-sanctioned sabbatical" - so the EU is in fact telling Lippold he can "go to work for the biggest oil company in the world, while maintaining a 'right to return' to the Commission." Less than a month after CEO published this report, they revealed that Aleksandra Tomczak, formerly of the World Coal Association, had become EU coal policy coordinator, while the Guardian reported that the EU gave ExxonMobil "access to confidential negotiating strategies considered too sensitive to be released to the European public" during its negotiations with the United States over TTIP. The motor industry - undermining effective regulation It is rare for the the 'voice of the motor industry' in the UK, the Society of Motor Manufacturer and Traders (SMMT), and the Green Party to find common ground. Nonetheless, on the question of Europe, the SMMT recently declared that 77% of their members "say remaining in Europe is best for their business", while adding that "reform remains high on the agenda - especially the need to reduce complexity, encourage financial reform and consistently apply regulations." The SMMT expressed strong backing for the European Commission's CARS 2020 Action Plan, centred on both "environmental protection" and "smart regulation", which aims to promote "competitiveness proofing" and to "reduce administrative burden." The motor industry is also well-connected in Brussels. Volkswagen - the company sued by the US Justice Department for up to $46 billion for cheating on emissions tests - sits on a number of European Commission expert groups, such as the expert group on alternative fuels which also includes the likes of BP, Shell, Statoil and Exxon Mobil); the expert group on intelligent transport systems for urban areas; and the Horizon 2020 Experts' Group on 'Nature-Based Solutions and Re-Naturing Cities', which is chaired by the Secretary-General of the Volkswagen Foundation. VW spent 3.3 million on EU lobbying in 2014. Promising to "tighten the rules" after the Volkswagen revelations, the European Commission appointed a High Level Group on the Automotive Industry, whose members included the leading representatives of the motor industry: the European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA), the Association des Constructeurs Europens d'Automobile (ACEA) and the European Council for Motor Trades and Repairs (CECRA). Elzbieta Bienkowska, the European Commissioner for industrial policy, then scaled back initial plans for tighter testing regulations, with the EU's Technical Committee for Motor Vehicles eventually approving proposals that "would allow real-world NOx [Nitrogen Oxide] emissions to exceed limits by as much as 110% until January 2020", while "cars would also be allowed to exceed EU limits - set to be 80g/km in 2020 - by up to 50% permanently." This, of course, was almost exactly in line with the advice offered by the motor industry. Greener In or Out? Despite the influence of big polluters in Brussels and the Commission's backing for investment protection, some of the UK's leading naturalists did not write to the Environment Secretary warning of the risks of Brexit for no reason. "As individuals who have spent much of our working lives seeking to deliver a greener Britain, we know from experience that EU coordination, legislation and policy has been critical to improving the UK's environmental quality", they wrote. "It's vital to recognise that virtually the entire legal protection for our environment here in Britain derives from European safeguards", the former chair of the Environment Agency added. "Our air, water and land are kept clean by European laws." Although this contains some hyperbole - for example the hugely important Clean Air Act of 1956 did not require EU directives - it is difficult to argue with the statement: "If the UK were to leave the EU it is very unclear which elements of existing European [environment] policy would continue to apply to the UK." This real uncertainty is, understandably, pushing many environmentalists to support 'remain'. But by now it should at least be clear that the EU is not "all that stands between us and unfettered corporate power"; does not "stand up to the amassed power of the world's biggest businesses"; and is a friend, not an enemy, of David Cameron's Conservative government. Harry Blain has worked and studied in Sydney, Edinburgh and London. He currently works for LSE Cities, an international research, education and outreach centre at the London School of Economics. Follow him on Twitter @Hblain. This article was first published by openDemocracy under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International licence. This story starts on some small islands in Indonesia, and ends up in the mass market of US, European and Japanese marine aquariums. The Banggai Cardinalfish is a mere five centimetres, but it's a small fish with big problems as overfishing for aquariums dwindles its natural population. The last trade assessment showed that annually, over half a million are caught, and a survey in 2015 estimated that only 1.4 million fish are left (a 90% population decrease) and their habitat is deteriorating quickly. Although it was discovered in 1920, the Banggai Cardinalfish was long forgotten. In 1994 it was rediscovered and a brisk trade began, which quickly caused concern amongst conservationists. The fish became one of the best-selling marine aquarium 'fillers' ever! The trade in all coral fishes is on the rise. A 2003 UN report estimated that around 24 million individuals are sold annually. More recent figures are not available but given there are now more than two million private, and over a thousand public, aquariums (excluding zoos) this figure is probably much higher. Worldwide the trade volume of sales for marine tanks (coral fishes and associated equipment) is estimated at over $2 billion a year. However the trade is subject to minimal controls. The UN also stated that for coral reef fishes, on average four out of five die before they reach an aquarium. Another study in the Philippines suggests that 98% of the fish perish the first year in an aquarium. Only two dozen of the 2,300 traded coral fish species can be bred in captivity in commercial volume, virtually every marine ornamental fish comes from a coral reef. Coral reefs are also called the 'rainforests of the seas'. They are host to 4,000 (one-third of all known) species of fish, 800 species of reef-building corals, and a great many other invertebrates. Coral reefs cover less than 0.1% of the ocean floors and globally one third have already disappeared. Scientists predict that another 15% will disappear in 10 to 20 years. The lifecycle of the Banggai Cardinalfish The Banggai Cardinalfish is exceptional as it is one of the few coral fishes that can reproduce in captivity. However, bred fish are more expensive than wild-caught ones and it has the lowest reproductive rate of all known cardinal fishes. Unlike most others, which produce thousands of eggs and release them into open water, the female lays about 50 eggs that the male quickly fertilizes and then secures in his mouth. He protects both the eggs and the newly-hatched juveniles for around thirty days. When the trade in Banggai Cardinalfish took off, those who collected the fish were understandably excited. In the US or Europe, Banggai Cardinalfish sell at around $25 or more, while the fishermen earn only around 8 per animal. But for them it's still a useful sum, and local fishermen welcomed the side business even though the trade is unsustainable. The Stop TTIP colation warned today that the CETA, the Canada-EU Trade Agreement, could come into force without ever being voted on by either EU or national parliaments. That's because the agreement as negotiated contains a 'stealth clause' that would allow large parts of it to enter into force without having ever been agreed upon in any parliament - including the much-loathed 'investor state dispute settlement' (ISDS) which allows corporations to sue governments in secret courts run by corporate lawyers. "Right now, executives throughout Europe are silently preparing CETA's entry intro force through this back door, which would allow CETA to enter into force once the Council of the European Union, but none of the European Parliaments - gave its consent", writes Stop TTIP's Felix Heilmann in 'Goodbye democracy, hello CETA'. The backdoor stealth clause was described by the German ministry of economics as "perfectly democratic" just last month, adds Heilmann - a paradoxical use of the word when applied to a deliberate evasion of normal democratic accountability via elected representatives. So why does this matter so much? First, Canadian corporations, mining and fossil fuel corporations in particular, are aggressive users of ISDS mechanisms, with numerous legal actions under way under various free trade agreements with Colombia, El Salvador, Romania and even the USA - which is being sued for $15 billion for turning down the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline. Second, CETA would act as a 'back door' for US corporations if the EU-US TTIP (Transatlantic Trade & Investment Partnership) deal is delayed or abandoned. As Maude Barlow wrote on The Ecologist, "CETA could act as a 'back room' for American corporations whether TTIP is adopted or not." That's because all a US corporation would have to do is start up a subsidiary in Canada and put all its EU investments through it, to be 'protected' by CETA's ISDS provisions. Just 15 of 28 governments can force CETA into effect Under the 'stealth clause' allowing for 'provisional implementation' of CETA "probably 95 per cent" of the agreement would come into force once 15 out of the 28 EU member states' governments gave their consent, according to the Canadian chief negotiator Steve Verheul. The Vietnam Food Association plans to export three million tons of rice in the first six months of 2016, up 12 percent from the same period last year, despite an historic drought and saline intrusion that are crippling the country's rice fields. The association said that rice exports in the first quarter saw some signs of growth. Data from Vietnam Customs showed the export volume from January-March reached 1.55 million tons, up 38.1 percent from the same period last year. Export value also touched $680 million, up 38.5 percent. China remained the key recipient of Vietnamese rice in the first quarter with over 470,000 tons, up 41.8 percent on year, followed by Malaysia with 350,000 tons, a surge of more than 422 percent. The reason behind these rising rice exports is that a number of 2015 contracts signed between Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines and China have been transferred to 2016. Despite higher value gained from rice exports, the association said the number of contracts signed in March fell from the previous month as Vietnamese is more expensive than its Asian rivals. The prolonged drought and salinity, which has razed more than 140,000 hectares of rice fields, has been blamed for the problem. The Vietnam Food Association aims to export 1.6 million tons of rice in the second quarter, down 200,000 tons from the original plan. Source: VNA I may sound like a broken record, but the shelter is at full capacity and beyond. There are some really amazing dogs available for adoption. But it seems that every time one goes out, two come in. The situation concerning strays in the county is very near critical mass. Cruelty and abuse of animals is either gaining in prevalence or, due to the dogged efforts of Cindy and the animal control officers, it has become infinitely more obvious. I can attest that its the latter. On many days when I spend a couple of hours at the shelter, I come away shaking my head in dismay. Despite the fact that the animals at the shelter are well fed, loved and well tended, they are incarcerated as if they were criminals. Many, Im sure are well acquainted with the concept, since many have been chained up for most of their lives. But some have been on the loose since, only God knows when. The excuse that they are just dogs or just cats is unconscionable. They are living beings who deserve to be treated as such. The last day I was at the shelter, Katie received a call that three dogs had been chained to the porch of a house since their owners had moved away due to their inability to pay their electric bill. My first thought was, owning three dogs when they cant pay their electric bill? It takes a lot of groceries to keep three animals well fed. Just ask me if you have doubts. Those people could have brought their dogs to the shelter, but did they? No, the degenerates left them chained to the porch. Cindy and Ben rescued the poor creatures and brought them to safety at the shelter, where they found good food, a warm place to lay their weary heads, and an abundance of affection. Its not all dour news, however. Of the 54 dogs taken in March, 14 were returned to their owners, 12 were adopted, 21 were taken by various rescues and none were euthanized. Forty-eight cats were taken in. The Humane Society has been helpful with both dogs and cats. I realize many of us have grown up believing we are humans they are just animals, but we are all animals. We walk on two legs while many other species walk on four. Many wag their tails when happy. Many skulk around with tails between their legs in fear or distrust. George and I are the pet parents of two dogs and one cat from the Franklin County Animal Shelter. All three are borderline psychotic (they live with us); however, that does not preclude the fact that we love them as our fur babies. Anyone who has kept up with this column is well aware of my life with Stimpy, the sofa weasel. If we can love a pathetic little beastie who chewed a hole big enough to get her tiny snout into, then proceeded to pull every gram of stuffing out of one of the cushions, strew it all over the living room (most likely having eaten her fill of the fill), we can love anything. She hasnt done any major damage since that; however, she continues to eat anything and everything that is not completely out of her reach. I marvel at the fact that shes not dead, quite frankly. She ate the bag of instant rice, after which she pooped rice for a week. Just last week, she snagged a bag of fruity bites candy out of Georges jacket and devoured it all. Fortunately, he said there was very little left in the bag. Ive never seen anything like her. And even though there are days I would like to throttle her, when I look into those soulful, innocent eyes I dismiss all homicidal thoughts. Then there is Claire, God bless her. She is Pit Bull who is terrified of electronic beeps. Apparently when George was training her for the electric fence, she got stung. She thereby associates any beep with anticipation of an imminent aftermath. It never happened again, as far as either George or I are aware; however, if she crossed the no no zone of her own volition, she might have gotten a tiny bite. When one lives in a house with as much electronic equipment as is in this one, is it any wonder poor Claire goes spacey when something is amiss? During Spring break George went to visit his brother in Franklin, Kentucky. A couple of days into the peace and quiet Claire took up permanent residence by my side, behind me, in front of me; I believe she would have crawled inside, if she could. I was flummoxed; I heard nothing, so that part of the equation never occurred to me. I was beginning to think she had suffered a psychotic break by the time George returned to hearth and home six days later, and I told him so. When he opened his office door we heard an almost imperceptible beep. I said, Oh, my God, thats the problem. It took George half the day to track down the beep, since the wires behind his desk resemble the Brazilian rainforest, but finally he found it; there was blessed silence. Claire strolled over to her bed and lay down as if nothing had happened. I was ready to pull my hair out, and if George had been gone one day longer I may have done so. Dogs and cats are such wonderful companions. I cannot imagine living in a home not surrounded by little varmints whose only lot in life is to love me and be loved in return. However, if one doesnt relish sloppy, doggy kisses and clingy, kitty hairs, I guess one just had to do without the otherwise unabashed joy of being a pet parent. Granted I dont like being woken up in the middle of the night by my cat Ren. Sometimes she goes to bed at night in her basket downstairs; its like she wakes up and cant find me and howls like a banshee. But, hey, thats all part of living with a menagerie. The bears are awake in my neighborhood. We have once again taken in our birdfeeders. The birds are unhappy due to the un-spring-like cold snap of late. But, according to those who have been visited, birdfeeders and suet cages have been ripped from their moorings, indicating our ursine neighbors are once again on the prowl. The Wildlife and Inland Fisheries warns us to take precautions, but if one finds him/herself face to face with a bear, the waving of arms, making ones-self look bigger while making lots of noise should do the trick. And under no circumstances should we run. Run? We have been warned that if we dont take in the bird food, or other tasty morsels, or putting garbage cans on the street the night before pickup, we could be inviting trouble because bears looking for food might do damage around the neighborhood. And if that happens, the bears could well be euthanized. We do not want that; we moved into their neighborhood, not the other way around. "When humans act with cruelty we characterize them as 'animals', yet the only animal that displays cruelty is humanity." -- Anthony Douglas Williams The Virginia Tourism Corporation will bring an oversized LOVE sculpture to Rocky Mount on April 22 as part of a state and local partnership to promote tourism. The sculpture, which is 16 feet long and more than 6 feet high, is part of the Virginia is for Lovers campaign and designed to promote family-friendly vacation experiences in Virginia. Visitors can see the LOVE when it arrives April 22. The sculpture will be on display outside the Harvester Performance Center in Downtown Rocky Mount through April 24. Visitors are encouraged to take a picture in front of the artwork and share it on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/VirginiaisforLovers or on Instagram and Twitter, using the special hashtag #LOVEVA. The hashtags #HarvesterPerformanceCenter and #FCMoonshineFest will also be in use during the event. "Our iconic Virginia is for Lovers brand is about love - pure and simple, and has been for more than 45 years," said Rita McClenny, president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. "We are excited to share the LOVE at locations throughout the commonwealth, where so many people can enjoy being a part of it. It reminds us that Virginia is an ideal destination for families looking to completely connect on a Virginia vacation." The sculpture will be in place for the Franklin County Moonshine Fest Friday, April 22 and Saturday, April 23. Celebrate the unique cultural heritage of moonshine in Franklin County with two days of great music, a host of activities and tastings at the Moonshine Fest in downtown Rocky Mount. Visit www.FranklinCountyMoonshineFest.com for details. We are delighted to have been approved by the state to host the traveling LOVE artwork as part of our inaugural event launch. Im amazed at the excitement and smiles generated by the mere mention of it, said David Rotenizer, tourism development manager for Franklin County. Destined to become selfie-central during the event, you don't want to miss your opportunity to share the love that will shine in Franklin County. SHARE By Laura Acchiardo, laura.acchiardo@thegleaner.com Between transportation, tuition and housing, college students have plenty of expenses to contend with, but the state of Kentucky may lend a hand. The budget deal struck early Thursday proposes spending $25 million over the next two years on the "Work Ready" scholarship program that offers free community college tuition to all Kentucky high school graduates. Lawmakers are expected to approve the bill and send it to the governor for his signature. "College students have a lot of financial needs," said Kris Williams, president of Henderson Community College. "Many of our students struggle to support their higher education. Any scholarship helps students invest in their future." The program would cover two years of community college tuition. Students would be required to take a minimum of 15 credit hours a semester and maintain at least a 2.5 grade point average. Williams said it costs $147 per credit hour at HCC, so the scholarship would cover at up to $8,820 of a student's tuition at the college. At HCC, class space is available for more new students applying for general admission and the scholarship could potentially bring in higher enrollment numbers, she said. "Our enrollment has been decreasing over the past couple of years," said Williams. "Since employment rates have gone up and more people go straight to work after high school, we've seen our numbers drop. This offers an opportunity for continued education in the community." According to the Associated Press, the deal also will cut spending on public colleges and universities by 4.5 percent over the next two years and require colleges and universities to compete for a certain portion of their state funding beginning in 2017 under a system that rewards institutions for things such as producing more graduates. Officials at the Kentucky Community and Technical College System told the AP they expect the program will offset some of its 4.5 percent cut. SHARE The Pentagon's mission in this unsettled world is "to ensure that anyone who starts a conflict with us will regret doing so." That was the pointed message Defense Secretary Ash Carter had for members of the Senate Armed Services Committee at a March 17 hearing at which he urged Congress to approve a $583 billion defense budget for next fiscal year and to block sequestration cuts mandated by the 2011 Budget Control Act. Carter said the Pentagon was requesting 50 percent more money for the fight against Islamic State, which he warned was "metastasizing" in Africa and Afghanistan, far from its core territory in Iraq and Syria. He said strategists concluded more must also be done to address the challenges posed by Russia, China, North Korea and Iran. Not only did Carter's message resonate with senators, some said he should have asked for even more money. "I contend we are in the most threatened condition we've ever been in as a nation," said Sen. James Inhofe, R-Okla. "I feel wistful for the days of the Cold War." But this sympathy for the Pentagon's budget straits can't be reconciled with the behavior of lawmakers who see military spending as akin to pork. This predilection is on display on two fronts. The first lies in the near-reflexive hostility that elected officials have to closing unneeded military facilities in their home states. In a 2004 analysis, the Pentagon estimated that it had 24 percent more facilities than it needed. But the Base Realignment and Closure process, known as BRAC, is routinely stymied by political pressure justified by bizarre arguments from politicians that they know more about what's needed for national security than the Joint Chiefs of Staffs. In 2005, for example, an aide to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger argued that the Pentagon failed to grasp "the unique strategic value of California's military bases." Now we have a fresh example. The Army concluded last year that it made sense to shut a brigade with 2,600 soldiers at the Elmendorf-Richardson base in Anchorage. But last month, facing pressure from Alaska's congressional delegation, the Army changed its mind. Politico reports this is likely to energize opponents of plans to close Fort Campbell in Kentucky, Fort Benning in Georgia, and Fort Hood and Fort Bliss in Texas. That's bad, but another congressional habit may be worse: foisting weapon systems on the Pentagon that it doesn't want. In 2012, Army Chief of Staff General Raymond Odierno told Congress that as the military sought to be more light and flexible, it didn't need any more tanks. Congress paid for $183 million worth anyway. Lawmakers have also overruled the Pentagon in buying aircraft for the Air Force and ships for the Navy. Enough is enough. We think the time has come for an idea floated by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., to give military leaders a much bigger say in procurement. "We force stuff on you all that we know you don't want," Manchin told military brass last year. Maybe this is just pork politics as usual. But it's hard to defend that when the Pentagon is pleading for funding to help defend us. Iowa wrestler Tony Cassioppi wins bronze at U23 world championships Tony Cassioppi and Tanner Sloan both earned medals at the U23 world championships this weekend in Spain. The historic drought and salinity gripping the southern provinces of Soc Trang and Ca Mau have caused waves of migrants into cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong and Dong Nai. With no water for farming and no jobs, hundreds of people have had to abandon their poor villages in search of a better life in other cities, leaving many parts of the provinces left with just children and the elderly. This year has been so cruel, there is not enough water for daily use, not to mention farming. No one dares to grow anything, Son Thi Chi, whose daughter and son-in-law have left for Ho Chi Minh City, leaving the old, poor farmer with two grandchildren to take care of. VND1 million ($45) and 25 kilograms of rice the daughter sends her every month are not enough to feed her husband and two grandchildren. Chi has to seek extra work in town, earning VND70,000 per day. Besides feeding and clothing, Son Thi Chi and her husband also have to help their grandchildren with school. Photo by Phuc Hung Like Chi, a 52-year-old grandmother, Thach Thi Hoa, has to raise two grandchildren while three daughters and sons have left for jobs in Ho Chi Minh City. In previous years, we could make ends meet by renting land for farming. In some bumper crops, we could make enough money for a year-subsidence. This years salinity has been storm sweeping through our poor village, taking away our means of livelihood, Hoa said. Only children and the elderly remain in Hoi Trung village. Photo by Phuc Hung Truong Huu Can, deputy chairman of Hoi Trung peoples committee in Soc Trang province said that about 100 locals have left for jobs in other cities. There are only three small companies in the village, providing about 60 jobs while the total population of the village is 900 households, Can said. It is estimated that about 14,000 hectares of rice fields have been damaged by drought and salinity and salt intrusion have destroyed thousands of hectares of fruit and vegetables due to lack of water for irrigation. In Binh Khanh district of Ca Mau province, since the beginning of this year, more than 300 locals have abandoned their home for jobs in cities. Salinity has caused diseases, reducing between 30 percent and 70 percent of shrimp output. At present, although water from China and Laos is coming, southern provinces still suffer acute shortage of water and salinity are still cruel realities. The week of April 10-16 is an important week for the Central Nebraska Humane Society because we get to honor our animal control officers. ACOs are public safety officers that deal with dangerous situations on a regular basis to protect our community. They rescue those animals who are lost, sick, injured, starved, and abused. They are faced with these issues for all kinds of animals. One of the hardest things to do as an officer is to see animals suffer. Their role is to enforce the laws and statutes which protect people and animals from life-threatening situations. In any given week, an ACO may rescue a trapped kitten, catch and re-locate wildlife or a native snake, work with local law enforcement and fire departments, help a lost dog find its family, investigate the condition of a horse or cow, and even testify in court against an abusive pet owner. To an animal control officer, a barking dog complaint is not only a noise issue it can be a story of an unhappy dog. A roaming pet may be called in as a nuisance yet the animals life is at risk. A cat with kittens under a porch may be a headache for a homeowner/landlord, but this feline family needs help. ACOs continually balance the human wants and concerns with the animals best interests. You can help our local ACOs by keeping your pets safe and happy at home. Identify your pets with a microchip and a collar with an ID tag so if your pet ever becomes lost, our ACO can immediately notify you. If you notice an animal in need, get as many details as possible when calling for help to ensure an officer can assist that animal quickly. Animal control officers are working in our city, our county and in collaboration with the Central Nebraska Humane Society, a private nonprofit animal organization, to use the available resources for all animals and residents. Its not an easy job and takes a lot to be an animal control officer. The Central Nebraska Humane Society Board of Directors and staff appreciate all they do in their role and for making a difference. Several years ago when term limits for our state senators was being discussed, it was suggested that term limits simply gave too much power to the governor, since it takes a long time for state senators to learn the depth of the issues they have to deal with. With the election of this far right wing governor, that prediction is clearly confirmed. The governor was successful in replacing most of the property tax paid by wealthy suburban Omaha taxpayers that helps fund the much poorer schools in inner-city Omaha, with funds from sales and income taxes from all Nebraskans. My concern is that this statewide funding of mostly non-white, inner-city Omaha childrens education can be easily reduced at the first sign of an economic downturn. Greed and under-the-breath racism and xenophobia were obvious in the debates. With that change, the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties was mostly eliminated. The Learning Community is the only educational organization in the state that is using peer reviewed academic research to change educational outcomes for children living in poverty. Their pilot program is intervening with families on behalf of children almost from birth and will continue the work with families after the child begins preschool. The design of the pilot project is not perfect, but it is the only effort in Nebraska that is expected to show positive results. Fortunately, this pilot program will continue due to the efforts of Sen. Kate Sullivan and the Education Committee. This session of the Unicameral will be the last for Sen. Sullivan. Her loss as chairperson of the Education Committee is huge. The make-up of the committee and the next selection of the chairperson will be critical for Nebraskas children, as long as this governor is in office. Gelato, smoothies, pizza and more: Check out the newest in Bucks' eats These new Bucks County dining spots are serving up everything from gelato, pastries and pizza to green smoothies, cold-pressed juices and acai bowls. On this weeks episode of Segue, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Dean Greg Budzban, PhD, hosts Sharon Locke, PhD, director of SIUEs Center for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Research, Education and Outreach. The two scholars primarily focus conversation on the various techniques the STEM Center is utilizing to engage students with education, both on-campus and in the community. Locke has a doctorate in geology from the University of Minnesota. Her pathway to STEM education was somewhat unconventional - she began as a professor of geology at a small college, but embarked on a new professional journey after falling in love with leading professional development workshops for teachers. A woman who has truly been dedicated to STEM education and research throughout her career, Locke joined the SIUE STEM Center in 2010, coming from a position at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, where she worked with science educators for nearly two years. Prior to her experiences in South Africa, Locke learned much about national STEM education and research during her appointment with the National Science Foundation in the Washington, D.C area. Budzban and Locke quickly found common ground, with each explaining their passion for driving teacher and student success. Budzban shares, Ive worked with teachers and students, and its so rewarding to actually see an impact that you know is going to eventually end up in a classroom and inspire future students. Among the SIUE STEM Centers signature programs are Minds-on Science Activities in the Community (MOSAIC), the Robert Noyce Scholarship and Internship Program, and Digital East St. Louis. Building on an early grant from SIUEs Meridian Society, MOSAIC seeks to bring STEM to youth in community organizations, focusing efforts toward the needs of underserved communities, in particular. Through activities such as designing a building to withstand an earthquake, and imitation of the human digestive system, MOSAIC engages elementary and middle school students from all backgrounds in STEM education. As scientists are often subject to stereotypes and misperceptions, Budzban adds, These programs are truly expanding the vision of both what science is, as well as who is doing it. Locke emphasizes the importance of engaging students with STEM education at a young age, as interest in these fields begins to wane as they enter their adolescent years. Children are naturally curious - young children can usually be found outside exploring nature and looking at rocks, she explains. Then something happens, and theres a shift in their thinking about what science is. So, were trying to capture their interest and maintain it during that critical period. To exemplify the power of such programs, Locke shares a story of a high school student who displayed a particular hesitation to an SIUE STEM Center science program in Brooklyn, Ill. This young man, in particular, was really disinterested in science, says Locke. By the end of the program - which was in forensics and crime scene investigation - the school told us that his interest in science and school overall had improved, and science had become one of his favorite courses. Through the Noyce Scholarship program, SIUE provides scholarship and internship opportunities to outstanding students seeking careers as teachers of mathematics or science in high-needs school districts. Gaining access to extra seminar opportunities, extensive classroom observations and direct faculty mentorship, Noyce scholars are rewarded $11,500 each year to go toward tuition during their junior and senior years. We currently service about a dozen Noyce scholars at SIUE, and its a program that were so excited about, shares Locke. Locke further explains an internship opportunity available to freshman and sophomore students both at SIUE and surrounding community colleges through the SIUE STEM Center. As a paid summer internship, students perform community outreach through science-based summer camps and programs. Each summer, we hire 14 interns to this program, explains Locke. What is nice about this program is that freshmen and sophomores dont necessarily have a lot of access to internship opportunities. Students also do not have to necessarily be majoring in science - some interns simply have an interest in science, teaching or improving communication skills. Budzban and Locke transition to discussing Digital East St. Louis, an ongoing project with middle school students in the East St. Louis School District. An interdisciplinary project of the digital humanities, Digital East St. Louis combines local historical data with website design. In collaboration with CAS and an SIUE professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, the goal of the program is to generate student interest in web design, computer coding and programming, database creation, and metadata through their communitys history and culture. Budzban expresses his excitement about the potential of this program, explaining, When I first heard of the program, I thought, What an obvious way to connect students with technology, but through things theyre going to be interested in. Its also significantly community-based. I can see students going to their parents and giving oral history lessons about their community. Its something that has the potential to spread throughout a community and naturally perform community-based educational outreach. The hope for Digital East St. Louis is to replicate the program in other communities, both locally and across the U.S. Place-based education has been proven as an extremely effective way to keep students motivated and engaged in a topic, says Locke. We hope to develop a curriculum that other youth educators could use to walk students through similar projects. To conclude their discussion, Budzban and Locke discuss the solar eclipse that will occur in August 2017 - coincidentally, the first day of classes during SIUEs fall term. They mention interdisciplinary collaboration initiatives that are already taking place across campus in preparation, citing a partnership with the SIUE Department of Physics to release high-altitude balloons for data and live video capturing of the solar eclipse. Budzban shares, Interdisciplinary collaboration is a testament to the culture on this campus, in which faculty from different disciplines work together to create exciting opportunities for their students and outreach for local schools. Locke agrees, Its one of the things that attracted me to SIUE. Ive always been interested in interdisciplinary approaches to science, and this campus is ideal for that. The STEM Center is meant to be a hub. Its a community of scholars and educators who are trying to bring people together through an interest in STEM education. Tune in to WSIE 88.7 FM every Sunday at 9 a.m. as weekly guests discuss issues on SIUEs campus. By Logan Cameron, SIUE Marketing & Communications 95 percent of self-nominated candidates from Hanoi have failed to reach the final list of candidates to become National Assembly members as over half of them couldnt get over 50 percent in vote of confidence from local voters. The third consultation round held by the Vietnam Fatherland Front on April 15. Photo: V.H. The pool of 48 self-nominated NA candidates in Hanoi dwindled to two nominees left as the majority couldnt get past all three consultation rounds held by the Vietnam Fatherland Front - an organization that is overseeing the NA candidate selection process. According to Deputy Chair of Fatherland Front Le Thi Kim Oanh, there were 29 candidates who failed to get over the 50 percent mark in vote of confidence while 14 others withdrew among the 46 disqualified candidates after the second consultation round held on March 17. As of the last round held this morning, there were five self-nominated candidates left to be considered by the Fatherland Fronts Standing Committee, two of which have been approved, including Director of the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion Nguyen Anh Tri and Chairman of an environment education and development center under Hanoi Union of Science and Technology Association Nguyen Huu Ninh. Journalist Tran Dang Tuan, who is a well known social activist and former vice director of Vietnam National Television, was among the self-nominated candidates who didnt qualify. In an explaination as to why some candidates were disqualified through the voting process, Oanh said that those who were put to vote are eligible under the regulations, but the final outcome depends on membership distribution. Based on the election schedule, the National Election Council will announce the list of all 500 candidates prior to April 27. From May 2 to 21, the candidates may run their campaigns at conferences and on social media. The election is set for May 22. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Hipolitus Yolisandry Ringgi Wangge (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, April 15, 2016 A recent three-day visit by Coordinating Security, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan to Papua, Indonesias easternmost region, was noticeable for two reasons. First, Papua is a priority for the administration and the visit of Luhut, one of President Joko Jokowi Widodos trusted advisors, followed Jokowis own visits. We can thus imagine how important this visit is, not only for the central government but also for Papuans as a whole. Second, Luhuts visit showed a strong commitment to overseeing that all policies are undertaken appropriately, particularly since the special autonomy law has been widely criticized as ineffective for improving Papuans welfare. However Luhuts visit was no more than symbolic, rather than being truly meaningful for the powerless indigenous people. The key issue is the extent to which Luhuts visit can thoroughly address the fundamental concern of Papuans, namely genuine trust. Since becoming part of Indonesia through the deeply flawed process called the Act of Free Choice, facilitated by the UN in 1969, Papua has been treated relatively inappropriately by the government and many Indonesians through inefficient policies, an intensive security approach and racial prejudice. This treatment has led to distrust and limited sympathy among Papuans toward the Indonesian government and fellow citizens in the western parts of the country. Thus, a visit by such an important figure stimulated more skepticism than optimism among the indigenous people. Luhuts visit failed to highlight one fundamental problem of Papua: Its political status since it became part of Indonesia. He preferred to discuss more about the progress of developmental programs with Papuan stakeholders, including the building of Post Limit Cross Country Skouw on the border between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea (PNG). However, the more he avoided talking about political problems in Papua, chiefly the aspirations for independence, the more the government showed to the international community its incapability for handling the ethnic-based conflict. The concept of dialogue, which many have repeatedly asserted to be an important step toward resolving long overdue problems in Papua, did not receive the ministers attention. Luhut also visited PNG and Fiji, two supporters of Indonesia regarding the Papuan issue in the Pacific. Through ad hoc economic aid and bilateral agreements with PNG and Fiji, the main objective of that trip was most likely to defuse the Papuan issue in the Pacific, particularly the role of the United Liberation Movement of West Papua (ULMWP) in the Melanesian Spearhead Group, an economic group that granted observer status to the ULMWP in 2015. By providing such support, Indonesia hopes these two countries can either contain the Papuan issue or keep it from becoming one of the central political themes in the Pacific. In the security sphere, there was no endeavor for a breakthrough during Luhuts trip to Papua. As a former army general and given his current position related to security matters, he was expected to tackle one of the most contentious issues in Papua, particularly regarding initiatives to build a new army territorial command in Manokwari and a police brigade headquarters in Wamena not to mention the so-called joint expedition, dominated by 670 military personnel, including the Armys Special Forces (Kopassus), and civilians, aimed at conducting research and collecting data on Papuas natural resources and its people. This research activity is at odds with its primary duties as stated in the 2004 Indonesian Military Law. Instead, Luhut merely promised to resolve past human rights cases in Papua, without details. This is largely lip service since two prominent cases during the past two years, namely those of Paniai in 2014 and Timika in 2015, remain unresolved. Neither did Luhuts visit address the contentious massive investments across the area. Investment-driven policies have been widely criticized for failing to improve Papuans quality of life since the area became an Indonesian province. Many giant private investors mostly in oil palm plantations and agricultural projects have been exploiting many local forests based on their concessions. Migration was another issue overlooked by the ministers official trip to Papua. According to the 2014 report of the Justice and Peace Secretariat of the Jayapura Bishopric Mission, huge numbers of people transmigrating on a daily basis have negatively affected the indigenous population in the cultural, political and economic spheres. This has led to ceaseless conflicts between the settlers and the indigenous people. Moreover, without discussing all of these crucial issues, Luhuts visit casts doubt on how the government handles the area and most importantly how it builds trust among Papuans toward Jakarta. Accordingly, his visit will be seen by Papuans as another ceremonial activity by officials rather than a genuine and meaningful gesture of reaching out. All in all, Luhuts trip to Papua remains merely symbolic for many indigenous people. *** The writer is a researcher at the Marthinus Academy, Jakarta. --------------- We are looking for information, opinions, and in-depth analysis from experts or scholars in a variety of fields. We choose articles based on facts or opinions about general news, as well as quality analysis and commentary about Indonesia or international events. Send your piece to community@jakpost.com. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Mohamad Mova Al'Afghani (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, April 15, 2016 The current debate on regulating sharing economies is too focused on the legality or illegality of certain platforms, especially the ride-sharing services. Debating whether sharing economies fit within a certain definition of existing regulations (e.i. public transportation) is of no use. This is because platform businesses are neither-nor. Uber is neither a public transportation company per se, nor an IT company as such. AirBnB is neither a hotel/hospitality company per se, nor an IT company. Paypal is neither a bank, nor an IT company per se. So, it is useless to try to match them with existing legal definitions for the purpose of regulation. Legislation will always lag behind revolutionary changes. Our founding father Soekarno once said: A revolution throws away existing laws and marches onward ignoring such laws. So, it is difficult to plan a revolution with a lawyer! Well, he may not have been entirely correct, since lawyers have taken part in so many revolutions and have written post-revolutionary laws, but what he said about existing laws was correct. Trying to regulate disruptive innovations with existing laws is like arguing for Indonesian Independence using Dutch colonial laws. I use quotation marks around the word sharing because the term is currently highly contested. The original idea of a sharing economy was to allow temporary access to goods and services in exchange for something else (not always money), but lately sharing is not always caring. In some cases it is just another transition of capitalism into a new economy. So the whole idea of disownership, where people own less and share more also called collaborative consumption is no longer true in many cases. For example, drivers may not own their own cars, but instead they rent them from someone else. On the other hand, people purchase more cars to be rented to these sharing economy platforms. And then there are cases where big players enter AirBnB to leverage their property. So instead of reducing ownership, it contributes to what political geographers called accumulation by dispossession. What is certain is that the old economy is being redefined. Even jobs are being redefined. Information technology is slowly but surely shifting employee into workforce-as-service. There will be fewer employees and more part-time work-from-home consultants. There will be fewer people going to offices and more people teleconferencing through virtual reality gadgets. For lawyers, this means that the traditional elements of labor law, wages, authority (e.i. from a boss) and a defined job, are no longer fulfilled. The new workforce has more independence and outcome-rather-than-process orientation. So authority is rather irrelevant. They also receive commissions instead of wages. They also may not have a set of defined jobs they may be working here and there on several projects. For that reason, the existing Manpower Law may not be necessarily relevant for the sharing economy. Thus the government shouldnt force manpower laws on Uber and Go-Jek. This is not to suggest that the new workforce should be deprived of their traditional protections in terms of health insurance and pension funds and other benefits that are traditionally provided by offices. It simply means that the government needs to think of new ways so that these protections remain available when the workforce has shifted from employment to services. The same reason goes for transportation platforms. Taxis, for example, must comply with minimum service standards, such as being equipped with taximeters, assurance of drivers physical condition, maximum working hours, vehicle maximum age and general safety standards such as functional seatbelts, functional brakes and regular checking to ensure that the vehicle is roadworthy. All these standards must be available to Ubers or GrabTaxis customers too. The real problem is how to apply these standards to a sharing economies platform. The government should not confuse regulatory goals with regulatory formalities. Subjecting vehicles to yellow license plates or registering them with specific licenses are regulatory formalities (means) to regulatory goals (ends), which is, among others, safety. Now how do we get them to obey these standards? The current academic proposal from experts worldwide is through self-regulation. Some called them shared regulations, which denotes shared regulatory competence among several regulatory authorities and the companies themselves. Unfortunately this idea has not caught the attention of Indonesian policymakers and they are preoccupied with applying existing legal definitions to Uber, Grab or Go-Jek. As I previously mentioned, it wont work because they cant be categorized as per se IT or transportation companies. The concept of shared regulation has actually been implemented in several sectors in Indonesia as well. The idea is quite simple: rather than the government trying to regulate and monitor drivers compliance with service standards directly, let the companies enforce them. So companies here act as self-regulatory agencies. The reasons for self-regulation are lower enforcement costs, a companys intrinsic interest to comply, flexibility and that it allows room for innovation and experimentation. The enforcement cost of self-regulation is low because companies can easily ban drivers from taking part. The cost for doing this is almost negligible for companies but would be extremely high if carried out manually by government. This also denotes savings of taxpayers money. A companys intrinsic interest to comply is also quite high because it needs to ensure reliability of services. One prominent example is when Go-Jek provides helmets and masks to passengers. In these cases they acted in compliance with traffic regulations, but with much lower cost compared to real traffic police. Self-regulation also provides room for plenty of negotiations and less rigidity and formalities compared to traditional command-and-control regulation. What is most important is that self-regulation provides space for innovation and experimentation. The sharing economy is here to stay and it will continue to flourish in various other sectors. There are negative externalities associated with it that justify regulation but also there is tons of potential. Traditional command and control regulation may unintentionally kill it. This is something that President Joko Jokowi Widodo, with his creative industry slogans, tries to avoid. So what is the key to these regulatory proposals? The key is data or, I should say, big data. This is the part where platform companies get irritated for various reasons. There are three characteristics of regulation: Standard-setting, behavior modification and, the most important thing, information gathering. Companies have access to tons of user and customer data: Their locations, their working hours, their ratings, etc. Data on working hours is necessary to enforce maximum working hours for drivers. GPS data is required to control the maximum number of vehicles allowed in a given location. Like it or not, we may have to use command-and-control methods for this one because when we have no information we will have no regulation. Internet blocking may need to be utilized if companies refuse to share data. But can existing regulations accommodate such a regulatory proposal? The answer in no, we need new regulations. How? The President as the highest executive authority has power directly under Article 4 of the Constitution to enact a presidential regulation. The presidential regulation could regulate a self-regulatory model for sharing economies and the sharing of regulatory competence between sectoral ministries with the Ministry of Communication and Information. Anything less than that isnt likely to work. Platforms need new, specific regulations and existing laws arent enough. But we must regulate quickly because there are negative (as well as positive) externalities already associated with the sharing economy. *** The writer is director of the Center for Regulation, Policy and Governance. He obtained his PhD in law from the University of Dundee, UK. --------------- We are looking for information, opinions, and in-depth analysis from experts or scholars in a variety of fields. We choose articles based on facts or opinions about general news, as well as quality analysis and commentary about Indonesia or international events. Send your piece to community@jakpost.com. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Wirya Adiwena (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, April 15, 2016 In the wake of the US-ASEAN Sunnylands Summit in February, a lot has been said about how ASEAN matters to great powers. It is a historical time for US-ASEAN relations. However, in light of the recent ASEAN foreign ministers retreat in Laos, we need to ask: What does ASEAN mean to its member countries? In the face of the increasingly influential political and economic powerhouse that is China, member countries commitment to ASEAN centrality has been constantly challenged. In 2012, member countries failed to reach a consensus under Cambodias chairmanship. In 2015, under Laotian chairmanship, the country was increasingly seen to veer closer to China. For many, this is not a surprise. After all, ASEAN has not been able to truly fulfill the expectations of its members. Even with the ASEAN Economic Community, trade volume between ASEAN member countries remains lower than trade with countries outside of the region. In an earlier column, Ari Margiono pointed out that not only is intra-ASEAN trade low (only 25 percent of total trade volume in the region), it is also dominated by companies from Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. Inequality among member countries also persists. The implementation of Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) to reduce gaps between member countries also faces its own challenges. The projects in the IAI Work Plans second phase address only 58 of the 182 priority actions proposed to support development in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam this leaves 124 priorities unaddressed. China fills this gap by pumping in investment and aid. Indeed, China recently announced its commitment to providing US$10 billion in infrastructure loans and $560 million in aid to ASEAN members. This includes the Laos-China high-speed railway, which will strengthen connectivity between southern China and Southeast Asia and promote growth in the area. This is also a move that will strengthen Chinas position as a prominent intervening variable in intra-ASEAN relations. It is understandable that countries like Laos are welcoming Chinese investment. After all, the call for infrastructure development is urgent and major regional powers like Indonesia are answering this call and opening there doors to China. Indeed, the administration of President Joko Jokowi Widodo has been giving signals that it is pursuing a policy of hedging in the midst of this great power rivalry. Through this policy, Indonesia is promoting closer ties with rivaling powers US, China, Japan to promote the national interest, most notably through inviting more investment. The construction of the Jakarta-Bandung high-speed railway is testament to this policy. As some observers have said, the Jokowi administration is bringing more meat to the foreign policy table beyond the perceived pomp and aplomb of the era of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Unfortunately, this policy is also followed by what many see as decreasing engagement with ASEAN, even with President Jokowis attendance at ASEAN summits, and despite continuous efforts and assurances from Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi and Jokowis former foreign policy aide Rizal Sukma that Indonesia is not abandoning ASEAN. If Indonesia truly wants to enact a policy of hedging, it is important to maintain ASEAN centrality and neutrality. Southeast Asia should not only be a proxy for major power rivalries. ASEAN countries should not be confined to the periphery. There are many ways to achieve this. Policy recommendations have been made by pundits throughout the world: from wide-aiming recommendations such as improving the implementation of IAI, or using ASEAN Development Goals as a policy framework to narrow the development gap; to technical proposals such as assistance to develop agriculture in the Mekong region, and capacity building for women entrepreneurs. These are all important. However, there is one thing that only Indonesia can do as major regional player play a role as a big brother. Indonesia can take a leadership role in the region. More importantly, it also has the capacity to do so. In the aftermath of the deadlock in the 2012 ASEAN Summit, for example, then foreign minister Marty Natalegawa conducted shuttle diplomacy across the region. It is widely believed that Cambodia was using its position as chairman to block any strong statements regarding the South China Sea to curry the favor of Beijing. However, Marty managed to persuade leaders in the region to agree on a common position. Thus, pomp and aplomb still have their uses in international fora. At times, serving meat at the table does not mean that we have to strip the bones bare in the process. When promoting its public policies, the government often quips that the people need to know that governments are there for them. But this means not only that the government needs to do things, they also need to be seen to be doing them. Our neighbors also need to see that Indonesia still cares about ASEAN. They need to believe that, especially for Indonesia, ASEAN still matters. *** The writer is head of international relations at the Habibie Center in Jakarta. The views expressed are his own. --------------- We are looking for information, opinions, and in-depth analysis from experts or scholars in a variety of fields. We choose articles based on facts or opinions about general news, as well as quality analysis and commentary about Indonesia or international events. Send your piece to community@jakpost.com. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the official stance of The Jakarta Post. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Devina Heriyanto (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, April 15, 2016 Indonesia captured a Chinese fishing vessel for fishing illegally within the Indonesian Exclusive Economic Zone near Natuna Island last week. This incident did not only raise tensions in the area but also lead the Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi to summon the Chinese Ambassador for Indonesia. What happened in Natuna? An Indonesian Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry patrol ship intercepted the Chinese fishing vessel on Saturday off the Natuna islands. The area is within the Indonesian Exclusive Economic Zone, meaning that only Indonesian citizens have the rights to exploit the riches of the area. The Chinese vessel was captured for fishing illegally within the area. However, the situation is complicated since China views the location as its rightful territory based on historical reasons, meaning that in the Chinese perspective, the vessel should not have been captured at all. That is why when the Chinese vessel was towed by Indonesian patrol vessel, a nearby Chinese coast guard intervened and prevented the detainment by Indonesian authorities. The Indonesian authorities released the Chinese vessel but detained its crew. Does it count as a territorial dispute? Its complicated. A territorial dispute means that there are two countries with overlapping claims over one area, land or sea, in which each country tries to negate or contest the claim of the other. In this case, China does not contest that Natuna rightfully belongs to Indonesia. However, China argues that it still has rights to fish in the area. A spokeswoman from the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that, The sovereignty of Natuna belongs to Indonesia. China has no objections to this. However, China refused the accusation that the vessel was fishing illegally since the fishermen was operating in traditional Chinese fishing grounds. Indonesian Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister, Susi Pudjiastuti, has commented that if China recognizes that Natuna belongs to Indonesia, China can't lay a historical claim to that very same area. Responding to Chinas traditional Chinese fishing grounds argument, Edy Yusuf, the Foreign Ministry's director for East Asia and the Pacific region, stated that traditional fishing rights must be agreed on by a treaty over a particular area, based on UNCLOS. Indonesia and China do not have such a treaty. Rizal Sukma, the Indonesian ambassador to the UK and prominent International Relations expert, stated that Indonesia has to treat the incident as a fishing dispute instead of a territorial dispute, in order to maintain bilateral relations with China and also regional stability in Southeast Asia. Natuna is located on the Southern edge of South China Sea, 80% of which is historically claimed by China based. Chinas historical claim over the South China Sea is challenged by several countries with overlapping claims. What is happening in the South China Sea? A heated territorial dispute involving the Peoples Republic of China, Taiwan (Republic of China), and several ASEAN member states. South China Sea is a large body of water separating mainland Asia and archipelagic countries like Philippines and Indonesia. It has strategic importance as the second busiest sea trade route, an abundance natural resources particularly oil, and contains one third of the entire world's marine biodiversity. Indonesia rejects Chinas nine-dash-line since the claim is based on historical grounds, which is not recognized under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas (UNCLOS). Recent developments on the South China Sea dispute can be found here. Is Indonesia involved in the South China Sea dispute? The nine-dash-line representing Chinas claim over the South China Sea actually overlaps with a small part of Indonesian waters north of Natuna Island, which is a part of Indonesian Economic Exclusive Zone. However, Indonesia maintains its position as a non-claimant in the dispute. Although to some extent, Chinas claim in the South China Sea will impact Indonesian sovereignty on the overlapping zone. Even after the latest illegal fishing dispute, rooted in the differences of perspective between Indonesia and China regarding the use of water near Natuna, Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla still stated that, Indonesia is not a claimant in the South China Sea territorial disputes. Indonesia and China both maintain civility regarding the overlapping claim. However, should there be more Chinese activity in the Indonesian EEZ near Natuna, another conflict like this one will likely happen. What has Indonesia done so far in response to the dispute? Indonesia has taken the lead in the diplomacy between ASEAN member states who are involved in the dispute and China. Given that Indonesia does not have any claim in the South China Sea, Indonesia acts as an honest broker. Since Indonesia does have interests in the issue near Natuna, albeit small in the context, its role as an honest broker could be affected. What Indonesia will do? Indonesias Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister has expressed the possibility to take the case to the Tribunal of the Law of the Sea, which differs from the action taken by the Philippines using the Permanent Court of Arbitration. However, the Foreign Affairs Ministry still has not expressed approval. Commenting on Minister Susis plan to take the case to the Tribunal, a spokesman from the ministry stated that, Not every problem should be resolved with overreaction. In a meeting with President Joko Widodo, a group of experts warned the President that taking the case to international court will harm bilateral ties with China. Moreover, the Indonesian patrol vessel involved is not listed with the International Maritime Organization as a government vessel. The status of the vessel will weaken Indonesian position in the legal battle. In the meantime, security within Indonesian territory will be strengthened. Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan said that better-equipped patrol boats and other defense systems will be deployed. The Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry also announced the deployment of bigger ships more capable to counter foreign illegal vessels. Since Jokowis administration, Indonesia has been more attentive to secure its territory from foreign fishing boats illegally fishing in its waters. A decree was signed to establish a special anti-illegal fishing unit under Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry. The Indonesian Navy's Aviation Center and the US Navy held a joint sea surveillance exercise in the Malacca Strait and around Natuna Island on April 7-10. The Navy Aviation Center commander, First Commodore Sigit Setiyanta, stated the drill was routine since 2012 and not related to the South China Sea dispute. Rp 1 trillion (US$76 million) was allocated by the Indonesian government this year to build education, healthcare and transportation facilities in Riau Islands, besides strengthening military installations facing the South China Sea. Riau Islands Border Management Agency head Edy Sofyan stated that the fund was for escalating issues regarding the South China Sea. 13 out of 17 border districts in the Riau Islands are located in Natuna and Anambas regencies, bordering the South China Sea. (dan) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Wasbir Hussain (Associated Press) Gauhati, India Fri, April 15, 2016 The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge trekked through blue pine forests to visit a famed Buddhist monastery in Bhutan on Friday during their weeklong tour of South Asia. Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger's Nest, clings to the side of a cliff. Once Prince William and his wife, the former Kate Middleton, reached it, they greeted monks in maroon robes and lit butter-fueled ritual lamps. They listened to a guide tell the history and legends surrounding Buddhism's most sacred monastery complex, built in 1692 at an altitude of 3,000 meters (10,000 feet). According to one legend, an 8th-century Buddhist master flew to the site on the back of a tigress and subdued a local demon before staying three months to meditate. It normally takes locals more than two hours to make the steep climb, but the royal couple climbing hand-in-hand were a bit faster. "The royal couple climbed very fast," Bhutan's information secretary, Kinley Dorji, told the Associated Press. Halfway up, the prince told reporters the view was "absolutely stunning." Britain's Kate Duchess of Cambridge, left, and The Queen of Bhutan Jetsun Pema walk during a visit to the Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu, Bhutan, during day five of the royal tour to India and Bhutan Thursday April 14, 2016.(PA via AP/Joe Giddens) Horses were kept at the ready in case the royals became tired, but they did not use them. William's father, Prince Charles, had planned to make the same hike in 1998, but he was injured in a polo match, so instead he stopped before the ascent and painted a scenic picture in watercolor. On Thursday, the British royals met with Bhutan's popular king and queen and practiced archery, a national sport in the Himalayan country. The British royals are on a weeklong tour of India and Bhutan. They have already visited Mumbai, New Delhi and the wildlife reserve of Kaziranga National Park in the northeast Indian state of Assam, where they hoped to raise awareness of the plight of endangered rhinos and other animals threatened by poaching and habitat loss. On Saturday, they plan to return to India and visit the Taj Mahal, retracing the steps of a 1992 visit to the monument of love by William's mother, the late Princess Diana. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Travis Loller (Associated Press) Nashville, Teen. Fri, April 15, 2016 A Chinese-born US nuclear engineer has been accused of recruiting a team of US-based experts to help a state-controlled Chinese nuclear energy company build reactors there. Szuhsiung Ho, also known as Allen Ho, had dual citizenship in China, where he was employed with the China General Nuclear Power Company, and the US, where he was owner and president of Delaware-based Energy Technology International, according to an indictment unsealed Thursday in East Tennessee. The Atomic Energy Act created a path for authorized persons to help develop nuclear materials outside of the US But the indictment alleges Ho and the two companies never sought that authorization. Instead, Ho recruited nuclear experts through his company, the indictment states. Those recruited included a Tennessee Valley Authority employee who lived in Tennessee and other unnamed engineers from South Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Colorado who worked for unnamed nuclear power companies based in Pennsylvania and North Carolina. The indictment quotes an Oct. 2009 communication in which Ho asked an unnamed person for recruiting help. It quotes Ho as saying, "China has the budget to spend.... They want to bypass the research stage and go directly to the final design and manufacturing phase." Howard Hall is the Governor's Chair Professor for Nuclear Security at the University of Tennessee. He said nuclear technology, even civilian technology, is special in that one must have federal government permission to share it. "It sounds like this was all civilian, or close to civilian-type technology, not classified material," he said. "But it's still a serious crime." Ho is also charged with acting in the US as the agent of a foreign government without notifying the US Attorney General, as required by law. Sharry Dedman-Beard, with the US Attorney's Office in Knoxville, said Ho has been arrested. She did not know if he had an attorney. A message left late Thursday at a number listed for Ho was not immediately returned. (bbn) Following their escape from a rehabilitation center on Wednesday, patients have been on the rampage stealing clothes and a motorbike. On the evening of April 13, over 400 drug users at a rehabilitation center in Ba Ria - Vung Tau in southern Vietnam escaped following a fight. Tens of doors and other property at the center such as walkie talkies, stun guns, computer screens and locks were destroyed by the patients. The guards used up all 20 cans of pepper spray and five fire extinguishers in their efforts to stop the patients. The crowd shouted and made three big holes in the wall to escape. One officer who was hit on the head by a rock had to be taken to hospital. Weve had cases of patients escaping before but never on such a scale as last night, said one of the centers officers. Some patients have broken into peoples houses to steal clothes and other personal belongings. When I heard the screams, I looked out and saw tens of young people in shorts and white t-shirts prancing around. Some of them climbed over walls into houses to steal clothes that were drying, said Le Thi Tam, a local witness. Le Tri recalls the moment his motorbike was stolen. Photo by Xuan Thang Security guard Le Tri said that around 9pm, when he heard people were climbing over the wall to enter the company premises where he worked, he got on his motorbike to stop them. As he arrived, three people threatened him with knives and demanded his motorbike. Scared for his life, he gave them his VND6 million ($269) motorbike. They escaped on my motorbike. I ran after them holding a rock but there was nobody around to help me so I had to accept it, Tri said. Tran Thien Chi, director of the Labor Education and Vocational Training Center in question, said that as soon as he was notified of the escape, the center mobilized security guards and police, but everything happened too fast. Many police officers were mobilized to find the escapees. Photo by Phuoc Tuan According to Chi, most of the escapees were new patients admitted for the first time so they were in an unstable condition. The security guards were outnumbered by the huge number of patients. Police and locals have caught nearly 150 of the 447 patients who escaped. We didnt resort to force but called their families to convince them to return to the center, said Chi. In the morning following the escape, Vice Chairman of Ba Ria Vung Tau Peoples Committee Le Tuan Quoc asked provincial police to coordinate with the local army to patrol areas where the patients are likely to be hiding out. After the issue is resolved, well hold a meeting to clarify the lines of responsibility in order to come up with a solution," said Quoc. The Labor Education and Vocational Training Center in Ba Ria Vung Tau houses over 600 patients. It is protected by two rows of 3 meter high walls covered in zinc. On the outside, it is surrounded by two 1.5 meter barbed wire fences. Apart from treatment for their addictions, patients take lessons on life, law and social behavior. Patients who are healthy enough also participate in vocational, craft and basic ICT classes. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Erika Anindita Dewi (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, April 15, 2016 The government is advised to seek help from Islamic organizations both in the Philippines and in Indonesia in effort to free 10 Indonesian sailors taken hostage by the Abus Sayyaf terror group in Sulu Island, the Philippines, a lawmaker says. In such a situation, informal diplomacy could be an effective means to have the Indonesian hostages released, said House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Fadli Zon said on Thursday. In the Philippines, the government could seek help from the Morrow National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Morrow Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), he added, while in Indonesia, the government could coordinate with the Indonesian Ulema Councils (MUI), Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah. Two Indonesian-flagged vessels, the Brahma 12 and the Anand 12, were hijacked by Abu Sayyaf militants in Philippine waters. The Brahma 12 tugboat has been handed over to Philippine authorities. The militant group has contacted the owner of the vessel and demanded a ransom of US$1.08 million by April 8 to release its crew. The government has intensified talks with the Philippine government and other relevant parties to free the 10 Indonesian sailors, but there has been no progress report to releasing the hostages. Meanwhile, the chairman of the Houses Commission I overseeing intelligence, defense and foreign affairs, TB Hasanuddin, said the commission will summon involved government ministries for questioning because of the stagnant progress. The House's general secretariat had arranged a hearing between the commission and the Foreign Ministry, said Hasanuddin added on Thursday. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ayomi Amindoni (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, April 15, 2016 The government and the House of Representatives have agreed to expedite deliberations on the tax amnesty bill with a target of passing the draft into law before the House's sitting period ends on April 29. The agreement was reached in a consultation meeting between President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and the House speakers at the State Palace in Jakarta on Friday. House speaker Ade Komaruddin said the consultation meeting was a follow-up to the prior recommendation of House Commission XI, which oversees banking and finance. Following the consultation meeting, Commission XI would proceed with the working meetings. "Based on our schedule, [the tax amnesty bill] is to be passed before this session ends on April 29," he said. He added that the House and the government had agreed that after passing the tax amnesty bill, they would proceed with the revision of the foreign exchange transaction law and the general tax system bill to improve the taxation system. Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung stressed the economic importance of the tax amnesty amid the global slowdown. "The government needs capital inflows for infrastructure development and for improving competitiveness, he said. Once the bill is passed into law, the government will have a legal basis to offer tax discounts to individuals and companies who want to declare their untaxed offshore wealth and bring their assets back to Indonesia. Earlier, Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) chairman Sukamdani Hariyadi said the association had been recommending a tax amnesty since the presidency of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Jokowis predecessor. "A tax amnesty will provide the right momentum, although the [targeted] additional tax revenues of Rp 175 trillion (US$13.4 billion) from the tax amnesty is too ambitious. We estimate that around Rp 70 trillion to Rp 80 trillion can be obtained from the tax amnesty," he said. (ags) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin thejakartapost.com (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, April 15, 2016 Amid a global economic slowdown, especially in developed markets, the governments plan to forge economic cooperation with Turkey will also open the potential to enter African and Middle Eastern markets, an economist predicts. As Indonesias seventh largest market in Western Europe, Turkey could be a hub entrance for Indonesia to enter other countries in the two continents, said Beginda Pakpahan, a political and economic analyst on global affairs at the University of Indonesia. It will help Indonesia to improve trade performance amid the economic slowdown, he told to thejakartapost.com on Thursday in Jakarta, adding that both countries needed to diversify and explore other products. Indonesias main export commodities to Turkey are palm oil, textile, cooper, steel, and rubber while Indonesia imports synthetic wool, machinary and tobacco. "Aside from palm oil, textile and rubber, Indonesia still has other notable products such as furniture, coffee, shrimp, and cocoa that potentially could be exported to Turkey," he said. The move to increase economic ties between Indonesia and Turkey has been raised in a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the recent Foreign Ministerial Meeting of Islamic Cooperation Organization that started on April 14 in Turkey. Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi said Indonesia and Turkey had agreed to increase economic bilateral relations. The Indonesia-Turkey joint commission meeting will be held in the near future to increase the trade value of both countries, she said. The trade value between Indonesia and Turkey reached US$1.4 billion in 2015. (sha/ags) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin thejakartapost.com (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, April 15, 2016 Indonesia vows to increase its role and cooperation at the United Nations through multilateral principles in handling global issues, says the new Indonesian ambassador to the UN. Newly appointed Indonesian Ambassador to the UN Dian Triansyah Djani gave his credentials to the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, in a meeting on Tuesday at the organization's headquarters in New York, US. "Indonesia will increase its active participation and its leadership role," he said as reported by Antara news agency. Indonesia also aims to push forward with its multilateral approach to handling global issues, especially those that directly affected its national interest, ambassador Djani expressed in the meeting. Djani emphasized Indonesia's commitment to increase cooperation with the UN and specifically to assert Indonesia's vision to increase its role in UN peacekeeping missions. He also reiterated Indonesia's aspirations to be a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the period of 2019-2020, as well as the government's commitment to successfully implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Additionally, Indonesia would continue to push for the independence of Palestine, the upholding of human rights in all parts of the world and the development of international cooperation, including maritime cooperation, Djani said. While welcoming the ambassador, Ban Ki-moon conveyed appreciation on Indonesia's role at the UN, especially highlighting the country's achievement as the 10th largest contributor to the UN Peacekeeping Forces. He also commended Indonesia's leadership role on issues of climate change, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and humanitarian issues. The Secretary General hoped that Indonesia would continue its leadership at the UN. (liz/rin) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, April 15, 2016 Recent trade data shows that Indonesia booked a US $4.3 billion trade deficit with China in the first quarter. While it is slightly lower than $4.32 billion recorded in the same period last year, it is Indonesias biggest deficit with its trading partners. It is too large, we need to get it [the deficit] down, Central Statistics Agency (BPS) head Suryamin said on Friday in Jakarta, adding that the drop in commodities exports to China has led to the enormous trade deficit. Coal exports to China, he continued, dropped 28.4 percent in the first quarter. Luckily we can find other markets such as India where we can shift the exports, Suryamin said. Meanwhile, in its trade with ASEAN countries, Indonesia registered a surplus of $117.7 million. The most profitable trade during that period in Southeast Asia was with Singapore with a surplus of $400 million. On the opposite end, Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia with which Indonesia experienced unfavorable trade, with a deficit worth $1.3 billion. We still imported equipment and automotive products from Thailand, as well as from Japan, he said. As for European countries, Indonesia scored a surplus of $707.2 million. Germany was the only European country that had a deficit with Indonesia, at $92.7 million. Meanwhile, the most profitable trade was with Netherlands, with a surplus of $466.4 million. Our trade with the US and India is good, a surplus of $2 million and $1.42 million, respectively, Suryamin said. (ags) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ayomi Amindoni (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, April 15, 2016 The Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) chairman Harry Azhar Aziz has acknowledged that his name is listed among 800 Indonesian names in the Panama Papers, during a meeting with President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo on Thursday. In the leaked documents held by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), Harry is recorded as the owner of Sheng Yue International Limited, a company established in British Virgin Islands, which is a country known for being a tax haven. "I have already reported to the President and the director-general of Taxation," Harry said at the State Palace, in Jakarta on Thursday, adding that Jokowi responded that it is okay as long as it causes no losses to the state. He also said that he would include the company in his official wealth report (LHKPN) to the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK). Harry signed up as the sole director of Sheng Yue in early 2010 with the help of Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca. At that time, Harry was the chairman of House of Representative's budgetary board. Despite him being a member of the House and now as the chairman of the BPK, he did not include the shell company in his asset report in his wealth report. "I will report it," he asserted. Cabinet Secretary Pramono said the President has listened to Harry's explanation. "The BPK chairman has formally conveyed to the President, but the material cannot be revealed to the public," he said. (ags) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Alicia A. Caldwell (Associated Press) Miami Fri, April 15, 2016 Under US military rules of engagement, the Navy ship that Russian military jets buzzed in the Baltic Sea this week could have opened fire, Secretary of State John Kerry said Thursday. The guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook reported that pairs of Russian Su-24 attack planes made numerous close-range passes on Monday and Tuesday. The planes appeared to be unarmed. On at least one occasion, an Su-24 came within an estimated 30 feet (9 meters) of the Cook, which was in international waters about 70 nautical miles from the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad. The Cook did not respond except to unsuccessfully query the Russian pilots by radio. In remarks to CNN Espanol, Kerry condemned the Russian actions and said that "under the rules of engagement" it "could have been a shoot-down." In all cases, a military commander has the authority to defend his or her ship, plane or other unit. The commander is expected to use his or her best judgment to determine whether the ship faces an imminent threat. White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the US has raised its concerns through its military defense representative at the US Embassy in Moscow. (bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ruslan Sangadji (The Jakarta Post) Palu, Central Sulawesi Fri, April 15, 2016 Central Sulawesi Police officers arrested two members of the East Indonesia Mujahidin (MIT) militant group on Friday in Poso regency, Central Sulawesi, as the suspected terrorists came down from the mountains to search for food. Officers arrested Ibad and Samsul when they went out to look for food in Padalembara village in the Poso Pesisir Selatan subdistrict at noon, before the Friday prayer in the area, National Police chief Gen. Badrodin Haiti said on Friday. "Poso Police officers are currently working to identifying them," he told journalists, confirming the news. Badrodin and several National Police top officials visited Poso and Palu on Friday to check on the ongoing Operation Tinombala that aims to capture the MIT leader and Indonesia's most-wanted terrorist Santoso, aka Abu Wardah. National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) chief Comr. Gen. Tito Karnavian and the police's mobile brigade chief Insp. Gen. Murad Ismail also joined the visit. The joint police and military operation launched in January involves more than 3,500 personnel to hunt down the MIT guerillas hiding in the mountainous area of Poso forests. Entering the fourth month of the operation, Santoso remains at large despite the intensifying efforts to bring down the radical group. Operation Tinombala personnel have so far arrested or killed 12 MIT members, bringing the groups numbers to 29, from an estimated 41 members in total. Officials earlier said that Santoso and his group had become desperate due to the ongoing operation and lack of food supply, adding that they have survived by eating anoa, maleo and cuscus, all of which are endangered species. Santoso and his group are allegedly responsible for a number of attacks on police in Poso and the surrounding area since 2011. The group also pledged allegiance to global terrorist group the Islamic State (IS) in 2014, according to a video recently obtained by the Operation Tinombala taskforce. (afr/rin) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Ruslan Sangadji (The Jakarta Post) Palu Fri, April 15, 2016 The Central Sulawesi National Narcotics Agency (BNNP) has arrested two alleged drug dealers in Poso regency, one of whom is believed to be a sympathizer of Indonesia's most wanted terrorist, Santoso. The two suspects were Ansar Malla and Sukirno, who were apprehended on Wednesday for allegedly trafficking crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as sabu-sabu, Central Sulawesi BNNP chief Sr. Comr. Joko Marjatno said on Thursday. The agency suspected the two men to be members of a drug network from Sidenreng Rappang (Sidrap) regency in South Sulawesi province that had operations in Poso and other areas in the central province. Sidrap is notoriously known as the drug center of South Sulawesi. Officers from BNNP had tailed Ansar since April 12 when he was leaving from Sidrap to Poso. The officers seized 50 grams of sabu-sabu, two mobile phones and Rp 950,000 ($72) in cash. After Ansar's arrest in Poso, the officers went to Sukirno's house in Poso where they found 0.83 grams of sabu-sabu, 18 mobile phones, a Bank Mandiri ATM card, one air gun and one machete. "Ansar [allegedly] brought the sabu-sabu from Sidrap to Sukirno in Poso," Joko said. Sukirno is also alleged to be a sympathizer of Santoso's militant group, the East Indonesia Mujahidin, Joko said, refusing to give further details. "That is the authority of the police and Densus 88 [the police's counterterrorism squad]," he said. There had been 16 suspects from seven drug cases arrested in Central Sulawesi from January to April 13, according to data from the BNNP. (rin) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un looking at a rocket warhead tip after a simulated test of atmospheric re-entry of a ballistic missile : Reuters North Korea attempted and failed to launch what experts believe was an intermediate range ballistic missile on Friday in defiance of U.N. sanctions and in an embarrassing setback for leader Kim Jong Un. The failed launch, as the reclusive country celebrates the "Day of the Sun" on the birthday of Kim's grandfather, follows the North's fourth nuclear test in January and a long-range rocket launch in February, which led to new U.N. sanctions. But the North has nevertheless pushed ahead with its missile programme, supervised by Kim. The U.S.-based 38 North website, which specialises in North Korea, has said there has been activity at the country's nuclear site based on satellite imagery, and on Wednesday said the possibility of a fifth nuclear test "could not be ruled out". China, North Korea's most important economic and diplomatic backer, has been angered by Pyongyang's nuclear tests and rocket launches in the face of U.N. sanctions that China has also backed. "The firing of a mid-range ballistic missile on Friday by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), though failed, marks the latest in a string of sabre-rattling that, if unchecked, will lead the country to nowhere," China's official Xinhua news agency said in an English language commentary. "...Nuclear weapons will not make Pyongyang safer. On the contrary, its costly military endeavours will keep on suffocating its economy." Friday is the anniversary of North Korean founding president Kim Il Sung's birthday which is widely celebrated. In 2012, it was marked by a long-range rocket launch attempt which also failed. The U.S. Defense Department said in a statement the launch at 5.33am Korea time (3.33am Vietnam time) was detected and tracked by the U.S. Strategic Command which also assessed it had failed. "We call again on North Korea to refrain from actions and rhetoric that further raise tensions in the region and focus instead on taking concrete steps toward fulfilling its international commitments and obligations," a U.S. State Department official said. It was likely a Musudan, South Korea's Yonhap news agency said, an intermediate-range ballistic missile with a design range of more than 3,000 km that can be fired from a road mobile launcher but which has never been flight-tested. A South Korean defence ministry official said Friday's launch was believed to have been a failure but declined to identify the type of the missile launched. The United States, which has 28,000 troops stationed in South Korea, said on Thursday it was aware of reports that North Korea was preparing to test intermediate-range missiles and was closely monitoring the Korean peninsula. "Timing wise, today's missile was a cannon salute on the Day of the Sun, leading up to the party congress, but now that it has failed, it is an embarrassment," said Chang Gwang-il, a retired South Korean army general. The North is scheduled to hold its ruling party congress in early May, the first such meeting in 36 years. The North could not completely ignore the sanctions, backed by its lone major ally China, but considered it the right time to attempt a missile launch to send a message to the world "we don't surrender to sanctions", Chang said. KCNA file picture shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un watching the ballistic rocket launch drill of the Strategic Force of the Korean People's Army at an unknown location: Reuters Some experts had said North Korea may choose to test-fire the Musudan as it tries to build an intercontinental ballistic missile designed to put the mainland United States within range. North Korea, which regularly threatens to destroy South Korea and the United States, often fires missiles during periods of tension in the region or when it comes under pressure to curb its defiance and abandon its weapons programmes. The reclusive North and rich, democratic South are technically still at war since their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Foster Klug and Hyung-jin Kim (Associated Press) Seoul Fri, April 15, 2016 A North Korea missile launch meant to celebrate its founder's birthday has apparently failed, South Korean and US officials said Friday, an embarrassing setback in what was reportedly the inaugural test of a new, powerful mid-range missile. The US and South Korean officials provided few details, including the type of missile. But South Korea's Yonhap news agency carried an unsourced report that a "Musudan" missile, which could one day be capable of reaching far-off US military bases in Asia and the Pacific, exploded in the air a few seconds after liftoff. Despite the failure, the North has another Musudan loaded on a mobile launcher and Pyongyang will likely fire it, according to South Korean and US authorities, Yonhap reported. The launch comes as the two Koreas trade threats amid Pyongyang's anger over annual South Korean-US military drills that North Korea calls a rehearsal for an invasion. The North has recently fired a slew of missiles and artillery shells into the sea in an apparent protest against the drills. The surge in belligerent rhetoric and nuclear and missile activity in the North may also be linked to leader Kim Jong Un's preparations for a major ruling party meeting next month that analysts believe he will use to further solidify his autocratic rule. Some believe that Kim may try to use the country's claims of recent nuclear and missile success as a way to turn domestic focus toward tackling the country's abysmal economy. A senior US defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity because the official wasn't authorized to comment publicly, said the US Strategic Command systems have detected and tracked what officials assessed as a failed North Korean missile launch. "We strongly condemn North Korea's missile test in violation of UN Security Council Resolutions, which explicitly prohibit North Korea's use of ballistic missile technology," the official said. The North American Aerospace Defense Command said the missile launched from North Korea did not pose a threat to North America. The South's Defense Ministry said it wasn't immediately known whether the missile fired from an eastern costal area Friday morning was a short-range or mid-range missile. The ministry refused to say why it believes the North Korean launch appeared to be a failure. The North's launch came amid speculation in the South that its rival was preparing to test a medium-range missile with a range of 3,500 kilometers enough to reach US military installments in Japan and Guam. Foreign experts have nicknamed the missile "Musudan" after the village in the northeast where North Korea has a launchpad. North Korea has never flight-tested a Musudan, though it unveiled the missile during a 2010 military parade. South Korean defense officials said North Korea has deployed Musudan missiles since 2007. Friday is the birthday anniversary of the late Kim Il Sung, the current leader's grandfather and the nation's founder. North Korea has occasionally used such celebrations to stage nuclear or missile tests that outsiders consider provocations. In the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, citizens in formal clothing lined up to bow deeply before huge statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, his son and the father of Kim Jong Un, and laid brightly colored flowers at the statues' feet. North Korea has unnerved the international community this year with an escalating campaign of belligerence. This includes a nuclear test in January, its fourth, and a long-range rocket launch in February, as well as nuclear threats against the United States and Seoul. There is debate among analysts about the exact state of the North's nuclear capabilities many believe Pyongyang has a handful of crude nuclear bombs but each nuclear and missile test pushes them farther along in their goal of a nuclear-armed arsenal of long-range missiles. ___ AP writer Lolita C. Baldor contributed to this report from Manila. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin thejakartapost.com (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, April 15, 2016 The government has not yet finalized the date for the impending execution of death-row convicts despite the attorney general's plan to conduct a third round of executions at the beginning of 2016. The Attorney Generals Office (AGO) would still follow through with the executions, but the exact time and location had not yet been confirmed, AGO spokesman Agung Amir Yanto said on Thursday. "Until now, neither the place nor which convicts [will be executed] have been finalized," Amir said as quoted by Kompas.com. Attorney General Muhammad Prasetyo said previously that a third round of executions would be conducted in January following the deaths of two groups of death-row convicts last year. Amir said executing a person was a complicated matter. "The death penalty is related to the loss of someone's life. It must be done carefully so as not to violate human rights," he said. Preparations for executions must be thorough, he continued, adding that it was a complicated process especially when it involved foreign citizens. The AGO must coordinate with the country of origin of foreign convicts, including on the legal rights of the convicts in regards to their defense. "The issue of the death penalty involves other things, including clemency, judicial review, as well as health. And not only that, but also facilities," said Amir. According to AGO data, there were 64 drug convicts sentenced to death as of 2015. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo's administration executed two groups of death row convicts, comprising 14 people, on Jan. 18 and April 29 last year. Two of the convicts were Australian drug smugglers Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, whose executions in April caused tension between the two countries, leading to Australia recalling its ambassador from Indonesia. The government continues to enforce the death sentence on big players in drug trafficking cases despite mounting criticism from other countries and human rights activists, arguing that the death penalty would not have a deterrent effect on drug traffickers and that consistency in law enforcement was the key to curbing the distribution of drugs. (liz/rin) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin thejakartapost.com (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Fri, April 15, 2016 Trade unions have called on the government to issue a regulation that protects the rights of homeworkers, including a decent wage and safety as they have been neglected for years. We hope the minimum wage of the homeworkers could be close to the provincial minimum wage (UMP), Trade Union Rights Center (TURC) program coordinator I Gede Pandu Wirawan said in a discussion in Jakarta on Thursday. Homeworkers should at least have the rights for social security, safety standards (K3), health and education. Then, they would understand the risk of their work, he added. Pandu also explained that homeworkers are different with domestic workers, and specific rules on homeworkers are not stipulated in the 2003 labor law. According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), a homeworker can be defined as someone who, for a fixed rate of remuneration, carries out work in his or her home for an employer who is not the final consumer of the product or service provided. Usually, homeworkers have to provide the production tools by themselves and their pay depends on the amount of goods they produce per day, Pandu said. According to research by the Trade Union Rights Center from July 2015 to January 2016, there are hundreds of underpaid female homeworkers in Cirebon, North Jakarta and Tangerang. For instance, it is known homeworkers in Penjaringan, North Jakarta, manually sew 10 to 25 pair of shoes, distributed by middleman of well-known international brands Buccheri and Elle, per day. They could get paid as much as Rp 3,000 (22 US cents) for each pair of shoes, with 10 to 12 working hours and no social security, Pandu said. Most of the homeworkers are women, as they are available to work and take care of household chores at the same time, according to Pandu. It is like an iceberg. It is hard to count how many homeworkers in plain view as they work at home, Pandu said. Meanwhile, Dardiri Dardak, a program officer of Partner of Female Workers in Home Industries (MWPRI), also gave an example of homeworkers in Mojokerto, East Java, who had been manually gluing shoes and sandals for local brands. The chemicals in the glue have often led these homeworkers to asphyxiation, according to Dardiri. He also said that 90 percent of the estimated 2,000 homeworkers in East Java were female. So, we can see there are slavery practices that are maintained by the companies, Dardiri said. Without have to organize big buildings, electricity or tools, the companies can just employ hundreds of homeworkers. The advocacy of homeworkers is included in one of the National Development Planning Agencys (Bappenas) programs called the Access to Employment and Decent Work for Women (MAMPU). The program has involved several NGOs like TURC, MWPRI, the Annisa Swasti Foundation and Bitra Indonesia. (vps/bbn) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Rob Gillies (Associated Press) Toronto, Canada Fri, April 15, 2016 Canada has introduced a new assisted suicide law that will only apply to Canadians and residents, meaning Americans won't be able to travel to Canada to die. Visitors will be excluded under the proposed law announced Thursday, precluding the prospect of suicide tourism. Canadian government officials said to take advantage of the law the person would have to be eligible for health services in Canada. The law provides a choice "for adults who are suffering intolerably and for whom death is reasonably foreseeable." It says the person must be mentally competent, 18 or older, have a serious and incurable disease, illness or disability and be in an advanced state of irreversible decline in capability. Canada's Supreme Court last year struck down laws that bar doctors from helping someone die, but put the ruling on hold while the government came up with a new law. The proposed law still requires approval in Parliament, but is expected to pass as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government controls the majority of seats in Parliament. Assisted suicide is legal in Switzerland, Germany, Albania, Colombia, Japan and the U.S. states of Washington, Oregon, Vermont, New Mexico and Montana. California lawmakers also passed legislation, expected to take effect later this year, where proof of California residency is required. Germany's law applies to Germans and foreigners alike. Switzerland's law is valid for everyone in Switzerland, and people who take part in assisted suicides are not required to be residents or citizens, according to Justice Ministry spokesman Bernardo Stadelmann. The Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg allow doctors, under strict conditions, to euthanize patients whose medical conditions have been judged hopeless and who are in great pain. Dying with Dignity Canada's CEO Shanaaz Gokool , center, sits with Barb Brzezici, right, an assisted dying advocate whose mother mother died after a long battle with dementia, and Dr. Brett Belchetz, a Toronto physician and member of Dying with Dignity Canada's Physicians Advisory Council, during a news conference in response to new federal legislation on physician-assisted dying, in Toronto, on Thursday, April 14, 2016. (The Canadian Press via AP/Chris Young) Canada's Supreme Court declared last year that outlawing that option deprives dying people of their dignity and autonomy. It had been illegal in Canada to counsel, aid or abet a suicide, an offense carrying a maximum prison sentence of 14 years. Quebec already passed legislation last year after the court's decision. And since the top court ruling, Canadian judges elsewhere have given individual patients permission for assisted deaths. To get a doctor's help under the law, a written request is required, either from the patient or a designated person if the patient is incapable, and the request would need to be signed by two independent witnesses. Two independent physicians or authorized nurse practitioners would have to evaluate it and there would be a mandatory 15-day waiting period unless death or loss of capacity to consent was imminent. Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould said the law will ensure that dying patients who are suffering unbearable pain have the choice of a peaceful death and that the vulnerable are protected. "This will have a positive, significant impact on the lives of Canadians," Trudeau said. "It is important to respect the choices made by Canadians." Last year's ruling immediately triggered emotional responses from both sides of the debate. The court's decision was spurred by cases brought by the families of two British Columbia women, who have since died. The decision reversed a Canadian Supreme Court ruling in 1993. At the time, the justices were primarily concerned that vulnerable people could not be properly protected under physician-assisted suicide. But the top court said last year that doctors are capable of assessing the competence of patients to consent, and found there is no evidence that the elderly or people with disabilities are vulnerable to being talked into ending their lives. It has been more than 20 years since the case of another patient with Lou Gehrig's disease, Sue Rodriguez, gripped Canada as she fought for the right to assisted suicide. She lost her appeal but took her own life with the help of an anonymous doctor in 1994, at the age of 44. ____ Associated Press Writers David Rising in Berlin and Jamey Keaten in Geneva contributed to this report. Read the digital edition 2020-09-25 E-Edition The Jewish Advocate is a not-for-profit reader-supported 501(c)3 organization. We rely on your donations which are tax-deductible. Documents released in federal court this morning detail evidence from the U.S. Attorney that former Assemblyman Sheldon Silver was involved in two extramarital affairs. The documents unsealed today ahead of Silvers sentencing for public corruption crimes next month do not reveal the names of the women. But in a letter to Judge Valerie Caproni, prosecutors wrote that one of them was a lobbyist who met with the former speaker of the assembly on a regular basis on behalf of clients who had business before the state. Silver, prosecutors said, used his official position to recommend a second woman for a state job. The position, while not specifically mentioned, was described as one, over which he exercised a particularly high level of control. Lawyers in the U.S. Attorneys office wanted to use the evidence in Silvers trial last fall, but the judge shut down those efforts. The documents remained sealed until today; they were heavily redacted. Silvers lawyers tried to keep them secret, but prosecutors successfully argued that theyre relevant to the his sentencing hearing, scheduled for May 3. Lawyers for news organizations also pressed for their release. Defense attorney Joel Cohen released a statement this morning, saying These are simply unproven and salacious allegations that have no place in this case or public discussion. On Nov. 30, Silver was found guilty of honest services fraud, extortion and money laundering. He was forced to give up his seat after 40 years representing the Lower East Side. A special election will be held next Tuesday to select a new assembly member in Lower Manhattan. In court yesterday, Judge Caproni said of the information contained in the documents, This is not one of his better moments. Explaining her decision, she added, I view this as of a piece of the crimes for which Mr. Silver was convicted, namely the misuse of his public office. And I think its relevant. In February, the judges written ruling stated: Each (woman) allegedly had an extramarital affair with a public official and then exploited her relationship with the public official for personal gain The expectation of privacy in an amorous relationship where official government business and personal benefit are intertwined is necessarily less than an amorous relationship between wholly private citizens or between a private citizen and a government official where there is no intersection with state business. More details from Newsday: Prosecutors said they had a recording of a conversation between Silver and the first woman in which they discussed both State and private business and in parts spoke quietly and in whispers discussing how to conceal their relationship from reporters. I dont think he caught us, Silver said in response to his alleged lovers concern about inquiries being made by one reporter. The government said the lobbyist was widely viewed as someone with special access to Silver and got clients in part because of her access. Silver communicated with the second woman on a secret cellphone that was not in his name, prosecutors said, and called two different state officials to try to get her a job without revealing the personal relationship. UPDATE 1:10 p.m. This from the Daily News: The European Commission has announced that 2.9 million will be redistributed under the EU school scheme to support displaced Ukrainian children. On March 20th the Republic of Congo held presidential elections considered flawed; marred by widespread irregularities, a media blackout during the polls, an imbalanced and restrictive media environment, significant disparity in access to state resources, a short time frame for electoral preparations, and restrictions on freedoms of expression, communication, and association in the pre-election period. In this political environment President Denis Sassou Nguesso, won a third, five-year term in office in an election that officially gave him 60 percent of the vote. . Mr. Nguesso, who is 72 years old, decided to run for a third Presidential term in fall of 2015. Under the countrys constitution, Mr. Nguesso was not eligible to run for a third term, and was also disqualified due to his age. In order to remove these obstacles, his government proposed changes to the countrys constitution that would enable him to run for a third term. On October 25th of last year, the Congolese government held a deeply flawed referendum to alter the countrys constitution, despite massive protests on October 20th and 21st that turned bloody when security forces opened fire into crowds of protestors, media outlets reporting dozens killed or injured. The ruling party then announced that the referendum had passed with nearly 93 percent of the vote. Tensions rose as the opposition disputed the results of the referendum, but another protest planned by the opposition for October 30th, was cancelled since the ban on protests had not been lifted and opposition leaders feared more blood-letting among their supporters. A similar fate befell a press conference planned for March 25th, during which the opposition planned to announce the results of its parallel vote count. The event was disrupted and then cancelled when police used tear gas to disperse the crowd of opposition supporters and arrested many of them. Weeks after the government announced President Sassous victory in the presidential election, violence has escalated in the capital. Heavy shooting and clashes between security forces and the opposition have led hundreds of residents of southern Brazzaville to flee their homes on foot toward the calmer north of the city. The United States is profoundly disappointed by the flawed presidential electoral process in the Republic of Congo, said State Department Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner in a written statement. The United States calls upon the Congolese Government to correct these numerous deficiencies before scheduling legislative elections in order to bring credibility to future electoral processes. We continue to urge the Congolese Government to respect the peoples constitutional rights of freedom of expression, movement, and association. We further encourage all parties to engage in constructive, inclusive dialogue. 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Namun jangan khawatir, disini sebagai situs slot gacor MGS88 kami akan memberikan penjelasan lengkap mengenai tentang istilah yang ada di RTP SLOT dibawah ini. We spent a year exploring why COVID testing is broken We look at the failures of America's diagnostic testing systems. There are structural barriers that prevented the U.S. from scaling up testing. 1,000-year-old Hindu Shiva linga unearthed NAKHON SRI THAMMARAT: An ancient Hindu phallic symbol believed to be more than 1,000 years old has been found at a local temple in Tha Sala district. By Bangkok Post Friday 15 April 2016, 11:08AM A shiva linga with flowers carved in relief on its base was discovered at Wat Nang Tra in Tha Sala district of Nakhon Si Thammarat on Wednesday by Nutjaree Rakrun Anat Bamrungwong, director of 14th Regional Office of the Fine Arts Department in Nakhon Sri Thammarat, said yesterday (Apr 14) the shiva linga or Hindu phallic symbol is believed to be about 1,300-1,400 years old. Hinduism thrived in Surat Thani and Nakhon Sri Thammarat around the 10th-12th centuries, Mr Anat said. He was speaking as he was inspecting the stone sculpture and other artefacts found at Wat Nang Tra in Tha Sala district. The shiva linga has a base which is about 47cm wide and 1 metre long. Its base has flowers carved in relief, in the Tawaravadee style, Mr Anat said. The sculpture was in good condition with beautiful flowers on it, he added. It is a treasure trove of the South, he said. Phra Kru Supakittayaporn, the abbot of Wat Nang Tra, said he hired a contractor to improve landscaping in the temple's compound in preparation for construction of a religious tower. In the process, workers used a backhoe to dig down about three metres and found the symbol, an ancient jar and 20 Buddha coins on Wednesday. Phra Kru Supakittayaporn said he was alerted of the discoveries by a foreman overseeing the work. The abbot said he had inspected the discoveries in the field and brought them to his quarters for safekeeping. He contacted the 14th Regional Office of Fine Arts Department in the province to alert them of the discoveries and asked the department to examine the findings at the temple. A group of believers reportedly flocked to the temple to observe and worship the ancient symbol. The phallus has been regarded as a symbol of power and fertility by many cultures around the world, including Hindus who worship it. Read original article here. Missing Brydes whale carcass washes up on beach north of Phuket PHUKET: The missing Brydes whale carcass spotted by tourists north of Phuket two days ago has been found washed ashore at Thai Muaeng Beach, in Phang Nga province. marineenvironmentanimals By Tanyaluk Sakoot Friday 15 April 2016, 12:40PM The remains of the Brydes whale were buried on site on the beach, and covered with lime to prevent contamination. Photo: PMBC Experts from the Phuket Marine Biological Centre (PMBC) collected bone and tissue samples in the hope of determining what caused the death of the Brydes whale. Photo: PMBC Experts from the Phuket Marine Biological Centre (PMBC) collected bone and tissue samples in the hope of determining what caused the death of the Brydes whale. Photo: PMBC Marine life experts from the Phuket Marine Biological Centre (PMBC) launched a search for the 20-metre-long whale carcass after it was spotted by tourists about 12 nautical miles from Tab Lamu Pier, near the Similans National Park, on Wednesday (Apr 13). The carcass was expected to reach the Sarasin Bridge, at the northern tip of Phuket, late that afternoon. (See story here.) At first we thought it would turn up somewhere on a Phuket beach, or maybe near the Sarasin Bridge, Dr Rachawadee Jantra of the PMBC told The Phuket News. But our team spotted the carcass at Thai Mueang Beach, about 1.5 kilometres from the Khao Lampi National Park, at about 6pm yesterday (Apr 14). PMBC experts confirmed that the Brydes whale was female, Dr Rachawadee said. Tissue and bone samples have been collected to take to our laboratory so we can determine the cause of death of the mammal, she added. We are not sure what the caused the death, but we are certain that it was not from a fishing net. Our team did not find any food or obstruction in its digest system either, Dr Rachawadee said. The whales remains have been buried on site at the beach. We brought in a backhoe to bury the body deep under the sand and covered it with lime to prevent any contamination, Dr Rachawadee said. 'Patong Girl' to debut in Phuket Culture shock, transgender issues, young love are all subtly intertwined in Finnish-German director Susanna Salonens award-winning Patong Girl, which will be premiering exclusively in SF participating cinemas: SF Jungceylon in Phuket, SF World in Bangkok, SF Pattaya Beach, SF Maya Chiangmai, on 21 April 2016, and screen for at least a week, possibly longer. Friday 15 April 2016, 12:44PM Young love in a resort town. The Phuket News had the opportunity to speak with Salonen as well as lead actors Max Mauff (Felix), Aisawanya Areyawattana (who plays the title Patong Girl, Fai) and Victoria Trauttmansdorff (Annegret), who talked about their experiences developing and filming this nuanced cross-cultural commentary at shoots across Thailand with the support of local crew members. Emphasising the unique setup and insularity of resort towns, Salonen points out that in places like Phuket, Its really where cultures meet one another. On the one hand you have the local population. And then there are the vacationers from around the world, who want to experience something, be spoiled, live out their dreams, find adventureWhen their high expectations finally meet reality, it doesnt always end well. The film starts out generically enough, with a German family, the Schroeders travelling to Thailand for one last family vacation before their son Felix leaves home. In Patong, he meets a local girl, Fai, with whom he falls hopelessly in love with over a few days. With this setup, the film explores various angles, from a mothers struggle to protect her child, the commonalities and differences between Phuket and Isarn culture, the moral ambiguity tourists experience, creating a riveting interplay with a message of tolerance that is bound to appeal to all audiences, but especially those who inhabit resort towns and regularly experience this context. Salonen made a point of having both families featured in the film be middleclass, weaving an interesting mix of similarities and cultural contrasts. Mauff and Aisawanya both reflect on that, pointing out that despite what many audiences would consider a uniquely fascinating situation, they were both able to relate to the very human experiences of struggling in love and the complications of cross-cultural experiences. To commemorate Patong Girls release in Thailand, a special Gala event will be hosted at Jungceylon on Monday, April 18, with a reception in the Port Arena area followed by stage interviews with cast and the premiere screening of the film. For a chance to meet the stars of Patong Girl in person at a red-carpet cocktail gala pre-screening on April 18 in Phuket, tune in to Live 89.5, or email editor@classactmedia.co.th Patong Girl Genre: Romance Languages: German, English, Thai Director: Susanna Salonen Starring: Aisawanya Areyawattana, Max Mauff and Victoria Trauttmansdorff Notes: Some sexual content, parental discretion advised How to watch and what to know about South Dakota State at North Dakota Keli Vitaioli vitaioli@grinnell.edu Second-year Abdiel Lopez 18 returned from spring break to a surprise. His advisor, Professor Vanessa Lyon had resigned from her position at Grinnell while he was away. She is currently on sabbatical leave this semester. Lopez was transferred, along with Lyons other advisees, to Professor Jenny Anger, the only remaining tenured professor in the department who now advises all 22 Art History majors. The next thing you know I come back from break and Professor Anger is the one who tells us about the news, not Professor Lyon, Lopez said. It was very unclear to me and just such shocking news. Professor Lyon is only the latest in the rotation of the Art History department. At the end of the spring semester last year Professor Marika Knowles resigned from her position as well. The loss of Lyon less than a year later comes while the search for Knowles tenure track replacement is still taking place meaning the department is tasked to replace two professors. Anger believes the changes sound more dramatic than they are due to the departments size, since there are only three professors to begin with. While Anger admits it is difficult with only one professor on board, it is also the chance to bring in new faculty and areas of study. We are in the midst of a tenure-track search for a non-western position which is really exciting, Anger said. When Knowles left, Lyon and I made the decision not to replace Knowles in what she did, which was eighteenth and nineteenth century European Art. We thought this is our chance to get a non-western position. To begin the search for a tenure-track position, the process must be started by April of that year, which was postponed by a year in the case of Knowless replacement due to the timing of her announcement. However, the search for Lyons replacement began before that deadline and will hopefully be filled quickly after the non-western hire is finalized. Lopez originally considered leaving the major upon hearing the news. He developed a close relationship with Lyon and appreciated the focus on issues of race and gender she established in her curriculum. However, he changed his mind after seeing the great care the department and Anger are taking to make this transition a positive one. It was very shocking in the beginning but [Professor Anger] has been really supportive and helpful and she has guided me already in different ways, Lopez said. She is working to really expand the departments mission and courses. So, yes, it is very sad, but [Im] looking forward and moving forward there could be a lot of good potential within the department. Luke Jarzyna jarzynal@grinnell.edu Rising Chicago MC Mick Jenkins will perform in Gardner Lounge this Friday night. The show will feature opening act Hurt Everything, a rap trio also based out of Chicago. Like many other young rappers, Jenkins has made a name for himself as a prominent voice in hip-hop music by releasing mixtapes online and touring. In 2014, Jenkins released his fourth mixtape, The Water(s). This release proved to be Jenkins breakout album. The 15-song collection features collaborations with Noname Gypsy, Joey Bada$$ and others. Critics responded to the album with almost universal positivity and acclaim. Many of the beats on the album incorporate elements of jazz music. These warm inflections pair well with Jenkins deep, warm baritone. With an undeniable sense of purpose, Jenkins delivers verses that address weighty issues without sounding preachy. Listening to The Water(s) provokes one to think of some other bright stars to come out of the Chicago scene like Chance the Rapper. Jenkins recent collaboration with Twista and Hurt Everybody, called Stay Awake, appears a promising omen for future success. Jenkins is a part of a rap group called Free People, whose other members focus on unflinching engagement with existential topics related to truth and humanity. On his latest releases, Jenkins pursues the goals of Free People with his ruminations on water. The album cover to The Water(s) shows Jenkins deep in a pool of water, nearly drowning. Clearly, Jenkins thinks that people are in need of a reminder to look closer and desire more from the world. Water thus represents something simultaneously elusive and excessive. Jenkins has commented that water serves as a metaphor for truth. What makes Jenkins such an appealing arbiter of this message is the fact that he implicates himself as one of the people who occasionally rejects water. When he writes that people need to drink more water, it functions like a mantra: a message that he needs just as much as his listeners. In August 2015, Jenkins released his first official EP, Wave(s). This release features collaborations with Donnie Trumpet and Saba, prompting more comparisons to Chance the Rapper. Earlier this spring, Jenkins performed at SXSW in Austin, Texas. His first official LP will be released this summer. The concert will be held tonight, Friday, April 15, at 9 p.m. Last Tuesday, NPR Arts Desk Editor and former Grinnellian Tom Cole stepped back on campus for the first time since the early 1970s. Since beginning his radio career at Grinnells own KDIC, Cole has moved up through the radio world to develop, edit and produce stories for NPRs Morning Edition, Weekend Edition and All Things Considered, a position hes held since 1990. When Cole visited Grinnell this week to lead workshops on pitching stories and the art of storytelling, he took some time to sit down with the S&Bs arts editor Emma Friedlander and talk about the nature of arts coverage, his personal passion for music and why Harold Pinter will ultimately outlast Donald Trump. The S&B: Youve been working on NPRs Arts desk for over two decades and in arts journalism in general for even longer. How has the nature of radio arts journalism changed during that time? Cole: At NPR specifically, the organization has become much more news-oriented, and so theres a lot less space for the broader, expansive arts stories that we used to do. When I started, Morning Edition had four arts segments every day and we produced all of those. The business has changed, especially with the first Iraq War. I think people turned to NPR for a different look at the news and as a result there became less space for the kind of in-depth arts stories that we used to do. Stories have become shorter as attention spans have theoretically grown shorter in the digital age I dont know if thats necessarily true but thats the conventional wisdom. Why do you think it is important to still have journalism on the arts, just as its important to have journalism on politics or economics? People are still reading Shakespeare. Fifty years from now Donald Trump will be a footnote in the same way that Barry Goldwater is a footnote. People will still be going to see plays by Pinter, by Sondheim all of these things will last. In the moment its tough to pick and choose the things that are classics, but you need to cover whats being created. Art is a response to the world around the creator and oftentimes has quite a bit to say that cant be said in just straight-up news coverage. Thats why art lasts. Do you think that arts journalism is an imperative for the arts world? I think its an imperative to the journalism world. Its imperative that we consider [arts journalism] as news. If David Henry Wong writes a new play, then its news. Not just Hey, theres a new play, isnt this great? but what does it have to say about its subject? Because it can say a lot. When somebody like Springsteen cancels a concert in North Carolina, its important because he has and always has had something to say through his music about the world around him. When he cancels a concert, thats worth paying attention to. Are there any experiences or lessons from your time at Grinnell that you still refer to in your work today? Oh, sure. My first radio experience was here at KDIC. I got my third class radio operators license specifically so I could work at my college radio station. The other thing is I had a really great German literature in translation teacher. One of the things that I remember him saying is that you need to read aloud in your head hear the sounds of the words, think about the choices of the words the writer has made and why he or she chose those words. When Im working every day I think, Why use that word instead of this word? Because words are important. Was your personal study of musical performance inspired by your work in arts reporting, or did your interest in performing and music come first? Reporting grew out of the interest that I had. [Growing up], my friends and I would just sit around a room listening to records and saying, Youve got to check this out, listen to this. That interest in music and in sharing it, and turning people on to different kinds of stuff, I guess thats what led to where I am. Is there a genre you werent very familiar with or interested in that your work at NPR exposed you to and you ended up developing an interest for? One of the great things about the job is that there are different stories everyday. I wasnt really into dance at all, but through working at NPR I got to actually see Merce Cunningham perform, Martha Clark, some very cool stuff that I knew nothing about. Whats the difference between an interview subject that makes for an interesting story and one that falls flat? Its an interesting question because I can think of a specific example. Ive interviewed and done three stories on the photographer Robert Frank. Hes very intense, quiet and even though hes lived in the United States since before the Second World War, he still has a thick Swiss accent. You cant go in there and not know what youre talking about. Its the kind of story that you have to interview other people for, you have to be able to draw him out and get him to talk about specific situations that hes photographed. Sometimes dumb questions work its just how you profess it. Like, Im sorry, I know this is a really stupid question, but Im just dying to know what your favorite breakfast food is. Actually, you probably wouldnt want to ask that. Lily Bohlke, Copy Editor bohlkeli@grinnell.edu If youve ever dreamed of casting a weighted line with a weightless fly out into an open body of water in search of fish, Grinnell has just the club for you. The fly fishing club, recently started by Stuart Hoegh 17 and Jonathan Dowell 18, plans to introduce the sport of fly-fishing to more Grinnellians. The sport, noted for its grace and portrayal in the film A River Runs Through It, has inspired the duo to pass on their knowledge to other would-be fly fisherpeople. Fly fishing is something we enjoy for its recreation and for its peacefulness. We find it to be therapeutic, almost, and we think it would be something college students, especially Grinnellians who are very open to new activities, would want to try, Dowell said. Hoegh began fly fishing the summer after his senior year of high school. He spent most of the summer practicing, culminating in a two-week trip with his friends where they fly fished in Montana. Dowell learned the sport from his uncle in Wyoming, where they would take fly-fishing trips with guides who were very helpful in teaching new fly fishers how to cast effectively. Fly fishing is a type of fishing that uses a longer rod and an artificial fly with a small hook instead of bait. The fly weighs little to nothing, which means the line itself must be weighted. To cast this line, the fisherperson must make big arcs through the air using special techniques. It takes a little bit of finesse, but its something just about anyone can learn, Dowell noted. The casting and motion itself has its own aesthetic to it its visually pleasing. According to Hoegh, this type of fishing requires participants to be more actively involved in the process. Instead of passively waiting for a fish to grab bait, the fisherperson must focus all the time. You really have to focus on what youre doing and that helps get your mind off of whatever youre thinking about. For Grinnell students, its probably going to be homework or your job, Hoegh said. Although some students may avoid fishing for fear of hurting fish, Dowell and Hoegh assure participants that the hooks are so small that they do not hurt the fish and all of the fish get thrown back into the water. In fact, they avoid bringing the fish far out of the water at all. Even though the flies used for the sport are commonly bought, they are relatively expensive and easy to lose, according to Hoegh, yet they are also easy and fun to make by hand. For example, fishing flies can be made out of feathers, animal fur or copper wires or beads. Subsequently, Hoegh says that he enjoys fly-tying recreationally. In the evenings, Ill tie flies just to get my mind off things, Hoegh said. On Monday, April 11, Hoegh and Dowell submitted a budget with the hopes of acquiring funding to buy six rods and three fly-tying vises. The club plans to continue for semesters to come and GORP has agreed to store the fly-fishing materials. Upon getting their funding, Hoegh and Dowell plan on teaching club participants how to cast: the most basic and important skill. They will also teach participants to tie flies that they will then use to fish. All this will be happening on campus on dry land, but eventually there are plans to go out to Rock Creek and catch panfish like bluegill. In May, the club will also make a trip out to Decorah, Iowa in search of different quarry. There are some trout rivers there, Hoegh said. We dont have trout around here. Through the fly fishing club, Hoegh and Dowell hope to share their passion for the sport with other Grinnellians who might be interested in learning something new. One of our main goals is to education people and develop this as a life skill, Dowell said. Nora Coghlan, News Editor & Eva Lilienfeld, News Editor coghlann17@grinnell.edu lilienfe17@grinnell.edu President Kington announced that Grinnell College will no longer accept students through the Posse program after the fall 2017 semester. Announced on Wednesday, April 13, the decision to sever ties with the Posse Foundation comes at the heels of two years of contract negotiations and the decision made earlier this year not to accept students through the New Orleans Posse program. The Posse program selects students who show leadership and academic potential from urban areas. The College has previously accepted students through the program from Washington D.C., Los Angeles and, last year, New Orleans, meaning that the College has accepted ten students from these cities each year and offered them full tuition scholarships, a nine-month preparatory program and on-campus mentorship. According to Kington, the decision to cut ties with the foundation was framed in the context of larger institutional changes aiming to increase student success school-wide. Were thinking more about a systematic approach to admissions and success and when we look at the program in that context, we have to ask whether it makes sense to have a separate track over here no matter how great the students are when we are trying to change our entire system of student support, he said. Over the course of the next several years, Kington, along with other administrators, plan to develop other programs, both in admissions and on campus. The department of admissions will develop new methods of outreach to specifically target students. Administrators say they will continue to enhance student life by implementing programs to increase student success, such as tracking early indicators of academic or personal struggles that may lead to students taking leave or dropping out. They also aim to help support low-income students by continuing to provide and increase access to programs with additional costs, such as music classes or study abroad opportunities. The question is not Is Posse a great program? Posse is a great program. The question is [of] Posse meeting the needs of this institution and our students now, Kington said. Weve learned a lot from Posse. Weve learned the importance of mentoring. Weve learned the importance of pre-enrollment interventions and preparation, of the importance of social support. There are lots of things that weve learned. But we cant scale up Posse as Posse if we want to apply those lessons to entire student body, and especially to all of those students who might be more likely to face challenges with the transition to Grinnell. Current Posse scholars were informed of the decision shortly before the campus memo was sent. According to Posse mentor, Steve Andrews, the opinions of Posse mentors and scholars were not taken into account before the decision was finalized. Consulted would be the wrong word, Andrews said, addressing the role of Posse mentors and scholars in the Colleges decision. It was explained to us what might happen and why. Along with everybody else, we didnt know with certainty what would happen until yesterday. The decision has been met with much resistance from both current students and alumni, particularly by students arguing that the Posse program does not simply recruit a statistically diverse student body but also mentors and develops the scholars in a way that affects the rest of the campus. [The Posse program] affects lots of different layers of the campus: faculty, staff, other students in addition to the Posse students themselves, Andrews said. Jesse Romo 16 who came to Grinnell with the Los Angeles Posse of 2010 agreed that Posse is more about supporting ten select students in a way that will contribute to the community as a whole rather than simply recruiting minority students to Grinnell. I think that the Posse scholars have demonstrated that Posse is about a lot more than diversity, Romo said. But it seems like over and over each year thats the narrative thats being put out there from the school that Posse recruits working class people of color from urban areas, which when you look at the numbers thats true, but thats not what Posse is all about. Posse is so much more than just bringing numbers to the school. lt provides a support network for people who are traditionally overlooked in the admission process or who dont have an in on it in the first place, and gives us the training, nine months of rigorous training prior to coming to Grinnell starting in senior year of high school, giving you a support network, a team, a Posse. Students and alumni have drafted a letter to present to the Grinnell administration requesting a more detailed description of how Grinnell will continue to support students who would losing specific support networks through the Posse program. More troublingly for us, the memo provides very little insight into how the College will continue to recruit excellent students from urban areas and support these students. The memo alludes to a more comprehensive approach to achieving our goals for diversity, but it fails to explain what this approach entails and does not specify the nature of the goals, the letter read. When the S&B went to print, the letter had been signed by over 300 Grinnell College alumni and Posse scholars. I know that this is a difficult conversation for a lot of people, Kington said. I know that there are deep emotional ties to Posse, but this decision is about the fit between Posse and where were going as an institution, and its a reflection of a good thing a more comprehensive approach to our institutional commitment to student success. In light of the emotional response from the greater Grinnell community, Romo feels that this decision provides an opportunity for students to speak up about their beliefs. I think right now is one of those moments where I dont think people should be looking at this and feel[ing] powerless in the face of what has just happened, Romo said. Its moments like these where we have the opportunity as students to really live up to the activism that were always talking about. We have the opportunity now to organize and show that were not going to accept this, were not going to be complicit in the whitening of this school, not that its just that, I know that there are enough people out there who feel like this is the wrong decision that if we believe that we should do something about it. While the topic of the future of the institution is at the front of this conversation, Andrews expressed more concern for the well-being of current students and the implications of this decision. My worry is more immediate. If you talk to the students of color on this campus, many of them are unhappy with the quality of the experiences that they have. At least in my experience in talking with my scholars and other Posse scholars, Andrews said. They understand that they have great opportunities here, but they also understand that they may not experience this place sentimentally in the way that people from other cultures might. After completing her MFA at the Iowa Writers Workshop, Jenny Zhang published Dear Jenny, We Are All Find and HAGS. Though she does not consider Iowa to be one of her homes as she categorizes in Dear Jenny, she shared her experience as a female writer of color in the state with a group of Grinnellians during her visit in Mears Cottage on Monday, April 11. Now based in New York, Zhang works as a freelance writer as well as a regular contributor to Rookie Magazine. Zhangs talk is a part of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month hosted by the Asian American Association. During her visit, Zhang sat down with the S&Bs Editor-in-Chief Yishi Liang to talk about her writing style, her upcoming project and her family. The S&B: Ive read that you go through a lot of phases in what youre interested in. So what do you think is the current phase that youre in? Zhang: Right now, Im really into writing fiction and writing long form non-fiction. Ive also gotten back into writing poetry a little bit too. I took a break from it for a couple years and its kind of fun again. I guess Im into everything. I just literally said every genre. What is your process like? Do you carve out time in your day to devote to writing or do you pick up something to write when youre in the mood? Well now I freelance fulltime I have to be kind of intense about it. I might not be creating or writing new things every day but Im either writing or Im editing or Im researching or Im reading or Im preparing. It really depends on what Im working on. If Im trying to work on my novel then Ill spend that day reading a history book about the Cultural Revolution because part of my novel is about the Cultural Revolution in China so I have to spend time absorbing that and that might take a couple weeks. And I might not write anything Ive researched until months later. I didnt realize you were writing a book involving the Cultural Revolution. Thats really cool. Can you tell me a little about it? Its just this novel Ive been working on for a very long term. Its embarrassing because Ive had the idea for eight years and its not near finish[ed]. Im a slow thinker but when I actually write things Im really fast. I spend a lot of time percolating and thinking but I have to write fast because if you take too long to write the actual thing, your writing style and your ideas and who you are as a person changes. Ive been doing a lot of writing and throwing it out because I took too long and then starting over again. Its this novel thats partially set in present day America, partially set in France and partially set in 1950s to 1970s China during the Cultural Revolution. I remember during your talk you said you broke your poetry book up into sections for Homelands, New York and France. So why was Shanghai or China not its own category in that? I guess I thought that your homeland is in part an actual place and in part an imaginary place. Salman Rushdie talks about this in his essay called Imaginary Homelands where he talks about people who are displaced or who are refugees or who are exiled or who are immigrants and how the place you left becomes large and mythical in your mind. And oftentimes when you go back to visit it, its so different from what you imagined it to be or what you remembered it to be. It becomes not an actual place but a source of comfort that grows into its own mythology. I thought of homeland because in a way I dont actually know [what] Shanghai is like even though I lived there for the first five years of my life. Im a visitor when I go back and in some ways I know it as much as any tourist would know it. So I didnt want to call it Shanghai because I dont really have a relationship with Shanghai. I have a relationship with my homeland, and my homeland happens to be in the same place And in some ways my homeland is this nostalgic Shanghai or this nostalgic idea of China Not that its any different from New York or France but I wanted to give more respect to this idea of a homeland. Do you find that when you leave a place, whether thats Shanghai or France or New York or San Francisco, you hone in on that nostalgia more or do you prefer to write when you are in that place? I think its a lot easier for a place to be meaningful after youve left it. Its like trying to describe the feeling of being in love when youre in love. Its not interesting until after its over and you can look at it and have some perspective in some ways. So I do tend to have some time separation between when Im in a place and when I write about it. I dont know. It depends on the genre too. Sometimes I want things to be not as thoughtful, more reactive and sometimes I want things to have the weight of time coloring them. Going off reactionary writing, you mentioned you didnt want to write about [Calvin Trillins poem in The New Yorker] but you just had a visceral reaction to it so how do you handle things that you just have a reaction to? Its really hard, especially when you feel baited or when you feel like something really wrong has happened and you could say something possibly illuminating or interesting or you have a perspective that is not often asked upon Of course you want to say something. For me, its literally deciding once a year that its responding to whatever controversy or scandal regarding Asian Americans and no more than that. I know enough writers who are writers of color [if asked to write about Trillin] I can say, No, I dont want to, but here are 20 other Asian American writers who I think are so smart and I feel super confident that theyre going to say something amazing if not better than what I had to say. Being conversational in French and Mandarin being your first language, have you ever dabbled with the idea of writing in any form not in English? No, I havent. But my mom has said she wants to translate my writing. Id love to work with her. Ive never thought about the idea of writing in another language but I like to sprinkle bad French or bad Chinese into writing. But Id love to work with someone in my family who isnt a writer and work on translations together. Well, also, its not just switching over to this language, youre switching over to a whole other personality. You had specific memories and experiences only in that language Its not just as simple as translating one word and finding the equivalent. Its switching from one person to another and thats what makes translation so interesting. Does your family read your writing? My mom reads my writing She probably has a Google Alert for my name or something. Its complicated because I need to believe that even if my family is reading it, theyre not reading it deeply. And I need to believe that their English is not good enough to understand what Im talking about even if thats not true Because I need to feel free to say what I want to say without worrying that someone I love is reading some deep psychology into what Im writing because then I would be terrified of revealing anything. Michael Cummings, Community Editor cummings@grinnell.edu Keeping true to its status as a liberal bastion among the cornfields, the College hosted a talk entitled Capitalism and Agriculture presented by Emeritus Professor of Plant and Soil Science Fred Magdoff of the University of Vermont. The talk, which took place on Monday night in JRC 101 and was sponsored by the Center for Prairie Studies, was a broad survey of the capitalist system with special emphasis on agriculture. Magdoff was introduced by Vincent Kelley 16, a student member of the Center for Prairies Studies Committee. Kelley spoke of how he has wanted to bring Magdoff to campus for two years, following an email exchange between the two. I actually had been hoping to bring Professor Magdoff for two years now, Kelley said, recalling a time two years ago when he had emailed Magdoff asking for a reading list on ecology. Magdoff had given a very thorough response, inspiring Kelley to take steps to bring him to campus. Magdoff began by addressing the history of capitalism. In particular, he addressed the unfortunate truth of the historical tie between capitalism and slavery in the United States. I think its relatively little-understood how important slavery in the United States was for the development of industrial agriculture, Magdoff said, asserting that for a time in Americas history, capitalism and slavery were synonymous. The talk continued with a definition of capitalism. According to Magdoff, the tradition of capitalism as a free market economic system is flawed. That is no definition of capitalism, Magdoff said. There were markets before capitalism, there will probably be markets after capitalism. That doesnt define capitalism. Instead, Magdoff offered his own definition symbolized as M-C-M-prime. The first M stands for money, used to purchase raw materials, machinery and labor. The C stands for the commodity produced following these purchases, and M-prime stands for the greater sum of money that results from sales of the commodity. Magdoff explained that this model of capitalism shows that there are no limits to the constant attempts to make more money the next step is M prime -C-M- double prime, followed by M-double-prime-C-M-triple-prime, etc. Theres no such thing as enough in capitalism, Magdoff said. This is exemplified by a strange trend in agriculture where farmers will want to produce more regardless of how prices are trending. When prices go down, farmers produce more. When prices go up, farmers produce more, Magdoff said to laughs from the audience. Magdoff went on to explain how capitalism forces farmers to make decisions that harm the environment in which they work. [The production of] corn and soybeans makes economic sense given the infrastructure, Magdoff said. But corn and soybeans is a particularly lousy system from an ecological point of view. It leaves the soil bare for a long period of time. It is not a real rotation it makes farmers dependent on fertilizers and pesticides. The reason why the corn and soybean model is such a prevalent farming model, Magdoff says, is simple: [Its] easy to grow, easy to sell, easy to mechanize, he said. Magdoff summed up his talk with a broad analysis of the agricultural decisions made in a capitalist system. From every point of view I can think of the systems that have developed here are literally irrational from a social point of view, and irrational from an ecological point of view. And they only make sense in the context of a system which is based on profit, Magdoff said. Theres no bad people here involved, there are people here just trying to get by. In his conclusion, Magdoff called for the establishment of a system other than the capitalist one. In my mind the remedy is a different system, a different economic system that has as its very basic purpose for being to produce things food, other goods, for people to use, not to sell in a market to make a profit. Thanh Mai maithanh@grinnell.edu The Office of the Dean hosted the Student Research Symposium from April 11-14, featuring student research on space, time and the cultural and systematic destruction in The Hunger Games. Students applied to present at the symposium by submitting abstracts on preliminary or completed results from their original research. Then, in preparation for the symposium, students whose abstracts were accepted were expected to prepare a 15-minute presentation. The day of the symposium, each presentation was organized into specific categories, which would be presented in the JRC. Many of the students whose presentations were accepted presented research from their classes, research collaboration with their professors or summer Mentored Advanced Projects (MAPs). Policy Seminar student Glorianne Dorce 17 started working on her project along with her peers as a required class project. Students taking the seminar taught by Professor Stephen Sieck, Chemistry, and Professor Bradley Graham, Economics, were required to submit work for the symposium. Dorce was drawn to her research topic, refugee-funding policies in Cuba in 2016, because of the interdisciplinary policy research she did in her class as well as her background as the daughter of immigrant parents. Dorce examined policies passed by Congress and statistics from the Library of Congress and the Department of Homeland Security to fully analyze the subject of her research. She felt prepared for the symposium because of the weekly group preparation and one-on-one faculty meetings she received from her class. As a student, even professors have as much questions students do, Dorce said. And while they are experts in their field, they arent experts in everything and are also interested in what students want to research and say. Her statement holds especially true as well for students like math major, Jun Taek Lee 17, who strongly admired the professor who helped him with his research. Lees presentation was based on his collaborative research on multi-fractal systems with Professor Damian Kelty-Stephen, Psychology. Multi-fractal systems involve the mathematical study of a continued spectrum of exponents in a fractal system. Lee stated it was Stephens intellectual curiosity as a professor that often led him to work on interdisciplinary research topics outside of psychology such as multi-fractal systems. Lee himself was interested in the study of multi-fractal systems after being presented with the question How would you measure a coastline in Britain? After learning of the infinite possibilities of measurement and the complexities in multi-fractal theory, Lee was drawn to doing research in the fall with Stephen and decided to improve his presentation skills by applying to present at the research symposium. This symposium was especially beneficial to me because it improved my communication skills because I gained practice catering to a general audience and talking about my work conceptually, Lee said. Another student presenter, Ryan Davis 16, also strongly agrees with Lee and understands the difficulty in conveying information professionally and concisely. He prepared for the symposium by synthesizing his poster on information from a research paper about Altered Foraging Behavior of The Black Spiny Tailed Iguana in the Presence of a Predator Call. [It was] an excellent way for me to utilize all the skills Ive gained as a science major and put them to the test, Davis said. As I wrote the date April 7 on my assignment last week, it hit me: I was doing schoolwork on the 22nd commemoration of the Rwandan genocide against the Tutsi. I knew it was coming up I had been thinking about it as soon as April started and even before then. Its not something that you can easily forget to remember, yet when I woke up that day and headed to the math lab, it was definitely not on my mind. This may seem like whatever, but until Grinnell, not only on the seventh, but also for a couple weeks in April, I would never have been in school, ever. A signifier of spring and rebirth in most places, the rainy month of April is a signifier of Rwandas great loss. About a week ago the flame of remembrance was lit, and will be lit for the 100 days during which the genocide period took place, where about a million Rwandans were brutally murdered. It is of great importance that we remember, so we can honor the memory of those who died, as well as comfort those who survived. Remembering is also important in that memory is informed by knowledge, knowledge by truth, and truth is paramount in understanding what happened in Rwanda and ensuring it never happens again. It is very unfortunate that as we say Never again during this period and most of the world chimes in, other parts look away at other injustices that are still going on mostly parts that have the ability to intervene but more often than not choose not to unless its beneficial to them (looking at you U.S., but also to the collective U.N.). Oh wait, are we forgetting to remember already? Are we slowly building up apology letters for a near future? Are we waiting for the body count to be over a million? Commemoration speeches filled with regrets about not acting fast enough (looking at you Clinton)? Mass graves full of loved ones, unfulfilled dreams and futures? What are we, the international community, telling Burundi as we say Never again in Rwanda? Do we mean its only relevant in Rwanda? In only places that have experienced that? The apparent insignificance to people Grinnell was mind-boggling, especially since almost everyone whos heard that Im from Rwanda has managed to bring up Hotel Rwanda in our conversations, usually in an attempt to portray their knowledge on global happenings. One person even asked if we still dwell on the genocide in a seemingly innocent way. Well, they must have forgotten, right? Otherwise, why would they not bring it up in conversation, why would they not be alarmed that not far away from Rwanda, Burundi is going through an ugly time of greed, insecurity, unaccountability, displacement and an unreasonable loss of life? Yes, I understand there is a lot of unrest going on in the world, I understand that being an informed and conscious person is very hard and depressing, but I also know that being apathetic towards suffering and loss only begets more. It creates an environment where leaders who are not accountable to and for their people stay in positions of power that keeps the cycle of oppression going. Please join me in remembering the Rwandan Genocide against the Tutsi, and hopefully in doing so, Never again may become a reality for all. P.S.: ACSU Week is next week, and we will be screening a movie on the Rwandan Genocide on Friday. Jackie Mukinisha 16 Images Festival: A documentary about South Korean female factory workers struggling for their rights, Factory Complex is a suitably audacious and fascinating choice to open the 29th annual edition of the Images Festival. Screening Friday at the Royal, Heung-Soon IMs recent Venice Biennale prize winner launches a robust program that includes many of the most adventurous new works to emerge from the realms of experimental film, video, new media and installation art. The slate of screenings is typically diverse. Highlights among the shorts programs include Black Radical Imagination (Monday at the AGOs Jackman Hall), a set of often wildly inventive short works that upend expectations about what artists of colour can and cant do in cinema. For the annual Canadian artist spotlight on Saturday at Jackman Hall, Images fetes local duo Emily vey Duke and Cooper Battersby with a retrospective of four works since 2006, including 2015s Dear Lorde, a mystifying but largely enthralling seminarrative piece about a precocious 15-year-olds obsession with Jane Goodall, Desmond Tutu and, of course, the singer of Royals. Two more local filmmakers Mike Hoolboom and Kelly OBrien join forces to present new experimental docs with a panel to follow at the Small World Music Theatre on Wednesday. The most intriguing of Images Live program of works that combine projections and performances, Eve Egoyans Earwitness is a multimedia piece in which guest artists such as Michael Snow and John Oswald conjure up visual accompaniments for the sounds emanating from Egoyans Yamaha Disklavier. Its at the Aga Khan Museum on Thursday. Spanish film artist Esperanza Collado makes her Canadian debut with her 16 mm performance piece We Only Guarantee the Dinosaurs at Geary Lane on April 22. The fest also marks the loss of one of world cinemas most singular talents, with a rare screening of Chantal Akermans 1976 masterwork News from Home at Jackman Hall on April 23. More picks from Images in next weeks Projections. National Canadian Film Day:National Canadian Film Day isnt a national holiday yet, but it surely ought to be. Founded in 2014 by the tireless Can-film promoters at Reel Canada whose noble mission includes screenings for students and new Canadians the event now includes well over 170 film events in cities and communities nationwide. Torontonians can take advantage of a truly astounding variety of screenings, most of which are free. On Wednesday, patriotic viewers have their choice of Monsoon (at the Aga Khan Museum), The Gate (at Sonic Boom), Maps to the Stars (at the Bloor/Gladstone library), My Internship in Canada (at Cineplex Cinemas Yonge-Dundas), Meatballs (at the Humber Cinemas), Nobody Waved Goodbye (at the Revue), a comedy double feature of Strange Brew and Its All Gone Pete Tong (at the Lightbox) and much, much more. Many screenings feature special guests, including Don McKellar wholl be on hand for The Grand Seduction at the CBC Atrium and actor Stephen Lack, wholl join critic Norm Wilner for the Royals showing of David Cronenbergs Scanners. And judging by the rest of the action-packed schedule for National Canadian Film Day, your chances of accidentally seeing Bon Cop Bad Cop have never been higher. Go, Canada! More new releases at the Carlton: The hardy multiplex at Yonge and Carlton boasts seven (!) new titles this weekend so you can probably see at least one of them. The roster includes two new Canadian titles the thriller Prisoner X and the romantic drama A Sunday Kind of Love that boast special guest-enhanced events on National Canadian Film Day on Wednesday. Another local indie, Groupies, completes the triptych of fresh CanCon. The Carlton also launches runs for Colonia, a political thriller headlined by Emma Watson that debuted at TIFF 2015, and Transfixed, a documentary that garnered some love at Inside Out last year. Robin and Mark and Richard III: Filmed before the passing of Canadian theatre great Robin Phillips last year, Robin and Mark and Richard III charts a fascinating collaboration between the director and actor Mark McKinney. Phillips and the sometime Kid in the Hall met repeatedly over a period of three years to rehearse scenes from Richard III and ponder the Bards words. Thankfully, two more veterans of the Canadian stage world Martha Burns and Susan Coyne were there to capture their many ruminations on Shakespearituality. The hour-long doc plays Friday to Sunday and Wednesday at the Bloor this week, with Burns, Coyne and other special guests on hand for all four screenings. From Scotland With Love: Venturing far beyond the representations of the country and its people in Rob Roy and Braveheart never mind the grottier likes of Trainspotting From Scotland With Love is an extraordinary tribute built entirely out of archival films discovered by director Virginia Heath. Culled from home movies, documentaries and industrial films, the images of anonymous Scots living their lives gains additional poignancy thanks to the spellbinding score by musician Kenny Anderson a.k.a. King Creosote. Originally commissioned for the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, Heaths film plays Friday to Tuesday at the Bloor. In brief Soprano Sondra Radvanovsky performs in Donizettis Roberto Devereux in the latest edition of Cineplexs The Met Live in HD program at participating theatres on Saturday. One of the most awesomely terrible movies of the 80s, Yor, The Hunter from the Future, thrills patrons of the Carlton at a late-night screening on Saturday. The Revues Extraordinary Women series presents a talk and a new documentary on the very extraordinary movie star and inventor Hedy Lamarr on Sunday. Clement Virgo shares his thoughts on Norman Jewisons 1967 adaptation of John Balls novel In the Heat of the Night at TIFFs Books on Film program on Monday. A new Russian take on the legend of Bloody Mary, Queen of Spades: The Dark Rite plays a sneak preview at the Royals Cinemacabre Movie Nights on Thursday. Read more about: SHARE: They leave us Israeli dates, Dutch cheese graters, homemade Brazilian treats and toys for our kids. Little thank-yous for hosting them in our home, even though its not really our home, but an apartment we built in our basement and converted into an Airbnb suite. To say we didnt get that treatment when we were landlords is an understatement. We built an income suite to help pay our mortgage after buying (like many first-time Toronto homeowners) beyond our budget. We went through a handful of tenants, ranging from good to nightmarish, but even the good tenants were never perfect. Even the good ones put holes in walls, indulged in hour-long showers, or left the lights on when they went away. It was a particularly bad tenant experience that made us think about doing Airbnb, even if it meant half the income. Rent was always late, we were pretty sure they were smoking in the suite, and they had 4 a.m. fights that were occasionally so bad we contemplated calling 911. Eventually they moved out, taking with them our microwave, smoke detector, and most of the kitchen supplies. And in their wake they left a destroyed furnished apartment the bed literally broken in half, the mattress and bedding stained in a manner I wont go into here, a bathtub so grimy it had to be regrouted, and hundreds cigarette butts buried in the flower bed outside the living room window. We had to throw everything away and start from scratch. I vowed never to rent again. So we dropped a wad of cash at Ikea, created an Airbnb profile, and started getting guests. And good reviews. Then more guests, and more good reviews. After the first month we had almost doubled the income we had earned as landlords, with almost none of the headaches. The main downfall seemed to be that our European guests always wanted the air conditioning turned off, even in 40 C. Its also more day-to-day work than having tenants. We have to clean the space including scrubbing the tub, vacuuming the carpets and switching out all the bedding after every guest leaves, sometimes in only a few hours. The obvious benefits are that we make more money, there is significantly less wear and tear on the space (guests are usually just there to sleep), and when it isnt booked we can use it for ourselves or family. No more in-laws sleeping on our couch. And although weve heard horror stories of other Airbnb hosts having their homes robbed or trashed, we seem to have a system that works. We carefully screen prospective guests and require that they have clear headshots and previous reviews from other hosts. Which means we can pick and choose who we let into our home, turning down the four teenagers travelling without parents to have fun (no thanks!), and accepting the middle-aged Italian couple who food and wine (welcome, friends!). Because we review our guests on their Airbnb profile, they tend to behave well. The apartment is usually left spotless, sometimes with the beds re-made and the garbage emptied. We can also choose whether or not to accept booking inquiries, turning down the four teenagers travelling without parents to have fun (no thanks!), and accepting the middle-aged Italian couple who love food and wine (welcome, friends!). But the biggest reason we love being hosts is that we meet incredible people. There was the professional photographer from the U.K. who photographs Lucha Libre wrestlers, the couple from Singapore that trains police dogs, and the family from Paris that included one of the founding members of Parkour. I met up with the Parkour family for a coffee date during their stay, and we stayed until the cafe closed. I texted our most recent guest so frequently the day she left that my husband jokingly asked me if wed become BFFs. I laughed and said, maybe. Some of our guests are self-sufficient travellers, coming and going quietly. Others knock on our door frequently with questions about where to grab brunch in the neighbourhood, or which streetcar will take them to the Eaton Centre. Friends who booked with us from Indiana told us that Toronto is one of their favourite cities, and gushed that were lucky to live here. The pride I feel after these encounters fills me with the motivation to keep doing this, even though the frequent cleanings can feel tedious, even though I sometimes wish we could have the space to use for ourselves. Well be moving to B.C. this summer, and we plan to host Airbnb guests in our new home, too. Its that worth it. Kristen Thompson is a Toronto based writer and Airbnb host. Tips from experienced Airbnb hosts In todays sharing economy, hosting on Airbnb is becoming a popular way to offset the cost of living, but its not as simple as pulling out a spare mattress or sofa bed and having a guest spend the night. While insurance is covered by Airbnbs Host Guarantee for damages up to $1,000,000, its always a good idea to do some background checks on potential guests. One of the biggest fears is coming home to the aftermath of a raging house party. While these are rare instances, it never hurts to be too cautious. Exchange emails to learn more about the guests and check the reviews on their profiles. Keeping watch while youre away Investing in a home security system can keep the anxiety at bay when hosts are away. Affordable models include the Australian-made Homeboy ($260), Netgears indoor/outdoor Arlo security camera ($380, with two cameras), or the Canary all-in-one wireless indoor camera security system ($249.99). We had a motion-activated Canary camera outside the house by the entrance that would alert us if, and when, our guests got in safely, said former host, Liora Ipsum. Installing one inside the house would be just a bit creepy, and probably affect your ratings, she says. Airbnb has taken note of the trend and has added a policy with surveillance guidelines on their website. Where theres smoke, there could be fire Airbnb host Julie Tiyos, 31, partner at Independent Thought, a digital innovation consultancy, has a Wi-Fi enabled Nest Protect ($129.99) smoke and carbon monoxide alarm that sends alerts to her phone. So far, Ive been lucky, but I got a smoke warning alert while a guest was over. I called her right away and it turned out it was just something that was on the stove too long. It was no big deal but makes me feel better knowing that I will get advanced warning before something potentially serious happens. Tiyos says her neighbours have keys in case she isnt around to greet her guests, but she would also consider investing in the August Smart Lock ($249.99), a remote door lock that is Bluetooth operated and also offers a Wi-Fi Doorbell Cam ($249.99). Theres no such thing as too many sheets Many guests expect top-shelf services and furnishings when it comes to bedding and linens. Think about what you would expect from a hotel experience, says host Lisa Ravitz, 31, who works in drug policy reform. Keep fresh sheets. The more guests you host, the more wear and tear youll see. Clearance shops such as Sears Outlet stores, Winners and HomeSense are a boon to Airbnb hosts. DIY Concierge service? Guests wont expect a meal but its a good idea to offer tea, coffee and leave the instructions on how to operate any appliance. A doctor from Montreal who stayed at my place with his son poured water in the top of the stove top espresso maker and melted the handle. A French guest who stayed with me made a huge mess with the drip machine, said Ravitz. Some hosts keep pay-as-you-go cellphones guests can top up, homemade pamphlets with information about the city and lists of favourite restaurants and hangout spots. A log book is a great way to share memories and experiences with future guests. Find a hosting schedule that fits your lifestyle Some hosts are happy to have guests come and go for a few days at a time, while others prefer their guests for extended stays. In the peak months, Ill do a one-month minimum which usually ends up with two months, but in the low season Ill bring it down to two weeks. I like the flexibility of when I can have people stay and take a break, says Melissa Allen, 33, who works in financial services and lives on the Bloor-Danforth subway line close to a pastry school and a handful of language schools. She doesnt have applications flooding in, but shes never had a problem finding guests, who have been known to leave homework in the shape of cakes in the fridge. Jesse Ship Special to the Star SHARE: Re: Ontarians warming to guaranteed minimum income, poll suggests, March 30 Ontarians warming to guaranteed minimum income, poll suggests, March 30 While a guaranteed income program certainly merits consideration, so should a job guarantee (JG) for all those able and willing to work. Most young graduates would prefer meaningful employment that contributes to their communities and rewards their abilities. Under a JG program funded by the federal government, jobs would be delivered locally through non-profits, social enterprise groups and municipalities, and might include provisions for elder care, young peoples education, arts performances, and environmental protection. This job pool would rise and fall counter-cyclically to the needs of the private business sector who would bid from a ready pool of active workers. It would thus provides macroeconomic stability, and has been successfully tried in countries such as Argentina where 2 million new jobs were created for low-income heads of households. A job guarantee is more likely to retain public support and less likely to degenerate into a scheme to downsize the social service net. Larry Kazdan, Vancouver This entire concept should worry all of us who care. We have too many idle people now and too many of them find mischief and crime to occupy their idle hours. We have too many freeloaders now and too few working people producing the wealth and gains to support so many. Already business and industry no longer pay significant taxes to support the social economy, and the individuals are carrying too high a load. While Justin Trudeau want to grow a middle class, looks like Kathleen Wynne might shrink it. It is the middle class who carry this place tax wise. I hope any such scheme, should it unfortunately occur, will cut out the people who will not work and will not contribute. Sure, have some refundable tax credits for workers. Have a good EI system for lean seasons, even have a workfare system, and of course the real few who cannot work because of injury, genuine sickness or similar should be on social services. People who have worked and contributed taxes deserve to have OAS and the CPP they have paid for and of course have the benefit of any investments and pension plans they have made. If a minimum wage over-taxes the people who have worked hard, that will simply discourage other working people and we will have more poverty and more freeloaders. Nick Bird, Richmond Hill As shocking as it sounds, it is suggested that people are actually warming to the idea of receiving free money in exchange for nothing. The ironic conflict lying within this concept is that the guaranteed minimum income currency has to originate from somewhere most likely from the earnings of those who have worked harder and invested in their own education and skills in order to enable themselves to earn more income and live a more prosperous or comfortable life. It is not the mandate of our government to play the role of a social Robin Hood this, in effect, contributing to the de-evolution of our society by taking more from the productive individuals and rewarding the less motivated. Neither is it the role of our government to destabilize or discourage industry or investment in our province by way of making it so expensive or convoluted and awkward to do business here, as to drive motivated individuals and companies away from our borders. Conversely, there is an increased potential to attract the less motivated to our welfare state where they can earn more without having to earn it. There is a reason that those pouring coffee earn less than those who build houses and they in-turn, less than those who are designing the houses. By all means, those people at the entry level to the workforce should be given the opportunity to advance their skills and education as their intellectual and physical capability permits, but we should not reduce the whole of our workforce to a common denominator by rewarding those of less contribution simply because they reside here. Social handouts to the able-bodied are not a way of life. Someone else always has to pay for this and there should be a return on this investment that promotes the advancement of our province collectively by encouraging investment here. This will in turn increase the number of skilled and unskilled positions available for all and benefit the province with higher employment and more tax contributions by many. Incentive alone drives progress. Like so many other ideas floated by this government in the last decade plus, it sounds sunny and full of promise, but doesnt pass the sniff test. On deeper reflection it seems counterproductive in the long term and is certainly not well though-out from the perspective of how it will be of benefit to any future resident of this province in terms of providing stable, secure and rewarding employment. It will likely provide short term comfort for some, but on-the-whole, it is nothing more than a vehicle to garner immediate voter support by robbing from the working people of the province and driving the good jobs and top candidates away leaving a delayed legacy of disarray and deficiency for someone else to clean up. Tom Whent, Sault Ste Marie Im all for it, if its added to the basic Ontario provincial tax deduction for me. Ditto for the Hydro poverty surcharge on my electric bill. Leo Ryan, Barrie We see that only 1.6 million Canadians take advantage of the Guaranteed Income Supplement program (GIS). The benefits far outweigh the minimal cost to taxpayers. That includes seniors having secure lodgings, needed medicines and escape from the humiliation of poverty. There appears to be not much difference in extending the age eligibility down to age 60. That would include the same people but allow them to escape welfare and low paying jobs which could be freed up for young people. The danger of course would be the way the Harris and Wynne government tend to whittle down any other ancillary programs and the base amount payable to recipients to curry votes with taxpayers as time goes by. The squalor of unionized welfare worker government salaries would be eliminated as well as the endless self serving investigations initiated by them. From there a provincial tribunal could decide a decent level payable by notching up and down income levels for those aged 21 to age 59. We can bring back a one cent GST tax increase and tax corporations fairly to pay for this. We must face facts: Automation and free trade have permanently left Canada with a dearth of jobs while we remain a rich country. We also know British studies have concluded that poverty directly leads to depression and anxiety for huge numbers of people. Bryan Charlebois, Toronto SHARE: In a recent bid said to support climate resiliency in the region (code for removing human influence), President Barack Obama by executive decree has removed from general use another 1.8 million acres, this time in California. On February 12, with mostly no establishment media coverage and virtually no anger from Congress for his using their power, he created the following three new national monuments: Castle Mountains (21,000 acres), Mojave Trails (1.6 million acres), and Sand to Snow (154,000 acres). These three expand his total to 22 national monuments. In seven years as president he has set aside (code for human removal) more than 265 million acres of land and watermore than any other president. This area is larger than most states in the Union. What does set aside actually mean in implementation? It is the strictest classification of land use. These areas will be off-limits to mining and mineral exploration, oil and gas drilling, grazing, timber harvest, and even many of the current recreational uses of camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and off-road vehicle usage that the public previously enjoyed (William F. Jasper, The Last Word, The New American, p. 44). All this new regulation and governance with but a stroke of the pen by one man with no constitutional authority to make law as it is the prerogative of Congress alone. Any new acquisition, outside the capital, had (1) to be purchased, (2) have the consent of the State Legislature where the land exists, (3) and be for military purposes. As all land acquisition powers are in Article I of the Constitution, with the legislative branch, the president was left out of the process. None of these constitutional requirements were met with respect to any of the national monuments acquired by President Barack Obama. None were purchased, none received the consent of the State Legislature, and none are used exclusively for military purposes. Nor have there been any additional amendments to the Constitution authorizing additional federal ownership of land as required for any additional federal power. Constitutionally there exists no federal land outside territory awaiting statehood as per Article IV, Section 3, Clause 2. One might argue that most, if not all, of the monuments were already on federal land having been acquired when the federal government refused to give to new states all the land that went with statehood when they transitioned from territorial status. That is true. The federal government through this process came to own about a third of the United States. That late 19th Century leaders fraudulently acquired the property in the first place, it does not follow that present leaders should expand the fraudulency. Constitutionally all land within state boundaries, unless acquired through the three stipulations noted in the Constitution, belong to the statesno exceptions. White House memos announcing the creation of new monuments normally cite the Antiquities Act of 1906 as the authority to do so and President Theodore Roosevelt as the first to use it in his creation of the Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming the same year. Although this Act violated the above-cited constitutional land limitations, it, at least was an act of Congress representing the will of Congress in 1906 to which the then president responded. As unconstitutional as this was, Congress, reflecting the voice of many, still made the law and was in charge. This was not authority for succeeding presidents the next hundred years to hang every federal land confiscation on an antiquated law not authorized in the Constitution without a new constitutional amendment. Thus, in 1906, only one part of the Constitution was violated, Article I, Section 8, Clause 17, with its three limitations on federal land ownership, and that by the 1906 Congress. Presidents using this authority, thereafter by executive orders, are not now doing it as the will of Congress or by their direction. They are essentially making law by themselvesa serious violation of the separation of powers doctrine. There is nothing more clear nor basic in the Constitution than the separation of federal power into three branches, one to legislate, another to execute that law, and a third to adjudicate possible violations, when contested, of that lawa division of power held sacred until the last few decades. The Constitution reads: All legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a Senate and House of Representatives(Article I, Sec. I). The executive branch has NO authority to make lawany law!!!! Executive Orders are constitutional only when they cite a single, recently passed law of Congress, where that law needs a statement of implementation by the executive branch. Originally they were but interdepartmental directives. Unfortunately all presidents since Roosevelt used the 1906 law that trumps the Constitution except Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and George Bush. Sadly they were the only ones who followed the clarity of the Constitution with respect to federal ownership of property. That the federal government has created national monuments unconstitutionally on what are state lands, or that both political parties have ignored this part of the Constitution for over a hundred years, does not make federal confiscation now constitutional. If this process continues, which has been accelerated under Obama, it is likely that the federal government may come to own far more than the third of the landmass that it now ownsperhaps all? SALT LAKE CITY (AP) A plea deal in a sexual assault case against a former Utah State University fraternity brother could fall apart over the disputed results of a psychosexual evaluation. Judge Brian Cannell said Wednesday he can't rely on the test that found 27-year-old Jason Relopez presents a low-to-moderate risk of committing another assault. Cannell said he will allow the defendant to back out of the deal. The test was central to a plea deal in the case. Prosecutors agreed to recommend a less-serious jail sentence if the exam found Relopez is low-risk, but said they'd ask for prison time if it indicated he could be dangerous later. "We just want to make sure the public is safe," said prosecutor Barbara Lachmar. "How confident can we be in these conclusions?" The judge scheduled a status conference for April 19. The Logan Herald-Journal reported that prosecutors called the evaluation inconclusive, but defense attorney Shannon Demler argued that prosecutors simply don't like the results and are trying to back out of the deal. "The deal should be upheld," said Demler. "The report we have is clearly on our side and we don't need to retest until we get different results." Relopez was originally charged with rape, aggravated sexual assault and aggravated kidnapping. He pleaded guilty in February to reduced charges of attempted rape and attempted forcible sexual abuse. Prosecutors said he raped a 19-year-old woman multiple times. A second woman, age 20, testified during an evidence hearing that she had been doing homework with Relopez when they started making out. She said she told him she didn't want to have sex but he raped her. The Associated Press generally does not name people who make allegations of sexual assault. The psychosexual evaluation involved a psychologist administering 11 tests to Relopez over an eight-hour period. One of those tests came back inconclusive, showing that there was not enough information to determine the chance of Relopez re-offending. The psychologist who administered the test said that result can be caused by the person lying or being really anxious. Another test showed there is a moderate risk of Relopez re-offending. Spanish film director Pedro Almodovar in a file photo from 2015. PEDRO ARMESTRE (AFP) Pedro Almodovar has ended his silence over the Panama Papers. Ten days after his name and his brother Agustins showed up on the incorporation documents of a company based in the British Virgin Islands between 1991 and 1994, the filmmaker said on Thursday that he feels entirely responsible. 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. I didnt know anything in connection with these papers, but I also have to say that my ignorance is no excuse. I am completely responsible together with Agustin [Almodovar], and I certainly accept all responsibility there is, or may be, from the fact of being on those infamous papers. In an interview with Castilla-La Mancha TV, the film director also talked about the cancellation of all promotional events for his latest movie, Julieta, which had its theatrical release last Friday. It was obvious that the media wanted to talk about other issues, he said, in connection with the planned press conference that he never held. English version by Susana Urra. Earlier this year, the news that Amazon China had registered to operate as an ocean freight forwarder in the U.S. surprised nearly everyone. The move means that Amazon will be able to organize the shipment of goods from a factory in China to a company or customer in the U.S. The filing was first spotted by Flexport, a logistics startup, and though Amazon has yet to comment on the strategy behind the move, it seems entirely logical. "It's a very smart move," said Jaime Jimenez, CEO of iContainers, a startup trying to digitize the ocean freight industry. "They're going to make it easier for Chinese suppliers to get stock to American customers." As Jimenez explained, the $350 billion ocean freight industry is completely outdated and a nightmare to deal with. If a merchant wants to ship a container from China to the U.S., they could spend up to 40 days emailing with various providers and carriers trying to figure out how much it would cost and how long it would take. In the last year, Amazon has imported about 10,000 20-foot containers into the U.S., and received an additional 20,000 containers from merchants as part of the Fulfillment by Amazon program, according to Ocean Audit, a freight auditing consultancy. About 90 percent of the FBA shipments originated in China, according to Ocean Audit. To get a better idea of how complicated the ocean freight industry is, iContainers asked 40 freight forwarders for a quote to ship a container, and only half of them answered within a week and 59% weren't even able to provide them with the door-to-door quote they were looking for. Jimenez compares the industry to the airline industry before the days of Expedia, when customers had to call a travel agent to walk them through the whole process. Once online travel sites came around, however, all of that information was suddenly out in the open. iContainers is trying to do what Expedia did for the ocean freight industry, but Amazon could easily solve that problem for its own sellers by using its own services. "They can talk to carriers and say, 'Well I'm Amazon so what kind of rates can you offer me,' and they will, I think, resell those rates to customers in China who want to ship to the U.S.," Jimenez said. "It's about eliminating the third parties in between." Amazon declined to comment for this story beyond confirming the filing for Amazon China. "International shipping has always been complicated because each country imposes its own rules and regulations that involve customs, excise, import regulations, port fees, drayage, etc.," said Marc Wulfraat, founder and president of MWPVL, a supply chain logistics consultant. "So Amazon being an advanced technology company has probably figured out a way to reduce a lot of this friction to make it easier and less expensive for shippers to move freight from China to Europe and North America." It all fits into Amazon's larger strategy to develop its own logistics capabilities. In March, Amazon confirmed that it plans to lease 20 Boeing 767 freighter planes to help support its fast delivery of packages to customers. "Ocean transportation is part of the logistics chain, and [consumers'] purchases flow from warehouses to delivery," said Wedbush analyst Michael Pachter. "Amazon excels at the last two parts, and is backward integrating from warehousing and delivery to front end transportation." Stock futures were slightly lower on Friday morning as industrial output declined for the sixth time in seventh months. S&P 500 futures fell 0.16%, Dow Jones Industrial Average futures slipped 0.08%, and Nasdaq futures slid 0.17%. U.S. industrial production fell 0.6% in March, far steeper than an expected 0.1% decline. Manufacturing fell 0.3%, dragged down by a decline in automobile production. Industrial output was down 2.2% for the first quarter. Worries over whether the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries can agree on a production agreement flared ahead of a weekend meeting. Crude prices were lower on Friday ahead of the Sunday meeting between OPEC members and Russia in Doha, Qatar. The countries could decide to freeze production at current levels, though many remain skeptical that Iran, which only recently had sanctions lifted, will agree to a deal. Russia's finance minister noted on Friday that he doesn't expect any real price action from the outcome of the weekend meeting. "We don't expect any changes in the price in spite of the negotiations which are being conducted currently with oil-extracting nations," Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov told CNBC. "Our economic plans are correlated in relation to the current oil price -- about $40 a barrel." West Texas Intermediate crude oil fell 2.3% to $40.56 a barrel on Friday morning. Prices are still higher since the beginning of the year, but have fallen 35% over the past 12 months. Economic activity in the New York region in April rebounded to its best level since January last year. A reading of business conditions in the region climbed to 9.6 from 0.6 in March, according to the Empire State manufacturing index. April's reading marks the second straight month of growth after seven months of contraction. Global markets were under pressure after the latest read on China's economy showed growth at seven-year lows. The world's second-largest economy saw GDP growth ease to 6.7% in its first quarter, according to China's National Bureau of Statistics. However, the results came in slightly above the 6.6% growth economists had feared. Citigroup (C) increased 2% in premarket trading as first-quarter profit declined, though not as badly as some had feared. The U.S. bank reported a 27% decrease in quarterly profit as revenue for trading and investment banking fell, while overall revenue slid 11%. Per-share earnings of $1.10 a share came in higher than an anticipated $1.03. Polycom (PLCM) added more than 8% in premarket trading after Mitel Networks (MITL) agreed to acquire the voice and video technology company for $1.96 billion. Polycom stockholders will receive $3.12 in cash and 1.31 in Mitel shares for every share of common stock they own. Regions Financial (RF) rose 1% before the bell on a better-than-expected first quarter. The U.S. bank earned 20 cents a share over the quarter, a penny above estimates, while revenue jumped 7% to $1.37 billion. Microsoft's (MSFT) Internet Explorer has long been the leading browser in terms of market share, but the 20-year-old product has been showing its age for a while now. To shake things up and fight back encroaching competitors, Microsoft launched the Edge browser with its Windows 10 operating system to recapture market share. So far, progress has been underwhelming as Microsoft continues to lose market share to Alphabet's (GOOGL) Chrome browser. This decline could prove to have big ramifications on Microsoft's stock. Microsoft has been enjoying a steady rise in share prices in the past five years. The company likely will never be as strong as it once was in browsers, operating systems and other sectors, but it's shown it's willing to experiment with new revenue models and products. If those products don't catch on, however, investors may lose patience. The browser wars thus become critical in showing Microsoft can see gains with a new innovation. Alphabet stock is a holding in Jim Cramer's Action Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio. See how Cramer rates the stock here. Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells GOOGL? Learn more now. Why the Browser Battle Matters For Microsoft, more people using its browsers means more searches on the Bing search engine. Google search comes default on the Chrome browser, so if Edge and Internet Explorer lose that battle, it means less revenue for Microsoft. Obviously, investors won't like that. Microsoft's Bing was something of a laughingstock years ago due to the billions of dollars it lost when starting up. Now, the search engine is on solid footing and finally turned a profit last year. In Microsoft's previous quarterly earnings report, Bing revenues were up 29% and brought in a $1 billion. For Microsoft, the Bing revenues are especially important. It boldly decided to make Windows 10 free to existing customers in hopes of increasing adoption rates. By attracting more users, it plans to earn revenues through app transactions, Bing searches and so on, instead of the revenues that come from purchasing a Windows update. A Slow Decline Even with the launch of the Edge browser last year, Microsoft hasn't completely abandoned the Internet Explorer browser, as it can still be downloaded and used on older operating systems. Microsoft has a long history with its Internet Explorer product. Back in 2000, Microsoft faced an antitrust lawsuit after it bundled Internet Explorer with its Windows products. Regulators thought this was a monopolistic tactic, but investors didn't care. Microsoft's stock value soared through the early 2000s. Such a monopoly sounds almost quaint now, but the browser industry was radically different back then. Internet Explorer peaked at 95% market share, and in 2002 Microsoft settled the government's lawsuit. Microsoft continued to lose market share since then but has remained the dominant browser -- until now. The Rise of Chrome If current trends continue, Google Chrome will soon surpass the combined market share of Microsoft's Internet Explorer and Edge browser. Just a year ago, the seven-year-old Chrome browser was well behind Microsoft. Now Google is a mere 3.5 percentage points behind the combined total of Microsoft's browsers. Such a loss in market share isn't what Microsoft expected when it announced the Edge browser was aimed at giving users an improved web experience. Users appear to be abandoning the browser in big numbers in favor of Chrome. Part of the problem is the launch wasn't handled smoothly, as long-time Internet Explorer users who upgraded to Windows 10 were forced to switch browsers. Web traffic reported by the Digital Analytics Program found that the total number of Edge and Internet Explorer users was down in February, while Chrome users were up. This is just a snapshot of current trends as it only pertains to U.S. government websites, but it highlights the downward trend Microsoft's browsers are experiencing. The slow adoption rate of the Edge browser must be especially frustrating to Microsoft. While all the main browsers have similar functions, Edge's sleek minimalist design has attracted praise. Even more impressive is the browser's privacy features, which rank better on security compared to Chrome. Despite Edge's achievements, the browser isn't really resonating with users. It seems they're looking for familiarity and ease of use over anything else. If that's truly how people feel, Microsoft will have a tough time pushing the browser and increasing revenues to Bing with so many people switching to Chrome. Microsoft's Future It's possible Edge will eventually catch on. Bing, after all, was deemed a total flop until it finally caught on and started making money years later. Perhaps the same thing could happen here. Or perhaps not. The bottom for Microsoft's browsers, and its stock, still remains to be seen. This article is commentary by an independent contributor. At the time of publication, the author held no positions in the stocks mentioned. European and Asian markets fell on Friday, following both gloomy remarks from world financial leaders at International Monetary Fund and World Bank meetings in New York about the risks to the global economy of the U.K. leaving the European Union and the slowdown in China. China only partly relieved the gloom by publishing first-quarter statistics showing growth of 6.7%. That was in line with expectations, but slower than the 6.8% recorded in the previous quarter. Nonetheless, some economists have suggested the country's economic slowdown may be bottoming out. Meanwhile, a London School of Economics research center published a study suggesting that flows of foreign direct investment in the U.K. could fall by more than 25% if the country leaves the EU. In London, the construction sector led the market down, with home builders Berkeley Group Holdings (BKGFY) and Barratt Developments the biggest fallers, closely followed by building supplies merchant Travis Perkins (TPRKY) . U.K. construction data showed the sector slowing, with both public sector investment hit by government cuts and, some economists suggested, a reluctance to invest ahead of the referendum on U.K. membership of the EU in June. In London, the FTSE 100 was down 0.07% after recovering some of the morning's earlier dip at 6,360.36, while in Frankfurt the Dax was down 0.37% at 10,056.48 and in Paris the Cac 40 was down 0.26% at 4,499.81. In the futures market, the S&P 500 was down 0.16%. In Germany, carmaker Volkswagen (VLKAY) was down almost 1% at 126.55 a share. The company said that while its sales in China remained resilient, increasing 6.5% compared with a year earlier, falls in Europe, the U.S. and South America brought the total down. Overall, VW's passenger automobile sales in the first quarter were down 1.3% in the first quarter at 1.46 million vehicles. The decline followed last year's emissions scandal. French supermarket group Carrefour, the world No. 2. by sales after Walmart, rose sharply in Paris on news of strong emerging market sales, including Brazil and Argentina, as well as improved sales in Southern Europe. The shares surged even though performance in Carrefour's home market was flat and its performance in China continued to deteriorate, though more slowly than last year. Globally, the company's same-store sales reached rose 3.1% to 20.1 billion ($22.6 billion) in the three months to March, slightly better than analysts' expectations. Carrefour's shares hit a high of 26.39, up 4.9% on Thursday's close, and continued its strong performance for most of the morning. Also in France, plane maker Airbus fell back after remarks by the head of Russia's Aeroflot PJSC airline that he will likely be buying fewer jets than previously planned, after taking over a fleet of planes and new orders placed by Aeroflot's failed rival Transaero Airlines. The orders had been placed with both Franco-German Airbus and its U.S rival Boeing (BA) . At its low point of the morning, Airbus was down over 2% at 56.22, but as the morning wore on, the shares recovered a little altitude and were hovering around the previous day's closing price of 56.87. In Brussels, brewing giant Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD) was foaming following an agreement with the South African authorities on jobs and funding which the company hopes will allow it to get regulatory approval for its acquisition of South Africa-based brewer SABMillier. AB InBev bubbled up to a morning high of 113.,75 a share and was still up 2.3% at 112.7 by the end of the morning. U.K. budget gym company Pure Gym reported an 82% jump in revenue to 125 million ($177.4 million) in 2015. The result fuels talk of an IPO this summer. In Tokyo, the Nikkei 225 finished the day down 0.37% at 16,848.03 while the Topix index saw off 0.73% at 1,361.40. In Hong Kong the Hang Seng slipped 0.10% to 21,316.47 while in mainland China, the combined Shanghai and Shgenzhen CSI 300 finished own 0.11% at 3,272.21. Soria pictured on Wednesday in Madrid. JAIME VILLANUEVA Spains acting industry minister, Jose Manuel Soria, on Friday announced he was stepping down over his involvement in offshore companies. The move comes at the end of a week when his name was linked to the Panama Papers, a trove of 11.5 million internal documents from a Panama-based law firm that was leaked to the media. The politician also gave up his positions as congressional deputy and president of the Popular Party (PP) in the Canary Islands, his home region. After initially denying allegations of his involvement in a Bahamas firm and a mirror company in Britain, Soria had agreed to appear in Congress next week to provide explanations. But further emerging information about his alleged ties to a Jersey-based company put Soria up against the ropes on Thursday. Both Soria and the PP had claimed that the acting minister was not present on the organization chart of any opaque company. But documents seen by EL PAIS in the company register of Jersey island show his signature confirming that he was director of a company named Mechanical Trading Limited. In a press release, Soria explained that he had held a conversation with acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy and informed him of his decision to step down. Following a conversation with the prime minister, I conveyed my irrevocable decision to resign from the functions that I was tasked with since December 21 as minister of industry, energy and tourism, reads the statement. Soria said he made the decision on the basis of the lack of precise information over events that took place over 20 years ago and out of consideration for the evident harm that this situation is causing the Popular Party. English version by Susana Urra. A proven way to build long-term wealth is to seek out top-quality companies in beaten-down sectors, then hold them as their industries rebound. Take railways, which find themselves in an uphill pull, thanks to the plunge in oil prices, which has slashed crude-by-rail shipments; the higher dollar, which has weighed on exports; and tough environmental regulations, which are kneecapping coal demand. The effects were shown in fourth-quarter results from Union Pacific, which experienced revenue drops ranging from 7% to 31% in five of its six main shipping categories. The sole exception was automotive, which eked out a 1% gain. But in cyclical businesses such as railways, one thing always rings true: Better days will eventually return. Meanwhile, these down periods are a good time for investors to make winning trades by picking up strong operators at attractive prices. Enter Canadian Pacific Railway (CP) , which has 14,000 miles of track running from Vancouver, in Canada's west, to Montreal in the east and stretching down to major U.S. hubs such as Chicago, New York and Philadelphia. For the past six months, the company has been focused on its $25 billion bid for Norfolk Southern. That deal would have created North America's biggest railway and given Canadian Pacific better access to busy ports in the Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic coast. But Canadian Pacific walked away from the bid on April 11, after everyone from the U.S. military to FedEx and United Parcel Service came out against it, mostly over concerns that it would lead to poorer service and higher prices. On the surface, that looks like bad news. But sometimes a failed takeover can be just the tonic a company needs to refocus on what it does best, and in Canadian Pacific's case, that is improving its efficiency and putting cash into investors' pockets. When judging a railway stock, pay close attention to the operating ratio, which compares operating costs with revenue. The lower the ratio, the more efficient the railway. For all of 2015, Canadian Pacific's operating ratio clocked in at 61%, and the company thinks that it can push that down below 59% this year. That makes Canadian Pacific more efficient than CSX, at 72%; Norfolk Southern, at 74.5%; and Union Pacific, at 64%. In fact, the only operator left for Canadian Pacific to reel in is chief rival Canadian National Railway, the most efficient railway on the continent, at 57%. That efficiency focus is paying off in higher profits, a rarity in railroads these days. The average analyst estimate calls for a 6.6% rise in earnings per share when Canadian Pacific reports first-quarter results on Wednesday, despite a forecast for a 3% revenue decline. Compare that with Union Pacific, which is expected to post a 15% drop in earnings per share, and CSX, with a projected 13% decline. And don't bet against Canadian Pacific surprising to the upside. The company has topped the consensus EPS forecast in each of the past four quarters by as much as 4.5%. Now that its Norfolk Southern bid is off the table, Canadian Pacific will likely undertake a significant share buyback, helping increase earnings per share going forward because buybacks cut the number of shares outstanding. That would come on top of the $2.75 billion (Canadian) the company spent on repurchases last year. The stock's forward price-to-earnings ratio is 12, below chief competitor Canadian National, and the stock trades at about $147. The median 12-month price target doesn't call for much upside, but the high end of the range is $164, which would represent a gain of about 11%. That is entirely realistic, thanks to a likely buyback boost and the improving Canadian economy, which posted better-than-expected gross domestic product growth in January. So don't wait. Climb aboard Canadian Pacific now. "Give me nine minutes a week, and I guarantee you $67,548 a year." An 85% accurate trader gives his personal guarantee. He turned $50,000 into $5 million trading this way and for a limited time, he is guaranteeing investors at least $67,548 per year in profitable trades if they follow this simple step-by-step process. Click here to see how easy it is to collect thousands of dollars in "free money" every month. This article is commentary by an independent contributor. At the time of publication, the author held no positions in the stocks mentioned. Updated with comments from Ford. Barely a year removed from its unsuccessful flirtation with General Motors (GM) , execs at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCAU) are again making the rounds talking up the potential for consolidation. Just as with last year, their targeted partners seem likely to give a cold shoulder. Fiat chairman John Elkann, head of the Agnelli family which controls a 29% stake in the automaker, in a letter to shareholders reiterated the need for scale in the global auto business and said Fiat believes it could generate $10 billion in annual savings via a deal with a larger competitor. Sergio Marchionne, Fiat's charismatic CEO who orchestrated the Italian company's 2009 merger with Chrysler, was more blunt, telling journalists assembled at the automaker's annual meeting in Amsterdam that "the door never closed, the need to consolidate does not go away," listing Toyota (TM) , Ford (F) and Volkswagen (VLKAY) as potential partners. There's good reason for Fiat execs, and investors, to push for consolidation. The auto industry is going through a period of unprecedented change requiring incumbents to invest billions in new drive-train technologies, cabin electronics and autonomous technologies or risk being left behind. There are promising opportunities for growth in emerging markets, assuming you are willing and able to invest in establishing a local footprint, but also the risk that ride-sharing trends will accelerate and alter demand for vehicles in the Western world. The trouble for Fiat, as it was last year when it was courting GM, is that it needs a deal much more than its preferred partners do. Fiat is a minnow compared to most of its suggested partners, with less capital to invest in new technologies, and is an afterthought in China, the world's largest auto market. Making matters worse for Fiat is that the company is already behind in key areas including electric vehicles, hybrids and autonomous technologies. In terms of technology, Fiat marches into battle both as an underdog and without the resources some of its competitors have at their disposal. Fiat does have some attractive assets, notably its popular Jeep SUV brand and strong market share in South America. And while others might quibble with the size of the savings, Marchionne and his team are undeniably correct that consolidating and spreading the massive R&D bill on the horizon over additional scale would lead to greater efficiencies. But GM execs last year determined gaining access to those jewels wasn't worth the risks associated with a major acquisition, and there is little reason to believe other large automakers will feel differently today. Among Marchionne's potential suitors both Toyota and Ford have rather insular cultures and a preference to grow from within. Ford and GM both seem more interested in investing in future technologies than buying additional auto capacity, with Ford reportedly having held discussions with Google about its auto efforts, and GM investing $500 million in ride-share startup Lyft and buying self-driving tech startup Cruise Automation for more than $1 billion. A Ford spokesman on Friday reiterated the company's position that "Ford has no plan or interest other than to continue to accelerate our One Ford plan, deliver product excellence and drive innovation in every part of our business." Volkswagen is more of a wild card. The German automaker is the only global giant that lacks a strong U.S. presence, and reeling as it is from an emission scandal in the U.S. it could arguably use both the Chrysler brands and the government clout that comes with a strong U.S. manufacturing presence to restore goodwill in North America. According to sources, VW's former chairman, Ferdinand Piech, held at least informal discussions with Fiat before losing an internal power struggle inside the company and being ousted last year. But VW has more pressing concerns than M&A given the depth of its emissions issues, and it would be no easy task convincing its controlling Porsche-Piech families of the benefits of a deal. More likely than not if Fiat is to find a deal it would be a merger of equals with a more similarly sized automaker, not a sale to a titan. If nothing else, Marchionne is inarguably a fantastic salesman, and last year as the GM talk simmered shares of Fiat Chrysler tended to trade up on hopes of an acquisition with every comment made. Buyers into that discussion last year are generally in the red, with shares today off by upwards of 30% compared to where they were a year earlier. Speculators this time around could be in for a similar fate. Twitter (TWTR) is making headway in China with the hire of a new managing director for its operations there, even though it can't reach the country's users directly. As to what it may mean in the long-run, it may be too early to tell. CEO Jack Dorsey announced in a tweet Thursday that the social media company has brought on Kathy Chen, who has previously worked at Microsoft (MSFT) and Cisco Systems (CSCO) , as its Greater China managing director. Though Twitter has been blocked on the mainland since 2009, the company has been courting Chinese advertisers out of a Hong Kong office opened in March of last year. Shailesh Rao, Twitter vice-president for Asia-Pacific, Latin America and emerging markets, told the South China Morning Post that Chen would be managing operations at Twitter's Hong Kong office. "We've seen a 340% growth in the number of advertisers [using Twitter], and the types of advertisers are diverse," he said. The growing list includes major brands from China, such as Lenovo Group and Huawei Technologies, as well as domestic media outlets like Xinhua news agency and the People's Daily. "Because of the success we've seen, we want to expand the investment we're making in [the region]," Rao said. "Asia-Pacific is the largest region in the world for us in terms of total number of active users, and it is also the fastest-growing region in terms of active user growth," he later added. "We view Greater China as a critical component [of the region]." Twitter is a holding in Jim Cramer's Action Alerts PLUS Charitable Trust Portfolio. Want to be alerted before Cramer buys or sells TWTR? Learn more now. Dorsey's tweet about the subject indicates that Chen's hire is important for the company, said Scott Kessler, analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence. However, it may be too soon to project the full implications of the move. "It's really too early to say what the kind of operational or financial impact will be," he said. "I think it really says two things. One is that, notwithstanding the fact that Twitter as a platform or application is not accessible within mainland China, Twitter obviously sees opportunity there. Second, they're putting someone in place to seize upon those opportunities, which initially seems at least likely to be focused on advertisers and perhaps partners," Kessler added. In a video posted on Twitter Greater China's official Twitter account, Chen makes specific mention of the company's advertisers and partners, saying she is excited to find more ways to create value for them, as well as for enterprises, creators, influencers and developers. In taking an ad-based approach to China, Twitter is taking a page out of the playbook used by other tech companies, such as Alphabet (GOOGL) and Facebook (FB) , in tackling the region. "They've found ways to benefit from the substantial opportunities associated with China even though their platforms, in many cases, are not allowed to be used there," Kessler said. NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Yahoo! (YHOO) stock is retreating 1.41% to $36.65 in late-morning trading on Friday, as the technology company is reluctant to give potential suitors financial details ahead of Monday's deadline for first-round bids for its core Internet business. Yahoo! has given a weak financial outlook for the current year, but refuses to tell potential bidders its outlook for 2017, and to answer other questions about important parts of its business, the New York Times reports. A portion of the roughly three dozen suitors are unsure what is truly for sale, the Times adds. The company might be unwilling to elaborate on its finances because they are worse than Yahoo! has publicly disclosed. Even so, Verizon (VZ), The Daily Mail, and private equity firm TPG plan to make bids, while Alphabet's (GOOGL) Google, AT&T (T), CBS and investment firms Silver Lake, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts and General Atlantic, as well as Japanese telecommunications giant SoftBank, are expected to sit out, sources told the Times. Yahoo! is scheduled to report its 2016 first quarter earnings on Tuesday after the market close, at which point CEO Marissa Mayer is expected to elaborate on the sale process. Separately, TheStreet Ratings team rates the stock as a "hold" with a ratings score of C-. Yahoo!'s strengths such as its revenue growth, largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures and expanding profit margin are countered by weaknesses including deteriorating net income, disappointing return on equity and weak operating cash flow. You can view the full analysis from the report here: YHOO 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. More information Los obreros latinos de Trump, contra Trump There is no campaign advertising in Washington DC, but Donald Trump is an exception, as with so many other things in this presidential race. A huge sign reads Trump under Coming 2016 on the front of the hotel that the Republican nominee is completing in a privileged location of the US capital: the avenue connecting the Capitol to the White House. I think they oppose him because they see that he is a racist person Francisco Jimenez, from Guatemala The hotel, which stands very near the presidential residence, is a symbol of the power and ambition of the Republican candidate. But inside his own building, Trump is unpopular. Most of the workers here are Latin American immigrants who are uncomfortable with the business tycoons xenophobia. I think they oppose him because they see that he is a racist person, says Francisco Jimenez, 47, who was born in Guatemala. Jimenez, who has been living in the United States for 26 years, fits windows inside the former Old Post Office, a landmark building that the Trump group is reconverting into a luxury hotel with 263 guestrooms. He has citizenship now, but arrived illegally from Mexico by crossing the Rio Grande. Trump is the front-runner in the race for the Republican nomination to the presidential election of November. The New York entrepreneur is promising to deport illegal migrants and build a border wall that Mexico would have to pay for, to stop new arrivals. Construction worker Francisco Jimenez, with the hotel in the background. J.FAUS In July, his anti-immigration comments led Spanish chef Jose Andres to cancel the opening of a restaurant slated to go inside the Washington hotel. Since then, Andres and Trump have been locked in a legal battle over the restaurant, which is being replaced with a grill chain. Jimenez, the construction worker, does not believe the Republican candidates pledge. He will never be able to throw out all the Latinos in the US, no matter what he says. Its just to win votes, says Jimenez, who works for a subcontractor that was hired by the project developer. I dont like him as a candidate. He thinks he can buy anything with his money. But democracy does not work that way. He needs to make decisions with Congress. Yet despite his criticism of Trump, Jimenez who says he will vote in November feels closer to the Republican Party than to the Democratic Party, because he thinks the former is better at encouraging job creation. He also mistrusts President Barack Obamas promises to help immigrants. Now that he is in power, thats when more Latinos have been sent back to Central America, he says, alluding to Obamas deportation policies. Around three-quarters of the more than 1,000 construction workers at the site are Latinos, according to several employees Around three-quarters of the more than 1,000 construction workers at the site are Latinos, according to several employees. But these same people said it was unlikely that any of them lacked their legal papers. Jimenez says that the Latino workers sometimes discuss Trump among themselves. They hardly communicate with the Anglo workers, but apparently the latter also have misgivings about Trump. Some Americans say that Trump is sick, says Jimenez. But others support him. I am a Trump fan, says a white, 50-year-old construction worker who declined to offer his name. But he agreed that most workers at the site do not like the Republican nominee. Other Latino workers who did not want to see their names in print confirmed this impression. Trump, who puts his name to all his buildings, is using his future hotel in the US capital as a campaign weapon Trump, who puts his name to all his buildings, is using his future hotel in the US capital as a campaign weapon. He mentions it as an example of good business: the opening is scheduled for September, two years earlier than the deadline agreed to with the authorities, and he also notes that his own economic solvency allowed him to win the 2014 contract to convert the Old Post Office. Once the $200-million project is completed, it will be one of the best hotels in the world, according to Trump. And then there is the symbolic weight. The 2016 posters a necessary reference in every candidates iconography and the hotels location are indirect allusions to the election. The future president of the United States will pass by the Trump International Hotel during the traditional Inaugural Day motorcade on Pennsylvania Avenue, in January 2017. The White House is just three blocks away from the hotel. Jimenez admits it feels strange to work at Trumps hotel considering that he disagrees with his proposals, but argues that he has no choice Jimenez admits it feels strange to work at Trumps hotel considering that he disagrees with his proposals, but argues that he has no choice. Its just part of the job. Its a way to earn money. The boss sent us here, he says. The mere fact of working here does not mean you belong to his party or agree with everything he says or does. Jimenez is about to end his morning break. He chats enthusiastically with several colleagues outside the door of the future hotel. They are all immigrants, and they all criticize Trump. But one of them opens up about something: one day, Trump came to see how work was progressing, and everyone including the Latino workers welcomed him with open arms: Everyone had their picture taken with him, even if they didnt recognize him. English version by Susana Urra. NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Smith & Wessonundefined stock is falling 3.66% to $21.83 in afternoon trading on Friday after a judge ruled that Bushmaster Firearms International, manufacturer of the AR-15 assault weapon used in the 2012 Sandy Hook massacre,must face a lawsuit by the families of the victims of the attack. Connecticut State Judge Barbara Bellis decided that a 2005 law shielding gun manufacturers from lawsuits does not prevent the victims' families from arguing that the semi-automatic rifle should not have been sold to civilians. Smith & Wesson is a firearms manufacturer based in Springfield, MA. A .40 caliber Smith & Wesson was among the weapons found in the house of Nancy Lanza, who purchased the rifle used in the killings, according to Bloomberg. Smith & Wesson is not directly involved in the case, but debate surrounding the 2005 law has resurfaced in this year's presidential campaign. Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton has rebuked her opponent Bernie Sanders for supporting the law when it passed. Separately, TheStreet Ratings team rates the stock as a "buy" with a ratings score of A-. Smith & Wesson's strengths include its robust revenue growth, solid stock price performance, expanding profit margins, good cash flow from operations and compelling growth in net income. You can view the full analysis from the report here: SWHC 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. The U.S. Department of Transportation on Friday dealt a blow to domestic airlines, granting tentative approval to a plan by Norwegian Air International to serve the U.S. after more than two years of debate over the discounter's plan. The regulator, in a statement, said that Norwegian "appears to meet DOT's normal standards for award of a permit and that there appears to be no legal basis to deny NAI's application." The department invited comments within 21 days from those who object, and is sure to hear from plenty in the U.S. airline industry who have warned that granting the Norwegian airline's application would create a "race to the bottom" in transatlantic flying similar to the havoc discounters caused in the U.S. following deregulation. Norwegian Air first applied for a foreign air carrier permit in 2013 for a subsidiary based in Dublin, hopeful of taking advantage of the European Union's liberal airline treaty with the U.S. to operate discount service across the Atlantic. The plan was controversial from the start due to Norwegian's attempt to locate the unit outside of its home territory, and because the concept posed a threat to traditional transatlantic operations. A unit of the AFL-CIO quickly blasted the decision Friday, calling the application "a job-killing flag-of-convenience airline that perverts the transatlantic airline market and violates our nation's aviation trade agreement." While the immediate impact of the ruling is expected to be muted as Norwegian slowly builds up a modest schedule, the long-term implications for U.S. carriers could be troubling. U.S. airlines in the years since deregulation have relied on international service, which faces less discounter competition, to offset margin erosion on domestic flights. Shares of Delta Air Lines (DAL) , United Continental Holdings (UAL) and American Airlines (AAL) traded down modestly Friday afternoon. The extent of the damage an upstart like Norwegian can do is a matter of debate. Companies like Southwest Airlines (LUV) in the U.S. and Ryanair (RYAAY) in Europe have established that discounters can soak up travel growth that might otherwise go to incumbents by offering vacationers lower fares and make at least some gains among business travelers. But large corporate contracts that are the most lucrative for airlines have largely stayed with the legacies because of their greater reach and more flexible schedules. Skeptics will also note that Norwegian is far from the only threat the airlines face on international routes, noting the rapid growth in Gulf State carriers including Etihad Airways, Emirates Airline and Qatar Airways. Airline bulls argue that the recent round of consolidation in the U.S. has strengthened balance sheets and cut into competition at home, making domestic flying more lucrative than it once was and better preparing the airlines for upcoming international skirmishes. The routes that Norwegian will attack will likely be high-volume ones that are already the subject of intense competition between the incumbents, likely limiting damages to margins. In the near term, domestic airlines could actually be helped by a commodity trend that usually works against the industry. Barclays analyst David E. Fintzen in a note Friday said that higher fuel prices could be a near-term catalyst for the industry if it reassures investors that companies will not make short-sighted decisions to increase capacity. Fintzen said that airlines have been "surprisingly rational" during this period of low-fuel costs, but fears remain. "The reality of slow economic growth, low oil and (the resulting) higher aircraft utilization means fares go down even as margins go up," the analyst wrote. "If oil prices do move higher, we think that pricing pressures reverse, and suspect the market could put a disproportionally higher multiple on lower earnings." NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM) stock is falling 0.48% to $84.99 in afternoon trading on Friday as shares of the Irving, TX-based energy company are pressured by a decline in oil prices. WTI crude is down 2.92% to $40.29 per barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, while Brent crude is decreasing 1.76% to $43.07 per barrel on the Intercontinental Exchange this afternoon. Oil prices weakened ahead of the meeting between some of the largest oil-producing countries in Doha, Qatar this Sunday. Representatives of the countries will discuss potentially freezing production, Reuters reports. Analysts and investors are concerned that production will be maintained at very high levels despite the growing surplus in oil, Reuters added. "A cut in production is very unlikely at this meeting and I would say it will probably not even be a discussion item on the meeting agenda," Energy Management Institute analyst Dominick Chirichella told Reuters. Additionally, U.S. energy company took three oil rigs out of production this week, bringing the total count to 351, according to Baker Hughes (BHI) data. For more on U.S. oil and gas rigs see here. Separately, Exxon Mobil has a "hold" rating and a letter grade of C at TheStreet Ratings because of the company's strengths, such as reasonable valuation levels and largely solid financial position with reasonable debt levels by most measures, and its weaknesses including feeble earnings per share growth, weak operating cash flow and poor profit margins. You can view the full analysis from the report here: XOM 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. 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. Recover your password. A password will be e-mailed to you. Hospital acquires new surgical robotics technology Burke Health announced the purchase of new robotics technology for use during spine surgical procedures last week. The Globus ExcelsiusGPS is a revolutionary robotic navigation platform system designed to be intuitive and streamline the surgical workflow. Real-time tracking of instruments and implants, along with audible, visual and tactile feedback, enables... County center wins senior trike Local seniors now have access to an adult tricycle. Director Kimberly Mathis attended the Move Augusta Senior Expo and Bike Rodeo sponsored by Augusta Urban Ministries October 8. The event, held at The Salvation Army Kroc Center, was aimed at people over 50 years old, and included resources and health... 4-H Food Challenge Team takes State For the first time, Burke County 4-H decided to put together a junior food challenge team this summer. Teams are compromised of 2-4 students in the 6th-8th grades. This competition is very competitive and teams must advance to state after the district competition. Our team started practicing weekly in July... County rehashes trash problem I am bringing up the trash again, Commissioner Evans Martin said during the October 11 meeting. We have to do something about the trash. Martin asked that the record show that he wants to do something about the countys dumpster sites. He made a suggestion that eliminating 10 sites would... "No electricity" reads a sign in a closed shop in Caracas. AFP More information Maduro modifica el huso horario para ahorrar energia en Venezuela Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has announced his country is once again changing its time zone, as a severe drought reduces power output by lowering water levels at hydroelectric dams. No details have been given as to whether Venezuelas clocks will move forward or backward, only that the change will be introduced on May 1. We have to adapt at a time of revolution so that [climate] change affects the quality of life and happiness of our people as little as possible, the president said on Thursday. Earlier this month, Maduro ordered a four-day working week until the end of May for government employees as part of continued energy-saving measures that saw extended Easter week holidays. On Friday, an extended, five-day national holiday to reinforce energy savings begins. Former President Hugo Chavez put Venezuela four-and-a-half hours behind GMT in 2007, saying this would allow children to prepare for school during daylight Non-government sources reported more than 8,250 power cuts between January and March, while experts predict that the countrys power stations are on the verge of collapse. In February, Venezuela, one of the biggest oil-producing nations in the world with nearly 300 billion barrels of proven reserves, began importing crude oil to help its staggering economy. Business leaders have questioned the efficacy of reducing working hours to save energy, saying this simply worsens the countrys long-standing economic crisis. The government blames the electricity shortages on drought caused by the El Nino weather phenomenon, while the opposition has accused President Maduros administration of mismanaging the national grid. Almost 70 percent of the South American countrys electricity comes from hydro power, and officials have been warning for weeks that the water level behind the nations largest dam has fallen to near its minimum operating level. If the government had to shut down the dam, electricity supply would be crippled. Former President Hugo Chavez put Venezuela four-and-a-half hours behind Greenwich Mean Time in 2007, saying this would allow children to sleep later and prepare for school during daylight. Venezuela is near the equator so daylight varies little by season. 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. English version by Nick Lyne But the tribe has a long way to go Strong headwinds of unpopularity continue to hobble leading Republicans Donald Trump and Ted Cruz with the public at-large, according to a new Washington Post-ABC News poll. By contrast, most Republicans see Trump and Cruz in a favorable light 56 and 58 percent, respectively while John Kasich is less popular among fellow partisans (47 percent) despite receiving the best ratings among the broader electorate. The poll finds Trump suffering little damage from recent controversies over punishments for women who have abortions and the arrest of his campaign manager, though the real-estate moguls ratings are still in the doldrums. Thirty-one percent of Americans have a favorable view of Trump while 67 percent are unfavorable nearly identical to an early March Post-ABC poll which found he would be the most disliked major-party nominee since at least 1984. Over half the public (53 percent) continues to see Trump in a strongly unfavorable light, ticking down from 56 percent last month. Cruz fares better with 36 percent favorable and 53 percent unfavorable among the public at-large; his strongly unfavorable mark is 20 percentage-points below Trumps level (33 percent for Cruz vs. 53 percent for Trump). Kasich receives an even split on this basic measure of popularity 39 favorable and 39 percent unfavorable, while over one-fifth report no opinion of him (22 percent). Trump and Cruz are both less popular than Mitt Romney at this point in the 2012 campaign, a year in which the eventual Republican nominee was haunted by weak personal ratings. In mid-April 2012, 40 percent had a favorable view of Romney while 48 percent were unfavorable. Romney trailed President Obama on this measure, one factor in Obamas re-election despite his own mediocre job ratings. The results portend a general election where both parties presidential nominees are disliked by most Americans. While the latest poll did not ask about Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton, a March Post-ABC poll found 46 percent rated her favorably while 52 percent saw her unfavorably. Strongly unfavorable ratings of the former secretary of state outnumbered strongly positive views by a 17-point margin (41 to 24 percent). Republicans also face a challenge unifying their party around an acceptable candidate at Julys convention, with the Post-ABC poll finding Cruz boosters have mixed views of Trump and vice versa. Among Republicans who rate Cruz favorably, 46 percent have a favorable view of Trump while 52 percent see him unfavorably. Trump supporters are similarly mixed on Cruz, with 48 percent seeing him positively and 51 percent negatively. Nearly 3 in 10 Republicans only have a favorable impression of Trump, disliking both Cruz and Kasich. The poll finds a persistent significant gender gap in Republicans views of Trump, with 64 percent of Republican men rating him positively compared with 47 percent of GOP women. The gap is slightly smaller than in March, though it contrasts with Cruz and Kasich who receive similar ratings among both Republican men and women. Trumps exceptionally high negative ratings are driven by negative impressions from across the political spectrum, but pose different levels of danger to him in a general election setting. For instance, his 87 percent unfavorable rating among self-identified Democrats is not very worrisome for his candidacy, as Republican presidential nominees rarely win much support among Democratic voters in general elections. Yet Trump also continues to receive strongly negative ratings among several key voting blocs that are at least partly up for grabs this year. Two-thirds of political independents have an unfavorable view of Trump, as do 74 percent of Americans under age 40; 75 percent of women, and 81 percent of Hispanics. Majorities in each group see Trump in a strongly unfavorable light, exceeding intense negative ratings of Cruz or Kasich by at least 20 points. Should those ratings fail to improve, Trumps potential path to victory rides on a surge in support and turnout among whites, particularly those without college degrees. Yet Trumps image among both groups is underwater. Whites see him negatively by a 59 to 39 percent margin, while non-college whites tilt negative by a narrower 52 to 45 percent. The Washington Post-ABC News poll was conducted April 6-10 among a random national sample of 1,010 adults, including users of both conventional and cellular phones. Overall results have a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points. (c) 2016, The Washington Post Scott Clement, Emily Guskin Teachers, it is said, have some of the hardest jobs in the world. The hours are long, and the rewards often intangible. In addition to designing and executing lesson plans, grading homework and coordinating extracurricular activities, teachers are expected to be surrogate parents, offering children personal comfort and protection over the course of a long school day. In recent years, teachers have also had to contend with a devastating reality: the increasing threat of school shootings. While gun violence in the U.S. has significantly declined since the 1990s, mass public shootings are on the rise, and schools are now viewed as vulnerable targets. One of the deadliest in history claimed 28 lives, including 20 children, after Adam Lanza opened fire at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., in 2012. Last October, a gunman fatally shot nine people at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Ore. These incidents, and every school shooting in between, have sent mourning parents and distraught education officials on a search for effective preventative measures. One that has long been bandied about, and now being tested in schools countrywide, is allowing teachers to bring guns to school. The Kingsburg Joint Union High School District in Kingsburg, Calif., is the latest district to pass such a measure. At a school board meeting on Monday, the Fresno Bee reported, members unanimously approved a policy that allows district employees to carry a concealed firearm within school bounds. The employees will be selected by the superintendent, and will have to complete a training and evaluation process. The new policy was made effective immediately. While proposals to arm teachers have been familiar refrains in Texas and Indiana, the passing of such a mandate on the West Coast signals that the strategy is being considered elsewhere in the country. In fact, the Folsom Cordova Unified School District covering the cities of Folsom, Rancho Cordova and Mather, Calif., has allowed teachers to bring guns to school since 2010, but only revealed the policy to parents last month. Our narrow practice of allowing select, law-abiding employees to securely store and access a firearm in the event of an emergency is a legal and appropriate safety measure given the unfortunate reality of violence in our society today, superintendent Deborah Bettencourt said in a letter to parents, according to the Los Angeles Times. The Folsom Cordova policy is more rigid than the newly-adopted one in Kingsburg, as the latter allows teachers to carry guns in a holster as opposed to simply storing them in vaults. Like the Folsom Cordova policy, however, Kingsburgs emphasis is on giving teachers the resources to protect their students and possibly prevent a Sandy Hook-scale tragedy. Reactions to Mondays vote have been mixed, with some parents expressing concern about how the presence of guns will change an otherwise relaxed school environment, where there are no surrounding fences or police officers. Mary Lou Swenning, whose grandchildren attend schools in the district, told the Fresno Bee that she was worried about the burden guns could place on teachers. She called the policy akin to measures out of the Wild West. Now were going to add something else for teachers to think about? Swenning asked. Shooting people, really? Thats a difficult thing for a police officer to do whos been trained to do this, and you have a split second to decide if you should kill this person or not. I wouldnt want that responsibility, and I wouldnt want it for our teachers. Whether parents want it or not, similar policies have already been adopted in Oklahoma, Ohio, Utah and other states. Many school districts cite the shooting at Sandy Hook as the kind of event that they hope armed teachers could prevent. Kasey Hansen, a special needs teacher in Salt Lake County, Utah, told NBC News in 2014 that she carried her pink handgun Lucy every day. I never really thought about it before Sandy Hook, Hansen said. I think every teacher should carry. We are the first line of defense. Someone is going to call the cops and they are going to be informed, but how long is it going to take for them to get to the school? On the other hand, a teacher was arrested earlier this month for bringing a concealed firearm into Newtown Middle School, located in the same town as Sandy Hook. The incident was very serious and troubling, the Newtown Public School system said in a statement. (c) 2016, The Washington Post Yanan Wang Al-Qaidas affiliate in Syria is a menacing force, overpowering moderate rebels even as it battles government troops. But in recent weeks, Jabhat al-Nusra has provoked a backlash that appears to be undermining its formidable power. Residents of opposition-held Idlib province in northwestern Syria have protested the groups heavy-handed tactics. Its fighters have been forced to withdraw from a town in the area because of mounting anger over their attack on a popular U.S.-supported rebel group and attempts to disrupt anti-government rallies. Syrias messy civil war has empowered Jabhat al-Nusra and other radicals, but analysts say the unusual outburst of frustration against the Islamist group signals that moderate voices have not been silenced. Moreover, the analysts note, a string of battlefield defeats suffered by the Islamic State Jabhat al-Nusras rival further demonstrates that the religious hard-liners are hardly invincible. We are seeing the beginning of unprecedented public expressions of protest, anger and resistance to Nusra, and this could easily climax into a popular revolt, said Fawaz Gerges, a professor of Middle Eastern politics at the London School of Economics and an expert on Islamist movements. In its quest to replace the Syrian government with an Islamist regime, Jabhat al-Nusra has overcome grave setbacks in the past. A number of its members defected to the Islamic State, which eventually overshadowed its al-Qaida-linked predecessor by declaring a caliphate in 2014 in territory it captured in Iraq and Syria. Jabhat al-Nusra militants have faced intense airstrikes from a U.S.-led military coalition and from Russia, which intervened in the conflict on behalf of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. And yet, Jabhat al-Nusra has grown in power, winning grudging respect among many Syrians as effective fighters against Assads forces. Careful not to anger people, the groups Syrian and foreign-born militants have avoided the brutality meted out by the Islamic State. They have a reputation for honesty. And with ample arms and cash, the group has smashed opposition rivals seen as corrupt and weak, including rebels who have received U.S. antitank weapons. Few rebels would dare provoke clashes with Jabhat al-Nusra, analysts say. Groups battling the Assad government regularly find themselves fighting on the same side as the al-Qaida franchise, and they probably want to avoid confrontation with its militants because that would likely prove very costly to the wider rebellion, said Aymenn al-Tamimi, a fellow at the Middle East Forum who studies Syrias extremist groups. But now, Jabhat al-Nusra is losing support in Idlib, where its fighters and allied Islamist militants hold considerable influence. Residents accuse the group of applying increasingly rigid interpretations of Islam, such as strict gender segregation in public places, executions of adulterers and seizures of the property of non-Muslims. Last summer, the militants reportedly shot dead more than a dozen members of Syrias Druze religious minority. That incident drew rebukes even from other Islamist rebel fighters allied with the group. Were all feeling like were suffocating now because of Nusra, which is acting like ISIS, said a prominent activist based in Idlib, speaking on the condition of anonymity because of security concerns. ISIS is another name for the Islamic State. A catalyst for the recent rallies against the group appears to be rooted in the shaky cease-fire agreement brokered by Russia and the United States to foster peace talks in Geneva. A second round of those talks began Wednesday. The cease-fire agreement excludes Jabhat al-Nusra and the Islamic State, an attempt to drive a wedge between the extremists and other Syrians. And it may be working, said Andrew Tabler, a Syria expert at the Washington Institute for Near East Studies. The moderate opposition and Nusra have common goals in that they want to fight Assad, but with this cessation of hostilities coming in effect, the differences between them are showing, he said. Since the cease-fire began, attacks by government warplanes have declined. Residents in several opposition-held areas across the country have taken advantage of the lull to stage anti-government demonstrations. On March 11, scores of people in Maarat al-Numan held a nationalist rally, with people waving the flags of Syrias opposition and chanting the revolutionary slogans of the countrys initially nonviolent uprising of 2011. Jabhat al-Nusra Islamists responded by storming the protest on motorcycles, attempting to break up the rally, which espoused nationalist principles at odds with the groups rigid Islamist beliefs. The following day, the militants targeted a popular rebel faction involved in the demonstration, a Free Syrian Army group known as Division 13, arresting its members and seizing weapons. Then the situation escalated dramatically. Division 13 rebels fought back but lost, with a number of them arrested or killed by Jabhat al-Nusra militants. Then hundreds of residents from the village, including children, came to Division 13s defense. They held large rallies, stormed buildings used by Jabhat al-Nusra and defaced the groups symbols. The protesters, who were shown in footage posted on social media setting fire to the militants facilities, eventually forced the group to leave town. In a snub to Jabhat al-Nusra, even allied Islamist rebels took part in the demonstrations. Its all-powerful image shaken, Jabhat al-Nusra agreed to arbitration from an Islamic court to resolve the dispute with Division 13. Under pressure from Nusra, the people have become angry. It intervenes in their lives, forcing their own agenda on people. So when the problems with Division 13 happened, all the people exploded in anger against Nusra and in support of us, said Zakaria Quitaz, a spokesman for Division 13. Jabhat al-Nusra has since released the detained Division 13 fighters, the rebel force has confirmed. But more public outbursts against the al-Qaida wing seem possible, if not probable, especially if Syrias partial truce manages to hold. Nusra is pretending not to be like ISIS, which it is. This makes them hypocrites, said a lawyer in Maarat al-Numan who spoke on the condition of anonymity because of safety concerns. At least with ISIS, theyre honest about what they do. (c) 2016, The Washington Post Hugh Naylor 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 A new poll conducted by the Ruderman Family Foundation, a Boston-based organization focused on strengthening the relations between Israel and the American Jewish community and dedicated to disability inclusion, found that only 6% of the Israeli public think Republican candidate Senator Ted Cruz is the most pro-Israel option. The recent study polled 500 Jewish Israelis of all backgrounds and religious denominations. When asked who Israelis believed was the most pro-Israel US presidential candidate, 33% responded with Trump, 31% for Hillary Clinton, while Bernie Sanders fared worse than Cruz with 5%. The poll, conducted by Dialog, asked Israelis a number of questions surrounding the relationship between Israel and the American Jewish community, a relationship the Foundation works tirelessly to strengthen. As part of these efforts, the Foundation is currently hosting 6 Members of Knesset for a one-week mission to the US for a series of sessions and meetings with leaders, philanthropists, elected officials, students and the greater Jewish public to learn about a wide array of issues and concerns facing the American Jewish community and to strengthen the relationship between the two countries moving forward. Israelis have a heightened concern over the outcome of the US presidential election since they know that the United States is Israels most important ally in the world, said Jay Ruderman, President of the Ruderman Family Foundation. Israelis also understand that the American Jewish community plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the United States remains a strong defender of the Jewish State. The poll revealed 53% of Israelis feel that Israeli Knesset members should take American Jews into consideration while drafting laws that might affect them in Israel; 86% of Israelis believe the Israeli Knesset should have close ties with American Jews; and 60% feel that Prime Minister Netanyahu should denounce remarks made by members of his cabinet that are viewed as offensive toward American Jews. It has been well reported that the relationship between the State of Israel and the American Jewish community is in flux and faced with many challenges, highlighted by recent controversy surrounding the new egalitarian prayer section at the Kosel that the Israeli government initially passed and then delayed. The Ruderman Knesset Mission consists of: MK Omer Bar-Lev (Machane Tzioni), MK Dr. Aliza Lavie (Yesh Atid), MK Dr. Yifat Shasha-Biton (Kulanu), MK Yoav Kisch (Likud), MK Dr. Avraham Neguise (Likud) and MK Michal Biran (Machane Tzioni). Complete poll results below 1. U.S. Presidential elections: In your opinion, which candidate is the most pro-Israel? A. 6% Ted Cruz B. 33% Donald Trump C. 1% John Kasich D. 31% Hilary Clinton E. 5% Bernie Sanders F. 24% I dont know 2. Often, Israeli Knesset members ask American Jews to enlist in support of the state of Israel on foreign policy and security issues, including combating growing boycotts of Israel, bolstering the Israeli home front, and U.S. military aid to Israel, among others. Do you agree or disagree that American Jews must actively stand alongside Israel on issues like these? A. 84% Agree B. 9% Disagree C. 7% No opinion 3. Do you agree or disagree with the notion that Israeli Knesset members should take American Jews into consideration while drafting laws that might affect them in Israel? A. 53% Agree B. 32% Disagree C. 15% No opinion 4. Recently, some Israeli Knesset members have made remarks viewed as very offensive to Reform Jews. Do you believe that the prime minister should denounce such remarks and act to prevent further offensive statements? A. 60% Agree B. 23% Disagree C. 17% No opinion 5. Do you believe Israeli Knesset members should have close ties with American Jews? A. 86% Yes B. 14% No 6. If so, what is the primary reason those ties should exist? A. Because Israel is the nation state of the entire Jewish people 57% B. Because American Jews are natural partners in the continued growth of the state of Israel 10% C. Because of the donations American Jews make to Israel 7% D. Because American Jews act for Israel in the international arena 26% 7. Do you believe Israel-U.S. relations improved or deteriorated over the past two years? A. 10% Improved B. 40% Deteriorated C. 30% They remain unchanged D. 20% No opinion (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) The IDF soldier who fired at the wounded terrorist in Hebron on Purim, killing him, has been officially indicated on charges of manslaughter. The military prosecutor filed the indictment on Thursday morning 6 Nissan. The prosecutor requests the soldier remain under base arrest during his trial as he has been during recent weeks while defense counsel asked to release him, explaining he does not pose any risk. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) I endorse Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. Mrs. Clinton is by far the superior candidate in the Democratic primary on the issues that matter most to our community, both nationally and internationally. She has a long history and strong record of combating efforts to delegitimize Israel, confronting anti-Semitism across the globe, and standing up for the needs of our community. Her opponent, unfortunately, has no such history or record, and has taken certain actions and made certain ill-founded statements that should be of deep concern to supporters of Israel and the larger Jewish community. I hope you will join me and vote for Hillary Clinton on April 19 to become the Democratic Partys nominee for President. Sol Werdiger Chairman of the Board- Agudath Israel of America It should be noted: The views expressed in the endorsement by Sol Werdiger are his alone and do not necessarily represent the views of Agudath Israel of America. They were expressed by Mr. Wordier in his individual capacity and the listing of his position as Chairman of the board at Agudath Israel of America is for identification purposes only. Agudath Israel of America, as a 501(c)(3) and wouldnt make that sort of endorsement. Seen in the photo above is Sol Werdiger and NYC Councilman David Greenfield who also endorsed Hillary Clinton. They both join Satmar which has also thrown its support behind Hillary. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) Military authorities reacted very seriously to the burning of a PA flag by soldiers manning a northern Shomron checkpoint. A platoon commander and a soldier from the Kfir Brigade were court-martialed this week. The platoon commander, a junior officer, was sentenced to twenty days imprisonment and a soldier was confined to base for 28 days. According to reports, the soldiers confiscated the flag during a car inspection and then set it ablaze. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) UNICEF will be releasing a poverty report on Friday, 7 Nissan addressing poverty among children in 41 Western civilized nations, including Israel. The report measures the gap between the middle class and the wealthy, measuring numerous social, economic, education, and health parameters. According to the report, Israel ranks last, behind even Chile and Mexico, regarding inequality between children among the Western nations. The report also cites close to 30% of all Israeli children are listed under the poverty line and the gaps existing in the areas of income, education, healthcare and social status is the worst among the nations included in the report. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Security forces are preparing for Pesach on many fronts, including the noticeable increase in hostile and threatening statements from within the PA and Islamic community pertaining to Jews visiting Har Habayis during Pesach. YWN-ISRAEL has reported numerous such calls during recent days, calls to use any means necessary to prevent Jews from visiting Har Habayis during Pesach. Government ministers including Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon calls for calm and PM Netanyahu has released statements to both Jordan and the PA that Israels religious status quo regarding Har Habayis remains unchanged. In addition, the Prime Minister stated provocation and violence would not be tolerated in any form whatsoever. Following is the statement released by Mr. Netanyahu during a Thursday afternoon 6 Nissan pre-Pesach toast with officials from the Union of Local Authorities. We must be patient. We know that there are attempts, even now, to change the trend of a decline in the number of terrorist attacks. There are, at present, attempts to rekindle the unrest and the violence, especially over Pesach and Har Habayis, as we previously experienced during the holidays last autumn. Ahead of Pesach, all kinds of extremist elements are spreading lies about our policy on Har Habayis in order to cause riots and stir things up. We are working against these inciters. We will increase our forces in places of friction; we will use additional defensive measures. We are also sending messages to Jordan, the Palestinian Authority and the entire Arab world. I also call on you, local council heads and mayors, Jewish and Arab alike, to work with your publics in order to calm the mood. Do not allow an extremist minority to change the order of things. I tell you for certain: There is no change in our policy regarding the status-quo on the Temple Mount. Do not believe the lies, which I regret are also being spread by several MKs. We are committed to maintaining the peace and the security and will do whatever it takes to ensure the security of the citizens of Israel. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) No, this is not a Purim parody but a true story from Bnei Brak shortly before Pesach. As many know, it is traditional in Israel for workers to receive a shai lchag (holiday gift) ahead of Rosh Hashanah and Pesach. It appears that Bnei Brak Mayor Chanoch Zeibert has distributed towels to city employees. The problem lies with the sanitation workers, who insist they received a towel and they are fed up with being discriminated against. Kikar Shabbos News quotes one city sanitation worker saying It would appear the mayor does not count the sanitation workers among the important people for we remove the trash and we were given a trashy towel. Histadrut National Labor Federation representatives in the city agree, and they will be seeking clarification from the mayors office. City official Avraham Tannenbaum explains the matter is not one of discrimination, explaining that the sanitation workers are manpower agency workers and not city employees and in the past they never received anything but this year it was decided to give them gifts despite the fact they are not city employees. Regarding the quality of the towels given to them, Tannenbaum acknowledges they are indeed inferior. (YWN Israel Desk, Jerusalem) Human remains found in 2011, including many believed to be of Jews shot on the banks of the Danube River near the end of World War II, were buried Friday in a Jewish cemetery in Budapest. Two wooden caskets containing hundreds of bone fragments were laid to rest according to Jewish customs in a ceremony attended by Christian clergy and government officials. The remains were found during the renovation of Margit Bridge, which is located in an area in downtown Budapest where an estimated 3,600 mostly Hungarian Jews were executed by henchmen and allies of Hungarys Arrow Cross, a pro-Nazi group which governed Hungary for a few months from late 1944. No similar series of murders took place in other large European cities. It is truly unique, said historian Gabor Tabajdi. Mass murders were taking place daily in the center of the city. Fridays burial took place on the eve of Hungarys Holocaust memorial day, which commemorates when Jews began to be placed in ghettos and camps ahead of their deportation to Nazi death camps. Over 420,000 Hungarian Jews were deported in less than 10 weeks and some 550,000 Hungarian Jews perished in the Holocaust. Andras Heisler, president of the Federation of Hungarian Jewish Communities, said the burial was the first and only case in 70 years of bones believed to be of Hungarian Holocaust victims being found and buried. This burial is a very important moment in the processing of these events, Heisler told The Associated Press. Id like if Hungarian Jews could break away from the position of victims they have been in for 70 years and move in the direction of progress and building the future. DNA testing found many bones had markers characteristic of Ashkenazi Jews. Rabbi Baruch Oberlander said there were no religious objections to the Jewish burial even if it could not be fully ascertained that all the remains were from Jews. According to Jewish law, based on a biblical dictum, when the identity of someone to be buried is unknown, it should be decided based on the majority population. Ninety-five percent or more of the human remains found in the Danube from that era are from Jews, so there is no question that they should get a Jewish burial, Oberlander said. This is a first burial, not a reburial, because they were in water and water is not considered a burial place. Oberlander, whose father witnessed some of the killings by the Danube, said he had been contacted by several families whose relatives had been shot into the Danube hoping to compare their DNA samples with the remains. During the ceremony at the Kozma Street Jewish Cemetery, Heisler recounted how his uncle, now 90 years old and living in Israel, survived his execution at the Danube when a bullet bounced off his forehead and another entered through his neck but exited without damaging vital organs. Heisler described the era as possibly the darkest in Hungarian history. We are burying bones, but behind the remains there are people of flesh and blood, Heisler said. May the earth rest lightly on them. (AP) New York State Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan visited Jewish day schools in the Five Towns with the Orthodox Union Teach NYS to speak with community leaders about the new state budgets impact on Long Islands nonpublic schools on Wednesday. The Majority Leaders schedule included visits to Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway in Lawrence and Shulamith School for Girls in Cedarhurst, where he met with students and parents; and the Hebrew Academy of Long Beach Executive Offices in Cedarhurst, where he met with school leaders. Majority Leader Flanagan also met with local rabbis. During each of these meetings, the Majority Leader discussed the 2016-2017 state budget as a win for nonpublic schools in and beyond the Five Towns. Majority Leader Flanagan also commended OU Teach NYS for its role in the budget process, praising the advocacy organizations commitment to New Yorks Jewish school community and congratulating them on a highly effective grassroots campaign. The 2016-2017 New York State Budget, passed by Governor Cuomo and the State Legislature on March 31st, included significant wins for New Yorks nonpublic schools, including Jewish day schools and yeshivas. In recognition of the critical role religious and secular nonpublic schools play in New York States communities, Albany allocated $2 million to create an Office of Religious and Independent Schools. Governor Cuomo and the State Legislature also boosted funding to programs that sustain Jewish day schools and yeshivas across the state, including the Comprehensive Attendance Policy, or CAP, and Mandated Services Aid. Both CAP and Mandated Services Aid were increased this year, with an additional $60 million set aside for further increases to the CAP program for the next two years. The new funding allocated in this years budget comes on top of a $250 million reimbursement awarded last year, $125 million of which nonpublic schools will receive in the upcoming school year. This aid puts funding for these programs at historic levels. The new budget also includes a major increase in security funding to New Yorks nonpublic schools, with $15 million allocated for personnel and equipment. All of these victories were the result of dedicated advocacy by OU Teach NYS, which orchestrated a monthslong campaign to ensure that Albany would recognize the needs of nonpublic school students across the state. Majority Leader Flanagan expressed staunch support for New Yorks nonpublic schools during this years budget negotiations. On Sunday he took his commitment to Long Islands Jewish students one step further, announcing the allocation of an additional $600,000 to Five Towns yeshivas. Thanks to Senator Flanagan, this years budget agreement will make a world of difference for our community, said Rabbi Perry Tirschwell, Executive Director of Shulamith School for Girls. As our school continues to grow and thrive, new state funds will help us provide students and teachers with the resources they need, and will help us keep them safe. Thank you to OU Teach NYS for bringing our voices to Albany, and thank you to Majority Leader Flanagan for recognizing our value. Were proud that Senator Flanagan stood with our community this year, and were thankful that OU Teach NYS helped make sure Albany heard our voice, said Jason Bokor, President of Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway. Every year, nonpublic schools in the Five Towns and across the state educate New Yorks future leaders. We take pride in cultivating a nurturing and safe environment for these students, and continued support from Albany makes this possible. OU Teach NYS has been honored to work with Senator Flanagan throughout the budget process, and we look forward to continuing this partnership, said Jake Adler, Policy Director for OU Teach NYS. Together, we can sustain New Yorks diverse faith communities by supporting our nonpublic schools. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) British authorities said Friday that at least five people have been arrested as part of expanding counterterrorism probes following last months attacks in Brussels. A senior police official, Marcus Beale, said the arrests were made in coordination with French and Belgian security agencies, but gave no immediate details on the suspects or potential charges. But British media, citing police sources, have reported that at least two suspects linked to the Paris and Brussels attacks traveled last year to Birmingham and took photographs of various sites, including a soccer stadium. Raids and arrests have been conducted across Europe as authorities seek to piece together an apparent terrorist web linked to the Brussels blasts that killed 32 people and Novembers rampage in Paris that claimed 130 lives. The Islamic State has asserted responsibility for both attacks. British officials said three men and a woman were taken into custody late Thursday in Birmingham in central Britain. Police later searched several apartments in the city. A fifth person was detained early Friday at Gatwick Airport outside London, the Reuters news agency reported. Birmingham has come under greater scrutiny following reports of visits last year by two high-profile figures: Mohamed Abrini, who was arrested last week, and alleged Paris attack plotter Abdelhamid Abaaoud, who was killed by French police days after the attacks. Belgian authorities say Abrini, 31, was the man in the hat seen walking alongside two of the suicide bombers at Brussels Airport. He also was spotted traveling from Belgium to France with the suspected Paris attackers. Last month, Britain Home Secretary Theresa May declined to give specifics about reports on Abaaouds possible activities in Birmingham, but noted that British investigators were working very closely with the Belgian authorities. Meanwhile, Belgiums transport minister, Jacqueline Galant, resigned Friday amid the fallout from a European Union report that criticized security protocols at Belgian airports long before the March 22 attacks. The confidential report, released by two Belgian opposition parties, cited shortcomings in the way Belgian airports handled safety checks. (c) 2016, The Washington Post Brian Murphy President Barack Obamas income fell to just over $436,000 in 2015, the lowest of his presidency, and he and first lady Michelle Obama paid nearly $81,500 in taxes, according to tax returns the White House released on Friday. The presidents more modest adjusted gross income reflected book sales that have continued to fall off in the years since he last published in 2006. The first family paid an effective tax rate of 18.7 percent. The Obamas also reported donating $64,000 to charity, or about 15 percent of their income. Like last year, their largest charitable donation, $9,000, went to the Fisher House Foundation, which assists wounded military members and their families. The 45 pages of documentation, which also includes an Illinois state tax return, shows a presidential salary of about $395,000, plus another $61,000 in payments stemming from Obamas two best-selling books. Last year, the couple reported making $94,889 from book sales a sharp decline from the millions Obama made when book sales surged after his 2009 inauguration. Obama and the first lady lowered their tax bill by claiming more than $145,000 in itemized deductions, including tax-deductible donations. Overpaid on their taxes, the Obamas will be receiving a refund of nearly $23,000. In addition to Fisher House Foundation, long the Obamas favored charity, the couple donated $5,000 to the Beau Biden Foundation, established in honor of Vice President Joe Bidens son who died of brain cancer last year. They contributed $5,000 to Sidwell Friends School, which daughters Sasha and Malia attend, while giving smaller amounts to nearly three dozen charities including AIDS United, Habitat for Humanity, United Negro College Fund and the Sandy Hook Promise Foundation. The Obamas reported paying just over $16,000 in state taxes in Illinois, where they own a home. Issues of tax fairness and politicians wealth have been at the center of this years presidential campaign, driven largely by Bernie Sanders calls for making the wealthy pay more and intense public interest in Donald Trumps personal wealth. Hillary Clinton has released 30 years of her tax returns, while Trump has refused to release any. Sanders said he also planned to release returns on Friday. While weve made progress toward ensuring that the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share, there is more work to do, White House spokesman Josh Earnest wrote in a blog post accompanying the release of Obamas taxes. We need to close special tax loopholes for millionaires and billionaires, and invest in the middle class. The vice president and his wife, Jill Biden, paid more than $91,500 in federal taxes last year on adjusted gross income of more than $392,000, for an effective rate of 23.3 percent. They paid smaller amounts in state taxes in Delaware, where they own a home, and in Virginia, where Jill Biden works as a community college professor. The Bidens reported more than $6,500 in donations to charity, including $2,400 to the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington, Delaware. They also gave $100 to Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, where nine parishioners were gunned down last year. They claimed $300 in deductions for clothing donated to a Delaware clothing bank. The Bidens also brought in about $19,000 in rental income, after mortgage and tax expenses, from a cottage on their property that they rent to Secret Service officers assigned to protect their Delaware home. The Bidens will get a federal refund of less than $200. (AP) An assault on 'illicit financial flows' has been pledged by the World Bank president Jim Yong Kim following the leak of the Panama Papers. 'Much of these assets are taken literally out of the hands of governments and the poor,' Kim said. Kim's robust comments came as Chancellor George Osborne arrived in Washington promising a five-nation assault on tax cheats with France, Italy, Spain and Germany. Tough talk: World Bank president Jim Yong Kimhas promised an assault on 'illicit financial flows' 'Today we deal another hammer blow against those who hide their illegal tax evasion in the dark corners of the financial system,' Osborne said. 'Britain will work with our major European partners to find out who really owns the secretive shell companies and trusts that have been used as conduits for evading tax, laundering money and benefitting from corruption.' The World Bank president sounded angry at the extent of tax avoidance revealed by the Panama disclosures and the impact it is making on the Bank's work in developing countries. 'It's a fundamental issue of trust. This is an issue of great, great concernif you're trying to end extreme poverty avoiding taxes, avoiding payments, taking state assets out of a country, these are very, very damaging.' Kim indicated the World Bank was determined to restore funds to emerging markets and the developing countries. 'We have to tackle the issue when former government officials leave a country and take stolen funds with them, we have to track them down and we do exactly that with our stolen asset recovery initiative,' Kim said. His promises of a clampdown were echoed by the IMF's Christine Lagarde, who offered technical support in reforming tax policy and closing loopholes to all the IMF's members. George Osborne has been urged to come clean over the huge loss taxpayers are likely to incur on RBS George Osborne was last night urged to come clean about the huge loss taxpayers are likely to incur on Royal Bank of Scotland. Caroline Flint, a Labour MP and member of the Commons Public Accounts Committee, said the chancellor needs to have an honest conversation with the public. The intervention came as the Treasury permanent secretary turned the spotlight on RBS by predicting the Government will have to consider selling the High Street giant at a huge loss. Shares in the bank are trading at less than half the break-even price of 5.02 paid by the former Labour government during the 46billion taxpayer rescue in 2008. But Sir Nick Macpherson suggested the Government may have to sell while they are still in the red as holding on to them for much longer will damage both bank and the economy. My experience of running banks is that the longer they stay in public hands, the greater the likelihood that you will lose value, he told the Financial Times. He added that it was going to be tricky for the Government to fulfil its plans to sell off its remaining 19.2billion stake before the next election. The Office for Budget Responsibility predicted last month that the Treasury will incur a 16.4billion loss from the sale over the course of this Parliament. The news came as RBS said it is axing another 400 jobs and closing 32 branches as it fights its way back towards a profit. Cool dude: Iceland founder and ceo Malcolm Walker Malcolm Walker is chief executive of Iceland, the frozen food store which he started in 1970. It floated on the stock exchange in 1984, before Walker bought the firm back in 2012. It currently has 860 stores across the UK. Walker, 70, is married to Rhianydd (Ranny) and has three children. Whats the worst job youve ever had? Working seven days a week as a deputy store manager for Woolworths. It was what drove me to look for other business opportunities, including founding Iceland. Toughest decision youve had to make? Firing 400 people at head office when I came back to Iceland in 2005. Actually it was one of the easiest decisions ever, because the business was on the brink of collapse and we had to act quickly and decisively to save it by freeing up the log jam of bureaucracy. Whats the best piece of advice youve ever been given? Keep attacking. Whats the quality you most admire in others? I often wonder how much more successful Id have been if only Id been more of a morning person. Apart from punctuality, the qualities I most admire in others are kindness, determination and a good sense of humour. Whos had the biggest influence on you? My wife Rhianydd (Ranny). Weve been together for over 45 years and without her support Im sure I would only have achieved a fraction of what I have done. What would you change about your job? The British attitude to frozen food. For some reason its perceived here as inferior to fresh food, when the opposite is almost always the case. What else would you have named your firm? We ran through a long list of other ice-related names when we set the business up, including Iceberg, Penguin, Igloo and Eskimo. It was my wife Ranny who came up with Iceland. What was your earliest childhood ambition? I wanted to be a joiner, mainly because I got an O-Level in woodwork. What would you like to own that you dont possess? A photo of myself holding an Iceland flag at the summit of Mount Everest. My son Richard and I made it as far as the North Col at 23,000ft in 2011. If your young self could see you now, what would he say? Our guys defend our borders but no one appreciates them - say Chambarak residents (video) The town of Chambarak in Armenias Gegharkunik province welcomes visitors with ghostly winter silence. Social problems existing in Chambarak have made the townspeople sad and depressed. I have two sons. Neither of them works. My daughter-in-law does not work either, says Boris Khechoyan, one of the citizens of the town. The seven-member family lives on the pension of the elderly couple. Though my sons go abroad and work several months there, the money they bring does not even suffice to cover kindergarten expenses, says Mr Khechoyan. Driving a car in the town is a terrible ordeal. There is no guarantee that you will arrive at your destination safely. If you decide to take the risk and drive your car, you will have to spend ten days on repairs. Despite its status, people in this town are engaged cattle breeding which is the main source of their income. You pay for everything - haying harvest, buying fuel, etc. we do not earn as much money as to cover all costs, said Alvard Adamyan. Many work in the nearby military unit but cannot solve their problems with their salaries. Majority of our guys defending our borders are ill. They continue their military service in that condition but no one appreciates the work they do, she added. Residents of Chambarak do not remember when officials visited their town last. Chambarak is neglected, everything is done for the capital for Yerevan citizens, Svetlana Hapinyan added. 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 Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Tom Allon It is the underpinning of all knowledge and behavior, yet no one teaches ethics anymore. For the last five decades, we have seen the waning of civics classes in high schools and ethics classes in colleges. In the corporate world, learning ethics has become an anachronistic notion. Worse, in government around the country, political ethics has become an oxymoron, a punch line to an erstwhile joke. State governments in all 50 states were recently given grades by a good-government group based on ethical behavior: the highest grade was a C for California. Everyone else received a D or lower. In New York State, two of the three most powerful leaders for the last decade are about to be measured for prison jumpsuits. But again there is a deafening silence from the governor and the Legislature in Albany about ethics reform. We are in the midst of a Watergate Moment, and our leaders are again snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. Are our elected leaders going insane? Certainly seems like it. There has been an endless torrent of commentary and prognostication on this seemingly interminable presidential campaign. But throughout, the voters have been reacting to the honesty and authenticity of the candidates. Ironically, the two leading candidatesHillary Clinton and Donald Trumpregister very low in surveys asking voters whether they are honest or trustworthy. Donald Trump, in a case of the pot calling the kettle black, calls his main opponent Lyin Ted Cruz. When will this insanity end? Hasnt this country learned from Watergate, the crushing corruption scandal that brought down a president more than four decades ago? What about the lessons of the inappropriate sexual relationship between a president and a White House intern that derailed the Clinton presidency? Or the Bush administrations lying to the public about non-existent weapons of mass destruction in Iraq that led to a disastrous and very costly war in the Middle East? And now in New York, in the wake of the Sheldon Silver and Dean Skelos pay-to-play scandals, come reports that Mayor de Blasio and top police brass are being investigated on a number of fronts. Large campaign donors reportedly received special treatment from some leaders of the NYPD. A nursing home on the Lower East Side was sold to a developer for a tremendous profit after the city government waived a restriction that was meant to keep this facility a non-profit health care option. The mind reels from this endless cascade of mind-numbing malfeasance. So where do we go from here? I am a firm believer that mandatory ethics classes for all professions are one smart route. All those involved in governmentfrom staffers to lobbyists to consultants to elected leadersneed to take continuing ethical education each year. Lawyers and doctors must do ongoing training to keep their licenses, so why not those in the political world? This year, we have reached a tipping point in the publics utter disdain with our elected leaders. Congress members are held in contempt by the public; some surveys show that less than 10 percent of the population respects the legislative body that makes decisions that govern our lives. The unfavorable survey results for both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump outpace their favorable ratings. And yet the choice for our next leader, it appears, will come down to the lesser of two evils. Its time for ethics classes for our leaders. And for our children, isnt it time to resurrect the ethics classes that had been taught since ancient Greece? Pre-K would be a good place to start, so we can ensure the next generation behaves better than this one. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Madina Toure U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.) stressed his strong New York roots and expressed confidence about the strength of his campaign at a rally in Long Island City last weekend. Speaking before supporters from the five boroughs at LaGuardia Community Colleges Performing Arts Center at 31-10 Thomson Ave. on April 9, Sanders joked that Queens residents see Brooklyn as a foreign nation but stressed his personal connection to the city. I think we have a personal advantage here, Sanders said. I was born and raised in Brooklyn. He claimed to lead Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump, citing his edge as a sign of his campaigns uniqueness. We are making a whole lot of progress and I think the reason is that were doing something pretty unusual in a campaign, he said. No. 1 we are telling the American people the truth and No. 2, as part of the truth, we are raising issues that are not always pleasant but have to be dealt with. He contended Clintons supporters are becoming anxious because he has won seven out of the last eight Democratic primaries and was ahead in Wyoming. He has since won the Wyoming caucus. What has been happening in this campaign is that we began, according to the media and the experts, as a fringe candidacy and it had a lot to do with the views we were bringing forth and a lot of experts said, Who in America would agree with Bernie Sanders that we need a political revolution? he said. Well, it turned out that many millions of people actually did agree with us. Actor Kal Penn introduced Sanders, praising the senator for being the only candidate who has refused to accept money from lobbyists. Im excited because hes been pushing hard his whole life for us and his candidacy, I think, allows us to build on the last eight years of progress and I think thats fantastic, Penn said. Sanders will be holding another rally at Hunters Point South Park on April 18 at 5 p.m. featuring actors Danny Glover and Fisher Stevens as special guests. Supporters chanted We love you Bernie! as he left the venue following the rally, holding up signs with the candidates name. Brooklyn resident Nick Farrow, 45, a graphic artist from England, designs Bernie Sanders T-shirts. He said about 200 people who were not able to get into the auditorium were sent to an overspill room. But they were surprised when Sanders walked in and gave them a shortened version of his speech. So were standing in this really small room with about 200 people and who walks out? Bernie Sanders, to talk to us to say, Listen, I apologize that we couldnt get you all in, Farrow said. They put you in this room, but Im going to speak to you guys first and do you a condensed speech, which is a really cool thing to do. Brooklyn resident Zeshawn Ali, 25, and his brother, Manhattan resident, Aman Ali, 31, who are Muslim, said they are impressed with the candidates ability to resonate with New Yorkers and the Muslim community. Not only has he reached to Muslims but (he) takes the time to listen, Aman Ali said. The candidate also spoke about campaign finance reform, minimum wage, how he plans to come up with funding for his proposal for free college tuition and the need for longer maternity leave, among other issues. He criticized the Supreme Courts 2010 decision in the Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission case. Six years ago, (the) United States Supreme Court made one of the worst decisions in the history of this country in Citizens United and what they said is that, OK billionaires, you already own much of the nation, now were going to give you the opportunity to buy the United States government and that is what they are trying to do as we speak, he said. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Madina Toure At the second annual Black Lives Matter Summit at LaGuardia Community College, Rev. Al Sharpton and civil rights leader and anti-violence activist Tamika Mallory shared their thoughts on the movement and race relations in the United States. The daylong summit, held in the Mainstage Theater of the college at 31-10 Thomson Ave., touched on inequality faced by minorities in contemporary society. Discussions centered on race, education, police brutality, health and wellness. Sharpton, founder and president of civil rights organization National Action Network, reminded attendees of the Poor Peoples Campaign, a national movement Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. started in 1968 that sought economic justice for poor individuals in the United States. As King was building the campaign, a labor strike took place in Memphis and he was able to attend and demonstrate the parallel between the Poor Peoples Campaign and the labor strike to get support for his campaign, Sharpton said. But some younger, more radical attendees who attacked him for being a nonviolent advocate started breaking windows and someone ended up getting killed, which prompted some people to accuse MLK of leading a riot, Sharpton continued. MLK went back to Memphis to prove that he could be the nonviolent advocate but he was assassinated there April 4, 1968. I start with that story because 48 years later, were still dealing with the issue of economic failure, poor people not getting a fair share, he said. Were still arguing about whos the most militant, whos the most radical and whos not and still not focused on (the fact that) we can all have different tactics. It doesnt matter what route you choose if were all headed to the same place, he continued. In the middle of all of that arguing about whether King was a selloutthey killed King. Sharpton also said although he believes that all lives matter, not all lives have been treated the same way and that ahead of the April 19 New York state primary, voters should focus on the candidate who is on the side of the black community. The only counsel I will give is decide what your goals are and agendas (are) and see who speaks to that agenda, he said. They keep asking me who am I going to endorse. Im more concerned with whos going to endorse us. Mallory, former executive director of the National Action Network, gave the keynote address. She said young activists should not be underestimated. There are lots of millennial activists who are organizing, who are really sort of coming up and are really taking on the reins in the leadership and so please do not let people tell you that we are not making major change across this nation and we will continue to do so, she said. She also said there should be more conversations about the Black Lives Matter movement as it pertains to women and girls. We somehow in our minds are very, very caught up in supporting our men and our women have become a second conversation, she said. It took two years after the White House launched its My Brothers Keeper initiative for three black female congresswomen just last month to form the first ever black caucus on black women and girls. Why? Because I believe that the lives of black and brown girls are simply not valued as much in our society. Darren Ferguson, campus life manager for the Multicultural Exchange in the colleges Division of Student Affairs, and Michael Baston, the colleges vice president of student affairs, also spoke. Nikol Pashinyan to meet Vladimir Gasparyan to discuss cases of bribery in Hrazdan city Armenian lawmaker Nikol Pashinyan who heads the pre-election headquarters of Sasun Mikaelyan, one of the mayoral candidates in the city of Hrazdan, says the campaign was on the whole positive despite the cases of bribery. Pashinyan says he is going to talk to the Chief of Armenian Police, Vladimir Gasparyan, in connection with the recorded cases of bribery and other forms of corruption. There will be some appropriate occasion in the National Assembly or somewhere else, the lawmaker said. The incumbent mayor has little chances to be re-elected although he may use the administrative levers, Nikol Pashinyan said. He says the amount of pre-election bribe is AMD 10 000, but he predicts that the stakes may rise, with election day nearing. The headquarters has also observed inaccuracies on voter lists. A total of 40 000 eligible voters are registered in the city whereas the real number of voters stands at 27 000. Sasun Mikaelyan did not participate in the press conference because he had gone to Artsakh. Pashinyan expects him to return tomorrow. Mayoral elections in Hrazdan are scheduled for April 17. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Madina Toure Former President Bill Clinton and Queens elected officials described his wife, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, as a strong advocate for minorities at an organizing event in downtown Flushing Tuesday morning. Clinton, along with Hillary for New York, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders for Hillary and U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) hosted the event at Mudan Banquet Hall at 136-17 39th Ave. Clinton said that when he was president, there were $800 billion in small business loans available in the United States through the Community Reinvestment Act and that women and minorities were given more loans. We doubled the number of small business loans to women and to minoritiesthats what Hillary wants to do again, he said. Meng, who introduced Clinton, praised Hillary for her work in the international community and her commitment to both human rights and womens rights. As a mom, as former first lady, as senator from this great state of New York, as secretary of state and as a lawyer and activist, Hillary Clinton has always fought for the rights and interests of every person in this room, she said. State Assemblyman Ron Kim (D-Flushing) described Clinton as the best advocate for the Asian-American community, which he said has suffered from stereotypes and discrimination for a long time. For as long as I have known and observed Hillary, she has consistently been inclusive of all communities and embraced people from all backgrounds, he said. She embodies the word empathy. Several other Queens lawmakers attended the event. Clinton reminded the audience that after his wife graduated from Yale Law School, she helped register Mexican-American voters and worked for the Childrens Defense Fund. She also taught and led legal clinics representing disenfranchised individuals in Arkansas, he said. The reason Hillary ought to be president is that shes a world-class change maker, he said. She may not be the best talker although I think shes pretty good but I know this. He touted her role in the creation of the State Childrens Health Insurance Program in 1997, a program run by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that she supported when he was president. He also cited her vote for the comprehensive immigration reform bill sponsored by the late U.S. Sens. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.) in 2007 while she was a U.S. senator and her support of the Safe Schools Improvement Act introduced in 2015. Clinton added that Hillary and her Democratic primary opponent, U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.), have had a very elevated and fierce debate about the issues facing America compared to the Republican presidential candidates. But he rejected the notion that only Hillary is part of the Washington establishment, saying that they (Hillary and Bernie) voted together 93 percent of the time. Reshma Saujani, founder and CEO of Girls Who Code and two-time Olympic medalist Michelle Kwan, a former figure skater who now works for Hillary Clintons campaign, also spoke in support of the candidate. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams For the first time in years Queens matters in the presidential primaries. In recent memory, New York City had been a foregone conclusion every four years when the big races rolled around. The favored Democrat blitzed the challengers and the Republicans small Queens numbers were barely a blip in the overall results. But 2016 has ushered in a new era, thanks to the maverick candidacies of U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders and businessman Donald Trump, as more Queens residents tune into the unorthodox presidential politics. And the candidates have been compelled to drop in on Queens as the April 18 primary approaches. Last Saturday Berniea Brooklyn native by way of Vermontrolled into LaGuardia Community College in Long Island City and joked that Queens residents see Brooklyn as a foreign nation. He said his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, was becoming nervous because he had just piled up an impressive string of primary victories. As for Hillary, she visited Greater Allen AME Cathedral in Jamaica Sundaya cordially required stop for Democratic White House hopefuls yearsas her husband Bill stumped for her at the New York Hall of Science, touting her pro-immigration record. The next day she met supporters at the Jackson Diner in Jackson Heights, where she criticized Trump for potentially undermining the safety of our people with his divisive attacks on Muslims. As for Trump, he waxed poetic about his Queens roots despite not having held a campaign eventyet in the borough. He told a Sunday rally in Bethpage, L.I. (across the border), Driving over here I passed through Queens. I love Queens, I grew up in Queens. Last week he named two Queens Republicans to run his borough campaign, but the focus was on John Haggerty. A GOP operative who went to jail for stealing $750,000 from former Mayor Michael Bloomberg to buy his fathers house in Forest Hills, Haggerty was hired by Carl Paladino, the former gubernatorial candidate who is heading up Trumps operation in the state. His role is not known. Haggerty and Trump were no-shows at the Queens County GOPs annual dinner at Terrace on the Park Monday night, where Republican contender Ted Cruzs wife Heidi appearedwithout Ted. Of course, John Kasich made his mark in Howard Beach by eating pizza with a knife and forka de Blasio gaffebefore the parade of other contenders followed him to the borough. Queens is happy to be on the must-call list. Weigh your choices and get out to the polls next Tuesday where your primary vote will count for a change. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Madina Toure An Algerian-American man who lived in Whitestone who pleaded guilty to terrorism and other related charges in 2012 in connection with a plot to bomb New York City synagogues attempted suicide in jail last week, according to his lawyer. Ahmed Ferhani, who lived on 143rd Street in Whitestone, tried to hang himself in his cell at the Attica Correctional Facility, his lawyer, Lamis Deek, said. Ferhanis family was notified April 7, but they are currently trying to figure out exactly when he attempted suicide, Deek said. She said they plan to make a Freedom of Information Law request to figure it out but they are assuming it happened April 6. Hes in a medically induced coma and he has a 50 percent chance of survival, Deek said. If he survives, he will be in very bad condition. Ferhani, 31, pleaded guilty in December 2012 and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. A spokesman for the city Department of Correction confirmed that Ferhani was taken to a hospital but would not confirm that he attempted suicide. Inmate Ahmed Ferhani has been transferred to an outside hospital and remains in the custody of Attica Correctional Facility, the spokesman said. Ferhani was born in Algeria and moved to the United States in 1995, earning an associates degree in business from the Borough of Manhattan Community College. He also worked as a sales associate at Saks Fifth Avenue. Prosecutors said that between October 2010 and his arrest in May 2011, he plotted to pose as a Hasidic Jew and blow up Manhattan synagogues by hiding explosives in them. This was discovered during exchanges he had with an undercover officer. But at the time, Deek insisted that the undercover agent tricked him, encouraging him to go through with the plan. Deek said Ferhani wrote two letters to U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch, in which he detailed the abuse he experienced at Attica and Great Meadow Correctional Facility, where he was previously held, and mentioned that he would face retaliation for writing to her. He had repeatedly informed many people that he was afraid to complain, because each complaint was met with retaliation by the officers, she said. She also said he wrote a letter to Katrina vanden Heuvel, editor and publisher of The Nationwhich first reported the attempted suicide and reviewed the lettersabout his conditions at Great Meadow. He detailed verbal harassment, physical abuse, sexual harassment, Deek said. The officers at Attica repeatedly tried to isolate him from everybody else, called him a terrorist and they would say that he had bombs in his pockets, Dont go near him. They would instruct the inmates to not speak with him. They were constantly threatening him, she continued. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Patrick Donachie A representative for an organization supportive of charter schools addressed District 28s Community Education Council last week about the spate of violence and guns in the citys public schools. The meeting came hours after 11 city families filed a lawsuit against the Department of Education, alleging that the city failed to protect students from violence and bullying. Were not in a battle. Were trying to figure out what to do in our schools, Shamona Kirkland, the lead organizer at Families for Excellent Schools, said during the CECs monthly meeting at 90-27 Sutphin Blvd. in Jamaica. Teachers cant teach in a chaotic environment and students cant learn in a violent environment. District 28 covers schools in Jamaica, Forest Hills and Richmond Hill. The suit was announced during a Families for Excellent Schools rally held at City Hall April 7. The organization alleged that the DOE inaccurately reports decreases in school violence. State data indicates violent incidents in public schools are on the rise. Last month, two students brought guns to District 28 schools in Jamaica in separate incidents. On March 14, a student smuggled a loaded 9mm pistol into Public School 40, and three days later, a student brought a loaded handgun into York Early College Academy. There were no injuries in either incident. Families for Excellent Schools is a prominent proponent of charter schools and a frequent critic of Mayor Bill de Blasios education policies. Kirkland admitted the organization had political aims, but hoped it could partner with district school parents and teachers to reduce violence. Were the biggest school system in the world, she said, referring to New Yorks public education system. If we get it right, we affect the nation. District 28 Superintendent Mable Muniz-Sarduy also updated the council on issues in the district and spoke about the state English Language Arts tests students in the district had completed that day. Though many parents across the state were pulling their children out of participating in the exams, Muniz-Sarduy said only 275 students in District 28 schools had opted-out, compared to the 15,000 total number of students in the district. Muniz-Sarduy said she believed the tests were an important, if not total, barometer of students progress. In every walk of life, were evaluated, and were evaluated in many ways, she said. One exam does not dictate promotion and does not dictate what a year of progress means. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams By Kevin Zimmerman Not long ago, trolling was a fishing term used to describe the practice of dragging a baited line behind a boat. But a quick look at Urban Dictionary redefines it as a deliberately offensive or provocative online posting with the aim of upsetting someone or eliciting an angry response from them. Since the Internet lets a troll publish comments anonymously, the poster can toss out racist, anti-Semitic, xenophobic and hateful speech, then hide in the shadows to relish in the ensuing chaos. In Ken Grellers play Troll, produced by The Rushline Co. at the Secret Theatre through April 24, the playwright asks whether trolling is a harmless amusement or a destructive force. As a jumping-off point, Greller uses the real case of a troller who posted non-pornographic images of underage girls on a thread labeled Jailbait on the social news networking site Reddit. In mid-October 2012, Gawker published a piece which revealed the identity of the Jailbait poster. A few days later, the poster was fired from his job at a financial office in Texas. On stage, Ari, played by Brian Drummy, spends his days in Manhattan toiling for Gawker, publishing pieces on his sexual dalliances using the gay hookup app Grindr, and struggling with his desire to do something that matters. He believes he has found it by uncovering the identity of the Jailbait poster, and he plans to publish all of the posters personal informationa practice known in web parlance as doxing. But just because you can do something does not necessarily mean you should do itan ethical dilemma Ari does not seem to grasp. Not that he doesnt hear from the other sidefrom his friend, frat-boy Tim; former boyfriend turned heterosexual Ben; and even the Jailbait poster himself, Arnold. Each of the actors in the three supporting roles delivers an honest, funny performance. As Tim, Andrew Block, who we first see at a Halloween party dressed as Paul Ryan from the Time magazine photo shoot of the congressman working out in the gym, only seems interested in getting drunk, hooking up with women, and prolonging the college experience as long as he can. Reggie D. White as Ben gives the productions most skillful performance. Ben must deal with his ex-boyfriend while trying to move on with his life. Yes, as Ari says at one point, Ben may be crawling back into the closet with his desire to date women, but it is clear that Ben is struggling and could use support. He, too, tries to persuade Ari to drop the Jailbait reveal. Just because youre miserable and [expletive deleted] up doesnt mean you get to do whatever you want, Ben says. And in his one scene as Arnold, Jeffrey Delano Davis runs through Elizabeth Kubler-Ross five stages of deathdenial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptancewhen confronted by Ari. Arnold trolls to amuse himself in his otherwise sad existence. None of it really means anything or is actually illegal. He is just looking for a little relief from reality. Not everybody gets to be happy, Arnold says, but not everybody has to be sad. While Drummy at times seems less able to deliver than his co-stars, he still gives a fine performance as Ari. He also earns respect for the brave act of completely disrobing at one point. Ultimately, Ari must decide if destroying Arnold will help save his own life. As the show winds down with Hurricane Sandy kicking up outside, it is not clear what, if anything, Ari has accomplished. Director Jason Modica keeps the action moving along at a nice clip in this one-act, approximately 90-minute production. Cheers also to scenic and projection designer Bryce Cutler, who effectively uses more than 150 cardboard shipping boxes that encircle the Secrets stage area. If you go Troll When: Through April 24 Where: Secret Theatre, 44-02 23rd St., Long Island City Cost: $18 Contact: (718) 392-0722 Website: www.secre tthea tre.com 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. SHARE Times Record News file Tempranillo grapes are ready to be crafted into a dry red wine. Twenty-two vineyards will bring two wines each, usually a red and a white, to Saturday's Red River Wine & Beer Festival. Times Record News file A volunteer pours a glass of Becker Vineyards' cabernet-Syrah at the Red River Wine & Beer Festival. Gannett Wine aficionados will have 44 Texas wines to sample at Saturday's Red River Wine & Beer Festival. Times Record News file Blue Ostrich Winery and Vineyards near Saint Jo will be one of the 22 wineries attending Saturday's Red River Wine & Beer Festival. By Lana Sweeten-Shults of the Times Record News Sips & suds "A loaf of bread, a jug of wine, and thou." Omar Khayyam "When the wine goes in, strange things come out." Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller "This is one of the disadvantages of wine: It makes a man mistake words for thought." Samuel Johnson The Red River Wine & Beer festival will roll out the barrel just as much as it will uncork a bottle. The palate-pleasing event, tackling the tongue and taste buds with sweet and fruity notes, buttery bites, a bit of toasty exclamation and unctuousness, returns to the J.S. Bridwell Agricultural Center on Saturday evening for the 12th year. The beer area of the event, once a dalliance or side trip to the main wine event, has become so popular over the years that festival organizers the Senior Junior Forum added the word beer to the event's name this year. "We've always had beer, and a lot of people didn't know that," said Karol Gilbert, who is co-chairing Saturday's event with Susan Richardson. "People will tell us, 'We don't drink wine.' We'll tell them, 'Well, we have beer, too.'" This is where beer connoisseurs can stray from their usual choices: the Bud Lights, the standard Coors and the like. Craft beer in America those made by small, independent brewers has risen in true juggernaut proportion as it continues its meteoric rise. That, of course, means microbreweries and such are taking some of the spotlight away from big beer. Not that big beer hasn't noticed and come up with their own specialty brews. Let's jot down some notes about the beers at the Red River Wine & Beer Fest, which will be provided by Falls Distributing and Fisher Beverage at the Beer Corral. Expect such labels as Firestone-Walker 85, Goose Island Green Lime, Lakewood Lager and Shock Top Summer Grapefruit, supplied by Falls Distributing. Fisher Beverage will dole out Shiner Prickly Pear, Shiner Ruby Bird, Rah Brewing Ugly Pig and Rah Brewing Pride of Texas, to name a few. Of course, while beer is a sudsy delight at the festival, for sure, it's the 22 wineries that will be pouring it on. What's different about the Red River Wine Fest is that it celebrates Texas wines. While California wines are established in the bacchanalian consciousness, Texas continues to establish its reputation. It is the fifth wine-producing state in the country and the seventh wine grape producer. Also, Texas wineries, more than 350 of them, contribute more than $1.88 billion of economic value to the state, according to the Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association. The Senior Junior Forum asks participating vineyards to bring two wines each, usually a red and a white, for festivalgoers to sample. "That's 44 wines. We try to keep a balance of a red and a white or maybe a blush," Gilbert said. " ... We try to keep a balance of a sweet and a dry." Those wineries will be competing for bragging rights and will try to top last year's winners: Brushy Creek's Sunset Red, which received the first-place honor; Red 55 Winery's Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, second; and Braman Winery's Sparkles Flamingo, along with Llano Estacado's Red Moscato, tied for third. The wineries on slate include some local favorites, including Alton and Lana Gates' Wichita Falls Vineyards & Winery, which will bring its award-winning Wichita Red and also its viognier; Alvord's Brushy Creek's Vineyards, slated to tote along its Sunset Red and its sangiovese; and Saint Jo's Blue Ostrich Winery & Vineyards, which will make the trip with its Table One Red Blend and its 2 Muscateers (it's a white sparkling moscato wine with a half orange muscat and half canaelli). Some other wineries to look for are big names in the Texas wine industry, such as Messina Hof in Fredericksburg, Llano Estacado, of Arlington, and McPherson Cellars, of Lubbock. And look for new names at the festival, such as Paris Vineyards. Miranda Lambert's Red 55 Winery also will two-step our way with a cabernet sauvignon and the Electric Pink White Zinfandel. Besides all the wines ticket holders get to sample 10 (though they can buy extra samples) the festival also will welcome plenty of food vendors, almost a dozen of them, from the Gypsy Kit to Vernon College's Culinary School, TGS Cupcakery, Butterstick Bakery and the Pecan Shed. Those are just a few of the names. Look for merchandise vendors, such as HipKlips, woodturner James McClain, the Pampered Chef and Kenny's Seasoning, as well as a silent auction. And the band Walkin' Johnny will entertain. The roots country and rock band has shared the stage with Cody Canada and The Departed, Statesboro Revue and the Judson Cole Band. The group has just released the EP "A Little Messed Up." As always, the festival supports the community projects of the Senior Junior Forum, which is a department of the Woman's Forum. The Senior Junior Forum supports such agencies as Faith Refuge, The Kitchen and Beacon Lighthouse for the Blind. IF YOU GO What: Red River Wine & Beer Festival Where: J.S. Bridwell Agricultural Center When: 6-10 p.m. Saturday Tickets: $25 each, includes a souvenir wineglass and 10 tickets for wine and beer samples. Tickets in advance available at Local Boys Liquor, Market Street and Union Square Credit Union. Additional wine and beer sample tickets may be purchased. The cost is $3 for two additional sample tickets or $5 for four. Contact: redriverwinefestival.com Karabakh issue included in agenda of PACE session (video) During the next session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) to be held in Strasbourg on April 18-22, Armenian delegates will speak about the importance of involving the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic in the negotiation process. The issue will be discussed on April 21. Azerbaijan has committed such crimes that the international community cannot turn a blind eye to them and pretend to be a well-known animal [ostrich]. These facts are more than enough to recognise Azerbaijan as a military criminal, Naira Zohrabyan, head of the Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) faction, said today. She says during the PACE session they will not show the photos depicting the atrocities of Azerbaijan but the photos will be shown to the Commissioner for Human Rights. This handwriting is typical of a terrorist state. One cannot imagine that Homo sapiens can be capable of such atrocities, she said. Naira Zohrabyan added that the Strasbourg-based structure will not adopt any resolution or statement after the discussion. Anyway, she wants to know whether the international organizations, that have the authority to recognize Azerbaijan as a military criminal, will put the truth above their interests. In her speech, Naira Zohrabyan will also call on her PACE colleagues to unseat PACE President Pedro Agramunt. He calls Armenia an aggressor and behaves as Aliyevs spokesman spreading disinformation and alleging that Azerbaijan has ceased fire while the Armenian side continues violating the truce. Do I have the right to ask PACE delegates why they have chosen Aliyevs spokesman as PACE President? Naira Zohrabyan said. Contributed photo Drummer Orlando Aboujaoude (right) performs with his sons, guitarist Matthew and bassist Christopher, in Beirut-based Pink Floyd tribute band Brick Floyd. The guys will be in concert Saturday at the Iron Horse Pub. SHARE By Richard Carter, Special to the Times Record News The dark side of the moon will be in rare view Saturday at the Iron Horse Pub when Beirut-based Brick Floyd returns to town on its second American tour. Drummer Orlando Aboujaoude and his two sons, guitarist Matthew and bassist Christopher, play music from the entire catalog of Pink Floyd accented with a synchronized light and laser show. The family began playing blues jams and hard rock together six years ago. About two years ago, they added Pink Floyd hits. "We fell in love with the Floyd, and we started playing song after song after song, and we had set lists of just Pink Floyd songs," Matthew said. It wasn't long before they decided to do a full Pink Floyd tribute with the light and laser show that Christopher programmed and synchronized to the beats. "It's really something exciting," he said. Matthew does the David Gilmour vocal parts, while Christopher sings the Roger Waters parts and plays bass and keyboards. "At first you start with the hits like 'Another Brick in the Wall,' 'Shine On You Crazy Diamond' and the 'Dark Side of the Moon' stuff. As the project went forward, we started expanding backward and forward and the complete 24-minute 'Echoes' and going to the early Syd Barrett songs, like 'Arnold Layne.' "It's fun to play music from so many different eras, up through 'Division Bell,'" he said. The trio's tour celebrates 50 years of the psychedelic British band, which formed in 1965 and released its groundbreaking album, "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn," in 1967. The first year Brick Floyd played, the band performed about 25 shows in Lebanon, anything from small bars to an outdoor festival with about 5,000 people. "We were trying to play in Dubai and Egypt, but that plan changed and we came to the United States in 2015 and played a dozen shows, including the Iron Horse Pub." Since 2015, the guys have expanded their lights, lasers and set list and will perform in new cities, such as Dallas and Houston. "We played a bunch of shows in Louisiana, and the response has been amazing so far. They all appreciate and love the fact that we are a family band and that my dad is playing drums with his two sons up front. "We're three members making such a massive sound," he said. The group will perform 2 - to 3-hour shows with no breaks. " 'Echoes' is our longest song. We also play 'Dogs' and 'Shine on You Crazy Diamond,' which is long." While the three band members were born and raised in Beirut, Matthew's father attended high school and college in Austin and has relatives there. "That seemed like a good starting place, and Austin is the live music capital of the world." The group also enjoys the music of Gary Moore and Eric Clapton and knows a lot of their music. "But, there was no band that was like Pink Floyd," Matthew said. photos by Richard Carter/Special to the Times Record News In "Road Trip," directed by Crystal Carter, Girl (Alyssa Villanueva) and Guy (Xavier Alexander) go through the relationship motions. The play is part of MSU's Festival of Student-Produced One Acts, which begins this weekend. SHARE Doris (Tessa Rae Dschaak, left), Wally (Kaleb Collins, center) and Raimie (Addrian S. Gaut Jr., right) rehearse "Slipping Him the Tongue." The play is directed by Maddison Gould. By Richard Carter, Special to the Times Record News Considering a sampler platter of theater? Look no further than Midwestern State University's Festival of Student-Produced One-Acts. The plays, which debut at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Fain Fine Arts Center's Bea Wood Studio Theatre, are bite-sized samples tapas, if you will of theatrical convergence. They range from 20 to 35 minutes long, assistant theater professor Karen Dabney said. The two-weekend stage festival will culminate with a different set of plays the final week, April 22-23. "They will be nice, quick-flowing evenings with very short breaks in between shows," she said. The seven one-acts are directed by graduating seniors or juniors who are teacher certification majors. "I asked students to pick a play they felt connected to with a story they wanted to tell but that also had a timely aspect to it a play that was something they felt people needed to see," she said. The series opens with Mark Kenneally's "Slipping Him the Tongue," directed by Maddison Gould. In the production, Doris (Tessa Rae Dschaak) wants her monster truck-loving friends to become more cultured by seeing some Shakespeare. Her boyfriend, Wally (Kaleb Collins), mocks The Bard and is cursed to speak like the English playwright. It's a crude comedy, where nobody understands what Wally is trying to say. Things become more serious in Neil LaBute's "Road Trip," directed by Crystal Carter. Set in a car, the audience watches two people in a relationship, Guy (Xavier Alexander) and Girl (Alyssa Villanueva). "It's figuring out whether we want them to get where they're going or not, or if we wished they would turn back," Dabney said. The first week concludes with David Ives' "The Green Hill," directed by Kristin Lanier. In this fantastical, abstract one-act, Jake (Joey McGinn) is searching for a piece of land, his utopia. He encounters 15 or 16 people (played by Kaylor Winter-Roach and Clay Tabor) while his girlfriend, Sandy (Kendall Nelms), is trying to bring him back home. The second weekend of plays opens with Anna Stillaman and Mark Matthews' "Smitten," directed by Timothy Tetreaux. Set in New Zealand, this dark comedy is about a pickler, Peter (Shannon Howerton, Jr.), who is having an affair with Nichola (Ellanor Hattie Collins). It turns out they want each other even more than they thought. LaBute's "Happy Hour," directed by Sarah Chong Harmer, examines relationships and how people interact with each other. Ted (Dean Hart) warns Cleo (Kalli Root) that he is already taken, and yet they continue to flirt. The play asks, "Can we still flirt with other people if we are engaged?" Dabney said. Edward Allan Baker's "North of Providence," directed by Drew Davison, is a heavy drama set in Providence, Rhode Island. It examines a brother and sister, Bobbie (Joey McGinn) and Carol (Stephanie Ouimet), coming together when so many things in their family have torn them apart. They have many previously unspoken issues to sort out. William Saroyan's 1930s "Hello Out There," directed by Michael Gilbert, is set in a rural turn-of-the-century Texas town with a drifter character in search of the American dream named Photo-Finish (Jonathon Stone). He is in a jail cell, having been accused of rape. The jail cook, Emily (Rachel Innes), wants to help him break out. Following the staging of the plays, each director meets with the theater faculty for an hour as an exit interview. Dabney said "Slipping Him the Tongue" and "North of Providence" have some language and suggestive adult content. By Patrick Johnston, patrick.johnston@timesrecordnews.com A Splendora, Texas, woman has been arrested after Department of Public Safety investigators alleged she was part of a prostitution ring that also involved a minor. Gayla Jean Baker, 26, is charged with compelling prostitution and trafficking of persons. Her total bail is set at $100,000 and she remained in Wichita County Jail Friday. According to arrest affidavits: The Texas Department of Public Safety began investigating a prostitution ring operated by Robert E. Collins in March 2014 following an outcry by a female juvenile. During the investigation, investigators linked Baker and Latasha Jean McCoy to the ring. In June 2015, Collins and McCoy were indicted by a Wichita County Grand Jury of aggravated promotion of prostitution and criminal conspiracy. Collins was also indicted on trafficking of person and compelling prostitution. On Dec. 10, troopers and agents with the Department of Homeland Security conducted a custodial interview with McCoy at the Wichita County Courthouse. McCoy identified Collins as the leader of the enterprise employing the juvenile. She also identified Baker as working as a prostitute under the direction of Collins. McCoy told investigators Baker instructed the juvenile on how to accept calls for service and avoid law enforcement detection. This frame grab taken from video provided by StormChasingVideo.com shows two tornados approaching Pilger, Neb., Monday June 16, 2014. The National Weather Service said at least two twisters touched down within roughly a mile of each other Monday in northeast Nebraska. (AP Photo/StormChasingVideo.com) SHARE Carl Collins, Centerville Re: TRN article "Amateur storm chasers cause headaches for emergency spotters." There are several factual errors with this article. First, I am the ARES emergency coordinator (senior ARES officer) for Leon County, Texas, as well as the AuxComm coordinator for their Office of Emergency Management. I am also a trained Skywarn member and coordinator. Amateur radio frequencies are open to all appropriately licensed operators so the local group in question has no more right to the air waves than any other HAM. There is no such thing as "their frequency." ARES has no special public authority and neither do Skywarn spotters. While a particular repeater might be privately owned and closed to the public, the frequency it operates on is open to any HAM. Mr. Byars knows this, but seems to think he is above the law. ARES is not a storm spotter group per se. Many Amateur Radio operators are spotters and some even have membership in ARES. Unfortunately, many of these folks are of the mistaken impression that they are first responders of some sort. It is they who cause the problems. I have no way of knowing if this is the case with Mr. Byars' membership, but it is certainly a common sore spot. As for "Storm Chasers," any "Spotter" who is out in their vehicle "spotting" storms is by definition a "storm chaser." No private group has any priority over any other. The "extensive training" referred to is a couple hours lecture by the National Weather Service annually. They also offer an "advanced" version, which primarily consists of interpreting weather radar. It, too, is just a couple of hours of lecture. This training is open to the public and is even available online. There is nothing neither special nor extensive about it. Many storm chasers are sponsored by universities and many are degreed professional meteorologists or meteorology students who work closely with the National Weather Service. Many more are dedicated amateurs who conduct themselves professionally. As with any endeavor, there are always a few fools. Amateur radio, ARES and weather spotting/chasing is no exception. If someone is actually creating a hazard, such as impeding the flow of traffic, that individual should be called to the attention of law enforcement. "We try to be nice. We hate to be rude." Well, actually, it's none of Mr. Byars' business what others do. He is a private citizen just as they are. Former President Bill Clinton is no stranger when it comes to making campaign speeches in the Capital Region. His presence was first felt when the 42nd president's wife, Hillary Clinton, ran for Senate in 2000. He has since lent his support to Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Scott Murphy in their bids for re-election. Murphy, who took over Gillibrand's 20th congressional district seat following a special election, was defeated by U.S. Rep. Chris Gibson in 2010. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Rotterdam The Rotterdam Police Department on Friday released the names of the officers involved a fatal shooting inside a home on Sunday. They are Sgt. Keith Collins, a 19-year member of the department; and patrolman Mark Frodyma, a 16-year member of law enforcement who fired the fatal shots. Deputy Cheryl Hill, an 18-year member of the Schenectady County Sheriff's Department, assisted at the scene. She was outside the house at the time of the shooting, officials said. William Clark III died after he was shot in his mother's 1061 Roberta Road home. Police said he attacked them with a knife. State Police on Wednesday said Frodyma was following police procedures when he shot and killed Clark after Collins' attempt to Taser the emotionally disturbed man failed. According to a police account of the incident, Clark's mother called at 11:26 a.m. Sunday. When Collins, Frodyma and Hill arrived, Clark's mother was outside and told them that her son was "breaking furniture in the home and acting irrationally." Inside, officers found Clark hiding behind a bedroom door. The Rotterdam officers told him to come out and drop any weapons, but he lunged at Collins with a knife, stabbing him in the chest and shoulder, police said. Collins' protective vest absorbed the blows. Clark then slashed Frodyma in the back of the head. The wound required stitches. Collins used a Taser, but one of the prongs caught in Clark's sweater and the other one glanced off or missed. Frodyma shot at Clark four times, striking him twice in the chest and once in the head, police said. One shot missed. Both Collins and Frodyma are on paid administrative leave. A relative of Clark said the family recently moved from Guilderland, where numerous incidents with police related to Clark's behavior had ended peacefully. The relative said Clark suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder from his military service in Iraq. He also was schizophrenic and bipolar, the relative said. Clark "had a documented mental health history and numerous contacts with the police" in other towns, Rotterdam Police Chief James Hamilton said. Washington, D.C. A Vietnam veteran from Austerlitz was decorated on Capitol Hill Thursday with the Silver Star. Stanley DeRuggiero Jr. was awarded the military's third-highest medal for valor by Congressman Chris Gibson (R-Kinderhook) during a ceremony. DeRuggiero, who served with the Army's 173rd Airborne Brigade, rescued three badly wounded paratroopers while exchanging fire with the enemy near Bao Loc, Vietnam on June 17, 1968, according to a statement from Gibson's office. He previously received the Bronze Star with V Device for his actions on that day, but due to the level of gallantry he exhibited, his former company commander successfully petitioned the military to upgrade the award to Silver Star. "As a fellow combat veteran, I am especially proud to have the opportunity to present the Silver Star to Stanley DeRuggiero, who put his life on the line to safeguard his troopers in the most dangerous conditions imaginable," Gibson said. "We are forever in his debt, and I am delighted that Stan and members of his family were able to be with us in Washington today to celebrate this momentous occasion. I also want to thank his fellow veterans from the 173rd Airborne for joining us and for their efforts to see that Stan's valor and selfless service to our country are properly recognized." DeRuggiero, who grew up in Yonkers, is a retired carpenter. He lives in Austerlitz with his 90-year-old father, Stanley DeRuggiero, Sr., who served in the Marine Corps during World War II. The Silver Star citation reads as follows: "For Gallantry in Action: On 17 June 1968, while serving as Fire Team Leader, 3rd Squad, 3rd Platoon, C Company, 4th Battalion, 503rd Infantry, 173rd Airborne Brigade, is awarded the Silver Star for personal heroism during intense close combat near Bao Loc, Vietnam. Directed to withdraw after C Company violently assaulted a Viet Cong Main Force Battalion Basecamp, the wounded Fire Team Leader elected to collect, administer first aid, personally guard and evacuate three badly wounded paratroopers from no man's land between the lines of combat. With total disregard for his own life for more than five hours, Specialist Four DeRuggiero positioned himself in front of three wounded, fought off several Viet Cong flanking attacks with hand grenades and well-aimed M-16 fire, provided care and assurance to the wounded and then shielded another Soldier who came out to help drag them to safety one by one. Specialist Four DeRuggiero maintained this guard position alone. Only when the third wounded paratrooper was safely inside the Platoon perimeter did Specialist Four DeRuggiero withdraw to safety. Specialist Four DeRuggiero's personal bravery and exceptional Gallantry in Action under intense enemy fire reflect great credit upon himself, his Airborne Unit and the United States Army." Albany Shane Robert Smith wanted to form an "army." He'll have to settle for invading federal prison. The 19-year-old Washington County man pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court Friday to possessing a machine gun this after he was caught in an undercover sting bragging about his plans to develop a "hit squad" and to massacre black and Jewish people. "I love violence," Smith told a retired law enforcement officer who was working with the FBI in the sting. Smith's wish list included machine guns, explosives and bullets that could pierce body armor and he thought he was acquiring all of it when he was arrested in August. At the time, he tried to use maple syrup as currency to pay for the weapons cache. Smith, of Whitehall, was hardly covert. In 2014, he joined VK, a Russian social media network similar to Facebook, and listed his interests as "guns, gunsmithing, building bombs, knives, guerilla warfare, preserving my race and folk, and destroying the government," a federal prosecutor told U.S. District Court Judge Mae D'Agostino. Smith said he was forming a group called the "SRA," which stood for "Silent Resistance Army," Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean O'Dowd told D'Agostino in laying out the factual basis for Smith's guilty plea. "Is that what you did and what happened in this case?" the judge asked Smith. "Yes, your honor," Smith replied, joined by his attorney, William Montgomery, a former Warren County district attorney. The defendant's grandfather was in attendance. Smith, who has a prior felony conviction for criminal mischief, faces up to 10 years in prison at his Aug. 15 sentencing. Under federal sentencing guidelines it could be as low as two years and three months behind bars. O'Dowd, joined by Assistant U.S. Attorney Solomon Shinerock, told the judge that in May 2014, Smith emailed a Switzerland-based Bitmessage account and ordered an M4 Carbine assault rifle, which can fire like a machine gun, shooting three bullets in a single trigger pull. O'Dowd said Smith messaged the same email address in January 2015, telling the recipient he would like to "trade my goods for some of yours" and that he could offer "military-issue body armor, ... gas masks, filters, ballistic vests and Kevlar helmets and more." Two weeks later, Washington County probation officers visited Smith's home in response to Smith's social media posts where Smith was seeking ammunition. While searching Smith's home, the officers found a combat helmet and two body armor kits with heavy plates. Court papers show they also found a hatchet and flechette rounds a kind of dart used in World War II. In April 2015, Smith messaged another user on VK, said he needed a favor and that he sought a MAC-10 weapon. The same day, Smith ordered a book from the website keepshooting.com about how to convert semi-automatic MAC-10 guns into fully automatic ones. In late April 2015, after becoming aware of his social media posts, investigators with the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force set up an Internet trap. They used the former law enforcement officer as an undercover operative to communicate with Smith online. In turn, Smith told the person he wanted a "simple MAC-10, nothing fancy" and that he could "do a trade and some cash." When the undercover operative asked Smith what he wanted to use the weapon for, Smith replied: "What I'm doing is gonna rock and roll it, and I have a suppressor for a MAC-10 I fabbed in my shop but it's gonna be used to execute (Jewish and black people) and get money for the crew." Court papers show Smith said he had some six members in his group. The term "rock and roll" means to convert a semi-automatic weapon to a fully automatic one, according to the federal prosecutors. O'Dowd said Smith ordered three books on MAC-10 weapons and how to convert them into automatic guns. He said Smith unwittingly told more undercover agents that he wanted to acquire an M16A2 machine gun, hundreds of rounds of jacketed hollow point ammunition, "green tip" ammunition designed to pierce body armor and "boomers," which Smith said was his term for "explosives as in C4 or grenades." In July, the operative asked Smith: "You building your own army?" "Well, like a hit squad," Smith responded, the prosecutor said. Smith and the operative agreed to meet July 29 in Stillwater. Smith expressed fear he would be "busted by the feds" but showed up to meet an undercover federal agent posing as a representative of the operative. They arranged to meet again Aug. 6 at a location in Whitehall where Smith would acquire a MAC-10 machine gun, Colt M16A2 machine gun, a Beretta gun, "green tip" ammunition and five grenades. Smith planned to pay for the weaponry with jewelry, books, maple syrup and future payments. When he showed up and took possession of the items, he was arrested. Andrew Vale, the special agent in charge of the FBI in Albany, said in a statement: "People like Mr. Smith seek to poison communities with hate and fear. His intentions to commit violent and deadly acts against members of our community were clear. "Shane Smith repeatedly sought to acquire illegal firearms with the stated goal of executing members of racial and religious minority groups," U.S. Attorney Richard Hartunian said in a statement, adding that the task force stopped Smith "before he could carry out this nightmare scenario." rgavin@timesunion.com 518-434-2403 @RobertGavinTU Edmon Marukyan presents Russian delegates consequences of Russian weapons Below is the speech of Armenian lawmaker Edmon Marukyan at the joint session of the Standing Committee on Defense, National Security and Internal Affairs of the Armenian National Assembly and Russian Federation Council Committee on Defense and Security Dear chairman, dear colleagues! I would hereby like to draw your attention to grave violation of International Humanitarian Law and the rules of war committed by Azerbaijan during 1-5 of April, 2016. At the meantime, this is a call to all Governments, including the Government of the Russian Federation, that are in military cooperation with the Republic of Azerbaijan, to cancel all acting agreements with the latter and stop the supply and maintenance of weapons implied by these agreements. The reason for such call is the fact that these weapons are used by the Republic of Azerbaijan to commit war crimes and violate the principles of International Humanitarian Law and rules of war, enshrined in several international instruments. Detailed justification of our statement is as follows: The Republic of Azerbaijan has no right under International Law to use force against the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. By doing so, the Republic of Azerbaijan violates one of the basic principles of International Law prohibition of use or threat of force. The use of force by the Republic of Azerbaijan is a grave violation of the jus cogens principles of International Law, stipulated by the UN Charter (Article 2 (4)). Under Article 2 (4) of the UN Charter All Members shall refrain in their international relations from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Purposes of the United Nations. It is mandatory principle for Azerbaijan, regardless of whether Azerbaijan uses armed force against the recognized or unrecognized state. There are two cases, when the use force can be applied: under the Chapter VII of the UN Charter (the decision of the UN Security Council, which can take necessary measures to maintain international peace and security) and under Article 51 of the UN Charter (self-defense). None of these provisions can be applied by Azerbaijan in the present case, as there is no UN SC resolution to authorize the Republic of Azerbaijan to use force, and there is no basis for applying the right to self-defense. Azerbaijan cannot invoke Article 51 of the UN Charter when justifying its hostile actions, attacks at civilian population and use of non discriminatory weapons, taken from 1-5 of April, 2016. The military forces of the NKR have not attacked the military forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan. It was Azerbaijan that started the hostilities, which has been confirmed by the several statements of the high level officials of Azerbaijan. And even if Azerbaijan believes that it has right to use article 51 to justify its actions, in the present case it has no right to invoke Article 51, as states are under a duty to report measures taken in the exercise of the right of self-defense to the Security Council and the right to self-defense is temporary, until the Security Council takes measures necessary to maintain international peace and security. In the present case the Security Council has already taken all necessary measures to maintain international peace and security by its Resolutions from 1993, based on which the Minsk group of OSCE has been entitled to settle the dispute. Thus, the actions taken by Azerbaijan are in grave violation with the requirements of the UN Charter and the UN SC resolutions.Moreover by this conduct Azerbaijan violates the principle of prohibition of the threat or use of force, which is a jus cogens principle of the contemporary international law. In fact, it is quite the opposite; the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic has a right to self-defense against the hostilities of Azerbaijan.The Republic of Armenia, as a full member of international community and the Organization of United Nations, bears ergaomnesobligation under International Law and the UN Charter to protect the right to self-determination of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic and use all necessary measures to protect the people and the statehood of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. Azerbaijan has committed grave violations under International Humanitarian Law Azerbaijan has committed one of the grave violations of International Humanitarian Law, protected under the Geneva Conventions from 1949 (to which the Republic of Azerbaijan is a party), by attacking the civilian population, killing civilians, committing acts of inhuman treatment to them, torturing, attacking civilian objects, in particular, schools, and using weapons of indiscriminate character. Azerbaijani armed forces tortured captured soldiers and dissect corpses. of International Humanitarian Law, protected under the Geneva Conventions from 1949 (to which the Republic of Azerbaijan is a party), by attacking the civilian population, killing civilians, committing acts of inhuman treatment to them, torturing, attacking civilian objects, in particular, schools, and using weapons of indiscriminate character. Azerbaijani armed forces tortured captured soldiers and dissect corpses. All these violations have been considered as grave violations of Geneva Conventions from 1949 under International Humanitarian Law, and as such are considered to be crimes against humanity and war crimes. the violations of jus cogensprinciples of International Law, use of force without any legal ground under the UN Charter, the violations of rulings of International Humanitarian Law either contractual or customary. I would also like to underline that the "argument" sometimes declared by some politicians "no difference if Azerbaijan did not buy weapons from Russians, they would have bought it from others" is at least a doubtful thesis. I refer to the multiple rocket launchers 9A52 "Smerch", heavy flamethrower system TOS-1A "Solntsepyok", combat anti-tank machine "Chrysanthema S" and others. Azerbaijan could not buy the above-mentioned military equipment from anybody else but Russia. The United States have a similar weapon but above all, it is more expensive and less powerful. And most importantly, neither Azerbaijan, nor Armenia can buy that weapon from the Americans, for the simple reason that the United States will not sell it either to Azerbaijan or Armenia. Therefore, the only source for these modern weapons is Russia.The Bright Armenia political party will be consistent in raising these issues and keeping the topic in the agenda of international community in all relevant instances. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate New York As Democrats readied for their first debate-stage clash in a month, Florida officials declared Thursday they would not prosecute Donald Trump's campaign manager for misdemeanor battery, the latest extraordinary development in a turbulent presidential primary season now focused on New York. Trump joined other presidential contenders from both parties who hustled into New York City ahead of the state's Tuesday presidential primaries, a critical test as both parties' front-runners fight to beat back surging challengers. New conflicts flared between Democrats Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders hours before the evening debate in Brooklyn as protesters clogged the Manhattan sidewalk outside a state GOP dinner where all three Republican White House hopefuls were scheduled to appear. Trump was the target of rowdy protesters who hung an effigy of the billionaire businessman and chanted, "How do you spell racist? T-R-U-M-P." The raucous scene came shortly after Florida prosecutors dismissed a criminal complaint against Trump's campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, two weeks after local police charged him with grabbing a reporter. Florida state attorney Dave Aronberg declared police were right to charge Lewandowski, yet the burden on prosecutors to prove the case was higher. Lewandowski initially denied grabbing the reporter before video surveillance surfaced of the early March incident. Trump accused the reporter of exaggerating and changing her story. Prosecutors said Thursday that a simple apology might have avoided the criminal complaint. Lewandowski was "gratified" by the prosecutor's decision, the campaign said in a brief statement declaring, "The matter is now concluded." On the Democratic side, Sanders jabbed Clinton while courting black leaders before the debate as he outlined policy prescriptions for jobs, education and criminal justice. "If you believe that those issues can be addressed by establishment politics and establishment economics, you've got a very good candidate to vote for but it's not Bernie Sanders," he said. The Democratic race has become increasingly heated in New York including Sanders first questioning Clinton's qualifications to be president and then reversing himself and the tensions were likely to spill onto the debate stage. Early Thursday, Sanders distanced himself from comments made by a surrogate the day before that voters shouldn't "continue to elect corporate Democratic whores." Sanders said on Twitter that the comment "was inappropriate and insensitive." ''There's no room for language like that in our political discourse," he wrote. Jennifer Palmieri, the Clinton campaign's communications director, responded on Twitter that it was "very distressing language to say the least." Front-runners Clinton and Trump hope New York's primaries on Tuesday can propel them past stubborn challengers and into the general election. Preference polls show Clinton and Trump leading their respective contests. Sanders, a Vermont senator who was born in Brooklyn, has been touting his local roots as he seeks to upset Clinton in New York. While he is on a winning streak in primaries and caucuses, he needs a big victory in the state to cut into Clinton's delegate lead and slow her march to the nomination. Sanders broadened his attack on his party's front-runner in a new ad unveiled Thursday. "Nothing will change until we elect candidates who reject Wall Street money," the narrator says. Trump, meanwhile, hopes New York marks an end to the worst period of his candidacy, a stretch that raised new questions about his policy abilities and revealed his campaign's lack of preparedness for a delegate fight if the GOP race heads to a contested convention. A big victory in New York could increase his chances of clinching the nomination before the convention. Cruz appeared to be courting the GOP's conservative base, a group that could hold great sway at the party's July national convention. The Texas senator said he supports the ability of North Carolina lawmakers to pass a law restricting bathroom access for gay and transgender people. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Houston Investigators questioned a man Thursday fitting the description of a gunman who authorities say ambushed a Texas deputy constable from behind following a traffic stop and critically injured him. The man showed up at a nearby fire station following the shooting, Houston police spokesman Kese Smith said. No other information was released about him including what he may have told fire personnel when he appeared. The man has not been arrested or charged, Smith said, and authorities were not actively looking for anyone else. Authorities said Harris County Deputy Constable Alden Clopton was wearing a protective vest when he was shot four times from behind late Wednesday as the assailant stood on the other side of a four-lane road in a neighborhood just northeast of Texas Southern University. The vest likely saved Clopton's life, Constable May Walker said. A motive for the shooting is unknown. Asked if authorities believed the shooter was targeting law enforcement, Smith said that Clopton and another deputy constable he was assisting in the traffic stop were in uniform and had marked vehicles. "I can't see how someone can mistake them for someone other than law enforcement," Smith said. The suspect fired six shots, four of which hit Clopton, Walker said. "It was virtually an ambush is what it was," she said. Physicians at Houston's Memorial Hermann Texas Trauma Institute said Clopton was in intensive care Thursday afternoon after surgery to address six injured areas to his abdomen and chest. Some of the bullets would not be removed, Dr. Joseph Love said. "He's doing quite well," Love said. "We don't anticipate further surgical procedures at this time." He expected the deputy to remain in the hospital "for a week or so" and anticipated Clopton would make a full recovery. Constables in some regions are tasked with serving warrants and providing court security, but in the Houston area they generally provide the same policing coverage as other law agencies. Clopton is an 11-year veteran of the force who is married and has five children, said Pamela Greenwood, spokeswoman for the Harris County Precinct 7 constable's office. He comes from a law enforcement family, with three brothers who are law officers, and Walker said he's married to a Harris County sheriff's deputy. According to Smith, the shooting happened after a female reserve deputy constable made the traffic stop and called Clopton to assist. The vehicle that was pulled over had left and Clopton was standing outside the window of the female's officer's vehicle when he was shot. The female deputy constable then got out of her car and shot back, but it was unknown if she hit the fleeing suspect, Smith said. The person who appeared at the fire station did not have any injuries, Smith said, adding that the shooting was not related to the traffic stop. Clopton's son, Todre, a police officer in Biloxi, Mississippi, said his father was coherent, understood what was going on but for now was unable to talk. Clopton is the second Harris County law officer to be shot from behind in an unprovoked attack in the past year. Texas prosecutors in August charged a 30-year-old man with capital murder in the killing of sheriff's Deputy Darren Goforth, who was gunned down while filling his patrol car with gas. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate South Carolina law enforcement authorities said Thursday that a "person of interest" was arrested while driving a car belonging to a missing Roman Catholic priest with ties to the Capital Region. Steven James Murray, 28, was arrested 300 miles from where the Rev. Rene Robert disappeared in St. Augustine, Fla. Murray was found in Aiken, S.C., on Wednesday night, authorities said. The car belonged to Robert, 71, who has not been seen since Sunday. Robert, who graduated from St. Mary's School in Waterford and Catholic High in Troy, was never formally assigned to the Albany Roman Catholic Diocese but he came back to visit from Florida and occasionally stayed at St. Mary's Church in Waterford and St. Augustine in Troy, diocese spokeswoman Mary DeTurris Poust said. His family fears for his safety. "I have visions of him laying in a ditch some place or locked in a closet," his half-sister Joan McAndrews told WTEN. McAndrews, in an interview with the Times Union, said Robert worked with the deaf and blind and counseled convicts. He was well-known and well-liked in the St. Augustine area, with hundreds of people turning up for a recent meeting at which they prayed for him. She didn't meet her half-brother until later in life he had been born out of wedlock and spent his first years in St. Colman's orphanage before he was adopted by the Robert family of Waterford at age 4. McAndrews, now 73, said they met only 16 years ago after she made inquiries about the identity of her half-brother. He was already in Florida at the time and they spoke to each other by phone every other week. She last heard from him about two weeks ago, when he ribbed her about the brief bout of wintry weather that had hit the Capital Region. She said Robert, who used the French pronunciation of his name, although his adoptive family didn't. His adoptive siblings were en route to Florida on Friday morning. Robert's car, when recovered by police, contained numerous weapons, including a rifle with a scope, said Sheriff David Shoar of St. Johns County, Fla. Shoar said Murray had threatened "to kill as many cops as he could," but that no one was injured during the arrest. An emotional Shoar called Robert a personal friend, and said he fears the worst has happened to the priest who was known around St. Augustine for helping the poor and destitute. "Father was a gentle soul," Shoar told reporters at a news conference. "A Franciscan, he always wore sandals no matter how cold it was out. A great man." Agencies "are starting to put the pieces of the puzzle together" but still don't know Robert's whereabouts, Cmdr. Chuck Mulligan of the St. Johns Sheriff's Office said in a phone call. He said Robert's disappearance is considered foul play. Aiken County Sheriff's spokesman Eric Abdullah wrote in a statement that deputies and U.S. marshals responded to Murray's last known location Wednesday afternoon. As they approached the 2012 blue Toyota Corolla with Florida license plates, Murray drove away and crashed into a tree, then fled on foot, Abdullah wrote. Bloodhounds and a helicopter tracked Murray down, and he was arrested, according to the statement. Police said neighbors and friends of Robert said the priest had been helping Murray who was recently released from jail. Murray is charged with aggravated fleeing and attempting to elude. No charges have been filed against him in Florida related to Robert's disappearance. Robert is a senior priest for the Diocese of St. Augustine. Shoar said his office are doing everything it can to locate the priest, who he said often gave money to people in need. "He dealt with people addicted to drugs, hard lives," Shoar said. "I'd call him one of our better angels. He never went looking for credit." Associated Press reporters Jason Dearen in Gainesville and Jack Jones in Columbia, S.C., contributed to this report. rkarlin@timesunion.com 518-454-5758 @RickKarlinTU This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Albany Member owners of the Honest Weight Food Co-op will elect seven members to its governing board Sunday. The vote comes after the prior board majority roiled the membership by proposing to eliminate a program that offers discounts in return for hours spent working in the store. An election in November sought to recall some of the board members and was successful in removing only two. Four board members who survived the recall quit little more than a month later, still arguing the member labor program set the co-op on a course for possible minimum-wage violations. Opponents responded that members are owners not subject to the minimum-wage law. On Sunday, the member owners will vote to fill the three seats that would normally be up for election as well as the four vacated by the members who resigned. Since the board has nine members, Sunday's vote will determine the outlook of the board's majority. About 1,200 members are eligible to vote. "This election is as central to the future of the co-op as the November election was," said Carolyn Presser, who won one of those seats last fall and is seeking re-election Sunday. "It can change the direction of the co-op." So far, 10 people have put their names forward as candidates. Eight filed applications, and two others, including incumbent Ned Depew, who survived the recall, have said they will be nominated from the floor Sunday. Kate Doyle, who was elected during the November recall, is seeking a full term. So far, she said, no candidates have backed ending the member-labor program. "I think there is still sadly a strong division in the store," Doyle said. "None of the other side have filed to run. They can nominate from the floor. If they are coming, I guess that's what they are doing." Howard Brent, another candidate, previously served a little more than a decade ago. A retired master plumber and member owner since 1978, he said, "the previous board went off the deep end." Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and features with our afternoon newsletter. The membership meeting this Sunday at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Church, 440 Whitehall Road in Albany, will begin with a Meet the Candidates event from 4-5:30 p.m. A dessert potluck will follow from 5:30-6 p.m., followed by a membership meeting and vote on the candidates from 6-8 p.m. Saul Rigberg is the only person appointed to fill one of the seats vacated in January; the other three were left vacant. He too is seeking election. "We can become one of the top employers in the region and create an environment that makes people want to travel to shop at the co-op," he said. "I also want to reach out to the working-class community that surrounds the co-op to get them to shop here too." Other candidates are Richard Donnegan, Tim Corrigan, Anastasia Onorata, Rebekah Rice and Collin Thomas. tobrien@timesunion.com 518-454-5092 @timobrientu Basque Parliament adopts statement on ceasefire violation by Azerbaijan On April 14, the Parliament of the Basque Country adopted a statement with regard to full-scale military aggression of Azerbaijan against the Nagorno Karabakh Republic. Please, find below the unofficial translation of the resolution: On the ceasefire violation in Nagorno Karabakh Nagorno Karabakh is a territory with a 95 percent of ethnic Armenian population. As a result of historical upheavals and other geopolitical reasons contrary to the interests of its population, it remained as an enclave inside Azerbaijan, leading to a long-term conflict between Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan throughout the 20th century. After the collapse of the USSR and the declaration of the Republic of Armenia and Republic of Azerbaijan the conflict grew into a war, which lasted from 1988 to 1994, resulting in thousands of casualties and displaced persons. It ended with a ceasefire, which although did not end the escalation of the conflict, but to a certain extent, allowed to avoid war. On April 2, Azerbaijan unilaterally launched an unprecedented large-scale offensive along the entire Line of Contact between the armed forces of Nagorno Karabakh and Azerbaijan. It caused dozens of casualties, including four civilians, with a child among them. With regard to the ceasefire violation, the Basque Parliament: Expresses its deep concern about the violation of the ceasefire, which had been in force since 1994 in Nagorno Karabakh, and conveys its condolences in connection with the casualties caused by the attacks on both sides. Assesses as positive the arrangement reached on April 5, 2016 between the two sides on restoring the ceasefire and expresses hope and confidence that it will be observed. Urges not to reject the proposals on implementation of international mechanisms for investigating ceasefire violations, which have been put forward by the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairmen since 2012. Excludes the use of force as a means of solving any territorial conflicts. They should be resolved through dialogue and expression of the will of the majority of the territory's population through democratic means and without imposing any pressure. Calls upon the parties to take effective steps for the immediate cessation of hostilities and the return of troops to the positions held prior to April 1, 2016. Strongly supports the need to return to the talks under the mediation of the OSCE Minsk Group with the participation of Nagorno Karabakh, as has already been mentioned by this Parliament. Large crowds gathered at the Cathedral of the Assumption in Thurles last week to pray with a blessed icon of Our Lady and join the Redemptorists in their 150th celebratory year of devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help as trustees of the Icon. The icon was blessed by Pope Francis in Rome on March 23, before setting off on its pilgrim journey to Ireland and its tour of 26 cathedrals in the country. Throngs of people flocked to Limerick to greet the pilgrim icon on the first stage of its journey before it arrived in Thurles last Tuesday evening. A total of seven services were held over the two days in the cathedral town including a celebratory evening mass, healing prayer service and a morning mass for primary school children. To mark the 150th year of devotion to Our Lady of Perpetual Help, the Redemptorists set out on a nationwide pilgrimage of 26 Cathedrals across the country. The Icon, which was first officially recorded in 1495 however is thought to be much older, has been enshrined in Rome since 1499. The Redemptorists became caretakers of the icon in 1865 as well as missionaries helping to spread the message of devotion to our Lady of Perpetual Help throughout the world. The first copy of the Icon to arrive in Ireland has been venerated in the Redemptorist Church in Limerick since 1867. The two day celebration was led by Archbishop Kieran O'Reilly as well as Redemptorist Fr. Michael Cusack from St. Joseph's Church, Dundalk who called on those present to pray for those who have wandered away from God. It is an unusual piece of art as it is not considered to be drawn or painted, instead the icon is written. We hope that the time spent with the icon will help to deepen the faith, said Fr. Cusack. The Icon will return to Tipperary on April 23 and 24 when it will visit Holycross Abbey which has strong connections with the Redemptorists through the annual Solemn Novena. The Bruce Shorts Post 5958 VFW, in Titusville, will host motivational speaker Master Sgt. David Davey Lind on Tuesday, at 7 p.m. Theres been murmurs about SoundCloud making the leap into becoming a full-fledged streaming service, competing with the likes of Spotify and Apple Music, for a couple years now, and the company recently took the plunge with the launch of SoundCloud Go. Were going to have over 125m tracks on the platform a lot of emerging and indie artists, major artists and also DJs, remixers and mash-ups and another bunch of millions of tracks coming straight from the major labels, co-founder Eric Wahlforss told The Guardian. Youll get an emerging artist that just started making music a year or two ago and now has traction on SoundCloud, next to Adele, next to John Lennon, next to an hour-long DJ set, next to a mash-up all of that in one place. Independent artists, and in particular bedroom producers, are SoundClouds bread and butter. They are the go-to destination for digital crate-diggers looking for unknown artists making music independently on their computers, but their push into streaming may damage this reputation. Dear Fans, Last week for no reason, our old record label Sony Music blocked our SoundCloud account, stopping all the blogs that wrote about our latest single I Just Wanna Be Somebody Else from counting in the Hype Machine charts, Melbourne duo Gypsy & The Cat recently wrote. The culprit, it seems, is the scramble by major labels to monetise their SoundCloud content in the wake of SoundCloud Gos launch. But what that had to do with an act that hadnt been with this particular label in years is still a mystery. Basically what happened was is it wasnt blocked in the sense that you could go on the site and play the song, but essentially what Sony did was put restrictions on the back end of our account, Gypsy & The Cats Xavier Bacash tells Tone Deaf. Whenever a blog does a post on a song and embeds the SoundCloud, the API is enabled so that can then be scanned by Hype Machine and register in their charts. But we put the track out and it was around the same day or the day after that SoundCloud became a streaming service. Sony are trying to monetise all their artists and we got caught up in that. Its not the first time that its happened, but for an indie band and youre employing a publicist within Australia and America and the greatest barometer for traction online is Hype Machine its a catastrophic thing to happen. The duos previous single, Inside Your Mind, hit number two on the much-revered Hype Machine chart, which aggregates blogosphere buzz for music. This song had double the blog posts, says Xavier, so arguably it couldve gone number one, but it didnt even chart at all. According to Xavier, he and bandmate Lionel Towers became aware of the issue when a blogger contacted them and informed them that an attempt at sharing the track on his site yielded an error message informing him that the track had been restricted by Sony. Some people could embed it, some people had trouble, says Xavier. You could go onto peoples sites and play the song, but it wouldnt register. There was a restriction on the API in the back end and [the blogger] said it happened with a couple of other artists that week. It got to the point where I called Sony Australia as a past artist, like the receptionist and was like, Hi, Im from Gypsy & the Cat, we were signed to your label.' But no one could quite figure out how Sony was able to do this in the first place. We have no affiliation to Sony whatsoever anymore, havent for five years, Xavier says, and theres no music on that SoundCloud whatsoever that they have any copyright over. Without a clue of where to turn, and with no help from SoundClouds end, Xavier began the cold-calling process. We had someone that we knew from the UK office, because we were signed to RCA, and I basically got an email back from that person who said theyd sent it to internal services who would get back to us. We didnt hear from them. We had one other contact, who was just an A&R guy at Sony an absolute legend and he did the best he could and kept us updated and sent the issue into the digital department. But we just werent getting enough answers out of [Sony]. So it got to the point where I called Sony Australia as a past artist, like the receptionist [laughs] And I was like, Hi, Im from Gypsy & the Cat, we were signed to your label. Im having a copyright issue with SoundCloud, you guys have blocked us on the back end.' [include_post id=448420] I got transferred to digital and they were quite helpful, but then we still hadnt heard anything back. Xavier and Lionel eventually heard back from the blogger who first alerted them to the issue saying that it had been mysteriously resolved. When you go up on the Hype Machine charts, you get 10-15,000 plays a day and from the first track doing that, we had countless A&R and radio pluggers contacting us, says Xavier, highlighting the impact that Hype Machine can have on an independent acts career. At the time of writing, I Just Wanna Be Somebody Else is sitting at number 10 on the Hype Machine chart, a testament to the duos committed fan base. Our fans, weve got a small but dedicated group of fans that really get behind stuff and theyve been fantastic about it, says Xavier. However, for artists or bands without the kind of dedicated following that Gypsy & The Cat enjoy, having the SoundCloud rug taken from underneath you can potentially be devastating to a single release and ultimately your career. Tone Deaf have reached out to Sony for comment but they did not respond in time for publication. Youve more than likely read about the vinyl revival thats been going strong for the past few years. According to recent wholesale figures from ARIA, vinyl sales continue to soar in Australia, going up 38 percent in 2015. But according to a new report from ICM Unlimited commissioned by the BBC, nearly half of vinyl buyers dont actually have any intention of listening to the black, plastic discs that they fork out all that money on. As NME reports, a whopping 41 percent of vinyl buyers told ICM they dont listen to the vinyl records they buy, whilst seven percent confessed they dont even own a turntable. Essentially, people are buying vinyl just to say they do. I have vinyls in my room but its more for decor. I dont actually play them, Jordan Katende, a Manchester student, told the BBC, via Mashable. Interestingly, most vinyl consumers buy vinyl editions of albums theyve already heard. Half of those polled said they streamed an album online before buying a vinyl copy, which seems to suggest that streaming has boosted sales of the format, which was long thought dead until its recent revival. Whilst vinyl still makes up a meagre fraction of overall record sales, the upward trend of vinyl sales has been remarkable. As NME notes, sales of the old-school format reached a 26-year high back in 2015. So it turns out Neil Young was right back in February last year when he said the vinyl revival was simply a fashion statement. "Mike Shanin interviews Greg Orman, former Kansas Senate candidate, about the upcoming release of his book, A Declaration of Independents: How We Can Break the Two-Party Stranglehold and Restore the American Dream. Jamekia Kendrix, Steve Mirakian, Gwen Grant and Patrick McInerney discuss the lack of impressive presidential candidates, the new KCMO school superintendent & Kansas education funding." While Hillary and Bernie brawl in Brooklyn , tonight Kansas City'sof political discourse is a bit more reserved about local issues but only to offer a glimpse of opinion regarding the road to the White House 2016.Check the description . . .And we notice that while Conservatives are outnumbered 3 to 1 it was nice to see a bit of historical perspective from the panelists regarding the reality of Democracy in America.You decide . . . Amid talk of. . . Instead of using tried and true talk from the GKC chamber about regionalism . . . Mayor Sly offers only a bit of admonishment toward a lame duck politico.You decide . . .Moving jobs across state lines isnt economic development. Its score keeping, and we can do better than that. Im glad Gov. Brownback has decided to be more strategic in his economic development policy.A bi-state group of elected officials and staff have been working for a year and a half to find a way to truly add jobs to the region. Today were seeing a step in the right direction. I look forward to working with the Missouri General Assembly and Gov. Nixon to keep the conversation moving.########### Bank Muscat, Oman's largest lender, posted a 1.1 percent increase in first-quarter net profit on Thursday, according to a bourse statement, on the back of rising income from loans, fees and commission. The bank made a profit of RO43.8 million ($113.8 million) in the three-month period ending Mar. 31, up from RO43.3 million a year earlier. EFG Hermes forecast the bank would make a quarterly profit of RO45.24 million, while Gulf Baader Capital Markets forecast a profit of RO42.80 million over the same period. Net interest income and non-interest income both jumped by 10.5 percent over the period, rising to RO68.04 million and Ro40 million, respectively. Loans and advances rose 6.9 percent year on year to stand at RO6.92 billion on March 31, while deposits increased 7 percent over the same timeframe to RO6.97 billion. Bank Muscat said on April 5 that it had received all regulatory approvals to open a representative office in Iran, making it one of the first foreign financial firms to establish a presence in the country since the international sanctions, imposed over Tehran's disputed nuclear programme, were lifted in January. The lender is speaking to a small group of banks about raising a three-year loan worth as much as $300 million, sources told Reuters on March 22. -Reuters Photo: baogiaothong.vn According to the sub-committees, in the first quarter of 2016, the preparations for the contents, the orientation for the APEC Summit subject and the summit priorities were gradually completed, while preparations for the dissemination of summit information, culture, logistics, security and healthcare also saw progress.Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh stressed that initial activities, including APEC Informal Senior Officials' Meeting (ISOM), will be held in 8 months.Related ministries and cities must accelerate the preparations in terms of the summit subject, priorities, initiatives and working agenda of the 2017 APEC Year to be announced by late 2016, he said.He also asked for thorough preparations for the facilities, logistics, security, healthcare and information dissemination, as well as large art and cultural activities for the event.He noted that as host, Vietnam should work closely with APEC members, especially those who are APEC hosts of 2016 (Peru) and 2018 (Papua New Guinea), as well as APEC International Secretariat to get support from the members, thus making contributions to work out the joint concerns and Vietnams concerns.The 5session is expected to be held in June./. At the event, organizers presented 50 bicycles, 50 gift packages, and five education packets from AIA Vietnam Life Insurance Co., Ltd (VND20 million each), worth VND190 million in total, to local disadvantaged students. Photo: Thanh Ngan Photo: Thanh Ngan Thai Nguyen is now the fourth beneficiaries of this year's program after Bac Ninh, Thai Binh and Hung Yen. In the third year, Real life journey is designed with 12 major events from the North to the South, providing at least 1,071 bicycles to disadvantaged students nationwide, During the 2014-2015 period, the program has provided 1,805 bicycles to beneficiaries in 37 localities. Around 200,000 Vietnamese students drop out of school every year, and one of the main reasons is the long distances they have to travel by foot. In remote areas, many students need to walk between five and ten kilometers to the nearest school. Over the past four years, AIA Vietnam Life Insurance Co. Ltd supported over VND10 billion for poor kids across the nation, including nearly 4,000 floating backpacks, over 530 drinking water purifying machines, over 800 sets of school stationery, around 4,400 scholarships for poor students in 50 localities, bringing benefit to over 11,000 kids and their families./. The deal you were looking for is no longer available. About Visiting Guanajuato, also known as Mexicos Cultural Destination, is a fascinating experience; it means discovering two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, picturesque Pueblos Magicos, exciting tourist routes and a wide range of events. Undoubtedly, Guanajuato is one of Mexicos most complete and interesting states. Traveling within Guanajuato means delving into the depths of the Mexican identity. Its getting to know our rich past and dynamic present. Besides being a destination with an impressive historical and cultural heritage, it is an energetic and vital destination where culture is active and alive. Guanajuato is not only the center, but the heart of Mexico. CNRP lawmaker Um Sam An was detained at the Interior Ministrys department of anti-terrorism and cross-border crimes on April 11th (Source: cambodiadaily.com) Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Angkor Sankranta festival in the northwestern province of Siem Reap, the PM asserted that the country must maintain peace at any cost as it brings survival, development and poverty reduction. The announcement came after the government arrested opposition lawmaker Um Sam An on April 11th for posting messages and video clips to his Facebook page, inciting revolt against the border map between Cambodia and Vietnam. On April 12th, a Phnom Penh court accused the lawmaker of inciting revolt and using fake documents. If indicted, he could face up to five years behind bars. In August last year, opposition senator Hong Sok Hour was also arrested for similar charges and was convicted of falsifying public documents, using fake documents, and inciting serious chaos to social security./. Tribune News Service New Delhi, April 14 The Shiromani Akali Dal (Delhi) president, Paramjit Singh Sarna, said that DSGMC president Manjit Singh (GK) and general secretary Manjinder Singh Sirsa in a conspiracy to get political mileage for the Badal party in the forthcoming assembly elections in Punjab had neither challenged the order of the Delhi High Court nor used their political influence to stop demolition of the Piao at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib. They were served a notice by the North Delhi Municipal Corporation, but they did not react considering the political advantage. After the demolition, GK and Sirsa started politicizing the issue, Sarna said. Addressing a conference today, Sarna said that GK and Sirsa had been trying to prove the Delhi Government guilty of demolishing the Piao, whereas it was the NDMC squad that carried out the demolition. It is an open fact that the corporation is ruled by the BJP with whom the Badal party is in alliance. Jhajjar (Haryana), April 15 Mortal remains of Major Amit Deswal, who was killed on Wednesday in a gun battle with militants in Manipur, were consigned to flames on Friday with full military and state honours at his village in Haryana. Deswal, who was from Surheti village of Jhajjar district, is survived by parents, wife and four-year-old son Arjun. Major Deswal of the 21 Special Force of Rashtriya Rifles died fighting militants in Manipurs Tamenglong district on April 13. His body arrived on Friday at the technical area of Palam airport in Delhi, and after a wreath-laying ceremony, it was moved to the Majors Surheti village. It was a sad and proud last farewell for Major Deswal. Family members, relatives and hundreds of residents, including politicians, officials, social workers, said they were saddened by the death of young officer, but they were also proud of the bravehearts martyrdom. Full military honours and a gun salute were given to Major Deswal. One of the military officers at the funeral said the braveheart breathed his last in the true traditions of a warrior. Deswal was commissioned on June 10, 2006, into the Regiment of Artillery. After basic service, Deswal recognised that his calling was somewhere more adventurous. He opted for the Special Group at first, but finally opted for the coveted Special Forces. IANS Manav Mander Tribune News Service Ludhiana, April 15 Bicycles and bicycle parts imported from Cambodia are giving tough time to the local industry. The imports are routed by Chinese firms to escape the import duty. Earlier, Chinese firms were exporting goods from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. China-based companies have opened offices in Cambodia and obtain certificate of origin and export goods to India. By routing items from the route they avail exemption from import duty levied at the rate of 30 per cent on complete cycle and 20 per cent on cycle parts. According to the policy, members of Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) and South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA), which includes developing and under-developed countries, can dump their goods in India at 0 per cent duty. Badish Jindal, president, Federation of Punjab Small Industries Associations, said; Now Chinese products are coming through different routes. Just to escape the import duty, Chinese goods are coming through different routes and now the latest to add in the league after Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Bangladesh is Cambodia. The policies which were formed for the development of developing and under-developed countries were being exploited and it should be checked by the government. Indias increasing trade imbalance with China is putting a question mark on the import-export policy of the country. Despite international slow down, imports from China are increasing by 9 per cent whereas the exports from India to China are decreasing by 25 per cent. During 2014-15, India imported electrical and electronics equipments from China to the tune of Rs 1.02 lakh crores which may further increase to Rs 1.30 lakh crores in the current fiscal. In the same time, import of machineries and mechanical equipments may increase from Rs 62,000 crores during 2014-15 to Rs 70,000 crores in 2015-16. The organic chemicals and fertilisers import may increase from Rs 58,000 crore to Rs 73,000 crore. Similarly, import of plastic products may also increase from Rs 10,000 crores to Rs 11,000 crores. Such a huge imbalance may devastate the economy of India. Products worth seven lakh crore rupees are coming from China through under valuation. Government needs to check this influx as it is affecting the local industry very hard, added Gurmail Singh, a cycle parts manufacturer. New Delhi, April 15 Activist-lawyer Prashant Bhushan on Friday termed the Delhi government's odd-even traffic restriction scheme a "gimmick". Citizens could offer better solutions to pollution, suggested Bhushan, formerly a key member of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and a close associate of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. "Citizens may offer better solutions for pollution, bike lanes, better public transport/BRT, than gimmicks like odd/even," the lawyer posted on micro-blogging site Twitter. Delhi government's second phase of odd-even traffic scheme which aims at reducing air pollution in the national capital started on Friday. The scheme disallows private vehicles with even registration numbers to run on odd-numbered dates and vice versa, thus restricting the flow of traffic on roads. IANS Ex-US contractor jailed for sending defence drawings to India From Lalit K Jha Washington, Apr 15 (PTI) A woman US defence contractor has been sentenced to nearly five years in jail for illegally exporting to India military blueprints and technical drawings of parts used in some high-tech hardware like F-15 jets using a local church's website. Hannah Robert, 49, circumvented the US government and provided export-controlled technical data related to various types of military technology to an individual in India, said Assistant US Attorney General John P Carlin in a statement. Robert, a resident of New Jersey, was charged with illegally exporting to India the military blueprints and technical drawings of parts used in some of the high-tech and sensitive hardware like F-15. She was sentenced to 57 months of imprisonment for conspiring to send sensitive military technical data to India. "We will vigorously prosecute and bring to justice those who abuse their access to sensitive defence information and violate the Arms Export Control Act," Carlin said. Prosecutors say she ran two New Jersey-based companies that contracted with the Pentagon to supply defence hardware and spare parts. She owned a third company in India that manufactured parts. Currently under home detention pending trial, she was charged in a superseding indictment with one count of violating the Arms Export Control Act, one count of conspiracy to violate the act and four counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. According to court documents, Robert, founder, owner, and president of One Source USA LLC, used a local church's website to transfer technical drawings of military hardware parts. The exported technical drawings include parts used in the torpedo systems for nuclear submarines, military attack helicopters, and F-15 fighter aircraft, the Department of Justice said. She transmitted export-controlled technical data to one PR in India so that they could submit bids to foreigners, including those in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to supply them or their foreign customers with defence hardware items and spare parts. Neither Robert nor PR obtained approval from the US Department of State for this conduct, the Justice Department said. PTI LKJ ASK AMS AKJ AMS 04151253 NNNN Ajay Banerjee Tribune News Service New Delhi, April 15 Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, when he leaves for China tomorrow, will carry an important message for Beijings top leadership: We dont treat you as an enemy and nor does India equate China and Pakistan. Parrikar, who was scheduled to leave on April 17, has advanced his visit by a day so that he can fly Air India instead of flying out on a Chinese airline the next day. He also opted out of using a personal jet. He will be in Shanghai to meet the Indian business community before flying off to Beijing. In China, his meetings with the government start on April 18 where he would tell the leadership that India does not hyphenate Pakistan-China and both are separate countries for New Delhi, said sources while telling the key agenda points for Parrikars meetings. He will address issues of cooperation in the Indian Ocean. China and India already conduct coordinated anti-piracy patrols along the Yemen and North-East Africa coastline of the ocean. China is sensitive to maintain security of the sea lines of communications used by merchant ships as millions of tonnes of its crude oils pass very close to Indias west coast and also close to the Andaman and Nicobar islands on the east edge of Bay of Bengal. Parrikar and his high-level team will be discussing expansion of military exchanges at senior levels and allow each others officers into top military institutions like the National Defence College in Delhi. China is preparing to send its troops for UN peacekeeping mission and India has more than 50 years of experience in such missions. The Indian delegation will be meeting Chinese premier Li Keqiang followed by a meeting with General Fan and latter with Defence Minister Chang Wanquan. Parrikar will also visit the headquarters of the Chengdu Military area command which is tasked to face India. He shall be accompanied by Defence Secretary G Mohun Kumar, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, Vice Chief of the Indian Air Force Air Marshall BS Dhanoa and Chief of the Navys Western Command Vice Admiral Sunil Lanba. Kuala Lumpur, April 15 A 33-year-old Indian-origin Sikh woman and her seven-month-old daughter were found dead at their house in Malaysias Selangor state. The police have arrested her husband, a media report said today. The deceased, identified as Kamaljit Dorairaja and her daughter Ishlyn Kaur, are believed to have been strangled or smothered to death, Malay Mail Online reported. The two bodies were first spotted by her father-in-law, who raised the alarm. Meanwhile, the police have arrested Dorairajas husband, a lorry driver in his early 30s, in connection with the double murder. PTI Seoul, April 15 North Korea attempted and failed to launch what experts believe was an intermediate range ballistic missile on Friday in defiance of UN sanctions and in an embarrassing setback for leader Kim Jong Un. The failed launch, as the reclusive country celebrates the "Day of the Sun" on the birthday of Kim's grandfather, follows the North's fourth nuclear test in January and a long-range rocket launch in February, which led to new UN sanctions. But the North has nevertheless pushed ahead with its missile programme, supervised by Kim. The US-based 38 North website, which specialises in North Korea, has said there has been activity at the country's nuclear site based on satellite imagery, and on Wednesday said the possibility of a fifth nuclear test "could not be ruled out". Friday is the anniversary of North Korean founding president Kim Il Sung's birthday, which is widely celebrated. In 2012, it was marked by a long-range rocket launch attempt which also failed. The US Defense Department said in a statement the launch at 0533 Korea time (2033 GMT Thursday) was detected and tracked by the US Strategic Command, which also assessed it had failed. "We call again on North Korea to refrain from actions and rhetoric that further raise tensions in the region and focus instead on taking concrete steps toward fulfilling its international commitments and obligations," a US State Department official said. It was likely a Musudan, South Korea's Yonhap news agency said, an intermediate-range ballistic missile with a design range of more than 3,000 km (1,800 miles) that can be fired from a road mobile launcher but which has never been flight-tested. A South Korean defence ministry official said Friday's launch was believed to have been a failure but declined to identify the type of the missile launched. The United States, which has 28,000 troops stationed in South Korea, said on Thursday it was aware of reports that North Korea was preparing to test intermediate-range missiles and was closely monitoring the Korean peninsula. "Timing wise, today's missile was a cannon salute on the Day of the Sun, leading up to the party congress, but now that it has failed, it is an embarrassment," said Chang Gwang-il, a retired South Korean army general. The North is scheduled to hold its ruling party congress in early May, the first such meeting in 36 years. The North could not completely ignore the sanctions, backed by its lone major ally China, but considered it the right time to attempt a missile launch to send a message to the world "we don't surrender to sanctions", Chang said. Some experts had said North Korea may choose to test-fire the Musudan as it tries to build an intercontinental ballistic missile designed to put the mainland United States within range. North Korea, which regularly threatens to destroy South Korea and the United States, often fires missiles during periods of tension in the region or when it comes under pressure to curb its defiance and abandon its weapons programmes. The reclusive North and rich, democratic South are technically still at war since their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty. Reuters New York/Islamabad, April 15 NEW YORK/ISLAMABAD: India is "not forthcoming" in resuming comprehensive dialogue with Pakistan and such an attitude is "impeding" prospects of normalisation of bilateral relations, Pakistan's envoy to the UN has said, while in Islamabad, the Pakistan foreign office rejected a notion that the peace process was suspended, saying it remained engaged with New Delhi. Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi told a group of students and faculty members from the US Army War College last week that despite a positive start following the coming to power of the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India suspended talks between the two countries on "flimsy grounds and set unacceptable pre-conditions" for their revival. According to a press release by the Pakistan Mission at the UN, Lodhi said in spite of Pakistan's call to resume broad-based, comprehensive dialogue, "India was still not forthcoming". In Islamabad, Foreign office spokesman Nafees Zakaria during a weekly media briefing, said: "We need to look ahead and not think in terms of foreclosing any options. Both sides are in contact with each other." The spokesman was referring to media reports quoting Pakistan's High Commissioner in India Abdul Basit as having said that the peace process was "suspended", Dawn online reported on Friday. "Dialogue is the best option. Diplomacy is for interaction and engagement between countries," Zakaria said. Last December, the two countries had agreed to restart the peace dialogue, which was named Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue. It was agreed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's surprise stopover in Lahore on Christmas Day that the foreign secretaries would meet to decide the schedule and other details of the first round of talks. However, the plan for re-engagement after a hiatus of two years was affected by the Pathankot attack in January and the two countries have not been able to schedule the foreign secretaries' meeting since. Zakaria said the meeting would take place once the "modalities" have been settled. IANS/PTI KANSAS CITY, Mo. Wright Career College folded Friday, looking to liquidate its assets in bankruptcy after abruptly closing its five campuses, including a site in Tulsa at 4908 S. Sheridan Road. The Overland Park-based nonprofit filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in Kansas City, Kansas, under its corporate name of Mission Group Kansas Inc. It estimated liabilities and assets each of $1 million to $10 million, and creditors numbering between 1,000 and 5,000. The closures affect campuses in Tulsa and Oklahoma City, the Kansas cities of Overland Park and Wichita, as well as Omaha, Nebraska. The college, which had roughly 3,000 students enrolled during the 2014-2015 fiscal year and in recent weeks stopped accepting new students, largely trained students for jobs as medical assistants, accountants and other business occupations. Founded in 1921 to train typists, it originally was known as Dickinson Business School. The college said in an email to students Thursday night that with our deepest regret it no longer was able to operate. On Friday, the company said in a statement on the colleges website that a number of schools are open to accepting Wright students credits. We are saddened by these events, Wright president John Mucci said in the statement. From our beginning in 1921 until our closure, we have always operated with the focus of putting the interests of our students first. It is unfortunate our students cannot complete their programs at Wright Career College. Hundreds of Wright students and graduates have joined in a 2013 lawsuit against the college, accusing the school of a systematic, deceptive marketing scheme to entice students to enroll and apply for student loans they cant pay back. The lawsuit, which seeks a refund of the students tuition and unspecified damages, also claimed Wright deceived students about attendance costs, employment prospects and the value of the schools accreditation. At the time it was filed, the company called the lawsuits claims absurd and that the college never guaranteed students post-graduation employment. The status of that lawsuit was not immediately clear Friday. Federal prosecutors Thursday dismissed second-degree murder charges filed against a Pawhuska man in connection with the death of his girlfriend. The dismissal follows a series of court rulings earlier this month that determined statements by Thomas Mongrain Eaves were inadmissible due to misconduct by investigators. Eaves legal troubles are not over, however. The 57-year-old was released from the Tulsa Jail on Friday morning into the custody of the Osage Nation, which plans to charge him in tribal court in connection with the death, officials said. Osage Nation Assistant Attorney General Jeff Jones said Eaves was charged Thursday in tribal court with second-degree homicide, which is a misdemeanor under tribal law. Eaves was released from federal custody after he successfully challenged the legality of his arrest and statements he subsequently made to investigators. Eaves was detained by the Osage Nation Police Department after he showed up early on the morning of Aug. 25 at the Pawhuska Hospital emergency room, requesting medical treatment for his girlfriend, Starr Pennington, according to court documents. Pennington, 44, was pronounced dead by hospital personnel, who later estimated she had been deceased for at least four hours prior to arrival at the emergency room. Eaves was held in an Osage Nation Police Department holding cell for about six hours that day before FBI agents requested to interview him, according to court records. After being read his rights, Eaves talked to investigators for about an hour, according to court documents. That same day, investigators executed a valid search warrant at Eaves home, where they found a large pool of blood on the floor of his residence, according to court records. Eaves was later transported to the Osage County Jail, where he was interviewed again on Aug. 26 and Sept. 1. Federal prosecutors filed a second-degree murder complaint against Eaves on Sept. 16 in Tulsa federal court. In one of his interviews with investigators, Eaves said he found Pennington unconscious the previous night, but then changed his answer to two nights earlier, an affidavit filed in connection with the charge says. After an investigator pressed further, Eaves reportedly said he found Pennington the night he took her to the hospital. When asked how Pennington died, Eaves said she was an alcoholic and had been unresponsive and intoxicated for the previous six to seven hours, according to the affidavit. Eaves reportedly said that he woke up from a nap and found her covered in vomit and not breathing. A report from the Oklahoma State Medical Examiners Office appeared to contradict Eaves account of events and revealed that Pennington died from blunt force trauma to the head. The report stated that the injury occurred shortly before her death and could not have been caused by a fall. The medical examiner further found that the woman had five broken ribs from a previous injury and two from a recent injury. Bruises also covered her back, legs, arms and head. The federal public defenders office subsequently claimed Eaves was illegally arrested and that statements he made to investigators should be thrown out. Prosecutors countered that Eaves was being held only as a material witness when he initially talked to FBI agents. U.S. District Judge John Dowdell, in an opinion and order issued April 8, determined that police had not shown they had probable cause to arrest Eaves. Officers may not avoid the Fourth Amendments probable cause requirement by calling their detainees material witnesses rather than suspects, Dowdell wrote in his ruling, which found the arrest to be illegal. The misconduct in this case was obvious ... , Dowdell wrote, citing the governments own account that the defendant was detained in the hope that something might turn up, as officers conducted further investigation and searched Eaves vehicle. Additionally, Dowdell determined that Eaves statements to investigators on Aug. 25 should be thrown out since they occurred after he was illegally arrested. Prosecutors previously agreed to not bring up the contents of the Aug. 26 and Sept. 1 interviews as evidence unless Eaves did so first at trial. William Widell, with the federal public defenders office, said Eaves maintains his innocence and does not know what caused Penningtons death. Eaves faces a maximum jail term of one year in the county jail if convicted in tribal court, and/or a $1,000 fine. Eaves could also be banished from tribal property for up to 20 years, Jones said. Eaves is being held in the Osage County Jail, Jones said. Newly appointed U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. came to Tulsa on Friday to hear how local teachers and school administrators worked together to reduce student testing time by half. King said Tulsa Public Schools example is aligned with President Barack Obamas new Testing Action Plan to eliminate unnecessary testing and will be held up as a case study for other districts to consider. Im certainly very encouraged by the ways in which you have thoughtfully gone about reducing assessment time to improve instructional quality, King told a panel of Tulsa teachers, principals and district administrators. Tulsa Superintendent Deborah Gist shared with King that one of her first orders of business after she was hired last summer was to meet with the districts Assessment Study Group. That group was formed after two local first-grade teachers made national headlines when they refused to administer any more surveys and tests to students. Teachers and principals from across TPS came together to examine the issue for months and ultimately determined that students spent about 8,100 minutes on district-mandated tests in 2014-15. In August, Gist announced a roll-back in nonmandatory check-in and reading tests that would reduce student testing time to 3,700 minutes for the 2015-16 academic year. Those changes represented a reduction of 54 percent, or more than 72 hours. In a panel discussion held Friday at Rogers Early College Junior High and High School, King heard testimony from local teachers and principals about the positive outcomes. Meredith Brown, who teaches sixth-grade math and science at Thoreau Demonstration Academy, said she has had more time to integrate math and science standards into projects for students. Instead of collecting data, Im able to figure out how to use data to best meet the needs of my students, she said. (Through integrated projects) we can help students understand how these things work together, which is more applicable outside the classroom. Caleb Starr, principal at Hale High School, said his faculty seems happier. Teachers are leaders they are leaders in their classroom. Youre more likely to get a more creative teacher when theyre less bound by regulation, Starr said. They have the opportunity to create more. You can feel it when you walk into classrooms, its more qualitative than quantitative. Stephen Hoch, director of data quality and use at TPS, said the district is also working to shift the significant burden for analyzing and interpreting data away from teachers and principals. Our teachers and principals arent averse to data, but they dont want to spend their time in spreadsheets. What were focusing on at the central office is using the data to provide actionable information back to schools, Hoch said. Were not there yet, but thats the big press. In October 2015, President Obama announced a set of principles to promote a smarter approach to testing students and new support for states and school districts to develop and use better, less burdensome assessments. The U.S. Department of Education on Friday set priorities for the Enhanced Assessment Grant, a $9 million, competitive grant program for states and consortia of states to improve state assessments. The grants will be awarded to states later this year, and King told local reporters gathered after Friday mornings panel discussion that Tulsa could benefit if Oklahoma applies and wins a grant. Kings visit was part of a series of events focused on the idea of promoting a return to well-rounded public school education. On Thursday, King visited Las Vegas, Nevada, and later Friday, he was set to visit Springdale, Arkansas. DENVER Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt is trying a new tactic in his fight to have Colorados legalization of marijuana for recreational use overturned. Pruitt and his Nebraska counterpart are asking an appeals court to allow them to join a court case that may decide whether federal law against marijuana preempts Colorados legalization. The two attorneys general on Thursday jointly asked the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to allow them to intervene in the case. Opponents of legalized marijuana are pursuing that case at the Denver-based appeals court. The appeal seeks to overturn a lower-court decision which concluded that pot opponents had no right to sue on their claim that federal law preempts Colorados legalization. The Oklahoma and Nebraska attorneys general contend that marijuana coming from Colorado has burdened law-enforcement authorities in their two states, where marijuana is illegal. Because the people of Nebraska and Oklahoma have determined the marijuana is harmful and should be illegal, Nebraska and Oklahoma have a duty to protect their citizens from the continuing harms resulting from Colorados illegal activities, the attorneys general wrote in Thursdays request to the Denver appeals court. The two states request to join the appeal is a new tactic after the U.S. Supreme Court on March 21 refused to let them sue Colorado. Thursdays filing states that some defendants in the pending appeal oppose the request of Oklahoma and Nebraska to intervene. Those defendants are officials of Pueblo County, Colorado, who have licensed marijuana businesses in that county. The appellate judges are not expected to decide before late this month whether to allow the two attorneys general to join the case and submit arguments against Colorados position. The appellate judges are not expected to decide until at least later this year a basic issue of the appeal: whether federal law preempts Colorados legalization. One opponent that sued in the case that is on appeal is Safe Streets Alliance, a national organization based in Washington, D.C., that supports enforcement of federal drug laws. Another opponent who sued owns land adjacent to a pot-growing site in Pueblo County. In their unsuccessful effort at the Supreme Court, Oklahoma and Nebraska likened Colorado to a drug cartel that is causing drug-related problems in their states and others. Colorado voters in 2012 approved a state constitutional amendment that allows, with restrictions, recreational use of marijuana. The state has a regulated process for cultivation and distribution. The state and local governments raise revenue from marijuana users and businesses. The attorneys general argued that Colorado created a dangerous gap in the federal drug control system enacted by Congress. Marijuana flows from this gap into neighboring states, undermining Plaintiff States own marijuana bans, draining their treasuries, and placing stress on their criminal justice systems, their filing states. A woman accused of vandalizing a corpse at a Tulsa funeral home appeared in court Thursday for a hearing on a motion to dismiss some of the charges against her. Shaynna Sims attorney argues that some of the charges are invalid because they are based on evidence that was obtained unlawfully and that another does not apply to specific statutory language. Tulsa County District Judge Kelly Greenough is set to decide May 6 whether to dismiss the charges. Prosecutors maintain Sims vandalized the body of Tabatha Lynch during a viewing April 30, 2015, at Moores Eastlawn Chapel, 1908 S. Memorial Drive. Sims, 27, is accused of cutting off one of Lynchs breasts and a toe, as well as locks of her hair, slashing her forehead and stealing her shoes. The charges allege she then unlawfully entered Lynchs home, where she was arrested that same day. Charges against Sims include larceny from a person, knowingly receiving or possessing stolen property, first-degree burglary, unauthorized dissection, disturbing or interrupting a funeral and unlawful removal of a body part from a deceased person. On Thursday, attorneys argued for and against Sims March 4 motion asking the judge to dismiss four of the six counts. Sims attorney, Chad Greer, argues in the motion that the counts of larceny and knowingly concealing stolen property are invalid because they stem from evidence obtained during an unlawful search and seizure. Oklahoma law does not allow warrantless searches based on suspicion of the misdemeanor offense for which Sims was under arrest at the time, the motion states. Testimony at Sims preliminary hearing Sept. 11 revealed that an officer arrested Sims under the suspicion of vandalizing Lynchs body at the funeral home a misdemeanor offense committed outside the officers presence, according to the motion. In a written response, prosecutors argue that the officer testified she had handcuffed Sims for Sims own safety because the officer was responding to a disturbance at the apartment and feared a fight was about to break out. Sims was also at the time suspected of actions amounting to burglary, prosecutors argue, and according to case law, searches without probable cause are allowed if the search is reasonable. Sims attorney also argues that the burglary charge should be dismissed because it asserts Sims unlawfully broke into Lynchs home, though testimony indicated Lynchs son had invited her inside. Prosecutors response argues that testimony indicated Sims was invited into the home under false pretenses because she gave a false name and said she worked for the funeral home. The defense motion also argues that the charge of unlawful removal of body part from a deceased person should be dropped because the language of the state law prohibiting that action specifies bodies awaiting burial, and testimony showed Lynchs body was instead awaiting cremation. Prosecutors respond that it was not the intent of the legislature to allow a person to desecrate or remove the body parts of a deceased person just because the body is going to be cremated rather than buried. Sims has been in the Tulsa Jail since a judge in June heard evidence that she had violated the conditions of her bond by going near the home of Lynchs family. OKLAHOMA CITY A bill that would require insurance to cover autism screening and treatment for children cleared a legislative hurdle on Thursday. House Bill 2962, by Rep. Jason Nelson, R-Oklahoma City, and Sen. A.J. Griffin, R-Guthrie, passed the Senate by a vote of 36-5. The measure now returns to the House for consideration. Senate Pro Tem Brian Bingman, R-Sapulpa, said the bill has generated a lot of calls from constituents. The measure would require coverage for the screening, diagnosis and treatment of autism spectrum disorder in children younger than 9. If the child isnt diagnosed or doesnt receive treatment until after 3 years of age, the child would be eligible for at least six years of benefits as long as he or she shows sufficient progress and improvement. Under the legislation, children would have access to applied behavior analysis for up to 25 hours a week with a cap of $25,000 a year. The mandate would end if premiums increased by more than 1 percent. Griffin said the right kind of treatment can make a dramatic difference in helping children with autism become independent, productive individuals. Forty-three other states already make sure their children are covered, Griffin said. Its time for Oklahoma to become the 44th state to enact this law. LOCUST GROVE Theres Meat Loaf on a wall at DJs Diner. And thats a good thing. Its a Meat Loaf record (For Crying Out Loud), and its held in place by a thumb tack. Meat Loaf has plenty of company on the wall. Records more than a thousand, according to diner employee Tori Jaquay serve as wallpaper at the Locust Grove eatery. Walls are covered with singles and albums. Additional singles hang from the ceiling by way of fishing wire. Customers can walk in the front door and look up to see the Suzi Quatro and Chris Norman single Stumblin In. Folks stumble in from all over. I have had people from literally all over the world stop by and take pictures and selfies with the wall as a background, DJs Diner owner Marcia Payne said. Just a month ago, I had a family from India stop by before we opened for business that day. They told me they had heard about the diner while they were in Dallas and stopped by on their way to Arkansas. How they heard about us in Dallas, I have no clue. But I think that is cool. Saturday, April 16, has been designated as Record Store Day 2016, a global celebration of the culture of the record store. According to recordstoreday.com, Tulsa-area stores participating in the ninth annual Record Store Day include Blue Moon Discs, Holy Mountain Music & Oddities, Starship Records & Tapes, the Beat Goes On in Claremore and Vintage Stock locations in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Owasso and Jenks. To be clear, DJs Diner is not a Record Store Day participant, but, thanks to the decor, every day is sort of record day. The DJ initials in the business name could stand for disc jockey, but thats just a coincidence. Payne, who has owned the diner for 21 years, said she has always been a huge music buff. Making the diner music-themed was just a natural for me. A CD jukebox on the counter provides music. And Payne said she started putting records on the walls because she had so many and wanted to display them somewhere. I thought it would look awesome, and it is different from any other place Ive seen, she said. I wanted some uniqueness. Music lovers will need to block out a significant chunk of time if they want to treasure hunt the walls. Michael Jacksons Off the Wall album is on a wall. So are legendary albums like Fleetwood Macs Rumours and the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack. But you can also find a Hee Haw album featuring Junior Samples and Archie Campbell, a Flip Wilson Show album, two Jane Fonda Workout albums, the Star Wars Cantina Band single, a Perry Como Christmas album and a Parakeet training album. (Promotional blurb: Your parakeet can teach itself to talk!) There is really no rhyme nor reason to the selection, Payne said. Some were from my collection as a teen. Others have been donated across the years. I dont really have any worth, any big money up because people tend to steal them and some get knocked off and broken. I do have many, many more left to replace them with. Customers can exaggerate only slightly and say they had lunch with Elvis Presley, Boz Scaggs, Johnny Cash, Lou Rawls, Conway Twitty and the Village People. Payne said people drop by on a regular basis to check out the food and the records. She said it cracks her up when kids unfamiliar with vinyl come in and say, Look at all these cool, black CDs. She said younger people are sometimes curious about how records produce music and they inspect the grooves. That group that detoured to DJs Diner while trekking from Dallas to Arkansas? Payne said a man in the group found a wall record that interested him. So I told him to take it, she said. He thought that was amazing. Jimmie Tramel 918-581-8389 OKLAHOMA CITY Longtime Sand Springs Public Schools Superintendent Lloyd Snow on Friday filed for state Senate. He is among a growing number of individuals with ties to education who filed for legislative races by the close of the three-day filing period on Friday. In total, 417 people filed for office, setting a record for number of filings in a presidential election year in recent history. The most recent record was 412 filers in 2004, said Paul Ziriax, state Election Board secretary. In 2004, legislators were first subjected to a limit of 12 years, creating an unusually high number of open seats. Snow is among five candidates seeking to unseat incumbent Dan Newberry, R-Tulsa, in Senate District 37. I am discouraged, disappointed and dismayed at the devastating cuts that we have been getting in public education, said Snow, who has been superintendent in Sand Springs for 16 years and had planned to retire at the end of this school year. The same with health. Public safety is in the ditch, as well. Transportation is a little better, but we have got so much work that needs to be done. And we dont seem to have the kind of landscape at the Capitol where people come together as adults and compromise and make policies that are good for children. U.S. Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., drew six challengers, including two Democrats, two Libertarians and two independents. Because no Republican filed against him, Lankford advances to the Nov. 8 general election. This is what we feel called to do to help, said Lankford, who filed with his wife, Cindy. Lankford served in the U.S. House before being elected to fill the unexpired term of Tom Coburn. He served as director of Falls Creek Youth Camp from 1996 to 2009. Lankford is seeking a six-year term. All six members of the states congressional delegation on the ballot drew challengers. Sen. Nathan Dahm, R-Broken Arrow, drew four challengers, including two Republicans and two Democrats. Kimberly Fobbs, a Democrat from Broken Arrow and small-business owner, was among those who filed. She said Dahm has no experience and no demonstrated results to lead the district. She does not believe he has focused on economic development in the district. Filers said they were concerned about the lack of funding for education, poor health-care outcomes and the state budget. Fobbs called the $1.3 billion budget hole a crime and said that leaders must be accountable. Lawmakers expect to have $1.3 billion less in crafting a fiscal year 2017 budget in part due to depressed energy prices, tax cuts and tax credits. The state is in a revenue failure, necessitating cuts to state-appropriated agencies. Karen Gaddis of Tulsa was among three Democrats to file against incumbent Dan Kirby, R-Tulsa. She is a retired educator. I just couldnt let the status quo stand, she said. It is unacceptable, not just in education, but in a great many areas. Dakota Ballard, 31, was the last candidate to file. He made it with 30 seconds left before the filing period closed. We did jog a little bit, said Ballard, who brought his son, Sawyer, 3. Ballard, a Democrat who works for Oklahoma State University, is seeking Senate District 21, a post held by Sen. Jim Halligan, R-Stillwater. Halligan chose not to seek another term. It's Divali time so at TV6 over the next few days, we bring you some of the interesting aspe Next week on All Star Family Feud, its Im a Celebrity besties Chrissie Swan and Joel Creasey. Both will play with family and friends rather than fellow celebs ..which possibly makes it a Friend Feud? One of Australias most-loved television personalities, Long Lost Family co-host Chrissie Swan, and one of Australias most in-demand comedians, Joel Creasey, put their friendship to the test this week on All Star Family Feud. Chrissie and Joel have recruited their families in their quest for Feud glory can the Swans outplay the Creaseys? Joels team includes his mother Jenny and friends Thomas and Kyle, playing for Junior Diabetes Research Foundation. Chrissie will be joined by her mother Pat, aunt Carmel and sister Catherine, playing for Ardoch Youth Foundation. Will Joel and Chrissie remain friends after All Star Family Feud? 7:30pm Monday on TEN. While Hollywood movies have run riot (literally) with movies about viruses, Im struggling to think of a TV series that has managed to do a good job on the genre. Helix? Nah. Between? Nope. The Strain? Not really. The Walking Dead? Ok, but Id call that a zombie series. New US drama Containment is not about to break the mould, either. Set in Atlanta, it will see its citizens divided by a fence as those who are infected by a mysterious disease are sealed off from those who are not. Think Under the Dome but without a dome. Authorities racing to identify and isolate the disease must work to avoid panic in a race against time. Yet despite its ticking time bomb premise, there are several shortcomings in the first episode, based on the Belgian series Cordon (it screened in Australia on SBS). Multiple characters are set up, but without the skill Irwin Allen used in his 1970s disaster flicks. Katie Frank (Kristen Gutoskie) has a busload of primary-aged school children. Teresa (Aussie Hanna Mangan-Lawrence) is heavily pregnant and devoted to Xander (Demetrius Bridges). Jake Riley (Chris Wood) is a hunky cop, and police officer (David Gyasi) cant seem to get girlfriend Jana (Christina Moses) to commit to moving in. Amid it all doctor CDC researcher Dr. Victor Cannerts (George Young) warns of a mysterious disease that has begun infecting people at his hospital, with speedy and fatal precision. Enter Sabine Lommers (Claudia Black) from the Dept. of Health who tells city officials she has arrived to call the shots. I dont get called until things get bad, she warns. The unknown virus has arrived, she believes, via a young Syrian man suspected of being patient zero. Seriously. Could they have been more loaded if they tried? This elicits concerns from some that they better stop this fast, before some kid from the Middle East gives us all the plague. Im hopeful this is actually a red herring, to demonstrate one should not judge a book by its cover ..but frankly, its a glimmer of hope, at best. Sabine convinces Lex he should be the front the government campaign. Were gonna need a face. Someone people trust, she insists. Answering the call he leads the charge to contain the disease to a single district, with an electric fence thrown up in record time whilst angry locals try to come to term with unexplained divisions. Meanwhile things go from bad to worse for those on the inside, as victims turn on grisly deaths and fail to avoid body contact. For some, thrown together by circumstance, 4 to 6 feet wont just become the distance to avoid body contact, but the distance that equates to unresolved sexual tension. Despite the best efforts of David Gyasi as police sgt. Lex, Containment lacks enough focus on a central character to facilitate an engaging way into its universe. This isnt helped by some clunky dialogue: Im in the middle of the damn hot zone! or Its the freakin zombie apocalypse! if you will Claudia Black (The Originals, Farscape) as Sabine depicts such an icy, pointed bureaucrat that its hard to see her as a three dimensional character. Theres so much use of cell phones it feels like product placement, or a feeble attempt to appeal to millennials. Multicultural relationships were a rare, redeeming feature. Perhaps a more engaging universe will follow after the set-up business is out of the way. But scenes suggest Atlanta is about to descend into a hot mess. And I dont mean The Walking Dead. Containment premieres Wednesday on Stan. They refer to each other by surname. They answer questions on behalf of the other. And they have two comedies coming your way in April and May thanks to ABC. Kate McLennan (left) and Kate McCartney (right) will feature in their own sitcom pilot Bleak in May with a second season of their online comedy The Katering Show on iview from today. The Katering Show has been quite the hit on YouTube, with additional playouts on iview. But be warned, its not your typical foodie show. McCartney: I do genuinely hate cooking. Straight up! Its a complete waste of time, for me. McLennan: I quite like cooking. McCartney: You used to like it a lot more. But now youve tired. Let me speak on your behalf. The series sees both Kates, using their own names, in a kitchen that could easily be mistaken for a certain TV cooking show, but with storylines that tackle everything from marriage equality to Yummy Mummies, climate change and Ramen. As creators, writers and performers, this love project blurs the lines between the real and fictional Kates. What we explore a little bit more in this series is my ego. In the world of the show McCartney doesnt want to be there and McLennan doesnt have anything else, says McClennan. The first series was us but heightened. In the second series my character has become a bit more malleable. Invariably I inhabit our viewpoint a lot more, on topics, McCartney suggests. Sometimes McLennan will be on board with that. Her character might speak from our point of view but occasionally shell provide a popular voice that we take issue with. A side of an argument that we dont necessarily agree with. Theres a natural inclination when you have 2 people on screen together that they should be disagreeing. But we fond writing the first series that if we took opposing views on things that were untrue to how we actually felt, it just didnt work., McLennan adds. The duo met through having the same agent, when both were also working on a terrible animation. Eventually when I got onto Twitter she started following me and became obsessed with me, says McCartney. I did and I made a fool of myself on several occasions! McLennan recalls. We had an idea for a show that was effectively similar. So rather than try to compete we should just join forces. That project was the comedy Bleak, which will debut in ABCs Comedy Showroom next month. It took longer to be realised so in between they whipped up The Katering Show TV development can really stretch out so we just wanted to do something quickly, McCartney explains. Were too impatient to wait. So it seemed easier to do it ourselves, McLennan agrees. When the ABC said they wanted to help make the (Katering) series, McCartney was 9 months pregnant. I was 3 months pregnant. Bleak had been greenlit as a pilot and we knew they would put it on air somewhere around April, May. So we knew that in order to get more eyeballs it would be better to make Katering and put it on before. We set ourselves this ridiculous task of popping out 2 kids, writing 8 scripts to make it happen. It was a very intense period. We produced a lot! Both human and otherwise, McCartney adds. In the upcoming Bleak, Kate McLennan plays self-obsessed screw-up Anna OBrien, who loses her boyfriend, house and dead-end job in one day. With no friends, no money and nowhere to go, she crawls back to the warm embrace of her well to-do family, (with parents Jean Kittson and Shane Bourne) only to be given a drink and then shown the door. The humour in Bleak is far more absurdist than their cooking venture. The shows that we really respond to are those stark Danish dramas. Murder with nice furniture. But we just got really silly. We might have been tired when we wrote it!, McCartney suggests. When we first started writing it we thought it would be quite realistic: a lot of locked-off shots, a lot of atmosphere, a lot of story. And then we write a pilot that goes like the clappers and ends in a very strange place. With the shows stark title and Anna crafted as an anti-hero , the duo are unforgiving about straying from traditional comedic paths. Weve been expressly told by people to make her more likeable, McCartney notes. Which we directly rail against! McLennan insists. Screen Australia and FilmVic are pushing to have more female voices in TV and film. I think we qualify as female voices now! Im sure we have a direct line to just ring them up and say weve got another idea and just get it made. Is that what happens now? Bleak will feature amongst 5 other new comedies with ABC inviting audience feedback for at least one to proceed to a full series. The two Kates are alert but not alarmed what might happen if they get the good news. If we get the pilot we get to write it in 24 hours. If we dont we get banished! The Katering Show is now available on iview. Bleak premieres 9pm Wednesday May 25 on ABC. 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 This week the BBC confirmed actress Kerry Howard, best known for Him & Her and Drunk History (UK) would play a young Hyacinth Bucket in the one-off prequel for Keeping Up Appearances. Set in the 1950s, Young Hyacinth is written by the original creator Roy Clarke (yay!) and tells the story of Hyacinths early adulthood, as part of a sitcom season to mark 60 years of BBC comedies. Mark Addy from Game of Thrones will play her father with sisters as: Violet (Tamla Kari), Daisy (Katherine Pearce) and Rose (Katie Redford). It will also feature Tony Gardner, Debra Stephenson, Tim Downie and James Wrighton. Kerry Howard, says: It is such a privilege to get this opportunity to play the part that turned Patricia Routledge into a comedy legend. I grew up watching her and never dreamed that the original writer Roy Clarke would revisit Hyacinth in her early years and explain why she is the way she is. The script is incredible and he is such a sharp writer. This is a gift of a part and Im very humbled that the BBC have entrusted it to me. I cant wait to play her! Roy Clarke says: Often, even during the elder Hyacinths reign, I would wonder what this formidable mature lady would have been like as a young woman. Would the Hyacinth powers already be there? Well, to my delight, Ive been given the chance to find out. Ive been allowed to wander into her background and investigate, almost a piece of archaeology really, until there she was Young Hyacinth in early blossom. I hope those who knew her in her prime will find as much pleasure in this re-creation of her as I have. Set in the late 1950s in a crowded canal cottage, Hyacinths desperate attempts to transform her sisters and her Dad (Mark Addy Game Of Thrones, The Full Monty) into an altogether better class of family are not always appreciated. The sisters have their own dreams and ambitions, Violet (Tamla Kari, The Musketeers) dreams of wealth, Daisy (Katherine Pearce, Our Girl) dreams of the great outdoors and Rose (Katie Redford, Mount Pleasant) dreams of film stars and boys; whilst Hyacinth dreams of the day shell have matching china. Oh and how she wishes that her darling Daddy, currently scraping by as a part-time brush salesman with a tricycle and a drink problem, could be more like ex-Squadron Leader Cooper-Smith, for whom she works as a maid. Screen Australia has received a whopping 452 applications its initiatives to empower and increase the participation of women in the screen industry, known as Brilliant Stories and Brilliant Careers. It is the most applications ever received for any Screen Australia funding program. 334 female-led creative teams applied for Brilliant Stories. These teams include new and emerging talent which satisfied the Three Tick Test: three out of four creative positions (producer, writer, director and protagonist) being female. Successful applicants will receive up to $100,000 for feature films and up to $50,000 for scripted television, scripted online and interactive projects. Brilliant Careers seeks to create business initiatives for companies, industry organisations and guilds that generate sustainable careers for women. 118 companies from all around Australia applied. Screen Australia COO Fiona Cameron said: Screen Australias Gender Matters initiative was created to boost the number of female-led creative teams in the screen industry. We have been so encouraged by the extraordinary and high-quality response to call outs for Brilliant Careers and Brilliant Stories. Among these proposals and applicants are vibrant and exciting new voices and innovative plans for professional development opportunities. These big picture ideas and proposals mean that we can help to foster greater business sustainability. Successful applicants will be announced by the end of June. Delaware Gov. Jack Markell joined UDs Social Media Marketing Strategy Certificate students for a live online conversation on the uses and influences of social media via Google+ Hangout, along with Kelly Bachman, then social media manager for the governors office. Students in UDs Social Media Marketing Strategy Certificate teamed up with Friends of Newark K-9 Officers to develop the groups social media strategy. Pictured here, the class was joined by Friends of Newark K-9 supporter Nic DeCaire (far left) and Cpl. Adam Stevens with K-9 Peti of the Newark Police Department. Meredith Chapman and Holly Norton of UDs Communications and Public Affairs serve as instructors in the Social Media Marketing Strategy Certificate. UD's Meredith Chapman accepts a national award recognizing the Social Media Marketing Strategy Certificate, pictured here at the 2016 University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) conference with Robert Hansen, UPCEAs chief executive officer. 8:13 a.m., April 15, 2016--The University of Delawares Social Media Marketing Strategy Certificate is the 2016 recipient of the national Outstanding Program Award for a noncredit program from the University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA). Program creator Meredith Chapman accepted the award for UD at last weeks UPCEA Annual Conference in San Diego. As program director and lead instructor, Chapman developed the program in cooperation with UDs Division of Professional and Continuing Studies (PCS), aiming the curriculum at businesses, nonprofits and working professionals who need current, practical expertise to help them navigate the fast-expanding social media landscape for themselves and for their organizations. From the beginning, we set out to make this program a unique experience for participants, and we are honored by this national recognition that validates our efforts, said Chapman, who is also UDs director for digital communications. As one of the first social media programs in the country, we knew a key differentiator would be providing an experience that goes beyond learning in the classroom. We challenge the students to put what they learn into practice by translating needs and goals into tangible strategies that they execute throughout the program. Chapman has led UDs social media presence from the outset, developing institutional guidelines and strategies for social media, and positioning UD as an early thought leader among educational institutions leveraging social media. She has received national recognition in the field, and was a 2015 Leadership Delaware fellow. In addition, Chapman serves as adjunct faculty in UDs Department of Communication and Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate level courses on digital marketing, social media and public relations. When we first launched the certificate program in 2013, we knew a community connection would be important, because social media is a growing field and many organizations are at a loss for where to even begin, explained Chapman. By partnering with local nonprofits, the students are able to see their ideas come to fruition while also helping an organization leverage the power of social media to achieve their goals. To date, we have helped six nonprofits develop successful social media marketing strategies in addition to running campaigns that have helped launch their social media efforts, celebrate milestones and meet fundraising goals, all through social media. Client-partners have included Prestons Playground, Girls on the Run Delaware, Friends of Newark K-9 Officers, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Delaware, Bellevue Community Center in Wilmington and the dropout prevention program, Communities in Schools of Delaware. The applied learning component provides a real world, hands-on approach that benefits the students, community nonprofits and contributes to UDs community engagement efforts, commented Soma Chakrabarti, director, PCS, who nominated the program for UPCEAs award process. This award recognizes the programs innovative approaches to community engagement and experiential learning, which I believe are replicable at other UPCEA member institutions. This program has also been recognized with an Outstanding Program Award from the UPCEA Mid-Atlantic region. The programs students and graduates consistently cite the programs real-life learning opportunities and the instructors real-world expertise as central to their learning experience. Social media is changing every day, so this certificate program is constantly evolving too, added Chapman. Our schedule includes virtual sessions where we can bring in top social media talent from across the country, industry leaders like Erik Qualman of Socialnomics and Brian Selandar of The Whistle as well as innovative businesses such as Mayo Clinic, AAA, FedEx, Capital One and even Governor Jack Markell. The mix of case studies with real-time strategy development sets our students apart once they graduate because they have gained not only an education but also built a portfolio to support their hands-on learning. The programs faculty team also includes Holly Norton, social media manager in UDs Communications and Public Affairs; and Matthieu Plourde, educational technologist with IT Academic Technology Services. Joining them is UD alumna Lisa Ford, a director of digital marketing at Capital One. "This program provides an outstanding example of cooperation among UD units to provide a state-of-the-art educational opportunity and in turn reach out to serve the general community, added James Broomall, associate vice provost, PCS. It is wonderful for our certificate program to be recognized by the premier association for professional and continuing studies." 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 United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has delivered the first shipment of vaccines against pertussis, mumps and measles, and medicines for HIV/AIDS patients, the press service the Health Ministry reports. The UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) under a contract with the Health Ministry on the purchase of medicines and vaccines, has conducted the first supplies, in particular, 6 of the 22 drugs for antiretroviral therapy (ART) and the first batch of vaccines against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)" reads the report. According to the Health Ministry, over 45, 000 patients will be provided with antiretroviral drugs for HIV / AIDS treatment, which are purchased via UNICEF, and thus the patients will be able to continue uninterrupted therapy this year. Also, pediatric ARV formulations for 3,000 children have been purchased for the first time. iy Former Finance Minister of Slovakia Ivan Miklos will head a governmental group of support for reforms. The composition of the group will be announced next week. Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman said this at a parliaments sitting on Friday, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. In the government a special core will be formed that will include a group of experts. We will present it, maybe, next week. As previously agreed, Ivan Miklos will head the group. This will be the group of support for reforms, Groysman said. iy The referendum in the Netherlands concerned more internal problems of the European Union, but not Ukraine, thats why an association agreement should be implemented. Foreign Minister of Latvia Edgar Rinkevich said at the Kyiv Security Forum, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "Of course, we also should not forget about our promises regarding visa liberalization for Ukraine and Georgia and the implementation of an association agreement with Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova, even after the referendum in the Netherlands, which, in fact, slightly concerned Ukraine", he said. iy Ukraine hopes that the Netherlands will complete the ratification of the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and will submit the instruments of ratification to Brussels. This was stated by Foreign Minister of Ukraine Pavlo Klimkin during the Kyiv Security Forum, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "Now the final word rests with the Dutch political elite. I hope that the parliamentary debate will result in submission of the instruments of ratification to Brussels, probably, with some political declarations," the Minister stressed. Klimkin noted that Ukraine was not going to amend the association agreement. "It is not only our Ukrainian position. It is the position of all other EU member states that have already ratified and submitted the instruments of ratification. Brussels has the same position," he said. ol Early April, Baltcom telecommunications provider in Latvia included UA|TV Ukraines international broadcasting channel in the Digital TV and Interactive TV packages. This is reported by the Information Policy Ministry of Ukraine. Information Policy Minister of Ukraine commented: "From now on, the Latvian leader of online and digital television offers its viewers the programs of Ukrainian multimedia platform of international broadcasting - UA|TV channel. I am grateful to Ambassador of Latvia to Ukraine Juris Poikans for assistance. It is important that the Ukrainians, who live in Latvia, now have access to the official Ukrainian TV." ol Fans of Michael Schumacher and Formula One racing will be delighted to know that his Ford-Benetton B191B racing car is up for sale. The car is expected to fetch a price of at least 180,000 in the auction next month. According to Top Gear, the Ford-Benetton B191B has a Series V Ford HB V8 engine. The engine can rev up to 13,800rpm and can go at 730bhp. There were previous owners of the racing care before Michael Schumacher had it in his possession. The Ford-Benetton B191B was previously owned by Nelson Piquet, who retired from Formula One racing in 1991. The Bit Bag reports that Martin Brundle and Bonhams also had the car in their possessions for a while. The car is made and engineered by John Barnard, who said that Michael Schumacher used the Ford-Benetton B191B extensively and impressively in 1991 and 1992. Michael Schumacher is still recovering from a serious head injury due to an accident in the French Alps two years ago. Although the Formula One champion is no longer in a coma, he is still recovering in his Geneva Lake mansion in Switzerland. According to News Everyday, Schumacher is unable to talk, walk or has no awareness of his surroundings. However, he is making some progress. The F1 racing champion is being cared for by 15 medical staff round the clock. "We are happy to say still he does improvement and I say this always considering the severeness of the injury he had," Kehm said in an interview, as reported by One News. "But of course it will take a very long time for everybody involved to fight, and we are happy to take this fight." Kehm also expressed recently that Michael Schumacher initially wished to lay low from the public eye months before his accident in 2013. She explains that this is why there is little information about the racer's condition or his private life with his wife Corinna Schumacher and their family. "Once in a long discussion Michael said to me: 'You don't need to call me for the next year, I'm disappearing'," Kehm said, as reported by Mirror. "I think it was his secret dream to be able to do that some day. That's why now I still want to protect his wishes in that I don't let anything get out." Neanderthal extinction may have been caused by infectious diseases that Homo sapiens or humans carried. Researchers at Cambridge and Oxford Brookes universities, who analyzed ancient samples of DNA, said that there is no clear evidence that the transmission of diseases killed off the Neanderthals. Other factors such as competition over sources of food may have played a role. The study is published in the American Journal of Physical Anthropology. Humans who migrated out of Africa to Europe may have been carrying diseases like herpres, tuberculosis, stomach ulcers and other chronic conditions that may have been fatal to Neanderthals. "Humans migrating out of Africa would have been a significant reservoir of tropical diseases. For the Neanderthal population of Eurasia, adapted to that geographical infectious disease environment, exposure to new pathogens carried out of Africa may have been catastrophic," Dr. Charlotte Houldcroft from the Division of Biological Anthropology at Cambridge said, Medical News Today reports. The outlet notes that Homo sapiens and Neanderthals came from a common ancestor. When humans migrated to Europe from Africa, Neanderthals went extinct after a couple of thousands of years. The interbreeding of humans and Neanderthals may have initiated the transmission of infectious diseases. The infected Neanderthals would have been weakened and thus, unable to hunt food and survive. Scientists offer fascinating new explanation for Neanderthals' extinction https://t.co/9Jqj7tegq5 @davyfreeman Arianna Huffington (@ariannahuff) February 10, 2016 "As we now know that humans bred with Neanderthals, and we all carry 2 to 5 percent of Neanderthal DNA as a result, it makes sense to assume that, along with bodily fluids, humans and Neanderthals transferred diseases," said Houldcroft, Washington Post notes. The study also reveals that infectious diseases including tuberculosis and herpes may be as old as humans. It was previously believed that numerous infectious diseases surfaced with the introduction of agriculture and breeding of livestock among humans. Do you think that the infectious diseases brought by humans are what caused Neanderthals to go extinct? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below. 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. Wyoming Business Tips for April 24-30 A weekly look at Wyoming business questions from the Wyoming Small Business Development Center (WSBDC), part of WyomingEntrepreneur.Biz, a collection of business assistance programs at the University of Wyoming. By Cindy Unger, WSBDC business adviser I am interested in finding out more about venture capital financing for my business startup. What can you tell me? Jason, Casper Often, the greatest obstacle between a great idea and a profitable business is cash. Venture capital can be a viable financing resource for either a startup or an established business. Venture capital (VC) firms make calculated investments in companies that they believe have the potential to make them money. Typically, a venture capital firm focuses on one or more specific industries. Companies of interest to VCs usually have a novel technology or business model in high-tech industries such as biotechnology, health care, renewable energy or information technology. In return for its high-risk investment, a VC firm typically receives a significant portion of company equity, with accompanying control over company decisions. VC firms and funds obtain investment capital from many different sources, including pension funds, endowment funds, foundations, corporations and wealthy individuals. A VC may work with the company for 5-10 years before withdrawing any capital. Eventually, the venture capitalists will sell their shares back to the owner or to the public through an initial public offering for what they hope will be significant profit. Depending on the kind of company, the owners of the company and the culture of the VC firm, this kind of partnership can be either advantageous or disastrous. The pros: -- The money is yours. VC and angel investors are gambling on the success of your business. If you succeed, they win big. If you fail, an investor can potentially lose his or her entire investment. Unlike a bank loan, the business owner has no obligation to repay investment capital. -- The resources to compete. Typically, high-tech businesses require significant capital to quickly scale to the point where they can enter and compete in a market. A substantial influx of capital into a fast-growing corporation can mean the difference between success and failure. -- Connections and expertise. The right venture capital firm can add unique expertise and key management skills to your company. Since the VC has a vested interest in your success, it will want you to have the best business and management assistance possible. The investors also may have useful connections in your industry or deep-pocketed friends who also may decide to invest in your company. The cons: -- Control. Your investors own part of your company. VC funding comes with strings attached. Depending on the amount of equity granted to the VC, the investors may gain the right to make controlling decisions for the company. -- Misaligned goals and priorities. VC firms do not necessarily want what you believe is best for your business in the long run. Their priority is doing what is best for the bottom line on their timetable. Your company may not be ready to grow as quickly or in the same direction as your investors demand. If your business model is truly superior, you may be unnecessarily forfeiting a significant share of future profits by using VC funding at startup. -- Encourages lack of spending discipline. A startup team with too much capital may fail to develop the budgeting skills necessary to achieve long-term growth. -- Managerial distraction. When too much of a managers attention is distracted by outside investors whose ideas may not necessarily coincide with your own, the companys daily operations could suffer. When considering venture capital funding, proceed cautiously. There is no obvious right or wrong way to find financing for your company. Weigh the positives and negatives of your situation very carefully. Investigate all of your financing possibilities. Remember, venture capital interest does not necessarily equal success. A blog version of this article and an opportunity to post comments are available at http://wyen.biz/blog1/. The WSBDC is a partnership of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Wyoming Business Council and the University of Wyoming. To ask a question, call 1-800-348-5194, email wsbdc@uwyo.edu, or write 1000 E. University Ave., Dept. 3922, Laramie, WY, 82071-3922. When it comes to legalization of medical marijuana, Pennsylvania would be the latest and the 24th state to get benefited. On Wednesday, the Legislature sent the governor a bill after parents of suffering children gathered in the Capitol persuading lawmakers to act. The herbal cannabis will treat people suffering from several different ailments, diseases and terminal illnesses. It was almost two years since 2014 that the state Senate first approved a medical marijuana bill. Gov. Tom Wolf said that he will sign the bill on Sunday. The issue has been propelled by parents who have faith in marijuana oil extract which could help alleviate the everyday seizures of their children. Some parents worried that the next seizure could be fatal and made countless travels to the Capitol for their case to be addressed, abc News reported. A US appeal court ruling on Wednesday has reopened the way for Argentina to repay debts while returning to international capital market for the first time in more than 15 years. The ruling offers immense support for the Argentine President Mauricio Macri who has been trying to turn the page on since his inception four months back. A three judge panel has upheld a US District Court decision lifting an injunction preventing the South American nation from widely borrowing. Argentina's failure in paying holdout bondholders following 2001 default on debt for more than $80 billion has appeared as obstacle in this regard. The previous court decision has been affirmed without producing a written order, reports The Wall Street Journal. Prior to pronouncing the verdict, the judges' panel has observed pleas from lawyers for hundreds of remaining bondholders waiting for settlement with Argentina. Ending the injunction will remove the incentive for Argentina to pay about $2 billion in settling remaining claims. Argentina has announced on Monday planning for launching the sale of its first international bond in 15 years. The planned move aims to raise fund for an April 22 debt repayment to creditors resisting earlier efforts for debt-restructuring, reports Reuters quoting a finance ministry official. U.S. regulators for securities and commodities sectors pushed a Senate committee to uplift their budgets. On Tuesday committee, the heads of agencies in charge of regulating securities and commodities expressed their demands. The securities and commodities agencies cited the increasing sophistication in the financial markets and technology as a backdrop of the budget demands. Even so, the lawmakers gave no sign of approving the demand, adding extra dollars to the agencies' budgets. In a new proposed budget, President Barack Obama requested an increase of 11 percent for one of the country's security regulator, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The increase would boost its spending to $1,781 billion as reported by Reuters. A U.S. regulator agency for commodities, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), also filed a proposal seeking an increase of 32 percent in its budget. The increase would give the agency $331 million budget to spend. However, some lawmakers seem to not be fully agreeing on the proposed budget increase for the agencies. Senator John Boozman of Arkansas puts it, "Access to more funding does not necessarily ensure that an agency will successfully achieve its mission or spend that funding responsibly." Senator Boozman, which is also the Republican chairman of the Appropriations subcommittee on financial services noted that the fact that SEC spending does not affect the federal deficit does not mean it's free of oversight. He also added that it's the congress' responsibility to ensure all the funds are being spent "in a manner that protects investors, helps markets operate efficiently and spurs economic growth for all Americans." On the other hand, others believe that an increase in the budget is important. Chair Mary Jo White said, "Additional funding is imperative if we are to continue the agency's progress in fulfilling its responsibilities over our increasingly fast, complex and growing markets." She also added that adding the budget would help the agency hire more staffs in critical, core areas. She also noted that increasing the workforce means that SEC would be able to conduct more exams, increase data analytics and improve intelligence gathering for cases, as quoted by Yahoo News. The CFTC also tried to justify its request for the budget increase, saying that the agency does not have enough resources to oversee its $400 trillion markets and commodities trading. According to Lawyer Herald, the CFTC Chair Timothy Massad also stated that more than a third of the extra dollars requested would go toward information technology. U.S. regulatory agencies for securities and commodities, the SEC and CFTC, pushed the government to boost both their budgets. The agencies argued that the increasing financial and technology markets create a need of more fund for them to function properly. Leaders of the world's economy in IMF and World Bank has started their annual meeting on Thursday. The leaders are discussing ways and other necessary steps to boost growth and consumption. Prior to the meeting, Reuters reported that the United States stated to keep the currency issue on the boil in G20 meeting, which is adjacent to the annual spring meeting. A senior official in the U.S. Treasury said on Tuesday that United States urged faster progress toward a market-driven exchange rates. "Throughout the upcoming discussions, we will emphasize the importance that all G20 members honor their commitments to move more rapidly to more market determined exchange rate systems, avoid persistent exchange rate misalignments and refrain from targeting exchange rates for competitive purposes," the official said. Ahead of the meeting, International Monetary Fund on Wednesday cut its global growth forecast for the fourth time in the past year. According to RTE, IMF decided to cut its forecast due to China's slowdown, persistently low oil prices and chronic weakness in advanced economies. IMF reduced its 3.4% global economy growth forecast in January to 3.2% in 2016. The Fund also warned of possible widespread of stagnation risk. IMF prompted in its latest World Economic Outlook that weaker growth will make global economy to be vulnerable to jolt, such as currency depreciations or worsening geopolitical conflicts. As for the annual spring meeting, IMF requested world economic leaders to take coordinated actions to stimulate economy. That includes to reform economic structure, introduce fiscal stimulus and issue accommodative monetary policy. In a written statement by IMF chief economist Maurice Onstfeld, he stressed the importance to stimulate growth. "Lower growth means less room for error. Persistent slow growth has scarring effects that...reduce potential output and with it, demand and investment," he said. "The weaker is growth, the greater the chance that the preceding risks, if some materialize, pull the world economy below stalling speed." The spring meeting began with a question of world economy, as many countries are seeking aid from either IMF and World Bank. Last week, Angola had requested a three-year bailout program from IMF after its economy was hit by a plunge in oil price. Previously, Angola's economy, which mainly supported by oil and diamond, experienced a steady development with more than 10% annual GDP growth since the end of its long civil war in 2002. Strait Times reported that World Bank said its lending to needy countries surged last year "to levels never seen outside a financial crisis." The annual meeting which attended by 189 country members of both institutions is in parallel with the G20 meeting. The major world economies also discuss the same agenda to increase growth. This Thursday, leaders of the IMF and World Bank started their regular meeting in Washington. The annual spring meeting will discuss necessary steps to boost growth and consumption. While G20 also hold meeting with agenda to improve world's economy. The United States Justice Department last week filed a lawsuit against ValueAct Capital for violating disclosure rule in the Halliburton-Baker Hughes merger deal. Meanwhile, ValueAct on Monday said to defend its position vigorously and pledged to fight the lawsuit. Reuters repoted that the U.S. Department of Justice alleged ValueAct Capital improperly classified two company investments as passive, which exempt the information from disclosure requirements. The U.S. Antitrust law clearly exempts disclosure of investment if the purchaser of stock owns less than 10% of the shares. The law also allows individual and institution to conceal the purchase information if they have no intention of participating in business decisions. The Department of Justice in its lawsuit said that ValueAct Capital started to acquire stakes in both Halliburton and Baker Hughes using access to the companies' executives. Afterward, the San Fransisco-based hege fund formulated a merger strategy between the two energy giants while withholding the information. Some activist managers told Reuters that many active and passive investors have more inclination to work together to pressure management at underperforming companies. While activist investors court passive shareholders before launching a campaign, passive investors recruits activists to agitate shareholders. In regard to such activity, a New York law firm specialized in financial services Davis Polk in a memo to clients said that traditional funds need to reassess compliance with disclosure law. "Such an institution will have to examine whether it can claim to have a truly 'passive' intent," the memo read. In the lawsuit, as cited by CNBC, said a civil penalty of "at least $19 million" was appropriate. While ValueAct pledged to fight the lawsuit and will vigorously defend its position. Meanwhile, ValueAct Capital denied any wrong doing in the antitrust case, as Forbes reported. The firm is a well-respected activist hedge fund which has helped companies to overcome obstacles and strengthen their business. In a statement issued on Monday, ValueAct defended its position and said the hedge fund had acted accordingly to the law. "We have acted entirely properly and in compliance with the law. We fundamentally disagree with the Department of Justice's allegations in this case," the statement said. "ValueAct strongly believes in the most basic principles of shareholder rights. This includes having a relationship with company management, conducting due diligence on investments, and engaging in ordinary course communications with other shareholders. As a result, we see no alternative but to contest the Department of Justice's action and will vigorously defend our position." Department of Justice sued ValueAct Capital for violating disclosure rule in Halliburton and Baker Hughes merger deal. Nevertheless, ValueAct on Monday said to have no wrongdoing in the issue, and vowed to defend its position. Action camera GoPro is expanding its function and connectivity with the new "GoPro Developer Program." The program will allow third-party companies, including car, television, and toy manufacturers to create mobile apps, accessories, and other physical mounts, enabling its own users to connect with GoPro. In a press event Thursday morning, GoPro announced its aim to integrate with more people. "Over the last few years we've been excited by the creativity and enthusiasm other brands have demonstrated when integrating GoPro into their own solutions," said the company's CEO and founder, Nick Woodman. Even though the company just launched the developer program publicly, the GoPro Developer Program has been operating for more than a year, as reported by Fortune. As for now, the company already has more than 100 third-party companies as partners, including auto makers, toy manufacturers, and others. German luxury car manufacturer, BMW, is among the companies that are integrating with GoPro. According to The Verge, the car maker is making a lap timer app, enabling its drivers to connect to GoPro cameras and use it to record speed, location, and even video while driving. GoPro's other partner, toy manufacturer, Fisher-Price, is integrating its own service with GoPro to help parents document their children's milestones. The company created GoPro mounts for various children's toys it produced to enable parents to capture milestone's from the child's perspective. With the developer program, GoPro is expecting to boost its reach and create new uses and applications for its devices. The program was launched publicly after the company reported its disappointing Q4 earnings, as noted by Tech Crunch. The report revealed that GoPro suffered a 31 percent drop in revenue year over year, and had to lay off 7 percent of its workforce. As a result, the company's stocks also fell, and the company had to downgrade its 2016 guidance. "The GoPro Developer Program is a way for us to celebrate the innovative work of our developer community and more importantly, help enable what comes next," noted Woodman when promoting its developer program in the event. The company is now calling more companies to collaborate with GoPro and enjoy the benefit for both parties. "We're grateful to benefit from the collective genius of the participating developers and we're excited to now officially support their efforts with our developer toolkits," he added. GoPro launches a developer program, enabling companies and manufacturers to integrate its products and services with GoPro's. As for now, the company already partnered up with more than 100 companies and is calling for more collaboration. Yahoo Inc. has just changed its employee severance plan apparently in a bid to clear the way for changing ownership. Under the new plan, employees are entitled to their severance payments even when part of the business is sold out. The move suggests for a possible sale of its core operating business or some other parts of the company in the days ahead. Yahoo has modified the definition of 'change in control' through including the sale of substantially all of the company's operating business, reveals a Yahoo regulatory filing submitted on Thursday. The filing indicates that the new severance package will remain effective for all employees even in case of laying-off during the post acquisition period, analyzes a report published in Business Insider. The old severance package will get affected with the change in ownership of the entire company. The previously effective policy is believed to somehow creating obstacles in changing ownerships of Yahoo's multi-billion dollar stakes in Asian companies, according to another analysis by Bloomberg. SHARE Contributed photo Tom Miller Service can provide an opportunity for unity as we get to know our neighbors a little better. As we serve together, barriers can be torn down. Service can transcend differences in religious beliefs, political persuasions, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation. As we work side-by-side and learn from each other, mutual understanding increases, misconceptions can be corrected, and new friendships are built. Following the Biblical admonition to "love thy neighbor as thyself," service connects those who give to those who receive. It also gives us a kind of satisfaction that self-interest can never offer. It allows us to practice doing what Jesus would do. King Benjamin, an ancient Book of Mormon prophet said, "I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God," (Mosiah 2:17). Service is not only about filling a need, but it is also about showing love to others. Jesus taught us to love one another. The different ways we can bear one another's burdens are almost limitless. JustServe.org, a service of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, provides opportunities to relieve suffering, care for the poor and needy, and enhance the quality of life within the community. The website helps to match service needs with volunteers. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?" JustServe.org matches religious, nonprofit, community and government organizations that need volunteers with people who are willing to help. It is designed to link people with service opportunities in their community so they can make a difference wherever and however they want to serve. As Harry S. Truman once said, "It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit." JustServe.org helps align opportunities to serve with whatever specific talents we may have. When we serve others we are reminded that nothing in this life lasts as long as the bonds we form with other people and there is no better way to connect ourselves to others than by working together for a common good. Alma, another Book of Mormon prophet, taught that "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass." We know that it's often the little things in life that can make a big difference. By serving each other in our local communities, we're paving the way for much broader changes. Our individual efforts don't need to be huge a little bit of change here, a few hours there but even small efforts can quickly add up to make a real difference. Some of the service opportunities posted on the JustServe.org website through the month of April in Thousand Oaks and Moorpark are: April 23: Painting in Thousand Oaks April 23: Planting shrubs in Thousand Oaks April 30: Planting shrubs in Moorpark Tom Miller is a former bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a member of the Conejo Valley Interfaith Association, which meets monthly and welcomes clergy and representatives of all religious faiths. He can be reached at wrplanner@aol.com. FILE PHOTO SHARE By Gretchen Wenner of the Ventura County Star Phone lines remain down for some local businesses nearly two weeks after Frontier Communications took over landline services from Verizon Communications. The Camarillo YMCA has had intermittent phone problems, and at times complete shutdowns, since the April 1 transition. Phones went out again Thursday around 11 a.m., said Executive Director Megan Voshell. "I cannot seem to get anybody to call me back from Frontier," Voshell said. "To be a business of this magnitude without a phone is extremely frustrating." But so many of the Y's members are also having problems with Frontier, she said, they've been very compassionate. Frontier assumed Verizon's former television, Internet and landline phone operations in California, Texas and Florida, with the switch affecting more than 3 million customers. The Connecticut company bought Verizon's fiber-optic system known as FiOS in those states in a $10.5 billion deal announced last year. Since April 1, service outages have been widely reported in all three states, spawning Twitter hashtags such as #Frontierfail and souring the company's Facebook page with thousands of negative comments. Dawn Ott of the Ray Favacho Insurance Agency in Camarillo said the office has had problems for more than a week. "The phones have not worked all day and we have been told they have no idea when they will work again," Ott wrote in an email Thursday. "I asked what they are going to do about the clients we are losing who think we fell off the face of the earth," she added. Residential customers have also had ongoing problems. Fred Haynes of Camarillo said the first week started out mostly OK. "I was holding my breath," he said. "Then: boom." Last Friday, he suddenly lost phone and TV. Later, his Internet died. too. Then came a series of appointments with technicians who failed to show up. Tuesday with an eight-hour window ended with a no-show. Wednesday too. In the meantime, after repeated calls to technicians and a barrage of reboots and rewires, Haynes was able to recover phone and Internet, but not television. "Polite words fail me," he said, noting choices are limited. "What am I supposed to do, drop Frontier and go to Time Warner, which next year is going to Charter Communications?" Sharon Miret of Newbury Park has also technicians miss appointments after initially losing all three services. "We were first told eight hours, then given a four-hour window," she said Thursday. "No one came." Finally, someone came at night, she said, and got her TV and Internet services online. But the landline was still dead Thursday. "It has not been a seamless transition," she said. Others have emailed The Star with complaints. One reader said Wednesday she is a caregiver for an 80-year-old woman who had gone three days without phone, TV or Internet. "The phone is directly tied into Philips Lifeline" for emergency assistance, she wrote. "For the phone not to work is horrible and potentially dangerous." The reader said Thursday she had switched to Time Warner. Frontier officials have described the problems as affecting only a "small number of customers." They say residential customers with problems should call 800-921-8101 and business customers 800-921-8102. STAR FILE PHOTO SHARE By Wendy Leung of the Ventura County Star A call center company in Thousand Oaks will pay about $150,000 in back wages to its employees following a two-year investigation by the Labor Department. ViaSource Solutions Inc., located on Thousand Oaks Boulevard, was found to have misclassified the job titles of hundreds of employees, denying them of minimum wage and overtime benefits as outlined in the Fair Labor Standards Act. Kimchi Bui, district director of the Wage and Hour Division in Los Angeles, said the call center agents, many of whom work 40 hours a week or more, were labeled "independent contractors" instead of "employees." Bui said workers were paid based on calls handled when they should have been receiving minimum wage and payment for hours worked beyond 40 hours a week. There are many factors in determining whether a worker can be classified as an employee with minimum wage and overtime protection. In typical situations, an employee is someone who is economically dependent on the business of the employer, whereas a contractor might have economic independence, according to the Department of Labor. Also, work that is an integral part of the employer's business is typically done by employees as opposed to contractors. ViaSource Solutions, formerly known as INW Contact LLC, provides call center services to businesses that use infomercials to market products. Calls made to ViaSource Solutions were not returned for comment. Bui said it's "very common" for employers to misclassify their workers. "We see there's a rise in different industries. Often times employers misclassify workers as independent contractors to reduce labor costs or employer taxes," Bui said. "The danger is, the employee is not aware of the benefits." Bui said in many situations, employees enter into an agreement with the employer and do not realize labor laws on minimum wage and overtime pay apply to them. The settlement announced Thursday requires the company to reclassify its employees and pay back more than $101,000 in wages to 435 employees and nearly $49,000 for unpaid overtime to 165 employees. Bui said the company was cooperative during the investigation and will not be fined beyond the payment of lost wages. She said each case is different and in some cases companies are fined beyond back wages payment. JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR Bobbi Aparicio, 14, a freshman at Fillmore High, looks at prom dresses during the Prom Dress Project Expo earlier this month. SHARE JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR Bobbi Aparicio, 14, a freshman at Fillmore High, looks at prom dresses during the Prom Dress Project Expo earlier this month. JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR Fillmore High students Tess Rossi (center), 16, shows off a tuxedo jacket to friend Marco Richard, (left), 15, as Marlen Barragan, 16, looks on during the Prom Dress Project Expo earlier this month. JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR Fillmore High students Marlen Barragan (left), 16, and friend Bobbi Aparicio, 14, have fun with their prom dress selections during the Prom Dress Project Expo earlier this month. JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR Derek Flores, 16, a junior at Fillmore High, looks at tuxedos during the Prom Dress Project Expo earlier this month. By Anne Kallas, Special to The Star It's her last year at Fillmore High School, and Julissa Esparza wants to go to prom. Being able to choose a free dress from the Prom Dress Project Expo a pink one covered with sparkles is helping make it easier. "I think it's a cool idea," she said of the expo. Prom dresses and suits were given away this year at Fillmore High, Hueneme High and Pacifica High School in Oxnard. It's the last time the Prom Dress Project Expo is being headed up Nancy Rodriguez; the local radio personality is moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico. "This is my last one here," she said. "But I'm going to take it to Albuquerque with me. And there are a couple of people who are interested in taking over." Rodriguez said she started the project in 2008 to collect used and new prom dresses and give them to young women who might not otherwise be able to afford the expensive gowns. Pacifica High School already had a similar project called Ariel's Closet, which Cuba Montero, then a Spanish teacher and counselor at the school, had started in the 1990s. When Rodriguez found out about that effort, she linked up and started using her contacts as a radio broadcaster to solicit donations not only from individuals, but also from area businesses. "I had a lot of connections and resources. And everyone wants to help," she said. "Salzer's has been one of our drop-off places, and now the Suit Outlet is helping out. This allows the kids to dress like fairytale princes and princesses." The Prom Dress Project Expo at Fillmore High School is sponsored by PACT: Providing Accessible Clothing to Teens, which is headed up by Monica Campos-Sanchez. She explained that with the dresses costing from $80 to $270 or more, the cost is out of reach for many families. "These girls are so happy and grateful," she said. "We had an event the day of prom last year where they could get their hair and make-up done and we had about 40 girls show up. They almost feel like princesses. For most of these girls the first special dress they get is for their quinceanera, then prom and then their wedding dress." Fillmore High School Principal Tom Ito said this year's prom, May 14, can cost up to $100 a couple. "It's going to be at a country club, which is very nice," he said. "And these kids deserve it. These are the best kids I've ever worked with. Giving them something like this is big and they're so appreciative." Campos-Sanchez said there's been an effort in the last few years to include free formal wear for young men as well. They've gotten help for the last two years from a Los Angeles-based nonprofit that collects high-end designer suits from movie studios . At Fillmore High, Steven Ortega, a senior who lives in Piru and goes to school in Castaic, tried on a black tuxedo jacket that fit him perfectly. "This give everyone a chance to look nice," he said. Ortega's mom, Laura, said she donated some dresses to the effort. "I think this is a really good idea," she said. "I donated about 10 dresses from my daughters. Girls use the dresses only one time, and for as much money as you spend, it's nice to make sure they get more use." Star file photo Rep. Julia Brownley, D-Westlake Village, called for hearings into shredding practices at VA practices. SHARE By Staff Reports Surprise inspections of shredding practices at 10 regional offices last July found 69 claims-related documents "improperly scheduled for destruction," the OIG found, although only two had a direct effect on the receipt of benefits. The inspections were prompted by an anonymous tip in January 2015 that documents related to disability compensation claims were being destroyed at the Los Angeles regional office. The OIG conducted the surprise inspections around the country to determine if the problem was systemic. The inspector general's investigation reviewed 438,000 documents awaiting shredding in the regional offices in Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Houston, New Orleans, Oakland, Philadelphia, Reno, San Juan and St. Petersburg. Of those, 69 were in the shredding bins improperly, with the denied burial allowance in Reno and the overpayment to the divorced spouse in Atlanta the only ones affecting benefits. Nine other documents had the potential to affect benefits because changes of address or bank account information could have been shredded, the OIG found. Rep. Julia Brownley, D-Westlake Village, a member of the Veterans Affairs Committee, last year called for hearings into the document-shredding. Many of her constituents deal with the Veterans Benefits Administration's Los Angeles regional office where the initial allegations surfaced. In an interim report released in August, the VA OIG found that "noncompliance" with written policy, inadequate oversight and a lack of training resulted in the potential destruction of documents in Los Angeles. It said then and again this week that it did not find evidence that documents had been destroyed prior to its unannounced visit, but noted that the position of records management officer had been vacant for six months. JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR Members of the Ventura County District Attorney's Office Crime Victims' Assistance Unit give out balloons to people participating in a march for the National Crime Victims' Rights Week Commemorative Ceremony at the Ventura County Government Center on Thursday. SHARE JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR Ventura County District Attorney Greg Totten (center), along with others, participates in a march during the National Crime Victims' Rights Week Commemorative Ceremony at the Ventura County Government Center on Thursday. JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR Klaas Kids Foundation president Marc Klaas was the keynote speaker during the National Crime Victims' Rights Week Commemorative Ceremony, which included a march, at the Ventura County Government Center on Thursday. JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR The Ventura County Sheriff's Office Color Guard makes a presentation of colors during the National Crime Victims' Rights Week Commemorative Ceremony, which included a march, at the Ventura County Government Center on Thursday. JOSEPH A. GARCIA/THE STAR Ventura County Supervisor John Zaragoza (right) presents a board resolution to Ventura County District Attorney Greg Totten during the National Crime Victims' Rights Week Commemorative Ceremony, which included a march, at the Ventura County Government Center on Thursday. By John Scheibe of the Ventura County Star Crime victims "have been totally ignored during these past years," the father of a Northern California girl who was kidnapped and murdered in 1993 said in Ventura on Thursday. "This is not a good time to be a crime victim in California," Marc Klaas told a group of law enforcement officials and others gathered in Ventura to commemorate National Crime Victims' Rights Week. Klaas' 12-year-old daughter Polly was kidnapped at knife point in her Petaluma home while having a slumber party with two friends. A massive search ensued involving some 4,000 people. Two months later, searchers found Polly's body in a shallow grave. People across the nation grieved on learning of her death. Her murder also turned Marc Klaas into the public face of a parent who has lost a child to violent crime. Polly Klaas' death also led directly and indirectly to the passage of numerous laws, including California's Three Strikes sentencing law, enacted in 1994. The law mandated a state prison term of 25 years to life for anyone who had been convicted of at least two felonies and was found guilty of another felony. "These laws helped hold those who are guilty of crimes accountable and helped keep citizens safe," Klaas told a room full of people inside the county supervisors' chambers. "Citizens felt safe again," he said. "But that was then," said Klaas, pointing to the recent criticism of a federal get-tough-on-crime law passed in 1994 when Bill Clinton was president. "I'm very proud of my contribution to Clinton's anti-crime law," Klaas said, noting how the president handed him the pen he used to sign the bill with during a ceremony at the White House. The law has become an issue during Hillary Clinton's campaign for the presidency this year, with critics saying it forced many minorities and poor to serve long sentences that were disproportionate to the crimes they committed. Klaas called the law's critics "a bunch of weenies," saying many who backed it years ago are suddenly finding themselves on the defensive. "The political winds seem to be shifting all of a sudden," with many one-time supporters now changing their minds about the law. Klaas also condemned California's AB 109. Signed by Gov. Jerry Brown in 2011, the law put the burden on counties across the state to supervise some felons and prison parolees. Its passage came as the state sought to decrease prison overcrowding by sending nonviolent and nonsexual offenders to county jail rather than state prison. "The result is tens of thousands of state prisoners have been released on our streets and crime rates have increased," he said. "Make no mistake about that." Klaas also disputed the assertion that those who are being transferred to county jail or supervision are nonviolent offenders, saying "the reality is there are no nonviolent people in California's prisons. "These are bad boys that are in these prisons and they need to stay there." Klaas said he fears it's only a matter of time before another child is killed by a parolee, as his daughter was in 1993. Ventura County District Attorney Greg Totten presented the Ellie Liston Hero of the Year Award to Carmen Daniels, a local woman who was kidnapped, robbed and sexually assaulted at knife point 33 years ago. Investigators were able to find her attacker through the use of DNA. He was later arrested and convicted, Totten said. The award is named for a former nurse who became a well-known advocate for crime victims in Ventura County before dying of breast cancer 16 years ago. Ventura saxophonist Tom Scott, a three-time Grammy winner, will headline the 5th annual California Jazz & Wine Fest in Westlake Village on Sunday. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO SHARE By Robyn Flans, Special to The Star From one end of the county to the other, this is a weekend of wine. Saturday is Champagne on Main in downtown Ventura, and Sunday is the California Jazz & Wine Fest in Westlake Village. For the second time, Ventura is hosting Champagne on Main, which starts a few hours after the spring street fair opens at 11 a.m. "At 3 p.m. (until 6 p.m.) guests will check in at a certain location and get their cup and booklet, and there will be over 50 tasting locations in downtown Ventura," said Vincenzo Giammanco, who also coordinates the California Beer Festival in Ventura. "Guests will be able to walk around and sample Champagne, sparkling wine and craft beer at their favorite restaurants." Tickets are $50. VIP tickets, at $70, include a chocolate lounge. "That's a different check-in location," Giammanco explained. "There will be 15 different chocolate vendors." Proceeds from Champagne on Main benefit the Downtown Ventura Organization to support a vibrant cultural and commercial district. On Sunday, Ventura saxophonist Tom Scott, a three-time Grammy winner, will headline the 5th annual California Jazz & Wine Fest in Westlake Village. "We're really positioning ourselves as a jazz event that has tastings," said event chair Nadine Rothermel. "Ours is a jazz-filled epicurean experience." At the Westlake Village Four Seasons Hotel, Scott's quintet will offer classic jazz, which Scott describes as being along the lines of Miles Davis, Cannonball Adderley and Horace Silver. "Two horns and rhythm section," Scott said. "The universal permutation for a certain style jazz we love." Scott has 35 solo recordings. He's especially proud of "Desire," the title track of his 1982 album, and "Shadows," from his 1976 album "Blow it Out." He also wrote "Gotcha!" the theme from TV's "Starsky and Hutch." "In addition to, I think, being a pretty cool tune, it has provided me with the money to put my kids through school and innumerable other things," Scott said. As a sideman, Scott has played with a long, diverse list of artists, including Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Steely Dan and Whitney Houston. He said a couple of his personal favorites have been Joni Mitchell and Carole King. "Carole King walks into a room and lights up the place with her spirit and her warmth," Scott said, "not to mention her talent." That's his sax solo on Paul McCartney's "Listen to What the Man Said." "I got a call out of the blue one afternoon from the engineer," Scott recalled. "He said, 'Paul McCartney's in town, and he's got a tune he thinks you'd be good on.' I said, 'Great, when do you want to do it?' He said, 'What are you doing now?' " Scott started on the clarinet when he was 8, but he'd already fallen in love with music thanks to a Benny Goodman record. He found more inspiration watching his father, television and film composer Nathan Scott, conduct. "I learned how to make music sound beautiful just by being around him," Scott said. On Sunday, Scott will be on the main stage in the hotel ballroom. A second stage and tasting area will be set up outside. Also performing will be the Adam Clark Trio, Paul McCallum & Friends, The Doug Webb Group and the Barrelhouse Wailers. Presented by the Rotary Club of Westlake Village Sunrise, Rothermel said the $100 ticket will include wine, brews and specialty spirits, plus food from local eateries. VIP tickets of $150 include valet parking, preferred seating and other amenities. Proceeds will benefit Children's Hospital of Los Angeles and other Rotary charities. IF YOU GO What: Champagne on Main When: Saturday, street fair 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; wine walk 3 to 6 p.m. Where: Downtown Ventura Tickets: $50 regular, $70 VIP; street fair is free. Information: www.champagneonmain.com What: California Jazz & Wine Fest When: Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. Where: Four Seasons Hotel, 2 Dole Drive, Westlake Village Tickets: $100 regular, $150 VIP. Information: www.californiajazzwine.com SHARE How far they've come. And I'm not talking about the GOP, whose front-runner representing 37 percent of the Republican electorate has repudiated post-Reagan orthodoxy on trade, entitlement reform, limited government and Pax Americana (and possibly abortion, but who knows?). I'm talking about the Democrats. The center-left, triangulating, New Democrat (Bill) Clintonism of the 1990s is dead. It expired of unnatural causes, buried definitively, if unceremoniously by its very creator. The final chapter occurred last week when, responding to Black Lives Matter hecklers denouncing his 1994 crime bill, Bill Clinton unleashed an impassioned defense. He accused the protesters of discounting the thousands of lives, mostly black, that were saved amid the crack epidemic of the time because gang leaders and other bad guys got locked up. Yet the next day, the big dog came out, tail between his legs, saying he regretted the incident and almost wanted to apologize. It was a humiliating, Soviet-style recantation obviously meant to protect his wife's campaign, which depends on the African-American vote to fend off Bernie Sanders. You know Bill Clinton still believes his crime bill was justified. One cannot definitively prove causality, but it certainly contributed to one of the most radical declines in crime ever recorded in this country. Moreover, the Black Lives Matter charge that the 1994 law was an inherently racist engine for the mass incarceration of young black men is belied by the fact that it was supported by two-thirds of the Congressional Black Caucus (including civil rights pioneer Rep. James Clyburn, D-South Carolina), justly panicked at the time by the carnage wrought by the crack epidemic ravaging the inner cities. It's one thing to argue that the law overshot and is due for revision with, for example, a relaxation of its mandatory-sentence provisions. It's quite another to claim, as does Black Lives Matter, that it was a vehicle by which a racist criminal justice system destroyed the lives of young black men. Hillary Clinton, catching up to Sanders, has essentially endorsed that view, demanding an end to "the era of mass incarceration" and the underlying maltreatment of blacks by police and the courts. For the man who changed the image of the Democratic Party 25 years ago by daring to challenge the reverse racism of Sister Souljah to have to bow to this new false orthodoxy symbolizes perfectly how far the Democratic Party has traveled since the Clinton era. But the 2016 undoing of classic Clintonism hardly stops there. Take trade. It was Bill who promoted and passed NAFTA. Although Hillary criticized NAFTA when she ran in 2007-08, as secretary of state she returned to her traditional free-trade stance, promoting and extolling the Trans-Pacific Partnership as trade's "gold standard." Now dross, apparently. She came out against the TPP, once again stampeded by Sanders and the party's left, i.e., its base. She may not have sincerely changed her view, but there are only so many times you can flip-flop. She's boxed into the party's new anti-trade consensus. Other pillars of her husband's internationalism were already toppled, pre-2016, by the Obama presidency, often with her active collaboration. At the core of Bill Clinton's foreign policy lay the notion of America as the "indispensable nation." It is today quite dispensable, indeed a nation in retreat from (Hillary's) reset with Russia to the Iranian nuclear negotiations (which Hillary initiated with secret meetings in Oman in 2012) to the disastrous evacuation of Iraq in 2011. As has happened with another of Bill's major achievements: welfare reform. President Obama has essentially dismantled its work requirements (with Bill Clinton's acquiescence, a sign of things to come). No need for Hillary to repudiate her husband's legacy. It's been done for her. How far has the party moved left? Under Bill Clinton, it gave up on gun control after stinging defeats in the 1994 midterms. Today, Hillary Clinton delights in attacking Sanders for being soft on gun control. Malleable she is. And she sure knows her party. It is nothing like her husband's party. Which is why she campaigns as Bernie lite they share the same goals, she says, but she can get things done. Hence the greatest irony of all: For the last decade and a half, the main propellant for the Hillary-for-president movement has been the rosy afterglow of Bill's 1990s, the end-of-history era of peace, prosperity and balanced budgets. Want it back? Vote Hillary. That's the tease. Yet a Hillary victory would yield a Clinton Redux animated not by Bill but by Bernie. Charles Krauthammer's email address is letters@charleskrauthammer.com. He writes for The Washington Post Writers Group. Carlsberg Vietnam will spend VND450 billion ($20.2 million) on its marketing programme for Tuborg, which is the number one beer brand by volume in Carlsberg Groups portfolio. Accordingly, public relation (PR) girl teams will go to restaurants to introduce the new product. It is considered an important part of the marketing programme, helping Tuborg to penetrate the Vietnamese market. According to Tayfun Uner, Carlsberg Vietnams general director, Carlsberg Vietnam has been planning to launch Tuborg in Vietnam since 2015. With the slogan Open for fun, Tuborg represents a dynamic and pioneering lifestyle. Along with the VND450 billion ($20.2 million) marketing programme, Carlsberg Vietnam also spent $1 million on the bottle design. Accordingly, the unique packaging design includes an easy-to-use pull-off cap. According to Carlsberg Vietnams representative, the company is trying to make Tuborg become one of three most favourite beer brands. Phan Chi Dung, director of the Ministry of Industry and Trade's Light Industry Department, told VIR that Tuborg used to be produced in Vietnam 20 years ago, but Carlsberg failed to popularise the Tuborg brand here. According to the Vietnam Beer Alcohol Beverage Association (VBA)s statistics published in January, as of 2015, there were 129 beer companies and facilities with a total capacity of 4.8 billion litres per year. In 2015 alone, the figure stood at 3.4 billion of litres. Saigon Beer-Alcohol-Beverage Joint Stock Corporation (Sabeco) is the largest beer manufacturer with a 2015 capacity of 1.38 billion litres. The runners up are Heineken with 729 million litres and Hanoi Beverage-Wine-Beer Joint Stock Corporation (Habeco) with 667.8 million litres, respectively. Carlsberg ranks fourth with 229 million litres. According to expert opinion, Carlsberg have to try its best to enhance its position in the high-end beer segment because Heineken has planted a solid foot here. Tuborg is the number one beer brand by volume in Carlsberg Groups portfolio. It is currently present in more than 70 countries and territories around the world. In Vietnam, a bottle of Tuborgs price at retail stores is between VND13,000 ($0.58) and VND15,000 ($0.67). A Palestinian flashes a victory sign in front of Israeli security forces in the West Bank town of Hebron. (Photo: AFP/Hazem Bader) JERUSALEM: Israel has approved plans for more than 200 new settler homes in the occupied West Bank, adding to a sharp increase in settlement projects so far this year, Israeli campaigners said on Thursday (Apr 14). Hagit Ofran, a spokeswoman for settlement watchdog Peace Now said the government had given the green light for at least 229 homes, which are at various stages in the technical process. Settlements are considered illegal under international law and are seen as major stumbling blocks to peace efforts since they are built on land the Palestinians see as part of their future state. "This policy is killing the two-state solution," Ofran told AFP. The projects must pass through five administrative stages before winning final approval from Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon. There was no immediate response from Israel's defence ministry, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office declined to comment. Peace Now said this week that the number of West Bank settlements Israel plans to build more than tripled in the first quarter of 2016 compared to the same period last year. Between January and March, projects for 674 housing units passed at least one of the steps in the planning approval process, up from 194 in the first quarter of 2015, it said. The new plans bring the total to at least 903. The United States and the European Union, among others, have strongly criticised Israeli settlement construction. Palestine Liberation Organisation secretary general Saeb Erekat said in a statement that "the continued Israeli colonisation of Palestine is a war crime under international law." "The latest approval of settlement construction, and the significant increase in Israeli settlement activity during 2016, should serve as a reminder to the international community of its responsibility to put an end to such crimes," he said. PUSH FOR UN RESOLUTION The new plans call for additional homes in a range of settlements, including Har Brakha (54 units) near Nablus in the northern West Bank; Revava (17), also in the northern West Bank; Ganei Modiin (48), northwest of Jerusalem; Tekoa (34), south of Jerusalem; and Givat Zeev (76), north of Jerusalem. Some 2.8 million Palestinians live in the West Bank and annexed east Jerusalem in near constant tension with more than 500,000 Israeli settlers. Ofran said the new plans "will allow approximately another 1,000 people to move to the settlements, people that we will need to evict in order to get a peace deal." Earlier this week, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas told AFP in an interview that there is an "urgent" need for a UN resolution on Israeli settlements. He made the comments just before he left on a multi-country diplomatic tour that may be among the 81-year-old's last chances to renew peace efforts. The Palestinians are currently discussing a UN draft resolution condemning Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Abbas's two-week tour will end in New York. The US has repeatedly vetoed resolutions opposed by Israel at the UN Security Council, but there has been speculation that President Barack Obama may change tack in the waning days of his administration. Peace efforts have meanwhile been at a standstill since a US initiative collapsed two years ago. A wave of violence that erupted in October has killed 200 Palestinians and 28 Israelis. Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, according to Israeli authorities. Others were shot dead by Israeli forces during protests and clashes, while some were killed in Israeli air raids in the Gaza Strip. The attacks have steadily declined in recent weeks, though there are concerns that the Jewish Passover holiday beginning Apr 22 will lead to a new upsurge. Big isn't always better when it comes to Australian businesses wanting to capitalise on the so-called Asian dining boom, said Tran Bao Minh, chief executive of International Dairy Products JSC (IDP). According to Minh, big firms can be too slow to deliver products to meet fast changing consumer tastes across Asia. Tran Bao Minh - chief executive of International Dairy Products JSC For example, Minh shared that it took 18 months to two years for one big overseas company he had recently dealt with to deliver a product to market. Minh added that Asian dairy market was fast changing and consumers were constantly looking for new and better products. Our objective is looking for a company that is big enough to be reliable but not too big that it may become too slow as when they're too big they're not flexible enough, Minh commented. With this above criterion, IDP has recently chosen Pactum Dairy Group- a milk processor based in northern Victoria which is a joint venture between Australian Consolidated Milk and Freedom Foods, the cereal and snack company backed by the billionaire Perich family- to be their partner. Pactum has signed a deal to supply IDP with about four million litres of UHT milk a year. A promising long term partnership Minh said it could evolve into a long-term partnership stretching across a suite of dairy products, provided that Pactum can keep up with the fast changing Asian tastes. We are also looking at ice creams, cheese if you have high quality raw milk you can do all kinds of dairy products that Vietnamese are more and more looking for. So, it might be a very long-term strategy and partnership with Pactum Dairy if the partner can keep up with our fast pace. IDP is a mid-sized Vietnamese dairy company, generating about $150 million (AUD$198.4 million) in revenue each year. Pactum Dairy Group, which launched 2014, operates one UHT plant in Shepparton in Victoria's north. Despite its smaller scale, it has already signed strategic supply agreement with several Asian companies, including China's New Hope and Bright dairies. Under its partnership with IDP, it will supply UHT milk for the company's LoveinFarm product range, which uses milk sourced exclusively from overseas. Minh believe that overseas milk was a higher quality than Vietnams domestic supply, where cows are kept mainly in pens. He shared that the name LoveinFarm came from his experiences visiting farms in New Zealand, Ireland and Australia, where cows roamed in paddocks and were more comfortable in a cooler climate. LoveinFarm comes from you having love for the cows on the farm as well as having love for the new generation that you are making the milk for, Minh said. The devastating climate has caused 83 oxen in Ia Lop Commune and 50 more in Ia Rve Commune in Ea Sup District to die, while destroying hundreds of hectares of crops and draining 91 drilled wells in the locality, the local Office of Agriculture and Rural Development said on Wednesday. The animals have to endure extreme heat from the sun while grazing only dried grass, causing their health conditions to deteriorate, said Le Thi Cuc Phuong, a farmer in Ia Lop Commune. Phuong added that she and her husband have had to force their oxen to drink fresh water in order to prevent exhaustion. Phung Ngoc Cuong, owner of a herd of over 40 cows and bulls in Ia Rve Commune, said that his cattle have been in competition over the few resources available. I have not seen such serious drought in years. As there is no grass left for the animals to eat, they now consume everything in sight, even garbage, Cuong added. The farmer spent VND4 million (US$179) buying straw for cattle feed and another VND15 million ($672) drilling a well to supply them with sufficient water. Showing Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters the herd of skinny and fatigued oxen, Pham Bao, also from Ia Rve Commune, said that he had to buy several metric tons of quality crops to feed his animals. Bao added that he also had to grind rice and combine it with water for the cows and bulls, while providing extra supplements and vitamins for the weaker animals. I have to do everything to save my group of oxen, which is worth billions of dong [VND1 billion = $44,820], the farmer stated. Thirty out of 120 of his cattle have died due to the harsh weather, costing about VND300 million ($13,445), according to Bao. The scarcity of water due to the absence of a reservoir and canal in the commune, accompanied by 40 degree Celsius temperatures, has posed many risks to the survival of the animals, he elaborated. A living cow can be sold for between VND13 million ($583) and VND14 million ($627), said Le Ky Giong, residing in Ia Lop Commune, adding that a dead one is only worth VND3 million ($134). The death of the oxen arose mainly from the deprivation of sufficient nutrition, food and fresh water, said Nguyen Ngoc Phu, head of the Office of Agriculture and Rural Development in Ea Sup District. The situation is common in the two communes, as there is no system of water reservoirs or irrigation ditches, Phu explained. To cope with the severe drought this year, the local budget will be disbursed for the farmers to drill wells and afford food for their cattle, according to the official. Investor at the SHS' exchange floor. Both markets rebounded this morning as property firms made high gains. - Photo vietnamplus.vn The benchmark VN Index on the HCM Stock Exchange rose 1 per cent to close at 583.55 points. The HNX Index on the Ha Noi Stock Exchange inched up by 0.1 per cent to end at 80.30 points. Property companies lifted both markets. Vingroup JSC (VIC), FLC Group (FLC), Tan Tao Investment Industrial JSC (ITA) and Kinh Bac City Development Share Holding Corp (KBC) gained 1.9 per cent, 1.6 per cent, 4.4 per cent and 5.5 per cent, respectively. Hoang Anh Gia Lai JSC (HAG) and its subsidiary HAGL Agricultural JSC (HNG) rebounded sharply after their recent declines became attractive to investors. HAG surged 6 per cent from a five-day loss of 14 per cent while HNG jumped 6.1 per cent after declining by 16.5 per cent in the previous six consecutive days. Banks also recorded gains. Vietcombank (VCB) added 1.1 per cent and Bank for Investment and Development of Viet Nam (BID) rose 2.5 per cent. Other blue chips, such as dairy firm Vinamilk (VNM) and food producer Masan Group (MSN), also showed an improvement from Wednesday's falls.Both local markets traded more than 93.2 million shares worth VND1.47 trillion (US$65.5 million). A map shows the epicentre of the first earthquake which struck Japan's Kyushu island. (Map: Japan Meteorological Agency) TOKYO: Nine people were killed after a powerful earthquake hit southern Japan, collapsing homes, sparking fires and injuring hundreds, officials said on Friday (Apr 15) as rescuers worked through the night to find residents feared trapped in rubble. Tens of thousands of people reportedly fled their homes and television footage showed damaged buildings, buckled roads and lumps of broken concrete in the streets after the 6.5-magnitude quake struck the southwestern island of Kyushu. NHK footage showed what appeared to be a house ablaze and firefighters dousing it with water, one of several fires reportedly sparked by the quake that left at least 780 injured, according to the public broadcaster. A camera in one of its offices showed violent shaking as the earthquake hit, with computer monitors and files tumbling off shelves as employees fell to the floor to take cover. "I felt quite strong jolts, which I had never experienced before," Shunsuke Sakuragi, a prefectural official in the city of Kumamoto, told AFP. "People were shocked but I have not seen any extreme confusion in the city." In the neighbouring Mashiki, scores of people gathered in front the town hall following the powerful shaking, some in tears and looking distressed, while others wrapped themselves in blankets to ward off the nighttime chill. At least nine people were confirmed dead, a Kumamoto disaster management official said. "We also received information indicating a few people were under collapsed houses," said Sakuragi. As the death toll rose in the night - earlier reports said two people had died - an eight-month-old baby girl was pulled from the rubble alive and unharmed, NHK reported. An office following the earthquake in Kumamoto city. (Photo: AFP/Jiji Press) Some 350 military personnel were dispatched for rescue work on the island, spokesman Yoshihide Suga said, appealing for calm. "I ask people in the disaster zone to act calmly and help each other," he said. Officials in Kumamoto prefecture said they were considering evacuating a hospital that was badly damaged, while several major manufacturers including Honda, Bridgestone, Mitsubishi and Sony suspended operations at their factories in the area, according to reports. NUCLEAR REACTORS UNAFFECTED The initial quake at 9.26pm (8.26pm Singapore time) was followed two and a half hours later by another strong one measuring 6.4 magnitude in the same region, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. In total, more than 30 earthquakes rocked the region after the first hit, and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe convened a meeting of emergency management officials, according to Suga. Japan's two sole operating nuclear reactors, located on Kyushu, were functioning normally, an official at the Sendai plant told AFP. Japan, one of the most seismically active countries in the world, has been particularly on edge over the vulnerability of nuclear power plants after a massive undersea quake on Mar 11, 2011 that sent a tsunami barrelling into the country's northeast coast. Some 18,500 people were left dead or missing, and several nuclear reactors went into meltdown at the Fukushima plant in the worst atomic accident in a generation. Train services on Kyushu were temporarily halted after Thursday's earthquake and a super fast bullet train derailed, though it was not carrying passengers at the time, said Yusuke Nanri, a spokesman for operator JR Kyushu. He said it was not clear if the train was travelling or stationary when the quake struck. The first earthquake hit at a relatively shallow depth of 10 kilometres, according to the meteorological agency, which said there was no danger of a tsunami. The US Geological Survey measured the earthquake as 6.2 magnitude. Aftershocks were likely to continue for about a week, officials said. Japan sits at the junction of four tectonic plates and experiences around 20 percent of the world's most powerful earthquakes. But rigid building codes and strict enforcement mean even powerful tremors frequently do only limited damage. Constant cyberattacks on the U.S. Missile Defense Agency and its key weapons programs pose as great a threat as development of intercontinental ballistic missiles by Iran and North Korea, the admiral who heads the agency said Thursday. Vice Admiral James Syring told a House Armed Services subcommittee that the agency had taken "inordinate" measures to defend its own networks, but he remained concerned about potential vulnerabilities among defense contractors. The U.S. Missile Defense Agency develops and runs a multilayered system of defenses against ballistic missile attacks by potential enemies. The system includes ground-based interceptor missiles in Alaska and California as well as high-end radar equipment to detect attacks. Syring said that the agency carried out continuous monitoring of its classified and unclassified networks, but that cyberattacks were increasingly directed against private contractors and unclassified, controlled technical information that they housed on their networks. "What we've got to do is get them up to where we are in terms of our protection levels, and I view it as a very near-term, very real requirement across the [Ballistic Missile Defense System]," he said. U.S. defense officials have been increasingly vocal about escalating and constant cyberattacks originating from China, Russia and other countries. Syring did not answer directly when asked about his knowledge of attacks on the agency's networks by China or the Chinese military, telling lawmakers he would provide fuller answers during a classified hearing. Syring told a similar Senate hearing on Wednesday that the agency was working "hand in glove" with private contractors to ensure that future contracts contained the necessary cybersecurity requirements, protections and standards. Deputy Defense Secretary Robert Work told Reuters this week that the Pentagon's Cyber Investment Management Board had prepared a list of top-priority weapons programs that required cybersecurity updates and investments. He said that the details were classified, but that some of those programs were launched years ago, before cyberattacks became commonplace. The Afghan government is finalizing agreements with some European member states and the European Union to handle the return of Afghan refugees, currently in limbo in Greece. The full details of the memoranda of understanding have yet to be announced, but Afghan officials have told VOA that the Afghan government will seek support from the European Union, including financial support, to handle the crisis. "We have been in conversation with our European counterparts and have established a joint technical committee comprised of various organizations and ministries to find a solution to the problem," said Hafizullah Miakhil, spokesperson for the Afghan Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation. "Afghanistan has conditions and demands, including assistance with the returnees, assistance with the Afghan government in the provision of security, and employment opportunities in Afghanistan through establishing vocational institutes in some provinces to train those deported," Miakhil said. Thousands of Afghan refugees are currently in Greece, where they had hoped to continue traveling into Europe. But under an agreement between Turkey and the EU, all migrants who recently arrived in Greece will be returned to Turkey. For every returnee, Turkey will send one vetted Syrian refugee to be settled in Europe. But the fate of the Afghan refugees is not clear. European governments reclassified Afghans as economic migrants in February, reducing their chances of being able to stay in Europe legally. And Turkey has not said whether it will deport them to their home countries. The disparity has led to clashes between Afghan and Syrian migrants in Greece. The Afghan government had earlier stressed that the country would not accept the forced deportation" of Afghans from Europe. But Afghan Minister for Foreign Affairs Salahuddin Rabbani told the Afghan parliament recently that efforts were under way to reach an understanding with Europe to slow down the pace and work out a reasonable way for Afghans to return to their country. Europe's financial agreement with Turkey might have prompted the Afghan government to seek financial assistance in handling the Afghan refugee problem. Europe has reportedly granted more than $3 billion in aid for Turkey as part of the refugee agreement. Fleeing insecurity Afghans have cited insecurity and Taliban threats as their reasons for leaving the country. "I went to school and university in Afghanistan and had several jobs in the country," Aryan Arya, an Afghan settled in Sweden, told VOA. "The main reason why I left Afghanistan was insecurity. Taliban literally controls 50 percent of Afghanistan, and I know this from my work in the security sector in Afghanistan." Arya added that he is very happy now, and his brother has recently joined him coming through the same route he took to reach Europe. Sayed Zafar Shah Hashemi, a former employee of the Afghan Independent Election Commission, told VOA that growing insecurity in Afghanistan has made Europe an attractive destination for many Afghan people. However, he warns against the dangerous route and its potential risks including death. "I have been to the refugee centers and seen Afghans in a very desperate situation," Hashemi told VOA from Austria, where he claimed asylum. "Initially things were good, but now most centers accepting refugees and providing them with welfare have closed." After Syrians, Afghans make up the majority of refugees in Europe, followed by Iraqis. Miakhil, the Afghan refugee ministry spokesperson, told VOA that in 2015 around 250,000 Afghans reached Europe via the Mediterranean Sea. "Afghans, along with citizens of countries like Syria and Iraq, make up the bulk of refugees in Europe, and they embarked on dangerous journeys, embracing real risk to their lives," Miakhil said. "Of the 3,400 people that have died on the Mediterranean route in 2015, 12 percent were Afghans." No sympathy Afghan President Ashraf Ghani angered many Afghans inside the country and overseas when he told the BBC in a recent interview that he "does not have any sympathy with those leaving Afghanistan." Criticism was widespread. "Recent views of the Afghan government, particularly those of the Afghan president, who showed no sympathy with Afghans leaving the country are insulting," said Sayed Maisam Ehsani, a civil society activist in Afghanistan. "Afghans leave the country as a result of the failure of the Afghan government to deliver on their basic promises." Public outrage has prompted the Afghan presidential palace to release a statement saying that the president is proud of many Afghans around the world who have remarkable stories of success. Three months after the implementation of the Iran nuclear deal, banks and other corporations are wary of doing business in the country due to concerns over running afoul of U.S. sanctions, especially as U.S. lawmakers ponder a clampdown over Irans missile development. The 2015 deal unfroze up to $100 billion in Iranian assets at overseas banks, loosened many restrictions on business transactions with the country, and reconnected Iranian banks to the SWIFT inter-bank global messaging system. But companies complain they have yet to reap the benefits of tapping into Irans $415 billion economy. Among those rushing to make deals in Iran was the aircraft manufacturing giant Airbus, which signed a deal in January for 118 airplanes to help replace the aging fleet of Irans flag carrier, Iran Air. I am very proud of all the Airbus teams who quickly mobilized to propose the agreements and make them happen, said Fabrice Bregier, the companys president said at the time. Three months later, Airbus has yet to finalize the deal. Analysts and company officials, speaking anonymously, told VOA financing the deals remains a hurdle. Banking concerns Banks largely remain unclear on the U.S. rules governing the new relationship with Iran; many corporations fear that violating them may cause them to lose their licenses and more lucrative business in the United States. On the Iran side theyre concerned that international banks are not servicing the transactions. Banks are concerned about running afoul of U.S. sanctions today or in the future. So its a caution on the part of banks, Mark Fitzpatrick, a non-proliferation analyst at the International Institute for Strategic Studies told VOA. By most accounts, implementation of the agreement has gone smoothly, with Iran meeting its obligations to curb development of its nuclear program. However, Irans test-firing of two ballistic missiles last month and its destabilizing actions in Yemen and Syria are fueling arguments by politicians in the U.S. to impose new sanctions on Tehran. Adding to the uncertainty are statements by Republican presidential front-runners Donald Trump and Ted Cruz, who have pledged to tear up the nuclear deal if they are elected. The Obama administration is eager to see the agreement carried through. U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew has promised that the United States will meet its end of the deal and officials with his department, which is in charge of enforcing sanctions, have assured international banks that the U.S. will not block access to Iranian funds that were previously frozen. But the United States at the same time has said its restrictions on Iranian transactions via U.S. banks will remain in place. We will not provide Iran access to the U.S. financial system and we will not restore the 'U-turn' authorization, Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury Adam Szubin said in Washington this week, referring to U.S. dollar transactions that are temporarily cleared through U.S. financial institutions. Syrian forces have engaged in fighting on different fronts near the northern city of Aleppo, said a group that monitors the war in Syria, as U.N.-mediated peace talks got underway in Geneva. "Fierce fighting raged between regime troops and loyalist militia against IS (Islamic State) to the east of Khanasser," southeast of Aleppo city, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Separately, it was being reported that the army backed by Russian warplanes launched an assault north of Aleppo Thursday, threatening to block a vital rebel route into the city. At least 14 pro-government fighters and 20 militants were killed over the past 24 hours around the flashpoint area of Handarat. Aleppo is the key to war and peace in Syria...Every side in the war has a stake in Aleppo, said Rami Abdel Rahman, director of the observatory. A senior official in Washington told the French news agency the United States is very concerned about reports of a Russian-backed Syrian government offensive near Aleppo. The five-year-old conflict in Syria began as a peaceful revolt and spread in 2012 to Aleppo province, which borders Turkey. The governor of the U.S. state of Tennessee has vetoed a bill that would have made the Bible the state's official book. Lawmakers, though, can still override the veto with a simple majority vote. In vetoing the measure, Governor Bill Haslam said he saw not only constitutional issues with the measure, but also said he personally feels like it would trivialize the Bible which he called a "sacred text" in a letter to the speaker of the house. "If we believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God. Then we shouldn't be recognizing it only as a book of historical and economic significance." the Republican governor wrote Thursday. "If we are recognizing the Bible as a sacred text, then we are violating the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Tennessee by designating it as the official state book. Bible bill The veto came after the state Senate approved the bill earlier this month on a 19-8 vote. Should the Bible become the states official book, it will join the states official fruit a tomato and its official wild animal the raccoon. In February, the legislature designated the Barrett .50 caliber a high-powered sniper rifle -- the state's official gun. Official designations are usually a light-hearted, symbolic exercise meant to draw attention to unique aspects of a state, but the battle over the so-called Bible bill highlights the ongoing debate over the role of religion in government. Republican lawmakers said the bill was not a government endorsement of religion but an effort to honor the Bibles historical and cultural contributions. Were recognizing that the only way that we can in the state of Tennessee, said the bills sponsor, Republican Senator Steve Southerland. This is the second attempt by the Tennessee state legislature to designate the Bible as the official state book. Last year, legislative action on the bill was delayed and the States Attorney General found the bill violated the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which says that no preference shall ever be given, by law, to any religious establishment or mode of worship. Bishop Gene Robinson, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, told VOA the legislatures argument about the cultural importance of the Bible ignored the direct violation of the First Amendment. We do have language about religious institutions and not favoring one over the others, he said. This is an opportunity to teach the public about what our Constitution says and what it really means. Cultural clash A 2014 the Pew Research Center survey found 81 percent of adults in Tennessee identify as Christian compared to 70 percent of adults nationwide. Robinson said the legislation is one of many bills coming up in state legislatures to address problems that dont actually exist and that lawmakers could acknowledge the Judeo-Christian heritage of the United States by passing a resolution acknowledging the Bibles influence. A newly declassified U.S. document claims that a Pakistani intelligence officer paid $200,000 to a militant network to carry out a suicide attack on a CIA base in eastern Afghanistan in 2009. The attack on Forward Operating Base Chapman in Khost province was one of the most serious attacks in the CIA's history, killing seven people and wounding six others. A Jordanian doctor who was working as a double agent for al-Qaida and the Taliban was blamed, but Thursday's disclosure suggests Pakistan's spy agency and the Haqqani militant network also played key roles in the plot. The document obtained by the nongovernmental National Security Archive at George Washington University through a Freedom of Information Act request was published online with many redactions. The portions that remain allege that an unidentified Pakistan intelligence officer provided funds to the Haqqani network and another man "to enable the attack on Chapman." The plan was for an Afghan border commander to be given $100,000 for his assistance in the suicide mission. But that commander, named Arghawan in the document, ended up dying in the attack. The United States has long accused Pakistan of maintaining ties with the Haqqani network, which has been responsible for some of the deadliest attacks against Afghan and foreign troops. In 2011, the top U.S. military officer called the network "a veritable arm" of the ISI, Pakistan's intelligence service. In 2012, the United States designated the Haqqani network as a terrorist organization. Drought has turned parts of the area behind Venezuela's Guri dam, one of the world's biggest, into a desert, but the government is optimistic of rain within weeks to drive the vast installation that provides the bulk of the OPEC nation's power. On a tour of the hydroelectric complex on the Caroni river, Electricity Minister Luis Motta told Reuters that forecasts showed a 70 to 80 percent chance of rain toward the end of April or in May to stop the waters behind the dam falling to a critical depth of 240 meters (790 feet). Driving, hiking and rafting round the 4,600-square-km (1,780-square-mile) area, Motta, 57, pointed to unprecedented scenes revealed by the receding waters: long-sunken boats now visible; sand-dunes in previously submerged areas; cattle wandering across parched earth. The reservoir in southern Bolivar state, which provides about 60 percent of the nation's 16,000 megawatt power demand, hit a historic low of 243 meters (797 feet) this week. "We have to hang on," said the general, whom President Nicolas Maduro tasked with managing the electricity sector from late 2015 just as the drought-inducing El Nino phenomenon struck. "We will do everything humanly possible, and also with God's help some good rains will come so Guri can recover and we can avoid extreme measures other nations are taking." "Like the Sahara" Many Venezuelans say power and water cuts are already affecting them daily, adding to suffering from a recession, though Maduro has said he wants to avoid "painful" rationing. Motta, who also heads state power utility Corpoelec, has spent three weeks at Guri, supervising its 15,000 workers. Among crisis measures, canals are being dredged to join pools now cut off by emerging land. "It's still going down, but we're slowing the descent in hope rain comes," he said. Motta, often mocked by opposition supporters on social media, was scathing about criticism that insufficient investment, preparation and diversification of power sources were to blame. "They've tried to ridicule the situation, saying it's a lie, El Nino doesn't exist, not enough has been invested. But here it is: let him who has eyes see ... There are parts here that look like the Sahara Desert." With about two-thirds of power consumed in homes, Venezuelans must play their part by cutting consumption, he added. "If it doesn't rain, and if we don't make an effort, many of my brothers and sisters are going to suffer a lot - my family, all of us." Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is taking a more assertive stance in the Caucasus following the latest fighting between Armenia and Azerbaijan over disputed Nagorno-Karabakh. Perched between the Russian, Ottoman, and Persian empires, Armenia and Azerbaijan have a long history of tension that 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. Earlier this month, the reopening of the conflict regarding the disputed enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh attracted the attention of the international community, with President Erdogan pledging to return the area to Azerbaijan. Former Turkish ambassador Murat Bilhan, who is the deputy chair of the Ankara-based Turkish Asian Center for Strategic Studies, says Erdogans comments reflect Turkish concerns about the recent fighting. "It has touched a very sensitive chord in Turkish hearts because they are relatives and of course they support Azerbaijan whether they are right or wrong. They are supported," said Bilhan. Azerbaijan and Turkey are frequently referred to in Turkey as "one people two countries." Support for Azerbaijan is particularly strong among Turkish nationalists and religious Turks, both key bases of support for the president. Political scientist Cengiz Aktar of Istanbuls Suleyman Sah University says with Erdogan pushing for greater presidential powers through a public referendum, he is looking to secure his voting base. "The Turkish president is using any and everything to cajole the nationalist voter and on every occasion to use and abuse this nationalist sentiment," said Aktar. Erdogan has also criticized neighboring Armenia, which he accused of being responsible for the latest clashes over Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenia is a close ally of Moscow and observers say the Caucasus region could be becoming the latest region to exhibit tensions between Ankara and Moscow. Erdogan slammed the failure of diplomatic efforts to tamp down an escalation of violence led by Moscow, Washington and Paris. Such statements have been interpreted by the Turkish media as Ankara opening the door to a military solution to the dispute over the enclave. But Sinan Ulgen, a visiting scholar of the Carnegie Institute, says that would mark a major change in Turkish policy and would meet with internal resistance. "It certainly points to a different, more activist direction in terms of what Turkey is willing to do. But it is still quite difficult for Erdogan by himself to change policy in this particular case. Because, at the end of the day, Turkish institutions have been cautious and prudent and do understand the international implications," said Ulgen. Ulgen points out that Erdogan has, in the past, threatened to intervene in Syria, but was forced to step back in the face of resistance from his generals. However, some observers say, with the Turkish president continuing to secure greater political power and courting his nationalist voting base, a more assertive Turkish foreign policy could be likely. The rival campaigns officially kicked off this week in Britain ahead of a referendum scheduled for June 23 on whether the country should stay in the European Union. Polls show the public is split 50-50 on staying in or leaving the bloc. The "In" campaign full title "Britain Stronger in Europe" was seemingly given an early boost by a warning from the International Monetary Fund of "severe regional and global damage" if Britain voted to leave. The threat is real, argues Simon Tilford of the Center for European Reform, a broadly pro-European analyst group. We could see the EU fracturing and becoming a much less influential actor globally, he said. If it does so, it will weaken one of the Wests two big centers of power, the EU and the United States. So it will make it harder to address global problems, it will leave the U.S. more isolated than it currently is, and it will embolden other centers of power in the world, be it Russia, China. The head of the World Bank, Jim Yong Kim, added his voice to concerns over a British exit from the EU. This is an economy, given our projections of lower growth this year, that is not going to do well with more uncertainty, he told reporters Thursday. The "Out" campaign rejects that argument. One of its lead figures is London Mayor Boris Johnson, who told lawmakers earlier this month that Britain should get out from under that system and have a free-trade arrangement that continued to give access to U.K. goods and services on the European continent. Individual trade pacts The EU is the largest single market in the world. Pro-EU business groups say Britain would have to renegotiate individual trade deals in the event of a British exit. To try to renegotiate those locally for the U.K., given the size of trading relationships with the U.S. and with the Far and Middle East, I think those would be incredibly challenging, said Elizabeth Shanahan of the Irish International Business Network. She added that London should not take for granted its position as Europes financial capital. If there is a Brexit, which hopefully there wont be, but I would the think the day after, I can imagine that the finance ministers of France and Germany will get together and theyll work out exactly where the financial hub will be," Shanahan said. "And it wont be here in London. So-called "pro- Brexit" campaigners say Britain could build stronger trade links with countries outside Europe, like China and the United States. But U.S. President Barack Obama is expected to reiterate his support for Britain staying in the European Union during a visit to London next week. When director Jon Favreau took on the project to reboot Disney's beloved 1967 animated musical classic The Jungle Book, he not only wanted to film it as a live-action story, he also wanted to highlight the drama. "I didn't want to make it a musical because I thought that would change the whole tone of the film and I wanted to have it feel like there were high stakes and high adventure here," Favreau said. Favreau's The Jungle Book, out in U.S. theaters Friday, revives author Rudyard Kipling's classic stories about Mowgli, a young boy raised by wolves in the Indian jungle who befriends a bear and battles a tiger. The film centers on Mowgli's wolf family, which is attacked by the evil tiger Shere Khan, who is out for revenge against mankind and wants to kill Mowgli. "I certainly didn't want it to be a G-rated kids movie," said Favreau, who has also directed two Iron Man films. The cast includes the voices of Bill Murray as singing bear Baloo, Scarlett Johansson as the snake Kaa, Ben Kingsley as the panther Bagheera, Lupita Nyong'o as wolf mother Raksha, Idris Elba as Shere Khan, and newcomer Neel Sethi as Mowgli. While the film is not a musical, it still features some fan favorite songs, including Murray's rendition of "The Bare Necessities" and Johansson's "Trust in Me," a collaboration with R&B producer Mark Ronson. Favreau said Sethi, who was nine years old when filming, was selected out of 2,000 children for his "confidence and charisma." "He had those qualities that you couldn't teach," Favreau said. "As an experienced director now and a father, I was fairly confident that I could teach a smart kid like Neel the nuts and bolts of film acting." West Africa has been on high alert following recent terror attacks on hotels in Mali, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast. And now in Ghana, a leaked security document says Ghana and Togo are the next targets of the al-Qaida affiliate that claimed responsibility for the previous attacks. Ghanaian President John Mahama has told the nation not to panic. The leaked memo says the threat of a terror attack in Ghana is real, citing intelligence from the National Security Council Secretariat. It is addressed to Ghanas immigration service. The document calls for stronger border surveillance, including thorough profiling of people from Mali, Niger and Libya. The memo was shared on social media and picked up by local press. President Mahama sought to reassure the nation on state-run radio Thursday. We have trained our own special forces. Currently a significant number of them [are] on standby. We are preparing for any such eventually but we need the alertness of the public," said Mahama. Ghana's government put the nation on high alert in March after al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) attacked a beach resort outside Abidjan, killing 19 people. The leaked document says information from Ivory Coast, including confessions obtained from the mastermind of the attack there, indicates that the attackers entered that country in a 4x4 vehicle registered in Niger. The memo says the attackers concealed their explosives and weapons in the spare tire compartment. Mahama said the leak was unfortunate. "They didnt need to put the intel in there. You just to send a directive asking for alertness and asking them to search more thoroughly vehicles and all that. Every country in West Africa is at risk and we are at risk not only from external forces but even from internal forces. We have evidence of radicalization of our own citizens who have gone out to join some of these terrorist groups," he said. The head of the West African Center for Counter Terrorism in Accra, Mutharu Muqthar Mumuni, says panic must be avoided. We need to ensure vigilance and reporting of suspicious activities; however, weve got to be very careful in order not to condone acts that have the proclivity to lead to gross basic human rights violations relating to lynching of innocent people," said Mumuni. The AQIM attacks in Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast marked an alarming expansion for the group whose operations until then had been confined to North Africa and parts of the Sahel region. The rebuilding of northeast Nigeria communities destroyed during the seven-year insurgency of Boko Haram terrorists will take a long time, but improvements are being made, former President Olusegun Obasanjo says. The Nigerian military has dislodged Boko Haram from many of its strongholds in recent years, and more than 1 million displaced persons are now returning home. Obasanjo, interviewed on VOA's "Africa News Tonight," said he saw hope for the region after his recent visit to the capital of the northeastern state of Borno. About two weeks ago," he said, "I was in Maiduguri, which is, if you like, the epicenter of Boko Haram, just to see for myself what exactly is going on. I think compared with what I saw when I went there in 2011, theres a marked improvement. That city has taken a new shape, a new life. Five years ago, Obasanjo said, any visitor could see upon arrival that he was in a war zone, but "that is not the case today, and the governor proudly told me that we are now rehabilitating internally displaced persons. His ambition is by the end of this year, there will be no internally displaced person in any camp. The military informed me the morale of the soldiers is very high. The former president said that while the military appeared to have retaken territory from Boko Haram, there's still work to be done to re-establish peace and stability. Much of that work involves providing support for the areas most vulnerable and those hardest hit by Boko Haram: women and children. Obasanjo said that once the military has secured a particular area, the state government encourages women to return home and rebuild their lives. The governor has decided the women will have their livestock," he said. "They will supply them with livestock goats and sheep. Fortunately, there are no land mines in the fields. So schools will be opened. Health centers and clinics will be opened. From what I heard and saw from the ordinary people, from the military and from the state administration I am certain that we are about to see the light beyond the tunnel. Obasnajo acknowledged that rebuilding the region's infrastructure, plus health and other social services, would require a long-term effort. As an example, he contended that it takes 10 years for investments in education to yield results. The former president urged the international community to help guarantee a secure, stable future for Nigerias shattered northeast. The Kurdish Peshmerga commander sat on a couch at his headquarters in Sulaymaniyah. On a nearby table there was a bowl of dried fruit and nuts. Two large sniper rifles lay on the floor by his desk. "The longer ISIS stays, the more it becomes fashionable to youngsters with no hope, to all these youngsters who have been oppressed by the government here, in Syria, in other countries" he said in his British accent, using a common acronym for the Islamic State. "They are not going to go away. ISIS is not going to be finished as soon as Mosul and Raqqa are taken," he warned. "It's going to be continuous. It's not going to stop." The assessment just a few weeks ago from Polad Jangi, in charge of counterterrorism operations south of Mosul in the Kirkuk-Sulaymaniyah area, is far more grim than the latest public assessments by U.S. officials, including President Barack Obama. It also may be much more realistic, however, according to several military and intelligence officials, who say that while gains by the U.S.-led coalition are real, they are on the periphery of Islamic States core holdings and are far from a death blow. "Theyre willing to trade space for time," said one U.S. official who spoke to VOA on condition of anonymity. Selective engagement What worries officials is that while Islamic State is losing ground up to 40 percent of the terrain it once controlled in Iraq and at least 10 percent of its holdings in Syria the group is learning a great deal in defeat. Where it once spread out its resources, picking as many fights as it could, it now seems to be choosing its battles more carefully. "What youre seeing is a prioritization by ISIL on its strongholds of Raqqa and Mosul," the official said, using another acronym for the terror group. "Youre going to see a really tough fight." There also is concern that the more desperate Islamic State becomes, the more dangerous it may grow. "It has lost senior leaders, thousands of fighters and territory," a U.S. intelligence official said. "Theres little doubt the group will attempt to compensate." And it has the experience to do so. "ISIS actually has a tried and true playbook for its defense and is employing that to ensure it can maintain its core caliphate," said Harleen Gambhir, a counterterrorism analyst at the Institute for the Study of War. "The organization has mastered, particularly within Iraq, the art of pulling apart the Iraqi security forces." She said evidence of Islamic States divide-and-conquer strategy already is evident in a series of recent bombings around Baghdad earlier this month, some targeting Shia militias, that has resulted in at least 25 deaths. Fresh fighters Steady depletions of the group's manpower also appear to be doing little to stop Islamic State. More than 25,000 Islamic State fighters may have been killed due to U.S. and coalition airstrikes in Iraq and Syria. Until recently, though, both military and intelligence officials estimated the group was able to replenish its forces with about 1,000 new foreign fighters a month. That's about the same rate it was losing them. Even with an intensified air campaign, the addition of more U.S. special forces and a stepped-up effort from local ground forces in Iraq and Syria, the Islamic State force remains formidable. According to the most recent U.S. intelligence estimates, Islamic State has dropped from a high of about 32,000 fighters to a range of 19,000 to 25,000. Earlier U.S. military estimates had put the number of so-called card-carrying, or core, Islamic State members in Iraq and Syria at about 17,000. Recent reports that the terror group is being forced to depend on child soldiers, as opposed to using them for propaganda purposes, may also be overblown. "As disturbing as the idea of child-soldiers is, ISIL still remains largely dependent on drawing its fighters from foreign recruits and adult populations under its control," a U.S. counterterrorism official told VOA on condition of anonymity, adding the group "probably has not shifted to a greater reliance on children." Body counts Several U.S. officials and analysts also warn against using the number of fighters as a benchmark for progress. While one official said a propensity remains for the group to "throw bodies at problems," others describe Islamic States tactics as "brilliant" at times. "If you look at their offensive in Anbar, the one that [Abu Omar al] Shishani led back in 2014, he didnt use that many men to capture territory," said Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. "He used a relatively light force to capture a significant amount of territory. "They face an uphill battle, but I also wouldnt count them out in terms of their ability to surprise us and take territory again," he said. There also are questions as to whether an apparent public relations backlash against Islamic State will do much to hurt the group. 'Core audience' A survey released earlier this week by ASDAA Burson-Marsteller, based on 3,500 face-to-face interviews, found young people in 16 Arab countries "overwhelmingly reject the extremist group and believe it will fail," with 50 percent calling Islamic State the Middle Easts biggest obstacle. Still, Gartenstein-Ross cautions it may take many more losses before Islamic States narrative of continued growth is put to the test, especially if it is able to conduct additional terror attacks outside Iraq and Syria. "They have a core audience thats not viewing them very critically," he said. "So theyre not close to a tipping point in terms of that core audience." "As long as they control a piece of land, theyre able to control or influence a global jihadist insurgency," warned Haras Rafiq, managing director of Quilliam Foundation, a London-based organization focused on countering extremism. "Thats what theyre doing," he said. "Thats whats affecting us here in the West and in Europe and the U.S." North Korea appears to have failed in an attempt to launch a missile to mark the birthday of its founding president. A statement released by South Korea's joint chiefs of staff said the North "appears to have attempted a missile test near its east coast early Friday morning, but it appears to have failed." A senior U.S. defense official, speaking on background, said that U.S. Strategic Command systems detected what analysts assessed was a failed North Korean missile launch early Friday morning. Observers have been anticipating that North Korea would mark the birthday of President Kim Il Sung with the launch of a midrange ballistic missile. There has been growing concern over North Korea's missile and nuclear programs as the country continues to threaten its neighbors South Korea and Japan, as well as the United States. North Korea claims that it has developed an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that can hit the U.S. mainland. In Washington earlier Thursday, the commander of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said that U.S. forces are prepared to deal with a North Korea capable of launching such a missile. However, Navy Admiral Bill Gortney said such an event remains unlikely. "The intel community assesses the probability of North Korea fielding a successful road-mobile ICBM with a miniature nuclear device that can reach the homeland as low," he said. Gortney said North Korea has demonstrated the capability to launch missiles or rockets into space, but has not tested the re-entry vehicle that would be necessary for such long-range missile strikes. North Koreas failed attempt to launch an intermediate-range ballistic missile on Friday is not the military set back it may seem, analysts said. It is instead, part of the natural progression in the development of an advanced nuclear weapons program. While I think people will look at the failure and they will conclude that that is a reason not to be worried about North Korea, the reality is that their missile scientists will learn a lot even from the failure, said Jeffrey Lewis, the director of the East Asia Nonproliferation Program at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in California. Musudan medium-range missile There has been growing concern over North Korea's increasing missile and nuclear capabilities, as the country continues to threaten its neighbors, South Korea and Japan, as well as the United States. It is presumed that the missile North Korea unsuccessfully tested on Friday was the Musudan medium-range ballistic missile, which had not been tested in the past. Observers have been anticipating that North Korea would mark the Friday birthday of Kim Il Sung, the countrys first president and grandfather of current leader Kim Jong Un, with the launch of a midrange missile. Earlier this week the South Korean military detected the deployment of this type of missile near the east coastal city of Wonsan in the North. This medium range missile has a potential range of 3,000-4,000 kilometers and could reach targets as far away as Guam. The Musudan is based on an old Soviet submarine launch ballistic missile design that the North converted to be fired from a mobile land-based launcher. Officials in Seoul and Washington concluded the attempted launch failed but declined any further comment. Analysts however said trial and error are part of the development process. Taking that design and converting it to a road mobile version is a difficult task and when they do conduct the flight test like this, they learn. They collect data and then they can go back and correct the mistakes, said Daniel Pinkston, a lecturer in international relations with Troy University in Seoul. Hype or not North Korea has in the past been accused of exaggerating its advanced military capabilities. Pyongyang recently claimed to have successfully conducted a submarine-launched ballistic missile test, but Lewis and other experts at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies in California, studied satellite images and came to a different conclusion. North Koreans declared that it was an enormous success and we were able to demonstrate quite conclusively that it exploded. So the North Koreans will definitely lie to exaggerate their capabilities, said Lewis. Officials in Washington and Seoul also discount Kim Jong Uns claim that his countrys fourth nuclear test in January was that of a hydrogen bomb. According to their assessment the bomb blast was not powerful enough to be that of a hydrogen bomb. Although they did say it was more powerful than past atomic bomb tests and could have incorporated some hydrogen bomb components. North Koreas claim to have developed the capability to miniaturize nuclear warhead to fit on a ballistic missile is viewed as a credible threat by military leaders in South Korea and the United States, but it has not yet been verified. North Korea also made an unverified claim that it had successfully tested an engine designed for a long-range intercontinental ballistic missile that could reach the U.S. mainland. While Pyongyang has demonstrated the capability to launch missiles or rockets into space, analysts said it has not yet developed the re-entry vehicle capability needed for successful long-range missile strikes. Some may look at these failed weapons tests and over-hyped claims and conclude that North Koreas repressive command and control structure has hampered this technological development just as it has severely restricted economic growth in the poverty stricken country. But Pinkston said both Kim Jong Un and his father Kim Jong Il have prioritized missile and nuclear development programs and maintained a strong long-term commitment to them, despite the high costs imposed on the North Korean people. They can select all the best people. They can squeeze resources out of the economy and theyve been able to sustain that dedication for decades, he said. The United Nations Security Council has banned North Korea from developing nuclear and ballistic missile technology. China, the Norths key ally, has urged the Kim Jong Un government to return to international talks and dismantle its nuclear program for economic assistance and security guarantees. In March, the United Nations imposed tough new sanctions to pressure Pyongyang to comply with these restrictions, but North Korea has responded by firing of a series of short and mid-range missiles almost on a weekly basis. Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians, is urging Europe to stop trying to divide what he calls economic migrants from asylum seekers. Bartholomew is scheduled to visit the Greek island of Lesbos on Saturday along with Pope Francis, and Athens Archbishop Ieronymos, the head of the Church of Greece, to raise awareness about the troubled state of refugees and migrants in Europe. The symbolic visit is intended to reiterate the Christian moral duty to show hospitality to strangers, Bartholomew said in an interview published Friday. He added that countries in Europe should find inspiration in the generosity shown by Lesbos residents. This question puts me in mind of St. Pauls letter to the Hebrews in which he reminds us not to forget hospitality because those who offer it have sometimes hosted angles without knowing it, Bartholomew told Italian newspaper Il Messaggero. Bartholomew added that Saturdays trip would send a strong message in every direction. Hospitality represents a concrete example of love for our neighbor and the way all Christians should live their lives. At this historic time and with the way the refugee crisis is developing, those people who can exercise influence have to work in this spirit, he said. EU-Turkey deal The visit comes after the European Union reached a deal with Ankara on March 18 to curb the unprecedented influx of migrants into Europe. Last week dozens of migrants who risked their lives crossing the Aegean Sea to reach Europe were returned from two Greek islands to Turkey the first of thousands earmarked for return under the deal. The Vatican said Thursday that Francis' five-hour visit to Lesbos is purely humanitarian and religious in nature, not political, and wasn't meant as a criticism of the deportation program. But the pope's spokesman, Federico Lombardi, acknowledged that Francis has previously told Europe it had a moral obligation to welcome refugees, and that it was evident that the humanitarian crisis in Europe only exists because political solutions to regional conflicts haven't been found. Pope Francis has repeatedly referred to the ills of contemporary models of development and we share this point of view, Bartholomew said, adding, The segregation of certain groups of people to the advantage of others does not reflect his desire and in this context we must seek new and fairer economic systems. Pakistan on Friday rejected as preposterous allegations that its spy agency had links with the Haqqani network of militants and played a role in the 2009 suicide attack on a CIA base in eastern Afghanistan. A newly declassified U.S. document says an officer of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence, or ISI, paid $200,000 to the militant network to carry out the deadly bombing on Forward Operating Base Chapman in the Afghan border province of Khost. It was one of the most serious attacks in the CIA's history, killing seven officers and wounding six others. In fact, we were shocked and deeply saddened when precious American lives were lost at the Chapman facility in 2009 in an unfortunate attack that was later claimed by TTP in a publicly available video, featuring the suicide bomber with the leader of the TTP, said Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Muhammad Nafees Zakaria on Friday. He was using the acronym TTP for the anti-state Pakistani Taliban that, for years, harbored members of the Afghan Taliban and al-Qaida terrorist network in traditionally volatile tribal areas along the border with Afghanistan. A Jordanian doctor who was working as a double agent for al-Qaida and the Taliban was blamed, but Thursday's disclosure suggests Pakistan's spy agency and the Haqqani militant network also played key roles in the plot. The document, obtained by the non-governmental National Security Archive at the George Washington University through a Freedom of Information Act request, was published online with many redactions. The public portions of the document allege that an unidentified ISI officer provided funds to the Haqqani network and another man "to enable the attack on Chapman." The plan was for an Afghan border commander to be given $100,000 for his assistance in the suicide mission; but, that commander, named Arghawan in the document, ended up dying in the attack. The United States has long accused Pakistan of maintaining ties with the Haqqani network, which has been responsible for some of the deadliest attacks against Afghan and foreign troops. In 2011, the top U.S. military officer called the network "a veritable arm" of the ISI. In 2012, the United States designated the Haqqani network a terrorist organization. The Pakistani spokesman asserted that, over recent years, his country has "severely damaged and weakened the TTP and other militant and terrorist organizations, through a series of military operations. He added that terrorist attacks have killed tens of thousands of innocent lives, including 5,000 security personnel in Pakistan and caused economic losses to the tune of $100 billion. Municipal crews were pressure-hosing streets, pruning trees and touching up building facades on this Greek island where Pope Francis will visit Saturday, a mission human rights groups hope will highlight the plight of refugees who fled their war-ravaged homes only to be denied entry to Europe. The Vatican insists Francis' five-hour visit is purely humanitarian and religious in nature and isn't a direct criticism of the European Union's new deportation plan. But the image of Francis meeting with refugees slated for deportation will likely bring the controversy back to the world's attention, if briefly. Francis will be joined by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of the world's 300 million Orthodox Christians. The head of the Orthodox Church of Greece, Athens Archbishop Ieronymos II, arrived in Lesbos on Friday ahead of Francis' visit and said the ecumenical mission had one aim: "To take the problem we have been dealing with for so long and make it an international issue to be not just a problem for Greeks, but for Europe and for all humanity.'' The three religious leaders will visit a camp on Lesbos where 2,300 migrants and refugees are being detained for deportation to Turkey under the agreement between Ankara and the European Union to ease the flow of migrants to Europe. "The pope's visit comes at a pivotal moment: Right as Europe is gearing up to send thousands of refugees back to Turkey, locking them up in the meantime in horrible conditions, frightened of the future,'' Gauri van Gulik, deputy Europe director at Amnesty International, told The Associated Press. "These are people who fled the horrors of Islamic State, the Taliban, bombings in Syria and more. They deserve Europe's protection and care, and hopefully the pope can shed light on their plight.'' Refugees and migrants reaching Greece have been arrested since March 20, when the EU-Turkey deal took full effect. Assisted by police officers sent from across the EU, Greece has so far deported 325 migrants, most on small ferries from Lesbos, which lies just 8 kilometers (6 miles) from the coast of Turkey. But most will have to wait months to have their asylum applications reviewed as they remain at camps created to register masses of migrants heading toward central Europe, but now being used to stop them. "It's clear conditions at the camps are unacceptable. There are unaccompanied minors locked up behind barbed wire,'' said Jerome Oberreit, secretary general of the relief agency Doctors Without Borders, or MSF. "I hope a leader who influences opinion, like the pope, will voice the worry that Europe is actually not going the right way, and that this deal will have repercussions. It's a historical dismantling of the right to asylum,'' he told the AP. "You can't outsource people's rights. They have to be upheld inside Europe.'' More than a million refugees and migrants traveled to the EU last year, about half landing on the beaches of Lesbos, some of which are still littered with orange life vests. The migration was halted earlier this year after Austria and Balkan countries imposed strict border controls leaving some 50,000 people transiting through Greece stranded. On Lesbos Friday, hundreds of police personnel were taking up positions after being sent to Lesbos on a chartered ferry from the mainland for the visit. They include anti-terrorism officers, riot squads, and plain clothed officers who will be deployed at the Moria detention camp where the leaders plan to meet some 250 asylum seekers in a large tent, make a public address, and join a group of detainees for lunch. Syrian refugee Muhammad Mansour reached Lesbos before the March 20 cutoff date and stays in an open camp run by the United Nations refugee agency. Though unlikely he would see the pope, he welcomed the visit. A hospital nurse, the 23-year-old from Damascus is hoping to work in Europe through an EU placement scheme. "Actually, I hope it will make a difference because [Pope Francis] is a respected person,'' Mansour said. "I think it will be something new for the refugees.'' Democratic U.S. presidential candidate Bernie Sanders slammed global inequality as "immoral" and decried the "greed of the fossil fuel industry" as he addressed a conference at the Vatican Friday. The U.S. senator from Vermont is taking a 24-hour break from the campaign trail to attend the conference on social, economic and environmental issues. Although Sanders' staff insists the visit did not have political motives, his Vatican address focused on many of the same themes as his campaign stump speeches. "At a time when so few have so much, and so many have so little, we must reject the foundations of this contemporary economy as immoral and unsustainable," Sanders said. Sanders also said it was necessary to ingrain "moral principles" into the global economy. "And there is no area where that is clearer than the area of climate change. The greed of the fossil fuel industry is literally destroying our planet," he said. The democratic socialist Sanders has repeatedly expressed admiration for Pope Francis, who has focused on topics such as economic inequality and climate change during his time as pontiff. However, the two are not expected to meet. Sanders hopes the trip will help attract Catholic voters in New York, which holds a primary election Tuesday. Sanders must win the state to have any realistic chance at overcoming the lead of his rival, ex-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Debate Sanders' Vatican trip came hours after he engaged in a feisty presidential debate with Clinton in New York. It was the most contentious debate yet between Clinton and Sanders. The two exchanged personal insults and tried to out-shout one another as they questioned each other's judgment and experience on issues ranging from the economy to foreign policy to climate change. Clinton, the former New York senator, has a double-digit lead in most opinion polls ahead of the state's Tuesday election. But she needs a win to stop the momentum of the Brooklyn-born Sanders, who has won seven out of the last eight nominating contests. On Thursday, Sanders kept up his recent attacks on Clinton's support for the Iraq war and acceptance of campaign funds from Wall Street banks. But he backed away from his earlier comments that Clinton was not qualified to be president. "Does Secretary Clinton have the experience and intelligence to be president? Of course she does, but I do question, I do question her judgment. I question a judgment that voted for the war in Iraq," Sanders said. Clinton: Sanders' attacks 'phony' Clinton, meanwhile, accused Sanders of waging a "phony" attack. "Senator Sanders did call me unqualified. I've been called a lot of things in my life, that was a first," Clinton said. Clinton also pushed back on Sanders' accusation that she is not tough enough on big banks, saying she called them out during her time as a U.S. senator. That statement prompted a sarcastic reply from Sanders. "Secretary Clinton called them out, oh my goodness they must have really been crushed," Sanders said. "Was that before or after you received huge sums of money [from the banks] by giving speaking engagements?" The debate was a reflection of just how intense the rivalry has become between Sanders and Clinton, who, during the first several months of the campaign, very rarely launched direct attacks at each other. Trump defends 'New York values' New York's presidential primary could also have an important impact on the Republican presidential race. During a gala at a Manhattan hotel Thursday, New York real estate mogul Donald Trump took aim at his main rival, Texas Senator Cruz, who has repeatedly slammed "New York values" in an attempt to attract conservative voters. "In our darkest moments, as a city we showed the world the very, very best in terms of bravery, heart and soul of America," Trump said in reference to the September 11, 2001 terror attacks. "These are the values we need to make America great again." Polls show Trump with a large lead over Cruz and his other rival, Ohio Governor John Kasich, in New York. But he will need to capture a large share of the state's delegates if he is to have any hope of securing the Republican nomination before the party's convention in July. Before the Syrian refugee crisis spilled across Europe, first-time feature filmmakers Ellen Martinez and Steph Ching were in Jordan's Zaatari Refugee Camp with their cameras. There at the camp where more than 80,000 live, Martinez and Ching found a more intimate portrait of the people displaced by civil war than usually found in news reports. Their documentary, "After Spring,'' which premiered Thursday at the Tribeca Film Festival, shows the simple humanity of the refugees, most of them middle-class families just looking for safety. "It felt even more relevant while [the European migration] was happening, to put a human face to the crisis,'' Martinez said. "It's a motivation to get these stories out there.'' Jon Stewart is the executive producer of "After Spring.'' When the former "Daily Show'' host was in Jordan shooting his 2014 directorial debut "Rosewater,'' he visited the camp and later had its manager, the United Nations' Kilian Kleinschmidt, as a guest on his program. When Martinez and Ching arrived at the camp in 2014, they learned that their local "fixer'' and driver had also driven Stewart. They reached out to Stewart, who agreed to help them make their film based on the quality of their first batch of footage from the camp. "So much of it is spoken of but so little of it is witnessed,'' Stewart said of the refugee experience. "Steph and Ellen did an amazing job of capturing it in a way that allows you to stand back and let the stories speak for themselves. It's not judgmental. It's not propagandized. It's not polemic. It's just existential.'' Observing camp life Though Zaatari has been regularly visited by news organizations, "After Spring'' offers a more observational document of life in the camp. It focuses largely on a pair of families, as well as the refugees' industrious improvising of regular life the camp's shop-lined main drag (dubbed the Champs Elysees), and a taekwondo academy run by Charles Lee. Their stories, Ching said, hit home. Her grandmother fled Japan-controlled Hong Kong during World War II and later emigrated from China to the U.S. "This isn't something that's happening on the other side of the world to people that are so unlike us. This is happening with every generation for regular people,'' Ching said. "I'm a direct product of people welcoming refugees.'' For Stewart, the film is an example of the kind of project he finds himself drawn to after his exit from "The Daily Show.'' "I don't miss it,'' he said of the election year, where his absence has been often lamented. He's prepping a short-form digital content project for HBO, and, with his wife, Tracey Stewart, working to open a farm sanctuary in New Jersey. He recently helped save a runaway bull in Jamaica, New York. "Man, it's something,'' he said. "Once you're driving a 1,000-pound bull down Ninth Avenue, you go, 'Wait, what? How did I get here?' '' Stewart, sounding happily unburdened, said he's enjoying his newfound flexibility and compares his creative work to "squeezing fruit in a supermarket and going, 'Oh, that looks interesting.' '' Ching and Martinez's "After Spring,'' with its gentle focus on shared humanity, was one of those things. "The easiest thing to do in these instances is focus on the extremities of a situation and the toughest thing to do is show patience,'' said Stewart. "Like most situations of urgency, it exposes the flaws and crevasses within the system, but also the strength and foundation of Team Civilization. We're all on Team Civilization and they are the casualties of that battle.'' The U.S. Supreme Court Monday is scheduled to hear arguments in a key U.S. immigration case challenging President Barack Obama's executive action that delayed the deportation of nearly 5 million undocumented immigrants. The case, U.S. v. Texas, is about two Obama administration initiatives named Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans (DAPA), which offer protections to immigrants, allowing them to work legally for a period of two years subject to renewal. The measures would protect young immigrants from deportation if they were brought to the U.S. illegally as children. They would also extend deportation protections to parents of U.S. citizens and permanent residents who have been in the country for some years. The beneficiaries are people like Teresa Garcia of Seattle, who told the Associated Press that she has been living in the U.S. illegally for 14 years after over-staying her tourist visa. She has an 11-year-old daughter, who is a U.S. citizen, and two sons who are benefiting from DACA protections. "To have a Social Security number, that means for me to have a better future. When I say better future, we are struggling with the little amount of money my husband is getting for the whole family. It makes for stress every day. We struggle to pay for everything," Garcia told AP. Her husband is a trained accountant, but is working in construction jobs. Garcia said she would be eager to work "starting right now" if she becomes legally able to do so. Immigration advocates are planning a demonstration on the same day the U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments by the 26 states that are challenging President Obama's executive action case. During the Fight for Families rally, civil rights leaders, elected officials, and members of the community are expected to hold a news conference on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court. I believe that the SCOTUS will make the right decision. We are also going to be inside [the court] because we want to listen to the oral arguments to report back to our community, Gustavo Torres, CASA de Maryland executive director, a Latino advocacy group in Maryland, told VOA. Torres said leaders are very optimistic, and the message to immigrants is that we are going to keep fighting, but now it is in the hands of the Supreme Court. Republicans criticized the plan as an illegal executive overreach when Obama announced it on November 2014. The administration argued that the executive branch was within its rights in deciding to defer deportation of selected groups of immigrants. With Justice Antonin Scalia's unexpected death, the high court will have to proceed with eight justices. A 4-4 vote would mean the lower courts ruling will stand. In U.S. v. Texas, the lower courts ruling means a block on Obama's DAPA and DACA expansion. Islamic State-controlled territory in Syria has shrunk by nearly a quarter in the past few months, but Kurds, Syrian rebels and forces loyal to embattled President Bashar al-Assad have all grabbed pieces of the self-styled caliphate. Undeterred, the terror group's propagandists are maintaining their bravado, recently posting an online "travel brochure" depicting bucolic scenes around their Syrian stronghold in Raqqa and courting visitors. Earlier this week, French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Dria became the first senior official from a member of the U.S.-led coalition against IS to offer a hopeful timetable for the capture of Raqqa, as well as the groups key Iraqi stronghold, Mosul. He said in a speech the two cities must fall in 2016. During a visit to Baghdad, Le Drian said this year should be a major turning point in our struggle against the so-called Islamic State. 'Dismantling' phase A question being discussed by independent Mideast analysts and at influential Western research firms, however, is who is going to win Raqqa and drive out the jihadists Russian-backed forces loyal to Assad, or a more Western-tilted alliance composed of Kurdish militiamen and their Arab allies? Acknowledging that one of the most difficult tasks ahead for the U.S.-led coalition is trying to get opposition forces geared up in the coming months for a push on Raqqa, U.S. officials are reluctant to be drawn into sketching out a timeline. We are considering a number of different proposals to accelerate the defeat of ISIL by better enabling local forces, but no decisions have been made," said Navy spokesman Capt. Jeff A. Davis, using a different acronym for the terror group, which is also known as ISIS and Daesh. U.S. officials hope the Syrian Democratic Front, a Kurd-dominated coalition of Arab militias, will be able to do so in the near future. On Wednesday, Col. Steve Warren, spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition, said phase one of the campaign against IS had concluded with the jihadists weakened and disrupted and unable to seize new territory. We believe that by degrading them in phase one and then dismantling them in phase two, we believe that will set us up for phase three, which of course is the ultimate defeat of this enemy, he added. As far as the fight in Syria is concerned, the second phase, he said, is centered on isolating Raqqa by capturing more nearby villages that take away the terrorist group's last, best route to move people, money and supplies in Syria and Iraq. But the pace is slow. Key difficulties Last June, buoyed by Kurdish-led successes in northern Syria along the border with Turkey including speedily wresting control of the strategic border town of Tal Abyad after just two days of fighting U.S. officials seemed more confident of swift progress toward capturing Raqqa. The quick advances by Kurdish fighters of the Peoples Protection Units (YPG) appeared to shake up Western military assumptions that pushing back IS from key Syrian strongholds would take months or even years. Advancing to about 30 kilometers of Raqqa, the Kurds and their Arab allies stopped. IS was expecting an assault on the city, preparing defenses and digging trenches. Mosque preachers in Raqqa told residents in the city to hoard food to withstand a siege, according to local political activists. Months later, though, there has been no movement closer to Raqqa. One problem, some analysts say, is that Kurd-dominated forces lack the numbers to capture and hold Raqqa. Another problem: anti-IS forces that enter Raqqa, a Sunni Arab city, need to be led predominantly by Sunni Arabs in order to secure the support of local tribes and to avoid the city's recapture being seen as a Kurdish land-grab. Faced with those difficulties, some analysts question whether the coalition will be ready in time to capture Raqqa before Assad especially in light of the quick work Russian-backed, mainly Hezbollah, Iraqi Shiite militiamen and Iranian revolutionary guards made of regaining control last month of Palmyra, the historic Syrian city that was overrun by IS in May of last year. It would be better if Western-backed Kurds and their SDF allies took Raqqa instead of the Assad-allied Russians, who would almost certainly be accompanied by Iranian Revolutionary Guards and Hezbollah, or other Shiite militias, said Jonathan Schanzer of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, a Washington-based think tank. Ideally, we should see both the Assad axis and the jihadists lose territory, he added. But I certainly have my doubts that this could be achieved without serious planning and coordination on the part of the United States and other Western allies. I am not hopeful that this kind of serious planning and coordination is taking place. I would be very pleased to be proven wrong. There are increasing signs Assad and his foreign backers, Russia and Iran, are considering pushing their fight against IS east of Palmyra and toward Raqqa. The prize of Raqqa According to analyst Ross Harrison of the Washington-based Middle East Institute, the war in Syria is at an inflection point. Writing in the National Interest, he argues, whoever is successful in liberating territory from ISIS potentially wins the greatest competitive advantages in the broader battle for Syria. The sudden rush to liberate Palmyra from the clutches of ISIS by the Syrian government (with Russian air support) may signal that Assad understands that the power balance is likely to tilt towards whichever side is able to demonstrate the greatest progress in defeating ISIS. The prize of Raqqa is tempting for Assad, according to Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, a Middle east analyst and chief executive officer of Valens Global, a U.S.-based consulting firm that focuses on threats posed by violent non-state actors. Russia-backed regime forces taking Raqqa will definitely make it look like Russia is in the lead in Syria," said Gartenstein-Ross. "That will have broader implications for the U.S.-Russia strategic competition. And Assad would definitely be strengthened, certainly perceptually, if his forces take Raqqa. That calculation changes if Assad's men later get sucked into a quagmire in Raqqa or even get booted back out, but the immediate effect would be strengthening Assad. Overall, Gartenstein-Ross sees Assad and his allies better positioned to secure Raqqa. To be clear, he'd also be strengthened if Kurdish forces capture Raqqa, he argued. The Kurds would have more difficulty keeping Raqqa, and would likely look to hand it off quickly to the regime or local forces. Tensions flared in Egypt on Friday as protests over the handover of two islands to Saudi Arabia were dispersed or prevented by security forces with tear gas and military blockades. Outside the Journalist Syndicate, one of the few places where protesting is still legal in Cairo, police held their ground for most of the day while hundreds of people chanted anti-government slogans. Protesting the handover of the islands Tiran and Sanafir, activists shouted, "The people demand the end of the regime" and "Awad sold his land!" The latter chant is an Egyptian proverb expressing shamefulness in giving up land. For many locals, it is considered an undignified denial of identity. The Egyptian government says Saudi Arabia has legal and historical sovereignty over the islands, and it is simply returning the kingdom's own land. "We didn't relinquish even a grain of sand," said Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi on Wednesday. Protesters said that neither the public nor the newly-elected parliament was consulted about the arrangement in advance. Tiran and Sanafir are not only strategically located, they are also part of an Egyptian national park in the Red Sea, famous for world-class scuba diving and snorkeling. For roughly the past two-and-a-half years, the streets of Cairo have been relatively quiet and opposition voices have mostly been heard indoors. "The islands are the straw that broke the camel's back," said Mohammad Tarek, a 27-year-old university student at the protest. "We have many problems that have caused us to come out." Saudi-Egypt bridge The transfer of the islands clears the way for Saudi Arabia to build a bridge linking Egypt and the kingdom by land, according to analysts. On a recent state visit to Cairo intended to boost relations between the two Arab nations as Iran grows in geopolitical strength, Saudi King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud pledged $24 billion in loans and investments to Egypt. Saudi bids to build the bridge, which would be nearly 15 kilometers long, were part of the deal. "This is going to be a huge economic boost in the region," wrote Hussein Shobokshi, a commentator for the Saudi Gazette. "It will not only benefit the two countries, but will also help in improving economic ties between the African and Asian continents." Some officials insist that the transfer of power over the islands is not a prize given to the Saudis in exchange for aid, but a legal obligation. Saudi Arabia passed its authority over the islands to Cairo in 1950, saying Egypt was better equipped militarily to secure the Straits of Tiran. In 1967, Israel grabbed them after war broke out when Egypt announced plans to ban Israeli ships from passing through the straits. After the 1979 peace deal between Egypt and Israel, the islands were returned to Egyptian control, along with other lands. The recent announcement that they will be returned to Saudi Arabia immediately provoked criticism from Egyptian commentators. Officials said the critique was unfair and could damage relations between Saudi Arabia and Egypt. "I think that all of these poisonous media outlets should stay silent until all the documents related to this deal come to parliament for discussion," said Alaa Abed, a member of parliament, according to local media. Volatility at protests Protesters were warned Thursday not to attend rallies the Interior Ministry said were being staged by terrorists, and promised "all necessary and decisive legal measures to preserve security and stability." Demonstrators were arrested in both Cairo and Egypt's second city, Alexandria. Outside the Journalist Syndicate, government supporters and protesters sporadically clashed, mostly shouting and shoving while surrounded by heavily armed police carrying tear gas. Egypt's newly elected parliament has not yet completed its review of the island handover, but it is expected to approve the deal. After a meeting Wednesday, parliament members said the transfer of power does not require a public referendum under Egyptian law as some activists suggest, but does require parliamentary approval. "If these two islands are really part of Saudi Arabia," Abed said, "We will say yes, and if not, we will say no." Hamada Elrasam contributed to this report from Cairo. The website of Russia's news agency Sputnik has been blocked in Turkey, in another indication of strained relations between the two countries. The site's Turkish editor-in-chief told the Reuters news agency Friday that "there is no access to Sputniknews.com and sub-domains from Turkey. We've sent a letter to the regulatory agency asking for the reasons." Turkish officials have not been available for comment, but the Internet regulator's website said an "administrative measure" had been taken against Sputniknews.com. The website was blocked shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin Thursday criticized Turkish leaders in a televised national call-in show, stating, "We have problems with some political leaders (in Turkey) whose behavior, actions we consider inappropriate." Freedom of the press Blocking websites and similar measures are not uncommon in Turkey. In the past year alone, Turkey has shuttered and confiscated newspapers and occasionally blocked access to social media sites including Twitter and Facebook. The action against Sputnik has drawn the ire of its top editor in Moscow, Margarita Simonyan, who described the latest move as "a further act of harsh censorship" in Turkey. Relations between the two Cold War rivals have been particularly strained since November, when Turkey shot down a Russian warplane that Turkey said had violated its airspace near its border with Syria. In that incident, Russia also denied its aircraft had entered Turkish airspace. After the plane was shot down, Putin authorized sanctions against Turkey and since then, trade between the two countries has plummeted. Germany opened the way to the possible prosecution of a TV comedian who mocked Turkeys president, but it is up to the courts to decide whether any criminal act was committed. German Chancellor Angela Merkel announced Friday that her government will grant a Turkish request for the prosecution of Jan Boehmermann after he recited a crude poem about Turkey's president, despite "diverging opinions" within the German ruling coalition. The federal government has examined this request. The Foreign Office, the Justice Ministry, the Interior Ministry and the Chancellery took part in this review. There were diverging opinions between the coalition partners CDU (Christian Democratic Union) and the SPD (Social Democratic Party). The result is that in the present case the federal government will grant its approval," Merkel said. Last week Ankara sent a letter to the German Foreign Ministry demanding the prosecution of Boehmermann for insulting a foreign head of state, which under a German law requires the government's action. Merkel also announced that Germany would abolish that section of the criminal code by 2018. Boehmermann read a poem on ZDF television poking fun at Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Later, ZDF withdrew the passage from its archives and argued that it did not break the law. A California university paid a private company to remove references from the Internet of an incident in which a campus police officer pepper sprayed students, a newspaper reported. The Sacramento Bee newspaper reports that the University of California, Davis paid a consulting firm $175,000 to get rid of online search results related to a clash with student protesters on the campus in 2011. The Sacramento Bee says it obtained documents that show the university hired the consulting firm Nevins & Associates in 2013 to eliminate Google search results that portrayed UC Davis in a negative light. The firm was able to identify online evidence and venomous rhetoric about UC Davis being shared online, according to the documents, and set out to remove the bad press with a flood of content with positive sentiment and off-topic subject matter, the newspaper reports. The consultants also worked to remove negative information about UC Davis Chancellor Linda Katehi, the documents show. In a statement to the Bee, a spokesman for the university confirmed it paid the consulting firm to remove the negative search results. We have worked to ensure that the reputation of the university, which the chancellor leads, is fairly portrayed, UC Davis spokeswoman Dana Topousis said. We wanted to promote and advance the important teaching, research and public service done by our students, faculty and staff, which is the core mission of our university. The pepper spray incident took place November 18, 2011, when protesters affiliated with the Occupy Movement were told to leave the UC Davis campus, but refused. In order to remove the offending protesters from the campus, police officers began using pepper spray into the eyes of protesters sitting down on a campus sidewalk. Video of the incident quickly spread on the Internet and U.S. media, prompting larger protests on campus with students claiming police used excessive force. Ukrainian authorities have recovered four paintings that were stolen more than a decade ago from an art gallery in the Netherlands. The paintings date back to the Netherlands' 17th century Golden Age and are part of a group of 24 works valued at more than $11 million. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin said at a Thursday news conference the paintings had been in the possession of criminal groups at a villa in separatist-held area in eastern Ukraine. "I hope today's success will help improve Ukraine's image in the future, particularly in the Netherlands," Klimkin said at a briefing with Dutch Ambassador to Ukraine Kees Klompenhouwer. Ukraine's SBU State Security Service has been seeking to recover the missing art for four months. The first painting was recovered in early March and another was found in early April, with the final two being recovered Thursday, SBU chief Vasyl Hrytsak said. Hrystak said the agency decided not to announce the first recoveries to avoid publicity while it still searched for the other two paintings. Imagine what a trump we had in our hands that we could have played, he added. Of the 20 paintings still missing, Hrystak said some are known to be in territory controlled by pro-Russian separatists, while others might be in Russia. The paintings disappeared from the Westfries Museum in the city of Hoorn, north of Amsterdam, when thieves hid in the building before closing time on a winter evening and disabled the alarm system before making off with the artworks. In December, the museum said two men from a Ukrainian nationalist militia approached the Dutch Embassy in Kyiv with photographs of one of the paintings and demanded millions of dollars to return it. Ukrainian officials gave no other details about how the paintings were recovered. The U.N. special envoy for Yemen urged parties in the upcoming peace talks to overcome their differences and negotiate a real political solution to the yearlong conflict. "Yemen is now at a critical crossroad," Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed told the U.N. Security Council. "One path leads to peace, while the other can only worsen the security and humanitarian situation." He said achieving any success at the talks scheduled to begin Monday in Kuwait would require "difficult compromises from all sides, as well as determination to reach an agreement." He urged the Security Council members and regional and international players to support the process. The envoy has been engaged in shuttle diplomacy across the Middle East for several months, trying to persuade states with influence to help him bring the government of President Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi and rebel Shi'ite Houthis back to the negotiating table. Cheikh Ahmed welcomed a fragile cessation of hostilities that went into effect April 10, saying it has brought a "discernible decrease in the level of military violence." But he cautioned that there have been several serious violations and said if violence escalated, it could threaten the success of the peace talks. Big hopes At the upcoming talks, Cheikh Ahmed hopes to help negotiate a road map in several areas, including the withdrawal of militias and armed groups; the handover of heavy weapons to the state; and the release of prisoners and detainees. Yemen's U.N. ambasador, Khaled Alyemany, told reporters that "we are all heading toward Kuwait with hopes big hopes." He said if the international community is united and firm, the peace talks can yield real results. If they fail, he warned, "it will be a repetition of the cycle of violence." The yearlong conflict has pushed the Arab world's poorest nation to the brink. The U.N. says more than 6,400 people have been killed and nearly 3 million displaced from their homes. Some 21.2 million people, or 82 percent of the population, require some form of humanitarian or protection assistance. Last month, the United Nations appealed for $1.8 billion to meet Yemen's humanitarian needs this year. That appeal is woefully underfunded, with $296 million received so far. The recent announcement by mobile messaging service WhatsApp that it would begin offering end-to-end encryption made worldwide headlines. That's no surprise, given the app has approximately 1 billion users across the globe. What was surprising, and mostly unnoticed, was the role the U.S. government ultimately played in making that happen, as well as the often messy ways different parts of the same government can be seen as working at cross-purposes. WhatsApp encryption uses a protocol known as Signal, originally developed for a stand-alone encryption app by Open Whisper Systems. The head of Open Whisper Systems, the pseudonymous "Moxie Marlinspike," worked to build a strong, shielded communication application. But sometime around 2012, funds began to dry up. Enter the Open Technology Fund, or OTF. It's a publicly funded incubator of digital security systems run by Radio Free Asia (a sister broadcaster of VOA; both are overseen by the Broadcasting Board of Governors, which operates its own anti-censorship and web circumvention efforts). OTF quickly saw the uses of Signal for journalists, human rights activists and others living under authoritarian rule. In 2013, OTF gave $455,000 to Marlinspike and Open Whisper Systems; later, in both 2014 and 2015, it funded Open Whisper with $900,000 each year, leading to a total of $2,255,000. "Clearly, Open Whisper Systems was a success," said Rohit Majahan, Radio Free Asia's head of public affairs. "It's very important for journalists and their sources, protecting the people they're talking to, as well as Internet rights advocates, human rights defenders and dissidents in countries around the world." So what's surprising about that? OTF's participation in helping build and distribute encryption tools like Signal came at the same time other parts of the U.S. government notably the FBI began actively warning that the spread of unbreakable encryption threatens to take U.S. national security into "a very dark place." Unfree places The Open Technology Fund was founded in 2012 with funds provided by Congress to advance human rights and free expression on the Internet in "unfree" places around the world. This includes China, Iran, Sudan and many other nations ruled by authoritarian regimes. With an approximate average yearly budget around $8,000,000, the OTF supports " Internet freedom projects that empower world citizens to have access to modern communication channels that are free of restrictions and allow them to communicate without fear of repressive censorship or surveillance," according to its website. Since its founding, the OTF has supported dozens of projects. Some, such as the Qubes operating system, are relatively unknown outside the cyber community, while others, like Tor, are used by untold thousands every day. The projects cover many different areas of privacy and security: In addition to encryption applications, OTF helps support anonymization, circumvention and other technologies. "WhatsApp, for example, is used to protect people's free speech in Sudan and Hong Kong," Majahan told VOA. "Refugees from Syria and North Africa use it when they travel to shield communications. It's important for reporters who report on crime and corruption, protecting them in places like India. And it's also used by women who are often targeted with malicious attacks and harassment." There is growing debate in Washington over the appropriate uses and limits of encryption. It began in earnest two years ago when FBI Director James Comey first warned that spreading encryption on smartphones was "harmful" to law enforcement. "If the challenges of real-time interception threaten to leave us in the dark, encryption threatens to lead all of us to a very dark place," Comey warned. The debate moved center stage recently when the FBI went to court to press Apple to help unlock a smartphone allegedly used by San Bernardino terrorist Syed Farook. While that case was dismissed after a hacker successfully found a way around the phone's security features, the Department of Justice continues to press tech firms like Apple to help gain access to encrypted devices. Regarding that debate, Majahan agrees that "encryption is really a wide-reaching issue that affects people's lives in so many ways." But, he says, it's not one that the OTF is actively engaged in because of its more narrow aims. "Our focus is on uses in oppressive places with authoritarian governments that harshly punish people offline for their online activities, he said. This includes human rights defenders and activists, dissidents, LBGT or persecuted minorities just at-risk users in these places." Debate heats up Just as Apple has found support within Silicon Valley for championing unlimited encryption, it's also found critics in Washington who agree that the government sometimes needs to compel companies to help break their encryption. "Apple chose to protect a dead ISIS terrorist's privacy over the security of the American people," said Senator Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican, in a February statement. More recently, Cotton said that WhatsApp's adoption of Signal " continues a dangerous trend in the tech and data world." "I probably fall on the side of law enforcement," Representative Trey Gowdy, a North Carolina Republican, told Fox Business Channel, "because there's a public safety exception for the Fourth Amendment, the Fifth Amendment, [and] national defense." Even Republican presidential hopefuls Donald Trump and Ohio Governor John Kasich issued statements of support for the FBI. "Who do they think they are?" Trump wondered aloud on Fox News, referring to Apple CEO Tim Cook. Just last week, in a leaked draft of a proposed encryption bill, the authors made clear that tech companies, app developers and even possibly individuals would be legally required to essentially break their own encryption upon court order. For its part, the White House has walked a finer line, supporting the FBI and Department of Justice in their efforts, but generally turning a cold shoulder to congressional efforts to limit or refine encryption standards. What's clear is that as the encryption debate moves out of the cyber shadows and into the mainstream, various interests inside the U.S. government will continue to argue for their side even if those arguments are in competition with other parts of the federal bureaucracy. And while no one agency wants to be seen as picking fights with any other part of the federal government, as that debate intensifies, some conflicts may be inevitable. For his part, RFA's Majahan says simply that "we try to stay out of the larger debate and just focus on our job that's finding the people who have the ideas and solutions for a specific use in furthering our mission." In a postscript, the irony of one arm of the U.S. government working to expand the use of encryption while another seeks to slow its spread may be made only a little more ironic that a third arm of the U.S. government the Voice of America winds up reporting on the conflict between the other two. Twelve people died Friday morning when the bus they were riding towards Beitbridge, Zimbabwes busiest entry point, collided head-on with a haulage truck. The crash was declared a national disaster and government pledged financial support to bereaved families for the necessary burial arrangements. Witness reports said the fatal accident happened after the bus hit a stray donkey and swerved right into the oncoming truck. Thirteen critically injured people were rushed to Bulawayo referral hospitals while several others with mild, varying injuries were hospitalized in Beitbridge, the Herald newspaper reported. State Security Minister Kembo Mohadi and Local Government Minister Savior Kasukuwere visited the crash site where they announced bereaved families will get $200 apiece from the government. The Harare-Beitbridge highway is one of the deadliest strips in Zimbabwe that claim dozens of lives every year. Government has been criticized for not paying adequate attention to end the carnage, especially on this particular road despite it being one of the busiest and strategic. Beitbridge town secretary Loud Ramagkapola told VOA the road needs fixing. Twelve Zimbabweans have died and several others injured in a road traffic accident outside Beitbridge town, Matabeleland South province. Former freedom fighter, Bernard Manyanya, who was also one of the trainers of ZANLA forces, says President Robert Mugabe has ruined the country. Some Zimbabweans say they have not yet benefited from the countrys controversial land reforms, 36 years after independence. They also want women and young people to get land. On Monday we will be holding a townhall meeting in Washington DC focusing on Zimbabwes 36th independence anniversary, which will be streamed live on Facebook. 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. This evening on Livetalk our hosts will be talking with listeners and experts about road traffic accidents ahead of independence day celebrations. We will also get your views on yesterdays MDC-T public protests. Participate by sending your messages on our WhatsApp number 001 202 465 0318. The number again 001 202 465 0318. Stay tuned!!!!!! To mark Zimbabwes 36th independence anniversary, Studio 7 will be giving out solar-powered radios for our lucky winners. Simply invite 10 friends to join our VOA Studio 7 Facebook page. Ask them to like our page. Keep their names so we can verify your claim. We are also running a daily competition for lucky winners. You only need to answer a simple question about Zimbabwes independence. The question today is: How many colours are on Zimbabwes flag? The draw will be conducted April 18th. Dont be left out!! Some relatives of women and girls lured to Kuwait in the Middle East to seek green pastures are seeking help for their safe return to Zimbabwe. The relatives say some of the so-called Kuwait employment agencies are now refusing to disclose their locations, demanding payment of up to $3,000 each for those that want to terminate long-term contracts. At least 200 women were lured to go and work in Kuwait after they were promised lucrative jobs by the agents. Some of them have now been turned into commercial sex workers and slaves. Indications are that 180 are still in that nation. A relative of a 21 year-old lady that is being allegedly abused in Kuwait, who only wanted to be known as Mrs. Mary Ndoro, said her family has not heard from the young lady since Easter. We are currently unaware of her location as she appears to have been moved from one employer to the next after her parents reported her former employer for abuse to the local police who investigated the case that led to some of agents being brought before the courts in Harare a few weeks ago, said Mrs. Ndoro. She said her family was not in a position to raise the exorbitant fees being demanded by agents in Kuwait for the safe return of her niece or even for information on her current whereabouts. She called on the government to bring to book those involved in the human trafficking of young Zimbabwean girls and women urgently as the situation is deteriorating daily especially for family members in foreign lands. We are worried daily of what will become of our niece the lady who recruited her also recruited other girls from her neighborhood and their parents are also facing the same predicament. What is so disappointing is that the Zimbabwean agent who recruited my niece was a lady from church, who the neighborhood entrusted with their daughters hoping the Kuwait stint who improve the lives of all families involved but now its become a nightmare, said Mrs. Ndoro. Some women rights organisations have in the past tried to protest against the trafficking of women and girls to Kuwait but riot police crushed the march and arrested three of the women that participated in the event. One of the organizations, which arranged the protest the Women in Politics Alliance in conjunction with other women activists groups, has vowed to continue the fight until all women and girls held against their will in Kuwait are brought back home. Some Zanu PF supporters say a public protest staged by the MDC led by Morgan Tsvangirai was a waste of time. They say it was an attempt by the MDC-T to revive its party, which performed dismally in the last general elections. One of the top Zanu PF officials, Joseph Tshuma, told VOA Studio 7 the MDC-T should just forget about staging such public protests. MDC-T spokesman, Obert Gutu, said Zanu PF should brace for more public protests. Zanu PF party spokesman Simon Khaya Moyo told the state-run Herald newspaper that President Mugabe won his post democratically and said supporters of the opposition should vote him out of office rather than call for his resignation. Moyo said if the people "still need him, they will vote for him again," in 2018, when Mugabe is expected to stand for re-election. More than 2,000 supporters of the MDC-T party, led by Morgan Tsvangirai, marched in the streets of Harare, many of them wearing red in support of the opposition. Police are often called to break up opposition rallies in Zimbabwe, and Thursday's march had originally been banned -- but a court overturned the police order on Wednesday. Mr. Mugabe is one of Africa's longest-serving leaders, having been in power since 1980. Despite his age, he is still a compelling speaker and recently announced he will stand for election again in 2018. Zimbabwe's past elections have been criticized by the United States and other powers as flawed, marred by violence and voter intimidation. Opposition leader Tsvangirai and his movement say Mr. Mugabe's policies are responsible for Zimbabwe's long-running economic problems and food shortages. Tsvangirai has lost the last three elections to President Mugabe, and has been charged in the past with plotting to topple the president. When the British Union Jack flag was lowered and a new Zimbabwean flag hoisted to tune of the old national anthem "Ishe Komborera Africa", there was jubilation and ululation that Zimbabwe had finally attained its independence. There was hope that land, which was the cornerstone of the liberation struggle, would be equitably redistributed to local people. But this remains a pipe dream, almost 36 years after independence. Some of the disgruntled people are in Mashonaland West province, who have almost lost hope of getting prime land in their lifetime. Though some of them were allocated land under the controversial 2000 land reforms, millions of local people are still landless. They are scratching a living from pieces of land allocated to them under the colonial regime that uprooted them from their prime land. Some lucky ones, who benefited under the Zanu PF championed land reforms in 2000, are now multiple farm owners. They forcibly took over land owned by white commercial farmers. Hurungwe farmer, Panashe Mtundusha, who has a pending land ownership wrangle case in the Chinhoyi courts over the double allocation of Two Tree Farm, says indications are that the land issue wont be resolved anytime soon in Zimbabwe. He believes that people with multiple farms should surrender them to landless peasants. Mhangura villager, Onisimo Tagarika, supports such moves, adding that Zimbabwe should conduct a land audit that should result in the redistribution of land to some communal farmers, including women and youth. Melody Chinowaita of Chinhoyi agrees, noting that the redistribution of land would play a critical role in addressing drought and other issues related to food insecurity. Chinowaita says women should benefit from a fresh land program. A young Chinhoyi resident, Misheck Rangwani, says they are few people of his age group who were allocated land under the present agrarian reforms. But Clifford Khupheko, a Zanu PF activist who is also a beneficiary of the countrys controversial land reform program, says most Zimbabweans are happy as they were allocated land once owned by white commercial farmers. Some political analysts argue that it is likely that there would be another land revolution in Zimbabwe in the near future targeted at multiple farm owners. The difference between Muslim Brotherhood and ISIS, is deception, which is the main factor MB are using in their tactics, till they dominate a countrys joints, then they raise the sword against their opponents. Other terrorist groups like ISIS, may disagree with Muslim Brothers tactics, because they use slaughter and intimidation right away, in order to have full control on a country. The common goal for Muslim Brotherhood and other terrorist groups like ISIS, is to reach power and to build an Islamic empire based on their own fascist provisions which have nothing to do with Islam or moderate Muslims. When Muslim Brotherhood reached power in Egypt, they appointed Islamist Jihadists and convicted terrorists in different ministries posts and others were counselors to Mohamed Morsi the former president of Egypt. Morsi and Muslim brotherhood got into coalition with terrorist groups and Islamist Jihadists, from one side to support MB ruling against their opponents, and from another side, they promised them to apply sharia laws and leave these terrorists act freely in the country without any surveillance from the authorities in Egypt [1]. Muslim Brotherhood are the parent of all terrorist groups, including ISIS. Hassan Al-Banna, founder of the Muslim Brotherhood sought to restore worldwide Islamic Caliphate. Since his childhood, Albanna was attracted to extremists who were hostile to Western culture and to its system of rights, particularly womens rights. Al-Banna biggest dream was the restoration of the Islamic Caliphate. And it was this dream, which he believed could only become a reality by means of the sword, that won the hearts and minds of a growing legion of his Extremist followers. Al-Banna would describe, in inflammatory speeches, the horrors of hell expected for heretics, and consequently, the need for Muslims to return to their purest religious roots, re-establish the Caliphate, and resume the great and final holy war, or jihad, against the non-Muslim world and Moderate Muslims opponents. Al-Banna spelled out his ideas in a major document titled The Way of Jihad. Under Al-Bannas stewardship, the Brotherhood developed a network of underground cells, stole weapons, trained fighters, formed secret assassination squads, founded sleeper cells of subversive supporters in the ranks of the army and police, and waited for the order to go public with terrorism, assassinations, and suicide missions. It was during this time that the Brotherhood found a soulmate in Nazi Germany. The Reich offered great power connections to the movement, but the relationship brokered by the Brotherhood was more than a marriage of convenience. Both movements sought world conquest and domination and both movements committed crimes against humanity. What I stated above, is not my personal opinion, but it is history, for those who dont read history or those who forge history for one reason or another. The link between Muslim Brotherhood and ISIS, is no longer a speculation, different Arab and Egyptian sources revealed that the link between MB and ISIS is a reality. Despite that Muslim Brotherhood always deny any ties between their organization and other terrorist organizations like ISIS, like it or not, accept it or not, what happened and still taking place in Egypt, Syria, Libya and Iraq, is proving the opposite to this denial. On 6 March 2016, the Egyptian minister of interior General Magdy Abd El-Ghafar announced in an international press conference, details of Muslim Brotherhood 48 terrorist cell elements arrest, committed different terrorist operations in Egypt and 14 elements among this cell executed the assassination of the Egyptian Attorney General counselor Hisham Barakat. (on 29 June 2015, a deadly bomb planted on a road close to Counselor Barakats home and detonated as he was on his way to work. The explosion damaged 35 cars in the area, as well as the entrances of nine shops and homes. In addition to the serious injury of 9 of the counselors security guards and civilians) Before the assassination of the attorney general in Egypt, Ansar Beit Elmakdess (the branch of ISIS in North Sinai), Called for assassinating all members of the Egyptian Judicial system, in response to the death sentenced of 6 of their terrorist elements and also after the death sentence on Mohamed Morsi and other MB leaders and members who committed massacres and crimes against the Egyptian people [2]. On 27 January 2016, Al-Bawaba News published names of 30 Muslim brotherhood elements, who joined terrorist camps in Libya and are trained to commit suicidal attacks in Egypt. Muslim Brotherhood joined ISIS and Al-Qaeda terrorist camps in Eastern Libya, during the last 6 month and are trained on using weapons, making explosives and car bombs. Al-Bawaba News revealed 30 names out of 100 from the Muslim brotherhood organization, who joined terrorist camps in Libya and Syria, like ISIS and Al-Qaeda and especially the terrorist group called Al-Morabetoun Al-Godod a terrorist branch of Al-Qaeda organization in Libya, to prepare the MB elements to carry out suicidal attacks in Egypt [3]. In Bahrain, during the year of 2012, Nasser Al-Fadallah one of the Muslim Brotherhood top leaders, made a speech in front of the US Embassy in Manama, protested against the abusing movie of Prophet Mohamed, when masked men appeared behind Fadallah raised the black flags of ISIS. At this time, no one understood the purpose or the symbol of raising these flags, till ISIS raised the same flag after they appeared in Syria and Iraq. After the video was spread on the net, Fadallah commented later on, that he had no idea who were these masked men who stood behind him and raised these black flags!! Fadallah said in his speech, that those who offended the prophet, got themselves involved in issues bigger than they are, and he called and incited protesters and all Muslims to show the offenders practically, how Muslims defend and love their prophet. Bahrain, Manama, US Embassy, year 2012, Nasser Al-Fadallah one of the Muslim Brotherhood top leaders, protested against the abusing movie of Prophet Mohamed, ISIS masked men appeared behind Fadallah raised the black flags of ISIS. On 30/8/2014, The Egyptian National Security in coordination with the ministry of Interior arrested the first Muslim Brotherhood terrorist cell, formed of 3 groups, pledged loyalty to the leader of ISIS [4]. The authorities arrested 8 individuals belonged to the executive assassination group and committed many terror attacks against the Egyptian police forces in Beni Suef, Giza and Sharqia Cities. The national security investigations revealed that this terrorist group called themselves the supporters of the Islamic sharia Laws, assassinated 12 police officers and soldiers, and planned the killing of 9 others and had lists of police individuals and armed forces names to assassinate. The cell was formed in Rabaa Square [5]. The cell divided themselves to 3 groups, one group to collect information about the targeted police individuals, the second group handled monitoring their targets, third group was in charge of executing assassination and explosives manufacturing, preparing and moving weapons through Libya and the Gaza strip borders. Court case number 318 for year 2013. Some of the terrorists who got arrested in ISIS cell, got trained in Syria after they were released from jails under the presidential pardon issued by Mohamed Morsi [6], the Muslim Brotherhood former president of Egypt [7]. On 18/6/2014, The Egyptian ministry of Interior arrested Mamdouh Mohamed Hassan, Muslim Brotherhood member worked in the Egyptian ministry of education, who was involved in violence incitement and participated in attacking police forces during Muslim Brotherhood armed and violent protests. Investigators revealed that he had maps and papers that indicated the ties between ISIS and Muslim Brotherhood to commit terror attacks in different parts of Egypt. On 9/8/2014, Zaky Bin Arshid, The deputy of the general observer of Muslim Brotherhood Organization, declared that Muslim Brotherhood rejected Obamas statement about the US wont allow Extremists and ISIS of establishing the Islamic Caliphate, And that Muslims did not pledge loyalty to Obama to decide who and who is not allowed to rule them. Later On, after being attacked for his declaration, Bin Arashid said that he did not mean what people understood wrongly from his statement, that he was supporting ISIS! Muslim Brotherhood youth led by Assad Al-Islam formed a movement called Dahis to spread ISIS Jihadist Ideology in Egypt [8]. Muslim Brotherhood Dahis movement declared the responsibility of terror attacks, and bombing Faisal and Haram streets in Giza recently. The movement is formed from 300 youth members of MB. ISIS managed to recruit many of Muslim Brotherhood youth through social networks. Like Muslim Brotherhood jihad movements in Egypt: Molotov, Ahrar and Islamic Jihad in Egypt. All these Muslim Brotherhood movements in Egypt pledged loyalty to ISIS. Sabra Alqassemy, former Jihadist in Egypt gave up violence some time ago, and provided earlier information and details which led to the arrest of the first ISIS cell in Sharqia city. He confirmed that ISIS ideology exists in Egypt since Muslim Brotherhood have reached power, and the followers and supporters of ISIS got the blessings from Mohamed Morsi [9]. The armed forces war against terrorism in Sinai, forced terrorists to escape to upper Egypt and hide in the mountains areas. Alqassemy exposed the names of militants who are leading ISIS supporters in Egypt, LIKE: Abu Saad Al-Mohager and Abu Al-Munzeir Al-Shankeety who are handling the recruiting and training. One of the leaders of ISIS Lebanon, Abu Sayaf Al-Ansary indicated that ISIS organisation will enter Egypt soon through ISIS lovers and supporters, Muslim Brotherhood Jihad movements and Ansar Beit Almakdes in Sinai, both pledged loyalty to ISIS. He also added that when Islamic caliphate will be applied by the sword, democracy, nationalism and secularism will be terminated. The Islamic prince or ruler must be obeyed and Islamic Sharia laws will be applied. (this part he cited, he quoted the text from one of the books of the leading member of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood Sayyid Qutb. In 1966, Qutb was convicted of plotting the assassination of Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser and was executed by hanging.) Nabil Naim, former leader of Jihadists group in Egypt, gave up violence and now he is fighting terrorism, and Dr. Samir Ghattas, director of Strategic studies in the middle east center, confirmed that there is an Egyptian man called Abu Hamza Almasry, he is the link between Muslim Brotherhood youth jihadi movements in Egypt and ISIS leader Abu Bakr Alboghdady. They added that after the 30th of June revolution that toppled the Muslim Brotherhood fascist regime in Egypt, MB found in ISIS the last hope to get back to power, especially after what ISIS is achieving in Syria, Iraq and Libya. On the other hand, Hossam Alawak a member in the Syrian liberation army indicated that brigadier Tarek Alhashemy one of the leaders of the organization in Iraq, had a meeting with Ossama Rushdy one of the leaders of Muslim Brotherhood international organization, about two month ago in Istanbul, and they reached agreement on the ways of supporting the Jihadists in Egypt. Alawak confirmed that the way the youth of MB got recruited in Egypt, is the same way the youth got recruited in Syria. In addition, Alawak explained that Hikmat Yuzu one of the Qatari intelligence element, is handling the purchase of weapons to ISIS, Yuzu was monitored on the Turkish borders by Mid of last month. On 13/8/2014, Vetogate newspaper published a report about unannounced visit by one of Muslim Brotherhood top leaders to Iraq with Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi the leader of ISIS [10]. Muslim Brotherhood offered ISIS all kinds of support including financing, in addition to MB mediation and guarantee that the US is not going to interfere in Iraqs internal affairs, and wont launch any military strikes against ISIS in Iraq. Muslim Brotherhood also offered to facilitate the entry of ISIS elements to the Egyptian territory, through the western and southern borders of Egypt, In return of ISIS helping Muslim Brotherhood to reach power again in Egypt till they control all countrys joints. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi the leader of ISIS refused the Muslim Brothers offer including the financial support to ISIS, but showed his agreement to make a deal with Muslim Brotherhood to help them reaching power again in Egypt, provided that Muslim Brotherhood pledge loyalty to him as the grand Caliph of Muslims (the head of Muslims states), and ISIS to become partners to Muslim Brotherhood in ruling Egypt. The report revealed that Muslim Brothers totally refused al-Baghdadis deal. The following video published on YouTube the month of August 2014, showing a group of masked armed men who called themselves Helwan brigades in Egypt. They claimed that they are not MB and they were fed up of MB peaceful policy and despite this, they raised Muslim Brotherhood symbol of Rabaa (4 fingers), and they also added that they are going to get revenge from Egyptians, armed and police forces. In the video, they threatened the Egyptian people that they will slaughter them and slaughter the Armed and police forces as well. They also said that if Egyptian people think that Armed forces will protect them from being slaughtered, they are mistaken. They threatened that the next period will see very fierce attacks, explosives, slaughter and bombing all over the country. The Egyptian National security in coordination with the ministry of interior managed to arrest these terrorists by End of August 2014. Investigators revealed that the terrorists in the video are wanted for previous crimes of killing police individuals and participated in violent MB protests and planting explosives and bombs in different areas in Egypt, in addition to burning public properties. The terrorists admitted that Muslim Brotherhood leader Ayman Abd Elghany, sibling of Khairat Alshater the deputy of the general chief of MB in Egypt, financed them to commit terror attacks in Egypt against civilians, armed and police forces, and also to film this video. The leader of these terrorists, his name is Magdy A. and his nickname is Magdy fonia, confessed that he joined Muslim Brotherhood organization after Morsi became the president of Egypt. He also mentioned that he got financed and armed from other Muslim Brotherhood leaders to commit terror attacks and to film more videos like the current one, in order to distract the security forces and distort Egypts image in front of the world to show that Egypt armed forces and police are not capable of securing the country and to give indications that terrorism is spreading in Egypt. Other terrorists also confessed that Muslim Brotherhood leaders wanted to keep away the security forces away and distract them with the new armed group which appeared in the video, to commit other terror attacks in other vital areas. ISIS is spreading their militants in the world: Dames and Albatar are the branches of ISIS in Libya, Morocco and other Arab countries like Tunis, Sirya, Yemen and Algeria; Ansar Beit Almakdes and Muslim Brotherhood jihadi movements in Egypt. ISIS project is to spread and expand in order to establish an Islamic Emirate that includes Iraq, Syria, Kuwait, Jordan and Egypt. In relation to ISIS spreading internationally, ISIS reached the European countries through many foreigners who have joined ISIS for Jihad in Syria, Iraq, Somalia, Nigeria and Mali. Most probably, they will form an equivalent organization after they return to Europe in order to start the Jihad war against their own people in Europe. Despite that ISIS is formed of about fifteen thousand militant and seized many arms and ammunition and is controlling some of the oil fields in Iraq, and they managed to control the central bank in Musul, after they seized about 429 million Dollar; A bunch of mercenaries like ISIS cannot win any battle against countries, people and well equipped and qualified armies in the world, but we cannot underestimate the big threat and danger these terrorists are representing, if they manage to have full control on just one Arab country, like Iraq, Libya or Syria. Iraq and Libya in particular, are easy targets for ISIS, After US invaded Iraq based on a barefaced lie of WMD, and US deliberately dispersed The Iraqi Army and Police forces, same thing happened in Libya after the invasion too. What makes things worse, is also that Libya and Iraq are formed of different tribes and multiple doctrines, this is another dangerous issue that make peoples unity against terrorism, is almost impossible, because they are not united, on the opposite, they are fighting each other since the invasion and they do have religious and doctrines conflicts. The world community, the UN, US, Europe, dont give a damn care about Christians, moderate Muslims who get slaughtered or tortured or crucified daily by ISIS or by other terrorist groups. US started military strikes against ISIS in Iraq, just to protect US interests in Iraq. US wanted to remove Assad regime in Syria by financing and supporting terrorists like ISIS, instead of fighting them. Moreover, US is still supporting Muslim Brotherhood terrorists organization, as long as they dont announce Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group. The US thought that supporting Muslim Brotherhood fascist regime in Egypt, will enable the Muslim brotherhood to have control on all other terrorist groups, and it was ok for the US that terrorists divide the middle east to Islamic emirates, and force their own Sharia laws provisions on the majority and the minority, as long as they will become allies to the US instead of being enemies. If the translation doesnt show on the following video, please click on the cc button, located on the right side below on the video bar, and the translation will show. Terrorism doesnt admit countries or borders, terrorism has no home, no religion, terrorism is the enemy of humanity and when they start to attack, they bite the hand that fed them. Hey boos! Sorry I was MIA last week. I had to finish writing my book manuscript, so basically, I was up in the crib, typing the way I do when I get into a Facebook fight with someone I barely know. Anyway, the book (You Cant Touch My Hair, coming out in fall 2016) is done-zo, so Im all yours again, and Im happy to be back because last nights episode was probably my favorite one yet! I gasped two times, almost got teary-eyed when Christopher/Ben was being bae, and felt a little sad for Danny. And I havent even mentioned Princess Zara, who I wish could be a cast member on The Catch because shes so rad. Clearly, to me, The Princess and the I.P. has lots going for it and the show is quickly becoming one my favorite spring/summer shows, so lets get into it, shall we? We begin at Vaughn & Anderson. Alice and Dao decide to work together and talk about Zara and catching Chris/Ben, and she tells him that Valerie doesnt know that Alice and Dao are teaming up. Uh-oh! This secret is going to really strain their friendship if Alice doesnt fess up. I mean, Dao and Sophie know whats going on, but not Alices BFF? Yikes. Meanwhile, somewhere across the office, Danny is talking to potential client Phillip, the head of a tech company, and one of his associates Marie, who need the companys help because one of the employees/Maries best friend, Gwen, has been missing for four days. Scary! But then its even more scary because Gwen designed this technology called ThruSight, which allows users to see through walls and even human flesh, so that way you can save people in collapsed buildings, but it also has the ability to be weaponized. Oh no! Oh no, part two, is that Marie (after meeting with Alice and Val) tells Alice that sometimes Gwen just disappears, usually when she has a problem she cant figure out at work, but now she fears Gwen is dead. Or, in my opinion, maybe she went rogue to sell this software to some baddies? Only time will tell. Finally, there is oh no, part three, and that is Sophie hitting it off with Agent Shawn, who is going to be working on the case. This rightfully makes Danny jealous because whatever red-blooded person looks at Shawn would think: Anyway, the PI company takes on this case and Alice wants Danny, Sophie, and Shawn to work together. Oh, man! Meanwhile, Chris/Ben is still rolling with Princess Zara as her new financial advisor, and while he hasnt gotten the money from her yet, he assures Margot that everything is going according to plan. Yeah, except for one problem Zaras brother is coming to town to take her back home since Qasim has gone missing (remember, she was killed in the last ep). Zara doesnt want to leave; she loves it in the USA, loves the rights that women have, and shes contemplating just taking as much money as she can and disappearing. She asks him to help her disappear. Hes down and reports back to Margot that hes going to get the money soon, but she reminds him that they are past due on the money they owe and says its only a matter of time before their boss, The Benefactor, sends someone to kill them which is apparently now because when they go back to their place, there is a foxy bounty hunter there whos like: Eep! Sexy Bounty Hunter is ready to kill them, when Chris/Ben offers up $1.5 million for a 48-hour extension to get the money from Zara. SBH agrees and bounces, and Margot is like WTF? Were losing even more money now. But then she stops panicking when she comes up with a new plan: Since Princess Zara is now a woke feminist, Margot wants Ben to get Zara to invest $15 million in a faux charity for womens education and equal rights. #SadFaceEmoji. I really like Zara now and I dont want her being duped, but I guess this is the only way Chris/Ben can stay alive, so Back to Sophie/Danny/Shawn: They find out that normally when Gwen is stressed she goes to one of the hiking trails at a local park, so off the trio go! Danny is obviously very jealous of Shawn, but it still takes Sophie like 10 minutes to figure that out. But she cant figure out that the reason is because he likes her. Cmon! How blind is this girl?! Anyway, all this cute/flirtation/jealousy comes to a brief halt when they discover what appears to be Gwens jacked-up body and face on a trail. They identify her body by one of the tattoos on it. Oh, crap! Chris/Ben goes to Zara with this plan and she is so on board! She knows that doing this will make her family disown her and she can finally have the freedom she craves. The next day, she has Chris/Ben come over to her hotel suite because she has a person from the World Wide Womens Fund who might be the perfect fit and its Alice!! OMG!! Ben and Alice awkwardly talk, and then when the two are alone, Alice, who is wired, gets Chris/Ben to meet with her another time to talk just so she can get him to make a confession and she and Dao can arrest him. Alice meets up with Dao and he says hes going to keep following Chris/Ben, and thats when Alice gets a phone call about Gwen. She goes back to the office; theyve located Gwens laptop, which has the only completed version of ThruSight, to a house. They show up, break in easily, steal the laptop and then when they are starting to drive off, a giant SUV rams into them. The driver runs up to the car and tries to rip the laptop out of Sophies hands. Alice stops her and sees that its Gwen, who is very much undead! Gwen confesses that she faked her death in order to keep ThruSight away from Philip, who she believes wants to sell the software to terrorists. Because this is TV, the PI team confirms this immediately and comes up with a plan. Theyre going to pose as an online buyer to get him to sell ThruSight to them, Alice and her team hatch a plan to give Philip the laptop back, pose as an online buyer to get him to sell it back to them, and then get their buddy Agent Jules Dao to be the point person for this exchange, and thats when they will arrest Phillip, case solved. Great! Except that when the transaction happens, its Marie, not Phillip, who wants to sell this stuff to terrorists. The PI team wraps up this case by allowing Gwen to stay dead to by giving her a new identity so she can continue hiding the technology without fearing for her life. Yay! Case over! Meanwhile, Margot has a plan to buy her and Chris/Ben more time. And that plan is to dine on Sexy Bounty Hunters vajeen. LOVE it! Everybody on this show wants to bone everybody and most get a chance to follow through on this, which is so unlike my life where Im on Tinder and a bunch of Joey Buttafuocos want to bone and Im basically putting a Closed for Renovations sign on my lady bits to keep these dudes away. Anyway, we learn during these ladies pillow-talk session that Margot was next in line to take over The Benefactor position, but she didnt believe that was ever going to happen because he is a misogynist. Oof. Moving on! Chris/Ben calls Alice and they decide to meet on Friday at Grand Park. He says he will tell her everything if she stops chasing him. The next day, he meets with Zara. Her brother is there and he rips up the contract that she signed, so Zara goes to plan B, and later on, shes selling off all her belongings and tells Ben that shes going employ creative accounting to still donate the $15 million that shes promised. When thats done, she gives Ben a check for $15 million and he looks super guilty about taking the money from someone so clearly trying to do good in the world. Hmm, does this mean that he doesnt want to be a con man anymore? Well have to wait and see I guess. Back at the office, Danny and Sophie are talking/flirting. UHHHHHH, WHY IS SOPHIE ACTING LIKE SHE DOESNT KNOW DANNY LIKES HER? I mean, hes jealous of her hanging out with hot dude Shawn, Danny tells her shes pretty, and is always asking about her relationship status. This is clear as day. But she still doesnt get it, I guess, and then says that shes not into Shawn because hes all muscle-y. Look, Im not a muscle queen. Most the dudes I have dated in my life are pale and register on the anemia scale somewhere between a woman on the second day of her period and octogenarian who hasnt taken an iron pill in six days, but to act like Shawn being Henry-Cavill-hot is too much to handle and not enticing is just ludicrous. Get your life together Soph, smash Shawn, take a breather, and then date Danny. Its now the next day, and Zara is leaving. She shares some kind words with Chris/Ben and gives him a necklace. She tells him to give it to the woman he loves and fix their relationship. She hugs him goodbye and then Margot comes over. He lets her assume that the con failed and that the brother, Bashir, was onto them, so the check is useless. But she sees the necklace and figures they can give it to Felicity a.k.a. Sexy Bounty Hunter and that will help them buy more time. Now its all about this Grand Park showdown. Alice looks amazing and Ben keeps looking bae-licious. They meet. Shes still hurt, and hes still in love with her. I believe she is still in love with him but feels so betrayed. Anyway, she gets him to start talking and Dao is patiently listening so he can send his men to arrest Chris/Ben once he confesses. Chris/Ben convinces that his love for her is real and that day he asked her to run away with him to the Alps is when he chose her over the con lifestyle. She starts to well up and he continues talking. Thats when she mouths for him to be quiet and shows him the wire shes wearing. She mouths, Im sorry, and he smiles, because he knows that by her not letting him confess, she still has feelings for him. He mouths back a thank you and then runs away just as Dao and his men start to chase him. Dao gets to Alice and is pissed because he feels like she let Chris/Ben get away, but she acts her butt off and says that Chris/Ben ran away because Daos men stormed in. Oooooh! Shes lying to Val, shes lying to Dao. Alice just might be falling for Chris/Ben and I like it! Alrighty, what did you think of this episode? Are you shipping Chris/Ben and Alice as much as I am? Do you think that Danny and Sophie will end up together? Gary Oldman, we think. Photo: Kevork Djansezian/2014 Getty Images Gary Oldman, whom you do not recognize from his many film roles, could soon be unrecognizable yet again as Winston Churchill. According to Deadline, Oldman is in talks to star in Darkest Hour, a World War IIfocused biopic on the British prime minister directed by Joe Wright (Atonement, Pride & Prejudice) and written by The Theory of Everythings Anthony McCarten. Oldman can surely master Churchills accent and serve up a few cutting remarks of his own but itll probably take some trickery to nail the look. Cigars and Hats! A production designer shouts in the distance. We need more cigars and hats! When Greys Anatomy commits to a two-hour event, you know youre in for an evening of repeated emotional pummeling. Thats exactly what happens over the course of tonights 120-minute excursion to Grey Sloan. I mean, whats worse? Watching a mother and her baby tragically die, or watching Ben and Baileys relationship face possibly irreparable damages?! Okay, okay. In the real world, its obviously the former. But this isnt the real world. This is ShondaLand, a realm where we are only governed by the truth within our hearts and raging libidos. Isnt this place the best-slash-worst? Lets get real for a second: Of all the character-centric episodes weve been gifted with this season, the intense, well-crafted Theres a Fine, Fine Line, is my favorite. Sure, its partly because it shines a big, well-deserved spotlight on Bailey and Ben, but also its just plain exciting! Its clearly barreling toward a big discovery at the one-hour mark, but MAN. How great of a cliffhanger would that security footage and outstanding Ben/Bailey confrontation scene have been if the episode just ended there? Then again, how disappointing would it have been to wait an entire week for Bens I was focused on surgery reasoning? Maybe ABCs event was just a way to make the scheduling work, but it does service the story well. Lets not get ahead of ourselves, though. It all starts with a code pink. One of Karevs patients is missing, and Alex is convinced his father has kidnapped him. Most people assure Alex that the kid is just hiding; thats what kids do. He appeals to Baileys maternal side and invokes the name of Tuck, all but forcing her to call the code pink, which puts the entire hospital on lockdown. Elevators stop working, doors are sealed shut, and everyone in the hospital, including any patient in a life-threatening situation, is trapped wherever they happen to be at that moment. Turns out the kid is just hiding (kids!), and the code pink is short-lived. And thats when shit gets real. As the lockdown is lifted, Bailey receives a flood of 9-1-1 texts and finds Ben and DeLuca performing an emergency C-section on a young, pregnant mother of three named Gretchen. You guys, there is so much blood. Like, gushing. As Ben pulls a newborn baby out of the wreckage of his mother and holds it up for Bailey to see, my only note was a horrified YIKES. As mother and baby are both rushed into surgery while the father of this whole clan, Omar, is also fighting for his life in an OR, because hello, youre watching Greys Anatomy Bailey goes on a mission to find out what led her seemingly rational husband to think it was a great idea to slice open a pregnant woman. After his Dr. MacGyver act in the psych ward a few weeks ago, some of his colleagues are wondering if Ben overstepped due to arrogance. Ben maintains that he had no choice; if he didnt cut Gretchen open, both she and her baby wouldve died right there. Unfortunately for Ben, Bailey, and my face, both Gretchen and her baby die during surgery. So, no, this episode isnt one of the fun, sexy ones. As Detective Bailey interrogates every doctor that came into contact with Gretchen before she ended up in that hallway, we flash back and forth in time. Doctor-by-doctor, Bailey pieces together what went down, and it is awesome the storytelling device, not the pregnant-lady-getting-sliced-open-by-a-resident-and-dying thing. The best of these interrogation scenes is DeLucas. He explains that Gretchen began to flatline when the code pink was called, and the doctors were trapped in front of a nonfunctioning elevator. In order to save mom and baby, Warren had no choice. This is exactly what Bailey was hoping to hear. But DeLucas addition of according to Dr. Warren to the end of his story? Yeah, that part she couldve done without. Still very much in need of proof that her husband was right, Bailey goes to the tapes. The security tapes, that is. As she watches, she gets her definitive proof its just proof that Ben did have a choice. The security footage clearly shows the elevator doors opening, and Ben looking directly at them right before he slices into Gretchen. Ben and Bailey have it out. Ben cant believe she doesnt trust his word. She cant believe he would lie in the face of physical evidence. Theres lots of yelling and I hate it because I dont want Ben and Bailey to ever break up, but also I love it because Chandra Wilson and Jason George are just so good together. Since Bailey knows she wont be partial in deciding disciplinary action against her husband, she puts Meredith, Owen, and Maggie on an advisory board to look into the situation and make a recommendation. As the board interviews all of the doctors involved, Ben and Bailey try to separate their professional feelings from their personal feelings. The Warren-Bailey relationship is now church (Ben and Miranda) and state (Dr. Warren and Chief Bailey). Aside from a too-brief elevator hand clasp, church does not fare well. Lets be clear: Bailey certainly suffers the consequences of Bens actions. She is the one who watches as Gretchen and her baby died. She is the one who tells Gretchens daughter, Jasmine, that shes now motherless. Bailey is the one who witnesses Jasmine help her grandmother sign a DNR for a seemingly brain-dead Omar. Okay, yes, the whole Bailey ignores a DNR order but its totally okay because she magically brings the guy back to life thing is nonsense. Other than that, Baileys actions are valid. Although the board supports Bens explanation that he was so focused on saving Gretchens life that the elevator doors didnt register with him um, okay? Chief Bailey still suspends him for six months. Oof, you guys, this argument is a doozy. A six-month suspension will push Ben so far back in his program that he might as well quit. He begs Miranda to change her mind, but she stands firm. With tears in their eyes, they both apologize for so dearly disappointing one another. Church isnt looking too good at the moment. Also, dramatic things happen to other people! Lets wrap this up with a lightning round: After Jackson reminds April that they used to be BFFs, they decide to treat one another with respect instead of custody battles and restraining orders. This means they both can celebrate the fact that the baby is kicking. The countdown to reconciliation is on, people. Ugh. Pennys still around, still terrible, and now shes hypnotized Callie into believing that a move to New York is a great idea. Arizona doesnt agree, and she hires a lawyer to fight for custody of Sofia. This should be fun! After Mer spills the truth about Riggs to her sisters, Maggie confronts him. She wants to know why such a good guy and a great surgeon would lie about something like that. He confesses that the original story he told Mer was all true he just left out the cheating part. Hes still paying for the mistakes he made that day, and I am still very much Team Riggss Face. Laughter Is the Best Medicine, Except for Real Medicine: Theres not much to laugh about in an episode that features the graphic deaths of a mother and a baby. Nonetheless, the Jo and Steph Traveling Comedy Show tried their hardest. Ample evidence has already proven that Jo Wilson is hilarious yelling You heard her, scram! and snagging Crosss chips can be added to the list but now we know shes also a top-notch sexter. You go, Jo Wilson! (No, I cant believe I typed that either.) Speaking of: I call my mother with this thing. And thus, Steph changes sexting for all of America. Is it weird that when Catherine tells Richard shed strangle him with her bare hands if he ever landed in the same spot as Ben, I found it adorable? I love those two! The Sob Scale: 9/10 We all had to watch little Jasmine go from pre-teen to adult in the span of one sentence. I havent stopped crying. Ill never stop crying! Its hard to imagine now that Netflixs critically acclaimed and often very dark superhero drama Jessica Jones was first developed for network television. Creator and executive producer Melissa Rosenberg, who famously adapted the Twilight series of books for the big screen, discussed that and other show details in a wide-ranging interview about why shooting the Marvel series (starring Krysten Ritter as the titular private detective-superhero) on location all over New York City is the series secret weapon. Rosenberg spoke to Vultures Stacey Wilson Hunt and Bloombergs Katherine Oliver for the second episode of The City of Scenes, a new, limited-run podcast jointly produced by Vulture and Bloomberg that discusses TV and film made in New York City. Listen in as she reflects on the pressures of pleasing Marvel fans, shooting on NYC city streets in the dark, and how they pulled off that insane East Village bar explosion scene. Jimmy Fallons Donald Trump just wants to talk to Ted Cruz about the Democratic debate and Hillary Metro Card Clinton. Unfortunately, as youll see above, they instead spend measured time discussing hand size, Colorados delegates, walls, and New York values. Even more unfortunately, that means they dont cover enough Rihanna or Princess Bride ground. How are we supposed to know if these politicians have ever actually gotten to the point in the movie where Inigo Montoya says, You know, its very strange. I have been in the revenge business so long, now that its over, I dont know what to do with the rest of my life? Its hard to be impressed with a show as it ages. Even the best dramas tend to deflate somewhere around season four or five, losing potency and momentum due to the simple fact that showrunners dont expect to a story to last so long. (Just ask Sleepy Hollow.) In such cases, a season premiere is a perfunctory thing: Heres where we left our characters, and yes, were still going down this road. Orphan Black should be particularly susceptible to this Curse of Meh, with its increasingly complex plot and elaborate scientific explanations and the fact that there are so many damned clones now that even Tatiana Maslany must get them mixed up sometimes. After spinning this Machiavellian web for three years not to mention tying off last seasons insanity with a neat, joyful ribbon Graeme Manson and John Fawcett really have no business starting off the fourth round of Orphan Black so strongly. And yet, they have. With a flashback, no less! The Collapse of Nature begins with a onetwo punch: A new clone and a split dick. Alas, the latter procedure is performed neither onscreen nor by Helena it is but a forensic surprise waiting for Beth Childs on the body of a particularly enthusiastic Neolution recruit. New clone Mika, a.k.a. MK, tips off the late cop clone about it in the middle of the night, after tracking the two creepy paramedics (theyre hot for each other and body disposal) to the middle of the forest, where they dumped the corpse of Edward Capra, a.k.a. Base Pair 86, sans a big ol chunk of his cheek. MK does all this, and seemingly everything else, while wearing what appears to be her own personal Guy Fawkes/Anonymous disguise: a sheep mask. Beths story is basically a live retelling of what weve already pieced together these past three seasons: Shes snorting pills to numb clone-conspiracy stress; exploiting poor Raj to crib surveillance equipment to spy on Paul; and traffic-controlling the other clones, especially Cosima, who is transferring to her new school and nervously making lesbian U-Haul jokes, and Alison, whos been enabling Beths addiction in exchange for a gun and shooting lessons. (Its odd that shes never really expressed remorse about this, right?) Art is still his sentimental divorce self, covering for Beth with her drugs and risking his career. Angie is suspicious, per usual. Felix makes a cameo at the station, where hes being written up for the millionth time on charges of being too fabulous for this world (i.e. prostitution and public urination sorry, performance art). Of course, a simple reenactment does not a good episode make. We also get to see some of what only Beth knew was happening: MK, an uber-paranoid tech whiz with cute bangs who lives in a trailer and likes powdered iced tea (word, MK), has been tracking Neolution. Shes the one who discovered the monitor program, through Paul, and is convinced theres another plant at the police station. (Shes half right, but its not Art, like she suspects.) Her intel about Capra he was a tadpole, a new member groomed by the organization to willingly undergo experimental modifications leads Beth to Club Neolution, where, unfortunately, we have to deal with Olivier and his gross flesh-tail again. (At this point, having a tail should be an explicit character flaw, like a fedora extension for your butt.) He tips off Leekie that Beth has been snooping around, talking to sweet-faced pregnant goths about magnetic implants and murdered clubbers. Its just in time, too, because as soon as they hang up, Beth has seemingly teleported herself to the venue where Leekie alongside Evie Cho, a colleague weve never met who seems to be in charge of whatever research led to Capras murder is about to give one of his TED Talks presentations. Of course, Leekie feigns ignorance, while Evie is almost completely ignored, likely due to a combination of tunnel vision and prejudice. (Why would this diminutive woman of color be in charge of anything Neolution-related?) Its not much, but at least Beth could get them rattled before returning to the office to be sacked from the Capra case altogether for reasons? Her boss doesnt actually know shes using again, and thanks to Alisons daughters pee, he wont be able to prove it. Regardless, shes now pretty frustrated, which of course leads to more drugs and a huge blow-up with Paul when he refuses to break up with her or even look at her. She tells him hes hollow and points a gun at the back of his head, which he seems to sense is happening but doesnt care, thanks to a fun emotional cocktail of guilt and impotence (stirred, not shaken). Honestly, these reactions arent unreasonable for either character, but thats where sympathy starts to fade. Next thing we know, Beth is hopping on over to Arts place, where he promptly sends his daughter to bed. After a weak-sauce attempt at getting his partner (still very sad and high as balls) to talk about her problems, he ~at last~ gives into her make-out attempts. Peaches would be proud. Later in the night, their tryst is interrupted by that pregnant Neolution goth girl, who calls Beth thinking her boyfriend is about to go the way of Base Pair 86, and gives her directions to the apartment where hes gone. (How does she know this?) Both men consented to a cheek implant they were told was a biometric scanner, but turns out to be one of those squirmy translucent red maggot things Nealon tried to stick in Delphine in last seasons finale. What are these things, exactly? Mind-control devices? Alien-esque larva in need of human incubation? Beth watches through a dirty window as those creepy EMS techs cut the mystery maggot out of the boyfriends cheek, then show it to the real police mole a sallow, bearded dude who happens to work for the police union. This wouldnt be relevant, of course, if they hadnt then heard Beth outside. As she makes a run for it, shes surprised in the alley by Maggie Chen, and everything goes down like clockwork: She shoots, barfs, calls Art, and together they stage the crime scene to make it look like a justified kill. (Technically, this already happened, but the reenactment comes at an sensitive time, given recent revelations about police violence.) Everything looks fairly clean, but Internal Affairs will be reviewing the incident and the mole just happens to be her union rep for the duration. We all know what happens next. This is all a lead-in to the final five minutes of The Collapse of Nature, wherein present-day Art calls Sarah and patches another call through. Its MK, who has finally resurfaced in a moment of crisis though why now, so suddenly? to warn her that the Neolution crowd has inexplicably figured out their location. Maybe its related to the fact that the runaway family has phone service in the middle of a literal tundra? Who can say? All we know is that, once again, its time to run. Somehow, that feels so right. Prince. Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images Prince was hospitalized early Friday morning following an emergency plane landing in Illinois, reports TMZ. His private jet reportedly landed at Quad City International Airport in Moline, Illinois, shortly after 1 a.m., and Prince was taken in an ambulance to a nearby hospital. The details of his medical emergency, however, are not currently clear: Conflicting sources tell TMZ he either remains hospitalized and is not doing well or has already been released and is recovering. Prince, 57, is currently on his Piano & a Microphone tour and had played a show in Atlanta on Thursday night. We will update this post as more information becomes available. Thom Yorke of Radiohead. Photo: David Wolff - Patrick/Getty Images Man, remember the good old days, back when bands were bands, you could name rock songs after rabbit diseases, and people generally had a solid idea in their heads about when their favorite artists albums were coming? Radiohead is bringing it back, all of it! Brian Message, who works with the bands management, was being interviewed in a pub Thursday, when he confirmed that, no, no one was fucking with you, the band really did have a new album on the way, out in June, and it would be like nothing youve ever heard. So itll sound like Rudy Giuliani and and Thai athlete Teerasil Dangda discussing the HBO miniseries John Adams in the Slovenian town of Grosuplje, got it. Update: Never mind about that knowing for sure when the album will come out thing. In a statement, Radiohead takes pains to distance itself from Message but doesnt actually say hes wrong: Brian Message is not Radioheads manager he is a partner in Courtyard Management but plays no operational role, and therefore any quotes from last nights event, or any supposition arising from them, should not be attributed to Radioheads management or be seen as official quotes on behalf of the group. Rosario Dawson. Photo: Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images TMZ reports that Rosario Dawson was arrested Friday in Washington, D.C., while protesting at a Democracy Spring rally. Hundreds of nonviolent protesters have gathered in D.C. for a weeklong sit-in, frequently getting arrested, to rally against the American political system. Dawson, specifically, is said to have been protesting the corruption of big money in politics. There are currently no details on what Dawson was arrested for, but D.C. police tell TMZ that nearly 100 protestors were arrested on Friday for things like crowding and obstructing. She is seen in a video below, taken by a witness, being handcuffed and booked. She had spoken at the rally earlier on Friday, reportedly telling crowds maybe we will all get arrested today. Welp, dont say Rosario never learned anything from Daredevils vigilante spirit. Sam Mendes. Photo: Carlos Alvarez/2015 Getty Images Gay Talese has a (stone) cold (deal). DreamWorks has bought the rights to Gay Taleses The Voyeurs Motel, which is set be directed by American Beauty and Skyfalls Sam Mendes and produced by Steven Spielberg. The book, excerpted in The New Yorker earlier this year, was released in July. It traces Taleses decades-long correspondence with Gerald Foos, who opened a hotel in Colorado so that he watch guests have sex; in the process of doing just that, Foos became complicit in a murder. In the course of reporting the story, Talese also became entangled in Fooss not-quite-legal activities, and hes been criticized for protecting his source rather than turning over information to the police. Since Spielbergs involved, the journalist can probably look forward to being played by Mark Rylance. Update, November 27: Alas, the Rylance dreams are a no-go. Mendess The Voyeurs Motel film plans have been completely dropped by DreamWorks due to a documentary on the same subject being pursued by filmmakers Myles Kane and Josh Koury. Their documentary had, apparently, been in production for an extended period of time without Mendess knowledge, and also had unlimited access to both Talese and Foos. Nobody told us about [the documentary], Mendes told Deadline. Nobody told DreamWorks, nobody told me. It was going on all that time; they had been making the documentary for at least a year before the publication of the book, which is one of the reasons its such a strong piece of work. But nobody ever told us, simple as that, which clearly is frustrating. Its difficult to talk about it without giving away what is so wonderful about the documentary, but it has so many things that are wonderful and can only be achieved by a documentary. At least he has more time for James and the Giant Peach, then. Frank Langella in The Father. Photo: Joan Marcus All stage stars seduce their audiences, but how? The winkers do it coyly, the vamps brazenly, the intensos while pretending not to notice you are there. The slightly kinky way Frank Langella does it may remind you of a ravishment: Youve come into his lair, and hes going to have you however he wants. There is a great deal of technique behind it, and a bristling alertness to the theatrical moment, but also a whiff of disdain, the seed of which is need. In 40 years of watching Langella onstage, from Seascape and Dracula in the 1970s through Frost/Nixon and Man and Boy just recently, Ive never seen that need come as close to full exposure as in the just-opened Manhattan Theatre Club production of The Father not to be confused with Strindbergs play of the same name, which Langella headlined at the Roundabout in 1996. In this Father, the American debut of the young French playwright Florian Zeller, Langella gets so close to strip-mining the core of his gifts that you think he may cave in, or that you will. Its a must-see performance. The Father, though, is only a might-see play, more of a vehicle than a destination. Langella stars as Andre, an 80-year-old man who, though physically vigorous and charming when he wants to be, is steeply declining into senile dementia. Zellers trick a good one, but still a trick is to make the audience experience his dementia as if from inside. When the play begins, Andres daughter Anne is explaining to him that she has to find a new helper because the last one quit after he called her a little bitch and threatened her with a curtain rod. Andre at first denies this, then laughs it off, saying he is perfectly competent to care for himself. But when Anne appears in the next scene, he doesnt recognize her. Nor do we: She is played by a different actress. And though our confusion is quickly resolved once we understand the playwrights gambit, Andres only grows. People keep stealing his watch. A strange man hits him. Furniture disappears as quickly as biography. In younger years, we variously learn, Andre was an engineer or a clown or a tap dancer. (Langellas gleeful attempt at a dance routine is heartbreaking.) And Annes story keeps changing, too. Sometimes she is a divorcee moving to London; sometimes long married and staying put. Make up your mind! Andre eventually complains, but we know its his thats in trouble. Over the course of 15 taut scenes, shuffled in time and punctuated by blinding flashes of light that suggest synaptic misfires, the confusions of Andres Alzheimers become calamities. Its bad enough that his memory decomposes; eventually his personality does too. Langellas physique hes a ramrod six-foot-four makes his descent from haughty authority into second childhood all the more pathetic; he can hardly fold his whole body up to be comforted, babylike, with a pat and a shush. Even so, this wonderful effect eventually seems to clash with the intentions of the playwright. Zeller calls The Father a tragic farce, and apparently thats what it was when it opened as Le Pere in Paris in 2012. The great French actor Robert Hirsch, at 87, looked noticeably frailer than the strapping, 78-year-old Langella does now; perhaps Andres decline was proportionally less surprising and thus less devastating. But even without that, the play, at least as translated by Christopher Hampton for its British premiere in 2014, is noticeably cool to the touch, a chic arrangement of diminishing effects. Of the two genres promised, it offers more of the pleasures of farce than those of tragedy. Its more How does this all fit together? than Why does this all fall apart? Despite retaining the Paris setting the costumes by Catherine Zuber pinpoint the city and social class exquisitely the director Doug Hughes pushes hard against Zellers neat contraption. There is laughter but nothing farcical about this production. The walls of Scott Pasks set are a rich and somber cobalt; the lighting by Donald Holder is high contrast, with the dark always creeping in. The interstitial music by Fitz Patton sounds like the inside of a hundred cellos. But its the emotional temperature of the acting that makes this Father feel more American than its bare script does. Langella, who in some plays threatens to devour everyone else onstage, is here well matched by a cast of actors who perform their own seductions and know how to find their light. Especially effective are Kathryn Erbe, as Anne, on whom the bulk of the struggle falls, and Hannah Cabell, bright and unflappable and then taken for a ride as one of those doomed helpers. The question of who can benefit from help in a situation like Andres is not a deep one, but its universal enough to make The Father a savvy French import, like Brie. Still, the play defies logic at times. Some of its effects depend on the unlikely obtuseness of characters who presumably have prior experience dealing with dementia. Telling a patient You ought to remember it by now is probably not best practice in Alzheimers care. When the once-punctilious Andre asks the time, one helper unhelpfully answers, Time for your medication. No one seems to understand or credit the mans wounded pride and terror. Perhaps this is because we are still meant to see the story through Andres consciousness: He thinks hes being gaslit. Even so, the central conceit gets dodgy by the sixth or seventh scene. Not only have we caught on sufficiently that it no longer produces much disorientation, but Zeller seems to lose track of it himself, playing cognitive tricks even in scenes that Andre isnt part of. So what does the conceit mean now? Does the play have Alzheimers? Do we? That would be an odd moral, but contemporary French plays even winners of the Moliere Award, like The Father have a habit of privileging formal wit over profound insight. (Among the few Paris imports seen on Broadway recently are Yasmina Rezas trio of Art, Life (x) 3, and God of Carnage: each high concept and low impact.) American plays usually default in the opposite direction. But if The Father gets only partway across the ocean on its own steam, Hughes has tugged it near to shore, and Langella, that roue, docks it every night. What he does to the play is almost as pleasurable and improving as what he does to the audience. *This article appears in the April 18, 2016 issue of New York Magazine. Gasoline prices are rising in Waco and statewide, but energy experts are predicting prices will fall by summer because of a worldwide oil glut that shows no signs of subsiding. In Texas, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded stood at $1.90 on Thursday, up 2.2 cents from Wednesday and 14 cents from a month earlier. Much of that increase is because of the switch from gasoline blended for winter driving to a summertime blend that is less likely to evaporate and costs 15 to 20 cents more per gallon to produce. AAA Texas spokesman Doug Shupe said the warm-weather driving season is about to begin, which means more demand for gasoline, but refineries are counteracting the upward pressure that may be put on prices by ramping up production and running refining facilities at maximum capacity. Texas motorists with an average 14-gallon fuel tank are paying about $27 to top off their tanks, even with recent increases, which is $6 less than at this time last year, Shupe said. GasBuddy.com reported an average price of $1.87 per gallon in Waco on Thursday. A few stores were less expensive, including the Shell at 7500 Bosque Blvd., which was charging $1.65, and the Bell Mart at Bellmead Drive and LaClede Street, which was charging $1.69. On the higher end were the Cefco at Lake Shore and Greenleaf drives and the Valero at South 17th Street and the Interstate 35 frontage. Both were brushing up against $2 a gallon, with $1.99 for regular unleaded posted. Ray Perryman, a Waco- based economist who follows energy trends, said he sees nothing to suggest gasoline prices will become a burden for motorists. Markets will move based on expectations, but the glut is really severe at this point, Perryman said in an email. In fact, the tankers have recently, on occasion, have been forced to slow down because of a lack of storage capacity at the destination. He said prices are likely to remain low through the end of the year unless there is a major production cutback. $2.04 prediction The U.S. Energy Information Administration released a report this week predicting that during the April-through-September summer driving season, regular unleaded gasoline will sell for an average of $2.04 nationwide, compared to $2.63 a gallon last summer. For all of 2016, the forecast average price is $1.94 a gallon, which would save the average U.S. household about $350 on gasoline compared with 2015, with the annual average motor fuel expenditures at the lowest level in 12 years. Low pump prices and continuing growth in employment contribute to more driving, resulting in a forecast of record high gasoline demand this summer, EIA Administrator Adam Sieminski said. Increased demand typically drives up prices, but gasoline inventories are nearly 15 million barrels higher than last year, according to the EIA. Shupe, with AAA Texas, said it is worth noting that the massive ExxonMobil refinery in Torrance, California, is about to return to service after being damaged by an explosion last year that contributed to gas price increases on the West Coast. The refinery sprawls across 750 acres and has 500 employees and 600 contractors. It provides 10 percent of the gasoline for the state of California and 20 percent of the gas for Southern California. Patrick DeHaan, a petroleum analyst for GasBuddy.com, agrees with the view that gasoline prices will begin to fall, probably shortly after Memorial Day. But Im not so sure well see the lowest in 12 years, maybe the lowest in 10 years, DeHaan said with a laugh. He said the national average now stands at $2.10 a gallon, and he expects prices to rise slightly over the next few weeks. A group of oil-producing countries, led by Saudi Arabia and Russia, is scheduled to meet Sunday in Doha, Qatar, to discuss limiting production to support prices. But industry observers have expressed doubt the group will come up with any formal plan that would significantly reduce the worlds oil glut. Iran, for example, already has said it will not take part in any deal as it seeks to increase production in the wake of having economic sanctions lifted. Educators Credit Union presented six scholarships totaling $9,000 to area high school seniors at its annual membership meeting March 28. The recipients were Ian Knight from Franklin High School, Molly Majors from Midway High School, Alicia Martinez from University High School, Samantha Scott from Robinson High School, Whitley Sepulveda from Bosqueville High School and Jordan Stroope from McGregor High School. Each of these students will receive $1,500 toward their college education at the school of their choice. Students were chosen based on academic achievements, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, community service and financial need. The scholarship program is one of several ways Educators Credit Union gives back to the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.edcu.com. ----- Scholarship recipients are (from left) Alicia Martinez, Ian Knight, Samantha Scott, Whitley Sepulveda, Molly Majors and Jordan Stroope. Rachel Wilde photo A Harris County jury awarded $17.72 million Thursday to the family of a construction worker who drowned in 2014 while working on the pedestrian bridge to Baylor Universitys McLane Stadium. Jurors in 151st State District Court in Houston deliberated about six hours over two days before placing 100 percent of the blame for Jose Dario Suarezs death on Austin Bridge and Road Co., the general contractor hired to build the bridge. I hope this verdict will send a message to all companies, not only construction companies, to properly train their workers and supervisors and not prioritize speed and profits over safety of workers and people, said Houston attorney Vuk Vujasinovic, who represents Suarezs wife, two daughters, son and mother in the lawsuit. The jury awarded $5 million in damages for Suarezs pre-death pain and suffering as he drowned; $1 million for each of his three children; about $8 million for his wife; and $2 million in punitive damages. Vujasinovic said he asked the jury for $27 million in damages. Austin attorney Larry G. Black, who represents Austin Bridge and Road, did not return a phone message seeking comment. Baylor was named as a defendant in the original pleadings, but 151st State District Judge Mike Engelhart dismissed the school from the lawsuit in June. The remaining defendants included Flexifloat Construction Systems; Austin Commercial Inc.; Austin Bridge and Road; Derr and Isbell Construction Inc.; Flintco; Genie Industries Inc.; Terex Corp.; Robishaw Engineering; and Core Safety. Suarez, 55, of Manor, drowned Jan. 28, 2014, after a hydraulic lift he and another worker, Terry Watson, were strapped to rolled from a modular barge into the Brazos River as the men worked on the bridge. Watson was able to free himself and swam to the surface, where he was pulled from the cold river. In jury summations Wednesday morning, Vujasinovic asked the jury to place 100 percent of the blame on Austin Bridge and Road and to find no liability with the other defendants. That is what the jury did. Pointing fingers As evidence in the three-week trial played out, most of the companies tried to blame other defendants for the tragic death, Vujasinovic said. Lots of times people wonder why there are so many companies named as defendants in these type of cases, Vujasinovic said. As it turned out, everybody was pointing the finger at each other and sometimes it takes a trial like this to expose the bad actor. Vujasinovic had alleged that work crews made no attempt to rescue the two workers after the barge they were tethered to rolled into the river. Not only did no one try to rescue the men, crews continued working while Suarezs body lay on the bottom of the river because the $266 million project was four months behind schedule and time was of the essence, Vujasinovic alleged. Suarez and Watson worked for Derr and Isbell Construction. Watson testified in a deposition that the water was freezing cold and the deeper you went, the darker it got. According to court documents, Watson was under water for almost two minutes before he was able to free himself. Waco police Officer Francisco Reyes testified at the trial that workers continued constructing the bridge as Suarezs body lay on the river bottom. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined Derr and Isbell $7,000 for failing to secure the lift to the barge on which it was sitting. Watson testified in a deposition that he moved the boom lift from the center of the barge to the corner to give them better access to a work area. The lift was not chained down, as regulations require, according to court documents. A man fired by the Texas Department of Transportation Waco District office is fighting to keep his racial discrimination lawsuit against his former employers out of McLennan County courtrooms and in Travis County. Anthony Martinez, who worked for TxDOT almost eight years, filed the lawsuit in Travis County claiming he was a victim of discrimination and of a hostile working environment due to the actions of white coworkers and supervisors, according to the suit. Austin Attorney Manuel Quinto-Pozos, who is representing Martinez, said TxDOT filed a motion to transfer the case to McLennan County. A hearing on the transfer request is scheduled for the middle of June, Quinto-Pozos said. The transfer request isnt putting the case on hold, as both parties are continuing to exchange information and evidence. Quinto-Pozos said requesting a jury trial is a standard request in an employment matter. As a person aggrieved by the actions of TxDOT, or with any other employer, Martinez has the right to have this heard by ordinary citizens so they can decide upon the issues presented in the lawsuit, he said. Ken Roberts, spokesperson for the Texas Department of Transportation, said they have no statement on the pending litigation. In TxDOTs motion to transfer, it states the department denies every allegation Martinez is making. Martinez said he could never go back to working for TxDOT with the racial discrimination he experienced. I would never have thought this would have happened to me, he said. Its crazy. It cant happen in this day and age and it cant happen to other people. Waco needs to change. This Waco District has always been considered a misfit. . . . Because of the color of your skin or who you vote for or your religion, that shouldnt play a part of your job. If you go against the TxDOT herd, they will take you out, and they did. They took me out. At the time of termination, Martinez was an inspector, assigned to the Waco District office. Martinez, who is Hispanic, alleges he and the only other minority employee, who was black, received less training than their white counterparts, despite requesting more. The level of training influences compensation, according to the suit. Martinez was ostracized by coworkers and supervisors, to the point they wouldnt park their cars next to his, according to the suit. Martinez alleges he was called a damn s--- and his coworkers repeatedly referred to President Barack Obama as a n-----. After repeated issues, Martinez alleges he complained to supervisors. In November 2012, Martinez filed a charge of discrimination with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which prompted coworkers and supervisors to act cold and standoffish toward him, according to the suit. In early 2013, Martinez filed an internal complaint with the TxDOT Office in Austin, complaining of discrimination and retaliation. Martinez said he took medical leave because of the stress from the situation from late May to mid-August 2013 under the advisement of his attorney and doctor. On August 16, 2013, he was placed on probation and was fired April 30, 2013, after being falsely accused of making an uncorroborated threat of violence at work, an accusation made during the medical leave, according to the lawsuit. Martinez said he moved to McLennan County 19 years ago from Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he did not experience racial discrimination. TxDOT also fired the other minority employee in the Waco office who had experienced discrimination by coworkers, and he died at the end of last year, Martinez said. TxDOTs motion states that the case needs to be moved to McLennan County in the interest of justice and for the convenience of the parties and witnesses. Keeping the suit in Travis County will impose an economic and personal hardship for TxDOT to have all the witnesses travel. Moreover, the productivity of the TxDOT Waco Area Office would suffer dramatically if its employees have to take additional time off from work to travel to Travis County in order to testify at depositions, hearings, and jury trial, the motion states. The Waco District Office is approximately 103 miles or one hour 30 minutes driving distance to the Travis County District Court. A suit in McLennan County, on the other hand, would not impose an economic and personal hardship on the defendant, because employees of TxDOT who are witnesses will not have to take time off from work to travel to Travis County in order to testify at hearings, depositions, and trial; and TxDOT will not incur the expense of having witnesses travel to Travis County for depositions, hearings, and jury trial. TxDOTs motion also states that Martinez has failed to exhaust his administrative remedies with regard to any allegations. Since he was fired, Martinez said he has only been able to get odd jobs as he keeps being turned away because of the firing. He said he hates not being able to work and at 50 years of age, feels like hes unable to find employment. This has to be brought out, he said. Theyre hoping I just crawl under a rock and go away. Im not going to go away. Martinez said he wants the suit heard in Travis County because McLennan County is already overloaded with cases. Martinez is seeking damages in excess of the minimum jurisdiction of the court as he has continued to suffer losses and loss of wages, including mental anguish, emotional pain, suffering, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment of life, and other non-pecuniary damages in the past and will continue to suffer such in the future, according to the suit. A Waco swimming pool company owner who fondled his neighbors daughter for four years was convicted on burglary and indecency charges Thursday. Jurors in Wacos 54th State District Court deliberated about 41/2 hours before finding Sean Jeffrey Foster, 55, guilty of burglary of a habitation with intent to commit indecency with a child, three counts of indecency with a child by contact and two counts of indecency with a child by exposure. The punishment phase begins Friday morning. Foster, who denied ever touching the girl inappropriately or seeing her naked in the shower, faces up to life in prison on the burglary charge and up to 20 years in prison on the indecency by contact charges. The indecency by exposure charges carry maximum 10-year prison terms. The girl, now 16, said Foster kissed her and fondled her breasts for four years, driving her into a spiraling depression and causing her to question her self-worth. She said he pulled back the shower curtain on two occasions when she showered, making a lewd comment the first time. She testified Wednesday that she finally told her friend and her mother after Foster became more aggressive in his abuse and said he wanted to have sex with her. Foster, a Wisconsin native who has lived in Waco 14 years, denied the allegations and said he loved the girl, her siblings and their parents. He said he did everything he could to help the family, including picking up the kids from school, staying with them when the parents were out of town and buying the kids presents. He also said he bought the family a $600 pool liner. The girl, who has been to counseling and was admitted twice to a mental-health facility, told jurors she is old enough now to realize Foster was using her while betraying her familys trust. After the girl reported the abuse in June 2014, the girls father testified Tuesday that he believed his daughter but wanted to see how far Foster would go. So he used his daughters phone to text Foster, telling Foster, while posing as his daughter, that she would come to work with him that day but needed him to pick her up at their Lorena home. The text said she would be ready in 15 minutes after she took a shower. It asked Foster to wait outside in the car. Instead, Foster drove to the house, went inside the back door and into the girls bedroom, the father told the jury. The father had turned on the shower and bathroom fan to make Foster think his daughter was in the shower. Foster entered the room, asked why she had not showered the night before and then pulled back the curtain, the father said. The father then confronted Foster, pounding him with his fists, while the girls mother called police. Foster said he was at a job site overseeing the excavation of a pool near Lake Shore Drive and Valley Mills Drive when he got the girls text messages. He drove to Lorena but said he went inside because the girl never comes outside and he always has to go get her. He said he called out when he entered the home but no one responded. He continued to call out as he noticed steam coming from the girls bathroom. She never answered him, he said, so he pulled back the curtain to make sure she was not injured and unconscious on the shower floor. I was confused I was shocked to see (the father), Foster said. He physically assaulted me and was berating me with ridiculous questions. I was confused. Foster said the girl made up the allegations, but he said he has no idea why. Under cross-examination, prosecutor Evan ODonnell asked Foster about a time when the girls parents were at the emergency room late and he went over to check on the kids. The girl was asleep and Foster said he ended up sleeping in her sisters bed in the same room while the other two kids slept in her brothers room. Mr. Foster, in what world is that acceptable? ODonnell asked. In the world I was living in because of my relationship with the family, Foster said. The girl said that Foster fondled her just about every time she and Foster were alone. ODonnell asked Foster about a low-cut, black and leopard-print dress he bought for the girl which clearly was not appropriate for her age. Noting the label on the dress that said No Boundaries, ODonnell asked Foster, Isnt that a bit ironic? In closing arguments, prosecutor Hilary LaBorde told the jury that the girl would have to be the greatest actress in the world if she was just wholesale making all of this up. Defense attorney Cody Cleveland countered that Foster had an open agreement with the family to come and go in their house, so he could not be guilty of burglary of a habitation, adding he went there to pick up the girl for work, not to commit another felony. He said the girl made up the allegations because she admitted that she acted out at that time to gain negative attention. Donald Trump is steaming mad at Ted Cruz, at the Republican National Committee, at state Republican parties and at the entire nomination process. These are dirty tricksters. This is a dirty trick, he said at a rally this week. And Ill tell you what, the Republican National Committee, they should be ashamed of themselves for allowing this crap to happen. Whats happening is that even though Trump has a clear lead in votes and delegates, Ted Cruzs campaign is running circles around him behind the scenes. The breaking point came when Cruz got all of Colorados delegates over the weekend, because his campaign understood and managed the weirdly intricate system of district-level conventions the state party had instituted. And as the Post reports this week, Cruz is securing pledges from delegates who will support him on a second ballot at the convention in Cleveland if Trump fails to win outright on the first ballot; Cruz may already have enough to ensure Trump cant prevail if he doesnt arrive with a majority in hand. The lesson is clear: Politics is hard. Even if youre a celebrity with an unparalleled ability to garner media attention, you cant just blow in to a process youve never participated in before, hire a bunch of people who dont have much experience in it either, believe that big rallies are a substitute for careful organizing, and think youre going to walk away with a victory. One of the key rationales of Trumps campaign is that, because he made a lot of money selling real estate, he knows how to get things done and thus it doesnt matter that hes an utter ignoramus about politics, government and policy. Well, this is just a hint of what hell run into if he ends up becoming the nominee and particularly if he ends up becoming president. On one hand, Trumps complaint is entirely legitimate. This process isnt democratic. It doesnt express the will of the Republican voters. Republican elites really do have contempt for their base (particularly when that base does something foolish like almost choosing a nominee who probably dooms their chances at the White House). If its possible for the person who gets the most votes to lose, then something is fundamentally wrong. In most years, the complexity of the process doesnt really matter theres a clear winner and, even if he had to jump through a bunch of ridiculous hoops on his way to the nomination, each posing its own organizational challenge, the outcome still ends up being what the partys voters wanted. On the other hand, Trump is perfectly happy to accept aspects of the process that are less than democratic but that benefit him. Winner-take-all state primaries arent democratic either, because they eliminate the voice of all the people who didnt vote for the person who came in first. Is it any less fair for Cruz to capture all of Colorados 34 delegates than it was for Trump to capture all of Floridas 99 delegates, even though he won less than a majority of the votes in that primary? So the process is riddled with undemocratic features. And its important to remember that the nomination system isnt a product of some singular, intentional design whose purpose is to thwart the popular will. Instead, its a messy conglomeration of processes created by different people and organizations. The Republican National Committee sets some broad rules, but then individual state parties get room to move within those rules, according to their own desires. Thats what happened in Colorado. If Cruz is able to manipulate that system to wind up as the GOP nominee despite being the choice of fewer Republicans than Donald Trump (which is still something of a long shot, lets not forget), it wont be because of an elite conspiracy to deny Trump the nomination, even if there really is such a conspiracy at work. The real reason will be this: Ted Cruz is very good at politics. Cruz has run an incredibly shrewd campaign right from the beginning. The very fact that hes in the position he is now, when there were so many more personally appealing candidates who have fallen by the wayside, testifies to that fact. Cruz didnt win those 34 delegates in Colorado because the system is corrupt, as Trump charges. He won them because months ago he and his team took pains to understand the varying rules by which each of these contests operates and they invested the time and resources to make sure they could take advantage of every twist and turn. Trump failed because he has no idea what hes doing. As attention turns to the delegates to the national convention, Cruz is still doing a better job than Trump at understanding and working the system. Is it unfair that, after the first ballot, delegates will be released to vote for whomever they choose, meaning Trumps support could wither away quickly on subsequent ballots? Maybe. But Cruz prepared for that eventuality by working to get people loyal to him chosen as delegates in as many states as possible, even if many of them would be bound to vote for Trump on the first ballot. Trump didnt look far enough ahead to do that. And now Cruz is courting other delegates in advance of a potentially contested convention because he understands the rules and is doing everything he can to exploit them. This gets back to something Ive argued for years, which is that candidates who say, Vote for me because Im not a politician, Im a businessman, are fooling both themselves and the voters. Theres a reason why most of them fail to get elected in the first place and most of those who do win then fail to be very effective once they get the job. Its because politics is complicated. It requires a variety of different skills and knowledge, and the more you do it, the better you get at it. Donald Trump says he knows how to get things done, but the truth is he knows how to get some things done, like building a hotel or licensing his name to use on crappy steaks. And if he thinks navigating complicated primary rules to get the nomination is difficult, just wait until he tries to do something like repealing Obamacare and upending the entire American health-care system. Then hell really learn how difficult politics can be. Paul Waldman is a contributor to The Plum Line blog and a senior writer at The American Prospect. MURDOCK A Bow Hunter Class was held at the Murdock Fire Hall on March 22, 24 and 26. The course was 10 hours and students were required to attend all three sessions. Nebraska Game and Parks requires anyone that is between ages 12 and 29 to pass the course if they want to hunt deer in Nebraska with a Bow and Arrow. The class consisted of Eight Chapters. They were: Introduction to Bow Hunting, Wildlife Conservation Safe and Responsible Bow Hunting, Know your Bow and Arrow, Preparation before the hunt, Methods of Bow Hunting, Shot Placement and Recovery Techniques and Outdoor Preparedness. The outdoor portion was held Saturday on a cold rainy morning at Patti and Rusty Withrow farm. Arriving at Rusty and Patti farm three students were assigned to ask permission to access their ground. Students learned to shoot at 3-D targets from a ladder stand while wearing a safety vest. They also shot from a turkey blind, and followed a fake blood trail to learn the proper way to recover a deer after it has been shot. The students laid down toilet paper at each blood spot until they recovered the fake deer. The class was also fortunate to have Conservation Officer Levi Krause attend the class on Thursday evening. Krause covered game laws and proper tagging of game that is harvested. He has attended the Murdock class for the last 24 years. Many questions were also asked from the students. Students were: Dyan Bacon, Colt Bevans, Cole Bornemeir, Nicholas Carroll, Jerry Cox, Samual Cox, Reid Fletcher, Rylan Kastens, Luke Lambert, Logan March, Rylan Meyer, Hayden Nash, Eric Nordby, Tessa Robertson, Riley Rose, Logan Sobota, Wyatt Tucker, Kyle West and Bryan Zimmerman. Instructors were: Roger Buck, Dale Johns ,Dan Timm, Eric Nordby, Matt Griffen, Rusty Withrow and Patti Withrow. WAHOO The Saunders County Board of Supervisors took two steps toward minimizing crime and maximizing health on April 5, with the approval of budget revisions due to grants for Youth Services and signing the inter-local agreement that includes Saunders County in the III Corp Drug Task Force. The board approved Saunders County Youth Services to use grants in the sum of $111,352 from the Nebraska Crime Commission to pay for two therapists as part of their program to offer in-school therapeutic services. Youth Services requested additional grant funds in December for the program. With money from the Nebraska Crime Commission, Youth Services would be able to meet one of its priorities of Building Healthy Families by bringing free therapeutic and other behavioral health services to students. This would be a free program for kids so they wouldnt miss school. They could get sessions during the day, said Kristin Bohac, grant administrator and community planning coordinator with the Youth Service System of Saunders County. The board also signed the inter-local agreement that allows for the Saunders County Sheriffs Department to participate in the III Corp Drug Task Force. Saunders County has been part of the task force for the last three years, said Sheriff Kevin Stukenholtz. In the last year, the task force that allows for the collaboration of law enforcement agencies made 100 controlled substance purchases, seized $70,000 in currency, 14 firearms and 70 pounds of marijuana, served 35 warrants and made 200 arrests. Its critical to have a group in multiple counties, said Stukenholtz. The connection between people using and selling is also connected to other crimes like burglaries and theft, he added. The total cost of participation in the task force is $1.50 per resident. In other business, the board unanimously authorized interim transition to a new Michigan Conference of Teamsters Welfare Fund Health Insurance Plan. There was no public discussion. ASHLAND Mark Musick, a Blair native who coauthored a book on eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes, will hold a book signing at Strategic Air and Space Museum near Ashland on Saturday, April 23 at 1 p.m. Did aviation innovator and eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes really die a lonely death in 1976 as a long haired, emaciated, unkempt man? Or was it just a well-planned rouse from a man with a brilliant mind? If youre over the age of 50, or have a strong interest in aviation, you recognize the name Howard Hughes, and just his name brings to mind memories of newspaper headlines of his business feats, Hollywood affairs, and his decline to the man in the photographs that blasted the airwaves in 1976 of an unkempt man with long fingernails, long toenails, and failing mental abilities. Music and co-author Douglas Wellman uncovered evidence that Hughes did not die in 1976. Instead, he changed his appearance, took another identity and lived in Alabama with Eva McLelland, a woman he loved and married, finally passing away in November 2001. When Hughes died, Eva was finally able to come forward and share a secret she had been keeping for thirty-one years. Eva chose to share the story that turned 20th century history on its head with her new friend, Major General (ret.) Mark Musick. In 2010, Wellman and Musick released the first edition of Boxes: The Secret Life of Howard Hughes, in which they asked and answered the questions: How could Hughes appear to witnesses as an emaciated, long fingernailed, mentally incompetent man, yet fly a jet aircraft four months later? How could a doctor describe him as looking like a prisoner of war, when at the same time investment bankers, politicians, and diplomats who met with him say he was articulate and well-groomed? But the story didnt stop there. After the first book was published, new witnesses with stories, additional evidence, and photographs came forward, Therefore a second edition has been written. Boxes: The Secret Life of Howard Hughes Second Edition, was released on March 23. It contains new photos, interviews, and evidence that further confirms that the reclusive Hughes wanted to hide. Through the help of the CIA, he was given a new identity, and continued to influence the highest levels of power in the nation. Connection with the Mafia, unrecognized children, and information from neighbors and friends have helped to fill in the many voids previously unknown about what occurred after his fake death in 1976. Boxes: The Secret Life of Howard Hughes Second Edition is available through the publishers online store (www.writelife.com/shop), Amazon, and bookstores around the country. The eBook is available through a wide variety of eBook retailers. The program is part of general admission to the museum. RSVP is not required. Admission is $12 for adults, seniors and military $11 and youth $6. LINCOLN The Lower Platte South Natural Resources District (NRD) Board of Directors named Paul Zillig as the NRDs next general manager. Zillig has worked for the NRD for 37 years, 34 years as assistant manager. He will take over in August for Glenn Johnson who has announced his retirement after 44 years with the NRD. The NRD boards process to find the next general manager began in December. NRD Board Chair Greg Osborn said the NRD advertised for candidates, and then the boards Executive Subcommittee conducted applicant screening, interviews during a public meeting and made the final recommendation to the full board that was approved today in a special session. Zillig is a graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with a degree in agriculture, majoring in natural resources and agricultural economics. Osborn said Zilligs, familiarity with the NRDs past, its overall vision and its tax payers will help the board enhance its goals of protecting lives, protecting property and protecting the future. Zillig said he is looking forward to leading the NRD as it continues to work on solutions to flooding in the Deadmans Run Watershed in Lincoln, makes improvements to the Salt Creek Levee System, finishes the MoPac East Trail Connector Project, continues watershed rehabilitations and implements the NRDs Integrated Management Plan for water resources. He and his wife, Janet, live in Lincoln and have three grown children. Johnson has worked for the Lower Platte South since Nebraskas NRDs were created by the Legislature in 1972. He first served as assistant manager, and then became general manager in 1982. The district is extremely fortunate to have had Glenn Johnson leading the management of our natural resources. While his leadership and insight will be missed, we wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement, Osborn said. Significant NRD accomplishments under Johnson include the Weeping Water and Stevens Creek watershed projects, the use of conservation easements to preserve land in its natural state, the Antelope Valley Project, the development of recreational trails, the voluntary creation of a plan for managing water in the district and much more. Johnson said he looks forward to traveling for fun in his retirement. He and his wife, Elaine, have one daughter and one son. Osborn thanked the Executive Subcommittee for its hard work and the full Board of Directors for their patience and diligence during the general manager search. WAHOO Everyone is a potential victim when it comes to identity theft. That is why it is important to arm yourself with right information about what to do, should it ever happen to you. Its devastating, said Union Bank and Trust (UBT) Wahoo Branch Manager Jamie Nordstrom. UBT and the Wahoo Chamber of Commerce are hosting Protect Yourself From Identity Theft on Friday, April 22. It starts at 9:30 a.m. in the UBT community room. The program is open to the public, however, seating is limited. Reserve a place in the discussion by calling 402-443-4128. Kolaches and coffee will be served. UBT and the Chamber hosted a fraud seminar last fall. This coming seminar will be different. The fraud one was more about scams, letter scams, cruise scams and such, Nordstrom said. The April 22 seminar will be more focused on identity theft and what to do if you fall victim. This one will be more in depth and more information on how to protect yourself against identity theft, she said. And, if you are a victim, what steps you should take. Representatives from the Nebraska Attorney Gener- als Office will be presenting the identity theft information. When it happens, it is just devastating. So, its good for the community to have more tools in the tool belt, Nordstrom added. Even if someone did not attend the first seminar, Nordstrom said there would be plenty of useful information to gain from the upcoming one. There will be a small amount of carry over from the first seminar. The information, she said, would be useful to all generations, but especially the senior generation who are often targeted for this type of crime. The worlds oldest flyable Boeing airliner will make its last flight on April 26. The classic twin-engine Boeing 247D from the 1930sone of a mere four remaining in the world, and the only one flyablehas been in the Museums collection since 1966. Based at the Museums Restoration Center on Paine Field in Everett, Wash., it was featured at airshows and other events around the country from 1994 until 2004. At noon on Tuesday the 26th, the 83- year-old airliner will fly to the Museums Boeing Field campus and be retired for permanent display. Dreamliner Chief Test Pilot at the Helm The crew for this special flight will be two Boeing test pilots with experience at the controls of the 247, Mike Carriker and Chad Lundy. Carriker was the chief test pilot for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, so on this trip, the worlds oldest Boeing airliner will be flown by the chief pilot of Boeings newest airliner. The Boeing 247D Airliner The Museums 247D was made in 1933, and the type is recognized as the first modern airliner, offering travelers unmatched speed and comfort with a sturdy, all-metal design. Somewhat a victim of its own success, the design was soon adopted and improved by Douglas Aircraft with the DC-2 and DC-3, which quickly rendered the 247 obsolete. The Museums plane had a colorful career with air carriers in the U.S. and Latin America. Restoration of the plane began in 1979, with its first post-restoration flight in 1994. The sleek plane has the livery it flew while serving United Air Lines in the mid-1930s. The 247 will take center stage in front of the Museum throughout the summer, then it will be positioned in the Aviation Pavilion next to its arch rival of the airthe Douglas DC-2. About The Museum of Flight Founded in 1965, the independent, non-profit Museum of Flight is one of the largest air and space museums in the world, serving more than 560,000 visitors annually. The Museums collection includes more than 160 historically significant airplanes and spacecraft, from the first fighter plane (1914) to todays 787 Dreamliner. Attractions also include the original Boeing Company factory, and the worlds only full-scale NASA Space Shuttle Trainer. The Museums aviation and space library and archives are the largest on the West Coast. More than 150,000 individuals are served annually by the Museums on-site and outreach educational programs. The Museum of Flight is accredited by the American Association of Museums, and is an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution. 2016 Boeing Centennial Recognition The Museum of Flight draws upon its unrivaled collection of Boeing aircraft, artifacts, images and documents to present The Boeing Company story during the year of its centennial, 2016. The Museum-wide Boeing recognition will be enhanced with public lectures, films and other presentations that focus on Seattle and popular culture during the past century. The Museum of Flight is located at 9404 E. Marginal Way S., Seattle, Exit 158 off Interstate 5 on Boeing Field halfway between downtown Seattle and Sea-Tac Airport. The Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults, $17 for seniors 65 and older, $17 for active military, $12 for youth 5 to 17, and free for children under 5. Group rates are available. Admission on the first Thursday of the month is free from 5 to 9 p.m. courtesy of Wells Fargo. McCormick & Schmicks Wings Cafe is on site. For general Museum information, please call 206-764-5720 or visit www.museumofflight.org 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. True crime obsessives can't seem to get enough of docu-series Making a Murderer and its compelling defence attorneys Dean Strang and Jerry Buting. The pair, who have developed a cult following, will travel Australia in November as part of their global tour discussing the show as well as criminal justice. The 10-part series examined the case of Steven Avery, a 53-year-old man from Manitowoc County, Wisconsin, who was found guilty in 1985 of rape, exonerated after almost two decades and then, stunningly, found guilty in 2005 of a second crime, murder. Avery is currently serving a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, but another appeal has been lodged. With surfboards adorning the walls and palm trees lining the bar, The Northshore Tavern certainly has a relaxed laidback surfy feel to it. But if Karl Langdon's visit to the pub is anything to go by, the staff may have gotten a tad too comfortable. The Northshore Tavern in Hillarys is a bit too relaxed according to Karl Langdon. Heading to the Whitfords Avenue venue in Hillarys this week, as part of his quest to find Perth's best pub for Radio 6PR, the media personality was less than impressed by the unfriendly start to his visit. "The thing was, I walked up to the bloke at the bar and said 'I'm here for lunch, can I run a tab?" the former Eagles star said. Lawyers for the so-called "Postcard Bandit" Brenden Abbott are preparing to argue their case to block his extradition to Western Australia. A review hearing will be held in the Queensland Supreme Court on Friday morning. Brenden Abbott's legal team will seek to revoke an extradition order to the WA. It follows a decision made on Tuesday by Brisbane Deputy Chief Magistrate Terry Gardiner to extradite Abbott back to WA where he could face another 16 years behind bars over a 1989 jailbreak. Abbott's legal team will seek to revoke the order and have the extradition application dismissed. When Fairfax Media last spoke with Ben, he was working on a completely different app, called One. It was meant to aggregate users' Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts all into the one app for a combined social experience. The Flogg app in action. Credit:Flogg One "fizzled out" because its reliance on other social networks ultimately proved problematic, Ben says. But much of what he learnt trying to get One off the ground has come in handy the second time round. Meeting the right people has also helped. When visiting Los Angeles last year, a family friend put Ben in touch with film maker Chris Smith, who had connections in the tech industry and had been following Ben's achievements in the press. "We talked for a bit and basically he said, 'Come up with a project you really want to work on, drop out of high school, move to New York where I live, I'll connect you with VCs," Ben said. "I was like, 'Yeah, OK dude ...'" But a seed was planted. Ben's parents, Anna and Mark, have always been supportive of his extracurricular achievements but wanted him to finish high school and then, preferably, go to university before pursuing a risky business idea. Eventually he convinced them to let him drop out if he succeeded in raising money for his new app idea on his own. "I guess they said that thinking that investors probably wouldn't give money to a 15-year-old," he says. Just shy of $US1 million later Ben won't disclose the exact amount he had more than enough to get him started, and his parents kept their end of the bargain. Flogg's investors include John Maloney, Jonathan Teo and Justin Caldbeck of Binary Capital, which has tipped cash into some serious tech royalty including Twitter, Instagram and Snapchat; Greylock Partners' Josh Elman, who has invested in Meerkat; and Greycroft Partners' Paul Bricault, who helped fund Klout and 9GAG. "The last 15-year-old I invested in worked out pretty great," Mr Maloney says, referring to David Karp, who founded Tumblr as a teenager. "Regardless of his age, Ben is very talented and experienced." Mr Maloney, who was the president of Tumblr before it was sold to Yahoo for $US1.1 billion, suggested Michael Landsberger as Flogg's chief operating officer, and Mr Landsberger jumped at the chance. "Maloney pitched to me about this young kid with a bright idea obviously Ben was 15 at the time who didn't have experience working in business and managing people, so he recommended I join Ben," says Mr Landsberger. "He needed an old man to help out!" The pair now work out of Ben's Midtown Manhattan apartment or in nearby coffee shops or co-working spaces as its core team. Flogg also contracts several developers. Mr Landsberger says he knew Ben was a sure bet because he's "very bright" and "passionate". "He also has an interesting perspective on himself ... he knows what he doesn't know and he's very quick to come and ask for assistance when he needs it, but confident in the areas he does understand," he says. "There are plenty of older people who don't have that intelligence." But Ben will act just like any other 16-year-old from time to time, Mr Landsberger says. "He's got this awesome blend of both worlds wise beyond his years, but very much 16 when he should be." As if launching Flogg wasn't keeping Ben busy enough, a film crew has been shadowing him for the last few months for a forthcoming documentary called CEO@16. Ben hopes Flogg, which hit the App Store this week, will get "millions of downloads in the first couple of weeks, if not the first week" thanks to an "influencer marketing campaign". 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 West Kentucky Star Staff Apr. 15, 2016 | 08:59 AM | PRINCETON, KY A Princeton man was injured in a single-vehicle crash in Caldwell County Thursday afternoon. According to Kentucky State Police, the wreck happened around 11:45 am on KY 91, about nine miles south of Princeton. Troopers said 37-year-old Jason Stallins was traveling south on KY 91, when he lost control of his truck in a curve. Stallins' truck crossed into the northbound lane, left the road and went airborne. The truck then struck a tree and a utility wire before coming to rest off the northbound shoulder of the roadway. Stallins was treated at the scene by Caldwell County EMS. He was then taken by Air Evac to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, IN for further treatment. By West Kentucky Star Staff Apr. 14, 2016 | 09:30 PM | MAYFIELD, KY A former TV meteorologist and her husband have been indicted on drug charges. A Graves County grand jury on Thursday indicted 32-year-old Victoria Tori Shaw Smoyer and her husband, 35-year-old Tyler Smoyer on multiple drug charges, including cultivating more than five marijuana plants, firearm enhanced, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Tori Smoyer was a meteorologist for WPSD-TV in Paducah. The suspects were arrested in February after Kentucky State Police say they received an anonymous tip and found five mature marijuana plants, six long guns, two pistols and ammunition inside the couple's Mayfield home. Poroshenko, Biden agree to sign agreement on third tranche of loan guarantees for $1 bln Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko had a telephone conversation with U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden, during which the parties discussed the implementation of reforms in Ukraine by the new government, the situation in Donbas and the state of serviceperson and MP Nadia Savchenko detained in Russia. According to the press service of the Ukrainian head of state, Biden praised the formation of the new coalition in the Ukrainian parliament and the government led by Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman. Poroshenko emphasized that the new government would continue reforms, cooperate with the IMF and fulfill the Minsk agreements. In this context, Biden assured that the United States would further support Ukraine. "In particular, the parties agreed that an agreement on the issue of the third tranche of credit guarantees in the amount of $1 billion will soon be signed," reads the report. The parties noted the importance of struggle against corruption in Ukraine and a prompt appointment of a new prosecutor general. The president of Ukraine also informed the U.S. Vice President about the deterioration of the situation in Donbas and noted the trend towards an increase in the number of attacks on Ukrainian positions on the part of fighters controlled by Russia. Biden condemned the escalation by pro-Russian militants and expressed support for the Ukrainian side's approaches to resolving the conflict. He also assured of Washington's constant support for the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty. "Poroshenko and Biden once again called on the Russian leadership to immediately release Savchenko whose state of health is deteriorating as a result of a dry hunger strike," reads the report. By Joe Jackson Apr. 14, 2016 | 08:20 PM | WATER VALLEY, KY A Graves County woman is dead and her grandson is charged with her murder. According to the Graves County Sheriff's Office, the body of 87-year-old Linda Pittman, of Water Valley, was discovered Thursday afternoon inside her home. Neighbors found Pittman and notified police. Sheriff Dewayne Redmon said upon arriving at the scene and further investigation, deputies suspected foul play. A grandson, 37-year-old Michael Castleman of Water Valley, was located and interviewed. During the interview, Castleman told deputies he had been involved in a physical altercation with Pittman. Deputies said Pittman died as a result of the altercation. Castleman was arrested and lodged in the Graves County Jail. He's charged with murder and first-degree robbery. By West Kentucky Star Staff Apr. 14, 2016 | 10:01 PM | MAYFIELD, KY A Mayfield man has been indicted on murder and other charges. A Graves County grand jury on Thursday indicted 34-year-old Ezell Miller in the shooting death of 22-year-old Lauren Alexander of Mayfield. Miller was indicted on charges of murder, 1st degree burglary, tampering with physical evidence, two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and two counts of 1st degree wanton endangerment. Mayfield police officers responded on the morning of Feb. 28 to a report of a shooting on West Hale Street. When officers arrived, they found Alexander inside the home with a gunshot wound. Officers also found Miller at the home. Alexander was taken to Jackson Purchase Medical Center, then to Skyline Medical Center in Nashville where she later passed away. Rita Redmond was a true lady who felt that every pupil had something to gift to the world Loading... It's been almost seventy years since Frank Loesser, Joe Swerling and Abe Burrows' musical about the dodgy guys and hard done-by dolls first opened. And this latest revival - with its West End transfer from Chichester Festival Theatre to the Savoyand now yet another transfer to the Phoenix - proves that we still just can't get enough of it. Based on characters created by Damon Runyon, the musical follows hoods and gamblers living on the wrong side of Broadway. Nathan Detroit is looking for a home for his illegal crap game, and in the process manages to bet Sky Masterson he can't take a Salvation Army gal to Cuba with him for the night. Sky's a charmer, but whether or not he can woo the hard-headed and God-fearing Sarah Brown is a formidable test on his skills of seduction. Meanwhile Nathan Detroit has his own girl trouble in the form of Miss Adelaide, who has been engaged to him for 14 years and is beginning to get impatient for the big day. Gordon Greenberg's production blazes into life from the moment it begins. Set to a backdrop of bright flashing lights and '50s American logos - ads for Lucky Strike, Pepsi Cola and Levi Jeans adorn Peter McKintosh's neat designs - it is an exuberant, burst of energy and colour that barely lets up from the moment the curtain rises. With it's stereotypical portrayal of gender - the dolls just want to settle down, the guys are happy as naughty loners - the story is somewhat dated. But ultimately, Guys and Dolls is all about Loesser's fantastic songs, which include "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat", "Luck Be a Lady" and "I've Never Been in Love Before". Though there are a lot squeezed into an already bursting storyline, they are the heart and soul of this musical and an absolute joy to listen to performed live by a tip top cast. It's mostly new leads for this run at the Phoenix Theatre, apart from Siubhan Harrison as Sarah Brown. They are great additions: Richard Kind as Nathan Detroit gives a more relaxed, hangdog air than David Haig's taut harassed, whiny version. The American actor knows his comedy and he brings out the laughs in unexpected places. His voice is strong and almost sad in the number "Sue Me" which he sings with the superb Samantha Spiro as Miss Adelaide. They make a great double-act. Spiro doesn't go in for the overt physical comedy that Sophie Thompson did, but she taps into the character's pathos and we like her even more because of it. New Sky Masterson is Oliver Tompsett, and he brings a baby-faced pent-up rage to the role which bursts out every now and again. It's convincing, as is his New York accent and his sly, slick charm and side smiles. He works better with Harrison than Jamie Parker did and his voice is beautiful. There's a beguiling '50s Chet Baker-esque jazziness to "My Time of Day" which sends chills down the spine. Greenberg has made sure two central moments in the piece are all about the dance and it's during the scene in Cuba and in the sewers for the crap game that Andrew Wright and Carlos Acosta's choreography shines. Acosta worked mainly on the scene in Havana and it shows - it is a rough-and-tumble weave of bodies - all legs, arms and shaking booties. Wright's work on the rest of the piece is a joy to watch, from the way the ensemble tip their hats and cavort around Broadway by day to the cutesy girlie numbers at The Hot Box club by night. Go and see this for the choreography, go and see this for the songs, but most of all go and see Guys and Dolls because it's a masterwork of a musical, a show that is guaranteed to leave you humming a tune with a smile on your face and yearning for a tilted trilby hat. Guys and Dolls runs at the Phoenix Theatre until 29 October 2016. New Agriculture Minister to resume talks with IMF on concessional taxation for farmers Minister of Agricultural Policy and Food of Ukraine Taras Kutoviy plans to resume negotiations between the Finance Ministry of Ukraine and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the system of tax incentives for farmers. "All that I want to change is entering into negotiations with the Finance Ministry and the IMF on revising the conditions and framework of work of the agroindustrial complex in the context of support and tax regulations," he told reporters in Kyiv. He said he plans to meet with the leadership of the State Cadaster Service to discuss turnover of agricultural land. "There is no time to hide from this. I was the author of the bill on the extension of the moratorium [on the sale of land]," Kutoviy said. He also announced the plan to continue the course of the former minister to the privatization of state enterprises. Loading... In London, a black man in his thirties is about to fall to his death. He's having a party and everyone's got a mask on: his face is everywhere. Somebody hoovers up a line as long as the table. He falls to the floor. That was Everyman. This is The Suicide, a contemporary revision of Nikolai Erdman's madcap anti-communist satire, and it's a mark of its self-aware smarts that writer Suhayla El-Bushra and director Nadia Fall should spoof Rufus Norris's opening show in his own theatre. Rather than Chiwetel Ejiofor's suited, booted banker, this time it's Sam Desai (Javone Prince) facing his exit: an unemployed 'skiver' who's had his benefits cut. Where Erdman's depressed protagonist, Semyon Podsekalikov, takes up the tuba only to find he needs a piano to master it, Sam's paradox is that he can't afford to work. It sends him up to the roof of Clement Attlee house, ready to end it all. However, filmed by a local teenager, he becomes a YouTube sensation and, suddenly, everyone wants a piece of him and his death. He become an icon of austerity Britain: a USP for yuppie community cafe owners, the inspiration for street poets' hit singles. Social workers score points against council cuts; councillors (Pal Aron is the spit of Sadiq Khan), against social workers. Best of all are two anti-capitalist film-makers out to make a documentary that turns him into a revolutionary spark - and wins them a BAFTA. Paul Kaye's dreadlocked trustafarian, Margaret Thatcher tattooed on his abs so he can wank onto her face, bangs on about Mohammed Bousazizi and the Arab Spring. All of which, of course, gives Sam every reason to live, and, as new media and new money pours into this deprived council estate, you think of Owen Jones, Kate Tempest and Benefit Street's White Dee - those labelled hypocrites for careers built on authenticity. The world puts Sam on a platform, then pulls him back down and, at its best, The Suicide skewers both the showy self-interest of virtue-signalled empathy - not least by the National itself - and our scorn for the self-made. Essentially, El-Bushra has taken a satire about Stalinism and turned it against Thatcherism. It works because neither permits an alternative. Erdman was sent to Siberia; his play, banned. El-Bushra won't face exile, but, like her activist filmmaker, she stands to profit from her protest, thus conforming to the very thing she's against. Her play goes on, but, in a say-anything society, it's already toothless. We are all Thatcherites now. In fact, here, Maggie's taken over heaven and privatised the shit out of it. "Everything was free," shudders a blue-suited Ashley McGuire in disgust. If The Suicide is stupidly smart, it's also smartly stupid. Ultimately, that's how it escapes its own double-bind - by aiming to please everyone. It's a broad, bawdy comedy that lets a typical theatre crowd laugh at itself; the lowest common denominator spun into high art. That said, so many post-ironic tumble-turns leave it rough as hell, and El-Bushra and Fall come perilously close to losing their audience. The seventies sitcom style only falls into place once the penny drops and, even then, despite a lot of great gags (and a fair few misfires), it never finds the fever of farce. Their cast haven't quite nailed the style, and even if Prince is currently hindered by acute laryngitis, only Kaye's hypocritical activist and McGuire's lackadaisical slummy-mummy enter into the spirit wholeheartedly. On its first UK outing, one critic described Erdman's play as "To be or not to be acted out as farce." Here, it's a case of 'To have one's cake or to eat it' and it very nearly manages both. The Suicide runs at the National Theatre until 25 June. Head of Odesa Regional State Administration Mikheil Saakashvili together with the mayor of Chornomorsk (previously Illichivsk) on April 14 visited JV Risoil Terminal LLC of Risoil S.A., a Ukrainian-Swiss stevedoring company, which invested $70 million in the project, to support the company in a conflict with officials. "Bandits from the Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) blocked the work of Ukrainian-Swiss company Risoil S.A., accusing the stevedoring company of sending goods to occupied Crimea, while the company does not deal with delivery services," Saakashvili wrote in his blog on Facebook. Speaking to the employees of the enterprise, the official noted that on March 31 the minister with other officials "with a great fanfare" officially opened the terminal, but in a few days other representatives of the state "broke into the terminal in masks, took all the documents and virtually paralyzed its work." "How can we endure chaos when a rival company gives money to someone in the PGO, the Security Service, tax authorities, hires them to destroy the competitor, while the Ukrainian government is silently standing apart," Saakashvili said. According to him, reasons for such actions are fabricated and an attempt to take over the company. NBU: Ukrainians sell $259.8 mln more currency than they buy in March 2016 Ukrainians in March 2016 sold to banks $259.8 million more foreign currency than bought, according to the website of the National Bank of Ukraine (NBU). According to the regulator, this is $113.2 million, or 77.2% more than in the previous month. The volume of foreign currency sales by the public in March increased by 61.15%, to $299.6 million, purchases by 1.3%, to $39.8 million. As reported, for the first two months of 2016 the population sold to banks $261 million more foreign currency than bought. As a whole for 2015 Ukrainians sold to banks $1.55 billion more foreign currency than bought, while in the previous year the volume of forex purchases $2.41 billion exceeded its sales: a total of $5.61 billion was sold and $8.02 billion was bought. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 16/04/2016 (2381 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Just a hunch, but were guessing Get Off My Lawn, a Winnipeg bar band that covers tunes first recorded by Bad Brains, NOFX and Bad Religion is the only punk-influenced outfit on the face of the Earth that lists its interests on Facebook as rockin your socks off and eating perogies. PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Stuffed and floured, a perogy rolls out of the perogy maker at Planet Perogy. Rob Naleway is Get Off My Lawns lead guitarist. He is also the owner of Perogy Planet, a seven-month-old operation at 1411 Main St., that has been raising eyebrows with its newfangled take on an old-world favourite. Next month, Perogy Planet will open a satellite location in St. Vital, where it will continue to offer 20-plus varieties of fresh-made varenyky, including double cheeseburger, buffalo chicken and were not too sure about this one, either brownie caramel. Late one evening in 2011, GOML was rehearsing in the back half of Naleway Catering, a Main Street business Naleway took over from his father, Robert Naleway Sr., 18 years ago. After running through a few songs, Naleways band mates announced they were famished. Instead of ordering in, Naleway headed into his commercial kitchen, which was closed for the night, to see if there was anything he could throw together in a hurry. The first foodstuffs he spotted were some leftover pulled pork and a vat of dough, intended for the next days perogy orders. I stuffed some pulled pork into the dough, fried em up and it turned into one of those aha moments, says Naleway, 38, who, in time, began experimenting with other fillings. (Blueberry was a challenge, he admits, but to date its been more hits than misses.) PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Perogy Planets Rob Naleway shows off a few samples of the businesss unique perogies, which feature everything from blueberries to brie cheese, and from Reuben flavoured to chorizio sausage. For the next several years, Naleway peddled his Franken-perogies out of a refrigerated cooler parked in his reception area. Customers who popped by to pick up catering orders could snag a dozen on their way out but that was pretty much it as far as publicizing his product went, he says. At a certain point, though, Naleway began to notice more and more people making their way down solely for perogies. Figuring he might be onto something, he sat down with his marketing director. PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS The dough recipe Rob Naleway uses has been in the family for 70 years, but the unique flavours are the brainchild of Naleway and his kitchen staff. In October 2015, the pair agreed it was time to rebrand the business and see if the world was indeed ready for Philly cheese steak and Reuben perogies. (If you have ever wondered whether an exterior sign featuring a three-metre-tall perogy masquerading as a celestial body would pull customers in, wonder no more. Boom, Naleway says, we were instantly eight times busier.) Before we continue, lets give credit where credits due. Yes, the unique flavours are Naleways and his kitchen staffs brainchild. But the dough recipe they use? Thats been in the family for over 70 years. Anne Naleway opened Annes Grill inside the Sutherland Hotel in 1942. Winnipeggers enjoyed her perogies, cabbage rolls and meatballs so much, Naleways been told, she started fielding requests to cater weddings and other special events around town. Eventually she and my grandfather moved to a house on Selkirk (Avenue), next door to a banquet hall and that was where she started Naleways Catering, her grandson says. There were no standardized pans or anything back then; she would literally take the pots off her stove, load them into her car and drive to wherever it was she was headed. PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Trays of fresh perogy stacked up in the heart of Planet Perogy, ready to go. By the 1970s, Naleways father had grown his moms home-based biz into Naleway Foods, an international conglomerate that, by the time he sold it, was churning out 2 million frozen perogies a day at its factory on Hutchings Street. Naleway Catering wasnt included in the sale. In 1998, Naleway assumed control of that company. Perogy Planets grand opening took place in January. The guest of honour was none other than Bill Konyk, Canadas undisputed perogy king, thanks to Hunky Bills Perogie Maker, a contraption Winnipeg-born Konyk invented, according to his website, 6,864,000 perogies ago. PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Fingers pack the perogies on trays ready top be boiled and packaged at Planet Perogy. Hunky Bill liked our bacon/mushroom/onion ones, Naleway says when he is asked whether Konyk endorsed any flavour in particular. And yes, people brought perogy makers still in the packaging from 20 years ago for Bill to sign. (As for other famous faces that have dropped by recently, Naleway says he received a text from one of his employees last week that read, Greg Selinger in da house.) Once the St. Vital store is up and running, Naleway will have a better idea where Perogy Planet is headed, further down the road. A few grocery chains have offered to carry his brand on their shelves, he says, but for the time being, that type of big move isnt on the radar. As soon as youre in a store setting youre giving up margin and dealing with things that are out of your control, he explains. Plus we feel by having our own little place, it helps keep us unique and more of a destination-point. When it comes to detractors people whove posted online comments along the lines of, Thats going too far with an iconic food item, This Ukrainian is not impressed, and Whats next? Stuffing a hamster instead of a turkey for Thanksgiving? Naleway has a ready response. Growing up in a Ukrainian household, Ive definitely eaten more than my share of perogies, he says, noting his paternal grandfather dropped a Z or two from his surname when he arrived in North America from Ukraine in the 1920s. So when people say what were doing is blasphemous I laugh and say youd be sick of potato and cheddar (perogies), too, if you were me. david.sanderson@freepress.mb.ca PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Perogy Planets Rob Naleway shows off a few samples of the business's unique perogies, which feature everything from blueberries to brie cheese, and from Reuben to chorizio sausage. Fujikura Automotive Ukraine Lviv that will produce automotive parts has been opened in Lviv region. The president's press service reported that Poroshenko took part in the opening ceremony. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Ukraine Shigeki Sumi and Vice President of Fujikura Automotive Europe Jorge Garcia also attended the ceremony. "Let this event be a powerful signal for all potential investors willing to believe in our country," Poroshenko said, adding that 550 new jobs created by the enterprise were only the first stage. According to the president, Japanese investments in Ukraine are not just the construction of bridges or Bortnychi sewage treatment plant as one of the biggest objects of environmental security in Ukraine. "We agreed to use Japanese experience in the management of port infrastructure for the increase of the transit potential of Ukraine. Modern Japanese energy technologies will provide an opportunity to modernize Ukrainian electric energy generating capacities for us to use the Ukrainian coal instead of importing Russian one," he said. Poroshenko said that the country has to improve investment climate, ensure internal stability, peace, return Ukrainian sovereignty to the occupied Donbas, return Crimea and ensure unity of Ukrainians in order to increase the volume of investments in Ukraine. Fujikura Automotive Ukraine Lviv LLC was founded in November 2013 by Japan's Fujikura Ltd. to implement an investment project in Ukraine on production of automotive parts. Total foreign investment at the first stage reached UAH 87 million. This includes building an electric equipment sets complex with gross area of 7,000 square meters and an administrative building with gross area of 1,800 square meters. The industrial area will be expanded to 11,500 square meters in the coming two months and up to 3,000 people will be hired. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 15/04/2016 (2382 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. WASHINGTON Among the stories that left an impression on Canadas development minister from her early foreign visits was one about the shiny new cars pulling up to a refugee camp. She was told their appearance meant one thing: A rich man, coming to buy a new child bride. Its apparently a recurring problem at the Jordanian refugee camp Marie-Claude Bibeau visited early this year. News reports have chronicled that issue at the Zaatari camp. A UN worker discussed it with her. In this Monday, March 7, 2016 photo, Syrian refugees walk in the Zaatari Refugee Camp, near Mafraq, Jordan. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-Raad Adayleh Bibeau shared the anecdote Friday as she announced $75 million in Canadian funding for assistance programs during international meetings in Washington with more than a quarter of that going to Syrias neighbours Lebanon and Jordan. When you think the greatest hope for your little 13-year-old girl is to give her to an old man, it means youre really desperate, she said in an interview. She heard about myriad sources of strain on the two neighbouring countries during her visit, where she took stock of the international impact of Syrias civil war and its historic flood of refugees. Some refugee kids have missed school for two years. In 247 schools in Lebanon, the Lebanese children get the classrooms in the morning and the Syrians get them in the afternoon. Thats just one snapshot of the challenge facing refugees who have found housing, outside camps which is a clear majority of them. She said that pressure is testing the social peace in nearby countries, neighbouring Syria. If these countries erupted thats obviously not what we want, Bibeau said. The conditions are there. When you dont have access to a clinic, your children dont have access to school, the cost of lodging has shot up I was impressed to see these two countries had managed to maintain stability and social calm. The funding promised Friday is on top of $43 million in humanitarian assistance for refugees announced earlier this week, and is already earmarked in this years budget. The $75 million included about $20 million for Syrias neighbours, with other amounts set aside for a variety of projects touching on public health in Africa, nutrition, and a womens program in Afghanistan. Bibeaus department is in the midst of a wide-ranging policy review. But she cut short a suggestion that the current governments development policies might actually be quite similar to the previous governments. Yes we recognize that good things were achieved (before). Thats great, Bibeau said. Its not reasonable to just change (everything) for the sake of it. She called womens health projects her No. 1 priority. It was also a top personal priority of Stephen Harpers. She said development will occasionally work side-by-side with the interests of Canadian companies like the mining sector. That was also a Harper government priority; thats why it lumped the federal development agency into the same department as trade and foreign affairs which the new government has renamed, but not restructured. Shes also working on a new development institution aimed at creating a sustainable pool of development funds an idea spearheaded by the last government. The last governments plan for a so-called development-dating web platform remains in the works; it would create a system where companies, NGOs and governments with shared interests could find each other and work together on projects. But she cited her two top priorities as examples of a shift in priorities from the previous government: On maternal health, the new government has added funding for sexual education, birth control, and abortion in certain cases where its legal, to the previous governments plan to support newborns and mothers. The second priority is issues related to climate change like supporting the spread of green technology, and efficient farming. She said thats where the new finance institution will focus. On climate change we think it exists. For real, Bibeau said. Thats not a negligible difference Just those two (areas), its night and day. Theres a world of difference. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 15/04/2016 (2382 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA They might not yet be able to vote but thats not stopping Syrians from taking part in one element of Canadian political life giving their MP an earful. Over two dozen Syrians whove arrived in Canada since the fall were in Ottawa Thursday to get a tour, thanks to their member of Parliament Melanie Joly. The small reception she held for them on Parliament Hill at first had all the hallmarks of a typical political meet and greet, guests nibbling on hummus and chips before Joly came and began shaking hands and posing for photos. Heritage Minister Melanie Joly meets with Syrian refugees on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Thursday, April 14, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick But then she asked if they had any questions. The group instantly crowded around. I do not want to sit at home, said Aida Farres, telling Joly she is in her 40s and used to work assisting with organ transplants in Syria, but cant find a job now. Joly offered a sympathetic ear, saying Farres challenges are common among all newcomers and the government is doing what it can. But it is going to take time, Joly noted, given that the Liberal refugee program only began in earnest in December and its only April. Im hoping by next December everyone is going to have a job, she said. For 17-year-old Wanes Nlabandian, the issue is the requirement to learn French. He already speaks English and Arabic. But since arriving in Canada in February, hes been told he now needs to learn French and go to CEGEP, the post-Grade 11 program thats a requirement for Quebecers who want to go to university. What about all the education he already has, he wanted to know. What can I do to not lose these three or four years? he asked. Think of the future, Joly replied, and how much stronger his skill set will be when he speaks not two, but three, languages. Youre not the only one going through this and its difficult, period. But for sure, the idea is for you to make sure you have all the sets of tools to really be able to have great opportunities, she said. And for afterwards, accessing the job market but also, imagine what your kids will be able to do here. Farres said afterwards she appreciated Jolys advice but that doesnt necessarily make things easier. There are a lot of good people who have come here and they want to work, she said. I dont know what is our future. Quebec has taken in 5,358 Syrian refugees since last year, with about 3,330 now in Montreal. In total, 26,262 Syrians have landed in Canada since the Liberals launched their resettlement program last November. In an interview, Joly said shes come to know many Syrians in her riding of Ahuntsic-Cartierville and wasnt surprised they were willing to speak their minds about their concerns, which she said were vital for her to hear not just as their MP but as the Heritage Minister. The integration of Syrian refugees into Canada is top of mind for the federal government, she said. Its one of the reasons bringing this group to Ottawa was important to her. The objective was to show that theres a Parliament, theres democracy, they live in a country where there is peace, she said. And that one day, they, within their lives or their children, will have access to become representatives in this Parliament. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 15/04/2016 (2382 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The man whose wifes tragic death and the botched investigation and prosecution that followed led to the creation of the Manitoba Police Commission, and an independent police unit to investigate officers, has resigned from the commission. Robert Tamans wife Crystal died in 2005 when a truck, driven by an off-duty Winnipeg police officer who had fallen asleep, slammed into the back of her car while she was stopped at a red light on Lagimodiere Boulevard. Taman, who said on Friday his resignation takes effect immediately, said he has left the MPC because of a difference in opinion. RUTH BONNEVILLE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Robert Taman I still dont believe police should investigate police, he said. Thats the reason for my resignation. Sometimes, though, I feel we are no better off than before the IIU (Independent Investigation Unit) and the police commission in many ways. The provincial government created the police commission in 2010. A spokesman said its first job was overseeing the creation of police boards in the province and helping arrange training for their members and civilian monitors. The province later set up the Independent Investigation Unit to investigate serious cases involving police, including when an officer kills somebody. Under the Manitoba Police Act, the only involvement the commission has with the IIU is appointing civilian monitors to oversee some of its investigations. In 2014, then-justice minister Andrew Swan announced that eight existing police officers were being hired as investigators for the IIU, some of whom were Winnipeg police officers. Swan said it was OK to hire the officers because there would be civilian oversight of the unit and over time others would be hired, including retired officers. But Taman said the final straw for him was the recent seconding of an active Winnipeg police officer into the IIU. I think theres enough people out there more suited, he said. Some feel nobody can investigate crime except by police, but I dont agree. kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 15/04/2016 (2382 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Brian Pallister is defending his lengthy absences in Costa Rica as private time with his family, and insists his wife and children have the right to privacy. Pallister said Friday that even though he spent 240 days since 2012 in Costa Rica, the time there was dominated by his work as Opposition leader. Pallister acknowledged that he had been at his vacation property in Costa Rica during the 2014 flood. But he would not apologize to the people of Manitoba for having claimed to be elsewhere during some of the time he spent on holiday. Pallister said he promised his father that he would protect his familys privacy when he went into politics. Like all working people, I wrestle with the balance between working time away from my family, and time with my family, he told a news conference called to discuss the Conservative plan to provide better public services. Asked about being in Costa Rica during the flood Pallister had said at the time that he didnt want to politicize the crisis by visiting the flood-fighting epicentre and that he was at a family wedding in Alberta the Tory leader said, Its a fair question. I struggled with the balance between the medias need to have information and my familys need for privacy. Its the balance between peoples right to know and the familys protection. Its an obligation to protect my family. Reaction Friday from both Liberal Leader Rana Bokhari and NDP Leader Greg Selinger was swift. Youre lying to people. Theres no two ways about this. Youre lying, Bokhari said. People need to trust their leadership. She said Pallisters long absences from the province are quite astounding and show hes been a part-time Opposition leader and would be a part-time premier. If youre not in the legislature, you really should be in your constituency, making sure that the people of your constituency know that youre working for them. Hes done neither, she said. Selinger said Pallister should have told the truth. He shouldnt have covered up about where he was. He had more than one opportunity to be transparent about that and he refused to do it until this came out this week, the NDP leader said, adding Manitobans pulled together during the flood, doing all they could to protect affected communities while Pallister was on vacation. Volunteers were showing up in droves. People from Hutterite colonies (were) filling the sandbags. Civil servants were busing out there after they finished work to help out. The prime minister (Stephen Harper) came in. I talked to him about bringing in the troops and the troops came in. It was obvious to everybody that this is the time when you step up when youre a leader to show that youre there for people. Selinger said he understands that politicians want to protect their familys privacy, but its not a reason for misleading the public about their whereabouts. It indicates to me that he knew there was something wrong with what he was doing, and he wasnt prepared to disclose it, he said. During the flooding state of emergency in 2014, Milton Sussman, then clerk of the executive council, the provinces chief bureaucrat, sent a bulletin to all government employees urging them to join the flood-fighting effort. Bokhari said Manitobans would have a very tough time stomaching an explanation that being there for people in crisis would be seen as a purely political act. When the people of our province are in crisis, that means no partisanship. That means every member of the legislature, that means everyone gets together and works towards helping the people of our province. Thats leadership, she said. Pallister said that he would probably not spend nearly that much time in Costa Rica should he become premier. He acknowledged that 240 days at his vacation property since 2012 sounded accurate, and told the assembled media that he didnt question their right to be asking him about his time in Costa Rica. BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Progressive Conservative Leader Brian Pallister at Friday's press conference. I respect the work you do, deeply. I also am a dad and a husband, Pallister said. Finding that balance is really a challenge. Pallister said he does not conduct any form of commercial business while he is in Costa Rica, and there is no public money involved in his time there. He said his family saved up for 30 years for the Costa Rican vacation property they hope will be their retirement home. Going there was an opportunity for Pallister and his wife to spend as much time with their children as possible while they were young, he said. Pallister said he works 60-hour weeks on the publics behalf. He has never been in Costa Rica while the legislature is sitting, he pointed out, and works as Opposition leader while he is away, for far more hours than his wife likes. Im probably a workaholic; I work every day, he said, adding that ethic helped him rise from poverty. Most people work regular hours I dont. Pallister said he writes speeches while in Costa Rica, and he researches to familiarize himself with the details of government. Pallister did offer an apology to one person Free Press reporter Bartley Kives. In a recent interview, Pallister told Kives he was last outside of Canada in 2015 when he went to North Dakota, but had taken two trips of 24 and 15 days to Costa Rica since then. I got it wrong; I got the dates wrong, Pallister said. I owe Bartley Kives an apology. Myrna Driedger, the Tory candidate in Charleswood and a longtime MLA who would likely be a member of a Pallister cabinet, said Friday that she has never been unable to get hold of Pallister when she needed to talk to him. Its not like we track each other, she said. When the legislature isnt in session, We all go about what were doing, any given day. I have never actually wondered where he is, because he works so hard. Driedger said voters would accept that Pallister is in Costa Rica to enjoy family time: I think the public can relate to that, she said. nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca Opinion Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 14/04/2016 (2383 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Brian Pallister has always been a difficult man to get to know. As leader of the Progressive Conservative party, he tends to keep to himself. He struggled early on when it came to building relationships with his caucus. And he had a habit of disappearing off the grid for extended periods of time during which, it seemed, few people knew where he was. In a somewhat surprising development, the details of Pallisters time away from politics are now coming into focus. Trevor Hagan / The Canadian Press Progressive Conservative Leader Brian Pallister. A CBC News report revealed that contrary to his repeated claims, the leader of the Progressive Conservative party has spent a significant amount of time out of the country visiting a vacation home he owns in Costa Rica. The CBC reported that since he became leader, he has spent 240 days in the Central American country, or very nearly one in five days. Why did the CBC think to track down Pallisters travel records? The Tory leader was quoted in a Free Press interview published April 2 saying that the last time he left Canada was in the fall of 2015 when he made an annual family trip to a bar in Maida, N.D. The CBC later discovered through immigration data that he had been to Costa Rica twice since the trip to North Dakota: a 25-day trip over Christmas and New Years, and an 11-day visit at the end of January into February. Pallisters most recent assertions about visits to his vacation home became somewhat newsworthy because they were the latest in a series of odd and apparently erroneous statements he has made over the past two years about how often he is out of the country and away from the business of being a politician. Series of odd statements They are odd not because of the frequency or duration of his visits. Pallister is a self-made man of means who should not be judged or criticized for having the resources to own property in a tropical paradise. Theyre odd because, for reasons that are not readily apparent, he wont respond truthfully when hes asked about the frequency and duration of his trips. This pattern of oddness goes back to the summer of 2014 when Pallister failed to make any public appearance during dramatic summer flooding that hit central and western Manitoba in the first week of July. This seemed to be a very odd strategy for a man who was at that point already campaigning to fill the role of premier. At first, Pallisters office refused to respond to queries about his exact location during the floods. He finally made himself available on July 21 for an interview, during which he refused to say where he was. He did, however, offer a rather unusual explanation about why he did not return to the flood zone with haste to show support for flood-ravaged Manitobans. Pallister said he would be politicizing the natural disaster if he made a high-profile tour during the worst part of the flash floods. Manitobans are not asking for photo ops, Pallister said. What theyre asking for is foresight. At that time, the Free Press did not have confirmation about where exactly Pallister was during the floods. We did know that he and his family owned vacation properties in Ontario and Costa Rica. However, a week after the first column we obtained confirmation from several PC party sources that Pallister was, indeed, in Costa Rica. A request for a followup interview was refused. A few days after that, at a weekly news conference, Pallister was asked again about where he was during the floods. Pallister claimed wedding trip during off-the-record comments Pallister refused yet again to provide any details, but on his way out of the room he came over to me, asked if he could talk off the record, and whispered that he had been at a family wedding out of province. The Free Press did not report this explanation at Pallisters request, but we were somewhat surprised when, in a year-end interview, he made the family wedding story public. I was at a family wedding in July, the first week of July was when the unprecedented rainfall occurred one day in parts of western Manitoba, he told Free Press reporters Larry Kusch and Bruce Owen. The Free Press would eventually publish a column in 2015 in which it was reported that Pallister was, in fact, in Costa Rica during the summer floods. When that report appeared, Pallister complained directly to the newspaper claiming that it was completely false. Pallister was not available to comment on the CBC story on Thursday, but in a statement provided to reporters, a spokeswoman said the Tory leader had erred in his recollection of the date of the family wedding in the summer of 2014, and his failure to confirm visits to Costa Rica this past winter were an oversight, an unfortunate lapse in memory. At this stage of the election campaign, it would be foolish to suggest that this unusual story will have any impact on the outcome on April 19. This story does not involve a matter of public policy, or taxpayer money, or an abuse of power by an elected official. It certainly does not defuse or mitigate the criticisms the Tories have levelled at NDP Leader Greg Selinger for his decision to raise the PST to fund infrastructure after promising he would never undertake such a measure. Costa Rica home is defensible However, it adds an element of discomfort to the public persona of a leader who, remarkably, continues to lag well behind his party in popular support. The only word that captures this entire episode is odd. Odd because Pallisters decision to build a home in Costa Rica, and visit it frequently, is totally defensible. Odd as well because it is entirely reasonable that being in Costa Rica, he was unable to get back to Manitoba in time to visit the flood zone in 2014. What is less defensible, and somewhat inexplicable, is his decision to mislead people when asked directly about how much time he spends in Costa Rica, and to generate an erroneous excuse about where he was when the summer floods hit in 2014. This is not a story that will likely affect the number of people who will vote Tory next week. It is, however, an interesting glimpse into the man who, by all accounts, will be premier. dan.lett@freepress.mb.ca MANILA, Philippines In a military buildup certain to inflame tensions with China, the United States said Thursday it will send troops and combat aircraft to the Philippines for regular, more frequent rotations, and will conduct more joint sea and air patrols with Philippine forces in the South China Sea. The announcement by U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter in a news conference with Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin was the first time the U.S. disclosed that its ships had carried out sea patrols with the Philippines in the South China Sea, a somewhat rare move not done with many other partners in the region. Carter insisted that the U.S. did not intend to be provocative and was trying to tamp down tensions here. But Gazmin said he expected that U.S. forces, with their presence here, will deter uncalled-for actions by the Chinese. The increased troop presence is part of a broader U.S. campaign to expand its assistance to the Philippines as America shores up its allies in the Asia-Pacific that are roiled by Chinas building of man-made islands in the South China Sea. While the military boost does not include permanent basing for U.S. troops, China views any increased U.S. military presence and activities in the region as a threat. Military exchanges by relevant countries should not target third parties, much less support a few countries in challenging Chinas sovereignty and security, inciting regional contradictions and sabotaging regional peace and stability, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement in response to Carters announcement. Carter said the U.S. will keep nearly 300 troops, including Air Force special operations forces armed with combat aircraft and helicopters, in the Philippines through the end of the month. The U.S. will increase troop rotations to strengthen training and support increased military operations in the region. Speaking in the guest house of the presidential complex, Carter said the joint patrols will improve the Philippine navy and contribute to the safety and security of the regions waters. Two patrols have taken place since March. The U.S. also has conducted joint patrols with Japan in the region. Carter has said that Chinas increased aggression in the region is compelling more countries to reach out to the U.S., strengthening their military ties with Washington. The increase in military support comes days after the Philippines ambassador to the U.S. asked the Obama administration to help persuade China not to build in the nearby Scarborough Shoal, which is viewed as important to Philippine fishermen. Ambassador Jose Cuisia Jr. said the Philippines cannot stop China from building there. China has built man-made islands in other contested spots in the South China Sea. Charlito Maniago, the leader of a northwestern Philippine village where many fishermen lost access to the disputed Scarborough Shoal after China seized it in 2012, said the joint patrols will bring hope that fishermen can again sail freely to the rich fishing ground. This will boost the confidence of our fishermen because they think the U.S. has the capability to defend them, Maniago told The Associated Press by telephone from the coastal village of Cato in Pangasinan province. The presence of America will make China think twice. The Pentagon said the U.S. forces that will remain in the Philippines are already participating in the Balikatan, or shoulder-to-shoulder combat exercises, that will end Friday. About 200 airmen, including special operations forces, will remain at Clark Air Base, along with three of their Pave Hawk attack helicopters, an MC-130H Combat Talon II special mission aircraft and five A-10 combat aircraft. This initial contingent will provide training to increase the two militaries ability to work together, laying the groundwork for forces to perform joint air patrols. Up to 75 Marines will stay at Camp Aguinaldo to support increased U.S. and Philippine combined military operations. The troops and aircraft are expected to leave at the end of April, but other U.S. forces and aircraft would do similar rotations into the Philippines routinely in the future. Carter would not say how frequently those rotations would happen, but called it a regular periodic presence. Last week the Pentagon announced that the U.S. will give the Philippines about $40 million in military assistance to bolster intelligence-sharing, surveillance and naval patrols. Carter said the aid will include an enhanced information network for classified communications, sensors for patrol vessels and an unmanned aerostat reconnaissance airship to help the Philippines keep watch over its territory. The U.S. will get access to five Philippine military bases to house American forces that will rotate in and out of the country for training and other missions. A new Utah law requiring abortion providers to administer anesthesia to a woman if she is having an abortion at or after 20 weeks of pregnancy is the first of its kind in the nation and it is a reckless intrusion of a state legislature into the practice of medicine. In order to assure the best possible care for patients, decisions about what type of pain medication or anesthesia to administer should be made by medical professionals, not by state legislators. The bill, signed into law by Utah Gov. Gary Herbert last month, requires an anesthetic or analgesic be administered to eliminate or alleviate organic pain to the unborn child even though reputable scientific research, backed by mainstream groups such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, indicates that a fetus doesnt have the capability to feel pain until sometime in the third trimester, which starts at 24 weeks. But at that point, most abortions are banned in Utah. In other words, the law calls on doctors to use anesthesia in order to solve a non-existent problem. Also troubling is that the law mandates that doctors follow a vague course of action that is likely to leave them stymied over how to reconcile the demands of the statute with their best medical judgment. For one thing, abortion providers dont know how much anesthesia they ought to give to a woman in order to alleviate or eliminate pain they dont even believe the fetus feels. Although first trimester abortions are usually done with oral pain medications or a local anesthetic injected into the cervix, abortions at 20 weeks are often done with moderate sedation, administered intravenously. Would that be enough to satisfy the law? Would general anesthesia be required? Even at 20 weeks, general anesthesia poses more risks to the woman than the actual abortion procedure. And it would raise the cost of the procedure. The law has some exceptions. Anesthesia is unnecessary if it will kill or irreversibly harm the woman or if the fetus being aborted has a diagnosable defect and is likely to die. (Apparently, the legislators believe those fetuses are not capable of feeling pain.) Doctors are expected to put their patients health first, but its hard to see how they can do so if anti-abortion legislators insist on meddling in a medical process they clearly do not understand very well. Utahs bill is related, of course, to efforts by anti-abortion lawmakers in other states to legislate constitutional rights for unborn children through personhood amendments, and to laws, like the one recently passed in Indiana, requiring all fetal tissue to be cremated or buried. Its bad enough that states pass laws that restrict access to abortion, often unconstitutionally. To dictate how doctors practice medicine is unconscionable. Public joint-stock company Ukrzaliznytsia has claimed more frequent media attacks against it. The company stressed that the company will not stop reforms launched in the sector. "Invented inside reports and investigations, pseudo news and forecasts about the operation of the sector are intended to destabilize the operation of the company and delude society. The company is working in the new format and no provocations in media would affect its operation," the company said in a press release. The company said that even pseudo online publications that allegedly cover the news in the railway sector are being created to destabilize the company. "Despite all accusations, the railway sector is becoming more effective and transparent. All goods and service procurement tenders in the sector are held openly with the involvement of the public and media. From April 1, the company switched to the ProZorro electronic procurement system. People for senior positions are selected at open tenders. Everyone who wants can take part in the tenders and show their knowledge and qualification," the company said. Ukrzaliznytsia calls on society and media not to spread unverified and untrue information and be critical to the materials published. "We ask you to inform law enforcers or call the hotline of Ukrzaliznytsia on violations," the company said. Jerry Kindschi Jerrald Jerry W. Kindschi, 86, of Prairie du Sac, succumbed to a short illness on April 14, 2016, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in the same home on June 21, 1929, to Elmer and Grace (Gasser) Kindschi. Jerry was active in many community groups, including the Tri-County Co-op, Township Board, Bank of Prairie du Sac, Masonic Lodge, Library Building Committee, Sauk-Prairie Hospital Memorial Committee, VFW, Sauk-Prairie Historical Society, Wisconsin Crop Improvement Association, Concordia United Methodist Church and Delta Theta Sigma Fraternity. Jerry graduated from Prairie du Sac High School in 1947 and from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1951. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War, 19521955. He was a life-long farmer on land that has been worked by his family since 1878. Hundreds of local teenagers worked their first jobs detasseling corn on the Kindschi farm. He married Alice Schroeder on Aug. 20, 1955. They had three children, Wayne Kindschi of Prairie Du Sac, Steve (Holly) Kindschi of Prairie du Sac, and Kay (Matt) Nelson, of Kasson, Minnesota. He treasured his six grandchildren, Ashley, Jared, Nicole, Eric, Hayden, and Michael, and one great-grandchild, Alyce. Jerry enjoyed traveling the world with Alice and accompanying each grandchild on a special trip to a location of their choosing. His most recent trip was on the Badger Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. Jerry was an avid historian and Civil War buff. He loved to share the history and stories of Sauk County with anyone who wanted to know. He is survived by his wife, Alice; his children;, and his sister, Bonnie Wiersig, of Bryan, Texas. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, at the Concordia United Methodist Church, Prairie du Sac. Burial with military honors will follow at the Sauk Prairie Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, April 18, 2016, with a Masonic service immediately following. Memorials are suggested to the Badger Honor Flight. The Hooverson Funeral Home is assisting the family. One of the most insidious tax loopholes out there just got a little smaller. But President Barack Obama, who announced the change last week with much fanfare, didnt go nearly far enough: The tax code itself, not just its loopholes, is what needs fixing. Its hard to overstate just how bad the U.S. corporate tax code is. Imagine it was designed by foreign saboteurs and prepare to be impressed by their ingenuity. It taxes profits at 35 percent, one of the highest rates in the world. This excessive rate applies to a base riddled with exemptions and exceptions. U.S. companies pay taxes on their non-U.S. earnings, but only when the money is brought home, thus creating an incentive to park profits abroad. In these and other ways, the system manages to combine maximum economic damage with relatively meager revenue collection. To avoid this tax, some U.S. companies have bought smaller foreign firms and switched their residence for tax purposes overseas. These are the so-called inversions that new Treasury rules are intended to block. They may have already had an effect, with Pfizers termination of its $160 billion takeover of Allergan. A sensible tax system would eliminate the incentives both for inversions and for parking income abroad. Actions like the administrations shouldnt be confused with reform. In fact, they make the code even more complicated when it desperately needs to be simpler. By relying on executive discretion rather than legislation, they make the system less predictable. Worst of all, they leave in place the excessive basic rate, from which so many other problems flow. There are two basic approaches to fixing the system. The less radical option would be to set a lower, internationally competitive tax rate and then apply it to a broader, simpler base. Merely doing that would help a lot. However, where international companies are concerned, efficient taxation also requires much closer cooperation among governments. This would be easier if the U.S., like almost all other governments, were to adopt a territorial system, which taxes profits according to where theyre earned, not according to where the company resides. The more radical option would be to abolish corporate taxes altogether, and treat business income as just another form of personal income taxing it not at the company level, but as ordinary income when passed on to investors. This approach may seem far-fetched, but its worth considering. One of its biggest advantages is that it would bring progressivity to corporate taxes. Taxing corporate income as personal income would lower the rate paid by ordinary taxpayers and (assuming revenue neutrality) raise the rate paid by the rich. A fair tax system is one thats moderately progressive: Abolishing the corporate tax would serve that purpose. Obama needs to settle on one of these approaches. The first is closer to what his administration has already proposed, and even has some appeal in the Republican-controlled Congress. Now all the administration needs to do is pursue the cause with the same zeal it brings to criticizing businesses for lawfully trying to reduce their tax liabilities. 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. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is ready to continue cooperation with the new Ukrainian government, Director of the IMF's European Department Paul Thomsen has said. "We stand ready to continue support of Ukraine. The new government came into office yesterday. We look forward to talk with them," he said at a press briefing on Friday at Spring Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank Group held on April 12 through April 17. Thomsen said that the IMF is ready to complete the second review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) on cooperation with Ukraine if the new government is ready to implement this policy that has been agreed before. The four-year EFF program for Ukraine totaling SDR12.348 billion (about $17 billion), opened by the IMF in March 2015, originally foresaw quarterly revisions of the program, the issue of four tranches to Kyiv in 2015, another four in 2016. However, at present the country has received only the first tranche of funds for $5 billion and the second one worth $1.7 billion. Director of the IMF Communications Department Gerry Rice said on March 3, 2016 that the IMF needs more clarity about the status of the Ukrainian government and the Ukrainian parliamentary coalition for the completion of the second review of the EFF. Ukrainian army reports 104 attacks on its positions in Donbas Ukrainian army positions in Donbas have come under 104 attacks in the past 24 hours, the Anti-Terrorist Operation headquarters' press center wrote on Facebook. According to the report, mortars of various calibers shelled Zaitseve, Opytne, the Butivka mine, Leninske, Stanytsia Luhanska, Novotroitske and Avdiyivka 21 times, and 30 attacks by means of other types of weapons were observed. Ukrainian positions in Novotroitske and Luhanske came under attack of infantry combat vehicles, grenade launchers, large-caliber machineguns and small arms. A tube artillery attack was observed near Ukrainian positions in Bohdanivka. Ukrainian positions near Novotroitske came under a simultaneous attack of 120mm mortars, infantry combat vehicles and small arms from Dokuchayevsk. The press center claimed an attempt at an offensive in that area. "The enemy was stopped by gunfire and retreated," it said. In all, the Ukrainian army had to return fire 16 times in the reporting period, the press center said. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, French President Francois Hollande, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have coordinated their positions on the prospects of deploying an OSCE police mission to Donbas. The Ukrainian presidential press service reported on Friday that Poroshenko has informed Merkel and Hollande about the permanent deterioration of the security situation in Donbas and called for more pressure on Russia to ensure a ceasefire. "The conversation participants coordinated their positions on the prospects of bringing an OSCE police mission to Donbas and discussed the issue of extending the sanctions against Russia for the non-fulfillment of the Minsk agreements," the report says. "Without resolving security issues in general and a police mission in particular, it is difficult to discuss the possibility of preparations for local elections," the Ukrainian president said. The leaders of France and Germany also welcomed the election of a new government in Ukraine, which is to be headed by Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman. They wished him success on the pace of reform, Poroshenko's press service said. The parties also discussed the terms of visa-free travels for Ukrainians and the results of the Dutch referendum on the ratification of the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement. Bobby Braxton to receive 2016 Prentis Award When Bobby Braxton left Williamsburg as a young man, he never intended to return. But Braxtons roots in the city run deep, and four decades later, he not only found himself back in Williamsburg, but leading and loving it. In addition to serving on the Williamsburg City Council, Braxton has worked with multiple location organizations, including William & Marys Lemon Project and First Baptist Church. This year, he led the churchs Let Freedom Ring celebration, which brought international attention to the church and Williamsburg. In recognition of Braxtons efforts, William & Mary has named him the recipient of the 2016 Prentis Award. The award is presented annually to people in the Williamsburg community for their strong civic involvement and support of the university. Braxton will receive the award at a May 17 ceremony in the Wren Building. The Braxtons have long been leaders in the Williamsburg community, and Bobby stands squarely in that grand family tradition, said W&M President Taylor Reveley. Since his return to Williamsburg, Bobby has done great good. His service on city council and his work to bring Let Freedom Ring to fruition are but two examples. He has been a steadfast friend of William & Mary. We are delighted to recognize him with this years Prentis Award. Williamsburg to Maryland and back again Braxton was born in Hamptons Dixie Hospital and grew up in Williamsburg during segregation. He attended the citys school for African-Americans, Bruton Heights, where his mother one of his biggest influences along with his wife, Hazel was an English teacher. He lived on Braxton Court, which was named for his family, and though his mother tried to tell him about their long history in the area, Braxton didnt pay much attention at the time. Instead, he headed to his mothers hometown to attend Hampton Institute (now Hampton University). After four years in the U.S. Air Force, he moved to Maryland, where he had a 40-year career as an engineer with Westinghouse Electric Corporation and, with his wife, raised a son. Although Braxton was happy in Maryland, his attention was drawn to his hometown as his aunts health declined. She lived in a house that Braxtons grandfather had built in the 1920s at the end of Braxton Court. The home had fallen into disrepair, and Braxton decided to buy it. At that time, I never even thought about coming back to Williamsburg, said Braxton. I bought the house to save the house. Around the time that restoration work began, Braxton found out that the local housing administration was renovating neighborhoods. The street where hed grown up had declined, and Braxton began attending council meetings to see if the city might pay for repairs on Braxton Court. For three years, Braxton came to Williamsburg for every council meeting and work session. I started talking to them about fixing the street, the curbs, the underground wiring, the gas to make a long story short, they did it, he said. If you look at the street, the whole thing got renovated, and thats when I decided to run. Getting to know W&M Braxton became a member of the Williamsburg City Council in 2006, and, soon after, two administrators from William & Mary set up a meeting to tell him more about the university. I went over there and they had a presentation all set up, and I stopped them and said, Hey, Im going to have to tell you something to give you an idea where Im coming from. I said, Do you realize this is the first time Ive set foot on William & Marys campus? Then it hit them. It was segregated times, he said. Following the presentation, one of the administrators Earl Granger, currently the associate vice president for development at W&M took Braxton on a tour of campus. Seeing the love that Granger, an alumnus, had for the university was a game changer, Braxton said. From that first tour of campus, Braxtons relationship with William & Mary has continued to grow. He currently serves on the board of the W&M Lemon Project, a research initiative that seeks to explore the universitys history with slavery and its continued relationship with the African-American community. Braxton who can be found most days in his office, a table at Aromas also makes a concerted effort to interact with the universitys students, offering advice to those about to graduate or comforting homesick students with cups of coffee. I love em, Braxton said. Theyre really, really, really interesting. Building a relationship with the university has also helped Braxton uncover more information about his familys historical ties to the area. His grandfather (Robert H. Braxton) was a builder who erected more than 100 structures around the area, Braxton said. Braxtons great-grandfather was a carpenter whose shop was located just across from where the W&M Bookstore is today. When I came back here, I had no idea of the entwining of my family here. I knew my grandpa had built some stuff, but I never really knew, Braxton said. Let Freedom Ring Although Braxton was not re-elected to the Williamsburg City Council in 2010, he has remained heavily involved in the community. Like his grandfather and great-grandfather, he serves as a trustee of First Baptist Church, one of the countrys oldest African-American houses of worship. In coordination with the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, the church celebrated its 240th anniversary this year with the Let Freedom Ring challenge, which asked people to ring the churchs bell throughout each day during the month of February. The bell, acquired in the 19th century, had been inoperable since the time of segregation, but experts from Colonial Williamsburg worked with the church to restore it. In celebration of that restoration, the church hosted an event on Feb. 1 that included participation by civil rights giants Jesse Jackson, Bernard Lafayette and Rhea McCauley representing the family of civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks; dignitaries such as former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large Suzan Johnson Cook and Hampton University President William Harvey; artists and social activists Dionne Warwick and Esperanza Spalding; and the Hampton University Choir. Several members of the William & Mary community were in attendance, including Reveley and Chief Diversity Officer Chon Glover. Throughout February, Colonial Williamsburg and William & Mary hosted a series of special programs and exhibits in conjunction with the Let Freedom Ring effort. In addition to his work with First Baptist, Braxton is also a member of the Williamsburg Kiwanis, the Williamsburg Arts Commission, the Williamsburg Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), the Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance and the Middle Plantation Club. Additionally, he serves on the board of the Community Action Agency and the Williamsburg Rotary. One thing I found out: When people ask you to do something, always say yes because you can always back out later, but if you say no, you close the door and you never really get to learn anything, Braxton said. Although he once couldnt wait to leave Williamsburg, he is now one of the areas biggest fans. We have an abundance of nice people here, he said. This is the only place Ive ever been and Ive been to a bunch where you talk to the people and they say, I love it. Although he knows some young people may view Williamsburg differently, he suggests they wait 30 or 40 years. You know what I tell them? I say, Youll be back. Could 'sand diplomacy' temper Chinese aggression? PIPS 2016 project researchers From left: Catie Crowley, Amanda Blair, Mitchell Croom, Emily Wasek, Jimmy Zhang, Caper Gooden and Darice Xue Courtesy PIPS Photo - of - Hide Caption Amanda Blair theorizes that the United States may soon find itself in position to orchestrate a new method of negotiating with China. She calls it sand diplomacy. And not just any sand, but marine sand, the type used to produce concrete. The Chinese government aims to increase the urban share of its population to 60 percent by 2020, Blair, a senior at William & Mary, said recently in presenting her white paper entitled Sand Wars: Beijings Hidden Ambition in the South China Sea. Her work was part of the 2016 Project on International Peace and Security (PIPS) research symposium, which took place in Washington Hall on April 8. A week later, she and six colleagues reprised their white papers and conducted question-and-answer sessions at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Sand is one of the most highly coveted commodities in the world, Blair continued. It is mined extensively throughout Asia . . . However, it is also a non-renewable resource. With rapid urbanization in countries such as China, natural sand reserves are quickly nearing depletion. Blairs research showed that in the last three years, China used more concrete than the United States did during all of the 20th century. Last year, Chinas National Development and Reform Commission approved plans for more than 1,000 mega-infrastructure projects. Extensive mining of the countrys traditional sand sources including the Yangtze River has been exhaustive. So what can China do? Artificially manufactured sand, widely used in the U.S., hasnt gained a foothold in Asia primarily because of the inconsistent quality of materials and the high price associated with production and transportation to urban centers. Blair said that means China is likely to turn to dredging the South China Sea, where it already claims roughly 90 percent of the area and asserts its right to explore those waters for natural gas and oil-sand reserves. In addition, it already possesses far more sophisticated dredging equipment than the other states in that area. Beijings aggressive pursuit of sand will exacerbate ongoing disputes and jeopardize the United States strategic interests in the Asia Pacific, Blair said. Other potentially devastating factors are in play. Blair said that should China deign to commandeer dredging operations in the South China Sea, its presence could threaten freedom of navigation and disrupt trade flows that amount to $1.2 trillion annually and militarize the region. That would undermine important security commitments the U.S. has with Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam, not to mention posing a serious threat to the environmental security of American allies in the Asia Pacific. Currently, U.S. policy ignores the sand dilemma and underestimates Chinas resolve to control the South China Sea. Blair said thats a serious mistake that must be addressed. To implement sand diplomacy, Washington should factor sand into its diplomatic calculus and use the research and development of manufactured sand to influence Chinese behavior, she explained. Competition for sand may present an additional source of conflict that will likely complicate ongoing negotiations and diplomatic exchanges. Blair recommends that the United States share its knowledge of sand manufacturing with its counterparts in Southeast Asia and help them accrue methodologies, support technological advancements and establish industry standards. Once the research and development of manufactured sand is complete, U.S. allies can achieve lower production costs for higher quality material, and hold two important bargaining chips over the Chinese. If offered an attractive alternative to fine concrete aggregate, Beijing will be more willing to participate in multi-lateral negotiations, she said. Alternatively, Washington can encourage its allies to restrict exports of manufactured sand in response to hostile behavior. Sand diplomacy then becomes a multi-purpose tool that can either incentivize cooperation or dissuade aggression in the South China Sea. Blair said that even in the event of a party change in the White House in November, the Asia-Pacific region will remain important to U.S. interests. Unless the new administration recognizes sand as a potential driver of conflict, peaceful resolution of ongoing disputes will become increasingly difficult, she said. My policy proposal outlines one potential opportunity for Washington to shape Beijing's behavior in the South China Sea. By raising the costs of action, sand diplomacy can provide a useful tool to ensure the realization of U.S. strategic goals in the region. Moreover, the issue of sand scarcity is not exclusive to the Asia Pacific, and may disrupt peace in other regions of the world, such as West Africa and the Indian Ocean. For that reason, the incoming administration should factor sand into U.S. policy more generally. Ukrainian Minister of Foreign Affairs Pavlo Klimkin says integration with Ukraine will become an impetus to the European Union, which will give it the dynamics it needs. "The EU should use Ukraine to breathe new, so needed dynamics into the EU," he said at the Kyiv Security Forum on Friday. Klimkin described Ukraine as "perhaps one of the last enthusiasts of European integration," which, among other thing, should counter Russian aggression and support internal state reforms. 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 French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have called on Ukraine to accelerate reforms, the Elysee Palace said in a communique following a phone talk with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko. "They called on the Ukrainian authorities to accelerate internal reforms in continuation of important actions launched in 2014, especially, in the field of the modernization of the country, the struggle against corruption and judicial reform," the document said. Hollande and Merkel also expect that "new dynamics being created through the change of the government will quickly yield concrete results." The European leaders also stressed the need of "fast progress in the implementation of the Minsk agreement." Court dismisses appeal against Darlington refurbishment 15 April 2016 Share Canada's Federal Court of Appeal has unanimously dismissed a judicial review of the environmental assessment (EA) for Ontario Power Generation's (OPG) planned refurbishment of the Darlington nuclear power plant. The lawsuit was brought by groups led by Greenpeace Canada. Darlington: refurbishment to start in October (Image: OPG) The court found that there were no gaps or errors in the 2013 EA, which determined the project would have no significant adverse effects on the public or the environment. It also found that there was "nothing unreasonable" about determinations made by the responsible authorities that reviewed the EA, and found that arguments brought by the intervenors were not borne out by evidence. Greenpeace Canada, the Canadian Environmental Law Association, Lake Ontario Waterkeeper and Northwatch had brought the appeal against a November 2014 federal court decision to dismiss their application for judicial review. OPG president and chief nuclear officer Glenn Jager said that the court decision was a "vote of confidence" in the quality of work that went into the EA application and in the licensing process. "We have been preparing for this project since 2009, and we're ready to deliver the job safely, on time and on budget", he said. OPG announced the CAD 12.8 billion ($9 billion) project to refurbish the four Darlington Candu units in January, after nine years of scoping work and detailed planning. The refurbishment of the first unit will begin in October, and the project will take ten years to complete for all the units. Refurbishment will enable the units, which supply about 20% of Ontario's electricity, to continue to operate for a further 30 years. Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics ISIS fighters (illustration) By: Feng Qian Officials in Germany, said that they have identified at least 29 soldiers who have traveled to Syria in order to fight along ISIS. In addition to the 29 soldiers who are fighting alongside the terrorist group, 65 soldiers are under investigation on suspicion of having ties with terrorists. Of the 29 soldiers, 17 have already been dismissed while five have resigned from the army before being detected. Officials also revealed that around 750 citizens have traveled to Syria to help ISIS. Officials are asking politicians to pass a new law that will allow stricter background checks for all soldiers in order to prevent those with terrorist tendencies from joining the army. Investigators with the army said that soldiers have been fighting for ISIS as early as 2007. Since 2007, the army has investigated 320 soldiers for ties to terrorism. Sad girl (illustration) By: Tanya Malhotra Two young girls were arrested on a charge of kidnapping after allegedly abducting a 3-year-old girl while her mother was shopping at a clothing store, police in the United Kingdom said. Newcastle police said that they have arrested the two girls, aged 13 and 14, after being accused of shoplifting from the Primark clothing store and kidnapping the child. According to the police investigation, the teenagers abducted the three-year-old girl as the mother shopped at the Primark clothing store on Wednesday. The girls mother reported her missing around 5:00 p.m. The crying girl was found by police in a park about three miles away around 6:00 p.m. The two girls were charged with one count of shoplifting and one count of kidnapping. The two suspects were brought before the North Tyneside Magistrates Court, where they were remanded into custody. Michael John Harcharik By: Mahesh Sarin A family who was devastated over the loss of their father, soon learned that he was robbed by a man who was supposed to help save his life. The paramedic of New Mexico, was arrested after he stole a credit card of a man getting treatment and used it after the man died. Police in Santa Fe, said that Michael John Harcharik, 31, made purchases of more than $11,000 on the credit card that belonged to Allan Pearson. Police arrested Harcharik, after the daughter of Pearson realized that there had been multiple transactions on the card after her fatheras death, including cash withdrawals and purchases of a lawn mower, boots, dog food and auto parts. Police believe Harcharik stole the card while working as a paramedic as he was dispatched to the home of the 76-year-old man. Pearson was found unconscious and he died of complications from diabetes. Rebecca Pearson told police that he had written the PIN code for her father on his credit card. Harcharik was arrested on suspicion of theft and fraudulent use of a credit card. City spokesman Matt Ross said that Harcharik, will remain an employee during the investigation, but he will have no interaction with the public as he was placed on alternate duty. Ukraine's public prosecution demands that two Russian Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU) officers Alexander Alexandrov and Yevgeny Yerofeyev be imprisoned for 15 years with confiscation of property for having committed grave crimes in Ukrainian territory, including aggressive war and an act of terrorism, which has inflicted deaths. Participating in the pleadings, prosecutor Ihor Nimchenko said that the fact that Alexandrov and Yerofeyev are Russian officers who were committing their commander's order raises no doubt and has been completely proven. "There are full confirmations of the fact of aggressive war by Russian special operations forces The professional servicemen were executing the order of their command to conduct the aggressive war," he said. "I ask that Yerofeyev be found guilty of committing the crimes with the punishment assigned as 15 years in prison. With confiscation of property," representative of the state prosecution Maksym Krym said. The prosecutors demand the same punishment for the other Russian serviceman Alexandrov. In keeping with Ukrainian law, lawyers for the defense and prosecution will make closing arguments, followed by final statements from the defendants. The judges will then recess to their chambers to formulate their verdict. On May 16, 2015, Russian military servicemen Alexandrov and Yerofeyev were detained near the town of Schastia, Luhansk region of Ukraine, according to Kyiv, in an attempt to seize a strategic bridge. On May 19, Ukrainian detectives told the Russians that they were suspected of crimes stipulated under Article 258-3 of the Ukrainian Penal Code for involvement in terrorist activities. The Kyiv Shevchenkivsky District Court ordered their arrest on May 22. The Russian Defense Ministry said that Yerofeyev and Alexandrov were not on Russian military duty at the moment of their detention in Ukraine. The Board of the High Specialized Court of Ukraine decided on October 15 that Kyiv's Holosiyivskiy District Court would hear the case of the Russians. The court began to hear the merits of the case on November 10. The Kyiv Court of Appeals has agreed with the arguments of the prosecutor and upheld the seizure of UAH 2.3 million, belonging to ex-Prime Minister of Ukraine Mykola Azarov, placed in PJSC Oschadbank. According to the PR department of the Prosecutor General's Office of Ukraine (PGO), the State Financial Monitoring Service of Ukraine revealed another account opened by former Prime Minister Azarov in Oschadbank. The PGO established that Azarov accumulated funds in the amount of UAH 2.3 million on the specified account. "To enable a possible confiscation of the property belonging to the suspect, at the PGO request dated February 24, 2016 the investigating judge of Kyiv's Pechersky District Court seized these funds with a ban on any transactions," the PGO said. It is noted that the Kyiv Court of Appeals on April 12, 2016 agreed with the arguments of the prosecutor and confirmed that the funds accumulated on the bank account are subject to limitation that may be imposed in accordance with Article 170 of the Criminal Procedural Code of Ukraine, recognizing the arrest of this money legal. Wrexham Council Leader Branded Liar Pritchard Stands By His Comments This article is old - Published: Friday, Apr 15th, 2016 Local MP Ian Lucas has said Wrexham Council Leader Mark Pritchards recollection of comments made regarding Council mergers are fiction with former AM (now candidate) Lesley Griffiths branding Cllr Pritchard comments a lie. On Wednesday evening a meeting was held over possible implications of Council mergers on Community Councils with fears expressed Wrexham could lose up to 30 of its Community Councils. (you can read our meeting report here.) During the meeting Cllr Pritchard stated: Lesley Griffiths, Ken Skates, Susan Elan Jones, Ian Lucas, they all support one authority in North Wales, saying specifically, They made it clear they wanted to reduce Community Councils. Yesterday two letters were sent to Cllr Prichard stating those comments are untrue. Wrexham.com also received copies of the letters. Local Welsh Labour Assembly candidate, and former Wrexham AM until recently, Lesley Griffiths wrote to Cllr Pritchard stating: You are quoted as stating I support one authority in North Wales. This is a lie. You need to retract this statement and apologise publicly for this misrepresentation. I do not support one authority in North Wales and have never stated that. I however, along with thousands of Wrexham people I speak to, do support a reduction in the number of Councils across Wales in order to save money and protect public services. Local MP Ian Lucas also has written to Cllr Pritchard stating: I am not and have never been in favour of a single authority for North Wales. I do not favour reduction in the number of Community Councils. In fact, I think they should have greater powers. It really is not appropriate for you to misrepresent me in this way. I would like you to withdraw these untrue statements. Wrexham.com spoke with Cllr Pritchard after receipt of Lesley Griffiths letter, however prior to the correspondence from Mr Lucas. We relayed the key elements of Lesley Griffiths letter and asked for comment. Cllr Pritchard reiterated his comments from Wednesday again today us, referring to a meeting where he says contrary opinions on a single Council for North Wales were aired between himself and Ian Lucas, Lesley Griffiths, Susan Elan Jones and Ken Skates. Mr Lucas says he has no knowledge of the topic being discussed with Cllr Pritchard, writing in his letter: You have never discussed these matters with me and have no right to mislead people about what I think and what my views are. Mr Lucass letter to Cllr Pritchard was copied to Wrexham Councils Chief Legal Officer, noting: I think you need to discuss matters with him. Lesley Griffiths letter also calls into question the point of last nights meeting, The issues you discuss around proposals for Local Government and Community Councils will be a matter for the next Welsh Government. You are fully aware the consultation period for the White Paper has now closed, rendering your meeting completely irrelevant. Cllr Pritchard responded yesterday: If she thinks it was irrelevant she is completely wrong. It is about local democracy at a local level, which I am passionate about. The difficulty we all have is they are going to reduce the number of Community Councils. Lesley has made it clear to me on numerous occasions she supports one authority in North Wales, one big authority, and the impact of that is then there will come a reduction in the number of Community Councils. The bigger agenda is that they want to run everything from Cardiff, and I will not support that either. When read the accusation from Lesley Griffiths that the claim she supported a single authority was a lie, the response from Cllr Pritchard was blunt, saying: I dont tell lies. Cllr Pritchard, stated a big hole was being dug and he was staggered at the comments. He added: I was in a meeting with Ian Lucas, Lesley, Susan Elan Jones, Ken Skates in my office and I told them I could not support the merger. Ken came out publicly saying he supported a one authority in North Wales. They all did. If they feel one authority in North Wales is right for Wales thats fine, let them justify it. I dont think it is right. As noted in our meeting report there were issues with some Assembly candidates not attending the event due to late invites, and as we noted our own invite did not materialise. Lesley Griffiths in her letter to Cllr Pritchard said: If you were serious in wanting my attendance, you should have given me more than 24 hours notice. As I explained in my email to the Clerk of Esclusham Community Council, I received the invitation on the evening of 12th April. I now understand Community Councils received their invitations three weeks ago. Mr Lucas notes there appears to be some attempt to open, or reopen dialogue from Wrexham Council over mergers, writing: I understand that you contacted my office today asking for a meeting to discuss Local Government reorganisation. I see no purpose in such a meeting until after the National Assembly for Wales Election. In any event, I have no time for such a meeting in the foreseeable future. We are expecting a further reply from Cllr Pritchard and will update as and when that is received. Local Labour Councillor Andrew Bailey has weighed in on the topic on the forums, you can read his post and resulting thread by clicking here Wrexham Man Returns as Host of Popular Television Quiz Series This article is old - Published: Friday, Apr 15th, 2016 A Wrexham man will be returning to screens this evening to host a popular quiz show which puts Welsh couples to the test. Stifyn Parri, from Rhosllannerchrugog will head up popular TV series Sion a Sian will return to S4C tonight. He will be joined by co-presenter Heledd Cynwal, from Llandeilo to host the series for the third time. The show has been a firm fixture in Welsh television schedules for more than 50 years putting Welsh couples to the test to find out how much they really know about each other. Speaking about his experience presenting the show, Stifyn said: We enjoy working together and co-hosting the programme. We are Sion and Sian and of course, Im Sian! But the star of the show is the format, because its been a success around the world and it was first broadcast in Welsh. Its part of our DNA here in Wales. In the show, two couples answer questions about each other, to find out who knows their partner the best. Stifyn, Heledd and the audience also hear some interesting and funny tales from the couples and get a sneak peak at their homes. Although theres 1,000 jackpot at stake, the atmosphere while filming the show has been nothing but fun, according to the presenters. For this series, the show was filmed at Venue Cymru, in Llandudno, for the first time in the history of the programme. The presenters enjoyed the welcome they received at their new home by the sea. Personally, Ive enjoyed being in Llandudno, explained Heledd. But I think its also given the people travelling up from mid and south Wales an enjoyable day out. Its like a mini break for them. Stifyn added, Theres a different feel to shooting the series here, at a theatre in Venue Cymru. Theres a warmer feeling here than at a studio. It helps being the best out of Sion a Sian. In this first programme, the couples come from mid and north Wales. Catrin and Mesach Jones live in Llanbadarn Fawr, near Aberystwyth. Catrin is keen member of several drama societies and Mesach enjoys cooking when home from his travels as a livestock lorry driver. Sion Morgan and Siwan Williams live in Llanfaelog on Anglesey. They met 10 years ago in the 6th form when they were both studying Music. Now they are teachers themselves and music still plays a large part in their lives as Sion is drummer with the group Masters in France. Sion a Sian will return to S4C this evening at 8:25pm. Air traffic controllers at Brussels Zavantem airport, who mounted a sick-out on Tuesday night and Wednesday shutting down air traffic over Belgium, returned to work yesterday. Belgocontrol, the Belgian air security authority, indicated that no workers had called in sick, unlike Wednesday when the action forced the cancellation of 400 flights. Trade unions are continuing to negotiate with Belgocontrol and the government on the reactionary contract proposal, which includes increasing the retirement age three years to 58 and hiring 30 more controllers by the beginning of next year. The Belgian Guild of Air Traffic Controllers (BGATC), a minority union that criticized the contract negotiated by the state and public sector unions, did not respond to WSWS requests for comment. After reports indicated that one of its officials had said the guild would support a sick-out, the BGATC aggressively distanced itself on Wednesday from the action against the contract, trying to isolate its members. It issued a statement declaring, In no case has the guild organised, mobilised or called on its members to start this strike action. This is entirely in keeping with the anti-worker role of the Belgian trade unions, which have sought to strangle workers opposition to the right-wing, pro-austerity government of Prime Minister Charles Michel, and keep strike action within the well-worn channels of symbolic one-day protests. The unions did not reply to Michels incendiary charges, exploiting the tragedy of the March 22 bombing at Zavantem airport and the Brussels metro by Islamist fighters linked to the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) militia. The prime minister said that in this context, the strike was totally unacceptable and that strikers aimed to take the country hostage, to put our image and our economic situation in danger. These comments were echoed by Philippe Lamberts, a Green Member of the European Parliament representing Brussels. He denounced the strikers for a total lack of consideration, adding, They have basically taken the major airport in the country hostage. These are reactionary slanders aiming to brand workers defense of wages and conditions as essentially terrorist activity, while distracting public attention from rising revelations of the Belgian governments role in the run-up to the March 22 attacks. Political responsibility for the attacks lies not with strikers but with the NATO powers, which built up a vast cadre of Islamist terror fighters during their reactionary proxy war in Syria. The terrorists had been identified to the Belgian authorities, as well as the fact that there would be attacks on Zavantem airport and the Brussels subway, and that these attacks were imminent. Nonetheless, nothing was done, apparently because the Islamist network developed in Brussels was too vast for Belgian intelligence agencies to effectively monitor. Earlier this month, police stationed at Zavantem airport circulated an open letter stating that repeated warnings about security lapses at the airport had been ignored. They threatened strike action that was reportedly narrowly averted by last-minute negotiations. The escalating fighting inside the state machine over who will take the blame for a stunning security lapse that cost 31 lives is increasingly claiming the heads of top officials. Yesterday, the president of the Belgian federal transport authority, Laurent Ledoux, resigned and bitterly attacked Transport Minister Jacqueline Galant, saying her conduct was worthy of the Gestapo for having asked him to name and denounce other Belgian transport officials. Galant, who responded by pledging a psycho-social inquiry into the well-being of her ministrys staff, also faced charges that she lied to the Belgian parliament when she claimed that she had never received any requests to beef up security at Belgian airports. Yesterday, letters addressed to Galant leaked to the press, in which Ledoux called for a vast increase in spending on security. The contents of these letters again point to the responsibility of the close collaboration between the Belgian and NATO foreign policy and security establishment with the Islamist terrorist groups in the March 22 attacks. In one remarkable passage noted without comment by Le Soir, Ledoux writes, One can enter into the airport as if it were a windmill, well-known jihadists walk around there with access badges. In this letter dated December 15, 2014, Ledoux added, For years, there have been serious gaps in Belgium on airport security. We will probably have to review the organization of the aerial security inspection service and recruit qualified personnel (which we do not have internally), or hire consultants. Given our current budgetary limitations, we will need the full support of the cabinet to carry out this task. If the security services are so thoroughly penetrated by Al Qaeda that they allow Islamist terrorists to wander around the Brussels airport, however, it is unclear what purpose would be served by slashing workers living standards to hand over hundreds of millions of euros more to them. Michel was forced to defend his transport minister in a session of parliament yesterday, in which he lamely asserted that he wanted full transparency on the issue. The attempts of the Belgian bourgeois parties, both in government and in opposition, to discredit strikers by citing the March 22 attacks should be rejected with contempt. The reactionary contract prepared by the government and the unions to the air traffic controllers, the sell-out of workers action, and the March 22 attacks themselves all testify to the utterly reactionary character of the Michel government and its NATO allies. The Labour Party is overwhelmingly for staying in because we believe the European Union has brought investment, jobs and protection for workers, consumers and the environment. This was the opening salvo of party leader Jeremy Corbyns much-anticipated intervention in the June 23 referendum on Britains continued membership of the European Union (EU). It was not the last and not even the worst lie he was to mouth with the aim of defending the interests of the dominant sections of Britains ruling elite against the growing threat of a Brexit. Corbyns speech was peppered with hypocritical invocations of internationalism. Climate change, dealing with big corporations, cyber-crime, the refugee crisis, the impact of globalisation self-evidently require international co-operation, he said, meaning, Collective international action through the European Union is clearly going to be vital He made vague allusions to his previous criticisms of the EU, but there was no mistaking that, in making what he called the case for Remain and reform in Europe, Corbyn was standing four square behind the EU, as he stated, warts and all. His intervention is considered to be vital for the ruling elite, given the widespread hatred of the Conservative government of Prime Minister David Cameron and the deep split in its ranks over Europe. This has meant that the Remain campaign has been hobbled while the Leave campaign, led by the right-wing of the Tory Party and the UK Independence Party (UKIP), has been able to make greater headway than its rotten political pedigree would otherwise suggest. What Corbyn offers is the possibility of mobilising votersespecially young peoplewho are pro-European but hostile to the pro-big business message and anti-migrant rhetoric on both sides of the Brexit debate. His closing remarks were framed as an appeal to everyone, especially young people, to work together across our continent to protect social and human rights, tackle climate change and clamp down on tax dodgers. Corbyn is still portrayed by the media as someone honest and sincere in fighting for what he believes in. Instead, as he has already done on so much else, he has reversed long-held positions in order to speak as one with the right-wing of the Labour Party and the trade unions. He explained how he has listened closely to the views of trade unions and fellow MPs who urged him to advocate democratic reform, economic reform to end self-defeating austerity, labour market reform to strengthen and extend workers rights and new rights for governments and elected authorities to support public enterprise and halt the pressure to privatise services. To which we are supposedly meant to reply, Amen. Even before this wish list has been achieved, according to Corbyn the EU is still supposedly a force for good in protecting workers rights, disabled people, human rights and tackling climate change. Not one syllable was uttered with regard to the actual record of the EU on implementing devastating austerity on Greece and other countries. Neither was there a word of opposition to the EUs inhuman treatment of refugees, even as the death toll mounts into the thousands, sea routes are patrolled by warships, concentration camps are set up and razor wire border fences erected to keep out the victims of wars in which the UK and other European powers have played a leading role. Nor did he warn of the growing danger of military confrontation between the European powers and Russia, and within Europe itselfclaiming instead that his previous opposition to the EU was invalid because the Cold War was at an end. The only time he said anything concrete about the EU was to praise it for supporting and implementing protectionist measures directed against Chinese steel. To underscore his deep political cynicism, he did so after declaring Labour to be an internationalist party and citing the understanding of socialists from the earliest days of the labour movement that workers need to make common cause across national borders. Why, he asked, is it only the British Government that has failed so comprehensively to act to save steel production at home? The European Commission had proposed higher tariffs to stop Chinese steel dumping, but this was blocked by the Tories. Labour would instead be a staunch advocate of protectionism within an EU framework, working with our partners across Europe to stand up for steel production in Britain. Waving the flag, he declared, There is nothing remotely patriotic about selling off our country and our national assets to the highest bidder Corbyns nationalist position will not defend jobs. It will escalate a trade war in which jobs will continue to be destroyed in Britain, Europe, China and internationally. His main political advantage is that the advocates of a Leave vote are more overtly reactionary than he is. Out of a Leave vote, he warned, would emerge a Tory government, quite possibly led by [London Conservative Mayor] Boris Johnson and backed by [UKIP leader] Nigel Farage, that would negotiate the worst of all worlds: a free market free-for-all shorn of rights and protections. What he did not say is that a Remain vote would see the continuation of a Cameron government just as surely pledged to a free market free-for-all shorn of rights and protections. Corbyn acknowledged that debate about EU membership in the next couple of months will focus strongly on jobs and migration, which is perhaps the most anodyne description imaginable of the xenophobic anti-immigrant rhetoric characteristic of both sides of the referendum debate. To this he replied by stressing the opportunities provided for Britons to live and work abroad, while declaring that Labour would carry out government action to train enough skilled workers to end the need for migrant labour to come into the UK. Corbyns invocation of a strong socialist case for staying in the European Union is a fraud. It can gain traction only to the extent that he is hailed by the pseudo-left and Stalinist groups as the architect of a socialist renewal of the Labour Partyeven by those who find themselves at odds with him over Europe. Indeed, they must now perform still more complex political gyrations to justify combining their nationalist case for a Leave vote with their fawning on Corbyn and Labour. Thus, Anybody who supports the election of a Corbyn government with a mandate to end austerity, extend public ownership, redistribute wealth and restructure our economy in the interests of working people needs to explain how this agenda can be implemented in the framework of an EU that bans so much of it, declared the pro-Brexit Communist Party of Britains Morning Star. The Socialist Equality Partys February 29 statement, For an active boycott of the Brexit referendum, tells the truth to the working class. It explains, The Remain and Leave campaigns are both headed by Thatcherite forces that stand for greater austerity, brutal anti-immigrant measures and the destruction of workers rights. Their differences are over how best to defend the interests of British capitalism against its European and international rivals under conditions of economic slump and the escalation of militarism and war. A boycott prepares the ground for the development of an independent political struggle of the British working class against these forces. Such a movement must develop as part of a continent-wide counteroffensive by the working class, which will expose the referendum as only an episode in the deepening existential crisis of the British and European bourgeoisie. Nothing is changed in this analysis by Corbyns pro-EU apologetics. He is merely showing, once again, his true political colours. Brussels needs to think what to do next after Ukraine-EU association referendum in Netherlands - Ukrainian foreign minister The referendum on the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement held in the Netherlands was related to issues of the Dutch people in the first turn, while Ukrainian issues came next, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin has said. "The entire idea of the referendum obviously did not relate to EU-Ukraine association. It was about the attitude of the Dutch people to the European Union," the minister said at the Kyiv security forum on Friday. The Dutch referendum result became a pivotal moment for the European Union, which now needs to decide what to do with this result, he said. In the words of Klimkin, his ministry did unique work before the referendum, which combined the efforts of politicians, parliament deputies and Ukrainian society in the campaign backing EU-Ukraine association in the Netherlands. On April 12, the Dutch Electoral Council announced official results of the advisory referendum on the approval of the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement at the national parliament. According to the report, 61% (about 2.5 million people) objected to the parliamentary act of the kind, 38.21% (approximately 1.57 million) voted in favor. Voter turnout stood at 32.38% (some 4.15 million out of approximately 12.86 million eligible voters participated). A report issued Thursday by the British charity Oxfam found that the 50 largest US corporations are hiding $1.4 trillion in profits in overseas accounts to avoid US income taxes, much of it in tax havens like Bermuda and the Cayman Islands. The biggest tax dodger is technology giant Apple, with $181 billion held offshore. General Electric had the second-largest stash, at $119 billion, enough to repay four times over the $28 billion GE received in federal guarantees during the 2008 Wall Street crash. Microsoft had $108 billion in overseas accounts, with companies like Exxon Mobil, Pfizer, IBM, Cisco Systems, Google, Merck, and Johnson & Johnson rounding out the top ten. Overseas tax havens have been the focus of recent revelations about tax scams by wealthy individuals, based on the leak of the Panama Papers, documents from a single Panama-based law firm, Mossack Fonseca, involving 214,000 offshore shell companies. The firms clients included 29 billionaires and 140 top politicians worldwide, among them a dozen heads of government. But the sums involved in corporate tax scams dwarf those hidden away by individuals. According to the Oxfam report, the offshore manipulations by the 50 largest US corporations cost the US taxpayer $111 billion each year, while robbing another $100 billion annually from countries overseas, many of them desperately poor. The $111 billion a year in US taxes evaded would be sufficient to eliminate 90 percent of child poverty in America, effectively wiping out that social scourge. It is more than the annual cost of the food stamp program, or unemployment benefits, or the total budget of the Department of Education. Oxfam timed the release of its report for the April 15 income tax deadline in the United States (actually Monday, April 18 this year), when tens of millions of working people must file their income tax returns or face federal penalties. Working people could face additional tax penalties of up to 2 percent of household income, to a maximum of $975, under the Obamacare individual mandate, if they have not purchased private health insurance. There is a stark contrast between the IRS hounding of working people for relatively small amounts of moneybut difficult or impossible to pay for those on low incomesand the green light given to corporate tax cheats who evade taxation on trillions in income. As Americans rush to finalize tax returns, multinational corporations that benefit from trillions in taxpayer-funded support are dodging billions in taxes, said Raymond C. Offenheiser, President of Oxfam America. The vast sums large companies stash in tax havens should be fighting poverty and rebuilding Americas infrastructure, not hidden offshore in Panama, Bahamas, or the Cayman Islands. The Oxfam report, titled Broken at the Top, expresses concern that tax dodging by multinational corporationscontributes to dangerous inequality that is undermining our social fabric and hindering economic growth. It continues: This inequality is fueled by an economic and political system that benefits the rich and powerful at the expense of the rest, causing the gains of economic growth over the last several decades to go disproportionately to the already wealthy. Among the most damning examples of this rigged system is the way large, profitable companies use offshore tax havens, and other aggressive and secretive methods, to dramatically lower their corporate tax rates in the United States and developing countries alike. Oxfam collected figures available from the 10-K reports and other financial documents issued by the 50 largest US companies, covering the period since the Wall Street crash, 2008 through 2014, and presented them in an interactive table. The figures included total profits, federal taxes paid, total US taxes paid (including state and local), lobbying expenses, tax breaks, money held in offshore accounts, and benefits received from the federal government, including loans, loan guarantees and bailouts. Among the most important findings: * The top 50 companies made nearly $4 trillion in profits globally, but paid only $412 billion in federal income tax, for an effective tax rate of barely 10 percent, compared to the statutory rate of 35 percent. * The 50 companies spent $2.6 billion to influence the federal government, while reaping nearly $11.2 trillion in federal support, for an effective return of 400,000 percent on their lobbying expenses. * The overseas cash stashed by the 50 companies, nearly $1.4 trillion, is larger than the Gross Domestic Product of Russia, Mexico, Spain or South Korea. * US multinationals reported 43 percent of their foreign earnings from five tax havens, countries that accounted for only 4 percent of their foreign workforce and 7 percent of foreign investment. All told, US companies shifted between $500 billion and $700 billion in profits from countries where economic activity actually took place to countries where tax rates were low. * In the year 2012 alone, US firms reported $80 billion in profits in Bermuda, more than their combined reported profits in the four largest economies (after the US itself): China, Japan, Germany and France. This figure was nearly 20 times the total GDP of the tiny island country. The Oxfam report also pointed to an estimated $100 billion in taxes evaded in foreign countries, many of them rich in natural resources extracted by such global giants as Exxon, Chevron and Dow Chemical. According to the report, Taxes paid, or unpaid, by multinational companies in poor countries can be the difference between life and death, poverty or opportunity. $100 billion is four times what the 47 least developed countries in the world spend on education for their 932 million citizens. $100 billion is equivalent to what it would cost to provide basic life-saving health services or safe water and sanitation to more than 2.2 billion people. The report cited former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annans assessment that Africa loses more money each year to tax dodging than it receives in international development assistance. Oxfam offered no solution to the growth of inequality and the systematic looting by big corporations that its report documents, except to urge governments around the world to close tax loopholes. The group also pleads with the corporate bosses themselves not to be quite so greedy. Neither capitalist governments nor the CEOs will pay the slightest attention. But the working class should take note of these figures, which provide ample evidence of the bankrupt and reactionary nature of capitalism, and the urgent necessity of building a mass movement, on a global scale, to put an end to the profit system. The author also recommends: Imperialism, political corruption and the real face of capitalism [6 April 2016] Panama papers tax evasion leak stokes political crises worldwide [5 April 2016] The US Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC) Wednesday announced that it had determined sufficient evidence exists to establish that the Zika virus, which has spread like wildfire throughout the Americas, causes microcephaly, a devastating birth defect that leaves infants with smaller than normal heads as a result of the brain failing to develop properly. The findings, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, came on the heels of a warning from US health officials that the danger posed to the United States by the virus was far greater than had originally been anticipated. Everything we look at with this virus seems to be a bit scarier than we initially thought, said the CDCs deputy director, Dr. Anne Schuchat. She explained that Aedes aegypti, the mosquito species that carries the virus as well as other illnesses, such as dengue fever, chikungunya and West Nile virus, was present in 30 US states, rather than 12 as originally believed. In the US semi-colonial territory of Puerto Rico, she added, the number of Zika infections may rise into the hundreds of thousands, with hundreds of affected babies. Within the continental US itself, there have been 700 people reportedly infected with the virus as of last week, including 69 pregnant women. Zika is a global threat to public health. This week Brazil, the epicenter of the Zika outbreak, said it had confirmed 1,113 cases of microcephaly, with most of them thought to be caused by mothers contracting the virus during pregnancy. Crises of a similar scale face many countries in Latin America. The World Health Organization has predicted 3-4 million new infections throughout the hemisphere. The virus has also been linked to severe neurological disorders in adults. In the face of this crisis, the US Congress has rejected a request for slightly less than $2 billion to confront the Zika crisis. With no new funding, the Obama administration has siphoned $589 million from funds previously allocated to combat the 2014 Ebola outbreak that has ravaged West Africa, claiming over 11,000 lives. The same Congress had no difficulty in approving hundreds of billions in military spending. The $2 billion proposed for Zika is equivalent to the amount spent to purchase a single Virginia Class nuclear submarine or two stealth bombers. However, there is supposedly no more money that can be allocated to protect mothers, infants and others from the tragic consequences of the Zika virus. This criminal indifference of the US Congress to the spread of the Zika virus stands as an indictment not merely of its Republican leadership, but of an entire social system that subordinates the vital needs of humanity to profits and the accumulation of wealth by a tiny oligarchy. There is a profound class basis for the failure of the US governments response to this public health crisis. The Zika virus is overwhelmingly an illness rooted in poverty and social inequality. The epicenter of the Zika outbreak was the Northeast of Brazil, the poorest region of a country, in which 35 million people have no running water and over 100 million lack access to sewage systems. Millions more live in impoverished favelas, slum neighborhoods, in which regular garbage collection does not exist. All of these factors are ideal for breeding the mosquito that spreads the virus as well as other deadly diseases. Conditions have only worsened as Brazils economy has descended into the worst crisis since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Complacent predictions that the spread of the virus will not present a similar threat to the population of the United States deliberately ignore the fact that large sections of the US population also live in impoverished conditions, without adequate housing, social services or healthcare. This is clearly true in Puerto Rico, where half the population lives below the poverty line. It is also the case in large sections of the south, where the danger is greatest, including in cities such as Miami, Orlando, New Orleans and Houston. This could be a catastrophe to rival Hurricane Katrina or other recent miseries that disproportionately affect the poor, Peter Hotez, chief of the Baylor College of Medicine National School of Tropical Medicine, wrote in a column published in the New York Times last week. The comparison is apt. What was revealed by Katrina was not just the incompetence and indifference of the government in the face of a widely predicted catastrophe, but also the terrible consequences of decades of deterioration and neglect of social infrastructure and the evisceration of social programs benefiting the broad masses of people in order to further enrich a ruling financial and corporate oligarchy. The same attacks have been carried out against the public health care system through decades of budget cuts. This process has culminated in Obamacare, part of a calculated strategy to reorganize health care along class lines, while facilitating the profiteering of the big pharmaceutical and insurance corporations and hospital chains. Revealingly, among the few initiatives announced by the Obama administration and Congress thus far in relation to Zika is an incentive program for the drug companies, offering them expedited regulatory review in order to get their most lucrative new drugs onto the market in return for studying unprofitable infectious diseases like Zika. While public health officials have called for a sharing of all information in regards to such developments, the big pharma companies in the US have given no indication that they will comply. Just as the Ebola outbreak has been followed by Zika, many more devastating epidemics are inevitable, and, given global travel, they will spread around the world. They can be effectively combatted only through an internationally coordinated effort backed by the resources needed not only to rapidly develop and make universally available vaccines against these modern-day plagues, but to eradicate the conditions of poverty and oppression that allow them to spread. Standing in the way of such a necessary effort is a failed capitalist system, which subordinates all social concerns, including health care, to corporate profit and the bitter rivalries between the capitalists of different nation-states. The claim that resources are not available is a lie. The mountains of wealth hoarded by the 20 richest Americans who have more than the bottom 50 percent of the US population would pay for such vitally necessary changes many times over. Confronting crises like the outbreaks of Ebola and Zika is fundamentally a political question. It requires a struggle by the working class internationally to reorganize society on socialist foundations to meet social needs, not private profit. On Wednesday, approximately 30,000 people, the majority in their twenties and thirties, crowded into Washington Square Park in lower Manhattans Greenwich Village to hear Democratic Party presidential candidate Bernie Sanders speak. In attendance were also several hundred workers from telecom giant Verizon who had gone on strike that morning. The size of the event was significant. The rally rivaled the number of people that came to the park in December 2014 to protest the failure of a grand jury to indict the cop who choked to death Staten Island resident Eric Garner in July that year. It surpassed the number of people (about 20,000) who attended Obamas campaign rally in Washington Square Park in 2007. A rally by Hillary Clinton held the same day, in contrast, attracted about 1,300 in the Bronx. For the first time in decades, the primary elections in New York state on April 19 will play a significant role in determining who will win the partys presidential nomination. The 291 delegates at stake are the largest of any single state contest so far in the Democratic primaries. While Clinton continues to lead Sanders in polls by at least ten percentage points in New York, the Senator from Vermont has narrowed the margin significantly over the past several months. National polls indicate that Sanders has a slight lead over Clinton. As at other campaign events, those attending the Sanders rally in New York City were motivated by opposition to inequality, war and the domination of the gigantic banks and corporations over economic and political life. The size of Sanders rallies are an indication of a general leftward shift in the population. There is an enormous chasm, however, between the aspirations of workers and youth and the proposals advanced by the Vermont senator. At his rally, Sanders gave a version of his standard stump speech, speaking of change from below and denouncing Hillary Clinton for taking huge speakers fees from investment bank Goldman Sachs, a remark which elicited a chorus of boos and jeers from the audience. Except for a reference to Clintons vote for the Iraq War, he did not address foreign policy issues, including the increasingly tense military situation in the South China Sea and provocative US actions against Russia. At the Democratic Party debate the next day, the bankruptcy of Sanders proposals to break up the banks was on display, as he insisted that it was not appropriate for the government to make decisions on what banks do, and that the banks themselves would have to make decisions on selling assets if required to by legislation. Sanders has opposed the nationalization of the banks and major corporations or any challenge to the profit principle. In line with the union bureaucrats who spoke, Sanders also promoted economic nationalism, which is used to divide workers against each other. He has been endorsed by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and some other unions. Jacob, from Connecticut, studying acting at New York University, said, It sounds to me like Sanders is representing a middle class that has been left behind. Hes speaking for people who are often not spoken for. He has a strong stance on women's rights and for people of color. Economically I think he is taking a stance against the big banks. He's fighting for your average working class citizen. I think in contrast to Hillary he represents a break from the establishment. I'm dissatisfied with the whole system and I think a lot of people are. He seems more down to earth than the other candidates. When a WSWS reporter pointed to the record of the Democratic Party in supporting the interests of big business, Jacob replied, A lot of people here, including myself are not Democrats. Nothing gets done within this old-fashioned two party system. So anyone who says they are going to challenge that, I admire. When asked about Sanders policies on war Jacob said, I know he flip-flopped on the Iraq war, first voting against it, then for it. That is a concern. Ivan said, Its the first time we have had a genuine left-of-center candidate since [1972 Democratic presidential nominee candidate George] McGovern. Its an opportunity we can't afford to lose. The danger of Bernie not winning is someone like Clinton continuing whats been going on for the last 15 years, which is working people getting shafted. I think Bernies Democratic Socialism is a step on the right path. Having Americans identify as socialists is revolutionary in itself. It brings in a dialogue that has practically been banned here. Ivan went on to say that he wished Sanders was a lot more critical of Israels genocidal occupation of Palestine but he believed that Sanders supporters could push Sanders further to the left. When asked what he thought about the fact that none of the candidates are discussing the growing war danger, Ivan suggested that Sanders was smart to not discuss the issue, since his views on foreign policy would be used against him by the mainstream media. Ivan added, I hope Sanders doesnt support Hillary if he doesn't get the nomination. I myself would not vote for her. Sanders reiterated last week that he would back Clinton is he is defeated in the primaries. Ryanne, a freshman at The New School, said she came to the rally because I feel this is a big thing regardless of who wins, and I want to show my support. Bernie is the only candidate talking about the issue of inequality, and that is really what I support. Asked about her thoughts on the Democratic Party, she added, Honestly, I wanted to register as an independent, and it was very difficult for me to swallow my pride and register as a Democrat [as required in New York to vote in the primaries]. I dont like the Republicans or Hillary, but I feel like I have to vote for the Democrats in opposition to the Republicans. I really dont like siding with one party because of the system. More than 39,000 Verizon workers across the eastern coast of the United States are in the third day of their strike against the giant telecoms demands to slash their health care and pension benefits and transfer workers across wide geographic areas with little or no advance notice. The Communications Workers of America (CWA) called the strike Wednesday morning after forcing Verizon workers to labor without a contract for more than eight months, during which time many were subjected to arbitrary victimization. Many strikers expressed their concern that the CWA would repeat its betrayal of 2011, when it sent workers back to work during the second week of a strike without a contract. It then imposed a contract that cut health benefits and paved the way for further victimizations for supposed picket line violations in the event of another strike. There is widespread sympathy for the striking workers because the issues they are fighting about confront tens of millions of industrial, service and public sector workers. Far from fighting to mobilize the strength of the working class against the corporate-government attack on jobs and living standards, the unions have done everything to isolate each section of workers. The CWA, which has officially endorsed the Democratic Party presidential campaign of Bernie Sanders, has sought to emasculate the strike and use it as a means to boost illusions in the Democratic Party, which, no less than the Republicans, is the enemy of the working class. Sanders and Clinton have visited the picket lines to posture as supporters of the strike. The CWA organized a march across the Brooklyn Bridge and timed the event to correspond with the Democratic debate Thursday night at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. The CWA sent workers to various stunts to promote the Democrats, including picketing McDonalds restaurants in support of the $15 minimum wage campaign. The CWA is also promoting the claim that the Democrats can force Verizon to expand its Fios fiber optic system, which it has generally limited to more profitable markets. Clintons husband oversaw the 1996 Telecommunications Act, which facilitated the consolidation of the industry in the hands of monopolies like Verizon. She also accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in speaking fees from Verizon itself. As for Sanders, the self-described democratic socialist is deliberately concealing the role of the CWA bureaucracy, which has repeatedly betrayed Verizon workers, while echoing the economic nationalism of the unions, which blame Mexican and Philippine workers for taking US jobs. WSWS supporters distributed The political issues in the Verizon Strike and spoke with workers about their struggle. In New York City, Rohan, a field tech splicer who works on the fiber optic and copper lines, told the WSWS, We are striking to keep what we have. Verizon is trying to take away benefits we fought for and won. In 2011, we went back to work without the companys concessions demands being taken off the table. We were forced to accept takeaways. I have a young family at home, and I dont want to pay an arm and a leg for health care. I am young, but I want a pension. Maybe we should have gone out earlier, but at some point we had to do this. Workers are coming to a point where we just say we are tired of this. Mike, a customer service representative, said, Since the Verizon strike in 2011 the social environment is different. The public is now interested in what we want. Americans are starting to recognize that we are losing jobs, everyone. Yesterday students from CUNY [the City University of New York] came out to support our picket lines. Orlando, a field technician, said, The corporation has all the money. The unions are shrinking. It is really good to see all the people out here now. The union and company were negotiating for ten months. This contract would change my job security. Id be without a job. I have fifteen years. I work hard. I earned this. We have to stick together and tell the company, enough is enough. Marching across the Brooklyn Bridge, Will said, The key things are a permanent job, the same level of health care if not better, not letting them take away pensions. 2012 was the last time they offered pensions. They also dont want to contribute to 401(k)s [retirement accounts that are invested in stock markets]. This situation exists because of corporate greed to fatten their pockets. Even when the union negotiating team offered concessions, they said no. They want us to work Sunday as a regular pay day when they are taking you away from your family. The company wants to just extend temporary service, have flexible workers who they dont have to pay benefits. What people dont realize is you cant have wireless without wire lines. They have to be connected. They are infrastructure. In Northern Virginia, Tony, a wire technician with over 19 years on the job, explained how Verizon had changed for the worse during his time there. When I started working, this was a totally different company. At the end of the day you knew that the company actually cared about you, and I was proud to say that I worked for Bell Atlantic; it was the main company to work for, he said. Now its just a job, now its all about money from the company standpoint. Tony said the main issue for workers on strike was the protection of health care and retirement benefits. You shouldnt have to put in 30 years on a job, retire, then have the company come along and say that theyre going to put a cap on your pension, thats just wrong. Whats most disheartening about this is that I like doing my job, but things like this [Verizons demand for concessions] I find really disheartening. Its like we want to do our job, but we feel unappreciated. Nobodys going to give a company their best effort when they feel that way, and for just that reason, you have many people wondering if it is even worth staying with this job. If they cap my pension, well thats a deal breaker to most people. Its hard for people like me to leave because weve already got so much time here. John, a wire technician with 16 years of experience, said that Verizon workers regularly had to work grueling schedules because management will understaff its workforce. If there is a major storm that comes through the area, you are guaranteed to be working 6 or 7 days in a row for an 80-hour workweek. I dont mind overtime, when there is work to be done, but sometimes management will force you to do overtime when there is no work at all, they just are understaffed. The company treats us like were worthless; the upper management likes to force us to work overtime without justification as if having a personal life didnt matter and we dont need days off, he said. These demands always come from upper management; the guys who are our immediate superiors actually have to put in a lot of work as well, and they dont have a union so theyre forced to carry out the orders of the upper management, John stated, adding that Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam makes nearly $30 million a year. Scott, a technician who also had 16 years experience, recalled the bitter experience and betrayal of the 2011 Verizon workers strike, Ill never forget that, he said, we had the company over the barrel, with a hurricane coming and the possibility of mass power outages [throughout the East Coast], and the CWA had us return to work because they said [Verizon] was going to bargain in good faith. Then 14 months pass and we end up getting a contract that cut our health care coverage. When asked why the union had behaved in the way it did, Scott first said that it had been a case of bad judgment by the union, before adding he had fears that the union was colluding with management. Its all about money now, he said, The union is like a business. Im paying $20 dollars a week in dues and so are other guys. That equates to thousands of dollars a week the union gets from its membership, and all we get is $200 a week to come picket out here. Scott recalled the 1996 telecom merger orchestrated by Democratic Party President Bill Clinton. Bell Atlantic was a good company, then it all changed, and we have the Clintons to thank for that. Scott expressed disgust for the Democratic presidential frontrunner Hillary Clinton. Hillary is a liar, she comes from a family of liars, he said. Darren, a younger worker, expressed support for the nominally socialist candidate Bernie Sanders, adding that what currently existed in America was backward socialism, in which the wealthy live off the impoverishment of the poor. Darren expressed agreement when it was explained that socialism meant the unification of the working class internationally on a political program against capitalism rather than the program of economic nationalism promoted by the unions and Sanders. In Scranton, Pennsylvania, reporters from the World Socialist Web Site spoke with about a dozen workers striking the Verizons downtown customer service center. Most of the workers on the picket line were veterans of the 2011 strike. Julie, a call center worker, said that the main issue to her is the threat to jobs. The contract theyre trying to push through will lead to job losses, she said. They can shift jobs overseas or to nonunion places in other parts of the country. Joe said that the last contract was a bad deal for workers, and now Verizon is coming after things they didnt take away in the last strike. Dave, from Scranton, explained that workers are striking against many years of worsening conditions. Ive been working here for 17 years, and every new contract has been worse than the last, he said. Were not going to take it anymore. A WSWS correspondent pointed out that the attack on working-class living standards is targeting sections of the working class one by one, and that the trade unions are leaving each isolated to fight alone: autoworkers, steel workers, and teachers. Julie added, and nurses, too. The Scranton workers agreed when presented with the need to unite the working class and expressed concern when warned that the CWA would send them back to work with a bad deal. Theyre going to have a hard time with that, one of them said. There were a lot of people unhappy with the last contract. Workers also expressed support for the campaign of Bernie Sanders. The WSWS correspondent argued that Sanders purpose in the campaign is to draw workers back in behind the Democratic Party, and that what is needed is to build a political party that unites the whole working class. The workers expressed agreement, but continued to speak of their support for Sanders. Hes more for the working people, Julie said. Hes forcing the media to pay attention to people like us. When asked what the workers anticipated would happen in the strike, Joe raised his fear that it was going to get sent to the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, as happened in 2011. If it winds up there its not good for us, he said. Its pushed around by lobbyists and corporate interests. A lot is riding on this strike, he added. Not just for us, but for other workers, too. A retired Verizon employee in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with 31 years service expressed his support for the strike. Ive worked in the frame, the central office and on the line crew. This has been going on a long time. Verizon is making billions, billions. They are one of the largest and most profitable companies in the world, but it is all about taking from the workers. We built their network, we installed their lines and switching equipment, answer the phones and make it all work yet they have been just pushing and pushing and I am glad that we have started to push back. Jobs are the most important issue. What kind of life does a person have if one day the company can say you are to report over here or over there and that you have to spend two months in New York or Massachusetts? If there was a storm we would go all over the country. I went to Florida for a while after Hurricane Andrew. But this is different. They just want to be able to send you so they dont have to hire people. They have already been cutting too many jobs. I think everyone has to unite together. This is not just Verizon, but every company is cutting back. Look at how rich the rich got after the housing crisis while millions of people are still suffering. Verizon is a global company and we have to unite worldwide. UATV Ukrainian TV channel from early April has appeared in the package of Latvian operator Baltcom, the Information Policy Ministry reported on Friday. The TV channel will be available in Digital Television and Interactive Television packages. Baltcom was established in 1991. It is the largest operator in Lativa and provides services in more than 15 cities and towns. Earlier UATV has become available in Georgia and Azerbaijan. Ukraine's international broadcasting multimedia platform was launched on October 1, 2015. The platform was created on the basis of state-run television companies Global Service Ukrainian Television and Radio Broadcasting, Banking Television and Ukrinform news agency. The UATV channel was introduced instead of satellite UTR TV channel as part of the international broadcasting multimedia platform. It is broadcasted via three satellites: Amos 3, Azerspace 1, Galazy 19, as well on its own YouTube channel in three languages: Ukrainian, Russian and English. CRAWFORDVILLE, FL (WTXL) - Eleven people were honored at the Wakulla County Sheriff's Office Thursday for saving a man's life in March. When Communications Officer JoAnn Taylor answered the 911 call on March 20th, she thought it would be like any other. "A lot of the time we get just common, everyday calls. You know, little stuff. This one -- this one was pretty intense," said Taylor. According the Sheriff's Office, John Mortensen was hunting for turkey near Newport when his tree stand collapsed. Sheriff Charlie Creel said Mortensen's foot caught in a strap during the fall and he was left dangling upside down, almost 10 feet in the air. Taylor says Mortensen hung from the tree stand for several hours before he was able to get his cell phone from his pocket and call 911, but his bad luck wasn't over. Mortensen told Taylor where his truck might be but when first responders went to find it, it was no where to be seen. That's when Sheriff Creel says Taylor stepped up to help first responders on the ground find Mortensen. "The way our system works we have one map that shows where the cell phone is located and then we have another mapping system where we're able to track where our deputies are," said Taylor. Using the two maps, she guided the first responders through the wooded hunting roads, getting them closer and closer to where Mortensen was trapped. "They were about to turn around when I told them 'No, you need to go in a little bit further... He's further in there and says you can see his truck from the road,'" said Taylor. (Continue reading below) Mortensen's truck was found two miles from where he originally told Taylor it would be. "We were able to tell him, 'They're close, they can see your truck, can you start hollering?' and he did," said Taylor. The responders heard Mortensen and cut him down. He had been hanging from the tree for an estimated six hours and had to be transported out in a truck; the fire engine couldn't drive through the woods. "I didn't realize the extent of it until the guys came back out and we got him loaded and then they started calling and saying this guy really was not going to make it if you had not sent us on further down that road," said Taylor. "It was a definite Adrenalin rush, an Adrenalin high... It felt -- it's incredible." Ten individuals including deputies, firefighters, paramedics and even two helicopter pilots that assisted in the search received certificates of appreciation from the Sheriff. "They need honor," said Creel. "It's not every day that you're involved in saving someone's life. And they did it and this man -- if not for these people he would have died." Taylor was given the Lifesaver Award and Creel says he is also nominating her for the Florida Sheriff's Association, Communications Officer of the Year. "She went way above and beyond," said Creel. "To utilize technology and think that quick on her feet to save this man's life -- hopefully this isn't the only recognition she is going to get." TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (By News Service of Florida) -- Gov. Rick Scott on Thursday signed into law a toned-down version of a measure he vetoed last year dealing with efforts to reduce the number of policies in Citizens Property Insurance. The measure (HB 931), one of 20 bills signed by Scott, requires the state-backed Citizens to provide more information to policyholders when they have been targeted for "takeout" by private firms. For example, Citizens, which has shed nearly 1 million policies over the past three years, would have to provide estimates of comparable coverage in the private market and rates available with Citizens. "While there are steps that must be done to further reform the takeout process, this legislation is a move in the right direction," Rep. Dwight Dudley, a St. Petersburg Democrat who co-sponsored the bill, said in a prepared statement. Rep. Kathleen Passidomo, R-Naples, and Rep. Jose Javier Rodriguez, D-Miami, also were sponsors in the House, while Sen. Anitere Flores, R-Miami, sponsored the Senate version. The measure didn't include a proposal that would have required private insurers to agree that initial premiums for former Citizens policyholders wouldn't exceed 10 percent of initial estimates for three years. The proposal also would have allowed former Citizens customers to return within 36 months at a renewal rate if the private companies failed to comply with certain conditions including the rate cap. A similar hard-cap provision was part of the reason Scott vetoed a Citizens bill last year. Flores had pushed to include the provision in this year's effort, noting that some former Citizens customers have seen rates increase by 200 percent. However, the House refused to support language that could have again faced Scott's veto. LEON COUNTY, FL (WTXL) - A vehicle chase, which began in Thomas County, came to an end in Leon County with two suspects arrested. According to the Leon County Sheriff's Office, the chase began in Thomas County, Georgia, when deputies there tried to stop a vehicle. The suspects reportedly fled in their vehicle and began heading south. The pursuit continued into North Florida, deputies said. In the area of North Meridian Road and Bannerman Road, Thomas County deputies reportedly performed a PIT maneuver. That's when a police car hits the rear bumper of a fleeing car in an attempt to spin it out and bring a chase to a safe ending. The PIT maneuver was reportedly successful, and deputies took the driver, 28-year-old Carlos Gutierrez, and his passenger, 24-year-old Christopher Collock, to the Leon County Jail. Gutierrez is charged with driving without a valid drivers license. Collock was charged after deputies discovered he was wanted for petit theft. Both will be held in Leon County before being extradited to Thomas County. For three decades we have conducted a massive economic experiment, testing a theory known as supply-side economics. The theory goes like this: Lower tax rates will encourage more investment, which in turn will mean more jobs and greater prosperityso much so that tax revenues will go up, despite lower rates. The late Milton Friedman, the libertarian economist who wanted to shut down public parks because he considered them socialism, promoted this strategy. Ronald Reagan embraced Friedman's ideas and made them into policy when he was elected president in 1980. For the past decade, we have doubled down on this theory of supply-side economics with the tax cuts sponsored by President George W. Bush in 2001 and 2003, which President Obama has agreed to continue for two years. You would think that whether this grand experiment worked would be settled after three decades. You would think the practitioners of the dismal science of economics would look at their demand curves and the data on incomes and taxes and pronounce a verdict, the way Galileo and Copernicus did when they showed that geocentrism was a fantasy because Earth revolves around the sun (known as heliocentrism). But economics is not like that. It is not like physics with its laws and arithmetic with its absolute values. Tax policy is something the framers left to politics. And in politics, the facts often matter less than who has the biggest bullhorn. The Mad Men who once ran campaigns featuring doctors extolling the health benefits of smoking are now busy marketing the dogma that tax cuts mean broad prosperity, no matter what the facts show. As millions of Americans prepare to file their annual taxes, they do so in an environment of media-perpetuated tax myths. Here are a few points about taxes and the economy that you may not know, to consider as you prepare to file your taxes. (All figures are inflation-adjusted.) 1. Poor Americans do pay taxes. Gretchen Carlson, the Fox News host, said last year "47 percent of Americans don't pay any taxes." John McCain and Sarah Palin both said similar things during the 2008 campaign about the bottom half of Americans. Ari Fleischer, the former Bush White House spokesman, once said "50 percent of the country gets benefits without paying for them." Actually, they pay lots of taxesjust not lots of federal income taxes. Data from the Tax Foundation show that in 2008, the average income for the bottom half of taxpayers was $15,300. This year the first $9,350 of income is exempt from taxes for singles and $18,700 for married couples, just slightly more than in 2008. That means millions of the poor do not make enough to owe income taxes. But they still pay plenty of other taxes, including federal payroll taxes. Between gas taxes, sales taxes, utility taxes and other taxes, no one lives tax-free in America. When it comes to state and local taxes, the poor bear a heavier burden than the rich in every state except Vermont, the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy calculated from official data. In Alabama, for example, the burden on the poor is more than twice that of the top 1 percent. The one-fifth of Alabama families making less than $13,000 pay almost 11 percent of their income in state and local taxes, compared with less than 4 percent for those who make $229,000 or more. 2. The wealthiest Americans don't carry the burden. This is one of those oft-used canards. Sen. Rand Paul, the tea party favorite from Kentucky, told David Letterman recently that "the wealthy do pay most of the taxes in this country." The Internet is awash with statements that the top 1 percent pays, depending on the year, 38 percent or more than 40 percent of taxes. It's true that the top 1 percent of wage earners paid 38 percent of the federal income taxes in 2008 (the most recent year for which data is available). But people forget that the income tax is less than half of federal taxes and only one-fifth of taxes at all levels of government. Social Security, Medicare and unemployment insurance taxes (known as payroll taxes) are paid mostly by the bottom 90 percent of wage earners. That's because, once you reach $106,800 of income, you pay no more for Social Security, though the much smaller Medicare tax applies to all wages. Warren Buffett pays the exact same amount of Social Security taxes as someone who earns $106,800. 3. In fact, the wealthy are paying less taxes. The Internal Revenue Service issues an annual report on the 400 highest income-tax payers. In 1961, there were 398 taxpayers who made $1 million or more, so I compared their income tax burdens from that year to 2007. Despite skyrocketing incomes, the federal tax burden on the richest 400 has been slashed, thanks to a variety of loopholes, allowable deductions and other tools. The actual share of their income paid in taxes, according to the IRS, is 16.6 percent. Adding payroll taxes barely nudges that number. Compare that to the vast majority of Americans, whose share of their income going to federal taxes increased from 13.1 percent in 1961 to 22.5 percent in 2007. (By the way, during seven of the eight George W. Bush years, the IRS report on the top 400 taxpayers was labeled a state secret, a policy that the Obama administration overturned almost instantly after his inauguration.) 4. Many of the very richest pay no current income taxes at all. John Paulson, the most successful hedge-fund manager of all, bet against the mortgage market one year and then bet with Glenn Beck in the gold market the next. Paulson made himself $9 billion in fees in just two years. His current tax bill on that $9 billion? Zero. Congress lets hedge-fund managers earn all they can now and pay their taxes years from now. In 2007, Congress debated whether hedge-fund managers should pay the top tax rate that applies to wages, bonuses and other compensation for their labors, which is 35 percent. That tax rate starts at about $300,000 of taxable incomenot even pocket change to Paulson, but almost 12 years of gross pay to the median-wage worker. The Republicans and a key Democrat, Sen. Charles Schumer of New York, fought to keep the tax rate on hedge-fund managers at 15 percent, arguing that the profits from hedge funds should be considered capital gains, not ordinary income, which got a lot of attention in the news. What the news media missed is that hedge-fund managers don't even pay 15 percent. At least, not currently. So long as they leave their money, known as "carried interest," in the hedge fund, their taxes are deferred. They only pay taxes when they cash out, which could be decades from now for younger managers. How do these hedge-fund managers get money in the meantime? By borrowing against the carried interest, often at absurdly low ratescurrently about 2 percent. Lots of other people live tax-free, too. I have Donald Trump's tax records for four years early in his career. He paid no taxes for two of those years. Big real-estate investors enjoy tax-free living under a 1993 law President Clinton signed. It lets "professional" real-estate investors use paper losses like depreciation on their buildings against any cash income, even if they end up with negative incomes like Trump. Frank and Jamie McCourt, who own the Los Angeles Dodgers, have not paid any income taxes since at least 2004, their divorce case revealed. Yet they spent $45 million one year alone. How? They just borrowed against Dodger ticket revenue and other assets. To the IRS, they look like paupers. In Wisconsin, Terrence Wall, who unsuccessfully sought the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in 2010, paid no income taxes on as much as $14 million of recent income, his disclosure forms showed. Asked about his living tax-free while working people pay taxes, he had a simple response: Everyone should pay less. 5. And (surprise!) since Reagan, only the wealthy have gained significant income. The Heritage Foundation, the Cato Institute and similar conservative marketing organizations tell us relentlessly that lower tax rates will make us all better off. "When tax rates are reduced, the economy's growth rate improves and living standards increase," according to Daniel J. Mitchell, an economist at Heritage until he joined Cato. He says that supply-side economics is "the simple notion that lower tax rates will boost work, saving, investment and entrepreneurship." When Reagan was elected president, the top marginal tax rate (the tax rate paid on the last dollar of income earned) was 70 percent. He cut it to 50 percent and then 28 percent starting in 1987. It was raised by George H.W. Bush and Clinton, and then cut by George W. Bush. The top rate is now 35 percent. Since 1980, when Reagan won the presidency promising prosperity through tax cuts, the average income of the vast majoritythe bottom 90 percent of Americanshas increased a meager $303, or 1 percent. Put another way, for each dollar people in the vast majority made in 1980, in 2008 their income was up to $1.01. Those at the top did better. The top 1 percent's average income more than doubled to $1.1 million, according to an analysis of tax data by economists Thomas Piketty and Emmanuel Saez. The really rich, the top one-tenth of 1 percent, each enjoyed almost $4 in 2008 for each dollar in 1980. The top 300,000 Americans now enjoy almost as much income as the bottom 150 million, the data show. 6. When it comes to corporations, the story is much the sameless taxes. Corporate profits in 2008, the latest year for which data are available, were $1,830 billion, up almost 12 percent from $1,638.7 billion in 2000. Yet, even though corporate tax rates have not been cut, corporate income-tax revenues fell to $230 billion from $249 billionan 8 percent decline, thanks to a number of loopholes. The official 2010 profit numbers are not added up and released by the government, but the amount paid in corporate taxes is: In 2010 they fell further, to $191 billiona decline of more than 23 percent compared with 2000. 7. Some corporate tax breaks destroy jobs. Despite all the noise that America has the world's second-highest corporate tax rate, the actual taxes paid by corporations are falling because of the growing number of loopholes and companies shifting profits to tax havens like the Cayman Islands. And right now America's corporations are sitting on close to $2 trillion in cash that is not being used to build factories, create jobs or anything else, but acts as an insurance policy for managers unwilling to take the risk of actually building the businesses they are paid so well to run. That cash hoard, by the way, works out to nearly $13,000 per taxpaying household. A corporate tax rate that is too low actually destroys jobs. That's because a higher tax rate encourages businesses (who don't want to pay taxes) to keep the profits in the business and reinvest, rather than pull them out as profits and have to pay high taxes. The 2004 American Jobs Creation Act, which passed with bipartisan support, allowed more than 800 companies to bring profits that were untaxed but overseas back to the United States. Instead of paying the usual 35 percent tax, the companies paid just 5.25 percent. The companies said bringing the money home"repatriating" it, they called itwould mean lots of jobs. Sen. John Ensign, the Nevada Republican, put the figure at 660,000 new jobs. Pfizer, the drug company, was the biggest beneficiary. It brought home $37 billion, saving $11 billion in taxes. Almost immediately it started firing people. Since the law took effect, Pfizer has let 40,000 workers go. In all, it appears that at least 100,000 jobs were destroyed. Now Congressional Republicans and some Democrats are gearing up again to pass another tax holiday, promoting a new Jobs Creation Act. It would affect 10 times as much money as the 2004 law. 8. Republicans like taxes too. President Reagan signed into law 11 tax increases, targeted at people down the income ladder. His administration and the Washington press corps called the increases arevenue enhancers.a Reagan raised Social Security taxes so high that by the end of 2008, the government had collected more than $2 trillion in surplus tax. George W. Bush signed a tax increase, too, in 2006, despite his written ironclad pledge never to raise taxes on anyone. It raised taxes on teenagers by requiring kids up to age 17, who earned money, to pay taxes at their parents' tax rate, which would almost always be higher than the rate they would otherwise pay. It was a story that ran buried inside The New York Times one Sunday, but nowhere else. In fact, thanks to Republicans, one in three Americans will pay higher taxes this year than they did last year. First, some history. In 2009, President Obama pushed his own tax cutfor the working class. He persuaded Congress to enact the Making Work Pay Tax Credit. Over the two years 2009 and 2010, it saved single workers up to $800 and married heterosexual couples up to $1,600, even if only one spouse worked. The top 5 percent or so of taxpayers were denied this tax break. The Obama administration called it "the biggest middle-class tax cut" ever. Yet last December the Republicans, poised to regain control of the House of Representatives, killed Obama's Making Work Pay Credit while extending the Bush tax cuts for two more yearsa policy Obama agreed to. By doing so, Congressional Republican leaders increased taxes on a third of Americans, virtually all of them the working poor, this year. As a result, of the 155 million households in the tax system, 51 million will pay an average of $129 more this year. That is $6.6 billion in higher taxes for the working poor, the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center estimated. In addition, the Republicans changed the rate of workers' FICA contributions, which finances half of Social Security. The result: If you are single and make less than $20,000, or married and less than $40,000, you lose under this plan. But the top 5 percent, people who make more than $106,800, will save $2,136 ($4,272 for two-career couples). 9. Other countries do it better. We measure our economic progress, and our elected leaders debate tax policy, in terms of a crude measure known as gross domestic product. The way the official statistics are put together, each dollar spent buying solar energy equipment counts the same as each dollar spent investigating murders. We do not give any measure of value to time spent rearing children or growing our own vegetables or to time off for leisure and community service. And we do not measure the economic damage done by shocks, such as losing a job, which means not only loss of income and depletion of savings, but loss of health insurance, which a Harvard Medical School study found results in 45,000 unnecessary deaths each year. Compare this to Germany, one of many countries with a smarter tax system and smarter spending policies. Germans work less, make more per hour and get much better parental leave than Americans, many of whom get no fringe benefits such as health care, pensions or even a retirement savings plan. By many measures the vast majority live better in Germany than in America. To achieve this, unmarried Germans on average pay 52 percent of their income in taxes. Americans average 30 percent, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. At first blush the German tax burden seems horrendous. But in Germany (as well as in Britain, France, Scandinavia, Canada, Australia and Japan), tax-supported institutions provide many of the things Americans pay for with after-tax dollars. Buying wholesale rather than retail saves money. A proper comparison would take the 30 percent average tax on American workers and add their out-of-pocket spending on health care, college tuition and fees for services, and compare that with taxes that the average German pays. Add it all up and the combination of tax and personal spending is roughly equal in both countries, but with a large risk of catastrophic loss in America, and a tiny risk in Germany. Americans take on $85 billion of debt each year for higher education, while college is financed by taxes in Germany and tuition is cheap to free in other modern countries. While soaring medical costs are a key reason that since 1980 bankruptcy in America has increased 15 times faster than population growth, no one in Germany or the rest of the modern world goes broke because of accident or illness. And child poverty in America is the highest among modern countriesalmost twice the rate in Germany, which is close to the average of modern countries. On the corporate tax side, the Germans encourage reinvestment at home and the outsourcing of low-value work, like auto assembly, and German rules tightly control accounting so that profits earned at home cannot be made to appear as profits earned in tax havens. Adopting the German system is not the answer for America. But crafting a tax system that benefits the vast majority, reduces risks, provides universal health care and focuses on diplomacy rather than militarism abroad (and at home) would be a lot smarter than what we have now. Here is a question to ask yourself: We started down this road with Reagan's election in 1980 and upped the ante in this century with George W. Bush. How long does it take to conclude that a policy has failed to fulfill its promises? And as you think of that, keep in mind George Washington. When he fell ill his doctors followed the common wisdom of the era. They cut him and bled him to remove bad blood. As Washington's condition grew worse, they bled him more. And like the mantra of tax cuts for the rich, they kept applying the same treatment until they killed him. Luckily we don't bleed the sick anymore, but we are bleeding our government to death. David Cay Johnston is a columnist for tax.com and teaches the tax, property and regulatory law of the ancient world at Syracuse University College of Law and Whitman School of Management. He has also been called the "de facto chief tax enforcement officer of the United States" because his reporting in The New York Times shut down many tax dodges and schemes, just two of them valued by Congress at $260 billion. Johnston received a 2001 Pulitzer Prize for exposing tax loopholes and inequities. He wrote two bestsellers on taxes, Perfectly Legal and Free Lunch. Later this year, Johnston will be out with a new book, The Fine Print, revealing how big business, with help from politicians, abuses plain English to rob you blind. WWeek 2015 Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Chief Monitor to Ukraine Ertugrul Apakan has expressed his dismay at a large number of ceasefire violations recorded lately in eastern Ukraine and called on the conflicting parties to observe the Minsk Agreements. "The fighting needs to stop now - the sides have to stand by the agreement they reached: introduce a full and sustainable ceasefire, withdraw weapons, clear the land of mines and create a safe and secure environment for civilians," the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine quoted Apakan as saying. He also pointed out that the number of ceasefire violations recorded by the SMM on April 14 exceeded 4,000. "The most acute deterioration was seen in the Avdiyivka-Yasynuvata area in the Donetsk region, with high numbers of explosions caused by proscribed weapons," the SMM press service said. The murder of the three Israelis by ISIS in Istanbul gave Israelis hope that there would be a thaw in the relations between Turkey and Israel. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter In addition, exactly three years have passed since Netanyahuunder pressure by the Obama administrationapologized for the "loss of life" during the takeover of the Marmara flotilla. "Relations will return to normal, and the embassies will return," Netanyahu promised. Erdogan said, "Friendship between the two nations is important." Grueling negotiations then took place to bring the relationship back to its former level, which should lead to an agreement soon. Throughout this period, however, Erdogan has slandered and attacked Israel and the Jews over and over to further his political career. Anti-Israeli and anti-Semitic incitement have proven to be great methods of recruiting a critical mass of support, even in light of the growing disgust within large segments of Turkish society with Erdogan's autocratic rule and his Islamist party. The Turkish attitude towards Israel is very complicated. There's a segment of Turks who view Israel as a successful example of the importation of democracy and westernization into the Middle East. There are also Turks who have an historical aversion to Arabsstemming from a sense of superiority historically and culturallywhich brings them closer to Israel. Yet, most of the Turkish public is deeply anti-Semitic. This can be seen in the way they believe that Israel wants to take control of Turkey to erase and destroy its Muslim identity. Israeli President Rivlin and Turkish President Erdogan (Photo: Amil Salman, AP, AFP) It's impossible to negate the importance of conspiracy theories in Turkish society, particularly the conspiracy regarding the "Dunma"the descendents of the Sabbateans (followers of the false prophet Sabbatai Tzvi) who converted to Islamwho are allegedly secretly working in the name of "world Jewry" to make Turkey modern, secular, and pro-Israel. During Erdogan's first days in office, after he returned from a visit to Israel to remove his party's reputation of being "extremist Islamists," his rivals accused him of having Jewish origins. Many in the Turkish elite loathe Israel. In fact, this elite was key in protests against the decades-long cooperation between the Israeli government and Turkish military. Israel is thought of by them as a partner that suppresses human rights, suppresses Muslims, and suppresses other minorities. Geo-strategic constraints generally don't allow Israel to choose its partners based on moral values. However, does Israel want to have a real reconciliation with Turkey and have good relations with the country while it's still under the control of the "Sultan in Ankara?" With the current repression of human rights, freedom of the press, freedom of expression, and suppression of the Kurdish and Christian minorities under Erdogan's "dictatorship," Israel can hold off on racing to warm its relationship with Turkey. In fact, reconciliation will only make Israel look worse in the eyes of the Turkish moderates who do wish for better relations with Israel. In any case, there's no guarantee that if Israel agrees to Erdogan's demands that he will be any warmer to Israel. In fact, he may even be harsher. If there is a "normalization agreement," it's in Israel's interest to downplay it. Any expression of undue importance will only harm Israel's reputation. Hamas has quickly learned the lessons of the 2014 Operation Protective Edge and has been hard at work recovering its strength, a high-ranked IDF officer said Thursday. However, the Gaza terror organization has yet to restore its rockets arsenal to the same quantity and quality as before the war, it is hindered by a shortage in supply of arms and raw materials, and suffers from increasing tensions between its military and political branches. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter During a briefing to the media, a the senior IDF officer revealed some of the military's plans for a future conflict in Gaza. He also described a situation very similar to the period before the outbreak of Operation Protective Edge: Hamas in Gaza is pushing for an escalation of violence and trying to execute terror bombings in the West Bank - but is not interested in a confrontation with Israel in the Strip itself. At the same time, Hamas is dedicating most of its time and resources to restoring its military strength and further bolstering its forces. "Hamas is suspicious of Israel, fearing that it will initiate a surprise attack on the Gaza Strip, which is why we're concerned that Hamas will miscalculate the situation," the officer said. "They're highly-sensitive about any statements made on our side." Palestinian terrorists firing rockets at Israel (Photo: AFP/File) Thirty-five rockets have been fired from Gaza at Israel since the end of Operation Protective Edge by other factions in the Strip. Most of these rockets either fell in open areas or were intercepted. Hamas, the official said, was quick to arrest those who violated the ceasefire. "Hamas has established a border-protecting unit that enforces the ceasefire ad prevents terror attacks against Israel," he said. "Even when roadside bombs went off - the last of which on Friday was an old IED - they were planted by other factions," he said. "Hamas sends us messages that it is working to stop attacks against us, that it remains restrained and that it is not interested in escalating the situation in the area because it is busy rehabilitating itself and the Strip. This view is shared by the IDF and other security forces, but we're not confused by it." Hamas's military leadership is more dominant now, challenging the political leadership at every turn and turning them into mere figureheads. A good demonstration of that was in recent weeks when the military wing - commanded by Mohammed Deif, his deputy Marwan Issa, who is responsible for communications with the political leadership, and Yahya Sanwar, who was released as part of the Shalit deal and is largely seen as Hamas's "defense minister" - executed one of the organization's battalion commanders without seeking the approval of the political leadership - raising the ire of Hamas leader Khaled Mashal. Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif challenges the organization's political leadership (Photo: EPA) "The lessons the military wing learned from Operation Protective Edge is that they should not have listened to the political leadership as much as they did, because the political bureau failed to reach any achievements in the war," the official explained. "They also claim Hamas's political leadership limited them when it came to surprise attacks against Israel." "You can't ignore the strength of the military wing in the Strip, which is supporting ISIS in the Sinai and making a series of appointments that are not to the liking of the political leadership," he added. Investing in drones The Military Intelligence Directorate has reported that the Hamas was investing a lot of time and resources in training its Nukhba force - the elite unit that will be sent to execute "quality operations" against Israel, like strategic bombings. The Nukhba unit has grown since the summer of 2014 and now numbers 5,000 fighters - out of Hamas's overall 20,000. Hamas is also investing in the training of its naval commando unit as part of the lessons learned from Operation Protective Edge, when that unit tried to infiltrated the Zikim beach, was spotted by IDF lookouts, and gunned down. Now, the commando unit has far more divers than it had before. Furthermore, Hamas is investing in the development of drones - with funds and knowhow from Iran. When it comes to its production of rockets, Hamas has been hindered by a shortage of raw materials, mostly because the Egyptian military destroyed most of the smuggling tunnels connecting the Gaza Strip to the Sinai Peninsula. This has been making it harder on the terror group to restock its arsenal. Still, Hamas continues testing and developing rockets by firing middle- and long-range rockets into the sea in an effort to bypass the Iron Dome missile-defense system. Hamas trying to challenge the Iron Dome missile-defense system (Photo: Herzl Yosef) At the same time, Hamas is developing mortar shells and short-range rockets with very big payloads that could reach 150-200 kilograms per warhead - the kind of which they did not have before. Hamas chose to direct its resources thus as most of the Israelis killed by rocket fire during Operation Protective Edge were hit by the short-range fire to the border communities. In addition, Israel is limited when it comes to providing sufficient warning of short-range rockets, and limited in their interception. However, "Hamas is not yet mass producing these mortar shells because of its difficulties in getting raw materials," the senior officer said. In addition, the IDF has cautioned about continued attempts by Hamas to establish cells to attack Israel during war time from different fronts - including Lebanon and the Sinai, aided by ISIS militants in the peninsula. Israel, the IDF officer noted, "has an interest in the Egyptian army defeating ISIS and not losing its control over northern Sinai. They're already operating against the smuggling to the Gaza Strip. We've approved most of their requests to bring land and air forces into the Sinai, temporarily, but some requests - like bringing artillery into the peninsula - were denied." According to the IDF officer, there are three factors that could lead to the renewal of fighting in the south: One of the sides wrongly reading the situation because of a specific incident or declaration, escalation in light of incidents in the West Bank, and the Palestinians tiring of the Israeli military blockade and rising up against it. 'Aerial attacks will be more significant' In order to prepare for a possible renewal of fighting, the IDF's top echelons have recently approved an operative plan to fighting in the Gaza Strip, formulated by the Southern Command. "We have a plan to defeat Hamas's military wing based on different parameters that have been determined," the officer said. "Each of our battalions fighting on its way to its target will kill as many Hamas militants and damage as much of the organization's infrastructure as possible. The aim is to end the next campaign with Hamas's abilities set back by years. The plan is based on strong protection of the Gaza border communities, which will be done by the Gaza Division, while the IDF's gathering areas will be located far from the mortar shell threat." The senior IDF officer further stated that "defeating Hamas will be achieved by offense, not defense, so we can initiate and not get dragged into it, not react to the enemy's moves. We need to surprise the enemy, and do so with great force. In addition, the aerial attacks will be much more significant and effective. Not just bombing for the sake of bombing. The plan will allow for different options - from a deterring strike to the full capture of the Gaza Strip. The plan could develop to the most extreme directions, and will enable us to deliver a very hard blow to the organizations military wing." Members of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades (Photo: AP) However, it's important to mention, the IDF currently sees no alternative ruler for the Gaza Strip as Hamas still enjoys the support of the Palestinian street. The senior officer said battalion commanders in the Southern Command have undergone a series of courses in different topics, including on how to defeat a Hamas battalion. "Each of our battalion commanders maneuvering in the Strip has a whole book about the battalion he'll fight against, including all of its details and characteristics," he said. The senior officer said the plan also takes into consideration the possibility of having to evacuate communities close to the Gaza border. This will be done in coordination with the regional councils, while some personnel will remain in the communities to do vital work and defend the empty homes. The plan includes allocating communities to take in the residents of the evacuated towns. In addition, pending financing promised by the government, the protection measures on the border fence will be increased in order to defend the nearby communities from mass protests on the fence of Palestinians trying to infiltrate Israel. With all of that in mind, the Southern Command stressed that "there are no tensions in the south at the moment. We evaluate our preparedness in the Gaza border area as strong. The assessment right now is that there is not going to be an escalation of hostilities on the southern border in the near future and that the current situation will continue. The IDF will continue assessing the situation. There has been an improvement in the intelligence gathering and in the troops' preparedness." Acting Prosecutor General of Ukraine Yuriy Sevruk has dismissed Mykola Stoyanov from the post of prosecutor of Odesa region and from the prosecution agencies under the law on lustration. "Today, we have received a letter from Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko, who requested to urgently consider the dismissal of Stoyanov and decide if his circumstances fall under the law on lustration. Taking into account the president's proposal and the completion of the checks, Yuriy Sevruk decided to dismiss Stoyanov from the post of prosecutor of Odesa region and from prosecution agencies," prosecutor of the Prosecutor General's Office Vladyslav Kutsenko said at a briefing in Kyiv on Friday. WASHINGTON- U.S. President Barack Obama and Defense Secretary Ash Carter will talk next week with leaders in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries about the fight against Islamic State militants and other defense issues, a White House official said on Thursday. The United States and its Gulf partners have had differences over how best to address conflicts in the region - particularly those with Iran. An article in The Atlantic last month brought some of that tension into the open, including comments from Obama about "free riders" - countries that don't "carry their weight" in conflicts. The US military detected and tracked what it has assessed was a failed North Korean missile launch, a Defense Department spokesman said on Thursday. The launch at 3:33pm on Thursday was detected by U.S. Strategic Command systems, the spokesman said in a statement. According to North American Aerospace Defense Command, the missile did not pose a threat to North America, the statement said. A spokesman for the Strategic Command said he had no details about the type of missile launched. "We'll probably let North Korea characterize it themselves," he said. Democratic candidate for president Bernie Sanders harshly cricitized Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a CNN debate on Thursday night, saying "if we pursue justice and peace, we are going to have to say that Netanyahu is not right all of the time." Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Sanders also attacked rival Hillary Clinton, accusing her of neglecting the Palestinians during her speech to AIPAC, the biggest and strongest pro-Israel lobby in the United States. "You gave a major speech to AIPAC, which obviously deals with the Middle East crisis, and you barely mentioned the Palestinians ... All that I am saying is we cannot continue to be one-sided. There are two sides to the issue," Sanders said. Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton debate on CNN (Photo: Reuters) Clinton responded to the Vermont senator's claims, saying, "I have been involved, both as first lady with my husband's efforts, as a senator supporting the efforts that even the Bush administration was undertaking, and as secretary of state for President Obama, I'm the person who held the last three meetings between the president of the PA and the prime minister of Israel ... I was absolutely focused on what we needed to do to make sure that the Palestinian people had the right to self-government. And I believe that as president I will be able to continue to make progress and get an agreement that will be fair both to the Israelis and the Palestinians without ever, ever undermining Israel's security." The topic of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was a contentious one during the debate, with the politeness and political correctness that characterized the Democratic race so far broken, as now both candidates are fighting for their home state of New York ahead of the April 19 primary. CNN Debate (Photo: Reuters) Wolf Blitzer, the moderator, asked Sanders the age-old question, "you said that Israel didn't respond proportionally in Gaza. Do you not think that Israel has a right to defend itself?" Sanders, who in the last several days went out of his way to prove that he isn't anti-Israel, insisted that "of course Israel has the right to defend itself. "Of course Israel has a right not only to defend themselves, but to live in peace and security without fear of terrorist attacks. That is not a debate. But what you just read, yeah, I do believe that. Israel was subjected to terrorist attacks, has every right in the world to destroy terrorism. But we had in the Gaza area - not a very large area - some 10,000 civilians who were wounded and some 1,500 who were killed." He continued, saying "Now, if you're asking not just me, but countries all over the world was that a disproportionate attack, the answer is that I believe it was." He went on to say, "I believe the United States and the rest of the world have got to work together to help the Palestinian people. That does not make me anti-Israel." Bernie Sanders, CNN debate (Photo: AP) Meanwhile, Clinton responded by talking about her quarter century of dealings with the issue and clarifying that the Israeli leadership, "(does) not invite the rockets raining down on their towns and villages." She recounted that, after hundreds of missile attacks and ambushes by Hamas, the Israeli leadership reluctantly informed her that they were about to attack. "And, so when it came time after they had taken the incoming rockets, taken the assaults and ambushes on their soldiers and they called and told me, I was in Cambodia, that they were getting ready to have to invade Gaza again because they couldn't find anybody to talk to tell them to stop it, I flew all night, I got there, I negotiated that. "So, I don't know how you run a country when you are under constant threat, terrorist tact, rockets coming at you. You have a right to defend yourself," she continued. Sanders adviser: Netanyahu a mass murderer Sanders found himself in hot water again recently when his new adviser on Jewish affairs called Prime Minister Netanyahu a "mass murderer" in a Facebook post chock-full of expletives. He first got in trouble with the pro-Israel community in the US when he said that Israel killed 10,000 innocent Gazans during Operation Protective Edge - and later he corrected himself. He also refused to take a clear position on whether or not Israel should withdraw to the 1967 borders, and repeatedly mentioned the "appalling" situation in Gaza. In an effort to improve his ties with the American Jewish community, the Vermont senator appointed a new consultant for his campaign, whose defined role is to maintain the relationship with Jews and to advise on the subject. But over the past week it quickly became clear that Sanders has not done his homework on his new advisor, Simone Zimmerman. Only a year ago, Zimmerman harshly condemned the Israeli prime minister in a Facebook post, saying Bibi Netanyahu is an arrogant, deceptive, cynical, manipulative a**hole. A few days later, however, she dropped the offensive word and replaced it with "politician." Zimmerman's post before her edit In another post she called Netanyahu "a mass murderer," accusing him of sanctioning "the murder of over 2,000 people this summer in a war of choice," adding "f*** you." A few hours later, she changed the offensive phrasing to "shame on you." Zimmerman's edited, watered-down post Zimmerman, a graduate of the prestigious University of California-Berkeley, where she wrote an opinion piece and called for the Jewish student organization Hillel International to join the boycott movement in support of BDS. At the time, she worked to promote the play "Martyr's Street," which draws comparisons between a Jewish settler and a young man who makes bombs for Hamas. MOSCOW - Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani has flown to Moscow for talks with Russia's military and political leadership, three sources with knowledge of his trip said on Friday. "General Soleimani travelled to Moscow last night to discuss issues including the delivery of S300s and further military cooperation," one senior Iranian security official told Reuters, referring to an air defense system Russia is supplying Iran. A Kremlin spokesman said that a meeting with Soleimani was not on Russian President Vladimir Putin's schedule. BERLIN - German prosecutors said Friday that a 15-year-old girl who stabbed a police officer is being investigated on suspicion of supporting a terrorist organization. Safia S., whose surname wasn't given due to privacy rules, was already being held on suspicion of attempted murder and serious bodily harm for attacking the officer with a kitchen knife at Hannover train station on Feb. 26. Federal prosecutors said the German-Moroccan teenager "adopted the radical-jihadist ideology" of the Islamic State group from November 2015 onward and had been in online contact with members of the group in Syria. Prosecutors said she traveled to Istanbul hoping to reach Syria but was brought back by her mother, but while in Turkey members of ISIS convinced her to carry out a martyrdom operation in Germany. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will travel to Moscow on Thursday to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The Prime Minister's Office said the two leaders will discuss a variety of issues, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the crisis in Syria. The meeting will be held about a month after Israeli President Reuven Rivlin visited the Kremlin and met with Putin. At that meeting, the Russian president told Rivlin that he would meet with Netanyahu soon. Netanyahu and Putin in their last meeting in Paris (Photo: Amos Ben Gershom, GPO) "The relationship between Israel and Russia has a long history. In Israel live around a million and a half people from the former Soviet Union, who speak Russian, know Russian culture, and have a Russian mentality. They maintain ties with friends and family who remained in Russia, and this adds something very special to our relations," Putin told Rivlin during their meeting. The Israeli president said that "We enjoy cooperation in a range of fields, and we also both know what it means to have to deal with terror and fundamentalism. As a Jew, I want to say that we will never forget the Russian people and the Red Army for their victory over the Nazis." Rivlin was the first person with whom Putin met after the Russian withdrawal from Syria During his meeting with Netanyahu, the issue of the S-300 aerial defense system Russia had sold Iran might come up, after a first delivery of the missiles arrived in Tehran this week. In Netanyahu and Putin's previous meeting , the two leaders spoke highly of the security coordination between Israel and Russia as the latter was fighting in Syria to prevent "unnecessary accidents." Reuters reported on Friday that Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani has flown to Moscow for talks with Russia's military and political leadership. "General Soleimani travelled to Moscow last night to discuss issues including the delivery of S300s and further military cooperation," one senior Iranian security official told Reuters, referring to an air defense system Russia is supplying Iran. A Kremlin spokesman said that a meeting with Soleimani was not on President Putin's schedule. Israel will deploy reinforcements around the Temple Mount in Jerusalem's Old City leading up to Passover in an effort to stop rioting and prevent terror attacks, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Tensions have been on the rise among Palestinians over the Temple Mount and the al-Aqsa mosque. These tensions are a result of the upcoming week-long Jewish holiday of Passover, starting April 22, which is expected to significantly increase the number of Jewish visitors to the Temple Mount area, particularly to the Western Wall where the traditional priestly blessing is attended by thousands. This is coupled with the reports that Jordan will soon install cameras throughout the holy site's complex and the significant spike in social media incitement centered around the al-Aqsa mosque after months of relative calm. Photo: AFP The prime minister announced, "Ahead of Passover, all kinds of extremist elements are spreading lies about our policy on the Temple Mount to cause riots and stir things up. We are working against these inciters. We will increase our forces in places of friction; we will use additional defensive measures." Netanyahu was speaking at a pre-Passover toast with the Union of Local Authorities. Over the past six months, Israel has experienced some 270 attacks and attempted attacksmost of them shootings, stabbings and vehicular attacks. These offensives, which started during the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashana, claimed the lives of 29 Israelis and four foreign nationals, while some 250 others were wounded. Palestinians and Israeli Arabs have been accusing Israeli authorities of wanting to take control of the Temple Mount and are questioning the status quo in the holy site. "There are, at present, attempts to rekindle unrest and the violence, especially over Passover and the Temple Mount, as we previously experienced during the holidays last autumn," Netanyahu said. Clashes on the Temple Mount during the High Holy Days (Photo: Police Spokesman's Unit) "I tell you for certain: There is no change in our policy regarding the status quo on the Temple Mount," he stressed. "Do not believe the lies, which I regret are also being spread by several MKs. We are committed to maintaining peace and security and will do whatever it takes to ensure the security of the citizens of Israel." The prime minister said that Israel sent messages to this effect to the Palestinian Authority, Jordan and the Arab world. Netanyahu also called on both Jewish and Arab leaders "to work with your publics in order to calm the mood. Do not allow an extremist minority to change the order of things." The defense establishment has taken several actions in recent weeks in an effort to lower tensions. One of them was detaining, questioning and banning Zinat Awida and Hanadi Halwani from Temple Mount. The two East Jerusalem residents are prominent activists in the Murabitat organization, which is a group of women whose goal is to disrupt Jewish visits to the Temple Mount by following religious Jews and shouting "Allahu Akbar" throughout the visit. Last Friday, before afternoon prayers, posters were put up throughout the al-Aqsa mosque complex calling on Palestinians to break the security cameras that Jordan plans on installing there in the near future. These cameras will broadcast the happenings on the Temple Mount to both the Jordanians and Israelis. On Wednesday, however, the posters were gone. Posters calling to break security cameras on Temple Mount. The posters joined a Palestinian campaign titled "The Picture is ClearSo No Cameras Are Needed," which used photos of Israeli police officers attacking and dragging Palestinians from the al-Aqsa mosque complex. The Picture is Clear - So No Cameras Are Needed The Palestinian opposition to the cameras, which has garnered support from Hamas and radical factions among Israeli Arabs, is likely derived from the fact that the live broadcast to the Jordanians could stop any attempt by Palestinian youth to provoke violent clashes on the Temple Mount and in East Jerusalem that would prevent Jews from entering the complex. The Picture is Clear - So No Cameras Are Needed In an interview with Palestinian website Sawt al-Watan, MK Jamal Zahalka (Joint List) called to stop "in any way possible" Jews from going on the Temple Mount and claimed the number of Jews visiting the holy site increases every day. "During the al-Aqsa intifada, we sacrificed 4,000 martyrs for the al-Aqsa mosque, and the continuation of Jewish entry into the complex is what causes the current intifada," Zahalka claimed. He went on to say, "The continuation of the intifada is depended on the decision of (Palestinian) organisationsif they will take up the popular fight or leave it to young people and individuals." His statement was shared across Arabic-language media and provoked widespread, visceral reactions. In response, Zahalka later released a clarification in which he asserted, "My public duty is to warn against the possibility of dangerous deterioration. We need to do all that we can to prevent further bloodshed, and if the Israeli government is interested in calming the situation, it needs to prevent provocative visits to the mosque complex. It needs to understand that the problem is these visits and not calls for their cessation." 910th recognized for community impact Deryck Toles, founder and executive director of Inspiring Minds (IM), Eric White, 910th Airlift Wing public affairs specialist, Col. James Dignan, 910th Airlift Wing commander, and Ohio State Representative Sean OBrien pose for a photo at the IM Gala, April 9, 2016. OBrien presented Dignan and White the Community IMpact Award, recognizing the volunteer efforts of Service members assigned to Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio on behalf of Inspiring Minds. Since beginning in 2006, Inspiring Minds has offered after-school programs to better the lives of under-represented youth in Warren, Ohio. Several YARS Service members regularly volunteer their time to host on-base fitness events, study table and tutoring sessions and fun days for high school students with IM. (Courtesy photo/Bruce Bille, USO of Northern Ohio). Dover reservists fly to Florida for Liberty Sands After wading through knee-deep swamp waters and hiding behind Florida foliage, the escaped prisoners should be rescued within the hour Special Operations Forces were enroute. Although this was a staged exercise scenario, the elements of Mother Nature and perseverance of 512th Airlift Wing reservists were very real. About 100 members in 14 Air Force career fields from Dover Air Force Base, Delaware, embarked upon Liberty Sands - a six-day, off-station training event for the 709th Airlift Squadron March 29 to April 2 at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. Condensed Training The training was designed to combine the typical instruction that would take place throughout the year into a one-week event, ensuring 709th AS reservists remain current for their ground and flying training requirements, said Lt. Col. Michael DeSantis, Acting 512th Operations Group commander. Having a group in an instructor-led training environment makes the most efficient use of both the reservists and the instructors time, said DeSantis. Most importantly, this accomplishes job number one improving the mission readiness of the 512th. During Liberty Sands, aircrew and ground personnel trained on 23 currency events, including Aircrew Chemical Refresher, Small Arms, Combat Survival and Water Survival. The idea is if all aircrew become current at the same time, from that point on they will be due for training at the same time, allowing for larger future training events instead of one or two reservists at a time, said Master Sgt. Bobby Bottoms, a 709th AS loadmaster and Liberty Sands participant. It resets the clock for all our currency training, said Bottoms. It allows us all to be on the same page and know that the majority of us are all up-to-date and ready for global engagement. Intense Training Whether they were avoiding the Florida waters or neck deep in it, Dovers reservists were immersed in the training environment for up to 16 hours a day, conjuring realistic feelings of combat and being forced to react under stressful conditions. The Chemical Refresher Training kicked off the week, when aircrews brushed-up on the decontamination process while moving from a compromised environment to a sanitized one. The four-hour training block facilitated hands-on instruction with the various chemical suits, protective masks and air flow systems, which provided them clean breathing air as they continued their mission. Water training was another large-scale movement with two dozen aircrew jumping into a 12-foot deep pool, wearing flight suits and helmets, simulating a real-world water emergency. Members became knowledgeable in life raft procedures, swimming together and deploying canopies for protection from the elements while floating in open waters. Although rolling thunderstorms, lightning and wind prevented them from playing in the ocean, the Airmen were flexible and able to think on their toes, said DeSantis. Watching how agile our reservists are in a dynamically changing environment was one of the highlights for me, said DeSantis. The quality of instruction, facilities and equipment was excellent, which allowed us to inject some realism to the training. Agile Airmen Along with uncooperative weather, some logistical challenges were present as well. Some coordination between different organizations and attempting to sync up moving pieces in the training environment for the first time proved a challenge, said Bottoms. There were some teething issues with this fly-away, he added. It was treated like a deployment, so everyone moved around as a single, large group. So, there was a steep learning curve. Fortunately for Bottoms, he needed all of the training provided during the trip which saves future Unit Training Assemblies from time-consuming, one-instructor specific training. Ironically, the specialized training we need during the UTAs arent typically provided during UTAs, said Bottoms. Its something you have to come in for during the week, since the 436th Airlift Wing has the instructors. Personnel and instructors from the 436th AW attended the fly-away to provide support for the reserve aircrews, ensuring they were current in vital areas for a world-wide deployable qualification. Strong Finish The final day proved to be the longest and toughest for the trainees. It included small arms 9mm pistol qualifying, hand-to-hand combat and Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape training, exposing service members to evading capture and survival skills. SERE instructors from active-duty Air Force and water survival instructors from the Navy helped provide a seamless, multi-service cadre that facilitated excellent in-depth training, said DeSantis. Combat Arms reservists from the 512th Security Forces Squadron facilitated the weapons qualifications course. Every member who fired the 9mm pistol officially qualified for Air Force pistol weapons handling, reinforcing the ideal that the reserve aircrews are ready for deployment at a moments notice. After the trainees handed in their guns, they turned to something more primitive their hands. The 512th AW reservists went through a series of combat drills, from punching a torso named Bob to grappling full-sized, 100-pound dummies in the grass. Most of the reservists who went through the gauntlet of blows were out of breath by the end of their short training, expending what little energy they had left to share with their wingmen about the landed punches. You were amped up on adrenaline, so you didnt really think about it when you were punching the dummies, said Tech. Sgt. Karista Lowrey, of the 512th Force Support Squadron and 1 of 13 ground support troops at Liberty Sands. But after the training was over, you began to feel how much effort you actually put into it. The scenario was meant to be up-close and personal, since escaping potential captors could be the most intense moment of the trainees life, a SERE instructor said during the training. I cant say enough positive things about the men and women who made this (training) possible, said DeSantis. The success of this trip is a direct result of the flexibility and foresight from these planners. Grand Finale The aircrew were brought into a classroom where the blinds and doors were closed; and, after a series of intense and sensitive training sequences, they were captured and loaded into a van and driven to a wooded area, where they escaped into the Florida everglades in an attempt to evade their captors. For the next five hours, the reservists used their ingenuity, teamwork and SERE training to flee through the swamp and await rescue. Three teams of seven used a radio, compass and map to plot their way to the rescue pick-up point. The teams took turns as lead, radioing into the makeshift headquarters and receiving new coordinates all while avoiding detection from the simulated enemy, played by instructors and ground crew dressed in different colored camouflage. Although there were snake sightings and armadillo detours, everyone made it out cold and wet but qualified. This is the dramatic moment two Russian fighter planes buzzed a US warship conducting a routine training mission in the Baltic Sea on Tuesday night. The Russian Su-24 planes thundered over the USS Donald Cook at a height of just 30ft in what a military official branded the most 'aggressive' incident between Russia and the United States in years. The 'simulated attack' maneuver saw the jets pass so close to the ocean that they created a 'wake in the water', the defense official said. The shock move came as a Polish helicopter was taking off from the US Destroyer on Tuesday evening. Two low-flying Russian jets (Su-24 plane pictured) 'aggressively' buzzed a US warship sailing in the Baltic Sea on Tuesday evening Show of force: The Russian Su-24 planes thundered over the USS Donald Cook at a height of just 30ft, creating a 'wake in the water' The maneuver was followed by seven passes by a Russian KA-27 Helix helicopter - designed to take out submarines - taking pictures of the US vessel. The American warship was conducting air operations about 70 nautical miles from the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad when the aircraft flew at an 'unsafe' speed close to the Destroyer. Two close encounters occurred on Tuesday night in international waters, while another, at an acceptable distance, happened on Sunday. 'This is more aggressive than anything we've seen in some time,' the defense official said, on condition of anonymity. The planes were 'wings clean', meaning they were not visibly armed. A Polish helicopter, which was operating off the ship as part of routine training, had its flight operations disrupted because of the Russian actions. The US warship had been followed by a Russian intelligence-gathering vessel before the incident with the attack aircraft. Crew on USS Cook had contacted sailors on the Russian ship to reassure them they were conducting routine operations. The American warship was conducting air operations about 70 nautical miles from the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad when the aircraft (pictured) flew at an 'unsafe' speed close to the Destroyer A Russian KA-27 Helix helicopter - designed to sink submarines - took pictures of the US vessel as it made seven passes over the ship While there are often encounters between US ships and foreign aircraft, this time officials and crew deemed the movements of the Russian jets unsafe, due to their speed and proximity to the ship. The White House issued a statement condemning Russia for the latest in a series of 'concerning' clashes between the Russian and U.S. militaries. 'This incident is entirely inconsistent with the professional norms of militaries operating in proximity to each other in international waters and international airspace,' Press Secretary Josh Earnest said. 'There have been repeated incidents over the last year where the Russian military, including Russian military aircraft, have come close enough to each other or have come close enough to other air and sea traffic to raise serious safety concerns, and we continue to be concerned about this behavior.' The incident came as NATO plans its biggest build-up in eastern Europe since the Cold War to counter what the alliance, and in particular the Baltic states and Poland, consider to be a more aggressive Russia. The three Baltic states - Estonia, Lithuania and Latvia - which joined both NATO and the European Union in 2004, have asked NATO for a permanent presence of battalion-sized deployments of allied troops in each of their territories. A NATO battalion typically consists of 300 to 800 troops. Moscow denies any intention to attack the Baltic states, which were part of the former Soviet Union. The USS Cook was 70 miles (marked by dotted line) from the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad. Its exact location has not been released The White House issued a statement condemning Russia for the latest in a series of 'concerning' clashes. Pictured, the two planes flying past the US warship The two planes (pictured from the USS Donald Cook) were 'wings clean', meaning they were not visibly armed as they flew past The USS Donald Cook (pictured) was sailing in the Baltic Sea when it was buzzed by low flying Russian fighter jets at a height of just 30 feet in 'aggressive' passes USS Cook has spent much of the last two years in Europe, following its deployment to the Black Sea in 2014 after Russia's annexation of Crimea. While it was stationed there, it was buzzed 12 times by two Russian Su-24s in a remarkably similar incident to the one on Tuesday. 'The Donald Cook is more than capable of defending itself against two Su-24s,' the Pentagon said at the time. The US Navy often runs routine training missions through the Baltic Sea, passing through international waters and those controlled by NATO members. It holds a huge annual drill known as BALTOPS, which sees other allies send ships to the region for what it calls routine exercises but are seen by military experts as a show of force. BALTOPS 2015 saw more than 5,000 units from the U.S., the UK, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden and Turkey conduct operations in the Baltic Sea, and off the coasts of Sweden and Germany. Tensions with Russia were further raised earlier this year when the U.S. announced plans to station six F-15 aircraft in Finland and artillery in Norway, with both nations sharing a border with Russia. The U.S. already has fighter planes based in the UK, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Iceland and the Netherlands. This has been a long time in the making, but in our continuing pursuit to bring only the best of firearms, 2nd Amendment and defence related news to our readers, we are very excited to announce the next step in our evolution as a company. As of 2020, Minuteman Review is now the proud owner and operator of Your Defence News, a website with a long history of breaking huge news stories and investigative journalism. We hope you are equally as excited as us. This means that now the teams of Minuteman can combine with the firepower of Your Defence News to stay at the absolute forefront for our readers. Keep an eye. Big things are coming soon. We couldn't be more excited. In the meanwhile, here are some of our most popular posts and categories to keep you busy. Happy shootin' my friends! Buying Guides: Firearms Firearm Accessories Ammunition Gun Safes Scopes & Optics Hunting Air Rifles Best AR-15 Best AR 15 Scope Best Hunting Rifle Best Gun Safe Best AK 47 Best AR 10 Best Glock Triggers Best Glock Best Home Defense Shotgun BEIJING, April 14 -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged the country to conduct national security education and enhance people's national security awareness. Xi's instructions were issued on Thursday, ahead of the first national security education day on April 15. The whole Party and society should be mobilized to jointly safeguard national security, consolidate the social basis for national security and prevent and defuse security risks, he said. Xi, who heads the national security commission, said national security is of paramount importance for the people to live and work in peace and for realizing the Chinese dream of national rejuvenation. Xi put forward the overall national security outlook at the first meeting of the national security commission on April 15, 2014. The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress passed the National Security Law on July 1 of 2015, which declared April 15 a day of national security education. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull during the fourth annual talks between the two countries' prime ministers in Beijing, capital of China, April 14, 2016. Turnbull is paying his first official visit to China since taking office in September 2015, with a large business delegation. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin) BEIJING, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang voiced confidence for the prospects for the China-Australia relations in the fourth annual talks between the two countries' prime ministers. The meeting, on Thursday afternoon at the Great Hall of the People, was co-chaired by Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who is paying his first official visit to China since taking office in September 2015, with a large business delegation. Calling Australia an important cooperation partner, Li said China was ready to strengthen mutual trust with Australia, synchronize development strategies, expand cooperation, and properly handle disputes on the principle of mutual respect, equality and reciprocity, so as to push forward a sustained and stable development of the bilateral relations. Li briefed Turnbull on China's structural reform, mass entrepreneurship and innovation, which will be new opportunities for cooperation. He urged both sides to strengthen synchronization of development strategies, give further play to a joint committee on technological cooperation, and promote joint research and development in areas including food, agriculture, mining and maritime science. Li welcomed Australia to establish an overseas innovation base in Shanghai, and voiced support for the two countries to jointly establish innovation parks and technology transfer centers to promote cooperation between firms, universities and research institutes. Shanghai is also the first stop of Turnbull's visit from Thursday to Friday. Li said China was willing to conduct production capacity cooperation with Australia in infrastructure construction and equipment manufacturing, while seeking opportunities in new energy, new-type urbanization, environmental protection and transnational e-commerce. He also urged the two countries to strengthen cooperation in overseas studying, tourism, judiciary, law enforcement and defense, deepen friendly exchanges between localities, and maintain close communication and coordination under regional and international mechanisms to promote the peace, stability and common development in the region and the world. Turnbull said China is an important trading partner of Australia and he was optimistic with China's economic development potential. He said Australia will adapt to China's economic structural reform and make use of the opportunities brought by it, strengthen cooperation in e-commerce, agriculture, animal husbandry and technology, and jointly promote the peace, stability and economic growth in the region and the world. The two sides also discussed international and regional issues of common concern. After the talks, the two prime ministers witnessed the signing of five cooperation deals between the two countries in areas such as technological innovation, tourism, industrial parks and mining. The Federal Court of Australialast week ruled in favour of an ASIC application, appointing Nicholas Martin and Craig Crosbie of PPB as joint liquidators of Bilkurra Investments Pty Ltd (Bilkurra) and Foscari Holdings Pty Ltd (Foscari). Bilkurra was responsible for the Hermitage Bendigo (formerly Acacia Banks) land banking scheme in Bagshot, Victoria, while Foscari operated a similar scheme in Truganina, Victoria, Promoters of the land banking schemes used Bilkurra and Foscari to raise approximately $24 million from investors. These schemes were operated in similar ways to other land banking schemes associated with controversial property spruiker Jamie McIntyre. The appointment of liquidators comes after ASIC took action against Bilkurra and Foscari in December 2015 by moving to freeze their assets and wind the two companies up. ASIC commenced the proceedings alleging that the two companies were insolvent. On 21 December 2015, the Federal Court made freezing orders against Bilkurra, Foscari Holdings, and Michael Grochowski from selling, charging, mortgaging or otherwise dealing with or disposing of any property of Bilkurra or Foscari until the hearing and determination of the proceeding or further order of the court. On Friday, the Federal Court further found that Bilkurra and Foscari were knowing participants in schemes that have facilitated misappropriation of investors' funds, Michael Grochowski, who was banned by ASIC from providing financial services, had the day to day control of the companies, including by controlling the companies' bank accounts which contained investor funds, and the winding up orders were necessary to protect investors and so that there was some prospect of recovery of the monies lost after a full investigation by a liquidator. ASIC commissioner Greg Tanzig said the regulator was committed to its ongoing investigation into landbanking schemes. This is another important outcome for ASIC's wider and ongoing investigation into land banking. We will continue to crack down on these investment schemes to deter further misconduct. The Global and United States Hydrobike Market Report has been published by QY Research recently. Hydrobike Market Analysis and Insights This report focuses on... Premier Li Keqiang talks with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull as they attend a welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday. WU ZHIYI / CHINA DAILY Beijing and Canberra are seeking to increase business ties as Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull leads his country's largest-ever trade mission to China. Australia will also grant 10-year visas for the first time to Chinese and allow online applications, according to Turnbull, who started a two-day visit to China on Thursday. China is Australia's most important tourism market, with more than 1 million visitors last year. Witnessed by Premier Li Keqiang and Turnbull, the two countries signed five documents on Thursday to boost cooperation in areas including tourism, science, industrial parks and mining. Li called on both countries to make full use of their complementary advantages and work together in multiple sectors including infrastructure construction, equipment manufacturing, new energy, cross-border e-commerce, education, law enforcement and defense. "Enhanced China-Australia cooperation will send a positive signal to the region and the world, especially at a time when the global economy is sluggish with increasing uncertainties," Li said. It is Turnbull's first visit to China since taking office in September. Representatives of more than 1,000 companies are attending events at Australia Week in China, which begins on Monday in 12 cities. Turnbull said Australia considers China an important trade partner and is positive about the great potential for China's development. He said he was honored to be the first Australian prime minister to visit China since the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement took effect, adding that the two countries should enhance cooperation in e-commerce, agriculture and technology. Visiting US Defense Secretary Ash Carter gestures during a joint press conference with his Filipino counterpart Voltaire Gazmin (not pictured) at the presidential palace in Manila April 14, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] Beijing has voiced "resolute opposition against infringement of China's sovereignty and security by any country in any form". The Foreign Ministry spelled out China's stance after the Pentagon said that US-Philippine joint patrols in the South China Sea will occur "regularly". US Defense Secretary Ash Carter confirmed on Thursday that the US and the Philippines had already conducted such patrols. The Foreign Ministry told China Daily, "The military exchanges ... should not target a third party, not to mention supporting some countries to provoke China's sovereignty and security, flaring regional contradictions and damaging regional peace and stability." Beijing will follow developments, and general stability has been maintained in the South China Sea "through joint efforts by China and relevant countries", the ministry said Carter reported the US confirmation at a news conference with Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin in Manila. Carter met with the Philippine President Benigno Aquino earlier in the day. Without quoting a source, Reuters reported the Pentagon saying that the first joint patrol took place in March and a second one took place earlier this month. Carter started a visit to the Philippines on Wednesday during the annual US-Philippine military drill that started on April 4. He will attend the closing ceremony on Friday. Zhang Junshe, a senior researcher at the PLA Naval Military Studies Research Institute, said the US will damage peace in the South China Sea by calling for joint patrols. "When Washington calls China's behavior in the South China Sea coercive', the joint patrols have been a slap in the face. This is sheer coercion against China's peaceful development," Zhang said. Carter said US forces will be given access to more military bases in the Philippines than the five announced already. The Ministry of National Defense said, "The US Army has now returned, has reinforced its military presence in the Philippines and has given rise to militarization in the South China Sea region." A team of energetic "Chinese dama" are going abroad to perform their neighborhood "square dancing" on a bigger stage this July. The term Dama, a Chinese pinyin that translated literally as "big mamas", refers to the group of women, usually middle aged, who gather in parks and squares to dance in unison to often deafeningly-loud music. Ottawa mayor office this year invites 30 senior people from Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong province to perform square dancing on Canada Day. An official with Ottawa Tourism Bureau said Wednesday at a press conference that more Chinese elements would be added to this year's Canada Day to mark the friendship between the two countries. Ottawa, Canadas capital, is the place for the countrys biggest annual birthday celebration on July 1 every year. People dressed in their best red and white outfits participate in parade, carnival, barbecue parties and outdoor concerts on that day. 30 seniors from Guangzhou are invited to perform square dancing with "Little Apple" and "The Hottest Ethnic Trend", two of the most popular folk songs in China on that day too. "Officials from the city's tourism bureau will attend the grand 'Welcome Dinner' for Chinese guests on June 30," said the official. Every Chinese performer will be named honorary citizen of Ottawa and receive a certificate issued by the Mayor's Office, the official added. And all of them are invited to the firework display party on the night of July 1. Rajnandgaon: Naxals have set ablaze four vehicles, including two engaged in a road construction work, in Madanwada area of Rajnandgaon district and exchanged fire with police on Friday who are on their trail. "A group of 15-20 armed Naxals torched four vehicles parked at an under-construction bridge between Baseli and Sahpal villages under Sitagaon police station limits late last evening," Rajnandgaon Superintendent of Police Sundarraj P said today. He said the vehicles included a truck, a poclain machine, a SUV and a motorcycle. The Maoists also threatened the contractor and workers to stop the construction work. In the wake of the torching incident, a joint team of security forces launched a search operation in Madanwada and Kohka region, located around 200 kms from the state capital, to trace the ultras during which a gun-battle ensued today. However, no harm was reported on both the sides in the skirmish. "While carrying out the combing operation following the incident today, a composite squad of Special Task Force (STF), ITBP, and district force got a tip-off about the presence of a group of cadres between Kaneli and Belgaon village under Kohka police station limits. "After they raided the spot, a gunfight erupted between both the sides. However, ultras soon fled the spot after finding that the security forces were zeroing in on them," he added. Police found a wireless set, a radio, a camera flash, besides a huge cache of Maoist-related materials from the spot, he said, adding that the combing operation was still underway in the region. New Delhi: Delhi Police have tightened the security of sedition-charged JNU students' union president Kanhaiya Kumar and Umar Khalid after receiving inputs of threats to their lives. Delhi Police decided to review their security after receiving an anonymous letter from an abandoned bag in a bus, which threatened to decapitate Kumar and Khalid's head for spreading anti-national sentiments. As per reports, the bag also contained a country made pistol. Delhi Police is investigating the matter and have sent the letter for forensic examination. The officials are also trying to ascertain who wrote the letter and how it was kept in the bus which ferries students in and out of JNU. Kumar had faced severe protests after he arrived in Nagpur to address a public gathering on Thursday. The JNU leader's car was attacked by Bajrang Dal activists who pelted stones and smashed its side windows. The members of Bajrang Dal later hurled a shoe at the JNUSU leader while he was addressing a public gathering there. The JNUSU leader, however, escaped unhurt. The incident triggered panic among the crowd after which police had to shield the controversial JNUSU leader. Kumar has been under attack from several right-wing organisations including the Bajrang Dal which had vowed to teach him a lesson for allegedly spreading anti-national sentiments. A poster issuing death threats to JNU student leaders Kanhaiya Kumar, Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya, who were accused of sedition, had recently appeared on the social media. The poster said "to shoot the traitors of JNU is a Rashtradharm (national duty). I shall shoot Umar Khalid, Anirban Bhattacharya and Kanhaiya." BEIJING, April 15 -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Friday congratulated Sooronbai Jeenbekov on being approved by the Kyrgyz parliament as the country's prime minister. Li, in a congratulatory message, highly commented on the development of China-Kyrgyzstan relations and positive achievements in cooperation between the two countries in various fields. He said China is ready to make efforts with Kyrgyzstan to jointly promote China-Kyrgyzstan cooperation toward achievement of new successes in the interest of the two peoples. Kyrgyzstan's parliament on Wednesday unanimously endorsed a new government led by Jeenbekov after former Prime Minister Temir Sariyev resigned on Monday amid corruption allegations. New Delhi: With the second phase of odd-even scheme rolling out on Friday, a section of auto and taxi unions have given a call for a one-day strike on Monday to protest against app-based cab services, a move which may cause hardship to commuters in the national capital. Rajendra Soni, who is general secretary of both 'Delhi Autorickshaw Sangh' and 'Delhi Pradesh Taxi Unions,' said that auto and black-yellow taxis will not ply on the capital's roads on Monday to protest against the app-based cab services. Soni said the AAP government has so far not issued 10,000 new permits of autorickshaws which it had cancelled after alleged irregularities in their distribution. "On one hand, government talks about strengthening public transport, but on the other hand it has not issued 10,000 new permits of autos so far. Besides, we have also been demanding to stop app-based taxis as their operation is illegal. They are snatching our livelihood. "When we had met Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai on March 14, he had assured us to fulfil our demands within next 15 days, but till now, no decision has been taken by the government," he said. There are around 13,000 black-yellow taxis and around 81,000 autorickshaws plying on the streets of the capital. If they go on strike, commuters may face hardships while using public transport as the fortnight-long odd-even scheme is already in place in the capital. Earlier this week, a section of auto and taxi unions had taken out a protest march against the app-based taxi services in the Capital. New Delhi: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has invited qualified candidates to apply for Joint Admission Test (JAM) 2016 Admission. Last date for submitting online application is 27th April 2016. Mandatory documents: - XII or HSC Marksheet - Qualifying degree: If you have completed the degree: Marksheets of all semesters/ years. - If you are in the final year, Marksheets till the last semester/ year is sufficient. But your admission is only Provisional. Nationality Certificate for General Category: - Birth Certificate or Voter ID or First page of Passport or School/College Transfer Certificate (TC) showing Nationality or Nationality Certificate issued by the authorised government agency. - Please note that any other documents viz. Aadhar Card, Ration Card, Driving License, College/ Institute/ School ID, Bank Passbook, PAN card, Marksheets are not accepted as Nationality Certificate. - If applicants are not able to upload the Nationality Certificate at the time of admission, they can submit the same to the Admitting Institute at the time of admission. Other Documents: - Category Certificate for OBC(NCL), SC, ST Applicants - PwD Certificate for PwD Applicants - Refunds for multiple successful payments would be initiated after 30th April 2016. Chandigarh: One eye-witness of the attack on women during Jat stir at Murthal in Sonepat has claimed that he was threatened for speaking too much against Jats. Bobby Joshi said that he received a call saying 'you're speaking too much against Jats, 'hum tumhe dekh lenge'. I'm not scared of any threat. Another lady also saw everything that happened that day, he said, adding that he has informed top Haryana police officials about the threat call. Joshi said that he had himself seen women being beaten and manhandled by protesters. Women were thrashed and their clothes were torn off, I saved two women were from Ludhiana, he said. On April 12, the Haryana police - after rejecting reports of gang-rapes at Murthal during the Jat stir for reservation, - the Haryana Police took a U-turn on the matter and has told the Punjab and Haryana High Court that the section on gang-rape had been added to the FIR in the case. The move comes after the police received two anonymous letters from women stating that they had been sexually assaulted. The police told the court that the first letter was forwarded by the Faridabad Commissioner of Police to the Superintendent of Police, Sonipat, on March 1 who, in turn, sent it to the Special Group of Officers on March 2. The second letter, from a non-resident Indian woman, was forwarded to the police by a local news channel. "Since the content of both communications reveals the commission of offence under Section 376D of the Indian Penal Code, the relevant Section has been added and further investigation will be conducted on these communications to verify the content," said the Haryana Police affidavit to the court on April 11. The first letter, posted from Mathura Road, Faridabad, states that the victim, a student, was returning home with her father from the college hostel when she was allegedly gang-raped. The police told the court that the Deputy Commissioners of districts falling on the National Highway-1, including Sonipat, Karnal, Kurukshetra, Yamuna Nagar and Ambala, had been requested to provide the list of colleges/technical institutes with girls hostels so that they could identify the victim. The letter from the NRI, forwarded to the police by the news channel, had gone viral on a social networking website. The Cyber Cell, Sonipat, has been directed to contact the news channel and find out the source of the letter. The victim, in her letter, said she had reached the New Delhi airport from Australia on February 21 and was travelling on National Highway-1 near Murthal where she was allegedly gang-raped. The complainant has mentioned the names of her relatives who had arrived with her. The police have made a request to Foreigner Regional Registration Officer, Delhi, seeking help in identifying the victim. The Punjab and Haryana High Court had taken suo motu notice of media reports that some women travelling on the Delhi-Ambala Highway were allegedly gang-raped by rioters during the Jat agitation. Initially, the Haryana government had told the court that no incidents of rape or molestation had taken place, but a first information report was filed on March 30 based on a complaint filed by a Delhi resident. With PTI inputs United Nations: India on Thursday slammed use of "hidden veto" at the United Nations, days after China blocked its bid to ban Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar. India further said that the UN general members are never apprised of the reason for not acceding to requests for sanctioning terrorists. Participating in an open debate on 'Threats to International Peace and Security Caused by Terrorist Acts' here, India's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin told the UN Security Council: "The procedures of unanimity and anonymity of the al Qaeda, Taliban and ISIS Sanctions Committees need to be revisited. The procedures of unanimity and anonymity result in a lack of accountability." India's statement came in the wake of China blocking India's bid to ban the mastermind of the Pathankot terror attack Masood in the UN Sanctions Committee. In this regard, Akbaruddin said each of the 15 members in the committee now have a veto. Without naming China, he said none except these 15 members are told of who is it that has wielded the veto in a specific instance. "The general membership of the UN is never ever formally informed of how and why requests for listing terrorists are not acceded to. Counter terror mechanisms such as the Sanctions Committees that act on behalf of the international community need to build trust not engender impunity by the use of this form of a 'hidden veto'," Akbaruddin said. After the attack on the airbase in Pathankot in January, India had in February written to the UN calling for immediate action to list the chief of the Pakistan-based terror outfit JeM under the UN Sanctions Committee. The Indian 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 had said. All were told that if there are no objections, the designation will be announced after the expiry of the deadline but just hours before the deadline, China requested the UN committee to keep on hold the designation. When asked at a briefing earlier this month as to why China had put a hold on the listing request by India against Azhar, Chinese envoy and President of the Security Council for the month Liu Jieyi had said that any listing would have to meet the requirements, stressing that it was the Council members' responsibility to ensure that the criteria were followed. (With PTI inputs) Vadodara: The bodies of two Indian fishermen hailing from Gujarat who had died in a Pakistani jail, were handed over to their families in Dandi and Nanavada villages in Gir-Somnath district on Friday for performing their last rites. The mortal remains of Vaaga Bijal Chauhan and Ratandas Makwana were brought to Mumbai by a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight yesterday. They were subsequently sent to their respective natives by road in two separate ambulance vans. GK Rathod, an official from Gujarat Fisheries department who was one of the four team members sent to Mumbai to take possession of the bodies, told PTI that the body of Makwana was handed over to his younger brother Keshavdas in Nanivada village while the remains of Chauhan were received by his son Suresh and bed-ridden wife Lekhiben at Dandi village in the presence of government representatives and witnesses after proper identification. "Large number of people including the women folk of Makwana's had turned up at his home for mourning his demise," he said adding the village had observed a bandh as a mark of respect on the occasion. The post mortem report conducted on Makwana in a hospital in Pakistan stated the cause behind his death as bone TB, said Rathod. The autopsy report was given to his family and another copy of it will be submitted to the Fisheries Commissioner in Gandhinagar, he added. R V Halai, another Fisheries official and a member of the team went to Dandi to hand over Chauhan's body to his family which took it to Modheshar to perform to the last rites. A team of four officials from Gujarat government took possession of the bodies after the state authorities received a message from Indian High Commissioner's office in Islamabad on Tuesday, said Mohammed Narmavala, Commissioner (Fisheries). Chauhan died in a Karachi jail on December 22, 2015 while Makwana passed away on February 8, 2016. Both were held in April last year when their boats allegedly entered territorial waters of Pakistan while fishing in Sir Creek area in the Arabian Sea. The exact cause of their death is not known, but their families suspect they died due to ill-treatment in jail. According to Veljibhai Masani, Senior Vice President of Gujarat Fishermen Association (GFA) the bodies of both these fishermen were lying in a morgue of Edhi Foundation centre in Karachi before being flown to Mumbai. He said that Managing Trustee of Edhi Foundation, Faisal Edhi had told him that they were ready to perform last rites of these two fishermen as both the bodies were highly decomposed. However, they could not get required permission from Pakistan ministry he said quoting Faisal. Islamabad: A week after Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit said "at present the peace process is suspended", Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria on Thursday said the door for negotiations with India was very much open. "Yes, dialogue is the best option," Zakaria said in response to a question whether the door was still open for negotiations between India and Pakistan at his weekly media briefing in Islamabad. "Diplomacy is for interaction and engagement between countries," he said. Asked at the Foreign Correspondents Club in New Delhi in a media interaction on April 7 about a meeting between the foreign secretaries of the two countries, Mr Basit had said, "There is no meeting scheduled for now. I think at present the peace process is suspended." Foreign secretary-level talks between the two countries scheduled for the middle of January this year were derailed following the terror attack on the Pathankot Air Force base in which seven security personnel were killed. Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad had claimed responsibility for the attack in which the six attackers were also killed. The two neighbours had agreed to start a comprehensive bilateral dialogue during a meeting between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Sartaj Aziz, the advisor to the Pakistan prime minister on foreign affairs, in December. It came after Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif had a seemingly impromptu meeting at the Conference of Parties (CoP)-21 climate summit in Paris on November 30 last year which was followed by a meeting between the national security advisors of the two nuclear-armed neighbours in Bangkok on December 6. The neighbourly rapport got a significant boost when PM Modi made a surprising stop at Lahore on his way back to New Delhi from Kabul on Christmas Day on the occasion of his counterpart's birthday. However, the terror attack in Pathankot on January 2 strained relations between the two countries. India said it sent "actionable evidence" to Pakistani authorities against those behind the attacks. Pakistan filed an FIR in Gujranwala in February against unknown terrorists in connection with the airbase attack. It then sent a joint investigation team (JIT) to India last month to probe the attack. Basit held the press conference after the JIT's departure. In Thursday's media briefing, Zakaria said that during PM Modi's visit to Pakistan in December, it was decided that the two foreign secretaries should meet soon. "It is hoped that both sides would work out modalities for the FS level talks. We need to look ahead and not think in terms foreclosing any options. Both sides are in contact with each other. Once the modalities are worked out secretary-level talks would take place," he said. Replying to a range of questions, Zakaria said, "At our level here in the ministry, we do not give a day-to-day running commentary on official policy." As to the visit of the JIT, he said that it was evaluating the information shared by the Indian side. "It may be appropriate to allow the investigations to take its due course rather than indulge in speculations," the spokesman said. To a question about Kirpal Singh, an Indian prisoner who died in Pakistan on April 11 following what the authorities claimed was a heart attack, Mr Zakaria said that it was "not appropriate to see everything through the prism of suspicion and conspiracy". "He was kept in intensive care at the hospital but he could not survive. He was given death sentence and life imprisonment by anti-terrorism court," he said. "We have communicated this information to the Indian high commission in Islamabad," he added. New Delhi: The family members of Kirpal Singh, the Indian prisoner, who died under mysterious circumstances in a Lahore jail, met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday. Dalbir Kaur, the sister of another Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh, who had earlier died in the Pakistan jail, accompanied them during their meeting with the Home Minister. The Home Minister had assured us that all our concerns will be addressed and body of Kripal Singh will be brought back soon, Dalbir Kaur told reporters after the meeting. Kirpal's family members have denied Pakistan's claim that he died of a heart attack and demanded post-mortem in India to ascertain the facts. "How can we believe that he died of heart attack? His body should be sent to us and post-mortem be done. We want to know the truth," nephew of Singh told ANI. With India raising the issue of Singh's death, Pakistan has said that the Indian prisoner died of heart attack while asserting that it was not appropriate to see everything through the prism of suspicion and conspiracy. "The Indian prisoner Kirpal Singh died on April 11 due to heart attack. It is not appropriate to see everything through the prism of suspicion and conspiracy. He was kept in intensive care at the hospital but he could not survive," Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said. He said that Islamabad was in touch with the Indian High Commission with regard to handing over Singh's body. "We have communicated this information to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. We are in contact with the Ministry of Interior and the Indian High Commission with regard to transportation of dead body back to India," he added. Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj yesterday met the family members of Singh in New Delhi and promised a full inquiry into the matter. India's Acting High Commissioner in Islamabad, J.P. Singh, met the Director-General for South Asia in the Pakistani Ministry for Foreign Affairs to request that Singh's body be flown to India at the earliest. "Our Acting High Commissioner met DG South Asia in the Min of Foreign Affairs & asked for earliest possible repatriation of mortal remains," tweeted Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup earlier. Kirpal Singh's kin had on Tuesday staged a protest at the Attari border and raised anti- Pakistan slogans near the Integrated Check Post (ICP). Patna: With CBI getting nod to prosecute him in the alleged cheating and corruption in the LTC Scam, JD(U) Rajya Sabha MP Anil Sahni Friday denied the charges and refused to resign. "It's a conspiracy against me... Why shall I resign on moral ground when I have not done anything wrong," the second term Rajya Sabha member from Nitish Kumar's party told PTI here. Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari has given his approval to CBI to prosecute JD(U) MP Anil Sahani against whom the agency had filed a charge sheet for alleged cheating and corruption in LTC Scam. The Bihar MP is reportedly the first from the Upper House who will be prosecuted by CBI after sanction in this regard was given by the Chairman. The MP said he would also talk to lawyers to file a defamation suit. Sahni alleged that he fell victim to a "racket" which operated in raising fake bills for LTC for parliamentarians. "Twice I drew attention of the authorities in 2013 about false bill submitted in my name by racketeers against LTC," he said, defending himself in the controversy. "I invite the probe agency to check my bank accounts in Delhi as well in Patna to ascertain flow of money on this count," he said. The JD(U) Rajya Sabha member, son of former JD(U) RS MP Madan Sahni, said he would seek time with Chief Minister Kumar, who is now also JD(U) National President, to discuss the issue. Asked who was "conspiring" against him and for what reason, the JD(U) MP hailing from Muzaffarpur, said he did not know persons behind the conspiracy. "I might be targeted as I hail from a poor community and have been raising issues concerning dalits and have-nots," the JD(U) Rajya Sabha MP said. New Delhi: Marshal of the Indian Air Force Arjan Singh turns 97 on Friday. Arjan Singh was the first IAF chief to lead a young force into war. He was Chief of Air Staff when the IAF saw action in 1965, and was hardly 44 years of age when entrusted with the responsibility of leading the IAF. The Marshal was born on April 15, 1919, in Lyalpur (now Faislabad in Pakistan), and completed his education at Montgomery (now Sahiwal in Pakistan). At the age of 19, he was selected for the Empire Pilot training course at RAF Cranwell. His first assignment on being commissioned was to fly Westland Wapiti biplanes in the North West Frontier Province as a member of the No 1 RIAF Squadron. After a brief stint with the newly formed No 2 RIAF Squadron where he flew sorties against the tribal forces, he moved back to No.1 Squadron as a Flying Officer to fly the Hawker Hurricane. He was promoted to the rank of Squadron Leader in 1944. Arjan Singh led the squadron against the Japanese during the Arakan Campaign, flying Close Air Support missions during the crucial Imphal Campaign and later assisting the advance of the allied forces to Rangoon. For his role in successfully leading the squadron in combat, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) in 1944. On August 15, 1947, he achieved the unique honour of leading a fly-past of over a hundred IAF aircraft in Delhi, over the Red Fort. After his promotion to the rank of Wing Commander, he attended the Royal Staff College in Britain. Immediately after independence, he commanded Ambala IAF station in the rank of Group Captain. On August 1, 1964, in the rank of Air Marshal, Arjan Singh took over the reins of the IAF. He steered the IAF through the India-Pakistan war of 1965, when Pakistan launched its Operation Grand Slam, with an armoured thrust targeted at the vital town of Akhnoor. He inspired the IAF to victory, despite the constraints imposed on the full-scale use of the IAF combat power. Then defence minister YB Chavan wrote about him: "Air Marshal Arjan Singh is a jewel of a person; quiet, efficient and firm; unexcitable but a very able leader." The IAF, in a statement, said it "salutes the Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh, an iconic figure and wishes him all the best and grateful to him for guiding and inspiring through the years". Kunduz: Hundreds of Taliban insurgents have launched an offensive to seize the northern Afghan city of Kunduz, which they captured and held for several days last year, provincial officials said on Friday. The offensive around Kunduz began only days after the Islamist group announced their annual spring offensive, vowing to launch large-scale attacks using suicide bombers and guerilla fighters to drive the Western-backed government from power. Fighting broke out on Thursday in six districts in Kunduz province, a crucial northern stronghold close to the Tajikistan border, as well as around the provincial capital, with Afghan security forces battling militants through the night. "There is heavy fighting going on but the militants have failed to capture any areas and we are pushing them back," Kunduz police chief Mohammad Qasim Jangalbagh told Reuters. Taliban fighters briefly captured Kunduz city last year in a major blow to President Ashraf Ghani`s government. They also threatened to take Helmand province in the southern heartland of the insurgency after overrunning several districts. With those memories still fresh, officials took to the airwaves to try to head off panic among the public. "We will assure our people that the situation is under control and we will never allow the catastrophe that happened last year," Jangalbagh said. The insurgency has gained strength since the withdrawal of international troops from combat at the end of 2014 and the Taliban are stronger than at any point since they were driven from power by U.S.-backed forces in 2001. The sound of gunfire and explosions could be heard as far as 5 km (3 miles) from the eastern outskirts of Kunduz city, witnesses reported. Fearful residents hid in their homes and many shops remained closed on Friday. The highway between Kunduz and neighbouring Takhar province was also blocked, officials said. Imamuddin Qureshi, chief of Kunduz`s Imam Saheb district, said several security outposts had already fallen to insurgents and called on the government in Kabul to send reinforcements and air support immediately. Outposts were also overrun in other districts and security forces fled to Kunduz city to regroup, Khanabad district chief Ayatullah Amiri said. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said fighters had captured outposts in six districts and that three bomb blasts had killed seven members of the Afghan security forces just outside Kunduz. Those claims could not be verified immediately. The brief capture of Kunduz last September was one of the biggest territorial gains made by insurgents since they were ousted from power. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang visited Tsinghua University in Beijing on April 15, 2016. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang visited Tsinghua University and Peking University in Beijing on April 15, 2016. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang visited Tsinghua University in Beijing on April 15, 2016. In Tsinghua University, Li visited the Museum of University History, held talks with professors and students at School of Architecture, and stopped by the Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Therapeutics at School of Life Sciences. Li also visited the library on campus, interacting with students in the reading rooms. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang visited Peking University in Beijing on April 15, 2016. The Premier then visited Peking University which is neighboring Tsinghua University. Premier Li Keqiang held talks with renowned scholars at National School of Development, paid a visit to School of Economics, and took a tour of the Humanities Arts and Social Sciences Achievement Exhibition there. Premier talked with students from different schools, and chaired a seminar themed the reform and innovation on higher education. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang visited Peking University in Beijing on April 15, 2016. Wellington (Tamil Nadu): President Pranab Mukherjee Friday stressed on "jointness" among the three armed forces to ensure ultimate victory in conflicts and effectively uphold sovereignty of the country. Addressing the convocation of the 71st Staff Course at the prestigious Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) here, he said such a synergy ensured victory in 1971 war for India as a result of which Bangladesh was liberated. "Army, Navy and Air Force are the military instruments of state power. The history of warfare bears testimony that ultimate victory in war will be achieved through jointness among the three services. "The foremost example, in contemporary history, of excellent synergy and jointmanship exhibited in military history was during the 1971 war. No strategic military victory has ever been so precedented by any armed force in the world, such as the liberation of Bangladesh which culminated with the birth of a nation, in termination of the war," he said. Mukherjee said DSSC's curriculum was institutionalised to empower jointness among the armed forces. Apart from officers of the three defence services and paramilitary forces, 35 officers from 25 friendly countries also graduated from the portals of the college today. The President gave away medals and parchments to them. He asked the graduating officers to be well versed about the history of various conflicts and latest technology available in the modern world for successful military operations. "It is now upon you to ensure that you use this understanding with utmost maturity and prudence to effectively leverage the combat power of your forces when the country requires you as custodians of peace and security to preserve the sovereignty, territorial integrity conforming to our national interests. "As your Supreme Commander, I implore you to do this with total loyalty, distinction, steadfastness and patriotic fervour," he said. London: Underlining that everyone is the architect of his or her own destiny, Sindhi spiritual leader J P Vaswani has said that one can actually succeed in changing their Karma by taking charge of their lives. Delivering a talk on Empowerment, organised by GP Hinduja, Co-Chairman of the Hinduja Group, Vaswani said "instead of empowerment, I prefer to term it upliftment of elevation - uncover the potential that is within you." He said "authentic power is your birth right. You are architect of your own destiny. Your life, your future and your destiny is in your own hands. Each one of us has freedom of choice to act. We can actually succeed in changing our own Karma." His advice to the people is to "empower yourself, take charge of your life and live life in the right way." He admitted that "we are unaware of all powers that lie within us." He asked his followers to "start a new chapter in their life today, here and now. Yesterday is a cancelled cheque, tomorrow is a promise note. What matters is what you do today." According to him, if one wants to have peace of mind, one should stop criticising others, do one's duty, do it in the best possible way, life is a great cosmic drama in which each one has a part to play - play your part well, do your duty well, stop complaining and start thanking. Spread sunshine of joy wherever you go. Get your balance right between your work and life. India's Deputy High Commissioner to the UK, Dr Virendra Paul said it was a special honour and privilege to meet Vaswani, whom he described as a "great spiritual leader not only in India but all over the world." G P Hinduja, Co-Chairman of the Hinduja Group described Vaswani as a "real torch brearer of humility." He said "one has to learn the joy of living from you." Lord Khalid Hameed introduced Vaswani to the packed audience while Baroness Verma, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Development for International Development, who was the Chief Guest described Vaswani as a revered Sage and an embodiment of peace, love and humility. Srinagar: One person was killed and four others were injured as security forces opened fire on Friday in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district to disperse protesters who were pelting stones on an Army camp during a demonstration, as per ANI. If media reports are to be believed, the person who died today was identified as a class 11 student. The situation in the north Kashmir district has worsened following fresh casualties, as more people are taking to streets against the killings. According to media reports, protests were also received from parts of south Kashmir and Srinagar city but there were no casualties in these incidents. Protests rocked many places in Kupwara and its adjoining areas to mark the fourth day of death of three persons. Kashmir, particularly Handwara town in Kupwara district, is tense over the last four days in the wake of the death of three youth and a woman in firing by security personnel during a violent protest against alleged molestation of the girl student by an Army man on April 12. Curfew-like restrictions continued for the third day in parts of Kashmir and mobile internet services remained affected across the Valley. So far five persons have been killed in the Kashmir unrest. Handwara: The Jammu and Kashmir Police is not allowing a man and his daughter, whose alleged molestation by soldiers led to violent protests and subsequently to deaths of four people in firing by security forces, to go home. According to reports, the family of the girl has appealed for immediate release of the girl and her father, and has sought legal assistance. News channel NDTV has quoted senior police officer Uttam Chand as saying that the father-daughter duo are in "protective custody". "The girl and her father are in protective custody because they have asked for police protection," says Chand. However, a rights group in Kashmir on Thursday accused security forces of virtual "abduction" of the father of the girl. "The family of the girl states that she has been kept in police custody from 12 April to date. Last night (Wednesday), around 1 am, the father of the victim was called to the Handwara police station. He was accompanied by his brother. Since then his whereabouts are not known. The family has been denied access to both the minor girl and her father," the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society (JKCS) said in a statement. The Kashmir Valley has been on boil since the killings took place while Hurriyat leaders have called for a shutdown. Restrictions were imposed in many parts of the Valley to curb protests. The violent protests in Kashmir began over reports that a Kashmiri teenager was allegedly molested by an Army man in a public loo. However, the Army has denied that any of its soldiers was involved. An online video, circulated by the Army, showed a hijab-clad girl saying she was slapped by a Kashmiri man as she came out of the public loo in Handwara on Tuesday afternoon. She said the man abused her as she wondered what he was talking about. By this time, another man joined in and they wanted to take her to a police station and kept asking who was with her in the washroom, she said in the 1.16-minute clip. "They checked in and there was nobody. I insisted I will go with a policeman who was standing nearby," the girl, in a school uniform, says in the video, apparently recorded on a cellphone. She alleges that a large group gathered and began shouting slogans. The Army circulated the video but said it didn't know who captured it. The civilian killings triggered widespread protests on Wednesday even as the authorities imposed strict restrictions in parts of the Valley. Rajouri: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday asserted that the Handwara incident was an attempt by `Pakistani agents` to defame the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Government. "Pakistani agents and supporters in Jammu and Kashmir are hard at work to disgrace the Indian Army and the state government. The Indian Army has been protesting and saving the people of Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan for the past 20-30 years," BJP MLA Ravinder Raina told ANI here. Stating that the personnel of the Indian Army have been sacrificing themselves to save the lives of the civilians in the region, he added that `paid` Pakistani agents in the area were at work to defame the nation and its soldiers. "Even the girl has admitted that no Army man misbehaved with her. This is a conspiracy to defame the Indian Army," Raina added. As per reports, the girl has denied that she was molested by an Army man and accused two local youths of hatching a conspiracy. Meanwhile, an uneasy calm prevailed in the Valley as the police continued to place restrictions in several parts for the third day. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had earlier said that she had spoken to Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, who assured her that the guilty would not be spared. "I spoke to Lt General DS Hooda and Defence Minister Parrikar and they have assured me that an enquiry has been set in place and that those responsible will be punished. The family of the victims will also be compensated," she added while stating that the incidence of violence was unfortunate and should never have happened. Kollam: Kerala Police Chief TP Senkumar had objected to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi's visit to Puttingal Devi Temple on the same day when the tragedy took place, reports said on Friday. The top cop had raised concerns over high profile visit to the fire tragedy site as it would hamper rescue efforts. At least 113 people have been killed and scores injured after a huge stock of firecrackers went up in flames in Puttingal Devi Temple premises early on the morning of Sunday. Meanwhile, reacting to state police chief's remarks, Kerala Chief Minister Oomen Chandy said, PM's visit was a great relief to the people. Justifying the high-profile visits, he said that the presence and advice of the national leaders came as a great help in the aftermath of the tragedy. PM Modi on Sunday visited the Puttingal Devi Temple premises near here and took stock of the situation arising out of the mishap. The Prime Minister went around the accident site littered with debris of the two buildings, including the Kambapura, storehouse where the crackers and fireworks display materials had been stocked, that were completely razed to the ground in the explosion. He later visited the Kollam district hospital to see the injured people. On the same day, Rahul accompanied by senior congress leader, AK Antony and state Home Minister, Ramesh Chennithala too visited the site of the fire tragedy at the historic temple. Mumbai/Pune: Two petitions have been filed in the Bombay High Court seeking liberty to people who practise "atheism" to take oath in the name of Constitution in the courts, instead of swearing in the name of God. Currently, as per Oath Act, 1969, a witness or any person who deposes in the court, can swear in the name of God or by placing hands on a religious book. In a PIL, a Pune-based couple, Sunil Mane and his wife Laxmikanta, cited a couple of cases in Maharashtra at Bhivandi Magistrate Court and Pune District Court wherein senior government officials have told the court that they do not believe in God and expressed their willingness to take oath in the name of Constitution but unfortunately they have not been permitted, the PIL said. In another petition, an officer of Bhiwandi Municipal Corporation has made a similar plea. Both the petitions are slated to come up for hearing in due course, High Court sources said. "The Oaths Act, 1969, needs to be declared as violative of Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution," the Pune-based couple said in the PIL. They urged the court to issue directions to the Union and state governments that persons who are not willing to take oath in the name of God or by putting their hands on any religious book should be allowed to take oath in the name of Indian Constitution. "People who are not believers of God but have full faith in the Indian Constitution are getting denial during judicial proceedings at various levels in Maharashtra when they request that they be administered oath in the name of Indian Constitution," the PIL said. "It is high time to make the oath system suitable to democracy and in accordance with the spirit of Indian Constitution," the PIL states. Advocate Asim Sarode, through whom the PIL has been filed, said, "People, who are non-believers of God, are not allowed to swear in the name of Indian Constitution or placing hands on the rule book." He said that a person of any religion would not have objection to taking oath in the name of Constitution as it is his or her duty to abide by the Constitution. "This will help avoid flaring of communal thoughts and feelings and it will also not create problems for people who are atheists," Sarode added. Zee Media Bureau New Delhi: With the release of new version 50 of Google's popular web browser Chrome, the internet giant has decided to drop support for Windows XP and Vista along with three older versions of Apple's OS X. Starting April 2016, users who are still on Windows XP, Windows Vista, OS X Snow Leopard, OS X Lion or OS X Mountain Lion will no longer be able to receive security updates for the latest web browser. This means that now working on older versions of Windows and OS X will be a lot less secure. Just an year ago, Google publicly announced that it would drop support for Windows XP by the end of 2015. But in November 2015, it extended its deadline to April 2016 and added Vista and three older versions of OS X to the drop list. The most striking feature of Chrome 50 is its improved page loading speed. According to 9To5Google, the new Chrome version will load sites faster by telling browser ahead of time what resources should be downloaded. Apart from the bug and security updates, it also modified the notification feature, called push notifications payloads as part of the Push API. (With inputs from 9to5Google) Kathmandu: Top international human rights bodies today accused Nepal's Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli of trying to "intimidate" officials of a national rights watchdog over its criticism of the government, including excessive use of force against Madhesis during their recent protest. Nepal's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had last month highlighted various human rights concerns during the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the human rights situation in Nepal before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. The NHRC's statement delivered by Commissioner Mohna Ansari talked about discriminatory citizenship provisions in the new Constitution, the continued failure to properly investigate into alleged extra-judicial killings and excessive use of force during protests in the Terai region, violations of the economic, social, and cultural rights of earthquake victims and the need for credible transitional justice for conflict victims. Madhesis, who are largely of Indian-origin, led a nearly six-month-long violent protest over better representation in the Parliament and the federal structure of the new Constitution that divides their ancestral homeland that claimed over 50 lives before being called off unexpectedly. On April 3, 2016, Prime Minister Oli had summoned the NHRC Chair Anup Raj Sharma and other commissioners to question them about the statement, according to a local media report. In their joint statement today, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch (HRW) and International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) said that while it is entirely appropriate for the Prime Minister like other stakeholders, to consult with the NHRC, such exchanges should be conducted with due respect for the legitimate exercise of the institution's constitutional mandate, independently and free of undue interference or intimidation. "The PM's blatant attempt to intimidate the NHRC members for that submission is a flagrant violation of the government's basic obligation to ensure the NHRC's ability to carry out its work independently and without undue interference," said Nikhil Narayan, ICJ's South Asia senior legal advisor. "The manner of questioning, including insinuations of bias and a lack of neutrality, particularly those aimed at Commissioner Ansari, the public face of the NHRC in Geneva, revealed an intent not of clarification, but intimidation that seeks to limit the role and effectiveness of the NHRC," said Champa Patel, director of the South Asia Regional Office at Amnesty International. "The Prime Minister overstepped his authority, and his attempts to intimidate and intervene in the work of the NHRC contravene the Paris Principles, which clearly provide for the establishment of autonomous and independent institutions," said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at HRW. Reacting to the joint letter, Prime Minister's foreign affairs advisor Gopal Khanal said: "The Prime Minister is simply asking the NHRC to act more cautiously at a time when different international actors are misinterpreting Nepal's human rights situation," he said. Lahore: A report submitted to an additional district and sessions judge stated that the non-bailable arrest warrants against former president retired Gen Pervez Musharraf in the Lal Masjid cleric murder case could not be executed. According to the Dawn, the submission of the report is part of a process initiated earlier this month by ASDJ Pervaizul Qadir Memon to declare Musharraf a `proclaimed offender`. The report was submitted before the court during the proceedings of the Abdul Rashid Ghazi murder case and the report states that police officials visited Musharraf`s Chak Shahzad residence to execute his non-bailable arrest warrants, but he was not present. According to the report, security officials deployed at the residence`s main gate informed the police that Musharraf was not residing there, but had been living in Karachi for the last couple of years. In September 2013, Aabpara police registered an FIR against Musharraf under the direction of the Islamabad High Court where Haroon Rashid, the son of the deceased, had filed a petition seeking legal action against the former military dictator for launching a military operation against Lal Masjid in 2007. Shanghai Destroys over 60 Tonnes of Pest-infected Bananas from the Philippines Shanghai inspection watchdogs on Friday destroyed two batches of bananas imported from the Philippines, totaling 60.34 tonnes, after finding them infected by pineapple mealybugs. The Shanghai entry-exit inspection and Quarantine Bureau of Pudong burnt the imports on the spot. The pineapple mealybug, which lives on plant surfaces, can eventually kill the whole plant. Once imported, the pest may lead to significant agricultural losses. Washington: The US has said it will support India's endeavour to find ways to fund its massive drive for building modern infrastructure and to create more jobs. "We are working together to support India's National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) in order to increase financing options for India's infrastructure growth," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew, said in a joint statement yesterday. "We look forward to continuing discussions in areas such as municipal finance under the future work of the Initiative," they said on the sidelines of the annual Spring Meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Under the US-India Investment Initiative launched in January last year, the two governments have worked in collaboration with private sector to identify specific policies, regulatory reforms and technical collaboration aimed at mobilising capital from both domestic and foreign investors to build infrastructure and create jobs. The next meeting of the Investment Initiative will be in the United States later this year. "At this meeting, the last for the Obama Administration, we took stock of the impressive efforts that have been undertaken by both sides to deepen mutual understanding, and to improve cooperation across a wide range of bilateral and multilateral issues," Jaitley and Lew said. Asserting that the US-India partnership will be one of the defining relationships of the 21st century, they two leaders said they were committed to further deepen understanding of each other's economies. Noting that public debt management is an area of focus for India, the statement said New Delhi believes in continued efforts for more efficient debt and cash management as well as development of a deeper and more robust domestic debt market. It presents an opportunity for India's Ministry of Finance and the US Treasury's Office of Technical Assistance to engage in knowledge and information sharing in India's government debt management programme. A 'Terms of Reference' was signed between the two leaders to collaborate on India's government debt programme, it said. "As partners and peers, we are committed to working together to collaborate in multilateral fora, such as the G20, to steer our economies toward stronger, sustainable, and balanced growth. Under the aegis of our Economic and Financial Partnership, we held a sub-cabinet level discussion among our Deputies in India in early 2016," the statement said. "We are encouraged with the developments that have taken place since the launch of the Economic and Financial Partnership and look forward to continued engagement in an effort to strengthen our relationship, our economies, and the global economy," it said. New Delhi: The Election Commission has barred political parties and candidates in West Bengal from giving any print media advertisement on April 16 and 17 for the second phase of the assembly polls without pre-certification. The polling for the second phase of the assembly elections in the state will be held on April 17. In a letter to the West Bengal Chief Electoral Officer, the EC said that instances of advertisements of offending and misleading nature published in the print media have been brought to the notice of the commission in the past. It said such advertisements in the last stage of elections vitiate the election, and the affected candidates and parties will not have opportunity of providing clarification and rebuttal in such cases. It said direction should also be issued to all news papers in the state that they will not publish any advertisement in the print media on both days, which has not been certified by the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee. Vatican City: Bernie Sanders issued a global call to action at the Vatican today to address "immoral and unsustainable" wealth inequality and poverty, using the high-profile gathering to echo one of the central platforms of his presidential campaign. The Democratic senator from Vermont cited Pope Francis and St John Paul II repeatedly during his speech to the Vatican conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of a landmark teaching document from John Paul on social and economic justice after the Cold War. Sanders arrived in Rome hours after wrapping up a debate in New York yesterday night, saying the opportunity to address the Vatican conference was too meaningful to pass up. The roughly 24-hour visit precedes Tuesday's crucial New York primary, which Sanders must do well in to maintain a viable challenge to Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton. Pope Francis apologized that he couldn't personally greet participants at the Vatican conference. No meeting with Sanders was expected. But the trip gave Sanders a moment on the world stage, placing him alongside priests, bishops, academics and two South American presidents. Sanders has been at a disadvantage during his campaign against Clinton, President Barack Obama's former secretary of state, on issues of foreign policy but he was peppered with questions from academics and ecclesiastics in a manner that might have been afforded a head of state. Sanders trails Clinton in the Democratic primaries but the trip to the Vatican and his massive rally earlier this week with 27,000 people in New York City may have offered a glimpse of the senator's aim to become a progressive leader, win or lose. The discussions gave him a chance to expand on his core campaign messages about the need to reform banking regulations, campaign finance rules and higher education. Asked about inequality in public education, he said it was "beyond disgraceful" and cited challenging conditions in Detroit's school system. He told the audience that rather than a world economy that looks out for the common good, "we have been left with an economy operated for the top 1 per cent, who get richer and richer as the working class, the young and the poor fall further and further behind." "We don't choose to politicize the pope," Sanders told attendees, "but his spirit and courage and the fact, if I may say so here, that his words have gone way, way, way beyond the Catholic Church." Beirut: Fierce fighting raged Friday around Syria`s Aleppo as a surge in violence forced tens of thousands more to flee their homes, overshadowing the latest round of peace talks in Geneva. The clashes on several fronts have put a strain on a fragile ceasefire in place since February 27, and left more than 200 fighters on all sides of the civil war dead in recent days. The delegation representing President Bashar al-Assad`s regime arrived Friday in Geneva where UN-brokered indirect talks between representatives of the government and opposition were due to be held. However, the fighting around Syria`s second city Aleppo cast a shadow over international efforts to end the five-year war, which has left more than 270,000 people dead and forced millions to flee their homes. Troops and militiamen loyal to Assad`s regime have fought Islamic State group fighters to the southeast of Aleppo city this week, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. They also battled jihadists from the al Qaeda-affiliated Al-Nusra Front and allied rebels in the flashpoint area of Handarat north of Aleppo city, it said. Meanwhile IS fought rebels near the Turkish border, the Britain-based group added. On one Aleppo front alone -- pitting rebels against IS -- fighting has forced about 30,000 civilians to flee, according to Human Rights Watch. The watchdog accused Turkish border guards of shooting at some of those displaced as they approached the frontier. "As civilians flee ISIS fighters, Turkey is responding with live ammunition instead of compassion," said HRW researcher Gerry Simpson, using another acronym for the jihadists. "The whole world is talking about fighting ISIS, and yet those most at risk of becoming victims of its horrific abuses are trapped on the wrong side of a concrete wall." According to the Britain-based Observatory, fighting between the rebels and the jihadists near the Turkish border was still ongoing Friday. In total, at least 210 fighters on all sides have been killed in the battles around Aleppo since Sunday. Among them were 82 army troops and pro-regime militiamen, 94 members of Al-Nusra Front and allied rebel groups, and 34 IS jihadists, the Observatory said. The heaviest losses came near Al-Eis in the south of Aleppo province where 50 regime troops and loyalist militia fighters were killed along with 61 Al-Nusra and allied fighters, it added. The latest violence came a day after a senior official in Washington told AFP that the United States was "very concerned" about reports of a Russian-backed Syrian government offensive near Aleppo. European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini also expressed concern about the Aleppo offensive and called for the "respect, consolidation, and expansion" of the truce. Even though IS and Al-Nusra are excluded from the truce, violence around Aleppo has sparked concerns that the ceasefire may collapse, partly because rebels are involved in the battles there too. "Aleppo is the key to war and peace in Syria," Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP. "Every side in the war has a stake in Aleppo." The fighting around Aleppo is the fiercest in Syria since the truce began nearly seven weeks ago, and it is especially significant because all sides in the war are present in the province. In Geneva, indirect talks were scheduled to resume Friday as the regime delegation landed in the Swiss city two days after opposition representatives arrived. UN envoy Staffan de Mistura was scheduled to hold meetings with both the regime and opposition delegations later Friday. Syria`s conflict began in 2011 as a peaceful revolt but later morphed into a multi-front civil war. The role of Assad in a future transitional government, which de Mistura has said would be the focus of the latest round of talks, continues to be the key sticking point in the effort to end the war. Damascus says that even discussing the issue of his departure is off limits, while the opposition insists he must play no role in a future transition. lar-ser/dr Brussels: Belgium`s transport minister resigned on Friday after being accused of ignoring EU reports of security failings at the country`s airports ahead of last month`s suicide bombings in Europe`s symbolic capital. The resignation of Jacqueline Galant is the first political fallout from the attacks on March 22 that killed 32 people in Brussels, including 16 at the national airport. Belgium, a notoriously complex country divided along linguistic and political lines, has been accused of a lax security apparatus that was also exposed by a foiled attack on the high-speed train connection to Paris last August. The little-experienced Galant was under fire after the damning EU reports were leaked to media. This followed the shock resignation of a top transport official on Thursday who accused Galant of incompetence and "Gestapo-like" behaviour. "Transport Minister Jacqueline Galant has offered her resignation to the king, which was accepted," Prime Minister Charles Michel said after a cabinet meeting, according to a statement from the royal palace. Two Islamic State attackers blew themselves up in the departure hall at Brussels airport in a first wave of coordinated attacks that also hit a metro station near European Union headquarters buildings. The EU reports only covered areas of the airport beyond security checks, but they pointed to "serious deficiences" in security including an inadequate tracing of explosive devices. The latest report from April 2015 said Belgium was still "non-compliant, with serious deficiencies" in five areas based on spot checks at Antwerp airport. Galant denied she was ever made aware of the reports that date back to 2008 and that also warn of an alarming lack of staff and funding at the airport authority. But a top official said he had clearly notified Galant and her office and even provided separate expertise drawn up in January 2015 after the jihadist attacks on the Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine in Paris. That report warned that a terrorist attack on Belgium`s airports "was no longer hypothetical"."The fact that about a dozen Brussels airport employees with access to sensitive areas have been identified as either having left or potentially leaving for Syria, must serve as a warning," the report added, according to daily La Libre Belgique. Michel confirmed to lawmakers on Thursday that the reports were indeed received by Galant`s staff, heaping pressure on her to step down. "I could not accept that this precise detail was not shared with parliament yesterday," Michel told reporters on Friday. In announcing her decision, Galant strongly denounced what she described as a "media crusade" by her political enemies who were taking advantage of the Brussels attacks to replace her. "The well-orchestrated theatrics of the last 48 hours leave me unable to continue," Galant added. The European Commission, the EU regulator that drew up the reports, declined to comment on the specific Galant case, but said it stood by its case work. "In Europe, we have the highest safety standards in the world, that speaks for itself," Jakub Adamowicz, a commission spokesman, told a news briefing. Galant was also responsible for Belgium`s embattled air traffic control authority where labour strife earlier this week disrupted flights just as the bomb-damaged Brussels airport was struggling to return to normal. Rio de Janeiro: When she was being tortured under Brazil`s military dictatorship, Dilma Rousseff could never have imagined becoming the country`s first female president. But four decades on from those dark days in 1970, when Rousseff belonged to a violent Marxist underground group, she did indeed rise to the top -- only to face the prospect of impeachment less than a year into her second term. Proceedings launched last year head to a crucial first vote this weekend with the lower house of Congress set to decide whether to send her to trial in the Senate. Brazil`s 68-year-old "iron lady" has put up a fight, trying to repair a coalition left in tatters by the defection of the country`s largest party, the PMDB. The impeachment charges center on her government`s allegedly illegal juggling of accounts to cover budget holes leading up to her re-election in 2014. But momentum is also driven by anger across Latin America`s biggest country and economy over deep recession, corruption and the government`s inability to deal with Congress. Whether that`s fair or not, Rousseff has already been condemned by public opinion. Her government`s popularity has plummeted to around 10 percent since her narrow re-election win against business-world favorite Aecio Neves. Some critics attack Rousseff as lacking charisma. Others go further, calling her the classic accidental president, a politician who doesn`t like politicking. But as Rousseff herself has pointed out, torture steeled her for tough times. "I have come up against hugely difficult situations in my life, including attacks which took me to the limit physically," she said. "Nothing knocked me off my stride."Rousseff came to power in a 2010 election as the handpicked Workers` Party candidate to succeed hugely popular president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Whether as Lula`s chief of staff or energy minister, she won a reputation for laser-precise attention to detail and ability to master the most minute of policy points -- a talent she is said to have carried on into her own Cabinet meetings. Supporters say there`s also a warmer side to the leader, popularly known by her first name Dilma. Twice married, Rousseff has a daughter, Paula, from a 30-year relationship with her ex-husband, fellow leftist militant Carlos de Araujo. At Lula`s prompting during her reelection campaign, Rousseff learned to open up a little, once confessing to escaping the presidential palace on the back of a friend`s Harley-Davidson and cruising through the streets of Brasilia incognito. "People always say about women in power that they`re hard, managerial. But Dilma is a person with a great sense of humor, fun, extremely caring and generous," said Ieda Akselrud de Seixas, who was jailed with Rousseff in the 1970s. Rousseff also tapped into a national obsession with beauty, getting her teeth whitened, hair redone and lifting wrinkles from her face. The relatively fresh look was in contrast to the visible toll exacted during her successful battle against lymphatic cancer that was first diagnosed in 2009. At one point, she wore a wig to hide hair loss from chemotherapy. She has since made a complete recovery, doctors say.Born December 14, 1947 to a Brazilian mother and Bulgarian businessman father, Rousseff grew up comfortably middle-class in the southeastern city of Belo Horizonte. She cut her political teeth as a Marxist militant opposed to the 1964-1985 dictatorship and in January 1970 was arrested and sentenced to prison on grounds she belonged to a group responsible for murders and bank robberies. Rousseff`s exploits during her time in the Revolutionary Armed Vanguard Palmares group remain shrouded in rumor, claims, denials and accusations of exaggeration. But most reports agree that she played more of a support role, than taking part in violence. Nevertheless, the judge who found her guilty dubbed her the "high priestess of subversion," journalist Ricardo Amaral wrote in a biography. A photo in the book shows a bespectacled Rousseff aged just 22 staring defiantly at the court. After nearly three years behind bars, during which she says she was subjected to repeated bouts of torture, including electric shocks, Rousseff was released at the end of 1972. She took a legal political path from then on, helping found the Democratic Labor Party (PDT) in 1979 and eventually switching to Lula`s Workers` Party in 2000. From there, she made rapid progress into the country`s most powerful positions. When Lula was first elected president in 2003, he named Rousseff his energy minister and then, in 2005, his cabinet chief. As chairwoman of Petrobras from 2003 to 2010, Rousseff was at the helm of the country`s biggest energy company -- a record that has come back to haunt her with the revelation of massive corruption at the firm, although there are no incidents specifically linking her to it. Lula, whose own legacy is now threatened by Petrobras-related corruption charges, said he always knew Rousseff was special. "She came here with her little computer," Lula said after appointing Rousseff to her first Cabinet post. "She started to talk and I felt something different in her." Paro Valley: Britain`s Duke and Duchess of Cambridge trekked on Friday to a Buddhist monastery on a mountainside in Bhutan, going one better than the duke`s father, Prince Charles, who on a 1998 trip broke off his hike to paint a watercolour. Prince William and wife Kate dressed down for the three-hour expedition to the so-called Tiger`s Nest that is perched on a mountainside at 3,000 metres (10,000 feet). Kate`s outfit featured knee-length boots, olive trousers and a leather waistcoat, while William wore an open-necked shirt and beige slacks. The couple stopped along the way to smile for the cameras before the backdrop of the 17th century Taktsang Palphug Monastery across the Paro valley. Porters were on hand, including one with an oxygen cylinder, but the couple - William is 33, Kate a year older - managed without difficulty as they walked hand-in-hand through sunlit wooded uplands. The royal couple finally got some time to themselves on the sixth day of their hectic tour of India and Bhutan, where they were welcomed on Thursday by the young - and equally glamorous - king and queen of the tiny Himalayan nation. On Saturday, they return to India to visit the Taj Mahal, which was built in 1632 by Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife. William`s mother, the late Princess Diana, visited in 1992 and was memorably photographed sitting alone on a bench on front of the marble mausoleum, in an image that came to symbolise her unhappy marriage. Indian newspapers have reported that the British High Commission had asked for scaffolding, erected for repair work, to be removed from the onion-domed Taj Mahal. The Archaeological Survey of India turned down the request. There are also concerns that the site may be overrun by tourists when William and Kate are there, as it only closes for visits by heads of state or government. The British High Commission in New Delhi did not reply to a request for comment. There has been fierce competition among news organisations trying to secure the best spot on a viewing platform for the most sought after shot of William, second in line to the throne, and Kate. Paro Valley: Britain`s Duke and Duchess of Cambridge trekked on Friday to a Buddhist monastery on a mountainside in Bhutan, going one better than the duke`s father, Prince Charles, who on a 1998 trip broke off his hike to paint a watercolour. Prince William and wife Kate dressed down for the three-hour expedition to the so-called Tiger`s Nest that is perched on a mountainside at 3,000 metres (10,000 feet). Kate`s outfit featured knee-length boots, olive trousers and a leather waistcoat, while William wore an open-necked shirt and beige slacks. The couple stopped along the way to smile for the cameras before the backdrop of the 17th century Taktsang Palphug Monastery across the Paro valley. AIR APPARENT Porters were on hand, including one with an oxygen cylinder, but the couple - William is 33, Kate a year older - managed without difficulty as they walked hand-in-hand through sunlit wooded uplands. The royal couple finally got some time to themselves on the sixth day of their hectic tour of India and Bhutan, where they were welcomed on Thursday by the young - and equally glamorous - king and queen of the tiny Himalayan nation. On Saturday, they return to India to visit the Taj Mahal, which was built in 1632 by Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife. William`s mother, the late Princess Diana, visited in 1992 and was memorably photographed sitting alone on a bench on front of the marble mausoleum, in an image that came to symbolise her unhappy marriage. Indian newspapers have reported that the British High Commission had asked for scaffolding, erected for repair work, to be removed from the onion-domed Taj Mahal. The Archaeological Survey of India turned down the request. There are also concerns that the site may be overrun by tourists when William and Kate are there, as it only closes for visits by heads of state or government. The British High Commission in New Delhi did not reply to a request for comment. There has been fierce competition among news organisations trying to secure the best spot on a viewing platform for the "money" shot of William, second in line to the throne, and Kate. London: A mother cannot name her daughter 'Cyanide', a British court has ruled in a landmark case, saying her unusual choice might harm her children. The woman, who also chose the name Preacher for the girl's twin brother, insisted that she had a right to name her own children. But the mother, from Powys, Wales, was thwarted by top judges yesterday. In the first case of its kind, Appeal Court judges ruled that it was an "extreme" case and that the mother's "unusual" choices might harm her children. The mother has a chaotic history of mental illness, drug and alcohol abuse and relationships with abusive men, said Lady Justice King. The twins, who are infants, and two of their half- siblings are now living with foster parents, the Wales Online reported. When Powys County Council social workers learnt of the names the mother had chosen for the twins, they took the case to court in an unprecedented step. In June last year, a judge issued an injunction against the mother, forbidding her from formally registering the twins' unorthodox forenames. Her lawyers appealed, insisting that the refusal to let her name her own children violated her right to respect for family life. Lady Justice King, sitting with Lady Justice Gloster and Lord Justice David Richards, said that naming a little girl after a "notorious poison" was simply unacceptable. Although there was nothing seriously objectionable about the name Preacher, she ruled that both twins' names should be chosen by their older half-siblings. While ruling in the landmark case, the judge said that "even allowing for changes in taste, fashion and developing individual perception," Cyanide was a very odd name to give to a baby girl. The mother said Preacher was a "rather cool name" which sent a "strong spiritual" message and which would "stand my son well for the future". Cyanide, she said, was a "lovely, pretty name" and had positive connotations as the poison which ended the lives of both Hitler and his aide Paul Goebbels. Justice King said the courts would intervene to prevent a parent naming a child "in only the most extreme cases". But she ruled, "This is one of those rare cases where the court should intervene to protect the girl twin from emotional harm that I am satisfied she would suffer if called Cyanide." Beirut: Fighting escalated around Syria`s second city Aleppo on Thursday, as a Russian-backed government offensive strained a landmark ceasefire and threatened a new round of peace talks in Geneva. Government fighters, rebels and jihadists battled for control of swathes of Aleppo province, threatening a nearly seven-week ceasefire that had seen violence drop for the first time in the five-year conflict. Regime loyalists backed by Russian air power pressed a fierce offensive just north of the provincial capital of Aleppo city, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Fighting was heaviest around Handarat, a hilly area that lies along a route leading north out of opposition-held parts of the city. Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said regime forces, backed by Russian and Syrian planes, were seeking to cut off that road and "completely besiege" eastern neighbourhoods. An AFP correspondent in opposition-held eastern Aleppo city said the booming crashes of strikes could be heard throughout the day, but no raids hit the city itself. "We`re overwhelmed once again by fears of a government siege of Aleppo, after weeks of a ceasefire that may have just collapsed," said Ali Saber, a 32-year-old father of one living in Aleppo. The assault has sparked "strong concerns" in Washington about the ceasefire, which saw violence plummet after it took effect on February 27. A senior US administration official said the offensive "could well violate the cessation of hostilities, which has... been under increasing pressure in recent weeks". European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini also expressed concern about the Aleppo offensive and called for the "respect, consolidation, and expansion" of the truce. Representatives of Bashar al-Assad`s regime are expected in Geneva on Friday for peace talks with UN envoy Staffan de Mistura, who criticised the government for hindering efforts to deliver life-saving assistance to Syrians in need.President Vladimir Putin, Assad`s main backer, said during an annual call-in show on Russian TVB on Thursday that he was "closely following" the latest spike in violence. Putin last month announced a partial pullout from Syria, but warned Russia could return in full force should the situation require it. The UN fears that the humanitarian situation may deteriorate once again after reporting significant progress through the first two weeks of March. "We are extremely concerned about the situation in northern Syria, including Aleppo governorate, where there has been a significant increase in incidents of violence that continue to aggravate the humanitarian situation," a UN humanitarian official told AFP. The official said the UN was planning several aid deliveries to Afrin and Azaz -- two flashpoint areas in the province -- in the coming days. But UN envoy de Mistura said restrictions by Damascus have frustrated efforts to deliver much-needed assistance to besieged Syrians. Despite several UN Security Council resolutions that call for unobstructed aid access to besieged areas, the regime continues to frequently deny passage to convoys carrying assistance. "Everyone in the meeting was disappointed," de Mistura told reporters after a weekly meeting of the so-called humanitarian taskforce on Thursday. "Many of (the countries) are actually frustrated by the lack of new convoys," he added, naming Douma and Daraya, both besieged by the regime near Damascus, as being in dire need of aid. De Mistura said he made some progress in Damascus by securing tentative permission to distribute medical supplies. But he said that the government had specifically excluded surgical equipment, anti-anxiety pills and atropine, which can be used to guard against poison -- including sarin gas. Washington expressed outrage over the death of a doctor who ran a hospital and field clinics in the northern town of Hama, which is held by anti-regime rebels, saying it appeared he had been deliberately targeted in an area where Russian planes operate. Syria`s conflict began in 2011 as a peaceful revolt, with protests across the country that spread in 2012 to Aleppo province, which borders Turkey. Rebel groups, some of them allied with al Qaeda`s Syrian affiliate, Al-Nusra Front, are fighting the government, rival extremists and Kurdish militia there. The alliance between opposition fighters and Al-Nusra has complicated the implementation of Syria`s truce, which excludes Al-Nusra and the Islamic State group. The Observatory said Thursday IS fighters had seized a string of opposition-held villages near Syria`s border with Turkey. The most important among them was Hiwar Kallis, about one kilometre (less than one mile) south of the Turkish frontier. Rebels had secured significant gains against IS in the area before the jihadists pushed them back this week. SEOUL, April 15 -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Friday attempted to launch what is believed to be Musudan mobile ballistic missile into its eastern waters early in the morning, but the attempt appeared to have failed, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said. A JCS official told Xinhua on the phone that the DPRK tried to launch a missile from its eastern region at about 5:30 a.m. on Friday local time (2030 Thursday GMT) and the attempt was estimated to have failed. The official declined to explain why Seoul estimated the launch was a failure. Another South Korean military official was quoted by Yonhap news agency as saying that the estimate was based on the flight of an abnormal trajectory. The failed missile is believed to have been mobile Musudan missile, which is allegedly capable of striking parts of the U.S. territory such as Guam and the outer reaches of Alaska. South Korea's military had dispatched an Aegis-equipped destroyer to the East Sea to detect and track the possible launch of Musudan missile at or around the so-called Day of the Sun. The Day of the Sun is an annual public holiday in the DPRK that falls on April 15 to commemorate the birthday of Kim Il Sung, founder of the country and grandfather of current leader Kim Jong Un. The DPRK had reportedly deployed one to two mobile Musudan missiles about three weeks earlier to its eastern Wonsan area. If confirmed, it would mark the first time that Pyongyang test-fired Musudan missile, though unsuccessfully, and also the first time that the country launched ballistic missiles from a mobile launcher. Pyongyang is known to have deployed around 50 mobile Musudan missiles with a range of 3,000-4,000 km since 2007. The DPRK has twice launched a three-stage rocket, which was condemned as a disguised test of ballistic missile technology, from a stationary launch pad. The two launches are believed to have been successful. The latest long-range rocket launch from a fixed site was carried out on Feb. 7, about a month after Pyongyang detonated what it claimed was its first hydrogen bomb on Jan. 6, the fourth of its nuclear test. Unlike the launch from a stationary site that can be detected by spy satellites as it takes time to prepare, mobile launches are very hard, in case of military conflicts, to spot as the mobile launchers can move to another position before shooting missiles. From early March, the DPRK had fired a series of short- and medium-range missiles and multiple rocket launchers, heightening tensions on the Korean peninsula amid the ongoing annual war games between Seoul and Washington. The latest was the launch of three rounds of surface-to-air short-range missiles two weeks earlier. South Korea and the United States kicked off the Key Resolve command post exercise and the Foal Eagle field training exercise in early March. The former already ended last month, but the latter will last until later this month. Pyongyang has denounced the spring U.S.-South Korea war games as a dress rehearsal for northward invasion. South Korea's military has also closely monitored a possibility for the DPRK's fifth nuclear test since top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un gave orders on March 15 to test a nuclear warhead and ballistic rockets capable of carrying the warhead. Pyongyang has claimed that it possessed a miniaturized nuclear warhead and mastered the technology of a re-entry vehicle, key to developing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Seoul's defense ministry has said that Pyongyang can conduct another nuclear test at any time when the leadership decides. Hura: A year of uncertainty for Hisham Al-Sayed`s family finally came to an end this month when a grainy black and white photo appeared on a Hamas-affiliated television channel. Their 27-year-old son had disappeared a year earlier from his home in the Negev desert in Israel. But the image of Sayed`s face was the first time the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip had said they were detaining him. "When I saw him on the video, I felt relieved of course because I knew he was there. Before that I didn`t know that he was still alive," his father Sha`aban said from the living room of their modest home at the end of a dirt road. Sayed is a Bedouin Muslim Arab with Israeli citizenship, without any apparent connection to the Israeli authorities, making his case particularly unusual. How he got from his home into Gaza, which is blockaded by Israel, is unclear. The Israeli army declined to comment on the matter, but his family say he could have somehow scaled or cut the heavily guarded fence surrounding the Palestinian territory. The family say Sayed has schizophrenia and has disappeared to Jordan and Egypt multiple times, eventually being returned by the authorities. In fact, they say, he twice before broke into Gaza in 2010 and 2013, with the authorities eventually returning him after realising he was unwell. "But this time, I don`t why, in April 2015, they (Hamas) kept him and detained him, but didn`t say they had him," his father said. In the months after his disappearance, a police call was put out in Israel, but the family gradually learned he was likely to be in Gaza. Then on April 1 this year, Hamas released a video with photos of four Israeli citizens they claim to be holding. Two of them, Oron Shaul and Hadar Goldin, were soldiers in the 2014 war in Gaza. The Israeli army believes they were killed and Hamas has yet to provide reliable evidence to counter that. The third is Avraham Mengistu, an Israeli Jew of Ethiopian descent, who Hamas announced they had in 2015 and whose family also say has mental health problems. The fourth face was Sayed, who was accused of being a soldier for the Israeli army. It was the first time Hamas had publicly confirmed holding him. His family dismiss the claim he is a soldier or a spy as ridiculous and are worried for his health. "Hisham is mentally ill. He has schizophrenia," his father said. "He needs to take tablets every day, and some every month. I hope Hamas give him his tablets." The family are Muslims and say they have previously had good relations with people in Gaza. Many Israeli Bedouins serve in the Israeli military, though they are not obliged to. A letter written by the "community of Israeli Bedouins" earlier this month said Hamas was acting "immorally" as it was "holding a mentally disabled Muslim person," according to Israeli media. Sayed`s father called for intervention from Turkey and Qatar, two nations which have favourable relations with Hamas. "I call on anyone that has a relationship with Hamas to talk to them about this matter. Because it is not reasonable for Hamas to use someone with psychological problems." Sayed`s mother Manal, wearing a hijab, echoed his call. "I don`t want to interfere in Gaza," she said. "Just return him to me, that is all." Israel does not allow its citizens to enter Gaza, partly over fears they may be used as bargaining chips to demand concessions, including the release of prisoners. In 2011, Israel released more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for soldier Gilad Shalit, who had been held by Hamas for five years. Israeli media have reported Hamas is demanding the freedom of 56 of those prisoners who have since been rearrested in exchange for more information about the four Israelis. Hamas did not respond to requests for comment. Palestinian militants in Gaza have also fought three wars with Israel since 2008, including a devastating conflict in the summer of 2014. Aden: Yemeni forces backed by Apache helicopters from a Saudi-led coalition wrested the city of Houta from al Qaeda fighters after a gun battle on Friday morning, a local military official said. Their recapture of Houta, the regional capital of Lahj province which has been held by the militants since last summer, is one of the embattled Yemeni government`s most important inroads yet against al Qaeda forces who have taken advantage of more than a year of war to seize territory. Government troops began their attack at daybreak and succeeded after several hours of air strikes and heavy combat, the military official told Reuters. "The campaign to control Houta has been completed and it has been cleansed of al Qaeda and extremist elements," he said. Several people were killed and injured on both sides and 48 militants were captured, he added. Saudi Arabia and its mostly Gulf Arab allies entered Yemen`s civil war on March 26 last year in support of Yemen`s internationally recognised government after it had been pushed into exile by the Iran-allied Houthi group. Amid impoverished Yemen`s security chaos, Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) seized the port city of Mukalla and extended its area of control and influence about 600 km (370 miles) along Yemen`s southern coast toward the government seat at Aden. A Reuters investigation this month revealed that the group earns up to $2 million every day by taxing imports of basic goods and fuel. Until the attack on Houta, AQAP has suffered few territorial losses despite a stepped-up American campaign of air strikes and drone attacks on its bases.Houta, AQAP has suffered few territorial losses despite a stepped-up American campaign of air strikes and drone attacks on its bases. Columbia: US Secretary of State John Kerry called his Russian counterpart Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday to demand that Moscow press its Syrian allies to respect a crumbling ceasefire. "Secretary Kerry said the United States expected Russia to urge the regime to comply with the cessation and that we would work with the opposition to do the same," US spokesman John Kirby said. Kerry`s call came as a new round of fierce fighting around the northern city of Aleppo overshadowed peace talks aimed at ending Syria`s five-year civil war. According to Kirby, Kerry told Lavrov of Washington`s "serious concerns over the ongoing threats to the cessation of hostilities in Syria and the urgent need for the Assad regime to stop its violations of the cessation." US officials have complained that Russian warplanes appear to be flying in support of Syrian forces attacking rebel positions in Aleppo, Syria`s second city, despite Moscow having signed on to efforts to promote a political settlement. But the situation has been complicated by the presence of fighters from the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Nusra Front in Aleppo. Nusra is not party to the ceasefire and both Moscow and Damascus reserve the right to strike groups they regard as terrorists. On the call Kerry "made it clear that we`re concerned about the violence in and around Aleppo, and that we`re concerned about reports -- which we believe have credibility -- that there are violations of the cessation happening," said Kirby. "And to the degree that they`re aided and abetted by Russian air strikes, yes, that`s a matter of concern for us." The top US diplomat also expressed to Lavrov concern about reports that Iranian general Qassem Suleimani, commander of the covert wing of the Revolutionary Guards Corps, is visiting Moscow. Suleimani leads the Quds Force, which trains and supports Shiite militias in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria. He is subject to a travel ban under United Nations sanctions targeting Iran`s guerrilla campaigns. "He did raise it in the call," Kirby confirmed. "We`re aware of reports that General Suleimani has travelled to Russia. I`m not in a position to confirm whether that`s actually true. "But as we`ve said when there have been previous reports of similar travel, there are UN sanctions on General Suleimani that remain in effect so such travel if true would be a violation of UN Security Council resolutions and we believe then a serious matter of concern both for the UN and for the United States." Kerry also protested to Lavrov about an incident this week in which Russian fighter jets repeatedly buzzed a US naval vessel in the Baltic Sea. And he urged Moscow to prevent ceasefire violations along the frontline in divided Ukraine. Beijing: North Korea attempted and failed to launch what experts believe was an intermediate-range ballistic missile on Friday in defiance of UN sanctions and in an embarrassing setback for leader Kim Jong Un, drawing criticism from major ally China. The failed launch, as the reclusive country celebrates the "Day of the Sun" on the birthday of Kim`s grandfather, follows the North`s fourth nuclear test in January and a long-range rocket launch in February, which led to new UN sanctions. But the North has nevertheless pushed ahead with its missile programme, supervised by Kim. The U.S.-based 38 North website, which specialises in North Korea, has said there has been activity at the country`s nuclear site based on satellite imagery, and on Wednesday said the possibility of a fifth nuclear test could not be ruled out. China, North Korea`s most important economic and diplomatic backer, has been angered by Pyongyang`s nuclear tests and rocket launches in the face of U.N. sanctions that China has also backed. "The firing of a mid-range ballistic missile on Friday by the Democratic People`s Republic of Korea (DPRK), though failed, marks the latest in a string of sabre-rattling that, if unchecked, will lead the country to nowhere," China`s official Xinhua news agency said in an English language commentary. "...Nuclear weapons will not make Pyongyang safer. On the contrary, its costly military endeavours will keep on suffocating its economy." Friday is the anniversary of North Korean founding president Kim Il Sung`s birthday which is widely celebrated. In 2012, it was marked by a long-range rocket launch attempt which also failed. The U.S. Defense Department said in a statement the launch at 0533 Korea time (2033 GMT Thursday) was detected and tracked by the U.S. Strategic Command which also assessed it had failed. "We call again on North Korea to refrain from actions and rhetoric that further raise tensions in the region and focus instead on taking concrete steps toward fulfilling its international commitments and obligations," a US State Department official said. It was likely a Musudan, South Korea`s Yonhap news agency said, an intermediate-range ballistic missile with a design range of more than 3,000 km (1,800 miles) that can be fired from a road mobile launcher but which has never been flight-tested. The United States, which has 28,000 troops stationed in South Korea, said on Thursday it was aware of reports that North Korea was preparing to test intermediate-range missiles and was closely monitoring the Korean peninsula. "Timing wise, today`s missile was a cannon salute on the Day of the Sun, leading up to the party congress, but now that it has failed, it is an embarrassment," said Chang Gwang-il, a retired South Korean Army general. The North is scheduled to hold its ruling party congress in early May, the first such meeting in 36 years. The North could not completely ignore the sanctions, but considered it the right time to attempt a missile launch to send a message to the world "we don`t surrender to sanctions", Chang said. Some experts had said North Korea may choose to test-fire the Musudan as it tries to build an intercontinental ballistic missile designed to put the mainland United States within range. North Korea, which regularly threatens to destroy South Korea and the United States, often fires missiles during periods of tension in the region or when it comes under pressure to curb its defiance and abandon its weapons programmes. The reclusive North and rich, democratic South are technically still at war since their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty. Islamabad: Pakistan on Friday dismissed as "preposterous" the claims in a declassified US cable about its involvement in a suicide bombing at a CIA base in Afghanistan in 2009 that killed seven American agents and contractors. Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria said that allegations in the media on Pakistan's involvement with Haqqani network are "preposterous". "In fact, we were shocked and deeply saddened when precious American lives were lost at the Chapman facility in 2009 in an unfortunate attack that was later claimed by TTP in a publicly available video, featuring the suicide bomber with the leader of the TTP," Zakaria said in a statement. The spokesperson said that it would be further recalled that over the past years, Pakistan has through a series of military operations, severely damaged and weakened the TTP and other militant and terrorist organizations. "We wish to remind that Pakistan is among the biggest victims of terrorism, having lost tens of thousands of innocent lives, including over five thousand valiant personnel of law enforcement agencies, and economic losses to the tune of a hundred billion dollars," he said. Pakistan is determined to eradicate the scourge of terrorism and has taken action against all terrorist elements, without discrimination, he added. Rome: Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I has urged Europe to stop trying to divide economic migrants from asylum seekers as he prepares for Saturday`s hugely symbolic visit to the Greek island of Lesbos alongside Pope Francis. Reiterating that Christians have a moral duty to show hospitality to strangers, Bartholomew said in an interview published Friday that Europe should take inspiration from the generosity of Lesbos residents confronted with a mass influx to their island. "This question puts me in mind of St Paul`s letter to the Hebrews in which he reminds us not to forget hospitality because those who offer it have sometimes hosted angels without knowing it," Bartholomew told Italian daily Il Messaggero. "Hospitality represents a concrete example of love for our neighbour and the way all Christians should live their lives." The patriarch said Saturday`s trip to the Greek island at the centre of the migrant crisis would "send a strong message in every direction". "At this historic time and with the way the refugee crisis is developing, those people who can exercise influence have to work in this spirit." He went on to say that he agreed with Francis`s stance that distinctions between economic migrants, whom the EU says must always be returned to their countries of origin, and people fleeing conflict or repression is an artificial one. "Pope Francis has repeatedly referred to the ills of contemporary models of development and we share his point of view," he said. "The globalisation of the world economy has created a serious crisis of identity for the contemporary world, hunger and misery in many parts of our planet, and this offends God himself. "The segregation of certain groups of people to the advantage of others does not reflect His desire and in this context we must seek new and fairer economic systems." The visit by the religious leaders to Lesbos follows the conclusion last month of a controversial deal which aims to ensure that people arriving on the Greek islands without an asylum claim are quickly return to Turkey. Tokyo: Rescuers were rifling through the remains of collapsed buildings in southern Japan on Friday, after a powerful earthquake left at least nine people dead and injured hundreds, sparking fires and buckling roads. Tens of thousands of people fled their homes after the 6.5-magnitude quake struck the southwestern island of Kyushu on Thursday night, leaving lumps of broken concrete strewn in the streets. Houses collapsed, factories stopped work and a high-speed train was de-railed, while the roof of the treasured Kumamoto castle in the southern city of the same name was also damaged. "There was a ka-boom and the whole house shook violently sideways," Takahiko Morita, a resident of nearby town Mashiki, said in a telephone interview with public broadcaster NHK. "Furniture and bookshelves fell down, and books were all over the floor." Dozens of aftershocks followed the quake, which hit about 9:26 pm (1226 GMT) on Thursday evening, and officials warned the death toll could rise as rescuers scoured the collapsed structures. As rescue workers toiled through the night, an eight-month-old baby girl was pulled from the rubble alive and unharmed, NHK reported. "As far as we can tell from infrared images from a police helicopter, there appears to be a significant number of houses destroyed or half-collapsed," said disaster minister Taro Kono. "There are fears the number of injured could rise." Rescuers are concentrating their searches in Mashiki, a town near the epicentre of the quake where the most deaths have been recorded. On the streets, the remains of collapsed Japanese-style houses -- many of then aged, wooden structures -- could be seen, and damaged roof tiles lay in piles. Scores of people spent the night huddled in front of the town hall, some in tears, while others wrapped themselves in blankets to ward off the nighttime chill. "I`m so scared of the aftershocks that I cannot sleep," 94-year-old Tomiko Takahashi told Jiji Press.By Friday morning, the government said it had confirmed at least 860 people had been injured, at least 53 seriously. An official from the local Kumamoto disaster agency said at least nine were dead. "We are combing through Mashiki where the damage was serious to see if there are any people who are still seeking rescue," said government spokesman Yoshihide Suga. Gen Aoki, a Japan Meteorological Agency seismologist, urged residents to be on guard for more aftershocks and warned rain in coming days could make the situation worse. "Please do not go near damaged houses and structures that are about to collapse," he said at an early morning briefing. About 57,000 households in Kumamoto prefecture have been left without water, according to local government figures. Nuclear plants in the region were unaffected, but several major manufacturers including Honda, Bridgestone, and Sony said they had suspended operations at factories in the area. Train services on Kyushu were temporarily halted after Thursday`s earthquake and a super fast bullet train derailed -- luckily while it was empty -- said Yusuke Nanri, a spokesman for operator JR Kyushu. Some 1,600 military personnel were joined by nearly 2,000 police officers and more than 1,300 firefighters to help in the search and rescue efforts, Suga said early Friday. The initial quake, which struck at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles), was followed two and a half hours later by another measuring 6.4 magnitude, according to Japan`s meteorological agency. The US Geological Survey measured it a smaller 6.2 magnitude. In total, more than 100 earthquakes rocked the region after the first hit, and officials warned the could continue for a week or so. Japan`s two sole operating nuclear reactors, located on Kyushu, were functioning normally, an official at the Sendai plant told AFP. Japan, one of the most seismically active countries in the world, has been particularly on edge over the vulnerability of nuclear power plants after a massive undersea quake on March 11, 2011, that sent a tsunami barrelling into the country`s northeast coast. Some 18,500 people were left dead or missing, and several nuclear reactors went into meltdown at the Fukushima plant in the worst atomic accident in a generation. Bratislava: Russia is more dangerous than the Islamic State group, Poland's Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski told reporters today during a visit to Slovakia. "By all evidence, Russia's activity is a sort of existential threat because this activity can destroy countries," said Waszczykowski, who was speaking in a debate on the future of NATO at the annual Globsec security forum in Bratislava. "We also have non-existential threats like terrorism, like the great waves of migrants," he added, according to Poland's PAP news agency. He described the Islamic State group as a very serious threat but added that "it is not an existential threat for Europe". Waszczykowski also called for NATO to approve the deployment of troops on the alliance's eastern border at its upcoming July summit due to be held in Warsaw. "This will be a symbol of the determination to defend the eastern flank. We can discuss the scale of this deployment," he said. Czech Defence Minister Martin Stropnicky said at the conference that strengthening the alliance's collective defence capability would be the main point on the agenda at the summer summit, while warning that Russia "should not be isolated". He added that Russia was actively "testing the defensive capabilities of NATO in the Baltic region" where a number of countries have come under pressure, the Czech CTK news agency reported. Russia will use rare talks with NATO next week to protest the alliance's "absolutely unjustified" military buildup in the Baltic states, Moscow's ambassador to Brussels said today, adding the alliance was using the Ukraine crisis as a pretext. The Russian and NATO ambassadors will meet in Brussels on April 20 for their first formal talks in nearly two years to discuss security issues, including the crisis in Ukraine where Moscow is accused of backing pro-Russian rebels against the pro-Western government in Kiev. Tokyo: Nine people were killed after a powerful earthquake hit southern Japan, collapsing homes, sparking fires and injuring hundreds, officials said today as rescuers worked through the night to find residents feared trapped in rubble. Tens of thousands of people reportedly fled their homes and television footage showed damaged buildings, buckled roads and lumps of broken concrete in the streets after the 6.5-magnitude quake struck the southwestern island of Kyushu. NHK footage showed what appeared to be a house ablaze and firefighters dousing it with water, one of several fires reportedly sparked by the quake that left at least 780 injured, according to the public broadcaster. A camera in one of its offices showed violent shaking as the earthquake hit, with computer monitors and files tumbling off shelves as employees fell to the floor to take cover. "I felt quite strong jolts, which I had never experienced before," Shunsuke Sakuragi, a prefectural official in the city of Kumamoto, told AFP. "People were shocked but I have not seen any extreme confusion in the city." In the neighbouring town of Mashiki, scores of people gathered in front the town hall following the powerful shaking, some in tears while others wrapped themselves in blankets to ward off the nighttime chill. At least nine people were confirmed dead, a Kumamoto disaster management official said. "We also received information indicating a few people were under collapsed houses," said Sakuragi. As the death toll rose in the night -- earlier reports said two people had died -- an eight-month-old baby girl was pulled from the rubble alive and unharmed, NHK reported. Some 350 military personnel were dispatched for rescue work on the island, spokesman Yoshihide Suga said, appealing for calm. "I ask people in the disaster zone to act calmly and help each other," he said. Officials in Kumamoto prefecture said they were considering evacuating a hospital that was badly damaged, while several major manufacturers including Honda, Bridgestone, Mitsubishi and Sony suspended operations at their factories in the area, according to reports. Beijing: "Resolutely opposing" US joint patrols with the Philippines in the disputed South China Sea, China on Friday said it has "poisoned" regional ties by stoking tensions over the strategic waters. "This move by the United States and the Philippines has poisoned relations between countries in the region, aggravated regional disputes, triggered tensions and undermined peace and stability in the SCS (South China Sea)," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing here. The remarks came as Chinese Defence Ministry said the country's second-ranking general recently visited China's man-made islands in the SCS, in an act of defiance by China amid calls by the US and others to cease construction work that they say is raising tensions in the region. Lu also challenged Washington to show one case when China interrupted civil navigation in the SCS - a major shipping lane rich in natural resources. "On the safety and freedom of navigation, some US officials often replace concept in the argument. Are they talking about the safety and freedom of civil navigation for commercial purposes or that of military navigation?" he asked. "If the answer is for civil navigation, we have asked the US side may times to name one example that the safety and freedom of civil navigation in this region has been affected since the South China Sea disputes emerged over 40 years ago. "Yet the US has been unable to offer one single example up to now. Perhaps the US refers to the safety and freedom of military navigation, if so, countries of the region and many countries around the world all hope that international laws should be followed in this respect," he said. Earlier, Chinese Ministry said the country expressed "resolute opposition against infringement of China's sovereignty and security by any country in any form." "The military exchanges... Should not target a third party, not to mention supporting some countries to provoke China's sovereignty and security, flaring regional contradictions and damaging regional peace and stability," the Foreign Ministry was quoted as saying by state-run China Daily. "The joint patrols between the United States and the Philippines in the SCS have led to militarisation in the region, which is harmful to regional peace and stability," said a separate statement of China's Defence Ministry. The statement came after the US said yesterday it had launched joint SCS patrols with the Philippines and that 275 troops and five attack aircraft would remain in the Philippines temporarily. US Defence Secretary Ash Carter confirmed in Manila yesterday that the US and the Philippines had already conducted such patrols. Carter today visited the USS John C Stennis warship close to flashpoint waters of the SCS, in America's latest effort to show its commitment to maintaining security in the waters. Reporting on the US-Philippines joint patrols, Global Times said the "US moves to include India and Philippines in mini NATO". (Global Times) 08:52, April 15, 2016 Russian President Vladimir Putin has become the focus of global attention again Thursday by holding his annual live call-in session. Just one day before, the Pentagon released a video of Russian warplanes flying close to a US guided missile destroyer, an act described as a "simulated attack" by the US. According to the Pentagon, Russian aircraft buzzed the USS Donald Cookas the guided missile destroyer was conducting flight operations with a Polish helicopter in the Baltic Sea Monday and Tuesday. At one point the jets were as close as nine meters. The US has accused the Russian military of being unprofessional. The Russian pilots have demonstrated high professional skills to conduct such extremely dangerous maneuvers. The US military, which intends to provoke Russia in the Baltic Sea, was humiliated by its Russian counterpart instead. The US must feel furious. To some extent, the fighter jets that flew over the US destroyer are an embodiment of Putin, who for many years has repeatedly posed challenges to Washington adeptly. His response to the arrogant US pressure has helped reach an asymmetric strategic balance between Russia and the US. But toughness is not enough for Putin to fulfill his presidential role. Russians submitted more than 3 million questions to his call-in, which ranged from consumer prices, housing, corruption to transportation. The Russian economy and public livelihood are more daunting tests for Putin. They have cast a shadow notwithstanding the Kremlin scoring diplomatic points. The Russian economy is at its worst since Putin took office. Negative economic growth has led to decreasing living standards. While some conjecture that economic difficulties may eventually strike Putin's reputation and jeopardize Russia's political stability, others believe that Moscow is strong and resilient enough to go through the hardships. Military power, which has long been a pillar for Russia's comprehensive strength, is now playing a more significant role. Compared to its military strength, Russia's economy has dropped out of the top 10. While China-US trade volume is $550 billion per year, the annual trade volume between Russia and the US is less than $20 billion. Without many economy chips, Moscow can only make full use of its military cards. Though both China and Russia face strategic pressure from Washington, their specific ties with the US are different. The Sino-US relationship is gigantic in scale, featuring both cooperation and competition. As in practicing taichi, China has many flexible ways to tackle issues with the US. It is difficult to fully understand Russia and Putin. Russia is a mystery to both East and West. Its real strength is far different from what it appears. Whether it is Putin that shapes today's Russia, or the other way round, is an interesting question. "We appreciate that there are times when secrecy around a government warrant is needed," Microsoft President Brad Smith wrote in a blog post Thursday. "But based on the many secrecy orders we have received, we question whether these orders are grounded in specific facts that truly demand secrecy. To the contrary, it appears that the issuance of secrecy orders has become too routine." With those words, he announced that Microsoft had filed a lawsuit against the Justice Department. The complaint says it's "unconstitutional" for the government to force Microsoft not to tell you when federal agents access or view your informationfor instance, reading your emails. The landmark case filed today in federal court in Seattle is the latest in a strong of legal battles over security and privacy, pitting the giants of America's tech industry against Washington. Microsoft's Smith wrote in today's blog post that the lawsuit was about "stand[ing] up for what we believe are our customers' constitutional and fundamental rights rights that help protect privacy and promote free expression. This is not a decision we made lightly." The complaint [PDF Link] says that over the past 18 months, Microsoft received 5,624 demands from the federal government for information or data belonging to its users. About half of those requests, 2,576 of them, were attached to gag orders. Of those, nearly half 1,752 had "no fixed end date" on which Microsoft would finally be allowed to talk about any of this to anyone. From the Wall Street Journal: Lee Tien, a senior staff attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, expressed surprise at the open-ended nature of the gag orders cited by Microsoft. "I had no idea that so many judges would issue these things with no deadline. That's mind boggling," Mr. Tien said. How many Americans use Microsoft's many cloud-based services, from the Hotmail account your mom and dad use to the Microsoft Exchange mail systems your employer might use? Microsoft is legally prohibited from telling any of those people, including you, if someone at the FBI or any other federal agency is snooping on your location data, emails, selfies, or any other data associated with your account from sexts to electronic payment histories. Microsoft claims the government's actions violate the Constitution's Fourth Amendment, which establishes the right for individuals and businesses to know when the government searches or seizes their property. Microsoft is also claiming that the now common secret warrants violate its First Amendment right to free speech. The Department of Justice is reviewing the filing, spokeswoman Emily Pierce told Reuters. Jenna McLaughlin at The Intercept: The last big fight between the Justice Department and Silicon Valley was started by law enforcement, when the FBI demanded that Apple unlock a phone used by San Bernardino killer Syed Rizwan Farook. This time, Microsoft is going on the offensive. The move is welcomed by privacy activists as a step forward for transparency though it's also for business reasons. Secret government searches are eroding people's trust in the cloud, Smith wrote including large and small businesses now keeping massive amounts of records online. "The transition to the cloud does not alter people's expectations of privacy and should not alter the fundamental constitutional requirement that the government must with few exceptions give notice when it searches and seizes private information or communications," he wrote. Complaint, PDF: MICROSOFT VS. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE A German satirist faces court action after insulting Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan on television. Chancellor Angela Merkel, in granting Turkey's request to allow the prosecution of Jan Boehmermann, cast her decision as adherence to the country's laws against insulting heads of state: "In a state governed by the rule of law, it's not the domain of the government, but rather the prosecutors and the courts, to weigh individual rights." But critics say the law itself is an unacceptable infringement of essential freedoms, and point to another issue weighing heavily on Merkel's mind: the need to keep Turkey sweet so it will accept more refugees. The furor has centered on Boehmermann, a comedian with public broadcaster ZDF who two weeks ago recited a poem about Erdogan that plumbed the depths of bawdiness in an effort to test the boundaries of acceptable satire under a law protecting foreign heads of state from libel. Merkel says her decision wasn't a prejudgment on the satirist's culpability. Turkey's Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said on Monday that the German comedian had committed a "crime against humanity" by insulting the Turkish head of state. "No one has the right to insult" Erdogan, Kurtulmus told reporters. Erdogan himself also filed a complaint with German prosecutors seeking legal action. Boehmermann would receive no more than a small fine if convicted, according to legal experts. The poem was designed to test German limits on free speech, writes the BBC. In true Boehmermann fashion, the poem was more complicated than simply a string of obscenities. It was prefaced with an explanation that the poem was illegal in Germany, in reference to an Erdogan parody on German TV that the Turkish president had taken offence to days before. The joke presumably was that in Germany you could be fined or even jailed for saying something so childish; and it highlighted Germany's own problematic issues with free speech. That is why Boehmermann refuses to back down. "What appears to have been overlooked is that the poem was not broadcast on its own, but rather as part of an overall presentation about what is allowed in Germany and what isn't," as his lawyer explained on Thursday. Merkel says her government will seek to scrap the lese-majeste law, but the circumstances have already deeply embarrassed Germany's political establishment. Erdogan, notoriously thin-skinned, has cracked down on press freedom in his own country, and built himself a marvelous palace at public expense. By Allison Lampert and David Ljunggren MONTREAL/OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada's Liberal government and Bombardier Inc are still not close to reaching a deal on aid for the struggling manufacturer, making an agreement before its annual meeting this month unlikely, according to well-placed sources. The firm, based in the province of Quebec, wants Ottawa to invest $1 billion in its new CSeries passenger jet, which is years behind schedule, billions of dollars over budget and has won relatively few orders so far compared to its rivals. A source with knowledge of the talks said one sticking point is that Ottawa wants Bombardier to commit to certain performance guarantees, and even suggested the government could walk away from aid talks. "We want to help, but it's got to make sense," said the person, who asked to remain anonymous because of the sensitivity of the matter. Bombardier and Ottawa are at odds over the level of the Canadian government's involvement in the day-to-day running of the company, a second person familiar with the talks said. Government proposals for operational oversight in return for funding represent "a level of micro-management that is beyond what any normal investor or board member would expect," the person added. Speaking to reporters in Toronto, Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains said the government is having "constructive" discussions with the company. He spoke after Bloomberg, citing unnamed sources, earlier reported that Bombardier rejected an initial investment proposal from Ottawa. A third source familiar with the talks said it was incorrect to say that Bombardier had rejected the counter-offer, since the two sides were still involved in "complex and multi-dimensional" negotiations. A Bombardier spokeswoman declined to comment. Bombardier holds its annual meeting on April 29. Bombardier struck a $1 billion deal with the province of Quebec last October to support the CSeries and is seeking a similar sum from Ottawa. But federal officials have said they do not want to imitate the structure of that deal, which some felt did not impose enough conditions on the company. Ottawa is more interested in an agreement like the one Quebec's public pension fund manager struck last November when it agreed to buy a 30 percent stake in Bombardier's rail business, the officials said. That deal imposed benchmarks on Bombardier and also laid out what returns the Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec can get for its money. Quebec, however, wants the federal deal to be comparable to its own to avoid looking like it had negotiated the weaker of the two agreements with Bombardier, said a political source familiar with the matter. A spokeswoman for Quebec's Transportation Minister said the province would not negotiate in public, but "everyone wants to have the most favorable deal. Legislators in the ruling Liberal Party are also concerned about possible job losses at the company. Bombardier shares hit a six-month high on Friday following reports it was poised to secure the largest order so far for the CSeries from U.S. carrier Delta Air Lines Inc . The order is expected to be for 75 CSeries jets with options for 50 more. Industry sources said Delta's board was due to vote on the proposal later this month. The U.S. airline is also likely to order 30 A321s from Airbus , a source close to the negotiations said, echoing a figure first reported by Bloomberg. Bombardier shares initially rose as much as 17 percent to C$1.79 before closing up 5.9 percent at C$1.62. (Additional reporting by Alastair Sharp in Toronto, Tim Hepher in Paris; editing by Bernard Orr, G Crosse) Read the latest news from the trial here: Mother of toddler who died of meningitis weeps at trial, recounting fear that her other children would be taken away In his final days of suffering from bacterial meningitis, 19-month-old Ezekiel Stephan had to be given fluids through an eyedropper and his body was stiff to the point of his back being arched, according to a physician's report newly released by an Alberta court to CBC News. The toddler was declared brain dead in March 2012 after an emergency trip to hospital to see a physician for the first time in his life, according to the document, which is included as an exhibit as the trial of his parents continues in Lethbridge. David and Collet Stephan stand accused of failing to provide the necessaries of life to their son. The document represents an account of the events leading up to Ezekiel's death by Dr. Jenn D'Mello, who prepared the report following an assessment of Ezekiel at the pediatric intensive-care unit of the Alberta Children's Hospital in Calgary on March 15, 2012. - The full physician's report is embedded as a PDF at the end of this story The information in the document comes from Ezekiel's medical chart and an interview with his mother at the time. First signs of trouble According to the report, Ezekiel's mother told the doctor the last time he appeared "completely well" was more than two weeks earlier, on Feb. 26, at the family's acreage in Cardston county, south of Lethbridge. On Feb. 27, Ezekiel "developed a fever and was whining a lot," the report reads. The parents told the physician they initially thought he was simply teething but then, later that day, they noticed he had developed laboured and "whistly/wheezy" breathing. The couple phoned a family friend whom they described to the physician as a registered nurse and Ezekiel's birth attendant. Listening to the child's breathing over the phone, the friend suggested it sounded like he had croup. Story continues "Collet subsequently looked croup up on the internet and saw that it was a viral infection and that the only medical treatment typically offered was a dose of steroids if it was severe," the physician's report reads. "As per the internet suggestions, they treated Ezekiel's breathing difficulty with cool air and a humidifier. They also started Ezekiel on some herbal/naturopathic remedies which they believe help fight off viral infections and have given Ezekiel in the past when he has a cold." Home remedies Those remedies included olive leaf extract, garlic and methylsulfonylmethane, in addition to the "daily herbal/naturopathic supplements" that the parents had been giving Ezekiel, according to the physician's report. That daily regime included Omega 3-6-9, whey protein, FermPlus, an unnamed digestive enzyme, and Empowerplus a controversial supplement sold by a company founded by Ezekiel's grandfather, Anthony Stephan. The company, Truehope Nutritional Support, had been locked in a years-long battle with Health Canada over the supplement, which the federal department warned in 2003 did not have enough scientific backing to be considered safe and was being sold without a drug identification number. Truehope, based in Raymond, Alta., eventually won in a legal decision that allowed for Empowerplus to continue being sold in Canada. David Stephan told the court he is vice president of the company. The physician's report stated Collet took Empowerplus daily during her pregnancy and Ezekiel's parents started giving him daily doses of Empowerplus mixed into a smoothie "since approximately 10 or 11 months of age." Symptoms continue Meanwhile, the child's symptoms, which his parents believed to be croup, continued for another week, although the physician noted "he never really had a cough." The boy had minimal appetite and little interest in drinking so Collet and David "used an eye dropper to make sure he was getting enough fluids," the report states. Aside from his first day of illness, Ezekiel's fever never returned, and his temperature never measured above 37.8 degrees, according to the report. He continued to be lethargic and have occasional bouts of difficult breathing, particularly at night, "but the parents felt he was gradually improving and responding to the cool air, humidifier, and extra herbal remedies." By March 5 Ezekiel appeared "much improved" and "well enough to go to a pre-school type program he attends," so Collet stopped the olive leaf extract, garlic and methylsulfonylmethane treatment, "as he seemed to have recovered from his 'croup.'" Unusual 'neurological symptom' On March 6, however, Ezekiel was "unusually lethargic more so than he had been during any of the days in the week prior." "He laid in bed the entire day and his only response would be to moan unhappily when Collet left the room," the physician's report reads. He again would not eat or drink and was restarted on his extra herbal remedies. "Collet also described noticing an unusual 'neurological symptom' that day where Ezekiel had repetitive movements of his right arm where he would pull at his diaper or rub his cheek and these movements seemed unusual and involuntary to Collet." He seemed "a bit better" the following day and the abnormal movements ceased, but his lethargy continued. From March 8-10, Ezekiel seemed to "gradually improve" but on March 11, the symptoms worsened again and his parents "noticed his body to be very stiff." Body stiffness worsens By March 12, the stiffness was so severe that Ezekiel's "back was arched" and his parents called their family friend again, who came over to examine the boy with a stethoscope. "According to Collet, their friend concluded that Ezekiel's symptoms could be from meningitis," the physician's report reads. "Collet then looked up meningitis on the internet; specifically she mentioned looking at the WebMD website. She came across the Kernig and Brudzinski's test for meningismus and tried them on Ezekiel. She reports the tests were obviously positive, further indicating to her that Ezekiel was suffering from meningitis." Ezekiel's parents then resumed the treatment with olive leaf extract, garlic and methylsulfonylmethane and used the eye-dropper method to ensure he received enough fluids, as "he would not drink on his own," the report reads. They also started giving him Total Reload, an electrolyte and amino-acid supplement. Within two hours, "they felt he'd had some improvement and was less lethargic." "They called their naturopath in Lethbridge to ask for recommendations for treating viral meningitis and were advised to start him on something called BLAST," the report states. Trip to Lethbridge for 'BLAST' The next day, March 13, the family drove to Lethbridge to run some errands which included picking up the BLAST from their naturopath. "Ezekiel seemed a bit more alert that morning but he was too stiff to be successfully placed in his car seat so his crib mattress was put in the back of the car and he laid on that for the drive," the report reads. "They picked up the BLAST and started Ezekiel on that and then drove back home." After a nap at home and more fluids, Ezekiel seemed more alert but still lethargic. Abnormal breathing and 911 call After another nap, Ezekiel woke up about 8:30 p.m., when Collet noticed he had "abnormal breathing where he seemed to be gasping and struggling" to draw breath, followed by pauses in his breathing that lasted for a few seconds. "Collet patted him on the back when his breathing paused and then he resumed breathing but paused again shortly after," the physician's report states. "At that point the parents called 911 and Collet gave Ezekiel some rescue breaths. He coughed up a bit of mucous and again his breathing resumed. In discussion with 911 they decided to drive him to the hospital at that point rather than await an ambulance as his breathing had resumed. "They again placed him on the mattress in the back of the car and Collet stayed with him while David drove. Within minutes of departing, Ezekiel stopped breathing again. Collet again gave rescue breaths but this time Ezekiel did not resume breathing." Collett then gave him about five chest compressions, according to the physician's report, and his breathing resumed briefly but the frequent pauses continued. The couple called 911 again and stayed on speaker phone with the operator until an ambulance met their vehicle. "While on the phone with 911, the parents gave full CPR for about 10 minutes until EMS arrived," the report states. "Ezekiel had no spontaneous return of breathing and Collet reports he was blue by the time EMS arrived." Emergency transport and brain death The ambulance took Ezekiel to the emergency room at the hospital in Cardston where he was intubated and received about 30 minutes of CPR, multiple doses of epinephrine and atropine, and regained circulation. He was then transported to the ER in the Lethbridge along with the Cardston physician, where they were met by a pediatric intensive-care transport team, who took Ezekiel to Calgary via helicopter. After arriving at the Alberta Children's Hospital, Ezekiel required "significant cardiopulmonary support," according to the physician's report, and "broad spectrum antibiotics." The working diagnosis was bacterial meningitis, although that was not confirmed by a lumbar-puncture test, as Ezekiel was "too unstable to undergo this procedure." He did not regain consciousness in hospital and, following a CT scan and a neurological assessment on the morning of March 15, 2012 the physician reported that Ezekiel was "completely unresponsive" and had "met criteria for brain death." The trial began March 7. The prosecution rested its case just over two weeks ago. David Stephan started testifying on Monday and the Crown was continuing to cross-examine him Wednesday in Lethbridge. Mobile app users, click here to view the entire physician's report. - MORE ALBERTA NEWS | 2-year-old boy may die after being struck by family car in driveway - MORE ALBERTA NEWS | Suspect gets pinched after ditching stolen car in police parking lot As the Manitoba election campaign enters its last days, NDP Leader Greg Selinger and Liberal Leader Rana Bokhari took swings at Brian Pallister over the amount of time the PC leader has spent in Costa Rica since he was elected as an MLA in 2012. Public records show Pallister spent about 240 days either travelling to or in Costa Rica, as CBC first reported Thursday. Pallister's latest trip to Costa Rica was earlier this year, from Jan. 31 to Feb. 10. None of Pallister's Costa Rica trips occurred when the legislature was sitting, although a two-week trip occurred during the height of the 2014 flood. Later that year, when asked by the Winnipeg Free Press about where he was during the flood, Pallister responded, "I was at a family wedding in Alberta in July; the first week of July was when the unprecedented rainfall occurred one day in parts of western Manitoba." A PC Party spokesperson said Thursday that the wedding took place June 28, the day before Pallister flew to Costa Rica. Selinger said on Thursday it is significant Pallister did not mention Costa Rica when asked where he was during the disaster. "Mr. Pallister knew that is was not accurate that he was at a wedding in Alberta and did not put the correct information on the record when he was asked about it, and I think now is the time for him to level and come forward to Manitobans about that," said Selinger. Selinger said leaders should be available during all times of crisis. "There are times in everybody's life when you are in a position of leadership when you have to step up and be there for people," said Selinger. The NDP leader spent an estimated 50 days away during the same time period, primarily on weekends and holidays at a cottage with his family, said an NDP spokesperson. Bokhari warned Pallister could become a "part-time premier" if the PCs form the next provincial government. Bokhari said that "240 days is a lot of days to not be in your province. Frankly, I think it's insulting." Since becoming Liberal leader in October 2013, Bokhari was out of the province for nine vacation days and an additional 18 days attending Liberal Party functions, a party spokesman said. "If you have the honour of being in that legislature and to not value that when you already have it, you don't have the right to be the premier," she said. GENEVA (Reuters) - Syria's main opposition group is willing to share membership of a transitional governing body with current members of the government of President Bashar al-Assad, but not Assad himself, the group's spokesman told Reuters in Geneva. "There are many people on the other side who we can really deal with," Salim al-Muslat, the spokesman for the High Negotiations Committee, said on the second day of a round of U.N.-mediated peace talks in Geneva. "We will have no veto, as long as they don't send us criminals, as long as they don't send us people involved in the killing of Syrians." (This version of the story corrects last word to say "Syrians" instead of "criminals") (Reporting by Tom Miles; editing by John Stonestreet) By Noah Barkin and Michelle Martin BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's Angela Merkel agreed on Friday to allow prosecutors to pursue a case against a German comedian who mocked Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan, prompting accusations that she had failed to protect free speech and dividing her ruling coalition. Erdogan had demanded that Germany press charges against Jan Boehmermann after he recited a poem about the Turkish leader in a show on German public broadcaster ZDF on March 31, suggesting he hits girls, watches child pornography and engages in bestiality. A section of the German criminal code prohibits insults against foreign leaders but leaves it to the government to decide whether to authorize prosecutors to pursue such cases. This put Merkel in an awkward position. She has been the driving force behind a controversial European Union deal with Turkey to stem the flow of refugees into Europe and critics have already accused her of ignoring violations of human rights and press freedoms in Turkey to secure its cooperation. The chancellor made clear in a statement that the decision to allow prosecutors to investigate was not a verdict on the merits of the case itself. But she came under fire from the Social Democrats (SPD), her center-left coalition partner, which had wanted the Turkish request to be rejected. With her cabinet split on the matter, Merkel had the casting vote. "We are of the view that the authorization for prosecution ... should not have been granted," Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Justice Minister Heiko Maas, both Social Democrats, said in a joint statement. Boehmermann's lawyer, Christian Schertz, said Merkel's decision was "completely unnecessary", noting that Erdogan had already filed a separate legal complaint against Boehmermann. "CLOSE TIES" Presenting her decision in a televised statement, Merkel said: "Turkey is a country with which Germany has close and friendly ties." Several Turkish officials declined to comment and Erdogan did not broach the subject at a speech in Istanbul on Friday. One senior Turkish official said: "We want to see the result of this case and don't want to say anything about it at this stage." But Omer Celik, spokesman for Turkey's ruling AK party, defended Merkel's decision. "Without a doubt this is the right decision," Celik told broadcaster TRT Haber on Friday. "This is an insult against our nation and state. That person's statements on that television channel were not criticism but direct insult." Kai Diekmann, publisher of Germany's mass-selling daily newspaper Bild, responded with a commentary under the headline "In Erdogan's Hand" in which he asked: "Has Germany, with the Turkey deal, made itself susceptible to blackmail?" Diekmann added: "When (the chancellor) travels to Turkey next week, she must say to her host's face how terrible things are in Turkey with freedom of opinion and of the press." Merkel travels to Turkey with top EU officials on April 23. Sahra Wagenknecht, of the far-left Linke party, accused Merkel of kowtowing to the "Turkish despot" Erdogan. Boehmermann, an impish-looking 35-year-old, is known for pushing the boundaries of satire. Last year he claimed to have manipulated a video of Greece's then-finance minister Yanis Varoufakis, in which he is shown giving the middle finger -- known as the "Stinkefinger" in German -- to Berlin for its tough stance on the debt crisis. The video infuriated German politicians. The cult comedian made clear before reciting the poem about Erdogan that he was intentionally going beyond what German law allowed. "WRONG SIGNAL" ZDF has since removed a video of the poem from its website. But Boehmermann has received backing from prominent German artists while 82 percent of people polled by Focus magazine viewed the poem as defensible. The comedian is reportedly under police protection and canceled his last show on ZDF. In giving her statement, Merkel pressed Turkey -- a candidate for European Union membership -- to uphold the values of freedom of expression, the press and art. She also made reference to the three million people with Turkish roots who live in Germany, the strong economic ties between the countries and their cooperation as NATO allies. But the Association of German Journalists (DJV) said Merkel had sent the "wrong signal" to the Turkish government even though she made reference to violations of the right to freedom of press and opinion in Turkey. A Turkish group called the Union of European Turkish Democrats, which has posted videos online supporting Erdogan, filed a complaint with Austria's media watchdog on Friday over newspaper Oesterreich's reprinting of parts of Boehmermann's poem. Merkel said the German government plans to remove the section of the criminal code that requires it to grant permission for prosecution in such cases. (Additional reporting by Caroline Copley and Holger Hansen in Berlin, Shadia Nasralla in Vienna and Orhan Coskun in Ankara; Writing by Michelle Martin, Noah Barkin, and Paul Carrel; Editing by Mark Heinrich and David Goodman) By Jon Herskovitz (Reuters) - A Houston deputy constable was shot at least four times in the chest and abdomen in an ambush attack while he was talking to a colleague through a patrol car window and is expected to recover fully, officials said on Thursday. Alden Clopton, 48, who has been on the force 11 years, underwent several hours of surgery on Thursday morning after the attack that took place around midnight, said Pamela Greenwood, a spokeswoman for the Harris County Constable Precinct 7 office. "Our officer was ambushed," Precinct 7 Constable May Walker told a news conference in Houston. "We are excited that he is progressing. We have faith to believe that he will soon recover and he will be back to work." Texas constables are local law enforcement officers separate from police. The motive for the shooting was not clear. Dr. Joseph Love, the attending trauma surgeon for Clopton at Memorial Hermann Texas Trauma Institute in Houston, said he expects Clopton to make a full recovery. Clopton suffered wounds to both sides of his torso and in his chest cavity, Love said at the same news conference.Houston police are questioning a person of interest matching the suspect's description but so far no arrests have been made, Houston Police spokesman Kese Smith said. The shooting occurred after a traffic stop made by another deputy constable. Clopton arrived as a backup and was speaking to the other deputy constable after the motorist pulled over had left. As they were talking, Clopton was hit by gunfire, spokesman Smith said. The other deputy constable returned fire, Smith said, but it was unclear if the suspect was hit. (Reporting by and Jon Herskovitz in Austin, Texas and Victoria Cavaliere in New York; Editing by Diane Craft and Grant McCool) Wang Dehua in the hospital. The care and support that family members offer to one another can be truly touching. The heartwarming story of Wang Dehua and his son is a prime example of that very phenomenon. Last November, Wang Dehua, from the city of Chongqing in southwest China, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. At first, Wang tried to hide the news from his son, Wang Zeyuan, as his son was busy preparing for the gaokao, Chinas national college entrance examination. But Wang ultimately had to tell his son the truth since he could not find a suitable bone marrow donor. Wangs son immediately agreed to go to hospital to see if his marrow matched his fathers. Fortunately, Wangs son was a very good match. However, the date for the bone marrow transplant operation conflicted with the date of the physical examination required for all seniors who plan to take the gaokao. Wang Zeyuan therefore decided to give up taking the gaokao. For the time being, Wang is still in the hospital receiving treatment. During visiting hours, Wang's wife often goes to the hospital and stands outside the isolation area, looking at her husband inside. Now, Wang's wife is worried about how to pay the medical expenses. On April 8, his wife told reporters that her family already owes the hospital nearly 30,000 yuan. But she refuses to bow before difficulties; instead, she says she will try her best to collect the money so that her husband can have further treatment. By Padraic Halpin and Conor Humphries DUBLIN (Reuters) - Acting Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny failed for the third time to be re-elected in a parliamentary vote on Thursday but made some progress towards breaking the political deadlock created by an inconclusive Feb. 26 election. Ireland joined a growing group of euro zone countries with deeply fractured parliaments when voters angry at not feeling the effects of a much vaunted economic recovery ousted Kenny's coalition but failed to provide a clear alternative. Ineffective attempts to break the impasse have left a weak minority government as the only realistic option to avoid a fresh election. But Kenny has failed to secure the two things he needs to form one: the support of at least 58 deputies and the consent of the second-largest party, its historic rival Fianna Fail, to abstain in key votes. Fianna Fail, which is open to facilitating a minority administration if Kenny can attract enough additional support, removed one hurdle when it abandoned hopes of forming a minority government of its own. The two main parties still have to decide how a minority government would work after the 14 independent lawmakers undecided over whether to support Kenny said they would not take sides until the two main parties agree a detailed plan. Kenny urged the parties to resume talks after the vote. "We're now nearly seven weeks on from the election," Kenny told parliament. "It's time really to focus with a sense of urgency and I sincerely hope that in the short time ahead that this matter can be progressed to conclusion." Kenny was backed by 52 members of parliament in the 157-seat lower house, one more than a similar vote last week. That meant he won the support of just two outside his own party and one of the 15 independents he wants to return to power alongside. The independents on Thursday laid down a new demand, saying any deal would have to last long enough to implement at least three annual budgets. The deadlock has so far had little effect on the fastest- growing economy in Europe. Ireland sold 750 million euros of 10-year bonds at a record-low yield of 0.817 percent at an auction earlier on Thursday. However, the country's central bank has warned that more protracted uncertainty could have adverse consequences for economic growth, particularly with Britain, a key trading partner, voting in June on whether to leave the European Union. (Editing by Larry King) Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel has agreed to a request from Turkey to seek prosecution of a German comedian. Jan Boehmermann is accused of reading a sexually crude poem about Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on German television. He told viewers that the poem was to illustrate what wouldn't be allowed in Germany, comparing it to another channel's earlier satirical song that also made fun of Mr Erdogan and angered Turkey. The television channel, ZDF, wiped the piece from its archives but says it didn't break the law. Turkish officials made a request last week to prosecute Mr Boehmermann for insulting a foreign head of state, a request that posed a difficult choice for Germany when it is relying on Turkey to reduce the flow of migrants into Europe. Under an obscure German law, prosecutions for insults against foreign leaders need both a complaint from the offended party and permission from the government. After a day of deliberation, Ms Merkel confirmed Germany would give permission for prosecutors to take the case forward, if they wished. Ms Merkel said there had been differing opinions between the country's coalition partners but added: "The outcome is that the German government will give the authorisation in the current case." She said that this was "neither a prejudgment" nor "a decision about the limits of freedom of art. the press and opinion". The German government intends to repeal the law on insulting a head of state, effective in 2018, she added. By Alister Doyle OSLO (Reuters) - Many nations are pushing for swift ratification of a Paris agreement to slow climate change and lock it in place for four years before a change in the White House next year that might bring a weakening of Washington's long-term commitment. More than 130 nations with 60 leaders including French President Francois Hollande are due to sign December's pact at a U.N. ceremony in New York on April 22, the most ever for a U.N. agreement on an opening day, the United Nations said. Both China and the United States, the world's top emitters accounting together for 38 percent of emissions, have promised to sign then. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is expected to attend. But signing is only a step in a tortuous U.N. process for the deal to enter into force, which requires formal approval by at least 55 nations representing 55 percent of man-made greenhouse gas emissions. In many countries, that needs a parliamentary vote. Some experts predict the 55 percent thresholds can be reached this year, before President Barack Obama leaves office in January 2017. But many developing nations want the Paris agreement to move forward as rapidly as possible on ratification, partly to lock in the United States if Republican candidates Donald Trump or Ted Cruz, who do not think that climate change is man-made, win the U.S. presidency. Once the Paris accord enters into force, a little-noted Article 28 says any nation wanting to withdraw will first have to wait four years - the length of a U.S. presidential term. "I would expect non-compliance, but not necessarily a formal withdrawal," under a Republican president, said Oliver Geden, of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs. And many nations see self-interest in signing up. "Moving to clean energy is in every country's interest and I am confident that climate action is an historic inevitability," Maldives Environment Minister Thoriq Ibrahim, chair of the Alliance of Small Island States, told Reuters. NICARAGUA All 195 nations in Paris agreed the deal except Nicaragua, which objected that it demanded too little of the rich. Some were reluctant such as OPEC oil producers led by Saudi Arabia. Still, the agreement could reach 55 percent of emissions with support from just a handful of countries, for instance China, the United States, Russia, India, Japan and Brazil. The European Union, with a 12 percent share, is likely to lag because it first has to share out promised curbs among member states. Many nations want to avoid a repeat of the U.N.'s previous climate deal, the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, which only entered into force in 2005 after years of disputes between Washington and its main allies. Kyoto dictated cuts in greenhouse gas emissions only for developed nations, unlike the Paris Agreement which involves both rich and poor but lets all countries set national targets. U.S. President Bill Clinton's administration signed Kyoto but never submitted it to a hostile Senate for ratification. His successor, Republican President George. W. Bush, stayed out, saying Kyoto would threaten U.S. jobs. Obama says his administration can now join the Paris agreement without getting approval from the Senate. "A lot has changed" since Kyoto, Christiana Figueres, head of the U.N. Climate Change Secretariat, told Reuters, noting that prices of wind and solar energy have tumbled and scientists are ever more certain that burning fossil fuels causes global warming. "Much is made by some of the politics in the United States but it seems unthinkable that, whatever political complexion is in the White House ... (they) cannot see the self-evident economic and social benefits" of reducing emissions, she said. And more countries say they are suffering heatwaves, desertification, downpours and rising sea levels. Several vulnerable nations have already ratified the Paris agreement, even before the signing ceremony, led by Fiji, the Marshall Islands, Palau and the Maldives. "My sense is that it (ratification) will move fairly quickly, possibly this year," said Alden Meyer, of the Union of Concerned Scientists. Any Republican president might seek to undo Obama's domestic plans to cut emissions by 26-28 percent by 2025 below 2005 levels, he said. And Obama's plans to cut emissions from power plants also face legal challenges. (Additional reporting by Valerie Volcovici in Washington, David Stanway in Beijing; Editing by Richard Balmforth) WARSAW (Reuters) - Poland's Foreign Ministry summoned Russia's ambassador over the incident in the Baltic Sea earlier this week when two Russian warplanes flew simulated attack passes near a U.S. guided missile destroyer, the ministry said on Thursday. During his meeting with ambassador Sergey Andreyev on Thursday, Poland's deputy foreign minister Marek Ziolkowski expressed his concern about the incident, the ministry said in a statement. "But first of all he (the minister) stressed that Poland is trying to promote a dialogue to counteract such incidents," the ministry said. In comments made to Reuters prior to the incident and published on Thursday, Poland's deputy defense minister said that NATO should return to Cold War ways of thinking in its relations with Russia, and speak to Moscow from a position of strength to counter its renewed assertiveness in eastern Europe. (Reporting by Agnieszka Barteczko; Editing by Toby Chopra) By John Whitesides WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump lashed out at what he called the party's "rigged" delegate selection rules on Monday after rival Ted Cruz swept all of Colorado's 34 delegates over the weekend. The New York billionaire, who has been outmaneuvered by Cruz in a series of recent state meetings to select national convention delegates, said the process was set up to protect party insiders and shut out insurgent candidates. "The system is rigged, it's crooked," Trump said on Fox News on Monday, alleging the Colorado convention results showed voters were being denied a voice in the process. "There was no voting. I didn't go out there to make a speech or anything, there's no voting," Trump said. "The people out there are going crazy, in the Denver area and Colorado itself, and they're going absolutely crazy because they weren't given a vote. This was given by politicians - it's a crooked deal." Trump has 743 bound delegates to 545 for Cruz, according to an Associated Press count, in the battle for the 1,237 delegates needed to win the nomination on the first ballot and avoid a messy floor fight at the Republican National Convention from July 18-21. But both are at risk of not acquiring enough delegates for a first-ballot victory, leaving many free to switch their votes on later ballots. That has set off a fierce scramble by Republican candidates to get their supporters chosen as convention delegates and brought new scrutiny to the selection rules, which vary by state. Trump, who has brought in veteran strategist Paul Manafort to lead his delegate-gathering efforts, complained about Cruz's recent success at local and state party meetings where activists pick the actual delegates who will attend the national convention. Trump accused Cruz, a U.S. senator from Texas, of trying to steal delegates in South Carolina. Trump won the state primary in February, but Cruz supporters got four of the first six delegate slots filled at congressional district meetings on Saturday, according to local media. Cruz also succeeded at getting more of his supporters chosen as delegates in Iowa, where he won the caucuses in January, and at last week's state convention in North Dakota. "YOU CAN BUY ALL THESE VOTES" "Now they're trying to pick off those delegates one by one," Trump said. "That's not the way democracy is supposed to work. They offer them trips, they offer them all sorts of things and you're allowed to do that. You can buy all these votes." Trump distributed a video of what he said was a Colorado voter setting his Republican Party registration on fire in protest of the process. "Great people being disenfranchised by politicians," Trump said on Twitter, adding the Republican Party was "in trouble." Guy Short, a Cruz backer in Colorado who was elected as a Republican national convention delegate for the sixth time, disputed Trump's allegations. "Donald Trump is a liar," Short told Reuters in an email. "Nobody was offered anything. In fact, I spent thousands of dollars of my own money campaigning to become a delegate because it's that important to make sure Donald Trump is NOT our nominee." Republican National Committee spokesman Sean Spicer told Fox News the process for choosing delegates had been set by states for more than a year and was no secret. "Not understanding that is one thing, but it's hardly rigged when it's done right out in the open," he said. Cruz campaign spokeswoman Alice Stewart said Trump was insulting the process to distract from his losses. "He has a pattern of whining when he isn't winning," she said in a statement. Trump's organizational troubles even extend to two of his children. Eric Trump, 32, and Ivanka Trump, 34, missed the deadline for registering as Republicans to vote in next week's New York primary. State records show both are registered voters who are not enrolled in a party, ABC News reported. For already registered voters, any request to switch party affiliation must have been made by early October. The deadline for new voter registrations was March 25. Trump was the target on Monday of a new ad by the Democratic front-runner, Hillary Clinton, that listed Trump's comments on women, Mexican immigrants and Muslims. Both Clinton and rival Bernie Sanders, a U.S. senator from Vermont, have tried to position themselves as the Democrat most capable of defeating Trump. "Donald Trump says we can solve America's problems by turning against each other," Clinton's ad said. "It's wrong and it goes against everything New York and America stand for." (Additional reporting by Doina Chiacu and Megan Cassella; Editing by Bill Trott and Jonathan Oatis) By Ben Blanchard BEIJING (Reuters) - A group of Taiwanese deported from Kenya to China after being acquitted in a cyber crime case are wanted for suspected fraud in China, the Chinese government said on Wednesday, in a case that has enraged Taiwan which has accused Beijing of kidnap. The Kenyan government said the people were in Kenya illegally and were being sent back to where they had come from. Kenya does not have official relations with democratic Taiwan and considers the island part of "one China", in line with the position of Communist Party leaders in Beijing. China's Ministry of Public Security, in a statement released via the official Xinhua news agency, said Kenya had decided to deport 32 Chinese and 45 Taiwanese to China, of whom 10 had already arrived and another 67 would leave on Wednesday. Xinhua showed some of them arriving in Beijing with black hoods over their heads, escorted by police. Taiwanese had been heavily involved in telecoms fraud in China and had caused huge losses, with some victims killing themselves, the ministry said. Taiwanese criminals "have been falsely presenting themselves as law enforcement officers to extort money from people on the Chinese mainland through telephone calls", the ministry added. The group detained in Kenya had operated out of Nairobi and were suspected of cheating people out of millions of yuan across nine provinces and cities in China, and as most the victims were in China, they would be prosecuted there, it said. China had informed Taiwan of the situation and would invite Taiwan law enforcement officials to visit to discuss how best to tackle such fraud, the ministry said. An Fengshan, spokesman for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, said Taiwan needed to view the case rationally. "The victims abhor this kind of fraud. I hope the Taiwan side can give more thought to the victims when it looks at this issue," he told a news conference carried live on Chinese television. China views Taiwan as a wayward province and has not ruled out the use of force to ensure unification. Defeated Nationalist forces fled to the island in 1949 after the civil war with the Communists who have remained in control in Beijing since then. Only 22 countries recognise Taiwan as the Republic of China, with most, including Kenya, having diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, with its leaders in Beijing. Taiwanese lawmakers grilled government officials during parliamentary committee sessions about the case. "The Chinese judicial system is in question for many people in Taiwan," said Lo Chih-cheng, a lawmaker for the ruling pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party. "They are wondering if those people can get a fair trial in China." Some comments on social media questioned whether a precedent was being set of Taiwanese abroad being "taken away" by China, drawing a parallel with the case of five booksellers in Chinese-controlled Hong Kong who temporarily went missing in mysterious circumstances. Hong Kong authorities are still waiting for detailed explanations from China regarding the booksellers, who produced and sold gossipy books critical of Chinese leaders, amid suspicion among some that they were abducted by Chinese agents. China has denied any wrongdoing. China's influential state-run tabloid the Global Times said Kenya was right to send the people to China and that Beijing was in the right. "The mainland's handling of the case is supported by international laws," it said in an editorial. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Additional reporting by J.R. Wu and Carol Lee in TAIPEI; Editing by Nick Macfie) CBC If Liz Landes hadn't spent so much time foraging for mushrooms this year near Haines, Alaska, she might have missed the mycological discovery of the season. "I just happened to look up onto the grassy slope above me and said, 'That's a really weird place for a river rock to be,' because there's a big, smooth, white object sitting in the middle of the slope," she said. "I had my mushroom eyes on ... I couldn't pass this weird thing without going back to it." It was a rare giant puffball a round The US military says it will carry out "regular" joint patrols with the Philippines in the South China Sea - a move likely to inflame tensions with China. It will also keep nearly 300 troops, including Air Force commandos armed with combat aircraft, in its former colony until the end of the month, US Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced at a news conference in Manila with his Philippine counterpart Voltaire Gazmin. He said the deployments in the contested waters are not meant to provoke other Asian countries, but instead said "we're trying to tamp down tensions here". However, Mr Gazmin said he expects the American forces "with their presence here, will deter uncalled-for actions by the Chinese". :: China Says US Militarising South China Sea The US will begin sending forces on increased rotations to five bases in the Philippines to beef up training and support "increased operations in the region", the Pentagon said. It did not say where in the South China Sea the joint patrols would took place, only that they would happen "regularly". :: Russian Jets 'Respected Rules' In US Warship Flyby The military boost comes days after a Philippine diplomat asked US authorities to help convince China not to build in the Scarborough Shoal. The shoal, viewed as important to Filipino fishermen, is 145 miles west of the Philippines, and 620 miles from the Chinese coast. China has built man-made islands in other contested spots in the waters. The first US-Philippines patrol took place in March, and a second happened earlier this month. The US has also recently conducted joint patrols in the sea with Japan. Countries across the region have expressed concern over China's increased activities in the sea, which are believed to have massive deposits of oil and gas. Beijing claims almost the entire waters, while Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam say they also own parts. The Philippines is one of America's oldest allies in Asia, and hosted permanent US military bases until 1992. A video went viral on Chinese social media from Thursday shows a toddler picking up a steel pipe trying to defend his grandma from a group of Chengguan, the urban management force installed in Chinese cities whose job ranges from clamping down on illegal street vendors to enforcing rules on city sanitation, landscaping and parking. The toddler was captured shouting dont touch my grandma! Go away, dont touch my grandma! repeatedly while he held a steel pipe measured some twice his height, trying to push the Chengguan away. Onlookers laughter was heard throughout the whole video. The short video got hundreds of thousands of views on Chinese micro blogging platform Weibo, but a lot of the captions went with the sharing post were saying this is just so funny! cute! wow, this kids future sure will be promising, only a short portion questioned what the Chengguan had done to the kid and his grandma. By Anthony Boadle and Lisandra Paraguassu BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil's Supreme Court rejected a last-ditch attempt by President Dilma Rousseff to avert an impeachment vote in Congress on Friday, further reducing her chances of survival as a new poll showed her short of crucial support from lawmakers. Rousseff's attorney general, Jose Eduardo Cardozo, had asked the top court for an injunction to suspend Sunday's lower house vote until the full court can rule on what he called procedural flaws in the impeachment process. But the court dismissed the motion 8-2 during a session that ran into the early hours. Before the decision, a new survey by the Estado de S.Paulo newspaper showed for the first time that Rousseff's opponents had already secured the 342 lower house votes needed to advance impeachment. Rousseff, an unpopular leader already struggling with Brazil's worst economic crisis in decades and a spiralling corruption scandal, has seen support from within her governing coalition steadily erode. If her impeachment is approved by the required two-thirds majority of 513 house members, the Senate must then vote on whether to go ahead with putting Rousseff on trial for breaking budget laws. That could clear the way for Rousseff's suspension and replacement by Vice President Michel Temer as soon as early May, pending a trial that could last six months. Rousseff, a former leftist guerrilla, had not been expected to resort to the Supreme Court until after Sunday's vote. Cardozo's request to the court was seen as a sign, even before the latest newspaper survey, that her government now expects defeat. CONTINUED POLITICAL TURMOIL Vowing to fight to the end, Rousseff met with her political advisers as her government scrambled for votes to block impeachment, but defections by several centrist allies in her coalition have seriously compromised that effort. Brazil's largest political party, the president's main coalition partner until it broke away two weeks ago, said most of its members in the lower house will back deposing her. Leonardo Picciani, the lower chamber leader for the party, the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party, or PMDB, told reporters that 90 percent of the 68 members of his caucus would vote for impeachment. If Rousseff is ousted, it would end the 13-year rule of her leftist Workers' Party, which has lifted millions of Brazilians out of poverty and is overwhelmingly supported by the poor. Rousseff is not being investigated in the massive graft scandal surrounding state-run oil company Petrobras that has reached into her inner circle. She denies she broke budget laws, but opponents allege that accounting tricks helped her win re-election in 2014 by boosting public spending. Temer, who would serve out Rousseff's term until 2018 if she is ousted by the Senate, has little popular support. He would face a daunting task restoring confidence in a country where dozens of political leaders, including close associates of his, are under investigation for corruption. Rousseff's Workers' Party warned on Thursday that chaos will take hold of Brazil, Latin America's largest economy, if its democratically elected president is deposed. "It's a mistake to think that overthrowing a government will bring stability, peace, security and development," the party's leader, Rui Falcao, told reporters in Brasilia. "Not respecting the popular vote will plunge the country into chaos." Cardozo, Rousseff's former justice minister and the government's main legal adviser, has said previously that the impeachment process was unconstitutional. In his appeal to the Supreme Court on Thursday, he asked it to annul the report to the lower house by a congressional committee that recommended impeachment on Monday. He told a news conference Rousseff's defence had been obstructed in the committee and that testimony from a former ally of the president, Senator Delcidio Amaral, was obtained as part of a plea bargain deal and should have been considered inadmissible. (Reporting by Maria Carolina Marcello, Marcela Ayres, Lisandra Paraguassu and Anthony Boadle,; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn, Tom Brown and Nick Macfie) Following a scheduled meeting in the deserts of Doha, Qatar on Sunday, global oil markets will have more clarity about where some of the worlds biggest producers stand on their willingness to help ease the global supply glut thats plagued the market for nearly two years. Confirmed participants to the meeting include officials from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and others including Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Mexico. Participants will meet to try and hash out a deal aimed at implementing a production freeze at January levels to try and stem nearly two years of falling oil prices amid ramped up production from all corners of the globe. Michael Wittner, global head of oil market research at Societe Generale, said the base-case expectation is for members to announce a deal that caps production, but excludes participation from Iran. The Middle Eastern nation has been working to take back its market share after international trade sanctions were lifted early this year. Iran's oil minister Bijan Zanganeh won't attend a meeting of key oil producers in Doha, Qatar this weekend but instead will send a less prominent representative, Reuters reported. But while the markets are expecting leaders to come together this weekend, Wittner said it doesnt necessarily mean prices will shoot back up to triple-digits last seen in 2014 when oil was hovering at a record $101 per barrel. It doesnt mean a damn thing for real barrels or production. This is all about market psychology, he said. The reasoning for that is two-fold. First, theres no real policing that goes on when agreements like this are struck between oil-producing nations especially ones involving the oil cartel. They can say theyll do it, but its very difficult for all parties to actually make sure that everyone is adhering to the freeze. One thing to consider is Saudi Arabia and Kuwait just restarted the Khafji deal which brings on about 300,000 barrels per day. So thats not exactly the type of behavior of someone trying to limit production. I think that sort of speaks to the fact that we really have parties still vying for market share, Suzanne Minter, manager of oil and gas consulting at Platts Bentek Energy said. Story continues The deal Minter referenced allows Saudi Arabia to gradually bring on more production at a disputed Khafji offshore oilfield. Second, optics matter when it comes to satisfying oil markets. Rumors about a possible production freeze have circulated for months. As a result, the price of oil around the world has seen wild gyrations, bouncing from the low $20-a-barrel range to where it closed on Friday in the low $40s. Wittner said markets will not only eye whether or not participants manage to reach an agreement, but they will also focus on smaller details like how clearly the plans are laid out, if country-by-country limits are released, and whether baselines and production targets are released. The tone of the meeting matters. Is it argumentative like in December, or is it businesslike? The communique and the press conference also matter. I have a feeling thats what will drive the market takeaway. Itll come down to the little things, he said. While the base case is for some kind of deal to emerge, Wittner continued that if the opposite holds true, and countries walk away from the negotiating table without an agreement it could spell trouble for the markets. Wittner explained that because of the weeks of build-up and anticipation that have ushered in the meeting, a lack of compromise could easily shave $3 to $5 off the price of oil come Monday morning. Markets are looking at this and saying, At least theyre talking to each other, which they hadnt been doing for about 18 monthsIt would be bad from a market psychology standpoint because again, its not about the barrels, he said. On the flip side, Minter said that because so many people are already so negative on the oil market, the downside could be relatively limited. I dont think well go back down to the $25 level next week. But at these levels, a 10% move is about $4 and that puts us down in the low $30s again. And thats substantial and not unfeasible, she said. Related Articles SYDNEY, April 15 (Reuters) - A A$2.5 billion ($1.9 billion) buyout of Morgan Stanley-linked Australian property group Investa Office Fund (IOF) by local rival DEXUS Property Group failed on Friday when it received insufficient shareholder votes, the target said. In a filing to the Australian Securities Exchange on Friday, IOF said a third property company, Cromwell Property Group , which bought a 9.8 percent stake in the target this week, voted against the deal ahead of a meeting scheduled for Friday. "Combined with other proxy votes, it is now clear that whilst the DEXUS Proposal has been supported by the majority of IOF Unitholders, the proposal will not be passed by the required 75 percent majority of units voted," Investa said. The result deals a blow to the Australian M&A market which has quietened in the first quarter of 2016 after recording its biggest year, by total dollar value, in four years in 2015. It also sends a reminder that, even in cases where deals have been endorsed by the boards of both the prospective buyer and the target company, small shareholders can band together to stop them going ahead. IOF had been studying ownership options since Morgan Stanley put the broader Investa Property group up for sale a year ago. Excluding the listed IOF, the group was sold to sovereign wealth fund China Investment Corp in July. Cromwell bought its IOF stake after another minority shareholder, a separate entity called Investa Office Management, said it rejected the deal as undervaluing the company. Morgan Stanley Investment Management (Singapore) owns 2.7 percent of IOF shares, according to Thomson Reuters data. A DEXUS spokesman was not immediately available for comment. IOF shares were up 0.3 percent at A$4.08, just under Dexus's offer price of A$4.11, while the broader market was also up 0.2 percent. Dexus shares fell 0.9 percent. ($1 = 1.2992 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Byron Kaye; Editing by Stephen Coates) DGAP-News: F24 AG / Key word(s): Takeover F24 AG: F24 AG acquires Dolphin Systems AG 15.04.2016 / 11:02 The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- F24 AG acquires all shares of Dolphin Systems AG Munich, Germany, 15 April 2016. F24 AG (Securities ID: A12UK2) has acquired 100% of shares in Swiss company Dolphin Systems AG, the specialists in alerting and messaging solutions based in Wollerau near Zurich. The acquisition was completed today. It consolidates F24 AG's position among European market leaders in the field of high-security notification, alerting and crisis management solutions. F24's customer roster currently spans over 600 prestigious companies throughout the world. The acquisition of Dolphin Systems AG will boost this customer base to around 850 key accounts. In addition, the deal will enable F24 to expand its product portfolio and strengthen its activities, particularly in the field of messaging. Both companies will benefit from enhanced market access in over 70 countries. The headcount at F24 Group will rise to a total of almost 80 worldwide, including employees of Dolphin Systems AG. By combining the strengths of both companies, the acquisition will generate dynamic sales growth and enhance scope for creating innovations. "We're delighted that Switzerland's premier provider of notification, alerting and messaging solutions is now part of the F24 Group", says Ralf Meister, CEO of F24. "We are particularly happy that the company's founders and shareholders are remaining on board. This will enable us to continue expanding our growth opportunities and consolidating the F24 Group's status and premium character in Europe." The transaction was financed by a combination of 45% equity capital and 55% from a loan by the bank Kreissparkasse Munchen. In 2015, sales by Dolphin Systems AG totalled the equivalent of approx. EUR 6.5 m, with an EBITDA margin of approx. 18%. Dolphin Systems will be fully consolidated into the F24 Group, pro forma with effect from 1 January 2016. The acquisition will almost double F24's total sales. Profitable double-digit growth is anticipated for the Group in the future. About F24 Group: F24 AG develops and operates high-security notification, alerting and crisis management solutions for emergency, crisis and business continuity management situations in medium- and large-size companies and public-sector organisations worldwide. If an emergency or incident occurs, customers can use the cloud-based FACT24 service throughout, from the start of the crisis to its successful management and follow-up. Founded in Munich in 2000, F24 today provides support for over 600 companies and organizations around the world with the assistance of its four international subsidiaries in the UK, France, Spain and the Czech Republic and its network of sales partners. The Group is Europe's premier provider of software as a service (SaaS) in the field of notification, alerting and crisis management. Its clients come from almost all fields across the board, spanning Energy and Industry, Health and Pharma, Transport and Logistics, Trade, Commerce, Banks and Insurance and IT and Communications, and including numerous public-sector organizations. F24 recently expanded its service portfolio further by founding the subsidiary TrustCase GmbH, a high-security mobile communication and collaboration platform. About Dolphin Systems: Founded in 1992, Dolphin Systems AG is based in Wollerau (SZ) and employs over 30 highly qualified staff with extensive experience in telecom and IT solution implementation, project management and software engineering. The company develops and operates standardized and custom cloud solutions for professional communication, information, surveillance and alerting. In addition to its sikado(TM) portal, Dolphin Systems supplies eCall(TM) sms & fax-portal, Switzerland's leading online system for sending and receiving text, fax and pager messages, and the 963(TM) sms-portal, an all-round solution for companies to operate their own text message services. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15.04.2016 Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Media archive at www.dgap-medientreff.de and www.dgap.de --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Language: English Company: F24 AG Isarwinkel 14 81379 Munchen Germany Phone: +49 (0)89 2323638-0 Fax: +49 (0)89 2323638-6 E-mail: IR@f24.com Internet: www.f24.com ISIN: DE000A12UK24 WKN: A12UK2 Listed: Regulated Unofficial Market in Berlin, Munich (m:access), Stuttgart; Open Market (Entry Standard) in Frankfurt End of News DGAP News Service --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 452741 15.04.2016 English Latvian Olaine, 2016-04-15 15:00 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- March 2016, consolidated sales Sales, thsnd. EUR Changes to March 2015 Share in total sales Ukraine 2 494 361% 28% Latvia 2 222 17% 25% Russia 1 920 -28% 21% Belarus 585 -24% 6% Turkmenistan 316 208% 3% Uzbekistan 313 NA 3% The Netherlands 219 -80% 2% Kazakhstan 180 -60% 2% Lithuania 173 120% 2% Poland 155 133% 2% Other 467 -55% 5% Total 9 045 4% 100% Sales of pharmacy chain of SIA Latvijas Aptieka during March 2016 were 1.63 million euros, which represents an increase by 13% compared to the same period of the last year. Sixty-one pharmacies were operating during March this year. Sales of SIA Silvanols during March 2016 were 0.44 million euros, which represents an increase by 52% compared to sales made during March 2015. In March 2016, SIA Silvanols sold its products in four European Countries and with assistance of AS Olainfarm also to Azerbaijan and Belarus. In three months of 2016, according to preliminary consolidated results, sales of AS Olainfarm reached 26.1 million euros, which represents a reduction by 6% compared to three months of 2015. The most rapid sales increase has been achieved in Poland, where sales grew by 181%. Sales to Turkmenistan grew by 162%, Sales to Uzbekistan grew by 134% and sales to Belarus grew by 77%. Major sales markets of AS Olainfarm in three months of 2016 were Latvia, Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. 3 months of 2016, consolidated sales Sales, thsnd. EUR Changes to three months of 2015 Share in total sales Latvia 6 627 13% 25% Russia 6 305 -38% 24% Ukraine 4 860 44% 19% Belarus 3 027 77% 12% UK 927 10% 4% Kazakhstan 569 26% 2% Turkmenistan 482 162% 2% Uzbekistan 478 134% 2% The Netherlands 473 -79% 2% Poland 386 181% 1% Other 1 968 -23% 8% Total 26 101 -6% 100% During the three months period of 2016 sales of pharmacy chain of SIA Latvijas aptieka reached 5.02 million euro, which represents an increase by 19% compared to the same period of 2015. Sales of SIA Silvanols in three months of 2016 were 1.22 million euro, which represents an increase by 11% compared to the first quarter of 2015, when sales of Silvanols were 1.1 million euros. Products of SIA Silvanols were sold to seven European countries and with assistance of AS Olainfarm also to Azerbaijan and Belarus. According to preliminary unconsolidated results, sales of AS Olainfarm in March 2016 were 7.91 million euros, which represents an increase by 3% compared to the same period of 2015. The biggest sales increase was achieved to Ukraine, where sales grew by 361%. Sales to Italy grew by 287%, sales to Turkmenistan grew by 208%, and sales to Lithuania grew by 159%. Significant shipments during this period were also made to Uzbekistan. Major sales markets of AS Olainfarm were Ukraine, Russia, Latvia and Belarus. During March 2016, products of AS Olainfarm were sold to 28 countries in three continents. March 2016, unconsolidated sales Sales, thsnd. EUR Changes to March, 2015 Share in total sales Ukraine 2 494 361% 32% Russia 1 920 -28% 24% Latvia 1 235 19% 16% Belarus 585 -24% 7% Turkmenistan 316 208% 4% Uzbekistan 313 NA 4% The Netherlands 219 -80% 3% Kazakhstan 180 -60% 2% Lithuania 157 159% 2% Italy 127 287% 2% Other 367 -60% 5% Total 7 911 3% 100% According to unconsolidated preliminary results for three months of 2016, sales of AS Olainfarm have reached 22.6 million euros, which represents a reduction by 8% compared to the same period of 2015. The most rapid sales increase was achieved in Turkmenistan, where sales grew by 162%. Sales to Uzbekistan grew by 134%, while sales to Belarus and Lithuania grew by 77% each. The major sales markets of AS Olainfarm in three months of 2016 were Russia, Ukraine, Latvia and Belarus. In three months of 2016, products of AS Olainfarm were sold to 32 countries in three continents. 3 months of 2016, unconsolidated sales Sales, thsnd. EUR Changes to 3 months of 2015 Share in total sales Russia 6 305 -38% 28% Ukraine 4 776 41% 21% Latvia 3 555 12% 16% Belarus 3 027 77% 13% UK 927 10% 4% Kazakhstan 569 -15% 3% Turkmenistan 482 162% 2% Uzbekistan 478 134% 2% The Netherlands 473 -79% 2% Lithuania 312 77% 1% Other 1 698 -7% 8% Total 22 600 -8% 100% According to preliminary estimates by the management of AS Olainfarm, unconsolidated sales in 2016 are expected at 90 million euros, while consolidated sales at 103 million euros. According to these preliminary sales results, in three months of 2016, the company has reached 25% of its annual unconsolidated sales estimate and 25% of its annual consolidated sales estimate. JSC Olainfarm is one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in Latvia with more than 40 years of experience in production of medication and chemical and pharmaceutical products. A basic principle of company's operations is to produce reliable and effective top quality products for Latvia and the rest of the world. Products made by the Group are being exported to more than 35 countries of the world, including the Baltics, Russia, other CIS, Europe, Asia, North America and Australia. San Francisco, April 13Chinese investment in the United States grew to more than $15 billion in 2015, setting a new record. California stayed a leading host for Chinese FDI, according a new report published recently. The 2016 update of its New Neighbors report was released by Rhodium Group and the National Committee on US-China Relations on April 12. The report finds that Chinese investment in acquisitions, new operations, and expansions in the United States grew to more than $15 billion in 2015. The number of Chinese-affiliated companies in the US exceeded 1,900 by year-end 2015, extending across more than 80% of congressional districts (362 of 435). As greenfield foreign direct investment (FDI) picked up and many existing companies expanded local employment, the number of Americans employed by Chinese-affiliated companies rose by another 12%, to 90,000. With over $30 billion already in pending deals and projects, 2016 is likely to be another record year for Chinese FDI in the US, the report said. Overall, Chinese investors have poured $8 billion into California since 2000, supporting 452 Chinese-owned businesses that employed more than 9,500 people as of the end of 2015. The report read that California maintained its position as a leading host for Chinese FDI, attracting a diverse mix of mostly mid-sized investments. High-tech sectors such as semiconductors saw major investments. "Real estate continues to receive great attention, with progress on major developments (Greenlands Metropolis site in Los Angeles) and new projects (Oceanwides new project at Market and Mission St. in San Francisco). California is also benefiting from a Chinese rush to invest in overseas movie production; CITIC's investment in the new Dick Cook Studios is one such example." Chinese investors continue to flock to California for investments in real estate (particularly in L.A. and the Bay Area), tech, biotech and energy. The patterns of Chinese investment in 2015 show that US innovation clusters, strong protection of intellectual property rights, and the talent pool continue to be major draws for Chinese companies, increasing their role as contributors to American innovation and competitiveness. Access to technology and talent remains an important driver of Chinese acquisitions in the US, as illustrated by a growing number of transactions in information and communications technology, automotive, aviation, and health and biotech On Friday, Netflix announced that it is about to start filming a new show based on the recent corruption investigation that has rocked Brazil. Although the show is as yet unnamed, Netflix has confirmed it will follow the events of Lava Jato (Car Wash in English) - the country's investigation into money laundering and corruption and that it has turned to Jose Padilha (Narcos, Elite Squad) to turn it into a reality. "Netflix recognizes Jose Padilha's talent in turning fast-moving current events into compelling narratives and he is well placed to document this important time in Brazilian history," said Erik Barmack, Netflix VP of International Original Content. Of the show's subject matter Padilha said: "This project will follow the judicial investigators in their journey to unveil the largest corruption scheme that Brazil has ever witnessed. It was fundamental for the series to be produced in an impartial way." The show will premiere in early 2017 and will be the second original piece of programming Netflix has made in the South American country. It has just finished making a Sci-Fi show - "3%" - in Brazil and it will be reaching Netflix subscribers later this year. 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 San Francisco, April 14----Soon after Apple's clashes with FBI ended, another technology giant Microsoft filed a lawsuit on Thursday against the U.S. government for preventing the company from telling customers about the government's probing into their emails. Microsoft sued the U.S. Justice Department in federal court in Seattle, where the company headquartered, arguing that the government is violating the U.S. Constitution by preventing Microsoft from notifying thousands of customers about government requests for their emails and other documents. Specifically, the U.S. government violates the Fourth Amendment right of its customers to know if the government searches or seizes their property, and it breaches the companys First Amendment right to free speech. Microsoft says over the past 18 months it has received 5,624 legal orders under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, a law enacted 30 years ago to extend government restrictions on wire taps from telephone calls to include transmissions of electronic data by computer. According to Microsoft, of all the legal orders, 2,576 prevented the company from disclosing that the government is seeking customer data through warrants, subpoenas and other requests. Most of the ECPA requests apply to individuals, not companies, and provide no fixed end date to the secrecy provision, Microsoft said. Microsoft is not the only one fighting with the U.S. government. The authority and the technology companies have been at feud over surveillance and privacy since Edward Snowden, a former contractor for CIA exposed the government's surveillance program "Prism" in 2013 . Since the revelations, many companies, including Microsoft, Apple, Google, Facebook, and Yahoo have been beefing up their security. Some companies phase in technology that drastically limits the information access to U.S. government agencies. While the government calls on the companies to offer more help by requiring users' data and reducing its encryption on devices. For U.S. citizens, there are different voices. Although many accuse the government's surveillance activities, others support it, especially when it closely relates to national security. And it is also the frequent reason cited by the U.S. authority. When Apple sued the FBI over cracking the iPhone of a San Bernardino shooting suspect, some Americans show their supports for the FBI. And some others even questioned the companies' motivations, saying that those companies are motivated by business interest. They are trying to rebuild the trust impaired by the revelation of their cooperation with the government. Increasingly, U.S. companies are under pressure to prove they are helping protect consumer privacy. Twitter is now fighting a separate battle in federal court in Northern California over public disclosure of government requests for information on users. (File photo) According to Economic Information Daily, China Railway Corporation plans to starts 45 new railway projects in 2016, including passenger lines from Guiyang to Nanning, from Zhongwei to Lanzhou and from Xuzhou to Lianyungang. The total length of the new lines is over 3,200 kilometers, of which over 1,300 kilometers are high-speed rail. China's investment in railway will likely hit a new high. In 2015, China invested 823.8 billion yuan on railways. Investment was made in 9,531 kilometers of new lines, of which 3,306 kilometers were high-speed rail. By the end of 2015, the network length in China reached 121,000 kilometers and the length of high-speed rail in operation was over 19,000 kilometers, accounting for 60 percent of the world's total. Chinese Vice Premier Ma Kai recently emphasized that as this year is the first year of the 13th Five-Years Plan period, related departments must work hard to guarantee the completion of 800 billion yuan of investment in railway. Wang Mengshu, academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering, said that realizing investment of 800 billion yuan will not be a problem and we may even beat the goal. A university in east Chinas Shandong province recently launched a campaign promoting "cellphone-free classroom", suggesting the students to turn off their phones because the cellphone could distract them from the class. By doing so, the Department of Basic Medicine of Taishan Medical University believed the students could learn more from the lectures. According to a teacher of the department, the "cellphone-free classroom" has not only boosted teacher's passion for teaching, but also made the students more concentrated. File photo: Channar mine in Australia Chinas state-owned Sinosteel have inked an agreement with Australian mining major Rio Tinto to extend their Channar Mining joint venture partnership in Beijing on April 15, 2016. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and the visiting Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull witnessed the signing ceremony. According to the agreement, Sinosteel will obtain a supply of 30 million tons of iron ore, and will make a one-off payment of over 59 million USD and other production royalties up to 500 million USD over the five-year extension period. A separate deal signed simultaneously says that Rio Tinto is to supply another 40 million tons of iron ore at most from 2016 to 2021. The deal signifies that, in the next five years, Australias Channar mine can export a total of 70 million tons of iron ore at most in the next five years. Italpress Il presidente della Fondazione Univerde Alfonso Pecoraro Scanio con Stefano Fassina, Loredana De Petris, Mimmo De Masi, Paolo Cento e centinaia di attivisti e amministratori locali, ha avviato, con la presenza del leader M5s Giuseppe Conte, il Coordinamento 2050-civico, ecologista e progressista. Questa e la sfida ecoprogressista al governo piu a destra della storia repubblicana", afferma Pecoraro Scanio. mgg/ GAO Report Highlights Violence in Health Care Settings "It is clear to me that OSHA should move forward and develop an enforceable violence prevention standard to help protect our nation's health care workers. Injuries requiring days away from work are financially and emotionally costly for both employers and workers, and these avoidable injuries put pressure on working families to do more with less," said U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., ranking member of the House Committee on Education & the Workforce and one of the members who requested the report. A new Government Accountability Office (GAO) report released April 14 recommends actions to address violence directed at the nation's health care workers. Prepared at the request more than two years ago of top Democrats on congressional labor committees, the "Additional Efforts Needed to Help Protect Health Care Workers from Workplace Violence" report describes violence as a serious concern for 15 million health workers in the United States. It assesses OSHA's actions on the issue, which include inspections of health care workplaces such as hospitals and nursing and residential care facilities, designating a workplace violence coordinator in each regional office, disseminating voluntary guidelines about preventing workplace violence, and adding workplace violence material to the training given to new OSHA inspection personnel. OSHA has not developed a workplace violence prevention standard, and the report says OSHA officials indicated they are not planning one because other hazards have a higher priority for regulatory action. "Today's GAO report documents a significant problem of violent assaults to workers employed in health care facilities and urges OSHA to take further action to help prevent injuries," said U.S. Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., ranking member of the House Committee on Education & the Workforce and one of the members who requested the report. "While GAO has identified a number of states that are tackling this problem through an enforceable rule, OSHA has only issued voluntary guidance. It is clear to me that OSHA should move forward and develop an enforceable violence prevention standard to help protect our nation's health care workers. Injuries requiring days away from work are financially and emotionally costly for both employers and workers, and these avoidable injuries put pressure on working families to do more with less." AFP News Ukraine on Sunday denounced as dangerous lies suggestions from Russia that it was preparing to use a "dirty bomb". Its western allies also dismissed the allegations from Moscow, just hours after Russia went public with the claims. In conversations with his British, French and Turkish counterparts, Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu conveyed "concerns about possible provocations by Ukraine with the use of a 'dirty bomb'", Moscow said. Russia did not mention the alleged "dirty bomb" allegation in its statement following Shoigu's call with Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin. "If Russia calls and says that Ukraine is allegedly preparing something, it means one thing: Russia has already prepared all this," President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a video address on social media. "I believe that now the world should react as harshly as possible." Earlier Sunday, Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba denounced Moscow's claims as "absurd" and "dangerous". "Russians often accuse others of what they plan themselves," he added. A British defence ministry statement said Defence Secretary Ben Wallace had "refuted these claims and cautioned that such allegations should not be used as a pretext for greater escalation". And in Washington, National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson dismissed Moscow's "transparently false" claim. "The world would see through any attempt to use this allegation as a pretext for escalation," she added. - 'Vile strikes' - Russia also announced Sunday that it had destroyed a depot in central Ukraine storing over 100,000 tonnes of aviation fuel. Kyiv's energy operator meanwhile said scheduled power cuts had been introduced in the Ukrainian capital due to Russia's repeated strikes on the nation's power network. The blackouts started from 11:13 am (0813 GMT) with consumers in Kyiv divided into three groups "disconnected for a certain period of time", energy company DTEK said. DTEK reiterated calls for residents to use electricity "sparingly" and for businesses to limit their use of external lighting. More than one million Ukrainian households have lost electricity following recent Russian strikes, according to the Ukrainian presidency, at least a third of the country's power stations having been destroyed ahead of winter. Zelensky condemned the "vile strikes" in comments late Saturday, after Russian attacks caused power cuts across the country. - 'Save your strength' - In the southern Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rig, deputy mayor Sergiy Miliutin was dealing with emergencies and power outages from his underground bunker, used as a venue for a children's martial arts competition. "I've reached a point where I just survive on my drive. You have to stay level-headed and save your strength. No one knows how long this will all last," he told AFP. The intensification of Russian strikes on Ukraine, particularly energy facilities, came after the bridge linking the annexed Crimea peninsula to mainland Russia was partially destroyed by an explosion earlier this month. It was another major setback for Moscow's forces, battling to contain a Ukrainian counter-offensive in the south and east of the country. French President Emmanuel Macron said Sunday that it was for Ukrainians to decide when "peace is possible", in comments made in Rome at the start of a peace summit. Ukraine reported three deaths in an overnight Russian artillery strike in the Toretsk area, a governor of the eastern Donetsk region said. Inside Russia, two lines of defence have been built in the border region of Kursk to deal with any possible attack, a local governor said on Sunday. On Saturday Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor in the neighbouring Russian border region of Belgorod, said the construction of defence structures had begun. Gladkov said two civilians had been killed in strikes there Saturday, and that 15,000 people had been left without electricity. - Kherson evacuations - Meanwhile Ukraine's SBU intelligence service said it had detained two officials of Ukrainian aircraft engine maker Motor Sich on suspicion of working with Russia. The SBU said management at the company's plant in Ukraine's southern Zaporizhzhia region -- partly controlled by Russian forces -- had colluded with Russian state-owned defence conglomerate Rostec. The suspects had supplied Russia with Ukrainian aircraft engines that were used to make and repair attack helicopters, the SBU said. In the southern Ukrainian region of Kherson, which Russia claims to have annexed, pro-Moscow officials on Saturday urged residents to leave "immediately" amid a "tense situation" at the front. Kherson, the region's main city, was the first to fall to Moscow's troops and retaking it would be a major prize in Ukraine's counter-offensive. A Moscow-installed official in Kherson, Kirill Stremousov, told Russian news agency Interfax on Saturday that around 25,000 people had left Kherson city to the left bank of the Dnipro River. Ukraine has denounced the removal of residents from Kherson, describing them as "deportations". bur-imm/raz/jj/lcm LMS Microsoft Builds Out Education Offering with 'Classroom' Omaha Public Schools is piloting a new online service from Microsoft for teachers who use the education edition of Office 365 Education. Microsoft Classroom, currently in preview mode, offers course management features through a homepage where educators can post announcements, assignments with due dates, calendar events and reminders. The intent of Classroom is to enable the teacher to organize multiple class sections, create and grade assignments, collaborate with other teachers in professional learning communities and give feedback to their students. Office 365 Education is Microsoft's free and premium cloud-based productivity suite for schools. "Classroom" is the same name Google gave to its own suite of free productivity tools for classroom use. That software works with Google Apps for Education. The Microsoft version of Classroom works alongside its OneNote Class Notebooks, included in Office 365 Education, to provide a personal workspace for each student as well as a content library for handouts and a collaboration space. Notebooks, which have been available since 2014, integrate with popular learning management systems via IMS' Learning Tools Interoperability. Students enrolled in the LMS course can access the notebook for that class automatically. At the same time the company announced Microsoft School Data Sync (SDS) and Microsoft Forms. SDS works with Classroom to sync user profiles and class rosters from the district's student information system in order to populate Classroom groups and websites. The functionality of SDS will be slip-streamed into Office 365 Education. Forms provides a way for teachers to create surveys and quizzes to get feedback from students and do quick assessments of student progress. Teachers can try out a preview version of Forms by registering on this Microsoft site. Rob Dickson, executive director for information management services at Omaha's district, said the use of SDS and Classroom "simplifies our digital classroom management and frees up our teachers so they can spend more time with students and less time managing administrative access to class materials." Teacher Chrystal Rico noted that when students head home, "They can log in. They don't have to worry about, 'I forgot this book at school'; 'I forgot these notes I need to study for my test.' It'll all be there." Kelly Arbuckle, a librarian and a Microsoft "innovative educator expert," said she no longer has to worry about copies or if a student has been absent. "I can load [the content]. They can access it. [Students] who are more advanced can go off and work on their own. The ones who are struggling a little bit, I can give them the support they need. And everyone can feel successful." Career & Technical Education Research: High School Career Tech Ed Outcomes Prove Potent Vocational education has come a long way since its emphasis on shop classes and cosmetology. For one, such courses now fall under a program called "career and technical education" (CTE). For another, the courses help students develop skills in advanced areas such as IT, cyber security, health services and advanced manufacturing. And for a third, schools no longer consider this kind of training solely as an alternative to college; CTE programs are just as likely to feed students into college. In fact, according to a new research project that examined CTE in Arkansas, students with a stronger focus on CTE were more likely to graduate from high school, more likely to enroll in a two-year college and more likely to be employed after high school and have a higher wage. The project was undertaken by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, who hired Shaun Dougherty, an assistant professor of educational policy and leadership at the University of Connecticut's Neag School of Education, to do the research. Dougherty has previously studied high school CTE in Massachusetts and New York City. His results are explained in a new report, "Career and Technical Education in High School: Does it Improve Student Outcomes?" The report pointed out that in most industrialized countries students begin preparing for their eventual careers while still in high school. In other words, "around the world, CTE is not a track away from a successful adulthood, but rather a path towards it." The United States doesn't follow that pattern, Dougherty noted. Not only do American students lack access for the most part to high-quality CTE, but they face the "bachelor's degree-or-bust mentality," he wrote. "And many do bust, dropping out of college with no degree, no work skills, no work experience, and a fair amount of debt. That's a terrible way to begin adult life." The Fordham study was undertaken to examine what the impact was on Arkansas students who participated in CTE and particularly those who pursued a concentration by taking a sequence of three or more courses aligned to a specific career segment. As Dougherty explained, the research was intended to understand what the outcomes were for those students. His findings: Those students who took just one additional CTE class above the average of three during high school were: 3 percentage points more likely to graduate from high school; 1 percentage point more likely to enroll in a two-year college; 2 percentage points more likely to be employed after high school; and Compensated more than $100 in additional wages in the year after high school. This group of students was also just as likely as their peers to pursue a four-year degree. In addition, Dougherty found that the Arkansas students who "concentrated" their CTE coursework in a single program of study were more likely to graduate from high school by 21 percentage points compared to "otherwise similar students" which he called a "truly staggering" difference. He found other positive links to CTE program concentration. Compared to "non-concentrators," these students were: 42 percentage points more likely to graduate from high school; 8 percentage points more likely to enroll in college; and 11 percentage points more likely to be employed after high school. The even better news, according to the report, is that CTE doesn't have to be "super-expensive" or "highly exclusive" to gain these positive effects. The form of CTE studied in Arkansas involved courses delivered at the students' high school (in 9 in 10 cases) or regional tech centers (in 1 in 10 cases). Fordham is using the report to promote increased state investment in CTE at the secondary school level and to push the federal government to reauthorize the long-expired Perkins Act and increase investment for this kind of education. Other recommendations outlined in the report are these: To look at state labor market projections in order to target "high-growth" segments; To offer CTE courses aligned to skills and industry-recognized credentials in those fields and to encourage or even require high school students to take them; To push or require students to take multiple CTE courses in a given concentration rather than allowing for haphazard enrollment; and To support and encourage dual enrollment in order to make credits "stackable" from high school into college, so that high school CTE courses count toward specific postsecondary credentials. "Connecting more young people with available opportunities by giving them the skills employers are seeking should be a national priority," the report stated. - An intelligence report has released new locations from which Somalia based al-Shabaab group is recruiting trainees from in Kenya - The report said the government had already stepped up security in the mentioned locations which have border points with other countries A 42 page intelligence report by intelligence sources given to the National Intelligence Services (NIS) has warned that the al-Shabaab terror group have now found new fertile grounds in Kenya to recruit from. Aside from the coastal and northern Kenya regions, the group is now focusing on Rift Valley, Nyanza and western Kenya regions. According to the Standard, the government continue to respond to this report aa they already tightened security laws and enhanced institutional capacity to combat terrorism. READ ALSO: US drone kills 12 al-Shabaab fighters near Kenyan border Among some of the methods they are using to spread their message to a wider mass, the group has adopted technological advancements on social media to easily spread their extremist propaganda. They report also said al-Shabaab was targeting people who felt marginalized and those with grievances such as unemployment which is one of the biggest problems in Kenya. READ ALSO: How KDF soldiers bravely faced death at the hands of al-Shabaab Last week, a new group by the name Jahba East Africa announced that they were the latest terrorist group in town out to challenge al-Shabaab. They pledged their allegiance to ISIS and discredited al-Shabaab as a psychological ad physical prison. They also encouraged mujahideen to defect from that group and join theirs. Images: harar24 Source: TUKO.co.ke SOFIA (Reuters) - Bulgarian police on Tuesday arrested a Bulgarian man who had documented tying up three migrants near the Turkish border in a video posted on social media. The prosecutor's office said it had opened an investigation into the case after the video went viral and drew criticism from human rights groups. The video showed two men lying on the ground with their hands already tied behind their backs. A third man lay flat on his stomach as he was being restrained with long plastic cable ties, while an unidentified voice shouted in English: "Go back. Back Turkey. Now. No Bulgaria, go Turkey immediately". A statement from the interior ministry said the incident had taken place in woods near the village of Zvezdets, some 5 km (3 miles) from the border with Turkey. Bulgaria's Prime Minister Boiko Borisov initially praised the "boys" by declaring that protecting the country's borders was a joint effort. However, following a backlash from human rights groups and local media who accused the prime minister of endorsing the actions of vigilante groups, Borisov made a U-turn. "Society should not be indifferent ... but rights shouldn't be exceeded. Any illegal or inhumane attitude will not only not be tolerated but will also be prosecuted under the law," Borisov wrote in a Facebook post. A number of vigilante groups have emerged in Bulgaria in recent months in response to Europe's migrant crisis. They include one set up by a Bulgarian trader in spare parts near the Turkish border which has won praise from some Bulgarians and raised serious concerns among others. Last week a Sova Harris poll showed that 60 percent of Bulgarians think that refugees threaten national security. The Black Sea state has stepped up security on its borders with Turkey and Greece to avoid a possible refugee influx. Bulgarian border police say they have detained some 10,000 migrants from Syria and Afghanistan in the first three months of this year. Most migrants entering Bulgaria and other Balkan countries from Turkey or Greece aim to reach wealthier western Europe hoping to find jobs and better living conditions. (Reporting by Tsvetelia Tsolova and Angel Krasimirov, Editing by Pritha Sarkar) By David Stanway BEIJING (Reuters) - China is facing increasing international pressure to tackle a steel supply glut that has flooded global markets and left beleaguered overseas producers at risk of closure. China produces half the world's steel but those hoping it will tackle its surplus capacity quickly will be disappointed, despite rhetoric from Beijing. A steel production glut that has taken years in the making, will equally take years to resolve. The economy is growing at its slowest pace in 25 years and labour unrest is on the rise, a worry for the ruling Communist Party that fears the social unrest that millions of laid off steel workers could bring. "Closures can not be completed overnight," said a person with ties to China's leadership. "Stability is the top priority." China's fading economic growth has exposed the huge surplus capacity in steel making, leaving many producers with heavy losses that are adding to already high debts. Many see the solution in exports, which rose to a record in 2015, a major factor dragging global prices down to decade lows. India's Tata Steel has blamed a flood of cheap steel imports, including from China, for a decision to pull out of Britain, putting 15,000 jobs at risk. On Monday, more than 40,000 German steel workers took to the streets to protest against dumping from China, among other issues such as industry consolidation that they fear will cost them their jobs. Hillary Clinton, widely expected to be the Democrat candidate in U.S. presidential elections this year, added her voice to the criticism, saying on Monday she would "impose consequences when China breaks the rules by dumping its cheap products in our markets." "VICIOUS CIRCLE" Official data shows China's production capacity is just over 1.1 billion tonnes a year although analysts estimate another 100 million tonnes are produced illegally. Underlining the scale of problem facing Beijing, official figures suggest surplus capacity is some 300-400 million tonnes a year and exports in 2015 reached a record 110 million tonnes - about 10 times the annual steel output of Britain. Although the China Iron and Steel Association and some steel executives have predicted that exports will fall in 2016, Chinese customs data on Wednesday showed shipments soared 30 percent in March from the same month a year ago. Much of China's production glut was sparked by the country's debt-fuelled stimulus in 2009, when a government-directed 4 trillion yuan ($625 billion) was injected into the economy to ward off the global financial crisis. The stimulus drove up steel demand by as much as 100 million tonnes in 2009 and encouraged producers to embark on a rapid capacity expansion using cheap credit. "The steel mills were delighted - they didn't need to die, breathed a sigh of relief and also relaxed their vigilance towards overcapacity," said Liu Zhenjiang, the vice secretary-general of the CISA. "Those years created ingrained bad habits when it came to overcapacity." China raised hope of a solution in February when it pledged to shut 100-150 million tonnes of old production capacity in five years, but actual production is expected to stay high as Beijing tries to minimise job losses and social disruption. New plants have continued to come on line, and CISA has warned that capacity would increase further this year. "The government is understandably very nervous about how exactly they're going to do this," said Geoffrey Crothall, communications director at China Labour Bulletin. "I think eventually pressure will build and they will have to go ahead. But you really shouldn't expect it to happen overnight." CISA's Liu said existing mills are doing little to curb supply, noting they were trapped in a "vicious circle" in which they ramp up production at the first sign of price improvements. Many firms engage in "hostile competition", raising production and slashing prices in a bid to outlast rivals, he said. Government policy initiatives have not always helped either. One target to consolidate 60 percent of capacity in the hands of the 10 biggest steel enterprises helped spur a fevered round of expansions at mid-sized mills desperate to avoid being swallowed up. "INGRAINED BAD HABITS" Premier Li Keqiang reiterated on Monday Beijing intended to quicken steps to tackle the surplus production. But the central government faces strong resistance from many local governments. Dozens of "zombie" mills cling to life thanks to the support of local governments terrified by the prospect of mass unemployment and carrying the steel firms' spiralling debts. "You're not just shutting down the steel plants, you're shutting down their entire community," said Crothall. "That's why it's so difficult for the government just to put them out of business." China's bankruptcy mechanisms also present massive challenges. Zhang Wuzong, chairman of Shiheng Special Steel Group, said China's bankruptcy laws offer little protection for executives, who could find their personal assets get frozen. Xia Nong, head of the industry department of the National Development and Reform Commission, the state planner, said China's "survival of the fittest" mechanism remained inadequate. "The fit are not strong and the unfit are not eliminated, and bad currency is still driving out good in the steel sector," he said. (Reporting by David Stanway; additional reporting by Jessica Macy Yu and Ben Lim in BEIJING and Ruby Lian in SHANGHAI; Editing by Neil Fullick) By Luciana Lopez NEW YORK (Reuters) - Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton on Wednesday will propose the creation of a new national Office of Immigrant Affairs should she win the White House in November, as she seeks to woo minority and immigrant voters in New York less than a week before the state's primary. The office would coordinate policies and programs among federal agencies and with state and local governments, Clinton said at an event in New York City where she met with immigrant-rights activists. "It's an issue that cuts across all levels of government," she said. She added that it would expand the efforts of President Barack Obama's Task Force on New Americans, which was created in 2014 to help immigrants and refugees integrate better into the United States. In contrast, Republican candidates have largely proposed tougher immigration rules. Republican front-runner Donald Trump has called for building a wall along the border with Mexico and a temporary ban on Muslims entering the country. The New York primary on Tuesday could either help former Secretary of State Clinton consolidate her status as the Democratic front-runner or hand a significant victory to rival Bernie Sanders, the Vermont senator seeking to defy expectations and win the party's nomination for the Nov. 8 election. Both candidates are campaigning across the state, looking to win over New York's diverse population, including voters from immigrant families. Around 19 percent of the state's population is Hispanic or Latino, according to the U.S. Census. With 247 pledged delegates at stake, the state is among the most significant nominating contests left on the calendar before the Democrats' July 25-28 convention in Philadelphia. Clinton holds a double-digit lead in opinion polls over Sanders in New York, the state where he was born and which she served for eight years as a U.S. senator. She also holds a commanding lead in pledged delegates overall so far, leaving Sanders only a narrow path if he is to win the nomination out from under her, a task some pundits say is already beyond him. A Democratic candidate needs 2,383 delegates to clinch the nomination. Those can come from any combination of pledged delegates won in primaries and caucuses, as well as so-called superdelegates, who can vote as they choose. (Reporting by Luciana Lopez; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Jonathan Oatis) By David Schwartz PHOENIX (Reuters) - The Democratic National Committee will file a federal lawsuit over the actions of Arizona election officials during the presidential primary that caused long waits at the polls and critics said disenfranchised voters, especially minorities. Officials said the lawsuit, to be filed in U.S. District Court in Arizona on Friday, will target the decision to sharply reduce polling locations in Maricopa County, which caused up to five-hour waits for voters casting ballots in the March 22 primary. The lawsuit will also question the states arbitrary rejection of provisional ballots at alarming rates, with a large number coming from minority voters, according to a DNC statement. Republicans are using every tool, every legal loophole and every fear tactic they can think of to take aim at voting rights wherever they can, the DNC chair, U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, said in a statement. Joining the suit will be the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, the Arizona Democratic Party, former Navajo Nation leader Peterson Zah, the Ann Kirkpatrick for Senate campaign and affected voters, the statement said. The Democratic nominating contest for the Nov. 8 presidential election was won by Hillary Clinton over Bernie Sanders. Their campaigns both said they would join the lawsuit. Named as defendants in the legal action are Arizona Secretary of State Michele Reagan, the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and Maricopa County Recorder Helen Purcell. A spokesman for the secretary of state declined to comment on the specifics of the case, saying: "The secretary welcomes any inquiry." A spokeswoman for Purcell declined to comment but told CNN last week there were no intentional efforts to keep people from voting. The election became mired in controversy from the outset as county voters spent hours to vote at one of 60 polling sites, a reduction from 200 sites in 2012. Officials said the move was an effort to cut costs. County officials immediately took the blame for the decision, saying they misjudged voter turnout based on recent history and increasing mail-in votes. The election, called unacceptable by the states governor and a fiasco by the Phoenix mayor, has prompted questions by the U.S. Department of Justice over its handling by county officials. The county, Arizona's most populous, has said it will comply with an April 22 request for information from the head of the voting section of the departments civil rights division. A county spokeswoman had no comment on the lawsuit. (Additional reporting by Susan Heavey and Megan Cassella in Washington; Editing by Sara Catania and Peter Cooney) By John Irish GENEVA (Reuters) - The U.N. envoy for Syria said on Thursday he was frustrated that there was little improvement in aid deliveries to besieged areas, saying it was a "wake-up call" that had to be heeded. The United Nations, which is mediating peace talks in Geneva, has been banking on an improvement in the humanitarian situation across Syria after a partial truce brokered by Russia and the United States in late February. But with the "cessation of hostilities" increasingly shaky, aid access is beginning to drop off. "(There is) disappointment, frustration indeed, particularly in this period when we are expecting incremental improvements in reaching places which are besieged," Staffan de Mistura told reporters after meeting envoys from countries which form part of the humanitarian taskforce. He said the taskforce should take it as a "wake-up call to make sure we don't just sit passively during these meetings to acknowledge the fact that there are no improvements. We need improvements." A document released to reporters from the U.N. Inter-Agency Humanitarian Operations showed that so far in April there had only been four aid operations and only 0.8 percent of people in besieged areas had been reached. In comparison, during March some 19 operations reached about 21 percent of people in those areas. De Mistura said there continued to be no access to Douma, Daraya and east Harasta - all near the capital Damascus. Last week the U.N. said there was a plan to evacuate up to 500 sick and wounded people and their families from the towns of Madaya and Zabadani, close to the Lebanese border, and Foua and Kefreya, further north near Turkey. However, de Mistura said he regretted that it had not happened because both sides were insisting only on exchanging a sick person if the other side also had a sick person. "(My) proposal is that if you do have a case of medical emergency allow that (person) to be evacuated and when there is one on the other side then it can be equivalent," he said. "If this is all blocked by reciprocity, then let's have a more creative reciprocity." The U.N. is also concerned that surgical equipment is being removed from convoys, mainly by government forces, but de Mistura said he had received promises from the government. "They assured me they were going to henceforth allow all medical items, except surgical items, atropine and anti-anxiety pills, but would allow on request caesarean surgery items and all other medical items. "I hope what I got as a promise will materialise." (Editing by Dominic Evans) By Madeline Chambers BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany said on Wednesday it needs more time to decide on a request from Turkey to prosecute a comedian who has caused a diplomatic row by reciting a sexually crude poem about Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on German television. The request by Turkey has created a political dilemma for German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has just pushed through a European Union agreement with Ankara to help curb the influx of migrants. Critics had already accused her of getting too cozy with Turkey and relying on Erdogan's help to ease the pressure over her handling of the crisis, which saw over a million migrants arrive in Germany last year. In a deliberately provocative poem about Erdogan, Jan Boehmermann referred to bestiality and the suppression of Kurdish and Christian minorities in Turkey. The program was aired on ZDF public television on March 31. Erdogan himself has filed a legal complaint against Boehmermann for insulting him. But in an even more politically charged move, the Turkish embassy has sent the German foreign ministry a cable requesting Boehmermann's prosecution on suspicion of offending a foreign head of state. Erdogan is known for his intolerance of criticism and readiness to take legal action. Turkish prosecutors have opened nearly 2,000 cases against people for insulting him since he became president in 2014, the justice minister said last month. "The assessment of the Turkish cable and of further action resulting from it is still going on," Merkel spokesman Steffen Seibert told reporters, reiterating comments from Monday when he said it would take a few days. "We ask for patience." Seibert also reiterated Merkel's commitment to freedom of speech, but tried to separate that from the immediate political reality. "It is important that the migrant deal with Turkey is implemented," he said. "We, Germany, and Turkey have a mutual interest in this succeeding ... but totally separate from that, we clearly acknowledge Article 5 of our constitution, which guarantees freedom of opinion, of science and of art." Critics argue that Merkel partly brought the problem on herself, by telling Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu on a phone call that the poem was deliberately offensive. It would be legally possible under German law to prosecute Boehmermann. But as practical matter, such prosecutions are very rare. Only a handful of investigations have been conducted under the relevant laws over the past 15 years, say officials. Under the relevant section of Germany's criminal codes, the government has to authorize prosecutors to pursue a case against Boehmermann. Requiring such political intervention in a judicial matter is antiquated and should be abolished, critics say. A spokeswoman for the Justice Ministry said there were no immediate plans to abolish it but that the ministry was aware of a discussion taking place within some political parties. (Additional reporting by Michael Nienaber, editing by Larry King) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Portugal needs to take additional measures to meet its deficit reduction targets this year, the head of the International Monetary Fund's European department, Poul Thomsen, said in a news conference on Friday. He said that Portugal's fiscal policy was loosened over the last two years and was clearly moving in the wrong direction. "Portugal is in a difficult situation, it has taken on important structural reforms, and it is fundamentally in a better position than before the (global financial) crisis," Thomsen said. "There has been a fiscal relaxation in the last two years which clearly goes in the wrong direction for a country that has no fiscal space and high debt," he said. "We do think that additional measures are needed to achieve the target of 2.2 to 2.3 percent deficit (of gross domestic product) that the government has set for itself," he said. (Reporting by Jan Strupczewski and Balazs Koranyi; Editing by Paul Simao) By Katie Paul, Marwa Rashad and Andrew Torchia RIYADH/DUBAI (Reuters) - In late February, several hundred Saudi officials, company executives and foreign consultants gathered in a luxury Riyadh hotel to discuss how Saudi Arabia's economy could survive an era of cheap oil. One company manager at the event told Reuters that officials from about 30 Saudi government bodies manned booths in which they described their challenges. Corporate bosses were encouraged to "figure out ways to do partnerships to address those needs, to offer feedback, to complain, and to plan future ventures or even just future meetings," the manager said. "It was like a private sector version of a national parliament." The workshop was part of Saudi government attempts to work out how to restructure the economy so it no longer relies on oil. The National Transformation Plan (NTP), as Riyadh has dubbed the changes, is expected to be unveiled in the next few weeks. Much is still secret. Ministries have refused to discuss plans in detail and Western consultancies contacted by Reuters declined to confirm their involvement, let alone policy details. Officials, consultants and executives, though, say the five-year programme is both ambitious and risky. It includes asset sales, tax increases, spending cuts, changes to the way the state manages its financial reserves, an efficiency drive, and a much bigger role for the private sector. Such changes have been talked about for years but never put into action. One reason to think this time could be different is that policy-making has in the past year shifted away from conservative bodies such as the finance ministry and central bank. Power is now concentrated in a new 22-member Council of Economic and Development Affairs, formed after King Salman took the throne in January 2015. The Council is chaired by his son, Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is about 30. In his role as defence minister, Prince Mohammed launched Saudi Arabia's military intervention in Yemen in March 2015. Now, he wants to shake up economic policy. "Since the foundation of the kingdom there has been no government-led programme that innovates in this way," said Mohamed al-Afif, a veteran banker who now runs Cash Solutions, a boutique financial services firm. CONSULTANTS AND WHATSAPP People familiar with the NTP said it was born late last year in discussions between Prince Mohammed and a few other top officials. At the time, oil was sinking below $30 a barrel, about half the low point that had been expected. That saddled the kingdom with an annual budget deficit near $100 billion and strengthened the case for radical changes. While Prince Mohammed is the ultimate decider, he has chosen Economy and Planning Minister Adel al-Fakieh, a former food industry executive and mayor of Jeddah, to help with the detail. As labour minister between 2010 and 2015, Fakieh overcame opposition from business to policies that pushed companies to hire more Saudis. People involved in the NTP say Fakieh, 57, uses WhatsApp on his mobile phone obsessively, conducting chats with dozens of groups until the small hours. Riyadh is spending tens of millions of dollars on foreign consultants for the NTP. London-based Source Global Research estimated in March that total Saudi spending on consultancies mostly by the government or state-linked bodies grew over 10 percent in 2015, from $1.06 billion in 2014. Consultants and ministry officials, many of them young Saudis with Western degrees, work at the Khozama office building in Riyadh, thrashing out policy in as many as 40 groups known as "delivery labs". The plans are heavy on jargon-labelled targets requiring ministries to hit rigid budget and reform goals, according to documents seen by Reuters. MODELS One model is neighbouring United Arab Emirates, which began radical reforms by cutting gasoline subsidies last year, people familiar with the Saudi plan said. Another model is Malaysia, which in 2010 moved to diversify beyond commodity exports and attract more foreign investment. Consultancy McKinsey & Co played a major role in the Malaysian plan and is now at the centre of the Saudi effort. The NTP echoes Malaysia's programme in three ways. It puts a single body in charge of implementation to force better cooperation between ministries. It seeks feedback from the private sector early, even during planning. And it aims to boost the private sector's share of investment, something Saudi planners consider vital as oil revenues sag. Riyadh wants private firms to develop tourism facilities on some of its islands, plans to create "free zones" with minimal red tape near airports, and even wants private investment in some schools. New infrastructure such as roads and port facilities will be constructed under build-operate-transfer contracts, in which private firms finance the projects and then operate them to recoup their investments. "The government will take no risk anymore, it will only provide opportunities," said a Saudi economist who attended a recent workshop. The NTP will also speed up Saudi Arabia's long-running but slow-paced privatisation programme. Up to 5 percent of national oil giant Saudi Aramco will be sold to the public, Prince Mohammed says, possibly raising tens of billions of dollars. Also on the block: chunks of other companies in up to 18 sectors, including healthcare, mining and transport. Management of the country's financial reserves will become more aggressive, according to officials and consultants. The central bank, which acts as the kingdom's sovereign wealth fund, holds $584 billion of foreign assets, mostly in conservative investments such as bank deposits and U.S. Treasuries. In the future, privatisation proceeds will be invested in corporate assets around the world, generating income and obtaining access to technology and expertise. Saudi officials have been visiting the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority which has over $700 billion invested in developed and emerging market equities, fixed income, private equity, real estate and infrastructure to see how it works, sources said. Prince Mohammed told Bloomberg last month that one fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), would be expanded to control over $2 trillion eventually. The fund is now believed to have about $100 billion of assets. DEADLINE Top officials are reviewing proposals which all the ministries involved were required to submit by March 31, two sources said. "Everyone is waiting for the NTP announcement for a clue about how things will operate going forward," said a Western diplomat who monitors the economy. There are many sceptics. Some say the NTP is too late. Local capital markets are too small to absorb a privatisation programme so attracting foreign money will be vital. But investors are wary of Saudi Arabia's prospects given the low oil price. Eliminating the budget deficit by 2020 will require an additional $100 billion in spending cuts and tax increases equivalent to about 16 percent of gross domestic product. That could stifle growth and deter the investment the NTP seeks. Some plans are headline-grabbing but may involve little real change. For example, the PIF will take over assets such as Saudi Aramco but won't be able to reinvest that wealth unless it sells big pieces of the firm, which would be tough for financial and political reasons. And then there's the mixed fortunes of some of the models Saudi Arabia has looked at. "Most of the economic transformation programmes in various countries didn't succeed or diverged immensely from the original plans," said prominent Saudi economist Ihsan Bu Hulaiga. Malaysia, for instance, has increased the private sector's share of investment modestly, to 64 percent in 2014 from 52 percent in 2009. But the country's currency has plunged along with commodity prices, something Riyadh wants to avoid. Many question the role of highly paid consultants. "You have people in their 30s with laptops helping to determine the direction of the country," said one foreign consultant. "The potential for change has certainly gone up, but so has the risk." Some Saudis think an economic shake-up could lead to the kind of social changes many foreign business executives believe are needed to modernise Saudi's economy: allowing women to drive, for instance, or opening up the legal system. The planning itself suggests some openness to change. Senior officials, normally given to opulent robes, regularly come to workshops in simple clothes, say some attendees. And unuusally, female consultants are working closely with men. (Additional reporting by Angus McDowall in Riyadh, Tom Arnold and Hadeel Al Sayegh in Dubai, and Joseph Sipalan in Kuala Lumpur; Edited by Simon Robinson) DUBLIN (Reuters) - Ireland could have a government in place by next week, a senior minister from acting prime minister Enda Kenny's party said on Friday after it made some progress towards breaking a prolonged political deadlock. Kenny failed for the third time to be re-elected in a vote in parliament on Thursday but removed one stumbling block when his party's nearest rival, Fianna Fail, abandoned hopes of forming a minority administration of its own. Kenny still has two more hurdles to clear to form a minority government that analysts fear could be unstable and short-lived: gain the support of at least 6 more deputies outside his Fine Gael party and Fianna Fail's consent to abstain in key votes. "We need to get on with it, we need to work out what Fianna Fail need in order to do that," Fine Gael minister Simon Coveney told national broadcaster RTE. "If both sides approach it with a view to try to find a way of compromising, then we can have a government by the middle of next week. That's the plan." The parties will resume talks on government parameters later on Friday. The pool of 14 independent lawmakers from whom Kenny is seeking to win the required additional support have demanded a detailed plan is agreed before they make up their minds. The independents also laid down a new demand on Thursday, saying any deal would have to last long enough to implement at least three annual budgets. Coveney said such an arrangement "would certainly be helpful." He also appealed again to other smaller parties to join the proposed new government, including the two-person Green Party, which left negotiations last month, and outgoing junior coalition partner Labour, which suffered huge losses at the Feb. 26 election. "Fine Gael is inviting any party that wants to talk to us from a policy perspective or in facilitating a minority government. The broader the base for government, the better and more stable it will be as far as I'm concerned," Coveney said. "There is no point in having a minority government unless it can function and get things done. We need to make sure we have a government that doesn't simply last for five weeks or five months but has a chance of lasting three or four years." (Reporting by Padraic Halpin; Editing by) By Jonathan Landay, Warren Strobel and Phil Stewart WASHINGTON (Reuters) - As U.S.-led offensives drive back Islamic State in Iraq, concern is growing among U.S. and U.N. officials that efforts to stabilize liberated areas are lagging, creating conditions that could help the militants endure as an underground network. One major worry: not enough money is being committed to rebuild the devastated provincial capital of Ramadi and other towns, let alone Islamic State-held Mosul, the ultimate target in Iraq of the U.S.-led campaign. Lise Grande, the No. 2 U.N. official in Iraq, told Reuters that the United Nations is urgently seeking $400 million from Washington and its allies for a new fund to bolster reconstruction in cities like Ramadi, which suffered vast damage when U.S.-backed Iraqi forces recaptured it in December. "We worry that if we don't move in this direction, and move quickly, the progress being made against ISIL may be undermined or lost," Grande said, using an acronym for Islamic State. Adding to the difficulty of stabilizing freed areas are Iraq's unrelenting political infighting, corruption, a growing fiscal crisis and the Shiite Muslim-led government's fitful efforts to reconcile with aggrieved minority Sunnis, the bedrock of Islamic State support. Some senior U.S. military officers share the concern that post-conflict reconstruction plans are lagging behind their battlefield efforts, officials said. "We're not going to bomb our way out of this problem," one U.S. official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. (Graphic showing Islamic State's territorial control: http://tmsnrt.rs/23aQU31) Islamic State is far from defeated. The group still controls much of its border-spanning "caliphate," inspires eight global affiliates and is able to orchestrate deadly external attacks like those that killed 32 people in Brussels on March 22. But at its core in Iraq and Syria, Islamic State appears to be in slow retreat. Defense analysis firm IHS Janes estimates the group lost 22 percent of its territory over the last 15 months. Washington has spent vastly more on the war than on reconstruction. The military campaign cost $6.5 billion from 2014 through Feb. 29, according to the Pentagon. The United States has contributed $15 million to stabilization efforts, donated $5 million to help clear explosives in Ramadi and provided "substantial direct budget support" to Iraq's government, said Emily Horne, a National Security Council spokeswoman. Secretary of State John Kerry acknowledged the need for more reconstruction aid while in Baghdad last week. "As more territory is liberated from Daesh, the international community has to step up its support for the safe and voluntary return of civilians to their homes," Kerry said, using an Arabic acronym for Islamic State. Kerry, who announced $155 million in additional U.S. aid for displaced Iraqis, said U.S. President Barack Obama planned to raise the issue at a summit of Gulf Arab leaders on April 21. "PILE OF RUBBLE" Ramadi's main hospital, train station, nearly 2,000 homes, 64 bridges and much of the electricity grid were destroyed in fighting, a preliminary U.N. survey found last month. Thousands of other buildings were damaged. Some 3,000 families recently returned to parts of the city cleared of mines, according to the governor, Hameed Dulaymi, but conditions are tough. Power comes from generators. Water is pumped from the Euphrates River. A few shops are open, but only for a couple of hours a day. Ahmed Saleh, a 56-year-old father of three children, said he returned to find his home a "pile of rubble," which cannot be rebuilt until the government provides the money. With no indication of when that might happen, authorities have resettled his family in another house whose owner is believed unlikely to return before this summer. Saleh earns less than $15 a day cleaning and repairing other people's homes. There are no schools open for his children, and he lacks funds to return to a camp for internally displaced outside Baghdad where he says life was better. Obama administration officials say they have been working to help stabilize Iraq politically and economically since the military campaign against Islamic State began in 2014. "The success of the campaign against ISIL in Iraq does depend upon political and economic progress as well," Defense Secretary Ash Carter said on Monday. "Economically it's important that the destruction that's occurred be repaired and we're looking to help the Iraqis with that." Asked about the upcoming $400 million U.N. request, Horne said the United States welcomed the new fund's establishment and "will continue to lead international efforts to fund stabilization operations." The United States hasn't yet announced what it will contribute. U.S. officials said Washington is also pushing for an International Monetary Fund arrangement that the head of the fund's Iraq mission has said could unlock up to $15 billion in international financing. Baghdad has a $20 billion budget deficit caused by depressed oil prices. Washington has helped train 15,000 Sunni fighters who are now part of the Iraqi government's security forces. But there has been little movement on political reforms to reconcile minority Sunnis, whose repression under former prime minister Nuri al-Maliki's Shiite-led government led thousands to join Islamic State. Unless that happens, and Sunnis see that Baghdad is trying to help them return home to rebuild, support for the militants will persist, experts said. "If you don't get reconciliation, the Sunnis will turn back to ISIS," said former CIA and White House official Kenneth Pollack, who is now at the Brookings Institution think tank and conducted a fact-finding mission in Iraq last month. "It's just inevitable." The United States has prevailed militarily in Iraq before, only to see the fruits of the effort evaporate. President George W. Bush invaded Iraq in 2003, deposed dictator Saddam Hussein and disbanded his army without a comprehensive plan for post-war stability. Civil war ensued. REBUILDING GETS HARDER International funding to rebuild towns and cities ravaged by Islamic State has always been tight, said Grande, deputy special representative of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq. "This meant we had to come up with a model that could be implemented quickly and at extremely low cost," she said. International donors contributed $100 million to an initial fund to jump-start local economies, restoring power and water and reopening shops and schools. The model worked in Tikrit, the first major city reclaimed from Islamic State in March 2015, Grande said. After initial delays, most residents returned, utilities are on and the university is open. Total spending was $8.3 million. But Ramadi, a city of some 500,000 people before the recent fighting, poses a much greater challenge. "Much of the destruction that's happening in areas that are being liberated ... far outstrips our original assumptions," Grande said. Restoring normality to Mosul, home to about 2 million people before it fell to Islamic State, could prove even more difficult. It remains to be seen whether Islamic State digs in, forcing a ruinous battle, or faces an internal uprising that forces the militants to flee, sparing the city massive devastation. If Islamic State is defeated militarily, it likely will revert to the guerrilla tactics of its predecessor, al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI), current and former officials said. AQI and its leaders, including Islamic State chief Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, "survived inside Iraq underground for years and theres no reason they couldnt do it again," a U.S. defense official said. (Additional reporting by David Rohde, Lou Charbonneau and John Walcott. Editing by Stuart Grudgings.) By Giulia Segreti and Astrid Wendlandt MILAN/PARIS (Reuters) - Italy on Wednesday became the first European country to take steps to help its fashion industry build a stronger presence in Iran following the lifting of Western sanctions. The two countries signed an agreement during a two-day visit by Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi with a delegation of business leaders to increase trade between Italy and Iran and reinforce industrial cooperation. The deal was signed by the National Textiles and Fashion Association Sistema Moda Italia (SMI), which represents a sector worth more than 52 billion euros (41 billion pounds) in revenues, and its Iranian counterpart the Tehran Garment Union (TGU). It aims to cut red tape and make it easier for Italian companies to obtain the TGU licence required to operate in Iran. Some analysts estimate the oil-rich Islamic Republic of nearly 80 million people has more than 3 million high net worth individuals who are major and regular buyers of luxury goods. "Iran could be an interesting expansion market, probably worth about 2 per cent of the global luxury market, once developed," Exane BNP Paribas analyst Luca Solca said. Renzi was accompanied by some 60 business leaders from sectors including energy, railways and defence. They pledged billions of euros in credit lines and guarantees, in a broader effort to establish a strong foothold in Iran. "Iran represents a market with great opportunities and I am certain that Italian companies will be able to grasp them," SMI Chairman Claudio Marenzi said. The sanctions on Iran over the past decade did not apply to cosmetics and many other consumer goods, but they made it difficult for European companies to own stores in Iran. IRAN CHALLENGES Setting up businesses in Iran is also no easy task, executives and consultants say, due to a lack of appropriate retail infrastructure, high tariffs and banking restrictions. A lack of enforcement of international trademark protection agreements also means Iran is flooded with counterfeits. Italian firms appear to have adopted a more proactive attitude than their French luxury and fashion rivals. In February, Florence-based fashion house Roberto Cavalli opened its first shop in Iran, in the footsteps of leather goods maker Piquadro and men's shirt company Camicissima. Versace is due to open a flagship boutique in Tehran soon, in franchise with a local commercial partner. Several French groups, however, including Chanel, Gucci owner Kering and LVMH's, have been adopting a "wait and see" attitude until the evolution of Iran's international relations became clearer. Some French brands such as the family-controlled handbag maker Longchamp and crystal maker Lalique, are looking for distribution partners but have no plans to open boutiques. "For us Iran is a new region to conquer," said Lalique Chief Executive and controlling shareholder Silvio Denz, who has been opening new markets for the brand's crystal jewellery and home wear items over the past decade. One of the first big French companies to invest directly in Iran is LVMH's cosmetics retailer Sephora. It is in talks to open two to three shops in Teheran by the autumn, in partnership with an Iranian partner and the Middle Eastern luxury goods distributor Chalhoub, a source close to LVMH told Reuters. LVMH and Chalhoub have declined to comment. (Editing by David Clarke) RFI French President Emmanuel Macron is in Rome on Sunday for the start of a three-day peace summit hosted by the Community of SantEgidio, a Catholic charity known for its efforts to promote interfaith dialogue, notably in Africa. He will also meet with Pope Francis on Monday. Macron is set to deliver a speech at the opening of the annual event in Rome alongside the presidents of Italy and Niger.The gathering, also attended by Frances chief rabbi Haim Korsia, will mark the latest in a series of me By Yesim Dikmen and Melih Aslan ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Leaders from more than 50 Muslim nations accused Iran on Friday of supporting terrorism and interfering in the affairs of regional states, including Syria and Yemen, a condemnation that may widen the divide between Iran and its main rival, Saudi Arabia. The leaders, including Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, have been attending a summit in Istanbul this week of the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to discuss a such issues as the humanitarian fall-out from Syria's civil war. "The conference deplored Iran's interference in the internal affairs of the States of the region and other member states including Bahrain, Yemen, Syria, and Somalia, and its continued support for terrorism," the OIC said in its final summit communique. It also stressed the need for "cooperative relations" between Iran and other Muslim countries, including refraining from the use or threat of force. Both Turkey, which has assumed the three-year rotating presidency of the OIC, and Saudi Arabia are part of the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State militants in Syria. They are also opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a stance that has put them at odds with Iran, an ally of Assad. Shi'ite Iran is also allied with the Houthi movement in Yemen, which has been battling forces loyal to Yemen's Saudi-backed president in a conflict that has killed more than 6,000 people since March 2015. While Turkey and Iran have stark differences over Syria, they have managed to keep their diplomatic and trade relations. Still, majority-Sunni Turkey is close to Saudi Arabia, which has cut diplomatic ties with Iran, and it is concerned about Tehran's growing clout in Lebanon, Syria and Yemen. 'WE ARE MUSLIMS' A day before the communique, Iran's Rouhani urged summit delegates to avoid sending out divisive messages. "No message which would fuel division in the Islamic community should come out of the conference," said Rouhani, according to Iranian state television. In a speech at the summit's closing news conference, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan addressed the need to reconcile the divisions. "We are Muslims, we will not allow Islam to be divided," he said. The leaders also condemned what they called the aggression of Armenia against Azerbaijan and called for the unconditional withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh region. On Thursday, Erdogan said the countries had agreed to work more closely to fight terrorism and would establish an Istanbul-based centre for greater police cooperation. (Additional reporting by Humeyra Pamuk and Daren Butler; Writing by David Dolan; Editing by Gareth Jones, Larry King) By Stine Jacobsen OSLO (Reuters) - Norway's $863 billion (610.3 billion) sovereign wealth fund, the world's biggest, said on Thursday it had sold shares in 52 coal-dependent companies from its portfolio as part of a policy to fight climate change. A Reuters calculation showed the stakes sold were worth at least $1 billion at the end of 2014, before the fund started big divestments from coal. The biggest holdings included a $188 million stake in CLP Holdings <0002.HK>. Norway's parliament agreed last year to make the fund, built on revenues from the country's vast offshore industry, sell out of companies that derive more than 30 percent of their turnover or activity from coal. The fund listed U.S. firms American Electric Power Co Inc , AES Corp and Allete Inc among the firms, along with China Coal Energy Co Ltd <601898.SS> and Coal India , the world's biggest coal miner by output. Global coal producer Peabody Energy Corp , which filed for bankruptcy on Wednesday, was also on the list. The fund expects to exclude more firms from its investment universe amid the new rule. "The intention is to assess the remainder of relevant companies in the portfolio by the end of 2016," the fund said in a statement. Norges Bank Investment Management said it had given the companies an opportunity to give views before they were excluded. The fund sent letters to the companies, but only five responded, it said in a statement. The fund declined to give an overall value of its divestments so far. The Norwegian finance ministry previously said the curtailment of investments in coal-dependent businesses could lead the fund to sell shares in about 120 companies worth some 55 billion Norwegian crowns (4.7 billion).. Martin Norman, climate and energy adviser at environmental group Greenpeace, welcomed the sales which he said were probably the biggest single divestment from coal ever. "They are setting a new standard when it comes to transparency," he said. Greenpeace studies have indicated that the fund should sell shares totalling about 80 billion crowns to follow parliament's instructions to limit exposure to coal. He said Greenpeace wanted the fund to diversify even further from fossil fuels and that it was wrong to focus only on the climate risks of coal while promoting oil and gas. The fund has a range of ethics criteria for excluding firms from its portfolio, including severe environmental damage, nuclear weapons making, tobacco production and certain labour conditions. (Reporting by Terje Solsvik, Stine Jacobsen and Alister Doyle; Editing by Mark Heinrich) Russia says NATO's military build-up in the Baltic states is "absolutely unjustified", while Poland claims President Vladimir Putin's nation is a bigger threat than Islamic State. Moscow's ambassador to Brussels suggested relations between Russia and the alliance were "very bad" in the wake of Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. NATO suspended practical co-operation with Moscow after the military move in March 2014. And next week will see the first formal talks between alliance and Russia ambassadors in almost two years, in what is being seen as a thaw in ties. Moscow is accused of backing pro-Russian rebels in Ukraine against the pro-Western government in Kiev. Eastern members of the alliance including former Soviet-ruled Baltic states and Poland lobbied the organisation to increase its presence in the region. In response to Russia's intervention in Ukraine, NATO's 28 members agreed to dispatch troops, plus extra ships and planes to reassure them they do stand alone. Russia has stepped up air patrols, leading to a big rise in NATO interceptions as both sides test out the other. Russian ambassador Alexander Grushko said: "NATO has been deploying additional forces, increasing its military activity on a rotational basis, adding equipment, creating permanent storage sites for military weaponry and equipment." He accused NATO of using the Ukraine crisis as a pretext for the "absolutely unjustified" build-up and plans to protest at the rare talks in Brussels on 20 April. Meanwhile, Poland's foreign minister Witold Waszczykowski has claimed Russia posed an "existential threat" and is more dangerous than the Islamic State jihadist group. He said: "By all evidence, Russia's activity is a sort of existential threat because this activity can destroy countries." He described IS as a very serious threat but added that "it is not an existential threat for Europe". By Matthew Miller BEIJING (Reuters) - China and Russia could reach an accord by the year-end on counterparties, common depositories, clearing centres, and financial reporting standards needed for Russia to issue yuan denominated bonds, Russia's Deputy Finance Minister Alexei Moiseev said. Russia said last year it was hoping to issue no less than $1 billion worth of the so-called OFZ bonds, which are the main treasury bonds used to finance government borrowing on the domestic market, in yuan in 2016. After meeting with China's Ministry of Finance in Beijing on Thursday, Moiseev said discussions were "progressing well". In February, the Russian side had described talks with Chinese regulators as difficult. "Hopefully we can commit to signing documents towards the end of the year," Moiseev told Reuters in an interview on Thursday. The timing would leave Russia little room to launch yuan denominated debt before the end of the year. "We need to do a lot of work," Moiseev said. "The question of reporting standards have to be synchronized, the audit standards have to be synchronized. The Chinese and Russian regulators have to be confident in their supervision of the local central depositories." Sergei Shvetsov, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Governor, was due to hold talks with China's central bank on Friday. Russian President Vladimir Putin has been moving to develop closer ties with China. In November, according to media reports, the Central Bank of Russia included the Chinese yuan in its currency reserve basket, part of a move to boost the yuan's presence in Russian financial markets. Last May, the Moscow and Beijing governments also signed a tax treaty. Chinese banks are increasingly supporting Russian companies, including gas producer Gazprom, with loans, a trend that Moiseev saw continuing. "We've generally had a very productive partnership with Chinese banks, they've been investing in some of the key infrastructure projects in Russia, and we are very satisfied that is happening," he said. (Reporting By Matthew Miller; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore) CAIRO (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia's deputy oil minister Prince Abdulaziz Bin Salman discussed the situation in oil markets and further cooperation with India's Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday, Saudi state news agency reported. The report did not give details but said the talks included "the evident role of the kingdom (in achieving) stability of the oil markets." The two officials also discussed cooperation between the two countries in energy as well as boosting India's purchases of crude oil and oil products, and joint investments. Saudi Arabia was the biggest oil supplier to India in February. India is one of the countries in which state oil giant Saudi Aramco is looking at in terms of downstream investments. On Thursday, The International Energy Agency (IEA) said India could replace China as the main engine of global demand growth, estimating its demand growth at 300,000 bpd the strongest ever volume increase. Leading oil producers including Saudi Arabia plan to meet in Doha on Sunday to cement a preliminary deal reached between Russia, Venezuela, Qatar and Saudi Arabia in February to freeze oil output at January levels to curb a glut in the oil market. (Reporting by Ali Abdelatti; writing by Reem Shamseddine in Khobar, editing by David Evans) By Zachary Fagenson WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (Reuters) - Republican presidential front-runner Donald Trump's campaign manager will not be prosecuted in Florida on a misdemeanor battery charge involving a reporter, Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg said on Thursday. Corey Lewandowski, 42, was charged on March 29 by police in Jupiter with intentionally grabbing and bruising the arm of Michelle Fields, then a reporter for the conservative news outlet Breitbart. The incident occurred when Fields tried to question Trump at a campaign event on March 8. "Mr. Lewandowski has a reasonable hypothesis of innocence. There is insufficient evidence to rebut these defenses," said Aronberg, a Democrat, noting that Lewandowski had grabbed the reporter's arm against her will. Aronberg's office said it faced a legally higher standard than law enforcement. State prosecutor's offices must show proof of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt, and whether there is a reasonable chance of conviction. Law enforcement can bring charges on probable cause, and Aronberg said police had acted appropriately. He added that politics did not factor into his decision. Police released a video of the incident showing Fields walking alongside Trump and trying to question him. Lewandowski is seen grabbing her arm and pulling her backward. Fields had brushed or touched Trump's arm following a campaign news conference, after which Lewandowski reached out and grabbed her arm, said Aronberg, citing a video recording. Trump has repeatedly defended Lewandowski, and the campaign released a statement noting that the campaign manager was gratified by the decision of prosecutors. Lewandowski "appreciates the thoughtful consideration and professionalism by the Palm Beach State Attorney and his staff who carefully reviewed this matter, as well as Mr. Trumps loyalty and the support of his colleagues and family during this time," the statement said. But the decision was a disappointment to Fields, Aronberg said, noting that his office had talked with her on Thursday. Fields on Wednesday posted on Twitter, "For those asking, office of prosecutor asked 2 weeks ago if I'd be ok with an apology from Corey. I said ya but haven't heard back about it." Aronberg said an apology to the reporter might have avoided the legal proceedings. (Writing by Letitia Stein; Editing by Jonathan Oatis) By Gulsen Solaker ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkey's main opposition party will support a government bid to lift the immunity from prosecution currently enjoyed by all members of parliament, a draft law that Kurdish lawmakers say is targeted against them. President Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly called for members of the pro-Kurdish People's Democratic Party (HDP) to face prosecution, accusing them of being an extension of the outlawed militant group, the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). The bill proposed on Tuesday has the support of all ruling AK Party lawmakers - 316, excluding the speaker who is not eligible to vote. With the main opposition party CHP - which has 133 seats - declaring its support on Wednesday night, the bill could easily win the required 367 votes in the 550-seat assembly. CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu told broadcaster CNN Turk his party would support the proposal despite it being, in his opinion, anti-constitutional. He did not explain why he thought it breached the constitution. CHP lawmaker Ozgur Ozel said the party wanted to completely abolish immunity from prosecution for members of parliament, whereas the government proposal only applies to deputies who are under court investigation. "When the subject is immunity, no matter the shortcomings, inadequacies or inconsistencies, the CHP cannot be expected to give a 'no' vote on lifting immunities," Ozel told Reuters. He said the CHP would try to strengthen the bill as it passes through parliament. The CHP says lawmakers should only have immunity from prosecution for what they say at the parliamentary podium, not a general amnesty. Although lawmakers are completely immune from prosecution, the police can file 'dossiers' against them which can only lead to a legal process once the politician ceases to be a member of parliament. The government's proposal would lift the immunity of all deputies but only to be prosecuted for the dossiers against them. There are some 550 such dossiers pending, half of which are aimed at pro-Kurdish HDP party members. The HDP criticized the CHP's decision to side with the government. "Kilicdaroglu taking this decision means throwing a lifebelt to the AKP and (Prime Minister Ahmet) Davutoglu," said HDP spokesman Ayhan Bilgen. The HDP has criticized Turkey's large-scale security operations in its mainly Kurdish southeast, where violence has surged since the collapse of a two-year ceasefire with the PKK militants last summer. The HDP criticism has fueled Turkish nationalist calls to prosecute politicians seen as close to the PKK, which is listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey and its Western allies. Eleven CHP deputies, including Kilicdaroglu, face requests to lift their immunity over insults to the president. (Reporting by Gulsen Solaker; Writing by Daren Butler; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) By Bernie Woodall (Reuters) - The U.S. National Labor Relations Board voted 2-1 to uphold a December election in which a small group of workers at Volkswagen AG's Chattanooga, Tennessee plant voted to join the United Auto Workers union, the NLRB said on Wednesday. VW had asked for a review of the election, which involved about 160 skilled trades workers at the plant, in which 71 percent voted to join the UAW. The plant has a total hourly workforce of about 1,400 workers. The UAW will now see if it has additional leverage to press VW to agree to come to the negotiating table for the 160 workers, members of UAW Local 42 in Chattanooga, to bargain on wages and benefits. The members of UAW Local 42 would be the first workers at a foreign-owned auto assembly plant to gain collective bargaining rights in the southern United States. While the unit of skilled trades workers, who maintain the assembly machinery, are a fraction of the hourly work force, bargaining by VW with them could serve as a launching pad for the unions efforts to organize other foreign-owned plants in the South. Officially, the NLRB voted to keep in place a regional director's ruling that affirmed the December election. VW said in a statement, "We are reviewing the decision and evaluating our options." In the past, VW has said it does not want workers to be separated into fragmented representation groups. Gary Casteel, UAW secretary-treasurer and head of its organizing efforts in the South, said he hopes VW will "immediately" work with Local 42 "in the German spirit of co-determination." Casteel referred to VW's policy of allowing worker input in management decisions, which it has done at nearly all of its factories outside the United States through "work councils" that include both plant and office employees. The UAW in February filed charges with the NLRB claiming that VW had unlawfully continued to refuse to bargain. Story continues The NLRB board member who dissented said the skilled trades workers do not work separately from the rest of the VW plant's workers. The two NLRB members in the majority said the company had failed to prove an "overwhelming community of interest" between the skilled trades employees and the rest of the plant's hourly workers. The union narrowly lost a February 2014 election to represent all of VW's Chattanooga hourly paid workers. (Reporting by Bernie Woodall; Editing by Diane Craft and Steve Orlofsky) By Dan Freed (Reuters) - Wells Fargo & Co is the only large U.S. bank to become "significantly" more important to the global financial system in recent years, according to a report on Wednesday by a U.S. government research group. The Office of Financial Research, a financial stability watchdog housed within the U.S. Treasury Department, studied the systemic importance of the world's largest banks using 2014 data from the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision. It then assigned a score to each bank based on factors including size, complexity, interconnectedness and cross-jurisdictional activity, as well as how easily the products they offer can be provided by competitors. Regulators define systemically important banks as those whose failure could pose a threat to the global financial system. The report listed four banks as having become "significantly" more important: Wells Fargo, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China <601398.SS>, Agricultural Bank of China <601288.SS> and Bank of China <601988.SS>. With a score of 202.6, Wells Fargo was far from being the biggest threat to the system. By contrast, JPMorgan Chase & Co had a score of 494.7, which was the highest. Citigroup Inc , Bank of America Corp , Goldman Sachs Group Inc and Morgan Stanley were also considered riskier than Wells Fargo, as they were a year earlier. But the Wells Fargo measurement increased 18 percent from 2013, much more than its U.S. peers. The systemic threat posed by a few, including JPMorgan, decreased. Starting this year, regulators will use the OFR's analysis to determine capital requirements for the banks studied in the report. A Wells Fargo spokesman did not immediately offer a comment. (Reporting by Dan Freed in New York; Edited by Lauren Tara LaCapra and Steve Orlofsky) General Atlantic is reportedly looking to bump its 33 per cent stake in Brazilian brokerage XP Investimentos to 49 per KKR has agreed to buy into seeds provider Advanta Enterprises in a deal which values the business at about $2.25bn. Shopping for car insurance, like many other types of shopping, has largely moved online, a new J.D. Power study finds, but it adds that while consumers shop for insurance online, many still make the actual purchase through an agent. The study found that 74% of shoppers use insurer websites or aggregators for obtaining quotes and researching information. While nearly half of customers obtain a quote via insurer websites, only 25% actually purchase their policy online; 50% close through an agent and 22% phone a call center. While many customers want to shop online, they often still want to talk to someone when they buy their insurance to make sure they are getting the right coverage or have questions about their policy answered, said Hoeg. Insurers need to focus on the delicate balance of providing an easy shopping experience while providing product differentiation and professional service. Rankings Erie Insurance and Liberty Mutual tied for first place in providing a satisfying purchase experience, each with a score of 853. This marks the fourth consecutive year Erie Insurance has ranked highest in the study. The Hartford ranks third (850); American Family fourth (845); and Automobile Club Group fifth (840). Now in its 10th year, the J.D. Power U.S. Insurance Shopping Study measures auto insurance shopping, purchase behavior, and purchase experience satisfaction among customers who recently purchased insurance. The study found that direct premiums written increased by approximately 4.7% to $199 billion in 2015, with much of that growth coming from new business generated by direct writers. Direct writers have invested heavily in digital channels to increase the functionality and ease of using their websites, which has clearly created an advantage for direct distribution relative to traditional agency distribution in some respects and has supported agency distribution in others, said Greg Hoeg, vice president of U.S. insurance operations at J.D. Power. Fewer shoppers Hoeg said the challenge for insurance companies is that there are fewer consumers shopping around for insurance at the moment. Many companies have kept premiums flat or even lowered them, giving consumers fewer reasons to look for cheaper policies. In addition, customers who do switch are saving an average of $356 on their annual premiums, less than the $388 in savings for those who switched in 2015. With more price competition and smaller savings, there simply is not as much motivation for most customers to switch, said Hoeg. Many policyholders see insurance as a price-differentiated commodity, and shoppers are opting to remain with their incumbent insurer as they find the savings offered by competitors is not as great as they had expected, or as much as they saved the last time they switched. The 2016 U.S. Insurance Shopping Study is based on responses from more than 17,000 shoppers who requested an auto insurance price quote from at least one competitive insurer in the past 9 months and includes more than 50,000 unique customer evaluations of insurers. Thinking outside the box and coming up with new, fresh ideas can be scary, often requiring people to take chances. Bravery is really important, Gert Garman, director of the Collaborative Design Center at Valencia College, told attendees during Wednesdays keynote address at the CUNA HR & Organizational Development Council Conference. The opposite of bravery is not cowardice. Its conformity. So go be brave. When facing a task that requires an innovative approach, she advised attendees, consider: Borrowing ideas from others and applying them to your own issue. For example, if youre looking for a creepy feel at a Halloween-themed event, ask psychiatrists, cemetery workers, or jailers for their input. ideas from others and applying them to your own issue. For example, if youre looking for a creepy feel at a Halloween-themed event, ask psychiatrists, cemetery workers, or jailers for their input. Listing the rules surrounding your challenge. Ask what if questions and then breakor bendthose rules to come up with a solution. Farmers Weekly has received many letters from our readers concerning the EU referendum. Many remain undecided and have written to express a desire for more information from unions and Defra. Others have taken a clear stance and feel passionately about voting one way or the other. Here are a selection of the letters received In letters Dear Farmers Weekly In response to your recent tweet asking for views on the EU referendum I would like to take the opportunity to give you the Farmers Union of Wales (FUWs) position. Having just come back from another series of fact-finding meetings in Brussels, Im even prouder we were the first farming union in the UK to declare our position on membership of the EU. The facts demonstrate the value of our membership unequivocally. While FUW members have consistently told me over recent years that Welsh agriculture is safer and stronger within the EU, we also know that successive UK governments have argued for cuts to the CAP budget and have offered little in terms of ideas to support the industry in the future should we elect to leave the EU. This leaves me concerned for our future and I believe a Brexit is a dangerous step into the unknown and a risk we cannot afford to take. It is not just a risk for farmers and farming, but of course a wider risk for our rural communities. I will be voting in favour of remaining a member of the EU and very much hope that others will join me in so doing. Glyn Roberts FUW President Dear Farmers Weekly The divided opinions of those Farmers Weekly columnists who have so far thrown their hats into the EU debate have a common thread running through them, encapsulated by David Richardsons comment that the fundamental question is whether farming and the nation would be better off in Europe or out of it. I suggest he, and they, are missing the point and the fundamental question is, in fact, whether Europe would be better off with us in it or out of it. The EU was founded by men who fought and survived the Second World War and saw first hand a continent where, for the second time in a short century, its citizens had been starved, bombed and gassed into, to quote Winston Churchill, a vast quivering mass of tormented, hungry, care-worn and bewildered human beings gaping at the ruins of their cities and homes. Those men were determined Europe would never again fall so low and to abandon that project now, at a time when it is facing arguably its greatest test, would be to betray the effort and sacrifice of the generation who showed the confidence and courage to join the reconstruction. To paraphrase John F Kennedy ask not what Europe can do for you, but what you can do for Europe. Ben Machen Shalbourne, Wiltshire Dear Farmers Weekly I note with surprise the level of support for the Leave campaign among the farming community. UK agriculture is one of the biggest beneficiaries of UK membership of the EU, whether via direct financial support, affordable labour or tariff-free exports to our largest foreign market. The campaign to leave sits in opposition to the government and all opposition parties likely ever to form a future government. Its reassurances, therefore, for a post-EU Britain can be nothing more than unsupported aspiration, not policy. Given Labours historic indifference to UK agriculture and the Conservatives aversion to state support of industry, farmers voting to leave under the impression a future UK government would simply redirect CAP contributions from Brussels directly to UK recipients while simultaneously slashing red tape are operating under a delusion. This winters experience of merely delayed BPS payments might give an indication of the financial turmoil an EU exit might bring for most. As for the much-bemoaned EU red tape through which we all have to suffer, in the final analysis, given the manhours demanded filling in various forms to receive BPS and agri-environment payments versus those spent in the fields, I cannot help but think the return on investment between the two tasks makes my few days in the office a profitable part of my year at current commodity prices. Do we honestly believe the burden of paperwork, regulation and oversight would significantly decrease were we to exit? Joe Stanley Coalville, Leicestershire See also: Read the latest twists and turns of the debate and the opinions of farmers and industry leaders on our EU referendum page Out letters Dear Farmers Weekly The referendum on our place in Europe has already brought with it a sense of hysteria, with scaremongering from those who want to stay in. You cant trust a British government to support our industry. Where would we be without the CAP? Many farmers I have spoken to are unsure. There are the committed outers, a few committed inners, but mostly a lot of farmers are feeling very uncomfortable sitting on a very sharp fence. As I look at the industry today, the new BPS is going out some 2bn, mired with complexity and bureaucracy. Is this going to a thriving industry? No, its going to an industry on its knees. All that money is doing no more than ensuring a brief respite for many. My simple view is, there has to be a better way of supporting this industry than a declining area payment coupled with a complex and bureaucratic Pillar 2 scheme. I listened to George Eustice last week; his message was clear: this is an opportunity to design a better way of working, finding a better solution for our industry using government funding. The challenge is for the industry to suggest new ways of working. The hysteria that greeted this from the remain campaigners is a little surprising bearing in mind that its leading proponents negotiated and must bear some responsibility for the CAP we have today. If we take as an example our cattle and dairy sectors, I have never known them so depressed. Irrespective of the 200m-plus that arrives as an acreage payment, that sector is dying in front of our eyes. What can our minister do? Nothing, while we are a part of the EU. Young farmers see no way in and old farmers see no way out. Post-Brexit, what could an English minister do? Help restructuring, with investment incentives for younger dairy farmers to take over? An exit strategy involving culling cattle for older farmers? Using our produce for foreign aid? Investment support for new buildings and parlours? Endemic disease support, currently costing tens of millions in losses and lost productivity? Research directed towards lameness and mastitis? These are just a few of the options that would be available to us as an industry if we leave the straightjacket of the EU. I am sure there are many more. Just how much more effective would the dialogue between the NFU and Defra be in an EU-free future, designing better outcomes? For once, we have a real choice. Michael Seals MBE ARAgS Sutton on the Hill, Derbyshire Dear Farmers Weekly I would like to congratulate Jess Jeans on her excellent article as to why we should leave the EU. One point I would like to highlight is the short-term attitude of many who wish to remain in. We must imagine what it might be like in 10 years. Remaining can only mean more of the same more centralised control and less democracy for the individual. The value of the support payments we receive is decreasing every year and, in 10 years time, will probably not be worth claiming. Outside Europe we would have the benefit of controlling our own destiny and, as for food production, in 10 years we could be trading with the rest of the world and not tied to the relatively small market of the EU. With less government interference we could see machinery and car production move from Europe to the UK. The money we save paying into the European bureaucracy could help to improve our schools and health service. With controlled immigration, we could see the constant demand for housing diminish, preserving our precious countryside. There will be some upheaval to start, but think of our children and imagine what the future might be like. Stephen Withers Jedburgh, Roxburghshire Press AdvisoryDemonstration: MONDAY, APRIL 18THConsulate General of Brazil in San Francisco300 Montgomery St #300, San Francisco, CA 94104San Francisco, CAOn the afternoon of April 7th, two teams of the Brazilian Military Police, accompanied by security guards from the Araupel paper company, attacked the landless peasant encampment Dom Tomas Balduino in the Iguacu Falls region of Parana state, Brazil. The Military Police opened fire into the peacefully assembled crowd, killing two social movement organizers and leaving another six in critical condition.On Monday, April 18th, the Friends of the MST in collaboration with the Multicultural Exchange for Sustainable Agriculture (MESA) and other Bay Area food sovereignty organizations will hold a rally outside the Consulate General of Brazil in San Francisco to demand accountability from the Brazilian government.This is not the first time that the Military Police in Brazil has murdered landless people and social movement organizers. In fact, April 17th, this Sunday, marks the twentieth anniversary of the Eldorado dos Carajas Massacre, when 19 landless peasants were murdered by the Military Police sparking protests every year to mark this day as the International Day of Peasant Struggle.These murders in Brazil also come on the heel of the assassination of Berta Caceres and other indigenous and environmentalist leaders in Honduras, and similar repression against indigenous, peasant, and environmentalist leaders around the world.*****Background:The Landless Rural Workers Movement of Brazil (MST) has been organizing for land redistribution and agrarian reform for over 30 years. The Dom Tomas Baldunino encampment, located in an area belonging to the Araupel company, is organized with 2,500 families, about 7,000 people. The landless workers living on the site have been suffering constant threats from the security forces and company gunmen, threats that come with the connivance of the Parana state government.This massacre reflects part of the climate of tension that has its roots in the struggle for access to land and against land grabbing in the region. The conflict is related to the emergence of two MST encampments in the South Central region of Parana state that have been built in areas where Araupel, an exporter of pine and eucalyptus, is operating.The first encampment, Heirs to the Land, is located in the municipality of Rio Bonito do Iguacu. The occupation took place on May 1, 2014 and now houses more than a thousand families. There they have approximately 1.5 thousand hectares for food production. The second camp, Dom Tomas Balduino, whose occupation began in June 2014, has 1,500 families and is in the Iguacu Falls region. The National Institute of Colonization and Agrarian Reform (Incra) reported not being able to take a stand on the case since it is an encampment, not a settlement. Already the National Agrarian Ombudsman said it has no information about the case, but that it is verifying the incident.For more InformationMST CommuniqueInterview with Joaquin Pinheiro, from MST, on the Assassination of Two Comrades in Parana PORTLAND, Ore., April 14, 2016 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today denied Endangered Species Act protection to West Coast fishers, mid-sized forest carnivores that were proposed for federal protection in October throughout their range in California, Oregon and Washington. Following pressure from the timber industry, the Service withdrew the proposed protection despite overwhelming scientific evidence that the survival of the rare carnivores is threatened by logging, toxic chemicals used by marijuana growers, and other factors. The politically driven reversal of proposed protection for the fisher is the latest example of the Fish and Wildlife Service kowtowing to the wishes of industry, said Tanya Sanerib, an attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. Fishers may be tough enough to prey on porcupines, but they need Endangered Species Act protection to survive.If we are going to save the fisher for future generations then it needs range-wide protection, said Ben Solvesky, an ecologist with Sierra Forest Legacy. It is incredibly disappointing that after decades of waiting and a mountain of scientific information supporting the need to list, the agency yet again let politics trump science.Fishers are cat-like, medium-sized members of the weasel family with slender, brown bodies and long, bushy tails. Fishers once roamed from British Columbia to Southern California, but due to intense logging and trapping pressure, today only two naturally occurring populations survive a population of 300 fishers in the southern Sierra Nevada and a population of 250 to a few thousand fishers in southern Oregon and Northern California. They have been reintroduced in three populations in the northern Sierra, southern Cascades and Washington state.Fishers select old-growth forests because the canopy cover helps protect them from predators and extreme temperatures, and because old trees and snags provide the structures they rely on for resting and denning. In addition to logging, California and Oregon populations are threatened by the toxic chemicals used by illegal marijuana growers, especially rodenticides, which poison fishers and their prey at alarming rates. Eighty-five percent of fishers tested in California have been exposed to rodenticides, which represents a six percent increase in two years.The Center petitioned to protect the fisher in 1994 and again in 2000 with Sierra Forest Legacy and allies. The fisher was added to the candidate waiting list in 2004 when the Service determined that protection for the animal was warranted but precluded by other fiscal priorities. The Center sued in 2010 over the delay in protecting the fisher and the agency was required under a subsequent settlement to issue a decision this year.The Center and allies are considering a legal challenge to todays withdrawal. Earlier this week a federal judge in Montana criticized the Service for bowing to political pressure in reversing a proposed listing for another carnivore, the wolverine, and charged the agency with protecting species at the earliest possible point in time.Just like with the wolverine and the coastal marten, once more we may be forced to head to court to defend species, science and the law from political interference, said Sanerib.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.Center for Biological Diversity Speaker Paul Ryan is holding a special meeting with Republicans to discuss the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA). Ahead of the Republican special session, the religious development group Jubilee USA sent a letter from its executive director advocating passage with key changes. The legislation was to be debated on Thursday, but Republican leadership slowed the process down because of negotiations on the legislation. Ahead of the Republican special session, the religious development group Jubilee USA sent a letter from its executive director stating, "We believe legislation has made positive, forward progress on key elements and, while not perfect, we believe there are several improvements that will provide consensus for bill passage."In his letter to Congress, Jubilee USA's Eric LeCompte urges changes to the bill to protect Puerto Rico from debt litigation, improve budget transparency, give Puerto Ricans a greater voice in the proposed oversight board and set clear targets for reducing child poverty in Puerto Rico."Any solutions Congress moves forward should promote budget transparency, reduce child poverty and ensure strong provisions to restructure the debt," wrote LeCompte. "There can be no economic growth until the debt is brought back to sustainable and payable levels."The letter calls on Congress to use the proposed oversight board to reduce child poverty in Puerto Rico. More than half of Puerto Rico's children live in homes that receive government assistance and 80% live in high-poverty areas. Puerto Rico is cutting services for education, health care and law enforcement to pay its debt."An oversight board must make specific recommendations to the government of Puerto Rico and set obtainable goals that would lower the number of children living in poverty," wrote LeCompte.Read Jubilee USA's letter to Congress on HR 4900, the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act: http://jubileeusa.org/fileadmin/user_upload/JubileeUSA_Puerto_Rico_Submission__1_.pdf Jubilee USA Network is an alliance of more than 75 US organizations and 550 faith communities working with 50 Jubilee global partners. Jubilee USA builds an economy that serves, protects and promotes the participation of the most vulnerable. Jubilee USA has won critical global financial reforms and more than $130 billion in debt relief to benefit the world's poorest people. http://www.jubileeusa.org Direct Message Can Upset Lexington Stakes: Godolphins Direct Message heads into the Lexington Stakes, scheduled for this Saturday at Keeneland Race Course, as an outsider at 15-1 odds. As a recent maiden winner, he spots the field a class edge. On the positive side, he offers bettors upside and catches a field comprised of questionable favorites. The Tom Albertrani-trained son of Bernardin and the Unbridleds Song mare Tweeter currently owns one win out of four career starts. If successful in the Lexington, Direct Message will earn 10 Kentucky Derby qualifying points. Direct Messages best two races came at the nine-furlong distance, both at Gulfstream Park. Back in January, he finished a decent second to Gettysburg, who competes at Oaklawn Park in the Arkansas Derby (GI) on the same day. Losing by four lengths certainly felt like an improvement compared to the 20-length loss in October. Last month, Direct Message put his talent together and edged clear to victory by a little more than one length. About four lengths separated the runner-up Singleton and the third-place finisher Happys Causeway, while Happys Causeway had nearly seven lengths on the fourth-place runner. Gulfstream dirt promotes strung-out fields because of the tracks nature, but they still signify a quality race. Jockey Luis Saez, who currently wins at a 28% rate at this meet out of 25 tries, will be able to secure a good position going into the first turn from the second post position and save ground in this 8.5 furlong race. In contrast, the west coast-based Collected starts from the tenth post. Given his up-front running style, the Bob Baffert-trained contender will need to clear the field quickly to avoid becoming caught wide early on. Collected won an ungraded Sunland Park stakes race, defeating the aforementioned Gettysburg. Still, Sunland seems like a racetrack where speed thrives (even though this author has no real evidence). Furthermore, Collected did not exactly give a great effort two races ago at Oaklawn Park in the Southwest. Given the expected odds and post position, it is fair to consider Collected a probable underlay. From the more desirable fourth post, Swipe makes his return after finishing second in the Breeders Cup Juvenile (GI) to the expected Kentucky Derby favorite Nyquist. The one-mile spin from March 26 on his worktab looks interesting, because horses rarely work longer than seven furlongs in the mornings. Swipe might squeak into the Derby with a good finish, but trainer Keith Desormeaux wins at a low percentage off layoffs. Another concern comes from the lack of expected pace, which works against Swipes closing style. If Swipe wins, no one will be surprised. At the same time, the layoff and lack of value damper the enthusiasm. The Keeneland press release failed to offer any clues with their Swipe-related article. Hes very frisky this morning with this cooler weather, said Julie Clark, assistant to trainer Keith Desormeaux. A viable alternative to the above three horses might be Big Squeeze, who also recently won a maiden race in March. The raw final time of 1:38 1/5 at Oaklawn Park appears sluggish, although BRIS awarded him a 92 speed figure. For whatever reason, Oaklawn times in general feel a tick slower than most other racetracks. Riker, who starts from post nine, will receive attention as well. Yet, it would be nice to see a dirt win on his record. If he fails to fire here, the connections should bring him back to Woodbine where he owns a 4 for 4 record. In any case, Direct Message absolutely can handle this Grade III field with one more leap. No standout stars are here, meaning it will not take a gigantic speed figure to prevail. Post Direct Message on all tickets. Lexington Stakes 2016 Post Positions & Odds Race 9 4:49 PM ET 1 One More Round 30-1 Lezcano/Avila 2 Direct Message 15-1 Saez/Albertrani 3 Lomcevak 15-1 Castanon/Frost 4 Swipe 9-5 Prat/Desormeaux 5 Synchrony 10-1 Bridgmohan/Von Hemel 6 Big Squeeze 10-1 Landeros/Simms 7 Call the Colonel 20-1 Leparoux/Cowan 8 Riker 6-1 Geroux/Casse 9 Yo Carm 15-1 Albarado/Block 10 Collected 2-1 Castellano/Baffert Updates on 2016 Kentucky Oaks Horses: Understandably, Churchill Downs implemented a new rule to make the Kentucky Oaks more fair for fillies not named Songbird. While the field breaks early, Songbird must spot the field five lengths while carrying 140 lbs. On a more serious note, Songbird recaptured the lead in the point standings and should start in the Oaks as a massive favorite on May 6. If there is one concern, her Beyer Speed Figures are not much higher than Ashland Stakes runners Weep No More and Rachels Valentina (if that matters to anyone). Note: Polar River and Cathryn Sophia will not contest the Kentucky Oaks, leaving them off this list. 1. Songbird (190): According to trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, the Santa Anita Oaks winner will stay here and likely have her last work at Santa Anita before the Oaks and then ship. 2. Terra Promessa (150): Obviously, no one really wants to face Songbird, but the connections seem optimistic. As seen on Racing Dudes, jockey Ricardo Santana Jr. said Shes going to be tough for the Oaks. Im excited. 3. Lewis Bay (130): The Gazelle winner will go on to Churchill Downs. Trainer Chad Brown explained on Daily Racing Form, I know you got to face a horse like Songbird and thats a tall task, but anything can happen. 4. Land Over Sea (128): This filly shows no recorded workouts since capturing the Fair Grounds Oaks. 5. Weep No More (100): It does seem interesting she earned a 92 Beyer Speed Figure capturing the Ashland Stakes at Keeneland, while Songbird ran a 93 Beyer in the Santa Anita Oaks. 6. Go Maggie Go (100): No updates are floating around for the Gulfstream Park Oaks winner. Taking down the Kentucky Oaks in her third career start would be amazing. 7. Mo dAmour (70): The Princess of Sylmar connections (Todd Pletcher, King of Prussia) campaign this filly. She ran third in the Gazelle, but has the points to continue on to Churchill Downs. 8. Venus Valentine (50): The Rachel Alexandra Stakes winner worked four furlongs in 48.60 seconds at Churchill Downs on Wednesday. 9. Mokat (50): Writer Art Wilson reported on his Twitter account that Mokat, second behind @SongbirdFilly in the Santa Anita Oaks, will run in #KyOaks on May 6 if all goes well. 10. Wonderment (50): According to an interview on Horse Racing Nation, co-owner Chris Sterbenz said Honestly we havent decided on her next race. There are a lot of options. 11. Rachels Valentina (48): Considering the layoff, she ran a great race to finish second in the Ashland Stakes. Pletcher confirmed plans to point towards the Kentucky Oaks. 12. Royal Obsession (45): Updates are scarce on the Gazelle Stakes runner-up. Is she talented enough? 13. Dream Dance (44): Last Sunday, the Fair Grounds Oaks runner-up worked five furlongs in 1:01.60. 14. Taxable (40): It looks like the second-place finisher in the Fantasy Stakes will contest the Kentucky Oaks along with stablemate Terra Promessa. 15. Paola Queen (40): The Gulfstream Park Oaks runner-up worked five furlongs in 1:03 flat on Wednesday. The 142nd running of the Kentucky Oaks takes place at Churchill Downs on Friday, May 6, 2016 in Louisville, Kentucky, just one day prior to the Kentucky Derby. The $1,000,000 Grade I race for three-year-old fillies is run on the dirt at 1 1/8 miles. The North Carolina Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act, or House Bill 2 (HB2) is arguably the most anti-LGBT statute that has ever been passed in the United States of America. But HB2 is about more than just adding limits on what local government entities can do regarding public bathroom usage. News coverage of HB2, which has largely been referred to as a bathroom bill, lacks an important understanding of a detrimental change in employment discrimination law that accompanies the bills passage. As Charlotte School of Law Professor Brian Clarke points out, most articles about the passage of HB2 omit a hugely significant issue, the bills complete elimination of the ability of NC employees to sue employers under state law for employment discrimination based on the protected categories of race, sex, national origin, religion, color, or age.Clarke, who has practiced employment law for more than 11 years and published significant research in the field, believes, The single sentence that accomplished this feat overturned decades of well-established North Carolina law, eliminated a critical legal protection for all employees in North Carolina, and - of course - is utterly unrelated to bathroom usage.Clarke is referring to Part III of HB2 (143-422.2), or the North Carolina Equal Employment Practices Act. Section 422.2 decrees that employment discrimination based on the standard protected classes referred to in Title VII is illegal, but the following section - 422.3 - completely prohibits the right to a cause of action for such discrimination. By its own language, 422.3 overrides the protections of 422.2 by removing its teeth: This Article does not create, and shall not be construed to create or support, a statutory or common law private right of action, and no person may bring any civil action . . . So, in North Carolina, employers may not discriminate against employees; but, if they do, employees have no right to sue.The North Carolina Equal Employment Practices Act (EPA) was originally passed in 1977 and tort of wrongful discharge was recognized in 1982. Wrongful discharge was premised on the language of 422.2, but the passage of HB2 takes away this private right of action North Carolina employees have relied on for more than 30 years. Race, sex, religion, national origin, color, and age are now no longer subject to a private right of action in the state.The real problem a lot of employees face with employment discrimination suits is that they simply do not know their rights. When employees do not find out their legal rights until after the 180 days to sue allowed for by Title VII, their only recourse is to sue under the EPA for wrongful discharge in violation of public policy. Now, that final avenue of justice is gone. Arguments were made on the House floor by Republican Representative and HB2 co-sponsor Dan Bishop that the EPA was never intended to create a private right of action for employees, but evolved through the common law; according to HB2 sponsors like Bishop, this new language removing the private right of action is meant to correct that.Both the legal community and country as a whole remain shocked at the passage of HB2. Andrew Gordon, President of the LGBT Legal Society in Charlotte, believes there have been major abuses of power throughout the un-democratic process of HB2s passage. The fact that an emergency session was called in response to HB2 is a blatant waste of thousands of taxpayer dollars. There are far more pressing needs in this state; not the least of which is the fact that we rank as one of the worst states in the entire country regarding quality of education, teacher pay, and student spending, Gordon stated.Gordons mission for the LGBT Legal Society is to bring the legal communitys attention to issues of special concern to LGBT students by serving as a bridge between students, law school alumni, and the legal profession at large.The unfair process Gordon mentions is this: HB2 was not revealed to those required to vote on it until the morning it was to be voted on. HB2 passed both the House and Senate and was signed by Governor McCrory within the short span of 12 hours.This process, this bill not only harms LGBT communities and establishes that North Carolina does not tolerate LGBT diversity, it revokes the power of any state locality to establish any anti-discrimination laws. HB2s passage thereby removes the ability of any city to protect citizens it determines should be protected. Now, after HB2, any discrimination complaint can only be brought to the states Human Relations Commission and no civil cause of action exists for a perceived violation of the states non-discrimination statute.Gordon sums up HB2s passage by saying, Our states politicians preyed on an irrational fear: that protecting the dignity and civil rights of transgender citizens will somehow also allow predators to molest children and women in bathrooms. As if signs on bathroom doors will ever be enough to prevent predators who would misuse such a protection from harming others. One thing has proven true that the LGBT community assumed from the start: the discrimination politicians have long-attempted to couch in religious freedom has never been about religion at all; it was only ever about legalizing discrimination. Los Angeles, CA Everyone working in the shared economy is likely waiting the outcome of the Lyft litigation with baited breath. Attorney Todd Scherwin explains that, if drivers have been misclassified, employers will be on the hook for Everyone working in the shared economy is likely waiting the outcome of the Lyft litigation with baited breath. Attorney Todd Scherwin explains that, if drivers have been misclassified, employers will be on the hook for California overtime and benefits - and it will cost the consumer. Because US District Judge Vince Chhabra hasnt yet reached a decision in the Lyft settlement , its back to the drawing board. Scherwin thinks that Lyft might be looking at data again in terms of damages and exposure to avoid more risks of litigation. The judge says that damages such as overtime are a lot more than Lyfts proposed $12.2 million, and the company may not win so they will likely come back with a more realistic damage model, he says.Scherwin thinks that Lyft may have inflated its damage analysis. If the company can come up with more money and strengthen its argument to the judge, it may be successful. Of course if it litigates, there is a chance it gets nothing - its a gamble for both sides.Obviously its hard to predict that outcome, but in my opinion, Lyft drivers are independent contractors, Scherwin adds. I think a good example of someone who meets the definition of an independent contractor - within the law - is someone who has the type of control over their work hours and has the ability to earn more or less money. Before this lawsuit was filed, employment attorneys, myself included, would use Lyft and Uber as a model to define an independent contractor.Whatever the outcome, the shared economy will be under attack, and anyone who works in the on-demand service industry will be affected. If Lyft fails, it will cost the consumer a lot more to use its services because on-demand employers will have to pay minimum wage and benefits such as workers compensation, travel expenses and possibly California overtime. If the judge rules that drivers have been misclassified, it wont necessarily destroy businesses such as Uber and Lyft, but it will put a big dent in their bottom line. And because it will cost more to make that call, it wont be so good for the consumer but itll be great for cab drivers!In three or four months, there will probably be another motion in front of the court to approve a settlement but this is far from over, says Scherwin. Regardless of the next motion, I am sure the judge will have lots of questions. All of us are very interested in any ruling or settlements. Almost any business wants to know who it can have as individual contractor or employee, even if they dont realize it now.The Lyft lawsuit is13-cv-04065, US District Court, Northern District of California (San Francisco). The Uber case is13-cv-03826 US District Court, Northern District of California (San Francisco). San Francisco, CA Californias Attorney General Kamala Harris has filed a Californias Attorney General Kamala Harris has filed a securities lawsuit against Morgan Stanley, related to mortgage-backed securities sold by Morgan Stanley. The lawsuit alleges Morgan Stanley failed to disclose important information about the quality of the investments, causing various state pension funds to lose hundreds of millions of dollars. According to a news release (4/1/16), Harris alleges in her lawsuit that Morgan Stanley violated the False Claims Act and the California Securities Law by failing to adequately disclose its concerns about some of the investments it sold to employee pension funds. Among those investments were subprime mortgage-backed securities, some of which allegedly involved debt that was higher than the value of the properties. The investments also included structured investment vehicle investments involving packages of residential mortgages loans and other debts.In her complaint , Harris alleges that between 2004 and 2007, Morgan Stanley sold billions of dollars in mortgage-backed securities from subprime lenders even though the financial firm knew lenders were not [using] a lot of common sense when it approved those loans. Furthermore, Harris alleges, Morgan Stanley did not warn investors about the risks because it did not want to lose business with the companies that were making the loans.Morgan Stanley knew the risks of the securities at issue in this complaint, yet consciously chose to ignore red flags and conceal hazards from potential and actual purchasers of the securities, the lawsuit argues. In some instances, Morgan Stanley misrepresented key warning factors to buyers of the securities. In other instances, Morgan Stanley encouraged rating agencies to give the securities stronger ratings that failed to acknowledge the risks Morgan Stanley knew the securities posed for purchasers.Among Morgan Stanleys reported actions were first rejecting loans that were deemed too risky to include in investment packages and later including them in investment packages despite having done nothing to fix those loans. The lawsuit alleges that two state funds - the California Public Employees Retirement System and the California State Teachers Retirement System - lost hundreds of millions of dollars because Morgan Stanley concealed or understated the risks of the investments.Investors were particularly reliant on accurate disclosure of the risks because of the complicated nature of these investments, the news release states. The complaint alleges, however, that while Morgan Stanley knew of the significant risks, it nevertheless worked to portray the investments as extremely safe.The lawsuit seeks three times the damages the funds sustained as a result of Morgan Stanleys alleged actions.A spokesperson for Morgan Stanley said the firm believes the case has no merit.The lawsuit is16-551238, Superior Court of the State of California, County of San Francisco. - President Buhari has revealed a new policy priority for his government - He announced that the building of viable cities modeled on global hubs will be given new investment - The president made the announcement during his visit to the Chinese city of Shanghai President Muhammadu Buhari has announced that his administration will give priority to the building and development of resilient and viable cities comparable with other developed cities across the globe. According to a statement released by the presidents media assistant Garba Shehu, Buhari made this revelation while visiting the Chinese economic hub of Shangai yesterday. The president met with Chinese businessmen and members of the Nigerian diaspora during his visit At separate meetings with the Mayor Shanghai Mr Yang Xiong, and the Director of Shanghai Free Trade Zone, Liu Fangzhou, President Buhari said the federal government would give full support to Free Trade and Export Processing Zones in the country to spur rapid economic development. The president, who visited the Shanghai Free Trade Zone, said Nigeria was prepared to learn how to make its cities more viable by studying from those that have achieved development. READ ALSO: $2 billion loan - Fayose writes to Chinese government to seek loan's stoppage We have already identified the development of infrastructure which will bring industries that create jobs and help us to diversify the economy, President Buhari said. We are going to work hard to achieve these within the period we have in office. Nigerians will see progress and feel the impact. President Buhari and President Xi Jinpeng of China Source: Facebook Commending the hard work and incredible success story Shanghai, President Buhari said the virtues of hard work were central to every human achievement and development. In his remarks, the Mayor of Shanghai expressed the willingness of several Chinese businesses to key into the vision of the Chinese President Xi Jinping for Africa by investing in Nigeria. The director of the Shanghai free trade zone subsequently commended the efforts of the Nigerian government towards the diversification of the economy and encouraged the country to focus on a favourable policy environment to encourage foreign investors. READ ALSO: Young Chinese girl hugs Buhari affectionately President Buhari arrived in China on Monday on an official visit to discuss economic development and deepening bilateral ties. Prior to leaving on his trip, Buhari said Nigeria cannot afford to have poor relations with the worlds future economic powerhouse and would seek to secure a $2 billion load for economic development. Source: Legit.ng The Senate president Bukola Saraki is facing the biggest challenge of his political life. Having served as a two-term governor of Kwara state, chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum, second-term senator and currently Nigeria's number three citizen, these are indeed dire times for the scion of the Saraki dynasty. When the chairman of the Code Of Conduct Tribunal (CCT), Danladi Umar, issued an arrest warrant for Saraki for false declaration of assets, it was the first time in Nigerian history that a sitting Senate president will be so humiliated. The Senate president is now a regular face at the tribunal The 53-year old was accused of failing to declare some assets he acquired while in office as governor of Kwara state, acquiring assets beyond his legitimate earnings, and also accused of operating foreign accounts even as a state executive. The Senate president has since denied the allegations. He went ahead to say that he declared his assets in 2007, 2011, and recently in 2015, and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) never wrote to complain of any inconsistencies. READ ALSO: CCT trial: Senate comes to Sarakis rescue, moves against Code of Conduct Act Legit.ng lists five punishments that will be melted out to Saraki as listed out by the CCB, if he is found guilty in the ongoing trial. Read below: 1. Removal from office 2. Vacation of official seat in the legislature, as the case may be 3. Imposition of fine 4. Disqualification from membership of the legislature and from holding of any public office for a period not exceeding 10 years 5. Seizure and forfeiture of the state of any property (ies) acquired in abuse or corruption of office The tribunal however posits that these punishments shall be without prejudice to the penalties that may be imposed by any law where the conduct in view is also a criminal offence. Also, the law gives right of appeal, but sub-section 7 of the constitution states that the prerogative of mercy shall not apply to any punishment imposed by the CCT. It is important to note that the punishments which the CCT imposed are not limited to those stated above. The constitution gives the National Assembly the power to prescribe more punishments and to give the CCB more power as it deems fit. READ ALSO: Tension as SNG writes CCB, demands for Buhari, Obasanjo, governors assets Meanwhile, the Senate Majority Leader, Senator Ibn NaAllah has described the trial of Saraki at the CCT as a persecution rather than a prosecution. Like many supporters of the Senate president, Na'allah says the trial was influenced by Saraki's elevation as Nigeria's number three citizen. Source: Legit.ng - Insurgency in Nigeria has been a fighting battle in the country for some years now - Over 200 students were abducted from a school in Borno state by Boko Haram insurgents - Its been two years since their abduction Bukola Saraki Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki on Thursday, April 14, reiterated the commitment of the Senate to the safe return of the Chibok girls abducted two years ago by Boko Haram insurgents and said members of the legislative would not rest until the girls are rescued and reunited with their families. Saraki spoke when the led by its President, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin visited him in Abuja as part of activities to mark the second year anniversary of the kidnap of the Chibok girls and also to present a Guideline on Gender Based Violence (GBV) and young persons in Nigeria to him. The Senate president also expressed optimism that the efforts at rescuing the Chibok girls is moving towards a positive conclusion. "I want to assure that the 8th Senate is in total support of your activities and you can take us as partners in this process of reducing Gender Based Violence. The caliber of Senators present at this courtesy call demonstrates our commitment to work with you. READ ALSO: Two years after their abduction, can Buhari save Chibok girls? "Today also symbolizes two years in which we had this horrific event of the kidnap of the Chibok girls. So far, as we all recognize, I believe that we are getting closer to see the light at the end of the tunnel. "Definitely, great achievement has been recorded militarily in the North east. Yes, the job has not been completed, but I believe that we are moving towards more positive end hopefully. "I want to assure you that none of us would rest until the Chibok girls are safely rescued. We will play our roles to give all the support we can and I think that we must commend our officers and men for having done very well. "However, we urge all our security agencies to do more because we can only say you have done very well after the girls are back to their families. Anything else is just an effort and work in progress. "I think we must be blunt with ourselves that as a country, we have a responsibility to rescue the Chibok girls because the only way we can judge ourselves that truly as a nation we have been able to deliver is to bring the girls back to their families. READ ALSO: APC used Chibok girls as campaign ploy - Akpabio "We must do every thing that is necessary to ensure that on our part as a National Assembly, we will play our own role both in advocacy and holding the agencies concerned responsible until that there is positive closure of the abduction case," he said. While speaking on gender based violence, he said the Senate would work to pass bills and laws that will discourage the menace and reduce the incidence. On her part, Dr. Okei-Odumakin, while calling for more encouragement for the military said she is optimistic that the Chibok girls will be rescued and returned home safely to their parents. She also called on the Senate to make laws that will discourage violence against women and girls as well as discourage discourage those who perpetrate such acts. According to her, "all of us in unison should kick against the dastardly act to make our environment peaceful. We must ensure that the girl child and women in Nigeria are protected. "There comes a time in the life of a people that we must stop agonizing and organize. That is the essence of the guidelines on Gender Based Violence and young persons in Nigeria," she said. Two years ago, over 200 students who were preparing for exams were abducted from their boarding school in Chibok, Borno state.Although some were reported to have escaped, some of these girls have still not been found till date. However, just a few days ago, International news channel, CNN, obtained a video that showed 15 of the Chibok girls abducted two years ago who are alive and well. The video was reportedly sent by kidnappers to negotiators as a proof of life. Source: Legit.ng - Alhaji Buni notes that Nigeria is going through an economically challenging period - He says the president is commuted to changing the fortune of Nigeria - He says the president will not relax in the face of propaganda Alhaji Mai Mala Buni who is the national secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that President Muhammadu Buhari will not be affected by propaganda against his administration. In an interview with Daily Trust, the secretary of the APC said Nigerians should be proud of President Buhari especially with the way he was handling the budget issue. This is the type of president every citizen should be proud of. I wish you will recall the inconsistencies, errors, additions and padding that were deliberately done to the budget, shortly after the president presented it to the National Assembly. You will, as well, imagine the embarrassment caused to the president, the federal government and the APC as the ruling party. Now, the same document was brought back to the president in bits and pieces, and you want him to assent his signature to legalise everything, including those he had not seen in the budget details? Are you really fair to him and would you see him as a serious person if he had signed the budget? If Mr President had signed the budget summary and, thereafter, inconsistencies and errors emerged, just as we witnessed, who do you blame? READ ALSO: The serious cracks in APC can lead to crisis - Timi Frank The propaganda about his approach to governance is just to coerce him to relax and he will never relax until things are done right. The insistence to have the complete budget document is to ensure that Nigeria has a document that is truly a policy guide, a realistic budget that has interest of the people. Buni noted that Nigeria was going through a challenging period caused by the former administration but expressed optimism that things will get better. It is sad that Nigeria has to pass through these hard times at this moment under the APC-led administration. It is equally sad that the economy is weak, owing to the dwindling oil prices, which is our major source of income. The difficulty is over bloated by the damage done to the economy and infrastructures in the last 16 years when, as a nation, with buoyant economy, we failed to maintain and improve on the existing infrastructures. The players at that moment engaged in massive stealing of the nations commonwealth, whose colossal consequences we are forced to pay now. I have heard people saying we have been shifting all the blames to the previous government. The truth is that some people are ignorant of the scale and quantum of destruction done by the previous regime to the economy and the polity. Not quite long, prominent Nigerians and renowned professionals predicted hard times for the country because of the damage inflicted. They cautioned government on the massive looting of the nations treasury and the decay in infrastructures, with a strong warning to redress the situation. In 2011, the Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness, Muhammadu Sanusi ll, then, the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, warned Nigeria to address the abuse on the economy, saying if nothing was done, Greek economic meltdown will be a childs play compared with what awaits the Nigerian economy. He said unless the system was sanitised, the US dollar will rise against the Nigerian Naira astronomically, and government may not be able to pay salaries. In January 2015, the former president, Goodluck Jonathan, during his re-election campaign, paid a courtesy visit on the emir of Ilorin, where he emphatically told Nigerians that Nobody can fix Nigeria in four years. The former president knew very well the volume of damage done to the economy under his watch to have made such a statement. READ ALSO: Buhari addresses APC leaders at NEC meeting "Interestingly, it was only when the APC-led administration came on board that the true picture of the damage and challenges emerged. And the challenges repeatedly snowballed as the days go by. In fact, it was out of President Buharis tenacity and experience that the machinery of government did not collapse completely and salaries are being paid promptly. In the face of these challenges, the president is rebuilding a new Nigeria that will serve the common man, a system that will block leakages, stop abuse of public trust and end the culture of looting national treasury. We are also mindful of the fact that in the course of this national rebirth, corruption will definitely fight back, and that is what we are witnessing today in the oil and power sectors, as well as in government circles where inconsistencies were deliberately created in the national budget. These challenges are temporary, we will definitely surmount them and build a prosperous future for the country. You may read the full interview here. Source: Legit.ng - Abuja cleric has said Buhari should release Nnamdi Kanu and apologize to him - He also advises the president to set up a truth and reconciliation committee and compensate families of those killed Nnamdi Kanu Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan has criticized President Muhammadu Buhari over disregarding court orders, demanding the release of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu. He said: There is no sign that Nigeria has the president. The problem President Buhari has is that many Nigerians want to continue as they were doing before and they want everybody else to change, but not themselves. READ ALSO: Buhari is not genuinely interested in the Chibok girls freedom Boko Haram Democracy is all about the rule of law. Three times he has disobeyed court orders in less than a year in office. Disobedience to court orders by those who should protect and ensure its compliance slides the Nation to anarchy. It is wrong to undermine the Constitution of Nigeria which is the bases of the Nigerian nation and expects people not to resist such via protesting. For those supporting president can you please justify why he has refused to obey court orders? The prominent cleric added: My dear President Buhari, it will be in the best interest of the nation that you obey court orders and apologize to the nation for the embarrassments you have caused us which have led to peaceful demonstrations in virtually major parts of Southern Nigeria. You should in the best interest of the nation set up a truth and reconciliation committee and compensate families of those killed. You should have obeyed as ordered by the court; ask your DSS to obey court orders, release Nnamdi Kanu and tender an unreserved apology to him for the embarrassments you have caused him, his wife, family, and millions of his followers by detaining him and infringing on his rights without good reason. READ ALSO: How Buharis support for Fulani could plunge Nigeria into Darfur and Rwanda Kanu was arrested in Lagos in October on conspiracy and terrorism charges, which were later dropped. A day after the Abuja High Court ordered his release, officials pressed new treasonable felony charges against him, while President Buhari said Kanu would not be granted bail due to the "atrocities" allegedly committed. Source: Legit.ng On March 3, Ghanaian actress Juliet Ibrahim turned 30. The single mother-of-one was widely celebrated both in Nigeria and Ghana. Juliet spoke with Legit.ng on why she lives more in Nigeria than in Ghana, life as a single mother and marriage. Excerpts Ghanaian actress Juliet Ibrahim How do you feel turning 30? For me, turning 30 signifies a grand entrance to an exciting new phase in my life considering that its a milestone. I relish birthdays and I love celebrating birthdays because it's always fun to get together and have a good time with family and friends. Looking back at your life what do you think you should have done which you haven't at 30? My 20s were spent exploring myself, my creativity and my sense of purpose. Theres really pretty much nothing, regardless of the ups and downs I may have encountered, I must say Im a lucky person. That being said, I still have more mountains to conquer and more exploits to do. Any action taken that you regret ever taking? I dont let my past define me, so I dont have regrets. If I fail at something, its just a lesson and an eye-opener to guide me to do it better the next time. Several times you have broken the internet with your high end fashion, what does style mean to you? Style is being confident enough in your own skin and yourself in order to be able to pull off any look you want and wear anything that suits your fashion taste. You wowed all at the GLO-CAF awards with your two outfits. What came to your mind while choosing those outfits? Thank you for the compliment. I just wanted to look elegant and . And Im happy I was able to achieve that with the help of my friend one of the best stylists in this part, Swanky Jerry. I left everything in his hands and he delivered. One of Juliet Ibrahim's outfit as the host of Glo-CAF award in January 2016 You stay more in Nigeria than your country home. What explains this? Nigeria is my second home as well as my work base so its convenient for me to be in Nigeria most of the time. READ ALSO: Celebrating Juliet Ibrahim's fashion sense @ 30 I think you might get a Nigerian husband if you don't watch it. Trust Ghanaians won't mind. (Laughs) I'm certainly not looking at the moment but who knows, I may get swept off my feet by a Nigerian guy. You have been linked to some Nigerian guys. You were even mentioned during Ushbebe's comedy show, how true is that? I have been linked with so many names including Chris Brown. I woke up one morning to an article that I was dating Chris Brown (lol) I think people are simply eager to know who I'm dating or in a relationship with but I'm a very private person and I don't intend having my private life out in the public till need be. I'm a friendly person and in my field of work I tend to keep a lot of friends and acquaintances in both sexes. You were mentioned during comedian Ayo Makun's rumored marriage break up. Why do you think your name was mentioned? Who mentioned my name? It's a free world and people can go on social media and comment whatever they want. That doesn't mean I should take every single comment or rumour seriously. I have been acting for 10 years now hence I'm used to hearing made up stories and funny comments about myself from people who actually do not know me at all. Juliet Ibrahim You have featured in Hausa and Yoruba movies; how did you manage to speak those languages? I had to learn how to speak some Yoruba and Hausa while on set of the movies. Do you speak any Nigerian languages at all? Why not? I'm working on it. READ ALSO: People see me as being proud - Nadia Buari How was growing up for you, schools you attended, siblings, and life as a single mother. Everyones life experience is of course unique, growing up for me was very eventful because we grew up in war torn countries so my family and I were always relocating. I grew up in Liberia, Lebanon and Ivory Coast before we finally moved back to Ghana. There were happy moments when I was in school but most of my childhood moments are not quite exciting and worthy of recounting. I had my primary education in Lebanon, then proceeded to Ivory Coast for my secondary education then later went on to the Ghana Institute of Languages to study English, French and Spanish. I also went to Ghana institute of Journalism, where I studied marketing, advertising and public relations. I make out time for my son, besides my family is very supportive and we help out each other. My mum is there and so are my sisters. When I'm not around, I know my son is in good hands. Source: Legit.ng - Accolades are pouring in from all across the nation as the chief judge of Niger state takes a bow from the bench - Wife of former military head of state, Abdusalami Abubakar, Justice Fati Lami Abubakar has retired as Niger state chief judge - Justice Abubakar was appointed as the state chief judge in March 2013 Justice Fati Lami Abubakar has retired as the chief judge of Niger state. The former Nigerian first lady was appointed as the state chief judge in March 2013 by the former governor of the state, Aliyu Babangida. Former first lady, Justice Fati Lami Abubakar Justice Abubakar is retiring as she has attained the mandatory retirement age of 65 years. READ ALSO: President Buhari set to announce another major appointment In a congratulatory message to her, the governor of Niger state, Mr Abubakar Sani Bello, praised the reverred judge for her achievements while in office. His words: ''She has been a legal luminary of repute, an embodiment of discipline, dedication, commitment to fair-play and quick dispensation of justice in Niger state and indeed Nigeria. ''Your lordship has made indelible marks in justice administration and will surely remain a symbol of justice to us in Niger state. ''The three solid years your lordship served as the State Chief Judge has brought tremendous progress to the state judiciary.'' The governor hoped that whoever emerges as Justice Abubakar's successor will follow in her footsteps and jealously build upon her legacies. It is worthy of note, that the Governor Bello is Justice Abubakar's son in-law. READ ALSO: Buhari may be Nigerias president, but these are 7 powerful Nigerians he cannot touch (photos) Justice Abubakar has had a sterling career in the bench. The mother of six is one of the few first ladies in Nigeria who is well educated and followed through with her career even with the trappings of her then office. Source: Legit.ng - Navy discover illegal oil bunkering site in an abadoned warehouse in Rivers - Five people arrested at the scene - Nigeria Navy calls on the public to continue to security agencies with timely information to enable it rid the country of oil thieves and pipeline vandals The Nigeria Navy recorded a breakthrough in its undercover operations when it uncovered a major illegal oil bunkering site at an abandoned warehouse in Ogbogoro area of Obio/Akpor local government area of Rivers state a suburb of Port Harcourt, the Rivers state Capital. Commodore Sanusi Ibrahim, the commandant of the Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Pathfinder in Port Harcourt, who led journalists to the illegal site on Thursday, April 14, said five persons including an Engine Repairer were arrested at the scene. File Photo of Alleged Oil Bunkers READ ALSO: Killing and kidnapping will not allow Niger Delta develop NDDC Commodore Sanusi Ibrahim represented by the Base Operation Officer, Lieutenant Commodore Sunday Katuka Haruna said over five hundred drums loaded with illegally refined petroleum products were seen at the site. He said: NNS Pathfinder operations in geared towards achieving the mandate of the Chief of Naval Staff strategic guidance and zero tolerance for Crude oil theft and other activities within the Niger Delta this raid will continue until we reduce it to the barest minimum. "The illegal containers had been arranged in each compartment and each compartment contained 100 drums, and we have over 20 compartments and each of these drums contains about 350 litres of illegally refined AGO(diesel)." READ ALSO: Federal High Court convicts 13 foreigners of illegal bunkering Meanwhile, the Commander of NNS Pathfinder Commodore Sanusi Ibrahim has called on the public to continue to provide the Navy and other security agencies with timely information to enable it rid the country of oil thieves and pipeline vandals. Over two hundred polythene bags and a wooden Contonou boats load with illegally refined oil were also discovered at the Ogbogoro illegal oil site. They were all impounded by the Navy. Source: Legit.ng President Muhammadu Buharis wife Aisha Buhari has arrived Maiduguri, Borno state capital to mark the two years since the abduction of the Chibok girls by the deadly Boko Haram sect. This is her second trip to the troubled state since she moved into the presidential villa in May. READ ALSO: Aisha Buhari not controlling Gov Bello - Official While presidency said that some members of the first family will now use commercial flight, Aisha Buhari uses private jet. Borno state capital is the birthplace of the Islamist sect, which emerged as a much more radical entity in 2009, after Nigerian security forces killed 700 people in an all-out assault on its compound in the city. Its been two years since Boko Haram attacked boarding school in northeast Nigeria in the middle of the night, abducting 276 schoolgirls from their dormitories. They herded them into trucks and vanished behind the dense forest brush in the small town of Chibok. And while some of the girls managed to escape in the hours following that terrible night of April 14, 2014, the fate of 219 remains unknown. READ ALSO: Amazing! Check out these throwback photos of President Buhari with his grandchildren Source: Legit.ng - President Buhari says his trip to China will do the country a lot of good - He highlights that the development will cut across transportation, agriculture and housing President Muhammadu Buhari has revealed that his trip to China yielded about $6 billion investment for Nigeria. The Punch reports that this was contained in a statement released by Garba Shehu who is the senior special assistant to the president on media and publicity on Friday, April 15. READ ALSO: Buhari visits China to confer Nigeria's development In the statement, Buhari said the one-week trip to China would have a positively huge impact on key sectors of the Nigerian economy including power, solid minerals, agriculture, housing and rail transportation. He said: In the power sector, North South Power Company Limited and Sinohydro Corporation Limited signed an agreement valued at $478,657,941.28 for the construction of 300 Mega Watts solar power in Shiroro, Niger State. In the solid minerals sector, Granite and Marble Nigeria Limited and Shanghai Shibang signed an agreement valued at $55m for the construction and equipping of granite mining plant in Nigeria. A total of $1bn is to be invested in the development of a greenfield expressway for Abuja-Ibadan-Lagos under an agreement reached by the Infrastructure Bank and Sinohydro Corporation Limited. For the housing sector, both companies also sealed a $250m deal to develop an ultra modern 27-storey high rise complex and a $2.5bn agreement for the development of the Lagos Metro Rail Transit Red Line project. According to Shehu, other agreements announced and signed during the visit included the establishment of a Hi-tech industrial park in Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone in Igbesa and valued at $200m for the construction of two 500MT/day float gas facilities. READ ALSO: We'll correct past errors - Buhari says at China-Nigeria forum An agreement valued at $363m for the establishment of a comprehensive farm and downstream industrial park in Kogi state was also announced at the Nigeria-China business forum. Other agreements undergoing negotiations include a $500m project for the provision of television broadcast equipment and a $25m facility for production of pre-paid smart meters between Mojec International Limited and Microstar Company Limited. About 100 Nigerian businesses and 300 Chinese firms participated in the Nigeria-China business forum which took place a day after President Buhari began his visit to China. It was reported that Governor Ayodele Fayose wrote to the Chinese government, seeking the stoppage of the $2 billion loan being sought by the federal government of Nigeria. Fayose, in the letter said the government of China should be mindful of the fact that Nigerians, irrespective of their political and religious affiliations are totally opposed to increment of the countrys debt burden, which is already being serviced with 25 per cent of the Federal Government annual budget. Source: Legit.ng PISCATAWAY -- President Barack Obama will speak at Rutgers University's 250th anniversary commencement, the White House announced Thursday. The announcement comes more than two years after Rutgers President Robert Barchi wrote to Obama asking him to speak to the graduating class. This year's graduation ceremony is on May 15 at High Point Solutions Stadium in Piscataway. President Barack Obama delivers remarks earlier this month at the 2016 White House Science Fair. (Michael Reynolds | EPA) "Rutgers University is one of the oldest universities in the country with a long and distinguished history of advancing research and preparing students with the skills they need to succeed in the new economy," White House spokesman Keith Maley said in a statement announcing the trip. Barchi wrote to Obama in the fall of 2013, saying he couldn't imagine a more inspirational commencement speaker. Obama speaks at only a few commencement ceremonies each year and Rutgers has no record of a sitting U.S. president speaking at its graduation, according to the university. "We are delighted that President Obama has chosen to address our graduates at this year's historic commencement," Barchi said in a statement Thursday. Obama's decision to visit Rutgers is a testament to the efforts of students, faculty, alumni and New Jersey elected officials who sent messages to the White House, Barchi said. Rutgers learned Obama would be speaking on Wednesday, when Barchi's office received a phone call from the White House, said Peter McDonough, Rutgers' senior vice president for external affairs. The university is in the early stages of working with the White House to coordinate the logistics for commencement day, he said. "It's all very very early for a very big event," McDonough said. "It will take a while to plan." Hope among students that Obama would speak had faded last week when the university Board of Governors approved veteran broadcast journalist Bill Moyers as a graduation speaker. "I only knew who this was because my grandmother told me," Alexandra M. Williams, the student representative on the board said at the time. Moyers will attend Rutgers's commencement and receive an honorary degree Barchi said. He will still receive his $35,000 speaking fee and deliver an address at the School of Arts and Sciences convocation, according to the university. Obama's trip to New Jersey will be his fourth in less than two years. He previously spoke at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst to mark the end of U.S. combat operations overseas, in Camden to discuss community policing, and in Newark to talk about overhauling the criminal justice system and provide alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent offenders. Obama will also speak at the commencement ceremonies at Howard University and the United States Air Force Academy, according to the White House. Jonathan D. Salant contributed to this report Adam Clark may be reached at adam_clark@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on twitter at @realAdamClark. Find NJ.com on Facebook. NEIF II Fund (Next Estate Income Fund II), managed by BNP Paribas Real Estate Investment Management, acquired the Spallis building in Paris - Saint-Denis from a fund advised by Meadow Partners. Located in a well-established office location, Spallis has a surface area of approx. 37,000 sqm. Delivered in 2009, the [] MSCI has recorded 10.0% total return in Pan-Europe property in 2015, as indicated in the IPD Pan-Europe Annual Property Index. This is an increase from the previous years 9.4%. The index measures the performance of real estate markets in 18 countries inside and outside the Eurozone during the calendar year. [] Following the acquisition of the Melia Berlin, Union Investment has secured another high-yield hotel property by Spanish hotel brand Melia for one of its institutional real estate funds. The developer and seller of the Innside by Melia Aachen is HPG Hotel Aachen GmbH & Co. KG, a limited partnership, one [] Ever since Maruti Balenos export operations to Japan and Europe commenced in January this year, the automaker has been finding it difficult to cope up with the demand in the domestic markets. Thanks to the production constraint, waiting period for the hatchback in some cities stretches to up to 6 months. In March 2016, the Baleno clocked 6,236 units in India which is the lowest ever monthly figure since its launch. Thats a decline of 41% compared to December 2015s figure of 10,572 units (best performance by the hatchback so far). In stark contrast, the export volumes of the Baleno more than trebled from January (1,800 units) to March (5,600 units). This trend clearly indicates that Maruti Suzuki India Ltd. is finding it difficult to increase the production capacity of the Baleno to cater to both export and domestic markets without any bottlenecks. The companys Manesar plant is running almost at its full capacity and hence easing up more volumes for the Baleno would affect other models. The company is adopting measures to increase the capacity but the demand continues to outrun the supply. Marutis inability to plug the demand-supply gap is helping the Balenos primary rival, the Hyundai Elite i20 which is available with a much shorter waiting period of 15-20 days. The volumes of the Elite i20 has been growing steadily and this is enabling it to retain its market share of 35% in the segment. Also read Suzukis Gujarat car plant is on track Maruti is expected to target a production capacity of 1.6 lakh units for the Baleno in its first year (10k up from the initial target). The company is expected to accept export orders of no more than 50,000 units). Its to be noted that India is the only production base for the global B-segment hatchback. Via Business-standard.com About a quarter of American adults reported that they were notified about their personal information being part of a data breach in the previous year, but only 11 percent of those who have ever been notified say they stopped doing business with the hacked company after the event occurred, according to a new RAND Corporation study. The findings are from one of the first examinations of consumers' experiences with data breaches and the impact it has on their relationships with the companies that lose their personal information. "While data breaches have become an alarmingly common part of American life, most people appear satisfied with companies' responses to data breaches and few decide to take their business elsewhere," said lead author Lillian Ablon, a cybersecurity and emerging technologies researcher at RAND, a nonprofit research organization. "It's unclear whether this response will induce companies to improve their breach notification practices." The RAND survey found that among those who remembered receiving a data breach notification at any time over their lifetime, about 44 percent said they were aware of the hack even before they received notification. About 10 percent discovered the breach by identifying suspicious activity themselves. Surprisingly, 62 percent of consumers reported they accepted offers of free credit monitoring. This counters claims made by others that consumers are experiencing "breach fatigue" -- where consumers become desensitized to the notices and either discount them or ignore important information contained in the notices. The three main reasons for declining such offers were the time and effort required to register for the service, concerns about the hacked company or the breach notification service, and whether the offer duplicated services the victim already had. advertisement More than three-quarters of those surveyed (77 percent) said they were highly satisfied with the company's post-breach response. However, ethnic minorities were less likely to report being satisfied with the company's breach response, placed a higher dollar value on the inconvenience caused by the breach and were more likely to cease doing business with the related company. "Our research shows the importance of legislation that requires companies to notify individuals when a breach occurs," Ablon said. "Data breach notification laws empower consumers to take quick action to reduce risk and create incentives for companies to improve data security. Unfortunately, data breach laws are not uniform or even present for every state." While most states have laws requiring that consumers be notified of data breaches, three states -- Alabama, New Mexico and South Dakota -- have no such legislation. Survey participants in those three states reported lower rates of having ever received a data breach notice as compared to people from states with notification laws, although the difference was not statistically significant. The survey questioned a nationally representative sample of 2,038 adults who participate in the RAND American Life Panel, an Internet-based survey panel. The survey was fielded between May 15 and June 1, 2015, and designed to provide a snapshot of the frequency of breach notifications and the types of data compromised, as well as consumer reactions to the breach, the notification process and the affected company. The survey also examined estimates regarding the perceived personal cost of the breach, as well as suggestions regarding future notifications and data protection measures. Among those experiencing a data breach during their lifetime, people with higher income and those with more education were more likely to recall being notified of a breach, as compared to younger adults (ages 18-34) and senior citizens (ages 65 and older). More than 12 percent of those surveyed received two or more notifications in the year preceding the survey. Ablon said the low proportion of consumers who penalized a company for a data breach may highlight that while a consumer always can to choose to shop at another retailer, it is more difficult to make a switch when a data breach hits a person's health insurer, mortgage company or employer. Among survey participants who estimated a dollar-equivalent cost for the inconvenience caused by a data breach, the median amount was $500. Thirty-two percent felt the breach imposed no dollar loss to them. Median dollar values were higher if health information ($1,000), social security numbers ($1,000) or other financial information ($864) was compromised. Just under 6 percent of those who had ever received a data breach notification (or an estimated 6 million U.S. adults) felt that the inconvenience cost them $10,000 or more. Of those who experienced an extreme inconvenience, the breach typically involved credit card or health information. Respondents recommended several steps companies could take to better protect personal information. The steps that would highly satisfy most respondents included taking measures to ensure a similar breach cannot occur in the future, offering free credit monitoring to make sure lost data is not misused and notifying consumers immediately. All three were valued more highly than receiving compensation for financial loss or an apology from the company. Each fall, monarch butterflies across Canada and the United States turn their orange, black and white-mottled wings toward the Rio Grande and migrate over 2,000 miles to the relative warmth of central Mexico. This journey, repeated instinctively by generations of monarchs, continues even as monarch numbers have plummeted due to loss of their sole larval food source -- milkweed. But amid this sad news, a research team believes they have cracked the secret of the internal, genetically encoded compass that the monarchs use to determine the direction -- southwest -- they should fly each fall. "Their compass integrates two pieces of information -- the time of day and the sun's position on the horizon -- to find the southerly direction," said Eli Shlizerman, a University of Washington assistant professor. While the nature of the monarch butterfly's ability to integrate the time of day and the sun's location in the sky are known from previous research, scientists have never understood how the monarch's brain receives and processes this information. Shlizerman, who has joint appointments in the Department of Applied Mathematics and the Department of Electrical Engineering, partnered with colleagues at the University of Michigan and the University of Massachusetts to model how the monarch's compass is organized within its brain. "We wanted to understand how the monarch is processing these different types of information to yield this constant behavior -- flying southwest each fall," said Shlizerman, who is lead author on the team's recent paper in the journal Cell Reports. Monarchs use their large, complex eyes to monitor the sun's position in the sky. But the sun's position is not sufficient to determine direction. Each butterfly must also combine that information with the time of day to know where to go. Fortunately, like most animals including humans, monarchs possess an internal clock based on the rhythmic expression of key genes. This clock maintains a daily pattern of physiology and behavior. In the monarch butterfly, the clock is centered in the antennae, and its information travels via neurons to the brain. advertisement Biologists have previously studied the rhythmic patterns in monarch antennae that control the internal clock, as well as how their compound eyes decipher the sun's position in the sky. Shlizerman's collaborators, including Steven Reppert at the University of Massachusetts, recorded signals from antennae nerves in monarchs as they transmitted clock information to the brain as well as light information from the eyes. "We created a model that incorporated this information -- how the antennae and eyes send this information to the brain," said Shlizerman. "Our goal was to model what type of control mechanism would be at work within the brain, and then asked whether our model could guarantee sustained navigation in the southwest direction." In their model, two neural mechanisms -- one inhibitory and one excitatory -- controlled signals from clock genes in the antennae. Their model had a similar system in place to discern the sun's position based on signals from the eyes. The balance between these control mechanisms would help the monarch brain decipher which direction was southwest. Based on their model, it also appears that during course corrections monarchs do not simply make the shortest turn to get back on route. Their model includes a unique feature -- a separation point that would control whether the monarch turned right or left to head in the southwest direction. "The location of this point in the monarch butterfly's visual field changes throughout the day," said Shlizerman. "And our model predicts that the monarch will not cross this point when it makes a course correction to head back southwest." Based on their simulations, if a monarch gets off course due to a gust of wind or object in its path, it will turn whichever direction won't require it to cross the separation point. advertisement Additional studies would need to confirm whether the researchers' model is consistent with monarch butterfly brain anatomy, physiology and behavior. So far, aspects of their model, such as the separation point, seem consistent with observed behaviors. "In experiments with monarchs at different times of the day, you do see occasions where their turns in course corrections are unusually long, slow or meandering," said Shlizerman. "These could be cases where they can't do a shorter turn because it would require crossing the separation point." Their model suggests a simple explanation why monarch butterflies are able to reverse course in the spring and head northeast back to the United States and Canada. The four neural mechanisms that transmit information about the clock and the sun's position would simply need to reverse direction. "And when that happens, their compass points northeast instead of southwest," said Shlizerman. "It's a simple, robust system to explain how these butterflies -- generation after generation -- make this remarkable migration." EPFL scientists have built a single-atom magnet that is the most stable to-date. The breakthrough paves the way for the scalable production of miniature magnetic storage devices. Magnetic storage devices such as computer hard drives or memory cards are widespread today. But as computer technology grows smaller, there is a need to also miniaturize data storage. This is epitomized by an effort to build magnets the size of a single atom. However, a magnet that small is very hard to keep "magnetized," which means that it would be unable to retain information for a meaningful amount time. In a breakthrough study published in Science, researchers led by EPFL have now built a single-atom magnet that, although working at around 40 Kelvin (-233.15 oC), is the smallest and most stable to date. Magnets work because of electron spin, which is a complicated motion best imagined as a spinning top. Electrons can spin up or down (something like clockwise or anti-clockwise), which creates a tiny magnetic field. In an atom, electrons usually come in pairs with opposite spins, thus cancelling out each other's magnetic field. But in a magnet, atoms have unpaired electrons, and their spins create an overall magnetic field. A challenge today is to build smaller and smaller magnets that can be implemented in data storage devices. The problem is something called "magnetic remanence," which describes the ability of a magnet to remain magnetized. Remanence is very difficult to observe from a single atom, because environmental fluctuations can flip its magnetic fields. In terms of technology, a limited remanence would mean limited information storage for atom-sized magnets. A team of scientists led by Harald Brune at EPFL and his colleagues at ETH Zurich, have built a prototypical single-atom magnet based on atoms of the rare-earth element holmium. The researchers, placed single holmium atoms on ultrathin films of magnesium oxide, which were previously grown on a surface of silver. This method allows the formation of single-atom magnets with robust remanence. The reason is that the electron structure of holmium atoms protects the magnetic field from being flipped. The magnetic remanence of the holmium atoms is stable at temperatures around 40 Kelvin (-233.15 oC), which, though far from room temperature, are the highest achieved ever. The scientists' calculations demonstrate that the remanence of single holmium atoms at these temperatures is much higher than the remanence seen in previous magnets, which were also made up of 3-12 atoms. This makes the new single-atom magnet a worldwide record in terms of both size and stability. Scientists from the German Primate Center (DPZ), the University of Kentucky, the American Duke Lemur Center and the Universite d'Antananarivo in Madagascar have described three new species of mouse lemurs. They live in the South and East of Madagascar and increase the number of known mouse lemur species to 24. As little as 20 years ago, only two species of these small, nocturnal primates were known. New genetic methods and expeditions to remote areas have made the new descriptions possible. Mouse lemurs are small, nocturnal primates, which are only found in Madagascar -- and they all look very similar with their brown fur and large eyes. Different species can be distinguished reliably only by means of genetic methods. However, how great the difference between two populations has to be to define it as a new species is a source of continuous discussion. "By using new, objective methods to assess genetic differences between individuals, we were able to find independent evidence that these three mouse lemurs represent new species," says Peter Kappeler, Head of the Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit at the German Primate Center. In addition, the analysis confirmed the status of the previously described 21 species. "The genetic techniques we used could facilitate species identification, thus also contributing to further new descriptions in other animal groups," says Peter Kappeler. Only three years ago, the same research groups had described two new mouse lemur species. The closely related 30g Madame Berthe's mouse lemur is the smallest primate in the world. Scientists from the German Primate Center discovered it in 1993. Besides improved analytical methods, expeditions to remote and inaccessible forests contribute to the fact that the diversity of these distant relatives of humans becomes better known. "To know the exact distribution area of individual species is necessary to identify functioning protected areas," says Peter Kappeler, who has conducted research at the field station of the German Primate Center in Madagascar for more than 20 years. "Furthermore, this new information is an important element towards better understanding how biodiversity on Madagascar arose." Ganzhorn's mouse lemur (Microcebus ganzhorni) was named after the ecologist Professor Jorg Ganzhorn from Hamburg University, who has been engaged in research and protection of lemurs for decades. It was Ganzhorn who initiated the field research of the German Primate Center in Madagascar in the 1990s. Also in the Southeast of the "Big Island" Microcebus manitatra is to be found, whose name symbolizes the expansion of the range of a subgroup from western Madagascar. The third member, Microcebus boraha, is named after its location on the Island of Sainte Marie (in Malagasy Nosy Boraha). According to the "Red List" of the IUCN more than 100 known species of lemurs are threatened by extinction and represent the world's most endangered group of mammals. Deforestation and hunting are the main causes of the threat to lemurs in one of the poorest countries of the world. The worldwide reliance on burning fossil fuels to create energy could be phased out in a decade, according to an article published by a major energy think tank in the UK. Professor Benjamin Sovacool, Director of the Sussex Energy Group at the University of Sussex, believes that the next great energy revolution could take place in a fraction of the time of major changes in the past. But it would take a collaborative, interdisciplinary, multi-scalar effort to get there, he warns. And that effort must learn from the trials and tribulations from previous energy systems and technology transitions. In a paper published in the peer-reviewed journal Energy Research & Social Science, Professor Sovacool analyses energy transitions throughout history and argues that only looking towards the past can often paint an overly bleak and unnecessary picture. Moving from wood to coal in Europe, for example, took between 96 and 160 years, whereas electricity took 47 to 69 years to enter into mainstream use. But this time the future could be different, he says -- the scarcity of resources, the threat of climate change and vastly improved technological learning and innovation could greatly accelerate a global shift to a cleaner energy future. advertisement The study highlights numerous examples of speedier transitions that are often overlooked by analysts. For example, Ontario completed a shift away from coal between 2003 and 2014; a major household energy programme in Indonesia took just three years to move two-thirds of the population from kerosene stoves to LPG stoves; and France's nuclear power programme saw supply rocket from four per cent of the electricity supply market in 1970 to 40 per cent in 1982. Each of these cases has in common strong government intervention coupled with shifts in consumer behaviour, often driven by incentives and pressure from stakeholders. Professor Sovacool says: "The mainstream view of energy transitions as long, protracted affairs, often taking decades or centuries to occur, is not always supported by the evidence. "Moving to a new, cleaner energy system would require significant shifts in technology, political regulations, tariffs and pricing regimes, and the behaviour of users and adopters. "Left to evolve by itself -- as it has largely been in the past -- this can indeed take many decades. A lot of stars have to align all at once. "But we have learnt a sufficient amount from previous transitions that I believe future transformations can happen much more rapidly." In sum, although the study suggests that the historical record can be instructive in shaping our understanding of macro and micro energy transitions, it need not be predictive. A pair of bonded male king penguins will now be able to spend their lives together in relative peace - at least without pressure to end the good thing they have going. Up until recently, Stan and Olli had been living at the Berlin Zoo, where they'd been sent to be a part of a breeding program. As time went by, however, it became clear to their keepers that the penguins had no interest in finding romance with the females there. Their commitment, it seems, is only to each other. "They're gay, as far as we know," Christiane Reiss, Berlin Zoo spokeswoman, told TheLocal.de. "They never bred. And when it came to courtship, they only mated with one another." Washington-area companies received nearly $350 million in venture capital during the first three months of the year, the highest first-quarter total since 2001, despite turbulence in the stock market and a slowdown in initial public offerings. Altogether, 38 local businesses secured $346.38 million in first-quarter funding, a 3 percent increase from the quarter last year, according to a report released Friday by PricewaterhouseCoopers and the National Venture Capital Association, with data by Thomson Reuters. If there was a tagline for the quarter, it would be, Things were not as bad as predicted, said Brad Phillips, director of emerging company services at PricewaterhouseCoopers. There was a significant increase in the size of deals. Among area companies receiving venture capital in the first quarter, the average amount was $9.12 million, up from $8.22 million a year earlier. Snagajob, a Ballston-based company that helps job seekers apply for low-wage, hourly work, led the way with a $100 million investment from three firms, including Rho Acceleration in New York and NewSpring Capital in Radnor, Pa. Software companies Sontaype, based in Fulton, Md., and Zoomdata in Reston raised $25 million each in the quarter, and Federated Wireless, an Arlington telecommunications firm, secured $22 million. Nationally, venture capital investments dropped 11 percent, to $12.14 billion, from $13.69 billion a year earlier. California, New York and Massachusetts continued to see the most investment, both in the number of deals and the money invested, and Silicon Valley topped all metropolitan areas. The largest deals went to Lyft, a San Francisco-based ride-hailing service, which raised $1 billion, and Magic Leap, a Dania Beach, Fla.-based mixed-reality company, which received $793.5 million. Uber Technologies, another San Francisco-based ride-hailing service, secured $202 million. Phillips said such mega-deals, defined as investments of $100 million or more, were likely to slow in coming quarters. We expect that things will normalize a bit, meaning deal sizes are going to get smaller, Phillips said. A shaky stock market has kept investors at bay this year and discouraged companies from going public. Just six venture-backed U.S. companies had initial public offerings during the first quarter, making it the slowest period for IPOs in nearly five years. At the same time, dozens of high-flying start-ups that scored big investments before this years market turbulence are seeing their valuations shrink in subsequent investment rounds, giving rise to what are called down rounds. Many of those agreeing to acquisitions are not receiving as much as once projected. As a result, investors appear to be more cautious. The companies that received venture capital in the past quarter were more likely to be established businesses than start-ups. In the Washington area, for example, more than half of overall funds went to later-stage companies, such as Snagajob. Early-stage companies received 28 percent of the areas venture capital, and expansion-stage companies received 16 percent. The increase in expansion and later-stage financing, combined with the drop in first-time financing, suggests a shift towards relatively mature start-ups, Tom Ciccolella, U.S. venture capital market leader at PricewaterhouseCoopers, said in a statement. There was also a move away from such sectors as financial services, health-care services and consumer products and services, which had become popular in recent years. Of the top 10 local investments, half went to software companies. We saw a shift back to more traditionally funded industries, Phillips said. Software and biotech remained number one and number two, respectively. Businesses in Virginia received 54 percent of the first-quarter funding in the Washington area, which the report defines as Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and the District. Virginia and Maryland finished among the top 12 states in terms of number of deals and amount invested. Venture funding in the region still has a long way to go to match the totals collected during the dot.com boom in the 1990s and early 2000. The $346.38 million hauled in by Washington-area businesses during the first three months of the year is a fraction of the $1.3 billion lavished on start-ups in the first quarter of 2000 a period just before the bubble famously burst. Executive assistant Sarah Redding shares her desk area with her dogs Ruby and Finn at the Humane Society of the United States. Redding thinks that having dogs in the workplace creates a friendlier environment. (Bonnie Jo Mount/The Washington Post) Theres Lily, the chief executives dog, who clocks in 60 hours a week in a corner office; Miles, a nine-pound charmer who recently received a company award; and Harriet, a springer spaniel mix who almost always falls asleep in meetings. For years, all three have accompanied their owners to work at the Humane Society of the United States. They are among 150 dogs and occasionally rats, ferrets, guinea pigs and rabbits that are regular fixtures at the organizations Gaithersburg and District offices. This summer, the canines, along with their keepers, will move into a new headquarters in downtown Washington, complete with built-in pet gates in every cubicle and doggy bathroom facilities in the parking garage. But their journey into a multi-tenant office building hasnt been an easy one. Even as dog-friendly workplaces grow more commonplace around the country 8 percent of companies allow pets at work, according to one recent survey finding commercial landlords willing to accommodate them has remained difficult. This is still very much uncharted territory, said Paul Graham, senior vice president of Colliers International, the commercial real estate firm that negotiated the lease on behalf of the Humane Society. So many landlords were hesitant. About 20 of them flat-out said no. Charley looks for a pat while hanging out in a cubicle at the Humane Society of the United States. Many employees display descriptions of the furry friends. The Humane Society's headquarters invites employees to bring their dogs, rabbits and ferrets to work. (Bonnie Jo Mount/The Washington Post) After months of negotiation, the Humane Society last month signed a 15-year lease with District-based Carr Properties for 23,000 square feet at 1255 23rd St. NW, in a building that also houses the Chronicle of Higher Education and the insurance firm Seabury & Smith. Much of the back-and-forth centered on routine matters, although there were pet-related sticking points as well, such as the Humane Societys insistence that all dogs be welcome, regardless of breed or size. That was a strict negotiating term for us, said Wayne Pacelle, the Humane Societys CEO, adding that those types of restrictions are arbitrary and unfair. Pacelle, whose beagle mix accompanies him to work most mornings, began allowing pets in the office about 10 years ago. Since then, he says, employee morale and productivity have improved. It saves employees the stress of leaving a dog alone for eight, nine, 10 hours a day, Pacelle said. People are much more willing to stay late if theyre not worried that their dog is at home hungry and waiting. Roughly two-thirds of the organizations workers bring their dogs to work, a perk that is consistently voted by employees as their favorite benefit, above health insurance and 401(k)s, said Tom Waite, the Humane Societys chief financial officer. There are ground rules: Pets must be properly licensed, have current vaccinations and stay inside baby gates in their owners offices or cubicles. The dogs, which range from lap dogs to hound mixes and pit bulls, are allowed in most meeting rooms but must be on a leash when walking through the hallways. The goal is to make sure the workplace stays conducive to working, said Inga Fricke, director of pet retention programs at the Humane Society. Its not that pets-in-the-workplace policies need to be restrictive and very tightly controlled, she added. Quite the opposite: It really is just common sense. Clean up after your pet, be respectful of your neighbors. Until now, the Humane Society has owned its own buildings, making it easy to tweak its policies at the drop of a dime. But in January, the organization sold its longtime headquarters at 2100 L St. NW for $11 million to Akridge, Corporate Office Properties Trust and Argos, which plan to build a new office tower in its place, and began its search for a larger rental property. The new headquarters will have an extensive air filtration system to accommodate workers with allergies, and a separate entrance and freight elevator for dogs. A turf-covered parking spot in the underground garage will be set aside for canine potty breaks. Its honestly very rare that we hear a dog bark any time of day, Fricke said. Theyre just happy to be with their people, sleeping and playing with their toys. The number of dog-friendly workplaces has grown in recent years as companies look to attract 20- and 30-sometings with a line-up of quirky perks and flexible work arrangements. Amazon allows pets in its Seattle headquarters, as do Google, Clif Bar and Bissell. (Jeffrey P. Bezos, founder and chief executive of Amazon.com, owns The Washington Post.) Nationally, roughly 8 percent of companies allow pets at work, up from 5 percent in 2013, according to a survey by the Society for Human Resource Management. It is a hyper-competitive market where every landlord is adding a new fitness center, a rooftop plaza or a tenant-only conference facility just to compete with other landlords, Graham said. Now, [allowing pets] is a real separator for landlords to attract tenants, and for tenants to attract workers. Petco, the national retailer, spent two years looking for an animal-friendly building before moving into a new headquarters in San Diego. The building which houses 650 employees, as well as their dogs, cats, fish and rabbits has three dog parks, a walking trail and rubber-backed carpeting for easier cleaning. Sometimes people see it as a hassle to accommodate pets, but its much easier than they think, said Charlie Piscitello, Petcos chief people officer. Its simply a matter of education and awareness. Fricke, of the Humane Society, agrees. She has three dogs but only brings two of them, Elsie and Izzy, to work on a regular basis. The third, a dachshund named Tug, turned out to be too loud for the office. We tried it once, but I think both of us decided it wasnt the best arrangement, she said. He gets very stressed out and anxious when I have to step out of my cube. It took Kate Schraders Brussels griffon mix, Miles, about a month to get used to spending his days at work. At the beginning, he would cry every time she left him alone. But now he has a social circle of his own, including best friends Jules, a chihuahua mix, and Andre, a chihuahua. Earlier this year, Miles received the organizations top dog award, an honor that came with a certificate and a $25 gift card to Pet Valu. Its sometimes hard dragging him out of bed in the morning, but he gets so excited once we get to work, said Schrader, who manages the organizations administrative services. He has so many friends here, and he cries with excitement whenever he sees them. BANKING Judge finalizes banks settlement over swaps Banks including Goldman Sachs Group, JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup and HSBC won a judges approval of a $1.87 billion settlement to resolve allegations that they conspired to limit competition in the lucrative business of credit-default swaps. U.S. District Judge Denise Cote in Manhattan granted final approval to the settlement Friday. The accord was disclosed in court in September. The settlement followed years of litigation by hedge funds, pension funds, university endowments, small banks and other investors, which sued as a group. They alleged that a dozen global banks along with Markit Group, a market-information provider in which the banks owned stakes conspired to control information about the multitrillion-dollar credit-default-swap market in violation of U.S. antitrust laws. The banks made billions of dollars in supracompetitive profits by taking advantage of price opacity in the CDS market, the investors said. The instruments are used as a hedge against the possibility of a borrower default. The settlement covers about 13,000 investors, lawyers said. Bloomberg News U.S. DEBT China, Japan boost their holdings Foreign holdings of U.S. Treasury securities jumped in February, driven by China and Japan, the two biggest foreign owners of U.S. debt. The Treasury Department says total foreign holdings increased 0.9 percent to $6.24 trillion. China expanded its holdings 1.1 percent to $1.25 trillion, while Japan increased its holdings 0.9 percent to $1.13 trillion. Holdings by Caribbean banking centers such as the Bahamas and Cayman Islands rose 3 percent to $361 billion. The national debt stands at a record $19.1 trillion. With the federal budget deficit projected to grow, the United States will need to see continued strong foreign demand for Treasury debt. Associated Press Also in Business From news services For would-be biographers, Orson Welles is the colossus on the horizon that grows larger and more incomprehensible the nearer you approach. Get too close and all you see is the pedestal, part of an inscription or maybe a toe. Biographers also have to contend with the fact that Welles was a gifted and artful liar, capable of dropping hints that he was the product of an affair his mother had with King Edward VII, that when he was 9 years old he had dined with Hitler or that he had had an affair with Eva Peron. Given the difficulty of seeing Welles steadily and seeing him whole, it is no surprise that the best biographies have approached him piecemeal: Last year, Patrick McGilligans Young Orson devoted 800 pages to just the first 25 years of his life. And this year we have One-Man Band, the richly detailed and immensely readable third installment of Simon Callows projected four-volume biography. It covers the years from the late 1940s through the mid-1960s, which were bracketed by two Shakespeare films: Othello in 1952 and Chimes at Midnight in 1965. In 1955 came Welless audacious staging of Moby-Dick in London, which received rave reviews and which Callow says Welles considered the best thing he had ever done in any medium. And in 1958 he made Touch of Evil, every frame of which, Callow asserts, celebrates the art of film. [Review: Young Orson, by Patrick McGilligan ] But it was also the period when his reputation took its severest hits. In 1952, the New York theater critic Walter Kerr called Welles possibly the youngest living has-been. Welles was stung by the epithet, and it stuck. Much has been written ever since about the man who, after triumphs in New York theater and on radio, went to Hollywood to make the film masterpiece Citizen Kane, but never again regained those heights. Welles had committed an unforgivable crime in American eyes: he had failed, but refused to give up, Callow says. He was just irritatingly there, a constant reminder of the disappointment he had caused. [Review: Innocents and Others: Female friendship through the lens of film] Callows biography aims at correcting that image of Welles, emphasizing the significant artistic achievements of this period and the reasons they were undervalued. The two major movies, Touch of Evil and Chimes at Midnight, for example, were both seriously mishandled in distribution. As RKO had done with Welless The Magnificent Ambersons 16 years earlier, the studio, Universal, took over Touch of Evil after a sneak- preview audience panned it, trimmed it heavily and released it on the bottom half of a double bill. And Chimes at Midnight was the victim of disputes by the several sources that financed it: The legal haggling over who had the distribution rights prevented widespread public exhibition and release on DVD until very recently. Callow is not one to psychoanalyze Welles. He thinks it better to accept him as a phenomenon, unparalleled, a law unto himself because he accepts no other law. And as such, he could be undermined by his own weaknesses. Callow, an actor with long experience both on stage and in movies, provocatively asserts that Welles was not by nature a filmmaker: It was his tragedy that he lacked the gift of working conceptually, to conceive his work in his head. His inspiration came from what he saw in front of his eyes; his genius depended on being able to improvise and interact with the material. In the theater, the rehearsal process allowed for a certain amount of reworking the show on the fly and even in mid-run, but once a film has started shooting, a director cant make radical changes of direction, and even the editing process has its limitations. Welles himself admitted, If Im on a picture too long I get bored. Then I can cause problems. Callows acting experience also gives him an insight into something else that troubled Welles. When he was directing a play or film in which he appeared, unlike such actor-directors as Laurence Olivier, Welles typically had others read his lines during rehearsals. Callow asserts that Welles was fundamentally insecure as an actor. On Chimes at Midnight, Jeanne Moreau, playing Doll Tearsheet to Welless Falstaff, wondered why Welles kept making excuses to postpone shooting their scenes together. Once he told her that he couldnt find his makeup kit. When she spotted it, a makeup assistant warned her not to tell Welles: He has stage-fright. He hid it himself. What makes Callows biography so exciting is that hes not willing to reduce Welles to a formula: misunderstood genius, for example, or self-destructive egotist. Plenty of epithets have been applied to Welles. Micheal MacLiammoir, who gave Welles his start in professional theater in Dublin in 1931 and played Iago to Welless Othello in the film, cited his courage . . imagination, egotism, generosity, ruthlessness, forbearance, impatience, sensitivity, grossness and vision. More fancifully, Jean Cocteau called him a giant with the face of a child, a tree filled with birds and shadows, a dog who has broken loose and gone to sleep in the flower bed. Callow simplifies things for us: It is characteristic of many of Welless commentators that they select one or other of the many Welleses as quintessential, but the mystery of the man is that all the Welleses coexist; all are true. Charles Matthews is a writer and editor in Northern California. "No Sharps, No Flats" by Alex Braden, Emily Francisco and Adam Richard Nelson Hughes is on view at Transformer. (Transformer) In 1964, Terry Riley premiered In C, the fountainhead of the style that became known as minimalism. It consisted of 53 musical phrases that performers could choose to play, with some restrictions, as they wished. One reason the results are not cacophonous is that C major has no sharps and no flats. In C is among the essential precursors of No Sharps No Flats, an interactive sound-art installation at Transformer. Twenty-four local musicians mostly from punk, jazz and experimental backgrounds provided short, single-instrument compositions on cassette tapes. The contributors include Ex Hexs Mary Timony, Paperhauss Alex Tebeleff and eclectic guitarist Anthony Pirog, who led a performance of Rileys landmark piece during the 2011 Sonic Circuits fest. The cassettes loop on ramshackle players made from deconstructed boomboxes by D.C. artists Alex Braden, Emily Francisco and Adam Richard Nelson Hughes. The riffs can be played individually or theoretically all at once. The full 24-track experience is purely hypothetical because the devices are designed to fail, tangling the tapes beyond repair. Shortly after the show opened, one cassette was already wrecked. This expected failure may be a commentary on one of todays silliest pop-culture trends the revival of prerecorded music cassettes. But the overall project also recalls such mid-20th-century provocations as Swiss artist Jean Tinguelys auto-destructive machines and the accidental sound collages that John Cage elicited from radios and record players. A lot of territory is left to be explored in what Cage called imaginary landscapes. No Sharps No Flats isnt exactly nostalgic, but it does reject contemporary standards of iGizmo coolness. The sound isnt digital, and the mechanism isnt cloistered inside a sleek, blank rectangle. By the time the show closes, the installation probably will be a mess. But it will leave behind a sense of possibility that Apple and Samsung just cant manufacture. Len Harris. "Agave Americana," wood, on view at Zenith Gallery. (Len Harris/Zenith Gallery ) No Sharps No Flats On view through April 30 at Transformer, 1404 P St. NW. 202-483-1102. transformerdc.org. Ryan McCoy Because Long View Gallery shows its featured artists regularly, their evolving styles are easily charted. Surprises are still possible, however, as Ryan McCoys current exhibition demonstrates. The D.C. painter is known for blending ash, powder and pine needles into rough-surfaced black-and-white abstractions. McCoys new work adds red (and, in a single picture, deep blue) to his palette, but thats not the big change. Whats really different is that the artist has discovered geometry. McCoy now paints hard-edged abstractions, generally featuring blocks of a single color; these are punctuated with lines, notches and other small, orderly intrusions in contrasting hues. The results suggest both De Stijl, the Dutch reductionist-art movement whose founders included Mondrian, and Frank Stellas minimalist black paintings. Yet if McCoy has swept the pine needles out of his studio, he hasnt abandoned texture. The pictures large color fields employ Roll-a-Tex, a paint additive that yields a stucco-like finish. Close inspection also reveals drips, softer borders, charcoal lines and areas of exposed canvas. McCoy may rely on a ruler these days, but he still trusts his intuition. Ryan McCoy: Paintings On view through April 24 at Long View Gallery, 1234 Ninth St. NW. 202-232-4788. longviewgallery.com. A painting from Patrice Huguier's "Small Works From Paris" at Gallery A. (Patrice Huguier /Gallery A) Full Circle The lobby at 1111 Pennsylvania has relatively little wall space, which is one reason that the shows Zenith Gallery stages there emphasize sculpture. The current Full Circle includes four works by fiber artist Carol Schepps and nearly two dozen by wood sculptor Len Harris. But it is Schepps who specializes in circles, arraying them colorfully in rows whose stated inspirations include the sun and agate, the translucent stone that often contains eye-like patterns. The artists contrast of bright, clean colors and darker, heathered ones draws from abstract painting as much as textile design. There are myriad curves in Harriss work, but no circles. He bends thin strips of wood into arrangements that suggest waves, helixes, musical notation and basket-weaving gone wild. The sculptor is a former aerospace engineer, and some of his forms look as though they were developed with the help of a wind tunnel. But Harris also streamlines nature, whether in the plant-like Agave Americana or several bird-titled pieces that simplify avian archetypes into flocks of wooden arcs. Other sculptures express abstract ideas or ineffable moods, but they all twirl through space with a lighter-than-air quality. Full Circle On view through May 14 at 1111 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 202-783-2963. zenithgallery.com. Eleanor Wang Although developed as a martial art, tai chi stresses softness, and it developed into a slo-mo exercise style. Its stylized movements and meditative aspects inspired the mixed-media paintings of Eleanor Kotlarik Wangs show at Studio Gallery, In the Flow. The local artist layers black (and occasionally white) swoops over mottled grounds that are predominantly (but not exclusively) brown or gray. If the sinuous lines represent human movement, the colors suggest earth and clay, and thus ceramics, arguably the earliest art of ancient China. Two pictures made on paper and then mounted on canvas resemble Asian scroll paintings. Theyre another reminder of the venerable traditions behind tai chis contemporary popularity. Eleanor Kotlarik Wang: In the Flow On view through April 23 at Studio Gallery, 2108 R St. NW. 202-232-8734. studiogallerydc.com. Patrice Huguier On first introduction, Patrice Huguier seems a modest fellow. The still lifes in Small Works From Paris at Gallery A are tiny and generally in grayish winter tones. The French artists post-post-Impressionist style suggests Matisse, but a Matisse whos too restrained for bright hues. Huguier mixes pigment and papier-mache to build raised images, elevating texture over color. Flowers and vases are recurring subjects, yet green is rare and red rarer. In fact, Huguier often works at a larger scale, although none of those pictures are here. But there is a hint of a bolder artist in one painting thats among the most abstract: Two cylindrical shapes, one horizontal and the other vertical, are rendered in black on a crimson field. Its no sunnier than the other little vignettes, but much more vivid. Patrice Huguier: Small Works From Paris On view through April 30 at Gallery A, 2106 R St. NW. 202-667-2599. alexgalleries.com. [Two long-time Kennedy Center employees retired in April after a combined 95 years of service: Max Woodward and Patricia OKelly. Nelson Pressley profiles Max Woodward here.] For 40 years, through five music directors and 47 tours, Patricia OKelly, 63, was a stalwart of the National Symphony Orchestra as the orchestras head of publicity. But when she came on board in 1976, it was for a full-time temporary position to help put together program books. I went into it with very few expectations, she says, and if anybody had told me Id still be here now, I would have laughed maniacally. And although when she retired April 8 it was as managing director of media relations, she points out, Ive never stopped working on the program book. OKelly was the NSOs institutional memory, adept at stamping out media fires before they got out of hand and always called on to do the countless thankless tasks that constitute orchestral dirty work such as telling the great violinist Isaac Stern, before a concert in the historic amphitheater in Pompeii, that, because of the presence of feral cats, flea powder might be a good idea. All that prepared her for her job was a passionate love of music. Born to two medical professionals, a doctor and a nurse, who worked in a town of 522 in Mississippi, there was nowhere I could even study a foreign language within a radius of 40 miles. When she was 5, however, her parents bought her a set of recordings called Adventures in Music, made by Howard Mitchell and the NSO and designed for use in the classroom. I cherished those recordings, she says. And she became a musician, majoring in clarinet in college, and studying musicology in graduate school at the University of Maryland, where she sang with the chorus and thus performed with the NSO. Antal Dorati, the NSOs third music director, is, she says, the only conductor Ive known on the stage and backstage. [Exit Max Woodward after four decades at the Kennedy Center] But perhaps the iconic conductor of OKellys tenure was Mstislav Rostropovich, whom she calls a human whirlwind and who became a close associate and friend. It was such a brimming vitality that it infused everything around him, she says. As a musician, she also could appreciate his interpretations sometimes very unusual, she says, but always presented with such conviction and force. I still remember the first time I heard him play the Shostakovich Fifth [Symphony], she adds. It was a piece she knew well from her performing days. But when he came to the last bit of the finale, [he] slowed everything down, so it was not the rejoicing wed always been told; it was pure tragedy. And one of the wildest moments she said she remembers of her tenure was the day in 1981 when she got home, turned on her television and learned that Maxim and Dmitri Shostakovich, the composers son and grandson, had defected. Rostropovich was due back in the office the following Tuesday, but on the Monday, I opened the door to his office, she recounts, and Maxim Shostakovich was staring me in the face. There was Dmitri; there was Slava. Slava said, I think you see what we need. A news conference already had been set up; what was needed, it turned out, was for OKelly to supply background to journalists who were suddenly eager for it. Patricia, she remembers one of them saying, can you keep me from looking like an idiot on television? But while many who were with the orchestra under Rostropovich view that era as a golden age, OKelly stresses that every music director Ive worked with has brought something unique that has added to the orchestra. Dorati instilled in them a sense of pride and accomplishment. Rostropovich brought unparalleled excitement. Leonard [Slatkin] brought a sound foundation of conducting technique and also a focus on American music. Then Fischer and Eschenbach [brought a] renewed focus on the standard repertory. A highlight of the Slatkin years, she says, was a festival called Journey to America: A Musical Immigration, shortly after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. After the shock of 9/11 and some of the feelings about immigrants, she says, it was extraordinary to see everyone there celebrating the contributions of immigrants a moment of musical healing at a difficult time. The most challenging part of her job? Riding the waves of technological evolution, she says. When I started at the NSO, I was mimeographing press releases and stuffing them into envelopes. . . . I used to have a photo budget so photos could be printed. By the time she left, she said, she only had to hit send to distribute press releases, while photos were available to all in digital copies. As for the favorite part of her job: Unquestionably the ability to travel, tour and work in different countries. She adds, There is no logical reason I should have come from [my] background to this job, but thank God I did. It has been the most incredible privilege and the wildest roller coaster you can imagine, and Ive loved every bit of it. And after so many concerts and so much music, how does she feel about orchestral music now? I cant live without it, OKelly says, if you want to know the truth. [But I also] look forward to pursuing interests I have of necessity shoved onto the back burner for years. I plan to haunt the National Gallery. . . . And read the stacks of books sitting around my house. Read more: Exit Max Woodward after four decades at the Kennedy Center Dal Granos dozen house-made pastas can become more than 30 dishes. (Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post) Ana Gomez, the woman working the pasta extruder at Dal Grano in McLean, has a relaxed air about her as the machine squeezes out pale-yellow ropes of bucatini. She glides a flat tool across the extruders bronze die to free the hollowed-out strands, so she can build a small nest with them on a baking sheet. By the time Gomez sprinkles semolina flour over the nest, the mechanical pastamaker has already spat out more doughy lengths to cut and form. This interplay between Gomez and machine is fluid, practiced and as expressive as a Charlie Chaplin pantomime. So what exactly is being communicated by this daily ritual? Dal Grano owner Jozef Valko can give you the top-level takeaway: I dont have any dried pasta besides the gluten-free one, he says, matter-of-factly. You read right. The crew at Dal Grano, a strip-center pasta house, makes every length of spaghetti, every elbow of macaroni and every ribbon of pappardelle in-house. Between them, Gomez and Valko produce about a dozen pastas, eight of which can be ordered in four different flavors, including carrot and beet. For those allergic to mental calculations, allow me to do the quick, scratchpad math: Dal Grano cranks out more than 35 varieties of pasta including gnocchi, lasagna sheets, whole-wheat penne, spinach fusilli, stuffed ravioli and squid-ink spaghetti. Many of these beauties display their colors in a glass case by the cash register. Allow me to flash more numbers: Most of the pasta dishes at Dal Grano run between $7 and $14 each, which includes your choice of housemade sauce and an unlimited supply of crisp-and-airy focaccia to sop up the bolognese or carbonara. Did I mention the bread is made here, too? A serving of risotto at Dal Grano in McLean. (Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post) Which brings me to my own takeaway of the pasta-extruder pantomime: In terms of value the price paid versus the amount of work required to prepare dinner I cant think of another Italian restaurant that surpasses the ultra-casual, tangerine-tinted Dal Grano. I mean, these days you cant escape a red-sauce house, where they dump pasta from a box, without dropping 16 bucks or more for a plate of sausage and spaghetti. The first time I dined at Dal Grano, it was late December, and I looked (and probably smelled) like someone who had been sleeping in his car for a week. I had spent the last few days moving a lifetime of accumulated junk to our new home (or to Value Village) and didnt have time to make myself presentable before the restaurant closed. No one behind the counter batted an eye at my street-dog mien, and I proceeded to wolf down a beef-and-bechamel lasagna whose thin pasta sheets almost melted on the tongue. The only resistance came from a top layer of blackened cheese and sauce, its crustiness a ticklish counterpoint to the lush interior. At the time, I could have hugged Valko if, of course, he had allowed me within 10 feet of him. Ive dined at Dal Grano many times since then, and my respect for the kitchens self-reliance has only grown. Chef Oscar Reyes, a veteran of Il Pizzico in Rockville and Primi Piatti downtown, leads a team that produces not just 30-plus pastas but also a saffron risotto (golden in color, rich with chicken stock and Parmesan, more chewy than creamy), a thick roll of porchetta (crusty, fatty and fragrant with sage and rosemary) and a line of sandwiches, including a caprese served on ciabatta so crackly and light that I did a double take. Of course this bread is also housemade. It took me a long time to get the ciabatta right, Valko confides. Look for homemade baguettes in the future. Meat lasagna at Dal Grano in McLean. (Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post) A caprese sandwich on crispy house-made breat at Dal Grano in McLean. (Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post) Valkos scratch approach to Italian cooking is an inherited skill. A native of the former Czechoslovakia, Valko was trained as a mechanical engineer, but like so many immigrants to America, he gravitated toward restaurants once he arrived on U.S. shores in 1990. He started as a pasta maker for Roberto Donna at Galileo, where Valko would eventually become the wine steward overseeing some 1,500 vintages. Valko would later manage Tosca, that white-tablecloth temple of Italian gastronomy, for more than a decade. He called upon both Cesare Lanfranconi, the former chef at Galileo and Tosca, and Matteo Venini, the current chef at Tosca, when designing and refining Dal Granos menu. Such influential friends cannot solve every issue, though. Like personal biases. Your love for Dal Grano, I suspect, will be only as deep as your affection for fresh pasta. Personally, I sometimes prefer the firm, al dente bite of penne dumped straight from a box. I was reminded of this prejudice as Dal Granos furrowed tubes surrendered without a fight when paired with a light, garlicky white wine sauce. The spaghetti, a fresh tomato sauce clinging tightly to its strands, offered all the resistance of polenta, blurring the line between pasta and sauce. [When it comes to pasta, fresh isnt always best] Ravioli with spinach and ricotta in cream sauce at Dal Grano in McLean. (Jahi Chikwendiu/The Washington Post) The egg pastas tend to play well with others. The spinach pappardelle is a bright, verdant peacock with a shy personality, allowing the meaty, though not saucy, wild boar ragu to dominate the plate. The spinach-and-ricotta-stuffed ravioli are soft, supple pockets that provide just enough bitterness to inject some backbone into an otherwise submissive Parmesan cream sauce. Sometimes I think even the freshly extruded pastas can hold their own, perhaps after theyve been rested in the walk-in long enough to give them some tooth; the bucatini coiled at the base of my bowl, for example, stood up well to the salty, pancetta-laced carbonara. Speaking of bowls, the salads, including a crisp-and-vibrant panzanella, are served in wobbly white bowls that do a faceplant on the table whenever you try to spear a vegetable anywhere other than the center of the dish. It is one of those eccentricities that you learn to accept at this hard-working neighborhood eatery. Another one? An owner from central Europe who stocks Czech beers so, every once in a while, he can crack open a bottle and have a taste of home right in his Italian pasta shop. Left, Dominique Ansel Bakery's Cronut, a pastry that melds a croissant and a doughnut, debuted in 2013 and is available only at Ansel's SoHo bakery. Right, the Croissant Doughnut from Dunkin' Donuts was introduced a year later, and aims to capitalize on foodies' desire to try the real thing. (Left; photo by Thomas Schauer; right; Matt McClain/The Washington Post) To taste a Cronut an actual, legit Cronut you must be willing to brave the sea of humanity that amasses each morning outside Dominique Ansel Bakery in Manhattan. You can also go to a Dunkin Donuts in pretty much any city and order something thats kind of like Ansels iconic pastry, cut from croissant dough and then deep fried. Or, in Sacramento, you could have a Doissant. In San Francisco, you can scarf down a Cruffin, which is not a doughnut at all, but hey, close enough. Given how fast food trends emerge and travel, its not surprising that theres a Cronut, or Faux-nuts. But the hottest food trend of the past five years may be copycatting. Call it food plagiarism. And the examples go way beyond the Cronut. Kimchi quesadillas and short-rib tacos were the brilliant pairings that launched Los Angeless Roy Choi and the Kogi food trucks and then set off an echo-boom of Korean-taco knockoffs. New Yorks Doughnut Plant claims to have cooked up square jelly doughnuts nearly a decade ago; but now you can have one at Washingtons Astro Doughnuts. Do you drool over the over-the-top cakes with ganache drippings that Australian home baker Katherine Sabbath posts for her nearly 300,000 Instagram followers? Buzz Bakery can sell you an homage, and so can plenty of other shops from New York to California. And for a doughy bun overstuffed with a slab of fatty pork belly and a schmear of hoisin, you can head to one of the restaurants in David Changs growing Momofuku empire, or any of the quintillion American ramen shops made in Momofukus image. Once upon a time, a chef produced something, and it slowly made its way around, by people eating there, by word-of-mouth, by traditional media, says David Sax, author of The Tastemakers, which traces the evolution of food crazes. This is how it worked in the days of the Caesar salad and the baked Alaska. But if cooking has always revolved around adapting and perfecting existing dishes, why does this feel different? One word: speed. Its happening so quickly, its impossible to control, says Sax. Point a pastry-cream-covered finger at Instagram, which provides the blueprints for bakers in Ohio and Jakarta to start food-coloring perfectly good bagels the unholy hues of a Grateful Dead T-shirt. And dont forget the foodies, eager and willing to gobble up the edible equivalent of a fake Fendi bag. But unlike the purses of Canal Street, food copycats may even affirm the value of the real deals and turn an unknown chef who spawns a trend into a household name. If no one copies your pork bun or your rainbow bagel, if nobody cared enough to even imitate it, says Sax, that means it doesnt resonate with anyone. Washingtons Takorean makes Korean tacos, including this one with caramelized tofu and spiced kale with lime crema. (Kate Patterson) Little Sesame, a new Washington hummus shop, offers a bowl topped with beets, hazelnuts and herbs thats similar to a dish served at Philadelphias Dizengoff. (Lavanya Ramanathan/The Washington Post) Copyright vs. copycats James Beard Award-winning chef Mike Solomonov and his business partner, Steven Cook, have opened several popular Philadelphia eateries: Israeli restaurant Zahav; a hummus place known as Dizengoff; and a Korean-chicken-and-doughnuts joint called Federal Donuts. And his fans, he says, email him when they spot what look like plagiarists. Dizengoff serves a hummus bowl with beets and hazelnuts, and in Washington, hummus restaurant Little Sesame serves a hummus bowl with beets and hazelnuts. Phoenixs Welcome Chicken + Doughnuts looks a lot like Federal Donuts. Its sometimes a little bit weird, Solomonov confesses. Youre, like, Wow, theyre doing Korean fried chicken and doughnuts? Wouldnt they want to do something different? But hes learned to shrug it off. We didnt invent Korean fried chicken, and we didnt invent cake doughnuts, he says. In fact, hes convinced that somewhere in Israel, a chef is looking at his restaurants and yelling, What the $*#)? We all copy each other anyway, he says. Especially when youre young and inexperienced you do what you know is going to make people happy. Sometimes, however, the plagiarist isnt a naive young chef. Burger King boldly hawks the Big King, which is exactly what it sounds like: an uncanny match, double patty for double patty, sesame-seed bun for sesame-seed bun, for McDonalds Big Mac. Another burger chain, Red Robin, has begun serving a towering new sammy that unabashedly apes New York chef Keizo Shimamotos behemoth trend food, the Ramen Burger. In March, frozen-yogurt chain 16 Handles unveiled MMMilk & Cereal, a cornflakes-flavored treat that chief executive Solomon Choi proudly declared you wont see anywhere else. But we have: At Milk Bar dessert shops, where Christina Tosis Cereal Milk soft-serve has been one of the most iconic sugar rushes of the past decade. MMMilk & Cereal was hastily renamed Cereal Bowl, but it remained on 16 Handles taps. How is that possible? Cereal Milk has been a staple soft-serve flavor at Christina Tosis Milk Bar for years. Last month, frozen-yogurt chain 16 Handles unveiled a flavor it called MMMilk & Cereal. (Katherine Frey/The Washington Post) Chefs can protect the names of their unique creations think Boardwalk Fries, the Cronut or Coca-Cola says Michael F. Snyder, a Philadelphia lawyer experienced in food industry intellectual property law. Its far harder, he says, to prove that someones dish is a knockoff, mostly because its a high bar to prove that yours is original. What about a recipe? Forget it. In the eyes of the U.S. Copyright Office (and the courts), recipes are just lists of ingredients that cant be copyrighted; neither can a chef copyright a work derived from something that already existed. And what chef can argue that theyve created not only a new dish, but also the cooking techniques that went into it? Designs, like the ridges in a Ruffles potato chip, can be copyrighted if theyre unique, Snyder says, but once a chef cooks a dish on a television show or publishes a cookbook, a business secret becomes fair game. Even so, Ansel published a version of his Cronut recipe for home cooks. I dont think worrying about imitators is a healthy way to create, he says by email. Protecting yourself and your intellectual property is something Ive had to learn to do. Ansel trademarked the Cronut name, but not for the reasons you might expect. He was prompted, he says, by trademark trolls, who sweep in and trademark something they didnt create and later prevent the creators from using the name. And he doesnt think that plagiarism is just part of the business. Quite the opposite, actually, he says. I think the nature of the business is for chefs to create and express their own styles. Who started it? For eons, dining has evolved as ideas are built upon ideas. A new dish tweaking some stale old dish emerges. Chefs also pass on techniques to their underlings. Plenty of people know how to make our hummus, Solomonov says of his former chefs. There are no secrets. A restaurants real intellectual property, he argues, are the intangibles: service, consistency, mood and ambience. It isnt the recipes at all. Philadelphia chef Mike Solomonov says that fans write him when they see knockoffs of his dishes around the country. (Mike Persico) Chef Keizo Shimamoto created the Ramen Burger, modeled after Japanese street food and the fare at In-N-Out Burger. Now, chain Red Robin offers a version. (Aaron Davidson/Getty Images for Food Network SoBe Wine & Food Festival) Perhaps this is why chefs rarely call one another out publicly for food plagiarism but do frequently accuse each other of stealing a concept, a name or a restaurants look. Often, they do it in a good old-fashioned legal filing, says Snyder. In one of the most memorable cases, the U.S. Supreme Court weighed in on whether one Texas fast-food chain, Two Pesos, had mimicked the appearance of another, Taco Cabana. It awarded millions to Taco Cabana. In New York, the Kati Roll Company sued in 2014 when a competitor opened with a similar name and common colors in its logos and interior design, not to mention dishes that smacked of food plagiarism. The rivals response? If the food was similar, wasnt it because both restaurants served traditional Indian food, which is thousands of years old? The other restaurant eventually changed its name, but it had a point. Who can lay claim to dishes that seem to have appeared out of nowhere and spread like wildfire? Who knows who fried the first batch of crispy Brussels sprouts, or who first eyed a flavorless iceberg-lettuce salad and decided to use kale instead? Its an industry where no idea is truly original, says Sax, although these days, chefs do take credit for stuff. They Instagram it, and they hashtag it. Thats the currency by which theyre building their brand. David Chang, he says, didnt create ramen. Dominque Ansel did not invent doughnuts or croissants, or even some cream-stuffed proofed dough pastry. Of their copycats, Sax says, while it may seem like intellectual thievery and rip-offs, fundamentally, this is how the culture of food moves forward. If a chef puts something on their menu that they werent the first to do, thats not a crime. Thats cuisine. Dear Heloise: I needed an inexpensive work area, so I took an old wooden-type door, removed the doorknob and placed it on top of two sturdy, two-drawer file cabinets. The hole in the door where the knob was is toward the back, and it accommodates electrical cords from my computer, phone, lamp, chargers, etc. There is a power strip on the floor for the electrical cords. The file cabinets, which are on opposite ends of the door, give me a place to store my work. The work space is immense, too. James, via email James: this is a great hint for anyone, and perfect (low or no cost) for college students, a spare room or a garage. Cheap and easy to take apart. Dear Heloise: In response to your plug for our public libraries, my husband and I check out CD books to listen to as we travel. What a joy to hear a book on our way to visit family. Sharon and Mel B., Fulton, Miss. Sharon and Mel B.: It is a nice way to pass the time! Readers, do yourself a favor and visit a library! You never know what you will discover there. Dear Heloise: Do you, by any chance, have an easy and quick recipe for a jelly sauce I can use when I serve meat or fish dishes? The easier, the better! Brad, via email Brad: Absolutely, and its so easy, youll wonder, Why didnt I think of that? Heres my Spicy Swedish Meatballs sauce. Use equal portions of grape jelly and cocktail (red) sauce. Put in a medium saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until just bubbling. Then remove the pan from the heat and pour over the fish/meat, or use as a dipping-type sauce. For the Spicy Swedish Meatballs recipe and other family recipes in my Main Dishes and More pamphlet, visit my website, Heloise.com, to order, or send $3 and a stamped (71 cents), self-addressed, business-size envelope to: Heloise/Main Dishes, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Try experimenting with other jellies; you may prefer a different one. Add a little kick to the sauce with a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of chili powder. Bon appetit! Dear Heloise: When my clothes are slightly wrinkled and I dont have time to iron them, I put them in my dryer with a wet microfiber cloth and let them tumble for a few minutes. I do this on mornings when I am getting ready for work rather than take time to iron the garment. If its really wrinkled, then yes, I iron it. Judy Z., via email Dear Readers: When you grill something that cooks for only a short time, such as fish, have portions of another meat ready to cook. Why waste the hot coals? Put some baking potatoes on the grill, and you have a meal for the next night. Heloises column appears six days a week at washingtonpost.com/advice. Send a hint to Heloise , P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Tex. 78279-5000, or email it to Heloise@Heloise.com. Cliff Curtis wasnt the first choice to play an obese and homeless former chess prodigy with a mouthful of missing teeth, a bad haircut and a tenuous grip on sanity. Its not that the 47-year-old Maori actor isnt talented or hard-working; hes just too good-looking and charismatic to imagine in such a role. Director James Napier Robertson, who was in town recently to promote his new movie, The Dark Horse, says he never even considered auditioning Curtis, arguably New Zealands biggest movie star. (Spoiler alert: Curtis got the part.) The actor, who first came to the attention of Hollywood in such acclaimed New Zealand films as Once Were Warriors and Whale Rider, is now chiefly known for playing the ethnically ambiguous tough guy, as he puts it. (Curtis spoke by phone from Mexico, where he is shooting the zombie TV spinoff Fear the Walking Dead.) Inspired by the life of New Zealander Genesis Potini, who died of a heart attack in 2011, The Dark Horse revolves around Potinis struggles with bipolar illness and homelessness, amid his redemptive efforts to establish a chess club for underprivileged kids. Under Potinis tutelage, the Eastern Knights chess club in Gisborne went on to compete in the national junior chess tournament. [Review:Hard to watch but powerful, Dark Horse is Cliff Curtiss breakout role] Curtis says that when he got hold of the script, which he had received from a friend auditioning for another role, he was immediately drawn to Potinis inspirational tale and asked to read for the part. But the director made what seemed like two deal-breaking stipulations before he would even contemplate casting Curtis: Put on 50 pounds and remain in character for the duration of the six-week shoot. James Napier Robertson appears at the L.A. Premiere of THE DARK HORSE. (Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP) I said, Im sorry, I cant do it, the actor says. I couldnt sign on those lines, with that insistence. It wasnt going to work for me. Thus began a delicate process of negotiation between Curtis and his 34-year-old director, a fellow Kiwi and former actor himself (Power Rangers: Dino Thunder) whose only previous film, Im Not Harry Jenson, also featured a troubled outsider. Robertson, a chess aficionado, likens their back-and-forth to a chess game: He kind of made the first move. I countered. He got a sense that it was so important to me that he agreed. We had to capture Genesis. Cliff eventually bought into it. Curtis describes his change of heart this way: Once we got into the process, I found my own way of agreeing with what James was thinking. It was an exceptional role, so it required an exceptional process. That process began with Curtis adding 50 pounds to his lean, 6-foot, 200-pound frame fueled by several high-calorie meals a day and washed down with his secret weapon: multiple beers. The first 25 pounds, Curtis says, were easy. But the second 25? Not so much. I felt sick, nauseous, he says. Yet the hardest part was yet to come: inhabiting Genesiss fragile psyche. Thats not something I felt I could switch on and off between takes, Curtis says. So he jumped into it wholeheartedly. Robertson recalls showing up at 5:30 a.m. to shoot the films opening scene, which features a manic, unmedicated Genesis wandering in the rain, mumbling incoherently and playing chess with himself, before he is taken into custody and involuntarily committed. When he got to the set, Robertson says, Curtis was already there, ready to go. I had stayed up the entire night before, Curtis recalls, drinking beers and working on perfecting that game of chess and that manic state. I slept, briefly, on the side of the road on the way to work. Curtis explains his willingness to go to such extremes as service to the legacy of Genesis. Although he admits that The Dark Horse is not necessarily an original story, he says the simple appeal of its central theme If we want to help ourselves, its a good start to help others is powerful. The film, he notes, is being shown in schools in New Zealand, where its message of hope can be delivered to those who need it most. The actor wasnt quite so eloquent about things when The Dark Horse was screened at the 2014 Toronto Film Festival, where he famously refused to speak to reporters, for unusual reasons. By that time, the actor had already moved on to his next movie role: Jesus Christ, or Yeshua, as the character is called, in Risen. Not only did Curtis have to shed the 50 pounds (I needed a bit of help with that), but he also had taken, for reasons he cant quite explain, a vow of silence while filming the biblical-themed story. I cant say that I lived as Jesus, Curtis says, in the way that I lived as Genesis. But after coming off The Dark Horse, I was in a state of service. I spoke to pretty much no one, apart from my wife. I didnt speak to the director, anyone on set or the other characters, except when I was in character. And I didnt have a lot of dialogue. In the midst of the Risen shoot, Curtis was invited to the Toronto premiere of The Dark Horse, only to face a host of journalists who wanted to talk about the chess film, which was already a hit in New Zealand. I was like, Oh, no, he says. But Im going to stick with it. The actor conducted all of his interviews through handwritten notes, typed responses and nodding. Curtis now acknowledges the silliness of that stunt and insists that he hadnt permanently lost his mind or changed his working methods. For a lot of jobs, Im happy to just show up, say my lines and go home, he says. For many directors, his behavior while making The Dark Horse and Risen would be considered indulgent, as he puts it. But the actor known for playing rapists, drug dealers, terrorists and other heavies says that the cumulative effect of playing Genesis and Jesus back-to-back two characters whose central affect is love, not lunacy has laid a bit of a head trip on him that has lasted to this day. In life, as in acting, he says, its good to be a little crazy. The Dark Horse (R, 124 minutes). At area theaters. Sanibel Island is known for its plentiful shells, which visitors can learn more about at the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. ( Selina Kok for The Washington POst/ ) Aviva Brickman, 11, had been on Sanibel Island, Fla., with her family for less than 24 hours and was already on her third shell hunt. This session was a little more official: a guided beach walk with a marine naturalist from the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. Heres a fighting conch I found, said Aviva, holding up the swirled mollusk casing expertly identified by museum biologist Stefanie Wolf. Its fun to learn more about shells, but mostly I just like the different shapes and colors. Everything here is so different from the beaches at home. There are so many more shells and palm trees. Home for Aviva is Potomac, Md., and shes most familiar with Rehoboth Beach in Delaware. For this trip, in December, 12 people in her immediate and extended family were gathered on the island on Floridas west coast partly because of its reputation as a world-famous shelling destination. There are spectacularly large amounts of shells here, said her father, Aaron Brickman. I hadnt paid that much attention to the individual types, but after the talk, I have more of a trained eye. Like this spiny jewel box. He held up a small, spike-covered white shell that we had just learned was a bivalve two halves hinged with a strong, flexible ligament. Now I see them everywhere. Meanwhile, 10-year-old Baoying Scott, from Eugene, Ore., was filling her bucket with a random assortment of shells, reluctant to choose favorites. I like looking at all of them, especially the ones with color, she said. Her mother, Ellen Scott, quickly added: Were going to collect and then sort. We cant take them all home. In Oregon, we see mostly mussels and clams, so learning about the different shells here was quite amazing. Where those visitors saw beauty, I now envisioned a battlefield, or at least the aftermath of one, thanks to our pre-walk talk by leader Wolf. Like many people who stoop for occasional shells, I had never connected them with living animals, much less warriors of the sea. But Wolf, who poured a big bag of shells on a table before the walk, explained and showed evidence of how, for instance, lightning whelks devour bivalves, crabs sloppily rip through shells to eat the mollusks living within, and other mollusks suck each other up. For instance, the holes you find in shells that seem to be natures gentle suggestion to turn a shell into jewelry? Actually, those holes are drilled by other mollusks after squirting them with a shell-softener enzyme to allow the predator access to the animals innards. The majority of shells eat each other, Wolf said, matter-of-factly. Thats how they die. Although death is not what one typically ponders while strolling the shoreline, the topic woke me up to the existence of mollusks soft-bodied animals with no backbones, usually encased in a shell the second most diverse group of animals on Earth. More than half of mollusks are gastropods, comprising 70,000 living species of marine, terrestrial and freshwater snails and slugs, according to the museum. About 20,000 are bivalves, such as clams, scallops and my favorite little colorful darlings, coquinas. Virtually no one has any idea where shells come from, including the people who live here on Sanibel, museum executive director Dorrie Hipschman told me later, after Id professed my ignorance. Since taking the helm at the museum in 2013, Hipschman has instituted the walks, offered daily, as well as regular live tank talks at the museum, which this year have increased to one nearly every hour the museum is open. She hopes to add more tanks in the future. Baoying Scott, from Eugene, Ore., holds up a shell she found on Sanibel Island during a guided beach walk. ( Selina Kok for The Washington Post/ ) Everyone comes to Sanibel loving shells, she said. We try to translate that love and passion into an understanding of the creatures that create the shells. After Wolf demonstrated the many ways mollusks kill each other, she admonished us to not kill them ourselves by collecting live shells illegal in Lee County, which includes Sanibel. In 2013, the county adopted the most stringent shell-collecting rules in the state. Wolf showed us how to look for signs of life inside the shell, including tips for spotting live echinoderms sand dollars, sea urchins and sea stars, which also are covered by the shelling law. The museum, however, gets an occasional pass in the name of science. A couple times a month at low tide, we collect live shells for food for other shells, Wolf said. I had a clearer understanding of that a few hours later, when I caught up with Wolf again at the museum during a live tank talk. Every morning I come in, I can tell who has eaten who, she said to the crowd while digging her hand into the sand to hold up a shiny lettered olive, a small mollusk that self-polishes to reduce friction while traveling through sand. Its the fastest shell in the tank, she said, placing it back in the water. Look, its already digging. Wolf then pointed out a horse conch, a large predator. She reminded us to occasionally watch its progression as it moved across the floor of the tank by thrusting its foot against the bottom while lurching through the sand. By the end of her talk, it had reached the other side. Daniel, a former Floridian, is a freelance writer based in the Netherlands. Her website is bydianedaniel.com. More from Travel: Shell game: Off Floridas coast, harvesting scallops is an underwater Easter egg hunt In the Florida Keys, sunrises are a spectator sport Planning a trip to Miami Beach? Go north for a different vibe. THE DISTRICT Suspect arrested in Friday slaying D.C. police on Friday arrested a suspect hours after a fatal early-morning stabbing that occurred in an apartment in Southeast Washington. Dani Hilliard, 26, of Southeast Washington, was arrested on a charge of second-degree murder while armed. Police identified the victim as Paul Ivey, 37, of Southeast Washington. Authorities released few details but said officers were dispatched about 1:20 a.m. to a residence in the 4400 block of Livingston Road SE, near the Washington Highlands neighborhood. Authorities would not say whether the suspect and victim knew each other. Victoria St. Martin and Peter Hermann Associate of Gray sentenced in tax case A Washington businessman and campaign finance director for former mayor Vincent C. Gray (D) was sentenced Friday to 60 days in prison for failing to file tax returns in 2011. Reuben O. Charles II, 46, pleaded guilty in January to a federal misdemeanor tax charge before U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan in Washington. Chutkan ordered Charles to serve the sentence over 20 consecutive weekends, pay $127,848 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service and serve three years probation. Charles was an information technology consultant to the District government and Metro who became a prominent fundraiser in Grays successful 2010 campaign for mayor. Charles managed Grays transition but fell out of the running for chief of staff amid publicity about a series of lawsuits and liens from his time as a venture capitalist in St. Louis. Prosecutors said Charles appeared to resume filing certain tax returns when working for Gray but stopped when he was passed over for the chief-of-staff job. Spencer S. Hsu MARYLAND Arrest is made in 2013 fatal shooting A Takoma Park man has been arrested in a 2013 homicide, according to Prince Georges County police. Aurain Azoo Delahaye, 34, has been charged with first- and second-degree murder in the slaying of Nii Akpeng, 23, police said. Both men were at a party on Nov. 29, 2013, in the 3700 block of West Street in Landover, police said. After the party, at about 4:50 a.m., the two got into a fight and Delahaye shot Akpeng during the altercation, police said. Lynh Bui VIRGINIA Seven-year sentence given for sex assaults A 19-year-old man was sentenced Wednesday to serve seven years of a 20-year sentence after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting two women in Arlington in July and September 2015, Arlington officials said. Melvin Perez-Bonilla was charged with two counts of abduction with intent to defile in October 2015 and pleaded guilty April 13, according to a statement released by police. Police used DNA analysis to connect Perez-Bonilla to a July 25 attack on a woman and to an assault Sept. 29 the same year. In a spirited speech on April 15, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser called for a vote on statehood for the District of Columbia. (DCN) In a spirited speech on April 15, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser called for a vote on statehood for the District of Columbia. (DCN) D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser on Friday called for a citywide vote in November on making the nations capital the 51st state, resurrecting a decades-old plan to thrust the issue before Congress and raise awareness across the country about District residents lack of full citizenship. I propose we take another bold step toward democracy in the District of Columbia, Bowser (D) said at a breakfast attracting hundreds of city residents, Democratic members of Congress and civil rights leaders marking the 154th anniversary of President Abraham Lincolns emancipation of slaves in the nations capital. Its going to require that we send a bold message to the Congress and the rest of the country that we demand not only a vote in the House of Representatives, she said. We demand two senators the full rights of citizenship in this great nation. The mayors announcement appeared poised to ratchet up tension between the Districts Democratic majority and its federal overseers in a Republican-controlled Congress. [D.C. is about to declare its independence from Congress] The Washington Posts Aaron Davis explains why D.C. is fighting Congress to control its own budget and why Congress says thats a violation of the Constitution. (Ashleigh Joplin/The Washington Post) The District is already challenging Congress over its authority to approve local city spending. This year, for the first time, Bowser and the D.C. Council plan to enact a local spending plan totaling $13 billion without congressional appropriation of those funds. Instead, the city will begin spending its money unless federal lawmakers act to stop it. While some conservatives have expressed support for giving the District more control of its local tax dollars, Republicans have universally said statehood remains a non-starter. Statehood would give the District which has never elected anyone other than a Democrat to citywide office in an open election two Senate seats that could tip the balance of power in the chamber for years to come. Im a big one for local control of tax dollars, said Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), chairman of the subcommittee that handles D.C. affairs. But when it becomes a slippery slope in an effort to give de facto statehood, that is not something that is going to be met with the same kind of genteel receptivity. Bowser left little doubt Friday that she sees the citys fight for fiscal independence as a steppingstone to statehood. She announced her plan for a vote in November saying it will be critical to seize on whatever national attention and exposure might come from the citys fiscal battle with Congress to make the larger case for statehood. And doing so in a presidential election year will put the issue front and center for the next president and Congress, she said. The mayors administration is still in discussions with D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) about how that would work. But largely, Bowser plans a push for statehood that would follow a process known as the Tennessee model. When Tennessee applied to become the 16th state, it was the first federal territory to do so, and Congress allowed for an abbreviated path to statehood. Residents of the would-be state voted to ratify a constitution and pledged to begin a republic form of government. Congress then admitted Tennessee into the union in 1796 without requiring ratification by the existing states. D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser on Friday calls for a citywide vote to petition Congress for D.C. statehood, saying city residents Zip codes should not determine if they have representation. (Matt McClain/The Washington Post) In the early 1980s, the District attempted the same path. Then-Mayor Marion Barry petitioned Congress for statehood, but the request was largely ignored. Bowsers administration has begun the work of updating the constitution city voters ratified in 1982 for that effort, as well as a subsequent version the D.C. Council drafted in 1987. But updating the constitution could be tricky. The 58-page document approved by voters is filled with numerous provisions that lost some support from even Barry during the last effort. For example, the constitution includes a provision that requires the new state to provide jobs or adequate incomes to all city residents. It also would allow firefighters and police the right to strike. The document envisions a governor, lieutenant governor, 40-member unicameral legislature and locally controlled two-tier court system. To petition for statehood, constitutional scholars have also advised the Bowser administration that voters should also be asked whether to repeal the 23rd Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave D.C. residents the right to vote for president but not members of Congress. In an interview, Bowser said she was confident that the city could place the statehood question on Novembers ballot but was unsure whether a new state constitution would be ready by then. The important part is were changing the starting point for the statehood conversation, Bowser said. Instead of waiting for congressional action, we want the people of the District of Columbia to speak, she said. We want to demonstrate, by a vote of the people, support for statehood in the District of Columbia. As Bowser spoke, nearly 200 statehood advocates got a head start, holding a demonstration and march on the Capitol, where they chanted What do we want? Statehood! When do we want it? Now! Michael Stanisich brought his two sons, Estin, 9 and Aiden, 7. I have spent the bulk of my career in international development, working with marginalized and disenfranchised communities around the world and, well, theres no place like home. Its kind of ironic, Stanisich said. At home, we cant get it done. . . . I do think, maybe, if it was 95 percent Republicans, maybe the tables would be turned. Speaking at the breakfast, Bowser said there is special injustice in holding back rights for the District because of politics. Some in Congress say . . . the reason why D.C. residents cant have full access to the franchise is because of too many Democrats, Bowser said. Can you believe that? Do you think access to democracy is a Democratic or Republican issue? No, its an American issue. Mike DeBonis contributed to this report. Former D.C. mayor Vincent C. Gray during an interview with The Washington Post on Jan. 29, 2016. (Evelyn Hockstein/For The Washington Post) A Washington businessman and campaign finance director for former mayor Vincent C. Gray (D) was sentenced Friday to 60 days in prison for failing to file tax returns in 2011. Reuben O. Charles II, 46, pleaded guilty in January to a federal misdemeanor tax charge before U.S. District Judge Tanya S. Chutkan in Washington. Chutkan ordered Charles to serve the sentence over 20 consecutive weekends, pay $127,848 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service and serve three years probation. [Former Gray aide indicted on tax charges] In court papers, prosecutors said Charles avoided paying at least that amount in federal taxes due on income of $774,000 for 2010 and 2011. He also failed to file federal returns from 2003 to 2006, and was subject to three city of St. Louis tax cases, prosecutors said. Charles was an information technology consultant to the District government and Metro who became a prominent fundraiser in Grays successful 2010 campaign for mayor. Charles managed Grays transition but fell out of the running for chief of staff after publicity surrounding a series of lawsuits and liens from his time as a venture capitalist in St. Louis. Prosecutors said Charles appeared to resume filing certain returns when working for Gray but stopped when passed over for the chief of staff job. [Campaign operatives past looms large in his future with next D.C. mayor ] Charless attorney Marlon C. Griffith said Charles became a target of prosecutors in the years-long probe into the illegal financing of Grays 2010 campaign, which U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips ended in December without charges against the former mayor. [Probe ends without charges against former D.C. mayor Vincent Gray] Responding to repeated questioning became so costly that Charles began to voluntarily meet prosecutors without counsel, Griffith said, and created massive emotional, mental and financial stress on Charless family and business. For five long years Mr. Charles, II screamed in silence that he did nothing wrong, but felt that no one was listening to him, Griffith wrote in court papers. In a minuscule way Mr. Charles, II views this resolution as a tacit admission by the Government that he was not involved in any wrongdoing as it related to the Gray Campaign. A California appeals court on Thursday upheld the states laws regarding teacher tenure, dismissal and layoffs, handing a major victory to teachers unions. The ruling overturns a lower courts 2014 decision that found after a 10-week trial that job-protection statutes for teachers had created illegal inequalities: Poor and minority children were more likely to be saddled with ineffective teachers who were difficult to fire. The plaintiffs in the case presented a new civil rights argument against teacher tenure laws, and when it was successful, it was widely expected to be the first of many similar legal challenges in other states. One such suit is pending in New York, and another was filed this week in Minnesota. [California court strikes down teacher tenure] The California appeals court agreed that deplorable staffing decisions have harmed poor and minority children in Californias public schools. But those decisions were the fault of school system administrators and not the result of the laws themselves, a three-judge panel of the appeals court found. The courts job is merely to determine whether the statutes are constitutional, not if they are a good idea, the court said in its opinion. The evidence did not show that the challenged statutes inevitably cause this impact. The nine plaintiffs in the case, Vergara v. California, are public-school students backed by Students Matter, an advocacy group. They immediately pledged to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court of California. We came to court to defend the rights of Californias public school students and will continue to do so, despite todays temporary setback, Theodore J. Boutrous Jr., a lawyer representing the plaintiffs, said in a statement. The Court of Appeals decision mistakenly blames local school districts for the egregious constitutional violations students are suffering each and every day, but the mountain of evidence we put on at trial proved beyond any reasonable dispute that the irrational, arbitrary, and abominable laws at issue in this case shackle school districts and impose severe and irreparable harm on students. Unions have described the lawsuit as part of a broader attack on organized labor. Lily Eskelsen Garcia, president of the National Education Association, the largest teachers union in the country, hailed the appeals court decision as a win for our educators, our schools and most importantly, our students. Ensuring that every student gets a good education is a critical goal but one that cant be solved with stripping our teachers of their rights, she said. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, said that attacking teachers in the courts does not help attract new talent to the profession. It is vitally important that every single child, particularly the kids who brought this case, receive a great public education, Weingarten said. That starts with recruiting, retaining and supporting teachers, not blaming educators for societal problems or stripping away their voice. Terence Strait speaks with a voter after the 4th Congressional District candidates forum. He was arrested April 15 in Washington after participating in protests against money in politics. (Mark Gail for The Washington Post) A Democratic candidate in Marylands 4th Congressional District race was arrested and released Friday along with scores of protesters staging a sit-in demonstration on the steps of the U.S. Capitol. Terence Strait, 35, is one of six Democrats running for the nomination to succeed Rep. Donna F. Edwards (D-Md.), who is running for U.S. Senate. Straits election chances are remote, but he said his campaign is about drawing attention to issues Sen. Bernie Sanders has popularized in his run for the presidency. [Terence Strait: Bernie-crat faces long odds in Maryland congressional race] Strait was charged with crowding, obstructing and incommoding after he and several dozen other people sat down on the Capitol steps about 1:30 p.m. for a teach-in. The demonstration was part of Democracy Spring, a week-long mobilization of activists protesting the influence of big money in politics. This is really what is the big challenge of today, said Strait, who left his federal job to run for office. He has struggled to generate enough campaign contributions to compete with the primary front-runners, one of whom has raised more than $1 million. Big money makes it difficult for ordinary people to get involved in politics, he said. Strait was detained, processed and cited for $50. He will have to pay the fine Saturday at Capitol Police headquarters but the arrest will not appear as a conviction on his record. After he was released, Strait rejoined the protest but did so in an area designated by police. I think every generation has their issues that they fight for, he said, adding that he thinks public financing would go a long way to reform the political process. I think its a great opportunity for candidates to show that they care about these issues, he said. Kathleen Matthews, right, a Democrat in Marylands 8th Congressional District race, greets supporters after a forum last year in Rockville. (Evelyn Hockstein for The Washington Post) Maryland congressional candidate Kathleen Matthews has put $500,000 of her own money into her 8th District Democratic primary race, according to new campaign spending reports filed with the Federal Election Commission. Matthewss disclosure only swells the river of cash that has made the primary one of the most expensive House races in the country, with total fundraising topping $15 million. The former WJLA anchor and Marriott executive was presumed to have the financial upper hand before Potomac wine retailer David Trone entered the race, just before the Feb. 3 filing deadline. Trone has vowed to spend as much of his personal fortune as it takes to win the April 26 primary. Filings show that he has contributed just under $10 million and has almost $950,000cash on hand. [Why Trone is willing to spend millions of his own money to get to Congress] Matthews whose new TV ad has her expressing confidence that Maryland voters will reject the notion that congressional seats can be purchased like an expensive bottle of wine said in a statement that she owed it to her supporters to try to remain competitive. Weve been incredibly successful, but when one of our opponents decided to spend record-breaking amounts, I believed I had a responsibility to my generous supporters to ensure we had the resources to run a winning campaign, Matthews said. The $500,000 personal contribution made in two $250,000 segments March 17 and April 4 matches the half-million dollars she raised in the first quarter of 2016. She has collected $2 million since beginning her campaign in the summer. Matthews had $424,000 cash on hand as of April 6. She is also underwritten by $250,000 in independent expenditures on her behalf from a super PAC aligned with Emilys List. The group, which works to elect Democratic women who support abortion rights, has spent $200,000 on mailings for Matthews. She was outraised in the first quarter by her other principal opponent, state Sen. Jamie B. Raskin (Montgomery), who collected just under $561,000, giving him a total of $1.8 million for the 2015-2016 cycle. Raskin has $624,000 in the bank, according to his new report. Trone disclosed in a newspaper ad this week that he had spent $9.1 million through early April. His report fills in some of the details. [Five things to know about Kathleen Matthews] The largest share went to GMMB, a Washington political media firm that purchased his television, radio and digital advertising. Trone also spent more than $800,000 for his extensive direct-mail effort. The report also shows that Trones campaign was effectively up and running months before he formally announced his candidacy in late January. Trones campaign manager, Kurt Staiger, and other staff were on salary as early as August. Pollster Harrison Hickman and two research-and-consulting firms, inVeritas of Little Rock and Zero Week Solutions of Los Angeles, were also on board last year. Trones own contributions in the pre-campaign period came to at least $1.8 million. Under the FECs Testing the Waters provisions, prospective candidates are allowed to spend funds but are bound by the same fundraising regulations that are in place during a campaign, with individual donations limited to $5,400. But Trone, who took no outside funds, was free to spend as much as he wanted. Trone spokesman Andrew Friedson said the campaign hired lawyer Scott Thomas, a former FEC commissioner, to help him every step of the way to ensure he was complying with both the letter and the spirit of the law. The other five Democratic contenders for the seat being vacated by Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D) continued to lag far behind the top tier. Among this group, Will Jawando, a former Obama White House aide, was the top fundraiser for the quarter, reporting $125,596, with cash on hand of $79,041. Former State Department official Joel Rubin collected $105,972 and reported $49,033 in the bank. He has also been supported by a Pittsburgh-based super PAC that spent nearly $40,000 on digital ads and has about $60,000 left. Del. Kumar P. Barve (Montgomery) raised $70,000 and is left with $64,409 cash on hand. [Ana Sol-Gutierrez tries to become the first Salvadoran American in Congress] Del. Ana Sol Gutierrez (Montgomery) raised just $22,085 in the first quarter but has $167,600 cash on hand from previous fundraising. That includes $94,500 in personal loans she has made to the campaign. Nonprofit executive David M. Anderson raised $10,039 since the first of the year, leaving him with $26,653 in cash. He has also contributed $60,000 in personal loans. On the Republican side, Silver Spring media consultant Aryeh Shudofsky raised $9,447 in the first quarter and had $7,822 cash on hand. Frederick lawyer Dan Cox collected $8,515 and has $5,373 in the bank. Silver Spring business consultant Liz Matory and Silver Spring lawyer Shelly Skolnick said Friday that they were still completing their reports. Bethesda pastor Jeffrey W. Jones has not reached the $5,000 fundraising threshold that triggers the requirement to file a report. D.C. police on Friday arrested a suspect hours after an early morning fatal stabbing that occurred inside an apartment in Southeast Washington. Dani Hilliard, 26, of Southeast, was arrested on a charge of second-degree murder while armed. The suspect could have an initial court appearance later Friday or on Saturday. Police identified the victim as Paul Ivey, 37, of Southeast. Authorities released few details but said officers responded about 1:20 a.m. to a residence in the 4400 block of Livingston Road SE, near the Washington Highlands neighborhood. Police said the victim died at a hospital. Authorities would not say whether the suspect and victim knew each other but they classified the incident as domestic-related. Authorities in Culpeper County, Va., recorded 11 heroin overdoses in the first 12 days of the month. Then, on Wednesday, three happened in the span of a day. Sheriff Scott H. Jenkins said investigators suspect a stronger-than-normal heroin or one that is mixed with a synthetic opioid is to blame. I ask citizens to be alert to the symptoms of heroin use, he said in a press release. If you have friends or family that you suspect may be abusing heroin, or might abuse heroin, talk to them about this dangerous drug on the streets now. While Jenkins described this particular batch of heroin as deadly, no one has yet died from an overdose, but some have come close. Investigators say the heroin may be mixed with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is approximately 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine. Fentanyl can be absorbed through the skin and cause fatal reactions, authorities said. Jenkins asked friends or family of drug abusers or suspected drug abusers to be on alert for symptoms of heroin use. Normally talkative or active people who may seem sleepy or disoriented should not be left alone, he said. Contact your local health provider, or if it is an emergency, call 911. Each spring, the D.C. regions transportation leaders and safety advocates hold events to raise awareness about travel safety. These events are meant to get the attention of every type of traveler. They include pleas from people who have lived through close encounters with errant drivers while walking, biking or working in a construction zone. To help launch the Street Smart safety campaign Monday at the Silver Spring Transit Center, Isabel Ricker described the scene in which a driver cut the corner too tight leaving her with serious injuries to neck and back. No matter how experienced you are, she said, you cant eliminate the possibility of a crash. [A conversation about biking in Washington] To highlight work zone safety Wednesday at the highway construction site near the Branch Avenue Metro station, Rhonda Outlaw described her fear of distracted drivers. Our job can be very scary, said the mother of five, who works as a field supervisor and safety instructor with Flagger Force, a company that provides traffic control services. Thats scary, as in having a tractor-trailer speeding toward you on a roadway, and youre uncertain if anyone is really in control of it. Despite the cautionary tales, these well-attended events cant fully capture the loneliness that an individual feels when standing, walking or biking very close to moving metal. Later, about half a mile up Colesville Road from the bustling transit center, I watched two courageous people in a mid-block crosswalk thread their way through six lanes of heavy traffic. Moses may have had an easier time with the Red Sea. I had my own chance to experience a road workers vulnerability back in 2014 while observing a nighttime paving crew at work on Greenbelt Road. An approaching driver stared down into a cellphone as his car strayed left, toward where I was standing. He looked up in time just in time to correct the motion. It was a compelling reminder that a hard hat and reflective vest arent much of a deterrent to a distracted driver. Some research shows that if drivers are watching out for anything from behind the wheel, theyre most likely watching for other drivers. Its a strange thing, because in our interconnected transportation system, a driver almost certainly has personal experience with the other modes of travel. Everyone is a pedestrian at some point in their journey, said Robert Potts, Metros assistant general manager for Metrobus. He spoke during the Street Smart event, while standing within yards of drivers, bikers, pedestrians, train riders and bus riders almost all of whom were switching from one of those travel modes to another. Seems like we all could get along better. From the Street Smart event, I walked a few blocks up Wayne Avenue to a crosswalk where a Montgomery County police officer in plainclothes was conducting an enforcement operation, walking calmly back and forth in this mid-block crossing as traffic approached. Several drivers who couldnt resist the temptation to drive right past the officer were stopped by other officers and ticketed. I saw one cyclist dash past the officer in the crosswalk, but the police werent in a position to catch him on traffic-congested Wayne Avenue. Lt. David McBain, deputy commander of the county police traffic division, told me that at least one pedestrian had been stopped for jaywalking, despite the nearby crosswalk. Here are some tips on how to watch out for each other. Drivers: Look twice for people in crosswalks. If a car is stopping in the next lane over, make sure you can see whether that driver is yielding to a pedestrian or cyclist. Look for them again when turning at intersections. Allow three feet when passing cyclists. When youre driving, park your cellphone. Walkers: Cross at the corner and use marked crosswalks when theyre available. Look left, right and left again. Dont text while walking, especially while crossing a street. Bicyclists: Obey the traffic signs and traffic lights. Ride in the direction of the traffic, at least a car-door-width away from parked cars. Wear a helmet. (Thats a recommendation from Ricker on how she survived her crash.) Use lights after dark. If youre on a trail, obey all posted signs and approach intersections with caution. Dr. Gridlock also appears Thursday in Local Living. Comments and questions are welcome and may be used in a column, along with the writers name and home community. Write Dr. Gridlock at The Washington Post, 1301 K St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20071, or email drgridlock@washpost.com. A view of the Arlington Memorial Bridge, as seen from Arlington. (Astrid Riecken/for The Washington Post) The D.C. government joined the National Park Service in a last-minute effort to help secure millions in federal funding to fix the crumbling Arlington Memorial Bridge. Park Service officials and the city submitted an application just before Thursday nights deadline seeking $150 million from the Transportation Department to repair the corroded bridge. A joint applicant is essential to secure grant funding to repair this iconic bridge and critical transportation link between Virginia and DC used by 68,000 vehicles daily, the Park Service said in a statement announcing that the application was submitted. In a letter Tuesday, members of Congress representing the Washington region urged the Park Service to apply to the FASTLANE grant program to secure funds needed for the critical repairs. As of Thursday afternoon, however, it wasnt clear whether the District would provide the required local sponsorship of the application. But Park Service officials worked behind the scenes to get the city on board and move the application forward. [Memorial Bridge is part of $11.9 billion backlog, National Park Service says] D.C. officials had said Tuesday that the Park Service did not reach out to ask them to be a co-sponsor until last week and that given such short notice, and with many legal and other hurdles, they could not sponsor an application. The Park Service has not said why it did not seek the local sponsorship early enough, risking missing the deadline. Spokesman Jeremy Barnum said the agency had just under a month to deliver the application. We knew it would be extremely difficult to secure a co-sponsor in the short time frame before the April 14 deadline, he said, adding that the agency quickly and in good faith worked to create a strong application and secure a co-sponsor. In the letter to Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis, Sens. Mark R. Warner (D) and Timothy M. Kaine (D) of Virginia; Reps. Don Beyer (D) and Gerald E. Connolly (D) of Virginia; and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) of D.C. urged the agency to act to secure funds for the bridge rehabilitation, describing the span as not only a national memorial, but a critical multimodal link in the national capital regions transportation network. The bridge is structurally deficient and in poor condition. Recent inspections show decayed steel supports, corroded rivets, crumbling concrete and ancient, peeling paint. The Park Service has been warning for years that the bridge is in desperate need of an overhaul that would cost about $250 million. The repairs contract has to be awarded in the next year or two to get the job done by 2021 to avoid a possible shutdown. [National Park Service likely to miss critical deadline for Memorial Bridge funds] Closing the 84-year-old bridge would be devastating for the region. It could cost local governments as much as $168,000 per day in transportation outlays alone, according to a report by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. It also would send traffic from the bridge to others already packed at rush hour, creating worse gridlock in the critical entry points from Northern Virginia. The Memorial Bridge, located in the District, carries pedestrian and vehicular traffic between the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington National Cemetery. The historic span has undergone $10 million in repairs since 2010, according to officials. Alexandria archaeologist Fran Bromberg and archaeologist Mark Ludlow show historic maps to 7-year-old Arthur Dalton, who was fascinated by the excavated 18th-century ship. (Patricia Sullivan/The Washington Post) The first-grader studied the wet ships ribs and planking, listening intently to the archaeologists explanation of how the ship came to be scuttled in the late 1700s along what was then Alexandrias riverfront. Was it a very strong ship because it was used by the Army? asked 7-year-old Arthur Dalton. Researchers are not sure whether it was a military vessel, answered city archaeologist Fran Bromberg, but it was probably a cargo ship of some type. She picked up a damp clump of something and identified it as caulking, made of animal hair, possibly from a horse. Arthurs eyes danced. It was just the kind of detail that the Maury Elementary School history buff liked. While his mother and two sisters wandered around the city warehouse, examining the makeshift gift shop and listening to volunteers in Revolutionary War-era garb, he stuck close to the archaeologists until the end of the tour. [Discovery of a 300-year-old ship has Alexandria ecstatic] Archaeologists are rushing to remove a 300-year-old ship from the construction site of a new hotel in Old Town Alexandria. (WUSA9) Nearly 900 people who were fascinated by the discovery of the vessel at a construction site last winter have arranged to pass through the warehouse for a close look at its remnants. Its not just schoolkids; on the Thursday afternoon tour, adults, including an elderly woman with a walker, joined Arthur and his family. People rushed to fill up the limited number of spots available on the tours, and Saturday, the final day for tours, was completely booked. (There is no entrance fee, though a $10 donation per person was requested.) When the ship was found during an excavation for a new hotel, hundreds of people lined up in the January cold to see it, including Arthur, whose mother took him after school one day. He had learned a lot since then, including the purpose of the wood pegs sticking up from some of the timbers which conservators call trunnels, or tree nails. He told Bromberg he wants to continue researching. The ship, whose identity, age, birthplace, ownership and purpose in life is unknown, was scuttled to help fill in an old cove at Union and Duke streets between 1788 and 1798, Bromberg said. Its likely that other ships lurk beneath the soil of Old Town Alexandria, because the city has a 1799 ordinance that says dont keep bringing derelict ships into our harbor, she told Thursdays tour group. People were cutting the top off for firewood. And leaving the rest, added Mark Ludlow, an archaeologist who is on the citys archaeological commission. He was volunteering at the warehouse and said he was excited and surprised by the robustness of the ship its big, thick planking, the ribs so close together. The ship was probably 70 feet long but only one-third to one-half of the hull was left on the waterfront. Ludlow said theres evidence of hacking by an ax along some of the timbers. Ballast, which could range from tropical coral to old cannons, held the empty ship down, he and others said. Ludlow showed off a sacrificial siding that boat builders used to prevent marine worms from chewing into the ships structure. In answer to another young visitors question, the conservators said its unlikely the vessel was a pirate ship, although that was a fun idea to consider. The ship, which has been stored in a cold-water bath in what look like giant dumpsters inside a city warehouse, was removed for three days only so researchers could continue to measure and study it. The reason the ship was so well preserved over the centuries was because it remained wet, and the archaeologists want to keep it that way until it can be permanently preserved. [1755 warehouse buried where a riverfront hotel will soon stand] But while the wood laid on the warehouse floor, the tours were serving as a fundraiser so the city can defray the cost of preservation and restoration. By Thursday night, about $6,000 had been raised. By summer, the remains will be on their way to the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory in St. Leonard, Md. There, the wood will be soaked in water and polyethylene glycol to stabilize the cell structure, then freeze-dried to remove the moisture, enabling the timbers to retain their shape. That process could take several years. After his hour-long immersion in 18th-century maritime history, Arthur had his own theory about the ships original purpose. Im guessing at first they used it for cargo, he said. The cargo? It must have been tobacco, said this son of Virginia, where the tobacco trade was dominant in the 1700s and 1800s. In addition to the ship, archaeologists have discovered the remains of a 1755 warehouse buried nearby. More ships and other historic artifacts are thought to be lying beneath two major warehouses on the north and south end of Old Town, and they, too, may be unearthed as Alexandrias waterfront renovation continues. Virginia Del. Jackson H. Miller (R-Manassas) wants the opinion of Attorney General Mark Herring on a plan by Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) to hire pharmacies to secretly supply the state with lethal-injection drugs. (Steve Helber/AP) A prominent Republican lawmaker on Friday asked Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring to weigh in on the legality of Gov. Terry McAuliffes plan to hire pharmacies to secretly supply the state with increasingly scarce lethal injection drugs. The move by Del. Jackson H. Miller (R-Manassas) puts Herring (D), who is running for reelection in 2017, in a difficult spot on a tough issue. Herring, a former state senator, has become a hero to liberals and a lightning rod for conservatives for actions he has taken as attorney general to advance gay marriage, abortion rights and immigration. But he has supported the death penalty in the past, including in 2009, when he voted for a bill to allow certain accomplices, not just the actual triggerman, to be charged with capital murder. That vote put Herring to the right of his conservative Republican predecessor in the attorney generals office, Ken Cuccinelli II, who opposed the bill as a senator. Continued support for the death penalty could cost Herring the support of some liberals, particularly at a moment when perceived mistreatment of minorities by law-enforcement officers has become a rallying cry for Democrats. Yet Herring might be reluctant to undercut a plan advanced by McAuliffe, a fellow Democrat. It is imperative that Attorney General Herring reply to this request before the General Assembly session on April 20, Miller said in a written statement Friday. Undoubtedly the governors office has already consulted with the attorney general on this issue, so he should be able to quickly provide similar counsel to the General Assembly. [Virginias pharmacy chief questioned legality of special-ordering execution drugs] Herrings spokesman, Michael Kelly, said that the attorney general would work expeditiously to answer the legal questions raised by Miller and it will then be for the General Assembly to decide the policy issues at hand. We trust that this request comes from a sincere desire to understand the legal framework surrounding one of the most serious powers of the state. Kelly noted that Attorney General Herring believes that capital punishment should be an option for the most heinous offenders. As a general rule, the attorney generals office does not discuss legal advice provided to the governor, lawmakers or others. McAuliffes spokesman, Brian Coy, declined to comment on Millers request. But Thursday, Coy and other administration officials said that there is no legal problem with the plan, which a handful of other states have already implemented. Precedent is overwhelmingly on the side of the administration, Coy said then. Miller asked Herring for a legal opinion just days after McAuliffe drastically amended one of his bills, which had been intended to let the state rely on the electric chair when it could not obtain lethal-injection drugs. [Lacking lethal-injection drugs, Va. might turn to the electric chair] McAuliffes amendment would scrap that approach and instead allow the state to specially order the drugs from compounding pharmacies. Their identities would be kept secret in order to shield them from the sort of public pressure that has driven American pharmaceutical companies to prohibit the use of their drugs for executions and led Europe to ban exports of the substances to the United States. [McAuliffe guts Virginias electric-chair bill] The administration proposed a bill to the same effect last year, but the measure was ultimately defeated by conservative and liberal skeptics of government secrecy. Miller supported the 2015 bill and signaled a willingness to accept McAuliffes amendment after the governor announced it Monday. On Friday, Miller said he was still inclined to do so when the General Assembly reconvenes for its veto session next week. But he also said he wanted to hear from Herring on the legality of the pharmacy scheme particularly because the states pharmacy chief privately raised questions about whether such a plan would violate state and federal law in emails sent in 2014. The Washington Post reported the emails Thursday. There are significant legal questions, even within the McAuliffe administration, about the governors amendment, Miller said in a written statement. Miller asked Herring if state or federal laws that would prohibit Virginia from acquiring lethal-injection drugs from a compounding pharmacy or a similar operation known as an outsourcing facility prohibit the pharmacy from providing it or prevent the state from using the drugs for an execution. In internal emails from 2014 obtained by The Post, Caroline D. Juran, executive director of the Virginia Board of Pharmacy, voiced concern that the plan might run afoul of state and federal laws that pertain to the handling of controlled substances and the practice of pharmacy and medicine. She said that the plan might violate laws requiring that drugs only be dispensed with a valid prescription and only for medicinal or therapeutic purposes. She also questioned whether the secrecy provisions could prevent authorities from investigating a pharmacy in the event of a botched execution. McAuliffes plan seeks to get around those issues by exempting pharmacies that compound the lethal-injection drugs from normal state oversight. A 2012 Richmond Circuit Court ruling supported that approach, finding that execution by lethal injection by the Commonwealth of Virginia is not the regulated practice of medicine, pharmacy or anesthesiology. Some anti-death-penalty activists contend that the plan does nothing to address violations of federal law. But administration officials said this week that they were on solid ground. ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA - OCTOBER 23: Old friends joking around, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton with Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, and with senior staffer Huma Abedin, at a rally in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia on Friday October 23, 2015. (Photo by Melina Mara/The Washington Post) (Melina Mara/The Washington Post) RICHMOND Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) is defending Democratic Party rules that give unpledged delegates an outsized role in determining the presidential nominee. McAuliffe, a longtime friend to Hillary Clinton and chair of her 2008 campaign, said anyone who complains about the process hasnt been paying attention. We went through this eight years ago, he said in a brief interview Thursday. The rules are the rules. When you announce for president to be the nominee of the Democratic Party, just like on the Republican side... you know what the rules are. At least you better have a team prepared to understand what the rules are. He is one of the states 14 so-called super delegates who can cast nomination votes for whomever they choose. In addition to the governor, the states U.S. senators and members of Congress are also super delegates. At least 12 have publicly committed to Clinton. Virginia Democrats will send a total of 109 delegates to the convention in Philadephia in July, most of whom will be allocated based on how Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) performed in the states primary. Some supporters of Sanders as well as Republican contender Donald Trump say the complicated processes used to divvy up delegates in both parties gives establishment candidates the advantage. Clinton and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas.) have used their connections among party insiders to recruit delegates. [Inside Ted Cruzs novel strategy for winning from behind] McAuliffe, a former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, said he believes that soon it will be statistically impossible for Sanders to win the nomination. But I remind everyone who asks me about this, we went into June eight years ago with President Obama, he said, recalling the intense nomination battle between Clinton and Obama. It was competitive at the end. Although he is a native of Syracuse, N.Y., McAuliffe has no plans to campaign for Clinton in New York state ahead of the primary Tuesday, and said his big money push is over, too. The governor and his wife, Dorothy, hosted a fundraiser for Clinton and 500 guests at their McLean home on Sunday with a performance by Carole King. They raised $2 million, he said. I have not been traveling around the country, he said. I have been staying here in Virginia where people elected me to be governor and thats where Im staying. While he hasnt traveled lately solely on behalf of Clinton, hours before a bill signing in Richmond Thursday he was on a red eye flight from Los Angeles where he met with donors to his PAC, Common Good VA. According to PAC executive director Brian Zuzenak, McAuliffe happened to be in the Golden State on the same day his friend the billionaire tech investor Sean Parker was announcing his cancer research consortium, so he also attended the event. Parker gave McAuliffe and the state party $1.25 million during his campaign for governor. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors is leaning toward adopting a 2017 budget that would raise property taxes for homeowners by an average of $304 per year and use most of the new revenue to fund county schools. In a proposal county supervisors reviewed Friday, the nations 10th-largest school system would get an extra $88.4 million next year, an acknowledgment of warnings from school officials that repeated shortfalls in funding have led to larger class sizes and an exodus of frustrated teachers that places Fairfax schools in jeopardy. [This model of wealthy suburban living is starting to fray] The proposal, which the county board is scheduled to vote on later this month, comes as Virginias largest municipality struggles to maintain its infrastructure and vaunted services in a weak economy that has not kept pace with the demands of a population that is growing older and poorer. This process is never easy, but its the most important thing that we do throughout the entire year, board Chairman Sharon Bulova (D) said during a budget committee meeting Friday. When you adopt a budget, you are investing in the communitys priorities. That is not an easy thing to do, and striking the right balance is critical. A 4-cent increase would raise the countys residential tax rate to $1.13 per $100 of assessed value an amount anti-tax groups have argued will be too burdensome for lower-income homeowners in one of the countrys most expensive regions. To offset those concerns, county supervisors made plans to renew discussions about asking Fairfax voters to approve a tax on restaurant meals. The board also will explore the possibility of levying taxes on cigarettes or alcohol purchased in the county. And it plans to investigate how to provide more tax relief to low-income seniors. [On normally polite county board, heated arguments over tax rate maneuvers] For now, the budget proposal cooled tensions over funding between county supervisors and school officials while still promising county employees raises of at least 3.3 percent next year and setting aside $2.4 million for police department reforms and $3.9 million to increase services for residents with mental health problems. School officials said the proposal significantly reduces what began as a $67.8 million funding shortfall in their $2.67 billion budget. After adding in some newly allocated state funding, the shortfall is now about $15.7 million, officials said. Superintendent Karen Garza said her staff could work with that amount, a reaction that also showed in the smiles of several county School Board members who attended the budget committee meeting. The increase in county funding provides us the opportunity to make a significant and critical investment in employee compensation, and reducing class size, while not cutting vital student programming, Garza said in an emailed statement. We are hopeful that this is reflective of a turning point in our community. Whether that holds true depends on how well the local economy performs. For the 2018 budget year, county budget officials are projecting a shortfall of $75 million, based on the health of the local real estate market and other factors. That is a real number that we will have to pay attention to next year, said Supervisor Jeff C. McKay (D-Lee), who chairs the budget committee and crafted much of the proposal. The proposal includes recommendations for better cooperation between elected officials in the school system and county government, including a joint retreat in June. Next year will be another tough year, McKay said, adding that many residents have expressed deep concerns about whether the county would again raise taxes. We need to be extraordinarily mindful of that as our two boards collaborate. Fred Hayman, whose Giorgio boutique in Beverly Hills with its lush fashions and celebrity clientele inspired a steamy novel, a heady perfume and an image of opulence that helped turn Rodeo Drive from a local shopping street into an international symbol of style, died April 14 at his home in Malibu, Calif. He was 90. A spokeswoman, Katy Sweet, confirmed the death but did not disclose the cause. Mr. Haymans visions of glamour and luxury for Rodeo Drive had little to do with reality when he then banquet operations manager for the Beverly Hilton Hotel and two partners bought the original Giorgio boutique in 1961. The street was home to modest shops, most of them locally owned, a gas station and the Brown Derby restaurant at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard. Giorgios was known for its Italian fashion, and the first year he owned Giorgio, the business nearly collapsed. He bought out his partners, moved out the racks of traditional Italian clothing and brought in a new look. Soon the Giorgio label conjured sequins, cashmere and black lace. Mr. Haymans ease with hospitality and his hoteliers talents translated to a pool table, a cocktail bar and a newspaper rack for the main showroom, to keep men busy while their wives or girlfriends shopped. The drinks were on the house. The store carried menswear, too, but it never captured the same attention. The taste reflected Mr. Haymans personal wardrobe of double-breasted pinstripe suits, navy-blue blazers, colored shirts with white collars and silk handkerchiefs for jacket pockets. The hotel man, as he called himself in his early years as a retailer, said he didnt know much about fashion but he knew a lot about first-class service. He hired a doorman for the store, wrote thank-you notes to customers and delivered purchases in a Rolls Royce. He and other retailers launched the Rodeo Drive Committee in 1972 to encourage luxury fashion and accessory businesses to join them. By 1990 the street was filling up with designer boutiques, Giorgio Armani, Chanel and Gucci among them. By then the brand name Giorgio, Beverly Hills had circled the globe in a perfume bottle. He launched Giorgio perfume in 1981, at $150 per ounce, with his then-wife and business partner, the former Gale Gardner. The scent strip, a perfume-drenched card he used to market his product, quickly became a standard advertising tool in the fragrance business. It was an entirely new way of marketing, Mr. Hayman told the Los Angeles Times in 1998. It was all about show biz. Mr. Hayman stoked the stores Hollywood aura with an endless supply of celebrity name-dropping. Asked about his clientele, he might mention Elizabeth Taylor, Joan Rivers and Lynda Carter in the same breath. Television personality Merv Griffin wore Giorgio menswear on his show. The store captured international attention when novelist Judith Krantz used it as a setting for Scruples, her 1978 novel about shopping, sex and social-climbing in Beverly Hills. The book was a No. 1 bestseller. Giorgio became a tourist attraction in the 1980s, and Mr. Hayman stocked T-shirts and tote bags with the store logo blazing. The yellow-and-white-striped awnings above the store windows were stolen off their frames. In the late 1980s, when Mr. Hayman had become the unofficial grandmaster of Beverly Hills retailing, he became fashion coordinator for the Academy Awards. He hosted a fashion show for Oscar winners and presenters, and asked top European designers to lend clothes for the event. Many of them agreed. The designers didnt have the connections. They didnt know how to get to the stars on their own, said Patty Fox, a former fashion director for Saks Fifth Avenue in Beverly Hills who served as Mr. Haymans deputy fashion coordinator for the project in the early 1990s. Mr. Hayman opened the door for many of them. Fred Jules Pollag was born in St. Gallen, Switzerland, on May 29, 1925. After his fathers death, he was raised by his mother and stepfather, Julius Haymann. Fred took his stepfathers surname, later altering it slightly. The family arrived in the United States in the early 1940s to escape the Nazi regime. As a teenager living in New York City, Mr. Hayman found a job working in the kitchen of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. At 29, he moved to Los Angeles to oversee food and beverage services at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Mr. Hayman and his wife Gale divorced in 1983. Four years later they sold Giorgio perfume, and the name, to Avon for $165 million. Mr. Hayman kept the store but changed the name to Fred Hayman Beverly Hills. In 1998 he closed the shop and leased the building, which he owned, to Louis Vuitton leather goods. Survivors include his wife, the former Betty Endo; three children; and 10 grandchildren. Los Angeles Times Ann Morales, left, and Flora Yang walk together at Mazza Gallerie. They are members of a club organized by Sibley Memorial Hospital that uses the mall as a place for seniors to get exercise. (HEIDI DE MARCO/KAISER HEALTH NEWS) Flora Yang is small, spry and not afraid to tell you her age: 90-something. She walks twice a week at Mazza Gallerie in Northwest Washington and says mall walking keeps her young and fit. Health officials are starting to notice that effect too and say more malls should open their doors to walkers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has put out a guide saying the mall is a perfect place for seniors to get in their steps. Its no secret that getting up and moving makes people healthier and reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. But unpredictable weather and unsafe streets sometimes get in the way, especially for seniors. Thats where shopping malls come in. Mall walking began decades ago, when heart doctors began recommending it to their patients, said Basia Belza, a professor at the University of Washingtons nursing school. She estimates that hundreds of programs exist around the country, but they arent widely known. They are the best-kept secret, Belza said. The CDCs resource guide, released last year, encourages malls to expand walking clubs and set up new ones. The guide, co-authored by Belza, said indoor shopping centers are ideal for walking because their level surfaces make seniors less likely to slip and fall. Malls are also well-lit and have water fountains, restrooms and places to rest. And seniors can walk in malls regardless of the weather. [Why the U.S. Surgeon General wants you to walk] The U.S. Surgeon General cited mall walking last year in a national call to action to improve the nations walkability and to get more people moving. Mall walking clubs are often partnerships between a shopping center and providers, hospitals and community groups that serve seniors. They are typically free for walkers, and some include organized warm-up exercises, health screenings and lectures about healthy eating. Sibley Memorial Hospital runs the walking club at Mazza Gallerie. In addition to helping seniors get exercise, participating in the club reduces their isolation, said Marti Bailey, director of the hospitals senior association. Its so much more than walking, Bailey said. Its walking, talking, sharing life together in a real way. Its the beauty of the walking club. Bailey said such clubs are more important now than ever, given the aging of the population and the number of seniors living with chronic diseases. Yang says she believes she was the first member of the Mazza Gallerie walking club. She said she started walking there in 1992, back when she could carry her granddaughter in her arms. Soon, she said, people started walking with her, and the numbers grew. She has benefited greatly, she said. Still I can fight you, she said, chuckling. Members of the club come and go. Ann Morales, the secretary of the group, pulled out a photo of its walkers from several years ago. This is the doctor who used to be here, she said. He passed away. . . . Marlene, Flora are here. We havent seen this lady for a long time. On the mornings that they gather, the seniors start with a blood pressure check by a retired doctor. Lets take a peek, Aric Schichor said as he wrapped the cuff around Yangs arm. 140 over 80. Then Yang stood up and headed down the hall, holding hands with another longtime walker, Marlene Jordan. My doctor says I need a cane, Jordan said. I dont think I need it. Im her cane, Yang said, giving her a squeeze. The group strolled past a T.J. Maxx and a jewelry store and turned the corner at a Subway sandwich shop. Seven times around made a mile. Helga Fox, 87, has been walking with the group for a few years. She lives in a condo with a fitness center, but she prefers to come here. She likes the company. Its a nice way to start the day, she said. Most of all, Fox said, she appreciates being able to visit with the doctor. She has hypertension and feels better after having her blood pressure checked. Walking groups also benefit the malls, which have struggled to attract people as more consumers turn to online shopping. Nicole Schade, a spokeswoman for Mazza Gallerie, said the walkers there often visit the stores, see a movie or grab breakfast. We have seen an uptick in business thanks to the mall walking program, Schade said. Jagannathan Murli, for example, always heads to McDonalds afterward. He and a friend always order the same thing: two coffees and two hash browns. Its not healthy, but its allowed, Murli said. But, he added, only after walking. Joe Freeman Britt, a flamboyant district attorney from North Carolina who notoriously and proudly wore the title of the countrys deadliest prosecutor by winning dozens of death-row convictions in his rural district, died April 6 in his home town of Lumberton, N.C. He was 80. The death was first reported in North Carolina media outlets. The cause of death was not disclosed. Mr. Britt took office as a district attorney in 1974, quickly building a reputation as a tenacious prosecutor in a rural area of eastern North Carolina that included Robeson and Scotland counties. During the previous 27 years, no one in the two counties had been sentenced to death. After just one year on the job, Mr. Britt had won more death-row convictions than any other prosecutor in the country. Im not some hick prosecutor just railroading these people away, Mr. Britt told Newsweek magazine in 1975. I dont like to use words like crusade, but Im doing something I like doing that needs to be done. Robeson County had a population of about 100,000, equally divided among black, white and American Indian residents. It was one of the poorest regions in North Carolina, with a thriving drug trade and the states highest murder rate. The 6-foot-6 Mr. Britt was an intimidating courtroom presence, powerfully built with a shock of wavy hair and a flair for oratory, highlighted by his booming baritone voice. He brandished the bloody clothing of murder victims before the jury, waved a Bible in his hand and spoke as if channeling the voices of victims. That poor victim lying six feet underground has nobody to speak for him but me, he told Newsweek, and nobody to hear his side but 12 jurors. As a college student, Mr. Britt had campaigned against the death penalty, but after becoming a district attorney, he changed his mind. He won a designation in the Guinness Book of Records as the deadliest prosecutor. Mr. Britt appeared on CBSs 60 Minutes and led training sessions throughout the country to teach other prosecutors how to win convictions. Go after them and tear that jugular out, he said in a session filmed by 60 Minutes. Mr. Britt ultimately won 47 death-sentence convictions. Because of court rulings, appeals and overturned sentences, only two of the people he prosecuted were put to death. One of them was Velma Barfield, a grandmother and Sunday-school teacher who was convicted of fatally poisoning her boyfriend. She admitted in court that she had also killed her mother and two elderly people in her care. (Her two husbands died in mysterious house fires, but she was not charged with their deaths.) Velma Barfield is a sweet little old lady in appearance, and underneath she is a coldblooded, merciless killer, Mr. Britt said. Barfield, known as North Carolinas Death Row Granny, was executed by lethal injection in 1984. Despite Mr. Britts dramatic effectiveness as a prosecutor, some of his practices drew criticism from other lawyers and outside observers. Hes a fair man who treats everyone the same, one defense attorney told the New York Times in 1988. Hes mean to everyone. A 1983 study by an organization investigating justice in rural America found that Mr. Britts near-total control of the court system in Robeson and Scotland counties led to a widespread and serious denial of [the] rights of poor defendants. Bails were set unreasonably high, the study found, and the court calendar set by Mr. Britt often forced defendants to wait for weeks before their cases were heard. Minority defendants were prosecuted at higher rates, and many were improperly told that they would have to repay the state if they asked for a court-appointed lawyer. After 14 years as a prosecutor, Mr. Britt ran for election as a superior court judge. His opponent in the race was Julian T. Pierce, a Lumbee Indian who had a degree from Georgetown University and had worked in Washington for the Securities and Exchange Commission. Six weeks before the primary election in 1988, Pierce was shot three times at point-blank range with a shotgun in his home. Two men were arrested and charged with his killing, which was officially determined to be the result of a complicated family dispute. Mr. Britt won his judgeship and presided for seven years over the same court in which he had been chief prosecutor. After serving as judge, Mr. Britt had a private practice as a defense attorney before retiring in 2006. The current prosecutor in the office is Johnson Britt, who has never tried to hide his disdain for his distant cousin. He is a bully, and thats the way he ran this office, Johnson Britt told the Times in 2014. People were afraid of him. Lawyers were afraid of him. They were intimidated by his tactics. And he didnt mind doing it that way. Joe Freeman Britt was born July 22, 1935, and grew up in Lumberton. His father was a lawyer. He was a graduate of Wake Forest University and then served in the Army before receiving his law degree in 1963 from Floridas Stetson University. Mr. Britt was known for his courtroom quotations from the Bible and literary works, and his love of cigars. He sometimes piloted a helicopter. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Marylyn Linkhaw Britt of Lumberton; two children; and four grandchildren. One of Mr. Britts celebrated cases came in 1983, when two teenage half-brothers were convicted of raping and killing an 11-year-old girl. There were questions about their guilt at the time, especially after another girl was killed in a similar manner when the two were in jail. During the trial, the teens, Henry McCollum and Leon Brown, maintained their innocence and sparred with Mr. Britt on the witness stand. Didnt that touch your soul at all when that little girl was down on the ground hollering? Mr. Britt asked. It didnt touch my soul because I didnt kill nobody, McCollum replied. It doesnt touch your soul now, does it? Mr. Britt insisted. Because I aint killed nobody, McCollum said. I want to tell you something, Joe Freeman God got your judgment right in hell waiting for you. McCollum and Brown served more than 30 years in prison including years on death row before they were exonerated by the North Carolina Innocence Inquiry Commission. A cigarette found at the scene of the crime contained DNA from the man who had been convicted for the other nearby killing while the brothers were jailed. Last year, McCollum and Brown were pardoned by North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory (R). Mr. Britt remained unrepentant and called the governor a damn fool to grant the pardon. In spite of the DNA evidence which Mr. Britt called spit on a cigarette he maintained that his original conviction of the teens in the 1980s was justified. No question about it, he said. Absolutely they are guilty. Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant signs a law that will allow places of worship to designate some members to undergo firearms training and carry weapons inside church to protect the congregation. The governor's handgun rests on a book. (Clay Chandler/AP) MISSISSIPPI Governor signs bill on guns in churches Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant (R) signed a gun rights bill on Friday allowing churches to create security programs designating members to carry firearms to defend worshipers against violence. A holstered gun sat on top of a Bible on the governors desk when he signed the legislation, which he said would help protect worshipers from attackers. The Church Protection Act allows places of worship to designate members to undergo firearms training so they can provide armed security for their congregations. It specifies that those designated can carry guns into church buildings and gives them legal protections. The law also loosens gun permit requirements by allowing people to carry holstered weapons without a permit, making Mississippi the ninth state with such a law, said National Rifle Association (NRA) spokeswoman Amy Hunter. The Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police says that part of the bill dismantles the states licensing system and makes it harder to check whether someone with a gun is a violent criminal. Other opponents say it endangers people by putting more guns in untrained hands. Bryant also signed into law a ban on a commonly used second-trimester abortion procedure, setting the state up for a possible legal challenge. The law outlaws dilation and evacuation unless it is necessary to prevent a womans irreversible physical impairment. Groups that oppose restrictions on abortion say the law could force physicians to use another method of abortion that could be riskier, longer and more painful to the woman. From news services HEALTH CDC: Zika can spread by male-to-male sex The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed this week that the first U.S. case of sexual transmission of the Zika virus involved two men. In a report, the CDC said the transmission involved a Dallas man who traveled to Venezuela before returning home and infecting his partner. The case indicates the virus can be transmitted through anal sex, as well as vaginal sex, officials said. Until now, published cases have documented transmission from infected men to their female partners through vaginal sex. The sexual transmission in Dallas was reported in February and prompted the CDC to quickly issue recommendations urging the use of condoms. The virus is spread primarily by mosquitoes, but scientists researching the Zika epidemic in the Americas now know that sexual transmission is more common than previously thought. Lena H. Sun Zoo tiger kills handler: A Florida zoo worker died Friday after being attacked by a Malayan tiger during a routine procedure at the Palm Beach Zoo, officials said. Zoo spokeswoman Naki Carter said Stacey Konwiser, 38, was killed Friday afternoon by a 13-year-old male tiger. Police said the tiger was tranquilized. From news services ARGENTINA Flooding triggers emergency alert Authorities are issuing an emergency alert for nine Argentine provinces after flooding caused by weeks of heavy rains reportedly led to thousands of people being evacuated. Local media reported the evacuations, but no official estimates have been released. President Mauricio Macri visited flood-affected areas Friday and assessed damage caused by swelling rivers. He also visited evacuees at a shelter. Argentina is the worlds No. 3 soy exporter. Agriculture Minister Ricardo Buryaile said that production along the countrys grain belt has not been severely affected, but he warned of possible damage if El Nino-spurred rains continue. Associated Press A boy chants slogans through a gap in a national flag raised by Shiite rebels, known as Houthis, during a protest against Saudi-led airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen, Friday. (Hani Mohammed/AP) South Africa Protesters demand presidents ouster South Africas main opposition Democratic Alliance party staged a protest outside the nations Constitutional Court on Friday to demand that President Jacob Zuma resign or be fired following the courts ruling that he violated the constitution. Zuma must go, alliance leader Mmusi Maimane told several thousand supporters outside the court in Johannesburg. Jacob Zuma does not believe in the rule of law. Calls for Zuma, 74, to step down have mounted since the top court ruled March 31 that he failed to uphold, defend and respect the constitution when he refused to abide by a directive by the nations graft ombudsman to repay part of the $14.8 million in state funds spent on his private home. The leadership of the ruling African National Congress has accepted Zumas apology for the confusion the scandal caused and his explanation that he did not willingly violate the law. Bloomberg News GUATEMALA Ex-president linked to yet another scandal An official in Guatemala said the son-in-law of former president Otto Perez Molina has been detained in a new corruption investigation that is also linked to his father-in-law. An employee of the United Nationss International Commission Against Impunity, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that Gustavo Martinez has been detained in connection with apparent corruption at the Quetzal port. The employee wasnt authorized to be quoted by name. The new investigation apparently involves a 2013 contract signed with a Spanish port-terminal-operating company in 2013, when Perez Molina was president. Perez Molina is behind bars and faces charges of permitting and benefiting from a ring that defrauded the state of millions of dollars. Businesses allegedly paid kickbacks to officials in exchange for lower import duties. Associated Press Record 155 nations to sign climate accord, U.N. says: The United Nations said a record 155 countries will sign the landmark agreement to tackle climate change at a ceremony at the U.N.s headquarters April 22. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, French President Francois Hollande and French Environment Minister Segolene Royal, who heads global climate negotiations, have invited leaders from all 193 U.N. member states to the event. The U.N. said more than 60 heads of state and government plan to attend. Pakistani group wants death penalty enforced for blasphemy: A Pakistani religious group demanded the immediate execution Friday of a Christian woman on death row and all others convicted under the countrys harsh blasphemy law. Groups from the Sunni Tehreek party held demonstrations in several Pakistani cities warning the government against attempts to amend the blasphemy law. From news services Watching it unfold from his home state of New York, Donald Trump was aghast when Ted Cruz picked up all of Colorados 34 delegates at the states Republican convention last weekend. As his grip on a first-ballot nomination slipped away, Trump lashed out: The system, folks, is rigged. Its a rigged, disgusting, dirty system. On the other side, Jeff Weaver, Bernie Sanderss campaign manager, vowed to contest Hillary Clintons nomination at this summers Democratic convention presumably because the system of superdelegates, among whom Clinton leads 469 to 31, is also rigged. Pundits agree, too: Why does the Democratic Party even have voting booths? MSNBCs Joe Scarborough railed this past week, after watching Sanders win Wyomings caucuses only to receive fewer of that states delegates (including superdelegates) than Clinton did. Its true that both parties nominating systems are covered in warts. State caucuses tend to be held at night in winter, require at least an hour of voters time and result in low-turnout elections dominated by hard-core activists. Individual states on the Republican side have autonomy to apportion delegates as they see fit (take Colorado, which Cruz won through a seemingly undemocratic statewide GOP convention), while Democrats have a convoluted allocation process, leading to outcomes like the one in Wyoming, where Clinton lost the caucuses by nearly 12 percentage points yet took the same number of pledged delegates as Sanders. Iowa and New Hampshire vote months before Texas, New York and California do, giving two lily-white states disproportionate power to winnow the nominating field. And theoretically, unpledged delegates in both parties could tip the scales in favor of a candidate who lost the popular primary vote, enabling elites to thwart the electorates will. A system that favors rich insiders and the strategists best able to game it, the critique goes, is hardly democratic. Party leaders, appearing to recognize this, have offered up only a meek defense of their respective nominating processes, saying, essentially: Rules are rules, these have the virtue of transparency, and everybody must abide them. But its time for a robust defense of the nominating process. The current system a potpourri of caucuses, primaries, state conventions, superdelegates and pledged delegates is far superior to how nominees were chosen for much of the 20th century. It gives everyone a stake and deprives anyone of too much power, balancing competing democratic goals and legitimate party interests. Before 1972, party leaders had nearly unrivaled sway in determining the nominees; a relatively small handful of mostly white men ultimately decided who would be on the November ballot. In 1948, Republican nominee Thomas Dewey received a meager 11.58 percent of the primary vote yet carried the GOPs banner that fall. In 1960, the Democratic Party held only 16 primaries, and John F. Kennedy had to persuade state party leaders to back him at the nominating convention in order to secure the nod. In 1968, antiwar candidates Robert F. Kennedy (who was assassinated in June) and Eugene McCarthy together gained roughly two-thirds of the popular primary vote, but Vice President Hubert Humphrey won the backing of the unpopular president, Lyndon Johnson, and with it the nomination. Party leaders were historically happy to ignore the will of ordinary voters. That began to change in 1970. Democrats, responding to the chaos of their 1968 convention, enacted the reforms of the McGovern-Fraser Commission, making primary and caucus elections the main method by which the nominees were chosen. Republicans soon followed suit. The changes worked: In 1968, 17 states held Democratic primaries, and 16 had Republican ones. By 2000, 40 states were contested in Democratic primaries and 43 in Republican ones (the rest held caucuses). During the epic 2008 Obama-Clinton face-off, Democratic voters alone cast 35 million primary votes, a vast increase over the 13 million cast in both parties primaries during the 1968 contest. The new nominating process has empowered lower-income voters, young people, African Americans, Latinos and others who historically were prohibited from participating fully in American democracy. Although Al Gore won the popular vote yet lost in the electoral college in the 2000 general election, since 1972 neither Republicans nor Democrats have nominated a candidate who took anything but first in their primaries popular vote. The process in both parties isnt rigged, but its not purely about the popular vote, either. It offers a sensible, blended approach weighted toward voters, yet it leaves room for elected leaders, party officials and activists to have a say in the outcome. This scheme prioritizes the will of the people while imposing checks and balances, taking into account issues such as a potential nominees electability and suitability as the party standard-bearer. The system is fair-minded and responsive to voters, activists and party officials alike. The current nominating contests drive that argument home. Set aside the hyperventilating from the Sanders and Trump camps. The indisputable fact is that Sanders, despite his recent string of victories, has won a mere 42 percent of the Democratic primary popular vote, because his biggest triumphs have tended to be in low-turnout caucus states. Clintons popular margin over Sanders is massive: She has won 9.4 million votes to his 7 million. If the peoples will is supposed to be paramount, then Clinton is hands-down the front-runner. Moreover, its hard to imagine anybody winning the Democratic nomination without at least being competitive among African American voters, a key party constituency among which Sanders has routinely lost (by 38 points in Ohio, 59 points in Florida and 64 points in North Carolina). The talk that superdelegates will overturn the peoples will at the Democratic convention in Philadelphia is a red herring. Clinton is likely to win both the popular vote and the contest for pledged delegates, making her the democratically (and fairly) elected nominee of her party. Trumps path has been similarly fair-minded, even if he seems not to notice. The system that the GOP has established is simple: To win the nomination, a candidate must amass 1,237 delegates, a majority. The party has decreed that a mere plurality isnt enough to become the standard-bearer; Trump has won about 37 percent of the vote in the primary race thus far. The rules are in place to balance competing party interests (voters, grass-roots activists, local and state officials, members of Congress, national party leaders). They ensure that the party has reasonable backstops that its nominee isnt likely to become a general-election disaster, which is a legitimate concern for one of the nations two major parties. The GOPs rules also pay considerable deference to states and localities, a bedrock principle of conservatism, which means that each state has different procedures for selecting delegates. In addition, the rules determine who is eligible to vote in each states contests, when and how the votes will take place, how the delegates will be apportioned and whether delegates are restricted from voting a certain way in a multiple-ballot contest. Parties are membership-based organizations, but independents sometimes get a role in determining the nominees, as some state parties permit any citizen to cast a primary ballot, regardless of her party registration. Trump and Sanders tend to perform well in these open contests, and its unsurprising that the outsider Republican front-runner and the independent, self-described socialist Democrat are the ones most critical of the nominating processes. But taken together, these layered, reasonably thoughtful rules are based on a belief that checks and balances in a party primary system guard against the prospect of, say, David Duke winning the nod. (Its hard to see how a Duke nomination would benefit democracy.) Whats more, the rules mean that candidates must create top-notch campaign organizations and navigate a complex series of state and national interests, which could be seen as a test of the organizational skills required to run the federal government effectively. Its fair to ask whether, if Trump has zero interest in organizing to win support in state caucuses and conventions, he will be capable of organizing a White House staff to guide the vast federal bureaucracy. Yes, just because this system is an improvement over the past doesnt mean it couldnt bear further reform. But any changes should at least start with the acknowledgement that, for both parties, theres no such thing as a purely democratic process. We already have the electoral college, gerrymandered congressional districts, two senators apiece from sparsely populated states, the filibuster and House rules giving the majority almost complete control over the legislative agenda. Faced with a vast array of competing forces, both parties chose rules that recognize the interests of voters, activists, elected officials, states, cities and towns. The rules are not arbitrarily elitist; theyre purposeful, balancing the different demands in a racially diverse democracy of more than 300 million people spread across 50 states. If Sanders can overtake Clintons lead in the popular vote and pledged delegates, then he will most likely win the backing of more superdelegates and become the Democratic nominee. If he cant, then he has a responsibility to respect the voters will and the partys democratic-minded nominating system. If Trump can prevail at the Republican convention in Cleveland, he, too, will be the duly elected nominee. If he falls short, he will have lost in a democratic contest, imperfect though it may be, that is still better than virtually all other political systems on the planet. Twitter: @MattDallek Read more from Outlook and follow our updates on Facebook and Twitter. WHEN HOUSE Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) took himself out of consideration for the Republican presidential nomination Tuesday, he explained that we have too much work in the House, which nonstop political speculation could only hinder. Heres hoping Mr. Ryans determination to focus on legislating helps him and his colleagues keep one of their key promises for 2016: passing a financial repair bill for debt-plagued Puerto Rico. The bad news about the islands finances is, by now, not really news. Thanks to years of sluggish economic growth and poor governance, Puerto Rico and its various corporations and political subdivisions owe more than $70 billion to a dizzyingly complex array of creditors, with no plausible way to pay. Yet Puerto Rico must scrape up $422 million for a debt payment due on May 1, followed by $2 billion in July. What was once a serious but chronic condition is rapidly turning acute, stimulating migration to the United States and leaving the islands dwindling populace exposed to a breakdown in public services similar to that experienced by Detroit and other bankrupt jurisdictions. The good news is that Mr. Ryan and his committee chairmen, working with the Obama administration, are closer than ever to producing a bill certainly closer than those familiar with the usual congressional dysfunction might have expected. A draft measure proposes a mechanism by which the island could restructure its obligations in cooperation with creditors and, crucially, with diminished opportunities for a minority of holdouts to block agreements satisfactory to most. It would establish a financial control board similar to the one that helped bring the District back from financial near-death in the 1990s. The proposed design of the board includes a number of provisions that respect and protect the legitimate prerogatives of the islands legislature and governor, while ensuring that they would not be able to prevent necessary fiscal reforms imposed by the board. Importantly, the bill would present Puerto Rico with a tough but realistic goal four straight years of balanced budgets which, once achieved, would release it from board control. The Obama administration broadly supports the framework; in the interest of a compromise, the administration has dropped its call for extra Medicaid funding and a new earned-income tax credit, which Republicans saw as too close to a taxpayer bailout, even if both measures probably would have helped jump-start the islands economy. In fact, theres no new federal cash in the draft proposal. Even so, conservative GOP backbenchers are objecting on the grounds that the bankruptcy-like restructuring plan would set a precedent U.S. states might ultimately cite to ask Congress for help wiggling out of their obligations. Actually, theres little danger of that, since the proposed rules for Puerto Rico would be enacted pursuant to Congresss special constitutional powers over the federal territories, not federal bankruptcy law, which would have to be applied uniformly to all states. In short, theres a chance for major bipartisan legislation on a big issue and if Mr. Ryan can rein in his caucus, it might just happen. Bob Gates has unusual standing in the debate about the Obama administrations foreign policy: He was defense secretary for both a hawkish President George W. Bush and a wary President Obama. He understood Bushs desire to project power and Obamas skepticism. Gates characteristically finds a middle ground in the argument that has been swirling since Jeffrey Goldbergs Atlantic magazine article examining Obamas reluctance to use military force in Syria and the broader Middle East. Borrowing the famous quip about Richard Wagners music, Gates said Obamas foreign policy is not as bad as it sounds. Its the way it comes out that diminishes its effectiveness. The way things get done communicates reluctance to assert American power, Gates explained in an interview Wednesday. They often end up in the right place, but a day late and a dollar short. The decisions are made seriatim. It presents an image that hes being dragged kicking and screaming to each new stage, and it dilutes the implementation of what hes done. Gates criticized the current National Security Councils implementation of policy, arguing that micromanagement by a very large NSC staff undercut Obamas efforts to use power against the Islamic State and contain China in the South China Sea. It becomes so incremental that the message is lost. It makes them look reluctant, he said. Gatess criticism of the NSC is noteworthy because he served as deputy to national security adviser Brent Scowcroft in President George H.W. Bushs NSC, which Obama has cited as a model for how policy should be managed. By that standard, Gates implied, the current NSC team, led by Susan Rice, needs to lift its game. Gates credited Obama for moving toward better-calibrated policies that would send a stronger message, such as greater use of Special Operations forces on the ground in Syria and Iraq, and more aggressive moves to assert freedom of navigation in the Pacific. You dont need major threats or force projection but a clearer desire to show we can act with force when necessary, he said. Gatess comments come as Obama is about to travel to Europe and the Middle East to meet with allies who have become increasingly critical of his policies. His tone was more that of a feisty, frustrated uncle than a bitter foe. Gates said he still talks to Obama occasionally, but he declined to elaborate. The interview with Gates followed a speech he gave the previous night in which he parsed the long-standing dispute over whether realism or idealism should govern U.S. foreign policy. A wise strategy has a measure of both, Gates told the Center for Strategic and International Studies. It is neither hypocrisy nor cynicism to believe fervently in freedom while adopting different approaches to advancing freedom at different times along the way including temporarily making common cause with despots to defeat greater or more urgent threats, he said in his speech. Gates offered examples of the realpolitik he practiced as a CIA director and NSC official. He said CIA covert action was very useful in the later years of the Cold War for example, by smuggling into Russia hundreds of thousands of copies of The Gulag Archipelago by dissident writer Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. As the Cold War endgame approached in 1989, Gates recalled, he commissioned a special NSC group to begin contingency planning for the collapse of the Soviet Union. That study convinced policymakers that a strong central government in Moscow would be needed after the fall of communism to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons. Gates argued that similar strategic clarity is needed now in dealing with the Islamic State. The administration needs to decide its desired end state in Iraq and Syria and then drive policy toward that goal: Are we still proponents of a unitary Iraqi state or something more federal? Do we want an integral state in Syria, or do we send everyone back to their home base? . . . We dont know what we want. As an example of visionary leadership, Gates cited President Franklin D. Roosevelts move in 1944, when World War II was still raging, to begin planning within the U.S. government for the institutions of the postwar world, such as the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the United Nations. Gates offered a last piece of advice: Because of perceptions that Obama has been reluctant to use power, some new president could come in without a deft touch and overreact, to reduce this impression. . . . My worry is that the next president will overcorrect. Read more from David Ignatiuss archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. CHINA CARRIED out a strange seizure in Kenya over the past week. While the circumstances are a bit murky, China appears to have grabbed two groups of Taiwanese who were suspected or accused of fraud in Kenya. Against their will, they were deported to China, provoking protests in Taiwan. The case speaks volumes about Chinas growing power in Africa and might be another example of its pernicious practice of nabbing people beyond its borders. Taiwan, a self-governing island, is considered by China a renegade province that must be reunited with the mainland. Taiwan officials angrily accused Beijing of an uncivilized act of extrajudicial abduction. Overall, 45 Taiwanese were forcibly taken to China, in two flights on April 8 and April 12, some in hoods and handcuffs. Taiwan could do little but protest; it has no diplomatic relations with Kenya. China insists that nations cannot have diplomatic relations with both China and Taiwan. According to news reports, some of the Taiwanese had been acquitted in Kenya on charges of cyber- and telecom fraud. Kenyan authorities discovered a house in Nairobi full of electronics and telecommunications equipment and then made arrests. The Chinese Ministry of Public Security said in a statement distributed by the state news agency Xinhua that many more people were involved 77, including 45 Taiwanese and 32 mainlanders all suspected of being part of a criminal syndicate in Nairobi, posing as law enforcement officers and making phone calls across nine Chinese provinces and cities, cheating victims out of millions of yuan, the Chinese currency. Kenya said the people involved had violated their visas, so the deportations were justified. The incident is a sign of Chinas growing clout in Africa. China is the continents top trading partner, and, while exporting commodities, it has poured billions of dollars into infrastructure highways, bridges, malls and airports in Kenya and elsewhere. At the same time, the seizures appear similar to an increasingly frequent and objectionable Chinese practice of snatching people beyond the mainland. Last year, China reached across the border into Burma to nab the fleeing 16-year-old son of human rights lawyers who were detained in China. In 2002, Wang Bingzhang, a democracy activist, was abducted while on a trip to Vietnam and sentenced to life in prison in China. In Hong Kong, a former British colony turned over to China with an explicit promise that it could preserve its freedoms, booksellers vanished as they were preparing to publish a book that could have embarrassed President Xi Jinping. One bookseller disappeared from a beachfront apartment in Thailand. Were the Taiwanese in Kenya the latest to be grabbed by Chinas long arm abroad? Whether they are criminals or dissidents, the practice is unacceptable. A Taiwanese official said the seizures were rude and savage. It sure looks that way. News broke this month of an unprecedented data leak: Some 11.5 million documents containing detailed, confidential information about more than 200,000 offshore companies involved with Mossack Fonseca, a Panamanian law firm, had fallen into the hands of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists via an anonymous informant. Collectively known as the Panama Papers , the files revealed just how widespread the abuse of offshore tax havens is among the worlds elite politicians and business people. Still, myths persist about the supposed benefits of offshore tax havens, both for the countries that stash wealth there and for the havens themselves. Here are a few: 1. Tax havens protect vulnerable people against despotic governments, unjust laws and political turmoil. One benefit of tax havens, to listen to economists such as Cato Institute senior fellow Daniel Mitchell, is that they help shield oppressed groups from greedy and corrupt regimes. The financial privacy laws that govern tax havens make them especially attractive to people who live in nations plagued by incompetent and/or venal governments, Mitchell argued in a 2008 Cato-produced video titled The Moral Case for Tax Havens. The most famous version of this myth was first peddled in 1966 by the Schweizerische Kreditanstalt (todays Credit Suisse), suggesting that Swiss bank secrecy was set up to protect Jewish money from the Nazis. In reality, Switzerlands famous banking secrecy law of 1934 was triggered by a French tax-evasion scandal involving several wealthy elites, and Swiss secrecy wound up protecting a ton of Nazi loot. Tax havens shield the money of rich people, not vulnerable ones. Indeed, the Panama Papers revealed offshore accounts associated with several dictators and members of oppressive regimes from around the globe, and few linked to ordinary citizens. When tax havens assist kleptocratic elites in hiding their cash with impunity, they dont guard against corruption and despotism they help perpetuate them. Tax havens provide an escape route from laws that is available only to a rich minority that can afford to use it, thus removing from the equation the constituency with the greatest power to push for reform. 2. Tax havens are good for high-tax nations. According to economics professor James Hines, tax havens serve as healthy competition for high-tax countries, nudging them toward less-restrictive financial policy. By providing alternatives to tightly controlled financial sectors, Hines wrote in a 2010 paper, tax havens discourage regulations that act as a drag on local economies. That claim has been echoed by others, including Catos Mitchell. But tax haven discipline has terrible effects. Capital is much more mobile than workers are, so when countries try to compete with havens, they cut taxes on capital to lure it in but they dont cut taxes on workers. The result is steeper inequality. Capital flight to havens also hurts investment and jobs. Further, it is well-established that high-tax countries such as Sweden, Denmark and Finland enjoy similar or better economic growth and human development outcomes than their lower-tax peers. Stealthily undermining the tax base from offshore is a poor recipe for prosperity. 3. Besides Switzerland, most tax havens are small tropical islands. Offshore tax haven probably summons to mind tiny palm-fringed countries in the Caribbean sunny places for shady people, as Britains former secretary of business, Vince Cable, put it. But this notion is slowly giving way to a more accurate and more alarming picture. Among the worlds biggest tax havens is the United States, which hosts vast sums of foreign wealth under conditions of strong secrecy. States including Delaware and Nevada allow shell companies whose owners are not identified, providing cover for foreign cash. And while most havens have signed on to a strong global transparency scheme for sharing banking information (called the Common Reporting Standard) that will take effect in 2017, the United States isnt playing ball, meaning it will continue to serve as a haven for secretive foreign money. Britain is perhaps even worse. It runs a network of some of the worlds largest havens, from the Cayman Islands to Bermuda to Jersey. These places, the last remnants of the British Empire, are partly independent (and yes, some are quite sunny). But their legislation is approved in London, Queen Elizabeth II appoints their governors and her head graces their stamps and banknotes. A Financial Secrecy Index ranking the worlds biggest tax havens by secrecy and scale a project Ive been involved in puts the United States in third place, after Switzerland and Hong Kong. If Britain were lumped in with its offshore network, though, it would rank first. 4. Being a tax haven makes a country rich. Most of the worlds tax havens are prosperous, stable countries a fact interpreted by some to mean that their wealth is a result of their tax policies. Tax havens are rich, researchers at Germanys Jacobs University observed in a 2013 paper. Why do not all countries cut their capital taxes to get rich? The answer: because it wouldnt work. Wealth flows to countries that are already rich and stable; that is why tax havens are rich countries. Particularly in small havens such as Bermuda or the Cayman Islands, the trickle down from offshore finance flows mostly to foreign expatriates. So headline figures for tax havens per capita wealth massively overstate the benefits to locals. Meanwhile, high-salaried finance jobs in havens undermine other economic sectors such as tourism, mostly by sucking skills and talent from them. When crisis hits when other countries crack down on tax-haven abuse, for instance there is no Plan B. The British tax haven of Jersey is now in dire straits for just this reason. 5. Cutting corporate taxes helps nations compete with tax havens. Reducing corporate taxes to attract wealth back from tax havens sounds plausible Republicans call [tax inversions] the inevitable consequence of a flawed tax system, Bloomberg View recently observed, and say the only solution is a full revamp of the tax code, including lowering the corporate rate and limiting taxes on foreign profits. But it doesnt work that way. Tax cuts at home dont persuade corporate bosses to ease up on tax avoidance, and there are always more lucrative shelters abroad. As U.S. corporate tax rates have plunged over the past 40 years, corporations have shoveled ever-rising quantities of money offshore. In the early 1990s, corporations paid an effective tax rate of nearly 35 percent, and revenue losses to offshore tax havens were hardly a problem. Now effective rates are below 20 percent, and revenue losses are running at an estimated $100 billion annually and rising. The key reason is not high taxes but the proliferation of havens, loopholes and advisers. Corporate tax cuts also attract the wrong kind of investment activities like profit-shifting that dont result in real benefits to the broader economy. Recent research from Congresss Joint Committee on Taxation shows that tax-cutting by the United States isnt even good at attracting those investments, anyway. There simply is no beating offshore tax havens in their race to the bottom: They will always zip down the slope faster. The solution is not to cut taxes but to crack down. Twitter: @NickShaxson Five myths is a weekly feature challenging everything you think you know. You can check out previous myths, read more from Outlook or follow our updates on Facebook and Twitter. The Virginia General Assembly adjourned this month without expanding Medicaid. This is a clear challenge to the city of Alexandrias fiscal and economic vitality, and, more important, it is a significant threat to the health, well-being and quality of life of many of our most vulnerable and economically disadvantaged citizens. In Alexandria, the most affected by this decision are nearly 5,500 very-low-income, non-elderly adults. For more than a decade, city funding has contributed to the presence of a strong safety net for low-income, uninsured residents. But the economic downturn and the General Assemblys unwillingness to use 100 percent federal Medicaid funds to cover the gap population has resulted in some significant holes in that safety net. Neighborhood Health, the largest community health center serving the poor and uninsured in Alexandria, provides basic primary-care services for approximately 70 percent of the 5,500 people living in the Medicaid gap people, including the working poor, who dont qualify for Medicaid or subsidies for private health insurance. Neighborhood Health doesnt have the funding to care for about 1,600 individuals unserved by the safety net. The great majority of them go without routine care and are less likely to engage in preventive health care and more likely to avoid care until their symptoms are too severe to ignore, when it is more difficult and expensive to treat them. In Alexandria, a far greater percentage of non-elderly adult Hispanics and African Americans are uninsured (43 percent and 29 percent, respectively) and have incomes below the poverty level (10.3 percent and 13.6 percent, respectively) than their non-elderly adult white counterparts (5 percent and 5.6 percent). African American non-elderly adults in Alexandria are 1.7 times more likely to die prematurely than white non-elderly adults. A man who was born in 1950 and whose annual income places him in the bottom 10 percent of earners has a life expectancy 14 years less than a man born the same year but whose income is in the top 10 percent. In other states that have also refused to expand Medicaid, those with incomes just above the poverty level can qualify for tax subsidies to purchase insurance through the federal health exchanges, while those whose incomes fall below poverty cannot. The consequences of being uninsured can be quite severe. Studies by the Institute of Medicine indicate a strong association between lack of health insurance and increased risk of premature death. The risk level is even greater for those who suffer from a serious chronic illness and also face access barriers to obtaining timely and appropriate care. In the absence of Medicaid expansion by the state, Alexandria has a unique opportunity and a clear responsibility to step in and provide some financial assistance for the most disadvantaged and at-risk. In November, Alexandria sponsored a free, one-day community health fair for uninsured adults. Almost 300 people attended and received multiple preventive health screenings and services such as diabetes testing, vision and hearing screenings, blood-pressure evaluations and mental-health assessments. The fair clearly demonstrated demand and need for essential health-care services among very poor adults in Alexandria. We support another free community health fair in 2016, but we are calling for much bolder action from the city and community on behalf of making a difference in the health and well-being of some of our most vulnerable residents. Specifically, we are calling for Alexandria to invest $250,000 for the next three years in an initiative called Alexcares. Most of that money would go toward improving access to critical primary-care services for the most vulnerable residents in the Medicaid gap. This could serve as many as 700 people the first year. Funds would be targeted toward expanding part-time primary-care clinic services in underserved areas and helping to pay for another free health fair this fall. Medicaid expansion is the most effective thing a state can do to improve the health and well-being of its low-income, uninsured residents. Unfortunately, such a decision by Virginias General Assembly appears a long way off. In the interim, we are hopeful that the community and our elected leaders will step forward and help break the vicious cycle in which the poor grow sicker and the sick grow poorer. Julian E. Zelizer is a historian at Princeton University and a fellow at the New America Foundation. He is the author of The Fierce Urgency of Now: Lyndon Johnson, Congress and the Battle for the Great Society. For decades, Lyndon Baines Johnson was a reviled president. When conservatives looked at LBJ, they saw a big-government liberal whose Great Society and war on poverty programs produced rioting and dependency. Liberals never forgave him for Vietnam. In recent years, though, LBJ has enjoyed a revival. While the movie Selma produced an unfavorable portrayal of a president reluctant to support voting rights and willing to harass civil rights leaders, the Broadway play All the Way brought audiences a leader whose acumen and energy produced historic social measures. The Pulitzer Prize-winning author Robert Caro, whose early work on LBJ had cast a negative light on the Texan, published two powerful books on his time as Senate majority leader and as vice president. Both depict him as a politician who could find power almost anywhere and use it to move the nation forward on racial equality and social justice. Last year, on the 50th anniversary of the historic Civil Rights Act, a rash of new books celebrated these major policy breakthroughs when Johnson was in the White House. Randall Woodss Prisoners of Hope adds to this revival and argues that Johnsons domestic achievements were much greater, bolder and more lasting than Americans remember. Though Woodss own footnotes and earlier biography of LBJ belie his claim that there is next to nothing on the forces and factors that produced the Great Society, this engaging and comprehensive narrative allows us to see the connections between different liberal projects. Johnson was a prisoner to the unending hope that gave him such grand ambition from the moment he stepped in the White House. He was ultimately unable to see the limits of liberal reform. Woods has a keen eye for the illuminating story. He recounts, for example, how in the middle of the fight over the 1964 civil rights filibuster, when Southerners were holding out for weeks on end to prevent the bill from coming to a vote, Johnson walked into a segregated Texas club with a beautiful African American secretary on his arm. This was just one way the president sent signals to Southern Democrats that he was now on the side of racial reform. Woods later reveals how the arch-segregationist Sen. Richard Russell secretly directed $25,000 to Sen. Hubert Humphreys reelection campaign because he was so impressed with how the Minnesotan moved the bill through the chamber, a shocking story that reminds us that although the 1960s were a deeply divided era, legislators still cared about the health of the institution in which they served and appreciated colleagues who were good for Congresss image. Woods finds equally compelling moments that depict the political backlash against civil rights after 1965. We learn how LBJ endorsed aggressive guidelines from the Department of Health, Education and Welfare that required schools to enroll more African Americans. Rather than just having to show that a school was not intentionally discriminating against African Americans, educators would need to prove that they were proactively taking steps to integrate the student body. These policies hit Northern constituencies hardest, including traditionally Democratic ones that had been fine when liberal policy was focused on Dixie. When Chicago Mayor Richard Daley learned that the federal government might withhold $30 million from his schools because there were not enough African American kids in certain classrooms, he hunted Johnson down in New York, where he was meeting with the pope, so he could lash out at the president for being so punitive about evidence of de facto segregation. Woods introduces topics that have received less attention, such as religion. According to Woods, religion was a driving force in Johnsons pursuit of reform: He was both motivated by feelings of Christian charity and compassion and determined to use religion in his quest to achieve some degree of social and economic justice in an imperfect world. Woods also highlights Johnsons achievements in environmentalism, showing the president to be an early mover in what would explode as a major social force after he left office. By calling attention to the benefits afforded by the Great Society programs to Mexican Americans, Woods provides historical context for why Republicans have struggled to win these constituencies. Woods goes too far, however, in seeing Johnson as all-powerful. LBJ was arguably the most enigmatic larger-than-life politician of recent times. And Woods appreciates the magnetic power best exemplified by the Johnson treatment, when the president stood directly in the face of opponents or supporters, lobbying them by invading their personal space until they agreed to go along with whatever he wanted. But in explaining the impressive accomplishments of Johnson, Woods puts too much weight on the presidency and not enough on the congressional and grass-roots forces that allowed him to succeed. We dont learn much about the role of organized labor in creating pressure for proposals like Medicare. Since the time of Johnsons hero Franklin Roosevelt, organized labor had been fighting to expand the New Deal to include national health insurance. And despite the explanation of how religion shaped LBJs personal outlook, there is not enough on liberal religious organizations and how they advanced the cause of civil rights, not only in the South, most famously under the guidance of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, but also in the North. Midwestern legislators listened when congregants and preachers told them to support LBJ. Moreover, Woods understates the ways in which the civil rights movement created a powerful force on other issues such as poverty and education. By looking so closely at the executive branch, Woods does not place enough emphasis on the transformative impact of the elections of 1964 on Congress, the most liberal Congress to date. The House and the Senate were filled with liberals who had been fighting for these domestic policies for more than a decade and now had the numbers to ensure success. If Woods overstates Johnsons power in domestic affairs, he is too generous to LBJ when dealing with Vietnam. He presents the war as another example of how Johnsons genuine commitment to liberalism in this case, the belief that the export of liberalism to Southeast Asia was the only true antidote to Marxism-Leninism simply missed the limits of what the U.S. government could accomplish. Yet he plays down how Vietnam was a crass political trade-off Johnson made to protect Great Society liberalism and its supporters from the chronic attacks on Democrats as weak on defense. Obsessed with protecting his coalition, Johnson destroyed his legacy. None of this detracts from the fact that Prisoners of Hope is a sweeping history of LBJs domestic record. Readers will come away with a better appreciation of this moment in history when a savvy Texan produced a burst of liberal reform comparable to the New Deal. James Downie is The Posts digital opinions editor. One of the great ironies of the American political process in the 21st century is the Democratic Party superdelegate. On campaign finance reform and voting rights, the party fights to give regular Americans more of a voice. Yet when it comes to choosing a presidential nominee, its the Democrats, not the Republicans, who give 712 party insiders roughly the same influence as 5.5 million ordinary voters in Texas, Florida, Ohio and Michigan. And for the second contested presidential primary in a row, these superdelegates are playing an important role. Though Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has been far more successful than many in the establishment thought possible, it will be difficult for him to overcome Hillary Clintons 200-strong lead among pledged delegates. But Clintons 400-plus lead among superdelegates takes the task of Sanders winning the nomination from challenging to nigh impossible. The power of the Democratic superdelegates should serve as an inspiration to Sanders supporters thinking about what comes next if as seems likely the senator falls short. Whether or not they like the superdelegate system, the party establishment wrote the rules long before the first ballot was cast. This shows the importance of having a presence in the corridors of power. Berners should be looking ahead right now to changing the rules and the establishment itself in 2020 and beyond. Are the young voters propelling Sanders ready to remake the Democratic Party in their own image? The benefits of a better, more progressive party on the American left would go far beyond matters of rule-making. It would also mean a party whose priorities reflect its voters more than its donors. Sanderss supporters have demographics on their side. Younger voters arent just breaking slightly against the Democratic establishment; they are overwhelmingly against it. Sanders has repeatedly received a clear majority of voters under 45, and 70 to 80 percent of voters under 30. Their power in the party is only going to grow. You've probably heard the term "superdelegates" recently but what is a superdelegate, and why do they matter in this election? (Peter Stevenson/The Washington Post) And the Democratic establishment is due for a makeover. Consider the partys leading figures: Aside from President Obama (age 54) and Democratic National Committee Chair Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (49), you have Clinton (68), Sens. Harry M. Reid, Charles E. Schumer and Elizabeth Warren (76, 65, 66) and Reps. Nancy Pelosi, Steny H. Hoyer and James E. Clyburn (76, 76, 75). Almost all of them will be retired or headed in that direction 10 years from now, leaving a vacuum that younger leaders can fill. There will be those on the progressive left reluctant to enter the heart of what they see as a fundamentally corrupt two-party system, preferring instead to try to force reform either through the ballot box or by avoiding the conventional political process altogether. But the last major leftist movement to alter the political conversation Occupy Wall Street faded as a political force largely because so many participants rejected getting involved in electoral politics. As for the ballot box, the young people behind Sanders must do a better job of voting in nonpresidential elections. Eight years ago progressives backed Barack Obama, and the disappointments to progressives of his administration the lack of prosecution of Wall Street, the expansion of the drone war, etc. show that winning a presidential election wont change a party by itself. Sanders supporters should not only refuse to give up on the political process but also double down on fighting for the future of the Democratic Party. That means more than just showing up to vote; it also means running for office and joining party organizations. There are a few examples of Sanders-aligned House candidates this cycle such as Zephyr Teachout in New York and Tim Canova in Florida but in the long run, more congressional, state and local candidates will be needed. Ultimately, thats the best way to make sure that the momentum from Sanderss success doesnt fade away. To be clear, this does not mean every activist needs to leave their organizations to run for a local DNC chairmanship or work entirely within the Democratic Party framework. True change requires both inside and outside pressure those working within the corridors of power to alter the status quo with others amplifying the popular pressure outside. Too often, though, young voters have shown a tendency to make smart criticisms of institutions yet decline to do the hard work of changing those institutions or even voting. Turning the new left into the new Democratic establishment is not something that has always been achievable in U.S. politics. For decades, the American center fell, on many issues, to the right of the center in other countries. But demographics and Sanderss success suggest the potential is now there to truly make the Democratic Party more progressive. It would be a shame if his supporters, despite losing this battle, missed their chance to win the war. In his April 10 Outlook essay, I was a closeted Christian in the Pentagon, former deputy assistant secretary of defense Matthew Spence said he felt compelled to hide his Christian faith. He wrote that he feared how coming out as a practicing Christian would define him. That was not a concern when I served there in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The daily Catholic Mass in the fifth-floor auditorium was standing-room-only, with many four-star generals and civilian equivalents attending, and services for other religions were similarly well-attended. During periods when I was working seven days a week, no questions were raised about me not arriving until Sunday afternoon, after I took my family to church. Others did likewise. When I was detailed to the State Department to speak at colleges about our controversial Central America policy, I broadcast my Catholicism so I would be sent to Catholic colleges that had requested a speaker to debate the policy. These debates were normally against an adherent of liberation theology supporting the communist Sandinista regime. I buttressed my strategic policy arguments with the anti-liberation-theology declarations of Pope John Paul II, German Cardinal (and future pontiff) Joseph Ratzinger and Nicaraguan Cardinal Miguel Obando y Bravo, the nemesis of the Sandinistas. I would find it very unsettling if an indifference or animosity toward religion took hold in the Defense Department. Lawrence L. Tracy, Bethesda Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is an author, commentator and former professional basketball player. There is a tradition in U.S. politics of somberly proclaiming that each election is The Most Important in History. The idea, of course, is to scare people into voting for some candidate or another. This is done by describing an apocalyptic future like some sadistic camp counselor telling horror stories at bedtime with a flashlight under his chin. In making this assertion so frequently, we run the risk of sounding like the boy who cried wolf, and therefore not being taken seriously when an election comes around that really is important to American history. As this one is. This isnt because we have a female candidate who may be her partys nominee. That would be historically significant, as was electing Barack Obama as the first black president. His race and her gender inform who they are, as any persons cultural background does, but its policies that maketh the politician. And its policies that make me endorse Hillary Clinton for president of the United States. From Snoop Dogg and Tim Allen to Tila Tequila and Ronda Rousey, heres a look at some of the unexpected celebrity endorsements this election season. (Gillian Brockell/The Washington Post) Before I get into the reasons I support Clinton, let me first explain why this election really is so important. On Aug. 8, 1945 two days after the bombing of Hiroshima Albert Camus wrote an essay warning future generations about the choices before them: This is no longer a prayer but a demand to be made by all peoples to their governments a demand to choose definitively between hell and reason. That is what the stakes of this election are: We are choosing between hell and reason. America was founded on the principles emanating from the Age of Reason, also known as the Age of Enlightenment. But today, with the rise of Republican candidates such as Donald Trump and Ted Cruz, we are witnessing a rejection of these foundational ideals in favor of a hellish chaos of lies, misdirection, attacks on the Constitution and, most harmful to the country, a rejection of reason. This last item is especially evident in Trumps continued dominance despite the fact that so many high-profile people in his own party have vigorously rejected his inflammatory rhetoric, empty promises and lack of knowledge. Im frustrated and angry at hearing about frustration and anger toward Washington gridlock as an excuse for embracing candidates who will only add to the problem. But thats what is happening with Trump and Cruz supporters. These voters share a distrust of experts, preferring the wisdom of ordinary people. Really? I prefer the wisdom of a trained physician when I have pain in my chest. One of the problems in Washington is that some legislators ignore the experts, such as the international community of scientists who have studied and confirmed global warming, so as to bury their heads and do nothing. When did we start devaluing intelligence and knowledge? Thats why electing Clinton is important not just to maintaining the integrity of the United States but also to preventing an international trend that threatens to unleash a triumph of hatred and fear over reason. We are in a defining battle between the resurgence of the irrational, and all the horrors that have historically gone with it violence, bigotry, fascism and reason, with all the advances that have accompanied it justice and freedom for all, regardless of ethnic background, social status, gender or sexual orientation. I like Bernie Sanders, both for his straight-talking populism and the dedication to the welfare of all Americans in his heart. Hes a decent man with the courage of his convictions. He will make a strong ally for Clinton. But Clinton possesses that rare but crucial combination of idealism and pragmatism. She can both envision a better world and take the necessary steps to make that vision a reality. She embodies the principles of the Age of Reason and isnt afraid to fight against the confederacy of dunces who would undermine the principles of inclusion and diversity that America stands for. Clinton has a long and distinguished history of fighting hard for working- and middle-class Americans. As first lady, she could have taken a traditional ornamental and passive role, but she chose a path as an activist. She has been an advocate of national health care since 1993, despite fierce opposition from the health-care industry. We wouldnt have the Affordable Care Act which has brought coverage to millions if not for her early efforts. I especially appreciate Clintons unflinching support of President Obamas policies, which have lifted many Americans both economically and socially, despite the battered economy that he inherited. Continuing the direction of those policies, including reforming a bail system that targets the poor, drug laws that target minorities and an education system that saddles college students with unbearable debts, must be a priority if the United States is to be the land of equal opportunity it brands itself to be. This election truly is a choice between hell and reason, and I want the best, most-qualified candidate to ensure that the United States lands on the right side of that battle. In Clinton we have a proven warrior who has both the commitment and record of accomplishment to lead the fight. As Donald Trump stumbles in his bid for the Republican presidential nomination, one group has been sorely disappointed by his belated display of weakness: Democratic operatives, who had been hoping fondly to run against him in November. Democrats delight at the prospect of a Trump candidacy is well-founded. Last weeks Post-ABC News poll finds that an impressive 67 percent of Americans have an unfavorable view of Trump and only 31 percent have a positive view far worse than Ted Cruz (36 percent positive, 53 percent negative), or Hillary Clinton. All signs suggest Trump would be an electoral disaster for Republicans, but I wont join those who for that reason want him to be the Republican nominee. The important thing is not whats best for Democrats but whats best for the country and that means not having a race-baiting demagogue as the nominee of a major party. Im no Cruz booster. Ive called him, at various points, a modern-day McCarthy and a prolific fabulist who isnt above using an anti-Semitic dog whistle when he condemns New York values. Many of Cruzs policies on gay rights, health care and Social Security, for example are more objectionable than Trumps. But Trump isnt dangerous because hes conservative. Hes dangerous because he seems willing to govern outside our constitutional system, with his talk of torturing prisoners and targeting innocent civilians, with his winking at violence at his events and his plans to block entry to the United States on the basis of religion. Clinton is well positioned to beat either man, but even if Trump is easier to defeat, his nomination alone would be a blow to U.S. standing, which has already suffered from his success. British Prime Minister David Cameron, who called Trumps proposed ban on Muslims divisive, stupid and wrong, said of Trump: If he came to visit our country, I think he would unite us all against him. Cruz, in the Senate and in his campaigns, has embraced the most extreme conservative views. But I met Cruz 16 years ago (before his self-reinvention as a tea party guy), and Ive spoken with many of his friends and acquaintances from college and law school. This has all led to one conclusion: Cruz, though undoubtedly conservative, is above all ambitious. And in service of that overriding ambition, he is perfectly happy to be a phony. Doubt his phoniness? In an interview last week with Hamodia, a Jewish newspaper, he declared that one seminal event that impacted me as a child was the Entebbe raid, in which Israeli commandos freed hostages of an airplane hijacking. What the Entebbe raid said to me was, if youre a terrorist, you may capture an Israeli. . . . But you are going to die. That struck Cruz as a very Texan approach. The raid that spurred such deep thoughts about the Jewish state and the Lone Star State was in 1976 when Cruz was 5 years old and not long after his family moved from Canada. On the stump, Cruz talks about how Jimmy Carter supposedly endorsed Trump by saying Trump is malleable and Cruz is not malleable. But Cruz is malleable, in one way: He wont let ideology get in the way of his ambition. (His straddle on the Senate immigration bill was artful, positioning himself to say he was for it if it succeeded but against it if it didnt.) If he were to become president, his all-consuming ambition would drive him to succeed, which would mean jettisoning unpopular proposals. Cruz believes in Cruz not in the tea party agenda he opportunistically rode to power. Finally, unlike Trump, Cruz is a creature of democratic institutions. We see this now in the way he has, through his mastery of convention rules and his outreach to party insiders, outmaneuvered Trump in lining up commitments from delegates in Cleveland. It was always thus, going back to his days running for student government at Princeton and as a mid-level staffer aggressively climbing his way through George W. Bushs presidential campaign. Trump has talked blithely about ordering the military to do illegal things; his bravado suggests hes not inclined to let small things such as the separation of powers get in his way. He concurred with a supporters labeling of Cruz as a pussy for being insufficiently committed to torture. And Cruz hasnt joined Trumps lawless call for killing the non-combatant relatives of terrorists: Weve never targeted innocent civilians, and were not going to start now. This is why Cruz is less dangerous than Trump. Cruz is often dishonest, and he takes extreme and sometimes appalling positions. But he has shown an inclination to play by the rules and thats a safeguard Trump doesnt offer. Twitter: @Milbank Read more from Dana Milbanks archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. Republican candidate Shelly Skolnick at a debate for Marylands 8th Congressional District seat in Aspen Hill on Jan. 27. (Evelyn Hockstein/For The Washington Post) The map of Marylands 8th Congressional District that accompanied the April 12 Metro article In 8th District, first-time Democratic candidate claims label of least liberal showed, perhaps inadvertently, just how far politicians will go to extract partisan advantage from district boundaries. Democrats in Maryland clearly had Elbridge Gerrys idea in mind when they tacked some heavily Democratic precincts in Montgomery County to a district covering mostly suburban and rural Frederick and Carroll counties, which are a bit more Republican. Of course, Virginia Republicans did much the same kind of gerrymandering, but a federal court overturned the most blatant examples. Congressional districts should be compact and, as much as possible, include voters with similar interests, a test Marylands 8th District clearly does not meet. Gordon Eliot White, Deltaville, Va. EVEN IN a season of political chicanery, the campaign of Rep. Donna Edwards, a Democrat running in the primary for U.S. Senate in Maryland, stands out for having twisted the truth so extravagantly that her message provoked the ire of the White House. The televised ad that elicited the Obama administrations rebuke this week was the work of a nominally independent pro-Edwards super PAC known as Working for US, but the message dovetails with the candidates own. The White House objected because the ad falsely implied that President Obama supports Ms. Edwards. Its underlying message that Ms. Edwards is an unbending foe of the National Rifle Association, while her opponent, Rep. Chris Van Hollen, is squishy is equally false. We have endorsed Mr. Van Hollen in the April 26 primary, and ordinarily we might not write again. But instead of fighting the race on the merits, Ms. Edwards insists on repeating a slander that strikes us as beyond the pale. There is a real contrast between the two candidates, but its not their views on gun control. The more accurate distinction is that Ms. Edwards is an ineffective advocate, while Mr. Van Hollen has crafted actual legislation to chip away at the gun lobbys power. Ms. Edwards, for all her smarts and political savvy, is like many members of Congress: more about posturing than achievement. Mr. Van Hollen, by contrast, was a key sponsor of a state law requiring trigger locks on handguns when he served as a state legislator, and in Congress he has crafted legislation to encourage states to require handgun permits and background checks. Both Mr. Van Hollen and Ms. Edwards have F ratings from the NRA. Nonetheless, she has attacked him, and encouraged the Working for US super PAC to attack him, for having cut a deal with the NRA on a bill unrelated to gun safety a 2010 measure to force more transparency in campaign finance. Democrats, including Mr. Obama and most of the Congressional Black Caucus, backed the bill overwhelmingly. Ms. Edwards voted against the bill because it exempted the NRA (as well as the Sierra Club) from disclosure requirements aimed at corporations, unions and nonprofits. The NRA carve-out was the price of attracting support from Democrats in conservative districts, whose votes ensured the bills passage in the House. (It later failed in the Senate.) Now Ms. Edwards, with an assist from a shadowy super PAC, says she would never have cut such a deal. Her purity explains her ineffectiveness. The fact that the Congressional Black Caucus has refused to endorse her, and so many colleagues and local officials are supporting Mr. Van Hollen, is no accident. Its because Mr. Van Hollen gets things done. Jim Hoagland is a contributing editor for The Post. The sick man of Europe today is Europe both the idea and the continent. President Obamas long-standing benign neglect of our closest allies is dangerously out of date, as he will discover on his trip to Britain and Germany this month. Once-shining triumphs of European cooperation and integration have been tarnished by inadequate responses to terrorist attacks in the streets of Brussels and Paris, the unsteady handling of a flood tide of Middle Eastern and North African migrants, and the growing threat of a rebirth of the angry nationalism in Europe that sparked two world wars in the 20th century. Americans have never found it easy to understand the European Union beyond knowing that it was created to ensure that France and Germany would never go to war again. This was accomplished by forming a loose continental confederation practicing joint trade as well as economic, diplomatic and other policies. And until recently, we didnt have to go much further than that. But the confederations failure to develop the institutions and leaders it needs has been stripped bare by the Old Continents agonizing new dilemmas, which are being stoked at home and from abroad. Syrias savage war on its own citizens, Turkeys duplicity on refugees and Saudi Arabias financial support for fundamentalist religious movements inside European countries have helped undermine the regions stability. And Russian President Vladimir Putins aggression against eastern Ukraine has plunged Europe back into deep continental insecurity. But the crisis the E.U. faces is rife with unintended consequences of the unions own making. Its decision-making machinery, always clunky, has been rendered hopeless by its rapid expansion to 28 members in the push to absorb former Soviet satellites and other states since the end of the Cold War. And the countries of Central and Eastern Europe are in no rush to surrender long-suppressed nationalism to greater integration. Add in the threat that Prime Minister David Camerons ill-advised referendum on Britains membership in the E.U. will end in a no vote this summer, and you have a strategic disaster in the making. It is now embarrassingly clear that economic performance in Europe has been uneven during the glory days of globalization. Germany adapted and prospered; France stood still and has suffered politically and economically. The disparity between the two nations has robbed the E.U. of the effective French-German motor of leadership that once drove integration. Germany feels lonely in this unsought solo leadership. Its heavy-handed push for austerity for the Greeks, Italians and others has opened deep fissures in European unity. Our raucous presidential campaign shows that Americans are exposed to the same troubling currents of epochal change, as the world switches zeitgeists. We move from three decades of a perhaps naively optimistic welcoming of globalization to the abrasive realities of an age of backlash. An ugly populism focusing on foreigners as the most important source of societys ills runs through politics on both sides of the Atlantic. Far-right parties in Hungary, France, Poland, Britain and elsewhere demand that national frontiers be sealed instead of flung open. Foreigners must be turned away or surveilled and interrogated. Cheap imported goods, once eagerly accepted, are now seen as destroying livelihoods at home. Our era of backlash does not distinguish between globalizations excesses and its successes. Stoking the fires of U.S. isolationism for political gain is to insult the future and to misunderstand our role abroad. Donald Trump portrays the vast flow of people, goods, capital and ideas across fading borders as having turned the United States into a destitute wasteland unable to afford the forward deployment of U.S. forces that did so much to suppress regional rivalries and bellicose nationalism during the Cold War and beyond. He goes as far as suggesting that Japan should be encouraged to develop a nuclear arsenal rather than spend U.S. dollars helping to protect that country. This is isolationism on steroids. In interviews with the Atlantics Jeffrey Goldberg, President Obama voiced his own frustration over allies becoming free riders, indirectly lending support to Trumps wilder claims and complicating Obamas scheduled farewell visits to two key European partners. The U.S. presence in Europe has in fact enabled Americans to serve quietly but consistently as honest brokers among our European allies, keeping historic regional tensions low. The same is true in East Asia. That is a noble mission that needs to be upheld, not disowned. As co-manager of a small, sustainable dairy farm in southern Prince Georges County, I am relieved that the county recently voted to ban hydraulic fracturing [Prince Georges is first Md. county to ban fracking since state moratorium, Metro, April 13]. This region has been called the breadbasket of Prince Georges County. Providing clean, healthy food which depends on nutrient-dense soil, access to clean water and the ability to raise livestock in their natural habitat is challenging enough. We have four power plants within a 15-mile radius, and a fifth has been proposed. The resulting air and water pollution and waste take their toll. Like most residents in rural Prince Georges County, we rely on well water, which is vulnerable to contamination from fracking sites, as seen in neighboring Pennsylvania and across the country. I see the ban as helping to protect the agricultural, economic and sustainable quality of life here and in Southern Maryland. We have an opportunity to lead the rest of the state in the pursuit of cleaner, more sustainable energy sources as we strive to preserve our rural and farming communities. My hope is that the Maryland General Assembly will follow suit and ban fracking statewide. Amy McCurdy, Brandywine IN THE years immediately after World War II, only a true optimist would have predicted that in the following seven decades nuclear weapons would never again be used on an enemy. Despite close calls and dangerous proliferation, the world has managed that feat. If President Obama chooses to become the first sitting U.S. president to visit Hiroshima, his goal should be to note that achievement and lay out the work remaining to ensure another seven decades of nuclear peace. The bombings of Hiroshima on Aug. 6, 1945, and of Nagasaki three days later remain one of the most horrific chapters in the history of warfare, unleashing merciless blasts of heat and radiation. The atomic bombs brought an end to the war with Japan but also ushered in a nuclear age that left all in dread of another mushroom cloud. Survivors of the attacks, and the Japanese people more broadly, resolved to turn the horror into a warning, and they have borne witness ever since to the uniquely barbaric nature of nuclear arms. It would be fitting for Mr. Obama to pay tribute to their dedication. He can do so without passing judgment on President Trumans decision to use the bomb, and without interfering in Japans internal debate over the proper role for its non-nuclear military establishment in an increasingly dangerous region. After the Soviet Union obtained nuclear weapons, the era of mutually assured destruction MAD began. Deterrence worked during a long, tense Cold War, but not without many errors and false alarms, frighteningly overstocked arsenals, proliferation to other nations and the threat of nuclear materials falling into terrorists hands. Now it is past time to end some Cold War practices, such as keeping U.S. and Russian intercontinental ballistic missiles on alert, ready to launch in a matter of minutes. The United States is not carrying out nuclear explosive tests, but ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, rejected by the Senate in 1999, deserves another chance in light of advances in computer-powered simulations. The reality is that nuclear weapons are not going away soon. They are woven into the fabric of the Atlantic alliance and the security umbrella the United States extends to allies Japan and South Korea. But at Hiroshima, Mr. Obama could examine the unfulfilled ambitions of his Prague speech in 2009, a nuclear agenda that brought him the Nobel Peace Prize, and describe how arsenals could be reduced. The agreement to head off Irans nuclear program needs to be monitored vigilantly and matched with respect to North Koreas rogue program. Russia and the United States possess the largest nuclear arsenals on the planet; verifiable, binding agreements to reduce their size should remain a goal. The Nunn-Lugar program showed it is possible, working together, to lock up stray nuclear materials. Even China, long secretive about its nuclear programs, has been showing new interest in cooperation on nuclear security. Mr. Obama might fear that critics will distort the meaning of a trip to Hiroshima. But his presence and his words would draw attention to the difficult challenges ahead. He also could counter the reckless remarks of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, who suggested that Japan and South Korea might consider starting their own nuclear weapons programs. Seven decades without a nuclear weapon being used in combat or terrorism is remarkable; it will take dedication to ensure this record continues. James Hill is a former senior editor for the Washington Post News Media Services. Ever find yourself hopelessly stuck in traffic on the approach to the inbound 14th Street bridge, wondering about the history of the Washington Monument that towers, unreachable, just ahead? Naw, didnt think so. Yet when your blood pressure returns to normal, you could do yourself a favor by examining John Steele Gordons Washingtons Monument, everything you need to know and some things you thought youd never need to know about one of the capitals most iconic landmarks. [Lincoln Memorial, nearing 100, to get multimillion-dollar overhaul] Washington's Monument: And the Fascinating History of the Obelisk" by John Steele Gordon (Bloomsbury) Talk about a work in progress. A memorial to the father of our country was first proposed in 1783; the mighty obelisk that it became was not dedicated until 1885. Since its opening, it has endured lightning strikes, air pollution, closeness to Reagan National Airport and the 2011 earthquake. Theres a story here, and even though historian Gordons work is a short book on a tall subject, he has told it in rewarding detail. This thorough account includes numerous archival photographs, though none of the monument sheathed in the scaffolding that was recently removed. Obelisks were the gifts of the pharaohs, often built in pairs at the entrances to temples. It is almost unimaginable to consider the amount of labor needed for their construction, or for that matter, many centuries later, their removal from Egypt as trophies for European conquerors, beginning with the Romans. In addition to Rome, obelisks stand in London, Paris, Istanbul and New Yorks Central Park, as well as one English country estate. But the Washington Monument, while owing its heritage to the ancient Egyptians, is a product of American ingenuity and dithering. As Gordon notes, it was not until the centennial of Washingtons birth, in 1832, that the country got serious about building his memorial. Chief Justice John Marshall was the first president of the Washington National Monument Society, which was given the impossible task of raising money from private sources, with individuals limited to contributing no more than a dollar per year. This didnt go over so well, although it at least got the ball rolling on a design by architect Robert Mills, which, frankly, would have been monumentally hideous. We should be forever grateful that Millss proposal, a towering stalk that included a colonnaded pantheon at its base, never came to pass. Yet over the next half-century, in fits and starts, the graceful monument we see today slowly but surely assumed its place as Washingtons beacon to the world. Gordon largely avoids getting trapped in discussions about Washingtons present gridlock, yet it is obvious from his narrative that gridlock has been a part of Washingtons political landscape almost as long as we have been a republic. In the monuments case, gridlock served us well. For one, it much improved the design. Rather than the cupcake with a very large candle (or smokestack) that Mills envisioned, the passage of time, the escalating costs and better technology produced a monument for the ages. So the Washington Monument is proof that some times just muddling through produces superior results, the author writes. Keep this in mind the next time you get stuck trying to cross the bridge. Andrew Moravcsik is a professor of politics at Princeton University and a senior fellow at the Transatlantic Academy. President Obama and Donald Trump rarely agree on foreign policy. Yet they share one core belief: Our closest allies in Europe are exploiting U.S. military might. Trump says NATO should be renegotiated: It is obsolete and unfair . . . to the United States . . . because we pay a disproportionate share. Obama has criticized Trumps stance. Yet for years the president has been conducting his own NATO renegotiation including demanding European leadership in the Libyan operation and telling Prime Minister David Cameron that if Britain wants to maintain the Anglo-American special relationship, it must increase defense spending to the recommended NATO minimum of 2 percent of gross domestic product. His explanation? Free riders aggravate me. But Trump and Obama are both wrong. Although more foreign policy spending is always welcome, Europe already assumes more than its fair share of the regional security burden. It invests not only in its military but also in crucial geo-economic and institutional instruments that the United States does not possess but needs. In this respect, the United States freerides on European power. Consider the facts. The U.S. military commitment to European defense is surprisingly small. After the Cold War, almost 90 percent of American soldiers departed. Today only about 5 percent of total U.S. active-duty personnel and a few hundred among thousands of U.S. nuclear weapons are deployed there. The primary purpose of this military presence is in any case not to defend Europe. It is to promote vital interests elsewhere. Without naval ports, air force bases, hospitals and command centers in Italy, Spain, Germany and Turkey, U.S. military operations in the Middle East, South Asia, the Mediterranean, Africa and the Arctic would be nearly impossible. In recent years, for example, 95 percent of people and materiel delivered to U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan crossed through Europe. Trump singles out resistance to Russia as a prime example of U.S. leadership. Nobody else, he said, is fighting for the Ukraine. Yet the slice of the United States $600 billion defense budget directed to supporting Ukraine or deterring Russia in Europe is tiny. One-time allocations of $800 million this year and $3.4 billion next year are earmarked for NATO reassurance measures in Eastern Europe. Less than a billion more goes for military aid to Ukraine, where key Western governments have ruled out a direct military response. By contrast, Poland alone spends nearly $10 billion annually on its military, and NATO Europe as a whole more than $250 billion. Is $250 billion too little? Like Obama, the U.S. foreign policy establishment rejects Trumps bluster yet almost unanimously embraces his underlying premise. A common complaint inside the Beltway is that European spending falls short (by roughly $75 billion) of the 2 percent of GDP that NATO leaders have pledged to spend. Yet all such criticism of low European defense spending rests on a misleadingly narrow conception of national security. When Americans think about global influence, they tend to calculate only military power. Yet in world politics, nonmilitary instruments are often more effective. And Europe is the worlds preeminent civilian superpower. Europe is the worlds largest trading bloc, provides two-thirds of the worlds economic aid and dominates most international organizations. It has invested heavily in the European Union, which spreads peace and market economics across the continent, and permits Europeans to negotiate as a bloc. Europes resulting clout is most obvious in the very area in which Trump believes the United States is being exploited the most. The primary external force helping Ukraine resist Russia today is not the U.S. military but European geo-economic and diplomatic power. No Western policy is more critical to keeping Russia at bay than Europes $9 billion in annual economic aid and debt relief to Ukraine, without which the country would long since have collapsed. This is about 10 times more than the United States provides. Europe has a similar though smaller assistance program for other countries in Russias neighborhood. Brussels also recently signed a free-trade agreement with Ukraine, giving it an international lifeline in the face of Vladimir Putins tightening trade boycotts. Without this, the country would have no prospects to free itself from the Russian stranglehold and to achieve sustainable growth, since Europe is by far its largest trading partner. Europe pays a high cost in lost trade to sustain Western sanctions against Russia: Some estimate the total loss at $50 billion annually. This is again more than 10 times more than the United States , because European trade and investment are that much higher. Russias policy options are limited also by its dependence on European energy markets. Today E.U. authorities are further undermining the Kremlins leverage by clamping down on Russian energy monopolies and spending billions to diversify Europes energy imports. This includes rerouting the energy supply of Ukraine, which now imports more energy from Europe than from Russia. Bolstered by Europes underlying strength, leaders such as German Chancellor Angela Merkel have taken the diplomatic lead in negotiations over eastern Ukraine. Within the Minsk Process, in which the United States is not formally involved, they have persuaded Putin to limit his territorial gains in eastern Ukraine, concede a cease-fire and withdraw heavy weapons under international oversight with further plans for local elections and eventual removal of Russian forces still under discussion. Although Ukraine is far from secure, even such modest gains mark a remarkable diplomatic achievement, given the strategic edge that Russia enjoys when projecting power into its most culturally proximate and strategically vital Western neighbor. The geo-economic and institutional instruments of power that permit Europe to flex its muscles with regard to Russia are simply unavailable to the United States, with its low levels of foreign aid, antipathy to international legal commitments and secondary economic status in the former Soviet zone, as well as its military dependence on forward bases. And resisting Russia is only one of many regional and global issues in which Europe has taken the lead. Portraying Europe as a continent of slackers makes for rousing election-year rhetoric. But pulling back from a transatlantic partnership that benefits the United States at least as much as it does Europe would be self-defeating. The April 12 front-page article Another river to cross: College reported on a young man from El Salvador worried about getting a scholarship to a prestigious university. Some young person perhaps a legal immigrant or perhaps a poor, native-born American was deprived of a place at the university and a scholarship because they were awarded to this young man. However likable, hard-working and intelligent the young man is, he is in the United States because his parents broke the law. He could go back to El Salvador to go to college. He could apply to attend college anywhere else in the world and request a visa like every other foreign student. At the least, he could work and save money to pay his own way. Instead, encouraged by liberals, he believes that it is fair for him to displace a legal resident and claim scarce scholarship funds. Janet L. Bates, Alexandria Nathan Christensen is an adjunct professor at Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland, Ore. Last month, President Obama returned from Cuba, where he took another step toward normalizing relations with the island nation. In his speech to the Cuban people, the president made the case that engagement is a more powerful agent of change than isolation, even where strong disagreements remain. With his visit, the president continued to chip away at the more-than-50-year U.S. trade embargo against Cuba. Two days later, Ed Lee, the mayor of San Francisco, laid the foundation for a new embargo. He announced that San Franciscos city workers are banned indefinitely from traveling to North Carolina unless doing so is essential to public health and safety. The embargo is intended to protest North Carolinas new law prohibiting the states local governments from enacting antidiscrimination rules that protect gay and transgender people and limiting transgender people to bathrooms that match the gender on their birth certificate. Since then, more cities and states, including the District, have announced similar travel bans. Others will likely follow. At the moment that our country is opening lines of communication and travel abroad, we are closing them within our own borders. The bans apply only to official city or state travel, and its unclear how often employees from these cities and states actually travel to North Carolina. But these policies are as much about message as effect. The problem is: Its the wrong message. North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory explains his executive action on Apr. 12, after public outcry over the state's "bathroom bill." (Office of Governor Pat McCrory) Its not that North Carolinas law is acceptable. It isnt. I was part of the legal team that brought an end to Oregons constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, and discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation is harmful and inconsistent with our countrys values. North Carolinas decision to thwart its own cities efforts to prevent discrimination deserves condemnation. And its not that those who oppose North Carolinas law should sit on the sidelines; its important that people and organizations take action when they see injustice, as we did in Oregon. The business, civic and political leaders who have spoken out against North Carolinas law, including by warning that they may not pursue future investments in the state, have sent a powerful message. But should city and state government travel bans be part of the response? States are on the front lines of social and political issues. What would happen to our ability as a country to work through important issues if whenever a city or state perceived injustice in another state, it banned official travel there? What if Ohio banned travel to Arizona because it deemed Arizonas policies toward immigrants inhumane? What if Texas barred state employees from traveling to Connecticut because it believed that Connecticuts gun control laws were unjust? What if Minneapolis banned travel to Georgia to protest that states use of capital punishment? The presidential campaign is evidence enough that we live in a polarized environment. Do we need more lines in the sand, and fewer people talking and meeting with each other? Not only do the travel bans potentially send us down a slippery slope, but also they are blunt instruments that could halt progress in other areas. Cities and states collaborate on many issues, from urban planning to public education. What would happen to this collaboration if their officials were not allowed to meet? Should city planners in Seattle be stopped from visiting a green building project in Charlotte? And what would happen to organizations that bring city and state officials together, such as the U.S. Conference of Mayors? Would they splinter into factions, with their events held at approved locations for each constituency? Even setting aside the restriction on travel, these bans undermine collaboration. They erect walls between public employees, placing entire states on one side or the other, with no exception for areas where their views and work are aligned. For city and state governments wanting to take action, heres an alternative. Rather than ban travel, do the opposite. Take a page from Obamas book and organize a trip to North Carolina. Bring along a coalition of political, business and civic leaders who can present their views and experiences on inclusiveness for gay and transgender people to residents and public officials there, engaging them in a direct dialogue. Perhaps by humanizing the issue and opening rather than closing lines of communication, we could remove the fear and misunderstanding underlying North Carolinas new law and plant seeds for more genuine and long-lasting change. Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders reunited in Brooklyn, N.Y. on April 14 for a contentious CNN debate ahead of the New York primary. Here are the most contentious moments from that debate. (Sarah Parnass/The Washington Post) Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders reunited in Brooklyn, N.Y. on April 14 for a contentious CNN debate ahead of the New York primary. Here are the most contentious moments from that debate. (Sarah Parnass/The Washington Post) Thursdays debate between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders offered a revealing window into the current state of the Democratic campaign and a look at two candidates who have reached the limit of their patience with each other. What started out many months ago as a relatively civil contest, in which both Sanders and Clinton seemed to resist negative attacks, has descended into the kind of competition that raises questions about how easily the party will come together once a winner has been crowned. New York long has had a reputation for brawling politics, and the debate more than met that standard. Ahead of Tuesdays crucial primary, the two presidential candidates staged the most acrimonious forum of their increasingly nasty campaign. From breaking up big banks to raising the minimum wage, from who is best equipped to run the country to who has a better position on restricting guns, from energy policy to U.S. policy in Libya and the Middle East, the two traded blows over and over and over. Poking at Sanders, Clinton said, I think you need to have the judgment on day one to be both president and commander in chief. To which Sanders responded moments later, Do we really feel confident about a candidate saying that shes going to bring change in America when she is so dependent on big money interests? The Washington Post's Dan Balz asks what Brooklyn means to the people on the campaign trail ahead of CNN's Democratic presidential debate on April 14. (Dan Balz/The Washington Post) From there, the rancor only increased. Constantly interrupting one another, the onstage volume finally reached such a level that CNNs Wolf Blitzer warned, If youre both screaming at each other, the viewers wont be able to hear either of you. Sanders has been on a winning streak in recent weeks, but he arrived at Thursdays debate at the Brooklyn Navy Yard facing a potentially damaging defeat in next weeks primary. His sense of urgency was palpable as he repeatedly attacked Clinton. She, in turn, fired back with the kind of disdain she has rarely shown. Its questionable that many minds were changed by Thursdays debate. The tone and tenor suggested the degree to which both sides are now dug in for a contest that, despite Clintons advantages in pledged delegates, will go all the way to the end of the primary season. The real question is how long it continues after that. The debate opened with the issue that dominated the campaign last week whether either believes the other is qualified to be president. Given the opportunity to de-escalate that confrontation, Sanders did the opposite, reprising his criticism with sharpness in his voice that drew cheers from his supporters in the audience. As the question was posed to Sanders, Clinton turned 90 degrees to her left and eyed her opponent with a combination of skepticism and annoyance. And when he finished attacking her on Iraq and taking money from Wall Street and being supported by a super PAC, she tore into him as unable to answer fundamental questions about the core issues of his candidacy. Those opening minutes set the tone for what was to come. For two candidates who claim still to respect each other, Clinton and Sanders displayed the opposite. They trod over familiar ground, issues that have been debated eight previous times during the campaign. But the gaps between them rarely seemed larger than on Thursday. Sanders suggested that Clinton was not prepared to take the kind of bold steps he favors to bring fundamental change to the political system. Clinton said she has big, bold ambitions as well, and questioned whether Sanders has the political skills needed to turn proposals into concrete action. This too was a window into what remains a fundamental divide between the two Democrats: what Sanders calls a political revolution vs. Clintons advocacy for a more incremental approach to change. Those differences were once debated in relatively polite terms. Now they have become points of annoyance and resentment between the two. Thursdays debate came five days before what could be a pivotal primary here in New York. Polls show Clinton leading Sanders by low double digits while both the rules and the demographics of the Empire State clearly favor the former secretary of state. Clinton has consistently done better in primaries than in caucuses. She performs better in states that do not allow independents to vote. And she has an advantage in states with higher percentages of non-white voters. All three exist in New York, which is why Sanders has been in an uphill battle from the start. A clear Clinton victory Tuesday would stop Sanderss winning streak at seven and, more significantly, make it ever harder for him to overtake her in the pledged delegate count by the time the primaries end in mid-June. He currently trails her by about 250 pledged delegates. She holds a substantial lead among those dubbed superdelegates, but the key to Sanderss strategy is overtaking her in pledged delegates. That will become increasingly difficult. After New York, 65 percent of the Democratic pledged delegates will have been allocated. One third of the remaining 35 percent will be awarded by California and New Jersey on the next-to-last primary day of the year. Sanders could win some states in the month of May, but, overall, the terrain could be discouraging for him and his supporters. The senator from Vermont picked up a significant victory in Wisconsin on April 5 and could have come into his native New York with real momentum. But he was thrown off stride when he charged that Clinton lacked the judgment and qualifications to be president. Sanders claimed that he was only responding to her suggestions that he was not qualified to serve in the Oval Office and felt the need to fight back, but the episode slowed him down when he needed to be moving ahead. Those exchanges also highlighted the degree to which the Democratic race has grown raw in its later stages and also highlighted the apparent animosity that now exists between the two candidates. After a long season of primaries, caucuses and debates, nerves are frayed and tensions between supporters of the two campaigns have increased noticeably. Sanderss big and rambunctious rally in Manhattans Washington Square Park on Wednesday night underscored how disenchanted many of his supporters and surrogates are with Clinton and what her campaign represents to them. Before Sanders took the stage, speaker after speaker described it as the epitome of establishment politics, small-bore ambitions and ties to the moneyed forces of the Democratic Party. Meanwhile, Clintons supporters have grown weary of Sanderss attacks, thinking he has stretched the record for his own political gain. She would prefer to begin to focus more on Donald Trump, Sen. Ted Cruz and the Republicans, but she cant quite shake this senator. All that came together in Brooklyn on Thursday night with the kind of debate that New York has seen in times past. What happens Tuesday wont end the debate. It may shift the conversation about the state of the delegate race, but for now, Clinton and Sanders remain on a personal collision course. Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders reunited in Brooklyn, N.Y. on April 14 for a contentious CNN debate ahead of the New York primary. Here are the most contentious moments from that debate. (Sarah Parnass/The Washington Post) Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders reunited in Brooklyn, N.Y. on April 14 for a contentious CNN debate ahead of the New York primary. Here are the most contentious moments from that debate. (Sarah Parnass/The Washington Post) Hillary Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders traded testy accusations and open scorn over policy differences and personal judgment in a debate Thursday that put on full display just how much the once-genteel Democratic presidential contest has turned ugly. Days before the all-important New York primary, the longtime front-runner and the persistent underdog did little to disguise the resentment and dislike that have taken root as Sanders has eroded Clintons national lead and laid claim to a hold on the Democratic Partys populist heart. Sanders opened the session by charting the startling success of his insurgent campaign. The reason for it is simple, he said: Were doing something pretty radical; were telling the American people the truth. Clinton fired back that Sanders has demonstrated that his own qualifications for the job are thin and cited an interview with the New York Daily News editorial board in which he stumbled over how he would accomplish a signature goal of breaking up big banks. The tension, which crossed over to open hostility, was apparent from the first moments of the debate. Well before the halfway point of a two-hour broadcast, the candidates had accused each other of being unprepared, misguided and confused and had engaged in a shouting match where each refused to cede the floor to the other. 1 of 8 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad Clinton and Sanders square off during debate in New York View Photos Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders met Thursday night for the CNN debate in N.Y. Caption The Democratic candidates met Thursday night for the CNN debate in N.Y. April 14, 2016 Hillary Clinton shakes hands with Sen. Bernie Sanders at the start of the debate, hosted by CNN and New York One at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Brian Snyder/Reuters Wait 1 second to continue. If youre both screaming at each other, the viewers wont be able to hear either of you, CNN moderator Wolf Blitzer scolded. Heading into the crucial New York primary Tuesday, Clinton holds a commanding double-digit lead here in several polls, although both campaigns have suggested that the race in New York may be much tighter. Clinton is hoping to deal Sanders a decisive defeat that effectively quashes his argument that he still has a plausible chance to capture the Democratic nomination. The stakes for Sanders are even higher. He badly needs a solid showing in New York to sustain his claim that he can catch up to Clintons lead among both pledged delegates and Democratic superdelegates, the Democratic Party leaders and elected officials who can cast a vote at the national convention for any candidate they choose. New York is the biggest prize of the Democratic race so far, with 247 delegates at stake. With time running short, Sanders was fiercely critical of Clinton and willing to be far more provocative than in the previous eight debates. He accused her of using a racist expression when she said, as first lady, that some young black youths were super-predators. Everybody knew it was a racist term, Sanders said. The Washington Post's Dan Balz asks what Brooklyn means to the people on the campaign trail ahead of CNN's Democratic presidential debate on April 14. (Dan Balz/The Washington Post) Clinton has apologized for using the expression. Both candidates ducked and weaved when presented with tough questions about parts of their records and positions that are at odds with progressives in the party. Sanders struggled to defend a vote to grant immunity to gun dealers and manufacturers but also sought to express sympathy for the victims of the Sandy Hook school shootings in Connecticut, who are pressing their case in court. Clinton stood by her advocacy of a $12 federal minimum wage less than the $15 Sanders advocates yet touted her support from unions that take Sanderss position. Both candidates struggled to square their support of a 1996 crime bill that liberals in their party blame for a large increase in the jail population which both of them repeatedly have spoken out against on the campaign trail. Sanders zinged Clinton for giving paid speeches to Wall Street firms and suggested she is beholden to the financial industry. Pressed to cite an example of Wall Streets influence on Clinton during her tenure as senator, Sanders said the obvious response to the financial sectors excesses would be to support breaking up the banks, as he has. But he didnt cite a specific piece of legislation, instead turning to a common line of attack on the campaign trail. Secretary Clinton was busy giving speeches to Goldman Sachs for $225,000 a speech, Sanders said, referring to speeches given following her departure from the State Department. He cannot come up with any example, because there is no example of her doing the bidding of Wall Street, Clinton said, adding that she had called out wrongdoing. It may be inconvenient, but its always important to get the facts straight, she said. Sanders mocked her answer. Secretary Clinton called them out? Oh, my goodness, they must have been very upset by this, he said sarcastically. Clinton glared, as they both did throughout the debate, then sought to turn the tables by noting that she had released decades of tax returns but Sanders has not followed suit. Sanders said he would release his full 2014 tax returns on Friday and asked for understanding for not doing so sooner. Jane does our taxes, Sanders said, referring to his wife. Weve been a little bit busy lately. Youll excuse us. Sanders said there would be no major revelations. They are very boring tax returns, he said. Not big money from speeches, no major investments. Previously, Sanders has only released part of his 2014 return. One of the sharpest exchanges occurred over gun control, with Clinton accusing Sanders of helping gun manufacturers get unique legal protections. They also clashed over climate change, with Clinton saying that Sanders has unrealistic notions about what can be done within the confines of the U.S. political system. She accused Sanders of discounting progress that President Obama has made on both fronts. Its easy to diagnose the problem. Its harder to do something about it, she said. Sanders did not back off his criticism of Verizon or General Electric during the debate. There are some good corporate citizens, he said. Verizon happens not to be one of them. He also went after GE chief executive Jeffrey Immelt, saying: He has outsourced hundreds of thousands of decent-paying jobs throughout the world. The crowd was rowdier and more partisan than at past debates, with supporters of each candidate clapping and cheering, sometimes nearly drowning out the speakers. Both candidates directly engaged the audience at times and also each other, sometimes turning to face off as they gave their answers. I love being in Brooklyn, Clinton said with a grin as her supporters cheered. The debate at the redeveloped Brooklyn Navy Yard took place on ground both candidates can claim as home. Sanders was born in Brooklyn, and as his candidacy caught fire his distinctive Brooklyn accent has become fodder for late-night television humor. He frequently invokes his path from the three-room, rent-controlled apartment where he grew up as a classic American tale. Clinton represented New York for eight years in the Senate and has called herself a New Yorker since she and former president Bill Clinton bought a house in suburban Westchester County 16 years ago. Her campaign headquarters is in Brooklyn, a short distance from the debate site. A Gallup poll released Thursday showed that, while 66 percent of Democrats viewed her favorably, 30 percent did not. The gap between those two numbers, which Gallup calls Clintons net favorability, was smaller than it had been at any time since last July. When the race began, Clintons net favorability was 63 percent. Sanders has won seven of the last eight state contests in this race. But because those states were small and because Democrats split their delegates proportionally he remains behind Clinton in the race for pledged convention delegates. Clinton now has 220 more of those delegates than Sanders. Sanders was scheduled to leave immediately after debate for a trip to the Vatican, where he is booked to speak at a conference on income inequality on Friday. He has also expressed hope that he will get to meet the pope, though the Vatican has said nothing is scheduled. The trip has drawn criticism for coming so close to a crucial primary, but Sanderss aides say they have worked to minimize the time he will spend off the trail. Sanders is scheduled to be back in New York by early Saturday afternoon. He is planning large-scale rallies both Monday and Tuesday. Sanders told The Post on Wednesday that he would be kicking myself forever if he passed up an opportunity to take part in a discussion at the Vatican focused on the core message of his campaign and broader political career. Sanderss aides also argue that he will be away from New York no more than Clinton will be for planned fundraisers for her campaign. She has a pair of events scheduled in California with actor George Clooney and his wife, Amal. Tensions between the Republican Party and its own front-runner erupted into a full-blown public battle as top party officials rebuked Donald Trump on Friday for alleging that the GOP primary system was rigged against him. The dispute, which has been simmering for days, centers on Trumps failure to win any delegates last weekend in Colorado, which selected its 34 delegates at a party convention rather than a primary attended by voters. All went to Trumps chief rival, Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas. The outcome prompted a daily stream of complaints and allegations this week from Trump, who wrote in an op-ed published in Fridays Wall Street Journal that the system is being rigged by party operatives with double-agent delegates who reject the decisions of voters. A senior Republican National Committee official fired back with a thinly veiled response, writing in a Friday memo to reporters that each process is easy to understand for those willing to learn it. It ultimately falls on the campaigns to be up to speed on these delegate rules, wrote RNC communications director Sean Spicer. Campaigns have to know when absentee ballots are due, how long early voting lasts in certain states, or the deadlines for voter registration; the delegate rules are no different. The fight again pits Trump against a Republican establishment that is still broadly opposed to his candidacy and struggling to reconcile with the possibility that he could be the GOP presidential nominee in November. Veterans of past presidential campaigns warned that the feuding could have an adverse effect on down-ballot races and on the ability to defeat Hillary Clinton, seen as the likely Democratic nominee, in the fall. Traditionally, this is the time that the party and front-runner come together and make the plans necessary to defeat the Democratic candidate in the fall, said Michael Steel, who was an aide for Jeb Bushs campaign and previously worked on the Mitt Romney campaign in 2012 and as spokesman for John A. Boehner (R-Ohio) when he was House speaker. Thats clearly not happening, and its going to make it tougher to beat Secretary Clinton. Ron Bonjean, a former top adviser to Republican congressional leaders, called the Trump-RNC showdown unprecedented and warned that taking a flamethrower to the Republican Party machine could backfire on Trump. This is like a general severely criticizing his own special forces before ordering them to go into battle, he said in an email. Trump runs the risk of demoralizing grass-roots party organizers when he is going to need every asset to help him beat the Democratic nominee. One of the keys to Trumps success until now has been his willingness to harshly criticize the party establishment, but he will need the support of the RNC in fundraising and get-out-the-vote efforts if he wins the nomination. This has left Trump boomeranging between fighting the party and trying to embrace it. Early this week, for example, Trump used Twitter and his rally speeches to call the nomination process corrupt, rigged and one that rewards candidates who play dirty tricks in order to pick up delegates. In an interview with The Hill on Tuesday, Trump said RNC Chairman Reince Priebus should be ashamed of himself because he knows whats going on. Priebus responded on Twitter: Nomination process known for a year + beyond. Its the responsibility of the campaigns to understand it. Complaints now? Give us all a break. At the same time, behind the scenes, Trumps campaign staff was finalizing plans to send representatives to the RNCs upcoming spring meeting in Florida and to open an office in Washington. On Wednesday, the real estate mogul had lunch at Trump Tower in Manhattan with Megyn Kelly of Fox News, a longtime target of Trumps who has come to symbolize his ongoing fight with the party establishment. Later that day, Trump announced he had hired GOP strategist Rick Wiley, who has a long history at the RNC. By Wednesday night in Pittsburgh, where he held an evening rally, Trump seemed to have softened his tone. But then around midnight he complained about Colorado again in a series of tweets. The rules DID CHANGE in Colorado shortly after I entered the race in June because the pols and their bosses knew I would win with the voters, Trump wrote at 11:53 p.m. Steve House, chairman of the Colorado Republican Party, said he has been angered by Trumps assertion that Colorado Republicans changed their rules in an attempt to block his rise. State law bars them from holding a primary, so the party held caucuses at the local level and completed its delegate slate at a convention, he said. I cant believe people would think that Donald got in the race and we changed them because of him, he said an interview. No, we voted not to change our rules at all. On Thursday, it was back to peacemaking as one of Trumps top aides met with lawmakers on Capitol Hill and the candidate attended two fundraisers for Republicans in New York. At a $1,000-per-plate dinner in Manhattan, Trump skipped his usual criticisms of his rivals and the Republican Party. But then, Thursday night, the Journal op-ed under Trumps name went online, reigniting the fires. The fresh tension comes just as the party heads into another busy period of delegate allocation and selection. This weekend, seven states will hold meetings to select at least some of their delegates. Republicans will gather in Georgia, Kansas, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Virginia for meetings in congressional districts to award their delegates. And in Wyoming, Republicans are hosting a convention similar to the one held in Colorado, and Trumps team concedes that they are again poised to lose to Cruz. OKeefe reported from Washington. Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly characterized how Colorado selects its Republican convention delegates. Mandie Sellars, a homeowner in the Raleigh-Durham area of North Carolina, had the misfortune of buying a home and then almost immediately getting a new job about an hour from her new home. Not only did she want to avoid paying commissions to sell the home she just bought and to buy another, but the market was also hot in the area where she wanted to live. I knew I needed to move fast, and so when I saw a property online that I liked I contacted a company called SoloPro, says Sellars. Twenty minutes later I was in the house with an agent and two hours after that I made an offer. My offer was accepted by 5 p.m. that day after the home had been shown 17 times. Whats different about Sellarss experience is that she opted for an on-demand agent service that doesnt charge commissions. She paid $25 for email alerts so she could find a property, $50 for the property showing, $100 for an agent to present her offer and $800 for a transaction coordinator. SoloPro will give her a rebate of 3 percent of the purchase price the equivalent of a typical buyers agent commission at her closing, which she estimates to be about $5,700. Technology has changed businesses in ways that were unimaginable a decade ago, but even industry insiders say that residential real estate practices have yet to fully adapt to the reality that buyers and sellers have unlimited access to property listings and other information that was once held firmly in the hands of realty agents. That access has led many consumers to question the fees they pay for the services of an agent, commonly 6 percent of the home sales price, including payment to a buyers agent and a listing agent, or $30,000 on a $500,000 property sale. [Standard commission for the sale of a house is far from universally applied] More people are looking to buy homes before interest rates--and home prices--get any higher. Here are four ways to make sure you land the house without starting a bidding war. (Jayne W. Orenstein and Julio Negron/The Washington Post) In 2015, the National Association of Realtors DANGER report which stands for the Definitive Analysis of Negative Game Changers Emerging in Real Estate, written by industry consultant Stefan Swanepoel of the Swanepoel /T3 Group rocked the real estate world with its acknowledgment that consumers are demanding lower commission rates and that brokers and agents are responding with new pricing models that will most likely become commonplace in the next five to ten years. International buyers are particularly shocked by the high commissions paid in the United States, because the average commission paid to realty agents in places such as the United Kingdom, Australia and Belgium ranges from 1 to 3 percent. Like any other industry, real estate has market cycles, says Morgan Knull, an associate broker with Re/Max Gateway in Washington. Back in 2007 through 2010, there werent a lot of commission discussions because sellers were happy to have someone work for them who could sell their house. Now that we have a high volume of sales, some agents are discounting their commissions to win listings. Knull says that in a flush market, agents and brokers can work on low margins, but once the market slows down, they wont be able to sustain the volume of sales or their commission rate. Ive definitely had more conversations the past few years about commissions, although I find that buyers and sellers in the city appreciate the value of a specialist, Knull says. Career real estate agents, the ones with the most knowledge and experience, are not discounting their commissions. Consumers are putting a lot of money on the line when they buy or sell a home, money theyve worked hard for, so its important that they entrust that money to someone who is reliable and responsible. [Realty agents may split when theyre offered a sub-par commission] Although buyers ultimately pay agent commissions since they are built into the price of the home, sellers are typically more concerned about commissions because they see the fees subtracted from the profit on their closing documents. Yet the NAR, in its 2015 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, found that the number of pure for-sale-by-owner transactions, without any help from an agent, dropped to 8 percent of the market, the lowest share since the association began profiling consumers in 1981. The FSBO market has changed in the past three years, says Sissy Lappin, a real estate broker in Houston and co-founder of ListingDoor.com. Zillow wasnt as big and powerful in the past, which meant that the MLS (multiple listing service) that served Realtors was their ace in the hole. That barrier is gone. Recognizing the growing threats, the real estate industry is racing to automate and add technology. In every industry where this happens, margins contract. This industry is no exception, and commissions are dropping dramatically and quickly. Consumers who feel confident about their own ability to navigate the real estate world will find a variety of companies that offer reduced commissions, but they have different models for providing service. Discounted commissions Tommy Sowers, founder and chief executive of SoloPro in Durham, N.C., started his company about two years ago after he broke into a house rather than call an agent to see it. My wife was furious with me, but I didnt feel like paying all this commission to an agent just to get a look at a house and make an offer, Sowers says. Other businesses like investment brokerages have eliminated the middleman in a transaction, but real estate hasnt. A lot of people out there have experience with buying and selling homes, and they want to pay just for the services they need. SoloPros model is to unbundle real estate services for buyers and sellers, charge a flat fee for each and then farm out the work to experienced agents. Sellers pay $999 for a listing. The company, which functions as a marketplace rather than a brokerage for agents, has about 1,250 agents in 46 states, including 25 in the D.C. region. SoloPros technology sends instant alerts to buyers, sellers and realty agents. The agents are paid as independent contractors and can do this as a side business when they have time, separate from the arrangement they have with their broker. Brian Wilson, broker/owner of Brian Wilson Realty Group in Arlington, also contracts out listing services to agents who are licensed with other brokers to keep his costs down. He says efficient technology helps him handle a high volume of transactions at a reduced cost to consumers. Theres been a fundamental shift in the way properties are exposed to consumers since 2009 and also on the back end where agents are handling transactions, Wilson says. Ive been a Realtor since 1995, but my background is in taking technology to Fortune 100 companies to improve efficiency, so thats what Ive done with my real estate brokerage. [A spectrum of service models is changing the way we sell homes] Wilson charges a $500 fee upfront to sellers and o.5 percent of the sales price as a commission. If the buyers are not working with a buyers agent, then that is the total fee he charges to sellers. Otherwise, sellers pay the buyers agent commission, typically 3 percent of the sales price. When we represent buyers, we rebate them 1 to 2 percent of the commission paid by the sellers agent at the closing, Wilson says. Wilson says his services work best with buyers who are completely ready to buy, with a loan pre-qualification and a specific location. You cant be casually looking, he says. We work with buyers who are laser-focused, not ones who need a lot of babysitting or who dont know what neighborhood they want to live in. Wilson says that even if the market slows down, people will prefer to pay a lower commission. This area is dynamic, with a lot of turnover of people and jobs, so I expect the volume to stay high enough for us to continue to be profitable, says Wilson. Lappin co-founded ListingDoor.com in 2015 as a service for homeowners who want to handle many of the selling details themselves but need help getting their property exposed to buyers. Sellers can pay a flat fee of $429 to gain access to a program that generates a market report, including a recommended listing price based on current market conditions. Its as simple as using TurboTax, where you can click on certain tabs for more specific information, says Lappin. ListingDoor.com sends the listing information to Zillow and promotes it through social media, although not to the local MLS. About 70 percent of our customers choose our PRO package, which costs $799, Lappin says. We build your marketing for you, including a brochure, sign and mobile-friendly website with the property description written by one of our professional writers. We hire a professional to photograph your home and create a virtual tour. Owners.com, founded in 1996, allows sellers to choose only the services they want and pay for each on an a la carte basis. While it has long been known as an FSBO site, the company in 2015 became a nationwide brokerage so that homes can also be listed on local MLS sites. In addition to a database that includes Owners.com listings and other FSBO listings, the site includes bank-owned foreclosure listings and MLS listings. Consumers can use the site to find and pay for appraisals, transaction assistance, auction services, mortgage financing, escrow and title insurance, home warranty services and handyman services. Depending on what homeowners choose, they can sell their home for as little as $400 to $500 for a listing and brokerage services and then just pay the buyers agents commission, says Steve Udelson, president of Owners.com in Luxembourg. Were not a discounter: We just sell what a modern consumer needs and throw out the pieces they dont need. Udelson says that there will always be a need for some level of full-service real estate agents for buyers and sellers who want that assistance. The direction of the market now is to bring in the missing piece of the transaction and save money by just paying for that part, says Udelson. The market is gravitating to a la carte services in the same way that investors have started to gravitate to buying and selling their own stocks online. SRE, a real estate brokerage that started in Hawaii in 2014, embraces a hybrid model of traditional and discount real estate practices. We provide everything a full-service agency provides, but we are able to reduce the cost to consumers because of our technology and because our agents work on salaries and bonuses rather than a straight commission, says Rob Young, executive vice president of SRE in Honolulu. We make more money from our technology platform than by charging commissions. The tech platform, when complete, will earn money from ads by vendors such as appraisers, lenders, home stagers and insurance brokers. SRE has opened a second brokerage in San Diego and expects to be open in all 50 states and the District by the end of this year. Its important that we find brokers who understand the trend toward lower commissions and see the value of our technology, says Young. We hired the best computer engineers to develop our system so we can get all listing information as a live feed. By the end of 2016 we expect to be connected with every MLS in the country. SREs model is to rebate to its buyer clients any commission its agents are paid above 1 percent. Sellers who list their home with SRE typically pay a 2 percent commission, 1 percent of which is paid to the buyers agent. Young says the sellers can choose to pay a 3 percent commission, 2 percent of which would go to the buyers agent. Our salaried agents get bonuses for excellent customer service and for completing transactions, and we also provide all their leads, says Young. They can do more transactions because they arent spending their time chasing down leads. High commission virtual brokerage Although lower commissions could be the wave of the future, one new company, started about 18 months ago, is taking the opposite path and using technology to provide a virtual real estate brokerage with full commissions and full service. Were a tech-powered real estate brokerage with only one brick-and-mortar office in New York, says Tamir Poleg, chief executive and founder of Real, a virtual brokerage in New York City. The money we save by not having offices and with super-efficient technology goes to giving agents a higher commission split. We dont charge agents any monthly fees and we give agents 85 percent of their commission, even when we provide them with leads. Although commission splits between agents and brokers vary by company, a typical split allows the agent to keep 70 percent of the fee. Agents often are required to pay fees to their broker in exchange for services and office space. Poleg says that Real has attracted 360 agents in 12 states, including about 15 agents in the D.C. area. Each agent can set their own commission, but 90 percent of our agents say that a 6 percent commission split between the sellers agent and the buyers agent is typical, says Poleg. The majority say they wouldnt go below 5 percent as the total commission. In addition to the higher commission split, Real provides an app that can be branded to each agent and tech support. Poleg says the real estate industry is shifting away from brokerage branding to agent branding, with most agents preferring to be as independent as possible. Udelson says he expects the real estate market to look different in a few years. Over time, full-service transactions are likely to be about 20 percent of the market at most and probably reserved for ultra-wealthy people, says Udelson. The mainstream, with about 60 percent of the market, will be the a la carte model, with most people using minimal service. Another 20 percent of the market will be completely self-directed buyers and sellers. Regardless of what you pay your agent, its important to do the research and take the time to find someone who will responsibly advise you during one of the most expensive transactions of your lifetime. 1 of 15 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad Where We Live | Ridgeleigh in Potomac, Md. View Photos Peace reigns in this bucolic enclave dotted by flower landscapes and surrounded by woodlands, residents say. Caption Peace reigns in this bucolic enclave dotted by flower landscapes and surrounded by woodlands, residents say. Gently rolling topography, surrounded by Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission parkland, embraces the Ridgeleigh community in Potomac, Md. Amanda Voisard/For the Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue. Only one road, marked by a small wooden sign, goes into the 12-acre Ridgeleigh community in Potomac, Md., and its not a through street. The handful of streets in the neighborhood all end in cul-de-sacs with grass islands and trees. The gently rolling topography, surrounded by Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission parkland, embraces an enclave of 102 single-family homes on spacious lots with parcels of open space interspersed among them. Its a close-knit community beloved by residents. People buy there for the schools and location; they stay for the community, said Paul E. Biciocchi, a real estate agent who lives a mile away. Ridgeleigh was built in the mid-1970s by a local developer who also put up Worland, Potowmack Preserve, Country Place, Fox Den, Potomac Station and the Village. The original marketing brochure described a free-flowing, meadow-like landscape with low hills that formed caressing private boundaries. Today, theres all that plus blossoming cherry trees lining the streets. [Kent, in Northwest Washington, is the softer side of D.C.] The surrounding woods form a wide buffer and are crisscrossed with trails and the water from the highlands in Montgomery County that flows into Buck Branch and then into Cabin John Creek. Its as quiet and private as it can be, said Bob Rudnick, a resident with his wife, Nancy, and sons Ryan and Devin, now 26 and 24, since 1995. Their house is backed by woods. We dont need window coverings in the back, he said. They see deer from the deck, a red fox den and beavers in the creek. Slater the Rudnick familys 155-pound Italian mastiff will go out back to roam and play around in the woods, he said. Cul-de-sacs and creek views: Shutters frame windows on the red-brick or aluminum-sided two-story Colonials with two-car garages. Some families have added screened porches, decks or a portico over the front entrance, which gives a nice touch, said Rudnick. The builder offered five models ranging from 2,240 to 3,350 square feet. Some of the larger models have fully excavated basements with walkouts to the back yard, adding to resale values, said Biciocchi. People tend to renovate and expand rather than move to a bigger home elsewhere. Some people grew up there, left and moved back. Were on our second house in the neighborhood, said Teri Stanish, a resident with her husband, Jeff, and three children. When we first came in 1991, we were looking for a good, solid neighborhood to start a family. Four years ago, our friends, who had the biggest model, moved out, and we decided to move in. Its a great location at the end of a cul-de-sac, and it backs up to the creek. Many people move to bigger house after the babies grow up, often close by within a mile or two, but we didnt even have to change school bus stops, she said. Kids galore: More and more kids are moving into the neighborhood, and the group at the bus stop is growing, said Allen Mattison, a resident since 2007 who lives in the neighborhood with his wife, Cara, and two children. During the February snowstorm, my daughter called her friends and said, Meet me at Sledding Hill. We knew adults would be there and werent worried. Its always packed with kids, he said. [River Towers, just south of Old Town Alexandria, is a hidden-away gem] The Stanish children Ben, 16, Katie, 13, and Will, 10 also love living there. They can bike and scooter and walk the dog safely, said Teri Stanish. They dont have to leave the neighborhood for an adventure. Each of them has lots of friends their age. Every year on the last Friday before school is out, all the neighborhood elementary school children, clad in shorts, gather and walk together to school. They follow a path through the woods, across the creek and through another neighborhood to get to the school, said Mattison. Its great. The kids love it. In Ridgeleigh, built in the mid-1970s by a local developer, homeowners tend to renovate and expand rather than move to a bigger house elsewhere. (Amanda Voisard/For the Washington Post) Shopping: Cabin John Shopping Center & Mall, Potomac Village Shopping Center and Montgomery Mall are nearby. Living there: Ridgeleigh, Zip code 20854, lies along Gainsborough Road south of Democracy Boulevard in Potomac, with parkland on the other three sides. The only streets in the community are Gainsborough Road, Gainsborough Court, Buckspark Lane and Buckspark Court. According to Paul E. Biciocchi, a broker with Forum Properties, there are no properties for sale or under contract. Three properties sold in the past year, at prices ranging from $870,000 for a five-bedroom, two-bathroom house to $915,000 for a four-bedroom, two-bath. Homeowners pay an annual fee of $531, most of which goes to landscaping. Schools: Seven Locks Elementary, Cabin John Middle and Winston Churchill High. Transit: Ridgeleigh is about nine miles from the District. Driving via Interstates 495 and 270 or on River Road through Bethesda are the most direct routes. Metrobuses run on Democracy Boulevard and from Montgomery Mall to the Bethesda station on Metros Red Line. Ride On buses take commuters to Montgomery Mall. It takes Allen Mattison half an hour to drive downtown. On the way home, my record is 23 minutes, he said. Crime: According to CrimeReports.com, there were no crimes reported in the past six months. The South Korean military says North Korea attempted to launch a missile on April 15, the birthday of the countrys "eternal president," Kim Il Sung, but that it failed. ( / Reuters) North Korea tried but failed to launch an intermediate-range missile Friday, American and South Korean military officials said, dealing the regime an embarrassing blow on the most important day of the year on the North Korean calendar. To mark the 104th anniversary of the birthday of the countrys "eternal president," Kim Il Sung, North Korea launched a missile from its east coast at about 5:30 a.m. local time. But it deviated from a "normal" trajectory, an official from South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff told reporters in Seoul. North Korea appears to have tried a missile launch from the East Sea [Sea of Japan] area early morning today, but it is presumed to have failed, the official said. But South Korea's military is still on high alert. "We are preparing against the possibility that the North could carry out heavyweight provocations at any time, including the fifth nuclear test," a military official said, according to the Yonhap News Agency. [North Korea unveils homemade engine for missile capable of striking U.S.] A U.S. defense official said that the U.S. Strategic Command systems had also detected and tracked the missile. We assess that the launch failed, he said. Initial analysis suggested that the missile was a Musudan, also known as a BM-25, the kind that South Korean authorities had detected being moved Thursday near Wonsan on North Koreas east coast. The Musudan is an intermediate-range ballistic missile capable of traveling 1,500 to 2,500 miles putting the U.S. territory of Guam within reach and of carrying a 1.3-ton nuclear warhead, according to the Nuclear Threat Initiative. North Korea has displayed the Musudan at its military parades and is believed to have supplied assembly kits for the missile to Iran, but it had never tested this model of missile before. Jeffrey Lewis, head of the East Asia program at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies in California, said the failure would reinforce the persistent denial about North Koreas capabilities. But in fact, they will have learned a lot from this launch. Not as much as they would have learned if it had succeeded, but still something, Lewis said. The Musudan uses the same sort of engine as the submarine-launched ballistic missile that North Korea tested last year but that also failed. Clearly they have a problem, but maybe next time it will work. It took them a couple of launches to get the Taepodong-2 going, Lewis said, referring to the ballistic-missile technology that has now put two North Korean satellites into orbit. At the same time, North Korea has been making a series of claims about technological advances, from building solid-fuel rocket engines to miniaturizing nuclear warheads. The regime recently claimed that it could send a nuclear-tipped missile to the U.S. mainland. [North Korea claims it could wipe out Manhattan with a hydrogen bomb] Although this has not been proved, U.S. military officials and nonproliferation experts say that North Korea is clearly working toward this goal. The Musudan test could be part of this program. At a hearing of a Senate Armed Services subcommittee this week, Brian McKeon, a senior Pentagon official, said North Koreas weapons and missile programs pose a growing threat to the United States and its allies in East Asia. North Korea is seeking to develop longer-range ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons to the United States and continues efforts to bring [a road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile] to operational capacity, he said. Although an untested long-range missile was unlikely to be reliable, North Koreas successful satellite launches showed it was mastering the technologies that would be needed, McKeon said. Chinas official Xinhua News Agency said North Koreas failed firing of a mid-range ballistic missile Friday was the latest in a string of saber-rattling that, if unchecked, will lead the country to nowhere. Since Kim Jong Un ordered his military to conduct a fourth nuclear test in January which North Korea claimed was a hydrogen-bomb explosion, although outside experts are highly skeptical there has been a steady stream of projectiles emanating from North Korea. 1 of 50 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad What life looks like inside North Korea View Photos Scenes from the hermit kingdom. Caption Scenes from the hermit kingdom. April 14, 2016 A girl dances ballet at the Mangyongdae Childrens Palace in the Pyongyang suburbs. The large facility, opened in 1989, has hundreds of rooms for various activities, including mathematics, chemistry, computer science, sports, music and dance practice. Franck Robichon/European Pressphoto Agency Wait 1 second to continue. In February, Kim oversaw the launch of what North Korea said was a satellite launch vehicle but which was widely viewed as part of an intercontinental ballistic missile program. Since then, there have been numerous short-range missile launches and rockets fired into the Sea of Japan. [North Korea has new rocket system that could strike Seoul this year, South Korea warns] North Korea is banned by U.N. Security Council resolutions from launching ballistic missiles or carrying out nuclear tests, but it continues to do so. The international community has responded to North Koreas latest provocations with tough sanctions aimed at cutting off the states ability to procure parts and finance its weapons-of-mass-destruction program. This push coincided with two-month-long drills between the U.S. and South Korean militaries, during which they are practicing their response to the collapse of North Korea. The drills, which conclude at the end of this month, include computer-simulated decapitation strikes on the North Korean leadership. Amid this background of heightened tensions, North Korea has been preparing for two key events the anniversary of Kim Il Sungs birth and the first congress of the communist Workers Party in 36 years. The country is in the grip of a 70-day campaign to prepare for the congress, set for early next month. Analysts expect Kim Jong Un to use the event to bolster his legitimacy. Kim, who is 33, is not only incredibly young by the standards of Korea, where age is revered, but he also did not have the kind of long preparation and introduction that his father and predecessor, Kim Jong Il, enjoyed. Read more: North Korea scolds Obama by adopting the voice of Abraham Lincoln What its like to be an American held in North Korea The weird world of North Koreas restaurants abroad U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders and his wife, Jane, visit the Vatican on April 15. (Stefano Rellandini/Reuters) Sen. Bernie Sanders told a Vatican conference Friday that the global market economy has largely failed working people, breaking from the U.S. campaign trail to deliver a talk on his signature issue of income inequality on an international stage. At a time when so few have so much, and so many have so little, we must reject the foundations of this contemporary economy as immoral and unsustainable, Sanders said. The address to a prestigious Vatican academy that is nonetheless obscure to most Americans puts Sanders in the company of leftist thinkers and political leaders. Sanders slipped comfortably into the lexicon of European and South American socialist and leftist politics, including the socialist government models of Scandinavia. He told the group that failed and crumbling public schools and annual college tuition priced above the annual wages of many Americans are marks of failure. [Clinton and Sanders spar ahead of N.Y. primary] The Vatican gathering a day after Sanders and rival Hillary Clinton faced off in a Democratic presidential debate in New York touched on social and economic justice issues that have been a centerpiece for Pope Francis. It also gave Sanders a rare brush with the Italian media, which mobbed and jostled him as he made his way to a brief news conference outside the Vatican walls. Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders is taking two days off from campaigning to attend Pope Francis's conference on social, economic and environmental issues in Vatican City. Here are five things those men share. (Sarah Parnass/The Washington Post) In his speech, Sanders repeatedly referred to Francis as an inspiration to seek a more moral economic foundation. The Vermont senator began Friday hoping to see the pontiff later in the day, but no such meeting was scheduled. Our very soul as a nation has suffered as the public lost faith in political and social institutions, Sanders said. Sanderss decision to leave the tightening race in New York days before the state primary on Tuesday suggested he might be looking past his dwindling chances in the presidential primary contest with Clinton to what may be a newly prominent role as a global leader on social justice. Sanders trails Clinton in New York, despite momentum from a string of recent victories. He said little about his own experience during his remarks here, but his startling success advancing extremely liberal ideas has changed the U.S. election and forced his rival to move to the left. [Sanders hopes for audience with Pope Francis on Vatican trip] As Pope Francis has stated: Man is not in charge today; money is in charge, money rules, Sanders added. And the pope has also stated: We have created new idols. The worship of the golden calf of old has found a new and heartless image in the cult of money and the dictatorship of an economy which is faceless and lacking any truly humane goal. Aides worked to minimize Sanderss absence from New York and said he is planning to campaign in the state on Saturday after returning from Italy. They also noted that Clinton will be absent from New York over the weekend as she raises money for her campaign in California at events with actor George Clooney. Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) sat down with the Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation where he called Pope Francis a socialist. (Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation) As Sanders spoke in Italy, Clinton made an unannounced visit to a senior center in Harlem, where she spoke about her plans for affordable housing. She was accompanied by Melissa Mark-Viverito, speaker of the New York City Council. Today, too many New Yorkers are struggling to pay rising rents. Theyre being priced out of communities where theyve lived for years, pushed further from jobs and quality schools and good transportation, and Latino and black families are being hit the hardest, Clinton said. Among those attending the Vatican conference was Bolivian President Evo Morales, who gave the Argentine-born pontiff three books about the health benefits of the coca leaf, the raw ingredient for cocaine, the Associated Press reported. Sanders was seated next to the fiercely anti-American leader during a discussion period that followed Sanderss address. After his brief remarks the speech ran less than 15 minutes Sanders told reporters that he was honored to be included by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences. [Fact-checking the Democratic debate in N.Y.] The top 1 percent of people on this planet now own more wealth than the bottom 99 percent, Sanders said, repeating messages used frequently in his campaign. That, to me, is unacceptable, it is unsustainable, it is immoral, and together we have got to change that. The world already has the technology and the know-how to address some problems, such as climate change, Sanders said. The invitation was unquestionably worth the time away from the American election, Sanders added. He made clear that he came largely because of the influence of Francis. The pontiff did not attend the conference but sent a letter of apology to the group. Sanderss campaign has said that the trip would be worthwhile even without an audience with Francis. The pope was leaving early Saturday for a trip to Greece to highlight the migrant crisis in Europe. I believe that the pope has played a historical and an incredible role in trying to create a new world economy and a new vision for the people of our planet, Sanders told reporters. So when I received his invitation, yeah, I know its taking me away from the campaign trail for a day, but when I received this information, it was so moving to me that it was something that I could just simply not refuse. Sanders looked rattled when he was mobbed by Italian and other media at a gate to the Vatican. He glanced around with a worried expression as Secret Service agents struggled to hold the scrum back. Sanderss wife, Jane, reassured him as the agents formed a protective wedge around the couple. Much of Sanderss family accompanied him on the overnight flight from New York, including several grandchildren. His campaign manager and top strategist remained behind. Sanderss attendance at the academic conference, unusual in the middle of an election, also raised eyebrows at the Vatican. It set off a public spat between organizers and sponsors of the event. I know that Senator Sanderss invitation at the workshop almost scandalized [people], but its customary for the Academy to invite people of different backgrounds, so this is far from being a novelty, said Stefano Zamagni, a conference speaker who is a professor of political economy at the University of Bologna and a member of the steering committee of the academy. Sanderss remarks appeared to be well received. It is novel to hear an American politician use the language and ideas of the best of the culture of the European left, said Stefano Fassina, an Italian politician who attended. Clinton is still a prisoner of the moderate liberalism that has dominated both the European and the American left in this last quarter of century, Fassina said. Sanders [offers] an alternative paradigm based on social justice and equality. Stefano Pitrelli in Rome and John Wagner in New York contributed to this report. Chinese police detained a lawyer after he used social media to poke fun at President Xi Jinping over the naming of a close relative in the Panama Papers, the mans attorney said Friday. Ge Yongxi, a civil rights defense lawyer, had posted an edited image mocking Xi on the WeChat messaging service about 2:30 p.m. Thursday. Around midnight, plainclothes police officers came to his house in Guangzhou and took him away, according to Ges attorney, Chen Jinxue. The police said he had published a post about the nations leaders that had a great impact and asked him to delete the post, Chen said. The Panama Papers data leaked from a Panamanian law firm that exposed offshore accounts held by prominent politicians and others have become a source of embarrassment for Chinas Communist Party despite the absence of direct evidence of wrongdoing. The party habitually clamps down hard on stories about the wealth of top leaders and their families, and has instructed local media not to cover stories about the data leak. Social media references to it have been deleted. Ges post purported to show past and present Chinese communist leaders Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin and Xi Jinping bare-chested and up to their waists in water. The image was labeled The Panama River. Deng says, It is really deep! Jiang says, So easy to get drowned. Xi says, Dont be scared, I have a brother-in-law. Xis brother-in-law, businessman Deng Jiagui, was among a handful of elite Chinese citizens with family ties to at least eight current or former top leaders who were named in reporting and documents about offshore holdings published this month by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. The term brother-in-law briefly became the subject of jokes on Chinese social media after the Panama Papers were released and before Chinese censors went to work. It was not clear whether Ges post had been circulated beyond his circle of immediate friends. Police at the Yanbu detention center, under the Foshan police station in the southern province of Guangdong, declined to comment on the case. This week, the State Department criticized Beijings severe crackdown on lawyers and law firms who cover cases that the Chinese government considers politically sensitive. Ge has been active in civil rights cases since at least 2013, according to media reports. He defended Tang Jingling, a prominent rights lawyer who was sentenced to five years in jail in January for subversion. Ge was banned from leaving China while defending Tang. He was detained in June while defending another lawyer and again taken for questioning in July over his involvement in the lawyers rights movement. Read more: As Panama leaks spread, Chinas Red Nobility would rather not talk about it Today's coverage from Post correspondents around the world By visiting Lesbos, the pope is making his strongest statement yet on migrant rights, an issue he has made perhaps the single most important of his revolutionary tenure. (Griff Witte,Jason Aldag/The Washington Post) By visiting Lesbos, the pope is making his strongest statement yet on migrant rights, an issue he has made perhaps the single most important of his revolutionary tenure. (Griff Witte,Jason Aldag/The Washington Post) The 3,060 men, women and children living in the Moria detention facility on this sun-splashed speck of Europe traveled across the sea harboring a dream that was shattered almost as soon as they made landfall. Instead of earning passage to a new, better life, they were locked up. Rather than finding a permanent home in a safe country, they were told they would soon be sent back to the instability and violence of where they started. But on Saturday, detainees believe, they may have one last shot at reprieve. When Pope Francis crosses the barbed-wire threshold that walls the residents of Moria off from the world and joins them for lunch, his arrival will present European leaders with an unmistakable moral challenge. If the governments of Europe respect the pope, they will listen, said Abdul Hadi, an 18-year-old Afghan who spoke to a reporter from behind the facilitys imposingly high fences as friends kept a wary eye out for police. They will stop deporting refugees. It is far from clear that European leaders, satisfied by the falling arrival numbers that their policy has generated, will respond to the popes attempts at suasion. But by visiting Moria, and by breaking bread with people Europe is threatening to deport, the leader of the Catholic Church will be making his strongest statement yet on migrant rights, an issue he has made one of the biggest focuses of his revolutionary tenure. He is convinced that the mass displacement of people at this time is the most important moral choice facing Western countries," said Francis biographer Austen Ivereigh. Will we embrace the stranger in need or build new iron curtains? Will we offer migrants a new home or send them into the arms of the mafias and death at sea? In official visits, from Mexico to southern Italy, Francis has championed immigrants and migrants, calling the need to aid them, no matter their faith, a duty of all Christians. As recently as last month, even as Europe was closing its door, he seemed to make a political statement by washing the feet of migrants during Holy Week celebrations. On Saturday, the pope will have the chance to speak out against Europes policies from the very harbor where people are being deported. He will do so even as an epic debate continues to roil the continent: What do you do about the historic number of people displaced by conflict, more than a million of whom sought sanctuary in Europe last year? About half came through this Aegean island, Lesbos, on their way to points farther north. But last month, Europe abruptly shut down the pipeline, announcing that not only would people be barred from traveling onward from Greece, but all new arrivals would also be shipped back to Turkey. Last week, Europe made good on its threat, sending 325 people back across the sea despite protestations from human rights groups, and from Francis. Europes leaders have shown little interest in reversing course. European Council President Donald Tusk acknowledged this week that he had doubts of an ethical nature about the deportation plan but defended it as necessary to prevent political catastrophes. 1 of 28 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad Pope Franciss acts of humility View Photos The popes actions are changing the rules at the Vatican. Caption The popes actions are changing the rules at the Vatican. March 24, 2016 Pope Francis performs a foot-washing ritual at the Castelnuovo di Porto refugee center near Rome. Osservatore Romano/AFP via Getty Images Wait 1 second to continue. In January alone, he noted, there had been 70,000 new arrivals a pace that has dropped precipitously since Europe began to block the path. How many more would have come in April if we had not taken action? he asked. But rights advocates say it is disgraceful that Europe is turning away people in obvious need of protection, and they hope Franciss visit can begin a reconsideration. This visit is an opportunity for Europe to come together and share the responsibility instead of leaving Greece to handle it on its own, said Boris Cheshirkov, the Lesbos-based spokesman for the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR. Its also a chance to remember what our values should be. At a time when xenophobia is on the rise, we should remind ourselves that Europe is built on human rights, tolerance and diversity. Lesbos will give Francis a nearly ideal opportunity to deliver that message. Even as other, less-affected parts of Europe have shunned refugees, island residents have been consistently welcoming. That is despite the fact that the monthly arrival totals last fall occasionally surpassed the islands entire population. As the boats glided into shore by the dozens last year, residents waded into the surf to carry out rescues, offered new arrivals shelter in their homes and drove families across the islands rugged interior to save them days of walking. Residents say their compassion and empathy come naturally many are descended from people who fled Turkey in the 1920s. These are the sons and daughters of refugees, said Father Leon Kiskinis, the priest at Lesboss only Catholic church, a cramped but ornately decorated 19th-century building that with six wooden pews can nearly accommodate all 300 of the islands Catholics. Seeing these people now, it is the same pain, the same desperation. Its the same story, repeated now. Most island residents are Orthodox, not Catholic. In a sign of another major Francis initiative reconciliation within the Christian faith the pope will be accompanied Saturday by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the spiritual leader of the world's Orthodox Christians, as well as by Greek Archbishop Ieronymos. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras will also take part. The visit will last only five hours. In addition to eating lunch with the migrants at Moria, Francis is expected to lead a public prayer in the islands main harbor, and to publicly thank Lesbos residents for their hospitality. He and his fellow religious leaders will drop laurel wreathes in the sea as a memorial to those who have died making the perilous crossing. In many respects, the Lesbos trip is part of a legacy in the making, further evidence that the pontiff is seeking to define his papacy on the issues of inequality, mercy and migrant rights. In his first official trip as pontiff, in 2013, Francis highlighted the plight of refugees by hopping on a flight to the Italian island of Lampedusa. Back then, at the early stages of the migrant crisis, Italy was the primary entry point for migrants funneling into Europe. Shortly before his trip, a horrific shipwreck off the Libyan coast had left hundreds dead. Last year, as the crisis escalated and the entry point shifted from Italy to Greece, Francis issued dramatic appeals to Europes Catholics, asking every parish, religious community, monastery and sanctuary to take in one refugee family. His call came as some of the regions leaders, including Hungarys Viktor Orban, were warning that waves of mostly Muslim refugees would change the face of Christian Europe. Facing the tragedy of tens of thousands of refugees fleeing death by war and famine and journeying towards the hope of life the Gospel calls, asking of us to be close to the smallest and forsaken. To give them a concrete hope, Francis said. Papal watchers said the popes Lesbos visit will offer a clear message to Europe and its leaders, one they may not welcome. Expect the usual bluster about the pope being naive and how each country has to decide whats in its best interest, Ivereigh said. But most people will know hes right and that Europeans will look back on this episode with deep shame. We didnt take the Jews in 1930s Europe because they were too many and too different; now we refuse to take Muslims for the same reason. It takes the pope to point that out. Faiola reported from Berlin. Read more How Europes migrant policy is tearing families apart Europe begins sending people back across the sea, defying human rights outcry As the route to Europe closes, migrants journey through grief Today's coverage from Post correspondents around the world Egyptians shout slogans against Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sissi during a protest in Cairo against the decision to hand over control of two strategic Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia. (Amr Nabil/AP) Thousands of Egyptians angered by President Abdel Fatah al-Sissis decision to hand over two islands to Saudi Arabia called Friday for the government to fall, chanting a slogan from the 2011 Arab Spring uprising. Their protests signaled that the former general, who is also under mounting criticism over the struggling economy, no longer enjoys the broad public support that let him round up thousands of opponents after he seized power in 2013. In the evening, riot police officers who had surrounded the site of the biggest demonstration, in the heart of downtown Cairo, dispersed the crowd with tear gas, witnesses said. Egyptian security forces detained a total of about 50 protesters at several demonstrations, according to security officials. Sissis government prompted an outcry in Egyptian newspapers and on social media last week when it announced an accord that put the uninhabited Red Sea islands of Tiran and Sanafir in Saudi waters. The people want the downfall of the regime! protesters cried outside the Cairo press syndicate, using the signature chant of the 2011 revolt against then-president Hosni Mubarak, who later stepped down. They also chanted: Sissi Mubarak, We dont want you, leave and We own the land, and you are agents who sold our land. In other parts of Cairo, police also fired tear gas at protesters, security sources said. The U.S. government, which sees Cairo as a critical Middle East ally, will continue to watch the situation in Egypt carefully, the White House said. Saudi and Egyptian officials say the islands belong to the kingdom across the Red Sea and were under Egyptian control only because Riyadh had asked Cairo in 1950 to protect them. Saudi Arabia and other wealthy Persian Gulf Arab states showered Egypt with billions of dollars in aid and grants after Sissi toppled President Mohamed Morsi of the Muslim Brotherhood in 2013, following mass protests against Morsi. But a sharp drop in oil prices and differences with Cairo over such regional issues as the war in Yemen have raised questions about whether strong gulf Arab support can be sustained. Egyptians are eager for an economic revival after years of political upheaval. But the islands issue seems to have hurt their national pride, prompting thousands to return to the streets to confront their leader. There are no signs that Sissis rule is under immediate threat. However, even local media outlets, which once suggested that he could do no wrong, have been attacking the president. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at the Trump International Hotel in Washington on March 21 after unveiling a team of foreign policy advisers. (Jim Watson/AFP/Getty Images) When the Republican foreign policy elite gets together these days, conversation quickly veers from challenges such as the Islamic State or North Korea to focus on two questions. How has Donald Trump come so close to becoming the partys standard-bearer? If Trump were elected president, would any of them serve in his administration? Its the only thing we can talk about, said Eliot Cohen, professor of strategic studies at Johns Hopkins University and a former George W. Bush administration official. Hes answered the second question by spearheading an anti-Trump petition, which now has signatures of 121 GOP national security experts. Others are not sure how they would respond to a call from Trump. Leaving any particular president completely alone and bereft from the best advice people could give him just doesnt sound responsible, said another former senior Republican official who spoke on the condition of anonymity. I would never say never, but its hard to envision myself, the former official said. Many of Trumps foreign policy pronouncements retreating from NATO, targeting the families of terror suspects and tearing up existing trade deals, among others are anathema to the Republican national security mainstream. In any case, the former official said, I havent been asked. Listen to Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump discuss some of his foreign policy positions with The Washington Post editorial board. NATO is costing us a fortune, Trump said. Were not reimbursed fairly for what we do. (The Washington Post) Trump, who has cited himself as his primary foreign policy adviser, has announced eight team members so far, one of whom has discrepancies on his resume. George Papadopoulous, a 2009 graduate of DePaul University, has described himself in several lengthy published resumes as an oil and gas consultant and expert in eastern Mediterranean energy policy. But his claim to have served for several years as a fellow at the Washington-based Hudson Institute was refuted by David Tell, Hudson senior fellow and director of public affairs, who said the institutes records indicate that Mr. Papadopoulos started here as an unpaid intern in 2011 and subsequently provided some contractual research assistance to one of our senior fellows. Papadopoulos also lists attendance as U.S. Representative at the 2012 Geneva International Model United Nations. Two people who were part of the delegation that year, including Antony Papadopoulos (no relation), current secretary general of the Geneva program, said they had no recollection of him being there. He also cites the delivery of a keynote address at the 2008 annual American Hellenic Institute Foundation Conference. The conference agenda that year noted Papadopouloss participation on a youth panel with other students; it lists 1988 Democratic presidential nominee Michael Dukakis as the keynote speaker. Asked via his LinkedIn account about these discrepancies, Papadopoulos initially replied with a question. Is it true that the establishment GOP foreign policy advisers, many of whom Ive met, are confused why the presidential front runner chose a group of experts with regional, on the ground experience, with track records of getting deals done with governments, instead of relying on their failed policies they likely devised at Starbucks on Pennsylvania Ave? If so, I am very shocked. He referred subsequent emailed questions about the discrepancies, how he met Trump, what he admires in the candidates foreign policy vision and what he would like to achieve in a Trump administration to campaign spokeswoman Hope Hicks. Trump does not appear to have cast a wide net so far. Of the eight team members Trump has announced, four have a military background. They include retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, retired Maj. Gen. Gary Harrell, retired Rear Adm. Chuck Kubic and reserve Maj. Gen. Bert Mizusawa. Other members of the team include Carter Page, who heads a New York-based energy investment firm. Walid Phares, a Maronite Christian who was a political adviser to Lebanese militants during their war against Muslim factions during the 1980s, is a regular Fox News commentator on terrorism. Another team member, Joseph Schmitz, was the controversial inspector general at the Defense Department from 2002 to 2005. He later spent three years as a senior official at the Prince Group, the parent company of the security firm Blackwater. Trump has also named Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), a lawmaker not known for his interest or experience in foreign policy, as his national security coordinator. A source close to former CIA head and retired Gen. David Petraeus said that a Trump emissary had tried to set up a meeting between them early this year, but it has yet to take place. Some of those Trump has mentioned with admiration have denied they are on his team. Asked last month if the respect Trump voiced for him was mutual, Council on Foreign Relations President Richard Haass told NPR that he had briefed Trump, among other candidates, once last year and said, I simply dont know him well enough to give you that kind of judgment. On April 1, Trumps foreign policy team held its first group meeting with the candidate at the Washington construction site where a hotel bearing his name will soon open. One way to judge a candidate is by the company they keep, although the size of the team and timing of its announcement can vary widely. Hillary Clinton, a former secretary of state, has assembled a foreign policy cast of hundreds, while Bernie Sanders has not yet announced a formal team. On the Republican side, Jeb Bush released a list of 21 foreign policy advisers in early 2015, months before he even declared he was running for the presidency. By contrast, Marco Rubio announced his own list of 18 advisers (including Cohen) just a week before he withdrew from the race last month. But in both cases, the choices were virtually all former senior officials in previous Republican administrations, and the message they sought to impart was the same. Experience, stability, no surprises. Four from Bushs campaign, which ended in late February, signed on with Rubio. John Kasichs hefty list of 39 national security advisers, released in February, is a mix of former officials, experts and academics, and former lawmakers, most of whom would be considered moderates in the heated GOP atmosphere. In mid-March, Ted Cruz announced a 23-member national security coalition. About one-quarter are former mid-level Republican officials. Others range from retired Lt. Gen. William G. Boykin, president of the conservative Family Research Council, to former Missouri senator Jim Talent, who served as an adviser to Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walkers campaign before Walker became an early primary dropout. Only in the case of Trump have significant numbers of former officials and retired military officers publicly declared they would never work for him. In addition to Cohens petition, a separate group of retired officers and prominent members of prior GOP administrations have called on the military to disobey orders to torture captured suspected terrorists or target their families. Trump is a massive outlier, said Mark Dubowitz, executive director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, an officially nonpartisan antiterrorism think tank where many Republicans have found an out-of-office home. But beyond those who have said they would never work for Trump, there are hundreds and hundreds left who have stayed silent. For many, he said, self-interest may triumph over ideology if and when it becomes clear Trump will be the GOP nominee. Hillary Clinton aide Huma Abedin, right, sets up a campaign event in Queens. The Islamic State threatened Abedin in the most recent issue of its Dabiq propaganda magazine. (Andrew Theodorakis/Getty Images) The Islamic State is urging readers of its propaganda magazine to target U.S. and European Muslim leaders who endorse Western values specifically mentioning Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) and Huma Abedin, a prominent aide to Hillary Clinton. In the most recent issue of Dabiq, the Islamic States English-language periodical, the terrorist group includes Abedin and Ellison at the end of a lengthy article headlined Kill the Imams of Kufr in the West. The article also mentions several imams living in the United States and Europe who have been outspoken against the group and tells readers to make an example of them, as all of them are valid rather, obligatory targets. [The apocalyptic magazine the Islamic State uses to recruit and radicalize foreigners] How can Muslims living in the West who claim to have surrendered themselves to Allah, completely accepting His rule alone, stand idly as these imams of kufr continue to spread their poison from atop their pulpits? the article says. Kufr is a term that refers to those who do not believe in Islam. The FBI said in a statement that it takes all threats to American citizens seriously and will continue to work in concert with our federal, state, and local partners to address them. Ellison, an African American convert to Islam, has said that the social justice aspect attracted him to the religion and that extremist ideologies espoused by some adherents are completely foreign and strange to me. [The most prominent Muslim elected official in America sees a message of hope in Trumps weakness] Ellison has received threats before although he has said they typically come from people who object outright to Muslim officeholders. In response to the threat issued by the Islamic State, also known by the Arabic acronym Daesh, Ellison issued a statement on Wednesday saying: As millions of faithful Muslims flee Daeshs imposed nightmare they call a caliphate, Daesh takes the time to threaten Muslim public servants in the West. Daesh is a collection of liars, murderers, torturers, and rapists. No Muslim I know recognizes what they preach as Al-Islam. The fact that Im on Daeshs bad side means I am fighting for things like justice, tolerance, and a more inclusive world. Representatives for the Clinton campaign did not respond to a message seeking comment from Abedin. Last year, after then-Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson suggested that he would not advocate the election of a Muslim for U.S. president, Abedin tweeted: You can be a proud American, a proud Muslim, and proudly serve this great country. Pride versus prejudice. In addition to threatening prominent, moderate Muslim leaders, the most recent issue of Dabiq praised people it claimed were involved in the Brussels terrorist attacks and warned more violence was on the way. Paris was a warning. Brussels was a reminder, the article said. What is yet to come will be more devastating and more bitter by the permission of Allah, and Allah prevails over His affair, but most people do not know. Read more: Muslim congressman blames death threat in part on toxic environment This Republican senator visited a mosque to repudiate Donald Trump The FBI says no links to terrorist organizations have been found so far in the Apple iPhone used by one of the shooters in San Bernardino, Calif. (Carolyn Kaster/AP) The FBI has found no links to foreign terrorists on the iPhone of a San Bernardino, Calif., terrorist but is still hoping that an ongoing analysis could advance its investigation into the mass shooting in December, U.S. law enforcement officials said. For instance, geolocation data found on the phone might yet yield clues into the movements of the shooters in the days and weeks before the attack, officials said. The bureau is also trying to figure out what the shooters did in an 18-minute period following the shooting. Investigators knew all along that finding important clues on the phone, which was a work phone owned by San Bernardino County, was a long shot, officials said, but they wanted to make sure their inquiry was thorough. For the FBI to competently investigate a mass murder that happened in the United States, we believed we had to use all lawful tools to find out whether there was evidence on that phone that either shed more light on what these two killers had done, FBI Director James B. Comey said at Ohios Kenyon College last week. Last month, a third party professional hackers who hunt software flaws to sell demonstrated to the bureau a method for unlocking the Apple iPhone of Syed Rizwan Farook, one of the shooters in the attack that killed 14 people. The FBI has found a way into San Bernardino Syed Farook's iPhone, and is now dropping bids to force Apple to help them crack into the phone. See all the latest developments in the case, and why the case isn't over yet. (Jhaan Elker/The Washington Post) The method proved successful, officials said, but it has not so far turned up anything that sheds new light on the motive of Farook and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, or whether they were plotting other attacks or had other associates. The couple were killed in a shootout with police after the attack on a county facility in San Bernardino. The lack of significant information on Farooks phone was first reported by CBS News. The phone was one of three recovered by the bureau. Two were damaged beyond repair, and the third, Farooks iPhone 5C running an iOS 9 operating system, was locked with a personal identification number that Apple could not bypass or unlock. The phone also had security features, including one that would delete all the data on the phone if more than 10 incorrect guesses at the PIN are made. Another feature imposed delays of increasing duration between guesses. In particular, the bureau wanted to know if there was data on the phone that was not backed up in Apples servers. Farook had stopped backing up the phone to those servers in October, six weeks before the attack. The bureau has not commented on the identity of the individuals who helped the U.S. government crack Farooks phone. The people we bought this from I know a fair amount about them, and I have a high degree of confidence that they are very good at protecting the solution, Comey said. The FBIs analysis of the phones data so far is consistent with Comeys statement in December that the bureau had not uncovered any ties between the shooters and foreign terrorist organizations. 1 of 61 Full Screen Autoplay Close The day of the shooting The manhunt Skip Ad What the investigation and scene of the shooting in San Bernardino look like View Photos Two attackers were killed in a confrontation with police after a shooting at the nonprofit Inland Regional Center that left 14 dead. Caption The attackers were killed in a confrontation with police after a shooting at the nonprofit Inland Regional Center that left 14 dead. Dec. 11, 2015 A diver searches for evidence in the San Bernardino, Calif., shooting massacre that may have been thrown into Seccombe Lake. Syed Farook and his wife, Tashfeen Malik, killed 14 people and injured 21 at the Inland Regional Center. David Mcnew/Getty Images Wait 1 second to continue. One cellphone forensics expert said that if the bureau hasnt found anything significant by now, it is unlikely to find anything highly useful at this point. Its not an archeological dig, Jonathan Zdziarksi said. Its more of an Easter egg hunt. Last week, FBI General Counsel James A. Baker was asked at a privacy conference whether the data found on the phone was worth the fight over unlocking the phone that the government and Apple engaged in. That fight ended when the third party came forward. It was worth the fight to make sure that we have turned over every rock that we can with respect to the investigation, Baker said. We owe it to the victims and the families to make sure that we have pursued every logical lead. Fords Woodhaven Hot Metal Forming plant, located approximately 10 miles south of Detroit, Michigan, stretches across 360 acres of land with a plant size of 2.7 million square feet, or 248,000 square meters. Opened in 1964, Woodhaven once employed 5,000 workers to make door panels, floor pans, hoods, quarter panels, roofs, tailgates and truck body sides. Today the plant, formerly known as Woodhaven Stamping, has approximately 500 employees producing the same volume of work. The stamping process transforms a flat sheet of steel into the angular and curved components of vehicles at a single smashing blow. At Woodhaven Ford Motor Company is applying, with the full complicity of the United Auto Workers, the same process to the factorys workforce, which will be reshaped into casual laborers earning poverty wages. Based on terms of the 2015 UAW-Ford agreement the company is currently ripping out the existing lines of machinery to introduce new, faster equipment. The $300 million project is predicated on contract language that prevents higher-paid legacy workers (earning around $29 an hour) or even second tier workers, who earn between $15 and $19 per hour, from taking jobs on the new lines. Ford workers have informed the WSWS Autoworker Newsletter that all positions on the new hot metal machinery will be filled exclusively by new hires, that is, a third tier, who will start at $9 per hourfifty cents more than the states minimum wage of $8.50. These workers will top out at $12 after years of service. In the 2015 contract the UAW imposed a competitive wage rate structure on workers at the factory, as well as two other Michigan plants: Sterling Axle (2,100 workers) and the powertrain plant in Rawsonville (740 workers). The lower wages were necessary, the union claimed, to save the plants from closing and compete with non-union suppliers. However, workers report that new employees will be hired in at half of what the wage rate was supposed to be, according to the terms on page 228 (211A) of the contract, which said new workers hired, rehired, or reinstated on or after the effective date of the 2015 contract, would start at $16.25 and max out at $19.86 after four years. A young worker with 2012 seniority told the Autoworker Newsletter, I am second tier unfortunately. We should all be making the same pay. When he voiced objections to the union about the plans to introduce a third tier, a union steward responded that the factory was not making enough money and the new $9 pay scale was a good thing to keep the plant open. A die-setter with 27 years at Ford told the newsletter that everyone knows Ford is making more money now than at any time in their existence. In every year since the Obama restructuring in 2009, the auto companies have racked up record profits. According to our plant chairman [the third tier] is good for our plant, the legacy worker continued. I told him, What am I not seeing? The worker continued, This is probably a good deal for the company, but not for us. He went on to explain his contempt for the smug and pro-company outlook which permeates the privileged functionaries that make up the union apparatus. My chairman said, Youve only got a couple of years to go. What do you care about? If the people before me had said that, we would not have anything. I am looking out for the guy coming after me who has got to raise a family. In the 1970s there were 5,000 workers here. Now we are down to 500 and we are doing pretty much the same work. They want to get it down to 400 workers in the whole place. Im a die setter. In 2005 there were 60 of us. Now there are only 16, and the same work is getting done. Right now they want to cut three more. For the UAW, the companys investment and the hiring of hundreds of new workers is a victory for its strategy of in-sourcing jobs. The growth strategy of the UAW is to entice the auto giants to relocate production from China, Mexico and other low-wage countries to the US by slashing wages and abandoning everything autoworkers fought for over generations. Under this scenario the bank accounts of the UAW are replenished with the union dues the next generation of workers will have to pay for the privilege of working back-breaking jobs at poverty wages. Stamping plants are notorious for causing injuries and even deaths. Contract language that had been built up during years of struggle to protect worker safety, job security and general conditions in the shops has been systematically ignored and then scrapped as the UAW integrated itself into company management. Union operatives participate directly in both the supervision and the exploitation of workers and in the profits that result. The transformation underway at Woodhaven is a milestone in this process. Two hot metal forging machines, backed by laser trimming units, have been purchased. As they come on line an initial group of 300 new hires will be brought into the plant, with a projected total for third tier workers of 1,000 spots. The company plans to increase the rate of production from the current level of just over 600 units by as much as 50 percent, or up to as many as 900 parts per hour, with production running continuously 23 hours per day, with only six minutes required to change dies. At this writing we do not know the exact model of equipment, but a comparable machine made by Erie Corporation forms hot metal in a semi-liquid, or plastic, state with jets of hot air as it flies through the line. Such machines combine multiple technological marvels. Rather than improving the conditions and livelihoods of the employees, however, these instruments are being used to do just the opposite. Older, higher-paid workers, who have a greater sense of the past gains workers achieved, are being forced out and replaced. This attack has been prepared and facilitated by a campaign of lies and intimidation orchestrated by the UAW. The implications for the working class are stark. My daughter works at Staples for $11 an hour and hates it, the veteran die-setter said. But she has to do it because the only other job she can get pays $8. Describing the recent contract, he commented, Our leadership sold us out. I think there were hidden agendas in that contract. They are trying to get rid of us legacy people. They have two new hot metal presses that can produce 900 parts per hour. They are bringing in a third tier to work on them. We are not even considered for that work. We cannot even bid on the work. This has been bargained at the national level. [UAW president] Dennis Williams was talking big ten months ago about how we were going to get back what we had given up. A raise of 87 cents is an insult. I used to love to go to work. Now I feel like I have been wronged. The UAW has done its best to conceal from workers the full extent of the attacks on jobs and compensation that is contained in the new agreement. More than 1,400 jobs cuts have already been announced at Fiat Chrysler plants in Sterling Heights, Michigan, and workers another FCA plant in Belvidere, Illinois could soon face layoffs. A legacy worker at the Michigan Assembly plant in nearby Wayne, Michigan, where workers who manufacture the Ford Focus face similar job threats, told the newsletter, We havent heard anything about it yet. He too was angered by the contract. I dont believe any of it, he said. They forced it through. I dont talk to the union. It has run its course. We need an independent organization. I dont trust any of them. Referring to the report of a third tier at Woodhaven, he said, I dont see how they can get away with it. There are so many workers on layoff. We are being laid off for a week in April, a week in May, two weeks in July and one week in August. He too concluded in disgust, The union is part of the company. The Minjoo Party of Korea (MPK) pulled off a slim victory in Wednesdays South Korean general election, defeating the governing right-wing Saenuri Party of President Park Geun-hye. It was the first time in 16 years that a ruling party, while remaining in office via the presidency, had lost its parliamentary majority. The MPKSouth Koreas Democratsand its allies campaigned largely by exploiting the anger and fear workers and young people have over poor economic conditions and the labor market restructuring plans pushed by Parks government. However, this agenda will continue to move forward under the Park administration, with the assistance of the MPK. In the 300-seat National Assembly, the MPK secured 123 seats, edging out the Saenuri Party, which obtained 122 seatsa loss of 30 seats. Two MPK allies, the Peoples Party and the Justice Party, captured 38 seats and 6 seats respectively. Independents took the remaining 11. Candidates competed for 253 seats, while 47 were chosen by proportional vote. Running in the election were also smaller parties like the Labor Party, Green Party and the Peoples Alliance Party. All three have close ties to the MPK and none represent a genuine working class agenda. After the election, MPK leader Kim Jong-in criticized the Park government with an obvious eye toward next years presidential election. The voters delivered their stern judgment on the botched economic policies of the Park Geun-hye government and the Saenuri Party, he said. Saenuri Party chief Kim Mu-seong said he would resign his leadership post while making perfunctory references to the voters will: People rendered their judgment with a harsh stick and we were crushingly defeated. All this happened because (we) forgot the fact that politics should only work for the people and fear the people. The results reflect popular discontent with both the main parties that, under various names, have formed successive governments since the end of the military-backed dictatorship in 1987. The Peoples Party, established by Ahn Cheol-soo in February, consists of defectors from the MPK. It swept North and South Jeolla Provinces and the city of Gwangju, all traditional MPK strongholds. Ahn and his party appealed to peoples disaffection toward the two-party system, but in fact represent a more right-wing faction of the Democrats, dissatisfied with even the mild reformist appeals the MPK uses to give itself a liberal veneer. The Peoples Party is likely to collaborate closely with the MPK. In order to maintain a facade of independence, Ahn dismissed the idea of forming an electoral alliance with the MPK, but said he would not bar party candidates from doing so individually. Attempts were made to reach a number of agreements, but in the end, only one materialized, in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, where Peoples Party candidate Lee Yong-beom dropped out in favor of the MPKs Heo Yeong. The MPK victory does not indicate public support for its policies. The election was marked by mass abstention and widespread ambivalence. Some 42 percent of eligible voters stayed away from the polls. Rather than out of conviction, many people cast ballots out of a vague sense of civic duty or to earn discounts at stores offering deals with proof that they had voted. Many young people expressed their dissatisfaction with all the establishment parties. I will exercise my right not to vote. In fact, I dont have much interest in politics. Neither do I believe the election will change our society, Jung Da-eun, a 25-year-old university student from Seoul, told the Korea Times . A young worker, Kim Ji-hye, expressed similar sentiments, saying: I dont really have any strong reason not to vote. But I just dont care about politics. I dont want to vote because there is no candidate whom I want to cast a ballot for. Such statements are indicative of a political system that completely fails to address the needs of youth and the working class. The MPK based its campaign on the claim that the Saenuri Party and the Park Geun-hye administration were solely responsible for poor economic conditions. On Tuesday, the International Monetary Fund cut its forecast for South Koreas growth rate for 2016 to 2.7 percent, down from the 3.2 percent it predicted in October. The official youth unemployment rate reached 12.5 percent in February, an all-time high. The MPK opposed labor reform bills pushed by the Park government that would expand South Koreas low-paid, casual workforce. The MPK promised to create 700,000 regular jobs for young people. A regular job comes with contract protection, whereas irregular workers are paid less and can be fired at any time. The MPK claimed that it could create new positions by extending current government programs, including a mandatory youth employment quota, from public to private companies. In reality, this would expand the system of casualized workers. A report published in January by the Korea Employment Information Service (KEIS) showed that only 15 percent of young people found regular job positions by participating in these government programs. Almost 60 percent were still looking for work, with the remainder working at irregular jobs or finding employment through other means. We found that the jobs that young people got through the government employment programs were not very good, the KEIS said. Young people are also citing problems such as low wages, poor benefits and long working hours. The MPK also hoped to capitalize on public opposition to a new anti-terrorism law passed by the Saenuri Party in March. The bill allows for the collection of peoples personal information by monitoring phone calls and bank accounts. The MPK, the Peoples Party and the Justice Party conducted a nine-day filibuster to delay a vote on the bill. This was nothing more than an electoral stunt. Before its passage, the MPK expressed support for the core provisions of the bill. Now that the legislation has passed, the Democrats have no intention of repealing it. Instead, they claimed before the election they would revise it, thus legitimizing expanded state surveillance of the population. Not mentioned in the election was South Koreas support for the United States pivot to Asia, directed against China. For all the parties, including those that attempt to pass themselves off as radical or progressive, the US alliance is an accepted fact, as are the escalating war plans being made behind the backs of the people. The election took place in the shadow of the largest-ever US-South Korean military exercises, which began last month, involving 300,000 South Korean troops and 17,000 US personnel. The exercises are based on a new joint operational plan that shifts the focus of a war against North Korea from a nominally defensive stance to an offensive one. In March, Washington and Seoul began discussions on the placement of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) batteries in South Korea. On the pretext of countering North Koreas supposed nuclear threat, the batteries are ultimately aimed at giving the US the capacity to block retaliation by China or Russia in the event of a nuclear war. Conscious of public opposition to the war drive, none of the three major parties took a definite stand on the issue during the election. A Washington woman's life may have been saved thanks to her love of potato chips. For almost 20 years, Kristine Moore has eaten Ruffles potato chips with her lunch daily. In February, a sharp piece of a chip poked the Marysville woman's tonsil, KIRO 7 reports. When Moore's husband looked into her throat, he told her that her tonsils looked swollen and "had some stuff" on them, so she went to the doctor the next day. After ruling out strep throat, the doctor took a biopsy and the results came back abnormal. Further tests confirmed that she had a cancerous tumor on her left tonsil. Moore's doctors told CNN that if it weren't for the chip, she may not have felt the tumor until her cancer progressed. Life-Saving Potato Chip Leads Washington Woman to Discover Throat Cancer: It 'Was a Blessing in Disguise'| Cancer, Medical Conditions, Real People Stories "The potato chip was a blessing in disguise. I probably wouldnat have found out for another year," she said. Thanks to her love of Ruffles, her cancer was caught early. When caught early, this type of cancer reportedly has a cure rate of up to 80 percent. Moore said she believes smoking, a habit she has now given up, may have caused her cancer. Her potato chip habit, on the other hand, isn't going anywhere. She said she would keep eating Ruffles "until I can't eat them anymore." Fill, sign and annotate Adobe PDF forms and documents. PDF Forms is a powerful processing app for anyone who has to deal with PDF forms and legal documents. With its help you can fill forms, add remarks and notes to the ready document, sign agreements and notices. Moreover, the app offers a choice of handy sharing options such as email, Google Drive or Dropbox and lets print documents via AirPrint. PDF Forms allows to work with documents you receive by email or via iTunes file sharing, load them from Dropbox or Google Drive folders and open from any application, which generates PDF files, e.g. PDF PROvider. If you have a document or form that you need to fill and sign on multiple occasions, you can easily turn it into the template. For this, you can create a copy of the document in the File Manager. PDF Forms makes it easy to add the handwritten signature to your documents. Just save the copy of your signature and use it at any time. Saved signature can be resized and placed in the appropriate area of the PDF form or contract in several taps. More than that, PDF Forms features integrated scanner module specifically for scanning hand-written signatures. 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With PDF Forms you can: Get PDF documents from any application using Open In, from iTunes, Google Drive or Dropbox folders Manage PDF documents using folders and ZIP archives Sign legal documents (contracts, notices, etc.) Fill out various forms Mark and comment any text or image in any PDF document Split any PDF documents into separate PDF files Share ready PDFs via e-mail, Dropbox, Google Drive or print via AirPrint. Never let the truth get in the way of a good story, since sitting in a cafe in Portugal, drinking port, fittingly enough, it made perfect sense that someone would toss over a novel called The Book of Disquiet. It was written by this guy named Pessoa, said the tosser, Andre Mendes. He was a 47-year-old accountant who died, and when they were throwing out his stuff, they found a trunk full of his writing and it was the greatest thing people had ever read. Now hes a national hero. Part truth, part fiction Fernando Antonio Nogueira Pessoa would have had it no other way. And the way that Mendes had it was a perfect lead-in to the fact that Pessoa, whose name means person in Portuguese, had by some estimates 81 pen names. Not just pen names, but personalities and job descriptions to go with them. Not that common in 1905, when he got back to Lisbon after he spent the 10 previous years of his youth in South Africa, courtesy of a stepfathers job. So while he did die at 47 in 1935 too typically, for a writer, from cirrhosis of the liver Pessoa was anything and everything other than an accountant. But what he was, most assuredly, was a writer. And not a particularly unsung, that is unpublished, one either. Ever since he could hold a pen, he was writing poems, stories, longer-form stuff, eventually translations under his own name occasionally, and often under one of the 81 others. All told: 25,574 unpublished pages. Pessoa 1928 foto bi Pessoa Source: Public Domain Moreover, while the names changed, the prose and poems did not so much. They were uniformly brilliant and were often about nothing but that brilliance, as he could hold forth on a whole lot of nothing life as an accountant, for example so believably and so well that, yeah, people thought he had been one. Simple, direct and completely enveloping. Pessoa was a giant who was largely blind to being a giant, and while being politically inconsistent in a time when this could have been dangerous (he actively opposed Catholicism, communism, fascism and socialism while supporting military dictatorships before he stopped supporting them), it was clear that nothing interested him more than writing. Astrology came close. As did his more than serious flirtation with Aleister Crowley, whose presence in Lisbon at one point caused Pessoa to fake a suicide to avoid meeting him. Story continues But writing was, in true monomaniacal fashion, his wife and his life, to paraphrase Lou Reed. And the absence of the former in any reports of his life, and therefore the absence of offspring, makes this more understandable than not. There are metaphors more real than the people who walk in the street. There are images tucked away in books that live more vividly than many men and women. There are phrases from literary works that have a positively human personality. There are passages from my own writing that chill me with fright, so distinctly do I feel them as people, so sharply outlined do they appear against the walls of my room, at night, in shadows, said Pessoa in The Book of Disquiet. Ive written sentences whose sound, read out loud or silently (impossible to hide their sound), can only be of something that acquired absolute exteriority and a full-fledged soul. Or to hear Lydia Lunch, writer and literary monster in her own right, tell it, Pessoa a hilarious pessimist. Second only to E.M. Cioran. Related Articles JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Anheuser-Busch InBev will invest 1 billion rand ($69 million) to support small South African farmers as part of concessions agreed with the government to secure regulatory approval for its $100 billion-plus takeover of SABMiller, it said on Thursday. The world's biggest brewer said the concessions, which also include a five-year freeze on layoffs, were agreed with the South African Ministry of Economic Development. "It is expected that the agreement on terms between government and the merger parties will expedite the merger proceedings before the South African competition authorities," AB InBev said. "The commitments made by the company are the most extensive merger-specific undertakings made to date in a large merger. In our view, they meet the requirements of the competition legislation, Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel said. South African Competition Commission this week extended its scrutiny of the deal, saying it needed at another 15 days to complete its investigation. It has already extended the deadline four times. South Africa has a history of taking its time over approving takeovers partly because competition authorities have a public interest mandate to safeguard jobs, in addition to an anti-trust mandate to protect competition. In 2011, the regulator told U.S. retailer Wal-Mart Stores not to cut jobs for two years following its acquisition of South African retailer Massmart, delaying implementation of the $2.4 billion deal by at least two months. The Commission investigates deals for any anti-trust issues and submits its views to the Competition Tribunal, which makes a final ruling on whether a deal should go ahead Ab InBev has already told European regulators of its plan to sell SABMiller's premium European brands to try to secure approval for its deal. ($1 = 14.5350 rand) (Reporting by Tiisetso Motsoeneng; Editing by Jane Merriman) By Sumeet Chatterjee and Prakash Chakravarti HONG KONG (Reuters) - Global buyout firm Advent International and U.S.-based Baxter International are among suitors preparing to submit separate bids to buy unlisted Indian drugmaker Gland Pharma Ltd, three people with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. A deal would underscore the positive outlook for drugmakers in India, which is a major supplier to the world and counts the United States as its largest export market thanks to lower manufacturing and labor costs. Indian drugmakers are among the world's biggest producers of cheap generic medicines, as developed nations battle rising healthcare costs and big-selling drugs going off-patent in the lucrative U.S. market. Overseas drugmakers as well as private equity firms such as KKR & Co and Singapore's state investment firm Temasek Holdings have invested in the Indian companies in the recent past to cash in on growing demand for cheaper drugs overseas. Gland Pharma founders and KKR, who jointly own about 96 percent of the company, are selling their combined stake, which is valued at between $1 billion and $1.5 billion, the people said. Indian drugmaker Torrent Pharmaceuticals is the other company set to place binding bids due by middle of next month, said the people, who declined to be identified as the deal talks are confidential. Advent, KKR and Baxter declined to comment. Officials at Gland and Torrent did not respond to Reuters' request for comment. KKR invested about $200 million in Gland Pharma in 2013, at that time the largest private equity investment in the local pharmaceutical sector. The stake size was not disclosed, but sources said the company was valued at about $600 million then. Gland Pharma, based in the southern India city of Hyderabad, makes injectables widely-used medicines administered through vials, syringes, bags and pumps, which are harder to manufacture than regular medicines. A shortage of such injectables in recent years has driven up prices and made it an increasingly lucrative business opportunity for drugmakers, sparking investors' interest in companies such as Gland Pharma. Drugs giant Pfizer acquired U.S. firm Hospira for $17 billion last year partly to bolster its injectable drugs business. Mylan NV paid $1.6 billion to buy the injectable drugs unit of India's Strides Arcolabs now known as Strides Shasun - in 2013. (Reporting by Sumeet Chatterjee and Prakash Chakravarti; Additioal reporting by Zeba Siddiqui in MUMBAI; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and Mark Potter) By Irene Klotz COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Reuters) - The head of the United States Space Command said on Thursday he supports a policy change to allow decommissioned intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) to launch commercial satellites, a plan pushed by Orbital ATK Inc and opposed by other private space launch companies. U.S. Air Force General John Hyten said that spare ICBMs should not be given away for free, nor dumped en masse into the commercial marketplace. I would like to figure out how to get some value out of the hundreds of millions investment we have in those excess ICBMs, but we cannot destroy the small launch business in doing that, said Hyten during a press conference at the Space Symposium in Colorado Springs. Theres got to be a way to find the sweet spot." Hyten noted that the Air Force will not decide the issue, which could affect hundreds of millions of dollars in potential rocket launch orders in coming years. This is going to be a national policy decision, he said. Lifting the ban on using mothballed nuclear missiles requires action by Congress. Orbital ATK is pressing U.S. lawmakers to end a ban on using ICBMs for launching commercial satellites, an initiative that has raised concern among companies, such as Richard Bransons Virgin Galactic, that have invested millions of dollars in potential rival rockets. Orbital wants the missiles to build a solid-fuel rocket, a technology that Virgin and most of the other startup commercial launch firms do not use. Current U.S. policy allows the missile rocket motors to be used to launch military payloads, a service that Orbital has been providing under contract with the Air Force. But the decommissioned missiles cannot currently be used as launch vehicles to fly commercial satellites. In an interview with Reuters, Doug Loverro, deputy assistant defense secretary for space policy, said more study is needed. The last thing we want to do is harm the entrepreneurial space market that weve built in this country. But I dont think its necessarily a given that selling (ICBMs) will harm it, nor do I think that it wont harm it. We dont have any information one way or another, Loverro said. Orbital said it wants the missiles to build a Minotaur 4 launch vehicle capable of lifting about four times the weight of small rockets like Virgin Galactics LauncherOne. (Reporting by Irene Klotz; Editing by Andrew Hay) BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syrian government air strikes hit rebel-held areas north of the city of Homs for a second day, forcing authorities to cancel Friday prayers for the first time in six months, monitors and a doctor there said. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said a number of raids hit the town of Rastan in the north of the province and other towns and villages nearby, and barrel bombs had been dropped from helicopters in the past 24 hours. The bombardments came after the United Nations started a new round of peace talks in Geneva, and as surging fighting in Aleppo challenged a fragile cessation of hostilities deal agreed in February. The doctor in Homs province, Mohamad al-Shamsi, said a man and child had been killed in Rastan. He said the strikes hit "the same area that Russian air strikes targeted on Sept. 30, their first day in Syria". Russia intervened in the five-year-old Syrian war in September to bolster ally President Bashar al-Assad. President Vladimir Putin, who last month decided to withdraw some of the Russian forces deployed to Syria, said Moscow had left Damascus in a position to launch major offensives. The Britain-based Observatory said Friday's Homs strikes were believed to be carried out by the Syrian air force, rather than Russian planes. (Reporting by John Davison and Tom Perry; Editing by Andrew Heavens) No, this is not the bad move Im talking about. But it was the prelude. (Brian Nguyen / Reuters) Davis, California, is a wonderful town, and the academic / tech / agricultural complex that has arisen around UC Davis makes the area one of the all-round most attractive place in the country. My wife Deb and I have written a number of reports about the nearby town of Winters, still mainly a farming community. Mike McCoy, a transportation and planning expert at UC Davis, and many of his colleagues have been generous advisors on a number of topics, notably the arguments pro and con Californias plans for high-speed rail. So, I like the UCD Aggies and their homeland. But nearly five years ago, as part of the nationwide Occupy movement, Davis was the scene of an ugly showdown. Its the one captured in the famous photo at the top of this post, and which I wrote about at the time. (First and with numerous links here, then here, and here.) Yesterday Sam Stanton and Diana Lambert of the Sacramento Bee broke the incredible-but-true news that senior UC Davis officials, under tight economic constraints on the UC system as a whole, had spent at least $175,000 hiring consultants for an online branding campaign designed to clean up the negative attention the University of California, Davis, and Chancellor Katehi have received, according to the consultants proposal the Bee obtained under the California Public Records Act. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. By Nate Raymond and Dustin Volz NEW YORK/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - An unidentified American company was defrauded last year out of nearly $100 million by individuals who created a fake email address in order to pose as one of its legitimate vendors, U.S. authorities said on Thursday. The details of the scheme came as the U.S. government filed a civil forfeiture lawsuit in federal court in Manhattan seeking to recover about $25 million in proceeds derived from the fraud held in at least 20 bank accounts around the world. Nearly $74 million has been recovered and returned to the American company, authorities said. The case appeared to be the latest, and one of the largest, examples of a "business email compromise," a growing type of cyber scam in which fraudsters target businesses that work with foreign suppliers or regularly perform wire transfers. The FBI said in an alert issued to companies last week that businesses had suffered $2.3 billion globally in losses from email wire-transfer scams from October 2013 to February of this year. The complaint filed on Thursday "appears to be the largest email scam that I've seen," said Tom Brown, a former Manhattan federal prosecutor who is now managing director of Berkeley Research Group's cyber security practice. The scheme at issue in Thursday's lawsuit took place from August to September and was identified after a Cyprus-based bank identified suspicious transfers, authorities said. According to the lawsuit, the perpetrators carried out the scam by creating a fake email address that resembled that of one of the company's vendors in Asia. The perpetrators then posed as a vendor while communicating with a professional services company that was hired to handle the details and logistics of vendor payments for the American corporation, the lawsuit said. The fraud caused the American firm to send $98.9 million meant for the actual vendor to an account at Eurobank Cyprus Ltd, which discovered the fraud, the lawsuit said. Eurobank, which did not respond to an email seeking comment, on its own initiative in September restrained nearly $74 million of the funds. The remaining $25 million was laundered through other accounts in locations including Cyprus, Latvia, Hungary, Estonia, Lithuania, Slovakia, and Hong Kong, authorities said. Foreign governments at the request of U.S. authorities have restrained 20 accounts worldwide that received portions of the remaining stolen funds, which are now the subject of the lawsuit, authorities said. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in New York; and Dustin Volz in Washington; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Peter Cooney) In ancient cultures, the poor lived on the razor's edge literally. A new study shows that in societies where social hierarchies were taking shape, ritual human sacrifices targeted poor people, helping the powerful control the lower classes and keep them in their place. "By using human sacrifice to punish taboo violations, demoralize the underclass and instill fear of social elites, power elites were able to maintain and build social control," study lead author Joseph Watts said in a statement. [Image Gallery: Human Sacrifices Unearthed in Mexico] According to Watts, a graduate student researching cultural evolution at the University of Auckland in New Zealand, ritualized killings in the name of religion date back at least 5,000 years, known from remains of human sacrifices buried near Egyptian emperors' tombs. Evidence also hints that the practice was widespread, Watts told Live Science in an email. "Human sacrifice was found in early human societies throughout the world (such as South America, Europe, the Middle East and Austronesia) long before cultures in these regions are known to have been in contact with one another," Watts said in the email. "This suggests that human sacrifice has independently arisen numerous times throughout human history." A developing ruling class that was eager to cement control over the less fortunate likely drove, in part, the rise of human sacrifice, according to Watts. Descended from gods The researchers investigated 93 traditional cultures identified as "Austronesian" a language family that originated in Taiwan and extended through parts of Southeast Asia, the Philippines, Madagascar, Malaysia and the Pacific Islands. "In early Austronesian cultures, there was a great deal of overlap between religious and political authority," Watts told Live Science, with some cultures recognizing the ruling elite as descendants of the gods. "As such, the religious systems often favored social elites and reinforced their position," he said. Story continues Of these cultures, 40 were known to practice some form of human sacrifice, which was carried out in a number of ways, according to the researchers. Victims might be drowned, burned, strangled, bludgeoned, cut to pieces, crushed under a newly built canoe, or rolled off the roof of a house before being decapitated. But as much as the manner of their deaths might have varied, the victims had this much in common: They were typically of low social status. And the sacrifices were generally performed by people in an elevated class, such as a chief or high priest. In fact, the study authors found that human sacrifice was more widely practiced in societies that were highly stratified with wide gulfs between the lower classes and the privileged finding records of human sacrifice in 67 percent of those types of societies. However, they found that in societies where all members occupied a similar status, human sacrifices were less common, showing up in only 25 percent of egalitarian cultures. "This highlights the potential dangers of religious and political overlap, and how religion can be used by social elites as a tool to maintain social control," Watts said. "Ritualized human sacrifice shows just how far this can go." The findings were published online April 4 in the journal Nature. Follow Mindy Weisberger 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. By Rania El Gamal and Alex Lawler DUBAI/LONDON (Reuters) - The African nation of Gabon wants to rejoin OPEC after more than two decades, two OPEC sources said, becoming the second former member in a year to seek a return to the oil exporters' group just as it is taking the first steps in years to prop up prices. If it returned, Gabon would be the smallest producer in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and bring its ranks to 14 countries following last year's return of Indonesia, which had quit in 2008. "They sent the request to OPEC officially," said one of the sources, an OPEC delegate. An oil official in Gabon declined to comment. Gabon joined OPEC in 1975 and left in 1995 over the exporter group's refusal to grant its request for reduced annual contributions in line with the country's small production, news reports said at the time. The move to rejoin comes as key OPEC members and outside producers such as Russia are attempting to support prices through a deal to freeze output which will be discussed this weekend in Doha. The initiative has helped oil prices to start recovering from a 12-year low reached in January. OPEC in 2014 had abandoned its traditional role of cutting supply to support the market, accelerating a drop in prices which were falling due to oversupply and prompting critics to question its relevance. Gabon produces 200,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) according to the International Energy Agency, and output is in decline. Last year, the government launched an offshore licensing round in a bid to boost exploration. [nL8N12R24E] Ecuador, which pumps 530,000 bpd, is currently the smallest OPEC producer. The next step, the sources said, would be for OPEC oil ministers to discuss Gabon's request. They hold their next meeting in June. OPEC rules state that a country needs to have "a substantial net export of crude" in order to become a full member. Still, the ministers waived this requirement with the decision to welcome back Indonesia, now a net oil importer. Whether Gabon's return would be as straightforward is not clear. Indonesia was deemed by OPEC to have "suspended" its membership, while it calls Gabon's departure a "termination" - implying a more formal severing of ties. (Additional reportning by Joe Bavier; Editing by David Evans) (Reuters) - Apple Inc has formed a secret team to explore changes to its App Store, including a new strategy for charging developers to have their apps more prominently displayed, Bloomberg reported, citing people familiar with the plans. The iPhone maker is considering paid searches, similar to Google's model, where companies would have to pay to have their apps appear among top search results based on what a customer is seeking, Bloomberg said. About 100 employees are working on the project, including many engineers from Apples advertising group iAd, which is being scaled back, Bloomberg said, adding that the initiative is being led by Apple Vice President Todd Teresi, who headed iAd. Apple declined to comment. (Reporting by Arunima Banerjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Crosby) The New York Times EWA BEACH, Hawaii It was rough enough when Ashley Badis and her teammates in girls water polo had to practice in the ocean, battling fickle winds and choppy waves because their high school had failed to provide them a pool. But it was humiliating, Badis said, when she learned about female athletes on other teams lugging their gear around school all day, running to a nearby Burger King to use the bathroom, or changing clothes under the bleachers or on the bus. The boys had no such worries beca Global stocks dipped Friday, giving back some gains from earlier in the week as oil prices retreated ahead of a much-anticipated oil producers meeting. Bourses from Shanghai to Frankfurt to New York finished with losses of less than 0.5 percent in a move that was seen as evidence of profit taking. "The strong weekly performance in European markets stalled on Friday," said CMC Markets analyst Jasper Lawler. "Data showing the slowest growth in China for seven years and doubts whether oil producers can agree on an output freeze this weekend in Doha are both good reason to take profits." Oil prices tumbled ahead of the key producers meeting in the Qatari capital on Sunday as Tehran announced that Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh would not join the talks and that the gathering would instead be attended by the Islamic republic's OPEC representative. Oil prices have fluctuated in recent weeks on shifting sentiment about the potential outcome of the Doha gathering. "Expectations are just so low that OPEC and non-OPEC producers will do anything with significant details attached to it," said Andy Lipow of Lipow Oil Associates. Most petroleum producers fell with prices, including London-listed BP, France's Total and US giant Chevron. Chinese government data showed economic growth in the first quarter came in at 6.7 percent, the slowest rate in seven years. However, analysts pointed to some positive signs in other data, such as a 6.8 percent surge in industrial output in March that suggested the slowdown in the world's second-biggest economy was easing. "China's growth looks to have bottomed out," Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics said, adding that the data suggest that "policy easing has helped to avert a deeper downturn" -- although he noted some "skepticism" about the GDP figures. The Nikkei in Japan shed 0.4 percent, breaking a three-day winning streak after several companies, including Sony, Honda Motor and Bridgestone, temporarily suspended operations at production facilities following the 6.5 earthquake that left at least nine people dead and toppled buildings. Story continues Japanese stocks were also weighed down by a rally in the Japanese yen, which rose due to its status as a haven currency ahead of the Doha oil meeting, said a note from Commonwealth Foreign Exchange. - Key figures around 2100 GMT - New York - Dow: DOWN: 0.2 percent at 17,897.46 (close) New York - S&P 500: DOWN: 0.1 percent at 2,080.73 (close) New York - Nasdaq: DOWN: 0.2 percent at 4,938.22 (close) London - FTSE 100: DOWN 0.3 percent at 6,343.75 (close) Frankfurt - DAX 30: DOWN 0.4 percent at 10,051.57 (close) Paris - CAC 40: DOWN 0.4 percent at 4,495.17 (close) EURO STOXX 50: DOWN 0.2 percent at 3,054.34 points (close) Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 0.4 percent at 16,848.03 (close) Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 0.1 percent at 3,078.12 (close) Hong Kong - Hang Seng: DOWN 0.1 percent at 21,316.47 (close) Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1284 from $1.1269 on Thursday Dollar/yen: DOWN at 108.75 yen from 109.34 By Stephen Jewkes MILAN (Reuters) - It is people like 58-year-old bank clerk Silvio Doria who may save Italy's oil industry. Referring to a referendum on Sunday that will decide whether oil companies can continue to drill within 12 miles (20 km) of Italy's coastline, Doria said: "I'm not going to vote because I just don't know the issues well enough." For the referendum to succeed, more than 50 percent of Italians must cast a ballot. Prime Minister Matteo Renzi says a "yes" vote against drilling would hurt jobs at a time when the economy is struggling to grow and has called on people to shun the ballot. An opinion poll last month suggests three-quarters of Italians have scant knowledge of the referendum, which concerns a little-known industry mostly located off the east coast of Italy far from the major population centers. The ballot was proposed by a number of regional assemblies which object to drilling platforms because of worries about seismic stability and the environment, as well as the impact on their tourist industries. Italy imports around 90 percent of its energy needs and has been trying for years to get around grassroots opposition to boost domestic energy production and so reduce dependence on foreign suppliers such as Russia's Gazprom . But if the referendum succeeds, fields run by the likes of Eni and Edison within 12 miles of the coast will be shut down when their concessions expire. Should it fail, energy companies will be able to ask for further extensions until wells are depleted. Opponents of the vote say closing a subsea well with oil and gas still in it is a risky and costly business because of high pressure conditions. "What worries me are the 11,000 jobs at risk," Renzi said earlier this month when inviting Italians not to vote. Renzi has asked Italians to abstain, claiming the vote is pointless since the law has already been substantially changed. Asking people to vote no might also risk upsetting people inside his party where the issue is a sensitive one. Story continues There are 69 exploration concessions in Italian waters, most of them gas, according to the industry ministry. Of these 44 could be affected by the referendum with 12 expiring in 2016. Earlier this year Shell gave up on a 2-billion-euro project in the Gulf of Taranto after the 12-mile limitation, previously lifted, was reintroduced by the government for all new projects in an failed effort to head off the referendum. Dublin-based oil explorer Proceltic International recently gave up on an exploration permit it was chasing while British-based Rockhopper Exploration is considering suing Italy for damages after it was told a concession it has permits for would not be granted. TIGHTEST REGULATIONS "Italy has the tightest regulations in Europe that don't exist elsewhere and they're frightening off investors," says Davide Tabarelli, head of energy think tank Nomisma Energia. "With so much uncertainty, who will have the courage to invest even outside the 12 mile line?" he adds. Environmental watchdog Legambiente and other green groups say domestic oil and gas production is minimal and that continued focus on fossil fuels takes Italy further away from its renewable energy and carbon targets. Gas production from offshore fields inside the 12-mile area currently accounts for around 3 percent of Italian consumption while oil output in the area just 1 percent. According to Mediobanca Securities, the short-term impact of a "Yes" vote would be minimal since only 5,000 barrels per day comes from concessions inside the 12-mile limit. But it will certainly have long-term implications as by 2027, 40,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day could be shut-in, which accounts for over 20 percent of Italys oil and gas production, says analyst Alessandro Pozzi. The referendum comes at an awkward time for the prime minister. An influence-peddling case centered on the country's main landlocked oil producing area, where Total and Shell operate, triggered the resignation of the industry minister two weeks ago. Political opponents are seeking to use the scandal to bring voters out on Sunday to test the government's mettle as it gears up for a referendum on constitutional reform in October on which Renzi has staked the future of his government. Former Prime Minister Bettino Craxi encouraged Italians to "go to the beach" instead of vote in a referendum in 1991 that then reached a quorum promoting a change to the electoral system, a miscalculation that hurt him politically. Renzi is also taking a risk over Sunday's vote. The head of Italy's constitutional court says citizens have a duty to cast a ballot, and President Sergio Mattarella has made clear he will vote, putting the premier at odds with institutional leaders. For those tempted to answer Renzi's call, Sunday's weather forecast is mostly sunny, favoring perhaps a seaside outing. (Additional reporting by Massimiliano Di Giorgio; editing by Steve Scherer and Giles Elgood) London (AFP) - Activists hit the streets Friday for the first official day of campaigning over Britain's "Brexit" referendum, firing the starting pistol on a tense 10-week battle over the country's future in Europe. Opinion polls suggest the British public is evenly split ahead of the June 23 vote, which could bring down Prime Minister David Cameron and plunge one of the world's leading economies into uncertainty. The referendum -- Britons' first direct say on the divisive issue of Europe in 41 years -- is also being nervously watched in Washington and Brussels, where a British exit would add to a long list of EU crises. "We absolutely think we're going to win it," Peter Reeve, a spokesman for the UK Independence Party (UKIP), told AFP as he campaigned in Peterborough -- a market town in eastern England where an influx of East European workers has angered many locals. Charismatic London Mayor Boris Johnson will lead a "Brexit blitz" with rallies on Friday and Saturday where he will try to persuade Britons that they could thrive if cut free from European Union red tape. Johnson has compared leaving the 28-country bloc to escaping from prison, saying the referendum was "like the jailer has accidentally left the door of the jail open and people can see the sunlit lands beyond". - 'Project Fantasy' - In the "Remain" corner is Cameron, who says Britain has a "special status" within the EU thanks to a renegotiation he sealed in February, and that the country will be richer and stronger if it stays in. Former finance minister Alistair Darling lashed out at Brexit backers in a speech on Friday, accusing them of "playing with fire" and offering "Project Fantasy". "This is a very, very close vote. No one can predict with any certainty what is likely to happen," he told a Britain Stronger In Europe event in London. In Covent Garden in the heart of rain-soaked London, anti-Brexit volunteers were handing out leaflets to workers on their lunch breaks Friday. Story continues "Financially, it would be a disaster if we left the EU," said Gael Simmonds, wearing an "I'M IN" t-shirt. Robin Phelps, 38, added: "There is a narrative saying 'In' voters are not so enthusiastic. I'm not sure that's true because I think when the reality dawns that it can be risky, they'll turn out." However, John Curtice of Strathclyde University, Britain's leading poll expert, said the evidence available so far consistently points to Leave' voters "being keener to make it to the polls". Overall, the "Remain" and "Leave" camps are neck-and-neck on 50 percent support, according to a poll of polls run by academics at the What UK Thinks project, with around one fifth of voters undecided. - 'Straightforward and candid' - Both camps have planned dozens of events across Britain to launch their campaigns, mobilising volunteers to hand out leaflets in a bid to win over fellow Britons. "Remain" supporters can also count on the backing of US President Barack Obama, who will head to London next week to join an international chorus of leaders imploring Britain not to leave the EU. His foreign policy adviser Ben Rhodes said the president would be "very straightforward and candid... as to why the US believes that it is good for the UK to remain." Cameron is confident of winning the poll, despite deep divisions within his Conservative party on Europe. His campaign has the support of the main political parties and some of the country's biggest employers. Global bodies such as the International Monetary Fund have also warned that Brexit could damage Britain. Debate about whether Britain should stay in the EU has been raging for weeks, but the race shifted up a gear this week when election officials named the two official campaigns, unlocking a treasure chest of publicly funded benefits for both sides. After months of infighting, the "Vote Leave" campaign beat the Leave.EU campaign supported by UKIP leader Nigel Farage to be named the official Brexit campaign. BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Belgian air traffic controllers returned fully to work on Thursday, two days after a dispute over new working conditions led many to call in sick, while talks with the government to find a solution continued. Brussels Airport, which is struggling to recover after Islamist bombers killed 16 people and destroyed the departure hall on March 22, registered just a few cancellations of flights to and from European cities on Thursday morning. Belgocontrol, which handles the airspace over Belgium, said no staff had called in sick for Thursday's morning or afternoon shifts, unlike on Tuesday and Wednesday. A provisional settlement was reached on Tuesday, including an increase of the minimum retirement age to 58 and a plan to recruit 30 new traffic controllers by early 2017. One labor union then advised its 80 members, among a total of 280 traffic controllers, to call in sick. The government is now acting as a mediator in the dispute, which is still not resolved. (Reporting By Philip Blenkinsop, editing by Robert-Jan Bartunek, editing by Pritha Sarkar) Brussels (AFP) - Belgium's transport minister resigned on Friday after being accused of ignoring EU reports of security failings at the country's airports ahead of last month's suicide bombings in Europe's symbolic capital. The resignation of Jacqueline Galant is the first political fallout from the attacks on March 22 that killed 32 people in Brussels, including 16 at the national airport. Belgium, a notoriously complex country divided along linguistic and political lines, has been accused of a lax security apparatus that was also exposed by a foiled attack on the high-speed train connection to Paris last August. The little-experienced Galant was under fire after the damning EU reports were leaked to media. This followed the shock resignation of a top transport official on Thursday who accused Galant of incompetence and "Gestapo-like" behaviour. "Transport Minister Jacqueline Galant has offered her resignation to the king, which was accepted," Prime Minister Charles Michel said after a cabinet meeting, according to a statement from the royal palace. Two Islamic State attackers blew themselves up in the departure hall at Brussels airport in a first wave of coordinated attacks that also hit a metro station near European Union headquarters buildings. The EU reports only covered areas of the airport beyond security checks, but they pointed to "serious deficiences" in security including an inadequate tracing of explosive devices. The latest report from April 2015 said Belgium was still "non-compliant, with serious deficiencies" in five areas based on spot checks at Antwerp airport. Galant denied she was ever made aware of the reports that date back to 2008 and that also warn of an alarming lack of staff and funding at the airport authority. But a top official said he had clearly notified Galant and her office and even provided separate expertise drawn up in January 2015 after the jihadist attacks on the Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine in Paris. Story continues That report warned that a terrorist attack on Belgium's airports "was no longer hypothetical". - 'Well-orchestrated theatrics' - "The fact that about a dozen Brussels airport employees with access to sensitive areas have been identified as either having left or potentially leaving for Syria, must serve as a warning," the report added, according to daily La Libre Belgique. Michel confirmed to lawmakers on Thursday that the reports were indeed received by Galant's staff, heaping pressure on her to step down. "I could not accept that this precise detail was not shared with parliament yesterday," Michel told reporters on Friday. In announcing her decision, Galant strongly denounced what she described as a "media crusade" by her political enemies who were taking advantage of the Brussels attacks to replace her. "The well-orchestrated theatrics of the last 48 hours leave me unable to continue," Galant added. The European Commission, the EU regulator that drew up the reports, declined to comment on the specific Galant case, but said it stood by its case work. "In Europe, we have the highest safety standards in the world, that speaks for itself," Jakub Adamowicz, a commission spokesman, told a news briefing. Galant was also responsible for Belgium's embattled air traffic control authority where labour strife earlier this week disrupted flights just as the bomb-damaged Brussels airport was struggling to return to normal. Brussels (AFP) - Belgian judges on Friday set May 9 as the trial date for 16 people linked to a jihadist cell in the rust-belt town of Verviers that was dismantled by police in a deadly raid last year. Belgian police raided an apartment in the town on January 15, 2015 killing two men and capturing a third, just two weeks after the attack in Paris against the Charlie Hebdo satirical newspaper. Belgian police said at the time the cell was planning to kill and kidnap police officers under orders from the Islamic State jihadist group in Syria. All three men were from Molenbeek, the gritty immigrant area of Brussels and home to several of the jihadists that would go on to carry out the attacks in Paris in November and last month's suicide bombings in Brussels, which killed 162 people in total and was claimed by IS. Police believe the suspected ringleader of the November 13 Paris attacks, Abdelhamid Abaaoud, was central to the Verviers events giving orders to the would-be assailants by phone from Greece. The main suspect at the trial will be Marouane El Bali, who is accused of attempted murder for firing at police during the gun fight, an allegation his defense team firmly denies. "He was a small player and was absolutely not aware of any planned attacks," his lawyer Sebastien Courtoy told Belga news agency. Killed in the raid were Sofiane Amghar and Khalid Ben Larbi who left Molenbeek to join Islamic State in Syria in April 2014. The two then slipped back into Belgium to the Verviers hideout which is about 120 kilometres east of Brussels. The trial is scheduled to last three weeks. By Robert-Jan Bartunek BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Belgian judges on Friday set a May 9 trial date for three men accused of plotting Islamic State attacks that were foiled by a police raid in the town of Verviers last year in which two men died in a gunbattle. A further 13 people will be tried for their involvement in what officials said at the time of the raid in January last year was a plan to kidnap and kill Belgian policemen. Nine of the 13 are believed still to be fighting in Syria's civil war. Among others indicted but now dead were Abdelhamid Abaaoud, accused of being the leader of the cell broken up in Verviers and of being an organizer of the Nov. 13 shooting and bombing rampage by Islamic State militants in Paris attacks. He was killed in a clash with police four days after those attacks. The Belgian government has referred to its success against the Verviers group in rejecting criticism of its security forces since it became clear that the Islamic State attacks on Paris in November and last month in Brussels were organized from Belgium. On March 22, three suicide bombers killed 32 people at Brussels Airport and on the metro. In an early warning of the militant threat to Belgium, which for years has been trying to crack down on large numbers of young men traveling to fight in Syria, police stormed a house in Verviers, an eastern industrial town, on Jan. 15 -- a week after Islamist militants attacked Paris magazine Charlie Hebdo. Police killed two men -- both Belgians from North African immigrant families -- who opened fire on them. The security forces mounted several other raids at that time against an Islamist cell that federal prosecutors said was about to launch "terrorist attacks on a grand scale". Nine of the 16 people standing trial were not present in the heavily secured courtroom in Brussels on Friday and are still believed to be in Syria. Among those present were three men accused of planning an attack in Belgium. One of them, Marouan El Bali, was in the apartment in Verviers when police moved in, prosecutors said. He is accused of being a leader in a terrorist group, attempted murder, making and keeping of bombs and planning an attack on a non-specified building, his lawyer said. His lawyer added that El Bali was a childhood friend of one of the men who was killed by police and could not be considered a leader of a terrorist organization. Under Belgian law a defendant is not required to enter a plea. (Reporting by Robert-Jan Bartunek; Editing by Mark Heinrich) Rome (AFP) - He came (to Rome), he saw (the inside of the Vatican but not Pope Francis) and he conquered (the few dozen students and expats who turned out to see him). In the process, Bernie Sanders got very nearly trampled by a Roman media scrum. And with Pope Francis opting not to spend any time in the company of the Vermont senator, aides must have been wondering if the 8,500-mile roundtrip and two days out of the race to be the Democrat presidential candidate were worth it. Sanders did have a few relaxed moments in the spring sunshine on Friday, strolling through the Vatican's Perugino gate to greet a group of around 30 American expatriates and students brandishing "Go Bernie" and "Feel the Bern" placards. The relaxed meet and greet lasted only seconds however before a swarm of international media engulfed the democratic socialist. Flustered, flushed and looking all of his 74 years, Sanders stumbled at one point and briefly looked as if he might fall to the Roman cobblestones. "Can we get everyone back behind the barriers," one of the security team frantically shouted, before adding, more forlornly, "Could someone say that in Italian." Having recovered his balance, Sanders shoved forward and regained his focus. "Are there any American reporters here?" he asked. The rolling maul of cameras, microphones and sweaty hacks never made it back behind the barricades, so Bernie opted to deliver his explanation of what he was doing here from the middle of it. He said he had come to Rome out of respect for Francis's positions on the global economy and the environment -- "historic and incredible" positions the pontiff happens to share with a certain Brooklyn native. - 'Could not refuse invite' - "What the pope is saying is that we cannot continue to go forward when so few have so much and when greed is such a destructive force, not only in the United States of course but around this world," Sanders said. Story continues And he said Francis's intervention in the climate change debate had been a game changer. "So when I received this invitation, and I know it's taking me away from the campaign trail for a day, it was so moving to me that it was simply something I could not refuse to attend." Sanders had flown to Rome at the invitation of the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, a kind of Vatican think-tank on social, economic and environmental issues, for a Friday conference. Some political commentators have suggested he was looking for a boost to his ratings among US Catholics with a trip that could be spun as an indication of Vatican endorsement. Although the papal spokesman had made it clear earlier in the week there was no prospect of a personal audience with Francis, the pontiff would normally have turned out to greet all of the attendees at such a high-profile seminar. On this occasion however he sent a letter of apology, citing his need to prepare for Saturday's trip to Lesbos. Sanders was unlikely to get a warm greeting from two other attendees of the Vatican-hosted meeting -- Ecuador's President Rafael Correa and Bolivian President Evo Morales -- both known for being hostile to US interference in Latin America. The 79-year-old pontiff will have an early start with a 7am flight to catch to the Greek island at the centre of Europe's migrant crisis. Sanders may or may not have been disappointed with the papal no-show but American expatriates Linda Lauretta and Chelsie Nieman were delighted to have seen him in the flesh. "We have been here since 9.30am this morning. We weren't sure where he was going to be but luckily one of the Swiss guards took pity on us and told us to come here," said Lauretta, an English teacher from New York state. "I think a lot of Americans living outside of the US back Bernie because they have experienced different types of society and they can see them working." Nieman, a graphic designer from Atlanta, added: "I've just been really impressed with everything that he stands for." By Farah Master HONG KONG (Reuters) - Captain Valerie Lyzhyn and his 45 crew are stranded in Hong Kong, big losers in a gambling slump triggered by a Chinese crackdown on corruption that has scared off the high-rollers. Lyzhyn, 62, a Russian-born Ukrainian and veteran seaman, and his colleagues, refuse to leave their 140 meter (460 foot) casino cruiser the New Imperial Star until they get the six months of pay they say they are owed. Hong Kong's Marine Department has impounded the ship due to what it called "serious deficiencies" found during an inspection. Rations are running low, the ship's owners can't be reached and the cobalt blue felt covering the 16 baccarat tables is gathering dust. "There's one egg per crew member per day," Lyzhyn told Reuters onboard the ship, which is moored a short barge ride away from a bustling port in eastern Hong Kong. Breakfast was particularly miserable: "No sausages, no bacon, no milk, nothing." Hong Kongs casino cruises flourished alongside the worlds biggest gambling hub of Macau, across the mouth of the Pearl River from Hong Kong, until 2014. It was then that Chinese President Xi Jinping launched a wide-reaching anti-graft campaign, snaring officials and powerful businessmen who had used Macau as a cash playground. The gamblers have been steering clear. "Really, business has gone down," Lyzhyn said, dressed in a tan uniform with gold and black lapels. "One year ago we had 200 passengers, before we stopped operating we had only 50." CONVOLUTED OWNERSHIP Lyzhyn said the ship was detained in October last year after the owners failed to pay maintenance fees and as a result, it did not pass its inspections. The crew is waiting to be paid salaries totaling $400,000, he said. He said he did not know who the ship's owners were but it was managed by a company called Sky Wheel Limited. Phone numbers for Sky Wheel did not work while Sea Hawk Asia, the ships previous manager, said it was not able to comment on the situation. Prior to 2014, there were 12 casino ships operating out of Hong Kong but Lyzhyn said that number has plunged to four. The cruises typically pick up passengers at the teeming Tsim Sha Tsui pier in Hong Kongs Kowloon district and set sail at 8 p.m. for international waters, returning to Hong Kong 12 hours later, after a night of gambling. The boats are mostly owned by Macau junket companies which make use of convoluted ownership structures with multiple investors. On the New Imperial Star, flies buzz around the kitschy chandeliers and the crew of 20 Ukrainians, 18 from Myanmar and 8 Chinese can only wait. They may be there a while yet. Lyzhyn said he hoped Hong Kong authorities would formally impound the ship in two weeks and then a legal process would start which he hoped would end, after a few months, with him and his crew being paid. (Additinal reporting by James Pomfret, Venus Wu, Stefanie McIntyre; Tris Pan; Editing by Robert Birsel) Regulators this week rejected, in whole or in part, the living wills of seven of the eight largest U.S. banks. Does that suggest that those banks are all still too big to fail? I would step back from that. The very process of having banks design living wills, which are roadmaps for their own bankruptcy, suggests they are too big. For four years, banks with assets above $50 billion have had to detail in granular form in documents that stretch to 100,000 pages how they could be unwound if they get into trouble, in a way that doesnt threaten taxpayer dollars or the greater economy. Related: Not So Fast, Hillary: Bernies Right About Breaking Up the Banks We require this of no other business that I know. We dont fret that the collapse of a successful tech firm like Apple or a large employer like Walmart would take the economy with it. Only banks, largely because of their role in supplying businesses with capital and liquidity, as well as the oversized risks they take as part of their everyday routine, carry this fear. We witnessed the catastrophic effects of such a disaster in 2008. Other companies, even ones just as big as banks, arent put through this ringer. Banks are because of the mindless complexity of the modern financial system. Large financial institutions have thousands of subsidiaries scattered around the world (ones they probably wont be able to tap in a U.S. bankruptcy scenario), along with significant (and significantly obscure) assets and derivative positions tied up in global markets, to say nothing of the highly leveraged short-term funding that powers their daily operations. Plenty of people I respect find the idea of winding down these firms impossible. Matt Levine at Bloomberg describes the living will process as less a roadmap for bankruptcy than an exercise to get bank executives thinking, in a detailed and comprehensive fashion, about how their institutions actually work. Its stunning that any company would need prodding to do that. Its even more stunning that we allow banks to exist that have to be prodded into such thoughts. Story continues Related: Banks Got Bailed Out and the Feds Made a Killing The largest banks have been writing living wills for over four years. In 2014, all of them failed the test. Two years later, the vast majority of the living wills are still deficient. Even Citigroup, whose living will passed, was still told its plan had shortcomings; regulators split on Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs, with one regulator finding them credible and one not. So in four years, virtually all of the biggest banks in America cant tell an extremely patient regulatory apparatus what to do if they fail. Thats a clear sign of the impossibility of effectively managing these institutions. If you cant reverse engineer the bankruptcy, you really cant know the full extent of the firms risks or liquidity needs, or how it may react in a crisis (like the looming one in energy debt). In other words, the very need to devise the living will, not just the failure to deliver a credible one, is itself an indication that these companies are just too big, that the risks of their existence far outweigh whatever benefits they offer (and those are typically overstated). Having big ATM networks are nice, but experts have found consistently that there are no real economies of scale for banks over $100 billion in assets. And they certainly dont outweigh these tremendous risks. Related: Former Bush Bailout Director Says Break Up the Big Banks Fortunately, the failure to design plausible living wills triggers a process by which regulators can break up these behemoths. Section 165(d) of Dodd-Frank states that, if the FDIC and the Fed find the living wills not credible, they have the authority to impose higher capital or liquidity requirements, restrict the growth or operations of the company or even force it to divest assets. However, the Fed and the FDIC interpreted that authority to give the banks a lot of slack in my view, excessive slack. Banks can repeatedly re-submit living wills to get a passing grade. The 2014 ruling triggered the first re-submission. Now the five banks that failed both the FDIC and the Feds tests JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Bank of New York Mellon and State Street have until October to fix their plans again. (Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and Citigroup have until July 2017). Only then will penalties be considered, and even then just the higher capital or liquidity requirements. Restrictions on growth or divestitures wouldnt come until two years later, per a clock written into Dodd-Frank. Banks can re-submit and re-re-submit this entire time. This means that the public will wait as much as six years while banks that cannot figure out their own bankruptcy plans continue in their same bloated state. As a matter of systemic risk, this makes no sense, absent some compelling reason for banks to stay that large. Related: How the Government Is Rolling Over for Big Banks Again Tellingly, stock prices in all these firms went up on Wednesday, when the living will announcement was made. There are two reasons for this. First, Citigroup was able to get a passing grade on its living will, showing that the regulators will wave these through if they get what they want. Second, investors simply dont believe that the Fed and the FDIC will pull the trigger. Moving battleships is difficult, and its good news that the regulators are at least taking the living will process somewhat seriously. They were pushed into doing that by reformers, most notably through Sen. Elizabeth Warrens evisceration of Janet Yellen over this in a public hearing. But its really not enough. Dodd-Frank could have been much simpler in this regard, structurally attacking size and complexity rather than creating a discretionary, drawn-out, overly technical process. A system of escalating capital requirements, so banks have to pay for their own mistakes, or a cap on bank size, to prevent their economic and political leverage and the maddening complexity of their global operations, would have been preferable. Related: Regional Fed Banks Should Be Public, Says Yellen's Ex-advisor This is critical because weve already seen the stakes. Warren corrected the record this week, which had been sullied by the likes of Paul Krugman, that big banks had nothing to do with the 2008 crisis. Their packaging of loans into securities, and funding the subprime lenders who issued them, drove the very heart of the crisis. We didnt punish that largely illegal behavior, instead opting for a flood of settlements. At no time during the crisis, or in the many years since, has anyone made a legitimate case for why we should put up with the threat of another implosion. What economic value do giant mega-banks offer that we have to force them to design their own bankruptcy? What would we lose if they were all cut down to a size where they wouldnt have to be browbeaten into understanding their own businesses? Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: saudi oil minister naimi Major oil players will be gathering to discuss a potential production freeze on Sunday, April 17, in Doha, Qatar, in what some analysts have called "the most important meeting of the last three decades." Analysts have been hoping for a coordinated move ever since mid-February, when Saudi Arabia, Russia, Venezuela, and Qatar agreed to freeze production at January levels if other producers joined in. Since then, several states, including the relatively better-off Gulf Cooperation Council members Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, expressed willingness to support the deal. But others weren't as supportive. Most notably, Iran's oil minister, Bijan Zangeneh, previously called the idea to freeze production "a joke." Plus, not everyone is planning to attend the Doha meeting. Libya said that it's not going. Whether or not Iran actually shows up is a bit fuzzy after reports on Wednesday suggested that Zangeneh doesn't plan on attending the upcoming Doha meeting, but will instead send a representative. In light of all this, analysts aren't exactly feeling optimistic about the meeting's outcome. A Macquarie Research team, led by Vikas Dwivedi, argued in a note to clients (emphasis added): We have muted expectations for any meaningful impact on crude fundamentals from the April 17th Doha meeting. Practically, implementation of any accord that is reached would be so difficult that we view anything beyond foregoing splashy growth in 2016 as too optimistic. The commodities-research team at RBC Capital Markets, headed by Helima Croft, also voiced doubts about the meeting's outcome. "As it stands now, we believe that the most likely outcome is that producers fail to close the deal and announce a freeze on Sunday, but that they instead pledge to continue to conversation and even possibly put an additional OPEC/non-OPEC meeting on the calendar for later in the year," Croft wrote. Story continues "Saudi Arabia and Iran do not appear ready to give sufficient ground to get a comprehensive freeze agreement done by Sunday, given current information," she wrote. Screen Shot 2016 04 14 at 11.18.19 AM "In order to get a breakthrough, we would likely need to see Saudi Arabia move beyond an outright insistence that Iran freeze production at current levels and/or for Iran to agree to a production ceiling that falls well short of their current 4 mb/d negotiating stance," she continued. But Croft also added that, given that the majority of oil producers including Russia and the aforementioned GCC states want a deal, their team can't entirely rule out anything. Even if some sort of deal is reached, however, it may not even have a huge impact. "In the event an accord is reached, there will be very little impact on global crude supply/demand balances," Dwivedi's team wrote. "The return of OPEC to country-level quotas replacing the current 'free-for-all' strategy is viewed as broadly positive, as is the elimination of the KSA/Iraqi production growth tail risk. However in light of the production growth already achieved in January by OPEC members and Russia, an accord will not significantly impact crude S/D balances," they continued. Screen Shot 2016 04 13 at 1.08.05 PM Notably, in the background of all this, it seems like global production is finally starting to cool down. Credit Suisse's Ed Westlake and Jan Stuart shared a chart on Wednesday showing that global oil production excluding Saudi Arabia slowed to approximately 83 million barrels per day in 2016, from about 84 million in mid-2015. But the US Energy Information Administration's latest data showed that total world production is up to 96.27 million barrels per day in 2016, up from 95.76 million bpd in 2015. In any case, analysts will be keeping their eyes and ears open for any news of possible coordination at Sunday's meeting. WTI crude is trading higher by 0.4% at $41.93 per barrel, and Brent crude is up 0.5% at $44.39 per barrel as of 11:52 a.m. EST. NOW WATCH: Leonardo DiCaprio blasted the 'corporate greed' of the oil industry More From Business Insider Some people in the bitcoin worldthe believers still waving the flag for the leading digital currency, which is currently trading at $427will tell you that the phrase The Internet of Money is widely understood as a reference to bitcoin and its underlying technology, the blockchain. But Uphold, a cloud bank startup that launched in 2014, will tell you it is their corporate slogan. It applied to register the phrase as its trademark for financial services back in September 2015 with the US Patent & Trademark Office, and is far along in the process. Andreas Antonopoulos doesnt like that. The cybersecurity expert and author of "Mastering Bitcoin" has waged a war with Uphold, encouraging his 47,000 Twitter followers to help him find the earliest uses of the words Internet of money. Upholds adoption of the slogan, he tells Yahoo Finance, perverts the meaning of the phrase. The law is on Upholds side; theres not much Antonopoulos can do to stop Uphold from getting its registration. But of all people, Antonopoulos is a loud enemy for a fintech company to have. Bitreserve, now known as @UpholdInc is in my opinion a perfect example of a trademark bully with questionable ethicshttps://t.co/GAYlkIEkeR AndreasMAntonopoulos (@aantonop) March 16, 2016 To understand the complexity of this feud, we must step back and examine the two sides and their reputations in the financial tech industry. Uphold is a cloud money vault that lets you convert funds between 25 different currencies or four precious metals. When it first launched, in 2014, customers had to make deposits in bitcoin, and the company had a different name: Bitreserve. It has since rebranded, and in a way, ditched association with bitcoin. Uphold customers can still deposit bitcoin or exchange other currencies to bitcoin, but they dont need to start with bitcoin. You could deposit U.S. dollars, for example, and convert them to pesos to send money to a friend in Mexico, never dealing with bitcoin in any way. Story continues Uphold now boasts more than $100 million in funds held in Uphold wallets, and says more than $900 million in transaction volume has been exchanged on the site. It is also part of a pilot program with the Antwerp World Diamond Centre that encourages a large portion of the worlds diamond traders to use Uphold for conversion of funds. Uphold CEO Anthony Watson, whose resume includes executive roles at Citi (C), Wells Fargo (WFC), Barclays (BCS) and Nike (NKE), has publicly expressed doubts about bitcoin, which has not ingratiated him to the vocal community of enthusiasts with high hopes for the currency. Ill be surprised if bitcoin is here in five years, he told Fortune last year. Its a means to an end. The value of bitcoin isnt the currency, but the technology. I think once the world becomes more accustomed and attuned to the platform of bitcoin, the noise will go away, and the currency will go away too. On forums like Reddit, bitcoin believers have disparaged Watson and Uphold. From Uphold's web site Here's why the dispute between Uphold and Antonopoulos should matter to the larger financial market: Uphold is one of many fintech companies, along with Dwolla, TransferWise, Venmo, and Xoom, to name a few, that make a similar value claim: shorter transfer times and smaller transfer fees. That has been a popular selling point of bitcoin, toobut bitcoin risks collapsing due to problems with its own infrastructure. Meanwhile, 45 major global banks have signed on to a consortium to test out a form of blockchain, the technology on which bitcoin runsbut a closed version of blockchain, without bitcoin. Anthony Watson -- AP Antonopoulos is highly respected in bitcoin circles, but not a known name in the broader, big-business world. In March, he tweeted at Watson, You are aware that others (e.g. myself) used the phrase The Internet of Money in business long before you did? He asked his followers to find the earliest uses of the phrase related to digital currency, and received many responses. He says people have used it to refer to bitcoin since 2010. Theres just one problem with that: It likely does not matter. The idea that it is relevant to find the first usage of the term is misguided, says trademark attorney Martin Schwimmer, a partner at the firm Leason Ellis. Prior art, he says, is a concept more often applied to patents. Earlier uses of the phrase (not as a trademark) have no bearing on Upholds ability to register it as a trademark. Antonopoulos understand this. Legally, it is irrelevant, he cedes. Morally, taking a generic phrase you didn't invent from an open community and claiming exclusivity is a slimy move. To be clear, Antonopoulos isnt looking to assert exclusive rights to the phrase. But he rejects Upholds right to do so. (One might wonder if he is partially motivated by animosity toward a company that abandoned bitcoin; Antonopoulos says that isn't the case, and says he has an Uphold account.) I've used the phrase for years to refer to bitcoin, long before Uphold existed, he says, And my use of it excluded no one. In keeping with the spirit of bitcoin, which operates on a public, decentralized, anonymized ledger (the bitcoin blockchain), Antonopoulos believes the slogan belongs to the public. He even launched an "Internet of Money Tour" to travel around and spread the word. So, lets say the public agrees with him, and doesnt believe Uphold should get to use The Internet of the Money as its slogan. Can it stop the company from doing so? Likely no, says trademark attorney Ed Timberlake, in part because in this case the public, as defined by Antonopoulos (i.e., the relatively small pool of the bitcoin community) is likely only a fraction of the group that the USPTO would define as relevant consumers. (The much larger public is still largely uninformed, and arguably uninterested, in bitcoin.) The Trademark Office doesnt give a huge amount of weight to a factional community, they typically have a broader view of what the relevant public is, says Timberlake, who spent two years working at the U.S. Trademark Office. The key question the Trademark Office will answer is whether the phrase has been so widely used that it has become diluted. Or as Timberlake puts it: When the public thinks of the phrase in the context of the financial technology sector, do people associate the phrase with Uphold? Andreas Antonopoulos (courtesy Antonopoulos.com) Antonopoulos would say no, and many in the bitcoin community might say no, and perhaps the answer is no. But Uphold will probably get the registration anyway. Timberlake says the Trademark Office doesnt so rigidly interpret the question. It's not that the office approves everything, but it leans toward approving applications for registration when the company has demonstrated some use of the trademark. The office doesnt want to make it impossible to get approval. No one wants the headache of mounting a federal lawsuit every time they want to assert trademark rights, Timberlake says. Its not a rubber stamp, but its somewhere between a rubber stamp and a full lawsuit in federal court, in that there are certain things the office is in the habit of recognizing as a pretty good indication [of trademark]. But they dont go out and talk to people to test it. Upholds use of the phrase on its web site is already a pretty good indication that it merits the registration, Timberlake says. If Im the examiner and I look at Upholds web site, it looks to me like theyre getting good legal advice. The phrase is there, front and center, it shows up when you Google them. They look far along enough to get the registration. Nonetheless, Antonopoulos says he is, consulting with legal experts to return the phrase to open use by invalidating the trademark. Watson, for his part, tells Yahoo Finance he has no intention of suing anyone, and has been taken aback by Antonopouloss aggression. An article at CoinTelegraph last month said that Watson had revealed his intentions to sue Antonopoulos; that is incorrect. .@AnthonyWatson Andreas is a vital fig. in t. #Bitcoin community, if U haven't heard of him b4 u prob. haven't heard of Bitcoin either. Emile Schultz (@SchultzEmile) March 15, 2016 Back in November, Watson shared and praised a blog post on Medium, written by Captain Cloud Money, an anonymous Uphold user, that argued, Bitcoin fails as Internet money despite being an IP-based asset, because there is no central authority backing its value. The post appeared to suggest an awareness that the phrase had previously been used to apply to bitcoin. Even though the odds and the law favor Uphold, getting the registration is no foregone conclusion. Uphold already appends a TM to the phrase on its site, but anyone can do that. Once you get a registration, you get to use the R, which is the real indicator of protection. For snooty lawyer types, Timberlake explains, the TM symbol, can seem like small potatoes. It doesnt have any teeth. Uphold seeks teeth. But Andreas Antonopoulos is making it hard to chew. For the time being, Uphold can continue to use the phrase all it wants. And so can others. -- Daniel Roberts is a writer at Yahoo Finance, covering sports business and technology. Read more: How big banks are paying lip service to the blockchain Heres how you can invest in the blockchain Bitcoin's biggest investor just bought its biggest news site Here's a sign that PayPal is embracing Bitcoin Brasilia (AFP) - A majority of Brazil's Supreme Court on Friday rejected a last-ditch attempt by President Dilma Rousseff to halt the impeachment process against her ahead of a key vote in Congress. Justices refused a request for an injunction against proceedings that the government lawyer called "kafkaesque" and said amounted to denying Rousseff the opportunity to defend herself. Brazil's lower house of Congress is due to vote Sunday on sending Rousseff to trial in the Senate. The ruling in an emergency Supreme Court session that began late Thursday and went well past midnight in the capital Brasilia cleared the way for Sunday's vote by the lower house of Congress, which is due to decide whether to send Rousseff to impeachment trial. Latest counts of voting intentions in the lower house by major Brazilian newspapers show that the pro-impeachment camp will have the necessary two-thirds majority. If the vote passes on Sunday, the Senate will have the authority to open a trial against Rousseff, who is accused of illegal government accounting tricks. If the Senate finds her guilty with another two-thirds vote, she would be forced from office. By Anthony Boadle and Lisandra Paraguassu BRASILIA (Reuters) - Brazil's Supreme Court rejected a last-ditch attempt by President Dilma Rousseff to avert an impeachment vote in Congress on Friday, further reducing her chances of survival as a new poll showed her short of crucial support from lawmakers. Rousseff's attorney general, Jose Eduardo Cardozo, had asked the top court for an injunction to suspend Sunday's lower house vote until the full court can rule on what he called procedural flaws in the impeachment process. But the court dismissed the motion 8-2 during a session that ran into the early hours. Before the decision, a new survey by the Estado de S.Paulo newspaper showed for the first time that Rousseff's opponents had already secured the 342 lower house votes needed to advance impeachment. Rousseff, an unpopular leader already struggling with Brazil's worst economic crisis in decades and a spiraling corruption scandal, has seen support from within her governing coalition steadily erode. If her impeachment is approved by the required two-thirds majority of 513 house members, the Senate must then vote on whether to go ahead with putting Rousseff on trial for breaking budget laws. That could clear the way for Rousseff's suspension and replacement by Vice President Michel Temer as soon as early May, pending a trial that could last six months. Rousseff, a former leftist guerrilla, had not been expected to resort to the Supreme Court until after Sunday's vote. Cardozo's request to the court was seen as a sign, even before the latest newspaper survey, that her government now expects defeat. CONTINUED POLITICAL TURMOIL Vowing to fight to the end, Rousseff met with her political advisers as her government scrambled for votes to block impeachment, but defections by several centrist allies in her coalition have seriously compromised that effort. Brazil's largest political party, the president's main coalition partner until it broke away two weeks ago, said most of its members in the lower house will back deposing her. Leonardo Picciani, the lower chamber leader for the party, the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party, or PMDB, told reporters that 90 percent of the 68 members of his caucus would vote for impeachment. If Rousseff is ousted, it would end the 13-year rule of her leftist Workers' Party, which has lifted millions of Brazilians out of poverty and is overwhelmingly supported by the poor. Rousseff is not being investigated in the massive graft scandal surrounding state-run oil company Petrobras that has reached into her inner circle. She denies she broke budget laws, but opponents allege that accounting tricks helped her win re-election in 2014 by boosting public spending. Temer, who would serve out Rousseff's term until 2018 if she is ousted by the Senate, has little popular support. He would face a daunting task restoring confidence in a country where dozens of political leaders, including close associates of his, are under investigation for corruption. Rousseff's Workers' Party warned on Thursday that chaos will take hold of Brazil, Latin America's largest economy, if its democratically elected president is deposed. "It's a mistake to think that overthrowing a government will bring stability, peace, security and development," the party's leader, Rui Falcao, told reporters in Brasilia. "Not respecting the popular vote will plunge the country into chaos." Cardozo, Rousseff's former justice minister and the government's main legal adviser, has said previously that the impeachment process was unconstitutional. In his appeal to the Supreme Court on Thursday, he asked it to annul the report to the lower house by a congressional committee that recommended impeachment on Monday. He told a news conference Rousseff's defense had been obstructed in the committee and that testimony from a former ally of the president, Senator Delcidio Amaral, was obtained as part of a plea bargain deal and should have been considered inadmissible. (Reporting by Maria Carolina Marcello, Marcela Ayres, Lisandra Paraguassu and Anthony Boadle,; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn, Tom Brown and Nick Macfie) By Maria Carolina Marcello and Silvio Cascione BRASILIA (Reuters) - Pro-impeachment lawmakers chanted "Dilma Out" in the lower house of Brazil's Congress on Friday, as it opened a raucous three-day debate on whether to impeach President Dilma Rousseff on charges of breaking budget laws. Pro-government demonstrators took to the streets in several states amid fears of violence as the debate began. Major trade unions and landless peasant movements planned bigger, nationwide protests on Sunday, when the debate is set to culminate with a vote that Rousseff is widely expected to lose. The government lost a last-ditch appeal on Thursday before the Supreme Court to halt the impeachment process, which could bring further instability or even chaos to Latin America's largest economy after 13 years of rule by the leftist Workers' Party. Rousseff is accused of manipulating budget accounts in 2014 to secure her re-election. She has strongly rejected the accusation and planned to appeal to Brazilians in a televised speech on Friday night. But the increasingly isolated leader canceled the broadcast after an opposition party sought a court injunction to block it, arguing that she was unfairly using resources of the Brazilian state to defend herself. Rousseff is fighting to survive a political storm fueled by Brazil's worst recession since the Great Depression in the 1930s and a spiraling corruption scandal that has reached her inner circle. Police stepped up security in the Brazilian capital where a half-mile-long (1 km) metal fence has been erected on the grass esplanade opposite Congress to avoid clashes between rival demonstrators expected to turn out by the tens of thousands over the weekend. In Rio de Janeiro, police said they plan to form a cordon on the Copacabana beachfront avenue to separate the pro-impeachment crowd from Rousseff supporters. "I am very worried that there will be violence, depending on the result of the vote and the number of people who gather in Brasilia," said Congressman Rogerio Rosso, who chaired the lower house committee that backed Rousseff's impeachment. The country's top network TV Globo plans to broadcast Sunday's critical roll-call vote from beginning to end, starting at 2 p.m. (1700 GMT), which analysts said will add pressure on lawmakers to vote for impeachment. Polls show that roughly two-thirds of Brazilians support impeachment. "VIOLENT ACT" As opposition congressmen called for Rousseff's ouster, Attorney General Jose Eduardo Cardozo addressed Congress in her defense, calling the impeachment process a "violent act with no parallel against democracy." "History will never forgive those who broke with democracy," Cardozo said, as ruling lawmakers shouted: "There won't be a coup." While the budget violations alleged against Rousseff are serious, she has not been directly implicated in the kickback scandal engulfing state-run oil company Petrobras, though her opponents say that bribe money was used to fund her election campaigns. The move to impeach her, after months of political deadlock, is widely seen as a vote of no-confidence in a leader blamed for turning once-booming Brazil into the worst performer among the world's major economies. Support for unseating Rousseff has gained momentum in recent weeks, with the defection of parties from her ruling coalition. Nineteen of the 25 parties with seats in the lower house now back impeachment, the Brasilia-based consultancy Arko Advice said on Friday. They will deliver at least 350 votes and maybe 370, exceeding the two-thirds majority in the 513-seat house needed to send impeachment to the Senate, it said. Former Justice Minister Miguel Reale Jr., a leading supporter of impeachment, opened Friday's debate by saying the process to oust Rousseff reflected the will of the people. "She was extremely irresponsible and knocked out the country," he said. If her impeachment is approved by the lower house, the Senate must then vote on whether to go ahead with putting Rousseff on trial for disobeying budget laws. If the Senate approved a trial, in a vote that would take place on May 11, Rousseff would automatically be suspended and replaced by Vice President Michel Temer. Temer, who would serve out Rousseff's term until 2018 if she is ousted by the Senate, has little popular support. He would face a daunting task restoring confidence in a country where dozens of political leaders, including his close associates, are under investigation for corruption. Temer is considering the chairman of Goldman Sachs in Brazil, Paulo Leme, and the founder of asset manager Maua Capital, Luiz Fernando Figueiredo, as candidates to join his economic team should he take over the presidency in coming weeks, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters on Friday. (Writing by Daniel Flynn and Anthony Boadle; Editing by W Simon and Tom Brown) Rio de Janeiro (AFP) - When she was being tortured under Brazil's military dictatorship, Dilma Rousseff could never have imagined becoming the country's first female president. But four decades on from those dark days in 1970, when Rousseff belonged to a violent Marxist underground group, she did indeed rise to the top -- only to face the prospect of impeachment less than a year into her second term. Proceedings launched last year head to a crucial first vote this weekend with the lower house of Congress set to decide whether to send her to trial in the Senate. Brazil's 68-year-old "iron lady" has put up a fight, trying to repair a coalition left in tatters by the defection of the country's largest party, the PMDB. The impeachment charges center on her government's allegedly illegal juggling of accounts to cover budget holes leading up to her re-election in 2014. But momentum is also driven by anger across Latin America's biggest country and economy over deep recession, corruption and the government's inability to deal with Congress. Whether that's fair or not, Rousseff has already been condemned by public opinion. Her government's popularity has plummeted to around 10 percent since her narrow re-election win against business-world favorite Aecio Neves. Some critics attack Rousseff as lacking charisma. Others go further, calling her the classic accidental president, a politician who doesn't like politicking. But as Rousseff herself has pointed out, torture steeled her for tough times. "I have come up against hugely difficult situations in my life, including attacks which took me to the limit physically," she said. "Nothing knocked me off my stride." - Cancer battle - Rousseff came to power in a 2010 election as the handpicked Workers' Party candidate to succeed hugely popular president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Whether as Lula's chief of staff or energy minister, she won a reputation for laser-precise attention to detail and ability to master the most minute of policy points -- a talent she is said to have carried on into her own Cabinet meetings. Story continues Supporters say there's also a warmer side to the leader, popularly known by her first name Dilma. Twice married, Rousseff has a daughter, Paula, from a 30-year relationship with her ex-husband, fellow leftist militant Carlos de Araujo. At Lula's prompting during her reelection campaign, Rousseff learned to open up a little, once confessing to escaping the presidential palace on the back of a friend's Harley-Davidson and cruising through the streets of Brasilia incognito. "People always say about women in power that they're hard, managerial. But Dilma is a person with a great sense of humor, fun, extremely caring and generous," said Ieda Akselrud de Seixas, who was jailed with Rousseff in the 1970s. Rousseff also tapped into a national obsession with beauty, getting her teeth whitened, hair redone and lifting wrinkles from her face. The relatively fresh look was in contrast to the visible toll exacted during her successful battle against lymphatic cancer that was first diagnosed in 2009. At one point, she wore a wig to hide hair loss from chemotherapy. She has since made a complete recovery, doctors say. - 'High priestess of subversion' - Born December 14, 1947 to a Brazilian mother and Bulgarian businessman father, Rousseff grew up comfortably middle-class in the southeastern city of Belo Horizonte. She cut her political teeth as a Marxist militant opposed to the 1964-1985 dictatorship and in January 1970 was arrested and sentenced to prison on grounds she belonged to a group responsible for murders and bank robberies. Rousseff's exploits during her time in the Revolutionary Armed Vanguard Palmares group remain shrouded in rumor, claims, denials and accusations of exaggeration. But most reports agree that she played more of a support role, than taking part in violence. Nevertheless, the judge who found her guilty dubbed her the "high priestess of subversion," journalist Ricardo Amaral wrote in a biography. A photo in the book shows a bespectacled Rousseff aged just 22 staring defiantly at the court. After nearly three years behind bars, during which she says she was subjected to repeated bouts of torture, including electric shocks, Rousseff was released at the end of 1972. She took a legal political path from then on, helping found the Democratic Labor Party (PDT) in 1979 and eventually switching to Lula's Workers' Party in 2000. From there, she made rapid progress into the country's most powerful positions. When Lula was first elected president in 2003, he named Rousseff his energy minister and then, in 2005, his cabinet chief. As chairwoman of Petrobras from 2003 to 2010, Rousseff was at the helm of the country's biggest energy company -- a record that has come back to haunt her with the revelation of massive corruption at the firm, although there are no incidents specifically linking her to it. Lula, whose own legacy is now threatened by Petrobras-related corruption charges, said he always knew Rousseff was special. "She came here with her little computer," Lula said after appointing Rousseff to her first Cabinet post. "She started to talk and I felt something different in her." Brasilia (AFP) - President Dilma Rousseff is set to fight for her political life Saturday backed by vast crowds of supporters as Brazil prepares to vote on whether to drive her from office. The Sunday vote in Congress could topple the 68-year-old leftist leader, in a political crisis threatening to destabilize Latin America's biggest economy as it struggles through a crippling recession. It will be a rare outing for Rousseff, who has preferred to remain at her official workplace, the Palacio do Planalto, encouraging supporters from afar. Rousseff will meet with the supporters camped out at the Mane Garrincha stadium who have turned out to support her bid to remain head of state. "We came to join the defense of democracy and the government that was legitimately elected in 2014," said Tiago Almeida, 35, a metal worker from the state of Sao Paulo who has been at the camp for days. Organizers hope that more than 100,000 will gather at the rally and the support camp this weekend. - Pro, anti-Rousseff rallies - Rousseff's opponents also plan rallies over the weekend as lawmakers debate a motion to send her to an impeachment trial in the Senate. Police tightly guarded the area around Congress, which was surrounded with metal barriers. Pro- and anti-Rousseff rallies are also planned in other cities on Sunday, including the economic capital Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, where the Summer Olympics will be held in August. Lower house lawmakers were due to make further speeches on Saturday and Sunday before voting late Sunday on whether to call for an impeachment trial. Rousseff faces charges that she illegally used creative accounting to mask government shortfalls during her 2014 reelection. She accepts the claims, defending her behavior by saying that previous governments used similar measures. In a rowdy opening session on Friday, the government's top lawyer Jose Eduardo Cardozo drew noisy complaints when he repeated Rousseff's claim that the impeachment drive was a "coup." Story continues "This is a historic process, there's no doubt," said House Speaker Eduardo Cunha, one of the leaders of the push to remove Rousseff. Cunha has his own problems: he has been charged with taking millions of dollars in bribes linked to a massive embezzlement cartel centered on state oil company Petrobras. He also allegedly hid the money in Swiss bank accounts. - Fending off a 'coup' - The pro-impeachment camp appears to have the two-thirds majority of votes needed to pass the impeachment motion up to the Senate, according to a tally by Brazilian newspapers. If that happens, Rousseff will be sent to trial in the Senate in a process expected to last months. "The government will fight until the last minute... to foil this coup attempt," Rousseff vowed on Thursday. The presidents governing coalition has been crumbling, starting with the defection of vice president Michel Temer's PMDB party. "We have come to a decisive phase in this process and the best thing for the country is to have a result on Sunday, whatever it might be," said Leonardo Picciani, PMDB congressional leader. "We have to turn the page and not waste more time in political battles and disputes," he told AFP. - Lobbying against impeachment - Temer will become interim president if the trial starts in the Senate, and Rousseff would have to step down for six months during the proceedings. If the Senate then voted by a two-thirds majority to impeach her, she would be ousted and Temer would remain president for the rest of the term -- until 2018. Opposition lawmaker Paulinho da Forca told reporters Friday she had already been discussing "the future government" with "president" Temer. Meanwhile, Rousseff's top ally and predecessor as president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, rallied support for her in a video message. "We are going to defeat impeachment and end this crisis once and for all," he said. Lula faces corruption allegations linked to a graft scandal at state oil company Petrobras. Cardozo said the government was considering further legal appeals. - 'No criminal accusation' - Rousseff got support Friday from the visiting head of the Organization of American States, Luis Almagro. The OAS "has made a detailed analysis of the impeachment process against Dilma, and has concluded that it does not fit within the rules that govern this process," Almagro said. "There is no criminal accusation against the president, rather she has been accused of the poor administration of public resources in 2014. This is an accusation that is political in character, and that does not merit an impeachment process." The Uruguayan diplomat said that there was concern over the fate of the most populous democracy in Latin America. "Brazil has always been an example of democracy in the Hemisphere, and we all need for it to continue to be so," he told reporters after meeting with Rousseff. From rigid corsets to barely-there nylon briefs, a new exhibition at London's Victoria and Albert Museum explores three centuries of underwear in Europe, focusing on Britain's relationship with its most intimate garments. "Fashion and underwear are inextricably linked," Susanna Cordner, research assistant on the "Underwear" exhibition, told AFP. "It's like the chicken and the egg, one influences the other and it's cyclical," she added. The show, which opens Saturday, comprises more than 200 pieces and will run until March 2017. The story begins in the 18th century with a look at the heavy undergarments of the time, made form natural fibres that allowed high-temperature washing and helped hygiene. These were clamped in place by corsets that supported the bust and sculpted the silhouette, forming a solid base for dresses to be worn over. One of the exhibition's centre-pieces -- a hand-made corset fashioned by an Englishwoman of modest means -- shows that such complex items were not confined to high-society, but had to be worn by all women for fear of upsetting moral sensibilities. The show also reveals how men also used corsets and other garments to provide support while playing sport and to flatter the shape, but not nearly to the extent of the women of the age. A copy of a silk corset from 1890 boasts a 48 centimetre (19 inch) waist, compared to today's average of 71 centimetres (28 inches), and led to warnings from doctors and calls to ditch the restrictive garment. Other shape-defining garments on display include crinolines, the stiffened 19th-century petticoats that accentuated the hips and buttocks, but which had an unfortunate tendency to catch fire. For men, a "jockstrap", originally introduced for cyclists in the United States in 1887, shows how underwear was used to enhance the male figure. Modern-day smalls on show reveal the importance of new, lighter fabrics in helping to produce less restrictive garments that hug the figure in a more natural fashion and are easier to maintain. "Every period had different preoccupations and different technologies that they used to express those different times and styles," explained Cordner. However, the second part of the exhibition shows how corsets have remained popular with designers such as Agent Provocateur, playing on the garment's erotic undertones. Other highlights include long cotton drawers worn by Queen Victoria's mother, and flesh-coloured leggings decorated with a mirrored-glass fig leaf, designed by Vivienne Westwood. Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate hiked to an ancient Buddhist monastery high in the mountains of Bhutan on Friday, a day after meeting the king and queen of the tiny Himalayan nation. The couple hiked up to the spectacular seventh-century Buddhist monastery, perched on the edge of a cliff 12,000 feet (3,636 metres) high in the Himalayas and known as the "Tigers' Nest". William's father Prince Charles undertook the same trek in 1998 but only made it halfway because of a polo injury, stopping en route to paint a watercolour of the monastery. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had a private dinner on Thursday with Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema. Earlier, they braved the rain to attend an open-air archery venue, where they tried their hand at the national sport. They are spending two days in the tiny kingdom, famously the last country to get television and home to just 750,000 people, before returning to India for a visit to the Taj Mahal on Saturday. Bhutan's Oxford-educated monarch -- known as the Dragon King -- came to the throne in 2006 after his father abdicated and agreed to cede absolute power to a parliamentary democracy. The country held its first elections in 2008 and is known for pursuing a unique economic development model of "Gross National Happiness", which aims to balance spiritual and material wealth. By Sunil Kataria PARO VALLEY, Bhutan (Reuters) - Britain's Duke and Duchess of Cambridge trekked on Friday to a Buddhist monastery on a mountainside in Bhutan, going one better than the duke's father, Prince Charles, who on a 1998 trip broke off his hike to paint a watercolour. Prince William and wife Kate dressed down for the three-hour expedition to the so-called Tiger's Nest that is perched on a mountainside at 3,000 metres (10,000 feet). Kate's outfit featured knee-length boots, olive trousers and a leather waistcoat, while William wore an open-necked shirt and beige slacks. The couple stopped along the way to smile for the cameras before the backdrop of the 17th century Taktsang Palphug Monastery across the Paro valley. "It was amazing," William said after the climb. "Beautiful scenery as you saw and with the mountains like this, the temples at the top - it was just stunning to walk up there," he added in a sentiment echoed by Kate. William admitted that after an easy start "it was a little bit cheeky on the second part, definitely." Reminded of Prince Charles' visit, he said: "Well, my father didn't make it to the top. That's something I'll be reminding him of when I see him." AIR APPARENT Porters were on hand, including one with an oxygen cylinder, but the couple - William is 33, Kate a year older - managed without difficulty as they walked earlier hand-in-hand through sunlit wooded uplands. The royal couple finally got some time to themselves on the sixth day of their hectic tour of India and Bhutan, where they were welcomed on Thursday by the young - and equally glamorous - king and queen of the tiny Himalayan nation. On Saturday, they return to India to visit the Taj Mahal, which was built in 1632 by Moghul Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife. William's mother, the late Princess Diana, visited in 1992 and was memorably photographed sitting alone on a bench on front of the marble mausoleum, in an image that came to symbolise her unhappy marriage. Indian newspapers have reported that the British High Commission had asked for scaffolding, erected for repair work, to be removed from the onion-domed Taj Mahal. The Archaeological Survey of India turned down the request. There are also concerns that the site may be overrun by tourists when William and Kate are there, as it only closes for visits by heads of state or government. The British High Commission in New Delhi did not reply to a request for comment. There has been fierce competition among news organisations trying to secure the best spot on a viewing platform for the most sought after shot of William, second in line to the throne, and Kate. (Writing by Douglas Busvine; Editing by Nick Macfie, Robert Birsel) If its April, it must be budget season in Congressor, more specifically, time for Congress to blow its annual budget deadline. April 15 is the official target. But no one takes that seriously. Often, lawmakers spend an extra month or so hammering out a budget resolution. More often these days, they opt not to pass one at all. To be fair, forging a budget agreement requires tough debates, painful compromises, and politically fraught votes (three things that lawmakers avoid more than ever). And, in the end, what do you get? A vague, nonbinding blueprint that does little more than alert members as to which spending areas theyll want to cause a stink about when it comes time to haggle over the appropriations bills that actually fund the government. Look at last year: Remember the self-congratulatory hullabaloo that flowed from Congress when it passed a budget (just three weeks late!) for the first time in five years? It was the dawn of a new era! A return to responsible government! The end of dysfunction! Then appropriations season rolled around, and all hell broke loose. Next thing you know, the House Freedom Caucus had driven out the speaker, the president had issued a rare veto of defense funding, and unsettling phrases like debt default and government shutdown filled the air. It was only through doomed Speaker John Boehners act of seppuku that enough space was cleared for his successor, Paul Ryan, to jam through an omnibus spending package just before Christmas. Despite Republican leaderships efforts and reassurances, this years budget follies are on track to be similarly dispiriting, if not quite so bloody. No one is more sensitive to how FUBAR this process is than lawmakers themselves. Members know their inability to properly fund the government makes them look bad, and they are forever kvetching about the annual pageant of dysfunction. One of Ryans big pledges to his restive troops, in fact, was to restore regular order to appropriations, meaning that the 12 funding bills would wend their way through the relevant committees rather than being smushed together in one last-minute, catch-all behemoth. But dont count on this years process going smoothlyor going period. (When I asked a former aide to Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid if he thought appropriations would get very far, he first laughed at me, then accused me of being on drugs.) Expect maybe two or three funding bills to move before things start to fall apart. In fact, at this point, some Republican members say theyd consider clearing three bills (again, out of a dozen) a success. That is how low expectations have sunk. Story continues Recommended: The Obama Doctrine Senate Budget Committee Chairman Mike Enzi, for one, is fed up. Looking to spotlight the insanity, he is holding a series of hearings this month exploring How to fix the broken budget process. With House Republicans spending yet another spring beating each other up over a budget plan, Enzi is digging deep, looking at ways to overhaul the system from soup to nuts. The first hearing, held April 6, looked at how the federal governments financial mismanagement contributes to the broken budget process. For this, the head of the General Accounting Office came in to lament how his people cant even do a proper audit of the governments financials because the data is so shabby. This Wednesdays session featured a collection of academic types talking about shifting the way government is organized and funded to an outcomes-based portfolio system that would make decision-making less fragmented and more goal-oriented. Next weeks hearing will focus on ending crisis budgeting, and the final one, at the end of the month, on transforming the presidents annual budget proposal and Congresss budget resolutions from meaningless, toothless guidelines into real governing documents. Then theres Enzis pet issue, biennial budgeting, which enjoyed its own set of hearings in the fall. (Multiple bills on this issue are already drifting around Capitol Hill.) These hearings are sort of like BS sessions. Enzi calls a hearing on some idea ... and the few senators show up who want to talk about it. Sounds like a good plan, right? Bring in experts to spotlight the existing mess and propose outside-the-box solutions. Already the hearings are turning out to be a great sounding board to figure out what committee members want to do, says one Republican staffer on the Budget Committee. Even committee Democrats commend Enzis reform zeal and his thus-far agnostic approach to budget outcomes. (Translation: Hes not simply looking to slash entitlements or to make it harder to raise taxes.) He seems genuinely interested in some of these ideas, says one minority staffer. That said, some of the ideas being floatedlike portfolio budgetingwould require major reorganizations of Congress and federal agencies alike. And that, both sides agree, isnt going to happen. Enzis people assure me theyre looking to start with baby steps toward reform, small changes here and therelike, say, setting up a budget-oversight system that would bring together various leaders and stakeholders. What that would look like, how it would happen, and who would be in charge have yet to be determined. But were not giving up! the majority staffer assures me. In fact, he says, Enzi hopes to have some type of reform bill in markup before Memorial Day. (Again, all details TBD.) Recommended: The Legacy of Obama's 'Worst Mistake' While open to reform, Democrats are less than optimistic that any of these reforms are going anywhere. These hearings are sort of like BS sessions, says the minority staffer. Enzi calls a hearing on some idea he wants to explore, and the few senators show up who want to talk about it. The hearings, posits the Democrat, are more of a diversion of sorts: Nobodys happy with the process. But it has also become a scapegoat. Republicans have failed to pass a budget resolution this year, and rather than blaming themselves or blaming their colleagues on the other side of the Capitol, theyre blaming the process, he says. In a presidential election year, with control of the Senate on the line and lawmakers approval ratings lower than a snakes belly, Republicans are understandably anxious to show that they understand voters desire for change. And far better to focus on flaws in the budget process than on the paralyzing battles among Republican factions over the content of the actual bills. If theyre going to fail to accomplish these basic congressional functions, suggests the Democratic Budget staffer, the least they can do is try to look busy. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A California appeals court sided with unions on Thursday in overturning a lower-court ruling that declared tenure and other job protection laws for public school teachers to be unconstitutional. The decision by a three-judge panel of the state's Second Appellate District dealt a blow to education reform groups that sued on behalf of nine students, saying teacher tenure put poor and minority students at a disproportionately greater risk of being taught by less effective instructors. The June 2014 ruling by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge in a landmark case known as Vergara v. California had already been put on hold pending appeal, keeping teacher tenure and other job protections intact. The group behind the lawsuit, Students Matter, vowed to appeal Thursday's reversal to the state Supreme Court. The case comes at a time of bitter political wrangling over how best to reinvigorate a U.S. public school system that leaves many American children lagging behind students in countries such as Finland and South Korea. The original decision striking down tenure drew national attention. Then-U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan hailed it as a "mandate" to fix problems in public schools, while some educational reformers and newspaper editorialists joined in cheering the ruling. But teachers unions denounced the decision, and California Attorney General Kamala Harris appealed with the backing of Governor Jerry Brown. Both are Democrats. Teachers unions in California applauded the decision. "We have a looming teacher shortage that is made worse by lawsuits like this one and the constant attacks on teachers and public education," Joshua Pechthalt, president of the California Federation of Teachers, said in a statement. Attorneys for Students Matter argue the state's teacher tenure law creates high turnover at schools attended by poor students, because many of those campuses are staffed with younger teachers who may be effective but lack tenure and its job protections. Story continues "We came to court to defend the rights of California's public school students and will continue to do so, despite today's temporary setback," Theodore Boutrous Jr., lead counsel for the student plaintiffs in the case, said in a statement. The ruling in California came the same day four parents of Minnesota school children sued the state, seeking to overturn laws that grant layoff protection to teachers after three years on the job, among other statutory protections. (Reporting by Steve Gorman and Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles and Eric M. Johnson in Seattle; Editing by Leslie Adler and Peter Cooney) By Leah Schnurr OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada will allow people with incurable illness or disability to end their lives with a doctor's help but stopped short of extending the right to minors and the mentally ill, according to draft legislation introduced on Thursday. The law applies only to Canadians and residents in the country, preventing foreigners from travelling there for euthanasia. The law, to be voted on by June, is expected to pass as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberals have a majority in Parliament. The Supreme Court of Canada overturned a ban on physician-assisted suicide last year, saying willing adults facing intolerable physical or psychological suffering from a severe and incurable medical condition had the right to die. Some right-to-die advocates criticized the draft law as being too narrow and experts said it could face a court challenge. The Supreme Court gave the new government extra time to pass legislation, adding Canada to the handful of Western countries that allow the practice. Trudeau, whose father declined treatment for cancer before his 2000 death, said Canadians were "extremely seized with this issue." "It's a deeply personal issue that affects all of us and our families and all of us individually as we approach the end of our lives," he told reporters. "The plan we have put forward is one that respects Canadians' choices while putting in place the kinds of safeguards needed." Polls show physician-assisted suicide has broad support in Canada but the issue has divided politicians in Parliament as they grapple with how to protect vulnerable Canadians while respecting their rights and choices at the end of life. Under the law, patients would have to make a written request for medical assistance in dying or have a designated person do so if they are unable. There would be a mandatory waiting period of at least 15 days in many cases, and patients would be able to withdraw a request at any time. The waiting period could be shortened if loss of capacity was imminent. Patients would also have to be experiencing "enduring and intolerable suffering" and death would have to be "reasonably foreseeable". Only those eligible for Canadian health services are eligible, eliminating the prospect of "suicide tourism". The government did not adopt suggestions from a parliamentary committee which had suggested the law should also apply to those who suffer only from mental illness, allow for advance requests and eventually be extended to minors who are able to make their medical decisions. The government said those issues, which would have given Canada one of the broadest mandates in the world, needed more study. Advocacy group Dying With Dignity Canada criticized the law for being too narrow, saying it was not in compliance with the Supreme Court's 2015 decision. The government said it would not require its legislators to back the law and Health Minister Jane Philpott said no doctor will be required to provide assisted suicide. "We also heard loud and clear the importance of recognising conscience rights of healthcare providers, providers who may choose to refuse to provide medical assistance in dying for personal reasons or personal convictions," Philpott said. Jeff Blackmer, vice president of medical ethics at the Canadian Medical Association, welcomed the government's middle-ground approach but said court challenges were "inevitable". French-speaking Quebec put its own law into effect in December and at least one person has carried out an assisted suicide in the province since then. (Additional reporting by David Ljunggren; Editing by James Dalgleish) By Leah Schnurr OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canadian home prices and sales rose in March, showing the country's housing market boom still had momentum even as separate factory data suggested an increase in economic growth at the beginning of the year may not be sustainable. Canadian manufacturing sales tumbled far more than expected in February, data from Statistics Canada showed on Friday, retreating from recent gains and dampening expectations for growth in the month. Sales fell 3.3 percent, outstripping economists' forecasts of a decline of 1.5 percent and breaking a three-month run of gains. Volumes fell 2 percent. Sales were down in 16 out of 21 sectors, with motor vehicle and petroleum and coal product sales accounting for more than two-thirds of the decrease. Analysts said the figures do not bode well for February gross domestic product after January's surprisingly strong growth. The numbers were "consistent with what we anticipate will be a streak of weaker economic data consistent with the global headwinds that will continue to restrain the Canadian economy," wrote David Tulk, head of global macro strategy at TD Securities. Still, he sees the first quarter GDP growing at a relatively strong pace of 2.9 percent. Canada was briefly in recession last year and is still struggling to regain momentum as it grapples with cheap oil prices. VANCOUVER LEADS HOUSE PRICE BOOM The housing market, a pillar of economic strength in the years since the financial crisis, was more rosy, with existing-home sales up 1.5 percent in March. Sales reached a monthly record of 45,137 units, the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) said. Sales in the hot markets of Vancouver and Toronto edged down, but they remained near records attained the month before. CREA'S home price measure rose 9.1 percent from the year before, making for the largest increase since June 2010. The increase was mirrored in another release that showed the Vancouver market continued to buoy prices. Teranet-National Bank Composite House Price Index showed national home prices rose 0.8 percent last month and 7 percent from a year earlier. Prices have become more varied lately, with price gains continuing in the hot markets of Toronto and Vancouver, the energy-sensitive regions slowing and the rest of the country plodding along. (Additional reporting by Ethan Lou in Toronto; Editing by Steve Orlofsky) Ottawa (AFP) - Law enforcement officials in Canada using an encryption key have been able since at least 2010 to eavesdrop on messages between BlackBerry smartphones, an online news magazine reported. The revelation was made in court documents obtained by Vice and its sister publication Motherboard. "This is an issue that obviously is of concern to many people," Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday in Waterloo, Ontario where BlackBerry is headquartered. The technical files submitted to the court by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) relate to surveillance of Montreal crime syndicates as part of a 2011 gangland murder probe. Canadian federal police intercepted and decrypted about one million BlackBerry messages in connection with the investigation, Vice said in its report Thursday. The suspects in the case all pleaded guilty. BlackBerry declined to comment to AFP on the story. It is believed that corporate and government users of BlackBerry devices are not impacted, since each has control over its own key on its servers. In the court filings cited by Vice, the RCMP said the key could be used to break the encryption on virtually any BlackBerry message sent from one device to another without the user's knowledge. It was not known how authorities obtained the key. It was also unclear whether BlackBerry has changed the encryption code since the trial. Trudeau said the case highlights the need for parliamentary oversight of Canada's security and intelligence agencies, which his Liberals promised in last year's election campaign. "Canada is the only one of our Five Eyes security allies that doesn't have oversight by parliamentarians of the actions taken by police and security agencies," he commented, referring to an intelligence alliance comprised by Australia, Britain, Canada, New Zealand and the United States. "And that is something we're moving forward (on) just so that we can reassure people that we are both keeping them safe and protecting our rights and freedoms to the right balance and in the right way." Montreal (AFP) - A spike in the number of fentanyl overdose deaths in Canada's westernmost British Columbia province has prompted authorities to declare a public health emergency. "The recent surge in overdoses is a huge concern for us," said British Columbia Health Minister Terry Lake, who declared the emergency on Thursday. The powerful painkiller was found to be responsible in 64 out of 201 illicit drug overdose deaths in the Pacific coast province in the first three months of 2016, he said. The proportion of overdose deaths in which fentanyl was detected has steadily increased from five percent in 2012 to approximately 31 percent last year and persisted through the first three months of 2016. Lake warned that without immediate action taken to stem this tide, total British Columbia overdose deaths could rise to a record 600 to 800 this year, from 474 in 2015. Fentanyl, which is up to 50 times more potent than heroin and up to 100 times more powerful than morphine, is a synthetic opioid usually prescribed for patients with advanced cancer pain. But increasingly street drugs have been found to be laced with it. A similar opioid crisis has been reported in other parts of Canada and in the neighbouring United States. In Sacramento, California investigators said they believe a version of the drug was produced in China and smuggled into the United States through Mexico. In order to tackle the problem in Canada, Lake said health officials need real-time information on fentanyl-linked overdoses in order to better target outreach, bad drug warnings, awareness campaigns and distribution of naloxone -- which blocks opiate receptors in the nervous system, and is used to treat opioid overdoses. Hundreds of British Columbia firefighters and pharmacists, as well as opioid users and their families and friends have so far been trained to use naloxone. Lake said the program would be quickly expanded. Ottawa (AFP) - Canada's Supreme Court struck down key policies of the former Conservative government that aimed to deter crimes by effectively jailing convicts for longer, in a pair of rulings Friday. Historically Canadian courts had broad discretion in sentencing, but the Tories led by Stephen Harper changed that in 2010 by imposing mandatory minimum sentences for certain crimes. They also ended a practice of giving enhanced credit for time spent in pre-trial custody, alleging convicts had manipulated the clause to spend less overall time in prison. The amendments targeted violent and repeat offenders, but in split decisions the Supreme Court found them to be overbroad and unjust. In one case, an Iranian national who has since been deported was sentenced to six years in prison for a variety of criminal offenses. Due to prior convictions, he was not permitted to apply nearly 20 months he voluntarily spent in pre-trial custody, multiplied by 1.5, to reduce his sentence. In another case, a Vancouver addict with a prior drug conviction was sentenced to one year in prison for drug possession with the purpose of trafficking, under the minimum sentencing guidelines. "At one end of the range of conduct caught by the mandatory minimum sentence provision (hypothetically) stands a professional drug dealer who engages in the business of dangerous drugs for profit, who is in possession of a large amount of drugs, and who has been convicted many times for similar offences," Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin wrote in one of the decisions. "At the other end of the range stands the addict who is charged for sharing a small amount of drugs with a friend or spouse, and finds herself sentenced to a year in prison because of a single conviction for sharing marijuana in a social occasion nine years before. "Most Canadians would be shocked to find that such a person (the latter) could be sent to prison for one year." TORONTO (Reuters) - Canadian home prices rose in March, buoyed by strength in the Vancouver market, the Teranet-National Bank Composite House Price Index showed on Friday. The index, which measures price changes for repeat sales of single-family homes, showed national home prices rose 0.8 percent last month from February and increased 7.0 percent from a year earlier. This was the largest annual increase since December 2011. The month-to-month rise was the sharpest for a March since 2008. Prices were up on the month in six of the 11 metropolitan markets surveyed. The gain came mostly from a 2.8 percent jump in Vancouver, where the region's Real Estate Board reported the highest-selling March since it began tracking this data, on the heels of a record February. Prices were up 0.9 percent in Montreal and 0.3 percent in Toronto. The biggest drop was 3.1 percent in Halifax. In Calgary, prices fell 0.3 percent, their sixth consecutive monthly decline. For Vancouver, March was the 15th consecutive month without a decline. Analysts have debated whether Vancouver's lofty price increases are sustainable or whether overseas buyers are boosting them. Canada's housing market growth has been robust in the years since the global financial crisis, in part because of low borrowing costs. But a more varied market has emerged recently, with price gains continuing in the hot markets of Toronto and Vancouver, while the energy-sensitive regions have slowed and the rest of the country has plodded along. (Reporting by Ethan Lou and Jeffrey Hodgson; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn) International sales agent Luxbox has pounced on Singaporean director Boo Junfeng's second feature, Apprentice, in the wake of the film's inclusion in the Cannes Film Festival's Un Certain Regard lineup on Thursday. Version Originale Condor has already nabbed French distribution rights to the film. It plans to release Apprentice in France on June 1. Other sales so far include Turkey (Bir Films), Mexico (ND Mantarraya), Singapore (Clover Films) and Hong Kong and China (Bravos Pictures). A Singapore/Germany/France/Hong Kong/Qatar co-production shot in Singapore and Australia, Apprentice tells the story of Aiman (played by newcomer Fir Rahman), a 28-year-old correctional officer who is transferred to a top security prison. Inside, he strikes up a friendship with 65-year-old Rahim (Wan Hanafi Su), who is soon revealed to be the chief executioner of the prison. When Rahim's assistant suddenly quits, he asks Aiman to work under him ... and perhaps to take over as his successor. Read more: Cannes Lineup Draws Heavily From Hollywood's A-Listers The film was produced by Peanut Pictures' Raymond Phathanavirangoon, Akanga Film Asia's Fran Borgia and Zhao Wei Films' Tan Fong Cheng. Executive producers include Singapore's Eric Khoo, Hong Kong's Pang Ho-cheung and Subi Liang, along with Jim Rogers and Paige Parker. "The film has been a labor of love over the past five years, and I look forward to be back at Cannes with these dedicated and committed partners," Boo said in a statement. His feature-length directorial debut, Sandcastle, premiered at Cannes' International Critics' Week in 2010. "When I first discovered Apprentice, I was immediately taken by its strong subject matter and its very fresh perspective," said Eric Le Bot, head of Version Originale Condor. "I have rarely seen a project that plays so well with reality. We're proud to come on board the film as its French distributor." Just hours after the Cannes Film Festival unveiled its 2016 lineup, Sundance Selects has scooped up U.S. rights to a pair of competition titles: Cristian Mungiu's Graduation and Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne's The Unknown Girl. Both films were acquired from Wild Bunch. Sundance Selects will be busy on the Croisette given that its film From the Land of the Moon from director Nicole Garcia also will screen in competition. Sister label IFC Films has Olivier Assayas' Personal Shopper in competition. Over the past ten years, Sundance Selects/IFC Films has had four out of 10 Palme d'Or winners, including Jacques Audiard's Dheepan from last year and Mungiu's 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days. Graduation is a family drama that centers on themes of parenting set against the backdrop of a small Romanian town where everybody knows everybody. The film stars Adrian Titieni, Maria Dragus and Lia Bugnar. The Unknown Girl, which also was written by the Dardennes, stars Adele Haenel, Jeremie Renier, Olivier Gourmet, Fabrizio Rongione and Thomas Doret. The film centers on a young doctor who hears the doorbell of her practice ring but doesn't answer. When she's informed by police the following day that the body of a young woman was discovered nearby, the doctor sets out to find the woman's identify. "We are honored to be working once more both with Cristian Mungiu and the Dardennes," said Jonathan Sehring, president of Sundance Selects/IFC Films. "While these filmmakers have distinct visions, they share an affinity for creating compassionate and gripping portraits of everyday life. They are truly among the best filmmakers in the world, and all of us at Sundance Selects cannot wait to return to Cannes and premiere their latest works." Graduation and The Unknown Girl mark the third film each that Sundance Selects is releasing with Mungiu and the Dardennes, respectively. The deal was negotiated by Sundance Selects/IFC Films' Arianna Bocco and Wild Bunch's Carole Baraton. Just hours after the Cannes Film Festival unveiled its 2016 lineup, Sundance Selects has scooped up U.S. rights to a pair of competition titles: Cristian Mungiu's Graduation and Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne's The Unknown Girl. Both films were acquired from Wild Bunch. Sundance Selects will be busy on the Croisette this year, given that its film From the Land of the Moon from director Nicole Garcia also will screen in competition. Sister label IFC Films has Olivier Assayas' Personal Shopper in competition. Over the past 10 years, Sundance Selects/IFC Films has had four out of 10 Palme d'Or winners, including Jacques Audiard's Dheepan from last year and Mungiu's 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days. Graduation is a family drama that centers on themes of parenting set against the backdrop of a small Romanian town where everybody knows everyone. The film stars Adrian Titieni, Maria Dragus and Lia Bugnar. The Unknown Girl, which also was written by the Dardennes, stars Adele Haenel, Jeremie Renier, Olivier Gourmet, Fabrizio Rongione and Thomas Doret. The pic centers on a young doctor who hears the doorbell of her practice ring but doesn't answer. When she's informed by police the following day that the body of a young woman was discovered nearby, the doctor sets out to learn the woman's identity. "We are honored to be working once more both with Cristian Mungiu and the Dardennes," Jonathan Sehring, president of Sundance Selects/IFC Films, said Thursday in a statement. "While these filmmakers have distinct visions, they share an affinity for creating compassionate and gripping portraits of everyday life. They are truly among the best filmmakers in the world, and all of us at Sundance Selects cannot wait to return to Cannes and premiere their latest works." Graduation and The Unknown Girl each mark the third film that Sundance Selects is releasing with Mungiu and the Dardennes, respectively. The deal was negotiated by Sundance Selects/IFC Films' Arianna Bocco and Wild Bunch's Carole Baraton. By Katy Migiro NAIROBI (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - A gay rights campaigner filed a case in Kenya's High Court on Friday calling for the decriminalization of gay sex, which is punishable by 14 years in jail in the conservative east African nation. Eric Gitari, who heads the National Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission, asked the court to strike out sections of the Penal Code criminalizing gay sex because, he says, they violate constitutional rights to equality, dignity and privacy. The law makes "carnal knowledge... against the order of nature" a crime attracting a 14 year sentence while "gross indecency with another male" is punishable by five years in jail. "Those laws degrade the inherent dignity of affected individuals by outlawing their most private and intimate means of self-expression," the petition said. Homosexuality is taboo across Africa - only South Africa permits same-sex marriage - and the persecution of gay people is rife, with religious leaders often inciting mob violence against them. Kenyan Deputy President William Ruto said in 2015 there was "no room" for gay people in Kenya. Kenya prosecuted 595 people under the Penal Code between 2010 and early 2014, the government reported. The law makes it socially acceptable to persecute, intimidate and blackmail sexual minorities, he said, especially those who are afraid to come out. "We have been dealing with a lot of cases of violence, of people beating up people because they disagree with their sexual orientation," he said in a telephone interview, referring to some of the national commission's legal aid cases. "Our clients... are not willing to follow up these cases with the police because they don't know how to explain to the police what they were doing with other men in the privacy of their bedrooms without admitting to committing offences." Gitari won the right in court in 2015 to register his group but the government has refused to do so. He is also involved in a case challenging the government's use of forced anal tests to prove that two men in the city of Mombasa were having sex. The petition will be heard in October, he said. (Reporting by Katy Migiro; Editing by Ros Russell; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, womens rights, trafficking, property rights and climate change. Visit http://news.trust.org to see more stories.) By Ben Blanchard BEIJING (Reuters) - Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull invoked the spirit of late reformist leader Deng Xiaoping on Friday to urge China to continue opening up to the outside world, as he addressed concerns about Internet freedoms and market access for foreign firms. Turnbull's China visit, leading a delegation of 1,000 business leaders, the largest ever by an Australian leader, comes amid a slowing of growth in the Chinese economy, which is crucial for Australian jobs. Earlier this month, China raised taxes on goods bought on overseas e-commerce platforms, then sparked more confusion with a last-minute list that restricted some products from being sold through these channels, leading to sharp share price gyrations by firms in close trade partners like Australia. Asked about the new e-commerce restrictions, as well as China's tightening controls on the Internet and human rights issues in general, Turnbull said Australia and China have regular and very open discussion about rights. "The truth is, as I said in Shanghai, the more open China is the stronger it is," Turnbull told reporters. "Deng Xiaoping said, in the days when China was open to the world it was strong; when it became closed it became weak," he added, citing the man who ushered in China's landmark economic reforms more than three decades ago. China, the world's second-largest economy, is trying to shift to a more consumption-driven economic model as growth stalls. Shortly after Turnbull spoke, China announced its economy grew 6.7 percent in the first quarter from a year earlier, meeting expectations but at its slowest pace in seven years. Turnbull said Chinese Premier Li Keqiang told him how he was trying to boost the small business sector in China. "Premier Li explained how he saw enabling the small business sector, giving the small business sector the freedom to incorporate new businesses," Turnbull said. "So he recognizes as part of his economic plan the freedom of businesses to incorporate, to get on and have a go as we would say, is critical to job creation and developing that more diverse economy that he aspires to. Of course we will all benefit from a stronger Chinese economy." While China and Australia have close business ties, including a free trade agreement, Canberra is also a strong security ally of the United States. Turnbull said all claimants in the disputed South China Sea should settle their disputes peacefully. China claims most of the energy-rich waters, through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year, but the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims. Plans to deepen U.S.-Philippine military ties, including joint patrols in the South China Sea, reflect a "Cold War mentality", China's defense ministry said on Thursday, pledging to resolutely oppose any infringement on its sovereignty. "The remarkable economic gains in this region, by every country, including our own and of course including China, has been based on a foundation of peace and stability. And anything which has the potential of disturbing that peace and stability works against the interests of all nations," said Turnbull. (Editing by Michael Perry) By Ben Blanchard BEIJING (Reuters) - Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull invoked the spirit of late reformist leader Deng Xiaoping on Friday to urge China to continue opening up to the outside world, as he addressed concerns about Internet freedoms and market access for foreign firms. Turnbull's China visit, leading a delegation of 1,000 business leaders, the largest ever by an Australian leader, comes amid a slowing of growth in the Chinese economy, which is crucial for Australian jobs. Earlier this month, China raised taxes on goods bought on overseas e-commerce platforms, then sparked more confusion with a last-minute list that restricted some products from being sold through these channels, leading to sharp share price gyrations by firms in close trade partners like Australia. Asked about the new e-commerce restrictions, as well as China's tightening controls on the Internet and human rights issues in general, Turnbull said Australia and China have regular and very open discussion about rights. "The truth is, as I said in Shanghai, the more open China is the stronger it is," Turnbull told reporters. "Deng Xiaoping said, in the days when China was open to the world it was strong; when it became closed it became weak," he added, citing the man who ushered in China's landmark economic reforms more than three decades ago. China, the world's second-largest economy, is trying to shift to a more consumption-driven economic model as growth stalls. Shortly after Turnbull spoke, China announced its economy grew 6.7 percent in the first quarter from a year earlier, meeting expectations but at its slowest pace in seven years. Turnbull said Chinese Premier Li Keqiang told him how he was trying to boost the small business sector in China. "Premier Li explained how he saw enabling the small business sector, giving the small business sector the freedom to incorporate new businesses," Turnbull said. "So he recognises as part of his economic plan the freedom of businesses to incorporate, to get on and have a go as we would say, is critical to job creation and developing that more diverse economy that he aspires to. Of course we will all benefit from a stronger Chinese economy." While China and Australia have close business ties, including a free trade agreement, Canberra is also a strong security ally of the United States. Turnbull said all claimants in the disputed South China Sea should settle their disputes peacefully. China claims most of the energy-rich waters, through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year, but the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims. Plans to deepen U.S.-Philippine military ties, including joint patrols in the South China Sea, reflect a "Cold War mentality", China's defense ministry said on Thursday, pledging to resolutely oppose any infringement on its sovereignty. "The remarkable economic gains in this region, by every country, including our own and of course including China, has been based on a foundation of peace and stability. And anything which has the potential of disturbing that peace and stability works against the interests of all nations," said Turnbull. (Editing by Michael Perry) BEIJING (Reuters) - China's largely rubber stamp parliament will this month again review its controversial draft law governing foreign non-government organizations, state news agency Xinhua said on Friday. The draft law, which has triggered a storm of criticism from countries such as the United States, Canada and the European Union, requires foreign non-profit bodies to find official sponsors, typically a government-backed agency, and gives broad latitude to the police to regulate activities and funding. Parliament's spokeswoman said last month that the government needed more time to revise the draft NGO law as it was still listening to advice on its content. In a brief report, the official Xinhua news agency said the law would reviewed again at a meeting of parliament's standing committee from April 25 to 28. It gave no other details, and it is not clear if the law will be passed then. The proposed law is part of a raft of legislation that has alarmed Western governments, including China's counter terrorism law and a draft cyber security law, amidst a renewed crackdown on dissent by President Xi Jinping's administration. The cyber security and counter terrorism laws codify sweeping powers for the government to combat perceived threats, from widespread censorship to heightened control over certain technologies. Critics of the counter terrorism legislation, for one, say it could be interpreted in such a way that even non-violent dissidents could fall within its definition of terrorism. China has consistently rejected any criticism of its human rights record, saying it adheres to the rule of law. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) Beijing (AFP) - China's economy expanded at its slowest rate in seven years during the first quarter, the government said Friday, but forecast-beating readings for March raised hopes a growth slowdown in the Asian giant may be bottoming out. Gross domestic product rose 6.7 percent in the first three months of 2016, matching the median forecast of economists polled by AFP and within the government's target of 6.5-7.0 percent for the year. And in a positive signal for the world's second largest economy, a key driver of global growth, industrial output rose 6.8 percent in March, accelerating from the previous month and beating expectations. The National Bureau of Statistics figures are the latest to show improvement in China, where exports surged 11.5 percent on-year in March, beating expectations and snapping an eight-month streak of declines. A key official index of factory activity also showed expansion for the first time in nine months. The economy saw "sound development" in the first quarter, NBS spokesman Sheng Laiyun said, adding that the readings pointed to "positive changes on major indicators". But he cautioned: "We must be aware that we are in a critical stage of transformation and upgrading as well as replacing old drivers of growth with new ones." China's leaders are looking to manage a difficult transition away from the investment- and export-led model of the past to an economy more driven by consumer demand, but the change is proving bumpy and global markets have fretted over the outlook. "China's growth looks to have bottomed out," Julian Evans-Pritchard of Capital Economics said, adding that the data suggest that "policy easing has helped to avert a deeper downturn" -- although he noted some "scepticism" about the GDP figures. The accuracy of Chinese official statistics has often been questioned by critics who contend they can be subject to political manipulation. Story continues As well as industrial output, which measures production at the country's factories, workshops and mines, figures for retail sales and fixed asset investment also came in ahead of expectations in a Bloomberg News poll. Retail sales, a key indicator of consumer spending, increased 10.5 percent year-on-year in March, the NBS said, while fixed asset investment, a measure of mainly government spending on infrastructure, expanded 10.7 percent in the first quarter compared to the same period in 2015. But while the growth rate was "better than expected" and the economy showed "a turn to stabilisation", the NBS spokesman warned that "we can't be over optimistic" given uncertainties in the world economy. - 'Upward revisions' - "Difficulties on structural adjustment persist and downward pressure on the economy cannot be ignored," he added. Services accounted for 56.9 percent of the economy in the first quarter, the NBS said, two percentage points more than last year and nearly 20 percentage points more than secondary industry, which includes mining, manufacturing and construction. Despite the upbeat results, the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index edged down 0.14 percent on Friday. Louis Kuijs of Oxford Economics said Friday's figures showed "a milder deceleration than many had feared", which was leading to "upward revisions" in growth forecasts. But the outlook for most expansion drivers was "still subdued" he said, so "the government will need to continue to rely on stimulus, notably infrastructure investment" in order to hit its "overly ambitious" growth targets. ANZ economists said the data suggested a "stabilisation of the 'old economy'", but added that they were "cautious on the composition of growth", particularly the amount derived from financial services. They predicted that the central bank will keep interest rates low "in light of increasing cases of credit defaults" but would be less aggressive with monetary easing as property bubbles have "started to be of a concern to policymakers". Credit growth surged much more than expected in March, official data showed Friday, as new bank loans jumped to 1.37 trillion yuan ($211 billion), and total social financing -- a wider measure of credit in the real economy -- shot to 2.34 trillion yuan. Marie Diron of Moody's, which lowered its outlook on Chinese sovereign bonds last month due to rising debt and capital outflows, said the data attested to Beijing's ability to "provide stimulus" to lift short-term growth rates. But she said it may "further increase longer term imbalances" if it encourages more investment by inefficient state-owned enterprises (SOEs). She pointed to the "very large" 23.3 percent increase in SOE investment as a "further rise in leverage" and a "negative signal for the sustainability of growth". SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Plans to deepen U.S.-Philippine military ties, including joint patrols in the South China Sea, reflect a "Cold War mentality", China's defense ministry said, pledging to resolutely oppose any infringement on the country's sovereignty. The comments, published on the defense ministry's website late on Thursday, come after the United States said it would ramp up its military presence in the Philippines and announced that the two countries had started the joint patrols in the disputed waters. "A strengthening of the U.S.-Philippine military alliance... is a manifestation of the Cold War mentality and is not conducive to peace and stability in the South China Sea," the defense ministry said. China claims most of the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea, through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. But the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims. Countries across the region have express concern over China's growing assertiveness in the region, which has intensified with a rapid buildup of man-made islands in the Spratly archipelago, to which Philippines and Vietnam lay claim. Joint U.S.-Philippine naval patrols "promote the militarization of the region", the Chinese defense ministry said, urging that the bilateral military cooperation avoid prejudicing the interests of third parties. "The Chinese army will monitor this trend closely, and will resolutely safeguard China's territorial sovereignty as well as maritime rights and interests," it said. Visiting the Philippines, U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said on Thursday the broader American military presence was not meant to provoke conflict with the Chinese. (Reporting by Brenda Goh; Editing by John Ruwitch and Michael Perry) SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Plans to deepen U.S.-Philippine military ties, including joint patrols in the South China Sea, reflect a "Cold War mentality", China's defence ministry said, pledging to resolutely oppose any infringement on the country's sovereignty. The comments, published on the defence ministry's website late on Thursday, come after the United States said it would ramp up its military presence in the Philippines and announced that the two countries had started the joint patrols in the disputed waters. "A strengthening of the U.S.-Philippine military alliance... is a manifestation of the Cold War mentality and is not conducive to peace and stability in the South China Sea," the defence ministry said. China claims most of the energy-rich waters of the South China Sea, through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. But the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims. Countries across the region have express concern over China's growing assertiveness in the region, which has intensified with a rapid buildup of man-made islands in the Spratly archipelago, to which Philippines and Vietnam lay claim. Joint U.S.-Philippine naval patrols "promote the militarization of the region", the Chinese defence ministry said, urging that the bilateral military cooperation avoid prejudicing the interests of third parties. "The Chinese army will monitor this trend closely, and will resolutely safeguard China's territorial sovereignty as well as maritime rights and interests," it said. Visiting the Philippines, U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said on Thursday the broader American military presence was not meant to provoke conflict with the Chinese. (Reporting by Brenda Goh; Editing by John Ruwitch and Michael Perry) SHANGHAI (Reuters) - China's proposals to impose tougher rules over its vaccine market will help stamp out illegal behavior and strengthen oversight, but will be "complex" to implement, the World Health Organization (WHO) said in a statement on Friday. The State Council, China's cabinet, said on Wednesday it would tighten supervision of vaccine distribution, with better record keeping for the production, storing and transport of vaccines and tougher punishments for lawbreakers. The move comes in the wake of a case involving millions of illegal trades of vaccines through a black market drugs ring, which ignited public ire and underscored regulatory weaknesses in the world's second largest pharmaceuticals market. The vaccines, including ones against meningitis, rabies and other illnesses, are suspected of being sold in dozens of provinces around China since 2011. They were all "category 2" vaccines, meaning they were sold on the private market. The new regulations will see these vaccines come under a more tightly-controlled government distribution system, which is used for vaccines within the national immunization program. WHO China representative Bernhard Schwartlander said the changes would "not only ensure illegal activities such as those exposed in Shandong cannot happen elsewhere, but will make the system stronger overall". An illegal vaccine ring had been centered in Shandong province. "The challenge from here will be in implementation: the proposed changes are powerful and wide-reaching, and some will be complex to put into practice," he added. The proposals would also improve China's vaccine tracking system, remove incentives for local clinics to make extra money by re-selling unused vaccines and consider how to gradually move more vaccines into the state immunization list. China's relatively swift move reflects a wider drive to improve the quality of locally-made drugs and rid the sector of a reputation for corruption, poor quality and fakes. The case, which has stirred angry debate in China, has so far seen 202 people detained, with 357 officials receiving administrative punishments. (Reporting by Adam Jourdan; Editing by John Ruwitch and Michael Perry) BEIJING (Reuters) - China's official Xinhua news agency said on Friday that North Korea's firing of an intermediate range ballistic missile was, despite its failure, the country's latest example of saber-rattling. The firing of a mid-range ballistic missile on Friday by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), though failed, marks the latest in a string of saber-rattling that, if unchecked, will lead the country to nowhere," it said in an English language commentary. China is North Korea's most important economic and diplomatic backer, but it has been angered by Pyongyang's nuclear tests and rocket launches in the face of United Nations sanctions that China has also backed. The failed launch follows the North's fourth nuclear test in January and a long-range rocket launch in February. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Nick Macfie) PARIS - A lucky Chinese couple won an unusual, underwater sleepover -- in a clear, cylinder-shaped room submerged in a 10-metre (33-foot) deep aquarium surrounded by 35 swimming sharks. The contest, which was sponsored by the Paris Aquarium and the holiday home and rental website Airbnb to teach the winners and their guests about sharks, was not for the weak or faint-hearted. Di Tang, a 27-year-old history student from Xian, China, described the experience as magical. "I think I will not be able to sleep," she said. "I will take advantage of the whole night to watch the sharks." The structure, which was tested in the Mediterranean, was open to competition winner for three nights and will now be turned into a research hub. BEIJING/TAIPEI (Reuters) - Chinese state television has aired confessions by two Taiwanese fraud suspects among dozens deported from Kenya to China, as Taiwan said it would send officials to China to talk about a case that has infuriated Taipei. Taiwan has said China effectively kidnapped its nationals. Kenya, however, does not have official relations with the democratic, self-ruled island, and considers it part of "one China", in line with the position of Communist Party leaders in Beijing. Kenya said the 77 suspects, 45 of whom were from Taiwan, were in the country illegally and were being sent back to where they had come from. On Friday, Chinese state television aired video of two men in orange jump suits with blurred-out faces, confessing to impersonating police in telecoms fraud in China. "I now know that carrying out these scams is wrong, and I will accept the punishment of the law," said one suspect surnamed Jian. "I hope that the government will give me a chance." Asked by a woman off-camera what he wanted to say to his "mainland compatriots", Jian, who had a Taiwanese accent, said: "Sorry to the people of the mainland". Reuters was not able to independently verify that they were from Taiwan. China's Ministry of Public Security has said the group detained in Kenya had operated out of Nairobi and were suspected of cheating people out of millions of yuan across nine provinces and cities in China. As most of the victims were in China, it said, they would be prosecuted there. The ministry has said China informed Taiwan of the situation and would invite its law enforcement officials to visit to discuss how best to tackle such fraud. It did not respond to a Reuters request for comment on the confessions. Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council said it had received another letter from China inviting members to visit, and so will send a delegation on Monday to talk about the issue. "We have not seen those suspects ourselves. We have not seen any evidence ourselves. We are not in a position to comment at this point," the council's secretary general, Jeff Yang, told Reuters when asked about the confessions. The videos are the latest in a recent string of on-camera guilt admissions in China, which this time is likely to aggravate cross-Strait tensions. Though such displays of contrition have long been part of China's legal landscape, state media have increasingly used them, including in cases involving foreigners accused of crimes. That has prompted international criticism that the admissions could be made under duress and that the practice violates China's own laws on due process. (Reporting by Michael Martina and Natalie Thomas in Beijing and Faith Hung in Taipei; Additional reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Jason Subler and Nick Macfie) Citi (C) is the fourth and final big bank to release its Q1 financial results. And like its peers JPMorgan Chase (JPM), Bank of America (BAC), and Wells Fargo (WFC), Citi reported a big drop in earnings. But it also confirmed that things weren't disastrously worse than what analysts were forecasting. Citi's revenue fell 11% year-over-year to $17.6 billion. Meanwhile, net income plunged 27% to $3.5 billion or $1.10 per share. That bottom line beat the $1.05 expected by analysts. In other words, bad news was expected and largely priced into the stock. So, investors probably won't mind today because Citi beat dismal expectations. It's a two-sided story All of the banks on Wall Street have seen business dry up due to volatile financial market conditions. Investment banking revenue plunged 27% to just $875 million. Meanwhile, Citi's bond trading and equities trading businesses fell 11% and 19%, respectively, to $3.0 billion and $706 million. On the consumer side of things, things are a bit brighter thanks to the economy, which is fueling job growth. This as led to high deposits and more loans. This two-sided story has dominated the banking industry's earnings announcements so far this season. "While our market-sensitive products clearly suffered from weak investor sentiment during the quarter, we continued to make progress in several key areas," CEO Michael Corbat said. "We grew loans and deposits in our core businesses, reduced our expenses while absorbing a significant repositioning charge, utilized additional Deferred Tax Assets, and generated capital in excess of what we returned to our shareholders." Also like its peers, Citi is seeing loans to energy companies sour thanks to plunging oil prices. However, the pace of deterioration has moderated as prices have stabilzed somewhat. "North America Global Consumer Banking cost of credit increased 17% to $1.0 billion," management said. "The net loan loss reserve build in the first quarter 2016 was $80 million, compared to a net loan loss reserve release of $98 million in the prior year period, reflecting the deterioration of energy-related commercial loans and continued stabilization of consumer credit." Story continues Citi shares are up 2% in pre-market trading. Sam Ro is managing editor at Yahoo Finance Read more: Bank of America's earnings reflect 2 big themes in the economy Jamie Dimon: 'The economy is going strong' Wall Street bull emerges, makes bold call on stocks Earnings season will be awful Here are 2 reasons why you shouldnt panic Merrill Lynch chief economist nails the truth about risk in a perfect 3-word sentence Here are some of the stocks the Yahoo Finance team will be watching for you today. Citigroup (C) shares rose in early trading after the bank reported a beat on both its top and bottom lines for the first quarter. However, profit fell 27% and revenue also declined due to weak trading and investment banking activity. Valeant Pharmaceuticals (VRX) rose in early trading. Reuters reported that the embattled Canadian drug maker is talking to investment banks amid interest from buyout firms and other companies for its assets, as it looks to raise capital and pay down debt. Get the Latest Market Data and New with the Yahoo Finance App Halliburton (HAL) and Baker Hughes (BHI) are on investors' radars this morning. Private-equity firm Carlyle Group is in talks to buy a package of oilfield-service businesses from the two companies that could be worth more than $7 billion, as the energy giants seek to overcome a Justice Department challenge to their planned merger, according to the Wall Street Journal. Baxalta (BXLT) announced it will hold a special shareholders meeting on May 27 to vote on its merger with Dublin based Shire Group (SHPG). This comes after new Treasury rules thwarted the Pfizer (PFE)-Allergan (AGN) so-called inversion deal last week. By Alana Wise WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A group of former contestants on Donald Trump's reality television show "The Apprentice" put their old boss in the hot seat on Friday, saying the U.S. Republican front-runner had widened racial divisions and should not be president. Trump's one-time admirers, most from racial minorities, urged the New York billionaire to tamp down his divisive rhetoric as he campaigns to succeed Democratic President Barack Obama in a Nov. 8 election. "We are all disappointed and in some ways shocked to see what is being spewed from Donald regarding his views on women, immigrants, and the list goes on," said Randal Pinkett, winner of the 2005 fourth season of the reality television show. "We strongly condemn Donald's campaign of sexism, xenophobia, racism, violence, and hate," he said at a news conference in Manhattan. Pinkett said Trump "is not worthy of the highest office of the land." He said there were glimpses of those attitudes in private conversations and time spent off-screen with Trump during the making of the TV show. Running for 14 seasons, "The Apprentice" gave Trump a national platform. His often blunt and unfiltered style helped make the show a major hit. The show featured groups of business-minded contestants vying for a titular apprenticeship in Trump's organization. At its peak, nearly 21 million people watched the show. Trump's proposals to ban Muslims and build a wall at the Mexican border have drawn criticism even within his party. His campaign has been accused of tacitly encouraging violence at large and rowdy rallies where Trump supporters have at times clashed with protesters. Pinkett told Reuters he had contacted former "apprentices" and said their effort was independent and timed to precede a crucial nominating contest on Tuesday in New York. At the news conference, Pinkett was joined by former "Apprentice" contestants Tara Dowdell and Kwame Jackson; Marshawn Evans Daniels participated via video link. 'FAILING WANNABES' It seemed unlikely their effort would dent Trump's comfortable advantage in New York opinion polls against rivals Ohio Governor John Kasich and U.S. Senator Ted Cruz of Texas. In response, Trump dismissed his former aspiring proteges on Friday as "failing wannabes out of hundreds of contestants." "How quickly they forget. Nobody would know who they are if it weren't for me," he said in a statement. "They just want to get back into the limelight like they had when they were with Trump. Total dishonesty and disloyalty." Trump pulled ahead of Cruz and Kasich this week in the national Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll. Among Republicans, 45 percent support Trump, compared with 29 percent for Cruz and 21 percent for Kasich. Meanwhile, Democrats Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are tied at 47 percent. The poll had a credibility interval of 4.6 percentage points. NEW YORK POST ENDORSEMENT In an apparent bid to establish a more presidential footing, Trump turned from his usual platform of Twitter to the opinion pages of The Wall Street Journal to denounce the Republican National Committee over a nomination process he said was rigged. Friday's piece, along with an endorsement by the tabloid New York Post, signaled a possible detente with media magnate Rupert Murdoch, whose company News Corp owns both newspapers. A News Corp spokesman declined to comment on the relationship between the two billionaires. Murdoch took to Twitter last year to denounce Trump's comments that many illegal immigrants from Mexico were bringing crime to the United States, tweeting: "Trump wrong." The Journal in July called Trump a "catastrophe" in a withering editorial. Trump on Wednesday met privately with Fox News Channel anchor Megyn Kelly after a feud that had lasted months. Murdoch's company 21st Century Fox owns the channel. NBC, the network for "The Apprentice," cut ties with Trump last year as he rose to the top of opinion polls with his descriptions of some Mexican immigrants as criminals and rapists. Trumps other well-known NBC venture, the Miss USA pageant and Miss Universe pageants, was also dropped from the line-up around that time. Other "Apprentice" contestants have backed Trump, including actors Stephen Baldwin, Gary Busey and Lou Ferrigno, former basketball star Dennis Rodman and reality television star Jesse James. But in remarks directed at Trump, Pinkett said, "I am calling, we are calling, for you to do better." (Additional reporting by Chris Kahn in New York, Bill Trott in Washington; Writing by Alana Wise and Doina Chiacu; Editing by Howard Goller) As they have in nearly every debate, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders clashed sharply over the subject of guns. It started with the question of whether Clinton had seriously blamed Vermont, and by extension Sanders, for New Yorks gun violence, because earlier in the week, she did point out that most of the guns used in crime in New York came from other states, specifically his. Of course not, she said, but when Sanders chuckled, she became more than serious. Its not a laughing matter. Ninety people a day are killed or commit suicide or die in accidents from guns, 33,000 people a year. I take it really seriously, because I have spent more time than I care to remember being with people who have lost their loved ones. The two then clashed on all facets of gun control policy. Clinton noted that Sanders voted against the Brady Bill and for granting immunity from liability to gun makers and dealers. Sanders responded that he lost his first congressional campaign because of his support of an assault-weapons ban. Clinton said that the reason he won his next race was because he promised the NRA he would vote against waiting periods to buy weapons. Much of the back-and-forth at the CNN Democratic presidential primary debate in Brooklyn was familiar, but in the midst of it, Clinton pressed a line that has gotten less attention. Asked about whether Sandy Hook parents should be able to sue those who advertise and sell weapons, or whether manufacturers should be immune from such lawsuits, she said: This is the only industry in America that has this kind of special protection. We hear a lot from Sen. Sanders about the greed and recklessness of Wall Street. But what about the greed and recklessness of the gun manufacturers and dealers in America? Cover thumbnail photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images The first word out of the gate at the Democratic debate at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on Thursday was the one both campaigns have been using a lot lately judgment. Bernie Sanders began by questioning whether his opponent had it. Does Secretary Clinton have the experience and the intelligence to be our president? Of course she does, he said, attempting to separate resume from philosophy. But I do question her judgment. I question the judgment that voted for the war in Iraq, the worst foreign policy blunder in the history of this country, voted for virtually every disastrous trade agreement, which cost us millions of decent-paying jobs, and I question her judgment about super-PACs, which are collecting tens of millions of dollars from special interests I dont believe that is the kind of judgment we need to be the kind of president we need. Hillary came storming back, defending her judgment. Sen. Sanders did call me unqualified, she said. Ive been called a lot of things in my life. That was a first, she continued, to laughter. Well, the people of New York voted for me twice to be their senator and President Obama trusted my judgment enough to ask me to be secretary of state for the United States. She then pivoted to the issue that everyone was anticipating, the awkward interview Sanders gave to the New York Daily News last week. Talk about judgment, she said, and talk about the kinds of problems he had answering questions about even his core issue: breaking up the banks He could not explain how that would be done. I think you need to have the judgment on Day 1 to be both president and commander in chief. Cover thumbnail photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images Yahoo, arguably the Internet's first iconic brand, is heading into a monumental week that could spell an end to CEO Marissa Mayer's four-year effort to turn around a company that in its heyday was seriously considering using its fantastically-priced stock to acquire the Walt Disney Co. The online pioneer that once dominated search and practically invented Internet advertising has set a Monday deadline for bidders interested in buying the company or some of its pieces, a stunning turn of events considering Yahoo was, for a brief moment in time, more valuable than any of the major media conglomerates. On Thursday, though, its market capitalization was $35 billion, compared to Disney's $162 billion and Comcast's $150 billion. A day after Yahoo accepts bids, it is set to disclose quarterly earnings, which analysts now say will be 7 cents per share, half of what Wall Street was predicting just three months earlier. But when analysts speak to management on Tuesday's conference call, it's a safe bet that what they'll really be interested in will be an update on the pursuit of "strategic alternatives" that Yahoo announced on Feb. 2, a response to more than three years of a stagnant stock price. Yahoo's valuation includes a $30 billion stake in Alibaba and $9 billion stake in Yahoo Japan, so some of its assets presumably could be had for a relative song compared to what they were worth in the pioneering days of the Internet. "When you factor in taxes that Yahoo would have to pay if it sold those positions, then the rest of Yahoo is worth slightly more than zero," says Eric Jackson, managing director of SpringOwl Asset Management, an activist hedge fund that owns shares of Yahoo. More specifically, Macquarie Securities analyst Ben Schachter estimates that the core Yahoo business could fetch up to $5 billion, and he forecasts $750 million in operating cash flow this year. Jackson has been calling for Mayer's ouster since last year and, in a 99-page slide presentation he posted on the Internet, he outlined a plan that includes cutting Yahoo's workforce by 75 percent and slashing $2 billion in annual costs. Story continues Yahoo's efforts to find strategic alternatives includes the possibility of various assets going to several different parties. Sources say Yahoo has shared a 90-page data book with potential bidders and one person with knowledge of its content was surprised at how weak the financial information appeared. In January, Yahoo was the second-most trafficked U.S. website in unique viewers behind Alphabet's Google and ahead of Facebook. Mayer's turnaround plan has focused on three platforms: mail, search and Tumblr; and four verticals: news, sports, finance and lifestyle. "Almost any media company or company with data-related assets will think they could manage it better," says Pivotal Research Group analyst Brian Wieser. "Most will find it complementary if not strategically advantageous." But, he added: "The question is, who wants the headache of acquiring, integrating and restructuring, and who will be willing to overpay?" And Gabelli & Co. analyst Brett Harriss said in a recent report: "While the core business has suffered from years of mismanagement and profit erosion, Yahoo's built-in traffic could be highly valuable to an acquirer with demonstrated monetization capabilities." Yahoo isn't saying who it is talking to, but The Hollywood Reporter spoke to some insiders with knowledge of the process to come up with a short list of likely bidders and names that have been bandied about, but won't bid: Verizon The telecommunications firm is widely seen as a frontrunner in the Yahoo auction. "That's just an opportunity we will take a look at," CFO Fran Shammo at an investor conference in early March. "Does this fit? Is it strategic? I don't think anybody knows what's under the hood yet." Verizon is pushing into digital video and has already purchased AOL and Intel's online TV business, and Yahoo is seen as a logical next step - though a massive strike of 36,000 Verizon workers that began Tuesday could be a distraction. Time Inc. Insiders say the parent of "Time," "People," "Sports Illustrated," "Real Simple" and several more magazines is on the fence about submitting a bid. If it does, it will likely be with the assistance of a private equity firm or a strategic partner. Time's management team has experience with cutting costs and right-sizing distressed businesses and Yahoo would help it leverage its existing premium content across more platforms. Daily Mail & General Trust The parent company of the British newspaper, "The Daily Mail," told The Hollywood Reporter that, "Given the success of DailyMail.com and Elite Daily, we have been in discussions with a number of parties who are potential bidders." Liberum Capital analyst Ian Whittaker said "there is a significant amount of unrealized value in DMGT's current portfolio of assets and this deal could help them realize this value on two fronts. Firstly, combining and spinning off Yahoo and DMGT's media businesses would allow them to leverage the scale of their combined inventory and Yahoo's ability to sell advertising in the U.S. Secondly, DMGT, ex their media business, would see a re-rating [of the stock] as they would be a higher growth business whilst being disassociated with their declining newspaper business." SoftBank While some see the Japanese conglomerate as a possible bidder for Yahoo, others say it may be interested in simply upping its stakes in companies it already owns portions of. SoftBank owns a 36.4 percent stake in Yahoo Japan and Yahoo holds 35.5 percent of that company, and SoftBank also owns a 32 percent stake in Alibaba while Yahoo owns a 15.5 percent share. Alibaba The Chinese Internet conglomerate wants more international assets, and Yahoo could fit the bill. Or, it may simply want its own shares back. Yahoo, in fact, was all set to spin off its stake in Alibaba, but those plans fell apart when it couldn't figure out a way to avoid massive tax implications. Microsoft The software company with an impressive $438 billion market cap could easily afford to overpay for the entirety of Yahoo. While some smart money says the company founded by Bill Gates has no interest in bidding, at least one insider says it remains a possibility. Microsoft, after all, has a lucrative relationship with Yahoo regarding the sharing of search results and the latter uses some of the former's Bing technology. Google The leader in search would have obvious synergies with Yahoo, still one of the most recognized names on the Internet, but Gabelli & Co. analyst Brett Harriss says such a marriage would likely face an antitrust challenge. Instead, the analyst suggests Facebook scoop up Yahoo "to leverage its existing ad-serving platform and gain a foothold in search." Twitter Insiders say Twitter has looked at Yahoo's books and is interested in at least parts of the company, though it likely couldn't afford the whole thing (not without some big-pocketed partners, at least), given its market cap is $12 billion, roughly one-third of Yahoo's. Twitter and Yahoo are both searching for growth, and marrying some of the best of Yahoo's online assets with Twitter's massively popular but recently underperforming platform could be an intriguing proposition. TPG Capital, KKR and Silver Lake Partners There are several more private-equity firms taking a look at Yahoo (Bain Capital and Providence Equity Partners, for example), but these three seem poised to participate in some sort of bid - though not necessarily together, according to insiders. CBS, Univision, News Corp, 21st Century Fox, AT&T, Comcast and Liberty Media All are said to have kicked the tires on Yahoo, but none are expected to submit bids. "Comcast and AT&T are always on the list of potential buyers, but their interest in Yahoo isn't as strong as Verizon's," says Jackson of SpringOwl. By Alister Doyle OSLO (Reuters) - The Crop Trust, which runs a so-called doomsday seed vault in the Arctic, secured a doubling of its core funds on Friday and urged the private sector to do more to safeguard commercial food production. Friday's pledges totaling about $150 million were mainly from governments, including the United States, Germany and Australia, and will lift the organization's endowment fund to $300 million, it said in a statement after a pledging meeting in Washington. Marie Haga, executive director of the Crop Trust, said that she hoped to attract more private sector investment to the fund, which works to preserve millions of varieties of seeds against threats such as climate change and disease. "We don't have a well-functioning global system for conservation of coffee," Haga told Reuters, referring to the type of projects that require funding. "If you're dependent on coffee for your business, it's a good idea to conserve coffee. If you're dependent on citrus for your business, it's a good idea to make sure that farmers have the right varieties to use when they produce lemons and oranges." The Crop Trust has started to cooperate with coffee companies, she said. "This is an approach I want to take crop by crop," Haga added. She also said that the Crop Trust is working with Deutsche Bank on initiatives including a bond linked to food security. Pledges on Friday for the Crop Diversity Endowment Fund included $60 million over five years from the United States, $27 million from Germany and $4 million from Australia, the trust said. The trust's main global store is its doomsday vault in the Norwegian Arctic archipelago of Svalbard. The vault is a deep, frozen store against cataclysms such as nuclear war and has capacity to store 4.5 million varieties of crops, from wheat to coconuts. It also runs other gene banks storing seeds around the world. "Seeds are miracles. But it does not take a miracle to safeguard this material," Haga said. The fund's long-term goal is to raise $850 million for the endowment fund. ($1 = 0.8851 euros) (Editing by David Goodman) By Devika Krishna Kumar NEW YORK (Reuters) - Oil prices fell on Friday in subdued trade as traders and analysts anticipate a weekend meeting of major oil exporters to do little to help to clear global oversupply quickly, even though it would provide a floor for the market. All eyes are on Doha as producers, led by top exporters Saudi Arabia and Russia, meet on Sunday to discuss freezing output around current levels in an effort to contain a glut exacerbated by production that exceeds demand by about 1.5 million barrels a day. It would be the first joint action by major OPEC and non-OPEC producers in 15 years, although Iran has refused to participate, saying that it wants to rebuild its output to levels achieved before imposition of the recently lifted economic sanctions. "Unless there's a total surprise, the likelihood is that the Doha meeting on Sunday between OPEC/non-OPEC will produce something very wishy washy and will be nothing more than smoke and mirrors," one trader said. "I therefore want to sell crude today." Traders said profit-taking by funds ahead of the meeting also added to the pressure on prices in the session. Brent crude futures settled down 74 cents at $43.10 while U.S. crude ended down $1.14 cents at $40.36. Both contracts lost more than 3.5 percent earlier in the day. However, on a weekly basis, prices were higher for the second week in a row in the run up to the meeting. Oil also trimmed some losses after data from Baker Hughes showed U.S. energy firms cut oil rigs for a fourth week in a row to the lowest level since November 2009. With discussions among producers focusing on freezing output rather than cutting it, most analysts said they had little hope for a deal that reduces the global oversupply. The crude surplus has pulled down crude prices by as much as 70 percent since mid-2014. "A cut in production is very unlikely at this meeting and I would say it will probably not even be a discussion item on the meeting agenda," said Energy Management Institute analyst Dominick Chirichella. Story continues "The conclusion for today is to buckle up your seatbelts - the ride could get wild next week." Barclays said that while the Doha meeting does not materially change the oil market balances, if recent supply-side fundamental support holds and the market's expectations for a credible statement and commitment are met, it could help prevent prices from falling back to the low $30 range. Consultancy Petromatrix said it saw the Saudis as a G20 member pushing for a deal to freeze output because both the IMF and the U.S. Federal Reserve are growing increasingly impatient about low oil prices. (Additional reporting by Dmitri Zhdannikov in London and Henning Gloystein in Singapore; editing by Bill Trott and Chizu Nomiyama) By Alexandria Sage SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - General Motors Co's pending acquisition of self-driving car startup Cruise Automation has touched off a legal spat between two former collaborators over their ownership stakes in the company. In a complaint and cross-complaint filed in Superior Court in San Francisco, Kyle Vogt and Jeremy Guillory dispute the nature of their former partnership during the development of Cruise Automation, which makes technology allowing cars to be converted into autonomous vehicles. Vogt sued Guillory denying he was a Cruise co-founder and saying Guillory had made "extortionary" claims to him in the wake of the announced acquisition of Cruise Automation by GM in March. GM did not disclose the price paid, but Guillory's suit repeats reports that GM offered up to $1 billion. Guillory counter-sued on Thursday, saying in court filings that the technology was first developed by Guillory before the two agreed to work together in October 2013, when Vogt agreed Guillory would be a 50 percent equity owner in Cruise. "This case is about whether a founders' agreement means anything in today's Silicon Valley start-up culture, or if naked ambition, a desire to take all the credit, conceit and greed for the very last dollar now rule the day," reads Guillory's cross-complaint. Their collaboration was short-lived. Vogt told Guillory that he no longer wanted to work with Guillory on the Cruise project in November 2013, according to Guillory's complaint. About five months later, Cruise retrofitted an Audi A-4 prototype with the self-driving technology that allows certain models of cars to pilot themselves on highways. In GM's announcement of the Cruise acquisition, Vogt is cited as a co-founder along with Daniel Kan, who joined the company in 2014 as chief operating officer, according to his LinkedIn page. "We are aware of the complaint filed by Cruise Automation and support their efforts to bring the matter to a prompt conclusion. We expect our acquisition to close on schedule in the second quarter," said GM in a brief statement on Thursday. GM plans to use Cruise's technology to speed up its efforts to develop vehicles that can operate without a human driver, possibly as part of ride-sharing fleets. Cruise Automation, which currently has about 40 employees, is to operate as an independent unit within GM, with headquarters in San Francisco. (Reporting By Alexandria Sage; Editing by Andrew Hay) Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 15 Trend: Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry informed NATO about Armenia's provocative actions that were committed in early April on the contact line between the troops of Azerbaijan and Armenia, the ministry's press service said Apr. 15. The ministry provided the NATO Liaison Officer in the South Caucasus William Lahue with detailed information about the events committed in early April in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. On the night of April 2, 2016, all the frontier positions of Azerbaijan were subjected to heavy fire from the Armenian side, which used large-caliber weapons, mortars and grenade launchers. The armed clashes resulted in deaths and injuries among the Azerbaijani population. Azerbaijan responded with a counter-attack, which led to liberation of several strategic heights and settlements. Military operations were stopped on the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian armies on Apr. 5 at 12:00 (UTC/GMT + 4 hours) with the consent of the sides, Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry earlier said. Ignoring the agreement, the Armenian side again started violating the ceasefire. The NATO was provided with information based on facts about the dead and wounded people among the peaceful Azerbaijani population, as well as damage to local infrastructure as a result of continuous shelling of the Azerbaijani settlements by heavy artillery of the Armenian military units. Also the information was provided about the retaliatory measures taken by Azerbaijan's armed forces on the frontline to prevent Armenia's provocations and to ensure the security of Azerbaijan's civilian population, said the press service. The NATO representative was also presented with evidence on distorted facts of the Armenian side on the alleged "aggressive actions" of Azerbaijani servicemen towards the Armenian population. The data reflecting the reality of the recent events were also presented. 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 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz said on Friday he would make lifting tax and regulatory burdens a priority if elected president and protect the small banks he said were being hurt by stricter bank regulations. Cruz, who is running to become the party's 2016 nominee in the Nov. 8 presidential election, targeted the Dodd-Frank regulatory reform law as enabling the nation's large banks. "The big banks have all gotten bigger," Cruz said in a CNBC interview. Cruz has said he would not bail out big banks if they failed again, as the did during the 2007-8 financial crisis triggered by faulty mortgage lending practices. "The people that have been hammered are the little guys," he said. "It's the community banks, it's the small financial institutions that are going out of business at a record pace." The lawyers and lobbyist for giant banks were "in the room" with the Democratic senators who wrote Dodd-Frank because they could absorb the cost of that while the little banks could not, Cruz said. Cruz said the nation's tax structure is helping strangle U.S. economic growth and he would try to scale back taxes including corporate and death taxes. Cruz has advocated a flat tax rate, which he acknowledged would be difficult to enact. Cruz said he would also try to achieve monetary stability and end the "roller coaster" with the U.S. dollar. The U.S. senator from Texas told CNBC that a higher minimum wage would cost U.S. jobs and that setting minimum wage should be left up to states. Raising the federal minimum wage has been a cornerstone of the Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, although the two disagree on how much it should be raised from the current $7.25. Republicans generally do not embrace a high minimum wage and front-runner Donald Trump has embraced a lower federal rate. (Reporting by Megan Cassella and Doina Chiacu; Editing by Bill Trott) By David Alexander WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A Pakistani intelligence officer paid $200,000 to an extremist network to facilitate a deadly suicide bomb attack on CIA operatives at a base in Afghanistan in 2009, according to a declassified U.S. government document obtained by an independent research group. The heavily redacted document obtained by the National Security Archive, a nongovernmental research institute at George Washington University, suggests that Pakistan's spy agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence directorate, and the Haqqani network were involved in facilitating the attack. The Dec. 30, 2009 attack on Forward Operating Base Chapman in Khost in eastern Afghanistan, carried out by a Jordanian doctor who was working as a double agent for al Qaeda and the Taliban, was one of the most devastating in the history of the Central Intelligence Agency, killing seven and wounding six. The document, dated February 2010, said an unidentified Pakistani ISI officer provided $200,000 to Haqqani and another man "to enable the attack on Chapman." An Afghan border commander in Khost was promised $100,000 of the money to facilitate the attack but died in the bombing, it said. A spokesman for Pakistan's embassy in Washington did not have any immediate comment. Because the document is heavily censored, it is not clear whether it represents an intelligence agency consensus or fragmentary reporting. One line, which has been crossed out, says: "This is an information report, not finally evaluated intelligence." The document is almost entirely redacted - except for two passages discussing the ISI's alleged involvement in the attack at Forward Operating Base Chapman. The United States in 2012 designated the Pakistan-based Haqqani network as a terrorist organization. The year before, U.S. Navy Admiral Mike Mullen, then the top U.S. military officer, caused a stir when he told Congress that the Haqqani network was a "veritable arm" of the ISI. The declassified U.S. government document can be found here: (https://nsarchive.files.wordpress.com/2016/04/hqn9.pdf) The National Security Archive, which works to challenge government secrecy, obtained the document under a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. Lauren Harper, who reported on the documents for the organization, said the initial FOIA request had gone to the U.S. State Department. The State Department forwarded the request to the Defense Intelligence Agency, which released the redacted papers. (Editing by Warren Strobel and Jonathan Oatis) By Linda Sieg and Kwiyeon Ha TOKYO (Reuters) - When Masahiko Sato was diagnosed at age 51 with early-onset Alzheimer's, he felt his life was over. A decade later, Sato has a mission: destigmatising a condition with a growing social impact in a country that leads the global ageing trend. "What I want most to tell people is, 'Don't underestimate your abilities. There are things you cannot do but there are lots of things you can do, so do not despair," Sato told Reuters in an interview at a park outside Tokyo, where he and his supporters gathered for traditional cherry blossom viewing. "The most painful thing is when someone says 'I am pitiable'. I am not pitiable. There are inconveniences, but I am not unhappy," said Sato, a former systems engineer who has lectured around Japan and written a book with the same message. Encouraging people with dementia to speak out is part of Japan's effort to ease the negative image of a disorder that affects nearly 5 million citizens and is forecast to affect 7 million, or one in five Japanese age 65 or over, by 2025. Japan is a global frontrunner in confronting dementia, the cost of which has been put at 1 percent of world GDP. "Whether people with dementia can 'come out' depends on the values and culture of the community," said Kumiko Nagata, research director at the Dementia Care Research and Training Centre, Tokyo, adding that attitudes were changing. To be sure, people with dementia like Sato, a bachelor who managed to live alone until last year by using his phone and now an iPad to make up for memory loss, are a minority. Many live with relatives who struggle to juggle care with jobs. Some 100,000 workers quit each year to care for elderly relatives, a figure Prime Minister Shinzo Abe aims to cut to zero by 2025, when all Japan's babyboomers will be 75 or older. Families providing care accounted for nearly half of the estimated 14.5 trillion yen ($133 billion) in social cost of dementia in Japan in 2014. Kanemasa Ito is one such care-giver. Ito had to shut the two convenience stores he and his wife, Kimiko, ran together when she was diagnosed with dementia 11 years ago at the age of 57. "I had planned to work until I was 85," Ito told Reuters, sitting with Kumiko at their home in Kawasaki, south of Tokyo. "I thought, will the rest of my life just be caring for my wife?" added Ito, 72, who later became a home helper himself and now entrusts his wife to a day-care centre several times a week. 'INCREASE UNDERSTANDING' To keep Kimiko from wandering off, he installed a special bolt on the front door and makes sure she wears a GPS tracking necklace when they go out in case she slips away. Nearly 11,000 people with dementia were reported missing, most temporarily, in 2014. Others are abused or even killed by relatives. Policy-makers and experts hope the positive message will help achieve a goal of dementia-friendly communities where elderly can stay at home or in small group homes rather than in large, costly institutions that can aggravate their condition. "There has been a tendency to view dementia as a disease of which to be ashamed," Tadayuki Mizutani, head of the health ministry's dementia policy promotion office, told Reuters. "We have been campaigning to increase understanding of dementia. What is new is to have people with dementia speak out in their own words." That was an element in government proposals unveiled last year for improved dementia care that include a stress on early detection, more doctors and primary care-givers to look after those with dementia, "SOS networks" of police, residents and businesses to find missing people and volunteer "Dementia Supporters" trained to help people in the community. The government has budgeted 22.5 billion yen for the plan in the year from April 2016, up from 16.1 billion last year. Experts give Japan high marks for its community-oriented programs as well as its efforts to destigmatise the disease. "The focus in Japan is on care - what do you do for people with dementia living in the community?" said John Campbell, a University of Michigan professor emeritus. Still, some worry that reforms of Japan's Long-term Care Insurance system, under fiscal pressure in a country with huge public debt, are boosting families' burdens by making it harder for those with lighter disabilities to access services. For Kanemasa Ito, any cutbacks could threaten his dream of caring for Kumiko at home. "I want to live with her at home as long as possible," he said, gently touching her wrist. (Reporting by Linda Sieg; Editing by Robert Birsel) By Linda Sieg and Kwiyeon Ha TOKYO (Reuters) - When Masahiko Sato was diagnosed at age 51 with early-onset Alzheimer's, he felt his life was over. A decade later, Sato has a mission: destigmatising a condition with a growing social impact in a country that leads the global aging trend. "What I want most to tell people is, 'Don't underestimate your abilities. There are things you cannot do but there are lots of things you can do, so do not despair," Sato told Reuters in an interview at a park outside Tokyo, where he and his supporters gathered for traditional cherry blossom viewing. "The most painful thing is when someone says 'I am pitiable'. I am not pitiable. There are inconveniences, but I am not unhappy," said Sato, a former systems engineer who has lectured around Japan and written a book with the same message. Encouraging people with dementia to speak out is part of Japan's effort to ease the negative image of a disorder that affects nearly 5 million citizens and is forecast to affect 7 million, or one in five Japanese age 65 or over, by 2025. Japan is a global frontrunner in confronting dementia, the cost of which has been put at 1 percent of world GDP. "Whether people with dementia can 'come out' depends on the values and culture of the community," said Kumiko Nagata, research director at the Dementia Care Research and Training Centre, Tokyo, adding that attitudes were changing. To be sure, people with dementia like Sato, a bachelor who managed to live alone until last year by using his phone and now an iPad to make up for memory loss, are a minority. Many live with relatives who struggle to juggle care with jobs. Some 100,000 workers quit each year to care for elderly relatives, a figure Prime Minister Shinzo Abe aims to cut to zero by 2025, when all Japan's babyboomers will be 75 or older. Families providing care accounted for nearly half of the estimated 14.5 trillion yen ($133 billion) in social cost of dementia in Japan in 2014. Kanemasa Ito is one such care-giver. Ito had to shut the two convenience stores he and his wife, Kimiko, ran together when she was diagnosed with dementia 11 years ago at the age of 57. "I had planned to work until I was 85," Ito told Reuters, sitting with Kumiko at their home in Kawasaki, south of Tokyo. "I thought, will the rest of my life just be caring for my wife?" added Ito, 72, who later became a home helper himself and now entrusts his wife to a day-care center several times a week. 'INCREASE UNDERSTANDING' To keep Kimiko from wandering off, he installed a special bolt on the front door and makes sure she wears a GPS tracking necklace when they go out in case she slips away. Nearly 11,000 people with dementia were reported missing, most temporarily, in 2014. Others are abused or even killed by relatives. Policy-makers and experts hope the positive message will help achieve a goal of dementia-friendly communities where elderly can stay at home or in small group homes rather than in large, costly institutions that can aggravate their condition. "There has been a tendency to view dementia as a disease of which to be ashamed," Tadayuki Mizutani, head of the health ministry's dementia policy promotion office, told Reuters. "We have been campaigning to increase understanding of dementia. What is new is to have people with dementia speak out in their own words." That was an element in government proposals unveiled last year for improved dementia care that include a stress on early detection, more doctors and primary care-givers to look after those with dementia, "SOS networks" of police, residents and businesses to find missing people and volunteer "Dementia Supporters" trained to help people in the community. The government has budgeted 22.5 billion yen for the plan in the year from April 2016, up from 16.1 billion last year. Experts give Japan high marks for its community-oriented programs as well as its efforts to destigmatise the disease. "The focus in Japan is on care - what do you do for people with dementia living in the community?" said John Campbell, a University of Michigan professor emeritus. Still, some worry that reforms of Japan's Long-term Care Insurance system, under fiscal pressure in a country with huge public debt, are boosting families' burdens by making it harder for those with lighter disabilities to access services. For Kanemasa Ito, any cutbacks could threaten his dream of caring for Kumiko at home. "I want to live with her at home as long as possible," he said, gently touching her wrist. (Reporting by Linda Sieg; Editing by Robert Birsel) By Olivia Oran and Greg Roumeliotis (Reuters) - Deutsche Bank AG's co-head of mergers and acquisitions in the Americas, Anthony Whittemore, has resigned from the investment bank, according to people familiar with the matter. Whittemore's departure comes as Deutsche Bank is about to name a new global head of mergers and acquisitions later this month, the people said, asking not to be named because the matter has not been made public. A spokesman for Deutsche Bank declined to comment. Whittemore could not be reached for comment. Whittemore had been a joint co-head of the mergers group since 2011. He joined Deutsche Bank from Citigroup, where he advised telecommunications companies. Jim Ratigan is now the sole head of mergers and acquisitions for the Americas at Deutsche Bank. Deutsche Bank ranked No. 10 in the U.S. M&A league tables in 2015, down from No. 9 in the previous year, according to Thomson Reuters data. (Reporting by Olivia Oran and Greg Roumeliotis in New York; additional reporting by Liana Baker; Editing by Alan Crosby) Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 15 By Anakhanum Khidayatova - Trend: Status quo in the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is not sustainable, says Herbert Salber, the European Union's special representative for the South Caucasus. He made the statement in an exclusive interview with Trend in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Apr. 15. Salber said he has had meetings with the Azerbaijani president, foreign minister and defence minister, and they discussed the recent escalation along the line of contact between the Azerbaijani and Armenian troops. "We discussed the escalation that took place at the line of contact at the beginning of April, the aftermath of these developments, and of course the prospects of how this issue can be solved," he said. "The EU clearly has been saying for quite some time that status quo is not sustainable and a political solution has to be reached," Salber noted. "Now, we have been raising this with both sides and all indicators tell us that the status quo is not sustainable, a solution must be found." He went on to say the EU respects the leading role of the OSCE Minsk Group and its co-chairs, adding that this role has to continue. "The Minsk Group has been helpful and we, the EU, very much encourage the Minsk Group to continue with these endeavours," he added. Salber, further touching upon Russia's proposal on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict's settlement, said, "we don't know what is the certain proposal." "If I see it correctly, the Minsk Group co-chairs support the proposal," he said. "We think it is good if the Minsk Group is standing behind [the proposal]." Earlier, during a meeting with Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, the Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said "We have the proposals that we are trying with the co-chairs to actively use for achieving an agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia." On the night of April 2, 2016, all the frontier positions of Azerbaijan were subjected to heavy fire from the Armenian side, which used large-caliber weapons, mortars and grenade launchers. The armed clashes resulted in deaths and injuries among the Azerbaijani population. Azerbaijan responded with a counter-attack, which led to liberation of several strategic heights and settlements. Military operations were stopped on the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian armies on Apr. 5 at 12:00 (UTC/GMT + 4 hours) with the consent of the sides, Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry earlier said. Ignoring the agreement, the Armenian side again started violating the ceasefire. 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 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. Further during the interview with Trend, Salber said the Minsk Group is the right form to push negotiations on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. "I don't believe that the format of the Minsk Group should be changed," he said, adding that the change of format would require a new consensus with the OSCE. "I doubt this consensus could be achieved," he stressed. Salber further pointed to the necessity for the parties to respect the ceasefire and show the strength not to go to any risks. "Parties should know it is an obligation for them to act in a responsible way," he added. Speaking about his trip to Baku, Salber said the visit was exploratory to understand better where the endeavours for a peaceful solution are at the very moment, and how the sides see these endeavours. Salber also said the visit was fruitful. "It gave me some insights that I can report to the leadership of the EU," he added. "That helped me a lot." He added that the EU member-states are interested to know what is happening in Azerbaijan. Banjul (Gambia) (AFP) - Gambian security forces have beaten and rounded up dozens of political activists calling for the resignation of strongman President Yahya Jammeh ahead of his re-election attempt scheduled for December, witnesses said Friday. Demonstrators led by the leader of the youth wing of the opposition United Democratic Party, Solo Sandeng, held a rare protest just outside the Gambian capital on Thursday before being beaten and held incommunicado. Eyewitness Omar Nyang described riot police, troops and members of the country's notorious intelligence services confronting dozens of peaceful protesters in the streets. "The protesters carried a banner with the inscription, 'we need political reforms', and some of these activists were suggesting that President Jammeh should step down since he is responsible for the economic hardship in the country," Nyang told AFP. According to Nyang, the protesters were initially confronted only by regular police, but after demonstrators refused to allow the arrest of Sandeng, heavy-duty reinforcements were called. "A truck filled with personnel of the Police Intervention Unit (riot police) arrived at the scene. The Police Intervention Unit personnel started beating the protesters and pursued those that wanted to escape," he said. The protesters were loaded onto a truck and the leader of the group was taken away in a separate vehicle to an unknown destination. The president was out of the country when the protest happened, attending a summit of leaders from the world's Muslim countries in Istanbul. Lawyer Ousainou Darboe, leader of the opposition United Democratic Party, told AFP on Friday, "I do not know how many people were arrested by the security forces. I also do not know where Solo and the rest are being kept." Jammeh, a military officer and former wrestler, has ruled the tiny west African country with an iron fist since he seized power in a coup in 1994, and is regularly accused of a catalogue of human rights abuses. Story continues The protest comes eight months ahead of a presidential vote widely expected to hand Jammeh a fifth term in power. The timing also coincides with the recent opposition party announcement of a lawsuit against the state for keeping an alleged presidential supporter as chairman of the electoral commission in power long after his mandate expired. The Independent Electoral Commission last year submitted a bill to parliament, later enacted into law, which opposition parties viewed as placing harsh restrictions on their ability to field candidates in elections. A US State department report released this week accused the Gambia of torture, arbitrary arrest, incommunicado detention and enforced disappearance of citizens, as well as routine harassment of critics. San Jose (AFP) - Around 200 African migrants, most of them from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), were in limbo between Costa Rica and Panama on Friday, with both Central American nations refusing them entry. Costa Rica detained them on Thursday when its northern neighbor Nicaragua turned them back at its border as they sought to cross on their way to try to get to the United States. But Panama, through which they passed to enter Costa Rica, was refusing to accept them back. The migrants protested Friday on the Costa Rican side of the border with Panama to be allowed to continue their journey to America. Costa Rica bolstered that southern border with police after around 1,000 Cubans stuck in Panama and also trying to get to the United States briefly broke through on Wednesday, only to be made to go back. Costa Rica has issued a statement saying it will not permit the entry of migrants without visas. It criticized countries in South America for allowing them to make it as far north as Central America. "These migratory flows to Panama and Costa Rica show the inability or bad faith of other southern nations to prevent the entry and transit of irregular migrants," the foreign ministry statement said. Some of the DRC migrants told AFP they had arrived on the continent in Brazil, where they spent several months or years before heading north through Colombia and Panama with the aim of making it into the United States. A migration official in Panama, Alfredo Cordoba, told the Panamanian television channel Repretel that the DRC migrants did not have visas so could not be permitted back across the border. Panama's foreign minister, Isabel De Saint Malo, told AFP in a Twitter message that her government was in contact with Costa Rica's "to ensure the migrants' human rights were being respected." DreamWorks and Sam Mendes are checking into The Voyeur's Motel. The studio has swooped in to buy film rights to the Gay Talese-penned article that ran in the April 11 issue of The New Yorker. Mendes is attached to direct the project, which had several studios in pursuit over the past day. Steven Spielberg will produce. The nonfiction piece, which spans decades, follows Gerald Foos, who bought a motel in order to watch his guests having sex. He wound up witnessing a murder. The unsettling story is written in the first person and recounts the first time Foos reached out to the famed journalist in 1980 in the form of an anonymous letter. The sprawling narrative is an excerpt from a book that is set to be published July 12 by Grove Press. Mendes, who also will produce Voyeur's Motel through his Neal Street Prods. banner, has a long history with DreamWorks, dating back to his best picture winner American Beauty (1999). But his last two films have been in the James Bond franchise with Spectre and Skyfall. Voyeur's Motel would represent a return to the something-rotten-in-suburbia terrain of American Beauty. CAA, which reps Mendes and Talese, packaged the deal. Talese is handled for publishing by Lynn Nesbit of Janklow & Nesbit. Mendes is additionally repped by attorney Melanie Cook of Ziffren Brittenham. Read More: Will Ferrell Pitch Lands at Universal in 7-Figure Deal (Exclusive) SAN SALVADOR (Reuters) - El Salvador declared a water shortage emergency for the first time in its history on Thursday, citing the effects of climate change and the El Nino phenomenon, the country's president said. In the last four years, rainfall has decreased considerably in the Central American country, and river and water reserve levels have reached a critical state, President Salvador Sanchez Ceren said at a news conference. In recent weeks, residents from neighborhoods on the outskirts of the capital city of San Salvador have protested because of water shortages in their communities. Countries across Central America declared an agricultural alert last year as a result of the severe drought which has affected some 1.6 million people in the region, in particular growers of coffee, corn and beans. (Reporting by Nelson Renteria; Editing by Andrew Hay) Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 15 Trend: The recent escalation of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict started with the Armenian provocation, said former Israeli foreign minister and leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu (Israel is Our Home) party, Avigdor Lieberman, in an interview with the newsru.co.il news website. Lieberman went on to add Azerbaijan had no need to escalate the conflict. "The Azerbaijani side acted in a quite balanced and responsible manner at the talks that involved representatives of Russia and the US," he added. "There are no reasons for escalating the conflict." On the night of April 2, 2016, all the frontier positions of Azerbaijan were subjected to heavy fire from the Armenian side, which used large-caliber weapons, mortars and grenade launchers. The armed clashes resulted in deaths and injuries among the Azerbaijani population. Azerbaijan responded with a counter-attack, which led to liberation of several strategic heights and settlements. Military operations were stopped on the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian armies on Apr. 5 at 12:00 (UTC/GMT + 4 hours) with the consent of the sides, Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry earlier said. Ignoring the agreement, the Armenian side again started violating the ceasefire. 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 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. DETROIT (Reuters) - Detroit public school children have been forced to switch to bottled water after elevated levels of lead and copper were found at 19 Detroit public schools, or nearly a third of those tested, officials said on Thursday. The results of water sample tests, released late on Wednesday, raise fears of widespread contamination in the cash-strapped school district, already grappling with severely deteriorated buildings and charges of corruption. The results also came the same day Michigan lawmakers extended by four months a state of emergency in Flint, about 70 miles northwest of Detroit, to boost aid to authorities managing a crisis over lead contamination in the city's drinking water. Michelle Zdrodowski, a spokeswoman for Detroit Public Schools, said the district conducted the testing "proactively, because of everything else that was going in the state of Michigan and across the country." By systematically testing its buildings, at least one of which is more than 100 years old, the district is hoping to avoid the school closures prompted by toxins found in other U.S. cities' school systems. Last month, water fountains at 30 schools in Newark, New Jersey, were shut off due to elevated levels of lead. In January, the Ohio village of Sebring closed schools for several days due to lead in pipes. Detroit began collecting water samples at 62 elementary and elementary-middle schools the week of March 28. Results from the remaining 20 or so buildings, which include middle and high schools, are expected one to two weeks after testing is finished this month, the district said. The district said the levels of lead and copper found in water samples taken from student drinking fountains and kitchen food-preparation sinks inside 19 schools rose above safety thresholds established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The levels varied. At Ludington Magnet Middle School, for example, a sink had lead levels of 67 parts per billion, above the 15 parts per billion threshold set by the EPA. Story continues Each school, however, had elevated lead in one of the three fixtures tested, which Zdrodowski said suggests the toxins not part of a broader problem. Fixes could include replacing fixtures or flushing pipes daily. The district said it has shut off the drinking fountains in the affected schools and is bringing in more bottled water for students and staff, and posted warnings to avoid drinking the water from bathroom sinks, though students are free to wash to their hands. (Reporting by Ben Klayman and Eric M. Johnson, editing by G Crosse) PARIS (Reuters) - Italy's Eni plans to invest about 20 billion euros ($22.5 billion) in Africa over the next fours, mostly in oil and gas, the company's Chief Executive Officer Claudio Descalzi said on Friday. "That represents about 60 percent of our investments" (over that period) he said in a presentation at the International Energy Agency in Paris. Descalzi said Eni, which is involved in projects in 15 African countries, will also help boost and diversify the continent's energy mix through investments in renewables. "In the long-term we are going to invest much more to develop the giant gas fields that we have found," he said. Eni has made major gas discoveries especially in Mozambique and recently in Egypt that have increased its reserves, with more than 12 billion barrels of discoveries in the last 7 years, mostly in Africa. Descalzi said despite these discoveries, abundant energy potential and Africa's steady economic growth, access to energy on the continent remained poor. Africa's energy mix has remained unchanged over the past 10 years and is unsustainable, with biomass for cooking still the main source, Descalzi said. "Africa has booming energy demand, but an unsustainable energy mix," he said, adding that countries on the continent needed to change it in favour of cleaner energies and renewables. "The top priority should be to build an energy model that can support demographic growth. These are the main points we are discussing with different governments," Descalzi said. Currently hydro power produces only 1 percent of electricity and renewables contribute just about 0.3 percent although there is a huge renewables potentials that is unexploited. Descalzi said Africa's solar power potential was about 300,000 gigawatts (GW), wind about 7,000 GW, hydro about 283 GW and geothermal about 15 GW. He added that the continent held about 7 percent of worldwide gas reserves. Eni has said it was ready to spend "hundreds of millions" of euros in developing solar power projects in Africa. Descalzi also said on Friday that the company was focused on starting production at its giant offshore Zohr gas field in Egypt by end-2017, which once started, will give Egypt 100 percent energy security. ($1 = 0.8879 euros) (Reporting by Bate Felix and Stephen Jewkes; Editing by Geert De Clercq and Keith Weir) Istanbul (AFP) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was on Friday wrapping up a two-day summit of leaders from the world's Muslim countries aimed at narrowing bitter sectarian divisions over crises including the Syria and Yemen conflicts. Leaders at the summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul include King Salman of Sunni power Saudi Arabia and President Hassan Rouhani of Shiite Iran whose countries are pitted on opposing sides in Syria and Yemen. But with Turkey seeing the summit as a chance to shore up its prestige in the Islamic world, Erdogan has made it his mission at the meeting to bring the world's 1.7 billion Muslims closer together. He reaffirmed his call for unity at an official dinner late Thursday in the Dolmabahce Palace by the Bosphorus, where the late Ottoman Sultans ruled a decaying empire of Muslim lands that once stretched from from the Balkans to Arabia. "At this summit, our biggest expectation is for Islamic countries throughout the world to give a message of unity and togetherness to all Muslims," Erdogan told leaders beneath the dome of the vast Muayede Salon, the ceremonial hall where the Sultan would receive visitors. "Our aim is to give the whole Islamic family hope in the future. God willing, with this summit, a new era will begin for all of us." "Of course the problems in front of us are big. We are going through a tough period. But we should never lose hope," he added. Erdogan, whose country now holds the chairmanship of the OIC for the next two years, was due to chair the last sessions of the summit Friday before holding a news conference. The meeting has been marked by signs of a strong emerging alliance between Turkey and fellow Sunni Muslim power Saudi Arabia, whose foreign ministers Thursday signed a memorandum on creating a bilateral cooperation council. Both countries, along with the tiny but gas-rich Gulf state of Qatar, back rebels fighting the regime of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria. Story continues This pits them against Iran and also Russia -- with whom Turkey is experiencing a crisis in relations after the downing of a Russian warplane -- who are the last major remaining allies of Assad. Analysts have warned Turkey needs to tread carefully in its alliance with Saudi Arabia, so it is not seen as a sectarian union aimed at Iran. In a sign of Ankara's desire to maintain a delicate balance, Rouhani is due to begin a bilateral visit to Turkey immediately after the summit. (Reuters) - The European health regulator said it extended a safety review of chronic hepatitis C treatments after new data showed patients taking the drugs were at risk of their liver cancer returning. "The study suggested that these patients were at risk of their cancer coming back earlier than patients with hepatitis C who were not treated with direct-acting antivirals," the European Medicines Agency (EMA) said. (http://bit.ly/1MxDslL) The review covers some of the top-selling products in the multi-billion dollar hepatitis C market. These drugs cure well over 90 percent of patients with the liver disease and cut down the treatment duration. The EMA cited Bristol-Myers Squibb Co's Daklinza, AbbVie Inc's Exviera and Viekirax, Gilead Sciences Inc's Harvoni and Sovaldi and Johnson & Johnson's Olysio in its statement. The safety review extension follows the release of new data this month from a study. The EMA started its review last month after the hepatitis B virus re-activated in patients who were infected both by hepatitis B and C viruses, and were being treated with the heptatitis C drugs. (Reporting by Vidya L Nathan in Bengaluru; Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty) By Robin Emmott BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union are expected to consider moving security personnel into Libya to help to stabilize the chaotic country if requested by a new United Nations-backed Libyan government, according to a draft statement seen by Reuters. Impetus for the move comes in part from fears of an uncontrolled new tide of migrants into Italy from Libya unless law and order can be rebuilt soon in the North African state. EU foreign and defense ministers will hold a special dinner in Luxembourg on Monday, when they are expected to agree to look into police and border training missions for Libya. Any such support would initially be in Tripoli, where the new government is trying to establish itself. "The EU stands ready to offer security sector support in response to possible (U.N.) Government of National Accord requests," according to a draft statement prepared by diplomats, though the text is still under discussion. "A possible civilian ... mission could support Libyan efforts ... through advice and capacity building in the fields of police and criminal justice," the draft said, referring to counter-terrorism, border management and the tackling of the smuggling of migrants across the Mediterranean to Europe. Italy, which has been clamoring for coordinated action on migration, wrote to the heads of the EU Council and European Commission underlining the urgency of the situation. Prime Minister Matteo Renzi's government proposed a "constant European law enforcement presence in the Saharan belt" and expanding sea missions to disrupt trafficking and train the Libyan Coast Guard. An EU security presence in Libya, which would not involve soldiers, would be Europe's biggest step in the oil-producing nation since a NATO-backed mission led to the fall of Libya's long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. "DELICATE BALANCE" Diplomats said there had yet to be a detailed discussion with the new U.N.-brokered Libyan government in defining what kind of assistance they wanted from the EU, and that it is keen to avoid the impression of moving into the country uninvited. "It is a delicate balance," said one senior EU official involved in the plans. "We need to prepare to help Libya, but we cannot jump the gun." Libyan officials with the new unity government were not immediately available for comment on the specific document, but they have said that any international security cooperation must be Libyan-led and so far have made no detailed request for aid. However, such a request would be a sensitive subject for the new government, which opponents accuse of being a foreign-imposed body with no legitimacy. Libyan Prime Minister Fayez Seraj will speak to ministers by video conference at the dinner on Monday. Talks on a possible EU security mission could give momentum to discussions among Italian, French, British and U.S. military planners on whether to send troops to Libya to help to protect key installations, government buildings, ports and the airport. The United States is eager to see Europe, not Washington, take the lead in a region on the continent's doorstep. The separate mission, which includes France, Italy, Britain and the United States and is known as the Libya International Assistance Mission, has already briefed EU diplomats about how it could have a military role in stabilizing Libya. It may set up a secretariat based in Rome. Also under consideration is how the EU's so-called "Sophia" naval mission operating in international waters near Libya could move into Libyan waters to destroy boats used by people smugglers, catch the traffickers and head off an expected surge in migrants trying to reach Europe by sea from Libya. While the naval mission has been operating since mid-2015 and has saved more than 8,000 lives, it is unable to move into Libyan waters without a request from the Libyan government and a U.N. Security Council resolution. MILITIA INFIGHTING The problem has been finding an effective governing authority in Libya to deal with. Libya has been in anarchy for years, with two competing governments based in Tripoli and the far east and a plethora of militias dominating various regions. The new U.N.-backed unity government has yet to establish its authority in Tripoli, let alone the vast country at large. Previous training efforts ran into difficulties in 2012 and 2013 when Italy and Turkey started training police and, along with Britain and the United States, planned to build a force of 8,000 troops. Those programs were hampered by militia infighting and political squabbling among Libyan factions. Renzi told reporters in Rome that the new U.N.-backed government in Tripoli would help to reduce the boatloads of migrants who dice with death to reach Europe from Africa. "It's fundamental that Libya has a government ... Now we can work with an executive that isn't at the height of its powers, but it exists," Renzi said. "In light of the fact that there is now a Libyan government, we will try to get the EU to invest in Africa to put a stop to the death journeys (on overcrowded boats) so we can have a decisively lower and more controlled migrant flow." In his letter, Renzi proposed that the EU share the cost of repatriations, screening of migrants and other logistical support for countries on migration routes. He suggested member states issue common bonds and provide new funds for African and other transit countries. He said a controversial deal whereby the EU will reward Ankara for taking back some migrants who pass through Turkey "should not remain an isolated event". EU ministers will also discuss whether the Sophia naval mission can work more closely with NATO's naval contingent in the Aegean, which aims to help Greek and Turkish coastguards tackle people smuggling and stem the record flows of migrants into the EU via Greece from nearby Turkey. (Additional reporting by Patrick Markey in Algiers and Steve Scherer in Rome; Editing by Francesco Guarascio, Mark Heinrich and David Goodman) By Julia Fioretti BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union's digital chief wants search engines such as Alphabet Inc's Google and Microsoft's Bing to be more transparent about advertising in web search results but ruled out a separate law for web platforms. European Commission Vice-President Andrus Ansip, who is overseeing a wide-ranging inquiry into how web platforms conduct their business, said on Friday the EU executive would not take a horizontal approach to regulating online services. "We will take a problem-driven approach," Ansip said. "It's practically impossible to regulate all the platforms with one really good single solution." That will come as a relief to the web industry, dominated mainly by big U.S. tech firms such as Facebook, Google and Amazon, who lobbied hard against new rules for online platforms and what they saw as an anti-American protectionist backlash. "We praise the Commission for understanding that a horizontal measure for all platforms is practically impossible," said Jakob Kucharczyk, director of the Computer & Communications Industry Association which represents the likes of Facebook, Google and Amazon. "While a lot of online platforms enable economic growth, their business models differ widely." However Ansip said he was worried about how transparent some search engines are when displaying ads in search results. The Commission is also looking into the transparency of paid-for reviews as well as the conditions of use of services such as Google Maps, Apple Inc's IoS mobile operating system and Google's Android. "Maybe it's not too much to ask for more transparency talking about search engines," Ansip said. The former Estonian prime minister also poured cold water on the idea that the Commission would make search engines pay to display snippets of news articles, dubbed the "Google tax", as part of its EU copyright law reform due later this year. The EU executive is looking into making rules on taking down illegal content clearer and more effective without making hosting websites such as YouTube directly liable. "Now musicians ask, please, take it down and keep it down," Ansip said. "We want to make those rules more clear." But the Commission will not change a provision where websites such as Amazon, eBay and Google's YouTube are not held liable for illegal content that is uploaded on to their systems. They do, however, have a responsibility to take it down once they are notified of it. The Commission will publish a communication detailing its plans on web platforms in June. (Reporting by Julia Fioretti, editing by David Evans) The European Union on Thursday approved new data protection rules aimed at strengthening online privacy for Europe's 500 million citizens. The legislation, more than four years in the making, will replace a patchwork of national rules and be adopted by the bloc's 28 member states over the next two years, coming into force in 2018. Part of the legislation includes a "right to be forgotten" clause, allowing for consumers to demand firms such as Google or Facebook to delete non-essential information on them. This is unlikely to extend to news articles people want removed, which will likely be protected under freedom of expression rules. Companies that violate the law can be fined up to 4 percent of their overall global revenue or &euro20 million ($22.7 million), whichever is greater. Given the size of some internet companies that could be impacted by the law, fines could potentially reach into the billions of dollars. The new law requires companies to report data breaches within 72 hours, a regulation businesses may find hard to comply with. The rules also state that individuals must give their "clear and affirmative consent" before companies, or governments, can process their private data. This is a potentially contentious part of the new law, as the U.S. government wants to continue scooping up European data which it says is needed in the fight against terrorism. The new rules do allow for the streamlining of data transfers for policing and judicial purposes, which is aimed at improving security in the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and Brussels. Speaking about the new law, European Parliament president Martin Schulz welcomed the new legislation as "crucial steps" in the digital age, adding that "the security of European citizens should never be ensured at the expense of their rights and freedoms." Read More: Will Europe Crack Down on Tech Firms After Paris Attacks? Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr.15 Trend: The recent visit of Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev to the US was successful, the US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Robert Cekuta told The Voice of America. "The point was also made by the secretary [of state] and by the vice president of welcoming and recognizing the steps that Azerbaijan has been taking and that we hope for further steps in this direction, this positive direction," he added. "This not an end point. This is a mile post. This is a sign of both countries working together, having made progress, looking for further progress, and looking to work together to move ahead, to deal with a number of issues that affect both our countries and have important regional implications," Cekuta added. Touching upon the decrease in oil prices, the ambassador noted that the US can share its experience in this sphere. Further, Cekuta noted that Azerbaijan took an important step with the ratification of the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material in the IAEA. He recalled that one of the themes of the Nuclear Security Summit held in the US from March 30 to Apr.1, was preventing terrorists from getting access to nuclear materials. "That's something that we need every country in the world to cooperate on, and Azerbaijan's cooperation and support for the effort against terrorism are an important aspect of that," he added. By Nate Raymond NEW YORK (Reuters) - Sheldon Silver, one of New York state's most powerful politicians before his December conviction in a bribery case, had extramarital affairs with a lobbyist and a woman he helped get a state job while in office, according to documents unsealed on Friday. Silver, a Democrat who was speaker of the New York State Assembly, and both women tried to stop the release of the documents. But a federal judge in Manhattan on Thursday ordered the disclosure, saying it was of public interest. The documents showed that in October, prosecutors asked U.S. District Judge Valerie Caproni to allow them to use evidence at trial about Silver's relationships, saying they were relevant to "the use of his official office for private benefit." In a redacted motion, prosecutors said one of the women was a lobbyist often hired to lobby Silver on clients' behalf. During a recorded conversation, Silver and the woman discussed how a reporter was calling around about if some legislators were having affairs, prosecutors said. Silver responded: "I don't think he caught us." The second woman, prosecutors said, had a "long-running extramarital relationship" with Silver, who used his position to recommend her for a state job. Silver's lawyers, Steven Molo and Joel Cohen, in a statement called the claims "unproven and salacious allegations that have no place in this case or public discussion." The evidence of the alleged affairs was never introduced at the trial in which Silver, 72, was convicted on charges including fraud and extortion for abusing his office to collect as much as $4 million in illegal bribes and kickbacks. The conviction of Silver, who was first elected to the Assembly in 1976 and became its speaker in 1994, was followed later in December by New York Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, who was convicted in a separate corruption case. The documents' release came at the request of The New York Times and WNBC-TV. Both women fought against their release, and the lobbyist hired prominent lawyer Abbe Lowell for the challenge. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in New York; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn and Tom Brown) Imagine boarding Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas only to realize that among the ship's 3,782 passengers, approximately 1,850 shipmates are sailing on a High Seas Rally theme cruise geared toward motorcycle enthusiasts. Fortunately, today's megaships feature diverse offerings that cater to a variety of needs and passions, allowing you to select a cruise with Nickelodeon characters if you're sailing with kids, a culinary-focused itinerary if you're a traveling foodie and other special-interest cruises catering to your preferred experiences. And according to the Cruise Lines International Association, 27 new ships will debut in 2016, enabling theme cruises to not only help fill low season departures, but also give first-time cruisers a new reason to set sail. Before you plan your next voyage, here's what you need to know about the special-interest cruises available today. [See: 10 Amazing Cruise Ship Amenities.] River Cruise Companies Say All Cruises Are Themed Leading river cruise companies have long promoted theme cruises. While you may not be surprised to learn that Viking Cruises offers trips to the filming location for "Downton Abbey," you might not know the company also offers destination-focused itineraries across Europe, Russia, Asia and Egypt. Many river cruising companies feature both activity- and destination-specific journeys, including beer and wine themed itineraries, as well as a few history-focused and culturally driven sailings each year. Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection's theme river cruises, for example, include exclusive Monarch Collection itineraries, where guests learn all about royalty at custom events with local aristocracy. And on the line's Connoisseur Collection cruises, guests can enjoy epicurean lecturers, cooking classes, tours of truffle farms and onboard menus highlighting the cuisine of each day's port of call. Meanwhile, Avalon Waterways offers six Jewish Heritage European river cruises through 2017 along the Danube, crossing from Budapest to Prague. On the cruise, guests can expect guided tours that includes stops at important religious monuments, museums and a shore excursion to the Jewish ghetto of Terezin. Story continues Cruises for History, Culture and Music Lovers Voyages to Antiquity, an upscale small-ship cruise company, was launched to fulfill cruisers' desire to explore the history, cultures and natural wonders of the ancient world. On their sailings, you can expect guest speakers, local expert guides and menus that change according to the destination. Plus, like-minded passengers add to the immersive experiences available onboard and ashore. If you're a history buff or you're planning a cruise with an intergenerational group, consider a theme sailing with Cunard Line, which offers plenty of seminars and quality bonding time on its traditional transatlantic crossings. With Cunard, gourmet dining, pet care and British nannies are part of the norm, too. The line offers three theme cruise options, including a British Isles Culinary Discovery sailing with chefs and food critics in June, a transatlantic Fashion Week-focused sailing in September and Jazz at Sea transatlantic crossings in August and October. What's more, Cunard provides a chance to meet other travelers that share similar interests and get close to artists such as the Grammy award-winning jazz pianist Herbie Hancock, who joins Jazz-themed transatlantic crossings. Music-focused sailings are another popular genre for full or partially themed cruises. Covering every taste -- from Broadway musicals (organized by Playbill) to rock 'n' roll (Sixth Man Cruises is a leader in this category) to Carnival LIVE performances that feature a famous artist or comedian for one night of the cruise -- there are plenty of musically driven sailings to pique your interest. [See: The Best Cruise Lines of 2016.] Get Passionate About a Destination Passengers who choose where to cruise based on the destinations and regions they're most interested in also benefit from themed activities. Princess Cruises, for example, brings National Park rangers on board to talk about Glacier Bay on sailings through the park's waters. The cruise line's North to Alaska itineraries even bring sled dog puppies aboard so that passengers can learn about the breed and their training. What's more, fishing fans can ask for any salmon or halibut they catch to be cooked for their next meal. Meanwhile, Costa Cruises offers sea- and land-based Costa Cruise Tours across Italy (three nights on land plus one-week Mediterranean cruise) from April through November 2016. These sailings can include everything from city visits to markets in Orvieto, Italy and gathering ingredients for an Umbrian cooking class on a food lovers' tour, or sailing with other fashion, art and history enthusiasts on guided trips that begin in Venice, Rome or Milan. Small cruise lines also offer immersive local experiences. Paul Gauguin Cruises, for instance, offers routes to Polynesia hosted by Jean Michel Cousteau. On these select sailings, Cousteau, the renowned oceanographic explorer, environmentalist and educator, introduces guests to the undersea world on special dive expeditions. And if you're planning a family cruise, keep in mind his Ambassadors of the Environment program for ages 9 to 17 runs on school holidays. There's a Cruise for Everyone Interested in pursuing a personal passion on the high seas? CLIA has a roster of 31,000 travel agents who know which theme itineraries are available through cruise companies and specialty tour operators. Royal Caribbean, for example, works with Atlantis Events, the largest organizer of LGBT-themed cruises. To celebrate the tour operator's 25th anniversary in May, the line's new Anthem of the Seas will sail with 4,200 gay and lesbian passengers (an estimated 5 percent women) from New Jersey to the Bahamas. In addition to the ship's versatile range of onboard activities (there's a sky diving simulator, bumper cars, Broadway musicals, rock climbing walls, an aerial lookout, a robot-manned bar, a surf simulator and more), the Anthem of the Seas will offer nightly dance parties. If you're searching for a wellness-focused cruise, there are plenty of options to choose from. For example, you could join a "Holistic Holiday at Sea" trip spearheaded by the organization A Taste of Health that includes healthy eating options and days filled with Pilates, Zumba and meditation sessions aboard MSC Cruises' MSC Divina in August 2017. On the trip, 35 speakers and 25 chefs teach everything from vegan recipes to macrobiotic cooking classes and yoga. [Read: Top 5 Theme Cruises to Take in 2015-16.] Alternatively, embark on Silversea Cruises' Bridge sailings, where guests can compete to win prizes in a floating bridge tournament aboard the Silver Wind. A part of Silversea's Exclusively Yours -- Enriched Voyage collection, the select cruises offer American Contract Bridge League life masters that lead seminars and games and opportunities to meet other bridge players from around the world. Of course, your passion may simply be the act of cruising. If that sounds like you, theme cruises provide a great excuse to repeat the experience. By Phil Stewart and Matt Spetalnick WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States is considering a request from the United Arab Emirates for military support to assist a new offensive in Yemen against al Qaeda's most dangerous affiliate, U.S. officials tell Reuters. A U.S.-backed military push by the Gulf ally could allow the administration of President Barack Obama to help strike a fresh blow against a group that has plotted to down U.S. airliners and claimed responsibility for last year's attacks on the office of Charlie Hebdo magazine in Paris. Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has exploited the chaos of Yemen's year-old civil war to become more powerful than any time in its history, and now controls a swathe of the country. The UAE has asked for U.S. help on medical evacuation and combat search and rescue as part of a broad request for American air power, intelligence and logistics support, the U.S. officials said. It was unclear whether U.S. special operations forces - already stretched thin by the conflicts in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan - were part of the request. The U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the UAE was preparing for a campaign against AQAP, but declined to offer details, citing operational security. The UAE is playing a key role in the Saudi-led coalition fighting Houthi rebels in Yemen that are loosely allied with Iran. The White House and the Pentagon declined to comment. Government officials in the UAE did not respond to request for comment. Washington's consideration of the request comes ahead of Obama's planned trip next week to a summit of Gulf leaders in Saudi Arabia. The multiple conflicts in Yemen will be high on the agenda. Saudi-backed Yemen government forces and the Houthi fighters began a tentative truce on Sunday, although there have been reports of violations. Despite significant U.S. strikes, including one that killed AQAP's leader last year, U.S. counter terrorism efforts have been undermined by Yemen's civil strife. The worsening conflict forced the evacuation in early 2015 of U.S. military and intelligence personnel who had orchestrated an anti-AQAP campaign involving Yemeni special forces raids backed by U.S. air power. Renewed ground operations spearheaded by UAE special forces would fit the so-called "Obama doctrine" of relying mostly on local partners instead of large-scale U.S. troop deployments. Washingtons use of surrogate fighters has been criticized as inadequate in conflicts ranging from Iraq to Syria to Afghanistan. "LITTLE SPARTA" The officials said the U.S. government's consideration of the UAE's request in part reflected the Emirates' proven capabilities, including well-trained and resourced special operations forces on the ground. Michael Knights, an expert on Yemen's conflict at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said he and a colleague estimated the UAE's presence in Yemen peaked at about 5,500 troops in July-October of last year and now is as low as 2,500 personnel. Knights said the UAE played a critical role in efforts by the Saudi-led alliance to push back the Houthis, employing a mix of capabilities, including mechanized infantry columns, that proved decisive. "The UAE has been the real central player in the ground war," he said. In contrast, Saudi-led air strikes drew sharp condemnation from the United Nation's top human rights official last month, who said the coalition may be responsible for "international crimes." In a nod to its capabilities, some U.S. military officials have nicknamed UAE "Little Sparta" after the ancient city-state known for its fighting prowess. Analysts note that the small Gulf state has also played an outsized role in other conflicts, from Libya to Afghanistan. Frederic Wehry, a Middle East expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and a U.S. Air Force veteran, said the UAE's ability to combat AQAP would rest partly on its ability to navigate Yemen's complex web of tribal allegiances. UAE forces currently are concentrated mostly around the southern port of Aden where the embattled Yemeni government has found safe haven. But since retaking the city in mid-2015, they and local forces have struggled to impose order, opening the way for al Qaeda and Islamic State militants to operate there. AQAP is estimated to now control 600 km (373 miles) of Yemeni coastline and the southeastern port city of Mukalla, home to 500,000 people. The fight against AQAP is of greater importance to the United States than the battle against the Houthis, which until now has been a higher priority for America's Gulf allies. The Gulf states see the fight against the Houthis through the lens of a regional rivalry with Shi'ite Iran. One particular U.S. concern is Qassim al-Raymi, who last year succeeded Nasser al-Wuhayshi as AQAP's military commander after a U.S. drone strike killed Wuhayshi. One U.S official, speaking to Reuters on condition of anonymity, said al-Raymi "appears to us to have intent as well as operatives with capability to be able to do external plots." The United States thinks there are dozens of AQAP operatives deemed to be "true threats" capable of mounting external attacks, the official added. Washington also has long sought Ibrahim Hassan al-Asiri, considered the most formidable extremist bomb designer. He is accused of a creating hard-to-detect bombs, including one used in a failed bombing of a U.S.-bound airliner in 2009. The United States has continued a campaign of sporadic air strikes in Yemen, including one in March on an AQAP training camp that killed at least 50 suspected militants. (Additional reporting by Yara Bayoumi. Editing by John Walcott, Warren Strobel and Stuart Grudgings.) Washington (AFP) - The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights said Friday it will terminate a mission investigating the disappearance of 43 students in Mexico after the government failed to extend its mandate in the country. James Cavallaro, chairman of the IACHR, said there was no path forward without the consent of the Mexican government, calling its decision "deeply regrettable." The independent experts, who have been working on the highly emotive case since March last year, will end their mission on April 30, per the terms of their mandate. The rights commission, part of the Organization of American States, has repeatedly called on Mexico to review its refusal to allow the mission to continue. Police in the southern Mexican city of Iguala attacked students from a teacher college on September 26, 2014, after the students hijacked buses they intended to use for a protest. The Mexican authorities say that same night, police officers handed the students to the Guerreros Unidos drug cartel, which killed them, incinerated their bodies at a garbage dump and tossed the remains in a nearby river. The IACHR experts and families reject that account, however. Mexico is carrying out its own, much-criticized investigation into the students' disappearance. A little less than a month after long linesand waitsdefined the Arizona primary, the Democratic Party, and both the Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders campaigns, will sue the state over the insufficient number of polling locations, according to The Washington Post. The lawsuit, which calls for the U.S. District Court of Phoenix to review voting plans ahead of the November election, will be filed on Friday. [Arizonas] alarmingly inadequate number of voting centers resulted in severe, inexcusable burdens on voters county-wide, as well as the ultimate disenfranchisement of untold numbers of voters who were unable or unwilling to wait in intolerably long lines, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit will be brought on behalf of the Democratic National Committee, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, the Arizona Democratic Party, and several Arizonans. Democratic officials told the Post that the Clinton camp plans to join after its filed, as will Sanders, according to one of his senior aides. Recommended: Sanders Wins the Debate on Points Why the lawsuit now? The November election is seven months away, but preparation is undoubtedly underway and the lawsuit may very well be a part of it. The lawsuit places an emphasis on Maricopa County, one of the states most populous countiesand one of the nations: Maricopa is ranked the fourth-most populous county in the United States. In 2012, Maricopa County offered more than 200 polling places. That number dropped drastically this year to just 60the effects of which became abundantly clear during the primary on March 22. Long lines formed, leaving hundreds of people waiting as the polls closed. Why the sudden change in such a populated region? The Maricopa County Recorders Office contends that fewer people were expected to show up to the polls due to early voting. And, of course, fewer polling places also saves money. Story continues The lawsuit highlights minority voters, who, as a result of fewer voting places, were allegedly even more negatively impacted. Those communities, the lawsuit points out, are also more likely to vote Democratic. Whats more, this isnt the first time the county has drastically decreased the number of voting places. In 2008, the county operated 400 voting places until razing that number to roughly 200 four years later. Add another four years, and now there are a mere 60. While still a largely white state, Arizona has an increasingly diverse electorate. According to the Pew Research Center, 22 percent of the states eligible voters are Hispanic, making it one of the countrys largest Hispanic statewide eligible voter populations. The lawsuit would be a boon for the Democratic Party if it results in more polling locations for the November election, particularly in counties where black and Hispanic voters make up the majority. Maricopa County Recorder Helen Purcell apologized for the long waits. We certainly made bad decisions, and having only 60 polling places, didnt anticipate there would be that many people going to the polling places, she said. We were obviously wrongthats my fault. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. It's now been more than two weeks since the FBI hacked the iPhone belonging to one of the San Bernardino terrorists and the agency still has yet to find any pertinent information on the device. According to a law enforcement official who recently spoke with CBS News, the FBI continues to analyze the data found on Syed Farook's phone even though nothing of interest has been discovered. And given how long the FBI has had unfettered access to the device, it stands to reason that nothing on the phone will be of any practical use to investigators. DON'T MISS: The MacBook Air might be dying, but thats a good thing The report reads in part: It was stressed that the FBI continues to analyze the information on the cellphone seized in the investigation, senior investigative producer Pat Milton reports. Investigators spent months trying to gain access to data on the locked iPhone used by San Bernardino gunman Syed Rizwan Farook, believing that it might hold information on the plans or contacts of the attackers, who killed 14 people on December 2, 2015. The fact that the FBI's investigation into Farook's phone has yielded no actionable intelligence is noteworthy in part because the idea that data on the phone could help expose a wider terrorist network was one of the main arguments put forth by those who sided with the FBI in its prolonged legal tussle with Apple. All the same, the saga over encrypted data and law enforcement access to smartphones isn't likely to go away anytime soon. Remember, the iPhone hack the FBI obtained reportedly only works on the iPhone 5c and previously released devices. More recent iPhone models with Apple's Secure Enclave - the iPhone 5s, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6s - are still safe from the prying eyes of the FBI. All that to say, once another investigation centering on a locked iPhone reaches national prominence, the FBI may yet again try and compel Apple to write a specialized version of iOS. That is, of course, if it's willing to endure another cycle of negative press in the process. Story continues Cynics, naturally will be quick to argue that the FBI may have long suspected that the locked iPhone housed nothing of significance. As this line of reasoning goes, the FBI merely wanted to leverage the sympathetic facts of this particular case and tragedy to a) secure unprecedented assistance from Appel and b) establish a legal precedent that could be used in future cases involving encrypted devices and data. Related stories Apple's iPhone engineers consider hackers a more pressing threat than the government How long Apple expects all of its most popular devices to last Think you know what people look for in a new smartphone? Think again More from BGR: HTC 10 review: An exciting new flagship phone thats better in every way This article was originally published on BGR.com Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 15 By Anakhanum Khidayatova - Trend: The US-Azerbaijan economic ties must be strengthened, said Kurt Tong, US principal deputy assistant secretary of state for economic and business affairs. "We discussed the issues related to trade, finances, agriculture, combating corruption," Tong told reporters April 15 in Baku. "My role is to strengthen the economy cooperation between Azerbaijan and US." "The US believes it would be a very great idea for Azerbaijan to complete its accession for the WTO," he said. "This will create more opportunities for Azerbaijan in trade and investment." Tong added that Azerbaijan's WTO accession will also create additional opportunities for strengthening the country's economic relations with other countries in trade. During the meetings in Baku, Tong is discussing how the US government is assisting Azerbaijan's economic growth and how that assistance can be improved, the US embassy told Trend earlier. The program of Tong's two-day visit to Baku includes the US State Department's global economic diplomacy efforts, prospective cooperation with Azerbaijan in trade, finance, telecommunications, transportation, commercial areas, according to the message. During the visit Tong holds meetings with the government officials, representatives of business circles, reviews Azerbaijan's economic situation, reforms, being carried out in the country, according to the message. Azerbaijan has had an observer status at the WTO since 1997. A working group on Azerbaijan was established at the WTO Secretariat on July 16, 1997. Azerbaijan started negotiations with the WTO member countries in 2004. Currently, the country is negotiating with 19 countries. Russia, which formally expressed a desire to start negotiations with Azerbaijan, was the last one to join the organization, but no offers have been received from this country yet. Negotiations are now completed, and the protocols signed with Turkey, the Sultanate of Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Georgia and Kyrgyzstan. The country is at the stage of signing the protocol with China and Moldova. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Anahanum By Marie-Louise Gumuchian LONDON (Reuters) - With disorientating corridors, dark enclosed spaces and freaky horror scenes, the hugely popular "Goosebumps" book series comes to life in a new immersive theater show taking audiences through hair-raising stories. Based on the 1990s children's horror books by R.L Stine, "Goosebumps Alive" leads viewers from one scary tale to another as they make their way around the dark tunnels of The Vaults venue at London's Waterloo. From frightening monsters to killer scarecrows, the show -- for adults -- features plenty of nightmarish scenes, where public participation in encouraged at times. "We wanted to do a show for adults for the main reason that there's this wealth of material of 'Goosebumps' stories that we thought that an audience might be nostalgic for," director Tom Salamon told Reuters. "But we didn't just want to recreate them for the stage, we wanted to take them in a sort of new and different re-imagined, remixed fashion. An immersive theater is really an adult's kind of form and we thought it would fit really well in that world." Stine's "Goosebumps" stories have sold more than 400 million copies worldwide in more than 30 languages, inspired a television series, games, merchandise and a movie, released last year, starring funnyman Jack Black. The London show features scenes from some of the author's famed tales such as "Stay Out Of The Basement" and "Say Cheese And Die!" with contemporary twists. Audiences are divided into groups and guided from one spooky setting to another as actors re-enact the scenes, with plenty of surprises and jumps thrown in. "(Immersive theater is) very different than traditional theater or even film ... You really feel like you're involved in this thing -- it's very engaging," Salamon said. "In terms of people wanting to be scared ... People seem to be drawn to that and it's exhilarating is really what I think it is. It's a rush." "Goosebumps Alive" runs at The Vaults until June 5. A children's version, for five to 11 year olds, opens next month. (Reporting By Marie-Louise Gumuchian; Additional reporting by Saskia O'Donoghue, editing by Pritha Sarkar) When you're looking at colleges to find your best-fit school, chances are you'll get lots of family members recommending their alma maters. While it's tempting to discount the schools your parents, uncles and grandparents have attended, don't ignore their ideas entirely. Not only could you find some great colleges and universities you previously may not have considered, you could qualify for a scholarship. A scholarship just for being related to an alumnus isn't too good to be true -- these are real financial awards, known as legacy scholarships. [Learn how to start your scholarship search early.] If your relatives attended college, it's possible you qualify for a legacy scholarship. First, you'll need to identify which schools your family members graduated from and see if they would be good for you. If you like the sound of the programs and feel like the institution would be a fit, it's time to see if the school offers a legacy scholarship. Next, prospective students need to figure out if they qualify for these awards. The following are some common requirements for legacy scholarships. -- Immediate family alumni: Some schools will only give legacy scholarships to students with a parent who attended the school. However, this isn't the case everywhere. Other colleges will accept your application if you have an aunt, uncle, stepparent, grandparent and so forth who graduated from the institution. -- Active alumni participation: Your parent or grandparent may need to be an active member of your chosen college's alumni association for you to qualify for an award. The legacy scholarship at Indiana's Ball State University, for example, requires your parent, guardian or grandparent to be an active member of the school's alumni organization. -- Grades: Certain colleges will mandate legacy scholarship recipients have a certain GPA or strong academic credentials. [Make time to invest in applying for these generous scholarships.] -- Residency: You may need to meet residential qualifications for a legacy scholarship. Students attending the University of Arkansas, for example, qualify for a legacy scholarship only if they're from out of state. Story continues -- Financial need: Like some other scholarships, certain schools, such as the University of Virginia, may give preference to students with demonstrated financial need. -- Full-time or first-year students: Double-check the requirements if you're not attending school full time or if you're a transfer student. Different schools may require you to take a full class load or be a first-year student to apply for a legacy award. [Check out other high-dollar scholarship opportunities.] These awards can be great news for students whose parents or grandparents went to college. But what about first-generation students or teens who aren't interested in the schools their family members attended? If you have a teacher, counselor, family friend or other acquaintance who graduated from the school you're set on, you still have a chance to win money for your education. Many colleges offer alumni recommendation programs that allow graduates to nominate a student for a scholarship. Schools like North Central College in Illinois, Western State Colorado University and Medaille College in New York allocate money for these types of awards. They may not be traditional legacy scholarships, but they'll certainly give you a boost if you're searching for money for college and know a graduate of your chosen school. Jessica Zdunek is the content marketing manager for Cappex.com, a free resource that helps match students with their best-fit colleges and provides thousands of scholarships. Cappex.com is also the parent company of College Greenlight, which helps traditionally underrepresented students achieve their educational goals. Just hours after being officially selected for Cannes' main competition, the first look from Andrea Arnold's upcoming drama American Honey has been unveiled. The film - which stars newcomer Sasha Lane, pictured in the image, as a teenager who runs away from home with a traveling sales crew - is the first to be shot in the U.S. by British director Arnold, whose films Fish Tank and Red Road both previously competed for the Palm d'Or, with both picking up jury prizes. Arnold also served on the Cannes jury herself in 2012. Also starring Shia Labeouf, Riley Keough and a host of young actors in their onscreen debuts, American Honey is one of just three films from female directors in the 2016 main competition and one of two from the U.K. (alongside Ken Loach's I, Daniel Blake). Written by Arnold, American Honey was produced by Lars Knudsen, Jay Van Hoy, Pouya Shahbazian, Alice Weinberg, Thomas Benski and Lucas Ochoa. A24 has U.S. rights. Protagonist Pictures is handling international sales. Read more: 'Money Monster,' 'The BFG,' 'The Nice Guys' Among Cannes 2016 Lineup London (AFP) - Five people have been arrested for alleged terror offences in Britain -- including one man stopped at an airport -- in an investigation involving French and Belgian authorities, police said on Friday. Four of the arrests -- three men aged 26, 40 and 59 and a 29-year-old woman -- were in Birmingham in central England on Thursday, while a 26-year-old man was arrested at London Gatwick Airport on Friday. "This action forms part of an extensive investigation by West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit, together with the wider counter terrorism network, MI5 and international partners including Belgian and French authorities to address any associated threat to the UK following the attacks in Europe," senior police officer Marcus Beale said in a statement. "The arrests were pre-planned and intelligence-led... There was no risk to the public at any time and there is no information to suggest an attack in the UK was being planned," Beale said, adding that police were searching a number of properties in Birmingham. The Daily Telegraph newspaper quoted government ministry sources as saying that the arrests were "significant". Contacted by AFP, a police spokeswoman declined to comment further including on any possible link to attacks in Belgium last month and in France in November in which a total of 162 people were killed. Belgium's federal prosecutor's office also declined to give further details on the investigation. "The federal prosecution office wishes to emphasise the good collaboration with the British authorities," it said. Top Brussels and Paris attacks suspect Mohamed Abrini, who was arrested in Belgium earlier this month, was spotted in Birmingham last July, according to reports. Abrini has confessed to being the "man in the hat" caught on video with suicide bombers at Brussels airport on March 22 shortly before they detonated their devices. Abrini is charged with "terrorist murders". Story continues He is also linked to the Paris massacre after being caught on video at a motorway gas station with top suspect Salah Abdeslam, who is now awaiting extradition from Belgium to France. The Wall Street Journal newspaper cited unnamed Western officials last year saying several people with connections to the Paris attacks' suspected planner Abdelhamid Abaaoud live in the Birmingham area. Suicide bombings at Brussels' airport and on a metro train killed 32 people last month, while jihadists killed 130 people in a bombing and shooting spree in Paris in November. Both attacks were claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group. (Reuters) - A Malayan tiger mauled a keeper at the Palm Beach Zoo on Friday and she died from the injuries, according to media reports. The attack occurred in a hidden area where tigers eat and sleep, according to the Palm Beach Post newspaper, which cited zoo spokeswoman Naki Carter. Zoo officials could not immediately be reached for comment. The incident happened at around 2 p.m. local time. The tiger was subdued with a tranquilizer and officials treated the injured woman who was then rushed to St. Mary's Medical Center, the newspaper reported. She died from her injuries, Carter told the paper. The victim was longtime zookeeper Stacey Konwiser, 38, the newspaper said. Local TV station CBS12 reported that the tiger did not escape the enclosure, and that no visitors were injured. The zoo, about 70 miles (113 km) north of Miami, will be closed through Saturday, the Post reported, citing officials. The Palm Beach Zoo has four Malayan tigers, an endangered species, the paper said. Word of the attack triggered a frenzy at the zoo, with about two dozen visitors including a number of children being shuffled into the gift shop for protection, a witness told the Palm Beach Post. The newspaper said that the zookeeper was preparing for an educational zoo attraction called Tiger Talks when the incident happened. "(The zookeeper) was very proficient and efficient handling these animals and something happened," the Post quoted Carter as saying. "Exactly what occurred remains under investigation." (Reporting by Eric M. Johnson in Seattle; Editing by Fiona Ortiz and Matthew Lewis) Paris (AFP) - Toulon will need to solve their fly-half conundrum if they are to challenge for a second Top 14 crown in three years this season. Ahead of Saturday's trip to Pau, last season's second-division champions but who are safely 23 points above the drop zone this term, Toulon manager Bernard Laporte has a fly-half selection dilemma. Australian Matt Giteau returned to the role last weekend for the first time since December after recovering from a groin operation but hobbled off the field just beyond the hour mark to be replaced by New Zealander Tom Taylor. Giteau would appear to be Laporte's preferred option but has played only five matches this season due to injuries. Last season he managed only 15. French international Frederic Michalak is no less injury-plagued having averaged 13.5 matches per season since his arrival at the club in 2012. He is due to leave Toulon at the end of the current campaign and is unlikely to be Laporte's preferred choice. Another Wallaby in Quade Cooper appeared to have been bought to fill the vacuum left by Jonny Wilkinson's retirement a year previously, but the unpredictable former Queensland Red back seems to be fourth choice for Laporte this season. Cooper's unique brand of individualism and genius doesn't appear to have seduced Laporte, who did not even pick him for the bench in last weekend's 19-16 European Champions Cup defeat at Racing 92. Instead Taylor, a New Zealand international, has emerged as the low-key primary foil for Giteau, but like the Australian, has also suffered from injuries. The Top 14 crown is all Toulon have to play for this season after Racing ended their three-year reign as European champions. And club president Mourad Boudjellal is adamant they will regroup and refocus on that objective. "If I had been told when I took over this club that I'd be disappointed we didn't mange to win a fourth straight European Cup, I'd have signed for that straight away," he said following the Racing defeat. Story continues "Now I want to make us even stronger and bigger. This boosts your appetite. Now we want to win the Top 14." But they have slipped to fourth in the table after losing at home to Clermont last time out and could be forced to play a quarter-final during the play-offs rather than earning a bye straight into the semi-finals, which is the reward for finishing in the top two during the regular season. Leaders Clermont host rock-bottom Agen feeling confident enough to rest scrum-half Morgan Parra, who took a knock to the head two weeks ago against Toulon. English full-back Nick Abendanon and former France fly-half Camille Lopez are both back in the squad following injury, though. Racing are another side resting a star player as New Zealand legend Dan Carter looks set to be given the weekend off ahead of Sunday's trip to Toulouse. With three teams locked in a tight battle to finish second, Racing face on paper the toughest task of the weekend. They and Montpellier are just two points above Toulon with six regular season matches remaining. In-form Montpellier, boosted by their South African contingent, travel to champions Stade Francais, who remain just one place above the relegation places. Fixtures (all times GMT): Friday Grenoble v Castres (1845) Saturday Pau v Toulon (1245), Brive v Oyonnax, Clermont v Agen (both 1630), La Rochelle v Bordeaux-Begles (1845) Sunday Stade Francais v Montpellier (1230), Toulouse v Racing 92 (1415) Details added, title changed (first version posted at 16:49) Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 15 By Anakhanum Khidayatova - Trend: The US-Azerbaijan economic ties must be strengthened, said Kurt Tong, US principal deputy assistant secretary of state for economic and business affairs. "We discussed the issues related to trade, finances, agriculture, combating corruption," Tong told reporters April 15 in Baku. "My role is to strengthen the economy cooperation between Azerbaijan and US." "The US believes it would be a very great idea for Azerbaijan to complete its accession for the WTO," he said. "This will create more opportunities for Azerbaijan in trade and investment." Tong added that Azerbaijan's WTO accession will also create additional opportunities for strengthening the country's economic relations with other countries in trade. During the meetings in Baku, Tong is discussing how the US government is assisting Azerbaijan's economic growth and how that assistance can be improved, the US embassy told Trend earlier. The program of Tong's two-day visit to Baku includes the US State Department's global economic diplomacy efforts, prospective cooperation with Azerbaijan in trade, finance, telecommunications, transportation, commercial areas, according to the message. During the visit Tong holds meetings with the government officials, representatives of business circles, reviews Azerbaijan's economic situation, reforms, being carried out in the country, according to the message. Azerbaijan has had an observer status at the WTO since 1997. A working group on Azerbaijan was established at the WTO Secretariat on July 16, 1997. Azerbaijan started negotiations with the WTO member countries in 2004. Currently, the country is negotiating with 19 countries. Russia, which formally expressed a desire to start negotiations with Azerbaijan, was the last one to join the organization, but no offers have been received from this country yet. Negotiations are now completed, and the protocols signed with Turkey, the Sultanate of Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Georgia and Kyrgyzstan. The country is at the stage of signing the protocol with China and Moldova. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Anahanum On April 15, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln died from his assassins wounds. But if John Wilkes Booths plot were entirely successful, a little-known senator may have been thrust into the White House. Booths full plot included killing Lincoln, Vice President Andrew Johnson, and Secretary of State William Seward. General Ulysses Grant was another possible target. But only two attacks took place on April 14, 1865, with Seward surviving an assassination attempt and Lincoln suffering from Booths single gunshot. According to the rules of presidential succession in 1865, only Vice President Johnson, and not Seward or Grant, was in line to replace Lincoln if he died. If Johnson had died, an acting president would be appointed until a special election could be held to elect a new president (and not a vice president). The acting president would have been the president pro tempore of the Senate, Lafayette Sabine Foster of Connecticut. The Presidential Succession Act of 1792 controlled how the president was replaced if he died in office, quit, or was unable to perform his duties. The act was changed in 1886 and 1947 to deal with different scenarios. The 20th Amendment addressed what happens if a president-elect cant take office, and the 25th Amendment cleared up the succession of a new vice president and what happens when a president is temporarily unable to perform his or her duties. Back in 1865, Booth had convinced George Atzerodt, an acquaintance, to kill Johnson by setting a trap at the Kirkwood House hotel where the vice president lived. However, Atzerodt lost his nerve and didnt attempt to kill the vice president, even though he had a rented room above Johnsons and a loaded gun was found in the room. If Atzerodt or another assailant had succeeded, Senator Foster would have been acting president until March 4, 1866. And if Foster wasnt available, Speaker of the House Schuyler Colfax would have been next, and last, in line to succeed Lincoln and Johnson. Story continues A special election would have taken place in November 1865, with the Electoral College convening in December 1865, and the presidential inauguration being held on March 4, 1866. The person charged with the official notification of the states to start the special election process was the secretary of state. Luckily, William Seward survived an attack by assassin Lewis Powell. If Seward had died, that power may have devolved on the assistant secretary of state, who could perform the duties as an acting secretary of state until a new president named a replacement who was confirmed by the Senate. The assistant secretary of state on April 15, 1865, was Frederick W. Seward, the son of William Seward. Frederick Seward was also seriously injured defending his father during Powells assassination attempt. (He would recover after Powell pistol-whipped him.) From what we know about Lafayette Sabine Foster, he was a conservative Republican who was named as the president pro tempore of the Senate about a month before Lincolns death. Foster only remained in the Senate for another two years, failing in a re-election attempt. He was later a judge in his home state until his death in 1880. According to his obituary, Foster was a prominent figure in congressional life, as a clear and forcible debater upon great public questions, and as an unsurpassed presiding officer in the Senate, that he was most widely known and will be best remembered. Foster also was cited for being above the politics that led to his Senate defeat in 1866. He was no seeker after popularity, certainly he never descended to any truckling arts to secure it, and probably to some extent he lost favor by the high tone of both his character and bearing, and by the selectness of his friendships, the obituary said. A New York Times article from 1875 sheds some more light on Fosters loss of his Senate seat. The Republicans picked another nominee at a caucus in 1866, and Foster signaled his agreement to run as a rival candidate supported by Connecticuts Democrats. Foster dropped out at the last moment to accept a judges position in the state. The Times article said Foster remained bitter about losing his Senate seat. He does not appear to be have ever recovered from the disappointment of his defeat in 1866, the article stated. And what would have happened in the special presidential election of November 1865? The Republican Party was already split between its Radical and Moderate wings. General Grant may have run for president as a compromise candidate, but other prominent Republicans included Seward, Colfax, Thaddeus Stevens, and Benjamin Wade. The Democrats were also divided and had been badly beaten in the 1864 presidential campaign. Former New York Governor Horatio Seymour, the eventual 1868 nominee, was a key player in the party, as was George H. Pendleton, the 1864 vice presidential nominee. General Winfield Scott Hancock had presidential ambitions in later years, and he had personally supervised the executions in the Lincoln assassination case. The former Confederate states wouldnt have been involved, since they werent readmitted to the union. Benjamin Wade replaced Foster as Senate president pro tempore in 1867 and nearly became acting president in 1868, when President Johnson avoided removal from office by one vote in a Senate trial. Scott Bomboy is the editor-in-chief of the National Constitution Center Recent Constitution Daily Stories About Lincoln 50 interesting facts about Abraham Lincolns life On this day, Lincolns Emancipation Proclamation changes history The forgotten man who almost became president after Lincoln If Abraham Lincoln had died 1861, who would have replaced him? PARIS (Reuters) - France's interior minister on Friday ordered a crackdown on violent fringe demonstrators after they smashed shopfronts and cars on the edge of a bigger youth protest rally held overnight against labor law reforms. Police used teargas and pepper gas late on Thursday to disperse mobile groups of mostly hooded youths who targeted cars, an auto showroom and a state job-search agency in central Paris. Violence was also reported in other French cities. "There will be no let-up in the pursuit of these visionless people inspired solely by violence, no let-up in arresting them and bringing them to justice," Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said. Hundreds of students and disenchanted youths have organized a rolling protest against government plans to loosen protective labor laws, organizing nightly sit-ins since March 31 in Paris and other cities to vent frustration with the government. The Nuit Debout (Up All Night) movement is limited in scale and largely peaceful but on its margins there have been some standoffs between riot police and violent fringe groups, notably in Paris's Place de la Republique square where French presidents customarily celebrate election victories. Police in Paris said there were no plans for an outright ban on the broader youth protest. A state of emergency remains in place in France following the deadly Islamist attacks on Nov. 13 last year that killed 130 people and injured hundreds of others. That in theory includes bans on big gatherings but President Francois Hollande and his government are keen to avoid alienating youth voters a year before elections. Opinion polls suggest three in four French people think Hollande should not even seek re-election. The head of France's large UNEF student union accused the police of heavy-handed tactics. "The problem is not what the law enforcement forces are doing about the vandals, it's the way they handled the peaceful protesters, said UNEF head William Martinet. (Reporting by Myriam Rivet and Emmanuel Jarry; Writing by Brian Love; Editing by Gareth Jones) PARIS (Reuters) - France's interior minister on Friday ordered a crackdown on violent fringe demonstrators after they smashed shopfronts and cars on the edge of a bigger youth protest rally held overnight against labour law reforms. Police used teargas and pepper gas late on Thursday to disperse mobile groups of mostly hooded youths who targeted cars, an auto showroom and a state job-search agency in central Paris. Violence was also reported in other French cities. "There will be no let-up in the pursuit of these visionless people inspired solely by violence, no let-up in arresting them and bringing them to justice," Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said. Hundreds of students and disenchanted youths have organised a rolling protest against government plans to loosen protective labour laws, organising nightly sit-ins since March 31 in Paris and other cities to vent frustration with the government. The Nuit Debout (Up All Night) movement is limited in scale and largely peaceful but on its margins there have been some standoffs between riot police and violent fringe groups, notably in Paris's Place de la Republique square where French presidents customarily celebrate election victories. Police in Paris said there were no plans for an outright ban on the broader youth protest. A state of emergency remains in place in France following the deadly Islamist attacks on Nov. 13 last year that killed 130 people and injured hundreds of others. That in theory includes bans on big gatherings but President Francois Hollande and his government are keen to avoid alienating youth voters a year before elections. Opinion polls suggest three in four French people think Hollande should not even seek re-election. The head of France's large UNEF student union accused the police of heavy-handed tactics. "The problem is not what the law enforcement forces are doing about the vandals, it's the way they handled the peaceful protesters, said UNEF head William Martinet. (Reporting by Myriam Rivet and Emmanuel Jarry; Writing by Brian Love; Editing by Gareth Jones) Fred Hayman - the entrepreneur often credited with the transformation of Rodeo Drive into the premiere retail destination that it is today - died Thursday after battling a long illness, his publicist confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 90. Hayman's long and multifaceted career included highly successful ventures in hospitality and fragrance, including the founding of the Giorgio Beverly Hills boutique at 273 Rodeo Drive in 1961. The institution was the first luxury boutique on the then "sleepy" street. The white and yellow awnings, under which Hayman launched the Giorgio Beverly Hills scent, soon became an international landmark. (In 1987, Hayman sold the Giorgio Beverly Hills brand to Avon for $165 million, and the boutique was renamed Fred Hayman Beverly Hills.) By focusing on the fusion of the social atmosphere and the white-glove shopping experience, Hayman ushered in a new era of luxury shopping to Rodeo Drive, earning him the affectionate nickname the "Godfather of Beverly Hills." The retail magnate set the bar for luxe shopping events and took advantage of Beverly Hills' proximity to the glamorous Hollywood scene, cultivating relationships with celebrities and designers alike. Between 1989 and 2000, Hayman also served as the fashion coordinator for the Academy Awards, fostering the business of celebrity dressing. Hayman immigrated to New York from Switzerland at age 16. He began his career in hospitality at the Waldorf-Astoria, where he quickly rose through the ranks. In 1954, Conrad Hilton brought Hayman to Los Angeles to be the head of banquet facilities at the Beverly Hilton, which he soon established as the destination for cultural, political and society events. In 1997, 35 years after opening his boutique at 273 Rodeo Drive, Hayman leased the space to Louis Vuitton. In 2011, Hayman was awarded with a star on the Rodeo Drive Walk of Style. That same year, former Women's Wear Daily West Coast bureau chief Rose Apodaca penned, "Fred Hayman The Extraordinary Difference: The Story of Rodeo Drive, Hollywood Glamour and the Showman Who Sold It All." Story continues He is survived by his wife, Betty, three children and 10 grandchildren. April 14, 4:15 p.m. Updated to correct Hayman's age. See More: Hollywood's Notable Deaths of 2016 French composer Jean-Michel Jarre and US whistleblower Edward Snowden have come together to form an unlikely partnership which sees the two collaborating on a new techo track on reports NME. The track, which sees Snowden talking rather than singing, is set to be released this weekend. Called "Exit", it appears on Jarre's album "Electronica Volume II: The Heart of Noise" and can be streamed on iTunes now. Jarre has also worked with many other high-profile, but more musical names on the album, including Pet Shop Boys, Peaches, and Gary Numan. The surprising collaboration came about after The Guardian newspaper put Jarre in touch with Snowden after interviewing the musician in 2015. Jarre described Snowden as "an absolute hero of our times." Commenting on the new track Jarre describes it as a "hectic, obsessive techno track, trying to illustrate the idea of this crazy quest for big data on one side, and the manhunt for this one young guy by the CIA, NSA and FBI on the other." The news comes after the announcement that British actor Daniel Radcliffe is set to play Snowden in a new off-Broadway play, "Privacy", which will open this July. PARIS (Reuters) - France's top administrative court overturned a 2014 ban on a type of genetically modified (GMO) maize in a symbolic victory for GMO supporters that will not allow such crops to be grown in France because of subsequent legislation reinforcing the ban. GMO crops are widely grown in the world but remain controversial in Europe and have been strongly opposed by France which has pointed to potential environmental risks. The court ruled on Friday that the decree from March 2014, which outlawed Monsanto's MON 810 maize (corn), did not demonstrate serious health or environmental risks, as was required by European Union rules in order to withdraw a GMO crop already approved at EU level. However, France has since passed legislation banning the growing of any GMO maize, before requesting to opt out of EU-wide GMO approvals under rules adopted last year. The agriculture ministry said in a statement that the court's ruling "would not allow cultivation of genetically modified maize to resume in France." The EU's executive had on March 3 excluded France from the authorization for Monsanto's MON 810, the only GMO crop currently grown in the EU, the ministry said. The French maize seed federation FNPSMS said it and other parties had pursued their court appeal, despite later legislative changes, in order to prove a point. "It was more a matter of principle that we conduct this appeal to show there was no scientific basis to the ban," Luc Esprit, the FNPSMS's managing director, said. "In concrete terms, it will not change the situation in France." Seed companies and many farmers say the EU is putting itself at a disadvantage to other major agricultural regions in the world, notably in the Americas. GMOs have divided EU countries, leading the European Commission to propose the opt-out system last year. (Reporting by Gus Trompiz; Editing by Ingrid Melander abd David Evans) Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 15 Trend: Armenia tries to gather mercenaries, members of international terrorist organizations from various hot spots around the world under the guise of volunteers and under any pretext on the occupied Azerbaijani territories, Azerbaijani defense minister, colonel-general Zakir Hasanov said. He made the remarks Apr. 15 at a meeting with the EU delegation headed by EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia Herbert Salber. "We are well aware of the fact that during the recent clashes Armenian forces were completely demoralized," Hasanov said. "Yerevan now openly collaborates with terrorist organizations and brings it to the level of state policy." At the meeting, the defense minister presented to the guests detailed information about the increase in the activity of the troops on the contact line between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the situation that currently exists, and brought facts of enemy shelling of civilian population and settlements to the attention of the participants of the meeting. "Internationally recognized Azerbaijani territory for more than 20 years remains under the occupation of Armenian military units, more than a million of our fellow citizens are refugees and IDPs," Hasanov said. "The negotiations are still futile. The UN Security Council's four resolutions demand the unconditional withdrawal of the Armenian armed forces from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan." "The Armenian authorities have been ignoring the just demands of the international community and trying to maintain the current status quo for many years," Hasanov said. He said that Azerbaijan urges the international organizations and the international community to assess this issue correctly and objectively. "Otherwise, as Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijani president, supreme commander-in-chief, stated, our armed forces will never agree with the occupation of the country's territory and certainly perform the sacred duty to liberate our lands," he said. Khanlar Valiyev, deputy prosecutor general of the Azerbaijan Republic, military prosecutor, lieutenant-general of justice, also participated in the meeting. Valiyev updated the guests about the facts and evidence on the participation of people, holding senior positions in the Armenian leadership, occupation of Azerbaijani territories, heinous crimes committed by the Armenians. Valiyev also informed about the violence used by Armenian servicemen, who have violated the law of armed conflicts, against Azerbaijani civilians and the desecration of corpses left on the battlefield. In conclusion, the answers were given to the guests' questions. The end may be in sight for HBO's Game of Thrones. Sources confirm to The Hollywood Reporter that showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss are mulling two short-order final seasons for the fantasy drama based on the best-selling book series by George R.R. Martin. Among the plans being considered are seven episodes for the not-yet-announced seventh season and six for a likely eighth and final season. "Any conversations about the end of Game of Thrones and the number of episodes of future seasons is purely speculative," an HBO spokesperson said Thursday in a statement. "As is customary, HBO will sit with Dan and David to discuss the details once a decision has been made to go forward with season seven." While nothing is set in stone, the 13-episode pickup being split in two would follow a similar trajectory to AMC's Mad Men, when the cabler split its final season in half. While no decisions have been made, producers are said to be mulling multiple options. The news comes as HBO's newly minted Emmy-winning drama series approaches new ground as season six, which bows April 24, will mark the first time the show has bypassed Martin's books. Insiders told THR in January that the premium cable network was near a two-season renewal that would take Game of Thrones through season eight. A formal renewal is expected to come soon as HBO typically picks up the show around its return date. It's unclear if the series will score a two-season renewal or if HBO will wait to hammer out a formal end plan for its highest-rated original. EW first reported the news. Russian-born Daria Gavrilova will open Australia's Fed Cup tie with the United States against Madison Keys on Saturday in her debut outing for her adopted country. The 22-year-old, a breakout star at this year's Australian Open, gets the tie under way on a purpose-built clay court at Pat Rafter Arena for the right to return to the elite World Group. Fed Cup veteran Samantha Stosur will face Christina McHale in Saturday's other match, with the world number 57 selected despite being ranked lower than compatriot Coco Vandeweghe. Sunday sees the reverse singles rubbers and the doubles. Australian captain Alicia Molik has put forward Casey Dellacqua and Stosur in her doubles line-up, while USA skipper Mary Joe Fernandez has opted for the formidable duo of Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Vandeweghe. Saturday Daria Gavrilova (AUS) v Madison Keys (USA) Samantha Stosur (AUS) v Christina McHale (USA) Sunday Samantha Stosur (AUS) v Madison Keys Daria Gavrilova (AUS) v Christina McHale Casey Dellacqua/Samantha Stosur (AUS) v Bethanie Mattek-Sands/Coco Vandeweghe (USA) ABC's upcoming gay-rights miniseries When We Rise is rounding out its impressive list of directors. Dee Rees and Tommy Schlamme have signed on to the drama from Dustin Lance Black and Gus Van Sant. When We Rise chronicles the personal and political struggles, setbacks and triumphs of a diverse family of LGBT men and women who helped pioneer one of the last legs of the U.S. civil rights movement, from its turbulent infancy in the 20th century to the once-unfathomable successes of today. Read More: Guy Pearce, Mary Louise-Parker, Rachel Griffiths to Star in ABC's Gay Rights Drama Rees (Bessie, Pariah) and Schlamme (The West Wing, Manhattan) will each direct two hours of the eight-part miniseries. Van Sant is helming part one (hours one and two); Rees is set for parts two and three (hours three and four); Schlamme for parts four and five (hours five and six); and Black for parts six and seven (hours seven and eight). "At its core, When We Rise is about family, diversity and equality, and we are pleased this is reflected behind the camera as well," Black told The Hollywood Reporter. "I'm incredibly grateful to share this experience with Gus, Dee and Tommy." Guy Pearce stars as LGBT activist Cleve Jones; Mary-Louise Parker is set as women's rights leader Roma Guy; Rachel Griffiths is Roma's wife, activist Diane; Austin McKenzie is the young Cleve; Emily Skeggs is the young Roma; Jonathan Mauors is the young Ken Jones; and Fiona Dourif is the younger Diane. Dylan Walsh recurs as Dr. Marcus Conant and Kevin McHale is set as AIDS activist Bobbi Campbell. Empire's Rafael de la Fuente is set as Ricardo, Cleve's partner. Schlamme is repped by CAA; Rees is with WME. A premiere date for When We Rise has not been determined. BERLIN (Reuters) - German Justice Minister Heiko Maas said it was up to the courts to decide whether a sexually crude poem about Turkey's president read out by a German comedian on public television was satire or defamation of a foreign leader. "The question of whether Boehmermann's comments were satire or defamation will be decided nevertheless by the courts in accordance with the law and independent of whether the request for prosecution is granted or not," Maas told reporters. Earlier, Chancellor Angela Merkel said Germany had accepted a request from Turkey to seek prosecution of cult comedian Jan Boehmermann. Erdogan has himself also filed a separate legal complaint against Boehmermann for insulting him. (Reporting by Caroline Copley and Michelle Martin; Editing by Paul Carrel) The German government will let Turkey pursue criminal charges against a John Oliver-style TV satirist accused of insulting Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday said she had granted a request by the Turkish government to pursue prosecution of comedian Jan Bohmermann, who wrote a crude poem about Erdogan that he read out live on his weekly news satire show Neo Magazin Royale. Bohmermann could be prosecuted under an almost forgotten law still on the books here which makes it a crime to insult the head of state of a foreign country. The last time the law was invoked, it was by the Shah of Iran in the 1960s. Merkel said Friday her government intends to repeal the law by 2018. She added that the decision in favor of Turkey's action, "means neither a prejudgment of the person affected nor a decision about the limits of freedom of art, the press and opinion." She also stressed the independence of the German judiciary and the presumption of innocence. Read More: Germany in Free Speech Debate Over Satire Show's "Slander Poem" Criticizing Turkish President All that won't, however, help Bohmermann who, if Turkey decides to pursue the case, could face charges carrying a maximum sentence of three years in jail. A court can increase the penalty to five years if it finds the insult was a deliberate act. The case has ignited a furious debate over freedom of speech in Germany, with the majority, according to polls, supporting Bohmermann and rejecting Merkel's position. The debate comes as Germany is relying on Turkey to reduce the influx of migrants to Europe. Following Merkel's plan, the European Union has agreed to pay Turkey around $6 billion in aid, along with other political concessions, in exchange for Turkey taking back Syrian refugees from Europe. Bohmermann, 35, read out the poem on German public broadcaster ZDF two weeks ago. He contrasted it with a satirical song aired by another German channel that also mocked the Turkish president and which Erdogan had demanded be removed from the web. Story continues Addressing Erdogan directly, Bohmermann explained the concept of satire to the Turkish president, explaining what was, and wasn't allowed in Germany. He then read out his poem, as an example, he said, of what "would never be allowed in Germany." The explicit rhyme, among other things, calls the Turkish leader "a goat f - er" who "kicks Kurds and slaps Christians while watching kiddie porn." ZDF quickly pulled the video off its website, though the network said it has received a flood of emails from viewers demanding it be put back up. Meanwhile, public prosecutors in Mainz, the German city where ZDF is based, said they have received hundreds of complaints filed against the network and Bohmermann himself. President Erdogan, in his capacity as a private person, has also filed a separate defamation suit against the comedian. Bohmermann canceled his show this week but said, through his lawyer, that he wouldn't sign a cease-and-desist order as requested by Erdogan's lawyer. Read More: Tribeca: "Egyptian Jon Stewart" Bassem Youssef Talks 'Tickling Giants' Doc About Rise and Fall of Satirical Show ACCRA (Reuters) - Ghana and Togo are the next targets for Islamist militants following high-profile attacks this year in Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast, according to a memo from Ghana's Immigration Service. The memo calls for better border protection in the latest sign of a heightened government response to the threat to West Africa by militants based in northern Mali who have stepped up a campaign of violence in the last year. It says the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) has evidence from neighbouring Ivory Coast from the interrogation of a man suspected of orchestrating an attack on March 13 in which 18 people were killed. [nL5N16M30G] "Intelligence gathered by the ... NSCS indicates a possible terrorist attack on the country is real. ... The choice of Ghana according to the report is to take away the perception that only Francophone countries are the target," said the memo, dated April 9 and published by Ghanaian media. It ordered immigration agents on the northern border with Burkina Faso to be extra vigilant and said patrols should be stepped up along informal routes between the two countries. Ghana is one of Africa's most stable and peaceful democracies and has not suffered an attack by Islamist militants. Togo is the country's eastern neighbour. President John Mahama spoke about the memo in an interview on state radio's Sunrise FM on Thursday. He asked for public vigilance and said Ghana was also at risk from home grown militants, while noting that countries in the region share intelligence on militant threats. "We must deal with this without creating panic amongst our people," he said, adding that the memo should not have detailed the intelligence on which its calls for greater vigilance were based. Government spokesmen in the presidency and at the immigration ministry did not return calls requesting comment. Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb has claimed responsibility for attacks on a hotel in the capital of Mali last November, a restaurant and hotel in Burkina Faso's capital in January and the Ivory Coast attack. In all, more than 65 people have died, many of them foreigners. [nL8N1530WO] (Reporting by Matthew Mpoke Bigg; Editing by Kwasi Kpodo and Leslie Adler) ACCRA (Reuters) - Ghana and Togo are the next targets for Islamist militants following high-profile attacks this year in Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast, according to a memo from Ghana's Immigration Service. The memo calls for better border protection in the latest sign of a heightened government response to the threat to West Africa by militants based in northern Mali who have stepped up a campaign of violence in the last year. It says the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) has evidence from neighboring Ivory Coast from the interrogation of a man suspected of orchestrating an attack on March 13 in which 18 people were killed. "Intelligence gathered by the ... NSCS indicates a possible terrorist attack on the country is real. ... The choice of Ghana according to the report is to take away the perception that only Francophone countries are the target," said the memo, dated April 9 and published by Ghanaian media. It ordered immigration agents on the northern border with Burkina Faso to be extra vigilant and said patrols should be stepped up along informal routes between the two countries. Ghana is one of Africa's most stable and peaceful democracies and has not suffered an attack by Islamist militants. Togo is the country's eastern neighbor. President John Mahama spoke about the memo in an interview on state radio's Sunrise FM on Thursday. He asked for public vigilance and said Ghana was also at risk from home grown militants, while noting that countries in the region share intelligence on militant threats. "We must deal with this without creating panic amongst our people," he said, adding that the memo should not have detailed the intelligence on which its calls for greater vigilance were based. Government spokesmen in the presidency and at the immigration ministry did not return calls requesting comment. Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb has claimed responsibility for attacks on a hotel in the capital of Mali last November, a restaurant and hotel in Burkina Faso's capital in January and the Ivory Coast attack. In all, more than 65 people have died, many of them foreigners. (Reporting by Matthew Mpoke Bigg; Editing by Kwasi Kpodo and Leslie Adler) Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 15 Trend: Armenian armed units desecrated the dead bodies left on the battlefield during the provocation on the frontline on Apr. 2-5, deputy prosecutor general, military prosecutor of Azerbaijan, lieutenant-general of justice, Khanlar Valiyev said. He made the remarks Apr. 15 at a meeting with an EU delegation headed by the EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia, Herbert Salber. During the meeting, Valiyev presented the facts of involvement of the Armenian high-ranking officials in the occupation of Azerbaijani territories and the serious crimes committed by them. The EU delegation was also presented the evidence of violence against the Azerbaijani civilians committed by the Armenian servicemen, who violated the law on armed conflicts, and the evidence about the desecration of the bodies left on battlefield. On the night of April 2, 2016, all the frontier positions of Azerbaijan were subjected to heavy fire from the Armenian side, which used large-caliber weapons, mortars and grenade launchers. The armed clashes resulted in deaths and injuries among the Azerbaijani population. Azerbaijan responded with a counter-attack, which led to liberation of several strategic heights and settlements. Military operations were stopped on the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian armies on Apr. 5 at 12:00 (UTC/GMT + 4 hours) with the consent of the sides, Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry earlier said. Ignoring the agreement, the Armenian side again started violating the ceasefire. 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 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. Moscow (AFP) - Yelena Sablina was stunned when she came across the forensic record of her late 19-year-old daughter, who died days after a speeding car hit her at a Moscow pedestrian crossing. Going through the file she discovered that her daughter Alina's heart, kidneys and a number of other organs had been removed - without her family's knowledge or consent. Since making the grim discovery in February 2014, one month after Alina's death, Sablina has made it her mission to challenge a Russian law that allows doctors to remove the organs of dead people without needing permission. "From day one doctors were looking at her as an organ donor," Sablina said of her only child, who spent six days in a coma before she died. Sablina claims that on the last day of Alina's life, flustered doctors barred her from entering her daughter's room without explanation. "It became clear to me that something had happened," Sablina told AFP in a telephone interview from her home in the central city of Yekaterinburg. "The next day, we received a call from an undertaker who said that Alina had died." Sablina said that doctors' actions that day had made her concerned that they may have "helped" Alina die and harvested her organs. The Moscow hospital that treated Alina, which told Russian media in 2014 that it had acted lawfully, could not be reached for further comment. Sablina's case reached all the way to Russia's Constitutional Court and in February, her complaint about the legislation on the removal of organs without consent, in place since 1992, was rejected. - 'Were organs sold off?' - Presumed consent laws - also known as "opt-out" laws - are found in a number of European countries, including France, Spain and Austria. Under this system a person, or his or her family, must express the desire not to have organs removed at death. If not the doctors assume consent. Story continues In other countries, including the United States, people must explicitly express consent to have their organs harvested upon death. Experts say that presumed consent, which tends to increase the number of organs harvested, does not in itself foster human rights violations and can help save lives. Harvard law professor Glenn Cohen told AFP that concerns over such laws usually focus on "the cost and infrastructure as well as pragmatic political considerations". But in Russia the worry for people like Sablina is that a lack of transparency means that unscrupulous doctors could abuse the system. Anton Burkov, the lawyer representing Sablina, said doctors recorded the removal of Alina's heart and kidneys, but there was no paper trail for the removal of four other organs, including a portion of her right lung. "Why did they remove six organs from Alina's body but only wrote they had removed two?" Burkov said. "Were these organs sold off? We have no way of proving this." Russian law does not oblige doctors to inform the deceased's family that organs have been harvested. Despite its liberal donor law, Russia generally conducts fewer organ transplants than Western countries, with some 1,500 transplants performed in 2015, according to the health ministry. There were nearly three times more transplants in France in 2014. Only 44 hospitals in less than one third of Russian regions perform transplants, the ministry said. - 'Delicate topic' - To garner support for her cause, grieving Sablina wrote to the prosecutor general, the human rights ombudsman and the Russian Orthodox Patriarch to tell her daughter's story. "I was told this a delicate topic, that no one will want to get involved because there are no precedents to change the law," she said. Some federal lawmakers over the years have pressed for the adoption of a consent-based system, but their bills were rejected. Burkov, who has filed a case with the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), points to bureaucratic inertia as the cause of Russia's reluctance to reassess a system he says is designed "not to force anyone to think". "If there is no ECHR decision, nothing will change in Russia," he said. "It will remain in place unless you pressure them to change it." The Russian Orthodox Church, which enjoys close ties with the government, has also criticised the practice but has not challenged the status quo. In response to a 2014 letter from Sablina, the Moscow Patriarchate said the Church considered that the presumed consent system was an "unacceptable violation of human freedoms." Other religious leaders have deplored the practice. Chief rabbi Berl Lazar said last month it was "inconceivable" that organs could be removed without the consent of the deceased's family. As for Sablina, who is divorced, nothing can ever bring back her daughter but she says she is trying to help provide safeguards for others confronted with her nightmare situation. "People are being turned into pieces of meat," she said. "The state has given itself unlimited powers to manage our lives down to our organs." By Jack Stubbs and Maria Tsvetkova MOSCOW (Reuters) - A month since Vladimir Putin announced the withdrawal of most Russian forces from Syria, his military contingent there is as strong as ever, with fewer jets but many more attack helicopters able to provide closer combat support to government troops. A Reuters analysis of publicly available tracking data shows no letup in supply missions: the Russian military has maintained regular cargo flights to its Hmeimim airbase in western Syria since Putin's declaration on March 14. Supply runs have also continued via the "Syrian Express" shipping route, Russian engineering troops have been deployed to the ancient city of Palmyra and further information has surfaced about Russian special forces operating in Syria - suggesting the Kremlin is more deeply embroiled in the conflict than it previously acknowledged. "There hasn't been a drawdown in any meaningful way," said Nick de Larrinaga, Europe Editor of IHS Jane's Defence Weekly. "Russia's military presence in Syria is just as powerful now as it was at the end of 2015." Announcing a drawdown gave Putin some breathing space from Western political pressure over the operation, and an opportunity to carry out maintenance on heavily-used jets. But by keeping a strong military force in place, Putin is maintaining his power to influence the situation in Syria by shoring up President Bashar al-Assad, Moscow's closest ally in the Middle East. He will also want to secure Russia's role in efforts to broker a resolution to the conflict - a process the Kremlin has used to reassert itself as a global political power after being ostracized by the West over the Ukraine crisis. As recently as Thursday, photos and video footage taken by Turkish bloggers for their online project Bosphorus Naval News showed a Russian Navy landing ship - the Saratov - en route to Russia's Tartous naval facility in the western Syrian province of Latakia loaded with at least ten military trucks. The Saratov is a regular feature on Russia's "Syrian Express" shipping route, which Moscow has used to transport increased supplies and equipment to Syria since the military draw down was announced. The Russian Defence Ministry did not respond to written questions submitted by Reuters "MORE FORMIDABLE FORCE" Russian troops and equipment have also been deployed to Syria by air in recent weeks. An Ilyushin Il-76 cargo plane operated by the Russian Air Force under registration number RA-78830 has flown two supply trips a month to Syria since December. Its last flight to Russia's Latakia airbase was on April 9-10 according to tracking data on website FlightRadar24.com. Able to carry up to 145 people or 50 tonnes of equipment, Il-76 planes have been used to transport heavy vehicles including helicopters to Syria, a Russian Air Force colonel told Reuters, bolstering the number of gunships in the country as Russia's jet force deployment is wound down. "We removed some planes and added helicopters. We dont need mass bomb drops during a ceasefire," the colonel said. "Helicopters fly lower and can observe the territory better." Russia now has more than 30 helicopters operating in Syria, including a fleet of around eight Mi-28N Night Hunter and Ka-52 Alligator gunships stationed at its Shayrat airbase southeast of Homs city, according to satellite images posted online by IHS Jane's analysts. Separate images show 22 jets and 14 helicopters stationed at the Hmeimim airbase, compared to 29 jets and 7 helicopters seen there in early February, said Justin Bronk, a research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI). "All that's really gone is the fixed wing close air support attack jets," he said. "On the rotary side it's a substantially more formidable force than it was." SPECIAL FORCES The Ka-52, known for its unusual double set of top-mounted rotor blades and no tail rotor, is the Russian military's official special forces support helicopter and its appearance in Syria is testament to the growing number of Russian ground troops in direct combat roles, western officials say. Russia acknowledged having special forces in Syria for the first time shortly after its military drawdown was announced, saying they were conducting high-risk reconnaissance missions and "other special tasks". Since the announcement, Western diplomats say Russia's forces have increasingly targeted Islamic State militants and an offshoot of al Qaeda. Previously Russia focused its strikes on other Assad opponents, including some viewed by the West as moderate. Swapping jets for helicopters illustrates Russia's new military role in the Syrian conflict, engaging directly with fighting on the ground instead of dropping bombs from thousands of feet. "Russia's attack helicopters are getting much more into the thick of things than their fixed wing aircraft were previously," said de Larrinaga. "We never really saw Russian strike aircraft operating at low level like this before." Both the Ka-52 and Mi-28N, which is broadly equivalent to the U.S. Apache gunship, were used to provide close air cover to the Syrian army when it secured a major victory by retaking Palmyra from Islamic State militants in March. Bronk said the helicopter deployment was in response to the changing needs of the Syrian army. "They are no longer bombarding besieged cities so much, trying to dislodge rebels," he said. "Instead they are trying to assist a more mobile, maneuverable style of engagement." "Because that tactical role or focus of Assad's forces has changed, then the Russian support methodology needs to change along with it." (Writing by Jack Stubbs; editing by Peter Graff) By Tom Miles GENEVA (Reuters) - The World Health Organization's expert group on immunization said on Friday it recommended that countries consider introducing Sanofi's dengue vaccine Dengvaxia in areas where prevalence of the virus was 50 percent or higher. Vaccination should be done between the ages of nine and 11, but efficacy improved as people got older, Jon Abramson, chairman of the WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on immunization (SAGE) told a news conference in Geneva. The vaccine needs to be administered in a three-dose series and SAGE does not recommend its use before 9-years-old, which it said was consistent with current labeling. Dengue kills about 20,000 people per year and infects hundreds of millions, and it is becoming much more prevalent and widespread. "The number one main recommendation is that this vaccine is efficacious and safe but should be only used in populations where the disease incidence in the population is at least 50 percent," Abramson said. "So it shouldn't be used in areas with what we would call low transmission. "The key reason for that is when you look at the efficacy of the vaccine, in those who have not been infected the efficacy is nowhere near as good as in those who were previously infected." Severe cases of dengue usually occur when people are infected for the second time with a different one of dengue's four serotypes, he said. The doses of vaccine should be administered at six month intervals. "That in itself brings up a whole set of implementation issues about how were going to get three doses of the vaccine into these children who usually don't access healthcare three times in a given year." Each country could make its own decision on whether to use the vaccine, but by SAGE's criteria there would be a need for "many millions of doses", Abramson said. "I learned yesterday that the company has the capacity to make 100 million doses a year once its manufacturing capacity is fully up." He said the company had not settled on a price but had promised to make it cost effective, but it was not clear if that meant on an individual or societal basis. "To get the three doses and get them delivered -- so we're not just talking about the price of the vaccine, it would be cost effective if the cost of delivering those three vaccines into the arms of children... would have to be $50 or less." The vaccine is currently registered in Mexico, Brazil, El Salvador, the Philippines and Paraguay, and Sanofi has is seeking regulatory approval in many more countries, a WHO official said. (Reporting by Tom Miles; Editing by Toby Chopra) Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr.15 Trend: The Special Session on First Ladies' Leadership on Cancer Control took place April 14 as part of the 13th Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Istanbul. Azerbaijan's First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva addressed the session: "Dear Mrs Emine Erdogan, Esteemed first ladies, Respected participants, Dear friends, ladies and gentlemen, First of all, I would like to say hello and wish you sound health and happiness. Dear Emine khanum, thank You very much for arranging a session devoted to a very significant for our countries subject, and for your invitation to participate in this event. I am very delighted to be again on the brotherly Turkish soil, among the friends and colleagues. Taking this opportunity, I would like to deliver my profound respect and best wishes to the nations of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation member-states. Dear friends, the objective of our meeting is to provide our nations with information about cancer, one of the most severe diseases in the world. Professionals have been exerting great efforts towards early discovery of the disease and using various means for its treatment. Although the humankind has faced this challenge for long years, there exist a number of erroneous opinions about the disease and its treatment. For example, in a number of cases, cancer is described as a sheer medical problem. In other cases, there are opinions as to cancer being a disease of the old. There exists such a notion that an oncological diagnosis set to a person is a kind of "being doomed to death". In the modern world, cancer is not only a healthcare problem, but also a problem of the social, economic and ecological spheres, and even education. This disease has disseminated among all age groups, social and economic groups, and in developed and developing countries. Researches show that, provided that a correct and general preventive strategy is built, it is possible to prevent one third of the most widely disseminated type of cancer. Removing the causes of oncological diseases among the population, preliminary diagnostics, correct prophylaxis and treatment of the disease are the focus of attention of the professionals working in this sphere. Works in this regard are being carried out, as repeatedly mentioned today, in four main directions - choosing a healthy lifestyle, early discovery of the disease, provision of each patient with state-of-the-art treatment methods, and lifting general living standards. Significant steps have been taken in Azerbaijan during the years of independence. The National Oncological Centre has been established in our country, and the Child Oncological Clinic has been founded, first time in the region. We aim to ensure treatment of our patients, setting early diagnostics of the disease, and using state-of-the-art equipment for its treatment. Cancer specialists in our republic have reached significant achievements. Nevertheless, as in the whole world, in a number of cases, they are only able to mitigate the pain of the people suffering from this disease. As in a number of countries, based on Azerbaijan's official statistics, oncological diseases are second among the causes of human death in the country. Each year, 500 thousand people around the globe face this disease. In many cases, the disease is discovered in the final stages of it, which results in the death of a person. According to information of the World Health Organization, it is expected that the number of people suffering from this disease would increase by more than 50 percent in the next 20 years. Therefore, oncological diseases remain to be one of the most pressing issues for the humankind. I am confident everyone of us would like to believe that new possibilities and technology to be gained as a result of development in science in the 21st century will allow us to reach a turning point in the treatment of oncological diseases and an efficient means will be found for the treatment of this disease, which has been the cause of death of millions of people. I once more thank Emine khanum for drawing the attention of the international society to this serious problem. I wish peace and tranquillity to the brotherly Turkish people. Thank you." Shanghai (AFP) - The boss of American-owned newcomers Haas launched a withering attack on "whining" Formula One rivals Friday, blasting them as drama queens for crediting his team's success to their links with Ferrari. Gene Haas spoke out after Frenchman Romain Grosjean finished sixth in Australia last month on his debut for the team and went one better in Bahrain in a fairytale start in Formula one -- even if Mexican Esteban Gutierrez has yet to score. Earlier this week in Shanghai, Grosjean claimed detractors were "jealous" of the team's success -- an accusation repeated, with interest, by a defiant Haas. "This place is a soap opera," the 63-year-old told reporters. "It's sour grapes. A lot of the teams at the back really don't know what competition is. "They're getting maybe a little too fat and happy," he added. "I guess there are a lot of whiners in F1 that talk about our success. "We never came into this (sport) to run at the back. We want to compete, and that's what we're going to do. If people don't like that then that's their problem, not my problem." Haas have a close partnership with Ferrari, which has prompted some critics to label them "Ferrari B-team". But Haas showed he has little time for the sport's political sniping. "I don't know what they are complaining about, quite frankly," he said. "There have been a lot of obstacles to get to this point and now we're here, we're not going away. They'd better get used to that. "There's an assumption that because we're using Ferrari parts that it makes easier. But I would challenge any team to take a complete Ferrari car with all the parts and just try to run it." He added: "They're very complex cars. Having the parts is only one part of the puzzle." Haas even produced a sheet of paper detailing a list of parts his team makes itself for its two Formula One cars. Story continues "We've proven we are well within all the guidelines the FIA publishes," he said. "The fact we're doing something that is different, what's wrong with that? "If you're a driver and you can figure out how to go around a turn faster than the guy next to you, who do you give the credit to? The guy who is slower, or the guy who is faster?" Grosjean placed 14th and 16th in Friday's free practice in China while Gutierrez was 20th and 21st after both the Mexican's rear brakes caught fire in the afternoon session. Grosjean followed his robust thoughts on Haas's critics with some more straight-talking about tyre manufacturer Pirelli following Friday's practice. "The Pirelli tyre limits have been ridiculous today for tyre pressure," he fumed. "You just don't get any feeling, it's like a piece of wood -- it's just not driveable." - A New Zealand-bred gelding is set to become racing's equivalent of Boaty McBoatface after its Australian owners saddled it with the name Horsey McHorseface. The two-year-old is yet to debut on the track but is certain to become a cult favourite after Racing NSW accepted the unusual moniker. It is a play on Boaty McBoatface, the joke name the British public backed when authorities asked for names for their new 200 million (US$290 million) polar research ship. The horse is trained by Bjorn Baker at Sydney's Warwick Farm race track and reportedly cost NZ$65,000 (US$45,000). Baker's assistant Maddison Berkeley told punters.com.au that part-owner Joe Rossetti came up with the name. "I thought it was hilarious and proposed it to Bjorn," she told the website Friday. AFP Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr.15 Trend: The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has started the first session of a four-day workshop for women entrepreneurs who want to develop their entrepreneurial skills and use the leadership techniques to make their businesses a long-term success. On April 14 2016 sixteen women entrepreneurs representing various sectors of the economy attended the workshop. "EBRD recognizes gender equality as in important component of the transition process. A core focus of EBRD in countries of operations is to address market trends and give women led enterprises equal opportunities, so that they can deliver in terms of economic performance and growth, job creation, and civil society development." says Jeff Ferry, Associate Director, EBRD Advice for Small Businesses, South Caucasus and Russian Federation. The workshop is a part of the EBRD's Women in Business programme, funded by European Union, Sweden and the Early Transition Countries Fund. Over 50 million will be made available from the EBRD for credit lines channelled through partner financial institutions for on-lending to women-led SMEs. This is combined with 9 million in donor funding, enabling risk mitigation funds and technical assistance to partner banks, as well as business advice, training and mentoring for women entrepreneurs. Since starting work in Azerbaijan in 1993, the EBRD has helped over 700 enterprises access consulting know-how to help them develop and grow. The European Union has provided 3.7 million to support this work in Azerbaijan since 2003 and Swedish International Development Agency contributes 47 million Swedish Kronor to the development of women entrepreneurship in Eastern Partnership Countries. New York (AFP) - Several hundred people gathered in New York demonstrating against Donald Trump outside the smart Manhattan hotel hosting the Republican frontrunner and his rival candidates at a lavish gala. The crowd held up posters comparing the Republican presidential frontrunner to Adolf Hitler and accused him of being racist and anti-immigration amid a heavy police presence. "No Trump, no racism, immigrants are welcome here!" members of the gathering shouted. "New York is a no hate zone!" another slogan said. "The GOP platform is hate and fear," said Jason Hurd, a former soldier who founded the pacifist movement Iraq Veterans Against the War, referring to the Republican Party. "It's all the same: be afraid of those people over there," he added. Hurd said he had come with a group of other former military personnel to protest against the Manhattan tycoon in the name of veterans. The largely peaceful gathering broke up without significant incident although demonstrators mocked a journalist for TV channel Fox News. Pioneering Malian photographer Malick Sidibe, whose powerful black and white images of local life won him global fame and top awards, has died aged 80, his family said Friday. Sidibe's vibrant images of life in the Malian capital Bamako in the 1960s, when the country gained independence from France, were a social commentary chronicling both pop culture and traditional society. In 2007, he was the first African and the first photographer to be awarded the Golden Lion Award for Lifetime Achievement at the Venice film festival. His nephew Oumar Sidibe said the photographer had been ailing for some time but did not give details of when he died. "It's a great loss for Mali. He was part of our cultural heritage," said Mali's Culture Minister N'Diaye Ramatoulaye Diallo. "The whole of Mali is in mourning," Diallo said. Sidibe was the first African to have a solo exhibition in Paris's prestigious Grand Palais museum, and his works adorn the walls of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Getty Museum and several other leading museums across the world. He captured candid images in his studio as well as on the streets of Bamako, including at nightclubs, beaches and sporting events. - 'Father of African photography ' - "He was often called the father of African photography," France's Culture Minister Audrey Azoulay said after Sidibe's death was announced. Sidibe said in a 2010 interview that whole worlds were captured in people's faces. "When I capture it, I see the future of the world," he said. Sidibe, declared a "national treasure", became the first African to win the prestigious Hasselblad prize in 2003. He routinely attended several parties a night and hung out at bars and nightclubs to document Bamako's nascent nightlife. "Music liberated African youth from the taboo of being with a woman," he said in one interview. "They were able to get close to each other, which is why I was always invited to these parties. I had to go in order to record these moments, when a young man could dance with a young woman close up. "At night, from midnight to 4 am or 6 am, I went from one party to another. I could go to four different parties," he said. He would take around 40 snaps at each party, and print the best of the lot. Tunis (AFP) - Tunisia and the International Monetary Fund have agreed in principle on a new $2.8-billion (2.5-billion euro) loan, subject to approval by the IMF's executive board, the organisation announced Friday. While Tunisia is hailed as a political success story of the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings, authorities have failed to redress the economy, especially in the face of security threats. The agreement with the IMF follows months of negotiations on a new aid package to follow up on a $1.7-billion credit line granted in 2013. "Tunisian authorities and IMF staff have reached a staff-level agreement on a 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for 375 percent of Tunisia's quota in the IMF (about $2.8 billion)," Amine Mati, mission chief of Tunisia at the IMF, said in a statement released in Washington. "This agreement will be subject to approval by the IMF's executive board, which is expected to consider Tunisia's request next month." Mati said the loan would support the Tunisian government's "reform priorities spelled out in the forthcoming five-year development plan". "The government's economic programme recognises the importance of accelerating the pace of economic reforms for Tunisia to reduce vulnerabilities, boost growth, and foster sustainable job creation." Mati singled out "preserving macroeconomic stability, modernising public institutions, boosting private sector activity, and reinforcing the stability and efficiency of the financial sector" as essential to curbing unemployment, especially among Tunisia's youth. Tunisia's economic growth slowed to 0.8 percent last year from 2.3 percent in 2014, and unemployment nationwide stands at 15 percent. Washington (AFP) - The International Monetary Fund said Friday that the fiscal projections underpinning Greece's proposals for moving ahead in its bailout program are not realistic. Poul Thomsen, director of the IMF's European Department, raised questions about the forecast that Greece could maintain a 3.5 percent budget surplus for years as part of its plan for debt relief from European Union creditors. "We question whether it is plausible for a country with such high unemployment and the attendant social pressures to be running such big surpluses over many political cycles to come," Thomsen said at the spring meetings of the IMF and World Bank in Washington. "So we are cautioning that... the debt relief needs to be calibrated on something that we think is more realistic." Thomsen was speaking after Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras wrote in an article published in the Financial Times that the IMF should stop tinkering with the country's latest bailout with European creditors, blaming the global lender for causing a delay in talks. The IMF has been standing by with the possibility of adding its funds to the country's third bailout program with the EU but says it needs to see a strong package of structural reforms and a "credible" plan for growth and fiscal adjustment going forward. Thomsen said the IMF could back the outlined EU-Greece plan but has to understand how fiscal targets and a return to economic growth can be achieved. To reach the 3.5 percent target, he said, Greece would need to take large fiscal measures, the equivalent of around 4.5 percent of GDP. "We think that's a lot. That's a lot of -- if you want -- austerity," he said. "If Greece and its European partners want to stick to that target, we can accept that target. But we need to see the measures." He said the IMF still believes Athens needs to prioritize structural reforms, particularly in tax collection. Story continues "Tax evasion has kept on going up and up, and tax collection rates have gone down and down and down... the numbers are truly extraordinary," he said. He noted that Greece exempts 55 percent of households from taxes, compared to two percent in Portugal. "What we need to do is to broaden the tax base... that's the first point of discussion." Speaking later, US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew called for the parties to move urgently to resolve their differences. "This is a problem that needs to be solved and it needs to be solved as quickly as possible," he told journalists. "The solution is not for any one party to say they would walk away, but for all the parties to make the tough decisions about how to get those issues resolved." "Greece has implemented many difficult policies but there's still a gap and that gap needs to be fixed," Lew added. COPENHAGEN (Reuters) - A sculpture of an impaled polar bear went on display on Friday in front of the Danish parliament to highlight the impact of global warming. The seven-meter high metal sculpture named "Unbearable" depicts a graph of carbon dioxide accumulation in the atmosphere sky-rocketing into the belly of a polar bear, gutting its abdomen and almost penetrating the back of the beast. Polar bears are among the animal species most threatened by the increase in global temperatures. "The rate at which our ice caps are melting is crazy. It is going way faster than what people expect," said Danish sculptor Jens Galschit who produced the sculpture in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund. The sculpture was first unveiled at the Paris climate summit last December where world leaders pledged to do more to curb greenhouse gas emissions. A Danish opposition party Alternativet used crowdfunding to finance its transfer to Denmark. "(The sculpture) is a symbol of the need to hold on to the climate deal we made in Paris. We need to keep working on climate solutions, sharpen our goals and make more initiatives to convert to sustainable energy," said Christian Poll, energy spokesman for Alternativet. The arrival of the sculpture coincides with data from Greenland, a former Danish colony, that showed its ice sheet melting more rapidly this year during the onset of spring. The data showed almost 12 percent of the ice sheet surface melting by April 11, a level usually only reached in May. (Reporting by Nikolaj Skydsgaard; Editing by Gareth Jones) Brasilia (AFP) - Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff risks being driven from office if the lower house votes in favor of an impeachment trial this Sunday. These are the main stages in the crisis, which comes on top of a deep recession in Latin America's biggest economy as it prepares to host the Olympic Games in August in Rio de Janeiro. Accusations Controversial lower house Speaker Eduardo Cunha opened the impeachment saga by accepting a petition from a group of lawyers last December. They accused Rousseff of illegally juggling government accounts and taking loans in order to mask the depth of government shortfalls during her 2014 re-election campaign. Ironically, many politicians, including Cunha, are snared in separate criminal corruption probes linked to a vast embezzlement scheme at state oil company Petrobras. Rousseff denies the charges and says the impeachment drive is a "coup" plotted by Cunha and Vice-President Michel Temer. Run-up On March 17 this year, lawmakers formally launched an impeachment commission after procedural obstacles were resolved. The committee voted on April 11 to recommend impeachment. Although non-binding, that decision set the tone for a crucial vote this Sunday. Then in the early hours of Friday, the Supreme Court rejected a last-ditch attempt by Rousseff to have the process halted. Launch Lower-house lawmakers on Friday begin debate leading up to the vote, with Rousseff's defense and the opposition as well as leaders of the various parliamentary blocs due to speak. The debate continues on Saturday with closing statements on Sunday afternoon before the vote. The result is expected to be known late on Sunday evening in Brasilia, after all 513 deputies have spoken into the microphone to cast their vote. Latest counts by big Brazilian newspapers indicate the impeachment side could win. Trial If fewer than two-thirds of the lower house approve the motion, Rousseff escapes impeachment. She has promised to forge a compromise with her rivals if she is cleared. Story continues But if two-thirds of the lower house -- 342 lawmakers -- approve it, the case passes to the Senate. A simple majority of the 81 Senate members will be enough to begin a trial. Since the political makeup of the Senate is similar to that of the lower house, the Senate is expected to back impeachment if the lower house has already done so. If an impeachment trial is launched, Rousseff will be ordered out of office provisionally for up to six months while the Senate hears evidence. She would be replaced during the trial by Temer, the vice-president. Judgment After closing arguments in the impeachment trial, senators will vote on whether to remove Rousseff from office. If two-thirds of the Senate -- 54 members -- vote to impeach her, she will be out. Temer would take her place until the end of her mandate in 2018. If fewer than 54 Senators vote to impeach her, Rousseff can resume her post. Road bumps If the Senate launches an impeachment trial, it could be under way as Brazil hosts the Olympic Games in Rio from August 5 to 21. The political crisis engulfing Rousseff and her allies such as predecessor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has sparked angry street protests which threaten to heat up over the coming months. Lula himself is awaiting a Supreme Court ruling on whether he can join Rousseff's Cabinet, partly shielding him from corruption charges brought by a lower court. And while the political paralysis in Brasilia deepens, nothing is being done to address Brazil's tough recession. Poachers shot dead a rhinoceros at a wildlife park in northeast India hours after Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate visited the sanctuary, a wildlife official said Friday. Rangers found the dead rhino with its horn missing on Thursday -- the day the royal couple left the Kaziranga National Park in Assam state, home to two-thirds of the planet's remaining one-horned rhinos. "Poachers used AK-47 assault rifles to kill the adult male rhino and after killing the pachyderm they took away its horn," Subasish Das, a senior forest officer, told AFP. It was the second rhino killing in the past four days. Poachers killed an adult rhino on Monday before gouging out its horn, leaving it in a pool of blood. Kaziranga has fought a sustained battle against poachers who kill the rhinos for their horns, which fetch huge prices in some Asian countries where they are used for medicines and jewellery. The park's website said 27 rhinos were poached in 2014 and another 17 last year. A recent census estimated there were 2,400 one-horned rhinos, currently listed as "vulnerable" by conservation groups, in Kaziranga out of a global population of 3,300. During their visit to Kaziranga the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met wildlife officials battling to protect vulnerable rhinos from poachers, and fed a rhino calf with a giant milk bottle. William, the second-in-line to the British throne, has repeatedly condemned illegal wildlife trafficking and has encouraged anti-poaching efforts. He is a patron of the elephant conservation charity Tusk Trust. A spokesman for the royal couple said they had been upset by the poaching. "The Duke and Duchess were angry to hear about the killing of this rhino during their visit," British broadcaster ITV quoted the spokesman as saying. "They hope their time in Kaziranga encourages others to support the brave rangers that are protecting animals that are so important to the communities that surround the national park." MUMBAI (Reuters) - India on Friday said it had suspended the diplomatic passport of embattled tycoon and lawmaker Vijay Mallya, who left the country last month amid pressure from lenders to repay about $1.4 billion in debt owed by his defunct Kingfisher Airlines. Mallya's case takes center stage at a time when India's government and central bank have begun to crack down on bank loan defaulters, in a drive to clean up ailing state-run banks. Just days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said no one "looting" money from banks would be spared, India's foreign ministry gave Mallya a week to answer why his passport should not be impounded or revoked. "If he fails to respond within the stipulated time, it will be assumed that he has no response to offer and the foreign ministry will go ahead with the revocation," ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup said in a statement on Twitter. The suspension is effective for four weeks, Swarup said, adding that the ministry acted on a request from the Enforcement Directorate, a government agency investigating financial crime. It was not immediately clear what the suspension means for Mallya, whose lawyer, C.S. Vaidyanathan, said he was not aware of the government notice and could not comment. A spokesman for Mallya's UB Group did not immediately respond to calls seeking comment. Mallya, a member of the upper house of India's parliament who co-owns Britain-based motor racing team Force India, has not revealed his whereabouts since his departure on March 2, but has said he was not an absconder. The creditor banks this month rejected an offer of partial repayment by Mallya, who had given a personal guarantee for the Kingfisher loan, and have demanded that the former billionaire attend a hearing in India's Supreme Court. Once known as the "King of Good Times" for his extravagant lifestyle, Mallya has said he would comply with the law. Media reports traced him to the Hertfordshire village of Tewin, north of London, where he owns a house. (Reporting by Devidutta Tripathy, Rajesh Kumar Singh, Suchitra Mohanty and Alan Baldwin; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 15 By Azad Hasanli - Trend: The State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan sold $2.4 million to four banks through the auction held by the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA), SOFAZ's message said Apr. 15. SOFAZ offered $50 million for sale through the auction, according to the message. SOFAZ will continue selling foreign currency through auctions in 2016. The foreign currency is sold as part of SOFAZ's transfers to the Azerbaijani state budget, which are envisaged to stand at 7.615 billion Azerbaijani manats in 2016. SOFAZ was established in 1999 with assets of $271 million. As of January 1, 2016, SOFAZ assets reduced by 9.5 percent compared to 2014 ($37.1 billion) and were estimated at $33.57 billion. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @AzadHasanli By Lidia Kelly and Parisa Hafezi MOSCOW/ANKARA (Reuters) - Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani has flouted an international travel ban and flown to Moscow for talks with Russia's military and political leadership on Syria and deliveries of Russian missiles, sources said on Friday. The main purpose of his visit was to discuss new delivery routes for shipments of Russian S-300 surface-to-air missile systems, sources said. Several sources also said Soleimani wanted to talk about how Russia and Iran could help the Syrian government take back full control of the city of Aleppo. "General Soleimani travelled to Moscow last night to discuss issues including the delivery of S-300s and further military cooperation," a senior Iranian security official told Reuters. Soleimani met Russian President Vladimir Putin and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Friday, one source said. A Kremlin spokesman said a meeting with Soleimani was not on Putin's schedule. Asked about Soleimani's visit, the Iranian embassy in Moscow said it had no information about it. U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby said Secretary of State John Kerry raised concerns about reports of Soleimani going to Russia in a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday, but added that Washington was not in a position to confirm the visit. Kirby said U.N. sanctions on remained in effect, "so such travel, if true, would be a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, and we believe, then, a serious matter of concern to both the U.N. and the United States. A U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the United States would continue to insist that Russia and other countries comply with U.N. obligations "and prevent the international travel of Soleimani." "We also intend to continue to raise the issue in New York," the official said, referring to the United Nations. Soleimani's visit is likely to be seen as a sign that the tactical alliance of Russia and Iran over Syria remains strong despite some reported differences over battlefield strategy. "Soleimani's most likely meetings would be with (Russian) military leaders Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, among others, although the possibility of meeting with President Putin cannot be ruled out," said Yuri Lyamin, a Russian security analyst who follows Russian-Iranian military developments. Iranian media reported on Monday that Russia had delivered the first part of the S-300 missile system, providing technology that was blocked before Tehran signed a deal with world powers on its nuclear programme. Soleimani, the commander of foreign operations for Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards, flew to Moscow in July last year to help Russia plan its military intervention in Syria and forge an Iranian-Russian alliance to support Syria's President Bashar al-Assad. He helped reactivate the stalled S-300 deal, which Russia had put on ice in 2010 under pressure from the West. Russia, despite withdrawing some of its fast jets, still maintains a significant military presence in Syria, providing air support, advice and training to the Syrian army. A senior regional source told Reuters last year that Russia's military intervention in Syria was set out in an agreement between Moscow and Tehran that said Russian air strikes would support ground operations by Iranian, Syrian and Lebanese Hezbollah forces. Iran has committed troops to help prop up the Syrian army, sometimes sustaining heavy losses, and Soleimani has been reported to be spending time in Syria, where he is thought to have helped coordinate operations. He remains subject to an international travel ban by the U.N. Security Council. Washington has also designated the Quds Force, the unit of the Revolutionary Guards that Soleimani leads, as a supporter of terrorism. The U.N. ban remains in place despite implementation of a nuclear deal between Iran and world powers that triggered sanctions relief for Tehran. (Additional reporting by Arshad Mohammed, David Brunnstrom and Mohammad Zargham in Washington; Writing by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Bill Rigby and Steve Orlofsky) (Reuters) - Islamist militants in the Philippines on Friday announced a new deadline of April 25 for the execution of three foreign captives and a Filipino, but scaled back their ransom demand in a video posted on social media. The captives - two Canadian men, a Norwegian man and a Filipino woman - were kidnapped from a beach resort on a southern island last September. They are believed to be held in the jungle on Jolo island, a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf group, which is known for bombings, beheadings and kidnappings. In the video, the captives, with machetes held to their necks, asked their families and governments to pay a ransom of 300 million pesos ($6.51 million) each, down from the figure of a billion pesos each that the militants demanded last year. "This is already an ultimatum," the masked militant leader said. "We will certainly behead one of these four," he added, setting the execution for 3 p.m. on April 25. There was no explanation why the ransom was reduced or a new deadline set. A spokesman for the Philippine military declined to comment, saying he had not seen the video. In Ottawa, a spokeswoman for the Canadian foreign ministry said the government was aware of the video. "(We) will not comment or release any information which may compromise ongoing efforts or endanger the safety of Canadian citizens," Rachna Mishra said in an emailed statement. In the nearly two-minute clip posted on YouTube, the foreigners appealed for the militants' demands to be met. "I am told to tell you that my ransom is 300 million," said one man, who identified himself as Robert Hall. "My specific appeal is to the Canadian government, who, I know, have the capacity to get us out of here. I'm wondering what they're waiting for." The other Canadian and the Norwegian also made appeals, but the Filipino woman was not allowed to speak. The video was the fourth such appeal released by the militants. In their third clip last month, they set an April 8 deadline but no ransom was specified. Security is precarious in the resource-rich south of the largely Christian Philippines, despite a 2014 peace pact between the government and the largest Muslim rebel group that ended 45 years of conflict. Abu Sayyaf militants are holding other foreigners, including one from the Netherlands, one from Japan, four Malaysians and 10 Indonesian tugboat crew. On the nearby island of Basilan, government troops are pursuing another faction of Abu Sayyaf rebels, who killed 18 soldiers and wounded more than 50 in an ambush. The military said 28 Islamist militants, including a Moroccan, were killed. (Reporting by Manuel Mogato; Editing by Clarence Fernandez and James Dalgleish) Jerusalem (AFP) - The Israeli military on Friday in a "misunderstanding" handed over the body of a Palestinian killed after attacking a soldier with an axe the previous day, an army spokeswoman said. "The body of the Palestinian was handed over following a misunderstanding that will be investigated," she told AFP. The policy on returning the bodies of Palestinians killed "is set according to government guidelines", the spokeswoman added. Public radio reported that two weeks ago, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon not to return the bodies of Palestinians killed in the West Bank to prevent their funerals escalating into protests. Thursday's axe attack, in which the soldier was lightly wounded, ended a three-week lull in such incidents. It occurred near the Al-Arroub refugee camp between Hebron and Bethlehem on the West Bank. The Palestinian health ministry identified the man killed as Ibrahim al-Gharooz Baradeah, 45. A wave of violence that erupted in October has killed 201 Palestinians and 28 Israelis. Two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese have also been killed. Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, Israeli authorities say. Others were shot dead by Israeli forces during protests and clashes, while some were killed in Israeli air raids in the Gaza Strip. Israel's refusal to return the bodies of attackers has added to Palestinian resentment. Officials in the Jewish state are divided over the issue, with senior figures in the military believing it stokes tensions. Internal Security Minister Gilad Erdan supports holding back Palestinian bodies from relatives, saying he wants to avoid funerals becoming political rallies. By Silvia Aloisi and Paola Arosio MILAN (Reuters) - Italy has dubbed its new bank bailout fund Atlas, after the mythical Greek titan, because it is meant to hold up the sky above the nation's lenders. But some of the fund's own investors doubt that it can do the job. The 5-6 billion euro ($5.7-6.8 billion) fund was hailed by the government as an industry-led response to concerns in Rome and other European capitals about the euro zone's fourth-biggest banking system. But it was only reluctantly accepted by some of the financial institutions that committed to it, according to seven sources, including four of the institutions that eventually agreed to put money in the fund. Some bankers involved in the scheme voiced fears the fund would expose their own banks to the self-inflicted problems of a few lenders, the sources said. They also said that the fund may not be big enough to make a real dent in Italy's 360 billion euros in bad debts, a third of the euro zone's total, if it spends most of its money on helping recapitalize weaker banks, according to the sources. Italy's biggest retail bank, Intesa Sanpaolo , and another lender, Banco Popolare , spoke out against Atlas in tense, closed-door meetings leading up to the fund's announcement on Monday, according to two sources who were present. Some bankers complained they were being asked to sign up to a multi-billion-euro fund without any documentation, the sources said. A person who played a key role in setting up the fund said some of the details were only fine-tuned at midday on Monday, so no paperwork was distributed at the final meeting with bankers in the evening. The plan's first formal draft circulated the following day. Unenthusiastic bankers only agreed to back it after government and central bank officials warned of a crisis of confidence in the sector unless big lenders signed up. The person who had a key role in setting up the fund said they were told that if a single bank's effort to raise cash on the market failed, it would drag the whole industry down. Intesa Sanpaolo and Banco Popolare declined to comment on the talks leading up to the fund's creation and on whether they had reservations about the scheme. A Bank of Italy spokeswoman said it supported the initiative by private financial institutions, which the central bank governor has described as a safety net to ensure choppy markets do not impede the necessary recapitalization of some lenders. "The backstop offered by Atlas will have positive effects on the problem of non-performing loans, which is the main problem of Italian banks," the spokeswoman said. The government did not respond to emails requesting comment on whether some banks had doubts about the plan, and whether it had exerted any pressure on institutions to participate. The initial reluctance of big players to invest in Atlas casts uncertainty over the long-term future of a fund meant to shore up Italian banks, which fared the worst in Europe-wide stress tests of their financial resilience and have lost a third of their value this year due to concerns over their bad debts. However, other financial institutions expressed support for the scheme, which has around 40 institutional investors, including insurers, banking foundations and state lender Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, saying something needed to be done. "It is a positive initiative for the system," said Banca Popolare di Milano Chief Executive Giuseppe Castagna, adding he hoped only a small part of the fund's cash would be needed to assist cash calls at weaker banks. "We hope the announcement itself will soothe the market, so that a bigger portion of the fund can be used for bad debts." Ennio Doris, chairman of asset manager Mediolanum which is contributing 50 million euros, told Reuters the scheme was aimed at making the banking industry more solid. DISTRESSED The fragility of Italy's banking system has increasingly been a factor in a debt crisis that has haunted the euro zone since 2009. Any further risks to its stability could hinder both the Italian and regional economic recoveries. The sector has long suffered from low profitability, weak governance and high costs. A severe recession added to the problems by making many companies default on loans, saddling banks with soured debts that - if they are written down at their market value - would blow a capital hole in their accounts. If the bailout fund runs out of money, initial participants would be asked to contribute more cash, but are not obliged to do so. A person with direct knowledge of the matter said he expected banks that put in money now to be willing to increase the fund's fire-power at a later stage if needed, but that if this was not the case other players may join the scheme. Rating agencies Fitch and Standard & Poor's expressed concern the fund was chipping away at stronger banks to prop up the ailing ones. "We believe that banks investing in the vehicle could be asked to increase their participation in the future and, thus, their exposure toward weaker financial institutions," S&P said. Atlas will use most of its cash to buy shares in stock issues at distressed banks, with the rest earmarked to buy bad loans, focusing on junior debt where investor demand is weakest. To help the fund, the government has pledged to speed up bankruptcy procedures. It takes eight years to recover overdue loans in Italy, four times longer than the European average, which makes them unattractive for distressed-debt investors. RIGHTS ISSUES No detailed plans have been announced. But the fund may have to invest up to 2 billion euros in two smaller banks' rights issues, including an imminent share sale by Banca Popolare di Vicenza, the source with direct knowledge of the issue said. Intesa Sanpaolo Chief Executive Carlo Messina had flatly rejected the idea of Atlas in a preliminary meeting at the end of March, two of the sources said. He agreed in subsequent meetings to put 1 billion euros into the scheme only after receiving assurances that the fund would not spend all its money on buying shares in faltering banks, they said. Messina said on Wednesday the fund would help banks sell bad debts close to book value and not at the heavily discounted prices demanded by "loan-shark" private equity funds. This, coupled with the government plan to quicken bad loan recovery, will improve the context in which banks operate, he said. Banco Popolare Chief Executive Pier Francesco Saviotti had also initially criticized the plan, saying it would benefit big rival UniCredit , which is heavily exposed to Popolare di Vicenza. He was voicing reservations right up until the final meeting on Monday that he could not understand why the whole financial industry should mop up shares of ailing banks when his own lender planned, unaided, to raise 1 billion euros in the next few months, said one of the sources. Other banks shared Saviotti's doubts. "The most frequently asked question was: are we here to throw a lifeline to UniCredit?" said one source who was briefed about the discussions. UniCredit is currently the sole guarantor of Popolare di Vicenza's 1.76-billion euro cash call, meaning it would have to take on any unsold shares in the rights issue if investor demand remains weak, putting its own capital ratios at risk. UniCredit, which is contributing 1 billion euros to the fund, declined to comment on the meetings. Its chief executive, Federico Ghizzoni, said on Thursday the vehicle was not set up to bail out Popolare di Vicenza. "We did not seek Atlas's help, it's the other way round," he said. Mediobanca , Italy's top investment bank, did not attend Monday's meetings, having decided to snub the scheme, three sources said. Mediobanca declined to comment. "Maybe it's not perfect but at least it's something," said the chief executive of a mid-tier bank investing in Atlas who declined to be named due to the confidential nature of the talks. "Would it be better to do nothing at all?" (Additional reporting by Andrea Mandala, Gianluca Semeraro and Maria Pia Quaglia in Milan, and Stefano Bernabei in Rome; Editing by Mark Bendeich and Pravin Char) By Ange Aboa ABIDJAN (Reuters) - Cocoa exporters and grinders in Ivory Coast are withholding financing from suppliers amid a dispute over the pricing of mid-crop beans, threatening farmers' incomes and deliveries to ports, industry sources said. Farmers and trading houses predict a 24 percent fall in the harvest this year because of a lack of rain and harsh winds that have diminished the size and quality of beans in the world's biggest cocoa producer. Already this season, arrivals at Ivory Coast's ports have been hit by the poor crop quality. Now, exporters say they will not finance merchants to buy more beans because the cost has not fallen with the drop in quality, which is likely to hit farmers hard this season. The Coffee and Cocoa Council (CCC) has kept the minimum price it sets for farmers unchanged at 1,000 CFA francs ($1.71) per kilogramme for the mid-crop harvest, which opened on April 1, a sum buyers say is too high. "We asked for a discount because of the small beans. We said that the price is too high but no one listens," said the director of one Abidjan-based grinder. "So we decided that we wouldn't finance middlemen and we would buy nothing beyond 120 beans (per 100 grammes)." The industry uses bean count - the number of beans per 100g of cocoa - to measure the size of cocoa beans, with a higher bean count indicating smaller bean size. The CCC does not allow cocoa with a bean count over 120 to be exported in bean form, so local processors typically buy the bulk of the smaller mid-crop beans, which are more acidic and yield less butter. But while prices have remain unchanged from the main crop, grinders say bean counts currently range from around 130 to 140, forcing them to purchase larger volumes for the same result. With no discount on mid-crop beans, they say they've seen their margins slashed. Recent rain in the main cocoa-growing regions was too late to affect the development of pods on the trees, farmers said, seeing no improvement before July or August. "We're not looking for quantity but for quality", said one trader. "If it's not possible to get 120, then we will wait." As a result, only 5,000 tonnes of beans arrived at Abidjan and San Pedro's ports between Monday and Thursday compared with 22.000 tonnes over the whole of the same week last year. According to exporters, the number of beans reaching ports could be halved from April to June versus last season, when 300,000 tonnes arrived. (Reporting by Ange Aboa; Writing by Edward McAllister; Editing by Mark Potter) Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr.15 Trend: Commercial helicopter company Silkway Helicopter Services LLC (SWHS LLC) received a status of the official service provider for external cargo sling on offshore and onshore oil and gas platforms according to Oil & Gas Producers Standard (OGP). The main direction of these services is focused on flare tip change outs on oil and gas platforms, as well as the wide range of services on transportation of oversized cargo on sling to difficult dislocation places. The operations are conducted by American Sikorsky S-92 heavy helicopters, which are main part of the company's fleet. Flare tip change outs on onshore and offshore installations is unique, as the number of airlines worldwide carrying out such operations is very limited. Operation of these flights require crew workmanship, high-technology equipment of the helicopter and coordinated work of all related services of the Airline. SWHS is ready to provide its services to all potential customers throughout the Caspian Sea, as well as in Russia, regions of South-East Asia and Africa. The video is available on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nxkda3kptvE TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's greenhouse gas emissions fell 3.1 percent to a three-year low in the fiscal year ended March 2015, due to reduced power demand and growing use of renewables, revised government figures showed on Friday. Emissions fell for the first time in five years to 1.364 billion metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent from 1.408 billion tonnes the year before, which was the second-highest on record, according to the revised data from the Ministry of Environment. That was down 2.4 percent from 2005 and up 7.3 percent from 1990. That also compares with record emissions of 1.413 billion metric tonnes in 2007, the data showed. This marks the first decline since emissions rose after the 2011 Fukushima disaster that led to the closure of nuclear power plants and an increased reliance on coal and gas. The reduction followed power saving, hundreds of billions of dollars worth of investments in renewable energy, and fuel conversion and enhanced fuel efficiency of fossil fuel-fired power units, the ministry said. The world's fifth-biggest carbon emitter officially set a goal in July to cut its emissions by 26 percent by 2030 from 2013 levels. Only two of Japan's 43 commercial nuclear reactors have been generating power, illustrating the slow restart process since all reactors were eventually idled in the wake of the meltdown at Tokyo Electric Power's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in March 2011. A gradual restart of reactors and growing renewable power would likely reduce the nation's energy-originated CO2 emissions for a third straight year to 1.131 billion tonnes in fiscal 2016 from a record 1.235 billion tonnes in 2013, the Institute of Energy Economics Japan (IEEJ) projected in December. Anxious to cut fuel bills, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wants atomic power to account for 20-22 percent of Japan's energy mix by 2030, but the goal is widely seen as unrealistic, and opposition to nuclear power remains widespread. (Reporting by Osamu Tsukimori; Editing by Ed davies) By Li-mei Hoang LONDON (Reuters) - Bulgari, the flagship jewelry brand of luxury industry leader LVMH , sees growth picking up in the second half of the year after sales suffered following the attacks in Paris in November."If we keep that traction through the summer, the second half could indeed be much stronger in terms of growth rate," Chief Executive Jean-Christophe Babin told Reuters in a interview at the company's newly refurbished flagship store in central London. Speaking at the marble-floored store in New Bond Street, Babin added that the jeweler, founded in Rome in 1884, aims to grow sales by more than 10 percent this year. Bulgari is the world's third largest watch and jewelry maker behind Richemont's Cartier and Tiffany generating annual revenue estimated between 1.5 and 2 billion euros ($1.7-2.25 billion). The jewelry sector and particularly the best known brands have been bucking the luxury goods slowdown because their rare, high-end pieces are regarded as good investments with strong potential re-sale value at auctions. Demand from affluent Asian woman increasingly buying jewelry for themselves has also been driving up sales. LVMH does not publish figures for individual brands but its watches and jewelry unit, of which Bulgari makes up a significant proportion, were up 7 percent in the first quarter to 774 million euros, contrasting with fashion and leather sales which remained flat. Bulgari, whose jewelry items range from 1,000 to 10 million euros, has some 300 stores worldwide and plans to add around 12 stores in 2016, Babin said. Wealthy customers are whisked through the London store to private upstairs rooms where they can examine potential purchases. Babin, sporting a Bulgari watch, said he was also looking at expanding the company's small but fast growing e-commerce business, which currently operates in the United States and Japan, to drive further growth in countries such as China, Canada and Russia. (editing by Astrid Wendlandt and Keith Weir) Ted Cruz received a special call from none other than Donald Trump (played by Jimmy Fallon) on Thursday's Tonight Show. "Congratulations. You've just been called by Donald Trump," said Fallon, who called Cruz to discuss Thursday's Democratic debate and give a practice interview for Cruz's appearance on The Tonight Show. Cruz joked that he was in the middle of watching The Princess Bride for the 843rd time and Fallon proceeded to tell Cruz about Hillary Clinton's performance during the debate. "You're missing some great stuff," said Fallon in character as the Republican candidate. "They just nailed Hillary for flip-flopping on trade. She was going back and forth. This way and that way. It was like watching her swipe a Metrocard at the subway." Trump then offered to give Cruz a practice interview before his Tonight Show interview, asking Cruz a series of questions about his candidacy including his win in Colorado, immigration and his controversial comments on "New York values." "Look, Donald, I'm not going to pander to New Yorkers," said Cruz. "I love New York City. It is the greatest city in the world with the best-looking audiences in the world, so when I said 'New York values,' I was merely trying to say that I value New York - except I was saying it backwards, the way Yoda would say it." Read More: Critic's Notebook: Clinton and Sanders Go For the Jugular at Brawl-Like Brooklyn Debate When Trump offered to give Cruz tips on staying in New York, Cruz pretended to put down the phone to get a pen, but instead poured himself a stiff drink before returning to the line. Watch the video below, which ends with Fallon lip-synching to Rihanna's "Work" as Trump. Read More: 'Broad City' Stars Drill a Path to Chris Hemsworth on 'Kimmel' Joan Edwards, the former personal assistant to John Travolta, died Monday after a long battle with metastatic breast cancer, a spokesman for True Public Relations said. She was 87. According to published reports, Edwards worked for Travolta from 1978 through 1994, during a period when the actor was making such films as Urban Cowboy (1980), Blow Out (1981) and Look Who's Talking (1989). She also appeared in a small role in the 1985 Travolta film Perfect. Edwards also assisted pop pianist Roger Williams ("Autumn Leaves"), who died in 2011. Survivors include daughter Kate Edwards, a talent manager at Grand View Management, son-in-law John Noonan and former husband Thomas Edwards. A life celebration is being planned. See More: Hollywood's Notable Deaths of 2016 History's forthcoming military drama Six has hit a snag. Joe Manganiello has dropped out of the series, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. Production has subsequently been put on hold as the project, which received a eight-episode order in January, looks to recast his leading role. Produced by The Weinstein Company, the drama centers on a brotherhood of modern American warriors - Navy SEAL Team Six - who take on the most high-risk military special-ops missions in the world. However, their 2014 mission to eliminate a Taliban leader in Afghanistan goes awry when they uncover a U.S. citizen working with the terrorists. Manganiello was set to play Rip Taggart, once the squad leader of SEAL Team Six, now working in Africa protecting a small village from Boko Haram. Read More: History Orders Weinstein-Produced Military Drama Series 'Six' The part would have marked the actor's first series-regular role after his multiple-season stint on HBO vampire drama True Blood, which wrapped in 2014. Manganiello's recent credits include the Magic Mike films and Pee-wee's Big Holiday, which was released on Netflix. The cast for Six also includes Revenge's Barry Sloane, who is set as the recently appointed leader of SEAL Team Six, as well as Kyle Schmid, Edwin Hodge and Dominic Adams. Written by William Broyles (Castaway, Apollo 13) and military special-operations veteran David Broyles, the drama is being produced by A+E Studios, Harvey Weinstein and The Weinstein Co. Bob Weinstein, Alfredo Barrios Jr. (Burn Notice) and George W. Perkins (Live from Baghdad) also will executive produce. Bruce C. McKenna (Band of Brothers, The Pacific) will serve as an executive consultant and will help write the episodes with Barrios, the Broyles and Karen Campbell (Dexter). Retired U.S. Navy SEAL Mitchell Hall (Zero Dark Thirty, Lone Survivor) will serve as the series' technical adviser. The news was first reported by Variety. By Patricia Zengerle MIAMI (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry condemned Carnival Corp on Thursday for barring Cuban-Americans from its planned cruises to Cuba and called on the Cuban government to change its policies to allow them. "Carnival needs to not discriminate," Kerry said in an interview with CNN en Espanol and the Miami Herald. Cuban-born Americans cannot visit the island by sea, due to a Cuban law that dates to the Cold War era, and therefore are barred from joining in Carnival's sailings to the island, the Miami Herald has reported. People born in Cuba can, however, travel to the island on an airplane. "American citizens, Cuban Americans have a right to travel, and we should not be in a situation where the Cuban government is forcing its discrimination policy on us," Kerry said. "So we call on the government of Cuba to change that policy and to recognize that if they want a full relationship, a normal relationship, with the United States, they have to live by international law and not exclusively by their own," he said during a trip to Miami. Carnival officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But the company has told the Miami Herald it had no choice but to enforce the rule when booking tickets for its new Miami-to-Havana route. It said it has asked the Cuban government to waive the rule before the first ship sails on May 1. A State Department official said, "Secretary Kerry in no way meant to convey that Carnival is supporting policies that are discriminating against Cuban American travelers." Miami is the center of the U.S. Cuban-American community, and many of its residents from the island nation, who fled Cuba after its Communist revolution, are vehemently opposed to President Barack Obama's moves toward more normal relations with Havana. Critics of the policy say Washington should not ease a half century of restrictions on travel and trade until Cuba has free elections and its human rights record improves. Kerry, who gave two interviews to local media, met with business leaders and addressed college students, said Cuba could move more quickly to improve its rights record. But he said he was sure a more open relationship with the United States would yield positive changes. "I think more could happen faster. More should happen faster. But I'm not surprised. Nobody expected that. This has been 50-plus years of the status quo ... but there are changes that are in place for the positive," Kerry said. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Dan Grebler and Diane Craft) By Joseph Akwiri NAIROBI (Reuters) - A Kenyan man was sentenced to death on Friday for killing a Muslim cleric who had campaigned against radical interpretations of Islam. Sudi Mohamed Sudi, 44, was convicted of shooting dead Mohammed Idris in 2014 in the port city of Mombasa, a popular tourist destination which officials say has also become a recruiting ground for ultra-hardline preachers. Kenya has suffered a spate of Islamist attacks in the past two years, usually claimed by the al Qaeda-aligned Somali Islamist militant group al Shabaab. The cleric, chairman of the moderate Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK), was killed near a mosque on June 10, 2014. Sudi was arrested a day later and charged with the murder, which he denied. "The prosecution has provided substantial evidence to prove this charge," judge Martin Muya said. During the trial in Mombasa, police witnesses said they had recovered a hand grenade, a pistol, and explosive material from Sudi. A member of Sudi's family told Reuters he would appeal against the ruling. Sudi's lawyer, Chacha Mwita, said he would not be executed as Kenya had not carried out a death sentence in decades. Rights groups say Kenya has not carried out an execution since 1987, leaving some convicts on death row while others have had their sentences commuted to life in prison. Sudi still faces a separate charge of selling videos promoting extremist ideas. (Editing by Elias Biryabarema and Andrew Heavens) Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 15 By Maksim Tsurkov - Trend: Azerbaijan's state oil company SOCAR is preparing to commission a new filling station in Ukraine, the Ukrainian media reported Apr. 15. SOCAR's new filling station is to be located on the Dnepr embankment in Kyiv and will be the Azerbaijani company's eighth filling station in that city. SOCAR is the sole producer of oil products in Azerbaijan. The company also has filling stations in Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine, Romania and Switzerland. SOCAR exported 225,350 tons of oil products in January-February 2016 as compared to 197,880 tons exported in the same period 2015. The company exported 1.23 million tons of oil products in 2015 versus 1.2 million tons exported in 2014. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov Washington (AFP) - US Secretary of State John Kerry called his Russian counterpart Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday to demand that Moscow press its Syrian allies to respect a crumbling ceasefire. "Secretary Kerry said the United States expected Russia to urge the regime to comply with the cessation and that we would work with the opposition to do the same," US spokesman John Kirby said. Kerry's call came as a new round of fierce fighting around the northern city of Aleppo overshadowed peace talks aimed at ending Syria's five-year civil war. According to Kirby, Kerry told Lavrov of Washington's "serious concerns over the ongoing threats to the cessation of hostilities in Syria and the urgent need for the Assad regime to stop its violations of the cessation." US officials have complained that Russian warplanes appear to be flying in support of Syrian forces attacking rebel positions in Aleppo, Syria's second city, despite Moscow having signed on to efforts to promote a political settlement. But the situation has been complicated by the presence of fighters from the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Nusra Front in Aleppo. Nusra is not party to the ceasefire and both Moscow and Damascus reserve the right to strike groups they regard as terrorists. On the call Kerry "made it clear that we're concerned about the violence in and around Aleppo, and that we're concerned about reports -- which we believe have credibility -- that there are violations of the cessation happening," said Kirby. "And to the degree that they're aided and abetted by Russian air strikes, yes, that's a matter of concern for us." The top US diplomat also expressed to Lavrov concern about reports that Iranian general Qassem Suleimani, commander of the covert wing of the Revolutionary Guards Corps, is visiting Moscow. Suleimani leads the Quds Force, which trains and supports Shiite militias in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria. He is subject to a travel ban under United Nations sanctions targeting Iran's guerrilla campaigns. Story continues "He did raise it in the call," Kirby confirmed. "We're aware of reports that General Suleimani has travelled to Russia. I'm not in a position to confirm whether that's actually true. "But as we've said when there have been previous reports of similar travel, there are UN sanctions on General Suleimani that remain in effect so such travel if true would be a violation of UN Security Council resolutions and we believe then a serious matter of concern both for the UN and for the United States." Kerry also protested to Lavrov about an incident this week in which Russian fighter jets repeatedly buzzed a US naval vessel in the Baltic Sea. And he urged Moscow to prevent ceasefire violations along the frontline in divided Ukraine. Scientific fact meets science fiction in action thriller 'Criminal,' out in theaters on Thursday. The film follows grizzly convict Jericho Stewart (Kevin Costner) who gets chosen by the CIA to have memories of a dead agent (Ryan Reynolds) implanted in his head to thwart a terrorist attack. The film, which was shot on location in the UK, sees Costner's character become confused by his memories and break out of custody immediately after the memory transfer operation. "It is one of those leap of faith movies," Costner said. " Could this happen? We are dealing with memory exchange. We're dealing it with animals, of course. I think no doubt though if the world was in the balance, I don't think they'd have a problem risking someone's life like they did with me, so I just try to play it honest. I know it's a big leap. I know when something's really grounded and we know when we have to make a big leap but movies can do that and we try to and I hope we got over that hump." By Aradhana Aravindan and Eveline Danubrata SINGAPORE/JAKARTA (Reuters) - With its $1 billion buy of online retailer Lazada, Alibaba has signaled Southeast Asia as a regional e-commerce battleground - with 600 million people, and no shortage of logistical headaches. The region has the potential to help global retailers offset slowing growth momentum in their core markets, but it comes with complex regulatory, logistical and language barriers. Internet connections can be slow and the vast archipelago landscape can prove daunting to even hardened logistics experts. In an interview in October, Lazada's chief operating officer Pierre Poignant highlighted some of the hurdles in delivering packages in the Philippines, for example. "In some places, there's just no address. It's like 'take the house on the left'. And in many places you have to take a boat to get there... It can be several days or even weeks to reach some very remote island," he told Reuters. A study by CLSA last year showed that almost a quarter of the online orders it placed in the Philippines failed to arrive, and multiple delivery delays were reported. Such obstacles mean the market is highly fragmented, with no dominant force. Start-up funds say international companies wanting to get in are likely to follow Alibaba's route by buying existing operators rather than trying to go it alone. "The strategy of coming in, looking for a local player who has shown traction and buying them in order to get a foothold is a very good one, and we will see more of that," said Vinnie Lauria, a founding partner at Golden Gate Ventures which is invested in marketplace Carousell and online grocer Redmart. "Lazada has done a very good job of operating in multiple countries. That's not something Alibaba is familiar with." Headquartered in Singapore, Lazada also operates in Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. "KOMODO IN THE JUNGLE" Though Lazada more than tripled the number of active customers to 7.3 million, its losses more than doubled last year, and experts warn that investors should be prepared for a long wait before the industry turns a profit. The region has dozens of other e-commerce players, including Amazon.com , Tokopedia, OLX, Qoo10, Zalora, Cung Mua, Blibli and Etsy - but no one platform controls more than a fifth of the market, according to Bain & Co. And the list keeps growing, with payment start-ups such as Fastacash, Xoom and GoSwift aiming for a foothold in the region. Lauria said it would be easier for an international player to acquire rather than "copy and paste", especially for online marketplaces. For those companies already scrapping it out for a small slice of the market, consolidation may be the route to survival. "The (market) shares of smaller players are definitely going to get smaller with Alibaba jumping into the region," said Cris Duy Tran, a consultant at Frost & Sullivan. "One way to survive is to partner with some of the other players to get bigger." A person with direct knowledge of the Lazada deal said Alibaba reviewed several targets before the acquisition. "(Lazada) gives them scale. Organically, it would have taken a lot of time to build," the person said. An Alibaba spokesman in Hong Kong said the e-commerce giant sees the Lazada deal as a "win-win investment." "We see SE Asia as a strategic piece of our globalization strategy. It's a market that shows significant e-commerce potential," with a robust economic environment, attractive demographics, low e-commerce penetration and some 33 million Chinese, who hold potential for cross-border commerce, he said in an emailed response to Reuters enquiries. Another source with direct knowledge of the Lazada deal said Alibaba would likely not stop at just one acquisition in the region. "It's a $200 billion company ... doing a $1 billion deal in one segment of e-commerce. Does that mean the end of it? I don't think so. They still have appetite," the person said. Other existing firms were primed for more competition. "I say today that Tokopedia is the komodo in the 17,000-island archipelago," said William Tanuwijaya, co-founder and CEO of SoftBank-backed <9984.T> Tokopedia, in response to Alibaba Chairman Jack Ma's one-time description of his e-commerce group as a crocodile in the Yangtze river. "Fighting in a river, the komodo will lose, but fighting in the jungle on one of our islands, the komodo has a pretty good chance to win," Tanuwijaya said. (Reporting by Aradhana Aravindan and Eveline Danubrata, with additional reporting by Saeed Azhar in SINGAPORE, Denny Thomas in HONG KONG and Paul Carsten in BEIJING; Writing by Miyoung Kim; Editing by Ian Geoghegan) Moscow (AFP) - The Kremlin on Friday apologised to German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung after President Vladimir Putin wrongly claimed it was owned by US bank Goldman Sachs as he sought to discredit leaks from the Panama Papers. Putin said Thursday that US "masterminds" were behind the leak to the paper, which has shared millions of documents from Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca with international media to shed light on how the rich and powerful hide money offshore, including the Russian president's inner circle. "Who is behind these provocations?" Putin asked at his annual call-in session on national television. "Sueddeutsche Zeitung is part of a media holding owned by US financial corporation Goldman Sachs, which means that the fingerprints of the masterminds are all over it." State media in Russia has broadly claimed that the US government is behind the Panama Papers leak, and Putin has said the goal of the reports is to destabilise Russia ahead of parliamentary elections in September. On Friday however Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov was forced to make a rare admission that Putin was wrong about the newspaper's ownership. The Sueddeutsche Zeitung is a subsidiary of Sueddeutscher Verlag, which is majority-owned by leading German media group Suedwestdeutsche Medienholding. "It's more our mistake, my mistake, the mistake of those who prepared the information about this (for Putin)," Peskov told journalists. "It really contained unconfirmed information, we did not double-check it and handed it to the president... I mean, in terms of the ownership of Sueddeutsche Zeitung," he said. "We have offered our apologies, we are offering our apologies to the publication." Reports based on the Panama Papers revealed shady offshore dealings of Russian officials and linked Putin's close friend, cellist Sergei Roldugin, to shell firms that shuffled at least $2 billion and made money out of thin air from questionable deals with Russian state companies. Putin on Thursday acknowledged that the leaks contained accurate information about offshore companies but backed his friend Roldugin, saying he spends all his money on musical instruments. By Lidia Kelly and Parisa Hafezi MOSCOW/ANKARA (Reuters) - Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani has flouted an international travel ban and flown to Moscow for talks with Russia's military and political leadership on Syria and deliveries of Russian missiles, sources said on Friday. The main purpose of his visit was to discuss new delivery routes for shipments of Russian S-300 surface-to-air missile systems, sources said. Several sources also said Soleimani wanted to talk about how Russia and Iran could help the Syrian government take back full control of the city of Aleppo. "General Soleimani traveled to Moscow last night to discuss issues including the delivery of S-300s and further military cooperation," a senior Iranian security official told Reuters. Soleimani met Russian President Vladimir Putin and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Friday, one source said. A Kremlin spokesman said a meeting with Soleimani was not on Putin's schedule. Asked about Soleimani's visit, the Iranian embassy in Moscow said it had no information about it. U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby said Secretary of State John Kerry raised concerns about reports of Soleimani going to Russia in a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday, but added that Washington was not in a position to confirm the visit. Kirby said U.N. sanctions on remained in effect, "so such travel, if true, would be a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, and we believe, then, a serious matter of concern to both the U.N. and the United States. A U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the United States would continue to insist that Russia and other countries comply with U.N. obligations "and prevent the international travel of Soleimani." "We also intend to continue to raise the issue in New York," the official said, referring to the United Nations. Soleimani's visit is likely to be seen as a sign that the tactical alliance of Russia and Iran over Syria remains strong despite some reported differences over battlefield strategy. "Soleimani's most likely meetings would be with (Russian) military leaders Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, among others, although the possibility of meeting with President Putin cannot be ruled out," said Yuri Lyamin, a Russian security analyst who follows Russian-Iranian military developments. Iranian media reported on Monday that Russia had delivered the first part of the S-300 missile system, providing technology that was blocked before Tehran signed a deal with world powers on its nuclear program. Soleimani, the commander of foreign operations for Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards, flew to Moscow in July last year to help Russia plan its military intervention in Syria and forge an Iranian-Russian alliance to support Syria's President Bashar al-Assad. He helped reactivate the stalled S-300 deal, which Russia had put on ice in 2010 under pressure from the West. Russia, despite withdrawing some of its fast jets, still maintains a significant military presence in Syria, providing air support, advice and training to the Syrian army. A senior regional source told Reuters last year that Russia's military intervention in Syria was set out in an agreement between Moscow and Tehran that said Russian air strikes would support ground operations by Iranian, Syrian and Lebanese Hezbollah forces. Iran has committed troops to help prop up the Syrian army, sometimes sustaining heavy losses, and Soleimani has been reported to be spending time in Syria, where he is thought to have helped coordinate operations. He remains subject to an international travel ban by the U.N. Security Council. Washington has also designated the Quds Force, the unit of the Revolutionary Guards that Soleimani leads, as a supporter of terrorism. The U.N. ban remains in place despite implementation of a nuclear deal between Iran and world powers that triggered sanctions relief for Tehran. (Additional reporting by Arshad Mohammed, David Brunnstrom and Mohammad Zargham in Washington; Writing by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Bill Rigby and Steve Orlofsky) MOSCOW (Reuters) - The Kremlin on Friday apologized to U.S. investment bank Goldman Sachs and German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung, saying aides had mistakenly informed President Vladimir Putin that the American bank owned the newspaper. Putin, in a televised phone-in on Thursday, had repeated the erroneous information in comments he made about who he thought stood behind the leak of the Panama Papers which were handed to the German newspaper. "It is more the error of those who prepared the briefing documents, my error," Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesman, told reporters. "There was information there that had not been checked and rechecked again and we gave it to the president. We have apologized (to the bank) and we will also apologize to the publication." (Reporting by Maria Tsvetkova/Alex Winning; Writing by Andrew Osborn; Editing by Christian Lowe) South Korea's imports of Iranian crude oil surged 81 percent in March from the same month a year earlier in the wake of sanctions being lifted targeting Tehran's nuclear program, customs data showed on April 15. According to Reuters, Seoul brought about 1.032 million tons of Iranian crude oil last month, or 244,240 barrels per day (bpd), compared with 570,338 tons imported a year ago, the data showed. Iran, which wants to regain market share after the lifting of sanctions in January, told OPEC it raised output last month by a minor 15,000 bpd to 3.40 million bpd. The report says that the world's biggest oil producers will meet in Doha on Sunday to discuss a proposed output freeze at January's levels. Iranian oil minister Bijan Zanganeh will not attend the meeting, but will send a representative. There's a reasonable chance that no one will ever beat the new world record run of Super Mario Bros. This week, a speedrunner who goes by the name Darbian managed to finish an "any percent" run of the NES classic in 4:57.260. SEE MORE: iOS 10 concept imagines exciting new iPhone features weve been dying for That's 4 minutes, 57 seconds and 260 milliseconds. The previous record, also set by Darbian, was 4:57.427. Yes, we're talking about a difference of less than two-tenths of a second, but once you see the video, you'll understand why it's still such a huge deal that he could beat the old record at all: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev-QpxN8wPo If it wasn't clear from the video, there are few, if any, improvements that Darbian could make to this run. Every jump, every enemy killed, every pipe warp they are all done with nearly robotic precision from the player. And I say "robotic precision" for a reason. Kotaku dug up the "tool-assisted speedrun" (TAS) video for Super Mario Bros., in which players can go through and adjust the input frame by frame in order to achieve a perfect run. In other words, there are things that can be done in a TAS that can't be done by a human player, and yet the TAS run is still only marginally faster than Darbian's: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OSTFfAki2JI "I have reached my potential in this category - I'm done! My quest is over," Darbian writes below in the description for the video on his YouTube channel. Related stories 29 years later, gamers are still finding secrets in NES classic Punch-Out!! Raspberry Pi mod turns classic Game Boy into a perfect handheld emulator Play the original 'Legend of Zelda' in 3D on your browser for free More from BGR: HTC 10 review: An exciting new flagship phone thats better in every way This article was originally published on BGR.com Apple is really, really good at some things and really, really bad at others. Every company obviously has strengths and weaknesses, but Apple's seem to be further apart on the spectrum than most companies. And somewhere on the opposite side of that spectrum from "building gorgeous smartphones" lies "App Store search," a crucial app discovery feature that, quite frankly, couldn't be any worse than it is right now. You can literally search for some apps by name and not find them anywhere in your results. Well, Apple is finally starting to take its App Store search problem more seriously according to a new report, and it may have found a way to boost its services revenue in the process. DON'T MISS: HTC 10 review: An exciting new flagship phone thats better in every way Apple's App Store was a game-changer for the mobile industry. Apple didn't invent the concept of a third-party app portal, but by managing it closely and moving onto the device itself, Apple made apps a central part of the smartphone experience. App discovery, however, has always been a serious problem. Right now people have a few common ways they discover apps, with social media and the press or blogs being at the top of the list. That's why we have an ongoing series on paid apps that go on sale for free, for example. The home page of the App Store is also a big one, but we've found that people rarely dig much further into the App Store itself because there isn't anywhere useful to go. So according to Bloomberg, Apple has assembled a team to help change that. The news organization says that Apple has put together a team of about 100 people who have been tasked with exploring ways to improve the App Store. Among them, the team is considering sponsored search results similar to what Google has been doing for years with search. A developer would be able to pay to have its app appear at the top of results when users search for certain keywords or phrases. Story continues This is just one part of a much larger effort, but paid search results could actually be a step in the right direction for Apple. It would increase the company's services revenue, of course, but it could also help high-quality results surface higher than the low-quality apps that have overrun the App Store. Related stories Apple's iPhone engineers consider hackers a more pressing threat than the government How long Apple expects all of its most popular devices to last Think you know what people look for in a new smartphone? Think again More from BGR: HTC 10 review: An exciting new flagship phone thats better in every way This article was originally published on BGR.com As last week's teaser trailer for Rogue One: A Star Wars Story revealed, new hero Jyn Erso is reckless, aggressive and undisciplined and now, thanks to a teaser image from Lego, she's also a real blockhead. An image posted to Lego's official Facebook page Thursday re-created the first cast shot of Gareth Edwards' upcoming Star Wars spinoff as Lego characters, including Felicity Jones' Erso, as well as the unnamed characters played by Diego Luna, Donnie Yen and Riz Ahmed. The image previews the look of Lego's Rogue One sets, which were announced at the Nuremberg Toy Fair earlier this year as being scheduled for an October release, two months before the movie itself. This follows a similar release schedule for last year's Star Wars: The Force Awakens merchandise, which was released in September ahead of the Dec. 15 release of the movie. Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will be released Dec. 16. Read More: First Trailer for 'Rogue One: A Star Wars Story' Debuts The Democratic candidates for president hadnt faced off on a debate stage for more than a month before they stepped on to a stage in Brooklyn Thursday night. And by all indications, theyd both been holding back a number of punches they were itching to throw. The meeting between Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton was an often tense, heated affair, with each candidate taking hard swipes at each other. There was none of the kumbayah of previous debates, in which they had criticized each other but taken care to insist that their real opponent was the Republican Party. On Thursday, they targeted each other directly. At one point, Wolf Blitzer, like a disapproving national father, felt compelled to cut in. "You're both screaming at each other, he implored. The viewers won't be able to hear either of you." Clinton pursued a strategy of hugging President Obama closecloser even, perhaps, than she had done in previous debates, which was no mean feat. Sanders, meanwhile, worked to paint Clinton as a mealy-mouthed candidate of a broken status quo. While each candidate outflanked the other at times, Sanders delivered the stronger performance, trapping Clinton repeatedly and delivering sharp lines. But the Vermont senator also pursued a bold and risky line of argument on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one that could be politically hazardous even within his own party. Sanderss ties to Israel are complicated. As a young man, he worked on a kibbutz there. Thursday evening, he suspended a Jewish outreach coordinator over remarks she had previously made that were critical of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During a widely panned New York Daily News interview, Sanders overstated the number of casualties during Israels 2014 operation in Gaza. Asked about that interview Thursday, Sanders stuck by the gist of his comments, and said that Israels response had been disproportionate. Recommended: Trump's Bible Fail In the long run, if we are ever going to bring peace to that region ... we are gonna have to treat the Palestinian people with respect and dignity, Sanders said. That does not make me anti-Israel, that paves the way for an approach that works. Clinton seized on that, implying that Sanders was blaming the victim. [The Israelis] do not seek this type of attack, she said. They do not invite rockets raining down on their towns. Of course not, Sanders agreed, but then he criticized Clinton for barely mentioning the needs of Palestinians during her March speech to AIPAC, the influential pro-Israel lobbying group. (She did say, Palestinians should be able to govern themselves in their own state, in peace and dignity.) Were going to have to say that Netanyahu is not right all of the time, Sanders insisted. It was a fascinating moment, as it laid bare some of the tensions within the Democratic Party. Among Republican candidateswith the possible exception of Rand Paulbacking Israel to the hilt has been an item of faith. (Thats why Donald Trumps conflicting and unstudied remarks have raised such a commotion.) Clinton is close to the Republicans on this one, fitting with longstanding American policy of unstinting support for Israel. Obamas fairly mild criticisms of Israel have been highly controversial; Clinton seems to be more cautious than him. But Sanders is more critical, even as he views himself as pro-Israel. Thats just another way that the Vermonterdespite his comparatively advanced ageis more in step with young Americans, especially on the left, who back Israel but tend to be more sympathetic to Palestinians than are their parents. Recommended: The Obama Doctrine Its hard to predict the political impact of the exchange, in part because its rare to see a Democratic leader of Sanderss stature speaking so bluntly and critically about Israel. It may resonate with younger voters, but might also alienate significant portions of New Yorks substantial Jewish population on the eve of the April 19 primary. The night didnt start off so well for Sanders. The first few questions offered him little to work withstarting with a demand that he explain whether or not he believed Clinton was qualified for the presidency. He previously said she was not, then reversed course and said she was, but that he questioned her judgment. Sanders mumbled through an answer, but Clinton, given a chance to respond, twisted the knife: She noted that New York voters had elected her twice and that Obama had appointed her secretary of state, then cited Sanderss disastrous interview with the Daily News. That aggressive response set the tone for the night. A few minutes later, Sanders was asked to name a specific decision on which donations from banks had shifted Clintons judgment on a policy. Clintons campaign couldnt have written a better question. Sanders couldnt do it. But the next question caught her up short: Why wouldnt she release the transcripts of her speeches to Goldman Sachs? Clinton has been asked the same question many times now, and she still has no good answer. She will not find one until she releases them. Instead, she meandered her way through a call for Sanders (and other candidates) to release more tax returns. Recommended: Ohio State Turns the Concept of 'Safe Space' Against Student Protesters Then Sanders cornered her again. He has backed a $15 minimum wage, while she has instead focused her support on a $12 federal hourly wage floor, while allowing states and municipalities to enact higher minimums if they want. (She celebrated increases to $15 in New York and California over the past week.) Sanders said thats not enough: "History has outpaced Secretary Clinton," he said. Clinton tried to explain how she favored both a $12 minimum wage and a $15 wage. Sanders seemed confused; many viewers will also have been puzzled. The pendulum soon swung back, with a question about gun control, one issue on which Clinton has reliably criticized Sanders from the left. Sanderss votes on gun billsmost notably, as she repeats at every opportunity, his five votes against the Brady Billcontinue to haunt him. In a recent statement, Clinton appeared to blame Vermont for crime in New York, noting that some guns used in crimes there come from the Green Mountain State, with its looser gun laws. Sanders tried to laugh it out, and Clinton seized on that, saying she took it very seriously. Yet Clinton didnt stick the landing: She was unable to say for sure whether she blamed Vermont or not, appearing to say both. And worse was yet to come, with a discussion of the 1994 crime bill, which has dominated the campaign in recent weeks. NY1s Errol Louis asked her about her advocacy for the bill, and Clinton resorted to the passive voice: There were decisions that were made that now we must revisit and we need to correct. But did she regret her advocacy? Look ... Im sorry for the consequences that were unintended and that have had a very unfortunate impact, she said. It was a stunningly noncommittal response. It wont help her with Black Lives Matter advocates who think Clinton hasnt adequately addressed the law, which her husband Bill Clinton signed into law. Why not simply apologize? (Sanders, it should be noted, actually voted for the bill, unlike her. Somehow, he has mostly managed to escape blame, and did so again Thursday.) At almost every opportunity, Clinton cozied up to Obama. In addition to boasting about her relationship with the president, she portrayed Sanderss critiques of the Dodd-Frank financial-reform bill and of the use of super PACs both as attacks on Obama. But on one notable point, Clinton sharply distanced herself from the president. Obama recently described the failure to plan for post-Gaddafi Libya as his biggest regret. But Clinton defended U.S. intervention in Libya as a well-intentioned and well-planned operation thrown into disarray by forces on the ground. She added that the case of Syria showed the dangers of not intervening. Thats a sharp difference from Obama, who has repeatedly resisted being drawn into major military operations in Syria. Its hard to understand what political benefit Clinton would see from backing a no-fly zone in Syria. Instead, this seems like a case in which Clinton is simply more hawkish than the president, more hawkish than Sanders, and more hawkish than many Democratic voters. Elsewhere in the debate, Clinton and Sanders tangledbut mostly agreedabout Social Security, health care, and climate change (though on the latter, Clinton refused to answer Sanderss question about whether she backs a carbon tax). Notably, yet another debate passed without a question about abortion and womens reproductive rights, an omission Clinton highlighted from the dais. Sanderss problem is that though he delivered a sparkling performance and out-debated Clinton at nearly every turn, its not enough. He trails Clinton in popular votes and pledged delegates, to say nothing of superdelegates. The tied national polls he cites are meaningless, since theres no national primary. Sanders needs a knock-outthough even that probably wouldnt give him the nominationand tonight, he won the bout on points. 11:17 PM Clare ForanLink "There are no Democrats that I know, or virtually none, who will desert the Democratic party no matter who the candidate is to vote for Donald Trump or some other right-wing Republican. I do not think that will happen," Sanders said after the debate. He was responding to a CNN question about whether the increasingly harsh tone of the Democratic primary could hurt party unity. Sanders may say that, but some of his most outspoken supporters vow they won't vote for Clinton no matter the alternative. 11:14 PM Matt FordLink Three interesting omissions tonight in the debate questions. The first was immigration, although that's been asked about often in past events. As usual, the moderators didn't ask about reproductive rights, although Hillary Clintonmaybe taking a cue from the left-leaning folks who've been pointing this out after previous debatesdirectly criticized them at one point for leaving it out of this one. But I thought the most interesting omission was the anti-LGBT "religious freedom" bills passed in North Carolina and Mississippi in recent weeks. It's an issue important to many members of the Democratic base, and I'm surprised Clinton and Sanders weren't given a chance to weigh in on them. 11:11 PM Yoni AppelbaumLink In her closing argument, Clinton delivers a sharp distinction. Of course we have economic barriers, she said, adding that shes worked against them her whole life. But we also have racial barriers, gender barriers, homophobia barriers, disability barriers. Its an argument aimed at the heart of the contemporary Democratic Party. Sanders has consistently stressed the primacy of economic questionssolve those, he argues, and other forms of discrimination will diminish. But Clinton has stressed the persistence of other prejudices, and called for addressing them directly, as she did tonight. Young voterseven young minority voterstend to think Sanders has the better of the argument. But older voters disagree, and Sanders cant win without them. 11:10 PM Nora KellyLink In his closing statement, Sanders pledges that the country will secure: health care as a right, paid leave, tuition-free colleges, transformation in the energy sector, the breakup of big banks, and wealthy people paying more in taxes. It'll happen when people "stand up, fight back, and create a government that works for all of us, not just the 1 percent. That is what the political revolution is about, that's what this campaign is about." 11:01 PM Emma GreenLink Clinton says she's going to keep campaigning every day until the election. This would be an obvious and pedestrian point, except that Sanders has recently agreed to take a few days off before the New York primary to jet off to Rome. He'll speak at a conference held by a pontifical organization of the Holy See, but he probably won't see the pope. Sanders, who can fairly be called a Francis fan, said he was "moved by the invitation." 11:00 PM Ron FournierLink This debate did not fundamentally shift the Democratic presidential race, which means Hillary Clinton won this debate. 10:59 PM Clare ForanLink "I applaud all of those who are applauding you, Senator Sanders, we're happy that they are supporting you, that they are passionately committed to you and to the issues," Clinton says, adding "but let me also say it is going to be important that we unify the Democratic party.when the nomination process has been completed." There really was no need for Clinton to add the "but" in that phrasing, given that her remarks applauding Sanders's fans were in and of themselves a play for party unity. Clinton well knows that she'll need to work hard to win over the Vermont senator's supporters if she makes it to the general election. So hard in fact, that she's starting now. 10:58 PM Vann R. Newkirk IILink That is the most conservative part of the country," Sanders remarked about Clinton's early gains in the Deep South. Except, this isn't the general election, and the South is the most diverse and fastest-growing region in the country. It is reflective of the broad coalition of Democrats, with swelling ranks of people of color. As a North Carolinian, it is just plain offensive to hear a candidate so willingly write off an entire region as worthless, especially from a Yankee. 10:57 PM Emma GreenLink Oooh, is Hillary mildly Millennial-shaming Bernie? Meta-point to her meta-address to Sanders's evident crowd of young boosters at the debate: Young people vote at much lower rates than their older peers. Clinton, subtly, seems to be making a dig at their turn-out rates. 10:56 PM Conor FriedersdorfLink Does "Secretary Clinton cleaned our clock in the Deep South constitute a humblebrag in Democratic primaries elsewhere? 10:53 PM Emma GreenLink Speaking of gay marriage: Sanders reps the fact that he hails from Vermont, the state that led the way on the same-sex marriage fight. True: Vermont was the first state to create civil unions, in 2000, and the first to legalize same-sex marriage by statute without it later being overturned by a court, in 2009. That was four years before Clinton came out in support of same-sex marriage. 10:52 PM Russell BermanLink Are you even a Democrat, Bernie Sanders? "Why would I be running for the Democratic nomination" if I wasn't? Sanders asked. He then pivots to talking about the polls, noting that he does better against Donald Trump than Clinton in general-election match-ups and particularly among independents, who make up a growing portion of the electorate. 10:52 PM Conor FriedersdorfLink That question about whether Bernie Sanders is a Democrat or not reminded me of the witch scene in Monty Python. If thrown into a well does he float? 10:49 PM Emma GreenLink Hillary comes in on reproductive health and women's issues. Her ire? Aimed at the moderators. "We've not had one question about a woman's right to make her own decisions about reproductive health care. And in the meantime, we have states, governors, doing everything they can to restrict women's rights. We have a presidential candidate by the name of Donald Trump saying, 'Women should be punished,' and we have never been asked about this." 10:49 PM Russell BermanLink A difference on the Supreme Court: Sanders says that if he wins in November, he would ask Obama to withdraw the nomination of Merrick Garland so he could pick a more liberal choice. Clinton would not address the hypothetical. Both say the Senate should confirm Garland before then. 10:48 PM Priscilla AlvarezLink Im not going to contradict the presidents strategy on this, Clinton says, on whether she would withdraw the nomination of Merrick Garland. Sanders targets Republicans, saying even third graders know the president has the power to nominate a justice. 10:48 PM Yoni AppelbaumLink Clinton charges that whenever she disagrees with Sanders on specifics, he labels her a member of the establishment. Shes a former first lady. A former senator. A former secretary of state. There is no conceivable definition of the political establishment that doesnt include her as a charter member. Whats interesting is that shes unwilling to defend herself in those terms. Why deny it? After all, her whole campaign is built around her decades of experience. 10:46 PM Russell BermanLink Clinton just hates to be pinned down on a specific policy when she's not ready to come out and endorse it, and it's hurting her here, as she comes across as overly parsing. 10:46 PM Conor FriedersdorfLink Hillary Clinton, you are a member of the establishment! 10:45 PM Russell BermanLink "We are in vigorous agreement here, Senator," Clinton says as the two go back and forth on Social Security and whether the cap on taxable income should be lifted. "Welcome onboard. I'm glad you're here." But they're talking past each other. Clinton just agrees that they should shore up Social Security, but she's unwilling to endorse a specific plan to do it. 10:45 PM Conor FriedersdorfLink Hillary Clinton says the other side wants to privatize Social Security. Not the guy who is winning on the other side. 10:44 PM Vann R. Newkirk IILink Sanders did sort of back into an important point. The fiscal impact of a universal health-care reform is pretty much unclear. We aren't those other "major countries," and our health problems are different. We also wouldn't be able to get away with some universal systems like England's that are relatively austere. A true universal care system like Sanders' "Medicare-for-all" would likely be relatively benefit-rich and still plugged into our very expensive sick-care infrastructure. That costs a lot of money. A lot. But the end outcomes of coordinating care, guiding it towards a more public health-oriented perspective, reducing unpaid care, and making people healthier could make lots of money too. Even with estimates of the ACA, we still just don't quite know what the final financial impact will be. 10:40 PM Russell BermanLink Sanders bringing some love for Canada. "It's not some communist, authoritarian country. They're doing ok!" 10:38 PM Russell BermanLink Sanders disputes a study that found his domestic plans would blow up the budget, but he doesn't really address their fiscal impact. Clinton picks up on that and says, "You should be accountable for whether or not the numbers add up." 10:38 PM Juleyka Lantigua-WilliamsLink As a New Yorker, I try to tell people that we use expletives like exclamation marks and other assorted punctuation. "Damn right!" from Sanders just illustrated that so brilliantly. 10:36 PM Vann R. Newkirk IILink I really wish Sanders would stop saying that "major countries" all offer universal health care. First, the term doesn't signify much. Second, it's pretty clear he means certain parts of Western Europe. 10:32 PM David A. GrahamLink In taking a (very slightly) harder line on Israel than Clinton, Sanders seems to be once again more in step with younger voters, who tend to be more willing to criticize Israel than their parents. 10:31 PM Yoni AppelbaumLink Its really something to hear Bernie Sanders repeatedly castigate Clinton for not taking advantage of her address to AIPAC to advocate for the rights of Palestinians when Sanders declined the opportunity to show up and address the group at all. If he felt there wouldve been real value in such an exercise, why didnt he do it himself? 10:29 PM Russell BermanLink Why does Clinton seem fed up with Sanders so often? It's because she clearly sees him as someone who stands on the sidelines and complains about problems, while she has been in office actually working to solve them. It's the same with Middle East policy as it is on climate change. 10:29 PM Conor FriedersdorfLink Bernie Sanders: Israel has a right to defend itself but isnt always right. Hillary Clinton: Israel has a right to defend itself! 10:25 PM Emma GreenLink Sanders is in dangerous territory on Israel tonight; just today, his campaign suspended his Jewish outreach advisor, Simone Zimmerman, after an article inThe Washington Free Beacon showed she had posted on Facebook about Prime Minister Netanyahu using vulgarities. The campaign was already facing criticism for her hire: Zimmerman has been involved in left-wing advocacy on Israeli politics for years, and has strongly criticized the country's actions in Gaza. 10:22 PM Russell BermanLink As Sanders defends his statement that Israel made "a disproportionate" attack on Gaza, it's noteworthy than on Israel policy, he is probably closer to Obama than the more hawkish Clinton is. 10:22 PM Nora KellyLink Israel has a right to defend itself, and live in peace without fear of attack, Sanders says. But "in the long run ... if we are ever going to be bringing peace to that region ... we are going to have to treat the Palestinian people with respect and dignity." 10:19 PM Conor FriedersdorfLink Hillary Clinton: I will stay in NATO. We will continue to look for missions. Its that second part Im worried about. 10:18 PM Vann R. Newkirk IILink The Peloponnesian League would like a word. 10:18 PM Conor FriedersdorfLink NATO: Best military alliance in history? 10:17 PM Juleyka Lantigua-WilliamsLink "Right now, our fight is to defeat ISIS." Sanders makes first reference to the terrorist organization over an hour into the debate. That's quite a measure of restraint. 10:14 PM Russell BermanLink Yes, Emma, Clinton is having it both ways a bit right now vis a vis Obama and Libya. "The decision was the president's," she says. In other words, don't try to hang with the disaster in Libya. And Sanders catches it. "I know you've been talking about Barack Obama all night here," he begins while criticizing her call for a no-fly zone in Syria, which Obama opposes. 10:13 PM Emma GreenLink "Nobody stood up to Assad and removed him." Welp, Hillary's cozying up to Obama appears to be over for the evening. 10:12 PM Conor FriedersdorfLink Republicans should take note of the way that Bernie Sanders criticizes Hillary Clinton on Libya. Its much more persuasive than repeating the word Benghazi in conspiratorial tones for years on end. 10:12 PM Yoni AppelbaumLink For most of the night, Clinton has tried her best to align herself with Obama, positioning herself as the custodian of his legacy. On Libya, though, the differences couldnt be more stark. As Obama made clear to my colleague Jeffrey Goldberg, he now regrets both the intervention in Libya and listening to Clinton as she pushed for it: But what sealed Obamas fatalistic view was the failure of his administrations intervention in Libya, in 2011. That intervention was meant to prevent the countrys then-dictator, Muammar Qaddafi, from slaughtering the people of Benghazi, as he was threatening to do. Obama did not want to join the fight; he was counseled by Joe Biden and his first-term secretary of defense Robert Gates, among others, to steer clear. But a strong faction within the national-security teamSecretary of State Hillary Clinton and Susan Rice, who was then the ambassador to the United Nations, along with Samantha Power, Ben Rhodes, and Antony Blinken, who was then Bidens national-security adviserlobbied hard to protect Benghazi, and prevailed. (Biden, who is acerbic about Clintons foreign-policy judgment, has said privately, Hillary just wants to be Golda Meir.) American bombs fell, the people of Benghazi were spared from what may or may not have been a massacre, and Qaddafi was captured and executed. But Obama says today of the intervention, It didnt work. The U.S., he believes, planned the Libya operation carefullyand yet the country is still a disaster. 10:09 PM Russell BermanLink Clinton is plainly not ready to acknowledge, as Obama did, that it was a mistake not to plan for "the day after" the U.S.-backed military mission to oust Muammar Gaddafi. 10:07 PM Nora KellyLink Wolf Blitzer says he's starting in on national security and foreign policy. Clinton's ears perk up. 10:06 PM David A. GrahamLink Sanders just asked Clinton a very simple question: Does she support a carbon tax or not? She notably did not answer the question. 10:06 PM Emma GreenLink "I don't take a backseat to your legislation that you've introduced but haven't been able to get passed." High marks for shades awarded to Hillary Clinton, with a mild penalty for incomprehensibility. 10:06 PM Clare ForanLink Climate change is probably not a good area for Clinton to pick a fight with Sanders. Clinton has pledged forceful action on climate change, sure, but Sanders has been viewed as an environmental champion for years, and is beloved by the most ardent of environmentalists. Plenty of progressive environmentalists, meanwhile, view Clintons record with deep skepticism.We did say natural gas is a bridge, Clinton says when asked to explain the government's push for natural gas abroad. We want to cross that bridge as quickly as possible, because in order to deal with climate change, we have got to move as rapidly as we can. In a way, the debate over global warming highlights the central difference between the two candidates. Clinton is the pragmatist, while Sanders is the policy purist. 10:04 PM Conor FriedersdorfLink Hillary Clintons answer on Fracking sounds persuasive to me: natural gas isnt sunshine or wind, but its better than coal. What still amazes me is that nuclear isnt part of the conversation among candidates who purport to believeand do on some levelthat theres looming global catastrophe. 10:04 PM Vann R. Newkirk IILink Sanders proposes an all-out war on climate change, and it's one of the scenarios I've been considering in some early attempts to think about solving climate policy with game theory. What we've found so far? Agreements or not, without consistent engagement between states and the federal government in domestic policy, and between countries in international policy, the natural play is for each actor to do nothing, even if the risks of a climate catastrophe are understood. Whether this is a prisoner's dilemma or a game of chicken, in this case leadership is paramount because it is the only way to avoid a logical outcome: catastrophe. 10:02 PM Russell BermanLink "It's easy to diagnose the problem. It's harder to do something about the problem," Clinton says. Subtext: "I'm a doer. He's a talker," which was also her argument against Obama eight years ago. Then, the talker won. 10:00 PM Russell BermanLink On the topic of climate change, Clinton touts her work as secretary of state to lay the groundwork for the Paris accord that the Obama administration secured after her departure, and she criticizes Sanders for his lukewarm statement saying it didn't go far enough. Sanders responds that Clinton also promoted fracking as secretary of state. Again, this is a debate over the Obama record: Clinton staunchly defends it, and Sanders is more, "Eh." 09:58 PM Priscilla AlvarezLink Bernie Sanders repeated his stance that marijuana be taken out of the Federal Controlled Substance Act. The Drug Enforcement Administration categorizes marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug, meaning that it is a drug with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. In 2014, the Justice Department estimated that the most serious offense of 3.6 percent of all inmates is drug possession. Earlier this month, Sanders reminded a crowd that blacks are four times more likely to get arrested for marijuana than are whites. 09:57 PM Vann R. Newkirk IILink I wouldn't underestimate the power of federal policy on pace-setting for states. Several states passed much stronger sentencing laws after the 94 crime bill, and beyond providing a rhetorical framework, it provided funds through Truth in Sentencing and prison grants to further incentivize locking people up more often and for longer. The thing is that despite some snap analyses going around, it's impossible to point out the true impact of a bill passed in October 1994 with six-year grant horizons by finding 1994 on a graph of the prison population. Given that mandatory minimums, three-strike laws, and building prisons are efforts that take years to have effects, we may not have even passed the time horizon to even assess the effects of the bill. 09:56 PM Conor FriedersdorfLink I think the impression is that Hillary Clinton and her husband presented themselves as tough-on-crime Democrats, whereas not so much with Bernie Sandersin this telling, its more about their cultural signaling than it is about policy. Its a mode of analysis that fits with the larger cultural moment, where theres often greater emphasis on what people say, in judging their ostensible degree of cultural enlightenment, than what they do. 09:53 PM Conor FriedersdorfLink What I wish these candidates would pledge, with respect to the criminal-justice system, is much, much more aggressive scrutiny of local police departments, prosecutors, and crime labs by the Department of Justices Office of Civil Rights, which they'd quintuple if I had my way. 09:52 PM Vann R. Newkirk IILink For the life of me, I still can't figure out how Sanders has largely evaded the scrutiny over the Crime Bill that has been levied towards Clinton, whose "superpredators" remark came a year after its passage and who, of course, did not vote for the bill. Regardless of his defense of begrudging support of the bill in order to pass assault weapons, domestic violence, and death penalty reforms, he still remains the one candidate in the presidential race who is on the record as having voted for it. 09:52 PM Matt FordLink This discussion of the 1994 Crime Bill is necessary. But it would be nice to see the candidates reckon with the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, which gutted habeas corpus in the federal courts, and the Prison Litigation Reform Act, which drastically reduced inmates' power to challenge prison conditions. Both are essential to understand the harsh punitive turn taken by the criminal-justice system under the Clinton administration. 09:50 PM David A. GrahamLink Errol Louis asks a good question to Sanders: How would he fulfill his promise to release some 500,000 prisoners, given than many are under state jurisdiction? Sanders says hed work with states. This is a favorite Sanders mechanism; its the same one he promises to use to fund free college tuition. But as President Obamas experience with the ACAs Medicaid expansion, saying youll get states to cooperate is a lot easier than actually doing so. 09:47 PM Nora KellyLink Clinton ends her crime-bill semi-apology with a callout to white privilege: "I want white people to recognize that there is systemic racism. It's also in employment, it's in housing, but it's in the criminal justice system as well." 09:47 PM Ron FournierLink Hillary throws Bill under the bus over the crime bill: He was the president who actually signed it. 09:45 PM Emma GreenLink At the end of the sparring over gun control, Sanders finally mentioned the word "rural." Clinton and Sanders both seemed to take it for granted that the NRA is a boogeyman, and that people who like guns, and want to use guns, are suspect. In certain progressive circles, Sanders's gun-control positions certainly aren't a boon. But why not speak frankly about the community he was coming from and the people he was representing, who likely don't see guns as unambiguously evil? 09:45 PM Russell BermanLink "It had some important aspects to it," Clinton says of the 1994 crime bill, which burst back into the Democratic race when her husband battled Black Lives Matter protesters earlier this month. She mentions the assault weapons ban and the Violence Against Women Act, but says the tougher criminal sentencing parts went too wrong and need to be redone. 09:45 PM Juleyka Lantigua-WilliamsLink Sanders saying that coming from Vermont , which has "virtually no gun-control" laws positions him to create a consensus on the issue is not convincing. The physical vastness, low population, and general rural culture of Vermont have relatively little in common with the areas of the country where most illegal gun sales, and the resulting crimes, occur. 09:44 PM Priscilla AlvarezLink "I dont think I owe them an apology, Sanders says when asked about the daughter of the Sandy Hook Elementary School principal who was killed in the Newton shooting and called for Sanders to issue an apology "for putting the gun lobby above our families. The Vermont senator stumbled in his response, perhaps providing further evidence that gun control continues to be a tough topic for him to navigate on the debate stage. 09:42 PM David A. GrahamLink So is Clinton standing behind her statement or not? Most of the guns that are used in crimes and violence and killings in New York come from out of state, she said at a roundtable. And the state that has the highest per capita number of those guns that end up committing crimes in New York come from Vermont. Tonight, she insists she doesnt blame Vermont, but at the same time reiterates that guns from neighboring states are a major problem in the Empire State. 09:38 PM Juleyka Lantigua-WilliamsLink Bernie is basking in his Brooklyn-ness. "Point being." "Excuuuuse me." 09:38 PM Nora KellyLink Hillary Clinton noted a few minutes ago that she's been endorsed by Barney Frank, co-author of the 2010 Wall Street reform legislation known colloquially as Dodd-Frank. It's a convenient endorsement for someone looking to prove she's not cozy with the banks, an accusation she's received from the Sanders camp. Frank, a prominent progressive and former Massachusetts congressman, is no fan of Sanders, despite similarities in their values and shoot-from-the-hip public personas. He told Slate last month that Sanders "has been in Congress for 25 years with little to show for it in terms of his accomplishments." Frank has worried, too, that Sanders's campaign hurts Democrats' chances in the fall, as he argued in a Politico op-ed last year. In that pro-Clinton piece, Frank even gave her cover for her Iraq War vote, another common Sanders criticism, saying it was "a response to a given fraught political situation rather than an indication of their basic policy stance." 09:37 PM Conor FriedersdorfLink On guns, unless Ive missed some wrinkle, there wont be any significant difference between an America with Hillary Clinton in the White House and a country with Bernie Sanders in the White House. 09:36 PM Clare ForanLink Wolf Blitzer says that the debate is going to discuss gun control now. Clinton must be happy. This has been one of the few policy areas where she has been able to credibly attack Sanders from the left. 09:36 PM Russell BermanLink "History has outpaced Secretary Clinton," Sanders says, which is the core of his argument that Clinton is late to the fight for a $15 minimum wage. Her argument is essentially that she's always supported the "Fight for 15" but that she took her cue from Democratic senators, who only proposed a $12 federal minimum wage. 09:36 PM Yoni AppelbaumLink In fact, David, its not just Republicans who took a states rights approach to gay marriageits precisely how Clinton herself approached the issue! On that issue, like the minimum wage, she hinted that she could see further changes coming, but also said that it needed to be up to states. And then, as now, it was those of more activist dispositions who changed the political terrain in a way that ultimately had her embracing the cause after it moved to the mainstream of the Democratic Party. 09:32 PM David A. GrahamLink Clintons view on the minimum wage is not that different from what Republicans were saying about gay marriage just a few years ago, when they could see that full legalization was coming but couldnt say so: Let the states decide! 09:32 PM Conor FriedersdorfLink I wish that Bernie Sanders would say, We need a guaranteed minimum income for all Americans. It would be a lot more substantively defensible. 09:31 PM Russell BermanLink You're both screaming at each other, Wolf Blitzer chastises. The viewers won't be able to hear either of you. 09:29 PM Emma GreenLink Tax season seems to be on Senator Sanders's mind, although perhaps less so than his wife's, who is evidently the household accountant. With April 15 coming up tomorrow, he emphasized the old progressive saw of effective tax rates, creating a stark contrast between multi-million dollar companies that pay relatively little to the government and what many Americans are probably groaning at at home. 09:29 PM Russell BermanLink Clinton has only backed a $12 federal minimum wage, not $15. But she says that if a Democratic Congress somehow put a bill raising the federal floor to $15 on her desk as president, she would sign it. 09:29 PM Conor FriedersdorfLink Bernie Sanders suggests that if the minimum wage goes to $15 we may have to pay a few cents more for a hamburger at McDonalds. Alternatively, we might go to a McDonalds where we order on an iPad rather than from a cashier, who is laid off and unable to find work as all the other burger chains automate. 09:29 PM Ron FournierLink When the question to Hillary Clinton is about her money-grabbing Wall Street speeches (Why not release them?") the only decent answer is, Here they are. But Clinton wont say that. Or she cant say itnot without revealing to populist Democratic voters how she cuddled with and/or cowered before monied elite. Her answerIll release them when Republicans dois silly and shameless. Shes running against Bernie Sanders, and he didnt get paid by Wall Street, like she did, to suck up to Wall Street. And if Clinton wants voters to believe she and her party are better than Republicans, she cant use the GOP as cover. 09:27 PM Conor FriedersdorfLink Bernie Sanders wants more investment by corporations in inner cities in America. I fear that the movement toward a $15 minimum wageand its success in New York and Californiais causing more and more corporations to decide that automation and outsourcing are the better economic bet. 09:25 PM Russell BermanLink Sanders is really throwing his wife under the bus here on the taxes. "Jane does them," he has now said twice. Is he saying she lost them, too? 09:24 PM Russell BermanLink "Of course we will release our taxes. Jane does our taxes, and we've been a little busy. You'll have to excuse us," Sanders says. He then says he'll release last year's taxes tomorrow but promises they'll be very boring. 09:23 PM David A. GrahamLink Clinton still has no good answer to why she wont release the transcripts of her speeches to Goldman Sachs. Thats probably because there is no good answer. She tries to change the subject by talking about tax returns and calling on others to release their tax returns, including Sanders. Hes ready to turn on that: He quickly vows to release every speech he gave to banks behind closed doors. Thats zero, of course. 09:23 PM Russell BermanLink Hillary Clinton takes Sanders's requests for her Goldman Sachs speech transcripts and raises him some tax returns, which he hasn't fully released. 09:22 PM Vann R. Newkirk IILink To Conor's point, what percentage of Americans even have an idea of what "breaking up the banks" would mean? Both candidates themselves struggle with providing a coherent picture of what a post-big-banking Wall Street might look like. How would the shadow-banking industry be regulated, and how would strong regulations be passed in a way that doesn't immediately cause economic damage? 09:21 PM Clare ForanLink It's interesting that Sanders, a proponent of big government, seems to believe that if big banks are broken up, it should not necessarily be up to the feds to decide how that should happen, or what happens next. "What the government should say is you are too big too fail, you have got to be a certain size," Sanders says, adding "the banks themselves can figure out what they want to sell off. I don't know that it's appropriate for the Department of Treasury to be making those decisions." 09:20 PM Conor FriedersdorfLink I have to imagine that every time either of these candidates says Dodd-Frank the vast majority of viewers just hear white noise. What percentage of Americans could describe what that legislation did? 09:20 PM Ron FournierLink If I'm Donald Trump, Ted Cruz or any Republican determined to keep Hillary Clinton out of the White House, I'm watching tonight's debate with Bernie Sanders with a knot in my stomach. If she is willing to be this tough and blunt and harsh against a 74-year-old socialist nearly mathematically eliminated from the Democratic nomination fight, consider how ruthless shell be with a Republican. 09:20 PM Yoni AppelbaumLink Sanders is asked to identify an instance in which donations swayed Clintons judgment, and demurs. But its not a fair question. Sanderss point isnt that theres a direct quid pro quo. Its that when legislators take large sums from industries they regulate, theyre influenced whether they wish to be or not. Its the same principle that leads physicians groups to bar payments from pharmaceutical firms, or judges to recuse themselves from cases in which they have financial interests. 09:20 PM David A. GrahamLink Sanders is asked to name a specific decision where Clintons judgment was affected by donations from banks. Sanders mostly whiffshe says she should have argued for breaking up big banks in 2008, or something. In any case, this is the another very tough question for Sandersthe first few have been fairly hostile toward him. 09:17 PM Priscilla AlvarezLink I love being in Brooklyn. This is great, Clinton says. I cant help but wonder if this well be a regular line of the night, as each candidate touts their roots toand their love forNew York. 09:17 PM Yoni AppelbaumLink What are Sanders and Clinton fighting about here? As K. Sabeel Rahman wrote back in February, theres a substantive disagreement that stretches far beyond banking. Clinton believes in the promise of regulatory reformthat government can effectively police the excesses of capitalism, reining in the abusive practices of big business, and harnessing its potential to drive economic growth. Sanders disagrees. He tends to argue that when business gets too big, it captures regulators, and it influences legislators. The solution, to his mind, is to break monopolistic businesses up into more manageable pieces. 09:13 PM Priscilla AlvarezLink Hillary Clintons connection to Wall Street has been a regular point of attack for Sanders, but in light of this weeks revelation that five of the nations eight largest banks might still be too big too fail, it might carry additional weight. Earlier this week, the Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation said that five major banks did not have adequate plans in place in the event of a financial crisis. Sanders often decries big banks, saying its time to break them up and recalling the speeches Clinton made to Goldman Sachsand in this case, it may help his message resonate. 09:12 PM Conor FriedersdorfLink I wonder where Vegas would peg the over-under for number of big banks that Hillary Clinton would break up if elected president. Can you have an over-under when the odds favor zero? 09:12 PM Priscilla AlvarezLink This is not only an attack on me, this is an attack on President Obama, Clinton says. The former secretary of state has moved back and forth between distinguishing herself in the race and acknowledging her former employer. Tonight, it looks like shes standing by him. At the end of March, Obamas approval rating reached 53 percent, according to Gallup. 09:10 PM Conor FriedersdorfLink Hillary Clinton says that Bernie Sanders is unqualified, pointing to his interview with the New York Daily News editorial board, and his lack of specificity about breaking up big banks. Bernie Sanders retorts that Hillary Clinton is unqualified because she voted for the biggest foreign policy catastrophe in modern American history. I award that round to Bernie Sanders. 09:09 PM Russell BermanLink It took about 5 minutes for Clinton to raise Sanders's tough interview with the editorial board of the New York Daily News. "I think you need to have the judgment on Day One to be president and commander in chief." 09:08 PM Priscilla AlvarezLink About that judgement remark from Sanders? Well the people of New York voted for me twice for me to be the senator and President Obama trusted me enough to be secretary of state, Clinton retorts. 09:08 PM David A. GrahamLink Sanders is defending the statement that Clinton was not qualified by referring to a Washington Post headline that said she had questioned his qualifications. In fact, the headline was always misleading: Morning Joes Joe Scarborough had tried fruitlessly to get her to say he was not qualified, and she had declined. Its amazing that this single, ill-thought-out headline set off Sanderss fit of pique and threw the Democratic campaign into acrimony. 09:08 PM Russell BermanLink "Does Secretary Clinton have the experience and the intelligence to be president? Of course she does," Sanders says when asked about Clinton's "qualifications." But then he adds, "But I do question her judgment." 09:06 PM Russell BermanLink Did you know that Hillary Clinton represented New York in the Senate for eight years and served during 9/11? If not, she made sure to remind everyone right at the start. 09:06 PM Priscilla AlvarezLink Sanders cites a series of recent victories in state contests and his performance in opinion polls in his opening statement, attributing his success to individual contributions and telling people the truth. Sanders refrained from delivering an attack against Clinton, but the tenor of the race has changed since the two last met, following rising tension between the two candidates. For much of the presidential primary, Sanders has touted his positive approach to the campaign; it remains to be seen whether that changes tonight. 09:03 PM Yoni AppelbaumLink Bernie Sanders points out that two polls show him ahead. The most recent poll hes talking about is our PRRI/The Atlantic poll, in which he led Clinton 47 to 46 percent, nationwide. In truth, thats less a lead than a statistical tie, but its no less remarkable to see a challenger surge into a tie just as the front-runner is on the cusp of securing a large enough lead in pledged delegates to lock up the nomination. 09:00 PM Conor FriedersdorfLink After the national anthem they should have a drone flyover at the indoor debates. 08:54 PM Nora KellyLink All eyes are on Brooklyn tonight as Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders face off. But across the East River, all three Republican candidates are gathering in a Midtown hotel to raise moola for the New York State GOP. The Journal News notes that none of the contenders, including hometown boy Donald Trump, has received the backing of the state party committee or its chairman, Ed Cox. The Wall Street Journal reports that Cox disapproved of Trump's threats to run as an independent last year and his anti-Muslim statements. Before the sold-out gala was to start, though, Cox didn't betray any dislike of the front-runner. I love all our candidates, Cox said. We are having our big New Hampshire moment. In Brooklyn, the Democrats may or may not be feeling the same. 08:51 PM Priscilla AlvarezLink Where are the candidates headed after the debate? Bernie Sanders, for one, is off to the Vatican to speak at the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences on the moral economy. As Emma noted, there is a somewhat uncanny overlap between the way Bernie and Francis talk about economic issues. Its an unexpected move from a non-Catholic and ahead of a tight contest in New York on April 19. But the Sanders campaign is standing by the decision. When the invitation came for the Vatican, it was an invitation he felt that he needed to accept immediately, said Sanders campaign manager, Jeff Weaver on CNN. According to the Vatican spokesman, the trip will not include a meeting with the pope. 08:45 PM Russell BermanLink About an hour before the debates 9 p.m. start time, the Clinton campaign sent reporters a release that asked: Will Sanders answer tough questions at the debate? It highlighted recent interviews in which Sanders has struggled with the specifics behind some of his trade and Wall Street reform proposals, and on foreign policy issues, particularly during an editorial board meeting with the New York Daily News. One question for tonight is, will Clinton try to press Sanders on these topics herself? Or will she focus her attacks on Donald Trump and trust the moderators to be tough on Sanders? Clinton clearly wants to shift her focus to the general election, but she might see tonights debateand the New York primaryas a prime opportunity to put away Sanders for good. Heading into Thursday nights debate in Brooklyn, the Democratic race arrives in uncharted territory. Hillary Clinton appears all but certain to secure a majority of the pledged delegates. But just as shes poised to sew up the nomination, Bernie Sanders has pulled even. Last week, a PRRI/The Atlantic poll found Sanders drawing 47 percent support, and Clinton 46 percent, nationwide. That wont bring Sanders any closer to the nomination, of course. He doesnt just need to split the remaining states with Clinton, or even to win them narrowly. He needs an improbable string of decisive victories to erase Clintons delegate lead, and seems unlikely to get it. But his surge leaves the Democratic Party facing the unappealing prospect of crowning one candidate in Philadelphia as its nominee, even if just as many Democratsor even slightly morefavor her rival. Its fitting, in many ways, that the race has come back to New YorkBrooklyn is both home to Sanders, and home to Clintons campaign. The boroughs 71 square miles contain all the divisions and complexities of the contemporary Democratic Party. It boasts a million more residents than New Hampshire, and would be the nations third-largest city in its own right. And its vastly more diverse than the Granite Statealmost a third of its residents are black, and a fifth are Hispanic. Its where Sanders was born and raised, and where Clinton put her campaign headquarters. But there are many Brooklyns. The debate is being held in the Navy Yard, once an emblem of Brooklyns industrial might. Those blue-collar jobs are long gone. Today, the old warehouses are filled with artists, urban farmers, and artisanal chocolatiers. And hipster Brooklyn is Sanders country. But most of the borough is a patchwork quilt of ethnic communities, many struggling economically. Those who fill the pews in its churches and synagogues are faithful to Clinton; long before a second Brooklyn meant hipsters, it denoted a city of churches. The race has also grown more heated in recent weeks. Sanders, believing Clinton had questioned his qualifications for the presidency, questioned hers in turn. Bill Clinton clashed with black demonstrators in Philadelphia, who were protesting his crime bill; Hillary, for her part, redoubled her outreach to the black community. Some of thats likely to come up in the debate on Thursday. So, too, will Americas military entanglements abroadfitting questions for a Navy Yard. But foreign policy may not offer a clear basis for deciding between the candidates; as my colleague David Graham acidly put it, the race sometimes seems to present an unsavory choice between Clintons well-informed but often bad decisions and Sanderss painfully ignorant but more prudent calls on Iraq and more. Another issue thats likely to resurface is gun control. Earlier today, a Connecticut court ruled that a suit against the gun manufacturer brought by Sandy Hook victims could move ahead, despite the federal Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms ActClinton has repeatedly criticized Sanderss support for that law. Its a reminder of the scrambled politics of the Democratic racein which the moderate one-time first lady of Arkansas can attack the socialist former mayor of Burlington for being out of step with the concerns of urban voters, and a sitting senator can blast the political establishment for the corruption of money in politics even as he outraises its preferred candidate. As my colleague Clare Foran points out, one thing to watch tonight is the amount of time Clinton devotes to attacking the Republican field, and in particular Donald Trump. Clinton wants to pivot toward the general electionif she trains her fire on Trump, itll be a sign that she no longer feels threatened by Sanders. But if she keeps him firmly in her sights, it will mean shes still stuck trying to win over primary voters when she wants to be focused on November. You can read up on the race with our 2016 Distilled election dashboard, find out more about the candidates by using our 2016 Cheat Sheet. See how the audience reacts with our Emoji Tracker. And follow along with us, as we watch the Democratic debate in Brooklyn. Yoni Appelbaum Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. Sao Paulo (AFP) - An ex-metalworker who became one of Brazil's most popular presidents, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has put his increasingly threatened legacy on the line for his embattled successor. Lula, as he is known to all Brazil, left office in 2011 as a blue-collar hero who presided over a watershed boom and helped lift tens of millions of people from poverty. Now, his image tarnished by corruption charges, he has swooped back into active politics to help his embattled protege Dilma Rousseff face an impeachment battle, mass protests and the breakdown of her coalition. He has been lobbying for support for Rousseff among the lower house lawmakers who on Sunday will vote whether she should face an impeachment trial over allegations of fudging government budget figures to boost her re-election numbers in 2014. Rousseff named Lula her new chief of staff last month, the highest post in her government. The courts then suspended the appointment pending corruption charges against him. It was a risky bet for both of the leftist allies, and highlighted the abrupt decline in Brazil's fortunes since Lula stepped down. Brazil's first democratically-elected leftist, Lula was so widely admired as president that Foreign Policy magazine called him a "rock star" and his US counterpart Barack Obama once referred to him as "the man." Known for his charisma and common touch, Lula's popularity in Brazil and the success of the economy during a period of high commodity prices helped him ride out numerous corruption scandals. When he stepped down after two terms, he basked in 80 percent popularity ratings. But time has not been kind to him, or to Rousseff. His successor is stumbling in the face of a massive political crisis exacerbated by a deep recession. And Lula, a gruff, bearded 70-year-old, faces money-laundering charges and a request for his arrest in a massive corruption scandal centered on state oil company Petrobras. Story continues - Poverty to power - Lula grew up in deep poverty, the last of eight children born to a family of farmers in the arid northeastern state of Pernambuco. He had little formal education as a boy, quitting grade school to help his family get by. When he was seven, his family joined a wave of migration to the industrial heartland of Sao Paulo state, where Lula worked as a shoeshine boy and street vendor before becoming a steel worker. He rose to become president of his trade union, less than a decade after joining. He was the force behind big strikes in the 1970s that challenged the military dictatorship in power at the time. And in 1980, he co-founded the Workers' Party, first standing as its candidate for president nine years later. Lula made three unsuccessful presidential bids from 1989 to 1998, each time chipping away at the establishment parties and the idea that a poor, uneducated labor leader could never be president of Brazil. The fourth time, in 2002, he succeeded, taking office on January 1, 2003. - Glory days - Lula soon calmed market fears of a radical surge to the left by adopting fiscally responsible policies, dark suits and a calm, pragmatic approach. He also had the good fortune to preside over a so-called golden decade for Latin America, when a rising China's ravenous demand for raw materials propelled the region's economies to record growth. Brazil's economy achieved impressive 7.5 percent growth in 2010, his final year in office. Despite a series of scandals in his first term -- most notably a congressional vote-buying case that felled his chief of staff -- Lula coasted to re-election in 2006. He became a star of the emerging markets boom of the 2000s, reinforcing alliances across the world's developing nations. Constitutionally limited to two consecutive terms, he cemented his legacy by helping Rousseff into power. His post-presidential life has been fraught with difficulties. In October 2011 he was diagnosed with cancer of the larynx and successfully underwent chemotherapy. By Elaine Lies and Linda Sieg TOKYO (Reuters) - A magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck southern Japan early on Saturday, killing at least six people, injuring many more and bringing down buildings, media reported, just over a day after a quake killed nine people in the same region. Authorities warned of damage over a wide area, as reports came in of scores of people trapped in collapsed buildings, fires and power outages. Residents living near a dam were told to leave because of fears it might crumble, broadcaster NHK said. Saturday's trembler triggered a tsunami advisory, although it was later lifted and no irregularities were reported at three nuclear power plants in the area, a senior government official said. People still reeling from Thursday's shock poured onto the streets after the Saturday quake struck at 1:25 a.m. (1625 GMT). A fire erupted in a what appeared to be an apartment building in Yatsushiro city, while some people were trapped in a nursing home in the town of Mashiki, according to NHK. NHK reported six deaths and 760 people treated in hospitals, but that figure included "people who don't feel well", so it was not clear how many serious injuries there were. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said nearly 80 people were believed trapped or buried in rubble. Extra troops would be sent to help, with up to 15,000 due on Saturday, as well as more police, firefighters and medics, he said. "We are making every effort to respond," Suga said. Troops fanned out to search ruined houses as dawn broke. The epicenter of the quake was near the city of Kumamoto and measured at a shallow depth of 10 km, the U.S. Geological Survey said. Almost 200,000 households were without power. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, arriving at his office, told reporters the government was making every effort to determine the extent of the damage, carry out rescue and recovery, and to get accurate information to citizens. "It's possible that there may be damage over a wide area," Abe said. The Japan Meteorological Agency initially said the Saturday quake was 7.1 magnitude but later revised it up to 7.3. The region's transport network suffered considerable damage with one tunnel caved in, a highway bridge damaged, roads blocked by landslips and train services halted, media reported. Kumamoto airport was also closed. SHOCKS AND AFTERSHOCKS Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda said it was too early to assess the economic impact and bank operations in Kumamoto were normal. "We'll closely monitor the effect of the earthquake and take appropriate action, working closely with relevant authorities," Kuroda said in Washington after a G20 finance leaders' meeting. Much of the area around Kumamoto and a few sizeable towns is rural. Television footage showed many frightened people wrapped in blankets sitting outside their homes while others camped out in rice fields. The earthquake on Thursday evening in the same region was of 6.4 magnitude and experts said the tectonic events could be linked. "Thursday's quake might have been a foreshock of this one," Shinji Toda, a professor at Tohoku University, told NHK. Several aftershocks rattled the region later on Saturday, including two of nearly 6 magnitude, and experts warned of more. "We would not be surprised to see more earthquakes of this size," said John Bellini, a geophysicist with the U.S. Geological Survey. A magnitude 9 quake in March 2011 north of Tokyo touched off a massive tsunami and nuclear meltdowns at Fukushima. Nearly 20,000 people were killed in the tsunami. Japan is on the seismically active "ring of fire" around the Pacific Ocean and has building codes aimed at helping structures withstand earthquakes. Factories in the area operated by manufacturers including Honda Motor <7267.T> and Sony Corp <6758.T> halted production after Thursday's tremor but no major damage was reported. The 2011 quake temporarily crippled part of Japan's auto supply chain, but some companies have since adjusted the industry's "Just in Time" production philosophy in a bid to limit any repeat of the disruption. (Additional reporting Kiyoshi Takenaka, William Mallard, Chris Gallagher and Jon Herskovitz; Writing by Robert Birsel; Editing by Mike Collett-White and Lincoln Feast) Malaysia Friday deported 20 Taiwanese implicated in fraud back to Taiwan despite Beijing seeking to have them sent to mainland China, Taipei said, in a new bout of diplomatic sparring between the rivals. The latest incident involved a group of 52 Taiwanese, some of whom were due to be deported to Taiwan on Friday as China allegedly intervened, just days after Taipei accused Beijing of "abducting" its citizens from Kenya. "According to our understanding Malaysia was willing to return them to Taiwan but China later expressed their wish for them to be sent to China since the subjects of fraud are in the mainland just as in the Kenya case," Premier Chang San-cheng told reporters. Taiwan's foreign ministry said late Friday Malaysia had deported 20 of them to Taiwan following negotiations. Taipei "will continue to negotiate with the Malaysian government so the remaining 32 Taiwanese suspects can return to our country soon to face investigation," it said in a statement. According to Taiwan's foreign ministry, the Taiwanese were detained by Malaysian police last month during five raids linked to telecom fraud, which also led to the arrests of 65 mainland Chinese and two Malaysians. Malaysian and Chinese officials did not have immediate comment on the case. Taipei this week blasted Beijing for being "rude and violent" over the deportation of 45 of its citizens from Kenya to China where they face investigation for fraud. It has also filed a suit against several top officials in Kenya for ignoring a court decision which cleared some of the suspects and "illegally cooperating" with China to deport the Taiwanese. Taiwan's government said it planned to send a delegation to the mainland on Monday at the earliest to discuss the Kenyan deportations. Taipei has been increasingly isolated on the diplomatic stage with just 22 states recognising it after Gambia last month resumed ties with Beijing. Observers say China is stepping up pressure on Taiwan's president-elect Tsai Ing-wen who is set to take office in May as Beijing does not trust her historically pro-independence party. China considers Taiwan to be one of its provinces awaiting reunification, by force if necessary, even though the island has ruled itself since 1949 following a civil war split. Tehran, Iran, Apr. 15 By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend: Iran's Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh will not attend OPEC's Doha meeting, according to the Oil Ministry's Public Affairs Director Akbar Nematollahi. Nematollahi said that Zanganeh's non-attendance is due to pre-arranged engagements, the ministry reported on its official website. "The Iranian oil minister has already stated Iran's positions in bilateral and multilateral meetings with OPEC members and non-members. Iran will not be a signatory of the to-be Doha agreement, something that the oil producers have understood," Nematollahi added. But Iran's representative in the OPEC board of trustees, Hossein Kazempour will attend the meeting, according to the announcement. OPEC's members, except for Libya and Gabon, as well as non-OPEC oil producers, except for Canada, the US and Norway, making up a total of 25 countries, are to meet in Doha, Qatar on Sunday to review a crude output freeze plan, proposed in January. Iran has expressed its non-commitment to the proposal, stressing that it has suffered a huge decline in the oil export due to sanctions and now it intends to make up for the damage by boosting production to the pre-sanctions level. SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Reuters) - Leslie Van Houten, who as a follower of cult leader Charles Manson took part in one of the most notorious mass murders of the 20th century, was recommended on Thursday for parole, officials said, a first step towards freedom after more than four decades in prison. Van Houten, 66, has been serving a life sentence for the murders of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca, who were stabbed to death in their Los Angeles home on Aug. 9, 1969. The recommendation of California's Board of Parole Hearings is subject to an administrative review before going to California Governor Jerry Brown. Brown can uphold the recommendation, overturn it or order further hearings. Van Houten was found guilty of the LaBianca murders in 1971 and sentenced to death but that conviction and sentence were overturned on appeal. She was retried, convicted and sentenced to life in prison in 1978. Manson directed his mostly young, female followers to murder seven people in what prosecutors said was part of a plan to incite a race war between whites and blacks. Now 81, Manson is serving a life sentence at Corcoran State Prison in California for the seven Tate-LaBianca killings and the murder of another man, Gary Hinman, in July 1969. (Reporting by Sharon Bernstein, Sara Catania and Dan Whitcomb; Editing by Howard Goller) By Dan Whitcomb LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Reuters) - Leslie Van Houten, who as a follower of cult leader Charles Manson took part in one of the most notorious mass murders of the 20th century, on Thursday was recommended for parole, a first step towards freedom after more than four decades in prison. Van Houten, 66, has been serving a life sentence for the murders of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca, who were stabbed to death in their Los Angeles home on Aug. 9, 1969. Manson, now 81 and serving a life sentence, directed his mostly young, female followers to murder seven people in what prosecutors said was part of a plan to incite a race war between whites and blacks. A two-member panel of California's Board of Parole Hearings recommended parole for Van Houten after a hearing with her at the state prison in Corona, California, where she is serving her sentence. The ruling is subject to an administrative review by attorneys for the board before going to Governor Jerry Brown. Brown can uphold the recommendation, overturn it or order further hearings. Van Houten was found guilty of the LaBianca murders in 1971 and sentenced to death but that conviction and sentence were overturned on appeal. She was retried, convicted and sentenced to life in prison in 1978. The La Biancas were stabbed to death, after which the killers used their blood to write "Rise," "Death to Pigs" and "Healter-Skelter", a misspelled reference to a Beatles song, on the walls and a refrigerator door. Also among the victims of the Manson Family was actress Sharon Tate, the pregnant wife of filmmaker Roman Polanski. She was stabbed 16 times by cult members. Four other people were stabbed or shot to death at Tate's home that night by the Manson followers, who scrawled the word "Pig" in blood on the front door before leaving. Van Houten was not involved in the Tate murders. Manson is serving a life sentence at Corcoran State Prison in California for the seven Tate-LaBianca killings and the murder of another man, Gary Hinman, in July 1969. A spokesman for the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office, which prosecuted Van Houten, had no immediate comment on the ruling. (Reporting by Sara Catania and Dan Whitcomb in Los Angeles and Sharon Bernstein in Sacramento; Editing by Howard Goller) Mexico City (AFP) - Mexican authorities said Friday they have located a policewoman linked to an unsettling torture video in which a sobbing female suspect is handcuffed and asphyxiated with a plastic bag. An investigation is under way to determine whether the policewoman is the same one seen in the video carrying out the abuse, a spokesman for the Mexico's National Security Commission said. An army captain and a female soldier who also torment the suspect in the video by putting the muzzle of an assault rifle to her head were arrested in January and charged with disobeying orders. The video -- which is widely circulating on social media -- is said to capture an incident that took place in February 2015 in the town of Ajuchitlan del Progreso, in the southern state of Guerrero. The defense ministry said it only learned of it last December. The attorney general's office has opened a torture investigation, while the federal police said its internal affairs department had launched its own probe. In the video, a federal police officer is seen twice tightly wrapping a plastic bag around the female suspect's head while one of the officials asks her, "Are you going to talk?" The suspect, who is sobbing throughout the ordeal, answers: "Who's Maria? I don't know her." It is the latest allegation of abuse committed by security forces in Mexico, who are often accused of violent acts against civilians, including murder. Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 15 By Elena Kosolapova - Trend: It is planned to commission a new transportation and logistics center in October 2016 in the southern Kazakhstan, said the press service of Samruk Kazyna National Welfare Fund Apr. 15. The project is being implemented by Kazakhstan Railways ("Kazakhstan Temir Zholy" JSC), which is a member of the Fund. The new center is located in two kilometers distance from Shymkent International Airport, four kilometers - from the Western Europe - Western China International Transit Corridor and 500 meters - from the Trans-Asian Railway (TAR). A significant part of the work on the project has already been completed. The transport and logistics center is important for centralizing the country's export flow. Meanwhile, the goods imported from China and Russia for Kazakhstan's southern regions also will be distributed at this center. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @E_Kosolapova Apple isn't the only company that's fighting with the government over user privacy these days. Via GeekWire, Microsoft has sued the United States Department of Justice and has asked a court to declare the government's secrecy orders as unconstitutional. Microsoft says it objects to orders issued by the DOJ that say the company cannot inform customers when law enforcement officials are seeking access to customer information and data. FROM EARLIER: Tesla Model 3 reservations approach 400,000, but production remains a challenge Microsoft's suit was filed with the U.S. District Court in Seattle on Thursday and it is targeting Section 2705(b) of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, which grants the government power to issue secrecy orders that bar companies from informing customers that they are being targeted in investigations. "This statute violates both the Fourth Amendment, which affords people and businesses the right to know if the government searches or seizes their property, and the First Amendment, which enshrines Microsofts rights to talk to its customers and to discuss how the government conducts its investigations subject only to restraints narrowly tailored to serve compelling government interests," Microsoft writes in its complaint. "People do not give up their rights when they move their private information from physical storage to the cloud. Microsoft therefore asks the Court to declare that Section 2705(b) is unconstitutional on its face." In its complaint, Microsoft claims it has received 2,600 secrecy orders over just the past year and a half, and it says a big majority of them don't have definitive end dates. In other words, even if you're exonerated by the government's investigations, in most cases Microsoft is still barred from telling you about it. Microsoft chief legal officer Brad Smith on Thursday wrote a post on Microsoft's official blog further explaining the company's stance -- check it out for yourself at this link. Story continues Related stories Microsoft has a clever idea to smarten up mobile hotspots Microsoft Edge is going to save you from annoying Flash ads in its next update First look at the upgraded Start menu from the next version of Windows 10 More from BGR: HTC 10 review: An exciting new flagship phone thats better in every way This article was originally published on BGR.com By Dan Levine SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - When the U.S. Department of Justice sought permission to search a Microsoft Hotmail account in 2014, a judge rejected one condition the agency asked for - an order preventing Microsoft from ever telling its customer about the search. Microsoft was not asked to submit its views in the case, nor did it attempt to do so. On Thursday, however, Microsoft cited the Hotmail ruling as a key precedent in a lawsuit the company filed against the government challenging indefinite gag orders when the government subpoenas information from a customer account. The company sees such orders as a possible barrier to potential clients considering the purchase of cloud storage services, an increasingly important part of Microsofts business. When a company keeps data on its own servers, the government must approach it directly with any warrant to search for data. But if the company relies on a third party for cloud storage, the government could go directly to the cloud provider, and the company might never know. "We're hearing from our customers about it," said Brad Smith, Microsofts president and chief legal officer. Over the past 18 months, federal courts have issued nearly 2,600 secrecy orders "silencing Microsoft from speaking about warrants," the company said in its lawsuit. Two-thirds of those were indefinite, meaning there was no end date for how long they remained in effect. The Justice Department has said it is reviewing the filing. Microsofts lawsuit challenges indefinite government secrecy orders as a violation of the company's First Amendment free speech rights, as well as a violation of Fourth Amendment privacy rights. In the Hotmail case, U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul Grewal ruled a limited gag order could be appropriate. "The problem is that the government does not seek to gag Microsoft for a day, a month, a year, or some other fixed period," Grewal wrote. "Having persuaded the court that a gag order is warranted, it wants Microsoft gagged for ... well, forever." Another magistrate judge in Texas came to a similar conclusion on First Amendment grounds in 2008, and Grewal followed up the Hotmail ruling with a similar one involving a Yahoo email user. For its privacy argument, Microsoft relies partly on a Supreme Court ruling that police must announce themselves while serving a warrant. U.S. District Judge James Robart in Seattle will oversee the Microsoft lawsuit, according to the court docket. Robart, nominated to the court by former President George W. Bush, also presided over recent smartphone patent litigation between Microsoft and Google's Motorola Mobility unit. Robart valued the Google patents much closer to Microsoft's position than Google's, a ruling upheld on appeal. (Additional reporting by Sarah McBride in San Francisco; Editing by Sue Horton and Peter Cooney) Athens (AFP) - Scenes of desperate migrants being teargassed at the Greece-Macedonia border are straining an already testy relationship between the two neighbours, as Skopje also grapples with a political crisis that has seen protesters ransack the president's office. With thousands of people camped out on the Greek side of the border in squalid conditions, the two countries have traded increasingly undiplomatic protests, with Greece accusing non-EU Macedonia of unacceptable tactics in its use of tear gas -- and rubber bullets according to doctors on the scene -- and Macedonia accusing Greece of inaction. The violent scenes unfolded at the flashpoint Idomeni border crossing last week as hundreds of migrants tried to break through a fence following a rumour the crossing was about to be re-opened. Skopje last month closed its border with EU encouragement, after a succession of EU states voiced alarm at the mounting flow of Syrians, Iraqis, Afghans and other people fleeing war and poverty. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said Macedonia had "shamed" Europe by its actions while President Prokopis Pavlopoulos went a step further, arguing such "incomprehensible" behaviour showed Macedonia had "no place" in the EU or NATO. Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov shot back that it was Greece's job to prevent migrant incursions on its soil, a task he said Athens has repeatedly failed to live up to. The war of words is just the latest in a long and troubled history between the two neighbours. Greece and Macedonia have been at loggerheads over the right to the name Macedonia since the early 1990s. When the former Yugoslav republic proclaimed independence in 1991, it took the name Republic of Macedonia, the same name as a northern Greek province. Athens worries it could imply a claim on its territory, and the Greeks also accuse Skopje of trying to usurp the heritage of the ancient Macedonians and stake a claim to Alexander the Great, one of antiquity's greatest warriors. Story continues Ioannis Armakolas, an assistant professor of comparative politics at the university of Macedonia in northern Greece, says EU aspirant Macedonia will have been happy with its handling of the border situation. "For (Skopje) specifically, the handling of the crisis was a success and an upgrade of its role, because it became indispensable for the resolution of this crucial European security problem," Armakolas said. - 'Cheap excuse' - But with Britain's Brexit vote looming, the ongoing refugee crisis and economic malaise leaving weaker EU members with record unemployment and austerity, Armakolas argues that it is unlikely to translate into tangible advances for Macedonia's EU membership hopes. "The EU is in such a deep crisis that it's totally unrealistic to expect any new noteworthy attempts to promote enlargement issues," he said. Macedonia has been a candidate for EU membership since 2005 but accession talks have yet to open and a prolonged political crisis has not improved its chances. Another source of discord between the two neighbours is Macedonia's NATO ambitions. Macedonia's application to join NATO was blocked in 2008 by Greece as part of the name row. The country's current political crisis would be "a cheap excuse" for Greece to continue blocking both Macedonia's EU and NATO aspirations, Macedonian Foreign Minister Nikola Poposki told AFP. Protesters rampaged through President Ivanov's office on Wednesday and set fire to the furniture after he blocked legal proceedings against top politicians involved in a wire-tapping scandal. Twelve people were arrested and a journalist was injured in clashes with riot police. For all the difficulties, however, Poposki still believes Macedonia will advance its cause by its handling of the migrant crisis. "We have a pretty positive track record in the last period in cooperating with Greece... the migration crisis can be an opportunity to strengthen these ties," he said. "It has always been (difficult) in the Balkans. But these difficult times are an opportunity for us to strengthen this cooperation." Aris Vlachos, a business consultant who headed Macedonia's international council of investors for a decade, notes that Greek entrepreneurs have pumped around a billion euros (dollars) into the country's economy in the past two decades, creating some 20,000 jobs. "There have been better times," he concedes. "(But) Greek businesses there are a factor of stability... relations with local businessmen are based on years of cooperation and we try not to put politics in the way," says Vlachos, who has lived in the country since 1995. After announcing its investment earlier this year in "Minecraft Education Edition" -- an educational version of the popular computer game "Minecraft," Microsoft has now announced that the new format will become available in schools in May reports TechCrunch. The new version of "Minecraft Education Edition," which has been developed with extra features to help support teachers in the classroom and encourage further engagement from students, will become available in beta format in over 100 schools from 30 countries across the world. The launch next month will give educators the chance to test the software and provide feedback to Microsoft so improvements can be made before the program is rolled out further. June will see the program rolled out in 11 languages and 41 different countries, and will allow teachers to download the program for free, again in exchange for feedback. More than 7000 classrooms in 40 countries around the world are already using "Minecraft" to help children educate children on social skills, problem solving skills, empathy, and even to help improve their literacy. To find out more about the project you can head to Microsoft's "Minecraft Education Edition" website, and view Microsoft's video now on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hl9ZQiektJE By Letitia Stein (Reuters) - Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant signed a gun rights bill on Friday allowing churches to create security programs designating members to carry firearms to defend worshipers against violence. The legislation, called the "Mississippi Church Protection Act," also makes it easier for residents in other settings to carry concealed weapons, drawing criticism from national gun control advocates. It was passed amid heightened concerns about church security after a gunman last June killed nine black worshippers during a Bible study session at a church in Charleston, South Carolina, an attack that authorities say was racially motivated. "Churches deserve protection from those who would harm worshippers," said Bryant, a Republican, in a Twitter post explaining his decision to sign the measure into law. In most states, churches could address security concerns with similar programs without the need for a new law, according to Amy Hunter, a spokeswoman for the National Rifle Association gun rights lobbying group which supported the measure providing civil liability immunity. The legislation also allows Mississippi residents eligible to own a gun to carry a firearm in holsters without a permit, she said, expanding on a state law enacted last year allowing for similar access in purses, bags and briefcases. However, gun control proponents called the law dangerous. "Mississippi law enforcement, families and faith leaders all spoke out against this reckless bill that will allow dangerous people to carry hidden, loaded handguns in public without a permit," said Shirley Hopkins Davis, a volunteer with the Mississippi chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, in a statement. Participants carrying firearms for church security programs must have safety training and meet permitting standards. (Story refiles to fix typo in eighth graph to "public"). (Reporting by Letitia Stein; Editing by Alistair Bell) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - More than 90 percent of the U.S. House of Representatives has signed a letter urging President Barack Obama to use U.S. veto power to block any United Nations resolutions seen as biased against Israel, one of the letter's lead sponsors said on Friday. U.S. Representative Nita Lowey said 394 members of the 435-member House signed the letter that was sent to Obama on Thursday. It was written as the Palestinian Authority renewed its drive to persuade the U.N. Security Council to condemn Israeli settlements in Arab East Jerusalem and the West Bank. The United States vetoed a similar resolution in the Security Council five years ago. With U.S. efforts to broker a two-state solution in tatters since 2014, France has been lobbying countries to commit to a conference that would get Israelis and Palestinians back to negotiations to end their conflict. The congressional letter backed a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but insisted that negotiations between the two sides are the only path to peace, not United Nations action or an international conference. "The only way you can get there is if the two parties can be brought together and really go over all the issues," Lowey said in a telephone interview. Lowey is the top Democrat on the House subcommittee that oversees U.S. diplomacy and foreign aid. Republican Representative Kay Granger, who chairs the subcommittee, also sponsored the letter. Lowey said she had not yet had a response to the letter, but she hoped administration officials were carefully reading it. Support for Israel is one of the few issues that has the support of Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. Congress. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Fiona Ortiz) Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr.15 By Elena Kosolapova - Trend: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have discussed the main areas of cooperation between the two countries in trade, economic, transportation, logistics, cultural and humanitarian spheres, Kazakh president's press service said. The discussions were held between Uzbekistan's President Islam Karimov and his Kazakh counterpart Nursultan Nazarbayev who is on a working visit to Tashkent. Moreover, the presidents discussed the regional security issues, as well as the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) to be held in Tashkent. Kazakhstan's president emphasized the historically friendly relations between the two countries. The goal is to strengthen these relations and mutual trust, he added. Karimov, in turn, talked about the sincere friendly relations, mutual respect and support between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Edited by SI --- Follow the author on Twitter: @E_Kosolapova By Abhishek Takle SHANGHAI, April 15 (Reuters) - Formula One is 'nowhere near' an agreement to ensure all teams have access to competitive and cheaper engines from 2018 and time is running out, Red Bull principal Christian Horner warned on Friday. The governing International Automobile Federation (FIA) has asked the four engine manufacturers to come up with a plan by the end of April to ensure no team was left without power units in future. "I think it's a complex situation, but fundamentally there were four criteria that were requested by the governing body to be met to ensure stability moving forward," Horner told reporters at the Chinese Grand Prix. "As we sit here now, we are not anywhere near having met any of those criteria," he added. "I think unfortunately what will happen, as is often the case with these things, (is that) time will run out at the end of the month and nothing will be achieved, nothing will change." The FIA and the sport's commercial supremo Bernie Ecclestone have threatened to introduce a cheaper independent engine if manufacturers fail to reach an agreement. The main criteria were for a power unit supply to cost 12 million euros ($13.56 million) per season, for the supply to be guaranteed, performance gaps to narrow and engines to be louder. Red Bull struggled to secure an engine for this season after falling out with long-term engine supplier Renault. They eventually reached a deal to continue with the French manufacturer after Mercedes ruled out a supply, Ferrari offered only an old engine and Honda's interest was vetoed by sole partners McLaren. Mercedes motorsport director Toto Wolff said all parties were working hard to find common ground by the deadline but it was impossible to satisfy everyone. "Christian isn't so happy. But I think we need to come up with a solution until (by) the end of April," he said. "We need to ratify those regulations and at the moment everybody is working very hard to at least find the smallest common denominator." ($1 = 0.8847 euros) (Writing by Alan Baldwin, editing by Martyn Herman) Harare (AFP) - Zimbabwe's ruling party on Friday dismissed opposition calls for veteran President Robert Mugabe to step down, a day after the largest protest rally for several years was held in Harare. Morgan Tsvangirai, leader of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), led thousands of marchers through the capital to demand that Mugabe, 92, resign. The president has ruled Zimbabwe since independence from British colonial rule in 1980, presiding over an era of economic collapse, food shortages and worsening repression. "President Mugabe was elected by the people of Zimbabwe and if they are now saying he must go then I wonder where?" ZANU-PF party spokesman Simon Khaya Moyo told the state-owned Herald newspaper. "If they (the MDC) want him to go, then they should campaign and go for elections and win, that is the democratic way of changing the government." Mugabe easily defeated the MDC to win the last election in 2013, in a vote that was described by the United States as not credible. The previous presidential election in 2013 was marred by widespread violence and intimidation of voters. "President Mugabe was elected to that position by the people and if they still need him, they will vote for him again," Moyo said. Despite his advanced age and fragile health, Mugabe has refused to step down and has avoided naming an successor. He still gives fiery 90-minute speeches on his feet, and is expected to stand again for election in 2018. Tsvangirai, who has previously been charged with plotting to topple Mugabe, said the president must resign to save the country from a spiralling economic crisis. "We are not demanding an overthrow of the government... We are demanding a dignified exit for the tired Mugabe," Tsvangirai told more than 2,000 protesters. Anti-government protests have often been brutally broken up by police, but the march was allowed to go ahead after a court ruling. Regime loyalist Vice President Emmerson Mnangagwa is viewed as the most likely next leader, with Mugabe's wife Grace, 50, also a possible candidate. Story continues Trevor Ncube, owner of three newspapers in Zimbabwe, on Friday described the country as in "a sense of paralysis that has turned the hopes of so many Zimbabweans into a living nightmare". "Economic mismanagement, greed, corruption and the absolute breakdown of law and order have brought us to this point," he wrote in a editorial calling for a new, younger ruling class to emerge. "Mugabe has run Zimbabwe like a private fiefdom," Ncube said. "National institutions have been personalised, captured and pillaged with impunity." The last big demonstration in Harare was in 2007 when police beat up Tsvangirai and other political leaders who had gathered for a prayer meeting. MONTE CARLO (Reuters) - Andy Murray avoided following Novak Djokovic out of the Monte Carlo Masters exit door after surviving a scare against local favourite Benoit Paire to reach the quarter-finals with a 2-6 7-5 7-5 victory on Thursday. A day after world number one Djokovic suffered a stunning defeat by 55th-ranked Czech Jiri Vesely, Murray looked in trouble against Paire before subduing his opponent to set up a meeting with Canadian Milos Raonic. World number two Murray was 5-4 down in the third set when Paire cracked under pressure and lost the remaining three games to hand victory to the Briton. "I panicked. It's the biggest disappointment of my career," said Paire, who won the first set easily and was two breaks up in the second before Murray fought back. Eight-times Monte Carlo champion Rafa Nadal was made to work hard by Dominic Thiem before advancing to the last eight 7-5 6-3 after the Austrian wasted 15 of 16 break points in the opening set. The Spaniard will next face Stan Wawrinka after the Swiss, who won the claycourt Masters in 2014, demolished Frenchman Gilles Simon 6-1 6-2. "From the start I was very strict with myself. I had to keep my tactics, be patient, attack him whenever I had the opportunity," said fourth seed Wawrinka. "My concentration was very good. This is important against Gilles. From the start I needed to dominate and be very present on the court. I succeeded in doing that." Third seed Roger Federer, back in action after a 10-week layoff, eased past Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut 6-2 6-4. The Swiss will face Jo-Wilfried Tsonga after he beat fellow Frenchman Lucas Pouille 6-4 6-4. France's Gael Monfils, the 13th seed, ended the run of Djokovic's conqueror Vesely with a 6-1 6-2 win. (Writing by Julien Pretot; Editing by Ed Osmond) By Yesim Dikmen and Melih Aslan ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Leaders from more than 50 Muslim nations accused Iran on Friday of supporting terrorism and interfering in the affairs of regional states, including Syria and Yemen, a condemnation that may widen the divide between Iran and its main rival, Saudi Arabia. The leaders, including Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, have been attending a summit in Istanbul this week of the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to discuss a such issues as the humanitarian fall-out from Syria's civil war. "The conference deplored Iran's interference in the internal affairs of the States of the region and other member states including Bahrain, Yemen, Syria, and Somalia, and its continued support for terrorism," the OIC said in its final summit communique. It also stressed the need for "cooperative relations" between Iran and other Muslim countries, including refraining from the use or threat of force. Both Turkey, which has assumed the three-year rotating presidency of the OIC, and Saudi Arabia are part of the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State militants in Syria. They are also opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a stance that has put them at odds with Iran, an ally of Assad. Shi'ite Iran is also allied with the Houthi movement in Yemen, which has been battling forces loyal to Yemen's Saudi-backed president in a conflict that has killed more than 6,000 people since March 2015. While Turkey and Iran have stark differences over Syria, they have managed to keep their diplomatic and trade relations. Still, majority-Sunni Turkey is close to Saudi Arabia, which has cut diplomatic ties with Iran, and it is concerned about Tehran's growing clout in Lebanon, Syria and Yemen. 'WE ARE MUSLIMS' A day before the communique, Iran's Rouhani urged summit delegates to avoid sending out divisive messages. "No message which would fuel division in the Islamic community should come out of the conference," said Rouhani, according to Iranian state television. In a speech at the summit's closing news conference, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan addressed the need to reconcile the divisions. "We are Muslims, we will not allow Islam to be divided," he said. The leaders also condemned what they called the aggression of Armenia against Azerbaijan and called for the unconditional withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh region. On Thursday, Erdogan said the countries had agreed to work more closely to fight terrorism and would establish an Istanbul-based center for greater police cooperation. (Additional reporting by Humeyra Pamuk and Daren Butler; Writing by David Dolan; Editing by Gareth Jones, Larry King) Pyongyang's state media Friday claimed a group of 13 North Koreans working at a restaurant China had been tricked into defecting by South Korean spies. The 13 -- a male manager and 12 female employees of a Pyongyang-run restaurant -- arrived in Seoul last week, South Korea's Unification Ministry said. Ministry spokesman Jeong Joon-Hee said they had been under pressure to meet their quota for hard currency remittances to Pyongyang and had become disillusioned with the North's propaganda after being exposed to foreign media. The South Korean government estimates Pyongyang rakes in around $10 million every year from some 130 restaurants it operates -- with mostly North Korean staff -- in 12 countries, including neighbouring China. North Korea's propaganda website Uriminzokkiri claimed that the manager, who it said was bribed by South Korean spies, had tricked the 12 others into thinking they were going to a new workplace. "The manager, in connivance with (South Korean) spies, tricked the employees into believing that they were moving to a different workplace in a far-off place" before putting them on a plane, it said in a commentary. It said the "abduction" was part of the South's "heinous" anti-Pyongyang smear campaign. South Korean daily Hankyoreh Sinmun quoted the Chinese owner of the restaurant in Ningbo, in eastern Zhejiang province, as saying the manager had stolen more than 1.2 million renminbi ($185,000) from the restaurant, which had a total of 20 North Korean employees. The seven remaining North Koreans were staying with North Korean embassy officials and were expected to return home, the owner was quoted as telling the paper. The 13 defectors were still incommunicado, being questioned by South Korean authorities. The North's Red Cross spokesman Tuesday claimed the 13 were kidnapped by the South and demanded it apologise and return them immediately or face "unimaginable consequences and strong countermeasures". Story continues Separately, the North Korean website also accused Seoul of trying to influence South Korea's parliamentary elections held on Wednesday. A seemingly unstable North Korea has traditionally worked in favour of the ruling conservative party. But President Park Geun-Hye's ruling Saenuri Party suffered a shock electoral defeat that broke its 16-year parliamentary majority and threatened its chances of retaining the presidential Blue House in 2017. North Korea tried and failed Friday to test-fire what appeared to be a medium-range missile on the birthday of founding leader Kim Il-Sung, the United States said, denouncing the move as another needless provocation. The missile disappeared from surveillance radar a few seconds after its launch and is believed to have exploded midair, according to a Seoul intelligence official quoted by Yonhap news agency. There had been widespread intelligence reports in recent days that the North was preparing for the first-ever flight test of its Musudan missile, which is believed to be capable of striking US bases on the Pacific island of Guam. The US and South Korean militaries both detected and tracked the early morning test. A US defence official said the missile was "presumably" a Musudan. On board a US aircraft carrier in the South China Sea as part of a regional tour, US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter hit out at North Korea for raising tensions. "The North Korean missile launch, which we assessed was unsuccessful, was nevertheless another provocation by North Korea in a region that doesn't need that kind of behaviour," Carter told reporters. The April 15 birthday of Kim Il-Sung -- the grandfather of current ruler Kim Jong-Un -- is a major public holiday in North Korea, where key political anniversaries are often marked with displays of military muscle. The country is also gearing up for a rare and much-hyped ruling party congress next month, at which Kim Jong-Un is expected to take credit for pushing the country's nuclear weapons programme to new heights. Pyongyang has hailed a series of achievements in recent months, including miniaturising a nuclear warhead to fit on a missile, developing a warhead that can withstand atmospheric re-entry, and building a solid-fuel missile engine. Last week, it said it had successfully tested an engine designed for an inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) that would "guarantee" an eventual nuclear strike on the US mainland. Story continues - Scepticism abounds - Outside experts have treated a number of the claims with scepticism, while acknowledging that the North's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes have both made significant strides. If Friday's failure is confirmed as a Musudan test, it would mark a very unwelcome public failure and fuel doubts about just how far the North has gone in developing a reliable nuclear delivery system. "We are monitoring and continuing to assess the situation," another US official said, calling on North Korea to "refrain from actions that further raise tensions in the region." Anxiety has been high on the divided Korean peninsula since Pyongyang conducted its fourth nuclear test in January and a rocket launch a month later that was widely seen as a disguised ballistic missile test. The UN Security Council responded with its toughest sanctions to date, angering the North, which has since made repeated threats of attacks targeting the South and the US. Existing UN resolutions forbid North Korea from the use of any ballistic missile-related technology. But the North has defied the sanctions by test-firing nearly 20 short- or mid-range missiles off its east coast since early March, in a show of force against the South-US joint army drill that kicked off in the same month. Pyongyang, with the series of provocations, is trying to prove that the UN sanctions are ineffective in curbing its weapons development, said Seoul's unification ministry, which handles cross-border affairs. "They are trying to divide opinions of the international community by pushing more people to think that we... need dialogue with the North," ministry spokesman Jeong Joon-Hee said. The nuclear-armed state has staged many short- and mid-range missile launches over the years but has yet to test the Musudan, which has an estimated range of anywhere between 2,500 and 4,000 kilometres (1,550 to 2,500 miles). The lower range covers the whole of South Korea and Japan, while the upper range would include US military bases on Guam. The Musudan was first unveiled as an indigenous missile at a military parade in Pyongyang in October 2010. Rome (AFP) - Italy insisted Friday it was not facing an "invasion" after a spike in migrant boat crossings from Libya exacerbated fears the country is on the verge of becoming the main entry point for people trying to reach Europe. Nearly 6,000 mostly African migrants have landed at southern Italian ports since Tuesday but Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said the overall trend this year was broadly in line with the 2015 pattern. "We are not facing an invasion," the premier told a press conference after the figures were released by the International Organisation for Migration in Geneva. Fears are running high in Italy that it could pay the price of EU moves to close routes through the Greek Islands and the Balkans. Italian officials are also wary of the possibility of neighbouring EU countries closing their borders, as France did temporarily last year and Austria is threatening to do now. Austria has begun preparing for a possible reintroduction of border controls at the Brenner pass in the Alps, prompting protests from Italy and the European Commission. Renzi warned Friday of repercussions if Vienna did close the border. "If the rules are broken we cannot act as if nothing has happened," he said. Italy's interior ministry this week asked local authorities to find 15,000 extra beds to house asylum-seekers in anticipation of a possible increase in the numbers of people requiring accommodation. "There is a problem that concerns our country but there is not an invasion underway," Renzi said. "We have taken certain initiatives but we are not facing an invasion. It is a big problem but we have clear ideas about how to deal with it." - Few Syrians in Libya - Renzi said the EU was working on deals with African countries to stem the flow of migrants leaving for Europe and to prevent those who do from being allowed to pass through transit countries. The IOM said that of the 6,021 migrants who have reached Europe by sea since Tuesday, only 174 had landed in Greece, with the balance coming ashore in Italy. Story continues Late Friday, Austria's interior minister Johanna Mikl-Leitner said Vienna was anticipating a "significantly increased migration flow via Italy". Mikl-Leitner sent a letter to EU Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos stressing that "adequate preparatory measures" were needed, according to the Austria Press Agency. "It must also be taken into account that migration routes can also be used by members of terrorist groups, as the attacks in Paris and Brussels showed," the letter added. IOM spokesman Joel Millman stressed there was no evidence yet to suggest the Italy arrivals were linked to an EU-Turkey deal aimed at stemming the influx of people to the Greek islands. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and top EU officials will visit an area near the Turkish-Syrian border next week to follow up on the EU-Turkey migrant deal, officials said Friday. The European Union sealed the deal with Ankara last month under which Turkey takes back all "irregular migrants" who arrive in the Greek islands in exchange for billions of euros in aid for refugees and political concessions. - 'Increase in numbers' - Migrants who spoke to IOM staff in Italy all said they had crossed from Libya, most of them on rubber dinghies loaded with around 130 people. "Many of them were from sub-Saharan Africa, and we have noticed an increase in numbers from the Horn of Africa, particularly Eritreans," Federico Soda, head of the IOM's Rome office, said in a statement. "There have been very few Syrians leaving from Libya in recent months," Soda said. Italian officials believe that any Syrians seeking to get into Europe via Libya are more likely to come via Albania, from where it is just a short crossing to the southeastern coast of Italy. So far this year, more than 23,000 migrants have landed in Italy, compared to nearly 153,500 who have landed in Greece, the IOM said. Italy's interior ministry put arrivals in Italy at 23,739 since the start of the year as of Thursday morning, compared to 19,589 by April 14 last year. That represents a rise of 21 percent, but officials urge caution in interpreting figures as the pattern of the last two years has been for migrants to arrive in bursts often dictated by weather and sea conditions. There are an estimated one million non-Libyan nationals living and working in Libya. This has led to speculation that a deterioration in the security situation in the country could result in many of them seeking to reach Italy. Kuwait City (AFP) - Tehran said its oil minister would skip the talks in Doha on Sunday between around a dozen oil exporters, including heavyweights Saudi Arabia and Russia. Iran's governor at the OPEC oil cartel will attend instead, it said, triggering a swift drop in oil prices on world markets. Prices have rebounded sharply in recent weeks partly on expectations of a deal that could, in theory at least, help to reduce a supply glut and repair producers' battered public finances. Any agreement to freeze oil production would "likely give prices a further short-term boost," said Fawad Razaqzada, analyst at brokerage firm City Index. Tehran, which is emerging from nuclear-related Western sanctions, will be seeking a waiver until its production reaches its pre-embargo levels. Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh will not attend the Doha talks himself, his ministry said Friday "Iran already announced it cannot join the plan to stabilise oil prices" while its output is still below pre-sanction levels, it added. OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia, however, has insisted it will not join an output freeze unless Iran, its regional rival, does so. "We don't see Saudi Arabia freezing production and ... accommodating significant production rises by other producers," Fahad al-Turki, head of research at Saudi Jadwa Investment, told AFP. If a substantive agreement is struck in Doha, however, that would help to build trust between key producers and pave the way for production cuts in the future, Turki said. Qatar said Thursday there was an "atmosphere of optimism" that a deal would be struck, adding that the number of countries due to attend had risen. Last month, Qatar said 12 nations including itself would be present at the talks. The Doha meeting is a follow-up to talks in February between OPEC members Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Venezuela plus Russia in which they first mooted the output freeze. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries warned ahead of the Sunday talks of worsening oversupply. Story continues OPEC also trimmed its forecast for global oil demand growth this year and said it might have to lower its projection further. - Oil price rollercoaster - A sharp rise in unconventional oil production, mainly US shale crude, and OPEC's reluctance to cut output triggered a collapse in oil prices from levels above $100 a barrel in 2014, costing exporters billions of dollars. After hitting 13-year lows of around $27 a barrel in February, oil prices have since rebounded to above $40. On Thursday, the International Energy Agency warned against over-expectation for the Doha talks, saying the meeting would have only a "limited" impact on supplies. Jean-Francois Seznec, an oil expert at Georgetown University, believes Iran will not be the key problem at the meeting as it is only capable of boosting output by 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) this year. "I think the worry for the producers is not whether Iran freezes or not, but whether Russia would do so," Seznec told AFP. OPEC said Wednesday that Iranian oil production in March was 3.3 million bpd, up from 2.9 million in January, but still short of its pre-embargo level of around 4.0 million. OPEC said its members pumped 32.25 million bpd in March -- with Saudi Arabia accounting for nearly a third -- up from an average of 31.85 million bpd in 2015. "The freeze talks between OPEC and non-OPEC will decide how quickly markets could get balanced and by how much oil prices would rise," Abhishek Deshpande, an analyst at French investment bank Natixis, told AFP. A freeze agreement, if it includes Iran, could see "markets completely balanced" as early as in the third quarter this year, he added. One of the main OPEC goals by not cutting production was to drive high-cost supply, mainly US shale oil, out of the market. US shale production is now sliding but the conventional producers' dilemma is that shale oil can respond quickly when prices increase. Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 15 By Elena Kosolapova - Trend: Kyrgyz governments do not seem to be as stable as their counterparts in the neighbor states in the Central Asia and they always face a threat of political instability, Michael Laubsch, executive Director of Eurasian Transition Group, a leading European non-profit organization, believes. "This has, in my view, something to do with the political system there. You don't have strong presidential system there, with no "strong leader" like Nursultan Nazarbayev in Kazakhstan or Islam Karimov in Uzbekistan, the political system there is more or less a parliamentary democracy," Laubsch told Trend by email. At the same time, the expert noted that there are several interest groups represented in the government that see the political system as a guarantee for their own interests and corruption is a big issue. "As you don't have a presidential system with a person on top, who has the last word and can conduct and lead those "fights" within the political interest groups, those struggles more or less end always in a new government," Laubsch said. He noted that this situation happened this week when the old prime minister and his cabinet were accused of corruption. Kyrgyz Prime Minister Temir Sariev resigned earlier this week after the scandal erupted when the inspection uncovered violations in the procurement of the public tender won by a Chinese roads and bridges corporation. His resignation followed by consequent early resignation of the Government in line with the country's laws. Deputy head of Kyrgyz presidential apparatus Sooronbay Zheenbekov was elected to the post of the new prime minister. It is not the first time when the government resigns early in Kyrgyzstan. "The system in Kyrgyzstan is still very fragile and having in mind the social situation there for its people, the more or less increasing economic crisis due to the Eurasian Economic Union, protests and a new "uprising" against the political system is always likely," Laubsch said. Edited by SI Follow the author on Twitter: @E_Kosolapova US lawmakers keen to shear costs from expensive reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan are locking horns with the Pentagon over a failed multi-million-dollar project to mate cashmere goats in the war-torn country. A panel of politicians was aghast Friday as John Sopko, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, described a Defense Department initiative to import Italian and Tajik goats that were supposed to mate on a remote farm and increase Afghanistan's output of blond and white cashmere wool. However, some of the goats used to stock the farm were infected with Johne's disease -- a transmittable, fatal gastrointestinal infection that can destroy whole herds, Sopko said in written testimony to the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. Additionally, the farm itself was too small to provide adequate grazing. Congresswoman Jackie Speier suggested the episode was worthy of lampooning by British comic John Oliver, who hosts a satirical current affairs show on US television. "Too bad many of the female goats were already infected with the disease that could have wiped out the entire herd," she said, noting that "only two of those fancy Italian goats are still usable in the project." "Manufacturing warm, fluffy sweaters (is) not the key to economic recovery in Afghanistan, nor is it in (the Pentagon's) expertise," she added. Sopko has repeatedly highlighted the $6.1 million goat project as one illustration of wasted money in Afghanistan and America's "scattershot" approach to economic development in the country. The United States has spent about $1 trillion in fighting and reconstruction during the years it has been in Afghanistan. Some 2,200 US lives have been lost in the longest war in US history. CHICAGO (Reuters) - A Catholic priest was sentenced to time served on Thursday for trying to help a convicted mob hit man recover a purported Stradivarius violin hidden in the wall of a house, local media reported. A U.S. district judge gave Eugene Klein a one-day sentence, but since he had already spent time in jail, Klein will spend no more time behind bars, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. Klein, who had been a federal prison chaplain, admitted to conspiring in 2011 to defraud the United States by passing messages from mobster Frank Calabrese to an unnamed associate on how to get the violin out of Calabrese's Wisconsin home. If found and authenticated as made by 18th-century instrument maker Antonio Stradivari, such a violin would have been worth millions of dollars. Calabrese had also claimed the violin had once been owned by pianist Liberace, according to local media accounts. Calabrese, also known as "Frankie Breeze," was serving a life sentence at the federal prison in Springfield, Missouri, in connection with more than a dozen gangland slayings. He died in prison in 2012. Federal authorities were selling his property to compensate the families of victims, and he wanted the violin recovered before the house was sold, court documents said. Klein, of Springfield, Missouri, had been permitted to meet with Calabrese regularly to provide religious ministries, like giving communion. He knew that he was not supposed to pass messages to and from Calabrese, prosecutors said. Klein's attorney could not immediately be reached for comment on Thursday. Prosecutors declined to comment. Klein will also be on supervised release for three years, with the first six months to be served in home confinement with electronic monitoring. He will also perform 200 hours of community service, the Sun-Times reported. (Reporting by Mark Weinraub and Justin Madden; Editing by Matthew Lewis) By Ju-min Park SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korea attempted and failed to launch what experts believe was an intermediate-range ballistic missile on Friday in defiance of U.N. sanctions and in an embarrassing setback for leader Kim Jong Un, drawing criticism from major ally China. The U.S. Defense Department called the test of the road-mobile missile, which came as North Korea celebrated the birthday of Kim's grandfather and North Korea's founding father Kim Il Sung, a "fiery, catastrophic" failure. The test, on North Korea's so-called "Day of the Sun," followed its fourth nuclear test in January and a long-range rocket launch in February, which led to new U.N. sanctions that have failed to halt Pyongyang's weapons programs. South Korean officials and international experts said the failed test heightened the possibility that North Korea would conduct a fifth nuclear test, possibly within weeks. The U.S.-based 38 North website, which specializes in North Korea, said there has been activity at the country's nuclear site based on satellite imagery and on Wednesday said the possibility of a fifth nuclear test "could not be ruled out." U.S. officials said the missile tested on Friday never got off the launch pad but further tests were expected. "We're still assessing the specifics of it but I can tell you that it was a fiery, catastrophic attempt at a launch," Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis told a briefing. "It was not successful." Davis said the U.S. military thought the device was a road-mobile missile because the launch occurred at a coastal site where Pyongyang ordinarily does not test rockets. He said North Korea, which regularly threatens to destroy South Korea and the United States and often fires missiles during periods of tension, remained a security concern in spite of the failure. "We know that this is a capability that they are aiming towards," he said. It's ... a missile system that they've displayed on multiple occasions and that is why we have a ballistic missile defense system that we have invested in very heavily to be able to outpace that threat as that threat develops further." CHINA ANGERED The White House strongly condemned the latest launch attempt and said Washington would work with China and other countries to put pressure on North Korea, which faced the prospect of further isolation. China, North Korea's most important economic and diplomatic backer, has been angered by Pyongyang's nuclear tests and rocket launches and has backed U.N. sanctions. "The firing of a mid-range ballistic missile on Friday by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), though failed, marks the latest in a string of saber-rattling that, if unchecked, will lead the country to nowhere," China's official Xinhua news agency said in an English language commentary. "... Nuclear weapons will not make Pyongyang safer. On the contrary, its costly military endeavors will keep on suffocating its economy." Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said the U.N. Security Council was clear on North Korean rocket launches. "At present, the situation on the peninsula is complex and sensitive," he told reporters. "We hope all parties can strictly respect the decisions of the Security Council and avoid taking any steps that could further worsen tensions." In 2012, Kim Il Sung's birthday was also marked by an attempted long-range rocket launch, which also failed. The missile was likely a Musudan, South Korea's Yonhap news agency said, an intermediate-range ballistic missile with a design range of more than 3,000 km (1,800 miles) that can be fired from a road mobile launcher but which has never been flight-tested. Experts see North Korea's Musudan test as part of an effort to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile that can reach the mainland United States. The Musudan theoretically could reach the U.S. Pacific island of Guam. North Korea is to hold a congress of its ruling Workers Party - the first such meeting in 36 years - in early May, at which Kim Jong Un is likely to trumpet his achievements in building up Pyongyang's weapons prowess. South Korean officials and experts say he will be keen to go into that with a show of strength, not a failed rocket launch, making the possibility of another nuclear test more likely. In a new report on Friday, 38 North said it had seen fresh activity in satellite images of North Korea's main nuclear complex, suggesting that reprocessing may be under way to produce more plutonium for atomic bombs.[L5N17I4IM] 38 North predicted last year that North Korea's nuclear weapons stockpile could grow to 20, 50 or 100 bombs within five years, from an estimated 10 to 16 weapons at that time. (Additional reporting by James Pearson in Seoul and David Brunnstrom, Mark Hosenball and Roberta Rampton in Washington; Editing by Nick Macfie and Bill Trott) A three-person court late on Thursday ruled in favor Californias teacher-tenure system, in a closely watched case that has broad national implications. In the case of Vergara v. California, a state appeals court upheld as constitutional various provisions of Californias Education Code. In May 2012, nine public school students sued the state, claiming teacher employment statutes related to tenure were unconstitutional and they violated the equal protection rights of minority and low-income students under the California Constitution. Link: Read The Opinion A lower court in Los Angeles in 2014 agreed with the students, but the new ruling overturns that decision. Plaintiffs failed to establish that the challenged statutes violate equal protection, primarily because they did not show that the statutes inevitably cause a certain group of students to receive an education inferior to the education received by other students, the appellate judges said. The court also said that school official, and not legislatures, need to work to ensure that educational quality applied to all public-school students. Related Video: Was the Vergara teacher-retention case wrongly decided? Administratorsnot the statutesultimately determine where teachers within a district are assigned to teach. Critically, plaintiffs failed to show that the statutes themselves make any certain group of students more likely to be taught by ineffective teachers than any other group of students, the court said. Theodore J. Boutrous Jr., a prominent lawyer representing the students, called the ruling a temporary setback. The Court of Appeals decision mistakenly blames local school districts for the egregious constitutional violations students are suffering each and every day, but the mountain of evidence we put on at trial proved beyond any reasonable dispute that the irrational, arbitrary, and abominable laws at issue in this case shackle school districts and impose severe and irreparable harm on students, he said in a statement. Story continues I think its a win certainly for educators, but also a win for students, California Teachers Assn. President Eric C. Heins said after the decision. The trial never made the connection between the harms [the plaintiffs] were alleging and the statutes they were challenging. I think the laws have been working. The appeals court agreed that the evidence also revealed deplorable staffing decisions being made by some local administrators that have a deleterious impact on poor and minority students in Californias public schools. But the judges said that since the students legal team attacked the statutes and not the actions of the administrators, this was a heavy burden and one plaintiffs did not carry. The California students found fault with three items: A permanent employment statute, which grants tenure to new teachers after two years; but requires a decision on tenure earlier into their employment; Several dismissal statutes, which afford teachers certain due process rights before being subject to termination (such as investigations, hearings, union grievances, administrative appeals); and A last-in, first out statute, which mandates a seniority-based layoff system requiring that layoffs be conducted by seniority statusso recently-hired teachers are dismissed first, regardless of performance. The students backed their claims with statistics: according to the U.S. Department of Education, California public schools ranked 46th in the nation in 4th-grade reading and 47th in the nation in 8th-grade math. California defended against the lawsuit, supported by two California teachers unions representing over 400,000 teachers. They argued the statutes, which strengthened the employment rights of public school teachers and enhanced the status of the teaching profession, were not the real cause of Californias failing schools. The lawsuit distracted from the real issue: the need for smaller classrooms and adequate resources to improve public education. Not only were the statutes constitutional, California argued, but they also protected the important constitutional due process rights of teachers as public employees. In August 2014, however, the trial judge sided with the students. The court found that substantial evidence showed the statutes imposed a real and appreciable impact on students fundamental right to equality of education, and imposed a disproportionate burden on poor and minority students. California appealed the judgment. The Deputy Attorney General for California emphasized during oral argument there was insufficient causation to prove the plaintiffs equal protection claims. If school districts were assigning a disproportionate share of poor teachers to low-income students, this was not actually caused by the statutes, but resulted from the independent decisions made by the district themselves. Boutros, the students attorney, countered that even if the statutes dont spell out their harmful effects, the court must look to their practical effectsand the trial court heard overwhelming evidence of their harmful, negative effects on the students fundamental right to education. The case will be appealed to the states Supreme Court. Recent Stories on Constitution Daily Cruz winning eligibility challenges but critics remain Video Replay: Freedom Day 2016 Podcast: The future of free speech at the Supreme Court The economy has improved substantially in the last seven years during the Obama administration. Yet two-thirds of Americans still think the country is on the wrong track. And Donald Trumps message that the American dream is dead has resonated with many Americans. Some people are still recovering from the trauma of what happened in 2007-2008. You know, we went through a really scary time. It was the fastest contraction that we've seen even before the Great Depression. By some measures the economy contracted faster and saw a steeper decline than you saw back in the late '20s, early '30s, the President told Yahoo Finance in an interview on Thursday. People still remember the uncertainty that came from their pensions shrinking. Their home values dropping precipitously...losing a job. And so I think there's still an insecurity there. The President pointed out that the economy is in better shape now than in 2008. The unemployment rate has dropped to 5% from its peak of 10%, the beleaguered housing market has come back with housing starts going from under 500 million in 2009 to 1.2 million today, and other cyclical industries like autos have hit new highs. It is indisputable that the economy is much better now than it was when I came into office. We're continuing to make progress, he said. It's important for people to remember that-- our economy recovered faster and continues to do better than any other-- advanced economy around the world, and that's because we got some policy measures right. But he acknowledged that these improvements have not been recognized many consumers. [Wages and incomes] haven't gone up as quickly as people had been accustomed to in previous generations, he said. There are a lot of reasons for that. Global competition. Technology. You know, corporate practices have changed. In some cases tax policies that I'd like to see changed, and I've tried to push Congress to change have made a difference. Story continues Obama said he hopes going forward there will be a focus on additional steps that can be taken to make a difference. Why aren't we investing in infrastructure that would put people back to work and strengthen our competitiveness over the long-term? Why aren't we investing more in things like early childhood education so that our education system is generating the workers who we're gonna need for the jobs of the future? President Barack Obama sat with Yahoo Finance's Nicole Sinclair to discuss his new Executive Order. On Friday, President Barack Obama announced he would sign an Executive Order directing every relevant agency of the Federal government to take steps in identifying bottlenecks to competition and to create new ways to increase competition in the economy. The Executive Order puts agencies on a fast-track path to, within 60 days, identify the steps theyll take. Competition is good for consumers, Obama told Yahoo Finance in an interview at the White House on Thursday. And ultimately it's good for business. That's the way the free market works. The more competition we have, the more products, services, innovation takes place. As one of the first actions in this new, government-wide push, the Commerce Department is filing with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to call on it to increase competition in the set-top box market. Cable and satellite TV boxes sit on televisions in hundreds of millions of American homes, showing up on every months bill as converter rental. According to analysis by the White House, the cost cable set-top boxes on average $231 to rent per year has risen 185% while the cost of computers, televisions and mobile phones has dropped by 90%. It's been tied to the provider, and you rent it and consumers spend billions of dollars on this every single year, Obama said. There hasn't been much innovation The effort to open up the set-top box market is just part of a broader effort for the administration. The idea is that whether we're talking about financial services, whether we're talking about products like the box on your cable TV across the board if we have more players who can potentially participate, fewer barriers to entry, the rules aren't rigged, then you get more people trying to get your business and you get better products at cheaper prices, he said. The Council of Economic Advisors (CEA) released a report on Friday that documented evidence that competition has been reduced in the economy. The report pointed to a decades-long decline in new business formation and increases in industry-specific measures of concentration. The report pointed to efficiencies of scale, increases in merger and acquisition activity, firms crowding out potential competitors, and regulatory barriers to entry. Story continues I think the general theme is that American business is the cornerstone of our economy, Obama said. Our private sector thrives and innovation is the hallmark of the United States. That's our big comparative advantage with other countries. But it starts to become less effective, and reduces both what consumers get and the kind of innovation we generate if we get closed systems or if people are gaming the system. The CEA noted increasing industry concentration, outsized returns to a few firms, and lower rates of firm entry and labor mobility. The table below shows that in most industries from 1997 and 2012, the top 50 largest firms in each have seen their share of the pie grow. Source: Economic Census (1997 and 2012), Census Bureau, CEA Report April 15, 2016 Several agencies are already using their authority to advance competition. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the Department of Transportation (DOT) has sought to provide competitive airline carriers with greater access to takeoff and landing slots at capacity-constrained slot-controlled airports. The FCC, in its most recent spectrum auction design, established a market-based spectrum reserve designed to ensure against excessive concentration in holdings of low-band spectrum. Still, the CEA and Obama argue that consumers and workers would benefit from additional policy actions by the government to promote competition. Obama said this executive action focusing on consumer issues is key for leveling the playing field. I think that Congress has been stuck, partly for ideological reasons, in taking some common sense steps that would improve the economy and help working families. But I will tell you that consumer actions like this, or the actions that we took with respect to financial advisors making sure that they have an obligation to the people they're advising to actually do what's best for their clients as opposed to the services that they may be pedaling you know, rules like that they seem small bore initially 'cause they don't get a lot of attention, but they can add up to billion or dollars out of the pockets of consumers, Obama said. The President said that while the economy has improved since he took office, not all of this is translating as much as it should for workers. [Wages and incomes] haven't gone up as quickly as people had been accustomed to in previous generations, he said. But the fact of the matter is it is indisputable that the economy is much better now than it was when I came into office. We're continuing to make progress. And my hope is that during this debate we focus very practically on what are the additional steps we can take to make a difference. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Apr. 15 By Huseyn Hasanov- Trend: Turkmenistan stands for strengthening relations with Uzbekistan, said Turkmenistan's President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. He made the remarks during the meeting with the Uzbek ambassador Jawhar Izamov, said the message issued by the Turkmen government. Turkmenistan's president noted that the country pays special attention to the strengthening of friendly relations with its neighbors, including Uzbekistan, with whom the country is associated not only by geographical proximity but also by historical roots, common culture, language and traditions of the two brotherly peoples, said the message. The parties exchanged views on perspectives of bilateral partnership's further development, according to the message. The spheres of trade and economy, fuel and energy, transportation and communication, agriculture, tourism were called among the priority areas, said the message. The two states are connected with several major projects. In particular, a gas pipeline from Turkmenistan to China through the territory of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan was commissioned in December 2009. Ashgabat and Tashkent regularly discuss such issues as the situation in Afghanistan, the problems of the Aral Sea and the problems of transboundary rivers at the highest level. Washington (AFP) - Anonymously owned shell companies, against which the G20 economic powers pledged action Friday, amount to a global black hole that legally puts trillions of dollars out of tax authorities' reach. The "Panama Papers," leaked two weeks ago from the Mossack Fonseca law firm, which helps set up such companies, opened a window into that world. The documents show how thousands and thousands of the mailbox business fronts exist worldwide, most often in tax havens like Panama, the British Virgin Islands and the Cayman Islands, enabling untraceable owners to stash assets, legal or illegal, offshore. Often encased by other shell entities like Russian nesting dolls, their existence represents a gaping hole in the international effort to combat tax evasion launched in 2009, which forced banks around the world to share account holders' data with their home tax agencies. The business of providing secrecy through shell companies isn't confined to sunny Caribbean or Pacific islands. In the United States, a number of individual states such as Delaware and Wyoming are hubs for shell company registration. Their promise of secrecy has made the United States an increasingly popular destination for foreigners wanting to hide assets, legal or illicit. Russia's notorious arms trader Viktor Bout deployed shell companies around the world to hide his activities, including in the United States. Britain's Jersey and Guernsey islands are also popular tax havens. In a recent case, anonymous companies set up in Jersey enabled a bank affiliated with the Iranian government and restricted by US sanctions to control a Manhattan skyscraper. "They are designed for concealment and so are as useful for getting around sanctions as they are for tax avoidance or money laundering," said Pascal Saint-Amans, head of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's unit fighting tax havens. The G20's new commitment to opening up that black hole came out of a push this week by France, Germany, Britain, Italy and Spain, which said they would take the lead in establishing a registry of shell company owners' identities, with aims to expand it worldwide. "The recent extensive leaks from Panama show the critical importance of the fight against tax evasion, aggressive tax planning and money laundering," the five said. "The current events show that identifying the ultimate beneficial owner behind corporate structures is key to fighting tax evasion, money laundering and illicit finance effectively," German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said. BEIJING (Reuters) - A U.S.-based online publishing platform, Medium, has been blocked in China, the company said, the latest service to be affected as Beijing exerts greater control over the Internet. Medium, which allows users, including companies and media outlets, to post blogs that readers can annotate, has been inaccessible since at least early this week, according to Internet users in China and tests by Reuters using tools developed by anti-censorship watchdog GreatFire.org. A representative of San Francisco-based Medium said in an email: "We are aware of the block and we don't have definitive knowledge why the block has occurred." China's Internet regulator did not respond to a faxed request for comment. Last week, a Medium post about the Panama Papers leak, detailing the offshore wealth of various countries' leaders and their relatives, including China's, was widely shared on Chinese social media. China has moved to limit access to coverage of the matter and has censored online reports about it. Also last week, Medium said more than a dozen media outlets would start publishing on its site, an arrangement that would have allowed publications whose websites are blocked in China to reach users in the country. Medium joins a range of sites already blocked in China, including the blogging platforms WordPress and Google's Blogger. The websites of several major media outlets are also blocked, including those of the Economist and Time, which both become inaccessible last week after they ran articles critical of President Xi Jinping. Under Xi, the government has tightened control on the Internet and sought to codify that policy in the law. Officials say Internet restrictions are needed to ensure security in the face of rising threats, such as terrorism. Foreign governments and business groups have pointed to restrictions on the Internet as a broader trade issue. On Friday, a U.S. business lobby said Internet restrictions were hampering business and that the free flow of information was critical to China's effort to promote innovation. (Reporting by Paul Carsten; Additional reporting by Michael Martina, Beijing Newsroom and Jonathan Weber in San Francisco; Editing by Robert Birsel and Grant McCool) By Kim Palmer CLEVELAND (Reuters) - Opening arguments are slated to begin on Friday in the trial of an Ohio man who may face a death sentence after being charged with killing three women and wrapping their bodies in garbage bags. Michael Madison, 38, faces 14 charges that include kidnapping, gross abuse of a corpse, rape and murder in the deaths of Shetisha Sheeley, 28; Angela Deskins, 38; and 18-year-old Shirellda Terry. Jury selection in Cuyahoga County Court in downtown Cleveland has taken nearly two weeks, and prosecutors plan to call 50 witnesses in the trial, which is expected to last for an additional three weeks. Repeated motions by Madisons lawyer for a mistrial have been denied. East Cleveland Police found the first of the three women in July 2013 after responding to a complaint about foul odors coming from a garage behind Madison's apartment. The bodies of two more women were discovered nearby the next day. Madison was arrested at his mother's Cleveland home after a two-hour standoff with police. He pleaded not guilty in 2013 and has been held on a $6 million bond since his arrest. Madison was previously arrested in 2001 for kidnapping, attempted rape and gross sexual imposition. He pleaded guilty to attempted rape in 2002 and was sentenced to four years in prison, according to court documents. Defense lawyers were granted a motion in February to prevent county prosecutors from comparing Madison with Anthony Sowell, who was convicted of raping and killing 11 women and wrapping their bodies in plastic bags before disposing of them in and around his East Cleveland home. (Reporting by Kim Palmer, Editing by Ben Klayman and Lisa Von Ahn) The question of whether P.J. Harveys new album is a misguided work of poverty tourism would not be worth debating if the music itself were as forgettable as politically minded art can sometimes be. But, alas, the sound of the indie-rock icons The Hope Six Demolition Project keeps rattling in my head, whether because of the gothic swells of guitar and horns on The Ministry of Defence, the deceptively chipper singalong of The Community of Hope, or the steadily climbing vocal melody on The Orange Monkey. Harveys sound has shifted shapes over her career, but her talent rarely wavers: She sings with a mix of steely remove and gasping rawness, and she conjures arrangements that snuggly envelop listeners before deeply freaking them out. You cannot quite ignore this album, which means you cannot quite ignore what she is saying. The recording sessions for The Hope Six Demolition Project were held in public in London, and the lyrical inspiration came from Harvey visiting Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Washington, D.C. with the photographer Seamus Murphy. Controversy over the D.C. expedition then framed most of the ensuing discourse about the album. After receiving a tour of the poorest parts of the American capital from an unwitting Washington Post reporter, Harvey wrote the albums lead-off track The Community of Hope, which referred to D.C.s Ward 7 as just drug town, just zombies. The local non-profit that shares the songs name criticized its lyrics as insensitive, and a former D.C. mayor called the tune inane. Blistering reviews portraying Harvey as a privileged exploiter of an underclass have followed. There are many unanswerable questions about Harveys intentions with the albumshes not doing interviewsbut the barest bit of benefit of the doubt would grant that the zombies line is not to be taken at face value. It reads, in full, as this: OK, now this is just drug town, just zombies / But thats just life. This is in all likelihood a smart woman trying to sound a bit stupid. The song is not about Ward 7 but rather about someone not from Ward 7 being driven around it searching for, and perhaps not quite finding, understanding. The accompanying video begins in the backseat of the tour guides car, and the lyrics very clearly weave in the notion of subjectivity, distance, and miscomprehension. Benning Road, she sings, is a well-known pathway of deathat least thats what Im told. Story continues Recommended: Dear 'Game of Thrones' Showrunners: Take Your Time Much of the album is, in fact, about what shes been told. The stupendous and terrifying The Ministry of Defence opens with stop-start guitar chords before Harvey enters in a high and unsettled voice; the effect is a bit like Black Sabbath. The ensuing landscape of bombed-out buildings and children who balanced sticks in human shit would certainly fit with Ozzy Osbournes lyrical preoccupations, and the song climaxes much like T.S. Eliot describing post-war ruins long past: This is how the world will end. But amid all the drama, when Harvey mentions banalities like bus depots and soda, a mans accented spoken words echo her. Its likely another tour guide. But his presence doesnt mean Harvey is simply witnessing and documenting misery and strife. She is aestheticizing those things, as art necessarily does to its subjects. The meta aspects of the albumthe open creation process and the references to her own perceptionindicate that she is aware that she is doing this, and in fact she wants to make her own responses part of the art. The people and places she sings about, despite Harvey having visited them, are mere surfaces to her, and they shall be surfaces to their listeners. But this should notand if you want art that engages with the real world at all, cannotdisqualify her from having something to say about complacency, despair, and power. Laura Snapes at Pitchfork has proposed that after 2011s Let England Shake explored Harveys home countrys history with war, The Hope Six Demolition Project is the sequel that deals with America. This seems correct. In placing desperate parts of Afghanistan and Kosovo next to desperate parts of Washington, D.C., Harvey draws attention to how a prosperous nations stated humanitarian goals have gone unmet domestically and abroad. Medicinals recounts the herbal plants that once grew where the National Mall is, and closes with a description of a Native American woman in a Redskins hat and wheelchair drinking alcohol. Some listeners have found this undeniably heavy-handed image offensive on the womans behalf, but whats probably more provocative about the song is its attitude toward Americas existence. Recommended: 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt' Is Back and More Madcap Than Ever Wisely, perhaps, Harvey is not too narrow, too politically pin-downable, in her indictments. Rather than asking whether the United States is a force for good, she asks whether all of civilization is. This happens explicitly over the Tom Waits-inspired gallop of A Line in the Sand: What Ive seenyes, its changed how I see humankindI used to think progress was being made, that we could get something right (on the page its wonky, but in the ear its pretty). This naked and broad hopelessness is perhaps more typical of death metal than literary rock. Harvey doesnt totally commit to it, later singing that she reserves some hope for the future even after describing a camp where refugees gnaw on horse hooves for sustenance. In the context of this flirtation with nihilism, the controversial The Community of Hope seems even more complicated. The title and chorus refers to the name of a housing project, and another catchy refrain in the song goes, Theyre gonna put a Walmart here, which is something Harveys guide said. The sarcasm of the presentation, the implication that hope and redevelopment are just Orwellian lies, is partly why the song has triggered backlash. After all, there no doubt is hope in the community shes singing about, and that Walmart really might help the neighborhoods lot (though this particular planned megastore never got built). But surely its valid to feel suspicion in the light of a history littered with narratives of uplift, improvement, and perseverance told by powerful institutions about the people theyve helped keep powerless. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. By Mehreen Zahra-Malik and Mubasher Bukhari ISLAMABAD/LAHORE, Pakistan (Reuters) - Pakistani forces battled on Friday to dislodge a criminal gang holding 24 hostages from its island hideout in the prosperous province of Punjab, with a top regional official saying it had at most 48 hours in which to surrender. The security operation involving more than 1,600 security forces is now in its tenth day, an unprecedented use of force by the powerful military in Punjab, which is the political power base of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Television broadcast images of police and army commandos firing assault weapons at the 10-km- (6-mile-) long island in the center of the Indus River, as an armored personnel carrier drove by. "The gang will not be allowed to get away," Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah told reporters in televised comments. "Political and military leaders agree that there will be no negotiations with these criminals, nor will we entertain any of their demands." He added, "They will either have to surrender or be eliminated within the coming 24 to 48 hours." While Pakistan's attention has for years been focused on the Taliban and al Qaeda threat on the Afghan border in the remote northwest, militants and criminals have quietly expanded their influence and won recruits in the country's heartland of Punjab. At least six police officials have been killed in the battle for the island, launched in a sweeping crackdown after a Taliban suicide bombing killed 72 people in Lahore, the provincial capital, last month. It was unclear just how many members of the "Chotu Group", blamed for hundreds of cases of kidnapping for ransom, murder and robbery, were trapped there, but police said their families were believed to be accompanying them. Police spokeswoman Nabeela Ghazanfar said seven of the gang's leaders had been killed by police and eight injured, while six police officials had died and seven were hurt in clashes. Policemen were among the 24 hostages, she added. The battle is taking place near Rajanpur, one of the poorest districts in Punjab, where the Panjnad River flows into the Indus, Pakistan's lifeline. Authorities said the gang was led by Ghulam Rasool, also known as Chotu, a longtime criminal active in the border areas of the provinces of Punjab and Sindh. Previous military crackdowns have focused on the lawless tribal regions where the Taliban and other militants are based. Paramilitary Rangers also launched a crackdown on criminals in the violent southern port city of Karachi in 2013. (Writing by Mehreen Zahra-Malik; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) Madrid (AFP) - The worldwide "Panama Papers" scandal claimed a fresh political victim Friday as Spain's industry minister resigned over allegations he had links to offshore companies. Jose Manuel Soria said he had tendered his resignation "in light of the succession of mistakes committed along the past few days, relating to my explanations over my business activities... and considering the obvious harm that this situation is doing to the Spanish government." Soria's troubles began on Monday when Spanish online daily El Confidencial, which has had access to the Panama Papers -- millions of files leaked from law firm Mossack Fonseca -- said he was an administrator of an offshore firm in 1992. Soria called a news conference to deny any link to the company, but as the week went by, more allegations emerged from other media outlets, revealing further alleged connections to offshore havens. It is unclear as yet whether any of his alleged actions were illegal. Later, in a television interview, Soria said that the events in question had occurred more than 20 years ago and "I don't remember exactly what happened." "I have done absolutely nothing illegal," he insisted. Economy Minister Luis de Guindos was later named as his successor in the industry post. - Blow for conservatives - Soria is the latest political victim of the Panama Papers leak, which revealed how the world's wealthy stashed assets in offshore companies, and which the law firm blamed on a computer hack. Iceland's Prime Minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson was also forced to resign over the leaks. In his statement, Soria said politics "is an activity that must always be exemplary, also where... explanations are concerned." "When that doesn't happen, one must assume one's responsibilities," he added, in an indication that he was resigning due to how he had handled the revelations rather than over any irregularities. Story continues He said he was resigning immediately from all political activity. The initial revelations showed that Soria's name appeared alongside his brother's as administrator of a company based in the Bahamas created through Panama-based Mossack Fonseca. He denied any links to that firm, saying he had told Spanish prosecutors to clear his name with the Panamanian authorities. But other media revealed that Soria had links to another company based in the offshore haven of Jersey until 2002, when he was mayor of Las Palmas in Spain's Canary Islands. In his statement, Soria blamed his contradictory explanations over the week on "the lack of accurate information about facts that happened more than 20 years ago." Soria's resignation deals another blow to Mariano Rajoy's Popular Party (PP) government, which has been ruling Spain in a caretaker capacity as political groupings try -- and have so far failed -- to reach an agreement on a coalition government after inconclusive December elections. The conservative PP, in power since 2011, has been shaken by corruption scandal after corruption scandal. And while there is as yet no indication of any irregularities where Soria is concerned, the revelations are likely to embarrass the party, particularly as the country gears up for fresh elections due to the failure to reach any coalition agreement. His is the second scandal-triggered resignation to hit the PP since it came to power in December 2011. In November 2014, then health minister Ana Mato was forced to step down over corruption investigations. Soria said he would abandon all political activities from Friday. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Apr. 15 By Huseyn Hasanov- Trend: Turkmenistan and the EU implement joint project "Support to the introduction of Sustainable Development Policies - Rational use of natural resources in the energy-environment sectors in Turkmenistan," Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper reported. This project's implementation is aimed at creating a national model of the energy-efficient economy, according to the newspaper. "The project is being implemented within the framework of the bilateral partnership of Turkmenistan and the EU in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding on energy cooperation," reported the newspaper citing Sylvia Pietropaolo, policy officer at the European Commission, as saying. The joint project is based on the provisions of Turkmenistan's National Climate Change Strategy and contributes to the execution of the country's obligations under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Rome (AFP) - Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I has urged Europe to stop trying to divide economic migrants from asylum seekers as he prepares for Saturday's hugely symbolic visit to the Greek island of Lesbos alongside Pope Francis. Reiterating that Christians have a moral duty to show hospitality to strangers, Bartholomew said in an interview published Friday that Europe should take inspiration from the generosity of Lesbos residents confronted with a mass influx to their island. "This question puts me in mind of St Paul's letter to the Hebrews in which he reminds us not to forget hospitality because those who offer it have sometimes hosted angels without knowing it," Bartholomew told Italian daily Il Messaggero. "Hospitality represents a concrete example of love for our neighbour and the way all Christians should live their lives." The patriarch said Saturday's trip to the Greek island at the centre of the migrant crisis would "send a strong message in every direction". "At this historic time and with the way the refugee crisis is developing, those people who can exercise influence have to work in this spirit." He went on to say that he agreed with Francis's stance that distinctions between economic migrants, whom the EU says must always be returned to their countries of origin, and people fleeing conflict or repression is an artificial one. "Pope Francis has repeatedly referred to the ills of contemporary models of development and we share his point of view," he said. "The globalisation of the world economy has created a serious crisis of identity for the contemporary world, hunger and misery in many parts of our planet, and this offends God himself. "The segregation of certain groups of people to the advantage of others does not reflect His desire and in this context we must seek new and fairer economic systems." The visit by the religious leaders to Lesbos follows the conclusion last month of a controversial deal which aims to ensure that people arriving on the Greek islands without an asylum claim are quickly return to Turkey. Pet Love: A global look at cozy relationships between people and animals. Theres a war brewing on Brooklyns rooftops. Were friends in the street, but on the roof, its every man for himself, Joey Brunet says. Hes talking about pigeon wars, not gang wars. Brunet owns just over 200 pigeons with pedigree bloodlines (down from the thousand he once cared for) and hes not alone. In Brooklyn, around 20 or 30 men keep up to thousands of pigeons on their roofs. Like most pigeon fliers in New York, Brunet, 42, got into pigeon keeping when he was around 12. For him, pigeon keeping isnt a hobby, its a way of life. Roof pigeons arent like the birds that flock to that one guy in Washington Square Park. Think of them instead as the family golden retriever and street pigeons as rabid strays. And just like any beloved pet, roof pigeons require a lot of care. They need to be fed, watered and flown, morning and night, 365 days a year. Gettyimages 1512979 A pigeon keeper watches his flock from the roof of his building. Source: Spencer Platt / Getty While pigeon keeping might seem like a loner activity, its anything but. An entire subculture surrounds it. Fathers or uncles pass down the tradition to their sons or nephews, and the guys meet up every Sunday for a barbecue or to just hang out at their version of the local bar: the Brooklyn Pigeon and Pets Supplies, in Bushwick. What differentiates these guys from other pigeon raisers, feeders and lovers around the world is the emphasis on flying as a sport. Really, its simple: The guys (this is a largely dudes-only thing) release their flocks into the air and train them to follow commands, like mixing with another nearby, airborne group, going left or right or, most important, returning home to the rooftop. Domestic pigeons are bred for their ability to find their way home. The fliers want their birds to fly really high because it shows their strength, explains photographer Aaron Wojack, who spent time photographing and befriending Brooklyns pigeon fliers. You also want to lure away your fellow fliers birds, considered fair game if you can get them. Of course, when you lose a pigeon, youre upset, says Brunet. Story continues But not everyone thinks pigeons are so majestic, and there are some who would rather evict the fliers and their flocks. Wojack says its definitely a declining sport now that rooftops are considered prime real estate. Manhattans rooftops used to be dotted with pigeon coops, but these days most fliers live in Queens or Brooklyn. And even those groups are dwindling, says Brunet. Some neighbors call the Department of Health and pigeon fliers can get cited. Its legal to keep pigeons, if the conditions are deemed sanitary, according to New York Citys official website. But, according to Brunet, sanitary is interpreted with varying degrees of subjectivity. (Since this story was reported, Brunet says he was forced to sell the property where he kept the pigeons.) As 30-something hipster couples move into Brooklyn, bringing green juices and expensive strollers with them, theyre unwittingly pushing a beloved pastime out. And while Brunet laments that his neighborhood has changed, pigeons will always be a part of his world: I cant explain it, he says, but once you do it, you are stuck with it for life. Related Articles Billlionaire eBay founder Pierre Omidyar is donating $100,000 to NeverTrump PAC, a fledgling super PAC that registered with the Federal Election Commission on March 4. While Omidyar has made donations to various Democratic candidates and party organizations over the years, this is believed to be his first contribution to a super PAC. Such organizations were made possible by the 2010 U.S. Supreme Court decision Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. Omidyar confirmed the donation via Twitter: "I think Trumpism is dangerous," he wrote. "So I'm personally supporting @NeverTrumpPAC, a rare political contribution during extreme times." Billionaire businessman Donald Trump currently leads rivals Ted Cruz and John Kasich in the race for the Republican Party's presidential nomination, although forces such as NeverTrump PAC have recently been working to thwart him. Omidyar's contribution shows that liberal-leaning donors may also be willing to pony up funds to influence the GOP presidential contest. Omidyar, 48, is number 163 on Forbes' list of the worlds billionaires, with an estimated net worth of $7.8 billion. The Hawaii resident made his fortune from eBay, the popular online auction site, where he still serves on the board. He and his wife, Pam, are major philanthropists, and have poured hundreds of millions of dollars into projects centered around human rights, economic development, government transparency and media, among other areas. Omidyar's dislike for Trump is no secret. He has made his antipathy toward the candidate clear on Twitter. I can't be contrarian about Donald Trump anymore, he tweeted on March 13, quoting a Vox story, as Trump blamed Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders for violence at Trump rallies. He's terrifying. Trump is a dangerous authoritarian demagogue, Omidyar wrote in one tweet a few days later. Endorsing Donald Trump immediately disqualifies you from any position of public trust, he wrote in another. Story continues He has also called Trump a bigot and a thin-skinned, scaredy-cat with no spine. Reached via phone, Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks declined to comment. This story is part of Buying of the President 2016. Tracking the candidates, political committees and nonprofits that are making this presidential election the most expensive in history. Click here to read more stories in this investigation. Don't miss another Politics investigation: Sign up for the Center for Public Integrity's Watchdog email. The Center for Public Integrity receives funding for its money in politics work from the Democracy Fund, a private foundation funded by Omidyar. The Democracy Fund invests in "organizations working to ensure that our political system is responsive to the priorities of the American public," according to its website. The group further notes that "The publics voice is increasingly drowned out as political leaders become ever-more dependent on a relatively small group of large donors and special interests." Democracy Fund president Joe Goldman said Friday that the group is strictly nonpartisan: "As a private foundation, we do not support or oppose candidates and no Democracy Fund resources were used in the course of this gift, he said. "Pierre has no editorial involvement with the journalism groups he funds," said Gina Lindblad, an Omidyar spokeswoman. The super PAC reported the contribution in a filing Friday. It reported a little more than $150,000 in contributions with $50,000 coming from Keith Rabois, a technology investor and former PayPal executive. He's currently with Khosla Ventures, a venture capital firm. The Omidyar Network, a philanthropic organization that invests in numerous for-profit and nonprofit ventures, has also funded other Center for Public Integrity projects. Center for Public Integrity CEO Peter Bale said the Democracy Fund, while founded by Omidyar, "is an independent entity" and that donors "exert no influence on Center story choice or reporting." So far, NeverTrump PAC has paid nearly $50,000 to Tusk Digital, a Washington, D.C.-based company, for online advertising. The super PAC is linked to Republican digital consultant Patrick Ruffini. The groups website features a pledge that says signers will do our part to deny Donald Trump the Republican nomination and ensure that he never becomes commander-in-chief. Never means never. According to the website, the pledge has so far been signed by nearly 25,000 people. A super PAC is a political committee that can raise unlimited amounts from individuals, labor unions and corporations that must be spent independently from a candidate. Earlier this month, Ruffini told The Hill newspaper that the group was relying on small dollar donations to run targeted ads in New York districts where Trump could be denied delegates. Omidyar has not been a major donor in the super PAC era, although he and Pam have given more than $500,000 to federal candidates and groups nearly all of them Democrats since 1999, according to a Center for Public Integrity review of records filed with the Federal Election Commission. Pierre and Pam Omidyar have combined to give nearly $200,000 to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee over the years and about $150,000 to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. Both Pierre and Pam Omidyar supported Democrat Hillary Clinton during her 2006 U.S. Senate re-election campaign. Pam Omidyar donated to both Clinton and Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential race, while Pierre Omidyar did not donate to any presidential candidate that year. Neither has yet made a personal contribution to any 2016 White House hopefuls, according to FEC records. High-profile Democratic candidates to whom Pierre Omidyar has donated in the past include House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.; Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.; and Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif. His most recent federal political contributions came in 2010, records indicate. Pierre Omidyar has given money to only a handful of Republicans including former President George W. Bush, former U.S. Rep. James Greenwood of Pennsylvania and former U.S. Rep. Jeb Bradley of New Hampshire. Between 1999 and 2010, he also donated $55,000 to the political action committee of eBay, which supported a number of Republican and Democratic candidates. This story is part of Buying of the President 2016. Tracking the candidates, political committees and nonprofits that are making this presidential election the most expensive in history. 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. Los Angeles (AFP) - With a guitar in hand rather than a notebook, rocker PJ Harvey has taken on the role of a journalist on a forceful new album that crosses continents to explore modern-day destruction. "The Hope Six Demolition Project," the ninth album by one of the most accoladed British musicians of her generation, turns Harvey's observations on 21st-century decay into songs led by her trademark bluesy-punk guitar, with surprisingly uplifting touches. Although Harvey traveled for the album to war-torn Afghanistan and Kosovo, much of the work explores Washington, where the rocker was interested not in the corridors of power but the poverty just a short distance away. The album's title is a reference to Hope VI, the 1990s US program that tore down decrepit public housing but which critics say failed to find adequate new accommodation for former residents. Harvey aims to look at some of the lingering after-effects on the album's first track, "The Community of Hope." Set to a deceptively ebullient guitar riff that runs throughout the song, she travels on "the highway to death and destruction" in Washington's low-income Ward 7, which she describes with the words "Now this is just drug town, just zombies / But that's just life." Harvey wrote the song after a tour of Ward 7 led by a Washington Post journalist, Paul Schwartzman, a self-admitted unhip chronicler of the city who had not heard of Harvey but was asked to show around a visiting "musician/poet." The song climaxes in a chant about looming gentrification derived from Schwartzman's tour -- "They're gonna put a Walmart here." (In fact, the mega-chain announced while Harvey was recording the album that it was suspending plans to put a Walmart there.) - Touches of hope - The 46-year-old rocker, who can play virtually all instruments in her music, broke through with her 1995 album "To Bring You My Love" and is the only artist to win Britain's prestigious Mercury Prize twice. Story continues Her other two Mercury-winning albums bear the closest narrative similarities to "The Hope Six Demolition Project." "Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea" (2000) delved into Harvey's love of New York City while 2011's "Let England Shake," her last album, weaved together stories of soldiers sent to Iraq and Afghanistan. While the political edge of "Let England Shake" was accompanied by an often dark musical backdrop, "The Hope Six Demolition Project" is belied by an optimism instilled by a saxophone that gives an urgent feel to tracks such as "A Line in the Sand," "Chain of Keys" and "The Wheel." The saxophone takes on a larger role to complement the build-up in "Medicinals," while "Near the Memorials to Vietnam and Lincoln" opens with a joyous folk sing-along. The album culminates with Harvey's bare voice on "Dollar, Dollar," where she shows her vulnerability on seeing a child beggar in Afghanistan. - Anger in Washington - Harvey decided not to give any interviews for "The Hope Six Demolition Project," letting her lyricism speak for itself. In a sign of her inclinations, she spent release day Friday at a literary festival in Genoa, Italy where she presented her recent poetry collection -- a collaboration with photographer Seamus Murphy that also takes place in Washington, Kosovo and Afghanistan. Her work in the vein of journalism has not met with universal acclaim from its subjects. While the boy in "Dollar, Dollar" is unlikely to hear the song, Washington residents have complained about her bleak portrayal of their city. Although the criticism can partially be explained as hometown pride, Harvey may also have run into gaps in trans-Atlantic sensibility. Most white American arthouse musicians would steer clear of writing songs from fleeting encounters in their own country, such as when Harvey sings about Washington's National Mall that "a black man in overalls arrives to empty the trash" and a woman in a wheelchair sips "a new painkiller for the native people." The Community of Hope, a Washington charity, took exception to Harvey's description of "zombies" and her emphasis on the cityscape. "By calling out this picture of poverty in terms of streets and buildings and not the humans who live here," it said in a statement, "have you not reduced their dignity?" Chimpanzee avoids capture Chacha, a male chimp, screams at a worker in Sendai, northern Japan, April 14, 2016, after fleeing from a zoo. The chimpanzee tried desperately to avoid being captured by climbing an electric pole. Chacha was on the loose for nearly two hours after disappearing from the Yagiyama Zoological Park in Sendai, the city hosting finance ministers from the Group of Seven industrialized nations in May. (Photo: Kyodo News/AP) A chimpanzee desperately tries to avoid being captured by climbing an electric pole after fleeing from a zoo; Nepalese people sing and dance to traditional music with colored powder on their faces during the Bisket Jatra Festival in Thimi; and visitors stand inside the installation Le mie prigioni by architect Alessandro Mendini during Design Week in Milan, Italy. These are some of the photos of the day. (AP/EPA/Reuters) Find more news-related photo galleries on the Yahoo News Photo Tumblr! The elimination of a valuable Social Security strategy that married couples use to get more benefits comes at the end of this month. That has some older Americans scrambling to get in before its gone, while others are adjusting their retirement planning to live without it. The federal budget deal signed by President Obama in December put in motion plans to get rid of the file-and-suspend strategy in Social Security that allows a retirees spouse to collect benefits when the retiree is not. That could mean tens of thousands of dollars less in benefits over the course of the couples retirement. Divorced spouses will still be able to receive benefits even if their ex-spouse has suspended benefits. Related: D.C. Budget Could Cost Some Couples Thousands in Social Security This is definitely a big blow to those who are planning to retire before 70, says Evan Beach, a financial planner with Campbell Wealth Management in Alexandria, Virginia. The extra income streams help take stress off of their portfolio in the early years of retirement. Now if they want to wait until 70 to claim, all of the income will have to come from pensions or investments. How it works A retiree can file and immediately suspend their Social Security benefits, while the retirees spouse can start receiving their spousal benefit right away. The advantage is that by suspending benefits and waiting longer to collect Social Security, the retiree will eventually get a bigger monthly benefit. Thats because if you file for Social Security benefits at 70, you get the maximum benefit, a monthly paycheck from the government that is up to 76 percent more than what you would have received if you had filed at 62. The file-and-suspend strategy allows a married couple to tap some Social Security benefits early on, while locking in the maximum benefit later on. Related: Democrats Promise to Expand Social Security Regardless of the Risk It was an especially helpful option for a married couple with benefits that were close to equal since it allowed both to increase their benefits to the maximum while still collecting on one earnings record, says Victoria Fillet-Konrad, founder of Blueprint Financial Planning in Hoboken, New Jersey. She noted some couples could receive $30,000 to $50,000 less in benefits over their lifetime because of the elimination of file-and-suspend. Story continues Social Security Beneficiaries Adjusted Per Capita | InsideGov The alternatives Financial planners are working overtime for their clients who are 66 or older to take action before the April 30 deadline. Those who are too young for file-and-suspend, but turned 62 last year, can file a restricted application, which allows the filing retiree to get the lesser, spousal benefit. At 70, the person will switch back and get their own, larger benefit. Just like with file-and-suspend, waiting to get the full benefit means a larger payout. This often makes sense if a couple has similar benefit amounts, says Beach. But this strategy is also being eliminated by the new legislation for those under 62. Related: The Retirement Revolution That Failed: Why the 401(k) Isnt Working Otherwise, there are other claiming strategies to consider, says Elisa Murphy, a financial planner with Level Financial Advisors in Amherst, New York. For instance, the higher wage-earner delays their benefits until 70, while the lower wage-earner begins benefits at full retirement age. This allows the bigger benefit to grow while the smaller benefit provides cash flow for the couple, Murphy says. Americans will just have to plan ahead even more. Our clients that were not grandfathered in are still young enough that we can effectively plan for the reduction in total Social Security retirement benefits, says Patrick Wallace, wealth manager at Higher Strata Wealth Management in Hurst, Texas. In some cases the reduction was close to six figures, but when it is spread out over 30 years, it is a manageable problem. Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Apr. 15 By Demir Azizov - Trend: Secretaries of security councils of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states have discussed the international information security issues. They pointed out the importance of preventing the use of Internet and other information and communication technologies for promoting the ideology of terrorism, separatism and extremism, said the message released following the 11th meeting of secretaries of security councils of SCO member states held in Tashkent. The meeting participants called for the speedy finalization and adoption of a comprehensive UN convention against international terrorism and spoke for increasing the efforts in fighting drug trafficking. They noted that one of the most important factors in strengthening security and stability in the region is the speedy settlement of the situation in Afghanistan by peaceful means. The secretaries of security councils welcomed the practical implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action to resolve Iran's nuclear problem. The meeting participants noted that the strict adherence to the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty will make a significant contribution to the strengthening of regional stability and nuclear non-proliferation regime. They expressed confidence that more active involvement of observer states and dialogue partners in the SCO activities in overcoming the challenges and threats to regional security will make it possible to increase the effectiveness of the measures taken in this sphere. The SCO members are China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Afghanistan, Iran, Mongolia and Belarus are the SCO observer-countries, while Turkey, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia and Nepal are dialogue partners. By Idrees Ali WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Pratt & Whitney, a United Technologies Corp unit and maker of the F119 engine used in the F-22 aircraft, said it would reach peak overhaul for the engine two years before it had previously expected. Pratt will overhaul 32 engines this year and 64 next year, Bennett Croswell, president of Pratt & Whitney Military Engines, told Reuters. Croswell said the overhaul was being carried out because the aircraft is being used more often than originally thought. In August, the United States said it would deploy F-22 fighter jets to Europe as a part of a broader effort to support eastern European members of the NATO alliance unnerved by Russia's intervention in Ukraine. The Air Force has also been using the radar-evading aircraft to carry attacks against Islamic State. Croswell said it would be a challenge to overhaul the engine because it is no longer in production and Pratt was working with suppliers to make sure there was an adequate workforce. The jets formally entered service in December 2005, with the last F-22 delivered to the Air Force in 2012. "As far as I know, this is the first time a fighter engine has come in for... major depot overhaul and it wasn't still in production," Croswell said. He added that at a recent conference with about 40 suppliers for the engine, there was concern about not having enough manpower, an issue that would be addressed. Croswell said he was confident that Pratt could meet the requirements because the F119 engine has similar parts to the F135, which is still in production. He said the work would be carried out at the Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City. (Reporting by Idrees Ali; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama) By Ahmed Aboulenein and Eric Knecht CAIRO (Reuters) - Hundreds of Egyptian protesters angered by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's decision to hand over two islands to Saudi Arabia called on Friday for the downfall of the government, chanting a powerful slogan used in a 2011 uprising. Sisi, who once enjoyed widespread support, has faced mounting criticism in recent months over a range of issues, including his management of the economy. "The people want the downfall of the regime," they yelled outside the Cairo press syndicate, using the same phrase heard during the 2011 uprising against president Hosni Mubarak who later stepped down. The protesters also chanted: "Sisi Mubarak", "We don't want you, leave" and "We own the land and you are agents who sold our land." In other parts of Cairo, police fired tear gas at protesters, security sources said. A Reuters witness said a crowd was dispersed and riot police had taken control of an area outside a mosque in the Mohandiseen district of the capital. Four people were arrested, the security sources said. Sirens could be heard across the area. A police armoured truck carrying security forces conscripts drove past. Tear gas was also fired in the Giza area outside Cairo, dispersing about 200 people, security sources said. Sisi's government announced last week the signing of a maritime demarcation accord that puts uninhabited Red Sea islands in Saudi waters, prompting an outcry in Egyptian media. Critics say the government has mishandled a series of crises from an investigation into the killing of an Italian student in Cairo to a bomb that brought down a Russian airliner in the Sinai last October. Many Egyptians, eager for stability after the turmoil triggered by the 2011 uprising against Mubarak, enthusiastically welcomed Sisi when he seized power from the Muslim Brotherhood in 2013 after mass protests. But the former army general no longer enjoys the cult-like adulation of his early days in power. Egypt's interior ministry said on Thursday it would take legal action against people who participate in demonstrations called by activists to protest against the transfer of the islands, Tiran and Sanafir. Saudi and Egyptian officials say the islands belong to the kingdom and were only under Egyptian control because Saudi Arabia had asked Cairo in 1950 to protect them. On Wednesday, Sisi tried to calm the furore, reiterating the government's line that the islands had always been Saudi and that Egypt had only been looking after them. Calls for protests have gathered thousands of supporters on Facebook, including from the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood. (Writing by Michael Georgy; Editing by Gareth Jones) By Ahmed Aboulenein and Eric Knecht CAIRO (Reuters) - Thousands of Egyptians angered by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's decision to hand over two islands to Saudi Arabia called on Friday for the government to fall, chanting a slogan from the 2011 Arab Spring uprising. Their protests signaled that the former general, who is also under mounting criticism over the struggling economy, no longer enjoys the broad public support that let him round up thousands of opponents after he seized power in 2013. In the evening, riot police who had surrounded the site of the biggest demonstration, in the heart of downtown Cairo, dispersed the crowd with tear gas, Reuters witnesses said. Egyptian security forces detained a total of 119 protesters at several demonstrations, according to security officials. Sisi's government prompted an outcry in Egyptian newspapers and on social media last week when it announced an accord that put the uninhabited Red Sea islands of Tiran and Sanafir in Saudi waters. "The people want the downfall of the regime!" protesters cried outside the Cairo press syndicate, using the signature chant of the 2011 revolt against then-president Hosni Mubarak, who later stepped down. They also chanted: "Sisi - Mubarak", "We don't want you, leave" and "We own the land and you are agents who sold our land." In other parts of Cairo, police fired tear gas at protesters, security sources said. The U.S. government, which sees Cairo as a critical Middle East ally, will continue to watch carefully the situation in Egypt, the White House said. Saudi and Egyptian officials say the islands belong to the kingdom across the Red Sea and were only under Egyptian control because Riyadh had asked Cairo in 1950 to protect them. Saudi Arabia and other wealthy Gulf Arab states showered Egypt with billions of dollars in aid and grants after Sisi toppled President Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood in 2013, following mass protests against him. But a sharp drop in oil prices and differences with Cairo over such regional issues as the war in Yemen have raised questions over whether strong Gulf Arab support can be sustained. MISHANDLED CRISES Egyptians are eager for an economic revival after years of political upheaval. But the islands issue seems to have hurt their national pride, prompting thousands to return to the streets to confront their leader. There are no signs that Sisi's rule is under immediate threat. However, even local media, which once suggested he could do no wrong, have been attacking the president. Critics say the government has mishandled a series of crises, from an investigation into the killing of Italian graduate student Giulio Regeni, 28, in Cairo, to a bomb that brought down a Russian airliner in the Sinai Peninsula last October. Torture marks on Regini's body prompted human rights groups to conclude he died at the hands of security forces, which Egypt denies. That revived complaints of police brutality, one of the issues that led Egyptians to challenge Mubarak's 30-year rule. Sisi has made fighting corruption a top priority. But he drew fire last month after sacking Hesham Geneina, Egypt's top auditor, who had stirred controversy by publicly concluding that state corruption had cost the country billions of dollars. In a tweet, Geneina described the protests as the "purest, bravest and most noble demonstration of Egyptians" in decades. Many Egyptians enthusiastically welcomed Sisi when he took over. They turned a blind eye as Islamists and other opponents were rounded up, swelling the number of political prisoners to about 40,000, according to estimates by human rights groups. PATIENCE WITH SISI FADING A growing number are now losing patience over corruption, poverty and unemployment, the same issues that led to Mubarak's downfall, while Sisi has appeared increasingly authoritarian in televised speeches. "We want the downfall of the regime," said Abdelrahman Abdellatif, 29, an air conditioning engineer, at the Cairo protest. "The youth of the revolution are still here ... We are experiencing unprecedented fascism and dictatorship." There were also Sisi supporters, including a woman wearing a shirt with an image of the former military intelligence chief. In Alexandria, around 500 people gathered near a railway station. Meanwhile, 300 Sisi supporters holding up photographs of him demonstrated outside a mosque in the port city. Calls for protests have gathered thousands of supporters on Facebook, including from the outlawed Brotherhood, which accused Sisi of staging a coup when it was ousted and rolling back freedoms won after hundreds of thousands of Egyptians protested five years ago in Cairo's Tahrir Square against Mubarak. (Additional reporting by Ahmed Mohamed Hassan, Ola Noureldin, Ali Abdelaty and Omar Fahmy in Cairo and Roberta Rampton in Washington; Writing by Michael Georgy; Editing by Larry King) TOKYO (Reuters) - Manufacturers including Honda Motor <7267.T> and Sony Corp <6758.T> halted production at plants in southwestern Japan on Friday to inspect for any damage from the previous night's earthquake. No major damage was reported. Honda said it had yet to decide when production would resume at its motorcycle plant around 20 kms (12.4 miles) northwest of the city of Kumamoto, which was shaken by Thursday's quake. "We're still checking the plant's equipment, but at this point no major damage has been reported," a Honda spokeswoman said. Sony, which operates a nearby plant producing image sensors for smartphone cameras, said it suspended operations pending inspections. Activity was also halted at plants run by Mitsubishi Electric Corp <6503.T> and Bridgestone Corp <5108.T>. The companies said they had no initial reports of serious damage. Toyota Motor <7203.T> said it canceled Friday shifts at a Lexus assembly plant and two components plants about 150 kms north of Kumamoto as it checked to see if suppliers in the region would be able to continue providing parts. "If, after a thorough assessment, we determine that the impact on our supply chain is limited enough to allow us to resume production, we will do so at the first available opportunity," a spokesman for the automaker said. A devastating earthquake and tsunami in northern Japan in March 2011 temporarily knocked out part of Japan's auto supply chain. Some companies have since adjusted the industry's "Just in Time" production philosophy to limit any repeat of that costly disruption. (Reporting by Naomi Tajitsu; Editing by Ian Geoghegan) Forests might be more socialist than we thought. Franciska De Vries, who studies ecosystems, on how trees share carbon. Ive not had a good sleep since I started this job, Amit Reddy, a first-year science teacher. Work isnt the answer to everything, but it is the answer to most problems that people have, David Riemer, who created a program that provides jobs. Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 14 By Fatih Karimov - Trend: Italy's Vitali SPA will construct a new terminal for Tabriz International Airport, northwestern Iran, the Iranian Airports Holding Company (IAC) said. The IAC and Vital signed the document for investment, design and construction of the new airport terminal during the second Iran-Italy trade meeting April 13, in Tehran, the official website of the IAC reported. The estimated value for the construction of the terminal is 50 million euro. The terminal will be built in two phases and will have the reception capacity for passengers of one wide-body and two average-body aircrafts at the same time. The first phase of the terminal will be constructed in an area of 20,000 square meters. Iran and Italy also signed a memorandum of understanding on technology transfer for restructuring and modernization of airport infrastructures of Iran. Italy's SEA group also has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IAC for the development project of Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran. It should be noted that Italian PM Matteo Renzi, heading a 250-member political and economic delegation, visited Tehran on Apr. 12 to discuss the expansion of ties. The two parties signed several documents on cooperation in various sectors of energy, steel, communication, aviation, airports and medical. The annual volume of trade turnover between the two countries amounted to 7.5 billion euros, prior to sanctions being imposed on Iran in 2012, which dropped to 1.4 billion euros after the sanctions. Radiohead's manager has announced that the band's new album will be released in June. Brian Message reportedly broke the news on Thursday night during an interview in London pub The Wanstead Tap, with the pub tweeting that Message had announced "the new Radiohead album out in June will be like nothing you've ever heard". The album will be the band's first since 2011's "The King of Limbs", and will follow their recent world tour announcement which saw headling dates selling out quickly. The band will also be headling a number of summer festivals this year including Lollapalooza, Primavera, and NOS Alive 2016, with Primavera festival organisers previously announcing that the band will be playing the new album at the event. Raf Simons is set to take the center stage in Florence, Italy this summer, showing his Spring/Summer 2017 collection at the citys Pitti Uomo menswear fashion event as part of a special collaboration. Titled Florence Calling: Raf Simons, the show celebrates the designers return to Florence on the occasion of Pitti Immagine Uomo 90. Florence holds a special place in my heart, said Simons. Over the years, I have regularly come back to show my work or to collaborate on ventures that closely mirrored my thoughts about it. I am thrilled to be there again this season to present my S/S collection as well as a special project we are developing especially for Pitti. Simons has a long working history with Pitti Immagine Uomo, having helped to co-curate the events 2003 exhibition Il Quarto Sesso. Il territorio estremo dell'adolescenza. In 20015 he used the event to put on a fashion show, video installation and book produced to celebrate the tenth anniversary of his brand, and also worked on a Jil Sander runway show in 2010 when he was the Creative Director of the brand. His repeated presence is a coup for Pitti Immagine. I believe that Raf Simons, like no other person in fashion, is able to grasp the restless spirit of youth, its lights and sounds, along with a nostalgia for youth, which is a vital and positive acceptance of maturity, says Lapo Cianchi, Pitti Immagine Director of Communications and Events. Simons sent the fashion industry into shock last October, when he announced he was stepping down as creative director of the womenswear collections at Dior after a three-year tenure. He has since concentrated on his own eponymous brand. Pitti Uomo runs from June 14-17. By Susan Heavey and Megan Cassella WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican officials on Friday defended the process for selecting delegates who will choose the party's presidential nominee, denying a barrage of accusations from front-runner Donald Trump that it is a rigged system aimed at subverting him.Front-runner Trump has skewered the party during the past week because of rules he has lambasted as "crooked" and said the Republican National Committee "should be ashamed of themselves." The New York billionaire moved from his preferred platforms of Twitter and television interviews to a Wall Street Journal opinion piece on Friday to air his views on the delegate-selection rules, which vary from state to state. "What we are seeing now is not a proper use of the rules, but a flagrant abuse of the rules," Trump wrote. The RNC has stood by its process and the friction between party officials and Trump has increased all week. Without mentioning Trump by name, the party released a statement on Friday outlining the delegate selection process in states with upcoming contests - plans it said have been in place since October. "The rules surrounding the delegate selection have been clearly laid out in every state and territory and while each state is different, each process is easy to understand for those willing to learn it," the party statement said. "It ultimately falls on the campaigns to be up to speed on these delegate rules." RNC Chairman Reince Priebus emphasized each state writes its own rules. "The complaining that goes on is something that I think probably distracts from what we really need to do, which is come together as Republicans," Priebus said on NBC's "Today" program. Trump is leading among the three Republicans seeking the party's nomination for the Nov. 8 election to oppose either former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton or U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders on the Democratic side. The real estate mogul must win 1,237 delegates to clinch the nomination before the party's July 18-21 convention in Cleveland. U.S. Senator Ted Cruz is trying to block Trump from reaching that number on the first round of ballot voting in hopes of triggering a contested convention. That could allow Cruz, Ohio Governor John Kasich or another last-minute entrant to win the Republican nominee. Trump has blasted such a scenario. "The political insiders have had their way for a long time," he said in the Journal, posted online Thursday. "Let 2016 be remembered as the year the American people finally got theirs." (Reporting by Susan Heavey and Megan Cassella; Editing by Doina Chiacu and Bill Trott) By Pap Saine BANJUL (Reuters) - Human rights groups voiced concern on Friday over arrests in Gambia after a rare public demonstration in the West African nation, where President Yahya Jammeh has come under regular criticism for his increasingly authoritarian rule. Jammeh, a former soldier who seized power in a bloodless coup in 1994, has made headlines for eccentric proclamations, including a claim to have invented a cure for HIV/AIDS and his recent surprise decision to make Gambia an Islamic republic. [nL8N1404LP] But he has also come under fire from rights groups and foreign governments for employing strong-arm tactics to stamp out political dissent, making Thursday's small protest particularly noteworthy. A small group of demonstrators waving banners with slogans including "We need electoral reforms and freedom of speech" gathered in Serekunda, just outside the capital Banjul, before their rally was broken up by security forces. Jammeh, who expected to extend his rule in elections planned for December, was in Istanbul attending a summit of Islamic countries at the time. Police sources said a number of people, including Solo Sandenga, a prominent youth leader from the main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP), were arrested and that an investigation was being carried out. Seydou Gassama, the head of Amnesty International in Senegal, said the government's response was worrying. "We are very concerned by the violent and disproportionate reaction of authorities in Gambia against a group of people who were protesting peacefully ... President Jammeh could see this as an attempt to destabilise his regime," he said. A failed attempt to depose Jammeh orchestrated by Gambians living abroad led to a wave of arrests last year. [nL5N0YI57M] The government was quick to downplay Thursday's protest. "A few agitators wanted to cause a breach of the peace and public order but they were reined in by the able security forces ... There is no need for alarm," government spokesman Sheriff Bojang told Gambia's the Standard Newspaper. Jammeh once told a reporter he could rule Gambia, a tiny sliver of a country surrounded by Senegal and home to 2 million people, for "a billion years". He has scrapped term limits from the constitution, and the regional bloc ECOWAS refused to send observers to the last elections in 2011, citing intimidation of the opposition and the electorate. Jeffrey Smith, an international human rights consultant who works closely with Gambian activists, said he'd received reports of mass arrests and alleged torture of protest organisers by the National Intelligence Agency in the wake of the demonstration. However, he said that growing discontent could fuel further protests in the run-up to the polls. "I think Gambia's political opposition and civil society, or at least what's left of them, are spoiling for a fight ahead of December's election ... There's a reason why he has rarely travelled outside the country over the past year." (Additional reporting by Diadie Ba in Dakar; Writing by Marine Pennetier; Editing by Joe Bavier/Mark Heinrich) Producer, director Irwin Winkler will speak today at the Harvard Institute of Politics at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government in Cambridge, Mass. Winker is scheduled to take part in a conversation on "The Politics of Film: Between Imagination and Industry." Brandon Terry, assistant professor of African and African American Studies and Social Studies, is moderating the discussion. The Oscar-winning producer of Rocky, Winkler has also produced such movies as Raging Bull, Goodfellas, The Right Stuff, Creed and Martin Scorsese's upcoming Silence and has directed such films as De-Lovely and Home of the Brave. Read More: Steven Spielberg to Give Harvard Commencement Address By Crispian Balmer ROME (Reuters) - In power for two years, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has initiated many reforms aimed at invigorating the anemic economy, including his flagship overhaul of the constitution which was approved by parliament this week. But the woes of a major infrastructure project right under his feet reveal how much work still must be done to get Italy back on track. Rome's Metro C was meant to link the city's two main cathedrals in time for the Holy Year in 2000. Sixteen years later, the underground line has not yet reached the first church and might never make it to the second, St. Peter's Basilica. While the initial section of the state-of-the-art driverless network was finally inaugurated in 2014, no-one knows where the underground line will end or when the next station might open. The state of confusion reflects similar problems besetting myriad business projects in the euro zone's third-largest economy, where, despite Renzi's reform drive, bureaucracy and tangled laws are dragging down Italian development. "All of the problems, vices and defects of Italian public works are evident in this one project," said Luigi Giampaolino, head of the National Audit Court between 2010-2013 when it launched an initial investigation into early cost overruns. The builders say that in seven years they have had to make 45 major changes to the original plans because of demands from the state, city and region, which are funding the project, taking into account everything from new safety standards to archaeological finds that were uncovered by their work. "Trying to manage a major project here is almost impossible," said Fabio Giannelli, the director of the Metro C consortium, which includes Astaldi, VianiniLavori, a unit of Caltagirone, and Ansaldo STS. "Look at major Italian contractors over the past four or five years. They have totally changed their work profile and are increasingly working abroad to avoid the problems here." FROZEN Renzi his introduced a welter of changes that he says will get Italy back on its feet, including the constitutional reform that strips the Senate of much of its powers - a move aimed at boosting political stability and ending an era of revolving-door governments that has snarled decision-making. The government has also introduced a series of measures aimed at simplifying the legal system and regulatory landscape to help speed up major business projects. As an example, it points to the upgrading of a 294-km (183 mile) stretch of motorway in southern Italy that was meant to be ready by 2003 and is now set for completion in December. "The government is here to do things that were not done before. We are here to unblock projects," Renzi said this month. But Metro C remains mired, hobbled in part by a string of corruption scandals at city hall which means the municipality is in special administration with limited decision-making ability. The original plan saw Metro C crossing Rome through 38 stops from east to north, carrying up to 600,000 passengers a day through the heart of the old city. At present, 21 stations far from the center are open, carrying just 50,000 people a day. Financing has been secured for three more stops, including at San Giovanni Basilica - the first cathedral - and the Colosseum. But expectations the line would reach far beyond the tourist-drenched Vatican into northern Rome might never be fulfilled, with both the state and the city struggling to balance limited resources and huge debts. Work on the section leading to the Vatican has been frozen since 2010, and questions are being raised about why Rome chose such a major, heavy-duty metro system in the first place. "If we don't follow this work through to the other side of Rome and have the passenger flows that we expected, then what we have built so far is over the top," said Paolo Omodeo Sale, chairman of Rome Metropolitan, which oversees the metro network. Building the initial 24 stations to the Colosseum was originally priced at 2.23 billion euros ($2.54 billion), but after a welter of design changes the figure is now put at 2.97 billion euros - too much according to the audit court. It has ordered 11 people tied to the project to stand trial in June over what it says was a waste of 270 million euros of public money. The defendants deny the accusations. As the lawyers get to work, construction inches forward beneath the ground, with builders threading cables along the platform of San Giovanni, the next station slated to open. Consortium chief Giannelli says the station is 97 percent ready, but he does not expect it to operate until the end of next year because the authorities are struggling to address new safety demands that might upend the current design. "It is madness," he said. (Editing by Pravin Char) Bratislava (AFP) - Russia is more dangerous than the Islamic State group, Poland's Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski told reporters Friday during a visit to Slovakia. "By all evidence, Russia's activity is a sort of existential threat because this activity can destroy countries," said Waszczykowski, who was speaking in a debate on the future of NATO at the annual Globsec security forum in Bratislava. "We also have non-existential threats like terrorism, like the great waves of migrants," he added, according to Poland's PAP news agency. He described the Islamic State group as a very serious threat but added that "it is not an existential threat for Europe". Waszczykowski also called for NATO to approve the deployment of troops on the alliance's eastern border at its upcoming July summit due to be held in Warsaw. "This will be a symbol of the determination to defend the eastern flank. We can discuss the scale of this deployment," he said. Czech Defence Minister Martin Stropnicky said at the conference that strengthening the alliance's collective defence capability would be the main point on the agenda at the summer summit, while warning that Russia "should not be isolated". He added that Russia was actively "testing the defensive capabilities of NATO in the Baltic region" where a number of countries have come under pressure, the Czech CTK news agency reported. Russia will use rare talks with NATO next week to protest the alliance's "absolutely unjustified" military buildup in the Baltic states, Moscow's ambassador to Brussels said Friday, adding the alliance was using the Ukraine crisis as a pretext. The Russian and NATO ambassadors will meet in Brussels on April 20 for their first formal talks in nearly two years to discuss security issues, including the crisis in Ukraine where Moscow is accused of backing pro-Russian rebels against the pro-Western government in Kiev. Calling the First Vice President Eshaq Jahangiri, President Hassan Rouhani ordered mobilization of the resources available to help villagers hit by floods in Iran, Irna reported. The President made the phone call on Thursday from Istanbul, Turkey, where he is attending the OIC Summit. Rouhani was briefed on the latest measures taken in Khuzestan, Ilam, Lorestan and West Azarbaijan provinces to help the people affected by floods. Stressing the use of all capacities available for managing the floods, President Rouhani underlined notifying the people in a timely way and urged all managers in the aforementioned provinces to cooperate with the relevant authorities. Jahangiri briefed the President on the extraordinary meeting of the Crisis Management Headquarters and the measures taken by governors offices and the ministries of roads and urban development and energy. By Can Sezer and Alexander Winning ISTANBUL/MOSCOW (Reuters) - The website of Russian state news agency Sputnik has been blocked in Turkey, its Turkish editor-in-chief said on Friday, shortly after President Vladimir Putin made comments critical of Turkey's leaders. Russia's foreign ministry called the site blocking unlawful and a grave violation of human rights. Ties between Moscow and Ankara have been strained after Turkey shot down a Russian warplane last November. "There is no access to Sputniknews.com and sub-domains from Turkey," Mahir Boztepe told Reuters. "We were not expecting a ban at all." No one was available for comment at Turkey's telecoms and internet regulatory agencies. However, the internet regulator's website said that an "administration measure" had been taken against Sputniknews.com. Such measures are commonly used when authorities wish to block access to websites in Turkey. In Moscow, Sputnik's top editor, Margarita Simonyan, described the blocking as "a further act of harsh censorship" in Turkey and said the site had been blocked late on Thursday, hours after Putin made his critical comments. "We have problems with some political leaders (in Turkey) whose behavior, actions we consider inappropriate," Putin said in a televised national phone-in. Sputnik, part of the sprawling state media holding company Rossiya Segodnya, was set up in 2014 to help disseminate Russia's views abroad. Turkey has shut or confiscated several newspapers over the past year and has also sometimes blocked access to social media sites including Twitter and Facebook, often due to images or other content being shared. CHILLY RELATIONS Relations between the former Cold War rivals hit their worst level in recent memory after Turkey shot down a Russian warplane that it said had strayed into its air space from Syria. In the Syrian civil war, Moscow has backed its longtime ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while Turkey says Assad is a dictator who needs to be removed. Following the warplane incident, Putin imposed sanctions on Turkey and trade between the two countries has dived. Russian state media have adopted a hostile tone towards Ankara. Last month the Komsomolskaya Pravda mass-market tabloid ran a report headlined "Turkey never was and never will be a friend of Russia". Human rights groups and some Turkish media decry what they say has been an unprecedented crackdown on opposition voices in Turkey. The European Union, which Ankara aspires to join, has also expressed concerns over media freedoms in Turkey. (Additional reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin; Writing by David Dolan; Editing by Tom Heneghan) TOULOUSE, France (Reuters) - CFM International, a joint-venture between France's Safran and General Electric of the United States, has delivered the first LEAP-1A engine to be used in the Airbus A320neo jetliner, Safran said on Friday. The delivery is a key milestone for 42-year-old CFM, an unusual French-American venture which has survived decades of trade tensions between the two countries but which now faces its steepest ever challenge in raising production. CFM has sold 10,000 of the engines which compete with United Technologies to provide power for an upgraded version of the Airbus narrow body jet family and will also exclusively power the competing airplane, the Boeing 737 MAX. The CFM-powered version of the A320neo is expected to enter service at mid-year with an unidentified airline. Speaking at a handover ceremony for the first non-test version of the engine in Toulouse, Safran engines chief Olivier Andries said output was on target and that CFM would produce 100 LEAP engines this year and 500 next year. The engine would be introduced with six airlines this year. CFM aims to produce a record 2,000 LEAP engines in 2020. Andries paid tribute to CFM's founders: a German-born fighter engineer who fought for the allies and was made a U.S. citizen by an act of Congress, Gerhard Neumann, and a French resistance hero called Rene Ravaud who lost an arm when the British bombed Brest in western France. The first Boeing 737 MAX made its maiden flight with LEAP-1B engines in February. It is due to enter service next year. The Airbus A320neo entered service with Pratt & Whitney engines in January but deliveries have been delayed by engine software and hardware problems. Airbus suffered a setback in February when the larger A321neo, equipped with CFM engines, suffered a tail strike during testing in February. (Reporting by Tim Hepher, editing by Astrid Wendlandt and Elaine Hardcastle) Sam Mendes is set to direct a film adaptation of Gay Talese's New Yorker article and book, "The Voyeur's Motel", reports Deadline. The Oscar-winning director will also produce alongside Steven Spielberg. The recent article tells the true story of Gerald Foos, who bought a hotel in order to watch his guests having sex through the ceiling vents. However Foos sometimes ended up more than just observing, even playing in a part in a murder. The article came about after Foos contacted the writer back in 1980 via an anonymous letter, which led to Foos giving the Talese permission to go public with his story. Mendes has most recently finished working on the James Bond movies in "Skyfall" and "Spectre." Talese's book of the same name will be published July 12, 2016. KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir said funds wired into Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak's personal bank account were a "genuine" donation originating from Saudi Arabia, Malaysian state media reported on Friday. Najib, who faced graft allegations following reports that a $681-million deposit in his account originated from troubled state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), has maintained the funds were a donation, and did not come from 1MDB. "We are aware of the donation, and it is a genuine donation with nothing expected in return," the Bernama news agency quoted Al-Jubeir as saying at a summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Istanbul. "We are also fully aware that the attorney-general of Malaysia has thoroughly investigated the matter and found no wrongdoing. So, as far as we are concerned, the matter is closed." Al-Jubeir, who was speaking to Malaysian reporters after a meeting with Najib, did not specify the amount, timing or source of the donation. Al-Jubeir's comments showed the allegations against Najib were unfounded, the prime minister's spokesman, Tengku Sarifuddin Tengku Ahmad, said in a statement. "This confirms what the prime minister maintained all along, and what multiple lawful authorities concluded after exhaustive investigations: the funds were a donation from Saudi Arabia," he said. 1MDB, whose advisory board is chaired by Najib, is under investigation in at least five countries for alleged graft and mismanagement. Last week, a Malaysian parliamentary inquiry slammed the board of 1MDB for being irresponsible and urged a probe into its former chief, but stopped short of implicating the prime minister. In January, Malaysia's attorney-general cleared Najib of any wrongdoing or corruption in relation to the funds, saying they were a gift from the Saudi royal family. (Reporting by Rozanna Latiff; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore and Clarence Fernandez) Saudi Arabia's foreign minister has become the first official from the country to verify the Malaysian premier's claim that a $681 million payment he received was a "donation" from the kingdom. "We are aware of the donation and it is a genuine donation with nothing expected in return," Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir told reporters in Istanbul on the sidelines of a Muslim summit on Thursday. The comments were confirmed by AFP via a video of Jubeir's remarks distributed by the Malaysian government to reporters in Kuala Lumpur on Friday. Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has for months battled allegations that billions were looted from an investment company he founded, and the stunning revelation last year that he received a mysterious overseas payment of $681 million into his personal bank accounts. Najib, who strongly denies any wrongdoing, initially vehemently denied receiving any money, but his government has since admitted the payment was made, and in January said it was a "personal donation" from the Saudi royal family. The Malaysian government has subsequently claimed it was Saudi financial backing for Najib's promotion of "moderate Islam", denying it was looted from the Najib-linked state fund, 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB). That alibi has been widely questioned in Muslim-majority Malaysia, especially as weeks went by with no official Saudi endorsement. "As far as we are concerned, the matter is closed," said Jubeir, who spoke as Malaysian Foreign Minister Anifah Aman looked on. The big payment was revealed last July by the Wall Street Journal, which subsequently published investigative reports claiming that Malaysian documents showed Najib may have received hundreds of millions more. Malaysia has been seized by allegations that 1MDB was bled of billions of dollars in a series of complex international transactions. A Malaysian parliamentary report released last week said 1MDB made more than $3 billion in unexplained overseas payments. Authorities in several countries including Switzerland, the United States, and Singapore are investigating possible wrongdoing in the huge fund flows. Tehran, Iran, April 15 By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend: Iranian President Hassan Rouhani refrained from attending the closing session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting. Rouhani, along with Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and other officials who are in Istanbul to attend the summit, refrained from being part of the final meeting, Mehr news agency reported April 15. The move followed anti-Iranian statements in the summit's final announcement, something pushed through by Saudi Arabia, the agency wrote. Before the summit began, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif publicly objected to Saudi Arabia's attempt to introduce anti-Iranian articles in the draft declaration of the OIC. Zarif said such a statement would contradict the "spirit of Islamic unity and is in the interests of the Zionist regime" and warned that such destructive actions would have consequences. Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic relations with Iran after protesters stormed the Saudi Embassy in Tehran. The storming was itself triggered by the Saudi execution of a Shia cleric. At the time, tensions were brewing over regional conflicts and a hajj stampede in Mecca that killed 464 Iranians, including top diplomats. Rouhani attempted to strike a more conciliatory tone toward Saudi Arabia during his address at the OIC, saying, "For everyone it is clear that for Saudi Arabia, Iran is not the problem and for Iran, Saudi Arabia is not the problem. The main problem is ignorance, extremism and violence." JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's airline operator Comair's share price fell more than 3 percent by Friday, the third day of a strike by ground staff demanding higher wages. Shares in Comair, a franchisee of British Airways and the owner of South African low-cost airline Kulula.com, declined by 3.1 percent to 3.10 rand ($0.2) by 1050 GMT. The share price has fallen by more than 5 percent since Tuesday, after the United Association of South Africa (UASA) said its members were preparing to strike. The union wants a 35 percent increase over three years, while Comair is offering a 22.5 percent increase over three years, the airline said on Tuesday. Both the company and the union were not immediately available for comment. ($1 = 14.5070 rand) (Reporting by Zimasa Mpemnyama; Editing by James Macharia) By Tatiana Jancarikova BRATISLAVA (Reuters) - Slovakia's ruling leftist party Smer and three small centrist and nationalist partners signed a coalition agreement on Tuesday, paving the way for a new government to be sworn in later this week. Prime Minister Robert Fico's Smer won the most votes in a March 5 election but lost its majority by a big margin, raising uncertainty over whether a stable government could be formed before Bratislava takes over the European Union's rotating presidency later this year. But Fico moved fast to cobble together a majority and is expected to be sworn in for a third term as premier on Wednesday or Thursday. He will then have 30 days to win a confidence vote in the 150-seat parliament, where the four parties hold 81 seats. While the government formation went smoothly, ideological differences between Fico and two center-right coalition parties, and animosity between a party representing the Hungarian minority and Slovak nationalists, raise questions over how long the coalition will last. Four backbenchers from two small coalition parties have crossed over to the opposition in protest at their leadership joining forces with Fico. "Support for the cabinet in parliament will depend on small center-right parties, whose parliamentary groups have already started to fragment ... there is a high risk that Fico's multi-party coalition will unravel before the parliamentary term is over," Otilia Dhand from consultancy Teneo Intelligence said. Fico defended his course of action, saying a strong government based on wide compromise was needed to respond to threats such as bomb attacks like those in Brussels on Tuesday. "The only alternative is chaos, an undemocratic caretaker government or nonsensical early election," Fico said after chiefs of the four parties -- Smer (Direction), the Slovak National Party, Most-Hid (Bridge) and Net (Siet) signed the coalition agreement. The coalition plans moderate cuts in taxes for corporates and small entrepreneurs, and a balanced budget by the end of its term in 2020, two years later than previously planned. It has also agreed to tackle shortcomings in healthcare and education and increase transparency in government and public spending after a series of corruption scandals. Fico's party will be dominant in the coalition and hold key ministries such as finance, interior and foreign affairs. "This will limit the room for significant policy changes on the economic front," Otilia Dhand said. The finance ministry will again be in the hands of Peter Kazimir, respected for keeping budget deficits under control and known for his tough stance in the euro zone's negotiations with debt-plagued Greece. Fico based his pre-election campaign on strong opposition to allowing refugees into Slovakia, and filed a lawsuit against an EU decision to impose mandatory quotas on distributing refugees among member states. But this agenda was not mentioned at all in the coalition agreement, suggesting it was not a common priority for the four parties. (Reporting by Tatiana Jancarikova; Editing by Richard Balmforth) By Tiisetso Motsoeneng JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's ruling ANC Women's League and main trade union federation (Cosatu) have accused banks of pulling a "political stunt" by cutting ties with a company whose owners are under scrutiny for having undue influence with President Jacob Zuma. Oakbay Investments, which holds the Gupta family businesses, is scrambling to restore banking relationships after all four major South African banks severed links following allegations that its owners have undue political influence with Zuma. The president and the Guptas reject the claims. "A political stunt is being pulled by banks here," the ruling African National Congress (ANC) Women's League's general secretary Meokgo Matuba said on Friday. "We raise these pertinent issues based on our interests on the livelihood of dependents of the workers of the company." The ANC has not yet publicly commented on the issue, and officials at the party were not available to comment. Cosatu also said the decision to stop doing business with the Guptas would lead to job losses. Nazeem Howa, Oakbay's CEO, has said the firm's 7,500 employees could lose their jobs as it will be unable to pay their salaries if he fails to restore ties with the banks. Oakbay, which runs several businesses ranging from technology to mining and media, had been turned down for a meeting to review its ties with at least one of the banks, its chief executive told Reuters on Thursday. Barclays Africa's Absa, First National Bank (FNB), part of FirstRand, Standard Bank, Nedbank, investment bank Sasfin and the local unit of global auditors KPMG cut their business ties earlier this month. The banks have declined to give reasons for their action, citing client confidentiality agreements. Standard Bank and FirstRand declined to comment on the allegations by the League and Cosatu. Nedbank and Barclays Africa denied that their decisions to cut links with firms associated with the Gupta family were politically motivated. Cas Coovadia, Managing Director the Banking Association of South Africa (BASA), has dismissed speculation that banks acted in concert when cutting ties with the Guptas, saying they took the decision independently and separately. Although the Guptas' relationship with Zuma has been a source of controversy for years, it burst into the open last month when a government minister alleged that the family had exerted undue influence, including offering cabinet positions, claims which both Zuma and the Gupta family reject. (Editing by James Macharia and Ed Osmond) Baku, Azerbaijan, April 15 Trend: The initiative entitled "We are the masters of our country" will organize a march to the Armenian presidential residence April 22, News Armenia website reported. The protesters will demand to dismiss Edward Nalbandian, Armenian foreign minister, and Yuri Khachaturov, chief of the general staff of the Armenian armed forces, due to the inaction and a lack of control over the situation that caused human casualties. Moreover, the protesters want to urge the Armenian oligarchs, specified in the list, to transfer a minimum of $5 million to the state budget. Among them are Sashik Sargsyan, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan's brother, minister Hovik Abrahamyan and other representatives of the Armenian authorities. The collected amount must be transferred to the state budget on a special account. The expenses must be controlled by the public. CHARLESTON, S.C. (Reuters) - The Citadel military college in South Carolina is considering a request by an incoming Muslim student to wear a hijab, the school said in a statement on Friday. The public military college in Charleston, founded in 1842, has never before granted an exception to its strict uniform requirements, according to the Washington Post, which cited an unnamed spokeswoman. Citadel students are required to wear uniforms furnished by the college at nearly all times except when the corps of cadets is furloughed or a cadet is on leave, according to the college's website. "A student who was recently accepted into The Citadel for the fall semester has requested to wear a hijab. The college is reviewing the request at this time," Colonel Brett Ashworth, a spokesman for the school, said in the statement. Another Citadel spokeswoman, Kim Keelor-Parker, declined to answer questions about whether the school had ever granted exceptions to uniform rules and said the school had no further comment. Some students and alumni have spoken out against allowing an exception to be made at a school that places great importance on uniformity and discipline, the Post reported. "Equality means the same set of rules for everyone," cadet Nick Pinelli said in a Facebook post on Wednesday. "Not different rules for different people." (Reporting by Harriet McLeod; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Fiona Ortiz) Washington (AFP) - Europe's top economies called for a crackdown on tax havens and urged G20 countries to rip away the secrecy protecting shell companies, as the Panama Papers scandal claimed Spain's industry minister as the latest political victim. In the strongest reaction yet to the leaked Panama Papers, the finance ministers of Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain proposed a blacklist of havens like Panama if they failed to share corporate registry data. "Today we deal another hammer blow against those who hide their illegal tax evasion in the dark corners of the financial system," British Finance Minister George Osborne said in a statement. Spain's industry minister, Jose Manuel Soria, stepped down Friday after being named in the leaked papers, citing "mistakes" in explaining his alleged offshore interests and "the obvious harm that this situation is doing to the Spanish government". Soria's troubles began on Monday when Spanish online daily El Confidencial, which has had access to the Panama Papers, said he was an administrator of an offshore firm in 1992. Soria called a news conference to deny any link to the company, but as the week went by, more allegations emerged from other media outlets, revealing further alleged connections to offshore havens. It is unclear as yet whether any of his alleged actions were illegal. - 'Aggressive tax planning' - In their joint statement during a meeting of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund in Washington, the five EU ministers said: "The recent extensive leaks from Panama show the critical importance of the fight against tax evasion, aggressive tax planning and money laundering." World Bank President Jim Yong Kim said the illicit financial activities enabled by tax havens undermined the fight against poverty. "When taxes are evaded, when state assets are taken and put into these havens, all of these things can have a tremendous negative effect on our mission to end poverty and boost prosperity," he said. Story continues The joint European move was a reaction to the leak of thousands of documents on anonymously-owned shell companies from Mossack Fonseca, a Panamanian law firm that specialized in setting up such firms. The trove showed the use of shell companies by prominent politicians including close associates of Russian President Vladimir Putin, family members of Chinese leaders, British Premier David Cameron, and the leaders of Iceland and Argentina. The leak placed Panama in the spotlight as one of the leading havens that have not joined an agreement on sharing information on bank accounts and other assets. The five threatened to create a blacklist of countries which do not cooperate on sharing data. "We want to have lists which make it possible to place sanctions on countries which don't respect the rules," French Finance Minister Michel Sapin said. Under pressure, Panama said Thursday it was ready to begin working together with the "Common Reporting Standard" (CRS) system on sharing information about assets and accounts. "Panama's path to financial transparency is irreversible," Vice President Isabel de Saint Malo de Alvarado said in a statement. But the Oxfam anti-poverty group, which released Thursday a paper showing how top US coproations have socked away $1.4 trillion in profits in tax havens, said the European proposals are still too weak. "If the proposed registry of beneficial owners of companies and trusts is hidden from the public, how can we know who is hiding their profits and fortunes and trying to avoid paying their fair share?" they said. - Warnings over slow growth - In the meetings that got underway Thursday, both the IMF and World bank urged countries to do more to support economic growth and prevent the world from backsliding toward recession. They said the demand for financial support from struggling governments has risen to levels normally seen during crises. "In the global economy, there are not many bright spots," World Bank President Kim said. "The weakening global economy threatens our progress toward ending extreme poverty by 2030." "We are on alert, not alarm," IMF chief Christine Lagarde said. "The current policy responses that we are seeing need to go faster and need to go deeper." Lagarde also warned that Britain's threatened pullout for the European Union was a "serious concern" for the global economy. "It's been a long marriage between members of the European Union," she said. "It's really my personal hope that it doesn't break," she added. "Like all marriages, good talks can actually help and I hope that the dialogue can continue." MADRID (Reuters) - Spain's acting Industry Minister Jose Manuel Soria resigned on Friday following allegations of links to offshore dealings which emerged after he was named in the Panama Papers. Soria, who denied all wrongdoing, said he was stepping down to limit any damage to the caretaker government, the conservative People's Party (PP), following reports of alleged links to an offshore company on the British island of Jersey. Broadcaster La Sexta and news website El Confidencial said they had documents showing he headed an offshore firm with his brother. The government said acting Economy Minister Luis de Guindos would take on the Industry Minister's brief alongside his current responsibilities. Soria's resignation comes as Spain faces the likelihood of a second general election in June after a December ballot ended inconclusively. Latest polls have shown the PP gaining ground, despite a string of corruption scandals involving regional politicians this year, as voters tire of left-wing parties' failure to put aside differences to form a coalition government. Leaks from the Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca have embarrassed several world leaders and shone a spotlight on the shadowy world of offshore companies by revealing the financial arrangements of prominent figures. Icelandic Prime Minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson stepped down earlier this month after documents linked him to an offshore company. (Reporting by Paul Day; Editing by Sonya Dowsett and John Stonestreet) Stocks (^DJI, ^GSPC, ^IXIC, ^RUT) end the day flat, but had a good week nonetheless. U.S. crude oil settled slightly lower at $40.36 per barrel as investors await the oil producer meeting in Doha this weekend. Joining Yahoo Finance's Jen Rogers to discuss some of the other big stories of the day are Yahoo Finance editor-in-chief Andy Serwer, markets correspondent Nicole Sinclair, and Dan Dicker, president of MercBloc and author of the book "Shale Boom, Shale Bust: The Myth of Saudi America." President Obama on Trade Yahoo Finance's Nicole Sinclair recently spoke with President Obama on a number of economic issues, including the issue of trade and the Trans-Pacific Partnership. We discuss how Obama plans to convince Americans that free trade deals are good for the country. Executive pay issues back in the fore Executive pay is coming to the fore again, with Verizon workers waving CEO Lowell McAdam's $18 million salary as a talking point during their strike. Meanwhile, shareholders at BP rejected the CEO's compensation package. Eleven S&P 500 CEOs cross the $30 million barrier in annual pay. Winners and Losers Stocks ending the week on a down note include: Regulus Therapeutics on mixed interim results from a Hepatitis C treatment Mitel, the communications firm, after completing its acquisition of rival Polycom SeaWorld on a Citi downgrade citing market share losses over the past few years to rivals such as Universal Stocks finishing in the green today include: Regions Financial on an earnings beat Macy's on comments by CEO Terry Lundgren that the company was open to all possibilities to maximize real estate value BATS exchange after its long awaited IPO, the first significant public offering in four months Looking ahead On Tuesday, we'll get housing starts data for March. In the prior month, we saw nearly 1.2 million units begin construction. Throughout the week we'll get earnings reports from the likes of Netflix, Johnson & Johnson, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, and Google. Wall Street is taking its cue from oil this morning. Stocks (^DJI, ^GSPC, ^IXIC) are mostly lower, while crude prices (CLK16.NYM) fall as major producers led by top exporters Saudi Arabia and Russia plan to meet in Qatar on Sunday to discuss a potential output freeze. Citigroup (C) shares rose in early trading after the bank reported a beat on both its top and bottom lines for the first quarter. However, profit fell 27% and revenue also declined due to weak trading and investment banking activity. Related: Citi's profits plunged 27% Here's why investors don't mind today Valeant Pharmaceuticals (VRX) rose in early trading. Reuters reported that the embattled Canadian drug maker is talking to investment banks amid interest from buyout firms and other companies for its assets, as it looks to raise capital and pay down debt. Get the Latest Market Data and New with the Yahoo Finance App Halliburton (HAL) and Baker Hughes (BHI) are on investors' radars this morning. Private-equity firm Carlyle Group is in talks to buy a package of oilfield-service businesses from the two companies that could be worth more than $7 billion, as the energy giants seek to overcome a Justice Department challenge to their planned merger, according to the Wall Street Journal. Baxalta (BXLT) announced it will hold a special shareholders meeting on May 27 to vote on its merger with Dublin based Shire Group (SHPG). This comes after new Treasury rules thwarted the Pfizer (PFE)-Allergan (AGN) so-called inversion deal last week. Citigroup (C) shares rose in early trading after the bank reported a beat on both its top and bottom lines for the first quarter. However, profit fell 27% and revenue also declined due to weak trading and investment banking activity. Valeant Pharmaceuticals (VRX) rose in early trading. Reuters reported that the embattled Canadian drug maker is talking to investment banks amid interest from buyout firms and other companies for its assets as it looks to raise capital and pay down debt. Story continues Halliburton (HAL) and Baker Hughes (BHI) are on investors' radars this morning. Private-equity firm Carlyle Group is in talks to buy a package of oilfield service businesses from the two companies that could be worth more than $7 billion, as the energy giants seek to overcome a Justice Department challenge to their planned merger, according to the Wall Street Journal. Baxalta (BXLT) announced it will hold a special shareholders meeting on May 27 to vote on its merger with Dublin based Shire Group (SHPG). This comes after new Treasury rules thwarted the Pfizer (PFE)-Allergan (AGN) so-called inversion deal last week. Yahoo Finance Exclusive interview: Obama to sign executive order to ignite competition President Obama plans to sign an executive order that could affect more than 100 million American consumers. Yahoo Finances Nicole Sinclair sat down with President Obama to discuss his plans in an exclusive interview. AMC backpedals on texting in theaters AMC (AMC) won't allow texting in movie theaters after all. In an interview with Variety earlier this week, the movie chain's CEO (AMC) said he was open to making some theaters texting and mobile device-friendly, in a push to attract younger, tech-savvy viewers. But after backlash on social media, the company backpedaled revealing it will implement a stricter no-texting policy. "Unlike the many AMC advancements that you have applauded, we have heard loud and clear that this is a concept our audience does not want," CEO Adam Aron said in a statement. "In this age of social media, we get feedback from you almost instantaneously and as such, we are constantly listening. Accordingly, just as instantaneously, this is an idea that we have relegated to the cutting room floor." By Elaine Lies TOKYO (Reuters) - Aftershocks rattled southwestern Japan on Friday after a strong quake the night before killed nine people, injured at least 1,000 and cut power and water across the region, forcing the temporary shutdown of several auto and electronics factories. By afternoon, more than 130 aftershocks had hit the area around the city of Kumamoto in the wake of the initial 6.4 magnitude quake the night before. Officials said the frequency was tapering off but the risk of further strong aftershocks will remain for about a week. While the magnitude of Thursday's quake was much lower than that of the 9.0 March 11, 2011 quake that touched off a massive tsunami and nuclear meltdowns at Fukushima, the intensity was similar because it struck on land and at a much shallower depth. "We managed to huddle into a space, that's why we were saved," one man told NHK national television after he and his family were rescued from their collapsed house two hours after the quake hit. "We're all safe, that's what counts." More than 44,000 people initially fled to schools and community centers, some spending the night outside after the first quake hit around 9:30 p.m. Roads cracked, houses crumbled, and tiles cascaded from the roof of the 400-year-old Kumamoto Castle in the center of the city. Among those pulled from the wreckage was an eight-month-old baby girl, wrapped in a blanket and passed hand to hand by firefighters. Several hospitals had to evacuate patients. Japanese stocks ended down 0.4 percent, with the impact of the quake limited primarily to regional shares that could experience some direct impact. Regional utility Saibu Gas Co Ltd <9536.T> finished 2.7 percent lower. Several companies, including Honda Motor Corp <7267.T>, suspended operations at plants in the area. More than 3,000 troops, police and firemen were dispatched to the area from around Japan, and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said more would be sent if needed. "We will do everything in our power to ensure the safety of local residents," Abe told a parliamentary committee. Most of the dead came from Mashiki, a town of around 34,000 people near the epicenter of the quake, where firefighters battled a blaze late on Thursday. Daylight showed splintered houses under tiled roofs and an apartment building whose ground floor was pulverized, where two people died. "I want to go home, but we couldn't do anything there," one boy at an evacuation center told TBS television as he bounced a baby in his arms. Though the intensity of Thursday's quake on the Japanese scale matched that of the March 2011 quake that left nearly 20,000 dead, the absence of a tsunami helped keep the death toll down. Service on the Shinkansen superfast train in Kyushu was halted after one train derailed, and highways were closed after some sections collapsed. About 12,200 households were without electricity as of 12 p.m. (0500 GMT), according to Kyushu Electric Power Co Inc <9508.T>, while some 58,000 lacked water. The Nuclear Regulation Authority said there were no irregularities at three nuclear plants on the southern major island of Kyushu and nearby Shikoku. Sony Corp <6758.T>, Mitsubishi Electric Corp <6503.T> and tire maker Bridgestone Corp <5108.T> also suspended operations at factories in the area. The 2011 quake temporarily crippled part of Japan's auto supply chain, but some companies have since adjusted the industry's "Just in Time" production philosophy in a bid to limit any repeat of the costly disruption. (Additional reporting by Joshua Hunt, Naomi Tajitsu and Tokyo newsroom; Editing by Lincoln Feast) By Khalil Ashawi Maaret al-Numan, SYRIA (Reuters) - In what looks like an ordinary white truck, two men are helping victims who have lost limbs in the conflict in Syria to walk, play, and even herd sheep again. In the past four years, the two technicians have made and fitted about 5,000 prosthetic limbs for an estimated 2,500 people. Their mobile clinic has been running for about six months, and has gone some way to improve access. The five-year war between the government of President Bashar al-Assad and insurgents has killed at least 250,000 people and wounded many more. While most of the wounded are between 15 and 45, the clinic also fits children and the elderly with replacement limbs. "The feeling cant be described when you put the new prosthesis on a patient, especially kids," says technician Amjad Hajj Khamis. "They love to move and play so its a wonderful feeling to help a child to walk again." Khamis, 24, was studying French literature at the University of Homs, and his colleague Abdalrahim Khlouf, 25, was training to be a school teacher. Both had to give up after just four months because of the worsening situation in the city. Starting work in a field hospital, the men were trained how to make and fit artificial limbs, including a stint in the Turkish border city of Rihaniyya and distance learning from Pakistan, Britain and Germany. To see a Reuters photo essay, please click on http://reut.rs/1qrBE3B. Patients come from opposition-held areas including the northwestern province of Idlib, the Douma neighborhood of Damascus and the northern city of Aleppo, which was Syria's biggest city until the conflict erupted in 2011. Demand from amputees far outstrips the services the clinic is able to provide. In each location the mobile clinic visits, keeping patients safe from bombing is a recurrent problem, Khamis says. The U.N. estimates there are a total 4.6 million people in Syria who are hard to reach with aid. Among those who have benefited from the traveling prosthesis clinic is a 9-year-old girl who stepped on a landmine when walking through a field to visit her grandfather. "I woke up at the hospital and didn't find my foot, it must have proceeded me to heaven," says Salma. "In the beginning I was depressed, but when my dad told me I was going to get a prosthesis and walk again, I was very happy." Qusay, 14, lost his foot and his right arm when he and his twin brother Adi found a landmine while herding sheep in February 2015. His brother dropped the mine and died immediately from the blast. Qusay still has shrapnel lodged close to the brain. Thanks to his prosthetic limbs, Qusay, who comes from the town of Abu Maki in Idlib province, has regained some of his former independence. "I always go out to play or herd the sheep," he says. "I don't like sitting at home." (Reporting by Khalil Ashawi; Writing by Brian McGee; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky) According to the South Korean Defense Ministry, North Korea has failed an attempted missile launch, Sputnik reported. "North Korea appears to have tried a missile launch from the East Sea [Sea of Japan] area early morning today, but it is presumed to have failed," the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, according to Yonhap news agency. Earlier on Thursday, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported that a mobile launcher was spotted moving two Musudan missiles, possibly preparing for a test. The launch was seemingly meant to the mark the birthday of North Korea's first leader, Kim Il Sung. It's unclear if the failed test involved short-range or mid-range missiles. Tensions have been high on the peninsula since the DPRK conducted nuclear tests in January, followed by ballistic missile tests. These resulted in harsh new sanctions implemented by the United Nations. By Jessica DiNapoli (Reuters) - Solar energy company SunEdison Inc is preparing to file for bankruptcy as early as the evening of April 17, a person familiar with the matter said on Friday, nine months after its market value had reached $10 billion. A SunEdison spokesman declined to comment. Such a move would represent a fall from grace for the former darling of Wall Street and the renewable energy sector, whose rapid, debt-fueled expansion with solar and wind energy plants around the world proved unsustainable. The company's market value as of Friday was $117 million. The source cautioned that the timing of the bankruptcy filing had not been finalized and asked not to be identified because the plans were not public. SunEdison, which had debt of about $12 billion as of Sept. 30, said in a filing on Friday that it was in talks for potential debtor-in-possession financing with some of its first and second-lien lenders. The company said it needed about $310 million to stay in business, estimating a cash shortfall of $260 million by mid-June. SunEdison said it expected to secure the financing by pledging assets. In the filing, the company said challenges to its business started developing in the middle of last year, when it pursued acquiring Vivint Solar Inc and it worked on an initial public offering for TerraForm Global , a so-called "yieldco" company it created to hold renewable energy assets. TerraForm Global and SunEdison's other yieldco, TerraForm Power , hired financial and legal advisors to help them prepare and develop contingency plans in case SunEdison files for bankruptcy, a spokesman for the yieldcos said on Friday. The companies rely on SunEdison to make interest payments for them and for back office functions. They have no employees of their own. Typically, companies enter into debtor-in-possession financing after they file for bankruptcy protection to maintain liquidity while they reorganize. Story continues Analysts said that while the decision to seek debtor-in-possession financing did not necessarily mean the company would file for bankruptcy, it was likely that this would happen soon. "It is definitely a sign that they are thinking about it because they are trying to get the arrangement in place before they file," said Ian Feng, an analyst at credit research firm Covenant Review. In the filing, SunEdison laid out three scenarios to continue operating. Two included bankruptcy expenses of more than $70 million. The company said it entered into confidentiality agreements with lenders on March 17. (http://bit.ly/1SGdzfX) Debtwire first reported in March that SunEdison was in talks with holders of its second lien loans to fund a DIP facility. (http://bit.ly/1SGjams) (Reporting by Jessica DiNapoli in New York; Additional reporting by Arathy S Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Saumyadeb Chakrabarty and Ted Kerr) Beirut (AFP) - Fierce fighting raged Friday around Syria's Aleppo as a surge in violence forced tens of thousands more to flee their homes, overshadowing the latest round of peace talks in Geneva. The clashes on several fronts have put a strain on a fragile ceasefire in place since February 27, and left more than 200 fighters on all sides of the civil war dead in the past week. US Secretary of State John Kerry urged Russia to press its Syrian allies to respect the ceasefire. The delegation representing President Bashar al-Assad's regime arrived Friday in Geneva for UN-brokered indirect talks between representatives of the government and opposition. Syria's main opposition High Negotiations Committee (HNC) told AFP it was willing to join a transitional government with diplomats and technocrats from Assad's government. "We cannot accept the participation of the parties who committed crimes against the Syrian people in the transitional governing body," HNC spokesman Salem al-Meslet said on the sidelines of the talks. But the opposition could cooperate with regime "diplomats and technocrats" provided they had popular support, he said. The Geneva talks resumed following legislative elections in regime-held areas on Wednesday. UN envoy Staffan de Mistura met the government delegation, with a second session set for Monday, and the HNC was holding its second meeting with him on Friday. Lead government negotiator Bashar al-Jafaari described his meeting as "constructive and fruitful". - 'Major ceasefire violation' - Assad's role in a future transitional government, which de Mistura has said would be the focus of the talks, remains the key sticking point. Damascus says that even discussing Assad's departure is off limits, while the opposition insists he can have no role in a future transition. The fighting around Syria's second city Aleppo has cast a shadow over international efforts to end the five-year war, which has left more than 270,000 people dead and forced millions to flee their homes. Story continues Troops and militiamen loyal to the regime have fought Islamic State group fighters southeast of Aleppo city this week, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. They also battled jihadists from the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Al-Nusra Front and allied rebels in the flashpoint Handarat area, north of Aleppo city, it said. "What is happening in Aleppo is a major violation of the ceasefire," rebel commander Major Eyad Shamsi told AFP in Geneva, blaming the regime. "A big battle is being fought in Aleppo, and it will lead to a major disaster should the regime succeed" in severing the route linking rebel-held parts of Aleppo to the northern countryside, he said. Kerry called Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to say Washington "expected Russia to urge the regime to comply with the cessation and that we would work with the opposition to do the same", US spokesman John Kirby said. On one Aleppo front alone fighting has forced about 30,000 civilians to flee, according to Human Rights Watch. - Aleppo 'the key' - HRW accused Turkish border guards of shooting at some of those displaced as they approached the frontier. "As civilians flee ISIS fighters, Turkey is responding with live ammunition instead of compassion," said HRW researcher Gerry Simpson, using another acronym for the jihadists. At least 210 fighters on all sides have been killed around Aleppo since Sunday. Among them were 82 soldiers and pro-regime militiamen, 94 members of Al-Nusra Front and allied rebel groups, and 34 IS jihadists, the Observatory said. Even though IS and Al-Nusra are excluded from the truce, violence around Aleppo has sparked concerns that the ceasefire may collapse, partly because rebels are involved there too. "Aleppo is the key to war and peace in Syria," Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP. "Every side in the war has a stake in Aleppo." The fighting around the city is the fiercest in Syria since the truce began nearly seven weeks ago, and is especially significant because all sides in the war are present in the province. Russia, which has been supporting regime forces with air strikes, blamed Al-Nusra for the escalation. "According to the data we have, southwest of Aleppo around 8,000 Al-Nusra fighters are already gathered, and north of the city up to 1,500," a Russian foreign ministry statement said. "The actions of the Syrian troops supported by the Russian air force are aimed at wrecking the plans of the Al-Nusra bandit groups," it said, stressing that "no storming of Aleppo is planned". Syria's conflict began in 2011 as a peaceful revolt but later morphed into a multi-front civil war. GENEVA (Reuters) - The head of the Syrian opposition delegation said on Friday the government was sending a strong message that it did not want to negotiate a peace deal in Geneva and was seeking a military solution after launching an assault on Aleppo. "Today, as usual the regime since early morning and as before every round of talks, it sends a strong message that it doesn't want a political solution, but a military solution that will bring destruction to the whole country," Asaad al-Zoubi said, referring to intensified fighting in the northern city. He said government amendments made to U.N. special envoy Staffan de Mistura earlier in the day on guiding principles from a previous round of talks showed Damascus was "not serious about the political solution" and "divorced from reality." (Reporting By John Irish and Tom Miles; editing by John Stonestreet) Geneva (AFP) - Syria's main opposition High Negotiations Committee (HNC) told AFP Friday it was willing to join a transitional government with diplomats and technocrats from President Bashar al-Assad's government. But the HNC maintained that Assad's departure from office must be part of any peace deal and categorically ruled out working with anyone who played a central role in the civil war which has killed more than 270,000 people and displaced millions. "We cannot accept the participation of the parties who committed crimes against the Syrian people in the transitional governing body," HNC spokesman Salem al-Meslet said on the sidelines of peace talks in Geneva. The opposition, however, could cooperate with regime "diplomats and technocrats", provided they had support among the population. He also said it was "premature" to discuss specific individuals who could be included in a prospective new government. "The distribution of seats of the transitional governing body will be subject to a long debate," al-Meslet told AFP. A new round of UN-brokered Syria peace talks got underway earlier this week. The government delegation arrived in Geneva on Friday and held its first meeting with United Nations mediator Staffan de Mistura. Lead government negotiator Bashar al-Jafaari described the meeting as "constructive and fruitful". Political transition in the war-ravaged country, and particularly Assad's future, are the key obstacles at the negotiations, which aim to set up an interim government in six months ahead of UN-monitored presidential and parliamentary elections within 18 months. At the last round of talks, the HNC put forward a detailed plan on political transition, but the regime remained focused on general principles and made clear it was not yet ready to tackle the concrete details of a new government. De Mistura has urged Damascus to take a step forward at this round by laying out on paper its vision for a unity government. Story continues The HNC was holding its second meeting with de Mistura on Friday evening, with the government due to meet the UN again on Monday. This round is expected to last 10 days. The UN hopes that both sides will leave Geneva with general agreement on how to progress towards a new government. Before the talks began, de Mistura travelled to Moscow and Tehran to meet with key Assad allies to shore up support for his peace drive. He has repeatedly said outside influence, especially from Moscow, was crucial to success at the intra-Syrian talks. The negotiations, during which opposing sides meet separately with the UN, have been overshadowed by intensifying violence on the ground that has further threatened a fragile ceasefire declared on February 27. Fierce fighting raged Friday around Syria's Aleppo as government forces have battled jihadists from the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda linked Al-Nusra, who are not part of the ceasefire. The surge in violence forced tens of thousands more to flee their homes. "Tales From The Crypt" is coming back in the form of a new 10-episode series directed by M. Night Shymalan. A pilot of the new series, which has been given the working title "Time of Death," has been ordered by cable channel TNT. The series will see the Oscar-nominated director Night Shyamalan at the helm of the new anthology series which will bring back a reinvented Crypt Keeper, one of the most popular characters from the world of "Tales from the Crypt," and will be inspired by the classic slasher films of the 1980s. The show will feature horror stories that unfold in real time to take viewers through a single "long night of hell." Another "Tales of the Crypt" project in development is the psychological thriller "Creatures", which will be written by BAFTA Award winner Dominic Mitchell. Tom Shankland from "House of Cards" looks set to direct. The new "Tales from the Crypt" is set to launch in 2017. April 15 is usually marked each year as the traditional day people need to file their taxes, so its not exactly celebrated as a holiday. But how did April 15 become the big dayand how did we get the IRS in the first place? But before you panic, in the year 2016, the official federal tax day is April 18. Why? Emancipation Day, which celebrates President Lincolns signing of the Emancipation Act, is a holiday in Washington, D.C. Since it is celebrated on April 16, it will be observed on the closest weekday, which is April 15, thus pushing the tax deadline to Monday, April 18. Here are some other Tax Day facts, even though the importance of April 15 has faded somewhat with the popularity of electronic tax filings and automatic deadline extensions. Question 1: How did the Internal Revenue Service come about? The IRS has its roots in the Civil War, when a revenue bureau was set up to collect taxes levied to support the war effort in the North. That tax expired in 1872, but the Commissioner of Internal Revenue and its successor have remained in business since. Question 2: Was there really a national income tax before the one we have now? Aside from the Civil War tax on the Union states, Congress passed a national income tax in 1894, which was ruled unconstitutional the following year by the U.S. Supreme Court in Pollock v. Farmers Loan & Trust Company. The court said it was a direct tax not apportioned according to the population of each state, in violation of Article I, Section 9, of the Constitution. Question 3: If the Supreme Court said the income tax was unconstitutional, why do we have it now? Quite simply, enough states changed the Constitution to allow it. After the Pollock decision, two forces joined together to get Congress and at least 36 states to make the income tax legal via the 16th Amendment. Populists thought more people, especially those with higher incomes, should pay taxes. People who supported Prohibition realized the income tax was needed to replace lost taxes on alcohol sales. Story continues Question 4: Which state can we blame for passing the 16th Amendment? Delaware was the 36th state to ratify the 16th Amendment in 1913. But it would be harsh to blame Delaware, since six other states ratified the amendment after it did. And some people believe the income tax is a good thing, and maybe they would honor Delaware! Question 5: So why is April 15 the big Tax Day? Tax Day hasnt always been on April 15. The first Tax Day was on March 1, which was a little over a year after the 16th Amendment was ratified. Just before Prohibition started, Tax Day was moved to the Ides of March, aka March 15. In 1955, the deadline was pushed back to April 15, so the IRS could spread out the work involved with processing all the forms. The date of Tax Day changes if it is on a weekend or conflicts with a holiday in the District of Columbia. Question 6: How long was the first tax form? It was four pages long, including instructions. Check out what the first 1040 form ever looked like here (PDF). At the time, the average annual income was $800. Question 7: Is it really that hard to do your own taxes? It depends on your skill level, but the income tax seems to have befuddled Albert Einstein. According to a website called The Quote Investigator, there may be some truth to a quote allegedly uttered by Einstein: The hardest thing in the world to understand is income taxes. The site tracked down the saying to Einsteins personal accountant. Question 8: Who has the biggest income tax bill? ExxonMobil pays the highest, at about $30 billion a year in corporate income tax, followed by Chevron and Apple, as of 2014. Question 9: What was the highest tax rate ever? During World War II, the highest tax bracket was taxed at 91 percent and the lowest tax bracket was 23 percent. Question 10: Who exactly is the taxman? The current taxman is John Koskinen, the IRS Commissioner. As for the man that inspired the Beatles song written by George Harrison, that would be then-Prime Minister Harold Wilson and his governments 95-percent tax bracket that affected the Beatles. Scott Bomboy is the editor in chief of the National Constitution Center. Recent Constitution Daily History Stories 10 interesting facts about Abraham Lincolns assassination 10 facts about Thomas Jefferson for his 273rd birthday Looking back at the day FDR died Japan has been crowned the continental champion of a cooking competition that could be described as the real-life Iron Chef. At the Bocuse d'Or Asia-Pacific held in Singapore this week, team Japan led the scoreboard, securing their position as the continental leader headed into the Bocuse d'Or finals in Lyon next year. The Bocuse d'Or could be described alternately as the real-life Iron Chef, where teams are put in a pressure cooker to prepare the ultimate meal of their lives, and the Olympics of the culinary world, where a country's culinary pride is at stake. Over two days, chefs from nine countries in Asia-Pacific sweat it out in the Singaporean kitchen stadium vying for the chance to compete at the grand finale in 2017. Leading the Japanese team was chef Kotaro Hasegawa of Hiramatsu restaurant in Tokyo. Along with Japan, the top four qualifying countries include Singapore, Australia, China and South Korea. Teams were tasked with preparing a fish and meat dish within 5 hours and 35 minutes and were judged on their work techniques, respect for products, taste, and optimization of ingredient use. The next continental competition takes place in Budapest next month, where 20 teams from across Europe will fight for one of 11 qualifying places. The 2017 edition of the Bocuse d'Or takes place in Lyon January 24-25. The HTC 10 is now official, which means the last piece of the Android flagship puzzle has fallen into place. If you haven't already read our in-depth HTC 10 review, you should definitely make it a point to catch up. HTC has done phenomenal work with its latest high-end handset, addressing nearly every pain point users had and putting together a smartphone that checks almost every important box. Now that the Android landscape for the first half of the year has been laid out, we'll be spending plenty of time comparing all the new Android flagships in an effort to help readers find the right phone. To start things off, we're going to look at the brand new HTC 10 as it compares to the most popular flagship Android phone in the world right now, Samsung's Galaxy S7. DON'T MISS: How to get 2GB of free data from Verizon in just a few seconds Samsung's Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge represent the two best smartphones Samsung has ever released. Frankly, they might be the two best Android phones, period. The answer to whether or not that's the case was much clearer before the HTC 10 was unveiled though, and now it's time to compare these great phones' five most important features. Performance BGR-HTC-10-7 We'll begin with performance because it's one of the easiest comparisons to make. If you measure performance mainly using benchmark test results, the HTC 10 is the winner here by a wide margin. The phone scored over 145,000 on Antutu tests that we ran while reviewing it, making it the most powerful smartphone in the world. Other sites' tests climbed all the way up into the 156,000 range. Meanwhile, the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge score somewhere in the 136,000 range, on average. Real-life usage is often a different story, and in most use cases the gap between these two phones will be much more narrow. I've spent a fair amount of time comparing the two though, and the edge definitely goes to the HTC 10. Story continues HTC made some serious improvements to its touch experience and as a result, the HTC 10 has what HTC claims is the lowest touch latency in the world. I personally still find that the iPhone 6s is a bit more responsive, but that has to do with iOS in addition to touchscreen hardware and software. Sticking to the HTC 10 vs. Galaxy S7 comparison though, the difference it pretty noticeable. I find the HTC 10 to be far more fluid than Samsung's handsets, and combined with the edge HTC has over Samsung in the power department, the HTC is the winner here. Battery BGR-htc-10-16 Battery life is another area where the winner is clear, and it's another check in HTC's column. HTC claims that the HTC 10's battery will last up to two days of "normal" usage on a single charge. We have yet to verify that claim since our usage was anything but "normal" while reviewing the phone, but we have found the HTC 10's battery life to be very impressive. The HTC 10's large 3,000 mAh battery is only part of the story here. HTC has also made a number of software optimizations that minimize battery drain. For example, the phone is remarkably efficient while it's at rest I've found that it only loses a few percentage points of its charge overnight, for example. Even with heavy usage while reviewing the handset, HTC's new flagship phone has lasted us well over 24 hours per charge. Samsung's Galaxy S7 doesn't even last that long with normal usage. Camera BGR-Samsung-Galaxy-S7-5 The camera category is just as easy to call as the battery life category, but this time the win goes to Samsung. DxOMark gave the HTC 10 an 88 following its tests, which is tied for the highest score it has ever given a smartphone camera. Which phone is that score tied with? Samsung's Galaxy S7. With that having been said, DxOMark hasn't released the full results of its tests to the public, so we're not sure exactly how it determined that figure. To our eye, the Galaxy S7's camera handily tops the HTC 10. In low-light settings, the difference between the two cameras if plain as day. Samsung has the edge by a landslide. In good lighting the difference is much more narrow, but we still find photos captured on the Galaxy S7 to be far more crisp and true to color. Display BGR-Samsung-Galaxy-S7-10 Another area of this comparison that's easy to call is display quality. Nearly everything you do on your smartphone involves looking at the display, so the quality of that display is a big deal. Just ask iPhone users, who still have to deal with a 720p LCD screen if they opt for the smaller 4.7-inch iPhone 6s. The Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 edge and HTC 10 all feature 2K "Quad HD" resolution, but the Super AMOLED panel on Samsung's phones is in a league of its own. As it compares to the HTC 10's Super LCD 5 screen, blacks are deeper and colors are far more vivid. Galaxy S7, hands down. Design BGR-Samsung-Galaxy-S7-1 Our fifth and final category for this comparison is by far the most difficult to judge since design is largely a matter of personal preference. Until 2015, Samsung's flagship phones couldn't even compare to HTC's high-end handsets where design and build quality are concerned. They were made out of plastic that felt thin and cheap compared to HTC's metal phones, and their designs were certainly nothing to get excited about. That changed last year with the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge, which were made entirely of glass and metal. Sure they featured designs that appeared to be inspired by the iPhone 5 and iPhone 6, but they tied everything together in a clean, sophisticated way. In 2016, the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge further refine the designs Samsung showed us last year, and the results are gorgeous particularly in the case of the larger Galaxy S7 edge. Meanwhile, HTC's flagship phones have all looked very similar for the past four generations beginning with 2013's HTC One M7. The new HTC 10 is the sleekest and most sophisticated iteration of that design by far, but it's still an iteration. Again, this is clearly a matter of preference, but we give the edge to Samsung in the design category. Related stories The new HTC 10 is here, but the Galaxy S7 might still be the world's best Android phone The HTC 10 is the most powerful smartphone in the world HTC 10 review: An exciting new flagship phone that's better in every way More from BGR: HTC 10 review: An exciting new flagship phone thats better in every way This article was originally published on BGR.com During a phone conversation, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State John Kerry confirmed determination to strengthen cessation of hostilities in Syria, as well as discussed the situation around the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, RIA Novosti reported citing the Russian foreign ministry. The sides reaffirmed their determination to strengthening the cessation of hostilities in Syria, with the exception of fight against terrorist groups, as well as provision of access for relief supplies to the civilian population in blocked areas. Other international issues, including the situation around Azerbaijan's occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region were discussed during the conversation, according to the Russian foreign ministry. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. BGR has learned that Tesla recently hired Milan Kovac, the former principal engineer over at Skully Systems. In case you're unfamiliar, Skully is the company behind a futuristic motorcycle helmet with a built-in heads up display (HUD). While Tesla hires talented engineers all the time, Kovac's background is particularly interesting given the recent unveiling of the Model 3 and its curiously sparse dashboard. As we've detailed previously, the interior design of the Model 3 raised more than a few eyebrows due to its lack of a traditional instrument cluster. As the photo below demonstrates, the only place where a driver can ascertain his or her speed and other pertinent driving information is from the 15-inch video display on the center console. Notably, a Tesla rep at the Model 3 unveiling confirmed that the final production model will in fact lack a traditional instrument cluster. DON'T MISS: HTC 10 review: An exciting new flagship phone thats better in every way model 3 dashboard panel Subsequently, Tesla CEO Elon Musk alleviated concerns about the peculiar design choice via Twitter, noting that everything will make more sense soon. https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/716713294128500737 Consequently, many have been quick to assume that the final production version of the Model 3 will incorporate a HUD. And that's where Kovac's expertise may come into play. While at Skully, Kovac helped develop the Skully AR-1, the first consumer-oriented intelligent HUD motorcycle helmet. The helmet, which we covered back when it was still an Indiegogo project getting off the ground, utilizes a transparent heads up display to present riders with pertinent and glanceable information such as visual navigation and speed. "The SKULLY AR-1 brings fighter pilot Heads-Up Display technology to motorcycle helmets," the company boasts on its website. A short promotional video of the helmet and its underlying technology can be seen below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdcWd594lRw Story continues Now according to Kovac's LinkedIn profile, he's currently working on Autopilot technology at Tesla. This makes sense given that without the digital dash Tesla implemented with the Model S, a Model 3 with Autopilot enabled will likely have to display pertinent Autopilot-related information on a HUD. It's also worth noting that Kovac a few years back spent some time working at Softkinetic, a Belgium-based company that prides itself as being the "worlds leading provider of 3D vision and gesture recognition solution." Interestingly, Softkinetic's gesture control technology is already being used in the BMW 2015 Series 7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVZYK-k_nm4 Is is it possible that this represents sneak peek at some of the surprises that the Model 3 might have in store? It's hard to say, but it's clear that Tesla has brought on board a talented engineer who will more than likely be doing some interesting work in sprucing up the Model 3 driving experience. Two additional points of interest are worth noting. First, Elon Musk previously stated that the Model 3 steering wheel will look like a spaceship and will have no shortage of controls. That being the case, imagine a fully decked out steering wheel capable of controlling a gigantic HUD on the windshield. https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/716729420078133248 Second, Tesla recently hired the man responsible for the interior design of Porsche's Mission E. Of particular interest is that the Mission E dashboard featured a holographic display along with a number of other futuristic controls. Taking a step back and looking at all these developments together, it's clear that the final production version of the Model 3 will have an incredibly futuristic interior and may very well send reservations into the stratosphere. Related stories Tesla Model 3 reservations approach 400,000, but production remains a challenge Watch a Tesla driver's 70-year-old mom freak out after activating Autopilot GM executive fires shots at Tesla's Model 3 More from BGR: HTC 10 review: An exciting new flagship phone thats better in every way This article was originally published on BGR.com Sao Paulo (AFP) - When Brazil's Vice President Michel Temer complained to embattled President Dilma Rousseff that he didn't like being a "decorative" figure, he was serious. Now he could take her job. Temer and Rousseff always made an awkward couple. As head of the PMDB centrist party, Temer represented the biggest force in leftist Rousseff's shaky coalition. For years, the PMDB has played that kingmaker role and it worked. But in March, the party voted to quit the government and go into opposition, supporting the rush to impeach Rousseff. Impeachment is edging closer with a crucial vote on Sunday in the lower house of Congress, which will decide whether to push for an impeachment trial in the Senate. A last-ditch appeal to the Supreme Court by Rousseff early Friday failed. That leaves the dour Temer closing in on the interim presidency, as required under the constitution should Rousseff be suspended or removed from office. The 75-year-old lawyer has a low profile for someone in such a lynchpin position at the top of Latin America's biggest country and economy. A constitutional scholar, he is perhaps best known to voters for having a 32-year-old former beauty contestant as a wife. But now, with his boss possibly sliding toward political oblivion, Temer appears hungry to take himself and his party out of the shadows. In fact Rousseff accuses him of manipulating the impeachment proceedings to rise to the top, calling him a "conspirator." - Preparing for big job - Temer, seen as a master operator in the snakepit of Brasilia's Congressional politics, initially played his cards cautiously. For months he made his displeasure at Rousseff known, sending a letter in December where he complained of feeling undervalued as "a decorative vice president." But he was careful to stay on the fence, even as other PMDB members openly attacked Rousseff and pushed ahead the impeachment momentum. Occasionally, he let the mask slip, publishing a document in October called "A bridge to the future" in which he criticized "excesses" in government policies. Story continues But while lower-level supporters liked to refer to him as "President Temer," he insisted he had no ambitions, except perhaps at the next scheduled elections in 2018. Finally last month Temer came out into the open, calling on the PMDB to abandon the government and go into opposition. But nothing was as brazen as the leaking Monday of an audio recording where he practices the speech he'd give if he replaces Rousseff. "We are living in strange and worrying times, times of a coup and pretending and treachery," Rousseff said. "Yesterday they used the pretense of a leak to give the order for the conspiracy." - Colorful or dour? - For such a colorless, backroom wheeler and dealer, Temer has a surprising side. Not only is he married to a woman less than half his age, but this is his third marriage. He has five children born across four decades. Nor is he the stuffed suit that he might appear on television. In addition to a highly regarded work on constitutional law, this child of Lebanese immigrants has authored a book of poetry. He has served three times as speaker of the lower house of Congress and has been president of the PMDB for 15 years. Temer does not apologize for his dour manner, telling Piaui magazine in 2010 that joking is not his thing. "I don't know how to do this. If I tried, it would be a disaster." That persona may account for his rock-bottom popularity -- he would get just one percent of the vote in a presidential race against other leading figures, according to a recent Datafolha poll. Becoming interim president because of a Rousseff impeachment would be one way for the kingmaker to become king. By Tim Ghianni NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Reuters) - The governor of Tennessee vetoed legislation on Thursday that would have made the Christian Bible the states official book, saying it would violate the U.S. Constitution, but lawmakers vowed to hold a vote to overrule his decision. In a letter notifying top state lawmakers of his intent to veto the legislation, Governor Bill Haslam, himself a Christian, said the proposal violated religious freedoms enshrined in both the U.S. Constitution and the Tennessee Constitution. My personal feeling is that this bill trivializes the Bible, which I believe is sacred text, Haslam, a Republican, wrote. The veto comes a week after the state Senate voted to make the Bible the states official book. That vote followed the state Houses approval last year. Haslam, who won re-election in 2014, faced mounting pressure from civil libertarian and non-theistic groups to stop the measure from becoming law. Hedy Weinberg, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee, praised the decision, saying elected officials should not use their official positions to favor one religious belief over another. Had Haslam signed the bill, Tennessee would have become the first U.S. state to designate the Bible as its official state book. The lawmakers who sponsored the measure vowed to hold a vote that would overrule Haslams veto. A simple majority in each legislative chamber would overrule his decision. According to polling, 62 percent of all Tennesseans favor making the Holy Bible the state book in order to recognize its significance from a historical, economic and cultural standpoint, the House sponsor, Representative Jerry Sexton, said. Senator (Steve) Southerland and I are prepared to move forward with a veto override and we plan to do exactly that. (Reporting by Tim Ghianni in Nashville; Editing by Eric M. Johnson and Leslie Adler) Some of the worlds largest energy producers are convening in Doha this weekend in hopes of cutting a deal that would put a lid on oil production and raise prices. Energy traders are waiting to see if an agreement will finally be reached, especially given how elusive attempts have been in the recent past. In the December meeting, it was, watch and wait, said Robert Thummel, a portfolio manager at Tortoise Capital Advisors. And that ended up being a complete disaster because what the OPEC members have watched, they've watched oil (CLK16.NYM) prices spiral downward from $45 to into the $20s. This meeting offers the OPEC members an opportunity to really reboot their messaging points. And we think that that will be really critical in establishing a base for oil Crude prices have returned to the low $40 range but Thummel, whose energy-centric firm has $12 billion in assets under management, expects to see oil at $50 per barrel by years end. We've reached the bottom in oil, he predicted. The fact that U.S. oil production is falling really means that oil prices will just be going up from here. Get the Latest Market Data and News with the Yahoo Finance App Thummel is also bullish on natural gas (NGK16.NYM) which, at $2 per mmBTU, is at its lowest price in nearly two decades. He sees it as taking market share away from coal. Going forward you'll see liquefied natural gas as a significant demand source over the next several years, he said. We have a really positive long-term outlook on the demand for natural gas. Thummel is long Permian Basin producers such as Pioneer Natural Resources (PXD). And with the U.S. now a growing energy exporter, Thummel remains positive on master limited partnerships (MLPs) that provide infrastructure to the industry. He also finds their dividend yields, some of which can be as high as 6% to 8%, another reason to find MLPs attractive in the current low-rate environment. Thummel is long MLPs like Enterprise Products Partners (EPD) and Sunoco Logistics (SXL), which currently have dividend yields of 6.4% and 7.7%, respectively. Story continues January was the first time ever we exported U.S. produced crude oil internationally, he noted. In February, we exported liquefied natural gas, or LNG, for the first time ever. And then in in March, we exported ethane, a natural gas liquid, for the first time ever. All of these commodities need infrastructure behind them. More from Yahoo Finance Apple is facing three existential threats Chipotle predicted to report shocking sales drop What real estate crash? Manhattan apartments now average $2 million By David Alexander WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A new Pentagon analysis of U.S. military bases and facilities estimates that one third of Army and Air Force infrastructure will be unneeded surplus by 2019, wasting scarce resources at a time of tight budgets, a military spokesman said on Friday. The analysis found the U.S. Defense Department overall had an excess infrastructure capacity of 22 percent, Navy Captain Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, told a briefing. The surplus capacity was based on force levels the department expects to have by the 2019 fiscal year. "We must close military bases to avoid spending money on bases we don't need," Davis told the briefing. The figures from the analysis were included in a letter to Congress by Deputy Defense Secretary Robert Work in advance of a larger report supporting the Pentagon's repeated requests for permission to close some of its operations under a process known as BRAC, or Base Realignment and Closure. Work's letter said the new analysis found that the Army had 33 percent excess capacity, the Air Force had 32 percent surplus facilities, the Navy had 7.0 percent too much and the Defense Logistics Agency had 12 percent. The Pentagon has been seeking to eliminate its surplus bases and facilities for several years now to help it respond to orders to reduce projected spending by nearly a trillion dollars over a decade. Lawmakers have repeatedly rejected the request because closing bases is politically unpopular and can have damaging economic consequences for communities that have built up around military bases. Lawmakers are also skeptical of the cost-savings advantages of closing bases, in part because the last BRAC round cost far more than expected due to more realignment of basing than actual closure of surplus space. Work, in his April 12 letter to lawmakers, said the current fiscal constraints faced by the Pentagon meant the department was having to cut spending at all installations, regardless of their military value. Story continues "A better alternative is to close or realign installations with the lowest military value," he said in the letter, a copy of which was obtained by Reuters. He said the department had submitted a proposal on base realignment that promised the focus of a new BRAC round would be on cutting excess capacity and reducing costs, with net savings obtained within five years. (Reporting by David Alexander) By David Schwartz PHOENIX (Reuters) - Investigations into the suicides of two Arizona prison inmates have led to the firing of four corrections sergeants and nine officers for failing to conduct security checks and other instances of neglect of duty, officials said on Friday. Suicides at Arizonas prisons have been called into question in recent years, but officials say they are within national averages. Since July 2015, there have been five suicides. All inmate deaths in the department are investigated, said Andrew Wilder, a spokesman for the Arizona Department of Corrections. Only in the events surrounding these two incidents were some employees found to not be doing their job or some sort of misconduct." Six other employees were disciplined, including a deputy warden, stemming from the suicides at two separate prisons. The disciplined workers received punishments ranging from 80 hours suspension without pay to letters of reprimand, the department said. Two more employees received corrective action with a letter of instruction. "Our investigations uncovered troubling instances of neglect of duty and other serious misconduct by some employees which, as a public safety agency, we cannot and will not tolerate," department director Charles Ryan said in a statement. The department said its recently concluded probe into the suicides of inmates Cynthia Apkaw in August 2015 and Scott Saba in February found numerous violations of job duties, departmental policy and procedures, and its ethics code. Included in the findings were instances where employees failed to conduct required inmate checks, falsified records and were dishonest during follow-up investigations, the department stated. Also cited was a failure to report or investigate misconduct, unauthorized leaving of an assigned area and turning in keys and radios before a shift had been completed. Wilder said that criminal investigations into the workers' actions remain open. Story continues A representative from the Arizona Correctional Peace Officers Association could not immediately be reached for comment. Apkaw, 25, was found hanging from a sheet in her cell at the state prison in Perryville and was pronounced dead at a local hospital, according to prison records. She had been sentenced to 11.5 years for multiple aggravated assault convictions. Saba, 45, was discovered unresponsive and hanging from an electrical cord inside his cell at the Florence, Arizona, prison, records show. He died at the facility. He was serving sentences for trafficking in stolen property, identity theft, shoplifting, fraudulent schemes and a drug violation. (Additional reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis; Editing by Sara Catania and James Dalgleish) By Alex Dobuzinskis (Reuters) - Thousands of low-wage workers marched in New York, Los Angeles and other U.S. cities on Thursday calling for minimum pay of $15 an hour in a cause that has scored major legislative victories in California and New York state in recent weeks. The union-backed "Fight for $15" campaign has expanded since its inception in 2012 from a movement mostly centered on the fast-food industry to encompass other low-wage sectors, such as home health care, retail outlets and hospitals. Much of the attention in Thursday's rallies, in what some organizers called a national day of action, was on McDonald's Corp fast-food eateries, the world's biggest restaurant chain by revenue. Demonstrators said they want to get to a $15 minimum in any they can, whether that happens at the state or city level or even via individual companies. In New York City, demonstrators rallied in Times Square and later protested outside a Republican gala featuring the party's three candidates for the 2016 presidential race, while in Los Angeles protesters held aloft large balloons and marched behind a banner that read, "McJobs hurt us all." Governor Andrew Cuomo spoke at the rally in Times Square, on a day that also saw Democratic presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders express support for the marchers. On the West Coast, organizers said more than 2,000 people marched through downtown Los Angeles. Anggie Godoy, 20, a cashier at a McDonald's in Los Angeles, said the campaign to raise wages must be national in scope. "We know that it's not just New York and California struggling, but it's everyone in our nation," she said. And even though California and New York have recently passed legislation to raise their state minimums to $15, protesters said those measures aren't enough because both states will take time to phase in the increases. Similar demonstrations in dozens of other U.S. cities, including Chicago and Miami, drew thousands of workers to the streets, organizers said. Story continues Protests were also held overseas, including at a McDonald's at Disneyland Paris and outside the headquarters for the South Korea division of the fast-food giant, organizers said. Last year, McDonald's raised its employees' base pay at company-owned U.S. outlets by $1 over the locally mandated minimum wage. That measure does not affect the employees of the almost 90 percent of McDonald's restaurants run by franchisees. McDonald's spokeswoman Lisa McComb also cited the company's participation in a program that helps employees earn a high school diploma and obtain tuition assistance for college. Earlier this month, both California and New York enacted $15-an-hour minimum wage laws, going beyond the federally mandated $7.25-an-hour wage floor that has been in effect nationally since 2009. Opponents have argued that raising the minimum wage puts an undue strain on businesses still struggling to rebound from a prolonged U.S. economic slump. Supporters say such measures are necessary to help low-paid workers who have been slipping into poverty due to stagnant earnings and rising living expenses. Kendall Fells, organizing director of "Fight for $15," said the movement combines a push to raise wages and unionize low-paid workers. "Workers demand $15 and they want a union, they don't care how it happens," he said. (Reporting and writing by Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles; Additional reporting by Amy Tennery in New York; Editing by Steve Gorman and Leslie Adler) Joined by wife Rita Wilson at his side, Tom Hanks stood in front of five journalists, including this one, on the red carpet outside of Sean Parker's Bel-Air home and put forth one easy, if not emotional, request. "Raise your hand if you know somebody who had cancer," Hanks asked. Everyone present raised a hand, including him and especially Wilson, who revealed exactly one year ago that she had a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction for breast cancer after being diagnosed with invasive lobular carcinoma. "Sometimes it's people you just met, other times it's the love of your life," Hanks said, looking at his wife of nearly 30 years. It's the devastation of cancer in all its forms that brought the couple to Parker's launch party celebrating the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, announced earlier in the day. That news revealed that the tech billionaire - best known as the brains behind Napster and as the first president of Facebook - invested $250 million in an effort to bring together scientists and doctors from six top academic cancer centers and break down the bureaucracy many believe has stalled progress in treating and potential finding a cure for many deadly forms of cancer. Those centers that have pulled together to collaborate with Parker's initiative are: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York; Stanford Medicine; University of California, Los Angeles; University of California, San Francisco; University of Pennsylvania; and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Read More: Sean Parker Bankrolls Project to Speed Development of Cancer-Fighting Drugs Many high-ranking officials from those institutions were in attendance on Wednesday night at the gala, organized on the grounds outside of Parker's home, an architectural jewel known as the Brody House and once owned by Ellen DeGeneres. The invite list was certainly diverse with physicians mingling with the likes of Sean Penn, Bradley Cooper, Jimmy Iovine, CAA's Richard Lovett, Katy Perry, Katie Couric, Lenny Kravitz, magician David Blaine, Princess Beatrice of York, filmmaker Peter Jackson, Goldie Hawn and late-night host James Corden. Story continues Guests listened to presentations as well as performances from Lady Gaga, John Legend and the Red Hot Chili Peppers (including guitarist Flea, fresh from Staples Center where he handled the National Anthem for Kobe Bryan's final game in a jersey with the Los Angeles Lakers.) Hanks served as night's emcee. Despite the star power in the room, all eyes were on 36-year-old Parker. Joined by wife, Alexandra, the entrepreneur was one of the last guests to walk the carpet and he stopped to talk with every outlet to get the word out about his mission. And if the initiative sounds a bit disruptive, it is, and that's something Parker is familiar with as it really is a through line of his career. From Napster to his current Screening Room project, he has proven that he's not afraid to break down models while introducing new ways of doing business. "It needed to happen," Parker told The Hollywood Reporter, specifically talking about the collaboration his initiative supports. "We needed to get scientists working together towards this common problem. It just wasn't happening on its own. We needed to find a way to remove all the barriers and remove all the obstacles that were preventing progress from happening faster. He continued by expressing how frustrating it was for him to witness "so much money going to cancer research" but not be allocated to "next generation therapies. It wasn't going to immunotherapy." Sean Parker takes the stage during the launch of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, held under a tent on the side of his home in Los Angeles on April 13, 2016. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Parker Media) He added that the experiment is part of a larger plan to increase funding back into the network that Parker has created. "The biggest challenge is whether the knowledge gained can be marketed or licensed to form other companies or be sold to biotech companies to bring funding back into the network. That is what Sean is envisioning. It's a great idea." Peter Jackson, one of the first filmmakers to speak out in support of Parker's controversial Screening Room, is already sold on what he's doing to find cancer as well. The helmer flew in from New Zealand just for the PICI event and said: "What Sean will be able to do with this is cut through all the red tape and bureaucracy that these [doctors and scientists] have to go through, spending one third of their time writing out applications for funding. These are the scientists and doctors who should be trying to figure out how to cure cancer and a third of their time is spent filling out forms for funding." Read More: Peter Jackson on Sean Parker's $50 Home Movie Service: "It's Inevitable" What Parker is doing may seem like "common sense," Hanks detailed, but it wasn't being put in practice. "I'm glad he's disrupted things," said Hanks, who also cracked a joke about Parker with the quip, "I have all his records and I love when he was with *NSync," connecting the dots to former boy-bander Justin Timberlake who played the part of Parker in the Facebook-inspired The Social Network. "The common understanding is that anyone who works on cancer is going to share all their research and help each other out, and it's the opposite of that because it's intellectual property," continued Hanks. "He's bringing a level of common sense that you thought had already existed but didn't." He's also bringing cash. "He could be doing anything with his money right now and instead, as a young man, he is choosing to do the thing called curing cancer by thinking outside the box," complimented Wilson. "I have to thank him so much. He's going to make changes in people's lives." Lady Gaga performs onstage at the launch of Sean Parker's Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at his home in Los Angeles on April 13, 2016. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Parker Media) Change that is only just starting, Parker noted. "(The launch) is the culmination of three years of work and negotiating with centers to get them on board and its incredibly gratifying but in some ways the work begins tonight," he said. "Hopefully 20 years from now we will look back and cancer isn't going to be this scary thing. It's not going to be a death sentence. We need to still get immunotherapy working against these common epithelial cancers, like pancreatic and colorectal cancer. We're not there yet. But hopefully we will be there." How to get there? Parker finished his red carpet walk with this: "We gotta keep everyone hungry. Keep scientists hungry; continue pushing. We can't just be doing science for the sake of doing science. We have to keep patients in mind all the time." So the next time someone like Hanks asks those in his presence if they know a patient who has cancer, Parker will be there, not only with his hand in the air but his head and wallet in the fight. Sean Parker, wife Alexandra Parker and Katy Perry catch up at the launch of Sean Parker's Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at his home in Los Angeles on April 13, 2016. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Parker Media) Flea and Anthony Kiedis of Red Hot Chili Peppers perform onstage at the launch of Sean Parker's Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at his home in Los Angeles on April 13, 2016. (Photo by Jonathan Leibson/Getty Images for Parker Media) Sean Penn and Minka Kelly share a table at the launch of Sean Parker's Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy at his home in Los Angeles on April 13, 2016. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Parker Media) Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr.15 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: The police have detained a suicide bomber in Turkey's Mus province, IHA news agency reported Apr.15. The detainee, whose name hasn't been disclosed, is a member of Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) terrorist group and was planning to commit a terrorist attack in Ankara. Turkey faced deadly terrorist attacks in March. 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. 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 BEIJING (Reuters) - One of China's top military officers has visited some of the islands and reefs in the disputed South China Sea, China's Defense Ministry said on Friday. Fan Changlong, one of the vice chairmen of the Central Military Commission which controls China's military, went "recently" to see soldiers based there and inspecting building work, the ministry said in a short statement. It did not say which islands or reefs he had visited. U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said in Manila he will visit a U.S. aircraft carrier transiting the South China Sea on Friday, a move likely to upset China, which has been increasingly asserting its territorial claims. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Nick Macfie) Singapore (AFP) - World number ones Chen Long and Carolina Marin crashed out in the quarter-finals of the Singapore Open Friday as both of badminton's top-ranked players were unceremoniously shown the door by young upstarts. Chen was stunned in straight sets by Hong Kong's 21-year-old Angus Ng, while Marin fell in three sets to Japan's 18-year-old Akane Yamaguchi. The unseeded Ng dispatched Chen in 39 minutes, dazzling the crowd at Singapore's Indoor Stadium with a series of cleverly disguised drop shots to take the first set 21-14. Despite trailing early in the second set, Ng clawed his way back to level at 14-14, before pulling ahead to seal the win at 21-18. "It's a pity to have lost, especially since I was leading 14-7 in the second set," said Chen, 27, who will attempt to win his first Olympic title in August. "To have thrown away 10 points, I feel that perhaps I was thinking about winning the second set and wasn't playing as rigorously as I should." This is not Ng's first giant-killing act, having shocked two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan on home turf last November in the second round of the Hong Kong Open. But he said Friday's upset win against Chen was one he did not foresee. "That was out of my expectations. Despite going behind in the second set, I was able to keep calm," said the 21-year-old Ng. "To have beaten an opponent of his (Chen's) calibre, it is a extremely good experience." Ng will meet South Korea's Son Wan-Ho in Saturday's semi-finals while Indonesia's Sony Dwi Kuncoro will face Lin Dan. Marin was next to bite the dust later in the evening when she was shocked in a 71-minute thriller by Yamaguchi. Despite taking the first set easily 21-13, Marin came undone in the second 18-21. Yamaguchi completed her comeback in the third as she forced the Spaniard into several errors to clinch the game 21-18. "The match was going good in the first set but she was playing better than me at the net. I had to be ready at the net and I wasn't," Marin said. Story continues "Of course, I am too much disappointed because I would like to win today but I couldn't." Yamaguchi, ranked 11th in the world, said she was unfazed despite going behind early on. "I didn't care when I was behind or what was the score. I just wanted to take it point by point," she said, speaking through a translator. Yamaguchi will face Thailand's Ratchanok Intanon in the semi-finals, while China's He Bingjiao will go up against compatriot and defending champion Sun Yu. Jon Stewart has largely stayed out of the public eye since he signed off as host of The Daily Show in August. But he resurfaced at the Tribeca Film Festival on Thursday night to introduce the world premiere of After Spring, a documentary he executive produced, which takes a close look at the daily lives of Syrian refugees living in a massive camp in Jordan. Still sporting a beard and referring to himself as "Jon Stewart's grandfather," Stewart admitted that he and fellow executive producer Chris McShane did "very little" on the film. The former Daily Show host called his involvement in After Spring "serendipitous," explaining that someone he worked with in Jordan while filming Rosewater worked with After Spring filmmakers Ellen Martinez and Steph Ching and suggested they send their footage to Stewart, giving them his number. "And they called me. And I looked at the original clips and I was incredibly impressed by how artful it was, how salient it was, and also that it wasn't, the point of view didn't overwhelm me. Whoever the filmmakers were did an incredible job at presenting and humanizing the story," Stewart explained, while introducing the film to a packed auditorium at Chelsea's Bow Tie Cinemas, pointing out that he'd visited the Zaatari Refugee Camp while it was being managed by Kilian Kleinschmidt, who's shown running the camp in the film. Read More: Tribeca: "Egyptian Jon Stewart" Bassem Youssef Talks 'Tickling Giants' Doc About Rise and Fall of Satirical Show He joked that he expected the footage to be from an acclaimed, well known documentarian. "So I said 'OK, I'll work with Alex Gibney or Rory Kennedy or whoever it was that did this,' " he continued, joking. "And then I find out it's these two young punks, these two, and they're these, they're young, they display a sophistication and an artistry that made me angry at them, for how, just, they're incredibly talented, wonderfully observational, incredibly dedicated, and as I said to them earlier, it has just been a privilege for me to be a part of the two of them bringing this incredibly relevant story." Story continues While he didn't make any overt remarks about politics or the current presidential campaign, Stewart did indicate that the film provides a refreshing "human" look at what's become a contentious issue. "We've all seen the hyperbole and the polemics, and the propaganda about who these refugees are and what these camps are and to see it in its most stark human, objective form is beautiful," Stewart said. After the film, Kleinschmidt, who's described as now advising "European governments to improve their refugee policies" at the end of the film, suggested that world leaders "should see this movie." See More: 'After Spring' Doc Trailer Goes Inside Largest Syrian Refugee Camp (Exclusive) "They should understand what's behind the logistics and politics of refugees, " he continued. "I miss exactly that human touch, which we just discovered here again, something we experience every day, out there, that these are people, human beings and it's not just a matter of commodities being stored somewhere and taken care of. Governments, unfortunately, as we speak, are talking about resisting, defending against refugees, building fences and walls and falling back to the ghosts of the past instead of talking about modern migration and immigration policy as we all should have and I think also the United States should go back to what this nation is all about. You are a nation of refugees, you are a nation of migrants, so please do remember that at any moment." Following two families living in the camp, home to nearly 80,000 Syrian refugees, the film explores their daily lives as they wait for an opportunity to go home. The movie also explores the long, carefully guarded process displaced people looking to migrate into another country go through. Indeed, Kleinschmidt explained that camps should give their residents the chance to move on that they're seeking. "The camp maybe should be a camp for a couple of months. After that it becomes a living space. It should become a city. It should not just remain a storage facility for people," he said. "It should become something where exile actually becomes also a chance for the future. It becomes something where people actually have access to change." Read More: Jon Stewart Revives Trump Impression, Talks Ben Carson, Biden at Stand Up for Heroes The Orchard has acquired from CNN Films worldwide distribution rights to director Lydia Tenaglia's documentary Jeremiah Tower: The Last Magnificent. CNN is retaining North American broadcast rights to the film, which will make its world premiere Saturday at the Tribeca Film Festival. CNN will air the doc following its theatrical release, which The Orchard has scheduled for early 2017. Susan Porretta produced Jeremiah Tower. Anthony Bourdain, Chris Collins, Joe Caterini, Tenaglia, Amy Entelis, and Vinnie Malhotra executive produced. The film explores the life of Tower, one of the most controversial, outrageous and influential figures in the history of American gastronomy, though his name has largely been obliterated from history. Featuring interviews with Mario Batali, Bourdain, Martha Stewart and Ruth Reichl, this foodie documentary tells the dramatic story of America's first celebrity chef. "The story of Jeremiah Tower is the stuff of legends - his brash personality and culinary genius make for a captivating look at the man and the story behind the legend," The Orchard's Paul Davidson said Thursday in a statement. "Not only are we thrilled to be working with Anthony and Lydia, but we are excited to be partnering with our friends at CNN on this film." Added CNN Worldwide's Amy Entelis: "CNN Films is so proud to partner with The Orchard and our Anthony Bourdain, Lydia Tenaglia and the team at ZPZ for this beautiful documentary about Jeremiah Tower. Tony and ZPZ's amazing vision for Parts Unknown has changed how we think about food, culture and our global community. Jeremiah changed what it means to eat out in America, and we are so pleased to bring his exceptional story to a wide audience." The deal was negotiated by Stacey Wolf and Courtney Sexton on behalf of CNN. Cinetic repped the filmmakers. The Orchard's recent slate includes Cartel Land, The Overnight, Dior & I and What We Do in the Shadows. The distributor's upcoming films include Morgan Neville's The Music of Strangers, Taika Waititi's The Hunt for the Wilderpeople, Roger Ross Williams' Life, Animated and Antonio Campos' Christine. The company has Joachim Trier's Louder Than Bombs in theaters now. Story continues Read More: Rapid Round: Jason Sudeikis Talks 'SNL' Regrets, Jazz Music Dreams and Emotionally Exploding Onscreen (Q&A) Patti Smith always thought she'd become an actor before ever becoming a songwriter. "I loved being onstage, but I couldn't take the repetition of doing the same lines," she told Ethan Hawke during a talk at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival on Thursday. "I didn't have the right discipline. Acting is so hard. God bless our actors. No one realizes what a rough gig it is, really. They think, 'Movie stars, they get so much money.' It's the worst f - ing job in the world. "Fourteen, 15 hours at a time, and a lot of times just sitting in seven hours of makeup, then there's a technical problem and you have to do it all over again," she continued. "You have to shoot the same scene from 40 different angles. Crappy food. Acting is much harder than rock and roll." Hawke laughed and added, "All that is true - I completely agree." Smith said she used to dream of starring in Bertolt Brecht's Mother Courage and Her Children - of which Hawke said excitedly, "You're getting old enough for the part now!" - but after seeing Meryl Streep in a 2006 staging at Central Park's Delacorte Theater, she nixed the idea. "I couldn't believe how awesome it was," she recalled. "The strength she had, her movement, her body language. I don't think she has arthritis." Read More: Rapid Round: Ethan Hawke on Being Snubbed by Hollywood Studios: "Its Not Really My Choice" Still, Smith recalled a tip Sam Shepard shared when they were writing Cowboy Mouth: "'Patti, it's improvising, you can't make a mistake. If you miss a beat, you invent another beat,' That made perfect sense to me, that little instruction. That served me my whole life, one of the greatest lessons I've ever gotten." After the two traded compliments on Hawke's portrayal of Chet Baker in Born to Be Blue ("It felt like methadone, not that I've taken it," she praised) and Smith's lifelong authenticity ("You had given yourself permission to be yourself," he told her, to which she said, "It's the only thing I know how to do"), Smith and Hawke discussed their measurements of success, which often conflicts with what the public sees. Story continues Hawke shared how, while shooting Before the Devil Knows You're Dead, Philip Seymour Hoffman told him that winning an Oscar is "confusing. It's really confusing." "What people perceive as success as paper, often it's totally flat-out wrong. When people are getting praised for succeeding, they're rotting on the inside, and when they're getting ridiculed on the outside, they're actually growing inside," the actor explained. "Sometimes success really atrophies people - they get caught in a glass box, trying to repeat it or live inside it." Smith admitted that though it's fun to get awards, "the only real success is that success when you know when you've done something well. Sometimes it's success that hardly anybody sees." Read More: Oscars: Patti Smith Reveals Backstory on Her Quiet Lullaby for 'Noah' Most recently, Smith has found success as an author of crime novels, and she has actor Vincent D'Onofrio to thank: After occasionally watching dubbed episodes of Law & Order: Criminal Intent while touring Europe, "Finally, I just went and bought a f - ing TV and started watching it at home and seeing it in English," she said. "I fell in love with it." Hawke also sang praises for D'Onofrio, who commits to every role, regardless of size: "They give him [Daniel Day Lewis] an Oscar for [Lincoln] because he was great in it. But give me Steven Spielberg, Tony Kushner, a part like Lincoln and the best master craftsmen of every profession, and I'll do a pretty good job, too. But put me as a guest star on an episode of Matlock - that is hard! We should be giving awards to that guy." Donald Trump addresses the New York State Republican Gala April 14 in New York. (Photo: Brendan McDermid/Reuters) NEW YORK Donald Trump took the stage inside the ballroom of a hotel he built here Thursday night and cast himself not only as a defining figure in the architecture of New York but as a staunch defender of its values. In a speech before a mostly adoring hometown crowd at the New York State Republican Gala, Trump never once mentioned his rival Ted Cruz by name, but repeatedly mocked the Texas senators criticism of New York values, insisting that it is those core beliefs that have the ability to get the country back on track. In our darkest moments as a city, we showed the world the very, very best in terms of bravery, heart and soul of America, Trump said, recalling the 9/11 attacks. These are the values we need to make America great again to bring America together again to heal Americas wounds. The GOP frontrunner, reading from notes, cited a litany of values he said the city embodies including honesty and straight talk, devotion to family and a strong work ethic. He also cited the citys big energy, joking that if his former rival Jeb Bush, whom he famously derided as low-energy, were to move to New York, hed have much more energy. All three remaining Republican presidential hopefuls, Trump, Cruz and Ohio Gov. John Kasich, addressed the annual dinner, held just days before Tuesdays New York primary. According to multiple polls, Trump leads in his home state by more than 20 points, but Kasich and Cruz are desperately trying to keep the real estate mogul from cracking the 50 percent mark, which would award him all the states 95 delegates. Trump appeared so confident heading into Tuesday that he spent most of his speech not even talking about his bid for the presidency. Instead, he regaled the crowd with tales of his personal history in New York, including his role in rebuilding the Grand Hyatt, where Thursdays GOP dinner was held. Who the hell wants to talk about politics? Trump declared at one point. Its boring. Story continues Slideshow: The battle for New York >>> Indeed, Trump, who spoke first, proved a hard act to follow. Kasich, who took the stage next, could barely be heard over the clink and clanging of silverware and dishes as waiters served the dinners main course. But it was Cruz who received the most dismal reception, as he delivered a version of his stump speech that was largely ignored by the chattering crowd. I have not built any buildings in New York City, Cruz told the crowd, adding that instead, he had spent his life defending the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The line, designed for applause, attracted almost no reaction from the largely pro-Trump audience. Some of the more eventful moments of the night happened well before the dinner, as hundreds of anti-Trump protesters sought to disrupt the event by blocking streets and sidewalks outside the hotel. At one point, a group of protesters made it inside the hotel, surrounding media lined up near a security checkpoint outside the ballroom where the dinner was held. Hundreds of protesters and activists march during a demonstration near a midtown hotel which is hosting a black-tie fund-raiser for the state Republican Party on April 14, 2016 in New York City. (Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images) Slideshow: Anti-Trump protests in New York City >>> Inside the dinner, there were few fireworks. At one point, as Trump was speaking, a woman rose to her feet, waving a napkin. Spying her, the GOP frontrunner paused briefly, as if he thought she was trying to interrupt his speech. But as it became clear she was a fan of his, he even pointed her out to the rest of the audience. Yeah, baby! she yelled, addressing the GOP frontrunner as good-lookin. Onstage, Trump predicted a big win in New York on Tuesday and looked beyond to what he said would be an exciting four or five weeks. He predicted he would get the 1,237 delegates he needs to secure the GOP nomination before the partys convention in Cleveland in July. From the crowd, a cry rang out. Bring it home, Donald! someone yelled. Bring it home! Republican presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, gestures while speaking to the New York Republican State Committee Annual Gala in New York. (Photo: Kathy Willens/AP) SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Twitter Inc has appointed Kathy Chen as its Greater China managing director, chief executive officer Jack Dorsey said in a tweet on Thursday. Despite being blocked in China since 2009, Twitter has been courting Chinese companies to buy advertising space on its service used by more than 300 million people. "A big welcome to Twitter, @KathyChen2016! She joins us as our MD for China!", Dorsey said in a tweet. Chen, who according to her Twitter profile appears to be based in Hong Kong, said in a tweet that she was looking to "create more value for Chinese enterprises, creators, partners and developers". Twitter in February reported its first quarter with no growth in users since it went public. (Reporting by Brenda Goh; Editing by Stephen Coates) Baku, Azerbaijan, Apr. 15 By Orkhan Quluzade - Trend: The member-countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) must develop the joint relations more actively, Mustafa Kabakci, former Turkish MP from the Justice and Development Party, told Trend by phone April 15. Kabakci said that taking into account the strength and capabilities of the Islamic countries, these countries can play a greater role in solving the world conflicts. The Turkish MP added that unfortunately, the role of Islamic countries in this issue is not rather active. "Today, the Islamic world consists of more than one billion people," he said. "The Islamic countries are the world's richest ones in terms of hydrocarbon reserves." He said that taking into account the capabilities of the Islamic countries, these countries can solve all their problems themselves. "Istanbul's 13th OIC Islamic Summit Conference can give a great impetus to the development of relations among the OIC countries and unify their efforts in all directions," he said. Kabakci added that one of the important directions of uniting joint efforts of the OIC countries is to combat the growing threat of terrorism. "First of all, the OIC countries must also give preference to each other in trade," he said. "This will contribute to the economic development of these countries." The 13th OIC Islamic Summit Conference is underway in Istanbul. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), founded on Sept. 25, 1969, is the largest and most influential official Muslim governmental international organization. The OIC brings together 57 countries. --- Follow the authors on Twitter: @o_quluzade By David Brunnstrom WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. government agency charged with monitoring international religious freedoms called on Myanmar's new government on Thursday to do away with abusive policies against the country's minority Rohingya Muslims. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) praised the government of de facto head of state Aung San Suu Kyi for releasing political prisoners after its November election victory. But it said Myanmar, which is also known as Burma, needed to act to protect freedom of religion and end discrimination against minorities. "One such step is Burma's government radically changing its abusive policies and practices in Rakhine state, which have harmed members of the ethnic communities who live there, especially Rohingya Muslims," it said in statement. The commission called on the government to do away with laws discriminating against ethnic and religious minorities, including Christians and Rohingya and other Muslims - notably the 1982 Citizenship Law. It said the government should ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, improve access to humanitarian aid for displaced religious and ethnic minorities, and invite the U.N. Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief to visit. It should also allow the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights to open a country office, the report said. Myanmar has denied discriminating against 1.1 million Rohingya Muslims in the country, most of whom remain stateless and live in apartheid-like conditions. Last month, Yanghee Lee, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar, said creation of the first civilian-led government after decades of military rule offered the chance of breaking this "tragic status quo situation." However, 1991 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Suu Kyi has so far taken a cautious line on the Rohingya issue, in spite of her status as a human rights icon during her long battle for democracy. The Rohingya are widely maligned in Myanmar, where they are seen as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh - including by some in Suu Kyi's party - and she risks hemorrhaging support by taking up their cause. Some U.S. and other international sanctions remain in place in Myanmar despite its change of government and the Obama administration and influential members of Congress still have concerns about human rights, including treatment of Rohingyas. U.S. law allows for sanctions on countries the USCIRF terms of particular concern, but its recommendations are not binding. (Reporting by David Brunnstrom, editing by G Crosse) JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - The U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said on Friday it will begin relocating 10,000 Mozambican refugees to better facilities within Malawi, the neighbouring state they have fled to in a bid to escape renewed fighting in their homeland. UNHCR said the Mozambicans began fleeing into Malawi in December and the exodus peaked in early March at over 250 people per day. "In southern Malawi, a major UNHCR-run relocation operation involving some 10,000 Mozambican asylum-seekers and aimed at improving the conditions in which they are living began earlier this morning," the Geneva-based UNHCR said in a statement. "On arrival, they will stay at a transit centre for up to two days until they are provided with a plot of land, food, shelter materials and household items," it said. In January, refugees interviewed by Reuters said they fled renewed fighting between Frelimo government forces and Renamo guerrillas in an escalation of a simmering conflict between old foes who fought a civil war that ended in 1992. [nL8N159160] The refugees said Frelimo forces were burning homes and killing civilians, charges denied by the government. The official Mozambique news agency said a government mission in March found no evidence of abuses by the military. Mozambique and Malawi are two of the world's poorest countries and both have also been hit by a drought that has triggered crop failures and food shortages. (Reporting by Ed Stoddard; Editing by James Macharia) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. military detected and tracked what it has assessed was a failed North Korean missile launch, a Defense Department spokesman said on Thursday. The launch at 3:33 p.m. CDT/2033 GMT on Thursday was detected by U.S. Strategic Command systems, the spokesman said in a statement. According to North American Aerospace Defense Command, the missile did not pose a threat to North America, the statement said. A spokesman for the Strategic Command said he had no details about the type of missile launched. "We'll probably let North Korea characterize it themselves," he said. The U.S. State Department has seen the reports and is closely monitoring the situation on the Korean Peninsula, a department official said. "We call again on North Korea to refrain from actions and rhetoric that further raise tensions in the region and focus instead on taking concrete steps toward fulfilling its international commitments and obligations," the official said. (Reporting by David Brunnstrom; Writing by Eric Beech; Editing by Mohammad Zargham) Don Quixote would be proud. Humans have been harvesting wind power for centuries, but the growing desire for renewable energy means we're building wind farms on an unprecedented scale, giving the knight-errant more wind mills than he could ever tilt at. The last decade has seen $128 billion in new wind project investment in the U.S., with 20 states last year adding nearly 8,600 megawatts of capacity, a 77 percent increase over 2014, according to the American Wind Energy Association. That represented 41 percent of all new electricity generation capacity to come online during the year, surpassing solar and natural gas, the industry lobbying group says. In 2015, wind power made up 4.7 percent of the electricity generated in the nation, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reports. With the extension of tax credits in addition to the growth, the AWEA thinks wind energy is on track to supply 20 percent of the nation's power by 2030, a scenario modeled by the Department of Energy. [See: 7 Ways to Tell if a Stock Is a Good Price.] Worldwide, the Global Wind Energy Council expects installed wind generation capacity to grow nearly 40 percent from 2016 to 2019. Costs are coming down. One reason for the proliferation of wind generation is that it is becoming cheaper, and states and countries are turning to it not just because it's clean but because it's economical, says Jay Jacobs, director of research at Global X Funds. There is a good case to be made for diversification within renewable energy investments, Jacobs says, given the risk of a cloudy year in a solar electricity-producing area or a shift in wind patterns in a wind energy-producing geography. Further, investors may want to choose wind and other renewables to align their money with their environmental values, Jacobs says. The potential for returns for investors depends on what stage of wind development they want exposure to. Investing in companies developing new wind projects and technologies means placing a bet on the broad expansion of wind power, giving investors potentially more upside but also more risk, he says. Story continues A different option. Another way to play the wind space is by speculating on cash flows of existing wind projects held by yieldcos. Yieldcos are companies formed to buy stable, cash-producing assets, like wind farms, from companies engaging in riskier development work. Even though yieldcos also often have other renewable assets, such as solar generation, they can offer meaningful exposure to wind assets, says Travis Miller, director of utilities research at Morningstar. Examples are Brookfield Renewable Energy Partners (ticker: BEP), NextEra Energy Partners (NEP) and TerraForm Power (TERP). [Read: How to Invest in the Internet of Things.] Global X's YieldCo Index exchange-traded fund (YLCO), which holds all of those stocks, is comprised of companies representing around 40 percent wind generation, with another 40 percent coming from solar and the remainder coming from other renewable sources such as hydropower or geothermal energy, Jacobs says. While publicly traded utilities with wind assets also generate energy from other sources, there are some like NextEra Energy (NEE), Xcel Energy (XEL) and Exelon Corp. (EXC) that are more heavily involved in the wind sector, Miller says. Looking offshore. The big growth opportunity in the sector now is in offshore wind development, Miller says. But that is very expensive because of construction challenges and interconnection requirements, he says. It is mostly being done by European companies such as Germany-based E.On and RWE, Spain-headquartered Iberdrola and Portugal-based EDP-Energias de Portugal, he says. These companies have American depositary receipts, but they tend to be thinly traded. Large-scale wind farms are typically funded by institutional investors, and it can be difficult for retail investors to participate in specific projects, says Chris Warren, CEO of Clean Energy Advisors in Nashville, Tennessee. And some of the companies working on technologies related to the sector aren't public, he says. To invest in wind, Warren recommends General Electric Co. (GE) because it makes wind turbines and Duke Energy Corp. (DUK) because of its focus on renewable energy generation. He also likes the PowerShares WilderHill Clean Energy Portfolio (PBW) and First Trust ISE Global Wind Energy Index Fund (FAN) ETFs. General Electric. With 6.27 gigawatts of wind installations in 2015, GlobalData says GE is the world's thirdbiggest producer of wind turbines, behind China-based Xinjiang Goldwind Science & Technology and Denmark-headquartered Vestas Wind Systems. The research and consulting firm says a recent acquisition allowed GE to diversify its wind portfolio. Duke Energy. The North Carolina-based utility generates more than 2,100 megawatts of wind power at 18 farms around the nation and has two additional wind projects that will add 400 megawatts this year. It has spent more than $3 billion on wind projects. [Read: Do Actively Managed Funds Really Pay Off for Investors?] NextEra Energy. This company, which is the biggest wind power producer in the United States, has an advantage competing for new projects because of its long experience developing and operating wind generation, Morningstar said in a December report. Miller thinks the stock is overvalued, but NextEra is a high-quality company that investors should consider buying if it falls below $103. First Trust ISE Global Wind Energy Index Fund. This ETF includes a broad array of U.S. and international listed stocks that are involved in wind energy. It has a net expense ratio of 0.6 percent and net assets of $45.6 million. Matt Whittaker is a journalist specializing in natural resources coverage whose work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Barron's and other international publications. He has reported from the Americas, Europe and Asia. Washington (AFP) - A Chinese state-owned nuclear power company and a US citizen have been indicted for allegedly attempting to conspire against the United States, officials said Thursday, warning they will pursue anyone who tries to get their hands on sensitive American nuclear technology. A two-count indictment was unsealed in the Eastern District of Tennessee charging nuclear engineer Szuhsiung Ho, also known as Allen Ho, China General Nuclear Power Corp (CGN) and Energy Technology International (ETI), the Justice Department said in a statement. They are accused of conspiracy to produce and develop special nuclear material outside the United States without the required authorization from US authorities -- to "secure an advantage to China," the statement said. Ho, a naturalized American, was also charged with conspiracy to act in the United States as an agent of a foreign government. US officials allege that Ho and CGN conspired as far back as 1997 until this month. "Allen Ho, at the direction of a Chinese state-owned nuclear power company, allegedly approached and enlisted US-based nuclear experts to provide integral assistance in developing and producing special nuclear material in China," said Assistant Attorney General John Carlin. "Ho did so without registering with the Department of Justice as an agent of a foreign nation or authorization from the US Department of Energy." Michael Steinbach, of the FBI's National Security Branch, said Ho's arrest and the charges send "an important message to the US nuclear community that foreign entities want the information you possess." "The US will use all of its law enforcement tools to stop those who try to steal US nuclear technology and expertise," he added. Ho, who was employed by CGN as a senior advisor and was also owner and president of ETI, faces a maximum sentence of life in prison on the first count. At least five Turkish security personnel were martyred and eight others were injured in two separate PKK terrorist attacks in southeastern Turkey Friday, according to unnamed security sources, Anadolu reported. Four soldiers were martyred when a roadside bomb planted by PKK terrorists went off in southeastern Mardin province, the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of restrictions on talking to media, said. The incident in Mardin's Savur town also left two other soldiers wounded, they added. An investigation has been launched in the area to nab the assailants. Separately, a police officer was martyred during an ongoing counter-terrorism operation in Sirnak province. Six security guards were also injured in the attack in the province's Ismetpasa district, the sources added. The PKK - also listed as a terrorist organization by the U.S. and the EU - resumed its 30-year armed campaign against the Turkish state in July 2015. Since then, over 350 members of the security forces have been martyred and thousands of PKK terrorists killed in operations across Turkey and northern Iraq. Caracas (AFP) - Venezuela announced Friday it is shifting its time zone forward 30 minutes to save power and alleviate a severe electricity crisis the government blames on the El Nino weather phenomenon. The move, effective May 1, will scrap a half-hour subtraction to the clocks Venezuela's late former president Hugo Chavez introduced in 2007 that gave his country a slight offset to its neighbors. The modified time will see Caracas go back to four hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) -- sharing the same hour as Havana and Washington (on Eastern Daylight Time) -- according to Science and Technology Minister Jorge Arreaza. Chavez's successor, President Nicolas Maduro, ordered the change as part of a bid to have Venezuelans alter their daily habits and save electricity. Other measures include giving government workers an extra day off each week for the next two months and Maduro has urged Venezuelan women to stop using their hairdryers. The president has also made next Monday a public sector holiday, which will mean a five-day weekend because people are already off on Tuesday for Independence Declaration Day. - Dams dangerously low - Water levels in the country's 18 hydroelectric dams have dropped to dangerously low levels, and citizens regularly suffer blackouts and water rationing. The government blames the disruption on El Nino, a cyclical weather pattern that causes drought in parts of Latin America. But the opposition sees it as another sign of gross public mismanagement, accusing the government failing to invest in the water system to keep up with demand. The country's power crisis has been ongoing since 2010, whereas the latest El Nino started in 2015. Venezuela has the world's largest proven oil reserves, but the government has resisted using crude to generate electricity, calling it inefficient. Maduro's other measures to cut electricity demand include reducing the workday to six hours for ministries and state companies and ordering them to lower their electricity consumption by 20 percent. Story continues He has also ordered shops and hotels to ration electricity, obliging them to generate their own power for several hours a day. Shopping centers have cut back their hours since that plan was introduced. The water level in the dam feeding the El Guri hydroelectric plant in Venezuela's southeast, which supplies 70 percent of the country's grid, is just 3.66 meters (12 feet) above its required operating minimum. Maduro has said there were currently no plans to slash high subsidies that keep electricity and water usage cheap. "Hopefully we won't have to go that far, but it all depends on each of us saving power, including the big consumers," Arreaza said. - 'Simple' time change - The science minister said "it'll be simple to move the clock forward a half hour -- this will allow us to enjoy more daylight, and it won't get dark so early." He explained that nighttime use of lighting and air conditioning was especially draining for the power grid. Analysts, however, warn that the measures being introduced will further damage the productivity of the country, which is in serious economic straits. Its inflation rate of 180 percent for 2015 is the highest in the world, and basic goods are scarce. Some workers complain that, although they might be getting more time off, they don't have any money to enjoy it. So they end up doing more household chores or lining up at the supermarket for rare subsidized food items. Frankfurt (AFP) - Embattled German carmaker Volkswagen said Friday it had sold fewer of its own-brand cars so far this year in the wake of its engine-rigging scandal, but rising demand in China helped soften the blow. Volkswagen said in a statement that combined sales of all of its 12 different brands edged up by 0.8 percent in the first three months of this year, with solid sales in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region offsetting falling sales in North and South America. Volkswagen sold 2.508 million vehicles worldwide in the period from January to March, up from 2.488 million a year earlier. "We achieved solid growth in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region in the first quarter, with China achieving its best start into the year since we entered the market there," said Volkswagen's sales chief, Fred Kappler. Chinese sales grew by 6.4 percent in the three-month period. European sales were up 3.3 percent and Asia-Pacific sales rose by 4.3 percent, while sales in North America were down 2.1 percent and sales in South America dropped by as much as 27.6 percent. VW, which aside from its own brand also owns marques such as Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini, Skoda and SEAT, was plunged into its deepest-ever crisis in September when it emerged it had installed emissions-cheating software into 11 million diesel engines worldwide. It is currently battling with still incalculable costs from the scandal and is potentially facing many billions of euros in fines and compensation claims. VW had at one time hoped to overtake Japanese rival Toyota as the world's biggest carmaker in terms of sales, but the scandal has tarnished its reputation. Sales of its own VW-brand vehicles appeared to have suffered the most, falling by 1.3 percent in the January-March period to 1.459 million from 1.479 million a year earlier. "Mixed regional market developments are reflected in our delivery figures," said Juergen Stackmann, head of sales at the VW brand. Story continues "While Volkswagen Passenger Cars recorded the best delivery performance ever in China in the first quarter, the trend in South America in particular continues to decline," Stackmann said. In the group's home market of Germany, VW delivered a total 138,700 of its own-brand cars to customers in the January-March period, 3.8 percent fewer than a year earlier. And own-brand sales were down in almost all regions in the first quarter of 2016, particularly in North and South America, the carmaker said. By Marton Dunai BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Miklos Heisler was 17 when the Arrow Cross Party took power in Hungary in the final years of World War Two and began a short reign of terror in which thousands of Jews, previously spared from deportation, were killed in Budapest. But Heisler was young and careless, and Arrow Cross paramilitary members caught him twice. The first time around, he was spared by an intervention from Raoul Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat who saved scores of Jews. The second time, he and two friends were herded to the banks of the Danube, and like thousands of other Jews during those months, were shot in the head and left to die there. Heisler's nephew Andras is now chairman of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Hungary (Mazsihisz). He recounted that story this week ahead of the burial on Friday of dozens of people whose remains were found in 2011 under a Budapest bridge. The fate of the remains, which are almost certainly those of wartime Jews, illustrates the difficulty Hungarians still have in facing that past, including the fact that the descendants of victims and perpetrators still live together in Budapest. "We try to do the burial so it sends a message to society," Heisler said. "When these bones were found nobody could be sure they were all Jewish; probably some are not ... If remains of Jews and Goyim (non-Jews) are found together they must be put to rest together." Hungary's government, then and now dominated by the populist center-right Fidesz party, has been criticized for paying lip service to combating anti-Semitism but white-washing the past when political interests dictated so. At the burial, Minister for Human Resources Zoltan Balog said Hungary faced a long road. "The loss of those people, ejected from the nation, robbed and bestially murdered, is our shared loss," Balog said. "A long road leads to honorable remembrance. Let us thank everyone who did not stop or turn back on that road." GRAPPLING WITH THE PAST Such rhetoric does little to allay the fears of many Jews of anti-Semitism. They point to attempts to erect statues of wartime anti-Semites. "The (government's) rhetoric is good; the statues are mistakes," Heisler told Reuters earlier this week. But Hungary is "passing the test today", he said at the graveside on Friday. The central European nation still grapples with its past, including its active role in deporting half a million Jews. The remains were unearthed five years ago by construction teams renovating a Budapest bridge. Clothing placed them in the 1940s, and bullet marks and a subsequent DNA analysis established that they were almost certainly Jews. It was no real surprise. In the final months of the war, Hungarian fascists executed thousands of Jews on the riverbank. Lined up in groups of 20 to 30, they were shot and forced into the icy waters. Miklos Heisler was lucky. One bullet bounced off his skull and another pierced his neck but left all vital tissue unharmed. He fainted. His two friends were shot and killed. Their bodies covered him. When he came to, he crawled to a safe house. "To this day his head bears the mark," Andras Heisler said. "He ... lives in good health in Israel." When the remains were found they were examined by experts but were not given the thorough DNA treatment that could have established their ancestry. After that there was nearly total silence, which surprised some outside observers. "The problem in Hungary, I realized, wasn't just the rise of anti-Semitic, neo-fascist voices and acts," former U.S. Ambassador Eleni Tsakopoulos Kounalakis wrote in her 2013 book about her time in Hungary. "Hungarian society at large was responding to those radical voices with disproportionate silence and apathy. In the case of the skeletons under the bridge, it seemed that most people preferred to keep old memories submerged in the cold waters of the Danube." To Vera Varsa Szekeres, a survivor of the Arrow Cross terror, anti-Semitic voices are a warning sign. "We were marked," she told Reuters by the Danube, holding the yellow star her mother once sewed on her coat. "I must be reminded of what happened until I breathe my last. As does my family ... this star is their heritage too." "We must process this, face it and counter it ... We resist at the first strange word." (Reporting by Marton Dunai, editing by Peter Millership) By Marton Dunai BUDAPEST (Reuters) - Miklos Heisler was 17 when the Arrow Cross Party took power in Hungary in the final years of World War Two and began a short reign of terror in which thousands of Jews, previously spared from deportation, were killed in Budapest. But Heisler was young and careless, and Arrow Cross paramilitary members caught him twice. The first time around, he was spared by an intervention from Raoul Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat who saved scores of Jews. The second time, he and two friends were herded to the banks of the Danube, and like thousands of other Jews during those months, were shot in the head and left to die there. Heisler's nephew Andras is now chairman of the Federation of Jewish Communities in Hungary (Mazsihisz). He recounted that story this week ahead of the burial on Friday of dozens of people whose remains were found in 2011 under a Budapest bridge. The fate of the remains, which are almost certainly those of wartime Jews, illustrates the difficulty Hungarians still have in facing that past, including the fact that the descendants of victims and perpetrators still live together in Budapest. "We try to do the burial so it sends a message to society," Heisler said. "When these bones were found nobody could be sure they were all Jewish; probably some are not ... If remains of Jews and Goyim (non-Jews) are found together they must be put to rest together." Hungary's government, then and now dominated by the populist centre-right Fidesz party, has been criticised for paying lip service to combating anti-Semitism but white-washing the past when political interests dictated so. At the burial, Minister for Human Resources Zoltan Balog said Hungary faced a long road. "The loss of those people, ejected from the nation, robbed and bestially murdered, is our shared loss," Balog said. "A long road leads to honourable remembrance. Let us thank everyone who did not stop or turn back on that road." GRAPPLING WITH THE PAST Such rhetoric does little to allay the fears of many Jews of anti-Semitism. They point to attempts to erect statues of wartime anti-Semites. "The (government's) rhetoric is good; the statues are mistakes," Heisler told Reuters earlier this week. But Hungary is "passing the test today", he said at the graveside on Friday. The central European nation still grapples with its past, including its active role in deporting half a million Jews. The remains were unearthed five years ago by construction teams renovating a Budapest bridge. Clothing placed them in the 1940s, and bullet marks and a subsequent DNA analysis established that they were almost certainly Jews. It was no real surprise. In the final months of the war, Hungarian fascists executed thousands of Jews on the riverbank. Lined up in groups of 20 to 30, they were shot and forced into the icy waters. Miklos Heisler was lucky. One bullet bounced off his skull and another pierced his neck but left all vital tissue unharmed. He fainted. His two friends were shot and killed. Their bodies covered him. When he came to, he crawled to a safe house. "To this day his head bears the mark," Andras Heisler said. "He ... lives in good health in Israel." When the remains were found they were examined by experts but were not given the thorough DNA treatment that could have established their ancestry. After that there was nearly total silence, which surprised some outside observers. "The problem in Hungary, I realised, wasn't just the rise of anti-Semitic, neo-fascist voices and acts," former U.S. Ambassador Eleni Tsakopoulos Kounalakis wrote in her 2013 book about her time in Hungary. "Hungarian society at large was responding to those radical voices with disproportionate silence and apathy. In the case of the skeletons under the bridge, it seemed that most people preferred to keep old memories submerged in the cold waters of the Danube." To Vera Varsa Szekeres, a survivor of the Arrow Cross terror, anti-Semitic voices are a warning sign. "We were marked," she told Reuters by the Danube, holding the yellow star her mother once sewed on her coat. "I must be reminded of what happened until I breathe my last. As does my family ... this star is their heritage too." "We must process this, face it and counter it ... We resist at the first strange word." (Reporting by Marton Dunai, editing by Peter Millership) WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser on Friday called for a citywide vote in November to make the nation's capital the 51st U.S. state, the Washington Post reported. Bowser, speaking at an event that included residents and some Democratic members of Congress, called for a ballot measure that, if passed, would also give Washington a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, the Post said. A push for statehood would follow a process modeled on the admission of Tennessee as the 16th state, the Post said, citing aides to Bowser. Tennessee, a federal territory like the nation's capital, was admitted under a plan that required the territory's residents to approve a state constitution and form a republic-style government, the Post said, adding that admission had otherwise involved ratification by existing states. Bowser's announcement could heighten tension between the city's Democratic majority and Republican-controlled Congress, according to the Post. The District is challenging Congress over its authority to approve city spending, with Bowser and the city council planning for a $13 billion spending plan without a congressional appropriation for the first time since the nation's founding, the Post reported. (Reporting by Susan Heavey and Megan Cassella in Washington and Suzannah Gonzales in Chicago) You won't have to wait until Rogue One releases in theaters this fall to catch another dose of big screen Star Wars. Earlier this week, Entertainment Weekly revealed that the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema chain will sponsor a traveling roadshow this summer with screenings of the original trilogy. DON'T MISS: Now we know why C-3PO had a red arm in The Force Awakens Throughout the month of August, all three original trilogy films A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi will be shown at marathon screenings in over 20 cities across the United States. "Its always been a dream to show the original Star Wars trilogy again somehow, someway," says Alamo Drafthouses VP of Special Events, Henri Mazza. "Seeing the original trilogy on the big screen for the first time is a real life-altering event and just a supreme amount of fun. When the films became available to book for screenings like these, we jumped at the chance to do something big." According to EW, the movies will be shown in their 1997 re-release format. Tickets will go on sale at ReturnOfTheTrilogy.com on May 4th. Here's the initial list of dates, with more to be added in the coming weeks: August 6 San Francisco, CA / The Warfield August 6 Kansas City, MO / The Midland Theatre August 6 Washington, D.C. / Warner Theatre August 6 Los Angeles, CA / The Theatre at the Ace Hotel August 6 New York, NY / The Town Hall August 6 Miami, FL / Olympia Theatre August 6 San Antonio, TX Majestic Theatre August 7 New York, NY / Kings Theatre August 7 Dallas, TX / Majestic Theatre August 11 13 Austin, TX / The Long Center for the Performing Arts August 13 Philadelphia, PA / The Keswick Theatre August 13 Louisville, KY / Brown Theatre August 20 Oakland, CA / Paramount Theatre August 27 Boston, MA / The Boston Opera House Date TBD Houston, TX / Venue TBD Date TBD Denver, CO / Venue TBD Related stories 10 'Star Wars' mysteries we won't know the answer to for months or even years Story continues The answer to the biggest mystery in 'The Force Awakens' might be a major letdown 10 secrets you missed while watching 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' More from BGR: HTC 10 review: An exciting new flagship phone thats better in every way This article was originally published on BGR.com Democratic debate, contd: It was a good night for Bernie Sanders at last nights debate, but as David asks: Will it win the U.S. senator from Vermont votes? Polls conducted before the debate showed Hillary Clinton leading Sanders. Panama Papers, contd: Jose Manuel Soria, Spains minister of industry, energy, and tourism, resigned today amid revelations in the documents that he was linked to offshore investments in the Bahamas. He initially denied knowledge of the accounts, but had to reverse course after Spanish media also connected him to a firm in Jersey, the U.K. tax haven. Update: More here North Korean missile test fails: The attempt early this morning in the East Sea area is presumed to have failed, South Koreas Joint Chiefs of Staff said. The Korea Herald reported the North was trying to launch an intermediate-range ballistic missile called Musudan, also known as the BM-25. News from last night here Read more from The Atlantic: This article was originally published on The Atlantic. Latest Android 6.0 Marshmallow release news for LG V10, LG G4 Stylo, LG G2, LG G3, LG G Flex 2, LG G4 on US carriers (Photo : YouTube/ Marques Brownlee) Here is the newest Android 6.0 Marshmallow release news for LG V10, LG G4 Stylo, LG G2, LG G3, LG G Flex 2 and LG G4 on US carriers such as AT&T, T-Mobile, US Cellular, Verizon and Sprint. The LG G5 smartphone comes with Android 6.0 Marshmallow straight out of the box. Sprint users of the LG G4 started getting the Android 6.0 Marshmallow on December 18, 2015. On January 12, 2016, the update arrived to the phone on US Cellular. Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile got the update in February. Advertisement The LG G3 will also get the Android M update. According to reports, the Android 6.0 update is already being rolled out in North America. Also, in Canada, companies such as Virgin Mobile, Koodo, Fido, SaskTel, Rogers, Telus and Bell released the LG G3 Android Marshmallow update in March. Furthermore, telecommunication companies in the United States will roll out the Marshmallow update for the LG G3 devices. However, it is not known when these telecoms will roll out the update. Reports suggests that the mobile carrier Verizon has rolled out the newest update to the LG G4 and LG G3. The mobile carrier T-Mobile is in their testing stage Unfortunately, the LG G2 smartphone will not get the latest update. Reports indicate that the smartphone is many years old and may not have the hardware to support the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update. However, according to new reports, there is a chance that the LG G2 smartphone may get the update. A Verizon LG G2, which was running on Android M, was seen being benchmarked. This means that the device has the capability to support the new features of the Android Marshmallow update. Many telecommunication companies in the U.S have said that they will release the Android 6.0 Marshmallow updates for their LG V10 phones. If reports are anything to go by, Verizon has already begun rolling out Android M updates for the LG V10 OTA. It is expected that other telecommunication companies will follow suit. According to 9to5Google, T-Mobile LG V10 has also started getting the Android 6.0 update OTA. Many reports indicate that devices such as LG G Flex 2 and LG G4 Stylo will also receive the Android M update. Google Now on Tap, App permissions and Fingerprint Support are some of the features of Android M, The Verge reported. If there's one thing that every Marvel movie fan knows, it's that you can't leave the theater until the credits finish rolling. The post-credits scene has become a calling card for Marvel, setting up future movies months, or even years in advance. But not every post-credits scene makes the cut. READ MORE: You can preorder Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice on Blu-ray or DVD right now Speaking with The Huffington Post this week, Captain America: Civil War writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely explained why plans to give the Hulk a scene after the credits fell by by the wayside early on in the scripting process. "We can clean that up real quickly," said Markus, regarding the Hulk scene. "Mark Ruffalo shot no scenes. We talked about having Bruce Banner at the very end of the film, and it just, again, seemed like were sticking people in just to stick them in. He has clearly gone somewhere at the end of Ultron, and thats a story. Dont blow it off and put it in a little tiny chunk just to put in a little extra filigree on our movie. Thats a story." There were also several reports of actor Mark Ruffalo actually appearing on the set during filming, but Stephen McFeely was able to clear that up as well: "There was a draft with a stinger of him in it. But that was long ago, and reports of him actually filming stuff the unit publicist on the movies [John M. Pisani] looks a lot like Ruffalo, so when people say, Hey, hes in Berlin dancing with Anthony Mackie, its John Pisani. Its not Ruffalo." McFeely went on to explain that the big green guy wasn't the only Marvel hero who didn't quite fit in Civil War. There were also plans to bring in the Wasp (Evangeline Lilly), but the team decided to "let the Ant-Man franchise show her come to her full fruition as opposed to just doing it offscreen." Captain America: Civil War releases in theaters on May 6th. Related stories Story continues Everything we know about the next Spider-Man movie Watch the first teaser trailer for Marvel's 'Doctor Strange' Marvel's Netflix miniseries 'The Defenders' will begin filming this year More from BGR: The latest Super Mario Bros. world record run shouldnt have been possible This article was originally published on BGR.com By Brendan O'Brien WAUKESHA, Wis. (Reuters) - A Wisconsin judge on Friday declined to reduce bail for two teenage girls awaiting trial on charges of trying to kill their classmate by stabbing her repeatedly to please a fictional character named Slenderman. The girls, Anissa Weier, 14, and Morgan Geyser, 13, have been in custody since they were charged with attempted first-degree homicide in the May 2014 attack in Waukesha, a suburb of Milwaukee. All three girls were 12 years old at time. Waukesha District Court Judge Michael Bohren denied requests from the teenagers' attorneys to cut bail for each of them to $5,000 from $500,000, release them on bond and place them on electronic monitoring while they await trial in adult court. "The $500,000 bail is certainly adequate and reasonable and appropriate based upon protection of the public, based on the risk of flight and ... based on the nature of the case," Bohren said at a hearing. Prosecutors have said the girls lured a classmate into the woods and stabbed her to impress Slenderman, a fictional supernatural Internet character depicted in stories as stalking and tormenting humans, especially children. The victim survived the attack. The trial has been indefinitely postponed while a state appeals court reviews a request to move the case to juvenile court. Last August, Bohren ordered the girls be tried as adults. Weier and Geyser could each be sentenced to up to 65 years in prison if convicted in the stabbing as adults. They could be held until the age of 25 if convicted as juveniles. (Reporting by Brendan O'Brien; Editing by Jon Herskovitz and Fiona Ortiz) Washington (AFP) - Tax evasion through international tax havens and other illicit transfers of money undermine the fight against global poverty, World Bank President Jim Yong Kim said Thursday. Kim said the bank is "very concerned" about illicit financial flows, amid intense attention on the recent leak of the "Panama Papers" showing how powerful officials and businesses in many countries make use of thousands of anonymous companies in tax-free centers. "This is a great, great concern," Kim said as he opened the Spring Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. "When taxes are evaded, when state assets are taken and put into these havens, all of these things can have a tremendous negative effect on our mission to end poverty and boost prosperity." He said leaders in developing countries regularly ask him for help in tracking down the exodus of cash, whether to avoid taxes or to hide graft. He said that one answer is increasing transparency. "The message I would send is that transparency is not going to move backwards. The world is going to become only more and more transparent as we move forward. So I would just say, be very careful." The publication early this month of the Panama Papers, a dossier of files on anonymous companies set up by a Panama law firm, has sparked a new push for ending the secrecy offered by tax havens worldwide. United Nations (United States) (AFP) - The UN envoy for Yemen declared Friday that "we have never been so close to peace," cautiously talking up prospects for talks in Kuwait next week despite violations of a truce. "The path to peace might be difficult, but it is workable," Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed told the Security Council, cautioning however that violations of the UN-brokered ceasefire "threaten the success of the peace talks." The Saudi-backed government in Yemen will begin on Monday a new round of talks with the Shiite Huthi rebels and their allies in Kuwait to end a war that has brought the country to its knees. The envoy, who was due to fly to Kuwait after the council meeting, welcomed a decrease in violence since the ceasefire went into force on Monday. Cheikh Ahmed said however there were worrying violations of the truce in Marib to the east, Jawf in the north, and Taez in the southwest. "Yemen is facing a brutal war on one hand and a significant terrorist threat on the other" that has grown in the vacuum created by the chaos, said the envoy. Forces loyal to President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi have launched operations against jihadists in recent weeks, backed by the firepower of an Arab coalition. On Friday, pro-government forces expelled Al-Qaeda fighters from the provincial capital of Huta, close to Yemen's second city of Aden. The United Nations has raised alarm over the growing influence of Al-Qaeda in Yemen and the mounting civilian toll from the coalition air strikes as it pushed all sides to come to the negotiating table. More than 6,400 people have been killed since a Saudi-led coalition began an air campaign in March last year to push back the rebels, who still retain control of the capital Sanaa. Some 2.8 million people have been driven from their homes, and more than 80 percent of the population is in need of emergency aid. "Peace is not an abstract for the people of Yemen, it is vital to their survival," UN aid official Kyung-wha Kang told the council. Story continues Among the issues to be tackled at the Kuwait talks are agreements on security arrangements, the withdrawal of militias and armed groups, the handover of heavy weapons and the release of detainees. The conflict in the impoverished nation has raised Middle East tensions, with Saudi Arabia and its Sunni allies backing the government and Shiite powerhouse Iran supporting the rebels. A previous round of UN-brokered talks in Switzerland in January failed to make any headway. A ceasefire that went into force in December was repeatedly violated and eventually abandoned by the coalition on January 2. By Marcus E. Howard NEW YORK (Reuters) - A former Suffolk County, New York, police officer convicted of stealing from Hispanic motorists pleaded guilty to more theft charges on Friday after other victims stepped forward, the district attorney's office said. Scott Greene, a 52-year-old former sergeant and a 25-year veteran for the force, pleaded guilty to three counts of grand larceny and one count of petit larceny before state Supreme Court Justice Fernando Camacho on Long Island. "Today marked a moment Scott Greene decided to put this case behind him and focus on what's important and that is his family and children," said defense attorney Scott Gross. Greene's sentencing on the new charges is scheduled for May 3. A spokesman for District Attorney Thomas Spota said the court would likely allow the former officer to serve any additional sentence concurrently with the one to three years he was given after his previous conviction on larceny and official misconduct charges. In January, Greene was convicted of stealing money from two Hispanic motorists after a sting operation. In January 2014, surveillance camera footage caught him taking $100 from an undercover Hispanic officer. A jury decided to acquit Greene of hate crime charges. Greene has been held in county jail since the conviction. Suffolk County's police department's practices have been investigated by federal authorities. In February, former Chief James Burke pleaded guilty to federal charges related to a beating case that was unrelated to the charges against Greene. (Editing by Alistair Bell) (Reuters) - The movie "Barbershop: The Next Cut" may open on Friday, a Manhattan judge ruled on Thursday as he denied an injunction sought by a New York playwright to block the fourth of a series of comedies that he claims ripped off his stage play "Scissors." Ronald Dickerson, a writer, actor and film director also known as JD Lawrence, had filed a lawsuit on Monday seeking the injunction and $20 million in damages from Time Warner Inc, Warner Brothers Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc and Showtime Networks Inc. A representative for Dickerson declined to comment on the ruling by U.S. district court Judge Laura Taylor Swain. "We are pleased that Judge Swain saw through this thinly-veiled attempt to extort the companies that have invested over 14 years and millions of dollars to bring the beloved "Barbershop" franchise to audiences worldwide," Warner Bros and MGM jointly said in an emailed statement. A pre-trial conference on the lawsuit is scheduled for July 15. The lawsuit claims that the plots, themes, characters and situations in the Barbershop movies bear an overwhelming resemblance to those of "Scissors," which toured the United States from 1998-2001. "Barbershop: The Next Cut," which stars Ice Cube, Cedric the Entertainer, Eve and Nicki Minaj, is the latest film in a series about the owners of a Chicago barbershop and an Atlanta beauty salon, their employees and neighborhood problems such as gangs and gentrification. The case is Ronald Dickerson aka JD Lawrence vs Time Warner Inc. et al, U.S. District Court, Southern District Court Of New York, No. 16-02695. (Reporting by Arunima Banerjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Richard Chang and Andrew Hay) Sectors like mining, agriculture, and equipment repair will be, however, out of the indexs reach as good data from these industries can be difficult to get. (Photo : Getty Images) Chinas agriculture ministry promised a more intensified crackdown on illegally cultivated genetically modified crops to ensure the safety of food products in the country. Ministry of Agriculture senior official Liao Xiyuan revealed to the South China Morning Post how Beijing plans to make the safety of the country's GM produce doubt-free. Advertisement According to Liao, the Chinese government is imposing a "checks and balances" procedure to ensure that only authorized GM crop growers supply food products in the market in order to ease worries and the mounting public skepticism over the technology. Why Chinese Hate GMO While it has been seen as a beneficial technology especially in China which is deemed a major agricultural nation, many still doubt the safety of genetically modified organisms. "The technology is getting better and more predictable, but the controversy is also getting bigger," Beijing-based Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology plant geneticist Caixia Gao told the New Yorker. China is one of the six top growers of GM crops, joining Argentina, Brazil, Canada, the United States and India per a record from the GMO Compass, but it is also the nation that is home to many people who doubt the security of the technology. In fact, GM propagators like Zhang Qifa, one of the first scientists who were allowed to conduct experiments on GM rice to ensure its safety, had repeatedly received threats to his life, sometimes leading to personal attacks. "Zhang Qifa is a traitor!" a woman from the audience shouted at him while he was lecturing about GMOs at the China Agricultural University in Beijing in 2010 when another member of the audience threw a ceramic mug at him. According to the New Yorker, it is possible that the Chinese media as well as entities from the ideological community fueled the hate for GMs, which has also been linked to "general anti-Western sentiment." Why China's GM Crops Are Safe Despite high volumes of criticism on the technology, China remains insistent that the Chinese people give it a chance since it provides farmers with a solution to their pest problems. According to Liao, scientists in the mainland have already developed pest-resistant GM strains of corn, rice and soybeans, as well as 147 pest-resistant varieties of cotton that would minimize the farmers' reliance on pesticides. Furthermore, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences' Wu Kongming said that China has the "most stringent safety procedures" for the technology all over the globe. China currently cultivates about 11.6 million hectares or 6 percent of the planet's GM crops that include cotton, poplars, papaya, tomato and peppers. New York (AFP) - Donald Trump has the blessing of the New York Post tabloid, which used its Friday edition to endorse the Republican frontrunner, calling him "imperfect -- but so full of promise." The conservative daily, owned by media baron Rupert Murdoch, said the Manhattan billionaire reflects "the best of 'New York values'" and "offers the best hope for all Americans who rightly feel betrayed by the political class." It dismissed as "rookie mistakes" Trump's controversial pronouncements pushing Japan and South Korea to go nuclear, and building a wall along the Mexican border. But it did advise Trump to be "more presidential: better informed on policy, more self-disciplined and less thin-skinned." The editorial made no reference to Trump's public insults for women he does not like, his call for a ban on Muslims entering the United States or his portrayal of Mexicans as drug traffickers and rapists. Instead it said political incorrectness was "one of his great attractions" even if his language was too often "amateurish, divisive -- and downright coarse." The real estate magnate leads Republican polls for next Tuesday's New York primary but recent losses raise the prospect that he will face a contested nomination for the party's ticket to the White House. Albina Ildarova is the first woman from the Republic of Dagestan to compete for the title of Miss Russia. Like beauty pageants stateside, the road to the crown involves a swimwear round, and while its required for entrants to participate to move ahead, many are reportedly unhappy that the 21-year-old is taking part. So whats the rub? Dagestan, a federal subject of Russia that shares its borders with Azerbaijan, Georgia, and the Caspian Sea, is predominantly Muslim, and a woman showing skin let alone flaunting her body in a bikini on television isnt generally accepted. She is beautiful, I cant argue that. But the fact that a young woman from Dagestan would go on a catwalk in lingerie makes me very sad, one person noted, according to the Daily Star. Many others issued death threats. Despite the backlash, more than 4,000 votes have been cast for Ildarova, meaning shell most likely be one of 20 qualifiers for the final round. In response to critics, Ildarova said, If they want to get to me, let them sort things out in their republic first, responding to the head of the ethnic affairs committee in Dagestan who suggested she distance herself from her region of origin. Ildarovas conflict isnt novel. Mariyah Moten, who was born in Pakistan and raised in the United States, represented her home country in the Miss Bikini of the Universe pageant held in China. She outraged government officials and Muslims worldwide. Furthermore, when the Miss World pageant took place in Indonesia in 2012, the contestants were banned from wearing bikinis to avoid offending constituents of the country. All 137 women wore one-pieces, with some covering up further with sarongs. This is perfectly reasonable in a country that prefers one-piece swimwear, Julia Morley, the chairwoman for the Miss World Organization, said at the time. Similarly, a Miss Iraq contest was held for the first time in 43 years, and even though its intention was to show a softer side of the war-torn country, conflict overshadowed this. The pageant was accused of being un-Islamic and a threat to public morality. Two young women dropped out after receiving death threats and organizers nixed the swimsuit section to avoid criticism. We deliberately organized the competition according to standards appropriate to Iraqi society to prove to the world that Iraq is a civilized country with a civic soul and a spirit of life, Senan Kamel, the pageants spokesman and one of its judges, said. Headscarfs werent allowed due to international pageant regulations, but all hemlines hit below the knee. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. By Isabel Coles ERBIL, Iraq (Reuters) - Denied their own state in reality, Iraq's Kurds have declared independence in cyberspace with a new domain name that has provoked the ire of a neighbor hostile to their aspirations. The new top-level domain ".krd" gives Kurds a separate space in the virtual world at a time when they are gaining legitimacy on the ground through their alliance with the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State. Often described as the world's largest ethnic group without their own state, the Kurds consider themselves victims of a pact that partitioned their homeland between Turkey, Iran, Syria and Iraq after World War One. "Those who imprisoned us within these geographical boundaries do not have the same leverage in cyberspace. In the internet we choose our own borders," said Hiwa Afandi, who got international recognition for the domain that opened this week for private companies, organizations and individuals to use. "We would rather live in a country called Kurdistan, be it physical or in cyberspace," said Afandi, head of the department of Information Technology in the Kurdish region of Iraq. The Kurds were granted the ".krd" domain name in 2013 by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), a U.S.-based non-profit organization that manages internet addresses. It is a "generic" name, not a two-letter "country code" name reserved for sovereign states. The region's presidency and government already use it for their websites in Kurdish, Arabic and English at www.presidency.krd and www.gov.krd. OBJECTIONS FROM IRAN Baghdad, Tehran, Ankara and Damascus have historically sought to contain the ambitions of Kurds, banning education in their mother tongue and quelling uprisings, but they have been gaining international recognition. A Kurdish leader in Iraq, where Kurds have achieved the highest degree of autonomy, is vowing to hold a non-binding referendum on independence this year as they battle Islamic State militants. In neighboring Syria, Kurds have driven the insurgents back in the north of the country to create their own zone. Afandi said he had expected Turkey, which is home to the largest number of Kurds and has a fraught relationship with them, to veto the application, but the only country to object so far was Iran. In an official complaint to ICANN, Iran cited the risk of "serious political conflicts" and "concern ... about the problems resulting from creation of the new gTLD (generic top-level domain) '.KRD'." "Some of the radical Kurdish communities ... have recently started a movement pushing for the creation of a Kurdish nation state which is toward separation of Kurdish lands from Iran and Turkey," it said. "The government of Islamic Republic of Iran is seriously concerned about these movements." Afandi said Iran had lodged the complaint too late to prevent the Kurds from obtaining a domain, joining other aspiring states such as Spain's Catalonia, which had earlier obtained the ".cat" domain name from ICANN. Catalonia guided Kurdistan through the application process, he said. Even before the ".krd" domain was registered, few institutions in the Kurdish region used the Iraqi code ".iq". Although Kurds now have their own domain name, they still do not qualify for the two-letter country code reserved for members of the U.N. General Assembly. "Once Kurdistan becomes independent, we will work towards that," Afandi said. (Editing by Tom Heneghan) Twitter's most recent quarterly earnings report showed more losses for the struggling social media platform, which has seen sluggish growth in revenues and active users (AFP Photo/Emmanuel Dunand) (AFP/File) San Francisco (AFP) - Twitter introduced a new head of operations Friday for what it calls Greater China despite still being banned in the mainland, as it attempts to boost already booming advertising. While San Francisco-based Twitter is not allowed to operate in mainland China under the country's strict Internet censorship, it does have an office in Hong Kong that courts advertisers over the border. Twitter chief Jack Dorsey fired off a tweet from his @jack account welcoming former Microsoft and Cisco general manager Kathy Chen as managing director of Twitter's Greater China operations. "I'm really excited to find more ways to create value for our advertisers, enterprises, creators, influencers and our developers, and partners as well," Chen said in a video snippet posted in a tweet from @TwitterGCN. Twitter shared a link to a story in Hong Kong's South China Morning Post that reported the company has seen advertising triple in Greater China since it opened an office in Hong Kong in March last year. Twitter has been banned in mainland China since 2009, but the service is a way for businesses there to get advertising messages to potential customers in other parts of the world. "We've seen success with Greater China export advertisers and publishers using Twitter to reach global audiences," Twitter chief operating officer Adam Bain said in a tweet welcoming Chen to her new job. Twitter last week added a PepsiCo executive and a British entrepreneur to its board as Dorsey continues an effort to shake up the stagnating one-to-many messaging service. Twitter marked its 10th birthday last month, having become a powerful communication tool but still struggling to win users and reach profitability. Since making a star-quality entrance a decade ago, Twitter has become a must-have tool for journalists, activists and celebrities but has struggled to show it can expand beyond its devoted "twitterati" to become a mainstream hit. Story continues Twitter's woes include a slump in its stock price to all-time lows this year -- down nearly half from its 2013 stock market debut -- and ongoing losses, even as its revenue grows. Twitter's base of monthly active users remained stuck at 320 million at the end of 2015. While that is a big accomplishment, Twitter has failed to keep pace with fast-growing rivals and to expand beyond its base. Dorsey said Twitter priorities for this year include making it more intuitive to use; live-streaming video, and making it safer for people to freely express themselves on the platform. Israel took center stage during the second hour of Thursdays Democratic debate in Brooklyn, New York, home to heavily Orthodox Jewish communities. Asked about his recent comments where he said that Israels response in the 2014 Gaza war was disproportionate, Bernie Sanders said he was 100 percent pro-Israel, adding that the point of his controversial comments was to ensure that Palestinian people must be treated with respect and dignity. That does not make me anti-Israel, Sanders said. Clinton disagreed, saying Israel was under constant threat. I dont know how you run a country when you are under constant threat. Terrorist attacks, rockets coming at you you have a right to defend yourself, she said. Also Read: Bernie Sanders Slams 'Bad' Israel After Skipping AIPAC Convention Sanders then quipped that Clinton failed to answer the question, adding that she barely mentioned the Palestinians during her speech to pro-Israel lobby AIPAC. We cannot continue to be one-sided, he said. Clinton shot back that Sanders likes to point out problems without having solutions to fix them. Describing a problem is a lot easier than trying to solve it, she said. Sanders criticism of Israel is a risky move. Although some in the audience cheered, national polls show that more Americans sympathize with Israel than the Palestinians. Sanders is no doubt trying to appeal to the hard-left wing of the Democrat party who tend to be more sympathetic to Palestinians. Related stories from TheWrap: Bernie Sanders Promises to Release Income Statement on Tax Day Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders Set to Debate In Vintage Navy Greenhouse Why Bernie Sanders' Attacks on Hillary Clinton Could Cost Him Big Time While several artists have canceled their concerts in North Carolina in protest over the state's anti LGBT law, the Mumford and Sons have a different approach. Ahead of their Thursday concert in Charlotte, North Carolina, the band announced that they would be donating proceeds from their show to a LGBT charity after the state made a new law, known as HB2, that bars transgender people from using public restrooms in accordance with their gender identity.. NEWS: Bryan Adams Cancels Mississippi Show Over Anti-LGBT Law "As a band that relishes welcoming everyone to our shows and promoting tolerance, we do want to take a stand with the people of North Carolina who this week are shouting loudly against intolerance, fear and discrimination," Mumford and Sons posted on their Facebook page. "Over the years we've looked for ways to contribute to the vitality of local communities and, in that spirit, we're now creating a charitable fund to support those who have made it their mission to pursue love and justice. We will be donating all of our profits from this show to this new fund. And we will start by making a donation from it to a local LGBTQ organization." MORE: Bruce Springsteen Cancels North Carolina Show Over Anti-LGBT Law -- See What He Said The band added, "As always, we will open the doors to our show to anyone who wants to come, and are excited to get down with the people of Charlotte." Cyndi Lauper also announced this week that she too will donating all her profits made from her concert in North Carolina to a LGBT organization. "I look forward to coming to North Carolina and standing up for equality and fairness," she said in a statement. "If we truly want an inclusive society, we all have to include ourselves in the effort to make that happen. This is the best way I know how to include myself and urge you to join me in the best way you know how." Meanwhile, Bruce Springsteen and Ringo Starr canceled their shows in protest of the bill. Story continues WATCH: 'Love Wins!' Stars Celebrate Supreme Court's Ruling to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage Related Articles The case was originally filed in Furong District court on Dec. 16, 2015, a few days after the marriage registration application was denied by an official at the local bureau of civil affairs. (Photo : Getty Images) Sun Wenlin, the first man in China to file a lawsuit to register his same-sex marriage, plans to appeal the case after his claim was dismissed by the local court in Changsha, Hunan Province, last Wednesday, April 13, the Global Times reported. Advertisement The Furong District court announced the following on its official websites: "China's law and regulation on marriage clearly stipulate that the parties in a marriage are a man and a woman, and the registration application filed by the two men obviously does not meet the requirement." According to Sun, the ruling was "unjust and unfair," as there is no law or regulation that effectively bans same-sex marriages in China. "Though the chance of winning is slim, at least we are trying, and it's better than doing nothing," Shi Fulong, Sun's lawyer, told the Global Times. Shi and his client will file the application for appeal once the court's verdict has been formally delivered in 10 days. Sun, 27, and his 37-year-old partner are determined to fight for their marriage regardless if the appeal is dismissed. The couple will continue to file their marriage application at the local office every June 23 until the registration is finally recognized by the government. The case was originally filed in Furong District court on Dec. 16, 2015, a few days after the marriage registration application was denied by an official at the local bureau of civil affairs. The official reportedly told Sun that only "one man and one woman" can register their marriage. The Furong bureau of civil affair's marriage registration department has yet to comment or respond to the Global Times' interview request. Sun is the first Chinese person to register his same-sex marriage through courts in China, said Shi. The lawyer hopes that the first case will spark a movement in encouraging China to modify the law and include the LGBT community. NGOs such as Common Language and LGBT Rights Advocacy China have announced their support for Sun's appeal on Wednesday, saying that the voice of the LGBT community must be heard and addressed. To make matters worse, the vaccine scandal has created an atmosphere of distrust toward Chinas medical system. (Photo : Getty Images) The Chinese government has demoted or fired a total of 357 officials while over 200 suspects have been taken into custody in line with the crackdown on the health scandal involving illegal distribution of vaccine. According to the South China Morning Post, hundreds of Chinese officials were punished and a total of 202 suspects were arrested by mainland authorities over the explosive vaccine scandal. Advertisement The issue which was previously covered by Chinese news outlets became big as it forced worried parents to go to Hong Kong for their children's immunization needs. Furthermore, the Chinese national government has declared a stricter regulation of the vaccine market to prevent similar cases from surfacing. How It Began In April 2015, authorities nabbed a 47-year-old woman and her daughter believed to be selling vaccines that were either expired or stored and transported improperly. Initial investigations revealed that the duo had accomplices who distributed 570 million yuan (about $88 million) worth of "problematic" vaccines all over China since 2010. In March, the Xinhua News Agency revealed a list of the vaccines illegally sold in 18 provinces from the Shandong Food and Drug Administration branch. Since then, authorities continued to scour the market for the problematic vaccines and found out that the crime had been done on a larger scale than they initially reported. China's State Council meeting on Wednesday revealed that the illegal vaccine probe has already captured more than 200 people, who will soon face trial for a total of 192 criminal cases. Aside from that, 357 officials including some from the China Food and Drug Administration and China's health commission, as well as 17 city and province-level governments, have already been punished for negligence. "Vaccine safety is critical to children's life and health, it is a red line that cannot be messed around with," the State Council said in a statement. The Effects of the Scandal Aside from the arrests, the vaccine scandal also gave the World Health Organization a reason to call for stronger vaccine regulations the country should implement. "This incident has highlighted the need for more, stricter enforcement of vaccine management regulations across the board," Bernhard Schwartlander, a representative from WHO China, told the Voice of America via email. China also saw a sudden surge of travelers to Hong Kong due to the Shandong vaccine scandal. Many parents from the mainland were too scared of the issue to risk having their children vaccinated within the country, which is why they went to Hong Kong to seek immunization even if it will cost them more. While the territory welcomed most of them, Hong Kong imposed later a limit to the number of children from the mainland so as not to deplete their resources intended for resident children. Soldiers raise the Chinese national flag in Sansha City in Xisha Islands. (Photo : Getty Images) An expert believes that the expansion of Chinas tourism in the disputed Paracel Islands shows the extent of the countrys claim over the territory. Hainan-based South China Sea specialist Liu Feng told the Global Times how China uses educational and leisure tours along the disputed islands known in Chinese as the Xisha Islands to showcase its civil jurisdiction over the area. Advertisement "Promoting tourism in the Xisha Islands reflects our jurisdiction over the waters," Liu declared, adding that the mere process of bringing its citizens and telling them that the area is a property of China has a big impact on the country's territorial bout. However, he clarified that the promotion of Xisha should still remain central on ecological conservation through legislation, law enforcement and education for the masses. On Wednesday, China launched a new cruise ship called the Beibu Gulf Star that would bring about 300 tourists every time it sails to the disputed territory. The new cruise ship is said to be a replacement for the Coconut Princess that have been bringing tourists to and from the islands in the South China Sea. While the tours are meant to showcase the beauty of the islands, only Chinese citizens are allowed to join, and this will give visitors a chance to experience the islands Yagong and Yinyu, and engage in fishing and diving activities. "The trips are limited to Chinese citizens," an employee of the China International Travel Agency in Hainan Province told the Global Times. One interesting thing about the tour is that it always begins with the raising of the Chinese national flag matched with singing of their national anthem, something that is believed to spark patriotism among the tourists. "It's hard not to feel emotional, seeing the Chinese flag raised and thinking of the struggles gone through to safeguard this land," 30-year-old Chinese tourist Li Qingqing explained to the Straits Times, referring to her visit to Quanfu Island. A British passport. (Photo : Getty Images) A 60-year-old British university teacher who went missing for several weeks in late March has been confirmed to have been killed in China, the Hong Kong police said in a statement after being notified by Chinese authorities. Hilary St John Bower, who worked as an English language instructor at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, has been dead for more than a week after being reported missing by his girlfriend on March 30, according to the police statement. Advertisement "The victim was killed on the evening of March 22 in mainland China," the Hong Kong police said, after receiving notice from their counterparts in the Chinese mainland. Police said they could not identify any "criminal element" in Bower's death and declined to provide any specifics including the cause of death or a possible motive, although investigations are ongoing. Hong Kong media reported that Bower, who had a longtime girlfriend and a son in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, had often traveled between the two places. On Tuesday, Bower's friend and colleague Richard Charles told the South China Morning Post that Bower had been linked to a pricey property sale in Shekou, an industrial zone in mainland China near the Shenzhen Bay. "He [Bower] was expecting to be paid somewhere in the region of nine million Hong Kong dollars for a property he just sold in Shekou," Charles said. Bower's disappearance sparked a global law enforcement alert involving the British police, Interpol and mainland China's Public Security Bureau. "We are providing support to the family at this difficult time, and will remain in close contact with local authorities," a U.K. Foreign Office spokeswoman told the BBC. In a statement, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University said they will render all necessary support and assistance to Bower's family and offer counseling to colleagues and students in need. Bower had taught at Polytechnic University since 1996, according to his profile on the university website. He had previously taught in mainland China, South Korea, Thailand, Spain and Kuwait. Murders of foreigners are rare in China, although the death of another British man, Neil Heywood, in 2011 led to one of the country's biggest political scandals in recent history. The wife of former top Chinese leader Bo Xilai was later found guilty of killing Heywood, leading to Bo's downfall and sentencing to life in prison in 2013 for corruption. A chip implanted in the brain has allowed Ian Burkhart who has been paralyzed from three years to move his fingers, wrist and hand again. (Photo : YouTube/24/7 Live) American Ian Burkhart, 24, was paralyzed five years ago following a diving accident. However, owing to new technology is now capable of swiping a credit card and lifting a cup. Doctors have implanted a chip in his brain which allows him to control movements using his thoughts. The breakthrough technology was first reported in the journal called Nature. Scientists believe the study will offer hope for victims of stroke. The technology is being called nerve bypass technology. Advertisement Burkhart is the first individual to be implanted with a chip in his brain that reads his thoughts, Daily Mail reported. The implant is able to decode signals from his nerves to move muscles in his body. According to the British publication, the technology works on those whose brains are able to still produce nerve signals. Those who can produce nerve signals need only an added support for the messages to reach their limbs, the publication reported. "We think the sky is the limit," the doctors behind the technology were quoted by the British publication as saying. The implant in Burkhart's brain taps into the cells that control movement in the brain. With the help of a computer, it decodes these signals and sends them to a sleeve which Burkhart wears. The sleeve is studded with electrodes. The electrodes stimulate muscles in his arm producing the required movement. Researchers believe that similar technology could restore movement to other body parts, the publication reported. A first-year university student, Burkhart injured his neck while playing in the sea with his friends. Thereafter, he was confined to a wheel-chair and unable to move his arms. He has been dependent on others to help wash, dress and attend to other tasks. Fortunately, in Burkart's case, his brain has still been able to generate thoughts needed for movement. It is the damage to the spinal cord that has affected the communication between his brain and his muscles, the publication reported. 'We are just at the tip of the iceberg with this type of technology," Researcher Dr. Chad Bouton was quoted by the British publication as saying. Dr. Bouton added this technology would allow those living with paralysis to get back to a certain level of normalcy after injury. Watch a clip which explains nerve bypass technology: The Xinhua Dictionary hits two birds with one stone. (Photo : Wikipedia) The iconic Xinhua Dictionary has been declared officially as the "world's best-selling book" and the "most popular dictionary" by the Guinness World Records. Published by The Commercial Press, the Xinhua Dictionary has sold 567 million copies globally as of July 28, 2015. It is China's first contemporary dictionary, making it a common sight on the shelves of almost every household in the country. Advertisement The first edition of the book was published by the People's Education Press in 1953, according to the South China Morning Post. Since 1957, The Commercial Press has been publishing updated copies of the dictionary, the SCMP added. "Our teams have completed extensive data investigation, collection and examination for these two records, and we are delighted to verify that the Xinhua Dictionary is the most popular dictionary and the best-selling regularly updated book," Guinness' representative Marco Frigatti told China Daily. President Tan Yue of China Publishing Group believes that the two records show how the Chinese language is influencing the rest of the world. "China Publishing Group has many time-honored member publishing houses and comprehensively recognized publications, among which The Commercial Press and the Xinhua Dictionary are typical examples," Tan was quoted as saying by China Daily. "The Most Popular Dictionary and Best-Selling Book record titles themselves are the epitome of Sino-Foreign cultural exchange, showing the increasing international influence of the Chinese language at a micro level," Tan added. Meanwhile, The Commercial Press president Yu Dianli believes that the said recognitions are expected to pave way for more initiatives and collaborations between international academic groups and the company. China Publishing Group is the parent company of The Commercial Press. It is the largest publishing company in China with 12 umbrella organizations, including Xinhua Bookstore, Zhonghua Book Company, China Book Import and Export (Group) Corporation and DSX Book Company. It is responsible for the publication and distribution of various contents in the country. Verizon investing $300 million to revive its FiOS services in Boston (Photo : Getty Images/Spencer Platt) Verizon is bringing its FiOS service back online as the enterprise is planning a $300 million investment to give fiber access Bostonians. The high-speed internet and TV service will begin deployment starting from Dorchester, West Roxbury and Dudley Square, Hyde Park, Mattapan and other areas of Roxbury and Jamaica Plain areas. Advertisement Verizon FiOS services are going to get an immense boost with $300 million, which will be invested over the period of next six years to expand the fiber internet and pay-TV network. This will not only compensate for lack of these services in the Northeast, but also create a formidable competition for likes of Comcast, Fiercable reported. As the part of the plan, Verizon is going to refurbish its existing network system in major regions including Dorchester, West Roxbury and Dudley Square. To provide faster internet connection and TV streaming, the new FiOS network will employ fiber instead of copper wires. Boston has promised to provide fast processing of agreements and permit for the franchise, Verizon explained in a press release. During last ten years, the company has already given away 23 billion dollars in the establishment of existing FiOS network located in over a dozen states that includes video, internet and phone services. Approximately, FiOS is boasting over 7 million and 5.8 million internet and pay-TV subsribers respectively. The figures are comparatively low for cable subscribers due to high competition in the cable market and according to city officials, nearly 90 percent people in the city have only Comcast, HIS and pay-TV as available options. It is worth noticing that Verizon is made this announcement when the company promoted prompted senator Bernie Sanders to straighten their facts company's tax payments. Sanders, who is also Presidential hopeful from Democratic league had previously commented that Verizon had "not paid a nickel" in taxes. The senator made the statement on Monday during a campaign at the University of Buffalo. Verizon complies with all tax laws and pays the taxes it owes under the law," Verizon's official blog clarified. The blog further added that the corporation had paid a total $16.89 billion dollar in taxes includes income, employment, property and other taxes. The following video shows speech of senator Sanders on the subject. The project has proven to be helpful especially among the youth who want to reconnect with their family's genealogy and history. (Photo : Getty Images) More Chinese youth are getting involved in a genealogy project that aims to record and preserve family histories, China Daily reported. Organized by a nonprofit called the Beijing Yongyuan Foundation, the annual project engages college students to compile videos of family histories being told orally and to present the final output as a short documentary. A professional panel then judges the entries. Advertisement The best documentaries are awarded prices at a function. This year, the awarding ceremony was held last Sunday, April 10. Wang Xintong, a student from Nanjing University, emerged as one of the winners. Wang's documentary featured the elderly alumni of his university, all of whom experienced the trials of the Second World War. "The physical remains of National Central University (the predecessor of today's Nanjing University) in Chongqing don't exist anymore," Wang said. "But my interviews record the students' resilience back then amid the Japanese occupation." The foundation, founded in 2014 by former TV anchor Cui Yongyuan, highly encourages more Chinese youth to join the project. "Oral history can complement history books that often neglect people's habits or anecdotes. It can even correct wrong records and overcome stereotypes," said Cui. The project has proven to be helpful especially among the youth who want to reconnect with their family's genealogy and history. "I interviewed my great-grandmother, my grandmother, and my father to trace our family history," shared Pan Chao, a student from Beijing University of Chemical Technology, in an interview with China Daily. "While they are my closest relatives," said Pan, "I began to understand them better once I saw them narrating their stories in front of the camera." Through the project, Pan was able to know his family more through the stories shared to him by the older members of the family. "I will show the video to my children and tell them where we came from, if they aren't able to see my hometown in the mountains firsthand," Pan added. Last year, the genealogy project featured 147 short documentaries from 100 colleges all over the country, said Xiang Xiaojing, who works for the nonprofit. The films features a wide range of themes, including war veterans and folklore from the countryside. Siberian tigers gather 'round a car at feeding time in the Hengdaohezi Breeding Center for Felidae on Oct. 25, 2007 in Harbin of Heilongjiang Province, China. The center, established in 1986, is the world's biggest captive breeding base for Siberian tiger (Photo : China Photos/Getty Images) After almost a century, the population of wild tiger has witnessed an increase globally. This has provided hope to conservationists, as the rise in number comes after several decades of dwindling population of the big cat across the world. Currently, there are at least 3,890 tigers in the wild, representing a considerable increase in their numbers since 2010, when their population was around 3,200, World Wildlife Fund (WWF) reported. While the WWF is thrilled at the increase of wild tiger population, it is still cautious in this regard and said that "much still needs to be done." Advertisement The number of wild tigers is on the rise for the first time following several decades of continuous decline in their population, Science Alert quoted WWF International director general, Marco Lambertini, as saying. According to Lambertini, this significant increase in the number offer immense hope and demonstrates that it is possible to conserve both species as well as their habitats when the governments, local public and conservationists work in tandem. According to the WWF, several factors have contributed to the higher numbers, which has been compiled from various national tiger surveys undertaken across the globe. While the factors range from providing the animals with improved protections to augmented surveying techniques, in general, the rise in wild tiger population is mainly owing to enhanced tiger populations in India, Nepal, Russia and Bhutan. Without any doubt, India has the highest number of wild tigers, followed by other Global Tiger Forum (GTF) member nations like Russia, Indonesia, and Malaysia. In addition, Bangladesh, Nepal, Thailand, Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Lao and Vietnam also have contributed to the growth of wild tiger population, albeit in a smaller manner. Leaders of all the nations mentioned above joined a global effort in 2010 called the Tiger Initiative Tx2, with a mission to increase the number of tigers two-fold by 2022. Although the rise in wild tiger population is an indication that the efforts are in the right direction, many conservationists involved with the mission have asserted that it would be quiet difficult to double the number of tigers in such a brief span. In the meantime, it is worth mentioning that tiger conservation still faces some real threats. According to the WWF, authorities seized an estimated 1,590 tigers between 2000 and 2014 from the unlawful wildlife trade. However, it is possible to curb such poaching menace provided all the nations track the precise number of wild tigers living within their borders. Watch the tiger conservation campaign video below: Nick Woodman, founder and CEO of GoPro speaks during the company's initial public offering (IPO) at the Nasdaq Stock Exchange on June 26, 2014 in New York City. (Photo : Getty Images/Andrew Burton) GoPro has announced its Developer Program on April 12, Tuesday, for third-party companies. The action camera company wanted to make it official, so that the other companies can easily connect their products with their camera. The program will give the third-party companies with helpful tools like technical information, toolkits, and support to establish the action camera's connectivity to their own products, according to GoPro's official website. The toolkit will be for iOS and Android, and it will support camera control and camera media management. Advertisement The action camera company wanted the third-party companies have official support from them, since they have been making accessories for the camera for quite a while now. With the official support, it will allow third-party apps to have accurate and reliable integrations. Aside from the mobile apps that the toolkit would support, it can also support the devices the third-party companies would create and connect to the action camera via the HEROBus, or through wireless connections via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth tech. They can also create accurate and better physical mounting and housings for the GoPro items. Meanwhile, the action camera company held an event recently in San Francisco, California to showcase the new program. They also announced that they were partnering with more than 100 companies like BMW and Polar. Over 30 featured developers were also in the event, demoing their integrated products. GoPro CEO and founder Nick Woodman expressed his excitement for the new apps that the other companies will be creating with their official support, according to another statement from GoPro's official website. He added that their Developer Program is a way to praise the creative work of their developer community. He also thanked the companies who joined up for the program and they are excited to officially support their work. The program will launch together with a companion program, which is called Works with GoPro. This is a program that verifies and label companies or developers who want to create products that connect with products from GoPro. The companies and developers who have completed their verification can enjoy the official support like integrated marketing and the official logo. Check out the program video below: French President Francois Hollande is set to arrive in Egypt on Sunday, in the second leg of his mideast tour which started in Lebanon on Saturday. This will be Hollande's second visit to the country in less than a year. The French president, who will be accompanied by an economic delegation, is expected to oversee the signing of a number of bilateral economic agreements. President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Hollande are expected to sign memorandums of agreement in a number of fields and projects, including training, electricity, generating renewable energy, the Cairo metro, and sewage system projects. The delegation accompanying Hollande will include over 60 French businessmen. The two presidents will also discuss the crisis in Syria, Libya and Yemen and the French initiative for the Middle East process peace, according to a statement by Egypt's State Information Service. The French president visited last in Egypt on 6 August 2015, when he attended the inauguration of the new Suez Canal. His visit to Cairo comes as part of a Middle East tour that includes visits to Jordan and Lebanon. Egypt and France have signed several large arms deals in the past two years. Hollandes visit will also include meetings with Prime Minister Sherif Ismail, Parliament Speaker Ali Abdel-Al, local cultural figures, and French expats. According to the State Information Service, the value of trade between Egypt and France amounts to 2.6 billion euros annually, and France is Egypts sixth largest importer. Search Keywords: Short link: Protests opposing the governments decision to acknowledge Saudi Arabian sovereignty over the Red Sea islands of Tiran and Sanafir ended on Friday without casualties, with protesters vowing to stage another protest on 25 April. Small protests took place in different parts of the country after Friday prayers but were dispersed quickly by security forces. The largest demonstration was at Egypts press syndicate in central Cairo, which witnessed several thousand protesters according to Ahram Online reporters, making the protest the biggest such gathering in recent months. The protesters gathered at the press syndicate chanted against the decision but also used slogans familiar from the January 2011 revolution, such as "bread, freedom and social justice" and "the people want the regime to fall." One chant was "bread, freedom and those islands are Egyptians'." Police stationed themselves near the syndicate, closing all the streets leading to the syndicate except one. Shops in the area had been told to close by the local municipality. Khaled El-Balshy, the head of Freedoms Committee at the syndicate, told Ahram Online that the main demand of the protest was to cancel the governments agreement with Saudi Arabia to redraw the maritime borders. "We have not forgotten that the regime cracks down freedoms in Egypt, but our main demand today is the cancellation of that agreement between the Egyptian government and Saudi Arabia," he said. The demand of El-Balshy was echoed throughout the protest, with many demonstrators expressing similar sentiments while speaking to Ahram Online. Egyptian political activists leading the protest at the syndicate announced that they would organise another one on Monday 25 April, which marks Sinai Liberation Day, to demand the cancelation of the Saudi agreement. The April 6 Youth Movement, which participated in Friday's protest, also announced that there would be another protest on 25 April. Despite the Muslim Brotherhood's announcement that they would participate in the protest, their presence was not discernable, with no pro-Brotherhood or pro-Islamist slogans visible or chants heard. Protesters at the press syndicate decided to end the day and were granted a safe exit by security forces. After the majority left, there were limited skirmishes between the police and some protesters and the former fired teargas and arrested some of them, according to eye witnesses. Small protests Earlier on Friday the police used teargas to disperse a number of small protests in other parts of the capital. But unlike previous demonstrations that ended with deadly clashes, no one was reported injured or dead. An anonymously created Facebook page titled "The Land is the Honour" had called on Egyptians who reject the decision to join street protests in a number of cities on Friday. Following Friday noon prayers, dozens of protesters gathered at Istiqama Mosque in Giza and at Mostafa Mahmoud Mosque in Mohandeseen, apparently in response to the call on Facebook. Police stationed near the two mosques quickly dispersed the protesters and arrested a few of them, a security source told Al-Ahram Arabic website. The countrys interior ministry is yet to announce the numbers of those arrested. In Egypts coastal city of Alexandria, police have also dispersed a number of protesters. A security source told Al-Ahram Arabic website that at least 25 people have been arrested for "protesting without a permit" but no official figures have been announced yet. Protesting without a police permit has been illegal since 2013, and violators of the law are frequently jailed. One demonstration which was not dispersed was a gathering in front of Alexandrias Qaed Ibrahim Mosque, where dozens of people chanted slogans in support of the government's decision to hand over the islands to Saudi Arabia. In the Nile Delta governorates of Sharqiya and Mansoura, small protests were dispersed by security forces, according to Al-Ahram Arabic wesbite. Security forces in Daqahliya governorate told Al-Ahram Arabic that 11 protesters were arrested in El-Thawra Square, the main square in the city of Mansoura, following noon prayers. Last week Egypt stated that the two islands in the Gulf of Aqaba belong to Saudi Arabia and had only been placed under Egypt's control temporarily. The government has released a slew of documents that it says support the Saudi claim, but the decision has still been strongly criticised on social media and by some public figures, who argue that Tiran and Sanafir are part of Egypt and use alternative documents and sources in support of their position. For several hours, the hashtag Land_Friday was not only leading the Egyptian trending hashtags on Twitter, but leading worldwide hashtags, with more than 100,000 tweets. On Thursday afternoon, Egypt's Ministry of Interior called on citizens not to be "duped" into following the calls made by the Muslim Brotherhood, which had also called for protests, warning against any attempts to upset the "legitimate order." The ministry said it would take the necessary and decisive measures to ensure security and stability. According to security sources that spoke to Al-Ahram Arabic website, one hundred protesters were arrested in nine different governorates in Egypt on Friday. Search Keywords: Short link: Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said he doesnt worry about attempts from the outside to destroy Egypt, but instead is concerned about attempts from inside the country, in public comments on Friday. Theres a hellish scheme [from within] that some may not pay attention to, El-Sisi said while opening the El-Galala Mountain touristic site on the Red Sea. The project contains housing units suitable for all social classes, as well as a number of touristic areas, along with Abdallah Bin Abdel-Aziz University. Roads will be created to connect the Galala Mountain project with Red Sea resorts. "The cracks that have appeared in [Egyptian] society must be fixed," he said, according to MENA news agency. He directed his address to the young people who will take part in the government's newly launched Youth Leadership Programme, several of whom were in the audience. El-Sisi said that in the coming period, more national projects would be carried out. The country has been facing a number of domestic critics of its recent policies, including a recent decision by the government to recognise a Saudi Arabian claim to two Red Sea islands, Tiran and Sanafir. On Friday, protests took place in several cities against the decision, while a public campaign opposed to the deal has been launched by a number of politicians. In a televised speech Wednesday, El-Sisi also said that evil people in Egypt had spread lies about the murder of Italian student Giulio Regeni in Cairo. The lies, which the president did not detail, have been believed internationally and caused embarrassment and criticism of Egypt, he said. Search Keywords: Short link: Syrian regime forces on Friday battled Islamic State group militants (IS) near Aleppo city as they clashed with a local Al-Qaeda affiliate and allied rebels nearby, a monitoring group said. The upsurge in fighting, which the United States says is straining a fragile truce, came as a new round of peace talks got under way in Geneva. "Fierce fighting raged between regime troops and loyalist militia against IS group... to the east of Handarat" north of Aleppo city, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The army is trying to recapture an area seized by IS group on Thursday near Handarat, which lies along a route leading north out of opposition-held parts of Aleppo, the Britain-based monitor said. Meanwhile, troops and militia loyal to President Bashar al-Assad's regime battled Syria's Al-Qaeda affiliate Al-Nusra Front and allied rebels on a northern front in the battered province, the group said. Syrian warplanes carried out several strikes against Al-Nusra and rebel positions, as shells targeting the loyalists left six pro-regime militia fighters dead, it added. The latest violence came a day after a senior official in Washington told AFP that the United States was "very concerned" about reports of a Russian-backed Syrian government offensive near Aleppo. Even though the fight against IS group and Al-Nusra is excluded from the truce, violence around Aleppo has sparked concerns that the ceasefire may not last, partly because rebels are involved in the battles there too. "Aleppo is the key to war and peace in Syria," Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP. "Every side in the war has a stake in Aleppo." Syria's conflict began in 2011 as a peaceful revolt, with protests across the country that spread in 2012 to Aleppo province, which borders Turkey. Search Keywords: Short link: At least 30,000 civilians have fled fighting between militants and rebels in northern Syria in the past 48 hours, Human Rights Watch said, calling on Turkey to open its border to them. The watchdog accused Turkish border guards of shooting at some of those displaced in Aleppo province by fighting between the Islamic State (IS) group and rebels as they approached the frontier. "As civilians flee IS group militants, Turkey is responding with live ammunition instead of compassion," said HRW researcher Gerry Simpson, using another acronym for the jihadists. "The whole world is talking about fighting IS group, and yet those most at risk of becoming victims of its horrific abuses are trapped on the wrong side of a concrete wall." HRW said many of those who fled were residents of emergency camps set up along the border who headed for other camps or nearby towns and villages even though they were still unsafe. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) meanwhile estimated that up to around 23,000 displaced people had fled the IS group offensive in northern Syria. It said many displaced were now "in close proximity to frontlines and therefore extremely vulnerable to further escalations". It comes as escalating fighting between Russian-backed regime fighters and rebels around the provincial capital Aleppo further south threatens a nearly seven-week ceasefire that had seen violence drop significantly for the first time in the five-year conflict. IS group and other jihadist groups are excluded from the truce. Representatives of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime are expected in Geneva on Friday for the latest round of talks aimed at ending the war, which has killed more than 270,000 people and displaced half the population. Search Keywords: Short link: Syria's main opposition High Negotiations Committee (HNC) told AFP Friday it was willing to join a transitional government with diplomats and technocrats from President Bashar al-Assad's government. "We cannot accept the participation of the parties who committed crimes against the Syrian people in the transitional governing body," HNC spokesman Salem al Meslet said on the sidelines of peace talks in Geneva, but added that the opposition could cooperate with regime "diplomats and technocrats", provided they had support among the population. Search Keywords: Short link: Spain's industry minister resigned Friday after he was named in the Panama Papers and other media revelations that claimed he had links to offshore firms, the latest political victim from the global scandal. Jose Manuel Soria said in a statement that he had tendered his resignation "in light of the succession of mistakes committed along the past few days, relating to my explanations over my business activities... and considering the obvious harm that this situation is doing to the Spanish government." Soria's troubles began on Monday when Spanish online daily El Confidencial, which has had access to the Panama Papers -- files leaked from law firm Mossack Fonseca -- said he had was an administrator of an offshore firm for two months in 1992. Soria called a news conference to deny any link to any Panamanian company, but as the week went by, more allegations emerged from other media outlets, revealing further alleged connections to offshore havens. It is unclear as yet whether any of his alleged actions were illegal. Soria is the latest political victim of the Panama Papers, which resulted from what the law firm blamed on a computer hack launched from abroad, and revealed how the world's wealthy stashed assets in offshore companies. Iceland's Prime Minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson was also forced to resign over the leaks. Search Keywords: Short link: A Russian military jet that flew just feet from a US destroyer in international waters in the Baltic Sea could have been shot down under US rules of engagement, US Secretary of State John Kerry said. Russian aircraft repeatedly buzzed the USS Donald Cook this week, including an incident on Tuesday when a Russian Su-24 jet flew 30 feet (nine meters) above the ship in a "simulated attack profile," the US military's European Command said. Russia has denied the action was reckless or provocative. Kerry, speaking Thursday, strongly disagreed. "We condemn this kind of behavior. It is reckless. It is provocative. It is dangerous. And under the rules of engagement that could have been a shoot-down," Kerry told CNN Espanol in Miami. Kerry added: "People need to understand that this is serious business and the United States is not going to be intimidated on the high seas." "We are communicating to the Russians how dangerous this is and our hope is that this will never be repeated," Kerry said. The Russian maneuvers began Monday while the destroyer was located about 70 nautical miles from the Russian base in Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave on the Baltic Sea. dw/wdb Search Keywords: Short link: The US Army is commissioning 22 women as infantry and armor officers under historic new rules allowing females to serve in ground combat roles, USA Today reported Friday. Defense Secretary Ash Carter in December announced a sweeping directive to open all military occupations to women this year, including frontline combat roles. The 22 women have almost finished their officer training and must then complete their specialty schools and meet certain physical requirements before they are fully qualified to start, USA Today reported. Armor officers are responsible for tank and cavalry operations. Infantry officers lead infantry troops and other armed forces during land combat. The Army did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment. Though women warriors have frequently found themselves in combat situations in Iraq and Afghanistan, they had previously been barred from joining frontline combat roles, including the infantry and Special Forces. Currently, women only account for about 15.6 percent of the 1.34 million active-duty personnel in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force. As the new rules kick in, 52 military occupations -- some 220,000 jobs -- will accept female applicants, who must still pass the same rigorous physical tests as men. Search Keywords: Short link: Before the Syrian refugee crisis spilled across Europe, first-time feature filmmakers Ellen Martinez and Steph Ching were in Jordan's Zaatari Refugee Camp with their cameras. There at the camp where more than 80,000 live, Martinez and Ching found a more intimate portrait of the people displaced by civil war than usually found in news reports. Their documentary, "After Spring," which premieres Thursday at the Tribeca Film Festival, shows the simple humanity of the refugees, most of them middle-class families just looking for safety. "It felt even more relevant while (the European migration) was happening, to put a human face to the crisis," says Martinez. "It's a motivation to get these stories out there." Jon Stewart is the executive producer of "After Spring." When the former "Daily Show" host was in Jordan shooting his 2014 directorial debut "Rosewater," he visited the camp and later had its manager, the United Nations' Kilian Kleinschmidt, as a guest on his program. When Martinez and Ching arrived at the camp in 2014, they learned that their local "fixer" and driver had also driven Stewart. They reached out to Stewart, who agreed to help them make their film based on the quality of their first batch of footage from the camp. "So much of it is spoken of but so little of it is witnessed," Stewart says of the refugee experience. "Steph and Ellen did an amazing job of capturing it in a way that allows you to stand back and let the stories speak for themselves. It's not judgmental. It's not propagandized. It's not polemic. It's just existential." Though Zaatari has been regularly visited by news organizations, "After Spring" offers a more observational document of life in the camp. It focuses largely on a pair of families, as well as the refugees' industrious improvising of regular life the camp's shop-lined main drag (dubbed the Champs Elysees), and a taekwondo academy run by Charles Lee. Their stories, Ching said, hit home. Her grandmother fled Japan-controlled Hong Kong during World War II and later emigrated from China to the U.S. "This isn't something that's happening on the other side of the world to people that are so unlike us. This is happening with every generation for regular people," says Ching. "I'm a direct product of people welcoming refugees." For Stewart, the film is an example of the kind of project he finds himself drawn to after his exit from "The Daily Show." ''I don't miss it," he says of the election year, where his absence has been often lamented. He's prepping a short-form digital content project for HBO, and, with his wife, Tracey Stewart, working to open a farm sanctuary in New Jersey. He recently helped save a runaway bull in Jamaica, New York. "Man, it's something," he says. "Once you're driving a 1,000 pound bull down Ninth Avenue, you go, 'Wait, what? How did I get here?'" Stewart, sounding happily unburdened, says he's enjoying his newfound flexibility and compares his creative work to "squeezing fruit in a supermarket and going, 'Oh, that looks interesting.'" Ching and Martinez's "After Spring," with its gentle focus on shared humanity, was one of those things. "The easiest thing to do in these instances is focus on the extremities of a situation and the toughest thing to do is show patience," says Stewart. "Like most situations of urgency, it exposes the flaws and crevasses within the system, but also the strength and foundation of Team Civilization. We're all on Team Civilization and they are the casualties of that battle." Search Keywords: Short link: (Beijing) Police in an eastern city have detained several people and closed a chemical treatment factory that secretly dumped wastewater containing levels of cadmium more than 45,000 times higher than the government allows into a river and caused hundreds of thousands of people to have their water cut off. The arrests of the owner and executives at Yichun Zhong'an Industrial Co. Ltd. in Xinyu, in the eastern province of Jiangxi, came after officials had to cut water supplies to nearly half of the 1.2 million people living in the city. The news comes days after state media reported that about four-fifths of the underground water in China's rural areas is unfit for drinking and as many of the country's urbanites deal with appalling levels of air pollution on a daily basis. Investigators from Jiangxi's environmental protection department said that from March 6 to April 5 Yichun Zhong'an dumped cadmium-tainted wastewater into the Yuan River, which flows through Xinyu, via a 2.5 kilometer underground pipeline that it secretly built. The wastewater then ended up in Xiannu Lake, the major source of drinking water for the city. The problem came to light on April 5, when workers at Xinyu's water company found excessive levels of cadmium while performing routine tests where the river flows into the lake. The water company's tests found that the wastewater discharged from the pipeline contained 46,550 times the level of cadmium allowable under national standards, the provincial investigators said. The investigators did not say whether other toxic chemicals were found. Exposure to large amounts of cadmium can lead to kidney and bone damage, health experts say. Authorities closed the Yichun Zhong'an plant, and Xinyu's water company scrambled to switch the city's supply of drinking water to a backup facility further upstream. However, that facility's capacity was low, so nearly half of Xinyu had no drinking water for nearly a week. The main water plant resumed operations on the morning of April 12. Authorities said the water met national standards for drinking, but many locals said they were skeptical the problem had been resolved. Yichun Zhong'an was involved in treating chemical waste obtained from suppliers in Hengyang, in the central province of Hunan. It produced the raw materials needed for zinc, potassium chloride and potassium sulfate, but did not have a license for this activity, the Jiangxi investigators said. The company also lacked proper waste treatment facilities on its premises, investigators said. The police have not indicated what will happen to the company, its owner or the executives. Violations linked to severe water pollution are punishable by up to seven years in prison and fines. (Rewritten by Li Rongde) (Beijing) China is importing more than 85 percent of the iron it needs, as cheap foreign iron ore undercuts domestic products. Some 86.7 percent of the iron ore the country needed was imported in the first two months of the year, up from 84 percent last year, Wang Liqun, vice chairman of the trade group China Iron and Steel Association, said at a forum on April 14. Last year's figure surpassed 80 percent for the first time, up from 78.5 percent in 2014, he said. Wang said imports grew mainly because the global price of iron ore plunged from about US$ 130 per ton in early 2014 to around US$ 40 late last year. Meanwhile, domestic miners have failed to keep up with the price cuts due to high costs. The cost of production at Chinese iron ore mines ranged from US$ 50 to US$ 60 per ton on the low end to US$ 80 to US$ 100 per ton on the other, Xu Xiangchun, an executive at the industry website Mysteel.com, said at the same forum. Xu said the high import ratio is cause for concern because it leaves the country exposed to risks related to price fluctuations abroad. China needs to ensure that 10 to 20 percent of its demand for iron ore is met by domestic producers, he said. Domestic miners, mostly big state-owned enterprise, struggle to compete with foreign companies, partly due to labor costs, Xu said. It is notoriously difficult for China's SOEs to lay off employees even amid adverse market conditions because local governments count on them to prevent mass unemployment that could, they fear, disrupt society. Also, compared with many facilities in Australia and Brazil, China's major trading partners, many mines are poor quality, so it costs more to extract and refine the mineral, Xu said. China produced 1.38 billion tons of iron ore last year, down 7.7 percent year on year, official data show. The output for the first two months of this year combined was 162 million tons, a further decline on the record for the same period last year. Most of the cuts this year occurred in the northeastern province of Liaoning, the northern region of Inner Mongolia, and Xinjiang, which is in the northwest. The price of iron ore on the global market has rebounded since December, exceeding US$ 60 per ton this month. Experts say the trend may not last. (Rewritten by Wang Yuqian) In a meeting on Tuesday, the government discussed measures that include strengthening F-2 visa screening, forming a nonprofit international marriage organization, and dispatching government officials to monitor the activities of Korean matchmaking firms abroad. The government is taking steps to prevent future tragedies like the murder of a Vietnamese mail-order bride by her mentally ill Korean husband earlier this month. According to the Korea Consumer Agency, Korean men choose a foreign bride and buy her a wedding gift after a meeting of just two hours. Over the next two or three days, the couple buy more presents and the bride undergoes a health check. They then go on an outdoor photo shoot and take part in a group wedding followed by a banquet. After returning from their honeymoon, the husband fills out the necessary papers for a marriage certificate and heads back to Korea alone, to be joined by his wife once an F-2 visa is issued about three months later. The Justice Ministry approves F-2 visas relatively easily as long as proper marriage certificates, identification papers and family register documents are submitted. But now the government is minded to ask for more information, including the groom's employment status, previous marriages, health and criminal record. "We want to restrict visas for wives of men with a history of sexual violence, domestic abuse or repeated failed international marriages, financial problems or mental illness," said Kim Joong-ryul of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family. Women's rights groups wonder whether that will be enough. "Strengthening visa policies will end up making it more difficult for foreign women who are already married to Korean husbands to enter Korea," said Han Kook-yum of the Women Migrants Human Rights Center. "What's needed are measures to screen incompatible grooms from the beginning." The U.S. military has been conducting joint patrols in the South China Sea with the Philippines and is increasing its presence on the archipelago with rotational forces and equipment, U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter revealed Thursday. Speaking at a news conference in Manila with his Filipino counterpart, Carter said the first South China Sea joint patrol was carried out in March. Defense officials said a second joint patrol was completed in early April. The Philippines is now the second country, after Japan, with which U.S. forces have conducted joint patrols in the sea, a defense official said. "Our planners are examining ways on how to make such patrols part of our regular activities," Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said at the news conference. The announcement comes amid concerns by the U.S. and others about China's aggressive actions over disputed territories in the South China Sea. China claims almost the entire waterway and has created some 1,200 hectares of artificial islands there. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims to parts of the waters. Carter said maritime security concerns in the region are being caused by "Chinese behavior, not America." "We're trying to tamp down tensions here," Carter said. "That isn't in order to provoke anything." At least two people are dead and 45 injured after a powerful earthquake struck southern Japan late Thursday. Both victims are from Mashiki, the hardest hit town near the epicenter. Earlier, Japanese Red Cross Kumamoto hospital said they had admitted or treated 45 victims, 5 of whom were seriously injured. The U.S. Geological Survey said the initial 6.2 magnitude quake was followed by several others in Kumamoto prefecture, on Japan's Kyushu island. At least 19 houses have collapsed since the initial quake. Police say they fear people are still trapped under collapsed houses in the affected area. "There was a ka-boom and the whole house shook violently sideways," local resident Takahiko Morita told Japanese broadcaster NHK in a phone interview. "Furniture and bookshelves fell down, books were all over the floor." He also said that some houses and walls were collapsed and the water supply had been cut off in his neighborhood in Mashiki. "We are doing our best for emergency disaster measures by prioritizing efforts to save and rescue victims," Japan's top Cabinet secretary, Yoshihide Suga said. "I ask people in the disaster zone to act calmly and help each other." China says human rights in the United States have worsened due to police brutality, rampant gun violence and the corrupting influence of money in politics. Beijing made the allegations Thursday in an annual report issued by the State Council in response to the U.S. State Department's release of its annual report of human rights violations in China and other countries around the world the day before. In addition to domestic abuses, the Chinese report also accuses the U.S. of human rights abuses abroad, including countless civilian deaths in Iraq and Syria, drone strikes, and government eavesdropping of foreign nationals. Much of the information in the report was taken from various U.S. news outlets. If the United States refuses to "hold up a mirror to look at itself" in terms of human rights, the report said, other nations must do so. Britain's Queen Elizabeth, the world's oldest monarch, turns 90 next Thursday showing no sign she will be retiring from the stage anytime soon. Her birthday comes months after she surpassed the 23,226 days her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria spent on the throne to become Britain's longest-reigning monarch. Since turning 65 in 1991, the nation has speculated about whether she would step aside in favor of her eldest son, Prince Charles. But aides and commentators say there is no prospect of her giving up her job. "The queen has a phenomenal drive and energy and I think the fact that she still works is what keeps her going," Ingrid Seward, editor in chief of Majesty magazine, told Reuters. "The queen doesn't want to put her feet up. This is what she wants to do, and this is what she's going to do for as long as she's fit and able to do so." The Greek army launched an unscheduled military exercise Thursday along its border with Macedonia and a cluster of islands near Turkey, with fighter jets passing over a tent city in Idomeni near the border. Sources within the Greek army confirmed that emergency maneuvers had been ordered in the northern city of Kilkis and in Oinousses, a chain of Greek islands off the coast of Turkey. The drills involved an airborne special forces unit backed up by aircraft, and air defense units along the island chain. The military exercise comes at a time of increased tensions among Greece and the two neighboring countries over the refugee crisis. On Wednesday, for the second time in three days, clashes erupted at the tent city between Macedonian police and refugees protesting the border closings that left more than 11,000 of them stranded in the camp. Six out of 10 office workers are being inconvenienced by their bosses or colleagues because their smartphone rings constantly even when they have left work for the day. In an online survey by the Korea Press Foundation of 1,040 salaried people between 20 and 59, some 62.3 percent said their life is being made more inconvenient by smartphones. Work-related calls from colleagues or superiors often disrupt their evenings. Only 37.7 percent said their life has been made easier by smartphones. Candidates who brought a famous wife, child or other relative with them on the stump were not always guaranteed a win in Wednesday's general elections. For some it went well. Actress Shim Eun-ha's husband Ji Sang-wook won his seat for the Saenuri Party in Seoul's Jung district. Shim cast her ballot alongside her husband and stood by him at a party office in central Seoul as the votes were being counted, and he duly thanked her for her support. The U.S. State Department in an annual human rights report Wednesday slammed Seoul's plan to force government-authored history textbooks on schools. "A government plan to end middle and high schools' right to choose Korean history textbook raised concerns about academic freedom," the 2015 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices note. "This would end the right of schools, since 2010, to choose from a range of textbooks approved by the ministry." Samsung Display signed a contract with Apple early this month to supply OLED panels for the iPhone, it was revealed Thursday. The OLED or organic light-emitting diode is a next-generation display technology that consists of small dots of organic polymer that emit light when charged with electricity. The unit production cost of OLED displays is higher than that of conventional displays, so they are currently used only in Samsung's premium Galaxy S series of smart devices. But Apple wants to put OLED panels in all iPhones as early as 2017 because they are clearer than LCD and do not require backlighting, so the phone can be slimmer. OLED can also be bent, which enables a wider variety of shapes and designs. Industry watchers expected the move despite the two IT giants' litigious relationship because Samsung accounts for 90 percent of the global market for small and mid-sized OLED panels for smartphones. Samsung apparently plans to add additional production lines at its plant in Asan, South Chungcheong Province to roll out tens of millions of panels each year. The soap mesmerized Korea and China for the last three months and came to an end on Thursday. And while the figures speak for themselves, there are some gripes, chiefly about the incoherent plot. So when all is said and done, what are viewers taking away from the series? Election fever made no dent in the ratings of KBS hit soap "Descendants of the Sun" on Wednesday, whose penultimate episode easily outclassed election coverage on all three terrestrial channels with 34.8 percent to 23.2. "Descendants of the Sun" was unarguably the biggest success since "My Love from the Star" in 2013. The streaming site that showed it in China saw the number of registered members increase by more than 5 million. The show has been sold to 32 countries including Japan. Production company NEW has a running guarantee contract with the Chinese streaming site and will be paid more if the episodes gather more hits. As of Thursday the series has been watched over 2.5 billion times on the site, and viewers have to buy a yearly VIP membership, which costs 198 Chinese yuan or W35,000. The production cost W13 billion but recovered most of the cost before it even aired thanks to pre-sale of broadcasting rights abroad and product placement deals. NEW and KBS are expected to earn over W10 billion in profits from advertising and other incidental deals. Because the show was shot in advance rather than on the hoof, as is the usual practice here, actors did not have to rush their job and were also available to promote the series in Korea and abroad while it was being aired. Kim Sook of the Korea Creative Content Agency said, "A cultural trend like the Korean Wave can only continue when it creates a virtuous circle where a big hit attracts more interest for other cultural content." Incoherent Plot But the storyline of "Descendants of the Sun" was implausible and confused, and product placement was driven to a new pitch of shamelessness. Many fans confessed that the plot was corny but they watched it anyway because of the star, Song Joong-ki. It is disappointing that the soap trod very well-worn paths rather than being a trailblazer for a fresh approach. Previous big Korean Wave hits like "Winter Sonata," "The Heirs," and "My Love from the Star" were not particularly well executed but managed to become hugely popular mainly thanks to the charm of the male stars. "Descendants of the Sun" at least did not feature a super-rich hero or turn on the secret surrounding protagonists. But Song's character did tend to ride to the rescue like clockwork. Especially towards the end of the series, he kept coming back from the dead with impossible regularity. Episodes featured an average of 10 product placements, which did not help their quality. Some farcical situations resulted from the fact that the series was complete before it was shown. The studio set in Taebaek, Gangwon Province had been demolished when the shoot was over, but once it became clear that it was a mega hit and got the endorsement of President Park Geun-hye, Taebaek decided to rebuild it at taxpayers' expense. Park praised the soap for promoting patriotism and tourism. Hemera/Thinkstock(ONTARIO, Canada) -- An ongoing suicide crisis in the Attawapiskat First Nation has led Canadian leaders to pledge nearly $2 million to aid to help the embattled community. The announcement comes after dozens of people in the community have attempted suicide in recent months. "We traveled to Attawapiskat to speak directly with the community and their leadership," Dr. Eric Hoskins, Ontarios minister of health and long-term care, and Tracy MacCharles, Ontarios minister of children and youth services, said in a joint statement yesterday. "We heard from them how we can work together on short, medium and long-term solutions to address the serious challenges facing this community and their youth." The Ontario government said it will give $2 million in Canadian dollars to a youth regional coordination unit so that emergency health care personnel and support staff can be brought in to help the community. There have been 101 suicide attempts in the small community since September 2015, including 11 last Saturday, which led Attawapiskat Chief Bruce Shisheesh to declare a state of emergency. "We have been working around-the-clock over the past few days to do everything we can to make sure that the people of Attawapiskat have the supports they need. We will redouble our efforts to help chief and council deal with the terrible situation," Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler said in a statement Monday. "The numbers of suicide attempts experienced by this community are shocking and nothing short of a national tragedy." The Ontario government pledged to hire four psychological health workers and up to five nurses and two security staff to provide mental health support to the Aboriginal community 24 hours a day. "This is a very tragic situation and our hearts go out to the people and families affected. Ontario is strongly committed to working together with the Attawapiskat community and with First Nations in Ontario alongside our federal partners," Hoskins and MacCharles said in the statement announcing the aid. The risk of suicide has long been an ongoing problem, according to the Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN), which includes the Attawapiskat. There have been at least two other states of emergency declared by NAN -- in 1992 and 2013. A 1996 Canadian government report on suicide in aboriginal communities found four key contributors for the increased risk: mental illness, anxiety, schizophrenia and unresolved grief. A January report by the Mushkegowuk Council, which is also part of the Nishnawbe Aski Nation, reviewed a period from 2009 to 2011 when an estimated 600 Mushkegowuk people attempted suicide. The report found 16 unresolved issues that may have contributed to the suicide attempts, including violence, bullying, education issues, housing issues, health issues, sexual abuse and substance abuse. Copyright 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. The People's Party led by maverick ex-tycoon Ahn Cheol-soo and lawmakers who broke away from the main opposition Minjoo Party, won 38 seats in Wednesday's general elections to consolidate its position as a third force. The last time a party other than the main opposition won a bargaining position in the National Assembly by securing more than 20 seats was back in 1996. But now it is once again goodbye to the orderly two-party system with a few splinter groups on either side of the house. The People's Party won 23 out of 28 constituencies in the traditional Minjoo stronghold of South Jeolla Province and two districts in the capital. It also grabbed around a quarter of the proportional representation votes. It is rare to see such a young political group win so much support. The People's Party's success should be seen as a warning to the establishment. Lawmakers have been criticized and ridiculed for factionalism and infighting while ignoring the needs of the people amid an economic slump, skyrocketing housing prices and soaring youth unemployment. The Saenuri Party is constantly kowtowing to President Park Geun-hye, while the main opposition seems merely intent on blocking everything the president is trying to accomplish for short-term political gain. But both camps shot themselves in the foot in the process of nominating candidates, with Saenuri writing off seasoned politicians if they were less than 100 percent behind Park and Minjoo bickering over minutiae. The public merely grew even more disaffected. The biggest signal that change is afoot is that Minjoo lost its traditional regional stronghold to the upstarts, who have promised a cleaner, more modern politics. Park will now need the People's Party's support if she wants to get any legislation through the National Assembly, and the same goes for Minjoo, giving the newcomers disproportionate power. It remains to be seen whether the People's Party will prove equal to it. For one thing it lacks a clear party line and policy objectives, and for anther the political views of members vary widely since they are gathered from disparate factions untied only by opposition to the status quo. And like Minjoo before it, it could now fall hostage to the regional interests of its support base in the South Jeolla region. None of that put voters off. They want change, and they want the parties to communicate and cooperate with each other to produce results. If the People's Party fails them, it will quickly lose its luster. But Park, the Saenuri and Minjoo parties must heed the warning or this could be the end of the road for them. The choice of voters was not an overwhelming show of support for Ahn and his party, but rather an expression of disgust with the government and business as usual. Read this article in Korean One injured in south China gantry collapse discharged from hospital 2016-04-15 11:08 GUANGZHOU, April 14 (Xinhua) -- One person who was injured in agantry collapse in south China's Guangdong Province Wednesdaymorning has been discharged from hospital as of Thursday afternoon,local authorities said. The gantry in a factory in Mayong Township, Dongguan City, fellon a two-story temporary building made from containers. Theincident occurred during a thunderstorm, which brought with itwinds of up to 100 km per hour, between 5:40 a.m. and 7 a.m.Wednesday. There were 139 workers in the building at the time, 18 died and33 were injured. Eighteen of the injured were hospitalized. The remaining 17 injured workers are still being treated at thePeople's Hospital of Dongguan City. They sustained fractures, crushinjuries and bruises, but are in a stable condition, according tothe information office of the Dongguan Municipal Government. The factory, which belongs to the Fourth Harbor Engineering Co.Ltd., a subsidiary of China Communications Construction Co. Ltd.,mainly produced prefabricated parts. As of Thursday noon, the relatives of 16 of the deceased hadarrived in Dongguan. The local government sent working teams tooffer support and help them cope with the aftermath. Enditem Five investigated over vaccine misconduct 2016-04-15 12:27 BEIJING, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese prosecutors are investigating five health officials and workers for suspected wrongdoings in vaccine acquisition, according to the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP). Four health institute heads allegedly purchased vaccines via unlawful channels. Prosecutors in east China's Jiangsu Province began investigations on April 1, the SPP said Thursday in a statement. In northeast China's Liaoning Province, a member of staff of epidemic prevention center allegedly bought low-price vaccines from an unapproved dealer. On Wednesday, the State Council announced that 357 officials implicated in cases concerning the illegal sale of improperly stored vaccines would be punished. So far 192 criminal cases have been filed and 202 people detained over the scandal. Related: China punishes 357 officials over vaccine scandal BEIJING, April 13 (Xinhua) -- The State Council on Wednesday announced that 357 officials implicated in a case concerning the sale of improperly stored or expired vaccines would be penalized. They will face punishments including losing their jobs or demotion, according to a decision made at a State Council executive meeting. Full story China urges US-Philippines military cooperation not to aim at others 2016-04-15 12:27 BEIJING, April 14 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Defense Ministry on Thursday urged the United States and the Philippines not to aim at others and impair others' interests when conducting military cooperation. "The joint patrols between the United States and the Philippines in the South China Sea has led to militarization in the region, which is harmful to regional peace and stability," said a statement of the Chinese Defense Ministry. The statement came after the United States said Thursday it had launched joint South China Sea patrols with the Philippines and that 275 troops and five attack aircraft will remain in the Philippines temporarily. "The Chinese military will pay close attention to the situation, and resolutely defend China's territorial sovereignty and maritime interests," said the statement. The ministry said the United States and the Philippines' strengthening military alliance, increasing frontline military deployment and holding joint military drills with specific targets reflected cold-war mentality. It went against peace and stability in the South China Sea. "We urge the parties concerned to sincerely respect the regional countries' efforts to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea," said the statement. Related: Spotlight: U.S., Philippine military deployment in South China Sea to disturb regional peace, stability BEIJING, March 22 (Xinhua) -- China on Monday slammed the United States and the Philippines for increasing their military presence in the South China Sea, as the Southeast Asian country announced plans to give the U.S. access to five bases. "The U.S.-Philippines cooperation should not target third parties, harm the sovereignty or security interests of other states, or hamper regional peace and stability," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a regular press briefing. Full story China urges Philippines to abandon illusions on S. China Sea case BEIJING, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- China reiterated that it does not accept nor will it participate in the Philippines's South China Sea arbitration, urging the country to give up illusions and return to negotiations. "China's territorial sovereignty should be decided by all the Chinese people, and no other people or organization has the right to handle it," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei at a routine press briefing. Full story Senior CPC official meets Portuguese guest 2016-04-15 12:27 BEIJING, April 14, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Guo Jinlong (R), a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, meets with Jose Matos Rosa, Secretary-General of the Social Democratic Party of Portugal, in Beijing, capital of China, April 14, 2016. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao) BEIJING, April 14 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to enhance cooperation with Portugal through exchange between political parties, a senior Chinese official said here Thursday. Guo Jinlong, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Jose Matos Rosa, secretary-general of the Social Democratic Party (PSD) of Portugal. Guo mentioned the deepening of mutual political trust and the continuing development of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. He said the CPC attaches great importance to the relationship with the PSD. Rosa said the PSD is ready to develop relations with the CPC and forge ahead bilateral ties in the fields including politics, economy, culture and education. China's top political advisor meets Cote d'Ivoire parliament leader 2016-04-15 12:27 ABIDJAN, April 14, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Yu Zhengsheng (L front), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, visits the plenary hall of Cote d'Ivoire's parliament after talks with Cote d'Ivoire's Parliament Speaker Guillaume Soro in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, April 14, 2016. (Xinhua/Ju Peng) ABIDJAN, April 14 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisory body is willing to work with Cote d'Ivoire's parliament to deepen friendly cooperation and strengthen communication between the two countries, China's top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng said Thursday. China and Cote d'Ivoire have maintained good relations on the basis of mutual respect and equality since the establishment of diplomatic ties 33 years ago, Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said during a meeting with Cote d'Ivoire's Parliament Speaker Guillaume Soro. Yu said China-Cote d'Ivoire relations are now at their best with deepened mutual political trust, ever-closer trade and economic cooperation, active people-to-people exchanges, as well as good communication and coordination on international affairs. The 10 major plans for China-Africa cooperation, announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Johannesburg Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2015, go well with Cote d'Ivoire's 2016-2020 national development plan, said Yu. He noted that China stands ready to work with Cote d'Ivoire to take the opportunity of implementation of the fruitful results of the Johannesburg summit so as to push China-Cote d'Ivoire relations to a new level. While congratulating Cote d'Ivoire on its economic development in recent years, Yu said China also appreciates the efforts of Cote d'Ivoire's parliament to actively promote bilateral cooperation. The Chinese government and people strongly condemn the recent terrorist attack in Cote d'Ivoire, added Yu. Soro, for his part, said China and Cote d'Ivoire are good friends and partners. He thanked Yu for his visit to the country shortly after the terrorist attack, saying the visit showcases the sincere friendship between the two countries. Cote d'Ivoire is satisfied with the fruitful results of bilateral cooperation in various areas, and is looking forward to further enhancing mutually beneficial cooperation with China, said Soro. Soro also noted that Cote d'Ivoire's parliament is willing to strengthen friendly exchanges with China's top legislative and political advisory bodies to draw on China's successful experience in speeding up industrialization and reducing unemployment, so as to push forward bilateral pragmatic cooperation for the benefits of the two peoples. Cote d'Ivoire is also grateful to be listed as a tourist destination by China, added Soro. Related: China's top political adviser calls for cooperation with Africa in processing industry ABIDJAN, April 14 (Xinhua) -- China's top political adviser Yu Zhengsheng said Thursday that cooperation between China and Africa in processing industry will contribute to the economic development and employment in Africa. Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks after a meeting with Cote d'Ivoire's Parliament Speaker Guillaume Soro. Full story 1 2 >> 1 2 >> Premier Li targets red tape, officials' ills for clean governance 2016-04-15 12:27 BEIJING, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said more will be done to promote clean governance in 2016, including cutting red tape, punishing officials' misconduct and implementation of major projects. Li made the remarks at the State Council's fourth meeting on clean governance last month. His speech at the meeting was made public on Thursday. The premier praised last year's efforts to set restrictions to power use so as to reduce the scope for officials bargaining for benefits, noting that 311 administrative approval items were slashed and 44 percent of professional certificates were reduced. Li also noted progress in budget and expenditure transparency, including spending in government procurement and public receptions, adding that governments at all levels saved more than 380 billion yuan (58.6 billion U.S. dollars) in this way last year. However, Li noted that anti-graft mechanisms remain weak in some agencies, state-owned enterprises, public institutions and financial institutions and cases of nonfeasance and misconduct still exist among a small group of officials. Calling for full preparations in "fighting a difficult war against corruption" in 2016, Li stressed that Party rules and disciplines must be upheld strictly and corrupt officials in key fields must be firmly punished. Li promised that the government will slash more administrative items this year to boost market vitality and reduce corruption, with focus on stabilizing growth, restructuring and improving people's livelihoods. "To accurately and fully exercise governmental duty requires limiting power and exercising power well as well as... boosting government's action capacity and credibility," Li said. "Some entrepreneurs of privately-owned or foreign businesses told me during my local inspections that some local government officials didn't do things according to contracts and made changes at will, which harmed their passion for investment," Li told the meeting. The premier urged governments at all levels to abide by laws and regulations and fulfil their promises, calling for a system to pursue the liabilities of officials who renege. Li also stressed harsher crackdowns on the infringement of intellectual property rights, production of fake or shoddy goods, business fraud, tax evasion and other malpractices. He ordered intensified efforts in the implementation of major investment projects and those directly affecting people's livelihoods, with strict supervision and detailed responsibility spelled out for every party involved. Related: Premier urges local governments to propel reform BEIJING, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has urged local governments to push forward supply-side structural reform to help stabilize economic growth when meeting the heads of several major provincial regions on Monday. Local authorities should continue to cut red tape, implement tax breaks, encourage innovation and eliminate outdated capacity, Li said at the meeting participated by the governors of Hebei, Liaoning, Jiangsu, Shandong, Hunan, Guangdong and Qinghai provinces, and the mayor of Chongqing Municipality. Full story Chinese gov't to cut more red tape BEIJING, March 16 (Xinhua) -- Premier Li Keqiang said Wednesday that since 2013 the central government had reduced the number of items subject to administrative reviews and approvals by a third, and promised more cuts to come. "Three years ago, on the same occasion, I promised that this term of government would cut the number of items that require State Council reviews or approvals by one third. We have already fulfilled that target," Li told a press conference after the conclusion of the national legislature's annual session. Full story Zhou Yunxia's art show From:chinadaily.com.cn | 2016-04-15 17:27 In Between the Times showcases Zhou Yunxia's works. [Photo provided to China Daily] In Between the Times is a solo exhibition by Shanghai-based artist Zhou Yunxia, reviewing the 30-year evolution of his art. Zhou, 58, has consistently demonstrated a surrealistic style in his paintings and other mixed media works. His life shaped by experiences shared by many of his generation reflect on his art. In Between the Times showcases Zhou Yunxia's works. [Photo provided to China Daily] Zhou was sent to the countryside during the "cultural revolution" (1966-76), and later became a chef. His interest in art led him to participate in art movements. His early paintings from the 1980s, are critical of social issues at the time, and presented in a highly expressive style. Zhou introduced multiple materials to reflect the changing cultural identity of Chinese people in his later works. The exhibition will be held at the Shanghai Gallery of Art from April 16 to May 12. Related: 'Chinese Contemporary Art Month' shines in Sydney Carefree style graces ink-painting show The minister said the order was an attempt to create stagnation in the higher education sector and that it was definitely a setback for the sector's progress. #COVID-19 New COVID-19 cases post sharp on-week rise amid resurgence woes South Korea's new COVID-19 cases stayed below 30,000 for the fifth consecutive day Sunday, but the daily count recorded a sharp hike from the previous week amid rising concerns ove... #illegal gambling China-based online gambling ring busted; 20 arrested Law-enforcement authorities here said Sunday they have busted an online gambling ring based in China for illicit operations in South Korea, worth a total of 5.7 trillion won (US$3.... This is probably the greatest day of Sam Worthington's life. Today at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, James Cameron made an appearance at the 20th Century Fox presentation and announced that the Avatar universe was too vast for just three sequels and that four will be coming to cinema screens in the next seven years. "Weve begun to bump up against the limitations of our art form," said Cameron. "Theres just too much story." "It's going to be a true epic saga that's told in this rich and complex world." While we've seen previous release dates for 'Avatar' sequels be pushed back a few times, Cameron is insistent that the four sequels will come in on time, with release dates promised for Christmas of 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2023. "Avatar 2" coming Christmas 2018, "Avatar 3" Christmas 2020, "Avatar 4" Christmas 2022, "Avatar 5" Christmas 2023. So says James Cameron. Darren Franich (@DarrenFranich) April 14, 2016 Cameron also told the crowd in attendance that "Each one of which stands alone, but which together form a complete saga." While that may mean we won't be seeing/hearing from Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana in each of the four films, they're still probably going to appear in some shape or form which probably made them, their agents and their accountants all very happy today. Via EW/The Verge Despite the somewhat middling success of Ender's Game and X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Gavin Hood has managed to keep his head down and continue directing. Eye In The Sky, a prescient military thriller about the legal implications of a drone strike in Africa, sees Hood back in familiar territory and working with familiar themes. As well as being a director, Hood is a former lawyer and was drafted into the South African military when he was 17 - all themes raised in the film and something he himself has experienced. Set across four distinct areas, a military bunker, a briefing room in Westminister, a drone pilot's container in Las Vegas and the site of the drone strike itself, the film plays out like a courtroom drama and a pressure-cooker thriller in the space of 100 minutes. We began by asking Gavin about working in such different environments with such different pacing. One of the things I loved about Eye In The Sky is that each location is very specific and very much a part of each actor's performance. How do you work it on set with such vastly different sets and environments? Production design's a real help. Helen Mirren walked out of the bunker on Day 3 of shooting and she said, "I don't know how people actually really do this job in every day in a bunker like that, it's really unsettling." Actors, y'know, their job is to use their imagination and absorb what's around. Having sets that give them the feeling of the real place. For Aaron Paul, that Ground Control Station is exactly the kind of container they use and we had him in that spot for twelve hours, just like a drone pilot. We had a drone pilot with us as an advisor and piloting drone cameras who worked with Aaron and Phoebe (Fox) to understand what lever they pull, what button they press and so on. To credit Aaron and Phoebe, we weren't using any of that footage. The way we worked was quite tricky, because we had big green screens up with crosses on them to tell them where to look, so when I was with Helen, we didn't have the money to keep all the actors together so I had to feed Helen the lines and the crosses would tell her where to look. The character that she plays is a real tough nut. Was there any specific performance that made you think she could do this? I've watched her in so many films that I have a sense of her strength of personality and her intelligence. It's not that I'd seen her in a particular performance, I felt her as a person - because every actor brings their inherent quality to the screen - so I look for that inherent quality in an actor. That role was originally written for a man and as I was reading the script, I kept thinking of Helen Mirren. I've got twins now, a boy and a girl, and I'm very cognisant of gender and these questions. I also felt I didn't want to make a boy's own war movie. I thought the ethical and moral questions that the script raises so beautifully should be talked about by men and women. Casting a woman in that role I felt would bring balance to the film, so that's it not about gender, it's about what would a human being do in this situation. Were there any other changes you made to the script outside of changing genders? Guy Hibbert started eight years ago, I came in about three years ago and Guy had already done a huge amount of research. I spent about three months of research and tweaked a few bits here and there, posing questions to Guy about the script. I happen to be a lawyer by background and how I could deliver some of the legal arguments that would still be correct from a lawyer's point of view, but accessible to a lay audience. It's a fine line. When you hear about the question of proportionality in the film, that's the exact terminology that's used. When I pitched the idea of Helen Mirren taking on the role, he only took ten seconds to consider when I explained the same reasons to you. I hasten to say that this is Guy's script. As a director, you come in and make tweaks in terms of pace and editing. I was very afraid of making a sort of static TV movie because they're all in rooms. It was all a question of, how can we make a well-paced thriller with a great deal to talk about? If I made a 5-10% contribution, this is his story and his structure. I just brought a director's perspective. On that perspective, the editing of the film really ties the whole thing together. Trying to line it all up, with such disparate actors, it must have been difficult. First off, thanks for bringing up the editor. A lot of people don't. I've a brilliant editor, Megan Gill, who I've worked with for many years and there's a male-female interaction, we both bring different sensibilities and that's always a good thing in an editing room. You're right, it was difficult. It required a lot of editing skill; none of the actors were together. I'm feeding Alan's line to Helen, I'm trying to drive it in a certain direction so that it gets the pacing. I'm thinking about how to use the sets to keep it all moving, to move the camera into Helen into her to keep it moving. We had to make it a cinematic experience so that it's not static and boring. You could have shot this a lot quicker, y'know, if they all sat down and just talked. I could plonk a camera down and let them at it. You've got all these pieces of film together and keep them all cohesive. Why pick this film? I didn't know it was going to make it until it came under the door from my agent. I kept reading it, I became fascinated by the multiple points of view presented and I wasn't sure who I agreed with, I wanted to know what happened and when I got to the end, I thought, "Wow, I really want to talk to someone about this!" It made me want to know more about drone warfare, if I did a half-way decent job, it'll do the same for the audience. I knew people in the military, I talked to lawyers, human rights lawyers and so on. I've been immersed in this world for the past three years, reading about drones, artificial intelligence, how these tiny little drones are being weaponised, it's fascinating and a little creepy, if I'm honest. I'm not a big fan of stories that are just good versus evil or standard revenge films, protagonist-antagonist. I don't think the real world works like that, it's much more complex and messy. Punchestown has today announced prize details for the Bollinger Best Dressed Lady competition at the 2016 Punchestown Festival. The social and sporting highlight of the Irish calendar takes place from Tuesday 26th April to Saturday 30th April at Punchestown Racecourse, Co. Kildare. The lucky winner will enjoy the most decadent prize imaginable, one that truly encapsulates Bollingers philosophy that Life Can Be Perfect. The Bollinger Best Dressed Lady 2016 plus a guest will enjoy return business class flights to France and a private chauffeur directly from the airport to the Champagne region, where there they will have a private tour of the Bollinger estate - a truly special experience as Bollinger is not normally open to the public. There they will get to experience in person the long history and meticulous craft of this famous Champagne followed by a personal champagne tasting and lunch with the experts at Champagne Bollinger. Then after a luxurious overnight stay and gourmet meal in the nearby historic city of Reims, the Bollinger Best Dressed Lady and her guest will be chauffeured to Paris where they will enjoy a weekend of luxury accommodation and Michelin-starred dining. To round off the experience the Bollinger Best Dressed Lady will receive not only a years supply of Bollinger Special Cuvee, but also the limited edition 007 James Bond bottle of 2009 vintage Bollinger, an homage to the worlds favourite connoisseur. The search for the Bollinger Best Dressed Lady will be held over the first four days of the Punchestown Festival. Judges and style scouts will be tasked with finding the most stylish ladies in attendance and selecting a number of finalists each day. The daily winner will then progress to the grand final on Ladies Day, Friday 29th of April. Finalists on each day will receive a fabulous, custom-made Montgomery Millinery hat worth over 200 each, along with a luxury Bollinger goody bag. Michelle OSullivan, Bollinger Ireland commented that Bollinger is delighted to sponsor the Best Dressed Lady Competition at the 2016 Punchestown Festival. At Bollinger we believe life can be perfect so we have created a prize that we feel best demonstrates our philosophy designing a money cant buy experience for the winner of the Bollinger Best Dressed Lady title at the Punchestown Festival. Dick OSullivan, General Manager, Punchestown Racecourse said, We are delighted to have such an amazing prize on offer this year thanks to our sponsors Bollinger. With ladies accounting for almost half of the attendance at our festival, the fashion element has become a really exciting feature of what is widely considered one of the social and sporting highlights of the year. We look forward to welcoming Irelands most stylish ladies dressed to impress at the Bollinger Best Dressed Lady competition at Punchestown. For more information on the festival, visit their website. Videogame adaptations are - if Warcraft and Assassin's Creed do well - going to be the next comic-book films. Already, Marvel is starting to reach the tail-end of its available characters and DC Comics' future is uncertain with the disappointing returns for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Videogame adaptations, on the other hand, are still fresh territory for movie studios and operate in a similar manner to comic-books. They've got a fervent fanbase, most people are reasonably familiar with the characters and they can be easily adapted for the big screen with the right directors, writers and actors behind them. Pokemon, easily one of the most recognisable gaming franchises of the past twenty years, is now currently in the middle of a fierce bidding war between Legendary Pictures, Warner Bros. and Sony. What makes this all the more interesting is that the rights, if bought by whichever party, will cost them an exceptionally huge sum of money. What's even MORE interesting is how all this relates to geopolitics. Yes, really. Legendary, which is believed to be the favourite to snag the movie rights to Pokemon, is part of Dalian Wanda Group, a Chinese real-estate group and the world's largest cinema chain operator. Pokemon, on the other hand, is a Japanese brand and is hugely intrinsic in Japanese culture. So what, you're probably asking? Tensions between China and Japan are pretty damn high at the moment for any number of reasons, so seeing one of the titans of Japanese pop culture being carted off by a Chinese-backed film company isn't going to sit well with anyone. Whether Legendary wins out in the bidding or not is anybody's guess, but it does present a side of the deal that may cause it to go to Warner Bros. or Sony. Either way, we can expect a Pokemon film on our screens in the next few years. Via THR This documentary on Robert Mapplethorpe, whose graphic photos caused a furore in the late eighties as he was dying of AIDS, takes the viewer on a real journey, playing out more like a biopic. As with most documentaries, there is the exploration of childhood and the scrounging around for evidence of Mapplethorpe's future talent. But theres none to be found - despite his fathers interest in photography, Mapplethorpe not only had no talent behind the camera but wasn't even interested, considering it a lesser art form. In its stead there's a deluge of photos of his youth in the 50s in a typical American suburbia; Mapplethorpe, sister Nancy says, was always different to the other kids a real devilish streak in him. College beckoned and Mapplethorpe falls into a relationship with muse Patti Smith (he would go on to shoot the iconic cover for Smith's Horses) before accepting his homosexuality. He discovers his voice in collages of gay porn before finally realising that shooting his own images is far cheaper; the photographer seemed to be disinterested in deconstructions of his framing and the messages behind he just took pictures of what looked different/cool/shocking. Theres a great flow to Look At The Pictures the interviews are short and snappy, linked together by the constant soundtrack and audio recordings from Mapplethorpe interviews and it offers a real taste of New York, and its gay scene, in the seventies and eighties. All the work is given its full range as his style the beautiful flowers, the insightful portraits of celebrities, and the hardcore S&M - developed over time Unlike most documentaries, directors Bailey and Batero don't shy away from the uglier aspects of their subject Mapplethorpe comes across like a cruel narcissist who will stop at nothing to achieve fame: "Everything was a means to an end to his career." Even lovers were there to pave his way to glory: "To be in Roberts world you had to be either rich, famous, or sex", says a former lover, while Mapplethorpe admits himself that his affair with art curator Sam Wagstaff was career-driven: "If he didnt have money I may not have gotten involved Sam knew that." But the biggest insight is left for younger brother Edward, who is very open here about his hurt over the rocky relationship with his older brother. Try and see on the biggest screen you can find. A high-level EU delegation led by High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, will visit Iran during the upcoming weekend (16-17 April). The aim of the visit is to explore different sectors of cooperation with Iran and follow on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), agreed in Vienna in July 2015, which offered the prospect for improved and expanded EU-Iran bilateral relations. There are a great variety of topics on the agenda including economy, energy, nuclear cooperation, environment but also the most pressing contemporary issues such as migration and humanitarian aid. The EU will also touch upon the controversial issue of human rights. The JCPOA came into force in mid-January this year, which means that a UN nuclear watchdog confirmed that Iran had implemented its nuclear related commitments and that the international organizations and world powers would lift their nuclear-related economic and financial sanctions. Following its implementation, Irans President Rouhani visited Italy and France, as both countries were its major trade partners before the sanctions were tightened in 2010 and 2012. Since the JCPOA was finalized, both sides have been working on improving their relations especially given the fact that the EU-Iran economic relations had suffered more following the UN resolutions against Teheran than the US-Iran relations. The EU was, for example, Irans top trading partner until China overtook it in 2010. However, the focus on the nuclear program had prevented the EU from formulating a cohesive Iran strategy that also factored in human rights, regional issues and energy. Punitive measures against Iran ceased to be a political tool for Europe because they became both the EUs strategy and policy on Iran. The array of sanctions imposed under four UN resolutions since 2006 progressively moved toward a containment policy. For Europe, they were moreover effectively irreversible without US approval. From that perspective, the EU basically lost any influence on Iran. Foreign capital to chase A shares Updated: 2016-04-15 08:55 By Li Xiang(China Daily Europe) Bright economic data, rising realty prices and dovish Fed whet risk appetite of investors Overseas investors' risk appetite for China's A shares has increased, which will likely continue to attract foreign capital to the Chinese stock markets, analysts say. They say key economic data has proved better than expected, property prices are up, and the US Federal Reserve has kept a dovish stance on its monetary policy. China's better-than-expected economic data in the first quarter has buoyed investor sentiment. [Photo by Su Yang / For China Daily] The benchmark Shanghai Composite Index rebounded 12 percent in March, as this year's economic data buoyed investor sentiment. "Over the past two weeks, global investors' interest in the A-share market has shown signs of improvement," Gao Ting, head of China strategy at UBS Securities, says in a research note. "Several large overseas exchange-traded funds that track the A-share indices saw net subscriptions." Gao cites the rebound in manufacturing activity, which expanded in March against the contraction in February. Also, industrial profits in March after the losses in January and February are evidence of improvement in the economy in the first quarter, Gao says. Northbound trading under the Shanghai-Hong Kong stock connect has seen net purchases of 18.1 billion yuan ($2.79 billion; 2.45 billion euros) since March. Shares of brokerages and banks are among the northbound funds' most-bought stocks, according to UBS Securities. Matthew Sutherland, senior investment director for equities at global asset management company Fidelity International, says while the Chinese economy is decelerating, the new economy - particularly sectors related to consumer and information technology - will continue to offer good investment opportunities for foreign investors. "As low-value-add businesses move away, China is acquiring the tools required to compete throughout the entire production chain, including upmarket technologies and high-level skills," he says. According to a Fidelity survey, 36 percent of its 200 equity and fixed-income analysts worldwide predict China's slowdown will have no, or a somewhat positive, impact on companies' strategic investment plans. Breaking out European analysts, the survey says some believe China's slowdown will not have any impact on the stocks they cover. As for investors, they are motivated by the likelihood of China's A shares being included in the MSCI emerging markets index. MSCI Inc, the global index provider, is in June due to announce its decision on whether or not to include A shares in its emerging markets index. Any inclusion would initially attract an estimated $20 billion in investment to the A-share market, analysts say. The company postponed the decision last year, citing market barriers to foreign investors in China. However, it resumed a review this month and started soliciting opinions from international institutional investors. Analysts say that, compared with last year, there is a better chance this year for A shares to be included in the MSCI index. "If A shares are included, the long-term positive implication will be more far-reaching than the short-term benefits of potential capital inflows, as A shares would attract stronger interest from global investors," Gao at UBS Securities says. lixiang@chinadaily.com.cn China's central bank official confident RMB will remain stable Updated: 2016-04-15 17:45 (Xinhua) WASHINGTON - China's central bank deputy governor Yi Gang said on Thursday he is confident that the Chinese currency the yuan will remain stable. Yi made the remarks at an event at the Brookings Institute. He emphasized that China pursues a managed floating exchange rate regime that is based on market supply and demand and with reference to a basket of currencies. Yi said the US dollar still has a very large weight in the basket, but the yuan is referenced against the basket as opposed to being pegged to it. He also emphasized that market forces remain the number one factor in determining the value of the yuan, but tremendous market volatility is not good for China or the rest of the world, especially considering weak global demand. According to the deputy governor, China on one hand is open to market forces, but on the other has to avoid sharp market volatility. Considering China's current account, foreign direct investment and outward direct investment, the yuan exchange rate is still within the equilibrium level, said Yi. Yi also expressed confidence in the Chinese economy, citing economic data in the first quarter, which indicates that the Chinese economy has kept robust growth. According to latest data from China's National Bureau of Statistics, the Chinese economy expanded 6.7 percent in the first quarter, meeting expectations. China has created solid macro-economic policies this year, and there is no need to exaggerate and overreact to the risks, said Yi, adding that he is confident the country will secure 6.5 percent to 7 percent growth this year. According to the deputy governor, the greatest difficulty China now faces is implementing reforms. Compared to monetary and fiscal moves which could deliver policy goals in a fast way, structural and supply-side reforms are faced with some fundamentally rooted problems, such as labor market and property rights issues. China is undergoing economic transition, which will take several years, but progress has been made. Last year, consumption contributed to over 66 percent to GDP growth, and the services sector made up more than 50 percent of the overall economy, and was 10 percentage points higher than the share of the manufacturing sector. Yi also pointed out that a high savings rate is a difficult issue for China to deal with in its transition, as unleashing those savings would lead to more investment both at home and abroad and hold the investment share of GDP at a high level. In the hall of the great frescoes Updated: 2016-04-15 08:52 By Zhao Xu(China Daily Europe) Clockwise from Top: An overview of Fahai Temple, which was built during the Ming Dynasty; the main hall of the temple; and some of the Buddhist frescoes which are revered as China's best preserved Ming frescoes. [Photo provided to China Daily] In 1933, German photographer Hedda Morrison went to a western suburb of Beijing, where she discovered what she would call the city's most interesting temple. With a Rolleiflex twin lens camera and a heart captivated by the beauty of Oriental art, she recorded in black and white the stunning frescoes on the walls of the main hall at Fahai Temple, a Buddhist temple dating from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). However, the way Morrison went about her work, which she wrote about in detail, is likely to fascinate the modern reader almost as much as her pictures. Since the frescoes remained in shadow, she had to remove some of the roof tiles to allow in sufficient light. A photographer with her tried to blow magnesium powder onto blazing paraldehyde to illuminate what can only be called a darkroom. But those efforts went unrewarded, filming being abandoned when Morrison was accidentally burned. However, for Lu Shaojie, a temple guide who has spent a large part of her time at Fahai in the past four years, the flash that lit up both the hall and Morrison's mind hasn't been dimmed. On a slightly chilly spring morning in mid-March, she led tourists into the ancient hall and switched on a flashlight. As the beam of yellowish light swept across the wall, patches of fresco emerged one by one from the pitch blackness to charm with warm hues and myriad images, before retreating into the shadows to resume their silent, self-effacing existence. It was like a siren's song, the frescoes under dim, wandering light seeming to call for attention while at the same time wanting to be left alone. "The mental impact of Morrison's experiences must have been enhanced by the decision to allow absolutely no light into the main hall," says temple guide Lu, pointing to the heavy curtain on the windows. "It's aimed at protecting the frescoes, with the inadvertent effect of accentuating their beauty, for which few people are truly prepared." Views of the first China watcher Updated: 2016-04-15 08:54 By Carlos Ottery(China Daily Europe) The 19th-century musings of missionary Arthur Henderson Smith might be dismissed as a product of their time, but some are insightful In the 1930s, Shanghai business executive Tony Keswick would leave a large, leather-bound book on his desk entitled Everything I Know About China. Curious visitors would open the book to see nothing but 200 blank pages. Unlike many foreigners, Keswick, it seems, was straight up about his inability to fathom China. For many observers, China and the Chinese people have long been viewed as a complex puzzle; the sheer size of the nation alongside its confusing and contradictory nature prove it impossible to solve, but that doesn't stop people trying. Oh, how they try, and try, and try. Who hasn't lived in China for a few months and at least been tempted to theorize as to why it is like it is? The size of the task has even spawned its own industry of amateurs and professionals alike: China watchers. Why do we not speak of England watchers, Argentina watchers or Kyrgyzstan watchers? Is China really so interesting that it needs a whole industry of politicians, missionaries, diplomats, soldiers, journalists, English teachers, captains of industry, and god knows who else to try to unravel the mystery? The answer, of course, is simple: yes, it is. Arthur Henderson Smith was but one of the many men who devoted a large part of his life to an attempt to understand and explain China to the world, perhaps most famously in his book, Chinese Characteristics. An American missionary, he sailed to China with his wife in 1872 and remained there for 54 years. Now, if somebody is going to tell you at length about the Chinese, their habits, beliefs and thinking, all based on anecdotal evidence, personal experience and a little reading (and that's exactly what this book does), I would want to be sure it that was somebody who had spent a lot of time there, and it is reasonable to give Smith credit where it is due. He certainly served his time. If you read a book for sparkling prose and dazzling sentences, then Chinese Characteristics might not be for you. One of the reasons Chinese Characteristics is such a pain to read is its style. Smith uses the long, circumlocutory sentences that were so typical of the Victorian era. There is no sense of caricature or amusement, and instead we get a dry, high-minded tone, all of which is quite understandable coming from a devout missionary who believed in being scientific, but that doesn't make it exactly a fun read. Any book that attempts to sum up and make sweeping generalizations about a billion odd people is likely to come in for a fair amount of criticism. Now to be fair to Smith, he wrote Chinese Characteristics back in 1894 when the Chinese population had barely hit the piffling 300 million mark, though that hardly makes his task any easier. Still, he was aware enough of potential criticism from the outset, and sensibly says in his opening paragraph: "No single individual, whatever the extent of his knowledge, could by any possibility know the whole truth about the Chinese." So, later in the book, when he comes off like he knows everything and makes several broad generalizations to boot (he does this a lot), we ought to forgive him. In many ways, that's the gig with writing a book like this. The Chinese become a curious object of study, and the writer occasionally comes off as if he were observing a baffling species of animal as opposed to mere human beings. This all begs the question of whether Smith's observations are any good. On reading the book, my initial instinct was to say of course not, because so much of his writing comes across as, well, a bit racist: "The first impression which a stranger receives of the Chinese is that of uniformity. Their physiognomy appears to be all of one type, they all seem to be clad in one perpetual blue ... " Added to this, most of his observations, in the absence of any hard data, are based on what he read in a newspaper, an anecdote of a friend, or something he saw on his morning walk. It never feels like enough to substantiate his rather grandiose conclusions. So you can imagine the feeling you get when you are reading him and you think a fair whack of what he is saying seems accurate. The "that's a pretty racist thing to say, but he has a point," thought pattern is an awkward one to say the least. But at least Smith has the benefit of being of his time. He was influenced by the now widely discredited eugenics ideas that where coming to fruition at the time. Just as he was always likely to use terms which are now seen as disparaging (negro, coolie, etc). To get a feeling for what he thinks are the key components of the Chinese, it is worth starting by having a look at the main chapter titles to at least see if he is going down the right path: The Disregard of Time; The Disregard of Accuracy; The Talent for Misunderstanding; The Talent For Indirection; Flexible Inflexibility; Intellectual Turbidity; The Absence of Nerves; Contempt for Foreigners; The Absence of Public Spirit; Conservatism; Indifference to Comfort and Convenience; Physical Vitality; Patience and Perseverance; Content and Cheerfulness; Filial Piety, Benevolence; The Absence of Sympathy; Mutual Responsibility and Respect for Law; Mutual Suspicion; The Absence of Sincerity; Polytheism, Pantheism, and Atheism. There is a clear weighting toward negatives when looking at these "characteristics", but regardless of what you think of Smith's opinions, it would seem that more than a few of these chapters are worth discussion. Many foreigners who have lived in China for any length of time (particularly the longer-term ones) start to develop a set of oft repeated gripes about "the Chinese". Some people deal with these cheerfully and locate such issues within a sociological and cultural context, seeking to understand; others become furious and whiny and aren't much fun to be around. It is also worth noting here that a lot of these gripes, observations, call them what you will, often infuriate the Chinese as much as the foreigners themselves, often more so. One of the key differences is that being more aware of the culture, the Chinese are able to make allowances and understandings for such things. Though there are many things that appear illogical in Chinese society, Smith points out that it is precisely because the Chinese are aware of these fallacies that it leaves them in a much better situation to deal with them: "The Chinese master knows perfectly well that his commands will be ignored in various ways, but he anticipates this inevitable result as one might set aside a reserve for bad debts or allow a margin for friction in mechanics." These annoyances and irritations are almost too numerous to mention, but Smith covers a lot of them. The book is not all about anger and irritation, though, and sometimes it prefers to just marvel at a skill that the Chinese, for whatever reason, appear to have in a supernatural abundance, such as the ability to grab forty winks anywhere and everywhere at the drop of a hat: "Generally speaking, he (the Chinese) is able to sleep anywhere. None of this trifling disturbances which drive us to despair annoy him. With a brick for pillow, he can lie down on his bed of stalks or mudbricks or rattan and sleep the sleep of the just, with no reference to the rest of creation." Though in large parts of the book Smith is guilty of being patronizing, and of thinking he can educate and civilize the Chinese, he is more than aware that, historically speaking, foreign nations treated the Chinese nation atrociously, though he puts it more delicately: "During much of the greater part of time there was very little in the conduct of Western nations in its dealings with the Chinese of which we have any reason to be proud." Courtesy of The World of Chinese, www.theworldofchinese.com The World of Chinese (China Daily European Weekly 04/15/2016 page23) New index offers path to China Updated: 2016-04-15 08:55 By Wang Mingjie(China Daily Europe) FTSE China A-H 50 Index opens a door for overseas investors, while Morgan Stanley mulls inclusion of A shares in global indices Chinese stocks may not be at the top of investor shopping lists at the moment as a result of the market's volatility, but recent changes by global index providers give overseas investors the chance to take the plunge on China's equities. A new index, the FTSE China A-H 50 Index, was recently announced by FTSE Russell, a leading global index provider, to represent the largest companies listed on the Chinese mainland and in Hong Kong. Deutsche Asset Management and Harvest Global Investors issued FTSE China A-H 50 Index Exchange Traded Funds to capture the price differential between China's domestic A shares, usually traded on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges, and H shares, which are listed on the Hong Kong market. On the same day, Morgan Stanley Capital International, a leading global benchmark index provider, said it would revive talks on including A shares in its global emerging markets index, though MSCI removed China from its review process in June. In the financial markets, an index is an imaginary portfolio of securities representing a particular market or a portion of it. Stock market indexes are used to construct exchange-trade funds whose portfolios mirror the components of the index. The FTSE China A-H 50 Index lists the largest 50 China A-shares companies by market capitalization but tracks the lowest-priced share class between the A and H share classes. Dual-listed Chinese mainland shares often trade at different prices, even though the two types of shares enjoy the same voting rights and dividend payments. "This is the first ETF of its kind listed in Europe," says Marco Montanari, Deutsche Asset Management's head of passive asset management, Asia-Pacific. Twenty-eight of the largest 50 dual-listed Chinese companies currently trade at an average 22 percent premium in the mainland in relation to their Hong Kong price, he says. The persistent price anomaly is due to the various capital control measures implemented by the Chinese government, says Hu Jing, investment manager at Arbuthnot Latham & Co, a private bank in London, adding that "as the domestic capital market opens up gradually, the pricing difference can disappear". The creation of the new ETF sends out a clear signal that the integration of Chinese capital markets is set to continue regardless of short-term volatility, according to Ben Kumar, investment manager at Seven Investment Management, a London-based financial company founded in 2002. "A gradual inflow of foreign investor capital would allow domestic Chinese capital to begin investing worldwide. The long-term aim is that the A-H premium disappears, and ultimately Hong Kong-listed stocks either trade in line with mainland counterparts, or vanish completely," he says. Kumar warns there are two issues to be aware of, saying if the premium of A shares over H shares persists for a long time or even gets wider, the benefits of the index are somewhat limited. Taking Industrial and Commercial Bank of China as an example, Kumar says in March of last year, the bank's stock was worth $0.70 in Hong Kong and $0.705 in Shanghai - a difference of $0.005. Yet today the difference between the two is $0.14, and the discount in Hong Kong has widened - a cheap share has become even cheaper, relative to its mainland counterpart. "Additionally, even if the premium closes, it could be in an environment where both markets are declining rapidly - an investor might have better relative performance, but still lose in absolute terms," he explains. Despite the turmoil in the Chinese stock market, China ETFs generated 4.1 billion pounds ($5.82 billion; 5.11 billion euros) on the London Stock Exchange last year, a 73 percent rise compared with the year before, according to a LSE report. Analysts say this is a strong indication that China is making itself felt on the global stage. Kumar says international investors are beginning to realize that the Chinese assets in their portfolios are proportionately small when compared with the size of the Chinese economy. "If and when popular indices begin to include a meaningful weight to A shares, people do not want to be playing catch up," he says. In February, as a commitment to further open financial markets, the Chinese government granted an extra $81 billion or so in quotas under the qualified foreign institutional investor program, for overseas investment in China's domestic stocks and bonds. QFII, started in 2002, is a program that allows certain licensed international investors access to the Chinese mainland stock exchanges using foreign currency. MSCI says in a statement: "The reopening of the consultation follows the recently implemented changes by the Chinese authorities aimed at enhancing the accessibility of the China A-shares market for international institutional investors." Because MSCI is widely used as a benchmark, and a vast amount of money tracks its indexes globally, industry analysts say MSCI's inclusion will be more meaningful and have more impact than FTSE Russell's new announcement. "New indices created by FTSE Russell currently have zero assets attached to them, so flows will depend on investors starting to use them, whereas MSCI is an enormous pool of existing assets," says Robert Davis, senior portfolio manager of Brussels-based NN Investment Partners. MSCI has promised that the process would be mindful of investor feedback, so Davis anticipates the main concern for a delay would be that after the debacle of the A-share bubble and crash last year, the market, along with its regulation, is judged as insufficiently mature to be included in mainstream indexes. Still, Davis is confident that MSCI will include China A shares in its global benchmark, but perhaps with a low 'inclusion factor' so the initial weights in the indexes will be very small. wangmingjie@mail.chinadailyuk.com ( China Daily European Weekly 04/15/2016 page28) Luxury British brands seeking bloggers for their bandwagons Updated: 2016-04-15 08:55 By Cecily Liu(China Daily Europe) Makers of high-end products turn to social media influencers to woo Chinese consumers High-end brands in the UK are starting to work with key influencers on social media to attract more Chinese consumers after seeing similar strategies employed by other companies. In March, five Chinese bloggers were invited on a four-day "Best of British" tour that included a trip to Harrods, The Ritz, an Aston Martin car plant, and factories making Edward Green shoes and Vertu smartphones. Customers at a shopping mall in London. British brands have invited five Chinese bloggers on a four-day "Best of British" tour as a strategy trying to attract more Chinese consumers. Provided to China Daily On the trip were Peter Xu, a fashion writer with more than 2 million followers on Sina Weibo, a Chinese version of Twitter; Gu Jiang, who has an online show about watches; travel and lifestyle writer Huang Xiaohui, aka Catwalk; Wang Lan, aka Ms Paris; and Tracy Wang, aka ColorBlocker. "We picked bloggers we believe would understand and appreciate the values behind the brands," says Aline Moulin-Conus, managing partner of London marketing firm E-Notam, which arranged the trip. Industry insiders say the activity shows British brands are realizing that just having a social media presence is not enough, with endorsements by key opinion leaders now vital to winning over China's young generation of tech-savvy, well-traveled, affluent consumers. "The change in consumer habits and the development of social media is shifting the way brands tell their story, both in the Western world and in China," says Gordon Watson, CEO of Vertu. He says collaborating with Asian - especially Chinese - opinion leaders is high on the marketing agenda after finding success with the model in the West. The company already works with blogger Anish Bhatt on Instagram and says the same content the company puts out can receive 10 times as many likes on her feed. Major European brands have increasingly been teaming up with web-savvy Chinese celebrities, who share the brand message via social media as well as use or wear its products in public. Movie star Fan Bingbing, who has 47.9 million followers on Sina Weibo, represents a diverse range of brands, from Louis Vuitton to L'Oreal. Evidence suggests such tie-ins pay off. According to online marketplace Taobao, Fan's endorsements alone drove 450 million yuan ($69.5 million; 61 million euros) in sales in 2013. Another good example is the $4.7 million marketing campaign to promote New Zealand in 2010 that featured blogger Hong Huang and filmmaker Lu Chuan. The next year, actress Yao Chen was invited to visit the country and went on to hold her wedding there. Official data from New Zealand suggest a real impact. In 2010, its tourism office forecast that the country would receive 183,000 Chinese visitors a year by 2015, but the number actually hit 302,128 as of April 2015. Ben Hui, managing director of Language Brand Communication, a marketing agency in Manchester, believes influencing Chinese opinion leaders is essential for Western brands. "Chinese consumers trust key opinion leaders as objective, independent, and possessing of qualities they can relate to and admire," he says. "In addition, Chinese social media platforms are sometimes more advanced than Western counterparts in their ability to integrate content with actual sales channels, meaning celebrity endorsement can often be monetized more effectively." The desire among young, middle-class consumers in China to be individual has also increased the importance of online trendsetters. "Younger generations are looking for something to call their own," says Doris Ho, managing director for Greater China at brand consultants Landor. "For many Chinese millennials (those born in the 1980s and '90s), Western high-end brands are part of their travel experience, particularly in the case of key destinations like London." With this in mind, the British tour arranged for the bloggers in March was heavy on experience. For example, the group enjoyed a dinner at The Ritz with a Downton Abbey theme, the British TV drama, with fellow diners including the show's creator, Julian Fellowes; executive producer Gareth Neame; head of costume design Anna Robbins; and actress Phyllis Logan, who plays Mrs Hughes. The dining room was decorated in a 1920s style, and guests were given the chance to try on costumes and hold props used in the show. More than 100 million people in China watched Downton Abbey, according to NBC Universal, which produces the show. It had an estimated 15 million views in the United States. Online TV host Gu says he was greatly impressed by the trip because it allowed him to learn more about the essence of British brands. "What I noticed is the great craftsmanship that goes into making luxury British products, with a culture deeply rooted in history," he says. "It highlighted that luxury is about dedication and time, not just about high selling prices." He makes special mention of Edward Green, which was founded in 1890 and has a manufacturing process so detailed that its shoe factory can only produce 60 pairs a day. Noticeably, the Chinese bloggers had different approaches to covering the British tour. Gu was the most descriptive with his posts, while the women instead preferred to post selfies in each location, accompanied with short, friendly messages. Wang's posts under her Ms Paris moniker attracted the most web traffic. She interacted with followers, such as by posting selfies while trying on dresses at Harrods and asking them to guess which one she ended up choosing. However, what impact the trip had on influencing consumers is hard to judge, says Hui at Language Brand Communication. "Unless the posts lead directly to links where customers can purchase a specific product, it's difficult to quantify." Even the "likes" for Wang's posts were only in their hundreds, which is small compared with the fact online trendsetters can easily generate 30,000 or even 100,000 views, he adds. cecily.liu@mail.chinadailyuk.com (China Daily European Weekly 04/15/2016 page30) China's publishers flock to London bookfest Updated: 2016-04-15 08:55 (China Daily Europe) The recent London Book Fair has attracted China's national and provincial publishers alongside the heavyweights. Thirty-three publishing houses from nine provinces and municipalities that include Beijing, Jiangxi and Henan brought about 1,000 new titles to London. Their stay was organized by their London-based partners and by China Universal Press and Publication, based in Beijing. Experts at the London Book Fair seminar discuss the works of William Shakespeare and China's most famous playwright Tang Xianzhu, who both died 400 years ago. The London Book Fair, held on April 12 to 14, attracted dozens of publishers from China. Photos Provided to China Daily Activities included meeting and debating with Chinese and foreign experts on topics such as how to promote a better understanding of China, Chinese culture and China's Belt and Road Initiative. Professor Wang Jihui of Peking University and Andrew Wheatcroft, visiting professor at London's City University, on April 12 discussed Sino-UK cooperation in the field of drama and literature translation, while recalling this year's 400th anniversaries of the deaths of China and England's most famous playwights - Tang Xianzhu and William Shakespeare. China Social Sciences Press, meanwhile, launched books on the theme of understanding China, with topics ranging from China's political and economic systems to social evolution, reform, and social welfare policies. Zhao Jianying, editor-in-chief of China Social Sciences Press says China has made tremendous progress in recent decades thanks to reforms and greater openness. Yet many Western mainstream professionals and others still lacked a basic knowledge of China's history and development. "And it is even harder for them to know the logic behind China's development theories, its political and economic systems, Chinese civilization and its unique contribution to human progress," Zhao says. Against this background, Zhao says his publishing house has invited prominent experts from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences and other institutions to edit the "Understanding China" series. Experts from the academy exchanged ideas with their London audiences on China's social welfare polices and governance reform. "There is natural logic behind why China has chosen one development path instead of another and it is meaningful to publish this series to achieve better understanding of China," says Fang Ning, president of the Institute of Political Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. "We are trying hard to explain things clearly for our foreign readers in order to gain mutual trust and avoid misconceptions." The Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press UK, meanwhile, launched English versions of two Chinese books at the fair. "The launch of the books - Brush and Ink in Chinese Painting and Key Concepts in Chinese Thought and Culture - signifies a shift by FLTRP from foreign language educational publishing in China to being a promoter of Chinese culture in the world arena", says Cai Jianfeng, company president. "There has been increasing demand for China-themed publishing year-on-year in the market due to China's improving soft power," Cai says, "and we also see growing numbers of Chinese language learners who would love to know more about Chinese culture." Cai says he is hoping to clinch sales rights for the two books at the fair in order to see them published in more languages. (China Daily European Weekly 04/15/2016 page25) Cold hobby, warm hearts Updated: 2016-04-15 08:54 By Ren Qi and Huo Yan in Nanning(China Daily Europe) Winter swimmers work as volunteer lifeguards to prevent tragedies in Yongjiang River The date July 13, 2010, is forever etched in the memory of Guo Huiren. It was the day five boys, two of whom were twins, drowned while swimming in the Yongjiang River in the southern city of Nanning. "I'll never forget it," the 62-year-old says of the event, which inspired him to launch a volunteer lifeguard service three days later with friends from the local winter-swimming club, in the hope of preventing similar tragedies. Guangxi Red Cross Life-Saving Volunteer Team started with just 10 members. Today, it has more than 70, mostly retirees in their 60s. "All the lifeguards are volunteers, and we're all experienced swimmers," says Ou Jian, the team's captain. "Ten of us have received official lifeguard certificates from the local government. Almost everyone on the team has saved people more than once." Guo, one of its most skilled swimmers, has rescued about 30 people. However, this dates back to before the group started; he says his first was in 1983, when he helped save a woman who attempted suicide by jumping into the river. He explains that most incidents involve young people or those unfamiliar with the river and its currents. "The deepest part of the swimming area in Yongjiang River is more than 20 meters, but near the riverbank it is only 1 meter. This means it is very dangerous for outsiders, who swim too near to undercurrents, get pulled out and suddenly find they don't have the strength to swim back to the bank." Volunteers keep watch during the day and late into the evening, when swimming becomes even more hazardous. "We don't have statistics on the number of people we've rescued," Ou says, "but we're ready to give a hand whenever anyone needs help." The team does not currently receive financial support from the local government or any enterprises, with members raising their own funds. Also, despite including the Red Cross in its name, it is not officially affiliated with the humanitarian organization. "Our group runs independently, but we are verified by the Red Cross Society and it has provided lots of support to us, such as offering training programs (for volunteers)," Guo says. In addition to providing a lifeguard service, the team also promotes safety knowledge. Members organize free lessons on the riverbank for young people to learn first aid skills, as well as go into schools and community centers to offer advice on how to stay safe in and around waterways. Guo says most local people who swim in Yongjiang River now regularly use flotation devices, such as life buoys. "We call them tagalongs. If the swimmers encounter a dangerous situation, a tagalong can help them survive it," he says. "We teach people useful tricks like this, and more importantly we teach them to not panic, stay calm and maintain the correct position when facing danger." Yongjiang River, which runs through the center of Nanning, capital of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, is a popular swimming spot among residents, especially in the colder months. Winter swimming has been growing in popularity along the 133-kilometer waterway ever since the late Chairman Mao Zedong took a dip in January 1958 during a Communist Party of China meeting in Nanning. The activity reached a peak during the "cultural revolution" (1966-76), when the local government organized winter-swimming contests. Guan Hong started swimming in the river in 1993 at the behest of his father. "He was seriously ill at the time and I swam only occasionally. Before he passed away, he persuaded me to swim every day, saying that staying healthy was the most important thing in life," he says. The 63-year-old is a member of the Guangxi Red Cross Life-Saving Volunteer Team and is among those to have received an official certificate from the regional government. He believes winter swimming is good for the heart and vital capacity - and to prove his point he says that, in 2006, after retiring, he cycled from Nanning to the northernmost part of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, the birthplace of his parents. "The whole trip lasted more than 20 days," Guan says. "When I reached my hometown, all my relatives were astonished. If I hadn't done all that winter swimming, I don't think I'd have been healthy or strong enough to ride such a long distance." Zhao Quan, 78, who has been swimming in the Yongjiang River since the 1960s, adds: "Winter swimming is more than just a sport to Nanning people." Contact the writers through renqi@chinadaily.com.cn Photo by: Douglas Gorenstein/NBC Kendrick Lamar reportedly has been hit with a lawsuit for allegedly using the work of music legend without authorization. According to a report from TMZ, Lamar is being sued by Mattie Music Group, the company that owns the rights to Bill Withers' 1975 song "Don't You Want to Stay." The company claims Lamar rapped over the song without permission on his track "I Do This," which was released for free and then a remixed version was made available on iTunes. Mattie Music Group reportedly is suing Lamar for damages and wants him to stop using the song, which appears his 2010 mixtape O.verly D.edicated. Copyright 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. China lit gets fair showing Updated: 2016-04-15 08:54 By Fu Jing(China Daily Europe) A section of the London Book Fair, which held from April 12 to 14. Han Yan / Xinhua Book deal at start of London event is a sign of China's growing influence and its closer relationship with UK Beijing-based publisher New World Press and its British partner Global China Press have signed a deal to publish 15 books on topics ranging from China's governance structure to Sino-European relations to how outside experts view Chinese theater. The agreement was signed on April 12 at the start of the three-day London Book Fair. More than 100 countries attended the event, which attracted more than 40 Chinese publishing houses and printing works. "To achieve a better understanding of China, we are taking urgent action to negotiate with partners worldwide to publish China-themed books in an effort to update foreign readers with the latest developments in the country and introduce Chinese culture," says Fang Zhenghui, vice-president of China International Publishing Group, of which New World Press is a subsidiary. At the fair, Global China Press, China International Publishing Group and New World Press launched English and Chinese versions of China's Urbanization: Migration by the Million. The book is edited by Xie Chuntao, professor of the Party School of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. The launch marked the debut of the China Urbanization Studies series, a joint project to explore the stories behind China's impressive urbanization. China International Publishing Group and New World Press also launched an English version of The Belt and Road Initiative: What Will China Offer the World in Its Rise, written by Wang Yiwei, professor at Renmin University of China. Publishers from China and the United Kingdom also marked the 400th anniversary this month of the deaths of playwrights Tang Xianzu and William Shakespeare. A specially commissioned Chinese play combining Tang's Peony Pavilion and Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet was performed in Chinese and English on the opening day. Performances were at a space based on Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, set up at the Olympia exhibition center in London. Shakespearean actors from around the world performed extracts of works in six languages - Chinese, Spanish, Polish, Hindi, Arabic and English - in recognition of Shakespeare's global influence. Celebrating its 45th anniversary, the London Book Fair is a global marketplace for the negotiation of rights, sales and distribution of content across print, audio, TV, film and digital channels. Wang Jihui, a professor of English at Peking University, says the two legendary writers can help people to understand both countries' civilizations. Wang also says there is a shortage of understanding and cultural exchanges between China and the West, and urged the latter to take a more active approach, particularly in view of a China-UK commitment to strengthen their partnership. fujing@chinadaily.com.cn Carter sends wrong message Updated: 2016-04-15 07:25 By Huang Xiangyang(China Daily) Secretary of Defense Ash Carter delivers remarks during a joint press conference with Philippine Secretary of National Defense Voltaire Gazmin at the Malacanang Palace in Manila, Philippines April 14, 2016.[Photo/IC] Overseas trips by politicians and military leaders are all about sending messages. So what messages are being sent by US Defense Secretary Ash Carter's ongoing visit to the Philippines? The clearest is the US military intends to strengthen its presence in the South China Sea, which poses more threats to regional peace and stability. As part of its "pivot to Asia" strategy, the United States has been shifting its military back to the region. Carter's trip reveals the US has put that process back on a fast track, with the expectation it will establish more bases in the Philippines. Washington and Manila are also considering joint "freedom of navigation" operations, as the US Navy calls them, sailing through the 12-nautical-mile territorial waters around Chinese islands without gaining permission. And emboldened by US military backing and funding, Manila is more aggressively provoking China. It was no coincidence that a few days before Carter's visit, the Philippines resumed construction work to upgrade a military airport on one of the islands it seized from China in the 1970s. These messages from Carter's visit have reinforced the belief in China that an encirclement of alliances is taking shape in a bid to contain China. As well as putting pressure on China to the south, with enhanced military cooperation with the Philippines, the US has done the same to the east. It has reassured Japan of its support in the event of any conflict over disputed islands in the East China Sea. If the US continues to focus on military dominance in its rebalancing strategy, it is risking the peace and the security of the region for its own interests. Back to normal, but still much to do Updated: 2016-04-15 08:53 By Fu Jing(China Daily Europe) After the terrorist attacks, Brussels and the EU must work to reassure Chinese investors that Europe is safe When I got out of a taxi and rolled my suitcase into Brussels-South railway station to get a train to London on April 7, two heavily armed soldiers patrolling the concourse looked me up and down, their hands resting on guns. After the March 22 terror attacks in Brussels, I had thought I'd have to pass through security checks for luggage before entering the gate of the station. But I found this was not the case. The check-in and border control procedures were the same as my previous trips from Brussels to London. The only obvious difference was that soldiers and security guards were more evident in the arrival and departure halls. And they were fully alert. Three weeks on from the terrorist attacks at Brussels Airport and a city subway station, life and business activities in this European capital have gradually returned to normal. The damaged airport reopened recently. Security checks on luggage at the entrance to departure halls have been introduced at Brussels Airport since it reopened, but it is still unknown whether this is temporary or not. And people can enter subway and train stations and shopping malls freely without passing through security checks. Brussels lowered its security alert three days after the blasts that killed 32 people, including one Chinese, although well-armed soldiers and police can be seen patrolling the city center. Calling it the worst attack on the country's soil since World War II, Belgian authorities fully know how serious and challenging the situation is. Like the French, the Belgians have learned a costly lesson. It is daunting that nearly all of the embassies in Brussels and Paris have warned tourists and investors from their countries to be cautious when making decisions to visit France and Belgium. Some Chinese researchers have begun to look into how the security situation in Europe will affect bilateral business activities. Preliminary figures may offer some relief. During the first three months of this year, the number of Chinese tourists in France dropped 7 percent year-on-year. Yet China's investment in France has still shown a steady increase. Very likely it is the same with Belgium: More tourists will cancel their trips, but business activities will not be affected too much. Within a week of the Brussels attacks, a Chinese businessman told me that he still plans to buy a big office property in downtown Brussels. He forecasts that prices will drop 10 to 20 percent on average in Brussels in the coming months. A Chinese businesswoman I spoke with is also seeking to invest in a Belgian brewery, while a long-time Chinese investor in Brussels plans to organize an investment seminar to show his confidence in Belgium. I believe there are many more such cases due to Belgium's geographic and geopolitical attractions. Reassuring investors is an urgent task for Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel. He canceled a scheduled trip to China when the attacks happened the day before he was due to fly. Of course, it would be rational for him to make the trip once the situation in his country is under control. This time, his mission will be convincing Chinese investors and tourists that similar attacks will not happen again. The onus for that is not just on Belgium. The European Union must also clean house and ensure people's safety if it is to help attract tourists and investment. Belgian and European authorities must convince the world that EU countries are safe. The author is deputy editor of China Daily European Edition. Contact the writer at fujing@chinadaily.com.cn Chinese must adapt to UK 'study shock' Updated: 2016-04-15 08:53 By Philip Morgan(China Daily Europe) Universities and recruitment agencies need to do more to help students acquire key skills well ahead of their arrival With thousands of Chinese students planning to study at foreign universities this year, the one big question is: are they sufficiently prepared? The answer is probably not. Last year, more than 520,000 Chinese went abroad to study, with about 90,000 choosing educational institutions in the United Kingdom. According to China's Ministry of Education, 97 percent of these students finance their own overseas studies, or at least their families do. Tuition represents a significant income stream for higher-education institutions in the UK, where the average annual cost for an international student at undergraduate level is 11,987 pounds ($16,900; 14,800 euros). At postgraduate level, that rises to 12,390 pounds. Combine these fees with the average cost of living, which is about 12,000 pounds, and the total comes to at least 24,000 pounds a year to study in the UK. For Chinese parents who send their sons and daughters abroad, this represents a significant financial investment. But while the numbers of Chinese students attending UK universities is a success story, new research shows that when it comes to academic attainment, the picture is not so good. According to the latest figures from the UK Higher Education Statistics Agency, nearly 68 pe rcent of all students - and 52 percent of overseas students from outside the European Union - graduated with a first or 2.1 last year. For Chinese students, it was just 42 percent. I know from experience in the UK that many students from China are simply overwhelmed on their arrival. And who can blame them? They have to come to grips with many issues before they even start thinking about their chosen study program. Although all will have achieved the required level of written and spoken English for entry to a British university, it is a very different matter from having to speak and read every day in English. Another priority is finding suitable and affordable accommodation; again, not always easy. Students also have to get used to living in and adapting to a diverse and different culture and environment - and importantly need to make new friends. There is so much to do and think about in a relatively short space of time. It's a lot for anyone to take in all at once. Many universities and education recruitment companies are doing their best to help Chinese students to manage what for many is a difficult and stressful transition. There are induction courses to help orientate international students, and there are also presession courses in English to help students better prepare for the amount of reading and written work required. Despite all this, students are simply not prepared to adjust - and adjust quickly - to the different teaching and learning methods in the UK compared with those in China. In April last year, Gu Qing, a professor at the University of Nottingham, wrote in a China Daily article: "Unfamiliarity with the pedagogical traditions in UK institutions was found to have contributed to a 'learning shock' that many Chinese students experienced, especially at the beginning of their studies". Studying in the UK requires a student to learn a completely different set of study skills. For example, written assignments (essays, dissertations, projects or reports) have to be well written, structured and argued, as most of the marks awarded are based on written work. Other things to think about are how to use information and data, avoiding plagiarism, listening and presentation skills, speed-reading and effective note-taking, problem-solving, effective research, group and individual working, and time management. Being familiar with these study skills will make the learning process much easier for Chinese students. Some students are better able to manage these changes than others. However, with so much more information to process before a course has even started, having a good understanding of the different skills needed for effective study is not always a priority for them. But it should be. It becomes a priority when a student is faced with the first written assignment - and then panic sets in. This can often lead to unnecessary stress and possibly a lower mark, which in turn leads to a lower final academic result than expected. To compensate, Chinese students who are under pressure tend to stick together and, by doing so, miss out on the hidden benefits of studying and sharing ideas with people from different countries and cultures. There is also a real danger that a desperate student falls into the trap of using the work or ideas of others without acknowledging the source of information. Plagiarism, conscious or unconscious, is treated very seriously, and plagiarized work is usually disqualified. According to a report by the US Institute of International Education, about 8,000 of the more than 274,000 Chinese students enrolled for the 2013-2014 academic year were disqualified - 23 percent for academic dishonesty, including plagiarism. It doesn't have to be like this. The situation is complex and the differences in academic performance cannot be attributed to a radically different culture and linguistic background alone. However, failure to adapt quickly to a different set of study skills places Chinese students at a significant disadvantage. Of course, students and their families can do more to prepare for overseas study. But organizations such as universities and recruitment agencies, which clearly benefit from Chinese students, also need to do much more to help students acquire these key study skills - and well ahead of their arrival in the UK. After all, Chinese families are investing significant amounts in the future of their children and have a right to expect a positive outcome, value for money and the promise of enhanced job prospects from their studies overseas. The author is a former senior policy adviser to the UK government on education links with China and a former first secretary in the British embassy in Beijing. For more information, visit www.morganseares.co.uk. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily. Japan urges restraint from DPRK following possible missile launch Updated: 2016-04-15 15:57 (Xinhua) TOKYO - Japan on Friday said that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) possible attempt of launching an intermediate-range "Musudan" missile was of no threat to national security although the attempted launch was swiftly condemned by the government. Japan's Defense Minister Gen Nakatani told a press briefing that there were no inbound projectiles found headed towards Japan and as such there was no impact on the nation's security. "We have not confirmed any projectile heading towards our country. No event or circumstance influencing our security has occurred," said Nakatani, adding that his ministry is, "collecting and analyzing information at all times. We've gathered information on this case as well but I will refrain from commenting on this considering the nature of the matter." Japan's top government spokesperson Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, also declining to give specifics about the possible launch, said that Japan's forces had taken the necessary precautions, while information gathering was underway. "Japan is analyzing and collecting information in coordination with the United States and South Korea. The Self-Defense Forces have also taken necessary preparations," Suga said. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida while describing the possible launch as "provocative" and urging restraint on Pyongyang's part, said Japan would continue to closely liaise with the United States on the matter. "North Korea's provocative acts, in any form, are unacceptable," Kishisa was quoted as saying. After being slapped with sanctions by the UN Security Council last month for conducting a fourth nuclear test as well as launching a long-range rocket widely believed to be a test of banned ballistic missile technology, the DPRK has launched a number of projectiles of late, some of which have been categorized as missiles. Passage to piraeus Updated: 2016-04-15 08:52 By Maria Petrakis in Athens and Lyu Chang in Beijing(China Daily Europe) Cosco navigates witches, dragons and heroes to harness ancient Greek port and link it to Belt and Road Initiative On a sunny Friday in the Greek capital, politicians, shipowners, bankers and diplomats were celebrating the sale of Piraeus Port, the nation's ancient harbor, to another ancient nation, China. Xu Lirong, chairman of China Cosco Shipping Corporation Limited, known as Cosco, extolled the benefits of the deal he had just signed with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras in a 19-century exhibition hall and, referring to one of the most ancient Greek tales, says Piraeus can recover the Golden Fleece. Getting to this day, April 8, may have seemed to the Chinese a journey as fraught with peril and danger as in the ancient tale of Jason and the Argonauts, where the hero Jason dodges dragons whose teeth sow warriors and marries a sorceress to reclaim the Golden Fleece and his birthright, a throne. But for the Chinese, Piraeus is more of a dragon's head - an emblem of power and leadership - than a dragon's tooth. Buying a majority stake in Piraeus Port, which the Chinese have already made one of the fastest-growing harbors in the world, ensures control over a key thoroughfare in the plan to recreate a commercial empire pumping Chinese goods throughout the continent, as well as trade heading for China. For Cosco, Piraeus is the point at which China nudges into Europe as part of President Xi Jinping's vision of the Belt and Road Initiative, a modern-day Silk Road, as China's gateway to Europe. Since the Chinese shipping behemoth agreed to take over container operations at two piers in Piraeus in 2008, traffic has surged at Greece's biggest harbor. Piraeus, Xu says, will become the Mediterranean's largest container transit port, the international logistics distribution center of the eastern Mediterranean, and the southern gate of Central and Eastern Europe, and the Balkans. Chinese money will be invested to restore ship repair facilities, boost jobs and provide key support to the booming cruise terminal business. Greece has said the overall value of the agreement is about 1.5 billion euros ($1.71 billion), including investments, dividends and income from an existing concession agreement. Cosco will initially buy a 51 percent stake in Piraeus for 280.5 million euros and the additional stake in the next five years for 88 million euros after further investments. That is already the Golden Fleece for Greece, says Sotiris Petropoulos, adjunct lecturer in political science and international relations at the University of the Peloponnese in Greece. Becoming a transit hub for EU-East Asia trade will help put the country back on the path to sustainable development and free it from public debt. "Cosco, one of the largest container shippers and handlers in the world, will now be even more involved in the Greek transport networks," he says. "Piraeus Port will continue to play a major role as a transit hub between China and Europe - and Greece as a door to Europe." Piraeus' relatively short distance from the main Mediterranean maritime route allows it to act as both a transshipment hub and gateway, according to a 2012 report by consultants McKinsey & Co, which said the country could transform itself into a regional cargo and logistics center as part of a 10-year plan. There is serious Chinese interest in a plan to build a major freight and logistics center on the Thriasio plain, an expanse that's been described as the industrial backyard of Athens. iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) -- Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton leads Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders by double digits in New York, according to a new poll. In the NBC/Wall Street Journal/Marist poll released Thursday, Clinton has a 17-point lead over Sanders, 57-40 percent. The former New York senators commanding lead comes just hours ahead of the Democratic debate hosted by CNN in Brooklyn, where both candidates will offer their final pitches to voters of the Empire State before its primary on April 19. The poll, conducted on April 10-13, finds Clinton has the upper hand in New York City and the surrounding suburbs, over her opponent and Brooklyn native, Sanders. Despite Clintons edge in the Empire State, a national Fox News poll released Thursday shows she and Sanders are in a dead heat, 48-46 percent. In the same poll just last month, Clinton held a nearly 13-point lead over Sanders, 55-42 percent. Copyright 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Once heralded as the bridge to an oil-free energy future, natural gas seems to have been relegated to stepchild status in the hierarchy of carbon fuels. Why? It's cheap, clean, efficient and plentiful. That's part of the problem. The Energy Information Administration (EIA), estimate that there are 388.8 trillion (yes trillion) cubic feet of proven natural gas reserves in the United States. That's a lot of product to be pumped along with the 20+ trillion cubic feet of dry natural gas we pump annually. And we keep discovering more. Take a peek at a 20-year study of the spot price. After a couple of flirts with ridiculous prices, we're pretty much back to where we started when I still had hair and wore size 32 jeans. The other challenge is lack of industry consolidation. The top 10 U.S. natural gas producers control 31% of the market. That's a decent number. But compare that to the top 10 petroleum producers who tap 52% of the market. Thin margins due to low prices don't get companies excited about acquisitions. [More from StreetAuthority.com: All ETF's are NOT Created Equal] So with prices in the toilet and lack of merger activity, can investors make any money with natural gas? The answer is "yes". I've found two companies that are thriving despite challenging sector fundamentals. Spectra Energy Corp. (NYSE: SE) -- Spectra is weathering the energy meltdown thanks to its diversified portfolio of gas related assets. Although the company is primarily known as a midstream company (processing, storage, transportation and marketing), it also operates a regulated transmission and distribution business that currently serves 1.4 million customers in Ontario, Canada. The relative safety of the transmission and distribution operations work to offset the inherent risks associated with the disruption of lower commodity prices that can affect traditional midstream operations. The company's natural gas pipeline system consists of 21,000 miles of natural gas transmission pipelines and around 295 billion cubic feet of storage capacity in both the United States and Canada. And despite the brutal repricing of natural gas as a commodity, the company was able to actually invest over $2 billion in growth projects last year. These projects were launched based on secured, long term contracts with investment grade customers rather than speculation on a rise in commodity prices. Story continues This enabled Spectra to grow distributable cash flow by 7% and to raise its annual dividend by 9.5% to $1.62 per share. Analysts are confident that SE can continue to generate distributable cash flow for shareholders. Currently, the stock trades around $30.80 with a 5.3% dividend yield. The Williams Companies, Inc. (NYSE: WMB) -- After spinning off its midstream and exploration business to shareholders in 2012, WMB has become an energy infrastructure company focusing on North America. In the natural gas world, the company operates 13,600 miles of pipeline across the United States. Again, like Spectra, Williams transports product for producers resulting in tangible, stable, regulated, long term contracts that support consistent cash flow. But the real story is the company's proposed merger with Energy Transfer Equity (NYSE: ETE). [More from StreetAuthority.com: Sitting On A Loser? Read This Before You Sell Another Stock] Last summer, Williams received an unsolicited offer to be purchased by Energy Transfer for $64 a share. At the time, Spectra was also a prospective suitor. However, as energy prices deteriorated, so did the chances of the merger being completed. ETE would have to take on a mountain of unmanageable debt to pull off the $32.6 billion deal. Williams has filed a lawsuit contending that ETE had conducted a private preferred stock offering to raise money for the deal, which violated the terms of the merger agreement. Williams management has not directly spoken out against the merger but it would appear that this move would encourage shareholders to reject the plan. Although the proposed merger would create the largest natural gas pipeline in North America, it would seem that the company is better off on its own. Like Spectra, Williams has a balanced mix of fixed return, regulated businesses versus the higher risk gas gathering and processing business. This enables the company to generate over a $1 billion in annual cash flow resulting in a 10-year track record of growing the dividend by 60% on a compounded annual basis. Termination of the merger should remove uncertainty from the stock and allow the company to do what it does best: move natural gas from point A to point B. Shares trade around $18 with a 14% dividend yield. Risks To Consider: Due to earnings pressure from the tumultuous energy environment, these stocks trade at forward P/E's that are a little higher than those I typically work with. However, the whole sector is such a mess I can't expect earnings NOT to be adjusted downward in this environment. [More from StreetAuthority.com: Protect Your Portfolio With This Simple Strategy] Also, long term debt to capitalization percentages for these companies are a bit higher than I typically recommend. Again, not to make excuses, but pressure on stock prices are the primary culprit. Granted, they're fundamentally driven, but on a macro level. Both companies are extremely well run, have diversified business portfolios and generate the necessary cash flow required for debt service and shareholder distributions. Action To Take: On average, both stocks are trading at a 45% discount to their 52-week highs (WMB is responsible for the lion's share at 71%) and, yielding a blended 9.8%. For investors who are mentally ready to tiptoe back into natural gas, this combo is a good place to start for attractive income and upside potential. P.S. We've found 10 under-the-radar stocks could be your best hope at landing a 100%-plus gain in 2016. From a company fighting global pandemics... to a new device that could put an end to cyberterrorism. You won't hear about these money-making opportunities anywhere but here -- see for yourself. Related Articles VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2016 / ALIX RESOURCES CORP. ("Alix" or the "Company") (TSX:V: AIX) (FRANKFURT:37N.F) is pleased to announce the acquisition of the Fish Lake Lithium brine property ("Fish Lake Property" or the "Property") located about 250 kms SSE of Reno, Nevada, from arms-length vendors. The Fish Lake lithium property comprises 12 unpatented placer claims located south of, and adjacent to, Menika Mining Ltd.'s (MML-TSX:V) property in Fish Lake Valley, Esmeralda County, Nevada. The Property has excellent access and logistics, with all-weather gravel roads from Highways 264 and 265. The village of Dyer is approximately 20 kms to the south and the town of Tonopah, the nearest full service center, approximately 75 km to the east. The Fish Lake property is located approximately 33 kms North-West of the Silver Peak lithium mine in the Clayton Valley, owned and operated by Albemarle Corporation (NYSE:ALB), which has produced lithium minerals from brines continuously since 1966. The Fish Lake Valley has the potential to host lithium brines similar to Clayton Valley, sourced from lithium enriched Tertiary rhyolitic tuffs or ash flow tuffs accumulated in a basinal environment. The Fish Lake Valley is a high elevation basin with low precipitation, with elevations of 1,200 meters, compared to about elevation of 400 meters for Clayton Valley. Other companies actively exploring in the Fish Valley include Menika Mining Ltd. (in a joint venture with Lithium Corporation) and Nevada Sunrise Ltd. (NEV-TSX:V), on their Atlantis lithium property. Fish Lake Valley was the site of borax mining during the 1870s by two companies, 'Griffing & Nyman's' and 'Pacific Borax Works. The Company's property covers remnants of an old borax mining operation (possibly Pacific Borax). President and CEO Michael England commented, "With the addition of two lithium projects recently, the Jackpot property in Ontario, and the Fish Lake property in Nevada, Alix has taken great strides in expanding its lithium portfolio. We are pleased to be advised and assisted by Aurora Geosciences Ltd., in the advancement of the Fish Lake property. Alix now has lithium projects in Mexico, U.S.A., and Canada and will continue to seek and, if warranted, acquire quality lithium assets for its growing portfolio." Story continues Terms of the agreement call for Alix to issue 200,000 shares and pay $20,000 USD on the 12 month anniversary and grant a half percent NSR of which the Company can purchase half back at any time for $500,000 USD. This transaction is subject to TSX Venture approval. The technical contents of this release were approved by Roger Hulstein, BSc, PGeo, a member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia, as defined by National Instrument 43-101. The properties have not been the subject of a National Instrument 43-101 report. Alix Resources is a junior mining exploration company focused on seeking and acquiring lithium projects globally. Alix continues to evaluate suitable prospects that fit the mandate of the Company. The Company is also exploring the Electra Project in Sonora, Mexico, consisting of two strategically located concessions, contiguous to Bacanora Minerals' Sonora Lithium Project. The Company's Joint Venture partner on the Electra Project is global lithium developer Lithium Australia NL, whom are developing the Sileach processing approach for recovering lithium from silicate minerals including spodumene and mica. "Michael England" Michael England, President, CEO, Director FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Telephone: 1-604-683-3995 Toll Free: 1-888-945-4770 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. FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains forward-looking statements, which relate to future events or future performance and reflect managements current expectations and assumptions. Such forward-looking statements reflect managements current beliefs and are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Investors are cautioned that these forward looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause future results to differ materially from those expected. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and by those made in our filings with SEDAR in Canada (available at www.sedar.com). SOURCE: Alix Resources Corp BUENOS AIRES, April 15 (Reuters) - Argentina confirmed the seven banks managing its upcoming bond issue in the government's official gazette on Friday as it prepares to return to international credit markets for the first time in 15 years. Deutsche Bank AG, HSBC Holdings Plc, JPMorgan Chase & Co and Banco Santander SA were awarded the top role of global coordinators for the bond sale, while BBVA, Citigroup Inc, and UBS Group AG will join as bookrunners. The news confirms a report by IFR last month. Argentina plans within days to launch the sale of its first international bond issue in 15 years, raising up to $15 billion to ease government financing and settle litigation that followed a $100 billion default in 2002. A U.S. court ruling on Wednesday cleared the way for Argentina to pay outstanding debts and raise new funds to pay those settlements. In a separate announcement, the official gazette said Argentina had hired McGraw Hill Financial Inc's Standard & Poor's Ratings Services for the bond issue because it was the only one of the major three credit ratings agencies that would sign a contract under Argentine law. (Reporting by Maximiliano Rizzi; Writing by Brad Haynes and Lisa Von Ahn) VIENNA (Reuters) - Austrian Finance Minister Hans Joerg Schelling will propose at the spring World Bank and International Monetary Fund meetings that a compulsory global company register be created to fight tax havens, he said in an interview published on Friday. "Global information exchange would solve the problem," he told Austrian newspaper Die Presse when asked about the Panama Papers, adding that he had first made the suggestion two years ago to other European Union finance ministers. "Until now, the United States and Great Britain have been strictly against it," he added. (Reporting by Francois Murphy; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) By Davide Scigliuzzo NEW YORK, April 15 (IFR) - Banks leading Argentina's jumbo bond sale, which is set to price next week, could earn up to US$27m in total fees, according to government documents published on Friday. Argentina will pay a commission of 18bp to the underwriters arranging its first international bond sale in 15 years, which is expected to include maturities of five, 10 and 30-years. The South American nation is expected to raise between US$12.5bn and US$15bn through the bond sale, bringing the total feel pool to between US$22.5m and US$27m, according to IFR calculations. Deutsche Bank, HSBC, JP Morgan and Santander - the four global coordinators appointed to manage the offering - will each receive 19% of the total fee pool, or between US$4.28m and US$5.13m, based on the expected issue size. Joint bookrunners BBVA, Citigroup and UBS, which will have a smaller role in the offering, will receive 8% of the fee pool each, or between US$1.8m and US$2.16m. (Reporting by Davide Scigliuzzo; Editing by Jack Doran) BEND, OR / ACCESSWIRE / April 15, 2016 / Local resident Gillian Rowley launches Get Global Marketing, Bend's first online marketing company designed for hospitality. And it's about time we got one. Bend's tourism industry is booming. This is great news for business owners but each restaurant, hotel, and tour faces harsh competition. These days, businesses can't get away without marketing--especially online. Gillian Rowley, the owner of Get Global Marketing, is Bend's local entrepreneur for online hospitality marketing. In February 2016, Gillian opened the doors of Get Global Marketing. The company builds online marketing campaigns and strategic websites for hospitality business owners. Gillian founded Get Global Marketing on a love for traveling. Her marketing career began while studying abroad in Cyprus. What she thought would be a fun way to get her cab fees paid turned into an intense curiosity for business. When Gillian returned to finish her English degree in Colorado, she performed in-house marketing for a physical therapy company. Since returning to Bend in 2011, Gillian has worked as an SEO Analyst, traveled to nine countries, and is now combining her passions for marketing and travel with Get Global Marketing. "When I travel, I want to see the best that a town has to offer. I opened Get Global Marketing to help business owners share their passion with visitors and locals alike," states Gillian Rowley. What does this mean for hospitality business owners? There is a marketing company in town who shares your passion. If you are a local hospitality business owner wanting to improve your online exposure, contact Gillian Rowley and Get Global Marketing. Website: http://getglobalmarketing.com/ Email: gillian@getglobalmarketing.com SOURCE: Get Global Marketing via Submit Press Release 123 (Adds further quotes) SHANGHAI, April 15 (Reuters) - China Eastern Airlines plans to expand its fleet of aircraft to more than 800 by 2020, up from 561 as of the end of 2015, its president Ma Xulun said in an interview on Friday. The plans to acquire hundreds of new planes come as China Eastern seeks to boost long-haul traffic to and from the United States after a $450 million equity deal with Delta Air Lines Inc last year. Delta agreed to buy 3.55 percent of China Eastern, becoming the first U.S. carrier to own part of a Chinese airline. Code-share routes between the two carriers have now topped 400, compared to about around 300 previously, including routes in respective domestic markets, Ma said. Spurred by growing demand for overseas travel, Chinese airlines are adding flights to New York, Paris and Sydney from inland cities and flying to smaller cities in North America, Europe and Australia. Seats offered by Chinese carriers exceeded those offered by American carriers last year for the first time, fuelling worries about overcapacity and falling yields. Ma said he is not worried about overcapacity on the U.S.- China route. Over 2.6 million Chinese went to the United States last year and the number is estimated to top 3 million this year. Many customers in south east Asia and northeast Asia are also heading to U.S. cities via Pudong airport in Shanghai where China Eastern is based. Transfer passengers at Pudong airport totalled 11.15 million last year and the figure is estimated to rise to 30 million this year. "We are optimistic on the growth potential of the China-U.S. market," he said. Earlier this week, China Eastern forecast a 60-70 percent jump of its first quarter earnings thanks to low fuel price and strong air travel demand. He declined to share estimates for full year earnings but said he was optimistic on that too. In March 3, China Eastern converted its Beijing-based full service carrier, China United Air, to a budget carrier, making it the first state carrier to tap the booming low-cost flying potential. Story continues China United is planning to expand in north, southwest and the south of China to tap the rapidly growth segment, Ma said. When asked whether China Eastern would bring more outside investors after Delta, he said: "We always keep an open mind about investors". (Reporting by Fang Yan and Matthew Miller; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell and Keith Weir) Argentina Uber taxi driver protest Just a day after Uber began operating in Buenos Aires, a court in the Argentine capital ordered authorities to take steps to halt the ride-hailing service's operations in the city. A local court told the mayor's office to "arbitrate the necessary measures to suspend any activity by the company," according to the Associated Press. Uber announced it was starting operations in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, but, the AP noted, the mayor's office said it was not allowed to do so because it does not yet meet some requirements for carrying passengers. The court's ruling came after an appeal by taxi drivers' unions that argued Uber was operating illegally because its drivers don't pay the same insurance and license fees as regular cab drivers. The unions said the loophole allows Uber to charge less than regular taxis, which endangers their livelihoods, according to the AP. "We are not very happy with this arrival because we believe that [Uber] is not coming to compete with legal weapons, which is what we ask for these services to function," Jorge Celia, president of the Society of Taxi Vehicle Owners (SPAT), told Spanish newspaper El Pais in late March. "Uber is not coming to generate jobs nor to pay taxes; it is not coming to generate any bonanza, rather the opposite, and it puts at risk 100,000 jobs across the country," Celia added. Uber's announcement that it had began operating on Tuesday sparked protests in Buenos Aires during the city's afternoon rush hour, the AP reported. The twitter feed for the company's Argentine branch said it was operating normally. Uber Argentina taxi protest roadway In a release issued Thursday, Uber cited Argentina's civil code and said that it was making a legal service possible. The release also referred to the judge's order as a "precautionary measure" that did not affect the ride-hailing service. Story continues Uber, which booked 169 million rides around the world in March, has encountered pushback from both taxi drivers and governments in numerous Latin American countries. The ride-hailing service was hit with a $140,000 fine in Colombia for "unauthorized taxi services" in March. In Mexico, where Uber operates in 14 cities and has 1.2 million users, a taxi-driver protest against the app in Guadalajara devolved into a street riot. NOW WATCH: Uber shared data on more than 12 million users with the US government More From Business Insider Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sees the 13th OIC summit in Istanbul as a chance to shore up Turkey's prestige in the Islamic world (AFP Photo/islam yakut) (POOL/AFP) Istanbul (AFP) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was on Friday wrapping up a two-day summit of leaders from the world's Muslim countries aimed at narrowing bitter sectarian divisions over crises including the Syria and Yemen conflicts. Leaders at the summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul include King Salman of Sunni power Saudi Arabia and President Hassan Rouhani of Shiite Iran whose countries are pitted on opposing sides in Syria and Yemen. But with Turkey seeing the summit as a chance to shore up its prestige in the Islamic world, Erdogan has made it his mission at the meeting to bring the world's 1.7 billion Muslims closer together. He reaffirmed his call for unity at an official dinner late Thursday in the Dolmabahce Palace by the Bosphorus, where the late Ottoman Sultans ruled a decaying empire of Muslim lands that once stretched from from the Balkans to Arabia. "At this summit, our biggest expectation is for Islamic countries throughout the world to give a message of unity and togetherness to all Muslims," Erdogan told leaders beneath the dome of the vast Muayede Salon, the ceremonial hall where the Sultan would receive visitors. "Our aim is to give the whole Islamic family hope in the future. God willing, with this summit, a new era will begin for all of us." "Of course the problems in front of us are big. We are going through a tough period. But we should never lose hope," he added. Erdogan, whose country now holds the chairmanship of the OIC for the next two years, was due to chair the last sessions of the summit Friday before holding a news conference. The meeting has been marked by signs of a strong emerging alliance between Turkey and fellow Sunni Muslim power Saudi Arabia, whose foreign ministers Thursday signed a memorandum on creating a bilateral cooperation council. Both countries, along with the tiny but gas-rich Gulf state of Qatar, back rebels fighting the regime of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria. Story continues This pits them against Iran and also Russia -- with whom Turkey is experiencing a crisis in relations after the downing of a Russian warplane -- who are the last major remaining allies of Assad. Analysts have warned Turkey needs to tread carefully in its alliance with Saudi Arabia, so it is not seen as a sectarian union aimed at Iran. In a sign of Ankara's desire to maintain a delicate balance, Rouhani is due to begin a bilateral visit to Turkey immediately after the summit. Beirut (AFP) - Fighting escalated around Syria's second city Aleppo, as a Russian-backed government offensive strained a landmark ceasefire and threatened a new round of peace talks in Geneva. Government fighters, rebels and jihadists battled for control of swathes of Aleppo province, threatening a nearly seven-week ceasefire that had seen violence drop for the first time in the five-year conflict. Regime loyalists backed by Russian air power pressed a fierce offensive just north of the provincial capital of Aleppo city, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Fighting was heaviest around Handarat, a hilly area that lies along a route leading north out of opposition-held parts of the city. Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said regime forces, backed by Russian and Syrian planes, were seeking to cut off that road and "completely besiege" eastern neighbourhoods. An AFP correspondent in opposition-held eastern Aleppo city said the booming crashes of strikes could be heard throughout the day, but no raids hit the city itself. "We're overwhelmed once again by fears of a government siege of Aleppo, after weeks of a ceasefire that may have just collapsed," said Ali Saber, a 32-year-old father of one living in Aleppo. The assault has sparked "strong concerns" in Washington about the ceasefire, which saw violence plummet after it took effect on February 27. A senior US administration official said the offensive "could well violate the cessation of hostilities, which has... been under increasing pressure in recent weeks". European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini also expressed concern about the Aleppo offensive and called for the "respect, consolidation, and expansion" of the truce. Representatives of Bashar al-Assad's regime are expected in Geneva on Friday for peace talks with UN envoy Staffan de Mistura, who criticised the government for hindering efforts to deliver life-saving assistance to Syrians in need. Story continues - 'Disappointing' aid situation - President Vladimir Putin, Assad's main backer, said during an annual call-in show on Russian TVB on Thursday that he was "closely following" the latest spike in violence. Putin last month announced a partial pullout from Syria, but warned Russia could return in full force should the situation require it. The UN fears that the humanitarian situation may deteriorate once again after reporting significant progress through the first two weeks of March. "We are extremely concerned about the situation in northern Syria, including Aleppo governorate, where there has been a significant increase in incidents of violence that continue to aggravate the humanitarian situation," a UN humanitarian official told AFP. The official said the UN was planning several aid deliveries to Afrin and Azaz -- two flashpoint areas in the province -- in the coming days. But UN envoy de Mistura said restrictions by Damascus have frustrated efforts to deliver much-needed assistance to besieged Syrians. Despite several UN Security Council resolutions that call for unobstructed aid access to besieged areas, the regime continues to frequently deny passage to convoys carrying assistance. "Everyone in the meeting was disappointed," de Mistura told reporters after a weekly meeting of the so-called humanitarian taskforce on Thursday. "Many of (the countries) are actually frustrated by the lack of new convoys," he added, naming Douma and Daraya, both besieged by the regime near Damascus, as being in dire need of aid. De Mistura said he made some progress in Damascus by securing tentative permission to distribute medical supplies. But he said that the government had specifically excluded surgical equipment, anti-anxiety pills and atropine, which can be used to guard against poison -- including sarin gas. - IS seizes villages - Washington expressed outrage over the death of a doctor who ran a hospital and field clinics in the northern town of Hama, which is held by anti-regime rebels, saying it appeared he had been deliberately targeted in an area where Russian planes operate. Syria's conflict began in 2011 as a peaceful revolt, with protests across the country that spread in 2012 to Aleppo province, which borders Turkey. Rebel groups, some of them allied with Al-Qaeda's Syrian affiliate, Al-Nusra Front, are fighting the government, rival extremists and Kurdish militia there. The alliance between opposition fighters and Al-Nusra has complicated the implementation of Syria's truce, which excludes Al-Nusra and the Islamic State group. The Observatory said Thursday IS fighters had seized a string of opposition-held villages near Syria's border with Turkey. The most important among them was Hiwar Kallis, about one kilometre (less than one mile) south of the Turkish frontier. Rebels had secured significant gains against IS in the area before the jihadists pushed them back this week. The headquarters of Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc is seen in Laval, Quebec in this file picture taken November 9, 2015. REUTERS/Christinne Muschi/Files By Olivia Oran and Carl O'Donnell (Reuters) - Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc (VRX.TO) has brought in investment banks to review its options amid interest from buyout firms and other companies in a number of its businesses, according to people familiar with the matter. While Valeant has not decided to sell any major business thus far, the move represents the clearest indication yet that the Canadian drug maker needs to divest assets to bolster its finances, the people said this week. Valeant has turned to investment banks that include Goldman Sachs Group Inc (GS.S) and Centerview Partners Holdings LLC as it reviews strategic options and seeks advice on dealing with its creditors, the people added. The sources asked not to be identified because the deliberations are confidential. Valeant did not respond to requests for comment. Goldman Sachs and Centerview declined to comment. Both Valeant Chief Executive Officer Michael Pearson and board member William Ackman, who is also the CEO of activist hedge fund Pershing Square, have said that the company was considering selling "noncore assets" to help trim its $30 billion debt pile. Since announcing its openness to asset sales, Valeant has received a flurry of inquiries from interested buyers, according to the sources. One coveted asset is Xifaxin, the largest product in Valeant's gastrointestinal division, which it acquired last year as part of its $11 billion acquisition of Salix Pharmaceuticals, the sources said. Other assets that have attracted interest from potential bidders include its aesthetics products, Obagi and Solta, and its skin care product, CeraVe, some of the sources added. Valeant has been under pressure to reduce its debt burden after its stock plunged more than 80 percent since August due to increased political criticism of high drug prices and controversy around its relationship with a specialty pharmacy. Ratings agencies S&P and Moody's have downgraded the company's credit rating, and lenders have demanded higher coupon payments after the company violated certain debt agreements pertaining to the timing of the filing of its 10-K. Valeant has undergone changes in recent months such as adding several new board seats, including a spot for Ackman, and asking Pearson to step down. A search for a new CEO is under way while Pearson remains in his post. (Reporting by Olivia Oran and Carl O'Donnell in New York; Additional reporting by Lauren Hirsch in New York; Editing by Matthew Lewis) PARIS, April 15 (Reuters) - France will stop importing cherries from countries that use insecticide dimethoate after banning the chemical due to concerns over consumer health risks, the French agriculture ministry said. At a meeting of European Union country representatives on Friday, Italy and Spain said they would also withdraw dimethoate from their markets, but France said it would still move to prevent the import of cherries from countries that continued to allow the pesticide, used against fruit fly. "France confirmed today that it would not grant any exemption to use dimethoate for protecting cherries, a position also announced by Italy and Spain," the ministry said in a statement. Under EU procedures, France's urgent action would normally trigger another meeting of countries representatives within a week. France had called for an emergency EU-wide measures to prevent the use of products containing dimethoate and the marketing of cherries grown using them at a closed-door meeting of experts representing the 28 EU member states on Friday. The European Commission, however, said it opposed the idea of immediate restrictions. "The Commission ... considers that an emergency EU-wide measure is not the appropriate tool to manage this specific situation. This view was shared at the Standing Committee by a majority of Member States," a Commission spokesperson said. France's health and safety agency withdrew the licence for dimethoate in February, and has since sought an EU-wide ban. France imported around 7,000 tonnes of cherries in 2014, compared with domestic production of 47,000 tonnes, according to figures from farm office FranceAgriMer. France, Italy and Spain are among the major cherry growers in the EU which also include eastern members Poland, Hungary and Romania. Dimethoate-based products, which have previously been withdrawn for use on some other crops, are made by companies including Germany's BASF and Cheminova, part of FMC . Story continues Cheminova said earlier this week it would not challenge the French ban but was following the procedure to renew its EU approval for dimethoate that expires in July 2018. France said an opinion issued this week by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) supported its position by suggesting that health risks could not be excluded on the basis of available data. The French farm ministry says alternative products exist to treat cherries, a position rejected by farmers who say dimethoate is the only effective treatment at a time of high fruit fly presence. (Reporting by Gus Trompiz and Alissa de Carbonnel, editing by David Evans) Berlin (AFP) - Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday authorised criminal proceedings sought by Turkey against a German TV comedian over a crude satirical poem about President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that has sparked a bitter row over free speech. In a surprise decision that exposed rifts within Merkel's government, she said the German judiciary would now have to decide whether the popular comic, Jan Boehmermann, could be convicted under rarely enforced lese-majeste legislation. "The government will give its authorisation in the case at hand," Merkel told reporters in a hastily arranged televised statement. A probe under section 103 of the criminal code -- insulting organs or representatives of foreign states -- can only go forward with the approval of the federal government. The offence can carry a punishment of up to three years in prison. Merkel said the government agreed it would scrap what many labelled an outdated statute by 2018 as a result of the embarrassing affair. Ankara this month filed a formal request for a criminal inquiry to be launched in Germany against Boehmermann, who accused Erdogan of bestiality and paedophilia in the so-called "Defamatory Poem". Boehmermann gleefully admitted he was flouting Germany's legal limits on free expression, but has kept a lower profile since the furore erupted. The comedian was reacting to Ankara's decision last month to summon Germany's ambassador in protest at another satirical song broadcast on German TV which lampooned Erdogan in far tamer language. - Courts have last word - The case comes at an extremely awkward time as Europe is relying on Ankara to implement a pact spearheaded by Merkel to curb the flow of migrants taking boats headed for the European Union from Turkey's shores. It exposed Merkel to criticism she was compromising basic values to win Erdogan's continued cooperation. Merkel -- who had previously labelled Boehmermann's poem "deliberately insulting" -- had pledged Turkey's request would be "very carefully" examined, even as she underlined the German constitution's free speech protections. Story continues On Friday she said her government, after heated internal debate, had concluded that only the judiciary should decide whether Boehmermann had committed a criminal offence. "In a state under the rule of law, it is not a matter for the government but rather for state prosecutors and courts to weigh personal rights issues and other concerns affecting press and artistic freedom," she said. Merkel stressed that Berlin's decision did not amount to a "prejudgement" on his legal culpability and that "prosecutors and courts" would have the last word. She also highlighted Germany's "close and friendly relations" with Turkey, which she noted was a NATO ally, an EU membership candidate, and the country of origin of three million people living in Germany. She said while Turkey deserved "respect", she would continue to voice her "deep concerns" about threats to media freedom there. Prosecutors last week opened a preliminary probe against Boehmermann, 35, after complaints by dozens of viewers. - 'Unbearable kowtowing' - German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said his Social Democrats, junior partners in the ruling coalition, had opposed the approval of Turkey's request and were overruled. "In cases in which there is a conflict between media satire and the protection of individuals' honour, the restraint of the government is particularly advisable," he told reporters. The head of the German Journalists' Federation, Frank Ueberall, blasted the government's decision as "absurd", saying it sent "the wrong message to the Turkish government" about civil liberties. Sahra Wagenknecht of the far-left opposition party Die Linke called it "unbearable kowtowing" to the "Turkish despot Erdogan" at the "expense of press freedom in Germany". However news website Spiegel Online defended Merkel, saying she had demonstrated the independence of the German judiciary to Erdogan "who had nothing better to do than to complain at the highest level about a German jokester". "It is wrong to speak of buckling or caving -- Merkel showed diplomatic finesse in putting the ball back in Turkey's court," it said. Turkish Economy Minister Mustafa Elitas called it "the right decision", saying "an insult against the president" represented "an insult against the whole state". Erdogan has come in for fierce Western criticism of late over his increasingly authoritarian rule. US President Barack Obama warned that Turkey's approach towards the media was taking it "down a path that would be very troubling" after two leading opposition journalists were put on trial. In response Erdogan defiantly declared he would not take "lessons in democracy" from the West. (Recasts with first reported shipment of Bakken crude since U.S. Congress lifted export ban, adds details of sale, industry background) HOUSTON, April 15 (Reuters) - Hess Corp on Friday confirmed it sold Bakken crude for export out of the U.S. Gulf Coast to Europe, the first reported shipment of the light North Dakota oil since Congress lifted the ban on exporting crude last December. Hess sold 175,000 barrels of Bakken crude, which loaded at St. James, Louisiana, in early April and is being transported to a European refinery, spokesman John Roper said in an emailed statement. The company did not disclose the buyer or the name of the vessel transporting the crude. The Bakken export comes just one day after Exxon Mobil Corp confirmed it was shipping roughly 18,000 barrels of offshore oil produced from its Gulf of Mexico Julia field to its refinery in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Both exports, while small in size, are the first of their nature in the quickly developing U.S. crude export market. North Dakota's Bakken shale is more than 1,500 miles (2,414 km) from the Louisiana coast, while Exxon's export of Julia crude came from initial tests conducted on deepwater wells expected to start service by the end of the second quarter of this year. Until now, all other shipments of U.S. crude had comprised of light onshore oil. (Reporting by Liz Hampton; Editing by Matthew Lewis) Stocks (^DJI, ^GSPC, ^IXIC, ^RUT) are trying to build on a two-day rally, with crude oil slightly higher. Keith Bliss joins us live from the floor of the New York Stock Exchange to discuss the markets. Joining Yahoo Finance's Alexis Christoforous to discuss some of the other big stories of the day are Yahoo Finance editor-in-chief Andy Serwer and our markets correspondent Nicole Sinclair. Obama directs the Feds to spur competition You know that cable or satellite box that sits on top of your TV? Its about to get cheaper. President Obama just directed every federal government agency to increase competition where there are currently bottlenecks. Step one is set-top boxes. Our own Nicole Sinclair sat down with the president. She tells us what's behind the move. Big banks boost profits by cutting costs Citigroup (C) reported this morning, and profits were down 27%. But that wasn't as bad as analysts expected, and the stock gapped up on the news. The reason for the beat is part of a broader trend with the big bankscost cutting. JPMorgan (JPM) and Bank of America (BAC) also cut costs. The future of the $10 bill The musical Hamilton isn't just making waves on Broadway. It may impact the fate of our currency as well. The musical's popularity has shifted the debate about replacing Hamilton on the $10 bill with a female. * Some banks fear exposure to problems of weaker lenders * Say fund may not be big enough to make dent in bad debt mountain * Supporters say it is vital safety net for banking system * Stability of Italian banks important for euro zone economy By Silvia Aloisi and Paola Arosio MILAN, April 15 (Reuters) - Italy has dubbed its new bank bailout fund Atlas, after the mythical Greek titan, because it is meant to hold up the sky above the nation's lenders. But some of the fund's own investors doubt that it can do the job. The 5-6 billion euro ($5.7-6.8 billion) fund was hailed by the government as an industry-led response to concerns in Rome and other European capitals about the euro zone's fourth-biggest banking system. But it was only reluctantly accepted by some of the financial institutions that committed to it, according to seven sources, including four of the institutions that eventually agreed to put money in the fund. Some bankers involved in the scheme voiced fears the fund would expose their own banks to the self-inflicted problems of a few lenders, the sources said. They also said that the fund may not be big enough to make a real dent in Italy's 360 billion euros in bad debts, a third of the euro zone's total, if it spends most of its money on helping recapitalise weaker banks, according to the sources. Italy's biggest retail bank, Intesa Sanpaolo, and another lender, Banco Popolare, spoke out against Atlas in tense, closed-door meetings leading up to the fund's announcement on Monday, according to two sources who were present. Some bankers complained they were being asked to sign up to a multi-billion-euro fund without any documentation, the sources said. A person who played a key role in setting up the fund said some of the details were only fine-tuned at midday on Monday, so no paperwork was distributed at the final meeting with bankers in the evening. The plan's first formal draft circulated the following day. Unenthusiastic bankers only agreed to back it after government and central bank officials warned of a crisis of confidence in the sector unless big lenders signed up. Story continues The person who had a key role in setting up the fund said they were told that if a single bank's effort to raise cash on the market failed, it would drag the whole industry down. Intesa Sanpaolo and Banco Popolare declined to comment on the talks leading up to the fund's creation and on whether they had reservations about the scheme. A Bank of Italy spokeswoman said it supported the initiative by private financial institutions, which the central bank governor has described as a safety net to ensure choppy markets do not impede the necessary recapitalisation of some lenders. "The backstop offered by Atlas will have positive effects on the problem of non-performing loans, which is the main problem of Italian banks," the spokeswoman said. The government did not respond to emails requesting comment on whether some banks had doubts about the plan, and whether it had exerted any pressure on institutions to participate. The initial reluctance of big players to invest in Atlas casts uncertainty over the long-term future of a fund meant to shore up Italian banks, which fared the worst in Europe-wide stress tests of their financial resilience and have lost a third of their value this year due to concerns over their bad debts. However, other financial institutions expressed support for the scheme, which has around 40 institutional investors, including insurers, banking foundations and state lender Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, saying something needed to be done. "It is a positive initiative for the system," said Banca Popolare di Milano Chief Executive Giuseppe Castagna, adding he hoped only a small part of the fund's cash would be needed to assist cash calls at weaker banks. "We hope the announcement itself will soothe the market, so that a bigger portion of the fund can be used for bad debts." Ennio Doris, chairman of asset manager Mediolanum which is contributing 50 million euros, told Reuters the scheme was aimed at making the banking industry more solid. DISTRESSED The fragility of Italy's banking system has increasingly been a factor in a debt crisis that has haunted the euro zone since 2009. Any further risks to its stability could hinder both the Italian and regional economic recoveries. The sector has long suffered from low profitability, weak governance and high costs. A severe recession added to the problems by making many companies default on loans, saddling banks with soured debts that - if they are written down at their market value - would blow a capital hole in their accounts. If the bailout fund runs out of money, initial participants would be asked to contribute more cash, but are not obliged to do so. A person with direct knowledge of the matter said he expected banks that put in money now to be willing to increase the fund's fire-power at a later stage if needed, but that if this was not the case other players may join the scheme. Rating agencies Fitch and Standard & Poor's expressed concern the fund was chipping away at stronger banks to prop up the ailing ones. "We believe that banks investing in the vehicle could be asked to increase their participation in the future and, thus, their exposure toward weaker financial institutions," S&P said. Atlas will use most of its cash to buy shares in stock issues at distressed banks, with the rest earmarked to buy bad loans, focusing on junior debt where investor demand is weakest. To help the fund, the government has pledged to speed up bankruptcy procedures. It takes eight years to recover overdue loans in Italy, four times longer than the European average, which makes them unattractive for distressed-debt investors. RIGHTS ISSUES No detailed plans have been announced. But the fund may have to invest up to 2 billion euros in two smaller banks' rights issues, including an imminent share sale by Banca Popolare di Vicenza, the source with direct knowledge of the issue said. Intesa Sanpaolo Chief Executive Carlo Messina had flatly rejected the idea of Atlas in a preliminary meeting at the end of March, two of the sources said. He agreed in subsequent meetings to put 1 billion euros into the scheme only after receiving assurances that the fund would not spend all its money on buying shares in faltering banks, they said. Messina said on Wednesday the fund would help banks sell bad debts close to book value and not at the heavily discounted prices demanded by "loan-shark" private equity funds. This, coupled with the government plan to quicken bad loan recovery, will improve the context in which banks operate, he said. Banco Popolare Chief Executive Pier Francesco Saviotti had also initially criticised the plan, saying it would benefit big rival UniCredit, which is heavily exposed to Popolare di Vicenza. He was voicing reservations right up until the final meeting on Monday that he could not understand why the whole financial industry should mop up shares of ailing banks when his own lender planned, unaided, to raise 1 billion euros in the next few months, said one of the sources. Other banks shared Saviotti's doubts. "The most frequently asked question was: are we here to throw a lifeline to UniCredit?" said one source who was briefed about the discussions. UniCredit is currently the sole guarantor of Popolare di Vicenza's 1.76-billion euro cash call, meaning it would have to take on any unsold shares in the rights issue if investor demand remains weak, putting its own capital ratios at risk. UniCredit, which is contributing 1 billion euros to the fund, declined to comment on the meetings. Its chief executive, Federico Ghizzoni, said on Thursday the vehicle was not set up to bail out Popolare di Vicenza. "We did not seek Atlas's help, it's the other way round," he said. Mediobanca, Italy's top investment bank, did not attend Monday's meetings, having decided to snub the scheme, three sources said. Mediobanca declined to comment. "Maybe it's not perfect but at least it's something," said the chief executive of a mid-tier bank investing in Atlas who declined to be named due to the confidential nature of the talks. "Would it be better to do nothing at all?" ($1 = 0.8889 euros) (Additional reporting by Andrea Mandala, Gianluca Semeraro and Maria Pia Quaglia in Milan, and Stefano Bernabei in Rome; Editing by Mark Bendeich and Pravin Char) By Silvia Aloisi and Paola Arosio MILAN (Reuters) - Italy has dubbed its new bank bailout fund Atlas, after the mythical Greek titan, because it is meant to hold up the sky above the nation's lenders. But some of the fund's own investors doubt that it can do the job. The 5-6 billion euro ($5.7-6.8 billion) fund was hailed by the government as an industry-led response to concerns in Rome and other European capitals about the euro zone's fourth-biggest banking system. But it was only reluctantly accepted by some of the financial institutions that committed to it, according to seven sources, including four of the institutions that eventually agreed to put money in the fund. Some bankers involved in the scheme voiced fears the fund would expose their own banks to the self-inflicted problems of a few lenders, the sources said. They also said that the fund may not be big enough to make a real dent in Italy's 360 billion euros in bad debts, a third of the euro zone's total, if it spends most of its money on helping recapitalise weaker banks, according to the sources. Italy's biggest retail bank, Intesa Sanpaolo , and another lender, Banco Popolare , spoke out against Atlas in tense, closed-door meetings leading up to the fund's announcement on Monday, according to two sources who were present. Some bankers complained they were being asked to sign up to a multi-billion-euro fund without any documentation, the sources said. A person who played a key role in setting up the fund said some of the details were only fine-tuned at midday on Monday, so no paperwork was distributed at the final meeting with bankers in the evening. The plan's first formal draft circulated the following day. Unenthusiastic bankers only agreed to back it after government and central bank officials warned of a crisis of confidence in the sector unless big lenders signed up. The person who had a key role in setting up the fund said they were told that if a single bank's effort to raise cash on the market failed, it would drag the whole industry down. Intesa Sanpaolo and Banco Popolare declined to comment on the talks leading up to the fund's creation and on whether they had reservations about the scheme. A Bank of Italy spokeswoman said it supported the initiative by private financial institutions, which the central bank governor has described as a safety net to ensure choppy markets do not impede the necessary recapitalisation of some lenders. "The backstop offered by Atlas will have positive effects on the problem of non-performing loans, which is the main problem of Italian banks," the spokeswoman said. The government did not respond to emails requesting comment on whether some banks had doubts about the plan, and whether it had exerted any pressure on institutions to participate. The initial reluctance of big players to invest in Atlas casts uncertainty over the long-term future of a fund meant to shore up Italian banks, which fared the worst in Europe-wide stress tests of their financial resilience and have lost a third of their value this year due to concerns over their bad debts. However, other financial institutions expressed support for the scheme, which has around 40 institutional investors, including insurers, banking foundations and state lender Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, saying something needed to be done. "It is a positive initiative for the system," said Banca Popolare di Milano Chief Executive Giuseppe Castagna, adding he hoped only a small part of the fund's cash would be needed to assist cash calls at weaker banks. "We hope the announcement itself will soothe the market, so that a bigger portion of the fund can be used for bad debts." Ennio Doris, chairman of asset manager Mediolanum which is contributing 50 million euros, told Reuters the scheme was aimed at making the banking industry more solid. DISTRESSED The fragility of Italy's banking system has increasingly been a factor in a debt crisis that has haunted the euro zone since 2009. Any further risks to its stability could hinder both the Italian and regional economic recoveries. The sector has long suffered from low profitability, weak governance and high costs. A severe recession added to the problems by making many companies default on loans, saddling banks with soured debts that - if they are written down at their market value - would blow a capital hole in their accounts. If the bailout fund runs out of money, initial participants would be asked to contribute more cash, but are not obliged to do so. A person with direct knowledge of the matter said he expected banks that put in money now to be willing to increase the fund's fire-power at a later stage if needed, but that if this was not the case other players may join the scheme. Rating agencies Fitch and Standard & Poor's expressed concern the fund was chipping away at stronger banks to prop up the ailing ones. "We believe that banks investing in the vehicle could be asked to increase their participation in the future and, thus, their exposure toward weaker financial institutions," S&P said. Atlas will use most of its cash to buy shares in stock issues at distressed banks, with the rest earmarked to buy bad loans, focusing on junior debt where investor demand is weakest. To help the fund, the government has pledged to speed up bankruptcy procedures. It takes eight years to recover overdue loans in Italy, four times longer than the European average, which makes them unattractive for distressed-debt investors. RIGHTS ISSUES No detailed plans have been announced. But the fund may have to invest up to 2 billion euros in two smaller banks' rights issues, including an imminent share sale by Banca Popolare di Vicenza, the source with direct knowledge of the issue said. Intesa Sanpaolo Chief Executive Carlo Messina had flatly rejected the idea of Atlas in a preliminary meeting at the end of March, two of the sources said. He agreed in subsequent meetings to put 1 billion euros into the scheme only after receiving assurances that the fund would not spend all its money on buying shares in faltering banks, they said. Messina said on Wednesday the fund would help banks sell bad debts close to book value and not at the heavily discounted prices demanded by "loan-shark" private equity funds. This, coupled with the government plan to quicken bad loan recovery, will improve the context in which banks operate, he said. Banco Popolare Chief Executive Pier Francesco Saviotti had also initially criticised the plan, saying it would benefit big rival UniCredit , which is heavily exposed to Popolare di Vicenza. He was voicing reservations right up until the final meeting on Monday that he could not understand why the whole financial industry should mop up shares of ailing banks when his own lender planned, unaided, to raise 1 billion euros in the next few months, said one of the sources. Other banks shared Saviotti's doubts. "The most frequently asked question was: are we here to throw a lifeline to UniCredit?" said one source who was briefed about the discussions. UniCredit is currently the sole guarantor of Popolare di Vicenza's 1.76-billion euro cash call, meaning it would have to take on any unsold shares in the rights issue if investor demand remains weak, putting its own capital ratios at risk. UniCredit, which is contributing 1 billion euros to the fund, declined to comment on the meetings. Its chief executive, Federico Ghizzoni, said on Thursday the vehicle was not set up to bail out Popolare di Vicenza. "We did not seek Atlas's help, it's the other way round," he said. Mediobanca , Italy's top investment bank, did not attend Monday's meetings, having decided to snub the scheme, three sources said. Mediobanca declined to comment. "Maybe it's not perfect but at least it's something," said the chief executive of a mid-tier bank investing in Atlas who declined to be named due to the confidential nature of the talks. "Would it be better to do nothing at all?" ($1 = 0.8889 euros) (Additional reporting by Andrea Mandala, Gianluca Semeraro and Maria Pia Quaglia in Milan, and Stefano Bernabei in Rome; Editing by Mark Bendeich and Pravin Char) TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's securities watchdog on Friday recommended a Japanese unit of Credit Suisse Group AG (CSGN.S) be punished after ruling that the brokerage provided information to clients without using the required internal clearance channels. The Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission (SESC) said it found through an investigation that information about Japanese companies gathered by analysts at Credit Suisse Securities was transferred to their clients without passing through internal controls. In one case, the regulator said, it found an analyst passed information about a company's earnings announcement, prior to the latter's public disclosure, to a sales division employee who passed the information on to at least one client. Credit Suisse Securities said in a statement it would take the punishment recommendation seriously, and will continue efforts to strengthen its internal controls. It didn't comment on specific examples cited by the SESC. The regulator's recommendation has been passed on to Japan's Financial Services Agency (FSA), responsible for imposing any sanctions on those found to have broken securities rules in the country. The FSA will decide on the imposition of any punishment in the coming weeks. Sanctions can include the imposition of a mandatory business improvement order, among other things. (Reporting By Takahiko Wada, Thomas Wilson and Junko Fujita; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell) TOKYO, April 15 (Reuters) - Japan's securities watchdog will recommend as early as Friday punishment of Credit Suisse for violations of the country's financial instruments and exchange laws, a person with direct knowledge of the matter said on Friday. The Securities and Exchange Surveillance Commission will recommend that the Financial Service Agency impose an "administrative punishment" on Credit Suisse, the person said, after it found internal management failures had allowed information on a listed company to be disclosed before an official announcement. The SESC and Credit Suisse declined to comment. (Reporting By Takahiko Wada and Thomas Wilson. Writing by Thomas Wilson) Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are squaring off again for a Democratic presidential debate in Brooklyn, N.Y., and the big question is, how bitter will it get? Although Clinton is ahead in the delegate count and the popular vote, a loss in her home state of New York in Tuesdays primary would be an embarrassment. Likewise, a loss in New York would make it all the more difficult for Sanders to stop media assumptions that his rival is the presumptive nominee. Follow along below for updates: 9:01 pm ET. The polls, polls. Sanders starts by citing polling data as he often does on the stump including some polls that show him leading nationally. He may be second to Donald Trump when it comes to mentioning polling data. But Clintons backers answer by citing her lead in the delegate count and the popular vote. 9:14 pm ET. Comin out swinging. Sanders questions Clintons judgment, in answer to one of Wolf Blitzers questions about the increasingly acrimonious rhetoric between the two candidates. I question a judgment which voted for the war in Iraq, the worst foreign policy blunder in the history of this country, he says. Clinton answers by citing another Sanders quote, that questioned her qualifications. Senator Sanders did call me unqualified. I have been called a lot of things. That was a first, she says, before pointing to Sanders tough interview with the New York Daily News editorial board. 9:20 pm ET. The Goldman Sachs speeches. Clinton avoids answering a question about whether she will release transcripts of speeches to Goldman Sachs. Then she is asked again. But she then diverts to her release of tax returns which Sanders and Donald Trump have not released. A third time. Lets set the same standard for everybody when everybody does it. OK. That essentially falls into Sanders trap, as in stump speeches he often makes a big show of saying that he will release the transcripts of his paid speeches to Wall Street. Its 0. Story continues Sanders does say that he will release one year of tax returns from 2014. Blitzer asks him why not more? We will get to it, Sanders says. 9:25 pm ET. Sanders and business. Sanders slams Verizon, a big issue in New York with workers on strike, by pointing to its bloated CEOs salary while the company, he says, is trying to cut healthcare. But he also goes after Jeffrey Immelt, CEO of General Electric, who has been critical of Sanders. Doesnt like me thats fine, Sander says. He has outsourced hundreds of thousands and decent paying jobs. 9:31 pm ET. The fever. Blitzer steps in as both candidates shout over one another in a debate over Sanders claim that Clinton only recently supported the $15-per-hour minimum wage. If you are both screaming at each other, the viewers will not be able to hear you, Blitzer says. Given the amped up rhetoric in the month since the last debate, this is not all that surprising. 9:34 pm ET. Gun violence. Clintons campaign has been on offense when it comes to gun control, hammering Sanders for voting against the Brady Bill. Sanders chides Clinton by claiming that she said Vermont was to blame for New Yorks gun violence. What she said was totally absurd, Sanders said. Clinton says that guns used in crime come from out of state. She says that Sanders has been largely, a very reliable supporter of the NRA. 9:43 pm ET. Are we getting anywhere? Much of this debate is covering the same territory as last debates. The difference is in the temperature of the rhetoric. 9:47 pm ET. Superpredator. Sanders says that Clintons use of the word superpredator when she was first lady in the 1990s was a racist term and everybody knew it was a racist term. Clinton used the term in 1996 when she was talking about the impact that violent crime had on communities. She later said that she shouldnt have used those words. 9:59 pm ET. Defending Obama. Hillary Clinton frequently defends President Barack Obama in debates again to contrast her position with that of Sanders, who has been critical of the White House trade policy and, as she pointed out, expressed reservations about the UN climate pact for falling short. I really believe the president has done a great job against incredible odds, she says. Shes perhaps mindful that Obamas approval rating is now above 50%. Incrementalism and those little steps are not enough, Sanders says, which essentially defines many of their differences. Sanders tries to get Clinton to answer whether she is for a carbon tax, but is unsatisfied. I dont take a back seat to your legislation (on climate change) that you failed to get passed, Clinton says. 10:08 pm ET. Libya. President Obama has acknowledged the failure to plan for post-Gaddafi Libya. Clinton, who supported U.S. intervention as secretary of state, says, We were caught in a very difficult position. Sanders seizes on it, Regime change often has unintended consequences. Clinton claims that Sanders voted for U.S. action, while he contends that the vote was actually whether there should be democracy in Libya. 10:18 pm ET. Syria. Clinton supports a no-fly zone in Syria, something that Sanders believes would get the U.S. mired in another war there. Diverging from Obama administration policy, Clinton says that safe havens are needed for Syrians who oppose Bashar al-Assad. 10:23 pm ET. Gaza. Sanders says he is 100% pro-Israel and had every right in the world to destroy terrorism, but says its actions in Gaza were a disproportionate attack, noting that 100,000 civilians were wounded and 15,000 were killed. But Clinton says, I dont know how you run a country when you are under constant attack. Sanders says that Clinton barely mentioned Palestinian people in her speech to AIPAC. If we are ever going to bring peace to that region we are going to have to treat the Palestinian people with respect and dignity, adding that the U.S. had to take a more even handed role in trying to bring people together. 10:38 pm ET. Social security. We are in vigorous agreement here, Senator, Clinton says to Sanders, as he attacks her for not doing enough to protect social security. He presses her on whether she would support legislation to lift the cap on taxable income. Clinton gets a bit frustrated, saying that whenever doesnt hear an answer he likes, he says that they are a member of the establishment. 10:48 pm ET. Abortion. Clinton gets big applause when she notes that they are never asked about a womans right to choose. We need to be talking about that and defending Planned Parenthood, she says. Groups like NARAL Pro-Choice America lobbied CNN to ask a question about it at the debate. Sanders says that he would expand funding for Planned Parenthood. 10:50 pm ET. Sanders a Democrat? Sanders is asked about Clintons suggestion that he may not even be a Democrat, as he is a Democratic socialist. Why would I be running for the Democratic nomination to be president of the United States? 10:57 pm ET. To win or not. I believe that we are going to win the nomination and that we are going to obliterate Donald Trump in November, Sanders says. Clinton, however, notes that her campaign leads in not just delegates, but pledged delegates. When we end up with the delegates we need, we will unify the party and go on to the general election, she says. 11:10 pm ET. Thats it. Once again, there was no clear winner. Clinton did very well when talking about issues like guns and womens reproductive rights, as well as calling attention to Sanders Daily News interview. Sanders had a pattern of pressing Clinton to answer questions, rather than evade, and it worked on issues like Social Security and the minimum wage. But this was a debate that essentially rehashed questions covered in past debates, leaving it to the candidates to turn up the volume to define their differences. Related stories Bernie Sanders Rallies Greenwich Village With Spike Lee, Tim Robbins, Vampire Weekend CNN, Fandango Build Facebook Messenger Automated Chat 'Bots' 'Scandal' Stars to Raise Money for Hillary Clinton Protesters shout slogans in Skopje on April 15, 2016, during a protest against the president's shock decision to halt probes into more than 50 public figures embroiled in a wire-tapping scandal (AFP Photo/Robert Aanasovski) Skopje (AFP) - Protesters took to the streets of Skopje for the fourth night in a row Friday, after Macedonia confirmed snap June 5 elections as the country grapples with a bitter political crisis. The date was officially set despite the angry anti-government rallies in protest at President Gjorge Ivanov's decision to halt probes into more than 50 public figures, including top politicians embroiled in a wire-tapping scandal. "Based on my constitutional and legal authority... I today signed the decision to call early elections... on June 5, 2016," parliament speaker Trajko Veljanoski said in a statement. The early elections, originally agreed for April 24 and then postponed in February to June 5, are part of an EU-brokered agreement to solve the country's seething political feud. But Zoran Zaev, leader of the main opposition SDSM, insisted Friday that he would boycott the vote, claiming that conditions for a free and fair vote were not in place. Ivanov, however, pledged to push ahead, vowing that the ballot would be a "new chapter for Macedonia". Thousands of people, mainly SDSM supporters, took to the streets again on Friday, demanding Ivanov either revoke his decision or resign, as well as calling for the election to be postponed. Police responded by blocking off traffic near parliament and deploying four armoured vehicles and a water cannon. One placard read: "Exchange the president for 10,000 refugees" -- a reference to Europe's migrant problem and the fact that Macedonia last month closed its border with Greece where thousands of Syrian and other migrants are camped in squalid conditions as they attempt to reach Western Europe. An AFP reporter witnessed no serious incidents before the crowds on the streets dispersed in the evening. - 'Euro-Atlantic future at risk' - Macedonia's political crisis began last year when the SDSM accused then-prime minister Nikola Gruevski of wiretapping around 20,000 people, including politicians and journalists, and said the recordings revealed high-level corruption. Story continues The government denied the accusations and, in response, filed charges against Zaev, accusing him of "spying" and attempting to "destabilise" the Balkan country. Gruevski, who had been prime minister since 2006, resigned in January in order to pave the way for early elections. But tensions surged again Tuesday when Ivanov announced the halt of judicial investigations into 56 people, including his ally Gruevski -- still Macedonia's most influential political figure. Others affected by the decision included former interior minister Gordana Jankulovska, ex-intelligence chief Sasho Mijalkov, as well as Zaev and former SDSM leader and ex-president Branko Crvenkovski. Both sides have said they would rather see the probe go ahead. Ivanov's move has sparked condemnation abroad, with the United States and the European Union warning it raised questions about the rule of law in Macedonia and could hurt its aspirations to join the 28-member EU. "Europe needs a stable FYROM (the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) guided by the rule of law," EU president Donald Tusk tweeted on Friday. "The country's Euro-Atlantic future is at risk." - 'Obstacle to credible elections' - EU and US representatives met the president Thursday, but gave no details about what was discussed. "Mass pardon = impunity = obstacle to credible elections, Euro-Atlantic path," US ambassador Jess Baily tweeted after the meeting. Ivanov has, however, received support from Moscow, which accuses outside forces of fomenting the crisis. "The opposition, with outside help, is again used for stirring political conflict with the goal of disturbing the elections," a Russian foreign ministry statement said Thursday. Meanwhile, many Macedonians voiced concern over what they see as a fight between the West and Russia over influence. "It is obvious that some are backed by the West and others by Moscow," Ivo Spasovski, a pensioner, told AFP, adding that he hoped Macedonia would not be made to suffer because of "big powers and their games". Non-EU Macedonia, a former Yugoslav republic of 2.1 million people, has been a candidate for EU membership since 2005, but accession talks are yet to start. Floortje | E+ | Getty Images. Europe's five largest economies have announced plans to share more information on business owners in a bid crack down on tax evasion. Europe's five largest economies have announced plans to share more information on business owners in a bid crack down on tax evasion. The U.K., Germany, France, Italy and Spain are to share information on the ultimate owners of companies to make it more difficult for firms to "dodge tax or funnel corrupt funds." "Tax and law enforcement agencies from the five countries exchange data on company beneficial ownership registers and new registers of trusts, allowing for more effective investigation of financial wrongdoing," the U.K. Treasury said in a press release on Thursday evening. The agreement comes in the wake of the Panama Papers scandal earlier this month in which leaked papers from a Panama law firm shone a light on the hidden financial dealings of politicians and public officials around the globe. The leak has caused casualties among high-profile European politicians with the Icelandic prime minister resigning after being named in the leaked papers and on Thursday, Spain's interim industry minister followed suit after revelations about his offshore business activities. CNBC has not been able to independently verify the assertions. Speaking on Thursday, the U.K.'s Chancellor George Osborne said the plans, which amount to a large data exchange, will be a "hammer blow" to tax evaders. "Britain will work with our major European partners to find out who really owns the secretive shell companies and the trusts that have been used as conduits for evading tax and laundering money and benefiting from corruption," he said at a news conference at the annual spring meeting of the International Monetary Fund in Washington, according to the press release. Osborne later tweeted that the measures would improve tax transparency. Follow CNBC International on Twitter and Facebook. More From CNBC KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Reuters) - Malaysia, the world's second largest palm oil producer after Indonesia, will maintain its crude palm oil export tax at 5 percent in May, a government circular showed on Friday. The Southeast Asian nation calculated a reference price of 2,531.53 ringgit ($649.11) per tonne for May. A price above 2,250 ringgit incurs a tax, which starts from 4.5 percent and can reach a maximum 8.5 percent. Malaysia had last raised its tax on crude palm oil exports to 5 percent for April, ending a duty free policy held since May 2015. ($1 = 3.9000 ringgit) (Reporting by Emily Chow; Editing by Himani Sarkar) SAN DIEGO, CA--(Marketwired - April 15, 2016) - Medical Marijuana, Inc. (OTC PINK: MJNA) recognizes and applauds the significant accomplishment of Pennsylvania as the 24th U.S. state or district that is set to allow access to medical cannabis (marijuana). News reports indicate that the Governor will sign the bill on Sunday. Including U.S. territories Puerto Rico and Guam as well as the District of Columbia, Pennsylvania's milestone achievement translates to more than 50% of all U.S. locations and 51.26% of the U.S. population with full-spectrum medical cannabis laws enacted. U.S. States & District of Columbia Population 321,418,820 Puerto Rico 3,474,182 Guam 169,861 Total U.S. states, district, territories population 325,062,863 Total U.S. population with medical marijuana laws 166,632,385 Percent U.S. population with medical marijuana access 51.26% (Statistics from: U.S. Census 2015 Population, ProCon.org) In addition, there are 16 U.S. states with limited medical cannabis access laws enacted. This brings the total of all U.S. states, district or territories with some form of cannabis law to 32. "It is clear that cannabis has reached the tipping point in the minds of the U.S. population," states Dr. Stuart Titus, Chief Executive Officer of MJNA. "With the re-introduction of cannabis as a wellness option, residents of Pennsylvania will soon have the ability to choose from natural products, pharmaceuticals or a combination of both." The Center for Disease Control (CDC) website states, "At least half of all opioid overdose deaths involve a prescription opioid." Data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) also states, "Prescription drug abuse in the U.S. is the fastest-growing drug problem." In contrast, a NORML article explains that in a study published online in The American Journal on Addictions, investigators at the Farber Institute for Neurosciences at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia assessed the use of cannabis in 91 opiate-dependent subjects undergoing methadone maintenance treatment. Researchers found that subjects seeking methadone treatment who acknowledged a history of cannabis use reported "significantly less daily expenditure on acquisition of opiates." Story continues Titus continues, "The power to choose is critical. With prescription opioid abuse and deaths on the rise and now listed as the country's No. 1 epidemic, research proves that, in states with legalized medical cannabis access, there are 25 percent fewer deaths from prescription drug overdoses." "Also noteworthy in many medical-marijuana-legal states is that we are now seeing an expansion of the number of potential allowable indications for doctors to recommend medicinal cannabis to patients. In Pennsylvania, as many as 18 medical conditions are slated to be allowed under this progressive program, potentially allowing access for a significant number of Pennsylvania state residents," concludes Titus. Pennsylvania's SB3 explains qualified medical conditions as: "Patients could qualify for medical cannabis if they have a terminal illness or if they suffer from cancer, HIV/AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, neuropathies, Huntington's disease, Crohn's disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, intractable seizures, glaucoma, autism, sickle cell anemia, damage to the nervous tissue of the spinal cord with objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity, and severe chronic or intractable pain of neuropathic origin, or if conventional therapeutic intervention and opiate therapy is contraindicated or ineffective." Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s current investments are in both the marijuana services and industrial hemp cannabidiol (CBD) industries; industrial hemp-based products are available to ship to all 50 states, districts, territories and more than 40 countries. As evidenced by the Company's international distribution of hemp CBD retail products to Brazil and Mexico by way of government-issued import permits, the global demand for legal cannabis products is on the rise. MJNA is also focused on investments that are developing cannabis-based pharmaceutical drug development for global distribution. When Federal legalization of marijuana occurs in the U.S., Medical Marijuana, Inc. will easily transition into operational expansion of marijuana-derived product production, marketing and distribution. For more information on Medical Marijuana, Inc. visit the company's website. FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLAIMER This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and information, as defined within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and is subject to the Safe Harbor created by those sections. This material contains statements about expected future events and/or financial results that are forward-looking in nature and subject to risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements by definition involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Medical Marijuana, Inc. to be materially different from the statements made herein. FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION (FDA) DISCLOSURE These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. LEGAL DISCLOSURE Medical Marijuana Inc. does not sell or distribute any products that are in violation of the United States Controlled Substances Act (US.CSA). These companies do grow, sell, and distribute hemp-based products and are involved with the federally legal distribution of medical marijuana-based products within certain international markets. Cannabidiol is a natural constituent of hemp oil. About Medical Marijuana Inc. Our mission is to be the premier cannabis and hemp industry innovators, leveraging our team of professionals to source, evaluate and purchase value-added companies and products, while allowing them to keep their integrity and entrepreneurial spirit. We strive to create awareness within our industry, develop environmentally-friendly, economically sustainable businesses, while increasing shareholder value. For details on Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s portfolio and investment companies, visit www.medicalmarijuanainc.com. The Company is committed to consistently providing the highest-quality CBD hemp oil products on the market. To see Medical Marijuana, Inc.'s video statement, click here. Shareholders are also encouraged to visit the Medical Marijuana, Inc. Shop for discounted products. The following files are available for download: MEXICO CITY, April 15 (Reuters) - The chief executive of Petroleos Mexicanos and Mexico's finance minister will travel to New York early next week to meet with investors, two officials said on Friday. The trip follows the announcement this week of measures by Mexico's federal government to improve the ailing finances at the state-owned oil company, which is widely known as Pemex, including a $4.2 billion liquidity injection. "They will take part in a roadshow with investors," said one Mexican official, adding that Pemex CEO Jose Antonio Gonzalez Anaya and Finance Minister Luis Videgaray will be joined by Juan Pablo Newman, the oil company's chief financial officer. Another official, also speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the meetings would take place and said they would be closed to reporters. Pemex has faced two years of steep budget cuts as world crude prices plunged and its output has declined by over a third to an average of about 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) from 3.4 million bpd in 2004. New management installed in February, including Gonzalez, is reviewing the best way to cut costs but still invest in future developments. Meanwhile, Pemex is conducting a major review of its financing plans, Newman said on Wednesday, as the company confronts a liquidity crunch that has forced it to cut investments and delay contractor payments. (Reporting by Ana Isabel Martinez, editing by G Crosse) By David Alire Garcia MEXICO CITY, April 15 (Reuters) - Mexico's top mining official says he backs the industry's push for tax legislation that would save hundreds of millions of dollars a year in exploration costs, though they have yet to win over the country's powerful finance ministry. Mario Cantu, the economy ministry's mining chief, said in an interview on Thursday that Mexico's mining lobby is seeking a series of meetings with members of Congress to also press its case for tax help for the ailing sector. "The mining chamber ... is making its argument and asking for support," he said, adding he is also lobbying for the tax change to help miners as they grapple with multiyear lows in metals prices. Mexico is the world's biggest silver producer, as well as a Top 10 gold and copper producer. It may be an uphill slog for companies to again be able to deduct exploration costs in the same year they are incurred. The deduction was eliminated in 2013 just as new mining taxes were enacted. The change is opposed by Mexico's powerful finance ministry, which said in a statement to Reuters it has "no plans" to formally propose it. "It isn't appropriate because it would only allow immediate investment deductions for the mining sector," the ministry said in a statement. The value of total mining production in Mexico last year stood at $13.5 billion, down about one-quarter since 2012. If the deductions are adopted by Congress, it would mark a victory for the cash-strapped sector, struggling through the worst market downturn in a generation. Base metal prices for copper and lead have slid by about 50 and 30 percent, respectively, since early 2011. Meanwhile, silver has tumbled more than 70 percent over the same period. Cantu said he thinks Congress will likely approve the deduction during the session that begins in September. "We think this can provide more benefit by creating and identifying the best future mines," he said. The deduction for exploration costs would involve a significant hit to the country's tax take. Total private-sector mining investments for exploration in Mexico stood at $1.17 billion in 2012, though it is expected to be just above $600 million this year. Story continues Like many of the country's biggest miners, Grupo Mexico , a top copper producer, has cut exploration spending by more than one-fifth since 2012 to about $49 million last year. While President Enrique Pena Nieto's Institutional Revolutionary Party has consistently been able to pass its legislative priorities without having an outright majority in Congress, internal divisions within the government could doom passage of the deduction. Cantu, a former finance ministry and tax official, said he also thinks Congress will permit mining companies to deduct spending on community development. While it is unclear how much mining firms in Mexico spend on social projects, many have built local schools and hospitals, and top precious metals miner Penoles even donated a zoo in northern Zacatecas state. Mining companies are pushing for the deductions as new taxes have cut into their bottom lines. Tax reform in 2013 included mining taxes that raised 2.66 billion pesos ($153 million) during the first three months this year, according to data from Mexico's tax agency. ($1 = 17.3865 Mexican pesos) (Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe) WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwired - April 15, 2016) - A Moroccan delegation to Seattle's "Aerospace & Defense Supplier Summit" led by Morocco's Minister of Industry, Trade, Investment and Digital Economy Moulay Hafid Elalamy concluded today. The event wrapped up a strong week of business development between the North African kingdom and the United States that included the signing of a second Millennium Challenge Corporation compact and the third US-Morocco Business Development Conference. In Seattle, representatives from four Moroccan aeronautical sectors, under the umbrella of the Association of Moroccan Aerospace Industry (GIMAS), met with engineering, procurement, supply chain, fabrication, commodity teams, suppliers and service providers on Thursday and Friday to promote Morocco's booming aeronautics industry. In less than a decade, this burgeoning sector has added 40,000 jobs to the economy thanks to a robust supply chain of more than 100 companies from Europe, the US, and Asia. Seattle is also the proposed site for the next Moroccan-American Trade & Investment Forum in October 2016. On Thursday, Morocco and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) signed a second cooperation program (Compact II) amounting to $450 million that "supports two Moroccan Government priorities: the Employability Project aims to address the supply of skilled labor by providing graduates from secondary schools and workforce development programs with skills that respond to private sector needs; and the Land Project focuses on improving land markets to create opportunities for investment by landholders and business owners," according to a MCC release. "By improving Morocco's policy and institutional environment, better aligning secondary school and vocational training program graduates' skills with the needs of employers, and creating models for engagement with the private sector, the compact's projects address both the supply and demand sides of the labor market," read the release. The compact signing followed the third US-Morocco Business Development Conference, held Monday through Wednesday in Rabat as part of the US-Morocco Strategic Dialogue launched in 2012. The conference focused on Morocco's automotive and energy sectors, as well as its increasingly important role as a platform for doing business in Africa. In remarks to conference attendees, Chairman of Morocco's Economic, Social and Environmental Council (CESE) Nizar Baraka said that "US companies that have invested in Morocco have benefited from the thriving business climate [here]," noting Morocco's close proximity to and strong relationship with African markets. "Africa is the destination and Morocco is its gateway," he said. These developments come just days after French automaker Renault announced a major new expansion of existing investments in the country. Earlier this year, Morocco was named among the 50 most innovative economies in the world and one of just two such economies in Africa by the 2016 Bloomberg Innovation Index. In 2014, the Wall Street Journal's Frontiers/FSG Frontier Markets Sentiment Index reported that Morocco is among the top ten frontier markets -- and the only one in the Maghreb -- most favored by foreign corporations. KPMG International and Oxford Economics' 2015 Change Readiness Index (CRI) ranked Morocco as the most "change-ready" country in the Maghreb, with particularly positive results in the category of "enterprise capability." The World Bank's Doing Business 2016 report ranked Morocco first out of 20 MENA countries in terms of "ease of starting a business" and placed it sixth overall in the region for "ease of doing business." 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/2016/4/15/11G093619/Images/Benkirane_and_Dana_Hyde-8309dbc8d4afa4dba6ede6fc6853027f.jpg By Manolo Serapio Jr and Yuka Obayashi MANILA/TOKYO, April 15 (Reuters) - As the world reels from a flood of cheap Chinese steel, other countries including Japan and South Korea are selling products overseas at prices as much as a third lower than in their home markets, according to industry data and officials. The underpricing by the world's second and third biggest steel exporting countries underscores the pressure facing steelmakers around the globe as the industry grapples with chronic oversupply and sluggish demand. India's Tata Steel has blamed a flood of cheap steel imports for a decision to pull out of Britain, putting 15,000 jobs at risk, while one of Australia's only two steelmakers, Arrium Ltd has been placed in administration, a form of bankruptcy. Top producer China has taken much of the blame for plant closures but other steelmakers are similarly fighting to stay in business. Japanese companies are selling steel overseas cheaper than in the domestic market partly to compete with China, said an official at a Japanese steel producer, declining to be named because he didn't want to discuss pricing strategies publicly. The price is also higher locally to cover the "extras" that steelmakers provide clients such as specific delivery times and services including product quality that make it easier for customers to process them, the producer said. "That's something many foreign makers cannot offer," he said. MARGINAL COSTING H-beam, used in construction, is sold in Tokyo at 69,000 yen ($629) per tonne and is exported at $470 a tonne, free-on-board, according to data from Japanese and Chinese agencies that track the prices. "As far as the importing country is concerned, it is nothing but dumping from these countries," said Seshagiri Rao, joint managing director at India's JSW Steel Ltd. Japan and South Korea export steel at prices that are 35 percent lower than their domestic prices, said Rao. "If they are making money in the domestic market, by exporting, as long as they're able to recover some contribution towards their fixed cost they're pushing volume," he said. Story continues Countries, responding to rising imports and complaints from local producers, are imposing protections and raising objections through international channels. India in February set a floor price for imports of steel products to deter exporters from undercutting domestic mills, having seen imports from Japan and South Korea jump by almost half in April-February. Japan has told India it will object to India's minimum import price and a safeguard duty on imports of some steel products at a World Trade Organisation council meeting on Friday, according to an Indian government letter seen by Reuters. "By doing so, we want to prevent other countries from following India's step," which violates WTO rules, a Japanese government source told Reuters. Tokyo is asking the United States, the European Union and Taiwan to support its proposal, he added. India has also started investigations into possible dumping of cheap steel products into the country by six nations including China, Japan and South Korea following complaints from companies such as JSW. In Australia, Federal Industry Minister Christopher Pyne said the government had applied 41 anti-dumping measures to imported steel products in recent times, including 13 for China and eight for South Korea. On Thursday China scrapped some export subsidies on a range of products, including some specialty steel goods, in an effort to reduce trade frictions with the United States. POLITICAL, EMOTIONAL INDUSTRY Japan and South Korea sell more than 40 percent of their steel output overseas, most of it to Asia. Last year, the two countries shipped a combined 75 million tonnes versus 112 million tonnes from China. Top Korean steelmaker POSCO, the world's fifth-largest, declined to comment on pricing of exports. South Korea's steel industry association said it is not aware of the pricing strategy of individual companies. "It is true that Japanese and South Korean steel companies are underpricing some of their steel exports," said Li Xinchuang, vice-secretary general of the China Iron and Steel Association. Li dismissed claims Chinese steel companies were doing the same. But critics say China's tax rebate system which allows steel exporters to claim refunds by adding even minute amounts of alloys has enabled China, already ahead of competition with cheap labour, to undercut rivals overseas. "We've been forced to be in an unfair competition," said the Japanese steel producer. "Steel is such a political and emotional industry all around the world and as such I think that there will always be instances at the margin where various forms of assistance or incentive become available to it, whether short or long term, explicit or implicit," said Matthew Watkins, principal consultant at CRU in London. ($1 = 109.6500 yen) (Additional reporting by Sankalp Phartiyal in New Delhi, Hyunjoo Jin in Seoul and Jim Regan in Sydney; Editing by Lincoln Feast) By Manolo Serapio Jr and Yuka Obayashi MANILA/TOKYO (Reuters) - As the world reels from a flood of cheap Chinese steel, other countries including Japan and South Korea are selling products overseas at prices as much as a third lower than in their home markets, according to industry data and officials. The underpricing by the world's second and third biggest steel exporting countries underscores the pressure facing steelmakers around the globe as the industry grapples with chronic oversupply and sluggish demand. India's Tata Steel has blamed a flood of cheap steel imports for a decision to pull out of Britain, putting 15,000 jobs at risk, while one of Australia's only two steelmakers, Arrium Ltd, has been placed in administration, a form of bankruptcy. Top producer China has taken much of the blame for plant closures, but other steelmakers are similarly fighting to stay in business. Japanese companies are selling steel overseas cheaper than in the domestic market partly to compete with China, said an official at a Japanese steel producer, declining to be named because he didn't want to discuss pricing strategies publicly. The price is also higher locally to cover the "extras" that steelmakers provide clients such as specific delivery times and services including product quality that make it easier for customers to process them, the producer said. "That's something many foreign makers cannot offer," he said. MARGINAL COSTING H-beam, used in construction, is sold in Tokyo at 69,000 yen ($629) a tonne and is exported at $470 a tonne, free-on-board, according to data from Japanese and Chinese agencies that track the prices. South Korean hot-rolled steel plate was exported at $522 a tonne on average last year, less than the domestic price of $581 a tonne, according to Korea Iron & Steel Association data. "As far as the importing country is concerned, it is nothing but dumping from these countries," said Seshagiri Rao, joint managing director at India's JSW Steel Ltd. Story continues Japan and South Korea export steel at prices that are 35 percent lower than their domestic prices, said Rao. "If they are making money in the domestic market, by exporting, as long as they're able to recover some contribution towards their fixed cost, they're pushing volume," he said. Countries, responding to rising imports and complaints from local producers, are imposing protections and raising objections through international channels. India in February set a floor price for imports of steel products to deter exporters from undercutting domestic mills, having seen imports from Japan and South Korea jump by almost half in April-February. Japan has told India it will object to India's minimum import price and a safeguard duty on imports of some steel products at a World Trade Organisation council meeting on Friday, according to an Indian government letter seen by Reuters. "By doing so, we want to prevent other countries from following India's step," which violates WTO rules, a Japanese government source told Reuters. Tokyo is asking the United States, the European Union and Taiwan to support its proposal, he added. India has also started investigations into possible dumping of cheap steel products into the country by six nations including China, Japan and South Korea following complaints from companies such as JSW. In Australia, Federal Industry Minister Christopher Pyne said the government had applied 41 anti-dumping measures to imported steel products in recent times, including 13 for China and eight for South Korea. On Thursday, China scrapped some export subsidies on a range of products, including some specialty steel goods, in an effort to reduce trade frictions with the United States. POLITICAL, EMOTIONAL INDUSTRY Japan and South Korea sell more than 40 percent of their steel output overseas, most of it to Asia. Last year, the two countries shipped a combined 75 million tonnes versus 112 million tonnes from China. Top Korean steelmaker POSCO, the world's fifth-largest, declined to comment on pricing of exports. "It is true that Japanese and South Korean steel companies are underpricing some of their steel exports," said Li Xinchuang, vice-secretary general of the China Iron and Steel Association. Li dismissed claims Chinese steel companies were doing the same. But critics say China's tax rebate system which allows steel exporters to claim refunds by adding even minute amounts of alloys has enabled China, already ahead of competition with cheap labour, to undercut rivals overseas. "We've been forced to be in an unfair competition," said the Japanese steel producer. "Steel is such a political and emotional industry all around the world and as such I think that there will always be instances at the margin where various forms of assistance or incentive become available to it, whether short or long term, explicit or implicit," said Matthew Watkins, principal consultant at CRU in London. ($1 = 109.6500 yen) (Additional reporting by Sankalp Phartiyal in New Delhi, Hyunjoo Jin in Seoul and Jim Regan in Sydney; Editing by Lincoln Feast) (Adds South Korean steel plate price in paragraph 9, graphics) By Manolo Serapio Jr and Yuka Obayashi MANILA/TOKYO, April 15 (Reuters) - As the world reels from a flood of cheap Chinese steel, other countries including Japan and South Korea are selling products overseas at prices as much as a third lower than in their home markets, according to industry data and officials. The underpricing by the world's second and third biggest steel exporting countries underscores the pressure facing steelmakers around the globe as the industry grapples with chronic oversupply and sluggish demand. India's Tata Steel has blamed a flood of cheap steel imports for a decision to pull out of Britain, putting 15,000 jobs at risk, while one of Australia's only two steelmakers, Arrium Ltd, has been placed in administration, a form of bankruptcy. Top producer China has taken much of the blame for plant closures, but other steelmakers are similarly fighting to stay in business. Japanese companies are selling steel overseas cheaper than in the domestic market partly to compete with China, said an official at a Japanese steel producer, declining to be named because he didn't want to discuss pricing strategies publicly. The price is also higher locally to cover the "extras" that steelmakers provide clients such as specific delivery times and services including product quality that make it easier for customers to process them, the producer said. "That's something many foreign makers cannot offer," he said. MARGINAL COSTING H-beam, used in construction, is sold in Tokyo at 69,000 yen ($629) a tonne and is exported at $470 a tonne, free-on-board, according to data from Japanese and Chinese agencies that track the prices. South Korean hot-rolled steel plate was exported at $522 a tonne on average last year, less than the domestic price of $581 a tonne, according to Korea Iron & Steel Association data. "As far as the importing country is concerned, it is nothing but dumping from these countries," said Seshagiri Rao, joint managing director at India's JSW Steel Ltd. Story continues Japan and South Korea export steel at prices that are 35 percent lower than their domestic prices, said Rao. "If they are making money in the domestic market, by exporting, as long as they're able to recover some contribution towards their fixed cost, they're pushing volume," he said. Countries, responding to rising imports and complaints from local producers, are imposing protections and raising objections through international channels. India in February set a floor price for imports of steel products to deter exporters from undercutting domestic mills, having seen imports from Japan and South Korea jump by almost half in April-February. Japan has told India it will object to India's minimum import price and a safeguard duty on imports of some steel products at a World Trade Organisation council meeting on Friday, according to an Indian government letter seen by Reuters. "By doing so, we want to prevent other countries from following India's step," which violates WTO rules, a Japanese government source told Reuters. Tokyo is asking the United States, the European Union and Taiwan to support its proposal, he added. India has also started investigations into possible dumping of cheap steel products into the country by six nations including China, Japan and South Korea following complaints from companies such as JSW. In Australia, Federal Industry Minister Christopher Pyne said the government had applied 41 anti-dumping measures to imported steel products in recent times, including 13 for China and eight for South Korea. On Thursday, China scrapped some export subsidies on a range of products, including some specialty steel goods, in an effort to reduce trade frictions with the United States. POLITICAL, EMOTIONAL INDUSTRY Japan and South Korea sell more than 40 percent of their steel output overseas, most of it to Asia. Last year, the two countries shipped a combined 75 million tonnes versus 112 million tonnes from China. Top Korean steelmaker POSCO, the world's fifth-largest, declined to comment on pricing of exports. "It is true that Japanese and South Korean steel companies are underpricing some of their steel exports," said Li Xinchuang, vice-secretary general of the China Iron and Steel Association. Li dismissed claims Chinese steel companies were doing the same. But critics say China's tax rebate system which allows steel exporters to claim refunds by adding even minute amounts of alloys has enabled China, already ahead of competition with cheap labour, to undercut rivals overseas. "We've been forced to be in an unfair competition," said the Japanese steel producer. "Steel is such a political and emotional industry all around the world and as such I think that there will always be instances at the margin where various forms of assistance or incentive become available to it, whether short or long term, explicit or implicit," said Matthew Watkins, principal consultant at CRU in London. ($1 = 109.6500 yen) (Additional reporting by Sankalp Phartiyal in New Delhi, Hyunjoo Jin in Seoul and Jim Regan in Sydney; Editing by Lincoln Feast) By Manolo Serapio Jr and Yuka Obayashi MANILA/TOKYO (Reuters) - As the world reels from a flood of cheap Chinese steel, other countries including Japan and South Korea are selling products overseas at prices as much as a third lower than in their home markets, according to industry data and officials. The underpricing by the world's second and third biggest steel exporting countries underscores the pressure facing steelmakers around the globe as the industry grapples with chronic oversupply and sluggish demand. India's Tata Steel has blamed a flood of cheap steel imports for a decision to pull out of Britain, putting 15,000 jobs at risk, while one of Australia's only two steelmakers, Arrium Ltd, has been placed in administration, a form of bankruptcy. Top producer China has taken much of the blame for plant closures, but other steelmakers are similarly fighting to stay in business. Japanese companies are selling steel overseas cheaper than in the domestic market partly to compete with China, said an official at a Japanese steel producer, declining to be named because he didn't want to discuss pricing strategies publicly. The price is also higher locally to cover the "extras" that steelmakers provide clients such as specific delivery times and services including product quality that make it easier for customers to process them, the producer said. "That's something many foreign makers cannot offer," he said. MARGINAL COSTING H-beam, used in construction, is sold in Tokyo at 69,000 yen ($629) a tonne and is exported at $470 a tonne, free-on-board, according to data from Japanese and Chinese agencies that track the prices. South Korean hot-rolled steel plate was exported at $522 a tonne on average last year, less than the domestic price of $581 a tonne, according to Korea Iron & Steel Association data. "As far as the importing country is concerned, it is nothing but dumping from these countries," said Seshagiri Rao, joint managing director at India's JSW Steel Ltd. Japan and South Korea export steel at prices that are 35 percent lower than their domestic prices, said Rao. "If they are making money in the domestic market, by exporting, as long as they're able to recover some contribution towards their fixed cost, they're pushing volume," he said. Countries, responding to rising imports and complaints from local producers, are imposing protections and raising objections through international channels. India in February set a floor price for imports of steel products to deter exporters from undercutting domestic mills, having seen imports from Japan and South Korea jump by almost half in April-February. Japan has told India it will object to India's minimum import price and a safeguard duty on imports of some steel products at a World Trade Organisation council meeting on Friday, according to an Indian government letter seen by Reuters. "By doing so, we want to prevent other countries from following India's step," which violates WTO rules, a Japanese government source told Reuters. Tokyo is asking the United States, the European Union and Taiwan to support its proposal, he added. India has also started investigations into possible dumping of cheap steel products into the country by six nations including China, Japan and South Korea following complaints from companies such as JSW. In Australia, Federal Industry Minister Christopher Pyne said the government had applied 41 anti-dumping measures to imported steel products in recent times, including 13 for China and eight for South Korea. On Thursday, China scrapped some export subsidies on a range of products, including some specialty steel goods, in an effort to reduce trade frictions with the United States. POLITICAL, EMOTIONAL INDUSTRY Japan and South Korea sell more than 40 percent of their steel output overseas, most of it to Asia. Last year, the two countries shipped a combined 75 million tonnes versus 112 million tonnes from China. Top Korean steelmaker POSCO, the world's fifth-largest, declined to comment on pricing of exports. "It is true that Japanese and South Korean steel companies are underpricing some of their steel exports," said Li Xinchuang, vice-secretary general of the China Iron and Steel Association. Li dismissed claims Chinese steel companies were doing the same. But critics say China's tax rebate system which allows steel exporters to claim refunds by adding even minute amounts of alloys has enabled China, already ahead of competition with cheap labour, to undercut rivals overseas. "We've been forced to be in an unfair competition," said the Japanese steel producer. "Steel is such a political and emotional industry all around the world and as such I think that there will always be instances at the margin where various forms of assistance or incentive become available to it, whether short or long term, explicit or implicit," said Matthew Watkins, principal consultant at CRU in London. ($1 = 109.6500 yen) (Additional reporting by Sankalp Phartiyal in New Delhi, Hyunjoo Jin in Seoul and Jim Regan in Sydney; Editing by Lincoln Feast) The Panama Papers scandal highlights how much progress the world has made in combating tax havens, the head of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) told CNBC on Friday, warning that Panama would face "consequences" if it did not improve. "It shows how much progress we have made because it shows also that the tolerance (for tax havens) is very dramatically reduced. And also the fact that it shook everybody up (shows that) now it is an exceptionality rather than the rule," Angel Gurria, the secretary general of the OECD, said in Washington D.C. The OECD is an influential international organization to which 34 mostly major economies belong. Panama, a small country in Latin America, is not a member. The so-called Panama Papers have exposed more than 11.5 million financial and legal records and revealed the heads of states and other public figures around the world that are sheltering wealth offshore. The leak came from Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca. On Thursday, the OECD published a report stating that a number of countries were yet to implement international tax transparency standards that were agreed in 2009. Panama, along with Bahrain, has refused to commit to new standards that are due to come into effect in 2017 and 2018. "Panama had been the last holdout, if you will, of the large financial centers," Gurria told CNBC on Friday. The OECD noted the limited availability of accounting records and ownership information for private foundations in Panama, as well as its unresponsiveness to requests from other countries for tax exchange agreements. Gurria expressed hope on Friday that Panama would commit to higher standards in the wake of the leak. "I would like to think that this accident, this incident the silver lining of it is that now Panama will join the rest of mankind," he told CNBC. He hinted that Panama-based companies might ultimately face sanctions if their country did not adopt higher standards. Story continues "In the end, it is their call and if they join very good. If they don't, they'll be some consequences," Gurria told CNBC. "There could be constraints put on, or sanctions put on, to companies and therefore indirectly to the country," he later added. Offshore accounts are a traditional way for the wealthy to diversify the location of their investments, benefit from lower tax rates or enjoy lower regulatory oversight. The prime minister of Iceland and Spain's acting industry minister have resigned in the wake of the Panama Papers. Both former ministers were linked to offshore companies, but deny wrongdoing. CNBC has been unable to independently verify the allegations. Follow CNBC International on Twitter and Facebook. More From CNBC Faraday Future groundbreaking NORTH LAS VEGAS, Nevada Some four months after electric-car company Faraday Future announced plans to build its first US manufacturing facility in Nevada, the ceremonial shovels have been driven into the ground. "Welcome home, Faraday. Welcome home," Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval declared as he took the stage at the construction site in North Las Vegas on Wednesday. About 4,500 jobs will be created in and around the planned 900-acre factory that will house the assembly line for Faraday Future's forthcoming electric autonomous vehicles. Some of the core technologies for those rides are in the advanced stages of development, according to Nick Sampson, Faraday Future's SVP of research and development and engineering. He tells Business Insider that the process has been a smooth one so far. "We're testing both mechanical and software systems, and before the end of this year, we'll have full prototypes that represent our production cars." "Our first vehicle will be at the premium end of the segment," Faraday Future representative Stacy Morris told Business Insider last week. "The cars will have industry-leading range, and the connectivity and the streaming technology will be the unique selling point of the Faraday brand," she added. Faraday Future factory site The site of the Faraday Future plant is about 500 miles south of Tesla's Gigafactory battery plant roughly the same distance as Los Angeles is from California's capital, Sacramento. It's being built in the desert of North Las Vegas, about 30 minutes outside The Strip, in an area that was nearly suffocated by an economic dry spell just two years ago. Fitch Ratings in 2014 warned that the city was close to defaulting on some of its $436 million of outstanding debt, Reuters reported at the time. Story continues The project is ambitious, to be sure. Faraday Future, backed by Jia Yueting, a billionaire Chinese media mogul, wants to complete the factory in roughly two years. "This is just the beginning," Faraday's VP of global manufacturing, Dag Reckhorn, said at the groundbreaking. "We are laser-focused on making this project a reality for Faraday Future and the community around us." Reckhorn added that local hiring for the factory has already begun. Faraday Future groundbreaking 1 Crews will start grading the land at the site this quarter, but there are still some details to be squared away in the meantime including construction contracts, which Faraday representatives say are being finalized. The company officially took ownership of all 900 acres of the North Las Vegas property on Wednesday. Early trepidations that some Nevada state officials had expressed specifically about the size and availability of Faraday Future's financial resources have been alleviated. North Las Vegas Mayor John Lee applauded the work of the state Legislature and Faraday reps for their due diligence in sealing the deal. "We plan to succeed," he said. NOW WATCH: This is what it's like to drive Chevy's Tesla-killer More From Business Insider * EU's biggest coal producer running out of money * Unions' consent to cut costs key to future funding * Poland asks creditors to convert debt to equity * Decision expected early in coming week * Other sections of economy could be hit by deep losses By Agnieszka Barteczko and Barbara Lewis WARSAW/BRUSSELS, April 15 (Reuters) - For generations, the region of Silesia has been at the heart of Poland's love affair with coal as a source of pride and heroism. Election to Poland's top job has depended on maintaining coal's special national status and Prime Minister Beata Szydlo, a coal miner's daughter from Silesia, swept to office in October on a promise she would ring-fence the industry's 100,000 jobs. It is a pledge she is now under almost as much pressure to break as to keep. The energy ministry has said the nation's biggest mining firm, headquartered in Silesia, risks running out of cash at the end of the month. It is a familiar cry, and in the past, funds somehow appeared. This time, however, they may not. Coal miners became heroes in Silesia when nine of them were shot dead in 1981 in an anti-communist protest against martial law. Now they are being asked to accept cuts in salaries that are among the highest in Poland because of the dangers of the job. Energy ministry officials supervising Kompania Weglowa (KW), the European Union's biggest coal mining company, say it cannot pay salaries in May if trade unions' reject a plan to cut the company's costs, more than half of which go on staff. The plan is a condition for other state-run companies to inject 1.5 billion zlotys ($394.36 million) at the start of May, a deal which could be questioned by the European Commission if it looks like illegal state aid. To pass muster, there needs to be a convincing business plan showing the miner will start to make profits. The government also wants KW's creditors - including the Polish unit of Spain's Banco Santander BZ WBK and France's BGZ BNP Paribas to convert their debt into KW shares. Story continues "The talks are held on the highest level," a government source said, adding that the banks' final decision is expected early in the coming week. This was confirmed by another person. BZ WBK and BGZ BNP Paribas declined to comment. RISK Together, BZ WBK and BNP Paribas hold 150 million zlotys of KW's debt. Any exposure coal is considered financial risk and the European Union is considering "carbon stress-testing" its financial firms. The trade unions at KW accept cost-cutting in principle, but refuse to agree to wage cuts or layoffs. "Cuts in wages would be an act of self-destruction," Boguslaw Hutek, the head of KW's biggest trade union, said. "Now young people are thinking in a different way from the older generation. If they don't get decent earnings, they will go elsewhere." Mining's financial woes mean Silesian students are already switching to classes in solar and wind energy and away from the mining studies that traditionally guaranteed a job for life. Poland's pits have clocked up losses of billions of zlotys as world coal prices sunk to record lows. It is not the only country affected: Peabody, the world's largest privately owned coal producer, declared bankruptcy this month after a debt-fuelled expansion into Australia. Part of Poland's problem is the depth of the seams - up to 1,200 metres compared to 465 metres on average in China, the world's biggest coal producer and consumer. Deeper pits are more costly because more energy and time is required to extract coal and cool the shafts to make working conditions bearable. Despite lower costs compared with Poland, the Chinese government has said it is shifting to cleaner fuel. Michal Wilczynski, a former chief geologist in Poland and former deputy environment minister, said trying to rescue Kompania Weglowa was futile. "It's too late to rescue it. Poland's coal mines will not be effective, no matter how deep the cost cuts are, because of geology," Wilczynski said. "Rejecting the global trends would take us back to the Communist era with an isolated economy." Last year Poland's three biggest mining firms, including Kompania Weglowa, KHW and the listed JSW as well as three state-run power producers, which burn the mines' coal booked a net loss of almost 10 billion zlotys ($2.6 billion). COLLATERAL DAMAGE That might be manageable, but for all the collateral damage. The market capitalisation of Poland's biggest power group, the state-run PGE fell by over a third, or more than 11 billion zlotys in 2015, mostly because politicians involved it in helping to bail out Kompania Weglowa (KW). Even Polish firms that have sought to move away from coal were sucked in. Among Poland's utilities, Energa has the biggest portfolio of renewables; its shares fell by more than 10 percent, or more than 500 million zlotys, when it announced it would invest in KW on March 16. Two sources, one official and one from the industry, said the ministry has also been trying to convince Poland's refiner PKN Orlen to get involved in KW. The low price of coal on international markets compounds the problem. Poland lost almost 30 zlotys on every tonne of coal its mines produced last year, according to industry figures. Before he was sacked in February, KW's CEO Krzysztof Sedzikowski was battling in Brussels for EU approval to use public money to keep open loss-making mines. There is little sign Brussels will approve that, EU officials say. The Competition Commissioner has said she can only allow funding of uncompetitive mines on condition they are being phased out, which is at odds with Szydlo's electoral promise that she would not close any mines. Industry analysts say the smart approach would be to plan an orderly retreat from coal - currently nearly 90 percent of the energy mix - to more diverse supplies, including solar and wind, which they say is often the cheapest new source. But the government is working on regulations that would make new onshore wind next to impossible, something critics say makes no sense. "This is as if someone said - we are done with the mobile phones technology, we will only have fixed lines from now," Zbigniew Prokopowicz, the CEO of Polenerga, a privately owned Polish utility said. The previous government began a long-term energy strategy to 2050. The Energy Ministry did not answer Reuters questions on whether the current government was formulating its own. Earlier this year the prime minister said Poland needed to diversify for the sake of energy security, but coal would remain the basic fuel. ($1 = 3.8036 zlotys) (Additional reporting Anna Koper and Marcin Goclowski in Warsaw and Wojciech Zurawski in Katowice; editing by Philippa Fletcher) By Matthew Miller BEIJING (Reuters) - China and Russia could reach an accord by the year-end on counterparties, common depositories, clearing centres, and financial reporting standards needed for Russia to issue yuan denominated bonds, Russia's Deputy Finance Minister Alexei Moiseev said. Russia said last year it was hoping to issue no less than $1 billion worth of the so-called OFZ bonds, which are the main treasury bonds used to finance government borrowing on the domestic market, in yuan in 2016. After meeting with China's Ministry of Finance in Beijing on Thursday, Moiseev said discussions were "progressing well". In February, the Russian side had described talks with Chinese regulators as difficult. "Hopefully we can commit to signing documents towards the end of the year," Moiseev told Reuters in an interview on Thursday. The timing would leave Russia little room to launch yuan denominated debt before the end of the year. "We need to do a lot of work," Moiseev said. "The question of reporting standards have to be synchronized, the audit standards have to be synchronized. The Chinese and Russian regulators have to be confident in their supervision of the local central depositories." Sergei Shvetsov, Deputy Governor of the Bank of Governor, was due to hold talks with China's central bank on Friday. Russian President Vladimir Putin has been moving to develop closer ties with China. In November, according to media reports, the Central Bank of Russia included the Chinese yuan in its currency reserve basket, part of a move to boost the yuan's presence in Russian financial markets. Last May, the Moscow and Beijing governments also signed a tax treaty. Chinese banks are increasingly supporting Russian companies, including gas producer Gazprom, with loans, a trend that Moiseev saw continuing. "We've generally had a very productive partnership with Chinese banks, they've been investing in some of the key infrastructure projects in Russia, and we are very satisfied that is happening," he said. (Reporting By Matthew Miller; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore) Laos is tightly run by its opaque Communist leaders, who bar a free press and have not offered a motive for the assaults on Chinese tourists (AFP Photo/Laurent Fievet) (AFP/File) Bangkok (AFP) - Beijing on Thursday called on Laos to bolster protection for Chinese citizens within its borders after six of its nationals were wounded by gunmen in the third attack of its kind this year. The shooting took place north of the tourist hotspot Vang Vieng late Wednesday, when assailants opened fire on a Chinese passenger bus carrying 28 people from Kunming in southwestern China to the Laos capital Vientiane. Six of the passengers were injured, two of them seriously, China's foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters. "After the incident, the Chinese foreign ministry and embassy in Laos quickly launched representations to Laos, demanding Laos send military and police assistance to fully rescue the wounded... and to take concrete steps to strengthen the protection of Chinese citizens' safety," she said. The foreign ministry batted down speculation that the victims were targeted on the basis of their nationality, despite two other similarly mysterious attacks this year that have killed three Chinese citizens and injured others in the mountainous region. "When the criminals carried out their crimes it was not on the basis of nationality," Chua said. The other attacks, in January and early March, prompted travel warnings from the US embassy in Vientiane. The warning cited "the unpredictable nature of the violence and the lack of official information regarding possible motives or a Lao government response." Laos is tightly run by its opaque Communist leaders, who bar a free press and have not offered a motive for the assaults. The recent attacks have taken place in provinces historically home to outbreaks of insurgent violence waged by ethnic minorities against the country's repressive one-party state. But Beijing's growing footprint in the poor nation has also stirred unease among locals in recent years. China has invested heavily in Laos and capitalised on its bountiful water, forestry and mineral resources. While this flood of foreign investment has fuelled impressive economic growth in the landlocked country over the past decade, the gains have not been evenly distributed and poverty remains widespread. Normally isolated Laos will open its doors to host US President Barack Obama later this year, the culmination of its chairmanship of the ASEAN regional bloc. WASHINGTON, April 15 (Reuters) - Spain, stuck in months of fruitless coalition talks among its fractious political parties, needs to take additional measures to cut its budget deficit to avoid overshooting current targets, a senior International Monetary Fund official said on Friday. "The higher deficit in 2015 implies a much looser structural stance than we have been anticipating," Philip Gerson, the deputy director of the IMF's European department, told a news conference. "Our guess now, based on the adjustment that's in the 2016 budget and our projections for growth, is that the deficit in 2016 will likely come in at 4 percent of GDP without additional measures," he added. Spain is required to bring its deficit below the EU's ceiling of 3 percent of gross domestic product in 2016, but virtually all forecasts point to an overshoot. "In our view, an adjustment of about a half a percent of GDP or even more would be useful to maintain confidence and ensure that the debt remains on a downward path," Gerson said. Spain's main parties on the right and left have been struggling to assemble a group large enough to form a government in the wake of the December general election, but wide ideological differences and months of failed talks mean a deal is looking increasingly unlikely. The IMF said that investments have so far not suffered from the political stalemate, but investor confidence could wane if talks last much longer. (Reporting by Balazs Koranyi and Jan Strupczewski; Editing by Paul Simao) By Elaine Lies TOKYO (Reuters) - Aftershocks rattled southwestern Japan on Friday after a strong quake the night before killed nine people, injured at least 1,000 and cut power and water across the region, forcing the temporary shutdown of several auto and electronics factories. By afternoon, more than 130 aftershocks had hit the area around the city of Kumamoto in the wake of the initial 6.4 magnitude quake the night before. Officials said the frequency was tapering off but the risk of further strong aftershocks will remain for about a week. While the magnitude of Thursday's quake was much lower than that of the 9.0 March 11, 2011 quake that touched off a massive tsunami and nuclear meltdowns at Fukushima, the intensity was similar because it struck on land and at a much shallower depth. "We managed to huddle into a space, that's why we were saved," one man told NHK national television after he and his family were rescued from their collapsed house two hours after the quake hit. "We're all safe, that's what counts." More than 44,000 people initially fled to schools and community centres, some spending the night outside after the first quake hit around 9:30 p.m. Roads cracked, houses crumbled, and tiles cascaded from the roof of the 400-year-old Kumamoto Castle in the centre of the city. Among those pulled from the wreckage was an eight-month-old baby girl, wrapped in a blanket and passed hand to hand by firefighters. Several hospitals had to evacuate patients. Japanese stocks ended down 0.4 percent, with the impact of the quake limited primarily to regional shares that could experience some direct impact. Regional utility Saibu Gas Co Ltd <9536.T> finished 2.7 percent lower. Several companies, including Honda Motor Corp <7267.T>, suspended operations at plants in the area. More than 3,000 troops, police and firemen were dispatched to the area from around Japan, and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said more would be sent if needed. "We will do everything in our power to ensure the safety of local residents," Abe told a parliamentary committee. Most of the dead came from Mashiki, a town of around 34,000 people near the epicentre of the quake, where firefighters battled a blaze late on Thursday. Daylight showed splintered houses under tiled roofs and an apartment building whose ground floor was pulverized, where two people died. "I want to go home, but we couldn't do anything there," one boy at an evacuation centre told TBS television as he bounced a baby in his arms. Though the intensity of Thursday's quake on the Japanese scale matched that of the March 2011 quake that left nearly 20,000 dead, the absence of a tsunami helped keep the death toll down. Service on the Shinkansen superfast train in Kyushu was halted after one train derailed, and highways were closed after some sections collapsed. About 12,200 households were without electricity as of 12 p.m. (0500 GMT), according to Kyushu Electric Power Co Inc <9508.T>, while some 58,000 lacked water. The Nuclear Regulation Authority said there were no irregularities at three nuclear plants on the southern major island of Kyushu and nearby Shikoku. Sony Corp <6758.T>, Mitsubishi Electric Corp <6503.T> and tire maker Bridgestone Corp <5108.T> also suspended operations at factories in the area. The 2011 quake temporarily crippled part of Japan's auto supply chain, but some companies have since adjusted the industry's "Just in Time" production philosophy in a bid to limit any repeat of the costly disruption. [nL5N16O0AL] (Additional reporting by Joshua Hunt, Naomi Tajitsu and Tokyo newsroom; Editing by Lincoln Feast) By Karen Pierog CHICAGO, April 15 (Reuters) - Illinois is seeking legal help as its deteriorating credit standing threatens to end bond-related deals with banks at a big cost to the cash-strapped state, according to a government website. A week ago, Illinois advertised for an outside law firm to assist with potential termination of interest-rate swap transactions and with replacing bank letters of credit, both related to $600 million of variable-rate bonds issued in 2003. Illinois set an April 22 deadline for responses from bond counsel firms, in a request for proposals on the state's procurement website. "The Rauner Administration is exploring options to reduce taxpayers' risk exposure to swap agreements entered into by prior administrations," Catherine Kelly, a spokeswoman for Republican Governor Bruce Rauner, said on Friday in an emailed answer to questions. The nation's fifth-largest state is inching closer to a situation that could trigger termination of interest-rate hedge agreements with five banks. Further downgrades of Illinois' relatively low general obligation credit ratings could force the state to pay termination fees to the banks recently estimated at $163 million, according to the state's solicitation to prospective law firms. The trigger would be a two-notch downgrade of the state's Baa1 rating with Moody's Investors Service to Baa3 or a three-notch downgrade of its A-minus rating with Standard & Poor's to BBB-minus. Both agencies have warned of future downgrades if Illinois' big pension problem and structural budget deficit worsen. Illinois has the lowest credit ratings and worst-funded public pensions among the 50 U.S. states. An impasse between its Republican governor and Democrats who control the legislature has left the state without a full budget for the fiscal year that began July 1. The state's pile of unpaid bills, a gauge of its structural deficit, has ballooned to $7.36 billion, while options for dealing with a $111 billion unfunded pension liability are limited. Story continues The swap counterparties are AIG Financial Products Corp, Bank of America, Merrill Lynch Capital Markets, JP Morgan Chase, and Loop Capital Markets with credit support from Deutsche Bank AG. Also looming is the Nov. 26, 2016 expiration of six bank direct-pay letters of credit backing the variable-rate bonds. If the facilities are not renewed by the current banks or replaced by other banks, the state could be forced to pay off some or all of the bonds before their 2033 maturity. The letters of credit are from JP Morgan Chase Bank, PNC Bank, Wells Fargo Bank, State Street Bank and Trust Company, Royal Bank of Canada, and The Northern Trust Company. (Reporting By Karen Pierog; Editing by Fiona Ortiz) ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey's Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani agreed on Friday to improve economic cooperation, with banking a priority, prime ministry sources told Reuters, following the lifting of international sanctions on Iran. The two countries also agreed to increase trade and mutual investments, the sources told Reuters. Iran is frustrated that few trade deals have been implemented since the nuclear-related sanctions were lifted, as foreign banks still steer clear of processing transactions. On Friday it called on the United States and European Union to help it access the global financial system, but the White House said the nuclear deal did not include giving Tehran such access. (Reporting by Orhan Coskun, Writing by Seda Sezer; Editing by Dominic Evans) A child stands at a computer display stand for the Windows 10 operating system at the Microsoft store at Roosevelt Field in Garden City, New York July 29, 2015. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton BOSTON (Reuters) - The U.S. government has recommended that Windows PC users uninstall Apple Inc's QuickTime video player after security software maker Trend Micro Inc said on Thursday it had discovered two new bugs in the software. Trend Micro said it had uncovered two critical vulnerabilities in the version of the QuickTime media player for Microsoft Corp's Windows operating system, which could be leveraged to launch attacks on PCs if users visit a malicious web page or open a tainted file. The warning does not apply to QuickTime for Apple's Mac computers. A spokesman for Apple declined comment. Trend Micro said that it did not know of any cases where the bugs had been exploited by attackers, but urged Windows users to immediately uninstall it because Apple was phasing out the program, which means it will not fix the bugs. The Department of Homeland Security's United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team, or US-CERT, said in an alert on Thursday that the bugs put users at heightened risks from viruses and other security threats since Apple was ending support for the product. "The only mitigation available is to uninstall QuickTime for Windows," the alert said. (Reporting by Jim Finkle; editing by Grant McCool) (Adds comments, paragraphs 1, 4-11) By Patricia Zengerle MIAMI, April 14 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry condemned Carnival Corp on Thursday for barring Cuban-Americans from its planned cruises to Cuba and called on the Cuban government to change its policies to allow them. "Carnival needs to not discriminate," Kerry said in an interview with CNN Espanol and the Miami Herald. Cuban-born Americans cannot visit the island by sea, due to a Cuban law that dates to the Cold War era, and therefore are barred from joining in Carnival's sailings to the island, the Miami Herald has reported. People born in Cuba can, however, travel to the island on an airplane. "We call on the government of Cuba to change that policy and to recognize that if they want a full relationship and normal relationship with the United States, they have to live by international law," Kerry said during a trip to the Florida city. Carnival officials could not immediately be reached for comment. But the company has told the Miami Herald it had no choice but to enforce the rule when booking tickets for its new Miami-to-Havana route. It said it has asked the Cuban government to waive the rule before the first ship sails on May 1. Miami is the center of the U.S. Cuban-American community, and many of its residents from the island nation, who fled Cuba after its Communist revolution, are vehemently opposed to moves by President Barack Obama's administration toward more normal relations with Havana. Critics of the policy say Washington should not ease a half century of restrictions on travel and trade with Cuba until the island has free elections and its human rights record improves. Kerry, who gave two interviews to local media, met with business leaders and addressed college students, said Cuba could move more quickly to improve its rights record. But he said he was sure a more open relationship with the United States would yield positive changes. "I think more could happen faster. More should happen faster. But I'm not surprised. Nobody expected that. This has been 50-plus years of the status quo ... but there are changes that are in place for the positive," Kerry said. "If you look at our engagement with other authoritarian regimes around the world through history, have they changed overnight?" Kerry asked. (Reporting by Patricia Zengerle; Editing by Dan Grebler) By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Volkswagen AG (VOWG_p.DE) said on Friday it was tapping Hinrich J. Woebcken, who just took over on April 1 as the head of its new North American region, to serve as president and chief executive of Volkswagen Group of America. In March, VW said its top U.S. executive, Michael Horn, was stepping down immediately nearly six months after the German automaker admitted to installing software to allow 580,000 U.S. diesel vehicles to emit excess emissions. Woebcken, a former BMW executive who ran global purchasing among other jobs, started working at VW in March when he was named on a temporary basis to fill Horn's job. Woebcken's appointment as the head of VW's North American region was announced in January, but it did not be come effective until April 1. Volkswagen remains in talks with U.S. regulators in an effort to reach a settlement in the diesel emissions scandal ahead of an April 21 court deadline. Herbert Diess, CEO of the Volkswagen Passenger Brand, told employees Friday about the company's strategy for its newly established Volkswagen North American Region. "The establishment of the North American Region provides the U.S., Mexico and Canada more freedom and more responsibility than ever before," Diess said in a statement. Volkswagen said the new region will help it react better to customer and market demands. Diess told employees the company is committed to bringing new SUVs to market to appeal to U.S. consumers. The company's VW brand reported U.S. sales fell 5 percent in 2015 and are down 12 percent so far this year. With the new structure of the North American Region we will be empowered to make the decisions to bring the vehicles that the consumers in the market are demanding," Woebcken said in a statement. In March, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer in San Francisco told VW and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that they would have until April 21 "to announce a concrete proposal for getting the polluting vehicles off the road." Story continues Last week, EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy said it was not clear if both sides would reach a deal by April 21, saying there were "really robust" ongoing talks. The cars are equipped with "defeat devices" that allow them to pass laboratory emissions tests despite exceeding federal standards by up to 40 times when they are driven on roads. The U.S. Justice Department in February sued VW for up to $46 billion for violating U.S. environmental laws. VW and its Audi and Porsche brands remain barred from selling any new 2016 diesel models in the United States. (Editing by Leslie Adler) Cal-Maine Foods Posted Its 3Q16 Results, Stock Rose 8% (Continued from Prior Part) Stock rose 8% Cal-Maine Foods (CALM) reported its fiscal 3Q16 results on March 28. The stock rose 8.7% after the earnings release and closed at $54.51compared to $50.12 on March 24. The stock rose due to a 27% jump in earnings in the third quarter. The revenue and earnings surpassed estimates by 2% and 34%, respectively. This showed its impact on the stock. Cal-Maines stock has gained 8% since its last quarter earnings release on December 23. The stock also rose 2% after the company reported its fiscal 2Q16 results due to tremendous growth in revenue and earnings. The stock gained 23% in fiscal 2015 due to positive earnings growth. Cal-Maine Foods has returned ~12% year-to-date. It outperformed the Market represented by the S&P 500 Index by 10% as of March 29. The stock fell around 2% and closed at $53.4 on March 29. Peers in the industry Cal-Maine Foods main peers in the farm products industry include Fresh Del Monte Produce (FDP) and Industrias Bachoco (IBA). Other peers such as Hormel Foods (HRL) and Pilgrims Pride (PPC) returned 13% and 12%, so far, in 2016. They closed at $44.4 and $24.97, respectively, on March 29. The PowerShares Dynamic Food and Beverage (PBJ) invests 2.5% in Cal-Maine Foods and 2.6% in Fresh Del Monte Produce. PBJ closed at $32.42 and returned 0.68%. Some of Cal-Maines recognized brands include Egglands Best, Land O Lakes, Farmhouse, and 4-Grain. Continue to Next Part Browse this series on Market Realist: Donald Trump, or whoever is writing his op-eds these days, has become more sophisticated over the course of his campaign. The grand but questionably true statements arent as common as they used to be, and the smaller distortions are now spewed out with enough rhetorical chaff around them to escape many peoples notice. Trumps op-ed in todays Wall Street Journal is a prime example. The article, which appears under his byline but doesnt resemble any of his other writings or speeches, accuses the Colorado Republican Party of holding an election without voters. Delegates were chosen on behalf of a presidential nominee, yet the people of Colorado were not able to cast their ballots to say which nominee they preferred. A planned vote had been canceled. And one million Republicans in Colorado were sidelined. Related: Trump or Cruz? Why It Doesnt Matter Anymore for the GOP He added, Responsible leaders should be shocked by the idea that party officials can simply cancel elections in America if they dont like what the voters may decide. The plain implication is that Colorado GOP leaders feared Trump would win in their state and hastily shut down the democratic process there in favor of a more opaque system that would disfavor Trump. To be plain: Thats nonsense. Heres what actually happened. In August of last year, the leadership of the Republican Party of Colorado decided to change the way states delegates to the Republican nominating convention were selected. Rather than having a statewide presidential preference vote, they decided on a complex system of caucuses and conventions to elect delegates who would not necessarily have to commit themselves to a particular candidate. Related: Why Loyalty Pledges Wont Seal the Deal for Trump At the time, the state GOP leadership made it plain that the move was to avoid sending Colorado delegates to the convention in Cleveland bound to vote for a candidate who -- like the majority of the original Republican field -- had dropped out of the race. Story continues Steve House, the state committee chair, explained to a local television station on August 24, Eliminating the straw poll means the delegates we send to the national convention in Cleveland will be free to choose the candidate they feel can best put America back on a path to prosperity and security. No one wants to see their vote cast for an empty chair, especially not on a stage as big as the national conventions." It worked like this: On March 1, Colorado Republican voters caucused in their local precincts to choose (also known as voting for) delegates to country-level conventions that were held over the next month. The county conventions then chose delegates to send to the Congressional district level conventions and the state convention. Each of the seven Congressional district conventions chose three delegates to the national convention. The candidates for delegate did not have to promise to support a particular presidential candidate, but if they did, they were bound to that candidate on the first ballot. Related: Trump Doesnt Even Inspire His Own Family Very Much Then, on April 9, the same delegates who attended the Congressional District level conventions gathered for the state convention and chose 13 more delegates. Was the system in Colorado more complex that in many other states? Absolutely. Was it the most efficient way to select delegates to the nominating convention? Probably not. But was it a plot conceived to deprive Donald Trump of delegates in Colorado? Only if the Colorado GOP has the ability to see into the future. The reason that the state changed its rules in August of last year was that it was required to, in order to comply with new RNC rules about delegate selection. Compliance with the new rules could take many forms, like the system in South Carolina, for instance, where Trump won less than one-third of the popular vote but received 100 percent of the delegates -- a form of disenfranchisement that he doesnt appear too concerned about. Colorados change was announced in August and approved by the RNC in late September. In August, Trump was still seen as a novelty candidate, running around the country picking fights with Macys and calling Mexicans rapists. Identifying the need for a plan to stymie Trump in Colorado at that point would have required the same sort of foresight needed to plant birth announcements in Hawaiian newspapers in 1961 against the possibility that your Kenyan-born son might want to run for president in 2008. Related: Ted Cruz Slams Trump as a Wannabe Mobster That said, Trump will continue to claim that he was robbed by the establishment in Colorado and elsewhere, and it will probably work with a large segment of his followers for two reasons. First, determining the truth of how Colorados rule change took place requires the investment of more time than the average person is willing to spend reading about obscure Republican National Committee rulings and state-level deliberations. Second, and more importantly, is that it feeds into a narrative that feels true. Trumps chief challenger, Ted Cruz, is exploiting the system in multiple states to his advantage. He out-hustled Trump in Colorado, succeeding in getting his supporters into all of the 34 at-large and Congressional district delegates. In other states, his campaign has placed delegates loyal to him in seats won by Trump. They will be required to vote for Trump on the first and perhaps second ballots in Cleveland, but will be able to switch their allegiance to Cruz afterward. Related: How Trump and Cruz Voters Will Tear the GOP Apart Cruz is not cheating. He is playing by the GOPs arcane and confusing rules. But to Trump and his followers, losing because an opponent is exploiting a complex system they dont fully understand feels like being swindled by that system. Trump has got as far as he has by throwing gasoline on the smoldering anger of his supporters and then assiduously fanning the flames. The idea that Trump, and by extension his supporters, are being cheated by a corrupt system is just one more perceived outrage thats tailor made for The Donald to exploit. Top Reads from The Fiscal Times: 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. Angstrom said: Things look different from the drivers seat. The NDP wants to return to the protester vote category. :lol: Click to expand... That is a much smaller constituency than the one that they managed to reach over the last decade. The "very Left" and "very Right" are both dillusional and think that "the people" are going to flock to their wing-nutty policies because of the righteousness of their causes.Canadians are at or near the center. This is not news. Canadian Medical Association lauds historic federal law on assisted dyingOTTAWA, April 14, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is very pleased that the federal government's proposed legislation on medical assistance in dying introduced in Parliament today closely follows the recommendations made by Canada's doctors.The CMA strongly welcomes the federal legislative and non-legislative response released today. Taken together, the proposed legislation and federal commitments to work with the provinces and territories go a long way to ensuring we reach a consistent framework on medical assistance in dying across all jurisdictions in Canada."The overall approach announced today is both thoughtful and comprehensive," said CMA President, Dr. Cindy Forbes. "The CMA both welcomes and supports the federal government's response and encourages Parliamentarians to support the advancement of this bill through the legislative process,"Bill C-14, An Act to amend the Criminal Code and to make related amendments to other Acts (medical assistance in dying), provides critical elements to support a consistent, national approach. These include outlining the eligibility for medical assistance in dying, defining grievous and irremediable medical conditions, and outlining the necessary safeguards to protect vulnerable patients.Importantly for both patients and physicians, Bill C-14's preamble includes a commitment to develop non-legislative measures to support access to the full range of end-of-life care as well as respect the personal convictions of health care providers. Going forward, the CMA urges provincial and territorial governments to support the approach being proposed by the federal government, specifically to respect the personal convictions of health care providers."Today's federal commitment to exploring mechanisms to support patient access and respect the personal convictions of health care providers will be critical to the pan-Canadian framework on medical assistance in dying," added Dr. Forbes. "We applaud the federal government for making this commitment."The CMA is dedicated to working with legislators and regulators across the country to continue to provide the critical physician perspective on this issue, while ensuring patients have effective access to the service should they need it, no matter where they live.While continuing to be active in the important discussion as the legislation moves forward, the CMA is also developing important new educational programming for physicians on end-of-life care and assisted dying.The CMA has worked for more than two years to lead the conversation on end-of-life care in Canada. In 2014, CMA members participated in a member-only online dialogue on end-of-life care that included discussions on palliative care, advance care planning, and assisted dying. In 2015, a second member-only dialogue asked members to weigh in on fundamental questions about how assisted dying should be implemented.In response to the Supreme Court of Canada's judgement in Carter v. Canada, the CMA developed Principles-based Recommendations for a Canadian Approach to Assisted Dying to guide the conversation around assisted dying.These recommendations were the product of extensive consultation with CMA members and key medical and health stakeholders. The recommendations are intended as a framework for the development of legislation and/or regulations on issues of particular importance for the physicians of Canada through the lens of the practising physician, who will be tasked with carrying out these activities.The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is the national voice of Canadian physicians. Founded in 1867, the CMA is a voluntary professional organization representing more than 83,000 of Canada's physicians and comprising 12 provincial and territorial medical associations and 60 national medical organizations. CMA's mission is helping physicians care for patients. The CMA will be the leader in engaging and serving physicians and be the national voice for the highest standards for health and health care. Canada ranks near bottom on UNICEF's 'fairness' report cardCanada's poorest children are falling further behind, according to a UNICEF report card that ranks the country in the bottom third among OECD and EU nations when it comes to inequality in the well-being of its youngest citizens.UNICEF's Fairness for Children report card, released Thursday, ranks Canada 26 out of 35 affluent nations. The report also notes that gaps in childrens health and education have widened since 2013, when Canada ranked 17 among 29 rich countries."One of the troubles is, in Canada, we assume that because we're in the top 10 wealthiest countries in the world, that the wealth will translate into a better life experience for children.And it's just not good enough," UNICEF Canada's President David Morley told CTV News Channel on Thursday.The report looked at the gap between children in middle-income households versus those that find themselves in the poorest 10 per cent of households.Key findings:In Canada, the poorest children have roughly half (53 per cent) the family income compared to the average child.Nine per cent of children in Canada report very low life satisfaction, thats above the average of seven percent among rich countries. Girls are also more likely to have low life satisfaction.Canada ranks 14th out of 37 countries in education inequality.The health score of children in lower income households is 29 per cent lower than children in middle income households.The UNCIEF report notes that Canada is one of a handful of countries, along with France, Iceland and Sweden, where the inequality among children has increased "markedly" in recent years.Morley said the report shows Canada has to take steps to make sure social services that are targeted towards low-income families reach children in need. Following Thursday nights revelation that Costco Wholesale is the company behind the proposed poultry operation also known as project Rawhide, and the fallout of rumors and discussion that resulted from reports by other media sources, the Fremont Tribune spent Friday trying to quell or verify the unconfirmed buzz spreading through the grapevine. The Greater Fremont Development Council informed that Costco is the sole company behind the project. Cecilia Harry, executive director of the GFDC said that all the funding, all the investment, up to this point has originated from Costco alone. Additionally, Lincoln Premium Poultry, a recently created company will be involved if the facility comes to the Greater Fremont Area, though it was too early in the process to confirm the nature of that involvement and the relationship Lincoln Premium Poultry will have with Costco. Its not uncommon for a larger company (like Costco) to manage their assets through smaller companies like Lincoln Premium Poultry, Harry said. Its very early in the process, Harry added, referring to the fact that Costcos final decision for the facilitys location has yet to be definitively determined. She explained that in these preliminary stages, the way that the Costco and the Lincoln Premium Poultry relationship works, remains to be seen. At the end of the day this operation is here to take care of a need for Costco, Harry added. Harry also confirmed that another food production giant, Crider Foods, was not involved with the project. However Harry did corroborate that talent that has been affiliated with Crider has been tapped for management by Costco. Deloitte Consulting, LLP, the consulting firm working with Costco in their Rawhide venture more specifically confirmed the name of the Crider Foods talent tapped by Costco and also clarified the relationship that Costco and Lincoln Premium Poultry share. In an email statement, Matt Bullwinkel of Deloitte Consulting wrote: Lincoln Premium Poultry is a newly formed company, currently owned by Bill Crider of Georgia, and supported by a long-term commitment from Costco. Bill is a longtime industry leader and operator. Bill is a shareholder and is involved with Crider Foods; however, at this time, Crider Foods is not directly associated with Project Rawhide in Nebraska. The industry practice of recruiting individuals from one company to another is not uncommon in any type of industry, Harry affirmed. Costco, like any other company in their position, is just trying to get the best of the best in the industry, Harry said. At the end of the day, the opposition still voices their concerns and disagreement. Nebraska Community United released a statement following the Thursday evenings Rawhide revelation: We at Nebraska Communities United are adamantly opposed to the joint venture between Costco and Crider Foods. We do not feel a mid-sized company and a wholesale company can competently construct and operate a project of this magnitude and safeguard the communitys people and its environment. Randy Ruppert, Communities United spokesman, further emphasized, I dont know how a company thats never been involved in a project like this can do this in a community and still protect our environment and community with no experience. Rupperts statement served to directly reference words spoken by Senior Vice President of Costco Wholesale during an interview with the Fremont Tribune the night before when he pointed out that the company has never before attempted a project of this magnitude. SIOUX CITY | Republican Sen. Charles Grassley, by far the longest-tenured member of Iowa's congressional delegation, has thrown his support behind incumbent Rep. Steve King in a contested GOP primary for the 4th District seat. King is being challenged by state Sen. Rick Bertrand, R-Sioux City. Grassley told the Journal he is supporting King in the June 7 primary election. Ive supported Congressman King in his previous elections and Ive been supporting him in this election," Grassley said in a statement. With more than four decades in state and federal office, Grassley is well-regarded by Iowa Republicans, so his endorsement is a boon for King with less than two months before the primary. King also received a coveted endorsement from Republican Iowa Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey, during the 4th District convention in Fort Dodge. Grassley's spokeswoman, Beth Pellett said the Grassley endorsement of King was similar to when he supported an incumbent in a Republican primary more than two decades ago. During the 1994 high-profile party battle for governor, Grassley backed Gov. Terry Branstad over Fred Grandy, who was then a Northwest Iowa congressman. King's team did not announce the Grassley endorsement. King demurred last week in a Journal interview on whether he would get endorsements from the state's top elected officials. "I am going to play those cards fairly close to the vest," he said. King has won seven terms in the U.S. House, first in the former 5th District and the last two times in the new 4th District, which spans 39 counties in Northwest and north central Iowa. Bertand, a Sioux City commercial developer, has won two terms in the Iowa Senate and has previously said he anticipates announcing notable lawmaker endorsements. Kim Weaver, of Sheldon, is the sole Democratic candidate in the 4th District field. Grassley is seeking his seventh, six-term term in the Senate this year. Iowa's other U.S. senator, Republican Joni Ernst, has not weighed in with an endorsement of King or Bertrand. Ernst's team did not respond to inquiries Thursday. Bret Hayworth is a reporter for the Sioux City Journal, another Lee Enterprises newspaper. DES MOINES Legislation to raise the state sales tax to fund conservation, recreation and water quality improvements sailed through a Senate subcommittee Thursday, but key legislators predicted a short voyage in the partisan General Assembly. Two Democratic members of a Senate Ways and Means panel sent the full committee a bill that seeks to increase the state sales and use tax rate from 6 percent to 6.375 percent effective July 1. The $180.6 million raised would be deposited in the voter-approved and constitutionally projected Natural Resources and Outdoor Recreation Trust Fund after one year. I believe we can move mountains in the Legislature, but it requires Iowans not to sit on their couch and just expect it to happen, said Sen. Janet Petersen, D-Des Moines, who supported the three-eighths of 1 percent sales tax hike but told supporters Iowans need to get on their phones and they need to email and let people truly know how badly they want this. However, Senate Majority Leader Mike Gronstal, D-Council Bluffs, said there are several competing approaches making their way through the legislative process. None, he said, including the higher sales tax, are likely to muster the 26 Senate votes and 51 House votes needed for passage to Gov. Terry Branstad. I would say there are a lot of ships passing in the night and no consensus developing on a funding mechanism, said Gronstal, who favors a different course that would take a graduated share of the general fund ending balance for water quality improvements when the states surplus topped $100 million. Senate GOP Leader Bill Dix of Shell Rock said he wanted more long-term certainty for a long-term funding source that would not include raising taxes as an option. The House has approved an approach which would shift $478 million over 13 years to water quality projects from a water metering tax and the gambling-funded state infrastructure account. Branstad wants to share future school infrastructure sales tax revenue with water quality projects as a long-term approach that would not increase current taxes. Iowans who turned out for Thursdays subcommittee meeting generally were supportive of the 3/8 of 1 percent sales tax increase. Storm Lake Mayor Jon Kruse said, People are anxious to see something done, about conservation, recreation and water quality improvements. Former legislator Ralph Rosenberg, now head of the Iowa Environmental Council, said he thinks Iowans are willing to pay a little extra to see the voter-approved trust fund come to fruition. However, Deborah Bunka, an Iowa CCI member from Ames, expressed concern about funding a nutrient reduction strategy that has failed to halt pollution from corporate agriculture fouling Iowas waterways. Rather than raise Iowans taxes, she said, corporate agriculture has to have some skin in the game. Theyre not contributing to the cleanup and we need to go after them, she said. Without a moratorium on large-scale livestock operations, added Des Moines CCI member Cherie Mortice, youre throwing money at a problem that still is going to exist. Mark Ackelson, a former president of the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation, told the subcommittee members that Iowa faces urgent water quality problems that must be addresses as part of a balance, comprehensive long-term plan. Water qualitys important, but its much more than water quality and people need to understand this, he said. This is about investing in our future. Its investing in our grandkids. Its about investing in our quality of life. Its about investing in economic development. MASON CITY | A Mason City man has been sentenced to up to 15 years in prison for burglary and domestic assault. Brandon L. Skinner, 42, was sentenced to up to 10 years in prison for second-degree burglary, a Class C felony, this week in Cerro Gordo County District Court. That sentence is to be served concurrently with a five-year sentence for domestic abuse assault, third offense, but consecutively to another five-year sentence for domestic abuse assault by strangulation, both Class D felonies. Skinner was accused of strangling a woman at Gracious Estates, 777 S. Eisenhower Ave., Mason City, on Jan. 2. He returned to the residence and assaulted the woman again on Jan. 12 after being told to leave, according to the police. Police say the woman sought medical attention for her injuries. Skinner pleaded guilty in March. A $1,000 fine and two $750 fines were suspended. Skinner also was sentenced to seven days in jail on each of three violations of a no contact/protective order. Mary Pieper MASON CITY The Mason City School Board voted Thursday evening to reject a proposal by a company that would have brought Chinese students to study in three North Iowa high schools. The board voted 6-1 to stop further involvement with the plan. Board member Scott Warren dissented. About a year ago, Tom Pinkham, executive director of the International Education Development Corp., approached several Iowa schools wanting to set up a program that would bring Chinese-born students to study and graduate from Iowa public high schools. That plan was derailed last month after Mason City Superintendent Anita Micich spotted unauthorized photos of students on the companys website. Since that time, the school board had not voted on how to proceed with the company. Pinkham appeared via Skype at the start of Thursdays meeting to ask the board to continue working with his company. Many board members expressed reservations that key details of how the proposal would work had not been adequately addressed, including the amount of money the district would receive from Pinkhams company, the cost of obtaining visas for foreign students, their English proficiency and which details still needed to be cleared through the state Board of Education. Some also cited a lack of a detailed business plan as a primary reason to reject further involvement. That is disturbing to me. Ill be honest, board member Doug Campbell said during the meeting. If he cant make the plan, he certainly cant implement it. Last month, Micich said she informed Pinkham that she would end Mason Citys involvement with his company after taking issue with the websites photos. Each were included in a section of its website labeled Iowa School Partners where basic and openly accessible demographic data was presented on multiple Iowa high schools such as Mason City, Clear Lake and Charles City. In a preliminary informational PowerPoint Pinkham provided to the Globe, some of the pictures intended to represent Clear Lake High School actually depicted the building and school colors of the similarly named high school located in Houston, Texas. Shortly after Micich raised her objections the information was removed from Pinkhams website. Since last month, Pinkham, based in Shanghai, has not responded to multiple requests for comment via email. His original proposal including having about 20 students come to North Iowa to attend classes in Mason City, Clear Lake and Charles City. Mason City would have been designated as the proposals lead school, with administrative responsibilities. As part of the proposal, native Chinese language teachers also acting as needed as interpreters would have traveled with students to North Iowa and offered Mandarian language courses to Iowa students. That instructor would need to be approved by the Board of Educational Examiners, Charles City Superintendent Dan Cox previously told the Globe. Pinkham told the Globe last month that at some point he also planned to offer North Iowa students the chance to study abroad in China. After Micich expressed her displeasure at the use of photos on his website, Charles City superintendent Dan Cox also told his board that his district would effectively end its talks with Pinkhams company. Cox said after a Charles City school board meeting last month that he had reservations on how the details of the program would work out and felt Pinkham had been over-aggressive in portraying the level of involvement of various schools before an agreement was reached. Re: Intellectual authority is defined as the authority of arguments that p [ #permalink 1 Kudos We rely on your support to make local news available to all Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2022. Donate today A controversial rezoning plan for East New York, the first of 15 neighborhoods scheduled for significant land-use changes under Mayor de Blasio's $41 billion affordable housing plan, flew through the City Council's Zoning and Land Use committees on Thursday with modifications that will ensure slightly deeper affordability. "I am calling this the unicorn deal because you're never going to see a deal like this again," said Land Use chair David Greenfield. "This is the new standard that's being set in the city that everyone else will chase, but they're not going to capture it." Under the modified plan, 1,300 units of affordable housing will be expedited over the next few years, up from 1,200. About 300 apartments planned for public land in the neighborhood will shift slightly more towards the most affordable end of the spectrumhalf of them will be set aside for residents who make up to 50% of the Area Median Income (AMI), or $38,851 for a family of three, up from 45%. Headed to the full City Council for a vote on April 20th, the modified plan also reduces proposed zoning heights on Fulton Street and Pitkin Avenue in East New York and Eastern Parkway in Ocean Hill (to "preserve the character of the neighborhood," according to the City), and scales back on proposed industrial zoning changes that residents feared would push out factories and machine shops in favor of hotels and music venues (Williamsburg has been cited as a cautionary tale). The City has also pledged to make "every reasonable effort" to convert decrepit cluster-site shelters into affordable housing, and help preserve the neighborhood's dwindling stock of one and two-family homes with loans and grants for repairs. A new elementary school and medical center are in the works, as well as renovations for local parks and dangerous intersections. But the broader strokes of the planmore than 6,000 new apartments by 2030, only half of which will be guaranteed below market-rateremain the same. About a quarter of the apartments will be set aside for families who make $31,000 or less. For context, more than a third of East New York families make $23,350 a year or less. "We're deeply disappointed that the administration couldn't commit beyond 50% affordable housing," said Michelle Neugebauer, director of the Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation, of the updates. Many East New York residents fear the rezoning will open up the floodgates to luxury development. Land prices in the neighborhood have recently tripled. East New York is also poised to serve as the City's guinea pig for Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH), another controversial pillar of the Mayor's housing plan that will require developers to include a portion of below-market-rate units in their new residential projects in exchange for City subsidies. Under the updated plan, East New York will offer the new "Deep Affordability Option" introduced last month20% of housing at 40% AMI, or $39,943 for a family of three. The updated plan also allows developers across the neighborhood to apply for the Extremely Low & Low-Income Affordability (ELLA) program, which mandates that the vast majority of units be set aside for families that make no more than $46,620 per yearif they so choose. A third option, residual from the original plan, mandates a quarter of new units at 60% of AMI, or $46,620 for a family of three. "The first plan was arsenic and this is just a watered-down version of the poison," said Brother Paul Muhammad of the Coalition for Community Advancement on Thursday. "You still will die." Marchers take over Arlington Village during a spring 2015 rally against the rezoning plan (Emma Whitford/Gothamist) The votes came in quickly on Thursday, with Greenfield rushing along as if approval was a given. When Councilmember Jumaane Williams asked for permission to explain his 'yes' voteexpressing concern that ELLA would not be mandatoryGreenfield quipped, "Can we get an 'aye' if you're going to explain your vote?" to which Williams replied, somewhat uncomfortably, "I don't know if that's how it works, brother." Councilmember Inez Barron, who represents a sliver of East New York, stood out as the only 'no' vote. "When we look at a community where 25% are making less than $15,000, this still does not go deep enough," she said. "We know that this plan addresses some of them, but there are still people who are rent burdened." New York Communities For Change, a nonprofit that purports to represent about 1,000 East New York residents, issued a report in March entitled Educating Espinal, demanding that the councilmember push for 50% affordability in all new developments along Atlantic and Pitkin avenues, at 40% of the AMI. The East New York Neighborhood Rezoning Plan, developed by local nonprofits, calls for 5,000 new apartments accessible to current residents. The modified plan falls short of both. Another significant adjustment to the East New York plan this week was the exclusion of Arlington Village, a 210-unit housing complex on Atlantic Avenue constructed in the 1940s to house World War II veterans. Advocates have been pushing for the City to carve Arlington Village out of its plan, since the complex is almost entirely vacant and was purchased for $30 million in 2015, suggesting that the new owners, Bluestone Group, are banking on significant returns. "It's been clear to us for a long time that the current owners bought [Arlington Village] at a really inflated price and they have already been trying to evict tenants," said Neugebauer. "It's the largest parcel in the community, so... it deserves its own public review." Brother Muhammad argued that while the Arlington Village carve-out gives the community some leverage, Bluestone group won't back down, especially as more market-rate apartments crop up. "Speculation won't end," he said. "We're just going to have to fight them again next year." Yesterday evening, hundreds of fast food workers and striking Verizon employees joined Governor Andrew Cuomo to rally for New York's Fight for $15 movement in Times Square. The crowd celebrated the $15/hour wage raise in New York (up from $9) and rallied to support the movement in other parts of the country. "It's a beautiful day for a revolution," Bianca Cunningham, a Verizon employee told the crowd. A year ago Governor Cuomo had sneered at the idea of a $15/hour minimum wage (God bless them shoot for the stars, he said sarcastically) and he acknowledged the "important lesson" that he has since learned. "You organize people around that dream, and you will see government follow," Cuomo said. "Last year, I went to the legislature and said 'Raise the minimum wage.' It was $9 and I said I want to raise it to $10.50 and $11.50 and the legislature said no and they refused it. So, they knocked us down, okay, but we're New Yorkers. We get back up and what we did is we came back, we used gubernatorial powers." Cuomo also told the crowd that "the middle class should be angry, because this new economy is not a fair economy." "The middle class has been going backwards for decades. Working families have been going backwards for decades. The distribution of wealth is not fair in this country." Referring to the Republican presidential candidates, who were a few blocks away giving speeches, Cuomo said that "they want to use that fear for political advantage, and they try to make us fight each other and worry about each other, and start to raise suspicions about people who are different." Many in the crowd later marched to join the anti-Trump protestors outside Grand Central. Rebecca Cornick, a Wendy's employee of about 10 years, said she thought Cuomo's support was "great, because we need all the support we can get." Another food industry worker, Alvin Major, has four kids, two of whom are in college. This wage increase will help him pay the bills and take care of his kids. When asked about Cuomo's involvement, he said, "Before we started, from the inception there weren't many people on board. Now they're on board, and I'd like to thank Mr. Cuomo for being on board." But Naquasia LeGrand, who has been involved since the first strikes in 2012, said, "Let's just say I'm glad he opened his eyes like any government official should. It's the reason for the government, you do it for the people." A 35-year-old Jewish man wearing traditional Hasidic clothing was assaulted by two men on a Crown Heights sidewalk on Thursday evening, and the incident is now being investigated by the NYPD's Hate Crime Task Force. Video footage acquired by JP Updates shows one man throwing a punch at the victim, who is operating a forklift on the sidewalk, and then fleeing the scene. The victim then jumps from his seat and pulls the assailant's companion to the ground, reportedly holding him down until 71st Precinct officers arrived. The incident took place around 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, at 617 Brooklyn Avenue near Fenimore Street in Crown Heights, according to the NYPD. Two men approached the 35-year-old forklift driver and allegedly asked him for the time. When the driver took out his phone to check the time, one of the men punched him in the face and fled west on Fenimore Street. The man who allegedly threw the punch is still at large. Tarik Michel, 17, has been arrested and charged with assault. After this Sunday, pints of Guinness will not longer be expertly poured out at Dempsey's, the longtime East Village pub on Second Avenue. After 24 years, the bar is closing up so owner Tom O'Byrne can focus on his other nearby bars, including sister pub Slainte and the gussied up gastropubs Coopers Craft and Kitchen. The bar opened as Jack Dempsey's Pub in 1992, changing to Dempsey's Pub in 1998 when O'Byrne became the sole proprietor. "Like a lot of good things, however, its reached the end of its cycle and on Sunday night after service Dempseys Pub will close for good," O'Byrne told Bedford and Bowery. "Obviously part of it is related to costs, and the demand for the type of place like Dempseys is not there anymore in the way it was before." If there comes a time when there's no demand for Irish pubs in NYC, consider the city too far gone for redemption. Leading up to the shutter, the bar is offering an all-day happy hour of $5 beers, wines and well drinks plus can and bottled beer specials at night. Dempsey's loyal trivia players and lovers of the pub's live Irish music nights can sate their cravings at Slainte on the Bowery after Dempsey's gives up the ghost. Update: Owner Tom O'Byrne offered the following poetic closing note. Residents of a luxury condominium in DUMBO have a new perk: velvet ropes that have been spotted blocking the curb and a fire hydrant near the building's entrance. Condo members tired of jockeying with taxi drivers for loading space in front of 100 Jay Street can now call the front desk ahead of dropping off the kids and groceries, to have the doorman come out and roll it away. "I find it hilarious," said resident Harris Damashek, 40, a Creative Director at Anheuser-Busch who's owned an apartment in the 33-story building since it opened in 2007. "It's like coming home to a red carpet event." "It's been a nuisance since the green taxi program went into effect," Damashek added. "The front of our building has become an unofficial green taxi parking line, which is great when you need [a cab]. But when you want to drop things off in the building you end up in a dangerous situation." Damashek added that the policy has been in the works "for a good long time," and is the result of a building-wide survey. For long term parking, the building has its own garage. The hydrant in question is on Front Street, near the corner of Jay. The velvet ropes, which weren't in place on Friday morning, were spotted by DUMBO resident Christopher Frank shortly after 5 p.m. on Wednesday, and just after noon on Thursday. "It's very un-New York to save spots, and to have a velvet rope left a bad taste in my mouth," he said on Friday. The curb-side velvet ropes also raise some legal questions. First of all, NYC's parking regulations prohibit parking, standing or stopping within 15 feet of a fire hydrant, punishable with a $115 fine. By the books, 100 Jay Street's "Reserved Parking" sign is completely illegal. That said, a passenger vehicle is allowed to stand in front of a hydrant as long as it's daytime and the driver "remains behind the wheel and is ready to move the vehicle if required to do so." The scenario applies to most taxi drivers who line Front street between Pearl and Jay streets (this reporter counted five green taxis end-to-end on the Front Street block in question this morning, idling and inching towards Jay Street). Depending on how many helpers you have unloading Whole Foods bags from your trunk, the law probably covers most drop-off scenarios as well. The rope on Wednesday, around 5:15 (Christopher Frank). Idling, also, is technically illegal. New York City requires stationary drivers to cut their engines after three minutes, or one minute in a school zone. First violators get a warning and subsequent violations trigger a $220 fine. Legislation introduced last year would up the fine to $350, and empower civilians to submit video evidence of violators, in return for as much as half of the fine amount. But in the meantime, enforcement is lax. Only 209 summonses were issued in 2014 for idling, according to bill sponsor Donovan Richards. Frank filed two complaints with 311 this week about the velvet ropes, and both complaints were dismissed with the following official response: "The Police Department responded to the complaint and determined that police action was not necessary." We sent a photo of the scenario to the Department of Transportation, which confirmed that it was aware of the situation and investigatingboth the alleged illegal idling and the legality of the velvet ropes. 100 Jay Street's management company, Solstice Residential Group, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Mutasim, a green taxi driver, was idling on Front Street on Friday morning. He said that he picks up from 100 Jay every day, taking residents into Manhattan. Mutasim saw the velvet rope on Wednesday and Thursday. "The sign said 'special parking,'" he recalled. "We have to go behind it. It makes it more difficult to pick up." "All the [taxi] companies pick up here," he added. "I believe it's illegal and it's fighting us in our business." Shehzad Khaman, another green taxi driver, hadn't seen the velvet ropes, but reiterated that the corner was a popular pickup site. "Most of our customers are in this building, and 80% of them go to Wall Street," he said. "I usually do three or four trips in a morning." In the case of a fire emergency, Damashek isn't concerned. "I'm pretty sure the fire engine would just roll up and roll over the rope," he said. Several thousand protesters gathered outside the Grand Hyatt Hotel last night to protest the New York State GOP convention, where Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, and John Kasich were scheduled to speak at a Republican fundraising gala. Layers of police barricades and scores of NYPD officers lined 42nd Street, ensuring that the protesters could not block traffic or seriously disrupt the rush hour commute. Before the event began, a small group of protesters successfully infiltrated the hotel while carrying a banner reading, "NYC Rejects the Party of Hate." They were escorted out of the hotel and arrested; an NYPD spokesperson said ten people were charged with criminal trespass for the hotel action. Another 21 demonstrators were arrested at the protest outside, with charges ranging from blocking pedestrian traffic to criminal trespass and disorderly conduct. (Scott Lynch / Gothamist) Outside Grand Central Station, Marsha McGowan held a sign that read "Even the Trump Kids Won't Be Voting Got Him." (Turns out they're not registered Republicans.) "I want the world to know that New York City is not Trump's home turf. He is the slime of New York City," she said. McGowan, a registered Democrat and the former director of personal health services for the city of Newark, supports Bernie Sanders, but added that she would vote for Hillary Clinton in the general election if she wins the primary. "I think she's a wonderful candidate and I'll support her if she wins, but I want her to listen to Bernie Sanders. I want her to know that it's not right that a small number of people control so much wealth in this country." Liz Ellerton, who has spent 30 years of her life in England after growing up in Chicago, was visiting her family in the states and happened to be on 42nd Street when the demonstration began. "It's kind of embarrassing to be an American over there," she said, noting that Trump's continued success has made it harder for her to assure others that Trump has no chance in November. "I've got a whole family who thought his chances were low, and I think they still areish." Roughly an hour into the protest, a large contingent from a Fight For $15 rally, which featured Governor Cuomo, marched from 42nd and 7th Avenue to join the crowd outside Grand Central. (Scott Lynch / Gothamist) At one point, a man wearing a "Make America Great Again" hat and a sandwich board with pictures of AK-47s on it began fighting with the protesters in the barricades across the street from the Hyatt, punching a protester in the face before the police ejected him and sent him across the street. The man, who we saw 20 minutes later shouting "Fuck Black Lives Matter" at a woman, was not arrested. "They shouldn't have let a Trump supporter into an anti-Trump protest, which they did. They didn't do their job," Mike Bento, the victim of the assault, said of the NYPD. "And then they allowed him to continue to assault me, and punch me in the face." Bento, who was bleeding from the mouth, said, "I feel like it's just an example of exactly the kind of thing that Trump stands for: violence against people of color." Bento was later arrested, according to protester Barbara Ross, who was also arrested and detained for four hours. "I'd rather spend four hrs in jail then attend a fancy gala with Trump and other hate-mongers," Ross said. HEY IT'S FRIDAY WE'RE NEARLY FREE, WHERE ARE THE BEERS, WHERE ARE THE SHOTS? Yes, though you may be suffering through a post-debate hangover, you must still take shots today, for you will need a gruesome amount of alcohol to deaden the feeling of dread brought on by the eternal wonky weekend subway work. RIP 7 train, you were beautiful once, in a child's dream. Here's what's on tap this week: 1 trains will not run in either direction between 14 St and South Ferry from 11:30 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday. Trains will skip 18 St, 23 St and 28 St in both directions during this period. Flatbush Av-Brooklyn College-bound 2 trains will skip Jackson Av from 4:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. All 2 trains will run local between Chambers St and 34 St-Penn Station from 11:30 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday. 3 trains will replace the 4 train in Brooklyn from 11:45 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday by operating to and from New Lots Av. All 3 trains will run local between Chambers St and 34 St-Penn Station from 11:30 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday. 4 trains will not run in either direction between New Lots Av/Crown Hts-Utica Av and Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall from 11:45 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday. 5 trains will not run at all from 11:30 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday. 7 trains will not run in either direction between Times Sq-42 St and 74 St-Broadway from 12:01 a.m. Saturday to 4:30 a.m. Monday. Trains will run between Flushing-Main St and 74 St-Broadway, and between Times Sq-42 St and 34 St-Hudson Yards, every 15 to 20 minutes during this period. All A trains will run along the F line between W 4 St-Wash Sq and Jay St-MetroTech from 11:45 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday. Trains will run local between W 4 St-Wash Sq and 59 St-Columbus Circle in both directions starting at 12:01 a.m. Saturday and ending at 5 a.m. Monday. Manhattan-bound trains will run local between 125 St and 168 St from 12:01 a.m. Saturday to 5 a.m. Monday. C trains will not run in either direction between 145 St and 168 St from 6:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Trains will reroute along the F line in both directions from W 4 St-Wash Sq to Jay St-MetroTech during that period. Norwood-205 St bound D trains will skip Bay 50 St and 25 Av from 5:45 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. All D trains will stop at 135 St from 12:01 Saturday to 5 a.m. Monday. Jamaica Center-Parsons Archer bound E trains run express from Queens Plaza to 71 Av from 12:15 a.m. Saturday to 7 a.m. Sunday, and again from 12:15 a.m. to 5 a.m. Monday. All E trains will skip 23 St and Spring St from 11:45 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday. Additional E trains will ferry between Manhattan and Queens from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Some Queens-bound E trains will reroute to the 179 St F station. F trains will not run in either direction between Coney Island-Stillwell Av and Church Av from 11:30 p.m. Friday to 4:30 a.m. Monday. L trains will not run in either direction between Canarsie-Rockaway Pkwy and Myrtle-Wyckoff Avs from 11:30 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday. Forrest Hills-71 Av bound R trains will run express from 6 a.m. to 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The 42 St S struggle will operate overnight from 12:01 a.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Monday. News Man jailed, fined Dhs5,500 for defrauding a European woman in Dubai According to the complainant, she received a call from the defendant requesting her to update her account data. The complainant added that the defendant gave her information about her account details and the available balance just to support his allegation that he was an employee in the same bank. A 43-year-old Helena man pleaded not guilty Thursday to two charges of deliberate homicide for the shooting deaths of brothers in February. Tilmon R. Nungesser IV is potentially facing the death penalty on allegations he shot two neighbors at close range with a shotgun because he felt they were being too loud. A trial date is slated for Aug. 15 before District Judge Kathy Seeley. Nungesser is accused of fatally shooting Robert Alan Mishler, 40, and William Andrew Mishler, 42, just after 9 p.m. on Feb. 20 at the Sherwood Apartments. He denied the homicide charges along with another felony charge of assault with a weapon. Prosecutors say Nungesser threatened one of the brothers girlfriend with the same shotgun authorities believe he used to slay the two men. Nungesser is in jail in lieu of $500,000 bond. His public defender, Chris Abbott, asked Seeley to lower the bond to $85,000 or $100,000. Abbott cited his clients lack of criminal record as one of the reasons his bond should be reduced. An honorably discharged Marine and past heroin addict, Nungesser was leading a very simple life, Abbott told the judge. Lewis and Clark County Attorney Leo Gallagher countered that Nungesser just about blew someones head off. This is one of the most brutal homicides that I have experienced in my career, Gallagher said. Seeley opted to keep the bond amount at a half million due to the seriousness of the crime and Nungessers limited local connection. Nungesser, a seasonal roads worker for the county, moved to Helena in 2013. Im too concerned about the safety of the community, Seeley said. During the bond discussion, the prosecution called Chad Lawrence, a Helena Police Department detective, to the stand. Lawrence said Nungesser had purchased the shotgun three days before the shooting. He told police he did so with plans to target shoot for hobby. On Feb. 20, Nungesser became enraged when his upstairs neighbors, the brothers, had a loud party. This had been an ongoing problem, Lawrence said. He was done. Done listening to and being disturbed by them, Lawrence testified. He was going to kill. Kill them. Autopsy results indicate William Mishler was shot three times and Robert was shot once in the neck. Nungesser told police he shot William Mishler multiple times because he didnt like the man. Nungesser told investigators he intended to kill the men because they were making too much noise that night and had made too much noise on previous nights. Court documents say Nungesser when upstairs to confront the neighbors with his shotgun in hand but after yelling at the brothers and kicking the door, he heard the girlfriend calling 911 and returned to his apartment. Nungesser concluded he would be in trouble for coming to the door with a shotgun, charging documents note. The two brothers and Nungesser then argued through through their floor and his ceiling. He said he decided to kill the men and went to their apartment to do it, court documents say. A neighbor in the Sherwood Apartments, 301 W. Lawrence St., where the three men all lived, called to report shots fired at 9:13 p.m. While on the phone with the neighbor, the dispatch operator heard multiple gunshots, according to court documents.Police found the brothers dead in a second-floor hallway. In the buildings basement hallway, officers met with Nungesser, who had blood spatter on his face and clothes, the documents say. Nungesser said he was the one you are looking for, court documents state. He then told officers the loaded shotgun was inside an apartment on the kitchen counter. Not many people live in eastern Montana, but those who do and those who travel through want reliable cellphone service. As we move out into eastern Montana, the population density becomes less than one person per square mile, said Mike Kilgore, CEO and general manager of Nemont Telephone Cooperative, based in Scobey. There are so many miles to cover and so few people to serve. Though population is sparse, people who live along the Hi-Line and east of Billings are starting to expect cellphone service just like their counterparts to the west. Visitors traveling through want their devices to be able to run off the areas cell towers. Farmers and ranchers use wireless services to direct farm equipment through fields during planting season. Nemont and other rural providers like Mid-Rivers Communications, based in Circle, and Triangle Communications, in Havre, are increasingly challenged by providing service to these rural areas an endeavor that is growing more expensive and receiving less reliable funding. There are fewer people to pay for the constantly changing communication networks of the 21st century, Kilgore told the Economic Affairs Interim Committee on Thursday. These systems are expensive to build from a capital investment standpoint and expensive to maintain. Without some form of support, its not economical to serve rural Montana, he said. Kilgore and Michael Candelaria, general manager of Mid-Rivers Telephone Cooperative, said some type of state support is necessary to provide and expand wireless service for the 25,000 square miles their companies serve. The men were invited by the committee to discuss rural cellphone service and broadband access, issues the group is considering examining. Interim committees can explore possible recommendations or create draft legislation for the upcoming legislative session. The two companies have 20,000 cellphone customers along the Hi-Line, through southcentral and Eastern Montana and into parts of North Dakota. They also serve national customers of companies like Verizon or AT&T who travel through. Nemont also provides wireless service on the Fort Peck and Crow reservations. Not all providers go onto reservation land; some circle the borders. The state, Kilgore and Candelaria said, needs to decide where rural wireless coverage and broadband service fit into the its priorities. Would the taxpayers of Montana be willing to support funding to enhance modern telecommunications service in rural Montana? Kilgore asked. Quite frankly I believe its a tough one. Decreasing federal support is hurting his company, and the state could help fill the gaps, Kilgore said. He pointed to a 911 fund paid for with a $1 fee tacked on to all phone bills in the state, a pot he says has about $32 million but cant be tapped by his company. The federal Universal Service Fund that helps pay for operations is frozen at 60 percent of what it used to be and Nemont hasnt yet been paid for projects it completed based on commitments from the funds Mobility Phase 1. Legislative research analyst Sonja Nowakowski said the Energy and Telecommunications Interim Committee is exploring draft legislation on how to spend some of the stranded money. Its unclear how much of the money must be spent and saved, she said. A proposal includes spending some of the $10 million set aside for wireless providers to update 15 older routers around the state, which would benefit 911 service but also capacity for wireless broadband data. Thats expected to cost $5 million and would be done through grants administered to local governments working with private telecommunications providers. The issue will be discussed at a meeting of a group of stakeholders next Thursday and the Energy and Telecommunications Interim Committees next meeting in Kalispell on May 12-13. The state Public Service Commission also has opened an investigation into providing a Montana Universal Service Fund to create greater broadband development. Without that support, there is no business case to build and operate rural wireless networks, Kilgore said. Its hard to put a dollar amount on how much it would cost to upgrade cell equipment in the region, he said, since technology is constantly changing. Only half of Nemonts third-generation, or 3G, sites have been updated to 4G service. VoLTE, one of the newer, faster technologies, is not universally deployed, and the industry is already talking about whats next. The company, which began providing service in 1995, has 115 3G sites and 64 4G sites; 17 of which are on the Fort Peck Reservation along Highway 2. The state could provide some relief by making it easier to access state lands for maintenance work. Companies like Nemont and Mid-Rivers spend hours negotiating access whenever they need to do work on their towers, Candelaria said. Other assistance could come in the form of tax abatements, grant programs or a state version of the service fund. Rural wireless networks not only serve the several thousand subscribers in rural Montana, but also 200-plus million subscribers nationwide who travel through the state. Roaming revenue is a big part of staying in business, Kilgore said. You look at all those maps those carriers boast that shows their coverage, Kilgore said of providers like Verizon. They can say that because of our network. New Braunfels, TX (78130) Today Windy with mostly cloudy skies. High 88F. Winds SSE at 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible.. Tonight Cloudy with occasional showers overnight. Low 72F. Winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph. Chance of rain 40%. The Artsakh Ministry of Defense reports that Azerbaijan violated the cessation of hostilities declaration more than sixty times last night, firing an assortment of small arms and mortars across the Line of Contact. As a result of the firing, Artsakh Defense Army solider Manvel Grigoryan was killed last night in the Martakert region. Comparatively intensive firing was registered in the north (Gyulistan), northeast (Talish-Martakert) and the south (Hadrout). Nevertheless, the ministry reports that situation on the ground remains basically as it was prior to the April 5 declaration. By David Boyajian Azerbaijans recent military attacks on Artsakh/Karabagh and Armenia call into serious question the Armenian-Russian defense pact and relationship. Russia has been selling Azerbaijan billions in advanced weapons that Azerbaijan is using against Armenians. Russia has repeatedly failed to rebuke Azerbaijan for breaking the ceasefire that it agreed to two decades ago. Russia has done nothing substantive to stop Azerbaijans frequent shelling of towns within Armenia itself. In 2013, Col. Andrey Ruzinsky, commander of Russias 102nd military base in Armenia, said that Russia may not permit Azerbaijan to restore jurisdiction over Nagorno-Karabakh by force. Russia has yet to take any such actions. Indeed, Russia may not care whether Azerbaijan overruns Artsakh as that, by itself, would not create a Turkish-Azeri corridor across Armenia that would threaten Russias position in the Caucasus. What would Russia do if Azeri soldiers advanced into Armenia and swam in Lake Sevan? We dont know. More Armenian reaction needed To their credit, Armenias top leaders and some MPs have expressed their dismay to Russia. As of this writing, however, Armenian citizens and diasporan organizations have been virtually silent about Russian duplicity. Twelve days after the initial Azeri assaults, there has been but one demonstration at the Russian Embassy in Yerevan. This is incomprehensible. Though Armenians do care deeply, the Kremlin may be concluding the exact opposite. Armenians often express appreciation for and solidarity with Russia. Similar sentiments, however, are seldom returned by Russians. The popular, flashy Russian TV network, RT.com, staffed by Western and Russian journalists, rarely reports anythingespecially anything positive--about Armenians. These should be warning signs to Armenians. Some Russians and Armenians argue that their defense treaty is only with Armenia, not Artsakh. Yet Russia has not countered Azeri attacks even on Armenia itself. Does the defense pact exempt Russia from acting against Azeri attacks? We dont know. And the belief is widespread that Russia is secretly making deals with Azerbaijan at Armenians expense. True, Armenia must be extremely careful because it is highly dependent upon Russian natural gas, the Russian-controlled Metsamor nuclear power plant, advanced weapons, Russian-manned bases near the Armenian-Turkish border, and more. Yet without Armenia, Russia would ultimately be surrounded, and perhaps even destroyed, by NATO. Armenia goes NATO, Russia goes under Georgia and Azerbaijan are hostile to Russia, have close relations with the US and Europe, and wish to join NATO. Azerbaijan and NATO member Turkey already call themselves one nation, two states. Suppose Armenia, voluntarily or otherwise, left the Russian orbit. Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Armenia would soon be sucked into the NATO alliance. Separating the Muslim north Caucasus from the Russian Federation would become a top NATO priority. NATO would create a Baku-based navy in the gas and oil-rich Caspian Sea. Reaching across the Caspian, NATO would link up with Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. This is Pan-Turkism under a NATO fig-leaf. Virtually surrounded by NATO and China, Russia would be ripe for destruction. The Kremlin may not totally understand this. Armenians know that Soviet Russia gifted Armenian territories to Turkey and Azerbaijan in the 1920s. As Armenia once again perceives Russia as unreliable, it will naturally look elsewhere. The West has, however, historically always broken its promises to Armenians and ultimately favored Turkey. So while Armenias someday joining NATO might be dangerous and improbable, its not impossible. Russia can twist Armenias arm and support its adversaries only up to a point. Russian naivete Russian strategy is to ingratiate itself with Azerbaijan and pull it back into the Russian orbit. Throughout the past decade, Russia has tried the same misguided strategy with Turkey. Predictably, the RussianTurkish love affair crashed and burned last year when Turkey shot down a Russian jet over Syria. This, declared President Putin, was the betrayal of a friend. Putins belief that President Erdogan and Turkey were truly his friends is breathtakingly naive. It tells us that the Kremlin is delusional about Turkey and, by extension, its Azeri kin. The Putin-Lavrov-Aliyev menage a trois will culminate in a similar disaster for Russia, but not before Armenia is damaged, perhaps fatally. Some Kremlin circles have been influenced by Aleksandr Dugins Eurasia Movement which espouses a grand union of Slavs/Russians and Turks. No one, including me, is suggesting that Armenia separate itself from Russia at this time. It is impractical and unwise. But the current relationship lacks symmetry. The people of Armenia, Artsakh, and the Diaspora must not remain silent while Russia implicitly supports Azeri aggression. Rebalancing Armenia-Russian relations Rebalancing Armenian-Russian relations must begin with large and continuing protests against Russian betrayals, similar to the pro-Artsakh demonstrations of the late 1980s. Moscow will respect this. Moscow does not respect people who, while being kicked in the teeth by a friend, pretend that theyre being kissed on the lips. Yerevan must take bigger steps towards economic and political independence from Moscow and a more evolved relationship with the West. The Armenian Diaspora could help Armenia and Artsakh immensely more if only Armenias leaders, including its lethargic ambassadors, saw diasporans as kindred spirits rather than as interlopers. The West, too, must confess its own horrendous transgressions against Armenians. The leaders and citizens of Armenia and Artsakh must be blunt about the Wests past and present betrayals and sickening Turkophilism. Why no Armenian protests in front of Western embassies? Why the hesitation to speak the plain truth? Yet what is the West offering Armenia? Very little. A more balanced path involves risks for Yerevan, but so does subservience to Moscow as recent events have shown. The author is an Armenian American freelance journalist. Many of his articles are archived at www.armeniapedia.org/wiki/David_B._Boyajian. FOOD & DRINK Stressful but successful first taco night at Goodman Center leads to more food events The futuristic satire "Creative Control" is like "Ex Machina" crossed with a Woody Allen movie. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close PORTLAND, Maine (AP) The mayor and City Council in Maine's largest city say they will introduce a resolution to restrict travel to states that enact legislation that discriminates against the gay and transsexual communities. Portland Mayor Ethan Strimling says the resolution is an affirmation of the city's commitment against discrimination. Portland officials say the resolution recommends the city manager not spend public money on non-essential travel to any state with a law in effect that sanctions discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. The city specifically mentions North Carolina and Mississippi in a statement about the proposal. City officials say the mayor and the entire City Council are behind the resolution. They will introduce it at a public meeting on April 25. A Dane County judge on Friday formally barred the state from enforcing Wisconsins right-to-work law, finalizing a decision he handed down last week and setting the stage for state attorneys to appeal. Attorney General Brad Schimel said the state will seek a stay of the ruling and appeal the decision next week. Circuit Judge William Foust last week struck down parts of the right-to-work law, which prohibits unions and employers from entering agreements that require all employees to pay fees to a union, either in the form of membership dues or fair share payments for those who opt out of joining a union but are still represented by it. Foust said the law unconstitutionally takes union property without compensation. On Friday, he issued a final order on his decision after the unions that sued the state and the state Department of Justice made dueling proposals on final order language, and about a year after the law took effect. We wholeheartedly disagree with Judge Fousts decision and final order, Schimel said in a statement. I am confident the law ultimately will be upheld and Wisconsin will remain a right-to-work state. DOJ spokesman Johnny Koremenos said DOJ attorneys will seek a stay of the ruling and file an appeal with Foust on Monday. In a memorandum regarding DOJs objection to the decision, Foust said he would be glad to hear arguments from both sides on whether a stay is appropriate if one of the parties files a motion. Foust also emphasized that he believes barring the state from enforcing the law is the right decision, noting that the law creates a misdemeanor crime for anyone who violates it. The right of the union to be paid for work it performs is not trivial, Foust wrote. Act 1 makes it a crime for the union to require someone to pay for the services he or she receives from the union. Enjoining the attorney general and the state from pursuing criminal prosecutions is appropriate relief. The AFL-CIO and two other private-sector unions sued the state, arguing state and federal law require unions to provide collective bargaining services to all employees in a represented workplace, regardless of whether they pay union dues. That made the states right-to-work law an illegal taking of their services, they argued. Foust agreed, writing that under the various labor laws and the right-to-work law a free-rider problem is born the ability of non-members to refuse to pay for something unions are compelled to provide by law. In another positive step for working people Judge Foust today affirmed the decision to overturn Right to Work in Wisconsin which will restore important rights for workers, Wisconsin AFL-CIO secretary-treasurer Stephanie Bloomingdale said in a statement. In order to rebuild our economy and raise wages working people need strong unions in the workplace. The Associated Press and State Journal reporter Ed Treleven contributed to this report. By the next day, Bill Clinton was feeling remorse. Almost. Now I like and believe in protests, he explained to an audience at Penn State Behrend. But I never thought I should drown anybody else out. ... So I did something yesterday in Philadelphia. I almost want to apologize for it, but I want to use it as an example of the danger threatening our country. That danger, said the former president, is the inability to have respectful discussions with those with whom we disagree. Weve got to stop that in this country, he said. Weve got to listen to each other again. The reference was to an incident Thursday wherein the 42nd president, while campaigning to help his wife Hillary become the 45th, got into a shouting match with Black Lives Matter activists in Philadelphia. Had this been a Trump rally, the protesters would have been beaten up, so we can at least be thankful the incident ended without stitches or icepacks. Not to say it wasnt ugly. In a sometimes angry exchange, Clinton defended himself against hecklers charges that the crime bill he signed in 1994, with its harsher sentencing, new prison construction, three strikes rule and revocation of education grants for inmates, helped fuel the mass incarceration crisis that has decimated the African-American community. Thats nothing but true, as Clinton himself acknowledged in a speech last summer before the NAACP. I signed a bill that made the problem worse, he said. And I want to admit it. He should have stuck with that. Thursdays confrontation was light on contrition and long on finger wagging. Clinton reminded protesters that the bill in question was signed in an era of lurid headlines about gangs shooting children. You are defending the people who killed the lives you say matter, he shouted. He credited the bill with dropping the nations crime rate to historic lows, which is a dubious claim. As PolitiFact has since observed, the crime rate was already falling when the bill was enacted. Clinton also noted that the bill was passed with the support of at least some African-American leaders. That part, at least, is true; it was also supported by his wife and her chief rival, Bernie Sanders. Even so, it would be naive to believe opportunism did not play a part in Clintons signing the bill. After all, it gave him the perfect retort to Republicans who accused him of being soft on crime. Now, 22 years later, the bill is back in the news and the ex-president wants to use an argument about it as an example of political incivility? Yes, that is a gnawing concern. But if Clinton thinks its the key takeaway from last weeks confrontation, he is missing the point. It is immaterial whether he and those protesters ever apologize for talking over one another. Whos going to apologize for all the nonviolent African-American offenders who have lost decades of their lives behind bars while white offenders who had the same records and committed the same crimes went free? Or for children sentenced to live in motherless homes and eat at fatherless tables? Or for the land of the free now having one of the highest incarceration rate on Earth? Who will apologize that a community already withstanding high rates of poverty, unemployment and neglect has been hollowed out by an ill-conceived law? Who will apologize? More importantly, who will work to change it? Thats the question for which African-Americans and all voters who care about justice must demand answers. I almost want to apologize, doesnt cut it. Its weaselly and ultimately, its not even on topic. If he truly desires to be forthright and to engage the people his crime bill has injured, then what the ex-president needs to say should be obvious: I passed a bad law. Heres how Hillary will fix it. We rely on our courts to resolve disputes between the branches of our government, to interpret the law and to protect our rights. For the courts to do this job, they must have judges. By refusing to do their job and act on nominees to fill vacancies on the federal court, Sen. Ron Johnson and his fellow Republicans who control the U.S. Senate are hurting the judicial system and undermining our democracy. Wisconsins voter ID law provides a vivid example of the real life consequences of the unprecedented obstructionism of Washington D.C. Republicans such as Johnson, R-Oshkosh. The ID measure, which Republican U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothman said is intended to give the GOP a partisan electoral advantage in Wisconsin, was challenged in federal court after its passage in 2011. In a lawsuit, plaintiffs argued voter ID created an impermissible burden on the right to vote for legal voters lacking an acceptable ID and that it would have a discriminatory impact. A federal judge in Wisconsin agreed, noting in his decision that the states failure to provide a single example of in-person voter impersonation, the only crime a voter ID law could prevent, undermined the claim it was necessary to prevent fraud. In addition the judge agreed the law would unfairly burden older, minority and lower income voters. After the decision striking down the law, the state appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. This court has suffered the longest judicial vacancy in the nation, in large part because Sen. Johnson refused to allow consideration of the nomination made by President Barack Obama in 2009. A three-judge panel of the Seventh Circuit reversed the lower court. But when the plaintiffs requested, as they were entitled, a review before all the judges of the circuit, the court deadlocked. The Seventh Circuit judge who wrote a previous ruling upholding the Indiana voter ID law called it a serious mistake. But because of the obstruction of Sen. Johnson, the court was left without an 11th member who could have broken the impasse. A voter ID requirement was allowed to be enforced not because the full Seventh Circuit determined it did not disenfranchise legal voters. Instead, a law passed with the admitted purpose of providing political gain for political party and with demonstrable negative effects on legal voters was allowed to stand because the understaffed court could not break a tie on whether to rehear the case. Johnson has now moved his obstruction of nominees from our Seventh Circuit to the U.S. Supreme Court. Johnson and his fellow Republicans inaction and refusal to do their jobs is an unprecedented power grab and an affront to their duty to abide by the U.S. Constitution. The result of not doing their job is that American citizens are having their voices taken away. Over 65 million Americans voted for President Obama in 2012, granting him a four-year term of office. But Johnson and the Republicans are trying to silence these voices by not giving the judicial nominees of the president the American people elected fair hearings or timely votes. And their obstruction means hundreds of thousands of legal voters in Wisconsin are being unduly burdened or outright prevented from being able to make their voice heard in elections. Its time for Sen. Johnson to stop this unprecedented partisan obstruction and to start doing his job. WASHINGTON Since President Obama nominated federal Judge Merrick Garland in March to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, much effort on both sides of the political aisle has gone into determining his ideological leanings and how he would prospectively rule on the hot-button issues of the day. But some senators running for re-election, such as Wisconsins Ron Johnson, R-Oshkosh, are hearing far more from those opposed to Garland than those supporting him. Why is this? There is an increasing intensity gap when it comes to voters opinions on which president, the current one or his successor, should get to nominate and fill the vacancy left by Justice Antonin Scalias passing. Most important of all, there has been a seismic shift in Americans view of the role of the court in our government. A recent Rasmussen Reports survey found 81 percent of likely voters say the selection of a new U.S. Supreme Court justice is important to their vote in November, with 60 percent who say its very important. It was not always so. For most of our history, Supreme Court nominees were proposed by the president and confirmed by the Senate with relatively little fanfare. Occasional controversies flared up, but for the most part the legal qualifications and jurisprudential approaches of nominees were not issues. For much of American history, the courts occupied the role ascribed to them by Alexander Hamilton, who observed that the judiciary will always be the least dangerous to the political rights of the Constitution; because it will be least in a capacity to annoy or injure them. It can take no active resolution whatever. It may truly be said to have neither FORCE nor WILL, but merely judgment. Yet over time, and especially since the 1960s, the Supreme Court began to be perceived as possessing a general power of ultimate constitutional interpretation, covering all people and trumping other branches of the federal government and state governments. Other branches remained silent despite their duty to interpret independently the Constitution a duty certainly intended by the Founders. This only fed the courts outsized view of its authority. Over time, people gradually accepted this increasingly powerful role of the court despite its lacking constitutional sanction. The distorted role of the court has been exacerbated by distorted decisions of the court that have appropriated legal territory not prescribed by the Constitution. Decisions proclaiming new rights concerning controversial social issues, supposedly on the basis of substantive due process under the 14th Amendment, have at once taken issues out of the hands of voters while warping the text the court had been entrusted to interpret. This is what is upsetting voters such as Sen. Johnsons constituents in Wisconsin. For decades, such activist decisions by the court have disenfranchised millions of voters who feel they no longer have a voice in government. It is therefore easy to see why these same voters are concerned about Merrick Garlands nomination. Conservatives and liberals alike know Supreme Court nominations are incredibly important in an era when the court has claimed an outsized role and activist bent. Social conservatives have reason to be wary about any nominee put forward by one of our nations most socially liberal presidents to date, who has not tempered his dogmatic advocacy of abortion, radical sexual autonomy, and dismissal of religious objections to his policies. When Planned Parenthood is even marginally supportive of a nominee, pro-life voters who want to see the horror wrought by Roe v. Wade recede should take note. All Americans, regardless of whether they are socially conservative or conservative in any sense have reason to be concerned with anyone reflecting President Obamas judicial philosophy. Justices are called on to interpret the Constitution, not make law. That is not a social pronouncement, nor is it a conservative or liberal issue. It is a constitutional issue. President Obama has not shown adherence to the limited role of the judiciary as reflected in our Constitution, and his nominees will only reinforce the bloated power the court has aggrandized to itself. This is why the Senate, under the leadership of Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, has committed to refusing any hearings or any votes on Supreme Court nominees during this contentious presidential election year. Perhaps under the next president, Americans will see a nominee who pledges fidelity to the Constitution and has the track record to support it. Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-04-15 Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article From: The Athens News Agency at CONTENTS [01] Archibishop of Athens and All Greece Ieronymos arrives in Mytilene [02] PM Tsipras chairs gov't council on foreign and defence policy [03] Public consultations on international tender for TV channels licences [04] 53,666 identified refugees in Greece on Friday [05] Visitors, revenues in museums and archaeological sites up in 2015 [01] Archibishop of Athens and All Greece Ieronymos arrives in Mytilene Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Ieronymos who arrived on Friday in Mytilene was the first of the three hierarchs that will visit Lesvos on Friday and Saturday in an attempt to support the refugees. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (Vartholomeos) will arrive on the island late on Friday followed by Pope Francis' arrival on Saturday morning. Upon his arrival to Lesvos, Ieronymos wished this initiative to be fruitful. "Our aim is to make the problem international. To point out that it is not only a problem of the Greeks or the Europeans, but of the humankind." [02] PM Tsipras chairs gov't council on foreign and defence policy The government council on foreign and defence policy (KYSEA) chaired by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras will convene on Friday to discuss the latest developments on the refugees crisis, the condition in the Aegean as regards the presence of NATO and the implementation of the EU-Turkey's agreement and the situation at the refugees camp in Idomeni. According to government sources, they will discuss Turkish military aircrafts recent of violations of Athens' FIR, particularly a series of violations over the islands of Inousses in the Aegean. [03] Public consultations on international tender for TV channels licences Greece launched public consultations on Friday on the international open tender for the licensing of TV channels. The public consultations will run for a week and then the tender will be published in Greek and English in the government gazette and the EU official journal. Four licences will be granted with starting price at 3 million euros. [04] 53,666 identified refugees in Greece on Friday 53,666 identified refugees and migrants were on the Greek territory on Friday including 107 persons that arrived on the Greek islands in the last 24 hours. According to the Refugee Crisis Management Coordination Body's figures, 29,269 of the refugees are in northern Greece, 10,397 of them are in Idomeni camp, 14,795 are hosted in the region of Attica (3,770 at Piraeus port), 7,216 on the Greek islands and 2,386 are hosted in different areas in central and southern Greece. [05] Visitors, revenues in museums and archaeological sites up in 2015 Visitors to Greek museums in December 2015 posted a 4.9 percent increase, however, revenues from entrance tickets fell 16.9 pct compared to the same month in 2014, the Hellenic Statistical Authority (ELSTAT) said on Friday. It also said that in the period January-December 2015, there were 6.1 pct more visitors in museums and revenues rose by 5 pct, compared to the same period in 2014. In terms of archaeological sites, ELSTAT said, that the number of visitors increased by 1.7 pct in December 2015 while revenues dropped by 19.1 pct in comparison with December 2014. Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-04-15 Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article From: The Athens News Agency at CONTENTS [01] Vatican spokesman hopes the hierarchs' visit to Lesvos will awaken consciences [02] Agreement between Greece and its European lenders possible, says Dombrovskis [01] Vatican spokesman hopes the hierarchs' visit to Lesvos will awaken consciences ROME (ANA-MPA/ Th. Andreadis)---The Pope, the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Archbishop of Athens, are not political authorities, but religious and moral authorities acting in this field. But in so doing, they address dynamically to the sense of responsibility of all, depending on the specific responsibilities of each, Vatican spokesman father Federico Lombardi said in an exclusive interview to ANA-MPA. "Therefore they address to the responsibility of politicians. They cannot offer specific, 'technical solutions' but they can propose the necessary principles and refer to indispensable needs, suggesting guidelines that lead to meaningful consequences," he underlined. A few hours before Pontiff's visit to Lesvos, father Lombardi referred to the close, brotherly relationship between Pope Francis and the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. 1 [02] Agreement between Greece and its European lenders possible, says Dombrovskis BRUSSELS (ANA-MPA/ M.Spinthourakis)---An agreement between Greece and its lenders is possible, European Commission Vice President Valdis Dombrovskis said on Friday. In statements to Politico, he said that the Greek issue will be discussed on the sidelines of the IMF's Spring Meeting in Washington, noting that progress has been achieved in many sectors including mid-term fiscal targets, the taxation of individuals, tax collection and the pensions issue. However, he admitted that there are differences between IMF and EU's forecasts on Greek estimated fiscal gap in 2018 which as he said, can be easily bridged. Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-04-15 Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article From: The Athens News Agency at CONTENTS [01] PM Tsipras: Greece's program review will be completed without additional measures [02] Present government turning Greece into 'banana republic', ND leader says [01] PM Tsipras: Greece's program review will be completed without additional measures The Greek program review will be completed without additional austerity measures because that's what the agreement stipulates and everyone must respect it, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said on Friday during a heated debate in parliament on a proposal tabled by SYRIZA and ANEL to start a probe into the legality and conditions under which banks gave loans to parties and various media. "The country is not alone. And the country is right and we will be vindicated. The economy will return to growth and the people will exit from the tunnel after six years of disaster," Tsipras told MPs. "While society was in the midst of austerity, with thousands of jobs being lost, and the unprecedented burden on the taxpayers, who had the nerve to refund the loans of political parties and media? Which expediency was served?" he wondered, adding that the triangle of corruption banks, parties, media planned and implemented policies that favoured economic elites. Tsipras then focused his criticism on the main opposition, accusing it of siding with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and its austerity policies. "You're more Catholic than the Pope," he said turning to ND leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis. "What do you mean you fully identify with the positions of the IMF on the issues of labour market and structural reforms?" He also accused Mitsotakis of discrediting the country by calling for elections juts before the program review is completed, alleging that the government coalition is about to collapse. He said this showed the ND leader is willing to lead the country to a credit crunch just to gain power. "This is your aim, once again, but it's not going to happen. You have to understand that you'll have to wait for a long time," he said, adding the people will not give an opportunity to these neoliberal positions. Mentioning the Wikileaks affair, when telephone conversations between the IMF's top officials were leaked, Tsipras said that New Democracy, instead on focusing on the content of these leaks, made innuendos about the source of the leak. He then accused Mitsotakis of defending the positions of "third parties" and not Greece's, by referring to the ND leader's comment that the country is in shambles. "There's a climate of recognition for Greece. In the name of this recognition, the Pope and the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew are coming to Greece," he said. [02] Present government turning Greece into 'banana republic', ND leader says Main opposition New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Friday repeated a call for elections, saying the interests of the country would be best served by the removal of the present government. "With every day that passes, Greece is reminiscent of a banana republic because that is the state to which you have rendered the country," Mitsotakis said, replying to criticism that Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras levelled against him in Parliament. "I defence the country's interests and the country's interests are not the same as yours. The interests of the country demand that you leave sooner rather than later," Mitsotakis added, noting that Tsipras would go down in history as "the prime of closed borders and closed banks." Mitsotakis said that he would vote in favour of a Parliamentary probe proposed by ruling coalition leader SYRIZA, whereas SYRIZA will not support ND's proposal for a Parliamentary committee to investigate its first six months in power and attribute responsibility for the imposition of a bank holiday, capital controls and whether there was a plan to leave the euro. "You don't want this committee because you tremble at the revelations, because you are repeating the catastrophe of 2015 and fail to learn from your mistakes," he said. ND's leader also slammed the government's handling of the negotiations with the creditors on the review of the programme, saying it was tantamount to Chinese water torture for society. Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 16-04-15 Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article From: The Athens News Agency at CONTENTS [01] State minister urges all parties to help for a 'clear television landscape' [02] Schedule of prime minister and Church leaders during Lesvos visit [01] State minister urges all parties to help for a 'clear television landscape' State Minister Nikos Pappas called on all political parties on Friday to contribute in achieving transparency in the TV licensing sector, during a debate in parliament on a proposal tabled by SYRIZA and ANEL to start a probe into the legality and conditions under which banks gave loans to parties and various media. "Let's look at the past, let's put our finger on the wound with the Inquiry Commission and let us all contribute so that the tender for the television licenses can be held, so that we can take stable steps towards a clear television landscape, a better television future," he told MPs. He said the draft bill marks a very important moment and invited all sides to submit proposals on how to conduct the tender. [02] Schedule of prime minister and Church leaders during Lesvos visit Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras will hold a brief meeting with the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope Francis in Lesvos on Saturday, as part of their joint visit to the island with Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, Ieronymos, it was announced on Friday. The three Church leaders will sign a joint declaration during their visit to Moria's registration centre, after meeting, talking and eating lunch with refugees. They will then hold a prayer service at the island's port for those who perished trying to cross into Europe. The full schedule is as follows: - 09.30 Arrival of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras at Lesvos where he will have a meeting the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew - 10.20 Arrival of Pope Francis at the international airport in Mytilene on the island of Lesvos. Welcoming ceremony. - 10.35 Private meeting with Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras in the airport - 10.55 Travel by minibus with Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Ieronymos to the Moria refugee camp - 11.15 Visit with the refugees - 12.25 Brief speeches by Archbishop Ieronymos, Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope Francis - 12.40 Signing of a joint declaration - 12.45 The archbishop, patriarch and pope have lunch with some of the refugees - 13.45 Meeting with citizens of Lesvos, the Catholic community of Greece, followed by a prayer service for migrants who have died trying to reach Europe. Speech by pope. Prayers by archbishop, patriarch and pope. Minute of silence. - 14.30 Private meetings at the Mytilene airport with Archbishop Ieronymos, Patriarch Bartholomew and Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras - 15.00 Farewell ceremony - 15.15 Pope Francis's departure from Mytilene airport Athens News Agency: News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article Indeed, the coal industry's largest coal producer filed for Chapter 11 this week. Investor's Business Daily wrote a scathing editorial about the situation Thursday, which Illinoisans concerned about the coal industry will find interesting, as will the millions throughout the Midwest whose electricity is derived from coal-burning plants: Another coal giant in America, Peabody Energy Corp., declared bankruptcy this week. This bankruptcy filing follows similar actions by Arch Coal Inc., Alpha Natural Resources Inc., and other coal producers that have filed for Ch. 11 protection from creditors. The ideologues in the White House must be uncorking the champagne. They wanted this to happen. It was the intended result of lawsuits and burdensome regulations by the Obama-era Environmental Protection Agency, which declared war on coal from the day Obama entered office. This was a key component of the anti-carbon agenda of the climate change fanaticism that pervades this White House. Ideas have consequences. Obama has succeeded in decimating whole towns across America from Wyoming to Virginia to Pennsylvania dependent on coal. An estimated 31,000 coal miners, truckers, engineers, construction workers and others have lost their jobs since 2009 as a result of this global warming jihad. Another 5,000 or so could be given pink slips at Peabody. To the left, these lives ruined is acceptable collateral damage for their utopian dream of saving the planet. The victims here arent rich fat cats. They are middle class workers whose lives have been turned upside down by the Big Green Machine. Investors have gotten crushed too as a result of coals demise. The coal industry has lost more than $30 billion in stock value since 2009 with many of these losses in pension funds and 401(k) plans. Thursday's protest was centered at the Rock & Roll McDonald's in River North. About 1500 people marched, chanting, "Shut it Down!" There were several hundred Chicago Police officers controlling the crowd on foot, bikes, horses and in vehicles. The march appeared peaceful, but it disrupted traffic on Clark, Ontario, Ohio, and LaSalle streets. Here we go again, another Chicago protest. It's seems like I run into them on a daily basis. While I support free speech, these protests are costing taxpayers millions of dollars in city resources, while diverting police away from doing regular police work in Chicago's neighborhoods. Billionaire business man Ken Griffin was the target of some of their complaints Thursday, as his hedge funds contain a large amount of McDonald stock. Indirectly you could say he owns the company. Griffin was a major contributor to Governor Bruce Rauner's campaign, who was also targeted by the protesters.The irony is many union pension funds are invested in these hedge funds, so they could be protesting against themselves. Many of protesters were from organized labor, including Chicago teachers that marched just last week. These protests seem to occur on a regular basis now in Chicago. It all seems silly to me, as everybody wants to make more money. Fast food businesses will just automate more, raise prices, or just go out of business -- especially in Chicago. And I don't want to pay $20 bucks for a Happy Meal. DNAinfo.com reports that Chicago already has a declining population as evidenced by having 6000 less kids from the previous year in the public schools. In my opinion, people are leaving Chicago because of poor schools, high crime, massive taxes and government corruption. The solution seems simple: less taxes, less spending, and less borrowing. This would create more jobs with freedom, liberty and opportunity for all. Why not raise the minimum wage to $100 an hour or even $200? Why not? Because it just won't work. We need to encourage businesses in Chicago, not chase them away. U.S. missile defense officials told lawmakers Wednesday that the Pentagon is in talks with South Korea to deploy a missile defense system to counter North Korea's aggressive military strategy. Brian McKeon, principal deputy undersecretary of defense for policy at the Pentagon, told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee that "we have opened consultations with our Korean partners" about deploying Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD to the peninsula. "We would engage in discussions about a possible site before we reach an announcement," McKeon said. "The purpose of the THAAD battery would be to protect our deployed forces in Korea and our partners in Korea," he said. The proposal for the THAAD batter deployment came up in February after North Korea's launch of satellite atop what could be developed as a long-range intercontinental ballistic missile capable of hitting the United States. China has warned against the U.S. plan in the past and South Korea has previously been non-committal on the deployment of the system within its borders. Sen. Angus King, and Independent from Maine, asked if there has been any reaction from China. "They are not happy about it," McKeon said. "It's not about China. It's not a threat to China, and we have made that plain to them and offered to explain it to them." Other lawmakers showed concern about North Korea's flurry of recent missile tests and the country's ability to threaten the United States. "You mentioned it's a low probability that North Korea could miniaturize a nuclear weapon on an ICBM and hit the United States," said Sen. Dan Sullivan, a Republican from Alaska, speaking to Adm. William Gortney, commander of U.S. Northern Command and commander of North American Aerospace Defense Command. "But in your assessment, that is unlikely to stay low, isn't that correct?" Sullivan asked. "It seems like almost every day we are seeing a new news story about ICBM engines and other things being developed, so isn't prudent to assume that that low probability is going to morph into moderate or even high in the next five to 10 years?" "Yes sir," Gortney answered. "It's only a matter of time before they put it together, that's why we watch their test efforts so closely." In January, North Korea said its test of a "miniaturized" hydrogen bomb was a "perfect success" -- a claim that, if true, would confirm fears among Western observers that it was closer to developing nuclear warheads for long-range missiles capable of reaching the U.S. The United States acknowledged "seismic activity" near a nuclear site in the country but stopped short of confirming the claim. The test marked the country's third demonstration of nuclear technology since 2006 and its first thermonuclear detonation. A hydrogen bomb is far more powerful than an atomic bomb and relies on the heat generated from nuclear fission to trigger a fusion reaction. North Korea has steadily increased the explosive power, or yield, of its previous nuclear tests, from less than a kiloton in 2006 to about two kilotons in 2009 to six to seven kilotons in 2013, according to the Congressional Research Service. The first two tests are believed to have used plutonium rather than highly enriched uranium. Obtaining the fissile material is the main hurdle in building a nuclear weapon. North Korea is estimated to have between 30 and 50 kilograms of separated plutonium -- enough for four to seven weapons, according to the 2013 report from the CRS. North Korea has spent decades trying to perfect a multistage, long-range missile to eventually carry smaller versions of nuclear bombs, the Associated Press reported. After several failures, it put its first satellite into space with a long-range rocket launched in December 2012, the AP reported. After North Korea's 2013 underground nuclear detonation, the U.S. flew pairs of stealth aircraft over South Korea, including F-22 fighter jets and nuclear-capable B-2 bombers, in a show of force against the North. --Brendan McGarry contributed to this story. --Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com. Chewing tobacco can also cause bronchial asthma, hypertension, high blood pressure and stroke: Read to know more. By India Today Web Desk: Delhi government has banned all chewable tobacco products in the National Capital Region (NCR). The ban will be in action for one year. On Thursday, the Department of Food Safety issued a notification with this declaration. The tobacco products that are prohibited are gutkha, pan masala, zarda and khaini. The unpackaged khaini that are sold on footpaths are also included in the list. advertisement This decision was in pipeline for a long time. In 2012, the health officials had issued a notification to ban the sale of gutkha. But then, the tobacco retailers almost humiliated the ban by selling the components of gutkha in separate pouches (one with supari and another with zarda), thus defeating the purpose of the ban. Chewing tobacco products can cause serious bodily harm to the consumer. It can cause oral cancer. Here are some more alarming reasons why you should quit chewing tobacco products: Source: The Hindu and Cancer.org Interested in General Knowledge and Current Affairs? Click here to stay informed and know what is happening around the world with our G.K. and Current Affairs section. To get more updates on Current Affairs, send in your query by mail toeducation.intoday@gmail.com. --- ENDS --- ABC News(BUFFALO, N.Y.) -- Dont count on Republican presidential hopeful Ted Cruz being Donald Trump's running mate -- even though Trump has not made any such proposal. "It aint gonna happen," Cruz said during an MSNBC town hall in Buffalo, New York, Thursday in which he tackled a number of issues. The Texas senator didnt shy away from discussing North Carolina's House Bill 2 that was signed into law last month, limiting bathroom access for transgender people. "As the father of daughters, Im not terribly excited about men being able to go along into a bathroom with my daughters," said Cruz. "Listen, the Obama education department is going against a junior high insisting that the junior high must allow a teenage boy to shower with teenage girls. Now, thats just nuts. I mean, thats not a reasonable decision. Thats crazy." Cruz also repeatedly dodged questions from MSNBC moderator Chuck Todd as to whether he would support personhood bills -- legislation that would give constitutional rights to fertilized eggs -- as president. "I told you I'm not going to get into the labels, but what I will say is we should protect life," said Cruz. "But I'm not interested in anything that restricts birth control." The GOP candidate also pledged that as commander-in-chief that he would work across the aisle to get things done. "If I'm elected president, I think I will work very, very closely with leaders in Congress because it's a very different thing," Cruz said. He added, "I think we will see Washington responsive to the people in a way it hasn't been since the 1980s." Copyright 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. By PTI: From Youssra El-Sharkawy Cairo, Apr 15 (PTI) At least 100 people were arrested today as police fired tear gas to disperse protesters demonstrating against Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el- Sisis decision to transfer two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia. Several activists protested in different parts of the country including in Cairo, Alexandria, el-Sharqeya, Mansora and other areas and accused Sisi of selling the islands in return for Saudi investments. advertisement Over the past week, President Sisi has come in for severe criticism over his decision which had triggered angry reactions from many Egyptians, who consider the move as an insult to their national pride. The two islands were under Egypts control for over 60 years. The police used tear gas to disperse the anti-government rallies today. Street protests without prior permission from police are banned in Egypt after a controversial law was passed in this regard in 2013. In one of the major protests, thousands of people rallied outside the Press Syndicate in downtown Cairo even as the security forces cordoned the area preventing other protests from marching to Tahrir Square. The protesters held placards and chanted slogans like Our land is our honour and theyve sold the land to Saudis to express their anger over the decision. They also used slogans similar to the 2011 revolution including, "people want the regime to fall", "bread, freedom and social justice" and "Leave". Last week, Saudi Arabias King Salman bin Abdulaziz said his country and Egypt would build a joint bridge over the Red Sea, which would be aimed at boosting trade exchange between the two allied countries and connecting the two countries. Egyptian government said the two islands at the mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba belong to Saudi Arabia, which asked Egypt in 1950 to protect them from Israel. Israel captured the islands in the 1967 Middle East war, but handed them back to Egypt under the provisions of the 1979 peace treaty. A recent statement by Egypts government said that agreement of demarcation the maritime borders between Egypt and Saudi Arabia is an important achievement that will make the two countries benefit economically. The statement said the islands Tiran and Sanafir now fall under the Saudi territorial waters according to the Egypt and Saudi agreements which were signed as part of King Salmans visit to Egypt last week. Last Wednesday, President Sisi had defended his decision saying that it was made in line with the "documents with the Egyptian state institutions such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defence and the General Intelligence Service and it stuck to the 1990 presidential decree which was submitted to the United Nations." PTI YES ASK ASK --- ENDS --- advertisement Kung Fu, an ancient sport popular in China, has a very long history. Tiger Shroff's recent comment about Kung Fu originating in India has left Jackie Chan stunned. The Miracles actor, who is in India shooting for his next Kung Fu Yoga in Jaipur, was shocked to hear such claims about Kung Fu. By India Today Web Desk: Kung Fu, an ancient sport popular in China, has a very long history. Tiger Shroff's recent comment about Kung Fu originating in India has left Jackie Chan stunned. The Miracles actor, who is in India shooting for his next Kung Fu Yoga in Jaipur, was shocked to hear such claims about Kung Fu. ALSO READ: Tiger Shroff is flooded with thank you messages from Kung Fu trainers. Here's why advertisement ALSO READ: Tiger and Shraddha didn't want to waste water for their rain song. So they did this "This comment of his, on Kung Fu having its origins in India, has not only shocked the martial arts maestro Jackie Chan, but it has also made him extremely curious about the subject, since Kung Fu has been an extremely important part of his career," reveals an industry insider, on condition of anonimity. Reportedly, Jackie Chan wants to meet Tiger on the basis of his comment and has also asked his crew members to do some research and find the correct fact. Not just Jackie Chan, but the people of China have also started writing to the makers of Baaghi, on their respective social media platforms raising several questions against the actor's statement. In an earlier interview, "Kung fu is the most ancient of all martial arts and is the art of fighting without weapons. The art of fighting without fighting as I like to say! There are conflicting opinions on whether it actually originated from the teachings of an Indian Buddhist monk, Bodhidarma, who arrived in China from India in the 6th century or not. One thing is for certain and that is, he most definitely brought a form of martial arts with him, most likely Kalaripayattu, and transformed the newly formed Shaolin temple and the Buddhist monks settled there into dedicating themselves to Kung Fu and becoming a warrior elite whose fame spread throughout China and then all over the world." Directer Sabbir Khan also said, "We have received several questions on this matter, its but natural for this entire debate to arise as from centuries Kung Fu has been established as a form of martial arts which was born in China" The origin of this incredible martial art is often subject to many debates especially by scholars studying the Indian arts who claim that it is a direct descendant of the South Indian martial art Kalaripayattu. Parellely, other reports claim that martial arts were established in China centuries before the arrival of Bodhidharma or the construction of the Shaolin temple. advertisement Tiger Shroff underwent extensive training for Kalaripayattu for his upcoming film Baaghi. Directed by Sabbir, the film also stars Shradhha Kapoor in the lead role. Baaghi is slated to release on April 29 this year. --- ENDS --- In a video released by the residents on social media, the goons took over the welfare office of the apartment complex. By India Today Web Desk: In a shocking incident in Bengaluru, gun-toting goons threatened residents of a residential complex as the builder wanted to have his way in sharing building amenities. According to a video, residents of an upscale residential complex near Electronic City in Bengaluru were threatened by goons. In a video released by the residents on social media, the goons took over the welfare office of the apartment complex. advertisement In the video, it can be seen that the goons in the video were holding guns in their hand. The builder wanted to integrate the amenities of his neighbouring villa project with the partner complex to which the residents objected. When approached, the police not only refused to file a complaint, but also asked the residents to resolve the issue in their own way. --- ENDS --- Ram, who was last seen in Bollywood film Zanjeer, a remake of director Prakash Mehra's 1973 released film Zanjeer, says that Salman once approached him for producing a film but they are not starring together as of now. By India Today Web Desk: Actor Ram Charan, who is currently shooting a yet to be titled Telugu remake of Tamil blockbuster Thani Oruvan, says he is not sharing screen space with Salman Khan, contrary to reports surfacing in media. Ram, who was last seen in Bollywood film Zanjeer, a remake of director Prakash Mehra's 1973 released film Zanjeer, says that Salman once approached him for producing a film but they are not starring together as of now. advertisement "No, I don't know how these rumours are coming in. I am not starring in a film with Salman Khan," Ram, son of Telugu superstar Chiranjeevi, told IANS during his visit to the capital. He added: "But it was very nice of him when he once approached and said he wants to produce a film, and but of course the script and everything he has to select... but we are not acting together as of now." Ram is known for his performances in Telugu films like Magadheera and Chirutha. --- ENDS --- "Yes, dialogue is the best option," Pakistan foreign ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria said in response to a question whether the door was still open for negotiations between India and Pakistan at his weekly media briefing in Islamabad. By Indo-Asian News Service: In the face of Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit's comment that "at present the peace process is suspended" exactly a week back, Pakistan foreign ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria on Thursday said the door for negotiations with India was very much open. "Yes, dialogue is the best option," Zakaria said in response to a question whether the door was still open for negotiations between India and Pakistan at his weekly media briefing in Islamabad. advertisement "Diplomacy is for interaction and engagement between countries," he said. Asked at the Foreign Correspondents Club in New Delhi in a media interaction exactly on April 7 about a meeting between the foreign secretaries of the two countries, Basit said: "There is no meeting scheduled for now. I think at present the peace process is suspended." Foreign secretary-level talks between the two countries scheduled for the middle of January this year were derailed following the January 2 cross-border terror attack on the Pathankot Indian Air Force base in which seven Indian security personnel were killed. The Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad claimed responsibility for the attack in which the six attackers were also reportedly killed. The two south Asian neighbours had agreed to start a comprehensive bilateral dialogue during a meeting between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Sartaj Aziz, the advisor to the Pakistan prime minister on foreign affairs, in December. This happened after Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif had a seemingly impromptu meeting at the Conference of Parties (CoP)-21 climate summit in Paris on November 30 last year which was followed by a meeting between the national security advisors of the two nuclear-armed neighbours in Bangkok on December 6. The neighbourly rapport got a significant boost when Modi made a surprising stop at Lahore on his way back to New Delhi from Kabul on Christmas Day on the occasion of his counterpart's birthday. The next day was the wedding of Sharif's daughter. However, the terror attack in Pathankot on January 2 strained relations between the two countries. India said it sent "actionable evidence" to Pakistani authorities to bring the perpetrators of the attack to book. Pakistan filed an FIR in Gujranwala in February against unknown terrorists in connection with the airbase attack. It then sent a joint investigation team (JIT) to India in March-end to probe the attack. Basit held the press conference after the JIT's departure. In Thursday's media briefing, Zakaria said that during Modi's visit to Pakistan in December, it was decided that the two foreign secretaries should meet soon. "It is hoped that both sides would work out modalities for the FS level talks. We need to look ahead and not think in terms foreclosing any options. Both sides are in contact with each other. Once the modalities are worked out secretary-level talks would take place," he said. advertisement Replying to a range of questions, Zakaria said: "At our level here in the ministry, we do not give a day-to-day running commentary on official policy." As to the visit of the JIT, he said that it was evaluating the information shared by the Indian side. "It may be appropriate to allow the investigations to take its due course rather than indulge in speculations," the spokesman said. To a question about Kirpal Singh, an Indian prisoner who died in Pakistan on April 11 following what the authorities claimed was a heart attack, Zakaria said that it was "not appropriate to see everything through the prism of suspicion and conspiracy". "He was kept in intensive care at the hospital but he could not survive. He was given death sentence and life imprisonment by anti-terrorism court," he said. "We have communicated this information to the Indian high commission in Islamabad." Kirpal, 54, died at a hospital in Pakistan's Kot Lakhpat Jail. He was alleged to have been involved in a bombing at Faisalabad Railway Station in 1991 and sentenced to death for spying and terrorism in Pakistan. --- ENDS --- advertisement By PTI: From Lalit K Jha Washington, Apr 15 (PTI) A woman US defence contractor has been sentenced to nearly five years in jail for illegally exporting to India military blueprints and technical drawings of parts used in some high-tech hardware like F-15 jets using a local churchs website. Hannah Robert, 49, circumvented the US government and provided export-controlled technical data related to various types of military technology to an individual in India, said Assistant US Attorney General John P Carlin in a statement. advertisement Robert, a resident of New Jersey, was charged with illegally exporting to India the military blueprints and technical drawings of parts used in some of the high-tech and sensitive hardware like F-15. She was sentenced to 57 months of imprisonment for conspiring to send sensitive military technical data to India. "We will vigorously prosecute and bring to justice those who abuse their access to sensitive defence information and violate the Arms Export Control Act," Carlin said. Prosecutors say she ran two New Jersey-based companies that contracted with the Pentagon to supply defence hardware and spare parts. She owned a third company in India that manufactured parts. Currently under home detention pending trial, she was charged in a superseding indictment with one count of violating the Arms Export Control Act, one count of conspiracy to violate the act and four counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. According to court documents, Robert, founder, owner, and president of One Source USA LLC, used a local churchs website to transfer technical drawings of military hardware parts. The exported technical drawings include parts used in the torpedo systems for nuclearsubmarines, military attack helicopters, and F-15 fighter aircraft, the Department of Justice said. She transmitted export-controlled technical data to one PR in India so that they could submit bids to foreigners, including those in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to supply them or their foreign customers with defence hardware items and spare parts. Neither Robert nor PR obtained approval from the US Department of State for this conduct, the Justice Department said. PTI LKJ ASK AMS AKJ AMS --- ENDS --- By PTI: Bengaluru, Apr 15 (PTI) Social media giant Facebook today said it is looking to scale up extending "BoostYour Business" programme to villages in India to help entrepreneurs in improving theirbusiness prospects. "We are doing a bunch of different initiatives catered specifically to arts and crafts of India that live in villages. The challenge before us now is of scaling this up," Head of Economic GrowthInitiatives for Facebook India Ritesh Mehta told PTI here. advertisement "So we will try to partner with the organisationwhich will help us scale because one company can do a limited amount of things. But if we partner with 10 NGOs or governments, then together we can do a lot more," he added. Arts and crafts is a very big focus area for Facebook and it is running a specific initiative for rural entrepreneurs, he said. "When we visited five cities of Uttar Pradesh, we actually wentout to the villages, not just the cities. When we were in Banaras, we also went outside Banaras as well, where weavers live and showed them the usage of Facebook page. Same thing we did in Kanauj and Kanpur," he said. Facebook is starting to work with NGOs like Seva in Gujarat that have a huge network of rural artisans, he said. When asked how many partnerships Facebook has struck to take the programme to cities and villages, Mehta said,"Right now we are not ready to announce the partnership with NGOs, but we work with them for different initiatives." Mehta also said Facebook is intalks with the Karnataka government, but do not have a formalpackage to take this programme to cities across the state. "We are in conversation, but we dont have a formal package as of now. We would love to take this programme to other cities across Karnataka," he said. Asked why Karnataka was not the first destination to implement the initiative, especially as Bengaluru is considered a hotbed for net connectivity, hesaid that before talking to the government, they wanted to besure they establish their initiative here. "We have starteddoing that," Mehta said. He said they had so far covered seven cities inIndia, including Hyderabad and Bengaluru and trained 4,000 women entrepreneurs. By year end, Facebook aims to cover 20 to 25 cities, training women entrepreneurs to usetechnological tools on Facebook to better theirbusiness prospects, Mehta said. "This year we aim to cover four or five other states. Apart from that we aim to cover eight to 10 other cities. Probably by year end we would have have gone to 20 to 25 cities," he said. "We have cities like Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Indore already listed in our calendar, where we would be visiting,"he added. PTI BDN RA APR SUA --- ENDS --- advertisement There are plenty of falls in Fan - physically, morally and occasionally even on the narrative front. But Fan also marks the resurgence of Shah Rukh the dramatic actor, the one which went on a hiatus for a couple of years to produce films that were trope-ridden affairs. By Suhani Singh: Direction: Maneesh Sharma Cast: Shah Rukh Khan, Shriya Pilgaonkar, Deepika Amin, Yogendra Tikku, Sayani Gupta, Waluscha De Sousa Ratings: (3/5) There are plenty of falls in Fan - physically, morally and occasionally even on the narrative front. But Fan also marks the resurgence of Shah Rukh the dramatic actor, the one which went on a hiatus for a couple of years to produce films that were trope-ridden affairs. In such a scenario it'll be interesting to see how audiences who have been fed a certain brand of SRK will respond to a film that taps into the obsessions of a fan and the vulnerabilities of a star in tackling an irate fan. It's a demanding watch for those accustomed to seeing songs and heroines in a film for here there are none. This is a Shah Rukh show out and out, and for most part it keeps you hooked. advertisement FAN REVIEW: Gaurav beats superstar Shah Rukh Khan in this play of obsession ALSO READ: Jabra Shah Rukh interviews the superstar Shah Rukh If somehow you have managed to keep yourself away from the deluge of Fan promotions, then here is the plot. Gaurav (Shah Rukh Khan) is a twenty something man from Inder Vihar in Delhi who has hero worshipped Aryan Khanna (Khan) since he was a child. What makes him stand out from the pack is that he also resembles Khanna - his nose and lips are thinner and physique tinier. Called "photocopy" by those not fond of him, Gaurav is mostly a colony favourite as the guy who does spot-on impersonations of Khanna to win competitions. From the prize money of one, he makes a trip to Mumbai to fulfill his eternal dream - meet Aryan Khanna. But Khanna's fan-star encounter doesn't go according to plan and falls below his lofty expectations. His exalted status for his idol, whom he occasionally refers to as God, is crushed when the star rebukes him for his actions. Crestfallen that Aryan doesn't appreciate his grandiose gesture, an isolated Gaurav devises revenge strategy inspired by the sentiments of Khanna himself: agar mere fans nahi toh main kuch nahin (a star is nothing without his fan). A year later, Gaurav decides to use his likeness to Aryan Khanna to jeopardise his career and reputation among fans. It's a novel idea that instigates introspection on how a fan's sense of entitlement and subsequent disillusionment can wreak havoc. What are the boundaries of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour? But Sharma, who came up with the story, and Habib Faisal (Do Dooni Chaar, Ishaqzaade), who has written the screenplay, stretch the concept with little meaningful to add. "Asli drama toh ab shuru hoga," says Gaurav. But that drama turns into a game of cops and robbers that eventually becomes a child's game. Gaurav wants an apology. Aryan won't say sorry. Questions remain as to why Gaurav who is mistaken for Khanna only after the second half and why not before. There are one too many chase sequences and little other than Gaurav's newfound unwavering contempt for Khanna driving the narrative. advertisement It's not that Fan is not without merit. There is a superb, entirely meta dance medley in which Shah Rukh as Gauarv mimics Shah Rukh's iconic moves. The dramatic sequence in the Madame Tussauds in London where Gaurav mocks and berates his plastic self - "This is fake" - is particularly memorable. Fan the movie travels to Dubrovnik for a fun-tastic reason: just so Aryan Khanna can dance at a wedding for which he has been paid a "bomb" and then show his heroic skills with a well-choreographed parkour chase. It in such sequences when Fan adopts a tongue-in-cheek attitude to question the exalted status of stars and the limitations of Hindi film actors, it is funny. From recapping the highlights of Shah Rukh's career to presenting glimpses of his fan following and stardom, Fan is very much a tribute to how far and ahead SRK has come. Faisal and Sharat Katariya (Dum Laga Ke Haisha) make use of Khan's popular dialogues to demonstrate Gaurav's devotion. Khan as Khanna shows the troubles and frustrations of an actor who has to combat a determined, tad deranged soul. But when Khan is in the mind of Gaurav that he most impresses as he tackles a character whose entire identity centres on an actor. When Gaurav sees Khanna for the first time or hears his voice, it isn't make believe, it is real. He makes you root for Gaurav, the naive youngster, with his Dilli zubaan and enthusiastic deameanour, and a menacing nemesis with his shifty eyes, quivering cries and disconcerting smile. advertisement Fan digs deep into the dynamics of fan-star relationship. And it's a film with a significant message: Imitation is the best form of flattery but it can also hinder creativity and individuality. Shah Rukh displays both these aspects in abundance in Fan. The film is a reminder why the outsider has survived for 25 years, many of them on top. --- ENDS --- Almost a century after its creation and with its political arms at full stretch in the Narendra Modi regime, the RSS is attempting to become more palatable. Though its goal may not have changed entirely, it is trying to be more in tune with the times. For the last 70 years, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the fountainhead of the Sangh Parivar, has been treated with some degree of wariness by most Indian governments for being a hardline Hindutva outfit out of touch with the modern world. The RSS, on the other hand, has seen itself as a kind of moral force. Its goal has been to create a Hindu Rashtra and a new spiritual order that will rejuvenate the "reservoir of knowledge" that went dry due to the creation of an "artificial culture" over 400 years of Mughal and British rule. In 2000, while covering the RSS's 75th year celebrations at a time when its own affiliate BJP was in power, India Today had famously described the RSS's policies as "a mix of cowdung capitalism and Hindu paranoia". It was then an organisation that was too pro-Swadeshi, pro-upper caste, anti-English, not open to gender equality, and obsessed with a version of history that wasn't in consonance with the spirit of the Independence movement. Right through, the RSS seemed to have its own leaders, its own agenda, and its own set of priorities that were unnecessary for a newly formed developing country. advertisement Our May 2014 cover Now, almost a century after its creation and with its political arms at full stretch in the Narendra Modi regime, the RSS is attempting to become more palatable. Though its goal may not have changed entirely, it is trying to be more in tune with the times. The last few weeks have been all about an RSS makeover. Under Mohan Bhagwat as Sarsanghchalak, the RSS is making alterations both to its attire and its approach. So gone are the khaki shorts and in come the brown trousers. However, along with that, the RSS is also growing its network geographically, promoting backward leaders to key positions, embracing B.R. Ambedkar as a symbol of its India-first and pro-Dalit credentials, allowing women into the organisation even if not inside the shakhas, and softening its stand on Mahatma Gandhi, whom it opposed because of his acquiescence to India's partition. Instead of being mired in caste divisions, it wants to create a rainbow coalition to revitalise its cadres and unify Hindus under one umbrella. At the 2016 India Today Conclave, the group's Sahsarkaryavah Dattatreya Hosabale went a step further and deviated from RSS's known stand on homosexuality, saying it's a matter of choice and should not be a criminal offence. Also, the RSS chief's controversial view that the reservation policy should be reviewed was contemporary and forward-looking. There is no doubt the RSS enjoys greater political clout within the Modi government and the BJP than it ever has. Present and former members are involved in administration and governance at various levels-from senior ministers to organisational bigwigs, from appointees in cultural and educational institutions to leaders who represent the party on conventional and social media. It is no surprise then that the RSS is growing more rapidly now than it ever has, with its shakhas swelling by around 40 per cent over the last five years, of which the major push has come in the last two. But some key issues remain unresolved. Ghar wapasi, love jihad, nationalism, minorities, Ram Mandir, beef ban and the RSS's economic vision are areas of concern as the Modi government reaches the two-year mark. Our cover story, written by Editor (Research) Ajit Kumar Jha and Senior Editor Uday Mahurkar, looks at the RSS makeover in greater detail, separating the cosmetic from the consequential as we analyse the changes and reveal the change-makers. The big question is, can the RSS really change its colours? Can it understand that the era of Swadeshi, protectionism, self-reliance, chauvinism and identity is gone? The Modi government came to power on a promise of development, and will be judged on how it delivers on that front. The RSS must realise that its cultural and political future sails in the same boat. advertisement --- ENDS --- Madhukumari, belonging to the upper caste, was reportedly in love with a Dalit man, identified as Jayaram, for over five years. By India Today Web Desk: In a shocking case of honour killing reported from Mysuru, a 21-year-old woman was allegedly killed by her parents by mixing pesticide with mango juice. Madhukumari, belonging to the upper caste, was reportedly in love with a Dalit man, identified as Jayaram, for over five years. The relationship was strongly disapproved of by her parents. Madhukumari's brother Guruprasad bought a bottle of pesticide that was to be laced with tetrapacks of mango juice. advertisement The girl drank the juice at around 5:30 pm. Within minutes, she complained of excruciating stomach pain and fell to the ground. She vomited several times in the next two hours. Her parents and brother allegedly didn't offer any help, but kept on telling her that they would get an autorickshaw to take her to the hospital which they never did, police said. With no medical aid provided, the girl died around 9 pm on Monday and was cremated on a canal bund close to the graveyard of the community members on Tuesday morning. In the girl's community, the dead are buried, but the parents reportedly cremated the girl, which made the police suspicious about the circumstances leading to the death of the girl. On being questioned by the police, the girl's parents are said to have confessed to killing their daughter. --- ENDS --- By India Today Web Desk: Hrithik Roshan and Kangana Ranaut's much-public fight has been among the most-talked-about topics in the last few weeks. We've seen allegations and counter-allegations thrown at both the actors, and the case just doesn't seem to get over. ALSO READ: Proposal in Paris to Rebound Relationship, 10 shocking revelations in the Hrithik-Kangana saga ALSO READ: Kangana Ranaut accuses Hrithik Roshan of circulating her private photos and emails advertisement ALSO READ: Kangana Ranaut and her sister Rangoli haven't received any summons Now, in the latest development in the Kangana Ranaut-Hritik Roshan controversy, Kangana's lawyer Rizwan Siddiquee has written a letter to the Mumbai Police, questioning Hrithik's claims about the imposter. For the uninitiated, Hrithik Roshan had filed a complaint about his email id having been hacked and used by an imposter a few years ago. Kangana is said to have been corresponding with the person pretending to be Hrithik from behind the allegedly fake id. A statement from Siddiquee reads: "I have in my letter to the DCP, questioned the Police on various aspects. In all fairness the first thing that I have asked them is that when Hrithik Roshan in his complaint made to the Police in December 2014, claims to have gained knowledge of an imposter from many people including his fans and people from the film industry then why has no one been questioned till now in the said matter. This could mean only one thing i.e. either Hrithik Roshan publicly lied about various people giving him information about an imposter or the Police did not do their job diligently as was required under Section 154 of CRPC, and close the matter by filing an appropriate report in time. The Police were of course not waiting for good 15 months after having received first hand information of a cognizable offence from Hrithik in December 2014, to suddenly delete the names of all other witnesses as reported in media and name Kangana in the month of March 2016, and then thereafter they suddenly go on a wild goose chase as if they are searching for some stolen national treasure. "Hrithik has otherwise claimed in his Notice that he had gained knowledge of an imposter in the month of May 2014 therefore in the last about two years there was no hurry to find any imposter, so suddenly why is there so much chaos and urgency. It is obvious that these are nothing but efforts to deviate media attention from the main subject matter. "Even otherwise if the Police really want to do their duty and want co-operation from witnesses then even they are required to perform their duties as a public officer and provide a certified copy of FIR, if demanded by a witness under Section 76 of Indian Evidence Act 1872. After all, the Witness is also a concerned party and the FIR and other related documents are public documents. "I have in my letter to the DCP also made a complaint against an anonymous Police source who is giving false and misleading statements to the Press. Recently there have been media reports that my client has been called upon to hand over her laptop. I am shocked by these reports as my client has never given any statement that she ever used her laptop to communicate with any alleged imposter therefore where are these reports coming from. advertisement "Besides, the Police department has a designated police spokesperson, who is duly authorized to give statements on behalf of the Police department. However it was further observed by me that the same anonymous police officer is also giving loose statements in the media like my client has been served a summons on the 7th of April by email and that accordingly my client was required to be present before the Police department on the 9th of April 2016. Whereas the true and correct fact of the matter is that my client was last served a letter in the said matter on the 1st of April 2016 and the same was duly responded to by me and no further letters have been received by my client on the said matter. "I have therefore interalia urged the DCP to look into the matter and punish this so called police source who has been giving loose and misleading statements to the media for reasons best known to him/her. "On a lighter note I feel that finding this Police Source immediately is more important than finding this alleged imposter as this source will definitely dent the image of the Police force. (sic)" --- ENDS --- advertisement In less than 24 hours of India Today's special investigation Chattisgarh's Dirty Secret Revealed being broadcast, the founders of the vigilante outfit the Samajik Ekta Manch announced that the outfit was being dissolved with immediate effect. The India Today investigation had exposed the deep-rooted nexus between the vigilante outfit and the state police. At a hurriedly convened press conference in Chattisgarh's Jagdalpur, the Samajik Ekta Manch said that it would henceforth cease to exist. They even put out a press release in which it said, "The Samajik Ekta Manch was set up with the intent of helping the central government, state government, district administration and the local police in the battle against Naxalism. It is with the intention of pushing this agenda that the Samajik Ekta Manch organised a series of non-violent and democratic protests. However, some people used the activities of the Samajik Ekta Manch to demonise the local police and state administration. It is keeping these circumstances in mind that the members of the outfit have unanimously decided to dissolve the Samajik Ekta Manch with immediate effect." advertisement The expose by India Today had led to a massive clamour being built against the Chhattisgarh government for using extra constitutional methods to deal with voices of dissent. Over the past three months, over a dozen lawyers, social activists and journalists have been forced out of Chhattisgarh after being hounded by members of the Samajik Ekta Manch. Under pressure, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh has announced the setting up of a high-powered committee which will include the secretary in-charge of General administration in the state and also the inspector general of police of the Bastar region along with two senior journalists. This committee has been mandated by the chief minister to look at all complaints about journalists and activists being hounded out of the state. Former Information and Broadcasting Minister and Congress leader Manish Tewari said, "Encouraging such vigilante groups like the Samajik Ekta Manch is against the Supreme Court ruling in the Salwa Judum case. Activists and journalists are there to tell the other side of the story and they can't be targeted. After India Today's sting, the Supreme Court should take suo moto cognisance and hold the Chhattisgarh government in contempt. What is being done in Chhattisgarh is completely unconstitutional. The chief minister should resign as he is in contempt and the government should be dismissed." In Delhi, senior advocate Prashant Bhushan announced that he would file a petition in the Supreme Court demanding that action be initiated against the Raman Singh government for disobeying the Supreme Court's verdict and allowing vigilante groups to flourish. In the India Today investigation, senior police officers had been shown on camera admitting that they were facilitating the activities of the Samajik Ekta Manch and that they were very happy that troublesome activists had been chased away from Chhattisgarh. The founders of the Samajik Ekta Manch had been shown saying that they were trying to fill the void left after the Supreme Court banned the notorious Salwa Judum in 2011. While it is significant that the vigilante outfit has been forced to shut shop after the hard-hitting India Today expose, however, caution needs to be exercised. The dramatic winding down of the Samajik Ekta Manch could well be a ruse to deflect the massive pressure that was building up against the Chhattisgarh Police. During the India Today investigation, the founders of the manch had admitted that they had already put in place contingency measures in case the Samajik Ekta Manch gets banned. Sampath and Subbarao had told India Today that they had already set up organisations like the Vikas Sangharsh Samiti, Adivasi Ekta Manch and the Mahila Ekta Manch to carry on their avowed mission in case action was initiated against the Samajik Ekta Manch. advertisement ALSO READ | Ground report: Police-vigilante nexus exposed in Maoist-hit Chhattisgarh --- ENDS --- The Istanbul meeting drew representatives from across the Muslim world, including King Salman of Saudi Arabia and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, whose countries have squared off in Yemen and Syria. By AP: A two-day summit bringing together leaders of the Islamic world concluded in the Turkish city of Istanbul with a pledge to combat terrorism and overcome sectarian divide. The final declaration Friday expressed strong condemnation of the Islamic State (IS) group and the role of Iran and its proxies in regional conflicts. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who chaired the final session of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit, lamented the fact that Muslim countries who are "the heirs of a civilization that was built on columns of peace and justice are being remembered more for wars, armed conflict, sectarianism and terrorism." advertisement "As Muslims, we cannot overcome our difficulties without achieving unity in spite of our differences," said the Turkish leader during the closing ceremony after delegates took a break to perform Friday prayers. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. (Photo: AP) Erdogan also said the establishment of an international arbitration body in Istanbul is part of the OIC 2025 action plan and welcomed a decision reached a day earlier to create a Turkey-based police coordination center aimed at increasing cooperation against terrorism. The Istanbul meeting drew representatives from across the Muslim world, including King Salman of Saudi Arabia and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, whose countries have squared off in Yemen and Syria. The final declaration expressed hope that negotiations that started in Geneva on April 13 would contribute to resolving "the Syrian crisis as soon as possible" and "deplored Iran's interference" and "continued support for terrorism" not only in Syria but also Bahrain, Yemen, and Somalia. The conference pledged to combat terrorism in all its forms and condemned IS for its use of chemical weapons in Iraq. At the sidelines of the summit, regional Sunni powers Turkey and Saudi Arabia signed a memorandum to create a bilateral cooperation council. The two countries are aligned in their support for rebel factions opposed to the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad. The president of predominantly Shiite Iran, which along with Russia supports Assad, is expected to meet on Saturday with Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in Ankara. ALSO READ: ISIS tries to hack Google, takes down small Indian firm --- ENDS --- A massive fireworks blast, some 113 deaths and counting, and overnight a temple in south Kerala and its custodians become a cautionary tale for those who flout the laws of the land. The 500-year-old Puttingal Devi temple in Paravur near Kollam, around 70 km from state capital Thiruvananthapuram, may not have the stature of some of the big temples of Kerala, but the spectacular fireworks show on the last day of the annual festival is always a much-talked about event. Indeed the 'competitive fireworks' programme is a must-see cultural pitstop for locals and the festival-hopper brigade alike, especially in south Kerala. But it all went wrong this year, in the wee hours of April 9. At 3.11 am, during the final leg of the competition on the temple grounds, fire splinters from a cracker hit the storeroom where the fireworks were stored. The massive explosion that resulted reduced the building to a rubble, causing some 113 deaths and grievously injuring 350 others. The temple roof itself was badly damaged as were many houses in the vicinity. advertisement Click here to Enlarge Illustration by Saurabh Singh According to the police, around one-and-a-half metric tonnes of explosives were used by the two participating teams. Thankfully, around 80 per cent of the fireworks had been used up by the time of the explosion. Paravoor Krishnankutty, the 'master fireworker' who led one group, died in the tragedy. "He had over 40 years of experience in manufacturing fireworks and putting on shows. The man was a familiar face at most big temple festivals," Mohanan Nair, a local businessman in Puttingal, told india today. The festival season, which begins in January-end and tapers off in April-May, sees around 253 temple and even church festivals putting up a fireworks show as part of the celebrations. Festival veteran Nandakumar Menon points out, "The Puttingal Devi festival is one of the four major festivals, along with Nenmara Vellangi Vela, Thrissur Pooram and the Maradu temple festivals which feature spectacular fireworks. Accidents, minor and major, have occurred at all these festivals in the past." As 'religious sentiments' are involved, no action is taken against the organisers despite several Supreme Court and high court rulings. Former DGP Jacob Punnoose blames it on people's short memories. "Unfortunately, we forget the tragedies soon and keep repeating the same mistakes. There is no monitoring system on the use of explosives for fireworks shows. Why isn't there an audit of explosives used during festivals?" The last attempt to audit the fireworks industry was scrapped under political pressure five years ago. The initiative began when the police worried about the ease with which terrorists could obtain explosive material, and the fireworks manufacturers were seen as a potential source. In 2011, the Kerala police constituted an Explosive Cell directly under Director-General of Police (DGP) Jacob Punnoose headed by an Additional DGP from the intelligence branch. A 15-member police team set up a database on fireworks manufacturers and the stock of explosives within the state. The Oommen Chandy government pressurised the police to disband the team and destroy the database. It was only one incident in the long series of attempts to audit the industry, based on recommendations from judicial commissions. The government has turned a blind eye to the smuggling in of a highly volatile banned substance, potassium chlorate, which investigators believe was a key ingredient in the firecrackers used in Kollam. This white crystalline substance smuggled in from China via Tamil Nadu is used by the firecracker industry to add sound and dazzle to firecrackers. advertisement District collectors renew the licences of many matchstick industries without inspecting the premises of factories or verifying the use of the chemical compound. Local police are bribed by fireworks manufacturers to turn a blind eye to their activities. Though the state apparatus was impressive in its efficiency in relief operations, the Puttingal tragedy later sparked off a war of words between IAS and IPS officials in Kollam. By around 10 am on the same Sunday, the government released documents showing how it had denied permission to the fireworks competition. CM Chandy even went on record blaming the temple committee for continuing with the event even after the administration had cited safety concerns. The government denial, though, put police officials on the defensive. The next day, Kollam district collector A. Shainamol issued a notice to the police demanding an explanation from city commissioner P. Prakash on why the additional district magistrate's order was unheeded. Pankajakshi Anandan, 80, who lives near the temple grounds, had moved a petition with the collector against granting permission to the fireworks display competition. "I personally met the district collector on April 2. Every year, the fireworks ritual damages my house. I'm a heart patient and can't bear the heavy noise or dust," Pankajakshi told india today. The temple committee had threatened her "with dire consequences if I pressed ahead,"she says, "I was scared as they are very powerful in the locality." advertisement The festival organising committee did use its political clout to put pressure on the administration. Labour minister Shibu Baby John, who hails from Kollam, also intervened and spoke to the collector. The committee approached the CM's and home minister's office too but to no avail. With nothing working, they started a whisper campaign against district collector Shainamol and ADM A. Shanawas (both non-Hindus), the gist of it being that the officials were "ignorant and insensitive to temple rituals and practices". Opposition leader V.S. Achuthanandan blasted the politicians, saying they were responsible for the tragedy. "It's very clear the police were pressurised to grant permission," he said. A senior police officer told india today it was impossible to stop the programme at the last minute. "A 40,000-strong crowd was present there.. any action would have resulted in major violence," he says. Meanwhile, after absconding for a few days, seven office-bearers of the temple committee surrendered before the police on April 12. M. Mohandas, an eyewitness to the tragedy, says this year's fireworks show had been one of the best. "All of us enjoyed the show, but we never thought of the risks involved," Mohandas says. He's just glad now that the Devi spared his life. advertisement --- ENDS --- "My dream is that one day they will come home, finish their education and choose their futures for themselves." says Malala in an open letter addressed to the families on the second anniversary of schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram. By India Today Web Desk: On April 14 2014, the Islamist group Boko Haram kidnapped 276 students from a girls' school in Chibok in north-eastern Nigeria. The kidnapping led to a massive global media campaign #BringBackOurGirls involving many world leaders. On the second anniversary of the incident which was yesterday, a video showing 15 of the 219 schoolgirls held by the jihadist group Boko Haram added pressure on the Nigerian government to secure their release. Weeping parents identified the girls captured by Islamist militant fighters. advertisement In memory of those who were abducted, Nobel Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai wrote an open letter addressed to the families. In it, Malala expressed her admiration for the strength of the families who have endured being separated from their daughters for such a long time. She lauded the parents for, "the courage to send your daughters to school." She also requested the President Buhari of Nigeria and everyone to help with the rescue of the Chibok girls immediately. Read the letter below: Dear mothers and fathers, I write this letter with a heavy heart, knowing you have endured another year separated from your daughters. I think of you every day since we first met two years ago-and join millions of people around the world in praying for the safety and swift return of your girls. As I did last year, I call on President Buhari of Nigeria-and everyone who can help rescue the Chibok girls-to act now. Would a president give up the fight for his own daughter? These girls are just as precious to their families. Parents, thank you for having the courage to send your daughters to school. My dream is that one day they will come home, finish their education and choose their futures for themselves. I pray for the day when you can embrace your girls again. Your sister, Malala In a report called Beyond Chibok , UNICEF analysed alarming trends of children involved in 'suicide' attacks in Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad. The report states that 75 per cent of the children who were part of the attacks were girls. Another report in The Long War Journal states that the Boko Haram exploited more than 100 women and girls as suicide bombers since June 2014. The Nigerian Islamist militant group, Boko Hara was founded in the year 2002. They first started with an aim to oppose Western education. In the Hausa language Boko Haram means 'Western education is forbidden'. They began military operations in the year 2009 to create Islamic state and in 2013 they turned into a terrorist group. advertisement Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistan activist, was shot in the head by Taliban fighters shortly after boarding her school bus in 2012. Since then she has become one of the most influential international advocate for girls right to education. --- ENDS --- Thousands of policemen and civil defence volunteers were deployed in various areas of the city to enforce the scheme which will run for 15 days, till April 30. By India Today Web Desk: The first day of second phase of Delhi government's odd-even scheme was termed successful till afternoon as fewer private cars were seen on roads. "Odd even starts today. Let's all join hands and resolve to make it a success," chief minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted earlier in the morning. Till 1 PM, some 511 challans had been issued, Delhi Police said. advertisement Thousands of policemen and civil defence volunteers were deployed in various areas of the city to enforce the scheme which will run for 15 days, till April 30. Meanwhile, Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai expressed satisfaction over the initial response to the second phase. He also appealed to women to go themselves to drop and pick their children from school to avoid inconvenience. "I'd also request those going to drop and pick their kids to take their neighbours' children as well," said Rai, who carpooled for work in an odd-numbered car with Burari legislator Sanjeev Jha and Mehrauli legislator Naresh Yadav. The actual impact of the scheme will be known only on Monday, the first full working day after the second phase roll-out. Today is a holiday because of Ram Navami followed by Saturday and Sunday. Newsflicks graphic Newsflicks graphic The Delhi government, which has projected the second phase of the road-rationing policy as the "decisive" one, said 2,000 traffic personnel, 580 enforcement officials and over 5,000 civil defence volunteers are being deployed by it for smooth implementation of the scheme. Violators will be fined Rs 2,000 in accordance with relevant section of the Motor Vehicles Act and the scheme will not be implemented on Sundays. Under the scheme, odd-numbered cars are allowed to run on odd dates while even-numbered cars are allowed on even dates. The first phase of the policy, that was in force between January 1 and 15, did not have its intended effect as it could not lower pollution "as much as expected" but it significantly helped reduce traffic congestion in the city, Kejriwal has said. However, Kejriwal has also stated that his government is seriously considering to enforce the measure for a period of fifteen days every month. Sources said any decision in this regard will be taken after analysing impact of the second phase of the odd-even scheme in reducing pollution. --- ENDS --- By PTI: Rameswaram (TN), Apr 15 (PTI) The Q branch police today arrested one of the two persons who came from Sri Lanka in a registered boat and jumped off their vessel and escaped after they saw the Coast Guard officials off Dhanushkodi near here. Edmund (40) from Thalaimannar in Sri Lanka was arrested by the Q branch police at Thangachimadam and was being questioned, they said. advertisement Edmund and another person had jumped into the sea off Dhanushkodi yesterday after noticing the Coast Guard and Customs officials on a routine patrol in the area. Their boat was later retrieved and a search had been launched to nab them. PTI COR APR SMN --- ENDS --- The Delhi government's Department of Food Safety issued a notification to ban all forms of chewable tobacco, including "gutkha, pan masala, khaini and zarda", in the national capital. By India Today Web Desk: In a landmark decision, the Delhi government today banned the sale, purchase and storage of all forms of chewable tobacco in the capital. The Delhi government's Department of Food Safety issued a notification to ban all forms of chewable tobacco, including "gutkha, pan masala, khaini and zarda", in the national capital. According to the notification, unpackaged products of chewable tobacco too are covered under the ambit of the ban. advertisement "The manufacture, storage, distribution, or sale of tobacco which is either flavoured, scented or mixed? and whether going by the name or form of gutkha, pan, masala, flavoured/scented tobacco, kharra, or otherwise? whether packaged or unpackaged and/or sold as one product, or though packaged as separate products, sold or distributed in such manner so as to easily facilitate mixing by the consumer" is prohibited for a period of one year, the notification stated. Health department officials said a notification was issued by the Delhi government in September, 2012, in pursuance of a series of directions from the Supreme Court for a ban on 'gutkha' in the city. But since the term 'gutkha' was used in that notification, tobacco retailers started selling the components of 'gutkha' (betel nut and raw tobacco) in separate pouches, thus defeating the purpose behind the ban. The health department had, therefore, come up with a new proposal for banning all raw chewable tobacco products in Delhi, PTI quoted a senior official as saying. (With PTI inputs) ALSO READ Tobacco packets not bearing the prescribed pictorial warnings would be seized: Officials AAP letter to Bollywood wives: Ask hubbies not to promote tobacco --- ENDS --- As more skeletons tumble out of the 'Panama Papers' closet, an Oxfam report has revealed that 50 US corporate giants, including Apple, Microsoft, Google and Walmart, have stashed around a staggering $1.4 trillion in offshore tax havens. Activists perform as clients of an offshore company during a protest by non-governmental organisations Oxfam and Transparency International in front of the European Commission headquarters in Brussels. By Mail Today: As more skeletons tumble out of the 'Panama Papers' closet, an Oxfam report has revealed that 50 US corporate giants, including Apple, Microsoft, Google and Walmart, have stashed around a staggering $1.4 trillion in offshore tax havens. According to a report by antipoverty charity Oxfam America, from 2008 to 2014, even as these 50 companies earned nearly $4 trillion in profits globally from 2008 to 2014, they used offshore tax havens to lower their effective overall tax rate to just 26.5 per cent, well below the statutory rate of 35 per cent and even below average levels paid in other developed countries. These companies relied on an opaque and secretive network of more than 1,600 disclosed subsidiaries in tax havens to stash about $1.4 trillion. advertisement "Tax dodging by multinational corporations costs the US approximately $111 billion annually. But these schemes do not just harm the US. The same tactics corporations use to dodge US tax sap an estimated $100 billion every year from poor countries preventing crucial investment in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and other forms of poverty reduction. The harm done to Americans and people living in poor countries by corporate tax dodging are two sides of the same coin," the report further said. Oxfam added that the analysis sheds light on just how rigged the tax system has become and shows that these same companies are using considerable political influence to push for even greater rewards in the forms of loans, bailouts and other government support. "The analysis highlights the vast taxpayer-funded support the largest and most profitable US companies receive even as they engage in aggressive schemes to avoid paying taxes." Pfizer, Google's parent company Alphabet and Exxon Mobil are also among the top ten in the list. "Perhaps, the worst form of tax avoidance is an inversion-when a US company renounces its US citizenship by buying a foreign subsidiary in a low-tax jurisdiction where it reincorporates. In some cases, nothing changes about the actual business-the new inverted company remains headquartered in the US and still conducts business from the US enjoying all the advantages of the US market, but no longer pays its rightful share of US taxes," the report added. Oxfam further added that profits disappear from countries where real economic activity is taking place to exist only in tax havens. Also read: Panama raids offices of Mossack Fonseca law firm Panama Leak: Labour MP thrown out of Parliament for calling PM Cameron Dogdy Dave Panama Leak: British PM David Cameron's mother gave him 200,000 pounds as a gift. Why? --- ENDS --- Various political parties and state governments organised programs to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Ambedkar. Floral tributes were paid in London as well, where Ambedkar lived in 1921-22 during his student days at London School of Economics. By Kumar Vikram: Brand Ambedkar was the big buzz word on Thursday when political parties jostled with each other to make the most of the Dalit icon's legacy on his 125th birth annniversary. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the government in celebrating the anniversary and he slammed the Congress for undermining Babasaheb. BSP chief Mayawati termed the Centre's Dalit outreach as an eyewash and also ridiculed Rahul Gandhi for embracing the Dalit icon. advertisement Various political parties and state governments organised programs to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Ambedkar. Floral tributes were paid in London as well, where Ambedkar lived in 1921-22 during his student days at London School of Economics. Modi was in Mhow, the birthplace of Ambedkar in Madhya Pradesh on Thursday, where he asked why the Congress was getting perturbed when his government was working ardently to fulfill Ambedkar's vision. Modi, who had faced attack from the Congress for trying to appropriate national icons, asked why the successive Congress governments did not develop the panch teerth associated with Ambedkar during their tenure. Modi, who chose the occasion to launch the Gram Uday se Bharat Uday Abhiyan (a village self governance campaign), said it was inspired by Amdedkar. Listing a number of measures that his government is taking to carry forward Ambedkar's vision, including those for empowering the weaker sections, Modi said, "For so many years, the vision of Ambedkar was undermined. Some people are distressed why Modi is doing all this. This is a matter of our dedication and conviction. We believe that social harmony can be achieved only by following the path shown by Baba Saheb. I feel proud to work at the feet of Baba Saheb." Earlier in the day, Mayawati sounded the poll bugle as she launched her election campaign from Lucknow where she celebrated Ambedkar's birth anniversary. Mayawati, whose party counts on Dalit votes for major support, cautioned Dalits and other backward classes against BJP's designs and said its leaders will only act as bonded labourers of RSS and added that Modi could do little for the OBCs though he claims to belong to the community. "BJP or RSS can make any Dalit or OBC a prime minister or chief minister of any state but he cannot do anything good for his people...he will always remain a bonded labourer of BJP or RSS," she said. Her remarks came in the backdrop of BJP appointing Keshav Prasad Maurya, an OBC, the UP-unit president. Mayawati also hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for not taking cognisance of suicides by Dalit students when his party was in power. "Now that the Congress is out of power, the yuvaraj is going around in states ruled by other parties and indulging in theatrics, she said referring to Rohith Vemula's suicide in HCU. Also Read: PM Modi wants to kill Ambedkar ideology: Sonia Gandhi --- ENDS --- advertisement By India Today Web Desk: Parents of late television star Pratyusha Banerjee, have written to Maharashtra Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis. Requesting for a probe by Mumbai Police Crime Branch, the letter also has them accuse Pratyusha's boyfriend and actor-producer Rahul Raj Singh as the sole reason behind their daughter's death. "...she fell prey to conman Rahul Raj Singh, who has not only cheated my daughter and is solely responsible for death, but also cheated many innocent girls like her to the tune of lakhs of rupees," PTI quotes Pratyusha's mother Soma Banerjee's letter. Apart from the CM the letter has reportedly, also been addressed to Minister of State for (Home) Ranjit Patil, Mumbai Police Commissioner Dattatray Padsalgikar and Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Deven Bharti. The letter also has the parents blame the police, and their indifference towards the case. "The actress mother alleged that instead of seriously investigating the matter, the Bangur Nagar police, where the case has been registered, was giving a free hand to the accused to destroy the evidence," reports PTI. Other contents of the letter include Pratyusha's parents throw light on how Rahul Raj Singh has been threatening them and other witnesses involved in the case. advertisement "He (Rahul) also has been threatening us and the witnesses. The death of my daughter is being coloured and portrayed as a suicide committed due to depression," it said. "Our appeal to you is that the investigation in the case should be transferred to Mumbai Crime Branch for a fair investigation so that justice is done after our daughters untimely and mysterious death," the letter further stated. The Balika Vadhu actress was found hanging at her residence on April 1. She was then rushed by Rahul to a hospital in Andheri where she was declared dead on arrival.Rahul, who has been booked for abetment of suicide, has been undergoing treatment for alleged depression at a hospital in Borivali since April 3. The Bombay High Court had on Tuesday granted Rahul interim protection from arrest till April 18. (With inputs from PTI) --- ENDS --- For these officers who usually take on hostile forces at the borders, this time they appear to be combating a hostile 'system' that has delayed the creation of 141 additional vacancies of colonels in the army for Combat Support Arms. The officers of Combat Support Arms are keen on a speedy solution to the issue as the promotion to the next rank depends on the vacancies. By Gaurav C Sawant: More than 300 officers from Indian Army's Combat Support Arms (Air Defence Artillery, Signals and Engineers) have knocked at the Supreme Court's door taking on the Ministry of Defence and Army Headquarters over non-implementation of the promotion policy. For these officers who usually take on hostile forces at the borders, this time they appear to be combating a hostile 'system' that has delayed the creation of 141 additional vacancies of colonels in the army for Combat Support Arms. advertisement "The government had assured the court in October 2015 that 141 additional posts of colonels will be created and given to Combat Support Arms for a younger profile of commanding officers as per the Command exit policy. However, the same is still to be implemented," says Advocate Neela Gokhale, representing a group of 100 serving Army officers in Supreme Court. "We are praying for the Apex Court's intervention and direction to the government so that the process is not delayed further," she adds. The officers of Combat Support Arms are also keen on a speedy solution to the issue as the promotion to the next rank - from colonels to brigadiers - depends on the vacancies. Vacancies for brigadiers is also dependent on the number of colonels in each arm. "It is a double whammy for Combat Support Arms. The AV Singh committee had recommended lowering the age profile of commanding officers in the Army. It recommended creating additional posts of colonels. While the same was effectively implemented for Combat Arms - Infantry and Artillery, the Combat Support Arms and Services have got the short end of the stick," an officer on strict condition of anonymity told MAIL TODAY. The Supreme Court in October 2015 upheld the 'Command Exit Policy' not finding merit in the contention that it was perverse, unreasonable and unfair. "It was the Supreme Court that directed the MoD after due consultation to create 141 additional vacancies for combat support arms. The additional vacancies were for promotion over a period of five years of batches between 2009-2014," Gokhale adds. The petitioners and the government are, however, not on the same page about whether the 2014 batch is to be included for consideration. The case comes up in the Supreme court on Tuesday. Army sources, meanwhile told MAIL TODAY they are treating the issue on priority. "The matter will be discussed during the upcoming Army Commanders Conference. The Army does not differentiate between Combat Arms, Support Arms and Services. Each soldier is very important to ensure victory in battle. As soon as the MoD releases the vacancies the promotions will begin," top sources said. --- ENDS --- Randeep Hooda plays the role of Sarabjit Singh, an Indian farmer imprisoned in Pakistan and condemned to death for terrorism, for Omung Kumar's biopic Sarbjit. The Highway actor, at the trailer launch, said that the film has affected him tremendously. By India Today Web Desk: The trailer of Sarbjit has finally arrived and has left everyone stunned with its utter realism. Randeep Hooda plays the role of Sarabjit Singh, an Indian farmer imprisoned in Pakistan and condemned to sentence for terrorism, for Omung Kumar's biopic Sarbjit. The Highway actor, at the trailer launch, said that the film has affected him tremendously. advertisement ALSO READ: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Randeep Hooda's performance will give you goosebumps "Everybody thought I was an ass. Everybody around me just had enough of me... it somewhere has affected me. There is a certain sense of gloom that has come about since this movie," said Randeep told IANS. Randeep Hooda looks every bit of his character he is playing. The 39-year-old actor completely metamorphosed into someone you won't even recognise. Randeep lost 18 kgs in just 28 days and this transformation shocked all his fans and the film industry. "I have to keep telling myself, that 'look, you did not go through 23 years of your life in prison, you did not go through all that hardship, you did not go through solitary confinement', that is something that I have to keep reminding myself," he added. Randeep also said that the first time he heard the movie was being made was when "somebody forwarded to me an article when the real Dalbir Kaur was saying that she would like me to play the role, and I was like 'Really!'. I then did more research and by the time I met Omung, I knew him very well". He said that Omung provided him Sarabjit's letters, pictures and video footage and they decided that Randeep should lose weight so that his "plight could come out better". He also started learning Punjabi and even arranged for a tooth mould from Canada, to show his tooth decay. "I went through the letters, I made his thoughts mine, I made his words mine. I have written many letters, which I have not sent to Omung, which I will never send, because now I read them and I think they're too personal. I used to sit at home in the chains and lie in my bathroom for a long time, and write letters to Omung, as if he were my sister, but I would address it to Omung," said Randeep. Apart from Randeep Hooda, the film also stars Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. The Jazbaa actor played the role of Dalbir Kaur in Sarbjit. Directed by Omung Kumar, the film is slated to release on May 20 this year. Here's the trailer: advertisement --- ENDS --- "Odd even starts today. Lets all join hands and resolve to make it a success," Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted. Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal had claimed that the first phase of the odd even plan was a huge hit. By India Today Web Desk: The second phase of Delhi government's ambitious odd-even traffic scheme which aims at battling pollution in the national capital kicked off today. However, not much rush is expected on the public transport facilities such as Delhi Metro and Delhi Transport Corporation, who have announced extra trains and buses respectively till April 30, today being a public holiday on account of Ram Navami. advertisement "An enforcement plan has been chalked out under which the city has been divided into 11 zones for the implementation of the scheme. Each zone will have 10 sectors. One mobile enforcement team will operate in each sector," Transport Minister Gopal Rai said on Thursday. "Odd even starts today. Lets all join hands and resolve to make it a success," Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted. Odd even starts today. Lets all join hands and resolve to make it a success.&; Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 15, 2016 The Delhi government, which has projected the second phase of the road-rationing policy as the "decisive" one, said that 2,000 traffic personnel, 580 enforcement officials and over 5,000 civil defence volunteers are being deployed for its smooth implementation. Violators will be fined Rs 2,000 in accordance with relevant section of the Motor Vehicles Act and the scheme will not be implemented on Sundays. Also, a 20-member Special Task Force has been set up to look into matters reported by the mobile teams. The enforcement teams have a ten-point focus chart which comprises areas near ISBTs, railway stations, health institutions, trade centres, district courts, city borders, education institutions, major traffic intersections, IGI Airport and crowded office buildings, Gopal Rai said. Newsflicks graphic The traffic department has identified 200 intersections in the city where their personnel will be deployed in teams, with their sizes depending upon the volume of traffic in those intersections. The first phase of the policy, that was in force between January 1 and 15, did not have its intended affect as it could not lower pollution "as much as expected" but it significantly helped reduce traffic congestion in the city, Kejriwal has said. However, Kejriwal has also stated that his government is seriously considering to enforce the measure for a period of fifteen days every month. Experts will be monitoring its affect on gaseous pollutants such as Ozone this time. Apart from enforcement officials and traffic personnel, 5,331 civil defence volunteers will also remain deployed at 205 strategic points in the national capital to ensure implementation of the scheme. In the last phase (January 1-15), around 4,000 of such volunteers were pressed into service, Rai said. advertisement Also, 321 wardens have been entrusted with the duty of ensuring coordination between volunteers and the government, he said. Gopal Rai said the government has not been able to find a solution to the problem of cars picking up children after school hours during the fortnight-long road rationing scheme. Cars with children in school uniforms are exempted from the odd-even scheme. But parents have raised apprehensions over the fate of the cars going to pick them up. Referring to a recently conducted study by the government, Rai said that when it comes to picking up children after the school hours, around 85 per cent drivers are women, who are already exempted under the scheme. For the remaining, people should resort to carpooling. When asked why a CNG sticker or certification-like arrangement could not be made for such cars, Rai said that monitoring of such a task was not possible at the moment. He said many complaints were received in connection with CNG stickers during and after the last phase of odd-even scheme due to which the government has cut down the list of CNG stations from where the stickers can be availed to only one this time. advertisement There are over 3,000 schools in the city and there are high chances of a scam in case any certification-like arrangement was made, he said. At this moment, it is not possible to set up a monitoring system for that, the minister said. Gopal Rai said the government has also arranged for adequate supply of drinking water, lemonade, caps, umbrellas and special ambulances for the volunteers facing the scorching heat during the period. He said that 10 CCTV cameras have been installed at specific intersections to monitor vehicular movement during the fortnight. (With PTI inputs) ALSO READ Gurugram will not implement odd-even, official says Delhi's impact enough to ease traffic Is Delhi ready for odd-even phase 2 beginning today? --- ENDS --- Shinde who shot to instant fame by playing the character of Angoori Bhabhi in Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hain has been creating ripples in the television industry ever since her abrupt exit from the show. By India Today Web Desk: The spat between actress Shilpa Shinde and the makers of popular Bhabi Ji Ghar Par Hain seems to be getting worse by the minute. The actress who was sent a legal notice by the producers of the show for breach of contract--has now reciprocated by filing a complaint, accusing the makers of mental harassment. According to a report by Hindustan Times, Shinde has also filed a complaint against Cine and TV Artistes Association (CINTAA) for slamming a lifetime ban on her. While there isn't any further confirmation on the same, things don't look very good for both, Shinde and the producer of the show Benaifer Kohli. advertisement Also Read: Shilpa Shinde may not be able to work in TV again Shinde who shot to instant fame by playing the character of Angoori Bhabhi in Bhabhiji Ghar Par Hain has been creating ripples in the television industry ever since her abrupt exit from the show. Also Read: We might get to see Shilpa Shinde in The Kapil Sharma Show; here's how Reportedly, Shinde stopped turning up at the sets of the show citing health reasons. The matter was then brought to the notice of CINTAA authorities who then ordered the actress to resume shooting. But the actress did not budge and refused to return to the show even after CINTAA's intervention. --- ENDS --- A detailed investigation by the India Today Special Investigation Team reveals how protests by a six-month-old organisation are not spontaneous but rather a part of a devious strategy of the state police to push inconvenient activists out of the state. Over the past few weeks several human rights activists, lawyers and journalists have been hounded out of India's red corridor in Chhattisgarh. These ousters have been forced by protests by a six-month-old organisation called the Samajik Ekta Manch. The state police that had earlier claimed that the group was set up by locals who are fed up with human rights activists constantly interfering in their battle against Maoists. But a detailed investigation by the India Today Special Investigation Team shows that these protests are not spontaneous but rather a part of a devious strategy of the state police to push inconvenient activists out of the state. advertisement India Today has been able to capture on camera senior officials in the state police who have revealed how they facilitate activities of the vigilante group. Not just this, founders of the Samajik Ekta Manch have revealed how the group is now doing the work that was earlier being done by the Salwa Judum. Samajik Ekta Manch founder Subbarao said, "Before this there was Salwa Judum. The Supreme Court banned the organisation. So we are now working on a new strategy. We are starting these new organisations to fight those who stand in our way." Recently, members of the Samajik Ekta Manch protested against Human Rights activist Malini Subramaniam in Jagdalpur. They went to the house where Malini stayed and urged the landlord not to let a Maoist supporter live on his premises. After a series of protests, including an attack on her car, Malini decided to leave Bastar. The police had at that time completely washed its hands off the protests saying that these were spontaneous protests which were being led by locals who were fed up with outsiders meddling in Chattisgarh's affairs. But a two week long investigation carried out by the team in Bastar, Jagdalpur, Sukma and Dantewada found that the police seem to be working in close association with the Samajik Ekta Manch. SP Sukma D Shravan said, "Police has facilitated the Samajik Ekta Manch. Earlier we had a dancing troupe to create awareness. Now there is the Samajik Ekta Manch which does the work." That's not all, Shravan even accepted on camera that the police is happy that the activists who create a nuisance have been forced out of the state. "We are happy that Malini Subramaniam has left...Happy because there is no nuisance...no nuisance of Bela Bhatia...no nuisance of Malini or Shalini," the officer added. Malini Subramaniam is not the only activist who has been forced to leave Chattisgarh. Protests by the group have forced lawyers like Shalini Gera and Isha Khandelwal also to leave the state. Gera and Khandelwal were members of the Jagdalpur Legal Aid Group or JagLag. The Samajik Ekta Manch claims to have about 150 members. While speaking to India Today in Jagdalpur, Subbarao and Sampath Jha boasted about how an international journalist was hounded out of the state. "Alok Prakash Putal came to Jagdalpur in February this year after the acid attack on well known activist Soni Sori. The police were unhappy with the articles Putal was writing. The Samajik Ekta Manch immediately swung into action and ensured that he leaves," the duo claimed. advertisement "We have not just started one Samajik Ekta Manch but several others. In case one gets banned then we have the Mahila Ekta Manch, if that gets banned then we have the Adivasi Ekta Manch. Also the Vikas Sangharsh Samiti and so on," said Subbarao. --- ENDS --- The trailer of Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan's upcoming film, Sarbjit, was launched on the same day as Salman Khan's Eid biggie Sultan - on Thursday. By Mail Today: It could set off into a PR fad in Bollywood, actually. The trailer of Aishwarya Rai-Bachchan's upcoming film, Sarbjit, was launched on the same day as Salman Khan's Eid biggie Sultan - on Thursday. While biggies clashing at the boxoffice is commonplace occurrence, the same-day launch of trailers - that too of films starring rumoured ex-lovers - would seem like a new gimmick to draw instant limelight. advertisement While the Sultan trailer launch was an online affair, the makers of Sarbjit opted for the old-fashioned live do to unveil the first sneak peek of their film before a live audience including the press and selected guests at an event in Mumbai. The mood at the Sarbjit do, incidentally, was bright and shiny - quite in contrast to the dark and disturbing vibes given out in the film's trailer. Sarbjit is Omung Kumar's biopic of Sarabjit Singh, an Indian farmer, who lived in a border side village and allegedly strayed into Pakistan when he was arrested on charges of being a spy. After a long incarceration, he was reportedly beaten to coma by inmates in jail. He later died of his injuries in a Pakistani hospital, even as his sister Dalbir Kaur fought for his freedom. Randeep Hooda, who plays Sarabjit Singh, looked dapper in a bright red semi-formal jacket. Aishwarya plays Dalbir, through whose eyes the entire story unfolds. Unlike her intense avatar in the film, she struck sunshine poses for the shutterbugs flaunting a shiny magenta number. Also present were director Omung Kumar, and Richa Chadha. The latter, who will be seen playing Sarbjit's wife, turned out in a multi-coloured number. Darshan Kumar, who made his debut as Mary Kom's husband in Omung Kumar's debut film, Mary Kom, plays Sarabjit's Pakistani lawyer in this film. He, too, was spotted striking poses for photo-ops. Meanwhile, the trailer of Salman Khan's Sultan has received a mixed response online. The trailer of the Yash Raj Films production will also be attached to the banner's new release, Fan, which stars Salman's friend-turned-foeturned-friend Shah Rukh Khan and opens this weekend. Sultan is directed by YRF loyalist Ali Abba Zafar. The film also stars Anushka Sharma. Also read: Sarbjit trailer: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Randeep Hooda's performance will give you goosebumps --- ENDS --- A US Navy picture shows what appears to be a Russian Sukhoi SU-24 attack aircraft making a very low pass close to the US guided missile destroyer USS Donald Cook in the Baltic Sea. (Photo: Reuters) By AP: Under US military rules of engagement, the Navy ship that Russian military jets buzzed in the Baltic Sea this week could have opened fire, US Secretary of State John Kerry said. IN PICS The guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook reported that pairs of Russian Su-24 attack planes made numerous close-range passes on Monday and Tuesday. The planes appeared to be unarmed. On at least one occasion, an Su-24 came within an estimated 30 feet of the Cook, which was in international waters about 70 nautical miles from the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad. advertisement The Cook did not respond except to unsuccessfully query the Russian pilots by radio. In remarks to CNN Espanol, Kerry condemned the Russian actions and said that "under the rules of engagement" it "could have been a shoot-down." In all cases, a military commander has the authority to defend his or her ship, plane or other unit. The commander is expected to use his or her best judgment to determine whether the ship faces an imminent threat. White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the US has raised its concerns through its military defence representative at the US Embassy in Moscow. Russia's defence ministry has rejected US complaints. Maj Gen Igor Konashenkov, spokesman for the Russian defence ministry, said Thursday that the pilots of Russian Su-24 jets saw the ship and turned back "while using all measures of precaution." Konashenkov said he was baffled by what he described as the "distressed reaction of our American counterparts." --- ENDS --- By Sahil Mohan Gupta : Alphabet, which is the holding company that owns Google, has a subsidiary called SideWalk which is planning on building a smart city in the US, reports the Information . According to the report, SideWalk is planning to build a city where the Alphabet subsidiary could test futurist technologies like super fast Internet connectivity, autonomous cars and other projects that the companies under Alphabet are working on. advertisement SideWalk is reportedly working with Stuart Miller who is the CEO of Lennar, Anthony Townsend, research director of Institute of the Future, Stanford professor Balaji Prabhakar and Harvard economist Ed Glaeser. Even McKinsey is involved with the project. It has hired 100 odd city planning experts, technologists and researchers for the project. SideWalk is looking at areas around Denver and Detroit. ReCode is reporting that SideWalk could use this project to test out a technologically advanced urban governance platform which could be used to manage public traffic and municipal Wi-Fi. SideWalk is already involved in a public Wi-Fi project in New York City. Also Read: Alphabet puts robot-maker Boston Dynamics up for sale: Report SideWalk could also logically use the plan to test out Google Projects on a wider scale. Alphabet has some a division that's making self driving cars. It also has a robotics unit and under Google, there is the Google Fibre project which is trying to deliver cost effective internet connectivity at speeds faster than competitors by order of magnitude. SideWalk Labs itself is a new entity and it was incubated by Google back in June 2015. When Larry Page and Sergey Brin rehashed Google under the umbrella company Alphabet, SideWalk Labs became its subsidiary. Building a city isn't a new idea. Disney had an ambitious plan to build a city but it failed. The idea came from none other than Walt Disney himself back in 1955 who intended to build the city of the future in California but the plan never came to fruition. --- ENDS --- Successful EU footwear trade mission Kazhakstan With European footwear exports to Kazakhstan almost quadrupling between 2010 and 2014, the first ever European footwear trade mission outside Europe for small and medium enterprises has confirmed the potential for market growth in the region. Aimed at supporting the internationalisation of footwear companies manufacturing in Europe, the trade mission to Almaty, Kazakhstan, was part of a European Commission funded campaign named European Footwear: More than Fashion. On April 4-5, 36 European footwear brands from Austria, France, Greece, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Spain and the Netherlands set out to reach new consumers in Kazakhstan, an emerging market which has seen a rising demand in footwear products in the last 7 years, and only produces 2% of the total market turnover. The trade mission sought to increase the availability of European products in Kazakh retail stores as the countrys consumers are becoming increasingly interested in accessing fashionable and high quality shoes outside Kazakhstan. Organised by the European Confederation of the Footwear Industry (CEC) in collaboration with the consultancy European Profiles, the shoe display at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Almaty was attended by major Kazakh fashion retailers and distributors. According to the CEC, European footwear exports to Kazakhstan almost quadrupled from 2010 to 2014, but they still only represented 11,5% of the total imports into Kazakhstan in 2014, meaning that European companies can still do more to increase their share of the Kazakh market. We are grateful to the European Commission for their direct support to European footwear SMEs. The positive results achieved in Almaty this week make a strong case for a second trade mission in another non-European country in order to continue promoting European excellence and creativity in footwear fashion, and encourage European footwear companies to conquer new markets, said Cleto Sagripanti, President, CEC. "Entire societies have come to talk about innovation as if it were an inherently desirable value, like love, fraternity, courage, beauty, dignity, or responsibility. Innovation-speak worships at the altar of change, but it rarely asks who benefits, to what end?" Lee Vinsel & Andrew Russell What's wrong with this picture? [Merpel has been reading her tea leaves, which have not picked up this vibe.] Combine the Global Financial Crisis, Occupy Wall Street, and now the Panama Papers, and there is a revolution at foot in economic thought. In the last decade, we have seen the failure of macroeconomic models, un-precedented government policy to stimulate the economy, and a tax system which supports the widening gap between rich and poor. The failings of economic theory laid bare. The next puppy up for drowning might be innovation Something is in the air. If the winds blows away from innovation, then the privileged position of IP in public discourse could be compromised. As I'm constantly banging on, economists and governments view IP as a means to stimulate innovation. The core argument in favour of innovation isIt takes a few steps to get from innovation to better. The current argument is that better is a higher standard of living, which comes from economic growth, which is spurred by productivity, and the best way to increase productivity is through innovation.There are a number of problems with this logic. First, is better really a higher standard of living? Not necessarily. We quickly adjust to higher standards of living. They may provide a temporary increase in happiness, but once the buzz is over, we return to our baseline happiness. Have a think about your computer. In the 80's, I was happy to spend 15 minutes booting up a Commodore 64 with cartridges so I could play Space Invaders. Now I'm annoyed if my laptop takes more than 30 seconds to wake up. Even in health care, our expectations rise with standards.Second, economic growth may not be the best measurement of higher living standards. If more doesn't make us happy, then why focus on more? The past decades of rapid technological innovation have been accompanied by a rise in inequality. The tech industry, a hotbed of innovation, is anything but diverse and is disproportionately benefitting the privileged few. Other economic growth consequences include increased pollution, diseases of affluence (e.g. obesity) and longer working hours. Standard measures of growth don't capture these.Third, there is an interesting discussion starting in productivity , which roughly measures economic efficiency. Austerity measures , in which governments reduce their spending in response to poor economic performance, are popular at the moment. (Never mind that the most influential economic paper which set out the case for austerity turned out to have a fatal spreadsheet error uncovered by a student .) These measures don't seem to be working and governments are quick to blame productivity. Economist Geoff Tily recently raised this point and suggests that we shouldn't be focusing on productivity, which is on the supply side of the economy, but on demand. Austerity has reduced demand and productivity is merely the scapegoat for lack of growth. But if productivity, which improves with innovation, isn't the problem behind economic growth, does the whole argument fall apart? A fourth attack is the idea that it's not innovation, but maintenance that is key to the economy. Vinsel and Russell argue that innovation has become a meaningless buzzword and that instead, we should focus on work performed by maintainers. It's not innovation that keeps the wheels turning, but, "how the human-built world is maintained and sustainedso often by unnamed, unseen, and underpaid labor." The focus on technology and innovation, which increases inequality and has questionable growth impacts, ignores that the real work is more mundane maintenance. They argue for more balanced social and policy approaches that recognises this.Collectively, these arguments chip away at our innovation obsession. If it becomes accepted that productivity is not the problem, and/or if policy focuses more on maintenance, then innovation will no longer be at the forefront of economics and policy. The basis of IP as policy has been innovation and its economic impacts. Losing this core argument would compromise IP's cherished position in public discourse in developed economies. A loss of popularity, and IP becomes a economic, legal and political backwater.A second impact could be that we need to rethink our justifications for IP. For economics, innovation may only be part of the IP puzzle. This is already a discussion in trade marks (and here ) and TK , where innovation and growth arguments are not a good fit. Further economic justification could be found in concepts of utility , or even, gasp, fairness . For the legal discipline, which has maintained a healthy scepticism towards economic and innovation theories of IP, perhaps this is less disturbing.Your Katonomist is not entirely swayed by these arguments, but she is sympathetic to some of these points. She senses the beginnings of a (perhaps long overdue) change in economic thought. At the very minimum, this emerging critique of innovation and productivity should encourage our IP community to critically re-visit our core beliefs.A Kat pat to the anonymous economist who pointed me to Tily's productivity article.Interested readers may enjoy the below video from Professor John Reenen at the LSE, who also researches IP (e.g. patents & home bias and patents and firm performance ). Filmed in 2013, he explains how innovation, human capital and infrastructure should be the focus of growth policies. The IPKat' smile of delight at the news of ITMA's Royal Charter On Wednesday the IPKat heard the exciting news that the Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (ITMA) had been granted a Royal Charter at the April 12th meeting of the Privy Council at Windsor Castle. As most readers will know, ITMA is the UK-based professional membership organisation which represents the interests of the trade mark and designs profession. The grant of a Royal Charter paves the way for ITMA to become the Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (CITMA). The change will take place later this year, once the Charter receives the Great Seal of the Realm. The IPKat thinks Sitma sounds silly and hopes that CITMA members will pronounce it Kitma. ITMA Chief Executive Keven Bader said: As an organisation and profession we have been working towards this for some time. I am delighted this hard work has been recognised and that we have been granted a Royal Charter. Im sure our qualified members will be looking forward to using the title Chartered Trade Mark Attorney to further distinguish themselves as the experts in trade marks and design matters. Seal of Approval Privy Council? Royal Charter? Whaaaat? Non UK readers may be confused by some of the above. This Kat will do his best to help: The Privy Council is a group of advisors to the Queen. Constitutional convention dictates that she follows their advice. A Royal Charter is a way of turning a body of of individuals into a single legal entity. A body incorporated by Royal Charter has all the powers of a natural person, including the power to sue and be sued. Royal Charters were at one time the only way of incorporating a body, but there are now other more commonly used methods (e.g. registering as a company). New Charters are reserved for bodies that work in the public interest (such as professional institutions and charities) and which demonstrate pre-eminence, stability and permanence in their field. The University of Cambridge was awarded the first Royal Charter in 1231 - hopefully CITMA is as successful and will still be with us in 785 years, exercising its benevolent influence over trade marks. ITMA has always played a key role in educating, representing and regulating the trade mark attorney profession the Charter formalises this role. But these sorts of joint projects cannot be expected to do much for the recovery of global oil prices, which are still struggling to recover from historic lows seen last year as a result of a supply glut and OPECs refusal to cut production. While that OPEC policy was widely reported as being a reaction to strong competition from US markets that had been bolstered by hydraulic fracturing, there was also some speculation that Saudi Arabia was deliberately trying to prevent its regional rival Iran from recovering market share in the wake of the July 14 Iran nuclear agreement. Regardless the accuracy of the latter claim, it is now clear that Iran and Saudi Arabia are at odds over the future of Irans oil production, and are even engaged in what might be described as economic warfare, with Iran offering discounts to entice some buyers to take more of its oil in lieu of that of other OPEC producers. In this context, joint development projects with Irans immediate neighbors go hand-in-hand with stories of Irans resumption of exports to Western Europe, in order to encourage a response from the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With Iran promising to produce oil at its highest possible levels in order to restore pre-sanctions export levels of approximately four million barrels per day, there is little hope that the two rivals will reconcile their contrasting policies. Global oil markets are responding in kind, according to BSC Comment, which pointed out on Thursday that prices had declined slightly on the expectation that there would be no notable progress from talks that are set to take place among oil producing countries on Sunday, in Doha, Qatar. The long-anticipated meeting was meant to expand upon a smaller-scale production freeze that was principal agreed between Saudi Arabia and Russia. But both countries initially insisted that the planned expansion would be contingent upon the participation of all OPEC countries as well as all the non-OPEC oil producers in attendance. Iran pointedly rejected that ultimatum, opting to pursue greater market share even at the expense of prices and short-term profits. Russia has apparently reversed its position since then, with Rudaw reporting on Thursday that Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak had said that an agreement to freeze oil production could still go ahead without Irans participation and that no one will force those who do not want to sign on. The government of Kuwait has publically taken the same position, but the Saudis remain unmoved and may still derail the agreement as a whole if they judge that it would give Iran too great a share of power over the market. The Iranians and Saudis back different factions in the Syrian Civil War, where Iran has reportedly continued to deploy Revolutionary Guards and militant proxies in defense of President Bashar al-Assad, even in the wake of a purported ceasefire among all parties other than the Islamic State and the Al Nusra Front. In Yemen, the Saudis are directly opposing the Iran-backed Houthi rebellion against President Abed Rabu Mansour Hadi. This situation has made the Saudis and their allies rather sharply critical of the Iran nuclear deal and general expansions in Western relations with the Islamic Republic, for fear that economic recovery on Irans part will contribute to the continue expansion of its political and military influence in the broader Middle East. The author emphasized that the UK government has continued to cooperate with each of these countries in significant areas. In the case of Iran, the UK even reestablished long-absent diplomatic relations between the two countries last year but, according to the editorial, squandered the opportunity to use this in order to put appropriate pressure on the Islamic Republic to change its policy on executions. Now not only has that policy not changed, but the Iranian rate of executions has skyrocketed to levels not seen in 25 years. The United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in Iran, Ahmed Shaheed, reports that Iran put at least 966 people to death in 2015 alone. The International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, meanwhile, puts the figure at 1,052. In the midst of this situation, the foreign affairs committee of the UK parliament has reportedly warned that the recent policy of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office raises questions about how energetically the government is raising human rights issues. The Guardian editorial explicitly attributes this apparent neglect to the UKs effort to put trade issues ahead of virtually all else. And this is a criticism that has been levied against the leadership of other Western governments as well, including the US. The focus on trade at the expense of human rights has been highlighted by political and human rights activists in the midst of a range of state visits between the Islamic Republic of Iran and various Western democracies. Most recently, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi visited Tehran to conclude an estimated 20 billion dollars worth of trade deals; and this is scheduled to be followed up by a visit from EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini on Monday. The National Council of Resistance of Iran has pointed out that Irans executions did not so much as pause during Renzis visit, meaning that unless Mogherini addresses the issue of executions, she will be effectively ignoring at least 14 hangings that took place within about a week of her departure. Of course, as is indicated by the statement from the UK parliaments foreign affairs committee, some foreign entities are still trying to keep pressure on the Iranian government over the issues of executions and human rights. For instance, the head of the UN High Commission for Human Rights issued a press statement on Thursday calling for a moratorium on Iranian executions for non-violent drug offenses, according to Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty. However, this statement arguably reflects undue optimism about the prospects for a change in the Iranian regimes own policies. That is, the request is specifically for a moratorium pending the Iranian parliaments debate of a new law that would eliminate mandatory capital sentences for the given crimes. With regard to a wide range of criticisms of its human rights record, the Iranian governments response has overwhelmingly been to simply deny that the relevant problems exist. Such denials make official reforms difficult and unlikely, especially when they come with persons affiliated with the regimes highest authorities, including the Guardian Council and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who have the power to overturn legislation or unilaterally impose policy if they deem it to be in the interest of the countrys Islamic identity. [April 14, 2016] Expert Customer Service Earns Squaremouth Best Travel Insurance Company ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., April 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Squaremouth, a travel insurance comparison website, has been named the top company in the travel insurance industry by TopConsumerReviews.com for the fifth year in a row. A multi-award winning company, Squaremouth credits its "best-in-class" ranking to its dedication to providing superior customer service. This goes beyond a friendly voice on the phone. Squaremouth is committed to remaining the industry expert on travel insurance and sharing this knowledge to help travelers make smart decisions about travel insurance. "When you contact our customer service, you may be talking to our product manager, a designer, or even a company director," said Squaremouth Director of Customer Service Jessica Harvey. "It's important to us that our customers speak to invested employees who care about using their expertise to provide exceptional service, not make a sale." The comparison website's simple, intuitive quote process is a direct result of the staff's hands-on customer service and travel insurance experience. Squaremouth has been lauded for this approach to customer service, winning the Silver "Stevie" Award for Customer Service Team of the Year in the 2014 American Business Awards. Squaremouth's dedication to customer service extends beyond the customer. The compay uses its expertise to help travelers understand how current events -- such as the Zika virus outbreak or the recent terrorist attacks in Brussels -- may impact travel insurance coverage, even if that means telling a traveler not to purchase a policy if their concerns are not covered. "The travel insurance brokerage services offered by Squaremouth are second to none in the industry," said Brian Dolezal, CEO of TopConsumerReviews.com. "Squaremouth puts the power in the hands of the consumer. They easily earn five stars as the best-in-class quote provider in the travel insurance market." Squaremouth's expertise and focus on delivering high-quality customer service has generated consistent growth and success. The company has ranked as an Inc. 5000 fast-growing company for the past three years, as well as a Tampa Bay Fast 50 company for the past four years. ABOUT SQUAREMOUTH Squaremouth is an online company that compares travel insurance products from virtually every major travel insurance provider in the United States. Using Squaremouth's comparison engine and third party customer reviews, travelers can research and compare insurance products side-by-side. Squaremouth maintains its high standards by hiring top talent. The company's workplace culture is consistently recognized both locally and nationally. Squaremouth has been named one of the Best Workplaces for Women and Best Small Workplaces in the nation by Fortune Magazine and Great Place to Work. The company is regularly cited as one of the best companies to work for in Florida and the Tampa Bay area. More information can be found at www.squaremouth.com. AVAILABLE TOPIC EXPERT Rachael Taft [email protected] (727) 264-5174 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/expert-customer-service-earns-squaremouth-best-travel-insurance-company-300251842.html SOURCE Squaremouth [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [April 14, 2016] Fitch Affirms American Tower's IDR at 'BBB'; Outlook Revised to Stable Fitch Ratings has affirmed American Tower (News - Alert) Corporation's (AMT) 'BBB' long-term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) and 'BBB' ratings on its senior unsecured notes and credit facilities. The Rating Outlook has been revised to Stable from Negative. KEY RATING DRIVERS Fitch revised the Outlook to Stable from Negative as AMT (News - Alert) is on track to meet our expectations to return to net leverage of 5x or below within a 12-24-month period, as stated in Fitch's February 2015 Rating Action Commentary, to warrant a Stable Outlook. Fitch expects AMT's net leverage to be approximately 5.1x (pro forma for current 2016 acquisitions) and 4.9x at the end of 2016 and 2017, respectively. In February 2015, the Outlook had been revised to Negative when AMT announced it would be acquiring rights to certain towers, and some outright, from Verizon (News - Alert) Communications Inc. (Verizon) in a transaction totalling approximately $5 billion. The Verizon transaction, combined with other acquisitions in 2015, elevated leverage. Since September 2013, the company has been on the delevering path on an organic basis, but has continued to be acquisitive. To support delevering while making acquisitions, in February 2015 the company issued on a net basis $1.34 billion of mandatory convertible preferred and $2.44 billion (net) of common stock to fund acquisitions, including the Verizon transaction. In May 2014 the company issued $583 million (net) of mandatory convertible preferred stock (both mandatory convertible preferred stock issues are given 100% equity credit). Stronger than expected organic growth, as well as acquisition-related EBITDA, and debt repayments have also enabled the company to remain on its delevering path. AMT's ratings are supported by the financial flexibility provided by its strong free cash flow (FCF; cash provided by operating activities less capital spending and dividends) and its high EBITDA margin, which has been consistently above 60% in recent years. The tower business model translates into strong, sustainable operating performance and FCF growth, aided by the company's significant scale and the favorable demand characteristics for wireless services (particularly data). AMT is expected to continue to post strong FCF, generate mid- to high-single-digit organic core revenue growth and expand organic margins. Tower revenues are predictable, and growth is provided by contractual escalators embodied in long-term lease contracts and there are strong prospects for additional business. The tower industry is benefiting from wireless carriers heavily investing in fourth generation (4G) networks to meet rapidly growing demand for mobile broadband services. In the second quarter of 2016, AMT is expected to close its acquisition of a 51% stake in Viom Networks Limited (Viom), a tower operator in India, for approximately $1.2 billion in cash plus assumed debt. At some point in the future, AMT will contribute its existing tower portfolio in India to Viom, which Fitch expects will increase its stake in Viom to above 60%. Fitch believes that growth in both EBITDA and FCF will allow AMT to fund the acquisition with debt without varying from its year-end leverage path. KEY ASSUMPTIONS --Consolidated revenue grows to just over $5.7 billion, based on expectations for property revenue to be at the mid-point of company guidance of $5.61 billion. In addition, Fitch has incorporated approximately 3/4 of a year of revenue from the Viom acquisition and one-half of the year-one property revenue from the Tanzania acquisition in 2016. In 2017, revenue grows just over 7% based on the full-year effects of the Viom and Tanzania acquisitions. Thereafter revenue grows in the 4%-5% range due to contractual escalators and new-business growth. --EBITDA margins decline slightly in 2016 due to the lower margins associated with acquired properties. --Capital spending of approximately $750 million in 2016, which increases moderately through 2018, before declining slightly in 2019. --Cash taxes remain modest, at less than $100 million in 2016 and increase modestly thereafter. There was a one-time cash tax charge in 2015 of $93 million related to Global Tower Partners (GTP) taken pursuant to a tax election, as GTP no longer operates as a separate REIT for state and federal tax purposes. --Moderate stock repurchases as net leverage under 5x is reached, with further deleveraging arising from EBITDA growth (rather than debt repayment). RATING SENSITIVITIES Positive: At the current 'BBB' level, Fitch does not currently anticipate near-term developments that could likely lead to an upgrade of the rating at this time. A negative rating action could occur if: --Operating performance falls short of expectations of at least mid-single-digit organic growth combined with margin pressure; --A significant transaction, or share repurchases, results in expectations for net leverage sustained above 5x for longer than a 18-24 month period. LIQUIDITY In Fitch's opinion, AMT has a strong liquidity position supported by its FCF, cash on hand, and availability on its revolving credit facilities. Operationally, cash flow generation should remain strong. For 2015, FCF was approximately $666 million. As of Dec. 31, 2015, cash on hand was approximately $321 million, and unused revolver capacity was approximately $2.7 billion on a pro forma basis. Of the cash balance, approximately $224 million was held by foreign subsidiaries. AMT has two revolving credit facilities (RCFs): a $2 billion facility due in January 2021 and a $2.75 billion multi-currency RCF due in June 2019. The maturity dates for both credit facilities were extended by one additional year in October 2015. The principal financial covenant limits total debt/adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the agreements) to no more than 6.0x beginning in 2016. The covenants limit senior secured debt/adjusted EBITDA to 3.0x for the company and its subsidiaries. If debt ratings are below a specified level at the end of any fiscal quarter, the ratio of adjusted EBITDA to interest expense must be no less than 2.5x for as long as the ratings are below the specified level. Debt maturities during 2016 and 2017 are nominal. FULL LIST OF RATING ACTIONS Fitch affirms AMT as follows: AMT --Long-term IDR 'BBB'; --Senior unsecured credit facilities 'BBB'; --Senior unsecured notes 'BBB'. The Rating Outlook is Stable. Additional information is available on www.fitchratings.com. Applicable Criteria Corporate Rating Methodology - Including Short-Term Ratings and Parent and Subsidiary Linkage (pub. 17 Aug 2015) https://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/reports/report_frame.cfm?rpt_id=869362 Additional Disclosures Dodd-Frank Rating Information Disclosure Form https://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/press_releases/content/ridf_frame.cfm?pr_id=1002531 Solicitation Status https://www.fitchratings.com/gws/en/disclosure/solicitation?pr_id=1002531 Endorsement Policy https://www.fitchratings.com/jsp/creditdesk/PolicyRegulation.faces?context=2&detail=31 ALL FITCH CREDIT RATINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS. PLEASE READ THESE LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK: HTTP://FITCHRATINGS.COM/UNDERSTANDINGCREDITRATINGS. IN ADDITION, RATING DEFINITIONS AND THE TERMS OF USE OF SUCH RATINGS ARE AVAILABLE ON (News - Alert) THE AGENCY'S PUBLIC WEBSITE 'WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM'. PUBLISHED RATINGS, CRITERIA AND METHODOLOGIES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THIS SITE AT ALL TIMES. FITCH'S CODE OF CONDUCT, CONFIDENTIALITY, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, AFFILIATE FIREWALL, COMPLIANCE AND OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE 'CODE OF CONDUCT' SECTION OF THIS SITE. FITCH MAY HAVE PROVIDED ANOTHER PERMISSIBLE SERVICE TO THE RATED ENTITY OR ITS RELATED THIRD PARTIES. DETAILS OF THIS SERVICE FOR RATINGS FOR WHICH THE LEAD ANALYST IS BASED IN AN EU-REGISTERED ENTITY CAN BE FOUND ON THE ENTITY SUMMARY PAGE FOR THIS ISSUER ON THE FITCH WEBSITE. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160414006643/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [April 15, 2016] AV-Comparatives Conducts First Test Using the AMTSO Real Time Threat List SAN FRANCISCO and INNSBRUCK, Austria, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Security product testers and industry join forces to broaden the range of security software testing. AV-Comparatives, an independent Austrian antivirus testing lab, has conducted the first public industry test using the AMTSO Real Time Threat List (RTTL). The RTTL is a repository of malware samples collected from around the world, and is managed, maintained and secured by the Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization (AMTSO). Through the RTTL, AMTSO has provided a common platform where testers can access malware samples and related telemetry data provided by vendors and academics. The RTTL provides a way for testers to setup up new ways of testing based on prevalence-weighted and region-specific malware samples. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160414/355538LOGO ) "Using the RTTL extends the range of tests and certifications based on it allow businesses and consumers to make more informed decisions when selecting a product." said Andreas Clementi, CEO of AV-Comparatives. "In our Real-World Testing framework we are simulating a user using a computer. By exposing the machine to samples pulled from the RTTL we can give an overview of the core protection capabilities of the security product." Even though testing based on th AMTSO RTTL is very new, nearly all of the vendors reached the certification. Detailed information about the methodology and test results are available on the AV-Comparatives website: http://www.av-comparatives.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/avc_rttl_201603_en.pdf Details about the AMTSO Real Time Threat List (RTTL) can be found on the AMTSO website at http://www.amtso.org. "As the threat landscape continues to evolve and become more complex, many existing tests are unable to correctly evaluate product effectiveness, resulting in product reviews that can be incomplete, inaccurate and misleading" said Thomas Wegele, AMTSO's Chief Technology Officer. "A large part of this problem is that some testers are unable to access prevalent malware samples on which to base their tests. The RTTL helps solve this problem by providing testers with a new source of malware samples and related telemetry data that is provided directly by industry experts and represents real time threats." About AV-Comparatives AV-Comparatives [http://www.av-comparatives.org ] is an independent organization offering systematic testing that checks whether security software, such as PC/Mac-based anti-virus products and mobile security solutions, lives up to its promises. Using one of the largest sample collections worldwide, it creates a real-world environment for truly accurate testing. AV-Comparatives offers freely accessible results to individuals, news organizations and scientific institutions. Certification by AV-Comparatives provides an official seal of approval for software performance which is globally recognized. Currently, AV-Comparatives' Real-World Protection Test is the most comprehensive and complex test available when it comes to evaluating the real-life protection capabilities of anti-virus software. Put simply, the test framework replicates the scenario of an everyday user in an everyday online environment - the typical situation that most of us experience when using a computer with an Internet connection. AV-Comparatives works closely with several academic institutions, especially the University of Innsbruck's Department of Computer Science, to provide innovative scientific testing methods. About the Anti-Malware Testing Standards Organization (AMTSO) AMTSO is a California-based non-profit mutual benefit corporation founded in 2008. AMTSO's mission is to improve business conditions related to the development, use, testing and rating of anti-malware solutions. AMTSO membership is open to industry-wide academics, reviewers, testers and vendors. Additional information regarding the organization, including charter documents, membership and educational materials are available on the AMTSO website at http://www.amtso.org . 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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 Seth Peirce of Lincoln, who is pursuing a degree in education at Wayne State College, was recently initiated into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Laura Felleman and Rachel Van Arsdall, both of Lincoln, were among high-achieving students at the University of Nebraska at Omaha College of Business Administration to be inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society. Felleman is a graduate student (Master of Accounting); Van Arsdall is a junior. Three Lincoln students were among Concordia University performers that participated April 17 in a family-friendly outdoor concert to benefit New Vision Renewable Energy: Audrey Rich, a freshman, Alto II in A Cappella Choir; Clara Rich, a senior, Alto I in A Cappella Choir; and Erika Troester, a senior, Alto I in A Cappella Choir. Audrey Rich, a freshman horn player, and Emma Haas, a freshman percussionist, performed with the University Symphonic Band of Concordia University at its spring concert April 19. Clara Rich, a Lincoln senior, will travel with the Concordia University, Nebraska Chamber Choir during its annual tour May 7-15 in California. In addition, Lincoln seniors Adam Meirose and Clara Rich were among Concordia University, Nebraska students featured in a recital April 20 in the Recital Hall of the Music Center on campus. Carleigh Schuman of Lincoln was recently inducted into the Eta Chapter of Alpha Chi Honor Society at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn. Fort Hays (Kansas) State University graduates in the fall 2015 semester included Bryna Lynnae Knox, a Lincoln student who received a Bachelor of Science in medical diagnostic imaging. Mitchell Volk of Lincoln was one of nine Concordia University seniors to have their work showcased in the the Bachelor of Fine Art Senior Thesis exhibition at Concordia University, in Seward. The exhibition opened April 3 and ran through April 15. 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. AgriMin told to boost food output amid deficit fears The parliamentary Agriculture and Water Resources Committee has directed the Ministry of Agricultural Development to take urgent action to increase food production amid worries about growing food insecurity and an alarming import bill. Bhattarai honoured with Highly Commendable Award Dr Prakash Chandra Bhattarai, Assistant Professor of Kathmandu University, has been honoured with Highly Commendable Award of the 2015 Emerald/EFMD Outstanding Doctoral Research Awards. China GDP: Economy slows to 6.7% in first quarter China's economy grew 6.7% in the first quarter of the year compared to the same period last year, says the government. CIEDP takes plaints amid questions about process More than a year after it was formed, the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons (CIEDP) started receiving complaints from families of conflict victims on Thursday amid questions about the credibility of the process and the ability of the transitional justice mechanism to deliver justice to the victims and their families. CoAS Chhetri to visit America Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) General Rajendra Chhetri is visiting the US from April 24 on the invitation of US Army. Community schools on enrolment drive District Education Offices in Syangja and Baglung are launching welcome programmes at various community schools on April 21 in a bid to boost admission for this academic session. Environment unfriendly There is a disturbing disconnect between Nepals success in nature conservation and an indifferent political class Hit-and-run driver nabbed after 15 hrs Police on Thursday arrested the driver who fled the scene after a hit-and-run accident that killed a pedestrian in Lazimpat, Kathmandu. House panel: Ensure minimum wage Pointing out the blatant exploitation of thousands of workers at the hands of the recruiting agencies, large corporate offices and government and non-government agencies, a Parliament committee has asked the government to ensure a minimum wage to workers employed through outsourcing firms. Housing aid too little, too late? Almost a year after the devastating earthquake that killed nearly 9,000 people and rendered tens of thousands homeless, the government is gearing up to rebuild houses and infrastructure and has started distributing Rs 200,000 housing aid. Intl rights groups urge Nepal govt to respect NHRC's independence International Human Rights Organisations have asked Nepal Government to immediately stop the intimidation of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and its independence in line with international standard. Nepali Dr Binod Kumar Sah named Turkeys doctor of the year Nepali Dr Binod Kumar Sah, a native of Golbajar in Siraha, has been awarded with the Best doctor of the year award by the Turkish government in recognition for his services to child and infant health. Nepals envoy to Saudi injured in knife attack Nepals Acting Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ananda Prasad Sharma, was attacked with a knife at his office on Thursday by a fellow citizen. Number of blackbucks up in Bardiya Efforts to protect endangered blackbucks in a conservation area in Bardiya district have been paying off. Pashupati Prasad awarded Movie Person of the Year The first iteration of Moviemandus Movie Person of the Year has been awarded to director Dpendra K Khanal for the movie Pashupati Prasad at a felicitation programme held in the Capital on Wednesday. Police in hunt for Nepali ringleader of intl drug racket A Nepali mans name has emerged in police investigation as the ringleader of an international drug racket operating from Thailand, who according to police has been using Nepal as a hub to supply contraband drugs to various countries. Ramnawami fervour in Janakpur air The Ramnawami festive fervour has filed the air in Janakpurdham, the capital of ancient Mithila state. Theatre unveiled in Jhorahaat Away from the hustle and bustle of the headquarters Biratnagar, the township of Jhorahaat, unveiled a new theatre on Wednesday through the activism of local theatre lovers and the lead of theatre enthusiasts from the Capital. US govt awards $121 million to NGOs for development programmes The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has awarded financial assistance totaling $121 million to various NGOs for five new development programmes. The Deputy Chief Justice Stephen Kavuma is today expected to meet the warring factions at Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA). The Judiciary spokesperson Erias Kisawuzi says the move is meant to defuse the growing tension between the technical and political wings of the authority. Since the impeachment of city Lord Mayor Erias Lukwago in 2013, there have been endless legal battles between the two parties over his status at City Hall. Just yesterday Lukwago and his lawyers stormed Justice Kavumas office demanding that he issues administrative direction regarding the embattled mayors continued lack of access to his office at City Hall. They claim the interim order issued by court earlier restraining Lukwago from accessing his office had since expired, however, the KCCA executive Director Jennifer Musisi insists Lukwago can only access his office after he is sworn in. The two factions are Lukwago and his lawyers on one hand, and Government and KCCA on the other. Story By Moses Kyeyune Government is to lose over Shs40b after MPs used their power to amend the law to protect their allowances. The legislators amended the Income Tax (Amendments) Bill, 2016 last evening to exempt their emoluments from taxes. The amendment was moved by Rubanda East MP, Henry Musasizi at about 8pm and attempts by State health Minister, Sarah Opendi to question the move by parliament hit a dead end after Kabula MP James Kakooza with the backing of other legislators put her on order. In what looked like a premeditated move to circumvent the Commercial Court ruling on the MPs allowances, all members in the House, including those in the opposition clapped after passing the bill. The decision by MPs to exempt themselves from PAYE, is however expected to create a hole in revenue collection of more than Shs40 billion, impeding service delivery in the process. In February this year, the Commercial Court, ordered the Parliamentary Commission to deduct tax from MPs emoluments. The Parliamentary Commission filed an appeal against the judgment on February 22. However before the appeal is heard, the MPs moved to protect their allowances. Some MPs complained to the Committee on Legal and Parliamentary Affairs that URA wanted Shs9m from each legislator in 9th Parliament and Shs10m for the MPs in the 10th Parliament. The decision by MPs is expected to cause uproar in the public at a time when the government is encouraging Ugandans to pay taxes. The move also comes after the civil society watchdogs and other commentators argued that the MPs emoluments should be taxed in public interest. Story By Yasin Mugerwa The Rwenzuru King Charles Wesley Mumbere and his Bwamba counterpart Martin Kamya have agreed on restoring peace in Rwenzori sub region. The agreement comes on heels of the recent wave of clashes that have left 45 people killed in Kasese and Bundibugyo districts. In the Royal Communique signed in the presence of Capt Mike Mukula as chief government mediator and the clergy under Inter-religious Council of Uganda, the two cultural leaders agreed to work together towards re-establishing peace, security and stability in the region. The two principals unanimously agreed and resolved to hold joint mobilisation rallies in their respective territories of jurisdiction with the purposeful message of peace, stability and harmonious co-existence. Speaking after the meeting held at the Mountains of the Moon Hotel, Kamya said coming together was just the beginning of a long journey, while Mumbere described the agreement as a historic day in the region especially for them coming together for progress. Meanwhile, security forces in Rwenzori sub region have arrested 28 more suspects bringing to 170 the number of people said to have participated in the recent wave of clashes. Brig Peter Elweru the UPDF 2nd Division Commander says the suspects have been rounded up from Bundibugyo and Kasese districts which were the epicenter of the conflicts. He says most of them are members of the Kirumira mutima militia whose objectives are still unknown. In Bundibugyo more than 2000 people had fled their homes and camped at Bubukungu Transit Camp. However, majority have since returned to their homes home living 1200 Congolese nationals in the camp. Story By Joseph Kato South Sudan President Salva Kiir and his Tanzanian counterpart John Pombe Magufuli who is also the Chairperson of the East African Community (EAC) Heads of State Summit are today set to sign the Treaty of Accession into the Community. The event will be held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. At their 17th Ordinary Summit held on 2nd March, 2016 in Arusha, Tanzania, the EAC Heads of State received the report of the Council of Ministers on the negotiations for the admission of South Sudan into the Community as a new member. The Summit then designated the Chairperson to sign the Treaty of Accession with South Sudan. South Sudans admission brings to six, the number of EAC member states with a population of 162 million people. This implies that South Sudan now formerly joins Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi and it will be part of the regional integration projects that have been the subject of discussion among member countries. South Sudan applied for EAC membership soon after gaining its independence from neighbouring Sudan in 2011, upon being invited by the presidents of Kenya and Rwanda. Story By Catherine Ageno The SPLM in Opposition has laid new conditions to be fulfilled before Dr Riek Machar returns to Juba to take up his position as the First Vice President. Dr Machar is expected in Juba next Monday. However, according to Juba Based Eye Radio, his spokesman James Gatdet says Machar will not come to Juba as scheduled unless the JMEC confirms that Juba is demilitarized. According to the security arrangements under the peace agreement, only 3,420 government troops should remain in Juba during the transitional period while the rest have to be deployed 25 kilometers outside Juba. The opposition says this redeployment must first be confirmed by JMEC before Dr Riek arrives in Juba. According to a schedule released by the government, Dr Machar will be sworn in a day after arrival. The opposition wants him to take oath immediately and address a public rally. Meanwhile, Amnesty International has asked the South Sudanese government to end arbitrary detentions by the intelligence agency. The call comes two days before opposition leader Riek Machar is due to return to the capital Juba as part of a peace deal requiring the parties to the conflict to form a national unity government. Sarah Jackson, Amnesty Internationals Deputy Regional Director for East Africa and the Great Lakes says they have compiled a list of 35 men arbitrarily detained by the National Security Service at its headquarters in the Jebel neighbourhood of Juba. Some of the detainees have been held for close to two years, without access to lawyers and with very limited access to their families and the outside world. Jackson says the list, published as part of a briefing, includes a former state governor, a 65-year-old university professor, a Ugandan aid worker and a journalist employed by UN-run Radio Miraya. Story By Catherine Ageno ABC / iStock/Thinkstock(VATICAN CITY) -- Just days before the New York primary, Bernie Sanders traveled Friday from New York City to Rome to attend a conference hosted by the Vatican on the urgency of building a moral economy. During his remarks, the Brooklyn-born Jewish senator quoted the teachings of Pope Francis several times, noting what the pontiff has said about the idolatry of money and needing to create an economy that distributes wealth more evenly to all working families. Both men share a deep frustration about wealth inequality and their words often echo each other. Heres a look at some of Sanders campaign messages over the last year side by side with words from Francis: ON POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT 1. Pope Francis: I ask you to be builders of the world, to work for a better world. Dear young people, please, dont be observers of life, but get involved." (July 27, 2013) Bernie Sanders: We have to be engaged. We have to get involved. ... And millions of our friends and neighbors who dont vote, who have given up on the political process, they have got to get involved. (Seabrook, N.H., Sept. 20, 2015) 2. Pope Francis: We must say, We want a just system! A system that enables everyone to get on. We must say: We dont want this globalized economic system which does us so much harm! (Sept. 22, 2013) Bernie Sanders: The American people are saying, "Enough is enough. We need to create an economy that works for all of us and not just a handful of billionaires. (Cochran, New Hampshire, on ABC News "This Week," June 28, 2015) ON WAGES 3. Pope Francis: A just wage enables them to have adequate access to all the other goods, which are destined for our common use. (Nov. 24, 2013) Bernie Sanders: The federal minimum wage, it's a starvation wage. You do the arithmetic. People cant live on it. We have got to raise the minimum wage over a period of years to a living wage. (Johnston, Iowa, Sept. 3, 2015) ON FAMILY 4. Pope Francis: Over and over again we see that family bonds are essential for the stability of relationships in society, for the work of education and for integral human development. (June 20, 2013) Bernie Sanders: What is most important is the need for mothers and fathers to bond with the baby they have brought to life. What kind of family value is it when you tell a woman who has just had a baby that she cant spend time with that child, but that she has to go back to work? (Washington, D.C., June 11, 2015) ON UNEMPLOYMENT 5. Pope Francis: The most serious of the evils that afflict the world these days are youth unemployment and the loneliness of the old. (Oct. 1, 2013) Bernie Sanders: In my view there is no justice in our country when youth unemployment exists at tragically high levels. (Liberty University, Sept. 14, 2015) ON WAR 6. Pope Francis: We want in our society, torn apart by divisions and conflict, that peace break out! War never again! Never again war! Peace is a precious gift, which must be promoted and protected. (Sept. 1, 2013) Bernie Sanders: It is my firm belief that the test of a great nation with the most powerful military on earth is not how many wars it can engage in, but how it can use our strength and our capabilities to resolve international conflicts in a peaceful way. (Washington, D.C., Sept. 9, 2015) ON CLIMATE CHANGE 7. Pope Francis: The vocation of being a protector, however, is not just something involving us Christians alone; it also has a prior dimension which is simply human, involving everyone. It means protecting all creation, the beauty of the created world. ... It means respecting each of Gods creatures and respecting the environment in which we live." (March 19, 2013) Bernie Sanders: "When we talk about our responsibilities as human beings and as parents, there is nothing more important than leaving our planet healthy and habitable for our kids and our grandkids." (Los Angeles, Aug. 10, 2015) ON HEALTH CARE 8. Pope Francis: It is vital that government leaders and financial leaders take heed and broaden their horizons, working to ensure that all citizens have dignified work, education and health care. (Nov. 24, 2013) Bernie Sanders: "Health care is a right of all people, not a privilege. Most Americans do believe that all of us should have health care coverage, and that nobody should be left out of the system." (Op-ed, Huffington Post, July 9, 2009) ON INEQUALITY 9. Pope Francis: It is a well-known fact that current levels of production are sufficient, yet millions of people are still suffering and dying of starvation. (June 20, 2013) Bernie Sanders: Despite exploding technology and increased worker productivity, median family income is almost $5,000 less than it was in 1999. (Twitter, June 15, 2015) 10. Pope Francis: While the earnings of a minority are growing exponentially, so too is the gap separating the majority from the prosperity enjoyed by those happy few. (Nov. 24, 2013) Bernie Sanders: "There is something profoundly wrong when we are seeing a proliferation of billionaires at the same time as millions of Americans are working longer hours for lower wages and we have the highest rate of childhood poverty of any major country." (Portland, Maine, July 6, 2015) Quotations from Pope Francis according to U.S Conference of Catholic Bishops Department of Justice, Peace and Human Development. Copyright 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. No Yes, a light case Yes, two or more light cases One serious case Two or more serious bouts Vote View Results If you're interested in submitting a Letter to the Editor, click here. Submit A herd of about 120 buffalo that escaped from their fenced-in area in Juneau County Thursday night has been found, some on private property near the Vernon County line and the rest close to the enclosure from where they got out. The trick now is to get them back to the farm. Juneau County Sheriff Brent Oleson told the State Journal that the wayward buffalo found on private property Friday morning were pretty docile and were just standing in the field, awaiting further orders. The ones that got away are still being rounded up, but others were fairly close to the fenced-in area, Oleson said. The sheriffs office said authorities met with the caretakers of the buffalo Friday morning and were working with them to get the herd back to the fenced-in area. The public should continue to use caution while traveling in the area, the sheriffs office said. Do not approach the buffalo or disturb them in any way. The herd was in the Union Center area of southern Juneau County, near the county line, and belongs to an out-of-town owner. Stay clear of the buffalo if you encounter them with your vehicles on the roadway, the sheriffs office said. Oleson said you dont want to hit a buffalo with your car. A deer is bad enough, he said. Add 700 to 1,000 pounds to it. This past Tuesday (April 5), 53 public school districts asked their local citizens for additional financial support through 71 referenda questions. Of those ballot issues, voters approved 55, or more than 77 percent. Funding from those referenda questions will be used in places like Spring Valley to maintain their facilities. The districts elementary school is between 40 and 88 years old, depending on where you stand. It will be used in districts like Brodhead to continue providing the level of service the community is accustomed to by supporting staffing needs and technology upgrades. Over the past handful of years, the passage rate of referenda questions has steadily increased. Ten years ago, in 2006, the passage rate for referenda was over 59 percent. And 15 years ago, questions prevailed roughly 43 percent of the time. Year-by-year snapshots cannot tell the whole story of what is happening with a school district, state, or nation, but the overall trend in successful referenda itself conveys an important message. Referenda questions are being prompted by budgetary shortfalls as state support for PK-12 education stagnates. That is forcing school boards to ask local taxpayers to shoulder more of the cost to educate their children. It troubles me to see the difference between have districts that can pass referenda, and have-not districts that are unsuccessful. As a state, we have a constitutional obligation to provide an equal opportunity to access a free public education system. I fear our current pathway puts us at odds with that guarantee. The upcoming budget for the state of Wisconsin presents a perfect vehicle to engage on two important issues: the need for increased state support of public education and the need to update our funding formula to reflect our current educational climate. I will be incorporating these topics into the budget request for education that Ill propose for 2017-19. Our state has undergone a great deal of change in the past two decades. Our public school students overall are more diverse, increasingly come from low-income families, and more are learning English. With technology all around us, methods of learning and teaching have changed as well. But despite all this change, as Wisconsinites we remain steadfast in our shared value of maintaining a strong system of public education. Our public school funding system must reflect the fairness and equity we want for all of our children. Effective immediately, the town of Bergen and village of Stoddard, in conjunction with the Stoddard-Bergen Fire Department, is issuing a burning ban. The current fire danger level is at "Very High." When the current fire danger reaches "Very High" (orange) or "Extreme" (red), an immediate burning ban will be placed. These levels are set by the Forestry Department from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Recourses. Burning any combustible materials outdoors in the town of Bergen or village of Stoddard in Vernon County is prohibited. The risk for wildfires in these areas is very high and theres little relief in sight in the near future with the current weather pattern. This ban will be in place until conditions significantly improve. That applies to burn piles, burn barrels and all campfires unless in developed camping areas. Use caution disposing any matches, ashes, charcoal briquettes, or any burning materials into the outdoors. All firework use is banned. Remember to dispose of any cigars, cigarettes or pipes in a designated receptacle. Charcoal grills may be used only in the immediate vicinity of a residential dwelling on a non-combustible surface, such as concrete. General information To see the current levels by county, visit http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/forestfire/restrictions.html. Descriptions of ratings Low - Fires are not easily started. Fuels do not ignite readily from small firebrands, although a more intense ignition source, such as lightning, may start many fires in duff or punky wood Moderate - Fires start easily and spread at a moderate rate. Fires can start from most accidental causes, but with the exception of lightning fires in some areas, the number of starts is generally low. High - Fires start easily and spread at a fast rate. All fine dead fuels ignite readily and fires start easily from most causes. Unattended campfires are likely to escape. High-intensity burning may develop on slopes. Very High - Fires start very easily and spread at a very fast rate. Fires start easily from all causes, spread rapidly and intensify quickly. Spot fires are a constant danger. Extreme - The fire situation is explosive and can result in extensive property damage. Fires under extreme conditions start quickly, spread furiously, and burn intensely. All fires are potentially serious. Development into high-intensity burning will usually be faster and occur from smaller fires than in the very high danger class. Factors and reason for controlling outdoor burning Burn ban/fire danger Fire prevention for the outdoors. Indication how easily products will ignite and become uncontrollable. Fire danger consists of: Relative humid less than 25 percent, wind influence 10 mph, vegetation moisture green and growing or dry and dormant, temperature, last rain. Alternative suggestions to burning brush: Compost piles, chipping brush, municipal brush sites, wait until the area is green. Despite the announcement by the Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional (ELN), Colombias second-largest leftist guerrilla group, that it will soon engage in formal peace negotiations with the government, it has launched a military offensive in recent weeks, prompting a counter-offensive by the armed forces. The decision by Clan Usuga, the countrys largest emerging criminal organisation (Bacrim), to initiate a new campaign of violence in repudiation of the governments peace negotiations with the guerrillas [WR-16-13] is also a factor in the upsurge of violence in the country. All of this is sparking fears that the peace process being conducted by the Juan Manuel Santos administration could become seriously hindered. Since announcing on 30 March that it had agreed a six-point formal peace talks agenda with the government, the ELN has launched a series of attacks in different parts of the country. On 6 April ELN guerrillas kidnapped two bus drivers after stopping them on a highway linking the north-western departments of Choco and Risaralda. The guerrillas set fire to their victims buses as well as six other private vehicles before making their escape. General Javier Diaz, the commander of the Titan military task force charged with combating criminal groups in the area, said that the bus drivers were presumably taken after refusing to pay an extortion fee demanded by the ELN. General Diaz condemned the incident. He noted that while the government and the ELN had been clear that they would conduct the peace negotiations without declaring a bilateral ceasefire (as the Santos government agreed with the main guerrilla Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia [Farc]), one of the conditions set by Santos for engaging in peace talks with the ELN was for the latter to release all of its kidnap victims and refrain from targeting the civilian population. In the wake of the Choco kidnapping, Colombias national congresss peace commissions called on the ELN to declare a ceasefire in support of the formal peace talks, as the Farc has done, in order to reduce the intensity of the armed conflict. But the ELN ignored this, launching instead a series of attacks targeting the armed forces. This after on 7 April Defence Minister Luis Carlos Villegas confirmed that ELN commander Alejandro had been killed during a 30 March navy operation in Jurado, Choco department. Alejandro was the third ELN commander killed by the armed forces in March after Zorillo, the leader of the Alfredo Gomez Quinones front, was killed in the north-eastern department of Bolivar and Danilo, the leader of the ELNs northern front, was killed in the northern La Guajira department. Villegas said that the operation that resulted in Alejandros death was part of the offensive ordered by President Santos against the ELN to expedite the peace negotiations. Villegas then demanded the release of the kidnapped bus drivers. But the ELN opted to strike back. On 10 April ELN guerrillas ambushed an army patrol in the El Tambo municipality of the south-western Cauca department. One soldier was killed and another was wounded in the attack, which General Juan Vicente Trujillo, the commander of the Apolo task force, described as a violation of international humanitarian law and human rights. General Trujillo explained that at the time of the attack, the patrol was in a state of indefence and that their attackers were dressed as civilians. Clan Usuga joins the fray As the clashes between the armed forces and the ELN intensified, the guerrillas also began targeting the Clan Usuga which was set up by demobilised paramilitary groups and recently began calling itself the Autodefensas Gaitanistas de Colombia (AGC). This led the Farc and the ELN to denounce it as new paramilitary threat and to call on the government to dismantle it so as to ensure the viability of the peace process. On 12 April Colombias ombudsmans office denounced that Clan Usuga members had been involved in armed clashes with ELN and Farc guerrillas the previous day in Antioquia department. According to the ombudsmans report, the clashes took place when dozens of heavily armed members wearing Farc and ELN badges entered the municipality of El Bagre, with the aim of attacking members of Clan Usuga. Gun battles between the guerrillas and the criminals broke out, in which three civilians were injured. The report goes on to say that soon afterwards the armed forces arrived in the area, killed two members of the criminal organisations and wounded another two, without providing further details. The ombudsmans office said that the incident was a clear infringement of international humanitarian law, adding that it would monitor closely the situation in the area as the local community is concerned that this new conflict dynamic could lead to a recrudescence of violence in the area. The incident at El Bagre came after six Colombian civil-society organisations formally denounced the emergence of a new phase of paramilitarism in Colombia led by the Clan Usuga before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR). The complaint, which was filed on 5 April, states that 28 people were killed in February-March in suspected paramilitary activity carried out by the Clan Usuga. According to the complaint, 13 of these people were social and human-rights activists, while the others were victims of a suspected social cleansing exercise designed to instil fear. The Santos government responded by condemning the deaths of all social and human-rights activists; promised to clear up the cases and punish all those responsible; and intensify its efforts to combat the Bacrims, especially the Clan Usuga (see sidebar). Amid the growing concerns about the resurgence of paramilitarism and its impact on the peace process, the government is under pressure to achieve these goals. ELN moots May as possible start of peace negotiations On 7 April Miguel Atalay, who has identified himself as a spokesperson for Colombias Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional (ELN) guerrillas, announced through Twitter that the ELN had agreed to hold the first formal peace negotiating rounds with Colombian government representatives in May. The ELN announces to Colombia and the international community that the first public [negotiating] table will be installed in Ecuador in May, Atalays tweet reads. The announcement has not been confirmed nor denied by the government or the ELN leadership. Taking the fight to Clan Usuga On 11 April President Santos announced that the government would redouble its efforts to combat the countrys Bacrims, in particular the Clan Usuga. We are going after the leaders of this Clan, including its maximum leader Otoniel [Dairo Antonio Usuga David]we are redoubling our efforts, Santos said before announcing that the reward for any information leading to Usuga Davids arrest had increased to Col$3bn (US$983,000) from the Col$1.5bn (US$492,00) offered last month. It is imperative to strengthen actions against all kinds of criminality, but especially criminal organisationssuccessors of paramilitarism, Santos added. A week earlier, on 7 April, Santos had announced the arrests of 39 Clan Usuga members as part of an operation targeting the Bacrims leaders. End of preview - This article contains approximately 1176 words. Subscribers: Log in now to read the full article Not a Subscriber? Choose from one of the following options The title of this post is the headline of this valuable new piece by Jacob Sullum at Reason which provides some needed context (and justified pessimism) in light of some press headlines suggesting DEA may be on the verge of reclassifying marijuana. Here is how the piece starts and ends and its main insights in between (with links from the original): In a memo it sent to members of Congress on Monday, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) says it hopes to announce by the end of June whether it has decided that marijuana no longer belongs in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), the law's most restrictive category. The memo, first noted yesterday by Washington Post drug policy blogger Christopher Ingraham, has generated headlines such as "The DEA Will Soon Decide Whether it Will Reschedule Marijuana" and "DEA May Downgrade Marijuana From Schedule 1 Drug." Here are three reasons I think those headlines are misleading: 2. Agreeing to reschedule marijuana would require a major change in how the DEA interprets the CSA. Schedule I is supposedly reserved for drugs with a high abuse potential that have "no currently accepted medical use" and cannot be used safely, even under a doctor's supervision. It is doubtful that marijuana meets any of those criteria, let alone all three. But the DEA has always insisted that marijuana cannot be moved until its medical usefulness has been confirmed by the kind of expensive, large-scale clinical studies that the Food and Drug Administration demands before approving a new medicine. While such studies have been conducted with marijuana's main active ingredient (which is how Marinol, a capsule containing synthetic THC, was approved by the FDA in 1985), they have not been conducted with the whole plant.... 3. The Obama administration says marijuana will be reclassified only if Congress decides to do so. "What is and isn't a Schedule I narcotic is a job for Congress," President Obama told CNN's Jake Tapper in 2014. "It's not something by ourselves that we start changing." Last January, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest reiterated that Obama had no interest in administratively rescheduling marijuana: "There are some in the Democratic Party who have urged the president to take this kind of action. The president's response was, 'If you feel so strongly about it, and you believe there is so much public support for what it is that you're advocating, then why don't you pass legislation about it, and we'll see what happens.'" Eric Holder, Obama's attorney general until last year and therefore the official directly charged with deciding how controlled substances should be classified, a task that he, like his predecessors, delegated to the DEA took the same line. Even when Holder said, 10 months after leaving the Justice Department, that marijuana "ought to be rescheduled," he added that "Congress needs to do that." Although Gary Johnson is optimistic that the administration will change course this year, I see no reason to think the DEA's answer to the two most recent rescheduling petitions will be any different from its answer to the first three. The title of this post is the headline of this astute new International Business Times article, and here are exerpts: After decades of intransigence on the issue, the Drug Enforcement Administration may finally recommend removing marijuana from the list of the countrys most dangerous drugs. That list was created as part of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) of 1970, which consolidated all federal drug laws into a single comprehensive measure and defined marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance, alongside heroin, LSD and other drugs that the government says have no medical value and the highest potential for abuse. That meant marijuana was saddled with the strictest possible restrictions and penalties. Ever since then, marijuana activists have been fighting to remove cannabis from that category. In 1972, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) petitioned the DEA to instead place marijuana in Schedule II of the CSA, alongside cocaine, meth and other drugs considered dangerous but with medical potential. Twenty-two years and multiple courtroom battles later, the DEA had a final decision: Marijuana would remain a Schedule I substance. The DEA has rejected two other marijuana rescheduling petitions since then, but now theres a glimmer of hope among activists that change could finally be in the works. As first reported last week by the Huffington Post, in a recent letter to a group of Democratic senators, the DEA referenced a 2011 petition to reschedule cannabis to Schedule II, noting, DEA understands the widespread interest in the prompt resolution to these petitions and hopes to release its determination in the first half of 2016. While theres a good chance this determination will be no different than in the past, the countrys rapidly shifting cannabis landscape with 23 states plus Washington, D.C., having legalized medical marijuana (and Pennsylvania poised to do so) makes some people think the DEA could be ready to concede that cannabis has medicinal value. But instead of being cause for celebration, the news has met with largely subdued reaction from marijuana activists and business owners. Symbolically, one could say that would be a victory because youd have for the first time the federal government acknowledging that cannabis does in fact have some therapeutic utility, said NORML deputy director Paul Armentano. But that by and large would be the extent of it. By moving marijuana from Schedule I to II, the federal government would still be putting forward the intellectual dishonesty that cannabis has a high potential for abuse and needs to be regulated accordingly. Such responses suggest its not just the DEA thats shifting its position on federal marijuana laws. Marijuana proponents stance on federal cannabis rules are evolving, too. As the movement racks up one legal victory after another with little federal acknowledgement, theres a growing belief that the cannabis crusade doesnt have to settle for marijuana's move to Schedule II, for which it has long lobbied. Some even worry that such a rescheduling could in fact limit or derail a thriving industry. A handful of drugs have been rescheduled like this before. Marinol, a synthetic version of marijuanas psychoactive components, was moved from Schedule I to Schedule II, and then to Schedule III in the 1980s and '90s. But rescheduling is rare. According to John Hudak, deputy director of the Brookings Institutions Center for Effective Public Management, the DEA has rescheduled substances 39 times since the CSA was ratified 46 years ago, and only five of those instances involved moving a drug from Schedule I to II. Many drug policy experts arent optimistic that marijuana will soon be the sixth instance of this happening. After all, the DEA bases such decisions on existing marijuana research research that has long been severely limited thanks in part to restrictions related to marijuanas Schedule I status. Even if the DEA recommends rescheduling marijuana in the next few months, the change wouldnt happen overnight; it would instead trigger a lengthy rulemaking process. Even if the DEA comes out in July and says, We are moving from I to II, it would still take about a year for that to happen, said Hudak. But if rescheduling does occur, some marijuana activists say there would be major repercussions. By acknowledging marijuana has medical use and placing it in the same category not just as cocaine but also Vicodin and Ritalin, the government would be signaling that times have changed. This stands to be a legacy-defining move for Obama if his administration makes the right decision here, said Tom Angell, founder of the cannabis advocacy group Marijuana Majority. It would send a strong message to states that do not yet have medical marijuana laws on the books and a strong message to governments around the world that the U.S. government is now on board [with marijuana policy reform]. The move wouldnt just be symbolic. Moving marijuana to Schedule II would remove some of the logistical hurdles and academic taboos limiting cannabis research. It would also eliminate several of the bureaucratic hassles plaguing marijuana markets around the country because of the drugs Schedule I status, such as confusion over whether publications with marijuana ads can be sent through the mail. But as many marijuana supporters point out, shifting cannabis to Schedule II would not solve the biggest problems facing the nascent marijuana industry. Many unique barriers for marijuana research would still remain, such as the fact that all cannabis for such studies has to be obtained, via a lengthy and complicated approval process, from a single marijuana grow at the University of Mississippi thats administered by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The big issue is Ole Miss marijuana monopoly, and this wouldnt fix that at all, said drug-policy expert Mark Kleiman, a professor of public policy at the New York University Marron Institute of Urban Management. Then theres the fact that the biggest headaches afflicting marijuana businesses, such as a lack of banking services and sky-high tax rates thanks to IRS section 280E, which prohibits drug dealers from deducting the costs of selling illicit substances, are due to laws that cover drugs in both Schedules I and II of the CSA. Moving it to Schedule II really doesnt accomplish a lot, and frankly it is not scientifically supportable, said Taylor West, deputy director of the National Cannabis Industry Association. From a business perspective, it is unclear [if] it would have any impact on the banking situation, and it is specifically clear it would not have any impact on the 280E situation. Some marijuana advocates go further, worrying moving marijuana to Schedule II could actually make things worse. Could rescheduling open the door to Big Pharma moving in and taking over the industry? Or could it force all marijuana to be sold by prescription in pharmacies, doing away with the dispensary and recreational marijuana shop markets spreading across the country? I think a risk that this creates is that it enables DEA to become more directly involved in the control of the current medical cannabis industry, said Eric Sterling, executive director of the Criminal Justice Policy Foundation. And that many of the features of the current medical cannabis industry that the public appreciates and values could be lost or destroyed. The DEA would be able to write regulations of the production and processing and distribution of medical cannabis, and they could be quite onerous. Others believe such fears are unfounded. I think if Big Pharma really wanted marijuana to be a huge part of its product line, you would have seen it push the government long ago to consider rescheduling, said Hudak at the Brookings Institution. Hudak also doesnt expect to see the federal government dismantling the current marijuana industry: The state systems are so large, economically and in terms of the people who are served, and they have become entrenched. And frankly, it would be a tremendous enforcement action by the U.S. government to shut them all down, and it would likely be beyond the enforcement resources of the U.S. government right now. Friday, April 15, 2016 As noted in this prior post, Ohio legislators have now gone from generally talking about marijuana reform to having a specific bill that it plans to move to consider quickly. This new local article, headlined "Ohio medical marijuana hearings begin Tuesday," provides an overview of the bill and the big debate it is sure to engender in the state in the coming weeks: State lawmakers will begin hearings on a new medical marijuana bill on Tuesday. The House Select Committee on Medical Marijuana plans to meet three times a week to vet and revise House Bill 523. The bill would establish a program allowing patients to buy and use marijuana to treat medical conditions with the recommendation of a licensed Ohio physician. Rep. Kirk Schuring, a Canton Republican who led the House medicinal marijuana task force, will also chair the committee. Lawmakers hope to have the bill to Gov. John Kasich by June.... People will not be allowed to grow marijuana at home. Dispensaries and growing, testing, and processing facilities could not be located within 500 feet of a school, church, public library, public playground or public park. Marijuana would be tracked from seed to sale, with patient and physician information entered into a database similar to other controlled substances. Only Ohio-licensed doctors who have registered with the state to recommend marijuana could do so, and only after examining the patient and his or her medical history. Doctor recommendations would specify an amount and type of marijuana to patients. The doctor's recommendation would expire after 90 days, and patients would have to visit their doctors to renew the recommendations. Businesses could still enforce drug-free workplace policies, and financial institutions that serve marijuana businesses would not face state penalties. Lawmakers would later determine an appropriate tax on medical marijuana. Marijuana businesses would have to pay all other business taxes. The program must be operational no later than two years after the bill becomes law. The bill leaves many of the regulations up to a nine-member commission appointed by the governor, House, and Senate.... Meanwhile, two groups are collecting signatures to legalize medical marijuana at the ballot box. Don Wirtshafter, of Grassroots Ohioans, called the bill a "timid first step." Grassroots Ohioans' amendment would allow people to use marijuana to treat medical conditions, but would not require a physician's recommendation or prescription. The amendment would allow farmers to grow industrial hemp. "Our initiative is necessary because it will force the legislature to look at this more realistically in view of the modern science on this subject," Wirtshafter said Thursday. Ohioans for Medical Marijuana, backed by national group Marijuana Policy Project, is proposing a regulated system in its constitutional amendment. Mason Tvert, spokesman for Marijuana Policy Project, said the House bill's reporting requirements would have a chilling effect on physicians and help few patients. "That's not something we require of physicians for many other medications and medical marijuana is objectively far less harmful and has far less potential for abuse than prescription drugs," Tvert said. The full text of HB523 is available at this link, and at the very, very end of the document is a paragraph that is of special importance to me given my robust research interests in this topic: The General Assembly hereby declares that it intends to establish a program to provide incentives or otherwise encourage institutions of higher education and medical facilities within this state to conduct academic and medical research regarding medical marijuana. But as the title of this post is meant to signal, I am not sure if this provision shoud be my least or most favorite part of the bill. When I testified before the Ohio House Medical Marijuana Task Force last month, I noted that the Buckeye State is ideally positioned to emerge as a national and international leader in cannabis research, and I urged the General Assembly to create a dedicated Center for Ohio Cannabis Research (which I called "OhioCan Research"). I like this final paragraph of HB523 because it declares the General Assembly's intent establish a program to support medical marijuana research. But I dislike this paragraph because it does not do more than declare a legislative intent. Specifically, I noticed that HB523 not only creates a "medical marijuana control commission" (MMCC), but also tasks the MMCC with figuring out each year how much of the tax/fee revenues raised by the medical marijuana program should be allocated each year to "marijuana drug abuse prevention programs." I think that provision of the bill should be expanding to also task the MMCC with figuring out how much of the revenue raised should also be allocated each years to "academic and medical research regarding medical marijuana." https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/marijuana_law/2016/04/my-least-most-favorite-part-of-the-2016-medicial-marijuana-bill-being-fast-tracked-in-ohio.html This notable new article from the Washington Post, headlined "More and more doctors want to make marijuana legal," reports on a notable new group starting to advocate for the ending of federal marijuana prohibition. Here are the details and context: A group of more than 50 physicians, including a former surgeon general and faculty members at some of the nation's leading medical schools, has formed the first national organization of doctors to call on states and the federal government to legalize and regulate the use of marijuana in the interest of public health. The group which is announcing its formation Monday, under the name Doctors for Cannabis Regulation (DFCR) is endorsing the legalization of marijuana for adult recreational use, a break from the position of the American Medical Association, the largest organization of doctors in the country. DFCR argues that the prohibition and criminalization of marijuana use does more harm to the public than good. Citing hundreds of thousands of annual marijuana arrests, racial and economic disparities in marijuana enforcement, and the role of prohibition in keeping marijuana prices high and lucrative to violent drug dealers, the physicians say that creating a legal and regulated marijuana market is the best way to ensure public safety, combat the illicit drug trade and roll back the negative consequences of strict enforcement policies on disadvantaged communities. The emergence of the group comes at a crucial moment in the national debate over marijuana legalization. More than 60 percent of the public now says that it supports marijuana legalization. Support for allowing medical use of marijuana with doctors' supervision is closer to 90 percent. Over 35 million Americans use marijuana recreationally each year, according to the latest federal statistics. Research organizations, medical groups and even many national lawmakers have called on federal authorities to revisit policies toward marijuana that have remained essentially unchanged for nearly 50 years. "You don't have to be pro-marijuana to be opposed to its prohibition," DFCR founder and board president David L. Nathan said in an interview. Nathan is an associate professor at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at Rutgers University and a distinguished fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. He's quick to point out that his group does not advocate for the use of marijuana: While researchers generally agree that marijuana use is less harmful to individuals and society than the use of other common drugs, like alcohol and tobacco, about 9 percent of people who begin using as adults become dependent on the drug, and heavy use can be especially harmful to the developing brains of adolescents. Rather, Nathan says, the best way to manage those risks is to bring use of the drug, as well as the associated commerce in it, out into the open via regulation. "Doctors should affirmatively support this," he said. "If youre going to make something against the law, the health consequences of that use have to be so bad to make it worth creating criminal consequences. That was never true of marijuana. It was banned in 1937 over the objections of the American Medical Association (AMA)." Indeed, in 1937, the AMA objected to the overly strict regulation of marijuana, as it was then used as a treatment for a number of medical conditions. The Association was worried that prohibition of marijuana would "deprive the public of the benefits of a drug that on further research may prove to be of substantial value." After the passage of the "Marihuana Tax Act," marijuana "just wasn't that well-known among doctors," Nathan said. Many doctors were unaware that the drug essentially outlawed by the Marihuana Tax Act was the same substance they knew as "cannabis," which they used to treat a variety of ailments from corns to poor appetite. In subsequent years, physicians were just as susceptible to lurid media reports about the supposed dangers of marijuana use and the "Reefer Madness" era as anyone else. Like most mainstream medical groups, the AMA is now opposed to the outright legalization of marijuana, calling it a "dangerous drug" and "a public health concern." But the group's stance has evolved in recent years. It recently added language to its position statements calling for "the modification of state and federal laws to emphasize public health based strategies," rather than punitive, incarceration-based measures. The group now encourages research into the drug, and has called on federal authorities to make it easier to do so.... Not all medical professionals are happy about relaxing attitudes toward what they see as a dangerous, addictive drug. The notion of doctors advocating for marijuana legalization is "totally idiotic," said Robert DuPont, who served as the first director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse and as the second White House drug czar, in an interview. "The idea that we cannot manage the health problems related to marijuana because it's illegal, that doctors are somehow inhibited from dealing with marijuana use and marijuana problems, is completely wrong." "The idea that legalizing is going to stop the illegal market is equally stupid," he added. DuPont thinks that the current legal status of marijuana is sufficient to address the risks associated with marijuana use, and that punitive measures for drug sellers and users can be a powerful tool for helping at-risk people get treatment. "The criminal justice system is a wonderful vehicle for getting people into treatment and recovery," he said.... Much of the discussion around marijuana legalization, among doctors and the general public alike, hinges on different assessments of the same data showing the risks and benefits of changing marijuana laws. Groups like the AMA are concerned that legalization would lead to more widespread use of the drug, which would invariably mean greater prevalence of the negative health consequences associated with its use, like dependency and some mental illnesses that may be exacerbated by the drug's use. But groups who favor legalization, like DFCR, point out that negative outcomes arise from the current system of prohibition, too. They say that the presence of a large black market, the stigmatization of individual users, and the potentially life-ruining effects of a marijuana conviction, are steep prices to pay for the nominal reduction in overall use that comes with prohibition. In 2011, the California Medical Association, which represents 40,000 doctors in the state, became the first doctors' group to call for the full legalization of marijuana. They recently went a step further, explicitly endorsing a measure to appear on the ballot this November that would legalize marijuana and create a commercial market for it in the state. "Medical marijuana should be strictly regulated like medicine to ensure safe and appropriate use by patients with legitimate health conditions and adult-use marijuana should be regulated like alcohol," the group's president said in a February statement. DFCR hopes to make a similar case among doctors at the national level, and to win over skeptics like DuPont and Friedmann. "We want to build a group of physicians who are going to be out in the public making the case for marijuana legalization to physicians, medical associations and the public at large," Nathan said. As reported in this local article, headlined simply "Medical marijuana to be legal in Pa," there is big marijuana reform news from a big state this afternoon. Here are the basic details: Pennsylvania is a pen stroke away from legalizing medical marijuana. The House of Representatives on Wednesday gave the last legislative sign-off to a legalization bill, bringing to an end a years-long battle by advocates - many of them families with sick children - to allow them access to what they and others say is a safe and effective way to treat chronic and painful ailments. Gov. Wolf said he will sign the bill into law on Sunday in the Capitol Rotunda, making Pennsylvania the 24th state to legalize medical cannabis. "This will benefit many hundreds of thousands of people who urgently need medical marijuana," said Rep. Mark Cohen (D., Philadelphia), a longtime supporter of the legislation. The bill would allow people suffering from cancer, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, intractable seizures, and other conditions to access medical marijuana in pill, oil, or ointment form at dispensaries statewide. It would not be able to be smoked. Because the legislation calls for creating a complex regulatory process for what essentially would become a new industry in Pennsylvania, medical cannabis may not be available to patients for a year or longer. Under the bill, patients would be issued identification cards that would allow them to access medical marijuana from one of 150 dispensaries across the state. Those cards would have to be renewed annually. Doctors prescribing the treatment will have to register as practitioners. Dispensaries, as well as those who grow and process medical cannabis, would have to be licensed by the state and would pay hefty registration and renewal fees. A 5-percent tax would also be imposed on the gross receipts from the sale of medical marijuana by a grower to a dispensary. House Majority Leader Dave Reed (R., Indiana) hailed the bipartisan effort that helped the bill overcome years of obstacles. "At one time, I was opposed to the idea of allowing doctors to prescribe medical marijuana," Reed said. "But after researching the issue, reviewing the laws in other states and reading about the struggles of families the drug would help, I came to realize that it is wrong to withhold something that could benefit so many." Wednesday, April 13, 2016 As a bellwether state with a long history of picking White House winners, I often feel very lucky to be in Ohio in big election years to observe how local, state and national politics surrounding various criminal justice issues play out in the Buckeye State. But this year, given my particular interest in marijuana reform, law and policy and the coming (brokered?) GOP convention in Cleveland, my Buckeye political and policy cup is already running over. I bring all this up today because, as detailed in this new local article, "Ohio state lawmakers release plan to legalize medical marijuana," local GOP legislative leaders in Ohio are now actively peddling an important (but restrictive) medical marijuana reform proposal at the same time the national Marijuana Policy Project is gathering signatures and building a campaign for (much broader) medical marijuana reform in the form of a November 2016 voter initiative to amend the Ohio Constitution. Here are the basics and latest in these dynamic ongoing Buckeye marijuana reform developments: Ohio state lawmakers released plans today to legalize marijuana for medical use. The bill being considered would allow doctors to write notes for marijuana for medical use. It would still allow for drugfree workplaces. People who use medical marijuana, could still be fired from their job, according to the bill. The bill will not allow for home growing of marijuana. Doctors would be required to periodically report to the state why they are prescribing marijuana instead of other drugs. Anyone taking medical marijuana under the age of 18 would require parental consent. Ohio lawmakers are also asking the federal government to change marijuana from a Schedule 1 drug to a Schedule 2 drug. Hearing will start soon on the legislation and there could be as many as two hearings a week. No word yet on where Gov. John Kasich stands on the legislation. The move comes as groups start collecting signatures to put an issue on the ballot before voters in November.... [and] polls show that legalizing marijuana just for medical use is popular across the state.... Ohioans for Medical Marijuana, which is backed by a national group, expects to spend $900,000 collecting 306,000 valid voter signatures to qualify for the November ballot. https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/marijuana_law/2016/04/restrictive-medicial-marijuana-reforms-proposed-by-ohio-legislature-in-shadow-of-broader-initiative-.html 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. EDITOR'S NOTE: This year, the U.S. National Park Service turns 100. Americans 28th President, Woodrow Wilson, formed the National Park Service in 1916 to protect the wild and wonderful landscapes in the United States. Today, the National Park Service protects over 400 parks and historical sites from coast to coast. Every week, VOA Learning English will profile one of the sites within the National Park Service. This week, our National Parks journey across the United States takes us to southwestern Colorado. We are visiting a large U.S. national park called Mesa Verde. It was established to protect the culture of ancient Native Americans. Mesa Verde National Park is over 100 years old. In 1906, then President Theodore Roosevelt signed a bill creating the park. Mesa Verde offer visitors a look into the lives of the Ancestral Pueblo people, who lived in the area between 700 and 1,400 years ago. The national park protects almost 5,000 archaeological sites. They are some of the best preserved archeological areas in the country. The term Mesa Verde is Spanish for Green Table. Early Spanish explorers gave the name to the area. In geology, a mesa is a flat-topped highland with steep sides. Mesa Verde is not actually a mesa. It is a cuesta -- a term used to describe a hill with a sharp drop on one side and a soft, gentle slope on the other. A more correct name for the national park, then, would be Cuesta Verde. The gently sloping side of Mesa Verde was important in the formation of the 600 cliff dwellings within the park. Cliff dwellings are living areas that were set up in caves -- the large, open areas in the side of the cliff. Mesa Verde rises more than 540 meters above the ground. Visitors can drive to the top of the hill on a winding mountain road. In the distance are the flatlands and mountains of an area called the Four Corners. That is where the western states of Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona meet. Some of the ruins in the Four Corners are from the earliest people who lived there. They were hunters and gatherers, now known as Basket Makers. The Basket Makers lived in simple caves. The first evidence that ancient people had moved to Mesa Verde is from about 1,500 years ago. Those people lived in pit houses, large holes in the ground with wood and mud covering the top. In the eighth century, the early Pueblo people began building square structures of large connected rooms, or pueblos, above ground. More than 300 years later, they climbed down the canyon walls and began building cliff dwellings. Today, visitors to Mesa Verde National Park can see some of the remains of all four kinds of settlements. Visitors are able to explore several of Mesa Verdes renowned cliff dwellings. Many of them take several hours to reach by foot. Signs along some of the paths point to trees and plants used by the Ancestral Puebloan people. Visitors will also find the juniper and pinon pine trees that make Mesa Verde green. Cliff Palace is the largest cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde and North America. It has 150 rooms. It is not easy to get to Cliff Palace. Visitors must climb down into the canyon on a narrow path with many steps. They must also climb down several ladders. But the trip is well worth the effort. Visitors can examine this beautiful structure made of stone and clay. Spruce Tree House is the third largest cliff dwelling in Mesa Verde. It has 114 rooms. It also has eight underground rooms called kivas. Pueblo Indian men gathered in the kivas for ceremonies. Spruce Tree House is usually the easiest cliff dwelling to visit. The path winds down into the valley and then up to the ruins. But visitors have not been able to explore Spruce Tree House since October of 2015, after rocks fell near the area. Park officials closed the site for safety reasons. Mesa Verde National Park occupies 21,000 hectares of land in Montezuma County, Colorado. About 500,000 people visit the park each year. Archeologists working in Mesa Verde have recovered many objects that the ancient Pueblo people used, including tools and jewelry. Many of the objects can be seen in the visitors center. However, human remains or any object from a burial area may not be touched or shown. This is to respect the wishes of the modern Puebloan people who live in the area today. Mesa Verde has been recognized as a special place. The United Nations named it as one of the first World Heritage sites in 1978. As part of the National Park Services 100th anniversary, Mesa Verde is offering special backcountry tours. Visitors can take a long walk to Spring House, the largest unexcavated cliff dwelling in the park. The old structure is very fragile. It has 86 rooms and seven kivas. Because some areas could break off easily, visitors cannot enter the cliff dwelling. But the area offers beautiful views. National Park Service guides also offer early morning walks to Balcony House. Balcony House is considered a medium-size cliff dwelling. It has 40 rooms. Visitors can climb a ladder, crawl through a long and narrow passageway and climb a steep cliff with stone steps. Then, they can watch the sun rise from inside Balcony House, and begin their day just as the Pueblo Indians did hundreds of years ago. Today's Pueblo Indians consider Mesa Verde a sacred place. And for visitors from around the world, it remains a place of mystery and beauty. I'm Ashley Thompson. And I'm Caty Weaver. _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story site - n. a place where something important has happened preserved - adj. kept in its original state or in good condition steep - adj. almost straight up and down : rising or falling very sharply slope - n. ground that slants downward or upward : ground that slopes renowned - adj. known and admired by many people for some special quality ladder - n. a device used for climbing that has two long pieces of wood, metal, or rope with a series of steps or rungs between them fragile - adj. easily broken or damaged unexcavated - adj. not yet uncovered and explored by archaeological researchers Our story this week is "Keesh." It was written by Jack London. Here is Shep ONeal to tell you the story. Keesh lived at the edge of the polar sea. He had seen thirteen suns in the Eskimo way of keeping time. Among the Eskimos, the sun each winter leaves the land in darkness. And the next year, a new sun returns, so it might be warm again. The father of Keesh had been a brave man. But he had died hunting for food. Keesh was his only son. Keesh lived along with his mother, Ikeega. One night, the village council met in the big igloo of Klosh-kwan, the chief. Keesh was there with the others. He listened, then waited for silence. He said, It is true that you give us some meat. But it is often old and tough meat, and has many bones. The hunters were surprised. This was a child speaking against them. A child talking like a grown man! Keesh said, My father, Bok, was a great hunter. It is said that Bok brought home more meat than any of the two best hunters. And that he divided the meat so that all got an equal share. Naah! Naah! the hunters cried. Put the child out! Send him to bed. He should not talk to gray-beards this way! Keesh waited until the noise stopped. You have a wife, Ugh-gluk, he said. And you speak for her. My mother has no one but me. So I speak. As I say, Bok hunted greatly, but is now dead. It is only fair then that my mother, who was his wife, and I, his son, should have meat when the tribe has meat. I, Keesh, son of Bok, have spoken. Again, there was a great noise in the igloo. The council ordered Keesh to bed. It even talked of giving him no food. Keesh jumped to his feet. Hear me! he cried. Never shall I speak in the council igloo again. I shall go hunt meat like my father, Bok. There was much laughter when Keesh spoke of hunting. The laughter followed Keesh as he left the council meeting. The next day, Keesh started out for the shore, where the land meets the ice. Those who watched saw that he carried his bow and many arrows. Across his shoulder was his fathers big hunting spear. Again there was laughter. One day passed, then a second. On the third day, a great wind blew. There was no sign of Keesh. His mother, Ikeega, put burned seal oil on her face to show her sorrow. The women shouted at their men for letting the little boy go. The men made no answer, but got ready to search for the body of Keesh. Early next morning, Keesh walked into the village. Across his shoulders was fresh meat. Go you men, with dogs and sleds. Follow my footsteps. Travel for a day, he said. There is much meat on the ice. A she-bear and her two cubs. His mother was very happy. Keesh, trying to be a man, said to her, Come, Ikeega, let us eat. And after that, I shall sleep. For I am tired. There was much talk after Keesh went to his igloo. The killing of a bear was dangerous. But it was three times more dangerous to kill a mother bear with cubs. The men did not believe Keesh had done so. But the women pointed to the fresh meat. At last, the men agreed to go for the meat that was left. But they were not very happy. One said that even if Keesh had killed the bear, he probably had not cut the meat into pieces. But when the men arrived, they found that Keesh had not only killed the bear, but had also cut it into pieces, just like a grown hunter. So began the mystery of Keesh. On his next trip, he killed a young bearand on the following trip, a large male bear and its mate. Then there was talk of magic and witchcraft in the village. He hunts with evil spirits, said one. Maybe his fathers spirit hunts with him, said another. Keesh continued to bring meat to the village. Some people thought he was a great hunter. There was talk of making him chief, after old Klosh-kwan. They waited, hoping he would come to council meetings. But he never came. I would like to build an igloo. Keesh said one day, but I have no time. My job is hunting. So it would be just if the men and women of the village who eat my meat, build my igloo. And the igloo was built. It was even bigger than the igloo of the Chief Klosh-kwan. One day, Ugh-gluk talked to Keesh. It is said that you hunt with evil spirits, and they help you kill the bear. Is not the meat good? Keesh answered. Has anyone in the village yet become sick after eating it? How do you know evil spirits are with me? Or do you say it because I am a good hunter? Ugh-gluk had no answer. The council sat up late talking about Keesh and the meat. They decided to spy on him. On Keeshs next trip, two young hunters, Bim and Bawn, followed him. After five days, they returned. The council met to hear their story. Brothers, Bim said, we followed Keesh, and he did not see us. The first day he came to a great bear. Keesh shouted at the bear, loudly. The bear saw him and became angry. It rose high on its legs and growled. But Keesh walked up to it. We saw it, Bawn, the other hunter, said. The bear began to run toward Keesh. Keesh ran away. But as he ran, he dropped a little round ball on the ice. The bear stopped and smelled the ball, then ate it. Keesh continued to run, dropping more balls on the ice. The bear followed and ate the balls. The council members listened to every word. Bim continued the story. The bear suddenly stood up straight and began to shout in pain." Evil spirits, said Ugh-gluk. I do not know, said Bawn. I can tell only what my eyes saw. The bear grew weak. Then it sat down and pulled at its own fur with its sharp claws. Keesh watched the bear that whole day. For three more days, Keesh continued to watch the bear. It was getting weaker and weaker. Keesh moved carefully up to the bear and pushed his fathers spear into it. And then? asked Klosh-kwan. And then we left. That afternoon, the council talked and talked. When Keesh arrived in the village, the council sent a messenger to ask him to come to the meeting. But Keesh said he was tired and hungry. He said his igloo was big and could hold many people, if the council wanted a meeting. Klosh-kwan led the council to the igloo of Keesh. Keesh was eating, but he welcomed them. Klosh-kwan told Keesh that two hunters had seen him kill a bear. And then, in a serious voice to Keesh, he said, We want to know how you did it. Did you use magic and witchcraft? Keesh looked up and smiled. No, Klosh-kwan. I am a boy. I know nothing of magic or witchcraft. But I have found an easy way to kill the ice-bear. It is head-craft, not witchcraft. And will you tell us, O Keesh? Klosh-kwan asked in a shaking voice. I will tell you. It is very simple. Watch. Keesh picked up a thin piece of whalebone. The ends were pointed and sharp as a knife. Keesh bent the bone into a circle. Suddenly he let the bone go, and it became straight with a sharp snap. He picked up a piece of seal meat. So, he said, first make a circle with a sharp, thin piece of whalebone. Put the circle of bone inside some seal meat. Put it in the snow to freeze. The bear eats the ball of meat with the circle of bone inside. When the meat gets inside the bear, the meat gets warm, and the bone goes snap! The sharp points make the bear sick. It is easy to kill then. It is simple. Ugh-gluk said, Ohhh! Klosh-kwan said Ahh! Each said something in his own way. And all understood. That is the story of Keesh, who lived long ago on the edge of the polar sea. Because he used head-craft, instead of witchcraft, he rose from the poorest igloo to be the chief in the village. And for all the years that followed, his people were happy. No one cried at night with pains of hunger. You have just heard the story, "Keesh." It was written by Jack London. Your storyteller was Shep ONeal. This is Shirley Griffith. _______________________________________________________________ Quiz Quiz - Keesh by Jack London Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz For Teachers This lesson plan has activities related to this story. ______________________________________________________________ Words in This Story Eskimo - n. a member of a group of peoples of northern Canada, Greenland, Alaska, and eastern Siberia igloo - n. a house made of blocks of snow or ice in the form of a dome spear - n. a weapon that has a long straight handle and a sharp point witchcraft - n. magical things that are done by witches; the use of magical powers obtained especially from evil spirits whalebone - n. a hard substance that is found in the jaw of some types of whales GRAND ISLAND - Committee members who are proposing revising Grand Island Senior High's system of giving every graduating senior a numerical class ranking would give students a definite target to shoot for. GISH counselor Larry Uhing said that in order to rank in the top 15 percent some years, a student might need a 3.85 grade point average, while they might need a 3.9 grade point average the next year. Under the current system, it was often difficult to give advice to students on what they should take to make the top 15 percent. It also could be difficult to tell a student what they should do if they wanted to go for a No. 1 class ranking. Under the proposed system, GISH seniors would be designated as graduating summa cum laude for achieving a grade point average of 4.0 and above; magna cum laude for achieving a grade point average of 3.75 to 3.99; and cum laude for graduating seniors for achieving a grade point average of 3.5 to 3.74. Students who graduate as either summa cum laude or magna cum laude would be eligible to attend the annual Academic Recognition Banquet. GISH Principal Jeff Gilbertson said that in looking at how students would fare under the proposed system, it turns out that summa cum laude students would be in the top 7 percent of class, while magna cum laude students would fall in the next 8 percent of the class. That means both groups would account for the top 15 percent, which is little changed for the current Academic Banquet. Associate Superintendent Robin Dexter said, "It's not so much doing away with class ranking as it is figuring it differently." Uhing said that a 2012 study show that about 82 percent of colleges place considerable importance on grades in college prep courses, with 65 percent saying that strength of curriculum is of considerable importance in their admission decisions. Class rank came in ninth, with only 13 percent of colleges saying it is of considerable importance in admission decisions. He noted that a much earlier college survey showed that 42 percent of colleges gave class rank considerable importance in making admission decisions, which shows a definite change in college attitudes. Assessment coordinator Jennifer Badura said the committee's research also shows that high schools across the nation are deciding to move away from giving numerical class rankings to graduating seniors. She said at this point, there are relatively few schools in Nebraska that have abandoned numerical class ranking. "Iowa, on the other hand, has over 40 high schools that no longer give class ranking," Badura said. Although it is not yet a big trend in Nebraska, Badura did name some schools that do not do class ranking, as well as others that will not rank either the graduating class of 2019 or 2020. More Nebraska school districts are discussing the possibility of abandoning numerical class ranks. GISH Principal Jeff Gilbertson said that when the new system was explained to GIPS parents, they favored it. "Students are somewhat different; they want to know what the target is," he said. "When the target is clear, they hit it." Uhing said that going to a system of summa cum laude, magna cum laude and cum laude would hopefully make students feel they can take the courses that are in line with their college and career goals rather than a higher class ranking. Board member Roger Harms complimented the proposed change. He noted that top students often are competitive, but he said he thinks the change means that "competition now becomes internal rather than external. This is to the benefit of all high school kids." Board member Heidi Schutz said she hopes the change might make it possible for students in the Career Pathways Institute to earn academic recognition. The board will be asked to take formal action on the change in May. In action items, the board approved a four-year agreement for secondary internet services from Century Link; a three-year agreement for digital phone services at Grand Island with Century Link; the purchase of myPerspectives English language arts resources from Person for grades six through 12 at a total cost of $433,475 to include a seven-year commitment to digital courseware; and a contract with Chief Construction to renovate the 100 wing of Grand Island Senior High at a cost of $2.267 million. That project is part of the $69.9 bond issue approved by school district patrons in September 2014. The board also heard several other information items that it will be asked to take action on during its May board meeting. They included a proposal to buy 6-12 math curriculum of Big Ideas, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for grades 6-8 and Pearson Mathematics for GISH for just over $548,233, which will include print materials and a seven-year commitment to digital courseware; a proposal to raise all school breakfast and lunch prices by 10 cents; a proposal to stop charging student fees, but leave district policy in place in case fees ever must be reinstated; and a proposal to pay District Management Council $65,000 to help implement new scheduling for the district's elementary schools this fall. Business manager Virgil Harden told the board that there will be negligible financial impact if the district quits collecting fees from middle school and high school students. The current system of trying to collect fees and grant fee waivers has been difficult to administer in recent years. Dexter said that four GIPS elementary schools piloted a new scheduling system that provides block scheduling to include 90 minutes of reading and 70 minutes of math, with 30 minutes of science. Dexter said part of the scheduling is what teachers should include in that 90-minute block of reading. Board member Dan Brosz noted that at elementary school, reading includes both learning to read and reading to learn curriculum content. Secrets out: Fremont chicken plant is Costcos Company that would run proposed plant is tied to Georgia firm that had run-in with immigration authorities By Barbara Soderlin World-Herald staff writer FREMONT - A Georgia company that would make chicken for Costco is the firm scouting the Fremont area for a new poultry-processing plant. The company, calling itself Lincoln Premium Poultry, will be run by a member of a family long-connected to the business of chicken. The family business, Crider Foods, had an immigration raid a decade ago, probably a concern for area residents who have worried about the workforce of the proposed plant. Lincoln Premium Poultry executive Bill Crider told The World-Herald that immigration matters havent been an ongoing problem at Crider Foods, which makes canned chicken for Costco and other retailers, sold under the retailers own brand names. Bill Crider is working with Deloitte Consulting to scout sites for the plant. Lincoln Premium Poultry would operate the plant, which would produce raw chicken made only for Costco. Darin Buelow, a principal with Deloitte and leader of its real estate and location strategy practice, said it hasnt been determined how the business relationship between Costco and Lincoln Premium Poultry would be structured, or which company would buy the land or own the facility. The scouting for a possible site for the chicken plant had thus far been done outside of public view: Development officials refused to name the company in public meetings and refused to disclose its name to The World-Herald. State and local officials also refused to disclose the names of the companies involved. After being contacted by The World-Herald on Thursday afternoon, Crider and Deloitte confirmed that they were involved in the Fremont-area proposal. The companies said they were working on behalf of a customer they wouldnt name. Later Thursday evening, Costco and Deloitte contacted The World-Herald to say Costco was the customer. Jeff Lyons, senior vice president for fresh foods at Costco, said in a later interview that Costco likes the Fremont area for a chicken plant because of its central-U.S. location, which he said would make it easy to ship products to its far-flung stores. The site also has good proximity to sources of grain to feed the chickens, he said. Costco operates 702 warehouse stores, including one in Omaha and another under construction in Sarpy County. The proposed plant would slaughter as many as 1.6 million chickens a week and provide about a third of Costcos total fresh chicken supply. Plans for the plant, which emerged last month after Dodge County landowners got wind of it, have been controversial. A meeting of the Nickerson Village Board, which would need to rezone a parcel of land for the plant, drew a large crowd of people, many of whom spoke against a chicken facility coming to the area. Opponents spoke of smells, pollution and vehemently, at times worries about the people who would be working at the plant; illegal immigrants could be drawn to the town, they said. A decade ago, the family company behind the Fremont proposal did have a run-in with federal immigration authorities. The Crider Poultry plant in Stillmore, Georgia, operated by Bill Criders father, Billy Crider, was raided in 2006, according to accounts in multiple news media. The company lost three quarters of its 900-person workforce as a result of the raid, The Wall Street Journal reported at the time; about 125 undocumented workers were removed by authorities and sent to immigration courts; the rest scattered. After the raid, to replenish its workforce, Crider boosted its hourly pay rate and began recruiting local workers, the Journal reported. Meanwhile, the Athens Banner-Herald newspaper in Georgia reported that the Crider plant also hired workers through an arrangement with the Georgia Department of Corrections. The employees worked to pay off probation violation fines and to pay room and board at a halfway house. Bill Crider told The World-Herald that the company has never been fined related to the raid. Its not an ongoing issue for the business, Bill Crider said. Asked about Crider Poultrys immigration raid, Costcos Lyons said, I wasnt aware of that other than in passing. It wasnt anything we looked into. It was a long time ago. He praised the Crider family as good people. Anybody can run into trouble, he said. At the new plant, he said, the hiring will be scrutinized. Lyons said the plant would employ mechanical engineers and truck drivers, in addition to production line employees. Were going to try to make sure this is a place, between the two companies, where people can have a career, not just a job, he said. Deloittes Buelow said the size of the local workforce within a 60-mile radius of a proposed Dodge County site was a selling point for locating the plant in eastern Nebraska. While eastern Nebraska is the first choice, a final decision has not been made. The companies involved need to ensure that there is enough interest from chicken growers area farmers would raise tens of thousands of chickens in barns on their properties. And they have to ensure that a proposed site and plant would have the approval of local authorities. Other states also are in the running, Buelow said, though he wouldnt identify them. Costco, he said, wants to be in a location where it is wanted. Costco is super-excited about Nebraska. The World-Herald discovered that Crider was connected to the project after the newspaper saw blueprints for the project. Those blueprints indicated that the plant would be built for Lincoln Premium Poultry LLC. A company by that name was incorporated in Nebraska on Feb. 24, according to documents on file with the Secretary of States Office. The companys principal office location is listed as 1 Plant Ave. in Stillmore, Georgia also the head office for Crider Foods. The blueprints were shown to Fremont-area residents this week by a company representative and were seen by The World-Herald in a video captured by a Dodge County resident who attended a meeting. Mumbai: Actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who launched the trailer of her film Sarbjit on Thursday, spoke about why the project appealed to her. "When Omung Kumar(director of the film) came to me with the subject, it was an immediate yes. How can we walk away from telling such a story?" she said, of her role as Dalbir Kaur in Sarbjit. "We all continue our lives and don't necessarily take a minute out to experience how an incident can completely change the dynamic of family," Aishwarya told reporters. As Dalbir, Aishwarya plays the role of Sarbjit's sister, who dedicated her entire life to getting her brother back home as a free man. And the actress says that "history cannot go unknown". "Dalbir for over 23 years fought; this kind of sibling love and commitment is commendable. This story needed to be told and thank you for bringing it to me," she said. The actress says she met the real Dalbir for the first time during the first schedule of the film. "I have not spent time with her before the film. I met her for the first time during our first schedule. There is certain physicality that we have brought to. I have not sat and watched everything. We have changed the eyes of the character." Sarbjit, which also features actors Richa Chadda and Darshan Kumar in key roles, is slated to release on 20 May. It has been over a month since Balika Vadhu actress Pratyusha Banerjee allegedly killed herself, but there is still no clarity on the reasons, or the sequence of events. Amid several claims and press conferences from Pratyusha's friends, boyfriend Rahul Raj Singh, who was booked by the police for abetment of suicide, filed a petition for anticipatory bail in the Bombay High Court and was granted interim relief. Meanwhile, several claims have been made as the reason behind Pratyusha's suicide. Apart from financial strains and depression, it was alleged that Rahul Raj Singh's affair with TV actress Saloni Sharma, who is allegedly Singh's ex-girlfriend, caused Pratyusha much grief. Pratyusha's friends Kamya Punjabi, TV producer Vikas Gupta and wedding planner Leena Dias have claimed that Saloni used to harrass and abuse Pratyusha. However, in an interview with Mumbai Mirror, she has come clean on her stance. "Contrary to what is being written, it wasn't me but Pratyusha who was the other woman in Rahul's life. She knew about our affair and manipulated Rahul to leave me, urging him to even break all professional ties," she said. She further stated that she met Rahul 5 years ago and invested in two event management companies with him. However, they started dating only in the last 3 years of their association, and broke up with him after she learnt that he has started seeing Pratyusha. She would only meet Rahul to collect her remaining dues. Saloni claims that it is in one of those meetings that an inebriated Pratyusha barged into the Kandivili flat that she shared with Rahul, and abused Saloni, demanding she leave immediately. This was followed by a scuffle between the three in the lobby of the apartment. Saloni filed a complaint about this Bangur Nagar police station in Goregaon, but was asked to withdraw her complaint by the couple as well as the police officers. That was the last time she met Pratyusha. "I didn't think it's in good taste to talk ill of the dead. But after these allegations I had no option but to speak up," said Saloni to Mumbai Mirror, about why she remained silent all this time. Read the full interview here. New Delhi: Job creation has been suffering under the Modi Government and fresh data released by the Labour Bureau shows the extent of worry on this count. So, even as the countrys GDP growth continues to be healthy and predictions of above-average rainfall this year bring some cheer, the bad news on the jobs front needs the governments immediate focus. A jobless growth does not help anyone. As per the Bureau, no new jobs were created but there was actually a decline of 20,000 jobs across eight labour intensive sectors in the December quarter of 2015. Remember, the September quarter of the same year had added 1.34 lakh new jobs across the same eight sectors and was still the slowest quarter in the previous six years (barring 2012 where quarter wise data was not available). Now, with the December quarter data in, the total number of new jobs created across the eight sectors between January-December 2015 stood at just 1.35 lakh. This is the slowest pace of new jobs being created since 2009. Here's some easy math for grasping the enormity of this slowdown in jobs under the NDA: The Modi government took charge in mid-2014 and for that full year, 4.93 lakh jobs were added across these eight sectors. So job addition in the first full year of this government fell to just a fourth of 2014 and was only a tenth of the growth seen in 2009, when the UPA was in power. BN Rai, All India president of the Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh, pointed out that no government policy has been visible till now to arrest workforce reduction and generate new jobs. He said there has been a consistent demand from BMS for a National Employment Policy but the government has not been heeding to these requests. A recent examples of job destruction, according to Rai: The closure of beedi making units for the last one month on pictorial warnings issue which is affecting 24 lakh workers. Remember, this is the BJP affiliated workers union and its disillusionment with the stance of the Modi government on job creation. Earlier this month, Niti Ayog vice-chairman, Arvind Panagariya, had pointed towards a fabulous opportunity for job creation in India, saying China is slowing down. Wages in that country remain abnormally high and labour is becoming increasingly scarce. Ideally, Chinese industry should be looking towards cost effective Indian manufacturing with abundant and cheap labour to get its mojo back. Will the Chinese opportunity be seized by Indians? Panagariya admitted that job creation remains one of the biggest challenges for the NDA government and then went on paint a rosy picture of the possibilities the Chinese slowdown has created for the Indian job market. He said that an average Chinese worker draws about Rs 5 lakh per annum in the manufacturing sector, which is obviously making Chinese manufacturing unviable. He also mentioned specific industries like clothing and footwear which are looking to set up manufacturing plants outside China because of labour issues. As per the NSSO data which is available till 2011-12, roughly half of Indias population (49 percent) is engaged in agriculture and Panagariya said he suspects there was a fair bit of underemployment in agriculture too. He went on to say that even when it comes to industry, firms with less than 20 workers in the unorganized sector employ almost three fourths (73 percent) of the total manufacturing sector workforce though these firms account for only 12 percent of the manufacturing output in India (as per the 2011-12 data). A K Padmanabhan of CITU said regardless of what governments own jobs data showed, there had been a serious loss of jobs in the engineering, automobiles and even textile sectors. He cited the examples of Tirupur and Bangalore to bolster his contention that textile sector has seen stagnation in jobs for many months now, adding the powerloom sector to this list. This goes contrary to the quarterly data by the Labour Bureau where maximum job creation is shown in textile and IT/BPO sectors. Unless the purchasing power of people increases, exports increase, how can the job situation improve? Government speaks of green shoots but on the ground, job creation is dismal, Padmanabhan said. During the second term of the UPA government from 2010 through 2014, far more jobs were created in the first nine months each year, across the eight sectors this survey tracks. In the first nine months of 2010, 6.58 lakh jobs were added; in 2011 this number was 7.04, 2012 full year was 3.22 lakh and 2013 nine months it stood at 3.36 lakh. In 2014, the nine month period saw 3.76 lakh jobs being created but a quarter wise breakdown shows the largest number of jobs were created between April-June at 1.82 lakh and then job creation kept declining to 1.58 in the July-September quarter before falling off to 1.17 lakh in the last quarter of the calendar year. It must be mentioned here that this is by no means a comprehensive or even widely representative sample of jobs being created across the country, even though the survey tracks some labour intensive industries like textile, jems and jewellery, IT/BPO and automobiles. And the government needs to map joblessness as well as creation of new jobs with a wider sample. But still, this is the only latest data available. A new headache for the government could be the slowing funding in the fast-paced e-commerce sector. Here again, job losses are happening and could accelerate further. Rai of BMS said 1.25 crore new jobs were expected every year and this was a promise successive governments made. It is obvious that the reality is nowhere near this number. Amritsar: A minor boy from Pakistan who crossed over into Indian territory along International Border (IB) in Punjab's Abohar sector was on Friday handed over to Pakistani Rangers by the Border Security Force (BSF). "M D Waqas Akram, a resident of Pakistan's Bhawalnagar had crossed over to India inadvertently through International Boundary on 14 April," BSF DIG Punjab Frontier R S Kataria said. Akram, around 13-14 year old, was apprehended by BSF troops at Border Out Post Nirmal, Ex-90 Bn BSF, Abohar Sector, he said. During questioning, it came to notice that the boy had crossed over to Indian territory inadvertently. Nothing objectionable was found from his possession, the DIG said. Immediate after questioning, a flag meeting was held with the Pakistan Rangers on Friday and the boy was handed over to them on humanitarian ground, the DIG added. Two Pakistani nationals (including Akram), who had crossed over inadvertently so far this year, have been handed over to Pakistan Rangers by the Border Security Force, Punjab Frontier, said DIG. Srinagar: A delegation of opposition National Conference (NC) leaders was on Friday prevented from going to Handwara in Kashmir's Kupwara district where four persons have been killed in action by security forces since Tuesday, a party leader said. "We tried to visit Handwara today to meet the families of those killed in firing and to assess the situation there but we were detained by the police and not allowed to go there," NC General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar told reporters. He said the party had constituted a team of senior leaders, including NC provincial president Nasir Aslam Wani and Mohammad Akbar Lone, to visit Handwara on Thursday but they were told by police to proceed on Friday morning. "We spoke to IGP Kashmir who told us to visit on Friday but as we reached near Sangrama this morning, we were stopped by the police present there and detained at a police station for about half-an-hour. "Then we were told that we can go to Handwara via Sopore but near Wagoora, we were stopped again and taken to Dak Bungalow Sopore from where we were asked to return to Srinagar as the situation was bad there," he said. Sagar said the government should have allowed the opposition leaders to visit Handwara. When such incidents happened during NC's rule, visits of opposition parties used to be facilitated, he said, adding that everyone should be allowed there under democracy. He alleged that no minister had visited the families of the four persons killed in the firing. "We talked to the families and they said no minister had visited them. The government's claim is completely wrong and misleading. I think the government wants to hide something and that is why it did not allow us," he said, adding that it was a breach of privilege. Latur: Mujeeb Sheik, a farmer from Gangapur Village in Latur district owns three acres of land. He cannot raise a loan of more than Rs 15,000 per acre from a bank. Going by prevalent market rates, Sheiks farm is worth Rs 10 lakh per acre. His difficulty in cobbling together money to buy farm equipment, seed, fertiliser and other agricultural essentials is typical of the banking experience of small farmers in Marathwada. Small and marginal farmers here are deemed the least creditworthy, according to the bankers and farmers Firstpost interviewed. They are deemed the least creditworthy in the rural economy of the region. Banks prefer lending to businessmen, traders, entrepreneurs and agro-businesses instead. Indian agriculture has largely become a gamble, dependent on the weather and other factors beyond the farmers control. Since farmers solely dependent on land do not have the ability to service debt, formal credit institutions are reluctant to lend to them. Farmers need money to buy seed, agricultural equipment and inputs, or even for daily needs and social obligations like the education or marriage of their daughters. The only option is money lenders, who charge usurious rates of interest. The under-investment in agriculture by successive governments has contributed to declining farm incomes. On the other hand, climate change and the rising frequency of extreme weather events have increased the risks to agriculture, making lending to farmers a more difficult proposition. Banks and cooperative financial institutions have norms to which they have to adhere before lending money. Their first concern is whether the client has the ability to service the loan. In order to understand how credit functions in a rural area, Firstpost met executives of the Osmanabad Janta Cooperative Bank Ltd in Latur in the third week of March. Vaijanath Shinde is the vice-president of the bank. Small farmers dont have the capacity to repay, Shinde was categorical, We sometimes lend to farmers, but only small amounts of a lakh rupees or so. The bank prefers lending to businessmen, traders, shopkeepers and agro-businesses, because these have the potential to stimulate economic activity, thus generating an income stream that can be used for debt-servicing. In other words, in a hierarchy of creditworthiness farmers are at the bottom, and businessmen are on top. Nationalised commercial banks have different norms. According to Reserve Bank of India guidelines, PSU banks have to give 18 percent of their total loans to agriculture, out of which eight percent is to be given to small and marginal farmers. However, a situation where drought has led to a collapse in agriculture, can have unintended consequences for such lending. The only asset that a small or marginal farmer has is agricultural land which can be used as security against a loan. However, public sector banks do not give agricultural loans on the basis of the value of the land, but on the value of the crops and the total cost of cultivation. The loans that can be raised on the latter are much smaller than on the former. It explains why Mujeeb Sheik is able to raise only Rs 15,000 per acre even though some estimates suggest that agricultural land in his village is worth many times more than that. In Marathwada, crop value has collapsed to near-zero as water scarcity has shrunk agricultural yields. With it, the ability of farmers to raise loans on their land has declined. It is a sad situation. Agricultural economic activity has all but ceased because of water scarcity, Jayant Sinha, an independent banking consultant who was formerly the chief general manager for rural business at the State Bank of India, said in an interview. Before giving out loans, banks do a risk assessment of the borrower: the ability to repay a loan amount and the interest are the primary concerns for the bank. In order to do this borrower must have a viable business model in place that generates a stream of income that can service the debt. We want to help small farmers, but we also have to be careful about not increasing our non-performing assets, Shinde said in an interview in the Latur branch of the bank. We give money to people who can repay. He stressed that the bank was concerned about not increasing its bad loans also called Non Performing Assets (NPAs). In part, the rules are designed to prevent predatory lending. In 2008, a ripple in the subprime market in the United States led to the collapse of Bear Stearns and Lehman Brothers, and the onset of a worldwide economic depression. Predatory subprime lending loans to people who didnt have the ability to repay led to the collapse of several banks in the US. Cooperative societies have a long history in Maharashtra. There are sugar, dairy, financial and many other cooperatives in the state. The Osmanabad Janta Coop Bank functions in Solapur, Beed, Latur and Osmanabad districts of Maharashtra and Bidar in Karnataka. It has 80,000 shareholders and two lakh depositors. When someone applies for a loan, the bank looks at the turnover, balance sheet, market value, business model and most importantly, the ability to repay. This is where the small farmer loses out, as he has none of the above. The bank will also keep collateral as security against a loan. Again, a farmer has very little to offer except his land. The bank does lend to entrepreneurial farmers. For instance, dairy farming, poultry and goat-rearing are farming activities that tap into a certain demand and generate income. In fact, Shinde says that dairy farming is the most lucrative, since the daily demand for milk in Latur city alone is over a lakh litres. Ironically, although there is a lot of demand for food crops, the political economy of agriculture is structured in such a way that the primary producer gets little value for his produce. The creditworthiness of a farmer is the most risky, because the output depends so much on environmental factors, Shinde said. Agriculture in India is still largely dependent on the monsoon rains. Marathwada has received scanty rainfall for the past four years and is in the midst of a drought. Scarcity of water has wrecked the local economy and impacted social life. Farmers who have seen their incomes decline because of the un-remunerative nature of agriculture have turned to money lenders who charge astronomical rates of interest. The money is meant for day-to-day needs or for social obligations like the education or marriage of children. Unable to repay the loans, farmers see suicide as the only way out of the debt trap. This is the tenth segment of a 13-part series on Marathwadas drought. Part 11: Insurance that doesn't even cover the cost of cultivation Read the previous parts of the series here: Part 1: Region is parched, impoverished and desperate, but it's a crisis of its own making Part 2: In the midst of severe economic downturn, private water sellers reap profits in Latur Part 3: Drought has brought the economy down and is forcing farmers to leave the region Part 4: Water scarcity has created a region where trust has eroded and left the social fabric frayed Part 5: Maha has the most dams in the country, but the least effective irrigation network Part 6: A surveyor of suicides tells the story behind the statistics and the lonely struggle of Indian farmers Part 7: Will outreach help reduce farmer suicides? Part 8: 'Toothless' laws lead to water exploitation Part 9: Shirpur, Jal Biradari projects show impact of small local initiatives New Delhi: With the rolling out of second phase of odd-even scheme on Friday, a section of auto and taxi unions has given a call for a one-day strike on Monday to protest against app-based cab services, a move which may cause hardship to commuters in the national capital. Rajendra Soni, who is general secretary of both 'Delhi Autorickshaw Sangh' and 'Delhi Pradesh Taxi Unions, said that auto and black-yellow taxis will not ply on the capital's roads on Monday to protest against the app-based cab services. Soni said the AAP government has so far not issued 10,000 new permits of autorickshaws which it had cancelled after alleged irregularities in their distribution. "On one hand, government talks about strengthening public transport, but on the other hand it has not issued 10,000 new permits of autos so far. Besides, we have also been demanding to stop app-based taxis as their operation is illegal. They are snatching our livelihood. "When we had met Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai on 14 March, he had assured us to fulfil our demands within next 15 days, but till now, no decision has been taken by the government," he said. There are around 13,000 black-yellow taxis and around 81,000 autorickshaws plying on the streets of the capital. If the strike is carried out, commuters may face hardships while using public transport as the fortnight-long odd-even scheme is already in place in the capital. Earlier this week, a section of auto and taxi unions had taken out a protest march against the app-based taxi services in the Capital. Imphal: The proscribed United National Liberation Front (UNLF) has claimed responsibility for the bomb blast that occurred on Wednesday, close to a transit camp of Assam Rifles (AR), which left one AR jawan dead. In a statement issued to the media on Thursday night, the outfit said its activists triggered the explosion. The blast had claimed the life of the security personnel and caused injuries to three others, the police officer said. The AR personnel were on foot patrol at a site located at Ragailong Khuman Lampak Stadium road. The three injured were identified as Himansu Devnath (31) of West Bengal, K Rameshwor (32) of Manipur and Manish Kumar (28) of Bihar. The jawan, who succumbed to injuries at a private hospital here on that evening, has been identified as Gukulchand Yadav (32) of Rajasthan, the officer said. Imphal: A large number of women protested on Friday in front of a police station in Imphal West district, demanding the release of a man who was detained in connection with the lynching of two Muslim youths on April 7. The lynching had led to violent clashes on Monday between Muslim and non-Muslim communities in the district, resulting in 60 people, including three police commandos, getting injured. A Curfew has been imposed in the district since then. The women protesters on Friday said there was no reason for the police to detain K. Ibungo, the owner of a two-wheeler that Muslim youths were accused of stealing before they were assaulted by the locals. "It is not known why Ibungo was detained in the police station. He is the owner and victim. We demand unconditional release of him," a woman demonstrator said. The Muslim agitators who are planning a complete shut down of Manipur from Friday evening maintain that the victims of April 7 incident were students and there is no proof that they had stolen the two-wheeler. They said Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has failed to tackle the situation in time. The communally sensitive situation was worsened by more violent incidents on Monday and Tuesday. On Monday night, three motorbike-borne men fired at some women vigilantes, injuring 14 persons, including children, in Imphal West district. On Tuesday, three Muslim youths assaulted one rice trader and his two woman associates and looted their vehicle, rice, cash, mobile handsets, gold ornaments. Anjuman, an NGO of the Muslim elders, subsequently announced that the offending youths had "surrendered" to them. The Imphal West district is now under heavy security with additional police and paramilitary personnel being rushed in. A spokeswoman of the Kanglei Ima Lup, a socio-political organisation, appealed for peace and harmony. The organisation also staged a sit-in protest in Imphal, protesting against Monday's firing on women vigilantes. On April 7, residents of a locality in Imphal West district thrashed three Muslim young men on the charge of stealing a two-wheeler. While two were killed, the third youth continues to battle for his life in a hospital. Kolkata: Taking cognisance of Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee's outburst against the Election Commission for slapping a showcause notice against her, the poll panel has decided to examine her comments made in public meetings across the state. "She has given her reaction in different public meetings ever since she was showcaused. We are sending the CDs of those meetings to the Election Commission," Additional Chief Electoral Officer Dibyendu Sarkar said. The Election Commission had on Thursday showcaused Banerjee for violating the model code of conduct. Immediately after hearing the news, an unperturbed chief minister had dared the commission to take steps against her and said that people of the state would showcause them on May 19, the day of the election result. Meanwhile, the EC is exploring what legal options can be taken against Trinamool leader Anubrata Mandal who has been censured once and showcaused multiple times for violation of model code of conduct. "Legal options are being explored. Once a decision is taken, instructions will be issued to the district officials for implementation," Sarkar said. The Chief Election Commissioner had on Thursday said they were taking urgent legal action against Mandal following complaints from different political parties. Thiruvananthapuram: After a wave of lull across the state against the backdrop of the Kollam temple tragedy, campaigning for the 16 May assembly polls in Kerala has slowly picking up momentum with leaders of political parties visiting localities across the state to influence voters. The poll campaign had taken a back seat, especially in the southern districts of Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram against the backdrop of the Kollam temple fireworks tragedy on 10 April that claimed 108 lives. However, the election campaign has now gained momentum. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who was busy reviewing rescue and rehabilitation of the tragedy victims, has drawn up a hectic poll campaign for himself in the next few days. The CM, heading the ruling Congress-led UDF campaign along with KPCC President VM Sudheeran and Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, will be addressing a series of poll meetings in the coming days. Chandy's scheduled campaign programmes include addressing poll meetings in Ernakulam, and in northern district of Palakkad on 16 April, besides his home constituency Puthuppally in Kottayam and in Alappuzha on 17 April. VS Achuthanandan, the 93-year old CPM veteran and star campaigner for party-headed LDF, will tour the northern districts till the end of this month. The Veteran communist leader would be addressing at least three meetings in all the districts. While one will be in the morning, two will be in the evening, apparently due to hot weather conditions prevailing in the state, party sources said. Achuthanandan will file his nomination at his constituency in Malampuzha on 25 April. He would attend panchayat level meetings and family gatherings in the coming days, party sources said. The ruling UDF and Opposition LDF and BJP alliances have already lined up their candidates, though there is some confusion in one or two constituencies. UDF has focussed on 'development initiatives' of the government to retain power, while LDF has attacked UDF over corruption charges, especially related to solar and bar bribery scams and land assignment issues. Both Fronts are also targetting BJP and had vowed that "communal politics" of the saffron party would not be allowed to bloom in the state. The BJP, which is hoping to open its account in Kerala, is presenting itself as the 'third alternative' to the two fronts and has accused successive governments of having put impediments in the path of development. BJP has forged an alliance with Bharat Dharma Jana Sena, a new party formed by Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam, a social organisation of the backward Ezhava community. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP President Amit Shah are among the national leaders expected to campaign for NDA candidates in the state, the party sources said. The UDF government has survived the full five year term though it came to power in 2011 on a wafer thin majority of 72 seats in the 140-member Assembly with LDF getting 68. Patna: With CBI getting nod to prosecute him in the alleged cheating and corruption in the Leave Travel Concession (LTC) scam, JD(U) Rajya Sabha MP Anil Sahani on Friday denied the charges and refused to resign. "It's a conspiracy against me. Why shall I resign on moral ground when I have not done anything wrong," the second term Rajya Sabha member from Nitish Kumar's party told PTI in Patna. Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari has given his approval to CBI to prosecute JD(U) MP Anil Sahani against whom the agency had filed a charge sheet for alleged cheating and corruption in LTC scam. The Bihar MP is reportedly the first from the Upper House who will be prosecuted by CBI after sanction in this regard was given by the Chairman. Sahani alleged that he fell victim to a "racket" which operated in raising fake bills for LTC for parliamentarians. The MP said he would also talk to lawyers to file a defamation suit. "Twice I drew attention of the authorities in 2013 about false bill submitted in my name by racketeers against LTC," he said, defending himself in the controversy. "I invite the probe agency to check my bank accounts in Delhi as well in Patna to ascertain flow of money on this count," he said. The JD(U) Rajya Sabha member, son of former JD(U) RS MP Madan Sahani, said he would seek time with Chief Minister Kumar, who is now also JD(U) National President, to discuss the issue. Asked who was "conspiring" against him and for what reason, the JD(U) MP hailing from Muzaffarpur, said he did not know persons behind the conspiracy. "I might be targeted as I hail from a poor community and have been raising issues concerning dalits and have-nots," the JD(U) Rajya Sabha MP said. CBI had filed a charge sheet against Sahani alleging that he, in collusion with others, used forged e-tickets and fake boarding passes to defraud Rajya Sabha to the tune of Rs 23.71 lakh as travel and dearness allowance reimbursement without undertaking the actual journey. Besides Sahani, whose term in Rajya Sabha ends in April 2018, others named in the CBI chargesheet were Anup Singh Panwar, an employee of Delhi-based Air Cruise Travels Private Limited, N S Nair, then Office Superintendent (Traffic), Air India and one Arvind Tiwari. Members of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha get 34 free air tickets in a year for themselves, their family members and associates for domestic travel. JD(U) state President Bashishtha Narayan Singh said that the party would take appropriate action against Sahni after a probe into the matter. "Our party always takes action in such matters. We will take action against Sahni after conducting a preliminary inquiry by the party," Singh told PTI. Asked whether the party has served a show-cause notice to the Rajya Sabha member, he said that the matter has just come to light and the party would initiate action based on facts that would be known from the report. India has had a long history with migration, especially across the eastern border. After India attained independence, immigration assumed a political dimension and reports of migrants posing a threat to national security have surfaced over the years. Usually a topic not acknowledged by most political parties, the BJP's top priority in this year's West Bengal Assembly election is to drive infiltrators out of the country and seal off the border. Whether BJP will be successful or not in doing so is a multi-dimensional issue but the crux of the matter lies in the fact that a humanitarian issue is highly politicised. A brief history of migration in West Bengal In 1971, the civil war in the erstwhile East Pakistan, nearly 10 million Bangladeshis mostly Hindu came into West Bengal to escape the atrocities like murder, rape and forced conversion to Islam. Subsequently, a lot of Muslims from Bangladesh also started fleeing to West Bengal because of extreme poverty in their state. The start of the migration can also be pinned onto the Liaquat-Nehru pact (1950). On 8 April, 1950 Indias then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and his Pakistani counterpart Liaquat Ali Khan signed a treaty stating that minorities in the both countries should be provided complete equality which also included the freedom of movement. Another report published in International Business Times in 2012 quoted an Indian official saying that the rise in the number of mosques and restoration of the older ones indicates a rise in the Muslim population, however this cant be result of population growth alone and is largely credited to Bangladeshi Muslims settling in the state. What the figures say According to an NDTV report from 2014, there were about 20 million Bangladeshis present in West bengal at the time, however there are no reliable figures available. According to an international NGO called Concern Universal, close to 50 Bangladeshis cross over to West Bengal every single day, said a report in India Today. The census of India report from 2001 states, Statement 12 on migration by last residence shows that there were 4.9 million persons who migrated from the neighbouring countries, constituting about 96.9 percent of the total migrants from abroad. The bulk of these migrants were from Bangladesh, who were around three million in number. It further adds that the bulk of international migration shown above relates to 20 years or above category, pointing towards migration at the time of partition or the formation of Bangladesh in 1971. Large-scale migration from across the border seems to have declined after that, except in the case of Bangladesh. As of 2001, there were around 259,204 migrants that came into West Bengal. The Census data however, does not segregate the countries from which these migrants came. Politics of Migration According to a report in The Statesman, Mamata Banerjee wants to grant citizenship to Bangladeshis living in India for more than five years - "I will ask the Centre to authorise the district magistrates in granting citizenship cards to people, who have crossed over the border and have been residing here for five or more years," she said at a press conference on 18 February, 2016. In West Bengals previous municipality elections, 50% of the vote share went to the Left parties and these municipalities were mostly situated in along the Indo-Bangladesh border, this could be her reasoning behind the move, reported Business Standard. Narendra Modi and the BJP have been very vocal about their intolerance towards the Muslim populous in the country. For over a year now, the BJP has been asserting its stand on immigration, Muslim terror and Mamatas appeasement politics. In a 2015 NDTV report, Modi was quoted as saying, "You can write it down. After 16 May these Bangladeshis better be prepared with their bags packed", during one of his rallies in Serampore which is a border town in West Bengal, sharing a penetrable border with Bangladesh. Modi also said that Hindu migrants from Bangladesh would get Indian citizenship as they should not suffer in other countries'. Migration is not new to West Bengal, or to most to states in the North east for that matter. But the issue of illegal immigration is raked up only around elections. An India Today report suggests that the Left Front government in West Bengal has always been in support of immigrants, even extending a political helping hand and encouraging more people to come to India. A report in Scroll suggests that in Uttar Dinajpur, another border town, Hindu refugees from Bangladesh have pitted themselves against Muslim Badiyas or Bhatiyas, who have been around for over two decades now. The Hinuds suggest that the Muslim who claim to be from Malda and Murshidabad, towns close to the Bangladesh in West Bengal, are actually from Bangladesh and hiding this fact from the government. The report further states that the BJP, in neighbouring Kishnaganj, have launched a campaign to evict the Muslim Badiyas from the area and even claim that they are illegal Bangladeshis. Whereas, Badiyas in the Uttar Dinajpur claim that they provide the labour for agicultural activities and that evicting them would only hurt the economy. They claim that everything the BJP is doing is just communal politics to get more votes in the bank. However, the local population of Surjapuri is unfazed by immigrants. Their stance is simple they came here because the land is more fertile and there is not reason for them to be treated differently, says the Scroll report. A Reuters report from 2014 states that Narendra Modi's government was open to a land swap with Bangladesh that would have helped in solving the border dispute as well as help thousands of people living along the 4,000-odd kilometre long stretch. Through this land swap Modi wanted to seal off the entire border area and stop infiltration. However, a report in Quartz suggests that West Bengal shares the largest border with Bangladesh, one that stretches for 2,216.7 kilometres and sealing it would be a feat. A humanitarian perspective A report in Russia Today says that most crossing the border are Bengali speaking Muslims that are trying to escape poor economic conditions. Nearly 80 per cent of the the country's population lives in rural areas and almost 53 per cent is categorised as poor by the World Bank. The cultivated areas in the nation is declining by 1 per cent every year. The report further states that immigrants in West Bengal works mainly as labourers in farm lands, industries and also construction workers. There is no bilateral agreement between the two countries as of yet and this lack of consensus between the two nations is what has created a population that feels like it belongs neither here nor there. The Russia Today report further adds that it is along with economic impoverishment that makes the immigrant population vulnerable to criminal activities and in turn threatens India's security. New Delhi: Jharkhand's first Chief Minister Babulal Marandi, who is set to be the face of a new political grouping in the state being cobbled by Nitish Kumar to take on BJP, on Friday stressed for a "strong alternative" in national politics and felt that the Bihar Chief Minister fits the bill. Marandi, who had RSS roots and headed the BJP government in the state after bifurcation of Bihar in 2000 before he finally quit the party for good, launched a hard-hitting attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing the NDA dispensation of "assaulting" the federal structure and "fanning" communalism. "A strong alternative is needed in the country. Nitish Kumar could be a better option at the Centre," he said in an interview to PTI, adding that the Bihar Chief Minister has "proven his administrative capability" and has "acceptability in the whole country". The remarks by the tribal leader come at a time when attempts are on to merge Nitish Kumar's JD (U), Ajit Singh's Rashtriya Lok Dal, Marandi's Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajtantrik) and Kamal Morarka's Samajwadi Janata Party into one larger entity in Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. Nitish Kumar, who in alliance with Lalu Prasad's RJD handed over a crushing defeat to the BJP-led NDA in Bihar, plans to widen his party's footprint on national politics. He took over as JD(U) President on Sunday replacing incumbent Sharad Yadav amid a buzz that he could be eying national politics and could be a fulcrum of opposition unity during 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Jharkhand, which was earlier part of Bihar, has substantial population of Kurmi Mahatos, a community represented by Nitish Kumar in Bihar. Lalu Prasad's RJD was ruling the undivided Bihar, when Jharkhand with dominant BJP influence was carved out of it. Ever since its creation, the state has seen political instability. Marandi belongs to the dominant Santhal tribal group and the coming together of both leaders along with a probable consolidation of Muslim votes could mark realignment of political forces in Jharkhand, where the BJP is controlling the reins of power now. Marandi never turned back to BJP after leaving the party once, though there were speculations regarding the same umpteen times. Around 40.5 per cent of Jharkhand population belongs to OBC of which almost 15 per cent are Kurmis. Tribal Santhals constitute a sizeable number among the various tribal groups in the state. BJP's Chief Minister Raghubar Das belongs to Vaishya community, an OBC. The JD(U) has pockets of influence in Jharkhand and was part of the first government headed by Marandi. Nitish Kumar has already held rounds of talks with Marandi. "Marandi will be our face in Jharkhand. It's time our party goes beyond Bihar," a JD(U) functionary said speaking on the condition of anonymity. Asked about the possible consolidation of OBC-tribals in Jharkhand under the proposed alliance, Marandi said he never believed in caste politics but admitted the impact of their coming together will definitely be good. Training his guns on Modi, Marandi alleged, "Ever since Modi became the Prime Minister of the country, there have been repeated assaults on the federal structure of the country. The manner in which MLAs from other parties are being made to defect is a matter of concern. They (BJP) had started it from Jharkhand itself." "Before elections they tried to poach MLAs of JVM (P). Again after elections, six MLAs of JVM (P) were made to defect and join the BJP. BJP had only 36 MLAs and with the six MLAs of AJSU, they just managed the majority in the 81-member House. Then they got the six more MLAs of JVM (P)." Seeing a pattern behind it, the JVM (P) chief, said, "The BJP did it in Assam, made a similar attempt in Bihar. The attacks on federal structure are continuing. The effort is to finish all so that only one survives." The BJP had last year inducted six Jharkhand legislators, lured from Marandi's party at the Jharkhand Bhavan in Delhi in the presence of chief minister Raghubar Das. Marandi, whose party had a total of only eight MLAs in the Assembly, had also complained in this regard to the Governor. In the last Assembly, BJP and JMM had 18 MLAs each. Congress had 14 and JVM-P 11. In this assembly, the BJP now has 42 MLAs, AAJSU-06, JMM 19, Congress-08 and Others-06. Attacking the Modi government on policy front, Marandi alleged that while it talks about the poor, the villagers and the farmers, it "works only for the corporates" and cited that despite massive protests by people the government brought ordinance thrice to change the 2013 land law. "Attempts are on to destroy communal harmony. Within 15 months of the BJP government, there are 55 incidents of communal violence in Jharkhand alone. Two cattle traders were hanged to death. A perceptible change has come. "In a such a scenario, a strong option is needed in the country. Nitish Kumar could be a better option at the Centre. Next Lok Sabha elections are to be held in 2019 but for that we have to start preparations," he said explaining the reason behind the plans to merge the four parties into one entity. Praising the Bihar Chief Minister, Marandi said that Kumar has "proven his administrative capability" by ensuring "double digit growth of a backward state like Bihar". "Besides, he has acceptability in the whole country. Nitish can be a strong option," he said. Article 324, Part 1 of the Indian Constitution thus defines the role of Election Commission: "The superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of the electoral rolls for, and the conduct of, all elections to Parliament and to the Legislature of every State and of elections to the offices of President and Vice President held under this Constitution shall be vested in a Commission (referred to in this Constitution as the Election Commission)." In a state which has a history of bitter electoral violence, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's act of daring the Election Commission and openly challenging its Constitutional authority indicates that she suffers from a siege mentality and sends an extremely worrying signal down Trinamool Congress's rank and file. Her inflammable comments on Thursday shortly after being served a show-cause notice and open defiance of EC's move to censure her favourite 'brother', party's Birbhum district president Anubrata Mondal, may instigate TMC workers into creating more mayhem in an already troubled Assembly polls. It's not as if Mondal needs much inspiration though. The former MLA whom Didi fondly refers to by his nickname, Keshto, has gained rapid notoriety through his strong-arm tactics and repeated incendiary comments in the past. The TMC strongman was accused of inciting supporters to hurl bombs at police and burn down the house of independent candidates on the eve of the panchayat polls in 2013. Four days after that speech, Trinamool rebel Sagar Ghosh was shot dead. His son Hriday, an independent candidate in Parui, won the election soon after. The Calcutta High Court had referred the Parui murder case to the CBI after holding that it was handled dissatisfactorily by the Special Investigative Team (SIT) headed by state DGP GMP Reddy. The order, however, was eventually set aside by a division bench of the high court but questions remained. That hate speech was followed by one more in the same year, when Mondal threatened to chop off the hands of Congress workers if they damage posters and hoardings of Mamata Banerjee. In September last, the TMC leader from Birbhum promised to gouge out the eyes of CPIM workers during a party workers' meeting in Burdwan and a few days later, delivered another rabble-rousing speech, allegedly asking his partymen to beat up the CPM workers active in the area, drown them in canal or throw arrows at them. "If you (CPM workers) want to do politics, do it honestly. Don't throw bricks from the back, lest we throw arrows at your chests." For a man who wears show-cause notices as badges of honour on chest, he has already collected four this season. But what he did since the announcement of the Bengal Assembly polls seems to have finally tested the patience of the Election Commission, whose full bench arrived in Kolkata on Thursday and promised strict and urgent legal action against the Birbhum strongman, who walks around with a half a dozen gun-toting bodyguards in Bolpur, his fiefdom. Mondal, among the Chief Minister's most trusted aides, recently passed distasteful remarks against actor Locket Chatterjee, BJP's female candidate in Birbhum's Mayureshwar seat, during a rally of TMC's women members. He also allegedly threatened rival candidates leading Chatterjee to complain to the EC seeking his preventive arrest. Mondal received a show-cause notice and was asked to be careful in the future. The TMC strongman responded by boasting before the media how he will perform "magic" and "vanish" all rival polling agents from the booths on Sunday when the second phase of polling kicks off. Straight out of a PC Sorkar show where things dissolve into thin air before thousands of gaping audience, Mondal said: "The same thing will happen here. Nobody will be able to do anything." For good measure, he also threatened to welcome the central forces with 'gur batasha' (candy made of jaggery). The blackish-red local sweet was seen as an euphemism for bloodshed. The EC said that it has taken cognizance of the TMC leader's frequent incendiary statements and the mountain of complaints against him from all rival parties and made it clear that Mondal won't be allowed to carry on with his tactics. "Regarding Sri Anubrata Mondal, the commission is considering urgent legal action. What that action is, you will get to know very soon," chief election commissioner Nasim Zaidi was quoted, as saying during a media conference on Thursday. Referring to Mondal's repeated inflammatory remarks, Zaidi said: "We will not hesitate to take the most unpleasant action against those responsible if legitimate voters are unable to cast their votes," reported The Telegraph. Though the EC remained tightlipped on the course of action, indications are that an FIR could be filed against Mondal, he could be arrested as a preventive measure and the panel may order him to stay away from Birbhum on Sunday and put him under 24-hour surveillance. That's not all. What seems to have enraged the Chief Minister further are the additional and rapid steps taken by the EC which caught even Nabanna, the administrative headquarters, by surprise. The poll panel transferred Birbhum superintendent of police Mukesh Kumar a long-standing demand of the opposition who had brought charges of collusion against him and the officers in charge of Labhpur (Debasish Ghosh), Bolpur (Jaharjyoti Roy) and Mayureshwar (Sanjay Srivastava), bringing the number of total civil and police officials removed to 42, the most ever. It is the clearest indication yet that the EC has little faith in West Bengal's law and order machinery and is a stunning indictment on the Mamata Banerjee administration. If the panel, a Constitutional body, wanted to send a message to the state's Chief Minister, it seems to have succeeded, going by the way the firebrand leader reacted to the series of events. Mamata, who has crossed swords with Election Commissions many times in the past, pooh-poohed the EC's show-cause notice against her and tore into the panel for putting Mondal under the scanner, daring it to act against her beloved 'Keshto' and issuing an open threat: "Let's see who touches him". Mamata has always turned a glad eye to Mondal's many trysts with controversy and had defended him fiercely in the past, blaming his lapses on an ailment which apparently lets little oxygen reach the brain. She minced no words during a rally in Birbhum's Siuri. "Why should Anubrata be arrested? If he is arrested, then why not (CPM leaders) Surya (Kanta Mishra), (Mohammad) Salim, Sujan (Chakraborty) and Buddha (Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee)? If Anubrata is arrested, many more will be arrested. They won't get Birbhum by putting Anubrata behind bars. Let's see who touches him". The Bengal Chief Minister also suggested in the rally that the EC, which gets its powers from Article 324 of the Indian Constitution, is acting at the behest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Ahmed Patel, her political secretary. The delusional statements and open support for a controversial leader who has been at the wrong end of the law many times in the past point to scant regard for a Constitutional authority and the Chief Minister's belief that the entire world is conspiring against her and her party. It could still be a clever political strategy, however, if the TMC supremo manages to position herself as the victim, as someone who has been wronged by a grand coalition of all political parties. It would be the greatest travesty, but all's fair in love and polls. If TV reports are to be believed, the Congress High Command has asked for a report on the latest controversy surrounding Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The controversy surrounds the CM's son Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah, whose company Matrix Imaging Solutions Ltd. was awarded a juicy tender to set up a pathology lab inside the premises of the government-owned super-specialty Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI). The chief ministers critics have risen up in anger, claiming that the deal was not above board and the whole process violated the code of conduct for ministers. To his credit, the chief minister, claims that his sons company won the tender fairly and transparently by submitting the lowest bid. He claimed he did not even know that his sons company was bidding for the tender. The hospital, which awarded the tender, says it was unaware that Matrix was owned by the chief ministers son. Not many buy this. The Congress party high commands decision to seek a report, if true, marks a significant departure from the past, when it always appeared to merely turn a blind eye to the Karnataka chief ministers exploits. Apart from being a major embarrassment, the timing of this incident makes it ready ammunition for the BJP, which is rallying its forces in the state with the re-induction of former chief minister BS Yediurappa as the Karanataka BJP president. This is not the first time that Siddaramaiah has been mired in controversy. Only recently, he was put in the dock for wearing a really expensive Hublot Big Bang timepiece. Some reports claimed the watch was worth Rs. 60 lakh, but a realistic estimate would be around Rs. 25 lakh. Mr. Siddaramaiah said the watch was a 'gift'. Cornered in the legislature, he dramatically deposited the watch with the assembly speaker. That may have brought an end to the watch saga, but it has not been forgotten. One of his biggest blunders was his insistence in celebrating the birthday of Tipu Sultan, who many beilieve was a tyrant who killed or forcibly converted thousands of Hindus and destroyed temples. Flying in the face of historical evidence, Siddaramaiah not only made it a state celebration, but insisted that it be celebrated in every district headquarters. This led to widespread violence and the deaths of two people in Coorg, the district that was directly impacted by Tipus cruelty. His most recent action was the controversial shutting down of the Karnataka Loka Ayukta and replacing it with a toothless Anti-Corruption Bureau, which will probably keep political leaders out of its purview, since it is under political control. Widespread opposition to this, had no effect on the chief minister who just went ahead, ignoring public disgust and anger. Apart from this, there is a perception that the chief minster is ignoring the problems that Bangalore faces on a daily basis. The roads are in a terrible condition, traffic is unmanageable, supply of power and water is erratic. The city corporation, whichever party is in control, is perceived to be inefficient and corrupt. Bangloreans believe their governments are sell-outs, the latest being no exception. Even today, citizens in Electronic City are protesting against a builder who has employed goons to threaten them. When the residents complained, the police ignored them. When the builder filed a counter-complaint, an FIR was promptly registered. Where is the governance, is the question that people are asking. Recently, when some Tanzanian students were subjected to a racist attack on the streets of Bangalore, it was found that the attackers included party workers from the Congress, BJP, and the JDS. An embarrassed government hushed up the incident, even convincing visiting Tanzanian diplomats that it was merely a case of road-rage. However, when compared to the scams, especially of the mining variety, perpetrated by previous governments, the controversies surrounding chief minister Siddaramaiah, till now, at least, are really small potatoes. His predecessor, who now leads the BJP, actually spent a few days as a state guest at Bengalurus central jail. The problem with Karnataka is that whichever party comes to power, the heads of government thrust on the people of the state have excelled only in mediocrity. The current chief minister is proving to be no exception. The Permanent Mission of India to the UN in Geneva on Thursday celebrated the 125th birth anniversary of Dr Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar at a special event organised at the headquarters of World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO). Over 100 people attended the event, including senior academics, students, international civil servants, representatives of the diplomatic community and members of the Indian diaspora. Indias Permanent Representative to the UN Office in Geneva, Ajit Kumar, in his opening remarks said, Today, Ambedkar is revered nationally, and figures in the national pantheon as one of the makers of modern India, along with Gandhi, Nehru and Tagore. Fittingly, although its a matter of coincidence, one can see the trace of Babasahebs radiant vision in the Sustainable Development Goals that are set to be formally adopted by the UN General Assembly to eliminate poverty, hunger and socio-economic inequality by 2030, he added. Jaya Krishnakumar, professor at the University of Geneva delivered the keynote address on the life and works of Ambedkar. He is famously known as one of the founding fathers of the Indian Constitution so WIPO is extremely proud to host this event of such an illustrious son of India and I, personally as an Indian feel extremely proud on this occasion to be part of this very significant event organized by the permanent mission of India, said Naresh Prasad, Assistant Director-General of WIPO. It is for the first time that Ambedkar Jayanti has been celebrated outside India with series of events organised by Indian missions and posts outside of the country. Ambedkars contributions to India have been remarkable albeit under-appreciated particularly, his contributions to the economy. "This was in his (Ambedkars) paper in 1918 that he said that the only solution for Indias smallholdings is to move people to non-agriculture and not land reform. This is the model that ultimately gets adopted in the first Five Year Plan something that we did for about two Plans and then we somewhat changed. That was one great contribution, said Jayasankar Krishnamurty, eminent economist and former senior official of the International Labour Organization. Another great contribution was that he introduced the idea of tripartism. He took it from the ILO in 1942 when he was Labour member of the Viceroys Executive Council. He also was the father of social insurance, Krishnamurty said. Ambedkar wrote three PhDs one of which sunk in the ocean when the ship carrying his luggage was shot down by the Germans. Both the PhDs he earned were in Economics. This is something people dont know, Krishnamurty said. Brasilia: Brazil's Supreme Court on Friday rejected a last-ditch attempt by President Dilma Rousseff to halt the impeachment process against her, clearing the way for a key vote in Congress. Justices refused a request for an injunction against proceedings that the government lawyer called "Kafkaesque" and said amounted to denying Rousseff the opportunity to defend herself. The ruling in an emergency Supreme Court session that began late Thursday and went well past midnight in the capital Brasilia paved the way for Sunday's vote by the lower house of Congress, which is due to decide whether to send Rousseff to an impeachment trial. Latest counts of voting intentions in the lower house by major Brazilian newspapers show the pro-impeachment camp either at, or on the verge of, the necessary two-thirds majority. If the vote passes on Sunday, the Senate will have authority to open a trial against Rousseff, who is accused of illegal government accounting tricks to boost her re-election chances. If the Senate finds her guilty with another two-thirds vote, she would be forced from office. Looking for escape The 68-year-old leftist leader's grip on power is fast slipping, leaving Latin America's biggest country in crisis at a time of major recession and less than four months before Rio de Janeiro hosts the Olympics. Rousseff has been desperately trying to assemble enough support in the lower house to prevent the opposition amassing the 342 out of a total 513 votes they need to move the impeachment forward. On Thursday, she launched a new line of defense, sending her government's top lawyer, Jose Eduardo Cardozo, to file for the injunction. The government alleged procedural failings in the impeachment case, saying it had violated her right to a defense. "Evidence unrelated to the case has been included in the process, such as matters related to President Dilma (Rousseff)'s previous term," Cardozo said in the filing. He called the impeachment drive "a truly Kafkaesque process in which the accused is unable to know precisely what she is accused of or why." Rousseff, who has vowed to go down fighting, also tried another tack by repeating an offer to forge a political compromise with opponents if deputies throw out impeachment on Sunday. "The government will fight until the last minute of the second half... to foil this coup attempt," she said in an interview published by various media outlets Thursday. Protest worries Rousseff on Thursday held a meeting with ministers and some of the lawmakers still loyal to her, a presidential source said, shortly before Cardozo announced his appeal. Several of the parties in Rousseff's coalition have jumped ship, starting with the PMDB of her vice president, Michel Temer. Scores of lawmakers have since turned against Rousseff, saying they will vote for impeachment. The number of lawmakers who will vote against her on Sunday reached 342, Estadao daily estimated in the latest count on its website. Folha daily had the number at 338. If the Senate, in turn, votes to open an impeachment trial, Rousseff would be suspended from office for six months. Temer would step into her place while the impeachment process runs its course and he'd remain in office if she were ousted. Rousseff has branded Temer a traitor. She says he is the leader of a "coup" against her along with the speaker of the lower house, Eduardo Cunha. Lawmakers who have yet to declare their position were facing fierce lobbying, including from Rousseff's top ally and predecessor as president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. But he, too, faces pressure: the courts have suspended his appointment as Rousseff's chief of staff over a corruption case against him, linked to a huge graft scandal at state oil company Petrobras. Protesters for and against Rousseff have called for demonstrations this weekend in Brasilia. Security forces have put up fences to protect government buildings from possible disturbances. Brasilia: Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff launched a late bid to escape an impeachment vote, seeking a court injunction to halt the proceedings after key allies deserted her. The 68-year-old leftist leader's grip on power was slipping in a political and economic crisis rocking Latin America's biggest country less than four months before it hosts the Olympics. Rousseff had been scratching around for support in the lower house of congress, which is scheduled to vote Sunday on whether to move forward with impeachment proceedings. Yesterday, she launched a fresh line of defense. Her government's top lawyer, Jose Eduardo Cardozo, filed for an injunction to halt the weekend's proceedings. A special Supreme Court session was underway Thursday night to examine the request. Rousseff is fighting to save her presidency over charges that she illegally manipulated government accounts to mask the effects of recession during her 2014 re-election and in 2015. The government's appeal alleged procedural failings in the case against Rousseff, saying it had violated her right to a defense. "Evidence unrelated to the case has been included in the process, such as matters related to President Dilma (Rousseff)'s previous term," Cardozo said in the filing. He called the impeachment drive "a truly Kafkaesque process in which the accused is unable to know precisely what she is accused of or why." Rousseff has vowed not to back down but repeated an offer to forge a political compromise with opponents if she survives the key vote on Sunday. "The government will fight until the last minute of the second half... to foil this coup attempt," she said in an interview published by various media outlets. Rousseff yesterday held a meeting with ministers and some of the lawmakers still loyal to her, a presidential source said, shortly before Cardozo announced his appeal. Several of the parties in Rousseff's coalition have jumped ship, starting with the PMDB of her vice president, Michel Temer. Scores of lawmakers have turned against Rousseff, saying they will vote for impeachment. The number of lawmakers who could vote against her on Sunday has crept close to the two-thirds majority of 342 lawmakers needed to pass the impeachment motion up to the Senate. If the Senate, in turn, votes to open an impeachment trial, Rousseff would be suspended from office for six months. Temer would step into her place while the impeachment process runs its course. Dhaka: Police in Bangladesh have released four gay activists who were arrested for parading with rainbow colours to promote sexual diversity and tolerance, in the midst of festivities marking Bengali New Year. "The detainees were released on Thursday night after over ten hours at the police station and after being interrogated," a member of Roopbaan, an LGBT rights organisation, told EFE news on Friday. The four were released after their relatives went to the police station where police officers told them their children were homosexuals and advised them to address the problem, the source added. Weeks earlier, Roopbaan had arranged for a "diversity" parade through social network Facebook, as it had done in 2014 and 2015, in the Muslim-majority country. Police authorities, however, said on Wednesday night that permission for the event was refused this year "due to security reasons" after the group's Facebook page was flooded with death threats, prompting them to cancel the event. Some of its members, however, went ahead and joined a general procession, carrying flowers and wearing dresses of different hues, to usher in the new year . In Bangladesh, homosexuality is a crime and section 377 of the penal code stipulates punishment of up to life imprisonment and although lawsuits are not successful, the LGBT community is often discriminated against. Berlin: Prosecutors say a 15-year-old girl who stabbed a police officer is being investigated on suspicion of supporting a terrorist organization. Safia S., whose surname wasn't given due to privacy rules, was already being held on suspicion of attempted murder and serious bodily harm for attacking the officer with a kitchen knife at Hannover train station on Feb. 26. In a statement on Friday, federal prosecutors said the German-Moroccan teenager "adopted the radical-jihadist ideology" of the Islamic State group from November 2015 onward and had been in online contact with members of the group in Syria. Prosecutors say she traveled to Istanbul hoping to reach Syria but was brought back by her mother, but while in Turkey members of IS convinced her to carry out a martyrdom operation in Germany. In 2015, Reuters reported that Germany's domestic intelligence agency (BfV) feared that a growing number of women had gone to Iraq and Syria to fight alongside Islamic State militants. Hans-Georg Maassen, the head of the agency, said that there had been a sharp increase in the number of young women under 25 leaving Germany to join the insurgents. He said that about 100 of the 700 Germans in combat areas were women and about half of those women were under 25. "We've seen a rise in the number of women who fall for the increased appeal of the recruiting activities both on the Internet and through direct personal contacts," Maassen said, adding the number of sympathizers in Germany had grown to about 7,500. "The threat is becoming increasingly complex." With inputs from agencies New York: India is "not forthcoming" in resuming comprehensive dialogue with Pakistan and such an attitude is "impeding" prospects of normalisation of bilateral relations, Pakistan's envoy to the UN has said. Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi told a group of students and faculty members from the US Army War College last week that despite a positive start following the coming to power of the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India suspended talks between the two countries on "flimsy grounds and set unacceptable pre-conditions" for their revival. According to a press release by the Pakistan Mission at the UN, Lodhi said in spite of Pakistan's call to resume broad-based, comprehensive dialogue, "India was still not forthcoming." "This attitude was impeding prospects of normalisation between the two countries," the release said. Lodhi said that defeating terrorism, growing the economy and building a peaceful neighbourhood were among Pakistan's top priorities, including promoting peace and security in Afghanistan and normalising relations with India on the basis of resolution of outstanding disputes. "These national priorities frame our international diplomacy and our foreign engagements," she said. Lodhi further said one of Pakistan's key priorities was regional connectivity and integration and cited the connectivity project with China linking the two countries through an economic corridor. "The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor that would link Pakistan to Central Asia and the Eurasian landmass will not be confined to China and Pakistan but will be win-win for the entire region," the release said. Seoul: Pyongyang's state media Friday claimed a group of 13 North Koreans working at a restaurant China had been tricked into defecting by South Korean spies. The 13 a male manager and 12 female employees of a Pyongyang-run restaurant arrived in Seoul last week, South Korea's Unification Ministry said. Ministry spokesman Jeong Joon-Hee said they had been under pressure to meet their quota for hard currency remittances to Pyongyang and had become disillusioned with the North's propaganda after being exposed to foreign media. The South Korean government estimates Pyongyang rakes in around $10 million every year from some 130 restaurants it operates with mostly North Korean staff in 12 countries, including neighbouring China. North Korea's propaganda website Uriminzokkiri claimed that the manager, who it said was bribed by South Korean spies, had tricked the 12 others into thinking they were going to a new workplace. "The manager, in connivance with (South Korean) spies, tricked the employees into believing that they were moving to a different workplace in a far-off place" before putting them on a plane, it said in a commentary. It said the "abduction" was part of the South's "heinous" anti-Pyongyang smear campaign. South Korean daily Hankyoreh Sinmun quoted the Chinese owner of the restaurant in Ningbo, in eastern Zhejiang province, as saying the manager had stolen more than 1.2 million renminbi ($185,000) from the restaurant, which had a total of 20 North Korean employees. The seven remaining North Koreans were staying with North Korean embassy officials and were expected to return home, the owner was quoted as telling the paper. The 13 defectors were still incommunicado, being questioned by South Korean authorities. The North's Red Cross spokesman Tuesday claimed the 13 were kidnapped by the South and demanded it apologise and return them immediately or face "unimaginable consequences and strong countermeasures". Separately, the North Korean website also accused Seoul of trying to influence South Korea's parliamentary elections held on Wednesday. A seemingly unstable North Korea has traditionally worked in favour of the ruling conservative party. But President Park Geun-Hye's ruling Saenuri Party suffered a shock electoral defeat that broke its 16-year parliamentary majority and threatened its chances of retaining the presidential Blue House in 2017. Lahore: The Pakistan Army has been called in to join an operation against gangsters on Friday, after police failed to flush them out in the southern part of Pakistan's Punjab province. The operation 'Zarb-i-Aahan' involving 1,600 security officials has miserably failed as the hardened criminals are taking advantage of the thick forest in an island at Indus River area between Rajanpur and Rahim Yar Khan districts. "The army has been called in to assist the operation against the hardened criminals in Rajanpur. An army battalion from Okara and two platoons of the Special Services Group, an independent commando regiment/corps of the army, have been called in to launch a large-scale operation," Ghulam Mubashir Maken, the police officer who is leading the operation, said. A strike force with paratroops from the Pakistan Rangers would also take part in the joint operation along with regular policemen and commandos of the force, he added. "The operation against the gangsters will start today midnight and continue till the elimination of the last criminal," he said. Seven policemen were among 13 people killed and 22 others taken hostage by the notorious Chotoo gang during the police raid to clear their hideout in Punjab province, forcing the government to use aerial strikes to end the standoff in Rajanpur district, some 400 kilometers from Lahore. The police have also failed to recover 18 security personnel taken hostage by the gang. The gang is hiding in a forest on an island in the Indus River area between Rajanpur and Rahim Yar Khan districts. Chotoo, who carries a huge bounty on his head, radioed a message to the police to call off the operation, release his arrested gang members and vacate the area or else the hostages would be killed one by one. Earlier, Punjab police chief Mushtaq Sukhera held a meeting with the corps commander of Multan and discussed updates on the situation and a new standard operating procedure in order to launch a military operation against the gangsters. "It will be a massive joint operation led by army," a police spokesman said after the meeting. "A strategy for the release of the captive policemen and to eliminate notorious criminals was discussed, besides an option of airstrike through military helicopter gunships," he said. Police said the gangsters are equipped with sophisticated weapons. The collateral loss came when the police higher-ups received a poor response from the government following their request for the launch of air strikes. "We are under attack by criminals carrying sophisticated weapons as some policemen have seen them using 12.7mm heavy anti-aircraft machine guns," a police official said. He said that the fierce resistance put up by criminals indicated that some 'terrorists' of banned organisations might be present in the area. It is suspected that elements of banned outfits such as Lashkar-e-Jhanghvi (LeJ) and Sipah Sahaba Pakistan (SSP) are part of the gang. "As many as 150 hardened criminals have been hiding in the forest, bordering Sindh and Balochistan provinces," the official said. Tokyo: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will visit Russia shortly to hold talks with President Vladimir Putin in the countries' latest effort to tackle a decades-long territorial dispute, their foreign ministers said today. Tokyo-Moscow relations have been hamstrung by the row that dates back to the end of World War II when Soviet troops seized the four southernmost islands in the Kuril chain, known as the Northern Territories in Japan. Over the years various leaders of both countries have met several times to discuss the dispute but a resolution has been elusive. The lingering tensions have prevented them from signing a peace treaty, which has hindered trade and investment ties. Visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held talks with Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida today and they agreed to speed up finalising Abe's visit. "We agreed to enthusiastically go ahead with various arrangements and preparations, including a concrete schedule, for an informal visit to Russia by Prime Minister Abe that will come shortly," Kishida said at a joint press conference. He added: "We agreed to start negotiations on signing a peace treaty as soon as possible following our prime minister's visit to Russia." Lavrov said the Russian side is ready to continue the dialogue, but added: "Our approach -- we have to confirm the result of World War II -- is unchanged." Japanese and Russian reports have said Abe may visit the southern city of Sochi in early May for a summit with Putin as part of a journey to European capitals. The planned meeting comes ahead of a Group of Seven (G7) summit to be hosted by Abe in late May. The G7 bloc of advanced industrial countries comprises Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States. It formerly included Russia under a G8 configuration, but Moscow was evicted following the annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. Lavrov on Tuesday criticised Japan for joining Western countries in imposing sanctions against Moscow over the Ukraine crisis, suggesting Tokyo's foreign policy was guided by the US and the European Union. "We understand perfectly that unfortunately, Japan is not the only country that is not fully independent in its foreign policy," he said. His comment came after Abe assured Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko last week that G7 leaders would discuss Kiev's plight at the G7 summit next month. Beijing: China's second-ranking general recently visited the country's man-made islands in the South China Sea, the Defence Ministry said today, underscoring China's defiance in the face of calls by the US and others to cease construction work that they say is raising tensions in the region. According to the brief statement, General Fan Changlong led a group of military commanders to the Spratly island group to visit troops and observe construction work. The statement didn't say when and where Fan, the vice chairman of the Central Military Commission that controls the People's Liberation Army, visited. The announcement comes after China issued an angry response to what it says are provocative plans announced yesterday that the US would send troops and planes to the Philippines for more frequent rotations and will increase joint sea and air patrols with Philippine forces in the South China Sea. US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter was also visiting an aircraft carrier today during a trip to the region that does not include a stop in China. In reporting on Fan's visit, the ministry said that China had completed work on five lighthouses, four of which are now operational, in the Spratlys, saying those were built to "provide a public service for the international community." Work on a weather station, ocean monitoring centre, oceanographic equipment and other facilities was also "proceeding smoothly," the report said. China claims virtually the entire South China Sea as its own territory as per its infamous 'nine-dash line' and is topping the islands by piling sand and building airstrips and other infrastructure. The Philippines, Vietnam and others also claim territory controlled or claimed by China, and increased military and coast guard deployments by all sides could increase the potential for conflict. Late yesterday, the Defence Ministry said that Beijing would "resolutely defend" its sovereignty and maritime interests while accusing the Philippines and US of militarising the region and harbouring a "Cold War mentality" by strengthening their alliance. The South China Sea dispute also featured in talks between Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Malcolm Turnbull, the Prime Minister of close US ally Australia, which is trying to balance security needs with its economy's reliance on the Chinese market. Syrian regime forces on Friday battled Islamic State group jihadists near Aleppo city, even as they clashed with local Al-Qaeda affiliate the Al-Nusra Front and allied rebels nearby, a monitoring group said. The upsurge in fighting, which the United States says is straining a fragile truce, came as a new round of peace talks got under way in Geneva. "Fierce fighting raged between regime troops and loyalist militia against IS... to the east of Khanasser" southeast of Aleppo city, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. The army is trying to recapture several areas seized by IS on Thursday near Khanasser, the Britain-based monitor said. Meanwhile, troops and militia loyal to President Bashar al-Assad's regime battled Syria's Al-Qaeda affiliate Al-Nusra Front and allied rebels on a northern front in the battered province, the group said. At least 14 troops and pro-regime militiamen as well as 20 rebels and Al-Nusra jihadists have been killed in the past 24 hours around the flash-point area of Handarat north of Aleppo city, it said. The latest violence came a day after a senior official in Washington told AFP that the United States was "very concerned" about reports of a Russian-backed Syrian government offensive near Aleppo. Even though the fight against IS and Al-Nusra is excluded from the truce, violence around Aleppo has sparked concerns that the ceasefire may not last, partly because other rebel groups are involved in the battles there too. "Aleppo is the key to war and peace in Syria," Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP. "Every side in the war has a stake in Aleppo." Syria's conflict began in 2011 as a peaceful revolt, with protests across the country that spread in 2012 to Aleppo province, which borders Turkey. A report from the Syrian Center for Policy Research said that a staggering 470,000 Syrians had died as a result of the war, almost twice the 250,000 counted a year and a half ago by the United Nations, until it stopped counting because of a lack of confidence in the data. With inputs from AFP Washington: Describing the Islamic State as the 'most dangerous' terror organisation, US National Security Advisor Susan Rice on Friday said that the US has a four-point strategy to fight the dreaded militant group which poses an 'enormous' threat to civilians under its brutal reign. What makes the Islamic State especially dangerous is that it is present both on the groundattempting to function as a stateand online, Rice said. "It is essentially a hybrid: a terrorist organisation and an insurgency, which exploited the chaos in Syria and Iraq to occupy large swaths of territory," she said. "Holding territory provides ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) with financial resources and manpower. It buttresses their false claim to a so-called caliphate, granting them a unique and powerful appeal to potential followers. At the same time, they have harnessed the power of social media to recruit fighters and inspire lone-wolf attacks," Rice said. The Islamic State, she said, poses an 'enormous danger' to civilians under their brutal reign. "ISIL is the most dangerous terrorist organisation. It is a destabilising force in the Middle East. It is a threat to people around the world," she said. "But let's be clear. As President Barack Obama has emphasised, ISIL does not pose an existential threat to our nation. We have faced down and defeated much greater adversaries. ISIL is not Nazi Germany. It is not the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold War. This is not World War III or the much-hyped clash of civilisations," she said. "On the contrary, we alienate our Muslim friends and alliesand dishonor the countless Muslim victims of ISIL's brutalitywhen people recklessly and wrongly cast ISIL as somehow representative of one of the world's largest religions. ISIL is a twisted network of murderers and maniacs, and they must be rooted out, hunted down, and destroyed," Rice said. Broadly speaking, the strategy to destroy the IS is focused on four main dimensions, she said. "We are relentlessly attacking ISIL's core in Syria and Iraq; we're targeting ISIL's branches; we're disrupting its global network; and we're working around the clock to protect our homeland. It is a complex effort. It will not be accomplished fully in just a few weeks or months or even a few years. But day by day, mile by mile, strike by strike, we are making substantial progress," Rice said. Rice also said that Pakistani forces are working to push al-Qaeda out of the restive Waziristan region while the US are targeting fighters who cross over into Afghanistan amid the growing influence of the Islamic State terror group in the region. Rows of soldiers in camouflage uniforms stood at attention Thursday, chanting war songs in a dusty field at Jebel Makor, 45 minutes from South Sudan's capital, Juba. The troops are some of the thousands that South Sudan's army is supposed to move out of Juba before the arrival Monday of rebel leader Riek Machar. The idea is that limiting troops in Juba will reduce the chance of clashes. The two sides agreed that nearly 5,000 government soldiers and police can remain in town, while the rebels can bring in 3,000. But the rebels accuse the government of failing to withdraw its soldiers, and of secretly bringing in extra troops. The army did not disclose how many troops it had in the city prior to demilitarization, nor allow international cease-fire monitors to verify the process. Thursday, the army took journalists to Jebel Makor to offer proof that they are upholding the peace deal. Army spokesman Lul Ruai Koang said Jebel Makor is one of nine sites where soldiers have been redeployed. "We are complying. We have been complying, Ruai said. We keep on complying until what is required of us is met, and that is why these soldiers are here." Seven hundred troops stay at Jebel Makor, according to Ruai, who said the soldiers' presence proved the army is upholding the agreement. But Voice of America counted less than 300 soldiers at Jebel Makor. Ruai claimed the rest of the soldiers were cooking, patrolling or on sick leave. The spokesman could not say how many soldiers have moved out of Juba. He also did not know how many were in Juba before the process began. But Ruai insisted that the government is following the agreement, and invited international monitors to verify the number of soldiers in and outside the city. Despite the uncertainty, Machar's office says he will return Monday as planned and immediately be sworn in as vice president. Nigeria has arrested six people alleged to have attacked oil pipelines and has also destroyed two illegal refineries in the oil-producing southern Delta region, the country's navy said on Thursday. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has promised to crack down on groups attacking pipelines or other oil facilities in the Delta region, which produces much of Nigeria's oil. The militants, like other Delta residents, demand a greater share of oil revenues. The six people, alleged to have been running a warehouse to store illegally refined products, were arrested in Rivers state, the navy said in a statement. The navy also said it had destroyed two illegal refineries and a boat used to smuggle stolen crude in Delta state. Buhari has sent army reinforcements to the Delta to stop pipeline attacks, which have been on the rise since authorities issued an arrest warrant in January for a former militant leader on corruption charges. Last month, gunmen blew up an oil pipeline belonging to Italy's ENI in the Delta, killing three workers, according to officials. In February, militants staged an underwater attack on a Shell pipeline, shutting down the 250,000 barrel-a-day Forcados export terminal. Buhari has extended a multi-million dollar amnesty signed with militants in 2009, but he has upset them by ending generous pipeline protection contracts. Hashim Thaci, who was sworn in April 7 as Kosovo's president, says he remains committed to his country's quick integration into NATO and other Euro-Atlantic mechanisms and to continuing the process of normalizing relations with Serbia and fighting against Islamic fundamentalism. In his first media interview as president, Thaci told VOA's Albanian service Friday that he will address all the problems cited in the U.S. State Department's recently released human rights report covering 2015, and will work to unify Kosovo and represent all its citizens. Thaci said he recognized as serious problems the areas of concern highlighted in the State Department report. The report cited the obstruction, sometimes violent, of the country's parliament by opposition deputies who blocked free debate and the passage of legislation; endemic government and private-sector corruption and lack of punishment for corruption; and societal violence and discrimination against members of minority groups. While Kosovo's legislative branch is now functioning properly, Thaci said, much more needs to be done to address the other two areas. He said he would discuss with experts in Kosovo and abroad the changes to the country's penal code needed to make its judiciary effective in punishing crime. Countering criticism by his opponents, Thaci said the dialogue with Serbia has been beneficial for both Kosovo and Serbia, as well as the entire Balkan region. Kosovo's president said an uncompromising fight against Islamic radicalization and all forms of extremism is high on his agenda. In close cooperation with regional and international powers, he said, Kosovo will eradicate such dangerous elements domestically and fight them beyond the country's borders. Kosovo's parliament elected Thaci, 47, to replace Atifete Jahjaga as president Feb. 26. The vote was boycotted by opposition lawmakers, who had earlier tried to disrupt voting by using tear gas. Kosovo has established a tradition of new presidents giving their first press interview exclusively to the Voice of America's Albanian Service. Alexa Olesen of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) covered China affairs as Associated Press' Beijing correspondent for eight years. Her latest piece, "Leaked Files Offer Many Clues to Offshore Dealings by Top Chinese," is part of the first series of ICIJ's Panama Papers. She tells VOA Mandarin service reporter Yinan Wang the leaked documents could provide insights about Chinese President Xi Jinping's domestically focused anti-corruption campaign. VOA: What kind of organization is the International Consortium of International Journalists? Olesen: ICIJ is based in Washington, D.C. Its an independent organization that gets funding from places like the Ford Foundation, Open Society Foundation, some independent donors. It is a network of 200 investigative journalists who are based in more than 65 countries. VOA: In countries like Russia and China, some people tend to believe that the documents leaked to ICIJ are really tactics by the U.S. to humiliate these two countries. What is your response to this opinion? Olesen: In response to your question about the conspiracy theory, I think that came about because when the reports first started coming out, people noticed that there werent many American names being reported. But theres a reason for that, which is that Mossack Fonseca [the law firm at the center of the Panama Papers case] itself has said they tend not to take American clients. So the companys own business model is to focus more on Europe, Latin America, and also increasingly Asia. So the reason why there werent many American customers to write about is because MF didnt take that many. And of course, theres no conspiracy. There was a news leak or a cache of documents that first came to the German paper Suddeutsche, and then they were shared with ICIJ, and we thought this information was of great public value to everyone. So thats why we reported on that. VOA: Chinas state-backed Global Times ran an April 5 editorial accusing Western intelligence agencies of leaking the Panama Papers in order to target non-Western leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, and to shore up Western ideologies. What is your reaction to these allegations? Olesen: It's ridiculous, because if you look at the findings of our reports, you find it is actually very equitable. Its embarrassing not just to Russia or China, it is embarrassing to the U.K., it's embarrassing to Iceland, its embarrassing to the United States. Its embarrassing to many governments, individuals and politicians around the world. So to say this report is targeting Russia and China is not borne out by the facts. VOA: Does ICIJ receive funds from the U.S. government? Olesen: No, we dont. Like I said, we are an independent organization. We get funding from groups like the Open Society Foundation, and also the Ford Foundation. There is a list of our supporters on our website. So if you want to go and look at that, its transparent to everybody where our funding comes from. VOA: There were rumors saying ICIJ had invited a mainland Chinese publication as a partner in excavating the papers. Did ICIJ send out such invitation to Chinese media? Olesen: The background on that is we did a similar project called offshore leaks in 2013. That dealt with much smaller leak of documents offshore corporation documents. And we did have a mainland Chinese partner on that project in the beginning, and they had to drop out because the findings were too sensitive. The second time around, when we started to work on this project ... we decided we didnt want to put another Chinese publication in that position, where they would have materials either too sensitive to report on, or too sensitive to publish. So this time around, no, we did not have mainland Chinese partner. VOA: Do you have the name of that Chinese publication? Olesen: Yeah, I do. But we are not releasing that, because they didnt want to be named. VOA: Do you think Chinese authorities are afraid of document leaks disclosed by the Panama Papers? Olesen: The fact that they have been censoring all of the revelations coming out of the Panama Papers does suggest that they are afraid of this information being made public. On Tuesday [April 5], at the Foreign Ministry press briefing, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei was asked about the revelation of the Panama Papers. He didnt respond, or he said he had no comment. But even that question and that answer were deleted or not included in the transcript on the Foreign Ministrys website. Thats one example. Also, they have been blocking out television broadcasts in China. When BBC queues up the Panama Papers, they just blocked it out. That suggests they are very nervous about it. VOA: On April 7, one of the red nobles named in your report, Mr. Hu Dehua, son of the late general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, Hu Yaobang, answered questions from a Hong Kong newspaper. Basically, he said that it is legitimate to register an offshore company. Do you think it is OK for these elites to establish offshore companies? Olesen: There are many reasons why you would want to set up an offshore company. So in and of itself, its not a sign of anything illegal. But what we did in each of these cases that we reported on is we sent requests for confirmation, and also information to all the people we named, saying, "What is your company used for? Did you declare it to the Chinese authorities? Did you pay tax on whatever profit you earned from it?" So our question wasnt, "Why did you do this legal thing?" but really, "What is your company used for? We found out you had it what was the purpose?" I am very glad that Hu Dehua has made some public comments about that company to help clarify. Ideally, everybody else in the article would do the same thing. In some cases, I think theres nothing shady going on. But in other cases for example, in the case of Gu Kailai, we know her company was set up to avoid taxes and so she could own a villa in the south of France. All these details came out when she and her husband went on trial. VOA: Do you think the wealthy Chinese being named in the leaked Panama Papers will eventually become targets of Chinas anti-corruption campaign? Olesen: I would imagine that this database would be of great use to Wang Qishan [secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection] and other anti-corruption officials in China, that we gave them hints of people they should look at. If you are in the database, it doesnt mean that you are automatically corrupt, but it does mean that you have some reason to want to have an offshore company. Thats something you would probably want to look into. ... Li Xiaolin is an executive of a state-owned power company, and we found that she had a foundation in Liechtenstein. We wondered why she needed to have it. The documents told us that the companys profit came from export business heavy machinery export from Europe to China. So the question is: Does that income relate somehow to her job as a power executive, or is this another source of income that she hasnt declared? We dont know, but these are questions. And I think she should be required to answer them, because she is a public official. With just days to go before South Sudanese Vice President-designate Riek Machar is due to return to the capital, the government and opposition remain at odds over how the rebel leader will be welcomed and when he will be sworn in. SPLM-In Opposition spokesman William Ezekiel said his partys hope is that their leader will still arrive in Juba on Monday, but said the two sides have still not worked out the arrangements for Machars reception. These are concerns from our side; that he must take oath the day he arrives; that the state of emergency must be lifted and that the demilitarization of Juba must be verified by CTSAMM," Ezekiel said. CTSAMM stands for the Cease-fire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism, the body charged with monitoring security arrangements as laid out in the August peace agreement to end South Sudan's civil war. Military situation Ezekiel said his party is not yet satisfied with the demilitarization of Juba, per the peace agreement. According to the peace deal, a sizable number of government troops should remain in Juba during the transitional period while the remainder are to be redeployed 25 kilometers outside the capital. Information Minister Michael Makuei insisted that the redeployment had been completed, but SPLM-IO officials said that has not yet been confirmed by the CTSAMM and they want that confirmation before Machar sets foot in Juba. Officials with the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, the body tasked with monitoring implementation of the peace agreement, were not available for comment. Makuei told VOA's South Sudan In Focus that it is not the responsibility of the SPLM-IO to manage Machars reception in Juba. The government has been trying to tamp down any expectations or excitement that might be generated by Machars return Juba. SPLM-IO insists on immediate swearing-in Machar is demanding he be sworn in the day he arrives. Makuei said the event will take place on Tuesday, without pomp and ceremony. Should the first vice president-designate arrives on Monday, he will be received at official level at the airport and after reception at the airport he will proceed to his residence where he will be receiving people, where he will be holding meetings and the second day he will go to J-One to take oath of office after the oath of office he will proceed to his office that will constitute the end of day two," said the spokesman. Ezekiel said the SPLM-IO expects Machar to be sworn in as first vice president on Monday and will not compromise on that point. On our side we oppose and reject this idea for the leader to come the first vice president-designate to go and again come in the morning for swearing in. This is unfair and why should we just make one occasion two occasions? Why do we want to waste resources more than when we can do it just in one day? In addition, the SPLM-IO expects Machar to address a rally upon on his arrival something the government has said will not happen. Machar had been scheduled to return to Juba on April 12, but postponed his arrival, saying he had not finalized technical arrangements with his leadership on his arrival. Your digital subscription includes access to all content on our agricultural websites across the nation. Access unlimited content and the digital versions of our print editions - This Week's Paper. Zimbabwe's ruling party dismissed calls for 92-year-old President Robert Mugabe to resign, a day after the first major opposition protest in years. ZANU-PF party spokesman Simon Khaya Moyo told the state-run Herald newspaper that President Mugabe won his post democratically and said opposition supporters should vote him out of office rather than call for his resignation. Moyo said if the people "still need him, they will vote for him again," in 2018, when Mugabe is expected to stand for re-election. More than 2,000 supporters of the MDC-T party, led by Morgan Tsvangirai, marched in the streets of Harare Thursday, many of them wearing red in support of the opposition. Police are often called to break up opposition rallies in Zimbabwe, and Thursday's march had originally been banned - but a court overturned the police order on Wednesday. Mugabe is one of Africa's longest-serving leaders, having been in power since 1980. Despite his age, he is still a compelling speaker and recently announced he will stand for election again in 2018. Zimbabwe's past elections have been criticized by the United States and other powers as flawed, marred by violence and voter intimidation. Opposition leader Tsvangirai and his movement say Mugabe's policies are responsible for Zimbabwe's long-running economic problems and food shortages. Tsvangirai has lost the last three elections to Mugabe, and has been charged in the past with plotting to topple the president. The launch of the 2016 First Quarter Local SME Procurement Program Business Matching Session in Food & Beverage Category, organized by Wynn Resorts (Macau) and the Macau Chamber of Commerce, was held yesterday in the Ballroom of Wynn Macau. The organizers said 112 local merchants joined the business matching session during which the heads of the Food & Beverage Department and Procurement Department at Wynn Macau gave an overview of their basic operations, food safety standards, product categories and standards, procurement procedures and requirements, among others. Linda Chen, executive director of Wynn Resorts (Macau), said local SMEs play a vital role in diversifying the regions economy, supported by the governments diversified and multi-angled initiatives. These initiatives aim to bring convenience to people and simplify the bureaucratic process, while strengthening the business environment for SMEs. Wynn Macau hopes to continually cooperate with local SMEs to establish a stable [] economic environment, Chen noted. Meanwhile Chui Yuk Lam, vice- president of the board of directors of the Macau Chamber of Commerce, hopes that more SMEs can build resources by establishing partnerships with large corporations, which in turn would enable them to support the development of other SMEs. Design solutions by the five finalists of the Procurement Platform Mobile App Design Competition, were also showcased yesterday. The platform allows local SMEs to pursue opportunities with larger corporations, and is open to the public to promote mutually beneficial development. Despite the citys suppressed economic growth, Robert Gansmo, senior vice president and chief financial officer of Wynn Palace, told the Times that Wynn Palace could reach out to local SMEs. It has been a bit suppressed recently, but were hoping to see some growth in the near future, and as part of that we want to bring in local businesses [] were opening up Wynn Palace and thats going to be a significant opportunity for us to expand our local business base. Staff reporter In a military buildup certain to inflame tensions with China, the United States said yesterday it has been conducting joint South China Sea patrols and eventually will conduct air patrols with the Philippines, while dispatching U.S. troops and combat aircraft there on more frequent rotations. The announcement by Defense Secretary Ash Carter in a news conference with Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin was the first time the U.S. revealed that its ships had conducted patrols with the Philippines in the South China Sea, a somewhat rare move not done with many other partners in the region. While Carter insisted the U.S. did not intend to be provocative and was trying to tamp down tensions here, Gazmin said he expects that U.S. forces, with their presence here, will deter uncalled-for actions by the Chinese. While the military boost doesnt include permanent basing for U.S. troops, Beijing views any increased U.S. military presence and activities in the region as a threat. Military exchanges by relevant countries should not target third parties, much less support a few countries in challenging Chinas sovereignty and security, inciting regional contradictions and sabotaging regional peace and stability, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement in response to Carters announcement. At present, the situation in the South China Sea is stable overall due to the common efforts of China and relevant regional countries. China resolutely opposes any country harming Chinas sovereignty and security and sabotaging peace and stability in the South China Sea under any conditions, the statement read. Carter said the United States will be keeping nearly 300 troops, including Air Force commandos armed with combat aircraft and helicopters, in the Philippines through the end of the month. The U.S. will also increase troop rotations to strengthen training and support increased military operations in the region. Speaking in the guest house of the presidential complex, Carter said the joint patrols will improve the Philippines navy and contribute to the safety and security of the regions waters. The increase in military support comes just days after the Philippines ambassador to the United States asked the U.S. to help persuade China not to build in the nearby Scarborough Shoal, which is viewed as important to Filipino fishermen. Ambassador Jose Cuisia Jr. said the Philippines cannot stop China from building there. China has built man-made islands in other contested spots in the South China Sea. Charlito Maniago, the leader of a northwestern Philippine village where many fishermen lost access to the disputed Scarborough Shoal after China seized it in 2012, said the joint patrols will spark hope that they can sail freely again to the rich fishing ground. This will boost the confidence of our fishermen because they think the U.S. has the capability to defend them, Maniago told The Associated Press by telephone from the coastal village of Cato in Pangasinan province. The presence of America will make China think twice. Maniago, however, expressed concern that if China takes a more hard-line position because of Washingtons increasing involvement in the disputed waters a dangerous situation may happen and our fishermen may all the more lose the chance to fish in those waters. The Pentagon said the U.S. forces that will remain in the Philippines are already there participating in the Balikatan, or shoulder-to-shoulder combat exercises, that will end Friday. About 200 airmen, including special operations forces, will remain at Clark Air Base, along with three of their Pave Hawk attack helicopters, an MC-130H Combat Talon II special mission aircraft and five A-10 combat aircraft. This initial contingent will provide training to increase the two militaries ability to work together, laying the groundwork for forces to do joint air patrols as well as the ship movements. Up to 75 Marines will also stay at Camp Aguinaldo to support increased U.S. and Philippine combined military operations in the region. The troops and aircraft are expected to leave at the end of the month, but other U.S. forces and aircraft would do similar rotations into the Philippines routinely in the future. Carter would not say how frequently those rotations would happen, but called it a regular periodic presence. The increased troop presence is part of a broader U.S. campaign to expand its assistance to the Philippines, as America shores up its allies in the Asia Pacific who are roiled by Chinas building of manmade islands in the South China Sea. Last week the Pentagon announced that the U.S. will give the Philippines about USD40 million in military assistance to beef up intelligence sharing, surveillance and naval patrols. Carter said the aid will include an enhanced information network for classified communications, sensors for patrol vessels and an unmanned aerostat reconnaissance airship to help the island nation keep a watch over its territory. The U.S. will also get access to five Philippine military bases to house American forces that will rotate in and out of the country for training and other missions. Lolita C. Baldor, Manila, AP Prominent Chinese human rights lawyer Pu Zhiqiang has been disbarred, a further step in what rights groups call a relentless crackdown by Beijing on efforts to establish an independent rule of law. Pu posted a photo of a letter from the Beijing City Legal Affairs Department to his micro-blog yesterday that said his law license was pulled in accordance with regulations. It cited his conviction in December for disturbing public order and inciting ethnic hatred. Pu was detained shortly after attending a May 2014 meeting to discuss commemorating the 25th anniversary of the bloody military crackdown on Tiananmen Square. He was given a suspended three-year sentence. Pu told AP by phone that he hasnt decided whether to appeal his disbarment. China yesterday blasted U.S. human rights record in its annual tit-for-tat report, saying money and family connections are corrupting politics and calling U.S. airstrikes in Syria and Iraq a gross violation of other countries human rights. The report issued by the Cabinets State Council Information Office also cited gun crime and excessive use of force by police, and touched on other topics including corruption in the prison system, homelessness, racial conflict and gender pay disparity. Since the U.S. government cant be bothered to raise a mirror to look at itself, its up to others to complete the task, the report said. The U.S. is also guilty of rights violations outside its borders, the report said, citing estimates of civilian deaths in Iraqi and Syrian airstrikes, drone attacks and the monitoring of foreign citizens communications. America is still committing gross violations of other countries human rights, viewing lives in other countries as worthless, it said. China publishes such reports each year in response to the U.S. State Departments annual report on Chinas human rights situation issued on Wednesday as part of a larger review of the human rights practices around the world. This years report on China highlighted repression against civil society, saying repression and coercion markedly increased. It especially criticized Chinas crackdown on lawyers, saying it reflected the governments insecurity in the face of popular aspiration for the rule of law. Hundreds of lawyers and law associates were interrogated, investigated and in many cases detained in secret locations for months without charges or access to attorneys or family members, the report said. The U.S. report also criticized the enforced disappearances of five men working in Hong Kongs publishing industry, saying Chinese security officials were believed to be responsible. The Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. AP The Hong Kong Civil Aviation Departments (CAD) online booking system for private aircraft takeoff and landing times malfunctioned causing chaos and diverting several business and private jets to airports in Macau, Zhuhai and Shenzhen. Traffic to the CAD booking system has since eased, but technical glitches have already prevented potential bookings. Although there is a 75 percent chance of success for each time slot booking, private jet operators have always faced constraints when applying for time slots in Hong Kong International Airport. Sing Tao Daily reported that several different factors contributed to this phenomenon. Industry insiders suspect the deliberate occupation of time slots for resale, and that some operators have also tried to secure multiple slots for later use. A lawyer for the spiritual leader of the militants who carried out the 2002 Bali bombings is urging Indonesian authorities to end his inhumane treatment in prison. The radical Islamic cleric Abu Bakar Bashir has been confined to a tiny isolation cell on the Nusa Kambangan prison island as part of a broad tightening of security in the wake of the Jan. 14 suicide bombings in the Indonesian capital Jakarta. Authorities say isolation measures, which are also being applied to other top convicted militants, are needed to stop the ailing 77-year-old Bashir from radicalizing prisoners and to cut him off from extremist networks. Lawyer Mohammad Mahendradatta said yesterday that Bashir is kept in his 2 square meter cell for 23 hours a day and sleeps on thin mats over a cement floor without blankets. He is denied reading materials and personal items, regularly awakened from his sleep because of mosquitos, and consultations with medical staff take place behind barriers. The condition of his cell is simply shocking and inhumane treatment against him is causing his health to deteriorate, Mahendradatta said. The claim of mistreatment comes amid heightened concerns among the public and rights groups about possible extrajudicial killings following the recent death in custody of an alleged militant. Police said the militant, known as Siyono, had concealed a handgun and attacked officers. But an autopsy conducted last week at the request of Siyonos wife and backed by Muhammadiyah, Indonesias second-largest Muslim group, revealed that the 34-year-old died from trauma to the chest and had no defensive wounds on his body. The findings prompted Indonesias parliament to summon the national police chief and the anti-terrorism agency chief to a hearing next week. Bashir, known as the spiritual leader of al-Qaida-linked militants behind the Bali bombings that killed 202 people, was sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2011. Prosecutors said he was a key player in supporting a militant training camp in Aceh that brought together men from almost every known extremist group in predominantly Muslim Indonesia. A higher court later cut the sentence to nine years. Akbar Hadi Prabowo, spokesman for the directorate general overseeing prisons, said Bashir has appropriate facilities for an isolation prisoner. The information we have is that Bashir is in a state of good health, he said. There is no mistreatment against Bashir, he gets proper facilities for the inmate who is placed in isolation. Mahendradatta said his assessment of Bashirs prison conditions was based on recent access by his team of lawyers. Niniek Karmini, Jakarta, AP The legal challenges posed by the eruption of new forms of terrorism were the main focus of a talk by Julio Pereira this week at the Foundation Rui Cunha. A former assistant to Macaus first corruption commissioner, Pereira has been the Secretary-General of the Intelligence System of the Portuguese Republic for the past 11 years. He is fluent in Chinese and is considered a specialist in mainland Chinese criminal law, and has written books and academic papers on the subject. Speaking to a packed auditorium, Pereira commented on the difference between the recent wave of terrorist actions and the ones occurring in the second half of the 20th century, when terrorist groups like the Irish Republican Army or ETA in the Basque Country sought recognition as political groups. The jihadist terrorism is not searching for any kind of recognition. [] It is mega-terrorism that tries to inflict the maximum number of casualties, evoking religious motives, Pereira said, adding that the outlook on the terrorist threat is bleak. According to the magistrate, the world can expect more terrorist attacks, especially given the turmoil in the Middle East following the invasions of Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the problem of Islamic communities in Europe. Bearing in mind the complexity of the issues involved, Pereira said that the first step to containing terrorism relates to the question: is it an internal security threat or a defense matter? The U.S. was the first to give an answer to that question: it is impossible to stop the attacks without sticking to the territories where the Islamic state is based, he said. Countries have been trying to adapt to the terrorist threat by changing their penal codes and considering preparatory acts to terrorism as autonomous crimes. However, Pereira noted, singling out such acts poses challenges, for example in cases where attempted travel to join a terrorist organization or consulting websites that promote terrorism may be considered crimes. Criminal law is essentially reactive. But in matters related to terrorism, criminal law must prevent crimes. [] How do we bypass this? Some people argue that the criminal law should be preventive. By criminalizing preparatory acts, the law is treading in that direction but by doing that we risk an excessive judicialization of internal security issues, the expert argued. In a message that could summarize his lecture at the Rui Cunha Foundation, Julio Pereira argued that security measures are only legitimate if they amplify our space of freedom. He used the metaphor of a man that likes to go out at night but stops doing so because he knows that there is a big risk that he is going to be robbed. Hence, in practical terms, he loses the liberty to go out at night that he had previously had, Pereira said. scarce risk of terrorism in macau A report by Hong Kong-based risk consultancy Steve Vickers and Associates indicated that although the risk of a terrorist attack occurring in Macau remained low, the territory presented itself as an attractive target, given the nexus of Chinese, American and Jewish interests in the gaming sector. Asked about the Vickers report, Julio Pereira said: If we do a risk assessment based on the origins of the terrorists, we may say that the risk is scarce. The application criteria for Air Macaus Local Cadet Pilot Program is raising questions among residents. Among other requirements, Cadet Pilot candidates must be Macau permanent ID card holders with Macau SAR passports, effectively excluding all residents not of Chinese nationality. According to a local lawyer, the complaints of local residents who are non-passport holders may have a legal case. Carlos Lobo cited article 25 of the Basic Law, saying, people might invoke principles of equality, proportionality, need, and [] of the prohibition of discrimination on grounds of nationality. Further to the Basic Law, Macaus Labor Law Law 7/2008 explicitly prohibits discrimination of residents on access to employment on grounds of nationality. This basic principle of equality, enshrined in Article 6, does allow for differentiation as long as it is justifiable, Lobo said, adding that the contentious point relates to the justification for such a requirement. If the company is able to justify why the candidates need to be Chinese nationals in addition to being Macau residents, perhaps those general principles do not apply, he said. Prima facie and without any information about the reasons for such a requirement, I would say that this is of dubious legality. Article 25 of the Macau Basic Law clearly states that Macau residents shall be equal before the law without discrimination on grounds of nationality, ancestry, race, gender, language, religion, political or ideological convictions, education level, economic status or social condition. The Times tried for several days to obtain the official position from Air Macau but did not receive a reply by press time. mop20 million to train 10 air cadets Air Macaus Cadet pilot program will train 10 young local cadets to be the next Air Macau pilots. According to a Tribuna de Macau report, the program will cost the airline around MOP20 million. Deputy director Du Guofu told JTM that the cadets would undergo a two year intensive course at a training center in France. With a population of ca. 560,000 and covering just under 2,600 sq km, Luxembourg officially the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is the 7th smallest country in Europe by area. Surrounded by Germany, Belgium and France, Luxembourg is in the very heart of Europe, both geographically and historically. Part of the Roman Republic and later on Roman Empire, modern-day Luxembourg was ruled by a succession of Frankish kingdoms (the Franks were a Germanic tribe) as Late Antiquity gave way to the Early Middle Ages. From the High Middle Ages to the Late Middle Ages, Luxembourg gradually evolved from a country into a duchy. It was the seat of the powerful House of Luxembourg, which completed against the House of Hohenstaufen and House of Wittelsbach for the throne of the Holy Roman Empire, until the unstoppable rise of the House of Habsburg. Occupied by Revolutionary France, Luxembourg was re-established as a Grand Duchy in 1815 by the Treaty of Paris, following the second abdication of Napoleon Bonaparte. From 1815 to 1839, it was part of the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. On 19 April 1839, both Belgium and Luxembourg seceded from the union. From 1659 to 1839, three successive partitions of Luxembourg by Germany, Belgium and France drastically reduced Luxembourgs territory by some 75% from ca. 10,700 sq km. Luxembourg is the only Grand Duchy defined as a sovereign state whose head bears the title of Grand Duke / Duchess still in existence today. It has three officially languages: Luxembourgish (a West Germanic language, sometimes difficult to differentiate from dialects in neighbouring regions), German and French (primarily the administrative language). Oenologically, Luxembourg comprises both French and German elements. Most of Luxembourgs vineyards are situated in the southeast, on the left bank of the river Mosel (Moselle in French); on the other side is the Mosel region, one of Germanys 13 wine regions, renamed from Mosel-Saar-Ruwer in 2007. Grape varieties are unmistakably Germanic, although most wines are fully fermented without much residual sugar. In terms of wine legislation, however, Luxembourg is remarkably French. The country has but one wine region, Moselle Luxembourgeoise, which may produce wines of all colours, whereas vendanges tardives, vin de glace and vin de paille are defined as speciality wines. Under the Marque Nationale system established in 1935 (one year before the French AOC system regulated by Institut National de lOrigine et de la Qualite in 1936), wines can be classified as Appellation Controlee, Vin Classe, Premier Cru and Grand Premier Cru respectively, depending on ratings they received at panel tastings. Domaine Schumacher-Lethal Cremant de Luxembourg Cuvee Pierre NV A blend of Pinot Blanc, Auxerrois Blanc and Chardonnay. Bright citrine with shimmering golden reflex, the refreshing nose offers grapefruit, pink apple, wet stone and lily. With crispy acidity, medium-fine mousse and clean minerality, the expressive palate delivers lemon, lime, saltine and flint. Medium-bodied at 12.5%, the citrusy entry carries onto a lively mid-palate, leading to a juicy finish. Domaine Schumacher-Lethal Cremant de Luxembourg Rose Brut NV A blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Translucent scarlet with gleaming copper reflex, the floral nose presents cranberry, redcurrant, and fresh dough and potpourri. With abundant acidity, traces of tannins, medium-fine mousse and clear minerality, the fruit-driven palate supplies raspberry, rosehip, bouquet garni and seashell. Medium-bodied at 12.5%, the flowery entry continues through an energetic mid-palate, leading to a tart finish. Domaine Schumacher-Lethal Grand Premier Cru Wormeldange Heiligenhauschen Pinot Blanc 2013 A single-varietal Pinot Blanc. Pastel citrine with shimmering sunglow reflex, the pristine nose effuses lemon, pomelo, fine chalk and orchard blossom. With pleasing acidity, palpable minerality and slight petillance, the focused palate emanates quince, starfruit, seashell and frangipane. Medium-bodied at 12.5%, the fragrant entry evolves into a supple mid-palate, leading to a peppery finish. Domaine Schumacher-Lethal Grand Premier Cru Wormeldange Elterberg Pinot Gris 2013 A single-varietal Pinot Gris. Luminous citrine with glowing straw reflex, the pure nose furnishes bergamot, yellow apple, fresh herbs and lemon blossom. With generous acidity, firm minerality and slight petillance, the concentrated palate provides lime, white peach, sea salt and jasmine. Medium-full bodied at 12.5%, the fleshy entry persists through a tangy mid-palate, leading to a spicy finish. Jacky I.F. Cheong To explore the hidden side of Mosel(le), contact Ms Betty Mak of Grand Wine Cellar; W: www.grandwinecellar.com.hk; E: enquiry@gwc.com.hk; T: +852 3695 2389 Jacky I.F. Cheong is a legal professional by day and columnist by night. Having spent his formative years in Britain, France, and Germany, he regularly writes about wine, fine arts, classical music, and politics in several languages CHINA-AUSTRALIA Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull hailed business ties with China but skirted sensitive political issues yesterday during an official visit to his countrys key trade partner. Today, hes meeting Xi Jinping. CHINAs live-streaming sites have become a burgeoning cottage industry, offering money-making opportunities and even stardom to their mostly female hosts and an entertaining new alternative for millions of viewers to online dramas and stodgy state-controlled TV. SOUTH KOREA President Park Geun-hye has long been known as the Queen of Elections for a decades-long track record of steering her party to sometimes unlikely victories. Now, a crushing, shocking defeat in parliamentary elections sets up the fight of her political life. NORTH KOREA Pyongyang drivers are feeling some pain at the pump as rising gas prices put a pinch on what has been major traffic growth over the past few years and that might not be good news for the isolated countrys shifting domestic economy. The hikes come as North Korea is facing tougher international sanctions over its nuclear program. INDONESIA A lawyer for the spiritual leader of the militants who carried out the 2002 Bali bombings is urging Indonesian authorities to end his inhumane treatment in prison. PAPUA NEW GUINEA Twelve people, including three children, were killed after their light plane crashed in a remote part of Papua New Guinea. The fixed-wing aircraft was approaching an airport in the port town of Kiunga when it crashed into a shallow swamp. Air crash investigators were trying to determine what caused the accident. USA A woman used a social media app to livestream the alleged rape of a 17-year-old girl, an Ohio prosecutor said. The case came to light when authorities were contacted after a friend of the woman saw the images. Marina Lonina, 18, and co-defendant Raymond Gates, 29, were charged with rape, kidnapping, sexual battery and pandering sexually-oriented matter involving a minor. HOLLYWOOD Rachel McAdams, the actress who portrayed a Boston Globe reporter in the Oscar-winning Spotlight, believes journalists should be praised as unsung heroes, although nothing is easy about their jobs except for the frumpy clothes they get to wear. It really is a dying art, and not for the faint of heart either, she told reporters in Tokyo. UNITED NATIONS An open letter to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon signed by more than 1,000 people, including financier Warren Buffett, U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren and rock star Sting, says the war on drugs has failed and calls for a shift in global drug policy from emphasizing criminalization and punishment to health and human rights. The letter signed by former presidents of Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Switzerland and others, was made public yesterday. Now that a U.S. appeals court has declined to strike down Utahs bigamy laws, its reasonable to ask: What does the Constitution, properly interpreted, have to say about the topic? Legally speaking, the issue can be split in two. The first question is whether a state may criminalize marriage to more than one person. The second is whether, in light of the U.S. Supreme Court decision last year to require states to recognize same-sex marriage, there now exists a fundamental right to marry more than one person and to make states treat plural marriages on equal terms with marriages between two people. The first one is easier. Under current laws in many states, if youre already married, then its a crime to marry another person as well. These laws are part of our legal tradition, and perhaps make some sense if you restrict them to bigamists who marry a second spouse without telling them about the existence of the first. But consider the consolidation of constitutional rights that already exist: I can have sex with any consenting adult under the courts 2003 precedent of Lawrence v. Texas, which struck down anti-sodomy laws. I can freely engage in any religious ritual under the free-exercise clause of the First Amendment. And using my freedom of speech, I can talk about both my sexual relationships and religious rituals that Ive used to solemnize them. Given these rights, it seems strange that the law prohibits me from forging sexual relationships with multiple partners and calling them my spouses after weve made a mutual religious commitment. If I called them girlfriends or boyfriends, Im protected by the Constitution. So, it seems indefensible that I cant call them wives or husbands. It might just be plausible to say that I cant call my life partners legal wives or husbands so long as the law doesnt recognize plural marriages. But even a rule prohibiting me from doing so on the grounds that it might mislead others is almost certainly unconstitutional. In U.S. v. Alvarez in 2012, the court struck down a law that criminalized lying about winning a medal of honor. The right to lie is therefore enshrined in the constitutional pantheon. If I can lie about a medal, why not about marriage? The harder question is whether the state should be obliged to recognize plural marriage and treat polygamists equally with those who marry one person. In the Supreme Courts gay-marriage decision, Obergefell v. Hodges, Justice Anthony Kennedy said that there was a fundamental right to marry the person of your choice, and he said that everyone is owed the opportunity for the equal dignity of marriage regardless of sex or sexual orientation. But he did not say those rights could be extended to polygamy and polygamists. Logically, however, that extension is warranted unless the government has a compelling interest in preventing plural marriage. Start with the fundamental right to choose a partner. Suppose I am not married and want to choose someone who is already married. My autonomy demands that I be free to make that choice, much as I should be able to choose a partner regardless of that persons sex. Then theres the question of equal dignity. If all humans are inherently entitled to have their marriage choices respected and acknowledged by the government, theres no good reason to exclude people who choose plural marriage. The fact that some religions Muslims and fundamentalist Mormons, for example tend to be the people seeking this right gives a further free-exercise reason to treat them equally. Often, the Supreme Court asks whether a fundamental right is trumped by a compelling state interest to the contrary. This does not seem to be such a case. Considering that the law already allows me to share my life with multiple partners, what interest can the state have in refusing recognition to that relationship? Certain versions of plural marriage may be associated with cult-like behavior or abuse. But the solution is to outlaw abuse and coercion, not polygamy itself. Practical legal problems regarding child custody and property division would arise in plural marriages. And it remains to be worked out whether such marriages would consist of overlapping bilateral relationships or comprehensive joint ones. But these are the kinds of problems that family law excels in solving. Plural marriage, after all, is not some newfangled invention. Its in the Bible, and was known to most ancient civilizations in one form or another. Its roots lie even deeper than those of gay marriage. Its time the Supreme Court recognized it. It's been 11 years since my family moved from Twin, but we still follow the local news. It was interesting, even surprising, to learn that Grant Loebs has a primary challenger this year. The race can't be about legal qualifications: Grant is one of the smartest, most experienced prosecutors in the state of Idaho. It's not about conservative credentials: Grant is a true Reagan Republican who worked for Steve Symms in D.C., and is a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars. It's not about character: Grant's reputation among law enforcement, judges and other lawyers is bullet-proof. I spent six-plus years as public defender in Twin Falls County working opposite Mr. Loebs. I knew that Grant always could be counted on to do the right thing whether I liked it or not! I didn't always agree with him. In fact, several of my former clients are still serving long prison sentences because of Grant's tough stance. Grant took on the hard cases and took a hard line. Still, his approach always has been balanced and fair. Grant would look at each case, and weigh the law and evidence independently each time. Grant always has followed the Constitution and the law, without regard for political pressure or popularity. This is what seems to have irritated some political agitators. When Mr. Loebs was asked for legal advice on a recent local controversy, he issued a wise opinion, which was carefully researched and reasoned to follow the Constitution and save the taxpayers some future legal bills. A handful of failed petition passers disagree with Grant's legal thinking so much that now they want to hire a different lawyer? Twin Falls County primary voters should refuse to sign on with the critics. There's simply no good reason to replace Grant Loebs as Twin Falls County prosecutor. John Hansen Olympia, Wash. Hamas will not attack Israel in the near future because it fears for itself and the real threat of the organization is its central ideology of not negotiating with Israel, said a senior defense ministry official. Director Amos Gilad of the Political-Military Affairs Bureau at Israels Defense Ministry who was giving a lecture at a University alleged that Hamas is not willing to accept true coexistence and peace and Israels policy will continue to be maintained until Hamas is removed from Gaza. He lamented that Gaza could have been a gem with its talented people but the situation is worsening though Israel will not allow the economy to collapse. Former Palestinian Authority Minister of Prisoner Affairs, Hisham Abdel Razek, said during the event that Israels policy is that of despair that brings only bad things and which can only continue the conflict. He called on both Israeli and Palestinian peoples to renew their efforts for a solution. A high-ranking Israeli military Southern Command officer under the condition of anonymity warned of painful strikes on Hamas if hostilities began because of the level of intelligence they have collected after the 2014 summer war. The source said they are monitoring 25 regional battalions of the organization claiming that the Nuhba force, Hamas elite military wing, is paying much more attention to training, capabilities and weapons. Israel is planning to make a stronger defense for its southern communities said the source, adding that Hamas is a highly intelligent enemy because they surprise me and learn their lessons very quickly. There have been claims that Hamas plans to launch major attacks on Judea and Samaria but Israeli authorities have warned that such a move will lead to serious consequences. Western countries continue to show their support to the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) to take over the reins of Libya and the ambassadors of Britain, France and Spain arrived in Tripoli on Thursday part of this support. They met with officials of the government at its naval base and matters discussed focused on security, GNAs priorities as Libyas unity government and the kind of assistance that could be provided by their respective countries. Since Ambassadors Peter Millet of Britain, Antoine Sivan of France and Spanish ambassador Jose Antonio left Libya in 2014 due to the heavy fighting in the capital, yesterdays visit marked their first return to the country. Their visit came a couple of days after Italian Foreign Minister, Paolo Gentiloni, arrived in the country at the beginning of the week to meet with the GNA. He had then stated that we are all studying and discussing the possibility of reopening our diplomatic presence in Tripoli as he hoped other countries will follow suit in the near future. Insecurity continues to be a major threat to the livelihood in Libya and the Secretary General of NATO Jens Stoltenberg said they have offered to help the GNA builds its capacity, defense institutions, disarm militia groups and possibly training programs but stressed that we are not planning for a combat mission. He admitted that the situation in Libya is very difficult and dangerous and the presence of the Islamic State militants is increasing. Stoltenberg said they are in direct contact with the Libyan government and are ready to help but they have not received a request from the GNA. He added that the UN-backed government knows of the capabilities of NATO as he declined to speculate on the arrival of a request from Tripoli. Egyptian police have fired tear gas at demonstrators who were protesting in Cairo against the Presidents controversial deal under which two islands in the Red Sea, Tiran and sanafir, were handed over to Saudi Arabia. The Friday demonstrations were the main wave of protest against Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi since he came to power in 2014. According to an Egyptian official quoted by the state news agency, the security forces responded with tear gas after protesters threw rocks at them. He also claimed that the protesters were members of the banned Muslim Brotherhood group. Protest without prior notification and approval is criminalized in Egypt since 2013 and the ministry of Interior said that it had not received any request from the organizers. It warned against any attempts to break down legitimacy and against activities that aim to create chaos and confrontation between civilians and security forces. The call for the protest began on a Facebook page The Land is Honor urging to stage protest movements in several cities and calling on Cairo inhabitants to march from 30 different mosques and churches toward Tahrir Square. However, concerns emerged after the banned Muslim Brotherhood endorsed the protest claiming that the picture has become clear for all Egyptians to unite because we are facing a group of criminals who are committing a gross violation against our land and history and honor. The statement from the group called on its supporters to launch a spark of anger that would help to save the country. The support was quickly rejected by the Friday protest organizers as an attempt to hijack the movement for anti-government agenda. Following the uproar and controversy triggered by the deal with the Saudis, El-Sissi and his government defended the decision maintaining that the two Red Sea islands belong to Saudi Arabia, which asked Egypt in 1950 to protect them from Israel. The government also argues that the agreement allows Egypt to use shared Red Sea waters around the two islands for extraction of natural resources. King Mohammed VI of Morocco has urged the member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which boast more than a billion Muslims, to seize every available opportunity to achieve complementarity and to expand South-South cooperation in order to enhance Muslim countries productivity and strengthen their economies. In an address to the 13th Summit of the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held in Istanbul, Turkey, King Mohammed VI said that the strength of the Muslim bloc, an almost global bloc, will be commensurate with our ability to seize every available opportunity to achieve complementarity. It will also depend on how much we benefit from the lessons of our history and from experiences lived by other blocs that have reached advanced levels of integration and joint construction, he stated in the speech that was read out on his behalf by his Foreign Minister. The King also urged for boosting and expanding South-South cooperation -based on trust, realism and shared interests among member states, mainly through extensive exchange of experiences. He said this will enable us to develop our relations and promote solidarity between our societies, at all levels, with a view to enhancing our productivity and strengthening our economies, in order to ensure decent living conditions and prosperity for our peoples. King Mohammed VI has made of the promotion of South-South cooperation the spearhead of Moroccos strategy and has strived since coming to power to materialize this strategy on the ground, especially at the level of the African continent. The Moroccan King who hailed the results of the OIC last ten-year plan, which contributed to doubling trade between member states, expressed hope that the upcoming comprehensive plan of action, to be adopted during this 13th Summit, will more than double inter-Islamic trade. Any measures this meeting may call for in order to develop our economic blocs will be highly appreciated, with the prospect of creating an Islamic free-trade zone, he pointed out, adding that such a zone will embody the spirit of solidarity and pave the way for a model of sustainable development based on and aimed at human development, which I called for during the Dakar Summit. The leader of Al Adl Wal Ihssan or Justice and Charity movement, Mohamed Abbadi, has recently made a statement reminiscent of the speech of the terrorist Islamic State group prompting analysts to wonder whether the organization has changed course towards a path more prone to violence. Abbadi has actually hailed the Caliphate system, upheld by ISIS, and said that those opposing the system deserve beheading. Such a statement made during a meeting of the organization and posted later on its website ashahid, gives you goose bumps. In his speech, Mohamed Abbadi stood as the defense attorney of the terrorist Islamic State group saying that the group was defending the causes and interests of Muslims. Moroccans of all walks of life, several activists and local media expressed dismay and indignation at this change of discourse and at these incomprehensible statements reminiscent of the dark ages. Some commentators explained these statements as a deviation from the ideology long upheld by the movement under the chairmanship of its founder, late Sheikh Abdessalam Yassine, who passed away in 2012. Others saw in this a covert support for ISIS which is losing ground in Syria and Iraq. London-based Al-Arab newspaper pointed out in a column on Abbadis remarks published Tuesday that the Islamist movement, which is not recognized by the Moroccan State, has managed to lure some Western intelligence agencies, mainly the US and British, that it is a political mysticism-inspired group that can be a potential force for democratization and for deterring terrorism in North Africa and Europe. These Western agencies have even called Moroccan authorities to legalize the group, overlooking the fact that the movement in Europe was the channel through which extremists could easily access mosques and impose their doctrines, mainly in Germany and France. According to Al-Arab, members of the group have strived over the past four years to dominate mosques frequented by Maghreb communities and concluded deals to hand over the shrines to extremist groups from the Middle East. In this vein, the publication imputes ISIS growing influence in Europe over the recent years to the Justice and Charity group which has been promoting the caliphate idea. This discourse prompted many Europeans of Maghreb origin to pay allegiance to DAECH and to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, defender of a global caliphate, Al-Arab argued. In any case, Abbadis statements, drawn from ISIS repository, underlie a dangerous twist in the ideology of the politico-religious group, and require a vigorous response on the part of all components of the Moroccan society. Who can guarantee that Abbadis statements are mere words that cant be translated into deeds? A team of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) investigators has found no evidence of infections related to administration of allergy immunotherapy, the common practice of injecting minimal quantities of allergens beneath the skin to reduce the allergic response. Although there has never been a concern about the sterility of the preparations used in these "allergy shots," the organization that sets standards for the quality and safety of medications and other products has proposed revised guidelines that place allergen immunotherapy (AIT) in the same category as more risky preparations intended for intravenous or spinal administration. "Our analysis of 10 years of data from large allergy practices at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital - covering approximately 135,000 individual injections administered to about 3,250 patientsfinds no incidence of infection related to those injections," says Aidan Long, MD, clinical director of the Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit in the MGH Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology and senior author of the report published online in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. "This confirms that the sterile practices used in the preparation of allergy shots at our hospitals and at most clinical allergy practices do not pose an infectious risk for patients." The report notes that the safety record of AIT goes back more than 100 years and that the practices used are different from those of pharmacy compounding, which has recently come under scrutiny because of a meningitis outbreak tied to contaminated spinal injections prepared by a particular compounding center. That and other incidents may be behind the guideline changes proposed by the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), which would place allergen extracts in the same category as compounds prepared for injection into the circulatory system or the cerebrospinal fluid. The current study was prepared to provide data supporting the response to the proposed changes from several allergy and immunology specialty organizations. In on-site pharmacies at MGH, Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) and other major hospitals, the allergen extracts used in AIT are individually prepared for each patient. Independent allergy practices may prepare them in their offices using the same sterile techniques used in hospitals, and existing USP standards placed allergen extracts in a separate category because their infectious risk was perceived to be extremely low. "AIT is truly a disease-modifying treatment that diminishes the intensity, frequency and severity of symptoms, as well as reducing the need for medications. There are no equivalent therapies for allergic diseasesincluding seasonal allergies, asthma, and potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity to insect stings," says Long, who is an associate professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. "While there was no evidence in the literature to suggest that a problem existed, but we wanted to look at a larger data set to confirm the widely held belief in the lack of infectious problems related to AIT," The MGH-led study analyzed data from the Research Patient Data Registry of Partners Healthcarea Boston-based system that includes MGH, BWH, several community hospitals and a network of more than 6,000 physicianscovering all AIT injections administered at two major allergy practices at the hospitals from 2005 through 2015. Using the electronic medical record, they were able to identify any patients receiving AIT during those years who also were treated for an infection at any Partners-affiliated practice during the week after their injection. While there were 86 episodes of patients being treated for infection during that timeout of 3,242 patients - no soft-tissue infections were at the site of the injection, and no systemic infections could be attributed to AIT. Long explains, "While it would be technically possible for hospital pharmacies to meet the proposed USP guidelines, doing so would require significantly more manpower, space and work. It is unlikely that any individual allergy practice not allied to a pharmacy would ever be able to meet the specifications, and given the current reimbursement rates, the additional costs would not be feasible for any active allergist inside or outside a hospital. The net effect would be the disappearance of subcutaneous allergen immuotherapy." While the official commentary period for the proposed changes to USP guidelineswhich are typically adopted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administrationhave ended, Long has been informed that the agency is still holding discussions with the allergy community and accepting additional information. He and his colleagues plan to continue those discussions, including presentation of the data in this report. Explore further Local allergic rhinitis responds to allergen immunotherapy More information: Diana S. Balekian et al. Allergen Immunotherapy: No Evidence of Infectious Risk, Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2016). Journal information: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology Diana S. Balekian et al. Allergen Immunotherapy: No Evidence of Infectious Risk,(2016). DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2016.03.021 Credit: USC Americans are living longer but in poorer health, according to a new study. The USC-led study examined life expectancy trends and disability rates in a 40-year period, from 1970 to 2010. The analysis of U.S. vital statistics found that the average total lifespan increased for men and women in those 40 years, but so did the proportion of time spent living with a disability. The study found increased longevity is not necessarily indicative of good health. Most age groups live longer with a disability or other health problem. "We could be increasing the length of poor quality life more than good-quality life," lead author Eileen Crimmins, USC University Professor and AARP Professor of Gerontology at the USC Davis School of Gerontology. "There are a number of indications that the Baby Boomer generation that is now reaching old age is not seeing improvements in health similar to the older groups that went before them."Only for people aged 65 and older was there a "compression of morbidity"a reduction in the proportion of years spent with disability. The findings have significant implications for policymaking, such as proposals to raise the retirement age for Social Security and Medicare eligibility. "Clearly, there is a need to maintain health and reduce disability at younger ages to have meaningful compression of morbidity across the age range," Crimmins said. "The trends for the last 40 years do not support projections and policies that are based on assumptions of a reduced length of disabled life." Findings The average lifespan for men increased by 9.2 years to 76.2 years, the researchers found. The number of years they live with a disability increased by 4.7 years while the number of years spent disability-free increased by 4.5 years. For women, the average lifespan increased by 6.4 years to 81 years. The number of years that women spend with a disability increased by 3.6 years, exceeding the increase in women's disability-free life (2.7 years). "The smaller increase in healthy life than in total life for women was surprising and another indication that American women have not done as well as American men in terms of improving health in recent decades," Crimmins said. Different factors may affect disability at different ages. For instance, younger populations may have had an increase in disability because of a greater emphasis on mental health, increased diagnoses of autism spectrum and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders, and changes in drug use. The study, "Trends Over 4 Decades in Disability-Free Life Expectancy in the United States," was published online Wednesday in the American Journal of Public Health. Yuan Zhang of the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology and Yasuhiko Saito, a USC graduate and faculty member at Nihon University, were co-authors. Explore further Older women lose much of their advantage in living active lives More information: Eileen M. Crimmins et al. Trends Over 4 Decades in Disability-Free Life Expectancy in the United States, American Journal of Public Health (2016). Journal information: American Journal of Public Health Eileen M. Crimmins et al. Trends Over 4 Decades in Disability-Free Life Expectancy in the United States,(2016). DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.2016.303120 Elizabeth Bowles, a Ph.D. student in chemistry, extracts a blood sample while working on her research in Schrenk Hall. Credit: Sam OKeefe Elizabeth Bowles, a Ph.D. student in chemistry at Missouri S&T, has had a rather unconventional goal for the past several years: improve the care of patients with conditions like diabetes or pulmonary arterial hypertension by reducing severe adverse side effects of pharmaceuticals through a new and innovative drug delivery system. Bowles first started tackling her goals as a researcher at Saint Louis University (SLU). "My research advisor at SLU had the idea that red blood cells play a role in vessel dilation," says Bowles. "We wanted to find out what effect the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) has on vessel dilation and how ATP levels tie in with different medical conditions." ATP is the chemical energy within cells that powers metabolism. Patients with diabetes, hypertension, cystic fibrosis and a host of other conditions have reduced ATP release. "We were looking to improve ATP release and correct some of the adverse effects of the condition they have," Bowles says. After working for years in the same lab at SLU, the entire research unit retiredexcept Bowles. Desperate to find another position and continue her research, Bowles started looking for another opportunity. Enter Missouri S&T. Today, Bowles is working with Dr. Nuran Ercal, a professor of chemistry at Missouri S&T, and Phelps County Regional Medical Center (PCRMC) to continue the work. Bowles jots down some notes from her research. Credit: Sam OKeefe Bowles says there are currently Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs that stimulate ATP release, but they are known to have severe adverse side effects. Bowles hopes to help reduce the problem of side effects with a new drug-delivery system. "If you package the drug in a liposome, a spherical vesicle, you can deliver the drug directly to the red blood cell and stimulate ATP release without causing other side effects," Bowles says. "The liposomes are FDA-approved, but not for this use." Bowles says her goal is to correct both the problem of reduced ATP release and the problem of side effects with this one new approach. Bowles has benefited from a partnership with Phelps County Regional Medical Center, which donates additional blood samples from willing patients to her research. Credit: Sam OKeefe Integral to Bowles' research is a partnership with PCRMC that allows her to use additional blood samples from willing patients at PCRMC in her research. "I will be using any leftover blood from blood samples taken for lab work at PCRMC, as long as the patient agrees to release that extra to be used in the study," Bowles says. Though it may seem like Bowles has it all figured out, she says she's taken an unconventional path to get to this point. After earning a bachelor's degree in animal science from the University of Missouri-Columbia, she ended up working in a feed store. But, her father encouraged her to return to research. So, she ended up in her research position at SLU. Though Bowles has taken an indirect path from animal science studies to S&T and has a lofty goal to improve the quality of life for patients everywhere, she is not discouraged. "Helping people is important to me," she says. "It's a driving force in my life, and if I can do that then I've succeeded." Explore further Former Clinton chief of staff joins Facebook board A spike in the number of fentanyl overdose deaths in Canada's westernmost British Columbia province has prompted authorities to declare a public health emergency. "The recent surge in overdoses is a huge concern for us," said British Columbia Health Minister Terry Lake, who declared the emergency on Thursday. The powerful painkiller was found to be responsible in 64 out of 201 illicit drug overdose deaths in the Pacific coast province in the first three months of 2016, he said. The proportion of overdose deaths in which fentanyl was detected has steadily increased from five percent in 2012 to approximately 31 percent last year and persisted through the first three months of 2016. Lake warned that without immediate action taken to stem this tide, total British Columbia overdose deaths could rise to a record 600 to 800 this year, from 474 in 2015. Fentanyl, which is up to 50 times more potent than heroin and up to 100 times more powerful than morphine, is a synthetic opioid usually prescribed for patients with advanced cancer pain. But increasingly street drugs have been found to be laced with it. A similar opioid crisis has been reported in other parts of Canada and in the neighboring United States. In Sacramento, California investigators said they believe a version of the drug was produced in China and smuggled into the United States through Mexico. In order to tackle the problem in Canada, Lake said health officials need real-time information on fentanyl-linked overdoses in order to better target outreach, bad drug warnings, awareness campaigns and distribution of naloxonewhich blocks opiate receptors in the nervous system, and is used to treat opioid overdoses. Hundreds of British Columbia firefighters and pharmacists, as well as opioid users and their families and friends have so far been trained to use naloxone. Lake said the program would be quickly expanded. Explore further California battles killer drug epidemic 2016 AFP The odds of children having a genetic condition that causes learning difficulties and tumours have been dramatically cut, thanks to genetic analysis led by The University of Manchester and Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Writing in the journal EBioMedicine, the researchers have identified the underlying genetic mutation which causes neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). By RNA testing 361 patients, the researchers were able show that the probability of a child having the severest 'constitutional' form of the condition after negative genetic testing is not 6 in 9, but 1 in 9. Professor of Medical Genetics and Cancer Epidemiology at The University of Manchester and Saint Mary's Hospital, Gareth Evans, led the study. He said: "The severe form of NF1 can be a terrible illness and to be able to reassure parents that it is less likely that their children will be diagnosed with it will take a significant weight off their shoulders." NF1 is currently diagnosed by the identification of six or more birthmarks, known as cafe au lait spots, on the body. In severe cases there is a ten percent chance that people with NF1 develop brain, eye and, extremely seriously, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours over their lifetime. Around 60 percent of patients have learning difficulties. MF1 can also cause problems with vision, growth, blood pressure and epilepsy. Many of these problems only manifest in later life, so parents of children with the cafe au lait spots are left with a worry that their child has a 66 percent chance of having a potentially severe form. The new 11 percent figure has been arrived at through the use of RNA testing which is more sensitive than even DNA testing. The University researchers, who are based at the specialist Centre for Genomic Medicine at St Mary's Hospital, Manchester investigated patients with the six spots which the US National Institutes of Health guidelines recommend as a good indicator of NF1. The RNA tests were able to identify varying degrees of severity which most often resulted in less serious forms, or to show that patients didn't after all have NF1. Professor Evans said: "Before we developed this technique we would have had to follow a large group of children over their whole lives to come up with accurate probabilities something that is just not possible with the resources we have at our disposal. "We still need to study children to see if they are at risk of other health complications, but it is reassuring to be able to clear the vast majority of severe NF1 using RNA tests." Dr Tim Corn, Chair of the Board of Trustees of The Neuro Foundation, the UK charity for people with Neurofibromatosis said: "We welcome this advance in genetic research that goes some way to address the anxieties felt by many parents with NF1 in their family. As NF1 is both unpredictable and variable, parents describe it as like sitting on the edge of a volcano waiting for it to erupt. Clearly there is still some way to go but this new test will bring clarification and some peace of mind for many worried parents. This is very timely news ahead of World NF Awareness Day on May 17." The paper, 'Comprehensive RNA analysis of the NF1 gene in classically affected NF1 affected individuals meeting NIH criteria has high sensitivity and mutation negative testing is reassuring in isolated cases with pigmentary features only', was published in the journal EBioMedicine. Explore further New clues identified in childhood cancer syndrome More information: Open access paper here: Open access paper here: www.sciencedirect.com/science/ ii/S2352396416301402 Generalized 3 Hz spike and wave discharges in a child with childhood absence epilepsy. Credit: Wikipedia. Women with epilepsy are just as likely to achieve a successful pregnancy as women without the neurological disorder, according to a new study led by research teams at multiple centers, including NYU Langone Medical Center. In a prospective study, women with epilepsy had a comparable likelihood of achieving pregnancy, time taken to get pregnant, and pregnancy outcomes such as miscarriage, compared to a group of healthy peers. These findings, presented April 17 at the American Academy of Neurology's 68th Annual Meeting in Vancouver, contradict previously held beliefs in the medical community regarding the fertility of women with epilepsy. More than 1.1 million U.S. women with epilepsy are of childbearing age and approximately 24,000 babies are born to women with epilepsy each year, according to figures from The Epilepsy Foundation, which funded the new research. Previous studies have found infertility rates up to two to three times higher for women with epilepsy, or that as many as one-third of women with epilepsy may experience difficulty with pregnancy. But, a comprehensive study has not been done to date to confirm this until now, according to the researchers. "We hope our findings reassure women with epilepsy and clinicians who are counseling these women on family planning," says Jacqueline French, MD, professor of Neurology and Director of Translational Research and Clinical Trials at NYU Langone's Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, and the study's first author and co-principal investigator. The researchers led a multicenter observational study called The Women with Epilepsy: Pregnancy Outcomes and Deliveries (WEPOD) from 2010 to 2015. Women with epilepsy and healthy control participants who were between the ages of 18 and 41 seeking pregnancy and less than six months removed from contraception were followed throughout the duration of their pregnancy. Electronic diaries captured use of anti-epileptic medications, seizures and facts about participants' sexual activity and menstruation cycles. In total, 89 women with epilepsy and 109 healthy controls with similar demographics were compared for the study. The proportion of women who achieved pregnancy was 70 percent for women with epilepsy and 67.1 percent for healthy controls. Average time to pregnancy in women with epilepsy was 6.03 months, compared with 9.05 months for healthy controls, and after controlling for age, body mass index, parity and race, there was no difference across groups for time to pregnancy. Of the pregnancies that occurred, a similar proportion resulted in live birth (81.8 percent women with epilepsy and 80 percent controls), miscarriage (12.7 percent women with epilepsy and 20 percent controls), or other outcomes (5.4 percent women with epilepsy compared to 0 percent healthy controls). Explore further Are women with epilepsy using effective contraception? Georgia leaves gas transit agreement with Gazprom unchanged Georgia has renewed its original agreement with Gazprom, which means the country will continue to receive 10% of all natural gas transiting through to Armenia.Gazprom has sent the text of the agreement to the Georgian Ministry of Energy, a ministry spokesperson told DFWatch.Some procedures must be gone through before the contract comes into force. The Ministry of Justice will first prepare a legal conclusion about the agreement and then the cabinet has to approve it. Afterwards, Georgia will sign the contract; a ministry spokesperson said the whole procedure could take up to a week.The negotiations with Gazprom have now lasted several months. Georgia was asking to continue receiving 10 percent of the natural gas, while the Russian company wanted to monetize the transit fee.The Energy Ministry says the agreement with Gazprom was first signed in 2003 and has been extended each year. Since 2003, these agreements have remained a commercial secret. Georgia prepares for Cannes Young Lions Competitions Tbilisi will soon host a selective competition within the internationally recognised Festival of Creativity, giving the next generation of industry superstars the chance to showcase their talents and test their skills.A special competition for the Cannes Young Lions Competitions, which is one of the most prestigious events in the communication and marketing industry, will be held on April 9 in Tbilisi. The competition will take place at the Technology Park of Georgias Innovation and Technology Agency.The Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia announced this was "an unprecedented event which will be held "for the first time not only in Georgia but in the whole region.A 30-member jury will reveal the next "young lions who will challenge each other at the Cannes Young Lions Competitions and represent the country in June in Cannes. Georgia will send four groups (eight people in total) to the competition.Winners will be revealed in four different categories: print, young marketers, design and digital campaign.In total, 232 applicants from 33 local advertising agencies and 45 marketing companies registered for the Cannes Young Lions Competition in Georgia.Georgia and the Cannes Lions signed an agreement to cooperate last year which gave the country the right to be an official representative of all events under the umbrella of Cannes Lions. These events are: Cannes Lions, Eurobest, Lions Health, Lions Innovation, Spikes Asia, Dubai Lynx and the Asian Marketing Effectiveness and Strategy Awards.Georgias Ministry of Economy explained last year Georgia participated in only one category which in a testing regime, while this year the country will be involved in all four categories. The News in Brief Lithuania supports the adequate reflection of the progress achieved by Georgia on its path towards Euro-Atlantic integration Georgian Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze is paying an official visit to the Republic of Lithuania. The first meeting was held with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Linas Linkevicius. Mikheil Janelidze and his Lithuanian counterpart highlighted the close relations between their countries. The Georgian Foreign Minister thanked Lithuania for its unequivocal support of Georgias sovereignty, territorial integrity, and Euro-Atlantic integration. The Ministers underlined the recent increasing dynamics of bilateral co-operation in the spheres of trade, education and culture, noting that the trade turnover between Georgia and Lithuania increases every year. Special attention was paid to the ongoing co-operation in the education sector and Lithuanias contributions towards the tuition fees of Georgian students. One of the other main talking points was Georgias Euro-Atlantic integration agenda. Linas Linkevicius reaffirmed Lithuanias support in this direction and underlined the progress achieved by Georgia in the integration process. Linas Linkevicius also underlined that Georgia is already mature and ready for embracing visa-free travel to the EU and expressed the hope that the visa liberalization process will be concluded in the summer of this year. Linas Linkevicius reaffirmed his support for Georgias Euro-Atlantic integration and expressed hope that the Warsaw Summit will adequately reflect Georgia's prospects for integration into the Alliance. Discussions also focused on the current situation in the region, including the recent escalation of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict zone and on the need to ensure peace in the region. The Ministers also spoke about the ongoing developments in Georgias occupied regions. Lithuania reaffirmed its support for Georgias sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Ministers underlined the role of the Georgian-Lithuanian Commission for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and welcomed the conduction of the meeting of the Commission as part of the visit of Georgian Foreign Minister Mikheil Janelidze to Vilnius. In the frames of the visit, Mikheil Janelidze will also meet representatives of the Lithuanian legislative and executive branches and will deliver a speech on Georgia's European Way at Vilnius University. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia) Talk show host fired, reason unclear Shalva Ramishvili, a talk show host and producer at Imedi TV, was fired on Tuesday. In an interview with DFWatch, the journalist ruled out the possibility that he was fired because of government pressure. There was no warning from the owners or the director of Imedi, he said. Today, the company which prepares Ilo Beroshvilis Show, Once in Georgia, the TV series Ori Gogo (which hasnt been aired yet) and provides my participation in the talk show Politics, received a letter from Imedi TV that the contracts have been terminated. The reason is not explained, and accordingly, I wont be hosting Politics this Friday with Teona. Sunday there wont be Ilo Beroshvilis show and the new TV episodes are also terminated. I am planning to find out what is happening, Ramishvili wrote on his Facebook page Tuesday evening. Ramishvili writes that the TV company violated the contract conditions and fired him and 50 other people without giving any reason. Imedi TV has not yet commented on the matter. Ramishvili says that there have been some reasons, but he will wait until everything is clear before talking about it. He explained that the contract says the parties must inform about termination of contract 30 days in advance, which Imedi hasnt done. The only thing I can say now is that pressure from the government is ruled out, he told us. In 2013, Shalva Ramishvili was head of the election headquarters of President Giorgi Margvelashvili, and went on to work at Imedi TV and the presidents administration. Earlier, he was host of the the talk show Subiekturi Azri at Maestro TV. He has also worked at Radio 105 and TV 202, a company which he was co-owner of. In 2005, Ramishvili was arrested and charged with extorting USD 100,000 from United National Movement MP Koba Bekauri. He spent four years in jail. Ramishvili is not the first person accusing Imedi of being unfairly sacked. In September 2015, the TV company fired journalist Inga Grigolia and shut down her talk shows. Ramishvili used to be a co-host, along with Grigolia, of the talk show Imedis Kvira, which was also shut down. Imedi explained that the TV company was reorganizing its social and political shows. The Politics show was a replacement for Inga Grigolias political show Reaktsia. It was hosted by Ramishvili and Teona Gogelia. Gogelia and Imedi TV remain unavailable for comment. (dfwatch.net) Caucasus Nature Fund Officially Welcomes New US-Born Director German non-profit organization theCaucasus Nature Fund (CNF) on Wednesday officially welcomed its new regional executive director George Giacomini via a message posted on its official Web site. A dual citizen of the United States and Italy, Giacomini - who goes by the name of Geof - previously worked as the country director for Save the Children in Azerbaijan and Egypt. According to the organizations website, Giacomini is a Russian speaker who graduated from the University of Berkeley in California, one of the US top ranked centres for higher education. Geof is ideally suited to lead CNFs next phase. An experienced director of programs and people, he spent much of the last 15 years directing regional and country programs for Save the Children in the Caucasus and, most recently, in Egypt CNF is planning a strategic shift in its center of gravity which makes Geofs experience in and commitment to the region crucial, board member and outgoing director David Morrison said in his message on CNFs Web site. Morrison had served as the organizations director since its inception in 2008. He officially stepped down in March, but intends to remain on CNFs advisory board. Though not officially announced until Wednesday, Giacomini was hired as Morrisons replacement in 2015. The CNFs stated mission is to guarantee the conservation of the Caucasus unique flora, fauna and ecosystems by providing funding for operational costs and sustainable development in the regions numerous protected areas. (georgiatoday.ge) Georgia focuses on digital development "Developing digital technologies and a digital market is very important for us as it can promote inclusion, efficiency and innovation in Georgia, said Georgias Economy Minister Dimitry Kumsishvili.These words were said in a speech the Minister gave at a special forum on April 8 at the new Tbilisi Technology Park.We have implemented a number of important reforms in recent years. We received the first dividends from the digital reform when Georgia switched from analogue to digital broadcasting, said Kumsishvili at the Business Forum: Innovation and Digital Economy.The Minister also said it was important that the country continue its reform path, with step to making the Internet accessible throughout Georgia being the next step.This will enable us to provide new services to the population including distance education, distance treatment, e-commerce and more, said Kumsishvili.About 40 percent of Georgias population have access to the internet. Once the High-Speed After the Internet for Everyone project is fully implemented, the Internet will be available in 2,000 Georgian villages, meaning 91 percent of the population will have Internet access.At the forum today, Uwe Deichmann, co-director of the World Development Report (WDR) 2016: Digital Dividends, presented the main messages of the latest report by the World Bank Group.The report said while the Internet, mobile phones and other digital technologies were spreading rapidly throughout the developing world, the anticipated digital dividends of higher growth, more jobs, and better public services had fallen short of expectations, and 60 percent of the worlds population remained excluded from the ever-expanding digital economy. Stoltenberg: Russia willing to use military force and intimidate neighbors By Messenger Staff NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg believes Russia has become more assertive and eager to re-establish a sphere of influence around its borders.Russia under President Vladimir Putin, in an attempt to re-establish a sphere of influence around its borders, is willing to use military force to intimidate neighbors, to change borders in Europe, annex Crimea, destabilize eastern Ukraine, and maintain troops in Georgia and Moldova and so on, Stoltenberg stated at the Atlantic Council in Washington DC last week.However, he stressed in response to Russias 2014 annexation of Crimea (part of Ukraine) and subsequent support for separatists in eastern Ukraine, NATO has become more agile and better prepared, and its Response Force is now three times bigger.Stoltenberg said in the long run, it was more sustainable to enable local forces to protect their countries than to deploy large number of NATO troops there.We have recently launched training and capacity building initiatives in Georgia, Moldova and Jordan. And we will soon begin advising Tunisia on counter-terrorism and help improve the capacity of their armed forces, Stoltenberg said.In his speech, the top NATO official also touched upon various issues with a major focus on terrorism.Deploying NATO forces in Georgia is risky, as Russia might constitute their presence as a threat attack to its own interests. This will only further complicate the situation in Georgia and in the region.Georgia needs to upgrade its self-defence capabilities and it can be said that the country is on the right path in this regard.However, Georgia needs more guarantees, and from this point of view this year's NATO Warsaw Summit will be of the utmost importance.The Summit should provide certain guarantees for Georgia, as certain parts of the population have already lost hope or interest in Georgias membership prospects in the alliance, even in a long-term perspective.The Summit should reflect Georgias progress towards full Euro-Atlantic integration and the appreciation should be relevant to encourage Georgia to advance further. The News in Brief Georgian economy stably grows despite current regional processes Minister of Finance Georgian economy stably grows despite the current regional processes, - Georgias Minister of Finance, Nodar Khaduri has declared. He commented on the promises given by the Georgian Dream party, saying the government is doing its best to improve Georgia's economic situation, and despite current crises, Georgias economy is stably growing. In response to a question whether he himself will be in the election list, Khaduri said consultations may be held regarding the issue. As for the PMs statement concerning holding a run-off, Khaduri said it is not ruled out as the political environment is very pluralistic. There is no violence, nor will there be in the future. The election environment will help everyone make a choice according their mind and conscience, he said. (IPN) Georgian PM to Address PACE Georgias PM Giorgi Kvirikashvili will address the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) during its spring session, which opens in Strasbourg on April 18. The Georgian PMs address is scheduled for April 21, according to the draft agenda of PACEs spring session released on Friday. Austrian President Heinz Fischer, European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, and Turkeys PM Ahmet Davutoglu are among other dignitaries, who are also scheduled to address PACE's spring session. (Civil.ge) Feminists protest against abortion ban outside Polands embassy in Tbilisi Nearly 20 people gathered Friday outside the Polish embassy in Tbilisi to show solidarity with Polish women trying to stop a proposed ban on abortion in their country. The gathering was organized by Independent Group of Feminists and other participants who held up posters with messages such as My body, my business, Abortion is a personal decision, not a legal debate and Keep abortion safe and legal in Polish, Georgian and English. Emanuela, a young Polish girl who moved to Georgia five months ago, told DF Watch that she suffers every time something bad happens in Poland, and since she cannot be there herself, she was happy when she heard about the planned protest in Tbilisi. My body is my body, so I should decide about my body. This is my problem and not a problem of the church, which now wants to decide what to do with our bodies and it is going too far; I think that theyve already crossed the border, she said. No-one came out of the embassy to talk to the crowd, but passers-by reacted in different ways. Two boys approached asking what the rally was about. One of them introduced himself as a medical student planning to become a gynecologist. Tamar Gurchiani, one of the participants of the gathering, explained to him that they are against banning abortion, not supporting abortion, and that a womans body belongs to the woman, not to others. But what about the baby, have you even seen how abortions are done? the boy asked, later making fun of the participants by saying that he has never seen such a big rally. An old woman passed by and slowly approached, asking what was happening. Where were you years ago, I have done tens of abortions myself, she said. Organizers of the gathering explained that Poland has restrictive abortion laws, with abortion illegal in most circumstances except when the womans life is endangered, the fetus is malformed or the pregnancy is the result of a criminal act. The proposed changes will bring in a complete ban on abortion, as well as restrict access to contraception. We believe that access to legal and safe abortion and contraception is a fundamental womens right and restrictive laws should immediately be overthrown, they said. The demonstrators believe that the proposed law in Poland will have a negative influence on the countrys image abroad, as a secular democratic state that upholds the human rights of all of its citizens. The Independent Group of Feminists calls on politicians in Poland to immediately fulfil the demands of the movement Reclaiming Choice (Odzyskac Wybor). (DF Watch) @doug_hanks A regular at County Hall meetings filed for the chance to run the place. Benjamin John "B.J." Chiszar, who had a brief, tempestuous tenure as chair of the local Democratic Party about seven years ago, is running for Miami-Dade mayor. Chiszar is one of a handful of residents who often speaks during the public comment periods of County Commission meetings, making him a familiar face to incumbent Mayor Carlos Gimenez and the 13-member County Commission. The 37-year-old is a former member of the Army Intelligence Corps and now attends graduate school full-time, according to his campaign website. On the site, he said he is running to tackle "out of control violent crime, traffic, waste, tolls, and corruption!" Chiszar's entry brings to six the number of challengers facing Gimenez. So far, only two are raising money: school-board member Raquel Regalado and newcomer Alfred Santamaria. Tim Canova has picked up another union endorsement in his Democratic primary battle against U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Weston. Canova, who lives in Hollywood, is being endorsed by the Transport Workers Union Local 568 today. That's the largest union at the Miami International Airport and represents cargo and fleet workers, according to a press release from Canova. Union local president Sidney Jimenez said in a press release that Wasserman Schultz had been "virtually 'missing in action' when it comes to supporting our members' issues." This is Canova's first race for public office and he faces an uphill battle against the better financed longtime incumbent. Canova, a law professor at Nova Southeastern University, says he raised $557,000 during the first quarter of 2016. Wasserman Schultz raised $1.1 million in 2015 and $614,000 this year. (Their reports are officially due to the Federal Election Commission tonight.) Canova's previous union endorsements include the Communication Workers of America and National Nurses United. Wasserman Schultz was first elected to the state Legislature in 1992 and Congress in 2004. She has easily won re-election against GOP opponents. Wasserman Schultz, who is also the Democratic National Committee chair, told the Miami Herald earlier this week that having a primary opponent in her re-election for the first time won't change her election strategy. "Im not remotely paying attention to what my opponent does," she said Tuesday at an Equal Pay Day event in Pembroke Pines. TALLAHASSEE Bill Johnson abruptly announced last month that he is leaving as Florida Secretary of Commerce, but the travel and monetary perks for the state's top economic development recruiter are still rolling in. Johnson, who is also stepping down as CEO of Enterprise Florida, has already collected more than $1 million in retirement benefits from taxpayers since July and stands to gain $132,500 more in June when his Enterprise Florida severance package kicks in. Plus, he'll join state job recruiters on two more international trips over the next two months. When a contingent of Florida business and government officials head for Korea and Taiwan on Friday to start a nine-day trade mission, Johnson will be among them. Then in May, Johnson is accompanying a four-day Enterprise Florida trade mission to Mexico City. "Bill Johnson is still the president and CEO of Enterprise Florida," Stephen Lawson, director of communications for Enterprise Florida, said in justifying the trips. Johnson committed to those trips before it was announced March 28 that he was leaving Enterprise Florida according to Fort Lauderdale attorney Alan Becker, vice chairman of Enterprise Florida's board of directors. Business leaders from Florida on those trips and international companies are expecting to see Johnson on those missions, Becker said. "You don't just abandon them," Becker said, noting that Gov. Rick Scott has not yet announced a replacement for Johnson. Full Story Here @ByKristenMClark A Democratic state representative from Jacksonville has been indicted on more than a dozen federal wire fraud and tax charges and is accused of embezzling campaign funds for personal expenses, ranging from restaurants to jewelry stores. U.S. Attorney A. Lee Bentley III announced the charges today against Reggie Fullwood -- a three-term state representative who, this past session, was the ranking Democrat on the House Education Committee. Fullwood, 41, faces 10 counts of wire fraud and four counts of failure to file federal income tax returns. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud offense, and a year of imprisonment for each failure to file charge. Fullwood turned himself into federal authorities on Friday and pleaded not guilty during an initial court appearance in Floridas Middle District of U.S. District Court in Jacksonville. It lasted 20 minutes. He was released under a $10,000 bond that he has to pay only if he fails to appear at future hearings, court records show. He was also required to surrender his passport to his attorney. @PatriciaMazzei Democrat Annette Taddeo weighed in earlier this week on the controversy that has gripped Miami politics: whether Carnival Corp. should sail to Cuba as planned, given that the Castro regime won't allow Cuban-born passengers to disembark the ship. No, said Taddeo, who is running in Florida's 26th congressional district. Here's the statement her campaign released Wednesday: While I am supportive of the steps President Obama has taken to open diplomatic relations with Cuba, I recognize that there will be many issues to address and we cannot ignore our American values as we work through these issues. The current Cuban policy prohibiting Cuban-born Americans from entering the country by sea has now created a policy of discrimination on cruise lines traveling to Cuba. We should not allow the Cuban Government to decide which Americans get on a U.S. cruise ship. This is not the first time a cruise line has been forced to deal with a country's bias towards an entire ethnic group. When Tunisia refused to allow Jewish passengers to disembark in their country, Norwegian Cruise Lines cut ties and stopped travel to Tunisia. I am hopeful the Cuban government will see the error in this policy and move quickly to remedy the discrimination it creates towards Cuban Americans. In the meantime, I encourage Carnival to follow the example set by Norwegian and refuse to cooperate with a policy that singles out and discriminates against one group of Americans. I agree with President Obama's focus on people-to-people engagement and Cuban Americans are people, too. On Thursday, Taddeo wrote a letter to Treasury Secretary Jack Lew urging him to push Cuba to "see the error in this policy." Taddeo is Colombian-American, not Cuban-American, But she has spent years living among Miami's Cuban exiles, and her primary opponent, former Rep. Joe Garcia, is a chief proponent of Obama's U.S.-Cuba engagement policy. The Republican incumbent, Rep. Carlos Curbelo, generally opposes it. (Both Garcia and Curbelo are sons of exiles.) Curbelo tweeted in support of the Miami Herald column by Fabiola Santiago exposing the Cuban policy. He's against Carnival sailing under the existing Cuban policy. UPDATE: Garcia tells the Herald he, too, thinks Carnival should not sail under existing Cuban policy: "Discrimination is discrimination, and we should never tolerate governments who discriminate under the guise of policy for anyone, not for sexual orientation, race, creed, or national origin," Garcia said in a statement. "I support engaging Cuba, but our policy is simple. We are America. We should not enable discrimination here at home or in any corner of the globe." Read Taddeo's letter to Lew: Letter @PatriciaMazzei Miami Republican Rep. Carlos Curbelo gave a thumbs up Thursday to his colleagues in Congress asking the Obama administration for additional scrutiny of air passengers traveling to the U.S. from Cuba. Three Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives -- Michael McCaul of Texas, chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security; John Katko of New York and Scott Perry of California -- wrote Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson earlier this week asking for answers to a series of questions about safety screenings at Cuban airports, now that more people are making the trip from the island. "We are concerned that the rapid speed at which preparations for regular commercial flights between the U.S. and Cuba will come at the cost of failing to ensure that adequate safety and security protocols are in place," they wrote. "This could jeopardize the safety of U.S. travelers and our homeland and national security." They noted Havana's airport "does not have adequate terminal or tarmac space" and said they're worried a crush of new passengers could lead to costly security mistakes. Curbelo agreed. "Senior U.S. intelligence officials have made it clear there are serious safety concerns with Cuban government workers, who are ill-trained and lacking proper equipment to adequately screen commercial air passengers," Curbelo said in a statement Thursday. "From the devastating terrorist attacks in Europe, we have learned that we must do everything we can to keep those intending to do us harm out of our country and bringing this issue to light is a bold first step." Read the congressmen's letter: Letter @PatriciaMazzei Miami Republican Rep. Carlos Curbelo collected about $362,000 for his re-election during the first three months of the year, his campaign told the Miami Herald on Friday. That number puts Curbelo ahead of one of his Democratic rivals, former Rep. Joe Garcia, whose campaign announced earlier Friday a haul of about $325,000. The other Democrat in the running, Annette Taddeo, has yet to release her totals, though none of her prior quarters have reached Garcia's latest number. Neither of the Democrats, who must confront each other in the Aug. 30 primary, is anywhere near Curbelo in terms of how much money they have in the bank. He has more than $1.7 million cash on hand remaining from the nearly $2.3 million he's amassed so far, his campaign said. The campaign added that about a fifth of his contributions from Jan. 1 through March 31 came from the Florida Keys. The 26th congressional district extends from Westchester to Key West. @PatriciaMazzei Just because the presidential primary is long gone from Florida doesn't mean dedicated supporters of the remaining candidates are taking a break. Take Lourdes Castillo de la Pena, an enthusiastic Ted Cruz backer. The Miamian helped bring Cruz to town ahead of Florida's March 15 primary (won on the Republican side by Donald Trump) and held a fundraiser featuring Cruz's wife, Heidi Cruz. Now she's recruiting members for a "Women for Cruz" coalition formed after Trump posted an unflattering photo of Heidi Cruz on Twitter. "My mission is to get a representative from every county," Castillo de la Pena said. She called Cruz the most qualified potential First Lady, and argued most "average American women" can relate to her. Cruz, who served in the George W. Bush administration, is on leave from her job in Houston for Goldman Sachs. "We all identify with her at some point," Castillo de la Pena said. She added that, despite her passion for the campaign, she's not vying for one of the delegate spots for July's GOP convention. Miami-Dade County Republicans will choose their delegates Saturday in Hialeah. Florida's elected chief financial officer Jeff Atwater will be a key piece to a 60 Minutes report this Sunday. Atwater, a Republican first elected to his position in 2010, and the state's appointed insurance commissioner Kevin McCarty will both be interviewed on the CBS News program as part of a story on how some private insurance companies have avoided paying out life insurance claims to rightful beneficiaries. Atwater championed a bill that Gov. Rick Scott signed into law earlier this week that requires life insurance companies to do more to track down rightful beneficiaries. Atwater has complained that some companies put little effort into finding beneficiaries so they could pocket the the money that was supposed to be paid out. The new law requires life insurers to search the Social Security Administration's Death Master File for all of their policyholders retroactively to 1992 and every year going forward to identify beneficiaries. If a beneficiary cannot be found, the insurance company must turn the policy over to the State of Floridas Unclaimed Property Program, currently overseen by Atwater, where the state will continue to look for rightful beneficiaries. The program airs at 7 p.m. on Sunday. @JeremySWallace When Manatee County developer Carlos Beruff announced his campaign for the U.S. Senate in late February, he labeled himself an outsider that was determined to shake up Washington. But it took just 25 hours and 6 minutes after that announcement for Beruffs campaign to benefit from one of the most insider moves in federal politics these days. Federal Election Commission records show that on March 1, allies of Beruff created Lets Clean Up Washington, a so-called super PAC that will support Beruffs bid for the U.S. Senate. Like most super PACs, the committee cannot coordinate with Beruffs campaign, but can raise unlimited donations from corporations and individuals and spend unlimited sums to overtly advocate for him or against his opponents. Nationally, more than 2,200 super PACs have been created to support presidential campaigns and races for Congress. Though Lets Clean Up Washington has been up and running since March 1, campaign finance reports filed this week shows no money was raised or spent by the PAC. Chris Hartline, a spokesman for Beruff, said he could not comment on the PAC saying it is not directly affiliated with the campaign. Four of the five leading Republican candidates in the Senate race now have super PACs supporting them. Fighting for Florida Fund is aiding U.S. Rep. Ron DeSantis, R-Ponte Vedra Beach. FloridAmerican Conservatives is backing U.S. Rep. David Jolly, R-Indian Shores. And Reform Washington is support Lt. Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera. There is no super PAC supporting Tampa businessman Todd Wilcox so far. Beruff, 58, has never held elective office before but has been on several government appointed boards and commissions since 2009. Since then hes was appointed by then Gov. Charlie Crist to the to Sarasota-Bradenton Airport Authority, the Southwest Florida Water Management board and the State College of Florida board of trustees. Gov. Rick Scott re-appointed Beruff to all three and picked him to lead a hospital commission last year that was charged with looking into pricing and other issues related to hospital care. @ByKristenMClark In a span of four months, the father of U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, D-Jupiter, and his business interests poured a half-million dollars into a super PAC supporting his son's bid for U.S. Senate. In mid-December, Thomas Murphy gave $200,000 of his own money to "Floridians for a Strong Middle Class," and then on March 31, Thomas Murphy's Miami-based construction company -- Coastal Construction Group -- shelled out $300,000 to the super PAC. The $300,000 donation was revealed Friday when the super PAC's quarterly financial disclosure was made available online through the Federal Election Commission. It accounted for 74 percent of the super PAC's intake between January and March, the report showed. In all, "Floridians for a Strong Middle Class" reported $405,000 in contributions for the first quarter, entering April with $841,300 in cash on hand. Since the super PAC was established about a year ago, 29 people or companies have donated $965,000 to it. The two donations from Murphy's father and his company account for 52 percent of that total income. The funds are separate from Murphy's individual campaign account, which on Monday reported raising about $2 million in the first quarter and having $5.6 million in cash on hand. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians in Alabama has emerged as another top donor for "Floridians for a Strong Middle Class." The tribe gave another $50,000 in March, after first giving $50,000 last year. Super PACs are not bound by the $2,700-per-race cap on individual contributions, as candidate's campaign committees are, nor can they coordinate directly with the candidate. Patrick Murphy has been critical of the growing prominence and plethora of super PACs in the modern political era, despite benefiting from them both in this election and in his first U.S. House race. Murphy's Senate campaign declined to comment today on his father's company's donation to the super PAC last quarter, and a representative of "Floridians for a Strong Middle Class" would not comment directly on it either. "Patrick Murphy is a proven leader who has stood up for Florida's hard-working families, and as our next Senator he will continue to invest in ways to grow and strengthen Florida's middle class. His record on standing up for Florida's families is exactly why our efforts are receiving broad support," Ashley Walker, the super PAC's senior adviser, said in a statement. Thomas Murphy has a history of giving sizable donations to super PACs supporting his son. In Patrick Murphy's first U.S. House race in 2012, Thomas Murphy gave $250,000 to the pro-Murphy super PAC American Sunrise. Murphy faces a contentious August primary against fellow U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Orlando, in a bid for Marco Rubio's U.S. Senate seat. Grayson does not appear to have a super PAC supporting him. Among the five Republican candidates in the race, several have super PACs supporting them. Photo credit: Walter Michot / Miami Herald Huckleberries to the Montana Attorney Generals Office for organizing public forums for crime victims during National Crime Victims Rights Week. The AGs Office held one such forum in Missoula this past Thursday afternoon, inviting victims of crime to share their experiences with the justice system, as well as their suggestions for improvements. Attorney General Tim Fox, local law enforcement, Montana Department of Justice officials and victim advocates were all in attendance. Chokecherries to the Internal Revenue Service no, not because its almost Tax Day, which falls on April 18 this year, but because last year, 62 percent of calls to the IRS went unanswered, according to a WalletHub report. This year, the agency added more than 1,000 temporary support staff to help answer calls and improve its phone service. Maybe if the U.S. tax code werent so complicated, the IRS wouldnt be fielding so many calls for help. Huckleberries to Free Cycles for organizing its first ever Sustainability Superhero Bikathon. Tomorrows event invites participants to dress up in superhero costumes and pedal 75 miles, 20 miles or quarter-mile laps through a youth challenge course, and be feted afterward with food, prizes and live music. The nonprofit is seeking to raise $1.1 million to purchase its location at 732 S. First St. W., which it currently leases. For more information about the organization and how to make a donation, visit freecycles.org. Chokecherries to the death of Missoulas Chuck Jonkel, the longtime bear and wildlife advocate who died Tuesday at the age of 85. Jonkel was a leader for the Border Grizzly Project, the founder of the International Wildlife Film Festival and of the Great Bear Foundation, among many other efforts. Jonkel was an outspoken expert and respected educator on all things Ursidae, and he will be missed by many in Missoula and beyond. In his memory, please, remember to keep your trash, pet food, bird feeders and fruit trees out of reach of hungry bears. Huckleberries to U.S. Sen. Jon Tester and Gov. Steve Bullock for reaching out to PayPal after the company announced it was no longer interested in building a new service center in North Carolina. Apparently, the company doesnt want to do business in a state that does not protect its LGBT residents from discrimination and which requires that they provide proof of their gender in order to use a public bathroom. Tester and Bullock invited PayPal to come to Montana instead and bring along its 400-or-so new jobs. DUSSELDORF, Germany Jackson Pollocks mural-size 1950 drip painting Number 32, a stark, apocalyptic composition of black industrial paint on untreated canvas, is considered one of the most radical works of Abstract Expressionism. But over more than five decades of near-continuous display, a film of dust, dirt and grime had built up on the work, part of the collection at the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen museum here, aging the canvas to a sickly brownish yellow. To clean the canvas, the museums head conservator, Otto Hubacek, developed his own technique. Fearing that a solvent could damage the now-fragile fabric, and not content with typical conservation tools like brushes and sponges, he thought of spraying wheat starch and cellulose onto exposed sections with a device similar to an airgun. The particles forced dirt out of the fibers, which he then vacuumed off the painting. Mr. Hubacek estimated that cleaning the 9-foot-tall, 15-foot-wide painting took up to 300 hours of painstaking work, which required a consistent, individualized rhythm he likened to handwriting. OTTAWA The government of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau introduced legislation on Thursday to legalize physician-assisted suicide for Canadians with a serious and incurable illness, which has brought them enduring physical or psychological suffering. The proposed law limits physician-assisted suicides to citizens and residents who are eligible to participate in the national health care system, an effort to prevent a surge in medical tourism among the dying from other countries. If the bill passes, Canada will join a group of countries that permit some form of assisted suicide, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany. Assisted suicide is legal in only a few American states, including Oregon and Vermont. Under Canadas proposed law, people who have a serious medical condition and want to die will be able to commit suicide with medication provided by their doctors or have a doctor or nurse practitioner administer the dose for them. Family members and friends will be allowed to assist patients with their death, and social workers and pharmacists will be permitted to participate in the process. The Democratic debate on Thursday night played out as a magnified version of the primary race. The personal clashes between Hillary Clinton and Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont were harsher. Their policy differences gaped wider. And the stakes, for both candidates, were as high as they have ever been. The debate unfolded in an atmosphere of obvious tension, as the candidates policy disputes and personal resentments flared and the raucous New York crowd goaded them on. Some of the most revealing takeaways: This rivalry has curdled Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Sanders displayed new flashes of impatience and even contempt toward each other. They raised their voices early and often, talking over and past each other. Mr. Sanders, especially, turned sarcastic. When Mrs. Clinton boasted of having stood up to Wall Street banks, he noted that the banks subsequently paid her handsomely for speaking engagements. They must have been very, very upset by what you did, he said mockingly. MOSCOW Russias war in Syria is slowly fading from view here, even as events on the ground give every indication that Russian forces remain heavily engaged. President Vladimir V. Putin, when he talks about it at all, tends to refer to Syria as an accomplished victory, yet hedges a bit. We did indeed withdraw a substantial portion of our forces, Mr. Putin said in response to a question on his live national call-in show on Thursday. But we made sure that after our withdrawal, the Syrian Army would be in a fit state to carry out serious offensives itself, with our remaining forces support. That support, according to numerous military analysts and diplomatic sources, amounts to virtually the same level of engagement since Russia first deployed in Syria in September. The tenor has changed, however. Syria is gradually becoming another more secretive, hybrid war of the sort that fits into Mr. Putins comfort zone, they said. Russias agenda in Syria at the moment is a tightrope act. It wants to keep enough forces engaged in Syria to ensure it can influence any political transition, so that Damascus remains a client. Yet, it does not want to become visibly mired in a messy, prolonged war, as American officials predicted it would. 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 [] Sergey Mavrodis Bitcoin-based MMM Global Republic of Bitcoin scheme collapsed this week, affecting the South African branch of MMM Global. According to a report by Fin24, MMM Global South Africa is one of nine companies being investigated by the SAPS Specialised Commercial Crimes Unit for being an alleged Ponzi scheme. The South African community has been growing in numbers over the years, as South Africans seek ways to escape debt and poverty. It has even been described as a stokvel by some, stated the report about MMM Global South Africa. The local investment platform encouraged members to donate money to others by rewarding them with a bitcoin-linked virtual currency. Investors then received a claimed 30% return. A Ponzi scheme occurs when a claimed return is 20% higher than the repo rate, which in SA is 7%, said Fin24. How to identity a Ponzi or Pyramid scheme While Ponzi and pyramid schemes are both classified as money scams, there are subtle differences. In a Ponzi scheme and a pyramid scheme, existing investors are compensated by the contributions of new investors. Ponzi scheme participants earn returns from their investment, while pyramid scheme participants earn money by recruiting new participants. Below are 10 Ponzi and pyramid scheme indicators you need to watch out for, based on reports by the US Securities and Exchange Commission; CNBC; and the Financial Intermediaries Association of Southern Africa (as reported by Fin24). Promises of high returns in a short time period. High and fast returns may suggest that commissions are being paid out of money from new recruits. Easy money or passive income. Be wary if you are offered compensation in exchange for little work, such as recruiting others and placing advertisements. Buy-in required. Be careful if you are required to pay a buy-in to participate in the programme. Complex commission structure. Be concerned unless commissions are based on products or services that you or your recruits sell to people outside the programme. Emphasis on recruiting. If a programme focusses on recruiting others to join the programme for a fee, it is likely a pyramid scheme. Dont be fooled by the claims its not a pyramid scheme because you dont have to spend a lot of money up front. Be careful if you have to qualify for certain levels of bonuses, which require various levels of product purchases and other associated costs. Vague business models. Steer clear of investment schemes that are based on vague investment models, or models which do not make sense. More participants. Avoid investment schemes that rely on you bringing in more participants in order to generate a return. This is a classic trait of both Pyramid and Ponzi schemes. Too good to be true. If it is too good to be true, it usually is. More on finances SA government broadband money not being spent How mobile operators in South Africa make their money If there were any remaining doubts regarding the relationship between Mwanaisha Chidzuga and politician Danson Mungatana, they have been well quashed by the K24 news anchor. The former KTN news anchor made headlines weeks ago when she told off former Miss Kenya Cecilia Mwangi and confirmed that former Garsen MP Danson Mungatana is her husband. Well, that is not all. The screen siren has taken to social media to flaunt her adorable family. The photos show her incredibly beautiful daughters, including a grown up Aryanna Zeyna Mungatana, whom Mwanaisha welcomed in mid 2014. One of the photos also shows Danson Mungatana. She captioned the photos: Wala Mamba Check them out: High flying rapper King Kaka has echoed Bahatis sentiments about the need for more cancer treatment machines. Earlier this week, Bahati posted an open letter to the president urging him to look into the lack of treatment resources in Kenyan hospitals. Now, King Kaka too has taken to social media to address the need for a Kenyan robin hood, who will save Kenyans from corrupt leaders. King Kaka challenged politicians to come together with stolen monies and buy 5 machines every year. He wrote: KINGS SPEECH 2 Tukiwa wadogo kulikuwa na kipindi flani inaitwa Robin Hood, I dont know kama mnaikumbuka. KTN Friday 8 usiku siwezi sahau. Apart from the fights and the language I loved the show sababu ya what Robin Hood used to do. Steal from the Rich and give to the poor and not just the rich but wale wameAcquire pesa yao through uwizi, a thief stealing from a thief. Anyway I will tell you why that is important now. A couple of days ago my Brother Bahati @bahatikenya put up a post on social networks addressing the President I hope ameipata and I will quote part of the letter KNH is the only hope to Us but Our dedicated Doctors & Nurses lack treatment resources. Mr President our Parents are tired of Helplessly waiting to burry their Kids. Our Biggest National Hospital ( KNH) has less than 3 Cancer Treatment machines which serve over 2000 patients.Meaning a Patient Can spend almost 2 years waiting for their turn to go through the Chemotherapy Machine! About 60 people die every Month No one understands cancer, and I wish there was a cure for it but, just But there is a way we can face it head on. Our country is ranked top 3 most corrupt na Ni ukweli hatuwezi Kata, at najua kesho news kutakuwa na story ingine ya pesa zimeibwa kama sio NYS, Kuna Euro, sijui Kuna. And why I brought up that Robin Hood Story is coz. As much as we know our politicians are corrupt and they steal (1 pen 8,000 really), I have a challenge for them. Why dont wakutane kisiri vile tu haukutana na this time round do something positive. Ile Pesa wameiba wagawe wanunue nazo atleast 5 machines annually, 5 only na sio lazima waseme Ni hao wamenunua, coz we have accepted wameiba already. BE OUR ROBIN HOODS and bring positive change from Corruption. Kenyans are suffering sana while you have vacations in France, Its So Painful, very painful, yaani tunawaomba pesa mmetuibia . Be Our Robbin Hood. #TheKenyanStory Oh and Mr. President Bahati is waiting for a reply. BRUSSELS Belgium's transport minister resigned Friday after a secret European Union report detailing lapses in airport security oversight was leaked in the wake of the deadly March 22 bombings at Brussels Airport and subway. Prime Minister Charles Michel said after his talks with Transport Minister Jacqueline Galant, "the minister presented her resignation to the King and the King accepted it." Galant said the leak was part of a vendetta against her by a disgruntled senior transport official and insisted that she always paid very close attention to security concerns. The confidential EU document from last year was made public by two Belgian opposition parties. It called the oversight of security measures at the nation's airports flawed and cited serious deficiencies in the way safety checks were managed. The revelations came after the March 22 attacks in Brussels killed 32 people, including 16 at the national airport, and left 270 people wounded. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. Galant says she had not seen the EU report but Michel said "a summary of this report was discussed and sent to the minister's cabinet in June 2015." No immediate replacement was named for Galant but Michel said he would do so as soon as possible. The suicide attacks in the peak morning travel period have shaken the Belgian government, police and judiciary. The Belgian parliament has set up an inquiry to look into any shortcomings in the handling of the bombings. Belgium's interior and justice ministers volunteered to step down last month, but their resignations were rejected. "The government will work in perfect cooperation with the commission of inquiry so that all transparency can be ensured and to draw lessons for the future," Michel said. "The security of all Belgians is a priority for this government." At a hastily organized press conference, a defiant Galant rejected allegations that she had been lax about security. "If there's an area I always paid attention to it's that one," she said. She told reporters she is the victim of a "media crusade" organized by a senior transport official whose attacks on her would not end until she resigned. Galant accused her foes of "riding the current wave of worry" provoked by the Brussels attacks. The EU carries out around 35 safety inspections at European airports each year. The restricted report, dated April 28, 2015, details shortcomings in the supervision of security in the Brussels Airport section that travelers enter once they have cleared security checks and around the planes themselves. The suicide bombers blew themselves up in the departure area of Belgium's main international airport, part of the facility that was not covered in the EU report. Brussels Airport is one of the largest in Europe and a major European travel hub that handles 23.5 million passengers each year. It was shut down by the bombings for more than a week and has been struggling to get back up to capacity ever since. An unannounced strike by Belgian air traffic controllers this week caused further transport chaos. Last year at Pebble Beach Food and Wine, I attended a seminar featuring a vertical tasting of the first growth of Royal Tokaji. This was by far the tasting of a lifetime and one that could never be repeated. However, the great thing about wine is that there are many tastings of a lifetime, those times when the lineup of wines is like no other, cannot be duplicated and only in your wildest imagination would you have thought about it. And that is what happened at the ninth annual Pebble Beach Food and Wine event. The weekend started with a tasting of Tete du Cuvee Rose Champagne. Exploring this more robust style of Champagne, I thought life was really good at this point as I sat with glasses of pink bubbles in front of me from the following producers: Champagne Armand de Brignac Rose en Magnum NV Champagne Krug Rose NV Champagne Pol Roger Brut Rose 2006 Champagne Louis Roederer Cristal Rose 2006 Champagne Billecart-Salmon Rose Cuvee Elizabeth 2006 Champagne Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Rose 2006 Champagne Ruinart Dom Ruinart Rose 2002 Champagne Bollinger La Grande Annee Rose 2004 Champagne Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame Rose 2004 The weekend ended with a tasting of nine magnum bottles of Champagne, which was also a rather special tasting. Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvee Champagne Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Champagne Louis Roederer Brut Premier Champagne Delamotte Brut Champagne Pol Roger Brut Reserve White Foil Champagne Lanson Black Label Champagne Pommery Brut Champagne Henriot Blanc de Blancs Champagne Taittinger Comtes de Champagne Blanc de Blancs 2005 But one tasting stood out among them all. The seminar was titled Women and the Worlds Wine Treasures, and in my wildest dreams I could not have imagined this lineup of wines. The panel was moderated by Christie Dufault, associate professor at the Culinary Institute of America, along with three Master Sommeliers Gillian Balance, June Rodil and Emily Wines on the panel. This panel of incredible women presented a list of iconic wines from around the world. Check out this lineup: Champagne Salon Blanc de Blancs 2002, Mesnil-sur-Oger, France Salon makes only a tete du cuvee and makes wine only in great years. In more than 100 years, they have made only 37 vintages. The house is dedicated to chardonnay and the grapes come from Grand Cru vineyards. Aging the wines for 10 to 12 years before release, the 2002 is the current release and is just a baby that has great aging potential. But even now, it is an exquisite Champagne. Robert Weil Riesling Trocken, Kiedricher Grafenberg, 2012, Rheingau, Germany This winery started in 1875, which is young by Rheingau standards. The riesling demonstrates the sheer power of the grape. The wine is dry but there is a lushness to it and it is brimming with acidity and freshness. While Balance suggests that this wine can age another 10 years, Wines called this wine sommelier crack. Williams Selyem Rochioli Vineyard Pinot Noir 1997, Sonoma Ed Selyem and Burt Williams started Williams Selyem in 1979 and sold it in 1998. This 1997 pinot noir from the Russian River Rochioli Vineyard was made under Selyem and Williams and showcases their careful delicate touch. It is a luscious wine with great acidity on the palate. While the 1997 is 20 years old, it is still young, fresh and lively. Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Echezeaux, Cote de Nuits, France 1996 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, called DRC by its fans, is a cherished winery. Grand Cru vineyard Echezeaux may produce a wine that is lighter than its fellow Grand Cru vineyards but it represents its vintages well. 1996 was not an outstanding vintage but it was a classic year. The wine has gorgeous notes of violet, dried flowers, crushed rose, spices and dried cranberry. It is not a young wine but is bright and alive. The great thing about Echezeaux is that you do not have to wait as long for the wines to age to enjoy them. Rodil added that these wines are bulletproof and they age forever. Marques de Murrieta Castillo Ygay en Magnum 1983, Rioja, Spain To Rodil, the wines of Rioja evoke a mix of dirty smells and sweet candy but that is what is so appealing to her. This wine, made by a female winemaker, is a Gran Riserva and is aged three years in American oak and two years in bottle. The wine has a candied cherry and a stewed meat note, as well as a funkiness to it. It was described by the panel as a male flamenco dancer. Chateau Musar Gaston Hochar 1988 Bekaa Valley, Lebanon The legend behind the wine, the late Serge Hochar, was a great storyteller but he would never share the blend percentages in the wine. He would say that the blends did not matter; it is the character of the wine that matters. He would say that the only point is to drink it and like it. Marc Hochar, Serges son, was at the tasting and did share that in colder years, the wine has more cinsault and in warmer years it has more cabernet sauvignon. The 1988 was a special year and has more cinsault than other years. The sheer complexity of this wine is what changed Rodils perspective on drinking only classic wines. She explained that you realize what you enjoy as well. Musar is a great wine, both faulted and delicious. Cos dEstoumel 1986 Bordeaux, France This terroir-driven wine is predominantly cabernet sauvignon with 40 percent merlot. 1986 is arguably one of the best vintages of the decade. The tannins in this 30-year-old wine are still there and this wine could age another 10 to 15 years. 1998 Ornellaia Archivio Storico, Bolgheri Italy The 1998 Ornellaia is from a limited collection of old vintages that had been stored in the Bolgheri cellars. In partnership with Sothebys, the wines have been released for collectors all over the world. As we tasted this famous Super Tuscan wine made with cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot, the panel agreed that even when international varieties are planted in Italy, they taste Italian. Penfolds Grange 1990 South Australia Penfolds Grange was created by Max Schubert, one of the most important Australian winemakers. As winemaker at Penfolds from 1948-1975, Schubert created Grange to be a wine that would stand the test of time. In 1951, he made four barrels of Grange. To this day, Grange has not changed its ethos or style. The wine is never a single vineyard wine. The 1990 Grange is a pretty wine that is quintessential South Australian shiraz, with a small percentage of cabernet sauvignon. Broadbent Madeira Bual 1978 This wine is almost 40 years old and can keep going. It is a delicious, rich wine with notes of nuts and coffee and a long, acidic finish. This was a once-in-a-lifetime tasting. It was one of those tastings where the spit cups remained unturned. It was one of those tastings that gives you great bragging rights among other wine enthusiasts. And, it would be hard to pick a favorite out of the lineup. Every time I try to pick one, such as the Champagne, I then think about the Burgundy, the riesling, the Madeira. While I am still licking my lips and marveling at what I experienced at this tasting, I am wondering what next years tasting of a lifetime will be at the 10th annual Pebble Beach Food and Wine (April 20-23, 2017). Tips on Choosing the Right Streaming Service For the most part, traditional cable television has been in decline since the invention of video streaming services. There are a number of different services out there that can off free live TV in Canada. With all of these options, you will have to invest some effort into finding the right one for your needs. Neglecting to do your homework could lead to a number of negative issues in the long run. Taking the time to weigh the options that you have is the only way to ensure that the right service is chosen. Here are some of the things to think about when trying to choose the right streaming service. The Overall Selection They Have When trying to find the right streaming service, you will have to consider the selection of movies and television shows that they have. If you are looking to ditch cable for a streaming service, then you will have to figure out whether or not you will be able to get your favorite shows from a particular streaming service. Usually, you will be able to take advantage of free trials from the various streaming services out there. These trials will give you a firsthand look at what is being offered. The Speed and Quality Factor For most people, finding a streaming service that is able to offer high-quality videos is a must. There are a number of low quality sites out there that will not be able to offer you the speed you are looking for. You will have to take the time to make sure that the service you are looking at is known for speed and quality. Usually, you will be able to find reviews of various streaming services out there. These reviews will be able to offer you an insight into what you can expect from a particular streaming service. Cost is Important Living on a budget is something that most people have to do in order to make ends meet. Without a budget in place, it will be nearly impossible for a person to pay their bills on a consistent basis. In order to avoid getting yourself into a financial bind, you will need to take the time to weigh the cost of each of the streaming services available to you. Be sure to consider what is being offered before selecting a particular service. If you take the time to do this type of research, it will be much easier to find the right service to use. Be sure to go online and research each of the companies out there before making a decision. Climate protesters throw mashed potatoes at Monet painting in Germany museum There is chance for peace in Ukraine, Macron says US, Russia defense chiefs discuss Ukraine situation for 2nd time in last few days Turkey plans to set up 2 more military bases in northern Syria Germany wants to use Israel UAVs to protect its key infrastructures UK defense secretary holds phone talk with Russia counterpart US to attempt set Russia oil price cap above $60 per barrel? Russia, Turkey defense ministers confer about Ukraine situation Armenia official: Terms for buying, building houses for those displaced from Artsakh have improved Saudi Arabia forum set to draw American business leaders despite existing tensions Iran plans to increase natural gas exports to Turkey Iran army ground forces holding exercise in West Azarbaijan Province Sovereignty renunciation to be punished in Armenia with 12-15 years of imprisonment, as per justice ministry draft 2 pilots killed in Russia fighter jet crash Russia, France defense ministers discuss Ukraine Fighter jet crashes into house in Russias Irkutsk 150 residents of 3 Karabakh settlements handed over to Azerbaijan get compensation certificates Rishi Sunak confirms UK premier bid Rishi Sunak, Boris Johnson hold talks Biden slammed for 'scary' long pause during interview Elite US troops conducting exercises on Ukraine border Iran MP: Military exercises on Azerbaijan border are decisive response to Israel Xi Jinping elected Communist Party of China Central Committee general secretary Armenia envoy presents credentials to Bosnia and Herzegovina Presidency chair Hungary to approve by years end Sweden, Finland petitions to join NATO US researchers debunk main theory for origin of life 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 The operational situation along the Line of Contact between the Karabakh and Azerbaijani opposing forces remained the same, from late Thursday night to early Friday morning. During this time the adversary violated the verbal agreement to cease fire more than 60 times along the entire frontline, and by way of rifle, sniper, and mortar weaponry. The situation was most troubled in the northerly (Gyulistan), northeasterly (Talish-Martakert), easterly (Martuni) and southerly (Hadrut) directions of the zone of contact, where the Azerbaijani side, aside from rifle weaponry, also fired from mortars and a grenade launcher. The most recent ceasefire violations by the adversary are gradually turning into incidents, as a result of which there are casualties, too. The respective proof is the case of Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR/Artsakh) Defense Army serviceman Manvel Grigoryan, who sustained a fatal gunshot wound on Thursday at around 11:20pm, in the direction of Martuni, and as a result of a shot fired by the adversary. Given this fact, vanguard units of the NKR Defense Army perform their military tasks in line with the development of events, and they confidently defend Artsakh borders. The Azerbaijani side bears the full accountability for the consequences resultant of the incidents occurring on the frontline. YEREVAN. A National Assembly (NA) of Armenia delegation, led by NA Vice President Eduard Sharmazanov, on Thursday met with the Vice-Marshal Ryszard Terlecki of the Polish Sejm (parliament), in the city of Poznan. Welcoming the guests, the Vice-Marshal of the Sejm thanked the Armenian delegation for taking part in the events dedicated to the 1050th anniversary of the adoption of Christianity in Poland. Terlecki highly assessed the Polish-Armenian friendship and expressed the hope that it will continuously develop. Sharmazanov, for his part, thanked his Polish colleague for the warm reception. Speaking about the Christian system of values, he documented that Armenia is its propagator, and the maintenance and the strengthening of these values have no alternative. In this context, Armenian Parliament Vice President presented to his Polish colleague the details of the military aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan since April 1 and which continued for four days. He especially noted that the atrocities committed by the Azerbaijani armed forces completely remind the method of ISIS: particularly, there were dismemberments of the bodies, beheading, as well as the civilians murders in their houses. The shelling in the direction of schools also took a childs life. He recalled to the Vice-Marshal of the Sejm about thousands of destroyed cross-stones by official Azerbaijan. Talking about the Armenian and Polish peoples friendship, Eduard Sharmazanov particularly noted that this friendship and cooperation are of centuries old and they create good basis for comprehensive development of the interstate relations of the two countries. The Armenian NA Vice President assured that the Armenian Parliament greatly highlights Armenian-Polish cooperation. In this context, Sharmazanov especially stressed the development of constructive cooperation between the representatives of the parliaments of the two friendship countries within the framework of the international parliamentary assemblies. At the end of the meeting Eduard Sharmazanov conveyed numerous materials proving the atrocities committed by the Azerbaijani armed forces. YEREVAN. - Currently 125 soldiers, who sustained injuries as a result of the military actions unleashed by Azerbaijan, are undergoing treatment in the medical centers of Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh. The condition of five of them remains extremely critical, Deputy Head of Military Medicine Department, Harutyun Galstyan told journalists (photos). In his words, 45 wounded are currently in Yerevans Central Clinical Military, while the rest undergo treatment in the garrison hospital and Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) Defense Army hospital. One of the soldiers sustained gunshot wound on his head already after the active stage of military actions. Most of the soldiers have shrapnel wounds. Positive dynamics is observed in the condition of all the wounded, Galstyan noted. The wounds of triumphant solders recover faster, he said. All of them receive necessary aid and are under the constant control of the best specialists of healthcare and defense. There are also soldiers, who have completely recovered and have been discharged from hospital. In near future it is also planned to discharge several other soldiers, some of whom may need physical or psychological rehabilitation. Harutyunyan also noted that if the Armenian soldiers cant get help in Armenia, the organization of their treatment abroad will be discussed. Armenians say that Turkey stands behind the Azerbaijani attack against Nagorno-Karabakh. The Armenian troops stationed round Talish village assure that the Azerbaijani troops they were fighting against included Turkish soldiers and ISIL recruits, who came from Turkey to fight against Christian Armenians. The majority comes from Turkey, but there are also contractors among them. They would never be able to start the offensive without the help and support of Ankara, Le Figaro cites one of the Armenian officers. According to Yerevan, the carnage of the three old men in Talish proves that the ISIL acts for Baku in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh is one of the most explosive and frozen conflicts inherited from the collapsed Soviet Union, correspondent Nicolas Vigne writes. According to the European diplomat working in the region, this conflict cannot even be called frozen: Here we deal with a volcano, which periodically starts erupting, but its impossible to predict the time and force of that eruption. Azerbaijan states about its readiness to reoccupy the region by force if the Minsk Group finds no political solution. Armenia, where the Christian church has very strong positions, sees the hand of Ankara in the resumption of military actions. And although Turkey is not officially a party to the conflict, on April 4 President Erdogan said: We pray our Azerbaijani brothers will prevail in these clashes with the least casualties, the newspaper cites. It will be very difficult for Moscow, which is acting as a truce initiator, to make peace between the two opposing sides. During the Syrian campaign, the Turkish army downed two Russian jets; Russia and Turkey are at loggerheads now, the correspondent writes. This makes one fear of resumption of war in the region though mediators. Would many people in Nagorno-Karabakh want to have such a scenario? They actually reproach Kremlin, which has military bases in Armenia, for not showing enough support to Yerevan in resisting Baku, Nicolas Vigne notes. Russia sells weapons both to Armenia and Azerbaijan, but plying the role of a banker and military sponsor, it is ready to destabilize one of its allies against the other, the article says. Fulbright Program Grants to Student and Faculty Member On August 1, 1946 President Harry S. Truman signed a bill into law that created the Fulbright Program, an international educational program sponsored by the United States government. This year, two of Fairfield Universitys own were among the elite group to be awarded Fulbright grants to embark on educational experiences abroad. Kathryn Anne Dennen MA16 will begin her Fulbright experience this August as a Greek-English Teaching Assistant in Greece, teaching English as a second language. Scott Lacy, PhD, associate professor of sociology and anthropology and chair of the Department, will journey to Cameroon in October to teach undergraduate and graduate students at the Catholic University of Cameroon (CATUC) in Bamenda, while also working with students on collaborative research projects. After hearing about the Fulbright program during her undergraduate years at Fairfield, Dennen imagined herself being a part of the program, but decided to put the application process on hold until she completed her fifth year in elementary education in Fairfields Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions (GSEAP) program. After receiving an email this year about an impending application deadline, Dennen decided to apply. Im always thinking big. What is my next adventure? How can I be more, see more, learn more, do more? Then, I received an email from the University, reminding students about the campus deadline for Fulbright applications. It was a sign, she said. Hoping to learn as much as she can about Greek culture and education, Dennen said she hopes to serve as an ambassador between the United States and Greece. I would like to bring music, dance, theater and other art forms into the classroom to inspire them to see more of their potential as citizens of a global community. For Dr. Lacy, his recent Fulbright grant award wont be the first time hes been involved with the program. From 2001 to 2002, Dr. Lacy participated in his first Fulbright experience in Mali, where he conducted ethnographic research in rural parts of the country. His connection to Mali continues today, with Dr. Lacy serving as the founder and executive director of African Sky, a non-governmental organization that grew from the projects he started as a Fulbrighter. African Sky has since blossomed into an organization that has raised over $400,000 to help Malian communities develop and implement projects, with his most recent endeavor establishing a womens literacy center in rural Zeala. Dr. Lacys time in Mali has formed the foundation for the teaching-research program he hopes to pursue in Cameroon in his second Fulbright experience, which involved two collaborative research projects with CATUC-Bamenda that will begin in October. Describing his upcoming work in Cameroon as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn, serve and teach, Dr. Lacy said he is honored to be going to CATUC-Bamenda to start his second Fulbright journey, and excited to tackle a new challenge. Cameroon anthropology programs are unique in that they train students not only in the history and theory of our discipline, but they also inspire students to apply anthropology to critically understand and embolden Cameroon communities, he said. Thats my style of anthropology, and thats how I teach and practice anthropology here at Fairfield." Mary Frances Malone, PhD, associate vice president for academic affairs, said that Lacy and Dennens grants from the competitive Fulbright program reflect Fairfields mission to promote the importance of being men and women for others. The philosophy of Fulbright resonates very clearly within Fairfield University, she said. As a Catholic Jesuit university dedicated to academic excellence and being good global citizens who recognize our responsibility to work to understand and improve society, our students and faculty are well poised to compete for these prestigious awards. Photo, Scott Lacy, PhD by Nicole Funaro 17 Panel to discuss sustainability and poverty CARBONDALE, Ill. -- A panel discussion next week that includes Southern Illinois University Carbondale faculty and staff will look at sustainability and poverty. Sustainability for All Species: Insights for Communal Approaches to Poverty, is from 5:30 to 7:15 p.m., Wednesday, April 20, at the Carbondale Public Library, 405 W. Main St. The Sparrow Coalition, Imagining Geographies Initiative, and the library are event sponsors. The event is part of the community forum series, Challenges of Poverty. The event is open to the public. The meeting will include a screening of Mishkos Kenomagwen: The Teachings of the Grass, a 2015 Bioneer presentation by Robin Kimmerer, a Native American plant biologist and director, Center for Native Peoples and the Environment at State University of New York (SUNY). There will also be discussion on possible communal actions that insure the sustainability of all species, including the poor, within a community. Panelists include Jonathan Gray, associate professor, Communication Studies; Geory Kurtzhals, SIU Carbondale sustainability coordinator; Sarah Lewison, associate professor, Radio, Television, and Digital Media; Karen Renzaglia, professor, plant biology; and Brent Ritzel, an SIU alumnus and director and co-owner of Equitech International, LLC. There will also be Q-and-A with the panelists. For additional information, contact Peter Lemish, instructor, SIU School of Journalism, at 618/534-3989 or peterlemish@siu.edu According to the Dawn, the submission of the report is part of a process initiated earlier this month by ASDJ Pervaizul Qadir Memon to declare Musharraf a 'proclaimed offender'. The report was submitted before the court during the proceedings of the Abdul Rashid Ghazi murder case and the report states that police officials visited Musharraf's Chak Shahzad residence to execute his non-bailable arrest warrants, but he was not present. According to the report, security officials deployed at the residence's main gate informed the police that Musharraf was not residing there, but had been living in Karachi for the last couple of years. In September 2013, Aabpara police registered an FIR against Musharraf under the direction of the Islamabad High Court where Haroon Rashid, the son of the deceased, had filed a petition seeking legal action against the former military dictator for launching a military operation against Lal Masjid in 2007. (ANI) We need to look ahead and not think in terms of foreclosing any options. Both sides are in contact with each other, foreign office spokesman Nafees Zakaria said on Thursday during a weekly media briefing. The spokesman was referring to media reports quoting Pakistans High Commissioner in India Abdul Basit as having said that the peace process was suspended, Dawn online reported on Friday. Dialogue is the best option. Diplomacy is for interaction and engagement between countries, Zakaria said. Last December, the two countries had agreed to restart the peace dialogue, which was named Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue. It was agreed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis surprise stopover in Lahore on Christmas Day that the foreign secretaries would meet to decide the schedule and other details of the first round of talks. However, the plan for re-engagement after a hiatus of two years was affected by the Pathankot attack in January and the two countries have not been able to schedule the foreign secretaries meeting since. Zakaria said the meeting would take place once the modalities have been settled. --Indo-Asian News Service ksk/rn/vm ( 221 Words) 2016-04-15-12:39:29 (IANS) The facility will manufacture 3D related consumer and non-consumer electronics products. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this regard was signed on Friday by the officials of the joint venture and Telangana government in the presence of state's Information Technology minister K.T. Rama Rao KangDe Xin (KDX) has successfully developed the most advanced glasses-free 3D cell phone, notebook displays and TV in the world, tweeted Rama Rao, who is also son of Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao. KDX is a publicly listed company in China with over $1.2 billon revenue in 2015 and over $10 billion market value as of today, the minister said. Aries EPICA defines itself as a full-service 2D/3D animation and visual effects studio with offices in India, USA, UK and UAE. At the launch of state's IT and electronics policies on April 4, the state government had announced that UAE-based Aries Group will launch the world's first glasses free mobiles, tablets and televisions under the name of EPICA to revolutionise the electronics visual and consumer electronics industry in Telangana. --Indo-Asian News Service ms/kb/vm ( 215 Words) 2016-04-15-14:13:33 (IANS) The family members of Kirpal Singh, the Indian prisoner who died under mysterious circumstances in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat Jail, will meet Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in the national capital today to express her concern over the gruesome treatment meted out to the Indians languishing in Pakistan jails. Dalbir Kaur, the sister of Sarabjit Singh who, like Kirpal, had trespassed into Pakistan's territory before he died in the same jail, will also be accompanying them during the meeting to be held at the Home Minister's official residence at around 10: 25 a.m. "We are meeting him to raise our demand that the body of Kirpal Singh should be sent to us at the earliest. We want that post-mortem should again take place in India so that we can now as to what actually happened," Kaur told ANI. Kaur, who met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj over the same issue last month, had said that it was nothing new with Pakistan making bogus claims of arresting an innocent person and calling him a spy. The family members of Kirpal Singh have denied Pakistan's claim that he died of a heart attack and demanded a post-mortem to ascertain the facts. "How can we believe that he died of heart attack? His body should be sent to us and post-mortem should be done. We want to know the truth," Singh's nephew told ANI. With India raising the issue of Singh's death, Pakistan has said that the Indian prisoner died of heart attack while asserting that it was not appropriate to see everything through the prism of suspicion and conspiracy. Kirpal had allegedly crossed the Attari-Wagah border to Pakistan in 1992 and was subsequently sentenced to death in a serial bomb blasts case in Pakistan's Punjab province. (ANI) Hollywood actress of Indian origin, Devika Bhise, who's getting rave reviews for her power-packed performance in the upcoming biographical drama, 'The Man Who Knew Infinity', which is based on the life of mathematical genius Srinivasa Ramanujan, said she would love to do a film with superstar Aamir khan.The actress, who plays Ramanujan's wife Janaki in the movie, is quite intrigued with Bollywood and wouldn't mind doing a Hindi film. Asked as to which actor she would like to work with, the actress said,''There are a lot of great Bollywood actors but I think one of the problems is that these actors accept every role that they get and as a result, they do roles after roles, instead of immersing themselves into their characters. Aamir Khan, I think is an amazing actor and he is choosy about his roles. Everything that I have watched him in, he has done an excellent job and therefore, I would like to work with him.''She also expressed her desire to work with industry heartthrob Hrithik Roshan.''Hrithik Roshan too is a great actor and he is also very handsome,''Devika said.Devika said she wouldn't mind doing a Bollywood film, provided she gets the right script."Bollywood is such an interesting place and the roles and the movies that are being created, have definitely changed over the last couple of years and are continuing to change so, I think, if I get the right project, I would definitely want to do that. As of now, I haven't read any script that I have loved,''Devika said.When asked about the Indian directors she aspires to work with, Bhise said, "I would love to work with Rajkumar Hirani, Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra." An Edward R Pressman/Animus Films production in association with Cayenne Pepper Productions, 'The Man Who Knew Infinity' stars Dev Patel, Jeremy Irons, Devika Bhise, Stephen Fry, Toby Jones and Arundhati Nag.The film has been written and directed by Matthew Brown and is slated to release, in English and Tamil, on April 29.It has evoked lot of appreciation from critics and members of the film industry.UNI AR SV 1108 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0103-684156.Xml The mechanized and country boat fishermen of Ramanathapuram district would observe a day's fast at Thangachimadam coastal hamlet, here on April 19 demanding the Central and state governments to take steps for the release of 95 mechanized and country boats confiscated by Sri Lankan government. Talking to newsmen here today, Tamil Nadu Coastal Mechanized Boats Fishermen Association Secretary P.Seshu Raja said the livelihood of state fishermen is at stake because of continuous attacks, arrest of innocent fishermen and seizure of their boats by Sri Lankan Navy. He said the fishing industry that is providing several crores of foreign exchange revenue to the government exchequer is on the verge of collapse because of stoic silence being maintained by the Indian government. The Centre should take concrete steps to restore traditional fishing rights in the Palk Bay, immediate release of remaining fishermen languishing in Sri Lankan prisons and the impounded boats. If the Centre fails to react even after our fasting agitation, then we will mobile the support of fishermen of 13 coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry and stage a massive agitation before the May 16 Assembly election, he said. The Sri Lankan navy had arrested 413 fishermen from the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry in 51 incidents during the last 10-month-long fishing season. Except 13 fishermen nine from Pudukottai and four from Rameswaram, all others were released by Sri Lankan authorities sans boats. The mechanized fishing trawlers each priced about Rs 25 lakh to Rs 30 lakh were purposely not released by Sri Lanka aimed only to cripple the livelihood of fishermen, said a leader of fishermen association. UNI GSM CS 1112 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0414-684171.Xml President Pranab Mukherjee has conveyed his greetings and felicitations to Queen Margrethe II, the Queen of the Kingdom of Denmark on her birthday, which is on April 16.In his message, the President has said, "On behalf of the Government, the people of India and on my own behalf, it is with great pleasure that I extend warm greetings and felicitations on the occasion of Your Majesty's Birthday.''Mr Mukherjee said, ''Your Majesty's commitment and contribution in promoting friendship and cooperation between Denmark and India is appreciated deeply. I am confident that our ties will be further strengthened and enhanced in the coming days to the mutual benefit of our countries and our people.''''I would also like to take this opportunity to convey to Your Majesty my best wishes for your good health and well-being and for the continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of the Kingdom of Denmark,'' he added.UNI AR SV 1255 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0103-684273.Xml The city of Taj has been decked up to give a grand welcome to Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate Middleton on their maiden visit to the monument of Love Taj Mahal here tomorrow. Elaborate security arrangements are being put in place during the visit of Prince William and Kate Middleton, who will stay in the city for around nine hours and visit the Taj. District Magistrate Pankaj Kumar, who is himself monitoring all the arrangements, told UNI here today that all the government departments and security forces have been alerted for the Royal visit. According to the schedule, Will-Kate will arrive at the IAF airport in Agra by a special flight at 12.30pm and stop at a hotel near Taj Mahal's east gate, before visiting the monument from 3.45pm to 5.45pm. After dinner between 7pm and 9pm, the couple will depart for Delhi at 10pm. A senior officer said police will be deployed all along the route and around the monument till the couple's departure. The DM said that as the monument will not be closed to public during the visit of the Royal couple, police will have the additional responsibility of insulating the royals from the public between the hotel and the Taj. Officials said a delegation of 35 people will accompany the couple, who will also be given a VVIP treatment. Sources said inside the Taj premises, CISF will put barricades to keep the crowd away. Arrangements have also been made to station local, national and international media at various vantage points inside the monument. A meeting of senior police, CISF and ASI officials went on till late last evening finalizing the strategy for Saturday. Given the high profile of the royals, a 'human box' will be formed around them with British personnel forming the innermost cordon, while police and CISF will be guarding them from outside. Security agencies are expecting a huge crowd tomorrow as the Taj is closed today due to Friday. A senior CISF official said there would be additional deployment of personnel for crowd control.More UNI MB ADG CS1302 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-684153.Xml Janata Dal (United) MP Anil Sahni has dubbed Rajya Sabha chairman Mohammed Hamid Ansari's approval to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to prosecute him for his alleged role in the Leave and Travel Concession (LTC) scam as 'politically motivated'. "It was me who brought into light this scam following which the CBI conducted a raid at my house. It was me who told the Secretariat about the scam and now, I am being questioned for the role in this scam," Sahni told ANI. "Anybody can check my background as to how many times I have raised voice for the problems faced by the poor and the downtrodden. I have the proofs and evidences of my innocence. This is politically motivated. In the end, the truth will come out," he added. The scam relates to reimbursements being claimed against fake boarding passes and bills from the Rajya Sabha Secretariat. The CBI had filed a chargesheet against Sahni and three others in the scam in October last year. The agency had sought a prosecution sanction against Sahni, but went ahead and filed the chargesheet due to a delay in the process. Besides Sahani, others named in the CBI charge sheet were Anup Singh Panwar, an employee of Delhi-based Air Cruise Travels Private Limited, N S Nair, then Office Superintendent (Traffic), Air India and Arvind Tiwari, a private person. All Parliamentarians (both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha) get 34 free air tickets in a year for themselves, their family members and associates for domestic travel to their constituencies. (ANI) Indian Naval Ships Tir and Sujata, along with Indian Coast Guard Ship Varuna, comprising the first Training Squadron, are scheduled to visit Colombo, Sri Lanka today as part of their overseas deployment. The First Training Squadron forms part of Southern Naval Command (SNC) and comprises Indian Naval Ships Tir, Shardul, Sujata, ICGS Varuna and two Sail Training Ships Sudarshini and Tarangini, all of which have been built in India. The primary aim of the Squadron is to impart sea training to Naval and Coast Guard trainees, with a 24 weeks ab-initio sea training being imparted. All the trainees are trained in Seamanship, Navigation, Ship Handling, Boat Work, Technical aspects, whilst being exposed to the rigours of life at sea, so as to earn their 'sea legs'."Exchange of visits by the Indian and the Sri Lankan Naval ships as well as bilateral exercises such as SLINEX provide opportunities for extensive operational and training engagements and contribute to the maintenance of good order at sea," a statement issued by the Navy said here. "The present deployment of the Training Squadron to Colombo would further cement the close relations between the two nations and the two navies," it said. The Southern Naval Command (SNC) is the Training Command of the Indian Navy, which provides both basic and advanced training to officers and sailors of the Indian Navy. The Indian Navy has been providing training to personnel from friendly foreign countries for more than four decades, wherein more than 13,000 personnel from over 40 countries had been trained. The Indian Navy's focused approach for providing high quality training by constantly adapting to evolving tactics and technologies, has gained it a reputation of being one of the finest training destinations.UNI MK SV 1403 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0090-684346.Xml Designed by Japanese architect Kazuyo Sejima, who is known for making buildings that blend into the environment, the trains will sport a semi-reflective surface to give the illusion of invisibility when speeding through the city or countryside, News.com.au reported. Sejima was commissioned to design the train by Seibu Group, who are famous for their high-speed bullet trains, to celebrate their 100th anniversary. The brief was to create a "soft" and "gentle" design to "blend in with the landscape". Sejima will also design the interior to have a "living room" feel. The design will be launched on the current Red Arrow commuter train on a limited number of routes from 2018. (ANI) Working president of the main opposition National Conference (NC) Omar Abdullah has alleged that Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti toured to Delhi for promoting self when three people died in security forces firing at Handwara in the frontier district of Kupwara. However, his tweet evoked sharp reaction and was asked to remember 2010 when more than 120 people, mostly youths, were killed in security force and police firing when he (Omar) was Chief minister. Taking to micro blogging site Twitter Mr Abdullah said "3 people died as a result of firing by security forces & what does the J&K CM do? She continues her self-promoting tour of Delhi.". He further tweeted that " This is the same person (Mehbooba) who until a year ago would rush anywhere in the valley to shed contrived tears at the slightest provocation. However, a tweet asked Mr Abdullah " I think u miss 2010 ur Ist gift also same what Mahbooba give to day", while another said " Hum kashmiriyon keliye kala aur safed kuta bhai bhai... " all of u r alike... Be it Rahul Gandhi, Kejriwal! ", said a tweet while another aid " plz don't play politics life is more imp than ur CM chair and ur edit tweets". " Its ur tym nw rush anywhere in the valley to shed contrived tears at the slightest provocation ", "You too did same in your time. You all are liars and cowards who run after Delhi like a dog is after the owner. "That same person still there for them but people like u can't see him bcz u guys r belong to opposition", said a tweet while another aid "you have got no right to criticize her, you are the same one who butchered over 120 innocents in the turmoil of 2010 ".UNI BAS ADG AS1424 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0153-684234.Xml A barrack of Military Engineering Service (MES) was gutted in a devastating fire in the headquarters of 15 Corps at Badami Bagh Cantonment today. An official of the Fire and Emergency Service (F&ES) told UNI that fire broke out in a barrack of MES in the cantonment area. "We have rushed six fire tenders from different parts of the city to control the leaping flames, visible from a distance," he said. He said a barrack was damaged in the fire, which has now been brought under control. However, the cause of the inferno was being investigated, he said, adding that no injuries have been reported. Confirming the fire incident within the headquarters, defence ministry spokesman Colonel N N Joshi said civilian fire tenders were summoned as a precautionary measure. He said by the time civil fire tenders reached the spot, it was contolled. It was a minor fire involving a barrack. Earlier, he had said there was no fire inside the headquarter, he added.UNI BAS SB CS1446 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0153-684302.Xml Three children of a family met their water grave in the Bagmati river at Genhvi village under Mabi police station in the district this afternoon. Police said three siblings in the age group of 12 to 15 had gone to bathe in the river when one of them started drowning. When his eldest sister and brother tried to save him they too were swept away by the strong current caused by westerly wind. Their bodies had been fished out and sent for post-mortem, police added. UNI XC IS PL SB AS1520 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0211-684416.Xml However, prayers passed off peacefully at Hazratbal shrine, which houses the Holyrelic of Prophet Muhammad, where some separatists were taken into preventive custody after they raised'' pro-freedom'' and anti security force slogans. District administration had imposed restrictions under Section 144 CrPC in the entire downtown and SeK to maintain law and order. Today additional security forces were deployed outside the historic Jamia masjid at Nowhatta and nobody was allowed to enter there since this morning. There was no "Nimaz" even this morning, the local residents alleged and said no Friday prayers could be offered in the Masjid because of restrictions. However, despite restrictions Friday prayers were held in other mosques in the downtown and SeK, including at the shrine of Hazrat Mehboob-ul-Aalam. Reports of peaceful Friday prayers were also received from other parts of the valley.UNI BAS SB AS1637 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0153-684552.Xml All faction of Dalit parties should be integrated for the betterment of Dalit people, Republican Party of India-A (RPI-A) president Ramdas Athwale said here today.Interating with mediapersons, Mr Athwale said 'for the upliftment and betterment of people of Dalit community,' all political faction of community should be integrated.' He further said, 'He is ready to accept Prakash Ambedkar, grand son of Dr B R Ambedkar and national President of Bharipa Bahujan Mahasangha as President of the party. He (Mr Athwale) is ready to work in his leadership,' he said and added that except Mr Prakash Ambedkar, other factions are ready for reunited under one Dalit forum. Earlier, three times, it was worked out to integrate the political parties, but, due to Mr Prakash Ambedkar, it wasnot worked out, Mr Athwale said. UNI ST NV SB VP1642 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0169-684612.Xml Commenting on former law minister Hansraj Bhardwaj's claim that the UPA-I government wanted to dissolve the Mulayam Singh dispensation in Uttar Pradesh, Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Friday said that Congress president Sonia Gandhi blamed the Samajwadi Party supremo for not supporting her dream of becoming the Prime Minister of India, and therefore vouched for imposing President rule in UP. Swamy told ANI that Sonia Gandhi was always suspicious of Mulayam Singh. "I am not surprised. Sonia Gandhi, especially hates Mulayam, and wanted to take revenge ever since 1999 when Mulayam Singh refused to support her when she wanted to become the Prime Minister of India," said Swamy. "Sonia is very suspicious of Mulayam. In 2004, she could not become Prime Minister because of a legal bar. But in 1999 she had gone to the President and made a claim to become the PM. She said she had majority of 272 seats but Mulayam Singh who had 32 MPs, rightly refused because it was decided by everybody who contributed in the bringing down of the NDA government that Sonia Gandhi will not be the candidate," he added. Swamy further said that by claiming the chair of Prime Minister Sonia sought to break the consensus and left many. Swamy also accused Sonia Gandhi of betraying Bhardwaj, "Bhardwaj is a knowledgeable person, he has been very loyal to the Nehru family. He stood as a rock with the Nehru-Gandhi family in their difficult times. He knows the law well and Sonia dumped him blatantly and terminated his political career because he knew too much, perhaps after the Quattrocchi affair." "I don't blame him if he now feels that the truth about Sonia Gandhi should come out in the open and that's why, all of it is coming out. We welcome it, we encourage him to do more," he added. Bhardwaj had earlier said that the Congress-led UPA-I wanted to impose President's rule in Uttar Pradesh following reports of mismanagement and corruption in the state. "The then Governor of Uttar Pradesh used to brief the Congress about the crippled law and order, mismanagement and corruption in state The Congress Party, especially the Congress president, wanted to impose President's rule in Uttar Pradesh," said Bhardwaj. "When I was asked to give my opinion, I advised the Congress that Mulayam Singh government could not be dismissed only on the grounds of corruption, and that if the Governor wants, Singh can be prosecuted because at that time, he had already proved his majority on the floor of the house and to suspend him was not necessary," he added. Bhardwaj further said that then prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh was also in dilemma over the decision as the Congress' Core Group was in favour of dissolution of the Uttar Pradesh Government. (ANI) Deswal, who was from Haryana's Surheti village of Jhajjar district, is survived by his parents, wife and four-year-old son Arjun. Major Deswal of the 21 Special Force of Rashtriya Rifles died fighting militants in Manipur's Tamenglong district on April 13. His body arrived on Friday at the technical area of Palam airport in Delhi, and after a wreath-laying ceremony, it was moved to the Major's Surheti village. It was a sad and proud last farewell for Major Deswal. Family members, relatives and hundreds of residents, including politicians, officials, social workers, said they were saddened by the death of young officer. But they were also proud of the braveheart's "martyrdom". Full military honours and a gun salute were given to Major Deswal. One of the military officers at the funeral said the braveheart breathed his last in the true traditions of a warrior. Deswal was commissioned on June 10, 2006, into the Regiment of Artillery. After basic service, Deswal recognised that his calling was somewhere more adventurous. He opted for the Special Group at first, but finally opted for the coveted Special Forces. --Indo-Asian News Service pradeep/sd/vt ( 231 Words) 2016-04-15-17:53:30 (IANS) The action has been taken to force Mallya's return to India from the UK to face investigations in a case of bank loan payment default involving more than Rs 9,000 crore. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup said here that the diplomatic passport of Mallya had been immediately suspended for a period of four weeks with immediate effect under Section 10 A of the Passport Act. Mallya has been asked to respond within a week. ''If he fails to respond within the stipulated time, it will be assumed that he has no response to offer and the MEA will go ahead with the revocation,'' Mr Swarup added. A group of 18 banks, most of which are in the public sector, have rejected Mallya's offer to pay back the loans in installments. They want him to come back and negotiate in person. The MEA spokesperson said Mallya had been asked to explain why his passport should not be impounded under section 10(3) (C) of the Passports Act. Mallya, tweeting from UK has been denying that he was an absconder. The banks had approached the Supreme Court in February for stopping Mallya from travelling abroad. The Government then revealed to the court that he had already left the country.UNI NAZ/MK AE SB 1737 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0091-684875.Xml Vedanta, diversified natural resources company,today received a 'Letter of Award' for redevelopment of Berth No 8,9 and Barge Berths at Port of Mormugao, Goa ('Project') on design,build, finance, operate and transfer (DBFOT) basis. A statement from the company here said, the 'Letter of Award'was handed over to Vedanta's Iron Ore business chief executiveofficer Kishore Kumar by Mormugao Port Trust chairman I Jeyakumar inthe presence of Union Minister of Shipping, Transport and HighwaysNitin Gadkari at the Maritime India Summit (MIS) being held at Mumbai. Speaking on the occasion, Mr Gadkari said, ''Vedanta must usethis opportunity to upgrade the Mormugao Port and invest in inlandwaterways so that it can be used for trade extensively.'' Mr Kumar said, ''We are excited about the project and theopportunity to partner with the government of India. Theredevelopment of the Mormugao Port is essential for Goa asmodernisation and improvement of the port will bring a cascading oflarger vessels giving it the necessary impetus for enhancing andstimulating growth of maritime traffic, enhanced efficiency andcreate sustainable ports infrastructure. ''Vedanta, a diversified natural resources company with itsoperations close to ports and has the domain expertise to addressthe challenges in the maritime industry for the beneficiation ofresources, is the largest exporter of iron ore from Goa and thisproject would provide logistic integration to our iron ore businessapart from handling other cargo. ''The ramp up of the Goan iron ore industry beyond 20 milliontons through this port will be a significant gateway for the miningindustry in the state giving them the added advantage of end-to-endscale of operations in terms of cargo movement and consolidation.This public-private partnership enables Vedanta to partner in thegrowth story and vision of building a progressive India throughinnovation,'' Mr Kumar added.UNI AKM SS SM1756 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0169-684976.Xml Uttar Pradesh BJP has distanced itself from the controversial poster of the new party state president Keshav Prasad Maurya, which has gone viral in the social media from Varanasi. Party state spokesperson Dr Chandramohan told UNI here today that the person Rupesh Pandey, who had circulated the poster, was not a BJP leader nor he holds any post in the party at any level. " The party has nothing to do with the poster and it was an act by an individual on which the party do not agree," he further stated. The poster, which went viral on social media before the visit of Mr Maurya today in Varanasi, depicts the BJP president as Lord Krishna while BSP chief Mayawati, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav, state Parliamentary Affairs Minister Azam Khan and AIMIM chief Asauddin Owaisi were depicted as Dushashan pulling the saree of Draupadi, Uttar Pradesh. Ms Mayawati has been criticised in the poster for alleged corruption, Mr Gandhi for poverty and unemployment, Mr Khan for spreading communalism, Mr Yadav for 'goondaraj' and Mr Owaisi for 'anti-national' acts. The poster, put up by journalist-turned BJP's Varanasi leader Rupesh Pandey, has the photos of Mr Modi, BJP president Amit Shah, besides Mr Pandey. The poster also says,"Kalyug mei Keshav keval updesh nahi, Ranbhoomi me yudh karte hai,"(in Kalyug Keshav not only gives sermon but also fights in the war). Talking to UNI, BJP leader Rupesh Pandey said the poster depicts the feelings of the people of the state. ''These opposition leaders are doing -- chirharan- of the state through different mode and now the new BJP president has come to fight against all these Dushashans," he added. "We have projected the real picture of Uttar Pradesh and the acts of the opposition leaders," a senior party leader said, denying that through the poster the party leaders have tried to appease the newly appointed state president. UNI MB SB AN1832 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-684860.Xml Buoyed by the overwhelming response to of complete prohibition of liquor in Bihar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today pitched for total ban on liquor across the country. Buttressing his contention for complete prohibition in the country, the CM said that people in various states including neighbouring Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh had started raising such a demand as compelte prohibition of liquor in the state had left a "positive impact'' in the society. "Bihar has emerged as a source of inspiration for other states in view of the success it achieved in enforcing the total ban of sale of liquor in the larger interest of the society", the Chief Minister said after inaugurating'' Baba Keval "fair at Morwa Indrawara in the district. "An atmosphere of joy has been created following total prohibition. People across the country are excited and other states should follow suit and impose total ban on sale of liquor," Mr Kumar maintained. He said that the way people were in the strong favour of complete prohibition across the country, it could be presumed with certainty that the entire nation would become "dry" one day. Rejecting the apprehension that total prohibition would encourage sale of illicit liquor and smuggling of alcohol in the state , Mr Kumar said that his government would not allow sale of illegal liquor at any cost. Hesaid that the state government had fully activated its apparatus to prevent sale of illegal liquor and stern action would be taken against those indulging in such a trade under the new state excise policy. The CM also castigated opposition for spreading rumours on the sale of toddy in the state by clarifying that the sale of toddy was banned only at public places. He said that his government wanted to enhannce the socio economic status of the Pasi community by taking measures for sale of sweet toddy (neera) through state owned retail outlets but the Opposition was trying to derails its measures for political gains.UNI XC DH IS KK PS SB RAI1831 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0212-684849.Xml For Congress stalwart and former Railway Minister ABA Ghani Khan Choudhury's MLA brother Abu Naser Khan Choudhury the battle of ballot in his constituency Sujapur in unlikely to be a cake walk as the sitting legislator who crossed over to All India Trinamool Congress from Congress a few months back, is facing serious challenge from within his extended family and also nominee of the BJP. In his bid to defend his seat Sujapur in the Malda district in April 17 polling, Choudhury, a former state Minister is pitted against his nephew and Congress contestant Isha Khan Choudhury and BJP's Nandan Kumar Ghosh. Woes of AITC nominee emerges from within his extended family that has been rich Congress background as the 128 year old party in its bid to teach a lesson to its defector, have fielded Malda South MP Abu Hasem Khan Choudhury's son Isha Khan in this Muslim dominated assembly segment that generally proved to be a Congress strong-hold turning the battle into a Chacha-Bhatija(uncle-nephew) affair. Naser Khan Choudhury won twice from Sujapur as Congress candidate and switched over to the AITC in 2014. He says "I have joined the AITC so that I can work more effectively". Naser, who spent many years at Switzerland, has always been a bit of a renegade. He unsuccessfully fought the 1996 Lok Sabha elections as an independent against his brother ABA Ghani Khan Choudhury. Besides being challenged by his nephew, Naser is also at loggerheads with his niece Mausam Noor (Malda North MP). The appointment of Mausam Noor as the district Congress chief is said to be one of the reasons for his exit from the Congress. Naser said, "Abu Hasem and Mousam (Noor) have a grudge against me..,..They never wanted me to get power..,..I was denied ticket in the MP election even though everyone wanted me..,..They cash in our elder brother's (Ghani Khan) memory just to serve their own interests. They did nothing for the people of Malda. When I realised that only Mamta Banerjee can realise the dream of Ghani and then I became interested to join AITC long back but, 'Dalu' stopped me fearing loss of his power. Otherwise, I would have been in AITC long back." "People are with me..,..they believe that only I can realise dreams of Ghani Khan with the help of Mamta Banerjee." Abu Hasem reacted sharply to Lebu's claim, saying, "Never will you find such a selfish person. He is a shame to our family. We have never forgotten how he betrayed our elder brother (Ghani Khan) by standingagainst him in elections. Still, he forgave him. We nominated him from Sujapur, but he never stood by the people..,..This election will teach him a lesson and he will have no way left but to leave the country." Isha Khan Choudhury, the Congress candidate in Sujapur this time, however, made a straight talk."Being Ghani's relatives is an advantage for us in elections..,..But mere legacy would not help us in reaping success in elections in long run." "People now want service and as the people's representatives we are supposed to serve them by ensuring developments," Khan Choudhury, 44, a graduate in politics from a university in Canada said." Ever since coming to power in 2011 the Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee has been trying in various ways including introducing pensions for imams of mosques and muezzins (who say the azaans) to endear herself to the people of Muslim community. This ought to have helped the TMC nominee at Sujapur. But the Mamata factor is not at work here. Sujapur is regarded as the 'home-turf' of late Ghani Khan where from he made his debut in politics by getting elected an MLA as an independent candidate (the constituency was known as Kaliachak north then). After he was defeated here in 1957 as an independent candidate, Ghani contested as a Congress candidate for the first time from neighbouring Kaliachak in 1962 but could not win. However, he kept winning in assembly polls from Sujapur as a Congress candidate consecutively since 1967 till he was elected an MP from Malda in 1980. The senior dwellers of different villages in Sujapur who witnessed Ghani's rise from an MLA to the railway minister are still fond of recollecting how much they were benefited by Ghani Khan. But the assembly poll in 2016 has brought complications for the voters of Sujapur for whom Ghani Khan and his family members are synonymous with the Congress. This is for the first time Ghani's two close relatives brother Naser and nephew Isha are at loggerheads in Sujapur as Trinamool Congress and Congress candidates respectively.UNI BM RJ SS -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0098-684983.Xml City crime branch and the Anti-Terrorist Squad of Gujarat police have seized about 1,300 kg banned chemical ephedrine worth over Rs 270 crore from a factory on Naroda-Dehgam highway near Kanbha in this Gujarat district. Chemist Narendra Kancha was arrested from the factory. Police are on the lookout for Kishoresinh Rathod, son of a former North Gujarat Congress MLA Bhavsinh Rathod, and one Jay Mukhi, who are on the run. Crime branch officials suspect the chemical was being used to make narcotic and psychotropic substances, including methcathinone. A senior crime branch official claimed that this was one of the biggest seizures in the country and biggest in the state. Forensic experts have been asked to ascertain whether the seized material is banned under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS). The chemical, which was being processed, was brought in from near Pune in Maharashtra. Police got a tip-off about a fortnight ago, regarding the chemical being transported from Maharashtra. ''We know that ephedrine itself is not a banned chemical and would be used to process it into a narcotic substance. Ephedrine is listed as a Table-I precursor under the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances,'' said a crime branch officer. Crime branch and ATS officials had kept a vigil and raided the factory premises just as they suspected that the chemical was being processed. Visiting forensic experts orally confirmed to the police, the processed material could be a banned substance. A team of crime branch has left for Maharashtra to identify the kingpin behind the racket. Police believe the material was brought to Gujarat, in the wake of intensified vigil in the neighbouring state. Narendra had hired the factory premises as drug storage for a rent of Rs 31,000. He had come into contact with Kishoresinh Rathod a couple of years ago and the latter introduced him into this business. Police said Kishoresinh and Jay Mukhi had come in contact with a drug mafia of Polland they had met in Dubai and would probably facilitate the transfer of the processed ephedrine to Europe for consumption as a party drug. UNI ND RJ 1933 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0098-685232.Xml Actor Sidharth Malhotra has finished shooting for his upcoming film "Baar Baar Dekho", which stars Katrina Kaif opposite him."It's a film wrap! Thank you nityamehra19 and team for all the hard work and fun, special film fond," he posted along with a photograph.Sidharth took photo sharing platform Instagram to share a snap with the cast and crew of the Nitya Mehra-directed film."Baar Baar Dekho" is a romantic movie, marks the directorial debut of Nitya Mehra. Nitya earlier has been the assistant director to Farhan Akhtar for "Lakshya" and "Don".The film talks about a man who gets a chance to see his life ahead and then what he does with it. The love story has been extensively shot Glasgow in Scotland, Krabi in Bangkok and Delhi.The film is expected to release this year. UNI SHS AE SB 1944 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0329-685161.Xml Additional District Medical Officer (ADMO) Dr Harihar Panda has denied the death of two patients due to non availability of Oxygen at the District Head Quarter Hospital here. Dr Panda who probed into the death of two patients said as per the inquiry the death of Sayed Nurul Hassan was normal. The patient, he said came to the hospital in a critical condition and died despite the best efforts of the doctor. In the case of Sk Abdul Muktadar, the oxygen kept in the ward was empty. Later, another full oxygen cylinder was brought from the nearby ward, but it burst while the para medical staff was opening it. The patient however, died due to heart attack. He ruled out non-availability of oxygen cylinders in the hospital. As per the allegation one Sk Abdul Muktadar (57) of Jaipura, who was admitted to the hospital on April 13 last following breathing problem. The doctor advised for the administration of oxygen but he died due to non availability of Oxygen. A day before one Sayed Nurul Hassan (64) of Fakirabad also died due to non availability of oxygen cylinder. Irate people gheroed the hospital in protest against the callous attitude of the hospital authority to stock the oxygen cylinders.The agitation subsided following the intervention of police. Later the family members of the deceased persons lodged FIR against the doctor and para medical staff at Kendrapara Town police station..UNI XC BD BM SHS AN2035 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0214-685256.Xml Yesterday, some unknown robbers allegedly broke into the house and stabbed the girl who was sleeping. The killers decamped with a mobile phone and gold ornaments of the victim collectively worth Rs 1,60,000, police said. The girl has been identified as Priya Manohar Daravade. The Kadakpada police have registered an offence under sections 302, 457 and 380 of Indian Penal Code against unidentified killer, sources added.UNI XR SS SHS AN2135 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0169-685423.Xml Police intervened after a strong mob pelted stones on Ramnavmi procession which left at least 10 people injured, one of them critically. In the prevailing melee one person was also stabbed and was rushed to Gorakhpur in adjoining Uttar Pradesh for better treatment. Police said trouble started when the procession was attacked with stones in Bari Masjid locality. Stone pelting continued as the procession moved towards Kagzi Mohalla. Miscreants hurled stones on the procession from roof top. When the situation threatened to go out of control police fired several rounds to scare the warring groups belonging to two community.The Police later escorted the procession to its destination. Additional police personnel had been deployed to maintain peace and harmony in the locality. According to a report from Gopalganj, two groups of clashed and pelted stones on each other and indulged in arson and other unruly activities when a Ramnavami procession was passing through Meerganj Nagar Panchayat area under Meerganj police station area in Gopalganj district. Miscreants also set half a dozen shops, three bikes and as many bicycles on fire. Deputy Inspector General of Police (Saran range) Ajit Kumar, Commissioner of Saran Prabhat Shankar, District Magistrate of Gopalganj Rahul Kumar and Police Superintendent Ravi Ranjan reached the spot with police reinforcement to bring the situation under control. District Magistrate through public address system made appeal to the people to maintain peace and harmony.UNI XC DH BM SHS AN2122 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0214-685395.Xml West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee today said the opposition has created a 'Syndicate to complain', all they do is submit baseless complains all day. Addressing an election rally here at Nadia district, Ms Banerjee said, "The oppositions are only busy in complaining against day in day out. They neither have done any development and are well aware of being unable to do so," Regarding Election Commission's decision on removal of OCS, the chief minister said, "It is strange to see EC's decision to remove the police officials. The Commission must take care to ensure security to the voters." Ms Banerjee alleged BJP believes in divisive politics. The people do not support or believe in such ideology. "There are parties which want to divide Bengal during elections. That is the only work they have. On May 19 when results come out we will complete 5 yrs & usher a fresh government fresh term of development," Trinamool supremo said. Ms Banerjee said, "Bengal's soil does not talk of division, we believe in unity and brotherhood. We must remember that the soil of Bengal represents peace, our responsibility is to preserve that. We belong to the land of Rabindranath Tagore, Vivekandanda and Nazrul. We must never forget that." "We have stood beside people in times of floods, drought & accidents, unlike CPI(M) in the past. If we did not form Trinamool Congress, removing CPI(M) from the state wouldn't have been possible," she said. Praising Nadia's development the chief minister said there is ample scope of development in the area. "Nadia is a pool for development. It has its own weapon of textile to use for development. Three out of India's best districts belong to Bengal," Ms Banerjee added.UNI BM SHS AN2211 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0136-685521.Xml People cutting across all sections of the society lined up before temple since the break of the dawn to pay their obeisance to Lord Ram. The centre of attention was Mahavir Mandir where devotees made a long queue before the temple from past midnight itself. Mahavir Mandir, located near Patna railway junction attracts devotees in a huge number every year and special police bandobast is made to control the crowd. A perfect example of peaceful coexistence was also on full display in the state capital when devotees waited for hours to pay their obeisance to Ram and his "Bhakta", Hanuman at Mahavir Mandir while a large number of Muslim brethren offered their Friday prayers at a neighbouring mosque, considered as a prominent shrine of the state. Ramnavami processions were also taken out in Patna and other towns of the state while cassettes of Ram Bhajans were played to make the atmosphere more devotional and spiritual. Bihar Governor Ramnath Kobind greeted people of the state on the occasion of Ramnavami and appealed people of the state to celebrate the festival by maintaining peace and harmony in the society. He said the festival of Ramnavami had a special significance as Lord Ram was respected and worshiped for high values in his life. State Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also congratulated people of the state on the occasion. He appealed people of the state to celebrate the festival without disturbing peace and harmony in the society.UNI DH BM PY SHS RAI2213 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0214-685430.Xml Mr Kushwaha attacked Mr Prasad after the RJD Chief made an allegation against Mr Modi at a function in the state capital yesterday that the PM in his book "Karmyog" had made adverse comments against Dalits particularly manual scavengers. RLSP Chief said Mr Prasad wanted to hog the media limelight in any possible way and hence was making baseless allegation against the Prime Minister. He said RJD chief Lalu Prasad was only interested in establishing his family members in the field of politics while Mr Modi was busy with implementing various pro-people schemes in the country. He said the Centre was committed for the speedy development of Bihar, adding that the state`s performance in education and health sectors was more deplorable. Mr Kushwaha said the Centre wanted to open Kendriya Vidyalays in the state but the Centre was not providing land for the purpose.UNI DH BM SHS AN2206 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0214-685462.Xml By discovering supernova iron on the moon, a team of researchers has confirmed that a star died near our solar system in the ancient past. A dying star ends its life in a cataclysmic explosion, shooting the majority of the star's material, primarily new chemical elements created during the explosion, out into space. One or more such supernovae appear to have occurred close to our solar system approximately two million years ago. Evidence of the fact has been found on the earth in the form of increased concentrations of the iron isotope 60Fe detected in Pacific ocean deep-sea crusts and in ocean-floor sediment samples. This evidence is highly compelling: The radioactive 60Fe isotope is created almost exclusively in supernova explosions. And with a half-life of 2.62 million years, relatively short compared to the age of our solar system, any radioactive 60Fe originating from the time of the solar system's birth should have long ago decayed into stable elements and thus should no longer be found on the earth. This supernova hypothesis was first put forth in 1999 by researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) who had found initial evidence in a deep-sea crust. Now their claim has received further substantiation: Physicists at the TUM and their colleagues from the USA have succeeded in demonstrating an unusually high concentration of 60Fe in lunar ground samples as well. The samples were gathered between 1969 and 1972 during Apollo lunar missions 12, 15 and 16, which brought the lunar material back to earth. It's also conceivable that 60Fe can occur on the moon as the result of bombardment with cosmic particles, since these particles do not break up when colliding with air molecules, as is the case with the earth's atmosphere. Instead they directly impact the lunar surface and can thus result in transmutation of elements. "But this can only account for a very small portion of the 60Fe found," explained Dr. Gunther Korschinek, physicist at TUM and scientist of the Cluster of Excellence Structure and Origin of the Universe. "We therefore assume that the 60Fe found in both terrestrial and lunar samples has the same source: These deposits are newly created stellar matter, produced in one or more supernovae," added Dr. Korschinek. Since the moon generally provides a better cosmic record than the earth, the scientists were also able to specify for the first time an upper limit for the flow of 60Fe that must have reached the moon. Among other things this also makes it possible for the researchers to infer the distance to the supernova event: "The measured 60Fe-flow corresponds to a supernova at a distance of about 300 light years," says Korschinek. "This value is in good agreement with a recently theoretical estimation published in nature." The lunar samples were investigated using the high-sensitivity accelerator mass spectrometer of the Maier-Leibnitz Laboratory near Munich. The study appears in journal Physical Review Letters. (ANI) Pakistan's former permanent representative at the United Nations in Geneva and envoy at the Conference on Disarmament, Zamir Akram, has said that "chances of India gaining entry into Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), were virtually nil", and appeared convinced of this despite New Delhi having the support of the United States. Ambassador Akram was speaking at a conference on the International Nuclear Order, organised by the Strategic Vision Institute and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung yesterday, where he dismissed India's chances, reports the Dawn. This is the second time in a month that a senior official involved with the country's nuclear affairs has made such comments. Last month, adviser to the National Command Authority, retired Lt Gen Khalid Kidwai, at a conference, said , "We also have friends in NSG who would not let it happen." He opined that Beijing would not allow New Delhi to enter the coveted group because this would affect its nuclear cooperation with Islamabad and said that China is committed to ensuring that both India and Pakistan gain membership at the same time, reports the Dawn. Akram asserted that some countries were upset by the "double standards" being shown in India's case. In 2008, India received a country-specific safeguards agreement at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which set at ease exemptions from the NSG for nuclear trade with India, despite not being the signatory of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Both China and Pakistan initially opposed to India-specific agreement with the IAEA, but later withdrew the objection after U.S. pressure on Islamabad. Talking about the global nuclear order, the Ambassador asserted that it has been destabilized due to various factors, including the world powers' double standards and discriminatory exemptions granted to India. Meanwhile, Former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, General Ehsanul Haq, in the conference criticised the world nuclear order for being "highly discriminatory and obstructive". He asserted that Pakistan's nuclear programme would continue to defend itself. "No matter how adverse the environment, to provide us the credible deterrence against the existential threats we confront," Haq said. (ANI) Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull invoked the spirit of late reformist leader Deng Xiaoping on Friday to urge China to continue opening up to the outside world, as he addressed concerns about Internet freedoms and market access for foreign firms.Turnbull's China visit, leading a delegation of 1,000 business leaders, the largest ever by an Australian leader, comes amid a slowing of growth in the Chinese economy, which is crucial for Australian jobs.Earlier this month, China raised taxes on goods bought on overseas e-commerce platforms, then sparked more confusion with a last-minute list that restricted some products from being sold through these channels, leading to sharp share price gyrations by firms in close trade partners like Australia.Asked about the new e-commerce restrictions, as well as China's tightening controls on the Internet and human rights issues in general, Turnbull said Australia and China have regular and very open discussion about rights."The truth is, as I said in Shanghai, the more open China is the stronger it is," Turnbull told reporters."Deng Xiaoping said, in the days when China was open to the world it was strong; when it became closed it became weak," he added, citing the man who ushered in China's landmark economic reforms more than three decades ago.China, the world's second-largest economy, is trying to shift to a more consumption-driven economic model as growth stalls.Shortly after Turnbull spoke, China announced its economy grew 6.7 percent in the first quarter from a year earlier, meeting expectations but at its slowest pace in seven years.Turnbull said Chinese Premier Li Keqiang told him how he was trying to boost the small business sector in China."Premier Li explained how he saw enabling the small business sector, giving the small business sector the freedom to incorporate new businesses," Turnbull said."So he recognises as part of his economic plan the freedom of businesses to incorporate, to get on and have a go as we would say, is critical to job creation and developing that more diverse economy that he aspires to. Of course we will all benefit from a stronger Chinese economy."While China and Australia have close business ties, including a free trade agreement, Canberra is also a strong security ally of the United States.Turnbull said all claimants in the disputed South China Sea should settle their disputes peacefully. China claims most of the energy-rich waters, through which about $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year, but the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims.Plans to deepen U.S.-Philippine military ties, including joint patrols in the South China Sea, reflect a "Cold War mentality", China's defense ministry said on Thursday, pledging to resolutely oppose any infringement on its sovereignty."The remarkable economic gains in this region, by every country, including our own and of course including China, has been based on a foundation of peace and stability. And anything which has the potential of disturbing that peace and stability works against the interests of all nations," said Turnbull.REUTERS SV NS0932 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0103-684100.Xml Yemeni forces backed by Apache helicopters from a Saudi-led coalition wrested the city of Houta from al Qaeda fighters after a gun battle this morning, a local military official said. Their recapture of Houta, the regional capital of Lahj province which has been held by the militants since last summer, is one of the embattled Yemeni government's most important inroads yet against al Qaeda forces who have taken advantage of more than a year of war to seize territory. Government troops began their attack at daybreak and succeeded after several hours of air strikes and heavy combat, the military official told Reuters. "The campaign to control Houta has been completed and it has been cleansed of al Qaeda and extremist elements," he said. Several people were killed and injured on both sides and 48 militants were captured, he added. Saudi Arabia and its mostly Gulf Arab allies entered Yemen's civil war on March 26 last year in support of Yemen's internationally recognised government after it had been pushed into exile by the Iran-allied Houthi group. Amid impoverished Yemen's security chaos, Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) seized the port city of Mukalla and extended its area of control and influence about 600 km (370 miles) along Yemen's southern coast toward the government seat at Aden. A Reuters investigation this month revealed that the group earns up to $2 million every day by taxing imports of basic goods and fuel. Until the attack on Houta, AQAP has suffered few territorial losses despite a stepped-up American campaign of air strikes and drone attacks on its bases.REUTERS SV AS1419 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0103-684423.Xml British police said they had arrested five men on suspicion of preparing acts of terrorism as part of an investigation which had involved Belgian and French authorities to address any threat to Britain after the Paris and Brussels attacks."The arrests were pre-planned and intelligence-led. There was no risk to the public at any time and there is no information to suggest an attack in the UK was being planned," Assistant Chief Constable Marcus Beale from West Midlands Police said in a statement today.REUTERS PS AS1609 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0421-684638.Xml Deportations of refugees and migrants to Turkey and the detention of asylum-seekers on Greek islands must stop, three aid groups said today, citing fears for human rights raised by an EU-Turkey deal to curb an influx of people into Europe.Determined to turn the tables on Europe's acute migration crisis, Brussels and Berlin have voiced satisfaction with the first results of the scheme under which Turkey is to take back all people arriving undocumented on Greek islands from its soil.The EU has so far returned 325 people, including two Syrians, and resettled 79 Syrians directly from Turkey since the disputed accord was enforced early in April. Ankara expects more deportations of Syrians soon."Refugees could be returned to Turkey without having had a proper asylum hearing or without receiving the necessary information about their legal rights," international charity Oxfam, humanitarian NGO Norwegian Refugee Council and Greek group Solidarity Now warned in a joint statement.Those arriving in Greece are often kept in detention to prevent them trekking north towards wealthier EU states. More than 1.1 million migrants reached the EU last year, most of them following an overland path from Greece to Germany."The increasing use of detention as a restriction of the freedom of movement of asylum-seekers on the grounds of their irregular entry is a major concern," they aid groups said.From the onset, the EU-Turkey agreement has been fiercely criticised by United Nations refugee and human rights agencies, as well as rights groups, as immoral and a violation of international humanitarian law against blanket returns.Legal concerns also zero in on the detention of asylum-seekers, serious shortcomings in asylum procedures amid chaos on the ground, and various risks faced by those returned to Turkey.To avoid breaching the law, the EU has started with less contested returns of economic migrants but Greece has now also issued initial asylum decisions under the deal, declaring 10 Syrians inadmissible so far, according to people familiar with a daily internal progress report by the EU's executive arm.Brussels is keen to keep the returns going as it believes they are deterring more people from risking the short but perilous trip across the Aegean Sea to Greece.Arrivals from Turkey to Greece have diminished markedly since the deal was enacted.But for the deportation policy to cover more people, Turkey must still introduce legal protections for non-Syrians who would be sent back, an issue the head of the European Commission will raise with the Turkish prime minister on April 19.Senior EU officials and German Chancellor Angela Merkel will next week visit the Turkish city of Gaziantep near the border with Syria, where five years of civil war, coupled with other crises in the Middle East, have unleashed a tide of migration towards Europe. REUTERS PS BL1856 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0421-685124.Xml Fighting between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian government troops has increased sharply in eastern Ukraine in defiance of calls to observe a year-old peace agreement, the head of an international monitoring mission said today.The February 2015 Minsk ceasefire deal failed to completely halt the conflict that is now in its third year. Both sides accuse the other of violating the terms of the truce -- which includes a pullback of heavy weapons -- and casualties among soldiers or civilians are reported almost daily."We have been registering with great concern the deterioration of the situation in the east for months now," said Ertugrul Apakan, chief monitor of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's monitoring mission to Ukraine."It is regrettable that the sides did not heed our many calls for restraint," he said in an emailed statement.The continued fighting has helped sap public confidence in Ukraine's Western-backed leadership, which underwent its biggest reshuffle since December 2014 this week with the appointment of a new prime minister and cabinet.Twenty Ukrainian soldiers were reported killed in March -- the army's highest monthly death toll since August, while seven have been killed so far in April, according to Reuters calculations based on military data.In the past 24 hours Ukrainian positions on the front line experienced the heaviest attack from mortar and light weapons since August 27, military spokesman Andriy Lysenko said in daily televised briefing.The government-held town of Avdiyivka, north of rebel-controlled Donetsk, was the focus of the majority of the attacks, he said.Over 9,000 people have been killed since fighting between Ukrainian troops and rebels seeking independence from Kiev erupted in April 2014.Kiev accuses Russia of seeking to destabilise Ukraine for seeking closer ties with Europe by supporting the separatists with weapons and fighters -- a charge the Kremlin denies.REUTERS PY BL2056 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0298-685424.Xml A sprawling US-built complex in Parwan province, northwest of Kabul, acts as jail, hospital and courtroom for thousands of combatants captured on battlefields across Afghanistan.Now run by Afghan security forces, the facility is touted by US commanders as a potential model for counter-terrorism operations in Afghanistan and beyond.To do so, it will have to avoid past prisoner abuse scandals that have damaged the reputation of the US military and its allies, including in Afghanistan and Iraq."It will be an essential part of a future counter-terrorism platform in Afghanistan," General John Nicholson, the new commander of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, told Reuters on a visit to the Parwan facility.Reflecting the intensifying battle between Afghan security forces and Taliban militants, the National Security and Justice Centre has seen the number of prisoners rise from 700 at the end of 2014 to 4,400 inmates now.The facility has a maximum capacity of 5,900.The centre was transferred to Afghan authority at the end of 2014, when US and NATO forces ended their combat operations in Afghanistan and their mission was refocused to training and assisting Afghan forces and counter-terrorism.Many captives taken by Afghan forces are now transferred to Parwan instead of being held at regional jails, said US military officials accompanying Nicholson, including chief spokesman Brigadier General Charles Cleveland.They receive medical treatment if required, undergo security checks and are charged. They remain detained while their cases are investigated by prosecutors and, if warranted, are tried before judges in the justice centre."RULE OF LAW"US officials at the jail confirmed "some" foreign fighters were being held there, but gave no further details.US troops have been accused of abusing prisoners in the old military prison in Bagram, not far from the Parwan centre.The officials said safeguards protecting the rights of detainees had been put in place."We have to have the rule of law, so that when we capture these terrorists on the battlefield they have to be delivered to the judicial system," Nicholson said.The new facility does have its problems, however. Nicholson was told during a meeting with Afghan officials that a lack of fuel had become a significant issue."Some of this is due to incompetence, but some of it is due to corruption," Nicholson told the officials, who included the commander of the facility, Lieutenant General Mir Saheb Gul."We will look into this, because we buy enough fuel that you should not have to worry about it," he said.Security at the facility, provided by police and Afghan soldiers, is an obvious concern.Recent militant attacks on urban centres, including in the northern city of Kunduz which the Taliban briefly captured last year, have begun with an assault on the local jail.US officials travelling with Nicholson said centralising different functions in one location would hopefully prevent mass jail breaks that have embarrassed Afghan authorities and their NATO allies in the past.Most famously, 488 inmates escaped jail in southern Kandahar province in April 2011 through a 320-metre tunnel dug by the Taliban from a nearby house into the main jail.Officials travelling with Nicholson described the Parwan facility as "tunnel-proof".REUTERS PY BL2113 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0298-685435.Xml Australia expects to further expand its co-operation with China in international education and tourism. Richard Colbeck, Minister for Tourism and International Education presented a speech at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies in the Guangdong provincial capital on Friday. Here is Colbeck's speech: "Australia and China have a very long and productive history of education co-operation, stretching back over many decades. Australia places great value on the educational partnerships that have been built between China and Australia. Australian universities have over 1,200 formal agreements with Chinese universities. The Australian government is committed to strengthening and diversifying education partnerships with China to ensure that they continue delivering mutual benefits while keeping its pace with demand for high quality education in China. International education and tourism have become two of Australia's super-growth sectors for the next decade as Australia transitions from a resources based economy to one supported by a modern service sector that is fully integrated with global networks. Australia offers world class education teaching, learning and research opportunities to international students and we welcome their contribution to our multicultural lifestyle. Australia is ranked the third, after the United States and UK, for attracting international students and we will be working hard to ensure our place among the global leaders in education is maintained. International education, foreign students are already Australia's 4th biggest export earner and China is predicted to drive great growth in demand in the future. According to the minister, there are about 136,000 Chinese students studying in Australia in 2015, consisting 27.3 percent of all international students in the country, the highest of any nationality. And it is of great potential for Australia and China to expand their co-operation in the tourism industry in the years to come." Colbeck met Lan Fo'an, deputy governor of Guangdong province, to discuss the expansion of ties between Australia and Guangdong province. Colbeck also visited Beijing and Shanghai before arriving in Guangzhou. Australia's most valuable tourism market is the Chinese tourists who bring in a record $6.3 billion per year. Chinese visitor arrivals in Australia increased from 100,000 in 2000 to one million last year. Chinese expenses in Australia have increased by more than 400 percent in the past decade, from $1.5 billion Australian dollars in 2005 to A$7.7 billion Australian dollars in 2015. Imbert to meet with Association heads On Wednesday, the Heads of the three Associations led by Inspector Anand Ramesar, Ceron Richards and Leo Ramkissoon held an emergency meet to express their dissatisfaction over the proposal to pay the arrears owed to members of the protective services. The three heads declared outright that they were not in agreement with the proposal adding that they were never consulted by government. Yesterday, Minister Imbert agreed to meet with the Association heads separately to have consultation on the matter. Newsday understands that the membership of the Police, Fire and Prisons have already indicated to their associations presidents that they are not willing to accept the planned payment of the outstanding arrears. Newsday understands that the Police Association have scheduled a General Council meeting of their membership on 25th of this month to seek their final guidance on the matter. President of the Police Social Welfare Association (PSWA) Inspector Ramesar confirmed that he and his executive will be meeting with the finance minister of 26th of this month and added we have been advised by membership on options they would like to present to government but there will be a meeting for final consideration for the on the issue. He said that some of the options that the membership will like to see made available to them are the distribution of HDC houses and shares in state enterprises among others. 2 on grenade charges David Thomas, 28, of Phase 4 La Horquetta, yesterday appeared before Chief Magistrate Marcia Ayers-Caesar in the Port-of-Spain Eleventh Court, on three charges of discharging and detonating an explosive and lethal device with attempt to case death or serious bodily injury to persons as well as wounding Ricardo Harewood and Kristopher St Cyr with intent to cause them grievous bodily harm. On Wednesday, another man Umar Prescott, 24, of Malick, appeared before Magistrate Aden Stroude in the Port-of-Spain Fifth Court, on the same charges. Both men were charged under Section 17 (1 a) of the Anti Terrorism Act. They were charged by Inspector Anthony Harford of the Barataria Police Station and are both represented by attorney Richard Clarke-Wills. Neither man has been granted bail and will both reappear before the Chief Magistrate on April 29. Thomas, at his court appearance yesterday, asked that he not be remanded to the Port-of- Spain Prison at Frederick Street, raising safety concerns as it relates to inmates incarcerated at that facility. Although there was resistance by the prosecution, which noted that the security arrangements at both the Port-of-Spain Prison and the Maximum Security Prison in Arouca were the same, Ayers-Caesar ordered that Thomas be remanded to the Arouca facility. It is alleged that both men, along with other persons, detonated the grenade on March 23, at Sixth Avenue, Malick. Thief uses pillow to rob man Dipchan Maharaj, 53, a self employed businessman of St James Street, Battoo Avenue was stifled with the pillow by the bandit while his accomplices ransacked the house in search of the precious metal. The suspects made good their escape with $22,000 worth of jewelry, a scale and a cell phone valued at $450 and $590 respectively. Maharaj who survived the ordeal later told police that at about 5 am on Wednesday, he was asleep in his bedroom when he was awakened by the voice of a man close to him. The man, the police report stated, announced a holdup and demanded that Maharaj - who was still lying in his bed - hand over cash and jewelry. The man dealt his victim some blows about the body before placing the victims own pillow over his face. Maharaj told police he also heard voices of two other men in the house. The intruders left a short while later and on checking, he discovered his jewelry, cell phone and scale missing, police further reported. PC Noel of the Marabella Police Station is conducting investigations Arson attack baby fights for life According to reports, shortly after 3 pm on Wednesday, the two children were inside their home located at Stol Road in Palo Seco. Reports are that the childrens father Keino Jacob, 25, was assisting his father to build a dog kennel, next to his home. The childrens mother was said to be outside the house. Reports stated Jacob heard his son screaming and saw smoke coming from the house. He rushed inside the burning house to rescue the children who were then taken to the Palo Seco health Centre and transferred to the San Fernando General Hospital. Siparia Fire services as well as an appliance from Petrotrins Santa Flora base responded but the house was completely destroyed. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Police sources said that arson is strongly suspected behind the fire and investigations are continuing. kidnap suspect charged with murder Gordon, 22, of Bois Jean Jean, Moruga was gunned down while liming with friends at Serees Bar, located at the corner of Circular and Manahambre Roads, Princes Town. Kareem Toussaint, Joshua Sankar, Samantha Roopan and Kabeer Mohammed were also shot and injured when one of two men exited a silver AD wagon and opened fire on patrons at the bar. Gordon was shot in the head and buttocks and died on the spot. The suspect who police said has a long rap sheet was wanted on seven outstanding warrants, not only for kidnapping but robbery with violence and demanding money by violence. He is also expected to be charged with four counts of wounding with intent, possession of firearm, possession of ammunition, possession of firearm to endanger life and possession of ammunition to endanger life. PC Bacchus of the Criminal Investigation Department laid the charges. $3.5M bail for 5 on ganja charges The five appeared before Senior Magistrate Margaret Alert and while one of them was remanded into custody, bail was granted to the other four in the sum of $3.5 million. The marijuana, reportedly valued $1.5 million, was taken into the courthouse by police officers of the Organised Crime and Narcotics Unit, in eight crocus bags. The were compressed and packed in 280 cubes wrapped in plastic. Magistrate Alert read the charge to the five men who ranged in ages between 27 and 48. The charge was laid indictably and the five were not called upon to plead. A preliminary inquiry would be held and if committed, they would be tried in the High Courts before a judge and jury. The charges stemmed from the interception of the pirogue by the coast guard vessel known as the TTS Speyside-CG24 vessel. The pirogue was escorted to the Coast Guard base in Chaguaramas and the bags with the marijuana were seized. Seven cell phones were also taken by the coast guard. The charge read by Alert to the five, alleged that on Sunday, they were trafficking in a dangerous drug called marijuana on the Columbus Channel. The five men are from Moruga, south Oropouche, Diego Martin and Toco. Yesterday, attorney Subhas Panday represented all five men and pleaded to Alert to grant bail. The magistrate remanded one of them into custody, granted another $500,000 and the other three, $1 million each. They are to reappear on May 12. Retrenched workers on the road They are demanding that Government and Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, say something about their unemployment status. The sit-down protest came days after Rowley announced that Government would honour a $52 million payout to former Caroni 1975 Ltd cane workers, many of whom have also received pensions and acres of state lands. In addition to the $52M, cane farmers are demanding a further $103M payment from the State. President of the Steel Workers Union (SWUTT) Christopher Henry pleaded with Rowley and Attorney General Faris Al-Rawi to get involved in the issue as over 600 steel workers are now without jobs. He called on the Government to clear the air regarding legislation which will ensure they receive their full benefits. We are saying the Attorney General has to say something. We are saying that Dr Keith Rowley must say something, a fighting Henry declared as scores of laid off workers sat in the middle of the road. The protest began at four oclock in the morning at the Pt Lisas Roundabout. Comrades, there are senior counsels and lawyers looking from the outside who are saying legislation could be taken immediately to Parliament to amend, retroactively, so we could be included to get our monies. That is all we are asking of this government. Henry added, If the lawyers are saying so, if the Opposition says if they (Govt) come with the amendment they will support it, comrades all we saying to government is, take it (to Parliament), if it fail...it fail. But dont fail to do something. Dont stand by like the Minister of Finance (Colm Imbert) and say, hands off . He warned the dismissed workers that the battle will be long and hard and they must not give up. We have been denied a right to a severance benefit after so much years working inside that harsh industry for Arcelor Mittal. We were put out, we were terminated wrongfully because there was no reason to terminate us and we had to leave without a cent. Workers have the full support of Joint Trade Union Movement (JTUM), National Trade Union Centre (NATUC) and Federation of Independent Trade Unions (FITUN), Henry assured. We must continue to fight to ensure that legislation changes immediately. Henry was unapologetic for the protest leading to massive traffic saying that like the motorists, protesters too, have been inconvenienced, inconvenienced by the action of a multi-national company. There was a large contingent of heavily armed police officers who warned protesters that they could not block the road. No arrest was made. Some of the workers sang, Imbert only lying on workers...Imbert tell the truth and stop lying on workers. Too many Indians in agency They have given the State, 21 days in which to respond to the letter. The most damning of the allegations is that of Dennie, who said he was summoned to a meeting and told there were, too many Indians in the agency, and an effort was being made to, get rid of some of them. According to Dennie, he resisted this suggestion, saying he felt the agency needed to retain and increase its complement of Indian members of staff as it would assist in certain operational aspects of the work. He said he indicated at that meeting that he had no difficulty with firing any employee who was not performing but he did not think it would be proper to do so based on ethnicity. Dennie, who was appointed on December 4, 2014, for a period of three years, was fired last December 14. He is claiming a total loss of $993,720, including damages and aggravated damages. Bisnath was appointed on April 17, 2012, and his contract renewed on April 17, 2014, for a further three years. He was dismissed on November 11, of last year. He alleged his removal as Director of the SSA was contrary to the principles of natural justice, as he was not given a fair hearing before his dismissal. No reason was provided. Bisnath earned a remuneration package of $40,500 a month and is seeking compensation for loss of earnings. Ganpath, who was appointed in December 2010, and reappointed on September 2012, for a period of three years, and again on February 2015, for the same period, said he was fired on December 14, of last year, on the grounds of loss of confidence and trust to perform his duties as deputy director. He is claiming loss of damages amounting to $1.3 million. Flemming, who was appointed on in October 2013, for a period of three years, was dismissed on December 4, 2015, on the ground of gross misconduct. The former information and communications technology assistant director said he was never afforded an opportunity to respond to allegations made against him and was told by interim director of the agency Matthew Andrews, that the, States pockets were very deep and they could go the full distance. He is claiming loss of earnings amounting to $669,680. Singh, appointed on November 1, 2013, for three years, was dismissed on February 10, on the basis of loss of confidence and trust to perform his duties. He is claiming $475,470. All five are represented by attorneys of Freedom House Chambers led by former Attorney General Anand Ramlogan We are really sorry There was not the breath of time to engage in the kind of consultation that is required where you sit, you discuss, and the unions discuss and they consult with their own membership and then come back to the table, the minister said at the post-Cabinet media briefing. Time did not permit that. We are really sorry about such a situation developing. Baptiste-Primus said when Minister of Finance Colm Imbert returns from official business abroad next week, he will meet with the associations. I am quite sure once the Minister of Finance comes back and that meeting is held with the three unions in the Ministry of National Security, I am quite sure there would be a meeting of the minds because bonds have, in the past, been an acceptable form of payment within the Public Service, Baptiste-Primus said. A day prior, the Police Social Welfare Association, the Fire Service Association, and the Prison Officers Association held a press conference expressing disappointment that they were not consulted. Last Friday, Imbert announced the Governments intention to pay 50 per cent of the outstanding arrears of salary to public officers by the end of June. The remaining 50 per cent will either be paid in interest-bearing government bonds by the end of September 2016, or in two further instalments in cash in 2017, at the option of the workers, Imbert said. On the Governments pledge to fulfil a promise to pay $1 million in compensation to the families of members of the protective services killed in the line of duty, Baptiste-Primus confirmed this would be retroactive, meaning previous officers who died will be covered. This would mean that officers killed previous to PC Anson Benjamin, PC Sherman Maynard, PC Anil Persad, and Sgt Hayden Manwaring would be among those covered. The Labour Minister said to effect the payment required a legal order, which could not be effected by a Cabinet note, but did not require legislation. But she referred further queries for details to Minister of National Security Edmund Dillon. In relation to Arcelor Mittal terminated workers, Baptiste-Primus said Chris Kelshall had been appointed as liquidator of the steel company and that a branch of the Unit Trust Corporation will process cheques in relation to a savings plan by the end of this week or early next week. Severance payments remain impossible under current provisions of law. She defended the timeline of implementation for legislative reforms for workers rights, saying dialogue is to begin on May 18. She said while it was open to Government to bring more urgent reform, the State must consult. She saw merit in consulting the Law Association on the matter. Kamla: PNM hired OAS Citing a statement by Finance Minister Colm Imbert in Parliament last Friday, Persad-Bissessar said he would, want us to believe the PNM had nothing to do with the contract for the highway to Point Fortin. Let me tell you the truth about that contract so we can put this matter to rest. Colm Imbert as Works and Infrastructure Minister approved OAS, she said, adding, there are official documents available at NIDCO with all of the details. And (Prime Minister Dr Keith) Rowley knows it. According to official documents, the former Prime Minister said, advertisements for the project were placed in the local and international media in February 2010 and tenders closed on May 7, 2010. Who was in government then, she asked, as supporters shouted: PNM! She continued, On May 13, 2010 the Tenders Evaluation Committee recommended that NIDCO enter into negotiations with Construtora OAS and sent the recommendation to Colm Imbert, the Ministry of Works and Transport. Who was in government? The day after the general election May 25, 2010 while the PNM government was still legally in office, NIDCO informed OAS by letter that it was the preferred contractor. The PNM did all the work, handled the tenders and after it lost the election and was still legally in government it went ahead and approved OAS, she said. Rowley and Imbert are saying that the PNM had nothing to do with it because that letter from NIDCO to OAS went out on May 25, 2010. On that date, the PNM was still in office and remained in office until I was sworn in as Prime Minister on the afternoon of May 26th 2010. My government followed the accepted democratic tradition of continuity after the change of government. The question we should be asking of them is this: why were they so eager to sign on with OAS when they knew that the people had elected a new government, Persad-Bissessar asked. She also knocked Minister in the Office of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs and Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Stuart Young saying he misread the Contract Addendum No. 2 signed between NIDCO and OAS. On April 1, All Fools Day, Stuart Young came to Parliament to tell the story of the contract with OAS and what a tale it was, Persad- Bissessar said, adding, Stuart claimed that we, burdened tax payers with the additional expenses of over $2 billion to pay new contractors to complete the portion of the Highway excised from the OAS contract. And he got it completely wrong. Contract Addendum No. 2 maintained the overall budget to build the highway to Point Fortin. What Contract Addendum No. 2 did was remove portions of highway construction from OAS responsibility and gave it to nominated sub-contractors whom would be chosen by NIDCO and the project engineer AECOM (who was hired by the PNM in 2009), she said. In fact, she added, the Addendum made it clear that the overall project cost would not be changed due to this re-routing of works through the following contract recital: Whereas the Employer (NIDCO) wishes to amend the scope of the Contract, by value engineering, such that the overall projects budget is not exceeded. So how the Number 2 attorney in the Attorney Generals Office could get something so basic, so wrong, is beyond me, the Opposition Leader added. That he could just misread a contract and add $2 billion in cost is terrifying, maybe he should seek legal advice before he opens his mouth, she added. What you need to know about the Octagon Art Festival on Sunday in Ames news Why is Saudi Arabia buying so much U.S. farmland? As the American Southwest continues to suffer through a punishing drought, a number of area residents especially U.S. farmers are becoming increasingly frustrated by the fact that the government of Saudi Arabia is buying up large tracts of farmland, using precious water to grow food that is ultimately shipped back to the Arab kingdom. As CNBC and The Daily Sheeple note, the Saudis arent the only Middle East countries buying up American soil; other nations in the region are doing so as well. Much of the land purchased has been bought in Arizona and California, and quite frankly is upsetting to many. As CNBC reported further: Saudi Arabia grows alfalfa hay in both states for shipment back to its domestic dairy herds. In another real-life example of the worlds interconnected economy, the Saudis increasingly look to produce animal feed overseas in order to save water in their own territory, most of which is desert. But, of course, they dont mind using our water resources, even if they are also dwindling. The buying trend continues Last month privately held company Fondomonte California announced that it had purchased 1,790 acres of farmland in Blythe, California, an agricultural town nestled along the Colorado River, for almost $32 million. Two years earlier, the firms parent company, Almarai one of Saudi Arabias largest food companies bought 10,000 acres of farmland about 50 miles away, in Vicksburg, Arizona, for a price tag of about $48 million. The buying trend is not likely to abate anytime soon, either, say analysts. They will continue to come over here and buy properties where they can grow good-quality alfalfa hay and ship it back to the Middle East. It makes logical sense for them to do that because theyre not going to be able to grow it in Saudi Arabia, especially for milk production, Westec President Joseph Dutra, who has served as a consultant to international companies looking to farm in the U.S., told CNBC. Why are we giving our water away for free? Its not a trend that is popular with everyone. The exporting of alfalfa is akin to exporting water because in Saudi Arabia, they have decided that its better to bring feed in rather than to empty their water reserves, Keith Murfield, CEO of Tempe-based United Dairymen of Arizona, a group that also buys alfalfa, told the financial news network. This will continue unless theres regulations put on it. Were not getting oil for free, so why are we giving our water away for free? asked La Paz County Board of Supervisors Chairman Holly Irwin. She represents a rural area in western Arizona where food conglomerates tied to the Saudis and the United Arab Emirates come grow alfalfa for export. Were letting them come over here and use up our resources, she added. Its very frustrating for me, especially when I have residents telling me that their wells are going dry and they have to dig a lot deeper for water. Its costly for them to drill new wells. But because there is a lot of money involved, things are not likely to change anytime soon. Also, there is the issue of land rights and, as owners of the land, the Saudis and other countries appear to be following the rules, CNBC noted. The region of Arizona desert where the Saudis have purchased land is one with little-to-no regulation on use of groundwater. That is a different situation than in 85 percent of the rest of the state which has strict groundwater rules in place. You can use as much water as youd like, as long as its put to a beneficial use, and youre not required to report your water use, said Michelle Moreno, a spokesperson for the Arizona Department of Water Resources. Sources: The Daily Sheeple CNBC Submit a correction >> "This is the right time to come to India via sea route" - PM Modi Mumbai, Fri, 15 Apr 2016 NI Wire Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates Maritime India Summit in Mumbai; asserts government's resolve to restore India's position in global maritime sector Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi today inaugurated the maiden Maritime India Summit in Mumbai, asserting his government's resolve to restore India's position in global maritime sector. "We Indians are inheritors of a glorious maritime heritage and world's first dock was built at Lothal in Gujarat, during the Harappan civilization, Building upon our glorious maritime tradition, we are working hard to achieve new heights in this area" he said. Stressing on the importance of maritime transport, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that everyone should make sure that our lifestyle, transport systems and trading behaviour do not spoil the ecology of the oceans. He also said, the architect of the Indian Constitution Dr.Babasaheb Ambedkar, on whose 125th birth anniversary, the Maritime India Summit was being inaugurated, was also the architect of the water and navigation policy in India. The Prime Minister said India's vast coastline of 7500 kilometers offers a huge investment opportunity. " Apart from the length of the coastline, India's maritime potential also lies in its strategic location on all major shipping highways. In addition, we have an expansive and productive hinterland, through which flows a network of mighty rivers" Mr. Modi added. Elaborating on the measures taken by his government to promote ease of doing business under 'Make In India' programme, the Prime Minister said India plans to mobilize an investment of One trillion rupees (Rs 1 lakh crores) in the port sector to channelize economic growth. Mr. Modi said five new ports are planned to meet the increasing demand of the Exim trade which will rise in proportion with the fast-growing Indian economy. Prime Minister said India wants to modernize ports & integrate them with SEZs, Port based Smart Cities, Industrial Parks, Warehouses, Logistics Parks. Mr. Modi said the Ministry of Shipping was showcasing about 250 projects with investment opportunity in the Maritime Sector. These projects include various infrastructure development opportunities in 12 Major Ports, projects in eight maritime states and other agencies. The Prime Minister also informed the port sector gathering from around the world, that India was also promoting coastal shipping in a big way and developing 14,000 kms of navigable inland waterways in the country. "My Government is committed to integration in infrastructure. We are also committed to creating an enabling environment for investors and to facilitate investments with an open mind" Mr. Modi asserted. "I call upon the global business community to partner with us to give shape to our process of port led development. I am sure, the long coastline of India along with diverse coastal regions and hard working coastal communities can become an engine of growth of India" Mr. Modi added. Speaking on the occasion, South Korean Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, Mr Kim Young-Suk welcomed the reform measures taken by the Indian government in opening up the port sector. He said, South Korea, which has considerable expertise in port and shipping sector, was ready to help India to modernize its ports and develop the shipping industry. Union Shipping Minister Mr. Nitin Gadkari spoke about the importance of maritime sector and how the vision of Prime Minister about port-led development was transforming the port and water transport infrastructure sector. The Governor of Maharashtra Mr. C Vidyasagar Rao, Maharshtra Chief Minister, Mr. Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Ms. Anandiben Patel, MoS Shipping, Mr. P. Radhakrishnan, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, Mr. Kitack Lim were prominent among those present at the inauguration. Earlier, the Prime Minister visited a Maritime heritage museum, built in the shape of ship and also interacted with top global CEOs of the port and shipping sector. Source: PIB Not Found The requested URL was not found on this server. Apache Server Port 80 Weather Alert ...RED FLAG WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM CDT THIS EVENING FOR WIND AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR PORTIONS OF EASTERN NEBRASKA AND NORTHWEST IOWA... * Affected Area...In Iowa, Monona county. In Nebraska, Knox, Cedar, Thurston, Antelope, Pierce, Wayne, Boone, Madison, Stanton, Cuming, Burt, Platte, Colfax, Dodge, Butler, Saunders, Seward, Lancaster, Saline, Jefferson and Gage counties. * Winds...South 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 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. && Russian President Thursday said air traffic between Egypt and Russia will not resume unless Egyptian authorities agree to enhance security at airports. Russian authorities halted air links between Russian and Egypt in October after Russian Metrojet Flight, taking off from Egypts Sharm el-Sheikh airport was downed by IS local franchise in the Sinai. Egyptian authorities in March announced they had met security requirements demanded by western security experts and the countrys Foreign Minister flew to Moscow to canvass for the restoration of flights. Egyptians authorities hopes would be shattered weeks later after a man known as Seif Eldin Mustafa; an Egyptian-American dual citizen wearing a fake bomb belt hijacked an EgyptAir Airbus with 62 passengers onboard and forced it to land in Cyprus at Larnaca airport on March 29. The incident prompted Russian authorities to reconsider their decision to normalize flights with Egypt. Russian President Thursday added that Egyptian authorities must agree on enhanced airport security checks to make it safe for the Russians to travel to Egypt. In related reports, the Egyptian top public prosecutor Ahmed Sadeq reportedly on Thursday said he had referred the case of the Russian airplane that crashed in Sinai to State Security prosecutors to look into suspicions that criminal activity brought it down. Egypt had initially denied the plane was brought down in an act of terrorism after western and Russian experts concluded that a bomb hidden in the plane caused the plane to burst in the air before falling apart on the ground. Egyptian President would later willy-nilly accept experts conclusion. Washington has not said whether it would oppose or back Palestinian diplomatic drive seeking to gather condemnations at the United Nations Security Council against Israels continued settlement projects, deemed by Palestinians as a major roadblock of the two-state solution envisioned by the international community to bring peace to the region. US State Department spokesman John Kirby at his daily briefing Thursday kept all options open as the Obama administration tries to mend its image in the Middle East through its unstated intention to support a Palestinian state. We understand that there is an early draft that the Palestinians have shared informally in New York, Kirby said. Im not going to comment on an informal draft resolution. Nothing has been formally introduced or circulated at the Security Council, he added. We will consider all of our options for advancing our shared objective of lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Palestinians have circulated a draft resolution backed Arab countries at the United Nations. The draft resolution seeks to make Israels expansion projects illegal and a major obstacle for peace and the two-state solution. Washington, a though critic of Israels settlement projects, had over the past opposed all pro-Palestinian UN resolutions condemning Israel. US Vice President Joe Biden said last month the US will oppose any Palestinian effort to seek the sympathy of the UN Security Council against Israel even though he admitted both camps must work mutually to reach peace. The US leaving all options open comes as President Obama is due to visit the region where his reluctance to recognize the Palestinian state has been severely criticized. Tensions have flared up between Palestinians and Israelis over the past months. More than 200 Palestinians and scores of Israelis have been killed as a result of clashes and disproportionate response of Israeli forces. The UN is due to discuss the Middle East crisis on Monday and Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas is due in New York next week to attend the signing of the UN climate deal. French, Spanish and British ambassadors visited Tripoli Thursday in a show of support and announced return of their respective missions in the Libyan capital wherefrom they pulled out in 2014 as insecurity engulfed the city. Antoine Sivan, Peter Millet and Antonio Bordallo, respectively French, British and Spanish envoys to Libya arrived in Tripoli to meet with the Government of National Accord (GNA) in the Tripoli naval base where it has established its temporary offices until it gets full control of the Libyan capital. France, Britain, Spain and other countries closed their missions in the Libyan capital in 2014 as insecurity was raging with attacks and abduction of foreign workers. Speaking at a joint press conference the three envoys reiterated their support to the UN-backed unity government brokered in December after lengthy and difficult talks. The three ambassadors also announced the return of their staff. Our goal is to achieve security and stability in Libya, and we look forward to returning to Tripoli to open the British embassy again, said Peter Millet, in Arabic. We are very close to normality. We are very close to peace, and Libyan people deserve better, said Antonio Bordallo. Of the Thursday visit, Paris indicated that it underlined Frances readiness and support to the Serraj-led unity government in its struggle to address the numerous challenges awaiting it after several years of chaos dominated by ISs foothold in the oil-rich North African country. The unity government must exercise its authority over all (Libyas) administrations and financial institutions, said Romain Nadal; spokesman for Frances Foreign Ministry. Prior to the three envoys visit, Italys Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni was in Tripoli on Tuesday to lend support to the unity government. He had said embassies would be reopened in the near future. In another development, Ageela Salah, President of Libyas internationally recognized legislature known as the House of Representatives (HoR) instructed the head of Central Bank of Libya (CBL) based in Beida to continue dealing with Libyas interim government based in the Eastern town of Beida until the unity government is installed in power by the HoR. Libya has had two CBLs with a second established in Tripoli servicing the unauthorized Tripoli-based government. The Tripoli-based CBL early this month paid allegiance to Faiez Serrajs unity government and pledged collaboration. Salah, whose HoR has been expected to endorse the GNA as per the Libyan Political Agreement signed in December, has been blacklisted as an impediment factor of the political process by the EU which last month imposed sanctions on him along with Khalifa Ghweil and Nouri Abusahmain, respectively head of the Tripoli rump administration and President of GNC; rival parliament to HoR. Tunisia has lost Thursday one its veteran living politicians. Ahmed Brahim staunch opponent of ousted Ben Ali died Thursday at the age of 70. Known as one of Tunisias seasoned politicians and federalist, Brahim was founder of the Tunisian leftist movement, Ettajdid, formerly known as Tunisian communist party which he joined in 1960. Born in 1946 at Zarzis, Brahim was a university professor of comparative Literature and Linguistics. In 2009, he ran for presidential elections as secretary of Ettajdid against his foe Ben Ali. He only got 1.57 per cent of the votes. He played a great role in the post-revolution area. He was appointed two times minister of higher education in Mohamed Ghannouchis two cabinets. After his passage at the education ministry, he was elected as member of the parliament. In 2012 he merged his party with some political groups to form Al Massar party which he headed as first secretary till 2014, when his health condition forced him to give up his political career. His fight for democracy and human rights earned him the praises of Prime Minister Habid Essid who paid tribute to him in a message to his family. Essid praised the deceased for his great contribution for democratic transition process in post-revolution area. Morocco has warned against attempts to fuel separatist trends and redraw the map of the Islamic world as some parties are trying to take advantage of a fragile situation where the Islamic world is both a source and a target of sectarian division, fanaticism and terrorism. The warning was made by King Mohammed VI in the speech that was read out on his behalf before the 13th Summit of the Organization of the Islamic cooperation (OIC) held in Istanbul. Some parties, here and there, are trying to take advantage of a fragile situationin order to fuel separatist trends and redraw the map of the Islamic world, on a basis which ignores historical and identity-related facts, denies specificities and inherent characteristics and unveils premeditated designs to meddle in the future of nations, jeopardizing world security and stability, said the King in his speech. The King who deplored that sectarian division, fanaticism and terrorism are gaining more ground, stressed the need to identify the causes of this abnormal, high-risk situation and to determine the reasons why the Islamic world is affected by it, both as a source and a target. However, he pointed out, the current situation is not an inevitable fatality for the Islamic Ummah, which has always been the cradle of lofty spiritual values and the champion of enlightenment and moderation, and whose valuable contribution to building human civilization is largely attested by history. After he recalled the principles of coexistence, interfaith tolerance and respect for minorities enshrined in Islamic communities, where different ethnic groups have managed to blend and merge into a civilizational identity based on pluralism and diversity, the king deplored the spread within western communities of Islamophobia, along with fear, suspicion and hatred towards Muslim minorities, during the last decades. These minorities, he said, are mainly made up of migrants from Muslim countries, who are part of western communities committed to human rights, as well as positive interaction, tolerance and solidarity. To counter the anti-Islam rhetoric which is gaining ground in the West, stirring up feelings of hatred and rallying public opinions against Islam, and to overcome this challenging phase, the Moroccan King stressed the need to identify and conduct a critical analysis of the causes behind the current situation, as well as an objective assessment of historical responsibilities, at the local, regional and international levels. This can be achieved by designing and implementing appropriate strategies and reform programs, which take into consideration national specificities, while drawing on both regional and international solidarity and cooperation, King Mohammed VI said. Careful what you say. Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images; Andrew Theodorakis/Getty Images This incident raised many eyebrows today: Bernie Sanders on Thursday repudiated the remarks of a surrogate who used the phrase corporate Democratic whores on Wednesday night during the Vermont senators rally in Washington Square Park, after Hillary Clintons campaign demanded an disavowal from the candidate. Speaking to a crowd estimated around 27,000 people, health care activist and physician Paul Song ripped into those who, like Clinton, insist on a more incremental approach to reforming the health-care system. Medicare-for-all will never happen if we continue to elect corporate Democratic whores who are beholden to big pharma and the private insurance industry instead of us, Song said, according to reports. Dr. Songs comment was inappropriate and insensitive. Theres no room for language like that in our political discourse, Sanders tweeted later Thursday morning. At first, it looked like Bernie Sanders might be repudiating the tendency of many Democratic progressives to impugn the motives of their center-left Democratic colleagues. But, no: It was all about the use of a gendered slur, particularly when alluding to a woman and her supporters. I am very sorry for using the term whore to refer to some in congress who are beholden to corporations and not us. It was insensitive, Song tweeted Wednesday night. Its a very good thing that the word whore is on its way to being banned as an acceptable term of abuse in Democratic intramural discourse, though I fear Republicans may pick up the slack insofar as anything deemed politically incorrect is like catnip to them. But at some point, Democrats both left and center might want to review the tendency to assume that intra-party opponents are corrupt, cowardly, or crazy instead of holding legitimately different views. In a town-hall interview with MSNBCs Chuck Todd on Thursday, Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz refused to give a straight answer on whether he would actively work as president to pass a law or constitutional amendment granting 14th Amendment rights to fetuses in utero. Referring to a pledge Cruz made last August to support a so-called personhood amendment by way of securing the endorsement of the Georgia Right to Life pac, Todd asked whether that meant Cruz was going to pursue this as an agenda or just simply supporting the idea of fetal personhood. Well listen, some of the labels in this debate can get confusing because different people mean different things about labels, Cruz answered. I dont want to get in a back-and-forth on labels. I believe every human life is a gift from God, and we should cherish and protect and celebrate them. Cruz has talked the talk on such anti-abortion bills repeatedly over the course of his political career. While running for Senate in Texas in 2012, Cruz told the National Pro-Life Alliance that he would support the Life at Conception Act, but when Kentucky senator Rand Paul introduced such a bill in Congress the next year, Cruz did not sign on as a co-sponsor. The issue has come up several times during this campaign as well. In addition to his August pledge, Cruz said in a November interview with conservative Christian thought leader Robert George that he believed Congress could extend personhood rights to unborn fetuses without waiting for the Supreme Court or a constitutional amendment to overturn Roe v. Wade. Most recently, he issued a video in February in which he stated his support for legislation that defends the rights of all persons without exceptions, except to save the life of the mother, from conception to natural death. During the town hall, Cruz sought to redirect the conversation toward contraception, on which his views are less controversial. I will say, when it comes to birth control, it is clear that Americans have a right to birth control, he told Todd. Todd tried again to get him to say definitively whether he would pursue personhood legislation, but the senator answered only: I will happily support anything that protects life. Angela Merkel. Photo: John MacDougall/AFP/Getty Images Late last month, the German comedian Jan Bohmermann read a poem making fun of Turkish prime minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan on TV. In the segment, broadcast on the German state station ZDF, Bohmermann sat in front of a Turkish flag beneath a small, framed portrait of Erdogan, reading out a poem that accused the Turkish president of, among other things, repressing minorities, kicking Kurds and slapping Christians, reports The Guardian. The segment was intended as a response to Erdogans authoritarian media-repression tendencies Turkeys reputation on the media-freedom front has been nose-diving in recent years. During the bit, another comedian played a media lawyer warning Bohmermann that it was exactly the sort of thing the Erdogan regime would consider prosecutable. If youre thinking to yourself, Theres no way Erdogan would actually take that bait and try to get someone in Germany punished for making fun of him, you may have underestimated just how sensitive the Turkish president can be. Because thats exactly what happened. After the segment aired, Ankara reached out to German prime minister Angela Merkel, pointing at an obscure, almost-never-used section of the German legal code that takes a rather, well, German approach to humor at the expense of representatives of foreign states. German law left Merkel with the final decision of whether to refer the case to a prosecutor, and she has decided to go ahead and do so perhaps, The Guardian notes, because the recently agreed refugee deal between Turkey and the EU has made the chancellor reliant on the whims of Turkeys strongman leader. Merkel is facing a lot of heat for her decision and said shes hoping to get rid of the law in the next two years. In the meantime, the world will watch the strange spectacle of a German citizen residing in Germany being investigated for making fun of a Turkish despot. It seems unlikely Bohmermann will do any comedic riffing on his situation in the meantime. Flawed humans. Photo: Justin Sullivan/2016 Getty Images Crisis reveals character, or so some novelists say. Its fitting, then, that the most revealing exchange in Brooklyns Democratic debate was the one focused on the greatest crisis facing mankind. For two hours Thursday night, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders stood in uncomfortably close proximity and loudly accused each other of either lacking the political bravery to meet the profound challenges of our moment (Sanders, re: Clinton) or else the technocratic pragmatism necessary for making change in the real world (Clinton, re: Sanders). During their discussion of climate-change policy, each aided the others argument. The front-runner was the first to underwhelm. Sanders came to Brooklyn with a gotcha question in tow, and Clinton gave just the non-answer he was looking for. This is a difference between understanding that we have a crisis of historical consequence here, and incrementalism and those little steps are not enough, Sanders said. Are you in favor of a tax on carbon so that we can transit away from fossil fuel to energy efficiency and sustainable energy at the level and speed we need to do? Clinton refused to endorse a carbon tax. She also refused to mount an argument against it. Instead, she hid behind Barack Obamas popularity while implying that Sanderss proposal was unserious and impossible. CLINTON: You know, I have laid out a set of actions that build on what President Obama was able to accomplish, building on the clean-power plan, which is currently under attack by fossil fuels and the right in the Supreme Court, which is one of the reasons why we need to get the Supreme Court justice that President Obama has nominated to be confirmed so that we can actually continue to make progress. I dont take a back seat to your legislation that youve introduced that you havent been able to get passed. I want to do what we can do to actually make progress in dealing with the crisis. Thats exactly what I have proposed. Answering, will you support a carbon tax, with I want to do what we can to actually make progress is unfortunate on two levels. First, and most importantly, the carbon tax would make progress. It would acknowledge that the burning of fossil fuels comes with external costs that the industry burning them offloads onto the rest of society. Carbon emissions have a destructive impact on the stability of our climate and the quality of our air and water. The costs of mitigating those impacts should be borne, at least in part, by the emitters. Whats more, when these costs are priced in up front, less carbon-intensive energy sources become more economically competitive. Thus, a carbon tax would help speed the transition to alternative energy through the market mechanisms we already have in place. Pretty pragmatic, if you ask me. But dont ask me, or Bernie Sanders, or his hoards of doped-up beatniks ask British Petroleum or Royal Dutch Shell. Last summer, six chief executives from leading European oil and gas companies issued a plea for a carbon tax. Which is to say, taxing carbon emissions is both good on the merits and not at all radical. Its a policy that enjoys widespread support among economists and environmentalists, in addition to the aforementioned oil tycoons. And this is the second unfortunate aspect of Clintons answer by justifying her lack of support with an appeal to realism, she is actively shrinking the window of political possibility. Her answer to Sanderss inquiry is precisely why so many young progressives still arent ready for Hillary. Once Clinton was through disappointing, the Vermont senator immediately did the same, when NY1s Errol Louis asked him the following: LOUIS: Youve said that climate change is the greatest threat to our nations security. Youve called for a nationwide ban on fracking. Youve also called for phasing out all nuclear power in the U.S. But wouldnt those proposals drive the country back to coal and oil, and actually undermine your fight against global warming? Confronted with concerns about his plans potential unintended consequences, Sanders did not address the heart of that concern: How could you prevent a ban on fracking and nuclear power from shifting investment back to even more carbon-intensive energy sources? Instead, he reiterated the moral and existential necessity of taking rapid, sweeping action. Let me reiterate, Sanders requested. We have a global crisis. Pope Francis reminded us that we are on a suicide course. Which, okay, fair enough. Sanderss plan undoubtedly treats the severity of the climate threat with more urgency than Clintons does. But no one asked Sanders to reiterate that fact. And the senator proceeded to answer another question that wasnt asked, assuring Louis that his plan included funding to compensate displaced workers. LOUIS: Jobs are one thing, but with less than 6 percent of all U.S. energy coming from solar, wind, and geothermal, and 20 percent of U.S. power coming from nuclear, if you phase out all of that, how do you make up SANDERS: Well, you dont phase LOUIS: that difference? SANDERS: it all out tomorrow. And you certainly dont phase nuclear out tomorrow. Sanderss plan may not phase out nuclear tomorrow, but it does call for a moratorium on re-licensing the countrys aging nuclear plants. Environmental-policy analyst Michael Shellenberger told Slate that under Sanderss plan, U.S. carbon emissions would increase by a minimum of 2 billion tons, about the same amount as the U.S. produces each year making electricity, as fossil fuels filled the gap left by the gradual closure of nuclear facilities. Shellenbergers calculations could be misguided, but there is no shortage of climate scientists who share his conclusion that maintaining nuclear energy is a necessity for averting ecological catastrophe. Perhaps Sanders has a detailed argument for why such scientists are wrong. But the fact that he neglected to make one lent credence to the charge that he puts ideology above empiricism and purity above efficacy. Which is precisely why so many older progressives still arent feeling the Bern. Clinton and Sanders duke it out in New York. Photo: Justin Sullivan/2016 Getty Images It was difficult to focus on substance in the first half of Thursday nights Democratic debate because the howling factions of the audience interacted with a nasty undertone from the candidates to produce an atmosphere far more like the notorious slugfests the Republicans put on until Donald Trump brought them to a merciful end. In an interchange with some colleagues, I missed a few exchanges while formulating a proposal to ban live audiences in presidential debates. Eventually, the candidates engaged in one fundamental point of philosophy and two big foreign-policy differences. Its been around all along, but tonights debate really cast a spotlight on the apparent belief of Sanders and his supporters that taking money from the enemy Wall Street and fossil-fuel interests, in particular fatally taints a politician, while Clinton represents the view that such contributions represent hedge money the bad guys spend knowing they can only cushion the public-policy blows at best. Its the difference between those who fear Clintons sold her soul and those who think that, like Barack Obama, shes taken corporate America to the cleaners. And its not a difference of opinion either side will easily give up. If anyone won a point across this vast psychological gulf, it was probably Sanders for the simple reason that Clinton cannot explain or defend her refusal to release transcripts of her paid Wall Street speeches. The surprisingly sharp foreign-policy differences involved Libya and Israel. Its clear Barack Obama gave Bernie Sanders a big gift with his comment on the absence of post-Qaddafi Libya planning being the worst mistake of his administration. Sanders skillfully exploited the opening by comparing Clintons posture on Libya to her lack of judgment on Iraq. She was driven to blaming the problems in Libya on the Libyans and on Obama not a good way out of her own responsibility. But Sanders returned the favor by insisting on an endless exchange on Israel and Palestine that seemed designed to offend supporters of Israel in one of the worst states in the country for doing that. It will not be lost on Zionist Democrats that Sanders echoed Donald Trumps honest broker stance on maintaining distance from Israel, while Clinton was effective in citing her own extensive experience in Israeli-Palestinian diplomacy. The candidates also unveiled a difference of opinion over NATO Sanders is apparently for unilateral U.S. funding cuts while Clinton is not which may not matter unless Sanders makes it to a general election. Speaking of which, its hard to judge whether the back-and-forth between the two candidates about what their campaigns represent delivered amidst a return to the horrid shrieking and chanting from the audience will matter in the long run. Sanders seems to be trying out an argument that Clintons nomination-contest victories are irrelevant because they happened at the wrong time (early in the process), the wrong place (the South), or with the wrong supporters (old Democrats rather than young independents). If he goes over the brink into a claim that a pledged-delegate victory by Clinton is illegitimate, the Democratic convention could be nearly as divisive as the Republican confab looks sure to become. After tonight, the superior unity of Democrats is at least partially in question for the first time. Rome is Berning. Photo: Franco Origlia/Getty Images In less than 12 hours, Bernie Sanders went from debating Hillary Clinton in Brooklyn to addressing a bunch of cardinals in Vatican City. This was after several days of strenuous campaigning and 74 years of relentless living. Whatever else you want to say about Sanders, you have to admit: This septuagenarians got stamina. Bernie Sanders, at Vatican City, calls for a more moral economy https://t.co/rXuLIKM5oz by @Yamiche pic.twitter.com/XPITZqQrKo NYT Politics (@nytpolitics) April 15, 2016 At the Vatican, Sanders delivered his signature critique of free-market capitalism, albeit with a bit less emphasis on Labor Department statistics and bit more weight on the moral necessity of redistribution. At a time when so few have so much, and so many have so little, we must reject the foundations of this contemporary economy as immoral and unsustainable, Sanders told the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, according to The Guardian. Speculation, illicit financial flows, environmental destruction, and the weakening of the rights of workers is far more severe than it was a quarter century ago. VATICAN CITY The scene outside as Sanders sets to speak inside pic.twitter.com/tBiXojIdkP Gabriel Debenedetti (@gdebenedetti) April 15, 2016 Sanders praised the Roman Catholic Churchs doctrines on economics, saying, There are few places in modern thought that rival the depth and insight of the churchs moral teachings on the market economy. Evo Morales and Bernie Sanders during the #CentesimusAnnus conference at the Vatican. pic.twitter.com/IoLesSWXyV teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) April 15, 2016 The Vermont senator also had kind words for his father from another faith Pope Francis, saying he was extremely impressed with Franciss visionary views about creating a moral economy. Unfortunately, prospects for a Sanders/Francis unity ticket dont look good His Holiness did not find time to meet with the senator. Some of Sanderss allies have questioned his decision to leave New York just days ahead of the states primary vote. But, considering the consensus of the current polls and Sanderss past difficulty in states with closed primaries, the democratic socialist is almost certainly taking the silver medal Tuesday night either way. How many more invitations to the Vatican is an elderly Jew from Vermont gonna get? Photo: Charles Ledford/2016 Charles Ledford Simone Zimmermans tenure at the Bernie Sanders campaign might be over before it started. Days after her appointment as the campaigns new Jewish outreach coordinator, the New York Times reports that Zimmerman was suspended after disparaging comments she had made about Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu came to light. On Wednesday, the Washington Free Beacon, a conservative outlet, dug up a Facebook post of Zimmermans from last March in which she wrote: Bibi Netanyahu is an arrogant, deceptive, cynical, manipulative asshole Fuck you, Bibi, for daring to insist that you legitimately represent even a fraction of Jews in this world. Ronald Lauder, the president of the World Jewish Congress, called on the campaign to fire her on Thursday morning, according to the Times. Zimmerman has not been fired, but Sanders spokesperson Michael Briggs told the Times that she had been suspended while the campaign investigates the matter. Sanders, who is Jewish himself, said during Thursdays debate that hes 100 percent pro-Israel in the long-run, but that the Palestinian people ought to be treated with respect and dignity by the U.S. and other countries. He has also said he is not a huge fan of Netanyahu. He came in for some criticism from Israel supporters recently after overstating the number of civilians killed in Israels 2014 war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip in his now-infamous interview with the New York Daily News. Zimmerman, a native of Los Angeles, started out in the pro-Israel camp like many young American Jews, but over time she became an outspoken critic of Israel and its supporters in the American Jewish Establishment, joining the pro-Israel, pro-peace lobby J Street and eventually getting elected president of its campus outfit, J Street U, in 2012, according to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Whether Zimmermans decidedly negative views on Netanyahu would actually be a liability among the cohort of liberal Jews the Sanders campaign is looking to court is less clear. A Pew survey on American attitudes toward Israel last year showed that more Democrats viewed the Israeli prime minister unfavorably (35 percent) than favorably (28 percent), although most had no opinion at all. That survey did not include a large enough sample of Jewish voters to analyze, but a 2013 poll of American Jews found that younger Jews and those who identified as Democrats were more likely to say that the construction of Jewish settlements in the West Bank was harmful to Israels security and that the Israeli government was not making a sincere effort to achieve peace. GOP elites would love to see both Trump and Cruz lose, which may require some help from Clinton. Photo-Illustration: Daily Intelligencer; Photos: Pierre Guillaud/AFP/Getty Images (Pool); Getty Images (Candidates) Last week I argued the true nightmare scenario for Republican elites was a Donald Trump general-election victory that would place an alien figure in the White House and give Democrats a heaven-sent opportunity for a big comeback sooner rather than later. Peter Beinart now persuasively argues that the best the GOP may be able to make of a bad situation is for Trump to lose to Cruz, who in turn will lose to Clinton, who in turn will lose to a revived mainstream GOP in 2020. Beinarts point of departure is that if Trump beats Cruz in Cleveland, and then predictably goes down the tubes in November, the Texan will be in a fine position to inherit the nomination in 2020 as the guy who will finally show what a true conservative can do. If Cruz wins in Cleveland, though, hell discredit the longstanding belief of the right that offering a choice not an echo is the path to party victory. [A] Cruz defeat at the hands of Clinton this November leaves the GOP in a better position to rebuild than a Trump loss to Clinton does. By conventional standards, Trump isnt all that conservative. That means, if Trump loses this fall, conservative purists can again make the argument they made after John McCain and Mitt Romney lost: The GOP needs to nominate a true believer. And theyll have such a true believer waiting in the wings as the early front-runner in 2020: Ted Cruz. After all, losing the nomination to Trump would put Cruz in second place, and the GOP has a history of giving second-place finishers the nomination the next time around (Bob Dole, McCain, Romney). Plus, after building the best grassroots network of all the 2016 candidates, Cruz wholl be barely 50 years old in four years would enter 2020 with a big organizational edge. Thus, the GOP would remain at the mercy of its extreme base. [A] Cruz loss in November would undercut the rights argument against choosing a more moderate nominee. To be sure, some grassroots conservatives would find a way to rationalize Cruzs defeat and preserve their belief that a right-wing ideologue can win. But more pragmatic conservatives would be confirmed in their belief that the next GOP nominee must reach out to Millennials, Latinos, and single women, and offer more to working-class Americans than just less taxation and regulation. A Cruz general-election defeat would strengthen the Reformicons who are trying to reform the GOP in some of the ways New Democrats reformed their party in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Id add to Beinarts argument, of course, that a Clinton victory in November would set up mainstream Republicans under the congressional leadership of their not-so-secret favorite, Paul Ryan, for a very good midterm election in 2018, showing once against that pragmatic conservatism is the ticket to ride. Clinton, meanwhile, having already broken the glass ceiling by becoming the first woman to serve as president, would be ripe for defeat in 2020 as America will have tired of 12 straight years of Democrats in the White House. Would GOP elites trade this complex scenario for a Paul Ryan or a Jeb Bush or a Marco Rubio presidential nomination this year? In a heartbeat. But thats no longer on the table. Ted Cruz is a known quantity who could dispose of the more alarming and unpredictable Donald Trump in Cleveland and then discredit hard-core conservatives without unduly damaging the ticket down-ballot. The remote chance he could actually win is a contingency the GOP can deal with down the road. Microsoft announced today that it is suing the U.S. government over secrecy orders that prevent the company from informing customers when federal agencies request data. The lawsuit, filed today in federal court in Seattle, argues that the gag order is unconstitutional. The statute in the Electronic Communications Privacy Act of 1986, according to the New York Times, violates the Fourth Amendment right of its customers to know if the government searches or seizes their property, and it breaches the companys First Amendment right to speak to its customers. The case is not over one specific warrant or investigation, but instead challenges the entire legal process concerning secrecy orders. In a blog post announcing the legal move, Microsoft president Brad Smith wrote: The urgency for action is clear and growing. Over the past 18 months, the U.S. government has required that we maintain secrecy regarding 2,576 legal demands, effectively silencing Microsoft from speaking to customers about warrants or other legal process seeking their data. Notably and even surprisingly, 1,752 of these secrecy orders, or 68 percent of the total, contained no fixed end date at all. This means that we effectively are prohibited forever from telling our customers that the government has obtained their data. The rise of cloud computing which stores data remotely on servers owned by Microsoft, not the customer has muddied the waters of who owns what data, and who can access it. The government, Microsoft argues, has been using the statute in order to obtain and read customers emails without their knowledge. In the suit, Microsoft says that the Justice department has exploited the transition to cloud computing as a means of expanding its power to conduct secret investigations. The Justice department told the Times that it was reviewing the filing. Microsofts lawsuit, somehow both defensive and offensive, is the latest in a growing trend of tech companies making privacy issues matters of public importance both out of what they consider civic duty, and out of consumer demand. Apples refusal to cooperate in the San Bernardino case made sense both as a stand for privacy rights and as a signal to its customers that it would protect their data. It might have argued that resisting government surveillance was a fiduciary duty to their investors. Similarly, Microsoft today claimed that the gag orders undermine confidence in the privacy of the cloud and have impaired Microsofts right to be transparent with its customers. Ohio governor John Kasich. Photo: Andrew Renneisen/Getty Images At a town hall in Watertown, New York, on Friday, John Kasich he in pursuit of the women in kitchens vote told a college student exactly how women can avoid being raped: Stay at home. A freshman St. Lawrence University student had asked the Republican presidential candidate how, as president, he would help her feel safer regarding rape, harassment, and sexual violence. The Ohio governor, whos still struggling in the polls, discussed the importance of confidential reporting and rape-kit access, referring to female students as coeds while using Ohios higher-education policies as a model for change. You ought to absolutely know that if something happens to you along the lines of sexual harassment or whatever you have a place to go where there is a confidential reporting, where there is an ability for you to access a rape kit, where that is kept confidential, but where it gives you the opportunity to be able to pursue justice, after you have had some time to reflect on it all, he said. I have two 16-year-old daughters, and I dont even like to think about it. The student agreed: Its sad, but its something that I have to worry about, she said. Id also give you one bit of advice, Kasich added. Dont go to parties where theres a lot of alcohol. Everyone clapped. A spokeswoman for the National Sexual Violence Resource Center told ABC News that while Kasich made some good points, he focused too much on the criminal-justice approach to sexual assault: He went to the same place that most of America goes to. idc if their phone is on vibrate or silent, the light of the cell phone screen would still distract me my mom would totally do this if they allowed it tho. she's addicted to her phone and facebook and will sit on it when we go out to eat which is RUDE AS FUCK Reply Thread Link even on the lowest screen brightness it's still distracting, esp in a dark theater!! Reply Parent Thread Link My mom, too. My younger brother and sister both moved out of state and she's a helicopter mom so it's killlllling her. If they call or text she will answer no matter what. Reply Parent Thread Link Exact same here. My mother is the worst when it comes to that. She'll even answer her phone. Meanwhile I'm the kind of person who, if it wasn't for the security risks, I'd want cell phones/tablets to be rendered useless in the theaters. Reply Parent Thread Link my mom is ALWAYS on fb. i don't understand how she has time to do anything else. Reply Parent Thread Link The last movie I was at I had to go up to a middle-aged lady and tell her twice to put her phone away. It was Eye in the Sky and I was not about to be distracted by that shit during a tense movie. Reply Parent Thread Link Middle aged people are way worse about phones than millenials tbh Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Uh no thanks? Whenever I'm in a theater where someone turns on their bright ass phone people usually yell at them. If you can't turn ignore your phone for 2-3 hours, then you have a problem. Reply Thread Link are you kidding?????????? I'd never go to a theatre that let people use their phones. That would be so fucking annoying. Reply Thread Link I don't give a fuck, turn your fucking phone off or I'm going to ask you to pay for my ticket. I don't go to the movies that often anymore because tickets are so expensive, so when I'm there I want everyone around me to shut up, turn their phones off, and watch the goddamn movie. Reply Thread Link You cant tell a 22-year-old to turn off their cellphone. WTF? fuck yes you can. I'll gladly tell them myself Reply Thread Link Right? I'm 23, I always put my phone away because I like movies more than my phone! Reply Parent Thread Link Same. I love the experience of going to the movies. Reply Parent Thread Link ikr??? you absolutely can. wtf is this Reply Parent Thread Link for real, what in the fuck Reply Parent Thread Link Ikr they need to learn they can't have everything their own way. Reply Parent Thread Link But... you might hurt their feelings. Reply Parent Thread Link fuck no. Reply Thread Link if they don't turn off their phone *I* will cut off their arm above the elbow. RUDE. Reply Thread Link lmao mte Reply Parent Thread Link lmao Reply Parent Thread Link AMC, you're my favorite chain and you're about to lose me as a customer if you do this. AMC, you're my favorite chain and you're about to lose me as a customer if you do this. Reply Thread Link eep wait until u experience harkins tbh Reply Parent Thread Link Harkins <3333 That new Camelview theater in Scottsdale, omg Reply Parent Thread Expand Link i love harkins soo much it's the only movie theater i like to go to (except cinemark but only on tuesdays for their 5.25 special)!! the popcorn/popcorn flavorings alone make it better than anywhere for me!! and 7 dollar student discount??? YAS!! Reply Parent Thread Expand Link omg Harkins forever. I moved to California two years ago and I've struggled so much trying to find a theater I like half as much as I loved Harkins. North Valley 16 and Scottsdale 101 were my JAM but in middle school we always went to Shea 14 lol. They turned the theater in PV Mall into a Picture Show that was really cool, too. Cinemark is the closest to my house, and I've been trying out the indie theaters in my area, but nothing will ever compare to my beloved Harkins. Ugh. Sometimes I really miss AZ. Reply Parent Thread Link i love harkins! i live right next to one of only three locations in california and it's the only movie theater (besides imax ones) i've gone to since it opened Reply Parent Thread Link i wish we had more than one in the state Reply Parent Thread Link This. I've been a loyal AMC customer for 20 years . They start allowing texting, I'm finding a new chain. Reply Parent Thread Link Same. Between the high prices and lack of quality movies and now this, they're just making it easier and easier to stay home and wait for the rental. Reply Parent Thread Link i did NOT pay $30 for reserved seats at AMC to be treated w/such disrespect like this. if they go through with this, im 100% returning my CW tickets Reply Thread Link Also, it kills me that the guy in the pic they used for that tweet is clearly not a millennial. Reply Thread Link hahaha this is so accurate Reply Parent Thread Link thats what i was thinking, that has been my experience with most of the people who text during a movie Reply Parent Thread Link its true. I use to work in a testing lab and had to help a lot of older guys turn down their phones. Reply Parent Thread Link Even if your phone is on the dimmest setting it's hardcore distracting in a dark theatre Reply Parent Thread Link Thiiiiiis. I actually don't care if people text as long as it's on silent and they've dimmed it all the way down. But old people never do that. Reply Parent Thread Link Then i will not be patronizing AMC. It enrages me when i see the light from someones phone pop up during a movie. Reply Thread Link Meh i dont really care if other ppl text during the movie. As long as they mute the phone and dim the screen. But i never really noticed ppl doing that anyway as soon the movie starts everyone puts them away. But i havent been to the movies since forever so perhaps things have changed Reply Thread Link well this is bullshit. this wouldn't be a smart move at all. if i want to be distracted while watching a movie, i'll sit at home and not pay $11 for a ticket. gtfo with this. Reply Thread Link i think the article says that they're considering screenings that are 'text friendly', rather than allowing it outright at all showings. regardless, shut your goddamn phone off and pay attention to the film you paid anywhere from $8+ to watch, jfc. attention spans these days are so short. Reply Thread Link you mean the big blockbusters coming up? lmao Reply Parent Thread Link They will probably put annoying hashtags throughout the movie like ABC Family does. ugh Reply Parent Thread Link Perhaps the biggest discussion in the oil industry right now is whether Saudi Arabia and other members of OPEC will freeze production or not. Thats a topic of major interest to investors large and small. In a recent guest spot on radio program Stocks & Jocks, I discussed this topic with the host Tom Haugh and CNBC commentator and Options Monster Co-founder Jon Najarian. Najarian believes that Saudi Arabia will never agree to freeze production as long as they have the opportunity to hurt Iran. That is the probable course of action for the Saudis, but it shouldnt be. Related: IEA Sees Oil Glut Gone By 2017 The Saudis interests would be better served from both and economic and a national security standpoint in freezing production, even if Iran refuses to cut its own production. Both assertions can be backed up by clean and clear cut models. Yet this view is likely to be extremely controversial many traders out there believe that Saudi Arabia would be hurting its own economic interests were it to freeze production without coordinated action by other groups. That view is wrong. The Saudis goal economically is to maximize profits over the long-term. This can be done by maximizing a combination of market share and price per barrel of oil. By not freezing production, the Saudis can at best maintain their existing market share while waiting for low prices to drive competing producers out of the market. That process is both slow and inefficient. The production losses for oil in both the short- and long -term are far smaller from a total revenue standpoint than the lost revenue from lower prices. Related: U.S. Oil Industry Fears That New Regulation Could Cost $25B Put differently, the marginal profitability from price increases in oil is very high right now, while production is inelastic. Thus the Saudis can more efficiently generate profit by slowing their own production, which will help boost prices. As the Stackleberg leaders in the industry, Saudi actions have a significant impact on price, even though they no longer control the same share of the market that they once did. Moreover, the Saudis have another tool that they can use to boost profitability and hurt Iran economically; price discounts. While oil trades at a transparent fixed price in many instances, that price is really just a benchmark. Producers deviate from that benchmark for a variety of reasons. American shale producers all adjust their prices based on the chemical composition of their crude and the transport costs associated with their location. Similarly, many major national oil companies strategically price their oil to capture market share. For instance, the recently announced Iranian deal with India almost certainly included significant price concessions by Iran over and above the current price of crude. Iranian crude traded at an enormous discount to benchmark prices when sanctions were still in place. Related: Crude Oil Higher On Pre-Doha Hopes These discounts become harder to offer and less significant as the price of oil falls. A $10 per barrel discount is likely to be untenable at $30 a barrel, whereas at $50 a barrel, it probably is feasible for some producers. Thus, as the price of oil rises, Saudi Arabias strategic options increase. The Saudis can freeze production leading to a rise in oil prices, and then ensure that all of their own oil sells, and sells to buyers Iran would like to target. Taking this action has two important benefits for the Saudis. First, as the low cost producers, it enables them to strategically take market share while seeing the broader benefits from a general rise in prices, which would dramatically increase profitability. Second, it lets Saudi Arabia get more breathing room on price negotiations to keep Iran out of the market. Thats a win-win from the Saudi perspective. By Michael McDonald of Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: A couple of very important notes for the copper market the last few days. Which have the price for the red metal once again showing unexpected strength. The first was a major headline across mining news outlets on Wednesday: the sudden resurgence of copper imports into the key market of China. Reuters reported that Chinas March copper imports actually hit an all-time high at 570,000 tonnes for the month. Representing a notable 39 percent increase from the same month in 2015. Related: U.S. Oil Supply To Fall Faster Than Expected That was enough to lift Chinas total Q1 copper imports to 1.43 million tonnes an increase of over 30 percent as compared to the year-ago period. That news got the market excited, lifting the copper price off the $2.10 per pound mark where it had been languishing and back toward $2.20. Stemming a decline in the price that had been in motion since late March. And even as all eyes were on the copper price, another less-reported news item emerged in Australia. Showing that some buying action may also be ahead when it comes to copper stocks. Related: Saudi Arabia Steps Up Drilling Despite Downturn That was a report from the Sydney Morning Herald that several Chinese miners are accelerating their hunt for copper assets. With the paper interviewing officials from PanAust a former ASX firm, now controlled by Chinese conglomerate Guangdong Rising Asset Management who said theyve been given a mandate to go out and acquire copper projects globally. PanAust said that it has been in several data rooms lately looking at potential copper projects. Suggesting that we could see this China-backed firm pull the trigger on an acquisition soon. Related: Is The Golden Age Of Gas Nothing More Than A Bubble? And thats not the only Chinese company apparently in the hunt for new projects. With the same report also noting that China Molybdenum Company is similarly seeking global copper assets for purchase. All of which suggests that interest in copper is stronger than many investors believe right now. And we could see some big purchases coming both in physical metal and in mines and development projects. Watch for announcements on both. Heres to a copper bottom By Dave Forest More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: These days in the U.S. are, as my old friend Tom Atlee used to say, "getting worse and worse, and better and better." Which is to say things are in motion in ways that no one expected. We all know about the bad news right now, but what about the good news? Is there any? Could America actually be in the midst of a painful, drawn-out, messy, long overdue rebirth? If so, what difference does it make in the short term? And how can we progressive activists be smart midwives? In another corner, thanks to writers and thinkers like Ta-Nehisi Coates and others , the extremely ugly story of what the abstract term "institutional racism" really means is coming to light. Equally shocking and coming from an unexpected source, is the recent revelation by John Ehrlichman that his Nixon era drug war policy was a deliberate attempt to strip voting rights from Blacks by means of felony convictions. That criminal bit of public policy wasted billions of tax payer dollars on prisons and other "drug war" activities, and destroyed the lives of countless Black men, their families, and their communities. It degraded the social and economic life of our whole country. Fortunately, support for criminal justice reform has already been growing by leaps and bounds. This is another sign of American rebirth; we need to keep it going too. Plus, there's a brand new constituency rising up: youth of all kinds. Though the received wisdom has long been that young people don't vote, new research shows this hasn't always been the case. Aside from the vast numbers of youth already supporting Bernie Sanders, there are even more long term examples. Many young Americans are starting to assert themselves in the face of adult folly that could destroy their futures. Here are a few examples of this new wave of action. We've just learned about the victory of some young people in Oregon who successfully sued the federal government for violating their constitutional rights by failing to stem climate disruption. And as part of his masterful survey, The Reunited States of America, Mark Gerzon tells the story of young Americans taking action to stop the paralyzing hyper-partisanship that destroys our country's chance to solve problems. All efforts of this kind need more publicity and support. But what about the corporate elite? Aren't they still in charge? If they think they can just kill this American rebirth by electing a minion of their own on November 8, they will find they are wrong. Even if they do get their way that day, a lot of the American public is reaching for a better version of the American dream, one that includes everyone here. America is changing now and for good, so it's also in the interest of the 1% to wake up, shape up, and get reborn too. That means they should start thinking about how they can foster the better world we all need. They would still be able to make an honest dollar doing that, instead of the way things are now. Clear models exist in the form of B-corporations and the promise of a brand new sustainable energy economy. Trying to stop the tide of history will just leave them high and dry. Let's make sure they understand that. What more can we progressive activists do to foster an American rebirth? We need to talk about it right now. Rebirth is a powerful American cultural metaphor and still speaks to a wide range of citizens, secular and religious. If people say, "Hunh? Whatever do you mean?," it will give you the chance to explain. Cite the new stirrings I've mentioned and others you see developing. Look for new ones. Find ways to support them. Today, as the hate-filled side of America roars back, we also see new possibilities for America's best dream. That dream is the promise of living together in a way that better expresses our finest ideals. So praise the rebirth, show how it's happening, talk about how it pushes back the nastiness. Explain how rebirth can lead to a better future for all Americans. Be a midwife now. Don't wait! ---------------------------------------------- Susan C. Strong, Ph.D., is the Founder and Executive Director of The Metaphor Project, http://www.metaphorproject.org, and author of our book, Move Our Message: How to Get America's Ear. The Metaphor Project has been helping progressives mainstream their messages since 1997. Follow Susan on Twitter @SusanCStrong. 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 Consortium News Not race nor gender -- nor any other innate characteristic -- should be the touchstone in voting for President of the United States. Yet, as I have traveled the country these past several years, I have been amazed at how many Americans have no qualms in stating that their support for President Barack Obama is based solely -- or mostly -- on his being black. Equally amazing is the unabashedly indiscriminate support I hear voiced by highly educated women for Hillary Clinton -- "because she is a woman and it's our turn," as they put it. Five years ago in Atlanta, I sat down with Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery, then 90 and a legendary leader of the African-American-church-led struggle for human rights in the South. We met in an historic building used 50 years before by the courageous young leaders of the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee. I had been a longtime admirer of Dr. Lowery, who acted very much in the tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., when Lowery chose the occasion of Coretta Scott King's funeral (Feb. 7, 2006) to admonish a captive audience that included Presidents Bush-41, Bush-43, Carter and Clinton. "We know now there were no weapons of mass destruction over there [in Iraq]. But Coretta knew and we know that there are weapons of misdirection right down here," Dr. Lowery said . "Poverty abounds. For war billions more but no more for the poor!" So I was pleased to meet with Dr. Lowery in early May 2011 and felt comfortable enough to voice disappointment at how Barack Obama, despite his rhetoric, seemed to be pursuing the pro-war/pro-Wall-Street policies of his predecessor. But I was brought up short when Lowery reacted quite strongly. "Obama is one of us," he said. "We will support him no matter what!" Sensitive Topic I am aware of the delicacy involved in saying these things and the criticism one can expect. Granted, I carry the proverbial knapsack of white/male privilege. I do make a constant effort to reflect on the very real implications of that reality, rather than give it mere lip service. I have been working at a black-led nonprofit in inner-city Washington for the past 18 years; I worship at a predominantly African-American church, and just this week I was "Best Man" at the marriage of black friends. If that sounds a little like "some of my best friends are black," well, they are. I do try hard to divest myself of the knapsack of white/male privilege that is mine by accident of birth. Recognizing that unearned privilege will always be part of my DNA, I feel all the more conscience bound to put those unmerited gifts to good use. Often this means risking opprobrium attached to telling it like it is -- or, admittedly, like I think it is. Twenty-five years ago I earned the epithet "radical feminist" (not a good thing in Catholic circles) to which I proudly plead guilty. Rather than take the chance that our three daughters end up with the idea that they were second-class citizens, and not having any better idea, I stood up in silence in the middle of my parish congregation for the entire Sunday Mass for almost five years. It was a witness to the reality that the Catholic liturgy itself is flawed with fundamental injustice when women are barred from presiding. From time to time other "radical feminists," women and men parishioners, joined me. But for many it was a most unwelcome reminder -- a disruption. I was treated like a leper by some of my most "progressive" co-parishioners, until I left the parish after those five years (1991-96) of standing. (Catholics in Crisis, a book by Jim Naughton centers on the bitter controversy sparked by what came to be known as "The Standing.") Gender and Justice In the midst of such witness, there seemed to be signs of some progress -- at least in the secular world. In 1993, I rejoiced that our country was getting a "two-for" with Hillary Clinton as a new kind of First Lady, essentially a partner in governance with her husband. And just four years later, another breakthrough, Madeleine Albright became the first female Secretary of State and the highest-ranking woman in the history of the U.S. government. But, alas: as U.S. ambassador to the U.N., Albright had justified the brutal effects of the sanctions imposed on Iraq (later branded "unconscionable" by the U.S. Catholic bishops). When asked in May 1996 about the U.N. finding that the sanctions had taken the lives of 500,000 Iraqi children, Albright told CBS's Leslie Stahl, "We think the price is worth it." Albright displayed not only callousness, but entitlement. In February of this year, while on the campaign trail in New Hampshire for former Secretary of State Clinton, Albright condescendingly chided and challenged women, especially the young who were rallying to Sen. Bernie Sanders: "You have to help. Hillary Clinton will always be there for you. And just remember, there's a special place in Hell for women who don't help each other." Martin Luther King Jr. memorial in Washington, DC. (Image by geobeats, Channel: geobeats) Details DMCA Hillary Clinton is clearly expecting the votes of many women who believe she is entitled to become President because "it is time." While I agree that it is well past time for a woman to be President, I disagree that it should be Hillary Clinton. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., reminded us that people should not be judged by external factors (whether the color of their skin or, in this case, their gender) "but by the content of their character." As Hillary Clinton runs for President of the United States, she proudly boasts about her four years as Secretary of State as one of her most significant achievements qualifying her for the Presidency. Due to the controversial nature of those years as head of the US State Department, that experience warrants careful scrutiny. One of Clinton's first challenges as Secretary of State took place in Honduras, in June of 2009. Her actions there, advocating regime change, set a dangerous precedent for the remainder of her tenure. Clinton supported the Honduran military coup of June 28, 2009, which removed President Manuel Zelaya, who was democratically elected, five short months prior to the completion of his four-year term. The impact of that coup and its aftermath came to the forefront of my thinking due to the news of the recent assassination of Berta Caceres, a courageous Honduran indigenous-rights leader and ecological activist, on March 3, 2016. Because of Caceres' worldwide reputation, the news of her tragic death spread rapidly. Her demise underscored the senseless violence that has become the Honduran way of life ever since the 2009 coup. Until today, Honduras has experienced non-stop repression and unrest. In fact, the country now holds the dubious distinction of being designated as the murder capital of the world. Ironically, it was Caceres herself who singled out Hillary Clinton's role in the Honduran coup in a 2014 interview in Buenos Aires. Reporting on this interview in The Nation (March 16, 2016), Greg Grandin, author, historian and history professor at New York University, noted that "pressure" from Washington caused the new government to pass "terrorist and intelligence laws that criminalize(d) political protest." As New York Times' columnist David Brooks points out in a March 11, 2016, article in La Jornada, a national Mexico newspaper, p.20, entitled "Hillary Clinton es responsible, en parte, del asesinato de Berta Caceres: expertos" (Hillary Clinton Is Responsible, in Part, for the Assassination of Berta Caceres: Experts), following the coup, a repressive offensive was unleashed against social movements and popular interests, including Berta Caceres' organization COPINH, Consejo Civico de Organizaciones Populares e Indigenas de Honduras (The Civic Council of Popular and Indigenous Organizations of Honduras). Caceres' assassination brought back a flood of memories of my own experience in Honduras. At the time of the coup, I was one of many who was outraged at what had happened there, in particular, the purported role that the US played in the coup under Clinton's State Department leadership. When I received an invitation to join a delegation to Honduras as an observer, I immediately accepted. The invitation came from the Quixote Center based in College Park, Maryland. It was originally founded in 1976 as a multi-issue grassroots organization striving for social justice throughout the world. It had worked extensively in Nicaragua and Haiti and raised US$100 million in humanitarian aid for the Zapatistas in Mexico. Our delegation, consisting of 11 activists from the United States plus myself (a dual American/Mexican citizen living in Oaxaca, Mexico), arrived in the capital city of Tegucigalpa in early August of 2009, a little over a month after the coup had taken place. It was the Quixote Center's hope that our visibility would help to diminish human-rights violations. It made sure that the eight days that we spent in Honduras were packed with visits with a variety of individuals and groups, all of whom had been deeply affected by the military coup. We also made a compulsory courtesy visit to the US Embassy. As we had feared, our visits confirmed that the only way that the military coup could have possibly happened was with tacit US approval, most likely with Hillary Clinton's endorsement. That approval was all the more probable due to the existence of Soto Cano, a US military base in Honduras. Unless the coup organizers had been given the green light to proceed by the Obama administration, they would never have risked a US military reprisal from that base. Manuel (Mel) Zelaya, a member of a wealthy Honduran cattle ranching and lumber family, had been democratically elected president in 2005. Although Zelaya initially followed a conservative agenda in line with previous Honduran presidents, his priorities slowly changed. He began to show genuine concern for the poor majority in his country, which led to the implementation of a 60% increase in the Honduran minimum wage. Zelaya also began to forge a commercial relationship with President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela. In addition, Zelaya made a well-publicized visit to Cuba. Under his leadership, Honduras joined the Latin American alliance called ALBA, Alianza Bolivariana para los Pueblos de Nuestra America (The Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America). He also publicly expressed his wish to convert the US military base at Soto Cano into an international airport. Finally, Zelaya proposed a consultation with the Honduran people to find out if they were in favor of redrafting the Honduran constitution, which was heavily biased toward the wealthy upper classes. He proposed doing this democratically by holding a referendum on June 28th (fatefully, the very day that he was deposed as president) to ask the Honduran people if they were in favor of including a separate ballot referendum about redrafting the constitution as part of the presidential-election process on Novmber 29th. It was this latter proposal that created the most controversy and vocal opposition. Despite Zelaya's persistent denials, this referendum was interpreted by his opponents as a means for him to run for reelection and remain in power, a possibility that the current constitution clearly prohibited. Zelaya pointed out the fallacy of that argument, since the decision to hold a constitutional convention would be determined at the same time that his successor would be elected. But, it was to no avail. The opposition loudly proclaimed its disapproval via the media outlets it largely controlled. So, the referendum never took place. The June 28th military coup happened instead. On the morning of that fateful day, armed soldiers invaded the President's living quarters and rushed him to the Tegucigalpa airport in his pajamas, where he was whisked off to involuntary exile in Costa Rica. On the way, his plane landed at the Soto Cono US Air Base, another indication of US involvement. Although Zelaya's many supporters reacted forcefully, any and all opposition was rapidly stifled. The police and the military silenced all dissent. It was to such an oppressive environment that our delegation arrived in Tegucigalpa roughly one month after Zelaya had been overthrown. With military and police everywhere, we felt an uneasiness and tension in the air as if Honduras were a nation under siege. As we attended meetings, met with dissidents and traveled throughout the country, we were impressed with and amazed by the resilience of the Honduran people despite the oppression. Everyone with whom we met was against the coup and for the restoration of democracy, which meant the return of Manuel Zelaya. Our meetings included the powerful beverage union (STYBIS) Sindicatro de Trabajadores de la Indusria de la Bebida y Similares (The Union of Beverage and Similar Industrial Workers) and its dynamic leader Carlos Reyes. We also met with Bertha Oliva, the committed Director of COFADEH Comite de Familiares de Detenidos Desaparecidos en Honduras (the Committee of the Families of the Detained and Disappeared in Honduras). Most of us concluded that our meeting with the US Ambassador Hugo Llorens, was a waste of time. Although he claimed that the US government hoped for the restoration of Zelaya ("He's a personal friend of mine") his words rang hollow. After all, Llorens had been the principal advisor to President George W. Bush on issues relating to Venezuela in 2002 when the failed coup against Hugo Chavez in Venezuela was undertaken. Llorens had also spoken out publicly against Zelaya's proposed referendum. For me, the most memorable meeting was the one held at a prison where we met with inmate David Murillo Sanchez. He is a minister and the father of 11 children. Accompanied by his wife and one of his daughters, we spoke to him through the bars of his tiny cell. He had been jailed for protesting the senseless killing of his son Obed Murillo, shot down at a peaceful pro-Zelaya demonstration (10,000 strong) at the Tegucigalpa airport on July 5, 2009, when Zelaya attempted (unsuccessfully) to return to Honduras by plane. The plane was unable to land since the airfield was blocked by soldiers and military vehicles. When the police tried to break up the demonstration, 12 protestors were injured and two people were killed, one of whom was Obed Murillo. All that Obed's father had done other than to oppose the coup was to protest his son's murder at the appropriate government office, which apparently was sufficient justification for his incarceration by the interim government. Despite what had happened to him personally, Reverend Murillo remained positive and optimistic. He was convinced that Zelaya would be restored as President and that he would soon be released. I found his upbeat comments quite moving under such adverse circumstances. Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). The Omayyad mosque in Aleppo, Syria was built between the 8th and 13th centuries and is reputedly home to the remains of John the Baptist's father. It is located in the walled Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Heavy fighting during the Syrian civil (Image by Franklin Lamb) Details DMCA Beirut "It was a place to connect to your history, to your identity and to tell others, who were not from Aleppo or Syria: "This is where we are from. This is who we are." This is where you come to encounter your roots. It was a place that existed forever, a place we thought would exist long after we were gone. But we were wrong." (Amal Hanano, Lessons from the Minaret , 2013) For the past two months, since the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee amended legislative proposal H.R. 1493, known as the Protect and Preserve International Cultural Property Act, the key bill has picked up stream on Capitol Hill with bi-partisan support. This week (4/13/2016), the full senate passed the measure by unanimous consent. This important legislation, which is expected to become law in the coming weeks, given its strong support also on the House side of Congress, calls for emergency import restrictions on at-risk Syrian cultural property within 90 days of President Obama's signature. Rather than establishing a rather controversial cultural heritage czar called for in an earlier version, H.R. 1493 now calls for an interagency executive committee to protect international cultural property. This observer has been advised by two Congressional sources that concerns for the restoration of our shared global cultural heritage in Syria, widespread relief that Palmyra has been liberated from ISIS iconoclasm, and American public support for the repair and restoration of Palmyra's treasures, are major reasons for moving the tough new and most welcomed ban on Syrian cultural property forward. These concerns are global and being widely debated this spring, especially by archeological organizations. Among a growing number of diverse organizations that continue to monitor damage to Syrian cultural heritage and who are joining the debate and often voicing disparate and occasionally emotionally antithetical views with respect to our shared global cultural heritage in Syria are the following: Aga Khan Trust for Culture the Co-coordinating Council of Audiovisual Archives Associations (CCAAA), ASOR, Avaaz, , Heritage and development, International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA), International Council on Archives (ICA), International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) , International Council of Museums (ICOM) , , Libraries without Borders/Bibliotheques sans Frontieres, Peace Palace Library. Research Guide Cultural Heritage , United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) , American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, Blue Shield International, Canadian Conservation Institute, Conservation Center for Art & historic artefacts , Conservation OnLine (CoOL) , History of Historic Royal Palaces , Hornemann Insitut, IFLA's work on preserving cultural heritage , Image Permanence Institute , International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (ICC) , International Red Cross and Red Crescent , Le laboratoire de conservation, restauration et recherches de Draguignan , Portal Euromed Heritage Digital Resources , ,Preserving History. How to Digitally Archive and Share Historical Photographs, Documents, and Audio Recordings, The Shirin NGO (www.shirin-international.org ), The Getty Conservation Institute , United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). There are many contributing to this rapidly expanding dialogue and sometimes boisterous and even accusatory debate. Avaaz, is circulating a Petition against UNESCO and Russian plans to reconstruct Palmyra. It states in part, "We, the undersigned, urge the international community and its cultural organizations and academic institutions to help protecting the Syrian heritage and sparing it the political, ethnic, sectarian, or business agendas of the fighting groups in the Syrian conflict and their global backers. "We regret that UNESCO Director General "reiterated her full support for the restoration of Palmyra" without first considering the ramifications of such a hasty statement. The intention of UNESCO and other organizations to engage in a restoration and reconstruction process of the ancient site of Palmyra right now is both inopportune and unrealistic. Millions of Syrians are still suffering the enormous consequences of this bloody war. Among them are the people of Palmyra who have experienced and continue to experience loss of life, detention, displacement, and the devastating destruction of their homes and heritage." But we firmly oppose any hasty reconstruction initiated by UNESCO and carried out by parties directly involved in the Syrian tragedy." Restoring Palmyra: Yes! Hastily: No!!! The International Council of Museums (ICOM) has made public its views "Against Rushing to Conclusions about Palmyra Damage." ICOM warns against rushing to draw conclusions about the damage inflicted by ISIS terrorists on the world heritage site of Palmyra, ICOM's director of Programs and Partnerships advised this week. "Assessment is what we need so far, because no official international mission has been there in a couple of years, we have not assessed the situation of heritage," France Desmarais said advising that "There are three words that we need to remember when we talk about this -- professionalism, independence and integrity, and we want to make sure that whatever assessment is conducted it should be of course done with national and international experts of diverse institutions and expertise and it needs to be done thoroughly. Any quick assessment that would be done for communication purposes would not be welcome." Other experts and academics are also skeptical, believing that the task will take many years and resources, that some sites are beyond repair, and that others might never be restored to their former glory. They argue as Syrian archeologist and refugee Mr. Azm has that "It's still early days," "This is all going to take a long time." The Shirin NGO (www.shirin-international.org) will soon release a blunt motion challenging a project of reconstruction of Palmyra, a result of recent talks between UNESCO Director General and the President of Russia. According to the Shirin-International Board of Directors, their motion, "written by professional archaeologists and Directors of excavations in Syria until 2010/11 will be sent to a large number of institutions and organizations, including to UNESCO and its satellite agencies, universities, press agencies, chancelleries." 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). Reprinted from Mondoweiss It's finally happened: the issue of Palestinian human rights came up in the Democratic debate tonight [April 14] on national television, and Bernie Sanders repeatedly criticized Hillary Clinton -- for siding with Israel singlehandedly, for her support of Benjamin Netanyahu and her indifference to the plight of Palestinians. On the same night that he caved in to rightwing fools and suspended his Jewish outreach director over her criticisms of Benjamin Netanyahu, Senator Sanders stood up for Palestinians and against Netanyahu to cheers from the Brooklyn crowd. Toward the end of a bruising debate, the two Democratic candidates tangled over Israel and Palestine for more than six minutes, beginning when Wolf Blitzer asked Sanders if he stood by his criticism of Israel for "disproportionate" attacks on Gaza. Sanders said he had spent many months in Israel as a kid and has family in Israel, and the country has a right to live in peace and security. "But what you just read -- I do believe that. Israel was subjected to terrorist attacks, has every right to destroy terrorists. But we had in the Gaza are, not a very large area, some 10,000 civilians who were wounded and some 1,500 who were killed... Was that a disproportionate attack? The answer is I believe it was." Cheers. "And let me say something else. As somebody who is 100 percent pro Israel, in the long run, and this is not going to be easy, if we are ever going to bring peace to that region that has seen so much hatred and so much war, we are going to have to treat the Palestinian people with respect and dignity... One has got to say that right now in Gaza unemployment is somewhere around 40 percent. You got a lot of that area continues -- it hasn't been rebuilt, decimated. Housing decimated, health care decimated, schools decimated. I believe the United States and the rest of the world has got to work together to help the Palestinian people. That does not make me anti-Israel. That paves the way, I think, to an approach that works in the Middle East." Clinton responded with a staunch defense of Israel, repeating talking points straight out of the Netanyahu government and its lobby here: "They do not seek this kind of attacks. They do not invite rockets raining down on their towns and villages. They do not believe that there should be a constant incitement by Hamas, aided and abetted by Iran against Israel. And so when it came time after they had taken the incoming rockets, taken the assaults and ambushes on their soldiers, and they called and told me ... they were getting ready to have to invade Gaza again because they couldn't find anyone to talk to to tell them to stop it... I don't know how you run a country if you are under constant threat..." Here was the extent of Clinton's criticism of Israel: "That doesn't mean that you don't take appropriate precautions, and there's always second guessing when you have a war." If you blinked, you missed that. Sanders said: "You evaded the question, the question is not does Israel have a right to respond, not does Israel have a right to go after terrorists... Was their response disproportionate? I believe that it was. You haven't answered that." There were audible boos from the audience as Clinton said: Reprinted from Alon Ben-Meir Blog The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which was once at the front and center of the Arab world and a significant player on the global stage due to its oil riches, has been steadily losing its regional influence and prominent role. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has been confronted with multiple challenges simultaneously, including its domestic, social, political, economic and religious trials, its conflict with Iran, its bilateral relations with the US, the rise of extremism, and the intra-Arab crisis. Saudi Arabia failed to catch up with the rapidly changing developments that engulfed the region, and now it finds itself squeezed from all angles, with little prospect of relief unless the kingdom undertakes sweeping changes. The challenge for Saudi Arabia is that given its culture, socio-political make up, and the dominant role of religion, it will be extraordinarily difficult for the Saudis to change direction without experiencing great turmoil that could destabilize the country for many years to come. That said, the Saudis have little choice but to begin serious domestic and foreign policy reforms consistent with the changing regional geopolitical environment, and do so gradually to preserve the integrity and stability of the kingdom. The growing domestic challenges Since the 2003 Iraq war and especially in the wake of the Arab Spring, the country is going through an identity crisis. There is growing unrest among many youth who no longer tolerate living in servitude and oppression -- they want more freedom and civil rights, and refuse to settle for handouts to keep them quiet. With the eruption of the Arab Spring, the government spent $130 billion to silence the opposition. These top-to-bottom handouts failed to satisfy the nearly 60 percent of the population under the age of 21. They are unwilling to live in a country where criticism of the government is considered a threat to national security, live fire is used against protesters, secret police are everywhere, freedom of speech is completely stifled, and women are confined to the home. Any political opposition is quelled by force, and punishments for crimes such as blasphemy, sorcery, and apostasy, are gruesome and carried out publicly. In 2015 alone, 157 people were beheaded, and more than 82 have been executed thus far in 2016, which is twice as many as have been beheaded by ISIS in the same time period. Moreover, political activists serve long-term sentences and administrative detention is rampant. The opportunities for upward mobility and personal growth are limited, leaving little for which to aspire. This has led many young men to join various terrorist organizations in the search for a new identity. Although there are women activists struggling for reform, violence against women is symptomatic in Saudi culture and is accepted as a means of controlling their behavior. The state-sanctioned execution of women convicted of adultery (whom are often in reality the victims of rape), and killing of women by male relatives (honor killing) for sexual offenses, perceived or otherwise, is acceptable. Religious oppression Given that Saudi Arabia is the custodian of Sunni Islam and is the seat of the holiest Muslim shrines in Mecca (the birthplace of Mohammed) and Medina, the Saudis have carved for themselves a special role in the Sunni Muslim world. The annual Hajj to Mecca further enshrines the Saudis' religious role and enhances their strict form of Sunni Islam (Wahhabism), which they have been exporting to every Muslim state by building thousands of schools (madrassas) at an exorbitant cost. The country is run by sharia law, music is not allowed, religious police are given extended authority to use extreme violence, and the religious Committee for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice enforces Islamic law. All Saudis are expected to attend mosque every Friday, and Wahhabism is taught from an early age. Saudi Arabia uses religion to control the population and teaches to hate those who do not share their Islamic values. The clergy exercises extraordinary power and are free to issue edicts (Fatwas) at their pleasure. The religious system is often run contrary to the social, political, and economic aspirations of the young, and is leading to a growing resentment which is becoming increasingly troublesome for the government. The looming economic crisis With estimated oil reserves of 270 billion barrels, the fall of oil prices has had an unprecedented effect on the Saudi economy. The oil crisis has inflicted major economic disruption, forced the government to cut subsidies and curtail many development projects, and reduced its international stature and ability to exert influence over other Arab states. by Sen. Doug Whitsett The System Can Work as Intended One of the most important duties of the members of the Legislative Assembly is to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent to best benefit the public. This often involves making difficult choices regarding what our true spending priorities should be. Sometimes those decisions are not so difficult and actually are extremely easy to make. During the 2015 session, a proposal was strongly promoted to spend $250 million of the states limited bonding capacity on a Master Plan Project to seismically retrofit and renovate the Capitol Building in Salem. That original cost estimate for only the construction work eventually grew to over $337 million. The total price reached more than $590 million when the costs of issuing the bonds and the interest on the debt were included. Proposals for lounges to be used by lobbyists and legislators, a 4,700 square foot cafe and a 1,600 square foot area for members of the news media were added to the original plans. Most of those comfort areas are larger than the average home. Of course, these extravagances would be paid for with borrowed money, to be repaid with interest by Oregon taxpayers over 30 years. The Department of Geology and Mineral Industries (DOGAMI) produced a study in 2007 stating that there are 275 school buildings throughout Oregon that would very likely collapse in the event of a major earthquake. Another 800 Oregon schools were rated as being at high risk of collapse and an additional 500 were considered at moderate risk. No fewer than nine schools on the Oregon coast are actually constructed in tsunami inundation zones. All told, the study identified approximately 1,575 Oregon school facilities that would be unable to withstand a significant earthquake. DOGAMI has told us that a major subduction zone earthquake is virtually inevitable. It would seem very easy to choose the safety of schoolchildren over the comfort of lobbyists and politicians at a capitol building that is largely empty when the Legislative Assembly is out of session. However, legislators often hear from lobbyists and special interests about what they want when they are in session. Meanwhile, the citizens we all serve are busy going about their business, trying to make a living, being with their families and too often sending their children to unsafe schools. Senate Republicans were relentless in our efforts to prioritize school safety. Nearly daily remonstrance on the Senate floor kept the issue before legislators. We worked closely with the news media to help inform the Oregon public. A newsletter I released almost a year ago detailed the enormous costs of the capitol renovation proposal, the very real needs of our school facilities and asked readers for their feedback. I was also extensively quoted in this Willamette Week article about the same topic. The response my office received from constituents and residents from all over the state was loud, clear and nearly unanimous: Put the needs of our kids and their schools first. That public outcry may have been enough to force legislative leaders to remember who it is that they really represent. Consequentially, the capitol renovation project stalled and seismic upgrades for schools was properly prioritized through the passage of Senate Bill 447. Approximately $175 million in bonding funds for Oregon school seismic retrofits was included in that bill. Those efforts, and your input into the legislative process, are now starting to pay off in a massive way. Business Oregons Seismic Rehabilitation Grant Committee agreed last week to approve $50 million for 41 projects at schools throughout the state. Those seismic upgrades will go a long way towards ensuring that our children will be safe in the event of a major earthquake. The $50 million approved by that committee includes $1.5 million for Peterson Elementary in the Klamath Falls School District, $1.1 million for Paisley Elementary, $1 million for the gym at Crook County Middle School and nearly $1.5 million for Butte Falls High School. All told, just the first round of seismic rehabilitation grants will provide more than $5 million to retrofit four schools in Senate District 28 alone. I believe this is a much higher priority use of the funds than what was previously proposed. To put it into perspective, in the six years before the Legislature funded this seismic upgrade program for schools, only $34 million had been awarded to fund upgrades at 37 schools. Not all of the safety needs of Oregon schools will be met immediately. Approximately 107 grant applications seeking $123 million were received by Business Oregon. However, unfunded applications will be rolled over into the second round with new applications being accepted over the summer. Many of those unfunded applications should be considered under the continuing program. The next round of projects is expected to total $125 million. Senate President Peter Courtney (D-Salem) has indicated that he will seek an additional $200 million in funding for the program during the 2017 legislative session. In my opinion, this is a great example of our system of representative government working the way in which it was intended by our founding fathers. Oregons people actively participated and made their voices heard. Working together, we were able to stop wasteful spending and reprioritize that money to do the right thing for children, teachers and school staff throughout the state. You rose to the occasion and made your wishes crystal clear. As a result, Oregon families will benefit from safer schools for decades to come. Senator Doug Whitsett is the Republican state senator representing Senate District 28 Klamath Falls 27 police officials taken hostage by Chotoo gang LAHORE: At least six police officials have been killed, and 27 police officials taken hostage by gangsters in the ongoing law-enforcement operation to cleanse the riverine area of Rajanpur district in south Punjab. Seven gangsters have also been killed in the ongoing operation. A senior police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, lamented that police forces deployed in the operation, named Zarb-i-Ahan, lack proper equipment, weapons and boats to launch an assault on the island. The operation to dislodge the gangsters is proving to be a tough nut to crack for local police forces, who lack the proper training and equipment to conduct amphibious operations in the riverine areas. We used two boats that we acquired privately from locals but we were attacked and lost six men, while 27 were taken hostage, said the police official. He added that the driver of one of the boats was shot dead, during the sally launched by security forces towards the gangster-controlled island. The police official also confirmed that police forces have been unable to secure the 20km-long piece of stretch. They are getting continuous reinforcements from gangs in and around the area and forces have been unable to secure the area, elaborated the police official. While talking to reporters, commander of the bandits Ghulam Rasool alias Chotoo said he is a supporter of Pak Amry and not a RAW agent. Chotoo said he was left with no option but to make a criminal gang after fake cases were registered against him. He told media men that he is "willing to surrender but only in front of army". In the absence of an effective cordon being established around the island, the gangsters will continue to be resupplied and reinforced. Around 200 gangsters are still fighting against police forces. The police official blamed poor operational planning by the police department for the casualties sustained, and added the weapons being used by the gangsters are sophisticated modern arms, resulting in the attacking police force often being outgunned and outranged. Punjab IG Mushtaq Ahmad Sukhera, after attending the funeral of an elite force official, said the operation will continue till the elimination of all terrorists. The whole nation is in a state of war against the terrorists, he said. It is a vast area over 35 kilometres and surrounded by water which gives an advantage to terrorists, he added. Earlier, the Punjab Police had requested helicopter gunship support from Pakistan Army, but the support is yet to materialise. Mushtaq Sukhera, the Punjab police chief, had visited frontline checkposts on Tuesday to review the operational strategy. He was accompanied by police officers from Bahawalpur and Dera Ghazi Khan, DPOs and senior officials of Rangers. Army called to join the anti-criminal Zarb-i-Aahan operation LAHORE / DERA GHAZI KHAN: The army has been called in to join the anti-criminal Zarb-i-Aahan operation in the riverine area of Rajanpur after Punjab polices failure to capture members of the dreaded Chotoo gang. The latest development came after the federal interior ministry accorded approval for launching a military operation against the hardened criminals of Rajanpurs Rojhan tehsil on Thursday, according to a police official. He told reporters that an army battalion from Okara and two platoons of the Special Services Group (SSG), an independent commando regiment/corps of the army, had been called in to launch a large-scale operation. A strike force with paratroops from Rangers would also take part in the joint operation along with regular policemen and commandos of the force, the official said. Four more policemen killed; bodies handed with threat to kill 24 captive cops if safe passage is not provided to leaders of Chotoo gang He said that the initiative had been taken in the wake of reports that 24 policemen, including SSG commandos of Elite Police, had been taken hostage by the gangsters and six others were killed during fierce battles with the outlaws. The tug of war intensified on Thursday when the criminals killed another four policemen and handed over the bodies to the authorities with a threat to kill 24 others still in their custody. The gangsters also handed over four injured policemen to representatives of police. Sources said that army units had started converging on the riverine area of Rojhan Mazari to initiate a final assault against the Chotoo gang in Kacha Jamal and Kacha Moro areas. They claimed that the operation would start any time after Thursday midnight and go on until the last criminal was eliminated. The police official said that a meeting was convened on Thursday between the corps commander of Multan and the Inspector General of Punjab, Mushtaq Sukhera. Officials of other security agencies also attended the meeting. He said that the huddle discussed updates on the situation and a new standard operating procedure to launch a military operation against the gangsters hiding in an island which has become the battleground. It will be a massive joint operation led by army. The official said that a strategy for the release of the captive policemen and to eliminate notorious criminals was discussed, besides an option of airstrike through military helicopter gunships. Punjab police spokesperson Nabila Ghazanfar said that during fresh clashes, police had achieved a major success by killing seven notorious members of the gang. She claimed that the slain criminals included Ali Gul Bazgir, the ringleader of the Chotoo gang, Faqir Mohammad and Majeed Bakhrani. She confirmed that six policemen had been killed and seven others suffered injuries while fighting the gangsters. Twenty-four police personnel, including elite commandos, are in the custody of the criminals. A source in the police department said that the Chotoo gangs ringleader was demanding safe passage for himself, his family and some loyal accomplices to proceed to Dubai in return of safe release of the captive policemen. A video footage aired by some TV channels showed police authorities requesting the ringleader to treat their captives as guests. In return the gangsters asked them to avoid any further adventure and threatened that otherwise they would kill the hostages. Talking to reporters, the IG said that the operation had been launched after consultation with the military authorities and Rangers. He rejected reports that the police force was ill-equipped and said those fighting on the frontline were wearing 10kg bulletproof jackets, protected helmets and safety shoes. He said that the police had killed top members of the notorious gang. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, in a meeting, reportedly expressed annoyance over police failure to carry out an operation against the gang. Annoyed at a false report on the operation, he asked why the operation was launched if police force was short of manpower and weaponry. He expressed sorrow on the loss of lives of policemen and admonished the high-ups of the force for not providing backup support to the law-enforcers fighting on the frontline. Pakistan urged Taliban to join dialouge ISLAMABAD: Days after Afghan Taliban announced launch of their spring offensive, Pakistan on Thursday urged the group to join the peace process and take part in dialogue. It is in the interest of all groups in Afghanistan to participate in the process as this is the best hope to bring peace in Afghanistan and the entire region, Foreign Office spokesperson Nafees Zakariya said in his weekly briefing in Islamabad. We believe a politically negotiated settlement is the best option for bringing lasting peace to Afghanistan. On Pakistan-India relations, the spokesperson said the two countries are in contact and modalities for the resumption of secretary-level dialogue are under discussion. He said that Pakistans joint investigation team (JIT) on Pathankot visited the affected airbase and shared necessary information with India. He said that investigation were still going on. The spokesperson said that Pakistan was against the armed race, either conventional or non-conventional, in the region. But, on the other side, he said, India is seeking a lot of weapons. He said that Iran was a brotherly neighbouring country who have made it clear that their land will not be allowed to be used against Pakistan. After the lifting of sanctions against Iran, both countries have a lot of opportunities for mutual economic cooperation, he said, and added that the leadership of both countries has already declared to stand by each other. Peace process not suspended between Pakistan and India: FO ISLAMABAD: The Foreign Office rejected on Thursday the notion that the peace process between Pakistan and India was suspended, saying it remained engaged with Delhi. We need to look ahead and not think in terms of foreclosing any options. Both sides are in contact with each other, FO spokesman Nafees Zakaria said at the weekly media briefing. The spokesman was referring to media reports quoting Pakistans High Commissioner in India Abdul Basit as having said that the peace process was suspended. Dialogue is the best option. Diplomacy is for interaction and engagement between countries, Mr Zakaria maintained. Last December, the two countries had agreed to restart the peace dialogue, which was named Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue. It was agreed during Prime Minister Narendra Modis surprise stopover in Lahore on Christmas Day that the foreign secretaries would meet to decide the schedule and other details of the first round of talks. However, the plan for re-engagement after a hiatus of two years was upset by the Pathankot attack and the two countries have not been able to schedule the foreign secretaries meeting since. Mr Zakaria said the meeting would take place once the modalities have been settled. The spokesman expressed deep concern over the Indian security forces crackdown on protesters in Handwara in India-held Kashmir which has resulted in four casualties. The protests broke out in the occupied Kashmiri town, following reports that an Indian soldier had molested a local girl. Three people were killed when security forces opened fire at the protesters, while a fourth died after being hit in the head by a teargas shell. We urge the international community to take steps to resolve the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions that call for the Kashmiris right to self-determination through a UN-supervised plebiscite, he said. The next meeting of the Quadrilateral Coordination Group, comprising Pakistan, Afghanistan, China and the US, would take place soon, said the spokesman. The four-nation group is working for reconciliation in Afghanistan. The group is struggling to convene its next meeting due to the widening mistrust between Afghanistan and Pakistan in the aftermath of the failure to hold talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government. At its last meeting, the QCG had resolved to initiate direct talks between the Afghan government and Taliban in the first week of March. Mr Zakaria said all members of the QCG remained committed to the success of the peace process. In a rare travel advisory issued at the media briefing, the FO urged Pakistanis to avoid travelling to Iraq, Syria, Libya and Yemen due to the security situation in those countries. PTI PML-Q joined campaign against Panama Leaks LAHORE: Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaaf (PTI) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) on Thursday announced to launch a joint campaign against the Sharifs over their involvement in the offshore investment scandal revealed by the Panama Papers. The two parties reached the consensus that Panama leaks should be probed by a fully powered commission comprising prominent law experts including Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Ali Zafar, Dr Khalid Ranjha and Aitzaz Ahsan as well as the services of an internationally reputed forensic audit firm be acquired. PTI senior leader and former foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi called on PML-Q leader and former deputy prime minister Ch Parvez Elahi at his residence in Lahore. Talking to media following the meeting, Elahi said that Nawaz Sharif always wrongly favoured Shahbaz Sharif and made him chief minister only because of being his brother. But, today why he is not defending his elder brother and nephews? he asked. Elahi said Shahbaz Leaks is a bigger scandal than Panama leaks which has destroyed a prosperous Punjab of our tenure. Shah Mahmood Qureshi said, We want to benefit from your experiences and wisdom. Stance of PML-Q and PTI is clearly the same. Corruption is on the rampage. We want a strong opposition. We will formulate our future line of action on our Foundation Day on April 24 after consultation with other leaders. Expressing gratitude to Qureshi, Elahi said that Panama leaks has been thrown on the rulers by Almighty Allah and not by the opposition. He said the state of good governance of Shahbaz Sharif can well be imagined from the fact that they are not even able to apprehend the Chhotu Gang. Real democracy had been displayed in Iceland: Imran Khan LAHORE: Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan said on Thursday the (spirit of) real democracy had been displayed in Iceland, where its prime minister resigned immediately after his offshore companies were exposed in Panama Papers. Similarly, he said, British Prime Minister David Cameron was himself explaining his position in the House of Commons. Mr Khan was talking to reporters shortly before his departure to London with PTI leaders Jahangir Tareen and Abdul Aleem at the Lahore airport. According to some TV channels, Interior Minister Chaudhry Nisar was also travelling on the same flight. The PTI chief said that both the government and the opposition were busy defending corruption of their leaders which had been revealed in Panama Papers. This time, no corrupt will be allowed to go scot-free as it is a golden chance for Pakistanis to expose rulers corruption, who are looting national wealth and buying palaces abroad, and hold them accountable. Mr Khan said the PTI had started contacting forensic companies in London in a bid to expose rulers corruption and added that the companies would be paid their fees by overseas Pakistanis. Sindh Rangers interrogated Qadir Patel KARACHI: The Sindh Rangers on Thursday interrogated senior leader of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Abdul Qadir Patel for his alleged involvement in serious crimes and links with criminal gangs operating in Lyari, Karachi. Sources said that the interrogation, which continued for over five hours at the Rangers Karachi headquarters, took place with Lyari Peoples Aman Committee chief Uzair Baloch sitting in the same room. After failing to give satisfactory answers to the investigating officer, Patel was transferred to an undisclosed location for further investigation, with sources saying that the PPP leader was expected to be remanded for 90 days in Rangers custody. Sources that Patel was asked as to how he knew Baloch and in what capacity. To this, Patel replied that several PPP leaders, including him, used to seek help from Baloch and his Lyari-based gang. He was asked about the murder of Benazir Bhuttos security chief Khalid Shahnshah who was killed in a drive-by shooting. Patel said he was not aware of the murderer, despite having close ties with Baloch. However, Patel named Zulfiqar Mirza as a possible lead, saying, Mirza looked after all affairs. The Rangers personnel kept pressing him for an answer stating that Baloch, who is in the paramilitary custody, had named him Qadir Patel and some other PPP leaders as planners of the murder. Terrorism is global phenomenon,not confined to any country: Mamnoon Hussain ISTANBUL: President Mamnoon Hussain on Thursday emphasised the need for evolving comprehensive policies and international cooperation to counter terrorism and extremism. Recent tragic incidents, from Brussels to Lahore and from Paris to Ankara, have once again reminded us that terrorism is global phenomenon that is not confined to any country, region, nationality, creed or ethnicity, the president said while addressing the 13th Islamic Summit of OIC being hosted by Turkey. Reiterating Pakistans stance, he said, We condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Our counter terrorism operation Zarb-e-Azb is successfully progressing towards the goal of eliminating all terrorists. We must all hold fast together and resolve our differences through consultations amongst ourselves. We are proud inheritors of a civilisation that was a trailblazer in science and technology, art and culture and philosophy. Sadly, today we are suffering, in many parts, from underdevelopment, illiteracy and backwardness. Collectively, we need to focus on reclaiming our roles as harbingers of positive change. We must establish peace in our own societies, promote respect for differing views and curb any tendency to impose our views on others, he added. He said Pakistan attaches high importance to the freedom of expression but we stand equally committed to the concern, shared by OIC member states, that it should not be misused to attack or hurt peoples sentiments or religious beliefs. The president also stressed the need to find just resolutions of the disputes of Kashmir and Palestine. It is unfortunate that from amongst us, some dark forces harbouring detestable notions, are trampling on fundamental human values. Our hearts bleed when they seek to justify their brutality in the name of our noble religion, he maintained. Referring to the relations with India, he said, Despite odds, we hold on to the hope that our desire for peace would be reciprocated. We look forward to an uninterruptible, sustained and result oriented dialogue with India. Highlighting the Afghan issue, he said, Pakistan desires lasting peace in Afghanistan, which could only be achieved through an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned reconciliation process. The president said that the OIC 2025 Programme of Action, the member states would adopt at the Istanbul summit, was the first step towards realisation of their joint commitment of making progress on the 18 identified priority areas. PDF Syrias cessation of hostilities, which came into effect on February 27, was supposed to reduce violence and guarantee delivery of humanitarian aid to desperate populations in need across Syria. The reduction of violence witnessed in the first weeks of the cessation has started to reverse course, and the cessation has largely failed on its promises to deliver life-saving humanitarian aid to the millions of Syrians in besieged and hard-to-reach areas. Attacks on medical personnel and facilities, one of the most egregious and unlawful aspects of the conflict, have resumed. In the last two weeks of March, Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) documented the killings of four medical personnel and an attack on a hospital. Opposition fighters shot a nurse in Ankhal, Daraa on March 18, and Syrian government forces killed the three other medical personnel in the suburbs of Damascus during the last week of March. Government forces also shelled a hospital and physiotherapy center in Yamadiya, Latakia on March 31, forcing both facilities to evacuate and cease services. From the start of the conflict through the end of March 2016, PHR has documented the deaths of 730 medical workers and 359 attacks on 256 separate medical facilities. Syrian government forces and their Russian allies are responsible for more than 90 percent of these attacks. The latest attack occurred on April 13, when an airstrike killed Dr. Hasan al Araj, Health Director of Hama governorate, as he was leaving his hospital. Five years of relentless violence have devastated civilian life and left 13.5 million Syrians in need of basic humanitarian assistance. However, the Syrian government has systematically obstructed delivery of such aid by creating burdensome procedural processes, refusing to respond to or outright denying requests for access, refusing inclusion of medical and food aid in approved convoys, and stripping such aid from pre-approved deliveries. Since the start of the cessation, UN agencies have delivered aid to only 11 of the 18 UN-designated besieged areas, with supplies sufficient for about 147,000 people. Syrian government officials have stripped many of these deliveries of medical and food aid, and the deliveries that have arrived have included supplies sufficient to meet only a fraction of the areas populations. Residents of the 11 areas remain in desperate need of aid, along with the additional 340,000 besieged Syrians who continue to live without access to vital humanitarian aid. By some counts, the actual number of besieged people is two times higher. Targeted attacks on medical facilities and personnel are war crimes. Indiscriminate attacks on civilian areas affecting medical facilities and personnel are war crimes. Deliberately obstructing civilian access to humanitarian aid is a war crime. Given the widespread and systematic nature of these violations in Syria, these attacks constitute crimes against humanity. In view of the continued violations, Physicians for Human Rights demands immediate implementation of the following steps: For full functionality of this site it is necessary to enable JavaScript. Here are the instructions how to enable JavaScript in your web browser Dubbed Gender Nkabom, since 2007 the programme has run training sessions for educators about the need for school children to feel comfortable and safe whenever they are in school irrespective of gender. It is an initiative of the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) with support from the Canadian Teachers Federation. The project seeks to redress the common complaint that girls are often the least comfortable in the school environment. This is especially the case in schools that lack basic facilities such as toilets, urinals and running water, making pupils have to resort to nearby bushes or public toilets outside the school compound. According to Helena Awurasa, the national gender coordinator for GNAT, the training program was important because it would help change attitudes and beliefs systems associated with the various roles that society have assigned to men and women and promote an effective working relationship between boys and girls. A study in 2014 by the Ghana Education Service found that 10,000 public schools (half of all public schools) did not have toilets. Another study by a non-governmental organisation; Sustainable Development Focus revealed that an overwhelming 95 percent of girls stay away from school during menstruation. This affects the academic performance of girls, who have to miss school sometimes for up to a week, while their male counterparts attend classes regularly. Some the areas that were treated at the training programme include; community mobilization for gender, understanding gender concepts, practical and strategic gender needs and writing gender action plans. However, this will require bold thinking and innovation to deliver affordable and reliable power solutions that can be rapidly deployed. When even waste material can be used to produce energy, its a win-win situation all round. Africas first grid-connected anaerobic digester plant on Gorge Farm in Kenya was developed by Tropical Power and is operated by independent power producer Biojoule. The Gorge Farm Energy Park, launched in August 2015, uses organic waste and sunshine to produce renewable power, both of which are plentiful on the 800ha vegetable farm. Currently only 23 per cent of undefineds population has access to electricity, says the , yet access to energy is a key imperative for economic development. Gorge Farm Energy Park has an installed capacity of 2.8MW, with a net output of 2.2 MW bringing much-needed power into the grid at a time when Kenyas energy needs are steadily rising. The plant is powered by GEs J420 Jenbacher engines, which are able to operate smoothly at 2,000 meters above sea level. This was the first time that Jenbacher engines were deployed on a renewable energy project in East Africa. As the largest biodigester of its type in East Africa, Gorge Farm Park is seen as a trailblazer for renewable energy development in the region. The project cost US$6.5 million to build and was developed in under 12 months, with a projected payback period of less than six years. Through the Gorge Farm Energy Park we aim to displace the expensive and imported generation fuels like diesel and heavy fuel oil from Kenyas distributed power mix. The Gorge Farm AD Plant is proof that locally produced feedstock can generate clean and cost effective distributed power, says Mike Mason, chairman of Tropical Power. This was the first anaerobic digester project for GE in sub-Saharan Africa. It is a big win for Kenya and Africa in general, demonstrating that waste to power projects are feasible in this market says Oluwatoyin Abegunde, GEs distributed power leader for Africa. Beyond producing power, the plant has multiple environmental benefits. These include the development of a rich natural fertilizer, which is a by-product of the power production process. Once fed back into the land this helps to improve crop health and reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers. Further by displacing oil-fired generation from the grid, the plant reduces carbon emissions by 7,000 tons a year. There are some things you just shouldnt do for perky breast simply because it is not worth it. It will harm you. Dont Kim Kardashian it! Mrs. West has revealed on her webpage that she duct tapes her breast to ensure that fabulous red-carpet cleavage. Ive used everything from duct tape to packing tape to masking tape and I think that the best I found is gaffers tape. It sticks the best! This is a terrible idea, duct tapes or any other type is not designed for the human skin, dont risk getting a nasty skin reaction. Your nipple area which is particularly sensitive can get irritated and develop a rash. Some people find out that they are allergic to the substances in these adhesives, stay far away from them. RELATED ARTICLES Dont Breastox Botoxing may work for your face but apparently when it comes to boobs, it does nothing to it. Dont waste your time with the so called Breastox treatments. Injecting your chest muscles with Botox will not perk up the girls, sorry. Sagging skin is a natural part of growing up. My boobs are fab just the way they are, repeat that until believe it. What you shouldnt believe is any weird treatment out there that will supposedly lift your breast. Dont run in a yoga bra Yoga bra are not supportive enough to keep your boobs contained while going or run or for a jog. Running in a sub-par bra can actually break down connective tissue in your chest, causing sagging. There are bras designed for different kinds of workouts, get the right kind. If you are busty, you really need to invest in bras that provide that added support. Remember your breasts have very sensitive tissues. Dont increase your risk of getting an infection by trying any funny thing. Nipple rings may look hot but according to a University Iowa study, piercing your nipple may develop an abscess a painful, pus-filled infection and it can also damage milk production ducts, which can be problematic if you try to breastfeed later. "...We shouldnt profile because we normally use the name of a particular ethnic group its not about the ethnic group, its about the herdsmen and the confrontation they are creating with our farmers because we need the maize, we need the beans, those crops to feed. So, if the animals are destroying them, it must be a concern, he said on Koforidua-based Sunrise FM on Thursday April 14 as part of his Accounting to the People Tour in the Eastern region. The herdsmen, mainly Fulani, have incurred the wrath of local farmers, who have accused them of destroying farms and water sources with their cattle. Two months ago, the traditional council of the area, issued an ultimatum to the herdsmen to vacate the area by March 31 but residents argue that the Fulani herdsmen are still in the enclave destroying farms and tormenting farmers. Youth in the town took to the streets on Tuesday to register their displeasureat governments failure to address the issue of the nomadic herdsmen and to compel government to act on a court directive to drive out the nomads. President Mahama has subsequently assured affected farmers and residents that national security would draw up a strategy to deal with the menace across the country. According to data available on the Volta River Authority (VRA) website, the hydro plant is currently producing power despite operating below the minimum operating level. The water level in the lake on April 14, 2016 stood at 238.22 feet or 72.609 meters while the minimum operating level is 73.15m or 240ft. It is not sustainable and we will destroy the dam, the head of policy unit at the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP) Ishmael Ackah has charged. Despite making significant progress in solving the close to four year power crisis that rocked the country, Ghana has encountered setbacks. A two week scheduled maintenance work on the FPSO Kwame Nkrumah has now been extended to five weeks, leading to curtailment in gas supply to the Ghana National Gas company, ultimately affecting power generation. The VRA thermal plants and AMERI power plant in the Western region that rely on the gas from the FPSO have all suspended operations due to the challenges. What we are doing to solve it (the power challenge) is a very bad thing; we are over drafting the Akosombo dam, Ishmael Ackah stated. Meanwhile the power ministry has denied the accusation by the energy policy think tank, Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP). Let me state that we are not over drafting hydro, technically Im informed by engineers that you cant run less than three turbines at Akosombo and this is a technical issue. More over the Akosombo dam does not run only on three turbines and so even if you run three turbines it doesnt mean you are running all the turbines, deputy power minister John Jinapor stated. According to him government will ensure the integrity of the dam is protected. According to Chief Resident Engineer Kweku Attakow Diafo, the extension is due to the impasse between traders, whose property were to be demolished, and the project engineers at the site. The footprints of some of the roads go through that section and if I have a programme to work in that zone to clear that work and you dont allow me, it means that all my workers will have to be assigned somewhere, Mr Diafo told Accra-based TV3. He added that the deadline extension will not affect the cost of the project. Drivers who operated at the Kaneshie-Odorkor Lorry Station and the Odorna Lorry Station were subsequently relocated temporarily to areas along the railway line to make way for the construction. The project is being funded with a loan from the Brazilian government and being executed by Queiroz Galvao, a Brazilian company. Other parts of the project include the replacement of the statue of Ghanas first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, with a new one, the construction of a fountain, a police post and a new lorry park. I have cried this morning, Adubea one of Danquah's sister said, we cannot eat, we cannot sleep at night. When Pulse TV visited the family home of Danquah it looked deserted. A big banner which announced the death of the MP hung at the entrance of the house. A red and black cloth was wrapped around a pillar also in front of the house indicating that the family is in mourning. Danquah was killed on the dawn of February 09 2016 at his Shiashie residence. According to the police the suspect had gone there to steal but ended up stabbing the victim several time after a struggle. The case is still in court. But the family and constituents of Danquah feel the case is being manipulated to shield the true culprit. Opanin Kwasi Frimpong is an elder brother to Danquah. He told Pulse TV the manner in which the case is being handled leaves much to be desired. The suspect initially said someone contracted him to kill JB , now the BNI is handling the case and it is in court. Anytime the suspect comes to court he tells different stories. Now he is saying he is mad but I don't believe he is mad. Frimpong said he believes there is an orchestrated attempt to hide the truth about the real killer. He said the suspect in custody has been told what to say so it would seem he is mad. This view is not held by the family of the late MP alone. Some constituents who Pulse TV spoke to held the same view. One woman said "we are still mourning, we use all our money to buy alcohol instead of putting it to proper use. The case would have been determined by now if the police was handling it. The BNI cannot be trusted. Another said we are not convinced about the presentation of the issue in court. We dont want to take the law into our own hands we they will do what is expected of them and justice will take its course Danquah will be buried on the 16 of April 2016 at his hometown at Akyim Tafo in the in Eastern Region. Frimpong is hoping that JBs burial does not put the matter to rest. In a strongly worded statement, the organization decried the treatment meted out to the journalists; which included the seizure of filming equipment and police harassment. The team finished filming and were returning [when] they were accosted by military personnel who had been stationed to offer security at Kibi Goldfields Limited, a local mining firm in the Saaman area. The security forces together with officials of the mining firm forcefully seized the equipment questioning why they had conducted filming within their mining concession. The incident was subsequently reported to the police in Koforidua along with the seized equipment; which are yet to be returned. The advocacy group also described as obnoxious a new directive by the Information Services Department (ISD) that requires international journalists to obtain permission before filming. The directive also entreated that after filming, journalists should submit copies of their finished work to the department for According to the ISD, they are simply following a directive given to them by the National Security Council Secretariat. They cited article 162 (2) of the constitution which is explicit in its opposition to censorship: subject to this constitution and any other law not inconsistent with this constitution, there shall be no censorship in Ghana. Article 162 (4) of the constitution which protects the media from state harassment and control also appears to have been broken in this case. Editors and publishers of newspapers and other institutions of the mass media shall not be subject to control or interference by Government, nor shall they be penalized or harassed for their editorial opinions and views, or the content of their publications. While Ghana continues to be one of the highest ranked countries in the world in terms of press freedom, recent developments have raised concerns about a slip. In November 2015, MPs passed the Content Standards Regulations which among others banned surreptitious filming. The law is currently before the Supreme Court for interpretation. Also in 2015, Stan Dogbe, who is unofficially the presidents right hand man, attacked a journalist from the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation and destroyed his recorder. A petition signed by over 150 journalists to get the president to sack Mr. Dogbe has been unsuccessful as he continues at post at the Flagstaff House. The security alert statement, seen by Pulse and sent to all Ghana's security agencies dated April 9 2016, said Intelligence gathered by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS), indicates a possible terrorist attack on the country is real. Ghana and Togo are the next targets after the attacks in Burkina Faso and Cote dIvoire, the report said. Ghana is a target to take away the perception that only francophone countries are targeted. The Ivorian security agencies investigating the attack on the Grand Bassam gathered that the terrorists mode of entry into countries with their explosives and weapons is through concealment. The Council said based on intelligence from other agencies, it has every reason to believe that countries including Ghana is at risk, but a cross section of Ghanaians Pulse.com.gh spoke to seem ignorant about the terror alert. The terror alert was released days after T.B Joshua prophesied Ghana and Nigeria would both be attacked by terrorists. Mr Bukari, a Muslim from Nima had not heard about the alert. I dont see any possibility, Ghana is a peaceful country and against barbaric activities so we should continue to pray for peace, he said. Another interviewee also disclosed that she was amazed at the question as she had not heard the news. Oh God have mercy on us and forgive us our sins, she said. Those spoken to who had heard about the terror alert were terrified and called on security agencies to be on high alert to avert any attack It is designed to increase the effectiveness of U.S. and African government entities and security forces in responding to international threats such as trafficking and terrorism. The training will involve personnel reacting to a simulated crisis and will cover a broad range of topics, including theater strategic planning, intermediate support, logistics, intelligence, and strategic communications and will take place primarily on Ghanaian military premises, the U.S Embassy announced. International threats require international solutions, said U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Robert P. Jackson. Epic Guardian is an opportunity to strengthen our bilateral relationship and to demonstrate our long-term commitment to supporting Ghana as it works to counter international threats and ensure stability and security for Ghanaians. This has been revealed by Petroleum Minister Armah Kofi Buah after a visit to the FPSO to ascertain the veracity of the problem. This comes as a cause for concern to most Ghanaians as the FPSOs halt in operations has led to a shortfall of about 200 Mega Watts of power during peak hours, leading to unstable supply of power during these periods. For now, Managing Director of the Ghana Grid Company, William Amuna says there is no need for a load shedding program as they expect generation to increase shortly owing to early rains. According to him, early rains will boost the countrys hydro- electric power provision, and generally reduce demand as temperatures will drop. All these phenomena are expected to save the country some 500MW of power. READ MORE: Dumsor Load shedding returns as FPSO postpones production Meanwhile, the FPSO Kwame Nkrumahs turret bearing (the damaged part) is no longer able to rotate as originally designed. A root cause analysis is ongoing and a project team is assessing to find a long-term solution to the operational problems on the FPSO. The country Manager for Tullow Ghana Mr Charlse Darko said, the FPSO Kwame Nkrumah has now been placed on "heading control" through the use of tugs which minimise vessel movement around the bearing. He added that, new operating procedures, including the use of a dynamically-positioned shuttle tanker (capacity of 250,000 barrels of oil) and a storage tanker (capacity of 1 million barrels of oil), are being implemented to assure safe production and off-take operations. It is however unclear at this point if the FPSO will commence full operation on the mentioned April 23, given that operation procedure will have to change drastically. According to Mr Darko, although all necessary equipment for the new operating procedures, including the two tankers, are in place, it is important that additional time and due care is taken to implement new procedures and receive required approvals. 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! I was chosen to act in a movie at the tender age of 5. After the movie a few marketers/scouts approached me with so many promises and at the age of 8 I finally yielded to one marketer in Lagos. I left Port-Harcourt for Lagos in a night bus with very little money. When I got to Lagos, I called the marketers number but it never went through. It was so late in the night, I started wandering around Ojuelegba bridge where the bus had stopped. Eventually, I slept by some mallams and area boys under the bridge of Masha that night. The next day I wandered around asking questions about Winnys hotel and National Theatre which I finally found because they said thats were actors stay. Well With time I became friends with a lady who just liked me and became The House Squatter. I spent so many years scurrying around acting in movies, going for auditions, etc. Here I am working on my own movie and back to where it all started but in a different dimension of Class. His motivation: I will say diligence, perseverance, faith and boldness has added up with the Grace of God to bring me to an expected end. See ye a man diligent in his work, he shall receive his reward. On the Industry: Support and finances Nigerians arent really supportive of their talents at all, people make mistakes but instead of encouraging them, they turn it into some evil plot to ruin you. Some people want you to do a job for them almost free. I understand the recession in the country right now, but how do you expect those doing the job to feed? In the end its all about favours to favours but I believe with time things will change. On his decision to go into producing movies: It has always been my heartthrob the reason I came to Lagos was film. Everything I have done was just to be in film so it was just automatic at this point to do what I love most. On working with Liz Benson: Working with Liz Benson was a honor. She is quite humble and a true cool mum. It was also challenging as we all know she is very professional for amateurs. So I had to get my priorities right. On his future project: Still on . To avoid producing an underfunded movie, time is needed to make a movie a never forget I am not in a haste because to get a classy product, time and money must be involved. will be out this year, #ANTICIPATE. For the full interview, check out the magazine online. Credits Photography: Remi Adetiba Fashion Director: Tokyo James Model: Ifan Ifeanyi Michael Clothes: Maxivive Omotosho, attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Command, was accused of working with Akeem Popoola, who was arrested by the Ogun State Police Command for robbery and burglary. The 21-year-old Popoola had told his interrogators that Inspector Omotosho was his mentor, and would give him a phone to sell to people, only to handcuff him and take him to the buyer where he and two others, identified as Abbey and Aluko, would accuse the buyers of acquiring stolen property and demand a bribe of between N120,000 and N150,000, adding that he got a N5,000 share for each successful deal. Initially, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Dolap Badmus, had denied that there was any of such officers in the command but after a lot of public outcry, he was arrested and questioned. In a turn around, Badmos confirmed Omotosho's detention, saying he would be prosecuted for criminal charges if found culpable of the allegation, adding that the command had commenced investigation into the allegation against him. The CP Lagos State Command has ordered his (Ijayas) detention. The command and the Ogun State Police Command are investigating the criminal charges. If he is culpable, he will be prosecuted. The leadership of the police is committed to cleaning up the force and will continue to decisively deal with bad eggs. We will inform you when the outcome of the investigation is ready. Her Ogun State counterpart, DSP Muyiwa Adejobi, also confirmed the Inspector's arrest, saying he would face the wrath of the law if found wanting. The Inspector has been arrested, but he is being investigated by the Lagos command for now. We will make sure we have proper investigation into the case. The teenager who told the court that he is an 'Okada' (Commercial motorcycle) rider, was siad to have sneaked into the church while the members were in prayers and stole the bag but luck ran out on him as he was caught as he attempted to sneak out of the church premises. Onigbede, who resides at No. 10, Obajimi Street, Surulere, was slammed with a two-count charge bordering on stealing and breach of peace. The police prosecutor, Inspector Emada Victor, told the court that the accused had, on April 10, unlawfully entered the Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Mushin, and stole a handbag valued at N50,000, and a wristwatch belonging to one Taiwo Ajoke. Inspector Victor further narrated that the owner of the bag raised an alarm which alerted other worshippers who went after the accused and he was arrested and handed over to the police, adding that the offences contravened Sections 306 and 166 of the Criminal Code Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011. The traders say the announcement is contrary to the request they made to Governor Ambode. Punch reports that the General Secretary, Shukura Yam Section, Mr. Collins Obichukwu said the traders were not carried along by the government. Reports say the Mile 12 traders asked the Lagos state government to modernise the market. Obichukwu said The leadership of Mile 12 Market has the belief that the State government will not take any fundamental decision that affects the market without extensive consultation with the stakeholders of the market, particularly the leadership of the market. The report of the panel of inquiry set up by Lagos State to look into the incident lends credence to the fact that the civil disturbance was not directly or remotely connected with the activities of our traders. lt is against the backdrop that we received with disbelief and shock the statement credited to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode that our market would be relocated in six months time. In the unlikely event that it is true, we will view His Excellencys declaration as a savage attack on our rights to association as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria He also said We believe that the government of Lagos State under the leadership of Ambode is a responsive, listening government. How will a government make unilateral declaration on matter that affects our livelihood and the masses without due consultation with the people that will be directly affected by such declaration, particularly in a democratic dispensation? He said the decision to relocate the market was at variance with their request, adding that the government should develop the market into a modern market with functional facilities. After the market was shut, we held a meeting with the government and requested that the market should be developed into a modern market with functional facilities like it was done in Sura, Apongbon and Tejuosho markets, Obichukwu added. Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said on Tuesday, April 12, 2016, that government will relocate the Mile 12 traders to Imota in six months. See Pulse Photo-News gallery below. My heart aches for the hundreds of boys and girls who have been kidnapped by Boko Haram over the years. No child should have to endure these atrocities, she said. She also said that the Chibok girls case shows that theres still a lot of work to be done to ensure the advancement of gender equality worldwide. Its the right thing to do, and it improves security and prosperity for everyone, she said. That starts with freeing the Chibok girls, and stopping the terror of Boko Haram, she said. The over 200 Chibok girls were abducted on April 14, 2014, and most of them remain in captivity. Meanwhile, 15 of the girls have appeared in a video which was provided by Boko Haram to show proof of life. The video, which was supposedly shot in December 2015, was obtained by CNN. -------------------------------------------------------- He also said When President Muhammadu Buhari took over, a section of our country was taken over by the insurgence group. They hosted their flags and even unleashed their version of theocratic Islamic group. But now, with funding for the military and support by the government, the morale is high, the military had been able to push them back and most of the cities in the North-East are safe. Buhari has not been able to achieve 100 per cent success but he has made serious progress. I believe he can still achieve more. With the very fact that now, they know clearly they cannot win militarily and the only option is to go for other ways. There is no other way other than for them to agree to negotiate on the release of these girls. Sani added that Negotiations have taken place in a number of countries. There were negotiations between the Israelis government and Hamas, which led to the release of some Israelis soldiers; the same thing with Taliban and America brokered by Qatar. We believe that Nigeria will take this opportunity. I believe with such a credible video, there is light at the end of the tunnel that these girls are alive and that very source that provided this video should be used to get these girls out. Meanwhile, Boko Haram leaders have reportedly expressed their anger over the leaked video footage showing the Chibok girls. They said the video was recorded as proof of life for negotiators, and not for the media. See Pulse Photo-News gallery below. This was disclosed in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, on Friday, April 15. According to Shehu, the President believed that the agreements concluded with the Chinese during the visit would have a huge and positive impact on key sectors of the Nigerian economy including power, solid minerals, agriculture, housing and rail transportation. He said: In the power sector, North South Power Company Limited and Sinohydro Corporation Limited signed an agreement valued at $478,657,941.28 for the construction of 300 Mega Watts solar power in Shiroro, Niger State. In the solid minerals sector, Granite and Marble Nigeria Limited and Shanghai Shibang signed an agreement valued at $55m for the construction and equipping of granite mining plant in Nigeria. A total of $1bn is to be invested in the development of a greenfield expressway for Abuja-Ibadan-Lagos under an agreement reached by the Infrastructure Bank and Sinohydro Corporation Limited. For the housing sector, both companies also sealed a $250m deal to develop an ultra modern 27-storey high rise complex and a $2.5bn agreement for the development of the Lagos Metro Rail Transit Red Line project." Shehu said other agreements announced and signed during the visit included the establishment of a Hi-tech industrial park in Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone in Igbesa, Ogun State. He added that the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone and CNG (Nigeria) Investment Limited also signed an agreement valued at $200m for the construction of two 500MT/day float gas facilities. An agreement valued at $363m for the establishment of a comprehensive farm and downstream industrial park in Kogi state was also announced at the Nigeria-China business forum. Other agreements undergoing negotiations include a $500m project for the provision of television broadcast equipment and a $25m facility for production of pre-paid smart meters between Mojec International Limited and Microstar Company Limited. About 100 Nigerian businesses and 300 Chinese firms participated in the Nigeria-China business forum which took place a day after President Buhari began his visit to China, Shehu added. Buhari made the promise on Thursday, April 14, 2016, during meetings with the Mayor of Shanghai, Yang Xiong and the Director of the Shanghai Free Trade Zone, Liu Fangzhou. Accoridng to a statement released by presidential media aide, Garba Shehu, Buhari said: We have already identified the development of infrastructure, which will bring industries that would create jobs and help us to diversify the economy. We are going to work hard to achieve these within the period we have to be in office. Nigerians will see progress and feel the impact. Meanwhile, Buhari has secured a loan facility of $6 billion from China to invest in Nigerias infrastructural development. ------------------------------------------------------- The Acting Director Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Rabe Abubakar also said that the return of the Chibok girls is high on their priority. Abubakar said The Nigeria Armed Forces would never give up to blackmail and mere media war. We remain focused in dealing with the matter at hand and would be steadfast in that course. The truth will come to be in the nearest future; we are always hopeful through our unrelenting commitment to the protection of our country from any form of aggression. Our unified operations will go on and success is on our side. He added that Terrorists by their nature rely on cheap publicity using social media to confuse those who dont their antics. In as much as we care for the rescue of the Chibok girls, which is our target, we are equally not closing our eyes to the rescue of any person or persons in Boko Haram custody as we have been doing in recent times. Over 10,000 Persons d have so far been rescued since the new leadership came on board in the military. And we shall continue in that direction no matter the media reports. Abubakar also said All these things are campaigns. In as much as we saw the so called concocted video, it has nothing to do with our own activities, even though we are sympathetic to the plight of our sisters and brothers with the ungodly group. In as much as we have seen the video, it has not nothing to do with our operations. In this era of social media, anything can happen. It can be concocted because in this era of social media, anything can happen, so people should not carried away. Boko Haram militants abducted over 200 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Secondary School, Chibok- Borno state on April 14, 2014. See Pulse Photo-News gallery below. According to report, he gave a speech at the Multinationals Sourcing Service Centre, PAzhou Trade Complex, Guangzhou, China, canvassing for the support and empowerment of Nigeria. Fayose had on Tuesday, April 12, written a letter to the Chinese government not to borrow Nigeria $2 billion in loan for which purpose President Muhammadu Buhari is in the Asian country - the All Progressives Congress (APC) described the move as an act of sabotage. However, Nigerians believe Fayose's supposed speech was just a propaganda, with some people familiar with the venue of the 'speech' saying it is a tourist centre, where people take pictures posing with the podium. A four year old boy, Sadiq Usman was kidnapped and had his eyes plucked out. Not long ago, a house wife, Mrs Mary Obadiah also had her eyes removed by ritualists. The killing of a pastor by kidnappers after spending 10 days in their captivity and the kidnapping of a school boy in Barnawa among several others has angered the people of the state. These have led to the burning of a kidnapper along Television Garage in Kaduna recently. Pulse gathered that another set of kidnappers were arrested on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at Narayi, Chikun LGA of Kaduna State. Residents of Ungwan Sunday who had captured suspected kidnappers were about to set them ablaze when the military men intercepted, it was gathered. "I think something crazy is happening in Kaduna, and the government need to get to the bottom of it. It started with the boy whose eyes were plucked, then the wave of kidnapping of adults and now this," Bala Livinus said. "I have never been an advocate of 'Jungle Justice'. However, I think I am 'Happy' with the way this evil is being tackled at the community level by the crowd. Naturally or ideally, one would have said let the police and its interrogators be allowed to do their job but we can't allow that happen in a seemingly failed Judicial system where many criminals are set free under the guise of whatever," another resident, Zigwai Musa said. The anti-graft agency stated this on Friday, April 15, while opposing the application to drop the charge against Tarfa. The EFCC arraigned Tarfa on March 9, 2016, on a 27-count charge bordering on refusal to declare assets, making false statement, offering gratification to public officer, failure to declare his assets in the Assets declaration Form. Tarfa's counsel had, Mr Anthony Idigbe, had filed an application seeking to quash the charge against him. At the resumed hearing on Friday, Idigbe told the court that it is against the rule of law for the EFCC to be the complainant, the investigator and prosecutor in a case. "We submit that this is contrary to natural justice, equity and good science. " This is also in breach of section 36 of the Constitution which requires that every citizen should have fair hearing in order to guarantee independence and impartiality in every proceedings. "The procedure that such charge should get the Directorate of Public Prosecution's advice was not followed, this presents a glaring threat to the rights of citizens under section 36 of the Constitution,"he said. Idigbe also stated that Sections 172 and 209 of the Constitution made provision for compulsory declaration of assets by public official, however, the accused was not a public officer, therefore the charge should not be sustained. Responding to the application, EFCC filed a 12 paragraph counter-affidavit sworn to by one Moses Awolusi, an officer of the agency, and a written address. The EFCC counsel urged the court to dismiss all the prayers of the applicant, citing the EFCC Act to back his submission. He said that section 27 of the EFCC Act empowered the agency to investigate and prosecute the accused for the alleged offences. Awolusi also said that the action of the anti graft agency was not in contravention of Section 212 of the Constitution as amended. He also said that the agency did not need the Fiat of Lagos Attorney General before prosecuting the accused because the agency is an independent commission that could investigate and prosecute any offence related to economic and financial crimes. On the issue of declaration of assets, he said Tarfa was investigated for offering gratification to public officer, therefore the act imposed a duty on him to declare his assets. Oyekoya made this assertion on Friday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos. According to him, the relocation will provide more space and amenities unlike what is obtainable in the present location. ''There is no doubt that the present location of Mile 12 Market is congested. ''Development too has catch up with it and it is now at the heart of the Lagos metropolis. Oyekoya said that the government should also be ready to spend money to make the new location attractive for traders. According to him, this is necessary as traders have invested so much in making Mile 12 Market what it is today. Oyekoya said that the population in the present location had grown as well as the number of customers patronising the market daily. He said that these rise had resulted in increase in the number of commercial vehicles operating in the area and indiscriminate stopping, parking and picking of passengers. The former chairman said that the State Government should ensure that the new area would take care of all the shortcomings of the present location. The decision was reached by Justice Abdul Kafarati on Friday, April 15, 2016, The Cable reports. It appears to me all that the applicant is trying to do is to stop his criminal trial at CCT. The CCT is a competent court to try the criminal matters, the judge said. This court cannot interfere with the case at the tribunal which has power to try cases. It is not appropriate for the applicant to approach this court. This case is hereby dismissed, he added. Justice Kafarati had withdrawn from the case in March 2016 after he was accused of corruption by an online platform. It is only in this country that people can wake up and start calling people names. In the circumstance, I disqualify myself from this case. I will hereby send the case file to the chief judge for re-assignment to another judge, he said at the time. He was however reportedly convinced by the Chief Judge of the court to rule on the matter. Saraki has approached several courts in a bid to stop the trial but has failed at every attempt. ------------------------------------------------------- Parliament is expected to pass the program in April. Egypt has been negotiating billions of dollars in aid from various lenders to help revive an economy battered by political upheaval since the 2011 revolt and ease a dollar shortage that has crippled import activity and hampered recovery. The lender had agreed to provide the first $1 billion in December but is waiting for the government's economic programme, which outlines the broad strokes of its reform plans, to be passed by parliament. The government presented a programme to parliament in late March that aimed to reduce the budget deficit while protecting the poor. The World Bank told Reuters in December that the first tranche was focused on "10 prior actions for policy and institutional reforms" already implemented. The second and third tranches are linked to additional reforms the government plans. A long-delayed Value Added Tax (VAT) that has yet to be implemented but was included in the government programme was one of the reforms agreed to as part of the first tranche, Ghanem said. Ghanem said that there would not be specific conditions placed on future tranches but highlighted certain changes the lender would like to see, such as a shift in food subsidy policy away from reduced prices to direct cash transfers for the poor. Egypt has delayed a number of difficult reforms, from a VAT that would increase government revenues and a civil service law that would trim the country's public workforce, to an ambitious plan to wean the country off costly energy subsidies that has since been scaled back. Egypt's economy is currently growing at around 4.2 percent with a budget deficit of about 11.5 percent, the prime minister said last month. Saudi Arabia, along with other Gulf oil producers, have pumped billions of dollars, including grants, into Egypt's flagging economy since the army toppled President Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood in 2013 after mass protests against his rule. But Egypt has said it would rely less on grants from its neighbours moving forward and would focus instead on attracting foreign investment that could relaunch its dollar starved economy. What better way to ease off the stress of the week than watch a good movie. With that in mind, check out our list of movies currently showing in cinemas across Lagos, Abuja and Port Harcourt. Starring: Morena Baccarin, Gina Carano, Ryan Reynolds Synopsis: Gifted with accelerated healing powers and a twisted sense of humor, mercenary Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) adopts the alter ego Deadpool and hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life Showing: Friday - Thursday: 10:00am Starring: Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Michael Constantine Synopsis: Portokalos family secret brings the beloved characters back together for an even bigger and Greeker wedding. Showing: Friday - Thursday: 5:00PM Fri & Mon - Thu: 4:25 pm Starring: Helen Mirren, Aaron Paul, Alan Rickman Synopsis: Col. Katherine Powell, a military officer in command of an operation to capture terrorists in Kenya, sees her mission escalate when a girl enters the kill zone triggering an international dispute over the implications of modern warfare. Showing: Friday - Thursday: 10:45PM, 5:10PM Friday - Thursday: 4:00pm, 6:00pm, 8:00pm Friday - Thursday: 3:50 pm, 6:05 pm, 8:20 pm, 10:35 pm Starring: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Gal Gaddot. Synopsis: Fearing the actions of Superman are left unchecked, Batman takes on the man of steel, while the world wrestles with what kind of a hero it really needs. With Batman and Superman fighting each other, a new threat, Doomsday, is created by Lex Luthor. It's up to Superman and Batman to set aside their differences along with Wonder Woman to stop Lex Luthor and Doomsday from destroying Metropolis. Showing: Friday - Thursday: 12:55PM, 5:55PM, 8:50PM Fri-Thur: 10:20am[3D], 5:15pm[3D] Fri-Thur: 4:15pm, 8:00pm Fri & Sat: 1:25 pm, 4:25 pm, 7:30 pm, 10:25 pm Sun - Thu: 1:25 pm, 4:25 pm, 7:30 pm Genre: Drama, Romance, Thriller Starring: Taron Egerton, Hugh Jackman, Tom Costello Synopsis: The story of Eddie Edwards, the notoriously tenacious British underdog ski jumper who charmed the world at the 1988 Winter Olympics. Showing: Friday - Thursday: 12:50PM Fri-Thur: 10:00am Starring: Kareena Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Arjun Kapoor, Rajat Kapoor Synopsis: Follows a young, married couple whose relationship challenges the gender roles placed upon women and men in Indian society. Showing: Friday - Sunday: 7:05PM Starring: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Ben Kingsley Synopsis: The man-cub Mowgli flees the jungle after a threat from the tiger Shere Khan. Guided by Bagheera the panther and the bear Baloo, Mowgli embarks on a journey of self-discovery, though he also meets creatures who don't have his best interests at heart. Showing: Friday - Thursday: 10:50AM, 12:40PM, 3:50PM Sunday: 12:40PM, 3:50PM Fri-Thur: 10:20am, 12:00pm, 2:00pm, 4:45pm Fri-Thur: 1:05pm[3D], 3:10pm[3D] Friday - Thursday: 11:00 am, 3:25 pm 3D: 5:40 pm, 8:05 pm Starring: Keenan Kampa, Nicholas Galitzine, Jane Seymour Synopsis: When a hip hop violinist busking in the New York subway encounters a classical dancer on scholarship at the Manhattan Conservatory of the Arts, sparks fly. With the help of a hip hop dance crew they must find a common ground while preparing for a competition that could change their lives forever. Showing: Tues-Thur: 12:00pm, 1:50pm, 3:45pm, 5:40pm Friday - Thursday: 1:40 pm, 6:05 pm, 10:30 Starring: Gerard Butler, Aaron Eckhart, Morgan Freeman Synopsis: In London for the Prime Minister's funeral, Mike Banning discovers a plot to assassinate all the attending world leaders. Friday - Thursday: 7:05pm, 9:00pm Fri & Mon - Thu: 1:15 pm, 10:20 pm Sat & Sun: 1:15 pm, 10:20 pm Saturday - Thursday: 7:20PM, 9:10PM Genre: Animation Starring:Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba Synopsis: TIn a city of anthropomorphic animals, a fugitive con artist fox and a rookie bunny cop must work together to uncover a conspiracy. Showing: Friday - Thursday: 12:30pm, 2:35pm Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure Starring: Jack Black, Bryan Cranston, Dustin Hoffman Synopsis: Continuing his "legendary adventures of awesomeness", Po must face two hugely epic, but different threats: one supernatural and the other a little closer to his home. Showing: Friday - Thursday: 11:30 am, 1:35 pm Friday - Thursday: 10:35am Friday - Thursday: 10:45AM Genre: Romance Starring: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Zoe Kravitz Synopsis: After the earth-shattering revelations of Insurgent, Tris must escape with Four beyond the wall that encircles Chicago to finally discover the shocking truth of what lies behind it. Showing: Friday - Thursday: 12:15pm Friday - Thursday: 2:40PM, 7:00PM Genre: Romance Starring: Uche Jombo, Chioma Akpotha, Ufuoma McDermott, Kehinde Bankole, Kalu Ikeagwu, Julius Agwu, Kenneth Okonkwo. Synopsis: The movie is a hilarious comedy about a group of market women who decided to take matters into their own hands against their husbands in a bid to stir them into standing up for a young girl whom they wanted to protect from the wishes of her own father. The women, who hilariously interpret their roles, set a series of events in motion to give the movie many moments of laughter without missing a beat on the reason for everyone to know why they are on strike. Showing: Friday - Thursday: 2:55 pm, 5:00 pm, 7:05 pm, 9:10 pm Friday - Thursday: 10:30AM, 12:25PM, 4:15PM, 7:15PM Sunday: 12:25PM, 4:15PM, 7:15PM Friday - Thursday: 4:30pm, 6:25pm, 8:20pm Genre: Starring:Brenton Thwaites, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Gerard Butler Synopsis: Mortal hero Bek teams with the god Horus in an alliance against Set, the merciless god of darkness who has usurped Egypt's throne, plunging the once peaceful and prosperous empire into chaos and conflict. Showing: Friday - Thursday: 4:55PM, 9:15PM Genre: Starring:Jennifer Garner, Kylie Rogers, Martin Henderson Synopsis: A young girl suffering from a rare digestive disorder finds herself miraculously cured after surviving a terrible accident. Showing: Friday - Thursday: 12:25pm Friday - Thursday: 2:45PM Starring:Emma Watson, Daniel Bruhl, Michael Nyqvist Synopsis: A young woman's desperate search for her abducted boyfriend that draws her into the infamous Colonia Dignidad, a sect nobody ever escaped from. Showing: Friday - Thursday: 7:40pm Friday - Thursday: 12:55PM, 5:00PM, 9:05PM Friday - Thursday: 11:20 am, 3:45 pm, 8:10 pm Starring:Shah Rukh Khan, Joelle Koissi, Mariola Jaworska Synopsis: Gaurav, a huge fan of movie star Aryan Khanna, heads to Mumbai in order to wish his God a happy birthday. When things don't go according to plan, Gaurav's obsession with Aryan crosses the line Showing: Friday - Sunday: 6:10PM Sat & Sun: 2:00 pm, 4:50 pm Starring:Seun Akindele, Beverly Naya, Iretiola Doyle Synopsis: The movie, Fusion, tells the story of newlyweds experience as they negotiate the dynamic curves thrown at them by the experience called marriage. Showing: Friday - Thursday: 11:00AM, 3:05PM, 7:10PM Sunday: 3:05PM, 7:10PM Fayose, who travelled to China on Wednesday, April 13, to attend the 119th China Import and Export Fair, otherwise known as the Canton Fair holding between April 14 and 19, three days after the President left for the country to secure a low interest loan. In a letter written to the Chinese authority and dated April 12, the governor said: The government of China should be mindful of the fact that Nigerians, irrespective of their political and religious affiliations are totally opposed to increment of the countrys debt burden, which is already being serviced with 25 per cent of the Federal Government annual budget. The letter, with reference number EK/GOV/28/10, was addressed to President Xi Jinping of China and delivered by Chief of Staff to the governor, Barrister Dipo Anisulowo in Abuja on Thursday, April 14, through the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Gu Xiaojie. It was gathered that Fayose will also deliver a copy of the letter directly to the Chinese President. The letter read in part: I write as one of the major stakeholders in the project Nigeria, and a governor of one of the federating units making up Nigeria, to draw your attention to report that the Federal Government of Nigeria is on the verge of obtaining a $2 billion loan from the Export-Import Bank of China. This $2 billion loan is part of the N1.84 trillion the Federal Government of Nigeria has proposed to borrow to finance the 2016 budget, which is yet to be signed by the President, Mohammadu Buhari owing to unending controversies between the Executive and Legislative arms of government. According to reports, Nigeria desires to raise about $5 billion abroad to cover part of its 2016 budget deficit. This is projected to hit N3 trillion ($15 billion) due to heavy infrastructure spending at a time when the slump in global oil prices has slashed the countrys export revenues. While conceding that all nations, especially developing ones need support to be able to grow because no nation is an island, I am constrained to inform you that if the future of Nigeria must be protected, the country does not need any loan at this time. The government of China should be mindful of the fact that Nigerians, irrespective of their political and religious affiliations are totally opposed to increment of the countrys debt burden, which is already being serviced with 25 per cent of the Federal Government annual budget. It will interest the government of China to know that some of the projects for which the loan is being sought are not captured in the controversial 2016 budget, which has been sent to the President by the National Assembly for his assent. For instance, the Lagos Calabar Rail project was not included in the budget proposal the President presented to the National Assembly and it was not included in the Appropriation Bill passed by the National Assembly. Most importantly, Nigeria is presently servicing debt with about 25 per cent of its annual budget and what will happen to the economy in 2017, when the country will begin to service the additional debt to be incurred this year is better imagined than experienced. The Chinese government must also be aware that some western nations approached by the Federal Government for loan diplomatically and cleverly declined. This must have been informed by the suspicion in the present governments capacity to salvage the nations economy as well as the sincerity in the fight against corruption. More so that Nigerias Foreign Reserve, which is the only guarantee for foreign loan has declined to a very uncomfortable level. During the Jonathan administration, an outspoken opposition spokesperson had argued that Nigeria was on auto-pilot, a phrase that was gleefully even if ignorantly echoed by an excitable opposition crowd. Deeper reflection should have made it clear even to the unthinking that there is no way any country can ever be on auto-pilot, for there are many levels of governance, all working together and cross-influencing each other to determine the structure of inputs and outcomes in society. To say that a country is on auto-pilot is to assume wrongly that the only centre of governance that exists is the official corridor, whereas governance is far more complex. The question should be asked, now as then: who is governing Nigeria? Who is running the country? Why do we blame government alone for our woes, whereas we share a collective responsibility, and some of the worst violators of the public space are not even in public office? The President of the country is easily the target of every criticism. This is perhaps understandable to the extent that what we have in Nigeria is the perfect equivalent of an Imperial Presidency. Whoever is President of Nigeria wields the powers of life and death, depending on how he uses those enormous powers attached to his office by the Constitution, convention and expectations. Nigerias President not only governs, he rules. The kind of President that emerges at any particular time can determine the fortunes of the country. It helps if the President is driven by a commitment to make a difference, but the challenge is that every President invariably becomes a prisoner. He has the loneliest job in the land, because he is soon taken hostage by officials and various interests, struggling to exercise aspects of Presidential power vicariously. And these officials do it right to the minutest detail: they are the ones who tell the President that he is best thing ever since the invention of toothpaste. They are the ones who will convince him as to every little detail of governance: who to meet, where to travel to, and who to suspect or suspend. The President exercises power, the officials and the partisans in the corridors exercise influence. But when things go wrong, it is the President that gets the blame. He is reminded that the buck stops at his desk. We should begin to worry about these dangerous officials in the system, particularly within the public service, the reckless mind readers who exploit the system for their own ends, and who walk free when the President gets all the blame. To govern properly, every government not only needs a good man at the top, but good officials who will serve the country. We are not there yet. The same civil servants who superintended over the omissions of the past 16 years are the ones still going up and down today, and it is why something has changed but nothing has changed. The reality is terrifying. The officials at the state levels are no different, from the Governor down to the local government chairman and their staff. They hardly get as much criticism as the folks in Abuja, but they are busy every day governing Nigeria, and doing so very badly too. Local government chairmen and their officials do almost nothing. The Governors also try to act as if they are Imperial Majesties. The emphasis on ceremony rather than actual performance is the bane of governance in Nigeria. Everyone seems to be obsessed with ceremony and privileges. A friend sent me a picture he took with the Mayor of London inside a train, in the midst of ordinary citizens and asked if that would ever happen in Nigeria. The Mayor had no bodyguards. He was on his own. In the Netherlands, the Prime Minister is a part-time lecturer in one of the local colleges. Nigerian pubic officials are often too busy to have time for normal life. Even if they want to live normally, the system also makes it impossible. We need people in government living normal lives. Leaders need not be afraid of the people they govern. They must identify with them. There is too much royalty in government circles in Nigeria. No matter how well-intentioned you may be, once you find yourself in their midst, you will soon start acting and sounding like one, because it is the only language that is spoken in those corridors. Elsewhere, ideas govern countries. People become leaders on the basis of ideas and they govern with ideas. That is why the average voter in Europe or North America knows that what he votes for is what he is likely to get. Clearly in the on-going Presidential nomination process in the United States, every voter knows the difference between Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton on the Democratic side and between Ted Cruz and Donald Trump on the Republican side. Such differences are often blurry in Nigeria: our politics is driven by partisan interests; a primordial desperation for power, not ideas. It is also why Nigerian politicians can belong to five different political parties and movements within a decade. Even when men of ideas show up in the political arena, they are quickly reminded that they are not politicians and do not understand politics. Gross anti-intellectualism is a major problem that Nigeria would have to address at some stage. Some of the administrations in the past who had brainy men and women of ideas in strategic positions ended up not using them. They were either frustrated, caged, co-opted or forced to adapt or shown the door. The question is often asked: why dont such people walk away? The answer that is well known in official corridors is this: doing so may be a form of suicide. Once inside, you are not allowed to walk out on the Federal Government of Nigeria, and if you must, not on your own terms. So, governance fails even at that level of values: that other important element that governs progressive nations. Partisan interests are major factors in the governance process. These seem to be the dominant factor in Nigeria, but again, they are irresponsibly deployed. The crowd of political parties, religious groups, traditional rulers, ethnic and community associations, professional associations, pastors, priests, traditional rulers, imams and alfas, shamanists, native doctors, soothsayers and traditional healers: they all govern. They wield enormous influence. But they have never helped Nigeria and they are not helping. All the people in public offices have strong links to all these other governors of Nigeria, but what kind of morality do they discuss? Those with partisan interests, including even promoters of Non-Governmental groups (NGOs) all have one interest at heart: power and relevance. The same priests who saw grand visions for the PDP and its members over a 16-year period are still in business seeing visions and making predictions. Those who claim to be so powerful they can make the lame walk and the blind see have not deemed it necessary to step forward to help the NNPC turn water into petrol. If any of these miracle-delivering pastors can just turn the Lagos Lagoon alone into a river of petrol, all Nigerians will become believers, but that wont happen because they are committed to a different version of the gospel. As for the political parties: they are all in disarray. The private sector also governs Nigeria. But what is the quality of governance in the corporate sector? The Nigerian corporate elite is arrogant. They claim that they create jobs so the country may prosper, but they are, in reality, a rent-seeking class. They survive on government patronage, access to the Villa and its satellites, and claims of indispensability. But without government, most private sector organizations will be in distress. The withdrawal of public funds into a Treasury Single Account is a case in point. And with President Muhammadu Buhari not readily available to the eye-service wing of the Nigerian private sector, former sycophants in the corridors are clandestinely resorting to sabotage and blackmail. A responsible private sector has a duty in society: to build society, not to donate money to politicians during elections and seek patronage thereafter. And if it must co-operate with government, it must be for much nobler reasons in the public interest. The military are still governing Nigeria too. They may be in the background, but their exit 16 years ago, has not quite translated into a loss of influence or presence. In the early years of their de-centering, many of them chose to join politics and replace their uniforms with traditional attires. Their original argument is that if other professionals can join politics, then a soldier should not be excluded. They failed to add that the military class in politics in Africa has shown a tendency to exercise proprietorial rights and powers, which delimit the democratic project. In Nigeria such powers and rights have been exercised consistently and mostly by, happily for us, a gerontocratic class, whose impact, I believe, will be determined by the effluxion of time. And it is like this: the President that emerged in 1999 was a soldier: the received opinion was that only such a strong man could stabilize the country. His successor was the brother of another old soldier; he and his Deputy were personal chosen by the departing President. He died in office, but for his Deputy to succeed him, it helped a lot that he was also a favourite of the General who chose his own successors. When this protege fell out with the General, in retrospect now, a miscalculation, the General turned Godfather swore to remove him from office. And it happened. In 2015, another former soldier and strong man, had to be brought back to office and power. When anything goes wrong, a class of old Generals are the ones who step forward to protect and guide the country. The only saving grace is that they do not yet have a successorclass of similarly influential men with military pedigree. But when their time passes, would there be equally strong civilians who can act as protectors of the nation? The media governs too. But the media in Nigeria today is heavily politicized, compromised and a victim of internal censorship occasioned by hubris. Can the media still save Nigeria? It is in the same pit as the Nigerian voter, foreign interests, the legislature and the judiciary. But when there is positive change at all of these centres of power and influence, only then will there be change, movement and motion, and a new Nigeria. --------------------------------------------------------------- "Police killed four top criminals of Chotu Gang and wounded eight, while six police officials are dead and seven injured," Punjab police spokeswoman Nabeela Ghazanfar told Reuters. "The gang has held 24 persons hostage, including police officials. We are not sure how many civilian and police officials are among the hostages." Authorities suspect the gang is behind hundreds of cases of kidnapping for ransom, murder and robberies. "It is a very difficult operation, because the gang has made its hideout on a small island, surrounded by water and dense jungle," Ghazanfar added. Authorities identified the leader of the gang as Ghulam Rasool, also known as Chotu, who is active in the border areas of the provinces of Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan. Pakistan launched an armed crackdown in Punjab after an Easter Day bombing in the eastern city of Lahore killed 72 people last month. While Pakistan's attention has for years been focused on the Taliban and al Qaeda threat on the Afghan border in the remote northwest, militants and criminals have quietly expanded their influence and won recruits in the country's heartland of Punjab. Most of the militants belong to banned organisations such as Lashkar-e-Jhangvi,Jaish-e-Mohammad and Sipah-e-Sahaba. Pakistan's powerful military and intelligence establishment have long been accused of tolerating or even supporting such groups. Pakistani authorities deny supporting any militants. Last month, Ban used the word "occupation" to describe Morocco's annexation of Western Sahara in 1975, when Rabat took it over from colonial power Spain. Infuriated by what it saw as a shift away from a neutral position, Morocco expelled dozens of U.N. staff working for the mission there known as MINURSO. "We warn that the absence of real and direct pressure on the occupation state of Morocco ... will be considered a green light to a military aggression by the Kingdom of Morocco against the Sahrawi people," Polisario President Mohamed Abdelaziz wrote to Ban in a letter seen by Reuters. Abdelaziz said the 15-nation Security Council should pressure Morocco to enable "the return of MINURSO to resume its work and mandate regarding organizing a referendum on self determination to the Sahrawi people." If that does not happen, Abdelaziz wrote, the Sahrawi people "will find itself, again, obliged to defend its rights by all legitimate means, including armed struggle." The letter was sent as Ban's office prepares its annual report for the Security Council on Western Sahara before a council vote this month to renew MINURSO's mandate. The report, which was due last week, has been delayed because of the dispute over Ban's remarks in March, council diplomats said. Polisario says Morocco is putting the ceasefire at risk by expelling MINURSO staff and trying to scuttle the plan for a referendum on independence. Morocco has offered an autonomy plan as the only way forward. Several diplomatic sources familiar with the issue said that Morocco wants the council to change the mandate of MINURSO so that it will no longer include the goal of organizing a referendum. The majority of council members are opposed, the sources said, though they added that Morocco has some diplomatic support from veto power France, Rabat's traditional ally, and African council member Senegal. Nye County Commission candidate Antheny AJ Dodd has more than just a single issue on his agenda. Instead, he wants to go through a lot of things, including water, business recruitment and infrastructure needs. Nye County Commission candidate Antheny AJ Dodd has more than just a single issue on his agenda. Instead, he wants to go through a lot of things, including water, business recruitment and infrastructure needs. Theres no one thing that I would just really go for. Theres a lot of things that need to be gone through, he said in an interview to the Pahrump Valley Times. A San Angelo, Texas native, Dodd owned a health club business for 16 years in Palm Springs, California. He also spent 39 years in the automotive industry. Dodd has been in Pahrump since 2004 and currently works as a salesman at Pahrump Valley Auto Plaza. He has been involved in several projects with the Pahrump Valley Chamber of Commerce and United Way. My grandfather taught me that you have to be committed to whatever endeavor that you are planning on doing. And not just 50 percent but 100 percent. That philosophy has carried through to me in every endeavor Ive ever done, he said. Early in his career, Dodd worked for the office of then-Palm Springs Mayor Sonny Bono, who was later elected to serve in Congress. Dodd, whos running for a Nye County office for the first time, said that Pahrump needs serious people on the commission. We have serious things that need to be taken care of now, and we have to have serious people that can get those things done, he said. Dodd said he had talked to many people about the water situation in Pahrump and received a wide difference of opinion. I have a stack of different things that Ive researched that is about two inches thick right now, he said. I think our priorities need to be as to what we can do to make the people here in Pahrump a lot more knowledgeable than what they are, he said. Speaking about most recent issues in Nye County and Pahrump, Dodd said he supported rapid infiltration basins or RIBs and county commissioners handing the now-shuttered Nye Regional Medical Center over to Reno-based Renown Health, a not-for-profit health care company that offered a new model for operating the facility. I dont think it is something that commissioners could watch, and I dont think they should be responsible for whats going on with the hospital, he said about Nye Regional Medical Center. Tonopah needs a hospital up there. We need to have a hospital group that is successful in running a hospital. He said he didnt support moving the county seat from Tonopah to Pahrump. The county just does not have the money. Theres just way too many issues that this county does not have the funds to do what they want to do, he said. Meanwhile, Dodd said it was suggested to him that if he got elected, he should work on the zoning issue to attract more businesses to Pahrump. If you dont have the proper zoning, and you dont have the proper structure to get businesses to come in, they wont come in, he said. Dodd is running in Nye Countys District III against incumbent commissioner Donna Cox, Nye County Water District Governing Board Chair Greg Dann, businessman Leo Blundo and Pahrump resident Louie DeCanio. The candidate receiving the most votes in the June 14 primary will be placed on the General Election ballot unopposed. No Democrats or small-party candidates filed. Contact reporter Daria Sokolova at dsokolova@pvtimes.com. On Twitter: @dariasokolova77 Nye County Fifth Judicial District Court Judge Kim Wanker consented to a public reprimand from the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline for violating several legal canons in handling a paternity case. Nye County Fifth Judicial District Court Judge Kim Wanker consented to a public reprimand from the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline for violating several legal canons in handling a paternity case. Wanker was handling a case between Kolena Brown and Robert Carson in 2012. On Nov. 13, 2012, Wanker held defendant Carson in contempt of court, sentenced him to seven days in jail and ordered him to pay a $500 fine. The finding of contempt was not in accordance with Nevada law in several respects, according to the findings of the commission. Wanker is one of two Nye County Fifth Judicial District Court judges holds courts in Pahrump, Tonopah and Goldfield. The document that was filed by the Nevada Supreme Court on March 3, said that Wanker failed to enter the requisite order following her finding of contempt, which included a recitation of the facts constituting the contempt, the finding that Carson is guilty, and the prescribed punishment for the contempt. Wanker failed to give Carson his right to due process, according to the documents. She also held him in contempt for statements or actions that do not constitute contempt under Nevada law. In a statement to the Pahrump Valley Times, Wanker admitted to making an error. On March 3, 2016, I stipulated to a public reprimand with the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline. At a hearing in October of 2012, I made an error in the application of the law. I accepted full responsibility for the error and am in full compliance with the Commission, she said. As part of the provisions of the public reprimand, Wanker agreed to complete a minimum of two courses at the National Judicial College in Reno by no later than Nov. 1, 2016. Wanker will complete the National Judicial College class Management Skills for Presiding Judges in Reno on May 16-20. She will also complete another class, Ethics, Fairness and Security in your Courtroom and Community in Reno on October 24-27. She will take both classes at her own expense. Wanker will also study and familiarize herself with all Nevada statutes and rules of civil procedure dealing with disciplinary actions in the courtroom, specifically, but not limited to statutes and rules governing the use of the contempt power in the courtroom, according to the document. Additionally, she agreed to make a private apology to Carson, vacate the finding of contempt to correct an earlier ruling and reimburse Carson for a $500 fine. According to the documents, on Oct. 3, 2012, Wanker ordered a Nye County Sheriffs deputy to travel to Carsons home and to demand Carson submit to a preliminary breath test as part of an independent investigation. She also ordered the deputy to transport Carson to Quest Diagnostics and require him to submit to a blood-alcohol test. Wanker then directed one of her staff members to demand that Carson immediately pay for the cost of the blood-alcohol test. The document however stated that Wanker failed to disclose one or more of her ex-parte communications that she had had with court staff, sheriffs deputies and Quest Diagnostics personnel regarding the result of Carsons blood-alcohol test. In a document, Wanker agreed to waive her right to contest the allegations. The order takes place immediately. Contact reporter Daria Sokolova at dsokolova@pvtimes.com. On Twitter: @dariasokolova77 Vaccinating a child, especially when theyre young can help prevent diseases, not just in the child but others around them as well. Vaccinating a child, especially when theyre young can help prevent diseases, not just in the child but others around them as well. To raise awareness of the importance of immunizing young children, tomorrow through April 23 is Nevada Infant Immunization Week. Nevadans will join with the rest of the country recognizing the importance of protecting infants from vaccine-preventable diseases and to celebrate the achievements of immunization programs in promoting healthy communities throughout the United States. Vaccines are among the most successful and cost-effective tools available for preventing disease and even death, said Heidi Parker, executive director of Immunize Nevada. Nevada Infant Immunization Week gives us the opportunity to remind parents of the importance of following the recommended vaccination schedule. The Centers for Disease Control said that vaccines not only protect vaccinated individuals, but they also help protect entire communities by preventing and reducing the spread of infectious diseases. Among children born between 1994-2013, vaccination will prevent an estimated 322 million illnesses, 21 million hospitalizations, and 732,000 deaths over the course of their lifetimes, according to the CDC. The Vaccines for Children program makes vaccines available to children who are underinsured or whose parents or guardians may not be able to afford them. The VFC program helps children get vaccinated according to the recommended immunization schedule and is responsible for a large increase in childhood immunization coverage levels. In turn, their efforts have helped the elimination of disparities in vaccination coverage among young children. A recent example of how vaccines can help stop the spread of preventable disease is the increase of measles cases in the country. The United States experienced a record 667 measles cases in 2014 that included 27 states. This is the largest number of cases since measles elimination was documented in the U.S. in 2000. A report published in Marchs Journal of the American Medical Association found that among the over 1,400 cases of measles since 2000, more than half of those cases had no history of vaccination. Vaccines have been successful, which means that many of us dont really understand how serious the diseases are that they prevent, Parker said. But vaccine-preventable diseases still exist, as evidenced by last years measles outbreak. This makes it so important for all parents to educate themselves and to protect their children. This trend in parents not vaccinating their children began when Dr. Andrew Wakefield published a study linking vaccination to autism, which has since been debunked. It was found that Wakefield changed the medical histories of the 12 patients whose cases made the basis of the 1998 study. Wakefield was stripped of his license in May of 2011 for his role in the falsified report. Lynnette Bellin, director of strategic marketing and communications for Immunize Nevada, said that since the rise in parents not immunizing their children after the initial report, the trend has fallen significantly. We saw gaps in immunization rates starting in the early 2000s after the report put out by Dr. Andrew Wakefield was released, Bellin said. It has been disproved in so many studies and there has been so much science supporting the vaccines in the past 15 years, that were definitely seeing that trend reversed. The reverse has been steady in Nevada, as the state ranks 38th in the nation for children aged 19-35 months who are immunized, up from 48th in the nation in 2013. An event that happened one state over at a popular theme park helped increase the number of parents who were initially shying away from having their children vaccinated. After the measles in Disneyland last year, Nevada actually saw a 23-percent increase in our measles vaccination, Bellin said. In order to protect babies before they are even born, the CDC recommends that pregnant women receive the whooping cough vaccine, or Tdap, during the third trimester of their pregnancy to help protect their babies until they can receive their first Dtap vaccine at 2 months of age. The reality is, these diseases can be especially serious for infants and young children, Parker said. The recommended immunization schedule protects infants and children by providing immunity early in life, before they are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. Every April for the last 20 years, communities all across the world celebrate the vital role vaccination plays in protecting the health of children, families and communities worldwide. The U.S. celebrates Infant Immunization Week as part of World Immunization Week, an initiative of the World Health Organization. Community Baby Bash Immunizations &Health Fair will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, on Saturday, April 16 at the Southern Nevada Health Districts main public health center, 280 S. Decatur at Meadows Lane. This free event will offer no-cost childhood immunizations for Vaccines for Children-eligible babies and toddlers. Immunization services are offered in a variety of locations in Pahrump including community clinics, pharmacies, physicians offices and health districts. Rainbow Pediatrics on 2620 E. Acoma Ave.; Southwest Medical-Pahrump, 2210 E. Calvada Blvd.; Happyland Pediatrics, 1430 E Calvada Blvd., #600, are among the several locations where parents can get their children vaccinated. Visit vfcnevada.org and use the zip code locator to find an immunization provider near you. Immunize Nevada will be giving away water bottles, filled with infant immunization information, to moms who give birth at participating hospitals during Nevada Infant Immunization Week. To thank maternity nurses for their role in keeping families healthy, Immunize Nevada will also be providing lunch to nurses at the hospitals mentioned earlier. Giving babies the recommended immunizations by age 2 is the best way to protect them from many serious childhood diseases. A complete vaccination schedule can be accessed at www.immunizenevada.org/kids. Parents are encouraged to check with their childs doctor to ensure their baby is up-to-date on immunizations. A new Energy and Water Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2017 that was approved by the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development on Wednesday has no money for Yucca Mountain licensing. A new Energy and Water Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2017 that was approved by the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development on Wednesday has no money for Yucca Mountain licensing. The approved bill however includes a pilot program for consolidated nuclear waste storage, introduced by senators Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif. It also includes language that allows DOE to store nuclear waste at private facilities that are licensed by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. A $37.5 billion measure will fund Department of Energy programs and critical infrastructure projects administered by the Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation, according to the press release from Thad Cochran, chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations. The bill represents a $355 million increase over the fiscal year 2016 enacted level and $261 million more than President Barack Obamas original budget request. The bill provides added resources to strengthen the U.S. nuclear deterrence posture, ensure nuclear stockpile readiness and safety, and prepare for existing and future nuclear threats, a press release said. The Energy Department is developing a consent-based siting program for a pilot storage facility for spent fuel from shut down reactors, a larger consolidated interim storage facility for spent reactor fuel, and a geologic repository at a site other than Yucca Mountain, officials said. Several Nevada officials expressed their opinions on the approval of the bill. Nevada Agency for Nuclear Projects Director Robert Halstead said the verbiage in this years bill was consistent with the one from last year. This years draft bill had proposed $150 million for the Nuclear Waste Disposal program and $20 million for the NRC to advance the Yucca Mountain license application. At first glance, it seems to be a cookie-cutter repeat of what the House Appropriations Committee passed last year, he said about the bill. The state of Nevada is against new funding for Yucca Mountain, should the bill pass the House of Representatives and the Senate, Halstead said. We oppose having DOE and NRC proceed any further. We are prepared to meet all the challenges, identify deficiencies in the license application and will argue that NRC should deny the license request, should it go forward, he said. In addition, Halstead said two private sector companies that provide dry cask storage systems for reactors are going forward with plans for interim storage facilities in Texas and New Mexico. In a letter to Feinstein and Alexander on Wednesday, Nevada Congressman Dean Heller requested to honor the wishes of the state of Nevada and exclude funding focused on the Yucca Mountain license application from the proposal. Instead, I urge the subcommittee to prioritize funding for the Department of Energys (DOEs) efforts to advance alternative long-term storage options for our nations spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste, Heller said. Nevada Sen. Harry Reid released a statement where he said that the Yucca Mountain project is dead and will remain dead. It is incumbent upon Nevadas entire delegation to stand up for our state and reject efforts to force Nevada to be the nations nuclear waste dump. The Senate bill doesnt provide one penny to Yucca. Instead, we are working on consent-based solutions that dont force nuclear waste down the throats of people who dont want it in their state, he said. Reid is a Senate Minority Leader and is serving his final year in senate. He has been a staunch opposer of burying tons of nuclear waste in the mountain located 100 miles northwest of Las Vegas. Darrell Lacy, director of the Nye County nuclear waste project office said early Thursday that he hadnt seen the bill yet but said it was consistent with the last few years when the House of Representatives put funding in and the Senate did not. The real question will be what happens after Harry Reid leaves office, Lacy said. Contact reporter Daria Sokolova at dsokolova@pvtimes.com. On Twitter: @dariasokolova77 This editorial ran in the Las Vegas Review-Journal on Wednesday. This issue is one facing voters here in Pahrump and the rest of Nye County in the Nye County Commission District I and District III races where only Republicans filed to run for office. Editors Note: This editorial ran in the Las Vegas Review-Journal on Wednesday. This issue is one facing voters here in Pahrump and the rest of Nye County in the Nye County Commission District I and District III races where only Republicans filed to run for office. As the June primary election nears, a change in Nevada law approved during the 2015 Legislature has critics crying foul and complaining that voters will be disenfranchised. Senate Bill 499, which faced no opposition in the upper house and passed the Assembly 27-15, affects races in which one of the two major political parties fails to field a candidate. Under previous law, if only two contenders from the same party filed for an office, they would skip the primary and face off in the general election. If there were three or more hopefuls, the top two in the primary would move on to November. But under SB499, if a race features only Democrats or Republicans, the primary winner goes on to the general to face no opposition or a third-party long shot. Thus, independents and voters registered as members of the party that failed to run a candidate in a particular district might have no say in selecting their representative. In the upcoming primary, four legislative seats in districts covering 80,000 voters attracted candidates from only one party. So, once again, we have the two political parties deciding who we get to vote for and how we will do it, said Sandra Cosgrove, president of the League of Women Voters of Las Vegas Valley and an opponent of the change. Her concerns are understandable and well-intentioned. Encouraging civic participation is a worthwhile goal. But who would Ms. Cosgrove and other opponents of the bill have select the candidates if not party officials or party voters? SB499 started out as an attempt to implement open primaries in which any voter could vote for any contender regardless of party affiliation. That crashed and burned and for good reason. Political parties are private entities and have a First Amendment right to select their own nominees. Why should registered Democrats be involved in choosing the GOP candidate in a particular race or vice versa? Voters who complain theyre being shut out of the process by the new rules whether theyre independents, Democrats or Republicans have the option of changing their registration to allow them to participate in either partys primary, if they choose. But critics also miss the larger point. In many cases, Democrats or Republicans decline to offer a candidate in a specific district because they face a large registration deficit and would rather not invest precious resources in a race they will almost certainly lose. Gerrymandered districts only increase the likelihood that voters will have limited choices. To encourage both major parties to field legislative candidates across the board, stop drawing district boundaries to guarantee a predictable outcome. Not only would both Democrats and Republicans have an incentive to field qualified candidates, voters of all affiliations would be more likely to get out and cast a ballot. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently used an analogy to First Amendment free-speech law in upholding a Second Amendment challenge and striking down a Maryland law banning semi-automatic rifles and larger-capacity detachable magazines. The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals recently used an analogy to First Amendment free-speech law in upholding a Second Amendment challenge and striking down a Maryland law banning semi-automatic rifles and larger-capacity detachable magazines. In Kolbe v. Hogan, a divided 4th Circuit panel noted that the Maryland law imposed a near complete ban on these semi-automatic rifles and larger magazines. The appeals court analogized to the First Amendment principle that bans on entire mediums of speech are constitutionally suspect. The U.S. Supreme Court identified this principle in City of Ladue v. Gilleo (1994), a case involving a ban on yard signs. Our prior decisions have voiced particular concern with laws that foreclose an entire medium of expression, the Court explained in the yard-sign case. The 4th Circuit majority adopted this rationale in interpreting the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms, writing that Marylands law banning semi-automatic rifles was akin to a law that bans an entire medium of speech. Courts have examined and developed, over nearly a 100-year period, a complex and intricate body of First Amendment law. However, Second Amendment law is in its nascent phase. The U.S. Supreme Court did not rule that the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms was an individual right until 2008 and it didnt rule that this principle applied to state and local governments until 2010. Sometimes, though, courts have used this First-Second connection to reject gun claims. For example, courts have reasoned that just as the First Amendment doesnt protect all forms of speech, the Second Amendment doesnt give one an unqualified right to possess any kind of weapon. David L. Hudson Jr. is a First Amendment expert and law professor who serves as First Amendment Ombudsman for the Newseum Institutes First Amendment Center. He can be contacted at dhudson@newseum.org Nevadas 2016 GOP presidential caucus is in the history books. And the various county conventions have concluded. So all thats left is the Nevada Republican Party convention in Reno next month before voters cast their ballots in the June primary. Nevadas 2016 GOP presidential caucus is in the history books. And the various county conventions have concluded. So all thats left is the Nevada Republican Party convention in Reno next month before voters cast their ballots in the June primary. And delegates at that convention will again have to decide whether to take a leadership role in the nomination process or stand on the sidewalk and watch the parade go by. Yes, Im talking about whether or not delegates will issue pre-primary endorsements again or if theyll go back to the old days of leading less-informed voters from behind. And yes, the folks who participated in the presidential caucus, showed up for their county conventions and will be attending the state convention are generally better informed than the average voter. And yes, there is absolutely nothing wrong with such party activists making recommendations to their fellow Republicans for the primary races coming up. In fact, Id argue itd be a dereliction of duty for those delegates to wash their hands of their responsibility and send their fellow Republicans into voting booths without being armed with the collective knowledge and experience of some of the best informed voters in the state. And lets disabuse this ridiculous notion that theres something wrong with the partys soldiers getting involved in GOP primaries when many of the partys leaders already do the same thing. Indeed, Gov. Sandoval has endorsed in primaries. Lt. Gov. Hutchison has endorsed in primaries. And Sen. Dean Heller has endorsed in primaries. Why should the party elites be allowed to meddle in GOP primaries but not the rank-and-file foot soldiers who do all the grassroots work? That makes no sense. That said, it also makes no sense for the party to try to control and manipulate the endorsement process the way it did in 2014. Candidates shouldnt have to apply for the endorsement. They shouldnt have to participate in some star chamber vetting process. And the endorsement vote shouldnt be restricted only to candidates who jump through all those hoops. Instead, just keep it clean and simple. Every Republican who filed for office should be on the endorsement ballot. Then trust the delegates to make responsible decisions. However, in order to get the partys official seal of approval a candidate should demonstrate significant support among the faithful beyond a simple majority, yet not at a level so high as to make it too daunting to pursue. Id suggest a 60% threshold to land the coveted thumbs up. An official party endorsement can be a powerful advantage in a close primary race if a candidate uses it correctly. But make no mistake: An endorsement would still be just a recommendation from well-informed party activists. The voters themselves would make the final decision on Election Day. So let it be written; so let it be done. Chuck Muth is president of Citizen Outreach and publisher of NevadaNewsandViews.com. You can reach Chuck at ChuckMuth.com As part of Thursday's investigation into an illegal dog-fighting ring in the Quad-Cities, police arrested two people on drug charges. Rock Island County State's Attorney John McGehee confirmed that two people are in custody on felony drug charges, but he declined to give further details or explain how their arrests are connected to the dog-fighting investigation. "I'm not saying they are affiliated with the dog-fighting cases," McGehee said. "Out of that investigation, two individuals were arrested for drugs." One is charged with possession with intent to deliver crack cocaine, and the other is charged with possession with intent to deliver marijuana. Both are set to appear in Rock Island County Circuit Court at 1 p.m. Friday, McGehee said. Meanwhile, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals assisted local authorities Thursday with transporting animals to a temporary shelter. The ASPCA stated in a news release that it helped "to remove 64 pit bulls from multiple properties suspected to be involved with dog fighting" in Rock Island and Davenport. Eleven federal search warrants 10 in Rock Island and one in Davenport have been served in connection with the ongoing investigation into an illegal dog-fighting ring, Rock Island police said. Rock Island Police Deputy Chief Jason Foy said in a news release that the investigation began about a year ago through information developed by the Rock Island Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Quad-Cities Federal Gang Task Force. Investigators began serving the search warrants around 6 a.m. Thursday. The operation resulted in the recovery of items that are indicative of dog fighting, along with the seizure of dogs, narcotics and a firearm, Foy said. Names of those arrested have not been released. The investigation remains ongoing. Also involved in the investigation are the U.S. Attorneys Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, Illinois State Police, Rock Island County States Attorneys Office, Rock Island County Sheriffs Department, Moline Police Department, East Moline Police Department, Quad-City Metropolitan Enforcement Group, Davenport Police Department and the Scott County Sheriffs Office. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has set a plan in motion to evaluate, treat and provide continuing care for 64 pit bulls seized Thursday as part of an alleged dog fighting ring in the Quad-Cities. Its a plan that has been months in the making, Tim Rickey, vice president of the ASPCA Field Investigations and Response, said Friday. This was quite a large and complex operation with multiple sites and we werent really sure how many animals we were going to be dealing with, so we had to bring a lot of resources in just to be prepared for the unknown, he said. Rickey said the ASPCA assisted law enforcement with removing the dogs from 12 locations 10 in Rock Island and two in Davenport. He declined to comment on the conditions of the locations where the dogs were found, citing the ongoing investigation. However, he said investigators found items that one would expect to find in a dog fighting seizure. Rock Island Police said in a news release Thursday that investigators also found narcotics and a gun. Few details have been released about the investigation. Rock Island County State's Attorney John McGehee on Friday confirmed the arrest of two men, Ryan M. Hickman, 41, and Willie E. Jackson, 34, in Rock Island. Hickman is charged in Rock Island County Circuit Court with possession with the intent to deliver less than a gram of cocaine and possession of less than a gram of hydrocodone, both felonies. Bond was set Friday at $75,000. Jackson is charged with possession of between 30 and 500 grams of cannabis, a felony. They have not been charged either locally or federally with any crimes related to the dog fighting ring. Sharon Paul, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorneys Office in Springfield, declined to comment on the investigation. On Thursday, federal and local authorities served multiple search warrants in Rock Island and Davenport as part of an investigation that began a year ago based on information developed by the Rock Island Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Quad-Cities Federal Gang Task Force. The dozen locations where dogs were seized included Hickman's address, 514 14th Ave., and Jackson's address, 1514 9th St., both in Rock Island, according to local authorities and neighbors who watched the dogs being taken away. Quad-City Metropolitan Enforcement Group director James Rieck said he served a search warrant at 1213 14th St., Rock Island and seized multiple dogs while no one was home. Al Rushing, who lives on 14th Street, said he was surprised at the news. "I had no idea there was dog fighting going on around here," Rushing said Friday while working in his yard. "I don't get into that kind of stuff. I could never watch a dog fight. I don't believe those animals should be harmed in any way." Marty Drovesky, who lives next to Jackson on 9th Street, said authorities removed two dogs and equipment from her neighbor's house. "I was not aware fighting was going on in the Quad-Cities," Drovesky said. "I'm shocked at the whole thing." Drovesky added that Jackson was "good with his dogs." Shirley Conley, who resides on 8th Street and has lived in the neighborhood for 40 years, said she did not believe there was dog fighting in the area until news broke Thursday. On Friday, she was still having a hard time understanding the situation, especially since she knows many of her neighbors who own pit bulls and other dogs. "I swear on my mother's and father's graves these dogs were not used in dog fighting," Conley said. "I know many people who don't abuse their dogs." "Beware of dog" signs are a common sight throughout neighborhoods in the west end of Rock Island where police confiscated the animals on Thursday. Hickman has a "beware of dog" sign hanging on his fence and large cages are visible from his backyard. Rock Island Police Deputy Chief Jason Foy said Hickman was known to local authorities prior to his arrest. According to court records, he was arrested on Sept. 23, 2010, in Rock Island on charges of promoting dog fighting and aggravated cruelty to animals, both Class 4 felonies. He pleaded guilty to the dog fighting charge and was given a two-year probation sentence. Rickey said the ASPCA was notified several months ago about the investigation and, once officials knew there was going to be a seizure operation, they began planning. The ASPCA brought in about 40 staff members and responders and two animal transport units, prepared a temporary shelter to house the dogs and arranged emergency clinics to examine and treat the dogs, Rickey said. He declined to give the location of the shelter. The condition of the dogs varied, but the organization had to arrange medical attention for a number of the dogs. Medical care will continue for weeks, Rickey said. Overall, these are not the most well cared for group of animals, for sure, he said. None of the dogs were euthanized, he said. Rickey said the ASPCA will bring in a team of behaviorists to evaluate the dogs to better understand the level of aggression and other behavioral challenges that may exist so that the dogs can one day be placed in safe and appropriate homes. When they can be adopted out will ultimately be a decision made by the courts, he said. That process could take several weeks or months, he said. We hope for the animals sake that that can happen sooner rather than later because its important for some of these animals to get into a home setting and really begin their road to recovery, Rickey said. In the meantime, the ASPCA has a team to provide continuing care for the dogs. Rickey said dog fighting has been prevalent across the U.S. for many years. While he said he doesnt believe it is on the rise, its also not on the decline. Rickey said between April 5 and April 14, the ASPCA has assisted in four dog fighting cases spanning five states and involving more than 150 dogs. When you look across the country at how many of these cases are going, the numbers are actually quite staggering and its quite unfortunate that it continues to be so prevalent, he said. Rickey said dog fighting rings exist due to several factors, such as a lack of enforcement historically and the amount of money that can be earned by hosting such fights. Some of these fights can be tens, maybe hundreds of thousands of dollars, he said. Rickey said in recent years, law enforcement has taken on more of these types of cases. On Friday, the U.S. Sentencing Commission voted to increase the recommended penalties for convicted dog fighters in federal court. I think were making some real headway and tackling this issue from an investigative standpoint and appropriate sentences that will match the crime and hopefully, we can begin to see a reduction in what truly is just a brutal and barbaric form of animal cruelty, Rickey said. Cindy VanLandegen of Rock Island, who is an advocate for dogs, isnt surprised that law enforcement officials are investigating an illegal dog-fighting ring in the Quad-Cities. If you think dog fighting doesnt happen in the Quad-Cities, think again, said VanLandegen, founder of AAVENGE Animal Abuse and Violence Ends Now through Greater Enforcement. I am not surprised that this happened, VanLandegen said. "I hope the dogs are OK and can one day find the loving homes they deserve. This just breaks my heart into pieces. No dog deserves this. VanLandegen founded the nonprofit organization in April 2008. The group is committed to the education, prevention and prosecution of those involved in dog fighting. Although VanLandegen has done rescue, foster and transport for various dogs, the organization is not a rescue it is strictly advocacy. We need to get the word out about dog fighting and animal abuse in general, she said. VanLandegen has long been involved in animal welfare. She said she began her advocacy organization after she received an email eight years ago that changed her life: An animal-control officer in Bolingbrook, Ill., found a pit bull puppy after being notified that a puppy was lying in field. The little dogs femur had been cracked in half. The puppy had been used as a bait dog, VanLandegen said. A lot of times, theyll use puppies or cats to get the dogs really riled up and get them to fight. When the fighters were done with the puppy, they just discarded him like a piece of trash, VanLandegen said. After a fundraiser, the pup who was named Chief recovered after it underwent surgery and was adopted. Chiefs story inspired VanLandegen to create AAVENGE. Whats going on here (in the Quad-Cities) is whats going on nationally, she said. Its very clandestine, very quick and usually drugs and gambling are involved. Its just horrific. If people think it doesnt happen here, they are sadly mistaken. Elementary-school students in the Quad-Cities are being exposed to dog fights, VanLandegen said. Not long ago, she did a presentation about dog fights at a Rock Island grade school. 'How many of you have been to a dog fight?' she asked. And all these hands went up. It just broke my heart. During her presentations, she tells the children that whoever participates in dog fighting can be prosecuted. Illinois has some of the best animal laws in the country, she said. She tells the children that if they see something, they should say something. If you see a dog with wounds or bite marks, big heavy chains around its neck, tell someone, she said of her message to students. We especially want to get that message to the young people. She added that seeing something as vicious and bloody as dog fighting is traumatic for children. If you own a dog, especially a bully breed, never leave your dog unattended if youre not home, VanLandegen said. People will walk right in and steal them to fight and use as bait, she said. During warmer weather when dogs are outside, dog-napping increases, she said. These people have no scruples," she said. "They have no value of life, and a lot of them are part of the criminal element. Dog fighters are to blame for the bad reputation pit bulls have, she said. Sadistic dog fighters have helped give such dogs a bad reputation, she said. These dogs dont choose to fight. These dogs are forced to fight, said VanLandegen, who calls dog fighting a national disgrace. She continues to talk to various organizations and classrooms about the practice, telling the students, If your dad or uncle takes you to a dog fight, they could be arrested for that. Dont think its all that cool because somebody could get in big trouble. She also explains to children that pets depend on them for their well-being. If you get sick, you mom takes you to a doctor, she says. I approach it from that perspective. I always encourage them that if somebodys hurting your friend, you tell somebody. If somebodys hurting an animal, you tell somebody. A pair of proposals that would help with Scott County's funding gap for mental health and disability programs moved forward in the Iowa Legislature on Thursday. A House bill that would provide some temporary funding advanced, while a Senate measure, which local officials prefer, won approval in the chamber's Ways and Means Committee. Scott County is seeking legislative approval to raise property taxes for mental health programs. By law, it currently can raise $3.3 million, but the programs cost $4.9 million. The county has said it will seek assistance for fiscal year 2017 from the five-county regional board that coordinates mental health and disability services in this area. Representatives of some of the other counties in the group have said they might approve the help for the year, but if the county can't gain more taxing authority, they'll likely vote them off the board. If that were to happen, it would be a major change to how mental health programs are delivered here. On Thursday, a House committee approved a $1.8 billion human services spending bill that included $1 million for the five-county regional board covering Scott County, called the Eastern Iowa Mental Health and Disability Services Region. The money is contingent on the region agreeing to stay together, according to Rep. Linda Miller, R-Bettendorf, who has been seeking to broker a compromise. The bill also requires a report from the Department of Human Services in November on how the redesign is faring, including financing issues. "I've done the best I can to give them extra resources," Miller said. Lori Elam, Scott County's director of community services, said Thursday the House legislation would help, but it's not a long-term fix. "This is kind of a stopgap," she said. County officials have been pushing for a change in state law that would allow them to raise property taxes to meet the cost of mental health and disability programs. The Senate's Ways and Means Committee approved a bill that would do that Thursday. But it's likely to face opposition from lawmakers who oppose raising property taxes. Still, backers say it would improve the state's 2013 redesign of mental health services. "This final piece would really put some stability in the system," said Sen. Joe Bolkcom, D-Iowa City. Polk County and Johnson County also face some of the same issues as Scott County. If a long-term fix isn't approved, Elam said the House funding could help to fill Scott County's $1.6 million gap. But she said she's still hopeful the Senate measure will prevail. County officials have previously said resolving the problems would mean an additional $28.57 in annual property taxes for the owner of a home assessed at $100,000. The increase would likely be phased in. They've also said this issue needed resolving by this legislative session because the Eastern Iowa region will likely decide around November whether to stay together for the 2018 fiscal year. When it formed, the counties in the Eastern Iowa region agreed that they would keep their own tax dollars for their own citizens. Because of the way the law was written, however, Scott County's tax for mental health programs amounts to $19.30 per person, while Muscatine County taxes at a rate of $47.28. A roundup of legislative and Capitol news items of interest for Thursday: HEART AND SOLES: In the tradition of retiring Olympic wrestlers, Rep. Josh Byrnes, R-Osage, left his shoes in the well of the Iowa House after delivering his retirement speech Thursday. Byrnes, a high school and college wrestler who is not seeking re-election after three terms, told colleagues that only in my dreams was he close to being an Olympic-level wrestler. I never got that opportunity to leave my shoes on the mat. This is probably the biggest stage Ill ever be on, so today I leave my shoes in the House chamber, he said before removing his shoes and placing them in the well in front of the Speakers dais. FAMILY PLANNING: House Democrats on the Health and Human Service Appropriations Subcommittee raised concerns with the way majority Republicans are handling funding for family planning services, especially passing up nearly $3 million in federal matching funds. Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell, D-Ames, questioned the pecking order for groups receiving family planning services during the budget panels meeting Thursday. The bill calls for funding public entities first, then non-public entities that provide primary health services and, finally, those non-public agencies that provide only family planning. Chairman Dave Heaton, R-Mount Pleasant, explained his caucus wants to restrict funding to agencies, such as Planned Parenthood, that also perform abortions. The plan also calls for foregoing matching federal funds for family planning services. No one can say this is a plush budget year, Wessel-Kroeschell said. To say we can give up $3 million for some political points is really sad for me. Heaton didnt have an answer. Believe me, Im not the person who designed this section of the bill, he said. The budget was approved on a party line vote, and the full House Appropriations Committee planned to debate the bill Thursday night. AG BUDGET: The Iowa House voted 71-21 to approve $43.1 million from the general fund for the Ag and Natural Resources budget. That includes $22.5 million for the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, $15.3 for the Department of Natural Resources and $5.3 million to Iowa State University. It also included $42 million from the Environment First Fund. DARE DAY: Gov. Terry Branstad proclaimed Thursday Iowa DARE Day to commemorate the work of the program that educates young students about the dangers of drug abuse. The proclamation honors students who have completed the program and schools and law enforcement agencies that have hosted or taught the programs drug, violence and bullying prevention classes. More than 100 middle school students, educators, law enforcement instructors and state officials joined Branstad at the Capitol as he signed the proclamation. Nearly 28,000 students have participated in DARE classes this year in Iowa school districts, according to the state Office of Drug Control Policy. QUOTE OF THE DAY: I will miss a lot of this circus, but I will miss the clowns probably most of all. Rep. Quentin Stanerson, R-Center Point, referring to the Legislature and legislators during his retirement speech. Prominent Russian moviemakers lawsuit against RBC media dismissed MOSCOW, April 15 (RAPSI) The Gagarinsky District Court of Moscow has dismissed a defamation lawsuit filed by prominent Russian moviemaker Nikita Mikhalkov against RBC media group, RAPSI learnt in the courtroom on Friday. Mikhalkov demanded to recover 2 million rubles ($30,300) from RBC in this case. According to Mikhalkovs press-service, the defamation lawsuit was filed after several articles were published on the www.rbc.ru website. On August 30, 2015 RBC published an article called: The Interior Ministry began inspection of a firm associated with Mikhalkov after anonymous questioning and on September 18 an article called: Mikhalkov gets a right to collect tax on blanks [empty CD or DVD disks ed.] for 10 more years. Press-service said that these articles confuse readers by using false information against Nikita Mikhalkov. Mikhalkovs lawyer has not specified whether this ruling will be appealed or not. Russian Supreme Court refuses to ban Jehovahs Witnesses branch MOSCOW, April 15 (RAPSI, Artem Ponomarev) Russias Supreme Court on Friday declined to ban the Jehovahs Witnesses of Tyumen as extremist organization, RAPSI reports from the courtroom. The Tyumen Regional Court ordered the liquidation of the Jehovahs Witnesses branch in 2015. The court granted a motion filed by prosecutors and declared the group extremist.The Supreme Court thus reversed the lower courts ruling. According to a representative for the Jehovahs Witnesses branch, the case has been framed up. Jehovahs Witnesses have had many legal problems in Russia. In March 2015, a court in Tyumen fined the organization 50,000 rubles ($752) and seized prohibited literature. In January 2014, a court in Kurgan ruled to ban the organizations booklets as extremist. The books talk about how to have a happy life, what you can hope for, how to develop good relations with God and what you should know about God and its meaning. In late December 2013, the leader of the sects group in Tobolsk, Siberia was charged with extremism and the prevention of a blood transfusion that nearly led to the death of a female member of the group. In 2004, a court in Moscow dissolved and banned a Jehovahs Witnesses group on charges of recruiting children, encouraging believers to break from their families, inciting suicide and preventing believers from accepting medical assistance. Israeli Justice Ministry orders extradition of Russian priest accused of pedophilia MOSCOW, April 15 (RAPSI) Israeli Minister of Justice Ayelet Shaked has signed an order on extradition of Russian priest Gleb Grozovsky who stands charged with sexual abuse of children, his lawyer Haim Azencott told RAPSI on Friday. The order was signed. It seems we cant do much in this situation, the lawyer said. According to Azencott, the next move for Grozovskys defense is to ensure fair trial and humane treatment for his client by asking a court to encourage Israeli investigators to influence their Russian colleagues in this matter. No comments from Israeli Ministry of Justice and the Attorney General of Israel are available yet. According to Russian investigators, Grozovsky committed sex crimes against several minors in 2011 and 2013. In 2013, he fled to Israel where he applied for citizenship. However, his application was dismissed. In April 2014, Grozovsky was put on the international wanted list. Israeli police arrested him in September. In January 2015, a court in Jerusalem ruled that the priest should be extradited to Russia pursuant to the European Convention on Extradition. The ruling was appealed. According to defense, the charges against Grozovsky are politically motivated and the Convention provisions could not apply to him. United by Blue was the theme of the 2016 86th annual Montana FFA State Convention, and FFA students from all over Montana gathered at the MSU Campus.New state officers were elected, and for the first time, twins will be serving at the state officer level.Twins, Albert and Ashley Koenig, from the Belgrade FFA Chapter, made Montana FFA history by becoming the first set of siblings to serve together on the same state officer team.Albert Koenig was elected to serve as the 2016-2017 Montana State FFA president and sister Ashley Koenig was elected as the 2016-2017 Montana State FFA secretary. She is also a member of the Belgrade FFA.The first vice-president is CJ Stevenson from the Moore FFA chapter. Second vice-president is Jon Andres from the Missoula FFA.The new state FFA treasurer is Josh Meyer from the Electric City FFA, and the new state reporter is Kacie Cummings from the Cascade FFA chapter.The state sentinel is Brock Reiner from the Flathead FFA, and the parliamentarian is Jake Michels from the Shepherd FFA chapter.State president Albert Koenig greeted FFA members in Montana.Today may mark the end of another inspirational state convention filled with learning, leadership, service, and development, but today is also just the beginning of the rest of our lives, he said to the convention delegates.By dedicating yourself to your respective FFA activities, you have proven time and time again that the only limit to your potential is your imagination, he continued.As you reflect on this past week of growth and celebrate your collective suc-cesses, think back to the moment you decided to accept the challenge of being the best version of your-self that you can possibly be.Take pride in the progress youve made, in how far youve come since that day, and remember all that youve been through since then that has shaped you, moved you, and driven you to be great, he concluded. I am an active Democrat. I know little about how Montana Republicans select the delegates to their national presidential convention, but do understand the Montana Democratic Party approach. As the presidential race between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders intensifies, in the Democratic Party were hearing a lot about super delegates and see the passions of their supporters increase and the supporters strident rhetoric go up as well. People and the press have begun to focus on the heretofore esoteric, remote and uninteresting state and national party rules. Even though I am not directly involved now, Ive spent a lifetime plowing this field. At age 24 I served on the Montana Democratic Partys Reform Commission, created after the disastrous 1968 election. Later as executive of the Montana Democratic Party, I was charged with implementing the commission results and developing Montana rules that conformed to national guidelines. I served about 20 years on the Montana Democratic Partys rules committee. For the 12 years I served on Democratic National Committee and its rules committee. National Democratic Party guidelines and requirements have been implemented in Montana to fit our state. Ive participated in state legislation to democratize our presidential delegate selection process while also making it reflective of the preferences of the electorate, thus minimizing internal conflict. Back in 1968 Montana Democrats followed rules that were essentially winner take all, based not upon the direct vote of Democratic voters but upon who was elected to or sat on county central committees. It was truly was an insiders game. While it took about five years to implement, the first big change to improve that system created something called proportional representation. Simplistically stated, if a candidate had 60 percent of the votes in a county committee, he/she would get 60 percent of the countys delegates to the state convention. And the proportional support for that candidate at the state convention would be reflected in the percentage of the delegation to the national convention who supported that candidate. That change brought a lot more fairness to our process as compared to the old winner take all system. But, the numbers still reflected an insiders political game. So, in 1974, Pat Williams and I drafted a bill to re-create a Montana presidential primary so that the base of the presidential delegate selection process could reflect the preference vote of all Montana Democrats. Pat was not yet a congressman but was extremely knowledgeable about the issue. We asked a freshman legislator, John Landslide Murphy, to carry the bill and it surprisingly passed. It allowed each political party to choose whether or not it used the presidential primary vote as the base of its delegate selection. The Montana Democratic Party did so. By the way, the presidential primary has a colorful history in Montana, having been enacted by initiative in 1912, removed in a referendum in 1924, restored by referendum in 1954, and dropped by the Legislature in 1959 before being re-enacted again in 1974. It has remained in use over the last 42 years. The way we Montana Democrats use the presidential primary, when combined with proportional representation, has minimized intra-party conflict. Under Montana Democratic Party rules, the votes of the electorate for each candidate in the presidential primary are reflected upward through the entire delegate selection process. The number of delegates each presidential candidate gets to have from Montana at the Democratic National Convention is proportionally baked into the cake as a result of the primary vote here. There are no longer any fights between the supporters of presidential candidates over the number of delegates they will have. If there is any fighting it is within the supporter groups of each candidate over which supporter might get to go to the national convention, given the limited number of seats allocated. This intra-group fighting is much less damaging than the inter-group fighting that used to occur before proportional representation and the presidential primary were in place. So, as the race between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders intensifies, the Democratic Party rules here in Montana have significantly reduced the rancor and increased the accuracy of reflecting what the grassroots Democrat wants in terms of results. Evan Barrett of Butte, has spent the last 46 years at the top level of Montana economic development, government, politics and education. He is currently the Director of Business & Community Outreach and an instructor at Highlands College of Montana Tech. These are his personal views. Will we ever see the end of Van P. Keele making inaccurate statements grossly exaggerating President Obamas skills/policies? We will never be so lucky. Historians will likely award Obama the honor of being the most incompetent president ever. Perhaps he was a great community organizer, however as a president, he is a great divider who ruined our economy, our reputation with friendly nations and our world-leader status all that while blaming others. Keele grossly exaggerates both Obamas ability to create jobs as well as the success of Obamacare. First, lets consider how successful Obama has been at job creation. It has been so bad that many of the 25.4 million jobless people not included in the official labor force statistics actually gave up looking for jobs that Obama forgot to create. The official unemployment rate is 5 percent, with nearly 7.9 million people officially listed as unemployed. Should those who gave up looking for work be included in the statistics, guess what would happen to Obamas official unemployment percentage. No one should suggest that is consistent with stellar job growth. Next, lets consider how successful Obamacare has been. In 2010, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated Obamacare exchanges would enroll 21 million people in 2016. Current CBO estimates show Obamacares exchanges will enroll only 13 million people this year, or 8 million fewer than predicted. Estimated actual versus predicted performance clearly demonstrates that Americans are definitely not enthralled with Obamacare. Further, 12 out of the 23 Obamacare co-ops have dropped out of the marketplace resulting in lost insurance coverage and huge American debt. More co-ops are suspected to follow suit. A great number of people shocked by the Obamacare sticker price are simply not buying. People losing or not buying Obamacare health insurance coverage doesnt sound like an Obama success story to me. Rationally thinking Americans want to repeal the Obamacare disaster and replace it with something fiscally responsible for both our government and people needing such insurance. Now, lets consider our current presidential race status. Unless Americans wake up and dont elect Hillary Clinton, we will have at least four more years of Obama-style leadership. Americas republic simply cannot afford four more years of such fiscally irresponsible leadership because our national debt has more than doubled in seven years. Americas fiscal survival depends upon repealing Obamacare, Obamas illegal presidential orders and irresponsible EPA directives. A return to sound foreign and defense policies would also be admirable. Further, Clintons decision to use a private email server when Secretary of State has caused a national security disaster. Thousands of classified emails were found on her server. Some of those Clinton emails contained such sensitive top secret information that no detail whatsoever could be released. Recognize that foreign hackers may have accessed that vitally sensitive information. That surely appears to be an indictable crime to even a casual observer. In fact, it is likely a far more significant crime than the security violations that destroyed former general and CIA Director David Petraeus career. Should the FBI complete its investigation on a timely basis, we may not have to worry about Clintons electability. Keeles brand of political BS might be appreciated by D.C. liberals, but not by Bitterrooters. Jerry Haslip Victor sacw.net - 15 April 2016 While addressing a Sadbhavna rally organized by RSS in Haryana (April, 2016) Baba Ramdev, the entrepreneur cum yoga guru, while referring to Muslims said aSome person wears a cap and stands up, and aa says I will not say Bharat Mata ki jai even if you decapitate me. This country has a law, otherwise let alone one, we can behead lakhsaif anybody disrespects Bharat Mata, we have the capability of beheading not one but thousands and lakhs.a Just before this Maharashtra Chief Minister Fadanvis asserted that those who refuse to chant Bharat Mata Ki jai have no right to live in India. [1] In 2013, Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen legislator Akbaruddin Owaisi had said that had the police not been there Muslims would have shown the Hindus their might. He was arrested under the clause of Hate Speech and was put in jail for some time. [2] These are two most glaring examples of the aHate speecha , which in a way is likely to incite violence, and is also is the foundation of communal violence. Hate Speech: Communal Violence Communal violence is the violence in the name of religion and is targeted at the religious minorities or aothera religious communities in general. It is a major phenomenon in South Asia. This worsened during last three decades in particular. We have witnessed the Christians, Hindus and Ahmadiyas being the target in Pakistan, Muslims and Christians in India and Buddhists and Hindus being major victims in Bangla Desh. Also Muslims in Myanmar, Christians and Muslims in Srilanka have similar plight. This violence has been preceded and accompanied by a type of asocial common sensea directed against the targeted minorities. The asocial common sensea, stereotypes, myths about religious minorities are abounding in these countries. [3] This social common sense about the aothera community is the foundation on which violence is orchestrated and innocent lives are lost. This social common sense has a deeper trajectory, many distortions, some misrepresentation of the present, both go into construction of this social common sense. Social common sense has been built over a period of time. In this aHate Speecha against the other community has played a crucial role. The leaders espousing the cause of religious nationalism have resorted to the hate speech about other minorities. In India it has been a pattern since long. These communal political tendencies initially failed in the electoral arena, particularly in the Assembly elections of 1937. That was the beginning of this horrific phenomenon at large scale. The Hate speech not only builds up the asocial common sensea over a period of time, it also acts as an immediate trigger to instigate the violence. While this Hate speech has been the core part of talks of communalists, they have been indulging in it vociferously to the detriment of social peace, it acts as a major divisive factor in the society. Rumors Hate speech instigating violence gets translated in to rumors, rumors about molesting women by athema, cow has been killed by athema, beef in the fridge, the need for forced sterilization of Muslims and Christians, exhorting conversions into Hinduism through marriage, blaming the rise of communal tensions to the increase of a particular minority religion in the state, the call on Hindus to fight back, the call on Muslims voting rights to be revoked, that mosques are not religious places of worship that may be demolished at any time, that India has been facing a battle between asuras (demons) and devs (gods) and that the Indian society is under attack from Muslims and Christians and many such related to the identity issues have been used. After Babri demolition hate speech was indulged in by Bal Thackeray of Shiv Sena which acted as a prelude to the Mumbai violence of 1992-93. Through his editorials in Shiv Sena mouth piece Saamna, he openly abused the Muslim minority, exhorted Hindus to be aggressive, and in a series of outbursts called Muslims as being pro-Pakistan. Concerned citizens put up a case against him but to no avail as there are enough escape clauses in the law at present. Bal Thackeray went unscathed despite massive and overt Hate mongering. [4] From RSS Combine In the build up to Babri demolition, Sadhvi Ritambhara of Sangh Parivar, VHP was aggressively indulging in Hate speech. Her speeches revolved around, alleged atrocities of Muslim kings, Kashmir issue and the social conditions of Muslim minority. The trend continued and it was taken to despicable limits by Paravin Togadia of VHP. Once Pravin Togadia was arrested in Rajasthan for this crime, but he continued without any remorse [5]. Another of BJP leaders Varun Gandhi once threatened in a public meeting that he will cut the hands of Muslims, he also said that Muslims have frightening names and looks. [6] Many others from the Sangh stable have been more subtle but equally dangerous, in creating the negative sentiments about religious minorities. Narnedra Modi wound up the refugee camps in Gujarat too soon, after the post Gujarat carnage. He said that these refugee camps have become the achild production centersa, referring to more number of children in Muslim families. He also went on to use the phrase, aHum do-hamare do-who panch unke Pachisa (We [Hindus] are two and have two children, Muslim has four wives and produces twenty children). [7] Sadhivs. Sakshis and Yogis Many of the Godmen, associated with VHP or working in tandem with these organizations spew lot of venom against Muslims and Christians. Not to be left behind the likes of Akbaruddudin Owaisi, of MQM in Hyderabad and other such elements also talk in a very hostile manner about the Hindus. Incidentally Owaisi is amongst the very few who have been arrested for Hate speech. But in most other cases, generally those spreading hate get away without any action against them. In Muzzfarnagar (2013) two BJP MLAs indulged in lots of public speeches directing their hate against Muslims. One of them, Sangeet Som is alleged to have uploaded a video clip, in which a Muslim looking crowd is brutally beating two youth. [8] As such the video clip was from Pakistan where a mob lynched two thieves. BJP MLA in this case commented that these are the Hindu youth who were beaten by the Muslim crowd in Muzzafarnagar. This supplemented by the rumor of the Hindu girl being molested by Muslim youth did the trick and it acted as a trigger for unleashing massive violence. Examples of other hate speech includes how the chief of the RSS, Mohan Bhagwat has repeatedly asserted that everyone in India is Hindu, including Christians and Muslims because India is a land of the Hindu people. He had also further made a speech noting that Mother Teresaas good acts were not done in the fullest of good intention and that she had another motive, which was to convert Hindus. [9] Since Modi Came to Power: 2014 The coming to power of Narendra Modi (May 2014) in a way has given an open license to all the affiliates of RSS combine to indulge in open hate speech against the religious minorities. The current agenda behind the hate speech is to consolidate the communal polarization of the society along lines of religion. [10] The likes of Pravin Togadia, Subramaniam Swami, Giriraj Singh, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, Sadhvi Prachi, Sakshi Mahraraj, Yogi Adityanth, Sanjay Raut and company seem to be above law. Just as a matter of record Togadia was put behind bars for a day; but no further action. Currently apart from these associates of RSS, which are reported in the media, there are many more indulging in the divisive speech and worsening the communal situation. Lately they have started feeling emboldened as they know it is atheira Government and they can get away with it. Day in and day out they are becoming more aggressive and vicious in their language. Baba Ramdev being the latest example of that the hate speech against religious minorities has been stepped up. One recalls even before Modi Sarkar assumed the seat of power the divisive activities of aBJP associatesa in the form of propaganda of love jihad and Ghar Vapasi were on, and they are continuing with more venom now. Soon after this Government came to power in Pune, Mohsin Sheikh, a person working in IT industry was hacked to death by activists of Hindu Jagran Sena, in the aftermath of morphed pictures of Bal Thackeray and Shivaji being posted on the social media. [11] The attack on Churches was very glaring and the process which was dominant in Delhi and Haryana was also witnessed in places like Panvel near Mumbai, Agra in UP amongst other places. Sakshi Maharaj not only said that Godse was a patriot; he also went on to say that Hindu women should produce four children, as Muslims are overtaking the population. Sadhvi Prachi went to prescribe eight children for Hindu women. She also gave a call that the Muslim film actors, Aamir Khan, Shahrukh Khan and Salman Khan should be boycotted. Yogi Adityanath, BJPas MP keeps making very derogatory remarks, He said that in alove jihada if one Hindu girl is converted then 100 Muslim girls should be converted to Hinduism. [12] The propaganda around love jihad keeps simmering and various small and big leaders keep using it to divide the society. Same Yogi went on to say that Mosques should be converted into den of pigs and that Muslims should not be allowed to come to Hindu holy places. Central Ministers Two central ministers of Modi Sarkar, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti [13] and Giriaj Singh [14] made very insulting and humiliating remarks about non Hindus and the color of skin of UPA chief Sonia Gandhi. Niranjan Jyoti stated that all those who are non Hindus are illegitimate, Haramzade. Giriraj Singh had earlier said that those not voting for Modi should go to Pakistan. Interestingly he said this before the elections and despite this Hate Speech he was elevated to the level of minister in the Modi sarkar. He made racial comments about Sonia Gandhi recently. Sakshi Mahraj also held Godse as a patriot, while his another party colleague from Kerala, one Gopal Krishnan wrote in RSS mouth piece Kesari that Godse chose a wrong target in killing Gandhi, he should have killed Nehru instead. Subramaniam Swamy, one of the very senior leaders of BJP, said that God lives in temples alone, not in mosques. [15] The hidden implication of this statement is fraught with danger. These are few of the samples from what all has been stated in recent times. Its impact in increasing the sense of fear amongst religious minorities is more than obvious. BJP ally Shiv Senaas MP Sanjay Raut went to the extent of demanding that the voting rights of Muslims should be revoked [16]. Who Uses Hate Speech? As such one realizes that aHate speecha is the outcome of the politics of divisiveness, it is the concentrated expression of the asocial common sensea prevailing in the society, it is the forthright and blunt way of putting things, which communal parties propagate anyway. It is not out of the blue that these formulations suddenly crop up, their infrastructure, the base of these has already been made by a section of political outfits. Hate Speech: Weapon of Divisiveness It is not only disturbing but totally against the values of our democratic society that such ahate othera ideology and speeches have become the weapon in the hands of a type of politics, which thrives on exclusion; which identifies a particular religious community as synonymous with the nation state. Again this ahate speecha is the language of a section of those who thrive on identity politics far away from the real issues of the society. As such Hate speech in India entered the political arena with the rise of communal streams in politics, like Muslim League on one side and Hindu Mahasabha and RSS on the other. These streams believed in the nation based on one religious community. These streams came from the sections of earlier rulers, landlords, Nawabas and Rajas etc. The ideology of religion based nationalism is narrow and it excludes aothera from its notion of nationhood. These beliefs then get converted into Hate other, and later turn in to aHate speecha. In this atmosphere once a while the BJP spokespersons will say that the view expressed by the particular leader are apersonala and stop at that. For BJP another escape clause is that its associated organizations like VHP, Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram and Bajrang Dal are formally different organizations though they are also part of RSS controlled Sangh Parivar. [17] They all are working in tandem with BJP for actualization of agenda of Hindu Rashtra. So while BJP is not directly responsible for their actions, the direction of the actions is the same. Many a people call these organizations as fringe elements, while as a matter of fact there is a division of labor between these organizations [18]. These have become more aggressive during this time. And surely after the Modi Sarkar coming to power their vitriol has become more intense. What Does Law Say? aUnder international human rights standards, which are to guide legislation at the national level, expression labeled as ahate speecha can be restricted under articles 18 and 19 of the ICCPR on different grounds, including respect for the rights of others, public order, or even sometimes national securitya a Rabat Plan of Action, 2012 [19] Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code criminalises among other things the promotion of aenmity between different groups on the ground of religionaa Section 153B further affirms that aimputations and assertions prejudicial to national-integrationa is equally a crime. [20] Despite this, groups that subscribe to Hindu nationalist ideologies have been able to zero in on Muslims and Christians by circulating inflammatory remarks and making fallacious allegations about these communities during mass meetings, through social media and in their publications. Major Leaders indulging in HS, some of the cases registered against them: a Pravin Togadia - Vishwa Hindu Parishad: Faces 19 cases registered in more than 12 different cities, according to reports a Akbaruddin Owaisi - Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen: Faces 11 cases a Varun Gandhi - BJP: During the campaigning for 2009 Lok Sabha elections, he had allegedly made anti-Muslim remarks a Uddhav Thackeray - Shiv Sena Chief: Had allegedly made inflammatory speeches against migrants from Bihar and its people a Raj Thackeray - Maharashtra Navnirman Sena: Has several FIRs against him in cases of violence and hate speeches Controlling: Punishing Hate Speech The failure to control the Hate speech is due to multiple factors. One, the law is not very specific about the Hate speech. Second, the law enforcement machinery itself is fairly communalized. The evidence gathering for Hate speech, many a times is not so easy, video recording etc. The Communal Violence prevention bill, which was contemplated during UPA Government did take into account these factors and wanted this issue to be dealt with squarely. At deeper level one realizes that a dangerous role is played by the school books, which are being used by sectarian politics to spread the negative perceptions about minorities. Many a communal organizations through their actions are spreading the understanding on which Hate speech can easily gel and be acceptable to sections of society. What is needed is the propagation of Indiaas diversity and pluralism. The Hindu-Muslim-Christian relations, which were very amicable during the medieval times and more so during freedom movement, need to be highlighted. The creative interaction of different religious communities in India, which is being undermined and is being erased from collective memory, needs to be brought to the social focus. The sectarian politics resorts to Hatred for others, the need to counter this politics at political and social level. 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 Here are the Halloween and fall events happening in Salina As people in Salina get ready for fall, there are several events happening on Halloween and the days before it. 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). Two timely stories of marijuana reform not yet helping those serving "Outrageous Sentences For Marijuana" | Main | Making in Oklahoma the modern "conservative appeal against death penalty" April 14, 2016 California board recommends parole for former "Manson family member" Leslie Van Houten Though the federal system and a number of states have abolished parole, a number of states still have this method of prisoner release and high-profile cases often provide a reminder of this important reality. And, as highlighted by this new Los Angeles Times article, headlined "Board recommends parole for Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten," high-profile parole cases can reach back to crimes committed nearly a half-century ago. Here are the details and some context: A California review board recommended parole Thursday for former Charles Manson family member Leslie Van Houten, who was convicted in the 1969 killings of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca. The decision was issued following a hearing earlier in the day at the California Institution for Women in Chino. Van Houten has been denied parole 19 times since she was convicted of murder in the deaths of Leno LaBianca, a wealthy grocer, and his second wife at their Los Feliz home. After the ruling is reviewed by the parole board's legal team, it will be forwarded to Gov. Jerry Brown, who could decide to block Van Houtens release. Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Jackie Lacey expressed disapproval after the decision was announced: "We disagree with the board's decision and will evaluate how we plan to proceed." The youngest of Mansons followers, Van Houten, 66, has been considered the least blameworthy member of the group, and has been portrayed by supporters as a misguided teen under the influence of LSD on the night of the killings. A former homecoming queen from Monrovia, Van Houten did not join in the Aug. 9, 1969, killings of Sharon Tate, the wife of film director Roman Polanski, and four others at the Benedict Canyon home that Tate was renting. But the following day, then-19-year-old Van Houten joined in slaying the LaBiancas. Van Houten and another woman held down Rosemary LaBianca as Charles Tex Watson stabbed Leno LaBianca. After Watson stabbed Rosemary LaBianca, he handed Van Houten a knife. She testified to stabbing Rosemary at least 14 more times. The blood of the victims was used to scrawl messages on the walls, as had been done at the Benedict Canyon home. In prior bids for parole, Van Houten's attorneys have characterized her as a model inmate who has obtained a college degree behind bars and has been active in self-help groups. At a 2002 parole board hearing, Van Houten said she was deeply ashamed of what she had done, adding: "I take very seriously not just the murders, but what made me make myself available to someone like Manson."... Van Houten's attorney, Richard Pfeiffer, said he believed the two-member board was most persuaded by her exemplary behavior behind bars. "Since 1980, there were 18 different doctors who did psychiatric evaluations of her. Every single one found she was suitable for parole," Pfeiffer said. Van Houten told her attorney that she was left "numb" by the decision handed down Thursday. Pfeiffer said he's hopeful that Brown opts to grant her parole. "The opposition to parole has always been the name Manson," he said. "A lot of people who oppose parole dont know anything about Leslies conduct. Her role was bad. Everyones was. But they dont know what shes done since then and all of the good shes done." Last summer, a parole board recommended parole for Manson associate Bruce Davis, who was convicted in the 1969 killings of Gary Hinman and Donald Shorty Shea. But in January, Gov. Brown rejected parole for the 73-year-old, stating that Davis' own actions demonstrate that he had fully bought into the depraved Manson family beliefs. Davis was not involved in the killings of the LaBiancas, Tate and four others. April 14, 2016 at 09:01 PM | Permalink Comments For those of you who believe in the killing of humans by the hand of law (what you call The Death Penalty), I suggest that you ask for a retrial and impose the killing by the hand of law upon this human. Do not let her go! Posted by: Barkin Dog | Apr 15, 2016 7:38:39 AM She should acknowledge that her crimes deserved the death penalty and that she is so lucky to be considered for parole. I would not release her. Posted by: federalist | Apr 15, 2016 9:35:46 AM The fact that Manson Family members are being paroled is only the tip of an ignored iceberg and is hardly a surprise. The last few years in California, the Governor-appointed Board of Parole Hearings has been granting parole in lifer hearings (where the inmate is typically in prison for murder) at a rate of roughly 33%. Governor Brown, with a few notable, often high-profile exceptions, is refusing to overturn these decisions. Posted by: Cal prosecutor | Apr 15, 2016 12:17:24 PM "After Watson stabbed Rosemary LaBianca, he handed Van Houten a knife. She testified to stabbing Rosemary at least 14 more times. The blood of the victims was used to scrawl messages on the walls, as had been done at the Benedict Canyon home." I vote no. Maybe if and when she reaches 80, but not now. Posted by: Michael R. Levine | Apr 15, 2016 1:57:38 PM What's so special about 80, if 47 years (more than Ted Cruz has been alive) isn't enough for a teenager under the spell of a cult leader after doctors and the state review board says "okay"? The notoriety of the crime is key here, apparently -- we can probably find a range of actors involved in horrendous murders, rapes and other horrible crimes out sooner than this. I'm sure she is not up there on people I'd worry about being in prison, but she is probably down there on people I'd worry about releasing. Posted by: Joe | Apr 15, 2016 2:25:05 PM Post a comment California board recommends parole for former "Manson family member" Leslie Van Houten | Main | Supreme Court of Canada declares a one-year(!) mandatory-minimum drug sentence unconstitutional April 15, 2016 Making in Oklahoma the modern "conservative appeal against death penalty" Richard Viguerie has this notable new commentary in an Oklahoma paper headlined "A conservative appeal against death penalty." Here are excerpts: This election year, Republican and Democratic voters in records numbers agree on something: They distrust political leaders and the political establishment. That same distrust applies to ambitious prosecutors, who are part of the political establishment. Too many have been caught cheating to win convictions, withholding exculpatory evidence and using coerced confessions. The bipartisan distrust of the political establishment is certainly increasing with regard to the death penalty. The government's troubling track record of exercising its life-ending authority provides ample reason for concern. Since 1973, more than 155 people have been released from death row because they were wrongfully convicted. Ten were from Oklahoma. As an anti-abortion, pro-law enforcement conservative who believes in the sanctity of life and society's duty to protect the innocent, I find this unacceptable. Oklahoma's well-documented wrongful convictions and failure to adhere to established execution protocols have shown that it cannot be trusted with properly carrying out the solemn responsibility of executing inmates. Oklahoma officials might soon compound these known problems by attempting again to execute Richard Glossip, a man who may well be innocent.... Conservatives are the leaders against government abuse and lawlessness. We understand that government can be callous about its errors, which are costly and cause harm to the innocent. When government tries to execute a man who may well be innocent, I believe we have an even higher calling to speak out. Oklahoma's systemic failures and Glossip's case in particular are emblematic of what is wrong with America's death penalty. The death penalty's problems are a confluence of things that all Americans loathe: a big, broken, costly and dangerous government program prone to mistakes, and with questionable positive benefits. It was recently announced that a bipartisan group of eminent Oklahomans would be donating their time to a first-of-its-kind review of the Oklahoma death penalty system. I urge all Oklahomans, and especially conservatives, to support the call for a moratorium on the Oklahoma death penalty until this commission has finished its task and made its recommendations. The death penalty system, where errors are gravest, is prone to flaws and lawlessness like any other government program. Recent prior related post: April 15, 2016 at 08:39 AM | Permalink Comments Never thought I would agree with Richard Viguerie about anything, but I'm all in on this point. Well said indeed. Posted by: Emily | Apr 15, 2016 9:54:58 AM Interesting, indeed eye-opening perspective. Let me think about this. Posted by: conservative2 | Apr 15, 2016 9:56:22 AM There is an argument there. Some conservatives are against the death penalty and you can use conservative principles, religious and secular to argue against it. It's probably a small minority overall given conservative morality overall but take support where you can. Posted by: Joe | Apr 15, 2016 10:14:14 AM This "distrust government" argument is really stupid once you sit and think about it. The adjudication of guilt/innocence, from any standpoint, is a far more weighty decision than whether to give death to a murderer--yet we trust government to make this decision. So to accept that argument is to call into question the government's ability to resolve guilt/innocence. There are some rejoinders to that (necessity), but the argument is basically dumb and those who advance it are idiots. The idiocy is embodied best here: "The death penalty system, where errors are gravest, is prone to flaws and lawlessness like any other government program." Really? The decision to give death to a murderer is far less weighty than guilt/innocence in pretty much any case. Execution of an innocent would, of course, be the worst, but that's a guilt/innocence issue, and at trial, all things being equal, a death case is going to get much more scrutiny, so it would seem that the chance of a flawed guilty verdict would be less where death is sought. And, the death penalty brings a ton of scrutiny onto the criminal justice system as a whole, much of which I welcome. There is nothing wrong with legitimate scrutiny to make sure we're getting the right people. Posted by: federalist | Apr 15, 2016 12:10:00 PM Federalist, I respectfully disagree. As you have pointed out, prosecutors and law enforcement agents can be deceivers of the first order, withholding exculpatory evidence, forcing false confessions, etc. See E.G., Case of Michael Morton, one of many, many. We indeed have a right and duty to distrust "the government" when it comes to imposition of the death penalty. And juries are responding by imposing the penalty less often. Posted by: Michael R. Levine | Apr 15, 2016 1:44:53 PM Mr. Morton likely rots in prison though, sans death penalty (I know that's not a principled argument, but one with some force)---my point, of course, is that death is less of an issue than the guilt/innocence. I agree that we shouldn't "trust" government and that the criminal justice system needs to be scrutinized---but the idea that government is corrupt so therefore we cannot have death is so mind-numbingly stupid as to defy belief. Posted by: federalist | Apr 15, 2016 2:32:15 PM Here is a paragraph out of the above article: Oklahoma's well-documented wrongful convictions and failure to adhere to established execution protocols have shown that it cannot be trusted with properly carrying out the solemn responsibility of executing inmates. Oklahoma officials might soon compound these known problems by attempting again to execute Richard Glossip, a man who may well be innocent.... Oklahoma's well-documented wrongful convictions and failure to adhere to established execution protocols have shown that it cannot be trusted with properly carrying out the solemn responsibility of executing inmates. Oklahoma officials might soon compound these known problems by attempting again to execute Richard Glossip, a man who may well be innocent....r Now. Here is the paragraph with some revisions which make it more real: Oklahoma's well-documented wrongful convictions and failure to adhere to established execution protocols have shown that it cannot be trusted with properly carrying out the solemn responsibility of killing humans. Oklahoma officials might soon compound these known problems by attempting again to kill Richard Glossip, a man who may well be innocent.... Posted by: Liberty1st | Apr 16, 2016 7:42:06 PM Post a comment Supreme Court of Canada declares a one-year(!) mandatory-minimum drug sentence unconstitutional | Main | Previewing what could be a big coming criminal justice week at SCOTUS April 15, 2016 More praise of my Ohio State students (and Ohio legislators and others) for research on marijuana law, policy and reform Regular readers are familiar with my periodic collecting of posts from my Marijuana Law, Policy and Reform blog. And, as highlighted in this prior post, a lot of recent content on that site involve ideas and collections of materials put together by terrific student in my Ohio State College of Law seminar as they gear up for class presentations on an array of fascinating marijuana law and policy and reform topics. In addition, just as my class is starting to wind down, it seems that the debate over medical marijuana reform is really heating up in Ohio and elsewhere. This collection of links to recent posts at MLP&P reflect these realities: April 15, 2016 at 02:13 PM | Permalink Comments Post a comment Making in Oklahoma the modern "conservative appeal against death penalty" | Main | More praise of my Ohio State students (and Ohio legislators and others) for research on marijuana law, policy and reform April 15, 2016 Supreme Court of Canada declares a one-year(!) mandatory-minimum drug sentence unconstitutional In the United States, some defendants can and have received mandatory life without parole sentences for drug offenses, and most federal mandatory minimum drug sentences come in 5- and 10-year chunks of required prison time even for first offenders. And, to date, none of these laws have been found constitutionally problematic largely because, back in 1991, the Supreme Court held in Harmelin v. Michigan that the Eighth Amendment's cruel an unusual clause did not preclude Michigan from imposing a mandatory LWOP sentence on a defendant convicted of possessing more than 650 grams of cocaine. Fast forward a quarter-century and this news about a new Canadian court ruling shows our neighbor jurists to the north have a much different conception of what kind of mandatory drug sentence violates a constitutional provision precluding cruel and unusual punishments. The article is headlined "Rulings from Canada's top court strike down mandatory minimum sentences for drugs and bail conditions," and here are the basics: The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that two key "tough on crime" measures brought in by the previous Conservative government are unconstitutional. In the first case, the court ruled 6-3 that a mandatory minimum sentence of one year in prison for a drug offence violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. It centres on Joseph Ryan Lloyd, a man with drug addictions in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, who was convicted of trafficking after police caught him in 2013 with less than 10 grams of heroin, crack cocaine and crystal methamphetamine. The court ruled the sentence cast too wide a net over a wide range of potential conduct, catching not only the serious drug trafficking that is its proper aim, but also conduct that is "much less blameworthy. " "If Parliament hopes to maintain mandatory minimum sentences for offences that cast a wide net, it should consider narrowing their reach so that they only catch offenders that merit that mandatory minimum sentence," the decision reads. "In the alternative, Parliament could provide for judicial discretion to allow for a lesser sentence where the mandatory minimum would be grossly disproportionate and would constitute cruel and unusual punishment." The dissenting view argued that the law as drafted was narrow enough, and that it did not amount to cruel and unusual punishment. The sentence imposed stemmed from the so-called "omnibus crime bill" brought in by the Stephen Harper government in 2012. The Safe Streets and Communities Act, also known as C10, made sweeping changes to Canada's criminal justice system, including mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent drug offenders. On Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the Liberal approach to criminal justice is to protect public safety while respecting rights. He said mandatory minimums are appropriate in some conditions, and noted that past Liberal governments have imposed them for certain crimes like murder. "At the same time, there is a general sense, reinforced by the Supreme Court decision, that mandatory minimums brought in by the previous government in a number of cases went too far," he said after an event in Waterloo, Ont. A mandate letter from Trudeau to Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould called for an overhaul of the measures brought in by the Conservatives. "You should conduct a review of the changes in our criminal justice system and sentencing reforms over the past decade with a mandate to assess the changes, ensure that we are increasing the safety of our communities, getting value for money, addressing gaps and ensuring that current provisions are aligned with the objectives of the criminal justice system," the letter reads. In the other case, the Supreme Court was unanimous in ruling that a person who is denied bail because of prior convictions should be able to receive credit for time served before sentencing. Normally, a person denied bail can get 1.5 days of credit for each day spent in pre-sentence custody, reflecting what are often harsh conditions with a lack of access to programs. Under sentencing reforms introduced by the Conservatives in 2009, a person denied bail because of a previous conviction is not eligible for enhanced credit. The mandatory minimum ruling in R. v. Lloyd can be accessed at this link, and here is one key passage from the majority opinion in Lloyd: The reality is this: mandatory minimum sentence provisions that apply to offences that can be committed in various ways, under a broad array of circumstances and by a wide range of people are constitutionally vulnerable. This is because such provisions will almost inevitably include an acceptable reasonable hypothetical for which the mandatory minimum will be found unconstitutional. If Parliament hopes to maintain mandatory minimum sentences for offences that cast a wide net, it should consider narrowing their reach so that they only catch offenders that merit that mandatory minimum sentences. In the alternative, Parliament could provide for judicial discretion to allow for a lesser sentence where the mandatory minimum would be grossly disproportionate and would constitute cruel and unusual punishment. Insofar as s. 5(3)(a)(i)(D) of the CDSA requires a oneyear mandatory minimum sentence of imprisonment, it violates the guarantee against cruel and unusual punishment in s. 12 of the Charter. This violation is not justified under s. 1. Parliaments objective of combatting the distribution of illicit drugs is important. This objective is rationally connected to the imposition of a oneyear mandatory minimum sentence under s. 5(3)(a)(i)(D) of the CDSA. However, the provision does not minimally impair the s. 12 right. April 15, 2016 at 01:29 PM | Permalink Comments The voice of sanity. All hail the the Supreme Court of Canada!! Posted by: Michael R. Levine | Apr 15, 2016 1:37:17 PM Yes, they aren't afraid of videotaping their oral arguments either. Posted by: Joe | Apr 15, 2016 2:40:19 PM Mandatory minimums have been the source of countless injustices. Why can't we reach common sense conclusions like the Canadians? Posted by: dave from texas | Apr 15, 2016 5:29:48 PM See, and this stupid opinion is why we can't have nice things. I agree with Doug and others that MM are much too high. But that is different than saying there should be none at all. Moreover, I don't believe it is the role of courts to engage in this type of find-grained balancing, that is the legislatures job. If one year mandatory is unconstitutional that means that there are no MM and no MM in my view is a awful thing. Posted by: Daniel | Apr 15, 2016 6:34:36 PM How does "none at all" follow from this: "If Parliament hopes to maintain mandatory minimum sentences for offences that cast a wide net, it should consider narrowing their reach so that they only catch offenders that merit that mandatory minimum sentences. In the alternative, Parliament could provide for judicial discretion to allow for a lesser sentence where the mandatory minimum would be grossly disproportionate and would constitute cruel and unusual punishment." The fine-grained balancing thing is a matter of opinion & what that means is pretty vague. I guess it is a matter of what the people of Canada expected and continue to expect when in 1982 it signed into law a Charter of Rights with the expectation of court review. If they want to change it, it is easier there than amending our own BOR. Posted by: Joe | Apr 15, 2016 7:58:38 PM @Joe Unlike you, I don't support legislative tokenism. The fact that the legislature still has the ability to play in the corner with its peas and corn while the judiciary sits at the grownups table and makes all the real decisions qualifies as "none at all" in my book. Posted by: Daniel | Apr 15, 2016 11:23:30 PM Post a comment Looking for a piece of vacant land available in San Francisco on which to build your dream home, and don't want to cough up the money for some decrepit shack that comes with it? Let me point you to this 5,000-square-foot parcel at 1208 Egbert Avenue in the Bayview, which, as Curbed tells us, is "just around the block from the Alice Griffith Housing Project and less than 900 feet from the intersection at Fitzgerald and Griffith that cops used to call 'the kill zone,' the one corner in the entire city that was the site of more murders than any other." That corner would be Griffith and Fitzgerald, and it was so-called, at least back in the '90's, because it sat in a horseshoe of dead-end streets, in a largely desolate zone between housing projects and the edge-of-the-Bay area called Double Rock, just north of the former Candlestick Park. The property showed up on Redfin this week with an even scarier image from MLS, taken apparently while lying down in the street, judging from the ominous angle. And it looks like the most recent owners built a garage, but stopped there. The realtor says "Big changes [are] under way in the neighborhood," noting the upcoming Candlestick Point development, and "The U. S. Dept of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) selected the HOPE SF transformation plan for Alice Griffith Public Housing and the surrounding Bayview neighborhood." But, it appears the current owner wanted to build two houses here, and the application to do that with Planning and a Bayview citizen advisory committee has languished for two years. But compare this $450K price with what other land is currently on the market, and it starts to look a little better. A little. Previously: This Shack Just Sold For $1.2 Million Donald Trump is coming to the Bay Area later this month, and perhaps in anticipation of his visit, Trump presidential campaign spokesperson Katrina Pierson is suggesting that Facebook CEO and co-founder Mark Zuckerberg should move to the Mexican border. Trump, who the Chronicle reports will be speaking on Aprll 29 at the California Republican Party convention in Burlingame, seems to have taken offense to Zuckerberg's comments, picked up by CNet and others, criticizing "fearful voices calling for building walls" at this week's F8 developer conference. "I think I'll take Mark Zuckerberg seriously," Pierson told CNBC, "when he gives up all of his private security, moves out of his posh neighborhood and comes to live in a modest neighborhood near a border town, and then I'm sure his attitude would change." Zuckerberg followed up his original comments by writing that his words were "about having the courage to choose hope over fear." This is not the first time that Zuckerberg has taken an oblique shot at Trump this past December the young tech titan spoke of adding his "voice in support of Muslims in our community and around the world," in what was widely read as a rebuke to the Islamophobia being hyped at the time by Trump. "Self-righteousness isn't very proactive," said Pierson. "We can talk about taxes, we can talk about jobs and even immigration, but that doesn't really put food on the table and save lives." Trump is not alone in his visit to the Bay Area. He will be joined by other presidential hopefuls Ted Cruz and Governor John Kasich, in addition to the (assumed) throngs of protesters. Related: Zuckerberg Says Facebook Will 'Fight To Protect' Rights Of Muslims We at SFist and many others seriously lamented the potential imminent loss of The Gangway back in January, when a liquor license application showed that the place was in the process of being sold. Now, as SF Weekly is reporting, it looks like that deal fell through, and the very bro-sounding outfit called Breaking Chad LLC will most likely not be purchasing the bar and turning it into something called Daddy Bones after all. The Weekly's Pete Kane spoke to longtime owner Jung Lee, whose deceased wife actually ran the bar day to day until her death, and he said, "We had a contract. They had a partnership, but the one I would call the investor pulled out. They don't have the funds to purchase it." There are, apparently, five other potential buyers lined up, including a gay couple who already own another bar and who wouldn't change a thing about the place, which is somewhat reassuring. Given the bar's proximity to what is now a hopping, hetero nightlife scene on Polk Street catering to the post-college Marina crowd, it will most likely take gay owners committed to keeping the place gay and divey to prevent it from becoming the next pseudo-craft cocktail bar with a DJ stand in back. The Gangway's place as one of the city's only remaining cheap gay dives that caters to a diverse, working class and elderly clientele should be preserved, not only because it's been a continually operating gay bar since at least 1961, if not earlier, but because the gay elders who live in the 'Loin don't have anywhere else to go besides Aunt Charlie's. And just get a load of Kane's charming portrait of the place as it is now: The Gangway is old-school divey, too: You can't see in from the street. It opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 2 a.m., every day. You can watch Family Feud on closed-captioning while eating Saltines out of white plastic bowls, drinking very strong drinks priced for people on a very fixed income. There are a lot of handwritten notes, like "Chips $1" and "Edith 86'd for using the N-word." There's a fish tank, a phone number for sidewalk cleaning, a microwave, a table covered in parquet along one wall, and the requisite bowl of condoms. There are porthole-window mirrors and a wall of newspaper clippings featuring long-ago Empresses of the Imperial Court. People routinely call the bar: "Tracy! Did Charlemagne have her keys?" ... I talked to 87-year-old patrons, people who were drunk off their asses at noon, people who could not remember my name after I repeated it five times, people who didn't want to talk to the media because 60 Minutes misquoted them in 1997, septuagenarian flirts who kept touching my friend's bushy beard even after he'd politely asked them not to, and heterosexual British millennials bar-hopping with 75 other hostel guests. The Gangway deserves a grad student compiling an oral history for his or her dissertation, but most of all, it deserves some more butts on its stools. Previously: SF's Oldest Gay Bar, Gangway, Biting The Dust Soon Criminal is an utterly ridiculous action movie with a central premise straight out of a 1950's B-horror movie, although that makes it sound like a lot more fun than it actually is, which is zero fun. CIA agent Bill Pope (Ryan Reynolds) is in London working on a case centered on a hacker known as The Dutchman (Michael Pitt), who has broken into a worldwide military defense system, and a "Spanish anarchist" named Hagbardaka Heimbahl (!), played by Jordi Molla. Pope is captured by the bad guys, and tortured, but before he can give them or the good guys the information they both need, he dies. So the CIA team, headed by Gary Oldman (doing an American accent worthy of a 1940s Bowery Boy movies), turn to a brilliant scientist (Tommy Lee Jones you know you're in trouble when Tommy Lee Jones is playing a scientist), who is working on an experiment that can transfer the memories of a dead man into the brain of a living one. Only problem is, the living recipient has to have a rare brain disorder involving an under-developed frontal lobe, and the only person with those requirements is a psychopathic prisoner name Jericho (Kevin Costner). Oh, this plan can't possibly go wrong! Needless to say, Jericho is soon free and terrorizing the streets of London. Kevin Costner obviously enjoyed the hell out of playing a character whose most animalistic needs are concern number one. Jericho doesn't just order some food when hungry. Instead he grunts, points at a picture, and then grabs whatever looks closest to it from the plate of someone who's already eating. If he wants a car, he punches the driver in the face and takes it. Costner playing against type is certainly the most entertaining he's been in years; it's just too bad the movie surrounding him is utter garbage. There are so many worthy actors in Criminal, I can only wonder if they started with a script that wasn't terrible. Why else would Gal Gadot Wonder Woman herself! agree to play a role that isn't much more than her cowering while various men Jericho included threaten to kill her and her daughter? Antje Traue, another great actress, plays the girlfriend of the villain, but at least she gets to kick some ass now and then. In any other movie, it might be a surprise that the star you'd assume is the leading man, Ryan Reynolds, dies within the first 15 minutes. But nothing about Criminal is surprising in any way. In fact, the chases, explosions, and graphic fights were so standard I had to close my eyes a few times just because I knew complete and total darkness would be far less boring. DES MOINES | A House-Senate budget panel Thursday was able to bump up state higher education funding slightly for next fiscal year, but a top Iowa Board of Regents official said the increase would not stave off the need to boost tuition for students at Iowas public universities next fall. The Legislatures education appropriations subcommittee approved a fiscal 2017 budget of slightly more than $1 billion which included $3 million in new money for Iowas 15 community colleges and $6.3 million for regent universities with $1.3 million for the University of Iowa, $2.2 million for Iowa State University and $2.78 million for the University of Northern Iowa. I know its not enough, said committee co-chairman Sen. Brian Schoenjahn, D-Arlington, who told the committee he and co-leader Rep. Cecil Dolecheck, R-Mount Ayr, searched for every dime we could in working with an austere spending target. I dont think anybody got what they needed or think they needed, but we did the best we can with the resources that we have, he told a packed Statehouse committee room. There may be a number of entities that are not happy with us. One of those entities was the Board of Regents, whose president Bruce Rastetter fired off a statement shortly after the vote of 5-4 among House members and 3-2 among senators acknowledging the tight state budget situation but expressing disappointment a funding proposal well below the boards request. The boards goal was to be able to freeze tuition if we received state appropriations as requested, Rastetter said. Since that has not happened, the board will immediately start discussions regarding tuition increases at our universities for fall 2016. Making sure Iowa students and families can afford to attend Iowas public universities needs to be more of a priority for the Legislature. Investing now protects Iowas future, he added. That sentiment was shared by Rep. Cindy Winckler, D-Davenport, who voted against the proposed education budget bill that she called woefully inadequate and troubling. This certainly puts families and students squarely in the bulls eye of having to find more resources to fund their higher education and yet we have little options for need-based aid in the state, said Winckler, who noted students now bear about 60 percent of the cost of Iowas public colleges. We do place such a high emphasis on a well-skilled workforce and a lot of responsibilities on our post-secondary educational institutions, yet were walking away from our responsibilities with that. Dolecheck said more state money was divided among Iowas higher-education institutions with the help of about $3 million of uncommitted carry-over funds that had been allotted to National Guard scholarships that went unused due to decreased military deployments that in turn meant less demand for those resources. The scholarship fund still will get $2.1 million in fiscal 2017. Dolecheck said the surplus carryover made it possible to provide targeted increases higher than originally anticipated but he added it may not be adequate to allow them to hold tuition steady at regent universities and community colleges next school year. That decision would be up to the various institutions, he said, adding that he hoped tuition increases would be very minimal if enacted. 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 North Carolina was one of my favorite states. Though I never lived there, my partner Michael Greenspan is a proud Tar Heel who was born in Asheville, grew up in Charlotte, and graduated from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill (then as now a center of progressive politics). Before Michael got sick we used to visit North Carolina almost every year; to visit his relatives but also to enjoy all that state had to offer. And there was a lot. Vacations in North Carolina might include the Outer Banks, the Triangle - Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill - the Triad - Greensboro, Winston- Salem, High Point - and our favorites, the city of Asheville, the Blue Ridge and the Great Smoky Mountains. Michael and I loved to drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping along the way to enjoy all of its great sights: Grandfather Mountain, Linville Falls, Mount Mitchell, the Folk Art Center, Mount Pisgah and the Devils Courthouse. North Carolinas political climate, though hardly progressive, was never horrible enough to keep us away. In spite of Senator Jesse Helms, North Carolina was considered moderate by Southern standards, at least in comparison to nearby South Carolina, Tennessee or Virginia. This blissful state ended with the tea party wave of the last decade, which elected a Republican majority to the General Assembly in 2010 and GOP Governor Pat McCrory in 2012. Now with total control of the state government, the right wing majority began to pass a series of tea party-inspired laws that pushed the Tar Heel state back a few decades. High on the wish list was a Voting Law that changed how, when, and where voters could cast ballots and also changed the limits and disclosure requirements for political donors. Needless to say, this law has kept from the polls minority members, students and other groups most likely to vote for Democrats. North Carolinas recent outrage against humanity occurred in reaction to a LGBT rights law passed by the City of Charlotte. Outraged by the Queen Citys protection of its lesbian, gay, bisexual and especially transgender citizens, the General Assembly met in special session and rushed through HB2, a bill that McCrory signed on March 23. The new law overturns Charlottes ordinance and bans all North Carolina municipalities from enacting sexual orientation and gender identity protections. HB2 also requires trans people to use bathrooms and locker rooms that do not match their gender identity. HB2 was rightly called the most egregious, sweeping, hate-filled anti-LGBT legislation in this countrys history though the State of Mississippi, not to be outdone, is now rushing through a Religious Liberty Accommodations Act that is even worse. McCrory and his GOP legislators claim that they rushed HB2 through to prevent men from claiming transgender status in order to enter womens bathrooms or locker rooms for predatory purposes. This ploy worked well in the City of Houston, where opponents used the specter of men in dresses to convince voters to repeal that citys human rights law. McCrory called HB2 common sense legislation passed to stop the breach of basic privacy and etiquette, ensure privacy in bathrooms and locker rooms. The fact that trans women are more likely to be the victims and not the perpetrators of bathroom or locker room crime was ignored by the governor. North Carolinas HB2 is related to the anti-LGBT freedom of religion laws that have recently passed or are being considered by the red states. These laws are part of a backlash against LGBT progress in America, especially the United States Supreme Courts legalization of marriage equality in last years Obergefell v. Hodges ruling. Previous freedom of religion bills were vetoed by the governors of Georgia, South Dakota, and Virginia. North Carolina was not so lucky. However, its new law did cause a reaction on the part of LGBT advocates, political progressives, and major corporations who threaten to move out of the Tar Heel State if HB2 is not repealed. I hope it is repealed. Meanwhile, though I am only one person, I intend to boycott the State of North Carolina until and unless it discards this horrendous law. This is personal. By passing HB2, North Carolina broke my heart, and for this I will not soon forgive or forget. Some soldiers see action. Some do not. Fort Lauderdale resident and ex-closeted Vietnam vet James Stoup is the author of Behind the Wire: A Story about Life in the Rear during the Vietnam War. He spent 1970-71 in Vietnam in the rear writing for army publications rather than in combat. His book about that year is a powerful expose about drugs, low morale and bad leadership during the last years of that war. If you did not know that Stoup eventually came out of the closet, reading his superb Vietnam memoir would barely set off your gaydar. That is what his next book will do. In Behind the Wire, he describes tours of duty filled with drugs, bitterness, resentment, mutiny and sex in the lives of soldiers who do not agree with the premise of the Vietnam War and have no respect for their superiors who make their lives miserable. Behind the Wire should be read as a prelude to Stoups forthcoming gay memoir, and also by those who lived through Vietnam and are only now sufficiently distanced from that war to learn the truths that Stoup unflinchingly discloses. When asked if the account of his having sex with a woman in Thailand while on leave was accurate, Stoup says, I did gay Thailand much later in life, but no, that R&R in Bangkok was true as written. The entire book is true as written. Military peer pressure, you see. And, it was 1970, I was 23, and very much in the closet and repressed. But I do have an interesting aside for you on the gay underground that I discovered existed in our camp just weeks before leaving to come home. I remember thinking, Damn! Wish I had found this earlier! The most powerful moment described in Behind the Wire is near its conclusion when Stoup looks around at the other soldiers belted into their seats on the transport plane bringing them home. Many were going through severe heroin withdrawal right before his eyes. Because it might jeopardize their future and because the military was in denial about the extent of the drug problem, these men endured that gruesome experience without any help. Stoup wrote this book to clear the air about that situation and to reach two specific audiences. First and foremost, this is for Vietnam vets like me who served in the rear and did not see combat, especially in the chaotic final years of the war. And secondly, it is for the general public who knows very little about this side of the Vietnam War, not to mention how the draft turned out to be counterproductive to the mission. Obviously, the politics of the whole situation comes into play very heavily as well. I've already received incredibly positive feedback from Vietnam vets who served in the rear and who have read the book. And, there were hundreds of thousands of us who went to Vietnam and never saw combat. And yes, the drug scene was the centerpiece of what was going on over there, especially in the latter years, not to mention insubordination and downright mutiny, especially in the infantry. Stoup describes two opposing groups within the ranks of the American military in Vietnam: those who wait out their tour and the lifers who seemed to hate them. Stoup says, Keep in mind that all but the most hard-core of the career military types knew the war was wrong. The good lifers were just doing their jobs and making a living, while the others did what they could to advance their careers regardless of the right or wrong of the war. The morality of the war was very ambiguous to the career military, and the politicians and policymakers really fucked with them big time. Behind the Wire is as clear and honest a depiction of a soldiers experience in Vietnam as may be found. The cynicism and restlessness of the American soldier in Vietnam as described by Stoup have probably been replicated in subsequent US military interventions elsewhere in the world. If Behind the Wire is indicative of the quality of his forthcoming account of post-war marriage, family and coming-out, readers are in store for more eye-opening revelations. Online: www.BehindTheWire-Vietnam.com The South Florida AIDS Network (SFAN) functions as the networking and advisory body for the Florida-Department of Health Ryan White Care (FL-DOH RWC) grant in Broward County. Its monthly meetings are open to the public. Several people reported that potential RWC clients had problems contacting RWCs Centralized Intake and Eligibility Determination (CIED). Lisa Agate (CIED) reported that CIED had had phone problems in the past, but that the phones are working now. She urged people to leave a voice mail message, rather than to hang up in frustration. Agate also provided alternative ways to contact CIED: 1) call 954-566-1417; 2) call 954-561-9681, then press 3 for RWC, and press 1 for Eligibility; or 3) people who prefer email messages can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Justin Bell, Florida Department of Health in Broward (FL-DOH) RWC reported on this programs budget. It will spend all of its funds by March 31, 2016, the end of its 2015 contract year. In each of the prior four years, this program had to return unspent funds to the state. FL-DOH RWC has shifted funds from underperforming programs to underfunded programs, such as 1) Home Delivered Meals and 2) Home and Community Based Health. The latter provides medical devices and medical equipment for home use. Bell described these funding shifts as increasing services to disabled people with HIV. The Residential Substance Abuse Program is now providing more services for less money. Bell also reported that FL-DOH RWC has begun a program to ensure that clients remain in treatment. The department makes up to six attempts to contact those clients suspected of dropping out of treatment. Bell also reported on HIV prevention issues. FL-DOH has stopped paying for the ads on the sides of buses. The Department of Transportation, however, will continue to run those ads free of charge. These ads promote HIV testing and challenge HIV stigma. FL-DOH has distributed 10 million condoms. The national RWC program also funds RWC programs through Broward County (Broward RWC). Neil Walker of that program reported that the United States Conference on AIDS (USCA) will take place in Hollywood, Florida from Sept. 15 to 18, 2016. Joey Wynn brought up an issue that arose at the SFAN community meeting in March. This issue concerned changes to the case management program in Broward RWC. Leonard Jones (Broward RWC) explained that HIV treatment requires two types of case management: 1) disease case management and 2) social case management. He stressed that some clients may only need one type of case management. Other clients may need both, but some may need neither. These two types of case management require different skill sets. Disease case management requires medical knowledge to manage HIV, its medications, and any co-occurring conditions, such as diabetes or cardio-vascular disease. Nurses possess this skill set. Social case management requires the skill set of a social worker. Broward-RWC has split case management into two types of jobs. Nurses, acting as disease case managers, work in four existing medical providers: 1) the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, 2) Broward Health, 3) Broward Community and Family, and 4) the Memorial Hospital District. Social case managers will remain in their current locations. Joey Wynn reported on the Florida Legislative Session that just ended. HIV programs escaped budget cuts. The legislature approved the Miami Syringe Exchange Program, as a pilot program. It should begin to serve clients later this year. For information about the USCA 2016 conference in Hollywood, Florida in September, please visit. http://2016usca.org. Next SFAN Meeting: Friday May 6, 2016, at 10 a.m., at the Holy Cross Healthplex, 1000 NE 56th Street, Ft. Lauderdale. Newcomers are encouraged to attend. From Southern Poverty Law Center Last November, Sen. Ted Cruz made some waves when he and two other presidential candidatesMike Huckabee and Bobby Jindaladdressed an event in Iowa in support of religious liberty. The event was sponsored by extreme anti-LGBT radio host Kevin Swanson, of the anti-LGBT hate group Generations with Vision. Swanson has made many anti-LGBT statements over the years, and he has also defended the execution of LGBT people, though he said he would provide LGBT people a chance to repent first. Huckabee and Cruz pleaded ignorance about Swansons views, which are readily accessible through a web search. Appearing at the event was a mistake, Rick Tyler, a Cruz campaign spokesman, told USAToday in December. Tyler said that Swansons comments about supporting the execution of LGBT people are reprehensible, and further stated that Cruz has spoken out repeatedly against anyone who calls for hatred or violence against homosexuals. In spite of Tylers claims about Cruzs support for LGBT people, Cruz was scheduled to be at a campaign rally yesterday in Mississippi that included anti-LGBT and anti-Muslim radio host Bryan Fischer, the former director of issues analysis at the American Family Association (AFA), an anti-LGBT hate group. Cruz cancelled the appearance, citing illness, but told his Mississippi campaign chairman, State Sen. Chris McDaniel, that he wanted to come, and that he was still hoping to do a pop-in, but theres no way he could make a full rally. Though Fischer was removed from his directorship early last year, he remains a radio host and blogger at AFA. Fischer is known for his vitriolic anti-LGBT and anti-Muslim statements linking homosexuality to pedophilia as well as Nazism. He has called for the criminalization of homosexuality, called for the cessation of Muslim immigration to the U.S. and also stated that Muslims dont have First Amendment rights. Fischer has even attacked African-Americans, saying, [I]ts no wonder we are now awash in the disastrous social consequences of people who rut like rabbits. Religious liberty has become a rallying cry for anti-LGBT groups, especially since last years Supreme Court ruling that legalized marriage equality nationwide. A litany of so-called religious freedom restoration acts have been proposed in many states, all drafted and driven by anti-LGBT groups attempting to legalize discrimination. In late February, in fact, the Cruz campaign announced a religious liberty advisory council that features several people who have been instrumental in spreading and propagating damaging falsehoods about LGBT people for years. The narrative behind religious liberty portrays Christians who object to homosexuality on biblical grounds as victims of religious persecution. The so-called RFRAs would allow Christians, especially, to deny goods and services to LGBT people on the basis of their religious beliefs. Cruz devotes a page of his website to this new narrative. On day one of a Cruz administration, the site claims, Cruz will instruct the Department of Justice, the IRS, and every other federal agency that the persecution of religious liberty ends today. The choices for Cruzs religious liberty advisory council are weighted heavily toward anti-LGBT Christian, something his council has in common with a marriage and family advisory board that Senator Marco Rubios campaign announced in February. In fact, the two boards share some members: Cruzs council includes two people from the anti-LGBT hate group Family Research Council (FRC) which has, for over two decades, worked to defame LGBT people with a variety of discredited myths and pseudoscience. FRC president Tony Perkins is the chair of Cruzs advisory council and has linked homosexuality to pedophilia, even claiming that LGBT people recruit children. Other FRC officials have over the years called for the deportation of LGBT people, claimed that LGBT households are violent and that LGBT people are sexual predators. The FRC website states that homosexual conduct is harmful to the persons who engage in it and to society at large, and can never be affirmed. FRC fellow Kenneth Blackwell is on Cruzs new council. Blackwell has compared same-sex marriage to incest, suggested that transgender and bisexual people would use same-sex marriage to engage in polygamy, and tried to link a 2014 mass murder in California to attacks on natural marriage. Ryan Anderson, a research fellow at the Heritage Center, was also named to Cruzs advisory council. Anderson is one of the young guns of the anti-LGBT movement who, though not as overt in his anti-LGBT sentiment, routinely traffics in anti-LGBT pseudoscience when speaking to national media. He has also written that the decriminalization of homosexuality helped lead to the Penn State molestation scandal in 2011 and commended a book that supported the criminalization of sodomitical relationships. Another member of Cruzs council is pastor Jim Garlow, who was a major proponent behind Californias Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage in 2008. (It was later found unconstitutional in court.) Garlow has repeatedly linked gay marriage to Satan and held a conference at his Skyline megachurch in California in 2015 at which many speakers disparaged homosexuality as unhealthy and destructive. Everett Piper was also named to Cruzs council. Piper is president of Oklahoma Wesleyan University and delivered the closing keynote address at the 2015 gathering of the anti-LGBT hate group World Congress of Families in Salt Lake City. At Garlows 2015 conference, Piper claimed that the LGBT rainbow flag had become the dark flag of tyranny overnight. Cruz has also brought in Kelly Shackelford of the Texas-based Liberty Institute, a legal firm that bills itself as fighting for religious liberty. In reality, the Liberty Institute works mostly against antidiscrimination ordinances and defends those who claim to have been hurt by them. Shackelford and the Institute peddle alleged anti-Christian incidents (many of which are false or misrepresented) to demonstrate the need for religious liberty. April 18 is National Transgender HIV Testing Day (NTHTD). It is an opportunity to recognize the importance of routine HIV testing, status awareness and continued focus on HIV prevention and treatment efforts among transgender people. The goal of this day is to encourage HIV testing and to develop trans-specific HIV testing campaign materials and resources. Transgender communities in the U.S. are among the groups at highest risk for HIV infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, trans women of color, especially African-Americans and Latinas, experience disproportionately high rates of HIV. HIV is still a real and serious threat to our transgender population, says Aryah Lester, trans advocate and founder of Trans-Miami. For years it has infected and affected us, until finally President Obama was the first to address it in the National HIV/AIDS Strategy. As chairwoman for our state's Health Department's transgender workgroup, I was able to help implement work specifically addressing our high rates of infection in Miami-Dade's plan to the CDC and the White House. However, there are still major gaps in our statistics which correlate to funding and programs. The Human Rights Commission cites a recent international analysis, stating transgender women have 49 times the odds of having HIV compared to the general population. Transgender men have lower rates of infection than transgender women, but they are higher than that of the general population. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests certain risk factors directly tied to transphobia and the marginalization that transgender people face that may contribute to such high infection rates. These risk factors include higher rates of drug and alcohol abuse, sex work, incarceration, homelessness, attempted suicide, unemployment, lack of familial support, violence, stigma and discrimination, limited health care access, and negative health care encounters. Only when we, as a community, show our numbers through testing can we truly face a major critical concern in the transgender community, Lester said. HIV/AIDS claims more trans lives than our high rates of murder and violence. It has affected me personally, and many of my trans family since my entrance into the social circle. If anything, for yourself, and your wellbeing, get tested and know your status. It is truly the only way to lessen the infection rate and also save your life. Treatment is prevention. On Monday, April 18, the Pride Center of Equality Park holds its monthly meeting, TALKIN T. Testing is available for the transgender community at FUSION between the hours of 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., 2304 NE 7th Avenue, Wilton Manors. In Palm Beach County, rapid HIV Walk-in testing is available every Monday from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Compass, 201 N Dixie Hwy, Lake Worth. For HIV testing locations in Miami-Dade County, visit TestMiami.org. Nansen Ice Shelf ESA Multiple satellites, including Europes Sentinels, have captured images of two large icebergs that broke away from Antarcticas Nansen ice shelf on 7 April. The icebergs are drifting to the northeast, propelled by wind, tides and currents. Experts say they do not pose any immediate threat of blocking supply routes to research stations such as the Italian Mario Zucchelli and South Korean Jang Bogo Stations in Terra Nova Bay. Nonetheless, the icebergs may pose a threat to sea-floor moorings in the region that have been used by Italys National Antarctic Programme since the 1990s, and more recently by New Zealand ocean scientists. The Nansen ice shelf, around 50 km long and 25 km wide, developed a fracture over recent years. Ice shelves are particularly sensitive to climate change because they can melt from warm air at the surface and warming ocean waters below. The crack was first observed during fieldwork in 1999 and was progressively growing, and then accelerating during 2014, said Massimo Frezzotti from Italys ENEA research organisation. The events following were typical for a cycle of ice-shelf calving. Last century, a first calving event is known to have occurred between 1913 and the 1950s, with a second between 1963 and 1972. As winter weather began to set in during early March this year, optical images from Europes Sentinel-2A satellite and radar images from Sentinel-1A, together with images from the Italian Cosmo-Skymed mission, indicated that the ice front was only tenuously attached to the shelf. By 6 April, the fracture had reached about 40 km long before it severed the portion of the ice front between Inexpressible Island to the north and the Drygalski Ice Tongue the floating end of the David Glacier to the south. Verified by NASAs Terra satellite, the calving took place on 7 April during persistent strong offshore winds. Two days later, Sentinel-1As radar confirmed the separation. The area of the fracture was still negligible at the beginning of 2014, but between April 2015 and March 2016 it expanded from 11.68 sq km to 25.87 sq km, signalling a coming calving, said Flavio Parmiggiani of Italys ISAC-CNR research organisation. The fracture split the ice shelf along its length, resulting in two large icebergs measuring about 10 km and 20 km in length and 5 km across. Published research indicates that the bergs are likely to be around 250 Massimo Frezzotti explained, History has shown that major calving typically occurs about every 30 years. The crack opened because of a difference in the velocity of ice between the northern Priestley Glacier and southern Reeves Glacier fed portions of the ice shelf, caused by the southern part being hooked and pulled along by the faster moving Drygalski Tongue. The Sentinels are a fleet of satellites for Europes Copernicus environment monitoring programme. The second in the Sentinel-1 constellation, Sentinel-1B, is set for launch on 22 April. This event illustrates the complexity of the constantly evolving Antarctic icescape, said ESAs Mark Drinkwater and Chair of the Polar Space Task Group. Copernicus data already provide a critical source of sustained data for studying the impact of the climate on the polar cryosphere over the next decades. This unique combination of Sentinel high-resolution optical and radar images, together with information from other missions, demonstrates how satellites are invaluable sources of data to the study of ice shelf calving. This allows researchers to monitor the future response of the glaciers to the removal of the ice shelves, improving ice sheet modelling and predictions. Enrico Brugnoli, Director of Italys CNR National Research Council Earth and Environment Department, commented, This event has happened so close to our Mario Zucchelli coastal station and it is the first time satellites have captured an event of this size since Italy has been operating in the area in 1985. So-far investigations of documents leaked from the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca have uncovered dozens of names and companies in Slovakia with ties to the law firm. Font size: A - | A + THERE are links between the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca and some Slovak businesses, and though few specific names have emerged as yet, they look to be connected to some of the biggest political scandals of recent years. The revelations are leading to renewed calls for new legislation targeting shell companies. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Details from the Panama Papers about links to Slovakia have not been published yet, but so far investigations of over 11.5 million documents leaked from the law firm Mossack Fonseca have uncovered dozens of names and companies in Slovakia with ties to the law firm. While Mossack Fonseca claims that it broke no laws and all of its operations were legal, the Panama Papers scandal raises questions about tax avoidance as a moral issue. The European Union has also already responded with a plan to prepare legislation requiring large multinationals operating in Europe to disclose profits earned and taxes paid in each of the EUs 28 member states, as well as offshore locations. Cases in Slovakia Slovak investigative journalists have uncovered several Slovak links to the law firm Mossack Fonseca, which specialises in setting up offshore companies. The name of Jana Lutken, the legal representative of a company involved in the emission-quotas scandal of the first government of Robert Fico Interblue Group is mentioned as a white horse in the Panama papers, according to the Czech Centre for Investigative Journalism. That 2008 scandal cost the Slovak state an estimated 75 million and nobody has been prosecuted. Another name is Zuzana Herichova, originally from Bratislava but now living in Prague. Herichova or her colleagues have been connected to a questionable tender for the operation of the highway toll system from 2009 as well as the Interblue case, the Sme daily wrote. Read also: Read also: Panama Papers have Slovak ties Read more Prime Minister Robert Ficos name has also emerged in connection with the Panama Papers. In 2003, he launched the Elwing Slovakia company and the plan was to build apartment buildings in Bratislavas borough of Raca. In the past he told the weekly Plus 7 Dni that he sold the company and has nothing to do with it. His wife Svetlana was the head of its supervisory board through 2007. One year after she left, Stanislav Jankovic, who acts together with Herichova in bodies of several Czech companies, took over a seat on the Elwings supervisory board. Thus Ficos former company has links to white horses cooperating with Mossack Fonseca but they entered the company only after Fico had left, Sme wrote. The Sme daily firstly, as it did not have access to the leaked documents, investigated data publicly available on the internet, offices or courts including the analytical website Finstat.sk. Mossack Fonseca, based on data of Finstat.sk, provides its seat in Panama to nine companies that own shares in 79 Slovak companies. This number does not need to be complete as in case of joint-stock companies owners do not need to be published on the internet, Sme wrote. One of the Slovak firms with the address in the seat of Mossack Fonseca is Transam Solutions, which owns limited companies Medipark Kosice, and Blackstorm Group. Both of them have tried to do business in the public sphere and obtain public finances. Medipark Kosice is behind a failed parking project in the eastern Slovak town of Michalovce and now seeks 7 million as compensation for damages and lost profit from the town. Blackstorm Group also tried to do business with parking, this time in Bratislavas Raca district. Sme also uncovered that lawyers of Mossack Fonseca administer real estate in Slovakia, for example an industrial hall in Piestany. The hall is owned by Seychelles-based company Tuscaro Invest launched and administered by lawyers of Mossack Fonseca, but the real owners are not known. The Panama Papers scandal has also drawn interest from the Slovak National Criminal Agency (NAKA) and the Financial Administration. We started checking on the situation, Patricia Macikova, spokeswoman of the Financial Administration told Sme. Tax havens and Slovakia Milan Seliak, business development consultant at Bisnode Slovensko, told The Slovak Spectator that there is a need to distinguish between what is legal and what is illegal. When a company is looking for a place with better conditions for doing business it is legitimate and legal but it is necessary to put aside cases in which tax havens serve for hiding income from illegal or criminal activities. Panama does not belong among the most popular tax haven destinations for Slovak companies. Based on data of Bisnode Slovensko company, it is the Netherlands, the United States, in which some states like Florida or Delaware offer such conditions that can be perceived as tax havens, and Cyprus. Between 2005 and 2015, as many as 3,121 companies or 66 percent moved their tax domicile from Slovakia to these three countries. For Panama they register only 174 companies. Panamas popularity [as a tax haven among Slovak businessmen] is quite low, Seliak told The Slovak Spectator. After the scandal with Panama Papers its reputation would be even worse. Basically large and international companies looking for an optimal environment in terms of tax optimisation rather choose other destinations that are not perceived in such a controversial light. Slovak media join It is possible to expect more revelations as investigative journalists from several media in Slovakia have created a nine-member team that will cooperate with the Czech Centre for Investigative Journalism on the papers. The team consists of journalists working for dailies Sme, Hospodarske Noviny, and Dennik N, the weekly Trend, the news website Actuality.sk, the public broadcaster RTVS and private TV Markiza. Their first meeting took place on April 13, the Medialne.sk website informed. The task of the investigative journalists will be to uncover causes of a possible tax avoidance or money laundering. It is assumed that the database contains several Slovak names but also information about activities of people, who do not have a permanent residence in Slovakia, but do business here or did so in the past. New anti-shell law The cabinet that resulted from the March 5 election promises a more effective law against shell companies that will pertain to all public resources and prevent possibility to provide undue advantages to bearers of public power. The cabinet approved the programme or cabinet manifesto on April 13. Earlier in April Radoslav Prochazka, the head of Siet, one of four coalition parties, has conditioned further operation of the coalition cabinet with exclusion of shell companies from public procurement. If the cabinet includes any commitment in its cabinet manifesto, it will vote for meeting this commitment, Prochazka said during a radio discussion programme of the public RTVS on April 9. Otherwise, it will deprive the cabinet of the right to exist. The law to the adopted should be based on the bill drafted by Miroslav Beblavy, former member of Siet but now an independent MP, and Lucia Zitnanska (Most-Hid), the Justice Minister in the coalition cabinet. Beblavy noted that the anti-shell law is included into the cabinet manifesto in a 75-percent form as originally pushed through by Siet. The key question of enforceability is approached only generally and simultaneously there is nothing said about excluding shell companies from fields related to bankruptcy and restructuring proceedings or bank regulation as Siet had proposed in its [pre-election] programme based on cases of Vahostav and J&T, said Beblavy as cited by the SITA newswire. Slovakia already has an anti-shell law, but some see it is not effective enough. Based on the amended law on public procurement parliament adopted last September there was launched a register of final beneficiaries, i.e. real owners of companies participating in public procurement. The then opposition criticised the bill as imperfect and required that the register pertains also to companies linked to spending of public finances not only public procurement. Mossack Fonseca lawyers cooperate with the Dutch company V3 Media Holdings through which Penta controls the News & Media Holding publishing house Font size: A - | A + The Dutch company V3 Media Holdings links Penta with a man whose company sets up offshore companies and has cooperated with Mosack Fonseca, the Sme daily reports. Penta has denied any connection with the Panama Papers. Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Skryt Remove ad Article continues after video advertisement Reporters from the Sme daily and the Trend weekly uncovered the connection during their investigation of the Panama Papers. In cooperation with the Czech Centre for Investigative Journalism they are now scrutinising the documents for Slovak links. Read also: Read also: Panama Papers have Slovak ties Read more V3 Media Holding is the subsidiary through which Penta controls the News & Media Holding that publishes the Trend weekly, the Plus 1 Den daily and Plus 7 Dni weekly, as well as it runs the Aktualne.sk. The director of V3 Media Holdings is Robert Victor van Beemen who has a background in finance, and who also owns a company - Portland Partners, that provides the service of setting up offshore companies, providing domiciliation, incorporation and dissolution services, or corporate governance. There is a 62-page-long file in the Panama Papers on Portland Partners, Sme reports. In 2013, Portland Partners signed a service provision agreement. It is not clear what motivated Portland Partners to cooperate with Mossack Fonseca, but the signed agreement allows the company to found and administer offshore companies in Caribbean jurisdictions like the Bahamas or the Seychelles, through Panama-based lawyers, Sme wrote. The Slovak link V3 Media Holdings entered the Slovak media market in September 2014 when Penta announced that it was purchasing the publishing houses Trend Holding and 7 Plus. These were later merged into its News & Media Holding, of which V3 Media Holding is the only shareholder. It is not known who owns the V3 Media Holdings, but according to the Anti-Monopoly Office (PMU) which approved the merger in April 2015, it is not Penta. Read also: Read also: Penta takes over two media groups Read more Penta however finances and manages, and therefore basically controls, the companys activities on the media market, Sme wrote. When asked about the owners of the V3 Media Holdings in 2015, Penta responded that it was owned by western-European investors with no activities in Slovakia. Now Penta says the owners are from Switzerland, as cited by Sme. Read also: Read also: Panama Papers scandal reaches Slovakia Read more Penta claims to have nothing in common with van Beemen. We suppose that as V3 Media Holdings was being established, van Beemen was addressed in the usual manner to provide his service of the setting up and administration of a company in the Netherlands, the way this kind of companies do it for tens of their clients, News & Media Holdings board member Martin Danko said as quoted by Sme. Danko denied that any activities of van Beemen were linked with the investments of Penta on the media market. Sme reports that van Beemen and his people also cooperate with another financial group, J&T, in the same way. Infintax is the key Journalists from the Sme daily report to have noticed the potential links between V3 Media Holdings and the Panama Papers due to the advisory company Infintax, another company focused on setting up offshore firms, whose name frequently appears in the documents. Penta admits to having cooperated with Infintax in the area of setting up and administering Dutch companies, but this cooperation has no links with any potentially immoral activities of Infintax as described in the Panama Papers, Sme wrote. Penta financial group also has a 45-percent share in Petit Press, the co-owner of The Slovak Spectator. Read also: Its finally here: the SCAA Expo and USCC competitions. Theres miles of booths to explore, hours of talks to listen to, and scores of the most talented baristas to behold. Itll take a lotta energy to get through the whole thing. But thankfully, youre going to be surrounded by coffee the whole way through. You wont have to go far to find salvation in a caffeinated cuppaheres our rundown of whos who and whats what. Espresso Parts Pop-Up Espresso Parts brings four days of rotating brews to the people of SCAA. Theyll be using a cadre of Kalita equipment (Kalita Waves, Kalita ceramic drippers, Kalita Wave kettles) to brew and some Baratza Fortes to get their grind on. On Friday expect some brews from Revelator Coffee Company, followed by Boston Stoker on Saturday, and coffee giants Stumptown on Sunday. Hours: Thursday/Sunday 8 am 4 pm, Friday/Saturday 8 am 5:30 pm Where: Building C Concourse Batdorf and Bronson Batdorf and Bronson also have their own stand where theyll be slinging espresso and pourovers to the caffeine-deprived (and overcaffeinated, lets be honest, this is the weekend to go hard). Amongst chill vibesjust doing what we lovetheyll pull shots of their signature Dancing Goats blend using a two-group La Marzocco Linea PB, Nuova Simonelli Mythos, and Mahlkonig Peak grinder. Up front on a line-up of woodneck Chemexes and Beehouse ceramic drippers, youll find filters from Huila in Colombia and Sidamo in Ethiopia. Look for the iron lamppost to find your way to coffee Narnia; no Mr. Tumnus, but plenty of Dancing Goats. Hours: Thursday/Sunday 8 am 4 pm, Friday/Saturday 8 am 5:30 pm Where: Building C, Level 2 Summit Coffee Company Hailing from Davidson, North Carolina, Summit Coffee is hoping to bring down home, homemade vibes to the expo. Theyre sporting some choice handmade counters and original art, which only enhances the coffee experience. Not bad for a pop-up booth. For espresso, theyll be pulling shots of their Rutas del Inca Peruvian single origin espresso and their Alpamayo blend (Brazil, Tanzania, Peru) on a La Marzocco Linea, a Mazzer Superjolly, and a Mazzer Robur E. Their impressive copper pipe pourover stand features four Kalita Waves and theyll be offering a rotation of coffees from Ethiopia, Burundi, and Sumatra. Hours: Thursday/Sunday 8 am 4 pm, Friday/Saturday 8 am 5:30 pm Where: Building C Concourse Royal Cup/H. C. Valentine If nitro cold brew is your thing, then boy are you in luck. Birmingham-based H. C. Valentine has brought their A-game and a former Guinness tap to provide smooth, refreshing nitro (and non-nitro) cold brew. Steeped for 20 hours overnight, their Aztec Blend (Central and South American coffees) nitro is completely devoid of acidity and feels like a chocolate and rum raisin party in your mouth. Also on offer are different single origin coffees every day, being served up on Chemexes perched atop Hario VST scales and lovingly brewed via the help of Hario gooseneck kettles and a Bunn mill grinder. Royal Cup is also providing additional caffeination through a range of teas. Hours: Thursday/Sunday 8 am 4 pm, Friday/Saturday 8 am 5:30 pm Where: Building C, Level 2 Revelator Coffee Company Fellow B-ham dwellers Revelator Coffee Company, who also have locations in Atlanta, have brought their sleek set-up along. The white power-coated Slayer two-group, featuring white oak handles and paddles, dominates the booth alongside its handsome, matching white Mazzer Robur. Its definitely got some grammable vibes, especially around 1 pm each day when they break out their signature Cold Brew Fizz: a concoction of cold brew and lemon creme. Every day theyll offer their La Union Colombian espresso and three of their pourovers (Burundi, Peru, Tanzania) throughout the weekend. Hours: Thursday/Sunday 8 am 4 pm, Friday/Saturday 8 am 5:30 pm Where: Building C, Level 2 Fair Trade USA Upstairs next to a busy conference room, the long Fair Trade USA bar is keeping people perky with a great offering of interesting coffees. All weekend theyll be brewing up a storm using their Curtis batch brewers, Chemexes, Mahlkonig Kenya grinder, and Baratza Forte grinder. Even though theyre super busy at times, theyll take the time to tell you the stories about their coffees. The Sumatran is of particular interestproduced by a womens co-op who banded together following civil war to support the widows and orphans left behind. For knowledgeable conversation and great stories, check out this booth throughout the weekend to try all the coffees. Hours: Thursday/Sunday 8 am 4 pm, Friday/Saturday 8 am 5:30 pm Where: Building C, Level 3 Buddy Brew Its hard not to like a family-run company thats named after their beloved dog. Buddy Brew, named after their yellow lab cross, is based in Tampa, FL and aims to bring vibes of Buddys friendship, loyalty, and love to the SCAA. Their booth is a combo of the super-modern Modbar set-up and a quirky art installation from local Tampa artist Ron Francis. Their featured coffees throughout the expo will include Cafe Imports Congo coffee, an exciting and (to many people) new origin to try. Their espressos will be like night and day: on the one hand, a punchy Ethiopian; on the other, their modern take on dark Cuban espresso (which was also used in an award-winning craft beer). Hours: Friday/Saturday 8 am 12:30 pm, Sunday 8:30am 12:30 pm Where: Building B, Level 4 Starbucks Reserve Starbucks is pulling out all the stops at their booth, featuring an impressive line-up of brewers and origins. Its a no-espresso zone here. Theyll have fivecount em, FIVEorigins to satisfy your thirsts: Congo, West Java, East Timor, and Sumatra; on cold brew, Malawi will hold its own. Youll have a choice of brew methods ranging from siphon to Clover. Its enough to boggle the mind, and its sure to be busy, but if you want to feel spoiled for choice, this will be your go-to stand this weekend. Hours: Friday 8 am 2 pm, Saturday 8 am 12:30 pm, Sunday 8:30am 12:30 pm Where: Building B, Level 4 Kate Beard is a Sprudge staff writer based in London. Read more Kate Beard on Sprudge. Scientists at the University of California, Berkeley have shown that a fungus called Neurospora crassa discriminates other microbes, identifying the genes it has in common and then preferentially helping or punishing another microbes. "While kin recognition is important in animals, microbes often use kind recognition, in which cells are genetically related only at certain lociso-called 'greenbeard' genes," the authors wrote in their study, published on Thursday in the PLOS journal. The "green-beard effect" was named by evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins in his book "The Selfish Gene," in which he explains the hypothesis, which is a model for the evolution of selective altruism. But more importantly, Moscow and Tokyo agreed that after the meeting of the two leaders in Russia, we may see a new round of talks on the long-awaited Russo-Japanese peace treaty. The Big Picture Sergey Lavrov's visit to Japan was widely discussed in Japanese media weeks in advance, actually way before Russia's Foreign Ministry officially confirmed the date and the schedule of his Tokyo meetings. The overall tone of the articles in the local press is basically the same, where the authors and newsmakers have focused on the status of the Southern Kuril Islands. The four islands Kunashir, Shikotan, Iturup and Habomai have been administered by Russia since the end of World War II, but Japan still lays claim to them. The Joint Declaration of 1956 put an end to the state of war between Japan and the Soviet Union. But to this day, there is still no peace treaty between Russia and the Land of the Rising Sun. Russia insists that the 1956 Declaration has to be respected and followed. Japan, in turn, wants to gain control over the islands as part of the peace treaty deal. Moscow says it is ready to discuss the peace treaty, but according to Sergey Lavrov the issue cannot be reduced to territorial claims. #Lavrov: The next round of foreign ministry consultations on the Japan peace treaty will take place after Shinzo Abes visit to Russia MFA Russia (@mfa_russia) 15 April 2016 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, members of his cabinet and many representatives of the ruling coalition would certainly like to make a major leap in foreign policy. De jure ending of hostilities with a big neighbor such as Russia would look good on any Japanese politician's resume, and that's why this card is being played by many of them, including Abe. But in doing so, Abe has to listen to those who insist that the islands must be handed over to Japan no matter what. However, there is also a third force involved, acting like a bull in a china shop. Who is Trying to Push Tokyo's Buttons? Despite Tokyo's willingness to improve Russo-Japanese relations, it's a minefield for the country's leaders. They find themselves between the Scylla of domestic nationalism and the Charybdis of the Obama administration's anti-Russian stance. Washington warned Japanese officials that the US is against Tokyo's attempts to improve relations with Moscow. Members of the Obama administration didn't like the idea of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visiting Russia and meeting with President Putin, a sentiment which Washington voiced openly. #Lavrov: We want to move forward, which means radically improving the spirit of Russian-Japanese relations and removing artificial barriers MFA Russia (@mfa_russia) 15 April 2016 In a recent interview with Chinese, Mongolian and Japanese press, Sergey Lavrov called Washington's statements "outrageous" and expressed hopes that his Japanese colleagues understand this and look upon it in a way that such unacceptable manners should be looked upon. Even though further details of Shinzo Abe's unofficial visit to Russia will be announced later, it's clear that even despite the pressure coming from the US, he's willing to negotiate. But whether both sides will find a quick and effective solution to the problems that bothered them for decades, including the formal "no-peace situation" and the territorial issues remains to be seen. Yogendra Kumar further added When India wants to play a major role in the maritime world whether in the Indian Ocean or South China Sea or the Mediterranean or Atlantic or the East China Sea or the Pacific; you can do well if your shipping and maritime center is developed well. It will have an impact on the ocean economy. Ocean economy is what you tap the sources of the ocean for economic development. Apart from Indias strategy to economically develop its coastal areas, Indian Navy has also charted out a long term strategy for expanding its sphere of influence in the Indian Ocean and beyond. As far the role of the Indian navy is concerned, the maritime border or the maritime balance of forces in the India Ocean suits Indian interests. There are several reasons for that, one is that Indias relations with the US are getting closer and the US has a considerable stake in the maintenance of current maritime order. Here the interest of the Indian Navy and the US converge. So that gives the opportunity to share the growth of the maritime order in such a way that we do not fall prey to the growing tension in the South China Sea or East China Sea and now you will find the tension growing in the Mediterranean. There again the initiative can be of many kinds, one being the development of Indias naval capacity. Second is the development of Maritime domain awareness. The Indian navy has a surveillance mechanism which tracks the movement of ships and gives an idea of the security situation. Another aspect is the development or the relationship between the Pakistan and Chinese navy so if we develop our capabilities enough that will contain the situation very much, the former Indian ambassador told Sputnik. Thus, India is flexing its muscles in the Indian Ocean and to a certain extent in the South China Sea to thwart China's strategy. Further, through its naval supremacy India is also trying to become a net security provider to the countries along the Indian Ocean. COLORADO SPRINGS (Sputnik), Liudmila Chernova Relations between Russia and the European Union member states, including France, went downhill in 2014, when Brussels joined Washington in accusing Moscow of fueling the Ukrainian crisis and imposed several rounds of sanctions as a punitive measure. "Today we are launching as we have in the past," Mowry said on the sidelines of the 32nd Space Symposium in Colorado Springs. Mowry explained that the company is carrying out a number of missions using the Russian Soyuz spacecraft. Instead the neocons threatened the world with coercion and violence, attacking eight countries and fomenting "color revolutions" in former Soviet republics. The consequence of this crazed insanity was to create an economic and military strategic alliance between Russia and China. Without the neocons' arrogant policy, this alliance would not exist. It was a decade ago that I began writing about the strategic alliance between Russia and China that is a response to the neocon claim of US world hegemony. The strategic alliance between Russia and China is militarily and economically too strong for Washington. China controls the production of the products of many of America's leading corporations, such as Apple. China has the largest foreign exchange reserves in the world. China can, if the government wishes, cause a massive increase in the American money supply by dumping its trillions of dollars of US financial assets. To prevent a collapse of US Treasury prices, the Federal Reserve would have to create trillions of new dollars in order to purchase the dumped financial instruments. The rest of the world would see another expansion of dollars without an expansion of real US output and become skepical of the US dollar. If the world abandoned the US dollar, the US government could no longer pay its bills. Europe is dependent on Russian energy. Russia can cut off this energy. There are no alternatives in the short-run, and perhaps not in the long run. If Russia shuts off the energy, Germany industry shuts down. Europeans freeze to death in the winter. Despite these facts, the neocons have forced Europe to impose economic sanctions on Russia. What if Russia responded in kind? NATO, as US military authorities admit, has no chance of invading Russia or withstanding a Russian attack on NATO. NATO is a cover for Washington's war crimes. It can provide no other service. 'Questionable Value' However, Richard Murphy from Tax Research UK said: "The UK seems a reluctant partner, apparently doing all it can to mitigate disclosure on trusts, where new rules are far from adequate and will mean that effective information exchange from the UK is very unlikely. "This comes at the end of a week when media I have seen suggests that Jersey, Guernsey and Cayman (at least) are cock-a-hoop at having rebuffed calls from David Cameron that they must have readily accessible registers of beneficial ownership even for the use of UK law enforcement agencies, so how the UK thinks that now is the time to claim world leadership in this issue is very hard to credit. As I have argued, this government has proved this week to be a good friend jf the forces of corruption," he said. Blog: The UKs position on sharing beneficial ownership data is totally hypocritical https://t.co/4uy6x0FXNF Richard Murphy (@RichardJMurphy) April 15, 2016 Jersey Finance which represents the interests of the island's financial sector said: "We believe that the new UK public register will provide data of questionable value, as the criminal fraternity and individuals seeking to misuse UK companies to launder money would be unlikely to comply with the self-reporting requirements," Jersey Finance said in a paper published on its website. "We believe that the new UK public register will provide data of questionable value. The data will be unreliable as there are unlikely to be any meaningful checks in place (such as those undertaken by regulated Jersey service providers) on the quality of information being captured," it said in a statement. Although most British Overseas Territories or Crown Dependencies have signed up to a deal with the UK on beneficial ownership registers, they will not be made public. The Premier of the Cayman Islands Alden McLaughlin, said: "This is what we wanted, this is what we have been pushing for three years, for a disaggregated system which leaves the beneficial ownership information intact with the service providers." 'Pop-up Brothels' In Cumbria, three hours south of the Scottish border, police recently shut down so-called "pop-up brothels" in the town of Barrow. Local newspaper, The Evening Mail reported that criminal gangs were targeting refugees to use as prostitutes and booking hotel rooms to use as a base to exploit their victims. "It all started when a Romanian couple got in touch looking for a room," a local businesswoman in Barrow, who wanted to remain anonymous, told the newspaper. "A few weeks later we had more Romanian women checking in. I was on holiday when I was contacted by a staff member who told me she had found a Romanian girl crying in the corridor." The landlady later discovered her address was being used on a website to advertise the girls for sex. Police in Barrow have shut down three "pop-up brothels"; the sex workers were not prosecuted instead treated as victims. 'I Don't Want to Talk About It' The legacy of a life trafficked for sex, domestic servitude and forced labor has been revealed in one of the biggest ever studies of trafficking survivors and their mental health in the UK. High levels of mental illness reported by victims of #humantrafficking in the UK: https://t.co/82Yob3gLGR pic.twitter.com/pf1ZPE2Enl Inst of Psychiatry (@KingsIoPPN) April 15, 2016 The new report, commissioned by the UK Department of Health, reveals that 80 percent of women who had been exploited for sex, labor, or domestic servitude were still suffering from severe mental health problems, including post-traumatic stress disorder, severe depression or anxiety. Sixty-six percent of women forced into sexual slavery had been raped. "I don't want to talk about it. It upsets me. I don't like talking about it, or speaking about it," one survivor explained. MOSCOW (Sputnik)The publication in Le Monde comes less than two weeks before the 13th round of EU-US talks on the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) kicks off in New York on April 25. "Certain documents must stay confidential, either those related to tactical comments directly referencing Europes negotiating stance or those citing US documents, which are not for us to publish," EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmstroem said in the article. The TTIP deal, which aims to deregulate trade US-EU trade, has been criticized for lack of transparency, prompting the Commission to publish some of the TTIP documents. "We, as MEPs and representatives of the EU citizens, are experiencing unexpected problems and 'barriers' in the access to relevant documents of EU institutions (such as minutes of the meeting the EU Code of Conduct Group on Tax rulings, established in 1997) related to tax avoidance practices," Zanni said. Zanni stressed that after the 2014 LuxLeaks the European Parliament decided to establish only a Special Committee and not an Inquiry committee on Tax rulings, restricting the powers and the scope of the MEPs on this matter. By the same token, he said, the international media contributed to shelve this issue due to the fact that the main shareholders of media groups are often involved in those scandals. Earlier in April, the German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung exposed the alleged involvement of the world's wealthy including a number of former and current leaders, in offshore schemes by publishing materials it claimed came from Mossack Fonseca, a Panama firm selling offshore companies. The Panama scandal followed the 2014 LuxLeaks in which the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists revealed a database of "Luxembourg Leaks." According to documents available on the project's website, around 340 multinational companies, including Apple, Amazon, Pepsi and IKEA, signed secret agreements with Luxembourg authorities. The deals allowed the companies to pay less tax over an eight-year period starting in 2002. Erdogan also personally pressed charges against Bohmermann for insulting him personally and as a foreign head of state, which is possible according to section 103 of Germany's criminal code. Merkel took the decision to allow the investigation against Bohmermann to proceed in spite of opposition from coalition politicians including Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Justice Minister Heiko Maas. She said that the little-used paragraph will soon be repealed, and several opposition parties have also called for it to be scrapped. Islamic scholar and political scientist Ralph Gadban told Sputnik that Bohmermann's prosecution is a dark day for Germany, while satirist Tim Wolf welcomed Merkel's decision as good for satire. "Nobody could have imagined how far Germany's dependence on Turkey would go," Gadban said. "But this is what strikes me: Mrs Merkel is supporting a criminal investigation, while at the same time maintaining that section 103 is unnecessary and will be abolished during the course of this parliament." "In this way she is trying to keep everybody happy those who are for and those who are against. Such an opportunistic position is typical for her. She thinks that by holding vague positions she can enlist the support of all voters," Gadban said. "This is a black day for Germany because the executive power took such a decision. The SDP was against it initially, and Merkel pressed her position." On Friday, the Turkish Telecommunications Department confirmed that a decision had been made to block the Sputnik website in the country on Thursday evening, citing "administrative measures." A Turkish court is expected to make a decision on the block later. Speaking to Sputnik, Senator Vladimir Dzhabarov, the First Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Federation Council, Russia's upper house of parliament, suggested that the move was a foolhardy attempt to try to bring Russia to the negotiating table. "In my view, what the Turkish authorities are now doing, and this includes the arrest of two Russian citizens, and yesterday's developments with the Turkish [Sputnik] website I think all of this is an attempt to draw us into a political dialogue. That is, it is seen as a way to somehow resume political contacts in order to begin talks on improving relations." Barring an improvement in the situation, Saudi Arabia is set to take a big financial loss. Normally, Iranians going to the Hajj are not shy when it comes to spending a little cash, spending an average of $1,000 just on souvenirs, with the average total spending reaching $2,500. This year, Sputnik Persian notes, the absence of large numbers of Iranians will mean less income for the Saudi tourism sector, and more spent inside Iran itself. Earlier this year, Forbes calculated that the loss of Iranian pilgrims might cost Saudi Arabia up to $500 million in lost revenues. For now, "the question of solidarity remains an open question. Will Iranian authorities appeal to their citizens not to travel to Mecca? Perhaps potential pilgrims will work out some common position of their own?" Most likely, the decision will be based on past experience. And for Iran this experience has been a bitter one. "It's enough to recall the massacre of Iranian pilgrims in the 1980s, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini even issuing a fatwa to prohibit Iranians from making the Hajj" following the tragedy. Iranians who refused to abide by the Ayatollah's decree were forced to make the trip through a series of detours, through Turkey, Afghanistan and other countries, racking up tens of thousands of dollars in spending on airfare and black market Saudi visas (which could cost between ten and twenty thousand US dollars. MOSCOW (Sputnik)Russia considers any speculations on the possibility of arms supplies to Syrian militants under a so-called "Plan B" to be inappropriate, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Friday. "We expect the US side to continue strictly adhering to the line of cooperation with the Russian military in the interests of maintaining the ceasefire in Syriatalks or leaks regarding major supplies of weapons to militants under the infamous 'Plan B', including means to combat aircraft and artillery, are inappropriate," the ministry said in a statement. Plan A presupposes the current cessation of hostilities between Syrian government forces and rebel groups, with the exception of terrorist networks operating in the country. The ceasefire took effect on February 27, and has been described as largely holding despite occasional violations. For his part, Yaman Akdeniz, a lecturer at the faculty of law at Bilgi University well known for his research in the field of internet censorship, explained that from a strictly legal standpoint, the decision to block Sputnik was convoluted and murky. "On [Sputnik's] websites, which operate in 31 languages, there are millions of publications, videos, and photo materials. No one can say which materials exactly led to the decision to block off access to the resource." "In fact, it is entirely possible that even the Department of Communications does not know. The law states that 'if the violation cannot be eliminated by blocking the URL address of the page, access to the website as a whole can be blocked.' This is not the case here. Sputnik is an official, internationally reputed news agency acting in accordance with the law. By all appearances, the news agency has become a target of the administration of the prime minister and the government." Turgay Olcayto, the Chairman of the Turkish Union of Journalists, says that unfortunately, the situation involving Sputnik is part of a much wider pattern. "Restrictions on the public's access to information follow one after the other. This situation is, undoubtedly, a fair reason for the international community to sharply criticize Turkey. We have called upon authorities to reject this strategy, but in return have seen only a greater tightening of censorship. Every day in Turkey, press freedom, which is the basis of democratic values, comes under new attacks. It is an extremely unfortunate and shameful situation." The document, revealed recently by the National Security Archive, says that Pakistani Intelligence Service paid the sum of $200 to an organization, labeled as "terrorist" in the US, to conduct an attack at the CIA Forward Operations Base at Camp Chapman, located in Khost, Afghanistan. The attack that took place in 2009, and killed 10 people, including the bomber, the Jordanian intelligence officer and the Afghan driver. The attack is considered the second most deadly at the CIA since the United States embassy bombing in 1985 in Lebanon. A Jordanian doctor named Humam Khalil Abu-Mulal al-Balawi gained the trust of both the Taliban and the CIA. He convinced them that he could lead the CIA to al-Qaeda's second-in-command, one of the most wanted terrorists at that time. When he arrived at the scheduled meeting at Camp Chapman, he triggered an explosive device. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) NATO suspended cooperation with Moscow in April 2014 in protest against Ukraines former republic of Crimeas reunification with Russia after a referendum. NATO has accused Moscow of being involved in the internal conflict in Ukraine. Russia has repeatedly dismissed the allegations of meddling in Ukrainian affairs and stressed that NATO's military expansion and increased presence near Russian borders undermines regional security. "I would not be embarrassed as president of the United States to say to our European allies, you know what, the United States of America cannot just support your economies," Sanders said. "You [have] got to put up your own fair share of the defense burden. Nothing wrong with that." UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) On February 2, the European Commission adopted an action plan to bolster the fight against terrorism financing, identifying three priority areas of tracking financial operations linked to funding terrorism, disrupting sources of terrorism revenue and encouraging international cooperation on the issue. "Financial intelligence can reveal the structure of terrorist groups, the activities and travel patterns of individual terrorists, and their logistics network," Je-Yoon Shin told the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee on Thursday, stressing that Daesh and its affiliates cannot operate without their financial network. Je-Yoon Shin expressed concern over the lack of measures undertaken by countries to counter the funding of terrorism. Speaking to the broadcaster, former CIA analyst Allen Thomson said that he believes that the new radar system may be identical to the Ground-Based Radar Prototype (GBR-P) system used for missile defense. During the presidency of George W. Bush, that system had been placed in the Czech Republic as part of a European missile defense system. For its part, the Norwegian Ministry of Defense had previously repeatedly rejected the idea of participating in a US missile defense shield. "I assume that the Globus III radar will perform the same tasks as the Globus II, just more of them and better," Thomson noted. For his part, Charles P. Vick, a researcher at the Washington-based defense analysis group GlobalSecurity.org, says that the new radar at Vardo may be a component of the new US system called Space Fence, a $1.59 billion US Air Force project meant to track everything from ICBMs to artificial satellites to space debris in earth orbit. That system is set to go online in 2019-2020, at the same time that the Vardo facility will be completed. Finally, Theodore Postol, a professor of science, technology and international security at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, suggests that the new facility is designed specifically to track Russian military activity, including submarine missile testing in Russia's north. "The fact that the radar is located in Vardo [a municipality in Finnimark county, which borders Russia] makes it likely, to some extent anyway, the radar's task will be to gather intelligence about missile testing by Russian submarines from Plesetsk [in Russia's northwest] to Kamchatka [in the Russian Far East]." Babich thinks that the risk of conflict, despite recent provocations from the West, are slight, noting that Chinas long-term strategy has been to maintain amicable relations with the United States for economic and trade purposes. Nonetheless, he is concerned that "China may be left with no choice" other than to avoid conflict. "Put yourself in the shoes of the Chinese leadership Japan is quickly abandoning the remnants of its post-war pacifism and is rearming themselves, and the United States is conducting all of these huge military exercises in the South China Sea. Babich suggests that, in the long run, China may be forced to abandon their rather benign attitude towards the United States." Is the US building a military alliance against China? "I dont even think that the US officials are trying to hide it," said Babich. "They see China as the main adversary in the modern world even more so than Russia. Listen to the rhetoric of the presidential candidates." Babich believes that American political rhetoric shifted in 2012 after Mitt Romney called for China to be labeled a currency manipulator and subsequent signals from the Obama administration that the US would crack down on China as part of a pivot toward Asia. Furthermore, Iran's media outlet Shana reported on the very same day that the National Iranian South Oil Company (NISOC) "is planning to boost production of crude oil during the current calendar year which began on March 20." Citing Iranian Minister of Petroleum Bijan Zangeneh, the media source specified that Tehran aims to boost Iran's annual output "by at least 25% when they come on-stream by later-March 2017." In light of this, the results of the upcoming meeting in Doha prompts skepticism, experts say. "Investors awaiting Sunday's meeting of major oil producers in Doha are eyeing signs of a pact that could freeze oil production in a bid to stabilize prices. But they are also mindful of a political dynamic that threatens to derail an agreement: Saudi Arabia and Iran don't like each other," William Watts of MarketWatch.com writes in his latest article. Iran is determined to increase its oil output in order to reach its pre-sanctions level of crude exports, and with reason: it needs to revive an economy hit by Western sanctions. "Head of oil ministry Public Relations department in an interview with its webpage stated: considering the fact that Iran plans to achieve its share in the oil world market and reaches the crude production level prior to lifting the sanctions, also considering that this fact has been discussed in bilateral and multilateral meetings with OPEC and non OPEC members to understand Iran's condition, Iran's Oil Minister will not attend this meeting," Zandi tweeted Friday. Sleboda observed that Groysman "has no political record before [the current] regime overthrew the government and seized power in 2014. Before that he was a mayor of a small city in the West Ukraine, Vinnitsa, which happens to also be the hometown of the sitting president, Petro Poroshenko." "Groysman is seen as a completely a creature, a crony, if you will, of Poroshenko He owes everything, his political career, including all the funding, to oligarch Poroshenko," claimed Sleboda. The analyst stated that, "this is a consolidation of power by Poroshenko. There was, at times, a contest of wills between Poroshenko and Yatsenyuk." Sleboda observed that, while Yatsenyuk's support stood at 1% at the time of his resignation, Poroshenko's rate of approval hovers just below 17%. According to the analyst, with such "abysmal" ratings, the coalition represented by the two is in danger of losing control of the government. "We should read [Groysman's appointment] as an arrangement between various powerful oligarchs who now run Ukraine more than they ever did before." The only change, asserted Sleboda, is the further consolidation of Poroshenko's power, "and the oligarchs he represents." Sleboda does not believe, however, that Yatsenyuk will disappear from Ukraine politics. "[Poroshenko and Yatsenyuk] are clinging to each other to survive," he claimed Asked about his interpretation of how the US observes the Groysman appointment, Sleboda suggested: "I think the US has fully agreed with the situation. Poroshenko was just in Washington a week before this and it was obvious that this received the US blessing. I think the US is a little frustrated with fractures in Ukrainian politics, the competing oligarchs. But they have ridden this horse this far and they are not about to separate their support from this government, no matter how corrupt or inept it is." In this programme, Dr Joost Fontein, Director of the British Institute in Eastern Africa, a lecturer in Social Anthropology at the University of Edinburgh and Editor of Critical African Studies explains this phenomenon. Some of the main points are listed below: Witchcraft exists everywhere, even now in this modern world. For example, we have Wicca, so it depends how you define the word. The phenomenon of child witches is relatively new, and has epicenters in the Congo and elsewhere, but there have also been high profile cases in France and the UK. It coincides with the rise in extreme Pentecostal Christianity. Children in the Congo in particular have been accused of being possessed by demons or witches by Pentecostal or Pentecostal related churches. Often the churches are very schismatic, and there are contexts where there are entrepreneurial pastors, who put themselves forward as being able to heal these phenomena. Children are blamed if the family falls into poverty, and accused as being witches. The parents are also implicated in this, but we have to be very careful, because in some cases the parents and priests consider that they are not killing a child, they are killing a demon. If we want to understand this phenomenon we have to understand what a world that is inhabited by witches and demons is like. Look, over centuries, there have been only two parties at the top in the United States: the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. In Europe, say, in France, there are socialists and conservatives; in Germany, there are Christian Democrats, the Christian Democratic Union and the Social-Democratic Party, and they are all together; there are liberals, but they are, rather, on the sidelines. Husband and wife are a single devil As for concrete individuals, the President suggested taking the United States as an example. First Bush Sr. was in power there, later on Bush Jr. all from the same family. Clinton was in power for two terms and now his wife is laying claim to this position, and the family may remain in office. What does this have to do with removability? As the saying goes, Husband and wife are a single devil, and they will be at the helm. I am not saying this is all bad. There are pros and cons to it. Mr President, do you swear when you are certain that you are not being recorded? If so, to whom is it directed? "I do, sometimes, but only at myself," the President responded. Question: Do you swear when you're off-camera? #Putin: Only at myself Vladimir Kuleba (@mucklus) 14 2016 . "What about your subordinates?" specified one of the hosts. "This means I am displeased with myself. I am guilty, perhaps I should not have said this, but there is no use denying it. This sin does exist in Russia. We will atone for it," Vladimir Putin said. The assemblyman does not believe that Liang should receive clemency for the murder, even if he did not intend to kill Gurley. "I think he should get the max so that we send a message that black lives truly matter and if you take a black life senselessly you will be punished." Barron argues that whether or not the outcome of Liangs actions were intended, he did intentionally put Gurleys life in the balance. "What he intentionally did was violate police protocol by taking his gun out of his holster, he intentionally aimed it in the direction of people, and he intentionally pulled the trigger." The maximum sentence for manslaughter in the second degree, which Barron calls for, is 15 years in prison. Barron argues that if a civilian was convicted of second-degree manslaughter they would receive the maximum sentence. The assemblymans discussed the controversy, suggesting, if not actively calling for, violent protest if the courts grant Liang the DAs recommendation of no prison time. "Dont blame me the social forecaster, but when peaceful methods are denied violence is inevitable and dont blame me when it happens. They think that folks are just going to march peacefully and take it on the chin and say, oh, another one,'" said Barron, decrying what he views as a miscarriage of justice. Van Houten, 66, was sentenced to death in 1971, but the sentence was overturned on appeal, and she was then sentenced to life in prison, for the murders of Los Feliz grocer Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary, at their home in 1969. Van Houten admitted that she had stabbed Rosemary at least fourteen times after holding down Leno with another woman as he was stabbed to death by Charles Tex Watson. "And I took one of the knives, and Patricia had one a knife, and we started stabbing and cutting up the lady," Van Houten testified during her trial. After the LaBiancas were murdered, the killers used their blood to scrawl Rise, Death to Pigs and Helter-Skelter on the walls of their home. TOKYO (Sputnik)According to Russian Permanent Representative to the UN Vitaly Churkin , Moscow and Beijing had submitted the draft resolution tightening the screw on terrorists preparing to use chemical weapons on Wednesday. "With regard to the Russian draft resolution on Syria, Japan is considering it. There is a concern in Japan over the use of chemical weapons in Syria, and we will make every effort, together with the international community for the day to come as soon as possible when chemical weapons in Syria are destroyed," Kishida said after a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Tokyo. Last week, a spokesman for Syrian Kurds told Sputnik that gas poisoning cases had been reported among the civilian population and Kurdish militias after an attack on Aleppo by Islamic militants on April 6. In an interview with Sputnik, eminent Turkish expert on Russia Emre Ersen expressed surprise on the closure of the Sputnik news agency website in Turkey, a decision that he said should be annulled as early as possible. According to him, it is still unclear if the closure is directly related to Russian President Vladimir Putin's rather harsh and critical remarks on Turkey during his Q&A on Thursday or something else. "For all those Turks who study Russia this decision came as a surprise, something that cannot be explained. Turkish authorities refuse to provide any explanations on the matter," he said. WASHINGTON (Sputnik)Pope Francis should come by the volunteer-run Lesbos Solidarity Camp (PIKPA) during his upcoming trip to the Greek island, which has become a home to a million refugees, Human Rights Watch urged in a statement on Friday. "On his visit to Lesbos this Saturday, Pope Francis should visit the Lesbos Solidarity Camp (PIKPA), a volunteer-run camp that since 2012 has given shelter, care and comfort to thousands of the most vulnerable asylum seekers who have reached the Greek island of Lesbos by boat," the statement said. The watchdog warned that the mayor of Lesbos could soon convert PIKPA into a holiday resort. "TIB's actions are completely unacceptable. Only a court can make a decision about whether Sputnik's publications have broken Turkish law. It seems that TIB thinks it is above the law." Yarkadas said that blocking Sputnik is a short-sighted attempt by the Turkish government to further conflict with Russia, in the hope of benefitting domestically. "You can't call such actions anything other than short-sighted childishness." "Blocking access to a Russian news site is also a kind of signal to nationalism circles. The authorities are trying to say, 'Look how we are fighting with Russia.'" "It's not a serious approach, it's perfect childishness," Yarkadas said. Ayhan Bilgen, press secretary of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) called the actions of the Turkish government proof of increasing censorship in Turkey, and referred to recent attempts to censor the media in other countries. "The authorities' actions against the media are the most important proof of Turkey's movement into authoritarianism. The decision to close access to the Sputnik website, together with pressure on a series of foreign TV channels and the launch of legal proceedings against them, demonstrates the Turkish authorities' widening scale of censorship of journalists," Bilgen said. Iranian journalist Hassan Hanizadeh told Sputnik that Russian news services play a vital role in disseminating news. "The Russian media has shown over many years that its primary task is to bring the truth and correct information to the people. In all these years Russian media has never carried out a propaganda campaign against any of the region's political regimes." "The Turkish government is trying to create political isolation in the public consciousness, but that won't help Turkey to get out of the crisis it finds itself in," Hanizadeh said. EDINBURGH (Sputnik), Mark HirstEarlier in the day, SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon said in a statement that her party would introduce a new transparent register of land ownership if re-elected. Under the proposals major landholdings and tenancies will be made publicly available. Landowners who are unwilling to comply will face both criminal and civil penalties. The statement was made after the Panama Papers revealed that over half the land mass of Scotland was held in the hands of a few hundred anonymous owners. "Scottish Land & Estates has been fully supportive of the need for transparency of landownership throughout the land reform process," David Johnstone said. He added that the SLE had been assisting the Scottish government in achieving its target of completing the Land Register of Scotland by 2024. If you have a spare $80,000 lying around, there is a significant piece of memorabilia related to harness racing that could suit you just right. On second thought, make that $120,000. An item by The New York Times explains that a racing trophy that C. K. G. Billings received from the czars court during a 1909 visit to Russia will be up for auction in the near future. The auction is set to take place on April 30 at the Stair auction house, which is located in Hudson, NY. The article describes the rare piece, which holds an estimated value of between $80,000 and $120,000. The description appears below. 'An enameled silver vessel the size of a punch bowl, made around 1909 by Faberge, it is shaped like a traditional Russian drinking container known as a kovsh. Its handle is modeled after the head and neck of a goose with a speckled beak and a glaring expression, and its rim flares like a birds tail. The designer, Feodor Ruckert, covered it in his signature swirls of Russian folk floral patterns, checkerboards and spirals.' The article also states that the trophy had sat dormant in a box an oak case within a closet for quite a long period of time. The trophy contains an inscription of gratitude for Billings visit. Billings had travelled to Russia with an entourage of staff members and harness racehorses, including champion mare, Lou Dillon. The article states that another Russian trophy that Billings had been given was stolen a few years ago during a spate of robberies in New York State that were covered on the Standardbred Canada website. (With files from The New York Times) On Friday morning, Canada's 2015 Horse of the Year made an emphatic statement with his first charted mile of 2016 -- a sizzling qualifier in Florida. At Southern Oaks Training Center in Florida, State Treasurer and trainer Dr. Ian Moore were entered in a one-horse qualifier...not that it mattered as the mile would have left him alone at the wire regardless. With the fastest mile in track history, State Treasurer qualified in a jaw-dropping 1:49.4. "Well, [owners] Allan and Sally [MacDonald] were there, and I had trained him a couple of times in :53. I've just been training him alone, no one to go with him. And they wouldn't qualify with me so I had to go alone...but that's alright," Moore told Trot Insider. "So I told Allan I'm going to down to the half around :56 and probably go a mile in :51. "When we get going along with the gate, the guy on the gate says 'faster, Doc?' because we were right on it and I said 'no, that's good' and he turned around and tapped the roof of the truck, so the guy drove faster. Well, Treasurer's gotta follow it," said Moore with a chuckle. "I'm laid back on him pretty good going to the quarter, and the more I pull on him the more he pulls on me." Moore had been very pleased with his soon-to-be-double millionaire during his winter training, noting that a bit change has made the horse much more manageable. However, that wasn't the bit the horse wore during his qualifying mile. "I told [groom] Teesha Symes to take it out and we just had a Birch bit in him and I didn't have much control. He tossed his head about three times going to the quarter." After fractions of :26, :52.3 and 1:19.4, the mile was timed in 1:49.4. It marks just the 13th sub-1:50 qualifying mile in harness racing history. "I left the plugs in and didn't ask him at all. The last quarter's a little slow probably but what would you expect? He's ready to roll." As a six-year-old, State Treasurer (Real Desire - Ideal Treasure) won nine races and banked more than $986,000 for Moore and the MacDonalds en route to divisonal honours. Moore and Co. will be heading back to Ontario next week, with plans for State Treasurer to make his seasonal pari-mutuel debut in the Preferred class at Mohawk Racetrack. There was never any plan to race in the Levy series at Yonkers, with Moore estimating State Treasurer's first major test would be around the end of May in the 2016 Molson Pace at Western Fair, "if they have us back." With a number of standouts from 2015 like U.S. Horse of the Year Wiggle It Jiggleit already racing, Moore is well aware of how fierce the competition will be in this year's older pacing division and it will be no easy feat to repeat as the divisional champion. "There are a lot of good horses around this year...Wiggle It Jiggleit looked pretty impressive last week, and there are some other ones in there too. It's going to be a little tighter than it was the year before." Having said that, Moore doesn't necessarily feel that the 2015 version of State Treasurer was the top of the line model. "I was quoted two years ago, I told Allan and Sally that he was better than he was the year before and last year I said the same...well, he seems even better again. He's just been a pleasure to train down." The speed of this morning's mile doesn't worry the veteran trainer, knowing that the competition will be just as ready when they're lining up against him. "He's going to have to go in :48 every start probably by the looks of things...or even more, just to be competitive," stated Moore. "So what do you want, train in :55 and give them eight more seconds in a race? When I have them ready, they're ready." Moore looks to maintain his positive momentum from a career-best training year that saw him take home the O'Brien Award of Horsemanship. While he's missing the first leg of Mohawk's The Diplomat Pacing Series (set to start on April 23), he plans to drop a handful of sophomore colts in the box for the second leg on April 30. Horseman Michael A Crocco Jr., 74, passed away on April 1 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Crocco was a longtime restaurant and night club owner in the area. He also trained Standardbreds for the late New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner in the 1970s. Croccos more notable horses were Unexpected Guest and world record holder Soothsayer. He is survived by his children, Jill, Coleen and Michael; and his siblings, William, Gus and Louise. Services were held on April 6 in Pompano Beach. Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Michael Crocco Jr. (USTA) hidden Apple Inc will donate sales of select apps in April to the World Wildlife Fund amid its growing focus on environmental issues, the company announced. As part of Apps for Earth, launched Thursday, the iPhone maker and developers will donate proceeds from 27 apps created for the campaign to the conservation group. The campaign, which will run through April 24 and is among the first of its kind to be delivered in the App Store, follows a slate of recent environmental efforts from Apple and reflects the more socially conscious image Apple CEO Tim Cook has cultivated for the company. "We have been putting quite an emphasis these past few years on environmental initiatives at Apple, really trying to walk the walk with respect to our own operations and how we make and recycle our products," said Lisa Jackson, Apple's vice president of environment, policy and social initiatives. "This is about engaging our customers in our work." Apple has come under fire in the past from environmental advocates who criticized the company for relying on suppliers who are heavy polluters and constructing its devices so tightly that their components can be difficult to disassemble, refurbish and reuse. But the company has spearheaded a variety of projects to clean up its operations at home and overseas, announcing plans last year to build 200 megawatts of solar energy projects in China. Last month, the company unveiled a robotic system called Liam to take apart junked iPhones and recover valuable materials that can be recycled. The partnership with developers allows Apple to raise awareness of environmental issues among the App Store's hundreds of millions of customers, said Carter Roberts, president and CEO of the World Wildlife Fund in the United States. More work remains for Apple to green its operations. Amid concerns about waste from electronics in China, one of Apple's fastest growing markets, the company is working with the Chinese government on its collection program, Jackson said. And the company joined with Google, Microsoft and Amazon earlier this month to a submit an amicus brief supporting the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Power Plan, signaling that the iPhone maker may be more involved in federal policy going forward. "I think you can expect Apple to stand up for its values everywhere we need to," said Jackson, who previously led the agency. Reuters tech2 News Staff Court documents investigated by Vice reveal details of a murder investigation by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. The documents show that the case was cracked when the police accessed private messages on BlackBerry Messenger Service, an application known for its strong encryption and security. The police used an interception server to read messages meant for other devices. The implementation of the message encryption by default is a peer-to-peer encryption that uses a PIN number to scramble, but not encrypt the messages. Those with access to the PIN numbers can potentially read the messages meant for someone else. It is this version of the implementation that the Canadian police had access to. There is an enterprise encryption option available, which allows enterprise users to have their own BBM protected encryption service. Chats and messages sent over this grade of encryption are immune to the method of interception used by the Canadian police to solve this case. The documents stopped short of revealing the source of the key, and there is no explicit mention that BlackBerry handed over the encryption key to the Police. The information comes at a critical juncture in the encryption discussion. Apple's ongoing feud with the Congress has been constantly making the front pages of news, and Whatsapp just offered end to end encryption to all its users. BlackBerry has made its stance on the debate very clear, in a blog post. The clear takeaway is that BlackBerry's "privacy commitment does not extend to criminals". BlackBerry seems to be a lot more eager to co-operate with law enforcement agencies around the world. BlackBerry has previously co-operated with Indian Agencies to allow real-time monitoring of emails, as well as read and delivery status of BBM messages. tech2 News Staff Google just introduced Live Cases for the Nexus 5x, 6 and 6P. While they might seem like regular cases on the outside, each case can be thoroughly customised. Using NFC, the case can push an animated wallpaper to your phone as well. A separate button on the back will also trigger a shortcut of your choosing. You head over to the Live Case page on Google, pick an image or a an area from a map and customise the colours and background at will. There are a bunch of presets to choose from as well. Once you select what you like and place the order (for $35), the case will be prepared and shipped to you. Now here's where the "Live" part comes in. The case will come bundled with a custom, animated wallpaper that will be related to the background you chose for the case. The wallpaper will be pushed to the phone via NFC. A shortcut button is incorporated into the case and you can customise it to open an app of your choosing when pressed. It's too bad that live cases aren't yet available in India though. They'd make for an exciting, if not very useful addition to your phone. tech2 News Staff Google has announced that Maps for Android and iOS will now offer users various options for alternate routes and explanations for its recommendations. It will inform users whether the route suggested by it is the fastest or only avoids traffic. Sanket Gupta, Product Manager, Google Maps stated in a blog post, "Luckily, Google Maps can help you find the most ideal route to your destination with the least delays. Just in time for you to hit the road, weve updated Google Maps with new traffic alerts to help you avoid jams." When you input your destination in the app, you will get a spoken alert for upcoming traffic conditions that helps you identify the quickest route. Google Maps will also give you a heads up if a congestion lies ahead, and how long you would be stuck in a jam. In addition, you will also get the option to take alternate routes, including explanations for why one is recommended too. If a user is in navigation mode on their iOS or Android device, they will see these updates automatically. Recently, Google announced that Street View imagery of Sri Lanka is now available on Google Maps. This implies that people in Sri Lanka and around the world can now view Sri Lanka in 360-degree panoramic imagery from their phone, tablet or computer. hidden Micromax, country's second-largest handset maker is likely to invest around Rs. 2,000 crores in the next five years in manufacturing and new product lines, its co-founder Rajesh Agarwal said Thursday. He said the company is expected to clock Rs. 15,000 crores revenues during the current fiscal. It recorded Rs. 12,000 crores revenues last year. "We are planning to manufacture accessories such as batteries, chargers here in the country. The backward integration will happen in a period of next five to six years. I think over next five to six years we will be investing Rs. 2,000 crores on complete manufacturing activities," Agarwal told reporters in Hyderabad. The new manufacturing facility of Micromax was Thursday inaugurated in Hyderabad by Telangana IT Minister K T Rama Rao in presence of state Transport Minister P Mahendra Reddy. Spread across 19 acres, the facility will make mobile handsets, LED TVs, LED lights among others. The mobile maker has a plant in Rajasthan also. He said the current size of mobile phone market in the country is 220 million units per annum and the brand enjoys a market share of 14 percent. "We are talking a growth of about 25 percent this year. Our target this year would Rs. 15,000 crores. Today, we are selling around 2.5 million units per month. That's our run rate. We launched LED television sets around one and half years ago. We are one of the fastest growing LED TV companies in the country," he claimed. Agarwal said they are open to join with other companies to bring in the electronic component manufacturing to the country. "We will request the Telangana Government to allot some land for setting up Research and Development facility here," he added. The company has already invested over Rs. 100 crores in its Hyderabad project in the first phase, he said. On exports, the co-founder said Micromax is currently exporting to around five countries and has plans to expand the footprints to African and European countries in future. The Telangana facility currently employs 700 people and will increase the number to 1,000 in the next two months, boosting employment opportunities in the state. "Telangana government strongly believes in the vision of 'Make in India' and has always encouraged corporates to establish their factories and R&D centres in the state," Rao said. Agarwal said the company aims to be India's largest indigenous phone manufacturer by 2017. By the end of the year, it plans to have two more plants in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh that will give the company a total capacity of five million units. These facilities will manufacture both phones and televisions. The projects will entail investment of Rs. 300 crores and create job opportunities for over 10,000 people by 2017. PTI hidden Microsoft has sued the US government for the right to tell its customers when a federal agency is looking at their emails, the latest in a series of clashes over privacy between the technology industry and Washington. The lawsuit, filed on Thursday in federal court in Seattle, argues that the government is violating the U.S. Constitution by preventing Microsoft from notifying thousands of customers about government requests for their emails and other documents. The governments actions contravene the Fourth Amendment, which establishes the right for people and businesses to know if the government searches or seizes their property, the suit argues, and Microsoft's First Amendment right to free speech. The Department of Justice is reviewing the filing, spokeswoman Emily Pierce said. Microsofts suit focuses on the storage of data on remote servers, rather than locally on people's computers, which Microsoft says has provided a new opening for the government to access electronic data. Using the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), the government is increasingly directing investigations at the parties that store data in the so-called cloud, Microsoft says in the lawsuit. The 30-year-old law has long drawn scrutiny from technology companies and privacy advocates who say it was written before the rise of the commercial Internet and is therefore outdated. People do not give up their rights when they move their private information from physical storage to the cloud, Microsoft says in the lawsuit. It adds that the government has exploited the transition to cloud computing as a means of expanding its power to conduct secret investigations. SURVEILLANCE BATTLE The lawsuit represents the newest front in the battle between technology companies and the U.S. government over how much private businesses should assist government surveillance. By filing the suit, Microsoft is taking a more prominent role in that battle, dominated by AppleD in recent months due to the governments efforts to get the company to write software to unlock an iPhone used by one of the shooters in a December massacre in San Bernardino, California. Apple, backed by big technology companies including Microsoft, had complained that cooperating would turn businesses into arms of the state. "Just as Apple was the company in the last case and we stood with Apple, we expect other tech companies to stand with us," Microsoft's Chief Legal Officer Brad Smith said in a phone interview after the suit was filed. One security expert questioned Microsoft's motivation and timing. Its lawsuit was one hundred percent motivated by business interests and timed to capitalize on new interest in customer privacy issues spurred in part by Apples dispute, said D.J. Rosenthal, a former White House cyber security official in the Obama administration. As Microsoft's Windows and other legacy software products are losing some traction in an increasingly mobile and Internet-centric computing environment, the company's cloud-based business is taking on more importance. Chief Executive Satya Nadella's describes Microsoft's efforts as "mobile first, cloud first." Its customers have been asking the company about government surveillance, Smith said, suggesting that the issue could hurt Microsoft's ability to win or keep cloud customers. In its complaint, Microsoft says over the past 18 months it has received 5,624 legal orders under the ECPA, of which 2,576 prevented Microsoft from disclosing that the government is seeking customer data through warrants, subpoenas and other requests. Most of the ECPA requests apply to individuals, not companies, and provide no fixed end date to the secrecy provision, Microsoft said. Microsoft and other companies won the right two years ago to disclose the number of government demands for data they receive. This case goes farther, requesting that it be allowed to notify individual businesses and people that the government is seeking information about them. Increasingly, U.S. companies are under pressure to prove they are helping protect consumer privacy. The campaign gained momentum in the wake of revelations by former government contractor Edward Snowden in 2013 that the government routinely conducted extensive phone and Internet surveillance to a much greater degree than believed. Late last year, after Reuters reported that Microsoft had not alerted customers, including leaders of China's Tibetan and Uigher minorities, that their email was compromised by hackers operating from China, Microsoft said publicly it would adopt a policy of telling email customers when it believed their email had been hacked by a government. The company's lawsuit on Thursday comes a day after a U.S. congressional panel voted unanimously to advance a package of reforms to the ECPA. Last-minute changes to the legislation removed an obligation for the government to notify a targeted user whose communications are being sought. Instead, the bill would require disclosure of a warrant only to a service provider, which retains the right to voluntarily notify users, unless a court grants a gag order. It is unclear if the bill will advance through the Senate and become law this year. Separately, Microsoft is fighting a U.S. government warrant to turn over data held in a server in Ireland, which the government argues is lawful under another part of the ECPA. Microsoft argues the government needs to go through a procedure outlined in a legal-assistance treaty between the U.S. and Ireland. Twitter is fighting a separate battle in federal court in Northern California over public disclosure of government requests for information on users. The case is Microsoft Corp v United States Department of Justice et al in the United States District Court, Western District of Washington, No. 2:16-cv-00537. Reuters Naina Khedekar Delhi government has kickstarted the second phase of its odd-even scheme today, which will continue until 30 April. While this may help curb the increasing effects of air pollution, it could make daily commuting a nightmare. Like most spheres of life, mobile apps could come to your rescue to ensure you have a smooth and hassle-free ride. Some taxi aggregator startups are ensuring that no stone is left unturned, by offering discount, free rides and even free petrol. Let's take a look at the several options for Delhites for a cost-effective and comfortable commute in the next 15 days. Shuttl For those, who take public transport and are looking for cost-effective ways to travel rather than taxis, Shuttl could be an alternative. It is a bus aggregator platform that generates an e-ticket for each user along with a reserved seat number. It has teamed up with bus drivers and runs air-conditioned buses that ply on fixed routes. The Gurgaon-based startup that recently received $20 million funding has helped build an improved tech product and in expansion by covering Delhi/NCR region with over 100 routes and more than 500 buses. The startup is expecting an increase in riders by 50 percent in this coming phase. For the second phase, they've added over 100 buses, making the new count over 500. Amit Singh, co-founder Shuttl, said, The last phase was a great learning opportunity for all of us. It showed us the positive impact of an institution-led change and brought to light how public commute can make a difference. The expectation in second phase is much higher, because after the first phase, the major change we witnessed is people are ready to move to shared commute if they a get a comfortable ride to their work. The interesting part is around 40 percent commuters who joined Shuttl during the first phase stayed back. This has helped us grow at a higher pace. In January, during the first phase of odd-even, Shuttl was running on 50+ routes with 10,000 rides per day and now we are on 100+ routes with almost 20,000 rides per day. We are adding 30 more routes and expecting a 50 percent increase during this phase of odd-even. We are ready to make daily office commute easier for Delhities and provide them a seamless transport solution" The Shuttl app is available to download on Apple App store, Google's Play store and Windows store. Ola Shuttle A similar bus-aggregator comes from the popular startup Ola. Ola Shuttle also has more than 500 buses running in Delhi NCR region with a daily ridership of about 15000. It claims to cover more than 120 routes. The air-conditioned ride also offer free Wi-Fi access to users. You can book a ride wherever you are with the hassle-free Ola Money payment option. It also allows real-time tracking of the Shuttle. "In addition to thousands of Cabs and Autorickshaws on the Ola platform that are used by citizens of Delhi everyday; the Company has enabled multiple shared mobility options like Ola Share, Ola Shuttle and Car Pool. Ola has also rolled out an on-ground campaign to encourage and educate people on the use of Shared Mobility solutions; volunteers from Ola are stationed at key traffic junctions, around metro stations and other popular areas during the oddeven experiment to engage and guide citizens to appropriate options," Ola said in a media statement. Ola app is available for download on Android and iOS platforms. Odd-Even ride While those were alternative to buses, what about people who own a car? The motive of Odd-Even is to get lesser vehicles on road and car pooling is a great way to achieve it. You can team up with people and get your vehicles out alternately by car pooling. However, your dear and ones may not be travelling in the same direction as you. Here's when Odd-Even comes to the rescue. Using this app, you need to key in details like car number, phone number and route, and a list of people travelling in the same direction will popular your screen. This app is available for Android users. Carpool and Ride Share by Meru For the Odd-Even phase two, Meru is gearing up with products like Carpool by Meru, Meru Ride Share and Meru Cabs with 100 percent CNG fitment and double driver model. Carpool provides a platform for individuals to share their own private cars with others and Merus Ride Share enables an individual to share his/her Meru ride with a co-passenger travelling on the similar route. Meru is also encouraging all their driver-partners to implement double drivers on the cab in order to increase cab availability and the network size 24x7. "Meru Cabs come with 100 percent CNG fitted cab network of around 3000 cabs on the Delhi roads," Siddhartha Pahwa, CEO, Meru Cabs tells us. Meru is betting big on carpooling and ride sharing and has started an awareness campaign to change consumer behavior around these concepts and to eventually turn it into a habit. "Today, Carpool by Meru is receiving 1000+ booking requests on daily basis and same is been expected to rise in coming days by 30% increase during the second phase as well," he adds. Talking about the Odd-Even rules, Pahwa says, "We truly believe that this rule should be implemented permanently in Delhi and even in other cities, as we believe this will help the cities to curb the pollution & more importantly the road congestion issue." The Meru app is available for download on Android and iOS platforms. Other popular car pooling services - Ola Share and UberPool And, if you want to ensure that you are commuting with known brands, then there are options such as Ola Share and Uber Pool. needless to say, you just need to key in the destination and number of seats, and a nearby vehicle heading in the same direction will be routed to your location. Knowing that these are the most used vehicles, you can easily get a option to make your commute easy. Revv to Work Now, not many may be comfortable travelling with strangers, and here's when self-drive car rental service Revv could come to the rescue. In fact, the startup has launched a new product called Revv To Work in Delhi, wherein you can rent a car on a weekly basis - Monday to Thursday at an economical price around Rs. 450 to 500 per day with 250 free kilometers. Drive a Revv car to work every day from Monday to Thursday with no additional charges till 250 kilometers. Talking about Odd-Even implementation, Anupam Agarwal, Co-founder & CEO, Revv tell us Firstpost, "Odd-even's positive impact on both traffic and pollution is obvious and significant, but it could be perceived as a drastic step by several car owners. Sustainability will depend upon the quality of implementation. We obviously cannot be ready for all this on Day 1, but sustained efforts during next 6 months can get us there." Revv is available to download on Android and iOS. Jugnoo Those who prefer the good ol autos, there's the Jugoo auto-aggregator for connecting the last mile. And, in order to Delhites to use public transport, Jugnoo is offering free first ride for users who join during the implementation period of odd even policy and 50 percent discount on first 200 rides between 1 pm to 4 pm. "We completely believe in the merits of this campaign as we witnessed a very positive feedback from our users during the first phase of implementation of this scheme. With a three fold increase in number of users, there was also tremendous improvement in driver efficiency as the ride time got reduced by around 25% due to less congestion on roads," Samar Singla, CEO and Founder, Jugnoo tells FirstPost. Orahi Similar to Odd Even Ride, another car pooling app is Orahi (Android and iOS). However, Orahi is a corporate car pooling app. It is only for those car owners or people with a valid corporate id and also have to undergo a stringent verification process. It is launching a new app to handle carpooling as well as Odd-Even scheme. So, passengers will have to pay Rs 3.5 per kilometer, out of which Rs 3 goes to the driver/owner and 5o paise to Orahi. To attract users in the next 15 days, it is offering features such as second ride free for co-passengers, free 1 litre perol for car owners every two rides (max up to 10 litres) and more. In January, the startup raised 3.5 Cr from the Indian Angel Network within less than three years of its existence and in April Orahi bought odd-even.com that is built by 13-year old Akshat Mittal who is now being mentored by Orahi founders. "Carpooling definitely plays a very significant role in reducing carbon emission. When 3 people travel together, they save 2/3 of carbon emission. Orahi have been able to save 550 tons of carbon emission using carpooling," said Arun Bhati, COO and Founder, Orahi. Besides, there are other options such as the Delhi government's Poocho app and Zoomcar, among others. tech2 News Staff Samsung and Apple may be at loggerheads when it comes to patent battles, but Samsung is still one of the major suppliers for Apple's products. According to a report in the Korean Herald, Samsung has reportedly signed a three-year agreement with Apple, to supply around 100 million units of 5.5-inch panels annually. Earlier Samsung has been known to provide Apple with application processors for Apple's chips as well. This deal is expected to be in the realm of $2.6 billion and clearly hints at the fact that Apple would most likely be switching to OLED panels for its smartphone displays next year. Samsung Display has declined to give any comment citing privacy policy. Samsung Display had a market share of 23% in the global shipment of displays in 2015 for displays smaller than 9-inches according to IHS. Japan Display Inc follows with 16% and LG Display Inc is at no 3 with a 14% market share. A report last month had state that Apple would most likely launch a 5.8-inch OLED phone by 2017-18. The report also mentioned that Samsung would be the supplier of the OLED panels. It is believed that Apple might be prepping a major switch to OLED screen technology for iPhones by 2018, which indicates that one should not expect an (AM)OLED iPhone before an iPhone 8 refresh in 2018. The report states that Apple is estimated to ship about 50 million AMOLED iPhones in the first year of availability. Gas cylinder blast kills one in Savar UNB: A man was killed and three others were injured in a private car gas cylinder explosion on Dhaka-Aricha highway at Nayarhat here on Thursday. The deceased was identified as car driver Shamim, a resident of Nayarhat. Quoting witnesses, officer-in-charge of Savar Police Station Mohsinul Kabir said the cylinder went off while it was being refilled at Delta CNG filling station in the afternoon, leaving its driver dead on the spot and three passengers injured. The injured -- Sajal, Amanat Shah and Nayan -- were first taken to Savar Public Health Hospital and later shifted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) as their condition deteriorated. White House hopefuls Clinton, Sanders joust in Brooklyn brawl Democratic U.S. presidential candidate Hillary Clinton (L) listens as Senator Bernie Sanders speaks during a Democratic debate hosted by CNN and New York One at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York April 14, 2016. Reuters/Lucas Jackson Reuters, NEW YORK : Democratic U.S. presidential candidate Hillary Clinton (L) listens as Senator Bernie Sanders speaks during a Democratic debate hosted by CNN and New York One at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York April 14, 2016. Reuters/Lucas Jackson Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton and rival Bernie Sanders challenged each other's judgment and experience in a fiercely combative U.S. presidential debate ahead of Tuesday's crucial nominating contest in New York. Clinton and Sanders attacked each other over Wall Street, gun control and other issues on Thursday in a series of exchanges that laid bare the mounting pressures on them both but seemed unlikely to change the dynamics of the race. While far short of the brawls that have characterized Republican debates, the tone reflected a contentious turn in the Democratic contest. Clinton and Sanders out-shouted each other while a split crowd roared its approval. "If youre both screaming at each other, the viewers wont be able to hear either of you," moderator Wolf Blitzer of CNN warned during the debate at the historic Navy Yard in the New York borough of Brooklyn. As the two-hour debate ended, social media analyst Brandwatch said Sanders had more than 173,000 mentions on Twitter, 55 percent of them positive, while Clinton had more than 191,000 mentions, 54 percent of them negative. Clinton mentions were more negative than positive in two out of the three previous debates. A former New York senator, Clinton needs a New York win to stop a streak of seven victories in the last eight contests by Sanders, and expand her commanding lead in pledged delegates to her party's nominating convention in July. Republicans were gleeful watching the bitter Democratic debate. Hillary Clinton was supposed to have the nomination locked up by the end of March, but shes instead lost seven straight states and is having to throw the kitchen sink at a 74-year old Vermont socialist as her once 60-point lead dwindles," said Reince Priebus, head of the Republican National Committee. Sanders, 74, will take a quick break from the campaign trail on Friday to fly to the Vatican, where he will give a brief speech at a conference on the world economy and social justice. Sanders, who will be back in New York to campaign on Sunday, has said the trip is not a political appeal for the Catholic vote but a testament to his admiration for Pope Francis. At a Manhattan hotel across the East River from Brooklyn, Republican front-runner Donald Trump, 69, spoke at a party fundraiser while his rivals voiced fears of a disaster in the Nov. 8 presidential election unless they got the nomination. As protesters chanted outside and waved signs, Trump aligned himself with what he said were the "New York values" of hard work and compassion. Rival Ted Cruz, a U.S. senator from Texas, charged in a debate earlier this year that Trump's version of New York values were basically Democratic positions. Cruz, 45, pointed to opinion polls showing the New York billionaire losing badly to Clinton and getting far less support from women and minority voters. The other Republican candidate, Ohio Governor John Kasich, 63, said Republican candidates for Congress would be at risk if the candidate topping the ballot was negative. Both Trump and Clinton, who represented New York in the U.S. Senate, have big leads in state polls heading into Tuesday's New York contest. Trump needs a win to further his drive toward the 1,237 delegates needed for the nomination, and avoid a contested July convention that could sow Republican chaos. Clinton leads Sanders by 251 bound delegates to the July Democratic convention, where 2,383 delegates will be needed for the nomination. Her lead balloons to almost 700 when the support of superdelegates - party leaders who are free to back any candidate - are added. Sanders, who had questioned the former secretary of state's qualifications to be president, conceded during the debate she was qualified but said she had shown poor judgment by taking money from Wall Street for speeches, by voting as a U.S. senator to back the 2003 Iraq invasion and by supporting free trade deals. Clinton, 68, responded the charges were also an attack on President Barack Obama, who as a candidate raised money on Wall Street and utilized Super PACS, outside funding groups that can raise unlimited sums of money, but still fought for tough regulations on the financial services industry. "This is a phony attack that is designed to raise questions when there is no evidence or support," she said. Pressed on what Clinton had done to show she was influenced by the money she had raised on Wall Street or her speaking fees, Sanders said she was too busy giving speeches to Goldman Sachs to break up the big banks. "He cannot come up with any example because there is no example," Clinton replied. "I stood up to the behavior of the banks when I was a senator." Sanders responded sarcastically: "Secretary Clinton called them out - oh, they must be really crushed by this." Clinton, who has repeatedly attacked Sanders for his vote in Congress for a bill that protected gun manufacturers from being sued over the criminal use of their products, confronted the U.S. senator from Vermont when he laughed as she discussed her accusations. "It's not a laughing matter," she said. Belgium minister quits in Brussels airport security row Jacqueline Galant had been under pressure over a leaked EU report BBC Online: The Belgian transport minister has resigned over accusations she ignored lapses in security at Brussels airport before the attacks of 22 March. A confidential document shows security lapses at Belgium's airports were identified by EU inspectors in 2015. Minister Jacqueline Galant had denied having seen the report, which was leaked by opposition parties. Attacks on Zaventem airport and a Brussels metro station by so-called Islamic State left 32 people dead. Prime Minister Charles Michel had previously defended Ms Galant, and he had told parliament that her office had not seen the critical EU report. However on Friday morning, following the publication of further documents on Thursday evening, Mr Michel said that "contrary to what was communicated to me" the report had been discussed, according to public broadcaster RTBF. Mr Michel said he had met Ms Galant on Friday morning and following the meeting the minister submitted her resignation to the king. Ms Galant wrote in her resignation letter that "the orchestrated and theatrical confusion of the last 48 hours prevents me from continuing in the performance of my duties". The minister's resignation followed that of Belgian federal transport agency chief Laurent Ledoux on Thursday. He had complained of a lack of funding from Ms Galant and said that the minister herself should "take responsibility and step aside". Ms Galant said on Friday that she was shocked by the way Mr Ledoux had resigned, and said he was carrying out a "media crusade". The 2015 European Commission report, published by public broadcaster RTBF (in French), cited "serious deficiencies" and said airport security programmes, air carriers and suppliers were "not adequately monitored". Belgian newspapers believe that while Ms Galant had to go, her departure does not change the fact that the entire government's reputation on security appears to be in tatters. "The minister had a problem, the minister is gone," a commentary in the Het Nieuwsblad (in Dutch) says, but adds that the Brussels recent attacks revealed a wider problem with security. "And this seems to have been a bit more structural in nature than the government let on." Le Soir (in French) agrees, saying it is still unclear whether all the necessary safety measures were taken at Belgian airports before the attacks. "The response to this question has been lost amid cries of 'Go away, Madame Galant'," it says. The real issue, it adds, is a "malfunction of the machinery of state" that has left both the government and the entire country weakened.The two suicide bombers who attacked Brussels airport blew themselves up in the departures area and would not normally have faced any security checks. The bomb attacks on the airport and Maelbeek metro station occurred just four days after Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam was caught near his home in Molenbeek. He had been on the run for four months. Belgium's parliament is to hold an inquiry into how the attacks were handled. Mr Michel has had to defend his country's approach to fighting terror threats, insisting Belgium is not a "failed state". The interior and justice ministers both offered to resign in the immediate aftermath of the attacks, following revelations that Turkey had warned Belgian authorities about one of the attackers when it deported him back to Belgium, but the prime minister asked them to stay on. Interesting traditions from around the world Life Desk : Well it occurs only once in four years, and so it has got to be special. And so the leap year has garnered special attention around the world. From strange myths to unique traditions, February 29 has been a remarkable day for many reasons. And the fun doesn't end here. Even historically, there are a number of interesting, and some rather dull-witted stories of how the leap year came about. From ego clashes between the kings after whom the months were created, to simplifying calculations to make an evenly spread out calendar, there is every bit that makes leap years interesting. Here are few other interesting traditions and more from around the world: Girls go down on their knees So why should men always go down on their knees when they pop the big question? And that's how it all started in a number of Europeans countries, where the ritual of girls proposing once in every four year was introduced to balance things out. The most popular of them all is the Irish tradition where women propose to men and if the man refuses to accept the proposal, they have to pay a penalty for it. There's no easy way out of that guys! Hollywood's take on leap year Why should movies not capture the magic of this special day? And they sure sure did. A movie based on he Irish tradition called Leap Year stole many hearts when the female lead traveled down to Ireland to propose to her boyfriend, Irish style. Not just that, it was on February 29, 1940 when the Hollywood classic Gone With The Wind swept everyone off their feet at the Oscars grabbing as many as eight of them. Taking a 'Budgeted' Leap This year the Union Budget will be presented on the last working day of February.While it does make things interesting, it being the leap year,the more important point still remains whether the budget will be able to help Indians take a leap of faith in their endeavors and take home more tax exemptions and other benefits. While most Europeans celebrate the glory of epic proposals on February 29, Scotland considers getting married on that day is unlucky. And it's not just the Scots, but even Greeks avoid getting hitched during the leap year, especially on February 29. Ancient Greeks totally avoided getting married during the leap year and this tradition lasted for a long time.While things have changed, some traditionals still believe in the legends. They call them Leapers It would be rather disheartening if you could celebrate your birthday once only in four years. But being born on February 29 is not a bane everywhere. It is believed that those born on this date have special talents and are luckier than others, and are called leapers or leaplings. Not just that, some countries have special laws for leapers, like in New Zealand, those born on this date celebrate their birthdays on February 28. Former prime minister Morarji Desai, dancer and choreographer Rukmini Devi Arundale were born on February 29. - TNN 66,800 Yaba seized in N'ganj: 3 held UNB, Narayanganj : Police arrested three people and recovered 66,800 Yaba tablets from a CNG-run auto-rickshaw in Signboard area of the city early Friday. The arrestees were identified as Forkan Uddin, 21, hailing from Chittagong, Shahjahan, 25, and Harun, 21, hailing from Teknaf upazila of Cox's Bazar district. Mukhlesur Rahman, Additional Police Super (Crime) of Narayanganj, said a patrol team of police stopped the auto-rickshaw on Dhaka-Narayanganj Link Road around 5am on suspicion. Later, they recovered the Yaba pills worth Tk 2 crore searching the vehicle, he said. Police also arrested Forkan Uddin from the auto-rickshaw. According his statement, police in a drive arrested Shahjahan and Harun. A case was filed with Fatullah Model Police Station in this connection. Repeated earthquakes and our preparedness THE earthquake that struck Myanmar on Wednesday shaking the entire region is no doubt a reminder that such disaster may hit Bangladesh any time and what precautionary measures we have in place to handle the danger. Needless to say the event passed off without major causalities, except over 100 people injured and dents and tilts around half a dozens building leaving Bangladesh almost safe from what catastrophes it could otherwise wrought. It appears that frequent earthquakes in the region are only bringing the epicenter of the disaster closer to Bangladesh. In early January, another quake bumped the country with its epicenter in Monipur state of northeast India. This time it hits Myanmar at a place 450 km from Dhaka. In 2014 a very powerful earthquake devastated Nepal with several follow-up quakes that left the country to crumble from huge losses of infrastructure while human casualties ran over 10,000 as per government estimates. Bangladesh has a long history of earthquakes. In 1762, a major earthquake submerged over 150 km of land and killed 500 people in Dhaka, then only a small town. Between 1850 and 1950, 7 more earthquakes hit the region with varying magnitude from 7.0 to 8.7 on Richter Scale. Since 1900 more than 100 moderate to large earthquakes occurred in areas now Bangladesh, more than 65 after 1960. It brings to light the ominous sign of bigger danger to human life and property in the years ahead. Bangladesh is located on the Indian and Eurasian plates. The Indian plate is moving around 6mm each year towards the northeast and going under the Euro Asian plate. Then there is the Myanmar fault along the northern and eastern parts of Bangladesh. There is also a 300 km long Dauki fault along the Meghalaya-Bangladesh border and a 150 km long Madhupur fault that joins 300km long fault along the Surma basin. Finally, we have the Chittagong-Myanmar plate close to the Bay of Bengal. This cluster of faults in Bangladesh often causes mild to moderate earthquakes. Earthquake prediction is not possible, but Indian experts have already warned of a bigger earthquake with a magnitude of 8.2 or greater on the Richter Scale that may hit the already ruptured Himalayan region. Scientists recently warned Bangladesh is positioned at the juncture of several active tectonic plate boundaries to suggest that the country must do everything to avoid any large-scale catastrophe. Sylhet-Mymensingh region and areas around Chittagong, Dhaka, Comilla and Tangail are especially vulnerable to large-scale earthquakes.Our urban planning is poor; there is not enough open space in the city where people can seek shelter. Roads are narrow to carry out rescue operations. Hospitals are ill equipped, rescuers not enough in number and also not well trained. There is no enough equipment to quickly respond to such catastrophe. Our earthquake preparedness must be upgraded. UK appoints Rushanara as trade envoy for BD UNB, Dhaka :British Prime Minister David Cameron has appointed Rushanara Ali, a Labour Party MP for Bethnal Green and Bow, to join the cross-party trade envoy network as a trade envoy for Bangladesh.The appointment, made on the occasion of Bengali New Year 'Pahela Baishakh', underlines the 'importance' the UK attaches to its trade and investment partnership with Bangladesh. Hearing the announcement, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Alison Blake said, "I'm delighted that at the start of the new Bengali year, the Prime Minister has appointed Rushanara Ali MP as the UK's Trade Envoy for Bangladesh."Bangladesh's economy is growing impressively and there are exciting opportunities here for British companies, she was quoted as saying in a statement issued by the British High Commission on Friday.Blake said, British companies have world-class export potential and Ali will be an excellent champion for British business in Bangladesh. "I and my team are looking forward to working with Ali to further strengthen the long and friendly relationship between the UK and Bangladesh," she said. On her appointment as Bangladesh trade envoy, Ali said she is delighted to have been appointed to this cross-party role as the UK Trade Envoy to Bangladesh. "The UK and Bangladesh have historic and long-standing ties. Bangladesh has been identified by UKTI as an emerging market with substantial trade and investment opportunities," she said. Ali said she wants to see Britain play a twin role helping Bangladesh thrive economically and supporting the country's efforts to tackle the threat of climate change. "It's a country of particular importance to me: a third of my constituents have Bangladeshi heritage and I was the first person of Bangladeshi origin to be elected to the UK Parliament."The UK is the largest investor in Bangladesh and has a deep and longstanding relationship with the country. Biz Buzz: Fallout within RCBC INQUIRER.net : People who are waiting for the proverbial ax to fall in Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. in the wake of the $81-million money laundering scandal need not wait any longer. Biz Buzz learned the ax has indeed been swung, and has fallen on some bank officials. Well, one official, in particular. As the top brass had hinted before, the Yuchengco-controlled financial institution has fired its district sales director who was the direct supervisor of Jupiter St., Makati City branch head Maia Deguito. Based on RCBCis version of the story, it was the haphazard imprimatur of this sales director of Deguito's transactions that convinced all succeeding higher levels to approve the deal (since it was already cleared with the level below them). Excluding RCBC president Lorenzo Tan's voluntary leave of absence and the altogether expected termination of Deguito, the firing of the bank's district sales director is the severest punishment the bank has meted out to its officials in the wake of the scandal. But the chain reaction does travel up the chain of command. RCBC has also suspended its regional sales director (the district head's boss) as well as its national sales director (the regional head's boss). Meanwhile, the bank treasurer, Raul Tan whom Deguito accused of having brushed off her concerns about the transactions (which he denied) received a warning from the bank. In general, warnings donit go into an employees 201 file, so that shouldn't affect his career too much. Incidentally, Raul Tan is a former treasurer of United Coconut Planters Bank where Lorenzo Tan also previously served as president. After the latter moved to RCBC, he poached the former and made him its branch banking group head (Deguito's boss up the ladder) and then moved him to head the treasury department. So the two Tans go way back. More and more senators are wondering why the Anti-Money Laundering Council has limited its charge sheet in the $81-million money laundering scandal to RCBC branch manager Maia Deguito and casino junket operator Kim Wong. During the last few hearings, senators have been breathing down the neck of AMLC executive director (Julia C. Bacay-Abad) to go after more parties whom they suspect are being less than forthright about their dealings in the scheme. And given the way they've been zeroing in on the inconsistent testimonies provided by the Bautista couple of Philrem Services Corp., it would seem that the frustrated lawmakers are pointing AMLC in that direction. Ironically, Abad herself admitted to the Senate that the agency had learned a great deal about the scam from the Blue Ribbon committee's hearings and a lot of that valuable information (and a few hundred million in surrendered funds) came from no less than one of the people they charged: Kim Wong. In any case, word on the street is that Philrem or someone claiming to represent Philrem has allegedly offered to return the missing $17 million to its rightful owners, less some friction costs that would reduce the net returned amount to either $13 million or $10 million, depending on who's talking. This was denied by Philrem president Salud Sheba Bautista, but no less than Bangladeshi ambassador hinted that some kind of talks were underway for the return of an undisclosed amount of funds. There may be a some truth to this. Several people spotted Philrem lawyer Howard Calleja meeting with the Bangladeshi Ambassador at Starbucks San Antonio Arcade just outside Forbes Park last Monday at around 10 a.m. Interesting back channel talks are going on, it would seem. AS FAR as the Philippine Stock Exchange is concerned, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV's accusations against Philippine Stock Exchange director and STI chair Eusebio Yosi Tanco have no merit. In response to a call from Trillanes to investigate Tanco, PSE president Hans Sicat said the PSE had looked into the money laundering issues against Tanco. After a careful consideration of the circumstances, we saw no merit in the allegations, he said. Aside from the PSE, Trillanes had asked the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) to probe Tanco along with his co-respondents in a plunder complaint with the Ombudsman in relation to what was referred to as a University of Makati-College of Nursing Scam. Tanco and other respondents were accused of diverting public funds intended for the University of Makati in the aggregate amount of P547 million to Philippine Healthcare Educators Inc., a private company allegedly owned by the same respondents. Trillanes wanted PSE to probe Tanco's moral fitnessi to be a director of the PSE and as head of STI, a publicly listed company. The businessman has been a director of PSE since 2007. The senator who is also running for vice president has also threatened to call for a Senate inquiry on the matter if he's not satisfied with the findings of the SEC and PSE. Tanco had welcomed these investigations so that people would know who was telling the truth, confident that he would be vindicated in the end. Man stabbed to death by muggers in city Staff Reporter : A man was stabbed to death by some muggers in the city's Siddiq Bazar area on Friday morning. The deceased has been identified as Shaheed Hossain Shaheen, 35, an employee of a clothes store. He was a son of Mohammad Ali, resident of Gopimohan Basak Lane in the capital. Bongshal Police Station Sub-Inspector (SI) Monjurul Islam said, "A gang of muggers intercepted Shaheed near Cafe Gulistan in Wari around 7:00am on way to his workplace at Uttara. At one stage, the muggers stabbed him indiscriminately, leaving him critically injured." He was rushed to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) where the on-duty doctors declared him dead around 7:30am, the police official said. The body was sent to the DMCH morgue for postmortem, said the hospital's police outpost Inspector Mozammel Haque. No IS in BD, but a few believers: Asad Staff Reporter :Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal has categorically ruled out any base of terrorist groups like Islamic State (IS) in Bangladesh, saying a conspiracy is being hatched at home and abroad to establish militancy in the country.The Home Minister's remarks came in view of an alleged interview of Bangladesh unit chief of Islamic State in a magazine that used to propagate the terrorist organisation's propaganda."I would like to make it clear again that there is no existence of IS in Bangladesh. However, a very few believers of IS may be here but they will not be able to grow a root within Bangladesh," Kamal told journalists at his Dhanmondi residence in city on Friday. "No neighbouring countries would get the opportunity to attack us in the name of helping to curb the militancy," he said, adding: "I have said it repeatedly that it is all an international conspiracy." Replying to a query, the Home boss said no local militant organisation would be allowed to use this territory to launch attack on any country.He said the Islamic State intends to use its fighters in Pakistan and Bangladesh to mount 'guerrilla attacks inside India' and create fear and chaos by working with local mujahideen, the head of the terror group in Bangladesh has said. Biman struggling Huge loss every day due to ban on air cargo by UK Kazi Zahidul Hasan : Biman is incurring Tk 4.5 million losses per day due to UK's unilateral decision of imposition embargo on air cargo from Dhaka to London, an official of Biman's Cargo Department told The New Nation on Friday, requesting not to be named. He said, only the Biman was carrying cargo directly to the UK in its four weekly passenger flights but now it would not been able to do so due to the ban. An average of 25 tonnes of cargo, mostly ready-made garments, vegetables and agricultural products were being airlifted to the UK in each flight. On March 10, the UK banned air cargo directly from Dhaka until further notice as Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) failed to meet some international security requirements. The Australian authorities on December 19 last year also imposed a similar ban insisting a three 'layer security system' in HSIA. "Cargo operation to London was the key income generating area for Biman. The sudden ban by the British government has left a disastrous impact on Biman's income," said the Biman's official adding that it also left a huge negative impact on our air shipment to Britain. Biman officials said experts from the UK and the US inspected the HSIA twice in November and December last year. The teams expressed concern over the cargo screening and management citing security lapses and risks at the airport cargo village handling by Biman. After the assessments, they suggested that trained personnel be engaged for operation of the scanning machines at the airport's cargo complex and that no cargo be left out in the open. Already in manpower shortage, the Biman would not be able to employ fresh trained personnel at the cargo complex as well as due to shortage of space, it would not be possible for Biman to keep all cargo at a safer place. They, however, claimed that the national airlines had complied with the recommendations by the UK team, like access control and training personnel. "We are not sure as to why the UK imposed the ban. They did not show us any reason yet," said another Biman official. The UK's unilateral decision has not only inflicted a severe blow to Biman's earnings but also the country's export business to the United Kingdom. When asked, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon told The New Nation on Friday that we are doing our best and the overall security situation has already improved at HSIA. But we cannot say when it would be withdrawn as the ban is the UK government's political decision. Helping anti-Muslim bloggers is no help for freedom of expression Media reports on Wednesday disclosed that the US government has expressed concern over the danger that threatens Bangladesh's internal security and particularly the safety of bloggers in the country.The US government has also offered humanitarian shelter to Bangladesh's endangered bloggers and advised them to file their requests for shelter from the US government.Deputy spokesperson of US States Department Mark Toner said in a press briefing on April 11 that "for some of these individuals who are under what we believe is imminent danger, they can pursue under those circumstances a request from the Department of Homeland Security to consider something we call humanitarian parole." It is not unknown to America that Bangladesh is not an extremist Muslim country. But that does not mean our people do not take their religion seriously.It is becoming clear that those who condemn our religion do so to get help from Western countries like the United States and Germany. One such unemployed religious blogger Mohiuddin is now enjoying scholarship in some unknown institute and being well looked after. Now America is offering openly staying facilities to the bloggers who undermine our religion and who do not believe in any religion. It is no secret that those sick minded bloggers are getting encouragement from some Western countries as anti-Islam campaigners.These bloggers do not care for human rights or press freedom. They do not bother to express concern about preventing abduction, killing and rape being committed every now and then treating the people as most helpless. The problem of politicised police for the rule of law and violation of human rights does not worry these free thinkers. They may be free thinkers for uncaringly spreading religious hatred.The jihadists are also free thinkers in the sense they also believe in freely killing those who denigrate their religion. The right thinking ones should treat religious extremists and anti-religious bloggers as equally bad and condemnableWe have organised human rights NGOs for speaking up for human rights issues and gender equality. Only the Islam hating bloggers provoke retaliation and create social tension. Our own people are restless about their democratic rights. It is no help to our demand for true democracy to give protection to the anti-Muslim hate traders who divert attention from the people's demand for genuine democracy and freedoms that go with it.It is an open secret that Islamic extremists are targeting the bloggers because of their regular propaganda in social media network spreading venom against Islamic faith and values. Propagating hatred either in the name of religion or as non-believers is not a right under freedom of speech.We feel deeply frustrated by the wrong policy the US government has been pursuing for too long a period in conjunction with Israel and other enemies of Islam. We have been condemning the killing of anti-Islam bloggers as we do not defend other killers. But the present American policy proposal will be seen as an encouragement to anti-Islam bloggers to be more active. The enjoying of American hospitality promised by the US government should be an attraction for many unemployed youths. The other way of looking at the proposal is to allure young men and women, not their own, to risk their lives for a cause that does not affect them in anyway.It is a big disappointment for those who are looking for international cooperation for democracy to know that America is flagging in it's abiding faith that it is through democracy extremism can be best contained. Now the USA is empowering the haters of Islam on the one hand and then giving up the cause of democracy for fighting Islamist terrorists. It is the extreme Islam haters like Israeli government and irresponsible bloggers who have been contributing to move America away from the ideals of great America. The policy of protecting Islam haters is ultimately endangering the world peace.In Bangladesh, the main problem is uprooting of democracy for replacing it by authoritarianism of a socialist kind. The problem is not that religious extremists are finding foothold in Bangladesh. That the political antagonism and intolerance making violence an everyday matter is a reality. An outburst appears inevitable. Apprehending religious fanaticism as a threat to security is not realistic if we know how to put our politics right.Because of this wrong policy of not trusting democratic governance but trusting police power terrorism is growing in Bangladesh. The newspapers are filled everyday with news of brutal killings, rape and secret or forced disappearances. Not only the bloggers are brutally killed. But the bloggers have no concern about the human rights violations or the need of good governance. They do not behave like our people concerned with our problems.America is a super power and rich but its commitment to establish peace through democracy is certainly weakening. It is horribly absurd for American policy makers to worry about protecting the enemies of Islam but ignoring human rights and the need of building democratic tolerance for real freedom of speech.America must continue to work as a driving power of democracy and give up supporting Muslim haters. Peace will not come through haters or by killing extremists of the present without thinking how to end the cause of terrorism among the Muslims. Democracy is the answer to extremism of the few and not the few bloggers who are isolated from the people. Now all authoritarian regimes are using fight against terrorism to bolster authoritarianism. It is like going back to the days of cold war era when America supported dictatorship to contain communism. That policies worked the wrong way. The Communism is collapsing for reasons inherent within communism and as an impact of globalisation.America's foreign policy is certainly faulty in depending more on its military power and not in the great ideals of democracy and freedom that it's founding fathers held up as a beacon of hope for freedom lovers the world over. Photo by Ramses Hernandez Batista Just in time for warming relations and the opening of U.S. tourist travel to Cuba comes an exhibition celebrating the island nation and its colorful present informed by the past. La Cuba Vista, part of a Louisiana-Cuba cultural exchange, will feature the photography of Cuban photographer Ramses Hernandez Batista and Larry Sides of Lafayette, compatriots in photography who have been documenting Cuba for decades. The exhibition will also feature work by Alex Castro, son of former Cuban President Fidel Castro, as well as an iconic photo signed by Liborio Noval, famed photographer of the Cuban revolution. The exhibition opens Thursday, April 21, at 5 p.m. in a new gallery space at 3rd and Vine streets (203 W. 3rd St.) across from Cite des Arts; Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, the states tourism chief, will be on hand for opening reception. The exhibition will be open during Festival International de Louisiane 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Friday the 22nd (save for a 2-7 p.m. reception for an international audience organized by Le Centre International); same hours on Saturday and from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday as Festival winds down. Photo by Larry Sides The most civilized, educated and creative people on earth, King Henry I said in 1811 about his plans for the Haitian people. Haitians, however, already had a long-standing sacred tradition of painting, covering walls of voodoo temples in elaborate paintings of the sacred spirits. This tradition easily moved to easel painting, and Haitian artwork is known for its use of vibrant colors with greatly varying subjects from flora and fauna to scenes of daily life, domestic interiors and the marketplace, fishing and harvesting sugar cane. These paintings often portray tragedy, but leave viewers with a sense of optimism. Alex Bien-Aime is a Haitian artist, born in La Petite Riviere de lArtibonite, who emerged in 1991 and received his degree in Plastic Arts in 2005 from the National School for Arts in Haiti. He is currently in charge of the Mission at the National Haitian Museum and has organized exhibits across the Francophone world, from Belgium to Canada. He has been a major promoter of Haitian culture for 25 years and uses his own artwork to show the lingering pain of slavery in Haiti. As an expert in mosquito and malaria control, Glenn Stokes found himself working in Haiti from 1969 to 1990 and almost immediately became interested in Haitian art. He and his wife, Yvonne, started collecting artwork during this time, and their collection now includes close to 400 paintings. These two very different men who share a common passion are coming together Saturday, April 16 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Acadiana Center for the Arts to engage in a conversation about their shared devotion to the art of Haiti. The gallery talk is in conjunction with the exhibition, Haiti: Paintings from Paradise The Collection of Yvonne and Glenn Stokes, on view at the AcA through April 30. The exhibition commemorates the 30th anniversary of Festival International de Louisiane and is free and open to the public. For more information about the exhibit visit the AcA website at acadianacenterforthearts.org/haiti-paintings-paradise. Lafayette City-Parish Councilman Kenneth Boudreaux leans in to discuss police chief requirements with Mayor-Parish President Joel Robideaux. Photo by Robin May Two phantoms loomed over Wednesdays Lafayette Fire and Police Civil Service Board meeting: race and Randy Hundley. On the table were Mayor-President Joel Robideauxs proposed changes to board requirements to test for the position of chief of the Lafayette Police Department, specifically amending a 27-year-old bachelors degree requirement. After a vigorous and bloated round of public comment, the board voted 4-to-1 for a 30-day comment period on a change that would not only retain the bachelors degree requirement, but also remove an aging grandfather clause that exempted officers serving since 1979 from the requirement. Supporting the tweaked version of the job description were board members Ralph Peters, Jason Boudreaux, Guy Lebreton and Thomas Hayes. Craig Forsyth cast the only vote against it. The new proposal, suggested by Peters, has an additional stipulation that the degree be in criminal justice, public administration, homeland security, business administration, business management or a related field and includes additional requirements for law enforcement and supervisory experience, according to The Advocate. The board will vote to finalize its decision after the public comment period. The Lafayette Civil Service Board rejected a change in the educational requirement for police chief that would have allowed Interim Chief Reggie Thomas to test for the permanent post. Photo by Robin May Robideaux himself appeared before the board asking for a broader pool. His proposal would have established a three-tiered schedule of requirements balancing experience and academic achievement in ratios. Under Robideauxs rule, a candidate with a bachelors degree would also have to have 15 years of service, two of which must be in a supervisory role; a candidate with an associates degree would need 20 years experience, five in a supervisory role; and a candidate with no degree would need 25 years experience, 10 in a supervisory role with 40 hours of credit. Local police union head Dorian Brabham noted, in a statement supporting two of Robideauxs three tiers, that the qualifications would still be among the states most selective. The change would have allowed current Interim Chief Reggie Thomas to test for the permanent job. Because Thomas does not hold a bachelors degree, hes ineligible to test for the seat hes currently warming. To some this was an attempt to sully the noble standards for Lafayettes Police brass, reportedly among Louisianas most strict. No doubt there is buyers remorse from the last time an exception was made for the bachelors degree requirement previous Mayor Joey Durels appointment of Randy Hundley in 2004. Hundleys brief stint at the top of the department, awash with cronyism and mismanagement, ended in indictment and a subsequent guilty plea to attempted malfeasance for bugging a secretarys office during an internal affairs investigation. To others, the proposal improved competition and equity in the selection process, allowing more minority applicants to step into the ring. Kenneth Boudreaux, City-Parish Council vice chairman, vehemently denied that the proposal was meant only for the benefit of Thomas, rebuffed any equivalence to Hundleys appointment and bemoaned an appointment process that he said stacked the odds against minority candidates. My views would actually be much different if this was for a single person, like the last time this took place, Boudreaux told The IND before the vote. Its not about changing the rules to take care of someone; its about changing something to make it fair, impartial and equitable. You have in this commission right here, you have five white males that are about to make a decision that impacts women, African Americans, Latinos, Asians etc. Thats the reason change has to take place that sometimes the rules and polices that are in place will not afford the ability to seek the diverse and equitable panel that should be in place. Fairness was bandied about quite a bit in public comment. Not the least of which from Andres Landor, a retired narcotics detective and erstwhile activist whos routinely criticized the department for inequitable treatment of black officers. Responding to remarks that officers commissioned since 1989 should have known the score on the degree requirement, Landor claimed that black officers are not appointed to posts that readily accommodate pursuit of a college degree while on the beat. At press time, we have not confirmed Landors allegations, and they bear further scrutinty to be sure, but the perception is not a new one. Accusations of racial bias in hiring, firing, promotion and discipline boiled over last year when the NAACP reacted to what it claimed was a light punishment for an LPD officer caught on tape using racial slurs toward citizens and fellow officers. Some see Robideauxs proposals as means to placate black supporters by appointing a black chief. While it seems patently obvious that Robideauxs move was at least intended to install Reggie Thomas, it cant be judged whether that would have been a good or a bad result. Its hard to imagine that lifting the four-year degree requirement would harm the nationwide talent search Robideaux has claimed since previous Chief Jim Craft retired earlier this year. Thomas, by many accounts, is a good man and a great leader. Hes a graduate of the FBI National Academy, a 25-year veteran on the force and a longtime supervisor. He has an associate degree in criminal justice, but for now the civil service board views him as unqualified to test for Lafayettes top cop. Its tempting to say that changing the standards would have righted a racial injustice. Fairness, for all its faults, is not a readily or tidily achievable goal. Should it bear out that LPDs promotional practice discourages black achievement within the ranks, that should absolutely be addressed. No doubt, such redress would be spearheaded by whoever steps into the chiefs role. Nevertheless, the merits of Robideauxs standards, or any standard for that matter, would be judged long-term by the candidates they produce just as the merits of the civil service boards decision will be judged in the same way by the folks who lobbied for a change. 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. 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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. SPRINGFIELD Children ages 13 to 17 couldnt be interrogated in homicide investigations without an attorney present under a proposal being considered in the Illinois Senate. Sen. Patricia Van Pelt, D-Chicago, said shes sponsoring the legislation because children shouldnt be allowed to waive their right to have an attorney present when being questioned by police is such serious matters. They cant even go on a field trip if they dont have parental consent, Van Pelt said, adding that it begs for a response from the state Senate. The bill would extend protections similar to those currently granted to children 12 and younger and would apply only to custodial interrogations. Under state law, that means a reasonable person in the same situation would believe he or she was in police custody and that the questioning is reasonably likely to elicit an incriminating response. If the bill becomes law, any statements made during such interrogations without a lawyer present couldnt be used in court. Elizabeth Clarke, president and founder of the Evanston-based Juvenile Justice Initiative, has been pushing for a similar measure for more than a decade. This is a ridiculously modest proposal whose time should have come 20 years ago, Clarke said. Similar measures have been in place across Europe for nearly a decade, she said. Proponents believe the change is necessary because courts have allowed confessions that children have made without an attorney present to be used against them in court. Courts have ruled that such statements can be used even if police use deception or subterfuge to elicit a confession, according to the Juvenile Justice Initiative. False confessions are also common, supporters say. The measure would allow county public defenders offices to represent children during interrogations, but they would be removed from a case following the first court appearance if a judge determines that a family can pay for its own lawyer. In a county without full-time a public defender, the police agency doing the interrogation would be required to connect the child with the attorney who provides those services for the county. There was a brief debate on Van Pelts bill Thursday on the Senate floor, but she agreed to hold off on calling it for a vote at the request of Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno, R-Lemont. Radogno said she felt she might be able to support the bill but wanted Van Pelt to meet with members of her party who believed shed agreed to meet with them about the bill. One of those members was Sen. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon, a former Coles County prosecutor. Righter said the bill is vaguely worded and could place a large burden on police officers. I can come up with a hundred different scenarios where a juvenile may not be literally the target of homicide investigation but winds up through the course of the interview being one, Righter said. What does the police officer do at that point? Suddenly stop the interview? He also worries that a child might provide information about others that would then be inadmissible in court because he or she became a suspect and was questioned without an attorney. Philippe Seigneurin (right), Deputy Head of Mission from the Embassy of the Republique of France, officially presents the instruments to Director General of the OECS Dr. Didacus Jules. France has formally presented Instruments to officially complete requirements for Martiniques accession to Associate Membership of the OECS. Philippe Seigneurin, Deputy Head of Mission from the Embassy of the Republique of France, officially presented the instruments to the Director General of the OECS Dr. Didacus Jules, during a formal ceremony on Thursday, April 7th, 2016 at the OECS Commission Headquarters, Castries, Saint Lucia. "Its a great day for Martinique, for the French Government and for me. because and I quote: "With reference to article 1 of the agreement signed in Shoelcher on February 4th, 2015 between the government of the French Republique and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, defining the modalities for admitting Martinique to Associate Membership of the OECS, I have the honour and the privilege and the pleasure to inform you that the procedures required by the constitution of the Republique for the entry into force of the said agreement have been completed. Director General of the OECS Dr. Didacus Jules expressed jubilation for Martiniques official confirmation of Accession to the OECS: "We would like to express our deepest appreciation to the French Republic through its Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Jean-Marc Ayrault for assiduously pushing this through the legislative processes required for its proclamation. We also would like to recognize the historical commitment of President of the Executive Council of the Territorial Authority Hon. Alfred Marie Jeanne who has consistently advocated the integration of Martinique into the family of the Caribbean. . Today we embrace once again but in an official manner our sister Martinique in the family of the OECS. Welcome again sister, your time has come, let us continue walking together. Staff of the OECS Commission and OECS Commissioners were among the invitees to witness the handing over of the Instruments of Accession. Also in attendance was Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador to the OECS His Excellency Ellsworth John, who shared his elation with the ceremony: "I couldnt miss the opportunity to welcome Martinique into our fold. Their contribution and participation is a very important milestone for the OECS. It shows an interest of other countries in being a part of our forward movement as an organisation. I am just happy that finally we could embrace Martinique as a Member (Associate)of the OECS. On February 4th, 2015, Martinique made the historic step towards membership of the OECS when the French overseas territory formally signed the documents to initiate accession to Associate Membership to the sub regional grouping. (Source; OECS Media release) 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. /By Azernews/ By Amina Nazarli The bill on Compulsory Unemployment Insurance Act in Azerbaijan can enter into force soon. Labor Minister Salim Muslimov said on April 14 document has been submitted to the relevant enforcement authorities for approval, noting that unemployment insurance will be different from the unemployment benefit. Unemployment insurance will allow unemployed person to get insurance payments over a certain period of time, which are carried out by contributions, made by the same person during his/her official work. Currently, unemployment benefit is one of the way to ensure social protection of the jobless people in Azerbaijan. This type of insurance, used in many countries around the world, is aimed at ensuring citizens benefit from the insurance companies in case of job loss. While concluding a contract, the amount of monthly salary, length of service, the sector in which he/she is engaged, the potential risk of job loss and other factors are taken into account. Specialists claim that this type of insurance is important for Azerbaijan as a new insurance product. Muslimov also stressed that there is no need to transfer fees from payments on compulsory state social insurance to the Taxes Ministry. He said that there is no much difference, which structure is engaged in the collection of these payments, as in any case they should be transferred to the budget of the State Social Protection Fund (SSPF) of the Labor Ministry. Each country has its own way to control the process. Today, given the lack of on-site inspections by the social security authorities, the collection of these payments process is quite easy. Someone may raise this issue, but the process is determined in accordance with the presidential decree. Currently the executive authority on this issue acts under the SSPF of the Ministry, the minister said. Muslimov explained that taxes for compulsory social insurance are not taxes, since, these charges are used for specific purposes unlike taxes. As you know, taxes are not directed to specific goals initially. They are designed to replenish the country's budget. Every year, within the budget process, they define to which spheres to target these revenues in the future. Social benefits have a specific purpose -- they are planned to cover potential insurance cases, which is controlled by the SSPF budget. Muslimov also touched upon the unification of audits of tax and social payments, saying that he does not see the need to unite them. This proposal was made by managing partner of Deloitte Azerbaijan company Nuran Karimov during the meeting of the American Chamber of Commerce members in Azerbaijan (AmCham) with President Ilham Aliyev. Since last October, the SSPF did not carry out on-site inspections for correct calculation and timely payment of social contributions. Currently, only the desk audits are conducted to control the payment process. This process is performed in the normal mode, he said. Starting last November, the government suspended business control for two years, excluding tax audits and check ups related to ensuring the life and health safety, as well as state and economic security, but these control measures also should be carried out in a restricted mode. To reduce the number of possible violations, Azerbaijani President has approved the list of special inspections, which may take place during a two-year moratorium: quality control of medicine, compliance with hygiene standards (Health Ministry); phytosanitary and veterinary supervision (Agriculture Ministry); control of legality of connection and use of gas, water, electric and thermal networks; audit of insurers, reinsurers and other participants in the insurance market (Finance Ministry); verification of credit institutions and their subsidiaries (the Central Bank); and verification of radiation safety, quality engineering and construction projects by the Emergency Situations Ministry. The verification may be conducted only with the consent of the Economy Ministry and with the participation of its representatives, designed to implement the protection of entrepreneurs interests. /By Azernews/ By Nazrin Gadimova Russia will do everything to find a solution to the crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh, as Moscow is interested in the conflict settlement. Russian President Vladimir Putin made the remark as part of annual direct line on April 14. Putin went on to add that a compromise should be found. Several years ago, it seemed, we were quite close to the settlement, but things turned out to be different, Putin said. This is a very sensitive topic, which should be treated according to the "Do no harm" principle. 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 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. Putin further added that Russia will continue working to resolve this issue within the framework of international organizations and in a bilateral format. Russia, no matter what anyone says, is interested in solving this issue, he said. We want to work with both Azerbaijan and Armenia. Russia will make its contribution to the solution of the conflict, but the peoples of Azerbaijan and Armenia must make the final decision. Earlier, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the release of the regions around Karabakh and simultaneous addressing of the issue of its status will allow unlocking the situation in the conflict zone. Armenia staged provocations on the contact line of troops on April 2, thus making the Azerbaijani side to retaliate the mass attacks targeting not only military positions, but also civilians. Following Yerevans provocations, Azerbaijan has replied with a strong counter attack and later unilaterally called on truce. Despite the parties to the conflict have agreed to cease operations on the line of contact through the mediation of Russia, which is the co-chair country in the OSCE Minsk Group, Armenia continues to breach fragile ceasefire. During the past 24 hours, Armenian armed forces 110 times violated ceasefire on various parts of the contact line between the troops of Azerbaijan and Armenia, said Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry Apr. 15. Armenian military was using 60-millimeter mortars, grenade launchers and large-caliber machine guns. Azerbaijani positions located in the village of Kohnegishlag of the Aghstafa district, in the village of Gizilhajili and on nameless heights of the Gazakh district were fired at by Armenians stationed on nameless heights and in the Berkaber and Paravakar villages of Armenia's Ijevan district. Azerbaijani positions located in the Aghbulag and Alibayli villages and on nameless heights of the Tovuz district were fired at by Armenians stationed in the villages of Chinari, Mosesgeh and Aygepar of Armenia's Berd district. Azerbaijani army positions, located on nameless heights in Azerbaijan's Gadabay district, were fired at by the Armenian military stationed on nameless heights in Armenia's Krasnoselsk district. Armenian army also opened fire from positions near the Yarimja, Chilaburt villages of the Terter district, the Shikhlar, Javahirli, Sarijali, Kangarli, Novruzlu, Nemirli, Yusifjanli, Merzili, Bash Gervend villages of the Aghdam district, the Kuropatkino village of the Khojavand district, the Garakhanbeyli, Horadiz, Gorgan, Ashagi Seyidahmadli villages of the Fizuli district and the Mehdili village of the Jabrayil district. Armenians also opened fire upon the Azerbaijani army positions from nameless heights in the Goygol, Goranboy, Khojavand, Fizuli and Jabrayil districts. Azerbaijani armed forces inflicted 118 strikes upon Armenian positions. On the night of April 2, 2016, all the frontier positions of Azerbaijan were subjected to heavy fire from the Armenian side, which used large-caliber weapons, mortars and grenade launchers. The armed clashes resulted in deaths and injuries among the Azerbaijani population. Azerbaijan responded with a counter-attack, which led to liberation of several strategic heights and settlements. Military operations were stopped on the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian armies on Apr. 5 at 12:00 (UTC/GMT + 4 hours) with the consent of the sides, Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry earlier said. Ignoring the agreement, the Armenian side again started violating the ceasefire. 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 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. /By Azernews/ By Aynur Karimova Azerbaijan and Turkey, the two fraternal countries and strategic partners, have hailed the friendly and partnership relations. Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met in Istanbul on April 14 to discuss some important issues on bilateral agenda. The sides stressed the importance of the 13th Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which brought together more than 30 heads of state. President Aliyev praised excellent organization of the Summit and wished Turkey success during its chairmanship of the OIC. The sides also exchanged views over the recent developments on the frontline in the Nagorno-Karabakh. On the sidelines of the summit President Aliyev also met with his Iranian counterpart President Hassan Rouhani to mull the dynamic development of bilateral and multilateral relations between Baku and Tehran and their cooperation in various fields. They stressed the broad opportunities for developing cooperation, and importance of intensifying reciprocal visits and meetings in this regard. During the meeting they had an exchange of views over the last developments on the line of contact of the Armenian and Azerbaijani troops in the beginning of April. President Aliyev said Azerbaijan does not want war. "But we had to retaliate the provocative actions of the Armenian military units," he stressed. The discussions also focused on cooperation in oil and gas field. The sides underlined the importance of continuing the negotiations to determine the legal status of the Caspian Sea. It was noted that this would contribute to elevating the relations between the two countries in political, security and other fields to a higher level. The two presidents also discussed the development of the relations and cooperation in a variety of areas, including visa regime, tourism, financial and e-banking sectors, fight against extremism, terrorism and radicalism. Later, President Aliyev met with the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Jeffrey Feltman. During the meeting the sides emphasized close cooperation between Azerbaijan and the UN and its agencies. They described the 7th Global Forum of Alliance of Civilizations to be co-organized in Baku by Azerbaijan and the UN as a good sign of this cooperation. The sides in particular noted the importance of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's participation in this Forum both for Azerbaijan and the region. The visit of the UN Secretary General to Azerbaijan would be a significant message of peace, stability and security to the world. They exchanged views over settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It was noted that a message to be given by Ban Ki-moon in Baku would be important in terms of resolution of the conflict and prevention of Armenia's provocative actions. Later, a reception was hosted on behalf of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his spouse Emine Erdogan in honor of the heads of state and government, who attended the 13th Summit of the OIC. President Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended the reception. President Aliyev also attended another dinner reception was hosted on behalf of Turkish Premier Davutoglu in honor of participants of the Summit. On April 15, President Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva ended a working visit to Turkey. Brussels hosted bilateral consultations between Azerbaijan and Belgium, on April 14. Within the framework of these consultations, Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Khalaf Khalafov visited Ministry of European Affairs and the Belgian Federal Parliament. High-ranking officials of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs of Belgium attended the meetings. The meeting discussed current state of and prospects for relations between Azerbaijan and Belgium, in this regard, exchanged views on the issues as implementation of bilateral high-level visits in the coming period, economic relations, consulate, fight against terrorism, energy cooperation, Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Azerbaijan-EU relations, also international and regional problems. On behalf of the Government of Azerbaijan, Khalaf Khalafov, expressed condolences in connection with the deaths of many people, as a result of terrorist acts committed on 22 March in Brussels and emphasized Azerbaijans support to Belgium in the fight against terrorism. The deputy foreign minister also informed about the international and regional energy and transport projects being implemented on the initiative and participation of Azerbaijan, recalling the representing of Belgian Fluxsus company with 19.6 percent share in TAP Project. Mr. Khalafov noted great potential of representation of Belgian companies in Azerbaijan. Appreciating consultations, the Belgian side stressed that it would contribute to further development of the existing cooperation, as well harmonization of positions on regional and international issues. They also expressed support to negotiations on the strategic partnership agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan. Following the discussions, the sides agreed to hold such bilateral consultations every two years in Baku and Brussels. The meeting with Dirk Van Der Maelen, chairman of Belgian Federal Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, discussed the role of inter-parliamentary cooperation in developing relations between the two countries. Azerbaijani deputy minister informed about formation of a Working Group of 13 MPs on Azerbaijan-Belgium inter-parliamentary relations in Azerbaijani Parliament, that proposes to hold exchange of visits between the parliaments of both countries. Mr. Dirk Van Der Maelen said that there is a need to strengthen inter-parliamentary relations between the two countries and expressed his full support for this initiative. At the meeting, Khalaf Khalafov highlighted the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, latest incidents in the frontline and called Belgian MPs to refrain from trips to Azerbaijan's occupied territories. /By Azernews/ By Nazrin Gadimova Azerbaijans National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) has launched demining operations to detonate unexploded ordnances (UXOs) in villages adjacent to the front-line area. As a result of monitoring held in Gapanli village of Azerbaijans Terter region, field engineers examined the courtyards of houses and detonated unexploded ordinances. Gapanli village has suffered of enemy's aggression over many years. During the recent provocations in Nagorno-Karabakh, the village has become the main target of the Armenian belligerent army. Within three days, Armenian armed forces have fired Gapanli, targeting mainly civilians using heavy artillery weapons. ANAMA found seven shells in the yard of villager Elnur Mammadov and as a result both living spaces and auxiliary buildings suffered. We have examined about 100 shell holes, as well as found and defused 36 unexploded ordinances, ANAMA representative Babek Mirzayev told media, calling the villagers to be more careful. "We ask everyone to report to relevant bodies about detected suspicious objects, he said. The ANAMA-held demininig operations are currently in Terter, Agdam, Fuzuli and Goranboy regions of Azerbaijan. The agency could find and detonate four exploded and 19 unexploded ordinances while monitoring seven houses, two planted areas and one farm. In general, ANAMA defused 49 unexploded ordnances in the front-line area from April 7 to April 14. On the night of April 2, 2016, Armenia subjected all the frontier positions of Azerbaijan to heavy fire using large-caliber weapons, mortars and grenade launchers. The armed clashes resulted in deaths and injuries among the Azerbaijani population. As a result of the shelling 32 settlements, six civilians were killed, including two children under 16 years, and 26 residents were wounded. Great damage was caused to public and private property, civil infrastructure, 232 houses, 99 poles for power transmission lines, three electrical substations, water mains and gas pipelines length in kilometers were seriously damaged or destroyed. Missiles bombed schools, hospitals and other social infrastructure - schools, hospitals, and mosques. The assessment of the damage caused to civilians and to objects. Military operations were stopped on the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian armies on Apr. 5 at 12:00 (UTC/GMT + 4 hours) with the consent of the sides. However, Armenia has ignored the agreement and started violating the ceasefire again. /By Azernews/ By Nazrin Gadimova Azerbaijan has always supported peaceful settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Ogtay Asadov, Azerbaijans Parliamentary Chairman, made the remark as part of the plenary session of the Parliament on April 15. However, during the recent developments on the contact line of the troops, Azerbaijani Armed Forces proved that they are able to resolve the conflict in a military way as well, he stressed. We have not waged a war, but only responded to the provocation of Armenia, Asadov said. This is an important moment to force Armenia to the peace. Now, the negotiations are underway and I would like to believe that this issue will be resolved. Earlier, Hikmet Hajiyev, Spokesperson for Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry, said Azerbaijan has always been in favor of substantive negotiations towards a comprehensive agreement in the conflict resolution process. He made the remark commenting on statement issued by James Warlick, the OSCE Minsk Group's U.S. Co-chair. By continuing provocative actions leading to escalation of tension, Armenia avoids the substantive negotiations and tries to maintain the existing status quo by any means, Hajiyev believes. Today, everyone understands that exactly Armenias leadership prevents safeguarding peace, stability and prosperity," he stressed. Earlier, Warlick told local media that the mediators and co-chairing countries called on the parties to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to take measures to comply with the ceasefire and immediately start negotiations on a peace agreement. Azerbaijan has repeatedly stated that the country stands for the peaceful solution of the long lasting conflict. To prevent Armenian provocations launched on the contact line of troops on April 2, Azerbaijan responded with a counter-attack, which led to liberation of several strategic heights and settlements. Immediately after the escalation on the frontline, the OSCE Minsk Group, the sole negotiator to the conflict, has expressed concern over the situation. Through the mediation of the Russia, the parties to the conflict reached the ceasefire agreement, but ignoring all the commitments, Armenian armed units have continued to breach the fragile truce. As a result of Armenias aggressive actions, six Azerbaijani civilians were killed, including two children under 16 years, and 26 residents were wounded. Moreover, massive shelling caused great damage to public and private property, as well as civil infrastructure. Elmira Suleymanova, Azerbaijans Human Rights Commissioner, believes that Armenia has grossly violated the Geneva Conventions and its obligations to other international documents while committing these military crimes. 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 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. By Nazrin Gadimova Armenia assembles foreign mercenaries and members of the international terrorist organizations in the Azerbaijans occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region. Zakir Hasanov, Azerbaijans Defense Minister made a statement as part of a meeting with visiting Herbert Salber, EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, in Baku. We are well aware of the fact that during the recent clashes Armenian Armed Forces were completely demoralized, the minister said. Therefore, Armenia tries to gather mercenaries and members of terrorist organizations, from various hotspots of the world, as volunteers to the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. Yerevan is openly collaborating with terrorist organizations, raising it to the level of state policy. We are urging the international organizations to legitimately and fairly assess this issue. During the meeting, the sides discussed the recent incidents and escalation of combat operations along the Armenian-Azerbaijan line of contact, as well as current situation. Hasanov once again emphasized that Azerbaijan's internationally recognized territories have been remaining under Armenian occupation more than twenty years and as a result of the Armenian aggressive policy one million Azerbaijanis still remain internally displaced people. Khanlar Valiyev, Azerbaijans Deputy Prosecutor-General, in turn, said that the representatives of the reigning Armenian leadership committed very serious crimes during the occupation of Azerbaijan territories. He further informed the EU delegation on the facts and evidences regarding the atrocities committed by the Armenian armed units towards Azerbaijani civilians during the recent developments in Nagorno-Karabakh and impiety towards the corpses that remained in the battlefield. 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 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. By Nazrin Gadimova Armenia, to the detriment of the peace process to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, has initiated the provocation that led to the outbreak of large-scale military operations and resulted in victims among civilians. Azerbaijan's Permanent Mission to the OSCE made a statement as part of a meeting held in Vienna on April 14. "To prevent the provocations and to ensure the safety of the civilian population, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces have taken effective counter-measures, the statement reads. Azerbaijans Mission further welcomed Russias mediation efforts that helped to reach an agreement on restoration of the ceasefire on April 5. Expressing regret that the Armenian side is taking advantage of the OSCE in order to disseminate false accusations against Azerbaijan, the mission urged the OSCE member countries and the OSCE Minsk Group to persuade Armenia to strictly observe the ceasefire. Instead of having to engage in the negotiations, Armenia attempts to regroup its forces, the representatives of the mission believe. Continuing occupation of Azerbaijani territories by the Armenian forces is a major source of violence. Events of the early April showed that the lack of substantive negotiations and hope for a fragile ceasefire is an error of judgment. Azerbaijan is ready to continue the negotiations towards a political settlement of the conflict, the statement reads. Armenia launched military attacks against Azerbaijan on April 2. To protect civilian population, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces launched counter attacks and as a result, the Azerbaijani troops retook hills around the village of Talish, as well as Seysulan settlement, and also took under control Lele Tepe hill located in the direction of Fizuli region. The armed clashes resulted in deaths and injuries among the Azerbaijani population. Azerbaijan responded with a counter-attack, which led to liberation of several strategic heights and settlements. Since April 2, when tensions on the contact line of the Azerbaijani and Armenian troops aggravated, Azerbaijani troops have destroyed more than 370 enemy soldiers, 12 tanks, 12 armored vehicles and 15 artillery pieces. Military operations were stopped on the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian armies on April 5 at 12:00 (UTC/GMT + 4 hours) with the consent of the sides. However, ignoring the agreement, the Armenian side again started violating the ceasefire. The Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) project will save Turkey from gas dependence on Russia, said Stephen Blank, senior fellow at the American Foreign Policy Council. He made the remarks addressing an event titled 'Syria and the South Caucasus: Emerging Threats to Turkish and NATO Security', held at the Heritage Foundation, Apr. 14. Blank said 60 percent of gas is being supplied to Turkey from Russia, so it is important to support the SGC project in order to reduce Turkey's gas dependence on Russia. The Southern Gas Corridor is one of the priority energy projects for the EU. It envisages the transportation of gas from the Caspian Sea to the European countries through Georgia and Turkey. At an initial phase, 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 expansion of the South Caucasus Pipeline and the construction of Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline and Trans-Adriatic Pipeline. /By Azernews/ By Nazrin Gadimova Despite unfavorable forecasts issued by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Yerevan keeps feeding its fellow citizens with empty promises, which are just the opposite of reality. Being frightened with the unstable situation in the country, Armenias authorities try to convince everyone both citizens and the international community that Armenia has been and remains one of the most safe' countries. Thus, the newly appointed Armenian Economy Minister Artsvik Minasyan said, currently, the country is carrying out large-scale actions to attract foreign direct investment. The IMF, a leading financial institution, worsened the forecast of growth of the Armenian economy from 2.2 percent to 1.9 percent in 2016. Moreover, the experts expect Armenian unemployment to increase up to 18.2 percent in 2016. Armenia lost a million able-bodied citizens in a quarter century and this figure continues to grow. Garik Hayrapetyan, the representative of the Armenian office of the UN Population Fund, said although a small positive migration balance was recorded in 2006-2007, after the 2008 crisis, the situation deteriorated again. The migration balance became negative, accounting for about 30,000 people per year, he stressed. Moreover, 3,669 cases of divorce were registered in Armenia in 2015. Vanik Babajanyan, head of Demography Department at the Labor and Social Affairs Ministry, in turn, noted that migration and the formation of the so-called remote families have become a major cause of divorces in Armenia. "The situation is developing in two scenarios. Either families move to the migrants and this further improves migration performance, or they form new families, which leads to a large number of divorces, Babajanyan believes. Most of the Armenian population left their homeland looking for well-paid job or for job in general. For the first time in nearly 40 years, the population of Armenia fell below the level of 3 million according to the Armenian Statistics Agency. In 2015, the countrys population decreased by 12,000 people, while during the last five years it decreased by 35,000 people, and since gaining independence in 1991 by 634,700 people. Thus, based on the 2011 census, 2.9 million people live in the country as of January 1, 2016. The phenomenon of emigration is systemic due to Armenias political, economic, social, moral and psychological state, some experts believe. Poverty, corruption, economic difficulties, social vulnerability, external debt and destruction are the main reasons that force people to leave their homes. In fact, labor migration is an ordinary practice for survival. While the government has no action plan to improve the situation, high-level corruption and monopoly retain the economic development of the country. The regular protests staged in the capital and regions face brutal police treatment, leaving no hope for better life in the regions poorest country. Minasyans statements do not reflect a real situation that reigns over Armenia. Now every citizen in Armenian understands that this mendacious policy may lead to state power crisis when no one will take countrys government seriously. Lukaku joins list of doubts for Saints game , 15 April, According to his manager, the Belgian striker picked up "a little bit of a problem", a groin strain stretching for the ball, in the draw at Crystal Palace which makes him a doubt for the visit of Southampton. He was unable to train yesterday but Martinez was hopeful he would join the group today. Ross Barkley, Aaron Lennon and Leighton Baines are also going to undergo fitness tests to determine their ability to play but in his pre-match press conference, Martinez intimated that he will be leveraging the depth of his squad this weekend given the likely absentees. "We're going to assess [Romelu] today to see if he can make the squad with the knock," Martinez said. The Catalan admitted that if he is fit, Lukaku will play in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday even though there's a risk of him being injured just three days before the semi-final. "We've got a few knocks, a few bruises, a few players that are going to be missing tomorrow," Martinez continued. "James McCarthy will be starting his suspension, so clearly it's a good opportunity for the rest of the squad and the young players to see how we cope with this. "I don't think any of those is a long-term injury. I think they are mostly [as a result] of the big number of games we've played in this period and probably it's a question of hours rather than weeks." 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 Her first exhibit as museum director was supposed to be about space, but Johanna Wickman had nothing to put on display. The Casper local had just moved to California to direct the La Quinta city museum. She didnt know much about the city, let alone anyone in town. I had almost no idea what I was doing. I didnt have much of a budget (for the exhibit). I didnt know any other museums in that area that display things like that. I had no one to ask for help, Wickman recalled. What I ended up doing was basically cold-calling anybody that would listen to me to try and get things to put on display. Years later, experiences like that motivated Wickman to create a website. The site, Network-Museums.com, is a one-stop shop for those in the museum industry. Its meant to facilitate a space where students, staff and directors can come together and solve issues. Need help filling out an exhibit? Post on the online forum and see if someone down the street or across the country can help. Keep running into a problem? Check the tips & tricks section to see if anyone has experienced similar issues. Network-Museums is going to try and fill that void so that (those in the museum industry) can keep in touch with each other, ask questions and basically form relationships with people in the same industry around the country, and even around the world, Wickman, 32, said. Wickman has been in the museum industry for seven years now. She received her associates degree from Casper Colleges museum and gallery studies program, and has also worked at the Wyoming Veterans Memorial Museum in Casper. Along with being president of Network-Museums.com, she does museum contract work through her company, Wickman Historical Consultants. In an interview with Network-Museums.com, Don Wildman, host of the Travel Channels Mysteries at the Museum, gave his support for the site. Museums are where we connect the dots and get the shape of things that happened and whats to come, where we can look at art and imagine worlds, Wildman said. To help museums, the website also has forum sections on museum topics as well as the latest in museum news, tips and tricks, and classifieds. Each month, Network-Museums features a new interview with key people in the museum industry. But the website isnt solely geared toward the industry. It can also benefit those who seek to preserve their collectibles, with tips on what not to do when framing or displaying a certain object. So that you dont end up losing (or inadvertently destroying) some of these priceless family collectibles or heirlooms you have in your house, Wickman said. The website launched at the end of March, and so far, Wickman has received positive responses from all over the country and the world. For now, the website is free. Beginning in June, it will be membership-based, at $59.95 a year. If you can access the Internet, you can go on the website, Wickman said. Its open to everybody. Coal mining job losses are a terrible hardship on the miners, their families, their communities and the state. Instead of just blaming the usual suspects, let's look into possible causes and cures for this situation. The "War on Coal" really hasn't accomplished anything yet. It isn't the cause. A more likely cause is the large increase in oil and gas extraction by fracking, which has depressed prices for all fossil fuels. If there is a market glut of fossil fuels, trying to help the miners by increasing production will only make things worse. A better option is to create new jobs that these already skilled workers could move into. The big coal companies have been given a pass on setting reclamation funds aside. The state should fund the reclamation anyway, and not make the same mistake again. Wyoming has enormous renewable energy potential, which could create a lot of jobs. The investment won't come as long as fossil fuel prices are so low. A policy called "Carbon Fee and Dividend" can help build the renewable energy economy, using the free market, without increasing the size and power of government. A fee would be charged for the CO2 that will be emitted by the production and use of fossil fuels. This fee would be returned as a dividend to everyone. The economy is not harmed because money is not taken out. You will pay more for fuel, but you will get a regular check that will make up for it. But now the incentive for individuals and business will be to invest in conservation and renewable energy. People out of work will still get the divided, which will ease the pain a little. As the investments take effect, new jobs will be created. FRESNO, Calif. (AP) International crime rings targeting California's booming agriculture industry are increasingly stealing truckloads of high-value nuts, prompting authorities and the firms falling victim to ramp up efforts to break the spree costing millions. The sophisticated organizations in many cases use high-tech tactics, hacking into trucking companies to steal their identities. Armed with false shipping papers, they pose as legitimate truckers, driving off with loads of nuts such as almonds, walnuts or pistachios valued at $150,000, and some worth $500,000 each. Days later, when a shipment fails to arrive to its intended destination, the nuts may already be in another state or on a ship destined for Europe or Asia, where they fetch top dollar on the black market, authorities say. Nut thefts hit an all-time high in California last year with losses totaling $4.6 million from 31 reported cases, more than the three previous years combined, according to CargoNet, an alliance of cargo shipping firms and law enforcement agencies aimed at preventing losses. Losses for all four years combined reached nearly $7.6 million, the group said. "It's made my life miserable," said Todd Crosswell, general manager of Caro Nut Co. Caro was victimized six times last year for a total loss of $1.2 million. In each case, thieves stole cashews imported from Vietnam and Africa that were roasted, salted and packaged in Fresno. "You get hit with that kind of loss it hurts," Crosswell said. The value of nuts grown and processed in California, the nation's leading agricultural state, have soared in recent years as global demand for the health-food snack grows in places such as China and emerging economies. California produces more almonds, walnuts and pistachios than any other state, with a combined value of $9.3 billion in 2014. Almonds alone were valued at $5.9 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The high value of nuts grabbed the attention of criminal organizations, who are exploiting weaknesses in the cargo shipping industry to reap big profits, said Dan Bryant, supervisory special agent for the violent and organized crimes programs of the FBI Sacramento office. Bryant declined to identify any organizations under suspicion, citing an ongoing criminal investigation. "It's not just some teenage kids ripping off nuts," he said. "These are sophisticated people." Local authorities also are taking action. One state lawmaker has introduced a bill to fund a statewide taskforce targeting all types of cargo thefts. And law enforcement officials and nut processors met Thursday to share information to help prevent more nut thefts. Alarmed by a spike in large-scale nut thefts, Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux last year beefed up his agriculture crimes unit from two to six detectives. In 2013, his office investigated a pistachio theft worth $189,000. No cases were reported the next year, but in 2015, six loads of almonds and pistachios were stolen at a combined loss of $1.6 million. Investigators tracked at least one load to Los Angeles and made one arrest. Boudreaux declined to name the suspect due to the ongoing investigation. "They do tend to have some overseas connections," said Scott Cornell, an investigator for Travelers Insurance and an expert on cargo thefts. "Wherever they can sell it and move it, they're going to." Food and drinks are the most frequently stolen cargo items, Cornell said. Nuts are an easier target than other products, such as electronics, because there is no serial number and the evidence is gone once it is eaten, he said. Crosswell, of Caro Nut Co., said he's put in place new safeguards with hopes he doesn't fall victim once more, taking photographs and fingerprints of the roughly 25 truck drivers each day who pull up to the shipping docks. Despite these efforts, Crosswell said he fears the criminals will strike again. "Whoever they are, they're watching," Crosswell said. "They'll try it again. They'll figure out how to beat the system. We just have to stay one step ahead of them." Thousands of low-income children in Pima County could be eligible for free Internet access, thanks to an expanded partnership between the federal housing department and Cox Communications. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development launched its ConnectHome pilot program last summer. The program offers free or discounted Internet services for families with school-age children who qualify for HUD-assisted housing. Currently the program operates in 27 cities through partnerships with various Internet service providers, nonprofits and the private sector, according to HUD. Cox one of ConnectHomes participating Internet providers has now expanded its involvement to cover its 18-state service area. That includes Arizona, where 30,600 children are eligible for the discount service. About 6,600 households in Pima County are likely eligible, including those who use Housing Choice Vouchers also known as Section 8 and those living in public housing. The package costs $9.95 a month for download speeds of up to 10 megabits per second, including installation, equipment and access to free WiFi hotspots. With Coxs new commitment, the Connect- Home program can now reach up to 430,000 children nationally, said Housing Secretary Julian Castro on a Thursday conference call. The expansion could benefit 250,000 students in the U.S. and means the initiative now operates in 17 additional cities. We believe this work is critical right now, at a time when more than 90 percent of college applications are submitted online and when less than half of the poorest households in America have an Internet subscription at home, Castro said. We need to address our nations digital divide. Coxs own discount Internet program, Connect2Compete, has connected 160,000 low-income people to the Internet since it began in 2012, Cox President Pat Esser said during the conference call. Cox quickly joined HUDs ConnectHome pilot program when it launched last year, he said. The expansion to the companys entire service area underscores our commitment to youth and education, Esser said. The biggest share of jobs Arizona will create in the next two years wont require even a high school diploma. That sector of the economy will increase by more than 6.6 percent, new figures from the state Department of Administration on Thursday showed. The second-biggest boost in Arizona employment will be in jobs for which only a high school diploma is required. By contrast, the jobs for which a bachelors or masters degree will be required will grow by less than 5.2 percent. Arizonans with a doctoral degree will find just a 4.2 percent increase in available jobs. But a press aide to Gov. Doug Ducey, who has committed to expanding the economy and creating high-wage jobs, said the numbers are not necessarily bad news. What the numbers show is all those numbers are growing faster than they were, all levels are growing faster than they were, said Daniel Scarpinato, a Ducey spokesman. And thats a good thing. But the numbers also show a trend. Now, for example, 27.4 percent of all jobs in the state require no formal education credentials. In two years that will grow to 27.7 percent the largest growth rate of any sector of the economy. The share of some other sectors will shrink. Scarpinato said Ducey is focused on landing better jobs. When you look at some of the specific job recruitments that the governor has been involved in, they are in fact ones that are very good-paying jobs and that are high-skilled jobs, he said. But it takes more than that to make an economy, Scarpinato said. The governor has been very clear that all jobs matter, all jobs have value, and all citizens, no matter their educational background, deserve a shot at the American dream, he said. And so were going to be working on things that grow jobs across all sectors for all individuals in our state, not just the wealthy and not just people with a college education. Doug Walls, research administrator at the Department of Administration, said there may be another reason the rate of job growth is highest among employers who need workers with a minimal education. The base employment levels could have fallen much further during the recession, he said. We could have lost a lot more jobs within those minimum education-requirement groups and they could now just be seeing recovery. Walls had no specific numbers to back up that theory. But he did point out that the states construction industry took the biggest hit during the recession. It plummeted from a seasonally adjusted peak of 244,200 in June 2006 to 109,300 three months later. The most recent report has construction at 133,700, meaning it has regained about half the jobs it shed. But economist Lee McPheters said theres another big factor making the Arizona economy less dependent on jobs where a higher education is required: lack of money. A graduate with a degree in engineering probably can find a job in Arizona, but companies elsewhere offer more, said McPheters, who is with the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. He said hes not just talking about places like San Francisco where the cost of living is much higher. He said entry-level programming jobs pay more in Austin, Texas; Denver; and Salt Lake City than in Arizona. That, in turn, leads to the situation where Arizona employers say they cant find enough qualified help. Probably, they need to finish that statement by saying theres a shortage of qualified skilled labor at the prevailing wage rates here, he said. As evidence, McPheters said nursing jobs pay as much in Arizona as they do elsewhere because hospitals are forced to compete. But he said software developers and others have counted on the sunshine factor to convince folks to work for less in Arizona. That only works so long. People have options, he said. Its a competitive world. Calista Verne Wright Leonard died peacefully, last Sunday night April 10, 2016 at home. Her last years were comfortable in the home of her son, Jon and his wife Nadine. She would have been 97 August 18 2016. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. this Saturday, April 16, 2016, in the Chapel of EVERGREEN MORTUARY located on the grounds of Evergreen Cemetery at 3015 North Oracle Rd, Tucson, Arizona. Calista's father, Roy Joline Wright was a hard rock miner from Colorado doing that same work in the mining communities of Northern Arizona. In 1916, in Chloride Arizona, Roy met and married Anna Harris of Dallas Texas who was visiting her father Sandy Harris who had left Dallas to prospect for Gold in Arizona. Roy followed the mining activity in Arizona, bringing Anna with him, the two raising a family of three children along the way: Calista and her two brothers Ben and Barton. The children were schooled in the towns around the mines, Naco, Douglas, Chloride and Kingman, all eventually graduating from Kingman High School and the University of Arizona. At age 17 Calista met Ernest Leonard, the love of her life, at the University. They married in July 1937 and both soon dropped out of college to pursue work and raise a family of three boys. In 1955 when her youngest was 12 she went back to college with a vengeance. In 1958 she graduated Magna Cum Laude (Phi Beta Kappa/Phi Kappa Phi) from the U of A with simultaneous bachelor and master degrees in Psychology, continuing on to earn her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Southern California in 1964. Calista was never idle, writing about, speaking on, teaching about and practicing her profession at UCLA, the Veterans Administration in Santa Monica, the Neuro Psychiatric Institute in Westwood and in private practice with families of the illuminati in Hollywood. She was also intensely interested in her family's ancestry, researching and producing a dozen published volumes on her family's ancestry. While Calista's life was whirlwind of accomplishment and achievement her intense focus on life was her immediate family. She never hesitated to take her children and grandchildren to the beach, never minded the sand in her car, and always kept them involved in musical instruments and crafts. Her husband Ernest preceded her in death in 2003. She is survived by her three sons, Ernest Leonard Jr. of Keller Texas, Jon Leonard of Tucson Arizona and Leo Leonard of Phoenix Arizona, three of her five loving daughters-in-law Nadine, Sarah and Mary, her 11 grandchildren, her eight step-grandchildren and her many great grandchildren. If Gavin Gardners vision comes to pass, Tucsons iconic Saguaro National Park will soon be immortalized by one of the worlds largest toy brands in a vignette made of colorful, interlocking plastic bricks. A little over a year ago, Gardner, the chief of resources and maintenance for Springfield Armory National Historic Site in Massachusetts, and his wife, Danielle Norris-Gardner, came up with the idea of creating a series of small Lego scenes depicting national park sites from across the United States. Gavin created three to start: Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska, Everglades National Park in Florida and Saguaro National Park, then submitted them to ideas.lego.com, a website where fans can pitch concepts that may or may not become future products in the Lego universe. In the Saguaro National Park scene, a park ranger, complete with his broad-brimmed flat hat, and a park visitor use binoculars to watch a bird perched atop a tall green saguaro cactus. The sets, the Gardners homage to the National Park Service Centennial this year, received more than 10,000 votes of support over the course of 2015, the threshold the couple had to reach in order for their idea to make it to the next level of consideration. Their concept is now in review, a process in which Lego set designers and marketing representatives evaluate projects to see if they are worth creating. There are thousands of proposals on the site, Gavin said. Among the recent ideas pitched by fans: a 1950s diner, a street scene set in Victorian London and the Yellow Submarine from the Beatles song of the same name. The odds of getting 10,000 supporters is slim. The chance of getting through the review is even slimmer. If we do, it will be amazing, Gardner said. ORIGINS Gavin Gardner remembers playing with Legos as a child, but it wasnt until he and his wife were looking for activities for their daughter, who was 3 years old at the time, that the National Park Service Centennial vignettes began taking shape. She was getting old enough to play with Legos and her younger brother was no longer sticking everything he saw in his mouth, Gavin said. For Christmas 2014, the Gardners gave their daughter Legos Research Institute set. The vignettes within celebrated women in the sciences. It included a paleontologist, a chemist and an astronomer. The Research Institute, which started as a pitched idea on the Lego Idea website, inspired the couple to come up with a set that dealt with what they were familiar with: the National Park Service. Gardner, a Maryland native, earned a degree in anthropology with an emphasis in archaeology from Northern Arizona University. His background allowed him to work for the United States Forest Service and the National Park Service, at locations throughout the West, including the Grand Canyon and Tonto National Monument in the Superstition Mountains. With the centennial being such a big deal, we thought the timing for this idea would be perfect, Gardner said. Out of the three original vignettes Gardner created 20 in all, each using less than 100 pieces he was perhaps most familiar with Saguaro National Park. At NAU, Gardner was president of the hiking club, and would lead field trips to Tucson-area trails. During his time at Tonto National Monument, he made regular visits to the Old Pueblo to drop off data at the Western Archeological and Conservation Center, which houses the sites archives and artifacts. I had tons of friends living in Tucson at the time, he said. I loved the Sonoran hot dogs. You cant get those anywhere else. Saguaro Park as a vignette was a no-brainer for Gardner. Capturing something like the Grand Canyon at this teeny-tiny scale was pretty difficult, he said. With saguaros, you have this iconic image that works perfectly at this size. The Gardners submitted the idea in March of 2015, and were approved for the first step by Lego shortly thereafter. They had one year to recruit 10,000 supporters, people willing to sign up on the Lego Idea website and give their vote of approval, before their concept could move on to the review stage. An initial boost from the National Parks Conservation Association, which shared the vignette idea on the NPCA Facebook page, Twitter feed and website, yielded a quick 4,000 supporters. Kevin Dahl, a Tucson resident and a senior program manager with the NPCA who runs the Arizona field office, wrote about the effort on his blog. Dahl, who also sits on the board of the Friends of Saguaro National Park, was enthusiastic about the Gardners choice. In Tucson, we understand and love saguaros, Dahl said. To many people, these are mythic structures. They represent the West. By Thanksgiving, the Gardners had reached 7,000 people. They topped 10,000 just after Christmas 2015, thanks to word-of-mouth support from a range of environmental organizations and a Facebook page created by the Gardners that they kept fresh with posts featuring new vignette designs and project updates. I never realized how exhausting getting 10,000 supporters would be, Gavin said. Continued Interest Now that the project is in review, the Gardners hope the idea will stand out. Gavin said that the interest is definitely there. The National Park Service had more than 300 million visitors last year, he said. Cam Juarez, a spokesman and community engagement coordinator for Saguaro National Park, said the Western National Parks Association manages the merchandise sold in the visitor centers within both Saguaro National Park districts, but he believes a Lego vignette depicting the park would do well at both locations. Juarez said that sort of product falls in line with the National Park Services recent efforts to appeal to younger audiences, such as the Every Kid in a Park initiative, a team effort between the White House and Federal Land Management agencies that gives all fourth-graders and their families free access to national parks, forests and wildlife refuges. Children who have fun memories in the park, will want to support it in the future, Juarez said. Gardner said members of various Lego online fan forums, notorious arenas for picking projects apart, have had their complaints about the National Parks set. He said some fans of the Lego brand, which is based out of Denmark, say the idea is too American to be chosen. Sure, these are American parks, Gardner said. But anybody who has ever stood on the rim of the Grand Canyon for five minutes realizes that they arent just American destinations. People come from all over the world to see them. A vague sense of deja vu is starting to well up in me, something other voters may also sense. I remember that last year a well-funded campaign for public spending in Pima County went down in flames thanks to a fed-up electorate Democrats and Republicans as well as a tiny, impoverished opposition campaign with a well-placed elected official, Supervisor Ally Miller, as chief spokesperson. Pima County bonds election, meet Proposition 123. A similar dynamic may be developing around the education-funding proposal that goes to Arizona voters May 17 or sooner if you get an early ballot. A no campaign with no paid staff seems to be gaining momentum, thanks in part to outspoken opposition by state Treasurer Jeff DeWit and former holders of his office. Thats despite the fact that Gov. Doug Ducey and the states power structure are behind the ballot measure. Led by the Paradise Valley-Scottsdale crowd, contributors have given $3.7 million to the yes campaign. The no campaign reported receiving $617 at the last deadline, though that figure has since reached $4,000 to $5,000, chairman Morgan Abraham told me. And yet, theres life in the no campaign. On Thursday, former Congressman Ron Barber became one of the more high-profile Arizonans to come out in opposition to the proposition. It is my belief Prop. 123 will do far more harm than good, Barber said in a video. The issues I have with Prop. 123 include numerous triggers that will allow the Legislature to keep money from public education, the fact that it changes our constitution, and the real concern that it depletes our state land trust by eating into the principal. Ive come out in grudging favor of the proposition, which would resolve a lawsuit over school funding against the state Legislature and allow some additional spending for next school year. I think its the best we can expect from our current elected officials, and we need to change them if we want better. But there is certainly merit in the arguments against, arguments that are embraced by many Republicans as well as Democrats. And the more people come out against the measure, the more it opens the door for others to have the political courage to do the same. GOP delegate swarm Like many political reporters, the Stars Joe Ferguson is boning up on the selection process for delegates to the national conventions. He reported April 7 that here in Tucson, as elsewhere, the Ted Cruz campaign was trying to recruit delegates to vote for him on a second ballot if the process reaches that stage at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Now, Joe is massaging the data on those who will be candidates at the state convention April 30 to go to Cleveland. He passed me a list of potential delegates from Pima County Thursday. Here are a few of the names that jumped out at me: Former state Sen. Frank Antenori, Republican National Committee staffer Sergio Arellano, attorney and former Rio Nuevo board memer Jodi Bain, campaign consultant Christine Bauserman, state Rep. Vince Leach, Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce president Lea Marquez Peterson, NRA board member Todd Rathner, former congressional candidate Gabriela Saucedo Mercer, first vice chair of the state GOP Parralee Schneider and former Pima County GOP chair Bob Westerman. Theyll be among 900 candidates competing for 55 slots. KidsCare conclusion For months, the outrage has been strong and persistent. State Sen. President Andy Biggs has refused to allow a hearing on a bill that would restart KidsCare, health insurance for 30,000 children of the working poor. As weve explained, whats so mind-blowing is that the insurance is paid for by the federal government. Arizona simply needs to re-start enrollment, and a bill that flew through the House would do that. It would even stop the program if the federal government stops paying for it. Now, a resolution to the conflict seems to be in sight. As Sen. Steve Farley, a Tucson Democrat, and others explained to me, it would go like this: When the state budget is being debated on the Senate floor, an amendment will be proposed that would reopen KidsCare enrollment. That way, Biggs and other opponents can vote against it while still allowing others to push it through. Biggs is running for Congress in the very conservative District 5, and it could be helpful to him in the Republican primary race to be able to say he voted against the bill. That says something about the Republican primary voters in CD5. Damaging the brand On Wednesday, we published an op-ed piece by Supervisor Ally Miller in which she argued that its the majority of the Pima County board and Administrator Chuck Huckelberry who are responsible for damaging the brand of Pima County, if anybody is. Miller pointed out the use of that phrase by Huckelberry and yours truly. I have no problem with how Miller described her broader argument, but it obscured where that phrase damaging the brand comes from. As I reported Feb. 7, it was Miller who used the phrase to encapsulate her strategy for taking control of county government. As she wrote in a November email, Im still not sure they realize I have been setting the table for 3 years damaging their brand. A science, technology, engineering and math fair at the University of Arizona on Thursday incorporated arts among its exhibitors. More and more STEM events are including arts nationally, said Kelly South, a UA spokeswoman. The arts are closely intertwined with STEM fields. The UA event, which attracted more than 700 high school and undergraduate students, was titled STEAMworks. The whole point of this is to get high school and undergraduate students excited about STEAM, South said. More than 50 exhibitors from various science, technology, engineering, arts and math disciplines participated. Some of those included edible optics, underwater robots, virtual reality, music technology, game development and medical simulation technology. Adobe, the computer software company known for creating Photoshop, InDesign, Lightroom and other design and photography-related software, was one of the exhibitors at STEAMworks. We cross into so many areas of STEM, said Brad Buchanan, an account manager for Adobe. Design software are used in many science-related disciplines, including engineering, he said. The Adobe booth showed how mobile apps could be used to show off students work. Vishakk Rajendran, a BASIS Tucson North student the Star has written about, was invited to show off his 3D-printed prosthetic hands after the story was published. Rajendran makes prosthetic hands, which cost far less than conventional prosthetics, and works with a nonprofit organization to get those hands to people who need them but cant afford them. He and his schoolmate, Meena Ravishankar, displayed several prosthetic hands as well as other figures they created using a 3D printer. Savannah Sanchez, 18, visited Rajendrans 3D printing booth. I think its amazing how they can make it cheaper, she said. Several groups of students and teachers roamed the Grand Ballroom at the UAs Student Union, taking in the many exhibits. Luis Blanco, a learning support coordinator at Santa Rita High School, said he hoped the event would expose his group of 26 high school freshmen to various STEM fields and inspire them to pursue careers in those fields. Plus, he added, its fun. The kids are liking it, he said. They are having a good time. Maria Teresa Velez, the Associate Dean of the Graduate College at the University of Arizona and a mentor to many students for more than 30 years, died Wednesday from cancer. She was 69. Velez was known for her commitment to identifying and encouraging students to pursue graduate degrees, especially women and minorities. In announcing her passing, Graduate College Dean Andrew Carnie, wrote on the college website that Velez transformed the graduate enterprise both in terms of promoting student diversity and inclusion and pushing for the highest levels of excellence. Velez is credited for elevating the UA nationally in minority graduate students. The UA is first in the country graduating Native American students in Ph.D. programs and eighth in graduating Latinos with doctorate degrees, Carnie wrote. In addition, Velez brought in $40 million to recruit and fund graduate students and support diversity. She developed the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Consortium (UROC) to help prepare and motivate students into graduate school. She was always a fierce fighter for grad students, said Andrea Romero, an associate professor in Family Studies & Human Development. Many of the those students were the first in their families to earn graduate degrees, Romero added. She did whatever it took, Romero said. On Velezs Facebook page, an outpouring of personal testimonials have appeared the past two days. They all carry a common theme that if it were not for Velez, they would not have gone into graduate school. Jennifer Stanley, a Navajo student from Kayenta, was one of many students who were guided and inspired by Velez. Stanley said she was on academic probation, had lost her scholarship and was ready to drop out when Velez intervened. "She said, '"No. What you are going to do is come with me to my office and we are going to locate some funding for you.' We did exactly that and then some," Stanley said. In addition to restoring her scholarships, Velez helped Stanley find money for rent and food. "Ever since then she had been that force for me to reach for something higher. I felt like I couldn't let her down from then on," Stanley said. Stanley, 29, earned her bachelor's degree in Agriculture Technology Management in 2010, and earned two master's in Agriculture Education and Educational Technology. She went on to work the Navajo Technical University in Crownpoint, New Mexico, for three years and recently accepted a position at Arizona State University. Velez, known to many as MT, also mentored younger UA professors and recruited them to the UA. She had passion, empathy, a desire to change the academy, to have our voices heard, said Paloma Beamer, an assistant professor in Environmental Health Sciences at the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health. She was remarkable. We all felt special, like we were all adopted by her. Velez also was active in the Tucson Chicano/Mexican-American community. Velez was active in many community groups, including Las Adelitas, a womens empowerment group. Shortly before she died, the UA announced her retirement and the creation of a scholarship: the Dr. Maria Teresa Velez Diversity Leadership Scholarship, a $25,000 stipend and a full years tuition. It will be given annually to a graduate student who has demonstrated a commitment to furthering diversity in education, higher education, and the community at large. Mariel Velez said her mother was dedicated to students who had come far and wanted to go further in their education. She was interested in the stories of people and their struggles. She saw herself in all these kids, Velez, a California neurologist, said of her mother. Velez left Cuba through the Peter Pan Program in which thousands of unaccompanied Cuban children were brought to the U.S. in the early 1960s. Velez arrived in Albuquerque, where she graduated from the University of New Mexico. In 1983, she received her doctorate in psychology from the Wright Institute in Los Angeles. In 1984 she joined the UAs Counseling and Psychological Services, eventually becoming its director. In subsequent years she served on the faculties in the Department of Psychology, Department of Family Studies, Mexican American Studies, Womens and Gender Studies and the Center for Latin American Studies. In 1996 she entered the Graduate College as the Associate Dean. Her most recent appointment was as director of the BLAISER program, (Border Latino & American Indian Summer Exposure to Research), with the College of Medicine. She received numerous awards and served on a number of national committees and consulted for other universities. Her survivors are her children Damian Velez and Mariel Velez; step-children, Carmen, Miguel, Lucy and Carlos; son-in-law Nicholas Toriello and daughter-in-law Kandyce Velez; brother Angel Marques and sister-in-law Ana Marques; nieces Ana Carla and Legna Velez was preceded in death by her husband Darrel Goll. A memorial service will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on April 22, at the UAs Student Union Ballroom, 1303 E. University Blvd. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Dr. Maria Teresa Velez Scholarship, c/o Las Adelitas, PO Box 27716, Tucson, AZ, 85726. OPINION: "As a parent and teacher, I know the best way to address discord is to listen first and establish trust. As a neighborhood leader, I know how to work through differences by treating people with dignity and respect. As a mathematics teacher, I always taught my students that there is more than one way to solve problems," writes Theresa Riel, a candidate for the District 2 seat on the Pima Community College Governing Board. Help India! By TCN News, Patna: Central University of South Bihar (CUSB) has announced that it is especially offering two reserved seats in its four years integrated BA BEd program for Urdu knowing candidates. Support TwoCircles Muhammad Mudassir Alam, Public Relation Officer (PRO) said that as per the norms the University offers reserved seats to two students out of total in take of 50 in compulsion of selecting Urdu as optional paper during the BA BEd course. Providing more information about the provisions for selection based on Urdu language, Dr. Kafeel Ahmad Naseem, Assistant Professor, Centre for Indian Languages (Urdu) said that students who couldnt qualify in CUSBET 2016 may get the admission in this category after fulfillment of formalities. However, special quota for Urdu students was offered in previous years as well but it got less response due to lack of awareness amongst students and guardians. Elaborating about the Integrated BA BEd Course, Alam further said that in four years duration dual degree is given by CUSB, however, doing BA (three years) and BEd (two years) separately from other institutions takes five years. Hence, doing integrated BA BEd course in CUSB saves one precious year of the students, along with quality course curriculum including abundant teaching practice exposure under the supervision of expert teachers. Alam added. The admission process of CUSB is presently ongoing for next academic session (2016-17) and the online application can be filled up till April 30, 2016. The minimum eligibility criteria for admission in Integrated BA BEd programme is Intermediate (10+2) with at least 50 per cent marks for General and OBC categories, and 45 per cent for SC / ST category. Details of admission process, online application procedure with other details are available on CUSB website www.cub.ac.in / www.cusb.ac.in. Help India! By Dr Mohammad Manzoor Alam, Over the last few years we have been seeing a cynical game being played with increasing enthusiasm by all kinds of politicians and organisations. People who were never the admirers of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar in his life or later, and have been hostile to his fundamental philosophy of annihilation of caste, are today insincerely and cunningly chanting his name to garner support of Dalits in elections. Support TwoCircles The RSS, its political wing BJP and student wing ABVP, are ahead of everyone in this dishonest game. Once again, they have declared of season of dishonest declaration of love for Dr Ambedkar and his cause of Dalit emancipation. We can expect to see pictures of men of all kinds of Sangh leaders garlanding the statues of a bespectacled Dr Ambedkar in blue suit and red tie with a copy of the Constitution of India in his hand. The Sangh people doing this dishonest ritual are some of the staunchest followers of Manu and his book of law, Manusmriti, that treats Dalits worse than animals. A lot of caste atrocities are traced to it. When Dr Ambedkar wrote his classic work Annihilation of Caste he emphatically and unequivocally wanted the end of it, lock, stock and barrel. This also meant the end of Manusmriti, a stance exemplified by the burning of Manusmriti copies ritually. However, the Sangh neither wants to discard Manusmriti as Dr Ambedkar wanted or millions upon millions of his followers demand even today, nor to annihilate caste. In fact, the caste hierarchy is so deep-rooted in society that even politics, whether of the left, right or centre, cannot be conducted in India without factoring in caste. Strangely, even Mahatma Gandhi said that the annihilation of caste would mean annihilation of Hindu religion. In a situation like this, celebrations of Ambedkar Jayanti by Saghis, and even some other groups, is not convincing. Nobody can claim the heritage of Dr Ambedkar without discarding casteist and Mauwadi beliefs and practices. Now that the RSS is trying to insincerely appropriate Babasahebs legacy without discarding caste and Manusmriti it is theorising that annihilation of caste (as insisted upon by Babasaheb) is not required. What is needed, according to the Sangh, is samrasta (harmony) between castes. In other words, Dalits must keep on doing what they have been doing for thousands of years and Brahmins must be doing what they have been doing, without disturbing the hierarchy and traditional caste roles. Naturally, the Dalits are not convinced with this logic. To counter this, instead of correcting the caste injustices, the RSS and its different wings are trying to paint Muslims as common enemy to distract Dalits from their demands of right to equality. They have gone to the extent of publishing books in which (hold your breath) they are claiming that caste was created not by Hindus several thousand years ago, but by Muslims who came much later and there is no mention of caste in their religious scriptures. Of course, people (both Muslim and Dalits) have refuted this malicious lie in well-documented writings showing the roots of caste in Hindu scripture and society. They have shown that even Shri Ramji killed a Dalit boy, Shambuk, as a punishment for entering the Brahminical domain of study and worship. Even Dr Ambedkar has taken note of it. The cutting of the thumb of a low-caste archer, Eklavya, for trying to use weapon like a Chhatriya at the time of Mahabharata (Shri Krishnajis time) is yet another example of caste enforcement since early Hinduism, as taken note of by most scholars. Muslims, who came centuries later on the scene, have no role to play in it. Still the RSS has been trying to convince Dalits that their sad condition can be attributed to Muslims. Through writing, through speeches, conspiratorial whispers and blatant propaganda they have been trying to spread this falsehood. They did this in Muzaffarnagar killings and in Pratapgarh in UP by pitting Dalits against Muslim through conspiracy. The Indian Express reported in 2014 a sly mischievous remark of Amit Shah in a Dalit home in UP. Without provocation or prior reference, Shah told the Dalit family Mahesh ka haq Mahmood ko diya jaye yeh BJP nahin bardasht karegi. That remark gave the false impression that non-BJP parties would give away Maheshs (Dalits) job reservation to Muslims, which BJP will not allow. They took the same line in Bihar also as Lalu and Nitish clarified that they had no scheme for reservation for Muslims. This is time for both Dalits and Muslims to be alert about this mischief and demand that the country be run on the lines of the august Constitution of India, the foremost among its framers was Babasaheb, of course. It is also interesting to note that when the Constitution of India was adopted, the RSS mouthpiece, Organiser, wrote that the country did not need any Constitution other than Manusmriti. We must also remember that these groups maligned Babasaheb for replacing Manusmriti with the Constitution of India. We have to be cautious and remember Babasaheb who had warned that caste would not be eliminated and Dalits would have to think over it seriously. Finally, we also must remember that Islam and Muslims have no relationship with it. [Author is the Chairman of Institute of Objective Studies, New Delhi ] Help India! Patna : Jawaharlal Nehru University Students Union president Kanhaiya Kumars family on Friday took a strong objection to Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawatis remarks against him, allegdly calling him anti-Dalit and from upper caste. Mayawati, while speaking at a function of birth anniversary of B.R. Ambedkar in Luckhnow, said Kanhaiya is not a Dalit, he is anti-Dalit. She allegedly said he belonged to Bhumihar, an upper caste, and was misguiding Dalits. Support TwoCircles Mayawati also appealed Dalits not to follow him. Kanhaiya is a puppet of Left parties and he is talking about Ambedkars idea to fight poverty, she said. Kanhaiyas parents mother Meena Devi and his father Jaishankar Singh have criticised Mayawati for attacking him from caste perspective. Our son is fighting against injustice, suppression and for the cause of marginaliged. It is wrong to dub him as anti-Dalit. Contrarily, he is very much pro-Dalit, they said. We strongly object to Mayawatis castiest remarks against Kanhaiya. It is not necessary to be Dalit to fight for Dalits and against their oppression. Kanhaiya has been fighting for justice and against injustice, Kanhaiyas younger brother Prince Kumar, who stays with his parents in their village in Bihars Begusarai district, said. Prince Kumar said Mayawati is a national leader, she should be careful about her words and language. Kanhaiyas family also expressed concern over reports of increasing threat to his life. Help India! By Raqib Hameed Naik, TwoCircles.net Srinagar: Days after four unarmed civilians were shot dead by security forces in Handwara Town of Kupwara Distirct, another youth studying in a local school was shot dead on Friday by the Indian Army after it opened fire on protestors in Nutnussa Village of Kupwara who were protesting against the recent killing of civilians in Kashmir. Support TwoCircles Arif Hussain Dar, 18, a resident of Awura village, was among the five injured persons. He succumbed to his injuries in a local hospital. The cycle of killings started on Tuesday have consumed five lives till Friday, April 15. According to Police statement , the Army had to resort to use of live ammunition after mob tried to enter the forces camp. Meanwhile, Member of Parliament and President All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), Asaduddin Owaisi on Friday denounced the innocent killings and assured to raise the issue in Parliament. I am telling India to stop killing innocent people in Kashmir. If unabated killings continue, we are sure that 2010 like situation will emerge in Kashmir Valley. Killings of unarmed protesters are unwarranted and uncalled for and I will raise this issue in Indian Parliament once it will be in session, Owaisi was quoted by a local news agency. All India Students Association (AISA) have called for a protest demonstration against Kupwara killings at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Saturday, April 16. Lets collectively rise up to resist and condemn the killings of innocent people. The protest demonstration will be held at 1 PM, the statement issued by ASIA said. The Valley is observing shutdowns since last three days and after the latest killing, all the separatist factions have called for a complete bandh on Saturday. All the train services between Srinagar to Baramulla in north Kashmir remained suspended for third consecutive day due to the prevailing tension. Similarly, train service between Srinagar to Banihal in South Kashmir also remained suspended. Internet sevices remained suspended since last two days. The district administration Srinagar has decided to continue imposition of restrictions in some parts of the city on Saturday also in view of the shutdown call given by separatists leaders against the fresh killing of a youth. UNCW Student Alicia Greenberg Receives Fulbright Grant for Research in Honduras Alicia Nataly Greenberg 10 was born in Honduras, and this summer she will return to her native country as UNCWs latest participant in the Fulbright Program, studying how ongoing violence in the nation affects citizens mental health. The Fulbright is an incredible award and honor, said Theodore Burgh, associate professor of philosophy and religion and adviser to Fulbright students at UNCW. The recipient represents the U.S. and has the chance to immerse himself or herself in the culture of the country. The time abroad is life-changing. Greenberg hopes to continue her focus on mental health and plans to work toward an International MBA and a medical degree. According to Greenberg, the stigma in Latin America associated with mental health issues prevents many residents from seeking the care they need. Citizens are robbed, attacked and shot sometimes just for a phone, she said. I believe that there is an epidemic of PTSD and related anxiety issues in the community due to this wave of violence. Greenberg moved from Honduras to southeastern North Carolina when she was 11 and attended the Topsail-area schools before enrolling at UNCW, where she earned a degree in business administration. She is currently taking additional undergraduate classes at UNCW. She was one of six Fulbright applicants this year recognized by the Honors College during a program on March 18. Since 1998, at least 15 UNCW students have received Fulbrights to teach or study in countries including South Korea, Canada, France, Belgium, Germany, Egypt, Mauritius, Vietnam, Spain, Ecuador, Australia, Norway and New Zealand. UNCW was also named a top producer of faculty Fulbright Scholars this year, with three professors receiving grants to teach and conduct research abroad. U.S. Senator J. William Fulbright founded the Fulbright Program in 1946. Administered by U.S. State Departments Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the goal of the program is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and other countries. About 8,000 Fulbrights are awarded annually, and more than 360,000 people have participated in the program. --Tricia Vance #AA Theft of female corpses on rise in some rural areas Updated: 2016-02-24 08:04 By Xinhua in Taiyuan(China Daily USA) Corpse theft is on the rise in rural Shanxi province as the old custom of "ghost marriage" has resurfaced in the northern province. Hongtong county has reported at least three dozen thefts of female corpses in the last three years, said Lin Xu, deputy director of the county police department. Several thefts were reported in February and March last year. In ghost marriage rituals, female skeletons are reinforced with steel wires and clothed before they are buried as "brides" alongside dead bachelors. Rural folk beliefs hold that failure to find a burial partner for an unmarried male relative is bad luck. Ghost marriage rituals were practiced throughout China's feudal dynasties and were especially popular in the Song Dynasty (960-1279). The government ordered people to cease the practice after the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. However, rural residents, who tend to uphold old customs and rituals, have continued the practice by using pictures or dummies made of paper or dough. As wealth has increased, the practice of using real corpses has returned to some rural areas of Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces and northern Henan province. Chang Sixin, deputy director of the China Folk Literature and Art Association, said there are even matchmaking agents to pair dead bachelors with the corpses of women. Under the criminal law, those who steal or defile a corpse are subject to up to three years in prison, but that has failed to deter corpse traffickers seeking profit, Lin said. A fresh female corpse can fetch up to 100,000 yuan ($15,300), and even a body that has been buried for decades can be sold for around 5,000 yuan. Corpse theft is difficult to investigate as it is hard to find evidence, Lin said. Repeated corpse thefts have raised concerns among families. In Shengou village, for example, families have started to build tombs near their homes rather than at distant mountain sites. Some affluent families have hired people to watch their family tombs or reinforced the tombs with steel and installed cameras over graves. Guo Qiwen, a resident in Hongtong, is looking for his mother's body, which was stolen in March. "I have spent more than 50,000 yuan looking for her remains. It kills my heart not having her back," he said. (China Daily USA 02/24/2016 page4) Germany key to Chinese investment Updated: 2016-04-15 14:31 By Wang Mingjie(China Daily USA) Nation's 'hidden champions' make its smaller companies highly attractive acquisition targets Germany's ranks of small and medium-sized enterprises, especially so-called hidden champions, have been key to drawing more Chinese investment, and the trend shows no signs of abating, according to Hermann Simon, one of the country's most influential business thinkers. Hidden champions are often market leaders, either worldwide or within the continent they are based in, with revenues below 5 billion euros ($5.55 billion). Simon, chairman of Simon-Kucher & Partners, a global consultancy firm founded in Bonn, says Chinese investors, unlike some US firms, see acquisitions in Germany as long-term strategic investments. He says most German businesses are happy with Chinese buyers. An Ernst & Young report in February shows Germany was the most attractive destination in Europe for Chinese investment last year, with 36 acquisitions. The United Kingdom came second with 34 and France third with 20. Simon, 69, believes this trend will continue thanks to Germany's many hidden champions, a term he coined to describe relatively unknown SMEs that are the backbone of a nation's economy and have for many years sustained Germany's leading position in exports. "We have at least 10,000 SMEs that are potential takeover targets for Chinese companies," he says, adding that of the 3,000 or so hidden champions worldwide today, "about 1,300 are from Germany". Many German SMEs are leading niche markets globally and are valued below several billion euros, he says, which makes them natural targets as the majority of Chinese acquisitions in Europe are limited in size, and Chinese industrial companies have a strong sense of affinity or preference for German SMEs. China is one of few nations with so many entrepreneurs that understand the concept of hidden champions, Simon says. One prominent example he cites is a Chinese chemical products owner whom he met during a recent visit to Shandong province. To focus on his core business, the Chinese entrepreneur gave up a couple of businesses and as a result is now the world leader in three chemical compounds. On another occasion, when Simon was giving a presentation in Shanghai, he noticed the hidden champions concept was met with great interest. "The ones that pursue this successfully will be role models for the next generation," he says. There is a largely positive attitude in German business circles toward Chinese investors, according to Simon, who says that, unlike some US companies that acquired European enterprises and focused on maximizing short-term gains before looking to offload them again, Chinese buyers tend to see such purchases as strategic investments. "Having gained a foothold in Germany and in international markets, they tend to focus on longer-term prospects and on creating a group of Chinese and German companies that are successful in global markets in the long term," he says. The Chinese investment in Germany is less aggressive compared with the Americans, he says, adding that Chinese buyers in Germany behave in a moderate and reasonable way. This means an SME is more likely to retain its identity after a takeover, he adds. Simon acknowledges there is concern in Germany about more Chinese investment pouring into the country, but says: "When General Motors took over Opel in 1929, or Ford built a huge automobile plant in Cologne in 1930, people said we would be dominated and conquered by the Americans, and that we would be a colony of the US. But it turned out to be nonsense. The same is now true for Chinese acquisitions." He believes Chinese investment can bring advantages for both sides and refutes the notion that Chinese companies are simply trying to extract know-how from Germany to transfer to China. "To a large degree, that's impossible because a very large part of the knowledge resides in the employees. I meet German companies all the time and they tell me their know-how is not in the patterns, not in the written or digital documentation, but it is in the skills of their employees, not only the engineers and scientists, but also the workers." In addition, he says, Chinese investment means German SMEs can gain a "stronger capital base" and access to the Chinese market. Simon, who in an online poll by Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper was named the second-most influential management thinker in German-speaking countries, says German SMEs are in general becoming more open due to internationalization. "They're increasingly taking on foreign managers, non-Germans and nonfamily members, and the positive experiences foster an attitude of openness." Although he believes Germany's hidden champions can be excellent role models for Chinese companies, Simon says most would still prefer to avoid a takeover if possible. "There is a sufficiently high number that need capital or have succession problems, or are under increasing pressure from overseas companies - in China, for instance. It's not solely voluntarily that they are saying 'We are open now'. Often they need to take on external investors." wangmingjie@mail.chinadailyuk.com What makes a company a hidden champion They go for growth and are driven by market leadership. They focus on narrow markets and are deep rather than broad. They tend to do things themselves and refrain from outsourcing core competencies. They combine specialties in products and know-how with global sales and marketing, and serve the target markets through subsidies. They are massive innovators, and the effectiveness of their R&D beats that of large companies by a factor of five. Their innovation processes are fundamentally driven by the market and technology. Their greatest strength is their closeness to customers, while their strategies are value oriented, not price oriented. ( China Daily USA 04/15/2016 page10) So who exactly is driving consumer behavior? Updated: 2016-04-15 14:24 By Andrew Moody and Yan Dongjie(China Daily USA) Retirees, students and shoppers share their views on the explosion in China's buying power Laura Lian says Chinese consumers often display erratic consumer behavior because they are only just coming to terms with the concept of brands. The 25-year-old entrepreneur, who blogs on modern Chinese culture, insists there has been something of a revolution in a relatively short time. "Most Western brands have entered China over the past 15 to 20 years and they are all fairly new to us," she says. Lian, who was out shopping at The Place shopping center in Beijing's Central Business District, which boasts the city's only Marks and Spencer, says that even she, despite her relatively young age, was not aware of brands until she moved from her home area near Songyuan in Jilin province in the northeast of China, to Beijing, where she started university in 2008. "I was brought up in an environment where we went to buy vegetables and fruits at the local market and very little of what we bought had any kind of branding. When I moved to the big city I became aware of H&M, Zara and Gap. I had never really heard of them before." She believes many consumers are experimenting with living a modern lifestyle for the first time, and that is why many of their choices might be seen as less rational than the more conventional and established behavior of Western consumers. "All of a sudden, everybody has money and they don't know how to use it. Young people want to behave like Westerners because the older people don't know how to live a modern life because the Chinese economy has grown so fast in 20 years." Feng Shuxia, 61, who was out browsing with her husband, Tian Shunsheng, also 61, agrees it is the younger generation that is driving consumer behavior. The couple's 35-year-old daughter, who works for a bank, has bought Feng a Louis Vuitton and two Gucci handbags in recent years. "I don't know how much they are, but I obviously know they are luxury brands. I wouldn't buy them myself, but my daughter would not be happy if I didn't use them." The couple say that buying expensive items in China is not a new phenomenon. When Tian, who later also worked for a bank before his retirement, left the army in 1979 he was given 400 yuan in compensation and bought Feng a 270 yuan watch. "That would be about 20,000 yuan ($3,086; 2,716 euros) today. At the time we were only earning 30 or 40 yuan a month," adds Feng. Yu Zhipeng, a salesman for an IT company in Beijing originally from Shandong province, believes the Chinese buying behavior that is being picked up in research is deep seated in culture and what might be seen as erratic purchasing is just experimentation. "You have had an economy that has been growing very fast, and at the same time there has been broader access to foreign stuff," he says. "Chinese people are probably more keen on face-saving than Western consumers, which means they pay attention to their look, what they wear and what other items they buy such as mobile phones. It has been part of their culture forever." Zhao Na, 22, a part-time office worker who is studying horticulture at college, is typical of many young Chinese who are particularly attracted to South Korean products. "I like to buy makeup from South Korea. It is not necessarily a major expenditure. I only tend to spend between 100 and 200 yuan per item," she says. Zhao admits to being something of a follower of fashion, picking up ideas from various media. "I tend to follow the mainstream fashion trends online or in magazines. I keep an eye on popular food, clothes and makeup." Her partner, Rao Xin, also 22 and a horticulture student, believes it is women and not men who are behind some of the volatile consumer behavior in China. He says his recent major purchases such as the latest Nintendo 3DS games console was just a straightforward choice that a Western consumer of his age and demographic would make. "This is not just about Chinese. Men and women are different when buying things. We (men) tend to be more reasonable and less emotional than women and certainly less influenced by advertising. If I see something I like, I will decide whether I need it first before buying it." Feng and Tian, the retired couple, like many Chinese now often make expensive purchases while holidaying abroad, particularly in Europe. Tian has a Loewe jacket that was bought in Spain in 2013 for the equivalent of 25,000 yuan, which he says would have been 35,000 yuan in China. He also spent 50,000 on an Omega watch (75,000 yuan in China) and two Louis Vuitton belts for 2,500 yuan each, which would cost double at home. "It makes a lot of sense to buy such luxuries as these when abroad because they are far cheaper than they are in China, so you can combine a holiday with making such purchases." Lian, the cultural blogger, says she is not sure Chinese are so different to Westerners. She had just spent 500 yuan on some Uniqlo jeans and underwear as she found herself with some time on her hands. "I was just bored. I was in between two meetings, and if I could spend a little money and make myself happy, why not? I suppose you could say the purchase was driven by my emotions, if you want. It is essentially retail therapy." Contact the writers at andrewmoody@chinadaily.com.cn and yandongjie@chinadaily.com.cn China ready San Francisco Yvonne Chang, a docent at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, introduces the exhibition China at the Center on March 31 at the museum, which is launching a China Ready program to tap the growing Chinese tourist market. Both the current show, with two 400-year-old maps crafted by European Jesuit missionaries and Chinese scholars in the 17th century, and the upcoming exhibit The Emperors Treasures, consisting of 181 artifacts from the Palace Museum of Taiwan, are expected to be a major attractions for visitors from China. LIA ZHU / CHINA DAILY Judge rejects mistral motion for Liang Updated: 2016-04-15 04:57 (China Daily) A New York judge on Thursday rejected a mistrial motion for ex-New York City police officer Peter Liang, who was convicted of manslaughter in the fatal shooting of an unarmed man in the stairwell of a public housing project. Supreme Court Justice Denny Chun's ruling means that Liang will be sentenced on April 19 for shooting Akai Gurley in the stairwell of a Brooklyn housing project in 2014. Brooklyn District Attorney Kenneth Thompson has recommended Liang, 28, serve no prison time. Liang was on a routine vertical patrol, opened a door to the stairwell and accidentally fired his weapon. The bullet ricocheted and struck Gurley, who died at the scene. Liang's attorneys argued last week that juror Michael Vargas told lawyers during the jury selection process that no one in his family had been accused of a crime. But after the verdict, he told a newspaper that his father was sent to prison for accidentally shooting a friend to death. Liang's sentencing was delayed while the judge listened to both sides. Liang's sentencing was delayed due to the revelation that juror Michael Vargas had failed to disclose that his father had served seven years in prison for manslaughter. Liang's attorneys then found Facebook posts in which Vargas criticized police. Prosecutors then found comments from Vargas's Facebook this year in which he spoke positively about police. After a two-day hearing on the juror, Chun found that Vargas had not deliberately lied. Big tech summit set for Houston Updated: 2016-04-15 05:40 By May Zhou in Houston(China Daily USA) A large-scale US China Innovation and Investment Summit (UCIS) will be held in Houston from May 16 to 18, it was announced on Wednesday. The gathering aims to facilitate networking between US technology companies and potential partners in China. More than 150 Chinese investors, companies and incubators, as well as over 200 US tech companies are expected to attend. The conference is being co-organized by the US China Innovation Alliance, a Houston-based nonprofit that provides a platform to promote exchange and collaboration in innovation between China and the US; China Science and Technology Exchange Center, an affiliate of Chinas Ministry of Science and Technology; and the International Technology Transfer Network, a Chinese group devoted to promoting international technology transfer and innovation cooperation. The two Chinese organizers have developed this type of conference successfully in South Korea, Italy, and other European countries with fruitful results, and this is a replica of those successful models, according to Chen Hongsheng, consul and director of science and technology at the Chinese Consulate General in Houston. Chen said that the conference will provide an efficient and reliable platform to connect US innovation with Chinas manufacturing capabilities. Similar ties have been well-established between China and Silicon Valley in CA and areas of Boston, but as yet not with Texas and other southern states, Chen said. "In Texas alone, Houston, Austin, Dallas and San Antonio are on the list of the top 10 innovation cities in the US, yet little is known about them in China. So there are many opportunities still to be explored," said Chen. Chen said UCIS is a much needed forum for US companies looking for Chinese investment, manufacturing capabilities and market access, and for Chinese investors to discover investment opportunities in the latest technologies and products in the US. The 2016 UCIS will focus on three main industries: healthcare and biotechnology; energy and high tech; and technology, media and telecommunications. It has enlisted the help of major institutions such as Houston Technology Center, Texas Medical Center, UT Austin and the City of Houston as co-organizers. The conference will address the latest trends in China's outbound investment and opportunities and challenges for US tech companies to access the China market and capital. Investor mixers will bring players from both sides together to explore cross-border investment and business collaboration opportunities. Currently, the UCIS committee is gathering investment and business needs from US companies and pre-matching them with investors and corporations from China prior to the summit. Pre-matched groups will have the opportunity to have face-to-face meetings at the conference, according to Chen. More detailed information about the conference can be found online at uschinainnovation.org. East Coast, Midwest hospitals get patients from China Updated: 2016-04-15 12:12 By Amy he in New york(China Daily USA) US hospitals on the East Coast and in the Midwest are getting their share of patents from China seeking medical attention. Boston-based Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), the teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, said it sees hundreds of Chinese patients a year who travel from China to get second opinions on diagnoses or treatment for illnesses. "We see thousands of patients from around the world - China is one of our main ones at the moment - and some patients come here simply because of the reputation," said Dr Andrew Warshaw, senior consultant with international clinical relations at the hospital. "Some patients know us as the largest and primary teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, and our faculty, our physicians here are almost all faculty members at Harvard Medical School," he said. "There's a general aura of quality and expertise." The hospital and research facility, among the largest and most prestigious in the US, have hired Mandarin-speaking staff to accommodate patients who come through word-of-mouth recommendations from past patients or referrals from hospitals in China with which MGH has relationships. Warshaw said that most of the Chinese patients who come to MGH do so for second opinions on cancer, or for cancer-related treatment. The hospital does not have data on the types of illnesses that the Chinese patients go to MGH for, but anecdotally, he said that there are many cases of lung cancer, liver cancer or gastric issues. He said one reason why US hospitals may be seeing an increase in Chinese patients is that there are still not enough hospitals in China to treat the large population. "As the Chinese health system matures, more patients are being diagnosed with cancer and, of course, that increases the number of those who might be seeking care outside of China. Some of that is simply that they want to have care here at the Massachusetts General Hospital, because they know about us," he said. "Some of it may be that they have not gotten the answer that they desire within the Chinese health system, and are looking. We can't always do more than that - it's not that we can do miracles. We can often do more than can be done at a community hospital in China," he added. Jonathan Torrens-Burton, an operations administrator at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, said hospitals in China are overwhelmed by demand, and there are more wealthy Chinese who can afford to seek treatment outside of China. "I think it's partly down to patients who have the means to travel abroad, and seek what we'll call 'hope and healing overseas.' I think the economy in China has allowed people to seek care overseas because they're not finding the answers that they require within their own country," he said. "It is a self-pay effort when they do come - some do have insurance, but the majority are paying out of pocket." The Mayo Clinic, like MGH, mostly sees patients for second-opinion cases and oncology consultations, and does not track the number of patients they see from China or their ailments. According to Torrens-Burton, the patients use concierge medical travel agents, who help them navigate appointment booking, compiling documents and records, and making travel arrangements. The University Medical Center of Princeton in Plainsboro, New Jersey, created a similar program to meet the needs of Chinese patients. The executive health program is a concierge service established last July. It mostly sees patients for preventative care, according to Kristen Goehrig, customer relations manager at the hospital. Patients complete a 30- to 35-page health questionnaire prior to arriving that determines the kind of testing they need. After doctors review medical records and the questionnaire, they suggest testing. "We think that because of the reliability of what we do and the quality of it that people would value it, and they seem to be," Barry Rabner, president and CEO of the hospital. "We're pretty pleased with how that's going. We're looking at providing other healthcare services over time, but we want to do it slowly so that we get it right." The program so far has seen five patients from China, but Goehrig said the hospital anticipates the number will steadily increase. "There is still a meaningful number of people in China who don't trust the healthcare and delivery system quite enough. They're not certain about the reliability of the information they get or just the quality of the care they receive, so they go outside the country for care," said Rabner. In Maine, last July the Central Maine Medical Center and state officials announced that a former shoe manufacturing plant in Auburn will be turned into a five-star facility for Chinese traveling to the US for treatment. An agreement was reached with Beijing-based Shengtong Group of Beijing, which will invest $40 million to redevelop the factory into a hotel destination for wealthy Chinese who would recover at the hotel after receiving medical treatment from Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston. It can house 5,000 guests, according to officials. amyhe@chinadailyusa.com Guo Huiren was rewarded by the government for saving people. Huo Yan / China Daily The date July 13, 2010, is etched in the memory of Guo Huiren. It was the day five boys, two of whom were twins, drowned while swimming in the Yongjiang River in the southern city of Nanning. "I'll never forget it," the 62-year-old said of the event, which inspired him to launch a volunteer lifeguard service three days later with friends from the local winter-swimming club, in the hope of preventing similar tragedies. Guangxi Red Cross Life-Saving Volunteer Team started with just 10 members. Today it has more than 70, mostly retirees in their 60s. "All the lifeguards are volunteers, and we're all experienced swimmers," said Ou Jian, the team's captain. "Ten of us have received official lifeguard certificates from the local government. Almost everyone on the team has saved people more than once." Guo, one of its most skilled swimmers, has rescued about 30 people. However, this dates back to before the group started; he said his first was in 1983, when he helped save a woman who attempted suicide by jumping into the river. Most incidents involve young people or those unfamiliar with the river and its currents, he said. "The deepest part of the swimming area in Yongjiang River is more than 20 meters, but near the riverbank it is only 1 meter. This means it is very dangerous for outsiders, who swim too near to undercurrents, get pulled out and suddenly find they don't have the strength to swim back to the bank." Volunteers keep watch during the day and late into the evening, when swimming becomes even more hazardous. "We don't have figures on the number of people we've rescued," Ou said, "but we're ready to give a hand whenever anyone needs help." The team does not receive financial support from the local government or business, with members raising their own funds. Also, despite including the Red Cross in its name, it is not officially affiliated with the humanitarian organization. "Our group runs independently, but we are verified by the Red Cross Society and it has provided lots of support, such as offering training programs (for volunteers)," Guo said. In addition to providing a lifeguard service, the team also promotes safety education. Members organize free lessons on the riverbank for young people to learn first aid skills, as well as going into schools and community centers to offer advice on how to stay safe in and around waterways. Guo said most local people who swim in Yongjiang River now regularly use flotation devices, such as life buoys. "We call them tagalongs. If the swimmers encounter a dangerous situation, a tagalong can help them survive it," he said. "We teach people useful tricks like this, and more importantly we teach them to not panic, stay calm and maintain the correct position when facing danger." Yongjiang River, which runs through the center of Nanning, capital of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, is a popular swimming spot among residents, especially in the colder months. Winter swimming has been growing in popularity along the 133-kilometer waterway ever since Chairman Mao Zedong took a dip in January 1958 during a Communist Party of China meeting in Nanning. The activity reached a peak during the "cultural revolution" (1966-76), when the local government organized winter-swimming contests. Guan Hong started swimming in the river in 1993 at the behest of his father. "He was seriously ill at the time and I swam only occasionally. He persuaded me to swim every day, saying that staying healthy was the most important thing in life," he said. The 63-year-old is a member of the volunteer team and is among those to have received an official certificate form the regional government. He believes winter swimming is good for the heart and the rest of the body and to prove his point he said that, in 2006, after retiring, he cycled from Nanning to the northernmost part of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, the birthplace of his parents. "The whole trip lasted more than 20 days," Guan said. "When I reached my hometown, all my relatives were astonished. If I hadn't done all that winter swimming, I don't think I'd have been healthy or strong enough to ride such a long distance." Zhao Quan, 78, who has been swimming in the Yongjiang River since the 1960s, added: "Winter swimming is more than just a sport to Nanning people." Australia sending big delegation Updated: 2016-04-14 08:14 By Li Xiaokun(China Daily) Canberra 'must choose between economic interests, toeing US line' Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who is leading a 1,000-company delegation to China to tap the country's biggest export market, should be careful and considerate about Canberra's stance on the South China Sea, observers said. Beijing announced on Tuesday that Turnbull will visit China on Thursday and Friday and attend the annual China-Australia prime ministers' meeting. He is leading Australia's largest-ever trade mission to China. Representatives of the 1,000 companies will attend Australia Week in China events beginning on Monday in 12 cities. According to the Australian Associated Press, Turnbull will be warmly welcomed with talks and banquets with both President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang. It is his first visit to China since taking office in September. The visit comes right after Turnbull called China's military deployments in the South China Sea "counterproductive". Beijing has said the United States is militarizing the region with frequent patrols and that China has every right to construction in its own territory. Earlier this month, Australia for the first time joined a US-Philippines joint drill in the South China Sea, an exercise seen as apparently targeting China. Turnbull did not say whether the South China Sea issue would be raised in Beijing, when he was asked about it in Perth on Wednesday. Han Feng, deputy head of the National Institute of International Strategy of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said the 1,000-company delegation reflects the high expectations Australia pins on economic cooperation with China. Han said that although Australia is under pressure from the US on the South China Sea issue, he was sure that Australia knows its economic interests with China should come first. "It will be a test of Australian leaders' political wisdom," Han added. Zhang Yuyan, head of the Institute of World Economics and Politics of the CASS, said Australia's tendency to intervene on the South China Sea issue will "more or less" impact its economic cooperation with China, as "it is about China's core interests". "It will cast a shadow on the promising cooperation if such a tendency keeps developing," Zhang said. "Canberra has to view the situation comprehensively." The visit comes four months after the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement took effect. Under the agreement, more than 86 percent of Australian exports can enter China duty-free, rising to 94 percent in 2019 and 96 percent in 2029. lixiaokun@chinadaily.com.cn (China Daily 04/14/2016 page3) South Sudan joins the EAC block Updated: 2016-04-15 21:05 By Lucie Morangi(chinadaily.com.cn) The East African Community will be welcoming its sixth member tomorrow. President Salva Kiir and his counterpart John Pombe Magufuli of the United Republic of Tanzania are scheduled to sign the Treaty of Accession for the Republic of South Sudan in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. This comes about seven weeks after Heads of States from the five member block (Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania) agreed on admiting South Sudan as a new member following recommendations by the council of ministers. The event will usher in a new beginning to the country that will now be required to adhere to principles of good governance, democracy, rule of law, observance of human rights, and social justice. It also sends a positive sign of stability that had China playing an instrumental role in brokering peace in the young state while committing 700 troops on a peace keeping mission under the auspices of the United Nations. In January, 2015, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in Khartoum prior to the commencement of IGAD-led talks in Ethiopia where he met with delegations from the two warring factions. He later had talks with Sudan and Ethiopia's foreign affairs minister. A unity government was formed with Riek Machar, the leader of the opposition who was named Vice President in February. Unrest erupted in December 2013 when President Kiir and his former deputy had a falling out. It led to the displacement of hundreds of people. The entry of South Sudan strengthens the integration agenda by adding 11.3 million people to the total population of 143.5 million found in the blocks, according to June 2013 figures. Sisters at White House with sky-high 'Loki' Updated: 2016-04-15 13:17 By Ai Heping in New York(China Daily USA) US President Barack Obama speaks with Kimberly and Rebecca Yeung of Seattle during the 2016 White House Science Fair in Washington on Wednesday. Kevin Lamarque / Reuters "We'll remember this day for the rest of our lives," Rebecca and Kimberly Yeung wrote in a blog Thursday. The day was Wednesday and the two girls from Seattle displayed their scientific project along with other science whiz kids at President Barack Obama's final White House Science Fair. Rebecca, 11, and Kimberly, 9, brought their "Loki Lego Launcher" - a balloon "spacecraft" that they used to launch a photo of their late cat, Loki, to the edge of space. "That's unbelievable!" Obama told the Chinese-American girls. "You guys are amazing!" The sisters built the lightweight balloon craft out of plywood, bent archery arrow shafts and rope that floated 70,000 feet above the Earth. The craft's name - the Loki Lego Launcher - came from two pieces of cargo: a Lego figurine of R2D2 from the movie Star Wars and a picture of their late cat, Loki. There was also a flight computer, a GPS tracker, a temperature and pressure sensor and two GoPro camera. The Loki Lego Launcher rose to 78,000 feet before the balloon burst on its launch date in September 2015. The Associated Press reported that after examining the Loki Lego Launcher, Obama said, "But cow poop didn't get on this? You're sure?" Writing in their blog, the girls said:"We were nervous when he was talking to the other kids, but we weren't nervous when he was talking to us. We got to shake the president's hand. He is really tall, Kimberly had to stretch her neck up to look at him. It was really exciting." And they added: "We liked it a lot when he said: 'Give me a first bump. I'm proud of you guys.'" aiheping@chinadaily.com.cn Ex-cop Liang faces sentencing on April 19 Updated: 2016-04-15 13:17 By Hezi Jiang in New York(China Daily USA) Former New York police offi cer Peter Liang is led from the court room at the Brooklyn Supreme court in this fi le photo. Liang on Thursday lost a bid to set aside his manslaughter conviction. Reuters Ex-New York police officer Peter Liang will face sentencing for his manslaughter conviction on April 19 after a New York judge on Thursday rejected a mistrial motion in the fatal shooting of an unarmed man in the stairwell of a Brooklyn public housing project. Supreme Court Justice Denny Chun issued his ruling after two days of hearings. Liang could face up to 15 years imprisonment, but on March 23 Brooklyn District Attorney Kenneth Thompson recommended that instead of jail time, Chun sentence Liang to five years probation with six months of home confinement and 500 hours of community service. Liang was convicted in the fatal shooting of Akai Gurley in 2014. Gurley was not armed. Liang was on a routine vertical patrol, opened a door to the stairwell and he said that he accidentally fired his weapon. The bullet ricocheted and struck Gurley, who died at the scene. In the mistrial motion, Liang's lawyers argued that juror Michael Vargas, 62, "lied knowingly and for the purpose of securing a seat on the jury". But Chun found that Vargas had not deliberately lied. Vargas told the judge during jury selection process that no close family of his had been accused of a crime. But after the verdict, a newspaper quoted him saying his father served more than seven years in prison for accidentally shooting a friend. Vargas said that he didn't disclose his father's crime because he didn't consider him a close family member, and he didn't know the details of the crime. Asked when was the last time he met his father, Vargas said it was "35, 40 years ago". Liang's attorneys also questioned Vargas about his posts on Facebook about police misconduct and his comments. During cross-examination, prosecutors asked Vargas about Facebook posts in which he spoke positively about police. hezijiang@chinadailyusa.com 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. Indian firms are increasing their investments in Viet Nam. Indian enterprises poured over $230 million into Viet Nam last year, bringing their country's total progressive foreign direct investment in Viet Nam to more than $530 million. Illustrative image/ Photo baodautu.vn HA NOI Viet Nam News - Viet Nam would create favourable conditions and offer incentives for Indian firms to invest in Viet Nam, said Vietnamese Ambassador to India Ton Sinh Thanh. Economic ties were also the focus at events between Viet Nam and Belgium, and Viet Nam and Mexico held the same day in Brussels and Mexico, respectively. The Vietnamese Embassy in India and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) co-organised a conference entitled, Invest Vietnam 2016 in New Delhi on Tuesday. Speaking at a conference, Thanh highlighted the expanding Indian investment in Viet Nam and the great potential for investment links between the two countries enterprises. Viet Nam welcomes Indian companies to invest in the oil and gas industry, textiles, parts supply industries, pharmaceuticals, food processing, IT, mechanics, infrastructure development and renewable energy, he stated. Viet Nam has participated in 12 free trade agreements (FTAs) and has become a major gateway for exports into many large markets such as the US, Japan and the European Union, he said, adding that Viet Nam is now an attractive destination for foreign investors. Viet Nam commends the Indian Government for setting up its US$100 million special fund, which supports Indian companies to build production and supply chains in Cambodia, Laos, Viet Nam and Myanmar, Thanh said. The Viet Nam-India Strategic Partnership has been strengthened in recent years, facilitating economic co-operation between the two countries, he added. According to the ambassador, along with enhanced links in trade and tourism, Indian firms are increasing their investments in Viet Nam. Indian enterprises poured over $230 million into Viet Nam last year, bringing their countrys total progressive foreign direct investment in Viet Nam to more than $530 million. Vice Director of the Export Import Bank of India, Nirmit Ved, said there were many reasons for foreign partners to invest in Viet Nam, citing its rapid economic growth, strategic position in Southeast Asia and strengthened international economic relations. Vietnamese representatives from the Foreign Investment Agency also introduced the countrys fields of strength and the Vietnamese Governments preferential policies on tax and land leases. On the same day at a conference in Brussels, Nabil Jijakli, an expert from the Credendo Group emphasised that Belgium should look to trade ties with Viet Nam, where stable politics stimulate economic growth. Jijakli said Viet Nams average growth rate above 6 per cent is a dream for many western countries. According to him, the key to Viet Nams success lies in its geographical location in Southeast Asia and literate young population. These factors help boost industrial development, particularly in the manufacturing sector. However, Jijakli also noted challenges facing Viet Nam, including a slowdown in the global economy and neighbouring China an economic powerhouse in Asia. Participating businessmen praised the Vietnamese market, saying it has the potential for European investment in technology, the environment and manufacturing. A seminar analysing achievements in Viet Nams foreign policy, oi Moi (Renewal), and international integration was also held in Mexico on Tuesday. At the seminar, Ambassador Le Linh Lan briefed participants on major milestones in Viet Nams regional and international integration, especially the countrys role in the formation of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The ambassador also expressed her joy at the strengthened co-operation between the two countries, especially in economics. Two-way trade reached a record in 2015, hitting $2.23 billion, up 55.7 per cent year-on-year. In the first two months of this year, the figure was $320.46 million, up 32.17 per cent over the same period last year. Participants of the seminar lauded Viet Nams foreign policy, socio-economic achievements and its efforts to build a peaceful and prosperous nation. VNS Legislators unanimously agreed that the extension was necessary and would play a key role in boosting economic relations between the two countries. File Photo HCM CITY Viet Nam News - The National Assemblys decision last week to extend visas for US citizens to one year has been welcomed by businesspeople and analysts who say it will boost bilateral trade and tourism. Patrick McNeal, general director of ONP, a US wood products exporting company, told Viet Nam News, It is a wise move. If Viet Nam wants to increase foreign investment, it must make it easy for investors to come to Viet Nam to do business. If a person already has a one-year visa, making a trip can be as simple as buying an airline ticket. If a person must apply for a visa before making a trip, there might not be enough time to arrange for the trip before the opportunity disappears. Having to deal with the uncertainties of how long it will take to get a visa makes fitting a trip into a tight schedule very difficult. Nguyen Viet Ha, managing director of BowerGroup Asia was quoted as saying by au tu (Vietnam Investment Review) newspaper that the change would help Viet Nam attract more investors and tourists from the US. She said that the biggest obstacle to US investment in Viet Nam used to be getting a visa, which was valid for only three months and could not be extended. Legislators unanimously agreed that the extension was necessary and would play a key role in boosting economic relations between the two countries. Nguyen Mai, former deputy chairman of the National Committee for Co-operation and Investment, said if the visa situation was thought to be an obstacle, it was reasonable to amend it. The extension would surely enhance trade, investment and tourism between the two countries, he said. VNS After selling about 78 million shares of the Airports Corporation of Viet Nam (ACV) in its initial public offering last December, the MoT approved a list of strategic investors, share prices, and the first general shareholders meeting of the ACV.. File Photo HA NOI The Ministry of Transport (MoT) will divest more than VN6.3 trillion (US$282 million) from 59 non-core enterprises in the second quarter of 2016, said deputy minister Nguyen Ngoc ong on Tuesday. ong said in the first quarter, the MoT divested from nine non-core businesses, earning more than VN2 trillion. Also in Q1, the ministry held the first shareholders general meetings for the 25 joint stock companies which were converted from State-owned firms under its management. After selling about 78 million shares of the Airports Corporation of Viet Nam (ACV) in its initial public offering last December, the MoT approved a list of strategic investors, share prices, and the first general shareholders meeting of the ACV. The ministry was also completing documents for the Viet Nam Expressway Corporation (VEC) plan to raise its charter capital from VN1 trillion to VN72.6 trillion by 2019 and implementing the equitisation of the firm. Since December 2004, VEC has developed the biggest highway projects in Viet Nam including Cau Gie Ninh Binh, Noi Bai Lao Cai and HCM City Long Thanh Dau Giay, the a Nang Quang Ngai highway and the Ben Luc Long Thanh highway. It is also preparing for the construction of the Ha Noi Lang Son highway. ong said the MoT asked the Prime Minister to approve the equitisation plan of Nam Thang Long Hospital in Ha Noi. The MoT was the most active ministry in carrying out the equitisation of State-owned firms. By the end of 2015, MoT had exceeded its equitisation targets by successfully equitising 137 State-owned including 16 large-scale corporations. VNS Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Hai Binh. File Photo HA NOI Viet Nam News - Viet Nam welcomes the G7 Foreign Ministers statement that affirms a common goal of safeguarding aviation and maritime security and respect for international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Le Hai Binh said. Binh made the statement in response to a Vietnam News Agency reporters query on Viet Nams reaction to the G7 Foreign Ministers statement that expressed concerns over the situation in the East Sea during the ministrys regular news conference in Ha Noi yesterday. Viet Nam asks for parties concerned to make practical contributions to the maintenance of peace, stability and obedience to the law in seas and oceans, he said. The Foreign Ministers of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the US, as well as a representative from the European Union, met in Hiroshima, Japan, on April 10 and 11 to discuss issues related to counter-terrorism and global security. They reaffirmed their commitment to further international co-operation on maritime security and safety in a statement released on April 11. We reiterate our commitment to the freedoms of navigation and overflight and other internationally lawful uses of the high seas and exclusive economic zones, as well as to the related rights and freedoms in other maritime zones, including the rights of innocent passage, transit passage and archipelagic sea lane passage consistent with international law, the statement said. We express our strong opposition to any intimidating, coercive or provocative unilateral actions that could alter the status quo and increase tensions, and urge all states to refrain from such actions such as land reclamation - including large scale ones and the building of outposts, as well as their use for military purposes, the statement noted. VNS HCM CITY Vietjet is offering 50,000 promotional tickets from just zero dollars to celebrate the new international routes from HCM City to Kuala Lumpur, and Tainan City. The promotion, which runs from now to April 18, is available between noon and 2pm. It applies for all tickets on routes connecting HCM City with Kuala Lumpur, Tainan and Taipei. The travel period for HCM CityKuala Lumpur route is from June 1 to October 30, while for HCMTainan/Taipei route is from June 22 to October 30 (excluding public holidays). The HCM CityTainan City route will be operated every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from June 22 and takes about three hours and 15 minutes per leg. Meanwhile, daily flights will be available on the HCM CityKuala Lumpur route from June. Flying time is about one hour and 55 minutes. The airline will also increase flight frequency between HCM City and Taipei from one daily round trip to two round trips from June 18 with a flight time of three hours 25 minutes. HA NOI Traditional art performances by troupes from Indonesia, the Philippines and Russia opened the Viet Nam International Travel Mart (VITM) 2016 yesterday in Ha Noi. The troupes performed on the outdoor stage, while visitors walked around the indoor exhibition area and enjoyed cultural specialities from various countries, such as Thai massage and Taiwans pineapple cake. All goods and services were offered free of charge to the visitors. This year, Viet Nam impressed visitors with its Northwestern House, a 500sq.m. exhibition centre built in the shape of a traditional ethnic house to introduce destinations in the northwestern provinces. Apart from being used as an exhibition area for tourism and travel, it also features local specialities, traditional crafts and artworks. During the travel mart, visitors to the area will have a chance to enjoy traditional dances and instrumental music and to watch handicrafts being made by people of various ethnicities. Dancer Svetlana Subina from the Russian Cultural Centre in St Petersburg City said she came to Viet Nam with three musicians and 11 other dancers. Viet Nam and Russia have a long-standing friendship, she said. We love Viet Nam; it is one of our favourite countries in Asia that we have always wanted to visit. Subina said the VITM impressed her with its numerous well-decorated booths that introduced various destinations and the tourism potential in Viet Nam. By attending the fair, I now know much more about Viet Nam. Before, I just knew about the beaches, such as Nha Trang and a Nang, but now, I know that Viet Nam has a spectacular mountainous landscape, mangrove forests and a rich culture. With the theme Viet Nam The paradise of sea and island tourism, the VITM focused on introducing the tourism potential of the coastal provinces and offered many sea and island tourism products. Thousands of tourist packages, with discounts of up to 40 percent, will be offered at the event. Some 15,000 tours with a 20-30 per cent discount and 20,000 cheap airline tickets will be sold at the event, according to Vu The Binh, head of the organisation board. VITM hosts many press briefings, workshops and conferences to promote tourism and discuss problems and solutions. This is the biggest professional tourism event of the year. VITM can be compared with regional travel marts due to its capacity, scale and quality, Binh said. Last year, VITM attracted 3,000 enterprises and 55,000 visitors. It worked really well, as many products were sold and many businesses have found opportunities to co-operate with each other. Vietrantour was the leader among the companies with the highest income from VITM 2014 and 2015. This year, it is offering discounts of up to 30 per cent for 9,999 international and domestic tours at the fair, the companys deputy director, Pham Bich Ngoc, said. The first day of the travel mart was reserved for participating enterprises to exchange and sign co-operation contracts. It will open to the public today and run until Sunday at the Exhibition Fair Centre on 148 Giang Vo Street, Ha Noi. It was reported that 18.7 million Vietnamese travelled for leisure in the first quarter of this year, while the total number from last year was 30 million. VNS The best destinations in Viet Nam were announced at VITM 2016s opening ceremony. 1. Best resorts: InterContinental Da Nang Sun Peninsula Resort (a Nang) Vinpearl Phu Quoc Resort (Kien Giang) Six Senses Con ao Resort (Ba RiaVung Tau) 2. Best amusement parks: Vinpearl Land Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa) ai Nam Van Hien tourism complex (Binh Duong) am Sen Park (HCM City) 3. Best museums: Viet Nam Museum of Ethnology (Ha Noi) War Remnants Museum (HCM City) Hue Museum of Royal Antiquities (Thua Thien-Hue) 4. Best craft villages: Bat Trang Pottery Village (Ha Noi) Thanh Tien Paper Flower Village (Thua Thien-Hue) Thanh Ha Pottery Village (Quang Nam) 5. Best beaches: My Khe Beach (a Nang) Nha Trang Beach (Khanh Hoa) Quan Lan Beach (Quang Ninh) BEIRUT Fighting escalated around Syrias second city Aleppo on Thursday, as a Russian-backed government offensive strained a landmark ceasefire and threatened a new round of peace talks in Geneva. Government fighters, rebels and jihadists battled for control of swathes of Aleppo province, threatening a nearly seven-week ceasefire that had seen violence drop for the first time in the five-year conflict. Administration loyalists backed by Russian air power pressed a fierce offensive just north of the provincial capital of Aleppo city, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Fighting was heaviest around Handarat, a hilly area that lies along a route leading north out of opposition-held parts of the city. Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said government forces were seeking to cut off that road and "completely besiege" eastern neighbourhoods. An AFP correspondent in opposition-held eastern Aleppo city said the booming crashes of strikes could be heard throughout the day, but no raids hit the city itself. "Were overwhelmed once again by fears of a government siege of Aleppo, after weeks of a ceasefire that may have just collapsed," said Ali Saber, a 32-year-old father of one living in Aleppo. The assault has sparked "strong concerns" in Washington about the ceasefire, which saw violence plummet after it took effect on February 27. A senior US administration official said the offensive "could well violate the cessation of hostilities, which has... been under increasing pressure in recent weeks". European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini also expressed concern about the Aleppo offensive and called for the "respect, consolidation, and expansion" of the truce. Representatives of Bashar al-Assads regime are expected in Geneva on Friday for peace talks with UN envoy Staffan de Mistura, who criticised the government for hindering efforts to deliver life-saving assistance to Syrians in need. Disappointing aid situation President Vladimir Putin, Assads main backer, said during an annual call-in show on Russian TVB on Thursday that he was "closely following" the latest spike in violence. Putin last month announced a partial pullout from Syria, but warned Russia could return in full force should the situation require it. The UN fears that the humanitarian situation may deteriorate once again after reporting significant progress through the first two weeks of March. "We are extremely concerned about the situation in northern Syria, including Aleppo governorate, where there has been a significant increase in incidents of violence that continue to aggravate the humanitarian situation," a UN humanitarian official said. The official said the UN was planning several aid deliveries to Afrin and Azaz - two flashpoint areas in the province -- in the coming days. But UN envoy de Mistura said restrictions by Damascus have frustrated efforts to deliver much-needed assistance to besieged Syrians. Despite several UN Security Council resolutions that call for unobstructed aid access to besieged areas, the regime continues to frequently deny passage to convoys carrying assistance. "Everyone in the meeting was disappointed," de Mistura told reporters after a weekly meeting of the so-called humanitarian taskforce on Thursday. "Many of (the countries) are actually frustrated by the lack of new convoys," he added, naming Douma and Daraya, both besieged by the regime near Damascus, as being in dire need of aid. De Mistura said he made some progress in Damascus by securing tentative permission to distribute medical supplies. But he said that the government had specifically excluded surgical equipment, anti-anxiety pills and atropine, which can be used to guard against poison -- including sarin gas. AFP HA NOI Ha Noi must step up inspections on hot spots at whole sale markets such as Long Bien, Nga Tu So and Phung Khoang markets to block contaminated food from being moved to small-scale markets within the city, a health official said. Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long said on Wednesday at a meeting with the citys authorities that he hoped a similar team like the citys Task Force 141 could be set up for food safety inspectors. The Task Force 141 is made up of mobile police and traffic police who detect and prevent hooliganism and criminal activities, including theft and traffic violations. We hope food safety inspectors will be police officers who can impose punishments right after the violations are discovered, Long said. He pointed out that many ward-level food safety and hygiene inspectors in Ha Noi lack knowledge about regulations, leading to ineffective inspections. The trial model of food inspectors at ward level, following the Prime Ministers decision, kicked off in January this year. It aims to set up forces at ward level in the city who are allowed to make unscheduled inspections and impose punishments on the spot. The force at each ward includes medical officers, judicial officers and police officers, and must be led by a leader of the wards Peoples Committee. Ten wards of five districts in Ha Noi have joined the model so far. However, the model shows a lot of weaknesses. Officers have to take over several positions at their ward so it is very hard for them to complete the task of inspectors, local authorities of the ten wards said at the meeting. In fact, most of the inspections were planned and announced to the sellers five to seven days before, they added. They said that punishments for the violations remain humble - mostly warnings and reminders. Ha Thi Le Nhung, deputy chairwoman of the Peoples Committee of ong a District, one of the districts joining the model, said that food producers and businesses in the district were located in tiny alleys or did not have fixed locations. That, plus a shortage of inspectors, made the process difficult. Hoang uc Hanh, deputy director of the municipal Health Department, said that the inspectors only checked business licences, infrastructure and equipment. They didnt check the origins of the food. Inspectors needed to be taught how to take food samples for testing. VNS A doctor examines a baby at hospital. The number of children in many localities being hospitalised has kept increasing over recent days due to unfavourable weather conditions. Photo nguoiduatin.vn HA NOI The number of children in many localities being hospitalised has kept increasing over recent days due to unfavourable weather conditions. Unusual changes between hot and cold weather, coupled with rains and high humidity has created conditions for the development of diseases in children, according to doctors. Most of the children have been hospitalised for diseases relating to respiratory problems like bronchitis and pneumonia, digestive ailments or dengue fever. The Ha Noi-based National Hospital of Pediatrics has received around 3,500 children for health check-ups and treatment each day over the past week, according to Head of the hospitals Health Check-up Department Truong Thuy Vinh. The figure represents an increase of 500-1,000 children compared to an average day. Unusual changes in weather conditions have caused many children to suffer from diseases relating to respiratory problems. There were days when 70-80 per cent of children that I checked had respiratory problems, said Nguyen Thi Mai Hoan, deputy head of the hospitals Respiratory Disease Department. When the weather changed, children, especially those with weak immune systems, were more likely to catch respiratory diseases, she said. The respiratory department is always overloaded on these days, forcing us to make use of spaces along corridors and between patients rooms to place some beds and baby cots for the kids, but some children still had to share beds, she said. Director of the Ha Nois Preventive Health Centre, Nguyen Nhat Cam, warned that there was a high risk of outbreaks of these diseases if no measures were taken by authorised agencies, hospitals and the local people. Meanwhile, in HCM City, apart from the risks of spreading of dengue fever and Zika virus, hospitals have also had to continue dealing with respiratory diseases and hand-foot-mouth disease. The municipal Health Department reported that 84 children were hospitalised for hand-foot-mouth disease last week, 12 per cent more than the figure for the whole past month. It brings the total number of patients with hand-foot-mouth disease to 952. In the Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang, the number of children being hospitalised also increased as a result of the prolonged hot weather. Most of them suffered from respiratory diseases, dengue fever, diarrhea and hand-foot-mouth disease. The Tien Giang Hospital admitted more than 100 children each day for such diseases, said director of the provincial Health Department Tran Thanh Thao. The province recorded nearly 600 cases of dengue fever and 140 cases of hand-foot-mouth disease by the end of March, Thao said. VNS HA NOI Ha Nois Peoples Committee has decided to restrict the operation of cranes at construction sites, which would likely affect traffic and neighbouring construction projects. Specifically, cranes would only be allowed to operate between 10pm and 6am, and warning systems and safety guidelines must be installed at the construction sites. Crane operators must have professional qualification certificates, safety certificates and licences to operate cranes on construction sites. The move aims to curb potential risks of fatal accidents caused by the misuse of cranes in the city. Since earlier this year, a number of accidents caused by the misuse of cranes have occurred in the city. No fatalities were reported, but it caused panic to nearby residents and damaged peoples houses. In HCM City, the citys authorised agencies also began inspecting construction sites. Huynh Tan Dung, chief inspector of the municipal Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, told the Sai Gon Giai Phong (Liberated Sai Gon) newspaper that from now until May 10, the department would perform 100 inspections of labour safety in high-rise buildings. Another 100 tests on regulations related to construction cranes would also be administered, he said. Up to 24 local authorities at district levels would revise the labour safety codes of residential construction works, he added. Currently, the city has more than 500 ongoing high-rise construction projects, which utilise 200 tower cranes. Dung said the number of fatal occupational accidents within the construction sector was alarming, accounting for 50-60 per cent of the total number of all occupational accident fatalities in the city. Since the beginning of this year, 17 out of 19 occupational accidents in HCM City were caused by the misuse of construction cranes. The data revealed that occupational accidents in this field had not been effectively controlled, he said. Dung said a campaign must be implemented promptly to solve the problem. Apart from issuing strict penalties to construction enterprises, it was necessary to change the mindset of these enterprises, Dung said. -- VNS HA NOI Nine sixth grade schoolboys drowned yesterday afternoon while they were swimming in a section of the Tra Khuc River in central Quang Ngai Provinces Thanh Khiet Village. Following investigations by local police, divers discovered the bodies of the nine victims at about 4:50pm after two hours of searching. The victims, who were classmates, were believed to have studied at Nghia Ha Secondary School. All of the victims were identified. The families of the victims have taken their bodies to bury. Nguyen Huu Cuong, a villager, said at 2pm, he passed by the river and saw nine sets of school uniforms, but no children. He called for villagers to dive into the river to find the children. According to Tuoi tre (Youth) online newspaper, the river section the students swam in was an area many people had drowned in before. Colonel Vo Van Duong, deputy head of the provincial Police Department went to the scene to direct the search and console the victims families. Presenting his heartfelt condolences to the victims families yesterday, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc required the provincial Peoples Committee to instruct local competent authorities to quickly visit, console and support the families of the dead schoolboys and take measures to resolve the consequences. The move also aims to proactively prevent drowning accidents among students during the summertime. The PM also called for the Ministry of Education and Training, and Peoples Committees of localities nationwide to strengthen the management of students and children, organise safe summer activities, and enhance swimming instruction for students. Statistics from the Ministry of Health revealed that on average nine children died from drowning every day last year in Viet Nam. Drowning is one of the main causes of child death in Viet Nam. VNS THE DEVIL'S CHESSBOARD Allen Dulles, the CIA and the Rise of America's Secret Government David Talbot HarperCollins 686 pages; Rs 899 A biography of Allen Dulles 47 years after his death would have struggled for context but for the US presidential primaries. Republican frontrunner Donald Trump's swashbuckling assertions on US intervention in West Asia, a crude amplification of the "neocon" agenda, may dismay even conservative right wingers. But this substantial book on the Central Intelligence Agency's longest serving director (1953-1961) shows why braggadocio-as-foreign-policy retains a certain popularity in America 26 years after the Cold War. The Devil's Chessboard aims to show how Dulles, in partnership with his brother John Foster, Secretary of State under President Eisenhower, shaped and projected America's global power in a way that found ready successors in Lyndon B Johnson, Ronald Reagan and George W Bush and the disasters and scandals of Vietnam, Iran, Iraq and Afghanistan. The book covers mostly familiar ground but still makes for a compelling read. Mr Talbot, a founder and former editor-in -chief of Salon, tells the story with light-handed skill that masks a prodigious amount of research. He scours recently discovered US documents and personal journals (including of Dulles' wife and mistress), interviews intelligence sources across the Atlantic and children of CIA officials (including Dulles' daughter) to build a rivetting portrait of one of the most unfathomable men in American public life. The Dulles brothers' role in Iran, where they engineered the overthrow of the popularly elected Mohammad Mossadegh to reinstate the egregious Shah Reza Pahlavi, and Guatemala, where they drove out Jacobo Arbenz, and the U2 scandal, which embarrassed Eisenhower on the eve of peace talks with the Soviet Union, are well documented here as elsewhere. Mr Talbot, however, does well to remind us of the tragic fate of Patrice Lumumba and the Congo, also a Dulles operation, days before the Kennedy administration took charge. The shrill anti-Communism of the Joseph McCarthy era legitimated all these interventions but the real purposes were linked - then as now - inexorably with American business. For the Dulles brothers, those interests were personal, in Sullivan and Cromwell, the law firm in which both had been partners and whose clients these coups served (the similarity with the Dick Cheney-Haliburton-Iraqi invasion link is hard to miss). Big Oil and the Iranian debacle, United Fruit Company and the Guatemalan coup, these are well remembered, but Mr Talbot has also written in fascinating detail about the brothers' less-known wartime activities. John, the older, was still a partner in Sullivan and Cromwell, and Allen was an officer with the Office of Strategic Services, the CIA's predecessor, in Switzerland, by then well established as the haven for financing the Nazi war machine. The chapter titled "The Double Agent" traces how the brothers leveraged the secrecy of the Swiss banking system to parley massive US investments in the firm's German clients like IG Farben and Krupp, integral cogs in Hitler's military-industrial complex. Mr Talbot also documents Dulles' post-war role in rescuing several of the Nazi regime's most notorious officials - among them SS General Karl Wolff, Heinrich Himmler's chief of staff and commander of Nazi security forces in Italy, his deputy Eugen Dollman and Reinhard Gehlen, Hiltler's intelligence chief on the Eastern Front. He has probably exaggerated Dulles' influence in the infamous "Ratline" policy that prompted the Allies to soften towards "useful Nazis" in their new rivalry against the Soviet Union. But he does create a persuasive picture of the rank amorality, developed in the first flush of victory, that informed the American post-war political establishment, which threw up politicians like McCarthy and Richard Nixon and provided ample scope for men of Dulles' sinister talents. Dulles' leadership of the CIA created a twisted legacy in which thought experiments - to which he even subjected his son who suffered the effects of a head wound in the Korean War - and covert operations were given official sanction. Establishing this is one part of Mr Talbot's intention in writing this book. The Devil's Chessboard takes the Dulles story a step further to raise the old suspicion that he was connected with the plot to assassinate John F Kennedy, the president who dismissed him after the Bay of Pigs fiasco. Sacked and discredited after that ill-fated operation to oust Fidel Castro, Dulles nursed deep grievances against the young president. His refusal to provide air cover for Dulles' operation was the immediate reason for this disgruntlement, but the old spy, who retained links with CIA dissidents and old Cuba hands after he stepped down, was also dismayed by Kennedy's softer foreign policy stance. His membership of the famous Warren Commission investigation into Kennedy's assassination was odd enough but the ludicrous conclusion of a lone, deranged gun man was a patent cover-up, acknowledged even then. Eventually, writes Mr Talbot, even Dulles' loyal mistress and long-time confidante believes he is implicated in the whitewash. Though the book is kinder to Kennedy than warranted, Mr Talbot raises questions and hypotheses that point the needle of suspicion inexorably in Dulles' direction, clarifying issues that were raised even then (hinted at in Oliver Stone's gripping Kevin Costner-starrer JKF ). The careful investigation provides convincing evidence but stops short of the expose we're promised. With many key documents destroyed or yet to be declassified, we'll probably never know. But as a portrait of power without accountability, this biography of Allen Dulles is well-timed in the current political milieu. The opening page of the website of Freedom 251, pitched as the worlds cheapest smartphone, assures customers of its best intentions and says fresh bookings have been closed. The letter from the team also says the company has decided to offer only cash-on-delivery to avoid any inconvenience and is in the process of compiling all the emails it received from customers and will issue phones to the first 2.5 million registrations very soon. There is no reference to the fact that the management was forced to refund its customers the entire booking money of Rs 63 crore raised during the initial registration, priced at Rs 251. These are yet to see the light of day even though the promised time (mid-April) when the first lot was supposed to be delivered has passed. Freedom 251s launch in February must be a distant memory for its promoters who find themselves in a legal mess. The three key people behind the idea of Mohit Kumar Goel, Dharna Garg and Ashok Kumar Chadha are currently fighting cases in the Allahabad High Court to avoid arrests for collecting money through an alleged Ponzi scheme. A Ponzi scheme is a fraudulent money collection cycle in which investors are paid returns from newly collected investments rather than from profit made through legitimate business operations. While Goel is the majority stake holder in Ringing Bells, the company behind Freedom 251, Chadha is the president. Garg is Goels wife and does not have any ownership rights directly. The promoters were dragged to court on the basis of a first information report (FIR) filed by Kirit Somaiya, a member of Parliament. The FIR accused Goel and the company of cheating and dishonesty under Section 420 of the Indian Penal Code, among others. However, Abhishek Vikram, the promoters lawyer, says the FIR is an attempt to derail the launch. A division Bench, comprising B K Narayan and R N Mishra, has given them some temporary relief though, by asking authorities not to take coercive action till May 18, the next date of hearing. The Bench has also permitted the promoters to file an application for the release of their passports, which were seized. But legal hurdles are not the only ones that stand in the way. While the cost management and sustainability of the project has been questioned by established players in the market and industry experts, there were several other contradictions in the companys claims. During the February 18 launch event, Chadha and Goel said the handsets would be manufactured at company-owned units in Uttarakhand. Six days later, he told Business Standard that the devices were being imported from third-party manufacturers in Taiwan and would reach customers from mid-April. This version also changed within a fortnight. This time, the products, they said, would be made at two plants in Noida and Janakpuri in Delhi, operated by partners of the company. Various government agencies like the Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax Department have also sprung into action to look into Ringing Bells. The promoters list of woes increased after Adcom Mobiles, the seller of the prototypes that Chadha and Goel showcased during the launch graced by Bharatiya Janata Party veteran Murli Manohar Joshi, threatened to sue the company over violation of usage rights. Ringing Bells did not have rights to use its phones commercially, Sanjeev Bhatia, founder and chairman of Advantage Computers (Adcom), alleged. India and Saudi Arabia have agreed to conclude discussions regarding concrete investment proposals in the petroelum and natural gas sectors in a time-bound manner. Both countries have also agreed to appoint high level negotiation teams for various projects which would be periodically reviewed at the minister level. These terms were agreed to during Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan's one-day official visit to Riyadh today. Pradhan met Saudi Arabia's Vice Minister for Petroleum Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud and Health Minister and Chairman of Aramco Mr. Khalid Al Falih. He also visited the headquarters of SABIC, the second largest petrochemical company in the world. Pradhan's visit comes close on the heels of the successful visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Saudi Arabia on April 2-3, 2016. Pradhan was accompanied by India's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and the CEOs of ONGC Limited, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited. During the visit of Prime Minister Modi, ways to enhancing cooperation in oil and gas sector was one of the key issues discussed with the Saudi leadership. Pradhan shared details of various investment opportunities in India in downstream and upstream sectors. He also elaborated on the hydrocarbon exploration licensing policy (HELP) and the discovered small fields policy and invited the Saudi side to invest in Indian upstream sector. Similarly the Saudi side provided details of investment opportunities for Indian companies in their country. Saudi Arabia has been the largest supplier of crude oil to India. Saudi Arabia supplied about 40 MMT of crude to India during 2015-16, accounting for about 20% of total crude imports. India also imported about 3 MMT of LPG which is around 28 percent of our total LPG imports. 04:34 Jim Chalmers has to start making some hard decisions Former Victorian Liberal Party President Michael Kroger says Treasurer Jim Chalmers is just like a commentator simply telling us the... 03:00 A number of issues with Victorian governments energy plan The Australians Environment Editor Graham Lloyd says there are a number of issues with the Victorian governments decision to boost the... 06:00 The game is up for despicable Lidia Thorpe Sky News host Chris Smith says he believes the game is up for the "despicable" Greens Senator Lidia Thorpe, following recent revelations.... 06:06 Distinct intensification of concerns about Taiwan Former US deputy assistant secretary of defence Elbridge Colby says theres a distinct intensification" of concerns about Taiwan in the... 05:48 Entitled and small-minded: Netball Australia has cooked its greatest golden egg Netball Australia is about to learn the lesson, "go woke and you go broke" the hard way, says Sky News host Chris Smith. Strong quake kills 9, injures 800 in Japan TOKYO (AP) At least nine people were killed and more than 800 injured by a magnitude 6.5 earthquake Thursday night that toppled houses and buckled roads in southern Japan, the governments chief spokesman said. About 44,000 people sought refuge, though some returned home this morning. The quake struck at a depth of 7 miles near Kumamoto city on the island of Kyushu, the Japan Meteorological Agency said. There was no tsunami risk. The worst damage was in the town of Mashiki, 9 miles east of Kumamoto city on the island of Kyushu. The area is 800 miles southwest of Tokyo. Tennessee governor vetoes Bible bill NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) Republican Gov. Bill Haslam on Thursday vetoed a bill seeking to make Tennessee the first state to designate the Bible as its official book. Haslam, who considered entering a seminary before deciding to join the family truck stop business after college, said in his veto message the bill trivializes the Bible, which I believe is a sacred text. The bill had narrowly passed both chambers of the Tennessee General Assembly after sponsors said it aimed at honoring the significance of the Bible in the states history and economy, as opposed to a government endorsement of religion. The state attorney general warned it violated both the U.S. and Tennessee constitutions. Trump aide wont face battery charges WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) Donald Trumps campaign manager wont be prosecuted for battery after briefly grabbing a female reporters arm at a campaign event, but prosecutors said Thursday the situation might have been avoided with two simple words: Im sorry. State Attorney Dave Aronberg said at a news conference there wasnt enough evidence to justify bringing misdemeanor simple battery charges against Corey Lewandowski for the March 8 dustup with Michelle Fields, then a reporter for the conservative Breitbart News website. Although police in Jupiter, Fla., found enough probable cause to charge Lewandowski last month after viewing a video recording of the encounter, Aronberg said prosecutors are held to a higher legal standard. Czech Republic is now Czechia PRAGUE (AP) Czechia will soon be synonymous with the Czech Republic. Unlike most European countries, the Czech Republic has lacked a one-word version of its name in foreign languages. Now, the country is set to use the name Czechia in English, Tschechien in German or Tchequie in French, translations of Cesko in Czech. Nigerians march for missing girls LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) Angry over lack of progress to resolve one of the highest-profile mass kidnappings in the world, Nigerians marched in their countrys major cities Thursday to demand the safe return of girls who were abducted by Boko Haram extremists two years ago from a school in Chibok. Yakubu Nkeki is leader of a support group of parents of the 276 kidnapped girls. He said the community is angry their only school remains in ruins. Boko Haram firebombed buildings as they took off with girls. Some 20,000 children in the area have no school to attend, Nkeki said Thursday as parents gathered at the ruins of the school to pray for the safe return of 219 girls still missing. More field and grass fires flare in Graves, Calloway, McCracken counties By WestKyStar & MSU Staff Apr. 14, 2016 | 06:44 AM | MURRAY, KY Eleven Murray State University students have received scholarships through the American Society of Safety Engineers. A total of 106 student were awarded scholarships, with Murray State having the highest number of recipients among all colleges and universities. Murray State recipients include Clint Combs (Gilbertsville, Ky.), Braden Cook (Elizabethtown, Ill.), Brice Griesemer (Shelbyville, Ill.), Alec Jackson (Dexter, Mo.), James McIntyre (Gilbertsville, Ky.), Kelly Mehner (Waterloo, Ill.), Tanner Neese (Greenville, Ill.), Rachel Ragovin (Murray, Ky.), Josh Reed (Harrisburg, Ill.), Eric Sapp (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) and Luke Whitmore The eleven students are all working towards a degree in the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) through the Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology. The Department of Occupational Safety and Health at Murray State University is proud of its students accomplishments. We are very appreciative of the annual commitment made by the professional membership of the American Society of Safety Engineers in providing our students support in the form of scholarships, said OSH interim Department Chair Dr. Tracey Wortham. In addition, the ASSE Foundation also awarded an OSH department lecturer a significant scholarship to pursue doctoral studies. The OSH Department is grateful that the ASSE Foundation endeavors to ensure the future of the safety profession by supporting advancements in our students education and careers. The OSH degree program is a source of pride to Murray State University, and we are pleased and proud to see that our students majoring in this program are being recognized with these scholarships, said Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology Dean Dr. Stephen Cobb. We thank ASSE for their generosity and support in educating the next generation of OSH professionals. We are thrilled to be able to award these scholarships and grants through the generous contributions of our donors, said ASSE Foundation Board Chair Michael Murray. We are committed to strengthening the OSH profession by helping these groups advance their education and careers. About the Department of Occupational Safety and Health: Murray State University offers a variety of curriculum options through the Department of Occupational Safety and Health. The degree programs are designed to provide the technical and professional knowledge required by individuals pursuing careers in safety management, occupational health, industrial hygiene, loss/risk control management, ergonomics, emergency planning and response, and environmental safety and health. 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(1) by John Stanton According to Counterpunch editors Alexander Cockburn and Jeffrey St. Clair: The desire for secrecy is one of Mrs. Clintons enduring and damaging traitsBefitting a Midwestern Methodist with a bullying father, repression has always been one of Mrs. Clintons most prominent characteristics. Hers has been the instinct to conceal, to deny, to refuse to admit any mistake. Mickey Kantor, the Los Angeles lawyer who worked on the 1992 [presidential] campaign, said that Hillary adamantly refused to admit to any mistakes. Since Vietnam, theres never been a war that Mrs. Clinton didnt like. She argued passionately in the White House for the NATO bombing of Belgrade. Five days after September 11, 2001, she was calling for a broad war on terrorIll stand behind [George W.] Bush for a long time to come, Senator Clinton promised, and she was as good as her word, voting for the Patriot Act and the wide-ranging authorization to use military force against AfghanistanOf course she supported without reservation the attack on Afghanistan and, as the propaganda buildup toward the onslaught on Iraq got underway, she didnt even bother to walk down the hall to read the national intelligence estimate on Iraq before the war. As Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton instigated and legitimized the overthrow of the Honduran government in 2009 not all that unlike the 1954 Guatemala Coup engineered primarily by CIA Director Allen Dulles, supported by Secretary of State John Foster Dulles, and with the glowing approval of President Dwight Eisenhower. In a March 2016 interview with Amy Goodman on Democracy Now, Greg Grandin, a professor of Latin American history at New York University, discussed the fallout from the 2009 Honduran Coup. I mean, hundreds of peasant activists and indigenous activists have been killed. Scores of gay rights activists have been killed. I mean, its justits just a nightmare in Honduras. I mean, theres ways in which the coup regime basically threw up Honduras to transnational pillage. And Berta Caceres [a prominent Honduran activist assassinated in 2016], in that interview, says what was installed after the coup was something like a permanent counterinsurgenc y on behalf of transnational capital. And that wasthat wouldnt have been possible if it were not for Hillary Clintons normalization of that election, or legitimacy. In an April interview with Dana Frank, professor of history at the University of California, Santa Cruz, on Democracy Now, Frank indicated that President Obama had basically turned over Central and South America to Hillary Clinton. Frank then said this: I think its really about the U.S. pushback against the democratically elected governments of the left and the center-left that came to power in Latin America in the 90s and in the 2000sVenezuela, Bolivia, Argentina, Ecuador, Chile, El Salvador, all these countries. And Zelaya was the weakest link in that chain. He, himself, did not come out of a big social movement base at the time of his election, certainly since the coup. And I think they werethe U.S. was looking for a way to push back against that. Theres a very important military base, U.S. military base, Soto Cano Air Force Base, in Honduras. And Honduras has always been the most captive nation of the United States in Latin America. So, I think they were testing what they could get away with. And they got away with it. It was the first domino pushing back against democracy in Latin America and reasserting U.S. power, in service to a transnational corporate agenda. Its Not Your Country or Life The 1954 coup that ousted Guatemalan President Jacob Arbenz from the presidency had the same rationale as Hillary Clintons 21st Century Honduran effort. David Talbot, writing in the must-read book The Devils Chessboard: Allen Dulles, the CIA and the Rise of Americas Secret Government, noted that Arbenzs mistake was antagonizing the United Fruit Company by attempting to expropriate acreage from the United Fruit Companys large holding that were not under cultivation, and [Arbenz] had offered the multinational corporation fair compensation for the seized land. But United Fruit had powerful connections in the Eisenhower Administration. John Foster Dulles had long been a legal advisor to United Fruit for many years. Both brothers held shares of stock in the company. Robert Cutler, head of Eisenhowers National Security Council, was the former chair of United Fruit. Walter Beetle Smith, former CIA director and close friend of Eisenhower, would end up on the United Fruit Board of Directors after the coup. Even Eisenhowers personal secretary, Ann Whitman, was affiliated with United Fruit: her husband was its publicity director. Other violent overthrows of foreign governments and the destruction of their societies for crass business and career interests would be coated by Allen Dulles in layers of red paint; that is, Communist red paint. Murder, extortion, coups, wars, torture, oppression, censorship, lies, theft, profits, racism, threat exaggeration and evil leadership would be legitimized under the guise of national security during the Cold War. Just so. According to Talbot, By the time the bloodletting had run its course [in Guatemala], four decades later, over 250,000 people had been killed in a nation whose total population was less than four million when the reign of terror began. For many years, the Dulles brothers were ensured the support of the gatekeepers in banking, finance, media, the military and the US Congress through relationships made and sealed during World War I, the interwar years, and World War II. The Nazis would serve the Dulles brothers well in their private and public roles. Allen would direct the merger of the CIA with some of the worst elements of the defeated Third Reich. John Fosterwho while at Sullivan and Cromwell pushed back against closing its satellite office in Nazi Germany often advocated that nuclear weapons should be viewed as conventional weapons. In some sense, the two brothers seemed to possess the same zealousness and cruelty of the Third Reich. Near WWIIs end, Allen protected Nazi intelligence chief for the Eastern Front, Major General Reinhard Gehlen, from war crimes trials and would later merge Gehlens operatives and network into the CIAs operation. Gehlen would become the first chief of West German intelligence (BND) and hold the position until 1968. Allen also cut clandestine deals with other Nazisgovernmen t officials, bankers, scientists, researchers, et althrough various operations like PAPERCLIP and SUNRISE. Nazi expertise was used in experimental brain/cognitive modification via ARTICHOKE and MKULTRA. Talbot speculates, chillingly, that Allen was connected with the assassination of John F. Kennedy and not only via his critical role on the Warren Commission. Talbot documents the frenetic activity at the ex-CIA directors residence in Georgetown, Washington, DC, prior to 22 November 1963. He also notes Allens encampment at The Farma clandestine training center on the CIA campusfrom 22 to 24 November 1963. Its a Good Day for Someone Else to Die Hard According to Consortium News, when Hillary Clinton was asked about the death of Muammar Qaddafi, Libyas deposed ruler, at the hands of a mob, she said, We came, we saw, he died. Thats a comment Allen Dullesor a psychopathmigh t have made. Thats worrisome in a world in which President Hillary Clinton may become a reality. Her penchant for war, secrecy and cover-up, Yale pedigree and alumni network, corporate connections from Wall Street to London, fealty to Israel, shapeshifting Republican/Democ rat persona, and the use of the Clinton Foundation as a sort of non-profit, quasi-government , global intelligence/net working agency makes comparing her with the Dulles brothersand their public/private lives, not as crazy as it first seems. The Clinton Foundation has initiatives in dozens of countries throughout the world. Its connections in international corporate board rooms and the principals of foreign national and local governance give it access to information/inte lligence. It is also involved in US domestic political campaigns indirectly through its donors. For example, one of the Clinton Foundations board members is Frank Guistra. According to a 2013 Huffington Post article, Clinton was borrowing [Giustras private jet] to begin a four-day speaking tour of Latin America that would pay him $800,000Frank Giustra was forming a friendship that would make him part of the former presidents inner circle and gain him introductions to presidents of Kazakhstan and Colombia Giustras self-serving philanthropy also took him and Clinton to Kazakhstan in September 2007, as documented in a January 2008 New York Times investigation Within two days [of the beginning of the trip], corporate records show that Mr. Giustra also came up a winner when his company [UrAsia Energy Ltd.] signed preliminary agreements giving it the right to buy into three uranium projects controlled by Kazakhstans state-owned uranium agency, Kazatomprom,Th e monster deal stunned the mining industry, turning an unknown shell company [UrAsia] into one of the worlds largest uranium producers in a transaction ultimately worth tens of millions of dollars to Mr. Giustra.Just months after the Kazakh pact was finalized, Mr. Clintons charitable foundation received its own windfall: a $31.3 million donation from Mr. Giustra Within a year and a half, Giustra sold off his stake in the Kazatomprom joint venture for $3.1 billion, which he had originally purchased for $450 million. In a 2015 Washington Post piece, the governor of the Virginia, Terry McAuliffe, More than 175 contributors to the Clinton Foundation and to Hillary Rodham Clintons 2016 Democratic presidential campaign have dug deep into their wallets for McAuliffe (Democrat), often giving prolifically despite little or no connection to VirginiaAmong them is an Omaha database executive who lavished so much corporate jet travel on himself and the Clinton family that shareholders forced him out. A Hollywood media mogul with a singular interest in Israel. And an Argentine-born energy tycoon who recalled visiting Richmond just once flying in and out years ago with Bill Clinton, his Georgetown classmate. Of the $60 million McAuliffe has raised for his two gubernatorial bids, inauguration, political action committee and the Democratic Party of Virginia, nearly $18 million has come from contributors to the Clinton Foundation or to Hillary Clintons current campaign. John Stanton can be reached at captainkong22@gm ail.com Russia and Laos plan nuclear cooperation 15 April 2016 Share A memorandum of cooperation in the field of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes has been signed by Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom and the ministry of energy and mines of Laos. The signing of the memorandum of cooperation (Image: Rosatom) The memorandum was signed in Moscow yesterday by Rosatom deputy director general Kirill Komarov and Laos' deputy energy minister Sinava Souphanouvong. The signing was witnessed by Rosatom director general Sergey Kirienko and deputy prime minister of Laos, Somsavat Lengsavad. In the framework of the memorandum, Rosatom and Laos plan to cooperate in the design, construction and operation of nuclear power plants and research reactors. They also plan to cooperate in basic and applied research; nuclear and radiation safety; research and development in the field of nuclear medicine technology; and in education and training. The memorandum provides for the setting up of a joint working group to identify specific projects aimed at developing cooperation between Rosatom and Laos. Rosatom said the two parties plan to develop and prepare for the signing of an intergovernmental agreement on nuclear energy cooperation. In August 2015, it was reported that Rosatom and Laos were in negotiations to set up the Southeast Asian country's first nuclear power plant. The talks concerned Russia building two 1000 MWe nuclear power reactors in Laos on a build-operate-transfer basis. Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics 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? 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Cunku canl bahis sitelerinden para cekme islemi icin kullanc hesab ile talep edilen banka hesap bilgilerinin ortusmesi gerekir. Yani uye olurken verilen bilgi ile banka hesab kime ait ise o bilgiler ayn olmaldr. Bu uygulama sitenin hem kullancsn hem de kendisini guvene alma politikasdr. Ayrca frsatclarn onune gecerek yeni bir uye olusumunun da onune gecmek amac gutmektedir. Uye olan kisi farkl para cekilme talebi verilen hesap farkl oldugunda para cekme islemi gerceklesmeyecektir. Bahisleriniz sonucunda kazanc elde edebilir ve bu kazancnz da hakknz olarak almak isteyebilirsiniz. Burada son derece basit uygulama soz konusu olurken siteler aras farkl gorunumler soz konusu olabilir. Fakat yine de tum sitelerde uyenin site icerisinde para cekme bolumune girmesi yeterlidir. Burada cekilecek olan tutarn belirlenmesi ve hesap numarasnn girilmesi ile birlikte islem onay gerekecektir. Para cekme taleplerinde sizden gerekli bilgiler istenmekte ve havale islemi istenilen bilgiler esliginde yurutulmektedir. Dogru bilgi paylasmak sorunsuz para cekebilmeniz en onemli kuraldr. Istenilen bilgiler girildikten sonra site sorumlular gerekli kontrolleri yapp herhangi bir sorun yoksa ksa surede hesabnza gerekli paray aktaracaklardr. Canl Bahis Sitelerinden Para Cekmek Icin Istenen Belgeler Bahis sitelerine uye olduktan sonra baz kullanclar para cekme taleplerinin karslanmadg konusunda sikayetlerde bulunmuslardr. Bu sikayetlersektorde uzun zamandr bulunan guvenilir bahis siteleri de yer almaktadr. Fakat sikayetlerin dayanaklarna bakldgnda ise islerin tamamen farkl oldugu gorulmektedir. Yasanan bu durum kullanclarn hatal bilgi girmesi ve uyelik bilgileri ile banka bilgilerinin uyusmamas ile dogru orantldr. Birde canl bahis para cekmek icin istenen belgeler eksik ya da hatal olarak sunulmus olabilir. Ortaya ckan karsklar neticesinde para cekme talebinde bulunan kisi istedigini alamadg icin sikayetci olmaktadr. Oysa ki istenilen bilgiler dogru ve istenilen evraklar eksiksiz sunulsa para cekme islemi sorunsuz olacak. Sitelerin para cekme konusunda dikkatli hareket etmesi hilelerin ve illegal faaliyetlerin onune gecmek adnadr. Cunku baz kullanclar farkl bilgiler vererek ikinci hesap acabilmektedirler. Bazen de bilincsizce hatal bilgi girilebilmektedir. Hatal islemlerin cozumu konusunda islem yaptgnz sitenin musteri temsilcileri ile gorusebilirsiniz. Talepleriniz dogrultusunda para cekme islemlerinde ki sorunlar giderilecektir. Canl bahis para cekmek icin istenen belgeler listesi su sekildedir; Kullanc bilgileri ile banka bilgilerini karslastrmak icin kimlik fotokopisi Banka hesap bilgileri Ikametgah ve kisiye ait herhangi bir fatura. Kacak Iddaa Turkiyede dogrudan bahis yapmak icin resmi kanallar kullanlabilmektedir. Fakat tercih edilen ve oran olarak cok daha fazla frsatlar sunan kacar iddaasiteleri bulunmaktadr. Bu siteler kanunlara aykr sekilde yaplmakta olup, yasal bir dayanag yoktur. Elbette bu sitelerin kurulus merkezi Turkiye olmayp, ds ulkelerdedir ve faaliyetler belirlenen siteler uzerinden yaplmaktadr. Kacak Iddaa oldukca riskli olup, cok dikkatli olunmas gerekir. Kacak Bahis Kanunlar cercevesinde istediginiz gibi bahis yapamayabilirsiniz. Bahis yapabilmek icin ya kanuni olarak sorun olmayan ulke dsnda ki kumarhanelere gitmeniz veya kacak bahis sitelerinden islem yapabilirsiniz. Zira bu durum tehlikeli olsa da cok sayda site guvenli sekilde bu alanda hizmet vermektedir. Kacak bahiste oldukca fazla secenek bulunurken yuksek oranda kazanc sunuyor olmas da ragbeti arttryor. Illegal Bahis Bahisin bircok alanda yasak oldugu Turkiyede bu alanda cok sayda yabanc merkezli siteler hizmet vermektedir. Illegal bahis sektorunde faaliyet gosteren siteler guvenli hizmet anlays ile kullanclarna frsatlar sunmaktadr. Yurt ds merkezli bu siteler sorunsuz sekilde hizmetlerini surdururken bulunduklar ulkelerde kanunlara uygun sekildedir. Elbette faaliyet noktasnda bulunduklar ulkelerde sorun teskil etmese de Turkiyede faaliyet gostermeleri kanunin yasaklanmstr. Yasads Bahis Gerek olusturulan etkenler gerekse de ortaya konulan riskler yasads bahis de oldukca tehlikelidir. Kanunlarn mudahil olduklar bu alanlar da hem kullanclar hem de populer bahis yaptranlar tum riskleri goze almaktadrlar. Fakat yasaklardan uzak sekilde guvenli hizmet sunan siteler de bulunmaktadr. Takipler neticesinde kapatlan sitelerin muhakkak alternatifleri kurularak yollarna devam etmektedirler. Canl Iddaa Siteleri Nelerdir? Dunya genelinde kabul gormus cok sayda guvenli hizmet veren populer bahis siteleri bulunmaktadr. Elbette bu siteler dunyann bircok ulkesinde faaliyet gosterse de Turkiyede yasaktr. Sektorde yer alan cok sayda legal iddaa siteleri bulunmaktadr. Herhangi bir kanunsuzlugun olmadg bu sitelerden hzl ve guvenli islem yaplabilmektedir. Tabi bu sitelerde uygulanan oranlar yasal olmayan sitelere gore daha dusuktur. Illegal sitelerin tercih edilme sebeplerinin en onemli etkeni de olusturulan oranlardr. Peki, Iddaa siteleri nelerdir? Faaliyetleri ve uygulama esaslar nelerdir? Turkiyede faaliyet gosteren yasal iddaa siteleri listesi su sekildedir; Iddaa Bilyoner Tuttur Birebin Oley Nesine Misli Iddaa 2004 ylnda hizmet vermeye baslayan Iddaa Spor toto tarafndan kurulmus olup, ilk etapta bayilik seklinde calsmaya baslamstr. Elbette zamanla gelisen teknolojiye ayak uydurarak internet uzerinde de populer bahis severlerin hizmetine sunulmustur. Kuruldugu donemde devletin resmi kurumu olarak faaliyet gosterirken gelinen yeni donemde ozellestirilmistir. Bilyoner Turkiyede faaliyetine 2006 ylnda baslayan Bilyoner ilk ozel yasal bahis sitesi olma ozelligine sahiptir. Guvenilir bahis siteleri Turkiyede bunlardr. Ksa surede populer olan site halen faaliyetlerini sorunsuz sekilde surdurmektedir. Tuttur Ksa surede adndan bahsettirmeyi basaran Tuttur 2009 ylnda faaliyetlere baslamstr. Guvenilir bahis siteleri arasnda yerini almstr. Gunumuze dek bircok alanda populer bahis yapanlara frsatlar sunarken avantajlar ile de begeni toplamstr. Birebin Kullanc odakl calsmalar surdurse de 2011 ylnda sektore giren Birebindiger sitelere gore daha az ragbet gormektedir. Bahis oynamak ise bu sitede oldukca kolaydr. Elbette farkl yaklasmlara sahip olmasndan dolay ilerleyen sureclerde adndan sklkla bahsettirecek gibi gorunuyor. Oley 2009 ylnda Dogus yayn gruplarnn istiraki olarak kurulmus olup yasal olarak herhangi bir sorunu olmayan sitelerdendir. Bahis siteleri arasnda hzl cks yapms bir sitedir. Oley yapms oldugu yenilikler ile kullanclarn da dikkatini ksa surede cekmeyi basarmstr. Nesine Birbirini takip eden surecte Nesine de yine 2006 ylnda hizmet vermeye baslamstr. Yasal bahis siteleri arasnda yerini almay basaran firma ksa surede sevilen ve ragbet goren bir site olmustur. Misli 2009 ylnda sektore cok hzl giris yapan Misli cok sayda reklam filmi ile on plana ckmay basarmstr. Internet uzerinden hem yasal hem de sorunsuz hizmet veren bahis sitelerinden bir tanesi olmustur. Canl Bahis Siteleri Kayt ve Uyelik Islemleri Her zaman populerligini koruyan ve surekli gelisim gosteren canl bahis gun gectikce daha da gucleniyor. Bahis oynamak icin ise sitelere uye olunmas gerekir. Yuksek getirisi ve begeni toplayan faaliyetleri ile cok sayda site bu alanda faaliyet gostermektedir. Elbette sorunsuz sekilde uye olmanz ve faaliyetler gostermeniz de oldukca kolaydr. Canl bahis siteleri kayt ve uyelik islemleri dakikalar icerisinde gerceklestirilecek yapya sahiptir. Uye olacagnz siteyi belirledikten sonra siteye girmeniz gerekmektedir. Girdiginiz sitenin ana sayfasnda uye ol ya da kayt ol bolumu bulunacaktr. Siteler arasnda degiskenlik gosteren bu alanda temel unsurlar bulunmaktadr. Elbette farkllklar olsa da temelinde benzer bilgiler uye olmak isteyen kisilerden talep edilmektedir. Uye ol bolumune tkladktan sonra karsnza uyelik bilgi formu ckacaktr. Bu formda sizin kim oldugunuzu ogrenmek ve sitenin guvenligini saglamak adna islemler yaplmaktadr. Uyelik formunda yer alan ad soyad bolumunu eksiksiz ve dogru sekilde doldurmalsnz. Sizden bu formda istenen bilgilerin tamamn girmeniz istenecektir. Istenen bilgiler mutlaka dogru ve eksiksiz sekilde olmaldr. Eksik veya hatal bilgi uyelik islemlerinde sorun teskil edebilir. Yine de yanls bilgi girisine ragmen uyelik islemleri tamamlanabilir. Fakat boyle bir yol izleyenler sonrasnda buyuk skntlarla karslasabilirler. Bu skntlarn basnda da para cekme islemlerinde yasanan sorunlardr. Uyelik islemleri dikkatli ve ozenle doldurulmas gereken yapdadr. Canl bahis siteleri kayt ve uyelik islemleri gerceklestirilirken verilen bilgiler site yonetimi tarafndan muhafaza edilmektedir. Herhangi bir sekilde 3. Sahslarla paylaslmas gibi bir durum soz konusu degildir. Bu faaliyetleri surduren sitelerin guven unsurlar arasnda bu nokta onceliklidir. Bahis sitelerine uye olurken hatal bilgi paylasmnda bulunmak size faydadan cok zarar verecektir. Diyelim ki bilgileri hatal girdiniz ve uyelik onayland. Uyelik tamamlandktan sonra siteye para yatrdnz ve kazanc elde ettiniz. Kazancnz sonrasnda hesabnza almak istediginizde karsnza banka bilgileri bolumu gelecektir. Para cekme talebi gerceklestikten sonra site uyelik bilgileri ile banka hesap bilgileri ortusmez ise paranz alamazsnz. Boyle bir durumla karslasmamak adna bu hususa ayrca dikkat etmelisiniz. Apr 15, 2016 | By Alec The Dutch love their bikes, and this can be said for all echelons of society. Even the Dutch Minister for Economic Affairs Henk Kamp enjoys going for a ride, which he did with a remarkable 3D printed steel bicycle at the Innovation Expo in Amsterdam on 14 April. Called the Arc Bicycle, it was 3D printed by a team of Dutch students from the Technical University of Delft, with help from the technical experts of MX3D. All this took place at the sixth edition of the Innovation Expo in Amsterdam, a one day event that brought over 200 innovations, 4000 entrepreneurs and academics, and the Dutch government together. The Dutch government is very keen to support technological and green innovation, so they were represented in great numbers. Around 70 EU ministers and members of the European Parliament were also present. Even Prime Minister Mark Rutte attended, who gave a lecture on the expos main topic: Sustainable Urban Delta. But there was also plenty of room for other Dutch innovations that contribute to a changing Dutch society increasingly packed with smart technology and alternative energy. Among them was this 3D printed bike, which was completed a few months ago. Remember the ambitious plans of Dutch startup MX3D to build the worlds first 3D printed steel bridge in Amsterdam? While still a work-in-progress project, the Dutch engineers behind that impressive MX3D metal 3D printer gladly helped the Delft student team 3D print this remarkable stainless steel bike, which they have been showcasing at a number of events to illustrate this remarkable 3D printing technique. The Arc Bicycle itself was designed during a three month research project at the Industrial Design Engineering 3D Building FieldLab. 3D printing has exploded in popularity in the last decade but for those wanting to print medium to large scale objects, there are still significant limitations in the technology. This method of 3D printing makes it possible to produce medium to large scale metal objects with almost total form freedom, Industrial design student Harry Anderson previously told 3ders.org. The bike itself weighs about as much as a regular steel bicycle, and rides exactly like you would expect from a regular bike. It was important for us to design a functional object that people use every day. Being students in the Netherlands, a bicycle naturally came to mind. A bicycle frame is a good test for the technology because of the complex forces involved, Stef de Groot explained. Minister Kamp, whose Ministry is responsible for facilitating new economic opportunities, was reportedly very impressed. A video clip of his test run can be found here. But of course none of this would have been possible without the help of the Amsterdam-based startup MX3D. As you might recall, this startup specializes in multi-axis 3D printing and has developed a ground-breaking method for using robotic arms enabling them to 3D print both resins and metals (steel, aluminum, copper, bronze and more) mid-air, without the need for support structures. MX3D was also present at the Innovation Expo, and will reportedly finish their bridge in 2017. Posted in 3D Printing Application Maybe you also like: Apr 15, 2016 | By Tess Over the past few years, we have followed some truly amazing advancements in 3D printed garments and fashion, though in most cases, the designs, though stunning and impressive, have remained mostly suitable for the runway or a museum. There have been however, a number of efforts that have shown us that the technology is well on its way to producing every day wearables, like the currently in development Modeclix technology for making 3D printed textile, and Danit Pelegs collection of 3D printed garments, made on a desktop 3D printer. Recently, Boston based menswear brand, Ministry of Supply, unveiled its most recent garment, a entirely additively manufactured Seamless Jacket. The form fitting and smart looking piece of apparel was manufactured using a 3D Robotic Knitting process (Wholegarment knitting), which allows the garment to be made as one single piece, meaning no bothersome loose seams, and no sewn on pockets or lapels. The menswear company, which has made a name for itself with high performance mens business fashion, was founded in 2012 by a team of former MIT students who integrated the same temperature regulating materials that NASA uses for astronaut suits into their everyday designs. Their Seamless Jacket is made from a 4-way stretch, moisture wicking, viscose and PBT blend, and will retail for $250 dollars, keeping it competitive with other medium range design brands. "This is the next generation of manufacturing and design for clothing," says Gihan Amarasiriwardena, co-founder and chief design officer at Ministry of Supply. "It could lead to a world where a customer could walk into a store, have measurements taken via a scan and order a garment that's printed for their unique body shape. The result is clothing that's constructed to shape around our bodies and molds to fit the human form exactly. Perhaps what is most exciting about the 3D knitted garment is its increased sustainability. That is, by using additive manufacturing processes rather than subtractive processes (think cutting apart large swaths of fabric), the jacket actually uses less material than a regularly made garment. Additionally, Ministry of Supply have only released a first run of 50 jackets, after which it is implied that they will make the jackets either to order or in series of small batches, doing away with the less sustainable philosophy of mass manufacturing held by many retailers. The Seamless Jacket also only takes about 1.5 hours to manufacture on the 3D knitting machine and is specially designed so that certain areas of the garment are thinner and more breathable than others with ventilation patterns, to optimize comfort and long term wear. Ministry of Supply, known for their innovative designs and fashions, seem to be finally bringing mens fashion into the sphere of 3D printed or 3D knitted clothing, where womens fashion has tended to reign. With their Seamless Jacket, which would look stylish on the street or in the office, they have also helped to show the viability of additive manufacturing technologies for everyday wearables. At 3Ders we cant wait to see what they design next! Posted in 3D Printer Maybe you also like: scottm wrote at 4/16/2016 2:55:39 PM:If that's 3d printing you need to do some pieces on potting wheels too that's additive, so it welding. Apr. 15, 2016 | By Kira With his versatile 3D printed quadcopter drone add-on, Casey Rogers, UC Berkeley graduate and co-president of the Berkeley 3D Modeling Club, has been named Grand Prize Champion of FATHOM and GrabCADs Make the Unmakeable 3D printing challenge. Showing a true commitment to the 3D printing community and collaborative maker spirit, Rogers has decided to donate his grand prizea Stratasys uPrint SE professional-grade FDM 3D printerto the student-run 3D Modeling Club so that fellow members can come together to bring their 3D printed creations to life. Last year, advanced manufacturing expert FATHOM teamed up with GrabCAD to launch the 2015 Make the Unmakeable 3D printing challenge, inviting makers from around the world to submit inventive designs that leverage the unique capabilities of 3D printing in ways traditional manufacturing methods cannot. FATHOM and GrabCAD launched three rounds of the challenge, each relating to a specific theme, and received hundreds of submissions from 19 countries around the world. At the end of the year, the three finalists, Devin Sidell, Winston Jennings, and Casey Rogers, went head to head, with Rogers highly functional, multi material 3D printed drone accessory coming out on top. Designed as an add-on for the Horus Kestrel 3D printable drone, Rogers Quadcopter Universal Gripper Accessory features an incredibly versatile landing gear system with retracting legs and a powerful, balloon-shaped gripper, inspired by Cornell and the University of Chicago. The gripper allows the drone to pick up an unlimited variety of objects, making it ideal for improving safety and productivity on construction sites and in remote or dangerous areas. Yet what makes Rogers universal gripper most noteworthy is how its design leverages the strengths of 3D printing in each of its components, resulting in a device that would be impossible to manufacture using other technologies. The power of 3D Printing is not achieving printability, but surpassing printability and creating a design that truly benefits from the strengths of additive manufacturing, explained Rogers. With the universal gripper I have created a design that is practical and impactful while truly benefiting from 3D Printing. Rogers began by designing the device in Autodesk Fusion 360, with imported geometry from Autodesk Project Dreamcatcher. He also designed it specifically for an Objet Connex multi material 3D printer. To demonstrate how 3D printing alone could bring this device to life, Rogers pointed out the organic branching structure and complex geometry of the gripper arm, which reduces weight while maintaining strength. For the landing gear, Objet Connex soft tango and hard vero materials were leveraged to create a multi material 3D print with a living hinge. In each component of the design there is one or more ways 3D printing was used to improve the component over a comparable traditionally manufacturable part, he said. When he initially won round three of the 3D printing challenge, Rogers said that, should he win the Grand Prize, he would donate it to the 3DMC makerspace at UC Berkeleys Bechtel Engineering Center. He has now made that promise a reality. "Our maker space is an interesting and unique group. We're about half computer science majors, half miscellaneous humanities majors," he said. "The space has given a lot of people, including myself, a glimpse into this really exciting new technology that our curriculum otherwise wouldn't have provided." Currently, the space has ten consumer-grade FDM 3D printers and one DLP 3D printer, but nothing nearly as advanced as the Stratasys uPrint SE, which retails for more than $15,000. I'm excited to see what kind of cool stuff my fellow club members can come up with," Rogers added. "The uPrint SE will be our most advanced piece of equipment yet!" The Stratasys uPrint SE professional-grade 3D printer In addition to leading the Berkeley 3D Modeling Club, Rogers has also interned at a direct metal 3D printing company, as well as at Autodesk as a Fusion 360 advocate. He currently has plans to pursue work in software engineering while developing his own Fusion 360 add-on called Meshmaker. "With so many 3D printing professionals submitting designs to the contest, it's really exciting to see submissions like Casey's coming from college campuses," said Rich Stump, Principal and Co-Founder of FATHOM." His design really embodied what the challenge was all about." There is nothing more humbling than a Grand Prize Champion giving his winnings right back to the community, and that is exactly what Rogers has done. "We are so proud that Casey is donating his prize to spur other young innovators like himself," said Michelle Mihevc, FATHOM Principal and Co-Founder," His generosity will give other students opportunities to explore careers in STEMhow great is that!" Posted in 3D Printing Events Maybe you also like: George Soros in the New York Review of Books: The asylum policy that emerged from last months EU-Turkey negotiationsand that has already resulted in the deportation of hundreds of asylum seekers from Greece to Turkeyhas four fundamental flaws. First, the policy is not truly European; it was negotiated with Turkey and imposed on the EU by German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Second, it is severely underfunded. Third, it is not voluntary. It imposes quotas that many member states oppose and requires refugees to take up residence in countries where they dont want to live, while forcing others who have reached Europe to be sent back. Finally, it transforms Greece into a de facto holding pen without sufficient facilities for the number of asylum seekers already there. All these deficiencies can be corrected. The European Commission implicitly acknowledged some of them this week when it announced a new plan to reform Europes asylum system. But the Commissions proposals still rely on compulsory quotas that serve neither refugees nor member states. That will never work. European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans is inviting an open debate. Here is my contribution. More here. The original site was designed by S. Abbas Raza in 2004 but soon completely redesigned by Mikko Hypponen and deployed by Henrik Rydberg. It was later upgraded extensively by Dan Balis in 2006. The next major revision was designed by S. Abbas Raza, building upon the earlier look, and coded by Dumky de Wilde in 2013. And this current version 5.0 has been designed and deployed by Dumky de Wilde in collaboration with S. Abbas Raza. Prayer infuses the entire Muslim day. Besides five designated daily prayer times "Like the five fingers on your hand," explained Johari Abdul-Malik, an imam at the mosque Islam also encourages private prayer. In fact, it was the Islamic passion for prayer that first attracted Abdul-Malik, who was born in Brooklyn and raised Episcopalian. As a child he was impressed by the prayerful attitudes of his Christian relatives in the Deep South, and later he found in Islam a similar immersive relationship between prayer and daily life. With that kind of devotion, of course, comes the universal experience of disappointment in prayer. But Abdul-Malik says Islam teaches that every prayer is answered, without exception, in one of three ways. "First, Allah gives you your du'a, or 'request,' " he says. "Or else Allah removes something equally bad from happening to you. Or he saves it until the Day of Judgment and gives it to you as a present. "At that time," he adds, "we will wish that all of our du'as were answered this way!" It would be hard to argue against the notion that the longest-unanswered prayer in this country was that of enslaved blacks. The tradition of gospel music was born in the cotton fields of the South, and it persists in glorious voice, every Sunday, in black churches across the country. It is music as prayer, and it rises, beautifully, from the lips of the faithful, who sway, dance and raise their hands in worship. It is baptism Sunday at Greater Morning Star Apostolic Ministries in Largo, Md., and Bishop Charles E. Johnson stands at the pulpit, leading a rendition of "Take Me to the Water," an Old South spiritual song. When the church choir launches into its soaring harmonies and pounding rhythms, it's easy to believe that if the biblical accounts of an eternal heavenly choir are to be taken at face value, front-row center at Greater Morning Star Apostolic may be as close to heaven as you'll ever get on terra firma. Johnson, who has been pastor here for 28 years, considers music to be an essential ingredient in preparation for prayer, and his rumbling voice betrays decades of putting his prayer/song theology into practice. The fact that the opposition strove so mightily for so long against the fruition of African Americans' centuries-old prayers for freedom, he believes, makes today's prayers of praise that much more powerful. "Prayer is a time to reflect," Johnson told me in his modest office. "Music, like prayer, has a way of building our faith, and those songs have a way of taking us back and causing us to remember what the Lord has done, and what he's going to do, and what he's capable of doing. It's a way of saying thank you." But can you really say a heartfelt thank-you in the face of unanswered prayer? I thought of Christina Levasheff in that Irvine coffee shop and remembered something she'd said while I was gathering my notes and reaching for my jacket. "I prayed for your wife, you know," she said. I stopped, momentarily confused. Cindy had died nearly four years earlier, after a long, torturous bout with ovarian cancer. Together, we, our children, and our friends and family had prayed through chemo, through surgeries, through a mounting series of bad outcomes. At the moment Cindy died late one Sunday, several hundred of our fellow church members were praying for her at an evening service. Then I remembered: Christina is a friend of my son Ben and his wife, Bronwen. Of course they'd told her about Cindy, and of course Christina couldn't help but pray for her. So we stood there, the two of us, two people who'd felt let down by prayer, who struggled to understand the meaning of it, yet who just could not bring themselves to give it up. And maybe that's the greatest power of prayer: It winds around our world like a billion skeins of scarlet ribbon, binding people who have never met, linking cultures that otherwise have no hope of understanding one another and then it shoots heavenward like a spiritual supernova, joining all of humanity in an instinctive reach for eternity. I smiled at Christina. "Thank you," I said. ACAs library of educational tools help members improve their business practices. ACA also holds the most popular industry conferences and offers credentialing for collectors, attorneys, and more. ACAs Training Zone subscription gives agencies access to almost all of our education for one low cost. Congress passed a law 18 years ago requiring reforms at the Internal Revenue Service that still remain overdue today, according to a new government report. The report, from the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, found that implementation of the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998 remains an ongoing challenge for the IRS. The law, also known as RRA 98, was designed to change the IRS into a modern financial institution that was taxpayer-focused, resulting in the largest overhaul of the IRS since the 1950s. The legislation changed the IRS mission, organizational structure, and business focus to replace the culture of enforcement first with a customer-oriented one, transforming the agency through innovations and new management practices. The required changes included establishing an Oversight Board to assist in governance; creating a taxpayer-focused organizational structure; achieving an 80 percent electronic filing rate for returns and information documents; offering online personal accounts; avoid diverting training resources to meet other budget requirements; participating in reducing tax law complexity; and increasing voluntary compliance through applied research. In its evaluation, TIGTA found that in recent years several problems and challenges involving the IRS have given rise to congressional concerns, and overall reductions in discretionary government spending have reduced the annual IRS budget by several billion dollars. As a result, several of the issues that prompted the restructuring have resurfaced, including insufficient employee training and long wait times when taxpayers and tax practitioners call the IRS for information. Other goals of the law have remained substantially unrealized, such as the Oversight Board suspending operation. The Treasury Department requires that, before extensive organizational changes can be approved, the IRS must have a documented business case. Several major IRS organizational changes were completed without a business case and without required Oversight Board approval. In addition, the Oversight Board has continually experienced membership vacancies, and it suspended operations in April 2015. TIGTA also found the IRS has not sustained the goal of providing prompt taxpayer service. Taxpayers have experienced difficulty when corresponding with, calling, or visiting the IRS. The IRSs lower staffing allocation levels are not enough to meet the demands for service. However, TIGTA found the IRS substantially incorporated consideration of taxpayer rights and protections into its practices and procedures. In 2014, the IRS adopted the Taxpayer Bill of Rights to provide the nation's taxpayers with a better understanding of their fundamental rights when dealing with the IRS. The agency has repeatedly highlighted these 10 rights for taxpayers and shared them extensively on a continuing basis with its employees. TIGTA recommended the IRS commissioner ensure that all organizational changes for offices reporting directly to a deputy commissioner or the commissioner have a documented business case. In addition, the chief of the IRSS Communications and Liaison office should contact the congressional tax-writing committees to determine whether the IRS should provide the required tax complexity report. The RRA 98 requires the IRS commissioner to perform an annual analysis of the sources of complexity in tax administration, including common errors made by taxpayers, areas of tax law that result in frequent disagreements between the IRS and taxpayers, and the time it takes taxpayers to review and complete forms. The analysis is required to make recommendations for reducing complexity, including provisions that should be repealed or modified. The IRS issued two annual tax complexity analyses since the RRA, with the last issued in September 2002. In response to TIGTAs evaluation report, IRS officials agreed with the reports recommendations and plans to take corrective actions. The deputy commissioner for services and enforcement will ensure that extensive organizational changes that move the agency away from a customer-centric model have a documented business case before making the changes. The chief of the Communication and Liaison office will contact the congressional tax-writing committees and determine whether there is interest in having the IRS dedicate resources to preparing an annual tax complexity report. As part of RRA 98, the IRS reorganized to closely resemble the private sector model, organizing around customers with similar needs, wrote John M. Dalrymple, the IRSs deputy commissioner for services and enforcement, in response to the report. The blueprint of our customer-based organizational structure, with four main operating divisions, remains the foundation of todays IRS. free fall Capt. Jeff Smart, left; Staff Sgt. Matthew Smith, bottom on tandem; and Staff Sgt. Andrew Melanson, top on tandem, free fall with the American flag at 9,000 feet over Gilliam, La., before a re-enlistment ceremony April 5, 2016. Smith and Melanson are both B-52 Stratofortress crew chiefs from the 2nd Maintenance Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base, La. Smart, who is assigned to the Eighth Air Force at Barksdale AFB, administered the oath of enlistment to Smith in front of the flag the moment they landed from the jump. (Courtesy photo/ Todd Falkenberry) Air Force Reserve: 68 years strong Air Force Secretary Deborah Lee James spoke to the importance of total force integration during the Air Force Reserves 68th birthday celebration April 14 at the Pentagon. James said she has witnessed the Reserves contributions and accomplishments in her 35 years experience in the federal government and the private sector. Throughout nearly seven decades, the Air Force Reserve has been there with us every step of the way, every time weve had a challenge around the world, James said. More than 147,000 reservists fought in the Korean War; 19,000 served during the Cuban missile crisis; and 38,000 deployed in support of the Persian Gulf War. Today, over a quarter of all forward-deployed Airmen comes from our Air Force Reserve, James said. That is unbelievable to me, and is something most of America doesnt realize, so we have to continue to tell that story. The Air Force Reserve was originally formed as a standby force by President Harry Truman in 1948, and now has five air reserve bases and 33 flying wings. It officially became the ninth major command -- Air Force Reserve Command -- in 1997. Recent total force initiatives include cross-component leadership positions and streamlining personnel systems. Citizen Airmen, with active-duty and (Air National Guard) members, provide global vigilance, reach and power every single day for our Air Force and were a proud member of the three component team, said Air Force Reserve Chief Lt. Gen. James F. Jackson. We have over 69,000 Reserve members standing in our nations defense and I couldnt be more proud of those members. (I want to thank) every single Airman with a big A we have -- active, Guard, Reserve and civilians -- in standing up every day and doing what you do, and making sure your families are taken care of as you conduct our nations defense, Jackson said. Operation Homefront recognizes AF Military Child of the Year Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein presented the Operation Homefront 2016 Air Force Military Child of the Year award to Madeleine Morlino, 17, during a ceremony April 14, in Pentagon City, Virginia. Madeleine, of Moorestown, New Jersey, is the daughter of retired Master Sgt. Leonard and Kerry Morlino. She was selected as the Air Force military child recipient along with five other children from each of the services including the National Guard. The award honors resiliency, strength of character in the face of the challenges associated with military life, and selfless service to others within their families and communities. Operation Homefront received more than 500 nominations for this years competition. As we celebrate our honorees tonight, we do so knowing that there are many, many more military kids making good things happen in their homes and in their communities, said retired Brig. Gen. John I. Pray Jr., the president and CEO of Operation Homefront. Tonights honorees follow 28 other military child of the year award winners since 2009, each one a shining example of promise and hope. Madeleine said she was motivated by the challenges her family faced as her father transitioned from military to civilian life and wanted to ease the transition for other service members. She conceived, organized and led a job expo for veterans in her hometown and successfully attracted national and local businesses poised to offer veterans meaningful employment. Before presenting Madeline with her trophy, Goldfein shared why she was receiving this award. Madeleine maintains a 4.23 GPA while participating in cheer, cross-country and track. Her love of music has earned her the title of concertmaster for both the New Jersey Youth Symphony and the Settlement Orchestra, for which she plays the violin, he said. In Madeleines spare time, she works three jobs -- as an intern at a nonprofit organization, a server in a bistro, and an instructor at a learning institute. Goldfein, a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, said nothing could please him more than to recognize Madelines choice of college. She currently has a full-ride ROTC scholarship to Princeton, and William and Mary full rides from the Army, the Air Force and the Navy ROTC and she currently has an appointment to four service academies, Goldfein said. But, she has made her decision Im going to shed a tear here shes going to the United States Air Force Academy. Operation Homefront hosts the gala each April to honor the award recipients as part of Month of the Military Child. Im truly honored and humbled to receive the award, Morlino said. A big thank you goes out to my parents over there as well as to the military for welcoming me into their family and your family. Welsh speaks at the Chaplain Corps Summit WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- More than 200 chaplains and chaplain assistants gathered for the U.S. Air Force Chaplain Corps Summit in Alexandria, Virginia, April 12-14. The summit marked the first time in four years that Chaplain Corps Airmen have gathered to exchange ideas, develop solutions and plan the future for the corps. Chaplain (Maj. Gen.) Dondi Costin, the Air Force chief of chaplains, simply called it a family reunion. Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III kicked off the event addressing the chaplains and sharing his gratitude for their service. What a responsibility you share, what a burden you carry, what joy, comfort and happiness you bring, what a gift you are, Welsh said. Thank you for choosing to serve. Thank you for caring for and leading our people, and thanks for inspiring me. The summit was the brainchild of Costin and Chaplain (Brig. Gen.) Steven Schaick, the deputy chief of chaplains. They came up with the idea in one of their after-hours discussions on how to improve communications in the corps. We both almost said it to each other at the same time, Schaick said. Most attendees were curious to learn what was in store for the corps. Tech. Sgt. Nathanial Jones, who flew cross country to attend, said he wanted to find out what the future held for the Chaplain Corps as well as present Air Force policy. Im trying to get more of a big picture of what big Air Force is doing and how it applies to the local level, he said. Besides talks from Welsh, Costin, and Schaik, Chief Master Sgt. Dale McGavran, the career field manager for the Chaplain Corps, spoke about the inspiration he took from history and from other chaplain assistants. He quoted Napoleon Bonapartes definition of a leader, a dealer in hope, and a chaplain assistants summation of her job: Were the ninjas of networking. Other Air Force leaders who addressed the summit for the next two days included Air Force Vice Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein; Maj. Gen. Garrett Herancak, the commander of the Air Force Recruiting Service; Chaplain (Col.) Gary R. Califf, the command chaplain for the Air Force Reserve Command; Chaplain (Col.) Bill Yates, the director of the Air National Guard Chaplain Corps; and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James A. Cody, who told the crowd, You go anywhere we send an Airman. Secretary of the Air Force Deborah Lee James addressed the audience on the last day of the summit, telling chaplains that in an Air Force always striving to improve, you never hear about a fifth-generation chaplain. Its good that some things stay the same. While the chaplains and chaplain assistants spent their mornings hearing from Air Force leaders, they spent their afternoons working in small groups addressing current challenges and how to make the corps better. While previous summits were cancelled due to sequestration, Costin knows the value of the event, noting that no one understands religious leaders in the Air Force as well as other religious leaders. We found that not getting together meant that we werent able to harness all the brainpower that we needed to, Costin said. What Im hoping for here is the networking and relationship building that will have long term implications for the corps. U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. (AFNS) -- Susan E. Rice, the national security advisor, spoke at the 2016 Ira C. Eaker lecture at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, April 14, 2016. In her speech, Rice outlined the United States whole-of-government strategy against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant. According to Rice, the counter-ISIL strategy has four facets. It calls for the coalition attacking ISILs core in Syria and Iraq, targeting ISILs branches, and working to disrupt ISILs global network. The U.S. is also working around the clock to protect the homeland. It is a complex effort, the national security advisor said. It will not be accomplished fully in just a few weeks or months, or even a few years. But day by day, mile by mile, strike by strike, we are making substantial progress. And were going to keep up the momentum. Bharat Ratna Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar may not have been a hero of the war of Indian independence, but he is the leader who built an independent India. Ambedkars 125th birthday anniversary was celebrated to commemorate his memories. After decades of neglect, one of the finest minds and statesmen of India, B.R. Ambedkar, is now invoked by almost everybody on the public scene. It is no wonder that everyone called him Babasaheb, out of love and admiration. He was the lion-hearted man who fought for equality, justice and humanity. He was no doubt a great man who single handedly gave millions the hope to live and prosper in a society that deprived them of even the most basic needs. Baba Saheb greatly contributed to the nation as a jurist, philosopher, politician, anthropologist, economist and historian. His statue, with its ubiquitous electric blue suit, may be a common sight at bus stands, bastis and universities, but it hardly brings out the fact that his life is one that was overshadowed by iconography and idolatry. Leadership of Baba Saheb and his teachings contained in his spoken and written word have given them sufficient independence of thought and action. Like most great men of the world he was the most misunderstood person in his own time. He had chosen a thorny path to tread on while others preferred the rosy path for their life journey. A march was also led by him in the year 1927 at Mahad, Maharashtra for ascertaining the equal rights for untouchable people who were not allowed to even touch or taste the water of Public Chawdar Lake. He led the temple entry movement in the year 1930 at Kalaram Temple, Nashik, and Maharashtra for real human rights and political justice. According to him, political power is not the only way to solve all the problems of depressed class people but they should get equal rights in the society in every field. Dr. Ambedkar, with his worldly perspective, changed the countrys fate. He was a liberator and philosopher. He was a man ahead of his time. We remember his efforts to eradicate social evils and the importance he gave to education. He decided to delve into the history of human discrimination and untouchability menace. As independent Indias first Law Minister, Ambedkar collaborated closely with Prime Minister Nehru in fighting against oppressive social hierarchies in Indian society. He hit the nail on the head, when he said that caste system in India was the root cause of the evil practice. Those who play politics of caste have no interest in welfare of poor people even within their caste. A nation can only progress if there is a feeling of unity. Babasaheb became a voice for the oppressed and downtrodden. His ideals and thoughts will continue to guide us in our mission for an equal society. Ambedkar added that after Independence, we had greater responsibilities and that if things went wrong, we would have nobody to blame except ourselves. But in todays politics, the blame game is the order of the day. Vinod Chandrashekhar Dixit (The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.) Jewellers across the country were on strike since March 02, when Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced that gold would be liable for one per cent excise duty from this financial year. When the United Progressive Alliance (UPA II) tried to impose a similar excise in 2012, gold associations across India went on a strike for 21 days before the government withdrew the proposal. While the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) supported that strike then, more than a month into this one, there are no signs of the government bending. To prevent Indians from buying gold considering the same as dead asset, the government raised import duty on gold to 10% in phases over two years ago. Still consumers appetite over gold remained unabated with the import of gold continued at around 1000 tonnes through both official and smuggling. Jewellers had gone on strike against the meagre one per cent excise duty imposed by the finance minister in the recent budget. The strike which was in its second month has reportedly impacted Rs. 1 lakh crore of business in the sector. The strike has also impacted gold imports which have fallen to a 29 month low of 12 to 15 tonnes. Around 70-80 per cent of jewellers had gone on strike as the gold import bill is estimated in the range of only $600-700 million. The strike had rippled through the lives of the several thousand artisans engaged in the gold trade. Abrupt departure from the industry in bad taste would impact jewellery sector badly in the long term. Not only jewellery shop owners spend thousands of rupees on their training in a professional institute and retain them as loyal employees throughout their lives, but also their return to the jewellery industry becomes difficult once they move out. The strike by the Jewellers had taken a political turn when Arvind Kejriwal and Rahul Gandhi extended their support for it. Both the politicians had criticized the government for imposing the tax on poor jewellers. This is not the first time excise duty was levied on the sector. Anyway, this time it went worst. About two-third of skilled workforce in jewellery sector has left for their hometown or switched to alternative means of livelihood due to the current strike over excise duty levy. These workers belong to West Bengal and Bihar. They have left for their hometown in large numbers. According to trade sources, workers have left from all across the country for their hometown. In March, two artisans in Mumbai killed themselves, reportedly because they were unable to meet their expenses after their orders stopped coming in. The Bengali Goldsmith Workers Association estimates that 12 of its members across the country have died since the strike started. Only around 20% remain in the city, said artisans who have stayed behind, and these only because their children are enrolled in schools in Mumbai and are yet to complete their exams. Over 2,00,000 skilled and unskilled workers are employed largely on daily wage basis in the popular Zaveri Bazaar market alone. Normally, they get salary on weekly basis for the number of days worked and additional sum for overtime work they do. However, they were facing survival problems as their weekly salary has stopped. Neither the striking jewellers nor the government is inclined to show leniency over their stand-off. Despite meeting with all top brasses of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders including the party president Amit Shah, the finance minister Arun Jaitley and road transport minister Nitin Gadkari to name a few, the government has hinted no possibility of the excise duty rollback as demanded by the striking jewellers. Interestingly, the Prime Ministers Office (PMO) has turned down jewellers request to meet with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi over excise duty. Meanwhile, jewellers with half shutter down are doing their business albeit selectively to meet the obligation of their customers for their festive and seasonal demand. They sell jewellery to their loyal customers as usual. However, jewellers are not entertaining new customers. This standoff raises an important question, why the government is so reluctant in removing such a small duty? (Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@afternoonvoice.com) A country-made pistol and a threat letter against JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar, purportedly written by a man who had earlier threatened the student leader over Facebook, were recovered from a bus operating between an ISBT and JNU campus following which Delhi Police is mulling enhancing his security. Delhi Police decided to review their security after receiving an anonymous letter from an abandoned bag in a bus, which threatened to decapitate Kumar and Khalids head for spreading anti-national sentiments. The bag also contained a country made pistol. The students are PhD scholars at Delhis prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Their arrests in February triggered angry student protests in different parts of the country; they were released on bail a few weeks later. Last evening, the driver of a bus that runs between their university and Delhis main bus terminal, the ISBT, found a bag with a revolver, six cartridges, and a note signed by Amit Jhonny (a fake name, cops say) that threatened Mr. Kumar and Mr. Khalid will be decapitated. The letter, signed by one Anil Jaani, spoke of rewards for whoever beheads Kumar and Khalid, who along with another PhD scholar Anirban Bhattacharya, were jailed for sedition following a massive uproar over an event held in JNU in memory of Parliament attacks convict Afzal Guru. They were released last month. The police have registered cases under Arms Act and other sections with the Tilak Marg station and are investigating the matter. The university has also been alerted about the threat. On Thursday, suspected Bajrang Dal activists had pelted stones and hurled a slipper at Kanhaiya Kumar in Nagpur but he escaped unhurt. Police later detained 10 men in connection with the attack. Kanhaiya was in the Maharashtra town to address a function marking the 125th anniversary of BR Ambedkar whom he considers his idol, at the invite of Progressive Students Youth Action Committee. Despite the X-level of security accorded to the student leader, Bajrang Dal activists were present to protest outside the Nagpur airport when he arrived and even when he went to the historic Deekshabhoomi to pay homage to Ambedkar. The function itself was disrupted by loud slogan-shouting of Kanhaiya Kumar Murdabad, Kanhaiya Triator, Go Away, forcing police to bundle the protestors outside the auditorium. Later, when he was addressing the meeting and making strong criticism of the BJP and its ideological mentor, the RSS, an unidentified person hurled a shoe at Kumar, barely missing his target. Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Friday attempted to downplay reports suggesting that the states Director General of Police (DGP) had objected to Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Puttingal Devi Temple on the same day when the tragedy took place, saying the visit of national leaders provided relief to the people during the disaster. The PMs visit to the spot was a great relief for the people. National leaders visited and their presence and advice and help was a great thing for Kerala. All rescue operations were over in the morning. We all concentrated on treatment of the injured after 6 am, he said. The DGP had asserted that he was against the visits as they would have adversely affected the rescue and relief work. He also said that during the VVIP visits, the police needs to be diverted for security. Hours after the massive firecracker explosion at the Puttingal Devi temple early Sunday, PM Modi flew in a special aircraft to Kollam, around 64 km from Thiruvananthapuram, with a team of 15 specialists from Delhi. Keralas Director General of Police TP Senkumar had said: I did object to the idea of the Prime Minister visiting the region within 12 hours of the accident. I told them it would be better for the PM to visit the spot a day after the disaster. But the PM wanted to visit that day itself. Our entire force had been working from early morning, engaged in rescue and relief work. So much work was still left and all of them were tired because there was no provision of even drinking water. We had to make arrangements for the safety and security of Prime Minister Modi and Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi too. This is a non issue. There is no harm in national leaders coming to the site. It helps the residents get maximum assistance. There was no delay in relief or rescue work due to the convoys of PM and Rahul Gandhi, he added. The US has asked Pakistan to target all militant groups, including the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), after release of a state department cable which suggested strong links between the notorious spy agency ISI and the Haqqani network. We have been consistently clear with the highest levels of the government of Pakistan that it must target all militant groups, including the Haqqani Network, al-Qaida, Lashkar-e-Taiba, said state department spokesman John Kirby. The government of Pakistan itself has repeatedly said its not going to discriminate against a terrorist group regardless of their agenda or affiliation, he said. Kirby was responding to a question on a series of latest US cable released by the National Security Archive which suggest strong links between Pakistans Inter-Services Intelligence and the Haqqani network. According to one of the cables, the ISI paid a whopping USD 200,000 to the dreaded Haqqani Network for a suicide attack on a CIA camp in Afghanistan in 2009 that killed seven American agents and contractors and three others. The CIA declined to comment on the cable. But an intelligence official told that there was no evidence which proves the information mentioned in the cable, which though is genuine. The US has maintained that the attack on a CIA base in Afghanistan was the handiwork of al-Qaida and not the Haqqani network. During discussions at an unknown date between Haqqani Salar and an unidentified ISID officer or Officers, Haqqani and Salar were provide $200,000 to enable the attack on Chapman, says the cable released by the National Security Archive of George Washington University which obtained it from the state department under the Freedom of Information Act. The state department did not answer questions on the cable. According to an intelligence official, the information in the cable obtained from a source on the ground could not be corroborated and there is no other cable matching this information. Weve made it clear what our expectations of the Government of Pakistan are, and the government of Pakistan has made it clear publicly, repeatedly that its not going to discriminate against groups, Kirby said. Russia called for the closing of the Turkey-Syrian border to prevent the ISIS and the Al-Nusra Front extremist groups from receiving foreign fighters and weapons into Syria and from exporting oil, artifacts and other goods. Russias UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin told a Security Council meeting on countering terrorism that members should also think about imposing a complete trade and economic embargo against the ISIS group. Churkin said in a recent letter to the council that Turkey is the main supplier of weapons and ammunition to ISIS fighters and that $1.9 million worth of explosives and industrial chemicals were smuggled across Turkeys border to extremist groups. Turkeys UN Mission rejected the allegations as baseless. Churkin accused Turkey on Thursday of complacency or inaction in allowing fighters and weapons to cross into Syria and the bulk of ISIS oil to be exported along with cultural artifacts. If Turkey feels that it is doing everything necessary to curtail the flows of supplies to terrorists, this could be corroborated by independent monitors, he said. Churkin called on the Turkish government on a voluntary basis to invite international observers to its borders with Syria and the port of Ceyhan. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told the Security Council that more than 30,000 people from all over the world have joined ISIS campaigns in Iraq and Syria. He urged member states to take more concrete steps to stop fundraising through the smuggling of oil and gas, the illicit trade of cultural artifacts, kidnapping for ransom and donations from abroad. Russia and China introduced a draft UN resolution on Wednesday aimed at preventing terrorists from preparing or using chemical weapons in Syria. Churkin told the council on Thursday that fighters from various radical groups have used toxic poisonous substances this year, singling out a known case of ISIS using mustard gas in Deir el-Zour. He said the draft resolution fills a gap in council resolutions and expressed hope for its speedy adoption. The draft resolution would require countries especially Syrias neighbors Turkey and Iraq to immediately report any actions by extremist groups to transfer, develop or acquire chemical weapons to the Security Council and to an international body charged with establishing who is responsible for chemical attacks in Syria. The draft would also require that body the Joint Investigative Mechanism or JIM to monitor any alleged activities and report monthly to the Security Council. By Dan Olmsted Was it really 11 years ago that I first wrote about the Amish and their apparent lack of autism? Yes, it was. Back then I was working at United Press International and had gotten interested in prescription drugs' side effects. My colleague Mark Benjamin suggested taking a look at vaccines, and his first report, The Vaccine Conflict, ran in 2003. (That led to the wonderful moment when Paul Offit, a focus of that article, stood up in a church -- a church! -- in North Carolina, and in response to a question said, "Mark Benjamin doesn't know s--!" That's about as close to a nomination for sainthood as most of us will come.) Mark got involved in the medical treatment of veterans -- writing the first reports on how poorly our Iraq and Iran vets were being treated, first for UPI, then for Salon, then for Time. I took the autism beat. The first thing to catch my attention was that both Hans Asperger and Leo Kanner -- in 1944 and 1943 -- noticed the phenomenon at roughly the same time. The cases were very different, but Child 1 in both reports was born in 1933. That is supposed to be the most wonderfully fabulous unrelated coincidence in the history of the entire world, but I didn't, and still don't, buy it. As I wrote then: -- This leads to a simple but significant question: Was it coincidence the first few cases of these strikingly similar disorders were identified at the same time, by the same term, in children born the same decade, by doctors thousands of miles apart? Or, is it a clue to when and where autism started -- and why? The question reflects a huge, and hugely important, debate. If autistic children always existed in the same percentages but just were not formally classified until the 1940s, that would suggest better diagnosis, not a troubling increase in the number of autistic children. If, however, autism had a clear beginning in the fairly recent past (a past so recent that Fritz and Donald could both be alive today at age 71), then the issue is very different. That would suggest something new caused those first autism and Asperger's cases in the early 1930s; something caused them to increase, and something is still causing them today. This ongoing series will look for answers by tracking the natural history of autism around the world -- a road less traveled than one might think. -- Little did I know then that Donald T. was indeed alive, that Mark Blaxill and I would be the first to identify Donald T., interview him at his home in Mississippi and deduce a number of connections to new environmental risks that led to the rise of autism. In a sense everything flowed from that first article, including a new book we are working on these 11 years later. My next stop was the present day -- autism among the Amish. It's amazing the potshots my rather modest observations have taken -- I'm somewhere between a crank and a fraud. I'm sure there will be some remarks to that effect in the comment section. But show me one Amish child with "iatrogenic autism" -- the kind not connected to a genetic anomaly or some other well-known source of causation -- and then let's talk. As far as I know, I remain the only person to find such a child -- who was removed from her home by public health authorities in a dispute over medical treatment at age 2, fully vaccinated while she was away, and returned two years later fully autistic. I even took her picture and ran it on AOA and in our book! Epidemic Deniers are welcome to submit their own selections. It's just an accident the articles started during Autism Awareness Month. I have to say I'm feeling more encouraged this year than on previous anniversaries. Last year, for his excellent film Trace Amounts, Eric Gladen interviewed some Amish on the same topic. It's just a couple of minutes long -- check it out! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_R20vL1THjM Here is the start of my first article with a link to five of many that I did on the Amish and autism. -- Lancaster, PA, Apr. 18 (UPI) -- Where are the autistic Amish? Here in Lancaster County, heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, there should be well over 100 with some form of the disorder. I have come here to find them, but so far my mission has failed, and the very few I have identified raise some very interesting questions about some widely held views on autism. The mainstream scientific consensus says autism is a complex genetic disorder, one that has been around for millennia at roughly the same prevalence. That prevalence is now considered to be 1 in every 166 children born in the United States. Applying that model to Lancaster County, there ought to be 130 Amish men, women and children here with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Well over 100, in rough terms. Typically, half would harbor milder variants such as Asperger's Disorder or the catch-all Pervasive Development Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified -- PDD-NOS for short. So let's drop those from our calculation, even though "mild" is a relative term when it comes to autism. That means upwards of 50 Amish people of all ages should be living in Lancaster County with full-syndrome autism, the "classic autism" first described in 1943 by child psychiatrist Leo Kanner at Johns Hopkins University. The full-syndrome disorder is hard to miss, characterized by "markedly abnormal or impaired development in social interaction and communication and a markedly restricted repertoire of activities and interests," according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Why bother looking for them among the Amish? Because they could hold clues to the cause of autism. http://www.putchildrenfirst.org/media/e.4.pdf -- Dan Olmsted is Editor of Age of Autism Web Toolbar by Wibiya Web Toolbar by Wibiya (NaturalNews) You may not know this, but there is an interesting and disturbing statistic regarding chemotherapy. When it all comes down to it, you might be surprised to know that 75 percent of doctors surveyed in a 2013 report said they would refuse the treatment for themselves. That's three out of four. And do you know why? Because they know of its devastating effects on the body and the immune system, and they are well aware that chemotherapy generally has a low overall success rate. And yet, this ineffective treatment is prescribed for just about every cancer there is. Fact is, chemotherapy is often worse than the disease it is supposed to treat. Indeed, chemotherapy itself usually leads to a quicker death because of the havoc it wreaks on the body, wiping out your immune system and leaving you vulnerable to some of the most common viruses and bacteria that, normally, you wouldn't be affected by in the least. A common cold, during chemotherapy, can often lead to pneumonia and death, thanks to the treatment's poisonous effects on your white blood cells. Sadly, as reported by NewsTarget, statistics on chemotherapy-caused deaths are difficult to come by, because hospitals and oncology physicians always assign the blame to "cancer." How convenient that is even if the eventual cause of death is infection that is caused or aggravated by chemotherapy-induced immune system weakness, the official death diagnosis is blamed on the cancer itself. Learn The Truth About Cancer Dr. Hardin B. Jones, a former professor of medical physics and physiology at the University of California, Berkeley, had been studying the lifespans of cancer patients for more than 25 years when he came to the conclusion that, despite popular belief, chemotherapy doesn't work. He witnessed a multitude of cancer patients treated with the poison die horrific deaths, many of them meeting their fate much earlier than other patients who chose no treatment at all. Maligned and trashed by the mainstream media and Big Pharma The Western medical establishment downplays another disturbing fact many people who are battling the disease don't even have cancer in the first place. However, doctors and oncologists as well as X-ray technicians misinterpret lab results or X-ray films and often force patients into a false choice: Begin harmful chemotherapy, radiation treatment or surgery, or face death (which often happens anyway).As Natural News reported last year, chemo will often kill patients faster than them having received no traditional cancer treatment at all:That knowledge may certainly disturb some people, especially if they have lost a loved one to this dreaded disease. But that doesn't make this fact any less true.The good news is, there are legitimate, viable, natural alternatives to chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, and they are all documented in a blockbuster series you can watch for free online, The Truth About Cancer Summit As noted byeditor Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, the cures discussed during this amazing documentary are nothing less than spectacular. Adams is also a food safety lab technician and the author of the upcoming book Food Forensics , which documents his efforts to improve the food supply and educate consumers on how to protect their health."This docu-series is so powerful that it threatens to collapse the for-profit cancer industry. That industry earns its revenues based onfrom cancer treatments that don't prevent cancer or reverse cancer. Instead, today's fraudulent cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation actually CAUSE more cancer!" he said in a recent column "The absolute last thing the cancer industry wants is for knowledge of cancer prevention strategies (and cancer cures) to spread among the public. Such knowledge threatens their very existence and takes away the profits they've been counting on from treating cancer in 1 out of 3 people for the foreseeable future," he added.Don't miss the relaunch of this powerful docu-series, register for The Truth About Cancer Summit for FREE today. The series begins streaming today!Recommended article - http://www.obj.ca/Blog/b/A-Guide-for-choosing-best-Online-Casinos-in-Canada/1544 Web Toolbar by Wibiya (NaturalNews) A Delaware family vacationing in the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2015 didn't return home with the usual memories typically associated with having an enjoyable time. Instead, they learned that they were a victim of illegal pesticide exposure after staying in a St. John resort room for eight days that had been sprayed with a toxic gas. Steve Esmond, his wife Dr. Theresa Divine, and their two sons became ill just two days after a Terminix employee sprayed their room with methyl bromide, an odorless, highly poisonous gas that was banned for indoor use by the Environmental Protection Agency in (are you ready for this?) 1984. The governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands even noted that the family was in serious-to-critical condition and that the teenage children have permanent brain damage. So dire is the family's health situation that Pope Francis took a moment to bless them as he was on his way to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, late last year. Permanent brain damage and multiple violations later, company agrees to pay massive fines Natural methods can be used without creating health horrors As a result of the health horrors inflicted on this family, Terminix has been ordered to pay $10 million after the U.S. Justice Department and the Environmental Protection Agency charged the company with several violations of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act. The majority of the agreement between Terminix and its U.S. Virgin Islands counterpart involves criminal fines; $8 million will be paid in that regard. The rest of the money will go towards a community service project in U.S. Virgin Islands ($1 million) while the remaining $1 million will be used by the EPA to handle costs associated with response and cleanup efforts.Additionally, Terminix, which is on probation for three years as a result of their violations, has agreed to engage in civil proceedings to help the family with past and future medical expenses.Cynthia Giles, Assistant Administrator for the EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance said that this family's experience demonstrates the "real consequences" of not abiding by a law designed to protect public health. "This incident illustrates how important it is for EPA to enforce environmental laws and hold anyone accountable for endangering our safety," she said. "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."Terminix has fully admitted to engaging in a fumigation treatment with methyl bromide in order to keep Powder Post Beetles at bay. The beetles are a problem that often affects the islands, and the odorless gas treatment supposedly keeps them away from unwanted areas. However, as previously mentioned, it's dangerous to humans hence the 1984 ban and the family's unfortunate health reaction. It's beyond sad to think that the company knowingly overlooked this matter, continuing to spray rooms with a toxic substance that they were aware was illegal all along Methyl bromide is linked with causing a wide range of health problems from nervous system damage and brain hemorrhaging to paralysis and even death. Even skin exposure can lead to vomiting, blisters and death. The toxin is also associated with having a role in destroying the ozone layer.As such, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS), says there's another solution that is just as effective as methyl bromide, minus the associated health problems it's known to cause. They maintain that molasses , natural anaerobic soil disinfestation and chicken litter can keep weeds and pests away from crops. As such, they began working with growers in Florida years ago with the hope that this natural method will work satisfactorily. Web Toolbar by Wibiya (NaturalNews) Johnson & Johnson is being sued by more than 1,000 women who developed ovarian cancer after using the company's Baby Powder product. The lawsuit is based on the assertion that the company knew their product was associated with an increased cancer risk but deliberately withheld that information from the public. For generations, women have used the product to keep the genital area feeling "fresh and clean," as one plaintiff (who has since died from the disease) put it. A link between talcum powder the main ingredient in Johnson & Johnson's Baby Powder and ovarian cancer has been suspected for 45 years, but the company ignored the scientific findings, even after further statistical studies in 1982 confirmed the link. Over the years, Johnson & Johnson has put a great deal of effort in convincing consumers that their products particularly their line of baby products, which includes J&J Baby Powder are safe and trustworthy. It is believed that this may be the reason the company withheld the information linking their baby powder product with ovarian cancer they wanted to protect their reputation at all costs. The truth about one of America's most "trusted" brands Johnson & Johnson has spent more than $5 billion to resolve legal claims over its drugs and medical devices since 2013. That year, it agreed to pay $2.2 billion to settle criminal and civil probes into claims that it illegally marketed Risperdal, an antipsychotic drug, to children and the elderly; two other medicines were included in the settlement. It was one of the largest health fraud penalties in U.S. history. The company has also agreed to pay some $2.8 billion to resolve lawsuits about its artificial hips and $120 million for faulty vaginal-mesh inserts. In its 2015 annual report, J&J stated that more than 75,000 people had filed product liability claims, and that didn't include the talc powder cases. Dr. Semple spent his time trying to convince me that talc use was a harmless habit, while I spent my time trying to persuade him to consider the possibility that my study could be correct and that women should be advised of this potential risk of talc. A cynical breach of trust in pursuit of profits Web Toolbar by Wibiya (NaturalNews) What kind of world are we living in when a man defending himself in court is not only routinely interrupted by the judge but also jolted with 50,000 volts of electricity because he continued speaking? It's the world of Judge Robert Christopher Nalley who, in 2014, continually treated defendant Delvon King who was in a Maryland court on gun charges like a violent animal. Turns out, the violent animal was the judge, who ordered the court deputy to taser Nalley to the point of making him scream in pain. The video showing the despicable act by ruthless Nalley is enough to get your blood boiling while also making you also lose your faith in human decency and kindness. See for yourself how the judge keeps telling King, who is behaving peacefully the entire time, to stop talking. When he continues speaking, that's when Nalley loses it and unleashes his harsh demand. The judge orders the court deputy to "use it" (the taser), at which point King instantly falls to the floor, screaming uncontrollably while remaining in a fetal position. King lets out a spine-tingling scream every few seconds as he tries to deal with the whopping 50,000 volts of electricity that just shocked his body. Defendant shocked with 50,000 volts of electricity, then told to calm down... is this for real? Slap on wrist for judge who ordered electroshock torture While King suffers in pain, the judge acts as though what just occurred is no big deal, telling everyone in court to take five minutes so King can "calm down."Calm down?First of all, it's Nalley and his I'm-above-the-law attitude that was in need of calming down. Secondly, King should have received more than a mere five minutes to recover from the judge's violent order; the judge should have extended an apology directly to King as well. But most importantly, the judge should have been severely reprimanded for his below-the-belt, unnecessary action since such an order is only to be given in the event a person in court begins acting dangerously and an emergency situation unfolds.The video clearly shows that the only dangerous behavior occurred when Nalley ordered King, who was wearing a shocker anklet, to be tortured with 50,000 volts of electricity.Sure, after pleading guilty, the judge was punished if you can call it that. Had anyone else inflicted such violence on another person in the same manner Nalley did, they would have received jail time on top of hefty fines. But because Nalley is a judge , he can get away with ordering such acts of torture on citizens and walk away with a slap on the wrist.Case in point: Initially, he was facing upwards of a year in jail and a fine that could have been as high as $100,000. But since he's a judge, and since his order to the court deputy fell under the sanction of his place in government , his so-called punishment ended up being a measly $5,000 fine and having to attend anger management classes. No time in prison. Just a minor shame-on-you fine that reinforces how out of whack society's preferences are for those in power.This isn't the first time Nalley has behaved in such a horrific manner in the courtroom.In 2010, he lost his temper upon discovering that a cleaning woman's car was parked in a restricted zone at the courthouse. His reaction? Why, deflate one of her tires, of course. Clearly, this isn't the way anyone, let alone a judge, should behave. Nalley was fined, suspended for five days without pay and ordered to write an apology letter.What's happening in society when right is wrong and wrong is right? The backwards mentality that seems to afflict those in power needs to stop immediately, as does the minimal punishment they often receive for their sick and twisted wrongdoings. Web Toolbar by Wibiya (NaturalNews) During the rise of Nazi Germany, The Associated Press (AP) willingly cooperated with Adolf Hitler's Third Reich, submitting to dramatic restrictions on freedom of the press and providing the regime with images from the news service's photo archives so they could be used in anti-Semitic and anti-Western propaganda, according to a new report. As noted by the Times of Israel, when Hitler's National Socialists rose to power in 1933, every international news agency save the U.S.-based AP, which was founded in 1846, was ordered to leave Germany; the AP continued to operate in Nazi Germany until 1941, when America declared war on the Axis following Japan's "surprise attack" on Pearl Harbor. According to German historian Harriet Scharnberg, what is now the world's largest news organization was only permitted to remain in Germany because it agreed to a deal with the Nazi regime. Photos used in anti-Jewish 'subhuman' propaganda pamphlets 'We reject any suggestion...' In doing so, the AP lost control over its own copy by submitting to theor "Editor's Law." The news agency agreed not to publish any material "calculated to weaken the strength of the Reich abroad or at home," she wrote in a piece for the academic journal. Her research was first reported by the UK'snewspaper.According to, the Nazi Editor's Law forced AP employees to contribute material for the National Socialist Party's propaganda machine, which Hitler entrusted to his longtime friend and confidant Joseph Goebbels . One of four photographers who worked for the AP in the 1930s was Franz Roth, a member of the SS paramilitary unit's propaganda division, whose photos were handpicked by the Nazi leader himself.The AP's photos went on to appear in a number of Nazi regime propaganda publications, including a 52-page SS pamphlet called. That said, most of the AP photos appeared in a separate pamphlet titled; the former pamphlet carried the second-highest number of AP photos,reported.Some have speculated that the AP agreed to the Nazi deal in order to provide the West a "peek into a repressive society that may otherwise have been entirely hidden from view," the paper reported. But alternately, the deal also gave the Nazis a means of covering up their war crimes, say others.In an interview with, Scharnberg said that the cooperation with a prestigious American news agency gave Hitler a platform to portray his "war of extermination as a conventional war.""Instead of printing pictures of the days-long Lviv pogroms with its thousands of Jewish victims, the American press was only supplied with photographs showing the victims of the Soviet police and 'brute' Red Army war criminals," Scharnberg, a historian at Halle's Martin Luther University, told the paper, in reference to just one example of the AP aiding the Nazi regime."To that extent it is fair to say that these pictures played their part in disguising the true character of the war led by the Germans," she added. "Which events were made visible and which remained invisible in AP's supply of pictures followed German interests and the German narrative of the war."In response to an inquiry fromabout its alleged cooperation with the Nazis, The Associated Press vowed to look into the charge, but a statement from the news agency expressed extreme doubt that it would have deliberately done so."An accurate characterization is that the AP and other foreign news organizations were subjected to intense pressure from the Nazi regime from the year of Hitler's coming to power in 1932 until the AP's expulsion from Germany in 1941. AP management resisted the pressure while working to gather accurate, vital and objective news in a dark and dangerous time," the agency stated.Later, the AP issued a lengthier statement saying it "rejects the suggestion that it collaborated with the Nazi regime at any time." Obama, How Long Will You Ignore the Iraqi Christian Militias? ( Alice Martins/AP) Despite the moral imperatives and strategic benefits of doing so, the Obama Administration has failed to assist Iraq's Christians in providing for their own self-defense, according to a former U.S. State Department official. Max Primorac, a former state department employee, made a recent trip to Iraq to assess the situation both in Baghdad and in the country's genocide-stricken northern regions. Upon his return, he has found that some of the groups most affected by the rise of ISIS (hereafter Daesh) are receiving almost no assistance in their own self-defense from the Obama Administration. Primorac made the trip in his new capacity as an advisor to the Restore Nineveh Now Foundation, an Assyrian Christian relief organization, "to see what could be done to tap into existing resources" in order to assist Iraq's religious minorities "that are just getting hammered" by Daesh. "Instead of always raising private money to support humanitarian, democracy, and security needs of the people, my argument was that there's a heck of a lot more money already in the pipeline," explained Primorac in an interview with CR. "It's taxpayer money; it's your money, and we need to come up with a plan to try to find out what those moneys are and advocate for the better disbursement of them to support the folks [in Northern Iraq], the ethno-religious minorities." Primorac worked for a total of five years in Iraq as a State Department employee and served during the 2006 troop surge. Primorac spent three of those years in Baghdad. Primorac 's analysis led him and his team to a military aid program formerly called the "Iraq Train and Equip Fund" (ITEF). While funding for Christian militias is expected to be an issue in the upcoming National Defense Authorization Act markup, ITEF is already on the books and the funds are already present to help religious minorities such as Chaldo-Assyrian Christians, Yazidis and Iraq's Turkmen minority. According to a press release from Restore Nineveh Now: The objective of ITEF is to train, advise, and assist the Iraqi Army in initiating and sustaining combat operations against ISIL. According to The National Defense Authorization Act for FY16, US Government defense articles, services, and related training must be extended to "Kurdish and tribal security forces and other local security forces." The Joint Explanatory Statement to the NDAA/Subtitle C-Matters Relating to Syria and Iraq defines local security forces as those "...that are committed to protecting highly vulnerable ethnic and religious minority communities, such as Yezidi, Christian, Assyrian and Turkmen." ITEF was created in 2014 after Daesh took over large swaths of land in Northern Iraq. So far the program has provided military assistance to Iraqi and Kurdish forces, while the Nineveh Protection unit -- which contains several local Christian militias -- has been left out, according to Primorac. What has happened is that a program that was supposed to include local protection forces in addition to other groups is not including the ethnic minorities. "So they've been ignored," explained Primorac. "Given the gravity that comes along with declaring genocide [which both the House of Representatives and the State Department have done], given that these local security forces are concentrated up in Mosul, which is the ground zero for knocking out ISIL, practically--on a military level--it makes sense to include them." In addition to the moral implications that go along with the United States government's genocide declaration, Primorac argues that arming minority groups for a post-Daesh Iraq also makes strategic sense. "You don't want to defeat ISIL and then have a war between Sunni, Shia, Kurds and Arabs," Primorac said. So using the fund as a "tool for national reconciliation is a smart thing to do." "Most importantly, inclusion of these groups would have a critical post-war stabilizing impact. The reason being, that area up there -- the Nineveh Plain area where the Christians and Yazidis are -- that's disputed land between the Kurds who think that the borders of Kurdistan need to be expanded and the Sunni Arabs who say, 'no it doesn't," he said. "By incorporating these groups into 'Train and Equip' it would send a very powerful political message to both the Kurds and to the Arabs to keep their hands off and to not resort to violence to settle these kinds of disputes." It would send a powerful political message to the Kurds and the Arabs "hands off," do not resort to political violence to settle these sorts of groups The Nineveh Plain Protection Units (NPU) are local peacekeeping forces comprised of around 2,500 Iraqi citizens of the Nineveh Plains region in Northern Iraq. The NPU were formed in late 2014 to protect Iraq's Christian population from Daesh's genocidal onslaught. The NPU is headquartered roughly thirty miles from Mosul, placing them in a key strategic position for the local ground campaign against the Islamist group. "There are some additional 3000 to 4000 volunteers hoping to be enrolled and trained into the NPU," According to a press release from Restore Nineveh Now. "With proper support and equipment, the NPU stands ready to add to Iraq's military capabilities and, in a post-ISIS Iraq, will temper competing sectarian-based territorial claims over the Nineveh Plain, promote national unity, integrate more of Iraq's minorities into the country's national security institutions and constitute a major step towards rebuilding an inclusive, unified Iraq." The immediate reason for arming Christian militias alongside Peshmerga forces and others has a lot to do with pre-existing conditions on the ground. "The fact of the matter is that this is a bilateral agreement, the government of the United States training and equipping the government of Iraq. So, by definition, the program goes to Baghdad, explained Primorac. "NPU is one of the few local security forces that are already integrated into Baghdad. It has a one-star general sitting in Baghdad in the PM's office." As of last November, they are formally integrated into Iraq's security forces and are therefore currently eligible under current US law for US military assistance." However, the biggest obstacle in Primorac 's mind to training and equipping religious minorities facing genocide is the Obama Administration's inaction on the subject. One recent example of which could be seen in Secretary of State John Kerry's recent trip to Iraq, in which no official mention was made of his department's recent genocide declaration. "Genocide is a pretty serious word. Despite that, the issue wasn't even brought up. He didn't bring it up with any of the Iraqi officials," fumed Primorac, also citing the massive support of civil rights groups and a unanimously-passed house resolution on the subject. "It wasn't even three weeks since he, on the last possible day, made the announcement that the genocide designation would be used, not only for Yazidis, but for Christians as well." "There was no mention of it. Not even three weeks had passed and it's clear that their designation rings hollow. This was nothing more than a political ploy to get it off the table with no intention of changing anything." Primorac remarked in frustration that, not only was the issue ignored in Baghdad, but back in Washington, D.C. he's seen no change in the Administration's policies towards Iraq's Christian minorities, which he says is "just making a mockery of all of us." April 15, 2016 From one edge of the abyss to another, warring rivals in Syria continue to swap roles. On March 27, Palmyra was recaptured from the Islamic State (IS) by the Syrian army, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and Lebanons Hezbollah movement. After IS had held the city for almost 10 months, forces loyal to the Syrian government entered the city under aerial cover from Russian fighter jets, which launched 41 sorties in four days, killing scores of IS fighters. After this victory, pro-regime jubilation reflected a sense of total triumph. Expectations were so high that media outlets close to this bloc suggested Deir ez-Zor would be the next city on the liberation list. The anti-IS forces are taking advantage of the truce between the regime and rebels that took effect Feb. 26, which has helped to keep all fronts relatively calm except those with IS and Jabhat al-Nusra. The Palmyra military advancement, along with political talks, would have been the ideal scenario for the regime were it not for the April 2 attack on Tel al-Ais. Jabhat al-Nusra recaptured the strategic city, leaving scores of Syrian army soldiers and Hezbollah fighters dead. This was followed days later by the downing of a Syrian fighter jet in the same area. The aircrafts pilot was captured. On April 12, Syrian, Iranian and Hezbollah fighters attempted once again to seize Tel al-Ais, but their attack was repelled. Several fighters from Hezbollah were killed and one was captured, bringing the number of Hezbollah members held as prisoners of war by Jabhat al-Nusra to four. None of the warring actors in Syria is capable of ending the war despite all claims to the contrary by various sides. The pro-regime bloc can advance on one front, but that has implications on another front. Moreover, if the Russian air force isnt providing cover, rival forces on the ground are almost equal in power. Its no secret that the Syrian army is exhausted, despite the initial boost in morale after Russia entered the war. Such a boost alone is not enough to win the war in Syria especially since Russia is withdrawing some of its forces. Iranian military advisers, along with Hezbollah, Iraqi and Afghan fighters, are adding power to the regimes military capabilities. However, these forces arent efficient when it comes to post-victory redeployments, as such missions always depend on the strength of local forces, which must be able to solidify recaptured positions. Hezbollah, despite its limited manpower on the eastern borders of Lebanon, recently started increasing its presence on the southern front on the border with Israel to be prepared for any Israeli adventure. Yet the groups leader, Hassan Nasrallah, played down the possibility of war with Israel in a March 21 interview with pan-Arab news network Al-Mayadeen. Nonetheless, a political source close to Hezbollah in Beirut told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, Israel might at any minute launch a mini war that might lead to an unprecedented crisis in the region. Hezbollah is taking this into consideration and therefore is taking all measures to be able to respond and defend [itself] whenever needed. On the other side of the Syrian conflict, the situation is no better. Opposition forces are doing what the pro-regime forces are not: killing each other. It's no longer possible to even count the number of groups fighting to topple Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. Even as these groups share a common main goal, they differ on other objectives and ideology. The objectives of their financiers also are causing conflict among the groups. A March 27 Los Angeles Times story vividly outlined the problem under the headline In Syria, militias armed by the Pentagon fight those armed by the CIA. The article laid bare how a CIA-armed militia called Fursan al Haq, or Knights of Righteousness, was run out of the town of Marea, about 20 miles north of Aleppo, by Pentagon-backed Syrian Democratic Forces moving in from Kurdish-controlled areas to the east. This is not to mention the clashes taking place between groups financed by Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey all in parallel with the larger war with IS, which has taken its toll on the rebels. As the situation is dangling between the US- and Russian-backed Geneva peace process which doesnt seem to be going anywhere and the stalemate on the ground, an Iranian official expressed skepticism in an interview with Al-Monitor that any serious developments will be made in the coming months. He told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, Its clear that the current administration in Washington is trying to keep the situation under control in the region so that the next elected administration can make decisions. The next president is the one who will have to live with the decisions for another four years, so they want the newcomer to make them. The Iranian official added, It has been five years since the war in Syria started. We dont have a plan B we only have one plan, and well continue to work in accordance with it. We want a political solution and unity against terrorism. This isnt going to change as long as the crisis is going on. The bloodshed should end, but the US doesnt care: They see their interests only because their hands arent in the fire, but this is not going to last too long. Daesh [IS] is everywhere, and for sure, they are in the United States. He concluded ominously, In fact, the real danger for the US, and the West in general, isnt Daesh but [Jabhat al-] Nusra. I can see a new [Osama] bin Laden being created. Hes also Saudi, and hes now being treated as a rebel: [Saudi militant cleric] Abdullah al-Muhaysini. Its really strange how history repeats itself. April 15, 2016 The Iraqi Kurds dire warnings of impending financial doom have failed to awaken Congress from its pre-election slumber. Top officials from the besieged Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) made the rounds in Washington this week to warn that Erbils $100 million-a-month operating deficit was harming its ability to take on the Islamic State (IS). Declining oil prices and the burden of caring for perhaps as many as 1.8 million displaced Iraqis and Syrian refugees are taking their toll, they said, with peshmerga fighters going unpaid for the past three months and civil servants for the past four. The existential threat facing Kurdistan today is the state of our economy," Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani said at an April 14 Wilson Center event. "It's important for our friends around the world to realize that this threat facing Kurdistan is great, this threat facing Kurdistan is real, and without immediate, direct support, the experiment of Kurdistan is in danger, but more troubling, the frontline against [IS] is in danger." Despite forcefully pleading their case in meetings with the Obama administration, Congress and think tanks, they came away with little to show for it beyond inexpensive expressions of gratitude. A bailout, lawmakers said, is simply not in the cards. Congress is about as hungry for that as the Puerto Rico rescue bill, said House Foreign Affairs MENA panel Chairwoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., referring to legislation that has divided the Republican caucus. Its tough times. We have few legislative days. Its hard to get members attention. At the Wilson Center event, Talabani specifically urged that bilateral economic support funds be reprogrammed for the KRG. The current years budget sets aside $72.5 million for economic aid to Iraq. Congressional legislation states that bilateral aid to Iraq shall be made available in Kurdistan, but how much ends up there is not clear. Talabani also asked for a share of US counter-IS funds to help pay government expenses. The Department of Defense is seeking $7.5 billion for FY 2017 a 50% increase over the current fiscal year in counter-IS activities such as to train, advise and assist missions in Iraq and Syria. "We understand that there are several pots of money available, both here in the US and also internationally," Talabani said. "No one has been countering [IS] as effectively as we are on the ground. So it makes perfect sense for us to benefit from counter-[IS] funds that have been appropriated by Congress." To help get things moving, Ros-Lehtinen and Rep. Brad Sherman, D-Calif., introduced a resolution on April 14 that urges the Department of State to provide assistance to the Kurdistan Regional Government to assist in meeting the needs of the internally displaced persons and refugee populations. The State Department also says it understands the urgency of the problem, even as it remains vague about any potential solution. Weve been nothing but consistent about our willingness to continue to help and support, spokesman John Kirby told reporters April 14 in response to Talabanis speech. I just dont have anything specific with respect to the economic issues to speak to today. Congress, however, is showing little appetite for bypassing Baghdad. Asked if there was any appetite for Talabanis request, the chairwoman of the House Appropriations panel on foreign aid said Not really. Wed love to help them, because theyve done everything weve asked them to do, Rep. Kay Granger, R-Texas, told Al-Monitor. But Id be really surprised to see [changes to the law]. The top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., also made it clear that US law requires aid to flow through Baghdad. Thats not likely to change, he said, but the central government does need to ensure that aid flows to the Kurds. There should be some international assistance to help them, Cardin added. The international community may indeed be the KRGs best bet. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) may be getting close to unlocking $15 billion in international assistance over the next three years, Reuters reported last month, and Erbil wants to make sure it gets a piece of the pie. "We're also here to talk to our friends at the IMF and the World Bank to ensure that any funds raised for Iraq, that our portion makes its way to Kurdistan," Talabani said. "We've heard some positive response and positive feedback. I think there is a genuine understanding of the need to help Kurdistan financially, but I worry that it may be too little too late, now. It's very important that we expedite this and cut through the bureaucracy." The Iraqi Embassy in Washington says it agrees, as long as Baghdad isnt left out of the loop. We support international financial assistance to the KRG that is provided in coordination with the Iraqi government, Ambassador Lukman Faily told Al-Monitor in an emailed statement. All Iraqi forces, including the Kurdish peshmerga, have fought heroically against Daesh [IS] and are deserving of international support. A delegation from Baghdad led by Finance Minister Hoshyar Zebari is meeting this week with World Bank and IMF officials to discuss a financial assistance package that will support all Iraqis, including the Kurdistan Region, during this difficult time. April 14, 2016 The storm generated by Knesset member Zuhair Bahloul of the Zionist Camp for refusing to label the stabber of an Israeli soldier in Hebron a terrorist is yet another lesson in the complex reality of Arab society in Israel. The bloody conflict between their fellow people, the Palestinians, and their fellow citizens, the Jews of Israel, traps Israels Arab citizens between a rock and a hard place: solidarity and empathy on the one hand, and denial and repression on the other. In June 2014, Knesset member Haneen Zoabi of the Arab Balad Party dared argue that the killers of three Israeli youths in the West Bank were not terrorists. The agonized shrieks of Israels elected officials reverberated at the time through the halls of the Knesset. Bahloul was decrying the fact that for Israelis, anyone struggling for his liberty and his independence is a terrorist. Zoabi voiced her solidarity in cruder terms. She said that her occupied people will keep resorting to violence until Israeli citizens and society will wake up and feel the suffering of the other." Similar comments have been made for decades by Israeli Palestinians. But the troubling innovation is to be found in the Jewish-Israeli society. The sayings ''All of Israel are responsible for one another'' (Talmud, Shevuot 39a) and ''All Israel are friends'' describe a society proud of its ethos of solidarity and mutual responsibility. But it is that same society that violates the right to solidarity among Israels Arab citizens. It refuses to understand that Arabs and Palestinians, too, can have an ethos of solidarity and a sense of mutual responsibility for each other. Jews the world over fought for the release of the so-called prisoners of Zion, demanding that the Soviet Union open its gates to a Jewish exodus. We, the Jews, cried out Let my people go (Exodus 9:1); the African-Americans cried out Let my people go and demanded that the world impose an embargo on South Africa under apartheid. The Palestinian nation is also the nation of Bahloul and Zoabi. It is their right if not their moral responsibility to support its struggle for national freedom and even support its call to boycott Jewish West Bank settlements. Nonetheless, Bahloul stressed that he ruled out the use of violence against civilians. This, despite the fact that on his way to the Knesset he probably passes through an avenue, a square or a street named after the activists of the Irgun and Lehi, the two Jewish pro-independence underground organizations that placed bombs in a crowded market in the city of Haifa, murdered passengers on Palestinian buses and hung British troops (before Israel was established). The young Palestinians who stab Israeli soldiers did not invent the ethos of the brave who gave their souls for the homeland (a phrasing often used in Israeli commemoration ceremonies). The anthem of the Lehi underground, Unknown Soldiers, contains the lines, Our will is to be forever free/ Our dream to die for our country. The words Only death will discharge us from [our] ranks'' are engraved on the tombstone of Lehi leader Avraham (Yair) Stern, who wrote the anthem. On the statue of the roaring lion erected in Kibbutz Tel Hai in memory of Joseph Trumpeldor, a Zionist activist who died in 1920 while defending Tel Hai, are etched the words, Its good to die for our land. Another troubling aspect of the Bahloul affair is the lack of solidarity and dearth of empathy among the benches of the biggest party in the opposition, the Zionist Camp. How can one expect that those politicians who abandoned their party member to the incitement of the right wing would display solidarity for the plight of the neighbors an entire nation living for decades under an occupying force, without any real hope of change? In his rejection of Bahloul, Zionist Camp leader Isaac Herzog makes one nostalgic for one of his predecessors, former Defense and Prime Minister Ehud Barak. In 1998, Barak, then-chairman of the Labor Party, said that if he were a Palestinian of the right age he might have joined a terror organization. Responding to his critics in the Likud, the former chief-of-staff and the most decorated soldier of the Israel Defense Forces explained his remarks, saying, What would they have wanted me to say, that if I were a young Palestinian who has from birth undergone a Palestinian experience, I would have become a third-grade teacher in an elementary school? Sadly, two years later the gap between Barak's intellectual capacities and his emotional intelligence prevented him from displaying that same empathetic attitude toward PLO leader Yasser Arafat, then-chairman of the Palestinian Authority, in the doorway of the negotiating room at Camp David. According to the equilibrium theory of Nobel Prize laureate in Economic Sciences John Nash, in order to achieve the best solution to a conflict it is essential to anticipate the moves of the other side. To that end one must first walk in its shoes, understand its interests and wonder about its feelings. To do so, there is no need to delve into the writings of the genius. All you have to do is log onto the website of Hadracha (Hebrew for guidance) and go to the section titled Entering the shoes of the other. The site is a joint initiative of the Zionist Federation and the national-religious Bnei Akiva youth movement designed for 10- to 14-year-olds. The text was written by a counselor in Bnei Akiva, one of the power bases of the radical right led by Education Minister Naftali Bennett. The instructions there are for children to exchange their shoes with those of their friends and run a short way, in order to show them the difficulty of understanding others and the need to do so. The counselor is encouraged to end the exercise by telling the children the following important message: We saw that it is not easy to enter someone elses shoes, but we must always do so before passing judgment on a friend Sometimes we dont know whats behind certain decisions or certain acts and we have to develop within ourselves a measure of seeing the good. The counselor is encouraged to quote from the Jewish sages the words, Judge every person favorably'' (Pirkei Avot 1:6). Does the word friend apply also to a 12-year-old Palestinian girl sent to jail by a Jewish judge after a soldier found a knife in her bag? Do the words every person also apply to an Arab member of Knesset who displays empathy for his people under the yoke of occupation? Perhaps those shoes only belong to the feet of the Jews whose Sabbath prayer You [God] have chosen us guides them in choosing their leaders and shaping their views. April 14, 2016 Azerbaijan and Israel are strategic allies. I had the privilege of laying the foundations for that alliance in 1993, shortly after Azerbaijan obtained independence for the second time. The first time was in 1918, when the short-lived Azerbaijan Democratic Republic became the first secular Muslim republic in history. At the beginning of April, fierce fighting erupted between the Armenian and Azerbaijani armies in the contested territory of Nagorno-Karabakh. A tenuous cease-fire has since been declared. As in any region entangled in a complex web of international interests, the international community is expected to play a major role in the short- and long-term future of this strip of land. Now, however, when Azerbaijan needs all the diplomatic help it can muster, Israel is not rushing to its aid. The alliance between the two countries has a firm basis in geopolitical realpolitik. Azerbaijan takes special care to maintain its status as a secular state, while its two large neighbors, Turkey and Iran, are best characterized as Islamist regimes with imperial ambitions. Iran especially has a hard time coming to terms with the fact that a country on its border, particularly one with a majority Shiite population, maintains a modern Western, secular lifestyle. Azerbaijan also takes care to uphold a cautious policy of neutrality toward the two regional powerbrokers, Turkey and Russia, even while Ankara and Moscow are engaged in a heated diplomatic, near military, conflict. The significant Azeri minority in the northeastern corner of Iran is discriminated against in many different areas by the central government in Tehran. In contrast, there was never anti-Semitism in Azerbaijan, and many Jews there have reached prominent positions in the sciences, culture and society. The community of Azeri immigrants now living in Israel and the Jewish community that remains in Azerbaijan play an important role in preserving the good relationship between the two countries. Apart from neighboring Georgia, Israel is the secular democratic state closest to Azerbaijan, while Azerbaijan is one of a tiny group of Muslim states that maintains friendly relations with Israel openly and unapologetically in various areas. In the early 1990s, as the Soviet Union was disintegrating, war broke out between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Armenians enjoyed significant Russian support, while the Azerbaijanis fought alone. When a cease-fire was achieved, Azerbaijan was forced to come to terms with the mountainous contested region of Nagorno-Karabakh having been seized by Armenia, along with seven other strips of land, together comprising fully one-fifth of its territory. About 1 million residents of these occupied lands were forced out of their homes and became displaced persons. During the past 20 years, Azerbaijan, with the development of its vast oil and gas reserves, has become rich, and its army has grown stronger. According to published estimates, and a source at the Israeli Energy Institute, some 40% of Israels oil comes from Azerbaijan. The strengthening of Azerbaijans military, however, has not brought it closer to taking back the territories conquered by Armenia. The international community finds the status quo convenient. Although Europe wants Azeri oil and gas, it will not lift a finger to advance diplomatic negotiations intended to end the conflict. The United States benefited from Azeri logistical support in its wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, but it is doing nothing to end the conflict, since it is clear to all that there can be no resolution without a return of territories. Meanwhile, Russia is interested in the continuation of the conflict. With a military outpost in Armenia, it has set itself up as the permanent mediator and is now considering stationing its own peacekeeping forces in the contested region. This would have the added advantage of increasing its military presence along the Turkish border. Thus, international apathy allows for the continuation of the status quo. It is convenient for everyone, except for Azerbaijan. The number of incidents along the Armenia-Azerbaijan lines increased over the past year. On the Azeri side is a civilian population that has not left its homes. They are subjected to Armenian fire, which is sometimes aimed at them 100 or more times a day. It is a situation similar to what Israeli communities bordering the Gaza Strip experience, but in the Caucasus. Earlier this month, Azerbaijan responded with offensive military action. After several days of battle, it was able to take certain strategic positions along the old cease-fire line. For the first time in 22 years, the status quo was challenged by military action, though the operation was limited in scope. The current cease-fire, brokered by Russian President Vladimir Putin, is tenuous at best and not expected to last long. It is also quite possible that now that Azerbaijan has proved its military superiority, there is a chance for real diplomatic negotiations that could lead to an agreement between the two countries. The international community has considerable influence when it comes to determining the direction that the current crisis will take. The most desirable outcome would be diplomatic negotiations based on a formula familiar to Israelis land for peace. Armenias weak economy could stand to benefit from such an agreement. Improved economic relations with Turkey are just one important economic benefit that Armenia can be assured of as soon as it withdraws from the occupied Azeri territories. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan needs much more robust diplomatic support than it is receiving today. Ostensibly, a call from Israel for negotiations ending in an agreement would have particular validity. After all, Israel returned Sinai Peninsula in exchange for peace with Egypt. So why is Jerusalem silent? Why wont the government of Israel offer at least a word in support of this important ally? The reason for its silence lies in an embarrassing equivalence that cannot be ignored. Politically, Israels insistence on maintaining the status quo in the West Bank is actually similar to the Armenians' position. Here too, when it comes to ending the conflict, nationalist populism supersedes national interests. When the status quo familiar to Israelis is decades of military occupation coupled with international apathy, and when no one instigates a diplomatic initiative, the use of force is the only means of bringing about change. What the Israeli government is trying to avoid is the uncomfortable comparison between Nagorno-Karabakh and the West Bank. April 15, 2016 Ever since the inception of the Palestinian Authority (PA) in 1994, local and international organizations have repeatedly issued reports on the rampant corruption plaguing its ministries and departments. The problem is not limited to administrative and financial excesses committed by irresponsible individuals for personal motives, but rather is seems entrenched in the PA's structure. The most recent corruption case was revealed by the so-called Panama Papers, which were published April 4. The Panama Papers exposed the involvement of international figures in tax evasion and money laundering. Tareq Abbas, the son of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, was among the Palestinian names contained in the papers. According to these documents, Abbas secretly owns, in partnership with the PA, a holding company worth more than $1 million in the British Virgin Islands. Mohammed Mustafa, the former Palestinian deputy prime minister who resigned in 2015 and current head of the Palestine Investment Fund, was also on the list, as was the Arab Palestinian Investment Company (APIC), one of the largest companies in Palestine with more than 1,500 employees. Mohammed Abu Giab, the editor-in-chief of al-Eqtesadia magazine, told Al-Monitor, The credibility of the Panama Papers is unquestionable some Palestinian figures and companies associated with the PA are laundering money. I recently learned that some diplomatic action is being taken on the international level following the disclosure of the Panama Papers in a bid to investigate these figures involvement in these excesses. The documents will have a dramatic impact on two levels. The first is political, as the PA might face international pressure and accountability regarding its role in the use of funds out of the view of international eyes. The second is economic, as international efforts to revive the Palestinian economy could slow down. However, no Palestinian judicial actions have been taken to investigate the issue. The disclosure of the Panama Papers coincided with the results of a Palestinian poll that were issued on April 4 by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research in the West Bank. The poll found that 79% of respondents believe there is corruption in the PA. Al-Monitor contacted Mustafas office and has received a written explanation stating, The information contained in the Panama Papers with regard to my membership in the APIC is no secret and is even available to the public. It surprises me that some media outlets have brought this up with no grounds, and I call on these outlets to stick to their ethics, to stay away from vague intimidating headlines and to rely on original sources and concerned individuals. Corruption in the PA is driven by the clientelism that governs relations within its institutions and departments and gives the Palestinian ruling elite a strategic tool to control the popular bases and expand its network of supporters by redistributing public resources and buying political allegiances. These methods have enabled the PA to maintain the status quo, dominate political and economic assets, and implement its political agenda without facing any effective opposition. Al-Monitor contacted Rafiq al-Natsheh, chairman of the PAs Anti-Corruption Commission, but he said he was not sufficiently informed of the Panama Papers content to comment. Meanwhile, Azmi Shuaibi, the coordinator of the Coalition for Accountability and Integrity, stressed on April 8 the need to investigate the names contained in the Panama Papers. Yahya Moussa, the chairman of the Oversight Committee in the Legislative Council, told Al-Monitor, The PA provides a perfect environment for the emergence of corruption, as it carries out security tasks in favor of Israel in return for the international communitys overlooking its corruption. This turned [the international community] into a partner in the corruption as it turns a blind eye to the economic monopolies practiced by President Mahmoud Abbas, his family and associates, and allows them to manipulate the economic aid coming from donor countries. Al-Monitor repeatedly tried to contact Tareq Abbas, but to no avail. However, a Palestinian political official close to Abbas told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, What has been published in the Panama Papers is part of a campaign against both the president and his family. This campaign goes in line with recently published Israeli allegations aimed at tarnishing his image and promoting corruption charges against his family without any supporting legal documents. The president does not have to respond to every piece of news being published here or there. The Israeli newspaper NRG ran an article on March 12 on what it views as the Abbas family's ill-gotten fortune. On April 10, Haaretz accused Palestinian officials close to Abbas of using their government posts to further their own personal interests. For his part, Tarek Aggad, chairman of APICs board of directors, announced April 8 that the company is subject to the authority of the Palestinian regulatory authorities, which publishes financial reports, and has paid more than $1 billion to the Palestinian Ministry of Finance in taxes, customs and fees. He also noted that its employees do not have any interests that could be considered monopolies. The president's son is one of the companys executive directors, and his salary and benefits have been allocated from the companys budget since 1999, as is the case with the rest of the staff, he added. Adel Samara, a Palestinian political author and the editor-in-chief of Kanaan Online, told Al-Monitor, The Panama Papers confirm that the PA is a nongovernmental entity, that corruption is entrenched in its structure, that it receives money to keep the Oslo Accord with Israel in place and that it carries out business [deals] publicly in a way that 'legitimizes corruption.' Meanwhile, the donor countries do not exercise control over the PA. This brings us to the conclusion that the disclosure of the Panama Papers will not affect the continuation of international support for the corrupt PA, as this support will continue so long as the PA is committed to its political project with Israel. The Panama Papers may have highlighted some of the heavy corruption plaguing the PA, such as money laundering and tax evasion, but there are many more problems, including the direct theft of public money, the receipt of bribes in exchange for government services, the involvement of high-level Palestinian officials in private commercial companies, the ownership and transfer of government land to officials, world travel at the PA's expense and the appointment of relatives in government jobs. April 15, 2016 DERBASIYA, Syria Five years into the Syrian revolution, entire cities have been brought to rubble and a population has been forcibly displaced by the Syrian regime or the forces that controlled the areas deserted by the Syrian regime's army. All military forces, such as the Islamic State (IS), Jabhat al-Nusra and the opposition Kurdish forces, sought to control the areas rich with underground resources. These resources are concentrated in Deir ez-Zor and the Kurdish areas in the Rojava region, a de facto autonomous region of Syria. Oil wells are scattered across the Kurdish areas, in particular in Rmeilan. After the outbreak of the Syrian revolution and with the displacement of the areas residents to neighboring countries such as Iraq and Turkey, the oil wells were almost shut down. The authorities tried to operate some of the wells, at least partly, to allow the residents to get by and to deter them from resorting to dangerous means of oil extraction that caused explosions, which led to deaths and injuries. In some areas of Syria, such as Deir ez-Zor, tribes took over the oil wells and started running them for individual interests. Later on, in mid-2014, IS, hoping to finance its military forces, tried to invade all Kurdish oil-bearing areas to control the wells and impose a monopoly over all the oil resources. However, the situation in the Kurdish areas was different from the other provinces and areas in Syria. The Kurdish forces that controlled these areas, such as the People's Protection Units, fought and deterred IS, therefore keeping the oil wells intact. Engineer Muhammad Ali told Al-Monitor, Under [Bashar] al-Assads regime, Rmeilan oil fields were highly productive. The oil proceeds accounted for one-third of the Syrian national product, but the tense political and security situation in Syria led to the closure of many oil wells that lost their value and standing. He added, Oil proceeds resulted mostly from the wells in the Kurdish region, yet we were often short of oil due to the policy of the ruling Socialist Arab Baath Party in Syria that aimed to impoverish our region. IS tried to implement the same scenario by controlling and exploiting oil wells, but it was forced out by the Kurdish forces who defended their regions. Although oil proceeds are currently insignificant, oil is available in our fields at a knock-out price. Despite the prevailing tensions in Syria in general, the Kurds tightened their grip on the oil wells and oil production. In early 2014, oil distribution became, in light of the declaration of self-rule in the Kurdish provinces in Rojava, governed by laws. Any party seeking to monopolize this substance or sell it on the black market was liable for arrest. Civil engineer Mona Ibrahim Dawud, co-head of the Municipality of People in Derbasiya, told Al-Monitor, On a daily basis, we obtain approximately 75,000 liters of diesel fuel from the wells to cover the needs of the citizens. We are approaching the summer season, and the agricultural region of Derbasiya and its countryside under our administration need water to irrigate the crops through artesian wells requiring engines to pump up water. Moreover, a large share of oil is allocated to reconstruction and public works companies operating within our region. She added, A shortage was registered in the winter, which led us to distribute oil over two batches to the citizens. Each family was entitled to two batches of 320 liters. Seven municipalities are subordinated to the Municipal Council of Derbasiya, with a total population of 20,000 people. We have almost 94 employees in our municipality, and our monthly salaries budget reaches nearly 3 million Syrian pounds [around $13,000] a huge amount given the situation in the region. The democratic self-rule [Rojava] region supplies our areas with fuel at a cheap price of nearly 35 Syrian pounds per liter [about $0.15]. Derbasiya lies on the Syrian-Turkish border. In addition to its contribution to the Syrian national oil proceeds, it is characterized by its fertile soil and agricultural crop. These areas were Syrias oil lifeline under Assads regime. Before the outbreak of the Syrian revolution, oil was intensively abundant at a giveaway price of approximately $0.3 per liter. Mohammed Khalaf, the co-head of Shaab Municipality in Derbasiya, told Al-Monitor, We suffered a sharp oil crisis. Oil was monopolized by smugglers and outlaws, especially at the onset of the Syrian crisis. At a later stage in early 2014, things were controlled by the Kurdish authorities who controlled the region after the outbreak of the revolution in 2011. They arrested any person trying to monopolize or steal oil and sell it at higher prices. He added, We did not deal with them in our capacity as a state authority, but we rather tried to reason with them and convince them that we must work together to build our region and protect our citizens. These persons cooperated with us, and we were able to ensure a fair distribution of oil over the regions based on the peoples needs. We also made sure that the local administrations supervised the whole process to protect the peoples rights. Despite all attempts to control oil resources and ensure their fair distribution to the citizens, the Rojava residents are still demanding officials to exert more effort to ensure the provision of oil quantities and improve the quality of the oil resources. This is especially true after the declaration of a Kurdish federation under the democratic self-rule system on March 17. This declared federation has yet to obtain international recognition amid intensive Kurdish efforts. April 15, 2016 In late March, an unusual scene unfolded at Ankara Universitys Faculty of Languages, History and Geography. A male student sitting with friends in an outdoor canteen was ambushed by a group of agitated girls. In a matter of seconds, he found himself under a flurry of punches and kicks as his company fled and a young woman shouted that he was being punished for harassing and sexually assaulting his ex-girlfriend. Security guards came to the students rescue, leading him away amid jeers and slogans of female solidarity. The incident, filmed on a cell phone, was posted online and immediately went viral. This was the Turkish public's introduction to the "Campus Witches," a network of female university students who urge women to stand up against male violence and sexual harassment and often take matters in their own hands. Their slogan is Never rely on a prince! When you need a miracle, pin your hopes on a witch. Born three years ago, the Campus Witches are currently organized in 20 universities across the country. We wont stop until we shatter male dominance to pieces, they pledge. The reason for their rage is not hard to guess violence against women has dramatically risen in Turkey in recent years, with many charging that government policies embolden the perpetrators. In the 2015 Global Gender Gap Index, Turkey ranked 130th among 145 countries. Nearly 42% of Turkish women have suffered physical or sexual violence at least once in their lives. In a newspaper interview, Campus Witches co-founder Meral Cinar painted a gloomy picture even for young urban women, describing how the group formed in 2013. I was one of five female students in an engineering class with 80 males. The professors would address the males as they lectured. Then, there would be off-color jokes and obscenities," she said. Cinar added, "We were facing harassment in the dorms as well. The security guards would draw up rankings or top 10 lists of the prettiest girls according to room number. At Ege University [in Izmir], the lane to the subway station was unlit, and all the women passing through there would be harassed. Mersin University has the same problem. Two female students were murdered [in unlit areas]. All those reasons led us to take action to try to create an atmosphere where women can express themselves freely on campus. Lawmaker Gaye Usluer, who represents the main opposition Republican Peoples Party on the parliaments education commission, takes a broader perspective and blames the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). In the 14 years of AKP rule, theyve created such a society that today there are even paid teams targeting women with verbal abuse on social media, she told Al-Monitor. They have no tolerance for any views but theirs. They pursue shameful policies to make women toe the line. The aim is to bully, intimidate and shut women up. The solidarity of the university girls is a result of the indignation that all this has provoked. And what about the Campus Witches countering violence with violence? Usluer believes they should rethink their methods. In the face of inhumane behavior, they project an image like We are not afraid, we are here and strong together, which is good. [But] they have to say, We are not using the language you do. Juliana Gozen, another co-founder, said the Campus Witches are committed to self-defense and not some lynching culture, adding they provide free training in Wen-Do, a form of self-defense developed specially for women. Cinar added, We are learning self-defense to avoid being murdered or raped by a stranger in the street. The Campus Witches use Facebook to communicate, organizing quickly when their help is needed. The filmed beating of the young man in Ankara was not an isolated incident. The Campus Witches have also shown up in other universities in the capital as well as in Istanbul, Izmir, Mersin and Antalya. In November, they landed in a tight spot when a tragedy was barely averted. Campus Witches at Akdeniz Universitys Fine Arts Faculty in Antalya were called in for help by a female student, who claimed harassment by a classmate. About 30 women stormed the class, but the accused was not there. They confronted him later in the canteen. The young man, who denied the accusations, was so distraught that he attempted suicide outside the faculty building, leaving a note that read, Im not a harasser. All you who besmirched me, here you go, I dont want to live. The student stabbed himself four times in the abdomen but was rescued by emergency services. Despite the controversy, the Campus Witches are determined to soldier on. Their actions are not limited to confronting men and extend to various realms in which they feel women are humiliated. At the Ege University campus, for instance, they stormed a booth selling wax strips, a protest that earned them mockery as hairy women on social media. Cinar, however, said the raid was not about depilation. We dont care about the hairy women comments. Our reaction was not to the company, but to the way the product was presented. They had a mockup of [model] Adriana Lima at the booth, so we objected to being told we should look like Adriana Lima, she said. Beyond that, we, too, put on makeup and remove hair. But if a woman doesnt want to wax, shes free not to do so. We want this to be understood. Women even lose their lives because of this imposition of beauty [standards]. Just how many women died of anorexia because of [body image] propaganda? In late February, Istanbuls Bogazici University canceled a planned Campus Witches conference, a move the group blamed on the climate of fear created by the misogynous AKP. In a written statement, the Campus Witches pledged, We, the granddaughters of the witches burned by the same empires of fear many centuries ago will continue our witchcraft with stubbornness and audacity despite all obstacles and pressure. Protesters fighting for a minimum wage often set up shop outside fast food restaurants, where many of the activists work and where wages are notoriously low. But at Five Points West Thursday, workers brought the fight inside to other workers and to the customers themselves. The rally started at McDonald's and Burger King before the dozens of protesters brought their chants and signs inside Captain D's and Little Ceasars. The protesters chanted, "We can't survive on $7.25," and "We're fired up, can't take it no more." Alabama doesn't have a minimum wage law of its own, which means the only minimum wage is the federal floor of $7.25. Assuming an employee works a full 40 hours per week every week, that translates to just over $15,000 per year. An hourly wage of $15 translates to about $31,200 per year, assuming 40 hours per week all year. Birmingham's city council had passed a bill to raise the city's minimum wage to $10.10 an hour before the state legislature passed a law banning Alabama cities from setting their own minimum wages. Similar rallies were held last April, June and November in Birmingham. Bush Paulding, 46, works at McDonald's, and said he frequently balances two or three jobs at a time to try to make ends meet. His five children are all insured through Medicaid, but Paulding said he wants to pay for them himself and save the taxpayers money - but he can't on what he earns. "There's people in other states all over the country fighting this fight," Paulding said. "We're not going anywhere." shirt.jpg Civic pride is all well and good, but not grounds to prevent trademark ownership under the law. At least that's what Yellowhammer Creative's attorneys assert in its motion to dismiss Birmingham Business Alliance and REV Birmingham's opposition to Yellowhammer's request for the trademark for the "It's Nice To Have You in Birmingham" slogan. The company applied for the trademark in April 2015, according to records found on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office website. Yellowhammer says in the filing that neither the BBA nor REV have a real interest in the phrase. "Neither can reasonably say it will be damaged by the possible loss of a benefit it can only speculate might stem from actions beyond its control," attorney Andrew Wheeler-Berliner wrote. "Each Opposer must instead rely on its own actions to establish it has standing." It wouldn't be the first time a city's slogan was trademarked. The iconic 'I love New York' slogan with its bright red heart is trademarked by New York Empire State Development and 'Don't Mess With Texas' is trademarked by the Texas Department of Transportation (it was originally used on roadside anti-littering signs). The BBA has argued that it does in fact have an interest in the trademark because it has used it to advance its mission of economic growth. "The Birmingham Business Alliance, an 'economic development organization focused on the economic growth and the marketing of the entire seven county Birmingham region' has used and continues to use 'It's Nice To Have You In Birmingham' to 'promote dynamic growth and to improve the quality of life in the region,'" the BBA's attorney wrote in an earlier filing. Darrell O'Quinn, president of the Citizen's Advisory Board, Erin Melaney Designs and LIV Apartments LLC have also filed requests opposing the trademark. Larry blog photo.PNG Larry Taunton, a Christian author in Birmingham, has recently made TV appearances on the right-leaning Fox News and on the left-leaning MSNBC. (Larryalextaunton.com) Taunton's book, 'The Faith of Christopher Hitchens,' was released on April 12, 2016. Larry Taunton, a Christian author in Birmingham, has recently made TV appearances on the right-leaning Fox News and on the left-leaning MSNBC. Taunton's new book on famous atheist Christopher Hitchens, who died in 2011, has gotten rave reviews from prominent atheists, and prominent Christians. It's a hot topic among liberal and conservative intellectuals. Taunton, founder of the Christian ministry the Fixed Point Foundation in Birmingham, became friends with Hitchens in 2008 when the bestselling atheist author of "God is Not Great" began challenging Christians to debates. Their friendship became so close they went on two long road trips together, with Hitchens reading aloud from the Gospel of John on one of them. As Hitchens suffered and died from esophageal cancer, Taunton believes he was giving Christianity a kind of final review. Hitchens, who was baptized as a child in the Church of England but declared himself an atheist and burned his Bible at 15, never recanted his atheism. But Taunton believes Hitchens gained a new appreciation for evangelical Christians who actually believe the Bible. "For the first time in his life, he was engaging evangelical Christians," Taunton said. "He found them to be different from the veneer of Christianity in Britain. When he began debating these evangelicals, he began to like them." Taunton finished the manuscript for "The Faith of Christopher Hitchens: The Restless Soul of the World's Most Notorious Atheist," a week before a near-fatal bicycle wreck in Birmingham. Taunton was hit by a car and is still recovering. "I'm getting better a little every day," Taunton said in an interview with AL.com on Thursday. "They weren't sure I would live." He has been well enough to make TV appearances to promote the book, which was released Tuesday. He appeared with Chris Matthews on MSNBC's "Hardball" on Monday night. "He read the book and he loved it," Taunton said of Matthews. "He knew Hitchens, and he liked Hitchens. He thought it was a compassionate take on friendship. I don't know if I can write anything ever again that gets universal praise from both the left and the right. This book is getting quite a reaction. The reception has been so kind, no nice. The atheist Michael Schermer loved the book." As a sponsor and participant in debates between Christians and atheists, Taunton became friends with British scientist Richard Dawkins also. He recently visited Dawkins in England, since recovering from his accident. Dawkins has been recovering from a stroke. "I could empathize with what he was feeling," Taunton said. The Hitchens book, published by Thomas Nelson, is already in its second press run. "Amazon ran out two days ago," Taunton said on Thursday. "The book has been in high demand. It's gotten a lot of visibility." Hitchens did two debates in Birmingham hosted and moderated by Taunton, in 2009 and 2010. They also debated each other in Billings, Montana, then drove together to Yellowstone National Park. "I discovered Christopher is not defined by his atheism," Taunton said. "Atheism is a negative and you can't build a philosophy around a negative. Christopher was searching for a unifying system of thought. They're accusing me of saying he converted. I make no such claim. It's not my claim that Christopher converted, it's that Christopher was contemplating conversion. I think I substantiate it in the book." More than anything, Taunton said, Hitchens' stay at Taunton's house leading up to his first debate in Birmingham had an effect on him. "There are fans of Christopher Hitchens who think that Christopher hated people of religious belief," Taunton said. "I know for a fact that wasn't true." Hitchens met Taunton's adopted, HIV-positive daughter, Sasha, and was deeply moved by her life and faith. "Sasha's impact on him was huge," Taunton said. "It's because of her own innocence. He was powerfully moved by her, an argument he couldn't refute... At the end of the day, the most powerful apologetic is love." Hitchens appreciated integrity and people who really believed what they said they believed, Taunton said. He hated phonies, especially people who said they were Christians but secretly admitted they didn't really believe it. Taunton asked Hitchens after the Billings debate why Hitchens didn't attack him personally. "He said, 'Because you believe it. You really do believe what you're saying. You really are in pursuit of my soul out of compassion.'" Before Hitchens' debate with a liberal Anglican bishop at Westminster Abbey, he told Taunton, "You're with me on this one," Taunton said. "Christopher had become this unlikely defender of the faith. He would defend me in front of a snarling crowd. He spoke so highly of me in a way that moved me. It mattered to Christopher that he knew he wasn't a trophy I was pursuing. He knew I cared about him. He respected it and appreciated it. Christopher was appreciative that he knew that he mattered to me. Christopher valued friendship above ideology." After the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, Hitchens famously broke with his leftist friends and supported the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. "After 9/11, when he became a neo-con, he found an enemy in Islamo-fascism," Taunton said. "One of the unifying factors with evangelicals was with Islam," Taunton said. "Christopher could not get over the blindness of the left. He could never get beyond their willful blindness to the dangers of Islam. Christopher felt a rising alarm about Islam. I agreed with everything Hitchens said about Islam. I recognize that not every Muslim is a terrorist. But if you read the Quran and the Hadith, If you take those writings seriously, infidels must pay a tax, convert or die." Taunton recalls that after Hitchen's last debate in Birmingham, U.S. soldiers lined up to greet him afterward. "Some veterans of Iraq were lining up to meet Christopher," Taunton said. "Military people are generally conservative, but they loved Christopher for his defense of the man in uniform." In the end, Hitchens had created too big a reputation on his atheism to convert to Christianity, Taunton said. "Christopher was in a difficult place," Taunton said. "He's a dying man. He asked me why I thought he didn't convert. I said, 'You've created a global reputation as an atheist, your fortune, your reputation is based on it. I can't imagine how hard it would be to admit you were wrong. You created a prison for yourself.'" To see the Fox News interview, click here. For more information on Taunton's book, see his blog. Design inspiration abounds at the 2016 Decorator's ShowHouse underway in Mountain Brook. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the annual event. The ShowHouse is put on by the Alabama Symphony Volunteer Council and is the biggest fundraiser for the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. The five bedroom, seven and a half bathroom home was designed by prominent Birmingham architect Henry Sprott Long. It was built by pioneering business owner Katherine McTyeire and her husband William McTyeire, Jr. in the late 1960s. She was among the first designers to participate in the first Alabama Symphony Volunteer Council Decorators' ShowHouse in 1976 and continued to take part many years after. Area decorators and designers have transformed the million-dollar Mountain Brook home into an inspirational home full of sophisticated trends, ideas and decor. Tickets are $20 at the door. Tickets for groups of 20 are $15 per person. Shuttle parking is at Mountain Brook Presbyterian Church located at 3405 Brookwood Road, Birmingham, Ala., 35223. There is no parking onsite. The last shuttle will leave the parking area one hour prior to closing time . Visit the ShowHouse website for more information, FAQ's and to purchase tickets in advance. Follow ShowHouse updates on their Facebook page here. What: The 40th Alabama Symphony Decorators' ShowHouse Where: The McTyeire Home in Mountain Brook When: Saturday, April 9, 2016 at 10 a.m. - Sunday, April 24, 2016 at 5 p.m. House Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. A man listed as a deserter from the armed forces was arrested after a chase in Boaz. Etowah County Sheriff Todd Entrekin said Dametrius Deandre David Swain, 26, faces charges of second degree marijuana possession and attempting to elude, along with several traffic violations. Authorities tried to stop a blue 2012 Ford Mustang driven by Swain on Wednesday when the driver fled. Entrekin said a short vehicle pursuit ensued that began on U.S. 431 and ended on foot in Boaz. Swain was booked into the Etowah County Detention Center and released on $2,600 bond. The Etowah County Drug Enforcement Unit and Boaz and Sardis police assisted with the case. A man who had served more than 33 years in prison on a capital murder charge died Thursday, authorities said. Two weeks ago, Thomas Carl Johnson, 54, was transferred from William Donaldson Correctional Facility to Brookwood Medical Center for treatment of several significant medical issues. He died Thursday at 5:48 p.m, according to the Jefferson County Coroner's Office. A jury convicted Johnson of capital murder in 1982, and he was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Court records give this account: On July 11, 1982, a man named Bobby Anderton was found dead at his apartment on Valley Avenue in Birmingham. He had last been seen alive two days earlier. Anderton had been brutally bludgeoned with an ax and had 33 wounds to his head, neck and upper body. That afternoon, Johnson was sitting in Anderton's car when he was arrested by a park ranger in North Carolina. A hatchet was found under the driver's seat. During an interview with Birmingham police, Johnson said he went to Birmingham to buy Anderton's car, arriving around 5:30 a.m. July 9. They began arguing about money, Johnson said, and he grabbed the hatchet and began hitting Anderton. He covered Anderton with a blanket and left in the car. He has been in prison since his conviction in November 1982. The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday will consider whether to take up the case of Lee Carroll Brooker, a 76-year-old Houston County man who is serving a life without the possibility parole sentence for his 2014 conviction for possession of a few pounds of marijuana. And some people believe Brooker has gotten a raw deal - including Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore who called Brooker's sentence "excessive and unjustified" in a brief when his court rejected Brooker's appeal last year. Brooker argues that the sentence based on his habitual offender status violates the Eighth Amendment against cruel and unusual punishment. Families Against Mandatory Minimums, a national sentencing reform group, filed a friend of the court brief on behalf of Brooker asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case. "It is hard to understand how, in a civilized society, the law can tolerate that a seventy-six-year-old decorated, disabled, combat veteran is sentenced to die in prison for growing marijuana in his backyard for personal use," FAMM stated in its brief. The U.S. Supreme Court will consider taking on Brooker's case Friday. A decision on whether the court will take on the case could be announced next week. Brooker is represented by Bryan Stevenson of the Montgomery-based Equal Justice Initiative. The Alabama Attorney General's Office is opposing Brooker's request. Brooker, 76, of Cottonwood, was sentenced as a habitual felony offender to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for a nonviolent, drug-related crime - possession of more than 2.2 pounds of marijuana. The Court of Criminal Appeals affirmed his conviction and he appealed to the Alabama Supreme Court. On Sept. 11, 2015 the Alabama Supreme Court denied a review of Brooker's case. Chief Justice Roy Moore concurred with the court's denial of Brooker's petition. But he didn't like it. "Brooker's sentence is excessive and unjustified," Moore wrote in a separate special opinion. Moore noted that even the trial judge who sentenced Brooker had told Brooker if "the Court could sentence you to a term that is less than life without parole, I would. However, the law is very specific as to the sentence in this case. There is no discretion by the Court." Judges should have more flexibility in sentencing, Moore wrote. "Under circumstances like those of Brooker's arrest and conviction, a trial court should have the discretion to impose a less severe sentence than life imprisonment without the possibility of parole," he stated. "In my view, Brooker's sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for a non-violent, drug-related crime reveals grave flaws in our statutory sentencing scheme," Moore wrote. "I urge the legislature to revisit that statutory sentencing scheme to determine whether it serves an appropriate purpose." According to Moore's opinon: Dothan police were investigating the theft of bicycles on July 20, 2011 when they found marijuana plants growing inside and outside the home of Brooker's son. Brooker was living at the home. Brooker was charged with trafficking marijuana because officers found more than 2.2 pounds - the minimum for such a charge. An official with the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences testified at Brooker's trial that he determined the plants collected from the home were marijuana plants weighing, at a minimum, 2.8 pounds, court records show. At Brooker's sentencing hearing, prosecutors offered certified records from Florida showing that Brooker was previously convicted for one count of attempted robbery with a firearm and three counts of robbery with a firearm, court records show. The judge, noting he had no other option, sentenced Brooker under Alabama's Habitual Felony Offender Act to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. FAMM states in its brief that Brooker's case presents "an extreme example of the myriad flaws of mandatory sentencing regimes, which jurists and commentators have long recognized." "Mandatory minimums--especially in the context of recidivist statutes--may punish low-level conduct with the severest of penalties, regardless of what the wisest of judges may consider appropriate," FAMM states. The Alabama Attorney General's Office stated in its brief to the U.S. Supreme Court that "Brooker's sentence was not the result of his marijuana conviction alone, but rather his long history of serious felony convictions." Brooker began his felony career smuggling drugs between Florida and Alaska, according to the attorney general's brief. "But Brooker didn't stop there. Following his release from prison for that crime, he launched into a multi-day, multi-victim spree of armed robberies, culminating in his firing a sawed-off shotgun at one person and threatening to shoot two police officers," the attorney general's office wrote. The AG argued that the Court should deny the writ because mandatory life imprisonment for recidivist felons is constitutional and trafficking in marijuana can serve as a triggering offense under the state's habitual offender statute. "In reality, 2.8 pounds, even if it was of pure marijuana, is a significant amount, far more than one would possess for personal use," the state argued. Updated at 1:37 p.m. April 15, 2016 with Alabama Attorney General's response Beirut, Lebanon It was July 2006 and I was browsing through my favourite video store. Video Chico in the bustling Beirut neighbourhood of Hamra was then a hole-in-the-wall shop stacked with indie, art house and foreign films. As a filmmaker and lover of auteur cinema, I had frequented it for almost a decade, searching for my weekly fix of the iconic masters Andrei Tarkovsky, Francois Truffaut, Pedro Almodovar, Ingmar Bergman, Federico Fellini, and countless others. It was to be an eventful month, but I didnt know it on that Monday as I rented my four European films and planned to spend the week in Lebanons Bekaa Valley. Watching beautiful cinema is a spiritual experience for a film lover and, for me, there was no better place to do it than in this tranquil agricultural region. But, just two days later, that tranquillity was shattered as war broke out between Israel and Lebanon. It would last for 34 days and leave more than 1,000 Lebanese and more than 100 Israelis dead. Much of Lebanons infrastructure would be destroyed. What I didnt know then was that on the same day Id perused my favourite video haunt, another monument to movies was opening nearby. The Metropolis Association had rented a small theatre in Hamra with the plan to show exactly the sort of alternative cinema I craved. A different kind of cinema Metropolis was born out of a need to bring a different kind of cinema to the Lebanese audience, explains Rabih El-Khoury, a board member of the Metropolis Association and its former managing director. In a country where multiplexes dictate what the movie-goer watches, Metropolis aimed to prove that there was more to cinema than Hollywood blockbusters. And so it was that the story of Metropolis Cinema began, two days before war broke out. But they couldnt let that hold them back. After all, El-Khoury explains, were they to wait for the right political climate in Lebanon, theyd be waiting a long time. The cinema went from strength to strength and two years after it launched in its small 110-seat Hamra hall, it moved to larger premises in the affluent east Beirut neighbourhood of Achrafieh. READ MORE: Exploring the Arab worlds challenges through film With two screens of 270 seats each, the Metropolis is now able to showcase independent movies from Lebanon, the rest of the Middle East and elsewhere to larger audiences. Embracing cinema where culture isnt a priority But keeping afloat in such a troubled region isnt easy. El-Khoury explains: Its a constant struggle to finance the cinema. How do you fund an ongoing cultural project in an area where culture is definitely not a priority? But financing hasnt been the only challenge Metropolis has had to overcome. Every film screened in Lebanon must pass through the Directorate of General Security. It will either approve a film, request that parts be cut or, in some cases, ban it entirely. While Lebanese censors are not particularly sensitive to things like nudity, they are about content considered offensive to religion and anything political in nature. Well-known films that have been banned from screening in Lebanon include Shame (2011), Waltz with Bashir (2008) and Schindlers List (1993). Recently, In This Land Lay Graves of Mine, a documentary by local filmmaker Reine Mitri, was banned from public and private screenings for, according to the Directorate of General Security, stimulating sectarian and partisan zealotries and disturbing civil peace. And then there is the constant threat of violence and political instability. The situation in the country can be very tricky, says El-Khoury. An event can be thoroughly prepared but then political instability might delay it, postpone it or, in the worst case, cancel it so that the lives of the people attending wont be put at risk. But when you have the public, which is always there, supporting the cinema and attending its events, you have to find a way to deal with your problems and find solutions so that it wont affect the audience. An escape from reality He recalls how, in 2012, Metropolis was presenting its ARTE Film Week when General Brigadier Wissam Al Hassan, of the countrys Internal Security Forces, was assassinated in the same neighbourhood. Seven others were killed and around 80 injured in the massive explosion. But that evening, about 50 people turned up at Metropolis, hoping its programme would go ahead as planned. It is moments like this, El Khoury says, that keep the association and the people behind it going. It was a strong sign for us that the audience was tired of watching news and deadly images on television and wanted to escape and leave their tragic reality in favour of something else, he says. A breath of hope Over the years, Metropolis has become a haven for filmmakers and film enthusiasts, crossing the divides that so often separate Lebanese people. And one of the reasons for that, El Khoury believes, is that its not just a place to watch films, but also a space to discuss and debate the themes they raise. Nadine Gharzeddine, a film enthusiast who has been frequenting the cinema since it opened, describes it as a space of comfort. Weve been going to that theatre for years and somehow I always find someone I know either in the audience or a staff member who will greet me with a hug and a smile. As a project it is great to give a voice to those films that would otherwise not be screened in Beirut and for us [audience members] to indulge in their discovery. Kuwaiti-Lebanese filmmaker Farah Al-Hashem, whose film Breakfast in Beirut premiered at Metropolis in September 2015, describes it as her own Cinema Paradiso, thanks, in particular, to the friendly projectionist, Michael, who just like Alfredo in Cinema Paradiso looks like hes spent a lifetime in the projection room. Reem Saleh, Lebanese filmmaker and deputy director of the Ajyal Youth Film Festival at the Doha Film Institute, calls Metropolis a breath of hope to filmmakers like me. Zeina Sfeirs first feature documentary All About My Father a portrait of her dad, Elie, who, over 70 years, has coiffed the hair of politicians, princes and presidents premiered at Metropolis and she describes it as the only place where we can have freedom and show our films. If it were ever to close, she says, Beirut would lose a lot, and it would probably encourage me to leave this country. Like now but more so. Thats the tough forecast for Hong Kong in 2025 set out in Ten Years, a new piece of dystopian cinema that has irked the Chinese Communist Party. Pro-democracy protesters set themselves on fire outside the British consulate; Triad gangsters collude with mainland officials in staging a mock assassination; Cantonese becomes a backwards patois frowned upon in education and business. Its five tales briskly setting out the stall for how the semi-autonomous zone is anything but, its not surprising that Ten Years, filmed for just $77,000, disappeared with suspicious haste from the three Hong Kong cinemas where it was apparently doing a roaring trade earlier this year. Ten Years qualifies more as speculative fiction, trading in airy predictions, than true science-fiction. It is not a future we want to see it is an undesirable future, explains director and producer Ng Ka-leung. It is five young filmmakers, asking ourselves: What choices will be made, and how do we live in a foreseeable future of impending doom?' But freelance soothsaying is problematic in communist China; after winning the top prize at this years Hong Kong film awards, the broadcast of which was subsequently banned, Ten Years edgy prognostications are rapidly becoming incorporated into the underground history of Chinese sci-fi. The genre was slow to develop in the country, probably because of its arrested industrialisation compared with the West. Once China became the Peoples Republic, science fictions probing of the frontiers of the imagination did not sit easily with the idea that Marxist dialectics held the key to the future. Distrust of the genre as shown by a 2011 ban on time-travel stories in cinema and TV has never entirely gone away. READ MORE: Hong Kong and China: A special relationship Confusingly, time travel was exactly what powered Looper, the major sci-fi release in China the following year. Not exactly homegrown, it received co-production status as opposed to being treated as a foreign import thanks to being part-financed by local company DMG. Sending Joseph Gordon-Levitts hitman into Shanghai exile, it diplomatically posited a future in which China was the dominant world power. It was the first attempt at big-budget sci-fi with Chinese involvement, after a long period during which the genre had been difficult to touch. Post-Cultural Revolution, there had been a brief flowering of sci-fi literature, which led to the 1980 release of the countrys first film in the genre, the camply jingoistic Death Ray on a Coral Island. But science-fiction became a target during the 1983 Anti-Spiritual Pollution campaign that aimed to suppress Western cultural influence and largely disappeared. A threat to the Communist Party? Ironically, 30 years on, it is probably the success of Hollywood sci-fi like Avatar, the rebooted Star Trek series and Inception that has prised the door open once again for the genre. This sets up an interesting standoff between sci-fis growing box-office appeal in China and its status as an ongoing irritant to officialdom. Conceptually slippery and brimming with seditious tendencies, ever drawn to dystopia brooding, its not a genre that always toes the party line. No native filmmaker, for example, would get away with the insurrectionist sentiments loudhailed in The Hunger Games. (The series was nevertheless strangely passed for release in China, and Katniss Everdeens three-fingered salute was widely adopted by the 2014 Hong Kong street protesters referenced in Ten Years.) Explicit social and political themes referencing the country remain almost impossible to touch. Much Chinese sci-fi-tinged material of the past 20 years has ducked contemporary relevance and couched itself in the harmless huangdan (absurd) fantasy tradition; this is often aimed at children, like Stephen Chows 2008 blockbuster CJ7, about a construction worker who buys his son an alien toy. Huangdan is probably the best explanation well get for the huge success of the Transformers films in China; a safely vacuous CGI delirium free of political comment. It cant be easy, in the light of the kind of inconsistencies thrown up by Looper and Hunger Games, for would-be Chinese sci-fi mavericks to decide how far to push things. READ MORE: Q&A the Hong Kong teenager who confronted China Even someone as professionally recalcitrant as Ai Weiwei sometimes has to pick his battles. After starring as a water smuggler in the futuristic short The Sand Storm, directed by the American Jason Wishnow but shot illicitly in Beijing, he objected to over-use of his image in promotion; ostensibly over lack of permission, but possibly also because his name all over such a dystopic slant on a difficult genre was likely to cause further problems for him while he was still barred from foreign travel. Speaking for Ten Years, Ng Ka-leung is similarly guarded: The project was not created with an intent to threaten the Communist Party, nor to point fingers at any political establishment. Ambiguous on a political level Preceding Ten Years in the Hong Kong sci-fi stakes was Wong Kar-wais 2046, named for the year before which the city-state will pass fully back under Beijings control. It harbours rebellious sentiments, too. The film mostly takes place against the backdrop of the anti-colonial riots in late 1960s Kowloon, when Tony Leungs writer womanises his way through the guests at his hotel. Philandering is his attempt to recapture a great lost love, depicted in Wongs earlier film In the Mood for Love, which also embodies an unachievable nostalgia for a bygone Hong Kong; this dissatisfaction fuels his writing of a sci-fi story, set on a gleaming train hurtling towards 2046, a mysterious place no one has returned from. A seductive snapshot of Hong Kong looking backwards while all the same being drawn forwards, 2046 is extremely ambiguous on a political level. At least partly because Wong, refused permission to film on the mainland and threatened with a ban there, was treading carefully, too. I was inspired by the situation in Hong Kong, but it has never been my intention to make films with any political content whatsoever, he stonewalled in 2004 at the Cannes film festival. If there is going to be an unfettering for Chinese sci-fi, Hong Kong currently fixating on its own future and whose barrage of Asian neons have inspired many western sci-fi visions would be a logical place for it to happen. The 2014 short film Hong Kong Will Be Destroyed After 33 Years (the offending meteor strikes in, would you believe, 2047) had no time for Wongs cryptic approach and became a viral hit banned by the PRC; Ten Years is following the same bulldozing path. Cultural revolution But the real pressure is building on the mainland. China has developed so rapidly over the past 20 years that, like in postwar America, the future is a natural preoccupation. In literature at least, it now has a respectable body of sci-fi authors working relatively free of restrictions, Liu Cixin being the most internationally renowned. Chinese science-fiction is just waiting for its full upgrade to cinemas, in a fashion more brazenly tomorrows world than the kind of grimy sociological futurism visible in the work of Jia Zhangke, perhaps the countrys most feted auteur. Films such as 24 City, A Touch of Sin and Mountains May Depart set Zhangkes characters adrift in a landscape of progress stretching towards a daunting future, but theyre not yet science-fiction. The breakthrough could come in the next 12 months. If Looper didnt confirm it, the Jackie Chan-produced Fatal Countdown: Reset also themed around time travel suggests the authorities are relaxing. The $135m-budget The Great Wall, directed by communist house director Zhang Yimou and co-produced with Paramount, is set in the 15th century but reportedly has strong sci-fi elements; theres a strong huangdan whiff to it, but its enormous scale should boost the genres profile. Most intriguing, though, is this Julys adaptation of Liu Cixins 2008 bestseller The Three-Body Problem. Paid-up hard science fiction, its mostly set in an alternative 21st century in which aliens who made contact with a Chinese scientist during the Cultural Revolution are poised to colonise Earth. Subtly critical of totalitarianism and full of geopolitical allegory, it is also a future in which Chinese culture and capabilities are 100 percent central. The Chinese could be about to learn what the Americans did long ago: sci-fis not just about the future, but about laying claiming to it, too. New Mexico, US During the mining boom of the 19th century in New Mexico, thousands migrated to remote parts of the state, establishing towns to exploit the regions rich mineral wealth. By the late 1800s and early 1900s communities such as Kelly, Dawson, Madrid, Pinos Altos, Golden and Hanover/Fierro proliferated throughout the state, providing the silver, gold, lead, coal and zinc that helped to fuel the industrial western expansion taking place in America. These boom towns, composed of a diverse mix of foreigners, would fundamentally change the demographic character of the state, arising from the dust and often abandoned in equal haste. RELATED FEATURE: The gold mining ghost towns of the US In the former mining towns of Hagan, Kelly and Dawson next to nothing remains. In Kelly, a mining head frame stands surrounded by flattened earth; there are remains of the once numerous houses located at the base of the Magdalena mountain. In Hagan, only skeletons of a large coal mining town remain, its adobe and concrete structures mirroring the orange and white of the New Mexico landscape. In Dawson, a lonely graveyard commemorates the hundreds of now deceased coal miners who travelled from Greece, Italy, Mexico and China to the remote high plains of northern New Mexico. In places such as Hanover, Fierro and Golden, a different pattern of decline prevails. Melting couches, tattered curtains, ornate peeling wallpaper, all indicate different periods of abandonment and decay. Some former ghost towns have been repopulated. Mining villages such as Madrid and Pinos Altos have found a second life, repopulated by artists and professionals attracted to these unusual spaces. Today, throughout the state, these often haunting and intimate ruins stand as monuments to the patterns of migration and abandonment in rural New Mexico, a glimpse into a rich history and the people who helped to shape the region. More than 50 artists representing 14 countries gathered in Kuwait this month for the annual Reuse festival, a live performance event founded nearly a decade ago. The brainchild of Kuwaiti recording artist Zahed Sultan, the eclectic event was built around an ethos of sustainability, with several sound stages built from recycled material. One Dutch performer used more than 5,000 cassette tapes to construct a fluorescent green installation. With this edition of Reuse, Sultan said, I aspired to create a space for artists and audiences to interact using digital media, with an emphasis on light, sound and physical performance. Miners, engineers and truck drivers will be the victims of the latest round of North Korea sanctions. Andrei Lankov is professor of Korean Studies at Kookmin University, Seoul. He is the author of "The Real North Korea: Life and Politics in the Failed Stalinist Utopia". Times have never been so tough for North Korea. Starting in early March, the North Korean state found itself the subject of a set of unprecedented international sanctions. The United Nations sanctions banned or severely restricted North Koreas ability to engage in foreign trade. North Korea is not permitted to export such minerals such as gold, vanadium, titanium and rare earths. The export of iron ore and coal the single largest export item of North Korea is permitted, but with many restrictions. On top of that, Executive Orders signed by US President Barack Obama in mid-March, sanction third-country companies that are either engaged in financial transactions with North Korea or employ North Korean labourers sending labourers overseas is another important source of income for the Kim family regime. For its part, the South Korean government has closed the Kaesong Industrial Complex, where 54,000 North Korean workers were employed by South Koreas businesses, and introduced a number of other measures aimed at hitting the North Korean economy. Chinas participation For a change, China is also participating fully: the Chinese governments recent instructions make it clear that Chinese companies should not buy coal or iron ore from North Korea, even though the UN sanctions theoretically allow some leniency. Needless to say, across the globe, diplomats have bent over backwards to assure us that these sanctions will not hit the long-suffering North Korean people, only damaging the interests of the predatory North Korean elite. ALSO READ: Now North Korea has nothing to lose It is clear why they have to say this: Long gone are the days when state leaders honestly said that they would soon be sending troops to a neighbouring country to kill every man, woman and child and plunder as much as they could until that country submitted to certain political conditions. Humanitarian declarations by diplomats should not be taken at face value: Of course sanctions will hit the vast majority of North Koreans, and this is probably the intention. by Nowadays, such rhetoric and admittedly, such behaviour too is largely out of fashion. Nonetheless, humanitarian declarations by diplomats should not be taken at face value: Of course sanctions will hit the vast majority of North Koreans, and this is probably the intention. Let us start with the ban on the export of minerals. If this ban is fully and comprehensively implemented, it will mean that North Korean exports will at least half in a matter of a year. Coal and iron mines will stop. Of course, top North Korean officials who are getting a great deal of their profits from these mines often privately operated will take a serious hit. Perhaps they will not even be able to afford a new European car, or a new flat in downtown Pyongyang. However, thousands of engineers and workers toiling in the mines will find themselves out of work. They are not going to become officially unemployed because there is no such thing in North Korea. However, while they currently receive large salaries by North Korean standards a good miner, employed in a private coal mine, can make up to $100 a month these salaries are paid by mine operators out of the profits from exports. If these exports are halted, the miners will most probably revert to the official basic wage, somewhere in the region of 30 US cents to 50 US cents a month. Mining sector It makes sense to keep in mind that we are talking about a large number of people: Mineral extraction has always been one of North Koreas largest industries. As usual, it will not only be miners, engineers and lorry drivers who will be victims of North Korean pit closures. Other people caught up in this will be those who serve mining communities, be it their town shop keepers (largely middle-aged women), doctors and nurses (usually paid for by patients themselves), as well as many people in other service industries. Let us also not forget that a significant part of this mining sector is owned by private investors. Most of these new bourgeoisie will probably go bankrupt. The result being not only for them and their families but also for people who serve the needs of this new rich be they waitresses in up-market restaurants, English language tutors or drivers is predictable and depressing. The same applies to workers overseas. They are often described as slave labourers, but it is telling that the majority of these supposed slaves have to pay a hefty bribe to be selected for working overseas. There is nothing surprising about this, since, for the average North Korean with little money and few connections, two or three years of hard work overseas provides the best realistic opportunity to get out of the daily grind. This is not to say that tough sanctions are necessarily bad and should not be introduced. Nasty things are done and, indeed, often have to be done to serve the greater good or, at least, some national interests. Perhaps, there are times when it is even morally justified to carpet bomb a city. Yet even while defending such a course of action as rational and necessary, it is dishonest to pretend that it will not harm civilians. Let us be frank: the average North Korean will also bear the brunt of the sanctions. Andrei Lankov is a professor of Korean Studies at Kookmin University in Seoul. He is the author of The Real North Korea: Life and Politics in the Failed Stalinist Utopia. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy. Men and women hoping to succeed Ban Ki-moon explain how they will represent interests of planets seven billion people. New York For the first time in the United Nations 70-year history, candidates have taken part in public questioning by foreign delegates. Representatives from the 193 member states were eager at Thursdays session to know their stance on pressing issues, including the refugee crisis, the future of peacekeeping missions, gender equality, the economic impact of sanctions, peace talks in the Middle East, and implementing the ambitious 2030 Agenda. The world is changing rapidly as it faces a surge of transnational conflicts, poverty and inequality, the largest refugee crisis since World War II, and dwindling resources in the least developed countries. One person the leader of the UN is supposed to represent the interests of all seven billion people on our planet. But with a torrent of crises spanning the globe and calls for an overhaul of the UN getting louder amid several scandals, it will not be an easy job. Nine people think they are up to the task and want to succeed Ban Ki-moon as secretary general, whose second five-year term ends on December 31. For the most difficult job in the world we now have the most difficult job interview of the world, said Mogens Lykketoft, the president of the General Assembly. Over the course of three days from April 12 to 14, each candidate was given two hours each to speak in front of a crowded General Assembly. People from 70 countries also submitted more than 1,000 questions on social media under #UNSGcandidates. We are sailing into uncharted waters here, Lykketoft said. The televised debate is meant to make the selection more transparent, inclusive and unbiased. This public scrutiny is also intended to hold the future leader accountable to promises made during the candidacy. The change ends the UN member states long-felt frustration that the five permanent members of the Security Council the US, Britain, France, China and Russia held sole power over selecting the secretary-general, which they did behind closed doors until today. Four women hopefuls Since 1946, there have been eight men at the helm of the supranational institution. Many states are calling for a female secretary-general. Now four candidates are women. Traditionally, the job of the worlds top diplomat is rotated regionally. Russia and Eastern Europe argue that it is now their turn, as there has never been a leader from their region. Seven candidates are from Eastern Europe, increasing the odds. The Middle East is a top priority for all candidates. They were asked to outline their plans for the decades-long Palestine-Israel conflict. Helen Clark from New Zealand, the current head of the UN Development Programme, said: Its a source of enormous sadness for me that its gone on my whole lifetime without a solution. READ MORE: Is it time for a woman to run the UN? She pledged to do anything she can to help the Palestinian people. We should feel guilty as long as we dont have a solution. The two-state-solution must be implemented, however, with Israel as an integral part of it. As long as Israel is part of the problem, and not part of the solution, I doubt that we will have a solution, candidate Srgjan Kerim of Macedonia echoed Clarks stance on Palestinian independence. Most contenders promised to address terrorisms root causes. Clark insisted that she would be firm on religious tolerance, arguing: Muslim communities are often the subject of marginalisation and stereotyping. We have to look at what drives recruitment for extremism. We have to create positive choices in marginalised communities. The youth often dont have a lot of positive choices, but plenty of negative ones. They can become jihadists and traffickers of goods and people. Syria was at the forefront of the discussion and many criticised the fact that a divided and deadlocked Security Council hindered assertive action in 2011, when Russia and China vetoed a draft resolution on human-rights abuses and violence in the country. READ MORE: Former New Zealand PM announces bid for top UN post Vesna Pusi, from Croatia, however, believes in Staffan de Mistura, special envoy to Syria, who realised that in order to achieve a ceasefire he has to involve all sides. Worldwide, 60 million people have left their home involuntarily, fleeing armed conflicts, poverty and climate change. Hundreds of thousands of refugees from countries including Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq have passed along the Balkan Route, most of whom travelled through Turkey. These people were refugees coming from a country that was not helped in time, Pusi said. Geopolitical ramifications In a separate event outside the UN headquarters, four of the candidates Igor Luksi, from Montenegro; Danilo Turk, of Slovenia; Pusi; and Natalia Gherman, from Moldova took part in a hustings on April 13, facing questions from the public and nongovernmental organisations (NGOs), also a first. A second hustings will be held in London on June 3. During the hustings, comparisons were drawn between this race and the simultaneously unfolding US presidential elections the outcome of which could also have far-reaching geopolitical ramifications. Luksi, who is seen as the underdog candidate, jokingly asked: Do we need to make the UN great again? He said the UN not only needs new faces, it also needs new approaches and disclosed that he has so far spent 35,000 euros ($39,400) on his campaign, financed by Montenegros state budget. All candidates agreed on one issue the need for improvement within the UN. Theres been some detachment between the UN and the people, Luksi said. We need to fight to make the UN relevant. Many have said that it has lost touch with the public, that it is slow, inefficient, outdated and opaque. Antonio Guterres, the former prime minister of Portugal and former UN high commissioner for refugees, admitted that there are too many meetings with too many people, with too little results. The UN is currently embroiled in two major scandals. The UN is being sued for causing the largest cholera epidemic in modern times. In late 2010 just a few months after a devastating earthquake struck Haiti 770,000 people were infected with cholera and 9,200 died. UN peacekeepers from Nepal supposedly brought the disease into the country. The whistle-blower Anders Kompass exposed a sexual assault scandal by UN peacekeepers in the Central African Republic. Gherman, from Moldova, said: It undermines our efforts and our reputation. We have to make sure that the perpetrators face justice and we should collectively help the victims of such abuses. Member states also have the responsibility to train future personnel so that these abuses never occur again. However, despite the public debates, under Article 97 of the UN charter, the so-called P-5 still have the final say on who will replace Ban. Open and frank discussions The Security Council, which will start the discussions this summer, is expected to make its decision by September. It is not required to choose the candidate with the highest endorsement from other member states. This is one of the most open and frank discussions about the UN and also its shortcomings. The UN is only as strong as the 193 members can agree on. Thats both a virtue and a flaw, Ulla Oestergaard, deputy spokesman of the president of the General Assembly, told Al Jazeera. The last candidate to speak at the debate, Kerim said: What we are responsible for here is the destiny of all seven billion people. We live in a world of globalisation, but we still dont share the same values. US presidential hopeful says global action needed to end growing poverty and economy operated for the top one percent. Bernie Sanders issued a global call to action at the Vatican on Friday to address immoral and unsustainable wealth inequality and poverty. The US Democratic senator from Vermont cited Pope Francis and St John Paul II repeatedly during his speech to the Vatican conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of a landmark teaching document from John Paul on social and economic justice after the Cold War. Sanders arrived in Rome hours after wrapping up a debate in New York, saying the opportunity to address the Vatican conference was too meaningful to pass up. The roughly 24-hour visit precedes Tuesdays crucial New York primary, which Sanders must do well in to maintain a viable challenge to Democratic frontrunner Hillary Clinton. Socialism, Bernie Sanders style Pope Francis apologised that he could not personally greet participants at the Vatican conference. No meeting with Sanders was expected. But the trip gave Sanders a moment on the world stage, placing him alongside priests, bishops, academics and two South American presidents. Sanders has been at a disadvantage during his campaign against Clinton, President Barack Obamas former secretary of state, on issues of foreign policy, but he was peppered with questions from academics and ecclesiastics in a manner that might have been afforded a head of state. Sanders trails Clinton in the Democratic primaries, but the trip to the Vatican and his massive rally earlier this week with 27,000 people in New York City may have offered a glimpse of the senators aim to become a progressive leader win or lose. The discussions gave him a chance to expand on his core campaign messages about the need to reform banking regulations, campaign finance rules, and higher education. Asked about inequality in public education, he said it was beyond disgraceful and cited challenging conditions in Detroits school system. He told the audience that rather than a world economy that looks out for the common good, we have been left with an economy operated for the top one percent, who get richer and richer as the working class, the young, and the poor fall further and further behind. Sanders also warned that youth around the world are no longer satisfied with the status quo, which includes corrupt and broken politics and an economy of stark inequality and injustice. Sanders message calling for a political revolution to address wealth inequality and the influence of Wall Street on US politics has galvanised many Democrats and independents. Reverend Matt Malone, editor of the Jesuit magazine, America, said Sanders trip was unlikely to have much of an impact on Catholic voters, noting that conferences like the one Sanders is attending happen all the time. I dont think that Bernie Sanders going to the Vatican is going to help Bernie with Catholics any more than Ted Cruz going to a matzo factory is going to help him with the Jewish vote, Malone told the AP news agency. Major ally Beijing scolds Pyongyang after firing missile that reportedly exploded after a few seconds in the air. North Korea drew criticism from major ally China on Friday after the failed launch of what analysts say was an intermediate-range ballistic missile in an embarrassing setback for leader Kim Jong-un. The test-launch was attempted as the reclusive country celebrated the birthday of Kims grandfather. It followed the Norths fourth nuclear test in January, and a long-range rocket launch in February that led to new UN sanctions. China North Koreas most important economic and diplomatic backer has been angered by Pyongyangs nuclear tests and rocket launches in the face of United Nations sanctions that Beijing has also backed. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said the UN Security Council was clear on North Korean rocket launches. Defiant North Korea fires ballistic missiles into sea At present, the situation on the peninsula is complex and sensitive, Lu told reporters. We hope all parties can strictly respect the decisions of the Security Council and avoid taking any steps that could further worsen tensions. Chinese state media was more direct. The firing of a mid-range ballistic missile on Friday by the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea [DPRK], though failed, marks the latest in a string of sabre-rattling that, if unchecked, will lead the country to nowhere, Chinas official Xinhua news agency said in an English-language commentary. Nuclear weapons will not make Pyongyang safer. On the contrary, its costly military endeavours will keep on suffocating its economy. READ MORE: Tales from North Korea A defectors story Friday was the anniversary of North Korean founding president Kim Il-sungs birthday, which is widely celebrated. In 2012, it was marked by a long-range rocket launch attempt that also failed. The US Pentagon described Fridays missile launch as a catastrophic failure after the missile reportedly exploded in the air just a few seconds after liftoff. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said the launch was another provocation by North Korea in a region that doesnt need that kind of behaviour. As North Korea intensifies testing of its ballistic missile technology, a US website said Friday it also sees further signs from satellite imagery that Pyongyang is looking to produce more plutonium for nuclear weapons. The website 38 North, which monitors sites in North Korea associated with its weapons programmes, said an image taken Monday at the Nyongbyon nuclear complex shows a rail flatcar at radiochemical laboratory complex where the North separates weapons-grade plutonium from waste from a nuclear reactor. OPINION: What we know about Kim Jong-un It said the tanks or casks seen on the flatcar could be used to supply chemicals or haul out waste products. In recent weeks, exhaust plumes have been seen at the laboratory, also suggesting nuclear reprocessing activity could be in the works. The presence of a loaded flatcar, together with the presence of exhaust plumes, suggest that North Korea is preparing or conducting a reprocessing campaign to separate more plutonium for weapons, said the analysis by Joseph Bermudez, a specialist in satellite imagery and North Koreas military. Last week, the Institute for Science and International Security, a Washington-based think-tank, said there is growing indications that North Korea is separating plutonium, but said it is hard to say with certainty. It estimated the reactor could have produced about 5kg to 7kg of weapon-grade plutonium since its 2013 restart enough for one to three nuclear weapons. Pyongyang is already believed to have a handful of crude nuclear bombs and is making progress towards having a nuclear-tipped missile that could reach the US mainland. Government grants Turkish request to allow having Jan Boehmermann charged for allegedly insulting President Erdogan. The German government has granted a request from Turkey to allow the possible prosecution of a German TV comedian who wrote a crude poem about its president. Turkey demanded last week to have comedian Jan Boehmermann prosecuted for insulting a foreign head of state. German law required Chancellor Angela Merkels government to grant permission before prosecutors could consider whether to press charges. Merkel stressed on Friday that it means neither a prejudgment of the person affected nor a decision about the limits of freedom of art, the press and opinion. She underlined the independence of the judiciary and the presumption of innocence. Germanys anti-refugee party surges in regional elections She said her government also decided that Germanys law criminalising insults of a foreign head of state is dispensable in the future and intends to repeal it, effective in 2018. Merkel also expressed great concern about the state of media freedom and the fate of individual journalists in Turkey, as well as restrictions on the right to demonstrate as she made her announcement in Berlin. The decision comes at an awkward time, as Merkel is seeking Ankaras help in reducing Europes refugee influx. Uli Bruckner, a professor in European studies at the Stanford University Berlin, said Merkel appeared relatively stressed during Fridays announcement. Bruckner said the decision to allow prosecution sends signals both internally and externally that the government is taking the case seriously. First of all, its a commitment to Turkey as a friend of Germany, he told Al Jazeera. Secondly, its a commitment to what Germany stands for as human rights, the freedom of speech and the independence of the courts. All this was put together in a statement that was very short and very concise. Deliberately offensive Boehmermann read the poem on ZDF television two weeks ago to illustrate what he said would not be allowed in Germany, contrasting it with another channels earlier satirical song that also poked fun at Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and angered Turkey. ZDF withdrew the passage of the poem from its online archives but argues it did not break the law. WATCH: Erdogan vs Gulen Behind Turkeys media crackdown Boehmermanns piece started by describing the Turkish leader as stupid, cowardly and uptight before descending into crude sexual references. After officials removed Boehmermanns clip from the internet, the comedian said he and ZDF had demonstrated the limits of satire in Germany finally! Merkels governing coalition was divided over the Turkish request. The Social Democrats, her junior coalition partners, had advocated rejecting it. The German Federation of Journalists said Merkels announcement sent the wrong signal to the Turkish government, while anti-censorship activists criticised the move. There are cases in Germany of media freedom violations but this case is quite an anomaly because it comes from the very top, Melody Patry, a campaigner for the free speech advocacy group Index on Censorship, told Al Jazeera. In Turkey, it is very frequent to have the authorities suing journalists, or trying to silence journalists coming from Germany, and having the government to authorise the prosecution on behalf of another head of state for a comedy, that is unprecedented. Germanys criminal code provides for up to three years in prison for insulting a foreign head of state. President urges public to remain calm after memo leaked to media says country could be targeted by armed groups. Ghana is bolstering its border protection as part of new security measures after reports that a potential attack by an armed group is real. A leaked intelligence memo published in Ghanaian media warned the West African country and its eastern neighbour, Togo, could be targeted by armed groups following deadly attacks in Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast in recent months Intelligence gathered by the NSCS [National Security Council Secretariat] indicates a possible terrorist attack on the country is real. The choice of Ghana according to the report is to take away the perception that only Francophone countries are the target, said the memo, dated April 9. The memo reportedly referred to the confessions of a suspect who was interrogated by Ivorian authorities after an attack last month on Grand-Bassam, a popular tourist destination, that killed dozens. It ordered immigration agents on the northern border with Burkina Faso to be extra vigilant and said patrols should be stepped up along informal routes between the two countries. OPINION: An attack on Ivory Coast was inevitable Francis Palmdeti, director of public affairs for Ghanas immigration service, told the DPA news agency on Friday the country is increasing border patrols and cooperation among security agencies. Immigration authorities are also stepping up collaboration with managers of hotels, lodges and guest houses to obtain information on foreigners coming to the country, Palmdeti added, without commenting, however, on the leaked memo. Speaking to local media, Ghanaian President John Mahama expressed disappointment about the leak and urged people in the country to remain calm. I think that we must deal with this without creating panic among our people, and that is why the stories that we see in the papers are most unfortunate, the website citifmonline quoted the president as saying. Mahama also called for public vigilance and said Ghana was at risk from home grown fighters too, while adding that countries in the region share intelligence on attack threats. OPINION: Ivory Coast attack Beyond the targets Ghana is one of Africas most stable and peaceful democracies and has not suffered an attack by an armed group. Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb has claimed responsibility for attacks on a hotel in the capital of Mali, Bamako last November, a restaurant and hotel in Burkina Fasos capital Ouagadougou in January and the Ivory Coast attack. In all, more than 65 people have died, many of them foreigners. Demonstrators call for overthrow of Sisi government as anger spreads for first time since generals rise to power. Egyptian security forces fired tear gas and live ammunition into the sky to scatter hundreds of protesters demonstrating on Friday against the government of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Protesters gathered in the Giza area of Cairo after Friday prayers calling for the overthrow of the regime, chanting slogans that were common during the 2011 revolution that toppled former president Hosni Mubarak. Sisi Mubarak, we dont want you, leave, they yelled. More than 80 people were arrested in Cairo, Giza and the Mediterranean port city of Alexandria, security officials said. The protests were the first significant move against Sisi since he was elected president in the summer of 2014. Inside Story Egypt: History repeating itself? Sisis government announced last week that it had signed a maritime demarcation accord, a move that prompted a public outcry. A growing number of Egyptians are losing patience over corruption, poverty, and unemployment, the same issues that led to Mubaraks downfall, while Sisi has appeared increasingly authoritarian in televised speeches. We want the downfall of regime. We have forced disappearances, all the youth are in jail. I just got out of jail a year ago after two years inside, Abdelrahman Abdellatif, 29, an air-conditioning engineer, told Reuters news agency. The youth of the revolution are still here. We are not gone. Sisi, who came to power after the removal of the Muslim Brotherhoods Mohamed Morsi in 2013, has faced mounting criticism in recent months over a range of issues, including his management of the economy. A Reuters witness said a crowd was dispersed and riot police had taken control of an area outside a mosque in the Mohandiseen district of the capital. Four people were arrested, security sources said. Sisi has a large base of support among Egyptians who fear for their security. At a rally Friday in the city of Alexandria, about 500 supporters carried posters with photographs of the president and chanted: We love you, el-Sisi. But critics say Sisis government has mishandled a series of crises, from an investigation into the killing of an Italian student in Cairo to a bomb that brought down a Russian airliner in the Sinai last October. Calls for protests have gathered thousands of supporters on Facebook, including from the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood. Leaders of the Islamic world concluded a two-day summit in the Turkish city of Istanbul with a pledge to fight terrorism and overcome sectarian divisions. The final declaration on Friday expressed strong condemnation of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) and the role of Iran and its allies in regional conflicts, namely Syria. Turkeys president opens OIC summit Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who chaired the final session of the Organisation of the Islamic Cooperation (OIC) summit, lamented the fact that Muslim countries who are the heirs of a civilisation that was built on columns of peace and justice are being remembered more for wars, armed conflict, sectarianism and terrorism. As Muslims, we cannot overcome our difficulties without achieving unity in spite of our differences, said the Turkish leader during the closing ceremony after delegates took a break to perform Friday prayers. Erdogan also said the establishment of an international arbitration body in Istanbul is part of the OIC 2025 action plan and welcomed a decision reached a day earlier to create a Turkey-based police coordination centre aimed at increasing cooperation against attacks. OPINION: Islamic summit must not fail the Ummahs expectations The Istanbul meeting drew representatives from across the Muslim world, including King Salman of Saudi Arabia and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, whose countries have squared off in Yemen and Syria. The final declaration expressed hope that negotiations that started in Geneva on April 13 would contribute to resolving the Syrian crisis as soon as possible and deplored Irans interference and continued support for terrorism not only in Syria, but also Bahrain, Yemen, and Somalia. The conference pledged to combat terrorism in all its forms and condemned ISIL for its use of chemical weapons in Iraq. On the sidelines of the summit, regional Sunni powers Turkey and Saudi Arabia signed a memorandum to create a bilateral cooperation council. The two countries are aligned in their support for rebel factions opposed to the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The president of predominantly Shia-majority Iran which, along with Russia, supports Assad, is expected to meet on Saturday with Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu in Ankara. Country officially sets date for early election on June 5 despite opposition warnings that they will boycott the vote. Thousands of anti-government protesters took to the streets of Macedonias capital Skopje on Friday for the fourth consecutive night after a presidential pardon called off investigations against dozens of public figures in a wiretapping scandal. The latest rally came hours after the speaker of parliament announced that early general elections will be held on June 5, despite the opposition warning they will boycott the vote. President Gjorge Ivanov said in a national address on Friday that he will not reverse his amnesty decision, which prevents 56 government and opposition officials from being prosecuted over revelations of a vast wiretapping operation. He added that any of the people who had received pardons and wanted to prove their innocence in court could ask for the pardon to be overturned in their case. Bitter crisis Macedonia, a poor Balkan country of two million people, has been in political turmoil since February 2015 when the opposition accused then-Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and his counter-intelligence chief of orchestrating the wiretapping of more than 20,000 people. The opposition said the recordings revealed government control over journalists, judges, public sector recruitment and the manipulation of elections. READ MORE: Macedonian protesters call on PM to step down Gruevski, who was prime minister until January, has denied the allegations. His conservative VMRO-DPMNE party spokesman Ivo Kotevski said on Friday that Gruevski had rejected his pardon and requested Ivanov to withdraw it. Our position is clear. Everybody who committed crimes has to be punished, VMRO said. Snap elections The early elections, originally agreed for April 24 and then postponed in February to June 5, are part of an EU-brokered agreement to solve the ongoing political feud. But Zoran Zaev, leader of the main opposition SDSM, insisted on Friday that he would boycott the election, claiming that conditions for a free and fair vote were not in place. Ivanov, however, pledged to push ahead, vowing that the ballot would be a new chapter for Macedonia. The president warned diplomats on Friday to be measured in their response to the pardons. Ambassadors from EU countries attended a news conference by a special prosecutor in Skopje on Thursday who said she would continue to investigate the wiretap affair. I call on the representatives of the international community to be careful in their behaviour and activities and to remind them that they might be misinterpreted, Ivanov said. European Council President Donald Tusk warned Macedonia on Friday not to let the political crisis endanger its ties with the European Union and NATO, both of which it aspires to join. Officers may have been involved in the abduction and murder of 43 students two years ago, says human rights official. Federal police may have been involved in the abduction and murder of 43 students in Guerrero state two years ago, Mexico has said for the first time. The admission comes after its national human rights commission found a witness who came forward with evidence. The witness reported that two federal police and a third municipal police force were present when the students were taken off a bus and may have even participated in their disappearance, Jose Larrieta Carrasco, the commission member leading the case, said. Thursdays announcement added a new twist to a probe that has come under fire from international human rights groups and independent investigators. The attorney general said the students had been taken by the corrupt officers and given to a drug cartel, who killed them and dumped their bodies, adding that the announcement would deepen this line of investigation. International investigators say there is no evidence to support this. A federal police statement said the allegations were not new and that all officers present in the region that night gave statements, but that for the moment no wrongdoing was found against any agents. Prosecutors have already charged municipal police officers in connection with the mass abduction in Iguala, a city in Guerrero, on September 26-27, 2014. The bus was one of five that around 100 students had seized that night to use for a future protest. Iguala police officers opened fire on the buses before the students disappeared. The commission said the police fired on the tyres of the bus that stopped near the courthouse, prompting the students to toss rocks at the police. READ MORE: Mexico one year after the kidnapping I saw it all The officers bundled the students into several patrol vehicles, including three from Huitzuco. When the federal officers arrived, they asked what was going on. An Iguala officer said the students would be sent to Huitzuco, where the boss possibly a drug cartel member would decide what to do with them, the commission said. The federal officers responded, Ah, OK, thats good, and allowed the local police to take the students away. Huitzuco would be a new location in the saga, as authorities have maintained that suspects told investigators that the students were killed in the nearby town of Cocula. The commission said that there was enough evidence to presume the participation of members of the Huitzuco municipal police and two federal police officers in the disappearance, adding that it has the name of one of the two federal agents, which it gave to prosecutors. The commission also said that a soldier on a motorcycle took pictures of the incident and then left. Families of the victims have called for an investigation into whether the military had a role in the case, but the army denies any wrongdoing. In some parts of Mexico, companies have been coerced into not reporting crimes by drug gangs who threaten to attack their vehicles, offices or employees. Days of rallies held after reports the government plans to sell some buildings for use as a tourist attraction. Students at the oldest university in Sudan have been protesting for three days over reports the government plans to sell some buildings on the historic campus for use as a tourist attraction. Dozens of students have been injured in scuffles with police at Khartoum University and several protesters have been detained. News has spread that some faculties will be moved from Khartoum to Suba, a southern suburb. As a student at the Khartoum University, I completely refuse to accept the decision of the Khartoum government to sell the university or move it to Suba, a protester told Al Jazeera. For me this university is a heritage site, it holds great memories. Its our history. The university was built at the beginning of the 20th century on the banks of the Blue Nile river. A few days ago, the Ministry of Tourism announced plans to transform some of the historic buildings into a tourist attraction. But the government denies there are plans to move the universitys activities to another site. It says a rumour started spreading after the institution asked for fresh financing. The university has asked for financing for some of its projects in Suba. This has been misunderstood and wrongly interpreted to mean to move the university from its location, cabinet spokesman Ahmed Mohamed Saleh said. The cabinet confirms that no decisions have been made at all to move the university or dispossess its facilities. Rights group says residents of camps in Aleppo province among those affected by clashes between ISIL and rebels. A previous version of this story identified the spokesperson of the High Negotiations Committee as Salim Mesut. His name is Salim al-Muslet. At least 30,000 civilians have fled camps for displaced people in northern Syria after they were overrun by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), according to Human Rights Watch. The US-based rights group urged Turkey to open its border to the civilians fleeing fighting between ISIL, also known and ISIS, and opposition rebels. Human Rights Watch also accused Turkish border guards of shooting at some of those displaced in Aleppo province as they approached the frontier. Turkey has denied the accusation. Civilians were trying to flee but some were met with gunfire or told they would not be able to enter, Nadim Houry, deputy director of Human Rights Watch Middle East and North Africa division, told Al Jazeera from Beirut in neighbouring Lebanon on Friday. Those people need to be allowed with safety. The whole world is talking about fighting ISIS, and yet people who are escaping them are not welcomed anywhere. Turkey allows Syrians who are in urgent need of medical care to enter the country. A senior Turkish official denied the claims of border guards opening fire at refugees. The official told Al Jazeera that sometimes smugglers and armed men infiltrate groups of refugees, so they are firing at them, not refugees. OPINION: Syrian Civil War negotiating in bad faith Aid workers told Human Rights Watch that three camps Ikdah, Harameen and al-Sham near the town of Azaz were completely empty after attacks by ISIL. The head of Ikdah camp, on the Turkish border, said ISIL had taken over the camp early on Thursday, firing shots in the air and telling residents to leave. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said it was extremely worried about the security of those displaced and access to healthcare. The surge in violence came as representatives of Syrian President Bashar al-Assads regime arrived in Geneva on Friday for the latest round of talks aimed at ending the war. Syrias UN ambassador Bashar Jaafari said he had constructive and fruitful discussions with Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura and said his delegation proposed amendments to the de Misturas blueprint for negotiations. Jaafaris brief comments to reporters suggested the government is still focusing on the basic principles towards a political solution in Syria, and not yet willing to consider what de Mistura calls the mother of all issues political transition away from President Bashar al-Assads rule. Outlining its bargaining position, the opposition bloc High Negotiating Committee (HNC) said it would be willing to share equally in a transitional council with the government, but repeated its rejection of a role for Assad. Salim al-Muslet, spokesperson for the HNC, told Al Jazeera there was no place for Assad in the new set-up. I believe were doing the right thing for our people, Muslet said from Geneva. The other side, the government, was forced to come here. They dont care about our people. We dont want to see any more fighting and killing. Its important that we find a solution here in Geneva. But theres no place for Assad or people around him who committed crimes in Syria. For us, its important to have people who care about their own people who deserve to see an end to this nightmare. On the ground in northern Syria, escalating fighting between Russian-backed regime forces and rebels around Aleppo city threatens a nearly seven-week ceasefire that had largely been holding. ISIL and the al-Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front are excluded from the truce. The five-year conflict in Syria has killed more than 270,000 people and displaced more than 11 million people. Ross Wilson failed the first Foreign Service Officer Test he took. The former U.S. ambassador to Turkey and Azerbaijan said he froze when his test interviewer asked him to list five American movies he would recommend to an African official. I blanked I hadnt seen a movie in theaters for years, Wilson said, laughing. I think I said Casablanca. Wilson spoke to students about his career in the U.S. foreign service and international affairs Thursday afternoon in the Marston Science Library. About 20 people attended the discussion hosted by UFs Center for European Studies. Wilson worked as the ambassador to Azerbaijan from 2000 to 2003 and served as the ambassador to Turkey from 2005 to 2008. Wilson, who now lectures part-time at George Washington University, said foreign service officers must know a variety of issues, including popular culture and modern American society. After I failed that exam, I read the arts section of The New York Times every day until I retook the test, Wilson said. Foreign service officers must also possess social skills, he said. Officers have to collaborate with international leaders almost every day. The core of the foreign service work, at the end of the day, is about relationship building and persuasion, Wilson said. Wilson said he joined the foreign service to develop foreign policy, not analyze it. Kokila Mendis, the outreach coordinator for the center, said they brought Wilson because many UF students are interest in the foreign service. Its a lofty goal, so its great for students to hear from someone who was successful in the field, she said. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now John Steinmeyer, a UF political science and history junior, said he wants to pursue a career in the foreign service. Its always exciting to hear about the foreign service, especially when it comes from someone with first-hand experience, the 21-year-old said. Mr. Wilson is incredibly knowledgeable. Ross Wilson, a former U.S. ambassador to Turkey and Azerbaijan, answers students questions during a Q&A session in Marston Science Library on Thursday. I wanted to do foreign policy, he said. That is what I wanted to do as a career. Brianna DuPree dreams of shadows. They linger in the corners of her room, slipping through the doorway. Theyre wisps of darkness morphing into a shadowy face of an attacker, a face she still cant remember from a night almost two months ago. Its a nightmare the 21-year-old cant hide from, even when she forced herself to stay awake until dawn. If I had less time to sleep, I had less time to dream, the UF public relations junior said. And even if I did dream, I would have less time to remember. But in the morning, the shadows are gone brushed away by a wagging tail and dog slobber on her face. Healing after an assault can be conversation, art or therapy. For DuPree, its waking up to Dakota, a 7-year-old white Coton de Tulear. My dog, he treats me the same before it happened, treats me the same after it happened, she said. He just makes me feel like things are okay. For survivors of sexual assault like DuPree, the details of the past dont matter. Only today and tomorrow matter, chasing survival and success in the wake of medicines, nightmares and doubt. Im not a victim, she said. Im an overcomer. Aaron Albright He just makes me feel like things are okay. Its not the room that triggers DuPree. Its the darkness. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now The bedroom door cant be open at night. It will let the shadows in, and with them come the fear, the nightmares and the memories. But since the attack, shes been able to sleep at her friends house in the room where it happened in the same bed, in the same sheets. She even plans to move into an apartment in the same complex because she feels safer with friends. It scares her sometimes: the ease with which she can revisit the place where it happened. Is it normal? Is something wrong with her? Alone, she once sat in the room, struggling to feel and trying to understand. It makes me feel like somethings wrong with me, or that Im weird, DuPree said. Yet the anticipation of a possible trigger could manifest more trauma. Theres a potential you could incite triggers where they dont exist by suggesting them, said Annie Carper, a victim advocate with University Police. Theyre very much handled in the moment or in the aftermath because theyre so spontaneous. The definition of a trigger is ambiguous; it varies based on survivor and experience. But Carper best describes it as something that unexpectedly causes feelings that thrusts survivors back into their experience of victimization during the assault. Theres very little time for preparation. Often, theres no clear explanation. The emotions are built upon reactions to the attack and previous experiences. Someones victimization doesnt occur in a vacuum, Carper said. Everyone has a story, has life experiences that lead up to sexual victimization. Each person reacts and copes differently, and often, Carper said, survivors find new hobbies and interests as an outlet for their emotions. For Nazmi Ahmed, it was travel. Hours after her attack in 2015, she packed for Australia. She had been planning the trip for months, but now she would be bringing more than just physical baggage onto the plane. Guilt. Disgust. Shame. Doubt. She blamed herself for what had happened. But studying abroad and visiting family forced the UF sustainability studies senior to push away the emotions in favor of the experience. Just going to Australia made me put it on the side, you know? Ahmed, now 22, said. Its like, I need to focus on more important things right now. Forty days later, she was back in Gainesville, facing the room where it happened. She slept on the couch for a week. A friend from work came to help change the sheets on her bed. And, months later, travel is still an escape, with tickets booked for Connecticut, Canada and Belize after her graduation in May. It keeps her away, she said, from the house, the bed and the people who ignored her pain. I had to put this issue aside because there were more issues at hand that I had to focus on social justice issues, issues I study, she said. When I have such high ambitions of saving the world, its hard to focus on these mad wicked problems when my own self-health is in jeopardy. Aaron Albright I dont know where I found that strength, or maybe Ive always had it. For some, there is empowerment through art. Thats why, down a staircase and in a quiet hallway at the Samuel P. Harn Museum of Art, Ashley Flattery helped set up an exhibit. The Survivors of Violence art exhibit, which closed Thursday night, was important to her in part, she said, because it offered the Gainesville community a different forum to talk about the taboo. But more importantly, it was a medium of healing. It allows survivors to reflect where they are in their healing process, said Flattery, a victim advocate counselor who works with the Alachua County Victims Services and Rape Crisis Center. It lets them really tell their own story and narrate that without anyone else trying to control that. Most of the works were paint on canvas, hung carefully on a wooden wall. Some were splashes of abstract color, swirled together on a black frame. Others were more distinct words, faces and figures with heads buried in hands. All of it, Flattery said, was an expression of where each artist was in his or her healing process. When we do art, it challenges us to think and express in new ways, and it helps our brain put new meaning into whats happened, she said, adding that she often encourages survivors to look into exploring art. It helps them express themselves essentially in a way that words cant touch. For Ahmed, that expression is dance. Even before last May, the stage gave her solace and strength. It makes you forget about it, Ahmed said. Once I step onto that dance floor, nothing can touch me. Nothing. For the second time, she choreographed for Entropy, the only all-female performance group to dance at the Pakistani Student Associations 20th annual cultural show. It became more than teaching a Bollywood hip-hop fusion piece it became a sisterhood in which she taught her craft and shared her story with 23 women. And on April 2, Ahmed led them across the stage, pink sashes pinned across their chests. It was a big distraction for me, and it was perfect, she said. I need distractions right now, but this is my passion. It makes me feel the most human. For similar reasons, DuPree found herself on a different stage during the Black Student Union pageant, performing a cultural dance with a friend. It gives me this weird adrenaline rush, she said. It was just me and the moves. But even as the two women embraced their empowerment on stage, a painful reminder still crept in. For DuPree, that reminder sat in the front row and watched her perform. And for Ahmed, he stood front and center, making eye contact before she looked away. Their presence sparked betrayal at the hands of their friends friends who welcomed the men, despite knowing what Ahmed and DuPree had suffered at their hands. But most of all, it fueled anger. People dont do anything, Ahmed said. This isnt a breakup. Its a crime. The two men are free, nonchalant and unapologetic. And the two women are cornered, wounded and afraid. It just frustrates me because I feel like his life is the same, DuPree said. And mines not. More than anything, recovery is marked by conversation or a lack thereof. Within days of her attack, Ahmed confided in friends and an ex-boyfriend. But when her parents called and asked about her, she smiled and said she was fine. Fear silenced her story fear of a reaction she assumed would condemn and blame. You have to lie. You have to lie your ass off, Ahmed said. Thats intense. Deciding to share the story of survival is part of recovery, Carper said. Its up to the individual to determine if and when he or she is comfortable speaking about what happened. Its not just a narrative to them that they can share it forces them in many ways to relive that experience, she said. Because that requires so much vulnerability and a certain amount of strength to share that, each individual has to decide when theyre ready, if ever, to share their story with other people. But in the moments after a story is shared, one response is encouraged more than any other. You believe them, Carper said. Believe what they are saying to you, and be with them. For DuPree, sharing her story has begun a conversation within her family. For the first time, her mother opened up about an equally emotional experience to both her daughter and her own mother. Apologies were made. Relationships were repaired. It blew my mind away, she said. A lot of people end up coming to me and sharing their stories, and it made me feel good that theyre finally getting that off their chest and talking to someone who kind of understands. On St. Patricks Day, Ahmed was ready to share. She called her father. Then she told her mother. In sharing her story, the memories of those conversations her fathers unexpected empathy, her mothers initial condemnation and both parents eventual understanding are what bring the tears. Since that conversation, the story has flowed more easily than ever before in therapy sessions, in private conversations and in public discussions of sexual assault. Each conversation, she said, is a step closer to acceptance of this reality. Im an open book, Ahmed said. Lifes too short to be a secret. Aaron Albright Im not a victim, Im an overcomer. Recovery is day by day, moment by moment. Sometimes, DuPree cant get out of bed. A bulletin board covered with papers and assignments will be a painful reminder of the work she missed and the classes she dropped, inducing panic attacks in the middle of class. Its not just that day or that week, DuPree said. Every day is a living hell. For Ahmed, its frozen limbs at 3 a.m. as she reads graphic accounts of rape in the papers she grades for a UF womens studies class. Or its crippling fury, hit with the realization that shes not in a single photograph from the dance she choreographed. But both women move forward. Having the strength to go to counseling, having the strength to get a f-----g Tinder, having the strength to get out and experience new things and take control of situations that, I dont know where I found that strength, Ahmed said. Or maybe Ive always had it. The commitment of classes will bring DuPree back in the Fall, still focused on finding her niche in the public relations field. Ahmed will return for graduate school, building upon her self-described addiction to helping humanity. But in addition to school, both women are determined to keep sharing their stories, for themselves and for those who cant. I hate that this happened to me, DuPree said. But maybe it happened so that I can help. She said she wants to be a voice for the friends and the strangers who havent been able to come forward. And Ahmed shares that sentiment, embracing the newfound strength she has found. I want to keep smiling for people, Ahmed said. I want to keep smiling for myself. @escochrane ecochrane@alligator.org A little black heifer turned a week old Thursday, just a day after it was rescued from a sinkhole. Not long after a rescue team from UFs College of Veterinary Medicine hoisted the heifer 15 feet from the ground, she was carried to her wary mother. At first she was like, Are you really my kid? said John Haven, who led the rescue team. The heifer fell into the hole 2 feet in diameter and remained there for at least 24 hours, said Haven, the director of the veterinary college. At about 6 p.m. Wednesday, deputies with the Alachua County Sheriffs Office arrived at the 7-acre pasture in Newberry, Florida. Rescuers from the college then responded to a call from deputies. The hole was too narrow for rescuers to fit inside, so they dug around its circumference, hoping the curved walls would not collapse, Haven said. The heifers owner, 69-year-old James Monroe, initially thought the fall must have killed it. Fortunately, Monroe said, he did not have to enter the sinkhole, which he had filled once before. Though the heifer had little identity at the time, the incident may have inspired a new name, Monroe said. I guess we can call her Lucky, he said. @martindvassolo Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now mvassolo@alligator.org Alachua County Sheriff Rural Services Unit officers and the UF College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Rescue Team worked together on Thursday to rescue a 1-week-old calf that had fallen into a 15-foot sinkhole in Newberry, Florida, and had been trapped in the hole for about a day. Universities are the breeding grounds of tomorrow. Here, students, faculty and staff alike immerse themselves in a culture that obsesses about our well-being. Universities are consequently a microcosmic nation in themselves, filled with pockets of people and thickets of thinkers, that so directly emulate the world around them. Said plainly: Like apples falling from trees, students dont fall far from their countries. Let me be honest, not unlike a racist who prefaces statements with proclamations such as, Some of my best friends are , I say some of my best friends are involved in Student Government here at UF. Some of my best friends are members of Impact Party and some of my best friends are members of Access Party. I am impressed with both parties for so shamelessly and effectively replicating all that is fundamentally wrong with American politics so well. Whos to blame? UF has awarded degrees to politicians of all sorts, left- and right-winged. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, chair of the Democratic National Committee, is undoubtedly guilty of attempting to rig votes in favor of Hillary Clinton. Shes unjustly restricted Bernie Sanders campaign to voting statistics and has ignored the complaints of her fellow Democrats on illegal voting practices. Marco Rubio just ended an embarrassing presidential campaign. His PolitiFact rating reflects how his words are Mostly False. Rubio overtly lied about facets of the Affordable Care Act, the activities of Planned Parenthood and the ability of a president to nominate a Supreme Court justice in the final year of the presidency. Mind you, in the history of our nation, one-third of Supreme Court justices have been nominated and confirmed by the Senate during election years. Here at UF, the cycle continues. Just recently, our Access-affiliated Student Body president urged the Impact-heavy senate to reconsider the freshly rejected SG Supreme Court nominees. One student does pro bono work and is interning with the Department of Justice this summer. The other student is a local business owner and an openly gay veteran. Both of these students are unbelievably qualified, and the senates rejection of them is nothing more than party politics. Impact, a generation raised by television, is simply replicating the behaviors so unjustly, yet successfully, seen in practice at national and state levels. Earlier on the campaign trail, Access was accused of dirty, negative campaigning with the notorious and cringe-inducing Not My System video. It took somewhat accurate claims about our political landscape and exaggerated them to the point of unfamiliarity bordering on the realm of conspiracy. While I dont disagree theres a larger notion of historical rebranding associated with Impact, the video is irresponsible in its Watergate-esque and journalistically bombastic approach. To make matters worse, on platform the parties do not actually disagree on anything. Both agree on many issues, like sustainability initiatives and on-campus mental health access. It seems, then, both parties are equally guilty of perpetuating shameless nepotistic practices and ideologies for the sake of nothing more than resume-building. Most importantly, shame on you, fellow students. We are the ones solely capable of not only holding our officials accountable, but also voting against their practices. Each year, we have the ability via voting to change this outdated and hopelessly broken political landscape in the U.S. and UF alike. But, our voter turnout is far too low. Both in national elections and on campus, voter turnout is disgracefully low, and without change in that realm, we cannot have change elsewhere. Our university is a microcosm of the real world, the whole lot of us rotting apples falling not far from the tree. But as we graduate and apples die, new minds enter and seeds of life take root, giving us hope for a new tree, which will hopefully breed new apples. Let us learn from our mistakes, vote in unison and hope for a better tomorrow, a better country and a better UF. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now Zachary Lee is a UF philosophy junior. Im starting to believe maturation means admitting how truly childish you are. If theres any part of life in which maturation occurs the most, it has to be college. Nobody cares how smart you are, Kurt Vonnegut once told a group of graduating college students. Nobody wants you to think, nobody wants to hear your wonderful answer. This oddly cruel-seeming admonishment came after he had previously asked, Do you know why cream is so much more expensive than milk? Seeing as the speech was delivered in New York, the audience assumes the writer born in the Midwest might have a better answer; they say, no. It is because the cows hate to squat on those little bottles. Vonnegut explains his joke to the audience: When I asked you about cream, you could not help yourselves. You really tried to think of a sensible answer, and when the answer is given, you are so relieved to at last meet somebody who doesnt demand that you be intelligent. You laugh for joy. This is the last Friday of classes. I apologize for that, although I had nothing to do with this. All complaints about this state of affairs must be taken up with whomever is responsible for the passage of time. So if youre an atheist, blame gravity. That means weve reached this point: We are all now moving toward the next part of our lives, whether that be the next year of undergraduate or graduate school, the first year of post-baccalaureate or the first time out of education. All we have in between is a relaxing interlude of exams. Then why is Vonnegut so concerned about joy, anyway? Why not intelligence? Unintelligent people lead us into bad wars and vote for Donald Trump. Unintelligent people make small talk and dont understand the health value of kale. I concede eating kale and not voting for Mr. Trump are admirable civic virtues, but something has to be said for joy. Surprisingly little is. Joy is the taste of your morning coffee; the changes in intensity and color of sunlight throughout the day; the sound of the voices of your loved ones; the hair on your dogs back. Oh, of course, you might be thinking, its the little things. And yes, Id say. It is the things, the texture present in your life. But texture is not happiness, or any emotion really. It is a thing a thing that connects us with the world around us, but most importantly, with others. Joy is foolishness, really. The smart thing is to pretend you know more than everybody else and arent susceptible to their problems. If you never find love and intimacy, you can at least tell yourself youve found respect in that everyone remains a respectful distance from you. Near the end of his speech, Vonnegut announces about the graduates, No one must treat them like children again. Neither must they act like children ever again. As a child, you feel so distant from the people around you. The news doesnt seem to make sense, the playground doesnt seem to make sense and the question What are you going to do with your life? really doesnt make sense. If theres anything Ive learned to remind myself at the end of every year of college, its this: Its really not supposed to. Nobody cares how smart you are, anyhow. Its a foolish answer, its an answer youll go to bed at night with and wake up to. Its surprisingly adult though I should point out, I dont really know. Neel Bapatla is a UF English sophomore. His column appears on Fridays. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now 2005 .. COMMUNIQUE Negative assessment of Saudi economy; bleak outlook for Alkhalifa HRs Alwihda Info | Par Bahrain Freedom Movement - 15 Avril 2016 Yesterday Fitch Ratings cut Saudi Arabias credit rating, another sign of how low oil prices are taking their toll on the kingdoms finances. Fitch reduced Saudi Arabias long-term foreign and local currency ratings to AA-minus from AA while retaining a negative outlook. The ratings agency predicts oil prices for 2016 and 2017 to be at $35 and $45 a barrel, a level that would have major negative implications for Saudi Arabias fiscal and external balances. Other rating agencies like Moodys and Standard and Poor had given similar assessments in recent months. In another development, the most senior religious leader in the Eastern Province, Sheikh Hussain Al Radhi, who was detained last month for expressing different views from those of the ruling tribe of AlSaud, has been struck with heart ailment. His condition is not known but there is increasing concern for his life. Freedom-lovers have called for his immediate and unconditional release as they consider him Prisoner of Conscience. On 8th April Dr Saeed Al Samahiji, 62, was sentenced to one year in jail for tweeting. He is a senior Eye Specialist and had been detained several times since 2011 for treating injured people injured by regimes forces. He spent much time in torture dungeons. He was arrested on 4th January after he had tweeted remarks against the execution of Martyr Nimr Al Nimr. He was charged with insulting friendly country. From April 4th to April 10th, there were a total of 53 marches in 28 towns and villages. Ten marches were attacked by the riot police using excessive chemical and tear gases, as well as shot guns. In the first three months of this year, the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights recorded at least 448 cases of arbitrary detention including 95 children under 18. On 10th April 15 years old Basil Abbas was arrested. He was first taken to Roundabout 17 police station at Hamad Town where he was severely tortured. He was then taken to the notorious CID headquarters where torture use is routine. He was released after six hours. He could not sit properly from the beating. His mother told him to sleep. But the CID officers called again and summoned Basil. He was taken back and was detained. The American policy on Bahrain has come under fire by activists and human rights bodies worldwide, following John Kerrys visit to the country. His remarks have infuriated the Bahrainis who viewed his visit as active moral support to a faltering regime riddled with accusations of committing crimes against humanity including torture. International human rights groups have criticized the Bahraini government since a security clampdown on protesters demanding reforms and a greater voice in the governing of the kingdom, which is led by tribal rulers. Human Rights Watch says there has been little meaningful progress in reforms since then, and it accused the government of pressuring the opposition by detaining activists. Ahead of the trip, Kerry found himself under fire from human rights groups, who called for a tougher U.S. stance on the government's violent suppression of dissent. They cited the cases of several bloggers and political opposition leaders serving jail terms or awaiting sentences. Despite Alkhalifa foreign ministers promise to John Kerry to release Zainab AlKHawaja and her infant son, she is still languishing in their torture chambers. 37 NGOs have called for her unconditional release. In an open statement to Bahrains dictator, Hamad Alkhalifa they said: We, the undersigned, unequivocally condemn your governments arrest of human rights defender Zainab Al-Khawaja along with her infant son. They called for their immediate and unconditional release. They added: The broad criminalization of peaceful dissent and free expression in Bahrain, as well as the governments continued harassment and detention of human rights defenders, contravenes your obligations under international law, and is wholly unacceptable. Jane Kinninmont, deputy head of the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House, published an article titled: Why wont the UK Government speak out on human rights abuses on UKs policy on human rights. Ms Kinninmont said: It is one thing to use a softer tone in public statements, but at times these statements are actively misleading. A minister may tell parliament a country is moving in the right direction when the diplomats on the ground are privately telling colleagues there are at least two steps back for every step forward. Ms Kinninmont said that British diplomats lobbied the UN Human Rights Council to water down the language in a resolution on Bahrain, deleting the word torture. She added: The UK governments security strategy recognises that rights and values are part of security. To advance them, clearer public statements must be part of the full spectrum of policy tools. Dans la meme rubrique : < > Tchad : Le complexe scolaire "Soleil Brillant" ouvre les inscriptions et reinscriptions pour une rentree au 1er octobre 2021 : Les etablissements scolaires de Floride Charter School Associates choisissent le SD-WAN infogere de GTT Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) 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] Law and regulation Why Recent Bank Guilty Pleas Just Aren't Enough Convictions of big banks have lacked any tangible consequences for perpetrators, leaving many still doubting that the government is serious about prosecuting large firms. January 12 Law and regulation Is New DOJ Policy to Target Execs a Sham? The Justice Department's announcement that it would target individual executives at banks and other companies that are being investigated for wrongdoing has sparked a debate about whether the move is actually substantive or instead just designed to boost the agency's public image. September 10 With the Department of Justice announcing its latest multibillion-dollar settlement with a too-big-to-fail bank Goldman Sachs this time the question we all must be asking is, "Does this mean that real accountability has finally come to Wall Street?" Unfortunately, we already know the answer is a clear "no." Too big to fail not only means "too big to jail" but also "too big to punish." Like in previous DOJ settlements, Goldman's appeared to be carefully crafted to look meaningful without actually imposing significant accountability. The $5 billion payment sounds big, but that figure is the equivalent of pennies for Goldman, no more than the regular cost of doing business on Wall Street. Three fundamental problems plague DOJ's approach. First, the multi-billion-dollar payments are as misleading as teaser-rate mortgages. For all of Goldman's predatory activities covered by this deal its peddling of toxic assets to unsuspecting investors from 2005 to 2007 what was Goldman's profit? What were the investors' losses? The settlement documents contain no such details, let alone any admissions, so no one can say whether the punishment fits the crime. What we do know is that Goldman reported net revenues of $37.7 billion and net earnings of $9.5 billion in 2006 alone, just one year in the scheme described. This settlement, like the others before it, appears woefully insufficient to effect real change. Second, who is paying? Today's shareholders; they might have benefited from Goldman's dealings but they certainly did not commit the company's fraud. Who else pays? Once again, the taxpayer. More than half of Goldman's deal, $2.675 billion, comprises "cash payments" of $875 million and "consumer relief" of $1.8 billion, which are all tax-deductible expenses. Less than half of the total settlement, $2.385 billion, is a civil penalty that Goldman cannot write off. If Goldman were to pay the nominal 39% total corporate tax rate on $2.675 billion, Goldman would save and taxpayers would lose more than $1 billion. Third and most importantly, once again not a single responsible individual at Goldman is even named, let alone held accountable. It's as if the bank buildings were unoccupied when the building itself committed the crimes. Can a company break the law without any individual breaking the law? Phil Angelides, chair of the Financial Crisis Inquiry Commission, aptly describes this logical impossibility as "immaculate corruption." Corporate misconduct and crime will not be deterred until executives and supervisors are held personally accountable. DOJ recently announced with much fanfare that this pattern of deficient settlements with Wall Street's biggest banks would change. Last September, DOJ released the much-discussed "Yates Memo" from Deputy Attorney General Sally Quillian Yates which claimed the DOJ was moving away from merely fining shareholders and toward holding culpable individuals accountable. Yet this Goldman settlement flouts the Yates Memo by failing to identify, much less hold accountable, any individual who broke the law. They are merely anonymous members of a committee. Are these executives too big to name? The Goldman settlement is just the latest example of DOJ's disappointing practice of "accountability theater" for financial companies whose fraud and illegal conduct wrecked our economy. By one estimate, financial institutions have paid out more than $190 billion in settlements since the crisis. Much of this resulted from suits brought by defrauded market participants, in which the settlement payments may be deducted from a bank's taxes. A very small portion comprises nondeductible civil penalties imposed by the government, like the $2.385 billion Goldman agreed to pay. It is long past time for real accountability. Thankfully, there is still time. The statute of limitations for mail and wire fraud that affects financial institutions is 10 years, so DOJ can still prosecute the rampant fraud that financial titans committed before the crisis. While criminal prosecutions are surely merited, even serious civil penalties would dramatically deter those who would cause the next crisis. The real victims of the financial crash, the American public and taxpayers, deserve no less than real accountability on both Wall Street and the DOJ. But the current practice of insincere settlements exemplified by the Goldman settlement does not punish or deter lawbreaking. It is just more of the same wrist-slapping. DOJ checked the Goldman box with a big-number headline, but the public still loses. This is kabuki justice that still leaves a dangerous industry culture and individuals responsible for the malfeasance in place and leaves the public vulnerable to the next crash. Dennis Kelleher is the president and CEO of Better Markets. Austin King is an attorney with Better Markets. It is sometimes said that the government never met an industry that it didn't want to regulate. But it may be truer that the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network has never faced a bank like the Tanzania-based FBME, which refuses to cede to the demands of an overzealous U.S. regulator. In a recently reissued rule, Fincen once again blocked U.S. correspondent banking relationships with FBME. Just like the agency's original rule labeling the family-owned bank a primary money laundering concern, the new one effectively means a death sentence for FBME. Yet the bank still refuses to go down without a fight. After winning a court injunction against the original ruling, FBME has pledged to challenge the new one as well. Based on the public record and federal agencies' obligations under the Administrative Procedures Act, the bank still has a good case. On top of the fact that Fincen's punishment was draconian, the glaring gaps in its administrative process and lack of substantiated claims in its pursuit of FBME suggest that Fincen sleepwalked toward a predetermined outcome of simply wanting the institution closed undeterred by FBME's cooperation, remedial actions or even outright facts. From court filings and public comments, it appears that Fincen may have violated the APA. Even more troubling, it also appears that Fincen's targeting of the bank borders on unconstitutional. In the vast majority of situations, an action by a federal agency that results in the significant taking or deprivation of property interests is unconstitutional. Under Fincen's Patriot Act authority to designate a foreign bank tied to U.S. correspondent banks as a money-laundering concern, the agency need not even issue a formal finding. The reputational damage of simply a proposed rule is sufficient to significantly damage a bank. Just look at the agency's track record. Of the five banks which had the special rule imposed on them, Fincen rescinded the rule for three of them. That was not because the agency reconsidered its rulemaking. It was because the banks had gone out of business. Secondly, the agency has been remiss in evaluating evidence presented to it and in providing information to FBME, a violation of the APA. Fincen appears to disregard the numerous steps taken by FBME to remedy and improve its internal controls. The agency ignored conclusions drawn by independent auditors Ernst and Young and KPMG that the bank was compliant with international and domestic money-laundering standards. An agency with significant discretionary power cannot afford to skip elementary due diligence. If Fincen has engaged with this evidence in a meaningful way, it must attempt to refute those sections of the evidentiary record it disagrees with, rather than glossing over inconvenient facts. In my research, I have come across two ways to control and limit wayward agency behavior, such as Fincen's actions against FBME. The first are ex ante controls, namely how Congress designs the agency. Potential legislative limits on federal agencies include: reporting and consultation requirements with which the agency must comply when making policy; the role, if any, of key constituencies in influencing the agency's policymaking decisions; standards and criteria the agency must consider when introducing regulations; and the number and nature of political appointments within the agency. The second way to supervise agency behavior consists of ongoing controls, namely institutions or procedures that check Fincen's actions on a regular basis. These include congressional oversight through direct and indirect monitoring, and renewing or withholding appropriations. They also include judicial oversight implemented through existing administrative law. I am pleased to see judicial oversight of Fincen through the lawsuit brought by FBME. However, ongoing controls are the responsibility of all three branches of government. Congress can and should evaluate whether the controls it imposed on Fincen are sufficient to avoid similar, overzealous actions against other financial institutions. For the time being, Fincen should critically evaluate its own actions and determine whether the agency has acted in a manner that is consistent with its mandate and the APA. If not, it may be time to regulate the regulators. Sharyn O'Halloran is the George Blumenthal Professor of Political Economy and a professor of international and public affairs at Columbia University, where she also serves as senior vice dean and chief academic officer of the School of Professional Studies. She has written extensively on the political economy of international trade and finance, regulation and institutional reform, economic growth and democratic transitions, and the political representation of minorities. Be Part of the 2016 Most Powerful Women Rankings: We are now accepting nominations for the 25 Most Powerful Women in Banking, 25 Women to Watch, 25 Most Powerful Women in Finance, and the Top Teams in Banking. We are also looking for candidates for the community impact award and the lifetime achievement award. Get your application in quickly to win two tickets to our Mentor Factor event on May 2. More than 300 women already have signed up to participate in a day of career-focused insight and inspiration. We'd love for you to join! New Parental Benefits for Yet Another Bank: Wells Fargo is going to start offering its full- and part-time U.S. employees paid parental leave for the first time, as of June 1. Primary caregivers can take up to 16 weeks paid leave, following a birth or adoption. (As you may recall from reading here, Bank of America announced in March that it would increase paid parental leave to 16 weeks from 12 weeks.) The Pros and Cons for Moms: New research by the Working Mother Research Institute shows moms working in financial services have higher salaries than moms in other industries, though not by much. The moms in financial services also are the most in need of more family time. The median annual income of $47,410 in financial services is not significantly higher than the median of $46,470 in professional services like accounting. About 30% of the moms in manufacturing reported having fully paid maternity leave (vs. 29% in financial services), and they received a median of 7.4 weeks off, compared with 8.6 weeks in financial services (the highest) and 6.9 weeks in professional services (the lowest). About 55% of moms working in financial services reported they had received a merit raise within the year, followed closely by those in hospitals and health care (53%) and manufacturing (52%). But those in financial services reported the lowest numbers for satisfaction with the amount of time they're able to spend with their children (55%) and with the amount of time they have for taking care of themselves (38%). (Climate) Change Begins in the Boardroom: Newton Investment Management chief executive Helena Morrissey will spearhead the United Nations-backed Two Degrees of Change initiative, which will encourage women in boardrooms to demand companies take more action against climate change issues. New business strategies around climate change would benefit shareholders, and women are just the ones to raise such issues, Morrissey said. "Women are often interested in these areas more than men, and interested in a long-term view," she said. "Many women find themselves working within an established culture at old-fashioned companies." From Eight Weeks to Just Milliseconds: Most banks, including the Royal Bank of Canada, are experimenting with blockchain technology for B2B applications. But RBC also has a unique initiative underway with its credit card loyalty programs to explore how the blockchain can improve the customer experience. Points earned from credit card purchases now take up to eight weeks to reflect in the customer's account, and RBC is looking to speed that up. It is working with several partners, one of which claims its permissioned blockchain can settle transactions in milliseconds, on real-time exchange for merchant partners and consumers. "There's never going to be a more exciting time for our clients if we do this well and take advantage of this technology," said Linda Mantia, RBC's executive vice president of digital, cards and payments. A Big Conundrum: Wall Street's gender bias is a reflection of society's gender bias, but both are illogical from a performance perspective, writes Amy Domini, founder of Domini Social Investments and partner in The Sustainability Group. Women are not trusted to run portfolios research shows only 10% of all U.S. mutual fund managers are women even though they are as good at it, and by some measures better at it, than men, says Domini. And Main Street is just as bad as Wall Street apparently. Research by behavioral scientists cites customer prejudice as the reason male-managed funds in their study saw, on average, 15.6% higher flows than women-owned funds, despite no difference in performance. The expectation is that women will deliver a lower rate of performance, according to the study. (Women who think strong performance speaks for itself, take note.) Role Call Ranjana Clark has been named San Francisco Bay Area president at MUFG Union Bank. Clark, who is on our list of the Most Powerful Women in Banking, adds the president role to her existing responsibilities as the head of transaction banking for the Americas. USAA in San Antonio, Texas, has hired Jennifer Sepull, a former Kimberly-Clark executive, as its chief information officer. First Midwest Bank in Itasca, Ill., has hired Jo Ann Boylan as chief information and operations officer. She was previously chief technology officer of MB Financial in Chicago. Fifth Third Bancorp has named its lead independent director, Marsha Williams, as its new chairman. She has been on its board since 2008. In Case You Missed It How to Win Over the Buzzkills at Your Meeting: When negativity threatens to stall progress, some surprisingly simple "little tricks" can help resolve conflict and get employees more engaged, according to Michelle Stacy, who spoke at a recent Women in Banking conference hosted by the Pennsylvania Bankers Association. She argued that employee engagement drives productivity, profitability and overall success more than anything else. Skimping on such a powerful boost to the bottom line doesn't make sense. Yet research shows more than 60% of workers across industries rate themselves as "not engaged" or "actively disengaged," and many companies seem unconcerned, said Stacy, the former president of Green Mountain's Keurig division. "If you were in manufacturing and were to say 60% of the raw materials you put into a product were not being used, it would be waste, right?" she asked, as she offered a few suggestions for bringing more positivity to challenging conversations. Woman on a Mission: Though she is not well known, Phyllis Borzi is the powerhouse behind the proposed rule that would require financial advisers to prioritize clients' interests above their own. The Labor Department isn't usually involved in investment advice, but the 69-year-old assistant labor secretary has made it her mission to right what she sees as a wrong: that many women are ill-prepared for retirement despite having long careers. Borzi concluded that something must be flawed for this to happen. Her persistence has won her enemies and allies in the brokerage industry and on the Hill, but those on both sides of the debate praise her determination. Beyond Banking Female Founders: How do we improve gender diversity in Silicon Valley? Start with the founders, says PayPal cofounder Peter Thiel. "What really defines the culture in Silicon Valley is not the executives or the venture capitalists," he said, "it's the company founders and that's probably the place where the disparity is the most extreme and that's where it needs to be fixed if you want to change the culture." He cited a list of 150 unicorn companies, of which two had female cofounders. "That's a crazy lack of balance," he said. Incidentally, Thiel just hired Cyan Banister to be the first female partner at his venture capital firm Founders Fund. Emphasis on "Empowerment": The word "empowerment" has been trivialized, and women's empowerment initiatives increasingly look suspicious, as they become entwined with ad campaigns and $10,000-a-ticket conferences, writes Jia Tolentino in a New York Times Magazine essay, titled "How 'Empowerment' Became Something for Women to Buy." She wonders, is all this "empowerment" disempowering to women? Bonnie McGeer contributed to this report. One of the most notable lines in film history, for those of us old enough to remember and appreciate, is found in John Hustons The Treasure of Sierra Madre. The plot takes place in Mexico and involves some gold hunters including Fred C. Dobbs (played by Humphrey Bogart) who are confronted by clutch of banditos trying to masquerade as Federales and respond indignantly when proof of their identities is demanded: "If you're the police, then where are your badges? Dobbs asked. "Badges! came the response. We ain't got no badges. We don't need no badges. I don't have to show you any stinkin' badges!" At that point, a gunfight broke out, a squad of real Federales came on the scene, and the banditos were chased away. In the film, the banditos lost; in real life, however, they win all the time. In fact, all one has to do with this great phrase is to alter it in a way that gets to the heart of fascism, allowing us further to avoid the definitional problems covered by Jonah Goldbergs excellent treatment in Liberal Fascism. So it goes like this: Congress! We dont need no stinkin Congress! And while were at it: We dont need no stinkin courts! Or laws! Or constitutions! Or public approval! Or any of that antiquated, democratic garbage! In other words, fascist rule is all about the state and the whims of its leader; there are no restrictions on governmental dictates, and nothing else matters. Still yearning for a more formal characterization? Try this, from Mussolini: All within the state, nothing outside the state, nothing against the state. If Italys dictator seems too remote for Americans, lets throw in something closer to home. This comes from an address by President Woodrow Wilson: He [the leader] supplies the power; others supply only the materials upon which that power operates It is the power which dictates, dominates; the materials yield. Men are as clay in the hands of the consummate leader. Still looking for something more explicit? How about this, from President Obama: Were not just going to be waiting for legislation Ive got a pen and Ive got a phone. In fact, speaking of that pesky legislation thing -- you, know, the Constitutions Article One stipulating that Congress makes the laws -- when Obama in his 2014 State of the Union address showed his determination to carry out his policies without congressional authorization, Democrats in the chamber, who cared nothing about defending their own institution, gave him a standing ovation. And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the fascist persuasion in American politics. But not according many (probably most) American pundits, critics, scholars, politicians, and party leaders, both Democrats and Republicans; indeed, who are they all fretting about? Trump! Thats right, Americas Hitler-in-waiting, rousing the rabble to Revolution! Thus writes Jeffrey Herf in the acclaimed journal, The American Interest: The poisons he has unleashed and the taboos he has smashed with such glee have created a new, dangerous field of rhetorical violence and insult in American public life. And the normally sensible Kevin Williamson in National Review: He advocates a presidency a thousand times more imperial than the one that sprung Athena-like from the brow of Barack Obama and his lawyers. Finally, there is the editorial board of the Washington Post, opining with crocodile tears sufficient to put the capitol in full flood alert. Sobbing about its concern for the Republican Party, the editorial warns: Their [Trumps] playbook includes a casual embrace of violence; a willingness to wield government powers against personal enemies; contempt for a free press; demonization of anyone who is not white and Christian; intimations of dark conspiracies; and the propagation of sweeping, ugly lies. This is unintentionally hilarious. In fact, substitute the word minority for white and Christian, and you have a pretty good description of the academic and Progressive playbook for the past generation or so. Talk about ideological projection. All of which occurs against the backdrop of Democrats having done everything theyre accusing Trump of doing or planning to do, by supporting a president who has broken the law on ObamaCare, the auto bailout, illegal alien amnesty, and Guantanamo Bay; lied habitually, violated the constitution on recess appointments, while supporting Americas leading unindicted felon to follow him in office. Just the short list, here. This is not to defend Donald Trump, who is boorish, petulant, needlessly provocative, and so philosophically shallow (not stupid, though) that he likely has little idea what a fascist is. The fact that most Americans dont either is one of the great threats to the survival of our country and explains the popularity of the Obamas, the Hillarys, and Sanderss in our midst. They are the ones, not Trump, who have shown contempt for America. They are the banditos who think they dont need no stinkin congress, or courts, or laws, or constitution. And dont expect the Federales to save us from them; indeed, the Federales in America are the banditos themselves and likely will rule the country indefinitely to save it from the possibility of any future Trumps. When talking about politics in contemporary Iran, Western media tend to divide the Iranian political sphere into two distinct hemispheres, namely the Reformists and the Hardliners. In this division, the Reformists are supposed to be the good guys and the Hardliners the bad guys. Here I am going to tell you why this division is misleading. Not that it is completely nonexistent. Rather, the manner of its application by Western media and the implications it makes are misleading. There is indeed a difference between the Reformists and the Hardliners. The difference is that they belong to two major classes of the Islamic Republic. It is not necessarily the core ideology, but personal affiliation and power politics that make the difference. Simply put, while the Reformists belong to the Khomeinist faction, the Hardliners belong to the Khameneist faction of the Islamic Republic. To clarify, those who call themselves Reformists were mostly close affiliates of the first Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. These were sidelined after Khomeinis death in 1989 by the advocates of the next and now incumbent Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. It is the followers of Khomeini, who now call themselves Reformist, that have given the derogatory epithet Hardliner to the followers of Khamenei. However, the truth is that many of these so-called Reformists who are regarded as Western-friendly Islamists by Western media were the first to scale the walls of the American Embassy in Tehran while chanting Death to America right after the 1979 Revolution. They were also the main ideological and operational force behind the large-scale execution of all sorts of political dissidents in Iran during the 1980s. As a case study, a glance at the history of the three foremost Khomeinist personages that later became known as Reformist sheds light on their true nature and origins. To begin with, Sadegh Khalkhali (1926-2003) was appointed head of Islamic Revolutionary Court by Khomeini immediately after the 1979 Revolution. In that capacity, he unleashed such a reign of terror that earned him the epithets Hanging Judge and Butcher of Revolution. Hundreds were summarily executed as a result of Khalkhalis swift death sentences and even by his own hand, most without access to even a rudimentary defense. Among them was Amir-Abbas Hoveyda (1919-1979), a long-time Prime Minister (1965-1977) under the Shah, whom Khalkhali himself reportedly shot in prison. Years later, in the mid-1990s, when Radio BBC Farsi interviewed Khalkhali, defiantly defending his previous actions, Khalkhali stated that he had no remorse for what he had done, and that he would once more execute those he had executed before if they were alive. When Khalkhali died in 2003, a great number of Reformist figures, including President Mohammad Khatami and Speaker of Parliament Mehdi Karroubi, issued endearing condolences. Karroubi, who is now regarded as a leading Reformist by Western media, in particular praised Khalkhalis performance in the early days of the Revolution. Next, Ali Akbar Mohtashamipour (b. 1947) was the Iranian ambassador to Syria in the early 1980s. In that capacity and as part of the Khomeinist project of Export of Revolution, he established the formidable Hezbollah in Lebanon. Under Mohtashamipours supervision and with Hafez Assads approval, a contingent of IRGC elite was sent through Syria to the Beqaa Valley in Lebanon to train the Lebanese Shiite militia, both militarily and ideologically. Tenets like Jihadism and acts like suicide bombing that are now typically associated with the Sunni extremists by Western media were in fact among the main principles that the Mohtashamipour-led IRGC elite instilled in the Lebanese Shiite militia for the first time in the history of modern Islamism. Since then, Hezbollah has carried out some of the deadliest attacks against all those whom the Iranian regime regards as rivals or troublemakers, including Westerners, Jews and Arabs. Mohtashamipour was later appointed Minister of the Interior by Prime Minister Mir-Hossein Mousavi, now promoted as a major Reformist figure by Western media. In the sixth Islamic Republic Parliament (2000-2004), which was a majority Reformist Parliament chaired by Karroubi, Mohtashamipour was head of the Reforms Front Coordination Council. Mohtashamipour was also head of the Staff for Karroubis Election Campaign during the notorious 2009 presidential election in Iran. Last but not least, Mohammad Mousavi-Khoeiniha (b. 1942) is the secretary general of the Association of Combatant Clerics, the once chief Khomeinist faction that is now a Reformist association and in whom originate almost all the major Reformist figures. Regarded as the Grey Eminence of the Islamic Republic Left for his mostly behind-the-scene performances, Khoeiniha was the real architect of the American Embassy takeover in Tehran on November 4, 1979. According to Bowden in Guests of the Ayatollah, Khoeiniha was still a staunch defender of the embassy takeover in 2006 when the book was published. Khoeiniha was one of the most important backers of Khatami in the late 1990s, and, true to his sobriquet, is seen as a major behind-the-scene influence in getting Khatami to presidency. Now, those all-powerful people, which in the 1980s used to style themselves as the Line of Imam in reference to Imam Khomeini, were later sidelined by Khameneis clique after Khomeinis death in 1989. Divested of power, pragmatism and convenience dictated that they choose a more appealing and moderate-sounding appellation for themselves than the blood-loaded Line of Imam, namely Reformist, so that they can mend fences with their archetypal enemy, the United States. As such, by making overtures to the Americans, these Reformists hoped to enlist the services of the Great Satan to undermine the clique of the Supreme Leader so that they themselves can re-attain power in Iran. Ideology-wise, however, as was noted in the case of the three Reformist figures studied above, they are still the very Line of Imam that mass-executed Iranian dissidents and bombed the American barracks and called and are still calling for the annihilation of Israel. This can now be easily perceived in the positions some of the personages associated with the Reformists assume; namely President Hassan Rouhani and Foreign Minister Javad Zarif. For instance, with regard to the question of the recent ballistic missile tests by the Islamic Republic that explicitly threatened Israel, Rouhani and Zarif both toed the Supreme Leaders line by passionately defending the Iranian regimes missile development program. As a matter of fact, since their inception, the Reformists foremost function has been to follow the objectives that the so-called Hardliners set forth for them, but with a catch: they are supposed to do it through diplomacy and show of goodwill rather than threat and coercion. During their seeming ascendency in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the so-called Reformists did not implement even a single constitutional reform in Iran. Instead, they have been somewhat successful in furthering the Islamist ideology and strategic objectives of the Iranian regime by misleading the West. As such, what the Reformists constitute in effect is the Islamic Republics showcase for the eyes of the world. Therefore, one can say that these two appellations, i.e. Reformist and Hardliner, mostly reflect the rhetorical struggle between the Khomeinists and the Khameneists rather than having any real substance. However, since the Khomeinists/Reformists have somehow managed to infiltrate the Western media, they have been able to cast their own vocabulary and version of the story as truth and nothing but the truth. Indeed, it can be said that one owns the truth when one has a monopoly on defining it. We should know better. When both the Hardliners and the Reformists stem from the same ideological springhead of Islamism, Anti-Westernism, and Export of Revolution, whatever appellation they give themselves will make no difference in practice: its a deadlock. That is why, as I predicted a long time ago, the much-eulogized Nuclear Deal was doomed to failure even before it had been concluded. That reality is now only being laid bare before our eyes. An interesting facet of American politics is that Barack Obamas approval ratings have gone up recently. As Gina Jannone, a senior writer/editor at Rasmussenreports.com, noted on March 24th, Obamas approval numbers have risen since January, a trend detected not only by Rasmussen, but by RealClearPolitics average of several polls in the last couple of months. Jannone attributed Obamas rise in public approval to four factors: (1) the current phase in his presidency i.e., near the end of his time in office; (2) the campaign to elect his successor; (3) improved economic conditions the price of gas is down, unemployment is down and the number of jobs is up (according to government statistics); and (4) Obamas policy toward Cuba, which has received very positive coverage by the mainstream media (MSM). Jannone also referred to journalist Daniel Grosss observation that there is a certain fondness for lame-duck presidents. Gross also observed that Obamas popularity is up lately. He noted that Bill Clintons approval ratings rose following the Monica Lewinsky scandal, and that Ronald Reagans popularity improved following the Iran-contra imbroglio and the stock market crash. An intriguing aspect of American public opinion since the 1960s is that some two-term presidents popularity rises during their final days in office, while others trend downwards. America has had five two-term presidents since 1960: Richard Nixon (1969-74), Reagan (1981-89), Clinton (1993-2001), George W. Bush (2001-09), and Obama (2009-17). I do not include post-war presidents prior to John F. Kennedy (1961-63) and Lyndon Johnson (1963-69) because a combination of increased presidential activism and especially greater MSM coverage of politics generally and the White House in particular has contributed to changes in the way Americans view their chief executives. LBJ is not considered because he was not elected twice. Nixon resigned before completing two full terms, but he was elected twice, so hes included. Of the five men who were elected president twice since 1960, two (Reagan and Clinton) saw their approval ratings go up during their last days in office, and Obama may be experiencing that also. Two (Nixon and Bush #43) saw their approval ratings sink in their final days. It doesnt take much effort to figure out why Nixons approval rating went down after his landslide re-election in 1972. A Gallup poll conducted in January 1973, found 67% of the public approved of him. Mention Watergate, and one is well underway to understanding Nixons decline and fall. A Gallup poll taken in his final month in office August 1974 found his approval rating had fallen to 24%. Bush #43s waning popularity after 2004, and especially in his last months in office, is a tad more complex, but a combination of embittered partisanship (remember the Democrats Bush derangement syndrome), press hostility, the publics war-weariness, and especially the economic crisis that began in the fall of 1988 probably suffices. The last poll taken while he was president January 2001 found his approval rating was 34%. Just after 9/11/2001, it had been 90%. Its a bit more complicated when trying to understand why Reagans, Clintons, and now Obamas, approval ratings went up/are going up during their last months in office. I have relied on the Gallup Polls historical statistics of presidential approval ratings. In the main, other polling organizations figures dovetail with Gallups. Reagans approval rating average during his first term (1981-85) was 50.3%. His average during his second term (1985-89) was 55.3%. The last Gallup poll taken while he was still in office December 1988 found his approval rating was 63%. Clintons average approval rating was 49.6% during his first term (1993-97). His average during his second term (1997-2001), however, was 60.6%. The final Gallup poll taken while he was president -- January 2001 found that his approval rating was 66%. According to Gross, Obamas approval ratings were mired in the mid-40s during virtually the entire time hes been president, but recent polls have put him at or just above 50%. At first blush, one is inclined to attribute a presidents declining popularity toward the end of his days as chief executive just to the MSMs negative coverage. Most members of the MSM hated Nixon passionately, and when he as he later admitted handed them the sword, they stuck it in and twisted it with glee. Much the same can be said of the MSMs feelings about Bush #43. On the other hand, probably because most members of the MSM are liberal Democrats, their coverage of Democrats Bill Clinton and especially Obama has been much more positive. In Pattern of Deception (1996), for example, Tim Graham of the Media Research Center detailed the MSMs deceptive reporting that benefitted Bill Clinton. Graham implied that the MSMs liberal bias in favor of Clinton was more flagrant than at any time in modern American history. But that was before Obama emerged as a national figure. In A Slobbering Love Affair (2009), former CBS TV reporter Bernard Goldberg described the MSMs romance with him. For a combination of reasons MSM denizens partisanship, ideological leanings, and policy preferences, plus Obamas heritage, background, and policy positions Obama has received even more fawning press coverage than Clinton. The tone of MSM coverage does not, however, explain why Reagans popularity rose as his presidency ended. If the pattern of MSM coverage goes a significant way toward accounting for the (positive or negative) popularity ratings of Nixon, Bush #43, Clinton, and Obama, Reagans is clearly a deviant case. Reagan had a rare combination of personality and style that enabled him not only to withstand the MSMs hostility, but to draw upon and benefit from positive feelings by large slices of the populace. What common factor explains Reagans, Clintons, and perhaps Obamas, increased popularity as lame ducks? To borrow a line, Its the economy, stupid. Near the end of 1988, the economy had recovered from the stock market crash of 1987. The economy was experiencing happy days in 2000, although it would sour soon after Clinton left office. Finally, there is ample reason to question the veracity of government statistics on todays economy, but the MSM is touting how good times are. (The U.S. was experiencing stagflation by 1974, and an economic crisis began during Bush #43s final days.) A presidents popularity goes up when the economy is thriving, and declines during hard times. Obama also is fortunate to be president when many of the candidates to succeed him are disliked by sizable slices of the public. Of the five Republican and Democrat candidates seeking to follow Obama, only the 74 year-old socialist Bernie Sanders is liked by a larger percentage of the populace than dislike him. Three Trump, Clinton, and Cruz are disliked by roughly 50% of the public. Why should we care if Obamas popularity is rising? Usually, the more popular a president is, the better are the chances that he will be succeeded by someone from his party. As we saw in 2000, that pattern does not always hold, but if it does in 2016, the U.S. will probably get Hillary Clinton as the next president. If that happens, America is in more trouble than it is now. Former President Cristina Fernandez was back in the news this week. She is under investigation, as we see in the New York Times: Former President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner testified in a Buenos Aires court on Wednesday as part of an investigation into allegations of misdeeds at Argentinas Central Bank during the last months of her administration. But the court hearing and Mrs. Kirchners return to the public eye quickly turned into a display of political theater as she claimed that she was being persecuted by her foes and reignited a debate about the independence of the countrys judges and prosecutors. I am not scared of you, Mrs. Kirchner wrote in a statement she filed to the court. Even as her political capital has been ebbing, Mrs. Kirchner turned the hearing into a show of strength, speaking afterward to a large crowd of supporters outside the downtown courthouse. We will return, they chanted. Frankly, there was indeed a lot of corruption in the last administration. It is the kind of corruption that happens when government has its fingers in everything. We call it crony capitalism. In Latin America, especially Argentina and Brazil, it is the corrupt relationship among a centralized government, public-sector unions, and big companies happy to go along to protect market share. My guess is that nothing will happen to ex-president Fernandez. I think that President Mauricio Macri, a good guy, knows that this is a lose-lose game. It will turn Cristina into a victim and energize the left after the December defeat. Here is my suggestion to my friends in Argentina: get over Cristina, and do something about a political system infected with crony capitalism. The answer is to blow up the system, not put Cristina in jail. P.S. You can listen to my show (Canto Talk) and follow me on Twitter. Looking to run away from the mess she created in the Middle East during her tenure as secretary of state, Hillary Clinton claimed during the debate with Bernie Sanders that she did everything right when recommending that the U.S. take action against Gaddafi in Libya and that it was President Obama who screwed up. Politico: "The decision was the president's. Did I do the due diligence? Did I talk to everybody I could talk to? Did I visit every capitol and then report back to the president?" she said. "Yes, I did. That's what a secretary of state does. But at the end of the day, those are the decisions that are made by the president to in any way use American military power, and the president made that decision and, yes, we did try without success because of the Libyans' obstruction to our efforts, but we did try and we will continue to try to help the Libyan people." Oh, so it's the Libyans' fault, too, because they refused to listen to her. So far, our "help" in Libya has created a failed state with just about every male over the age of 14 armed with an automatic weapon. Did she mention that the presence of ISIS is growing by leaps and bounds? Must have slipped her mind. Sanders criticized her role in the Syrian debacle as well: "Yes, when I was secretary of state, I did urge along with the Department of Defense and the CIA that we seek out, vet and train and arm Syrian opposition figures so that they could defend themselves against Assad, Clinton responded. The president said no. Now, that's how it works. People who work for the president make recommendations and then the president makes the decision. So I think it's only fair to look at where we are in Syria today and, yes, I do still support a no-fly zone because I think we need to put in safe havens for those poor Syrians who are fleeing both Assad and ISIS and so they have some place they can be safe, she continued. In another seeming criticism of Obama, Clinton said earlier: "Nobody stood up to Assad and removed him, and we have had a far greater disaster in Syria than we are currently dealing with right now in Libya." President Obama recently claimed that the worst mistake of his presidency was "failing to plan for the day after" in Libya. It should be noted that the president does indeed possess the authority to use military force. But it is the secretary of state who makes plans for the "day after" the military wins. In this, she is directly responsible for what the president considers the worst mistake of his presidency. Despite a concerted effort over the past couple weeks, polling data reliably shows that Donald Trump's opponents have failed to reduce his popularity. At this point, enough polls have been conducted to assess the impacts of the respective GOP candidates' choices of foreign policy personnel and viewpoints, as well as any personal attacks that have flown both ways. Trump's support at the national level is continuing to consolidate in the low to mid-40s, while Ted Cruz is stuck in the high 20s to low 30s. Third-place candidate John Kasich oscillates between the high teens and mid-20s. These trends are unchanging. Every now and then a poll will come out purporting to show a trend with either a loss or gain in Trump's support, often going to or coming from Cruz, but within a day or two, several more polls will appear returning the status quo. As the latest CBS News poll conducted April 8-12 shows, if Kasich drops out, the gap between Trump and Cruz remains essentially unchanged meaning Kasich's supporters effectively split in going to the two frontrunners, and Trump comes out near 50% with at least a 10% lead in the two-person race. Trump is dominating the polls in all the upcoming primaries. In New York, he is ahead by somewhere between 23% and 43%. In Pennsylvania, his lead looks to have expanded up to 16% to 26%. Next door in Maryland, Trump's lead is probably close to 20%, and in Connecticut it is 24%, while in California he looks to be ahead by 7-8%. The real race is over, as it has been since the polling data came out a few days before Super Tuesday and I called the overall nomination for Trump. Trump will arrive at the convention in Cleveland winning an overwhelming majority of the states. As for the delegate counts both coming into and out of the convention, the shenanigans and general nonsense have exposed only one truth: the Republican nomination process is an embarrassing joke. It's too susceptible to gamesmanship and manipulation, if not outright corruption, and that only accomplishes the task of diminishing the party's reputation among the general public. If the GOP is serious about actually winning a presidential election in the near future, the leadership will move to a transparent and simple mathematical model whereby popular vote percentages in each state are automatically and uniformly converted to delegate counts that cannot be altered until after the first ballot at the convention. The current gibberish looks like something out of a communist politburo leadership contest from a third-world banana republic. That may work for the Democratic nomination where most of their leaders fit into the model but conservatives should have higher standards. The Republican National Committee is set to debate a new set of rules governing the GOP convention that would make it harder for a "white knight" to be imposed on delegates while promising sow chaos on the convention floor. The proposed rules would overturn decades of convention procedure based on the rules governing the House of Representatives and substitute Roberts Rules of Order, a far messier but more transparent way of conducting a meeting. Politico: It amounts to not just a changing of the rules but of the rulebook itself, with far-reaching implications, potentially impacting whether party insiders will be able to draft a so-called white knight someone currently not running who would play the role of savior at a deadlocked convention. The proposal is the brainchild of Solomon Yue, an RNC officer and Rules Committee member from Oregon. It would replace the system used at Republican national conventions for decades, which mimic those used by the U.S. House of Representatives, with Roberts Rules of Order, a design thats often used to oversee civic and organizational meetings. Some see the idea as a recipe for utter chaos, and one that could open the door to mischief-making. With thousands of delegates on hand, its easy to imagine a scenario where objections pile up, jamming up floor proceedings and turning the convention into a train wreck all before the eyes of a national audience. RNC officials say Yue's plan is almost certain to be tabled until closer to the convention. But it will spark a months-long debate just as the scrutiny into the partys internal workings is intensifying. In recent days, Donald Trump has launched an intense PR campaign accusing the RNC of stacking the deck against him in a series of delegate contests that hes decried as rigged." RNC Chairman Reince Priebus has aggressively pushed back in tweets and nationally televised interviews. Its uncertain who might benefit most from implementing Roberts Rules of Order, and theres disagreement over whether it would make it easier or harder for party leaders to draft a new white knight nominee. Roberts governs the proceedings at meetings from the PTA to the VFW. The rules are set up so that everyone who wants to make their voice heard can participate. But the biggest beneficiary of the switch would almost certainly be the Democratic Party. Rather than being a commercial for the GOP, the convention would morph into a circus, showing the chaos and ugliness of the party to the electorate. It wouldn't matter who came out of the convention as the nominee; the election would be hopeless. The RNC has become extremely sensitive to the charges made by Donald Trump of a rigged process. But throwing out the rulebook isn't the answer. Adopting some procedures from Roberts may be a good idea and certainly making the proceedings more transparent wouldn't harm anything. But the convention is going to be chaotic enough without encouraging the breakdown of order. In last nights Brooklyn Democrat debate, Hillary Clinton continued to dodge in the original home of the Dodgers. The subject: her refusal to release transcripts of her big-money addresses to Goldman Sachs, now the most hated firm in America, which just agreed to a five billion dollar settlement (about a billion dollars less, with tax deductions allowed by the structure of the agreement) for knowingly peddling junk securities to its customers as if they were prime instruments. Her chosen way to skip over releasing the transcripts was to claim that she would release them only if Sanders and Trump release their tax returns, as she has done. Lets set the same standard for everybody. When everybody does it, Ill do it, OK? The crowd booed her repeatedly: But now the Sanders campaign is planning to release his 2014 tax returns today. Ben Wolfgang of the Washington Times reports: Sen. Bernard Sanders will release his 2014 tax returns on Friday, but his presidential primary rival Hillary Clinton still refuses to make public transcripts of high-priced speeches she gave to Goldman Sachs. (snip) Mrs. Clinton then blasted Mr. Sanders failure to release his tax returns, but the Vermont senator said theyll be unveiled soon. He again said that his wife, Jane, handles the familys taxes and has been tied up with campaign work. What we have always done Jane has done them. Shes been out on the campaign trail. We will get them out, Mr. Sanders said. He said he will release his 2014 returns on Friday and will release earlier years in the coming weeks. I have no doubt that Clinton will stick to her refusal to release the transcripts, citing Trumps refusal to release his tax returns. But this will hand Sanders the opportunity to continue to attack her for her cozy secret relationship with Goldman Sachs and to demonize Clinton as applying the "Trump standard" to herself. Her earlier demand that he release his tax returns was not modified with an escape clause on Trump. I have little doubt that Trump will continue to stonewall on his tax returns. A man with his wealth and complexity could be questioned endlessly on the details of expenses claimed, income recognition, and other complex details of his taxes. Look what happened to Mitt Romney when he released his taxes. I suspect that Hillary said some nice things about Goldman when she spoke to them empty phrases like the great work you do or all that you have accomplished for America. But in the current atmosphere of Wall Street demonology, they will look very bad. Could this be a sign of things to come? For decades, the pay of top managers in big corporations has escalated to the point where they become mega-wealthy. This not only angers the rank and file who earn a tiny fraction of the bosss pay and hands an issue to the left, but also penalizes shareholders. Its one thing when top management executes creative strategies with diligence and brilliance. But when a company falls on hard times, it is very difficult to justify paying an actual large fortune each year to the boss who presided over a disastrous year. Something like a populist capitalist revolt just happened at global energy giant BP. Rami Patel of the International Business Times reports: Anger at boardroom excesses in Britain hit breaking point after BP shareholders resoundingly rejected a 14m ($19.8m, 17.5m) pay deal for chief executive Bob Dudley. Nearly 60% of shareholders voted against Dudley's 20% pay increase in a rebellion that was surpassed only by the 2009 Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) mutiny when 80% rejected Fred Goodwin's pay deal. Investors said the huge increase in pay could not be justified in a year where the company racked upits biggest annual loss of 3.6bn amid a collapse in oil price and slashed 5,000 jobs. Although the vote is non-binding, the company took notice of investor sentiment with chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg promising to review future pay terms. The Church of England pension board asked "whether this level [of pay] is morally right" and small shareholder, Captain David Hawker, slammed the fiasco as a "PR nightmare." Speaking at the ExCel conference centre in London, he said: "The situation today in this country is austerity. While so much of our population must accept austerity, it's not the time to increase directors' remuneration." Will this example spread? Probably not. Many board members are executives at other big companies and benefit from inflated pay packages. But it is a helpful shot across the bow of boards of directors tempted to use shareholders money to pay off their buddies. Conservatives really must stop griping about liberal bias on the college campus. It's like complaining about a lizard's scaly skin. No matter how many emoluments you rub it down with or how many cucumber slices you plaster on, it's never going to feel like a little baby's butt. It's a lizard. Let's look at what happened at Indiana University recently. The campus almost went into lockdown when it was reported that a KKK member in his white robes was roaming the campus with a whip. Turns out it was a Catholic priest whose order wears white, and the whip was his rosary. This tells us, as if we needed to be told, that most left-wing college professors and their very gullible students will advance any idea, no matter how insane, that supports their warped image of America. After all, they believe that Karl Marx is to economics what Sir Isaac Newton is to the laws of motion. They believe that Europeans emigrated to North America with the sole end in mind of murdering all the Indians and seizing their interstate highway system. They believe that Democrats abolished slavery, Ronald Reagan was stupid, the upper ten or twenty percent of earners in the United States don't pay as much taxes as the bottom ten to twenty percent. That Atticus Finch was a real person and that electric cars somehow charge themselves. This is not about the science and technology types, the engineering, mathematics, and pre-med, chemistry, physics, and IT students and professors. Those guys have to deal with issues you can't play around with, like the periodic table of the elements and calculus. But the other eighty percent go a long distance to prove the truth of Adam Smith's dictum: [The university] is a sanctuary in which exploded systems and obsolete prejudices find shelter and protection after they have been hunted out of every corner of the world. This is why conservatives are silly in complaining about the left-wing liberal bias on college campuses because you have to be a liberal in order to shelter and protect "exploded systems and obsolete prejudices." No conservative wants to go down that road, and you can't make him do it. What we're about first is freedom and not stealing, lying, or cheating. Beyond that, we believe what the Sermon on the Mount teaches: that life is good and eternal salvation possible. For the least of us. That's why we invented this country. So stop hoping to make the lizard over. It's not going to happen. All you can do is skin it, make a good pair of shoes, and then chop the rest of it up for bait. That will save us not only a ton of tax dollars, but also any amount of grief in trying to cope with the spoiled, delusional, ungrateful, opinionated, mis-educated, scared, insecure, and unemployable brats the current system produces. Richard F. Miniter is the author of The Things I Want Most, Random House, BDD. See it here. He lives and writes in the colonial-era hamlet of Stone Ridge, New York; blogs here; and can also be reached at miniterhome@gmail.com. A gay couple walks into a Christian deli/bakery in Texas wanting to order a wedding cake and associated catering services, and the owners refuse on the basis that their strongly held religious beliefs consider homosexuality an abomination and thus forbid their participation. What's likely to happen next? We all know that the local media, tipped off by gay activists who were just waiting for the expected response, will immediately pick up on the story and present it as another example of homophobia and discrimination against members of the gay community. The local lead will be grabbed by the national liberal media and whipped into a froth of indignation, setting the scene for a federal discrimination lawsuit based on violations of the gay couple's constitutional right to equal treatment as American citizens. At the same time as that gay couple walks into the bakery, just a couple of doors down the street, a medically retired sergeant first class, an Army infantryman with a Purple Heart earned for the loss of his lower right leg during the last of his multiple combat tours in the Middle East, walks into a national coffee chain with his son and orders two large black coffees, no cream, no sugar, no nothing but coffee. The barista notices the .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol holstered on the sergeant's hip and tells him he must leave, as no firearms are permitted on the premises, as a sign by the entrance clearly explains. The sergeant apologizes for failing to notice the sign, and he limps out quietly, followed by his bewildered young son. No gun rights protesters are waiting outside to begin a loud demonstration, no local TV station has been alerted, and there most certainly will be no high-publicity lawsuits filed. The bakery owner feels that the freedom to practice his religion without government interference allows him the freedom to deny his services to the gay couple who feel they are being deprived of their right to equal treatment under the law. The retired soldier is exercising his clearly stated constitutional right to keep and bear arms. The coffee corporation is enforcing a corporate policy allowed under Texas law, but less constitutionally certain, to ban the presence of firearms on its premises, a right fortified by a long tradition of property rights. Conflicting rights in both cases yet in only one will one side be taken by the media and used to portray the other as a shameless bigot and denier of constitutionally guaranteed protections, bringing the obvious question: If not for the determined gay activists and a complicit media, is there any real difference in terms of our constitutional rights? Does the biblically inspired local baker have a lesser right to conduct his business as he sees fit than the corporate coffee sellers who impose their policies based on a liberal corporate culture reflective of the CEO's personal bias against firearms? What would be the result if the baker put a sign in his window politely explaining that his religious beliefs prevent him from participating in gay marriage ceremonies? Is that at all different from the corporate coffee shop saying that you must suspend your constitutional right to keep and bear arms to enter these premises because our owner dislikes guns? You tell me... On Wednesday this week, around 36,000 Verizon employees walked out in a strike to protest about changes taking place in the business. These union workers belong to the Verizon Mid-Atlantic and Northeast wireline businesses, providing landline phone, television and Internet services. In particular, its the network maintenance, home installation and tech support, and customer service teams that have walked out. Verizon has been preparing for the strike for a number of months by training temporary non-union workers to take up these posts. In an emailed statement, Rich Young explained in an email statement that the temporary workforce are trying to handle day-to-day operations as best they can but there are some impacts to services. Verizon has cancelled new installations of its high speed Fio Internet and TV service for the next one to two weeks. Jeff Kagan, a telecommunications anslyst, explained the likely impact to consumers: if you have no problems with your phone service, youre not going to notice but, if you have a service call, or an installation or anything that requires them to do some work, youre going to be out of luck for a while. As the strike drags on, so customers may expect more and more issues. Currently, any problems are centred around the fixed line services but it is possible that ongoing staff shortages will impact Verizons primary business: wireless, where they are Americas largest carrier. And this highlights the issue at the centre of the strike: Verizon, which has almost 178,000 employees, is shrinking its slow-growing wireline business in response to changing consumer habits. Customers are using landlines less and less and instead switching to smartphones. Similarily, paid television use is slowing and instead people are opting for a wireless television service, such as Hulu or Netflix. From a business perspective, Verizon is doing the right thing by concentrating on the wireless side. As part of the slimming, the company is attempting to consolidate call centres and reduce health care costs. Employee unions also claim that Verizon is increasing its reliance on cheaper, outside contractors for certain jobs and that they are working to preserve good-paying American jobs. Its something that Democratic candidate, Bernie Sanders, spoke about earlier in the week although he also claimed that Verizon were not paying taxes, something the company denied. Advertisement Verizons Chief Executive Officer Lowell McAdam explained via LinkedIn that: Nostalgia for the rotary phone era wont save American jobs, any more than ignoring the global forces reshaping the auto industry saved the Detroit automakers. Verizon is trying to manage the situation as best it can, aware that the wireline business faces stiff competition and any price increases could result in more customers switching away. However, the longer the strike goes on and the more people are impacted, the greater the risk that customers will switch away anyway: something both Verizon and the unions must surely be aware of. The smartphone industry has, for a few years now, been churning out devices that mostly offer the same sort of software and functionality, but differ slightly here and there. Where Android devices are concerned, manufacturers have been focusing on much better camera experiences as well as new hardware like the Edge displays from Samsung and now Chinese manufacturers, too. For Apple however, they chose to differentiate their new iPhone 6S line of devices with 3D Touch, a pressure sensitive feature that changes whats displayed on the display depending on how hard someone presses on their display. You could consider this a sort of right-click for smartphones, and while Huawei have dabbled with the technology, it looks like Google is baking it into their next version of Android. A new feature for dynamic shortcuts in the launcher code for Android N has recently been discovered by Phandroid and while the new APIs dont sound like much, they consulted the Nova Launcher developer, Kevin Barry, for some help. Kevin tried to get the new features to launch, but couldnt do so, leading many to believe that these new dynamic shortcuts arent your everyday feature, and will rely on a pressure sensitive trigger to work. This would more than likely be a pressure sensitive display that can respond to firmer or lighter pushes on a smartphone touchscreen. Advertisement Right now, this is just speculation, but it wouldnt surprise us if Google did at least put the foundation of support for this emerging hardware into their next version of Android. They were late to the party with fingerprint scanners, not adding in official support until the 2015 release of Marshmallow, and as Huawei the manufacturer responsible for the Nexus 6P has been working on the technology for some time, it might not be too difficult for them to do. Currently, Android N is in its second phase of its developer preview, and there have already been a number of new tweaks and changes, including a somewhat divisive change to the appearance of folders. Android N is set to launch later this year, and we should be able to get a closer look at just what Google has in store for the final release as more versions of the preview are let loose. For over a year now, there have been rumors of Google wanting to re-enter China, seeing as it is the biggest country in the world, and yet Google has 0 presence in the country. If Google really wants to reach the next billion, China is going to be part of that. Since Google was reorganized under the Alphabet umbrella, co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin have stated that re-entering China is up to the particular companies under Alphabet. So if Google does want to come back, its up to its new CEO, Sundar Pichai. There have been reports that they are looking to bring the Play Store back to China, although it would be much different from what we have elsewhere in the world. Google held their first ever Google For Entrepreneurs event in China this week. The event was attended by a few of the big wigs in China including the companys Greater China chief Scott Beaumont. It was also filled with all sorts of buzzwords that are currently up there on the governments list, like entrepreneurship and creativity. Google has also committed to offering funding, guidance and sales resources for entrepreneurs. Something that would definitely get the government interested in working with Google once again. Advertisement Back in 2010, Google opted to leave China, as they disagreed with the censorship laws in the country. Its been heavily referred to as the Great Firewall of China and has blocked thousands of websites that are used primarily by Americans. This includes Twitter, Wikipedia (although the mobile site is now approved), Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and many others. Interestingly enough, WhatsApp isnt censored, considering its a Facebook product, its pretty surprising. With Google being absent from China, it has led to Android manufacturers opting to create their own app store in the country. Which leads many to believe that the Play Store may not be all that popular if it does return to the country, with there being so much competition already available. Google has not made any official plans to head back to China, but given their population of around 1.3 billion people its got to be in their road map for the near future. Especially with all the initiatives that the search giant has held for India as of late, which is rapidly reaching Chinas population numbers and will likely surpass them soon. RailTels free Railwire Wi-Fi is now available in 9 more train stations in India after having been launched earlier this year at the Mumbai Central station in the western city of Mumbai, Maharashtra. Railwire is an initiative of the Indian Railways in association with Google that was announced back in September last year with the promise of free, high-speed Wi-Fi access at over 400 train stations across India. The tech giant had said back then that it was working with the Indian Railways and RailTel to launch its services in the country with ambitious plans of connecting more than 10 million passengers to the internet daily. The American tech giant also said that it will wire 100 out of the proposed 400 stations by the end of this year itself. Coming to the news at hand, the nine train stations that are now hooked up to the internet with free public Wi-Fi are Bhopal, Bhubaneshwar, Ernakulam Junction, Kacheguda, Pune, Raipur, Ranchi, Vijayawada and Vishakhapatnam. While the Wi-Fi thats available at Mumbai Central now serves over 100,000 travelers each week, the availability of free Wi-Fi at the nine new locations will reportedly offer internet access to over 1.5 million commuters on a daily basis. According to Mr. Gulzar Azad, Head of Access Project, Google India, the company is scaling up its efforts to roll out the network eventually to stations in some of the smaller towns across the country in addition to the comparatively larger ones that are being covered during the first phase. Mr. Azad also reminded the media that the Railwire free Wi-Fi project will be the largest publicly accessible high speed Wi-Fi network in the country and expressed hope that this project will set new benchmarks in delivering a reliable and consistent network connectivity. Advertisement Logging on to the Wi-Fi network will be a fairly simple process if everything works the way they should. Users wanting to give it a go need to first connect to Railwaires network from the Wi-Fi settings options on their devices. Once thats done, users will be able to navigate to Railwaires website (railwire.co.in). Users will then need to enter their phone number on the login screen, following which, they should receive a One Time Password (OTP) that can then be used to access the full internet. The virtual reality market currently revolves around two main segments: high-end virtual reality for PC users including headsets such as the HTC Vive and the Oculus Rift, and mobile VR which is currently dominated by the Samsung Gear VR. Interestingly enough, however, Samsung will apparently face some VR competition from China as Huawei recently uncovered its first mobile VR headset supporting three of the companys flagship phones. Release and price details are missing, but the company has revealed enough technical information to help VR enthusiasts paint a somewhat clear picture on what they can expect in the future. Unlike the HTC Vive and the Oculus Rif,t both of which have to work in conjunction with a powerful computer, the Samsung Gear VR, and other mobile virtual reality headsets use the display and processing of a smartphone. Things are no different for Huaweis first VR headset which, as yet, doesnt have a name aside from being referred to as the Huawei VR. In any case, the companys newly-announced VR headset works much like the Gear VR does, in that it features a removable front-facing cover and a dedicated slot where the smartphone is secured and acts as a dual-screen setup. The Huawei VR headset will apparently be compatible with the companys most recent flagships namely the Huawei P9 and P9 Plus and will also be able to accommodate the larger, 6.0-inch Huawei Mate 8. However, its worth pointing out that all three of these handsets feature displays with Full HD resolution (1080 x 1920), which means that they may not deliver the best resolution for virtual reality. Advertisement The Huawei VR headset is equipped with adjustable lenses, an anti-blue light filter, as well as a touch panel, a back button, and a volume rocker on the right-hand side. The headset offers a 95-degree field of view compared to 96-degrees FoV on the Samsung Gear VR, and reportedly it will be the first headset of its kind to deliver 360-degree sound. At launch, Huawei claims that their VR headset will offer 4,000+ movies for free, over 40 free games, 150 panoramic tours, and more than 350 panoramic images to browse through. However, the company wasnt able to reveal any details regarding pricing and availability, so it may take a while before Huawei will be ready to make its first VR headset available to consumers. An all-new large-screen device running on Huaweis HiSilicon Kirin 950 chipset has just popped up on the GFXBench database spilling the beans on some of the important hardware specs of the upcoming gadget. According to the listing, the device will have a 6.9-inch 1080p display panel, which is standard fare for small tablets but reports indicate that this particular device will come with voice-calling abilities, which will make it a pretty large phablet. In fact, a device purportedly called the Huawei P9 Max was earlier reported to be in the works, and was listed on the website of online retailer OppoMart last month, which gave us our first look at the tech specs of the upcoming gadget. Coming to those tech-specs, the listing on GFXBench reveals that the upcoming device will feature a 6.9-inch 1080p screen and will be powered by the HiSilicon Kirin 950 chip, as mentioned already. As far as the SoC is concerned, it comes with an integrated octa-core 64-bit Cortex-A72 CPU clocked at a maximum frequency of 2.2 GHz and an ARM Mali-T880 GPU with support for Open GL ES 3.1. There will likely be 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of built-in storage, and Android 6.0 Marshmallow is expected to be pre-loaded. The cameras are likely to be a 16-megapixel unit at the back and an 8-megapixel unit on the front, both of which will have the ability to record 1080p videos. The phablet is also expected to come with a bunch of sensors including apparently an NFC chip. Advertisement Huawei recently launched its flagship P9 and P9 Plus smartphones at an event In London, England. The devices bring to the table quite a few intriguing features, not the least of which is their dual rear-camera setups from Leica. The Chinese telecom giant is also expected to launch a new, mid-range smartphone as part of its growing P9 line, but the company is yet to actually take the wraps off of that device officially. Called the Huawei P9 Lite, the mid-ranger, however, has been leaked a number of times over the past few weeks. Now, with the rumored P9 Max, Huawei looks to be in the mood to further increase its P9 range, although theres no word on when the company will make the device official. Since Motorola enjoyed something of a resurgence back with the original Moto X, released in 2013, the company has offered customers more choice than most other device manufacturers out there. Motorola has become a company that people associate with quality, choice and affordability, too. One thing that customers seem to be less and less able to rely on however, is a warranty repair or replacement from the Lenovo-owned company. Customers have taken to sites such as Reddit to express their displeasure at Motorolas apparent unwillingness to honor the limited warranty provided with a new Motorola Moto G, Moto X or Moto 360 device. One Reddit users has put together a large post linking similar issues together in order to highlight the issues that customers are facing. For the most part, it appears as though delays and lack of stock are the major problem, but also a lack of communication, too. One of the most common issues appears to be that when a device simply stops working and should be covered by the warranty Motorola will tell a customer to wait 5 days for a new device, and then after twice as long a device still hasnt arrived they will be offered a different color or simply be told that theres no stock left. The stock issue is perhaps something that happens to a lot of companies that sell devices for less than their competitors, as keeping low stock is one of the factors that allows them to do this. Advertisement Motorolas warranty covers a device from the date of sale for one year, but users are reporting issues claiming and receiving a repair or replacement even with this time frame. The Reddit post linked below is littered with similar complaints and users might be persuaded to look elsewhere for their next smartphone or smartwatch. Its tough to figure out whether or not these claims are all true, but theres little to be gained from reporting false incidents like this, and the more likely outcome is that customers simply want to receive the sort of treatment that they were promised by Motorola in the first place. Social network, Twitter, has struggled to reinvent itself over the years. In February, the company announced quarterly user numbers that showed no growth, giving rise to fears that the platform has peaked. The company has taken some strange decisions over the years, such as deliberately obstructing developers building Twitter client applications only to reverse this a few years later. More recently, the company has changed how the Twitter stream works as more and more people use the service in a different way. In 2016, we find businesses using Twitter as a near-real time help and support service; users can provide feedback, ask questions and ask for help with particular issues via the Twitter account. Many businesses now have dedicated Twitter support accounts as well as the normal company account. In conjunction with the new ways people are using Twitter, the company is selling space in peoples timelines for advertisements. Another area where Twitter has branched into, but is encountering competition, is video and live video streams. As networking technologies improve and get quicker, so more and more customers are wanting to access video on the go, either to view or broadcast. In January 2015, Twitter bought Periscope, a live streaming video service designed to broadcast the world from one users camera. Periscope is in part responsible for disrupting the traditional broadcasting market, as although the terms of use forbit a user from distributing copyrighter content (and can result in the suspension or banning of the offending account) it has proven difficult to police. The ease at which an event can be broadcast has led organisations to take legal action against Periscope in the form of takedown notices, whereas other businesses have reached agreements with the social video network to allow events to be broadcast. Advertisement In 2009, Twitter was blocked in China, but this has not stopped the business from selling the advertising space to Chinese companies. To this end, Twitter have announced the appointment of Kathy Chen as the Greater China Managing Director. Twitters Chief Executive, Jack Dorsey, welcomed Kathy to the Twitter family on Thursday. Kathy explained that her plans for Twitter in the China region include creating more value for Chinese enterprises, creators, partners and developers. She goes on to explain that she has many ways to connect Greater China with the rest of the world including posting a video in her Twitter stream. Big changes at Verizon they stopped paying up to $650 in early termination fees (ETF) if you switch carriers and come over to Verizon and they ended the buy-one-get-one (BOGO) promo they had going on the new Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge. Verizons promo with the Droid devices ended as well if you bought two Droids, the second one was half-price. Wave7 wrote in a note to subscribers that, Verizon launched its $650 ETF buyout on December 28 and AT&T launched its $650 ETF buyout in February. T-Mobile and Sprint have had comparable $650 offers in the market for a long time. Verizons Galaxy S7/Galaxy S7 Edge BOGO was slated to expire at the beginning of April, but was extended. T-Mobile still offers its $650 ETF buyout for switching to them as your carrier. BOGO offers for the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge are still a go at Sprint and AT&Ts BOGO only applies to iPhones. Verizon has been advertising heavily on TV using Ricky Gervais as the spokesperson one ad touts the way other carriers misrepresent how good their network is, in an effort to discredit Verizon, but not to believe them. The latest plug is that Verizon will pay you as much as $300 to trade-in your smartphone and activate a new line of service not much of a bargain compared to the former promos. According to a Wells Fargo analyst, Verizon will be showing a loss of 120,000 postpaid customers during the first quarter, which will most likely encourage Verizon to offer new promotions during this second quarter. Advertisement Verizon has also turned its interests towards mobile payments specifically, mobile payments using Android Pay. Yesterday they started a promotion with Google and Android Pay to allow their users to pick up some additional monthly data just for using your device to make an Android Pay purchase. The first purchase will net you 1GB of data and the third time you use Android Pay you will get another 1GB of data. Once Google acquired Verizons carrier-back system, Softcard (originally named ISIS), Verizon has jumped on the Android Pay bandwagon. On the same note, Verizon has done its best to discourage Samsung Pay with its users and does not even allow Samsung to pre-install the app on its devices. Apparently, with Verizons strong backing of Android Pay, they must be getting some compensation from Google for this blatant favoritism. Verizon owners of Samsung Galaxy S6, Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S7 devices are now able to download the Samsung Pay app from the Play Store and Samsung Pay away. Xiaomi, the Chinese technology company thats often described as the Apple of China, may well be prepping the launch of at least two new large-screen smartphones, if posts on the countrys leading microblogging site, Weibo, is anything to go by. While these are still very early rumors, at least one of the two upcoming devices is said to feature a dual rear-camera setup that is becoming fairly common recently. Companies like LG and Huawei have already begun implementing the setup in some of their newer premium devices like the LG V10 that was introduced last year by the South Korean company and the Huawei P9 and P9 Plus that were announced recently by the Chinese telecom giant. Coming back to Xiaomi and its rumored upcoming smartphones, reports indicate that both the devices will be powered by MediaTeks Xelio X20 Chips, whose claim to fame is the deca-core application processor thats integrated within the SoC. The report goes on to further claim that both the handsets will feature 5.5-inch display panels, which means theyll be larger than the Mi5, which is the latest flagship smartphone from the Chinese tech company. While theres simply no way of verifying these claims at the moment, the tipster apparently says that the news comes straight from Hong Kong-headquartered ODM (Original Device Manufacturer), Longcheer Telecommunication, which is 20% owned by Xiaomi according to reports. Advertisement While theres absolutely no other information to go by at this point in time, it will be interesting to see how Xiaomi chooses to position its rumored 5.5-inch smartphones, given that it already has a fairly new mid-range phablet in the market with the exact same screen size the Redmi Note 3. Xiaomi is apparently also planning to launch an all-new phablet which is said to come with a 6-inch display panel. Whats interesting is that the company has been asking users to get involved with the process of naming that particular device, which is an approach weve already seen when Micromax-owned Indian smartphone brand, YU, launched its Yuphoria handset last year in India. Anyways, it looks like those wanting to get their hands on a Xiaomi phablet may well have quite a few options in front of them at various price-points in the foreseeable future. Manchester United: time up for magic Van Gaal Manchester United have called time on Louis Van Gaals career at Old Trafford. So says the Daily Mirror, which adds that even an FA Cup victory wont stop Jose taking over. David McDonnell says the Manchester United hierarchy are plotting an exit strategy for the Dutchman and a succession plan for Mourinho. The Mirror, of course, is guessing. This is the paper that told readers Van Gaal would be sacked should United failed to beat Stoke City. They failed. Van Gaal stayed. Reading on we learn that the exclusive news of Van Gaals demise is not all that certain. There is a belief the time for change is fast approaching. And there is a growing belief at the Reads they will soon have to strike a deal to pay Van Gaal off. After so much believing, its worth looking back at what the Mirror said yesterday, Louis Van Gaal has a remarkable knack of getting a result when he needs it most. He is either incredibly lucky or has a magic touch. Or else hes playing Stoke. The Mirror writes him off and then says we write him off at our peril. Anorak Posted: 15th, April 2016 | In: Back pages, manchester united, Sports, Tabloids Comment | TrackBack | Permalink (ANSA) - Palermo, April 15 - The Palermo court of appeals on Friday upheld a 30-year prison sentence against a Somali national who skippered a migrant vessel that sank off Lampedusa Island on October 3, 2013, killing at least 366 people. Mouhamud Elmi Muhdin was rescued from survivors who tried to lynch him at a migrant reception center on the Sicilian island in 2013, and who identified him as one of their traffickers. He was found guilty last year of human trafficking, criminal racketeering with intent to abet illegal immigration, and rape. "The fact that the verdict was upheld brings justice at least insofar as Muhdin's cruelty towards the young Eritreans he abducted in the desert - his torture of the men and his rapes of the women," said Lampedusa Mayor Giusy Nicolini. The 155 survivors of the trek from the Horn of Africa through the Sahara and across the Mediterranean from Libya told police at the time that all the female asylum seekers from Eritrea, Somalia and Syria were raped by the traffickers during the voyage. (ANSA) - Rome, April 15 - The West must reconsider its relations with Egypt in light of the torture and murder of Italian student Giulio Regeni earlier this year, The New York Times said in an editorial out Friday. "A stalled investigation into the abduction and murder of (Regeni) has forced at least one of these countries, Italy, to reconsider its relationship," the paper wrote. "It is time for other Western democracies to reconsider theirs". The paper added that "Italy has asked other European governments to put pressure on Egypt. On Tuesday, the British government finally called for 'a full and transparent investigation' into Mr. Regeni's murder - but it did so only after a petition signed by more than 10,000 people forced it to respond. There has been shameful silence from France, whose president, Francois Hollande, travels to Cairo on Monday to sign a $1.1 billion weapons deal". Regeni, 28, was abducted in Cairo on January 25 and his severely tortured body resurfaced in a ditch on the outskirts of the Egyptian capital on February 3. (ANSA) - Brussels, April 15 - Italy has sent a wide-ranging 'migration compact' to the presidents of the European Commission and the European Council, Jean-Claude Juncker and Donald Tusk, to cut migrant flows, EU sources said Friday. The document envisages a framework accord with countries of origin and transit and a big financial commitment by the EU which could be achieved by redistributing already earmarked funds and also via possible Eurobonds, the sources said. Premier Matteo Renzi said in a letter accompanying the proposed compact that "the management of migrant flows is no longer sustainable without targeted and reinforced cooperation with the Third Countries of origin and transit". He said "much has been done, but we must do much more, quickly, if we want to avert the worsening of a systemic crisis." The migration compact will be distributed as an unofficial document at an upcoming EU foreign ministers' meeting. The compact has been drafted in view of a switch in flows of migrants and refugees to the Libya-Italy route after the Balkan route was closed off. (ANSA) - Brussels, April 15 - The European Commission "is in close contact" with Italian authorities over a new fund to save ailing Italian lenders, a spokesperson said Friday. However the Commission "is not in a position to comment" on the Atlante fund because it has "only received preliminary information" so far, the spokesperson said. Atlante was set up by the Cariplo Foundation and Quaestio capital management firm in a bid to shore up ailing Italian lenders while avoiding violating EU rules against State aid. The financial industry approved a government-backed plan Monday to set up the privately financed fund to buy up shares in struggling Italian lenders and to take on their NPLs. Economy Minister Pier Carlo Padoan told America's CNBC broadcaster yesterday that the creation of the fund was not a "bailout" but a "private sector" initiative aimed at "jump starting" the market for NPLs. (ANSA) - Brussels, April 15 - Italy has sent a wide-ranging 'migration compact' to the presidents of the European Commission and the European Council, Jean-Claude Juncker and Donald Tusk, to cut migrant flows, EU sources said Friday. The document envisages a framework accord with countries of origin and transit and a big financial commitment by the EU which could be achieved by redistributing already earmarked funds and also via possible Eurobonds, the sources said. Premier Matteo Renzi said in a letter accompanying the proposed compact that "the management of migrant flows is no longer sustainable without targeted and reinforced cooperation with the Third Countries of origin and transit". He said "much has been done, but we must do much more, quickly, if we want to avert the worsening of a systemic crisis." The migrant return deal between the EU and Turkey "should not remain an isolated event", Renzi said in the letter accompanying the 'migration compact' proposal. The accord "represents a first concrete attempt at enlarged and reinforced cooperation with a third country which, albeit clinched in a situation of urgency, and therefore perfectible, shows how it is possible to draw up effective lines of action in the management of migrant flows," he said. If it were to be a one-off, Renzi said, "that would determine an imbalance in terms of resources and political capital employed with respect to other geographical regions which are no less important in view of the migratory issue." Renzi also said in the letter that EU foreign policy is "central" to keeping up the Schengen Area and the EU must move from an "emergency" management of the migrant crisis to a "strategic" one. "The external dimension of migratory policy (takes on) a fundamental role in the preservation of Schengen," he said, stressing that new border guards and the reform of the Dublin III regulation "can only give concrete results if, in parallel, the management of migratory flows moves from the emergency phase to that of a more ordered and strategic management". The migration compact will be distributed as an unofficial document at an upcoming EU foreign ministers' meeting. The compact has been drafted in view of an increasing switch in flows of migrants and refugees to the Libya-Italy route after the Greece-Balkan route was closed off thanks to the EU-Turkey deal. (ANSAmed) - ROME- In an editorial published on Thursday, the New York Times criticized France's reaction to the case of the Italian researcher Giulio Regeni, who was killed in suspicious circumstances in Egypt. ''Now, a stalled investigation into the abduction and murder of an Italian student has forced at least one of these countries, Italy, to reconsider its relationship. It is time for other Western democracies to reconsider theirs,'' it said. ''Italy has asked other European governments to put pressure on Egypt. On Tuesday, the British government finally called for 'a full and transparent investigation' into Mr. Regeni's murder - but it did so only after a petition signed by more than 10,000 people forced it to respond. There has been shameful silence from France, whose president, Francois Hollande, travels to Cairo on Monday to sign a $1.1 billion weapons deal.'' The editorial board noted that human rights abuses had soared in number during the time in office of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, but that Western governments continued to do ''business as usual'', using regional security and economic interests as an excuse. It added that Sisi's repression had fallen mostly on the shoulders of Egyptians, thousands of whom have been arrested, tortured and killed. ''Like the United States, France and Britain, Italy has been counting on Egypt to help stop the spread of the Islamic State and deal with the chaos in Libya. Italy is also one of Egypt's largest trading partners. But public outrage in Italy over Mr. Regeni's death and a joint investigation with Egyptian authorities that is going nowhere is forcing the government of Prime Minister Matteo Renzi to take action,'' it said. The NYT said that the agreement France is due to sign ''would defy a resolution adopted by the European Parliament last month calling for "an E.U.-wide ban on export of any form of security equipment and military aid to Egypt" in response to the "chilling message" of Mr. Regeni's death in a "climate of near-total impunity''. '' It added that ''a failure to follow through on these can only give the green light to further brutalities by the Sisi regime''. Don't forget Regeni, says Italian President Mattarella. 'His passion and his life, so horribly snuffed out' ROME - President Sergio Mattarella said Friday "we don't want to and we must not forget (Giulio Regeni's) passion and his life, which was so horribly snuffed out". University researcher Regeni, 28, was abducted, severely tortured and murdered in Egypt earlier this year in circumstances that remain unclear. "I especially appreciate your decision to dedicate this year's edition to Giulio Regeni," Mattarella added in his message to a Schools for Peace, Brotherhood and Dialogue Meeting taking place in Assisi. Italy last Friday recalled its ambassador to Egypt for consultations after the investigation into Regeni's death stalled, with Egypt proffering unlikely versions of his death that included a car crash, a gay lovers' quarrel, and a kidnapping for ransom gone wrong. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's latest statement on the matter is that "evildoers among us" were responsible for the Regeni atrocity. European Parliament to invite Regeni parents - The European Parliament has decided to invite Giulio Regeni's parents to visit, sources said Friday. The EP Human Rights Commission approved the proposal by Democratic Party (PD) MEPs Antonio Panzeri and Patrizia Toia. On board the Cavour aircraft carrier - EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini said Friday "we feel shame and frustration over the walls we see rising in Europe". "We should also feel proud of this Italy and this Europe, which are saving human lives," she added during a visit to Italy's Cavour aircraft carrier, which is the command center for the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med) anti-refugee trafficking mission. "Raising walls won't work" because refugees will circumvent or bring them down, she added. Catalonia offers to take 4,500 migrants, Madrid ignores it . '1,800 immediately', Generalitat foreign affairs head tells ANSA ROME - Catalonia has said it is willing to take in 4,500 migrants as part of EU relocation programs for refugees mostly in Greece and Italy, but claims the Spanish government has ignored the proposal. Some 1,800 of the migrants and refugees would be accommodated immediately, the head of foreign affairs of the Catalonia government, Raul Romeva I Rueda, told ANSA in an interview in Rome as part of a tour of European capitals. The mission was organized to informally explain the aspirations of the Catalan government under Carles Puigdemont, which wants Catalonia to become independent within the next 18 months. On the issue of refugees, "I wrote a letter to Foreign Minister Jose Garcia-Margallo and European Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos," Romeva said. "The Spanish government must decide on the issue, as it falls under its jurisdiction. But they have never responded, as if they were offended because it is up to the state to decide." Romeva said that the case of the 4,500 migrants was ''one of many examples'' of a ''boycott'' that independence supporters say Madrid is engaging in against Barcelona. (ANSAmed). 'Shameful silence' by France on Regeni case, NYT Hollande to sign USD 1.1 bln arms deal in Cairo (ANSAmed) - ROME, APRIL 15 - In an editorial published on Thursday, the New York Times criticized France's reaction to the case of the Italian researcher Giulio Regeni, who was killed in suspicious circumstances in Egypt. ''Now, a stalled investigation into the abduction and murder of an Italian student has forced at least one of these countries, Italy, to reconsider its relationship. It is time for other Western democracies to reconsider theirs,'' it said. ''Italy has asked other European governments to put pressure on Egypt. On Tuesday, the British government finally called for 'a full and transparent investigation' into Mr. Regeni's murder - but it did so only after a petition signed by more than 10,000 people forced it to respond. There has been shameful silence from France, whose president, Francois Hollande, travels to Cairo on Monday to sign a $1.1 billion weapons deal.'' The editorial board noted that human rights abuses had soared in number during the time in office of President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, but that Western governments continued to do ''business as usual'', using regional security and economic interests as an excuse. It added that Sisi's repression had fallen mostly on the shoulders of Egyptians, thousands of whom have been arrested, tortured and killed. ''Like the United States, France and Britain, Italy has been counting on Egypt to help stop the spread of the Islamic State and deal with the chaos in Libya. Italy is also one of Egypt's largest trading partners. But public outrage in Italy over Mr. Regeni's death and a joint investigation with Egyptian authorities that is going nowhere is forcing the government of Prime Minister Matteo Renzi to take action,'' it said. The NYT said that the agreement France is due to sign ''would defy a resolution adopted by the European Parliament last month calling for "an E.U.-wide ban on export of any form of security equipment and military aid to Egypt" in response to the "chilling message" of Mr. Regeni's death in a "climate of near-total impunity''. '' It added that ''a failure to follow through on these can only give the green light to further brutalities by the Sisi regime''. (ANSAmed). HRW tells Turkey to open border to Syrians, 'not shoot them' 30,000 fleeing clashes in the north (ANSAmed) - ISTANBUL, APRIL 15 - After Amnesty International accused Turkey of forcibly repatriating thousands of Syrians in to conflict areas, Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Thursday said that the Turkish armed forces were preventing hundreds of people fleeing the Islamic State (ISIS) from entering. HRW senior researcher Gerry Simpson said that ''as civilians flee ISIS fighters, Turkey is responding with live ammunition instead of compassion''. Over the past 48 hours, at least 30,000 have been newly displaced due to fighting between ISIS and Syrian opposition groups north of Aleppo. ''Turkey's border remains firmly shut, a year after the authorities started rejecting all but the most seriously injured Syrians,'' HRW said. ''The whole world is talking about fighting ISIS, and yet those most at risk of becoming victims of its horrific abuses are trapped on the wrong side of a concrete wall,'' Simpson added. ''Turkey's closed border is forcing Syrian men, women, and children to dig ditches and hide to escape the horrors of war,'' he said. ''Turkey's attempt at creating a so-called safe zone is a terrible joke for civilians cowering underground and desperate to escape Syria.'' (ANSAmed) Gazprom and ENI to step up cooperation 'Counting on Italy for Poseidon', Russian minister tells ANSA (ANSAmed) - MOSCOW, APRIL 15 - Following the success of the Blue Stream project, ''cooperation between Gazprom and ENI will be increased further'', Russian energy minister Aleksander Novak told ANSA in an exclusive interview. ''A series of documents are expected to be signed on the sidelines of the International Economic Forum in Saint Petersburg,'' he added. ''Cooperation between Italy and Russia continues to develop despite clear political and economic limitations. This is very important for us and we are grateful to our Italian colleagues for the constructive approach, Novak said, on a visit to Italy alongside Deputy Prime Minister Arkadi Dvorkovich. On the issue of the Poseidon project, ''we are counting on active promotion by our Italian partners for the creation of projects for all infrastructure needed to bring gas from the Russian coast of the Black Sea to Italy, both at the level of the EU authorities and that of relations with third countries, through the territories of which the gas pipeline will pass,'' Novak said. The Poseidon project is a new gas pipeline that will connect Greece to Italy and be part of a gas corridor between Turkey, Greece and Italy (ITGI) that will make it possible to import natural gas from the Caspian Sea and the Middle East to Europe. Novak called it a ''promising project'', noting that ''the gas pipeline will have two sections, one land one and one at sea, which will pass through the bottom of the Ionian Sea. The ground pipeline is expected to have a capacity of 9-16 billion cubic meters per year, while the maritime one will have a 10-12 billion-cubic-meter capacity per year.'' The energy minister noted the ''significant potential'' in the nuclear section for cooperation between Italy and Russia. ''Italy,'' he added, ''takes an active part in the dismantling of Russian obsolete nuclear submarines and nuclear-fired ships. Over the past ten years, six out-of-service Russian navy nuclear submarines have been dismantled. A contract is implemented - signed in the autumn of 2015 and worth 3.2 million euros - to treat the nuclear reactor fuel of the Soviet-era nuclear missile cruiser Admiral Ushakov. (ANSAmed). Catalonia offers to take 4,500 migrants, Madrid ignores it '1,800 immediately', Generalitat foreign affairs head tells ANSA (ANSAmed) - ROME, APRIL 15 - Catalonia has said it is willing to take in 4,500 migrants as part of EU relocation programs for refugees mostly in Greece and Italy, but claims the Spanish government has ignored the proposal. Some 1,800 of the migrants and refugees would be accommodated immediately, the head of foreign affairs of the Catalonia government, Raul Romeva I Rueda, told ANSA in an interview in Rome as part of a tour of European capitals. The mission was organized to informally explain the aspirations of the Catalan government under Carles Puigdemont, which wants Catalonia to become independent within the next 18 months. On the issue of refugees, "I wrote a letter to Foreign Minister Jose Garcia-Margallo and European Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos," Romeva said. "The Spanish government must decide on the issue, as it falls under its jurisdiction. But they have never responded, as if they were offended because it is up to the state to decide." Romeva said that the case of the 4,500 migrants was ''one of many examples'' of a ''boycott'' that independence supporters say Madrid is engaging in against Barcelona. (ANSAmed). ISTANBUL - Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan said at the Organization for Islamic Conference (OIC) on Friday that Muslims should come together to solve their own problems. ''Why should we ask non-Muslims to solve our problems,'' he said. ''We should be able to do it ourselves. Some 80% of Iraqi oil reserves are split up between the non-Iraqis who invaded Iraq'', and the same goes for Libya. The remark was made in his closing statement at the 13th OIC summit. ''The Muslim world must deal with three main problems: inter-religious problems (between Sunnis and Shias, Ed.), racism and terrorism,'' he added, telling Muslim countries that ''we have a single religion, Islam. Being Sunni or Shia is not our religion.'' 'Shame over anti-refugee walls' says Mogherini 'Pride in life-saving Italy, Europe' she adds (ANSAmed) - On board the Cavour aircraft carrier, April 15 - EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini said Friday "we feel shame and frustration over the walls we see rising in Europe". "We should also feel proud of this Italy and this Europe, which are saving human lives," she added during a visit to Italy's Cavour aircraft carrier, which is the command center for the European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EUNAVFOR Med) anti-refugee trafficking mission. "Raising walls won't work" because refugees will circumvent or bring them down, she added. (ANSAmed). ROME - Deportations of those arriving in Greece after fleeing war and abuse must stop, warned Oxfam, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and Solidarity Now on Friday. Those seeking asylum should not be kept in detention centers, they added on the eve of a visit to the island of Lesbos on Saturday by Pope Francis and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, spiritual leader of the Orthodox world. ''Over 6,300 refugees and migrants have arrived on the Greek islands since the EU-Turkey deal came into effect on 20th March, and are being arbitrarily held in detention camps. The majority of these new arrivals have applied for asylum. While the European Commission said on April 4th that Greece had sent 1500 asylum case officers and police officers to the islands, there is no evidence of this additional capacity on the ground,'' the statement said. ''Forced returns to Turkey were restarted after a pause last week,'' it added. ''Compounding the pressure are new 'emergency measures' adopted into law by the Greek Government on April 3rd, which includes an expedited 'fast track' asylum hearing to determine admissibility. Under these new procedures, Greek asylum officials must undertake complex asylum examinations, including decisions on whether or not Turkey is considered a safe country for return. These complex reviews that determine a person's future take place in just one day.'' Oxfam's campaigns director for Italy, Elisa Bacciotti, said that the group had concerns that ''many people currently held in what have become detention centers on Greek islands would be sent back to Turkey without having been informed of their rights and therefore without having had even the possibility of requesting asylum in Europe.'' ''This cannot be the new face of Europe, which puts border security before all else at the cost of deporting human beings. We hope that Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew I - as moral and spiritual leaders - will be able to help call on the EU to respect its founding values: respect for human dignity and rights.'' The humanitarian organizations said conditions in the centers are deteriorating and that many people have been forced to sleep outside or in inadequate places, that there aren't any identification procedures for the most vulnerable groups and that children, pregnant women and disabled individuals remain in detention. Some Pakistanis that were subjected to discriminatory practices on Lesbos and Chio have threatened to kill themselves. Violent incidents have occurred at night and women are especially at risk. Significant demographic changes in the Asia-Pacific are now unfolding, weighing on already tepid trade and economic growth and prompting greater efforts to harness data and emerging technologies to cushion the effects, according to APEC Secretariat Executive Director Dr Alan Bollard. The projected impact of aging populations and declining birth rates was described by Dr Bollard in remarks on the regional economic outlook at the Asia Society this week in Washington, on the sidelines of the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group. It sets the tone for the 2016 APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade Meeting on 17-18 May in Arequipa, Peru and a preceding two-week cluster of APEC Senior Official and technical working group meetings to take action. Asia-Pacific economies have had a big dividend from young demographics which added a quarter of a billion people to their work forces over the last 25 years but who have reached peak working age, explained Dr Bollard. The working age population in the region has started to decline and is expected to drop by 50 million over the next decade. The population swing in the Asia-Pacific has given rise to a demographic contradiction that is muddying the future of trade and growth, he added. It remains to be seen whether economies will have sufficient labor to service the needs of new middle class consumers and the elderly, or whether jobs for people will become more scarce because of advances like artificial intelligence that are gaining momentum. Notably, Japans population dropped by 0.7 per cent, or about one million people, over the last five years and is on pace to lose another 43 million people by the end of this century. In China, a quarter of a billion people are meanwhile expected to retire in the next 15 years. Other economies ranging from Korea, Singapore and the United States to Indonesia and Viet Nam are likewise facing a sharp jump in their aging rates. By contrast, a half a billion people in the Asia-Pacific have moved out of poverty and into the middle class over the last quarter century, with the regions middle income population expected to approach 3 billion by 2030. These diverging trends are creating impetus for APEC economies to take forward policies that can boost productivity through the channeling of next generation technologies. The Asia-Pacific is beginning to move away from large-scale sophisticated automation with low or medium cost labor, foreign transport costs and growing global manufacturing chains, all of which are reaching some economic limits, Dr Bollard noted. Incorporating and making greater use of digital transactions and services chains will be key to ensuring growth of the regions economies in todays changing economic and social landscape. APEC Trade Ministers and officials will pursue measures to improve digital development and secure data flows as well as the capacity of people and businesses to take advantage of new economic opportunities that stem from them. The application of new electronic marketplaces and innovations such as disruptive technologies are opening huge possibilities for small businesses and entrepreneurship, concluded Dr Bollard. Ironing out the new range of regulatory and operability issues that go along with them will help to nurture these sectors and their potential to support transitioning societies in the region. # # # For further information, or to arrange possible media interviews with APEC officials, please contact: David Hendrickson +65 9137 3886 at [email protected] Michael Chapnick +65 9647 4847 at [email protected] More on APEC meetings, events, projects and publications can be found on. You can also follow APEC onand join us onand BarcelonaOn 16 November 2015 at 8 in the morning Ricardo took his children to school. When he returned home in the evening, he noticed that they had cut his electricity off. He had fallen behind on the payment of his electricity bills, just like 10 per cent of all households in Europe. On that same date, he began a vigorous campaign on social networks, with the assistance of Catalonias Platform Against Evictions (PAH) and the Alliance Against Energy Poverty. Thanks to their pressure, the electric company sent Ricardo a direct message on Twitter requesting his ID number to check whether a mistake might have been made. Within 24 hours electricity was back. Ricardo warns that one of the problems for struggling families is that, even though the law is on our side, utility companies just ignore it. Barcelona Mayor Ada Colau complained about this last week and she threatened Endesa and Gas Natural with penalties for ignoring the law on energy poverty and going ahead with disconnections for non-payment. According to Ricardo, this is why it is critically important for the law to be confirmed and stand its ground, which is what the Spanish Constitutional Court (CC) is trying to avoid by suspending part of the Catalan law that guarantees gas and electricity supplies for vulnerable families. This father wonders whether we should just sit and watch our children shower with cold water and he states that people must fight for the suspended bill and for the current 24/2015 law passed in July by the Catalan parliament which presently allows the Catalan government to guarantee energy supplies to homes despite the Constitutional Courts recent ruling. The argument of who has the authority The Constitutional Courts ruling that struck down the Catalan energy law claims that the government of Catalonia has no authority to pass legislation on this matter because the protection of vulnerable end-users is regulated by Spains electric sector law and fossil fuel legislation, whereby Spain opts for a subsidy system rather than banning power cut-offs. This means that it is the administration who foots the bill instead of the energy distribution companies. Ricardo complains that in short, it is us, the people, who end up paying the bills while energy companies see their profits soar. The situation is similar to what happened with the banking tax that the Generalitat brought in and the CC ruled unconstitutional. Its application in Catalonia is subject to the policies in Spain as a whole. In the case of the poverty law, this week the Spanish parliament began to work on a bill (Law 25) proposed by Podemos which establishes that no struggling families may have their water, gas or electricity supply cut off during the winter months. Nevertheless, the bill is unlikely to become a law because fresh elections in Spain will mean that the parliament will cease to convene and the bill will be dropped. Regardless of the conflict over who has the power to legislate, European directives on gas and electricity (2009/73/EC and 2009/72/EC) urge all member states to take steps so as to protect the more vulnerable consumers, one of which is a ban on cut-offs for non-payment, a measure that has been adopted by 40 per cent of EU countries, including France and the UK, according to a report by the European Commission. The European Parliament passes a non-binding resolution to stop disconnections On Thursday the Catalan governments spokesperson, Neus Munte, applauded the European Parliaments decision, which is consistent with Catalonias fight against poverty. Muntes words came after the European chamber passed a resolution demanding a guarantee that during a defined winter period no household can be cut off from energy or that those who are must be reconnected. To be precise, the Parliament passed the resolution with 310 votes in favour, 73 against and 26 abstentions. The non-binding resolution was drafted by Hungarian MEP Tamas Meszerics, who demands a heating disconnection moratorium. Meszerics remarks that we believe a moratorium to be imperative; nobody should die in Europe because of lack of heating. Speaking for the Catalan News Agency, Meszerics welcomed the idea that regional administrations and not just national governments should also be allowed to act on cases of energy poverty. If a regional government is able to finance at least partly this policy, I dont see why it shouldnt go ahead and do it, he claimed. Pipah and her Down syndrome brother, Gammy, were born in 2014 to a Thai surrogate mother. Their parents took her and left Gammy in Thailand. When she found out that the father had been convicted of child sex offences, the surrogate mother tried to get her daughter, but the judge said no. Bangkok (AsiaNews/Agencies) The story of Gammy, the child born to Thai surrogate mother and abandoned by his Australian biological parents because of his Down syndrome, has a new twist. In Australia, a court has decided that Gammys twin sister, Pipah, will continue to live with their parents even though the father is a convicted child sex offender. The baby Gammy case became front-page news in the summer of 2014, when David Farnell and his wife Wenyu Li had two twins via a Thai surrogate mother, Pattaramon Chanbua. The couple caused a stir when they returned home only with Pipah, and left her brother Gammy because he had Downs syndrome with the surrogate mother. Recently, reports indicate that Mr Farnell was convicted of molesting minors in the 1990s. When she was informed of the fact, Pattaramon Chanbua sought to gain custody of Pipah and have her returned to Thailand, but failed. The latest turn in the saga comes in the form of a 272-page decision by an Australian judge. "I have decided Pipah should not be removed from the only family she has ever known, in order to be placed with people who would be total strangers to her," said Chief Judge Stephen Thackray in the Family Court of Western Australia. "I have accepted the expert evidence that while there is a low risk of harm if Pipah stays in that home, there is a high risk of harm if she were removed," he said. The conditions attached to the two-year-old's stay in Australia included Farnell not being left alone with Pipah and the couple always keeping Western Australia's Department for Child Protection informed of their address. The judge also found that Gammy, who he said appeared to be "thriving" in his Thai home, was not abandoned by the Farnells, but rather Pattaramon wanted to keep him. In 2014, Pattaramon had claimed that the Farnells at first requested an abortion and then walked away when they learnt of his condition. In recent past, Thailand had become a favourite destination for foreign gay and straight couples to rent a uterus (for up to US$ 13,000). Following the Baby Gammy case, Thai authorities passed new legislation to regulate the practice and defend better childrens rights. An Act to Protect Babies Born through Assisted Reproductive Technologies came into effect on 30 July 2015, ending the rent-a-uterus market. The law bans commercial surrogacy and the trade of sperm and eggs. The only people entitled to use assisted reproductive technology are Thai heterosexual couples who are childless and married. by Sumon Corraya Yesterday, Bangladesh celebrated the New Year of 1423. Celebrated with songs, music and dances, Pahela Baishakh is the most popular secular festivity in the country. Even churches held special services. Sheikh Hasina condemned recent episodes of Islamic extremism, but also warned bloggers against making offensive statements against the faith. Dhaka (AsiaNews) Millions of people yesterday celebrated Pahela Baishakh, the Bengali New Year, which brings together people from different cultures, religions, castes and creeds, to celebrate harmony and being together in peace and serenity. This year's New Year's Eve has taken on a special connotation, given recent episodes of Islamic extremism that have left a trail of blood across the country. For this reason, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina addressed the nation, urging her fellow Bangladeshis to respect all religions. "Islam, she said, teaches us that everyone should practice his or her own religion. Islam does not teach to hurt other peoples faith. So we shouldnt hurt other people in their religion feeling. Yesterday was the first day of the year 1423 in the Bengali calendar. Celebrations began at dawn, in the streets, with singing, dancing and music. Even the countrys churches organised special services to mark the event. This is Bangladesh main secular celebration, with no religious or ethnic connotations. It was introduced for the first time in 1556 by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, who wanted to simplify the collection of taxes in the Subah Bangla, a region that included areas now part of neighbouring India. The calendar combines both lunar and solar year. Yesterdays celebrations also focused on security and national harmony. After the recent murder of a blogger in Dhaka, the fifth such incident since 2015, the prime minister noted that some radical Islamists are going down the wrong path killing in the name of religion. "They are dishonouring Islam," she said. Hasina also slammed attempts by some extremist groups to disrupt New Year celebrations, questioning their knowledge of Islam. "The Bengali New Yea is a universal celebration, she explained. People dress in traditional attire to express their love for our country. I cannot understand why some are opposed to this big event in the name of religion." Ms Hasina also warned "bloggers and atheist intellectuals not to hurt the religious sentiments of others in the name of freedom of thought". "It has become fashionable to pass as 'free thought' offensive statements against the faith. I do not consider them free thought, but filth. Why must so much muck be written? As a Muslim, she went on to say, I believe in my religion. Any piece of writing that slanders someone I consider my Prophet is not acceptable to us. Similarly, it would not be acceptable if anyone writes such things about other religions." by Pierre Balanian Egypts opposition plans protests this afternoon against the decision of the Sissi Government. The two islands, desert and uninhabited, lie in the Red Sea and are named in the Camp David agreements. Analysts believe that the ceding of the territories masks Saudi Arabias intention to deal openly with the Israeli government. Cairo (AsiaNews) - A growing number of Egyptian activists is joining the online chorus of political movements and some parties calling for citizens to take to the streets to demonstrate against the sale of two islands to Saudi Arabia. The groups have invoked a protest for today, Friday 15, under the title "Land Friday". They are calling on people to demonstrate against a decision that has been described by the various political factions in turn as, "recognizing", "ceding" or a "selling off" territory to Saudi Arabia. The two islands in question, Tiran and Sanafir, are located not far from the Gulf of Aqaba in the Red Sea. News of the sale of the two islands came like a bolt from the blue. Egypt agreed to their sale under a deal defining maritime borders between the two countries that took place during the official five day visit of the Saudi king, described as "historic". The visit allowed the Egyptian president to save the country from economic collapse due to accumulated debts with the signing of contracts worth billions and Pharaonic projects like the construction of a highway in Sinai and the construction of a bridge - right through the island of Sanafir that will link Saudi Arabia and Egypt. The two islands in question are uninhabited desert and lack of resources. However they have an incalculable strategic value because they are located on the route of anyone who wants to navigate the Red Sea in both directions. Granted by Saudi Arabia to Egypt, these two islands were used as a weapon in the Israeli-Arab war, impeding navigation to Israeli shipping. Israel occupied the islands along with the Sinai until the signing of the peace agreement between Cairo and Tel Aviv known as the Camp David Accords. Article 5 of the agreements expressly states that the islands will not host any military presence, let alone be used to prevent the free movement of ships. Saudi Arabia, a country born in the 1930s, has repeatedly claimed these islands as part of their national territory. Egypt has, however, always considered them its property, being 4 miles from Sharm el Sheikh and "in Egyptian territorial waters," according to a statement from Abdel Nasser Rais in a speech posted online and shared this week by many Egyptian activists. Yet it must be remembered that an agreement of delimitation of maritime boundaries of 1907 between the Ottoman Empire and Egypt (which separated from the Empire), established the Ottoman and not Egyptian ownership of the islands. Saudi Arabian press has widely publicized the return of the islands in the country revealing a false nationalism in the re-appropriation of a territory belonging to the "homeland" (a foreign concept to the inhabitants of the only country in the world that bears the name of a family). The fact that the two islands are explicitly mentioned in the Camp David Accords transforms Saudi Arabia, now that it has taken over sovereignty, into the fourth interested party and automatically included in the agreement, after Israel, Egypt and the USA. Somehow, Saudi Arabia recognizes Israel by accepting the Camp David agreements which in the past it had openly condemned accusing Egypt of "treason." The two islands will allow Saudi Arabia to justify any potential future contact with Israel before the Muslims of the world and the Arabs in particular. According to many sources, Israeli has often made such contact but so far in secret and in great confidentiality. Many believe that Saudi Arabias sudden demand for the two islands hides the need to have a justifiable reason for future meetings with Israel conducted in the light of day. The islands, considered by all as insignificant if not for their position, have now taken on an enormous importance that everyone is trying to take advantage of. Meanwhile, the forces opposed to Egyptian President al-Sissi are exploiting this by instigating people who are already exasperated by the acute economic crisis and the debts accumulated by the state, to take to the streets and demonstrate in front of the foreign embassies against " the sale of Egyptian territories". The organizers of the event include the Movement of the Revolutionary Socialists (opposition) which has issued a statement in which it says: "We invite everyone to demonstrate against the squandering of the rights of the Egyptian people in favor of the Saudi regime, known for leading the counter-revolution against the Arab spring in the region ". The Movement has also called on "all" political forces "join the protests to the bitter end", at least until the agreement for the transfer of rights belonging to the Egyptian people is not revoked. Social media has returned to the fore as in the past revoking the atmosphere of what now is called "the days of Tahrir Square." Todays protests has garnered the support of 12 prominent opponents including three former members of government. by Nina Achmatova Prosecutor bans Mejlis from using state and municipal media, holding mass events, accessing bank accounts, or any activity. For some analysts, the move is part of a broader plan by Russian authorities in the Ukrainian peninsula annexed two years ago to ghettoise the pro-Ukrainian Muslim minority. Moscow (AsiaNews) Crimean Prosecutor Natalya Poklonskaya on Wednesday suspended the activity of the Mejlis (Council) of the Crimean Tatar People because of its destabilising extremist activity. The Tatars are a Muslim minority in the Crimean Peninsula. They were deported from their homeland under Stalin, and allowed to come home only in the 1990s. Russian authorities have been putting pressures on them since 2014 after they voted in a referendum against Russias internationally unrecognised annexation of the Ukrainian peninsula. The Mejlis is now "banned the use of state and municipal media, the organisation of mass demonstrations, the use of bank accounts and any activity, Prosecutor Poklonskaya said. The European Union and human rights activists have slammed her decision, which will be valid until Crimeas Supreme Court rules on Poklonskayas ban. Earlier, she had called for the Mejlis to be declared an extremist organization. According to the prosecutor, the Crimean Tatar organisation ought to be added to Russias list of suspended public and religious associations. For some Tatars analysts, the move is part of a broader trend. "The Mejliss political activities have been blocked for some time. Many of its leaders have been expelled from the region, and those who are left are involved in providing social and moral support to the community, writes Ayder Muzhdabaev, deputy general director of ATR, a Tatar language TV channel that used to broadcast out of Simferopol, but was forced to move to Kiev to continue its activities. For Muzhdabaev, what is really worrisome about the ban is that it is part of a plan by Russian authorities to create a "hybrid ghetto" for Crimean Tatars. This is being done by, On the one hand, turning them into a kind of untouchable caste, reducing the contacts with the rest of the population; and on the other, frightening the Crimean Tatar community to such an extent that people are afraid to communicate, and thus resist. "There is no doubt that the Mejlis will eventually be declared as an extremist organisation. "The laws against extremism in Russia were adopted precisely to suppress all dissent," Muzhdabaev writes. What is worse in this case, notes the journalist, is the fact that for the first time the laws will be applied to a representative body elected by an entire people, and so consequently the whole Tatar people will be deemed as extremist." In a statement, a spokesperson for the European Union slammed Yesterday's decision by the so-called prosecutor of Crimea to suspend the activities of Mejlis. This development is extremely worrying, and must be reversed immediately. Likewise, Amnesty International noted that the ban is aimed at snuffing out the few remaining voices of dissent in Crimea, and signals a new wave of repression against Crimean Tatar people after Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine two years ago. Since then, Amnesty International has documented the suspected enforced disappearance of at least six Crimean Tatars. In March 2014, one missing Tatar was found dead. For Council of Europe Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland, banning the Mejlis would discriminate against the whole Crimean Tatars community and is therefore unacceptable. In a television interview Sheikha al-Jassem said that the Constitution is worth more than the Koran and Sharia in regulating the lives of citizens. The Islamic extremist faction in Parliament denounced the woman for "psychological damage". The prosecutor's decision to go to trial. If convicted she faces a year in prison. Kuwait City (AsiaNews / Agencies) - An intellectual, scholar and activist for human rights in Kuwait is likely to be tried for blasphemy after defending the secular nature of the state. The prosecutor general summoned Sheikha al-Jassem, notifying her of the charges laid against her for her words spoken during a recent television interview. The Kuwaiti intellectual (pictured) said that the national constitution is as true as the Koran and sharia, Islamic law, in regulating the life of the country and its citizens. Now it will be up to the office of the prosecutor which has laid the charges to decide whether to remand the woman. A March 8 interview given by Sheikha al-Jassem to the Kuwaiti channel Al-Shahed TV is at the root of the charges. The human rights activist was invited to speak precisely about the growth of Islamic extremism in the country and the region. During the interview, Jassem responded to a question concerning the Islamic extremists, that religion is more important than the Constitution of Kuwait. In response, the intellectual explained that it is a "dangerous" point of view and that, in her opinion, politics and religion should be separated into two areas. Jassem also recalled the wave of violence in the Middle East and the divisions between Sunni and Shiite Muslims within the Muslim world. In this regard she added that if people rely solely on sacred books and puts them at the center of daily life as the only fundamental source of the law, it is impossible to advance society. Her words raised a wave of indignation within the Islamic extremist faction in parliament, including personal attacks and threats to the woman. In an interview with the BBC Jassem spoke of "terrifying" threats from "not only Kuwait but also from Saudi Arabia." In addition to the trial, a part of the extremist Islamic world has also demanded her expulsion from the University of Kuwait, where she teaches philosophy. During the talks, the prosecutor told her that the plaintiff feels "hurt from a psychological point of view" by her statements. The first complaint could be followed by others in coming days. In the case of a trail and condemnation, the activist faces up to a year in prison. Nevertheless, she says she wants to continue her work and remains convinced of her own ideas, and thanks for the affection and support she has received. Francis speaks of the conversion of Saint Paul: "Saul the strong, the certain, was on the ground" after the call of a voice. But it is then that he "understands the truth, not to be a man of God, because God created all of us to stand up, with our head held high. The voice from heaven says not only 'Why do you persecute me?', But invites Paul to his feet: 'Get up and you will be told". Vatican City (AsiaNews) - We all have hardness of heart: all of us. If any of you do not, raise your hand, please. All of us. Let us ask the Lord for the grace to make us see that these hardships throw us to the ground, said Pope Francis during the usual homily at Casa Santa Marta. Vatican Radio reports that the Pope was commenting on the Gospel passage of the conversion of St. Paul: "Having zeal for sacred things does not mean having a heart open to God. Pope Francis gave the example of a man of ardent fidelity to the principles of his faith, Paul of Tarsus, but with a "closed heart", totally deaf to Christ , to the point of "agreeing" to exterminate his followers and being authorized to put in chains those who lived in Damascus. Pope Francis continued that everything is overturned on the very road that leads to this goal, to the extent that Pauls story becomes the "story of a man who allows God to change his heart." Paul is enveloped by a powerful light, he hears a voice calling him, falls, becomes momentarily blind. "Saul the strong, the certain, was on the ground," said Francis. In that condition, he points out, "he understands the truth, not to be" a man of God, because God created all of us to stand with our heads high. " The voice from heaven says not only "Why do you persecute me?", But invites Paul to his feet:" 'Get up and you will be told'. You have yet to learn. And when he started to get up he could not because he realized that he was blind at that time he had lost his sight. He allows himself to be guided': His heart began to open up. So, leading him by the hand, the men who were with him led him to Damascus, and for three days he was blind, and did not take food or drink. This man was on the ground but soon realized he had to accept this humiliation. This way to open the heart is humiliation. When the Lord humiliation or allows us to be humiliated that's precisely why: So that our heart is open, is docile, so that our heart may be converted to the Lord Jesus". Paul's heart melts. What changes in those lonely days of blindness, is his inner sight. Then, God sends Ananias to him, he lays his hands on him and even Saul's eyes return to see. But Pope Francis said, there is one aspect in this dynamic that should be borne in mind: "Recall that the protagonist of these stories are neither lawyers nor Stephen, or Philip, nor the eunuch, nor Saul ... It is the Holy Spirit. The protagonist of the Church is the Holy Spirit who leads the people of God. And immediately there fell from his eyes like scales, and regained his sight. He got up and was baptized. The hardness of the heart of Paul - Saul, Paul - became docility to the Holy Spirit ". "It is truly good - said Francis to see how the Lord is able to change hearts" and ensure that "a tough, stubborn heart becomes a heart docile to the Spirit": "We all have hardness of heart: all of us. If any of you do not, raise your hand, please. All of us. Let us ask the Lord for the grace to make us see that these hardships throw us to the ground. May He send us the grace and also - if necessary - the humiliations not to stay on the ground but to stand up, with the dignity with which God created us, and that is the grace of an heart that is open and docile to the Holy Spirit ". The 6.4 magnitude earthquake was recorded last night on the island of Kyushu. The most serious damage affected the city of Mashiki, where dozens of buildings collapsed. Approximately 44 thousand people were evacuated. The area belongs to the diocese of Fukuoka, no reports of damage to the churches. The aftershocks are ongoing and will continue at least for a week. Tokyo (AsiaNews) - At least nine people are dead and 860 others injured in the strong 6.4 magnitude earthquake that rocked the prefecture of Kumamoto on the island of Kyushu in southern Japan last night. The most damage occurred in the city of Mashiki, where several buildings have collapsed. 38 thousand homes have been left without gas supplies and 16 thousand others have no electricity. Recovery operations are still ongoing and so far there has been no tsunami warning. Msgr. Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi, Bishop of Niigata and President of Caritas Asia says: "Caritas Japan is gathering information on the situation. Local churches, which belong to the diocese of Fukuoka, report no damage. The government and the authorities are committed to bringing relief, but most of our work will be in rebuilding after the disaster". The strong earthquake took place yesterday evening at 09.26 (local time) at 11 km depth. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the fact that the epicenter was so close to the surface was the cause of major damage. More than 44 thousand people were evacuated from their homes; some of them have spent the night on the streets, others have been accommodated in 500 facilities. The authorities have placed the two nuclear reactors on the island of Kyushu under observation, but they confirm that the facilities have not been damaged. Memories of the Fukushima disaster are still alive. The nuclear power plant was damaged by the 2011 earthquake that left 18 thousand dead and generated a tsunami that swept the structure. This morning, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he had mobilized the police, firefighters and Self-Defense Forces to provide relief, medical care and food. Aftershocks are still being registered. General Aoki, Director of the Meteorological Agency has warned people: "Residents should pay attention to the shocks that could reach up to a magnitude of six and could continue at least for a week". The lawyer got three years in jail for posting subversive messages online, but his work for human rights is the main reason for his conviction. For a Hong Kong lawyer, Pus treatment is a warning to others, but it is not likely to work because many young lawyers want to take on human rights cases. Beijing (AsiaNews) Chinese authorities have stripped lawyer Pu Zhiqiang of his license to practice law after he was convicted for posting subversive messages online, this according to his lawyers. Mr Pu received a three-year suspended sentence last December, and remains under close watch. "It was just a matter of time, following his sentencing," said Pu's friend and defence lawyer Shang Baojun. "We don't feel good about it, but we had made some mental preparation." Pu will still be able to take on administrative tasks at his current law firm. However, he joins a long list of dissidents convicted and jailed for their commitment to human rights. For Chinese Human Rights Defender (CHRD), Pus conviction makes a mockery of the rule of law in China. His friends and fellow activists believe that his tweets on social media are not only one of the causes for his persecution. In his posts, he described the Chinese Communist Party as not worthy of trust, and mocked Chinas nationalist rhetoric vis-a-vis Japan over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands. However, the main target was his work as a lawyer, which began right after the Tiananmen riots when he represented several dissidents and human rights activists in court. Pu has a Master of Laws degree from China University of Political Science and Law in Beijing. He took part in the Tiananmen Square movement in 1989, and was one of 13 students who went on a hunger strike to protest against government corruption. Over the past 25 years, he has always marked the 4 June massacre, visiting Beijings main square to remember the dead. In 2008, he was among the first to sign Charter 08, a pro-democracy document drafted by Liu Xiaobo, who subsequently won the Nobel Peace Prize and was given a 14-year jail sentence. Hong Kong-based rights lawyer Albert Ho said Pu is not the first lawyer to lose his business license in China. "The authorities do this as a warning to others, to create a chilling effect [for the legal profession]," Ho explained. "But it doesn't seem to be working, because I have seen that there are a lot of younger lawyers coming up through the ranks in China now, who want to take on human rights cases," he added. For Mgr Georges Abou Khazen, renewed fighting has led to total mayhem. He blames outside interests and pressures for dividing and ruining the country. At least 30,000 refugees are trying to get into Turkey, but are being kept out at gunpoint. The apostolic vicar stressed mercy for the needy in the jubilee year. Aleppo (AsiaNews) In Aleppo and in many areas of the province, "fighting unfortunately has begun". After several days of calm and truce that brought optimism among people, violence has restarted, said Mgr Georges Abou Khazen, apostolic vicar of Aleppo of the Latins. Speaking to AsiaNews about the latest developments in Aleppo, Syrias northern capital, the prelate said, It seems that the al Nusra Front has resumed fighting, drawing in other [rebel and opposition] groups that had signed up for the truce. The situation is complicated where fighting is taking place. Most of the city has been spared, but fighting is taking place in two districts, one Kurdish. The Islamic State (IS) group and other armed groups are active in the province. It is total mayhem, he said. Everyone is fighting, and there is no positive sign. It is always the same thing, he noted, Outside interests and pressures are pushing the country towards divisions and ruin. The recent flare-up of fighting in Aleppo province endangers the fragile ceasefire in place since 27 February. The latter led to an improvement in the humanitarian situation. Backed by Russia, government forces have retaken areas hitherto in rebel-held areas that prevented resupplies. However, north of Aleppo, Syrias second-largest city, fighting involving IS and other rebels has driven more than 30,000 people towards the Turkish border. International activists and NGOs have urged Turkish authorities to open the borders. Instead, Turkish forces have fired on those trying to cross in order to stop them from entering the country. "Turkey is under EU pressure, Mgr Khazen said, to adopt a policy of containment vis-a-vis refugees. Ankara too is now afraid of extremists infiltrating its territory. I can confirm that refugees are being turned back more frequently. Let us see what happens in the future." In his view, the Turkish government has "an ambiguous and negative attitude". The Syrian conflict began in March 2011 as a peaceful protest against President Bashar al-Assad. Over time, it turned into a civil war, with jihadist infiltration. With 270,000 people dead so far, and millions more displaced, it has become an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. The renewed violence also threatens to overshadow peace talks held in Geneva, Switzerland, under the auspices of the United Nations. Earlier, the main Syrian opposition group said it was ready to talk to government members who had not been involved in killings, excluding President Assad himself and his closest aides. For their part, government delegates said that the presidents fate was non-negotiable. UN special envoy Staffan de Mistura, who is mediating the talks in Geneva, on Wednesday, warned of an urgent need for the government and opposition to take steps towards a political transition. The veteran diplomat also stressed the need to uphold the truce to allow humanitarian aid to reach every Syrian. On the diplomatic front, Mgr Khazen noted, "a minimum step was taken with the truce. Let us hope that other small steps follow. Of course, we cannot expect the end of the conflict, but we are confident that they will agree to talk. This would be a great thing. Citing a Chinese philosopher, he said, Even a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. For the rest, it is up to international powers to do it . . . build a peace plan for the future, and stop this long trail of blood. The truce was the first step." Against such a background of war and violence, Aleppo Christians continue to undertake actions of mercy during the Jubilee Year, thus responding to Pope Francis appeal. "In all the churches of the various rites, especially in our pastoral centres, moral and corporal works of mercy are being carried out, the prelate said. St Francis parish has a welfare facility that hands out basic necessities food, water, and clothing and provides medical care and education for the young. The good thing is that scores of volunteers work at the centre, the prelate noted. Not only are there young people, as it is usually the case, but also older men and women who help prepare and hand out stuff. At a time of darkness, these small lit candles offer some hope. I had to bust out the laptop since there was more I wanted to say so here it goes. Has he hung out with you and your male friends before? If no, then it could be a bit of insecurity on his part (past experiences, etc). If yes, read on. I've been in many barbershops in my time on this Earth and hear the types of conversations that go on. I've heard men talking about their "bad ass" female friend who they wish they could boink. It's kind of like when a woman in a relationship can tell something is fishy with a "female friend" their man may have. He probably got a vibe from them but most of the time females are oblivious to the signs these men put out since they only see them as a friend. Again, if you were to get intoxicated and push up on one of them (minus the gay one) honestly how do you think they would respond? Personally, I wouldn't allow a GF to travel with another man/men. That's disrespectful in my book. Now if it's a group thing, sure. How To Give A Really Good Apology, According To Science Trending News: There's A Right Way, And A Wrong Way, To Apologize Why Is This Important? Because we all screw up sometimes. Long Story Short New research says that there are six key components to an apology. The more of them you include, the more effective your apology will be. Long Story Men. We many men. If theres one thing were good at, its screwing up. And if theres one thing were frequently terrible at, its saying sorry. Often the intention is there, but the words come out backwards and sooner or later youre in a worse position than where you started. So, how do you apologize? Thankfully, science has come up with the answer. A team at the Ohio State University tested 755 people on how they reacted to apologies that included anywhere from one to all six of the following elements: 1. Expression of regret. 2. An explanation of what went wrong. 3. The ownership of responsibility. 4. Declaration of repentance. 5. Offer of repair. 6. A request for forgiveness. The best apologies contained all six of these elements. But not all of them are equal, and if youre in a hurry to get out of Dodge, two will do. Our findings showed that the most important component is an acknowledgement of responsibility. Say it is your fault, that you made a mistake, said co-author Roy Lewicki in a press release. A professor emeritus of management and human resources at Ohio States Fisher College of Business, Lewicki went on to explain the second most important element: an offer of repair. One concern about apologies is that talk is cheap. But by saying, Ill fix what is wrong, youre committing to take action to undo the damage, he said. Expression of regret, explanation of what went wrong and declaration of repentance are the next most valuable steps, all of similar importance. While the one you can leave out, apparently, is a request for forgiveness. Which makes sense, you sad sack. The research combined two different studies the first focusing on adults recruited through MTURK, the second involving undergraduates. Both studies involved subjects analyzing a scenario in which a job candidate apologized for a serious error at a previous job, but otherwise the methodologies differed in their mix and presentation of the different apology strategies. Despite the different age groups and different methodologies, the final results were very similar. Basically: the more elements the apology contained, the more effective it was rated. And when the elements were evaluated one at a time, there was a general consistency in the importance of the components across the two studies. Interestingly, in each group, half the respondents were told that the candidates failure was down to incompetence, while the other half were led to believe theyd knowingly transgressed. And still the value of the six components stayed the same. Of course, its important to actually look like you mean it. Clearly, things like eye contact and appropriate expression of sincerity are important when you give a face-to-face apology, Lewicki said. Own The Conversation Ask The Big Question: Studies have shown women apologize more frequently than men, but whos better at it? Disrupt Your Feed: Do these tactics hold true depending on the magnitude of the transgression? Drop This Fact: Most delayed apology in history? When the Catholic Church admitted in 1992 that it shouldnt have punished Galileo Galilei 360 years earlier for suggesting the planets revolved around the sun. Say Goodbye To The Czech Republic And Say Hello To Czechia Trending News: Why Did This Country Just Rename Itself? Why Is This Important? Because cartographers need to make a living too. Long Story Short The Czech Republic has announced it will henceforth like to be referred to as Czechia, ending years of debate about how to refer to the country created after Czechoslovakia was dissolved in the 1990s. Long Story It was always a mouthful, and a bit uncomfortable: the Czech Republic. Five syllables, one small central European country. So Czech politicians have decided, 23 years after Czechoslovakia was split into Slovakia (its eastern half) and the Czech Republic (the western), to rename their country to something supposedly warmer and easier for English-speakers to remember: Czechia. The countrys name is an issue thats been slow-burning for a while. There have been official recommendations the country adopt Czechia as a short-form name ever since independence. (The country will still officially be known as the Czech Republic in long-form, just as Germany is called the Federal Republic of Germany, Brazil the Federative Republic of Brazil, Australia the Commonwealth of Australia, etc.) Proponents said the term has Latin roots, dating back to the 1840s. For one reason or another, however, it never stuck. Predictably, the question has resulted in tiptoeing around ever-sensitive identity politics in the country. The English-world traditionally referred to the region as Bohemia. But that only refers to one region, and leaves out Silesia and Moravia. The intriguing Czechlands is used by some companies internationally, but again, it was never fully accepted by most. Locally, some Czechs use the term Cesko, but it is controversial. Critics say the name is harsh and brutal, and former president Vaclav Havel said it makes his flesh creep. Others worry that it sounds too much like the much more problematic Russian region Chechnya. Cesko, however, does have analogous terms in other languages. In French, for example, the country can be referred to as Tchequie, and in German as Tschechien. The Washington Post notes that Czech advocates of Czechia have been promoting its adoption for almost 20 years, and have a popular Facebook page and website. They claim that using Czechia will benefit the country because transparency and relative simplicity of a short country name will facilitate its international acceptance. The country will have to inform UNs geographical database of names to make the name change official. Own The Conversation Ask The Big Question: Will this actually catch on? Or do these official decrees not mean much? Disrupt Your Feed: Sorry, but Czechia just isnt a very elegant name. Drop This Fact: The Czech capital Prague has the lowest unemployment rate in Europe, at 2.5 per cent. New rules requiring criminal record checks for Tasmanian lawyers acting for children have lawyers up in arms. The new rules, which suddenly came into effect earlier this month, mean that any lawyer who has contact with young people needs to fill out an application, prove their identity, pay a fee and undergo a national criminal history assessment, ongoing monitoring and risk assessment. According to a report by The Mercury, the change came out of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Abuse and brings Tasmania in line with other states. This is an unnecessary administrative burden that does nothing to improve the safety of children, said Tasmanian Law Society president Matthew Verney. There are lawyers who represent children in criminal matters, in civil matters, and also lawyers who act as separate representatives for children in child protection cases or as independent representatives in family law matters. From our point of view its quite serious. The feedback Ive had from my communications with the profession during the week is that most are very angry about it, he said. A spokesperson for the government said the law would stand, despite concerns raised with attorney-general Vanesa Goodwin. Greg Barns, of the Australian Lawyers Alliance, said the new laws are an insulting tax on lawyers. Is the Hodgman Government seriously suggesting that lawyers who have worked for years in juvenile justice and child protection must now undergo gross invasions of their privacy and their past simply to fulfil a revenue raising exercise on the part of the Justice Department? he said. It will discourage lawyers from acting for children because many ... regard this as simply a revenue raising exercise by government, a gross example of red tape and duplication and, above all, completely unnecessary. I am not aware of any case in Australia where a lawyer has sexually interfered with a child client. In the midst of the Panama Papers leak, reports have emerged of Mossack Fonseca discussing New Zealands weak approach to due diligence. The leak contains papers from 2012 when the firms New Zealand staff recounted advice received from a Nexus Trust executive: NZ has very weak laws in regard to due diligence; they only require a utility bill and passport. Trust companies are not required to hold a licence. With these claims now making the rounds in the media, NZ Lawyer talked to Vicki Ammundsen, Partner at Vicki Ammundsen Trust Law, about her views on this claim and the effect the Panama Papers leak has had within New Zealand. She began by discounting the relevance of that particular comment by Mossack Fonseca. The statement referred to was made in 2012, pre-dating the AML/CFT regime which came into effect on 30 June 2013, she said. It also pre-dated the 2014 and subsequent amendments to the Companies Act 1993, which now require a New Zealand resident or the director of an Australian company to act as director of a New Zealand company. These amendments also gave company registrars additional powers to identify controllers of companies and to seek out further information if required, she added. Furthermore, the Omnibus Bill amended 10 different Acts in 2015 including stronger disclosure requirements, increased information sharing with overseas counterparts, and greater penalties for non-compliance, Ammundsen said. One issue that the Panama Papers leak has exposed is a lack of understanding by the public about the New Zealand trust regime and trusts in general, she added. Through a settlor regime adopted in 1987, New Zealand was able to implement the current trust regime which taxes trusts by reference to an economic link to New Zealand, she explained. This includes punitive laws where local tax has been avoided. Foreign trust advisers may well have taken advantage of the differences in New Zealand trust taxation to create mechanisms to avoid taxes in New Zealand on income that is not economically connected with New Zealand. However, since there is no economic link to New Zealand with these types of foreign trusts, the local tax base hasnt lost anything, she said. That said, it is important here to distinguish between the use of these foreign trust vehicles to avoid taxes in other jurisdictions as opposed to hiding ill-gotten funds. The public has often conflated these two very different things, she said. As well as overlooking the distinctive legal and ethical issues between the two, people may also wrongly assume that at least one of these may have occurred when in fact neither may have been the case. As to whether any additional due diligence might be warranted this will be addressed in a review of the rules regarding foreign trusts that was announced by the government yesterday (11 April 2016), Ammundsen said. The review, which will be conducted by tax expert John Shewan, will assess whether existing foreign trust rules regarding recordkeeping, enforcement and the exchange of information will require any practical improvements, she added. Australia to make changes to visa applications for Chinese people in a bid to entice more of them to visit the country for pleasure and business and to study.Under plans being drawn up the number of visa categories could be reduced from eight to two to make it easier for Chinese students to study in Australia.The plan could also see visas for Chinese nationals valid for 10 years and applications provided in mandarin, the first time this will be done in a language other than English.Behind much of the change is a desire to attract more tourists from China who tend to spend a decent amount of money once they are in Australia.Indeed, figures show that China is currently Australia's more valuable tourism market, contributing $8.3 billion to the Australian economy. There were more than a million visitors in 2015.A new $6 million agreement focused on advertising and data sharing has been signed between Tourism Australia and Air China which is also expected to boost the number of people travelling to the country."We're making it easier for Chinese tourists to visit Australia. Eight student visa categories will be reduced to two, to make it more straightforward and easier for students to apply to come and study in Australia," said Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on a visit to Shanghai."For the first time, we are trialling applications, visa applications, in a language other than English in Mandarin Chinese. And there will be online visa applications from China, again for the first time," he pointed out."We're also trialling 10 year validity visas. Again for the first time here in China. This shows the commitment of Australia to strengthen this vitally important tourism relationship and of course it's a very important part of our economic story. But it is also a key element in bringing our two countries and our two peoples closer together," he explained."The more Chinese come to Australia, Australians go to China, the closer we become together, the better we understand each other, the more opportunities for further engagement at every level. Social, academic, economic, commercial," he added.Turnbull has declared 2017 the year of Australian/Chinese tourism, with events and initiatives in both countries aimed at encouraging visitors at either end.There will also be a new smartphone friendly digital platform which will focus on selling Australia to China's 700 million smartphone users. "It makes Australia more accessible, more available, more compelling as a tourism destination," Turnbull added. While back then we only brought you the four lessons, we're now back with more details. As explained, this was all a marketing stunt, but the implications go a bit deeper than we expected, as revealed by the details behind one of the two "amateurs."The two drivers who appear to be in dire need of car manhandling advice have actually been playing with Neunelfers at the limit for years. One of them is called Elvan (you'll find him at the bottom of the page, in the pic on the right) and, as the official 911 R microsite explains, he has a rallying background.However, we want to focus on the other man who got seat time in the 911 R at Porsche's Weissach testing ground, namely Jack. Porsche doesn't mention the driver's full name, and there's a reason for that.This is Jack Olsen, the guy whose story went viral back in 2014 (not the first time his Porsche adventures made it in the news) after we all learned he had turned lapping Willow Springs in his 1972 911 into a life goal. The man has been hitting Willow Springs in his daily-driven Neunelfer for 16 years now, constantly modding his car and working to improve his lap time.Nevertheless, we want to return to the end of the adventure mentioned above for now, but not before we give credit to the Pelican Parts forum for providing a space for Jack to tell his tale.As Porsche mentioned from the first episode, the aim of the stunt, other than the obvious marketing point, was to see the 911 R entering a rally stage. Well, the carmaker will release the full story later today, but before that happens, we want to give you a preview supplied by Jack.In the clip below, the man is shown tackling a rally stage in France. As you'll be able to see in a Porsche-supplied image found below, we're dealing with a hill climb included in a route going from Arreau to Col d'Aspin.It all has to do with the 1969 Tour de France Automobile race, a 3,100-mile (5,000 km) adventure that saw the classic 911 R taking the win. The two "amateurs" mentioned above were joined by Patrick Long and an unnamed Porsche-appointed pro driver in their quest to tackle the French stage, and you can get a taste of it below. We've also added a second clip at the bottom of the page, showing Jack's Willow Springs saga.Before you move on to enjoying the clips, though, you might want to check out a few of Jack's 911 R driving impressions, which he shared on the forum mentioned above: "Compared to the early 911 I'm used to driving, it's a very sure-footed car [the 2017 911 R]. But compared to the GT3 RS, up at speed, it's a lot more lively and engaging. The differences from aero are only going to be a factor in faster corners. But the tire-size differences and (possibly) rear-steering-programming differences give it a nimbler feel even in medium-speed corners. It's something you can toss around more easily than the GT3 RS (although again, all things are relative - my 2400-lb 1972 is another animal altogether)." But what do you do when you're at a track day, surrounded by tons of other Ferraris, and everybody has a machine that's built to go overly fast? You enjoy yourself, that's what you do.The thing we love the most about Maranello machines is that, in their quest for speed, they place driving thrills high on the list of priorities. As opposed to the clinical style of McLarens, the look-at-me attitude displayed by Lamborghinis or the balance-obsessed mentality over at Porsche, Ferraris are always ready to give up a tiny bit of their other assets to make the driver as happy as possible.This is one of the reasons the Prancing Horse tries to prevent its halo car from being included in instrumented comparison tests. In fact, if memory serves us well, it took almost two years for the LaFerrari to be featured in a proper comparo also involving the McLaren P1 and the Porsche 918 Spyder (in case you missed it, here's the link to the three-episode feature).And yes, the Ferrari didn't come first in terms of sheer numbers. But it more than made up for the infinitesimal difference thanks to the character treat mentioned above.Returning to the track shenanigan we're talking about here, the video below shows how things go at a Ferrari track day. The footage brings us plenty of action from a recent adventure held by the Ferrari Club The Netherlands, which took place on the TT Assen track. Hit the "play" button below and you'll get to see over 50 Prancing Horses doing their thing. NHTSA The voluntary safety recall targets the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 of the 2014 and 2015 model years. GM will repair the seatbelt tensioners of these pickup trucks with no cost for the owners.Since some of these vehicles are still on dealer lots, even though they are MY2014 and MY2015 vehicles, General Motors has to issue a stop-sale order for those units.The corporation from Detroit discovered the potential problem with the seatbelts of these pickup trucks after performing an internal analysis which monitored warranty data.According to their report, the flexible steel cable that connects the seatbelt to the fixing points on the vehicle can separate over time because of the wear produced as the driver repeatedly bends the wire as they enter the driving post.To the knowledge of General Motors, no injuries or fatalities have occurred because of this issue, and no crashes have been linked to it either. Dealers will enlarge the side shield opening of the seatbelt tensioners, install a bracket on the tensioner, and might even replace the entire assembly if they determine it has sustained abnormal wear.Out of the 1.04 million units General Motors will recall, 895,232 were delivered to US customers, and around 3,000 are on dealer lots. Meanwhile, approximately 142,000 pickup trucks targeted by this recall campaign have been sold outside the United States of America, and these will also be repaired free of charge in the course of this campaign.Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified by General Motors of the service action. If you are the owner of an MY2014/2015 Chevrolet Silverado or GMC Sierra 1500, you can look up your VIN on GMs dedicated owner center or on thes dedicated page to discover if it is part of the recall.The situation described above might be the case for people who acquired the pickups second-hand and did not visit a certified GM dealer after the purchase to enter the companys database. Back in August 2015, three companies entered the bidding war for a Humvee-replacing four-wheel-drive military vehicle because the HMMWV is getting a little bit old now. Those companies are AM General (the creators of the Humvee), Lockheed Martin and Oshkosh. As fate would have it, Oshkosh won the contract. The deal between the US Army and the winning company is said to be worth something in the vicinity of $6.7 billion, money that will go on an initial batch of 17,000 vehicles. Those $6.7 billion could balloon to $30 billion if the US Army wants more vehicles.As reported by the peeps at Defense News , Lockheed Martin lodged a protest over the Accountability Office's decision two weeks after the contract was awarded to Oshkosh, after which the protest was thrown out in December. Lockheed Martin, like the sore loser it is, then filed a lawsuit in the Court of Federal Claims. The problem with this uproar is, Oshkosh couldnt work on the contract during the protest period, idling the program from September to December. Because of this, Oshkosh is behind schedule, which means that the Oshkosh joint light tactical vehicle (JLTV) will hit operational capability in late 2019 or early 2020.A 90-day delay grew into about six- or an eight-month delay just because of the difficulty of rescheduling a test phase that we were going to do, which then impacts the decision date for the full-rate production decision; which, in turn, puts our funding out of phase for the JLTV program, said Thomas Dee, the deputy assistant secretary of Naval Expeditionary Programs and Logistics Management.Introduced in 1984 and with 281,000 units produced to this date, the gray-haired Humvee has proved what it had to prove. Soon enough, the Oshkosh JLTV will start to serve and protect the Red, White and Blue. One of them is called Hyperloop Technologies, and they are on a hiring spree. By the end of 2017, they aspire to triple the number of engineers they hire.This is a massive recruitment challenge, as they are looking for people with expertise in vehicle construction, tooling, engineering, and electric motors.Naturally, every new engineer scouted by them does not need to have experience in all the aforementioned fields, but each must have expertise in at least one of them.Currently, Hyperloop Technologies has a team of 140 engineers, but they want to hire an extra 280 people. They will work on the new prototype track near Las Vegas, which is two miles long.Brogan BamBrogan, a former executive at Chrysler and General Motors, spoke about the project at this years SAE Congress, Automotive News notes. BamBrogan stated, This is real. This is happening. We are developing this technology. We're calling this our Kitty Hawk moment. Naturally, he was referring to the Hyperloop project, which they are building in North Carolina, close to where the Wright Brothers first flew.For those who do not know what Hyperloop is, several companies working on the tech plan to make a network of tunnels which are used by pressurized capsules to enable passenger travel at speeds of up to 700 MPH (1,126 km/h). Elon Musk brought this idea back to light in 2013, but he is not the first business person to mention the concept of rapid transportation without rails, but he did call it hyperloop.Unfortunately, the Hyperloop bandwagon did not come with too much inspiration when naming the companies involved. Currently, Elon Musks SpaceX is building a Hyperloop track near the SpaceX headquarters, but Hyperloop Technologies (HT), the company we talk about in our story, is a different entity and not affiliated with Musk.Another startup involved in this field is called Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HTT, for short), and this one has filed for permits to build a prototype track in Californias Central Valley. Photo courtesy of LeasePlan. LeasePlan USA has implemented an internal organizational restructuring with three new appointments to enhance the customer experience, the fleet management company has announced. "We are leveraging the great talent and skills of our leaders, and placing them in positions that will create great momentum," said Mike Pitcher, president and CEO. "I am looking forward to the future and the continued success of our team. Three new appointments mark this important company realignment." Dube Compliance, privacy, information security and operational risk are some of LeasePlan's top priorities, according to the company. To ensure the safety of clients and their information, the company has appointed Jeff Dube as vice president of security, risk and compliance. Dube was previously a vice president of risk management. "I am committed to continuing our culture of strong ethics and values, and part of this is showing respect for our clients' security and privacy needs," Dube said. "We have the collective expertise to ensure that compliance and information security risks are minimized, and this is something we are very passionate about." LeasePlan has also named Natalie Pierce to the newly created position of vice president of customer experience. Pierce previously worked as vice president of process management and strategic planning. Pierce In her new position, Pierce will analyze direct and indirect customer feedback leading to the execution of business changes that will enhance the overall customer experience. "My job is to listen to the feedback our customers provide and align our processes and products to the needs expressed," Pierce said. "Going forward, my team will work in conjunction with the service delivery teams to create better experiences for our clients and the drivers they support." Maple Pierce will work closely with Sheri Maple, who was recently named vice president of operations for LeasePlan USA's Alpharetta, Ga., headquarters. Maple will lead the vehicle acquisition, license and title, registration services, remarketing and small fleet operations teams. "Teaching my team to look deeper into our processes from the client or driver's perspective will help us see our gaps and find ways to save them time and money," said Maple, who has worked at LeasePlan for 17 years across several areas of the business, including finance, product development and operations. German roads would soon be flooding with self-driving vehicles after Chancellor Angela Merkel recently announced this week that the government vows to put down legal barriers to make it possible. The country is known in the automotive industry as home to some of the biggest car companies in the world, BMW, Volkswagen, and Daimler to name a few. The DailyMail UK reported that Chancellor Merkel advised for the industry to arm itself with a timeframe for the capital in developing self-driving cars. Merkel and the ruling coalition hope to meet towards the end of May this year to talk about future projects, including the auto industry's update. The Chancellor also mentioned that the cabinet could well give the go-signal on the testing of these vehicles with the aid of a legal basis, during a related event in Berlin. "That's not a disputed topic in the coalition," Merkel said. With global companies striving to build prototypes for self-driving transport, the anticipated mass market release for such vehicles won't be until 2020, though. The government is also eyeing the demand for electric cars in the country, according to the publication. In a related report on The Guardian, Hubertus Heil, a senior Social Democrats lawmaker, said that he anticipated the coalition's Yes to the measures presented on Wednesday. "I'm optimistic that we can convince finance minister Wolfgang Schauble tomorrow," Heil said. Last month, Finance Minister Schauble said that although the German government is keen to finding a solution to support the electric car movement, it is not an absolute guarantee for the car industry. The country's industry heads have long since tried all efforts to convince the government on the matter of introducing incentives to raise the demand for EVs, and that they have based on the country's reputation in the global car production market, as per the news agency. A six scene vignette collection anchored by Tarra White's star power. After swimming laps, White's session with a bowling-pin-sized vibe is interrupted by Pascal White spotting her through the window and then stepping inside to join her. The scene that follows is quiet and intense, with her interrupting the blowjob to sit him down for a fuckthen moving back to oral before finally climbing on in reverse cowgirl. Later at her office, Tarra is visibly turned on after a sexy-talk phone call with a male colleague. White slips off her panties and freshens her lipstick as the camera moves to show her playmate is at a nearby desk. He follows her to a storeroom where she challenges him, "I want you to own my assif you can." She heads home to Pascal, her husband, pausing just long enough to blow a tow-truck driver, and finds Pascal, his teen daughter Leyla and a guy named Luke who walks in on Tarra as she is leaving the shower. Tarra languidly towels herself off, saying they're casual here. In short order, Leyla fucks Luke, and the next morning Pascal gets pissy because Leyla is Doing That under his roof. Tarra and Pascal's discussion of Leyla's indiscretion is interrupted by Leyla and Luke having an argument and Luke stomping out. "Problem solved," Tarra chirps. That evening, Tarra runs into Luke and one of his buddies, Max, on a buswhat are the odds?and after some seductive talk she starts sucking Max's dick and purring, "I know what I want, and I want both of you. In my ass." When Luke decides this is too weird for him, he declines, but Max is all in and gets Luke to join in to get back at Leyla. The scene that follows includes a d.p. but not the expected double anal before the two-gun salute over her tits. When Max sends Leyla a selfie of the two of them banging Tarra with a he's-over-you message, Leyla confronts Tarra and Tarra solaces herself by getting gangbanged at the local garage. A punchline at the end implies that the story may not be over even though this DVD is. A showcase for Tarra White, who appears in five of the six scenes. All the performers are able and mostly surgically unaltered, the sex is casualreinforced by the use of condomsand the story is basically a framework for the sex. I have always been baffled by the psychology of paying a company a tidy of sum of money to assure that I get one of the first new-and-improved widgets it proposes to make: the pre-production deposit or, as its popularly known, a position. This is quite common in the aircraft business as most recently demonstrated by Icon. But others have done it, too, including Cirrus and Cessna. The boilerplate reason for pre-production deposits is to validate the very idea of the product and generate excitement around its impending release. Its also a tidy way for the company to get an interest-free loan from its customers who then take on a share of the business risk of bringing the new product to market. In aviation, its technically not always interest-free, since companies sometimes offer a discount to deposit holders. But the risk of losing the deposit, even if escrowed, is always real, which is why Ive never been impressed with the idea. I dont think its a great business practice. For big-ticket items, I thought this practice was limited to airplane companies but now Tesla, the electric carmaker, has adopted it as well. In late March, it starting taking orders for its new Model 3 electric vehicle, the $35,000 sedan priced to be the mass-market game changer. By contemporary standards, thats not an expensive car, but its not particularly cheap, either. A 35K car wouldnt be on my shopping list because I am unapologetically cheap and a car costing that much doesnt meet my occasional need to drive 750-mile trips. The Model 3 will have a projected range of just over 200 miles. As an illustration of the lure of pre-deposits, nearly 400,000 buyers have written Tesla a check for $1000 to reserve a slot. The deposit is refundable, but buyers get no promise of delivery date nor even a fixed price for the new vehicle. Meanwhile, Tesla scoops up an interest-free $400 million to fund the industrial effort to make that many electric cars. To date, theyve built a little over 100,000 vehicles, while losing more than $700 million doing it. Quadrupling that output, as any manufacturing engineer will tell you, is a challenge every bit as enormous as Eclipse faced with its jet and Icon is now facing with its A5 LSA, a vehicle thats far less complex and sophisticated than an electric car. You dont have to be clairvoyant to posit that well be reading stories about how the Model 3 will be delayed because production challenges were underestimated. Id never assume that buyers who place pre-production deposits dont understand this. Probably they do and are willing to accept the risk, delay and uncertainty. Im just not one of them, which is why Im never one of the cool kids on my block to have the first anything. Ill buy it later. Probably used. Does Icon Need Us? Following last weeks discussions about Icon, I found myself wondering why the company showed up at Sun n Fun. Icon has made it quite clear through its marketing materials and company philosophy that its not aiming for sales to the traditional aviation markets; that is, people who like airplanes and flying. The A5 is incidental to flying; the appeal is to the motorsport, extreme sport and lifestyle crowd. And thats not who comes to Sun n Fun, or at least not in great numbers. Icon has implied that the traditional general aviation industry has been doing things all wrong and it intends to disrupt it with a new way of doing business and with products with fresh market appeal and manufacturing methods. And, well, bully for them. General aviation is long past due for new ideas on fundamental market direction. As indicated by its eye-watering buyer agreement which, in my view, attempts to insulate the company from the slightest liability or responsibility for its products, Icon wants to instantly reset the toxic aviation tort environment. Again, cheers for them. Everyone in aviation decries the destructive impact of large-dollar lawsuits that threaten the industrys vitality. Its time to do something about it. I think most of us agree that Icon just went about this in the wrong way, proposing an onerous agreement that appears to strip the customer of even basic rights under accepted commercial practices. But its idea to build in limited liability for the manufacturer has merit and if they tried, theyd find broad support among both buyers and manufacturers for some form of it. As far as I can tell, they didnt try, preferring instead to present the buyer agreement as a diktat. In round two of its arms-length relationship with the rest of general aviation, Id propose Icon enlist the support of other companies to help advance the desirable underlying intent of their liability limitation. One way of doing this is by exploring buyer agreements that split the difference, offering some protection for companies while still preserving basic customer rights, such as unencumbered resale. A second way, as one lawyer I spoke to recommended, is to approach Congress with Icons original agreement as a cudgel, showing how desperate one company is to limit its exposure and how badly tort reform aimed specifically at aviation is needed. I asked AOPAs Mark Baker about this and he said the association is examining the idea. They need to do more than examine, however. While this kind of fundamental reform is a tall order, GA currently enjoys a historically large caucus in congress and there may be no better time to try such a thing. In the meantime, this thought occurred to me: If Icon wants to reset the industry on its own terms, it will in fact need the support of the rest of the industry. Is that another way of saying they need us more than we need them? Read it any way you like. Aero Next Week Fresh from Sun n Fun, Ill be attending Aero in Friedrichshafen, Germany, next week. Look for regular reports on whats happening across the pond. After that, its on to the drone show in New Orleans and the electric aircraft symposium in California. A half decade ago when diesel engines gained some traction as aircraft powerplants, the skeptics got quite a little whisper campaign going by noting that diesel engines could swing only wooden props. Their torque pulses and resonances were just too harsh for the fatigue limits of metal props. The naysayers forgot to mentionor perhaps didnt knowthat wood props cost half what metal ones do, last just as long and, on most engines, run smoother than metal and composite props do. More than a century after the Wrights carved their paddles out of select spruce and while composites continue to make strides, wood as a prop material is, if not enjoying a resurgence, at least holding its own in the propeller market. Surprisingly, if it werent for carefully crafted birch props, more than a few edge-of-tech UAVs would be beached. In fact, the rise of robotic flight has pushed propeller design forward across the board, technology thats trickled down into the civil market from drones to airline turboprops. For many Experimental aircraft, prop material choice spans the spectrum: wood, metal or composite. But for some airplanes, wood is the only practical choice, for economic and, in the case of our recently re-engined J-3C Cub, aesthetic reasons. No self-respecting Cub driver would be caught dead explaining away a composite prop on a classic yellow bear. When our Cub recently tanked its A-65 Continental, we upgraded to an A-75 and that required a replacement prop in order to generate the required rpm. That seemed like the perfect opportunity to visit nearby Sensenich Propeller for a look at how wooden props are made. As is so often the case with legacy aviation technology, wooden prop manufacture is an amalgam of traditional woodworking technique and state-of-the-art digital production methods. The Prop Market Sensenich holds onto a piece of the propeller market for Experimentals, although its unclear how big that piece is. Sensenich general manager Don Rowell told us hed like it to be bigger, but the company finds plenty of competition against other wooden prop makers plying the Experimental market, not to mention composite manufacturers, who enjoy favorable economics since theyre free to develop props without the constraints and expense of FAA certification. Nonetheless, Sensenich is happy to prop any engine up to about 225 horsepower and actually builds props for legacy radial engines larger than that. Whats the attraction of wood? What it always was. Wood is relatively cheap, its properties are well understood and although labor costs are higher than for metal or composite, as a material, its predictable and readily workable. Rowell describes the economics as three tiered. Metal props are basically high materials costs and lower labor costs. You have a forging and thats a significant investment in forging dies, he explains. For a wood prop, the materials costs are relatively low. But theres a very high labor cost. You do have to start from bare wood, CNC it to a profile and hand carve it, he says. Composites are exactly between the two; lower labor costs than wood, but higher than metal. For composites, materials cost is not a key driver. Theres a bottom line for everything and wood comes out ahead here. For certified aircraft with low output engines, wood is a no brainer. It costs less than half as much as an equivalent metal prop. For Experimentals, the price delta may be a little less because E/AB props dont carry the cert overhead load. Composite propsmany of which are actually wood cores clad in compositedwell between wood and metal in price. Wood excels in two other characteristics. A wood prop naturally damps harmonics. It eats them up and dissipates them. A metal prop is like a tuning fork, it takes a harmonic and really enhances it and you can feel that back in the airframe. A composite prop, again, is in the middle. It doesnt damp as well as wood, but it doesnt enhance harmonics like a metal prop does, Rowell explains. Sensenich conducts vibration analysis on all its props, even the Experimental-only models which, technically, dont require it. Rowell says in his 35 years at Sensenich, hes only seen two instances in which a wooden prop developed sympathetic vibration that required redesign. You really dont see resonances in wood. Its very, very rare. Occasionally you can see flutter, but generally you dont even see that, he adds. Pilots who have flown the same engine/airframe combination with both wood and metal are quite likely to notice the difference. Metal props, no matter how well designed and balanced, tend to have harsh spots at certain rpms. Theres a fallacy out there that you have to get rid of the harmonics, but you cant. Theyre there in every propeller. If the frequency is higher than we would like, well try to move that frequency where you just go through it; its not somewhere where you operate, Rowell says. But wood simply soaks up the vibes. It soaks up something else, too: prop strike energy. Youre going to have occasional prop strikes and a wood prop acts like a fuse. It breaks very easily so you wont have sudden engine stoppage and damage to internal components the way you will with metal, Rowell explains. Composite props dont do quite as well because the composite cladding adds stiffness. But thats a tradeoff, too. A stiffer composite prop can accommodate a couple of inches of pitch over a comparable wooden prop, thanks to the additional stiffness. Building in Wood Sensenich builds between 3000 and 4500 props a year, an output made more impressive by the fact that the factory employs only 30 people in a relatively compact 12,500 square feet not too far from the Plant City Airport in Florida. If it werent for all those props stacked around in various stages of completion, Sensenich would look like a moderate-sized cabinet shop, albeit one with a few digital upgrades. Whats most noticeable is the large number of small, unrecognizable propsproduction carts full of them. Decorative props for the pedal airplane market, perhaps? Nope, UAV props by the dozen. As with every other airplane-related manufacturing entity, Sensenich has been touched by the burgeoning UAV market, which, at least for small in-theatre tactical drones, tends to go through props like candy through a kid. Sensenich has also developed processes to build props using internal pressure molding technology and carbon fiber. Very trick. This method finds application in the Light Sport and Experiment segments, but probably wont migrate to certified aircraft. The certification costs are just too high for the return, according to Sensenich. Sensenich does use this method for airboat props, which constitute a large portion of its business and the reason that part of the factory was moved from Pennsylvania to Florida in 1990. Composite work aside, building a wooden prop is basic laminate woodworking, shaping and carving. As would be expected, Sensenich has a vast library of prop designs, which exist both as drawings and tables of specs kept in binders on the shop floor. The specs describe overall dimensions for each prop, blade width and, critically, chordwise blade angle at a series of defined stations along the blade span. Each prop begins with a glue-up of three to as many as 12 plies for the largest props, ranging in thickness up to about a half inch, but usually less. Sensenich uses yellow birchbetula alleghaniensisfor both its workability, but also its exceptional shear strength; few commercial timbers beat birchs shear numbers. Hard maple has also been used, and around the shop, youll see the occasional walnut decorative prop winding through the production process. For the laminating process, Sensenich uses old school resorcinol, the original urea formaldehyde glue developed for the lamination work in the de Havilland Mosquito during WW-II. During my days as a commercial cabinetmaker, I had used resorcinol for some outdoor millwork, but I was surprised to see it was still in use. But Rowell says for making props, the glue has unbeatable characteristics, even though its getting harder to obtain. When mixed, resorcinol is the color of dried blood and in the visible glue lines of a prop, it appears as dark red, almost black. Its considered waterproof and doesnt degrade much with age. Machines First, Hands Last Every wooden prop begins with the raw lumber, with the props rough shape marked out on birch boards with templates that have been in the company for years. The marked-out planks are roughly sawn to shape, then glued up into rough-laminated propeller blanks. Sensenich has custom presses to compress the lams while the resorcinol cures. Back in the day, the cured blank was largely hand carved with various woodworking edge tools, but Sensenich soon developed a hand-operated duplicating router that relied on a template to get the rough shape right. Rowell compares it to a large-scale key cutter. But all of that has been replaced with CNC technology that first automatically machines the hub and mounting bolts to serve as a datum for future operations and then by a CNC router that zips the blank to within 0.050 inch of its final profile within a matter of 30 or 40 minutes. The blanks are clamped into the router three at a time and once the button is pushed, the technician goes on to other work while the carving carries on robotically. Although the props emerging from this process appear finished, theyre not quite there yet. The machine routing just isnt capable of the precise profiles called for in Sensenichs drawings, so the props move on to hand carving stations where the finish work is done. Its all hand-eye work with razor-sharp spokeshaves and a series of templates and protractors that match the precise blade angle called for at up to nine stations along each blades length. For handwork, the tolerances are fairly demanding. At the inboard stations, hes got 0.090 above drawing and 0.060 under. Outboard, where the blade is thinner, theres no tolerance under, but 0.030 over, Rowell explains. Birch isnt a nasty roey wood like ash or beech, but will chip out under an edge tool, so the craftsman has to know both his tool and the wood. A pneumatic orbital sander at every station tamps down the chip-outs and brings the prop to its final profile. After carving to the final profile, the prop is ready for finishing or composite cladding, which happens in a separate cool room inside the shop. Rowell said 75% of what the Florida shop manufactures has composite covering of some kind. They use a wet layup process with fiberglass, carbon fiber or Kevlar. Although a painted composite prop has the look of a thick layer of cladding, the covering is actually quite thin; only two plies of 0.089-inch thick 9-ounce fiberglass for typical aircraft props. Rowell says Kevlar has proven highly successful for airboat props because its so resistant to FOD passing through the prophats, sunglasses, beer cans and the occasional starter or alternator. Ive seen airboat props come in here for repair that would have exploded if they didnt have the Kevlar, he says. This material may find its way onto aircraft props eventually, but so far, it hasnt. Final Touches Before leaving the factory, every Sensenich wooden prop gets some final touches. Youve probably noticed that many wooden props have painted tips, but in Sensenich products, thats actually aircraft-grade cotton glued and painted, then covered with varnish. Sensenich developed this technique years ago as a low-tech means of protecting the tips against erosion and FOD damage. The props leading edges also get protection in the form of either an inlaid urethane leading edge or an applied brass edge thats screwed and riveted in place. To create a smooth, finished look, the fasteners are countersunk and then filled with solder. Most wooden props are finished clear with marine spar varnish, and theres an option to have the back of the prop painted black to reduce glare. Sensenich has tried other finishes on props, Rowell says, but as with the resorcinol glue, old school still works best so theyve stuck with spar varnish. On boat brightwork, the spar varnish often gets renewed every year, but on props, it lasts for years. Thats probably because most wooden props areor should behangared, and thus dont see much UV light, which breaks down the varnish surface film. To help protect against that, Sensenich recommends regular coating with ordinary automotive paste wax. And by the way, Sensenich says its okay to fly wooden props in the rain. The metal leading edge will protect against edge erosion, and the finish is robust enough to resist rain damage. They do, however, recommend throttling back to reduce even minimal erosion. How long can a wooden prop last? Theres no specific overhaul period for wooden props as there are for metal designs; and, technically, wood cant be overhauled since there are no specs for post-overhaul performance checks, as there are with engines. Wooden props can, however, be stripped and reconditioned and also, if necessary, rebalanced and even re-tracked. Where a metal props tracking can be adjusted by bending the blades, thats not an option on wooden props, so the hub surface is minutely machined to adjust tracking angle. Warping of the bladesa relative rarityis a certain killer of a wooden prop. Thats why when one is removed, it should be stored sitting flat in a temperature-controlled environment, and on an idle airplane, the prop should be rotated to the horizontal. That keeps moisture from migrating into the end grain exposed inside the hub bore. If it sounds like a properly cared for wooden prop can last almost forever, that may not be too much of an exaggeration. Sensenich sees its share of 50-year-old props arriving for refinishing that perform as well as they did the day they first left the factory. Wouldnt it be nice if you could say that about everything in aviation? This article oriiginally appeared in the April 2014 issue of Kitplanesmagazine. Read More from Kitplanes, and learn how to receive your FREE copy of The Annual Homebuilt Buyers Guide. 15 April 2016 14:00 (UTC+04:00) By Nazrin Gadimova Despite unfavorable forecasts issued by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Yerevan keeps feeding its fellow citizens with empty promises, which are just the opposite of reality. Being frightened with the unstable situation in the country, Armenias authorities try to convince everyone both citizens and the international community that Armenia has been and remains one of the most safe' countries. Thus, the newly appointed Armenian Economy Minister Artsvik Minasyan said, currently, the country is carrying out large-scale actions to attract foreign direct investment. The IMF, a leading financial institution, worsened the forecast of growth of the Armenian economy from 2.2 percent to 1.9 percent in 2016. Moreover, the experts expect Armenian unemployment to increase up to 18.2 percent in 2016. Armenia lost a million able-bodied citizens in a quarter century and this figure continues to grow. Garik Hayrapetyan, the representative of the Armenian office of the UN Population Fund, said although a small positive migration balance was recorded in 2006-2007, after the 2008 crisis, the situation deteriorated again. The migration balance became negative, accounting for about 30,000 people per year, he stressed. Moreover, 3,669 cases of divorce were registered in Armenia in 2015. Vanik Babajanyan, head of Demography Department at the Labor and Social Affairs Ministry, in turn, noted that migration and the formation of the so-called remote families have become a major cause of divorces in Armenia. "The situation is developing in two scenarios. Either families move to the migrants and this further improves migration performance, or they form new families, which leads to a large number of divorces, Babajanyan believes. Most of the Armenian population left their homeland looking for well-paid job or for job in general. For the first time in nearly 40 years, the population of Armenia fell below the level of 3 million according to the Armenian Statistics Agency. In 2015, the countrys population decreased by 12,000 people, while during the last five years it decreased by 35,000 people, and since gaining independence in 1991 by 634,700 people. Thus, based on the 2011 census, 2.9 million people live in the country as of January 1, 2016. The phenomenon of emigration is systemic due to Armenias political, economic, social, moral and psychological state, some experts believe. Poverty, corruption, economic difficulties, social vulnerability, external debt and destruction are the main reasons that force people to leave their homes. In fact, labor migration is an ordinary practice for survival. While the government has no action plan to improve the situation, high-level corruption and monopoly retain the economic development of the country. The regular protests staged in the capital and regions face brutal police treatment, leaving no hope for better life in the regions poorest country. Minasyans statements do not reflect a real situation that reigns over Armenia. Now every citizen in Armenian understands that this mendacious policy may lead to state power crisis when no one will take countrys government seriously. -- Nazrin Gadimova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @NazrinGadimova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2016 12:00 (UTC+04:00) By Nazrin Gadimova Azerbaijans National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) has launched demining operations to detonate unexploded ordnances (UXOs) in villages adjacent to the front-line area. As a result of monitoring held in Gapanli village of Azerbaijans Terter region, field engineers examined the courtyards of houses and detonated unexploded ordinances. Gapanli village has suffered of enemy's aggression over many years. During the recent provocations in Nagorno-Karabakh, the village has become the main target of the Armenian belligerent army. Within three days, Armenian armed forces have fired Gapanli, targeting mainly civilians using heavy artillery weapons. ANAMA found seven shells in the yard of villager Elnur Mammadov and as a result both living spaces and auxiliary buildings suffered. We have examined about 100 shell holes, as well as found and defused 36 unexploded ordinances, ANAMA representative Babek Mirzayev told media, calling the villagers to be more careful. "We ask everyone to report to relevant bodies about detected suspicious objects, he said. The ANAMA-held demininig operations are currently in Terter, Agdam, Fuzuli and Goranboy regions of Azerbaijan. The agency could find and detonate four exploded and 19 unexploded ordnances while monitoring seven houses, two planted areas and one farm. In general, ANAMA defused 49 unexploded ordnances in the front-line area from April 7 to April 14. On the night of April 2, 2016, Armenia subjected all the frontier positions of Azerbaijan to heavy fire using large-caliber weapons, mortars and grenade launchers. The armed clashes resulted in deaths and injuries among the Azerbaijani population. As a result of the shelling 32 settlements, six civilians were killed, including two children under 16 years, and 26 residents were wounded. Great damage was caused to public and private property, civil infrastructure, 232 houses, 99 poles for power transmission lines, three electrical substations, water mains and gas pipelines length in kilometers were seriously damaged or destroyed. Missiles bombed schools, hospitals and other social infrastructure - schools, hospitals, and mosques. The assessment of the damage caused to civilians and to objects. Military operations were stopped on the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian armies on Apr. 5 at 12:00 (UTC/GMT + 4 hours) with the consent of the sides. However, Armenia has ignored the agreement and started violating the ceasefire again. -- Nazrin Gadimova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @NazrinGadimova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2016 18:11 (UTC+04:00) By Nazrin Gadimova Armenia, to the detriment of the peace process to resolve the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, has initiated the provocation that led to the outbreak of large-scale military operations and resulted in victims among civilians. Azerbaijan's Permanent Mission to the OSCE made a statement as part of a meeting held in Vienna on April 14. "To prevent the provocations and to ensure the safety of the civilian population, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces have taken effective counter-measures, the statement reads. Azerbaijans Mission further welcomed Russias mediation efforts that helped to reach an agreement on restoration of the ceasefire on April 5. Expressing regret that the Armenian side is taking advantage of the OSCE in order to disseminate false accusations against Azerbaijan, the mission urged the OSCE member countries and the OSCE Minsk Group to persuade Armenia to strictly observe the ceasefire. Instead of having to engage in the negotiations, Armenia attempts to regroup its forces, the representatives of the mission believe. Continuing occupation of Azerbaijani territories by the Armenian forces is a major source of violence. Events of the early April showed that the lack of substantive negotiations and hope for a fragile ceasefire is an error of judgment. Azerbaijan is ready to continue the negotiations towards a political settlement of the conflict, the statement reads. Armenia launched military attacks against Azerbaijan on April 2. To protect civilian population, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces launched counter attacks and as a result, the Azerbaijani troops retook hills around the village of Talish, as well as Seysulan settlement, and also took under control Lele Tepe hill located in the direction of Fizuli region. The armed clashes resulted in deaths and injuries among the Azerbaijani population. Azerbaijan responded with a counter-attack, which led to liberation of several strategic heights and settlements. Since April 2, when tensions on the contact line of the Azerbaijani and Armenian troops aggravated, Azerbaijani troops have destroyed more than 370 enemy soldiers, 12 tanks, 12 armored vehicles and 15 artillery pieces. Military operations were stopped on the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian armies on April 5 at 12:00 (UTC/GMT + 4 hours) with the consent of the sides. However, ignoring the agreement, the Armenian side again started violating the ceasefire. -- Nazrin Gadimova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @NazrinGadimova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2016 15:00 (UTC+04:00) By Aynur Karimova The population living in the territories controlled by the government of the war-torn Syria went to the parliamentary polls on April 13 to elect 250 MPs, on the same day when the second round of UN-backed peace talks kicked off in Geneva. Only government-controlled areas took part in the elections, where the population has shrunk to around 8 million from the country's pre-war demography of 24.5 million. This is the second parliamentary election held by the government in wartime. The decision to hold the parliamentary elections on the same day with the start of peace talks is considered by several experts as a signal that President Bashar al-Assad has no plans to step aside, which is a key demand of the opposition delegation at the negotiations. Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad has already underscored Assads position, saying the opposition should abandon the dream of a transitional government. "Such a plan will never be acceptable," he said in his recent interview. Meanwhile, the High Negotiations Committee, an umbrella group that represents the Syrian opposition in Geneva, believes that "the Assad regime will do whatever it can to undermine and derail the political process," and has called the April 13 election a "farce." Now the opposition demands holding "free elections in Syria after the political transition," which is a main topic of Geneva talks. Meanwhile, Bashar al-Jaafari, the government's head negotiator, has already announced that the government's delegation will visit Geneva and he will give a keynote speech in New Jersey to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Syria's full independence from French rule. Thus, the message to the international community is clear: the Assad regime is the only legitimate government of Syria, and the recapture of Palmyra by the state army from the so-called Islamic State was a key point in voicing this message. Assad regime sees Palmyra victory as a hope to rehabilitate him as national hero valiantly fighting IS terrorism. The restoration of Palmyra, the crown jewel in Syria's tourism industry, will now be the flagship project for rebuilding Syria. Election slogans also echo the mantra "Together, hand in hand, we will rebuild Syria." Both Russian and Iranian parliamentarians were in Damascus to support the elections and declare their readiness to be "a real partner to their Syrian counterparts in the post-crisis reconstruction stage". Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov believes that Syria's parliamentary elections aim to avoid a legal vacuum before early elections are held under a new constitution. "The Syrian sides will have to agree on a new constitution, on how they see the structures needed to ensure a steady transition to a new system," he said on April 13 in a news briefing. "There is an understanding already that a new constitution should emerge as a result of this political process, on the basis of which new, early elections are to be held." He reiterated that a political transition, which includes drafting a new constitution and holding another round of elections, remains key elements of ending the five-year-long war. The spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova noted in her Facebook account that the Syrian parliamentary election is a major factor of stabilization in the country. She also mentioned that the polling is absent from EU media coverage. However, no any country except Russia and Iran recognized these elections. Western states denounced the poll as illegitimate. They said the election was out of line with a U.N. Security Council resolution that calls for elections at the end of an 18-month transition. "The decision of the regime to hold elections is a measure of how divorced it is from reality. They cannot buy back legitimacy by putting up a flimsy facade of democracy," said a spokesperson for the British government. France said the elections were a "sham" organized by "an oppressive regime". French President Francois Hollande went as far as saying that "the idea that there could be elections is not just provocative but totally unrealistic. It would be proof that there are no negotiations or discussions [in Geneva]." Germany, like France, has refused to give legitimacy to Syria's elections, saying in part that the current conflict there makes it impossible to hold "free and fair elections." German Foreign Ministry spokesman Martin Schaefer went on to say that the "German government will not recognize the results of these elections." The U.S. State Department spokesperson, Mark Toner said that the U.S. would view those elections as not legitimate in the sense that they dont represent the will of the Syrian people. So, to hold parliamentary elections now, given the current circumstances, given the current conditions in the country, we believe is at best premature and not representative of the Syrian people, Toner noted. Geneva talks starts with new hopes The UN Syria envoy, Staffan de Mistura opened a new round of peace talks on April 13 to renew pledges for supporting a ceasefire that had been shaken by serious incidents but "not a bushfire". The aim of de Mistura, who has called the peace talks "flexible," is to achieve UN-supervised elections within 18 months, where all Syrians can vote. "In spite of the several and serious incidents, the cessation of hostilities is still holding, particularly when we compare to what used to be," de Mistura told reporters in Geneva. He believes that the repeated "incidents" would damage confidence in the partial ceasefire, which began on February 27 and does not include the IS or al-Qaeda linked groups. Since the first round of talks ended on March 24, de Mistura has traveled to Moscow, Damascus, Tehran and Amman. He said officials in all four capitals had indicated support and interest in a discussion aiming at a political transition in Syria. "None of them actually expressed any doubt that is the priority and the agenda." The opposition High Negotiations Committee Head, Asaad al-Zoubi believes that establishing a transitional governing body is the top priority this time around. The delegation representing the Assad government is expected to arrive in Geneva on April 15 after vote-counting from parliamentary elections. The conflict which started in 2011 has killed more than 250,000 people and created millions of refugees, dividing Syria into a several areas controlled by the government, an array of rebels, a powerful Kurdish militia, and the IS group. The Damascus government controls around one third of Syria, including the main cities in the west, home to the bulk of Syrians who have not fled the country. The UN puts the number of Syrian refugees abroad at 5.8 million. A partial truce, agreed in February 2016, had helped bring the fighting sides to Geneva. However, renewed fighting in south of Aleppo has violated the ceasefire to breaking point. The sides have blamed each other for ceasefire violations. Meanwhile, experts are optimistic about the fruitfulness of the second round of Geneva talks that will focus on political transition and a stable political process in Syria. They say if increased ceasefire violations have not disrupted the peace process until now, neither will the provocative offensives of Jabhat al-Nusra and its rebel groups achieve it. -- Aynur Karimova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter @Aynur_Karimova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2016 11:38 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli The Special Session on First Ladies' Leadership on Cancer Control was held in Istanbul, as part of the 13th Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on April 14. Azerbaijani First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended the event. Addressing the event, the First Lady expressed her deep appreciation for the organization of the session dedicated to such an important topic of many countries. The purpose of our meeting is to give our peoples detailed information about cancer -- one of the most serious diseases worldwide," she said. "Despite the mankind has faced with this problem for many years, there are still many erroneous opinions about the disease and its treatment, she explained. She added that to prevent the disease specialists are making efforts for its early detection, and use a variety of means for treatment. In today's world, cancer is not just a health issue but also an issue concerning social, economic, environmental and education spheres. In the period of independence, Azerbaijan has taken important steps in this direction. We created a modern National Cancer Center in our country. For the first time in the region, children's cancer clinic was created. We want to ensure the treatment of our patients using modern equipment for the early diagnosis and treatment of disease, she said. Azerbaijans First Lady stressed that oncologists in Azerbaijan could make great strides in this direction. However, they, like all over the world, often can only alleviate the suffering of people affected by this disease, she said, adding that cancers are the second leading cause of mortality in the country, as in many countries. Addressing the event, Turkey's First Lady Emine Erdogan stressed the importance of holding of the 13th Summit in Istanbul and said that she was glad to see First Ladies of the Islamic countries. She said there are common issues of interest for the Muslim community. Mrs. Erdogan noted that the fighting the disease must be an important issue for the world. Stressing the possibility of preventing and treating cancer, she offered to create a data bank, as a first step. The meeting called on the international community to consolidate efforts, emphasizing that only a joint struggle with cancer can be effective. The meeting in particular stressed the role of diagnostics in fighting the disease. Speaking on the achievement of substantial progress in the field of cancer research, the participants noted the importance of finding ways to speed up the progress in this field and outlind the need to implement more intensive data exchange between scientists. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2016 14:37 (UTC+04:00) By Aynur Karimova Azerbaijan and Turkey, the two fraternal countries and strategic partners, have hailed the friendly and partnership relations. Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met in Istanbul on April 14 to discuss some important issues on bilateral agenda. The sides stressed the importance of the 13th Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which brought together more than 30 heads of state. President Aliyev praised excellent organization of the Summit and wished Turkey success during its chairmanship of the OIC. The sides also exchanged views over the recent developments on the frontline in the Nagorno-Karabakh. On the sidelines of the summit President Aliyev also met with his Iranian counterpart President Hassan Rouhani to mull the dynamic development of bilateral and multilateral relations between Baku and Tehran and their cooperation in various fields. They stressed the broad opportunities for developing cooperation, and importance of intensifying reciprocal visits and meetings in this regard. During the meeting they had an exchange of views over the last developments on the line of contact of the Armenian and Azerbaijani troops in the beginning of April. President Aliyev said Azerbaijan does not want war. "But we had to retaliate the provocative actions of the Armenian military units," he stressed. The discussions also focused on cooperation in oil and gas field. The sides underlined the importance of continuing the negotiations to determine the legal status of the Caspian Sea. It was noted that this would contribute to elevating the relations between the two countries in political, security and other fields to a higher level. The two presidents also discussed the development of the relations and cooperation in a variety of areas, including visa regime, tourism, financial and e-banking sectors, fight against extremism, terrorism and radicalism. Later, President Aliyev met with the UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Jeffrey Feltman. During the meeting the sides emphasized close cooperation between Azerbaijan and the UN and its agencies. They described the 7th Global Forum of Alliance of Civilizations to be co-organized in Baku by Azerbaijan and the UN as a good sign of this cooperation. The sides in particular noted the importance of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's participation in this Forum both for Azerbaijan and the region. The visit of the UN Secretary General to Azerbaijan would be a significant message of peace, stability and security to the world. They exchanged views over settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. It was noted that a message to be given by Ban Ki-moon in Baku would be important in terms of resolution of the conflict and prevention of Armenia's provocative actions. Later, a reception was hosted on behalf of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his spouse Emine Erdogan in honor of the heads of state and government, who attended the 13th Summit of the OIC. President Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended the reception. President Aliyev also attended another dinner reception was hosted on behalf of Turkish Premier Davutoglu in honor of participants of the Summit. On April 15, President Aliyev and his spouse Mehriban Aliyeva ended a working visit to Turkey. -- Aynur Karimova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter @Aynur_Karimova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2016 12:37 (UTC+04:00) Brussels hosted bilateral consultations between Azerbaijan and Belgium on April 14. Within the framework of these consultations, Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Khalaf Khalafov visited Ministry of European Affairs and the Belgian Federal Parliament, Azertac state news agency reports. High-ranking officials of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs of Belgium attended the meetings. The meeting discussed current state of and prospects for relations between Azerbaijan and Belgium. The participants exchanged views on the issues as implementation of bilateral high-level visits in the coming period, economic relations, consulate, fight against terrorism, energy cooperation, Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Azerbaijan-EU relations, also international and regional problems. On behalf of the Azerbaijani government, Khalafov expressed condolences in connection with the deaths of many people, as a result of terrorist acts committed on 22 March in Brussels and emphasized Azerbaijans support to Belgium in the fight against terrorism. The deputy foreign minister also informed about the international and regional energy and transport projects being implemented on the initiative and participation of Azerbaijan, recalling the representing of Belgian Fluxsus company with 19.6 percent share in TAP Project. Khalafov noted great potential of representation of Belgian companies in Azerbaijan. Appreciating consultations, the Belgian side stressed that it would contribute to further development of the existing cooperation, as well harmonization of positions on regional and international issues. They also expressed support to negotiations on the strategic partnership agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan. Following the discussions, the sides agreed to hold such bilateral consultations every two years in Baku and Brussels. The meeting with Dirk Van Der Maelen, chairman of Belgian Federal Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, discussed the role of inter-parliamentary cooperation in developing relations between the two countries. Azerbaijani deputy foreign minister informed about formation of a Working Group of 13 MPs on Azerbaijan-Belgium inter-parliamentary relations in Azerbaijani Parliament, that proposes to hold exchange of visits between the parliaments of both countries. Dirk Van Der Maelen said that there is a need to strengthen inter-parliamentary relations between the two countries and expressed his full support for this initiative. During the meeting, Khalafov highlighted the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, latest incidents on the frontline and called Belgian MPs to refrain from trips to Azerbaijan's occupied territories. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2016 14:16 (UTC+04:00) Europeans have demonstrated inability and lack of commitment in resolving the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, U.S. expert Ariel Cohen believes. Since the Bush senior administration through Bill Clinton administration and Bush administration, the U.S. had a policy of commitment to South Caucasus, the policy of keeping its friends and allies - Georgia, Azerbaijan and Armenia as independent nation-states increasingly integrating, said Cohen, who is the founder of International Market Analysis Ltd., director of the Center for Energy, Natural Resources and Geopolitics, and senior fellow at the Institute for Analysis of Global Security. Unfortunately, since 2008 and 2009 there has been a slow deterioration of this commitment, Cohen added addressing an event titled 'Syria and the South Caucasus: Emerging Threats to Turkish and NATO Security', held at the Heritage Foundation. He pointed out that the West has very few observers on Nagorno-Karabakh. The expert believes that the West should renew its commitment to settling of the crisis between Armenia and Azerbaijan on the basis of international law and liberating the Azerbaijani territories occupied by Armenia. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. Cohen also talked about the significance of the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) and Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) projects, which are the parts of the Southern Gas Corridor. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2016 14:23 (UTC+04:00) By Nazrin Gadimova Azerbaijans Defense Ministry has informed NATO about Armenian provocations towards Azerbaijan, its citizens and settlements along the contact line of troops. As part of a briefing organized by the ministry on April 15, William Lahue, the head of the NATO Liaison Office to South Caucasus, was presented information about massive damages caused to the residents of the villages adjacent to the front-line area. Moreover, the ministry provided detailed information about the retaliatory measures taken by Azerbaijan's Armed Forces on the frontline to prevent Armenia's provocations and to ensure the security of Azerbaijan's civilian population. Lahue has also been presented material reflecting the reality of recent incidents and the facts proving Armenian disinformation. On the night of April 2, all the frontier positions of Azerbaijan were subjected to heavy fire from large-caliber weapons, mortars, grenade launchers and guns. Azerbaijani settlements near the contact line, densely populated by civilians, were fired at as well. The armed clashes resulted in deaths and injuries among the Azerbaijani population. As a result of the shelling 32 settlements, six civilians were killed, including two children under 16 years, and 26 residents were wounded. As a result of the counter-attack, the heights near the village of Talish, which were posing a threat to the Goranboy district and Naftalan city, as well as the Seysulan settlement, have been cleared of the enemy forces. In order to protect the city of Horadiz, the Azerbaijani army took the height Lele Tepe under its control, which allowed to carry out supervision of a large area. Great damage was caused to public and private property, civil infrastructure, 232 houses, 99 poles for power transmission lines, three electrical substations, water mains and gas pipelines length in kilometers were seriously damaged or destroyed. Missiles bombed schools, hospitals and other social infrastructure - schools, hospitals, and mosques. The assessment of the damage caused to civilians and to objects. Military operations were stopped on the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian armies on Apr. 5 at 12:00 (UTC/GMT + 4 hours) with the consent of the sides. However, Armenia has ignored the agreement and started violating the ceasefire again. -- Nazrin Gadimova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @NazrinGadimova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2016 15:49 (UTC+04:00) The recent visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to the U.S. was successful, the U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Robert Cekuta told The Voice of America. "The point was also made by the Secretary and by the Vice President of welcoming and recognizing the steps that Azerbaijan has been taking and that we hope for further steps in this direction, this positive direction," he noted. The diplomat believes that this is a mile post. "This is a sign of both countries working together, having made progress, looking for further progress, and looking to work together to move ahead, to deal with a number of issues that affect both our countries and have important regional implications," Cekuta added. Touching upon the decrease in oil prices, the ambassador noted that the U.S. can share its experience in this sphere. Cekuta, speaking about the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, shared his ideas on what is needed for the conflict's settlement. "Right now, the important thing is that both sides scrupulously, strictly adhere to the ceasefire and work with the OSCE Minsk Group, with the co-chairs, to find a way forward to a comprehensive settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict," he said adding that "what the Minsk Group is about, what the co-chairs are doing, is to try to facilitate that." On the night of April 2, 2016, all the frontier positions of Azerbaijan were subjected to heavy fire from the Armenian side, which used large-caliber weapons, mortars and grenade launchers. The armed clashes resulted in deaths and injuries among the Azerbaijani population. Azerbaijan responded with a counter-attack, which led to liberation of several strategic heights and settlements. Military operations were stopped on the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian armies on Apr. 5 at 12:00 (UTC/GMT + 4 hours) with the consent of the sides, Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry earlier said. Ignoring the agreement, the Armenian side again started violating the ceasefire. 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 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2016 17:07 (UTC+04:00) The recent escalation of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict started with the Armenian provocation. This was stated by former Israeli foreign minister and leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu (Israel is Our Home) party, Avigdor Lieberman, in an interview with the newsru.co.il news website. He said that Azerbaijan had no need to escalate the conflict. "The Azerbaijani side acted in a quite balanced and responsible manner at the talks that involved representatives of Russia and the U.S.," Lieberman noted. "There are no reasons for escalating the conflict." On the night of April 2, 2016, all the frontier positions of Azerbaijan were subjected to heavy fire from the Armenian side, which used large-caliber weapons, mortars and grenade launchers. The armed clashes resulted in deaths and injuries among the Azerbaijani population. Azerbaijan responded with a counter-attack, which led to liberation of several strategic heights and settlements. Military operations were stopped on the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian armies on April 5 at 12:00 (UTC/GMT + 4 hours) with the consent of the sides, Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry earlier said. Ignoring the agreement, the Armenian side again started violating the ceasefire. 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 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2016 18:35 (UTC+04:00) By Nazrin Gadimova Azerbaijan has always supported peaceful settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Ogtay Asadov, Azerbaijans Parliamentary Chairman, made the remark as part of the plenary session of the Parliament on April 15. However, during the recent developments on the contact line of the troops, Azerbaijani Armed Forces proved that they are able to resolve the conflict in a military way as well, he stressed. We have not waged a war, but only responded to the provocation of Armenia, Asadov said. This is an important moment to force Armenia to the peace. Now, the negotiations are underway and I would like to believe that this issue will be resolved. Earlier, Hikmet Hajiyev, Spokesperson for Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry, said Azerbaijan has always been in favor of substantive negotiations towards a comprehensive agreement in the conflict resolution process. He made the remark commenting on statement issued by James Warlick, the OSCE Minsk Group's U.S. Co-chair. By continuing provocative actions leading to escalation of tension, Armenia avoids the substantive negotiations and tries to maintain the existing status quo by any means, Hajiyev believes. Today, everyone understands that exactly Armenias leadership prevents safeguarding peace, stability and prosperity," he stressed. Earlier, Warlick told local media that the mediators and co-chairing countries called on the parties to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict to take measures to comply with the ceasefire and immediately start negotiations on a peace agreement. Azerbaijan has repeatedly stated that the country stands for the peaceful solution of the long lasting conflict. To prevent Armenian provocations launched on the contact line of troops on April 2, Azerbaijan responded with a counter-attack, which led to liberation of several strategic heights and settlements. Immediately after the escalation on the frontline, the OSCE Minsk Group, the sole negotiator to the conflict, has expressed concern over the situation. Through the mediation of the Russia, the parties to the conflict reached the ceasefire agreement, but ignoring all the commitments, Armenian armed units have continued to breach the fragile truce. As a result of Armenias aggressive actions, six Azerbaijani civilians were killed, including two children under 16 years, and 26 residents were wounded. Moreover, massive shelling caused great damage to public and private property, as well as civil infrastructure. Elmira Suleymanova, Azerbaijans Human Rights Commissioner, believes that Armenia has grossly violated the Geneva Conventions and its obligations to other international documents while committing these military crimes. 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 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. -- Nazrin Gadimova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @NazrinGadimova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2016 17:47 (UTC+04:00) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he supports Azerbaijan in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the TV channel TRT Haber reported on April 15. He made the remarks at the closing ceremony of the 13th Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Erdogan said he doesn't understand why the OSCE Minsk Group has not yet settled the conflict. The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2016 17:15 (UTC+04:00) Embassy of Romania, which fulfills the mandate of NATO Contact Point Embassy in the Republic of Azerbaijan for the fourth time in a row, organized a roundtable on NATO-Azerbaijan partnership: current state of affairs and perspectives on April 15. The event was attended by ambassadors, Defence Attaches and senior diplomats from Embassies of NATO countries in Baku and NATO Liaison Office for South Caucasus. Opening the roundtable Romanian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Daniel Cristian Ciobanu underlined that South Caucasus region has a strategic importance for North-Atlantic Alliance. Baku is a very important and highly valued partner for NATO. He informed the participants that on April 11-13 he paid a working visit to Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, during which he was received by Chairman of Supreme Assembly of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Vasif Talibov. During the visit he also delivered two lectures at Nakhchivan State University and at Nakhchivan University on main elements of NATO relations with Azerbaijan in the light of NATO Warsaw Summit (July 8-9). These two lectures, at which participated a large public (including local officials, teachers, students and journalists), were part of Embassys public diplomacy campaign aiming to raise awareness among the Azerbaijani young generation towards NATOs values and principles. Ambassador Ciobanu stressed that Azerbaijan is a country of pivotal importance for Europes energy security and offers, at the same time, huge opportunities in the field of freight transport. Embassy of Romania in Baku will continue its efforts for promoting the benefits of NATO-Azerbaijan partnership through organizing different public diplomacy activities (including conferences, roundtables and seminars). Romania, which has been the second country in the world to recognize independence of Azerbaijan and established in 2009 a strategic partnership with Baku, strongly supports the strengthening and deepening of NATO-Azerbaijan relations. NATO Liaison Officer for South Caucasus Mr. William Lahue presented the latest developments in NATO policy regarding Azerbaijan. He mentioned that today had a meeting at the Department of International Military Cooperation of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Azerbaijan regarding the security situation in the region. Participants in the roundtable exchanged opinions on the positive experience of NATO-Azerbaijan cooperation. -- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2016 18:38 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli The Azerbaijani Parliament held a plenary session on April 15. The agenda of the session covered amendments to a number of laws. The Parliament discussed compulsory medical measures on persons with particular conduct posing a threat to society. Thus, drug addicts who have not committed offenses involving administrative arrest, but had a behavior posing a threat to society, will be forcibly placed in psychiatric hospitals. This issue has been included in the bill "On protection of public health". The proposed amendments to the law provide for including persons and drug addicts, who have not committed crimes involving administrative penalties, in the list of this category. After discussion, the bill was adopted in the first reading at the plenary session of the parliament. The parliament further repealed the fine against the parents of schoolchildren who missed more than seven days of classes in a month. The amendment annulled the fine in the amount of 100 manats ($65) against parents (or their substitutes) of the students who missed more than seven days of classes during a month. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2016 19:00 (UTC+04:00) By Nazrin Gadimova Armenia assembles foreign mercenaries and members of the international terrorist organizations in the Azerbaijans occupied Nagorno-Karabakh region. Zakir Hasanov, Azerbaijans Defense Minister made a statement as part of a meeting with visiting Herbert Salber, EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus, in Baku. We are well aware of the fact that during the recent clashes Armenian Armed Forces were completely demoralized, the minister said. Therefore, Armenia tries to gather mercenaries and members of terrorist organizations, from various hotspots of the world, as volunteers to the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. Yerevan is openly collaborating with terrorist organizations, raising it to the level of state policy. We are urging the international organizations to legitimately and fairly assess this issue. During the meeting, the sides discussed the recent incidents and escalation of combat operations along the Armenian-Azerbaijan line of contact, as well as current situation. Hasanov once again emphasized that Azerbaijan's internationally recognized territories have been remaining under Armenian occupation more than twenty years and as a result of the Armenian aggressive policy one million Azerbaijanis still remain internally displaced people. Khanlar Valiyev, Azerbaijans Deputy Prosecutor-General, in turn, said that the representatives of the reigning Armenian leadership committed very serious crimes during the occupation of Azerbaijan territories. He further informed the EU delegation on the facts and evidences regarding the atrocities committed by the Armenian armed units towards Azerbaijani civilians during the recent developments in Nagorno-Karabakh and impiety towards the corpses that remained in the battlefield. 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 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts. -- Nazrin Gadimova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @NazrinGadimova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2016 20:02 (UTC+04:00) President of the republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has received a delegation led by the European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus Herbert Salber, Azertac state news agency reports. Herbert Salber recalled the last visit of Vice-President of the European Commission, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini to Azerbaijan. He said they were concerned about the escalation on the line of contact of Armenian and Azerbaijani troops. Herbert Salber said the EU expressed its position on the latest developments on the frontline during the plenary session of the European Parliament, adding that discussions were held on the issue. Herbert Salber said the problem would be discussed by the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxemburg next week. It was noted that the Armenian armed forces regularly committed military provocations on the line of contact throughout the history of the negotiations to find a solution to the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The Armenians regularly shell the Azerbaijani settlements near the line of contact, killing civilians, including children, women and the elderly with the aim of perpetuating the current state of the conflict. They exchanged views over the ongoing processes of settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, as well as the current state and prospects of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the European Union. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2016 12:51 (UTC+04:00) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has started the first session of a four-day workshop for women entrepreneurs who want to develop their entrepreneurial skills and use the leadership techniques to make their businesses a long-term success. On April 14, 2016, some 16 women entrepreneurs representing various sectors of the economy attended the workshop. "EBRD recognizes gender equality as in important component of the transition process. A core focus of EBRD in countries of operations is to address market trends and give women led enterprises equal opportunities, so that they can deliver in terms of economic performance and growth, job creation, and civil society development." says Jeff Ferry, Associate Director, EBRD Advice for Small Businesses, South Caucasus and Russian Federation. The workshop is a part of the EBRD's Women in Business programme, funded by European Union, Sweden and the Early Transition Countries Fund. Over 50 million will be made available from the EBRD for credit lines channeled through partner financial institutions for on-lending to women-led SMEs. This is combined with 9 million in donor funding, enabling risk mitigation funds and technical assistance to partner banks, as well as business advice, training and mentoring for women entrepreneurs. Since starting work in Azerbaijan in 1993, the EBRD has helped over 700 enterprises access consulting know-how to help them develop and grow. The European Union has provided 3.7 million to support this work in Azerbaijan since 2003 and Swedish International Development Agency contributes 47 million Swedish Kronor to the development of women entrepreneurship in Eastern Partnership Countries. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2016 14:30 (UTC+04:00) By Aynur Karimova Azerbaijan has invited the U.S. Agency for International Development and other organizations to participate in the establishment of a free trade zone in the Alat settlement of Baku. Azerbaijan's Economy and Industry Minister Shahin Mustafayev made a proposal at a meeting with Kurt Tong, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs at the Department of State on April 14. President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on March 17 on measures to establish a special economic area in the Alat settlement, which will also include the territory of the new Baku International Sea Trade Port. The decree, which was signed for ensuring sustainable economic development, increasing the competitiveness and creating a multi-vector transport infrastructure in Azerbaijan, represents a milestone of Azerbaijan's policy to strengthen the country's position as a regional logistics and transportation hub. During the meeting, Mustafayev and Tong also discussed expansion of economic cooperation between the two countries, as well as the U.S. support to the diversification of Azerbaijan's national economy and to the reforms carried out in the country. Azerbaijan and the U.S. established diplomatic relations in 1992. Today the two countries enjoy close ties - active political dialogue and economic cooperation. To date, the U.S. companies have invested more than $10 billion in Azerbaijan's economy. Azerbaijan, which is an initiator of huge oil and gas projects of international importance and plays a significant role in ensuring Europe's energy security, is considered a reliable partner by the U.S. The two countries also enjoy opportunities to develop relations in the fields of investment, industry, in particular in the establishment of joint ventures in engineering, pharmacy, agriculture, tourism, ICT and trade sectors. Mustafayev said that in the current economic climate, strengthening the measures for the development of non-oil sector, diversifying the economy, improving the investment and business environment and supporting entrepreneurs are his country's top priorities. The U.S. highly appreciates work carried out in Azerbaijan in economy, as well as supports the ongoing reforms in the country. He also called the U.S. companies take advantage of the Trans-Caspian trade and transit corridor, adding that in April, Washington will host a forum dedicated to this corridor with the participation of representatives of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Georgia and Turkey. Tong, in turn, said that the proposals made at this meeting, is in the interest of the U.S. He also stressed the necessity to expand works towards achieving the access of the Azerbaijani agricultural products the U.S. market. According to Azerbaijan's State Customs Committee, the trade turnover between the two countries amounted to $116.2 million in January-February of 2016. The U.S. ranks sixth among Azerbaijan's foreign trade partners with a share of 5.27 percent of the total trade turnover of the country. Later, Tung told journalists that the US-Azerbaijan economic ties should be strengthened. "We discussed the issues related to trade, finances, agriculture, combating corruption," he said. "My role is to strengthen the economy cooperation between Azerbaijan and U.S." -- Aynur Karimova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter @Aynur_Karimova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2016 13:27 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli Shamakhi Astrophysical Observatory and Azercosmos will cooperate to identify risks that may pose a danger to Azerbaijans first telecommunication satellite Azerspace-1 satellite, launched to space on February 8, 2013. The observatory will present Azerkosmos preliminary data on space debris, which can be dangerous for the satellite, as well as calculations of satellite collision risks. The agreement was reached during a meeting between representatives of the two structures, held in the main satellite control center of Azerkosmos. During the meeting the parties agreed upon a periodic photographing of the Azerspace-1 satellite through a telescope, and the calculation of its coordinates. In addition, the parties discussed issues of crossing trajectories of satellites, observation of satellites via telescopes, the calculation of the exact coordinates as well as the creation of nano-satellites and astrophysical space experiments. Azercosmos, created in accordance with the presidential decree in 2010, is the premier satellite operator in the Caucasus. The satellite to operate in orbit for at least 15 years worth $230 million. Azerspace-1, the telecommunication satellite operated by Azercosmos, provides highly-reliable broadband and broadcast solutions to its customers in Europe, Africa, Middle East, the Caucasus, and Central Asia. Such countries as Malaysia, Russia, Germany, Ukraine, Egypt, Georgia, UAE, Lebanon, Cameroon, the United Kingdom, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Estonia and Belarus use Azerspace-1s services. The company's strategic development plans include the launch of a second telecommunications satellite Earth observation services in the coming years. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2016 16:01 (UTC+04:00) By Amina Nazarli Azerbaijan, a leader country in the region for the development of the IT sector, has launched work on construction of Azerspace-2, Azerbaijan's second telecommunications satellite. Deputy Communications and High-Tech Minister Iltimas Mammadov said that about 20 percent of total work on construction of the second satellite has been completed. Launch preparation of the Azerspace-2, which is scheduled for 2017, is being carried out on schedule, he said. The satellite Azerspace-2 is designing and building by the U.S. company Space Systems Loral (SSL). Its design is based on the highly reliable SSL 1300 satellite platform that provides the flexibility for a broad range of applications and technology advances. The satellite Azerspace-2 will be financed by Export Development Canada, the Canadian export credit agency, with long-term soft loan. Under the strategic agreement with Intelsat, the worlds leading provider of satellite services, the satellite will be located at the 45 degrees east orbital location where it will provide service in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Azercosmos, the national satellite operator of Azerbaijan and the premier satellite operator in the Caucasus, was established in 2010. Azerspace-2 will be Azercosmos second telecommunications satellite, and will expand on the current capacity of Azerspace-1, which was launched in 2013. It will support growing demand for DTH, government, and network services in Europe, Central and South Asia, the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa. The new satellite will provide Azercosmos with additional capacity for the increasing demand in the region, and will allow to continue to bring the best service to its customers. In December 2014, Azercosmos took over the rights to operate and commercialize Azersky, high resolution optical Earth observation satellite, and entered into the commercial business of Earth observation services, including Geo-Information services. -- Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2016 18:23 (UTC+04:00) By Aynur Karimova The Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey energy bridge opens great prospects in terms of the export of the country's electricity, Natig Aliyev believes. Azerbaijan's Energy Minister said on April 15 in his article published in the official press that work on the establishment of the bridge is underway. Over the past 10 years, Azerbaijan has inaugurated new power stations operating on modern technologies, and the capacity of electricity generation system of the country has reached 7,149 megawatts. "By 2003-2004, Azerbaijan faced problems with power supply of the population due to the outdated power plants and transmission lines. But then, thanks to the renewal of the existing infrastructure and construction of new power plants, Azerbaijan not only managed to cover the domestic demand, but also began to export electricity. From this perspective, the Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey energy bridge enjoys great prospects," he noted. In 2015, Azerbaijan produced more than 22.5 billion kilowatt / hours of electricity compared to about 22.7 billion kilowatt / hours produced in 2014. The capacity of electricity generation system of Azerbaijan has boosted by 30 percent in the last five years. Currently, this figure stands at 7,149 megawatts, which allows producing about 24 billion kilowatt / hours of electricity annually. This enables the country to annually export 2.1 billion kilowatt / hours of electricity. Azerbaijan's electricity production capacities allow the South Caucasus nation to be an electricity exporter. Azerbaijan can also become a transit country, thus getting dividends for transmission of electricity. In November 2015, Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak confirmed the interest in linking the energy systems with Azerbaijan and Iran. In February 2016, Iran also expressed interest in linking the electricity networks with Azerbaijan and Russia. In response, Azerbaijan confirmed the interest and readiness for resuming the meetings as part of the tripartite working group. If implemented, linking the electricity systems of Azerbaijan, Iran and Russia will enable Baku to carry out electricity export-import operations. The Energy Ministry plans to commission new facilities with a capacity of 2,800 MW by 2020. -- Aynur Karimova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter @Aynur_Karimova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2016 17:39 (UTC+04:00) Azerbaijan Deposit Insurance Fund (ADIF) has been appointed the liquidator of Texnikabank OJSC, the license of which was revoked by the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA), a source on the financial market of the country told Trend on April 15. Azerbaijani Texnikabank OJSC has been declared bankrupt by the decision of the Baku Administrative Economic Court No.1 from February 10, 2016. In accordance with the decision of the court, M.M.M. Perfect Consulting LLC has been initially appointed the liquidator of the bank. The CBA revoked the license of Texnikabank OJSC on February 2. This decision was made because the total capital of the bank didn't correspond to the CBA minimum requirement of 50 million manats. The total capital adequacy ratio amounted to three percent [the CBA minimum requirement is 10 percent]. The bank couldn't fulfill its obligations to creditors and didn't manage its current activity prudentially. Texnikabank has been operating in Azerbaijan since 1994 (previously - Rashadbank). Thus, the ADIF will be carrying out liquidation process of two banks, since it already acts as liquidator of the Bank of Azerbaijan OJSC. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2016 17:32 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova The Russian Information and Cultural Center starts the free screening of production "Talents and Admirers", based on a play by Alexander Ostrovsky on 17 April, Trend Life reports. All visitors of www.aze.rs.gov.ru will enjoy the performance of the Moscow Satire Theatre. The screening is organized jointly by Rossotrudnichestvo and OnLine. The head of Rossotrudnichestvo`s Representation in Azerbaijan Valentin Denisov, addressing the event, said that the free screening is organized for the third time this year. "During this time, the Russian information cultural centre in Baku has received many positive reviews from Azerbaijani theatre lovers," he added. Webcast begins at 13:00. For more information, please visit: www.aze.rs.gov.ru Synopsis: Negina, a popular but poor actress, receives lessons from her fiance Meluzov. Prince Dulebov, intending to take advantage of the girl's dire circumstances, suggest sponsorship, gets refused and becomes spiteful. Despite the latter's intrigues, Negina's benefice performance is triumphant and she receives a large sum of money, part of which Dulebov himself has to provide to keep his face. Still, the entrepreneur refuses to prolong her contract. One after another ecstatic admires come to her expressing their affection, among them Narokov, Naluzov and Velikatov. She leaves honest but dull Meluzov and goes away with rich Velikatov, motivated not by greed but by the desire to work on stage, the only thing she is really in love with. Director: Boris Morozov --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2016 18:55 (UTC+04:00) By Laman Ismayilova A magnificent parade of national costumes will be staged in the center of capital Baku to show a pretty gamma of ancient garments on April 18. Baku Children's Theatre will organize the first show celebrating National Costume Day in Azerbaijan under "Living Memorial Project" ("Canl abidlr"), Trend Life reports. The project aims to promote national heritage and a deep feeling of patriotism among youth. A unique costume parade is expected to last from 14:00 to 16:00 at Baku Boulevard and the ancient part of the city - Icheri Sheher. National Costume Day in Azerbaijan will be celebrated on monthly basis in line with an idea of Ph.D in History of Art, Fashion designer Gulnara Khalilova. "The promotion of national values, culture, art and ancient heritage of the Azerbaijani people is one of the priorities for today," she said. Khalilova believes it to be another opportunity to present the beautiful country to the world. The establishment of National Costume Day in Azerbaijan could greatly contribute to the development of the tourism industry in the country. Just imagine how many tourists will be attract due to the various festivals, carnivals, exhibitions and fashion evenings," she exclaims. Next celebrations of the National Costume Day in Azerbaijan are planned to feature the birthday of one one of the outstanding women from the history, such as poets Khurshidbanu Natavan, Mehseti Gencevi , Heyran Khanim, Ashug Peri and others. "Magnificent holiday will be remembered and serve as amazing propaganda of our national heritage", Khalilova believes. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2016 11:15 (UTC+04:00) Secretaries of security councils of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states have discussed the international information security issues. They pointed out the importance of preventing the use of Internet and other information and communication technologies for promoting the ideology of terrorism, separatism and extremism, said the message released following the 11th meeting of secretaries of security councils of SCO member states held in Tashkent. The meeting participants called for the speedy finalization and adoption of a comprehensive UN convention against international terrorism and spoke for increasing the efforts in fighting drug trafficking. They noted that one of the most important factors in strengthening security and stability in the region is the speedy settlement of the situation in Afghanistan by peaceful means. The secretaries of security councils welcomed the practical implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action to resolve Iran's nuclear problem. The meeting participants noted that the strict adherence to the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone Treaty will make a significant contribution to the strengthening of regional stability and nuclear non-proliferation regime. They expressed confidence that more active involvement of observer states and dialogue partners in the SCO activities in overcoming the challenges and threats to regional security will make it possible to increase the effectiveness of the measures taken in this sphere. The SCO members are China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Afghanistan, Iran, Mongolia and Belarus are the SCO observer-countries, while Turkey, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia and Nepal are dialogue partners. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2016 11:32 (UTC+04:00) Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has ordered mobilization of the resources available to help villagers hit by floods in Iran. The President made the phone call on April 14 from Istanbul, Turkey to the First Vice President, Eshaq Jahangiri and instructed his to take necessary measures, Irna reported. Rouhani was briefed on the latest measures taken in Khuzestan, Ilam, Lorestan and West Azarbaijan provinces to help the people affected by floods. Stressing the use of all capacities available for managing the floods, President Rouhani underlined notifying the people in a timely way and urged all managers in the aforementioned provinces to cooperate with the relevant authorities. Jahangiri briefed the President on the extraordinary meeting of the Crisis Management Headquarters and the measures taken by governors offices and the ministries of roads and urban development and energy. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2016 12:23 (UTC+04:00) The European Parliament's (EP) demand on Turkey to recognize the events of 1915 as the "Armenian genocide" is groundless, Turkey's EU Minister Volkan Bozkir said. On Apr. 14, the EP called on Turkey to recognize the events of 1915 as the "Armenian genocide". This demand of the EP does not have legal significance for Ankara, noted Bozkir, Anadolu agency reported. Turkey is not ashamed of its history, he added. Armenia and the Armenian lobby claim that Turkey's predecessor, the Ottoman Empire, committed the so-called genocide against Armenians living in Anatolia in 1915. While strengthening the propaganda of "genocide" in the world, Armenians achieved its recognition by parliaments of some countries. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2016 13:12 (UTC+04:00) South Korea's imports of Iranian crude oil surged 81 percent in March from the same month a year earlier in the wake of sanctions being lifted targeting Tehran's nuclear program, customs data showed on April 15. According to Reuters, Seoul brought about 1.032 million tons of Iranian crude oil last month, or 244,240 barrels per day (bpd), compared with 570,338 tons imported a year ago, the data showed. Iran, which wants to regain market share after the lifting of sanctions in January, told OPEC it raised output last month by a minor 15,000 bpd to 3.40 million bpd. The report says that the world's biggest oil producers will meet in Doha on Sunday to discuss a proposed output freeze at January's levels. Iranian oil minister Bijan Zanganeh will not attend the meeting, but will send a representative. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2016 16:58 (UTC+04:00) Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have discussed the main areas of cooperation between the two countries in trade, economic, transportation, logistics, cultural and humanitarian spheres, Akorda reported. The discussions were at a meeting held between Uzbek President Islam Karimov and his Kazakh counterpart Nursultan Nazarbayev, who is on a working visit to Tashkent. During the meeting the presidents discussed the regional security issues, as well as the summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to be held in Tashkent. Nazarbayev emphasized the historically friendly relations between the two countries. The goal is to strengthen these relations and mutual trust, he added. Karimov, in turn, talked about the sincere friendly relations, mutual respect and support between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 15 April 2016 17:56 (UTC+04:00) By Fatma Babayeva Kazakhstan announced that the modernization works in Shymkent oil refinery and Shardara hydro power plant will be completed by late 2017, Samruk-Kazyna National Welfare Fund announced. The modernization projects will help Kazakhstan to become more self sufficient and less dependent on energy imports. The project for the modernization of the Shardara hydro power plant has been implemented by the Samruk-Energy company that is a part of the Samruk-Kazyna group which plays an important role in supplying electricity to southern Kazakhstan. Modernization of all four hydraulic units in the Shardara hydro power plant will increase the capacity of the plant by 26 percent and improve its productivity and operation safety. The Shardara plant keeps functioning despite the ongoing modernization works. It produced 465.3 million kilowatt hours of electricity in 2015. In addition, the modernization of Shymkent oil refinery will also significantly improve the quality of the production in this plant that will be more environmentally friendly. The modernization of the plant will help to adjust high-octane gasoline production to K5 standard which is equivalent of Euro 5 standard in Customs Union the countries. Cars working with Euro 4 and Euro 5 fuel are popular in Kazakhstan, thus, the country has to import this type of fuel from Russia and China, since its refineries produce only Euro-2 type of fuel. The volume of the refined production in Kazakhstan will increase from 5 million tons to 6 million tons per year once the modernization works accomplish. The refinery will be upgraded in two stages. The first stage envisages the reconstruction of the diesel hydro-treater, construction of a sulfur production which was already been completed, and construction of an isomerization unit. Construction of an isomerization unit has been started, and it is planned to put it into operation in late 2016. The second stage of modernization is expected to finish in 2017. There are three large refineries operating in Kazakhstan -- Atyrau, Shymkent and Pavlodar. At the moment, all three refineries are under modernization and they will ready in 2018. --- Fatma Babayeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Fatma_Babayeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz 3.0 ( - - ): editor [at] bahrainmirror.com Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. More similarities than differences emerged Sunday at a forum that attempted to distinguish the 25 people running to become Bakersfields next mayor. Sugar might be addictive in a similar way to cocaine and tobacco, according to researchers. Published in Frontiers in Behavioural Neuroscience, a team led by Queensland University of Technology (QUT) suggested sugar elevates the level of pleasure-causing chemicals in the brain in a similar way to addictive drugs. However, excessive consumption leads to a depression in levels of the chemicals, meaning an increased amount of sugar needs to be consumed in order to get the same reward. Professor Selena Bartlett, a neuroscientist from QUT, said We have also found that, as well as an increased risk of weight gain, animals that maintain high sugar consumption and binge eating into adulthood may also face neurological and psychiatric consequences affecting mood and motivation. Like other drugs of abuse, withdrawal from chronic sucrose exposure can result in an imbalance in dopamine levels and be as difficult as going cold turkey from them. similar addictive patterns Artificial sweeteners such as saccharine were found to produce similar addictive patterns to table sugar. Researcher Masroor Shariff said: Interestingly, our study also found that artificial sweeteners such as saccharin could produce effects similar to those we obtained with table sugar, highlighting the importance of re-evaluating our relationship with sweetened food per se. A second paper by the team suggested that drugs used to treat nicotine addiction could be used to battle sugar addiction. Published in international research journal PLOS ONE, the drugs were used to treat sugar addiction in animals, and found that they could be used to battle sugar cravings. Bartlett said: Our study found that Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drugs like varenicline, a prescription medication trading as Champix, which treats nicotine addiction, can work the same way when it comes to sugar cravings. Further studies are required, but our results do suggest that current FDA-approved nAChR drugs may represent a novel new treatment strategy to tackle the obesity epidemic. good judgement While welcoming the research, Chris Ormrod, managing director Ministry of Cake, said good judgement had to be used when assessing the real-world use of such studies. He said: The reality of it is there are a lot of things which are addictive, and I think the key with all these things is the moderation of consumption. The news follows a recent report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) which estimated the number of people living with diabetes had surged to 422 million in 2014. JinkoSolar to Construct 3 Photovoltaic Parks in Mexico Jalisco, Mexico - Chinese solar products supplier JinkoSolar Holding Co Ltd said Wednesday it has won power purchase agreements (PPAs) for 188 MW of photovoltaic (PV) parks in Mexico in the power auction concluded two weeks ago. More specifically, the company has secured the right to sign with state-owned Comision Federal de Electricidad (CFE) three separate 15-year power supply contracts for over 500 GWh per year in total. The Federal Electricity Commission will also acquire the corresponding clean energy certificates (CEL) for a 20-year period. JinkoSolar will be in charge of developing and constructing the PV parks. The firm will build two facilities in the state of Yucatan and one in Jalisco. Completion of the PV plants is scheduled for mid-2018. Their output is estimated to be enough to offset approximately 200,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually. "We look forward to leveraging this win to further increase our growth momentum in Mexico and other emerging solar markets," chairman Xiande Li noted. Mexico's first long-term electricity auction since the implementation of the energy reforms in the country resulted in 1.38 TWh of annual wind and 4 TWh of annual solar power deals. Local children are getting lessons in gun safety, thanks to Tampa police and a local non-profit agency. Tampa police, non-profit teaming up to educate kids about gun safety School resources officers will receive training Program aims to prevent crime by educating kids The Tampa Police Department has teamed up with the Bay Area non-profit, MORE HEALTH Inc., to educate kids about guns and gun violence. On Thursday, Chief Eric Ward, his officers, and instructors met with children at Villa Madonna School in Tampa. The students learned how hard it could be to tell the difference between a real and fake gun. They were also shown x-rays of bullets inside the human body. Ward believes educating kids about guns and gun violence can help reduce crime in the community. Last year we recovered over a thousand firearms and those firearms could've ended up in the hands of one of these kids," he said. The department's school resource officers will be trained on the presentations this summer. The SROs will be actively involved in presenting MORE HEALTHS curriculum to third and sixth graders during the upcoming school year. The police department recently pledged to provide the non-profit with financial assistance to support the organization's mission of educating children on the dangers of firearms in hopes that it will have future crime prevention benefits. The partnership will also create new opportunities for police officers to engage in open dialogue about guns with kids at a young age. "We hope that we will definitely decrease that crime rate and also encourage that communication and engagement between law enforcement and the children and their families," Executive Director Karen Buckenheimer said. MORE HEALTH expects to give these presentations to more than 25,000 students across Hillsborough and Pinellas County in the upcoming school year. It has been a year since Ruskin mailman Doug Hughes landed a gyrocopter onto the U.S. Capitol lawn in protest of campaign finance laws. The stunt did not do much to change those laws, but it did get Hughes in a fair amount of trouble. Doug Hughes landed gyrocopter on Capitol lawn April 15, 2015 He is facing 10 months in prison, with a May 8 hearing in Washington scheduled Now retired, Hughes says he is an activist - though he no longer plans to run against Debbie Wasserman Schultz No longer a mailman, Hughes, 62, says he is retired and working as an activist. He said it doesn't bring in money, but it is satisfying work. "When I talk to someone for the first time and they recognize me and they say 'Yeah, I read the letter you sent to Congress and it was fantastic.' That's when I have a real sense of satisfaction. That there was meaning associated with (the) action." Hughes has said he was trying to send a political message about the need for stronger campaign finance restrictions by flying the aircraft to Washington after taking off from Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He had 535 letters addressed to Congress members on board. He told investigators during an interview after he was arrested that the only way he potentially put lives in danger was if "authorities overreacted" and tried to shoot him down. Prosecutors said Capitol Police officers were in position to shoot Hughes when he landed and that one of the officers had him in his gunsight with a round in the chamber. They noted that Hughes' flight took him less than a mile from Vice President Joe Biden's home, about 175 feet from the Washington Monument and close to other landmarks. Hughes remains under house arrest after pleading guilty in November to a felony of operating a gyrocopter without a license. The charge carries a potential three years in prison, but prosecutors agreed not to ask for more than 10 months in prison as part of a plea deal. A May 8 court hearing in Washington is looming. Prosecutors say prison time is necessary to deter such action in the future. Meanwhile, Hughes has announced hs is no longer running for office against Democratic State Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz for her 23rd Congressional District seat. Hughes' attorneys say he has pledged that he will comply with the law going forward. Here's what you need to know about the Tampa Bay area's weather for the weekend: Rain chance 40 percent on Saturday High temperatures in the low to mid 80s The air will feel less humid starting Sunday Skies will be mostly to partly cloudy into early Saturday morning. There will be some scattered showers in the area, but the coverage will lessen and there will be a lull through the early morning. Morning lows will again be in the mid 60s for most spots. Saturday will be the last day with the current air mass and pattern. We will go between variably cloudy and partly sunny skies. There will be a 40 percent coverage of scattered showers in the afternoon to evening hours. High temperatures will range between the low and mid 80s. Winds will shift during the day and come in from the northeast. It will get breezy by the evening going into Saturday night. Any lingering showers will die down with partly cloudy skies overnight into Sunday morning. Sunday will feature a changing pattern for our area as a dry front comes through. It will bring in a drier, less humid air mass from the northeast. The most noticeable difference will first be the less humid feel to the air. The other noticeable difference will be the drop of rain chances and cloud cover. It will be a really nice pattern headed into next week. High temperatures on Sunday will be in the low 80s. The Texas Education Agency recently approved Silsbee High School's application to become an Early College High School (ECHS), said the district's top administrator on Friday. Superintendent Richard Bain, Jr. said Silsbee will be the first early college high school in Region 5, which encompasses all of Southeast Texas. The program is a partnership between a high school and college and allows students the opportunity to earn up to 60 college credit hours towards a bachelor's degree at no cost to the students or their families, Bain said in a prepared statement. Lamar Institute of Technology (LIT) will serve as the partner for Silsbee ISD, he said. "The approval for our ECHS is the culmination of months of preparation by Principal Paul Trevino and Curriculum Director Sherrie Thornhill," said Bain. "While they were putting the plan and application together, I worked with LIT to come up with a partnership with our district. Without LIT's flexibility and willingness to serve our students, and without the support of the Silsbee ISD Board of Trustees, we could not get this done." Trevino said the program will "open the door for students" who will leave Silsbee High School with a high school diploma "and 60 college credit hours, all without having to pay a penny." Silsbee students currently in the eighth grade can now apply for the program, according to Bain. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate SAN ANTONIO Three MacArthur High School seniors are facing criminal charges following a senior prank that school officials say went too far. North East Independent School District spokeswoman Aubrey Chancellor said school administrators arrived on campus Tuesday morning to find a fiberglass statue of the schools mascot, a Brahma bull, missing from its courtyard perch. Authorities found the bull sitting on the schools softball field with its hooves sawed off. SEE ALSO: San Antonio school officer fired after video showed him slam 12-year-old girl onto concrete Chancellor said a surveillance camera captured three people trying to take the bull overnight, but the footage was not sharp enough to make out their faces. It looked like three students were trying to put it into their car but it didnt fit, so they put it on the softball field, she said. A student came forward to identify the culprits after the principal offered a $100 reward out of his own pocket. RELATED: Records: San Antonio-area schools with the highest number of drug and alcohol seizures in 2014-15 Once identified, investigators interviewed the students and found pictures of the incident on their phones. The bull is scratched and damaged, obviously it has to be (repaired) since the hooves were cut off, she said. Initial estimates to fix the mascot came in at between $500 and $1,000. As for the students, Chancellor said they will face disciplinary action at school along with criminal mischief charges. The principal was very upset by this, she said. This really wasnt a funny joke. It went too far. mdwilson@express-news.net Twitter: @MDWilsonSA This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate This week has been a hail-ish one for the state as violent storms producing pellets of ice pummeled regions throughout the state. The storms have brought a plethora of social media posts, including one out of Plano claiming the area had experienced giant, Texas sized hail. The Facebook photo, posted Tuesday and shared more than 10,000 times since, shows a supposed hail stone that looks bigger than a softball in a womans hand. RELATED: Hundreds of luxury cars damaged at BMW of San Antonio by hail storms Texas sized hail from last nights storm. This was in Plano, Facebook user Rhonda Thompson Grisak shared on April 12. Apparently, the ferocity of the storms led some gullible users to believe the unbelievable in the posts comment thread. Thats manslaughter sized hail, one user added. RELATED: San Antonio mocks April storms, hail damage with memes Jason Dunn, a National Weather Service meteorologist for the North Texas region, said he does not believe the photo is hail produced by the recent weather. Unfortunately in the age of social mediamany pictures of fake hail stones and tornadoes show up on the web, he said in an email to mySA.com. In this casethe ice looks a little smooth to be a hail stone. It is also much larger than most of the pictures that we have seen. The largest hail the Plano area has seen measured about 4 inches, he added. That same size was reported in San Antonio, too, where the storms damaged thousands of homes, vehicles and businesses. A reverse Google image search pins the image shared by Grisak to a 2012 post on a website run by North Carolinian meteorologist Brad Panovich, titled Anatomy of a Fake Hail Picture. RELATED: North Star Mall, H-E-B, Magic Time Machine among businesses damaged by hail in San Antonio According to the website, a woman named Ashley Parker-Brown found the ball of ice on a sidewalk in Wichita, Kan. When Parker-Brown shared it on the Facebook page of local news station, KWCH 12, the questions and internet attention began, prompting Panovich to investigate. He eventually found the ice balls origin and it wasnt from a Texas sky or a Kansas one. Thanks to the hard work and question asking by Ashley she figured out who made this ball of ice and placed it on the sidewalk as a joke, he updated his readers. A fellow student bragged about making the ice ball from ice in the training room on campus. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has information on the largest hail stone ever recorded in the United States. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, Vivian, S.D. was pelleted by an 8-inch, 2-pound stone on July 23, 2010. mmendoza@mysa.com Twitter: @MaddySkye The Joint Commission released a statement on pain management, focusing on the opioid epidemic in the United States. Some have blamed The Joint Commission's pain standards for the over-prescription epidemic; the organization's standards require patients assessments for pain and managing patients appropriately. The standards do no require drug prescription for pain management. Here are five key notes about the standards. 1. The standards are: The hospital educates all licensed independent practitioners on assessing and managing pain. The hospital respects the patient's right to pain management. The hospital assesses and manages the patient's pain. 2. The Joint Commission requires the hospital to conduct a comprehensive pain assessment consistent with its scope of care, treatment and services. The treatment should also take the patient's age, condition and ability to understand the situation into consideration. 3. After the initial assessment, the hospital should reassess and respond to the patient's pain based on reassessment criteria. 4. The hospital can either treat the pain or refer patients to a specialist for treatment. The strategy should be a patient-centered approach and consider the patient's current condition as well as the healthcare provider's judgment. 5. Misconceptions about The Joint Commission's standards regarding pain include: The Joint Commission endorses pain as a vital sign The Joint Commission requires pain assessment for all patients The Joint Commission requires that pain be treated until the pain score reaches zero The Joint Commission standards push doctors to prescribe opioids The Joint Commission pain standards caused the rise in opioid prescriptions The organization is working to dispel these misunderstandings. Here are seven new joint venture ASCs announced or opened in the past couple months. The Grand Haven (Mich.) Township Board of Trustees approved Holland (Mich.) Hospital and Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Spectrum Health's plans for a joint outpatient medical building on March 28. After a 3.5 hour meeting, the board did not reach a decision on approving the center. Surgical Care Affiliates is partnering with St. Paul, Minn.-based HealthEast on a merger of HealthEast's Midway Surgery Center and Maplewood Surgery Center. Sacramento-based Sutter Health recently signed an agreement to become the majority owner of Modesto, Calif.-based Stanislaus Surgical Hospital. Wisconsin-based Aurora Health Care is slated to open an $83 million outpatient surgery center in October. Oncologists from Burlington-based Memorial Hospital and Lakeland Medical Center in Elkhorn, Wis., will treat patients at the new facility. Abilene, Texas-based Hendrick Medical Center and Abilene and Brownwood (Texas) physicians are creating a joint venture outpatient surgery center in Brownwood. The new ASC will be called Hendrick Surgery Center. Muncie, Ind.-based Medical Consultants is teaming up with IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, also in Muncie, to offer higher quality care to patients. Medical Consultants will continue offering multispecialty care and procedures at its outpatient surgery center. Surgical Care Affiliates partnered with Gladiolus Surgery Center in Fort Myers, Fla. Physicians may face a medical board investigation as medical boards are required to evaluate all complaints and it's best to go in prepared, according to a Medscape article. There were 4,479 physicians disciplined in 2012, representing 70 medical and osteopathic boards, according to a Federation of State Medical Boards report cited by Medscape. Here are five tips for surviving medical board examinations: 1. Know what happens in the medical board investigations. Frivolous complaints often don't warrant much of the board's time. Some states can dismiss complaints after an initial review; in other cases, a letter could be sent to the physician asking for a medical record review. In that case, the investigation is serious. 2. Medical board investigators may request a meeting with the physician, who may want to bring an attorney. Notes taken at that meeting could be used against the physician later. 3. Legal counsel can identify areas the board is focused on and work with physicians to provide written responses later. When the complaint is served, most physicians have 20 to 45 days to respond. 4. Respond to the complaint within the allotted time and take it seriously; not responding is grounds for discipline. Transparency and promptness is important to the medical boards. 5. Documentation can make a huge difference and not having documentation because the physician was too busy isn't good enough for the medical boards. Copying and pasting information from electronic medical records may not suffice; the physicians must address what happened to the patient, not just check boxes. Twenty-five patients of 293 who were potentially exposed to hepatitis C, hepatitis B and HIV at Baystate Noble Hospital in Westfield, Mass., are planning to sue the hospital, according to a WWLP report. Here are four things to know: 1. In January, 293 patients who had undergone colonoscopies at the hospital between June 2012 and April 2013 were sent a letter informing the patients they may have been exposed to hepatitis C, hepatitis B and HIV. 2. Between June 2012 and April 2013, the hospital was using new equipment for colonoscopies; however, the disinfection process at the time may not have been adequate for the new colonoscopies. 3. The patients' lawyer claims that the problems with the disinfectant process were brought to the attention of hospital leadership in 2013, but patients were not informed at that time they may have been exposed to life-threatening diseases. 4. The hospital released a statement that noted: "To date there is no evidence of any transmission of illness from the endoscopes. The safety and privacy of our patients remains our top priority as we move forward in this process." More articles on GI/endoscopy: Gastroenterologist to know: Dr. Elaine Barfield of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital Cancer recurrence high among patients with HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma: 3 key insights Boston Medical Center names Dr. Jason Hall colon & rectal surgery chief: 5 notes Great Neck, N.Y.-based Northwell Health President and CEO Michael Dowling's total compensation hit $9.6 million in 2015, according to Crain's New York Business. Mr. Dowling's compensation last year included a $6.5 million retirement-plan payment he received upon turning 65. Ron Seifer, healthcare reward leader at Hay Group, told Crain's that hospital CEOs get so much money because of how difficult the job is. "They're serving the public good, but that doesn't make the requirement any less onerous. They're on the job virtually 24/7. These jobs are very, very high stress, and I don't think everyone can be effective," he said. The following hospital and health system rating and outlook changes and affirmations took place in the last week, starting with the most recent. 1. Moody's assigns 'A3' rating to to CareGroup's bonds Moody's Investors Service assigned an "A3" rating to Boston-based CareGroup's proposed $231 million of Series I bonds. Moody's also affirmed its "A3" rating on $517 million of rated debt. 2. S&P revises Dignity Health's outlook to negative Standard & Poor's Ratings Services revised its outlook to negative from stable and affirmed its "A" ratings on San Francisco-based Dignity Health's bonds. 3. S&P revises Baylor College of Medicine's rating to 'A' Standard & Poor's Ratings Services raised its ratings on Houston-based Baylor College of Medicine's parity debt to "A" from "A-." 4. S&P assigns 'AA+' rating to Ascension Health's bonds Standard & Poor's Ratings Services assigned an "AA+" rating to St. Louis-based Ascension Health's 2016 bonds. 5. Fitch affirms Yale New Haven Health's 'AA-' rating Fitch Ratings affirmed the "AA-" rating on Yale New Haven (Conn.) Health's $842.1 million of bonds. 6. Fitch assigns 'AA+' rating to Ascension Health's bonds Fitch Ratings assigned an "AA+" rating to St. Louis-based Ascension Health's series 2016 bonds, affecting $1.9 billion. 7. Moody's assigns 'Baa1' rating to Mary Washington Healthcare's bonds Moody's Investors Service assigned a "Baa1" rating to Fredericksburg, Va.-based Mary Washington Healthcare's proposed series 2016 bonds and affirmed the "Baa1" ratings on MWH's previous bonds, affecting approximately $261 million of debt. 8. Moody's affirms Northern Hospital of Surry County's 'Baa3' rating Moody's Investors Service affirmed the "Baa3" rating on Mount Airy, N.C.-based Northern Hospital of Surry County, affecting approximately $17 million of rated debt. 9. Moody's assigns 'A1' rating to CentraCare Health System's bonds Moody's Investors Service assigned an "A1" rating to St. Cloud, Minn.-based CentraCare Health System's series 2016A bonds to be issued through the City of St. Cloud with a par amount not to exceed $203.2 million. 10. S&P revises Genesis Healthcare System's outlook to negative Standard & Poor's Ratings Services revised the outlook to negative from stable and affirmed the "BB+" rating on Zanesville, Ohio-based Genesis Healthcare System's $293 million of series 2013 revenue bonds. 11. S&P revises Froedtert Health's outlook to positive Standard & Poor's Ratings Services revised the outlook to positive from stable and affirmed its "AA-" rating on Milwaukee-based Froedtert Health's long-term debt. 12. S&P assigns 'AA-' rating to Medical Center of Central Georgia's bonds Standard & Poor's Ratings Services assigned an "AA-" long-term rating to Macon-based Medical Center of Central Georgia's series 2016 fixed rate bonds, affecting $90 million. 13. Moody's assigns 'Aa2' and 'Aa2/VMIG 1' ratings to Ascension Health's bonds Moody's Investors Service assigned "Aa2" and "Aa2/VMIG 1" ratings to St. Louis-based Ascension Health's proposed series 2016 bonds. 14. Moody's upgrades Willis-Knighton Medical Center's rating to 'A1' Moody's Investors Service upgraded the rating on Shreveport, La.-based Willis-Knighton Medical Center's revenue bonds to "A1" from "A2," affecting $145 million of outstanding revenue bonds issued through the Louisiana Public Facilities Authority. 15. Moody's affirms Milford Regional Medical Center's 'Baa3' rating Moody's Investors Service affirmed the "Baa3" rating on Milford (Mass.) Regional Medical Center's outstanding revenue bonds. 16. Moody's downgrades Bethesda Health's rating to 'Baa2' Moody's Investors Service downgraded to "Baa2" from "Baa1" the underlying rating on Boynton Beach, Fla.-based Bethesda Health's series 2010A fixed rate bonds, affecting approximately $125 million of rated debt. 17. Moody's assigns 'Aa2' rating to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics' bonds Moody's Investors Service assigned an "Aa2" rating to Iowa City-based University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics' series SUI 2016 hospital revenue refunding bonds, affecting $32.1 million. 18. Moody's downgrades Ohio Valley General Hospital's rating to 'B2' Moody's Investors Service downgraded Kennedy Township, Pa.-based Ohio Valley General Hospital's rating to "B2" from "Ba3," affecting approximately $25 million of outstanding debt. 19. Fitch revises Loma Linda University Medical Center's outlook to stable Fitch Ratings revised Loma Linda (Calif.) University Medical Center's outlook to stable from negative and assigned a "BB+" rating to its series 2016A bonds, affecting approximately $883 million. 20. Moody's affirms Frederick Memorial Hospital's 'Baa1' rating Moody's Investors Service affirmed the "Baa1" rating on Frederick (Md.) Memorial Hospital's $97 million of series 2012A fixed rate revenue bonds. 21. Fitch revises Nanticoke Health Services' outlook to stable Fitch Ratings revised Seaford, Del.-based Nanticoke Health Services' outlook to stable from positive. 22. S&P lowers Loma Linda University Medical Center's rating to 'BB' Standard & Poor's Ratings Services lowered its rating to "BB" from "BB+" on Loma Linda (Calif.) University Medical Center's 2014 bonds. The battle between the federal government and private companies' actions to protect customer data is re-entering the courts. Microsoft filed a lawsuit Thursday against the Justice Department arguing the government's requests to access consumer data, and the secrecy surrounding those requests, are unconstitutional. Here are eight things to know about the lawsuit. 1. Microsoft's lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of part of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, which says courts can require companies to not disclose to customers that the government has obtained a warrant to access and search their information. Such court-ordered gag orders can be based on the government's "reason to believe" that informing the public would alter the course of an investigation, which Microsoft says is not reason enough. "Nothing in the statute requires that the 'reason to believe' be grounded in the facts of the particular investigation, and the statute contains no limit on the length of time such secrecy orders may be kept in place," according to the lawsuit. 2. Microsoft contends the gag orders violate the First and Fourth Amendments. In the lawsuit, the tech company says these secret search warrants violate Americans' protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, and the gag order limit Microsoft's First Amendment rights to communicate with customers and discuss government investigations. 3. In the past year and a half, federal courts issued 5,624 demands to Microsoft for customer information or data. Nearly 2,600 of those included secrecy orders prohibiting Microsoft from telling customers about warrants and other legal processes to access customer data, according to the lawsuit. Additionally, 1,752 of the secrecy orders had no time limit, meaning Microsoft could potentially never be permitted to tell customers of the government's access. Microsoft alleges the government issues warrants for electronic communication information "far more frequently" than it did for physical documents and communication. 4. The tech company alleges the government is taking advantage of the shift to cloud computing, using the digitization of customer information as a veil of privacy when seeking access to data. Before digitization, government officials would deliver notices directly to customers when seeking information. Microsoft argues just because people and businesses now store data in the cloud which can be accessible from anywhere, the government cannot access that data without prior notification. "The governmenthas exploited the transition to cloud computing as a means of expanding its power to conduct secret investigations," according to the lawsuit. "As individuals and businesses have moved their most sensitive information to the cloud, the government has increasingly adopted the tactic of obtaining the private digital documents of cloud customers not from customers themselves, but through legal process directed at online cloud providers like Microsoft." Microsoft's lawsuit says this combination of the government issuing more demands to access online data and the heightened levels of secrecy around those demands undermines the company's right to be transparent with customers. 5. The lawsuit from Microsoft follows a court battle between Apple and the FBI over the government's right to request and the tech company's requirement to comply with orders to unlock an individual's iPhone. The difference, though, is that Apple's lawsuit is centered on a single case that could set a precedent, while the Microsoft case directly challenges the legal process, according to The New York Times. 6. Other tech companies have voiced support for Microsoft, reports The Wall Street Journal, including online storage company Box. "We fully support Microsoft's effort to require more transparency in government data requests and the government's full observance of the protections guaranteed by the First and Fourth Amendments," Box stated, according to WSJ. 7. DOJ spokeswoman Emily Pierce told NYT officials are reviewing the lawsuit. 8. The lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court in Seattle, where Microsoft is headquartered. More articles on health IT: 4 latest Epic go-lives 23 hospitals, health systems seeking Cerner, MEDITECH, Epic talent American College of Cardiology breach affects 1,400 institutions CMS plans to pull Palo Alto, Calif.-based blood-testing startup Theranos' federal license and prohibit the company's owners, including founder Elizabeth Holmes, from owning or operating any other lab for at least two years, according to The Wall Street Journal. Those plans are included in a March 18 letter CMS sent to Theranos. The letter hasn't been released to the public, but WSJ obtained a copy of it for review. Theranos has responded to the letter and CMS is reviewing the response, a person familiar with the matter told WSJ. Theranos spokeswoman Brooke Buchanan said the company hopes to avoid sanctions. "Due to the comprehensive nature of the corrective measures we've taken over the past several months, which have been affirmed by several experts, we are hopeful that CMS won't impose sanctions," she told WSJ. "But if they do, we will work with CMS to address all of their concerns." In the letter, CMS also proposed fining Theranos $10,000 per day for noncompliance and barring it from the Medicare program. Barbara Cammarata, a lawyer at Sidley Austin who advises clinical labs on regulatory issues, told WSJ the penalties proposed by CMS are among the most severe within its power. "They're in a lot of trouble," she said. Last November, a CMS inspection revealed five major categories of infractions at Theranos' California lab. The company submitted a correction plan in February, but CMS concluded it was insufficient. The March 18 letter stated Theranos failed to adequately correct 43 of 45 deficiencies identified by inspectors in 2015, according to the report. More articles on Theranos: Medical experts, scientists step up to Theranos advisory board Mt. Sinai researchers find Theranos blood tests produce problematic results Federal inspection finds Theranos devices often failed its own quality tests: 6 things to know Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton challenged each other's healthcare proposals at the Democratic debate Thursday evening in New York. The debate's tone was one of the most combative yet on the Democratic side, perhaps because both candidates feel New York is home turf Sen. Sanders is a Brooklyn native and Ms. Clinton served two terms as senator of New York. The stakes are high for both campaigns heading into the New York primary next Tuesday. Here are the healthcare highlights. 1. Sen. Sanders defended the price tag of his single-payer healthcare proposal, dubbed "Medicare-for-All," when CNN moderator Wolf Blitzer asked if it was fiscally responsible. Mr. Blitzer cited an analysis from the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget that found Sen. Sanders' initiatives would cost up to $28 trillion and even after tax increases would add up to $15 trillion to the national debt. Sen. Sanders refuted the study, as he has against other claims the math doesn't work out for his healthcare plans. "There are many economists who come up with very, very different numbers," Sen. Sanders said in response. He said his plans would save the middle-class thousands on healthcare costs. 2. Ms. Clinton took a jab at Sen. Sanders' proposal, calling it a "train-wreck." While she said she agreed we needed to get to 100 percent universal healthcare coverage, she wants to do it by expanding and continuing the work of the Affordable Care Act. "But I do think when you make proposals and you're running for president, you should be held accountable for whether or not the numbers add up and whether or not the plans are actually going to work," she said. Based on analyses from progressive economists and health economists, Sen. Sanders' plan would put a burden on both the budget and individuals, she said, adding, "In fact, The Washington Post called it a train-wreck for the poor. A working woman on Medicaid who already has health insurance would be expected to pay about $2,300." 3. Sen. Sanders countered that the U.S. should be able to accomplish what other major countries have in securing universal healthcare. "Secretary Clinton will have to explain to the people of our country how it could be that every other major country on Earth manages to guarantee healthcare to all of their people, spending significantly less per capita than we can," he said, comparing the U.S. system to Canada's. Despite the aggressive tone of the debate, it was clear the candidates have similar goals of universal coverage and the primary difference is how they plan to get there. See the full debate transcript here. More articles on leadership and management: Survey: Majority of millennials value positive workplace over high pay 'Moonshot' to send Biden to the Vatican\ MetroHealth physician recognized by the FBI Vice President Joe Biden's office announced Wednesday he plans to pay the Vatican a visit on April 28 to discuss his cancer moonshot initiative, according to Politico. There, Vice President Biden will give a speech to attendees of a conference on regenerative medicine, hosted by the Stem for Life Foundation and the Pontifical Council for Culture, according to the report. This year the event will focus on pediatric cancers, rare genetic diseases and diseases that develop with age, according to the Vatican. It will be attended by cell therapy scientists, physicians, patients, ethicists and government leaders, among others. The stop is one of many made by Vice President Biden since the initiative launched this year. More articles on leadership and management: As technology evolves, these 3 management principles are timeless Napster founder Sean Parker launches $250M cancer research effort Fresenius rebrands dialysis division Millennials are more inclined to favor a better quality of life at work than higher pay, according to a survey from Fidelity. The majority of those ages 25 to 35 say they would be willing to give up an average of $7,600 from their paycheck for a more positive work environment, such as enhanced career development and a greater emphasis on work-life balance, according to a report from USA Today. "It's a cultural shift," Scott Dobroski, a spokesman for Glassdoor, told USA Today. "If they do not see work/life balance where they can go out and learn about the world, [a better salary] does not interest them enough. They want to go and work somewhere where they are going to feel valued." Although 86 percent of survey respondents said they are happy at work, nearly half indicated they are actively seeking a new job, or are at least open to the possibility of moving jobs, according to the report. "The fact that today's millennial wants more control over their work/life balance shouldn't be surprising to us given that these people have grown up in an era of somewhat instant answers," John Sweeney, executive vice president of retirement and investing strategies at Fidelity, told USA Today. "They're used to being able to find what they want fairly quickly." Stay in the know with Becker's Hospital Review's weekly roundup of the nation's biggest healthcare news. Here's what you need to know this week. 1. CMS unveils new risk-based primary care model CMS announced a new primary care initiative Monday designed to improve primary care by helping practices transition to value-based care models. The five-year model, Comprehensive Primary Care Plus (CPC+), builds on the Comprehensive Primary Care Initiative launched in late 2012. 2. UnitedHealth to exit 2 state ACA exchanges UnitedHealth Group decided to pull out of the Affordable Care Act exchanges in Arkansas and Georgia in 2017. The insurer's decision to pull out of the Arkansas and Georgia markets means residents currently enrolled in one of those marketplace plans will have to choose a new health insurance provider next year, according to Bloomberg. 3. US payments on prescription drugs rose 12.2% in 2015 Total spending on prescription drugs in the U.S. increased by 12.2 percent in 2015 reaching nearly $425 billion, according to The Wall Street Journal. The spending growth on prescription drugs is consistent with that of recent years, fueled mostly by the introduction of expensive new drugs for cancer and infections, as well as rising prices for older therapies, according to research from IMS Health. 4. Feds want to revoke Theranos' lab license, ban founder Elizabeth Holmes CMS plans to pull Palo Alto, Calif.-based blood-testing startup Theranos' federal license and prohibit the company's owners, including founder Elizabeth Holmes, from owning or operating any other lab for at least two years, according to The Wall Street Journal. 5. 60 senators ask CMS to postpone overall hospital quality star ratings On Monday, 60 senators signed a letter urging CMS to delay the rollout of the overall hospital star ratings program scheduled to be released April 21. In the letter, senators expressed concern that the methodology in the hospital evaluations may result in an inaccurate ratings. They claim that not enough details behind the rating methodology have been released. 6. Zubik v. Burwell compromise must end controversy, administration says The lawyers representing the government in Zubik v. Burwell told the U.S. Supreme Court that any compromise to resolve the case is only acceptable if it will end the legal controversy and ensure women can access contraceptive coverage in another way, according to The Washington Post. 7. Husband and wife allegedly bilked $45M from Medicare, kept indentured servant Richard and Maribel Tinimbang, a Chicago couple, allegedly used their healthcare business to defraud Medicare of $45 million. In addition, the couple is accused of attempting to force a Filipino immigrant to work for them illegally. 8. Henry Ford Hospital uses bottled water, hand sanitizer due to water discoloration Off-colored water came out of the taps at Detroit-based HenryFordHospital Wednesday, forcing patients and staff to use bottled water for drinking and hand sanitizer in lieu of hand-washing, according to a statement from the hospital. 9. Physician imposter treats patients in Michigan, helps steal $6.2M from Medicare Cecil Alexander Kent Jr. of Eastlake, Ohio, pleaded guilty Monday to his role in a scheme to defraud Medicare of approximately $6.2 million while he posed as a licensed physician, according to the Department of Justice. 10. Child accidentally shot in Miss. hospital ER A two-year-old girl suffered a superficial gunshot wound in the emergency room of MeritHealthCentralHospital in Jackson, Miss., after a gun in her mother's purse accidentally went off, according to The Clarion-Ledger. 11. Physician who claimed to have 11,000 patients could spend rest of life behind bars A federal jury in Dallas found Jacques Roy, MD, guilty Wednesday in what is believed to be the nation's largest home healthcare fraud involving a single physician. Federal prosecutors said Dr. Roy and his cohorts used promises of cash, groceries and food stamps to recruit patients, including some of Dallas' homeless, as part of the $375 million fraud scheme. 12. Washington governor fires hospital CEO following patients' escape Washington Gov. Jay Inslee (D) fired the CEO of Western State Hospital, a Lakewood, Wash.-based psychiatric facility, after two patients deemed "dangerous" escaped last week, according to The Associated Press. Chicago-based Northwestern Memorial HealthCare wants the Federal Trade Commission to win the lawsuit it brought to stop the merger between Evanston, Ill.-based NorthShore University HealthSystem and Downers Grove, Ill.-based Advocate Health Care, according to NorthShore's President and CEO Mark Neaman. Mr. Neaman delivered this news while on the witness stand Thursday in an antitrust hearing over the proposed Advocate-NorthShore merger, according to the Chicago Tribune. Under oath, Mr. Neaman testified that he met with Northwestern President and CEO Dean Harrison in late January at the Chicago Club. According to Mr. Neaman, Mr. Harrison said he wanted the FTC to prevail in its lawsuit to stop the merger because Northwestern would like to pursue a merger with NorthShore. Mr. Neaman raised concerns about a potential NorthShore-Northwestern merger to Mr. Harrison, including the likelihood that the FTC would block such a deal. "He told me not to worry about the FTC. He said Northwestern had a way to get around the FTC," Mr. Neaman testified, according to the report. The FTC called Northwestern's chief legal officer as a witness on Tuesday. Dan Webb, NorthShore's attorney, argued Mr. Neaman's testimony evidences Northwestern's bias in the case. When reached for comment by the Tribune, Northwestern Medicine spokesman Christopher King said all past discussions Northwestern has had with organizations are confidential. More articles on antitrust issues: NorthShore lawyer: Why doesn't FTC include Northwestern in definition of Chicago's competitive market? FTC suspends challenge of West Virginia hospital merger Antitrust lawsuit against Premier Health heads back to lower court A federal jury in Dallas found Jacques Roy, MD, guilty Wednesday in what is believed to be the nation's largest home healthcare fraud involving a single physician. Federal prosecutors said Dr. Roy and his cohorts used promises of cash, groceries and food stamps to recruit patients, including some of Dallas' homeless, as part of the $375 million fraud scheme. From January 2006 to November 2011, Dr. Roy's office, Medistat Group Associates in DeSoto, Texas, handled more home healthcare visits than any physician's office in the country. Dr. Roy allegedly certified or directed the certification of more than 11,000 individual patients from more than 500 home healthcare agencies for home health services during that time, according to the Department of Justice. "A doctor cannot care for 11,000 patients at once," Assistant U.S. Attorney P.J. Meitl said during the trial, according to The Dallas Morning News A data analysis targeting suspicious billing put Dr. Roy on HHS' Office of Inspector General's radar. At trial, prosecutors said Dr. Roy had a full-time forgery operation in place where people were hired to sign his name to patients' medical documents. Nurses also allegedly falsified medical documents as part of the scheme. Robert Scardino, Dr. Roy's lawyer, claims his client ran a legitimate business that made house calls. Mr. Scardino said a tracking device put on Dr. Roy's car by the FBI showed that Dr. Roy saw more than 1,000 patients during a four-month period, according to the report. On Wednesday, Dr. Roy, who has lost his medical license, was found guilty on eight counts of healthcare fraud, two counts of making a false statement relating to healthcare matters, one count of obstruction of justice and one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud. Three owners of home healthcare agencies were also convicted on various felony offenses. Each conspiracy and healthcare fraud count carries a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The obstruction of justice count and each false statement count carry a maximum penalty of five years. More articles on healthcare industry lawsuits: Physician imposter treats patients in Michigan, helps steal $6.2M from Medicare Legal battle over Broward Health chairman's reinstatement heads to appeals court FTC heads to trial to stop Hershey-Pinnacle merger: 3 things to know A national physicians' advocacy group has filed a complaint in federal court against the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis, claiming the hospital's use of live animals for medical training violates the Animal Welfare Act, according to the Star Tribune. The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, which filed the complaint with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, also said HCMC possesses the resources to train physicians without using live animals and the hospital provided outdated statistics to validate their use. The group said it has open records documenting that HCMC used 450 sheep and 450 rabbits during the course of three years to train physicians to perform 20 medical procedures, including drilling holes in skulls to relieve pressure, removing fluid from vital organs and inserting breathing tubes, according to the report. The group argues advancements in simulated surgical methods and the availability of high-tech mannequins have rendered the use of live animals unnecessary for medical training. "Animal use is not even essential for research into drug and human diseases," said John Pippin, MD, a retired cardiologist and member of the group, according to the report. "It's not needed to train doctors to do medical procedures." Another physician member, Matthew Clayton, MD, who signed on to the complaint, said the use of live animals for medical training might have been justified in the 1980s before technology made alternatives accessible, but it is no longer justified. HCMC released a statement saying it has lowered its use of live animals plans to eventually eliminate the practice, but "a few critical, lifesaving procedures can only be reliably taught" with live animals, according to the report. After originally saying just 142 infections had been linked to improperly cleaned scopes, the Food and Drug Administration now says the number is closer to 350, according to Kaiser Health News. The FDA released new numbers in response to an inquiry from U.S. Rep. Ted Lieu from California and the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The agency reported 404 patient infections to the House committee, but said that number "likely contain[s] duplicate patient reporting" and lowered the estimate to between 300 and 350, according to KHN. These infections occurred from Jan. 1, 2010, to Oct. 31, 2015, in 30 facilities in the U.S. and 11 facilities abroad, the FDA reported. A separate Senate committee investigation, released in January, put the number of infections occurring from 2012 to 2015 at roughly 250. "It's really disturbing that the number of patients harmed and the number of facilities where this happened keeps rising," Lisa McGiffert, director Consumers Union's Safe Patient Project, told KHN. "It probably indicates the number will continue to increase as authorities dig deeper." In fact, the House committee report states that because the FDA's infection estimates are based medical device reports, "This continues to raise concerns that the FDA is unaware of the true number of patients affected nationally and is limited to only those reported." Duodenoscopes are notoriously difficult to clean, with one expert calling them "almost impossible" to clean correctly, meaning they can spread bacteria from patient to patient even after being cleaned. Seattle-based Virginia Mason Medical Center and Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles dealt with outbreaks eventually linked back to these scopes. Since discovering the link between these scopes and the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, hospitals have changed their reprocessing protocols and Olympus, a major duodenoscope manufacturer, issued a voluntary recall of one type of such scopes for modifications. The FDA has been under fire for its mishandling of the situation, as have Olympus and the other duodenoscope manufacturers, Fujifilm and Pentax. Rep. Lieu plans to introduce new legislation that would require device manufacturers to notify the FDA when they issue safety warnings in other countries, as well as a bill that would require cleaning instructions for scopes to be scientifically validated, according to KHN. See the full report from the House committee here. To continue following the latest news and information for Bedfordshire and surrounding areas, simply enter your full postcode below Outspoken Conservative Euro-sceptic Daniel Hannan was the event's sole speaker, and told those in attendance how British financial companies "will flourish outside the EU" Invest NI sponsored a pro-Brexit event, despite stating that it has no position on the subject, Belfast Telegraph can reveal. The news comes just days after the government-funded business advisory body publicly declared it would not take a position on the upcoming referendum. However, a well-placed insider said that he attended a pro-Brexit event at which the organiser thanked Invest NI for sponsorship. Outspoken Conservative Euro-sceptic Daniel Hannan was the event's sole speaker, and told those in attendance how British financial companies "will flourish outside the EU". The author of "Why Vote Leave" told those at the soiree how he believed there had been an ongoing shift of financial power from the Atlantic to the Pacific in contrast to a steady decline in the EU's contribution to global economic growth. His argument was not balanced against that of any other guest speakers. The event entitled "EUreka or EUlogy? - Brexit and the British financial services industry" was run by Heritage, a financial services company with bases in Belfast, London, Malta and Guernsey, but had been sponsored by Invest NI. Between 80-100 guests were offered canapes and champagne at the event which was held in central London on January 28. The insider told the Belfast Telegraph how he felt "uncomfortable" with the excessive level of hospitality when he heard that the event had been sponsored with public money. The event invitation read: "Heritage Financial Services Group cordially invites you to a drinks reception and industry presentation at the magnificent Trinity House building on Tower Hill. "Guest speaker for the evening is Daniel Hannan, Member of the European Parliament for the South East of England, who will present his thoughts on 'Global London: How British Financial Services will flourish outside the EU'. Daniel speaks French and Spanish and loves Europe, but believes the EU is making its member countries poorer, less democratic and less free." Heritage confirmed no other guest speakers spoke at the event, however, a spokesperson claimed the event did not reflect the views of the company, despite those in attendance saying "it had been hammered into us that we should leave". The insider said: "I found it odd that it wasn't balanced in any way. It was an event where the speaker wasn't countered in any argument he made. I had already read a lot of articles on the subject, but if I hadn't, I would have walked out feeling that we should leave the EU." A spokesman for Heritage said Invest NI would frequently "support the company's marketing efforts", but would not go into detail about sponsorship of the event in January. He also said that the event was aimed at bringing more investment from its London clients into Belfast. He confirmed there was only one speaker talking on one side of the debate, but added that organisers "thought it would get debate going". A spokeswoman for Invest NI said: "I can confirm that Invest NI did sponsor the networking event at Trinity House on January 28 organised by Heritage. "Invest NI sponsors a broad range of events in key sectors as part of its activity to reach potential investors and key influencers. "In this case the event presented an opportunity to network with fund managers and representatives in the financial services industry, a key FDI market. A leading Northern Ireland manufacturer says it has concerns about the impact on its export business in the event of a Brexit. Kevin McNamee, finance director with the Bangor-based Denroy Group, said the company was worried about the prospect of new international trade agreements and punitive tariffs. Denroy's products range from the world's best-known hairbrush brand, Denman, through medical devices and components for aircraft, including the Eurofighter Typhoon. "We export to 80 countries and we're concerned about what's going to happen with trade agreements," Mr McNamee said. "A Brexit could mean jeopardy for these trade deals, the implementation of tariffs and other obstacles to trade. A lot of our business is in the EU and we're asking how that will work out. This uncertainty is a major issue for many companies in Northern Ireland. "A major part of our business, with haircare, is retail and there's a concern that consumer spending will be affected if Britain leaves the EU." Denroy is one of the Northern Ireland's most successful exporters, with annual sales of more than 10m, and is an important player in the local aerospace sector. It designs and manufactures lightweight plastic components used in structural wing and air frame assemblies, cabin interiors and cockpits of civil and military aircraft. Airbus is a major customer and the company makes at least 180 parts for the Eurofighter Typhoon, regarded as the world's most advanced combat aircraft. Mr McNamee said: "One third of our business is in the aerospace sector and that's a very fragmented international industry, in that structures may be manufactured in Europe, shipped elsewhere in the world for further work, then assembled back in Europe, at Bombardier for example. What would renegotiated trade deals mean for that sector and our part in the supply chain? "The uncertainty around these questions is a major problem for industry and there's very little understanding of the implications of leaving the EU, and little guidance on the subject." He added that Denroy, like other manufacturers, would be hesitant about making investment decisions until after the EU referendum in June. Mr McNamee was one of more than 120 businesspeople attending a CBI economic briefing in Belfast yesterday. Among the speakers was Professor David Phinnemore from Queen's University, who said the EU debate was "underdeveloped" in Northern Ireland. "There's a huge amount of uncertainty ahead of us," he said. "If the 'leave' side wins, the new relationship with Europe is tricky because there's no real agreement between the leave campaigners about what that relationship should be, either a free trade agreement or an association agreement, which is far more tortuous to negotiate." Fergal O'Brien, head of policy and chief economist at the Republic's main business organisation, Ibec, said the prospect of the UK leaving the EU was the "number one issue at the moment" for Irish companies. "It's incredibly important because we would like to see a strong, reformed EU for all member countries and we think there are a lot more risks than opportunities facing us if Britain leaves." Bombardier is putting the finishing touches on a huge deal with Delta Airlines for its new C Series plane the wings for which are made in Belfast. The Belfast Telegraph understands that the aviation giant has agreed a multi-billion dollar contract to supply up to 125 aircraft with the American firm and confirmation is expected today. Sources in Canada and the US say the deal being discussed is for a firm order for 75 planes and options on another 50. A firm order for that number of planes would be worth about 4.45bn at list prices, although industry analysts believe any deal would be at a discount from the list price of 50% or more. A firm order for the 75 planes would be the largest single order for the plane and a huge boost for the C Series, which is is more than two years behind its original delivery schedule and hugely over budget. The production of wings for the C Series is Northern Irelands biggest-ever inward investment programme, worth 520m, and this imminent deal is bound to result in a major jobs boost to the Belfast operation, and offset the recent announcement of 1,000 redundancies. The companys Northern Ireland boss, meanwhile, has told staff the business is better off staying part of the European Union. Michael Ryan sent a memo to his more than 5,000-strong workforce, most of whom are based in Belfast, that said: It is better for our company that the United Kingdom remains within the EU. The memo, seen by the Belfast Telegraph, added there was no doubt that membership of the EU helped support investment and facilitate growth within the UK aerospace industry. It is understood that staff were emailed by Mr Ryan, the head of one of Northern Irelands biggest employers, about the companys position on the referendum yesterday morning. The message, which will be seen as a huge win for Northern Irelands pro-EU camp, is also believed to have been posted on the businesss noticeboards. Mr Ryan said staying in the bloc was crucial for the Canadian-owned aerospace giant for a number of reasons. That included the large number of European-based suppliers, and the markets the firm sells to. Mr Ryan also claimed it was key to stay in order to engage in Brussels to help shape the EU regulatory environment. Access to integrated European supply chains is critical to our business, and the free movement of goods across Europe contributes significantly to our competitiveness, he added. If the referendum leads to a UK exit, there is huge uncertainty over what trade arrangements the UK would negotiate with the EU, and how long this would take. A spokeswoman for Bombardier said: We can confirm that a memo from Michael Ryan, our vice-president and general manager, was circulated to employees, advising them of the companys position on whether the UK should remain within the EU. While there are arguments for and against being part of the EU, Bombardier Belfasts position is that the UK remaining within the EU is better for our aerospace business. As one of Northern Irelands largest employers, we strongly believe that our competitiveness and future success is better served if the United Kingdom remains part of the EU. However, supporters of a Brexit were quick to criticise Mr Ryan. Jeff Peel, Northern Ireland spokesman for Business for Britain, said the message was wholly inappropriate. Bombardier workers have the right to exercise their vote without undue pressure, Mr Peel added. And TUV Assembly candidate Henry Reilly said: There is no doubt that the company has overstepped the mark in seeking to influence how their employees will vote in one of the most important referendums our nation has faced. Eamonn Holmes is back on the ITV This Morning sofa. Eamonn Holmes has returned to the This Morning sofa after almost 10 weeks off recovering from a double-hip operation. Rylan Clark-Neal has been standing in for Eamonn in recent weeks. It doesn't take much too make her happy , but Happy she seems to be ! Bless her. #eamonnsback @itvthismorning 10.30 pic.twitter.com/6xG7nPoeH9 Eamonn Holmes (@EamonnHolmes) April 15, 2016 Well , it's not that exciting .... but it's a big thing for me. Got my boots on ready to play ...#ThisMorning https://t.co/j0sQfLiDcU Eamonn Holmes (@EamonnHolmes) April 15, 2016 In January, Eamonn said an emotional goodbye to the daytime programme and good luck messages flooded in from fans of the show - including from former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson who had a similar operation two years ago. He also received a basket of goodies from his team which included a shirt signed by Wayne Rooney The Belfast-born presenter kept fans up-to-date on his recovery with a series of social media updates. He made an unexpected return to the show last week to pay tribute to agony aunt Denise Robertson, who died from cancer at the age of 83. On Friday morning he was back beside wife Ruth Langsford as they co-hosted their first programme in months. Ruth said: "I've had a few TV husbands sitting here with me but now I've got the best back. It's true." To which Eamonn quipped: "We'll see how long it lasts." He continued: "If you are facing a hip operation or two as in my case, there is light at the end of the tunnel. It can be done, do your exercises, take your pain killers and you will get through it." Ruth then revealed how she fell foul to a joke present of a bell she bought her husband. She said: "Be nice to your wife who is only trying to help." To which Eamonn added: "You're the one who bought a bell". Ruth laughed as she said: "Don't buy a bell for a joke because they will try to use it." Eamonn will be back hosting Sky News Sunrise on Monday April 18. Alex Jones, now 39, said that until she got married last year, she had not realised the potential complications in fertility associated with her age One Show presenter Alex Jones has told a conference on fertility that she did not realise she might have problems having a family in her late 30s. The 39-year-old said that until she married her husband Charlie Thompson in December last year, she had not realised the potential complications in fertility associated with her age. The BBC host was speaking at a conference with leading fertility experts, who said young adults were putting their future chances of parenthood at risk by a lack of knowledge about their fertility. Jones said she and her husband have not yet started trying for a baby "in earnest" but it had taken a while for the reality of her age to sink in. "For me the penny didn't drop. I thought, I've just met this boy, I've got this lovely job, that I absolutely, to this day, adore, although it's not more important than a family - I'd like to be really clear about that," she said. The remarks came during the Fertility Health Summit which has heard that young women's desire for a career is one of the main factors in delaying pregnancy. Jones complained she has been labelled a "career girl" and added: "I just happen to have a career and, while you're waiting for a family, why wouldn't you try your best and do the job to the best of your advantage?" Speaking at the conference at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, in London, which was convened by the British Fertility Society and the college's Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, Jones said there was a lack of information available to young women. She said the topic was "a bit of a murky pond" and criticised the lack of action taken by those in the NHS to ask about family planning, and educate patients about IVF and fertility. She added that some doctors were too embarrassed to ask questions about sex: "You have to have those honest conversations in order to establish where people are. "(My husband and I) haven't started trying in earnest, so we don't know." The Welsh host also criticised the IVF "postcode lottery" saying it was "unfair" that in her hometown of Carmarthenshire, south Wales, people got multiple attempts at IVF on the NHS, while in her current home in West London, people were rarely given any. Travis release Everything At Once on April 29 and begin a UK tour on May 6. Visit www.travisonline.com for more information Travis, by their own admission, have entered into the second half of their career. With their upcoming eighth album, Everything At Once, they are some way to completing the dozen albums they predicted they would way back in 1997, when they released their debut, Good Feeling. "I think we'll get to 12 and be upset we have to finish, so we'll do 16," says frontman Fran Healy. "If we pace it right, we can do it. Set yourself a sensible goal: 12 albums is a decent career." "That's a good brick of CDs on the shelf," adds bass player Dougie Payne. "But it's all about the songs and it will continue to be, I'd imagine. I can't see album 11 being discordant musical landscapes. You can spend your whole life working with chords and melodies, it's infinite." It's hard to imagine old friends Healy, Payne, guitarist Andy Dunlop and drummer Neil Primrose doing anything other than being in Travis, really. As Payne points out, it's been "20 years now, and 25 or so as mates". The new album comes just under three years after 2013's Where You Stand, which marked the band's return after six years away. Even in conversation, Healy is a poetic soul. When talk turns to what it was like making Everything At Once, he describes how creating their previous record was like getting an old car out of storage in the garage, taking off the tarpaulin, tentatively making sure everything still works, before starting the engine and giving the paint a good polish. "This time, it was like starting off with the engine running and all of us sitting in the car already," he says. Payne chips in that it was also reminiscent of the The Man Who, their second album - and the record that catapulted Travis into the stratosphere, with sales of around three million in the UK alone, after its release in 1999. "Back then, we'd write a bit, then record some, then go away and write some more, then go into the studio again, rather than doing it in a big block, and that's what we did this time," he explains. "I think there's a similar roll to some of the songs, too." If Everything At Once shares anything with The Man Who, it is incredible brevity, clocking in at around 34 minutes (The Man Who, not counting a long stretch of silence between the final track and bonus snippet, is a shade under 40). In fact, the songs on Everything At Once are so short that their radio promoter asked to have some extra material added to single 3 Miles High. "It's probably the only incident of a radio edit of a song being longer than the version on the album," says Payne. "That was actually the hardest part last time around, making radio edits, cutting bits out of songs we thought were perfect as they were. So this time, we did that earlier in the process, as they were being cooked." Being on the radio is a big deal for Travis, Healy in particular, who still believes it's the best way to discover new music. "Despite all the things that we have, Spotify and YouTube and whatever, radio is key," he says. "All the new things are good and have their place, but radio broadcasts all the time, and it's curated by humans, in the large part. "I have radio on all the time at home in Berlin, and it's sometimes different music in Germany, but things will catch my ear and I turn it up to find out what it is. We all love that, and music still has that lovely invisible quality, where you don't need to see what it looks like, just what it sounds like." Similarly, Healy says he always has an ear on what will make a good single, not necessarily just so he can get on the radio, but because that's the music he enjoys; short, memorable melodies that anyone can whistle. It's clearly something he's very good at. The Man Who, and third album The Invisible Band, were laden with the kinds of singles you only needed to hear once to have the hook embedded in your head. The band were sometimes derided for writing crowd-pleasing anthems, or for the ubiquity of songs such as Driftwood, Writing To Reach You, Sing, and of course, Why Does It Always Rain On Me?, but countless songwriters would give albums' worth of more adventurous music, for just one song that connected with the public as those did. "I like to write songs that get stuck in my head," says Healy. "I start with a 10-second-long thing that I roll out into a whole song. One minute, two minutes, whatever. Three-minute songs are fine, but when someone's walking down the street, they're only singing eight seconds of it. I'm not trying to write 'radio songs' as such, but that's the way I work." It was that strategy which propelled the band to the position of one of the UK's biggest bands during the late-Nineties and early-Noughties, and while they might not be quite at that level any more - something they're more than happy about - they do still have a strong, huge fan base. More important to them, however, is their own wellbeing. "When we were massive, I was miserable," says Stafford-born Healy (42). "It was too much work. But we've never felt as in-shape as we are now, in terms of the music and the state of the band. "What you deem success changes as you go. We've won the Brit awards, sold millions of records and been, you know, up there, had everyone calling our name and all that. But you get that, and then think, 'I don't feel successful; I never have a minute to myself'. "To us, balance is success. Balancing it all, allowing the craziness, but also other things. I am a father - all four of us now have kids - so we have to allow time for that." Both he and Payne talk about wanting to show their sons - now they're of an age to notice what dad does for a living - what their day job is all about, and Healy tells a touching story about plotting the route of a recent tour with 10-year-old son Clay, and telling him that, in his absence, he has to be man of the house. Payne, meanwhile, recounts a gig last year that saw his two worlds collide. "My son Freddie was at the side of the stage with my parents, and he kept taking off his ear defenders, so I was trying to look good, playing the bass while mouthing for him to put his ear defenders back on. Rock star dads for you." "We've realised the important thing in all this is us," concludes Healy. "The four of us, not everything that goes with it. If ever anything happened where we got that big again, we'd know what to do. "We have the band to look after, but we also have real-life kids to look after. The most important thing." Travis release Everything At Once on April 29 and begin a UK tour on May 6. Visit www.travisonline.com for more information A former stripogram boss is to take on senior political figures like Sinn Fein's Caral Ni Cuilin and the DUP's Nelson McCausland in the Assembly election next month. Geoff Dowey (60), who ran a stable of RUC-uniformed strippers, is a candidate in the hotly-contested North Belfast constituency. The Newtownabbey man has formed his own political party, Northern Ireland First, with a manifesto calling for the liberalisation of drugs and prostitution laws in Northern Ireland. The manifesto calls for cannabis to be legalised and says that our prostitution laws target men - making them discriminatory. Standing as a candidate in the Stormont election marks a new departure for Mr Dowey, who previously ran stripogram agency Angel Promotions and the Erotic Ireland website, Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph last night, Mr Dowey said his campaign was only just beginning. "I'm looking forward to having a few frank discussions with DUP candidates about their stance on gay marriages," he said The former porn king said he had entered political life because he was "fed up" with political culture in the province. "I am doing this because I am - like a lot of people - totally fed up with the conflict politics of Northern Ireland," he said. "It's like kids falling out in a schoolyard. "While we're fighting among ourselves we're missing he big picture." And his racy past is no barrier to winning the support of voters, he claimed. "Young adults I've spoken to have said they'd rather vote for a former porn king than the bunch we have running the country at the moment," he said. Realistically, he accepts that his risque past will lose him votes among sections of the electorate. But, in other quarters, he reckons his chequered history will do him no harm at the polls. "People realise this was a business run by a chap who went up against the general feeling in Northern Ireland with the RUC strippers and the punishment beating strippers - and brought a little bit of humour to life," he argued. Asked whether his porn career was now behind him, Mr Dowey said: "Who knows what's round the corner? "I haven't ruled out anything. The adult industry has always been there. It's a legitimate business. "When we accepted the European Bill of Rights it gave everyone the right to watch porn on TV. So you can blame the Europeans for me, I'm afraid." But, with only five members in his new party, Mr Dowey has quite a mountain to climb. Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt has denied there is any uncertainty at the heart of his party's election campaign about potentially forming an Assembly Opposition. Launching the UUP manifesto yesterday, Mr Nesbitt made clear the preference was to rejoin the Stormont Executive - which the party pulled out of more than six months ago - but might end up going into Opposition reluctantly. It will not make a decision until well after the May 5 poll, as there are expected to be two weeks of negotiations between the main parties to agree a new Programme for Government (PfG). Mr Nesbitt reaffirmed that the UUP verdict will be based on its assessment of how "progressive" the PfG is, and its sense of the other parties' willingness to implement it. Read More He told the event in east Belfast it was "regrettable" that it appeared the report of the three-person panel set up to examine IRA and other paramilitary activity would not be available in time for the post-election multi-party talks. When the UUP withdrew its sole Executive minister Danny Kennedy last autumn Mr Nesbitt argued Sinn Fein's stance that the IRA "did not exist" had undermined trust to such a degree his party could no longer share power with republicans. But yesterday he stressed Sinn Fein's position on the IRA was not a precondition for the Ulster Unionists deciding to return to government. "I didn't put (us) on a hook, I was very careful not to say there's an ultimatum or a precondition for us to go back in," he said. And he insisted: "There is no uncertainty over our plans. It is not being raised on the doorsteps. Our message is simple and easily understood." The UUP leader stressed that success in the election would mean at least regaining the three Assembly seats the party lost since the last election in 2011. It has set its sights on winning back a second seat in Strangford - where former UUP man David McNarry is now regional leader of Ukip - as well as Lagan Valley and South Down, after Basil McCrea and John McCallister formed the ill-fated NI21. Mr McNarry and Mr McCrea are not running in the election. Beyond those targets the UUP believes it stands a reasonable chance of gains in East and South Antrim. The party is fielding a total of 33 candidates across the 18 constituences, with more than two-thirds of them standing for election for the first time. "The UUP is refreshed. It has taken time, but we have rebuilt ourselves and we enter these elections ready and eager to lead again," Mr Nesbitt told the party faithful. "There is a different mood in the country. We have regained our appetite for elections. We believe in ourselves again. "We have found new credibility with the electorate and these are feeding off each other in a virtuous circle, generating the gold dust of elected politics - momentum. "We have momentum." Mr Nesbitt also accused the two main Stormont parties - DUP and Sinn Fein - of "arrogance" in their focus on the prospect of Martin McGuinness becoming First Minister. "I think there is a certain arrogance in other parties saying it is either A or B for First Minister. Who is to say that the Ulster Unionists, with 33 great candidates and stated policies which are second to none, and a better vision than anybody else on the future of Northern Ireland, can't come out top?" he asked. The Armagh school hit by a double tragedy this week after the death of former head girl Lesley-Ann McCarragher and Year 12 pupil John Irwin has published a moving tribute to the latter, who passed away in the early hours of Wednesday morning after collapsing in class on Tuesday. On its Facebook page a spokesperson for City of Armagh High School wrote: "We at City of Armagh High School mourn the sudden death of John Irwin, one of our Year 12 pupils. "John was a much-loved and highly respected member of our school community who will be missed by all of us. We are deeply saddened by this great loss. "Our thoughts and prayers are with John's family at this tragic time. We extend to them our sincerest sympathy and support." Friends of the school also left heartfelt messages of sympathy and condolences to both bereaved families. Jennifer Rowntree wrote on the school's Facebook page: "So sad. What heartache for this young lad's family. May the Lord give them strength. Thinking and praying for the Irwin and Frazer families," Another poster, Kelly Lawson, offered her condolences and wrote: "So sad, deepest Sympathies to John's family and his friends and teachers at City of Armagh High. Thinking of you all x." Flo McCall posted: "So so sad. Prayers and much love to Diane, Keith and family also Armagh High and the school community... just heartbreaking." A relative of the Irwin family, Shannon Kelly, posted: "Even though we were distant family it's still so heartbreaking to hear. My thoughts and prayers go to the Irwins today. John was amazing and I'm so glad to have had the pleasure of meeting him. Gone but not forgotten." The City of Armagh High School's Facebook page also paid tribute to Lesley-Ann McCarragher, whose funeral took place on Wednesday - the same day on which John died. Read More The 19-year-old died in Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital after being hit by a vehicle while was out running on the Monaghan Road near Milford, Co Armagh. A 17-year-old male has been charged with a number of motoring offences, including causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop and failing to report an accident, and driving without a licence and insurance. The funeral of John will take place at St John's Church of Ireland in Middletown, Co Armagh, at 2pm tomorrow. The service will be held just seven says after the teenager celebrated his 16th birthday with his family. Drumhillery Primary School - which John formerly attended - said that a Beetle drive organised for tonight had been cancelled as a mark of respect to the Irwin family. In a statement, a spokesperson for the school added: "John was a much-respected past pupil of Drumhillery, someone of whom we have very fond memories. "Mrs Irwin has been a highly esteemed member of our board of governors for many years. "We wish to take this opportunity to pass on our deepest sympathy and condolences to the Irwin family at this time and assure them of our sincere thoughts and prayers." Arson attack on Cairsnhilll Methodist Church in south Belfast leaves sever damaged to the building. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye A sinister attempt to deliberately burn a Castlereagh church to the ground has shocked members of a normally quiet community. On Thursday night, a back window was smashed in Cairnshill Methodist Church on the Ballylenaghan Road, before a number of chairs were set alight starting several fires on the ground floor. Fire crews responded rapidly to an emergency call at 10.35am and managed to extinguish the flames by 11.27am. It was reported that entry was forced to the premises during the night and a number of fires started within the building. Church members were horrified to see large areas of several rooms on the ground floor completely scorched, with the walls black with soot and thick smoke in the air. Detectives are appealing for witnesses following the incident. A Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson said: Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) received a call at 10:35am to a report of a fire at a church at the Ballylenaghan Road area of Newtownbreda. Expand Close Arson attack on Cairnshill Methodist Church in south Belfast. Minister for the church Rev. Louise Donald. Photo: Jonathan Porter/PressEye / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Arson attack on Cairnshill Methodist Church in south Belfast. Minister for the church Rev. Louise Donald. Photo: Jonathan Porter/PressEye Two Fire Appliances from Central Fire Station were deployed to the scene of a small fire in the entrance lobby of the church. Two firefighters using a hosereel jet extinguished the fire and Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service finished at the scene at 11:27am. The fire is being treated as deliberate and the incident has been passed through to the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Rev Ruth Patterson said: "The Church sanctuary itself doesn't appear to be damaged nor is the large hall but the rest of the suite of buildings is extensively smoke damaged and the smell of smoke is throughout." Expand Close Arson attack on Cairnshill Methodist Church in south Belfast. Photo: Jonathan Porter/PressEye / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Arson attack on Cairnshill Methodist Church in south Belfast. Photo: Jonathan Porter/PressEye In 2013, the church was targeted in two separate burglary attempts in one weekend. Damage was caused to doors and other items and money was stolen. The most recent incident has been condemned as a "senseless attack". South Belfast DUP candidate Emma Little Pengelly said: "I am disgusted by the actions this morning where a person or number of people have broken into the church and caused damage. This is senseless and very upsetting for the local congregation and worshippers. I would urge anyone with information to come forward to the PSNI and hope the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended." Expand Close Arson attack on Cairnshill Methodist Church in south Belfast. Photo: Jonathan Porter/PressEye / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Arson attack on Cairnshill Methodist Church in south Belfast. Photo: Jonathan Porter/PressEye Rev Louise Donald said: "Well it's a very sad day for us but there we are no one was injured or hurt and it's not a reflection on the community here, we've very lovely relations with the community. "But it is very sad, but it's the church building and not the church that has damaged, the church will survive as the people. As soon as we can we'll be back in action." "I would just say that I find it very, very sad that this is who they want to spend their life causing destruction and pain to others and I just wish they could see the joy of the children who come here and the lovely community rather than sadly getting caught up in something that can only be damaging to them. Expand Close Arson attack on Cairnshill Methodist Church in south Belfast. Photo: Jonathan Porter/PressEye / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Arson attack on Cairnshill Methodist Church in south Belfast. Photo: Jonathan Porter/PressEye "But we forgive them and if they want to come and join with us at any time they're always welcome." Appeal for information The president of the Methodist Church in Ireland, Rev Brian Anderson, also condemned the attack. He said: "I utterly condemn this unwarranted attack on Cairnshill Methodist Church at the heart of the Methodist identity is a saying by the Rev John Wesley in which he described Methodists as 'the friends of all and enemies of none. "This has been at the heart of the Cairnshill Methodist congregation whose only desire is to serve the community among whom it is set." Rev Anderson added: "I would encourage those who may have some information concerning this attack no matter how little or insignificant they think it is to please contact the PSNI. Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident or anyone with any information that can assist with the investigation to contact detectives in Lisburn on 101. Information can also be passed anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. More than 20 decisions a day are being made under the Children Order by behind-closed-doors courts in Northern Ireland, new research has revealed. Upwards of 24,000 decisions impacting on thousands of children's lives were made by judges over the past three years, according to analysis by the Detail Data website. Outdated Government policy on family breakdown and child custody is being blamed for Northern Ireland "sleepwalking into a culture of litigation", with the courts being used to perpetuate family conflict. The research found that almost half of all orders being made in Northern Ireland's family courts, from which the media and public are excluded, are for "contact" and "residence" - setting out which parent a child lives with and when they have contact with their other parent. The findings have sparked calls for more use of mediation as an alternative to court action. Detail Data's analysis of court records also uncovered errors in the Courts Service's official Children Order statistics, which record judges' decisions affecting children's lives. Figures covering a nine-year period will have to be amended following the revelations. Researchers obtained comprehensive statistics on family court rulings - known as Children Orders - made between September 2012 and August 2015 in response to Freedom of Information requests lodged with the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service. An analysis of data from the Family Proceedings Court, Family Care Centre and High Court found that 10,206 contact and residence orders were made over the past three judicial years. Those orders can relate to more than one child. In comparison, Family Mediation NI - the largest provider of pre-court family mediation in Northern Ireland - received Government funding over the same period to assist just 750 families to reach agreement without going to court. Joan Davis of Family Mediation NI said: "The problem with the courts system is that it is being used to perpetuate family conflict inadvertently. It is an adversarial process by nature. "The rest of Europe uses mediation as the default first option in family breakdown and yet, in Northern Ireland, the default process is the courts system. "In 2010, the Minister for Justice spoke about finding different ways of diverting parents away from the courts system. We are in 2016 and no additional money has come from any department." Ms Davis claimed that policy has not kept pace with social change and the make-up of modern families, with almost twice as many children (10,504) born to unmarried parents in 2014 compared to 5,337 in 1994. The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency figures also show that the parents of 2,400 children (under the age of 18) divorced in 2013. Ms Davis added: "We urgently need policy-makers to catch up with what's happening on the ground. The divorce figures don't give you the true picture, because half of the people that come through these doors have never been legally married. "We have an increase in casual relationships producing a child. We don't sit in judgment as to how this child came into the world, but the law states - under Article 9 of the United Nations Convention on the Right of the Child - that the child has the right to access both parents." Alana Fisher, whose parents turned to the courts when their relationship ended, said: "The child's voice is definitely being lost in the system." The Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service has now initiated an immediate review of its data. It said it will amend and republish figures covering a nine-year period. It also confirmed that it was undertaking a consultation exercise and has proposed a new methodology of counting the number of Children Orders made by judges. A Department of Justice spokeswoman said: "The Access to Justice 2 report highlighted further areas of interest in regard to mediation and this matter will be revisited in the future." So what happens to the youngsters when the adult relationship fails? Child One and Child Two Following a marriage breakdown, the former husband and wife (both in receipt of legal aid) had been in court 29 times in 18 months. The two children had been under the care of three different social workers - at the request of the parents - medical professionals and a referral to Child and Adult Mental Health Services (CAMHS) made by the mother was pending. The parents, both professionals, could not communicate with each other - even on the phone, or by email - such was the deterioration in their relationship. Numerous court orders had been made, some breached, including non-molestation, residence, contact and prohibitive steps. A children's officer remarked how one of the children was "distressed about mummy and daddy fighting about the days". Residency was awarded to the mother and the father's contact was reduced from three nights to two nights with every public and bank holiday. Child Three A teenage girl had been placed by the State in foster care after 8,000 indecent images and videos involving children were found on the computer of her mother's boyfriend. Legal representatives for the child's mother, father, guardian ad litem (which acts as the voice of the child in public law cases) and the health and social care trust which had initiated the proceedings were all in court. The judge heard from the guardian ad litem that the girl was "very bright, motivated and ambitious", but was struggling at her foster placement, where she had been placed four weeks earlier "as a matter of urgency" after the discovery. The court was told: "She seemed weary, tired and somewhat disconsolate. She is intelligent and articulate and is arguably suffering harm." The case, which lasted 17 minutes, was adjourned to allow the trust to carry out a viability assessment on the girl's grandmother as a carer. Child Four A six-month-old baby was taken into care after sustaining a "non-accidental injury". He had already been removed from his parents and placed with foster carers when the case came before the court. His parents, who also had to rely on an interpreter to convey what was going on in the proceedings, sat side-by-side at the back of the court. The court was told his parents, who were seeing him daily, were "very distressed about the child remaining in foster care". They were seeking for the baby's grandmother to care for him, but social services expressed concerns about her health and said that the assessment of the grandmother would take four weeks. The guardian ad litem representing the child's perspective described the delay as "unacceptable". The parents succeeded in having the baby moved from a foster placement to the care of his grandparent. Child Five and Six This case resulted in five children being removed from their parents. The siblings had been split up and were living with two different sets of relatives (kinship care) and also foster carers. The court was told that there was a significant history of social services involvement with the parents who were "not engaging with the trust and were not attending contact" with their children. Plans for two of the children to reside permanently with relatives fell through, leaving the trust with no other option than to consider adoption for the children. Then at the last-minute a relative came forward to say they would like to be considered to care for the children long-term, setting the case back by three months while the trust assessed their suitably. The guardian ad litem said she was concerned about "drift and delay" as one of the children was young. Agreeing with the guardian, the judge approved an interim care order for four weeks and ordered the trust to file an update report with the court within six weeks. Prosecution counsel claimed Iain Hall (52), went outside the organisations chain of command by involving himself in ongoing investigations A senior PSNI officer allegedly abused his position to gain unauthorised access to police systems about incidents involving a former mistress and rogue builders harassing his elderly parents, a court heard yesterday. Prosecution counsel claimed Iain Hall (52), went outside the organisation's chain of command by involving himself in ongoing investigations. Mr Hall, a chief inspector with 33 years' policing experience, is charged with 11 counts of unauthorised access of material logged on the PSNI's command and control serials. He denies the alleged offences, with his lawyer arguing there is no evidence he knew his actions lacked the necessary clearance. The system he is said to have accessed is used to log reports of incidents made to the force. Mr Hall, whose address was given as PSNI Knocknagoney in Belfast, appeared at the city's Magistrates Court for a contested hearing into incidents alleged to have taken place during 2012 and 2013. Eoin Macdonald, prosecuting, said some of them involved command and control serials linked to the defendant's former mistress. It was claimed that she wanted to know if her property was secure. Other charges are connected to a fight at Lisburn Leisureplex in Co Antrim while Mr Hall was there in his role as a scout leader. He was said to be a witness to events in the aftermath of the alleged assault. The officer is also accused of accessing the system without authority over activity in the area near his parents' home in Belfast. The couple had been suffering harassment at the hands of cowboy traders, the court heard. District Judge Amanda Henderson was told that Mr Hall insisted he was acting as a police officer in the prevention and detection of crime. But Mr Macdonald contended: "None of those excuses are accepted, and the defendant went outside the chain of command of the Police Service of Northern Ireland by involving himself in ongoing investigations." The barrister claimed a senior officer who had served for 33 years should have known his duties would not have permitted him access. "He was involved in operational policing and was in no way connected to any investigation of crime in the course of the roles he held at the time," Mr Macdonald said. The court heard Mr Hall had taken a personal interest and had acted as a citizen. However, the prosecutor submitted: "A regular citizen would not be able to access this information, and certainly someone as a witness in any crime should not be able to access this information. Defence counsel Malcolm Irvine argued, however, that his client had no case to answer and should be acquitted. He branded some of the evidence against his client "a shambles" and suggested the prosecution case had a "general sloppiness" to it, "There's no evidence to the effect that anyone ever had a word in his ear and told him he shouldn't be doing this or desist from it," Mr Irvine said. Following submissions, Judge Henderson reserved her decision as whether Hall has a case to answer until a later date. A woman who rushed to the aid of a schoolboy fatally wounded by an Army rubber bullet in Northern Ireland has claimed two soldiers went to have a look at the severely injured child but did nothing to help him. The soldiers got out of their armoured vehicle, walked over to a heavily bleeding Francis Rowntree, picked something off the ground, then got back in the transporter and drove off, Bernadette Connolly told Belfast coroner's court. Eleven-year-old Francis died on April 22 1972 - two days after he was struck on the head by a rubber bullet while walking through the Divis Flats complex close to Belfast's Falls Road. The baton round was fired from a Humber Pig Army vehicle by a Royal Anglian Regiment soldier. The Army was in the area responding to an outbreak of rioting in what was one of the most violent years of the Northern Ireland Troubles. The case is mired in controversy with disputed claims on whether Francis was hit directly or injured by a ricochet, and if the bullet had been doctored to make it potentially cause more harm. A fresh inquest has been ordered by Northern Ireland's Attorney General John Larkin. Giving evidence on the fifth day of the inquest, Ms Connolly, who was 13 at the time, said she was walking home from school when she heard a baton round being fired. She turned round to see a young boy lying on the pavement near a wall and an Army vehicle pulling in to the roadside close by. She told coroner Brian Sherrard she observed two soldiers getting out of the back of the vehicle and walking over to the prone boy. "I thought they were going to help," she said. "I didn't know who the boy was but I thought automatically they were going to give him some assistance. "But they were looking for something, they were searching for something and they picked something up and got back in the Saracen and drove off." Ms Connolly said she then rushed over to Francis. She said he had a "horrific" head injury and was "covered in blood". "I remember screaming for help because he was so severely injured," she said. She insisted there was no rioting going on in the area at the time. The injured boy was taken to Ms Connolly's sister's flat and transported on to hospital in an ambulance. Ms Connolly travelled with him in the ambulance and held his hand on the journey. She said in the wake of the incident, adults in her sister's flat were expressing concerns about a doctored bullet, with talk a battery might have been fired at Francis. "I just remember because of the severity of the injuries there was discussion among the adults that it was a doctored rubber bullet," she said. Asked by a Ministry of Defence barrister how clear her memory was of events 44 years ago, she replied: "It's a day I'll never forget - it's just etched on my mind." The inquest continues. Martin Wolfe QC, representing the MoD, challenged Ms Connolly's evidence. Noting that she had told the court, under oath, she did not know what the soldier had picked up, he referred to notes from a discussion she had with investigators from the police's Historical Enquiries Team (HET) in 2010 in which she apparently claimed a soldier picked up a "battery". Mr Wolfe told the witness: "That was a lie to blacken the Army." Ms Connolly denied she had lied. Mr Wolfe continued: "You told the HET you saw a soldier pick up a battery, causing the HET to think that a battery had been fired at Francis Rowntree, when you knew it to be untrue." Ms Connolly claimed the difference in her accounts could be due to failing memory related to health issues. "I am not lying, I have been on a lot of medication because of health issues and my memory has been affected over the last few years but, on that day, I remember specifically what happened," she said. There has been a gas leak at the Ulster Hospital after a digger reportedly hit a main. Police, the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and gas service were called to the scene around 8.35am. The leak has been described as minor and there was no need to evacuate. It was quickly isolated and police left the scene at around 9.25am. PSNI & NIFRS dealing with minor gas leak at the Ulster Hospital. Situation is under control and incident should be over within 10-15 mins PSNI Castlereagh (@PSNICastlereagh) April 15, 2016 A spokeswoman from the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust said: "There was a gas leak at the Ulster Hospital this morning, on the construction site for the new Acute Services Block. "It has now been isolated, with no danger to patients or staff and no need for evacuation. "It happened around 8.30am when a digger hit a gas main, and a 50 metre exclusion zone was set up until the gas could be turned off. "The nearby laundry was closed as a precaution, and ventilation was turned off inside some parts of the hospital for a short time, but the NI Fire and Rescue Service said there was no danger and the situation was resolved within 30 minutes." A spokesman from the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said: Two Fire Appliances from Knock Fire Station and one Fire Appliance from Newtownards Fire Station were deployed to the scene. "A gas main is believed to have ruptured and a gas leak had been isolated in the area, with Firefighters using 2 gas monitors which detected zero readings in the area. No one was evacuated during the incident. Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service finished at the scene at 9:31am and the incident has been passed through to on-site gas contractors who will continue to take readings in the area. Two bodies have been found as Garda searched for two missing men in Galway Two men were last night being questioned about a suspected New IRA bomb plot after explosives were discovered in a car at a busy junction in Dublin. The pair, in their early 30s and early 40s, were detained at separate stations in the city and the suspected explosives were sent for forensic analysis. It is not yet known if the material is home-made or commercial grade, but sources said they were linking the discovery to the dissident republican group. The renegade faction, which opposes the peace process, last month claimed responsibility for a bombing that led to the death prison officer Adrian Ismay. Mr Ismay passed away 11 days after suffering serious leg injuries when explosives detonated underneath his van as he drove to work from his east Belfast home. The latest find was made when armed detectives stopped a Skoda on Dublin's Naas Road, close to the Long Mile Road junction, at around 7.30pm on Wednesday. Army bomb experts were sent to make the area safe. The two suspects arrested at the scene were taken to Ballyfermot and Ronanstown Garda stations. They were last night being questioned under section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act. The New IRA is a small but deadly organisation that has been linked to killings of another prison officer and a policeman. Its members are said to be drawn from Omagh, Coalisland and the Toomebridge and Ballyronan areas along the shore of Lough Neagh, and from counties Monaghan and Louth in the Republic. However, the two suspects arrested in Dublin both have addresses in the city. Senior police officers on both sides of the border had concerns dissidents were planning attacks to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising. The rebellion ultimately led to the partition of the island and the creation of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Last Friday armed detectives investigating the New IRA made two "highly significant" arrests and seized thousands in cash as part of a surveillance operation. The Special Detective Unit pounced on the suspects in a hotel near Dundalk, Co Louth, where it is believed a cash handover was taking place. One of the arrested men is a well-known dissident republican based in the Ballymun area. He was arrested with a Belfast man who has been a top target for the PSNI, according to sources. Since the rise of Islamic State there has been a big increase in the amount of extremist material removed from the internet Terrorist and extremist content is being removed from the internet at a rate of nearly 300 pieces every day, new figures have revealed. A national unit established to target the material has seen its workload surge dramatically following the rise of Islamic State, which has assembled a vast online propaganda machine. Statistics released by Scotland Yard as police launched a new drive, calling on the public to flag up terror-related material they encounter on the web, showed that: :: The Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU) has prompted the removal of more than 160,000 pieces of extremist or terrorist material since it began work in 2010. :: Removals have risen from less than 2,000 in 2012 to 55,556 in 2015 - or around 1,000 a week - meaning more than a third of the total volume taken down to date was wiped out in a single year. :: In the first three months of this year 26,479 pieces were removed - equivalent to 291 a day. If this rate continues, the total for 2016 would exceed 100,000. :: The number of reports about material from concerned members of the public has also increased, reaching nearly 3,000 last year. The dedicated unit instigates the removal of content such as terrorist propaganda videos, pictures of beheadings, bomb-making instructions and speeches calling for racial or religious violence. Once an item has been identified, the CTIRU sends the internet service provider an advisory note, seeking its removal. The capacity of IS - also known as Daesh - to exploit the internet to broadcast its activities and message is a major challenge for security services around the world. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball said the material was "dangerous and insidious" and the unit's investigations had found people being encouraged to commit violence and murder as a result. "There was a trend in more and more extremist and terrorist material out there, some of it deliberate propaganda, and because it's on social media it is therefore reaching young people in large numbers," she said. "The internet and social media provide many opportunities for those with extreme views to target young or vulnerable people and their methods are constantly evolving, from using new phone apps to hijacking popular hashtags in order to reach wide audiences. "It's brutalising and it normalises that sort of hatred and violence." The Senior National Coordinator for Counter Terrorism Policing added that reports of extremist material spiked around atrocities such as the suicide bombings in Brussels last month and Paris in November. She said: "There's certainly glorification of an attack. Some people do go on social media to glorify and celebrate - that's very dangerous." While there had been an "alarming" rise in content, DAC Ball said the first-of-its-kind unit was making an impact. In response to the escalating threat, the number of staff and officers working within the CTIRU has been increased this year. Internet service providers (ISPs) were "receptive" to police requests to remove material and acted quickly to posts which appear to incite violence. The unit is also alert to content from right-wing and anti-Semitic extremists. DAC Ball said: "It's not much there's been an equal rise in extreme right-wing material - what it is reflective of is an increase in demonstrations we have seen in Europe by right-wing groups, mostly around migration." Today police forces around the country are appealing for internet users to report harmful extremist and terrorist content when they see it online, while the unit is embarking on a 36-hour operation to secure the removal of material as quickly as possible. People can flag material they suspect is extremist or terrorist by clicking on a red "stop" button on police and partner websites which takes them to a short, anonymous form. The online crackdown will be coupled with community workshops, where officers will seek views on how to improve reporting, as DAC Ball acknowledged some communities felt "powerless". Minister for Internet Safety and Security Baroness Shields said: " I applaud the world-leading work of the police Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit and would urge the public to report terrorist and harmful extremist content when they see it." Remain campaigners who say the EU is not perfect but there is no alternative are the "Gerald Ratners" of modern politics, Boris Johnson has claimed London's mayor took a swipe at leading figures who suggest they are Eurosceptics but insist Britain must stay in the 28 member bloc. Prime Minister David Cameron is among those campaigning for Britain to remain while admitting it is "not perfect". At a Brexit rally in Manchester, Mr Johnson said one of the most "depressing things about the campaign to Bremain" is that "there is not a shred of idealism". Likening remain campaigners who say they are Eurosceptics but there is no alternative to the jewellery tycoon who brought down his company when he described its goods as "crap", he said they insist the problems with Brussels are the "price we have to pay". He said: "They keep saying that they are Eurosceptics, but we have no choice, we agree with you about the democratic problem, they say - but it's the price we have to pay. "My friends, they are the Gerald Ratners of modern politics. The EU, they say - it's crap but we have no alternative. Well we do have an alternative, and it is a glorious alternative, a relationship with Europe based not on the whims of unelected bureaucrats but on cooperation between elected governments." Mr Johnson warned that the June 23 referendum is the "last chance" many voters will have to decide Britain's relationship with the EU. He said: "We should be in no doubt that this is the last chance many of us will have in our lifetimes to assert that principle in our relations with the EU. It is called democracy. "Because it is now or never and if we fail to make the change now we will continue to be passengers locked in the back of a minicab driven by someone with a wonky satnav and taken to a destination we don't want to go and I think the people of this country have no idea how far the EU now invades every area of our lives." He added: "It is time for us in Britain to speak up for the millions around Europe who think as we do, who are fed up with the remoteness of the Brussels system, but who are currently disfranchised. "It is time for us to believe in ourselves, to believe in Britain and what we can do and if we hold our nerve and we are not cowed and we vote for freedom and democracy on June 23 then I believe that this country will continue to grow and thrive as never before and June 24 will be independence day." Mr Johnson caused a live television news report to be disrupted when he called for supporters to interrupt broadcaster Michael Crick. The Channel 4 News journalist was reporting from the hall while the mayor was still giving his speech. Mr Johnson told the crowd: "Some chap from the media is trying to do his piece to camera. Shut up. Can we tell Crick, can someone go and interrupt Crick at the back "Tell Crick you can do your piece to camera when I have finished." A man from the crowd told Mr Crick to "be quiet" adding the Mr Johnson was "trying to talk". The journalist replied that he was "just trying to explain what's going on" only to be told "yeah and so is he". US Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders waves as he arrives on stage for the CNN Democratic Presidential Debate at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on April 14, 2016, in New York. AFP/Getty Images Call it the Brawl in Brooklyn and so it was as the two rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, went full bore trying to diminish the other and burnish themselves just five days from the New York primary. But it was a brawl with some news and some surprises. Ms Clinton had resisted having this debate at all the ninth between them - seeing little upside in giving oxygen to the Senator from Vermont, who, in spite of scoring a string of big victories in recent state contests, needs a breakthrough more than she does. And that must come in New York on Tuesday. It is not clear, as ever, whether the debate, furious and feisty though it was, will have changed the dynamic of the race, which is bad news for Mr Sanders who remains the underdog in New York and remains seriously adrift in the race to win delegates before the nominating convention in July in Philadelphia. Bernie Sanders's answer on Israel's military response in Palestine https://t.co/Utmd92C6lQ BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeedNews) 15 April 2016 But it was surely Senator Sanders who gave the greatest jolt of electricity to the night in the one area he might be at the biggest disadvantage, foreign policy. (He has not served as Secretary of State.) He stood there on the stage at the Brooklyn Navy Yard and squarely spoke up for the innocent Palestinians killed and wounded during what he called the disproportionate Israeli assault on Gaza in 2014. The gasps of the Jewish lobby might have changed the tide cycle of New York Harbour for good. It is an unwritten rule of New York politics that you never, ever criticise Israel openly. And surely not when you are days from an election in the state. And yet here was Mr Sanders declaring: "We are going to have to say that Netanyahu is not right all the time," referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Read more Read More Expanding the confines of American politics is partly what the Sanders campaign has been about and surely that is healthy. He dares say and do things most others politicians never would. Donald Trump, in an entirely different way, has been doing the same on the Republican side, which earned him the endorsement of The New York Post, owned by Rupert Murdoch, on Thursday night. Mr Sanders is tireless in pushing those boundaries and pushing Ms Clinton. On foreign policy again, he assailed her for her role in involving the US in the toppling of Muamar Gaddafi in Libya in 2011, pointing to an admission made by President Barack Obama this week that not planning properly for what was meant to happen the day after in Libya may have been the biggest mistake he made in office. Ms Clinton resorted to blaming Mr Obama, saying he was the one who took the decisions, both as regards Libya and also the ongoing catastrophe in Syria. This was rich given that she had spent much of the rest of the debate trying to claim Mr Obamas coattails, aware that he remains popular with many New York voters and certainly its minority populations. She actually drew the first boos of the night when she tried to suggest that any time Mr Sanders attacked her he was in fact attacking Mr Obama. The Senator also managed to elicit from the former first lady her most explicit expression of regret yet for having back her husband in passing a savage sentencing law in 1994 that led to an explosion of black incarceration in America. I am sorry for the consequences that were unintended and had very unfortunate consequences for peoples lives, she offered. You cant fault either candidate for their passion or their energy. One is just shy of seventy and the other, Mr Sanders, is four years past it. (And, amazingly, he was due to leave directly after the debate for the airport for a flight to the Vatican where he is to speak at a conference on Friday.) And dont imagine that Ms Clinton, who was just as fiery and focused, did not have her moments also. She not only speared Mr Sanders on his patchy support for gun control but twisted the blade and he struggled to offer a coherent comeback. Few topics will stir more emotion in Brooklyn than the scourge of gun violenceHe was stumped when, after he had faulted her from taking money from special interests and the banks on Wall Street, she asked him to name on example where that had influenced her in making or supporting policy. There are no examples, she declared. And she also very effectively and consistently tagged Mr Sanders as a dreamer with very ambitious ideas that he would never have any hope of actually getting through the US Congress or implementing. Its easy to diagnose the problem she said over and over, its harder to solve the problem. She may be right. But the question New York Democrats will surely ask themselves when they vote on Tuesday is will they play safe and settle for Ms Clintons pragmatic incrementalism, or be steered by their hearts to Mr Sanders who makes no bones about what he is after: a political revolution. German Chancellor Angela Merkel says her government has granted a Turkish request to allow the possible prosecution of a TV comedian who wrote a crude poem about Turkey's president. Ankara has demanded to have German comedian Jan Boehmermann prosecuted for insulting a foreign head of state, which Ms Merkel's government had to grant permission for under German law. The decision leaves it to prosecutors to decide whether they file charges. Boehmermann read the poem on ZDF television two weeks ago to illustrate what he said would not be allowed in Germany, contrasting it with another channel's earlier satirical song that also poked fun at Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. ZDF withdrew the passage from its archives but argues that it did not break the law. Ms Merkel stressed that the decision "means neither a pre-judgment of the person affected nor a decision about the limits of freedom of art, the press and opinion". She underlined the independence of the judiciary and the presumption of innocence. She also said the government intends to repeal the law on insulting a head of state, effective in 2018. The request posed an awkward choice for Germany at a time when Ms Merkel is relying on Turkey to reduce the influx of migrants to Europe. Officials spent days mulling Turkey's demand, and Ms Merkel acknowledged there had been internal divisions. While permission to prosecute was granted in this case, she said the government agreed that the law allowing prosecution for insulting a foreign head of state is "dispensable in the future". Boehmermann's poem started by describing the Turkish leader as "stupid, cowardly and uptight" before descending into crude sexual references. While the German government defended the earlier satirical song as legitimate free speech, it distanced itself from the poem, saying last week that it was "deliberately offensive". German officials have appeared at pains to avoid causing further friction with Mr Erdogan, steering clear of direct criticism of the president in recent weeks amid Turkey's sharp response to German satire. Ms Merkel's governing coalition was divided over the Turkish request. The Social Democrats, her junior coalition partners, had advocated rejecting it. Justice minister Heiko Maas, a Social Democrat, said this was the first such case in which the statement at stake was made by a journalist in a satirical programme. "Freedom of opinion, the press and art are things requiring the highest protection under our constitution," he said. "The idea of lese-majeste no longer has a place in our criminal law," Mr Maas said. The German Federation of Journalists said Ms Merkel's announcement sent "the wrong signal to the Turkish government". Germany's criminal code provides for up to three years in prison for insulting a foreign head of state. However, Alexander Thiele, a legal expert at the University of Goettingen, told n-tv television that even if Boehmermann is convicted, "one can assume that he faces a small fine at most". In addition to the request to have Boehmermann prosecuted for insulting a foreign head of state, Mr Erdogan also has filed a criminal complaint against Boehmermann under a separate law, alleging slander. Prosecutors in the western city of Mainz, where ZDF is based, are already examining that complaint. Russia has rejected complaints by US officials who claimed Russian attack planes had flown dangerously close to the US Navy destroyer Donald Cook in the Baltic Sea earlier this week. The US European Command said the Russian planes had flown by multiple times on Monday and Tuesday in what the officials described as an unsafe and unprofessional manner and "simulated attack". Major General Igor Konashenkov, spokesman for the Russian defence ministry, said the pilots of Russian Su-24 jets saw the ship and turned back "while using all measures of precaution". Mr Konashenkov said he was baffled by what he described as the "distressed reaction of our American counterparts". The US European Command said officials are using diplomatic channels to address the matter. Tensions between the two countries have risen since Russia invaded the Crimea region and the wars in Ukraine and Syria. The speaker of the Ukrainian parliament was elected the country's new prime minister on Thursday in a vote that the government hopes will end a months-long political crisis but which reformers say gives Ukraine's oligarchs a free hand in running the country. In recent months, political tensions have risen in Ukraine and some respected reformers have resigned, citing disenchantment with the government's cronyism and entrenched corruption. The Supreme Rada on Thursday voted 257-50 in favour of Volodymyr Groysman, a compromise choice nominated by President Petro Poroshenko after his apparent first choice, US-born finance minister Natalie Jaresko, was rejected by the governing coalition. "The new prime minister and the cabinet will help to bring the government out of a months-long lethargy," Kiev-based analyst Vadim Karasyov said. Mr Jaresko had been lauded as a West-friendly reformist untainted by Ukraine's rampant cronyism and corruption. She helped to negotiate a deal to restructure Ukraine's 15 billion US dollar debt and has been negotiating a bailout with the International Monetary Fund, but lost her post later Thursday when Mr Groysman announced his new Cabinet. Ukraine's outgoing prime minister, Arseniy Yatsenyuk, resigned this week after weeks of pressure for him to step down. Mr Yatsenyuk's cabinet survived a no-confidence vote in February, but two parties left the governing coalition to protest the failure to oust the prime minister, who was under fire over the worsening economy and the slow pace of reforms. Mr Groysman, however, kept several ministers from Mr Yatsenyuk's government who have faced accusations of corruption and cronyism, including Interior Minister Arsen Avakov. In Mr Groysman's acceptance speech, which was greeted by shouts and a murmur of discontent, the new prime minister said Ukraine faces three major challenges: corruption, poor governance and a populism that he described as "a no less threat than the enemy in the east". Fighting between Russia-backed separatists and government troops in eastern Ukraine has claimed more than 9,100 lives since April 2014, and a political settlement remains a dim prospect. Oleh Lyashko, leader of the right-wing Radical Party that left the coalition earlier this year, dismissed Thursday's vote as an oligarchs' coup to secure their vested interests. Yulia Tymoshenko, a former prime minister and a leading figure in the 2004 Orange Revolution protests, announced that her party will oppose the new government. After a crushing defeat in the 2014 presidential vote, Ms Tymoshenko largely disappeared from public view before being elected into parliament later that year. The latest opinion polls show Ms Tymoshenko as the nation's second-favourite politician, gaining ground on Mr Poroshenko. In Germany, foreign minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier lauded Groysman's appointment as a "chance to end the phase of political uncertainty in Kiev." He urged the government to speed up the pace of reform, saying that Ukraine "has no time to lose." Ukraine's gross domestic product fell a staggering 10 percent last year after a recession a year before. The Ukrainian economy is expected to return to a moderate growth this year but the country needs to persuade Western donors to unfreeze the transfer of 10 billion US dollars in loans. This is my last column for the Belfast Telegraph, so I'm going to make it an indulgent, happy one. I do have good cause for cheer; the announcement this week of a rare victory for sense and sensibility in a fiscally straitened institutional setting (not a headline we read often these days, as artists and libraries become casualties of Government department culture wars). A Reading Well campaign in England, hopefully to be followed soon here, is to see doctors and counsellors prescribe specially selected novels to 13 to 18 year olds with mental health issues. In other words, the powers that be have woken up to the healing power of art. Not in the usual airy-fairy, lip-service isn't Shakespeare wise, isn't To Kill a Mockingbird thought-provoking way, but in a real, quantifiable, practical sense. Someone, somewhere (probably the Reading Agency charity) convinced authority figures - usually fixated on empirically provable results - that money could be saved and medics' time freed up if the strained system exploited one of its greatest and most plentiful resources; stories with enough empathy, compassion and emotional punch to convince the estimated 300,000 young people in the UK with anxiety disorders that they aren't alone, they aren't bad, or weird, and there is always the possibility of a better life just over the horizon. I can't overstate what sweet music this is to my ears. Because I know that literature - from the profound, transformative literature of George Eliot, F Scott Fitzgerald and Dostoevsky to the heartfelt ebbs and flows of the best Young Adult fiction - can ease a troubled teenage mind. Sometimes it does so by simply presenting a believable character, with all the flaws and complexities the reader might have felt was unique - and uniquely alienating - to themselves. Eliot's headstrong, misunderstood Maggie Tulliver fits this bill. As does JD Salinger's melancholy loner Holden Caulfield, and fretful, insecure Margaret in YA Queen Judy Blume's superlative Are You There God, it's Me Margaret (which Fight Club writer Chuck Palahniuk once told me was his favourite book when he was 16). And there can't be many more effective ways of convincing higher functioning autistic kids they're not "problem" children, but just people with less-common personality traits, than introducing them to Mark Haddon's The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time (already on the Reading Well list). In the most capable hands, fiction can also give its readers faith that they'll get through the bad stuff and find something brighter. It sounds vacuously Hallmark to say it, but it's true - a chink of light, a hint of hope, marks the conclusion of many of the greatest stories of all time. Mournful, elegiac, agonisingly unfair, Marquez's Love in the Time of Cholera ends on a consolatory note, with belief in love. Despite its long list of unfortunate events, the same goes for the Harry Potter series, which might also be of help to children suffering the loss of a loved one; don't underestimate how deeply Potter fans fall for Rowling's protagonists and how invaluable their continued company proves after the shock death of another beloved character. If only there was more room to list all those writers who mark the details of the world with such grace, poetry and passion they simply make it nicer to live in (Heaney, Ferrante, Carver, Sebald). And those books which hug us with such tight-gripped big-bosomed assurance that going back to them time after time feels like going home (Austen, Anne Tyler, Alice Munro). And all the wits which make us laugh so hard we forget ourselves (Wodehouse, Waugh, Alan Bennett). I'm a believer in cognitive therapy, but I hope in future when doctors prescribe anti-depressants for our anguished kids, they mean Potter, rather than Prozac. Suffragette statue is not before time Centuries of patriarchal democracy have seen us advance, in terms of compassion, compromise and social mobility, about as far as, to quote Blackadder, an asthmatic ant with very heavy shopping. The Houses of Parliament remain a male stronghold, symbolised by the many statues of powerful men in Parliament Square. I applaud Caroline Criado-Perezs petition for a bronze suffragette to join them. Putting an unbreakable, all-weather woman among the likes of Churchill, Gandhi and Disraeli will do more than scare the pigeons. It will mark the early-21st century as the time when smart, accomplished, capable women finally decided they were mad as hell and not going to take it any more. Hallelujah. Thank you all and good night So, as this columnist bows out, Id like to list everyone I should thank. Unfortunately, I only have 100 words left, so instead Ill just say, to all the lovers and the haters (many who vented their spleen so eloquently in the comments section, all of whose suggestions I have cherished, especially the guy who had very specific ideas about how I might restyle my hair and try a different lipstick), thanks for stopping by this page for so many years. Hey, I know this parting is harder on you than it is on me. In the words of the great Truman Burbank: Good morning. And if I dont see you, good afternoon, good evening and goodnight. A recent Washington Post article explores Pope Francis and his modern views on divorcing Catholics and Communion. The Pope has ignited a conversation which has Catholics, clergy and experts pondering their interpretation of his words and what it means to contemporary Catholicism. The aforementioned article, which by the way is worth the read, cites the Popes following advice to priests regarding Communion and divorce: Francis says, I would also point out that the Eucharist is not a prize for the perfect, but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak.' (Washington Post article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/in-long-awaited-document-on-the-family-pope-francis-offers-hope-to-divorced-catholics-says-no-to-gay-marriage/2016/04/07/87be6dae-fb42-11e5-813a-90ab563f0dde_story.html) These revelations continue to elevate the consciousness of divorcing individuals, their desire to stay close to their faith and the existing dilemma with Communion. Holy Communion is the highest of the seven sacraments. It is the moment of unity not only with Jesus, but with the Catholic faith. Catholics believe that they should receive communion as often as possible. Why? Because this is Jesus himself and the forgiveness of sins and therefore, strength for all receiving Catholics. The scripture says, Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of one bread. (1 Cor. 10:17) Pope Francis continues to deliver a message of unity to divorcing Catholics. It is consistent with his work on Annulment reform. He has not changed guidelines or hard and fast rules; however, he remains true to his Jesus like teachings. He is steadfast in his message of anti-judgement, tolerance, and hope in embracing human frailties. In doing so, he encourages clergy to be a support system and source of light and unity to divorcing Catholics. Francis is asking priests to do whatever they can to welcome and/or encourage divorcing individuals back into the faith. It will be up to individual clergy as to how they follow The Popes instruction since they are not changes to existing rules. The Washington Post article quotes a Catholic marriage counselor and writer. This counselor is noted as essentially saying that Pope Francis is letting sinners off the hook. Letting sinners off the hook, really?? This is exactly the type of moral judgement that Francis speaks out against. The judgement which is more indicative of man and the human condition, and not of Jesus. Isnt constant and generous redemption what Jesus offered? In fact, isnt the Bible filled with numerous examples of how Jesus viewed sin as an opportunity for redemption? But then again, judgement is what is known to man and redemption what is known to Jesus. This Pope has often been compared to Jesus for his compassion and understanding of the yin and yang of sin and forgiveness of mistakes and of moving on. Francis is known for unity not exclusion. Ironically, that is what Holy Communion is about in the Catholic faith Unity. (Photo courtesy of Pexels) Follow me on Facebook @Colleen Orme National Columnist on Twitter @colleenorme on Pinterest @colleensheehyorme E-mail: Colleen.Sheehy.Orme@gmail.com www.colleensheehyorme.com As observers we are pretty quick to analyze celebrities. We look question faith clothes, relationships, and lifestyle with usually no remorse. People judge all the time, this is not something newwe were built to survive and when someone is a threat to us, even starswe want to bite in judgment and jealousy. Judgment is a natural instinct, but this doesnt mean it is acceptable behavior. The reason we judge people or are quick to jump to conclusions is that we dont have all the information that we need. We are hard-wired to paint this picture, but we are all different. Karyn Hall, Ph.D. explained on Psych Central defined what judging is. "Judging may be about figuring out how well we fit in. We all want to belong. Eons ago being a part of the tribe or clan was critical to survival and perhaps competition played a role in being valued by the group. But what we judge ourselves on now is likely not to be what really helps us belong. When it comes to celebrities and their faith, we dont use a mirror-- it is more of a microscopic study of motives. There is justification, right. Stars are in the spotlight, they want people to follow them, and their lives on display. There are celebs that change religions all the time, like Madonna, who was Catholic, followed Kabbalah, but has not dedicated herself to any religion. Reportedly she said in 2015: I dont affiliate myself with any specific religious group. I connect to different ritualistic aspects of different belief systems, and I see the connecting thread between all religious beliefs. I have not converted to Judaism. Ive studied Kabbalah, as you know, for many years, so there are a lot of things I do that one would associate with practicing Judaism. I hear the Torah every Saturday. I observe Shabbat. I say certain prayers. Madonna is not accountable to the public for her different beliefs, so why do we want to roll our eyes when we read this? It was the same with Katy Perry, who was practicing Christianity, and rejects formal religion. Maybe some feel that since some are rich and famous, we cant take serious stock in what Hollywood believes. I think we can agree for some in the Hills they go by what may be trending at the moment, but how is this business? Additionally, we usually dont trust people in power, have money, or have access. The media plays a role in how we view people as well. We can form opinions, but judging is another beast. Mathew 7 states it pretty clearly what Jesus wanted from us. We are all sinners. It doesnt mean we accept the sin, but we love the person. And really, God will make the final call for all of us. Do not judge others, so that God will not judge you, God will judge you in the same way you judge others, and he will apply to you the same rules you apply to others. Why, then, do you look at the speck in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the log in your own eye? How dare you say to your brother, Please, let me take that speck out of your eye, when you have a log in your own eye? You hypocrite! First take the log out of your own eye, and then you will be able to see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. Lets take out the mirror again. Ouch! What does it say about us when we question anothers faith? Are we skeptical, untrusting, or jealous? Maybe, perhaps we should back off a bit on some of these stars, and maybe just pray for them. It is not relegated to the famous, either. It is the everyday people we meet and come in contact with. Jesus also said we will be judged the way we judge others. James and Paul warned believers to not judge. James: Do not criticize one another, my friends. If you criticize or judge another Christian, you criticize and judge the Law. If you judge the Law, then you are no longer one who obeys the Law, but one who judges it. Corine Gatti is a Senior Editor at Beliefnet.com. Why Christians Should Live Together If you are one of the many Christians today who want to follow Christ together in daily life, not just on Sunday, you may be responding to Christs call to share your life more fully with others. When people decide to follow this path, they discover richer and more meaningful lives lives that Jesus had in mind for all his people. This original calling was for Christians to be gathered, united in a community that demonstrates the transformative love of God through the sharing of all things in common and taking care of one another and their neighbors. With a desire to become true communities, many Christians have addressed this call by forming communities created to encourage, challenge and strengthen others by a common love of God, and desire to live the kind of life Jesus wants for his people. Others have responded by meeting once a week, sharing a meal and reading Scripture to ignite meaningful group discussion about the kinds of life Jesus wants for his people. Are you ready to take on Jesus call for community? Here are six reasons Christians should live in community based on the book Called to Community: The Life Jesus Wants for His People edited by Charles E. Moore featuring a collection of contributions from veterans of community living. They know the pathologies of community life and can speak to the impact this experience has had on their lives. Updated at 12:28 p.m. ET on 2016-04-16 A Philippine militant group linked to the Islamic State on Friday threatened to behead foreign hostages in 10 days if their ransom demands are not met, and kidnapped four more Indonesian sailors at gunpoint, according to media reports. The new ransom demands for two Canadian men, a Norwegian man and a Filipino woman held by the group since September 2015 occurred hours before Abu Sayyaf members apparently kidnapped four members of a 10-member Indonesian tugboat crew late Friday. Six sailors were able to escape and sail to Sabah, Malaysia after the four were snatched in nearby international waters, The Star of Malaysia reported, citing police in the eastern state. It was the third attack in a month on tugboats plying the waters near the Philippines Tawi Tawi islands, off the coast of Sabah, according to The Star. Abu Sayyaf continues to hold four sailors from Malaysia and a 10-member crew of another Indonesian tugboat captured late last month. Deadline The captives who face a new ransom deadline are believed to be held on Jolo island in the southern Philippines, an Abu Sayyaf stronghold, according to published reports. Abu Sayyaf had already issued similar ransom demands for these prisoners, but Fridays was the first to carry a deadline. In the most recent Youtube video, the men asked their families and governments to pay ransoms of 300 million Philippine pesos (U.S. $6.5 million) each as militants held machetes to their necks, SITE Intelligence Group reported. The Filipina did not speak. A masked militant said one of the four would be beheaded if ransom was not paid by 3 p.m. on April 25. Barbaric Abu Sayyaf executed Malaysian national Bernard Then, 39, in November 2015. Then had been abducted from a seaside restaurant in Malaysias Sabah state with a woman and taken by boat to Jolo where he was held captive. The woman was released, reportedly after a ransom was paid. Abu Sayyaf kidnapped an Indonesian tugboat crew in late March. The ships owner was contacted by the group claiming it was holding them for ransom. Days later, gunmen abducted four Malaysians from a ship off eastern Sabah, near the southern Philippines. The hijacking of a Malaysian registered timber-hauling barge, the M.V. MASFIVE 6, occurred when four Malaysians crew members were abducted by eight gunmen in waters off Pulau Ligitan, near Semporna on Sabahs east coast. Malaysias foreign ministry issued a statement condemning the kidnapping as senseless and barbaric. On April 9, the Philippines lost 18 soldiers during a gunfight with Abu Sayyaf on Basilan island. The April 9 loss manifests the difficulty and gravity of the fight against lawlessness and terrorism. At the same time, it strengthens our resolve to continue with our fight for peace we must quell the spread of extremist groups such as the Abu Sayyaf that threaten the lives and security of our brothers and sisters in Muslim Mindanao and the country as a whole, Philippine peace negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said on April 12. An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Abu Sayyaf kidnapped two Indonesian tugboat crews in late March. Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir confirmed reports that someone from his country donated millions to Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak. Saudi Arabias foreign minister has confirmed that someone from his country deposited a donation into Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razaks bank account, becoming the first official from that country to back the Malaysian leaders assertion about the origin of the funds. The statement came after a bilateral meeting between Saudi and Malaysian officials, according to reports, as international entities probe alleged corruption and mismanagement of money at One Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), a troubled state investment fund chaired by Najib. We are aware of the donation, and it is a genuine donation with nothing expected in return, Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir told Malaysian reporters Thursday, on the sidelines of an Organization of Islamic Cooperation summit in Istanbul. We are also fully aware that the attorney general of Malaysia has thoroughly investigated the matter and found no wrongdoing, so as far as were concerned, this matter is closed, al-Jubeir said. The Saudi official did not give any further details about the transaction, such as when it occurred, who contributed the money, or for what purpose. Nor did he mention 1MDB. In March, the Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed global investigators, reported that deposits into Najibs personal accounts had totaled more than U.S. one billion dollars, much of it originating with the state development fund. The U.S. financial newspaper has also reported that U.S. $200 million flowed into Najibs accounts in 2011 and 2012 from a Saudi individual and Saudi Arabias finance ministry. Attorney general closes investigation in January In January, Malaysian Attorney General Mohamed Apandi Ali announced that his office was closing investigations into 1MDB-linked corruption scandals facing Najib, particularly one involving a deposit of U.S. $681 million into his private bank accounts before the 2013 election. Apandi said no criminal offense had been committed, that most of the money had been returned, and that it was a personal donation from Saudi Arabias royal family. Najib has maintained he never took any of the money for private gain. But soon after news of the scandal broke in July, he sacked Abdul Gani Patail, the attorney general at the time who was heading an inter-agency task force probing that and other scandals associated with 1MDB. 1MDB has also repeatedly denied that it paid any money into Najibs accounts. In a television segment last month, the Australian Broadcasting Co. reported that Najib received U.S. $75 million from a Saudi prince and U.S. $80 million from the Saudi Finance Ministry to fight extremism. In a statement released after the program aired, the Malaysian Prime Ministers office said it had confirmed Najibs version of events. And, what multiple lawful authorities concluded after exhaustive investigations: the funds were a donation from the Royal Family of Saudi Arabia. The investigations included forensic examination of every wire transfer. Malaysian authorities also travelled to Saudi Arabia to examine documentation and interview members of the Royal Family, and the officials that administered the donation, a statement said. For Immediate Release, April 15, 2016 Contact: Jaclyn Lopez, (727) 490-9190, jlopez@biologicaldiversity.org Alabama Shad One Step Closer to Endangered Species Protection Gulf Fish Hurt by Inland Dams, Dredging, Pollution ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. The Center for Biological Diversity and the National Marine Fisheries Service reached a settlement today requiring the agency to determine by June 2016 whether it will protect the Alabama shad, a rare and vanishing fish, under the Endangered Species Act. The Fisheries Service made an initial finding in 2013 that protections may be warranted, but failed to provide protection. Even though the Alabama shad is now only found in a fraction of the rivers it used to live in, its not too late to recover this oceangoing fish in its historic Southeast habitat, said Jaclyn Lopez, the Centers Florida director. Endangered Species Act protection will help guide restoration efforts that will help the shad rebound. The Alabama shad was once abundant enough to support commercial fisheries in Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Indiana and Iowa. It is now rarely found in its historic habitat, which has been fragmented and degraded by dams, dredging and pollution. A number of states and scientific organizations have already recognized its precarious status. The Fisheries Service listed the Alabama shad as a candidate for protection under the Act in 1997 a status that confers no actual safeguards. The Center petitioned the agency to protect the shad in 2010. In 2011 the Service found that listing the shad was not warranted, but after the Center challenged that determination, the Service issued a new 90-day finding in 2013, determining that protection may be warranted. The Fisheries Service has one year after receiving a petition to list a species to issue a proposed rule, also known as a 12-month finding. More than five years have passed since the Service received the petition to list the shad, and its been more than two years since the agency made its positive 90-day finding. 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. No. 822, April 14, 2016 Lawsuit Seeks Records on Decision to End Red Wolf Recovery So why did the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service decide to pull the plug on the recovery of red wolves? That's what we aim to find out. This week the Center for Biological Diversity sued the agency under the Freedom of Information Act to get public records explaining what happened. We requested the public records last fall, but over the course of seven months, the Service has sent a total of only eight documents to the Center, and it continues to ignore the law's mandated deadlines. There are as few as 45 red wolves remaining in the wild, all of them in North Carolina. The population had exceeded more than 130 wild wolves as recently as 2012, but it has now declined by 50 percent following the Service's recent actions to curtail the species' recovery program. "The agency's obstinate behavior is a telling indicator of just how political its actions have been in this disgraceful attempt to kill off a historic recovery program and condemn red wolves to captivity," said the Center's Brett Hartl. Read more in our press release. Are You Ready to Raise Your Voice for Public Lands? If you love public lands, you'll have a chance next week to tell the world. For Earth Week the Center is helping rally people around the country to participate in events and show their love for national forests, deserts, parks, rivers, streams and wildlife refuges. We hope you'll join us. Here's why: America's public lands are under attack by those in Congress and elsewhere who want to turn these precious areas over to states and private interests so they can be logged, drilled, mined, bulldozed and developed. We're raising our voices to let them know we want public lands to stay in public hands. We're joining allies nationwide in hosting public events April 18-24. Check out this interactive map to find an event near you -- or sign up to host your own. Also sign up to join our Thunderclap and change your Facebook profile image. Tag your posts and photos with the hashtag #ProtectPublicLands, and check out our new webpage on threats facing public lands. EPA Study: 97 Percent of Endangered Species at Risk From Pesticides A settlement with the Center pushed the Environmental Protection Agency last week to release a far-reaching study -- the first rigorous nationwide analysis of the effects of pesticides on endangered species. The resulting news was dire but didn't surprise us: 97 percent of the nation's 1,700 protected endangered species are likely to be hurt by two common pesticides, malathion and chlorpyrifos. Another 79 percent are likely to be hurt by a third toxin, diazinon. "For the first time in history, we finally have data showing just how catastrophically bad these pesticides are for endangered species -- from birds and frogs to fish and plants," said the Center's Lori Ann Burd. "The EPA has allowed chemical companies to register more than 16,000 pesticides without properly considering their impacts. We need to take this new information and create common-sense measures to protect plants, animals and people from these chemicals." This week's study is the first in a series the EPA must complete under its settlement with the Center. Read more in The Guardian and then read Lori Ann's piece on this in Medium. U.S. Green Sea Turtles Recovering Happy news for U.S. green sea turtles in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans: Their recovery has prompted the National Marine Fisheries Service and Fish and Wildlife Service to downgrade the animals' status from "endangered" to "threatened." The agencies emphasized that growing threats from climate change and sea-level rise mean that sea turtles remain at risk and continue to need the Endangered Species Act's protections. Also, while the powerful protections of the Act have helped U.S. green sea turtles, populations in the Mediterranean, South Pacific and western Pacific -- which don't benefit from those protections -- continue to struggle and are still in danger of extinction. "The undeniable recovery of most green sea turtle populations creates a hopeful spot in our changing oceans," said the Center's Catherine Kilduff. "Sea turtles capture our imaginations, improbably crossing oceans for most of their lives before loyally coming ashore to build nests on the beach. The knowledge that green sea turtles can overcome illegal harvest, plastic pollution and warming waters testifies to their resilience." Read more in Discovery News. Lawsuit Targets Failure to Curb Airplane Carbon Pollution The Center and allies sued the EPA this week for a nearly decade-long failure to set emission standards that curb greenhouse gas pollution from the nation's aircraft fleet. Our suit seeks to compel the agency to complete the long-stalled rulemaking process for airplane climate pollution. Airplanes are one of the fastest-growing carbon emissions sources, projected to triple by 2050 without regulations -- spewing out some 43 gigatons of planet-warming pollution during that time. "Airplanes' skyrocketing climate pollution requires urgent action, not more foot-dragging from the Obama administration," said the Center's Vera Pardee. "The EPA has dawdled for almost a decade, even as airplane emissions are on track to spiral out of control. We can't afford more denial and delay in tackling this high-flying threat to our climate." Read more in USA TODAY. Two Appalachian Crayfishes Win Protection In response to a Center petition, the Fish and Wildlife Service has finalized protection for two rare Appalachian freshwater species: the Big Sandy crayfish (in eastern Kentucky, southwestern Virginia and southern West Virginia) and the Guyandotte River crayfish (found only in one southern West Virginia county). Both species are under threat from water pollution, especially due to mountaintop-removal coal mining, which dumps toxic waste directly into rivers and streams -- taking the "fresh" out of "freshwater." Both crayfishes -- also called crawdads, crawfish and mudbugs -- have now been lost from half their historical ranges, and the Guyandotte River crayfish is one of the most endangered of its kind in America. We petitioned to protect the Big Sandy crayfish in 2010 (before the Guyandotte River crayfish was found to be a separate species from the Big Sandy). Said the Center's Kentucky-born Senior Scientist Tierra Curry, "Protecting these crayfishes will not only ensure their survival but also help protect water quality for people." Read more in the Charleston Gazette-Mail. Activist Spotlight: 9-year-old Hosts Art Sale to Benefit Center Reyna Marshall of Tucson, Ariz., is one of the Center's youngest and most active supporters. At 9 years old, she's also a notable donor, having raised almost $800 to support our work. Reyna has loved animals, art and activism since she can remember -- so it was only natural that when she first learned about the extinction crisis, she took action using art. In 2014, when she was only 7, she hatched a plan: Make drawings, prints and sculptures with her young friends, sell the art, and donate the proceeds to a group saving animals and plants across the globe. Under her dad Joe's counsel, she chose the Center (headquartered in her hometown) as the sale's beneficiary, which earned more than $400. This March she and her friends did it again -- calling their sale "Kids A.R.C." (short for "Art Rescuing Creatures") and raising hundreds more. "Humans caused the problem with the environment, and we need animals and plants to survive," said Reyna. "We need to think about all life on the planet." Read more about Reyna and other young members of Generation Wild who are helping save endangered species. Wild & Weird: Candid Critter Camera Jamboree -- Watch Video Remote-sensor camera monitoring helps conservationists gather critical data about wildlife without interfering in animals' natural behavior. Center staff in Tucson, Ariz., monitor cameras placed in the wilds of the American Southwest so we can better understand the habitat and movements of big carnivores like jaguars, ocelots, bears and bobcats -- along with many other species. We regularly download data from those cameras right into our offices. What do we see? Bobcat kittens scampering by. A troop of 20 coati frolicking and foraging. A black bear using the camera as a back scratcher. A young hawk perplexed by a well-hidden rodent. There's nothing like getting a glimpse of the sometimes goofy, always intriguing behaviors of the candid critters that cross our cameras' paths. Watch recent video footage from our remote-sensor cameras. Kieran Suckling @KieranSuckling Executive Director View this message in your browser and share it on social media. Photo credits: Red wolf by Eric Heupel/Flickr; public lands image courtesy Center for Biological Diversity; poison image by Tom Magliery/Flickr; wolves by John Pitcher; green sea turtle by Brocken Inaglory/Wikimedia Commons; airplane by Jay Raz/Flickr; Big Sandy crayfish by Guenter Schuster; grizzly bear (c) Robin Silver, Center for Biological Diversity; photo courtesy Reyna Marshall; critter cam courtesy Center for Biological Diversity. Donate now to support the Center's work. The Center for Biological Diversity sends out newsletters and action alerts through SalsaLabs.com. Click here if you'd like to check your profile and preferences. Let us know if you'd like to stop receiving action alerts and newsletters from us. Center for Biological Diversity P.O. Box 710 Tucson, AZ 85702-0710 The use of mobile technology has proven a successful tool in addressing some of the challenges around access to healthcare services, such as the launch of the Mobilising HIV Identification and Treatment (MHIT) programme in Lesotho through a global partnership to save the lives of thousands of children affected by HIV. Image by 123RF The MHIT programme is a multi-million dollar three-year commitment led by the Vodafone Foundation through the Vodacom Lesotho Foundation, with financial contributions from the private and public sectors, including funding and community mobilisation expertise from ViiV Healthcare, as well as support from Elton John AIDS Foundation to Baylor College of Medicine Childrens FoundationLesotho, ELMA Philanthropies and USAID. The goal of the MHIT programme is to double the number of children in Lesotho in care and on treatment within three years, thereby ensuring that their health and futures are not compromised or cut short through lack of access to HIV services. It also aims to improve uptake of services that address mother-to-child transmission of HIV to prevent more children from being born with the virus. The use of mobile technology has proven a successful tool to address some of the challenges around access to healthcare services, such as access to transport, in rural regions of sub-Saharan Africa. In Lesotho, the Vodafone Foundation is building on this success by deploying mobile clinics to rural areas to reach children including adolescents and mothers in hard to reach communities. They are providing primary care services (including antenatal checks and immunisation) and searching for individuals living with HIV to provide them with better access to treatment, using mobile money-based transport vouchers so they can reach clinics or hospitals. For many children and mothers, this could be the first time that primary healthcare services have been accessible to them. In addition, the use of mobile technology enables the management, coordination of services and communications to support the implementation of the programme. Dr Dominique Limet, CEO ViiV Healthcare, commented: Through our Positive Action programmes, we have a successful track record in mobilising communities and supporting capacity building at grassroots level to address the challenges of the HIV epidemic. By working with the right partners, we can deliver practical solutions to make a true difference to the lives of children in Lesotho and help future generations live longer and more fulfilling lives. Rishaad Tayob, managing director, Vodacom Lesotho said: Vodacom Lesotho Foundation and Vodafone Foundation are bringing money, marketing, management and mobile technology to challenge paediatric HIV. Partnership is critical and by working with private funders and the Government of Lesotho and USAID, we aim to double the number of children on treatment and in care. We are already saving lives. Lesotho has one of the worlds highest rates of HIV/AIDS with 23% of the two million population living with HIV. Antiretroviral treatments (ARTs), which suppress the HIV virus and stop its progression, are available, however, only a third of the estimated 19,000 children in Lesotho living with the virus are receiving ARTs. Lesotho is made up mostly of highlands where many of the villages can be reached only on horseback, by foot or light aircraft. This means that resources are scarce and difficult to access by mothers and their children. The French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) and the Goethe-Institut are looking for local journalists to join their comic artist project in June 2016 in Cape Town. The two organisations are supporting a month-long residency for three comic artists - Su Opperman (South Africa), Kai Pfeiffer (Germany) and Hippolyte (France). During this residency, a local journalist will assist each comic artist. Together, they will explore a journalistic topic dealing with migration. Journalists with a minimum of two years professional experience, and who are based in Cape Town, are hereby invited to submit an expression of interest and examples of their published work, should they be interested in participating in this residency. To qualify for this project, journalists should be no older than 35 years. Invited journalists will be paid a fee to collaborate with one of the invited artists in researching and creating reportage on a topic, which the selected artists and journalist will agree upon. Please forward expressions of interest (no longer than 200 words), a short CV (not longer than one page) as well as copies of at least two published texts to Francois Venter (gro.ehteog.grubsennahoj@retnev) by no later than Wednesday 27 April. The names of selected journalists will be announced by 16 May 2016. For enquiries, call Mickey Makpolo at +27 (0)11 403 0458. The 15th annual Oliver Empowerment Awards brought together the business elite of South Africa in what was an evening of recognition and celebration of the companies and individuals at the forefront of transformation in South African business. Guests included PricewaterhouseCoopers, Bonang Matheba, Nedbank and McKinsey among many others. Topco Media hosted the prestigious event at the Emperors Palace in Johannesburg, with our esteemed media partners SA Business Integrated, SA Building Review and City Press and broadcaster by CNBC. Among the finalists for 2016 was some of the countrys most esteemed businesses. This year, we once again hosted SAs business elite, where they were recognised and celebrated for their contribution and commitment to transforming the business sphere in South Africa. We are very proud to say the least, said Ryland Fisher, editoral director at Topco Media. This award is humbling, said Commander Mokhele, CEO of SAMSA, winner of a Legend of Empowerment Award. It is an affirmation that the business landscape of South Africa will be driven forward with leaders and innovators that are consciously implementing transformation and strive for equality. As one of the largest professional services firms in South Africa, we believe that we have a responsibility to play a role in empowering all the people of our country, commented PricewaterhouseCoopers, one of the winners of the evening. Why are we so committed? Because we know that transformation is an economic imperative and that its not only essential to the growth of our firm but also of the South African economy. In an extremely challenging economic environment, training and personal development are not optional. To watch an individual come in with no qualification whatsoever and to see them grow in capability and self-confidence is really exciting, commented EBH, winner of the Skills Development Award. The Oliver Empowerment Awards is very proud to announce this years winners in their respective categories. FAST GROWTH BLACK-OWNED SMME AWARD - Sponsored by SENET MANAGEMENT CONSULTING Godimong Consulting Engineers SED (SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT) AWARD - Sponsored by DESTO Sun International SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AWARD (>R1 billion) - Sponsored by TOTAL SA PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AWARD ( Elgin Brown and Hamer ENTERPRISE & SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT AWARD MultiChoice South Africa Holdings DIVERSITY AWARD PricewaterhouseCoopers Inc. Isilumko Staffing Highly Commended JOB CREATION AWARD - Sponsored by RAND WATER Coega Development Corporation TOP EMPOWERED VISION 2030 AWARD Sponsored by MMI Holdings Coega Development Corporation TOP EMPOWERED PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD - Sponsored by Mpumalanga Economic Growth Agency City of Tshwane TOP EMPOWERED ENTREPRENEUR OF 2016 AWARD Boniswa Corporate Solutions - Lynette Magasa Staza Cleaning Services - Stella Mokwena Highly Commended TOP EMPOWERED PUBLIC SERVICE LEADER OF THE YEAR AWARD South African Civil Aviation Authority Dr Poppy Khoza TOP EMPOWERED YOUNG ACHIEVER AWARD (UNDER 40 YEARS) - Sponsored by TUMI DNA Brand Architects - Sylvester Chauke MEDIA PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR AWARD Bonang Matheba (Public Votes) TOP EMPOWERED BUSINESS LEADER OF THE YEAR AWARD - Sponsored by Public Sector Manager Maponya Inc - Phatudi Maponya TOP EMPOWERED BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD MultiChoice South Africa Holdings For any further information on the evening, or the winners, please do not hesitate to contact Rose Setshoge at az.oc.ocpot@egohstes.esor, or 086 000 9590. E-commerce has changed the game for most industries, and Tourism is no different. Today, more people will go online to book their own flights and accommodation instead of working through an agency, they will pay online using their preferred method of payment and they will do it all themselves if they can. Self-service has become the main modus operandi. Paul Midy Of course, the travel booking industry has had very little choice but to adapt to this disruptive trend and new innovative companies have come to the fore to meet the needs of self-service travellers. One such company is Jovago, an online booking company that allows customers to browse reviews, compare rates and then book their hotel of choice. We asked Paul Midy, CEO of Jovago to share his views on e-commerce, how it changed the industry and what it means for Jovago. What is necessary for e-commerce success? Paul Midy: Its no doubt that the most important aspect of e-commerce is having a customer-centric approach. In any e-commerce business, customers do not have the chance to see firsthand the products or services being offered and, therefore, it is important to create an environment of trust. For instance, at Jovago, we give our customers the options of comparing the best accommodation facilities from our large inventory in Africa with over 25,000 hotels. From facilities to prices, they are able to make an informed decision and we ensure that what they see on our portal is what they get at the hotels, thus guaranteeing zero or minimal discrepancies. Always make your customers come back. Secondly, due to the popularity of e-commerce that has seen a tremendous growth in the industry, more players will continue to enter the already crowded platform. So for e-commerce to be successful, one needs to put in place measures of staying afloat of the SEO (Search Engine Optimization). To remain competitive, you need to connect with all departments as they all play a key role, from IT to content creation. How has e-commerce changed the industry? Midy: The emergence and advancement of e-commerce have indisputably transformed almost every industry across the world, especially the travel and tourism industries. In Africa, many e-commerce platforms and startups have rapidly infiltrated the online marketplace and are being used to cause astronomical changes in profit and development. Factors such as availability of smartphones and accessibility of internet/Wi-Fi continue to facilitate online business visibility. As a result, more business opportunities have emerged, thus creating thousands of employment opportunities in the industry. Moreover, e-commerce platforms can now reach a myriad of clients online, that otherwise could not be reached offline due to its ability to transverse beyond geographical limitations. Jovago, for instance, has created an opportunity for thousands of hotels in Africa to connect with travelers through the internet, a worthwhile experience for all our partners. What is the biggest challenge, for you, in dealing with e-commerce in business? Midy: Since inception, Jovago has fast grown and opened offices in different countries across Africa and Asia. Our inventory has grown to over 25,000 in Africa. Amid this progress, we have also experienced some challenges, among them is convincing customers that online businesses are trustworthy. There is a perception in some African countries that any business being run online is not legit, perhaps from previous fraud experiences. The issue of online payment is also a big challenge. People feel insecure with online transactions and only prefer to pay cash or through other means familiar to them. However, over the years, we have managed to prove to our clients and hotel owners that Jovago is a trustworthy online company. For Jovago, we adapt our business to the African reality; we have, for instance, local customer services (with SMS confirmation), a translated website in Swahili and Yoruba and we adapt the online payment method as well as Mpesa or payment on arrival for our travellers. The complexity on the ground is a big challenge for us. What is the biggest concern, for you, in running an e-commerce platform? Midy: Like most e-commerce platforms, our biggest concern is to have a user friendly website for the travellers. To have a strong backup for all the technical challenges, a performing customer service to guide the customers by using, for instance, all the latest communication technologies (WhatsApp, Viber, Skype) and to secure all the payment solutions. One of the biggest challenges is to make the Jovago website visible to all the travellers in Africa. What are the biggest advantages of e-commerce in business? Midy: E-commerce is absolutely the way to go in business for this century. With it, the whole world becomes your playground, where buyers and sellers reach each other without any geographical restrictions. Businesses acquire new customers regularly, as the number of online users continues to gradually increase. Another major advantage that e-commerce holds over other types of businesses is the ability to tweak prices and reduce them to attract more customers through competitive discounts. Being online gives sellers and shops the ability to change prices with seasons or per requests and immediately convey the message to existing customers and potential customers. Customers are able to compare prices from a wide range of service providers, thus saving time and reducing cost. Take the booking of hotels on Jovago for instance. When a guest needs a hotel to stay in a particular city, he doesnt need to physically visit eight to nine hotels to compare prices. He also doesnt need to call the entire list of hotels one after the other to make inquiries about the type of facilities and other information. A hotel booking website readily has all this information with just a few clicks. The convenience is just overwhelming. What are the biggest advantages Jovago's clients/customers can benefit from? Midy: With the largest inventory in Africa with more than 25,000 hotels, comfortable prices and top quality customer service, Jovago has ensured convenience for our African clients. The proliferation of smartphones will more than double by 2020, according to Ericssons Mobility Report. This means that 70% of the Africa's population will be using smartphones by this year. As such, billions of dollars in sales will be generated through mobile devices. This means that while we make profits, we shall have a ripple effect on our clients. Besides, our booking hotel app helps our customers get a perfect stay with just a click away. We are now working towards unveiling more apps to further improve user experience for existing and potential customers. Do you think its absolutely necessary to have an e-commerce platform these days? Midy: Absolutely. Even for the businesses using offline marketing today, they should try e-commerce at some point. With a higher reach in customer catalogue, taking that route will be a rewarding experience. We interviewed Simon Bray, CEO of Private Property, to find out how the property sector is evolving, what some of the challenges are, and how the company is staying on top of trends. How does Private Property stay on top of trends in the property sector? We have an immense amount of data generated from the traffic on our website which we analyse to identify trends in the property market. In terms of best practice in the industry, we attend international conferences every year where we engage with other major property portals to exchange ideas and knowledge. We also stay up to date with any new technology and if there is anything that we feel could enhance the experience of our sites browsers, we implement them on our website. Are there any plans to expand on the online experience for clients? The nature of technology business is innovation and continuous development. We are listening to user feedback on a daily basis and always looking for ways to improve the platform and their home search experience. How important is content marketing in Private Property's communications strategy? Content marketing has become a vital part of our communications strategy. Weve been evolving from just being a property listing website to providing our browsers with more information around property. Last year we completely redesigned our Advice Centre to make it easier for browsers to find property-related news and advice. We also launched our Neighbourhoods section which is a first for the South African property market. The Neighbourhoods section of the website has great local content about the best features in the area, and has video and a full gallery that showcases the highlights of living in that particular neighbourhood. Describe a typical Private Property client? There isnt a typical Private Property client. We have well over a million users visiting our website every month and they have different reasons for visiting the website. They could be people looking to buy, rent or sell property, people looking for property advice or just property enthusiasts who like looking at property. What are some of the challenges in the South African property market? The current economic client does present a challenge since it has an impact on the affordability of buyers in the market. Affordability affects first time buyers the most and since this sector makes up around half of all mortgage applications, there might be a knock-on effect on the rest of the market. At the moment, were seeing a slowdown in the market but there are no major alarm bells going off. The other challenge is uncertainty created by government legislation. There was the ban on foreign land ownership and the visa requirements for visitors entering the country which would have affected foreign direct investment in the property market. More recently, the Expropriation Bill, which scraps the willing buyer, willing seller principle, is causing some concern. How does Private Property differentiate itself in terms of client service? We have a dedicated customer service team at our head office in Umhlanga that are available every day of the week on telephone, email or live chat. Our social media team is also available to help with queries on Facebook and Twitter. Are there any expansion plans on the cards for Private Property that you can share? We do have a few exciting projects in the pipeline for 2016 but I cant talk about them just yet. Software designer, online marketer, and avid surfer Simon Bray is the CEO of Private Property. Having previously lead the product and technology department and served as the COO, he brings a passion for technology and a deep understanding of the property industry to the business. Rebosis Property Fund has grown assets under management by a hefty 50% to R11.8bn in the six months to February, thanks to a push into the UK property market. Most of the growth came from the counters entry into the UK retail property market through AltX-listed New Frontier Properties. Rebosis owns a 67.5% stake in New Frontier, valued at about R2.6bn, which delivered a total return of 22.7% in the interim period. New Frontier has acquired three shopping centres, valued at 291m in the UK since it entered that market about a year ago. The centres, all between 30,000m and 40,000m in area, are located in Blackpool, Burton-on-Trent and Middlesbrough. Rebosis was listed in mid-2013 by lawyer-turned-developer Sisa Ngebulana to become the JSEs first substantially black-owned and managed property fund. The fund owns Hemingways Mall and Mdantsane City in East London, Sunnypark shopping centre in Pretoria, and a sizeable government-tenanted office portfolio. Management declared on Thursday dividend growth of 8.26% for the interim period, in line with forecasts and the sector average. While Rebosis has underperformed the South African listed property sector in terms of share price growth in the past 18 months, it appears investors approve of the companys UK expansion strategy, given the 15% share price recovery year to date. However, Rebosis is still trading at a forward yield exceeding 10%, which represents a large discount to the sector average of about 7.2%. On Thursday, Ngebulana ascribed the counters relatively lower market rating to, among others, lingering scepticism towards the funds 44% exposure to offices including a 59% stake in office-focused Ascension Properties, of which a big chunk is let to government tenants. Ngebulana said the market did not seem fully to appreciate that Rebosis had built good relationships with the government over many years. As a result, the funds government-tenanted office portfolio posed a low risk in terms of bad debt and rental arrears provisions, he said. "In fact, we have never had problems with late or nonpayment by government tenants," he said. Ngebulana said the intention was nevertheless to bulk up Rebosiss exposure to the retail sector to hike the retail weighting from 55% to 80% of assets. Rebosis has first right of refusal to new shopping centres developed by Ngebulanas Billion Group, which includes the recently opened Baywest Mall in Port Elizabeth, at 90,000m one of the largest malls built in SA since the mid-2000s, and Forest Hill (76,000m) in Centurion. Meago Asset Managers director Jay Padayatchi said Thursdays results reflected a solid performance from the companys underlying assets. "Vacancies have improved considerably in the interim period, with the office subsector showing the most significant improvement. At 1.7%, the office vacancy has to be among the lowest in the sector." Padayatchi said while Rebosiss shopping centres had seen an uptick in vacancies, trading densities (turnover per square metre) recorded impressive growth, at an average of 15% across the portfolio, which was well above the market average. "Rebosis is well-priced at current levels of around R11.20, while the rand-hedge component through New Frontier provides an attractive underpin for future earnings." Anheuser-Busch InBev (AB InBev) said on Friday it would invest R1bn to support smallholder farmers as part of the deal to acquire SABMiller for more than $100bn. StockSnap via pixabay The package of commitments, which includes addressing unemployment, localisation of production and inputs used in the production of beer and cider, was agreed with the government. These proposals will be recommended to the Competition Commission and Competition Tribunal, which will both look into the deal. Source: BDpro 30 dairy farmers in KwaZulu-Natal created three business entities through which they can guarantee dairy products supply to retailers. This ground-breaking move will give them a hedge against market fluctuations in prices and a bigger share of the consumer's wallet. tpsdave via pixabay Each farmer has a shareholding in Dairy Day in direct relation to the number of litres he or she can supply. Dairy Day holds 85% of the shares of an operating entity running two acquired dairies, Honeydew and Stonelees, and a newly built, in excess of R100 million, 22,000 m2 processing plant in Howick, which packages private labels on behalf of retailers and brands and produces its own products under the Honeydew brand. The operating entity, known as Dairy Day (Pty) Ltd is capable of processing 600,000 litres of fresh milk daily, includes cold rooms and production lines, operates in excess of 100 vehicles, and employs 1,200 people. It produces sterilised milk, maas, yoghurt, cream, juices, dairy blends, butter, and powdered milk. The remaining 15% of the shares in Dairy Day are held by the Dairy Day Workers Trust in which the producers employees participate. Unlike other farmer-owned or cooperative organisations, we are focused on providing a service rather than simply a product to our customers, who are the major retailers, says Paul Marshall, CEO of Dairy Day. We achieve this by underwriting our supply to the retailer. We know exactly what our own milk producers can deliver and, therefore, what the processing plants output will be. Because our suppliers have the benefit of revenue from the plant, we are less vulnerable to farmers choosing to supply a different processor in the quest for short-term price advantages. From the farm gate to the customer So, we can do integrated and very accurate planning from the farm gate, through the processing plant, to the customer. This gives our customers a sense of security and builds their loyalty to us. By the same token, it gives our suppliers a sense of security. Theyre not going to be abandoned during times of oversupply when processors can pick and choose their suppliers purely on price. It truly is a business model in which everyone wins. Ensuring stability of supply to retailers will create demand that should drive steady growth for the farmer shareholders. Enabling growth Ideally, we would like growth of supply to come from within our existing and future shareholder base, Marshall says. In fact, a large part of what were doing is geared towards enabling such growth. Dairy Day has been established to stabilise dairy farm profitability. This should assist in making dairy farming an attractive career and, thereby, draw new entrants. If we do get into the fortunate position of having more demand than our existing suppliers can fill, then bringing in more shareholding farmers will simply help us create a bigger pie, of which everyones cut will be proportionately bigger. Confidence in new business model Bertie Hamman, senior manager: Secondary Agriculture for Standard Bank, Dairy Days primary banker, believes that the Dairy Day business model addresses a number of issues in the dairy sub-sector and in agriculture in general. We have believed for many years that the dairy industry is too fragmented. Producers have an organisation, as do processors. But none of the linkages in the value chain, including logistics providers and retailers, have been closely integrated. From a broader agricultural industry perspective, it is our conviction that farmers do need to get involved up and downstream of their farm gate in order to diversify their income and spread their risk. So, we were delighted to give our support to Dairy Day. We believe its focus on using superior service to retailers and consumers as the basis for creating growth for its suppliers will deliver value at all levels of society. Marshall says that Standard Banks belief that Dairy Days business model is sustainable has given the company and its shareholders a great deal of confidence. Most other cooperative style companies in agriculture have low capital input and much higher funding than we have needed because we obtained 100% of our capital from our shareholders, upfront. So, we were an attractive option for any bank. However, Standard Bank has a strong agricultural division and deep insight into the industry. They understand that what were doing is good for the farmer, retailer and consumer and that makes for good business. By supporting us, theyre saying our vision is right. And, theyre supporting the evolution of the dairy industry in South Africa. Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University's school of architecture has been busy at work for the first few months of this year with yet another exhibition of student work under way, this time at the Alliance Francaise in Richmond Hill. This past weekend saw the launch of the schools second exhibition after their initial architectural presentation launched at the Cape Institute for Architecture (Cifa) in Cape Town earlier this year, which showcased some of the works completed by first-year students. The Cape Town exhibition, Palladio and the Modern, runs until April 28 at The Architect Pop-up Gallery. The latest exhibition, also showcasing works by first-year students, An Interpretation of Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino runs until May 6 and features a selection of handmade collages. The works showcased at the Port Elizabeth exhibition were created by students who were taught by lecturers Ernst Struwig and Dr Magda Minguzzi during the course of their lectures in design and architectural presentation technique. Every handmade collage is a personal interpretation of one of the imaginary cities described by Calvino in Invisible Cities, probably one of the most quoted books by architects and urban designers. The exhibition will present to the public an incredible variety of expressions, richness of messages and reflections about the urban space which the young generation has been exposed to, Minguzzi said. Alliance Francaise director Charlotte Jarnet, who attended the first architectural department exhibition earlier this year had been impressed by how colourful and fresh the first year collages were and an invitation to exhibit at the Alliance Francaise followed. Our first-year students are really great. Perhaps its because they arrive fresh from high school, but they are so enthusiastic and so engaged with the projects we give them. They are really serious about the discipline of architecture, Minguzzi said. Minguzzi said that second and third-year architecture students were also being given opportunities to showcase their skills through different initiatives. Second-year students will be creating a sculpture at this years AfrikaBurn Festival in the Karoo, starting April 25, while the third year students are participating in a number of student competitions. An Interpretation of Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino is hosted at the Alliance Francaise, 17 Mackay Street, Richmond Hill. Herald If you're looking to experience an authentic African Safari, Kenya's Masai Mara National Reserve should be right at the top of travel bucket list. To provide you with some Kenyan safari inspiration, weve browsed YouTube to find you five reasons why you should go on a safari to the Masai Mara National Reserve: Robert Babekuhl compiled this stunning footage of his stay at the Elephant Pepper Camp in the Masai Mara. Become immersed in the beauty of a hot air balloon safari over the Mara River - one of the best ways to see the wildlife on offer in the reserve. Ron's Been Here shows what to expect during a typical safari in Kenya. Want to know what to expect during a mere two day, Masai Mara safari? It might sound like very little time, but the amount of wildlife that Carson Glore shows, makes up for it. CNN's Brooke Baldwin travelled to the Masai Mara National Reserve in 2015 for the very first time. With its ability to bring about economic growth and create employment, Tourism has the potential to transform the African continent. For the past 36 years, Tourism INDABA has been bringing together Africa's tourism leaders, policy makers, global buyers and travel media under one roof, placing stakeholders at the forefront of business success. This year there are over 700 exhibitors at the event the largest number of African exhibitors worldwide. With over 500 buyers from around the globe expected at the INDABA, it provides exhibitors with a boost as it gives them access to the top buyers, leaders and policy makers while it places buyers in touch with the widest range of African Exhibitors in one place and over a three-day period. The recent South African Tourism campaign is driving visitor consideration and confidence and it is in the process of renovating its entire online and social media portfolio and SA Specialist programmes to meet the needs of buyers and exhibitors. Thought leadership talks The INDABA also acts as a catalyst for debate and innovation through its MediaTalks and TechTalks. This year the INDABA Ministers Media Talk will be facilitated by New York-based CNN news anchor Richard Quest. CNNs foremost international business correspondent and anchor of Quest Means Business, Quest will facilitate a debate on the strategic economic importance of tourism and the threats and opportunities associated with it, such as job creation, foreign direct spend, and social development. The panel discussion promises riveting debate with esteemed panellists that including the South African Minister of Tourism. INDABA changes in 2016 As the INDABA continues to grow, each year it is able to implement changes to streamline formats and to create more opportunities for buyers and exhibitors to engage. To make the INDABA even more user-friendly this year the standard exhibitor briefing sessions will include educational sessions (trade show, including Readiness and Online Diary System) while registration for all areas will open at once, instead of the phased model of registration for different areas used previously. To ensure a more inclusive audience, the opening function format has been changed from a high-end stage production attended by stakeholders and international buyers to a 'bell-ringing' at the commencement of the show to pronounce the trade floor open. A welcome function will replace the opening ceremony, also serving as an additional networking function. Attendance will be managed on a first come first serve basis. All buyers will be afforded the opportunity of using a buyers lounge. Additional networking opportunities and hospitality will be available in the form of coffee and food vouchers for all buyers, hosted and non-hosted. Last year also saw the online diary and match making incorporating strategic research data, with an increased user-friendliness and enhanced look and feel. This year this is enhanced even further through a single interface for both diary meetings and official events The technology themed Tech Talks and Trade Talks that are geared towards sharing market insights with the industry will feature more than once. The repeated time slots will allow for more opportunities for exhibitors to attend the talks. A New Products and Developments Zone will be introduced with the introduction of a table-top option, providing new participants a cost-effective manner to come on-board while tech exhibitors will be co-located within the ICC to improve proximity and access for trade exhibitors to tech products and knowledge transfer. The action adventure pavilion is also an exciting addition to this years INDABA. The resounding success - and over-subscription - of the two-speed dating sessions has led to the addition of a third session this year which will focus on World Culture and Heritage Sites and Safari and Action Adventure. The HDI/SMME workshop will take place a day prior to the official start of the INDABA. The TEP Engagement is in collaboration with TEP and TBCSA to further develop this sector of the industry. Media The INDABA offers the media great African travel stories and you can use our matchmaking tool to pair with exhibitors with an angle for you while our Media Talks panel discussions will put you in touch with African leaders, opinion and policy makers. It will also give you the opportunity to meet other journalists, bloggers, and content developers from around the world with an interest in all things African. The INDABA, hosted by South African Tourism runs from the 7 to 9 May and takes place in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre (Durban ICC) and Durban Exhibition Centre (DEC). Younghee Lee, executive VP of global marketing, mobile communications business at Samsung Electronics will accept the Creative Marketer of the Year award at Cannes on 25 June 2016 on behalf of Samsung Electronics. Younghee Lee Terry Savage, chairman, Lions Festivals, said, When you look at Samsungs wins at Cannes Lions, even just last year, what strikes you is the diversity of Lions that its is taking home through its overarching commitment to creativity. It is excelling across the board, including in areas such as healthcare communications, craft and branded content, as well as picking up a Titanium Lion. Last year, Samsung took home an awards haul of 27 Lions and, over the history of the Festival, has received 74 Lions for work that has come from 17 countries. This award exists to recognise brands that distinguish themselves through the quality of their communications, something that Samsung is doing continually, continued Savage. It inspires the innovative marketing of its products across multiple platforms, as well as embracing and encouraging its agencies to keep creativity at the heart of its brand communications. Samsung has recognised the impact its technology has on the lives of consumers and shifted its marketing approach to a more consumer-centric strategy, which focuses on how its products and technologies can create meaning in the lives of consumers. This philosophy of Meaningful Progress to Enrich Consumers Lives has been brought to life in many creative campaigns around the globe, with Lion-winning work including Oscar Selfie, Every Day is Day One, for the World Surfing League partnership and the Safety Truck campaign, which was awarded a coveted Titanium Lion. Samsungs Look at Me campaign, planned and executed by Cheil Worldwide, took five Lions in 2015 and demonstrated its customer-centric strategy by creating a mobile app that helps autistic children interact better with other people. After eight weeks of testing, it showed that 60% of the tested children with autism had improvement in making eye contact and reading facial expressions. At Samsung, we know our products are about experiences making life easier for consumers around the world. And we wanted our brand to reflect that vision and honour our heritage of meaningful innovation and defying barriers, said Younghee Lee. We believe our creative and bold approach to marketing captures that spirit in a unique and creative way. For more information, go to www.canneslions.com. Almost a year after undergoing life-changing operations for serious skull defects, two young girls returned to South Africa for their final surgeries. In June 2015, Bizcommunity.com reported on how Professor Frank Graewe, a renowned reconstructive and micro-surgeon, teamed up with the World Craniofacial Foundation (WCF) and Smile Foundation SA to help Grace (8) and Akikere (7). Akikeres journey The seven-year-old from Nigeria, suffers from Crouzon syndrome and before her 2015 surgery, she suffered from right-side heart failure as a result of the respiratory problems often seen in such cases. Akikere: before and after In 2015, Akikeres mid-face and forehead were detached from her skull, and distractors were implanted, which would gradually push her face forward over time and thereby assist her breathing problems. Ten months later, not only have Akikeres distractors have been removed, but she is also off all heart medication and her paediatric cardiologist says that her heart condition has clinically subsided. Graces story Grace, from Zambia, underwent her ground-breaking surgery last year at Tygerberg Hospital to correct a major skull defect utilising 3D technology and bioengineered bone. Ten months post the completed bone graft, CT scans show that there is bone regeneration on her skull a positive sign that the bioengineered bone is doing its job. We usually expect the full bone regeneration to take about two years, so we are very positive about Graces progress so far, says Prof. Graewe. Her second surgery took place on the 12 April and involved reconstructive surgery to correct the placement of Graces eye-sockets and her nose. Graces condition resulted in her eyes being too far apart, we corrected this and also reconstructed her nose by using cartilage harvested from her ribcage. Were very happy with her results and we dont expect that any more surgeries will be needed for Grace at this stage, he explains. Happy endings The opportunity to work with the South African team on these two cases has been an absolute godsend and a pleasure, says Dr Ken Salyer, the US-based chairman of the WCF who travelled to South Africa to work with the local team. The co-operation between the WCF team and the South African surgeons, led by Prof. Graewe, has concluded with excellent results. Both of our young patients are doing well, and the experience has been a great learning opportunity for all the surgeons involved. Go to the Smile Foundation SA or WCF to make a donation. The Loeries 2016 campaign work is bright and bold, showcasing the many creative faces that comprise the local brand communication industry. We dug around behind the scenes, tipping over paint buckets to find out how the campaign came about. Last week, we found out about creative director and stand-up comedian Donovan Goliaths role as Creative Voice for Loeries 2016. Silondile Jali, communications manager at the Loeries, explains that as creativity exists on so many levels, and Donovan comes from so many avenues of creativity, this is core to their message that creativity unites. As creative voice, Goliath translates the Loeries messages to the public. This, coupled with his agenda to inspire the youth and enlighten the public on matters of creativity, stands him in good stead. But Goliath is just one aspect of this years Loeries campaign. The first visual from the launch of the campaign was in black-and-white. Next we saw individual brightly painted visages, which were placed in such a way as to be the individual pixels that created the overall #CreativityUnites pattern. Watch the campaign launch film by NATIVE VML below for more of what its all about: Its certainly an eye-catching way of displaying not just the concept of creativity itself creatively, but also its ability to unite the often disparate members of the local creative industry. Shooting (painted) faces programmatically Ryan McManus, ECD at NATIVE VML, was the creative behind the campaign. He says we live in a pretty divided world and our region is often troubled, but one of the ways to unite people is by using the power of creativity. He explains patterns and tapestries have been part of the visual language of Africa and the Middle East for hundreds of years and that they wanted to interpret this idea of motifs in a modern and digital setting. As the brand communication industry across our region meets in Durban for Loeries Creative Week what better way to unite everyone than by using faces from our industry as the fabric and thread of our design? Jali adds that the shoots took place in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town and involved persons from across different sectors of the brand communication industry, ranging from brands to agencies to print media, outdoor media, attorneys, broadcasters, clients, brands, media houses and owners, marketers, publishers and Loeries sponsors, in order to be as inclusive and representative as possible. McManus explains that a programmatic engine was then built to filter these images into various colours, to create a new tapestry and the look of the identity of the campaign. The automated, algorithmic patterns comprising the industry faces were used to build everything in the campaign and actually form the messaging: CREATIVITY UNITES. True creative power The faces represent the different facets of the brand communication industry and show the potential possessed by the industrys combined creative force through the combination of the faces into beautiful digital patterns. But creativity has the power to change things, so its not just about pretty pictures. Thats quite the mouthful, but speaks to the unifying focus of the Loeries in 2016. Were all born creative. Creativity cant be separated from life and there is no language, ethnic, financial or visual barrier to it. Its about innovation and thinking outside of the box to find answers. Creativity applies to all industries. This is what of some of the thought leaders unmasked in one of the Loeries #CreativityUnites video teasers had to say about creativity. This sentiment echoes the theme of unity by using Loeries Creative Week Durban as an opportunity for the region to come together to dialogue with, share, and inspire one another. And while many in the region acknowledge the potential possessed by our combined creative force, it is critical that people must come together under one roof to explore the possibilities. The Loeries provide for that, says CEO Andrew Human. This is crucial as the Africa Middle East region is bursting with energy and a sense of culture and style that has the ability to bind us together and give us purpose. The Loeries have harnessed that purpose to create this campaign thats about ALL creativity and innovation. When asked whats still to come from the #CreativityUnites campaign for the year, Jali says to stay tuned to all Loeries platforms to find out more, especially as the plan is for the campaign to come alive during Loeries Creative Week Durban from, 15 to 21 August. McManus doesnt give anything away either, but theres more to come and well have to wait and see If you cant wait until then, dont miss the Loeries Creative Voice with Donovan Goliath segment on YFM, running from 15:33 to 15:47 on 20 and 27 April as well as 4, 11 and 18 May 2016, and visit the Loeries website to keep your finger on that creative pulse. "There has never, in my mind been a clearer time for PR. In the Wizard of Oz, everyone and thing was controlled by a small man pulling the strings and our world was like that, but today is not the case anymore. Yes, people talk about chaos, but we should be celebrating the openness and transparency of our world. I prefer to live in a transparent world where I can see what is going on and therefore I can effect change." This is according to Michael Frohlich, EMEA CEO Ogilvy PR, who recently visited South Africa. He spoke to Bizcommunity on all things public relations. He says it is finally PRs time. Since I started working in public relations (PR) I have felt that working in PR is like arriving at a gun fight with a banana. Its irrelevant and useless, but so odd that it gets noticed. Twenty years later I still have the banana in my pocket, but the world has changed and I dont need an automatic weapon and sharp shooters; my banana is the weapon of choice. Integrated brand marketing and communications For him PR in the communications landscape is the glue. We take the core story and narrative and make it robust ad bullet proof, he says. For a while we forgot what we are doing and it felt like we were losing on all fronts, all fighting for the same space, but PR has found its way through the chaos to the boardroom table. Clients have a problem and need a solution, he adds, and PRs history has given PR practitioners the ability to understand the context of the world so we can provide them with robust solutions. The three changes that have led to this. Firstly that world is more integrated and integrated marketing is what we trained for and what our brains are wired for, he says. Secondly the consumer landscape has changed and consumers defer to reference, which the breakdown of trust has only accelerated. The result is that consumers only trust people like themselves. They also only listen and care about what matters to them and are not interested in things they do not care about. PR plays in this space because it understands the world and the context of what is happening, he explains. The third big change is that brands are mattering less and less. Research shows that lots of people just do not care about brands, with 70% not caring if a brand disappears. For brand owners this is not only scary, but it is a business problem. So how do you get brands to matter more? he asks. You utilise PR because PR has always been more about being authentic. Content: the centre of your offering PR has been creating stories forever, he says. We are, unlike any other agencies and disciplines, are all about content. All that has changed is that this content is now more visual and social. And he says it is a skill to create that at the agility and speed our world today requires. But PR people understand how to respond; it is what we are trained to do. Its the stuff that we all do. PR content and social content lives in the centre of our agency. It is fast, effective and creative work; and it is very exciting. It allows us to do things with audiences we were previously not able to. Key insights and trends A key trend is that PR is finally learning to talk the language necessary. When you are invited to the table, it means you are viewed in a strategic light so talk this language he emphases. It is a trend we are seeing more and more as well as more strategic planners coming to PR from more traditional media and agencies and this is brilliant to see. The language of planning is the only transferable one across agencies and disciplines. We are becoming more data driven he says. While this is hard for PR people it is important as while very often PR people know what is going to fly, today we are dealing with so many more media channels. And the story is always in the numbers, whether it is a PR, corporate or consumer story, the story must always have robust facts. Better measurement of data is a trend as well." The next trend is agility. Our people are more generalists and problem solvers. It is a broader space. PR also understands it is social and digitally driven and people are seeing that he adds. Many young people also do what has taken us centuries to master, without thinking about it because of social and digital. A Czech secondary school has received dozens of letters demanding that a pupil should be expelled because she is a muslim 15. 4. 2016 cas cteni 1 minuta The headmaster of a secondary school in the northern city of Teplice in the Czech Republic has received dozens of letters demanding that a second year student at his school should be expelled because she is a muslim. The student, Eman Ghaleb, comes from Yemen and has been living in the Czech Republic since she was five. She is a muslim believer. "The calls to expel this student are absolutely nonsensical and unacceptable. To demand that I should expel someone from our school for his religious belief is unreal," said the headmaster Zdenek Bergman. "I am a Czech and I fear for my country and its future. Our children and our young people are our future. I do not want my children to be threatened by muslims and by islam. This is why I call on you not to be indifferent to our children. You must defend them from muslim and islamic propaganda," says a typical letter, one of many received by Mr. Bergman. The authors of the letters complain that the muslim pupil is disseminating "islamic propaganda". The school has organised various events, including a "muslim weekend" during which several muslims living in the Czech Republic introduced their countries. A specialist from the Oriental Institute of the Czech Academy of Sciences gave a lecture. Apart from a muslim weekend, the Teplice school has also organised a week of Jewish culture, Vietnamese days and has invited representatives of Christian churches to give lectures. "I will adhere to a thought contained in the Talmud," said Headmaster Bergman. "You will not join the majority if it commits evil." Source in Czech HERE 0 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 Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant is on a roll. Just a few days after signing the state's anti-LGBT "religious liberty" law, Governor Bryant has also signed a bill to ban certain abortion procedures. JACKSON, Miss. (AP) Mississippi's governor has signed into law a ban on a commonly used second-trimester abortion procedure, setting the state up for a possible legal challenge. Gov. Phil Bryant signed the law Friday that outlaws a procedure called "dilation and evacuation" unless it is necessary to prevent a woman's irreversible physical impairment. Meanwhile, Governor Bryant has also signed a bill that allows churchgoers to carry guns without a permit. You know, just in case they might need to kill someone. The Church Protection Act specifies that those designated can carry guns into church buildings. It also allows people to carry holstered weapons without a permit. [...] The Mississippi Association of Police Chiefs has opposed the portion of the bill that loosens permit requirements. The group says it dismantles Mississippi's licensing system and makes it harder to check someone who has a gun isn't a violent criminal. I must have missed the gospel that calls for arming worshipers to kill while banning certain medical procedures in the name of life. In Free Market Jesus's name, amen. (Cartoonist - John Cole) In other news, Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam has vetoed a bill to designate the Bible as the state's official book because that's obviously unconstitutional. Meanwhile, the Missouri state Senate have voted to hold the local Planned Parenthood CEO in contempt for not handing over private medical records. On a 24-8 vote, senators agreed to move forward with contempt proceedings against Mary Kogut, the CEO of Planned Parenthood of St. Louis and Southwest Missouri and Dr. James Miller of Pathology Services Inc. The vote was along party lines, with Republicans in support and Democrats opposed. Under the legislation, the two are required under Senate rules to appear in Jefferson City on April 25. Depending on what happens that day, the Senate could choose to pursue charges against the duo carrying possible penalties of $300 in fines and up to 10 days in jail. Finally, the Army has commissioned the first 22 women to serve as infantry officers. Have a good weekend. Ram Navami-Lord Rama Really Born? Faith Mysticism oi-Staff Ram Navami, heralds the birth of Lord Rama. Was Rama really born? It is a 'Yes' and is a 'No' as well. The Hindu festival Ram Navami is observed across the country, celebrating their endearing Rama, His righteousness and His adherence to morals at all occasions and times. To the ones who closely follow the codes of religion, Lord Rama is more than a deity, the eternal power. Ram Navami is thus followed by them with great religious fervour. They firmly believe in the birth of Rama as a true occurrence. Ram Navami for the religious calls for the rekindling of Dharma or righteousness. Rama is celebrated as the epitome of righteousness. While Ramayana heralds Dharma, it also advocates the principle of Advaita as its underlying essence. Images Courtesy For an Advaitin, Lord Rama is never born. He simply is as the very existence, as reality, as the supreme truth. He is the Atman, residing as the very self , the very essence of all that is manifested. There is neither birth nor death for Him. To him, Lord Rama in mythology, is the manifestation of the supreme Atman. The very Atman manifested with a form. The form of Rama is as endearing to the Advaitin as to the religious, some of whom, who do not have an understanding of the underlying essence of Ram Navami. The formless self or Atman and the manifest are inseparable like that of the wood and the form of a carved elephant. Hence the Advaitin also celebrates the form of Rama and rejoices on Ram Navami. In the name Rama, 'Ra' refers to the Atma and 'Ma' refers to the mind. The very name of Rama pronounces Advaita or non-duality. It carries the essence of Advaita philosophy, the merging of the mind with its source, the Atma. Thus when the individual mind merges with its source (Rama or Atman), all that exists is Rama. All manifested forms are Rama. Hence such a merging is the birth of Rama, or what it is termed as Self realisation. As for the enlightened, Rama is always the birth-less and deathless reality. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 14/04/2016 (2383 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. WASHINGTON The Canadian government promises a multi-front fight against tax evasion amid widespread frustration following the leak of offshore account details in the so-called Panama Papers. Finance Minister Bill Morneau promised Thursday to make it an issue at home and abroad first at this weeks international summit in Washington, and later with his provincial counterparts. A massive data leak illustrating rampant use of multibillion-dollar offshore accounts has become a hot topic at the annual global financial conferences, the populist anger spilling into these high-powered meetings. Finance Minister Bill Morneau speaks during question period at Parliament Hill in Ottawa on March 24, 2016. The Canadian government promises a multi-front fight against tax evasion amid widespread frustration following the leak of offshore account details in the so-called Panama Papers. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld Were going to be a really strong voice around doing this, Morneau said. Im also going to go back to Canada and talk about what we can do, above and beyond what weve already committed. Morneau said hed push countries at the meetings to sign on to bank-reporting standards being promoted by international organizations which most key countries have adopted but not Panama. He also said hell raise the issue with the provinces. Transparency advocates say its easy for tax cheats to create companies within Canada without ever proving their identity a problem they say is worse with provincially registered companies. The provinces will be ready for that discussion, Morneau said: We need to put it on the agenda, to try and address any gaps, if there are any gaps But to the extent that we dont know who owns something we should. A prominent tax transparency group welcomed recent government moves, but said lots more can be done. The federal government has just increased the budget for tax inspectors at the Canada Revenue Agency. Canadians for Tax Fairness estimates that overseas tax-avoidance schemes be they legal, illegal or somewhere in between cost the federal and provincial treasuries $8 billion per year. Thats about two per cent of government budgets, said the groups executive director. Dennis Howlett said wealthy countries also need to start taking action at home, including certain U.S. states like Delaware. In Canada, he said, that means doing a better job verifying the identity of company founders. He said theres very little scrutiny in that regard and its worse with companies registered provincially. Canada lags behind all other developed countries, said Howlett, whose group is supported by unions and financial experts. They dont bother to really check who the ultimate owner is. The government also faces pressure on different fronts, from its opposition: The Bloc Quebecois has introduced a bill that would change a 1980 arrangement with Barbados a major Canadian tax haven. The agreement allows companies with assets in both jurisdictions to be taxed in only one. Companies can use it to pay taxes that max out at a rate of 2.5 per cent. MPs also intend to quiz the revenue minister at a committee hearing. They want to ask about a reported amnesty deal cut with clients of accounting giant KPMG. The CBC reported that the deal allows them to avoid prosecution for a scheme that involved shifting money to the Isle of Man, so long as they settle their tax bill. Howlett raised these issues as cause for concern. But he welcomed the governments announcement that its shifting its focus from small-time tax cheats, to bigger cases. He said the Canada Revenue Agency didnt have the budget to investigate complex international cases but its now received $444 million from the government, in a plan expected to recoup $2.6 billion. The issue has landed on the agenda of the annual financial meetings in Washington of the G20, IMF and World Bank. It even came up in a forum Morneau participated in on a completely different topic mental health. The World Health Organization presented a study that suggested mental-health issues cost the global economy more than $1 trillion a year in treatment costs and lost productivity with 12 billion lost work days in the 36 biggest countries alone. Participants in a high-level panel pushed for increased funding for mental health treatment, which they said would pay off for society multiple times over. In her closing remarks, the WHOs director-general took a shot at tax cheats. That drew the loudest applause of the event. Governments must invest in their own people Thats why I ask the question: where has all the money gone? Margaret Chan said, before suggesting where governments might want to look: Panama Papers is quite helpful. Morneau was asked by reporters whether he or his wife had an offshore bank account, given their sizable family wealth and his pre-political business career. The minister replied: No. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 15/04/2016 (2382 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. The 41st Manitoba general election campaign is coming to a close. With only a few days left before election day on April 19, The Brandon Sun student reporter Samantha Samson took to the streets to find residents of both Brandon West and Brandon East constituencies. We asked them two simple questions: Do you intend to vote? And why or why not? Brandon East: Chris Speelman Voting: You bet. Samantha Samson/The Brandon Sun Chris Speelman I dont want to see Hydro privatized. Plus Greg (Selinger) is doing a good job. Being an accountant, I think its an economist we need. Brandon East: Britney Judd Voting: Probably. Its interesting since we have a candidate who wants to lower taxes. I think thats odd because our roads are still so bad. And if the taxes are cut, where will those cuts be? Brandon East: Susan Rule Voting: Yes. Ive always liked politics. I grew up in a PC house, but I was always Liberal. Back then, I didnt speak up much. Now I can vote however I want and keep up with things online. Brandon East: Ed Bachmier Samantha Samson/The Brandon Sun Britney Judd Voting: Still pondering. Im reading all about the candidates and keeping up with the headlines, but I still cant make up my mind. Brandon East: Carman Hainsworth Voting: Absolutely. I want change. We need more money for farmers my dad was a dairy farmer before he died. And we need more support for people like me, with disabilities. The disability vote is important. Brandon East: Norman Spence Voting: Probably not. This would be my second time voting, but I dont think I will. I work at a casino, and I dont feel like I have the time. Plus, I dont know what the parties are promising, what theyre offering. Samantha Samson/The Brandon Sun Susan Rule Brandon East: Corey Beardy Voting: Yes. You have to lend your voice because you cant let other people speak for you. We need better access to affordable housing. That way, we wont spend all our money on rent. Brandon East: Kaley Bell Voting: Yes. Ill vote because we need better access to child care. There isnt enough. I have four kids, and the oldest two (three-year-old twins) just got into daycare. The wait lists are so long, so maybe we need more support for workers or students. Brandon East: Robert Prive Samantha Samson/The Brandon Sun Carman Hainsworth Voting: Not sure yet. I watched the leaders debate, and Im still not sure (who to vote for). As long as we get better health-care access and support for Metis rights. Its supposed to be the new millennium, but were not seeing it. Brandon East: Mel Noah Voting: Maybe. Ive never voted before. Im more into following the American election than the Canadian ones. Health care is so important. I sprained my ankle four months ago, and the doctor didnt even show me how to use my splint. We need more consideration for the patient. Brandon West: Cecilia Fjeldsted Voting: Voted in advance. I think we need a different government. The NDP have put Manitoba into so much debt, and theyve been in power for quite some time. Ive always supported PC. Samantha Samson/The Brandon Sun Cecilia Fjeldsted Brandon West: Lorraine Flatfoot Voting: Maybe in advance. I go to ACC and Ive seen advanced polling at school. Im an early childhood education student there, so I think more benefits for child educators is important. Brandon West: Cory Winning Voting: No. Ive lost faith in politics, but I try to keep up with the headlines. Im hoping the candidates here support our prime minister with marijuana legalization. If the Liberals stick with their agenda, theyve got it all the way. Brandon West: Season Clyne Voting: Yes. Samantha Samson/The Brandon Sun Lorraine Flatfoot We need more daycares. My son is six now, but I couldnt get him into daycare before. I tried to go to school and raise him, but it didnt work. Ill have to look into who cares about child care. Ive even heard of people signing their kids up for daycare before theyre even born. Brandon West: Kathy Oman Voting: Yes, but not sure for who. Health is a big issue. I went to the emergency a few weeks ago and waited for four hours before I got in. Also, affordable housing. You see all these people living on the street, and these new houses going up, but nobody can live in them because rent is too high. Brandon West: Jessica Sterling Voting: Of course. If you dont vote, you cant complain. I work in a personal care home, so Im looking at health issues from candidates. Samantha Samson/The Brandon Sun Cory Winning Brandon West: Tayisiya Sholokh Voting: Probably vote in advance. We need more licensed daycares. We moved here in June, and were still looking for a spot for my son (19-month-old Mitchell). I dont want to just give him to some mom. I need a licensed place. Brandon West: Ron Spence Voting: Yes. I always vote when I can. Ill be voting for the party wholl privatize Hydro. I work there, so I need to know whats happening and I need to keep my job. Brandon Sun: Katelyn Jones Voting: Not old enough. Samantha Samson/The Brandon Sun Season Clyne I turn 18 in July, but Id like to say Id vote if I could. Im not sure, though. My parents never really talk about it. Im going to BU for English in September, so Id look at tuition costs. 20) Brandon West: Gervindradeo Krishn Voting: Voted in advance. Im retiring in May, but I need to pay for kidney transplant drugs. Ill be on a set income, so I think seniors and people with diseases should get subsidized medication. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 15/04/2016 (2382 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. HALIFAX A former stockbroker described by a judge as the competent tactician in a multi-million dollar stock market fraud involving the Knowledge House e-learning company before it collapsed in 2001 was sentenced to three years in prison Friday. Bruce Elliott Clarke appeared in Nova Scotia Supreme Court in Halifax, with his wife, daughters, sons and other relatives seated behind him as Judge Jamie Campbell issued the sentence, recommended by both the defence and Crown. Bruce Clarke was a conspirator in a multi-million dollar complex stock manipulation fraud, Campbell read from his decision. He also defrauded a union pension fund of close to $900,000. Those are serious crimes for which only a significant period of time in jail is the fit and proper sentence. Clarke was facing six charges, but pleaded guilty late last year to conspiring to affect Knowledge Houses share price and defrauding a trust fund established by the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America of more than $5,000. Campbell said the three-year sentence applied to both counts and would be served concurrently. No restitution was involved. He said the magnitude, complexity, duration and degree of planning of the fraud were aggravating factors in sentencing. On any measurement the size of this fraud was significant, Campbell said. It is impossible to quantify the exact scale of the loss but there is no doubt that this involved millions of dollars. Each charge carried a maximum sentence of 10 years, but defence lawyer Barry Whynot said Clarke, who turned 71 a week ago, was remorseful and co-operated with an investigation that dragged on for years after charges were eventually laid in 2011 following the collapse of the company in 2001. Campbell also noted Clarke had no criminal record and that his name had been publicly associated with the collapse of Knowledge House and with the offences since being charged in 2011. It is hard to imagine that his life has been anything like normal over that period of time, he said. Crown attorney James Martin described in court how Clarke used three main techniques to elevate the price of Knowledge House shares and spur on buying by investors. He said he used different accounts to continually buy the stock to make sure the price didnt decrease and, in the process, spent millions to keep the stock price rising. He said Clarke also actively discouraged people from selling their stocks. This was an incredibly sophisticated fraud, Martin said in court. He spent million of dollars over the course of 18 months doing what they could to make sure the price of Knowledge House did not fall. Martin said Clarke also invested $997,000 belonging to the carpenters union in Knowledge House, with the union ultimately being defrauded of $849,000 before it recovered some of that money. Martin said the fraud amounted to $31 million in total. He said the crimes were mitigated by the fact that Clarke pleaded guilty, was disciplined by the regulatory commission and endured public scrutiny during the investigation and the lengthy court proceedings. Whynot said Clarke had good reason to believe Knowledge House would be a success, employing about 150 people at its offices in downtown Halifax in 2000. However, its fortunes changed dramatically when the tech bubble burst soon after. The collapse and the subsequent charges ended Clarkes career and left him in a legal limbo that went on for 15 years, Whynot said, adding that his client now works for a bus tour company in the summer. Mr. Clarke would like to pay his penalty to society and move on with the rest of his life, he told the court. Daniel Frederick Potter, who was CEO at the company, and Robert Blois Colpitts, the firms lawyer, were also charged in the case and their cases are still before the courts. They were charged in 2011 with manipulating the companys shares in the 21 months before the firm went under. Last May, Nova Scotias Court of Appeal ordered National Bank Financial to pay $3 million in punitive damages for the way it dealt with investors who lost money when the technology firm collapsed. Judge Jamie Saunders said the money was owed to four investors who were affected when the company failed. The court says the shares in Knowledge House began trading publicly on the Toronto Stock Exchange in 1999, and went from a few cents to more than $9 before suddenly collapsing. During the many legal cases that followed, National Bank secured a confidential agreement with the Nova Scotia Securities Commission concerning the role it played overseeing the actions of a broker involved in the stock trades. Saunders said once that deal was revealed, it showed the bank didnt properly oversee the actions of its broker. with files from Keith Doucette Already have an account? Log in here WINNIPEG - The role of unions in Manitoba got a heated discussion going during the last debate in the campaign for next Tuesday's provincial election. 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 15/04/2016 (2382 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Six stories in the news today from The Canadian Press: OVERDOSE DEATHS PROMPT EMERGENCY IN B.C. Alberta Premier Rachel Notley smiles as Minister of Finance Joe Ceci delivers the 2016 budget in Edmonton on Thursday April 14, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson British Columbia has become the first province in Canada to declare a public health emergency after a dramatic increase in the number of overdose deaths from illicit drugs such as fentanyl. Medical health officer Dr. Perry Kendall said 201 overdose deaths were recorded in the first three months of 2016 and that 64 of them involved fentanyl. Fentanyl is an opioid-based pain killer roughly 100 times stronger than morphine. MORNEAU: CANADA PLANS TAX-EVASION PUSH The Canadian government promises a multi-front fight against tax evasion amid widespread frustration following the leak of offshore account details in the so-called Panama Papers. Finance Minister Bill Morneau promises to make it an issue at home and abroad first at this weeks international summit in Washington, and later with his provincial counterparts. POLICE OFFICER WHO ORDERED G20 ARRESTS TO BE SENTENCED IN JUNE A sentencing hearing has wrapped up for a Toronto police officer who gave illegal arrest orders during the G20 summit six years ago. The prosecution has called for a year-long demotion of Supt. David (Mark) Fenton, but his lawyer said that would be too harsh and would cost his client up to $45,000 in lost wages and pension. Fenton will be sentenced on June 15. ALBERTA OPTS TO SPEND BIG DESPITE RED INK The Alberta government, with oil prices taking massive bites out of its bottom line, blew past its own spending safeguards Thursday to deliver a budget that forecasts almost $58 billion in debt within three years. Finance Minister Joe Ceci confirmed that this years deficit will be $10.4 billion and said there is no expectation of balancing the books before 2024. FAMILIES LAUNCH SUITS AGAINST U.S. SPERM BANK Three Ontario families have launched lawsuits against a U.S.-based sperm bank and its Canadian distributor, alleging they were misled about their sperm donors medical and social history, which included a criminal record and mental illness. The families, who used the same donor, have brought three separate suits against Georgia-based Xytex Corp and Ontario-based Outreach Health Services. SYRIANS TELL MP OF BARRIERS TO JOBS, LANGUAGE They might not yet be able to vote but thats not stopping Syrians from taking part in one element of Canadian political life giving their MP an earful. Over two dozen Syrians whove arrived in Canada since the fall were in Ottawa Thursday to get a tour, thanks to their member of Parliament Melanie Joly. Many complained about the difficulty in finding a job. Joly said the government is doing what it can. ALSO IN THE NEWS TODAY: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau continues a visit to southern Ontario, with stops in Cambridge and Waterloo. Alberta Premier Rachel Notley will give a post-budget speech in Edmonton. Finance Minister Bill Morneau will participate in several events during his visit to Washington, including a G20 finance meeting. A preliminary inquiry begins in Dartmouth, N.S., for four members of the Royal Navy accused of sexual assault causing bodily harm. Statistics Canada will release manufacturing data for February and non-residential construction investment figures. The Canadian Real Estate Association will release statistics for March. Already have an account? Log in here WATERLOO, Ont. - The federal government is allocating $50 million over five years to the Perimeter Institute in Waterloo, Ont. 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! Irish hauliers say a Brexit could mark a return to customs controls of the 90s. Truck drivers say the UK's vote on EU membership could have a significant impact on the cost of their business. Approximately 70% of our exports travel to the UK, the majority of which are brought by hauliers. The Irish Road Haulage Association is holding its annual conference in Wexford today, where the possibility of a Brexit is top of the agenda. President Verona Murphy said a Brexit could mean a return to practices of the past. "In France for instance we used to spend all night in the market, clearing our meat produce from IrelandDrivers would effectively stand around all night waiting for customs clearance before they could deliver their product. "I would expect something similar would happen in the UK if it's no longer part of Europe." Share turnover on the Irish Stock Exchange topped 25.7bn in the first quarter of this year, an increase of 25.9% on Q4 2015 levels, according to ISE figures released today. The number of trades executed reached an all-time high for a quarter at 1.9m trades (up 24.3%). Chernobyl Children International founder Adi Roche is set to make history at the United Nations later this month. She will become the first representative of an NGO to be granted the honour of speaking of the UN General Assembly during a countrys allocated time when she makes her address on behalf of Belarus. Roche, the voluntary CEO of the charity, will be speaking at a special session of the UN General Assembly on Chernobyl in New York on April 26, convened to mark the 30th anniversary of the nuclear accident. The Belarusian government made the unprecedented move recognition of the international role Ireland and the Chernobyl Children International charity has played in helping the victims of the catastrophe. Ms Roche described the invitation as "the greatest possible honour to speak on the highest world stage about an issue that has been my lifes work. She is set to give her own first-hand account of the impact the worlds worst nuclear accident has had on millions of people in Belarus and neighbouring countries. Chernobyl Children International is the only UN-recognised NGO working in the area. She will draw particular attention to the heroism, the plight and the continuing needs of the 700,000 Chernobyl Liquidators. These were the soldiers and civilians; the helicopter pilots, the firemen; the miners and the engineers - who were sent to Chernobyl to undertake the deadly task of trying to contain the leaking radiation from the crippled nuclear reactor. Many died; others have had to live with radiation induced lifelong illnesses and almost all struggle with medical, psychological and financial difficulties. During the General Assembly session, she will make a special appeal for additional global support to help meet their ongoing health care needs. Ms Roche will also press for the speedy completion of the $1.5bn sarcophagus that is being built to make Chernobyl safe for the next 100 years. Ireland has contributed 8m to this fund. Forty countries and international agencies are funding this massive project, which has been delayed many times. On this the 30th anniversary of the worst nuclear disaster in history, it is a chilling reminder that the effects of this catastrophic nuclear accident are far from over. The radioactive contamination is still having an adverse effect on the lives and health of the people of the Chernobyl regions. For many people 30 years ago is like reading ancient history, however for the victims it remains an unfolding tragedy, Adi Roche said. New research released shows that far from the Chernobyl crisis being over the rate of thyroid cancer has almost doubled since 2000 among Children of the Chernobyl nuclear catastrophe 30 years after the disaster, according to researchers in the Ukraine. "Children exposed to radiation in 1986 still have a high risk of cancer and need continued observation," said Dr Sergiy Cherenko, MD, of the Ukrainian Scientific and Practical Centre of Endocrine Surgery in Kyiv. "Children were most at risk at the time of the disaster as they absorb 5-6 times more radioactivity than adults due to their smaller weight, height and more active metabolisms. Adi Roche added: Chernobyl is not something from the past; Chernobyl was forever, Chernobyl is forever; the impact of that single shocking nuclear accident can never be undone; its radioactive footprint is embedded in our world forever and countless millions of people are still being affected by its deadly legacy." An American man has been cleared of air rage charges following the emergency diversion of a transatlantic flight to Belfast. Jeremiah Mathis Thede, 42, was accused of acting in a manner likely to endanger an aircraft after he was refused crackers by cabin crew. Jurors took less than an hour to find the Californian innocent. The United Airlines service from Rome to Chicago in June last year landed in the North after crew became concerned at Mr Thede's behaviour. His solicitor Patrick Madden said: "The prosecution case and the decision to divert the flight was all based on information which is inaccurate from the cabin crew, it was based on speculation, misunderstanding and misinterpretation. "In fact there was simply no credible evidence in this case to suggest that Mr Thede had acted in any way to endanger this flight." United has said the safety of its customers and employees is its highest priority. The Californian denied being aggressive towards flight attendants after one refused him pre-flight crackers. His barrister said airline witnesses during his Antrim Crown Court trial had contradicted each other and added they had over-reacted to a series of relatively minor events. The service diverted to Belfast after staff became worried and claimed they had been approached by passengers - some even moving children away from the agitated accused. None of the fellow travellers have given evidence. Mr Thede, from Berkeley near San Francisco, was on an 11-hour flight on June 20 last year. He has previously described how he was down to his last dollars following a long European trip and problems with a credit card, and had eaten only an apple during five hours waiting at Rome airport for the delayed flight home. He has said he requested crackers immediately upon boarding, then repeatedly during the flight, because he was hungry. Unable to sleep, he repeatedly went to the bathroom and searched his luggage while organising contacts from his trip. Flight attendants claimed he left his meal tray obstructing the aisle and alleged that his behaviour was odd. Mr Thede's barrister Aaron Thompson quipped that the whole trial was a bit crackers. The prosecution claimed the series of incidents built an overall picture of guilt. Before sending them away, Judge Desmond Marrinan had told jurors it would be a fatal flaw to just take the crew's word for it, noting contradictions in their evidence, and counselled the panel to avoid rumour or speculation. Mr Madden said his client was delighted and relieved at the verdict delivered by the jury of seven men and four women in half an hour. He said they would consider legal proceedings against the airline. "United Airlines should reflect on this case. They should also consider how they handle complaints from passengers in future." A spokesman for the airline said: "Although disappointed, we respect the decision of the jury in this matter. "The safety of our customers and employees is United's highest priority." A Public Prosecution Service (PPS) spokesman said the decision to prosecute was entirely consistent with the duty to bring cases with a reasonable prospect of a conviction in the public interest. "A Crown Court judge directed that there was sufficient evidence to warrant placing the defendant on trial for the prosecuted offence. "The PPS considered that prosecution was considered necessary in the public interest taking into account factors which included the level of disruption and distress caused to the passengers and crew of the aircraft. "The jury, in exercising their function of determining guilt, decided that the evidence was not sufficient to prove the charge beyond reasonable doubt." Two brothers who ran one of the most notorious criminal gangs in Limerick, have today pleaded guilty to drugs offences, which carry mandatory minimum 10-year jail sentences writes David Raleigh. Brian and Kieran Collopy pleaded guilty before Limerick Circuit Court to possession of an estimated 50,000 worth of heroin which was to be sold on the streets of their native city. The Keane/Collopy gang have been in transition over the last few years - some of their senior players have been shot or jailed. The subsequent gap left by the St Mary's Park-based gang has been taken up by a new generation of gangland criminals. Brian and Kieran Collopy learned today they will be sentenced on May 13 next, for possessing 50,000 worth of heroin for sale or supply. Both were remanded in custody after they each pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing heroin at a house in St Mary's Park, Limerick, on December 15, last year. The siblings were caught red-handed cutting up heroin on a kitchen table, when armed gardai raided the house. The garda raid by was a major blow to the Collopy drug business, and sources now believe their demise is imminent as long-term sentences hang over them. The Collopy's cousins, the Keanes, have been regrouping after its most senior member Christy Keane was seriously wounded in a gun attack last year. Mr Keane was shot a number of times at close range last June as he made his way to a gym session at the University of Limerick. In 2001, Keane, 55, served seven years of a 10-year jail term for possession of 250,000 worth of cannabis. While Christy was in jail, his younger bother Kieran - who along with his cousin Philip Collopy murdered Eddie Ryan Snr - was abducted, tortured, and shot in the head, in January 2003. Christy's nephew, Owen Treacy, was also abducted in the same incident and repeatedly stabbed. Treacy, who survived, later gave evidence for the State in the trial of five members of the Dundon McCarthy gang, who were given two life sentences for Keane's murder and Treacy's attempted murder. Christy Keane's son, Liam was released from jail last month, after serving part of a 10-year sentence for possession of a loaded pistol. He is believed to have travelled to Spain where his father thought to be residing after surviving the attempted murder hit on him last summer. A Garda shot twice in an attempted murder hit in the US last year, was one of 20 gardai deployed to help break up a massive brawl involving up to 30 "feuding" members of the Travelling community last night, writes David Raleigh. It has emerged how Garda Brian Hanrahan, who was robbed and shot in the chest and leg while holidaying in New Orleans in January 2015, was one of 20 gardai who responded to the violent clashes, which broke out at a Traveller suicide-awareness meeting at the Rathkeale House Hotel. Read: Read More: Garda shot on holiday in America proclaims I'm a lucky man Today, four men from the Travelling community appeared at Limerick District Court, charged with violent disorder. The court was told that 20 gardai responded to the hotel, where six security staff were on duty, when violence broke out around 10.45pm. Garda Tom Flavin, Croom garda station, told the court there were "in excess of 100 members of the Harty family" at the meeting, organised by the HSE, and West Limerick Resources. "There is an ongoing feud in Askeaton involving the Harty's. It was extremely volatile last night," Gda Flavin alleged. He alleged that "two Gardai received injuries" during the violent clashes. "One was taken to hospital with two fractured fingers, and the other is off duty with a leg injury," he said. The court heard there were "numerous other males injured". Edward Harty (aged 23) and Jimmy Harty (aged 20), both with addresses at Lisheen Park, Patrickswell, Co Limerick; and Michael Harty (aged 20) of Ballingrane, Askeaton, Co Limerick, were all charged with violent disorder. Edward Harty was also charged with refusing to give Garda Hanrahan his name and address. A fourth man, Larry O'Connor (aged 27), of Holycross Place, Charleville, Co Cork, was also charged with violent disorder. Despite strenuous Garda objections, Edward Harty and Larry O'Connor were remanded with consent to bail on a number of strict conditions. Michael Harty was remanded in custody and did not apply for bail, and Jimmy Harty was granted bail by (Garda) consent. Judge Marian O'Leary remanded the four to appear before Newcastle West District Court on April 21 next. A memorial Mass will be held in Cork today to mark one year since 24-year-old Karen Buckley was murdered. The young nurse had been on a night out with friends in Glasgow when she went missing. A mother has been jailed for the second time in 10 days for allowing her children to miss school writes David Raleigh. This afternoon, the woman received two concurrent one-month jail sentences for allowing her two daughters to miss school. On April 5 last, the mother lost an appeal against a one-month sentence, imposed on her last February, for allowing her son to miss nearly 100% of the first term of 2014. The woman appeared before Limerick District Court this afternoon on foot of two summonses in respect of two of her daughters. The two girls, aged 15 and 13, had between them, missed 27 out of 31 days of the current school term, the court heard. The girls' school received a total of 12 certs in respect of their absenteeism. "The matter was adjourned to today to see if there had been an improvement...but the level of absenteeism is extra high," said prosecuting solicitor Muiris Gavin. "The agencies are still of the view that (the mother) is still failing to ensure her children are attending school," he added. Mr Gavin told Judge Marian O'Leary that the threat of prison had not improved the children's' school attendance. Sarah Ryan, solicitor defending, said: "Her children are contributing to the difficulties." "In one example the children told the mother they were "off school" and when the mother checked it with the school she was told they were not off," Ms Ryan said. "On other occasions the mother got them ready for school and they didn't attend. They were found walking around a shopping centre," Ms Ryan added. Appealing to the court for leniency, Ms Ryan said: "It is (the mother's) responsibility but she can only go so far...what does she do when she packs them off for school but is to be told later on that they are walking around a shopping centre?" Ms Ryan acknowledged any threat of jail was "not working". Before imposing two one-month sentences, to run concurrent to one another, Judge O'Leary said: "I'm sure, in time, (her children) will regret what they have done." On February 5 last, the woman was jailed for one month in respect of her son's near 100% school absenteeism. Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, brought the prosecution after the boy had missed 23 out of 26 school days. The mother was subsequently convicted of breaching the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, however she immediately lodged an appeal, and a stay on the prison term was imposed until the appeal was struck out in the Circuit Court on April 6. On striking out the appeal and activating a penal warrant for the mother's arrest, Judge Tom ODonnell said: "The child here is the biggest loser." Cork Airport has today welcomed the US Department of Transportations issuing of an Order to Show Cause in relation to the awarding of a foreign carrier permit to Norwegian Air International to commence the first transatlantic service from the city. The US Departments order states that it tentatively finds that Norwegian Air International should be issued the foreign air carrier permit and that there is no legal basis to deny the airline a licence. Todays announcement opens process for all interested parties to make submissions supporting or opposing the awarding of the permit. This process will be open for 21 days, with a final decision made by the Department of Transportation seven days later. Niall MacCarthy, managing director at Cork Airport said: This is absolutely fantastic news for the airport, the airline and the region. We have worked so hard to make this happen over many months in both Washington and locally. I acknowledge the great support received from our local business stakeholders, local politicians and the Irish Government. I would particularly commend Cork Chamber for their solid support in these efforts. He added: We are heartened by the decision of the US Department of Transportation to announce that there is no legal reason not to award Norwegian Air International a license to commence its Cork Boston route. Today marks a step change in this process and brings us even closer to a significant milestone in the airports history. It is also fantastic news for our passengers from Munster, who have been very supportive since it was first announced that Cork Airport was to get its first transatlantic service. Once the licence process is cleared, we look forward to engaging with Norwegian to get tickets on sale as soon as possible and the earliest practical start to operations from Cork to Boston followed by New York in due course. The Department of Transportations Order is open for submissions by interested parties until May 6. A final decision is then expected by May 13. Liverpool will face Villarreal in the semi-finals of the Europa League. The Reds produced a stunning comeback to beat Borussia Dortmund 4-3 at Anfield with a stoppage-time goal from Dejan Lovren which secured a place in Friday's draw. The other semi-final will see holders Sevilla, who are chasing a third successive Europa League title, take on Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk. The ties will be played on April 28 and May 5, with Liverpool set to host the second leg. The final is at St Jakob Park in Basel, Switzerland, on May 18, when the winners can claim a place in the Champions League for next season. Liverpool and Villarreal have never met in Europe. The Spaniards progressed to the semi-finals following a 6-3 aggregate win over Sparta Prague. Sevilla overcame Athletic Bilbao on penalties to stay on course to become the first side to win the Europa League three times in a row, while Shakhtar secured their place in the semi-finals by beating Braga of Portugal 6-1 over two legs. KARACHI: Gold prices on Friday lost some value on the local market, traders said. They dropped by Rs500 to Rs147400... TOKYO: Japan intervened in the foreign exchange market on Friday to buy yen for the second time in a month after the... LONDON: Liz Truss came to 10 Downing Street vowing to be a disruptor. She U-turned on almost everything else, but... An animal activist accused of trespassing on a kangaroo cull site has become the second protester to face criminal charges this year. Carolyn Drew, of Animal Liberation ACT, was supported by a small band of protesting supporters on Friday morning, shortly before her hearing began in the ACT Magistrates Court. A woman clashes with animal activists outside court, arguing that kangaroos need to be culled. Credit:Rohan Thomson Drew is accused of trespassing on a stretch of unleased government land in Hawker, known as the Pinnacle Reserve, while rangers and shooters were conducting a cull in July 2014. Rangers, who were acting as security, were using infrared goggles when they saw a human-shaped thermal image, which appeared to be scaring off kangaroos. Questions around the ACT Heritage Council's decision-making process have been aired in a dispute over the registration of a Braddon office building. Among other concerns, the owners of 212 Northbourne Ave Pty Ltd said the first it heard of the building's consideration for heritage listing was when it was provisionally registered, at the beginning of a one month consultation period. 212 Northbourne Avenue has been heritage listed. Credit:Graham Tidy Although the owners were granted some "minor extensions", the council had been considering the building since at least 2011, the ACT Civil and Administrative tribunal has heard. The lack of notice placed the company "at a significant, inappropriate and unnecessary disadvantage in having its views heard in the assessment process," senior member Roger Pegrum said in the tribunal's decision. A Queanbeyan man who gave police the slip during a foot chase on Wednesday has been caught. Steven James Towney, 31, was arrested at a home in Oleria Street, Queanbeyan shortly before midnight on Thursday, after police issued a public appeal to find him on Wednesday. Steven James Towney was wanted on outstanding warrants. Credit:NSW Police Inspector Neil Gray said the man "attempted to avoid police" but was arrested inside the house "without incident" for breaching his parole. He will now serve the remainder of his nine month and 19 day sentence in custody, Inspector Gray said. A woman whose false rape allegations saw a prison guard locked up in Goulburn jail for four months has been allowed to proceed with an appeal. The prison guard was accused of raping and seriously assaulting his ex-partner in Canberra several years ago. The pair were locked in a bitter property dispute at the time the allegations were made, and their break-up had been far from amicable. This former prison guard spent months in Goulburn jail after his ex-partner falsely alleged he had bashed and sexually assaulted her. But a flawed police investigation into the allegations saw the man charged and eventually remanded in custody, despite evidence that should have cast doubt on what she was saying. Shoppers who paid extra to "taste freedom" in their free range eggs were ripped off and misled, a court has found, with an egg business whacked with a $300,000 fine. The Federal Court this week penalised Derodi and Holland Farms, which trade together as Free Range Egg Farms, for making false and misleading claims about their eggs in the three years to December 2014, including: "Our hens ... spend their days roaming lush grassy fields". Their brands - Ecoeggs, Port Stephens and Field Fresh - are sold throughout Australia. Evidence presented by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission showed some of the eggs came from a farm where hens did not venture outside until they were 14 months old, despite having laid eggs for nearly 10 months. BP shareholders have voted in protest at the company's decision to award Chief Executive Officer Bob Dudley a 20 per cent pay increase after the company reported a record net loss and announced thousands of job cuts. Some 60 per cent of shareholders rejected BP's remuneration report, according to an announcement at its annual general meeting in London. The vote was only a recommendation, although the company pledged to respond with changes to the way it pays executives. "The real concern among shareholders about remuneration this year is clearly demonstrated by this vote," Chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg said at the meeting. "We have already spoken to a number of shareholders and they are seeking changes to our remuneration policy for the future. We will continue this engagement and bring a revised policy to our next AGM." Shareholder Royal London Asset Management said last week it would vote against the package, calling it "unreasonable and insensitive" at a time when oil's crash has driven down earnings. The pay increase would send the "wrong message" to investors and other companies, the UK Institute of Directors said Wednesday. Business leaders think women change jobs for greater flexibility - but for Betsy Oyler that couldn't be further from the truth. "At this point of my life I am happy for career to take the front seat," she said. "I am not looking to start a family any time soon." She changed jobs eight months ago to move ahead in her career, to find bigger challenges and to learn more in her late twenties. Researchers have found that while employers believe women around the age of 30 are leaving jobs for flexibility and because of family demands, the women themselves say the main reason is pay. As a kid during school holidays, I would be sent off to a country town to stay with elderly friends of the family, who I called Nan and Pop. There, I would roam the streets unsupervised from morning to dusk, saying hi to neighbours and patting their dogs. There was one particular man I was scared of, however, who would sit on his front porch all day, several doors down from Nan's. He had only one leg and would stare blankly for hours on end. He looked so sad, it seemed as if he was perpetually crying. Off to war: It's time our nation's government provided better services to our veterans, many of whom suffer ongoing conditions such as depression and PTSD upon their return. Credit:ABC Publicity Generally there was a respected truce between us. He would see me and I him but neither would acknowledge the other. One day I asked Nan what had happened to the man's leg and why he was so sad. "He lost his leg in the war," she answered. "Don't be scared of him. Reg is a lovely, gentle man. I've known him since he was a kid. He's just not been right since he came home from the war. A lot of the boys who went from here aren't." COMEDY FESTIVAL LUISA OMIELAN: AM I RIGHT LADIES?! Victoria Hotel, Banquet Room Until April 17 At 33, Luisa Omielan's been told she's too old and fat to be successful. Sold-out shows, adoring fans and her second Barry Award nomination tell that attitude where to go. UK comedian Luisa Omielan is nominated for a Barry Award for her Melbourne International Comedy Festival show, Am I Right Ladies?!. Am I Right Ladies?! follows on from last year's What Would Beyonce Do? She admits it's harder to be funny now she's not depressed, but it hasn't stopped her. I want young women to see Omielan. She strips to her undies, swears, and talks about sex and depression in uncensored detail which is so less offensive than the constant message that women should be ashamed of their size/shape/weight. When seven-year-olds don't eat because they want a thigh gap, so much needs to change. Paul McCartney played the first date of his One on One tour this week and it kicked off with a bang. The way he played, there's plenty of tour dates left in him. Here are five other things we learned at opening night: 1. In the beginning For the first time on one of his solo tours, the show opens with A Hard Day's Night, the title track from the Beatles' 1964 movie that begins with one of the most iconic chords in all of rock music. A giant video screen behind the stage projected scenes from the film and multiple other images from McCartney's life as he and the other four members of his touring band delivered meticulously arranged versions of more than three dozen songs from the Beatles and McCartney's solo career. A male chimpanzee named Chacha escaped from a zoo in northern Japan and desperately tried to flee by climbing a power pole. The primate had disappeared from the Yagiyama Zoological Park in Sendai and was on the loose for nearly two hours. Television footage showed Chacha perched on the pole and wires, agitated and screaming at zoo workers below. Palmer ''twerks'' during a radio interview with 2DayFM's Kyle and Jackie O while campaigning in Sydney in 2013. Credit:Kate Geraghty Should he do either, his chances look slim. In electoral terms, Clive Palmer is on the nose. And any scrutiny of his track record in Parliament or in his electorate will reveal plenty of headline-grabbing huff and puff, but very little by way of accomplishment. The Palmer United Party leader had a habit of showing up at events in classic or expensive cars. Credit:Glenn Hunt Everyone had a good laugh, and a good cringe, when during the 2013 federal election campaign the candidate enthusiastically twerked for the cameras inside a radio station. This was clear evidence of a prime minister in the making. He said so himself. It didn't take too long for Palmer's party to be anything but united. Credit:Jacky Ghossein His endless legacy will be that he disappeared from Australian politics the same way as his company did and taking a lot of people's hopes and dream with him. ANU lecturer Andrew Hughes He seemed exactly the kind of larrikin overachiever Australia needed, and the sort that Queenslanders are wont to elect. Palmer won Fairfax by a mere 53 votes, but he also brought to Parliament three senators from across the nation, elected under the Palmer United Party banner. After starting with great fanfare, the Titanic II project hit rough water. Results of the 2013 election (and a subsequent special Senate election in WA the following April) promised a rising minor party with clout, money and public appeal. But Palmer's legacy will at best be one of a hapless clown, or worse a more sinister manipulator who ignored completely the blurry line between politics and business and insisted in all cases on a "my way or the highway" approach. The Titanic II project was launched in New York and London. Credit:Twitter It will definitely be one of a take-no-prisoners self-promoter who was never at ease with the restrictions of national politics. Indeed, he flouted the rules and conventions on a regular basis. The official status of the Titanic II has become increasingly unclear. Forget the Comcar; arrive at Parliament House in a chauffer-driven silver Rolls Royce blasting Van Morrison from the stereo. Rock up on other occasions in a gull-wing Mercedes, or a classic Bentley. Palmer's over-the-top dinosaur park no longer operates. Credit:Michelle Smith Count your cash while sitting in the House of Representatives chamber. Fall asleep during question times. Don't hold a press conference in a courtyard like most other MPs. Instead, hire Parliament's Great Hall at a cost of thousands and then introduce former United States vice-president Al Gore to jointly declare a bizarre position on emissions trading but refuse to take any questions. Refuse to even let a reporter get his question out during a subsequent televised appearance at the National Press Club. The list of unusual tactics goes on and could all add to the appeal of Palmer the politician. But when you include on that list the fact he holds the record for evading parliamentary sessions he has attended fewer than any other MP and has skipped almost 100 days since being elected a picture emerges of a politician who doesn't really want the gig. And in his electorate, locals say they never see him. The Palmer-owned Coolum Resort stands abandoned even the divisive over-the-top dinosaur park he installed there is gone losing jobs and hurting local businesses. Australian National University politics lecturer Andrew Hughes, who specialises in political branding, describes Palmer in terms of the "Seinfeld Principle" after the hugely popular 90s sitcom. "You know, the show about nothing that stood for everything," Hughes said. "Clive did well at tapping into that. Sometimes you can get away with a lot because you create a perception of doing a lot. "We've seen a lot of stunts from him, but there's no substance behind them. "His endless legacy will be that he disappeared from Australian politics the same way as his company did and taking a lot of people's hopes and dream with him. "Does he really have a brand left? He is now very much like Queensland Nickel glaring, bright and shiny but now in liquidation." On Friday, the federal government stepped in with a promise to bring forward $70 million in entitlement payments to workers at Queensland Nickel. These are the almost 800 workers left without jobs after Palmer's failed refinery near Townsville went bankrupt. Administrators found he acted recklessly as a director and have referred the matter to corporate watchdog ASIC. If convicted of an offence that carries a penalty of one year's jail or more, Palmer would be ineligible to serve in Parliament. Such an outcome would not eventuate before an election this year, so would only potentially affect Palmer's political career if he stood for re-election, which he is not likely to win anyway. But he denies any wrongdoing, insisting it was the administrator, not him, who made most workers redundant and that he had relinquished directorship of the company once he entered Parliament anyway. Evidence aired on Four Corners this week suggests otherwise, but Palmer strongly denies it. Amid claims he funnelled funds from Queensland Nickel to help prop up his party and for other projects, including his ambitious and troubled Titanic II project, Palmer places blame for his current woes on the media and on the company's administrator. And he insists he was not working behind the scenes as a defacto director of Queensland Nickel. "I want to be clear that at no time did I act as a shadow director," he said. He released the 1994 joint-venture agreement between Queensland Nickel's parent company QNI Metals and QNI Resources, in a bid to show he was within his rights to transfer money between other companies. And he declared his eagerness to have his day in court "to sort this out". Employment Minister Michaelia Cash has stepped in to help the abandoned workers. "The release earlier this week of the administrator's report to creditors makes it clear there is no rescue option on the table for Queensland Nickel Refinery," she said. "Based on this report, I have now exercised my discretion to enable Queensland Nickel workers to access their unpaid entitlements through the Fair Entitlements Guarantee. "It is extremely disappointing that the Queensland Nickel joint-venture partners have not taken care of this business responsibility to look after their workers." In a further comment aimed directly at Palmer, the minister signalled the government was coming after him, by seeking the appointment of a special purpose liquidator, to help recoup the money on behalf of taxpayers. "We are doing this because of the unique and alarming circumstances in this case, where a current member of parliament and self-reported wealthy Australian businessman is directly involved," she said. One government source told Fairfax Media: "We won't let this guy drive off into the sunset in a Bentley and leave taxpayers on the hook." None of this bodes well for Palmer and the likelihood of him remaining an MP much longer. If the law doesn't get him, the electorate will. His party already has. First it was state and territory MPs in Queensland and the Northern Territory who quit PUP, exiting while using terms such as "cronyism" and "absolute chaos". Then on the federal level, Palmer's two highest profile senators left his party to sit as independents. Tasmania's Jacqui Lambie resigned first, in November 2014, after a string of widely publicised disagreements with Palmer. Queensland senator Glenn Lazarus stood down as PUP's leader in the Senate and quit the party all together in March last year, accusing Palmer of bullying and disregarding any notion of teamwork. Both Lambie and Lazarus still enjoy healthy levels of public support, while Palmer's star has all but fizzled out. Support collapsed for PUP at two federal byelections last year, returning abysmal results for the party's candidates. Palmer himself attracts appalling polling results in his own electorate, with as little as 2 per cent of voters saying they would give him their first preference and a plummeting 7 per cent saying they are satisfied with his performance. When the final story of Clive Frederick Palmer is written, it is likely he will be remembered more for the time he wore a bunny-eared onesie for a YouTube stunt than for any political, business or humanitarian accomplishments. Queensland Senator Glenn Lazarus faces a race against time to report back to Parliament on his inquiry into alcohol-fuelled violence. The first public meeting of the Senate Inquiry into Alcohol Fuelled Violence was held in Brisbane on Friday. Senator Glenn Lazarus wants to report to the Senate on his alcohol-fuelled violence inquiry before the federal election. Credit:Harrison Saragossi Senator Lazarus, the chairman of the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs References Committee, said he hoped to also hold hearings in other cities Sydney being top of the list and have an interim report delivered to Parliament before the election was called. Failure to do so could mean the committee's efforts to date would be for naught, as the inquiry would be dissolved. Beijing: It is not uncommon for China's state-owned media to editorialise around the visit of some foreign leader, but the sharp tone and particular timing of Thursday's China Daily article was uncommonly direct. Threatening even. The message to an Australian Prime Minister arriving that very morning for his first official visit, was unmistakable: Be very careful. Opposing us on the South China Sea will put the lucrative Australia-China economic relationship in peril. Through its obedient press, Beijing was making a public play. It wanted Malcolm Turnbull to feel intimidated. Turnbull is new in the job, but he's been around the block a few times, including in China. And he knows bluff and bluster when he sees it. His assessment? It's all part of the theatre. A complex interplay which is layered with domestic considerations, elaborate posturing, and tactical forays designed to provoke over-reaction or better still, capitulation. After having a taste of the big screen with The September Issue and Zoolander 2, straight-talking, no-nonsense, sunglasses aficionado Anna Wintour is back, this time with The First Monday in May. The documentary gives ordinary folk a look behind the scenes at the uber exclusive Met Gala 2015, the most extravagantly fashionable soiree of the year with an A-list guest list that would make your eyes water. "The Met Ball is the Super Bowl of social fashion events," former editor-at-large for US Vogue, Andre Leon Talley, says in the Andrew Rossi-directed doc that had its debut at the Tribeca Film Festival on Wednesday night. A basic search on child recovery brings up dozens of slick websites that tout professional-sounding operations and principals. There is the imposing ex-special forces operative "Bazzel Baz, the patron saint for missing kids" from the Association for the Recovery of Missing Children; or the sophisticated web page of Seagal Investigations, which promises "specialist teams in place to deal with parental child abduction and kidnapping", both US-based agencies. The 60 Minutes team in custody in Lebanon: Tara Brown, David "Tangles" Ballment, Stephen Rice and Ben Williamson. Prominent on the sites are positive testimonies citing successful recoveries, some of which were recorded in print and on television. But having a slick web presence does not necessarily translate into efficiency on the ground, as 60 Minutes and Brisbane mother Sally Faulkner found out last week, after the botched operation by Child Abduction Recovery International (CARI) and its owner Adam Whittington. The Beirut courthouse compound that holds nine suspects of kidnapping the two Lebanese-Australian children. Credit:AP CARI's website features an engaging and expensive design headlined "Specialists in Child Recovery Worldwide", complete with images of mournful children and world maps. But websites and positive media stories count for little in the world of recovery agents. New Idea article on Child Abduction Recovery International (CARI), headed by Adam Whittington. "Anyone can try to be an agent. You don't need a licence, there's no instruction course, you could be an ex-copper, ex-military or an ex-postman to be a recovery agent," admits veteran Queensland-based agent Col Chapman, who has been highly critical of Whittington's Lebanon job. "There is no training course for it. You need to be able to do a lot of research, have analytical skills, have international experience. You have to be able to do undercover work and have street smarts. You can't just come out of the police or the army and do it. Sally Faulkner with her children Lahala and Noah. Credit:Facebook "Right now a dozen so-called child recovery agents are in jail worldwide," says Chapman, who worked as a private investigator for more than 20 years before becoming an agent. He had his own controversy recently after being involved late last year in a high-profile attempt to snatch a child from Ashley Crick, a prominent businessman in Malaysia. Staying in Beirut: Ali Elamine with his children Noah and Lahela. Credit:Channel Nine He made world headlines when he released a video of the snatch that showed the mother, Eliza Szonert, a former Neighbours actress, calmly picking up the child and walking out of the restaurant while two burly men distracted the father. But Szonert became stranded in Malaysia after the father refused to return the child's passport. Sally Faulkner with her estranged husband Ali el-Amine and their daughter Lahela at birth. Eventually the mother, the father and the child returned to Australia to negotiate over custody, something Chapman notes as a success. At the time the operation was described online as a "cowboy" job by Whittington. It's a claim Chapman angrily rejects. "Well have a look at what Whittington has just done," he says. Illustration: Richard Giliberto Chapman says such rivalry among agents is rare. "We work together," he says. "If I'm going to the Middle East or Europe I ring an agency there and ask for help. If they are coming here they ring me," he says. But bagging the competition appears to have been a common theme associated with Whittington and may provide some insight into his current situation. His CARI site still features a prominent post attacking United Kingdom-based operative Patrick Desmond who runs Child Recovery Solutions. Desmond is still furious about the post. "It's defamatory," he told Fairfax Media, saying legal action is under way."The guy [Whittington] seems to want to destroy others by attempting to ruin their reputations in the hope of gaining business," he says. Desmond then provided his analysis of what went wrong in Beirut. "There were too many people around at the time of recovery," he says. "He [Whittington] also neglected to ensure if there were any CCTV cameras around in the actual area he chose. "The whole operation was ill-planned. Why did he not have an emergency exit plan in case things went wrong? This was a complete amateur attempting to set a professional image in front of a tv crew. Under no circumstance should you have a tv crew present in an operation of this nature. It's a hindrance and one more thing to worry about." Desmond was also critical of the apparent use of "amateurs" as assistants in the Beirut operation. One of Whittington's alleged assistants is a fellow Briton called Craig Michael, who has also been detained in Beirut. Michael's background has not yet been detailed in public, but a Cyprus-based tattoo artist with the same name was a client of Whittington's last year. The case, which involved Whittington recovering Michael's child in Poland, was profiled in Britain's Mirror newspaper under the heading "I hired a special forces soldier to get back daughter kidnapped by my ex". In the article it is claimed Michael hired Whittington to mount the rescue that involved the pair leaping out from behind some bushes and snatching the child while Whittington allegedly "pepper sprayed" the girl's grandfather. Efforts to contact Michael's family to confirm his identity were unsuccessful, as were attempts to ring his tattoo shop in Cyprus. Both Chapman and Desmond say Whittington's bagging of the competition did not win him any friends in the industry. Chapman says he was aware of another agency not Desmond's which had also clashed with Whittington. "It's the real deal, black ops. I'm scared of them," said Chapman of the other rival. "We heard they had asked Whittington if he 'wanted to disappear' if he kept it up and there were certain countries he was told not to operate in," says Chapman. Chapman declined to identify the agency and said he did not know if the warning referred to Lebanon. While such attitudes might appear extreme, the agents appear used to breaking the rules, given their business involves breaching laws in the countries where they operate. Melbourne-based family lawyer Paul Staindl has dissuaded clients wanting to do recoveries. He describes the recovery brokers industry asmercenaries and "guns for hire". He says his law firm, Clancy Triado, which specialises in in family law, "actively discourages" such practices. "If a client wants to go and do that, we say we are not sure we are the people for you," says Staindl. "You are operating outside the law and there is no reason why the lawyers wouldn't become [implicated] in some sort of conspiracy to abduct." He warned media organisations that in reporting on such operations there could be similar risks. "They could be caught up in a conspiracy issue and have to be very careful about what level of knowledge and involvement they have and if they in any way facilitate it, then they are putting themselves at risk," he said. It's a warning that 60 Minutes could have used before it became involved in the Beirut job. But by getting involved the prestigious current affairs program, which has been the flagship show of the Nine Network for decades, was following a well-trodden path. Numerous current affairs programs have featured breathless accounts and imagery of child snatch operations. On Thursday former 60 Minutes Reporter Ray Martin detailed how, when he worked at the program in the 1980s, he had covered a case where an Australian child taken illegally to Spain was recovered. He confirmed in the interview with the ABC's Drive program that 60 Minutes had filmed the Spanish recovery, which involved a recovery agent, but said there was no money involved. And he admitted personal involvement when he said he drove a car in the recovery. The NSW pubs lobby group is pushing for a relaxation of the 3am last drinks rule for venues in Kings Cross and central Sydney, proposing it be changed to a "no new patrons" deadline. It also wants the state government to simultaneously abolish the 1.30am lockout which prevents new customers from entering a licensed premises after that time - or existing customers from re-entering - and scrap the statewide ban on takeaway alcohol sales after 10pm. Some interest groups say the possible reforms proposed by Ian Callinan don't go far enough. Credit:David Herrmann The calls are among recommendations in the NSW division of the Australian Hotels Association's submission to a review of the laws by former judge Ian Callinan, which is due to report in August. AHA NSW Director of Liquor and Policing John Green said the laws introduced in 2014 following the death of two teenagers in Kings Cross "unfairly penalise many safe, well-run venues with a proven track record of compliance". A 12-year-old girl has allegedly been sexually assaulted on the NSW Central Coast after agreeing to meet a 40-year-old man on a dating application. The girl began communicating with the man on Badoo, a social networking application that promotes "chatting, making friends, sharing interests and even dating", earlier this month. It is understood she agreed to meet him at his workplace in Wyoming, near Gosford. During the encounter on April 8, the man allegedly sexually assaulted the girl. She left and told her guardian, who then called police. A gun was being aimed at former policeman Glen McNamara when he allegedly heard the words, "I'll kill your girls" Mr McNamara claimed this was the voice of former detective Roger Rogerson, who had just allegedly shot and killed university student Jamie Gao. On Friday, Mr McNamara gave evidence in his defence in the NSW Supreme Court, claiming he helped dispose of the body of Mr Gao only because his life and the lives of his daughters were threatened. University of Oxford Professor and co-founder of Oxbotica Paul Newman Credit:John Cairns "There is a danger to spooking ourselves that we miss an amazing opportunity to fix something that we are just not very good at ourselves. "Maybe you have a machine that was really good at medical diagnosis, or a machine that was really good at accounting, that would be really good." High tech ambitions: Dominoe's introduced a pizza delivery droid earlier this year. Professor Newman said it was extremely difficult to find a situation where robots were able to think for themselves. "We are so far away from that, the distance between that, we don't even know how to write down what thinking is," he said, "Do I think our kids will talk to an AI? Yeah, I can imagine so. Will we lose control of them? It is hard to imagine really and I think it is almost unobservable." Professor Newman said while it would be "quite some time" before vehicles were able to drive us from any place to anywhere at any time, there were already developments underway in other industries. "The cars will be driving themselves if you want them to, the question is when does that happen and how fast and how much of the time are they doing it for you," he said. "Soon you are going to see cars driving you around some parts of cities, pods that could drive you around, that is coming. "There are warehouses where machines can help with the drudgery of carrying things from one end to another, hospital delivery, these just haven't captured the imagination of the public because not everyone drives a forklift or not everyone mines, or farms, or explores the oceans every day." Professor Newman stressed however there were so many more avenues and said Australia was leading the way. "In Australia there is mining, agriculture, the oceans. Those are places where Australia really does lead the world and has an extraordinary opportunity to really change things," he said. "It is all about machines that move for us because it makes our lives safer, it makes our lives better, it means you can do more things for less effort so we can free ourselves. "These are not necessary things that replace humans - they just make what we do better, makes things easier, makes us less tired." Professor Newman said conversations needed to continue between engineers and society in terms of what people wanted and what could be achieved. "It evokes change, but that is different from badness, it is true that technology causes sometimes rapid change, but I would be a strong advocate, looking at the technology we have we are better off because of it. "We don't have peasants in fields, we don't have people dying down mines, fishing is safer, manufacturing is safer and that is because engineers have done good thinking. "If you don't want an autonomous vehicle don't buy one, you don't have to use it." Professor Newman said we needed to "stay sticky" when it came to future developments, and said Domino's Robotic Unit, a robot that could deliver pizza to your door that was unveiled in Brisbane last month, gave us more exposure to what robotics could achieve in the future. Two teenagers are in a critical condition in a Brisbane hospital after their car crashed into a power pole. The young men, aged 19 and 17, were driving in south Brisbane about 10pm on Friday night when their car left the road after overtaking another vehicle. Two teenagers are in a critical condition in a Brisbane hospital after their car crashed into a power pole. Credit:Tom Threadingham Police are now investigating now the crash occurred. AAP Another five babies have been found to have died in potentially avoidable circumstances at Bacchus Marsh Hospital, taking the overall death toll at the service to 12 since 2001. A second review of Djerriwarrh Health Service by Professor Euan Wallace has found five infant deaths could have been prevented at the hospital between 2001 and 2013. Officials are now meeting with parents whose babies died up to 15 years ago to tell them their loss may have been the result of the hospital's failings. Last year, the Victorian government revealed Professor Wallace had found that seven stillbirth and infant deaths were likely preventable at the hospital in 2013 and 2014. Police have arrested a man who allegedly led them on a dramatic car chase through the inner suburbs before dumping his luxury car in a city laneway. Sean Murphy, 26, had been wanted by police since the chase on March 29, which involved him allegedly resisting arrest at the intersection of A'Beckett and Queen streets before speeding off in a black BMW. A CCTV image of Sean Paul Murphy, the man police believe led them on a chase through the city. Credit:Victoria Police The carwas later seen by members of the public driving erratically through Flemington before it was found with its engine idling in Downie Street, off Flinders Lane, in the city. Before he was arrested about 10am on Friday, Mr Murphy had allegedly last been spotted getting into a taxi more than two weeks ago and heading to South Melbourne. Melbourne's rail operator, Metro, has secretly been put in charge of almost half-a-billion dollars worth of work on the contentious sky rail project without going to tender, and will reap tens of millions in profit. The Andrews government has handed Metro control of almost a third of the cost of the project to remove all nine level crossings between Caulfield and Dandenong, including critical upgrades to signalling and power. An artist's impression of the sky rail at Murrumbeena station. It is understood that the contract to build the so-called sky rail will be awarded next week, locking in an elevated design that has won support from transport advocates but met fierce community resistance. The consortium that will build it is led by Lend Lease, but Metro Trains is also playing a huge role in the project, so far unacknowledged by the government in its statements about the tendering shortlist and preferred bidder. A suspicious fire has ripped through a heritage-listed church and hall in Geelong's west. About 30 firefighters were able to stop the flames from spreading to nearby buildings, but could not save the historic Presbyterian church on Pakington Street. The Presbyterian church on Pakington Street was destroyed by fire on Friday morning. Credit:Courtesy of @MScanlan7, Twitter No one was inside the church at the time. Police say the fire, which began about 4.30am on Friday, is being treated as suspicious. Two men on remand for other criminal offences have been charged in relation to the drive-by shooting murder of Nathan Knight in Lalor on New Year's Eve. Knight, a 24-year-old from Epping, was shot in the face in Huskisson Avenue about 3.15pm on December 31. Nathan Knight, 24, was shot in the face while he sat in a car parked in Lalor on New Year's Eve. Homicide Squad detectives have charged a 29-year-old from Epping with murder and a 33-year-old from Fawkner with being an accessory to murder. The men were charged on Wednesday and will face Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday. One of Premier Colin Barnett's fiercest backbench critics, Hillarys MP Rob Johnson, has resigned from the Liberal Party and will sit as an independent until the next election. The former police minister has resigned citing his lack of respect for the premier and concerns over the government's "honesty, integrity, openness and accountability". Rob Johnson has exited the Liberal Party. "I can no longer support this government and, in particular, a leader who has lost my respect," he said. "This premier has racked up the largest debt in WA history; a debt that is still increasing by $15 million every single day. That debt is predicted to reach around $37 billion by the next election." A prominent Perth lawyer says a Coffin Cheater bikie angry at being refused service a South West pub because of his tattoos could "well be vindicated in court". Sefa Rotuma has claimed Eaton Tavern, near Bunbury, refused him service because of his tattoos, which include the words "Coffin Cheaters" on his arm. Sefa Rotuma's post on Facebook got tongues wagging. Under the Liquor Licensing Act, licensees can chose to apply a dress standard if they display signage. Eaton Tavern has signage with the government's recommended wording on bikies, stating "jackets or any other clothing or accessory, or any visible body markings bearing patches or insignia of any Outlaw Motor Cycle Gangs not limited to but including the listed OMCGs are not permitted to be worn or to be visible on these premises at any time." Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams It was the Brooklyn debate that barely mentioned Brooklyn! Democratic presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders (IVermont) were let off easy during Tuesday nights debate in the Navy Yard after moderators posed few questions specific to the nations most important voters Brooklynites according to one local pol at the event. I was very disappointed to see that issues affecting Brooklynites werent brought up, said Councilman Rafael Espinal (DBushwick), who is the only Council member endorsing Sanders, echoing similar complaints by many viewers on social media. Both candidates had been very specific about wanting to hold the event on Kings County turf where Sanders grew up, and Clinton has her campaign headquarters but the borough was barely mentioned in the two-hour discussion. Indeed, the word Brooklyn was only uttered twice in the whole debate once when Clinton complimented the boisterous audience, the other when Sanders was talking about his humble roots in the borough. Espinal said he wished the moderators which included New York 1 anchor and Crown Heights resident Errol Louis had asked questions about immigration policy and homelessness, both issues that are prevalent in the Borough of Kings. We have a large homeless population and theyre not talking about how were going to adjust, and we also have a large immigration population and there was no question on immigration policy, he said. Instead, the questions focussed mainly on national and international talking points such as Wall Street, war, gun control, and the environment. Another local pol argued the televised event had to be geared towards a broad audience, but conceded the candidates should have talked more about housing, which is one of the boroughs biggest issues. The housing issues that we confront here in Brooklyn are of particular importance and there wasnt discussion on that, said Rep. Hakeem Jeffries (DBedford Stuyvesant), who has been stumping for Clinton. New Yorks recent minimum-wage hike did get a look in, as did the issue of criminal justice and the mass incarceration of black men under Bill Clintons presidency, which Borough President Adams noted had deep resonance in his native Brownsville, where he organized a debate-watch party. Criminal justice failings and mass incarceration have set the Brownsville(s) of America back decades, the Beep tweeted. And Espinal acknowledged that hosting the debate in the Kings County was still a big win for the borough, even if the location and many of its most pressing issues didnt get much air time. It was a huge deal, he said. Brooklyn has been at the center of this country for the past few years and to have the candidates come here and recognize Brooklyn is very exciting for the borough and the people who live here. Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams Shes got a school in every port. Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina is telling people around the city she wants to build a specialized maritime middle school in their backyards. The longtime educator told the Staten Island Advance on April 7 that the far-flung island is the perfect place build a middle school that would feed into the New York Harbor School high school on Governors Island. But she already told a Brooklyn state senator that Brooklyn a hop-skip over Buttermilk Channel from the Governors Island school was tops in her heart. She told us she wants the school in Sunset Park or Red Hook, said Jim Vogel, a spokesman for state Sen. Velmanette Montgomery (DRed Hook). Farina told Montgomery to just find me a place for the school in her district several months ago, Montgomery told this paper. The Department of Education is just playing the field, a spokeswoman said. A great deal of community engagement would have to be completed before anything could move forward, spokeswoman Toya Holness said. But the school must drop anchor in Brooklyn so local youth may learn much-needed maritime skills and land good-paying, sea-faring jobs, one sea dog said. Providing opportunities for all New Yorkers to have access to this job market is critically important if were going to build a healthy, robust maritime industry that reflects the diversity of the city, said Tom Fox, who founded the New York Water Taxi and has worked closely with the Governors Island high school. Funding for new schools is based on need, location, and grade level and the city has not set aside money specifically for a maritime school, education officials said. Montgomerys staff is looking for sites with an eye toward existing buildings the city could inexpensively retrofit as a middle school, Vogel said. Finding a suitable space that can be built out would go pretty far towards pushing the deal forward, starting from scratch is more expensive, he said. The local community boards school site-selection committee pointed out three potential sites for such a school in Sunset Park one at a recently shuttered utilities building near the Army Terminal, and two on Second Avenue near 49th and 52nd streets. Reach reporter Dennis Lynch at (718) 2602508 or e-mail him at dlync h@cng local.com . Sign up for our amNY Sports email newsletter to get insights and game coverage for your favorite teams Democratic presidential rivals Hillary Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders (IVermont) faced off in a hotly anticipated debate at the Navy Yard on Thursday but the real war of words was on the streets outside! The typically sleepy Navy Street turned a hotbed of activism, as supporters of both candidates, striking Verizon workers, and both pro- and anti-Israel groups all picketed the entrance near Sands Street at various points of the day and night, hoping to catch the attention of attendees and the plethora of media outlets that had assembled there for the event. [Were here] just to get our voices heard, said Crown Heights resident Lakesha Williams, who came as part of the Verizon crew, which marched all the way from Manhattan and over the Brooklyn Bridge to the Fort Greene industrial hub. Camp Clinton was the first to arrive on the scene, with supporters staking out the entrance with signs and banners from 11 am. They remained the largest contingent of the day, but were eventually joined by hundreds of Berners, who set up camp on the opposite side of the street in front of the Farrugut Houses, forcing police to close down a lane of traffic to accommodate the crowds. The two groups traded chants and waved placards at each other across the asphalt, but said they were happy to be sharing the streets. Theyre welcome to be here as well, said Clinton organizer Sam Powers. Then came hundreds of Verizon workers and their allies dressed in red. The communications companys employees have been on strike since Wednesday, when contract negotiations between their union and the organization fell through after months of negotiations. Both Democratic presidential hopefuls showed their support for the Verizon employees on Wednesday Sanders stood in solidarity with workers when he joined them at a protest in Brooklyn, and Clinton also stopped by a protest in the city. But the workers union the Communications Workers of America opted to endorse Sanders, and Williams said she agreed that he is the best candidate for their cause. The one person who seems to be more inclined to support labor and unions is Bernie, she said. Hillary seems to be more of, Yeah I need your vote so let me go see you, but the one who is actually out there, weve seen with the workers, is Bernie Sanders. The workers and Democratic die-hards eventually filed off to watch the debate, but new groups then arrived in the evening to share their views on Israel both for and against with anyone who would listen. One pro-Israel protester said every candidate but Sen. Ted Cruz (RTexas) is too lenient or wishy-washy when it comes to the countrys safety. They are anti-Israel, they are leftist liberals especially Bernie, said Ariel Kohane, who sported one of the red Ted Cruz yarmulkes the Texan handed out when he stumped in Brighton Beach last week. Trump said hes going to be neutral in Israel, so theres a difference between Cruz and Trump. Standing right next to Kohane was a group of Orthodox Jewish men from anti-Zionist organization Neturei Karta, who had the opposite message to spread. One Williamsburg activist said all of the candidates are bad choices because they all support Israel, which does not represent the world Jewry. The state of Israel is not a Jewish state its a Zionist state, he said. We are coming out to the say the message to all the candidates please, we are asking that they should not support the state of Israel. with Julianne Cuba and Lauren Gill Its a tense two hours especially for Ben and Bailey in Greys Anatomy season 12 episodes 18, Theres a Fine, Fine Line, and 19, Its Alright, Ma (Im Only Bleeding). When a Code Pink (missing kid) is called and there is a lock down, Ben performs and emergency C-section to try to save mother and child, but neither make it. After, it falls on Bailey to figure out how to discipline her husband. Here are the craziest moments from Theres a Fine, Fine Line and Its Alright, Ma (Im Only Bleeding). Greys Anatomy Recap: Ben Makes a Controversial Call>>> Code Pink! Before the first commercial break, the hospital is already dealing with a missing child. But the child is found pretty quickly (he was hiding under the stairs), a sign that much crazier moments are still to come. Bailey Discovers That Ben Performed an Emergency C-section in the Hallway During the Code Pink Lockdown Mother and baby dont make it. When Bailey Reviews the Footage, She Sees the Elevator Door Opened and Ben Looked at It Before Opening His Patient Up He insists he didnt see it. You saw what you wanted to see. You made a choice that you wanted to make, she tells him. April Shows up at Arizonas place, Worried That Something is Wrong with Her Baby But it turns out to be good news: her babys moving. And later on, April and Jackson feel the baby kick. Bailey Ignores Omars DNR Order and Resuscitates Him She wanted to give him one more chance. She tells his mother. Callie Tells Arizona She Realized She Can Go with Penny to New York According to Callie, its only a six-hour flight and Arizona can see Sofia whenever she wants. Not exactly a walk by in the hallway conversation. Bailey Suspends Ben for Six Months from the Residency Program Hell fall too far behind to get caught up, he protests. For a surgeon, thats a death sentence. Arizona Talks to Aprils Lawyer about Custody of Sofia Bailey Tells Ben the Six-Month Suspension is Special Treatment If you had been anyone else, you wouldnt have been suspended. You would have been fired, she reveals. I wanted to fire you. I was talked down. And its going to take her longer than six months to accept and forgive his astonishing error in judgement. Omar Wakes Up In the last hour, he started moving, responding to verbal stimuli. And now vitals are stable. He is reoriented. This is one-in-a-million. It should not have happened, Amelia says. I was wrong, Bailey. You saved his life. Greys Anatomy season 12 airs Thursdays at 8pm on ABC. (Images courtesy of ABC) A lifetime is made up of choices one decision after another that shapes who we are and what we become. Some of the choices are mundane and others are momentous. As often as not, the decisions that turn out to be the most significant arent necessarily clear as they are happening. Instead, they come into focus only in retrospect. So it is with Ben Warren who, in this weeks double episodes of Greys Anatomy [Its a Fine, Fine Line and Its Alright, Ma (Im Only Bleeding)], makes a fateful decision that will alter the course of his career and his marriage. Code Pink As we begin, Miranda is reviewing video footage with the head of security at the hospital. A child is missing and a decision needs to be made whether to continue searching for the boy in a traditional way or to issue a code pink which will lock down the entire hospital. Karev, the patients doctor, implores Miranda, What if it was Tuck? Thats all it takes. Miranda calls the code pink and immediately doors are locked, elevators stop workingthe whole nine yards. Fortunately the boy is found quickly (he was hiding because he was scared), but it becomes immediately apparent that something is very wrong. What follows is a story that moves backwards and forwards in time as Miranda tries to piece everything together and find out the truth about what happened. Greys Anatomy Recap: The Truth About Nathan >>> Who DID This? During the lock down, Warren and DeLuca were transporting a patient (a pregnant car accident victim) when she went into distress. Warren made the decision to do an emergency C-section in the hallway (!) in hopes of saving both mother and baby. As Miranda arrives on the scene, there is blood everywhere and the team springs into action. In a heartbreaking turn of events, things go downhill fast and both patients are lost. With two patients dead and a resident who may have been reckless (remember, this is not Bens first offense when it comes to iffy on-the-fly surgeries), Miranda sequesters Ben until she can figure out what to do. She tries to press Richard into making the call (since he is head of the resident program), but Webber (rightly) flat out refuses. He is no longer the Chief. She is. Husband or not, Bens outcome is Mirandas responsibility. Recognizing her impossible position (Wife or Boss? Church or State?), Miranda (who has found damning video evidence against Ben) assembles an advisory committee to help her decide what action is appropriate for Dr. Warren. Out of Control? Maggie, Meredith, and Owen are selected to serve as the advisory committee. In speaking with Ben and all of the other doctors involved, they determine that Ben didnt do anything wrong medically speaking. The real question is: should he have cut at all? Baileys video clearly shows that Ben saw the elevator open and then close (meaning the lock down was over) before he began to cut. Ben argues that he was so absorbed in the patients care that his brain didnt even register the door opening. The committee believes him, as does Bailey, but the fact remains that two people still died. In the end, Miranda suspends Ben for six months. When he protests about not getting special treatment, she shouts that the suspension IS special treatment. Anyone else would have been fired without question. In fact, she wanted to fire him. The others talked her out of it. Whoa. Thus, despite their pledge to keep home and work separate, that is proving impossible to do in this case. Can this marriage be saved? Because right now it is on ropes in a big way. In Other News *Jackson tells April that he wants them to remember that they used to be each others best friend and favorite person. He doesnt like what this conflict is doing to them. April responds by letting Jackson feel the baby kick. Awww *Penny has to decide whether or not to accept the Preminger Grant. Callie cant ask her to stay in Seattle, so Callie decides to pack up Sofia and move to New York with Penny. This doesnt go over well with Arizona, who consults an attorney to fight for custody. (Really, Callie? Im not a fan of Arizona, but that was a really dumb call, Torres. Yikes.) *After Maggie learns that Nathan lied to Meredith about what happened to Megan Hunt, Pierce confronts her colleague. Hes a good guy and a great surgeon. Why would he lie like that? Nathan maintains that he didnt lie to Meredith, but he didnt tell the whole truth. He made a mistake and hes paid for it since. (Why cant he have this conversation with OWEN? Owen is a fair man and Nathan was once his best friend. If Nathan would just admit the mistake he made and apologize, Owen would forgive him, I think. These guys need to be friends again. Bromance, people! Bromance.) *In an outrageous turn, Bailey (guilty over the mom and baby who died) resuscitates the husband/father (also in the accident) despite a do not resuscitate order. And the man lives! REALLY? Come on, writers. Baileys actions were both inappropriate and illegal and the man coming back was, according to Amelia one in a million. I call foul. Weak. Very weak. *Finally, Stephanie is getting her flirt on with Guitar Hero, Kyle Diaz. Theyre exchanging steamy texts (with the help of Jo, from whom Penny wants instruction). Hell be back soon Im sure. Best Greys Anatomy Quotes from I Wear the Face >>> Memorable Moments and Quotes Bailey: Who butchered this woman? Stephanie (wistfully): How many times do you get to operate outside an operating room? Richard: For the record, it sounds fun, until you do it. Bailey (to DeLuca): I need to know everything. I need to know what you two were doing. I need to know how and exactly why this happened. Stephanie (about Ben): Surgery is a drug. And doing operating outside the OR? That is mainlining. Jo: But hes a level head. Hes Gramps! Stephanie: We are talking about the same person who used a clipboard to slice open a patient in the psych ward. Gramps goes rogue. Jackson (to Ben): You get ten minutes. Anything you tell me in those ten minutes, you never told me. You have ten minutes and Im out. I was never here. Go. Is is just me or does young Jasmine have a way more level-head than any of the adults? Random, but, I got so nostalgic seeing the Chiefs office. Why did the writers take away the Chiefs office when Owen was Chief? So ridiculous. Okay. Im done now. Penny, Jo, and Stephanie were hilarious dealing with Kyles texts and, well, everything. I was actually reminded (just a little) of the early days with Meredith, Cristina, and Izzie. Jackson: I dont know if we can fix us. I dont know if we should. But I know I dont like who Im turning into. Ben: When you are responsible for that life, you dont see, hear, or feel anything else. The rest of the world just disappears. You know that. You all do. You cant tell me you dont. Greys Anatomy airs Thursday at 8 p.m. on ABC. (photo courtesy of ABC) latest news October 3, 2022 Dee Gambit Hundreds if not thousands of new and returning TV shows and movies are released every month your options of what to watch are endless. Variety, they say is ... On this episode of The Catch, The Princess and the I.P., the firm is hired to find a missing software developer. Alice closes in on Ben. Margot and Ben make a last-ditch effort to con Princess Zara and get the money they need. Alice is on to Bens new game, and she knows all about Princess Zara. With Qasim gone, the Princess isnt just stepping out, shes inviting people in to her inner circle, enjoying her newfound independence. Shes opening herself in a way that will allow Alice to monitor her calls and texts, and shes decided to partner up with Agent Dao. The Mark Becomes a Player Princess Zaras days in the US are numbered. Qasim never arrived home, and her brothers are coming to get her. But the Princess likes the freedoms that American women enjoy; working, going to school, being able to act on her own accord with a mans permission. She thinks Qasim may have had the right idea. Take as much money as possible and disappear. She asks Ben to help her do exactly that. The Catch Recap: The Princess and the Pharmaceutical Company >>> A Missing VIP The firm also has a new client, Phillip Thompson. Hes a CEO of a tech company that is now involved in military contracts. Thompson is looking for Gwen Ericsssoon, a genius and beloved member of his corporate family. They dont want to contact the police due to the nature of the project that Gwen has been working on, THRUsight. THRUsight was designed to help locate disaster victims. It can also detect troops and armaments. It wasnt meant to be a weapon, but it has the capacity. The only person that has a complete copy of the manufacturing specs is Gwen. Phillip and his protege, Marie, who also helped design the program, fear Gwen may have been taken. Her laptop is also missing, and they believe any competitor, rival nation or terrorist group could have gotten to her. Marie pulls Alice aside and informs her that Gwen has a history of disappearing. When she cant figure something out, shell take a hike or head to the beach. Marie feels guilty for not speaking up sooner, especially now that Gwen has been missing for four days. Michael Thorne Meets Paige Baker Margot is putting pressure on Ben, Princess Zaras new financial advisor, to start skimming off the Princess mass fortune. Hes trying to earn her trust, but Margot wants him to make a move. Their payment is past due When someone arrives to collect payment, they must deliver or die. Enter a beautiful collector named Felicity. She wants the million Margot and Ben do have and will give them 48 hours to come up with the rest. Ben and Margot decide to appeal to Princess Zaras philanthropic side. Ben tells her shell be establishing a foundation in her familys name. One that supports education and equal rights for women all over the world. Zara argues her family doesnt believe in such causes, and Ben says even though Zaras family may disown her, shell be a symbol and granted asylum; shell have the freedom she longs for. Princess Zara is excited about this new endeavor, and she thinks shes found the right organization to throw her ample funds at, the Worldwide Womans Fund. She calls Ben to meet the head of the group, and hes surprised to see its Alice, posing as a woman named Paige Baker. Alice makes it known shes met Michael Thorne before. They collaborated on a special event, but he dropped out unexpectedly. Alice says it wont affect them working together, because Michael is the best at what he does. Alice remarks that Michael/Ben and Zara make quite the power couple, but Zara makes it clear they are strictly business associates, Micheal is in love with another woman. He has been confiding in Zara about his failed relationship with Alice, leaving out all of the pertinent details. Zara gets a phone call, giving Alice and Ben a moment to chat. He warns her she has to leave, but she reminds him she has all the power. She can either expose him to the Princess or have him arrested. Ben says she got her and her clients money back, and shes got nothing on him. Alice is wearing a wire, and Dao lets her know that Ben is right. They need a confession. The two agree to chat later. A Dead End The firm gets a lead on Gwen. They track her car to some hiking trails. Sophie and Danny go to check it out, and head of security Shawn Sullivan tags along. Danny has some resentment towards Shawn because it seems Shawn has a personal interest in Sophie. It makes for an awkward field trip. They find Gwens car, but theres no sign of the woman or her laptop. They hit some hiking trails and make a grisly discovery, Gwens body. Alice has to put Ben on the back burner. The firm is waiting for the coroners report about Gwen, but they cant wait. They have to proceed as if what happened to Gwen was murder, and whoever is responsible has the laptop. They are most likely getting ready to use it or sell it. Val informs Alice the laptop came back online an hour ago. Sophie has installed a stealth program thats sending snapshots of local wireless activities. Sophie narrowed its location to a single block. They arrive at a house in a suburban neighborhood. The place is empty, but they break inside and find the laptop. Sophie says its just over 60 percent of a massive upload. Sophie figures its the THRUsight software, and Alice unplugs the machine. They take the computer, but as they are leaving, their car is sideswiped. Alice, Sophie, Shawn and Danny are okay, and they catch the person trying to get the computer back, and its Gwen. A Good Idea Gone Bad The gang is trying to figure out Gwens motive for faking her own death. After some digging, they believe she was trying to leave the country with THRUsight. Gwen tells them they cannot give THRUsight back to Thompson. She says he plans on selling it to terrorists. Alice questions how Gwen knows that for sure. One of the conditions of Marie and Gwen selling Thompson the program was that he would tells them every client he sold it to. As they got closer to the launch, Gwen trolled black market sites for anything that looked like THRUsight. She found a listing on a TOR site dedicated to illicit weapon sales. Val questions why Gwen didnt go to the authorities, and Gwen says a weapon is a weapon. Its hard to trust handing it over to anyone. The only option was to disappear and take the software with her. Gwen swears Marie knows nothing. Gwen wanted to protect her. Strange Bedfellows Margot is trying to deal with her and Bens looming deadline, and she ends up in bed with the sexy Felicity. But just because they had a rendezvous, doesnt mean the debt is forgiven. The brunette questions how long until Margot gets the payment together. Margot tries to change the subject, and Felicity asks why Margot left the family. Apparently, she was next in line to run things. Margot argues she was never next in line because shes a woman. Felicity says times have changed; the benefactor has changed. Margot questions if hes no longer insane, but that doesnt appear to be the case. These payments Margot is making are to guarantee her freedom. While Margot is tangled up in the sheets, Ben tries to deal with Alice. He calls and offers to answer all of Alices question in return for her staying away. She thinks its because he wants to do the Princess what he did to her, but Ben claims its to keep Alice safe. They agree to meet, and Dao is listening, only Alice doesnt know. He waits for her to call him, and she does, giving him the details of her and Bens impending meeting. ABC Sets Finale Dates for Scandal, Castle and 16 More >>> A Sting Here, A Sting There Bad news awaits Ben the next morning. Zaras brother Bashir has arrived. Bashir may not be interested in giving Paige Baker $15 million dollars, but Zara isnt giving up so easily. She plans to do some creative accounting of her own. Back at the firm, Sophie finds the TOR listings Gwen told them about. The I.P. address is cloaked, but she traced it to an encrypted data server which leads back to Phillip Thompson. Realizing theyve been hired by the bad guys, Val and Alice need to come up with a plan. They decide to give Phillip Thompson back the laptop and see what he does with it. Sophie poses as an international bidder. They make Thompson an offer he cant refuse and set up a face-to-face meeting for the exchange. Since Phillip knows every key player at the firm, theyre going to use Agent Dao. Nobody trusts him, but Alice wants to keep him close. The exchange goes down, but its Marie who shows up, not Phillip. Gwen is devastated to find out her friend and partner betrayed her. Dao makes the arrest. Gwen feels like a sucker, but Alice assures her it was all business to Marie and Phillip. Gwen doesnt know what to do with the program now. Phillips company has the software. But Gwen admits the version they have isnt exactly fully functional. Val points out they still have Gwen under contract, and if she runs, theyll come looking. As will other interested parties. Gwen comments she was better off dead, and Alice says her firm might be able to help her out with that. Val and Alice give Gwen a new identity as a Peace Corps volunteer. They promise her that if at any point she wants to come back from the dead, they specialize in that as well. The whole Gwen and Marie situation has Alice feeling a little bit guilty about not coming clean with Val about her continuing pursuit of Christopher/Michael Thorne. Not guilty enough to divulge any information though. Ben arrives at Zaras hotel suite to find she has auctioned the bulk of her belongings online to raise the $15 million for her foundation. She credits Ben for making her a better person. The Princess returns home, and she gives Ben a gift. A valuable necklace of her own that she wants him to give to the woman of his dreams. The con didnt quite pan out-or so Margot thinks. Zara gave Ben a check, but her brother froze the account. Alice arrives for her meeting with Ben at a crowded, noisy, city park. Shes wired, and Daos men are on standby. She questions why he chose her, but Ben insists it wasnt personal. It wasnt about her, it was about her firm. Alice thinks he got greedy, but Ben actually fell in love. He wanted to tell Alice, but she refused his offer to disappear. He reinforces that what they had was real, and he still loves her. Ben also hands over the Princess check for $15 million. He starts to say more, but she stops him and shows him the wire nestled snugly in her bra. She even mouths that shes sorry. Ben switches course, accusing Alice of being pathetic. Dao figures something is up and springs into action. He gets there too late and questions why Alice let Ben go. She says Dao jumped the gun before she could get any information. The big question is where do Alice and Ben go from here? The Catch airs Thursdays at 10pm on ABC. (Image courtesy of ABC) Acclaimed scholar to discuss immigration fears in U.S. and Europe Why is that happening in America? Why do people who are immigrants or come from an immigrant background themselves turn around and become anti- immigration? BUFFALO, N.Y. Nancy Foner, a Distinguished Professor of sociology at Hunter College and a preeminent scholar in the field of comparative immigration studies, will deliver the University at Buffalos inaugural Jean Monnet Distinguished Lecture on April 26 at 3 p.m. at The Baldy Center for Law & Social Policy, 509 OBrian Hall on the universitys North Campus. Foner will discuss why tensions about immigrant populations and their incorporation have taken different forms on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean as part of her talk, Fear, Anxiety and Immigration: Barriers and Belonging in the United States and Western Europe. The lecture is free and open to the public. One of the reasons I wanted to invite Nancy as the first speaker in this series is because of her expertise on comparative perspectives, says Deborah Reed-Danahay, a professor in the Department of Anthropology, who was one of only 40 university professors worldwide last year to receive a Jean Monnet Chair, a highly competitive three-year teaching and research post awarded by the European Commission, the executive body of the European Union. She conceptualizes things at broad levels based on work that tries to understand the differences in reception of immigrants and the ways different immigrant populations perceive their experience. This visit is the first of what will be a three-lecture series over the next three years in connection with the personally chosen theme of Reed-Danahays Jean Monnet Chair, Cultural anthropology: citizenship, mobility and belonging in the European Union. Foner is the author of numerous articles and 18 books on immigration, including her most recent, coauthored with Richard Alba, Strangers No More: The Challenges of Integration in North America and Western Europe. She also wrote the afterward to Reed-Danahays book co-edited with Caroline Brettell, Citizenship, Political Engagement and Belonging: Immigrants in Europe and the United States. We tend to focus in the U.S. on our own issues of immigration, says Reed-Danahay. But we can learn by looking globally at how other places in the world have been handling some of the issues were facing both their mistakes and successful strategies. Since being named a Jean Monnet Chair in September 2015, Reed-Danahay says that immigration has become an even larger issue. It has emerged as a contentious topic in the U.S. presidential campaign. More than half of the nations governors, meanwhile, have expressed their opposition to letting Syrian refugees into their states. In Europe, touchpoints include refugees fleeing to Greece from Turkey and the migrant camps in Calais, France. The fundamental issue is immigration, but Foners lecture will present the argument that anti-immigrant sentiment within the general populations splits along mostly racial lines in America and along cultural and religious lines in Europe. Furthermore, as a population that sees itself as a nation of immigrants, there remains much anti-immigrant sentiment in the U.S. Why is that happening in America? Reed-Danahay asks. Why do people who are immigrants or come from an immigrant background themselves turn around and become anti-immigration? Reed-Danahay also says the significance of having a scholar of Foners stature discuss immigration in Buffalo shouldnt be lost. Buffalo is a city of migration with a population built from Europe and elsewhere. It is also a place that accepts a lot of immigrants, according to Reed-Danahay. The issue is timely, the place is important, and our speaker is a leading authority on the topic, she says. The talk will be extremely informative and will appeal to a broad audience of people. Campus News Transgender surgeon Marci Bowers to speak at UB Marci Bowers has conducted thousands of gender-reassignment surgeries at her California practice and is one of the few surgeons worldwide to be trained to perform restorative surgery for victims of female genital mutilation. By ELLEN GOLDBAUM We wanted to capitalize on the excitement and media attention the transgender community has gotten recently, and to expose UB to a truly iconic figure in transgender medicine. Marci Bowers, a transgender woman and renowned pelvic and gynecologic surgeon, will speak about Culture Wars on Two Fronts: Transgender Medicine and Surgical Correction of Female Genital Mutilation at 7:30 p.m. April 18 in the Student Union Theatre, North Campus. The talk, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by the Frank H. Hamilton Surgical Society, OUTpatient and Medical Student Polity all student groups at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at UB as well as the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sub-Board Inc. and UBs Gender Institute. Bowers has conducted thousands of gender-reassignment surgeries at her practice in San Mateo, California; she also was the first American and is one of the few surgeons worldwide to be trained to perform restorative surgery for victims of female genital mutilation (FGM). She has traveled to Africa to establish clinics and train surgeons, offering her services free of charge. Last fall, she led a march on Washington, D.C., to end FGM and was keynote speaker at the event. Bowers is a member of the World Association for Transgender Health and serves on the board of directors for both GLAAD (formerly the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) and the Transgender Law Center. An international authority on clitoral reconstruction for women who have suffered FGM, she has been the subject of numerous documentaries, articles and national and international media appearances. She recently was honored as one of the 100 most influential LGBT people on the Guardians World Pride Power List, in addition to being recognized as one of Huffington Posts 50 Transgender Icons. Bowers was invited to UB by UB medical students Joseph Kuhn, Camille Gutierrez, Remon Bebawee and Dan Kuhr. They had seen the documentary Trinidad about Bowers and Trinidad, Colorado, where she first practiced and which has been called the sex change capital of the U.S. We wanted to capitalize on the excitement and media attention the transgender community has gotten recently, and to expose UB to a truly iconic figure in transgender medicine, Kuhn says. While in Buffalo, Bowers will meet with students, tour the campus and meet with local clinicians who serve the transgender community, including Tom Mazur, clinical associate professor in the departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry in the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. He sees patients at the Center for Psychosexual Health. Organizing this event has brought us closer to the network of clinicians and community outreach groups that serve the LGBTQ community of Western New York, Kuhn says. It is our hope that this event will continue the discussion on how we can improve physician education on these topics at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Wolseley UK is pleased to announce the launch of its 2016 sales graduate programme designed to bring the best fresh talent into the heating and plumbing industry. Open for submissions and expected to attract over 2,000 applications this year, the coveted 18-month scheme offers 10 talented graduates a brilliant career opportunity with the heating and plumbing distributor. The programme immerses individuals into the Wolseley UK business and its brands such as Plumb Center, Pipe Center and Burdens. Divided into two sections, it offers training as well as practical experience from day one. The first six months are spent in branch, teaching graduates the ins and outs of branch operations management. This is an experience that shows first-hand how Wolseley UK offers customers top service. The next 12 months are spent out in the field where graduates have the opportunity to strengthen their business, management and sales skills through various training options, courses and shadowing opportunities with Wolseley UK employees. Graduates are also asked to develop a commercially focused piece of work, and will be given advice and the support necessary to make it a real success. Wolseley UK HR director Sally-Anne Griffiths said: We want to create a talent pipeline to meet the future needs of the business and our graduate programme plays an important role in that. The programmes diverse training and on-the-job experience sets Wolseley UK apart in the industry and is one of the many reasons why we are an employer of choice. Kerri Morris, 25, from Solihull recently graduated from the 2014 programme and is now an ecommerce project manager with Wolseley UK. She said: The graduate programme involves a lot of hands-on experience in branch and in the warehouse. From serving customers, stock management and building relationships with contracted customers, its fair to say no day was the same. I also had the opportunity to meet and work with senior management and understand the workings of the business. 5 changes to you, your seafood and the Shore from warming Atlantic The warming Atlantic is beginning to cause a unique set of changes for fishermen, albeit subtly. They have to adjust to catch new kinds of sea life. Gods have been all over the headlines in recent weeks. They are being invoked with a regularity not seen perhaps since the time of the Crusades - be it the hundreds dead due to a flyover collapse in Kolkata, or the temple fire in Kollam, both have been labelled acts of an angry god. Similarly, floods, earthquakes, drought and rapes; god's wrath is upon us, warn those who claim to speak on their behalf. The furies have been unleashed for a variety of reasons, from the entry of women into temples to pleasure-seeking honeymooning couples and even eating taboo meats. The gods, it seems, are vengeful beings. Defy them or ignore their wishes and the heavens will surely fall. This is an interesting throwback to a time when religions were first beginning to organise themselves. Worship was a function of fear and gods and goddesses had to be propitiated and kept happy. Enrolling into a religious order was a way to seek the protection of the ruling deity, whose power emanated from the ability to crush rivals. Religion evolved out of a variety of belief systems (not just the one above) and it had many functions, a big one was to bind tribes together. According to author Jared Diamond, it helped instil obedience among a disparate band of people and instilled a fear and belief of the gods and the rulers. At this stage of evolution, religion was organised around all-powerful gods and goddesses who were created in the image of nature, mighty monarchs, death and illness; all forces beyond the pale of the ordinary. Like many kings who established their rule through might and brute force, the gods were believed to do the same. For instance, Sumerian king, Gilgamesh, who is described as 'two-thirds god and one-third man' was known to oppress his subjects and claimed first rights on every virgin in his land. Ultimately, he was cut to size but that is another story. Old gods such as Varuna, the chief god in early hymns of the Rig Veda, sit in fine palaces and had an army of spies spread across the universe bringing back news. Varuna punished sinners with disease and hell. Weather gods, especially, were known to be whimsical, mighty and arrogant. Take the epithets around Indra for instance - Shakra (mighty), Shachivat (possessing might) and Shatakratu (having a hundred powers). He is feared and in the Rig Veda 250 hymns are dedicated to his powers. Over time, gods acquired a more benevolent avatar. Ganapati, the modern day god of benevolence, for instance, has evolved from being a hurdle maker to a remover of all hurdles. Now, we seem to be circling back to a time and the gods are back in their wrathful avatars. It is not just the trivial and absurd statements that 'godmen' spew from time to time that tell us so but, even more frighteningly, in the rise of cults such as ISIS. The quoting of Quran as people are beheaded and women are raped, everything seems to be justified under a religious order that sees its survival in the annihilation of others. According to scholars such as Karen Armstrong, this is because there is a difference in the way religious thought evolved in different parts of the world and the emergence of secular states. But in times of crisis, such as the refugee influx in Europe and economic decline in other parts of the world, the fault lines make themselves visible. In an article for The Guardian in 2014, Armstrong wrote, "In almost every region of the world where secular governments have been established with a goal of separating religion and politics, a counter-cultural movement has developed in response, determined to bring religion back into public life. What we call 'fundamentalism' has always existed in a symbiotic relationship with a secularisation that is experienced as cruel, violent and invasive." Fundamentalism was the order of things when societies were being trained to live by laws, those of nature and subsequently of community living. Religion played a huge role at the time in bringing people together and to explain the inexplicable. Violence was not seen as an aberration, rather a way to greet strangers. As times changed, religion too evolved. It found a way to help people make sense of the changing times. For religion to do the same again, it needs to define its gods within the current context, not take them back to the past. Anger is a primal emotion and an unfettered version of it usually puts off the person at the receiving end. I watched a couple of movies recently that threw coruscating light on what if the person on the opposite end is a beloved/spouse who has no exit route but to deal with this visceral rage daily. Sameer Thahir's Malayalam movie Kali, which is in equal parts ponderous and hilarious, has Dulquer Salmaan as the eternal rage machine who unleashes his fury at the tiniest of purported provocations. Sai Pallavi does a brilliant job of the wife who tries hard to keep her husband's anger on a tight leash. One of the movie's transfixing moments is when Salmaan urges his reluctant wife to drive a four-wheeler on a busy road. She agrees only on the condition that he will not get agitated if she goes awry behind the steering wheel. The near six-minute funny-as-hell scene shows the various forms of controlled agony on Salmaan's face. This very scene is Thahir's Chekhovian Gun that he playfully dangles when it manifests under the most trying circumstances in the second half. The Shakun Batra-directed Kapoor & Sons too has an angry man but the twist in the tale is that his wife gets equally angry at him. As an aging couple with two adult children, Ratna Pathak Shah and Rajat Kapoor still bicker a lot or maybe they started bickering ever since their kids (Sidharth Malhotra and Fawad Khan) flew off the coop. In one of the movie's most astonishing scenes, the couple bay for each other's blood in front of a plumber who is totally nonplussed about the proceedings. Kali and Kapoor & Sons offer a minor lesson on monogamy. While Pallavi's character never gets vexed with her husband's inadvertent spasms of rage, Kapoor's character looks for solace from someone else. In the former case, the wife believes she can soothe her husband's frayed nerves with her remarkable sangfroid, while in the latter the husband has given up and is instead taking the easy way out. Both the movies can be held up as a parable on how optimism stems from the youth and pessimism gets onto your better side as you start growing old. In one of the poignant moments in the movie, Shah's character asks her husband if they can press the reset button. The realistic husband says he's not sure but hopes they can at least make a heartfelt last-ditch effort. And that's my biggest criticism of the movie. Instead of concentrating on this multi-hued couple, Batra decided that the audience needed truckloads of saccharine, via Alia Bhatt's character. At least the director could have given me more of the marvellously dotty Rishi Kapoor, who is really amazing as the 98-year-old pater familias of the Kapoor family. Both these movies are nowhere near perfect. Neither of them has an engaging second half. Thahir shifts gears so abruptly in Kali that it can almost be spun off into a movie by itself. Most of the second half is set in Masinagudi (near Ooty) where the couple is at the mercy of a few goons. How they wriggle themselves out of the situation forms the crux of rest of the movie. The latter half of Kapoor & Sons is equally befuddling. Unlike the first half, no one in the second half talks in hushed tones. Everyone is hell-bent on raising the decibel level and the bloviating inanities that Shah spouts at her perfect son when she realises his "dark secret" just completely put me off. There are only two beautifully executed scenes in this otherwise crushingly dull second half: one has Rishi Kapoor's character smoking weed with his grandchildren and getting all goofy; in another, Fawad Khan's character, an author, goes through a writer's block and Batra shows that agonising phase extremely well. Overall, neither of these movies is a dud. They give us a decent insight into human condition. Both of them are well endowed with amazing first halfs and that's the sad part of our current crop of cinema. If at least one half of the movie is good enough, we are getting our money's worth. High time we got really furious at this attitude of ours. The second phase of the odd-even road rationing scheme came into force in Delhi on Friday, which was also a public holiday on account of Ram Navami. The actual impact of the scheme, which will be in force till April 30, would be known only on Monday. The Delhi government in a bid to curb environmental pollution experimented with the odd-even scheme in the first fortnight of January. Under the scheme, cars with odd registration plates can be used only on odd days and those with even numbers on even days. The scheme is valid between 8 am and 8 pm and from Monday to Saturday. Women drivers and those driving CNG vehicles are exempt from the rule. So too are VVIPs. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal appealed to Delhi motorists on Friday, urging them to make a success of the scheme. The Aam Aadmi Party government wants to make it a successful plan to curb pollution. The government plans to deploy 2,000 traffic personnel on the capital's roads besides 5,000 civil defence volunteers to ensure that motorist adhere strictly to the scheme. Source : BS Motoring has been accused by Germanys health regulator of fudging data on clinical trials of an antibiotic and brain disorder drug. It is the third Indian firm to be scrutinised since 2014 for suspected manipulation of trial data. The medicines are now being reviewed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on the recommendation of the German regulator, which inspected Alkems Taloja plant in Maharashtra last March. Alkem was found to have engaged in intentional misrepresentation of data and duplicated results of electrocardiogram (ECG) readings of patients in trials, the German regulator said in a notice sent to the EMA on March 24. The notification announcing a review of medicines was put up on the EMA website on April 1. Alkem did not immediately comment on the development. The EMAs review is the second setback to which is amongst the top five drug in the domestic market. The company earns over 70 per cent of its revenue from the domestic market while the US contributes about 20 per cent. Europe accounts for a small share of the companys revenue but it is expanding its presence in some markets such as Germany and the East European nations. In March, the UKs Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) made eight observations following an inspection at the Taloja plant. Alkem had then said it was responding to the UK health regulators observations and did not anticipate any impact on the products it supplies to Europe at present. In recent years, Indias GVK Biosciences and Quest Lifesciences were found to have duplicated ECG data, resulting in the withdrawal of approvals for hundreds of drugs last year. Data integrity is an issue of serious concern to health regulators in Europe and the US. While Indian have stepped up efforts to improve compliance there have been instances when have been accused of data fudging. Reliability of data and potential of cross contamination of products are of key concern, Gerald Heddell, MHRAs director of Inspection, Enforcement and Standards told Business Standard in February responding to a query on concerns regarding the Indian pharma industry. In case of Alkem the EMA said it was assessing the benefit-risk of certain medicines that had received marketing approval based on trials conducted by the company between March 2013 and March 2015. The drugs include the antibiotic cefuroxime and rulizole, used to treat the neurological disorder amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, sold both by Alkem and Slovenias Krka, the EMA said. Alkem was conducting trials on the drugs for Krka. The German regulator made Alkem aware of its findings on September 8, 2015, according to the notice. Krka did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. The German regulator said Alkems quality management system neither avoided nor detected the data manipulation. The regulator has urged the EMA, the medicines regulator for the European Union, to take necessary action and consider if impacted drugs need to be suspended or recalled. The EMAs opinion will be considered by the European Commission, which will take a final decision on the medicines, the EMA said. eCentricHR, a Hyderabad-based human resource solutions company of the $100-million digital marketing enterprise Paradigm Group, is in the process of raising between $8 million and $10 million (around Rs 66.5 crore) to support its business and technological expansion, according to founder and group chief executive officer Sridhar Gadhi. eCentricHR, which provides IT solutions to Indian and the US governments and Fortune 500 companies, primarily focuses on e-governance projects and offshoring solutions ranging from strategy consulting, business analysis, project management, software development and implementation, maintenance and support. The company, which currently contributes one-sixth to the group's revenues, has deployed over 2,500 resources across India over the last three years. "We are in advanced stages of discussion with private equity firms, and should be completing the fund-raising exercise during the second quarter of this financial year. The idea is to reach a certain size, with revenues of Rs 600 crore or so in three years from now, before going public in the 2019-20 horizon," he said. has recently developed Mychoice, a mobile-enabling tool for the entire HR sourcing spectrum. According to Karthik Krishnan, chief executive officer of eCentricHR, Mychoice has been built with an objective to seamlessly connect SMEs and prospective candidates, with a scheduling and social recruitment tool, integrating all stakeholders to improve the hiring process. Mychoice is in the pilot stage at four customers, including two Fortune 500 companies, with nearly 15,000 people already going through the stability test. "Now, we are in the process of doing the external validation. The India-specific product will be commercially launched sometime during this month," he said. After a long gap, global investors are buying large retail properties for big bucks. While investors are buying them to build their portfolios, global retailers are acquiring properties to enter markets such as Mumbai. A month after Singapore government-owned $100-billion sovereign fund GIC bought 50 per cent stake in Viviana Mall in Thane, on the outskirts of Mumbai, for over Rs 1,000 crore, US-based private equity (PE) firm Blackstone bought a one-million-square-feet mall being developed by L&T Realty in the Seawoods area of Navi Mumbai, said a source. The deal is expected to be closed between Rs 1,200 crore and Rs 1,500 crore. Blackstone and L&T Realty executives could not be contacted for comments. Late last year, Blackstone acquired two retail assets of Gurgaon-based developer Alpha G in Amritsar and Ahmedabad for around Rs 800 crore. "Many global investors are looking to buy good mall properties. It will help them build portfolios in the country and help mall developers consolidate their projects," said Susil Dungarwal, founder of Beyond Squarefeet Advisory, a mall management company. Recently, DLF, the country's largest developer, said it had sold its shopping mall in Saket in Delhi to its subsidiary for Rs 904 crore as part of its strategy to consolidate and monetise non-core assets. Even big retail chains are not behind. Swedish furniture firm IKEA is in talks to buy 350,000 square feet (sq ft) in Oberoi Realty in Borivali area of Mumbai for over Rs 900 crore, reports said on Friday. Recently, IKEA signed up for a 26-acre land parcel in Navi Mumbais Turbhe area for Rs 214 crore from Tata group firm Rallis. IKEA is the first retailer to enter the country after 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI) was allowed in single-brand retailing. The company is planning to invest Rs 10,500 crore in real estate to set up 25 stores in Mumbai, National Capital Region, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Last year, it had bought 14-acre land parcel in Hyderabad. The rents in the complex hover around Rs 320 to Rs 350 per sq ft, one of the highest in Mumbai. An email to Apple did not get any response. On Tuesday, The Times of India reported that Spanish retailer Zara had taken 50,000 sq ft of space in Hutatma Chowk in South Mumbai for Rs 2.5 crore rent. Its rival H&M is aggressively opening stores. It opened 37,000 sq ft store in Mall of India in Noida recently after opening a store in Ambience Mall, Gurgaon. It plans to open two stores in Mumbai in autumn. We see great potential for expansion and growth, both in metros as well as Tier-II and -III cities in India. Our expansion strategy is to always open at the best business location, and we look at many different options at the same time. The best business location is so important we would rather hold off from opening a new store and wait till the right location becomes available, an H&M spokesperson told the Business Standard recently. Retailers such as Zara are not just anchors, they can be destination stores. Certainly IKEA is a full-day destination store. A larger store allows them to have a more comprehensive product mix and aims for a much larger share of the customers wallet than they would otherwise. Also, larger spaces would cost less per square foot, in terms of rental and operating costs, said Devangshu Dutta, chief executive of Third Eyesight, a retail consultancy. Under fire on charges of violating India's foreign direct investment (FDI) norms, said on Friday that its majority Indian shareholders Tata Sons and its executives were in control of the airline. It also blamed vested interests for stifling the airlines growth in the country. Giving reference to his interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the airline's group chief executive officer Tony Fernandes said it is time for India to end patronage and put its people first. The Modi government has promised fairness and transparency and having met the prime minister, I am even more excited about our future in India. The airlines assertions come in the wake of the controversy surrounding its brand-licensing agreement, which allegedly allows Malaysia to exercise influence and control on virtually all aspects of operations of India. This, it is alleged, violates government norms. AirAsia India has said the brand licence agreement it had signed in 2013 with its parent in Malaysia upheld the primacy of Indian shareholders and did not violate the rule related to the effective control of the airline. AirAsia India is a joint venture of AirAsia Malaysia (which owns 49 per cent) and Tata Sons and its executives who hold 51 per cent. The airline began operations in June 2014 but has been dogged by intense competition, slow growth, continuous losses, and senior management exits. At the heart of the current controversy is the government's FDI rule, which says substantial ownership and effective control of an airline should vest with Indian nationals. Foreign investment in an airline is capped at 49 per cent and its chairperson and two-thirds of its directors must be Indian citizens. On Friday, AirAsia issued a statement saying a clause in the agreement explicitly stated that substantial ownership and effective control of the licensee remains at all times with Indian residents. If 51 per cent ownership vests with Indians, they have majority shareholding and all decisions may be made or vetoed by them. Entering into a licensing agreement is a commercial decision, which would have been approved by the majority shareholders (Indian)... With this limited information, there seems no illegality whatsoever in AirAsia India, said lawyer Nitin Sarin, who specialises in aviation law. The brand license agreement is also referenced in the original shareholders agreement among the founding shareholders of AirAsia India. The shareholders agreement was lodged immediately after execution in April 2013 with the Indian government, in full compliance with all regulations, the airline said. We also wish to point out that the brand licence agreement executed with AirAsia India is consistent with similar agreements executed by AirAsia Berhad (AirAsia Malaysia) with its ventures elsewhere in the world. In all such cases, these agreements are subject to applicable local laws. AirAsia India has been facing litigation since 2013 with Bharatiya Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy and airline lobby group Federation of Indian Airlines challenging the grant of permit to the airline. A writ petition is also pending against the airline in Delhi High Court. Arun Bhatia, who was a co-investor in AirAsia India till last month, had also threatened to drag the carrier to court accusing Fernandes of remote controlling the airline. Tata group chairperson emeritus Ratan Tata had tweeted in February that its group airlines were set up in full compliance with the prevailing government policy in response to the criticism from rival airlines. on Friday said it would raise the salaries of its employees in India by 6-12 per cent while for employees at onsite locations, it would be 1.5-2 per cent, depending on the region. For employees below the managerial level, the hike in salaries would come into effect from April 1, while for the rest it would be effective from July 1, the country's second largest information technology (IT) services firm said. Vishal Sikka, chief executive officer and managing director of Infosys, said the hikes were not limited to 12 per cent and would be much higher for star performers. "We are starting with the process (of appraisal) for our engineers and the (project) leads and they will be based on performance. Majority of them will be in the range of 6 and 12 per cent," said, Krishnamurthy Shankar, executive vice-president and group head, Human Resource Development, . also said in addition to the hike in compensation, it would roll out restricted stock units (RSUs) to selected employees for which the board and shareholders have already given approval. Though the company is taking a final decision about who the beneficiaries of this scheme would be, senior officials said it would mostly be offered to top performers at the middle-management level and above. The Infosys board recently gave the company a go ahead to offer RSUs up to 24 million shares (1 per cent) to its employees. Chief Operating Officer U B Pravin Rao said the scheme would be rolled out in the first quarter of the current financial year and Infosys plans to run it for the next four-five years. Industry experts say RSUs can be an effective tool to curb employee attrition and retain key talent. In the three months to March, headcount grew by just 661 - a marked slowdown when compared to the previous quarters. The company, while maintaining that nothing should be read into this, said it was the beginning of the effects higher automation would have on its hiring strategy. Infosys' headcount shot up to 194,044 at the end of the last financial year and Sikka said the company was on route to growing to 250,000 by 2020 when the company plans to boost individual employee revenue to $80,000 per year. The company said it had made over 20,000 offers through its campus recruitment drive this year, with the employees expected to join the company over the next few months. "Lateral hires will be made on a need basis," Rao added. Nestle Global CEO Paul Bulckes statement on Thursday that the Indian operations bounced back faster than expected has come at a time when flagship brand Maggi noodles has cleared the safety tests directed by the Supreme Court and the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission. On April 11, Nestle India had said none of the tests conducted on 29 samples of the instant noodle brand found any excess lead or artificial monosodium glutamate (MSG). It said the reports were submitted to the Supreme Court, where it was facing a Rs 640-crore class-action action suit. The company had already received the go-ahead to manufacture and market the brand last year following a legal battle in the Bombay High Court. The firms battle had begun in the wake of Maggi's recall and ban in June last year following allegations of contamination. The class-action suit against the company, the first of its kind in the country filed on behalf of consumers by the government, was viewed as the last impediment in Maggi's journey back into consumer lives. Nestle India is now looking to double efforts to launch new variants and re-introduce those that were pulled out of shop shelves following the recall and ban. Currently, only the masala and chicken variants of Maggi instant noodles are out in the marketplace. At the close of trade on Wednesday (April 13, 14 and 15 were public holidays), Nestle India's stock despite falling 0.49 per cent hovered in the region of Rs 6,105.80 a unit, the highest in 2016. It highest point before that was in October 16, 2015, the day the company cleared the Bombay High Court-mandated safety tests. Narayanan, who took over as managing director in August 2015 (he was subsequently promoted as India chairman), said he would also focus his attention on some of Nestle's other categories such as chocolates, confectionery and beverages that have not delivered as strongly in the past. I will add new brands and rev the engine up. The third stage (after getting Maggi back on track and focusing on existing categories) would be to look at new product segments. Abneesh Roy, associate director (research institutional equities) at Edelweiss, said investors were looking forward to Nestles investments in new and existing categories. Expansion of existing segments such as chocolates will be key. The addition of new categories such as pet food, packaged water and breakfast cereals by Nestle in India will excite investors. While the company reported a 17.2 per cent decline in net profit for the December 2015 quarter, this was lower than the 60 per cent decline it reported in the September 2015 quarter and the loss it reported in the June 2015 quarter. The companys net sales touched Rs 1,960 crore in the December 2015 quarter, after declining 22 per cent on a year-on-year basis. In the previous two quarters, sales fell 32 per cent and 20 per cent, respectively. To promote green energy sources, Norways Government Pension Fund Global has sold off its equity investments in Indian coal-producing/user companies and increased exposure in favour of infotech, automobile and banking sector, statistics submitted to the stock exchanges show. The Norwegian pension fund is managed by Norges Bank Investment Management for the countrys finance ministry. The fund has sold off investments in Coal India, NTPC, Tata Power, Reliance Infrastructure, Reliance Power, CESC, and Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation. These companies either produce coal or meet above 30 per cent of their fuel requirements from thermal coal, which is considered as harmful to the environment. The sell-off in the Indian coal companies is part of a global pruning exercise, in which the fund sold investments in 53 companies. The funds want the companies to reduce their dependence on coal and increase the usage of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. Norges Banks biggest exposure in India currently is in Infosys (Rs 2,323 crore), followed by Axis Bank (Rs 1,326 crore), and Reliance Industries (Rs 1,204 crore), statistics by Bloomberg show. The Norwegian pension fund has also invested nearly $4 billion in Indian government bonds, according to its 2015 annual report. The fund has a market value of nearly $862 billion, making it the largest pension fund in the world. The decision comes in the wake of the Norwegian government asking Norges Bank to exclude companies that use thermal coal from the pension fund. The new criterion states that coal power companies and mining companies who themselves, or through other operations they control, base 30 per cent or more of their activities on coal, and/or derive 30 per cent of their revenues from coal, may be excluded from the fund. This is likely to have a ripple effect on other pension funds in the region. Another big investor in Indian equities, Denmark, is also considering a similar move. Coal-based power stations are said to be a big contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, impacting global environment. Some of the worlds largest banks refused to invest in Australian coal mines to be developed by the Adani and GVK group, citing the new norms that bar investments in coal mines. and its key investor, Matrix Partners India, have denied that the company was in talks with Uber for a stake sale. claimed it was maintaining a lead and taking away market share from its rival in India. It cannot be further from the truth that Uber is attempting to take a stake in . No such discussions have taken place, and even if we are approached anytime in future, we have no such intentions. We believe we are gaining market share over Uber in India, Avnish Bajaj, managing director, Matrix Partners India, said. With just one category, such as Ola Micro, being on the path to become larger than Uber, we can only see the momentum continuing to build. We hear this from employees leaving Uber for various jobs. The DNA newspaper reported on Friday Uber was close to take a controlling stake in Ola for an enterprise value of $4 billion, with key investors planning to offload shares. The report, quoting an unnamed source, and said co-founders Bhavish Aggarwal and Ankit Bhati were planning to offload a stake but Japanese investor Softbank was objecting to it. Softbank backs Didi Kuadi in China, Grabtaxi in Southeast Asia and Lyft in the US. It has formed a global alliance to take on Uber. Bajaj said in a statement: We have seen Uber in India reacting to Olas growth with moves not seen elsewhere be it front-page advertising, dramatic fare cuts and rapid changes in categories so one can only surmise they are worried about their declining market share. We are clearly in the winning horse with Ola and have no doubts about its future. Uber, which dominates the US and Brazil markets, is facing intense competition from Didi Kuaidi in China and Ola in India, where local firms have a significant advantage against the US firm. Ola said that it would initiate legal action against DNA. ONGC Videsh Ltd-led consortium is in talks with Iranian counterpart for the commerciality of Farzad-B gas field and convert the gas produced from it into LNG for shipping to countries like India, Dharmendra Pradhan, minister of state for petroleum said today. We were delighted to see the commitment of our Iranian counters parts and if all goes well there will be no hitch in the deal for the Farzad-B block, he said. He was speaking on the sidelines of the Maritime India Summit 2016 event held here today. A consortium of OVL, Oil India Ltd (OIL) and Indian Oil Corp (IOC) had discovered the 12.8 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves in the Farsi block in 2008. The discovery was named Farzad-B. The gas produced from the field will be converted into liquefied natural gas (LNG) for export to consuming nations like India. Gas output from the field can either be converted into LNG and shipped to India or transported through a pipeline via Pakistan or subsea. Hyderabad-based Gayatri Projects Limited, a significant player in road construction sector, has decided to create a separate entity for the BOT (Build Operate and Transfer) road projects and transfer all those existing assets to the new entity. The move, approved by the board of directors yesterday, was aimed at rationalising the business, the company said. Gayatri currently has 7 road assets, four annuity and three BOT projects with a total length of little over 500 kms. Where as about 51 per cent of the over Rs 10,000 crore-order book of the company constitutes EPC road project contracts followed by 30.4 per cent from the irrigation sector. The company claimed to have so far executed over 5,000 kms of road projects across the country. Many infrastructure in the past had bid for BOT road projects and invested equity and debt in anticipation of handsome returns by way of toll revenues in the concession period, based on the traffic projections that were more often found to be not realistic in the immediate term. Execution delays and lower toll revenues created interest cost burden on the forcing them to subsequently sought relief in loan repayment terms. The move to create a separate entity for the BOT road assets comes at a time, when the Gayatri management has stepped up efforts to secure more EPC projects, particularly in the highway sector, requiring more liquidity at hand. Gayatri too was trying to bring down the Rs 4,000 crore debt in the recent times as the fall in revenues sharply impacted the company's profits over the past three years. "By seeking to transfer all the BOT assets to a new entity, the promoters are trying to de-leverage at the holding company level. Along with the transfer of these assets they would also be transferring all the liabilities carried by these road projects, "an analyst of a rating agency told Business Standard. Once the liabilities are transferred to the new entity the holding company will have enough head room to raise fresh loans and issue fresh bank guarantees to new projects, Currently Gayatri Infra Ventures, a subsidiary of Gayatri Projects, is dedicated to the development of road assets besides acting as a holding company for all the existing road assets. It has 100 per cent stake in Indore-Dewas Tollways Limited as well as in Sai Matarini Tollways Limited while in other five projects it holds 50-51 per cent equity. The company had recently sold the Western UP Tollways along with its joint venture partner NCC to the Cube Highways. In 2014-15, the company revenues stood at Rs 1,600 crore as compared with Rs 1,813 crore in the previous year. Its net profit halved to Rs 22 crore in the last financial year from the Rs 48 crore in the previous year. Gayatri group also has interests in power and hotel sectors. Sterlite Technologies, which provides services and products for telecom and power transmission network efficiencies, today said it has re-organised its telecom products and solutions business to better tap the opportunities in this segment. This business will remain listed post the demerger of its power business. The new organisation structure aims to sharpen the company's focus on market opportunities by keeping customer at the core of all its operations. The new organisation structure has been developed in collaboration with Hay Group, a leading management-consulting firm and focuses on innovation, analytics and R&D based on customer needs. "Over the next five years, we foresee investments worth over Rs 4 lakh crore for the creation of Digital India infrastructure. In order to better align ourselves as the partner of choice for building this, we have reorganised ourselves keeping the customer at the core of our operations. From a BU (Business Unit) approach which has served us well till now, we have moved to Customer Unit (CU) led strategy, where each and every component in the organisational value chain is calibrated to customer's current and future needs," said Anand Agarwal, CEO, . The new organisation design has been done considering the need to make Sterlite a more agile and collaborative company. The new structure of telecom products and solutions business focuses on three CUs. These are, India Public CU that will work towards providing product & system integration solutions for government owned/led networks like BharatNet, Network for Spectrum, Smart City projects, etc. Between FY17 and FY19, this space is likely to witness investments worth Rs 150,000 crore. The second CU will be focused on India Private CU, which will work very closely with domestic private Telcos, MSO/CATV, tower and other private customers for their Network Integration and Products (Optical Fiber/Optical Fiber Cable) needs. Between FY17 and FY19, opportunities worth over Rs 20,000 crore are expected to come up in this space. ANf the third focus area will be International CU, that focuses on strengthening Sterlite's global footprint & customer engagements. Sterlite is already a major supplier to global telcos with supply footprint across 20 countries. It has manufacturing facilities in India, China, and Brazil with a total capacity of 22 million fKM. Globally, Optical Fiber demand is likely to reach 390 million fKM by FY19, from 371 million fKM in FY17. The technical solutions unit (TSU) and delivery unit will support the three CUs in sufficing customer needs and enhancing satisfaction. The TSU will undertake lab-to-market product and solutions development initiatives through India's only fiber and fiber technology focused R&D facility - Centre of Excellence (CoE) - that has over 100 patents to its credit. The Delivery Unit will ensure timely quality-based product and project delivery. Anil Agarwal-led Vedanta Ltd on Friday received the letter of award for development of two berths and barge berths at Port of Mormugao, Goa, on the design, build, finance, operate and transfer basis. It was handed over to Vedantas iron ore business chief executive officer, Kishore Kumar, by Mormugao Port Trust Chairman I Jeyakumar in the presence of Road, Transport, Highways and Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari at the Summit. Vedanta must use this opportunity to upgrade the Mormugao Port and invest in inland waterways so that it can be used for trade extensively, said Gadkari. The redevelopment of the Mormugao port is essential for Goa as modernisation and improvement of the port will bring a cascading of larger vessels giving it the necessary impetus for enhancing and stimulating growth of maritime traffic, enhanced efficiency and create sustainable ports infrastructure. It augurs well for Vedanta which is a diversified natural resources company with its operations close to ports and has the domain expertise to address the challenges in the maritime industry for the beneficiation of resources. Vedanta is the largest exporter of iron ore from Goa and this project would provide logistic integration to our iron ore business apart from handling other cargo. The ramp up of the Goan iron ore industry beyond 20 million tons through this port will be a significant gateway for the mining industry in the state giving them the added advantage of end to end scale of operations in terms of cargo movement and consolidation. The project will be handled by Sterlite Ports Limited a wholly owned subsidiary of Vedanta Limited. Vedanta, through one of its subsidiary, currently owns and operates a 14 MMTPA capacity fully mechanized coal terminal in Visakhapatnam Port, Andhra Pradesh. The project has been awarded through a competitive bidding process on DBFOT Basis for the 19 MMTPA capacity multi-cargo Port terminal in Mormugao Port, Goa. The re-developed berths are planned to handle all type of cargo including iron ore, coal, limestone, bauxite and general cargo with an expected capacity of 19.22 million tonnes per annum. With this Vedantas Sterlite Ports will have a strategic presence on both west and east coasts in the traditional iron ore and coal hubs respectively. in collaboration with RailTel, the telecom arm of the Indian Railways, has rolled out free WiFi service at 9 more stations, taking total to 10 where it will offer high-speed Internet to an estimated 1.5 million passengers and visitors. Free WiFi by Google-RailTel took off at Mumbai Central in January this year. The new stations include Pune, Bhubaneswar and Ranchi. The formal launch in Bhubaneswar is slated for Sunday, said a senior railway ministry official. Jaipur, Ujjain and Allahabad will go live next week. "The network is now live in 10 key stations across the country and will enable about 1.5 million people to access high-speed Internet service. We are scaling up our efforts to roll out the network quickly to cover some of smaller stations where connectivity is much more limited," India Head of Access Project Gulzar Azad told PTI. As Internet adoption grows in India, easy and affordable access to high-speed network is the real need of the hour, he stressed. The service will be formally inaugurated by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu soon, Azad added. Starting today, users in Pune, Bhubaneswar, Bhopal, Ranchi, Raipur, Vijayawada, Kacheguda (Hyderabad), Ernakulum Jn (Kochi) and Vishakhapatnam will be able to access the network using their smartphones for free. According to Azad, about one lakh people use the service per week at the Mumbai Central station. and RailTel have collaborated to make WiFi network available across 100 stations to deliver high-speed Internet to 10 million Indians a day by the end of the year. "This project will be the largest publicly accessible high-speed WiFi network in the country, but our real hope is that this project will set new benchmarks in delivering a reliable and consistent network connectivity," Azad said. RailTel owns a pan-India optic fibre network exclusively on railway track. It has laid out over 45,000 kms of optic fibre network across the country, which Google looks to utilise for its WiFi. The network is built for a wide coverage and high capacity usage unlike a typical WiFi hotspot which offers connectivity in limited area. As per the plan, RailTel will be the ISP while Google will provide the wireless area network (WAN) and set up points of access at platforms. India's industry has sought to delay strict new health warning rules by appealing to the Supreme Court, a move anti-smoking activists say could backfire given that the court has ruled against cigarette makers in the past. Earlier this month Indian companies, some backed by "Big Tobacco" firms in the West, effectively went on strike by closing factories in protest against demands that 85% of a cigarette packet's surface be covered by health warnings, up from the older requirement of 20%. The industry estimates the stoppages cost it as much as $68 million a day, taking cumulative losses to up to $850 million. Similar battles have played out around the world in recent years as governments try to discourage smoking. On a few occasions, major producers have resorted to drastic action by freezing output. That tactic worked in India in 2010, when the government delayed a set of warnings proposed at the time after the industry shuttered plants. But this time New Delhi's room to compromise is more limited, court documents and interviews with federal health ministry officials and activists suggest. The documents show how a small group of health activists have outmanoeuvred the $11 billion industry and cornered the government into implementing the rules on April 1. Their strategy has left the Supreme Court as one of the last avenues of appeal for cigarette makers. "The tide has turned and the tobacco industry is on a downhill slope," said one of the activists, Sanjay Seth. In 2013, the court pulled up the government for not being serious about tobacco-control laws. The Tobacco Institute of India, an industry lobby group, declined to comment for this story. It has called the packaging rules drastic and impractical, saying the law will increase smuggling of illegal cigarettes. "BIG TOBACCO" HOLDING OUT One small local producer, Golden Tobacco, has started selling cigarette packs that comply with the new rules. But the biggest companies - ITC Ltd, part-owned by British American Tobacco, and U.S.-based Philip Morris International's (PMI) India partner Godfrey Phillips - are holding out. On April 8, an industry group that represents makers of traditional smokes, or beedis, in south India went to the Supreme Court to challenge the rules, according to the filing seen by Reuters on Thursday. It was not previously reported. The plea, filed by the Karnataka Beedi Industry Association, seeks a stay in enforcing the new rules, saying that they would bring the industry to a "grinding halt" and "cause grave and irreparable harm and loss". A hearing is scheduled for April 22. The appeal against the packaging regulations, which are among the world's strictest, does not directly involve major cigarette makers, but any ruling could also apply to them. ITC declined to comment on the packaging row. BAT said it would be "inappropriate" to comment as they are "just shareholders in ITC". PMI referred questions to Godfrey Phillips, which did not respond to requests for comment. PRESSURE ON GOVERNMENT For Western brands, Indian cigarette sales represent a small yet significant part of global earnings, as they face long-term sales declines in developed markets and eye countries like India and its 40 million cigarette smokers for future growth. In its 2015 report, BAT said the "adjusted contribution" from ITC was 280 million pounds ($400 million), about 5% of its annual profits. The factory shutdown is hurting government's coffers as well, costing it more than $10 million a day in tax revenues, according to industry estimates. More than 8 million workers and their families are affected, and farmers' groups are among those taking out large advertisements in newspapers criticising the legislation. But the government has kept a low profile. "We don't want to get into a duel with the industry on this," a health ministry official said, adding that public opinion appeared to be in the government's favour. Smoking kills more than 1 million people a year in India, said BMJ Global Health, published by London-based healthcare information provider, BMJ. The World Health Organization says tobacco-related diseases cost the country $16 billion annually. The new rules, which have been shown to help reduce tobacco consumption, put India, along with Thailand, at the top of the list of countries with the most stringent cigarette labelling. FAVOURABLE VENUE The new rules were proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in 2014. Initially, they were to be implemented from April 2015, but a parliamentary panel that included a lawmaker with a tobacco business forced the government to delay them as it assessed their impact on the industry and farmers. That was when Seth, who works with the non-profit campaign Voice of Tobacco Victims, said he and a handful of other activists got involved. Their strategy, he said, was to find a court that was likely to be sympathetic to their cause and then get someone to file a case challenging the delay. The Rajasthan High Court was that venue, because then-Chief Justice Sunil Ambwani was seen as someone who would favour public health over big business. Seth's idea was incorporated into a tobacco-control case that a father-son team of lawyers with a history of such activism, Sita Ram and Rahul Joshi, were filing in the high court in Jaipur city last year.Within days, Ambwani ordered the government to implement the rules without delay. Ambwani said he ruled on the merits of the case. The government won a six-month extension, but has so far ignored the parliamentary panel that last month urged it to set warnings at 50%. Institut Pasteur, a private non-profit foundation with a mission to help prevent and treat infectious diseases, has received an Indian patent for a lentiviral vector-based vaccine. The drug is to be used to prevent West Nile virus, an infectious disease reported in various parts of the country, including north-east India. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the West Nile virus can cause a fatal neurological disease in humans, though approximately 80 per cent of people who are infected will not show any symptoms. The virus is mainly transmitted to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. It can cause severe disease and death in horses. Vaccines are available for use in horses but not yet available for people, WHO says. Birds are the natural hosts of the virus. This pathogen is a member of the flavivirus genus and belongs to the Japanese encephalitis antigenic complex, it says. The patent application filed in May 2008 came up for hearing on March 2016, after various procedures. The patent office had raised objections and the foundation had provided responses during the hearing, besides carrying out some amendments in their claims. The institute claimed that the invention is to provide a vector to stimulate an antibody-based protective immunity, that is, to elicit a humoral response in an animal against a West Nile Virus antigen. It claimed that the inventors have surprisingly found that a single immunisation with a minute dose of a non-replicative lentiviral vector has shown a specific body fluid related response and protection against the West Nile Virus infection in a mouse model of the viral encephalitis. This single immunisation resulted in a long-lasting, protective and sterilising body fluid related immunity. This lentiviral vector can therefore be used for preparing a medicine which could produce antibodies when administered in a single minute dose, to be used as a preventive measure to this virus, it claimed. Considering the oral and written submissions, the Patent Office decided to grant patent to the invention. WNV is commonly found in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America and West Asia. In India, according to reports, the virus has been identified in North Eastern India and States like Tamil Nadu and Kerala in the past. Many politicians in India have a habit of descending on disaster-hit places, which invariably affects rescue operations and forces the authorities to dedicate a part of the force in managing the security of the visiting VIPs. The same happened in Kollam when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress Vice-President decided to visit the Puttingal temple, hours after a fire had killed 109 people and injured over 350. The Kerala Police had raised objections to the high-profile visits Modi and Gandhi. In fact, the Director General of Police T P Senkumar had suggested that the PM visit the site a day after the disaster, The Indian Express reported on Friday. Senkumar added that the suggestion was given as the visits meant providing safety and security to them in the midst of rescue and relief efforts that they were involved in. I did object to the idea of the Prime Minister visiting the region within 12 hours of the accident. I told them it would be better for the PM to visit the spot a day after the disaster. But the PM wanted to visit that day itself. Our entire force had been working from early morning, engaged in rescue and relief work. So much work was still left and all of them were tired because there was no provision of even drinking water. We had to make arrangements for the safety and security of Prime Minister Modi and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi too, Senkumar told the newspaper. ALSO READ: Kollam temple fire: Gross violation of explosives norms The Special Protection Group (SPG) had spoken to Senkumar regarding the Prime Ministers visit as it was an emergency situation. I was also there at the spot. It was a day when we were all totally held up in the massive rescue and relief work. So, I explained the situation and suggested that he visit on Monday (April 11). Anyway, once the Prime Minister decides to visit, we have no choice other than make arrangements for his security, he told The Indian Express. The DGP also criticised the lack of support of the district administration. When our men were on the verge of collapse, no arrangement had been made to supply them even drinking water. The district administration was absent during these stages, he said. ALSO READ: Decoding the fireworks that caused the Kerala temple fire tragedy The Delhi Petrol Dealer Association (DPDA) on Friday dismissed a report that it is going on strike against the odd-even scheme, saying it stands with the government's initiative to reduce air pollution. "There is no strike. This is a rumour. Someone might have said in their individual capacity which was misunderstood. The association supports the Delhi government's odd-even inititative," DPDA spokesperson Atul Peshawaraia told IANS. "If the government is taking any initiative to clean the air of the capital then we stand with it as a responsible citizen," he added. "The DPDA does not agree with the Delhi government's as bikers and other vehicles are exempted. That, however, is not an issue as the government is at least trying to clean the air, which is not an easy job," he added. Delhi government's second phase of odd-even traffic restriction scheme, which aims at reducing air pollution in the capital, started on Friday. The scheme disallows private vehicles with even registration numbers to run on odd-numbered dates and vice-versa, thus restricting the volume of traffic on roads. Those who thought that enforcement agencies would be lenient on the first day of the on account of it being a public holiday had a heavy price to pay. The Delhi Police fined 884 people for bringing out cars with even-numbered registration, compared to 203 people who were prosecuted on the first day of the scheme in January this year. CASHING IN Orahi: It is launching a new app. People will be able to see odd-and even-numbered cars marked separately, besides the regular carpool feature It is launching a new app. People will be able to see odd-and even-numbered cars marked separately, besides the regular carpool feature Shuttl: It is adding 15 routes connecting different parts of Delhi with office hubs. It is expecting a 50 per cent increase in ridership It is adding 15 routes connecting different parts of Delhi with office hubs. It is expecting a 50 per cent increase in ridership Mylescars.com: It will allow users to hire and share Myles cars with fellow commuters starting at Rs 850 for 24 hours The real test of the scheme will be on Monday when schools and offices open after a three-day break. According to the Delhi government, 5,000 civil defence volunteers, 400 ex-servicemen, and 120 teams of the enforcement wing of the transport department will be deployed to catch errant drivers. Around 2,220 traffic policemen will also be deployed. Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai requested parents to leave early to drop their children at school. Women usually drop children to school and pick them up. They should enquire about other children in their vicinity and arrange to drop them at their homes, he said. On Friday, fewer people ventured out because of the holiday, resulting in lukewarm demand for services provided by taxi and auto-rickshaw aggregators. At least for the first three days there will not be a spike in demand. The real indicator will be Monday when offices open and people are out in full force, said an executive at a taxi aggregation company. Around 100,000 taxis and over 45,000 auto-rickshaws will ply on Delhi roads handling the rush during the . To handle the demand, which caused a back-end nightmare for some companies in January, most have reinforced their processes. Surge pricing happens only when there is a rise in demand. It is done by an algorithm and not handled by the company. We will not witness a major surge before Monday, added the executive. We have added over 11,000 CNG cars in the last five months. In addition, we have launched a pilot for bike sharing, uberMoto, in Gurgaon, said Uber. Its biggest rival Ola has increased its capacity to 25,000 taxis and around 18,000 auto-rickshaws. Riders on Ola Shuttle have increased to 15,000 daily. Tata Power Delhi Distribution (TPDDL) recently installed charging stations for electric two-wheelers in north and northwest Delhi. It is collaborating with a leading two-wheeler manufacturer to provide free rides to people on e-scooters. Besides, the company operates five charging stations in north and northwest Delhi for electric cars. Carpool by Meru is receiving more than 1,000 booking requests daily and this is expected to rise by as much as 30 per cent, said Siddhartha Pahwa, CEO, Meru Cabs. The Delhi government is going all out to ensure the initiative is a success. Odd-even starts today. Lets all join hands and resolve to make it a success, Delhis Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said in a tweet. Shashwat Bhardwaj, who works for an insurance company in Gurgaon, said he was opposed to the scheme because it caused him so much inconvenience. Last time, I used to wait till 8 pm at the Delhi-Gurgaon border before entering the capital. I am forced to drive to office, as there is no direct Metro connectivity between Dwarka and Gurgaon. Public transport is not available door to door, he said. If one spends one's college life bunking classes and copying notes, how does one develop a disciplined work rubric or understand why plagiarism is frowned upon globally? Some of the basics that a serious college education provide are not instilled in Indian students who treat college life as an opportunity to have a good time with friends before joining the real world of jobs and drudgery. Neeraj Batra, chairman of OnCourse, a Gurgaon-based education consultancy firm, is from Shriram College of Commerce and Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad. Despite being from the best institutions, Batra says he hasn't got real education in India. He says students leaving the country for higher studies - a drain on foreign exchange - is fundamentally good for the country as students experience cultural diversity, greater acceptance, learn some humility and gain networking opportunities. They learn the value of original thought and work. Many of these students come back and create opportunities for capital to be attracted back to the country. He thinks it's money well spent. Batra spoke to Anjuli Bhargava on some of the trends one sees with overseas education and answers questions on what makes sense and what doesn't. Edited excerpts: Is it true that a lot of students who leave the country for their undergraduate degrees are coming back? Why do you think it is happening? Education in India is in the 1990s; not in 2016. Antiquated, archaic. The way of teaching is horrendously behind what it ought to be and the rate of flux due to technology has made things worse. The reason people are going overseas is the firm realisation that entry into university here is completely driven by that single percentage which is not what an education ought to be. You get people who get 96 or 98 out of 100 marks in English who cannot speak or write the language. We have failed to keep up with the demand and quality. So, children have no option but to leave. I know why they are leaving, but are a lot of students coming back today? I would say many are coming back than in the 1980s-90s. The exception is the one who manages to find a job. It's not that everyone wants to come back but with the recession in the West, lack of economic or employment opportunity (there) is a reality. Luckily for them, the bright spot today is India. In fact, we're reversing brain drain. Instead of your best seeking education abroad and staying abroad, you have them seeking education abroad but not staying back. This is a good thing for the country. The country gains the entire exposure of four years "the cultural diversity, the exposure, the network they gain". India gains all of this. No doubt, there is a loss of foreign exchange but this creates opportunities for capital to be attracted back to the country as some of these people will go on to network and create symbiotic relationships with their peers at college. They can be more collaborative than if they were in a Delhi or Kolkata university. At the formative age of 20, these kids experience cultural diversity, greater acceptance, some amount of humility and gain a lot of networking opportunities. You eat, sleep, live with someone who could tomorrow be the president of the World Bank, the head of a new exciting global start-up, the head of a Fortune 500 company, a economist or what have you. I think that is invaluable. Education is as much about intellectual curiosity and as much about divergence of thinking as about convergence of thinking. In India, we only encourage convergence of thoughts. But here's something that is more worrying. How you spend your time in college as a young adult determines your value systems, your work rubric, ethics, your diligence - stuff that stays with you for the rest of your life. A good college education teaches you the ethics of not taking what doesn't strictly belong to you. In India, we cut and paste stuff and call it research. You cannot take ownership of something if it's not original. All this manifests later into all kinds of things. India and China have got away with jugaad but the new generation, which will work in a new and different world needs to be aware of all this. These things are bereft in our Indian system. Plagiarism is not even an existent word or concept in India. So, there are some really good things that our India system is yet to wake up to. We treat our college years in a very trivial manner and it is in fact the formative years for a human beings life. This builds the moral fibre and character for a country. If you let that get dissipated in bunking or lost in a meaningless existence of waking up late, going casually for one class, beating the system through plagiarism - you will never build a nation. Does it make sense for parents who can just about afford it to sell properties to finance their children's education in today's increasingly uncertain environment? A four-year education in the US typically would be Rs 1.8-2 crore, which is a large amount of money. I have a simple response on that. First and foremost if you are not getting into a top 30-40 colleges, you need to examine whether that money is being well spent. If it is financially stretching you, you need to have an even harder think if not the top 30-40 schools. For students who are bright, getting scholarships is possible. OnCourse has got scholarships of Rs 75 crore in the past two years (we send around 240 students a year overseas). But, let me say here that education is probably a better investment than real estate for a parent to make for his child and can never be seen as an expense. With land availability becoming an issue for fresh solar power projects in the state, Gujarat is expected to see more traction in wind power projects, among other states. The state currently has the highest wind power generation capacity potential of 35,071 Mw, of which 11 per cent or 3,789 Mw of capacity has been installed in Gujarat. As per a report by India Ratings & Research, due to falling capacity addition in the prominent states like Tamil Nadu, the baton for future capacity growth would be handed over to secondary states like Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. In its analysis, India Ratings & Research has classified low to moderate wind potential states of Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Karnataka as 'secondary states' and moderate to high wind potential states of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Rajasthan as 'prominent states'. Among the secondary states, at 35,071 Mw, Gujarat has the highest wind power generation capacity potential, followed by Andhra Pradesh and Telangana whose combined potential is around 14,497 Mw, Karnataka (13,593 Mw) and Madhya Pradesh (2931 Mw). "New capacities are more likely to come up in secondary states, while prominent states are likely to play second fiddle. Repowering options could however, provide incremental generation in these states," the report states. However, offering an outlook for fiscal 2016-17, the report is of the view that the next round of capacity addition would come to secondary states for several reasons. "A huge untapped potential coupled with a diversification policy adopted by the developers will attract larger private investment in the secondary states. However, GoI's support will play a key role in the development of the sector in the secondary states. A favourable policy conducive for private investment supported by adequate infrastructure extended by the state will help lay the foundation for the sustainable growth of the sector in these states," the report states. Further, the secondary states are also better off than the prominent ones on the state public utilities front (SPUs), which continue to remain an area of concern for the power sector. The secondary state SPUs are relatively better than those in Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan but still have moderate to below average operational and financial risk profiles wherein Gujarat is an outlier on the positive side. "Given the lower cushion on PLFs in the secondary states, delays in payments from SPUs could pressure cash flows and impact debt servicing," India Ratings & Research reports. Overall, India Ratings and Research expects capacity addition in the sector to remain healthy but likely to fall short of Government of India's ambitious target of 60 Gw by 2022 translating into approximately 5 Gw per year. Meanwhile, in terms of installed wind power generation capacity as on August 31, 2015 as per the report, Tamil Nadu leads at 7487 Mw, followed by Maharashtra (4450 Mw), Gujarat (3789 Mw), Rajasthan (3578 Mw), Karnataka (2645 Mw) and Andhra Pradesh (1126 Mw), among others. ...ends With the trade figures for March expected to remain weak, Indias merchandise exports are likely to improve only towards the end of 2016, according to experts. Falling for the 15th straight month till February, Indias exports would be difficult to revive in the next couple of months, say experts. Adverse global market conditions such as the crash in commodity prices and slowdown in the Chinese economy have caused exports to nose-dive for a longer stretch than even during the 2008-09 global financial meltdown, when the decline was for nine months on the trot. According to S C Ralhan, president of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations, these conditions are likely to remain volatile throughout the greater part of 2016 and outbound shipments would improve only from the last quarter of the year. The government also expects exports to strengthen only next year on the back of an uptick in petroleum and commodity prices globally. There are signs the commodities slump might recede with rising prices in the next six months, along with the Chinese economy making a comeback, said Mukesh Bhatnagar, professor, Centre for WTO Studies at Indian Institute of Foreign Trade. However, WTO forecasts a 3.6 per cent rise for 2017, commensurate with better conditions for trade growth from the latter part of 2016. Due to the sustained fall in merchandise exports, the government has had to revise its cumulative exports target for 2015-16, from the initial $300 billion to $260-270 billion. India exported goods worth $238 billion during the first 11 months of FY16, which was 16.7 per cent lower than $286 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year. As much as $22-32 billion worth of goods need to be exported in March to meet even the truncated target. Even if this target is met, it would be $50 billion lower than the previous years realisation at the lower end and $40 billion at upper end. This would also mark contraction for the second year in a row. To boost exports, the government should take suitable action on the policy front, according to experts who have repeatedly cautioned the government against stressing solely on new markets to generate exports. The Centre has proposed to implement the new civil aviation and tourism policy within a fortnight. The Civil Aviation Ministry will take decision on the controversial in the new policy. The rule says an airline needs to fly five years in the domestic market and have a fleet of 20 aircraft before it can fly abroad. "The new civil aviation policy will address both the issues of opening up the skies and regional connectivity in a very aggressive and fulfilling manner," said the Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma. He was speaking to reporters at the Maritime India summit. Sharma informed that the government will make operational 100 of the total 378 air strips for regional connectivity with an investment of Rs 50-100 crore each. Sharma informed that the new policy envisages fare of Rs 2,500 for flights of one hour duration journey in Tier II and III cities under the regional connectivity scheme. Further, the minister said the government has no move to regulate economy class airfares for domestic routes. "The government is working with airline companies to arrive at a consensus to fix the upper bracket," he added. He cited as per the International Civil Aviation Organisation policies there is no cap on air fares in the world. The government's mandate on health warning on 85 per cent of tobacco product packs has left tobacco farmers high and dry. In Gujarat alone, farmers are fearing huge financial losses at a time when season has peaked, due to manufacturers ceasing tobacco purchases from farmers due to the new mandate. With about 48 per cent share, Gujarat is the largest tobacco producer in India but has been witnessing around Rs 3,000 crore of unsold tobacco with farmers currently. If slack demand continues, the financial condition of farmers in Gujarat could worsen. "The tobacco farmers and retailers of Gujarat are facing an unprecedented threat because of the policy shock of 85 per cent warnings on beedis and chewing tobacco, which has led to overnight closure of the tobacco industry in India. This may create financial crunch for farmers and it will disturb their social and economical arrangements," said Bhikhubhai Patel, president, Gujarat Tobacco Merchants Association. There are 450,000 farmers engaged in tobacco cultivation in Gujarat, whose entire families are dependent on tobacco for their livelihoods. Tobacco is cultivated on 150,000 hectare of farm land in Gujarat, with annual production of 360 million kg of tobacco produce. In value terms this amounts to approx Rs 3,000 crore in monetary value for Gujarat tobacco farmers. April is the peak selling time, however, due to the industry closure, manufacturers have suspended tobacco buying, resulting in almost 100 per cent of tobacco produce lying unsold with farmers. "These crops are stocked in the open at farmer homes as there are no proper storage facilities. With monsoon expected to arrive soon, the entire crop is under threat of getting damaged, killing the annual earnings prospects for Gujarat farmers unexpectedly," said Patel. The state has more than 150,000 micro-retailers, traders and panwallas, selling tobacco products across the state. Their livelihood primarily depend on selling of tobacco products. Sale of other confectionary and supplementary products stocked by these micro retailers is also totally dependent on the success of retailing of tobacco products. Raju Lalwani who represents Ahmedabad Paan Beedi Vikreta Association said, "The micro tobacco retailers of Gujarat are in panic mode because of the threat to their livelihoods. With tobacco production having stopped, it will be hard for small retailers to sustain their businesses." Food procurement for the central pool in Punjab has come under the shadow of Rs 20,000-crore unpaid dues by the Union government. An official in the Punjab government's food department said a Rs 20,000 crore claim of reimbursement for procuring grain for the public distribution system was pending with the Centre. "The state government has been holding discussions with the Union ministry of consumer affairs. Our claims are genuine and the ministry has given us positive indications," the official added. Punjab contributes approximately 14 million tonnes of rice and 11 million tonnes of wheat a year to the central grain pool. The state spends an average Rs 40,000 crore a year on the procurement of rice and wheat, the highest by any state on food procurement in the country. The next is Haryana and the value of food procured there is half of that of Punjab. Sources in the Food Corporation of India said a provisional cost sheet was sent by state governments to the Union ministry of consumer affairs at the start of the procurement season. An annual audited account sheet is generated after procurement and submitted to the Centre. The Punjab and Union governments have had differing views on expenses incurred on transportation of grain, labour and packaging. This has resulted in delayed payments. The FCI sources said the Centre might not accept Punjab's claims. Sources in the Reserve Bank of India confirmed a delay in receivables on account of reimbursement to Punjab from the Centre. The Punjab food department official said, "We are not aware of any communication between the RBI and banks," he said. State Bank of India executives were not available for comment. Diversified metals and mining major has initiated the ramp up of its second aluminium smelter at Jharsuguda. Vedanta aims to commission two potlines of the smelter to reach a capacity of 0.6 million tonne per annum (mtpa) by the end of this financial year. The second smelter with a rated capacity of 1.25 mtpa is located within the product specific SEZ (Special Economic Zone) developed by Vedanta close to the site of its standalone smelter. "The second smelter at Jharsuguda has been lying idle for three years mainly due to want of power. Now that we have got a favourable order from the state power regulator to use two units (600 Mw each) from our own power plant (of 2400 Mw capacity), we are in a position to expand capacity of this smelter. We have also decided to raise capacity of our second smelter at Korba to 0.5 mtpa. The expansion work on this smelter would take off from April 21", a senior official at Vedanta Ltd told Business Standard. Vedanta owns two aluminium smelting facilities at Jharsuguda. While the standalone smelter of 0.5 million tonne per annum (mtpa) is running at full capacity, the other smelting unit of 1.25 mtpa capacity, within its product specific SEZ, was running at depleted capacity for want of power. The company has already invested Rs 12,000 crore on the smelter complex at Jharsuguda. Commissioning of the SEZ facility promised to boost the local economy by generating business potential worth Rs 15,000 crore every year. Direct and indirect employment opportunities for nearly 12,000 persons are set to be created. In 2015-16, Vedanta logged four-fold jump in aluminium production from 19,000 tonne to 76,000 tonne. Vedanta's overall aluminium output moved up five per cent from 0.87 million tonne (mt) to 0.92 mt by the end of 2015-16. Alumina production from Vedanta's Lanjigarh refinery was marginally down one per cent last financial year to 0.97 mt as one stream was under shutdown for want of bauxite. Vedanta has approval to expand Lanjigarh refinery to four mtpa and it would be ramped up in phases on further visibility of bauxite sources, the company said in a statement. In 2015-16, Vedanta imported around one million tonne of alumina and the imports are going to escalate this financial year with the company going for ramp up in smelter capacities. "Global alumina prices are at the level of $250 and at this price point, it would be sustainable for us to carry on with imports. Also, we are focusing on cost reduction and operational efficiency. Our overall aluminium production cost is $1,477 a tonne while that of Jharsuguda smelter alone is still lower at $1,460 per tonne, making us one of the most cost competitive aluminium producers", he said. During last financial year, Vedanta's sales of value added products in aluminium business rose seven per cent to 0.2 mt, supporting higher realisations. Land fragmentation is a major hurdle in rural credit absorption which adversely affects agriculture and rural development, said S S Mundra, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India. Average land holding in India is 1.15 hectare per farmer, which was 2.1 hectare per farmer at the time of independence, said . When rural credit absorption gets affected farmers stay away from modern farming, use of advanced equipment etc, added Mudra. Rural credit distribution imbalance is another problem which affects the rural development, said Mudra. BS R In India, farmers who own more than 10 hectare land use 85% institutional credit. Landless farmers use only 15% of the institutional credit. So, despite strong rural credit figures there is lot of imbalance, he said. On important steps taken in the direction of rural and agriculture credit, Mundra said: For the first time, in the priority sector guideline revision, small and marginal farmer have a separate 7% allocation for rural credit. This along with effective insurance scheme launched by the government will address the rural credit distribution imbalance. The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee attended the Convocation Ceremony of the 71st Staff Course of Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) at Wellington, Tamil Nadu today (April 15, 2016). . . Addressing the graduating officers, the President called upon them to effectively leverage the combat power of our forces, when the country requires them, as custodians of peace and security, to preserve the sovereignty, conforming to our national interests. As Supreme Commander of Armed Forces, he asked them to perform their duties with loyalty, distinction, steadfastness and patriotic fervour. . . The President congratulated graduating officers from friendly foreign countries and expressed hope that the deep bonds of friendship and camaraderie they have forged will transform into everlasting ties of brotherhood between our nations. . . The President said DSSC is a premier establishment which promotes the integrated functioning of the three services in a multi spectrum conflict environment. He said the training curriculum at this College seeks to instill jointness amongst our armed forces. The history of warfare bears testimony to the fact that ultimate victory in war will be achieved through jointness among the three Services. . . The first Maritime India Summit in Mumbai, besides resulting in business agreements for Rs 82,905 crore investments, played a key role in highlighting the role of port led development for faster and sustainable economic growth. The National Perspective Plan of Sagarmala project, which was released by the Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi on April 14, underlined Governments seriousness in boosting port led infrastructure development. . . The summit provided a platform for participation, engagement and interaction from 42 countries. More than 5000 delegates from around the globe participated in the Summit. The 3 day exhibition organized during the Summit also drew enthusiastic response from 197 exhibitors including 81 international companies, 80 Indian private sector companies and 36 Government owned entities. . . 13 thematic sessions and 3 special sessions on various aspects of maritime sector were organised in which more than 80 eminent speakers from across the globe deliberated and shared their vision and experience and interacted with the audience. The thematic session on Maritime Nations highlighted the global nature of the shipping industry and the importance of co-operation & collaboration between maritime nations. . . The focus sessions on maritime States brought to fore the investment opportunities in various maritime States and Union Territories of India. In addition, there were sectoral seminars on shipbuilding and ship repair, skill development through maritime education, inland waterways development, cruise shipping and lighthouse tourism, fisheries development and maritime security, which saw serious deliberations. . . An exclusive CEOs Forum of select industry leaders, chaired by Honble Minister S,RT&H, was held to deliberate on the potential and growth opportunities of the Indian Maritime Sector. The enriching discussions, suggestions and learnings from various similar developments in many countries will help Ministry of Shipping in implementing a sustainable roadmap for the sector. Union Shipping Minister Mr. Nitin Gadkari, interacted with over 100 foreign delegates and ensured them the easy of doing business in India. . . The session on the Partner Country Republic of Korea, highlighted the strengths of Korea as a Maritime Nation especially in Ship Building, Maritime technology, Port led Development, Maritime Financing and Maritime Security. The Summit has also provided a unique platform to forge new partnerships with other countries. On the side-lines of this Summit, high level bilateral meetings were held with 12 participating countries. . . The Summit showcased around 240 projects which present investment opportunities during the next five years. The investment potential of these projects is around $ 66 Billion (Rs. 4.34 lakh crores). The Ministry of Shipping has established an Investment Facilitation Cell in Indian Ports Association to follow up on these opportunities with potential investors and ensure that the announcements and intent expressed during the summit materialize into actual projects and investments. . . Maritime Heritage Museum A top draw. . One of the top attractions at the Summit was the Maritime Heritage Museum, built in the form of a container ship with interiors resembling a Spanish Galleon. The museum depicts the 5000 years rich maritime heritage of India, right from the earliest port at Lothal to the modern days of shipping in the form of artefacts, replicas, photographs, maps and navigation equipment. . . During the Day 1 at Maritime India Summit in Mumbai yesterday, 22 agreements entailing investments of around Rs 31000 crs were signed in the presence of Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways. In addition, several other projects were signed between contracting parties. . . In all, nearly 140 MoUs/ Business Agreements will be signed over two days by various players in maritime sector including Ports, Maritime States and PSUs like Shipping Corporation of India, Cochin Shipyard Limited, Inland Waterways Authority of India etc. Collectively, these projects entail investments of more than US $ 12 bn or Rs 83000 crores. Projects cover vast spectrum of activities including port development and modernisation, development of inland waterways, ship building, setting up of LNG terminals and power plants. . . One significant MOU signed relates to establishment of a Greenfield port at Vadhavan, Maharashtra. Phase I of the project will cost around Rs 9167 crores. Shareholders agreement for the project was signed between JNPT and Maharashtra Maritime Board. Once completed the new port will allow large size ships to enter Indian waters and will also help decongest JNPT and Mumbai Port. . . In another landmark development, Government of Andhra Pradesh entered into a MoU in the presence of Sh. N Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. The MoU was signed with Inland Waterways Authority of India for development of National Waterway 4 at an estimated cost of around Rs 3000 crs. National Waterway 4 passes through Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Once developed, this waterway will help take off roads significant portion of cargo traffic. . . Petronet LNG has signed a MoU with Inland Waterways Authority of India to facilitate greater use of LNG in inland water transport thereby reducing carbon footprint. Cochin Shipyard Limited has entered into an agreement with Samsung Heavy Industries to formalise technical cooperation for building LNG ships in India. This will also be first of kind in the country. . . Gujarat Maritime Board has collaborated with IL&FS to develop a Maritime Services Cluster at GIFT City, Gandhinagar. The proposed cluster will provide all services related to maritime sector and will be the first such initiative in the country. . . Adani group has announced plans to invest around Rs 28000 crs over next five years in various projects. Representative of Adani Ports & SEZ said that the Group would invest in new ports in Odisha and Gujarat. JSW Group owned by Jindals has also proposed to invest around Rs 10000 crs over a span of 5 years. . . Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, MoS(I/C) Petroleum and Natural Gas made a one-day official visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on 14th April, 2016. During his visit, he held meetings with Vice Minister for Petroleum HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud and Health Minister & Chairman of Aramco Mr. Khalid Al Falih. He also visited the headquarters of SABIC (2nd largest petrochemical company of the World). . . The visit came close on heels of the successful visit of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to Saudi Arabia on April 2-3, 2016. During the visit of the Prime Minister, ways to enhancing cooperation in oil and gas sector was one of the key issues discussed with the Saudi leadership. The visit by Shri Pradhan was a follow up to take forward the discussions regarding various investment proposals in areas like oil, gas, petrochemicals, exploration and production, etc. Shri Pradhan shared details of various investment opportunities in India in downstream and upstream sectors. He also elaborated on the Hydrocarbon Exploration Licensing Policy (HELP) and Discovered Small Fields policy and invited the Saudi side to invest in Indian upstream sector. The Saudi side also provided details of investment opportunities for Indian companies in their country. Both sides agreed to conclude discussions regarding concrete investment proposals in a time-bound manner. They also agreed to appoint high level negotiation teams for various projects which would be periodically reviewed at Minister level. Shri Pradhan was accompanied by Ambassador of India, CEOs of ONGC Limited, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited. . . Saudi Arabia has been the largest supplier of crude oil to India. Saudi Arabia supplied about 40 MMT of crude to India during 2015-16, accounting for about 20% of total crude imports. India also imported about 3 MMT of LPG which is around 28% of our total LPG imports. . . YB Resonating the Governments resolve to become one of the top global maritime hubs, Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Shri Nitin Gadkari today met about 100 high-level foreign delegates from Bangladesh, Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, and Sudan at the maiden Maritime India Summit, 2016 in Mumbai. The summit is the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India with a view to unleash the potential of Indian Maritime Sector to the world. The summit showcased various thematic sessions based on the governments ambitious Sagarmala project for port-led development. . . Shri Gadkari underlined various efforts that the Government has undertaken to enhance bilateral economic cooperation in shipping, ports, railways, and trade & commerce. Addressing the foreign delegates, Shri Gadkari said, Maritime development is high on the priority list of our Government as it has the potential of opening a new era of foreign investment in ship building, ship repair, ship breaking, inland water transportation, cruise shipping, and hinterland connectivity, to name a few." . . South Africas Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Sindiswe Chikunga was accompanied by Mr. Mthunzi Madiya, acting CDMaritime Infrastructure and industry development, Mr. Themba Nkontwana, Director-Multilateral Coordination, Mr. Collins Makhado, SAMSA Executive, Mr. Mahesh Fakir, ECO-Ports Regulator, Ms. Thato Tsaute, Managing Director-Maritime Cluster and Mr. Richard Vallihu, CEO-Transnet who met Shri Gadkari. . . Similarly, Bangladesh Shipping Minister Mr. Shahjahan Khan, Chittagong Port Trust Chairman Admiral Khalid Iqbal, Bangladesh Shipping Corporation Chairman Mr. Habibur Rehman were among the delegates from in the bilateral meeting. . . Representatives from Maldives comprised Economic Development Minister Mr. Mohamed Saeed, Maritime Director General Mr. Abdul Nasir and other officials. . . Mauritius Minister of Ocean Economy (Marine Resource) Mr. P Koonjoo, Madagascar Minister of Tourism, Transports and Meteorology Mr. Addriantiana Ulrich and Sudan Minister of Transport, Roads and Bridges Mr. Makkawi Mohamed Awad Oshi were some of the prominent delegates who shared ideas with Shri Gadkari. . . Crude oil production from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) rose 40,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 32.38 million bpd in March, driven by sanctions-free Iran, according to data compiled by global research firm Platts. Despite higher output, the benchmark Brent crude oil price firmed up by seven per cent in March to close at $38.7 a barrel towards the month-end. Interestingly, Brent crude oil price continued its upward march to trade currently at $41.6 a barrel, thus recording 14 per cent increase from March 1. Iran and Iraq remain the big swing factors, having driven Opec output higher in March, while Saudi Arabia has been more neutral, keeping production steady since January, said Eklavya Gupte, senior editor at Platts. Neither Iran nor Iraq has made firm commitments to the Doha talks on April 17, but their collective stance could be a decisive element regarding any agreement over a production freeze. Irans output in March climbed 110,000 bpd from the previous month to 3.23 million bpd. Its production is up 340,000 bpd since December, as it seeks to regain its former share of the global oil market. The rise is less dramatic than the countrys leaders had predicted, but it is still a notable increase as former buyers return to the market. The demand for Iranian crude has jumped, particularly from Indian and South Korean refiners. Frances Total, Spains Cepsa and Russias Lukoil have noticeably returned as customers, having emerged since the West lifted sanctions against Iran on January 16. More Iranian crude is expected to flow this month to Europe, buoyed by an increase in the level of reinsurance coverage for shipments of Iranian crude oil. European banks are gradually showing more confidence in financing Iranian crude transactions. In Iraq, oil output rose 30,000 bpd to 4.16 million bpd in March, largely on the back of a substantial rise in exports from the countrys southern terminals. However, the increase in southern-terminal oil exports was blunted somewhat by a decline in total volumes from the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, where vandalism and attacks continued to disrupt exports via the pipeline, which transports crude from northern Iraq and Iraqi-Kurdistan to the Turkish Mediterranean port of Ceyhan. Similarly, Angolan output in March was also up by 30,000 bpd to 1.80 million bpd, the highest production seen since December. OPEC's largest producer, Saudi Arabia, maintained output at 10.2 million bpd for the third consecutive month, the survey showed. All eyes will now be on April 17, when major oil producers from both OPEC and non-OPEC countries will meet in Doha to discuss freezing oil production at January levels. At present, 13 countries have confirmed their participation: Algeria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Ecuador, Indonesia, Kuwait, Nigeria, Oman, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and the UAE. Iraq and Iran have not shown any firm commitment to the output freeze proposal, while Libya, whose production remains crippled by political unrest, has said it will not join the meeting. The plan to freeze production at January levels was initially voiced by top world producers Saudi Arabia and Russia, as well as OPEC members Venezuela and Qatar, in mid-February, to help balance oil and support oil prices. Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that information in the Panama Papers implicating people in his inner circle to offshore transactions was accurate, but dismissed the leak - which he tied to Goldman Sachs Group - as part of US efforts to influence Russia's upcoming elections. "Odd as it may seem, they aren't publishing false information on offshores," Putin said during his annual call-in show on Thursday. "They're not accusing anyone of anything specific. They're just casting a shadow."Read more from our special coverage on "VLADIMIR ... West Midlands Police on Friday confirmed that they had arrested five people at airports in Birmingham and at Gatwick Airport for suspicious terror activities. Police said in a statement that all five were residents of Birmingham and were involved in the preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. They said four people, including three men aged 26, 40 and 59 respectively and a 29-year-old woman, were arrested in Birmingham on Thursday night, and a 26-year-old man was picked up at Gatwick Airport early on Friday morning. The arrests form a part of an extensive investigation being carried out by West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit (WMCTU), MI5 and international partners including Belgian and French authorities to address any associated threat to the UK following the attacks in Europe," the Guardian quoted Assistant Chief Constable Marcus Beale of the West Midlands Police, as saying. All five are currently being held in the West Midlands, where they are being questioned by WMCTU officers, according to the police. Police are also searching several properties in Birmingham for further clues. Foreign Ministers of India, Russia and China will be taking part in the 14th meeting of these ministers of three nations on April 18 in Moscow, Russia. According to reports, the three foreign ministers will exchange views on international and regional issues of common concern and discuss ways to push trilateral pragmatic cooperation forward. India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will join her Russian and Chinese counterparts -- Sergey Lavrov and Wang Yi, besides Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin to exchange views and coordinate positions on international and regional issues of mutual interest. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, who is the co-chair of the Russian-Indian Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, will also hold talks with Swaraj on ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. Assuring over 100 foreign maritime delegates participating in Maritime India Summit 2016 of ease of doing business in India, Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Friday said, "Maritime development is high on the priority list of our Government as it has the potential of opening a new era of foreign investment in ship building, ship repair, ship breaking, inland water transportation, cruise shipping, and hinterland connectivity, to name a few." Talking about 'Sagarmala', he said our plan is to reduce the logistic cost from 18 to 10 percent. "The logistic cost is very important in international trade and business. The logistic cost in China is 8 percent; while in India, it is 18 percent. And, that is one of the reasons that why it is difficult for our industry to compete with China's price. So, the most important thing for our country is how it can reduce the logistics' cost," he said. "In the World Bank Logistics Performance Index, India ranks 54. India's 95 percent exim trade volume happens through ports. Distance for exim container movement for India is 700-1000 km from industry to port is higher than China, where the distance is 150-300 km," he underlined. Resonating government's resolve to become one of the top global maritime hubs, Gadkari later met about 100 high-level foreign delegates from Bangladesh, Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar and Sudan. The summit is the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Shipping, with a view to unleash the potential of Indian Maritime Sector to the world. The summit showcased various thematic sessions based on the government's ambitious 'Sagarmala' project for port-led development. Gadkari underlined various efforts that the Government has undertaken to enhance bilateral economic cooperation in shipping, ports, railways, and trade and commerce. South Africa's Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Sindiswe Chikunga was accompanied by Mr. Mthunzi Madiya, acting CD-Maritime Infrastructure and industry development, Mr. Themba Nkontwana, Director-Multilateral Coordination, Mr. Collins Makhado, SAMSA Executive, Mr. Mahesh Fakir, ECO-Ports Regulator, Ms. Thato Tsaute, Managing Director-Maritime Cluster and Mr. Richard Vallihu, CEO-Transnet who met Shri Gadkari. Similarly, Bangladesh Shipping Minister Mr. Shahjahan Khan, Chittagong Port Trust Chairman Admiral Khalid Iqbal, Bangladesh Shipping Corporation Chairman Mr. Habibur Rehman were among the delegates from in the bilateral meeting. Representatives from Maldives comprised Economic Development Minister Mohamed Saeed, Maritime Director General Abdul Nasir and other officials. Mauritius Minister of Ocean Economy (Marine Resource) P. Koonjoo, Madagascar Minister of Tourism, Transports and Meteorology Addriantiana Ulrich and Sudan Minister of Transport, Roads and Bridges Makkawi Mohamed Awad Oshi were some of the prominent delegates who shared ideas with Gadkari. Harper's BAZAAR marked seven years in India with a party at Shangri La- Eros, New Delhi, recently. Designers, artists, models, and entrepreneurs gathered at the hotel's new Grappa Bar as they celebrated the landmark occasion. Eminent personalities such as Sanjay Thapar, CEO, Lifestyle Magazines, India Today Group; Nonita Kalra, Editor, Harper's Bazaar. In attendance were the creme de la creme of the city: JJ Valaya, Suneet Varma, David Abraham and Rakesh Thakore, Gauri Karan, Shivan Bhatia and Narresh Kukreja, Kalyani Chawla, among others were present at the event. Aroon Purie, Editor-in-Chief, and Kalli Purie, Group Synergy and Creative Officer, The India Today Group were also among the people who attended the bash. Prashant Sood, Director - Eros Group said, "It gives us immense pleasure to be a part of the seventh anniversary celebration of Harper's Bazaar India and we are delighted to host the evening at our newly opened bar Grappa." Parmeet Singh Nayar, General Manager - Shangri-La's - Eros Hotel, New Delhi says "Grappa is a place where modern innovation is blended with classic reverence, and we are honored to host the 7th anniversary celebration of Harper's Bazaar India." The special anniversary issue also presents the second edition of the Bazaar Inspires project, aimed to promote one Indian textile each year. It launched with khadi; this time round, it was ikat. Sixty-eight designers, from Rohit Bal to Bibhu Mohapatra, created their own versions of the traditional weave, and the result is a stunning fashion editorial, Dyed in the Yarn. The party brought that shoot to life with an exhibit displaying the garments created especially for Harper's Bazaar. Dalbir Kaur, the sister of alleged Indian spy Sarabjit Singh, who died in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat jail three years ago, said Friday that Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh has given an assurance that all concerns related to the bringing of the body of Kirpal Singh back from Pakistan will be addressed. "Home Minister assured us that all our concerns will be addressed and the body of Kirpal Singh will be soon brought back. He also said that he is in contact with the Pakistani government," Dalbir Kaur told ANI here. Jagir Kaur, the sister of Kirpal Singh, who died under mysterious circumstances in a Lahore jail, was accompanied by Dalbir Kaur to meet the Home Minister. "What happened to Sarabjit, the same thing has happened to my brother," Jagir Kaur said. Family members of Kirpal Singh met Rajnath Singh here today to express their concern over the gruesome treatment meted out to Indians languishing in Pakistani jails. Dalbir Kaur, the sister of Sarabjit Singh, accompanied them. Dalbir Kaur had met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj over the same issue last month, and added that what was happening in Pakistan was nothing new or surprising. Kirpal Singh's family have rejected Pakistan's claim that he died of a heart attack and have demanded a post-mortem to ascertain the true facts behind his sudden death. "How can we believe that he died of heart attack? His body should be sent to us and post-mortem should be done. We want to know the truth," Singh's nephew told ANI. Kirpal had allegedly crossed the Attari-Wagah border to Pakistan in 1992 and was subsequently sentenced to death in a serial bomb blasts case in Pakistan's Punjab province. President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday attended the Convocation Ceremony of the 71st Staff Course of the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) at Wellington, Tamil Nadu. Addressing graduating officers, the President called upon them to effectively leverage "the combat power of our forces, when the country requires them, as custodians of peace and security, to preserve the sovereignty, conforming to our interests." As Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, he asked them to perform their duties with loyalty, distinction, steadfastness and patriotic fervour. He also congratulated graduating officers from friendly foreign countries and expressed hope that the deep bonds of friendship and camaraderie they have forged will transform into everlasting ties of brotherhood between our nations. The President said, "DSSC is a premier establishment which promotes the integrated functioning of the three services in a multi spectrum conflict environment." He said the training curriculum at this college seeks to instill jointness amongst our armed forces. The history of warfare bears testimony to the fact that ultimate victory in war will be achieved through jointness among the three Services, he concluded. Asserting that the odd-even scheme by the Delhi government was doing nothing but causing inconvenience to the commuters, Former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit on Friday accused her successor Arvind Kejriwal of heavily publicising the scheme in a blatant attempt to fool the public into believing that the formula was a raging success. "I really don't see any benefit here. This is nothing but convenience. They should have gone ahead with the programme only if they honestly thought it was a success. They should also ensure adequate transportation to people, which is not there right now. Half the buses are broken down, how are people supposed to travel now," Dikshit told ANI here. She further accused Kejriwal of going out of his way to publicise the scheme saying that the Chief Minister was trying to make the scheme sound like a one of a kind, never heard before formula. "They have publicised this to make it sound like it is out of this world and they have tried to create such an impression, but it's clearly not working," Dikshit added. Echoing similar sentiments, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Vijender Gupta told ANI that the Delhi government was not proving anything by implementing the formula only for 15 days and asserted that the odd even scheme was not a permanent solution to the capital's traffic woes. "The government's aim through this programme is not clear. This is all just a waste of effort and time and it's not even a permanent solution. It's just time pass by the government. People are saying that they might have to buy another vehicle if this continues," Gupta said. Meanwhile, with the second phase of the odd even scheme having begun in the capital from today, Kejriwal called on the people to ensure that the formula is a resounding success. "Odd even starts today. Let's all join hands and resolve to make it a success," Kejriwal Tweeted. Trinamool Congress spokesperson Derek O' Brien wished Kejriwal luck for the successful implantation of the scheme. "Rise & Shine #Delhi. Good luck @ArvindKejriwal & team for Chapter Two #oddeven Do what it takes," Brien tweeted. Delhi Metro and Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) have announced extra trains and buses to cope up with the rise in commuters opting for public transport. Kejriwal, earlier this week, said that the public transport needs to be strengthened before implementing the scheme on a regular basis. According to the scheme, cars whose registration numbers end with even numbers would be off roads on even dates, while those cars with odd registration numbers would be off roads on odd dates. The scheme will be in operation from 8 in the morning to 8 in the evening, however, the scheme will not apply on Sundays. The VIPs, women drivers, CNG-certified vehicles, two-wheelers and those carrying the differently-abled are exempted from the scheme. However, the exemption will not apply to Delhi Chief Minister and his cabinet colleagues as they have decided to abide by the rule. Those found violating the scheme will be penalised with a fine of Rs. 2,000. About 5000 civil defence volunteers will be at various traffic intersections carrying placards explaining the rules to motorists. The family members of Kirpal Singh, the Indian prisoner who died under mysterious circumstances in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat Jail, will meet Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in the capital today to express her concern over the gruesome treatment meted out to the Indians languishing in Pakistan jails. Dalbir Kaur, the sister of Sarabjit Singh who, like Kirpal, had trespassed into Pakistan's territory before he died in the same jail, will also be accompanying them during the meeting to be held at the Home Minister's official residence at around 10: 25 a.m. "We are meeting him to raise our demand that the body of Kirpal Singh should be sent to us at the earliest. We want that post-mortem should again take place in India so that we can now as to what actually happened," Kaur told ANI. Kaur, who met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj over the same issue last month, had said that it was nothing new with Pakistan making bogus claims of arresting an innocent person and calling him a spy. The family members of Kirpal Singh have denied Pakistan's claim that he died of a heart attack and demanded a post-mortem to ascertain the facts. "How can we believe that he died of heart attack? His body should be sent to us and post-mortem should be done. We want to know the truth," Singh's nephew told ANI. With India raising the issue of Singh's death, Pakistan has said that the Indian prisoner died of heart attack while asserting that it was not appropriate to see everything through the prism of suspicion and conspiracy. Kirpal had allegedly crossed the Attari-Wagah border to Pakistan in 1992 and was subsequently sentenced to death in a serial bomb blasts case in Pakistan's Punjab province. A full-fledged military operation against the notorious Chottu gang of Dera Ghazi Khan is expected today after hundreds of army troops arrived in Rahimyar Khan and Rajanpur last night. Around 500 soldiers, including two groups of Zarrar Commandos, flew into Rahimyar Khan's Farid Airbase from Okara while two companies of 33, Punjab Regiment from Multan arrived in Rajanpur with four helicopters. The latest development came after the federal interior ministry accorded approval for launching a military operation against the hardened criminals of Rajanpur's Rojhan tehsil. A strike force with paratroops from Rangers would also take part in the joint operation along with regular policemen and commandos of the force, reports Dawn. The crackdown against the gangsters of Rajanpur continued for the 18th day on Thursday, a day after the outlaws killed seven and abducted 22 policemen in fierce clashes in Kacha Jamal area in South Punjab. Punjab IGP Mushtaq Sukhera met the Multan Corps Commander in Rahim Yar Khan and asked for the army's help in eliminating criminals from the area. The gang of Ghulam Rasool Chottu, who carries a huge bounty on his head, has more than 100 gangsters against whom at least 54 cases of murders, robberies and kidnappings are registered in police stations across South Punjab. Chottu has demanded the release of his comrades, withdrawal of police and Rangers and dismantling of security check-posts in his territory, and the return of the gang's firearms for ending the crisis. The police have ruled out accepting any demands and are instead planning for a large-scale operation. For the rescue of the 22 kidnapped policemen, locals have been contacted through influential tribal leaders. One person was killed while another critically injured after an explosion took place in a farm in Madhya Pradesh's Morena District on Friday afternoon. The Police have reached the spot and are trying to find the cause of the explosion. Meanwhile, the injured has been rushed to a nearby hospital. One of the eye witnesses of the Murthal gang-rapes, which took place during the Jat agitation, has claimed that he was threatened for 'speaking too much'. Bobby Joshi said that he received a call warning him of serious consequences for speaking on the matter. "You are speaking too much. We will see you. Following the threat call, I complained to the IG (Police)," Joshi told ANI. "I am not scared of any threat. There is another lady, who also saw everything that happened that day. During the Jat agitation, I saw some rogue elements near Sukdev Dhaba creating ruckus and misbehaving with ladies," he added. After rejecting the reports of sexual assaults in Murthal, the Manohar Lal Khattar-led government had earlier this week told the Punjab and Haryana High Court that a Section of gang-rape has been added in the FIR registered on the basis of a complaint filed by Bobby Joshi on March 30 alleging gang-rapes during the Jat quota violence. The Punjab and Haryana High Court had taken suo motu notice of media reports that some women, who were commuting on the Delhi-Ambala Highway (NH-1), were stripped and raped by rioters during the Jat agitation over reservation in government jobs. The Haryana Government had initially told the court that no incidents of rape or molestation had taken place. Nepal's Acting Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Ananda Prasad Sharma, who was admitted to the King Faisal Hospital following a knife attack, has been discharged. A Nepali national, who was taking shelter in the embassy, attacked Sharma when was on duty at his office in Riyadh yesterday. Second Secretary at the Embassy Bijay Raut said Sharma's health condition is normal, reports Daily Star. The motive behind the attack is not yet clear. Moreover, the name and other details of the attacker have not been disclosed yet. The suspect has been nabbed by the Saudi Police and would face punishment as per the Saudi law. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the incident against the diplomatic official and added that the embassy had been directed to look into the issue and report at the earliest. MoFA spokesperson Tara Prasad Pokharel said that the attacker was living at a shelter on the Nepali Embassy premises for some time after being declared 'illegal' in the Gulf kingdom and was in the process of returning home. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday asserted that the Handwara incident was an attempt by 'Pakistani agents' to defame the Indian Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Government. "Pakistani agents and supporters in Jammu and Kashmir are hard at work to disgrace the Indian Army and the state government. The Indian Army has been protesting and saving the people of Jammu and Kashmir from Pakistan for the past 20-30 years," BJP MLA Ravinder Raina told ANI here. Stating that the personnel of the Indian Army have been sacrificing themselves to save the lives of the civilians in the region, he added that 'paid' Pakistani agents in the area were at work to defame the nation and its soldiers. "Even the girl has admitted that no Army man misbehaved with her. This is a conspiracy to defame the Indian army," Raina added. As per reports, the girl has denied that she was molested by an Army man and accused two local youths of hatching a conspiracy. Meanwhile, an uneasy calm prevailed in the Valley as the police continued to place restrictions in several parts for the third day. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti had earlier said that she had spoken to Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, who assured her that the guilty would not be spared. "I spoke to Lt General DS Hooda and Defence Minister Parrikar and they have assured me that an enquiry has been set in place and that those responsible will be punished. The family of the victims will also be compensated," she added while stating that the incidence of violence was unfortunate and should never have happened. Even as India has made categorically clear that Kulbushan Jadhav is not a RAW officer, but a former Indian Naval officer doing business in Iran, leaving no opportunity to cashing in on the arrest of Jadhav, Pakistan on Friday briefed envoys of Arab countries and ASEAN member states based in Islamabad about Jadhav's purported confession about India-sponsored subversive activities and terrorist financing to destabilise Pakistan. "The Envoys of the Arab countries and ASEAN member states based in Islamabad were briefed today at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the arrest of Indian Intelligence Agency, RAW's Officer, Kulbushan Jadhav and his confession about Indian sponsored subversive activities and terrorist financing to destabilize Pakistan," said Nafees Zakaria, Spokesperson for the Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued in Islamabad. "It was emphasised in the briefing that in order to achieve regional peace and stability, it was imperative that India immediately stops its interference in Pakistan and resolves all contentious issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, through the process of sustained dialogue," he stated. In reply to a question on the latest situation on Jadhav during his weekly media briefing on Wednesday, Zakaria had said, "Investigations are still going on regarding Kulbushan Jadhav. I also told you last week that some arrests have also been made as a result of interrogation. As investigations continue more aspects related to this may come to light. A very candid press briefing was given by ISPR under the supervision of Information Minister. It is not possible for me to report on day to day progress of the investigation." On the contrary, India has repeatedly denied that Jadhav is a RAW agent. MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said, "The said individual has no link with Government since his premature retirement from Indian Navy. We have sought consular access to him. India has no interest in interfering in internal matters of any country and firmly believes that a stable and peaceful Pakistan is in the interest of all in the region." "We have seen a video released by Pakistani authorities of a former Indian Naval officer, doing business in Iran, who is in Pakistani custody under unexplained circumstances. The video has this individual making statements which have no basis in fact. That the individual claims to make the statements of his own free will not only challenges credibility but clearly indicates tutoring," he said. "It is also relevant to note here that despite our request, we have not been given consular access to an Indian under detention in a foreign country, as is the accepted international practice. We are naturally concerned about his well-being in these circumstances," said Swarup, adding that the government categorically rejects allegations that the individual was involved in subversive activities in Pakistan at our behest. "Our enquiries reveal that he apparently was being harassed while operating a legitimate business from Iran. While we probe this aspect further, his presence now in Pakistan raises questions, including the possibility of his abduction from Iran. This would become clear only if we are given consular access to him and we urge the Government of Pakistan to respond immediately to our request," he added. (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.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday extended his greeting to the nation on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami. "I offer my greeting on the holy occasion of Ram Navami," he Tweeted. Meanwhile, on the last and ninth day of chaitra navrati, devotees have gathered in Ayodhya to attend the main religious ceremonies at the birth place of Lord Rama. Over 15 lakh people took holy bath in River Saryu this morning. Elaborate security arrangements have been made for peaceful Ramjanamotasav programmes in Ayodhya. Devotees are reaching various temples including lord Ram birth place kanak Bhawan temple for offering their prayers. Devotees in large number are also reaching to various holy places in Varanasi and Allahabad to take dip in holy rivers and offer prayers in various temples. By discovering supernova iron on the moon, a team of researchers has confirmed that a star died near our solar system in the ancient past. A dying star ends its life in a cataclysmic explosion, shooting the majority of the star's material, primarily new chemical elements created during the explosion, out into space. One or more such supernovae appear to have occurred close to our solar system approximately two million years ago. Evidence of the fact has been found on the earth in the form of increased concentrations of the iron isotope 60Fe detected in Pacific ocean deep-sea crusts and in ocean-floor sediment samples. This evidence is highly compelling: The radioactive 60Fe isotope is created almost exclusively in supernova explosions. And with a half-life of 2.62 million years, relatively short compared to the age of our solar system, any radioactive 60Fe originating from the time of the solar system's birth should have long ago decayed into stable elements and thus should no longer be found on the earth. This supernova hypothesis was first put forth in 1999 by researchers at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) who had found initial evidence in a deep-sea crust. Now their claim has received further substantiation: Physicists at the TUM and their colleagues from the USA have succeeded in demonstrating an unusually high concentration of 60Fe in lunar ground samples as well. The samples were gathered between 1969 and 1972 during Apollo lunar missions 12, 15 and 16, which brought the lunar material back to earth. It's also conceivable that 60Fe can occur on the moon as the result of bombardment with cosmic particles, since these particles do not break up when colliding with air molecules, as is the case with the earth's atmosphere. Instead they directly impact the lunar surface and can thus result in transmutation of elements. "But this can only account for a very small portion of the 60Fe found," explained Dr. Gunther Korschinek, physicist at TUM and scientist of the Cluster of Excellence Structure and Origin of the Universe. "We therefore assume that the 60Fe found in both terrestrial and lunar samples has the same source: These deposits are newly created stellar matter, produced in one or more supernovae," added Dr. Korschinek. Since the moon generally provides a better cosmic record than the earth, the scientists were also able to specify for the first time an upper limit for the flow of 60Fe that must have reached the moon. Among other things this also makes it possible for the researchers to infer the distance to the supernova event: "The measured 60Fe-flow corresponds to a supernova at a distance of about 300 light years," says Korschinek. "This value is in good agreement with a recently theoretical estimation published in nature." The lunar samples were investigated using the high-sensitivity accelerator mass spectrometer of the Maier-Leibnitz Laboratory near Munich. The study appears in journal Physical Review Letters. The Swiss authorities received 146 applications from asylum seekers from Sri Lanka within the month of March, according to figures from Switzerland's State Secretariat for Migration (SEM). The Swiss authorities have received 8,315 asylum seekers' requests in the first three months of 2016. However, the number of asylum applications filed with the Swiss Government in the first quarter of 2016 has dropped by 45 percent compared to the last quarter of 2015. The overall number of applications continues to decline as 1,992 asylum applications were filed in March, 25 percent less than in February, according to a report in Sputniknews.com. The majority of the March asylum applications, 227, came from those who fled Eritrea, while Afghan nationals followed with 166 requests. The Swiss authorities also received 146 applications from asylum seekers from Lanka, 143 requests from Gambians, 143 from Iraqis and 141 from Syrians. The SEM stressed that despite the significant decrease in the quantity of requests, the migration issue was unpredictable and the situation might change at any time. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has awarded financial assistance totaling 121 million dollars to various Non Govermental Organisations(NGOs) of Nepal for five new development programmes. 'Suaahara II', a five-year, 63 million dollars program has been awarded to Hellen Keller International, reports The Himalayan Times. The programme is dedicated on improving nutrition in 40 districts through education, water, sanitation, and hygiene improvements, access to health services, and backyard poultry and vegetable farming. Another programme 'Feed the Future Seed and Fertiliser Project' has been awarded to the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre. This is a five-year, 15 million dollars project that will partner with the government and private companies to help farmers get access to better seeds and fertilisers for high-quality productivity in 25 districts. Likewise International Water Management Institute has been awarded a $2.5 million dollars project 'Sustainable, Just and Productive Water Resources Development in Western Nepal'. This three-year project aims to support the management of rivers and lakes in Karnali and Mahakali river basins in sustainable ways. A project 'Civil Society: Mutual Accountability Project' has been awarded to FHI360. This five-year, 15 million dollar project will strengthen civil society organisations' ability to advocate for government effectiveness and accountability. Likewise, 'Program for Aquatic Natural Resources Improvement (PANI)' has been awarded to DAI Global. This five-year, 25 million dollar project under Nepali government will help communities benefit economically from rivers and lakes and conserve local fish and other wildlife. These new projects address both the continuing needs of the Nepali people post-earthquake, and at the same time build sustainable communities that support Nepal's long-term development goals," said Ambassador Alaina B. Teplitz. The wreath-laying ceremony of Major Amit Deswal who was killed during a gunbattle with Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) militants in Manipur is underway. Major Amit Deswal was killed during a combing operation conducted by the Rashtriya Rifles and the Special Forces in Tamenglong district of Manipur. The soldiers had engaged in encounter with ZUF militants in the Nungba area. Deswal, of 21 Para SF, received a gunshot wound to his stomach during the operation. Unfortunately, his body could not be recovered immediately as the area was densely forested. Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh also extended his condolences to the bereaved father. Eleven of a family, among them five women and two children, were killed when a jeep and a dumper collided head on in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain district, a police official said. Those killed were travelling in the jeep. Angered over the deaths, which virtually wiped out a family, a mob set the dumper on fire. The accident occurred on Ujjain-Aagar Malwa road near Palwa village. All the 11 were killed on the spot while one person was left seriously injured. All of them belonged to Mahidpur, the Ujjain police superintendent told IANS, confirming the toll. Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President Hamid Ansari has given the CBI sanction to prosecute Janata Dal-United member Anil Sahani for alleged fraud in leave travel concessions, sources said on Friday. Sahani, however, denied any wrong-doing and warned of defamation case. The scam relates to reimbursements being claimed against fake boarding passes and bills from the Rajya Sabha Secretariat. This is the first time a Rajya Sabha chairman has given such a clearance, the Rajya Sabha Secretariat sources said. A CBI official told IANS a charge sheet in the case was filed last year, and with the clearance from the Rajya Sabha chairman, the agency will now proceed with "further action" which is likely to be arrest of the MP. Members of parliament or assemblies cannot be arrested without prior permission of the speaker of the Lok Sabha or the assembly or Rajya Sabha or legislative council chairman. While this is the first time that the Rajya Sabha chairman has given such a permission, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar twice sanctioned arrests, first in 2010 against Congress MP Rajaram Pal in the cash-for-query scam, and second time against BJP MP Ashok Argal in the cash-for-vote case. It was revealed that Sahani and three other accused allegedly used forged e-tickets and fake boarding passes to defraud the Rajya Sabha of Rs.23.71 lakh. In Patna, Sahani, however, denied the charge. "Under a parliamentary procedure, permission will have to be given. They are saying I took Rs.23 lakh, if I have even 23 paisa in my account I will resign," he said. "It is a conspiracy against me because I raise issues related to poor and Dalit." "I will ask the chairman, I have given all documents and account statements which prove I did not take any money. How is the CBI prosecuting me then?" he added. Sahani termed it a conspiracy being hatched against him and threatened to file defamation case soon. "Some powerful people have conspired against me, they don not want that a poor's son sit in the parliament to raise issues concerning Dalits and marginalized. I have nothing to do with cheating and corruption in the LTC Scam. I will file defamation case against them," he told media in Patna. Shahani said that he is a victim of a "racket" which operated in raising fake bills for LTC for parliamentarians. "In fact, it was I who drew attention of the concerned authorities twice in 2013 about false bill submitted in my name by racketeers against LTC," he said. "After CBI submitted charges against me to Hamid Ansari, he should have asked me to explain but Ansari has given approval to prosecute me without enquiring with me. It is a political conspiracy," Shahani said. The parliament member said he would invite the probe agency to check his bank accounts in Delhi and Patna to ascertain flow of money on this count. The Bihar MP is reportedly the first from the upper house who will be prosecuted by the CBI after sanction was given by Chairman Ansari. The CBI had filed the charge sheet against Sahani alleging that he, in collusion with other people, used forged e-tickets and fake boarding passes to defraud the Rajya Sabha Secretariat to the tune of Rs.23.71 lakh as travel and dearness allowance reimbursement without undertaking the actual journey. Bangladesh police has released four gay activists who were arrested for parading with rainbow colours to promote sexual diversity, in the midst of festivities marking the Bengali New Year. "The detainees were released on Thursday night after over ten hours at the police station and after being interrogated," member of Roopbaan, an LGBT rights organisation, told EFE news on Friday. The four were released after their relatives went to the police station where police officers told them their children were homosexuals and advised them to address the problem, the source added. Weeks earlier, Roopbaan had arranged for a "diversity" parade through social network Facebook, as it had done in 2014 and 2015, in the Muslim-majority country. Police authorities, however, said on Wednesday night that permission for the event was refused this year "due to security reasons" after the group's Facebook page was flooded with death threats, prompting them to cancel the event. Some of its members, however, went ahead and joined a general procession, carrying flowers and wearing dresses of different hues, to usher in the new year . In Bangladesh, homosexuality is a crime and section 377 of the penal code stipulates punishment of up to life imprisonment and although lawsuits are not successful, the LGBT community is often discriminated against. Brazil's Supreme Court has rejected a government injunction aimed at preventing an impeachment vote against President . The impeachment debate in the lower house of parliament is due to start later on Friday and continue until Sunday's vote. If two-thirds of MPs vote for impeachment, the motion will pass to the Senate, BBC reported. Rousseff, who said her opponents are plotting a "coup", faces claims she manipulated government accounts. She has vowed to fight to "the last minute" despite the desertion of three allied parties ahead of Sunday's vote in the lower house of parliament. The Supreme Court made its decision in an extraordinary session on Thursday night. The injunction to suspend the vote was filed by Attorney General Jose Eduardo Cardozo who claimed that alleged procedural failings had violated the president's right to a defence. Seven of 10 justices voted to reject the motion even before the Supreme Court session had finished. Judges first looked at a request made by the ruling Communist Party of Brazil (PCdoB), which asked that they change the way in which 513 deputies will be called to vote next Sunday to decide whether the case will be sent to the Senate, EFE reported. The PCdoB had questioned the decision that deputies will be called to vote in blocks determined by the states they represent, but the Supreme Court said the model fits the Constitution and the internal rules of the legislature. On the table, there are four lawsuits dealing with technicalities but the petition filed by the Attorney General could interrupt the entire process. Though people in the border belt of Punjab are upset over the mysterious death of Indian prisoner Kirpal Singh in a jail in Pakistan's Lahore, the Border Security Force (BSF) authorities on Friday handed back to Pakistani authorities a man who had inadvertently crossed into Indian territory. The Pakistani national, Mohammed Waqas Akram, was apprehended by BSF troopers from the area Border out Post (BoP) Nirmal in Punjab's Abohar sector on Thursday. Akram was identified as resident of Pati Chak village in Pakistan's Bhawalnagar district, BSF DIG R.S. Kataria said. "During questioning, it came to notice that the individual had crossed over to Indian territory inadvertently. Nothing objectionable was recovered from his possession," he said. The BSF contacted their Pakistani counterparts, Pakistan Rangers, on Froday and handed over the Pakistani national back on humanitarian grounds. Indian prisoner Kirpal Singh, 54, who was arrested in Pakistan in 1992, had died in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat prison on Monday. While Pakistani authorities, who had labelled him as a spy and got him convicted for terror attacks inside Pakistan, attributed his death to heart attack, his family has alleged that he had crossed into Pakistan inadvertently and was murdered in the prison. Kirpal's sister Jagir Kaur met union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday in New Delhi to seek return of his body. She had met Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also on Thursday. The Border Security Force (BSF) authorities handed over a man, who had inadvertently crossed into the Indian territory, to authorities in Pakistan on Friday. The handover was done even as people in the border belt in Punjab are upset over the mysterious death of Indian prisoner Kirpal Singh in a jail in Pakistan's Lahore's city recently. Pakistani national Mohammed Waqas Akram was apprehended by BSF troopers from the area Border Out Post (BOP) Nirmal in Punjab's Abohar sector on Thursday. Akram was identified as resident of Pati Chak village in Pakistan's Bhawalnagar district, BSF Deputy Inspector General R.S. Kataria said. "During questioning, it came to notice that the individual had crossed over to Indian territory inadvertently. Nothing objectionable was recovered from his possession," he said. The BSF contacted their Pakistani counterparts, the Pakistan Rangers, on Friday and handed over the Pakistani national back on humanitarian grounds. Indian prisoner Kirpal Singh, 54, who was arrested in Pakistan in 1992, died in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat prison on Monday. While Pakistani authorities, who had labelled him as a spy and got him convicted for terror attacks inside Pakistan, attributed his death to heart attack, his family has alleged he was murdered in the prison. Kirpal Singh's sister Jagir Kaur met union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday in New Delhi to seek return of his body. She also met Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday. Right tigers from India - six females and two males - would be translocated to Cambodia where the big cats have been declared extinct. The Indian tigers would be "re-introduced" in two different locations in Cambodia over the next five years. "It will take at least five years to reintroduce the Indian tigers and place them in two different, safe enclosed breeding areas," Sokhun Ty, a senior official of the Cambodian ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, told IANS here. "The tigers would be re-introduced in the eastern highlands of Mondulkiri Protected forests and the Cardamom Mountains in the western part, that covers one million hectares of area," Ty, who Secretary of State in the ministry, said. He was here to participate in the the 3rd Asia Ministerial Conference on tiger conservation. He said his government has begun negotiations with India on the matter. "We have initiated the process of seeking help from India, though its not formal yet," Ty said, adding that India has "expressed willingness to support the reintroduction of tigers in Cambodia." He said the talks had begun at the level of envoys last year. Elaborating on Cambodia's plan, Ty said: "Under our national tiger recovery action plan, tigers could be reintroduced in Cambodia from 2016 to 2026, for which about $33 million would be required. We are also taking help of our conservation partners, like World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Global Tiger Forum, Global Tiger Index and others". According to a recent WWF report "Bringing back Cambodia's Roar", the last known tiger in Cambodia was reported in the eastern Mondulkiri province in 2007. Tigers belonging to the breeding population are believed to be functionally extinct. However, Cambodian officials believe it is not true. "We don't believe that the tigers have become extinct in Cambodia. In the last five years we confiscated 10 tigers from poachers. They were sent to the zoo. I am sure that in Mondulkiri there must be some tigers, but the number would be very low, and the area is very large," he added. Cambodian dry forests were once inhabited by the Indochinese tiger. The WWF report recommends at least eight tigers to be introduced in Cambodian forests, so that after successful breeding the population could rise to 25 over a period of 10 years. According to Ty, "To make the tiger plan successful, 10 sq km area is required for one tiger with adequate numbers of tiger prey in one sq km." Banteng - a wild cattle, Sambar and Muntjac -- barking deer, are the key tiger prey in the forests of Cambodia. The report suggests that to sustain tiger growth under the reintroduction plan, the Sambar deer population must be increased to nine per sq km by 2018 -- as prey for one tiger. This would work out to 90 Sambar deer in a 10 sq km area for one tiger. "Tiger prey assessment is also under process," Ty said. According to Keo Omaliss, Director, Department of Wildlife and Biodiversity, Cambodia "we still have a long way to go, especially in terms of tiger prey assessment in Cambodian jungles, and to make sure if the Indian tigers could be successfully translocated and reintroduced in the Cambodian forests." He said some studies had mentioned that Indian tigers and Cambodian tigers were of the same sub-species, so there would likely be no problem in terms of genetics. "However, there is a big question for us too; so scientists are also working on that aspect as well," Omaliss told IANS. As per experts, there are genetic variations between the Asian tigers, which includes the Bengal Tiger, Malayan, Indochinese and Amur aka Siberian tiger. The WWF report finds tigers from India or Nepal best suited for re-introduction as the habitats are similar. In Combodia, about 60 percent of the forests are under protection and conservation system. Cambodia lost most of its tigers due to poaching and deforestation. It is now left with vast "tiger-less" bio-reserves, which includes 1,700 sq km of Mondulkiri Protected Forests, 1,500 sq km of Lomphat Wildlife Sanctuary, 2,000 sq km of Seima Protected Forests - a mixed evergreen forest, and 470 sq km of Phnom Nam Lyr Wildlife Sanctuary. Omaliss added: "First Cambodia has to be ready to stop the poaching and increasing the prey. We need to ensure these factors for promoting enclosure breeding." Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar, during the conference on tiger conservation reiterated India's willingness to help increase the tiger population in countries where there was a low tiger count. (Kushagra Dixit can be reached at kushagra.d@ians.in) Tai Shan, 11, a celebrity panda born and raised in the US, on Friday attempted mating for the first time since his return to China in 2010. He mated with Wen Yu, two years younger to him, on Friday at the Ya'an base of the Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda in southwestern Sichuan Province, reports Xinhua. Observers said Tai Shan performed excellently in the 2.6-minute mating after nearly 90 minutes of "affective interaction" with his partner. Tai Shan had suffered digestive problems since returning from the US. He was put onto the centre's reproduction plan this year after recovery. Tai Shan, born at Washington's National Zoo to "Mei Xiang" and "Tian Tian", was a superstar during his five-year stay in the US. Eight months after violence engulfed Manipur that left nine people dead, the Centre has finally intervened in the controversy arising out of three bills passed by the state assembly ostensibly to safeguard the rights of the state's indigenous people following a months-long agitation by the Meiteis of Imphal valley. The bills were resented by the hill people of Manipur, who maintain these infringed upon their land ownership rights. The protests by the hill people triggered large scale violence, leading to police action. Nine youths from the hills were killed in the violence. Now the central government has sought an answer from the state with regard to action taken by it following the violence. Though the bills are lying with the union home ministry, it is the tribal welfare ministry that has written to Manipur's social welfare department seeking information and action taken in the aftermath of the passage of the bills. The union tribal welfare ministry sent its letter on March 17, following which the state's social welfare department asked the home department on April 4 for information "since the action is related to your department". IANS has access to the official letter. On August 31 last year, the Manipur government, bowing to pressure from agitators from the state's valley, convened a special session of the assembly and passed three controversial bills -- the Protection of Manipur People Bill, the Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms Bill (Seventh Amendment) and the Manipur Shops and Establishments (Second Amendment) Bill - ostensibly to safeguard the rights of the indigenous people. The very day the bills were passed, protestors, mainly comprising tribal organisations from the hills, torched five houses belonging to Congress legislators. Among them were the dwellings of Health and Family Welfare Minister Phungzathang Tonsing and Lok Sabha member from Outer Manipur Thangso Baite in Churachandpur district. The bodies of the nine youths killed in the violence are still lying in a Churachandpur hospital mortuary with the families refusing to bury them till the hill peoples' demands are met. The state government had passed the bills after a three-month-long agitation spearheaded by the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) of the Meiteis demanding the enforcement of an inner line permit system similar to those in force in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Nagaland to check the influx of non-Manipuris into the state. The JCILPS says that according to the 2011 census, Manipur's population is 2.7 million. Of this, only 1.7 million are indigenous people while the rest are people who have their roots outside the state. However, according to the tribes inhabiting the hills of Manipur, the three bills would directly undermine the existing safeguards for the tribal hill areas regarding land ownership and population influx, as the primary threat for the tribal people came not from outside the state but from the Meitei people of the valley itself. Given that the hills of Manipur are inhabited by Nagas and Kukis among other tribes, Nagaland's lone MP Neiphio Rio in December pointed out in the Lok Sabha the anomaly in passing the bills saying these were passed without proper consultations with tribal leaders and elected members of the autonomous district council according to norms. Rio sought the intervention of the central government in this context. Rajya Sabha member Tarun Vijay also took up the issue in parliament stating that the agitating tribal people were the children of India. The union tribal welfare ministry's letter was dispatched to the Manipur government following the interventions of these two MPs as the social welfare department's letter to the home department showed. On the 227th day of an ongoing protest by the Manipur Tribals Forum Delhi (MTFD) in New Delhi on Thursday, April 14, its convenor Romeo Hmar expressed disappointment at what he called the Centre's reluctance to act. "The tribal people of Manipur fail to understand the reluctance of the central government in upholding Article 371C of the Constitution," Hmar told IANS. "The tribal people of Manipur are the only tribal people in the northeast who are not protected under the Sixth Schedule," he added. (Aroonim Bhuyan can be contacted at aroonim.b@ians.in) Democrat front-runner Hillary Clinton and her rival Bernie Sanders ratcheted up their attacks in a bruising, final debate in Brooklyn, New York, as he cast doubt on her judgment and she criticised his command of policy and record on guns. The debate was hosted by TV channels CNN and NY1 News on Thursday night and came only a few days before New York's critical primary on April 19. It's the first debate the two Democratic candidates have done in over a month. Sanders delivered first opening statement where he accused Clinton of "lacking the kind of judgment we need to be the kind of president we need." But he found himself on defence for not releasing his taxes and said he would do so on Friday, CNN reported. Clinton again found herself in the spotlight for her paid speeches to big banks, declining to release the transcripts when pressed by CNN moderators. But she counterpunched by referring to Sanders' trouble explaining some of his core policies in an interview with the New York Daily News. The debate was the most combative yet, with the two delivering harsh attacks that at points needed intervention from the moderators. The event, held just across the river from Wall Street, in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, quickly turned to the issue of the big banks and their perceived excesses. When asked to name a single policy decision Clinton made as senator that showed she was favouring the banks, Sanders said that when the "greed and recklessness and illegal behaviour of Wall Street" led to the financial crisis, he had called on the big banks to be broken up -- while Clinton was "busy giving speeches to Goldman Sachs." Clinton shot back saying, "He cannot come up with any example because there is no example ... It's always important -- it may be inconvenient -- but it's always important to get the facts straight." The two also displayed intense friction over gun control. Throughout the campaign, Clinton has criticized Sanders' record in Congress on gun control -- an attack she once again made forcefully on Thursday night. When asked Clinton if she was seriously blaming Vermont for New York's gun violence in a recent statement, she said "no" and Sanders started to laugh. She said this is "not a laughing matter" and said 90 people a day are killed as a result of gun violence as well as 33,000 people per year. "We need a president who will stand up against the gun lobby," Clinton said. The heated debate quickly exposed tensions on the issue of income inequality -- specifically, raising the minimum wage. Sanders expressing surprise as Clinton voiced support for efforts to set the hourly pay rate at $15, the level he has long backed. "I don't know how you're there for the fight for 15 when you say you want a $12 minimum wage," he said. Clinton then clarified that while she does support a $12 per hour federal minimum wage, she would sign legislation raising that level to $15. The location of the debate, across the East River from Manhattan, make it a home-turf battle for both candidates. Clinton served as a New York senator for eight years and Brooklyn is the location of her campaign headquarters, while Sanders was born and raised in the borough. Polls show Clinton is likely to defeat Sanders in New York. A Quinnipiac University poll released on Tuesday found 53 percent of likely Democratic voters back her while 40 percent said they are for Sanders. The Congress on Friday demanded a high court-monitored, Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into the alleged Rs.20,000 crore food grain scam in Punjab. "The Akali Dal-BJP government in Punjab has the dubious distinction of first emptying the coffers of the state and now even food grains are disappearing from the state. This is a very serious situation as it is connected with the food security of the country," said Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari at a press conference here. "Punjab is a producing state from where procurement takes place, a large amount of storage takes place and if the reports of disappearance of food grains is true, it calls for a court monitored CBI enquiry. This definitely calls for at least a HC-monitored CBI inquiry," he added. The Punjab government, however, on Friday refuted the charge of any disappearance of foodgrains from godowns in the state. It also said that all stocks procured over the years have been duly accounted for and handed over to Food Corporation of India (FCI), through well-documented audited transactions. It also said that all the queries raised by FCI have been satisfactorily answered by them. Opened with much fanfare as the city's link to the world, the Chandigarh International Airport is under the scanner of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, with the Rs.1,400 crore ($210 million) facility failing to deliver to people in the City Beautiful and the region. The civil aviation ministry, the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and other central government agencies are now facing a rap on the knuckles from the High Court, which is questioning the basis for spending so much money when no international operations have been started from here so far. A high court bench, comprising Justice S.S. Saron and Justice Gurmit Ram, has even told the authorities concerned, especially the AAI, that it could even ask the CBI to probe the issue. The high court came into the picture after the Mohali Industries Association knocked on its doors, saying there was more to it than met the eye. "Forty percent of those living abroad are from this region. If Chandigarh airport is allowed to operate international flights, Delhi (airport) would lose business and hence the delay," a lawyer for the petitioner contended before the high court recently. Sources linked to the airport project told IANS that officials in Delhi did not want the Indira Gandhi International (IGI) airport, which gets a lot of passenger traffic from Punjab and this region, to lose its business if international flights started from Chandigarh. They said that facilities for immigration, customs check and even security checks are yet to be put in place for international operations. The authorities concerned have so far failed to give a committed deadline to the high court on when international flights will start from Chandigarh. The high court has been told that 48 airlines have been approached to start international flights, especially on the Dubai sector. But only Indigo and SpiceJet have indicated that they could start operations later in 2016. "What the high court is questioning is justified. The domestic terminal of the Chandigarh airport was renovated after spending a few hundred crore rupees just 2-3 years ago. If the international terminal, which is now catering to domestic operations, was to be built for Rs.1,400-crore, why was money earlier wasted on the domestic terminal? That terminal is lying useless now," Manu Aggarwal, a realtor who has been waiting for the Chandigarh-Dubai flight to start, told IANS. "The new terminal has no international flights in sight even in the coming few months. Who is accountable for the loss of public money?" he asked. The new airport terminal got off to a flying start, literally, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated it last September. The project, which was to connect the city to destinations like Dubai, Bangkok and Singapore, among other cities, did not take off. The new terminal is actually in Punjab's Mohali town, 15 km from here. The Punjab government, in its eagerness, had announced that the Chandigarh airport would see its first international flight taking off last October 19, but nothing happened. The next date speculated for the first flight was Nov 19 but that too did not materialise. The Chandigarh airport, which is operated by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and is under the defence ministry, does not allow commercial flights to operate between 8 p m and 6 a m - the busiest time for international flights. The airport, which is a forward base for the huge IL-76 transport aircraft fleet, is used by the IAF for air connectivity to Leh, Srinagar and other areas. The airport operates around 25 domestic flights daily to destinations like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Srinagar. Though the northern region, especially Punjab, has a large number of international travellers and NRIs, they have to depend mainly on Delhi's IGI airport. In the region, only the Guru Ramdas Jee international airport at Amritsar caters to limited international flights. (Jaideep Sarin can be contacted at jaideep.s@ians.in) A group of around 100 Cuban migrants stranded in Panama protested near the country's border with Costa Rica, demanding permission to let them continue their voyage towards the US. According to Panama's daily newspaper La Nacion, the protest on Thursday took place outside the Paso Canoas border crossing, where Costa Rican police cordoned off the area to stop the migrants from getting through, Xinhua news agency reported. The Cuban protesters said that they represented 3,000 migrants who are stuck in Panama for not having the right to continue their northward journey that will take them through Central America and Mexico to the US. They said the treatment they received was unfair since thousands of Cuban migrants stranded in Costa Rica were airlifted to Mexico and allowed to travel to the American border this year. The protest came a day after 1,200 Cuban and African migrants entered the Costa Rican territory violently, although most of them were taken under control by police and sent back to Panama. Posing challenge to the second phase of odd-even scheme, the autorickshaw and taxi union of Delhi on Friday threatened to go on strike from Monday against the Arvind Kejriwal government's "apathy". They have set a two-day deadline before the Kejriwal government for their demands to be met. The demands include "uniform charges" for cab operators like Ola and Uber and their compliance with the Delhi government rules on fares. "Kejriwal is acting like a dictator. We had on numerous occasions, including on April 5, requested an audience with him to discuss our issues, but he didn't care to bother. He forgot that we were the people who supported and campaigned for him during elections," said Rajinder Soni, a Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh leader. Soni said while the auto and taxi drivers charge Rs 8.30 per km and Rs.14 per km respectively, cab agencies like Ola and Uber, backed by "rich business houses", charge Rs.5 to Rs.6 per km. "This is not only against the transport department's rules but threatens our livelihood. Those rich agencies just want to wipe us all out," Soni said. He added the auto-taxi unions of drivers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are backing the demand as well as the strike. "People come all way from UP and Bihar looking for earnings through auto and taxi. The apathy of Delhi government is threatening them," said a leader. In yet another stinging attack on the Election Commission, a day after it removed four police officers, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday accused the poll panel of acting at the behest of the opposition's "syndicate of complainants". "They have no work. Few days back they changed two OCs (officers in charge of Labhpur and Mayureshwar police statetion). They removed officers yet again on Thursday. I don't know what is the matter with the 'syndicate of complainants'. Will the OC vote or will the IC go and vote? Vote will be given by the people. "They are pitting one officer against another. They are shifting good officers on the words of CPI-M, BJP and Congress," Banerjee said during an election rally at Nadia district. Cracking the whip hours after a day's visit by its full bench to Bengal, the Election Commission on Thursday removed Birbhum district Superintendent of Police Mukesh and officers of three police stations of the district where assembly polls will be held on April 17. Amid the hoopla over the electronic trading platform eNAM for agri products, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and touted as a "big game changer", commodity watchers and experts say the mechanism has inherent limitations and conflicts are bound to arise between states and the central government. "The basic purpose of eNAM is to ensure transparency in buying and selling of agri-commodities. But this may not happen anytime soon," Binu Alex, Editorial Director of Commodity Online, told IANS here. "Most importantly the Agricultural Produce Market Committee (APMC) remains a state subject. So conflicts are bound to happen. First, the government should have centralised APMCs and put a cabinet rank minister to cater to commerce part of agriculture," Alex added. Others are, however, more optimistic than Ahmedabad-based longtime commodity watcher Alex, and say the National Agriculture Market (eNAM) launched on Thursday will benefit farmers immensely. "This is a big game changer certainly. We are glad eight states have the mandis and some more have already amended their APMC Acts and are ready to come on board. eNAM will actually be an answer to price volatility farmers often face," says B. Basavraj of Karnataka Pradesh Gram Growers Association. The union agriculture ministry says eNAM is an online platform but should not be mistaken as a parallel marketing structure. "It is a tool to create a national network of physical mandis which can be accessed online," explained Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh. eNAM will leverage the physical infrastructure of mandis through an online trading portal, enabling buyers situated even outside the state to participate in trading at the local level. The mechanism proposes to integrate 585 regulated wholesale markets or APMCs under one electronic platform by 2018. It will allow farmers to sell their produce to highest bidders. It will initially aim at integrating 21 mandis in eight states - Uttar Pradesh (six), Gujarat (three), Telangana (five), Rajasthan (one), Madhya Pradesh (one), Haryana (two), Jharkhand (one) and Himachal Pradesh (two). According to Nikhil Prasad, a commodity trader at Delhi's Azadpur mandi "more than anything else the biggest challenge will be to bring in uniformity and rationalisation in taxes as agriculture and the marketing thereof is a state subject." He adds, "Essentially the farmers cannot do away with the procurement agents whom the government wants to cut off from the ecosystem by having a transparent system." In some states, he argues even APMC is only a "political platform of powerful and connected traders". "These traders own large tracts of land themselves. This nexus needs to be knocked off," he says. Officials in the agriculture ministry say they are aware of some of the challenges, and one issue that needs to be tackled is about the middle-men. "The government initiative will end the middlemen role and bring transparency in pricing. The government is keen that we should put a benchmark price across the country," a senior official told IANS, declining to be named. Market watchers tend to endorse this. "You don't need to teach the farmers to sell their produce. They just need information which they are severely short of," says Alex. Officials explain that the response so far is very encouraging as 17 states and union territories have included the provision of single point levy of market fee in their APMC Acts, and 15 other states have made provision of single unified licence to validate trading. "Things may take sometime, but it will happen," the official said. Krish Iyer, President & CEO Walmart India, finds the eNAM initiative forward looking and says his company "will continue to strengthen our direct farm programme to complement government vision to make a difference to the lives of farmers". But there are other challenges too, says Krishnendu Pal, another trader in Ranchi, Jharkhand. "I welcome the eNam platform. But there are a few questions. When a farmer sells his produce through e-market platform will the government give guarantee to sell his produce at the price he wants, and in case there are no buyers what happens to his produce," he asks. Those questions need to be answered. (Nirendra Dev can be contacted at nirendra.n@ians.in) Actor-filmmaker Farhan Akhtar, who has been linked up to many of his co-stars post his divorce from wife Adhuna, has denied all dating rumours and says that such stories are "fabricated". "There is so much untruth in these stories that I don't know where to start in denying them. Fabricated details of events that did not occur astound me," Farhan, who separated from Adhuna in January earlier this year after 16 years of marriage, said in a statement. The "Rock On!!" star has requested all to stop speculating about his personal life. "I sincerely request all who are creating these rumours to please act responsibly and desist from doing so," he said. On film front, Farhan will next be seen in "Rock On!! 2" At least five people were injured on Friday when security forces allegedly opened fire on an angry mob protesting the deaths of four civilians in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district, police said. On April 13, protests had erupted in Handwara town of Kupwara district, following allegations that a girl student, on her way home, was molested by soldiers posted in an army picket in the town. Protestors had pelted stones at the army picket to which the security forces retailed by firing. (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.) Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar visited the site of the Lakhwar multi-purpose project in Uttrakhand, which was discontinued in 1992 for want of funds. Khattar spoke to union Water Resources Minister Uma Bharti about the project, officials said. The Planning Commission in 1976 had accorded approval for construction of this dam, which was to be a boon for water supply to states like Haryana, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Rajasthan. The work on the project was started in 1987 but by 1992 only 30 percent of the work was completed. The central government had declared this project as a national project in 2008. The Upper River Yamuna Board was constituted by the central government to distribute the waters of the Yamuna river among the beneficiary states. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by these beneficiary states on May 12, 1994. According to the MoU, Haryana's share of water was fixed at 47.82 percent. The state is proposed to get 1.22 lakh acre feet additional water from Lakhwar dam. The Lakhwar Multi-purpose project would also generate 612.93 million units of electricity annually. The project would help in checking floods and controlled water would flow in the river. A sum of Rs.392 crore has so far been spent on the construction of this project. The expected cost of water component of this project is Rs.2,578.23 crore, based on prices in 2012. The central government would bear 90 percent of the expected expenditure of the project. All sanctions, except that of funds, concerning the Central government have been received, an official told IANS. The mortal remains of Major Amit Deswal, killed on Wednesday in a gun battle with Manipur militants, were consigned to flames on Friday with full military and state honours at his village in Haryana. The state government announced Rs.50 lakh for the next of the kin of Major Deswal of the 21 Special Force of Rashtriya Rifles. He died fighting Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) militants in Manipur's Tamenglong district on Wednesday. He is survived by his father, mother, his wife Neeta and four-year-old son Arjun. His wife had recently quit her job. Neeta, along with her son, had accompanied Major Deswal's father retired Subedar-Major Rishi Ram Deswal to visit him in Manipur where he was posted for Operation Hifazat-2. His body arrived on Friday at the Palam airport in Delhi where Indian Army chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag paid tributes to him. After a wreath-laying ceremony in Delhi, mortal remains of Deswal were moved to the Major's village in Jhajjar district. Full military honours and a gun salute were given to Major Deswal. Former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Abhay Singh Chautala were among those who paid tributes. On Thursday, Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh reached the army unit in Jorhat to pay tributes to the martyred soldier. One of the military officers who came to attend funeral told people that the braveheart breathed his last in the true tradition of a warrior. He said that Major Deswal died for the country, a commando, fighting till the end. Deswal was commissioned on June 10, 2006, into the Regiment of Artillery. After basic service, Deswal recognised that his calling was somewhere more adventurous. He opted for the Special Group at first, but finally opted for the coveted Special Forces. Haryana Agriculture Minister O.P. Dhankar announced an ex-gratia of Rs.50 lakh to the family of the martyr and a government job to one of the family members. Democrat front-runner Hillary Clinton and her rival Bernie Sanders aggressively challenged each other on Thursday night's Democratic debate in Brooklyn, New York, sparring over issues like how high to raise the minimum wage and gun control. The debate was hosted by TV channels CNN and NY1 News and comes only a few days before New York's critical primary on April 19. It's the first debate the two Democratic candidates have done in over a month, CBS News reported. Latest polls showed that Clinton is leading in New York. A Quinnipiac University poll released on Tuesday found 53 percent of likely Democratic voters back her while 40 percent said they are for Sanders. Sanders delivered first opening statement and said he started in the race 70 percentage points behind Clinton and referred to two recent polls that had Sanders ahead in the Democratic race. He noted that of the last nine caucuses and primaries, he won eight of them by landslides. Clinton touted her eight years as a US senator representing New York from 2001 until 2009. She praised the state's recovery after the September 11, 2001, attacks and took a swipe at Texas Senator and Republican candidate Ted Cruz who has mocked "New York values". When asked Clinton if she was seriously blaming Vermont for New York's gun violence in a recent statement, she said "no" and Sanders started to laugh. She said this is "not a laughing matter" and said 90 people a day are killed as a result of gun violence as well as 33,000 people per year. "We need a president who will stand up against the gun lobby," Clinton said. The candidates also sparred over raising the federal minimum wage, with Sanders expressing surprise as Clinton voiced support for efforts to set the hourly pay rate at $15, the level he has long backed. "I don't know how you're there for the fight for 15 when you say you want a $12 minimum wage," he said. Clinton then clarified that while she does support a $12 per hour federal minimum wage, she would sign legislation raising that level to $15. India took aim squarely against the use of secret vetoes to protect terrorists and their backers from UN sanctions, an action that China has repeatedly taken to provide cover for Pakistan-based terrorists and Islamabad. That secrecy results in a lack of accountability and engenders impunity, India's Permanent Representative Syed Akbaruddin said Thursday facing the wielder of the secret vetoes, China's Permanent Representative Liu Jieyi, from across the Security Council chamber's horseshoe-shaped table. China is the Council's president for this month. Each of the 15 members of the of the A1 Qaeda, Taliban and ISIS Sanctions Committees now has a veto and none outside the panels is told who wielded the veto in a specific instance, Akbaruddin told the Council debate Thursday on "Threats to International Peace and Security Caused by Terrorist Acts." "The general membership of the UN is never ever formally informed of how and why requests for listing terrorists are not acceded to," he said. "Counter terror mechanisms such as the Sanctions Committees that act on behalf of the international community need to build trust not engender impunity by the use of this form of a 'hidden' veto." Akbaruddin did not name China or Pakistan in his speech. Although word does eventually gets out about who vetoed a measure, that country does not have to explain its action or publicly responsibility for it because of the official secrecy. China has twice use the veto to protect Pakistan and terrorists based there. Last month it prevented Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohamed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar, who is behind the January Pathankot air force base attack, from being put on a sanctions list as a terrorist. And Beijing blocked New Delhi's demand last year for taking action under the Council's anti-terrorism resolutions against Pakistan for freeing Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, the Lashkar-e-Taiba mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attack in which 166 people were killed. Asked at a press conference about the latest veto, Liu blandly said Azhar did not meet "the Council's requirements" to be considered a terrorist. Ironically Liu circulated a note to UN members ahead of Thursday's meeting that called for "avoiding double standards in the fight against terrorism." "All acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable whenever, wherever and by whomsoever they are committed. Terrorism poses a global threat, from which no member state is exempt," his note said. "Cutting off the sources of terrorist financing; the disruption of financing channels is a vital and effective way to degrade and defeat ISIL and other terrorist organizations." With China providing cover, Pakistan's Permanent Representative Maleeha Lodhi claimed that her country "is perhaps among the few countries, which has a ministerial-level committee to oversee the implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions." Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon brought up the issue of state-sponsored terrorism. "We must also have the courage to address certain difficult situations, such as the support that violent extremists and terrorists may receive -- directly, indirectly and perhaps even unintentionally -- from governments," he said sitting next to Liu. "We need to focus on implementing the relevant provisions of Security Council resolutions ... and other resolutions and measures that sanction terrorist groups and individuals," Ban added. Outlining the magnitude of the global problem, Akbaruddin said, "According to authoritative accounts 2,850 lives have been lost and nearly 4,500 others have been injured in terrorist related violence in 38 countries during the first three months of this year." While terrorists have "mutated into hydra headed monsters" with an ever-growing footprint, "the international community's counter terrorism efforts are still in an embryonic form," he said. To meet the challenge he called for the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. It has been stymied for over 20 years, mainly due to differences in defining what are terrorist organisations and who are terrorists. Some countries want exemption made for groups they consider to be "national liberation movements" rather than terrorist organisations, and terrorists they consider to be "freedom fighters." (Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in) Inviting Saudi Arabian investors to tap the opportunities emerging from India's new hydrocarbons exploration policy, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has agreed with the kingdom's leadership to form expert teams from the two sides to expedite specific projects. This emerged during a series of meetings here as part of Pradhan's one-day visit to the kingdom, during which he met with Vice Minister for Petroleum Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud, and Health Minister and Chairman of Aramco Khalid Al Falih, an official statement said on Friday. "Pradhan elaborated on the hydrocarbon exploration licensing policy and discovered small fields policy and invited the Saudi side to invest in Indian upstream sector. The Saudi side also provided details of investment opportunities for Indian companies in their country," the statement said. "Both sides agreed to conclude discussions regarding concrete investment proposals in a time-bound manner. They also agreed to appoint high level negotiation teams for various projects which would be periodically reviewed at minister level." Saudi Arabia has been the largest supplier of crude oil to India. The kingdom supplied about 40 million metric tonnes of crude to India in 2015-16, accounting for about 20 percent of total oil imports. India also imported 3 million metric tonnes of cooking fuel from the kingdom, or 28 percent of its needs. Officials said the meetings also came against the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit here earlier this month when the two sides discussed ways to enhancing cooperation in the oil and gas sector -- also one of the key issues brought up by the two Saudi leaderships. "Pradhan's visit was a follow up to take forward the discussions regarding various investment proposals in areas like oil, gas, petrochemicals, exploration and production. He shared the details of various investment opportunities in India in downstream and upstream sectors," the statement said. The New Development Bank, the latest multilateral funding institution in the financial world, has sanctioned a $250-million loan for India to fund its ambitious scheme on new and renewable energy, a top finance ministry official has said. "Participated in meetings of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) finance ministers and Board of Governors of the New Development Bank. Major policy issues discussed," India's Secretary for Economic Affairs Shaktikanta Das tweeted. "New Development Bank sanctioned four loans, including a loan of $250 million for a scheme in India. Good beginning," Das said after the meeting that was chaired by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley here. This, according to officials, is in the area of solar energy and is also the first such loan from the development financial institution. A statement from the Indian side later said the multi-tranche, $250-million loan will be given to Canara bank to, in turn, lend to projects. "The projects will result in generation of 500 MW of renewal energy and savings of about 800,000 tonnes of carbon emissions," the statement said. In total, $811 million loans have been approved for projects in India, China, Brazil and South Africa. Now into its second year, the New Development Bank, with noted Indian banker K.V. Kamath as president, was formed by the BRICS leadership to fund infrastructure projects in emerging economies, as also to meet the aspirations of hundreds of millions of people through sustainable development. The BRICS finance ministers and central bank governors' engagement here was on the margins of the World Bank-International Monetary Fund Spring meetings. Besides Das, Jaitley's delegation includes Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan and Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian. During the meetings, Jaitley said even though India has consistently recorded the highest growth figures among large economies for the last three quarters, the global growth continues to remain sluggish and has witnessed recurring downward revisions. "Weak demand, tighter financial markets, softening trade and volatile capital flows are key headwinds to robust global recovery. Further, the efficacy of monetary policy instruments has reached its limits and that its pass through has not been seamless," he said. "Global and regional financial safety net and oversight need to be augmented -- including new financing mechanisms," he said, emphasising the need for globally coordinated policy actions to address the persistent economic turbulence. At the BRICS meeting, which he chaired, Jaitley raised issues of common concern of member countries -- global economy, structural reforms, voice reform of IMF and the World Bank and other new and ongoing initiatives. He also expressed satisfaction that two key initiatives of BRICS -- the Contingent Reserve Arrangement and the New Development Bank -- were both fully operational. The meeting decided to form a technical group to examine all issues in detail and present their findings before the next meeting. The New Development Bank, the latest multilateral funding institution in the financial world, has sanctioned a $250-million loan for India to fund its ambitious scheme on new and renewable energy, a top finance ministry official has said. "Participated in meetings of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) finance ministers and Board of Governors of the New Development Bank. Major policy issues discussed," India's Secretary for Economic Affairs Shaktikanta Das tweeted. "New Development Bank sanctioned four loans, including a loan of $250 million for a renewable energy scheme in India. Good beginning," Das said. This, according to officials, is in the area of solar energy and is also the first such loan from the development financial institution. The New Development Bank, with noted Indian banker K.V. Kamath as its president, was formed by the BRICS leadership with an objective of funding infrastructure projects in emerging economies, as also to meet the aspirations of hundreds of millions of people through sustainable development. Das is a member of the Indian delegation led by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley for the World Bank-International Monetary Fund Spring meetings, which also includes Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan and Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian. Low-cost airline AirAsia India on Friday sought to clarify that its substantial ownership and effective control is with Indian residents and a section of media has grossly misreported the brand license agreement with Malaysia's AirAsia Berhad. "We wish to point out that clause 5.30 of the agreement explicitly states that asubstantial ownership and effective control of the licensee (AirAsia India) remains at all times with Indian residents," said a statement by the line. And as the licensee, the airline said it is not obliged to execute any act or omission leading to a breach of the provisions of this clause. Its response came in the wake of some recent reports in the Indian media which said AirAsia Berhad has the final say in the decision making, violating Indian rules and regulations. The brand license agreement entered with AirAsia India is consistent with other similar ventures AirAsia Berhad (Bhd) executed elsewhere in the world, it said. "AirAsia Bhd has created a world renowned brand name, and like any other corporate with strong brand equity, the company ensures that all legal entities that operate with this name anywhere in the world are subject to strict requirements for protection of our brand and reputation," it said, adding it is "shocked and surprised" by the opposition it is facing in India from "vested interests" to block its endeavour of offering competitive services and fares to consumers. "The constant attack on AirAsia, especially by certain members of media has saddened me but we will prevail. It is time for India to end patronage and put people first. We remain committed and determined and together with my staff, we will see this dream through," said Group CEO Tony Fernandes in the statement. He said he had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi who promised fairness and transperancy. The airline stressed it is fully complying with Indian regulations. "All the important decisions concerning the day-to-day operations of the airline are taken by the management team of the airline under the overall supervision, control, and direction of the board of directors (which include a majority of Indian nationals). The board is chaired by long-time Tata veteran, Mr.S Ramadorai," said the statement. AirAsia X, Thai AirAsia, Indonesia AirAsia, AirAsia Philippines, AirAsia India and AirAsia Japan are the subsidiaries of AirAsia Berhad. The Ram Navami festival was celebrated with devotion in Jharkhand on Friday amid tight security. Ram Navami is the ninth day Chaitra Navratri - the nine days being dedicated to nine forms of Goddess Shakti. The festival is also associated with Lord Ram. Long queues of devotees are being seen outside temples across the state. The Ram temple at Niwaranpur here saw more than one lakh devotees praying to Lord Rama and Hanumana. Ranchi city has been festooned with saffron flags. Public ceremonies are an important part of Ram Navami celebrations in the state, necessitating strict security arrangements to prevent any breach of inter-communal peace. The authorities are extra cautious this time as the festival falls on Friday, the day of public prayers for Muslims. CCTV cameras and drones are being used to keep a close watch on Ram Navmi processions in Ranchi and other districts of the state. In communally sensitive areas, peace committee meetings have taken place. In steel city Jamshedpur, security forces took out a flag march on Thursday to reassure people that law and order was being maintained. The Ram Navami procession here starts at 1 p.m. and continues till late night. In some districts, such as Hazaribagh, processions continue the whole night. Members of 'Akharas' - clubs of religious renunciates - are enthusiastic participants in Ram Navami processions, displaying traditional weapons like swords. Processions -- in which people use vehicles and carry tall flags create -- create their own safety problems, such as the risk of getting electrocuted by electric poles and wires. After about 10 people were electrocuted in one such procession in the past, authorities in many district have taken to cutting power supply during the time processions are conducted. In Ranchi, people, including Muslims, can be seen offering water to devotees participating in the Ram Navami procession. The sale of liquor and mutton has been been suspended for three days from Thursday in the state. Victory in war can be achieved by through jointness of the three armed forces as was evident during the 1971 India-Pakistan war which led to liberation of Bangladesh, said President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday. In his address at the convocation ceremony of the 71st Staff Course at the Defence Services Staff College here, he said: "The training curriculum at this college is institutionalised, to empower jointness amongst our armed forces. The army, navy and air force are the military instruments of state power." "The history of warfare bears testimony, that ultimate victory in war will be achieved through jointness among the three services. The foremost example of excellent synergy and jointmanship exhibited in military history was during the 1971 War," he said, terming it an unprecedented "strategic military victory" by any armed forces in the world, with it culminating with the birth of a nation, on termination of the war. Mukherjee urged to students to use their learning with maturity and prudence to effectively leverage the combat power of the Indian armed forces in times of national need. "As your supreme commander, I implore you to do this with total loyalty, distinction, steadfastness and patriotic fervour," he said. He also urged the students to remain well informed in the latest military technological advancements and also scientific developments for their application in defence forces. "You should always remain well informed with the latest in military technology advancements, as well as aware of scientific developments, for their appropriate application in the armed forces. "Study the numerous perceptions of various conflicts that have been chronicled and conscientiously study the evolution of potential flashpoints and their evaluated outcomes. It is only when you seek knowledge, that you gain wisdom in life, to take coherent and timely military decisions, which directly affects the lives of the forces under your command," he advised. Expressing his delight at 35 officers from 25 friendly foreign countries also graduating from the college on Friday, Mukherjee hoped the deep bonds of friendship and camaraderie that they had forged amongst others will result in everlasting ties of brotherhood between the nations. He also complimented the students' parents and family members for supporting them in their endeavour and the commandant and his staff of the college for mentoring and nurturing them in command and staff functions to produce 'role model' staff officers and leaders. China-based KangDe Xin Composite Material Company is joining hands with 2D/3D animation company Aries EPICA to set up an electronics manufacturing facility in Telangana. The facility will manufacture 3D related consumer and non-consumer electronics products. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this regard was signed on Friday by the officials of the joint venture and Telangana government in the presence of state's Information Technology minister K.T. Rama Rao KangDe Xin (KDX) has successfully developed the most advanced glasses-free 3D cell phone, notebook displays and TV in the world, tweeted Rama Rao, who is also son of Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao. KDX is a publicly listed company in China with over $1.2 billon revenue in 2015 and over $10 billion market value as of today, the minister said. Aries EPICA defines itself as a full-service 2D/3D animation and visual effects studio with offices in India, USA, UK and UAE. At the launch of state's IT and electronics policies on April 4, the state government had announced that UAE-based Aries Group will launch the world's first glasses free mobiles, tablets and televisions under the name of EPICA to revolutionise the electronics visual and consumer electronics industry in Telangana. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un paid tributes to his grandfather Kim Il-sung on Friday on the 104th birth anniversary of the country's founder. Like every year, the young dictator went to the Kumsusan Sun Palace, accompanied by senior military officials, to pay their respects to the embalmed body of the first leader of the Kim dynasty, EFE news reported citing state news agency KCNA. He also placed wreaths at the foot of the statues of his grandfather and father, the late dictator Kim Jong-il, besides visiting personal relics of both the leaders preserved in the palace and mausoleum, located northeast of the North Korean capital. More events are expected throughout the day to commemorate the "Day of the Sun", the most important event in the country, characterized by the cult surrounding the personality of the three leaders of the Kim dynasty who have ruled the country since it was founded in 1948. This year the anniversary has been marked by the failed launch of a medium-range missile by the North Korean People's Army at a time of escalating tension between Pyongyang and the international community. Officials in neighbouring South Korea believe that it was the first trial of a Musudan missile, whose range is up to 4,000 km (2,485 miles), and was intended as part of the anniversary celebrations. The "eternal President", born on April 15, 1912, founded North Korea in 1948 with the support of the Soviet Union and imposed a Stalinist system that continues in the country till today. Kim Il-sung ruled the country until his death in 1994 and his embalmed body rests at Kumsusan next to that of his son and successor, Kim Jong-il, who died in 2011. The Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB) on Friday signed a series of agreements with various companies to develop port-led projects during the ongoing three-day Maritime India Summit, officials said. These include development of a jetty at Mankhurd in north-east Mumbai by the Yogayatan Group, a floatel by WB International for Rs.7,400 crore in phases, a separate captive jetty at Revdanda (Raigad) by Indo-Energy International for a thermal power project and also by JSW Infrastructure for its steel project, worth Rs.1,640 crore. Others include a roll-on-roll-off (RORO) service, a LNG terminal and a PVC plant to come up at Dighi Port in Ratnagiri at a cost of Rs.1,200 crore. The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust signed a pact with Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation (MTDC) for launching an amphibian bus service for Mumbai which would be procured by JNPT and operated by MTDC. Among 25 major MoUs worth several crores signed by JNPT, other major ones include a Rs.135 crore food and steel processing unit by Roopam Group at Jalna, a Rs.100 crore Free Trade Warehousing Zone by LMJ Logistics, a Rs.200 crore Ihini Industrial and Logistics Park, Rs.250 crore by JWR Logistics, Rs.500 crore by Arshiya Ltd, Rs.759 crore by Monopoly Innovations for a biodiesel project and an edible oil and a Rs.475 crore biodiesel project by Emami Agrotech Ltd. "Maharashtra has unveiled a new port policy with a 360 degree approach that covers all facets of maritime business and the basis is 'ease of doing business'. Port-led development has huge potential but remained untapped," said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis who was present on the occasion. He said the proposed super-expressway which will connect Nagpur with JNPT, traversing through 14 districts, would seamlessly connect the region and change the state of the economy as the entire stretch is planned to developed as an economic zone. Fadnavis said the state has identified several locations where greenfield ports can be constructed and investors can stake claim with their innovative concepts for such projects. Mortal remains of Major Amit Deswal, killed on Wednesday in a gun battle with tribal militants in Manipur, were consigned to flames on Friday with full military and state honours at his village in Haryana. Deswal, who was from Haryana's Surheti village of Jhajjar district, is survived by his parents, wife and four-year-old son Arjun. Major Deswal of the 21 Special Force of Rashtriya Rifles died fighting militants in Manipur's Tamenglong district on April 13. His body arrived on Friday at the technical area of Palam airport in Delhi, and after a wreath-laying ceremony, it was moved to the Major's Surheti village. It was a sad and proud last farewell for Major Deswal. Family members, relatives and hundreds of residents, including politicians, officials, social workers, said they were saddened by the death of young officer. But they were also proud of the braveheart's "martyrdom". Full military honours and a gun salute were given to Major Deswal. One of the military officers at the funeral said the braveheart breathed his last in the true traditions of a warrior. Deswal was commissioned on June 10, 2006, into the Regiment of Artillery. After basic service, Deswal recognised that his calling was somewhere more adventurous. He opted for the Special Group at first, but finally opted for the coveted Special Forces. In the hectic first two days of the first-ever Maritime India Summit, maritime investment proposals worth Rs.82,905 crore were signed by various players including major ports, state maritime boards and PSUs, officials said here on Friday. A total of 141 MoUs and business agreements, covering a wide range of projects including modernisation of existing ports and establishing new ones, development and expansion of inland waterways, enhancement of cargo handling capacity of Indian ports, improving hinterland connectivity of ports with road-rail networks and upgradation of educational and training facilities for maritime sector, have been signed. Some of the major Indian companies who have signed agreements include the Adanis, Jindal, Vedanta, ESSAR, and Shapoorji Pallonji Company. A major agreement, signed between the Maharashtra Maritime Board and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, pertains to establishing a greenfield port at Maharashtra's Vadhavan, with its first phase estimated to cost around Rs.9,167 crore. The Andhra Pradesh government signed a MoU with Inland Waterways Authority of India to develop the National Waterway 4 at a cost of around Rs.3,000 crore. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said that once it is developed, this waterway will take a significant portion of cargo traffic off the roads. The Gujarat Maritime Board and Shapoorji Pallonji company signed a MoU to develop a new LNG Terminal at Chara costing around Rs.5,411 crore, while IL&FS will set up a Maritime Services Cluster at GIFT City, Gandhinagar. The Vishakhapatnam Port Trust and HPCL signed a deal to double the capacity of the Visakha Refinery from 7.5 MMT at an estimated cost of Rs.18,412 crore. The Indian Maritime University has signed MoUs with four international institutions including the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University, Dhaka, the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and Plymouth University, Britain and Admiral G.I. Nevelskoi Maritime State University, Vladivostok, Russia. Mountain people add very little by way of emissions but bear the brunt of climate change, international development specialist David Molden has said. "It has been established by a series of research studies that people in the mountains release very small amounts of green house gases. This doesn't cause the problem but mountain communities bear the burnt (of climate change)," Molden, who heads the Kathmandu-based International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), told IANS in an interview. Farmers in the mountains have been not only facing shortages of water for irrigation but are also fighting disease in their fields to save their crops for their livelihood, he said. He noted in this context that people in the mountains of the Hindu Kush Himalayas feel the impact of climate change much more than those in the plains. "Mountains in the Hindu Kush Himalayas region are more vulnerable to climate change.It is a fact that several changes are fast taking place due to this," Molden said. "The global community is causing the problems and they should think seriously about helping poor communities of mountains to cope with climate change," he said. "Water resources are important not only for the people living there but also for people outside the mountains. The mountains are important for the eco-system and bio-diversity. That is also changing with climate change and they need to be protected for the future," Molden noted. But then, it's not only climate change. "We have many kinds of changes, besides climate change, like lots of migration, especially men to the cities," he said. "Fewer people have been left to take care of mountains and globalization is eroding local culture. Globalization and climate change have an increasing influence on the future of fragile mountain ecosystems and the livelihood of the mountain people," he pointed out. "So, all these changes, plus climate change, is really challenging the mountain people and the environment," the expert said. In view of these changes, ICIMOD is stressing the need to adapt to future climatic scenarios. "We are confident that with human resources and minds behind the problem, we can come up with good solutions," he said, lauding the Indian government's initiatives in this sphere. "I am very much encouraged by the Indian government's response to the role of mountains in climate change. India has recently came up with a national mission to study the issue," he said. (Imran Khan is in Kathmandu at the invitation of ICIMOD. He can be contacted at imran312000@gmail.com) Eight-time champion Rafael Nadal advanced to the quarter-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters with a 7-5, 6-3 victory over Austria's Dominic Thiem and will next take on the winner of the 2014 title, Switzerland's Stanislas Wawrinka. The 29-year-old Spaniard, who dominated this clay-court event from 2005 to 2012, used his renowned mental toughness to pull out a first set in which he evened the match after falling down an early break and then fended off a whopping 12 break points in the seventh and ninth games to stay on serve Thursday, reports Efe. Nadal converted two of his five break-point opportunities, the second on set point, to take the opener in one hour and 21 minutes. The second set also began with the talented young Austrian grabbing an early service break, but Nadal won five of the last six games to take the match in just over two hours. Next up on Friday for the fifth-seeded Spaniard will be the fourth-seeded Wawrinka, who routed Frenchman Gilles Simon 6-1, 6-2 on Thursday. Swiss No. 3 seed Roger Federer, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in early February and on Thursday played just his second match since the Australian Open, rolled to a comfortable 6-2, 6-4 victory over Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut. Also advancing Thursday to the quarter-finals were No. 2 seed Andy Murray of Britain and 10th-seeded Canadian Milos Raonic, who defeated France's Benoit Paire and Bosnia's Damir Dzumhur, respectively, in tight three-set matches. North Korea sought to launch a ballistic missile into its eastern waters early on Friday but the attempt seems to have failed, Yonhap news agency reported citing South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). The projectile is believed to have been a medium-range Musudan missile, the JCS was quoted as saying. South Korea's military had reportedly dispatched an Aegis-equipped destroyer to the East Sea to detect and track the possible launch of mobile Musudan missile, Xinhua said. North Korea had deployed one to two mobile Musudan missiles about three weeks earlier to its eastern Wonsan area. The Musudan missile is allegedly capable of striking parts of the US territory such as Guam and the outer reaches of Alaska. In the biggest ever joint operation, officials of the Ahmedabad city police Crime Branch and Anti-Terrorist Squad seized about 1,300 kg of a chemical, ephedrine, worth over Rs.270 crore from a factory on the Naroda-Dehgam highway in Ahmedabad district. A chemist, Narendra Kancha, was arrested from the factory near Kanbha late Thursday evening. Police are looking for Kishoresinh Rathod, son of a former north Gujarat Congress legislator Bhavsinh Rathod, and one Jay Mukhi, who are on the run. Even as investigations are on, the Crime Branch officials suspect the chemical was being used to make narcotic and psychotropic substances, including methcathinone. A senior Crime Branch official claimed this is one of the biggest seizures in the country, and certainly the biggest in the state. The raiding police team called in forensic experts to ascertain whether the seized material is banned under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS). The chemical, which was being processed, was brought in from near Pune in Maharashtra. According to Crime Branch officials, they got a tip-off about a fortnight ago regarding the chemical being transported from Maharashtra. A Crime Branch official, requesting anonymity since the investigation is still on, said: "We know that ephedrine itself is not a banned chemical and would be used to process it into a narcotic substance. Ephedrine is listed as a Table-I precursor under the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances." Crime Branch and ATS officials had kept a vigil and raided the factory premises just as they suspected that the chemical was being processed. Visiting forensic experts orally confirmed to the police the processed material could be a banned substance. A team of the Crime Branch has been dispatched to Maharashtra to identify the kingpin behind the racket. The police believe the material was brought to Gujarat in the wake of intensified vigil in the neighbouring state. "We are probing who the drug was to be delivered to," an official said. Police said chemist Narendra Kancha had hired the factory premises as a drug storage for a rent of Rs 31,000. He had come into contact with Kishoresinh Rathod a couple of years ago and the latter ushered him into this business. Rathod and Jay Mukhi had reportedly been in touch with a drug mafia of Poland, whom they had met in Dubai, and would probably facilitate the transfer of the processed ephedrine to Europe for consumption as a party drug. Crime Branch sources said these are the initial leads on which the police are working and further investigations were on. Pakistan on Friday briefed the envoys of the Arab countries and Asean member-states on the arrest of an alleged Indian spy and his purported confession about "Indian-sponsored subversive activities and terrorist financing to destabilize Pakistan", the Pakistan Foreign Office said. "It was emphasized in the briefing that in order to achieve regional peace and stability, it was imperative that India immediately stops its interference in Pakistan and resolves all contentious issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, through the process of sustained dialogue," the Pakistani Foreign Office statement said. India has said that the arrested Indian, Kulbhushan Jadhav, is a former Indian naval officer and denied he is a spy. The IAF on Friday renamed its Panagarh airbase in West Bengal as Air Force Station Arjan Singh in honour of the country's only living five-star military officer, Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh, on the occasion of his 97th birthday. Eastern Air Command chief, Air Marshal C. Hari Kumar unveiled the new name at the entrance to the air force station, located in Burdwan, 112 km from Kolkata and now set to be IAF's second C-130J Super Hercules hub after Hindan, near New Delhi. "Air Force Station Arjan Singh, now with the induction of C-130J, would have a prominent role to play in our war waging capability, true to its name," he said at the inauguration ceremony. The renaming was announced by IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha on Thursday evening at a function in New Delhi to felicitate Arjan Singh, a defence statement said. Constructed during the Second World War, by the Allied forces as part of their China-Burma-India campaign, the base also played a significant role in 1965 and 1971 wars against Pakistan. During the 1971 war, it was again activated and hosted two fighter squadrons of the Sukhoi-7 and the MiG-21 aircraft. The airbase under Eastern Air Command would now oversee tactical and strategic air operations in eastern theatre with the Super Hercules aircraft. At the age of 44, Arjan Singh took over the IAF in the rank of air marshal on August 1, 1964 and became the first Indian to lead the force in conflict when the India-Pakistan War broke out in 1965. Serving as chief of air staff till July 15, 1969, he was also the first in the post to be elevated to the rank of air chief marshal. The elevation, on January 16, 1966, was in recognition of IAF's vital contribution in the 1965 war under his leadership. After retirement, he was envoy to Switzerland and Kenya and lt. governor of Delhi. In recognition of his lifelong services, the government of India conferred the rank of the Marshal of the Air Force on Arjan Singh in January 2002, making him the first and the only 'five star' officer with the IAF. The Pakistani foreign office has rejected a notion that the peace process between Islamabad and India was suspended, saying it remained engaged with New Delhi. "We need to look ahead and not think in terms of foreclosing any options. Both sides are in contact with each other," foreign office spokesman Nafees Zakaria said on Thursday during a weekly media briefing. The spokesman was referring to media reports quoting Pakistan's High Commissioner in India Abdul Basit as having said that the peace process was "suspended", Dawn online reported on Friday. "Dialogue is the best option. is for interaction and engagement between countries," Zakaria said. Last December, the two countries had agreed to restart the peace dialogue, which was named Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue. It was agreed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's surprise stopover in Lahore on Christmas Day that the foreign secretaries would meet to decide the schedule and other details of the first round of talks. However, the plan for re-engagement after a hiatus of two years was affected by the Pathankot attack in January and the two countries have not been able to schedule the foreign secretaries' meeting since. Zakaria said the meeting would take place once the "modalities" have been settled. Political parties seem to be seeking to outdo each other in claiming the legacy B. R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the constitution, but are they true to his teachings? Experts say that support for Ambedkar is driven more by political motives rather than a clear understanding of his work. Apoorvanand Jha, who teaches at Delhi University and frequently writes on Dalit issues, said that support of political parties for Ambedkar "is not inspired by his work or struggle" and no political party has been able to do justice to his legacy. "The attempt to appropriate Baba Saheb Ambedkar's legacy by political parties is obscene because this is no real love or respect for him. No political party has been able to do justice to his legacy," Jha told IANS. Ambedkar's 125th anniversary was observed on Thursday. A series of events were held by different political parties throughout the country to send a signal about their adherence to the values he espoused. Jha said no political party has carried out major social reforms and they have retained practices which perpetuate the prevalence of caste. Describing Dalits as the "new democratic class," Jha said they were the "most energised, liberal, vital, and upcoming political force". "They have become a constituency, which everyone is trying to appeal to and Baba Saheb is an icon of that constituency. Their target is not Baba Saheb but the constituency," he saids. Coomenting on the Left parties, Jha said it is pertinent for them to establish a rigrous intellectual engagement with Ambedkar before plunging into any alliance. Kancha Ilaiah, an academician, writer and activist for Dalit rights, said Ambedkar wanted to bring about a lot of change in society. "He had written about it in several books. He wanted to remove inequality, caste system and untouchability from the society," Ilaiah told IANS. Ilaiah said there was were political motives behind efforts by right-wing forces to appropriate Ambedkar's legacy and the ruling BJP was trying to co-opt him in major ways. He said if political parties and the government neglect Ambedkar, they will be seen as anti-people. "There is definitely a political motive because RSS is an organisation which wants primacy of upper caste and the Brahmins," Ilaiah contended. Badri Narayan, a professor at the Centre for the Study of Discrimination and Exclusion, School of Social Sciences, JNU, said that Dalit community was a "huge vote bank" for political parties. "Dalits are a huge vote bank in India, about 15 percent. That is why they are trying to co-opt him. The reasons are very political. In Uttar Pradesh, Dalits are about 21 percent of the population and 31 percent in Punjab," Narayan told IANS. Prakash Karat, former general secretary of the Communist Party of India-Marxist, said it was ironical that BJP was trying to appropriate Ambedkar "Ambedkar was one of the most trenchant critics of Hindutva and all forms of Hindu orthodoxy, with the whole caste system that is based on Hinduism and he rejected that. So, it is ironical that the BJP is trying to appropriate him, minus his radical democratic secular vision," Karat maintained Aam Aadmi Party AAP leader Ashutosh also accused BJP of trying to appropriate Ambedkar's legacy. "The RSS and Narendra Modi are trying to appropriate Ambedkar, but they know they can't digest his observations on Hinduism. Ambedkar is the antithesis of the RSS brand of Hinduism which is elitist and does not accommodate Dalits. The RSS icon is (Veer) Savarakar not Ambedkar," he said. The Bharatiya Janata Party's Srikant Sharma denied that his party was seeking to appropriate Ambedkar and said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh - the ideological fountainhead of the BJP - has always believed in social harmony. "We are not trying to appropriate Ambedkar. The RSS has always believed in samajik samrasta (social harmony). It has been a tradition in RSS that whenever a worker or prachark goes out, he dines at the home of a Dalit worker," Sharma told IANS. He also accused Congress and the Left parties of not respecting his legacy. K. Raju, chairman of the Congress' scheduled caste department, said his party's association with Ambedkar has been for long. "It was this association that guided the Congress to support him in drafting each and every article of the constitution in the right spirit," he said. "We are committed to realizing his vision of aone man-one value', which has not been achieved yet," he added. Actor Brandon Jones, who stars in the American teen drama and mystery-thriller television series "Pretty Little Liars", has been charged after allegedly pointing a gun at his neighbour. Jones was charged on Thursday. The alleged dispute took place on March 24 at his home in the North Hills neighborhood of San Fernando Valley. Jones didn't actually fire the gun or strike the man with it, but pointed it at him, which constitutes an assault, reports tmz.com. Jones also faces two counts for misdemeanours related to another incident at his home in October 2015. He reportedly exhibited a deadly weapon and exhibited a concealable firearm in public during an argument with a different neighbour. He pleaded not guilty to the charges on Thursday. His bond was increased from $50,000 to $75,500, said a spokesman for the DA's office. He faces up to 5-and-a-half years in prison if convicted. A representative for the 27-year-old actor said: "It is our understanding that the gun in Mr. Jones' possession was fully legal and registered, that he was on his girlfriend's private property, and that he and his girlfriend felt that they were under threat in a dispute with neighbours." Hundreds of Egyptians gathered Friday afternoon outside the press syndicate here to protest against the official transfer of two controversial islands in the Red Sea to Saudi Arabia. The protesters chanted slogans against giving up what they believe to be "Egyptian territory" to the oil-rich kingdom, claiming the Egyptian leadership gave up Tiran and Sanafir islands in return for Saudi aid, reported Xinhua. Meanwhile, police fired tear gas to disperse dozens of protesters in Cairo, nearby Giza and coastal Alexandria cities, while some protesters were reportedly arrested. Police warned citizens on Thursday against taking part in the protests after the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group announced participation, yet liberal activists joined the Friday protests outside the press syndicate here. Last Saturday, the cabinet announced, during Saudi King Salman's visit to Cairo, a maritime border demarcation accord that put the two Red Sea islands of Tiran and Sanafir in Saudi waters. The transfer of the two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia has triggered criticism against Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Seen as Saudi political and economic support for Egypt, the king's visit saw the signing of investment agreements worth $25 billion with the most populous Arab country. Saudi and Egyptian officials said Tiran and Sanafir belong to the kingdom and were only under Egyptian control because Saudi Arabia asked Egypt in 1950 to protect them. The agreement will be referred to the parliament to be debated and ratified. On Sunday, several Facebook and Twitter pages under title "The land is honor," have been launched. The Brotherhood, group of the ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi has issued a statement on Thursday urging people to protest across the country. The interior ministry on Thursday urged Egyptians "not to get carried away by tendentious calls for protests" and warned against "any attempts to break the law." The ministry added in a statement that it would take "all decisive legal measures" to maintain security. India and France have come closer to finalising the deal for 36 Rafale fighter jets which India wants to buy, informed sources said on Friday, adding that an agreement on price may be reached soon. The price has been a major sticking point in the deal with India trying to bring it down for the fighter jet known to be one of the most expensive in the world. While it was not revealed if an agreement has been struck on how much India would pay, attempts had been on to bring the price down to under 8 billion euros or Rs.6,000 crore for a complement of 36 Rafale fighters. An agreement has, however, eluded the two sides, with France, which sold 24 Rafale jets to Egypt at 5.2 billion euros, not agreeing to bring the price too low for India. The deal also has an offset clause of 50 percent, which will mean half of the value of the deal will come back, giving boost to domestic industries. There had been disagreement on the offset clause earlier as well with France insisting for it to be at 20 percent, but it was resolved later. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said in March that India is trying to get a "good deal" on Rafale. Rafale is a multi-role twin-engine aircraft designed and built by Dassault Aviation of France. The initial plans were, however, to buy 126 Rafale jets, a deal which could not fructify. After that, a government to government contract was signed for India to buy 36 jets off the shelf. The Indian Air Force at present has 33 operational squadrons, against a sanctioned strength of 39.5. The IAF is also eagerly awaiting the delivery of its first squadron of indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft. Ships of the First Training Squadron of the Indian Navy are visiting Sri Lanka as part of overseas deployment, an official statement said. The ships from the First Training Squadron of the Indian Navy that are already in Thailand include cadet's training ship Tir, patrol vessel Sujata, sail training ship Sudarshini, and Indian Coast Guard Ship Varuna. All hese boats are indigenously built. The ships will be in Sri Lanka till April 19. An official statement form the Navy said the deployment of the Training Squadron to Colombo would "further cement the close relations between the two nations and the two navies". The primary aim of the squadron is to impart sea training to naval and Coast Guard trainees, with a 24-week ab-initio sea training being imparted. All the young sailors are trained in seamanship, navigation, ship handling, boat work, and technical aspects while being exposed to the rigours of life at sea to earn their "sea legs". The Southern Naval Command (SNC) is the Training Command of the Indian Navy, which provides both basic and advanced training to officers and sailors of the Indian Navy. The Indian Navy has also been providing training to personnel from friendly foreign countries for more than four decades, and more than 13,000 personnel from over 40 countries have been trained so far. South Korea maintained a trade surplus in March due to a faster fall in imports against exports, data showed on Friday. Revised figures for the trade surplus reached $9.86 billion in March, up from $7.07 billion in February, according to the Korea Customs Service. For the first three months of this year, the surplus amounted to $22.1 billion, higher than $21.6 billion during the same period of last year. The March surplus came as imports declined at a faster pace than exports, boosting worry about the so-called "recession-type" surplus. Exports, which account for about half of the economy, dropped 8.1 percent from a year earlier to $43.01 billion in March. Imports tumbled 13.9 percent to $33.15 billion. Overseas shipments of telecommunication devices surged 43.4 percent in March from a year ago due to strong demand for Samsung's new Galaxy smartphones that rolled out last month. Steel products export increased 4.7 percent, but those for semiconductors and automobiles declined 1.5 percent and 5.2 percent respectively. Exports to the European Union (EU) posted the third consecutive monthly increase, but those to China and the US, South Korea's top two trading partners, declined 12.3 percent and 3.7 percent each. Chip imports expanded 7.9 percent last month on demand for cheaper Chinese products, but imports of crude oil tumbled 43 percent on lower oil prices. Car imports dipped 24.1 percent amid the sluggish domestic demand. Thousands of South Africans marched to the Constitutional Court here on Friday to press their demand for President Jacob Zuma's resignation. The march was organised by the opposition Democratic Alliance after the court ruled on March 31 that Zuma failed to uphold the constitution when he did not comply with Public Protector Thuli Madonsela's remedial action regarding payments for the non-security upgrades at his private homestead in Nkandla, KwaZulu-Natal Province, reported Xinhua. The opposition claims that Zuma "doesn't care about the constitution and the country's citizens". "We the DA are here to say, Jacob Zuma, your days are numbered," said alliance leader Mmusi Maimane, pointing to an imaginary watch on his wrist. Dressed in blue, the symbolic colour of the alliance, the marchers made their way from Pieter Roos Park to the court, chanting "Voetsek Zuma". Maimane said people could not talk about freedom in the country without the constitution. He said the public protector was not "fighting" Zuma alone, but the whole African National Congress (ANC) as well. "Today we march to the Constitutional Court - the highest court in our land and the bastion of our constitutional democracy - to make one thing clear: the fight for change in South Africa is far from over! Rather, it has only just begun!" said Maimane. Cape Town Mayor Patricia De Lille also took part in the march. She told the crowd that the party was marching to defend South Africa's constitution. "In our Constitution we are all equal before the law, and Jacob Zuma is not above the law," she said. Earlier this month, anti-apartheid stalwarts like Ahmed Kathrada, George Bizos and Trevor Manuel added their voices to the call for Zuma to resign. But the ANC stands firmly behind Zuma as the party is gearing up for the local government elections, scheduled for August 3. ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe, brushing aside the anti-Zuma campaign, told Xinhua that his party is fully occupied with preparations for the elections. "I can't comment on their march, as ANC we're busy with preparation for the local government elections," he said. Three men were killed here on Friday morning when the motorcycle they were riding on collided with a road divider, a police officer said. The incident occured in Dhaula Kuan area on Friday at about 3 a.m., when the three friends were returning home on their motorcycle after watching a movie in Naraina area, the police officer told IANS. Their motorcycle collided with the divider of the road while taking a sharp turn, the police officer said. All the three were declared brought dead at the AIIMS trauma centre. The deceased have been identified as Vellai Swami, 36, M. Senthil, 26 and Suresh, 27. The bodies has been sent for post mortem examination, said the police officer. Republican front-runner Donald Trump met with protests in New York where he continues with his campaign for the primaries scheduled for April 19. Trump attended a Suffolk County fundraising gala in New York on Thursday night where he promised to bring employment to the city, EFE news reported. The New York magnate launched criticism against politicians who, in his view, have done nothing to prevent companies like Ford and others from relocating to Mexico. He said the 1,400 workers of the air conditioning company Carrier that will be laid off in the next three years are "good people." Trump was received in the town of Patchogue on Long Island by an ecstatic crowd of more than 1,000 people. "Politicians are not fighting for our country," said the Republican candidate. "We have the best people in the world for business and we do not use them," he added. He reiterated, as an example, that 35 percent tax will be added to every air conditioning unit that "crosses the border" to be sold in the U.S. market and assured that under his presidency, the companies would not have to abandon this market. Nearby, a group formed mostly by immigrants protested against his visit to Patchogue where Ecuadorian national Marcelo Lucero was killed in 2008 by a group of white youths. An investigation revealed that police had failed to respond properly to complaints and had dismissed earlier racially motivated attacks. According to the protesters, who carried signs with the messages "Trump promotes hatred" and "Shame Trump", the candidate has divided the country with his rhetoric against immigrants. Although micro-blogging site has been providing fodder for news hunters for years, new research shows that there's been a sharp decline in the news flow to and from news organisations on the website. The microblogging platform is now responsible for just 1.5% of traffic for a typical news organisation, says the study carried out by the social analytics company Parse.ly. The median number of tweets per news post comes in at a measly eight, with just three clicks per tweet, and 0.7 retweets for each original tweet, Digital Trends website reported. The median publisher saw roughly eight tweets per post, three clicks per tweet and 0.7 retweets for each original tweet, it added. There are certainly some digitally-savvy publishers who are performing better across social media. "It is not necessarily about the amount of activity a publication maintains," Parse.ly noted. Rather, the websites achieving high levels of engagement "are producing interesting and shareable content that appeals to a large number of people." The top five percent of publishers average 11% of traffic from the site. Organisations like Nieman Lab saw 15% of their traffic come in through -- mostly because its "audience is made up of digitally savvy journalists". "Though Twitter may not be a huge overall source of traffic to news websites relative to Facebook and Google, it serves a unique place in the link economy," the report said. "News really does 'start' on Twitter," it added. Even if that's so, though, Twitter doesn't seem to do much to actually disseminate news. Abu Dhabi, April 15 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) participated in the Gulf Cooperation Council-European Union (GCC-EU) political dialogue held in Belgium's capital Brussels. The UAE was represented during the meeting on Thursday by Ahmed Ali Al Balooshi, director of the GCC at the foreign affairs ministry and, and Sulaiman Hamed Al Mazroeui, head of the UAE Mission to the EU and Non-Resident Ambassador to Luxembourg. The two sides discussed progress in GCC-EU relations and ways to enhance them, as well as issues of common interest. They also exchanged views on regional and international developments. The two groups noted the identical views on political positions and expressed their keenness to further ties between the EU and GCC. --IANS/WAM ksk/vm Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Roberto Azevedo arrived in Vietnam on Friday, the first visit of a WTO chief to the country. "Vietnam is a story of success, in which trade makes great contribution to the development of the country," said Azevedo at a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in capital Hanoi on Friday. "We want to enhance cooperation with Vietnam in human resource training in integration and international trade," Azevedo said. The WTO chief said that his organization is preparing a development agenda for the coming time while Vietnam will be part of it, reported Vietnamese government's e-Portal, Xinhua news agency reported. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said that his country remains a low-developing country among WTO members, which is in need of further support to increase capacity for more effective participation in multilateral trading system. Vietnam joined the WTO in January 2007. A rose by any other name might not smell any sweeter. However, if the said blossom bloomed in a sophisticated economy, renaming might trigger a complicated set of positive consequences. Renaming may well be useful if the protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) is involved. The spectre of higher unemployment is a valid reason for the UK to vote to stay in the European Union. Britain might be down 100,000 finance roles by 2020 if it quits Europe, says TheCityUK, a trade group. In isolation, that could be manageable. The reason non-bankers should care is that the real impact could be wider. Big numbers like the one crunched by PwC on behalf of the TheCityUK can deceive. There are around 1.2 million financial sector jobs in Britain, according to the new report. For the City of London alone, the Centre for Cities and Cambridge Econometrics pencil in three per cent employment growth between now and 2020. Scale that up to the UK's financial services industry as a whole and there might be 36,000 new jobs created over that period. That implies might eliminate 64,000 financial sector jobs that currently exist, or about five per cent of the total. That sounds bad, but hardly apocalyptic. Focusing too narrowly on finance is misleading, however. The sector's spending power creates jobs in many other industries. Banks, insurers and their employees buy everything from legal and accounting services to white goods and food. It is hard to put an exact number on the contribution to labour markets of the Canary Wharf morning latte run, or its denizens' Crossfit sessions. That doesn't mean it is negligible. The trouble is, redundancies elsewhere may grab the headlines. The UK's steel industry had around 16,000 employees in 2015, according to the ISSB. But a crisis brought on by low prices has led to a reduction of about a quarter of the workforce in the past 12 months. That pain is real and current. It seems probable that would trigger bigger job losses both in the financial sector and elsewhere. A report from the London School of Economics on April 15 estimated that foreign investment into the UK could fall 22 per cent over the next decade. It is of course feasible that business and investment will later return to Britain. It is also possible that the pain could be prolonged. Recently on a group tour of Punjab (now known as bespoke tourism), a fellow traveller in her 30s kept staring into her phone even when the guide was explaining the history of Amritsar. I soon realised that she was actually googling everything that he was saying and nodding her head depending on whether Google sanctified what he was saying. Not only did I feel ashamed for her impropriety in front of the guide but mentally blamed all ills of society on digital gadgets. Makarand Paranjape has argued in The Indian Express that Sheldon Pollock, the editor of the Murty Classical Library generously funded by Rohan Murty, ought to be removed. Mr Paranjape charges Mr Pollock's essay "The Theory of Practice and the Practice of Theory in Indian Intellectual History" with an "egregiously arrogant impeachment" of shastric tradition as authoritarian. (The essay is easily available online. While Mr Pollock considers how shastric texts come to be authoritative and lists their ideological effects, fair-minded readers won't find anything corresponding to Mr Paranjape's charge.) Mr Paranjape also accuses Mr Pollock of aligning with "Hindu-phobic causes" and "working to nix positions in Indic studies" in the United States, in addition to speaking out against government authoritarianism on university campuses. Mr Paranajape sees Mr Pollack's stances as evidence of "politically motivated hegemonic practices". All this is in the midst of an ongoing "battle to regain India's civilizational poise, equilibrium, and self-confidence" in which we are "still largely colonised and subservient". So, according to Mr Paranjape, we have a Hindu-phobic bigot at the helm of the "charge against Indian culture" and as history shows, "where scholars lead the charge against Indian culture, missionaries are only too ready to follow through". In Mr Paranjape's telling, Sheldon Pollock is paving the way for missionaries. Really? Mr Paranjape's risible argument only merits a response because the mentality behind it is so widespread. That mentality, so accurately described in Frederich Nietzche's On the Genealogy of Morality, is the mentality of ressentiment. Most Indians are agreed on one thing: If Narendra Modi wants to be re-elected, he must create more jobs that provide a regular monthly income with benefits. Narendra Modi has just inaugurated a National Maritime Summit, perhaps the countrys first. Using the occasion, he has announced ambitious goals in terms of capacities, investment and jobs, all of which may or may not be realised. The important thing though is that it has brought into focus a long neglected aspect of the Indian economy: its poor trade infrastructure. There is no reason why Chinas 10th largest port should be 50 per cent bigger than Indias largest. And why all of Indias 12 ports that are officially classified as major should not be able to carry much more traffic between them than the single port-city of Singapore. Or why Colombo can handle more container traffic than all of Indias ports put together with something like three-quarters of that being transshipment of containers from India, because Indias ports are too shallow to accommodate big container vessels. For a country with a long maritime tradition, this is a pathetic state of affairs. New equity product launches by fund houses have seen a slump following the capping of commissions by the market regulator. Only 42 new fund offers (NFOs), together mobilising Rs 4,940 crore, were launched by the Rs 13-lakh crore mutual fund (MF) sector in 2015-16. In comparison, 88 equity NFOs to raise a record Rs 15,556 crore were launched in the preceding financial year. Industry experts say curbs on commissions paid to distributors, weakness in the secondary market and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi)s diktat to fund houses against launching too many products were the key factors behind the drop in NFOs. Industry body Association of in India (Amfi), with the backing of Sebi, under the best practices guidelines framework, has asked fund houses to cap upfront commission to distributors at one per cent. Further, the sector has been asked to opt for the trail-based model when it comes to distributors payout and do away with the upfront model. The move has tied the hands of fund houses in incentivising the distributors, through whom most of the equity MF products are sold. Year 2014-15 saw an NFO boom as commissions on certain close-ended NFOs were as high as seven per cent. Investor interests in new equity offering were high in 2014-15 thanks to a 25 per cent surge in the benchmark Sensex, which saw the gauge touching an all-time high of around 30,000. Subsequently, the Sensex came off sharply from the highs and ended 2015-16 with losses of nearly 10 per cent. Typically, new launches are a phenomenon seen in a bull market phase. With the scenario changing for markets, there could be further slowdown in NFOs. The regulator has been quite strict and is now pushing for mergers of existing schemes that are similar in nature, says Kaustubh Belapurkar, director (fund research) at Morningstar India. Industry players said the commissions paid on certain NFOs were so high that it raised fears of mis-selling and forced Sebi to act. Mis-selling is an act of selling a product to investors without much investment rationale but with the objective of pocketing commissions. Going ahead, fund houses with a bouquet of products might abstain from new launches, say experts. Experts also say that investors are increasingly preferring schemes with a good track record over new launches. This is reflective in the sales of existing equity schemes. For instance, in FY16, the total sales of equity schemes stood at a massive Rs 1.65 lakh crore. Equity NFOs could make up a mere three per cent of the total sales. In FY15, sales through new offers were a 10th of the overall equity sales. At least 100 people were arrested today as police fired tear gas to disperse protesters demonstrating against Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el- Sisi's decision to transfer two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia. Several activists protested in different parts of the country including in Cairo, Alexandria, el-Sharqeya, Mansora and other areas and accused Sisi of selling the islands in return for Saudi investments. Over the past week, President Sisi has come in for severe criticism over his decision which had triggered angry reactions from many Egyptians, who consider the move as an insult to their national pride. The two islands were under Egypt's control for over 60 years. The police used tear gas to disperse the anti-government rallies today. Street protests without prior permission from police are banned in Egypt after a controversial law was passed in this regard in 2013. In one of the major protests, thousands of people rallied outside the Press Syndicate in downtown Cairo even as the security forces cordoned the area preventing other protests from marching to Tahrir Square. The protesters held placards and chanted slogans like 'Our land is our honour' and 'they've sold the land to Saudis' to express their anger over the decision. They also used slogans similar to the 2011 revolution including, "people want the regime to fall", "bread, freedom and social justice" and "Leave". Last week, Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz said his country and Egypt would build a joint bridge over the Red Sea, which would be aimed at boosting trade exchange between the two allied countries and connecting the two countries. Egyptian government said the two islands at the mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba belong to Saudi Arabia, which asked Egypt in 1950 to protect them from Israel. Israel captured the islands in the 1967 Middle East war, but handed them back to Egypt under the provisions of the 1979 peace treaty. A recent statement by Egypt's government said that agreement of demarcation the maritime borders between Egypt and Saudi Arabia is an important achievement that will make the two countries benefit economically. The statement said the islands Tiran and Sanafir now fall under the Saudi territorial waters according to the Egypt and Saudi agreements which were signed as part of King Salman's visit to Egypt last week. Last Wednesday, President Sisi had defended his decision saying that it was made in line with the "documents with the Egyptian state institutions such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defence and the General Intelligence Service and it stuck to the 1990 presidential decree which was submitted to the United Nations. Twelve people were today convicted by a district court in connection with the murder case of a college student in 2014. Seventh Additional District Judge held 12 of the accused guilty and ordered unconditional release of one person. Sourav Chowdhury, a college student, was murdered at Bamungachi and his body recovered from near the railway line on July 5, 2014. Police had charge sheeted 13 persons and interrogated 42 people in the case. The quantum of punishment will be pronounced tomorrow. Two soldiers were killed and three wounded in a car bombing today near the Libyan city of Benghazi, security sources said, in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group. The car exploded close to Al-Hawari cemetery, killing two soldiers of Libya's internationally recognised government and wounding three, army spokesman Munzer al-Khartuch told AFP. The cemetery is around 10 kilometres from the centre of Benghazi, Libya's second city. IS said one of its militants blew up his explosives-laden vehicle in the middle of a group of soldiers, killing as many as 50 and destroying 15 vehicles. Government forces have clashed with militants in the area since yesterday, when a military official said seven soldiers were killed near a cement factory. Fighting has flared periodically in Benghazi for the past two years as security forces try to wrest neighbourhoods from armed groups including IS and Ansar al-Sharia, which is close to Al-Qaeda. At least 30,000 civilians have fled fighting between jihadists and rebels in northern Syria in the past 48 hours, Human Rights Watch said, calling on Turkey to open its border to them. The watchdog accused Turkish border guards of shooting at some of those displaced in Aleppo province by fighting between the Islamic State (IS) group and rebels as they approached the frontier. "As civilians flee ISIS fighters, Turkey is responding with live ammunition instead of compassion," said HRW researcher Gerry Simpson, using another acronym for the jihadists. "The whole world is talking about fighting ISIS, and yet those most at risk of becoming victims of its horrific abuses are trapped on the wrong side of a concrete wall." HRW said many of those who fled were residents of emergency camps set up along the border who headed for other camps or nearby towns and villages even though they were still unsafe. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) meanwhile estimated that up to around 23,000 displaced people had fled the IS offensive in northern Syria. It said many displaced were now "in close proximity to frontlines and therefore extremely vulnerable to further escalations". It comes as escalating fighting between Russian-backed regime fighters and rebels around the provincial capital Aleppo further south threatens a nearly seven-week ceasefire that had seen violence drop significantly for the first time in the five-year conflict. IS and other jihadist groups are excluded from the truce. Representatives of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime are expected in Geneva today for the latest round of talks aimed at ending the war, which has killed more than 270,000 people and displaced half the population. At least 30 persons, having suffered injuries during Wednesday's tremor, were now being treated at different hospitals in Manipur. An official of the state-run referral Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) said many of the injured were in the super-speciality hospital as well as in some private clinics in the valley and were now in stable condition. No loss of life was reported in the state due to the quake epicentred at neighbouring Myanmarese village, 225 km from state capital. The tembler caused damages to several public and private structures including the newly repaired Telephone Bhavan (BSNL) here, besides Mothers' Market (Ima Market), Lamphel Sanakeithel Police Outpost, as this PTI correspondent was shown by employees and locals. Official sources said the total extent of damage was being assessed. Five members of a family including four children have been killed when the roof of a dilapidated house collapsed on them in this Pakistani city. According to officials, house owner Zubair Ahmed lived along with wife and four children in the two-storey home in Farooq Gang area in Lahore. The roof of the house caved in last night, trapping Zubair's wife and four children under the debris. Rescue teams found Zubair's wife and four children from the debris and rushed them to a nearby hospital where they were declared brought dead. Zubair was not present at the house when the incident took place. The officials said the house was in dilapidated condition. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has expressed his sorrow over the incident and ordered inquiry into the matter. Six persons including two policemen were injured when supporters of Trinamool Congress and CPI(M) today clashed in Haldia in East Midnapur district during filing of nomination papers by candidates of the two parties, police said. An altercation between workers of the two parties began when TMC's Sudarshan Ghosh Dastidar and Tapas Mandal of CPI(M) were filing their nomination papers. The altercation led to scuffle and police had to intervene to control the situation. Two policemen including SDPO Tanmay Mukherjee, and four political workers were injured in the melee, police said. Two persons were arrested in this connection. A city-based advocate and two of his female associates were booked for allegedly running a racket of "fake lawyers" here and cheating litigants, police said today. Cases against advocate Sunil Kumar and his two associates were lodged with Borivali police station, Kurur police station last month; while the one with Azad Nagar police station was filed on April 8. The cases were registered under sections 406 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating), 465 (forgery), 466 (forgery of record of court or of public register), 467 (forgery of valuable security) of IPC, besides other relevant sections. They were booked after advocate Shashikant Chaudhari had in July last filed complaint against Kumar at several police stations, alleging he is running a "racket of fake lawyers". "An FIR was registered recently in this regard. We are investigating the matter and will take action accordingly as the probe proceeds," investigating officer at Azad Maidan police station, Umesh Shinde, said. Complainant Chaudhari said he had filed at least 10 cases at different city police stations against Kumar, which were verified by the police. Later on, three police stations converted the complaint into an FIR. Chaudhari maintained Kumar is a genuine advocate but his two female associates are not. He alleged the accused, through his law firm, M/s. Kumar & Associates, is running a racket. "As per my knowledge, Kumar is a genuine advocate. But his two associates are not. I have documents related to Roznama of courts, Bail Bonds, Surety Application and Vakalatnama and application which are filed by his associates, showing that they are not advocates and are cheating people and the court as well," Chaudhari told PTI. He said he had also sent an application to the Chief Justice of Bombay High Court and Bar Council of Maharashtra. Meanwhile, Kumar denied all the allegations levelled against him and claimed the complainant, Chaudhari, himself was an accused in a molestation case, filed by one of his female associates and is doing so "out of vengeance". "The complainant was working under me where one of my colleagues filed a case of molestation against him. So, he has made baseless allegations against me and my colleagues. I will give a befitting reply in the court of law," Kumar said. Chaudhari, however, said the "fake molestation" case was lodged against him only after he first filed the complaint against Kumar in July last. The says its air force has hit Islamic State (IS) militants in the eastern province of Nangarhar, killing at least 40 insurgents. Defense Ministry spokesperson Gen Dawlat Waziri says the airstrike took place late yesterday night in Achin district and also wounded several IS fighters. District governor Gahlib Mujahid says the airstrike targeted a meeting of IS fighters that was underway in the Pikha Lataband area. He says most of the dead were foreign fighters and that their bodies were collected by the local villagers and handed over to the Islamic State group, which has gained a foothold in Nangarhar. Nangarhar has seen heavy fighting between IS jihadis, many of whom are disgruntled former Taliban members weary of the insurgency's failure to overthrow the Kabul government, and rival Taliban. An Afghan official says that more than 50 Taliban militants were killed after the Taliban launched a major offensive in the northern province of Kunduz. Abdul Wasay Basil, spokesman for the provincial governor, said Friday that more than 60 Taliban fighters were wounded, and that clashes were still ongoing. Colonel Ghulam Azrat Karimi, spokesman for the Afghan Army in Kunduz province, said Taliban fighters began attacking Afghan security forces early Friday morning. Elsewhere in Afghanistan, the NDS national intelligence service issued a statement today claiming that a major Taliban official had been captured. The statement claimed that Qari Youssef, the Taliban's shadow governor for Khost province, was captured Tuesday while dressed in women's clothing to avoid arrest. Taiwan has charged two air traffic control officers with causing a TransAsia plane crash that killed 49 people in 2014, the first prosecutions in the country's worst air disaster for a decade. The plane's two pilots, who died in the crash, were also blamed for flying Flight GE222 into a residential area as the aircraft attempted to land at Magong city airport in the Penghu islands. "The four people are found to have been negligent in their duties over this crash," the Penghu prosecutors said in a statement Thursday, referring to the two air traffic control officers and the pair of pilots. The pilots will not be prosecuted, but ground staff in charge of air traffic that day are being sued for criminal negligence, which carries a jail term of up to five years. Taiwan's aviation body in January said the pilots had caused the crash on July 23, 2014, by flying too low as they tried to land during a typhoon. The probe also blamed other factors for the disaster, including poor communication of weather information to the flight crew and coordination issues at Magong airport. Prosecutors said Thursday a senior duty officer at Magong surnamed Ching, and another member of staff surnamed Li, contributed to the crash by not allowing the plane to land. The pair spoke for 12 minutes after receiving the plane's request to land but Ching did not give the necessary approval considering the bad weather conditions. TransAsia has seen several accidents in recent years that have raised concern about the airline's safety standards. Seven months after Flight GE222 crashed, 43 people were killed when another TransAsia plane clipped a bridge and plunged into a river in Taipei. AirAsia today asserted that effective control of its joint venture AirAsia India is with Indian parties and said "vested interests" were trying to prevent the local no-frills airline from offering competitive service and fares. The assertion comes amid concerns expressed in various quarters about effective control at the low cost airline AirAsia India - jointly owned by Malaysia-based AirAsia Bhd and Tatas. AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes said it is time for India to end patronage and put people first and emphasised that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has promised fairness and transparency. According to AirAsia, a provision in the brand license AirAsia India and AirAsia Bhd explicitly states that substantial ownership and effective control of the licensee remains at all times with Indian residents. "We are shocked and surprised by the unprecedented opposition we continue to face in the Indian market from vested interests that are determined to find any reason or argument to block us in our endeavour to offer Indian consumer the most competitive service and fares," AirAsia said in a statement today. It reiterated that AirAsia India's majority ownership and effective control are with Indian parties as per regulations. "All the important decisions concerning the day-to-day operations of the airline are taken by the management team of the airline under the overall supervision, control, and direction of the board of directors (which include a majority of Indian nationals)," the statement said. Meanwhile, Fernandes said the "constant attack on AirAsia, especially by certain members of media has saddened me but we will prevail. It is time for India to end patronage and put people first". Last month, Tata Sons said it would hike its stake in AirAsia India to 49 per cent by buying additional shares from Arun Bhatia's Telestra which would be exiting the airline. Telestra Tradeplace had around 10 per cent stake. While Tata Sons would buy 7.94 per cent shareholding, the remaining stake would be purchased by the carrier's two directors - S Ramadorai and R Venkataramanan - in their individual capacities. Post deal, Tata group and Malaysia's AirAsia Bhd would have 49 per cent stake each in the no-frills airline. Meanwhile, Fernandes today also said Modi government has promised fairness and transparency and having met the Prime Minister, "I am even more excited about our future in India". "My father was a proud Indian and of all the things that I have done, nothing would have made him prouder than what we are trying to achieve in India. AirAsia is about creating jobs and enabling people to do things they never ever thought possible. We made Asia smaller. That's all we want to do in India," he noted. "Hail Ceasar" star Alden Ehrenreich is the frontrunner to play a young version of iconic character, Han Solo, in an upcoming "Star Wars" spin-off, set to be directed by Phil Lord and Chris Miller. Among 2,500 actors auditioning for the role, Ehrenreich made up the final shortlist along with Taron Egerton ("Kingsman: The Secret Service") and Jack Reynor ("Transformers: Age of Extinction"). The 26-year-old Los Angeles native now leads the pack thanks to his "impressive performance" during a series of screen tests, reported Deadline. It's worth noting that Ehrenreich's casting is not yet official and the coveted role could still go to another actor. Written by Lawrence Kasdan and his son Jon, the still-untitled stand-alone Star Wars film II will be an origin story about Han Solo and his best buddy Chewbacca. Filming is set to star next January for a May 25, 2018 release in the US. The Madras High Court today came down hard on Tamil Nadu government for being unable to rectify alleged deficiencies in implementation of suggestions made by a two-member advocates Commission for upkeep of Anna Centenary Library and orally observed that it may be constrained to appoint a committee to take over and manageg it. The First bench, comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice M M Sundresh, made the observation after going through the additional report filed by the Commission on the factual position of implementation of its suggestions for upkeep of the facility. The court observed it cannot be expected to every now and then supervise, despite giving repeated orders on the matter. The bench asked Additional Advocate General P H Arvind Pandian to specify the date by which nothing would be left to be done further and said it would send the Commission to see if all aspects had been attended to in every manner. The bench noted that the report had stated that a number of deficiencies still remained and the AAG's reply that steps are being taken to remove them. It asked him to specify a time frame within which nothing would be left to be done further. The AAG, on instructions, said June 30 may be taken as the cutoff date for everything to be completed. "We call upon the authorities to file a report in terms aforesaid along with the relevant photographs and thereafter we will determine whether another visit of the two-member Commission is necessary or not." The bench said it would be constrained to appoint a committee to take over and manage it if these are not done. The High Court had on February 26 directed the Commission to visit the library to verify the factual position on the alleged deficiencies. The same bench had given the direction when a petition of non-compliance of its earlier order came up for hearing. After hearing submissions by the counsel for the petitioner of the PIL, over which the court had earlier set up the panel to look into the state of affairs of the library, the bench had directed it to verify the discrepancies and file a status report by today. The PIL had been filed challenging AIADMK government's proposal to convert the library, built by the previous DMK dispensation, into a Super Specialty Hospital for children. The court had earlier directed the government to implement the suggestions made by the Commission. Bernie Sanders issued a global call to action at the Vatican today to address "immoral and unsustainable" wealth inequality and poverty, using the high-profile gathering to echo one of the central platforms of his presidential campaign. The Democratic senator from Vermont cited Pope Francis and St John Paul II repeatedly during his speech to the Vatican conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of a landmark teaching document from John Paul on social and economic justice after the Cold War. Sanders arrived in Rome hours after wrapping up a debate in New York yesterday night, saying the opportunity to address the Vatican conference was too meaningful to pass up. The roughly 24-hour visit precedes Tuesday's crucial New York primary, which Sanders must do well in to maintain a viable challenge to Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton. Pope Francis apologized that he couldn't personally greet participants at the Vatican conference. No meeting with Sanders was expected. But the trip gave Sanders a moment on the world stage, placing him alongside priests, bishops, academics and two South American presidents. Sanders has been at a disadvantage during his campaign against Clinton, President Barack Obama's former secretary of state, on issues of foreign policy but he was peppered with questions from academics and ecclesiastics in a manner that might have been afforded a head of state. Sanders trails Clinton in the Democratic primaries but the trip to the Vatican and his massive rally earlier this week with 27,000 people in New York City may have offered a glimpse of the senator's aim to become a progressive leader, win or lose. The discussions gave him a chance to expand on his core campaign messages about the need to reform banking regulations, campaign finance rules and higher education. Asked about inequality in public education, he said it was "beyond disgraceful" and cited challenging conditions in Detroit's school system. He told the audience that rather than a world economy that looks out for the common good, "we have been left with an economy operated for the top 1 per cent, who get richer and richer as the working class, the young and the poor fall further and further behind." "We don't choose to politicize the pope," Sanders told attendees, "but his spirit and courage and the fact, if I may say so here, that his words have gone way, way, way beyond the Catholic Church. Fierce fighting raged today around Syria's Aleppo as a surge in violence forced tens of thousands more to flee their homes, overshadowing the latest round of peace talks in Geneva. The clashes on several fronts have put a strain on a fragile ceasefire in place since February 27, and left more than 200 fighters on all sides of the civil war dead in recent days. The delegation representing President Bashar al-Assad's regime arrived today in Geneva where UN-brokered indirect talks between representatives of the government and opposition were due to be held. However, the fighting around Syria's second city Aleppo cast a shadow over international efforts to end the five-year war, which has left more than 270,000 people dead and forced millions to flee their homes. Troops and militiamen loyal to Assad's regime have fought Islamic State group fighters to the southeast of Aleppo city this week, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. They also battled jihadists from the al-Qaeda-affiliated Al-Nusra Front and allied rebels in the flashpoint area of Handarat north of Aleppo city, it said. Meanwhile IS fought rebels near the Turkish border, the Britain-based monitor added. "What is happening in Aleppo is a major violation of the ceasefire," rebel commander Major Eyad Shamsi told AFP in Geneva, blaming the regime. "A big battle is being fought in Aleppo, and it will lead to a major disaster should the regime succeed" in cutting off the route linking rebel-held parts of Aleppo to the northern countryside, he said. In that case, "a million people will come under siege in (opposition-controlled parts of) Aleppo," he added. On one Aleppo front alone -- pitting rebels against IS -- fighting has forced about 30,000 civilians to flee, according to Human Rights Watch. The watchdog accused Turkish border guards of shooting at some of those displaced as they approached the frontier. "As civilians flee ISIS fighters, Turkey is responding with live ammunition instead of compassion," said HRW researcher Gerry Simpson, using another acronym for the jihadists. "The whole world is talking about fighting ISIS, and yet those most at risk of becoming victims of its horrific abuses are trapped on the wrong side of a concrete wall. Belgian judges today set May 9 as the trial date for 16 people linked to a jihadist cell in the rust-belt town of Verviers that was dismantled by police in a deadly raid last year. Belgian police raided an apartment in the town on January 15, 2015 killing two men and capturing a third, just two weeks after the attack in Paris against the Charlie Hebdo satirical newspaper. Belgian police said at the time the cell was planning to kill and kidnap police officers under orders from the Islamic State jihadist group in Syria. All three men were from Molenbeek, the gritty immigrant area of Brussels and home to several of the jihadists that would go on to carry out the attacks in Paris in November and last month's suicide bombings in Brussels, which killed 162 people in total and was claimed by IS. Police believe the suspected ringleader of the November 13 Paris attacks, Abdelhamid Abaaoud, was central to the Verviers events giving orders to the would-be assailants by phone from Greece. The main suspect at the trial will be Marouane El Bali, who is accused of attempted murder for firing at police during the gun fight, an allegation his defense team firmly denies. "He was a small player and was absolutely not aware of any planned attacks," his lawyer Sebastien Courtoy told Belga agency. Killed in the raid were Sofiane Amghar and Khalid Ben Larbi who left Molenbeek to join Islamic State in Syria in April 2014. The two then slipped back into Belgium to the Verviers hideout which is about 120 kilometres east of Brussels. The trial is scheduled to last three weeks. Its schedule thrown haywire after the Bombay High Court ordered the shifting of 13 matches out of drought-hit Maharashtra, the cash-rich league today picked Bengaluru as the venue for its finale and offered four alternate home options to the state's affected franchises. In a meeting between Chairman Rajeev Shukla and representatives of the Rising Pune Supergiants and Mumbai Indians, it was decided to allot IPL's final and the first Qualifier to Bengaluru. The second Qualifier and the Eliminator, on the other hand, have been proposed to be moved to Kolkata to implement the Bombay High Court's order that asked the BCCI to shift all the matches after April 30 from Maharashtra due to the acute water crisis in the state. In today's meeting, the two affected franchises were asked to pick from Raipur, Jaipur, Visakhapatnam and Kanpur as their alternate home base. While Pune opted for Visakhapatnam, Mumbai Indians sought two days' time to choose their new base. "We will propose before the Governing Council that Final and Qualifier 1 be shifted to Bengaluru, while Qualifier 2 and Eliminator to Kolkata," Shukla told reporters after the meeting. "After speaking to the franchises, we have given them four options: Raipur, Jaipur, Kanpur and Visakhapatnam. Mumbai Indians have asked for time till day after tomorrow (to give their preference)," he added. "Pune has given Visakhapatnam as its preference. We will put the proposal of Pune team before the Governing Council." The logistical crisis was triggered despite the BCCI assurance to the High Court that IPL franchises of Mumbai and Pune had agreed to contribute Rs five crore each to CM's drought relief fund. "As far as giving 5 crore is concerned, it will be as per the directive of the High Court. They (the franchises) are supposed to get a written order on this," Shukla said. Shukla also stated that the BCCI will plead before the HC to allow the May 1 clash between Mumbai and Pune to go ahead in Pune as the home franchise will be playing a game in the city on April 29. "We will request the Honourable court to allow us to hold this match," he said. Accusing Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje of suppressing facts in the alleged rape and murder case of a minor Dalit girl, leader of Opposition Rameshwar Dudi today demanded a CBI probe into the matter. The 17-year-old girl was found dead a fortnight ago in a water tank in Bikaner where she was pursuing her BSTC(a teacher training course) in a private educational institute. Dudi alleged the government was shielding owner of the institution as he was a RSS volunteer. "Under pressure from the RSS, Raje was misleading public in this case," he said in a statement. "Her father, relatives and others have demanded CBI inquiry in this case but the government is apathetic towards the demand. It was a murder case but the government says it was suicide," he said, while reiterating the demand of CBI inquiry in this matter. Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi had also visited the aggrieved family of the girl on Wednesday in Barmer and demanded a CBI probe. The girl was found dead in a water tank on March 30. In the intervening night of March 28-29, the girl had been found in the room of physical trainer and instructor Vijendra Singh by the hostel warden. Singh was arrested after the girl was found dead. The hostel warden and principal were also arrested for not informing the police when she was found in the instructor's room. Singh was arrested for rape while the other two were put behind bars for not informing police when the minor girl was found in the room of the teacher. The bodies of two Indian fishermen hailing from Gujarat who had died in a Pakistani jail, were handed over to their families in Dandi and Nanavada villages in Gir-Somnath district today for performing their last rites. The mortal remains of Vaaga Bijal Chauhan and Ratandas Makwana were brought to Mumbai by a Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flight yesterday. They were subsequently sent to their respective natives by road in two separate ambulance vans. G K Rathod, an official from Gujarat Fisheries department who was one of the four team members sent to Mumbai to take possession of the bodies, told PTI that the body of Makwana was handed over to his younger brother Keshavdas in Nanivada village while the remains of Chauhan were received by his son Suresh and bed-ridden wife Lekhiben at Dandi village in the presence of government representatives and witnesses after proper identification. "Large number of people including the women folk of Makwana's had turned up at his home for mourning his demise," he said adding the village had observed a bandh as a mark of respect on the occasion. The post mortem report conducted on Makwana in a hospital in Pakistan stated the cause behind his death as bone TB, said Rathod. The autopsy report was given to his family and another copy of it will be submitted to the Fisheries Commissioner in Gandhinagar, he added. R V Halai, another Fisheries official and a member of the team went to Dandi to hand over Chauhan's body to his family which took it to Modheshar to perform to the last rites. A team of four officials from Gujarat government took possession of the bodies after the state authorities received a message from Indian High Commissioner's office in Islamabad on Tuesday, said Mohammed Narmavala, Commissioner (Fisheries). Chauhan died in a Karachi jail on December 22, 2015 while Makwana passed away on February 8, 2016. Both were held in April last year when their boats allegedly entered territorial waters of Pakistan while fishing in Sir Creek area in the Arabian Sea. The exact cause of their death is not known, but their families suspect they died due to ill-treatment in jail. According to Veljibhai Masani, Senior Vice President of Gujarat Fishermen Association (GFA) the bodies of both these fishermen were lying in a morgue of Edhi Foundation centre in Karachi before being flown to Mumbai. He said that Managing Trustee of Edhi Foundation, Faisal Edhi had told him that they were ready to perform last rites of these two fishermen as both the bodies were highly decomposed. However, they could not get required permission from Pakistan ministry he said quoting Faisal. Bolivian President Evo Morales urged Pope Francis today to savour the health benefits of chewing coca leaves, which contain the raw ingredient of cocaine. During a visit to the Vatican, he noted that coca has been used for thousands of years as a medicinal cure in the Andes. "I take it and I'm doing very well on it. I recommend that you take it, it will help sustain you," Morales told the pontiff. The Holy Father sampled a tea made from coca leaves to combat altitude sickness on a visit to La Paz last year. The Bolivian president, a long-time leader of a coca growers' union, spent half an hour with Francis discussing "current socio-economic conditions" among other issues, the Vatican said in a statement. At home, Morales has had fraught relations with his country's bishops whom he accuses of being in the pay of the right-wing opposition. After they accused the Bolivian government of being involved in drug trafficking, the bishops were summoned by the president to provide a list of those involved. Exchanging gifts, Morales offered the pope three books on the health benefits of the coca leaf. The meeting was the third time the pope and Morales had met. A non-academic book on the work of the father of the Indian Constitution B R Ambedkar is being planned after a conference to mark the 125th birth anniversary of the Dalit icon generated huge interest in South Africa. Academics from India, the US and South Africa participated in the two-day event here organised by the Consulate General of India in collaboration with the Centre for Indian Studies in Africa (CISA) at the Witwatersrand University. Prof Dilip Menon, Director of CISA, who called for greater scholarly attention worldwide to studying the prolific writings of India's first Law Minister, said the participants had been invited to comment on selected works of Ambedkar. "The idea is to actually produce a book, which introduces to the average reader some of the major texts of Ambedkar and ways to read them," said Menon. "Once that first book has been done, we hope to move on to the next set of works, with these then possibly used for teaching and generate a larger interest in Ambedkar's thinking which is quite complex," Menon added. Opening the conference, Indian Consul-General Randhir Jaiswal recalled the immense contribution of Ambedkar to fighting for the rights of Dalits and downtrodden in India and his seminal role in shaping the Constitution of India as the chairman of its drafting Committee. "This birth anniversary is being celebrated in every nook and corner of the world by our Government, something which has happened for the first time. To us this global celebration is, indeed, a befitting tribute to a person who had global aspirations and achievements: In spite of all the insurmountable social and economic odds," Jaiswal added. "This special honouring of Dr Ambedkar on his 125th birth anniversary underscores the resolve of our Government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the mantra of 'Sabka Saath, Sakba Vikas' (inclusive development)." South African participants in the conference highlighted the relevance of Ambedkar's ideas and politics to South African social realities, and called for a closer study looking at the two political experiences, particularly in the areas of social exclusion and injustice for long periods. Gopal Guru from Jawaharlal University, New Delhi, dwelt on the notion of 'kaivari' (the one who stands up for you) in his analysis of Ambedkar's writings, while Prof Aishwary Kumar from Stanford University, USA, looked at Ambedkar's faith in equality which the protagonist formulated around the Mahad Satyagraha of 1927. Prof Ajay Skaria, University of Minnesota, USA, talked on Ambedkar's engagement with Buddhism and Valerian Rodrigues, Mangalore University, India, spoke on the radical democratic imagination of Ambedkar and his engagement with the caste system. Prof Kalyan Kumar Das from Presidency College in Kolkata presented his paper on Ambedkar's seminal writings, highlighting the different strands in the political narrative in India of his time. Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate hiked to an ancient Buddhist monastery high in the mountains of Bhutan today, a day after meeting the king and queen of the tiny Himalayan nation. The couple hiked up to the spectacular seventh-century Buddhist monastery, perched on the edge of a cliff 3,636 metres high in the Himalayas and known as the "Tigers' Nest". William's father Prince Charles undertook the same trek in 1998 but only made it halfway because of a polo injury, stopping en route to paint a watercolour of the monastery. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had a private dinner yesterday with Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema. Earlier, they braved the rain to attend an open-air archery venue, where they tried their hand at the national sport. They are spending two days in the tiny kingdom, famously the last country to get television and home to just 750,000 people, before returning to India for a visit to the Taj Mahal tomorrow. Bhutan's Oxford-educated monarch -- known as the Dragon King -- came to the throne in 2006 after his father abdicated and agreed to cede absolute power to a parliamentary democracy. The country held its first elections in 2008 and is known for pursuing a unique economic development model of "Gross National Happiness", which aims to balance spiritual and material wealth. A senior teacher at a top British private boarding school was today banned for at least three years for encouraging students to cheat and then lie about it on his behalf. Mark Lotsu, Head of Biology at St John's School in Leatherhead, admitted he gave "improper assistance" to A and AS Level students in March 2015. When the boarding school investigated, he also persuaded pupils to lie about the help they received. Lotsu claimed he was under pressure to achieve better results, the BBC reported. However, a written decision by the National College for Teaching and Leadership said such pressure "was normal across the education sector [and] in no way a justification for his actions". The panel found the allegations, which Lotsu admitted to, amounted to unacceptable professional conduct and conduct which might bring the profession into disrepute. Lotsu helped pupils to cheat in their biology Investigative Skills Assignment in March 2015. He provided them with some answers and revision sheets and allowed those who scored badly to rewrite work on to photocopied pages which were then stapled to their original papers. The ruling stated: "The panel was satisfied that Mr Lotsu's conduct in dishonestly interfering with national examinations and asking pupils to lie on his behalf was misconduct of a serious nature, falling significantly short of the standard of behavior expected of a teacher." Lotsu told the panel: "Through my dishonesty, I did in fact potentially end up doing more damage to [the pupils'] future chances than good. This is something that will always remain with me." The panel recommended the ban from teaching is reviewed in two years, but Jayne Millions, from the Department for Education, struck him off "indefinitely" and this cannot be reviewed for three years. Canada's Supreme Court struck down key policies of the former Conservative government that aimed to deter crimes by effectively jailing convicts for longer, in a pair of rulings today. Historically Canadian courts had broad discretion in sentencing, but the Tories led by Stephen Harper changed that in 2010 by imposing mandatory minimum sentences for certain crimes. They also ended a practice of giving enhanced credit for time spent in pre-trial custody, alleging convicts had manipulated the clause to spend less overall time in prison. The amendments targeted violent and repeat offenders, but in split decisions the Supreme Court found them to be overbroad and unjust. In one case, an Iranian national who has since been deported was sentenced to six years in prison for a variety of criminal offenses. Due to prior convictions, he was not permitted to apply nearly 20 months he voluntarily spent in pre-trial custody, multiplied by 1.5, to reduce his sentence. In another case, a Vancouver addict with a prior drug conviction was sentenced to one year in prison for drug possession with the purpose of trafficking, under the minimum sentencing guidelines. "At one end of the range of conduct caught by the mandatory minimum sentence provision (hypothetically) stands a professional drug dealer who engages in the business of dangerous drugs for profit, who is in possession of a large amount of drugs, and who has been convicted many times for similar offences," Chief Justice Beverley McLachlin wrote in one of the decisions. "At the other end of the range stands the addict who is charged for sharing a small amount of drugs with a friend or spouse, and finds herself sentenced to a year in prison because of a single conviction for sharing marijuana in a social occasion nine years before. "Most Canadians would be shocked to find that such a person (the latter) could be sent to prison for one year. Aiming to increase cruise tourism, the Centre is mulling to include vacations on luxury ships under the Leave Travel Concession (LTC) scheme where government employees get their travel costs reimbursed. "We are looking at including cruise tours under the LTC scheme. Employees can go on cruise ships at government expense," Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism, Suman Billa said during a session on tourism at the Maritime India Summit here today. He said such a move will shore up the sagging numbers of tourists opting for cruise tours and will be a huge boost for the sector. Billa said for the five years between FY10 and FY14, there has been a 14 per cent decline in the number of tourists opting for cruise tours in the country, a trend the government wants to reverse. In FY10, there were 55,000 domestic and 1.35 lakh foreign tourists who boarded cruise ships, which dropped to 45,000 and 70,000, respectively, in FY14, he said. Tourism Minister Mahesh Sharma today said presently only 0.40 per cent of the tourists in India opt for cruise tours, while India's share in the global cruise tourism market is 0.68 per cent. The government is targeting to take this up to 1 per cent by 2020 and further to 2 per cent later. Most Indians "have a craze" towards cruise tourism, he said, adding that special emphasis has been laid on cruise tourism in the last 18 months. Billa said a task force set up in November 2015 to increase cruise tourism is looking at various aspects, including developing infrastructure, simplifying procedures, increasing marketing and communication activities, and incentives and commissions. The move to include holidays on cruise ships under the LTC is also one of the proposals the task force, chaired by tourism secretary and co-chaired by the shipping secretary, is looking into, he said. Billa said India is best placed to take advantage of cruise tourism as it stands close to a busy route for cruise ships between the Middle East and South East Asian countries. Terming the recently killing of rhinos in Kaziranga national park as a "serious" issue, the Centre today said that it will take stringent action against poachers and also ask the state government to immediately recruit people in the Rhino task force to curb the menace. Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said that the recent approval given by the Union cabinet to India adopting the statute of the South Asia Wildlife Enforcement Network (SAWEN) will increase cooperation between South Asian countries to curb wildlife crimes. The comments come on a day Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi directed Additional Chief Secretary T Y Das to probe the death of two rhinos in Kaziranga National Park recently and to submit a report to him. Javadekar said that the Centre is very serious regarding the issue and has initiated tough action against the poachers, many of whom have been killed, and such steps will continue. "They are using AK47s. This is a serious issue. We have already created rhino task force. Unfortunately state government has not recruited. Now the elections are over. "We will ask state government to immediately do that. Our concept is that local youths are trained and recruited in the protection force. Centre is going to pay," Javadekar told PTI. Hours after England's Prince William and his wife Princess Kate Middleton visited the Kaziranga National Park, poachers shot dead a rhinoceros at the sprawling sanctuary using AK47 guns. Poachers had killed a female rhino just two days before the royal visit. The horns of both animals were hacked off. The Union Cabinet recently gave its nod for India adopting the statute of the SAWEN which will help in checking cross border wildlife crimes. The approval by the Cabinet at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi allows the country to become a formal member of SAWEN in order to strengthen ties with the member countries in controlling the trans-boundary wildlife crime through communication, coordination, collaboration, capacity building and cooperation in the region. "SAWEN which has been approved by the cabinet is very important. It is the neighbouring countries where the horns are smuggled out of India and then they go for final destination. So close cooperation of neighbouring South Asian countries is an essential part in stopping the illegal trade. "At the same time, we are also taking action on ground. State government should immediately recruit local people and train them," Javadekar said. India's SSP Chawrasia, playing his first big event since winning the Hero Indian Open three weeks ago, crossed the first hurdle of making the cut at the Real Club Valderrama Open de Espana today. Chawrasia, winner of three European Tour titles, all co-sanctioned with Asian Tour and at home in India, shot 73 and 74 in the first two rounds at the Real Club, which is one of the toughest courses in Europe. Chawrasia was five-over for 36 holes and lying 37th as the cut was expected to fall at around seven-over, the highest on European Tour this season. And Chawrasia was expected to move another few spots up to inside Top-30 as others completed their round at the tough Par-71 Valderrama course. This is the first time Real Club Valderrama is hosting the Open de Espana, one of the oldest events in Europe and now in its 90th staging. The event is being hosted by the Sergio Garcia Foundation. Chawrasia, who teed off from the 10th on the second day, was going fine till arriving at the seventh tee, for what was his 16th hole in the second round. He ran into a double bogey, where he had a bogey on first day and stumbled and despite a birdie on eighth, he finished at three-over 74 on a day when under-par scores were very difficult. Pablo Larrazabal set the clubhouse target as only four players were under par with play still on. Only Larrazabal had finished both rounds, while others in red figures were still on the demanding course. Overnight leader Alexander Levy (66 in first round) had dropped dramatically with four bogeys in first five holes. Larrazabal, the home favourite, came into day two shots behind the Frenchman, Levy, and, while the rest of the field failed to make any impression on the upper echelons of the leaderboard, he got to seven under after ten holes to open up a two-shot lead. But a bogey on the second and bunker trouble on the third dropped him back to his starting position of three under before he parred his way home for an impressive 71. China's second-ranking general recently visited the country's man-made islands in the South China Sea, the Defence Ministry said today, underscoring China's defiance in the face of calls by the US and others to cease construction work that they say is raising tensions in the region. According to the brief statement, General Fan Changlong led a group of military commanders to the Spratly island group to visit troops and observe construction work. The statement didn't say when and where Fan, a vice chairman of the Central Military Commission that controls the People's Liberation Army, visited. The announcement comes after China issued an angry response to what it says are provocative plans announced yesterday that the US would send troops and planes to the Philippines for more frequent rotations and will increase joint sea and air patrols with Philippine forces in the South China Sea. US Defence Secretary Ash Carter was also visiting an aircraft carrier today during a trip to the region that does not include a stop in China. In reporting on Fan's visit, the ministry said China had completed work on five lighthouses, four of which are now operational, in the Spratlys, saying those were built to "provide a public service for the international community." Work on a weather station, ocean monitoring centre, oceanographic equipment and other facilities was also "proceeding smoothly," the report said. China claims virtually the entire South China Sea as its own territory and is topping the islands by piling sand and building airstrips and other infrastructure. The Philippines, Vietnam and others also claim territory controlled or claimed by China, and increased military and coast guard deployments by all sides could increase the potential for conflict. Late yesterday, the Defence Ministry said that Beijing would "resolutely defend" its sovereignty and maritime interests while accusing the Philippines and US of militarising the region and harbouring a "Cold War mentality" by strengthening their alliance. The South China Sea dispute also featured in talks between Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Malcolm Turnbull, the prime minister of close US ally Australia, which is trying to balance security needs with its economy's reliance on the Chinese market. China today voiced "resolute opposition" to the US-Philippines joint patrols in the South China Sea, saying the "harmful" move will flare regional contradictions and damage peace and stability in the disputed territory. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spelled out China's stance after the Pentagon said that US-Philippine joint patrols in the South China Sea will occur "regularly". The ministry said China expresses "resolute opposition against infringement of China's sovereignty and security by any country in any form". "The military exchanges ... Should not target a third party, not to mention supporting some countries to provoke China's sovereignty and security, flaring regional contradictions and damaging regional peace and stability," the Foreign Ministry told state-run 'China Daily'. "The joint patrols between the United States and the Philippines in the South China Sea has led to militarisation in the region, which is harmful to regional peace and stability," said a statement of the Chinese Defence Ministry. The statement came after the US said yesterday it had launched joint South China Sea patrols with the Philippines and that 275 troops and five attack aircraft will remain in the Philippines temporarily. US Defence Secretary Ash Carter confirmed in Manila yesterday that the US and the Philippines had already conducted such patrols. "The Chinese military will pay close attention to the situation, and resolutely defend China's territorial sovereignty and maritime interests," the statement said. The ministry said the US and the Philippines' were strengthening military alliance, increasing frontline military deployment and holding joint military drills with specific targets reflected cold-war mentality and it went against peace and stability in the South China Sea. "We urge the parties concerned to sincerely respect the regional countries' efforts to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea," it said. Beijing will follow developments, and general stability has been maintained in the South China Sea "through joint efforts by China and relevant countries", the ministry officials told the daily. Reporting on the US-Philippines joint patrols, Global Times said the "US moves to include India and Philippines in mini NATO". The US moves around the South China Sea show that it wants to include India and the Philippines into its mini-NATO framework in the Asia-Pacific region, Liu Feng, a Hainan-based expert on the South China Sea, told the 'Global Times'. (REOPENS FGN 6) China's claims of almost all of South China Sea is disputed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. The Philippines has taken the disputed UN Convention on the Law of Seas, (UNCLOS). The tribunal proceedings were boycotted by China. Zhang Junshe, a senior researcher at the PLA Naval Military Studies Research Institute, said the US will damage peace in the South China Sea by calling for joint patrols. "When Washington calls China's behaviour in the South China Sea 'coercive', the joint patrols have been a slap in the face. This is sheer coercion against China's peaceful development," Zhang told China Daily. Carter reported the US confirmation at a conference with Philippines Defence Secretary Voltaire Gazmin in Manila. Reports said the first joint patrol took place in March and a second one took place earlier this month. Carter said the US forces will be given access to more military bases in the Philippines than the five announced already. "The US Army has now returned, has reinforced its military presence in the Philippines and has given rise to militarisation in the South China Sea region," said China's Ministry of National Defence. Strengthening security operations of the US and the Philippines is a reflection of the Cold War mentality that will promote regional militarisation, which will affect the regional stability of the South China Sea, it said. "We urge related parties not to target a third party or affect its interests when carrying out bilateral military cooperation," the ministry's press office has been quoted as saying by the state-run 'Global Times'. China's military will be highly focused on related issues and pledge to safeguard national sovereignty rights and rights in the ocean, the ministry added. Carter's visit to the Philippines comes after a three-day visit to India, during which the two countries decided to reach military logistics supply agreement to get access to each other's bases. Parrikar and Carter, however, made it clear that the agreement, which will be signed in "weeks" or "coming months", does not entail deployment of American troops on Indian soil. China reacted cautiously to the announcement, saying that India as an influential country pursued independent foreign policy while hinting that it may raise the issue during next week's visit here of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar. "We have to recognise that the US sees China as a strategic rival and make preparations accordingly in fields such as diplomatic strategy and military defense," Chen said, adding that China should avoid military conflicts with the US but be open to dialogue on maritime affairs. Liu added that China should maintain its stance on solving the South China Sea issue through consultations and negotiations, supported by countries such as Russia and Fiji. Earlier, Chinese ministry summoned envoys of G7 foreign ministers and protest over a statement in Hiroshima, expressing concerns over the situations in the East and South China Seas. A 52-year-old Chinese national has been arrested in the US on charges of trying to illegally export to China high-grade carbon fibre, primarily used in aerospace and military applications. The FBI arrested Fuyi Sun, aka Frank, on Wednesday for attempted for years to acquire high-grade carbon fibre for illegal export to China, US Attorney Preet Bharara said. "Earlier this week, after travelling to New York from China to finalise the deal, Sun allegedly told undercover agents that the carbon fibre he sought was headed for the Chinese military, and then paid tens of thousands of dollars in cash to purchase two cases of it," Bharara said. He said to avoid law enforcement detection, Sun allegedly directed the undercover agents to ship the carbon fibre in unmarked boxes and to falsify the shipping documents regarding the contents of the boxes. The carbon fibre - which has many aerospace and defense applications - is strictly controlled and Sun expressed willingness to pay a premium to skirt US export laws, said Assistant US Attorney General Carlin. The complaint charges Sun with one count of attempting to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), one count of conspiracy to violate IEEPA and one count of attempting to smuggle goods from the US. Sun was arrested after travelling to the US to meet with undercover agents (UCs) in an effort to obtain the specialised fibre which, due to its military and aerospace applications, requires an export license for export to China. The co-pilot of a South Korea- bound flight from Thailand today suffered a heart attack and died when plane was preparing for takeoff, forcing the airline to cancel the flight. All 186 passengers scheduled to fly to South Korea this morning from the island of Phuket had to spend extra time at the resort town after the co-pilot of the Eastarjet Flight ZE532 died, Bangkok Post said. Lim Hyun Soo, the 41-year-old South Korean co-pilot for plane suffered a heart attack while it was preparing for takeoff. Lim was rushed to hospital. He later was declared dead. The budget airline cancelled the flight scheduled and the passengers were put up in a hotel till another flight was arranged, the Post said. To take stock of Start-up India action plan, Commerce and Industry Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will tomorrow have an open chat with budding entrepreneurs at a centre that provides basic facilities to new-age ventures. "Rather than budding entrepreneurs coming to the ministry to raise their grievances and share feedback on the action plan, the minister has decided to visit the co-working office of young entrepreneurs and have an open chat with them about their expectations and experience," an official said. The exercise is aimed at giving a thrust to budding entrepreneurs, he said. As many as 50 start-up companies and over 70 budding entrepreneurs are expected to participate in the interaction with the Minister. Prominent ones include Velmenni Lifi, Fitternity, Glance, DeliveryTrack, FoodTalk, Chakar, BabyBug Step and Marketing Masala. Some angle investors like Singapore angel will also be present. In the Budget, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley announced a slew of initiatives, including 100 per cent tax exemption for three out of five years for startups set up during April 2016 to March 2019 aimed at facilitating growth for these new businesses. Similarly to promote innovation, a special patent regime has been proposed with a 10 per cent rate of tax on income from worldwide exploitation of patents developed and registered in India. Under the 'Start Up India Action Plan', the government also announced incentives including tax holiday and Inspector Raj-free regime besides capital gains tax exemption and Rs 10,000 crore corpus to fund them. The commerce minister has recently said that the startup action plan has generated a buzz among budding entrepreneurs and several of them have been able to successfully attract funds from angel and other investors. The ministry is also launching a "Twitter Seva", where in specified nodal officers of the ministry would respond to the issues being thrown up by startups or exporters on the micro blogging site. The Election Commission today issued instructions to keep controversial Trinamool Congress leader Anubrata Mandal under 24x7 surveillance of the Central police force. Officials said the Commission has directed West Bengal's Chief Electoral Officer Sunil Gupta to keep movement and election related activities of Mandal under constant watch during the entire election period. He shall invariably be videographed with date and time stamping, the instructions said. The team constituted for this purpose should comprise of Central police force personnel under a local magistrate. Mandal is the TMC Birbhum district president, which goes to polls in the second phase this Sunday. Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi had yesterday said they were initiating urgent legal action against Mandal. Mandal was censured by the EC on April 12 for making certain utterances against a woman BJP candidate and was asked to be careful in future. Even after that the Commission has been receiving regular complaints against him. On several earlier occasions the TMC leader has been issued showcause notices by the poll body. (REOPENS CAL 10) Later on reacting to the EC decision, Anubrata Mandal said it would not have any impact in the election. "Our campaigning ended at 6 PM today so it will not impact us at all," he told reporters when asked to comment on the EC's strictures. He, however, said he had not received any letter in this regard from the Commission adding he was not aware of why he was kept under surveillance. "Commission did what it felt was right," a visibly perplexed Mandal said. To a question about complaints against him by opposition parties, he said "I don't care what the opposition leaders say. CPI(M) today demanded a "credible" inquiry into the Handwara incident in which three persons were killed in firing by security forces on Tuesday and said "unarmed" stone-pelting crowd should not be shot at. "There has to be a credible inquiry into the circumstances which led to the firing after the alleged molestation of a girl by an army personnel," the party said in a statement and demanded that those responsible for it be arrested forthwith. It said security forces opening fire on unarmed protesters was a "common practice in Kashmir and must be stopped immediately". Kashmir, particularly Handwara town in Kupwara district, is tense over the last four days in the wake of the death of three youth and a woman in firing by security personnel during a violent protest against alleged molestation of the girl student by an army man on April 12. Curfew-like restrictions continued for the third day in parts of Kashmir and mobile internet services remained affected across the Valley. Spanish emergency services today pulled a second body from the rubble of a four-storey building that collapsed on the popular Canary Island holiday resort of Tenerife. Nine of the 28 people in the building, situated on one of the island's most popular beaches, are still missing, authorities said, with fears the death toll could still grow. After working through the night, emergency workers "found a second dead person, a woman whose age has yet to be determined," local authorities said in a statement. Three people, including a 28-year-old Italian man who suffered a broken arm, were rescued from the rubble late Thursday, with two requiring hospital treatment. The building, located in the beach area of Los Cristianos in the south of Tenerife, collapsed at around 9:30am (0830 GMT) on Thursday. The cause was not immediately clear. Four buildings located next to the collapsed block have been evacuated and dozens of families are living with relatives or staying in temporary accommodation. Tenerife, the largest of Spain's Canary Islands off the northwest coast of Africa, is a popular destination for British holidaymakers and retirees. It is also popular with German tourists. CPI-M state secretary Surjya Kanta Mishra today lashed out at Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee, saying the Election Commission should issue a letter to her for "challenging" it. "The way she is challenging the EC, the Commission should issue letter to her. If needed the EC can defer the election. It has powers," Mishra, who is the Leader of Opposition in West Bengal, told a press conference. Referring to Commission's show-cause notice to the West Bengal Chief Minister yesterday, Mishra, who is also a CPI(M) Politburo member, said "I don't know what letter was issued to her. But the issue which was mentioned was small." CEC Nasim Zaidi had said here yesterday that a show-cause notice was sent to her as she had promised "creation" of a new district of Asansol at an election meeting. "She also made some other utterances which violated the model code of conduct," he had said. Mishra said, "We don't know what the Commission can do to her. It is their matter. Earlier she used to scare the people. Now she is scaring the EC. "But we asked the people to safeguard their rights with all their might. We don't depend on anyone. We depend on the people. "She said she would seek answer inch by inch but the people are giving reply to her in feet through ballots," the CPI-M leader added. Egyptian police fired tear gas at dozens of protesters in Cairo today who rallied against a controversial deal to hand two islands in the Red Sea to Saudi Arabia, a security official said. A police official said officers fired tear gas and made arrests at one of the protests in the Cairo neighbourhood of Mohandessin. The deal to hand over two islands in the Straits of Tiran, signed during a visit by Saudi King Salman to Cairo last week, has provoked a storm of criticism against Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Egyptian police had warned Egyptians yesterday not to hold demonstrations after activists called for rallies across Cairo after the Friday Muslim prayers, held at noon. Sisi, a former army chief who overthrew Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013, led a crackdown on Islamists that killed hundreds of protests. Demonstrations not approved by the police have been banned. The calls for the protests were made by secular and Islamist activists who accuse Sisi of "selling" the islands in return for Saudi investments. The Egyptian government says the islands were Saudi to begin with, and were leased to Egypt in 1950. Egyptian security forces fired tear gas today at demonstrators protesting President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi's decision to hand over two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia. Chants of "leave, leave!" directed at el-Sissi marked the first significant wave of street protests since the former army chief became president in 2014. Riot police first cracked down on protesters in Cairo's twin city of Giza, where demonstrators had gathered at two prominent mosques after Friday prayers and started marching toward Tahrir Square downtown. Many carried signs reading, "Land is Honor" and denouncing the surrender of the islands. Others chanted, "The people want the fall of the regime" and "Down with military rule!" After police fired tear gas, the protesters ran in all directions, according to videos posted online by activists. Several photojournalists covering the protests were briefly detained near al-Istiqama mosque in Giza, according to witnesses at the scene who spoke on condition of anonymity because they feared for their own safety. All unauthorized demonstrations in Egypt are illegal and security forces have, in the past, used lethal force against peaceful demonstrators. Egypt's state agency quoted an unnamed official as saying that the protesters were members of the banned Muslim Brotherhood group and that they chanted "anti-regime slogans." The official said police responded with tear gas after protesters threw rocks at them. Another demonstration of nearly 2000 protesters gathered outside the Press Syndicate downtown, a few meters from a collection of armored vehicles and hundreds of police in full riot gear who sealed off the surrounding streets. The protesters there chanted, "They sold our lands to the Saudis." Except for a handful of bearded men and female protesters wearing full-face veils, there was little sign of an organized Islamist presence among the demonstrators. "If we give up the lands now, there will be more future concessions for him to stay in power, for few more months," said Alaa Morsi, one of the protesters, echoing a widely-held notion that el-Sissi essentially sold Egyptian territory in exchange for much-needed Saudi financial support, to shore up his rule. What infuriated many was the secretive nature of the deal and particularly its timing. It was announced at the same time the Saudis were pledging billions of dollars of loans, causing critics and even some former el-Sissi supporters to accuse the president of a desperate and humiliating territorial sell-off. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was today wrapping up a two-day summit of leaders from the world's Muslim countries aimed at narrowing bitter sectarian divisions over crises including the Syria and Yemen conflicts. Leaders at the summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Istanbul include King Salman of Sunni power Saudi Arabia and President Hassan Rouhani of Shiite Iran whose countries are pitted on opposing sides in Syria and Yemen. But with Turkey seeing the summit as a chance to shore up its prestige in the Islamic world, Erdogan has made it his mission at the meeting to bring the world's 1.7 billion Muslims closer together. He reaffirmed his call for unity at an official dinner late Thursday in the Dolmabahce Palace by the Bosphorus, where the late Ottoman Sultans ruled a decaying empire of Muslim lands that once stretched from from the Balkans to Arabia. "At this summit, our biggest expectation is for Islamic countries throughout the world to give a message of unity and togetherness to all Muslims," Erdogan told leaders beneath the dome of the vast Muayede Salon, the ceremonial hall where the Sultan would receive visitors. "Our aim is to give the whole Islamic family hope in the future. God willing, with this summit, a new era will begin for all of us." "Of course the problems in front of us are big. We are going through a tough period. But we should never lose hope," he added. Erdogan, whose country now holds the chairmanship of the OIC for the next two years, was due to chair the last sessions of the summit Friday before holding a conference. The meeting has been marked by signs of a strong emerging alliance between Turkey and fellow Sunni Muslim power Saudi Arabia, whose foreign ministers Thursday signed a memorandum on creating a bilateral cooperation council. Both countries, along with the tiny but gas-rich Gulf state of Qatar, back rebels fighting the regime of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria. This pits them against Iran and also Russia -- with whom Turkey is experiencing a crisis in relations after the downing of a Russian warplane -- who are the last major remaining allies of Assad. Analysts have warned Turkey needs to tread carefully in its alliance with Saudi Arabia, so it is not seen as a sectarian union aimed at Iran. In a sign of Ankara's desire to maintain a delicate balance, Rouhani is due to begin a bilateral visit to Turkey immediately after the summit. European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini will lead an EU delegation to Iran tomorrow, hoping to boost trade and regional peace after last year's nuclear deal. The 24-hour trip comes just days after Italy's Prime Minister Matteo Renzi became the highest-ranking European leader to visit Tehran since July's nuclear accord. "This visit is an important step towards building cooperative relations between the EU and Iran," Mogherini said in a statement. She last visited Iran in July shortly after world powers -- the US, Britain, China, France, Russia and Germany -- agreed to lift damaging sanctions in return for Tehran accepting strict curbs to prevent it acquiring nuclear weapons. "Re-engaging with Iran is possible now," a senior EU official told reporters in Brussels this week. Trade, humanitarian aid, civil nuclear cooperation and human rights will be on the agenda, an EU statement said. Brussels is also looking to Tehran to help ease Europe's migration crisis as Iran, host to millions of Afghan refugees, is a source of onward flows to the 28-nation bloc. "Migration is a very important theme for discussion," a senior EU official said. The official added that Mogherini, who personally helped negotiate the nuclear deal, will also seek to advance diplomatic efforts on Syria and Yemen, two regional conflicts where Iran plays a role. The official also said Brussels is "willing to play a supportive role" in Iran's bid to join the World Trade Organization. But the EU wants Iran to do more to fight money laundering and terrorism financing, which are impediments to foreign investment, the official said. The EU is also interested in future energy imports from Iran in order to break its dependence on Russia. Industry commissioner Elzbieta Bienkowska, transport commissioner Violeta Bulc and energy commissioner Miguel Arias Canete will be among those travelling with Mogherini. She will meet Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, parliament speaker Ali Larijani and the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani, an EU statement said. In the first arrests in the UK directly linked to the probe into the Brussels and the Paris attacks, five persons, including a woman, have been arrested by counter-terrorism police in London. The arrests were made as part of a Europe-wide investigation, involving French and Belgian authorities, into the terrorist attacks in Paris last November and Brussels last month. West Midlands Police said four persons, including three men aged 26, 40 and 59 and a 29-year-old woman, were arrested in Birmingham last night, apart from a 26-year-old man held at London's Gatwick Airport today. These are the first arrests in the UK directly connected with the investigation into the Brussels and Paris attacks. All five are being held in West Midlands on suspicion of being involved in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. "This action forms part of an extensive investigation by West Midlands counter terrorism unit, together with the wider counter terrorism network, MI5 and partners including Belgian and French authorities to address any associated threat to the UK following the attacks in Europe," said assistant chief constable Marcus Beale, who leads on counter-terrorism for the West Midlands. "The arrests were pre-planned and intelligence-led. There was no risk to the public at any time and there is no information to suggest an attack in the UK was being planned." Police are also searching a number of properties in Birmingham as part of the investigation. According to some British media reports, a line of inquiry is whether the group is connected to Mohamed Abrini, the so-called 'man in the white hat' from the Brussels airport attack and prime suspect in the November Paris atrocities, as he is known to have visited contacts in Birmingham last year as well as visiting London and Manchester. The British arrests come less than a week after Abrini, a 31-year-old Belgian national, was detained by Belgian police after a prolonged man-hunt. Suicide attacks at Brussels' airport and on a metro train killed 32 people last month, while 130 people were killed in a bombing and shooting spree in Paris in November. Both attacks were claimed by the Islamic State terrorist group. Fishermen of mechanised boats and country boats here would observe fast at Thangachimadam near here on April 19 demanding the Centre to take necessary steps for the release of fishermen arrested by Sri Lankan navy on various occasions charges of violating International Maritime Boundary Line. Rameswaram Fishermen Organisation President P Sesuraja said their delands also include release of 89 mechanized boats and three country boats, seized by the Lankan Navy. As there was fishing ban for 45 days from today, the government should provide assistance to the fishermen, he said. The foreign exchange reserves touched a new life-time high of $359.917 billion after they surged by $157.4 million in the week ended April 8, helped by rise in foreign currency assets, the Reserve Bank said today. In the previous week, reserves had increased by a whopping $4.2 billion to touch $359.759 billion. Foreign currency assets which constitute a major component of the overall reserves rose by $159.3 million to $335.845 billion in the week under review, RBI said in a release. Foreign currency assets, expressed in dollar terms, include the effect of appreciation and depreciation of non-US currencies such as the euro, pound and the yen held in the reserves. Gold reserves, however, remained unchanged at $20.115 billion. The massive rise in the kitty comes even as the country's special drawing rights with the International Monetary Fund declined by $0.9 million to $1.501 billion and the reserve position dipped by $1 million to $2.455 billion. Acting in the wake of the 'Panama Papers' scandal, the G20 economies, including India, today sought a crackdown on tax heavens, shell companies and terror financing by increasing financial transparency and sharing of key information ina timely manner. A communique in this regard was issued by G20 countries after meeting of its Finance Ministers and Governors of Central Banks here on the sidelines of the annual Spring Meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and the Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan attended the meeting on behalf of India. For India a crackdown on tax heavens and shell companies is a top priority, particularly in the aftermath of the release of 'Panama Papers' that have thrown up 500 names of Indians having opened up shell companies overseas allegedly to evade taxes. "The G20 reiterates the high priority it attaches to financial transparency and effective implementation of the standards on transparency by all, in particular with regard to the beneficial ownership of legal persons and legal arrangements," the G20 communique said. Improving the transparency of the beneficial ownership of legal persons and legal arrangements is vital to protect the integrity of the international financial system and to prevent misuse of these entities and arrangements for corruption, tax evasion, terror financing and money laundering, the communique said. In the communique, the G20 Finance Ministers reiterated that it is essential that all countries and jurisdictions fully implement the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards on transparency and beneficial ownership of legal persons and legal arrangements and expressed determination to lead by example in this regard. "We particularly stress the importance of countries and jurisdictions improving the availability of beneficial ownership information to and its international exchange between, competent authorities for the purposes of tackling tax evasion, terrorist financing and money laundering," the communique said. "We ask the FATF and the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes to make initial proposals by our October meeting on ways to improve the implementation of the international standards on transparency, including on the availability of beneficial ownership information and its international exchange," it said. Seeking a crackdown on terror financing, the G20 Finance Ministers called on all countries to join its efforts including through swift and effective implementation of FATF standards, the new Consolidated Strategy on Combating Terrorist Financing and provisions of the UN Security Council Resolution 2253. The girlfriend of a British lecturer has been arrested with two men over his murder in southern China, Chinese police said today, with local media reporting he was dismembered after he was killed. Hilary Bower, 60, who taught at a university in Hong Kong, was murdered over an "emotional dispute", mainland Chinese police said, as media reports painted a complex picture of his love life involving several women. The English language lecturer had been missing for more than three weeks after he was last seen on March 21 at a border point between Hong Kong and the neighbouring southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, where he is reported to have lived. Hong Kong police said earlier this week that Bower had been killed on the mainland, "possibly" murdered. Police in Shenzhen confirmed Friday that he had been murdered on March 22, a day after he went missing. A 38-year-old woman surnamed Xu and two men "murdered her foreigner boyfriend Hilary Bower over an emotional dispute" the Shenzhen public security bureau said on its Twitter-like Weibo account. It said Bower and Xu had lived together for 17 years. The three were arrested on April 8 and the case was still under investigation, it added. Hong Kong local media, citing unnamed public security sources, reported Xu had turned herself in to police in the Chinese city of Dongguan on April 7, where she had told officers she had murdered and then dismembered Bower with the help of two men. The Dongguan public security bureau could not confirm the details when contacted by AFP. Local media said Bower had a number of girlfriends on the mainland. One girlfriend, named by media as Shi Xiumei, had reported Bower missing at a police station in Hong Kong on March 30, Hong Kong police said earlier this week. Bower had been reported to be living with Shi and their six-year-old son. Fears were previously raised that his death could have been linked to a million-dollar property deal. A friend of Bower, Richard Charles, told the South China Morning Post he believed it could be related to a recent property sale for which Bower was due to receive HK$9 million (USD 1.2 million). Bower's brother Robin arrived in Shenzhen on Wednesday where he hoped to meet with Chinese authorities to search for answers, the Post said. The British consulate has not confirmed that Bower was killed and said Friday it was supporting the family "at this difficult time", without giving more detail. Bower had also taught in China, South Korea, Thailand, Spain and Kuwait, according to his personal homepage on the university website. India has been pursuing a case of death of an young Indian under mysterious circumstance in Saudi Arabia last year and is awaiting full details of the probe into the matter. 27-year-old Mohammed Afsar Ansari, hailing from Jharkhand, was allegedly killed by his employers in Saudi Arabia apparently after he wanted to come back to India. His family has been demanding justice for him. Official sources said Indian Embassy in Riyadh had assisted the brother of the deceased in filing a compliant with the Bureau of Investigation (BoI) about Ansari's death. "With great difficulty and against usual practice, we managed to persuade BoI to agree to a second post mortem and another investigation," they said. Last month, the Embassy requested the Saudi Foreign Office to share with it outcome of this second post mortem. "We await the full details of this report and of the further investigations," the sources said adding the consent of the family is a must for the mortal remains to be brought back to India or to be buried in Saudi Arabia. The sources said the Embassy has been urging the family to complete the remaining paperwork and convey their consent for the return of the mortal remains. An association representing the tobacco farmers and merchants in Gujarat today demanded rollback of the 85 per cent warning rule for tobacco products, claiming it will affect the livelihood of lakhs of farmers and small retailers in the state. Gujarat Tobacco Merchants Association, which claims to also represent 4.5 lakh tobacco farmers in the state, appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene. It demanded scrapping of the Union Health Ministry's notification which makes 85 per cent pictorial warning on both sides of tobacco product packages mandatory from April 1. "After the notification was issued, most of the manufacturers of tobacco products have stopped purchasing tobacco as a part of their protest. This is adversely affecting 4.5 lakh farmers and 1.5 lakh small retailers," said president of the association, Bhikhubhai Patel. Tobacco is cultivated over 1,50,000 hectares in Gujarat, with annual production of 360 million kg, worth Rs 3,000 crore, he said. "Because of industry closure, the entire produce is lying unsold. It is stocked in the open, as there are no storage facilities. As monsoon is expected to arrive soon, farmers fear that entire crop may get damaged if not sold soon," said Patel, himself a tobacco farmer. "Apart from 4.5 lakh farmers, 1.5 lakh small retailers are also on the verge of losing livelihood," he said. "Beedis and chewing tobacco are native to India, and global formula of warning should not be applied to them, as there is no scientific data to back claims of success of such policy in these products," stated Patel. "To find out an amicable solution, our association has decided to send an email to the PM," he said. Spanish police today detained the head of a trade union that brought the high-profile tax evasion case against Princess Cristina for alleged extortion and other charges. Miguel Bernad was held as part of an operation against his "Manos Limpias" - or "Clean Hands" - group and Ausbanc, an association that defends banking consumers whose president was also detained, police said in a statement. "They demanded large sums of money in exchange for dropping charges against companies, institutions and people," they claimed. Police also detained another nine members of both organisations. Both groups are being investigated for fraud, extortion and being part of a criminal organisation, said a judicial source who wished to remain anonymous. "Manos Limpias" -- known as a far-right organisation -- has risen to prominence for its involvement in notorious cases in Spain, the most famous being that of Princess Cristina who is on trial for tax evasion in a corruption scandal centred on her husband's business dealings. The case caused an uproar in Spain when it came to light, sullying the reputation of the monarchy and becoming a symbol of perceived corruption among Spain's elites. It was also part of the reason behind King Juan Carlos's abdication in June 2014. A lawyer for Princess Cristina claimed Friday that "Manos Limpias" -- the only entity to maintain a criminal complaint against the royal as public prosecutors have refused to press charges -- had asked for money to drop the accusations. "Obviously the princess's defence team flatly refused," Pau Molins told a television channel in the northeastern Catalonia region. "It was an absolutely exorbitant amount of money... We told judicial authorities as we felt this was absolutely unacceptable blackmail." "Manos Limpias" was not immediately available for comment. But Virginia Lopez, the lawyer representing the group in the case of Princess Cristina, told reporters she had never authorised or engaged in any such money tractions. Honduran Foreign Minister Arturo Corrales resigned today after being mired in a scandal in which a cabal of corrupt top police officers reportedly ordered hits on anti-crime officials. The office of President Juan Orlando Hernandez said the head of state "has today (Friday) accepted the resignation of the secretary for foreign affairs and international cooperation, Arturo Corrales." Corrales was Orlando's security minister during an alleged cover-up of the police involvement, which came to light through recent reporting by the Honduran newspaper El Heraldo. The daily cited a security ministry document revealing that senior police officers ordered the assassination of Honduras' top anti-drugs official, Aristides Gonzalez, in December 2009. It also said the group of police ordered hits on a state prosecutor, Orlando Chavez, in April 2013, and on a former security ministry consultant, Alfredo Landaverde, in December 2014. The hierarchy of the security ministry in place between 2009 and 2014 covered up the information, the newspaper said. Corrales was security minister for one year, from January 2014 until January 2015, when he was made foreign minister. Honduras' public ministry, which handles state prosecutions, opened an investigation last week after a raid on the police headquarters turned up evidence regarding Gonzalez's murder. The president has asked Congress to approve an emergency decree aimed at accelerating a clean-up of the 12,000-strong police force that has been dragging on for four years now. That process started in early 2011 when it was discovered that it was riddled with officers working for narcotics cartels, hitmen and other criminals. Authorities believe more than one in 10 of the officers is dirty and must be booted from the police force. Ahead of summer tourist season, a section of hotel employees here has demanded 25 per cent hike in wages and implementation of labour laws and accused the labour department of siding with hoteliers. About 200 hotel workers drawn from various hotels and restaurants from state capital today took out a procession and staged a demonstration in front of office of the Deputy Commissioner to express their resentment. Himachal Hotel Mazdoor Lal Jhanda Union General Secretary Vinod Nirsanta accused hotel owners of exploiting the workers and denying them fare wages and other facilities granted under labour laws. He saidthat workers were forced to work for 12 to 14 hours a day and not given the minimum wages as per the rates fixed by the government and alleged that the labour laws are not being implemented due to allegedconnivance ofthe department with hotel owners. He said that workers would hold gate meetings at their respective hotels from April 16 to May 2 top press for their demands. The International Monetary Fund said today that the fiscal projections underpinning Greece's proposals for moving ahead in its bailout program are not realistic. Poul Thomsen, director of the IMF's European Department, raised questions about the forecast that Greece could maintain a 3.5 per cent budget surplus for years as part of its plan for debt relief from European Union creditors. "We question whether it is plausible for a country with such high unemployment and the attendant social pressures to be running such big surpluses over many political cycles to come," Thomsen said at the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington. "So we are cautioning that... The debt relief needs to be calibrated on something that we think is more realistic." Thomsen was speaking after Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said in an article published in the Financial Times that the IMF should stop tinkering with the country's latest bailout with European creditors, blaming the global lender for causing a delay in talks. The IMF has been standing by with the possibility of adding its funds to the country's third bailout program with the EU but says it needs to see a strong package of structural reforms and a "credible" plan for growth and fiscal adjustment going forward. Thomsen said the IMF could back the outline EU-Greece plan but it has to understand how fiscal targets and a return to economic growth can be achieved. To reach the 3.5 per cent target, he said, Greece would need to take large fiscal measures, the equvalent of around 4.5 per cent of GDP. "We think that's a lot. That's a lof of -- if you want -- austerity," he said. "If Greece and its European partners want to stick to that target, we can accept that target. But we need to see the measures." He said the IMF still believes Athens needs to prioritize structural reforms, particularly in tax collection. "Tax evasion has kept on going up and up, and tax collection rates have gone down and down and down... The numbers are truly extraordinary," he said. He noted that Greece exempts 55 per cent of households from taxes, compared to two percent in Portugal. "What we need to do is to broaden the tax base... That's the first point of discussion. India is "not forthcoming" in resuming comprehensive dialogue with and such an attitude is "impeding" prospects of normalisation of bilateral relations, Pakistan's envoy to the UN has said. Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi, told a group of students and faculty members from the US Army War College last week that despite a positive start following the coming to power of the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India suspended talks between the two countries on "flimsy grounds and set unacceptable pre-conditions" for their revival. According to a press release by the Mission at the UN, Lodhi said in spite of Pakistan's call to resume broad-based, comprehensive dialogue, "India was still not forthcoming". Read more from our special coverage on "PAKISTAN" "This attitude was impeding prospects of normalisation between the two countries," the release said. Lodhi said that defeating terrorism, growing the economy and building a peaceful neighbourhood were among Pakistan's top priorities, including promoting peace and security in Afghanistan and normalising relations with India on the basis of resolution of outstanding disputes. "These national priorities frame our diplomacy and our foreign engagements," she said. Lodhi further said that one of Pakistan's key priorities was regional connectivity and integration and cited the connectivity project with China linking the two countries through an economic corridor. "The China- Economic Corridor that would link Pakistan to Central Asia and the Eurasian landmass will not be confined to China and Pakistan but will be win-win for the entire region," the release said. Even as India is now the fastest growing emerging economy in the world, its impact is unlikely to be felt beyond South Asia, senior IMF (International Monetary Fund) officials said on Friday. But, at the same time, they warned of the adverse consequences of China's economic downtown. India is obviously a major economy in its sub-region, in south Asia. We see the immediate neighbours benefiting a lot (from the Indian growth story), Markus Rodlauer, deputy director, Asia and Pacific department, IMF, told reporters during a news conference. Its actual economic ties with southeast Asia and China are more limited, so the direct spillover from the growth in India, both on the trade side and on the financial side, is limited to the rest of Asia, Rodlauer said when asked if the remarkable growth story of India would have an impact on the Asian economy. India is the fastest growing emerging economy in the world, with growth rates at 7.5 per cent, both in 2016-17 (and 2015-16), said Changyong Rhee, director, Asia and Pacific Department, IMF. "Activity is expected to continue to be underpinned by private consumption, which has benefited from lower energy," Rhee said as he warned that Asia faces continuing sizable spillovers from China. China's transition can have adverse, albeit very heterogeneous, spillovers in the region, he said. "Countries more exposed to consumption can be winners, while those more exposed to investment and manufacturing can lose in the near term. Through financial channels, China's spillovers are also on the rise, and much increased from the period before the global financial crisis," Rhee said. China's slowdown also has affected global commodity demand, but here too the effect is heterogeneous, he noted. Asia of course is impacted by the still weak global recovery, and by the ongoing and necessary rebalancing in China, Rhee said. Health Minister J P Nadda today visited the Tamagawa hospital here and hoped that it would continue to assist India in the area of dialysis treatment, a "critical" requirement for India's healthcare system. Nadda, who is here to attend a health ministers' meet on antimicrobial resistance, said Indian medical engineers have been trained in dialysis treatment and maintenance technology under the India-Japan HR exchange which was supported by the Tamagawa hospital. "Visited the excellent Tamagawa Hospital, Tokyo; had enriching interaction with staff at the Kidney Centre "Indian medical engineers trained in #dialysis treatment & maintenance tech under successful Indo-Japan HR exchange, supported by #Tamagawa," Nadda said in a series of tweets. Terming the hospital as a top-rated facility, Nadda said there is much to learn from the technology being used here. "#Tamagawa Hospital Kidney #dialysis Centre is a top-rated facility; much to learn from their dialysis technology & focus on quality of life. "Look forward to continued partnership with #Tamagawa Hospital in #dialysis treatment, a critical requirement for India's healthcare system," he said. Nadda is visiting the city for a meeting of health ministers of various countries on antimicrobial resistance, which he had earlier termed as a "serious" global challenge. He said he looked forward to engaging with health ministers of various countries on the issue which of "vital" importance to India. "Leaving for Tokyo for the Health Ministers' meeting on Antimicrobial Resistance. #AMR: A serious global health challenge. "Looking forward to fruitful discussions and meaningful engagement with other countries on a topic of vital importance to India," Nadda had earlier tweeted. (Reopens DES2) Minister of State for Health, Anupriya Patel said the challenges in achieving affordable and accessible healthcare for all was immense as nearly 73 per cent of the country's population lives in rural areas and about 26 per cent is below poverty level. "However, the government alone cannot meet the infrastructure, capacity and delivery shortages existing in the current healthcare system. There has to be increased participation of private sector in the Public Private Partnership (PPP) schemes to address theses issues. "I personally feel that PPPs are all about balance, maintaining equilibrium between public and private, risk and reward, cost and impact," she said. The Minister underlined that in the coming years stakeholders, such as pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, insurance providers, medical device manufacturers, patients, doctors, researchers and medical students should come together to move healthcare beyond the hospital and shift towards patient self knowledge and empowerment. Laying emphasis on the business aspect of the healthcare, the Minister observed that Information and Communication Technology sector has become a major component of the health sector in India. The sector is growing at 25 per cent per annum and is presently worth about Rs 70,000 crores. "Coupled with this, India is gradually emerging as an attractive destination for medical care since the hospitals can perform a surgery at 1/10th of the cost to be incurred in the US or any other developed country," she said. Dr Naresh Trehan, Chairman, CII Healthcare Council and Chairman and Managing Director of Medanta-The Medicity, said that investment in the health sector should be treated like in any other sector. Shobana Kamineni, President - Designate, CII and Executive Vice-chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Enterprise Limited, said PPP model need not be restricted to hospitals and patient care. It can be extended to new branches of medicine like tele-medicine, manufacture of medical equipment etc. The idea of Indian nationalism emerged from ancient civilisation and youngsters should strive to preserve pluralism which is essential for "survival" of the country, senior Congress leader and former minister Shashi Tharoor said here today. "The magic of Indian nationalism is that its not based on a particular language, a particular geography, a particular religion or even a particular ethnicity. Indian nationalism is an idea emerging from ancient civilisation, united by a shared history and sustained by our pluralist democracy. "As young Indian and future leader you must aspire to preserve this pluralism, which is so essential for India's survival," he said while addressing a convocation ceremony at Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) in suburban Vile Parle. Tharoor said India is fast becoming an "entrepreneurship- driven economy" which has changed its perception on global stage. "India is increasingly becoming an entrepreneurship- driven economy. Indians abroad have already proved themselves in a number of start-ups they have helmed in places like Silicon Valley. "And I know that there is a place not too far from here being called Powai Valley for increasing number of start-ups that are located there. All these have gone on to change our outlook of world," the Thiruvananthapuram MP said. He told students that they have abundant opportunities in present era compared to the 1970's. "I remember very few options were available to graduating students in India of 1970s. In early 1970s, our economy was still very close, sociologist protectionist, international exposure was limited and the word 'globalisation' had not even been heard. But today world is smaller and the opportunities are far greater. Today's graduates have a wide variety of choices in India or outside," Tharoor added. A total of 349 students of MBA, MBA (Pharmaceutical Management) and MBA (Human Resources) were conferred degrees on the occasion while remaining 347 students will be getting them tomorrow. Top international human rights bodies today accused Nepal's Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli of trying to "intimidate" officials of a national rights watchdog over its criticism of the government, including excessive use of force against Madhesis during their recent protest. Nepal's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had last month highlighted various human rights concerns during the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the human rights situation in Nepal before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. The NHRC's statement delivered by Commissioner Mohna Ansari talked about discriminatory citizenship provisions in the new Constitution, the continued failure to properly investigate into alleged extra-judicial killings and excessive use of force during protests in the Terai region, violations of the economic, social, and cultural rights of earthquake victims and the need for credible transitional justice for conflict victims. Madhesis, who are largely of Indian-origin, led a nearly six-month-long violent protest over better representation in the Parliament and the federal structure of the new Constitution that divides their ancestral homeland that claimed over 50 lives before being called off unexpectedly. On April 3, 2016, Prime Minister Oli had summoned the NHRC Chair Anup Raj Sharma and other commissioners to question them about the statement, according to a local media report. In their joint statement today, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch (HRW) and International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) said that while it is entirely appropriate for the Prime Minister like other stakeholders, to consult with the NHRC, such exchanges should be conducted with due respect for the legitimate exercise of the institution's constitutional mandate, independently and free of undue interference or intimidation. "The PM's blatant attempt to intimidate the NHRC members for that submission is a flagrant violation of the government's basic obligation to ensure the NHRC's ability to carry out its work independently and without undue interference," said Nikhil Narayan, ICJ's South Asia senior legal advisor. "The manner of questioning, including insinuations of bias and a lack of neutrality, particularly those aimed at Commissioner Ansari, the public face of the NHRC in Geneva, revealed an intent not of clarification, but intimidation that seeks to limit the role and effectiveness of the NHRC," said Champa Patel, director of the South Asia Regional Office at Amnesty International. "The Prime Minister overstepped his authority, and his attempts to intimidate and intervene in the work of the NHRC contravene the Paris Principles, which clearly provide for the establishment of autonomous and independent institutions," said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at HRW. Reacting to the joint letter, Prime Minister's foreign affairs advisor Gopal Khanal said: "The Prime Minister is simply asking the NHRC to act more cautiously at a time when different international actors are misinterpreting Nepal's human rights situation," he said. The Attorney General's Office said that Interpol has distributed notices calling for the arrest of three Mexican men accused of sexually assaulting a high school senior in the Gulf coast state of Veracruz. The statement said yesterday the notices target three of four men who have become known derisively through social media as "Los Porkys." Authorities believe those three have fled the country. It said the request was made in support of Veracruz's state attorney and the "red notices" went out April 6. The alleged sexual assault occurred in Veracruz in January 2015. The then 17-year-old was standing outside a club with friends waiting for her ride when the men, all wealthy and in their 20s, forced her into a black Mercedes. Two allegedly assaulted her in the car and when they arrived at one of their homes, she allegedly was raped by a third. After authorities appeared to ignore the case for months, her father took the story to the press along with a video of three of the men appearing to confess. The men have since denied wrongdoing. Weeks of social media outrage followed by daily reporting in Mexico's national television and print outlets appeared to finally force the state to act. Her father gave a number of interviews and columnists aimed their fury at the state's leaders. There is a general disgust among Mexicans toward the impunity enjoyed by the wealthy and powerful. Prior to this case, many Mexico City residents delighted at videos posted on social media by a crusading city official who confronted and shamed the wealthy and connected as they blatantly violated city ordinances. The international community is not sticking to its promises to lift sanctions on Iran in the wake of the nuclear deal, the country's central bank governor has said. Valiollah Seif said the US-led world powers involved in the negotiations leading up to the agreement continue to set obstacles to its economic revival. "The impact that we were expecting to get is not what we see, at least on a tangible basis," he told a forum at the Council of Foreign Relations in Washington. "We still don't have normal conditions, we're still in abnormal conditions." Tehran and the major powers led by the United States agreed in July 2015 to lift sanctions that had locked down much of the Iranian economy for years in exchange for limits on Tehran's nuclear program. The move allowed the country to resume a high level of oil exports and opened up more trade opportunities. But with the US still maintaining some sanctions on the country, its access to the global financial system remains limited. Seif, in the US capital for the IMF-World Bank spring meetings, pointed to the reticence of European banks to engage with the country in fear of falling afoul of US sanctions. "They have been asked not to work with Iranian banks, and they're afraid," he said. "It's because of the heavy penalties that have been imposed upon then." A number of leading European banks have been heavily fined by US authorities in recent years for doing banking business with countries under sanctions, including Iran. France's BNP Paribas had to pay USD 9 billion in 2014 for breaking such sanctions. The United States continues to keep Tehran locked out of its banking system, which makes it hard for anyone doing large transactions with the country in US dollars. "We want both sides of the agreement, especially the US, to take the required measures to remove the obstacles," Seif said. The Indian School of Business (ISB) today said it has signed an MoU with Singapore Management University (SMU) to collaborate, share best practices and leverage each other's expertise. The partnership will allow both the institutions to contribute to industry and academic developments in India, Singapore and the Asia Pacific region, a statement from ISB said. Rajendra Srivastava, Dean ISB, said the premier institution has embarked on an ambitious agenda to become the leading B-school in Asia in the next few years. "ISB's academic partnerships have played an important role in its evolution and growth over the years. In keeping with this, we see an enormous potential in associating with SMU and working towards a stronger, mutually beneficial, institutional connection to develop expertise and insights on Asian and emerging markets that will be of immense value to the world at large," Srivastava said. SMU President Arnoud De Meyer said both the institutions share similar achievements, such as growing to become established world-class educational institutions in 15 years and being among the youngest to be accredited by AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business). "We are pleased to work with a like-minded partner that is focused on innovation and entrepreneurship in business education, to exchange and deepen our expertise in teaching, research and student programmes," Meyer said. The collaboration is for an initial period of five years between the ISB, with campuses at Mohali and Hyderabad, and SMU commencing April 15, 2016. ISB and SMU will collaborate to develop new thinking and practices in the areas of innovation and entrepreneurship and design a new joint programme, it said. A major summit aimed at overcoming differences in the Muslim world condemned Iran today for supporting terrorism and meddling in the affairs of other countries. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, who had been at the two-day Istanbul conference along with over 30 other heads of state and government from Islamic countries, did not attend the closing meeting in protest at the criticisms. "The (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) Conference deplored Iran's interference in the internal affairs of the States of the region and other Member States including Bahrain, Yemen, Syria, and Somalia, and its continued support for terrorism," said the summit's final statement. It also "condemned Hezbollah for conducting terrorist activities in Syria, Bahrain, Kuwait and Yemen and for supporting terrorist movements and groups undermining the security and stability of OIC Member States". The Arab League declared Iran's ally Hezbollah a "terrorist" group in March after Gulf kingdoms did the same earlier in the month over the movement's support for the Damascus regime in Syria's war. There was a security lockdown around the summit venue in Istanbul, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire from where Sultans for centuries ruled Muslims from the Balkans to Arabia. Turkey has been on high alert following attacks claimed by the Islamic State group and increased violence linked to the Kurdish conflict. While the summit marked one of Istanbul's most significant gatherings of heads of state for years, some high profile leaders like Jordan's King Abdullah and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi were notable by their absence. Turkey's relations with Cairo have still not recovered from the 2013 ousting of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, a close ally of Ankara, while ties with Amman are being tested by differences over Syria. Iran's Rouhani is due to meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Saturday. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will visit Russia shortly to hold talks with President Vladimir Putin in the countries' latest effort to tackle a decades-long territorial dispute, their foreign ministers said today. Tokyo-Moscow relations have been hamstrung by the row that dates back to the end of World War II when Soviet troops seized the four southernmost islands in the Kuril chain, known as the Northern Territories in Japan. Over the years various leaders of both countries have met several times to discuss the dispute but a resolution has been elusive. The lingering tensions have prevented them from signing a peace treaty, which has hindered trade and investment ties. Visiting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held talks with Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida today and they agreed to speed up finalising Abe's visit. "We agreed to enthusiastically go ahead with various arrangements and preparations, including a concrete schedule, for an informal visit to Russia by Prime Minister Abe that will come shortly," Kishida said at a joint press conference. He added: "We agreed to start negotiations on signing a peace treaty as soon as possible following our prime minister's visit to Russia." Lavrov said the Russian side is ready to continue the dialogue, but added: "Our approach -- we have to confirm the result of World War II -- is unchanged." Japanese and Russian reports have said Abe may visit the southern city of Sochi in early May for a summit with Putin as part of a journey to European capitals. The planned meeting comes ahead of a Group of Seven summit to be hosted by Abe in late May. The G7 bloc of advanced industrial countries comprises Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States. It formerly included Russia under a G8 configuration, but Moscow was evicted following the annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. Lavrov on Tuesday criticised Japan for joining Western countries in imposing sanctions against Moscow over the Ukraine crisis, suggesting Tokyo's foreign policy was guided by the US and the European Union. "We understand perfectly that unfortunately, Japan is not the only country that is not fully independent in its foreign policy," he said. His comment came after Abe assured Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko last week that G7 leaders would discuss Kiev's plight at the G7 summit next month. After his visit to Nagpur, JNU Students' Union president Kanhaiya Kumar will next week meet the students of FTII here who had protested against Gajendra Chauhan's appointment as the chairman of the institute. "In a day-long visit to the city (Pune), Kanhaiya will visit FTII and meet the students who were protesting against the appointment of FTII society chairman and other members," Pankaj Chavan, a convener of All India Students Federation (AISF) said here today. Chavan said Kumar will also attend an AISF rally here during his visit on April 24. "We appeal to the police to give adequate security and make sure Nagpur-like incident (wherein a footwear was hurled at Kumar) is not replicated here," Chavan said. Kumar is out on bail after his arrest on sedition charges by the Delhi police. US Secretary of State John Kerry called his Russian counterpart Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov today to demand that Moscow press its Syrian allies to respect a crumbling ceasefire. "Secretary Kerry said the United States expected Russia to urge the regime to comply with the cessation and that we would work with the opposition to do the same," US spokesman John Kirby said. Kerry's call came as a new round of fierce fighting around the northern city of Aleppo overshadowed peace talks aimed at ending Syria's five-year-old civil war. According to Kirby, Kerry told Lavrov of Washington's "serious concerns over the ongoing threats to the cessation of hostilities in Syria and the urgent need for the Assad regime to stop its violations of the cessation." US officials have complained that Russian jets appear to be flying in support of Syrian forces attacking rebel positions in Aleppo, despite having signed on to efforts to promote a political settlement. But the situation has been complicated by the presence of fighters from the Al-Qaeda linked Al-Nusra Front in Aleppo. Nusra is not party to the ceasefire and both Moscow and Damascus reserve the right to strike "terrorists. Under US military rules of engagement, the Navy ship that Russian military jets buzzed in the Baltic Sea this week could have opened fire, Secretary of State John Kerry said. The guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook reported that pairs of Russian Su-24 attack planes made numerous close-range passes on Monday and Tuesday. The planes appeared to be unarmed. On at least one occasion, an Su-24 came within an estimated 30 feet (9 metres) of the Cook, which was in international waters about 70 nautical miles from the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad. The Cook did not respond except to unsuccessfully query the Russian pilots by radio. In remarks to CNN Espanol, Kerry condemned the Russian actions and said that "under the rules of engagement" it "could have been a shoot-down." In all cases, a military commander has the authority to defend his or her ship, plane or other unit. The commander is expected to use his or her best judgement to determine whether the ship faces an imminent threat. White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the US has raised its concerns through its military defence representative at the US Embassy in Moscow. In more trouble for beleaguered businessman Vijay Mallya, the Enforcement Directorate today moved the special PMLA court here seeking non-bailable warrant against him in connection with a money laundering probe in the over Rs 900 crore IDBI loan fraud case. "We have moved the court seeking NBW against him and the hearing is likely to take place tomorrow," said an ED official. Government today suspended the passposrt of Mallya, whose Kingfisher Airlines has defaulted on loans of over Rs 9,400 crores and who has been defying Enforcement Directorate summons, and even threatened to revoke it. The 60-year-old industrialist, who has been in Britain for over a month, had skipped three summonses issued by the agency. He had also sought time till May to depose before the officials. On April 9, in reply to the last summons, Mallya had informed the Investigating Officer (IO) of the case here that he will be unable to depose personally as scheduled citing the ongoing legal proceedings going in the Supreme Court over settlement of loans. The agency had issued fresh summons in the first week of April to Mallya asking him to appear on April 9 after he sought two extensions from the earlier dates of March 18 and April 2 citing official reasons. The officials said that while seeking extension Mallya had informed the ED that cases related to bank loans were currently sub-judice in the Supreme Court and he was trying to settle these loans with the help of his legal and corporate team and, hence, would require some more time. Mallya was first summoned by the agency to "appear in person" at its office in Mumbai on March 18 but he sought more time citing his prior engagements, following which the agency asked him to depose on April 2. Mallya was also directed by the Supreme Court to disclose all assets owned by him and his family in India and abroad by April 21. The liquor baron is reported to be in the UK after he left India on March 2. The ED has registered a money laundering case against Mallya and others based on an FIR registered last year by the CBI. The agency is also investigating financial structure of the now defunct Kingfisher Airlines and looking into any payment of kickbacks to secure loans. Lok Sabha ethics committee member Arjun Meghwal today said that notices had been sent to five TMC lawmakers in connection with their purported acceptance of money by a fictious company in a sting operation. "Prima facie it is being felt, that is why notices have been issued," Meghwal, BJP chief whip in the Lok Sabha, told newspersons here when asked whether the committee found any reason to further the probe on preliminary findings. The ethics committee member said that Narada News, the portal which conducted the sting operation, had been asked to provide all documents, including raw footage and device used for the sting operation. "The matter was referred to the ethics committee on March 16 by Speaker Sumitra Mahajan considering the gravity of the charges and the committee has since debated the matter and has also taken legal and technical assistance in this regard," Meghwal said. "There was no undue haste in dealing with the matter and the committee is moving in a systematic manner," he said. "MPs shown in the video have been sent notice on April 7 to give their versions in written replies in connection with the allegations," he said. Asked whether the ethics committee of the 16th Lok Sabha can take action in connection with an alleged incident with regard to members of the 15th Lok Sabha, Meghwal said, "The sting operation has been claimed to have been done over two years since 2014 and all five MPs are members of the current Lok Sabha as well as the previous one." The 16th Lok Sabha came into being in mid-2014 and Narada editor in-chief Mathew Samuel has claimed that the sting operation began before the Lok Sabha elections in 2014 and continued for two years. The five MPs are Saugata Roy, Sultan Ahmad, Suvendu Adhikari, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and Prasoon Banerjee. Footages of the sting operations by Narada News, which are yet to be verified for authenticity, show several TMC leaders, including MPs and senior ministers in the state Cabinet, taking money on behalf of a fictitious company. Meghwal said that the authenticity of the footages would be probed and after receiving the replies of the five MPs, further action would be contemplated by the committee. He said that "if found guilty, action would be taken which could be termination of membership of the MPs. With CBI getting nod to prosecute him in the alleged cheating and corruption in the LTC Scam, JD(U) Rajya Sabha MP Anil Sahni today denied the charges and refused to resign. "It's a conspiracy against me... Why shall I resign on moral ground when I have not done anything wrong," the second term Rajya Sabha member from Nitish Kumar's party told PTI here. Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari has given his approval to CBI to prosecute JD(U) MP Anil Sahani against whom the agency had filed a charge sheet for alleged cheating and corruption in LTC Scam. The Bihar MP is reportedly the first from the Upper House who will be prosecuted by CBI after sanction in this regard was given by the Chairman. The MP said he would also talk to lawyers to file a defamation suit. Sahni alleged that he fell victim to a "racket" which operated in raising fake bills for LTC for parliamentarians. "Twice I drew attention of the authorities in 2013 about false bill submitted in my name by racketeers against LTC," he said, defending himself in the controversy. "I invite the probe agency to check my bank accounts in Delhi as well in Patna to ascertain flow of money on this count," he said. The JD(U) Rajya Sabha member, son of former JD(U) RS MP Madan Sahni, said he would seek time with Chief Minister Kumar, who is now also JD(U) National President, to discuss the issue. Asked who was "conspiring" against him and for what reason, the JD(U) MP hailing from Muzaffarpur, said he did not know persons behind the conspiracy. "I might be targeted as I hail from a poor community and have been raising issues concerning dalits and have-nots," the JD(U) Rajya Sabha MP said. CBI had filed a charge sheet against Sahani alleging that he, in collusion with other persons, used forged e-tickets and fake boarding passes to defraud Rajya Sabha to the tune of Rs 23.71 lakh as travel and dearness allowance reimbursement without undertaking the actual journey. Besides Sahani, whose term in Rajya Sabha ends in April 2018, others named in the CBI chargesheet were Anup Singh Panwar, an employee of Delhi-based Air Cruise Travels Private Limited, N S Nair, then Office Superintendent (Traffic), Air India and one Arvind Tiwari. Members of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha get 34 free air tickets in a year for themselves, their family members and associates for domestic travel. (REOPENS CES3) JD(U) state President Bashishtha Narayan Singh said the party would take appropriate action against Sahni after a probe into the matter. "Our party always takes action in such matters. We will take action against Sahni after conducting a preliminary inquiry by the party," Singh told Macedonia confirmed today it will hold snap polls on June 5, despite days of angry anti-government protests and opposition calls for a delay as the country grapples with a bitter political crisis. The date was officially set after demonstrators took to the streets in protest at President Gjorge Ivanov's decision to halt probes into more than 50 public figures, including top politicians embroiled in a wire-tapping scandal. "Based on my constitutional and legal authority... I today signed the decision to call early elections... On June 5, 2016," parliament speaker Trajko Veljanoski said in a statement. The early elections, originally agreed for April 24 and then postponed in February to June 5, are part of an EU-brokered agreement to solve the seething political feud. But Zoran Zaev, leader of the main opposition SDSM, insisted today he would boycott the election, claiming that conditions for a free and fair vote were not in place. Ivanov, however, pledged to push ahead, vowing that the ballot would be a "new chapter for Macedonia". Thousands of people, mainly SDSM supporters, took to the streets yesterday in a mostly peaceful protest, demanding Ivanov either revoke his decision or resign, as well as calling for the election to be postponed. Police responded by blocking off traffic near parliament and deploying four armoured vehicles and a water cannon, according to an AFP journalist. Macedonia's political crisis kicked off last year when the SDSM accused then prime minister Nikola Gruevski of wiretapping around 20,000 people, including politicians and journalists, and said the recordings revealed high-level corruption. The government denied the accusations and in response filed charges against Zaev, accusing him of "spying" and attempting to "destabilise" the Balkan country. Gruevski, who had been prime minister since 2006, resigned in January in order to pave the way for early elections. But tensions surged again Tuesday when Ivanov announced the halt of judicial investigations into 56 people, including his ally Gruevski -- still Macedonia's most influential political figure. Others affected by the decision included former interior minister Gordana Jankulovska, ex-intelligence chief Sasho Mijalkov as well as Zaev and former SDSM leader and ex-president Branko Crvenkovski. Both sides have said they would rather see the probe go ahead. The maiden Maritime Summit here has resulted in investment commitments of nearly Rs 83,000 crore (USD 13 billion) in the shipping, ports and allied sectors, Union Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari said today. As many as 141 agreements entailing investment of Rs 82,900 crore was signed at the summit which was inaugurated by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday. Gadkari also said that for a five-year term, Shipping Ministry is targeting to get investments worth USD 60 billion for 240 projects for the success of the ambitious Sagarmala project of ports-led growth. He singled out the Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's announcement of entering into a pact with Shipping Ministry as one of the biggest achievements of the summit. The contract will ensure an order flow of nearly Rs 75,000 crore to the troubled private sector shipyards. He said orders of Rs 50,000 crore will come on a nomination basis from the Cochin Shipyard, while another Rs 25,000 crore will come from other departments apart from the Defence Ministry orders. "We will outsource work to private sector shipyards and help them financially. This will give them the oxygen for survival," Gadkari said. The Sagarmala project will bring down the cost of logistics to 10 per cent from the present 18 per cent, thus making Indian goods competitive, Gadkari said. Inaugurating the summit, Modi had said his government would mobilise Rs 1 trillion investment in the ports sector over the next decade and promised to personally handhold investors for a "safe, secure and satisfactory" berthing so as to transform the country's 7,500-km-long coastline as an "engine of growth". Modi also said the government would work towards more than doubling the port capacity to 3 billion tonnes by 2025 and "wants to mobilise an investment of Rs 1 trillion in the ports sector to enable this growth. With infiltration bids from across the LoC showing a substantial decline, militants are now adopting a new tactic of recruiting locals, an army official today said. Col SD Goswami, PRO Defence, Northern Command said the militants so far were using traditional infiltration routes but they are looking into some other areas for sneaking into India. "Seeing that infiltration is not really taking place and that the number of militants is dwindling, they have started new tactics of trying to recruit locals," he said. He also said that social media and its blatant use by terrorists groups and separatists alike is emerging as a challenge from the security point of view. "The security situation of J&K is at an important cross road of transcending from conflict stabilisation to conflict resolution domain," he said. "The other areas are being monitored by ground sensors, thermal imagers and battle field surveillance radars. Surveillance devices provide signatures of the movement of terrorists in real time and enable troops to take appropriate action," he said. According to Colonel Goswami, infiltration attempts have shown a decline from 221 in 2014 to 92 in 2015. In 2011, there were 247 infiltration attempts, followed by 264 in 2012 and 277 in 2013. He said that 13 infiltrating terrorists were killed in 2012, followed by 38 in 2013, 52 in 2014 and 37 in 2015. A seven-year-old girl was killed and her mother injured in a fire that broke out in Parsohna village in Hardi area here, police said today. Poonam died after being trapped in the fire that broke out in her house yesterday due to unknown reasons, they said. Her mother, Jugra, was injured in the incident while trying to save Poonam. Police is probing the matter, they added. A sensational four-wicket haul by leg-spinner Amit Mishra and a strokeful unbeaten 59 from Quinton de Kock powered Delhi Daredevils to a comprehensive 8-wicket victory over Kings XI Punjab in their IPL match here today. Electing to field first, the Daredevils restricted Kings XI Punjab to a paltry 111 for 9 in 20 overs, courtesy Mishra, who today became the second highest wicket-taker in IPL history after returning with figures of 3-0-11-4. He now has 116 IPL wickets under his belt. The hosts then returned with an impressive batting display with opener de Kock (59 not out) and Sanju Samson (33) sharing a match-winning 91-run partnership off 64 balls for the second wicket to open accounts for Delhi who had lost to Kolkata Knight Riders in their campaign opener. It was Pawan negi, who blasted a six in the 14th over as Delhi overhauled the target of 112 with 39 balls to spare at the Feroze Shah Kotla stadium. Chasing the target, Punjab were dealt an early blow in the third over when opener Shreyas Iyer (3) nicked one from Sandeep Sharma which was going down the leg side. After Delhi could muster only 12 runs in four overs, Axar Patel was introduced into the attack and he created an opportunity but Murali Vijay squandered it when he failed to held on to a catch to dismiss de Kock at deep square leg. De Kock added insult to the injury by blasting Patel for a four over point. The left-handed South African glided another through fine leg off Mitchell Johnson. De Kock struck three more boundaries in the eighth over off Patel to bring up the fifty for Delhi. He first hit a reverse sweep and then punched one off the backfoot before playing another nice-looking sweep. Samson joined de Kock and launched Pradeep Sahu over long-on in the ninth over for Delhi's first six of the match. He then smashed Mohit Sharma over his head for another boundary in the next over. In the 12th over, de Kock went berserk as he blasted a couple of fours and a six off Mitchell Johnson to reach his fifty off 38 balls. The young South African hit the second ball straight down the ground and then pulled one through deep mid wicket before pulling another one over long leg boundary. Samson too wanted to step up the gas and danced down the track in the 13th over looking for a big hit but he was foxed by Patel who disturbed his stumps. De Kock then blasted another four in the next over off Sahu before Pawan Negi came up with a slog-sweep over midwicket to end the agony of Punjab as Delhi reached to 113 for 3 in 13. (REOPENS DEL 60) Earlier, after Rohit's fall, Daredevils spin trio -- Amit Mishra, Tahir and Shahbaz Nadeem -- looked like making an impact but Guptil and Pandya ripped apart the attack. After finding their eye in, they started to punish the bowlers with ease and the spin trio collectively leaked 143 runs in their 12 overs. Guptill brought the team's hundred with a long-on six off Tahir and followed it with an inside out maximum. Tahir had bowled well in tandem with Mishra but the Mumbai Indians batsmen were in good control. They were beaten a few times but struck very powerfully to find boundaries to make up for the dot balls. Krunal joined the Tahir-bashing by striking a straight six and a four to cream off 23 runs in the 13th over. Pandya reached his fifty with a fluent six over mid-wicket off Nadeem and celebrated the milestone with a jump in the air and gestures towards the dug out. Skipper Zaheer introduced himself to attack to stop the rut and he succeeded by sending back the Kiwi batsman, who could not connect the full toss and Karun Nair took the catch. It brought big-hitting Kieron Pollard to the crease but it was Pandya who continued to torment the bowlers. He launched leg-spinner Mishra for a four and two sixes but was cleaned up by Chris Morris, who also sent back Pollard (3) in the same over. Jos Buttler (18) ended the innings in style with a long-on six off Morris. Pyongyang's state media today claimed a group of 13 North Koreans working at a restaurant China had been tricked into defecting by South Korean spies. The 13 -- a male manager and 12 female employees of a Pyongyang-run restaurant -- arrived in Seoul last week, South Korea's Unification Ministry said. Ministry spokesman Jeong Joon-Hee said they had been under pressure to meet their quota for hard currency remittances to Pyongyang and had become disillusioned with the North's propaganda after being exposed to foreign media. The South Korean government estimates Pyongyang rakes in around USD 10 million every year from some 130 restaurants it operates -- with mostly North Korean staff -- in 12 countries, including neighbouring China. North Korea's propaganda website Uriminzokkiri claimed that the manager, who it said was bribed by South Korean spies, had tricked the 12 others into thinking they were going to a new workplace. "The manager, in connivance with (South Korean) spies, tricked the employees into believing that they were moving to a different workplace in a far-off place" before putting them on a plane, it said in a commentary. It said the "abduction" was part of the South's "heinous" anti-Pyongyang smear campaign. South Korean daily Hankyoreh Sinmun quoted the Chinese owner of the restaurant in Ningbo, in eastern Zhejiang province, as saying the manager had stolen more than 1.2 million renminbi (USD 185,000) from the restaurant, which had a total of 20 North Korean employees. The seven remaining North Koreans were staying with North Korean embassy officials and were expected to return home, the owner was quoted as telling the paper. The 13 defectors were still incommunicado, being questioned by South Korean authorities. The North's Red Cross spokesman Tuesday claimed the 13 were kidnapped by the South and demanded it apologise and return them immediately or face "unimaginable consequences and strong countermeasures". Separately, the North Korean website also accused Seoul of trying to influence South Korea's parliamentary elections held on Wednesday. A seemingly unstable North Korea has traditionally worked in favour of the ruling conservative party. But President Park Geun-Hye's ruling Saenuri Party suffered a shock electoral defeat that broke its 16-year parliamentary majority and threatened its chances of retaining the presidential Blue House in 2017. North Korea tried and failed today to test-fire what appeared to be a medium-range missile on the birthday of founding leader Kim Il-Sung, the United States said, denouncing the move as another needless provocation. The missile disappeared from surveillance radar a few seconds after its launch and is believed to have exploded midair, according to a Seoul intelligence official quoted by Yonhap agency. There had been widespread intelligence reports in recent days that the North was preparing for the first-ever flight test of its Musudan missile, which is believed to be capable of striking US bases on the Pacific island of Guam. The US and South Korean militaries both detected and tracked the early morning test. A US defence official said the missile was "presumably" a Musudan. On board a US aircraft carrier in the South China Sea as part of a regional tour, US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter hit out at North Korea for raising tensions. "The North Korean missile launch, which we assessed was unsuccessful, was nevertheless another provocation by North Korea in a region that doesn't need that kind of behaviour," Carter told reporters. The April 15 birthday of Kim Il-Sung -- the grandfather of current ruler Kim Jong-Un - is a major public holiday in North Korea, where key political anniversaries are often marked with displays of military muscle. The country is also gearing up for a rare and much-hyped ruling party congress next month, at which Kim Jong-Un is expected to take credit for pushing the country's nuclear weapons programme to new heights. Pyongyang has hailed a series of achievements in recent months, including miniaturising a nuclear warhead to fit on a missile, developing a warhead that can withstand atmospheric re-entry, and building a solid-fuel missile engine. Last week, it said it had successfully tested an engine designed for an inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) that would "guarantee" an eventual nuclear strike on the US mainland. Outside experts have treated a number of the claims with scepticism, while acknowledging that the North's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes have both made significant strides. If today's failure is confirmed as a Musudan test, it would mark a very unwelcome public failure and fuel doubts about just how far the North has gone in developing a reliable nuclear delivery system. "We are monitoring and continuing to assess the situation," another US official said, calling on North Korea to "refrain from actions that further raise tensions in the region. Nearly 6,000 who crossed the Mediterranean have reached Italy since Tuesday, the Organisation for Migration said, warning that the surge in arrivals was set to continue. A total of 6,021 and refugees have made the dangerous sea crossing since Tuesday, IOM spokesman Joel Millman said, adding that all landed in Italy, excluding 174 people who reached Greece. Millman stressed that there was no evidence yet to suggest the rise in Italy arrivals was linked to an EU-Turkey deal aimed at stemming the influx of people to Europe via the Greek islands, or the closure of the Balkans migrant route. who spoke to IOM staff in Italy all said they had crossed from Libya. Most travelled on rubber dinghies, with roughly 130 people packed on each, the IOM said in a statement. "Many of them were from sub-Saharan Africa, and we have noticed an increase in numbers from the Horn of Africa, particularly Eritreans," Federico Soda, head of the IOM's Rome office, said in the statement. "There have been very few Syrians leaving from Libya in recent months," Soda further said. Millman noted that with weather warming at the start of the main crossing season, Italy would likely see persistently high arrivals in the weeks ahead. So far this year, more than 23,000 migrants have landed in Italy, compared to nearly 153,500 who have landed in Greece, the IOM said. Donald Trump has the blessing of the New York Post tabloid, which used its today edition to endorse the Republican frontrunner, calling him "imperfect -- but so full of promise." The conservative daily, owned by media baron Rupert Murdoch, said the Manhattan billionaire reflects "the best of 'New York values'" and "offers the best hope for all Americans who rightly feel betrayed by the political class." It dismissed as "rookie mistakes" Trump's controversial pronouncements pushing Japan and South Korea to go nuclear, and building a wall along the Mexican border. But it did advise Trump to be "more presidential: better informed on policy, more self-disciplined and less thin-skinned." The editorial made no reference to Trump's public insults for women he does not like, his call for a ban on Muslims entering the United States or his portrayal of Mexicans as drug traffickers and rapists. Instead it said political incorrectness was "one of his great attractions" even if his language was too often "amateurish, divisive -- and downright coarse." The real estate magnate leads Republican polls for next Tuesday's New York primary but recent losses raise the prospect that he will face a contested nomination for the party's ticket to the White House. State-run Neyveli Lignite Corporation today said it has got the shareholders' approval for changing the name of the company to NLC India Ltd. The approval was sought through a special resolution via postal ballot for the change of name of Neyveli Lignite Corporation Ltd to NLC India Ltd and consequent alteration to memorandum of association and articles of association of the company, it said in a regulatory filing. Explaining the reasons behind the move, the PSU last month had said it has embarked on an expansion dive to add power generation capacity by foraying into coal and renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power. It also has plans to acquire power assets and to engage in coal mining besides developing domestic coal blocks. Since its present activities are no longer restricted to lignite mining and confined to the Neyveli region, its Board has accorded an in-principle approval to change its name to NLC India ltd, it had said. In February, the government has allotted Talabira-II and -III coal blocks in Odisha to the PSU, which is looking to ramp up coal-based electricity generation capacity. Earlier, its chairman and managing director Sarat Kumar Acharya had said that the company had been "allotted a coal block in Jharkand" and they had requested the coal ministry to allot more blocks, which would fuel their "capacity addition in coal-based generation". NLC plans to have 19,000 megawatt (MW) capacity by 2025, and projects to generate 6,000 MW from coal and 2,500 MW from lignite were already underway, he had said. Jharkhand's first Chief Minister Babulal Marandi, who is set to be the face of a new political grouping in the state being cobbled by Nitish Kumar to take on BJP, today stressed for a "strong alternative" in national politics and felt that the Bihar Chief Minister fits the bill. Marandi, who had RSS roots and headed the BJP government in the state after bifurcation of Bihar in 2000 before he finally quit the party for good, launched a hard-hitting attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi accusing the NDA dispensation of "assaulting" the federal structure and "fanning" communalism. "A strong alternative is needed in the country. Nitish Kumar could be a better option at the Centre," he said in an interview to PTI, adding that the Bihar Chief Minister has "proven his administrative capability" and has "acceptability in the whole country". The remarks by the tribal leader come at a time when attempts are on to merge Nitish Kumar's JD (U), Ajit Singh's Rashtriya Lok Dal, Marandi's Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajtantrik) and Kamal Morarka's Samajwadi Janata Party into one larger entity in Bihar, Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. Nitish Kumar, who in alliance with Lalu Prasad's RJD handed over a crushing defeat to the BJP-led NDA in Bihar, plans to widen his party's footprint on national politics. He took over as JD(U) President on Sunday replacing incumbent Sharad Yadav amid a buzz that he could be eying national politics and could be a fulcrum of opposition unity during 2019 Lok Sabha polls. Jharkhand, which was earlier part of Bihar, has substantial population of Kurmi Mahatos, a community represented by Nitish Kumar in Bihar. Lalu Prasad's RJD was ruling the undivided Bihar, when Jharkhand with dominant BJP influence was carved out of it. Ever since its creation, the state has seen political instability. Marandi belongs to the dominant Santhal tribal group and the coming together of both leaders along with a probable consolidation of Muslim votes could mark realignment of political forces in Jharkhand, where the BJP is controlling the reins of power now. Marandi never turned back to BJP after leaving the party once, though there were speculations regarding the same umpteen times. Around 40.5 per cent of Jharkhand population belongs to OBC of which almost 15 per cent are Kurmis. Tribal Santhals constitute a sizeable number among the various tribal groups in the state. BJP's Chief Minister Raghubar Das belongs to Vaishya community, an OBC. The JD(U) has pockets of influence in Jharkhand and was part of the first government headed by Marandi. Nitish Kumar has already held rounds of talks with Marandi. "Marandi will be our face in Jharkhand. It's time our party goes beyond Bihar," a JD(U) functionary said speaking on the condition of anonymity. Asked about the possible consolidation of OBC-tribals in Jharkhand under the proposed alliance, Marandi said he never believed in caste politics but admitted the impact of their coming together will definitely be good. Training his guns on Modi, Marandi alleged, "Ever since Modi became the Prime Minister of the country, there have been repeated assaults on the federal structure of the country. The manner in which MLAs from other parties are being made to defect is a matter of concern. They (BJP) had started it from Jharkhand itself." "Before elections they tried to poach MLAs of JVM (P). Again after elections, six MLAs of JVM (P) were made to defect and join the BJP. BJP had only 36 MLAs and with the six MLAs of AJSU, they just managed the majority in the 81-member House. Then they got the six more MLAs of JVM (P)." Seeing a pattern behind it, the JVM (P) chief, said, "The BJP did it in Assam, made a similar attempt in Bihar. The attacks on federal structure are continuing. The effort is to finish all so that only one survives." The BJP had last year inducted six Jharkhand legislators, lured from Marandi's party at the Jharkhand Bhavan in Delhi in the presence of chief minister Raghubar Das. Marandi, whose party had a total of only eight MLAs in the Assembly, had also complained in this regard to the Governor. In the last Assembly, BJP and JMM had 18 MLAs each. Congress had 14 and JVM-P 11. In this assembly, the BJP now has 42 MLAs, AAJSU-06, JMM 19, Congress-08 and Others-06. Attacking the Modi government on policy front, Marandi alleged that while it talks about the poor, the villagers and the farmers, it "works only for the corporates" and cited that despite massive protests by people the government brought ordinance thrice to change the 2013 land law. "Attempts are on to destroy communal harmony. Within 15 months of the BJP government, there are 55 incidents of communal violence in Jharkhand alone. Two cattle traders were hanged to death. A perceptible change has come "In a such a scenario, a strong option is needed in the country. Nitish Kumar could be a better option at the Centre. Next Lok Sabha elections are to be held in 2019 but for that we have to start preparations," he said explaining the reason behind the plans to merge the four parties into one entity. Praising the Bihar Chief Minister, Marandi said that Kumar has "proven his administrative capability" by ensuring "double digit growth of a backward state like Bihar". "Besides, he has acceptability in the whole country. Nitish can be a strong option," he said. (REOPENS DEL22) Planning to widen its footprint on national politics, JD(U) has decided to go for a change of election symbol to reach out to people more effectively and will soon approach Election Commission in this regard. JD(U) is already looking for a new election symbol. It is of the view that its existing 'arrow' election symbol is "confusing" voters. JD(U)'s symbol arrow bears resemblance to the bow and arrow symbol of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha and Shiv Sena. With Kumar becoming the President of the JD(U) replacing Sharad Yadav recently, the new merger plan is set to get a fillip. When asked whether the JVM (P) has any specific demands as parties plan to merge, he said everything will be decided together. "It will be a new party with a new name, new flag and new election symbol. All of us will decide it together. We will do what is acceptable to all. Discussions are on in this regard. The rest will be decided later," he said. The merger talks are happening at a time when Marandi's party is also in wilderness. Out of BJP, the JVM (P) fought elections in alliance with Congress only to fall apart later. Congress and RJD later formed an alliance government headed by Jharkhand Mukti Morcha's Hemant Soren. Even during the last assembly polls, there was an attempt to cobble up an alliance of Congress, JVM (P), JMM, JD(U) and RJD but it failed to take off over differences on the issue of the declaration of the Chief Ministerial candidate of the alliance for which both JMM and JVM (P) showed interest. Marandi lost both Assembly seats he contested - Giridih and Dhanwar - in 2014 Assembly polls. However, Marandi downplays questions about the impact of the merger on next assembly polls in his state. "Next assembly election is after Lok Sabha polls. New party has to be formed. For that talks need to be held even within party level. It will take some time. But if we come together, the BJP will find the going tough in Jharkhand," he says. The understanding in the non-BJP camp is that Marandi, who belongs to Santhal tribe has a clean image and his leadership could emerge at a time when JMM chief Shibu Soren belonging to the same tribal community is aging. On the possible coming together of Congress and RJD in future elections in the state, Marandi only said that unity will be helpful in rooting out the BJP there. National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) has signed an agreement with ICDL Asia of Singapore to collaborate on improving digital literacy skills of Indians. As per the MoU, both parties aim to explore opportunities to implement ICDL certification programmes in India, including skilling one million migrating candidates and other NSDC's school or university initiatives in the next five years. "ICDL certification programme being the international standard in digital literacy will greatly enhance Indian candidates' workplace digital skills and job mobility," said Tina Wu, General Manager of ICDL Asia. NSDC CEO Jayant Krishna said the partnership with ICDL would help in the furtherance of the Indian Government's Skill India and Digital India initiatives. "The certification is not only important for migrant workers who are going overseas, but also important for domestic workers across all industries," he said. US President Barack Obama will visit King Salman and the Saudi royal court in Riyadh next week in a bid to mend increasingly frayed ties between the allies. Before his election, Obama famously dismissed Saudi Arabia as America's "so-called ally" and relations have remained tense through both his two terms. Although Wednesday's visit will be his fourth to the kingdom, the Saudis were dismayed by his outreach to Iran and support for some Arab Spring revolts. The countries work together in the fight against the Islamic State group but the kingdom feels Obama could have been tougher on Syria's Bashar al-Assad. And eyebrows were raised last year when King Salman decided not to join a summit of Gulf leaders hosted by Obama at his Camp David country residence. But senior Obama adviser Rob Malley said that since then, there has been real progress in the relationship. "On the security front, over the last 12 months, there have been countless meetings at all levels," he said. After Wednesday's royal audience, Obama and Salman will meet leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the powerful Saudi-dominated regional grouping. "There has been much deeper cooperation between us and the GCC," Malley argued, citing efforts to stabilise regional conflicts in Libya and Yemen. "There is still much more work to be done. But in Yemen, the situation is far better than it was a year ago," he said, citing a ceasefire that began Sunday. "Likewise in Syria, there is a fragile cessation of hostilities but it has held so far for seven weeks," he said, admitting: "Much more needs to be done." Obama will leave Riyadh on Thursday night and fly on to Britain and then to Germany. US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle have reported their gross income as being over USD 400,000 in 2015 with the total income tax paid by them amounting to more than USD 80,000, a top official said today. "The President and the First Lady filed their income tax returns jointly and reported adjusted gross income of USD 436,065. The Obamas paid USD 81,472 in total tax. The President's effective federal income tax rate is 18.7 per cent," White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said in a blog post. Obama and the First Lady also reported donating USD 64,066 or about 14.7 per cent of their adjusted gross income to 34 different charities. The largest reported gift to charity was USD 9,066 to the Fisher House Foundation. According to Earnest, the President was subject to "limitations in tax preferences for high income earners" because of his own policies. He has signed into law legislation that extended tax cuts to middle class and working families while helping improve the country's fiscal health by requiring a greater contribution from wealthy Americans. "While we've made progress toward ensuring that the wealthiest Americans pay their fair share, there is more work to do. We need to close special tax loopholes for millionaires and billionaires and invest in the middle class," Earnest said. The tax policies proposed in the President's Budget would make paychecks go further in covering the cost of child care, college and a secure retirement and would strengthen tax credits that support and reward work, he said. Obama and the First Lady also released their Illinois income tax return and reported paying USD 16,017 in state income tax. US Vice President Joe Biden and wife Jill Biden also released their 2015 federal income tax returns as well as state income tax returns for both Delaware and Virginia. The Bidens filed joint federal and combined Delaware income tax returns. Jill Biden filed a separate non-resident Virginia tax return. Together, they reported adjusted gross income of USD 392,233. The Bidens paid USD 91,546 in total federal tax for 2015, amounting to an effective tax rate of 23.3 per cent. They also paid USD 13,729 in Delaware income tax and Jill paid USD 3,882 in Virginia income tax. The Bidens contributed USD 6,620 to charity in 2015. Oil rallied this week as traders eyed a possible output freeze deal aimed at stemming fresh price losses at an impending producers' meeting in Doha on Sunday. Heading into the weekend, however, the market stumbled today as caution prevailed before the gathering, with sentiment hit also by poor Chinese data. "The Doha meeting does not materially change the oil market balances but makes official what is already meant to happen," wrote Barclays analyst Michael Cohen in a research note entitled 'The brouhaha in Doha'. "If recent supply-side ... Support holds, and the market's expectations for a credible statement and commitment are met, the meeting could help prevent prices from falling back to the low USD 30 range." Major producers are meeting to try to negotiate an output freeze to drain crude oversupply -- but doubts remain over whether Iran will join any accord. Analysts are unclear on the expected outcome of the meeting of around a dozen oil exporters, including heavyweights Saudi Arabia and Russia, which could potentially send the market soaring or crashing. Complicating prospects of a deal, OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia has insisted it will not join an output freeze unless its regional rival Iran does so. In a surprise twist on Friday, Tehran announced that oil minister Bijan Zanganeh will not join the talks -- which will instead be attended by the Islamic republic's OPEC representative. Iran, which is emerging from nuclear-related Western sanctions, is expected to seek a waiver until its production reaches its pre-embargo levels. Doha is a follow-up to talks in February between OPEC members Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Venezuela plus Russia in which they first mooted the output freeze. The market had nosedived from above USD 100 in mid-2014 to 13-year lows of around USD 27 in February, costing exporters billions of dollars in lost revenue. Prices have since rebounded to about USD 40. The collapse was triggered by a stubborn global supply glut that was worsened by a sharp rise in unconventional oil production, mainly booming US shale crude, alongside OPEC's reluctance to cut output. YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. Armenpress presents on the air of LRATVAKAN radio all that you will read, hear and see in todays news. The issue of signing the agreement on supplying arms from Russia to Armenia is on the agenda of the Cabinet meeting. During todays session, the Minister of Defense will be instructed to clarify the list of military equipment which is to be supplied to Armenia. The joint session of the Armenian NA Defense, National Security and Internal affairs and Committee of Security and Defense of the Russian Federal Assembly is scheduled to take place today. The Caucasian center for research resources will present results of researches carried out in Caucasian countries regarding social, political and economic issues. The new True elections website, which will post election results and supervision, will be presented today in Hrazdans central office of the Civil Contract party. According to them, this tool will enable citizens to review in real-time the election processes. April 17th is World Hemophilia Day. Various events are organized in a number of countries to raise awareness on the issue of treatment of those who have hemophilia, medication issues and their quality of life. A scientific conference on this issue will take place today in Yerevan. Famous American-Armenian actress, producer and director Nora Armani is in Yerevan. She is the organizer of the Socially relevant film festival of New York. Today, she will deliver a press conference. Nora Armani will award Armenian directors who took part in the Socially relevant film festival New York in March 2016. She will also speak about her projects in Armenia. You can read more about these and other topics on armenpress.am and listen to the news on the air of LRATVAKAN radio. Follow us on TWITTER and FACEBOOK. prices rose slightly in Asia on Friday after the International Agency (IEA) said it saw the crude supply glut easing by year's end, but trading was cautious ahead of a crunch producers' summit. The IEA report, released ahead of Sunday's summit in Doha, said that the surplus would fall to 200,000 barrels per day in the second half of this year from 1.5 million bpd in the first six months. However, the Paris-based agency said any decision by producers to freeze output would have "limited" impact compared to trimming production, which would have a more permanent effect in boosting prices. Read more from our special coverage on "OIL" Analysts said trading was cautious before the Doha meeting that will involve both members of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), led by Saudi Arabia, and non-OPEC producers such as Russia. Trading sentiment was also weighed by a report on Wednesday showing a sharper-than-expected rise in US commercial crude inventories, indicating softer demand in the world's top oil consumer. At around 0230 GMT, US benchmark West Texas Intermediate for delivery in May was up four cents at $41.54 and Brent crude for June was trading four cents higher at $43.88 a barrel. "Rising inventories continued to dampen the bulls. Traders remain cautious before the upcoming freeze meeting," said Margaret Yang, an analyst with CMC in Singapore. Analysts from Singapore's United Overseas Bank said in a market commentary: "We are not positive on the Doha meeting and do not expect any credible output freeze agreement to be achieved, and that in turn could lead to correction in crude oil prices early next week." World oil prices slumped by about three quarters to below $30 between mid-2014 and February this year on the back of the global supply glut and overproduction. It has rebounded from near 13-year lows two months ago on hopes that a deal would be reached in Doha, although OPEC member Iran has said it would not join the freeze calls. Tehran is ramping up production after the West lifted nuclear-linked economic sanctions. Two days after Odisha minister Damodar Rout sought speedy completion of the ongoing probe into the multi-crore chitfund scam in the state, about two dozen organisations today said the agency should not favour leaders of ruling BJD. The organisations under the umbrella of Civil Society Sangh staged a demonstration in front of the CBI office here. The CSS members asked the CBI to disclose the "truth" behind the alleged links between chitfund firm Artha Tatwa (AT) Group and state minister Sanjay Dasburma. The CBI issued a notice to the minister on April 6 after senior Congress leader Lalatandu Bidyadhar Mohapatra made public AT Group chairman's recorded statement where he had disclosed that he had gifted a car to one Sanjay Dasburma. Earlier, cooperation and excise minister Damodar Rout had said the CBI should not prolong the investigation for an indefinite period. "There should be a time frame for completion of the investigation," Rout said. The ruling BJD, while defending Dasburma, has also raised questions on the agency's manner of investigation. "Why did the CBI not issue notice in the name of any minister as soon as the AT Group chief took his name? The agency took action only after a Congress leader raised the issue. This indicates the CBI probe is being guided by someone else," BJD spokesman Pratap Keshari Deb said. A section of BJP leaders including former party state president K V Singhdeo have raised suspicion on the manner of the CBI investigation. "Many people suspect that CBI's investigation was not upto mark," Singhdeo said. Senior BJP leader Bijay Mohapatra and Union Minister Jual Oram have also expressed their displeasure on CBI's investigation into the multi-crore scam. Army has been called in to join an operation against gangsters today after police failed to flush them out in the southern part of Pakistan's Punjab province. The operation 'Zarb-i-Aahan' involving 1,600 security officials has miserably failed as the hardened criminals are taking advantage of the thick forest in an island at Indus River area between Rajanpur and Rahim Yar Khan districts. "The army has been called in to assist the operation against the hardened criminals in Rajanpur. An army battalion from Okara and two platoons of the Special Services Group, an independent commando regiment/corps of the army, have been called in to launch a large-scale operation," Ghulam Mubashir Maken, the police officer who is leading the operation, said. A strike force with paratroops from Rangers would also take part in the joint operation along with regular policemen and commandos of the force, he added. "The operation against the gangsters will start today midnight and continue till the elimination of the last criminal," he said. Seven policemen were among 13 people killed and 22 others taken hostage by the notorious Chotoo gang during the police raid to clear their hideout in Punjab province, forcing the government to use aerial strikes to end the standoff in Rajanpur district, some 400 kilometers from Lahore. The police have also failed to recover 18 security personnel taken into hostages by the gang. The gang is hiding in a forest in an island in Indus River area between Rajanpur and Rahim Yar Khan districts. Chotoo, who carries a huge bounty on his head, radioed a message to the police to call off the operation, release his arrested gang members and vacate the area or else the hostages would be killed one by one. Earlier, Punjab police chief Mushtaq Sukhera held a meeting the corps commander of Multan and discussed updates on the situation and a new standard operating procedure to launch a military operation against the gangsters. "It will be a massive joint operation led by army," a police spokesman said after the meeting. "A strategy for the release of the captive policemen and to eliminate notorious criminals was discussed, besides an option of airstrike through military helicopter gunships," he said. Police said the gangsters are equipped with sophisticated weapons. The collateral loss came when the police high-ups saw poor response from the government to their request for launch of air strikes. "We are under attack by criminals carrying sophisticated weapons as some policemen have seen them using 12.7mm heavy anti-aircraft machine guns," a police official said. He said that the fierce resistance put up by criminals showed some terrorists of banned organisations might be present in the area. It is being suspected that elements of banned outfits of Lashkar-e-Jhanghvi (LeJ) and Sipah Sahaba Pakistan (SSP) are part of the gang. "As many as 150 hardened criminals have been hiding in the forest, bordering Sindh and Balochistan provinces," the official said. Pakistan today dismissed as "preposterous" the claims in a declassified US cable about its involvement in a suicide bombing at a CIA base in Afghanistan in 2009 that killed seven American agents and contractors. Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria said that allegations in the media on Pakistan's involvement with Haqqani network are "preposterous". "In fact, we were shocked and deeply saddened when precious American lives were lost at the Chapman facility in 2009 in an unfortunate attack that was later claimed by TTP in a publicly available video, featuring the suicide bomber with the leader of the TTP," Zakaria said in a statement. The spokesperson said that it would be further recalled that over the past years, Pakistan has through a series of military operations, severely damaged and weakened the TTP and other militant and terrorist organizations. "We wish to remind that Pakistan is among the biggest victims of terrorism, having lost tens of thousands of innocent lives, including over five thousand valiant personnel of law enforcement agencies, and economic losses to the tune of a hundred billion dollars," he said. Pakistan is determined to eradicate the scourge of terrorism and has taken action against all terrorist elements, without discrimination, he added. India's palm oil imports rose by 5.34 per cent to 6,42,562 tonnes during March 2016 compared to the previous month on account of sluggish global prices, industry body Solvent Extractors Association said today. India, the world's leading vegetable oil buyer, purchased 6,09,939 tonnes of palm oil in February this year. Palm oils make up for 65 per cent of the country's total vegetable oil imports. The annual oil demand is around 17-18 million tonnes and 60 per cent of this is met through imports. "The alarming increase in import of RBD Palmolein, seriously hurting the domestic refining industry. ...This situation has arisen due to the fact that currently the landed cost of RBD palmolein (finished product) is lesser than Crude Palm Oil (raw material)," the association said in a statement. "The domestic refining industry is facing severe crisis of under utilisation of capacity and is on the verge of closure and justify to increase in import duty difference between crude and refined vegetable oils from 7.5 per cent to 15 per cent," it said. Among palm oil products, import of refined palm oil (RBD Palmolein) rose to 2,08,376 tonnes in March 2016 from 1,77,806 tonnes in the previous month, it said. In March 2015, RBD Palmolein imports stood at 51,576 tonnes. The shipments of crude palm oil (CPO) increased marginally to 4,28,856 tonnes in March from 4,23,135 tonnes in the previous month of 2016, while the import of crude palm kernel oil (CPKO) declined to 5,330 tonnes from 8,998 tonnes in the said period. Among soft oils, import of soyabean oil fell to 3,21,975 tonns in March from 3,80,121 tonnes in the previous month, but sunflower oil shipments rose to 1,84,162 tonnes from 87,028 tonnes, while rapeseed oil shipments were 26,863 tonnes in the said period. The country's total vegetable oil imports increased by 12 per cent to 11,89,765 tonnes in March this year from 10,62,781 tonnes in the year-ago period. At March-end, there was over 23.10 lakh tonnes of stock at ports and in pipelines, which can meet the demand for 42 days. The country's monthly requirement is 1.65 million tonnes. India imports palm oil mainly from Indonesia and Malaysia and a small quantity of crude soft oils, including soyabean oil from Latin America. Sunflower oil is imported from Ukraine and Russia. The worldwide scandal claimed a fresh political victim today as Spain's industry minister resigned over allegations he had links to offshore companies. Jose Manuel Soria said he had tendered his resignation "in light of the succession of mistakes committed along the past few days, relating to my explanations over my business activities and considering the obvious harm that this situation is doing to the Spanish government." Soria's troubles began on Monday when Spanish online daily El Confidencial, which has had access to the -- millions of files leaked from law firm Mossack Fonseca -- said he was an administrator of an offshore firm in 1992. Soria called a news conference to deny any link to the company, but as the week went by, more allegations emerged from other media outlets, revealing further alleged connections to offshore havens. It is unclear as yet whether any of his alleged actions were illegal. Soria is the latest political victim of the leak, which revealed how the world's wealthy stashed assets in offshore companies and which the law firm blamed on a computer hack. Iceland's Prime Minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson was also forced to resign over the leaks. In his statement, Soria said politics "is an activity that must always be exemplary, also where explanations are concerned." "When that doesn't happen, one must assume one's responsibilities," he added, in an indication that he was resigning due to how he had handled the revelations, rather than over any irregularities. The initial revelations showed that Soria's name appeared alongside his brother's as administrator of a company based in the Bahamas created through Panama-based Mossack Fonseca. He denied any links to that firm, and said he had told Spanish prosecutors to clear his name with the Panamanian authorities. But then other media revealed that Soria had links with another company based in the offshore haven of Jersey until 2002, when he was mayor of Las Palmas in Spain's Canary Islands. Cologne's public prosecutor and tax authorities are examining claims, which have come to light via the leaked Panama Papers , alleging that leading German private bank Berenberg helped clients to evade tax, magazine Der Spiegel reported today. The German authorities launched an inquiry into the allegations covering "bank officials in Germany, Switzerland and Luxembourg" earlier in the week, according to Spiegel. Bank head Hans-Walter Peters, who has just taken over as president of the powerful German association of private bankers, is "in the (investigators') sights," Spiegel added. A Berenberg spokesman told AFP by email that the bank was in contact with the prosecutor's office but added that no judicial procedure was underway against Peters. The prosecutor's office was unavailable for comment. Peters took over from outgoing Deutsche Bank co-CEO Juergen Fitschen at the head of the private bankers' association last week with the latter embroiled in a longstanding legal case involving the collapse in 2002 of the Kirch media empire. Hamburg-based Berenberg is mentioned several times in the huge offshore Panama Papers data dump unveiled earlier this month by international media. The bank said last week, "like many others," it had managed offshore accounts for clients but insisted it had done so "in line with the law." Spiegel also returned to the Panama Papers theme in alleging that Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble had "for years" not engaged with a reported whistleblower whom it said had offered to hand over evidence of wrongdoing regarding links between the Bundesdrueckerei printing house, which the ministry oversees, and shell companies in Panama. Earlier this week the finance ministry denied it had ignored warnings from an informant in South America. Last Sunday, Schaeuble urged countries to work together in the fight against tax cheats and money launderers by sharing national lists naming the beneficiaries of shell companies while warning that recalcitrant countries could be blacklisted. "We need total transparency," Schaeuble told Bild newspaper. Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today gave in-principle approval to the setting up of a state-of-the-art Advanced Research and Treatment Centre at Mohali for people suffering from autism. He took the decision while presiding over a meeting with medical experts, doctors and NGOs dealing with such patients and underscored the need to draw a time-bound action plan to effectively tackle the incidence of autism in the state. The Chief Minister was told that according to a study, in India, on an average one in every 1,000 person suffers from autism whereas in the USA the incidence is 100 per 1,000 persons. Badal asked Greater Mohali Area Development Authority to earmark suitable land for the Centre which would house an institute for providing diploma course for educators to impart special education to children suffering from autism, besides providing research and health care facilities. At a later stage, satellite centres would be set up at all district headquarters to provide the best healthcare facilitates to those suffering from autism, he said. Badal directed the health department to sensitise medical boards at all district headquarters to issue disability certificate to persons suffering from autism and pro-actively take up the issue with the education department for admission of autistic children in normal schools. This step would not only inculcate a sense of equality, belonging and self-respect but also save them from discrimination and inferiority complex, he said. Badal told Ajit Awasthi, Head of the Department of Psychiatry, PGIMER to prepare a detailed blueprint within a month for setting up of the centre besides suggesting ways and means to establish special wings for autism at the Government Medical Colleges in Patiala, Amritsar and Faridkot. He appreciated the role of Red Cross Society, Faridkot for successfully running an institute for imparting skill training and education to the people suffering from autism and asked other Red Cross Societies to replicate this. A poster of UP BJP president Keshav Prasad Maurya here depicting him as 'Lord Krishna' and other politicians including Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav as 'Kauravas' stoked a controversy with SP accusing BJP of hurting the religious sentiments of the people and trying to tarnish the image of Yadav. The poster, which went viral on the social media, was released ahead of the visit of its State BJP president to the temple city today by some men. However, BJP distanced itself from it and denied that it has any association with the controversial poster. BJP MLC Laxman Acharya said BJP has nothing to do with the poster and the party is always against such things. The poster carries the name of one Rupesh Pandey in the bottom right corner, who had allegedly issued this poster. Samajwadi Party leader Manoj Rai Dhoopchandi accused the BJP of using symbols of Gods and Goddesses to fan communal tension. He claimed that the poster has hurt the religious sentiments of people of this holy city. The SP leader alleged that the poster was an attempt by BJP to tarnish the image of UP CM Akhilesh Yadav and other leaders. With an aim to get a better understanding through first-hand experience, Railway Minister travelled in the driver's cabin of a high-speed train in France covering 150 km distance between Paris and Reims in 45 minutes. Prabhu travelled on TGV, the French high-speed train, which can clock up to the maximum speed of 320 km per hour, during his recent visit to France. Read more from our special coverage on "SURESH PRABHU" Indian Railways mulls incubators to promote start-ups Accompanied by a senior French Railway official, Prabhu was briefed by the TGV driver about the various safety features and modern equipment installed in the driver's cabin. Prabhu was also shown around Reims station and was told about the maintenance and upkeep of the station on April 12, according to a senior Railway Ministry official. Reims is known for its fine champagne. Indian Railway has joined hands with France for up-gradation of railway track between New Delhi and Chandigarh for running semi-high speed train. France is also assisting Indian Railway in developing Ambala and Jalandhar stations as modern ones with improved passenger amenities, shopping plazas, eateries, office complex and parking lots leveraging real estate. The field review of the project is being carried out by the SNCF, the state-owned railway in France and it is hopeful of completing the study by October-November this year. SNCF is also involved in a study on Chhatrapati Shivaji Railway station in Mumbai. Prabhu has requested the SNCF to fast track the implementation of station development and sought French support in railway timetable preparation. The Railway Minister also sought to know how to calculate the profit made per operation of the train. Participating in the Emerging Markets Forum organized at the Banque de France premises in Paris, Prabhu delivered a talk on "Emerging World in 2050" and enumerated the issues being faced today like climate change, migration, economic slow down, sustainable development. He also evinced interest in having technical cooperation with SNCF in new areas of rail operation. YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. On April 14 the adversary shot towards one of the Defense Armys military units located in the northeastern parts (Talish) as a result of which the Defense Army serviceman Hamlet A. Hajoyan born in 1970 was mortally wounded. As Armenpress was informed by the Press Service of the NKR Defense Army, an investigation is underway to check the details of the incident. The Defense Ministry of Nagorno Karabakh shares the grief of the loss and expresses its support to killed serviceman's family members, relatives and friends. Following up on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Saudi Arabia visit, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan made a short visit to India's largest oil supplier and agreed to form expert teams to expedite specific projects. "Pradhan made a one-day official visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia today," an official statement said. The minister held meetings with Vice Minister for Petroleum Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud and Saudi Aramco Chairman Khalid Al Falih. Pradhan, who reached Riyadh yesterday and returned back home today, also visited the headquarters of SABIC, the second largest petrochemical company in the world. "During the visit of Prime Minister, ways to enhancing cooperation in oil and gas sector was one of the key issues discussed with the Saudi leadership. "Visit by Pradhan was a follow up to take forward the discussions regarding various investment proposals in areas like oil, gas, petrochemicals and exploration and production," the statement said. The minister shared details of various investment opportunities in India in downstream and upstream sectors. He also elaborated on the Hydrocarbon Exploration Licensing Policy (HELP) and Discovered Small Fields policy and invited the Saudi side to invest in Indian upstream sector. Similarly the Saudi side provided details of investment opportunities for Indian companies in their country. "Both sides agreed to conclude discussions regarding concrete investment proposals in a time-bound manner. They also agreed to appoint high level negotiation teams for various projects which would be periodically reviewed at the Minister level," the statement said. Saudi Arabia has been the largest supplier of crude oil to India. It supplied about 40 million tons of crude to India during 2015-16, accounting for about 20 per cent of total crude imports. India also imported about 3 million tons of LPG which is around 28 per cent of its total LPG imports. The parents of TV star Pratyusha Banerjee, who allegedly committed suicide, have written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis requesting for a probe by Mumbai Police Crime Branch into her death. In their letter to the CM, they have alleged that Pratyusha's boyfriend and actor-producer Rahul Raj Singh was "solely responsible for her death". "...She fell prey to conman Rahul Raj Singh, who has not only cheated my daughter and is solely responsible for death, but also cheated many innocent girls like her to the tune of lakhs of rupees," said the letter, dated April 13, signed by Pratyusha's mother Soma Banerjee. The letter, which has also been addressed to Minister of State for (Home) Ranjit Patil, Mumbai Police Commissioner Dattatray Padsalgikar and Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Deven Bharti, alleged that their complaint was not being heard by police. The actress' mother alleged that instead of seriously investigating the matter, the Bangur Nagar police, where the case has been registered, was giving a free hand to the accused to destroy the evidence. "He (Rahul) also has been threatening us and the witnesses. The death of my daughter is being coloured and portrayed as a suicide committed due to depression," it stated. "Our appeal to you is that the investigation in the case should be transferred to Mumbai Crime Branch for a fair investigation so that justice is done after our daughter's untimely and mysterious death," the letter further said. The 'Balika Badhu' fame actress was found hanging at her residence in Goregaon on April 1. She was then rushed by Rahul to a hospital in Andheri where she was declared dead. Rahul, who has been booked for abetment of suicide, has been undergoing treatment for alleged depression at a hospital in Borivali since April 3. The Bombay High Court had on Tuesday granted Rahul interim protection from arrest till April 18. President Pranab Mukherjee will inaugurate the fourth retreat of Supreme Court judges here tomorrow. The President will inaugurate retreat at the National Judicial Academy, Bhopal, an official release said today. Mukherjee will arrive here tonight from Wellington, Tamil Nadu after attending a programme at Defence Services Staff College. He will also take part in a dinner hosted at the National Judicial Academy, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Bhopal Raman Singh Sikarwar said. After inaugurating the session around 10.30 AM, the President will leave for New Delhi around 1 PM, he said. A total of 1,800 police personnel including eight SPs, two DIGs and an IG has been deployed for the President's visit, he added. Chief Justice of India T S Thakur and other judges of the Supreme court will attend the retreat. (Reopens BES 6) Madhya Pradesh Governor Ram Naresh Yadav, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan welcomed Mukherjee on his arrival at the Bhopal airport from Wellington in Tamil Nadu later in the day. "On behalf of the people of MP, I extend warm welcome to Honorable President Shri Pranab Mukherjee on his arrival in the city of lakes Bhopal," Chouhan said in a tweet. In another tweet, he said, "I extend heartiest welcome to esteemed judges of Supreme Court taking part in retreat organised at the National Judicial Academy, Bhopal. Gujarat Police has seized 1364 kg of Ephedrine, a raw material used to prepare party drug methamphetamine, from a factory in the city outskirts, with an international market value of Rs 270 crore. In a joint operation, the city crime branch and state Anti-Terrorist Squad teams last night conducted raids at Riya Industries on Vehlala-Zak road here and seized 1364 kg of Ephedrine and arrested its owner Narendra Kachha. Police has also named the son of a former Congress MLA Bhavsinh Rathod, Kishorsinh as kingpin of the drug racket, who is yet to be arrested. "Kishorsinh Rathod and a Mumbai-based Jay Mukhi had procured this drug from Sholapur in Maharashtra from another person named Punit. They gave this durg to Kachha to convert it into crystal math (methamphetamine), a party drug," Joint Commissioner of Police heading the crime branch, J K Bhatt said here. "Kachha, who has a BSC degree is associated with pharmaceutical business for the last 20 years. Earlier he used to work in different companies and has a wide experience on how to make the party drug from ephedrine," he said. Ephedrine is a drug used to prevent low blood pressure and also used for asthma, narcolepsy and obesity. It is a Schedule A controlled substance and as per the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act section 9(1) its purchase, sale and possession and import, export are banned without license. "Crystal Math (methamphetamine) is prepared from Ephedrine which has a huge demand in India and abroad," Bhatt said. "They had plans to export this party drug to European countries and also sell it in India," Bhatt said. Kishorsinh was earlier arrested for possession of fake currency and had been sentenced for five years jail term, Bhatt said adding that his accomplice Jai had a drug case registered against him in Thane in Maharashtra. "We have formed teams to nab the accused," he said. "This is the biggest seizure of drug in Gujarat and among one of the biggest in the country also," he claimed. Russia, India, China (RIC) trilateral forum is a "good mechanism" for exchanging views on global hotspot issues, China said today ahead of a key meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the grouping in Moscow to be attended by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. "We share lot of interests and concerns in the region. This is a good mechanism for the three countries to have exchange of views on international hotspot issues," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing. Lu said though RIC shared a common feature with Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS), which is far more active, being emerging countries the three countries wield great influence in the international community and therefore close communication between them is necessary. Swaraj along with Wang and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will attend the 14th annual meeting of RIC Ministers. The three will also hold bilateral meetings to focus on improving ties. The RIC Ministers kicks off this year's high-level exchanges between India and China as the two countries grappled with contentious issues on China putting technical hold on India's moves at the UN to ban Masood Azhar, who headed Jaish-e-Muhammad, a group blamed for the Pathankot terrorist attack. India has expressed its disappointment over the move and diplomats say it is casting a shadow on mutual efforts to improve ties with a host of initiatives. Swaraj-Wang talks will take place around the same time when Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar begins his first visit to China on April 18 during which he will hold talks with top Chinese leaders and defence officials. Soon after Parrikar's visit, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval be in China during which he is expected to hold 19th round of boundary talks with his counterpart Yang Jiechi. Russia is more dangerous than the Islamic State group, Poland's Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski told reporters today during a visit to Slovakia. "By all evidence, Russia's activity is a sort of existential threat because this activity can destroy countries," said Waszczykowski, who was speaking in a debate on the future of NATO at the annual Globsec security forum in Bratislava. "We also have non-existential threats like terrorism, like the great waves of migrants," he added, according to Poland's PAP agency. He described the Islamic State group as a very serious threat but added that "it is not an existential threat for Europe". Waszczykowski also called for NATO to approve the deployment of troops on the alliance's eastern border at its upcoming July summit due to be held in Warsaw. "This will be a symbol of the determination to defend the eastern flank. We can discuss the scale of this deployment," he said. Czech Defence Minister Martin Stropnicky said at the conference that strengthening the alliance's collective defence capability would be the main point on the agenda at the summer summit, while warning that Russia "should not be isolated". He added that Russia was actively "testing the defensive capabilities of NATO in the Baltic region" where a number of countries have come under pressure, the Czech CTK agency reported. Russia will use rare talks with NATO next week to protest the alliance's "absolutely unjustified" military buildup in the Baltic states, Moscow's ambassador to Brussels said today, adding the alliance was using the Ukraine crisis as a pretext. The Russian and NATO ambassadors will meet in Brussels on April 20 for their first formal talks in nearly two years to discuss security issues, including the crisis in Ukraine where Moscow is accused of backing pro-Russian rebels against the pro-Western government in Kiev. Top diplomats from Japan and Russia were making preparations in Tokyo today for their leaders' meetings later this year, hoping to deepen relations overshadowed by a World War II territorial dispute and the conflict in Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's trip came days after Japan hosted foreign ministers from the Group of Seven industrialised nations. Russia is barred from G-7 because of its annexation of Crimea in 2014. That has also shelved Russian President Vladimir Putin's Japan visit for nearly two years. Still, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been pushing to make progress in the dispute over Russian-held islands, called the Northern Territories in Japan and the southern Kurils in Russia, which has kept the two countries from signing a peace treaty formally ending their World War II hostilities. Media reports say the officials were arranging for Abe to make an unofficial trip to Sochi in southern Russia on May 6 to meet with Putin, ahead of Putin's return visit. Japan is in a delicate position. As part of the G-7, it supports the group's diplomatic isolation of Russia. At the same time, Tokyo wants good relations with Moscow to maintain dialogue and negotiate the territorial dispute. The two sides have stepped up economic and diplomatic cooperation despite Russia's support for rebels in eastern Ukraine. A senior lawmaker from Abe's ruling Liberal Democratic Party met in early April with Russian Trade and Industry Minister Denis Manturov and handed him Abe's letter for Putin. Yelena Sablina was stunned when she came across the forensic record of her late 19-year-old daughter, who died days after a speeding car hit her at a Moscow pedestrian crossing. Going through the file she discovered that her daughter Alina's heart, kidneys and a number of other organs had been removed -- without her family's knowledge or consent. Since making the grim discovery in February 2014, one month after Alina's death, Sablina has made it her mission to challenge a Russian law that allows doctors to remove the organs of dead people without needing permission. "From day one doctors were looking at her as an organ donor," Sablina said of her only child, who spent six days in a coma before she died. Sablina claims that on the last day of Alina's life, flustered doctors barred her from entering her daughter's room without explanation. "It became clear to me that something had happened," Sablina told AFP in a telephone interview from her home in the central city of Yekaterinburg. "The next day, we received a call from an undertaker who said that Alina had died." Sablina said that doctors' actions that day had made her concerned that they may have "helped" Alina die and harvested her organs. The Moscow hospital that treated Alina, which told Russian media in 2014 that it had acted lawfully, could not be reached for further comment. Sablina's case reached all the way to Russia's Constitutional Court and in February, her complaint about the legislation on the removal of organs without consent, in place since 1992, was rejected. Presumed consent laws -- also known as "opt-out" laws -- are found in a number of European countries, including France, Spain and Austria. Under this system a person, or his or her family, must express the desire not to have organs removed at death. If not the doctors assume consent. In other countries, including the United States, people must explicitly express consent to have their organs harvested upon death. Experts say that presumed consent, which tends to increase the number of organs harvested, does not in itself foster human rights violations and can help save lives. Harvard law professor Glenn Cohen told AFP that concerns over such laws usually focus on "the cost and infrastructure as well as pragmatic political considerations". Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes reportedly have another baby on the way. Representatives for the actors did not respond to request for comment yet, reported People. This will be the second child for the pair, who already have a 19-month-old daughter Esmeralda Amada. The duo began dating in 2011 after meeting on the set of "The Place Beyond the Pines", in which they played parents. Gosling, 35, and Mendes, 42, had managed to keep their first pregnancy a secret for several months. Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders issued a global call to action at the Vatican today to address "immoral and unsustainable" wealth inequality and poverty and warn of the consequences to future generations if solutions are not found. He cited Pope Francis and St John Paul II repeatedly during his speech to the Vatican conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of a landmark teaching document from John Paul on social and economic justice after the Cold War. Sanders arrived in Rome hours after yesterday night's New York debate, saying the opportunity to address the Vatican conference was too meaningful to pass up. The roughly 24-hour visit precedes Tuesday's crucial New York primary, which Sanders must do well in to maintain any viable challenge against Clinton. The Vermont senator told the audience of priests, bishops, academics and two South American presidents that rather than a world economy that looks out for the common good, "we have been left with an economy operated for the top 1 percent, who get richer and richer as the working class, the young and the poor fall further and further behind." Sanders warned that youth around the world are no longer satisfied with the status quo, which includes "corrupt and broken politics and an economy of stark inequality and injustice." "They are not satisfied with the destruction of our environment by a fossil fuel industry whose greed has put short term profits ahead of climate change and the future of our planet," he said. "They are calling out for a return to fairness; for an economy that defends the common good by ensuring that every person, rich or poor, has access to quality health care, nutrition and education." He sat next to the other main guest of honor at the Vatican: Bolivian President Evo Morales, whose is renowned for his anti-imperialist, socialist rhetoric. As he walked through Vatican City's Perugino gate, Sanders was greeted about two dozen supporters, some of whom carried signs bearing Sanders' name. The senator told reporters that he was honored to address the conference and admired Francis' message on the economy and the environment. "I know that it's taking me away from the campaign trail for a day but when I received this information it was so moving to me that it was something that I could just simply not refuse to attend," he said. Pope Francis apologized that he couldn't personally greet participants at the Vatican conference. No meeting with Sanders was expected. YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. The Armenian community of Hungary is going to have a protest in front of the Embassy of Turkey on April 24, Armenpress was informed about this by the vice president of the Armenian National Autonomy of Hungary Alex Avanesyan. The event will start from the cross located in Budapest, where the representatives of the Armenian community will lay flowers and a wreath to honor the memory of the innocent victims of the Armenian Genocide of 1915 committed by the Ottoman Turkey. Then the representatives of the community will move to the Embassy of Turkey. There we will raise our voice with posters, respective calls to demand the recognition of the Armenian Genocide, said Alex Avanesyan. According to him, Turks and Azerbaijanis usually try to hamper the activities of the Armenian Community in Hungary. In particular, the Armenian community aims to lay crosses in different cities of Hungary recent years. The community has already succeeded in several cities, and received a permission from the local authorities to lay down the cross. Of course, Azerbaijanis and Turks try to hamper, they put into circulation many financial means, however, we work and succeed. We are slowly moving forward our work Alex Avanesyan added. He stressed that the Armenian community of Hungary does not work only on April 24 or the days preceding and following it. The Armenian community tries to work during the whole year keeping contact with the local mass media, the representatives in the field of science and other sectors. The Armenian community of Hungary keeps its focus also on the issues related to Karabakh conflict. Delhi police has beefed up the security of JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar and Umar Khalid following the recovery of a letter threatening to behead the two and a gun in a bus operating between an ISBT and the varsity's campus. The university students who have been agitating ever since they were arrested in a sedition case over an event on campus, meanwhile, demanded that the JNU administration lodge a police complaint against various individuals who have been issuing threats to Kumar and others. A country-made pistol and a threat letter against Kumar, purportedly written by a man who had earlier threatened the student leader over Facebook, were recovered from a bus operating between Kashmere Gate ISBT and the university campus yesterday evening, a senior police official said today. It was the driver of the bus who spotted an unclaimed bag and raised an alarm. He also registered a complaint at a police station in New Delhi district. "The security provisions have been enhanced in view of the threat perception," the official said. Police is trying to ascertain identity of the bag's owner and several persons have been questioned. With the gun, there was also a letter which said that Kanhaiya and Umar Khalid will be decapitated, he added. The letter was purportedly written by a person who had threatened Kumar over Facebook earlier saying that men with weapons are already present inside the campus, ready to kill him any moment, police said. Kumar doesn't get security cover inside the campus but the university authorities have clearly been instructed to inform Vasant Kunj (North) police station every time he leaves the campus and security is provided accordingly. Agitated over the alleged inaction by JNU administration over the issue, JNU students union demanded that the matter of security be raised by the Vice Chancellor with the police. "I have repeatedly alerted the JNU administration to these threats. But there's no positive response. We are disappointed by the silence of the administration and VC on this issue. Is the VC under pressure from the Modi government to not act against those issuing threats? Or, is the JNU administration being deliberately complacent?," JNUSU vice president Shehla Rashid Shora said. "We want the VC to raise the issue with police and lodge an FIR against those issuing threats. The sense of impunity which goons and murderers are perceiving under Modi govt has to be ended. The sense that nothing will happen emboldens them," she added. Kumar, Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya were arrested in February in a sedition case over an event on campus against the hanging of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru during which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised. South Africa's biggest opposition party today evoked Nelson Mandela's legacy while pressuring President Jacob Zuma to quit over a state spending scandal. Opposition supporters marched to the country's highest court, demanding that Zuma should quit over the scandal involving millions of dollars in state spending on his private residence. The Constitutional Court in March ruled that Zuma violated the constitution. Zuma has said he would pay back some funds, but the opposition wants him to step down. "If you trample on the constitution you trample on Nelson Mandela, if you trample on Nelson Mandela you trample on the people of South Africa. We are here to reclaim our freedom," said Musi Maimane, leader of the Democratic Alliance, South Africa's biggest opposition party. Mandela, who died in 2013, was a major anti-apartheid figure whose spirit of forgiveness helped steer a peaceful transition from white-ruled South Africa to a multiracial democracy. He became the country's first black president in 1994. Maimane spoke to loud cheers from thousands of supporters while facing a banner that read: "#South Africa comes first." Zuma is supported by powerful factions of the ruling African National Congress party. Parliament recently defeated an opposition motion to remove him from office. Spanish judicial authorities revealed today that the "ghost airport" of Ciudad Real, a symbol of the country's financial excess in the boom years, had been sold off for $62 million. Spain's construction and property sectors boomed until the downturn hit seven years ago and one victim was the airport, initially touted as an alternative airport to Madrid's Barajas. Located around 240km south of the capital, however, the idea never took off. Ciudad Real cost around a billion euros and opened in 2008 with putative capacity of 2.5 million passengers per year. But a wholesale lack of flights saw it go bankrupt in 2010 and close in 2012. A bankruptcy auction last year attracted scant interest and finally the facility has been sold off for 56.2 million euros to an enterprise the regional court at Castilla La Mancha named as CR . A spokesperson for the court told AFP further details on the deal would be available soon. The sale of an airport which had tried to market itself as "Madrid South" would "allow the creation of many jobs and also investment" according to judge Carmelo Ordonez. A trade tribunal rejected a 10,000 euro proposal to buy the airport last year from Tzaneen International, a Chinese investment fund. Castellon airport in the east of looked set to be another huge white elephant. It opened in 2011 but only finally attracted flights with lowcost carrier Ryanair last year. Castellon features a statue of former provincial government head Carlos Fabra outside after he lobbied for its construction. Fabra 16 months ago began a four-year jail term for tax fraud. Despite its airport construction woes is enjoying a tourist renaissance as it returns to economic growth after seven lean years. Last year the country attracted 68.1 million visitors to take third place globally behind France and the United States. The special public prosecutor representing the state inLouis Berger bribery scandal in Goa has decided to withdraw from appearing in the case. In a letter written to Superintendent of Police (Crime Branch), Special Public Prosecutor Rajiv Gomes noted that a complaint of dual nationality registered against him with Margao police has been transferred to Crime Branch, which appointed him as SPP in the Louis Berger case. "It has been brought to my notice yesterday that crime number 31/6 of Margao Town police station registered against me on false allegations of having acquired Portuguese nationality has been recently transferred to the Crime Branch for investigation," Gomes said in a letter dated April 14. "I have always demanded that a fair, just and expeditious investigation be carried out in the said case registered against me so that the truth surfaces at the earliest," he said. "Hence pending investigation in conformity to the ethical standards of my profession and in order to facilitate a fair and just investigation, as well as to dispel any element of suspicion in the investigation due to my status as a Special Public Prosecutor of Crime Branch, I find it desirable that I immediately withdraw my appearance in crime number 93/15 of crime branch police station special case - State v Churchill Alemao and Others," he further said. Gomes had appeared for the state to oppose the anticipatory bail plea filed by former Chief Minister Digambar Kamat in August last year and also to oppose the bail petitions of others accused, including former PWD Minister Churchill Alemao, in the Louis Berger bribery case. Last year, the Crime Branch had registered an FIR against Kamat, Alemao and others in connection with the case of alleged payment of bribe by officials of Louis Berger, a US-based firm, to an Indian minister to win consultancy for a water augmentation and sewerage project funded by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in Goa. Alemao, who was PWD minister in the Kamat government, and three others, including former vice-president of Louis Berger Satyakam Mohanty, head of JICA-aided project in Goa Anand Wachasunder and alleged hawala dealer Raychand Soni were then arrested in connection with the case. Kamat had got anticipatory bail from a trial court. The Goa bench of Bombay High Court had also upheld the order of the trial court that granted him anticipatory bail. The 61-year-old Congress leader was heading the state between 2007-2012 when the New Jersey-based consultancy firm allegedly paid the bribes. SriLankan Airlines today said its Colombo-bound flight from Singapore yesterday was directed to return to the airport due to security concerns soon after it was airborne and at least five passengers are being held for interrogation. The flight UL 309 was asked to return to Changi Airport on security concerns after it was airborne. On its return, the Singaporean authorities rechecked all the luggage and interviewed a few passengers. At least five passengers of the flight are being held and questioned by the Changi airport's police division, according to a release here from the national carrier. Three more passengers were offloaded in addition to the five who had already been detained prior to flight's departure. "The Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore is yet to disclose the reasons that led to the recall of flight UL 309", the release said. The flight later arrived in Colombo at 0042 hrs today after a 3 hour-delay, according to a dailymirror.Lk report. : With the mercury set to rise over the next few days, the city administration has advised public to take precautionery measures and stay indoors. As temperatures went above the normal ahead of 'Katri' month, Chennai city and its neighbourhoods have been witnessing heat waves over the last few days. Chennai District Collector K Govindaraj referred to an IMD report which said that the temperature was set to rise around 41 degree celsius over the next few days from 37 degrees and urgd public not to venture out between 12 noon and three pm. "the Public are hereby requested not to go out between 12 noon and 3pm unless it is necessary. People are requested to drink large quantities of water", he said in an official release. To avoid dehyderation, they should drink fruit juices or buttermilk, he said. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will embark on a two-day visit to Iran tomorrow with an aim to step up engagement in a range of areas including oil and trade as the strategically important Persian Gulf nation is now ready to resume business as usual after lifting of sanctions under a historic nuclear deal. The visit by Swaraj to the oil-rich country comes nearly two weeks after Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to Saudi Arabia, another influential country which considers Iran its rival. Iran is an important country for India for its energy security as well as to get access to oil and gas-rich Central Asian nations and Swaraj's visit to Tehran is seen as a balancing act following Modi's trip to Riyadh during which both the countries had signed a number of pacts. Following lifting of sanctions against Iran, India has been eying deeper energy ties with that country and has already lined up USD 20 billion as investment in oil and gas as well as petrochemical and fertiliser projects there. From Iran, Swaraj will leave for a two-day trip to Moscow to attend the annual Foreign Ministers' meeting of RIC (Russia, India and China). On the sidelines of RIC, Swaraj is expected to meet her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi during which she is likely to raise the issue of China blocking India's bid to ban Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) chief Masood Azhar by the UN. In Tehran, Swaraj will hold extensive talks with her Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif on Sunday during which entire gamut of bilateral relations will be reviewed with a major focus on ramping up ties in energy and trade sectors. The External Affairs Minister will also call on Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had paid a two-day visit to Tehran from April 9 during which he discussed with his Iranian counterpart the repayment of nearly USD 6.5 billion that Indian refiners owe to Iran. This was the first visit by an Indian minister since the US and other western powers lifted sanctions against Iran in January. During Swaraj's visit, sources said, the two sides will also explore ways for cooperation in areas of banking and review of implementation of the Chabahar port project in which India is a key partner. Swaraj and Zarif will also review implementation of the decisions taken by the two countries during the last joint commission meeting here in December. The two Ministers are also likely to deliberate on bilateral cooperation in combating terrorism, situation in Afghanistan and in Syria besides other regional issues. New Delhi is looking to increase engagement with the sanction-free Iran by raising oil imports and possible shipments of natural gas. It also wants rights to develop Farzad-B gas field in the Persian Gulf discovered by OVL. Sources, however, said a deal for the field was not signed during Pradhan's visit as Iranian Parliament, Majlis, is yet to approve the new Iran Petroleum Contract (IPC) under which the Farzad-B field is to be given to the OVL-led consortium. Indian firms have so far shied away from investing in Iran for the fear of being sanctioned by the US and Europe. The same was deterring New Delhi from claiming rights to invest nearly USD 7 billion in the biggest gas discovery ever made by an Indian firm abroad. But after the lifting of sanctions, India is making a renewed pitch for rights to develop 12.8 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves OVL had found in 2008. Pradhan also conveyed to the Iranian side that both countries must expand the basket of oil and gas trade. He had also expressed India's interest in importing LPG from Iran and said companies from both sides could discuss setting up an extraction plant in Chabahar, if required. India imports close to 12 million tonnes of crude from Iran. India's total crude import in 2015-16 was around 184 million tonnes. In a related development, Iran has ended free shipping of crude oil to India and has terminated a three-year-old system of getting paid for half of the oil dues in rupees. Iran is now insisting on being paid in Euros for the oil it sells to Indian refiners. It also wants refiners like Essar Oil and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MPRL) to clear nearly USD 6.5 billion of past dues in Euros, according to officials. Syria's main opposition High Negotiations Committee (HNC) today it was willing to join a transitional government with diplomats and technocrats from President Bashar al-Assad's government. "We cannot accept the participation of the parties who committed crimes against the Syrian people in the transitional governing body," HNC spokesman Salem al-Meslet said on the sidelines of peace talks in Geneva. But he added that the opposition could cooperate with regime "diplomats and technocrats", provided they had support among the population. He said it was "premature" to discuss specific individuals who could be included in a prospective new government. "The distribution of seats of the transitional governing body will be subject to a long debate," al-Meslet told AFP. A new round of UN-brokered Syria peace talks got underway earlier this week. The government delegation, which arrived in Geneva today, held its first meeting with United Nations mediator Staffan de Mistura, with a second session set for Monday. The HNC was holding its second meeting with de Mistura today evening. Political transition in the war-ravaged country, and particularly Assad's future, are the key obstacles at the negotiations, which aim to set up an interim government in six months ahead of UN-monitored presidential and parliamentary elections within 18 months. Telangana Government today signed an MoU with China-based KDX and Dubai-based Aries EPICA Electronics to manufacture glass-free 3-D screens, mobiles, televisions and electronic home appliances in the state. Teams from both the companies today met IT Minister KT Rama Rao and explained him about their joint venture investment and expansion plans in Telangana, an official statement said. "KT Rama Rao welcomed KDX-EPICA to the state and assured all possible support to realise the investment plans in the shortest possible time. The minister also explained to them that the government has given all permission with a single window system to around 1,700 industries till now," it said. According to the MoU, KDX along with Aries EPICA has agreed to establish its manufacturing facility in the state and the JV partners will manufacture 3D glasses-related consumer and non-consumer electronics products including tablets, mobile phones and display units. The government has agreed to assist KDX-Aries EPICA JV in establishing their manufacturing operations in the state. A Chinese teacher has been suspended after he reportedly rated students by their alcohol drinking capacity leading to several students getting intoxicated. Gu Ming, who teaches Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) manufacturing at Guizhou Anshun Vocational Institute in Guizhou province, has been removed from his teaching position after he asked students to down liquor shots at his office. "Those who 'ganbeied' (finish) a full glass of liquor get a full 100 mark for their exam, half glass gets 90 marks, and a sip gets 60. Those who do not drink at all will fail," one student posted on Weibo. Fu Guisheng, deputy director of the institute, told state-run Xinhua agency that Gu may had meant it as a joke, but clearly his remarks did not go down well with netizens. Several students were seen intoxicated on campus, he said. The incident has drawn intense debate online, with many lambasting the teacher, while others sympathized, saying the teacher was only helping students get used to a usual social practice. Many of students may go to sales meetings, and how much one can drink may decide how many deals he can seal, said Lapingjun, another Weibo user. "There is a culture of gaining other people's trust and recognition through drinking, which is sad but true," he said. YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. The escalation of Nagorno Karabakh conflict was discussed in a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Dutch Parliament with Foreign Minister Mr. Koenders on April 13 in the preparation of the European Council meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers on 18 April, Armenpress was informed about this by the Federation of Armenian Organisations in the Netherlands (FAON). The MPs of different factions all expressed their concern on the conflict, for the solution of which the OSCE Minsk Group for so many years has been negotiating without result. They asked about the possible cause of the outburst of violence and the role of neighboring countries, especially Russia and Turkey, and the situation of the new ceasefire. Mr. Harry van Bommel of Socialist Party, indicating that the upsurge in violence is mainly attributed to Azerbaijan, pointed at the lack of independent mechanisms to monitor the existing ceasefire that was agreed 22 years ago. This has not contributed towards a solution of the conflict for years. Furthermore the MP asked the Minister about Azerbaijani drone attack, inter alia, reported by Washington Post, which would have caused several victims. The Minister, who spoke of an extremely worrisome development, could not confirm the latter, because of the fact that independent military supervising mechanisms are still lacking. Therefore there is no good view on the cause of the renewed fighting and compliance with the ceasefire. The OSCE investigates these matters. For the time being he did not assume a determinating role of the neighboring countries in the violent outbreak, although Turkey has explicitly expressed its support for Azerbaijan and Russia, while playing a positive role in calling both parties to stay calm, is known for its sympathy for the other party. Mr. Koenders believes that the long absence of a solution has caused a lot of frustration. While the MPs consider OSCE Minsk Group as the first responsible for negotiations with the parties for solutions, there certainly is a supportive role for the EU in the process. The Minister, who will chair the Councils Meeting in connection with EU Presidency of the Netherlands, will be first of all focused, according to the wishes of the Parliament, on reaching agreement regarding independent military observation. As previously reported (press release dated 5 April 2016) the Joint Armenian Organizations (Federation of Armenian Organizations in the Netherlands , Hay Tad and other organizations) submitted a petition on Nagorno-Karabakh to the Chairwoman of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Parliament, Mrs. A.M.C. Eijsink. The Joint Armenian Organizations also held a rally against Azerbaijani aggression against Nagorno Karabach at the Dam Square in Amsterdam on 8 April 2016 with a few hundred participants from around Holland. Three men from Tamil Nadu riding a bike were killed in a mishap after their two-wheeler rammed into a road divider near Dhaula Kuan flyover in the wee hours today. The deceased were identified as -- Suresh (26), M Senthil (25) and B Swami (35). All three were residents of JJ cluster in Moti Bagh and returning after watching a movie in Naraina when the incident took place near south-west Delhi's Subroto Park area. The police said that none of them was wearing helmets and the bike was apparently trying to take a U-turn from the wrong side on the flyover when their vehicle rammed into the divider. According to the police, all of them suffered critical injuries which lead to their death. However, the police are also probing if any other vehicle was responsible for the accident. "The bike was damaged from the front only, which suggests collision and the impact points towards over-speeding. Family members of the victims have been informed and the bodies were sent for autopsy," a senior police officer said. Police said that they got a call from nearby residents at 2.50 am about the accident and all three were rushed to AIIMS trauma centre where they were declared brought dead. Senthil was driving the vehicle. As the bike rammed into the divider, Senthil hit the railing and his skull was fractured. Suresh also succumbed to severe head injuries and Swami died due to spine and neck injuries, they said. All the three vicitms belonged to Salem in Tamil Nadu and had been living here with their families. Europe's top economies called for a crackdown on tax havens and urged G20 countries to rip away the secrecy protecting shell companies, as the Panama Papers scandal claimed Spain's industry minister as the latest political victim today. In the strongest reaction yet to the leaked Panama Papers, the finance ministers of Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain proposed a blacklist of havens like Panama if they failed to share corporate registry data. "Today we deal another hammer blow against those who hide their illegal tax evasion in the dark corners of the financial system," British Finance Minister George Osborne said. Spain's industry minister Jose Manuel Soria stepped down today after being named in the leaked papers, citing "mistakes" in explaining his alleged offshore interests and "the obvious harm that this situation is doing to the Spanish government". Soria's troubles began Monday when Spanish online daily El Confidencial, which has had access to the Panama Papers, said he was an administrator of an offshore firm in 1992. Soria called a conference to deny any link to the company, but as the week went by, more allegations emerged from other media outlets, revealing further alleged connections to offshore havens. It is unclear as yet whether any of his alleged actions were illegal. In their joint statement during a meeting of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund in Washington, the five EU ministers said: "The recent extensive leaks from Panama show the critical importance of the fight against tax evasion, aggressive tax planning and money laundering." World Bank President Jim Yong Kim said the illicit financial activities enabled by tax havens undermined the fight against poverty. "When taxes are evaded, when state assets are taken and put into these havens, all of these things can have a tremendous negative effect on our mission to end poverty and boost prosperity," he said. The joint European move was a reaction to the leak of thousands of documents on anonymously-owned shell companies from Mossack Fonseca, a Panamanian law firm that specialized in setting up such firms. The trove showed the use of shell companies by prominent politicians including close associates of Russian President V Putin, family members of Chinese leaders, British Premier David Cameron, and the leaders of Iceland and Argentina. The leak placed Panama in the spotlight as one of the leading havens that have not joined an agreement on sharing information on bank accounts and other assets. The five threatened to create a blacklist of countries which do not cooperate on sharing data. "We want to have lists which make it possible to place sanctions on countries which don't respect the rules," French Finance Minister Michel Sapin said. Under pressure, Panama yesterday said it was ready to begin working together with the "Common Reporting Standard" system on sharing information about assets and accounts. Donald Trump's campaign manager won't be prosecuted for battery after briefly grabbing a female reporter's arm at a campaign event, but prosecutors have said the situation might have been avoided with two simple words: I'm sorry. State Attorney Dave Aronberg said at a conference there wasn't enough evidence to justify bringing misdemeanor simple battery charges against Corey Lewandowski for the March 8 dustup with Michelle Fields, then a reporter for the conservative Breitbart website. Although Lewandowski's act wasn't criminal, Aronberg said there may have been an easy way to defuse things. "In a case like this we do encourage an apology. Had an apology been given at the beginning of all this, we could have avoided the whole criminal justice process," Aronberg said. Although police in Jupiter, Florida, found enough probable cause to charge Lewandowski last month after viewing a video recording of the encounter, Aronberg said prosecutors are held to a higher legal standard. "We have the burden of proving each case beyond a reasonable doubt," he said. In a Thursday night appearance on "Hannity" on Fox News, Lewandowski thanked Trump for supporting him and said the decision to drop the charges was a relief. "This has really taken over a big piece of my life, and I'm glad it's behind us," he said. Lewandowski denied grabbing Fields and Republican front-runner Trump stood by him, rejecting calls by his opponents to fire or discipline him. Instead, he went after Fields, accusing her of exaggerating and changing her story. Not backing down, Fields tweeted a photograph of her bruised forearm and said she had been yanked backward. The investigation proved that Lewandowski "pulled Ms. Fields back" as she attempted to interview Trump, according to a memo by another prosecutor, Chief Assistant State Attorney Adrienne Ellis. The memo says Lewandowski could have believed Fields was "making unwanted physical contact with Mr. Trump" that led him to pull her away. "Mr. Lewandowski may have had apparent authority to assist in the protection of the candidate, specifically to maintain the 'protective bubble' around the candidate," Ellis wrote. "While the facts support the allegation that Mr. Lewandowski did grab Ms. Fields' arm against her will, Mr. Lewandowski has a reasonable hypothesis of innocence." Ellis added that the video showed Trump moving his arm away from Fields' initial contact, but said that didn't constitute battery either. "It was incidental," she said. introduced a new head of operations today for what it calls Greater China despite still being banned in the mainland, as it attempts to boost already booming advertising. While San Francisco-based is not allowed to operate in mainland China under the country's strict Internet censorship, it does have an office in Hong Kong that courts advertisers over the border. Chief Jack Dorsey fired off a tweet from his @jack account welcoming former Microsoft and Cisco General Manager Kathy Chen as managing director of Twitter's Greater China operations. A big welcome to Twitter, @KathyChen2016! She joins us as our MD for China! Jack (@jack) April 15, 2016 "I'm really excited to find more ways to create value for our advertisers, enterprises, creators, influencers and our developers, and partners as well," Chen said in a video snippet posted in a tweet from @TwitterGCN. Twitter shared a link to a story in Hong Kong's South China Morning Post that reported the company has seen advertising triple in Greater China since it opened an office in Hong Kong in March last year. Twitter has been banned in mainland China since 2009, but the service is a way for businesses there to get advertising messages to potential customers in other parts of the world. "We've seen success with Greater China export advertisers and publishers using Twitter to reach global audiences," Twitter chief operating officer Adam Bain said in a tweet welcoming Chen to her new job. Twitter last week added a PepsiCo executive and a British entrepreneur to its board as Dorsey continues an effort to shake up the stagnating one-to-many messaging service. Twitter marked its 10th birthday last month, having become a powerful communication tool but still struggling to win users and reach profitability. Since making a star-quality entrance a decade ago, Twitter has become a must-have tool for journalists, activists and celebrities but has struggled to show it can expand beyond its devoted "twitterati" to become a mainstream hit. Twitter's woes include a slump in its stock price to all-time lows this year -- down nearly half from its 2013 stock market debut -- and ongoing losses, even as its revenue grows. Twitter's base of monthly active users remained stuck at 320 million at the end of 2015. While that is a big accomplishment, Twitter has failed to keep pace with fast-growing rivals and to expand beyond its base. Dorsey said Twitter priorities for this year include making it more intuitive to use; live-streaming video, and making it safer for people to freely express themselves on the platform. Uber and Lyft are eviscerating the taxi industry in Los Angeles three years after they began operating in the city, officials say. Thanks to the ridesharing services, which enable independent drivers to offer rides via a smartphone application, "taxicab service demand indicators have dropped (total trips and dispatch trips) beginning in the second half of 2013 and increasing through 2015," according to a report by Department of Transportation seen by AFP on Thursday. The number of taxi trips arranged in advance has dropped 42 percent while the total number of taxi rides has plunged by a third in the country's second-largest city, the report said. "The trips now taken by Uber, Lyft and other types of transportation network company services would likely have the greatest impact on the dispatched taxicab services and other private client taxi orders," it added. Uber and Lyft are revolutionizing getting around in Los Angeles, a city famous for its highways where public transportation is widely criticized as inadequate. Licenced taxi drivers -- who must pay to rent their cars and dispatch services and face strict regulations -- are struggling to compete with ride-sharing services that are easier and cheaper to use. They accuse the ridesharing companies of routinely disregarding laws, failing to provide adequate security and being willing to undercut them on wages. "With the trend of this 'loss of trips' the city may need to review some of its regulations," Los Angeles Department of Transportation spokesman Bruce Gillman said, adding that the industry is also adapting. "Taxicab companies are embracing technology for example, developing apps, and have had on-line reservation/dispatching systems for a while," he said. Although taxi drivers are earning less, their number in Los Angles has remained constant at almost 2,400, Gillman said, adding that some taxis may not be used as much as before. Their concerns have spread worldwide as Uber has expanded to hundreds of cities and more than 60 countries, drawing opposition from the taxi industry and regulators and sometimes violent protests. A court in Buenos Aires on Wednesday ordered Uber to suspend service and launched an inquiry into whether the app poses unfair competition a day after the service began operating in the Argentine capital. A British parliamentary panel has launched a formal inquiry into the treatment of international students, majority of them Indian, who were accused of cheating on English language tests and forced to leave the UK. The House of Commons' Home Affairs Select Committee, chaired by Indian-origin Labour MP Keith Vaz, launched the inquiry into the UK Home Office response to the cheating scandal at a hearing on Tuesday. "This is a devastating verdict on ministers and officials at the Home Office. It is clear that there are many innocent people who speak impeccable English who have been denied their right to remain in the UK because of the (over) reaction of the Home Office," Vaz said. The hearing this week followeda ruling last month by the UK's Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) allowing a test appeal by two of the students accused of cheating in their TOEIC conducted by a subsidiary of US-based ETS. The cheating scam was uncovered by a 'BBCPanorama' investigation in February 2014. It revealed that immigration consultancies and international education agencies were charging fees to help international students with poor English get around English language tests (TOEIC) required for student visas and visa extensions. An ensuing investigation by the Home Office claimed widespread problems with the test system and the National Union of Students (NUS) believes around 100 educational institutions were subsequently closed. The scandal also prompted hundreds of dawn raids by Border Agency officers andresulted in the deportation of around 48,000 international students, nearly 70 per cent of whom were Indian. In a bid to tackle rise of extremist material online, Police forces across the UK today launched a campaign to encourage the public to report such content. The "Stop Terrorists' and extremists' Online Presence" (STOP) campaign focusses on a concerted 36-hour campaign to involve the public in the work of the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit. Police forces have been using their social media channels from today to urge the public to report material they suspect is extremist or terrorist in nature by clicking on a distinctive red STOP button that can be found on their websites. This then leads to an anonymous form for them to provide the information to their local force. New police figures released today indicate a big rise in extremist material online since the rise of the Islamic State (ISIS), with the UK's Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit seeing a trebling in the items it has had removed - from 17,541 in 2013 to 55,556 last year. This year the unit is on course to remove 100,000 items, having already taken down 26,000 pieces of internet content in the first quarter of this year. Scotland Yard's deputy assistant commissioner Helen Ball, the senior national coordinator for counter terrorism policing, said: "The internet and social media provide many opportunities for those with extreme views to target young or vulnerable people and their methods are constantly evolving, from using new phone apps to hijacking popular hashtags in order to reach wide audiences. "The Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit has put considerable effort into prompting the removal of terrorist and extremist material. We know that communities are very concerned about this material - and communities defeat terrorism, which is why police and the public will continue to work together on this. Britain's two prominent Pakistani-origin Muslim politicians - business secretary Sajid Javid and former Conservative party chairperson Sayeeda Warsi - have featured on a hit-list published by ISIS terror group. Javid and Warsi - both born in the UK to Pakistani immigrant parents - feature as "overt crusaders" for their role in secular politics in the latest issue of ISIS propaganda magazine 'Dabiq', The Times reported. They are described as "overt crusaders who don't proselytise but instead directly involve themselves in politics and enforcing the laws of kufr (infidels)." "Such apostates were more deserving of death even than infidels," the magazine said. Both politicians, who openly speak out against extremism, have not responded to the ISIS article. The same article has also singled out those clerics who criticise ISIS and said they should be slaughtered. "It makes me even more determined to speak out against them loudly and do everything in my power to defeat their hate mantra," Ajmal Masroor, a popular imam and television presenter, wrote on Facebook. Written in English, 'Dabiq' is seen as an ISIS propaganda magazine aimed at western audiences. The magazine also identified those behind the Brussels terror attacks and praised them along with their photographs. Ukraine's military prosecutors today demanded 15-year jail terms for two suspected Russian surveillance soldiers captured in the war-torn separatist east last May. Moscow argues that sergeant Aleksander Aleksandrov and captain Yevgeny Yerofeyev had delisted from the armed forces by the time they crossed the Ukrainian border into the rebel province of Lugansk. But Ukraine cites testimony the two men gave during their interrogation and in subsequent conversations with reporters in which both acknowledged to being active members of Russia's GRU military intelligence at the time. They recanted those statements during the trial. Ukrainian military prosecutor Maksym Krym said at a court hearing today that both men should be jailed for 15 years and stripped of their property. Krym also asked the three-judge panel to keep the men in custody until their sentence goes into effect. Yerofeyev's lawyer Oksana Sokolova told reporters that she would ask the court to "pardon and release" the suspects. The court's verdict will be delivered on Monday. If judges find them guilty the sentencing may come the same day. The case has inflamed passions in both countries. Their relations have been effectively frozen since Russia's March 2014 annexation of Crimea and alleged backing of the rebel revolt. Moscow denies direct involvement in the conflict and describes Russians caught or spotted in the war zone as vacationing soldiers or volunteers. Aleksandrov's defence attorney Yuriy Grabovsky was murdered in March by two Ukrainian suspects whose motives remain unclear. And unknown assailants last week threw Molotov cocktails and set alight the Kiev office of a Ukrainian judge overseeing the case. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has proposed swapping the soldiers for Nadiya Savchenko -- a Kiev-born helicopter pilot who was sentenced in Russia to 22 years in prison in March for her alleged involvement in the killing of two Moscow reporters in the war zone. But such an exchange is complicated by Savchenko's continued denial of any wrongdoing. Russian law says that foreign convicts may only be sent home to serve their time there once they confess. The two-year war that has now claimed nearly 9,200 lives was sparked two months after waves of pro-EU protests prompted parliament to impeach Ukraine's Russian-backed president Viktor Yanukovych. The United Nations warned today that political turmoil that has repeatedly delayed efforts to change the Iraqi cabinet is a threat to the country's war against the Islamic State group. Iraq is battling to retake more ground from IS, which seized large areas north and west of Baghdad in 2014, and Washington has also expressed concern that political disputes could distract from efforts to combat the jihadists. Instead of voting on a new cabinet lineup, lawmakers tried to sack the parliament speaker and his deputies yesterday, while the two previous sessions ended in a sit-in and a fistfight among MPs. "The only party that benefits from the political divisions and chaos as well as the weakening of the state and its institutions is Daesh. We should not allow this to happen," Gyorgy Busztin, the acting head of the UN Iraq mission, said in a statement, using an Arabic acronym for IS. "The political leaders of Iraq should place the high national interest over any other consideration and work relentlessly to ensure the political process produces solutions that would lead Iraq out of its crisis and strengthen the state and its institutions. Only through unity can Iraq win," Busztin said. Abadi has called for the cabinet of party-affiliated ministers to be replaced by a government of technocrats, but has faced significant resistance from the powerful parties that rely on control of ministries for patronage and funds. Yesterday, MPs voted to sack parliament speaker Salim al-Juburi and his deputies, but the speaker says the session at which the vote was held lacked a quorum and was therefore invalid. An "emergency" session on Wednesday ended with lawmakers shouting, shoving and throwing punches in the parliament chamber, leading Juburi to call a recess. Abadi presented a first list of cabinet nominees at the end of March, but the political blocs put forward their own candidates, and most of the premier's original list was replaced on a second presented to MPs on Tuesday. Some MPs demanded the opportunity to vote on Abadi's original list -- from which at least two candidates had already withdrawn -- but the session was adjourned Tuesday without a vote. Dozens of lawmakers then began a sit-in and spent the night in parliament. Iraqi ministries have for years been shared out between powerful political parties that run them as their personal fiefdoms, relying on them for patronage and funds. YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. The Ministry of Defense of Nagorno Karabakh announces that the Azerbaijani side continues violating the ceasefire agreement, as a result of which an Armenian serviceman was killed; Armenpress was informed by the Press Service of the Nagorno Karabakh Defense Ministry. The announcement reads: The situation in the line of contact remained the same during the night of April 14-15. Azerbaijan violated the ceasefire agreement more than 60 times by firing various caliber weapons, including mortars and sniper rifles along the entire line of contact. The situation was particularly tense in the northern (Gyulistan), northeastern (Talish-Martakert), northern (Martuni) and southern (Hadrut) directions, where the Azerbaijani side besides firing different caliber weapons also used 82mm (3 shells), 60 mm (12 shells) mortars and AGS-17 grenade launchers (16 grenades). It is distinctive, that these recent violations by Azerbaijan gradually become incidents involving human loss. On April 14 at 23:30, Defense Army serviceman Manvel A. Gevorgyan was killed in the Martuni direction by Azerbaijani fire. Taking into consideration this incident, the Defense Army forces conduct their military duty consistent with the development of the situation and confidently continue defending and patrolling the borders of Nagorno Karabakh. The Azerbaijani side bears the whole responsibility for the consequences of the incidents. The US Army is commissioning 22 women as infantry and armor officers under historic new rules allowing females to serve in ground combat roles, USA Today reported today. Defense Secretary Ash Carter in December announced a sweeping directive to open all military occupations to women this year, including frontline combat roles. The 22 women have almost finished their officer training and must then complete their specialty schools and meet certain physical requirements before they are fully qualified to start, USA Today reported. Armor officers are responsible for tank and cavalry operations. Infantry officers lead infantry troops and other armed forces during land combat. The Army did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment. Though women warriors have frequently found themselves in combat situations in Iraq and Afghanistan, they had previously been barred from joining frontline combat roles, including the infantry and Special Forces. Currently, women only account for about 15.6 per cent of the 1.34 million active-duty personnel in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force. As the new rules kick in, 52 military occupations -- some 220,000 jobs -- will accept female applicants, who must still pass the same rigorous physical tests as men. Top American business advocacy group US-India Business Council (USIBC) has sought transparency, consistency and clarity in the compulsory license policy of the Indian government in a bid to attract investments that are "imperative" for innovation. "The (US India Business) Council and its members seek transparency, consistency and clarity in the legislation and circumstances under which such compulsory licenses can be issued so as to enable well-informed business decisions," said in a statement on Thursday. "Such a policy is important to attract investments that are imperative for innovation to thrive in India," the statement said. The recent statement from the trade advocacy group come after recent reports on the USIBC's submission to the United States Trade Representative on India's stance on compulsory licensing. The Indian Patent Office announced in March that it has issued its first compulsory license to a domestic generic drug-maker. Compulsory licensing is when government authorises a party other than the patent owner to produce the patented product or process, without the patent owner's consent. Under the Indian Patents Act, a compulsory license can be issued for a drug if the medicine is deemed unaffordable by the government and grants permission to qualified generic drug makers to manufacture it. " recognises and supports the Government of India's sovereign right to issue a compulsory license (CL)," it said. "Innovation is the bedrock of Prime Minister Modi's vision for Make in India, Start Up India, and Digital India," the statement said. and its members commended the Indian government for its openness to engage in a dialogue with the industry in a manner that will that grow the economy and bring superior innovation to the lives of Indians, it said. Metals major Vedanta today said its subsidiary Sterlite Ports will redevelop Mormugao port in Goa on Develop, Build, Finance, Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) basis for 30 years. Sterlite Ports, a wholly-owned subsidiary, will be signing an MoU pursuant to 'Letter of Award' for redevelopment of existing berths 8, 9 and barge berths at Mormugao port on DBFOT basis for a concession period of 30 years with the Mormugoa Port Trust, it said in a regulatory filing. The project is awarded to Vedanta through a competitive bidding process, it added. "The redeveloped berths are planned to handle all types of cargo including iron ore, coal and general cargo with an expected capacity of 19.22 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). Redevelopment of the berths would be done over a period of 3 to 5 years," the filing said. Vedanta is the largest exporter of iron ore from Goa and this project would provide logistic integration to its iron ore business apart from handling other cargo, it added. The Letter of Award was handed over today to Vedanta's Iron Ore business CEO Kishore Kumar by Mormugao Port Trust Chairman I Jeyakumar, in presence of Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari, at the Maritime India Summit being held at Mumbai, it said in a statement. "The ramp-up of the Goan iron ore industry beyond 20 MT through this port will be a significant gateway for the mining industry in the state giving them the added advantage of end to end scale of operations in terms of cargo movement and consolidation," Kumar said. The firm led by mining baron Anil Agarwal was permitted to mine 5.5 million tonnes of iron ore in 2015-16 fiscal from Goa, with the total cap by Supreme Court being 20 MT for the entire state. Mining operations started in 2015 in Goa after the apex court had banned it in 2012. Vedanta had said earlier this week that its Goan iron ore arm reported sales of 1.6 million tonnes (MT) during January-March quarter of the last fiscal. The firm also clocked a production of 1.9 MT during the reported quarter of the last fiscal, even as the production was impacted due to delay in transportation rate negotiations with the truckers. For the entire fiscal, Vedanta said production in Goa was 2.2 MT and sales was 2.2 MT, including 1.4 MT of traded ore purchased from the e-auctions. President Pranab Mukherjee today stressed on "jointness" among the three armed forces to ensure ultimate victory in conflicts and effectively uphold sovereignty of the country. Addressing the convocation of the 71st Staff Course at the prestigious Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) here, he said such a synergy ensured victory in 1971 war for India as a result of which Bangladesh was liberated. "Army, Navy and Air Force are the military instruments of state power. The history of warfare bears testimony that ultimate victory in war will be achieved through jointness among the three services. "The foremost example, in contemporary history, of excellent synergy and jointmanship exhibited in military history was during the 1971 war. No strategic military victory has ever been so precedented by any armed force in the world, such as the liberation of Bangladesh which culminated with the birth of a nation, in termination of the war," he said. Mukherjee said DSSC's curriculum was institutionalised to empower jointness among the armed forces. Apart from officers of the three defence services and paramilitary forces, 35 officers from 25 friendly countries also graduated from the portals of the college today. The President gave away medals and parchments to them. He asked the graduating officers to be well versed about the history of various conflicts and latest technology available in the modern world for successful military operations. "It is now upon you to ensure that you use this understanding with utmost maturity and prudence to effectively leverage the combat power of your forces when the country requires you as custodians of peace and security to preserve the sovereignty, territorial integrity conforming to our national interests. "As your Supreme Commander, I implore you to do this with total loyalty, distinction, steadfastness and patriotic fervour," he said. Mukherjee said the degree obtained by the officers at the end of the 45-week command course should act as a "catalyst" in their implacable pursuit of knowledge. "You should always remain well informed with the latest in military technology advancements as well as aware of scientific developments for their appropriate application in the armed forces. "Study the numerous perceptions of various conflicts that have chronicled and conscientiously study the evolution of potential flashpoints and their evaluated outcomes. It is only when you seek knowledge that you gain wisdom in life to take coherent and timely military decisions which directly affects the lives of the forces under your command," he said. He asked the future commanders to articulate their views "with clarity and conviction in accordance with military rules and regulations to obviate ambiguity and ambivalence". He also heaped praise on DSSC, calling it "one of the finest" premier establishments that accentuates well orchestrated and synergised employment and integrated functioning of the three services in a multi-spectrum conflict environment. The President expressed hope that officers from friendly foreign countries who graduated today will have "everlasting ties of brotherhood" with India as they forged deep bonds of friendship, spirit of cooperation and camaraderie with officers from the country during their stay here. Embattled German carmaker Volkswagen said today it had sold fewer of its own-brand cars so far this year in the wake of its engine-rigging scandal, but rising demand in China helped soften the blow. Volkswagen said in a statement that combined sales of all of its 12 different brands edged up by 0.8 per cent in the first three months of this year, with solid sales in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region offsetting falling sales in North and South America. Volkswagen sold 2.508 million vehicles worldwide in the period from January to March, up from 2.488 million a year earlier. "We achieved solid growth in Europe and the Asia-Pacific region in the first quarter, with China achieving its best start into the year since we entered the market there," said Volkswagen's sales chief, Fred Kappler. Chinese sales grew by 6.4 per cent in the three-month period. European sales were up 3.3 per cent and Asia-Pacific sales rose by 4.3 per cent, while sales in North America were down 2.1 per cent and sales in South America dropped by as much as 27.6 per cent. VW, which aside from its own brand also owns marques such as Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini, Skoda and SEAT, was plunged into its deepest-ever crisis in September when it emerged it had installed emissions-cheating software into 11 million diesel engines worldwide. It is currently battling with still incalculable costs from the scandal and is potentially facing many billions of euros in fines and compensation claims. VW had at one time hoped to overtake Japanese rival Toyota as the world's biggest carmaker in terms of sales, but the scandal has tarnished its reputation. Sales of its own VW-brand vehicles appeared to have suffered the most, falling by 1.3 per cent in the January-March period to 1.459 million from 1.479 million a year earlier. "Mixed regional market developments are reflected in our delivery figures," said Juergen Stackmann, head of sales at the VW brand. "While Volkswagen Passenger Cars recorded the best delivery performance ever in China in the first quarter, the trend in South America in particular continues to decline," Stackmann said. In the group's home market of Germany, VW delivered a total 138,700 of its own-brand cars to customers in the January-March period, 3.8 per cent fewer than a year earlier. And own-brand sales were down in almost all regions in the first quarter of 2016, particularly in North and South America, the carmaker said. Rapper Azealia Banks has accused Kanye West of ruining his brand after marrying Kim Kardashian. Banks, 24, has never been afraid of speaking her mind, and has waged wars of words on social media with the likes of Iggy Azalea, Erykah Badu and even former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin. "Kanye lost all credibility when he became a kardashian. I don't even look up to him anymore. I look past him...(sic)," she posted on Twitter. She went on to explain she has nothing against the first family of reality TV, but feels Kardashian and her clan have detracted from West's real purpose in life. "They're cute and all, I think they have nice gowns," she wrote, but suggested West was "put here to do major cultural work" and he had traded that "for trying to make bootleg jay-z moves. An IT professional and his woman colleague and lover were today found guilty by a local court of killing her three-year-old daughter and mother-in-law and attempting to murder her husband on April 16, 2014. The quantum of sentence will be pronounced later. Nino Mathew and Anu Shanti, both software engineers working with an IT company in Technopark here, were found guilty by Principal Sessions Judge V Shersy. According to prosecution, Nino Mathew, the first accused, had hacked to death his paramour Anu Shanti's daughter Swastika and mother-in-law Omana (60) and also made a vain attempt to murder her husband Lijesh, who escaped with injuries. Public Prosecutor Vineet Kumar said the accused were found guilty under Section 120B (conspiracy), 302 (murder), 307 (attempt to murder), 449 (criminal trespassing), 201 (destruction of evidence) and 380 (theft) of IPC and 67A of the IT Act. Forty nine witnesses were examined and 85 documents were used as evidence, besides 41 material evidence. Prosecution said they felt it was the 'rarest of rare' cases and maximum punishment should be given to the accused. The court also took cognisance of digital evidence and proof produced by forensic science laboratory. Video clippings seized from the laptop of the accused were also accepted as evidence by the court. The first accused, after committing the twin murders, had waited for nearly half an hour at the crime spot for Lijesh, who was not at home at the time of the incident. Lijesh, who was attacked, managed to run out of the house and alerted neighbours, leading to Mathew's arrest, police said. His statement identifying the accused was the crucial evidence in the case. Police had seized the tools used for the murder and bloodstained clothes during a raid at Mathew's house. By Aditya Kalra JAIPUR, India (Reuters) - India's tobacco industry has sought to delay strict new health warning rules by appealing to the Supreme Court, a move anti-smoking activists say could backfire given that the court has ruled against cigarette makers in the past. Earlier this month Indian tobacco companies, some backed by "Big Tobacco" firms in the West, effectively went on strike by closing factories in protest against demands that 85 percent of a cigarette packet's surface be covered by health warnings, up from the older requirement of 20 percent. The industry estimates the stoppages cost it as much as $68 million a day, taking cumulative losses to up to $850 million. Similar battles have played out around the world in recent years as governments try to discourage smoking. On a few occasions, major tobacco producers have resorted to drastic action by freezing output. That tactic worked in India in 2010, when the government delayed a set of warnings proposed at the time after the industry shuttered plants. But this time New Delhi's room to compromise is more limited, court documents and interviews with federal health ministry officials and activists suggest. The documents show how a small group of health activists have outmanoeuvred the $11 billion industry and cornered the government into implementing the rules on April 1. Video: Tobacco firms fight India over new label rule http://reut.rs/22yLa0Y Their strategy has left the Supreme Court as one of the last avenues of appeal for cigarette makers. "The tide has turned and the tobacco industry is on a downhill slope," said one of the activists, Sanjay Seth. In 2013, the court pulled up the government for not being serious about tobacco-control laws. The Tobacco Institute of India, an industry lobby group, declined to comment for this story. It has called the packaging rules drastic and impractical, saying the law will increase smuggling of illegal cigarettes. "BIG TOBACCO" HOLDING OUT One small local producer, Golden Tobacco, has started selling cigarette packs that comply with the new rules. But the biggest companies - ITC Ltd, part-owned by British American Tobacco, and U.S.-based Philip Morris International's (PMI) India partner Godfrey Phillips - are holding out. On April 8, an industry group that represents makers of traditional smokes, or beedis, in south India went to the Supreme Court to challenge the rules, according to the filing seen by on Thursday. It was not previously reported. Graphic: Cigarette package health warnings in 2006 http://reut.rs/1WvceP9 The plea, filed by the Karnataka Beedi Industry Association, seeks a stay in enforcing the new rules, saying that they would bring the industry to a "grinding halt" and "cause grave and irreparable harm and loss". A hearing is scheduled for April 22. The appeal against the packaging regulations, which are among the world's strictest, does not directly involve major cigarette makers, but any ruling could also apply to them. ITC declined to comment on the packaging row. BAT said it would be "inappropriate" to comment as they are "just shareholders in ITC". PMI referred questions to Godfrey Phillips, which did not respond to requests for comment. PRESSURE ON GOVERNMENT For Western brands, Indian cigarette sales represent a small yet significant part of global earnings, as they face long-term sales declines in developed markets and eye countries like India and its 40 million cigarette smokers for future growth. In its 2015 report, BAT said the "adjusted contribution" from ITC was 280 million pounds ($400 million), about 5 percent of its annual profits. The factory shutdown is hurting government's coffers as well, costing it more than $10 million a day in tax revenues, according to industry estimates. More than 8 million workers and their families are affected, and farmers' groups are among those taking out large advertisements in newspapers criticising the legislation. But the government has kept a low profile. "We don't want to get into a duel with the industry on this," a health ministry official said, adding that public opinion appeared to be in the government's favour. Smoking kills more than 1 million people a year in India, said BMJ Global Health, published by London-based healthcare information provider, BMJ. The World Health Organization says tobacco-related diseases cost the country $16 billion annually. The new rules, which have been shown to help reduce tobacco consumption, put India, along with Thailand, at the top of the list of countries with the most stringent cigarette labelling. FAVOURABLE VENUE The new rules were proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in 2014. Initially, they were to be implemented from April 2015, but a parliamentary panel that included a lawmaker with a tobacco business forced the government to delay them as it assessed their impact on the industry and farmers. That was when Seth, who works with the non-profit campaign Voice of Tobacco Victims, said he and a handful of other activists got involved. Their strategy, he said, was to find a court that was likely to be sympathetic to their cause and then get someone to file a case challenging the delay. The Rajasthan High Court was that venue, because then-Chief Justice Sunil Ambwani was seen as someone who would favour public health over big business. Seth's idea was incorporated into a tobacco-control case that a father-son team of lawyers with a history of such activism, Sita Ram and Rahul Joshi, were filing in the high court in Jaipur city last year.Within days, Ambwani ordered the government to implement the rules without delay. Ambwani told he ruled on the merits of the case. The government won a six-month extension, but has so far ignored the parliamentary panel that last month urged it to set warnings at 50 percent. (Editing by Paritosh Bansal and Michael Collett-White) In two medieval Dutch cities, IKEA's most senior executives are finalising the biggest overhaul at the Swedish-born furniture empire in over 30 years. The aim is to help the world's largest furniture seller better adapt to changing consumer tastes, manage its increasing size and avoid the fate of other dominant retailers overtaken by new market entrants. However, some academics say the changes, which effectively involve breaking up the Group, could also disrupt the smooth running that makes so efficient. The Group announced the plan to transfer ownership of some operating entities to a small Delft-based company which owns the IKEA brand last June. However, the 250-word statement attracted little attention. The decision to rip up an organizational blueprint drawn up by founder Ingvar Kamprad in the 1980s was taken at a secret meeting just outside Copenhagen in late 2014. The meeting gathered the board of Inter IKEA, which is chaired by Kamprad's youngest son Mathias and owned by a Liechtenstein foundation. The little known company currently plays a small operational role in the IKEA universe, employing 1,500 people, compared to 160,000 at the IKEA Group, which is technically a Leiden-based company called INGKA Holding. INGKA currently manages almost everything that most customers see as IKEA - the stores, furniture design, manufacturing, procurement and logistics. But Inter IKEA owns the rights to the IKEA brand, patents and business processes - collectively considered to be the IKEA 'concept'. It is responsible for developing the concept but its leaders acknowledge this hasn't changed much in decades and former executives said the unit's main role was to reduce the overall IKEA tax bill by charging INGKA for the use of the IKEA brand. At their 2014 meeting, the directors of Inter IKEA unanimously agreed to massively expand its role and take control of design, manufacturing, procurement and logistics from INGKA. Since it owned the rights to the IKEA concept, it could do this. The aim, it says, is to protect IKEA for the future. "It has been a pretty static concept," said Torbjorn Loof, Chief Executive of Inter IKEA Systems B.V., the unit that will, in September this year, take on the design and other functions. "(There) is always also the risk that you keep that concept, you protect that and make it better and better and better, and things in the world around you happen, and suddenly you stand and say, you know what, this is maybe not relevant," the Swedish-Italian executive told Reuters as his boss, Inter IKEA Group CEO, Soren Hansen looked on, nodding. The executives were speaking at the IKEA "Concept Center" in Delft which combines an office wing housing Inter IKEA'S headquarters, and an IKEA store, all clad in familiar blue and yellow corrugated metal sheeting. Inter IKEA uses the store, the only one its runs, to test new ideas such as the high-end bakery recently installed at the exit. But the IKEA concept needs to change more fundamentally if it is to satisfy the growing number of customers who are requesting IKEA stores in city centres and the ability to buy online and pick up from drop-off points. Loof says he can't redesign the business concept without control over key functions like logistics. Getting it right is important. New low-margin market entrants and online players like Amazon.com are making life harder for everyone in retail. "We have been a little bit protected in the home furnishing business, in margin pressure in my view, if I compare with supermarkets or do it yourself businesses," said Loof, known to colleagues as 'Tobbe'. Over the past five years, INGKA's margins have been 14 percent, and Inter IKEA's have been even higher. Supermarket groups like Germany's Metro AG and do-it-yourself groups like Home Retail Group and Kingfisher Plc have typically enjoyed margins under 5 percent. Amazon's margin has been under 2 percent. Breakups Organizational change has been discussed before at IKEA. Former INGKA boss Anders Dahlvig, now on the board of Inter IKEA Systems, advocated breaking INGKA into separate North American, European and Asian companies, to make it more manageable. The idea was never adopted. The current plan follows a 2011 report Inter IKEA commissioned from a French consultancy that highlighted how the structure made it harder for IKEA to adapt to changing market conditions, than comparable businesses. Under the new regime, INGKA will essentially only manage the stores. "We will continue to handle the interface with our customers," said Peter Agnefjall, INGKA Holding's CEO. Like Loof, he prefers a shirt and sweater to a business suit. Agnefjall said the narrowing of INGKA's responsibilities will encourage a focus on its online business. IKEA's web presence lags rivals, in part because Agnefjall hasn't yet found a way to achieve strong margins online and a fear that online customers won't make the impulse purchases they do in-store. "There's a lot of successful retailers doing online business but not all are profitable," Agnefjall said. "It's really about cracking that code." Angefjall has been the most public face of IKEA since his appointment in 2013. He says he is untroubled at losing control of what academics say are the functions most central to IKEA's success. "I have a big responsibility today and I will have a big responsibility (in future)," he said, under an IKEA picture of a Scandinavian birch forest. INGKA, which is owned by a Dutch foundation, plans to sell its design, manufacturing and logistics subsidiaries which employ 25,000 staff, to Inter IKEA. The upheaval has spooked some. "Some people from IKEA are a little bit afraid," said Yves Galimidi, a former executive still in touch with people at the company. He said employees were worried about changing reporting lines and career development paths. "It's quite normal that if you have the lead on something and suddenly you don't have it any more, or you might not have it in the future, it creates some kind of questions," he said. Tax motivated ? Loof says the planned changes at IKEA are driven by strategy. Still, lawyers say that shifting activities and value to Inter IKEA from INGKA could, in theory, have financial benefits for the Kamprad family, who on paper at least gave ownership of IKEA to the Dutch and Liechtenstein foundations decades ago. That's because lawyers say assets can be more easily extracted from a Liechtenstein foundation than a Dutch one. But they add that the INGKA-Inter IKEA structure is not well designed for inheritance tax avoidance. Inter IKEA and INGKA's Dutch base already allows the to operate more tax efficiently than many other retailers. The restructuring also brings operational risks. The business relationship Inter IKEA sees in future with INGKA is that of franchiser to franchisee. If other such relations are a model, this could lead to new tensions in the IKEA system. "There is a healthy tension between the franchisee and the franchiser, and the demands on each other in the business relations will also be stronger, in what we are contemplating to do now," said Hansen. No other franchiser has ever tried to manage a franchisee as big as INGKA, which has sales of over 32 billion euros a year. Also, some academics say a less integrated business model may not work at an organization which lists "togetherness" as one of its core values. "IKEA has always really, really thrived on the fact that they integrate and connect all the pieces," said Professor Enrico Baraldi at Uppsala University. But Anna Jonsson, Associate Professor at Lund University, said the restructuring could accelerate growth by making it easier for Inter IKEA to recruit partners to run franchised stores in new markets. Loof and Hansen declined to say if that was their plan although the overall aim was growth. "We're still pretty small, and people's need for home furnishings is there," Loof said. GYUMRI, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. The trial of Valery Permyakov will continue at the 102nd Russian military base in Gyumri on April 15. During this court session if the co-servicemen Vladimir Tarasov and Andrey Nikishin will not testify, then it is more likely that the court will listen to Valery Permyakov. We would like to state that during the previous session the lawyers asked additional question to the court to know the place and addresses of the abovementioned co-servicemen of Permyakov. According to some sources received by the Court, Andrey Nikishin is in the Sverdlovsk oblast of the Russian Federation, and Vladimir Tarasov is in Volgograd. This information will make easier the process of checking their addresses and bringing them to the court. Last session the court granted the motion by the protectors of interests of Avetisyans relatives to apply to the Russian side for the upcoming session to check whether a new criminal law suit has been fired against V. Permyakov, and whether people gathered or not around the comments posted in V. Permyakovs Odnoklassniki social network. The court has already closed the evidence presentation phase, 18 packages of factual proofs that were found in Avetisyans apartment and Valery Permyakov, were presented to the court. The Court also has Valey Permyakovs interrogation video which has not been released yet. If Valery Permyakov refuses to testify on April 15 court session, the court can use his pre-trial testimony. The six members of the Avetisyans family were shot and killed in Gyumri at around 6 a.m. on January 12, 2015. The only survivor was 6-month old Seryozha Avetisyan, who was transferred to a hospital with injuries caused by a cutting and piercing tool. The childs health condition became worse on January 19. After fighting for his life and undergoing several difficult surgeries for a week, six-month old Seryozha Avetisyan also died on January 19. There was severe renal insufficiency and cardiac insufficiency, and doctors werent able to save his life. Soldier of the 102nd Russian military base stationed in Gyumri, Valery Permyakov was charged with killing the members of the Avetisyan family. Russian border guards found him when he was trying to cross the Armenian-Turkish border and handed him over to the commanders of the 102nd Russian military base. The criminal case was opened under the Article 104, paragraph 1 of the part 2 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia (murder of two and more persons). Permyakov confessed his guilt. On August 12, The Russian side sentenced Permyakov to 10 years of imprisonment for desertion and illegal possession of a firearm. By Zeba Siddiqui MUMBAI (Reuters) - India's Alkem Laboratories has been accused by Germany's health regulator of fudging data on clinical trials of an antibiotic and brain disorder drug, becoming the third Indian firm to be scrutinised since 2014 for suspected manipulation of trial data. The medicines are now being reviewed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on the recommendation of the German regulator, which inspected Alkem's Taloja plant in western India last March. Alkem was found to have engaged in "intentional misrepresentation" of data and duplicated results of electrocardiogram (ECG) readings of patients in trials, the German regulator said in a notice sent to the EMA on March 24, 2016. The notice and other information on the review dated April 1 was seen by on the EMA website on Friday. (http://bit.ly/1Vp9VgP) In recent years, India's GVK Biosciences and Quest Lifesciences were found to have duplicated ECG data, resulting in the withdrawal of approvals for hundreds of drugs last year. (http://reut.rs/1SFyorM). The EMA said it was assessing the "benefit-risk" of certain medicines that had received marketing approval based on trials conducted by Alkem between March 2013 and March 2015. The drugs include the antibiotic cefuroxime and rulizole, used to treat the neurological disorder amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, sold both by Alkem and Slovenia's Krka, the EMA said. Alkem was conducting trials on the drugs for Krka. The German regulator made Alkem aware of its findings on Sept. 8, 2015, according to the notice. Mumbai-based Alkem said no-one was available to comment on the matter on Friday. It said last month that UK regulator MHRA had inspected the Taloja plant and made eight observations. Krka public relations officer Simona Gorjup said in an emailed statement that the company is "collaborating with Alkem on one product, which might be affected". She did not name the product, but the EMA's website lists it as cefuroxime. Gorjup added that Krka was "carefully following the development of the situation," and would comply with any regulatory decisions that are taken. EMA press officer Rebecca Harding in London said the agency would not comment on the case while the review was ongoing. The German regulator said Alkem's quality management system "neither avoided nor detected" the data manipulation. The regulator has urged the EMA, the medicines regulator for the European Union, to take necessary action and consider if impacted drugs need to be suspended or recalled. Alkem, one of the fastest-growing drugmakers in India, debuted on Indian stock exchanges in December, raising more than $200 million in an offering that received an overwhelming response from investors. Since the listing, its shares have dipped 3 percent. Apart from conducting clinical trials for drug companies, it sells generic versions of medicines ranging from anti-infectives, anti-diabetics and anti-malaria drugs to 55 countries, including United States and Europe. The EMA's opinion will be considered by the European Commission, which will take a final decision on the medicines, the EMA said. (Reporting by Zeba Siddiqui in Mumbai; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman; Editing by Elaine Hardcastle) By Manolo Serapio Jr and Yuka Obayashi MANILA/TOKYO (Reuters) - As the world reels from a flood of cheap Chinese steel, other countries including Japan and South Korea are selling products overseas at prices as much as a third lower than in their home markets, according to industry data and officials. The underpricing by the world's second and third biggest steel exporting countries underscores the pressure facing steelmakers around the globe as the industry grapples with chronic oversupply and sluggish demand. India's Tata Steel has blamed a flood of cheap steel imports for a decision to pull out of Britain, putting 15,000 jobs at risk, while one of Australia's only two steelmakers, Arrium Ltd, has been placed in administration, a form of bankruptcy. Top producer China has taken much of the blame for plant closures, but other steelmakers are similarly fighting to stay in business. Japanese companies are selling steel overseas cheaper than in the domestic market partly to compete with China, said an official at a Japanese steel producer, declining to be named because he didn't want to discuss pricing strategies publicly. The price is also higher locally to cover the "extras" that steelmakers provide clients such as specific delivery times and services including product quality that make it easier for customers to process them, the producer said. "That's something many foreign makers cannot offer," he said. MARGINAL COSTING H-beam, used in construction, is sold in Tokyo at 69,000 yen ($629) a tonne and is exported at $470 a tonne, free-on-board, according to data from Japanese and Chinese agencies that track the prices. South Korean hot-rolled steel plate was exported at $522 a tonne on average last year, less than the domestic price of $581 a tonne, according to Korea Iron & Steel Association data. "As far as the importing country is concerned, it is nothing but dumping from these countries," said Seshagiri Rao, joint managing director at India's JSW Steel Ltd. Japan and South Korea export steel at prices that are 35 percent lower than their domestic prices, said Rao. "If they are making money in the domestic market, by exporting, as long as they're able to recover some contribution towards their fixed cost, they're pushing volume," he said. Countries, responding to rising imports and complaints from local producers, are imposing protections and raising objections through international channels. India in February set a floor price for imports of steel products to deter exporters from undercutting domestic mills, having seen imports from Japan and South Korea jump by almost half in April-February. Japan has told India it will object to India's minimum import price and a safeguard duty on imports of some steel products at a World Trade Organisation council meeting on Friday, according to an Indian government letter seen by . "By doing so, we want to prevent other countries from following India's step," which violates WTO rules, a Japanese government source told . Tokyo is asking the United States, the European Union and Taiwan to support its proposal, he added. India has also started investigations into possible dumping of cheap steel products into the country by six nations including China, Japan and South Korea following complaints from companies such as JSW. In Australia, Federal Industry Minister Christopher Pyne said the government had applied 41 anti-dumping measures to imported steel products in recent times, including 13 for China and eight for South Korea. On Thursday, China scrapped some export subsidies on a range of products, including some specialty steel goods, in an effort to reduce trade frictions with the United States. POLITICAL, EMOTIONAL INDUSTRY Japan and South Korea sell more than 40 percent of their steel output overseas, most of it to Asia. Last year, the two countries shipped a combined 75 million tonnes versus 112 million tonnes from China. Top Korean steelmaker POSCO, the world's fifth-largest, declined to comment on pricing of exports. "It is true that Japanese and South Korean steel companies are underpricing some of their steel exports," said Li Xinchuang, vice-secretary general of the China Iron and Steel Association. Li dismissed claims Chinese steel companies were doing the same. But critics say China's tax rebate system which allows steel exporters to claim refunds by adding even minute amounts of alloys has enabled China, already ahead of competition with cheap labour, to undercut rivals overseas. "We've been forced to be in an unfair competition," said the Japanese steel producer. "Steel is such a political and emotional industry all around the world and as such I think that there will always be instances at the margin where various forms of assistance or incentive become available to it, whether short or long term, explicit or implicit," said Matthew Watkins, principal consultant at CRU in London. ($1 = 109.6500 yen) (Additional reporting by Sankalp Phartiyal in New Delhi, Hyunjoo Jin in Seoul and Jim Regan in Sydney; Editing by Lincoln Feast) India's tobacco industry has sought to delay strict new health warning rules by appealing to the Supreme Court, a move anti-smoking activists say could backfire given that the court has ruled against cigarette makers in the past. Earlier this month Indian tobacco companies, some backed by "Big Tobacco" firms in the West, effectively went on strike by closing factories in protest against demands that 85 per cent of a cigarette packet's surface be covered by health warnings, up from the older requirement of 20 per cent. The industry estimates the stoppages cost it as much as $68 million a day, taking cumulative losses to up to $850 million. Similar battles have played out around the world in recent years as governments try to discourage smoking. On a few occasions, major tobacco producers have resorted to drastic action by freezing output. That tactic worked in India in 2010, when the government delayed a set of warnings proposed at the time after the industry shuttered plants. But this time New Delhi's room to compromise is more limited, court documents and interviews with federal health ministry officials and activists suggest. The documents show how a small group of health activists have outmanoeuvred the $11 billion industry and cornered the government into implementing the rules on April 1. Their strategy has left the Supreme Court as one of the last avenues of appeal for cigarette makers. "The tide has turned and the tobacco industry is on a downhill slope," said one of the activists, Sanjay Seth. In 2013, the court pulled up the government for not being serious about tobacco-control laws. The Tobacco Institute of India, an industry lobby group, declined to comment for this story. It has called the packaging rules drastic and impractical, saying the law will increase smuggling of illegal cigarettes. "BIG TOBACCO" HOLDING OUT One small local producer, Golden Tobacco, has started selling cigarette packs that comply with the new rules. But the biggest companies - ITC Ltd, part-owned by British American Tobacco, and US-based Philip Morris International's (PMI) India partner Godfrey Phillips - are holding out. On April 8, an industry group that represents makers of traditional smokes, or beedis, in south India went to the Supreme Court to challenge the rules, according to the filing seen by Reuters on Thursday. It was not previously reported. The plea, filed by the Karnataka Beedi Industry Association, seeks a stay in enforcing the new rules, saying that they would bring the industry to a "grinding halt" and "cause grave and irreparable harm and loss". A hearing is scheduled for April 22. The appeal against the packaging regulations, which are among the world's strictest, does not directly involve major cigarette makers, but any ruling could also apply to them. ITC declined to comment on the packaging row. BAT said it would be "inappropriate" to comment as they are "just shareholders in ITC". PMI referred questions to Godfrey Phillips, which did not respond to requests for comment. PRESSURE ON GOVERNMENT For Western brands, Indian cigarette sales represent a small yet significant part of global earnings, as they face long-term sales declines in developed markets and eye countries like India and its 40 million cigarette smokers for future growth. In its 2015 report, BAT said the "adjusted contribution" from ITC was 280 million pounds ($400 million), about 5 per cent of its annual profits. The factory shutdown is hurting government's coffers as well, costing it more than $10 million a day in tax revenues, according to industry estimates. More than 8 million workers and their families are affected, and farmers' groups are among those taking out large advertisements in newspapers criticising the legislation. But the government has kept a low profile. "We don't want to get into a duel with the industry on this," a health ministry official said, adding that public opinion appeared to be in the government's favour. Smoking kills more than 1 million people a year in India, said BMJ Global Health, published by London-based healthcare information provider, BMJ. The World Health Organization says tobacco-related diseases cost the country $16 billion annually. The new rules, which have been shown to help reduce tobacco consumption, put India, along with Thailand, at the top of the list of countries with the most stringent cigarette labelling. FAVOURABLE VENUE The new rules were proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in 2014. Initially, they were to be implemented from April 2015, but a parliamentary panel that included a lawmaker with a tobacco business forced the government to delay them as it assessed their impact on the industry and farmers. That was when Seth, who works with the non-profit campaign Voice of Tobacco Victims, said he and a handful of other activists got involved. Their strategy, he said, was to find a court that was likely to be sympathetic to their cause and then get someone to file a case challenging the delay. The Rajasthan High Court was that venue, because then-Chief Justice Sunil Ambwani was seen as someone who would favour public health over big business. Seth's idea was incorporated into a tobacco-control case that a father-son team of lawyers with a history of such activism, Sita Ram and Rahul Joshi, were filing in the high court in Jaipur city last year.Within days, Ambwani ordered the government to implement the rules without delay. Ambwani told Reuters he ruled on the merits of the case. The government won a six-month extension, but has so far ignored the parliamentary panel that last month urged it to set warnings at 50 per cent. Lidl has invested 1.4 billion in the Republic of Ireland with an additional 110 million capital spend earmarked for 2016 it was announced today. A report undertaken by DKM Economic Consultants shows that this capital investment in turn has contributed 1.5bn to Irish GDP since 2000. DKM estimates that the Exchequer has gained revenues of 413 million from Lidls capital investment programme in the Irish economy since 2000 in addition to revenues derived from its ongoing operations. DKM also referenced that, unlike other forms of FDI, Lidls activities are widely spread around the country, much of it in smaller towns where alternative employment opportunities can be limited, especially in recent years. Lidl employs 4,000 staff directly in Ireland and supports the employment of an additional 5,700 in suppliers and the wider economy through its ongoing operations in Ireland and overseas. In the context of employment, DKM found that jobs offered by Lidl are of a high quality providing sector leading rates, supported by training and education and opportunities for career progression. When employment generated from its capital investment programme is added, total direct and indirect employment supports 11,000 jobs in Ireland. Furthermore, the research shows purchases from Irish suppliers have grown year-on-year and in 2015 a total of 539 million was sourced from 180 Irish food suppliers. Of this, 152 million worth of Irish sourced goods was purchased by Lidl for sale in its store network overseas which accounted for 1.4% of total Irish food and drinks exports in 2015. This export activity added 97 million to Irelands GDP according to DKM. In addition to purchases from Irish suppliers, Lidl spent a further 98 million on Irish goods and services as inputs to its operations in 2015. The report shows that Lidls current annual contribution to Irish GDP from its ongoing operations is 685 million and its contribution to tax revenue now exceeds 300 million annually, (excluding Commercial Rates). When combined with the Exchequer revenues from sales of Irish goods to Lidl internationally, the additional contribution of 23 million brought the total Exchequer tax take to 350 million in 2015. Managing Director at Lidl in Ireland, JP Scally says, "Over the past 16 years Lidl has made a significant investment in Ireland and by working closely with local suppliers and staff, who have been key to our success, we have built a business that serves over 1.5 million customers each week and through this supports up to 11,000 jobs in communities across the country. Source: www.businessworld.ie About us The Irish seasonally adjusted trade surplus moderated to 3.8bn in February from the record 4.8bn recorded in the previous month according to the latest Goods Exports and Imports data from the CSO. Investec believe this outcome was primarily driven by a 7% month to month decline in goods exports (to 8.8bn) while imports climbed 9% month to month to 5.0bn. There was a broad improvement in merchandise exports since the start of the year with seven of the nine commodity groups recording growth in exports in the opening two months of 2016 compared to in the same period of last year. Noticeably strong performances were recorded in a number of headings including Beverages & Tobacco (+14% y/y to 207m), Machinery & Transport Equipment (+14% y/y to 2.4bn) and Manufactured Goods (+11% y/y to 344m). According to Investec, "We are closely monitoring Irish exports to the UK for signs of the impact that recent sterling weakness is having. Unadjusted exports to the UK were -2% y/y in the opening two months of 2016, although we note that the relative exchange rate move over the period was slight (the average EURGBP rate was 76.5p in Jan-Feb 2016 versus 75.4p in Jan-Feb 2015), so its probably a little too early to see the impact of the sterling sell off in these data." Source: www.businessworld.ie About us The Dublin Chamber of Commerce have this week called for more transparency with regards Dublin City Councils planned re-design of College Green and the effect it will have on public transport. Businesses in the city met with Dublin City Council at the Dublin Chambers offices yesterday for a two-way discussion regarding how the potential knock-on effects of the plan to traffic will be addressed. The Chamber said that the over-arching aims of the plan are workable but has called for more information about the potential impact of the changes to College Green on other areas of the city centre. Earlier this week, Dublin Chamber CEO, Gina Quin said, "A lot of questions remain about how College Green will work in practice. Crucially, uncertainty remains as to whether traffic which will be pushed out of College Green can be accomodated on other already congested city centre streets." She added, "Re-imagining College Green represents an exciting opportunity for Dublin - but only if we get it right. But, get it wrong and the consequence will be that people won't want to come in to the city centre - neither by bus nor by car." Dublin Chamber say if the best transport plan for College Green ends up creating a large pedestrian plaza in the heart of the city that rivals that of any city in Europe, that would be a win-win. But it is vital that planners don't lose sight of the fact that College Green is a key artery for public transport and must continue to work as such. Source: www.businessworld.ie About us Taoiseach Enda Kenny failed for the third time to be re-elected in a parliamentary vote on Thursday but made some progress towards breaking the political deadlock created by an inconclusive Feb. 26 election. Ireland joined a growing group of euro zone countries with deeply fractured parliaments when voters angry at not feeling the effects of a much vaunted economic recovery ousted Kenny's coalition but failed to provide a clear alternative. Ineffective attempts to break the impasse have left a weak minority government as the only realistic option to avoid a fresh election. But Kenny has failed to secure the two things he needs to form one: the support of at least 58 deputies and the consent of the second-largest party, Fianna Fail, to abstain in key votes. Fianna Fail, which is open to facilitating a minority administration if Kenny can attract enough additional support, removed one hurdle when it abandoned hopes of forming a minority government of its own. The two main parties still have to decide how a minority government would work after the 14 independent lawmakers undecided over whether to support Kenny said they would not take sides until the two main parties agree a detailed plan. Kenny urged the parties to resume talks after the vote. "We're now nearly seven weeks on from the election," Kenny told parliament. "It's time really to focus with a sense of urgency and I sincerely hope that in the short time ahead that this matter can be progressed to conclusion." Kenny was backed by 52 members of parliament in the 157-seat lower house, one more than a similar vote last week. That meant he won the support of just two outside his own party and one of the 15 independents he wants to return to power alongside. The independents on Thursday laid down a new demand, saying any deal would have to last long enough to implement at least three annual budgets. The deadlock has so far had little effect on the fastest- growing economy in Europe. Ireland sold 750 million euros of 10-year bonds at a record-low yield of 0.817% at an auction earlier on Thursday. However, the country's central bank has warned that more protracted uncertainty could have adverse consequences for economic growth, particularly with Britain, a key trading partner, voting in June on whether to leave the European Union. (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie It was announced today that Global specialty biopharmaceutical company, Shire will create a new state of the art biologics manufacturing campus which it expects will lead to the creation of approximately 400 permanent jobs on a 120 acre site at Piercetown, County Meath. Construction of the new site will begin in mid-2016 with the site expected to be operational by mid-2019. Employing the latest bioprocessing techniques, the facility will employ flexible production strategies enabling it to supply both clinical and commercial scale products. The roles at Shires new campus in County Meath will consist of highly skilled, full time jobs in the areas of R&D, operations, technical staff, engineering and construction. Shires Senior Vice President of Technical Operations, Tim Kelly today commented, " We already have a strong team on the ground in Ireland and believe that it is the right location for us to build a new state of the art facility which will complement our existing manufacturing operations in the US." Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton added, "Todays announcement is a huge boost for the Irish economy and for County Meath. The scale of the global investment being made by Shire and the creation of 400 full-time positions in Ireland as well as over 700 additional jobs during construction will have a major impact and further validates Irelands position as a leading global location for biotechnology manufacturing and R&D." Source: www.businessworld.ie The possibility of a Brexit is probably currently the single most significant risk for the Irish economy and Irish business according to a report by Premier Irish law firm, McCann FitzGerald. This report was launched at a special panel discussion which featured Chairman of AIB- Richard Pym, Group CEO of Ervia-Michael McNicholas, Former CEO of UK Office of Fair Trading and Chairman of Irish Competition Authority-Dr John Fingleton and Chief Economist at Goodbody Stockbrokers-Dermot OLeary. The event was moderated by John Cronin, a partner and former Chairman McCann FitzGerald, who leads the firms Brexit Group. The briefing by McCann FitzGerald is the first of its kind by a major Irish law firm and provides analysis in relation to a number of different legal areas and industry sectors including energy, intellectual property, imports and exports and financial services. In light of its warning, McCann FitzGerald recommends that Irish companies should establish a review team to consider their business models and arrangements in order to identify legal and business risks, opportunities and steps that should be taken in the event of a vote to leave. The primary aim of the review would be to identify the principal aspects of the companys business that would be most affected by Brexit. Cronin noted that the financial services industry, including asset management and funds, is most exposed of all UK industry sectors to a Brexit. In relation to Ireland, he said that there may be short and medium term gains for Irish financial services but the longer term position is uncertain and somewhat insecure. However, he suggested that there may be some Irish solutions to a number of potential issues that could arise for the UK investment funds industry. Source: www.businessworld.ie About us YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENRESS. There is enough evidence to punish Azerbaijan for its military crimes committed in Artsakh in international tribunals, in an interview with Armenpress MP of the National Assembly of Armenia Edmon Marukyan said this. I know that evidence has been and is being collected within the framework of criminal cases and I know that there is enough evidence to make Azerbaijan bear the responsibility. The rest of the functions should be impmeneted by the Executive authorities. It means that the Government of Armenia can nothing to do to a great extent. We just simply carry out lobbying in order to make steps in that directions, said Edmon Marukyan. The Standing Committees on State and Legal Affairs of Armenia and Artsakh held a joint session where they shared their opinions and discussed mechanisms what kind of steps to conduct in order to punish Azerbaijan. I make a detailed statement on how to work towards that direction, but the actions should be carried out by the Executive authorities, the MP added. Edmon Marukyan highlighted that there are numerous ways and options how to make Azerbaijan bear responsibility and the authorities should discuss and make a decision to choose the appropriate option. Along the entire length of the contact line of Nagorno Karabakh- Azerbaijani opposing forces, on April 1 and throughout the morning of April 2, the adversary undertook large-scale offensive military actions, during which the adversary shelled with missile-artillery units not only Armenian defense positions, but also civilian settlements. Due to the timely and professional actions of the Nagorno Karabakh Defense Army, it was possible to take the situation under control, and make the enemy suffer considerable losses. On April the General Staffs of the Armed Forces of Armenia and Azerbaijan reached the ceasefire agreement in Moscow after which the large-scale military operations were ceased. During 4-day fights, violating the norms of international humanitarian rights, Azerbaijan army targeted also the civilian population of Artsakh Republic bombarding several regions and villages, committing military crimes. The adversary fired the Martakert city for several days, a child has been killed, and two were wounded as a result of Martuni bombardment. Azerbaijanis brutally killed three elderly people in Talish village who did not manage to be evacuated from the village. Azerbaijan used also prohibited weapons during the military operations, there are even some sources which state that mercenary Islamists were fighting in the Azerbaijans army. Azerbaijanis tortured and mutilated the bodies of the Armenian killed servicemen which is a vivid example of the violation of international humanitarian law. Dalmac is continuing its major European Recruitment Campaign to fill hundreds of Cabin Crew Positions on board Ryanair Aircraft it was announced yesterday. Based in Ireland and Hahn (near Frankfurt, Germany), Dalmac has a team of highly qualified and dedicated professionals specialising in the recruitment of cabin crew for the airline industry for more than a decade. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to work in various Airports across Europe including Ireland. For Cabin Crew positions - no previous Cabin Crew experience is required, applicants must be over 18 years of age to apply and it helps if you are hard-working, flexible, outgoing and have a lively personality. Dalmacs Head of Recruitment, Niall Gleeson says, "We had a fantastic response in 2015 and were extremely satisfied with the very high calibre candidates we met in Ireland. We are now returning to fill 100s of positions, this is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing industry." Source: www.businessworld.ie China's national security regulations and industrial policies are at odds with its reform goals, a U.S. business lobby said on Friday, urging Beijing to rein in protectionism and keep the country competitive in the global economy. The American Chamber of Commerce in China said in its annual China business climate paper that such policies had "led to doubt about the government's intentions to reform and open the economy." "Our members implore the government to move forward in developing an environment that encourages fair and market-based innovation," chamber chairman James Zimmerman said in the paper. China has repeatedly vowed to open its market more widely to foreign investment, though business groups complain progress has been slow. Beijing has also put forward so-called Internet Plus and Made in China 2025 strategies, which aim to make Chinese firms world technology leaders and call for progressive increases in domestic components in priority industries such as robotics. Those policies, concerns over antitrust investigations and a series of new and draft security laws and regulations have heightened fears of protectionism. "If you really do have policies that are going to favor the (domestic) champions at the risk of shutting people out of the market, that's discrimination," Zimmerman told reporters at a briefing on the paper. Zimmerman also said internet restrictions were hampering business and that free flow of information was critical to China's effort to promote innovation. Chinese officials say their policies do not unfairly target foreign companies. Premier Li Keqiang has said China will ramp up efforts to bolster intellectual property rights protection to attract more foreign investment. Chamber members remained "disappointed" with the slow pace of reform and perceptions that there have been "limited efforts" to truly open the market, the paper said. China's economy grew at 6.7% in the first quarter from the previous year, its slowest pace in seven years, though some indicators point to nascent signs the slowdown in the world's second largest economy may be bottoming out. The chamber has said that the slowdown was hitting profits at foreign firms and nearly half of its members in a 2016 survey expect growth this year to be lower than 6.25%. Frustration has also been mounting over slow progress on a U.S.-China investment treaty that would shrink the number of sectors closed to American investors. China has missed deadlines to submit offers for the treaty. Randal Phillips, a chamber vice chairman, told reporters that the treaty would help make up for China's failure to fully integrate its market with intentional norms after its World Trade Organization accession 15 years ago. "China's use of its market and its use of regulatory supervision blow a hole right through what WTO provides. So, there needs to be a new mechanism to have a higher degree of transparency and predictability," he said. (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie Mars Food plans to label some of its Dolmio pasta sauces, macaroni cheese and other products as fit for consumption only once a week due to high levels of salt, sugar or fat. The scheme is part of a larger initiative by the privately held U.S. food company to encourage healthier eating at a time when large food multinationals, or Big Food, are coming under increasing pressure from public health advocates and regulators struggling to fight a growing obesity epidemic. The plan, however, does not extend to Mars' chocolate or sweets businesses, whose brands include M&M's, Snickers and Starburst. Products that are particularly high in salt, sugar or fat, including Dolmio lasagne meal kits and lasagne sauces, will come with a label advising "occasional" consumption, meaning once a week. However, the company said most of its products in the UK would still be for consumption everyday. It did not give details for other countries but plans to introduce the labelling in all markets where those products are sold. Nearly all packaged food makers are reformulating products as they try to keep up with changing tastes of increasingly health-conscious consumers. Mars Food, which also produces Uncle Ben's rice, said it plans to post on its website within the next few months a list of "occasional" products, and "everyday" products, including ones to be reformulated over the next five years to reduce sodium, sugar or fat. It has also set targets to reduce sodium and sugar in some products and boost the use of whole grains and vegetables. Some countries including Britain, France and Mexico have announced levies on sugar-sweetened drinks, while others are considering them. (Reuters) Source: www.businessworld.ie Michael Otterson, Managing Director of Public Affairs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints speaks at the 2016 Mormon Studies Conference at Utah Valley University on the topic of Mormonism and the Art of Boundary Maintenance on the campus of Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, Tuesday, April 12, 2016. (August Miller, UVU Marketing) OREM, Utah (AP) A public affairs official for the Mormon church says it is expanding its boundaries more than restricting them. The Deseret News reports (http://bit.ly/1p0MTyF) that Michael Otterson said Tuesday at the University of Utah that the Mormon church has been building relationships with interfaith leaders, academics and minority communities, including women and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. Otterson warned against what he called bubbles, or seeing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through a narrow lens. He shot back at commentators who say the church is rigidly resisting change, pointing to its belief in modern revelation. Instead, Otterson said he recognizes the right of leaders to set boundaries for doctrine and behavior. More than 150 people packed an auditorium to hear Ottersons speech during UVUs Mormon Studies Conference. Tensions along the line of contact in Nagorno-Karabakh between April 2 and 5 resulted in the heaviest exchanges of fire since 1994. Even though the use of some types of weapons was quite unexpected, the general logic of developments in the conflict in recent years has made the recent fighting rather predictable. Concerning further hostilities, the question is not if, but when they will happen. While this danger needs to be addressed by means of international mediation, so far only Russia demonstrates substantial activity in this regard. Russias unilateral involvement will pursue its own particular regional interests rather than producing a lasting solution to the conflict. BACKGROUND: The heaviest exchange of fire since the 1994 ceasefire agreement began early in the morning of April 2 along the entire line of contact in Nagorno-Karabakh. All previous ceasefire violations have been localized to particular sections of the line of contact. This four-day confrontation involved a large number of troops and several types of weapons not previously used, including helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), Grad and Smerch multiple rocket launchers, and TOS-1A thermobaric multiple rocket launchers. The parties announced a ceasefire on April 5, after negotiations between the chiefs of staff of the Armenian and Azerbaijani armies in Moscow. Both sides admitted the loss of dozens of personnel, while claiming that the opponents losses amounted to triple-digit numbers. Concerning the amount of destroyed equipment, the situation is also unprecedented over the last 22 years, with a number of destroyed tanks, armored military vehicles and other hardware, including Azerbaijani helicopters and UAVs. The Armenian forces recaptured parts of the area where the combat occurred, although six heights remained under Azerbaijani control. The combat started when the presidents of Armenia and Azerbaijan were on their way home from Washington, where they had separate meetings with U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry: the previously suggested presidential meeting did not take place. Prior to these meetings, it had also become clear that there would be no substantial discussion about the proposal of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs regarding an investigation mechanism, including the installation of gunfire-locator systems and sound-ranging equipment to determine the source of attacks along the line of contact. Azerbaijan had not approved the creation of such a mechanism, probably because it would reduce its chances to challenge the current negotiation format. Notably, statements made in late March by Vladimir Putins spokesman Dmitry Peskov and the director of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs information department Maria Zakharova suggested that Russia also sought to avoid the creation of an investigation mechanism. Azerbaijani official sources claimed that their offensive was a response to provocations from the Armenian side. However, as noted by Azerbaijani scholar Zaur Shiriyev, Azerbaijans offensive might have followed a sort of gentlemens agreement with Moscow, allowing military action as long as it would not lead to a full-fledged war. IMPLICATIONS: While several Armenian analysts also believe that Russia was the instigator and the main beneficiary of the recent clashes, the political elite remains committed to its traditional pro-Russian stance, even though this position may have increased security risks for the country. Russia is Azerbaijans main arms supplier, and all heavy weapons used recently, except the Israeli-made UAVs, were manufactured in Russia. Moreover, over the last five years, Russia supplied Azerbaijan with powerful weapons such as Smerch and TOS-1A multiple rocket launchers, modern T-90 tanks, a number of helicopters, etc., thereby increasing its ability to penetrate strongly fortified positions of the Armenian forces along the line of contact. Yet, the criticism voiced by Armenian officials of Moscows military-technical cooperation with Baku has been limited to mild remarks from President Sargsyan, most recently on April 6 during a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Berlin. Sargsyan then said he was sorry that our strategic ally sells weapons to Azerbaijan. A few months earlier, during a visit to London, Minister of Foreign Affairs Eduard Nalbandyan called Russias arms sales to Azerbaijan just our allys business. On April 5, even before the official statement about the ceasefire, some opposition politicians also made statements justifying Russias weapons trade. Such a subservient attitude contradicts even the approach of the de facto authorities of Nagorno-Karabakh, whose representatives stated that the destruction and human suffering were caused by Russian-made weapons, and also refuted the claim in Russian propaganda that Turkey was the instigator of Azerbaijans offensive. The recent events again showed that Armenia has no common interests with the members of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), and that its membership in these organizations stems exclusively from the servile attitude of Armenian politicians afraid of displeasing Moscow. As Azerbaijan launched its offensive, Belarus released an official statement in support of Azerbaijans territorial integrity, however, without mentioning the other principles adopted in the OSCE Minsk Group mediation process non-use of force or threat of force, and the right to self-determination. Upon Kazakhstans request, an EEU intergovernmental council meeting planned in Yerevan on April 7-8 was rescheduled to take place in Moscow on April 13, in order for the meeting not to appear as a display of support to one of the conflicting sides. In December 2015, the presidents of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan also refused appointing an Armenian representative as CSTO Secretary General in order not to antagonize Turkey (see the 02/22/16 Issue of the CACI Analyst). Since developments in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict over the last few years suggest that the current ceasefire will not last long, both Armenia and Azerbaijan will probably need more military equipment, which will make them even more dependent on Russia. In March, a Russian delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin visited Baku, and one of the issues discussed was the payment for Russian weapons: part of Azerbaijans payment was in arrears due to the decline in oil prices. Azerbaijans government is now likely to allocate the amount owed, despite a sharp reduction in budget revenues, and even place new orders. In February, Russia confirmed a US$ 200 million loan to Armenia in order to buy Russian weapons, and additional political and economic concessions could likely be extracted from Yerevan in order to ensure a steady supply. As Stephen Blank has previously noted, Moscows two abiding goals are to integrate the entire post-Soviet space under its domination and as part of that larger multi-dimensional process, ensure that it is the only security manager in the Caucasus it has consistently tried to maintain the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict at a simmering level by providing large-scale military assistance to both Armenia and Azerbaijan (see the 08/21/13 Issue of the CACI Analyst). Russias activities in recent days confirm the validity of this assessment. Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov arrived in Baku on April 7, while Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev visited Yerevan and Baku on April 7 and 8. Nalbandyan visited Moscow shortly thereafter. The likely next Russian move is to attempt to summon Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Serzh Sargsyan for a snap meeting with Vladimir Putin, in order to promote some kind of unilateral mediation or peacekeeping, as was suggested in Sochi in August 2014 (see the 08/14/14 Issue of the CACI Analyst). CONCLUSIONS: The recurrent pattern, with large hostilities happening just before or after international mediation efforts, suggests that these confrontations are not coincidental but rather attempts to discredit the current negotiation format. Absent any perspective of a substantial increase in oil prices in the near future, an economic recession, potentially leading to internal instability in Azerbaijan, could become a stimulus for new attempts to change the status quo. Azerbaijans relative success in capturing six heights along the line of contact is an additional encouragement. The low oil prices may also induce Russia to act more assertively, seeking to make Aliyev and Sargsyan accept a Russian peacekeeping operation. However, this would have several regional implications far beyond the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict resolution process. Indeed, the deployment of a peacekeeping mission would result in stronger pressure on Georgia as Russia would demand military transit rights. Stationing troops along the line of contact would then allow Russia to control the pipelines and the railway connecting Azerbaijan to Georgia, with implications for other transit projects as well. Also, placing a large peacekeeping force near the Iranian border for years would affect Tehrans options for energy export, granting Russia an additional lever for manipulating the oil and gas market a vital issue for Russia. AUTHORS BIO: Armen Grigoryan is an Armenian political scientist. His research interests include post-communist transition, EU relations with Eastern Partnership countries, transatlantic relations, energy security, and conflict transformation. Image Attribution: www.washingtonpost.com, accessed on April 15, 2016 YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. The Turkish Intelligence has warned that the next target of the Islamic State terrorist organization will be the spiritual center of the Catholic world the Vatican. As Armenpress reports citing the Turkish Hurriyet, the Turkish Intelligence agencies revealed this fact and warned the Vatican. According to the Turkish Intelligence, the Islamic State is also preparing attacks in Berlin. YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. Barcelonas Armenian community has shown its active support to Armenia and NKR by joining the rest of the Armenian communities all over the world that have demonstrated a call of solidarity to its nation. The Armenian community has organized a memorial day on 10th of April coordinated and led by The Very Reverend Fr. Sasoon Zumrookhdian Pontifical Vicar General for Spain and Portugal. During the holy liturgy a special service was held for Steadfast Peace in Armenia and Artsakh. Followed by a memorial service for the soldiers and the innocent civilians who were killed during the recent 4 day Nagorno Karabakh war. Chairman of the Armenian Cultural Association of Barcelona Datev Soulian presented a short resume about the historical events of the formation of Nagorno Karabakh Republic, referring to the Unity movement, the independence fight of the NKR people, the historical obstacles it encountered and the ceasefire of 1994. The chairman of the Armenian Cultural Association of Barcelona called the Armenian youth to remember the democratic basis of nations self-determination rights which is the underlying foundation of the NKR independence and which unfortunately today is being rejected by the international politics. He outlined the importance of explaining the aspects of this conflict to other nations, especially to Spanish and Catalan people with the hope of spreading light to the historical events. The closure of the holy liturgy was accomplished with patriotic songs performed by the students of the Armenian Cultural Association of Barcelonas weekly school. SHARE Caller-Times file The Festival of India and Health Fair at the Sri Venkateswara Temple is Saturday, April 16. Caller-Times file The Festival of India and Health Fair is Saturday, April 16, at the Sri Venkateswara Temple. By Mark Lopez, Special to the Caller-Times vivacc@caller.com Music, dance, healing, food and other cultural aspects come together Saturday during the Indian Cultural and Health Fair. The event at the Sri Venkateswara Temple on McKinzie Lane from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. will include many aspects of the Indian experience, from food to free yoga classes. The event has steadily grown in size and attendance through the past decade, from about 400 attendees to roughly 1,000 visitors, said event organizer and pediatrician Mulukutla Ramakrishna. "It makes us feel pretty good. It's really nice that people like the services we are giving and that there is more interest in learning about Hinduism and the culture," Ramakrishna said. "When we started (about 10 years ago), it used to be about 400 or 500 people. Now we get about 1,000 people. It's kind of amazing when we talk to them on a one-to-one level, and what it teaches people to be a good person." Not only can participants take tours through the temple and get a Henna tattoo if they're so inclined, Ramakrishna is among several doctors in various fields including family practitioner, gynecologists and radiologists who will present for the health aspect of the event. Visually, attendees can watch dance forms steeped in history. "I've been dancing classical Indian dance for the past 28 years," said Pooja Bindingnavele, another event organizer. "I've also been teaching for the past five years, and (classical Indian dance) is the oldest practiced dance in the world. There's no older form that's still practiced, which I think is very cool." The event serves as a way to connect Coastal Bend residents to the rich culture Indian culture through art, religious practices and more. "I think that we just live in such a diverse world that we're constantly being exposed to so many different stories here and there because of our access to media, so it's good to get a firsthand knowledge of things," said Bindingnavele. "And it's a good, fun thing to do on a Saturday morning." IF YOU GO What: Indian Cultural and Health Fair When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Where: Sri Venkateswara Temple, 10401 McKinzie Lane Cost: Free admission, food and drink prices vary Information: 361-241-0550, svtempletexas.org Caller-Times file The Festival of India Cultural and Health Fair will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the SV Temple. SHARE FRIDAY RODEO: Rodeo Corpus Christi will start at 7:30 p.m. at American Bank Center, 1901 N Shoreline Blvd. Cost: Tickets range from $15 to $30. Information: www.BucDays.com THEATER: The Aurora Arts Theatre will present "Our Lady of the Tortilla" at 7:30 p.m. Friday. Cost: $15, general admission; military, student, senior and children discounts available. Information: 361-851-9700, www.auroraartstheatre.com. MUSIC: The American String Quartet will perform a preview of "A Night in Old Vienna" at 7 p.m. Friday at Coffee Waves, 5738 S. Alameda St. Cost: Free. Information: 361-986-0481. CEREMONY: Del Mar College will host an Advocate Award ceremony as part of the National Crime Victims' Rights Week Observances at 6 p.m. Friday at the Harvin Student Center, Del Mar College East Campus. The event will recognize community advocates who champion the cause for crime victims' and survivors' rights. Cost: Free. Information: 361-698-1277. FESTIVAL: The Windsor Park Elementary Athena Program 40th anniversary, Alumni Celebration and Athenafest Fundraising Festival will be from 4:30-8:30 p.m. at 4525 S. Alameda St. There will be an ice cream social, food, games and family activities. Information: janahopkins@grandecom.net. SATURDAY SYMPHONY: The Corpus Christi Symphony Orchestra welcomes visitors to the fifth annual Pops in the Park concert at 7:30 p.m. at Whataburger Field. Cost: $35, reserved seats; $10, general admission; $5, students; free, children 12 and under. Information: ccsymphony.org. RECORD: Hybrid Records hosts its first Record Store Day event from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at 4233 S. Alameda St. The festivities will include giveaways, T-shirt printing and an exclusive vinyl release, and the first band will begin about 7 p.m. Cost: Free to attend. Information: 361-452-9044. DANCE: The Revelaires Dance Club will have its monthly dance "Spring Fiesta" at 6:30 p.m. at Sokol Hall, 5502 Kostoryz Road. Free dance lessons will be from 6:30-7:30 p.m., and dinner and dancing start at 7:30 p.m. Cost: $25, per person; $15, active military and students with ID. Information: 361-425-5415. THEATER: The Aurora Arts Theatre will present "Our Lady of the Tortilla" at 7:30 p.m. . Cost: $15, general admission; military, seniors, student and children discounts available. Information: 361-851-9700, www.auroraartstheatre.com. MEETING: The Coastal Bend Parkinson's Support Group will meet at 10 a.m. in the first floor meeting room of The Plaza/Mirador, 5857 Timbergate Drive. The guest speaker will be clinical psychologist Heather Smith. Cost: Free. Information: 361-815-1451. TRENDING: La Retama Central Library will host its Coloring for Adults from 10 a.m. to noon at La Retama Room, 805 Comanche St. Adults only. Materials provided. Cost: Free. Information: 361-826-7055, www.cclibraries.com. HEALTH: The Antonio E. Garcia Arts & Education Center will host a community health fair and career expo from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 2021 Agnes St. Cost: Free. Information: 361-825-3600. CULTURE: The Festival of India Cultural and Health Fair will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the SV Temple, 10401 McKinzie Lane. There will be henna tattoos, classical Indian dancing, free yoga sessions, free EKG, weight and blood tests and Indian food. Cost: Free to attend, food prices vary. Information: svtemple@svtempletexas.org. For more events check Caller.com/vivacc COURTNEY SACCO/CALLER-TIMES Alan Colyer, of architect and design firm Gensler, gives a presentation about Del Mar College's planned Southside campus Thursday to Kaffie Middle School's eighth grade geometry students. SHARE COURTNEY SACCO/CALLER-TIMES Alan Colyer, of architect and design firm Gensler, gives a presentation about Del Mar College's planned Southside campus Thursday to Kaffie Middle School's eighth grade geometry students. COURTNEY SACCO/CALLER-TIMES Kaffie Middle School's eighth grade geometry students laugh at a joke Thursday as Alan Colyer of Gensler gives a presentation on Del Mar College's planned Southside campus. COURTNEY SACCO/CALLER-TIMES Alan Colyer of Gensler receives feedback on Del Mar College's planned Southside campus after giving a presentation to Kaffie Middle School's eighth grade geometry students Thursday. By Beatriz Alvarado of the Caller-Times Digital textbooks, holograms and planetarium projectors were suggested by Kaffie Middle School students for technology at Del Mar College's planned Southside campus. "Virtual reality sounds interesting, like, for history since it's such a boring subject," said 13-year-old Lael Eden. The room full of eighth graders giggled at the suggestion, but college president Mark Escamilla assured the feedback is relevant. "(Virtual reality) exists in college education," he said. "I've been to an anatomy and physiology lab where students studied a pumping heart (hologram) to identify segments for dissection." Escamilla and Alan Colyer, a representative with design and architecture firm Gensler, led a Thursday afternoon presentation at the school down the road from Veterans Memorial High School. Its purpose was to gather input for the continued planning of the campus that will sit at the corner of Rodd Field Road and Yorktown Boulevard about a five-minute drive from the school. Colyer presented the most up-to-date design concepts for the proposed 96-acre site. The college is using $1.8 million of a $157 million bond package approved by voters in 2014 to plan the campus. A funding source to build the campus likely will be in the hands of the voters. Regents saw early concepts for the campus Feb. 9 and the Gensler team, hired as a consultant in January, has gathered feedback from the college's executive team, college students and the community to revise plans accordingly. "We realized who we should be talking to is the future," Colyer told the group. "Future college students. That's you." Colyer acted surprised when asked how Rodd Field and Yorktown would accommodate the increase in traffic by 13-year-old Alessandra Limon. "I live in the area and the streets are narrow," she said. He said a new road north of Bill Park is in the design, a slide that illustrated the proposed addition and signaled intersection at Yorktown was left out of the condensed presentation to the eighth graders. Colyer also mentioned the city's plans to widen Rodd Field and planned hike and bike trails surrounding the site. Throughout the presentation Colyer drew concepts on a large white sheet of paper. When Noah Valdez, 13, asked the big one "How much will it cost?" Colyer drew a crystal ball. "It's going to take more than 20 years for the complete build out," he said, adding a consulting firm is analyzing a list of proposed signature programs to transfer from other campuses and design. "A cost estimate is expected in a few weeks." Twitter: @CallerBetty contributed photo Travis Clark, area director of Corpus Christi's OSHA office, receives an award from Tom Rendon and the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve on Thursday. SHARE By Julie Garcia of the Caller-Times A local boss is being recognized for his efforts to make sure his employees who serve in the military receive their rights. Travis Clark, area director of the Corpus Christi office of the Occupation Safety and Health Administration, was given "Above and Beyond Award" by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an office of the Department of Defense. Clark received the award after two of his employees, who serve in the National Guard, nominated him. "It's basically for making sure that all of their rights are reserved and protected if they get deployed," Clark said. "Once they get deployed, you have to make sure they keep their job, and make it to where they're able to hit the ground running as if they left yesterday." The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act is a federal law requiring those in the Armed Forces, Reserves and National Guard are not penalized in their civilian careers because of their service. It was signed into law in 1994, according to the ESGR website. As a veteran himself, Clark said he tries to support the troops as much as he can. He said he is trying to continue a tradition of his predecessor in the job. "I feel honored that I'm in a position to do these things, and I'm honored that my employees think highly of me," he said. Twitter: @Caller_Jules Krista M. Torralva/Caller-Times Assistant Fire Chief Andy Cardiel retired Thursday after nearly 32 years with the Corpus Christi Fire Department. SHARE By Krista M. Torralva of the Caller-Times After nearly 32 years on the force, Assistant Fire Chief Andy Cardiel said he knows the time is right to retire. It didn't make his goodbye to the Corpus Christi Fire Department any less emotional on Thursday. "This was the easiest job to get but it's the hardest one to walk away from," Cardiel said. But Cardiel wasn't a shoe-in when he applied to the fire department more than three decades ago. The department selected 40 people and he didn't make the cut. About six months later, a woman with the city called. The department had an opening. "It's truly been an amazing journey," Cardiel said. The retirement ceremony had about 50 people in attendance including his family, others from various agencies and firefighters both active duty and retired. As fire marshal, Cardiel was often the face of the department on newscasts explaining fires they responded to and representing the department at events. He said he and his wife plan to move to the Hill Country north of San Antonio to be closer to his children and grandchildren. Twitter: @CallerKMT SHARE By Julie Garcia of the Caller-Times A Banquete High School senior speeding down a Farm-to-Market Road died when he drove off the narrow road with no shoulders. Kollyn Gene Barton, 17, was driving south on Farm-to-Market Road 666 near State Highway 44 about 8:30 a.m. Friday in a 2007 Ford F-150 pickup when he drove into the left lane to pass two vehicles at an unsafe speed, DPS officials said. The speed limit on that stretch of road is 60 mph, and the road conditions were dry. "The driver could not control the vehicle and drove off the left side of the roadway into a field," DPS operator Timothy Hatch said. "The vehicle rolled multiple times and came to rest in an upright position in the field." Barton was taken by HALO-Flight to Christus Spohn Hospital Memorial and later died. He was wearing his seat belt. "It is with sadness that a member of the Banquete High School family has passed. We appreciate your thoughts and understandings as we respect the privacy of the family," Banquete ISD superintendent Max Thompson said. "As service details become publicly available, they will be shared." A number of people have contacted Nueces County Commissioner Mike Pusley about the conditions of the road, he said. However, it is a state road and not under county jurisdiction, he said. "If you go up (Farm-to-Market Road) 624 to Bluntzer and turn right on FM 666 toward Mathis, that road has shoulders on it," Pusley said. "If you turn left and go toward Banquete, there are no shoulders on that road. They fixed one and didn't fix the other. I feel terrible about it because a young man lost his life." However there are plans to fix that road by the Texas Department of Transportation, said Rickey Dailey, public information officer. TxDOT has a $3.2 million project planned to rebuild FM 666 from State Highway 44 to FM 624, which is about 6 miles. The new road will have two, 12-foot travel lanes with 10-foot shoulders, Dailey said. "Funding is in place and design work is underway." Dailey said. Construction is expected to begin in summer 2017 and take about 16 months to complete, he said. FM 666 is one of multiple roads that will be redone in western Nueces County, he said. Nearly $6 million is being invested for roads that have high traffic volumes, including FM 624 and FM 1889. There is a separate $5.1 million project to repave State Highway 44. Twitter: @Caller_Jules Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times Jen Kirkman speaks at the candlelight vigil and celebration of the life of her father, Mostafa "Ben" Bighamian, on the second anniversary of his death Thursday, April 14, 2016, at Ben's Community Market. Bighamian was gunned down at his convenience store. SHARE Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times Jen Kirkman (from left), is hugged by a family member as she and her sister, Amanda Rodriguez, and mother, Thelma Bighamian, attend a candlelight vigil and celebration of the life of their father and husband, Mostafa "Ben" Bighamian, on Thursday, April 14, 2016, outside Ben's Community Market. Thursday was the second anniversary of his death. Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times Amanda Rodriguez (left) wipes away tears as she and her mother, Thelma Bighamian, attend a candlelight vigil and celebration of the life of their father and husband, Mostafa "Ben" Bighamian, on Thursday, April 14, 2016, on the second anniversary of his death outside Ben's Community Market. Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times Thelma Bighamian holds a candles and wears a shirt in honor of her husband, Mostafa "Ben" Bighamian, at a candlelight vigil and celebration of his life Thursday, April 14, 2016, the second anniversary of his death, outside Ben's Community Market. Rachel Denny Clow/Caller-Times David Brandon Garcia, 10, sings "Ben" during a candlelight vigil and celebration of the life of slain store owner Mostafa "Ben" Bighamian on Thursday, April 14, 2016, the second anniversary of his death, outside Ben's Community Market. Bighamian was gunned down at his store. Related Photos Community gathers to honor slain store owners legacy By Fares Sabawi of the Caller-Times Jenny Kirkman wasn't sure anyone outside of her family would spend their Thursday evening at Ben's Community Market at a vigil for her father. But it turns out Mostafa "Ben" Bighamian had more friends than she knew. Bighamian, 59, was killed April 14, 2014, during a robbery in his store. The family invited the community to the store for a prayer vigil with hot dogs and drinks to celebrate his life on the second anniversary of his death. Attorneys, local activists, victim advocates, police officers and members of the community came together to pay their respects to the store owner who always lent a hand to those in need. "If you were hungry, he would feed you. If you were thirsty, he would give you something to drink," his widow, Thelma Bighamian, said. "So many people come in here all the time and tell stories about how he helped them." It was the second vigil held since his death, but the first since his killers were sentenced to prison. Daniel Garcia, the shooter, was convicted of capital murder last year and sentenced to life in prison without parole. Arturo Navarro pleaded guilty to murder for 45 years in prison. Del Victoria Cavazos, the driver, pleaded guilty to robbery and tampering with evidence for 20 years in prison. Even though it was satisfying to see his killers brought to justice, Thelma Bighamian said the pain remains. "They're in jail, but that's never going to bring him back," she said. In August, a parole board is scheduled to consider releasing Cavazos early. At the vigil, signatures were collected on a petition urging the parole board to reject her early release. Though tragic, Bighamian's death led to a bigger movement to curb violence in Corpus Christi. Right outside his shop, a giant stop sign was painted with the words "stop the violence." The family hopes the mural can help other families who have suffered the same loss feel less alone. "We may not be able to stop the violence, but we can shed the light for someone else who's going through this," Kirkman said. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Doctors, nurses and other medical staff pray moments before beginning a 12-hour procedure to separate conjoined twins Ximena and Scarlett Torres on Tuesday. The twins survived the surgery and were instable condition Thursday. SHARE CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Dr. Miguel De Leon (center), director of the natal intensive care unit at Driscoll Children's Hospital, poses with state Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa during a visit to the hospital. At the far left are conjoined twins Ximena and Scarlett Torres, days before their historic separation surgery. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Scarlett (left) and Ximena Torres are recovering in the pediatric intensive care unit of Driscoll Children's Hospital, after their 12-hour separation surgery Tuesday. By Chris Ramirez of the Caller-Times Doctors involved in the historic surgery earlier this week to separate conjoined twins Ximena and Scarlett Torres will speak to the media Friday. The tiny siblings were said to be resting well at Driscoll Children's Hospital on Thursday, two days after enduring the complex procedure. Ximena, Scarlett and another sister, Catalina, were born in Corpus Christi by cesarean section May 16. Catalina was born with no serious health problems. Ximena and Scarlett were born connected, sharing a rectum, intestines, bladder and umbilical cord. Ximena and Scarlett survived a 12-hour separation surgery Tuesday. The twins remain in the hospital's pediatric intensive care unit while they recover. Ximena underwent additional surgery for kidney problems a day after the separation, but her parents said she and Scarlett were in stable condition late Wednesday and Thursday. Also Thursday, state Sen. Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa released an image on his Facebook page of the team of surgeons who worked on the twins as they prayed moments before the procedure. Hinojosa toured Driscoll last week and spent time in the hospital's natal intensive care unit, where the twins were being cared for before surgery. "It's amazing when you have a surgical team with the talent of Driscoll ... doing the work they do together. It's just a great show of team work," said Hinojosa, D-McAllen. "It felt like you were experiencing a miracle." While there, Hinojosa also spoke with Silvia Torres. "She was attentive to her daughters," said Hinojosa, who described Torres as "a loving and caring mother." The senator's Facebook page also featured a picture of him with Dr. Miguel De Leon, who heads Driscoll's NICU, and the twins resting nearby. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, conjoined twins occur once in every 200,000 births, and the survival rate of such siblings is between 5 and 25 percent. Twitter: @Caller_ChrisRam YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. To what extent the gas tariffs will be decreased for the consumers will be known in the nearest future. Calculations are underway. It is an important issue, thats why we are trying to solve it as soon as possible, Armenpress reports Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Levon Yolyan saying at a briefing. The Russian supplied gas is priced at 150 USD for 1000 cubic m., for the previous 165 USD. Agreements were signed by Russian PM Dmitry Medvedev during his April 7 visit to Armenia. Hannah Overton SHARE Andrew Burd By Krista M. Torralva of the Caller-Times A documentary about Corpus Christi woman Hannah Overton, whose capital murder case gained international attention, is premiering in Dallas on Saturday. A jury convicted Overton in 2007 of capital murder in the death of Andrew Burd, a 4-year-old boy she and her husband were in the process of adopting. Prosecutors and police argued that Overton force fed Andrew a mixture of spicy seasoning and water. The jury found her guilty because she delayed seeking medical care for the boy. Defense lawyers sought to prove his death was accidental, caused by a rare medical condition that caused him to have high levels of sodium. After seven years in prison, the state's highest criminal court overturned her conviction in 2014 citing ineffective assistance of trial counsel and sent her case back to Nueces County for another trial. Last year, District Attorney Mark Skurka dropped the case against her. The nearly two-hour documentary, "Until Proven Innocent," will be shown at film festivals and to limited audiences, director Anthony Jackson said. The crew has had several offers for distribution with television networks. Jackson said plans are being made to hold an invitation-only premiere in Corpus Christi. The premiere is slated for the Dallas International Film Festival First Screening Saturday at the Angelika Film Center. The documentary has already been nominated for a Silver Heart Award from the Embrey Family Foundation, which honors films for fighting injustices and creating social change. Twitter: @CallerKMT When is hurricane season? Here's what you need to know in South Texas Natalia Contreras/Caller-Times Corpus Christi Coast Guard and Patriot Guard Riders line up before the John Priesmuth Jr.'s burial Tuesday, April 14, 2016, at the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery. SHARE Natalia Contreras/Caller-Times Patriot Guard Riders carry the casket of John Priesmuth Jr. before a burial with military honors Tuesday, April 14, 2016, at the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery. Natalia Contreras/Caller-Times About 300 people who attended Coast Guard veteran John Priesmuth Jr.'s burial lined up to pay their respects Tuesday, April 14 at the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery. By Natalia Contreras of the Caller-Times Linda Vasquez and her son Xavier, 6, said goodbye to a member of their family. Even though Vasquez and Xavier never met and are not related to John Priesmuth Jr., they decided to attend the burial of the 64-year-old Coast Guard veteran Tuesday at the Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery. Cemetery officials were only able to locate Priesmuth's niece. However, she was not able to attend the funeral. Vasquez said she saw a post on social media inviting the community to attend the veteran's burial. "He has nobody and God put this in my heart to be here for him," Vasquez said. "He served our country, he is one of us and I want my son to see that there's always somebody who needs a hug, a prayer, or just someone to be there for them." Vasquez and Xavier were among the about 300 people, including Patriot Guard Riders, Corpus Christi Coast Guard, Honor Guard, Corpus Christi Police Department officers and the Veterans Band of Corpus Christi, who attended the burial. Coastal Bend State Veterans Cemetery assistant director J.J. De La Cerda said the cemetery organizes about 10 burials for veterans with no next of kin every year. "This is the largest crowd we've had so far in a service like this," De La Cerda said. "It's amazing to see the community's response and support for our veterans. Americans coming in for an American they never knew, it doesn't get any more patriotic than this." Priesmuth was buried with full military honors in a plot next to his wife, who was also a veteran and was buried last summer, De La Cerda said. About 50 members of the Patriot Guard Riders presented a hand salute and held U.S. flags as the hearse passed by. Assistant State ride captain for the Patriot Guard, Butch "Turtle" Cone said the purpose of having the community come together for a veteran who they did not know is to emphasize that no veteran will be left behind. "We stand for all veterans. We are his family," Butch said. "We leave no veteran behind, we never have and we never will." Twitter: @CallerNatalia GABE HERNANDEZ/CALLER-TIMES Robstown Police Officer Sandra Villarreal takes a selfie on April 6 with students from the Boys & Girls Club in Robstown after speaking to them about safety. Villarreal lead's the department's community policing division. SHARE Natalia Contreras/Caller-Times Robstown Police Officer Sandra Villarreal shows off her selfie stick on her duty belt. Villarreal is the head of the community policing division. GABE HERNANDEZ/CALLER-TIMES Robstown Police Officer Sandra Villarreal talk to students about safety April 6 at the Boys & Girls Club in Robstown. GABE HERNANDEZ/CALLER-TIMES Robstown Police Officer Sandra Villarreal talks to students about safety April 6 at the Boys & Girls Club in Robstown. Contributed photo Robstown Police Officer Sandra Villarreal takes a selfie with students on Aug. 4, 2015 at the YWCA Teen Leadership Week. By Natalia Contreras of the Caller-Times ROBSTOWN Police officers are known for carrying a gun, handcuffs, a radio and a flashlight on their duty belt. Robstown police officer Sandra Villarreal, 36, carries another important tool on her belt a selfie stick. Villarreal joined the department about a year ago and is the head of the community policing division. She said the selfie stick has helped her succeed during community outreach events. "It's such a good ice breaker," Villarreal said. "People, especially children are just drawn to it. As soon as I pull it out they come running to be in the photo." Villarreal said she loves people and that's why she decided to become a police officer about two years ago. She had been a self described housewife for several years. After a divorce, she found herself working administrative jobs where she didn't get as much interaction with people as she would have liked. She felt unfulfilled. One day, Villarreal decided to do a Google search for "the best jobs to be around people." "Police officer was the first one to pop up," Villarreal said. "I said, 'I'm going to do this and this is going to connect me to people.'" From the start, Villarreal used social media to connect and stay in touch with everyone she met on the job. "I started friending everyone. That's my strategy and I started taking selfies with everyone I met," Villarreal said. "I started going everywhere with my selfie stick." After she was out on patrol for a couple of months, Robstown Police Chief Derly Flores noticed Villarreal's people skills, he created the community policing division and made her the leader. "I needed someone who would be able to interact with the community full time, and to visit with people one on one," Flores said. "People tend to think that when police (are) around there's something wrong. She has helped change that image. She's just really good with people and they trust her." Flores said the department was in need of better communication with schools, neighborhoods and other organizations, in which Villarreal has helped create a bridge. "We are constantly getting calls from residents, giving us tips, making reports," Flores said. "She helped send the message that we are here to help." About 50 children at the Boys and Girls Club of the Coastal Bend Robstown Unit listened to Villarreal talk about 911 calls April 6. Villarreal visited with the children who had questions and they flocked to her to take selfies after the presentation. Boys and Girls Club of the Coastal Bend Robstown Unit director Maria Medina said Villarreal visits often with the children and they have gotten to know her. "She's able to connect with children and with everyone, that's a gift she has," Medina said. "We finally have that connection that we needed with the police department. From the moment she walks in, she has the children's attention and what she has to say is important." Villarreal recently took a position with the Meadows Place Police Department, outside Sugar Land. She said the community policing division in Robstown will continue to focus on crime prevention, education and community outreach. "A collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the community is the key to safety," Villarreal said. "This job has allowed me talk to people, listen to their issues and try to help them solve the problem. It's my calling." Twitter: @CallerNatalia SHARE By Fares Sabawi of the Caller-Times Patrick Clark's family is finally sure of what happened to him. After nine months, a forensic lab in the University of North Texas identified skeletal remains discovered in the Port Aransas surf as Clark, who drowned after swimming near Horace Caldwell Pier on the Fourth of July. Sgt. Mike Hannon said police notified the family. "They were happy it was indeed his remains," Hannon said. "This whole time they were wondering if it was his body." Clark, a 21-year-old from San Antonio, was celebrating the holiday with his family at the beach. Hannon said a fisherman discovered the skeletal remains near the rocks of the north jetty on July 18. The body was mostly decomposed, Hannon said. Police deemed the drowning to be accidental, Hannon said, and the investigation is finished. "The driving thing as officers is we look for the truth," Hannon said. "From the DNA analysis, we're able to know it's (Clark)." Twitter: @Caller_Fares SHARE We confess to taking shameless Texas pride in seeing Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas by way of Canada, outmaneuver know-it-all Donald Trump for convention delegates. Don't mistake it for an endorsement. Ours in the Republican primary remains Ohio Gov. John Kasich. But Cruz deserves a loud, sustained grito for the way he has burrowed under Trump's orange skin. Trump asserts that the system is rigged and phony. It's not phony. And Trump of all people has no business complaining about how it's rigged. Full disclosure of the schematics of the rig predates his candidacy. The rules were there for all to see, learn and master. What this means is that when it comes to politics, or at least the delegate-gathering part of the system which just happens to be how the primary will be won Cruz is the better businessman than the oft-self-proclaimed master businessman. What's interesting about Cruz's more-adept maneuvering is how closely it resembles Trump's descriptions of himself and his alleged business success. The way Cruz loses to Trump in votes but gains on him in delegates is like the way Trump loses other people's money while gaining more of it for himself via bankruptcy. Asked about his serial bankruptcies during an early debate, Trump turned the question to his advantage, bragging that he was only exploiting the rules as they were written. To hear Trump tell it at the time, only a fool, or Jeb Bush or Ted Cruz or Carly Fiorina or Lindsey Graham or Marco Rubio or Scott Walker or point made would pass up the opportunities extended by our bankruptcy laws, which he didn't write. Trump then went on to claim that his business success was a proven predictor of how he would save the U.S. economy and make it great again the flaw in his argument being that while he took a bigger piece of pie than he already had, the pie shrank. Think of the U.S. economy as the pie, not the piece. Consider, also, Cruz's fewer votes than Trump as the pie and his delegate gains as the bigger piece he cut for himself at Trump's expense. All Cruz is doing is working the transparent rules to his advantage. Only a fool, or an utter incompetent at the business of amassing delegates, would complain about an open book of rules itching to be exploited by a master exploiter. This being America and America being great, we think it's huge that a Hispanic-surnamed son of immigrants who only ever has been elected to one political office, only once U.S. senator from Texas and who has hardly even bothered to represent Texas in the Senate because of the time drain on representing himself, could rise from such lowliness to become the master of turning second place into potential victory. Probably most folks would have expected Trump, who had every advantage starting with native birth and inherited wealth, to have crushed Cruz by now. Trump certainly expected it, in that entitled way that endears the born-rich to the rest of us, and feels cheated that he hasn't. The only explanation that makes sense to him is that the fully disclosed system was rigged. The flaw in that explanation is that Trump is supposed to be the one who shows everyone how to do everything better than anyone. Being from Texas, we recognize the delicious aroma of cabrito being slow-cooked. YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. Russias permanent envoy to the UN Vitally Churkin called for closing the Turkish-Syrian borders through which oil and relics are being smuggled from territories seized by ISIS terrorist organization towards Turkey, Armenpress reports, citing SANA. Russia considers closing the borders as an urgent issue in order to stop the support offered to the terrorists, Churkin said at a session for UN Security Council on April 14, adding that his country calls for the spread of independent observers along those borders. He also suggested to consider a possibility to impose a full commercial embargo against ISIS, affirming that the largest operations of oil smuggle are mainly done from Iraq through the Turkish lands, and the transporting of gunmen and arms are also made through borders between Turkey and Syria. An inter-ministerial delegation was on the site yesterday, November 18, 2015, to evaluate progress. ADS Cameroonians who purchased apartments at the Olembe Low-cost Housing Estate in Yaounde are likely to start packing into their units by end of March 2016. The information was disclosed by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Jean Claude Mbwentchou after an inspection visit to the site with the Minister of State Property, Surveys and Land Tenure, Jacqueline Koung a Bissike, yesterday November 18, 2015. Apartments Purchased Information reveals that 50 per cent of the 500 housing units constructed by 10 local entreprises have been purchased. However, the occupants can only pack into the apartments by March next year when the parking lots and the collective drainage system will be in place. The commercialisation process is however not well advanced, with officials of the Ministry saying that things will move faster when the title deed is handed over to government by the Urban and Rural Lands Development and Equipment Authority, MAETUR. The process is ongoing and the title deed will confirm ownership. Jean Claude Mbwentchou regretted delays on the 500 housing units, saying issues have been ironed out, with apartments expected to be ready in January 2016. Who Are The Buyers? Information from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development speak of a multitude of Cameroonians rushing to acquire apartments at the Olembe Low-cost Housing Estate with cab drivers (some paying cash), business persons, civils servants, workers at parastatals, soldiers and policemen on the starting bloc. Apartments at low-cost housing construction sites are meant for Cameroonians and they are taking up the offer without prejudice, explained the Director of Social Housing and Real Estate in the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Emmanuel Asongwed Anyang. The price per apartment ranges from FCFA 17-23 million for three bed-room and four bed-room apartments respectively. Project Execution Rate The sample lot of 1,200 apartments is executed at 100 per cent, with secondary works like the parking lot and the sewage system yet to be completed. The second lot of over 380 housing units constructed by 10 local companies is 80 per cent complete, with secondary works excluded. The third phase of 640 housing units by Cofor (the body in charge of local companies) is in troubled waters since the passing away of the Director General of the company. Less than 25 per cent of work has been executed by the company over the past three years. Government has issued the company warning letters. Construction in the Chinese section is already completed with secondary works like the parking lot, green area and sewage system, electricity and water being awaited. The company has already put up a dispensary and classrooms with Jean Claude Mbwentchou acknowledging the pace the China Shenyang National Company took to carry out the project. The sale of the apartments that are ready for occupation is yet to commence, with the prices yet to be determined. Access Roads, Water, Electricity . Compensation for the second phase of the access road is over and work is expected to resume soon, the Minister assured. Work from the main road to the housing site is 85 per cent complete, with Eric Bertrand Mekongo of the Technical and Civil Engineering Follow-up Group, INTEG saying only the fly-over from the inter-section at the north entrance to the town remains. Meanwhile, inhabitants of the area are already packing out after receiving compensation dues. The deadline given in an ultimatum to cede the site is today November 19, 2015, with the Razel company hoping to commence work that can last two months. The service order for the access road to the stadium is yet to be issued, notification was made last October 22, 2015. Feeder roads in the Olembe site are the responsibility of MAETUR and there is little to show in this light. Government requested five transformers from Energy of Cameroon, ENEO and the number is already installed at the project site, explained Jean Didier Ndo and Jean Paul Libam, Sub-Director of Operations and Maintenance in Yaounde and the Division Head for Studies, Work and Electricity Distribution in Yaounde, respectively. They however note that the project has witnessed extension that is yet to be taken into consideration for electricity supply. Over 10 transformers are needed for the entire site, it was revealed. Emmanuel Asongwed Anyang posited that ENEO was working hard while Camwater was already piping into the area for water supply. ADS Dear Singapore Kindness Movement, Ad Nut has been kind, very kind, but the madness must end. Just like when you lay a smackdown on that obnoxious vegan cousin who wont shut up about his new pair of skinny jeans from that organic hipster brand in Denmark, some not-so-kind-words are needed today. Ad Nut supports your cause. Its a good cause. More kindness in the world? Consideration for fellow beings? It should be the stuff that warms the cockles of this furry ad-lovers cold, brittle heart. But no, instead Ad Nut now has an indentation on Ad Nuts favourite oak tree from banging head over such epic demonstrations of missing the marknot by inches but miles. Just to recap, first there was that weird be kind to your noisy neighbours attempt that lectured not the person making the noise but the people who have to put up with it. Then that confusing video that essentially told people that daytime is good but nighttime is bad. OK, you did get consolation points for using some neat tech with the double-sided video execution. And more recently, that Sum of our moments' effort that once again, pressured people to intervene in a tense situation in public, rather than addressing the "colossal asshole" (as Ad Nut put it) causing the whole commotion in the first place. Now comes this latest effort, the 'Awkward Ah Seng Goes Social' web series. Before you say, But Ad Nut, you didnt really give this new campaign a chance, let Ad Nut state for the record that Ad Nut watched three episodes. Three! Thats about 20 minutes of time committed. And as you very well know, we squirrels have much shorter lifespans than you humans. Ad Nut will excuse the cheesy overacting. Ad Nut will also not point out how the web series casts an ensemble of bumbling locals being supervised by benevolent white (Eurasian?) guyworking in an ad agency no less! Ad Nut will also excuse the explain it to me like Im 5 years old style of trying to impart some very important lessons about how to conduct oneself in a digital and social media-driven age. Ad Nut will even admit there were some briefly funny moments, but those had more to do with idiosyncrasies of life in Singapore than they did with being kind to people. Here's the thing Ad Nut can't ignore: Ad Nut is appalled to find out there are two whole seasons of such work in existence, starring this unfortunate character. And that it is claimed, repeat, claimed to be successful especially among the younger crowd. Ad Nut will not demand audited figures of view counts, hashtag mentions or testimonial from a real live young person. The fact remains that this effort, and the past ones, have been mediocre or painfully unsatisfactory executions for a movement that deserves much better work. Theres surely a better way. Nay, there must be a better way to achieve the goals of your organization. This ad-loving squirrel is begging you to find the answer, because theres a limit to how many trees can be abused in fits of frustration and despair. But as a squirrel hailing from far off woodlands, it could just be that Ad Nut is not the target audience for such an audiovisual onslaught. To make sure its not a warped perspective due to too much tree head-banging, Ad Nut sent links to Singaporean friends because you know, misery loves company. The response? The video CMI lo (For the uninitiated, CMI means cannot make it and yes, thats bad.) | BY Ricki Green | BWM Dentsu has today announced the appointment of a new creative team, Oskar Westerdal (right) and Jerome Gaslain (left), who have joined the BWM Dentsu Sydney office. Westerdal and Gaslain will add their wealth of experience to BWM Dentsus Sydney talented creative department, headed up by chief creative officer, Rob Belgiovane, and executive creative director, Asheen Naidu. Westerdal is an experienced copywriter who has worked with companies including Droga5 and Mojo. Gaslain has also built his career as an art director over a number of years, overseeing a range of creative work for top Australian brands at agencies including M&C Saatchi, TBWA/Media Arts Lab and Lavender. Says Gaslain: We are very excited to join the team at BWM Dentsu. The work BWM Dentsu has been producing lately is excellent, and were looking forward to belonging to an agency that will drive us to think harder and develop amazing creative concepts. Significantly, it was the culture that hooked us. Under new the leadership team of managing director, Alex Carr, executive planning director, Megan Hales, and executive creative director, Asheen Naidu, BWM Dentsu is a unique agency that values teamwork and encourages everyone involved in the creative process to ensure we produce the best possible work for clients. Westerdal and Gaslain have previously worked with brands including Apple, Optus, Westpac, Virgin Active, Nestle and Lynx. They have also both worked on award-winning campaigns, including Pay with a kiss (June 2013), which promoted a new French cafe that opened in Sydney. The campaign was designed to mirror French romanticism by creating a Kiss Register payment system which allowed customers to purchase a cup of coffee through a monetary system of kisses. The work exploded all over social and traditional media, and generated 13 awards including: IAB Creative Showcase First Runner, Finalist at Tomorrow Awards and finalist at Spikes Asia Awards. | BY Ricki Green | The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity has named the 2016 Creative Marketer of the Year recipient as Samsung Electronics. Says Terry Savage, chairman, Lions Festivals: When you look at Samsungs wins at Cannes Lions, even just last year, what strikes you is the diversity of Lions that they are taking home through their overarching commitment to creativity. Theyre excelling across the board, including in areas such as healthcare communications, craft and branded content, as well as picking up a Titanium Lion. Last year, Samsung took home an awards haul of 27 Lions and over the history of the Festival have totalled 74 Lions for work that has come from 17 countries. Says Savage: This award exists to recognise brands that distinguish themselves through the quality of their communications, something that Samsung are doing continually. They inspire the innovative marketing of their products across multiple platforms, as well as embracing and encouraging its agencies to keep creativity at the heart of their brand communications. Samsung has recognised the impact its technology has on the lives of consumers and shifted its marketing approach to a more consumer-centric strategy, which focuses on how its products and technologies can create meaning in the lives of consumers. This philosophy of Meaningful Progress to Enrich Consumers Lives has been brought to life in many creative campaigns around the globe, with Lion-winning work including Oscar Selfie, Every Day is Day One, for the World Surfing League partnership, and the Safety Truck campaign, which was awarded a coveted Titanium Lion. Samsungs Look at Me campaign, planned and executed by Cheil Worldwide, took five Lions in 2015 and demonstrated their customer-centric strategy by creating a mobile app that helps autistic children better interact with other people. After 8 weeks of testing, it showed that 60% of the tested children with autism had improvement in making eye contact and reading facial expressions. Says Younghee Lee (pictured), executive vice president of global marketing, mobile communications business at Samsung Electronics: At Samsung, we know our products are about experiences making life easier for consumers around the world. And we wanted our brand to reflect that vision and honour our heritage of meaningful innovation and defying barriers. We believe our creative and bold approach to marketing captures that spirit in a unique and creative way. Lee will receive the award on behalf of Samsung Electronics during the final Cannes Lions Awards Ceremony on Saturday 25 June. | BY Ricki Green | Annual ideas festival, TEDxSydney has today announced the launch of its 2016 Satellite program a network of local, self-organised events that share new ideas direct from the stage of the Sydney Opera House with thousands of people across Australia. TEDxSydneys Satellite program runs in parallel to the main event at the Sydney Opera House on Wednesday 25 May 2016. Individuals or organisations across the country are invited to register free of charge to host their own get-together or simply join one of the existing Satellites to become a part of the TEDxSydney conversation. Says Remo Giuffre, founder and licensee, TEDxSydney: Ideas have the power to change attitudes, lives and ultimately the world. We know that by making great ideas more accessible, we are able to spark conversations that can lead to this change. The Satellite initiative is a free program that helps spread ideas beyond the stage of the Sydney Opera House through a network of passionate individuals and organisations across Australia. For those who may have missed out on a ticket to the event at the Sydney Opera House, this is a great way to get involved. We are thrilled that Optus has extended its support to TEDxSydney by becoming the Presenting Partner for our Satellite program this year. TEDxSydney is now in its seventh year and continues to grow and maintain one of the largest live audiences of any regularly held TED event. As demand to be part of the live audience at the Sydney Opera House continues to increase, so too does interest from corporates keen to tap into TEDxSydneys program as a way to encourage new ideas and ways of thinking with staff and their wider business networks. Satellite organisers can be businesses, community groups, schools or individuals. Each organiser will be able to access the live stream from the Sydney Opera House and then host their own event, bringing ideas to their community or business in the most meaningful way. A TEDxSydney Satellite Host Guide is also available to help organisers plan their day. Sydney Trains hosted a successful TEDxSydney Satellite in 2015 and return as a host again this year. Says Susannah Le Bron, executive director of customer service, Sydney Trains: Our TEDxSydney Satellite in 2015 was a great platform, stimulating conversations and igniting ideas that ultimately help us to deliver better outcomes for our customers. Last years event spurred on a pilot of TEDxSydney Fridays at Sydney Trains, where people get together to watch a TED talk over lunch and reflect on the talk together. These weekly sessions are about sharing what we love about TEDxSydney inspiration. The Satellite programming will blend talks with other content from the live event at the Sydney Opera House. Find out more about this years speaker lineup here. Sign-up and register to host your own Satellite event here: https://tedxsydney.com/events/host-satellite/. Anyone can be part of the online conversation via #TEDxSydney. YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. There are serious concerns in Armenia regarding Russia selling weaponry to Azerbaijan, and these concerns have been voiced on different levels. NA RPA MP, President of the Standing Committee of Defense, National Security and Internal Affairs Koryun Nahapetyan noted this during a press conference. The fact that the weapons may be purchased from other countries, is not a justification. First of all, the different elements of the military-political situation of the South Caucasus should be considered. Not understanding these elements is no possible, it can be considered as an absurd attitude. There are various factors, upon the assessment of which it can be assumed towards what have those weapons been used CSTO or not CSTO. Armenia is the guarantor of Nagorno Karabakhs security and independence, and all the actions and military operations which were aimed against Nagorno Karabakh and the civilian population are considered as a threat and challenge against Armenia, as a member of CSTO, Armenpress reports Nahapetyan saying, while answering to an observation as to Azerbaijan uses the weapons supplied by Russia not against CSTO member Armenia, but non-CSTO Nagorno Karabakh. The MP reminded that the Armenian leadership has openly announced in different formats that Armenia is the guarantor of Nagorno Karabakhs security. I think that our colleagues, including CSTO member states, should reckon with this position, the MP said. Koryun Nahapetyan disagrees with the observations whereas the concern of the Armenian side over Russia selling arms to Azerbaijan is late. According to him, this hasnt been announced only at this moment. The President of Armenia has expressed concern over Russia selling weaponry to Azerbaijan. Our MPs have addressed this issue in international parliamentary bodies, that the weapons which are being sold to Azerbaijan will one day be used. The accumulation of armaments will lead to military imbalance, and even a slight imbalance may lead to unpredictable and serious consequences not only in regional countries, but also for Russia, because Russia has its interests in this region, Koryun Nahapetyan said. But the Brumbies' lawyer said the board would be put at a serious disadvantage if the new evidence was allowed in. He said it would cause significant delays, maintaining a situation in which the board was severely restricted by court orders. "Because all the courses are actor school-based. So if we're doing ensemble games, they're what actors will do to create an ensemble, to work together. If they're looking at a text extract, it's an interpretation. What happens in the workshops, really, is that you gear it towards that particular group and they all share the same experience. Some will share it at a particular level, some will share it at a higher level, and I would hope at the end of it that they leave the course having gained what they specifically came to gain. The feedback is that, over the number of years I've been doing it, that they do." "The men who fought the war sacrificed their youth to defeat some of the darkest forces ever known to mankind. They did it bravely and, for the most part, honourably, then returned to get on with the rest of their lives. They bore the scars of their ordeal largely alone, in silence and without complaint." In 2014, when Chinese President Xi Xinping addressed Australia's Federal Parliament, his message was as explicit as it was smoothly delivered. China was striving to achieve its dream of the "great renewal of the Chinese nation", and it was resolved to promoting peaceful co-operation and development in the Asia-Pacific. He told the gathered MPs that Australia could look forward to a safe and prosperous future under China's regional leadership provided "we respect each other's core interests and major concerns". Afterwards, then prime minister Tony Abbott effusively praised Mr Xi for his commitment to democracy and a rule-based international order, saying that "when I listened to the President today, some of the shadows over our region and over our world lifted, and the sun did indeed shine brightly". Mr Abbott's time might have been more profitably spent examining what Mr Xi outlined as "core" interests including, as it happens, China's right to make territorial claims on the islets and sandbars of the South China Sea. With the GST the leadership came not because of the GST on its own. It includes the tidying up of a lot of other messy taxes and the willingness to compromise and get most of the change through rather than none of it. There has been no sustained leadership on tax in the 16 years since. YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. The members of the official delegations to Yerevan of the International Metro Association with the advisor to the Mayor of Yerevan Alik Gevorgyan visited Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex and paid tribute to the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide. The delegation members laid flowers at the eternal flame and respected the memory of victims with a minute of silence, Armenpress was informed about this by the Department of Information and Public Relations of the Yerevan Municipality. Then the guests visited the Armenian Genocide Museum-Institute, got acquainted with the exhibits of the museum and left a note on the Commemoration Book. The most expensive bottle available is a 2000 Canberra Federation Red Magnum Wine worth $86, which has been labelled a dud by one wine critic, who said it "never lived up to its billing, or even close to its billing". The auction will enable the country to re-allocate the 900MHz licence acquired by Jas Mobile last December but had to give up when it failed to make its first payment last month. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), Thailands telecoms regulator, had initially planned to re-auction the spectrum June 24, 2016 but its general Prayut Chan-o-cha called for it to be brought forward by a month on Tuesday. Existing operators such as True and Advanced Info Service (AIS) will be eligible to participate in the auction. The latter had requested for the regulator to award it the 900MHz licence for 1.9 billion (75.65 billion baht) without hosting another auction. In a separate meeting, Takorn Tantasith, secretary-general of NBTC, said the auction is likely to be held on May 22, 2016. [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 YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. The Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia Shavarsh Kocharyan commented on Armenias withdrawal from the Eurasian Economic Union initiative made by MP Khacahtur Kokobelyan. Deputy Foreign Minister stated that Azerbaijan aims to see the withdrawal of Armenia from that Union. It is a matter of discussion to see what it will give us, what we will gain and lose. Therefore, any issue cannot be solved on foot since urged on by the enemy one made wrong action, then he pouts stating that we are withdrawing from that organization. Its the goal of our enemy, but our purpose is different, Armenpress reports, in an interview with journalists Shavarsh Kocharyan said after the Government session. The head of Free Democrats Party, MP Khachatur Kokobelyan issued a proposal of the statement by the National Assembly entitled The process of starting to cease the membership of the Armenian Republic from the Eurasian Economic Union to the National Assembly. The MP recalled there that during the days of the Azerbaijani aggression against the Nagorno Karabakh Republic the EAEU member states refused to participate in Eurasian intergovernmental council session being held in Yerevan, and the session was held in Moscow. 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. YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. The eighth session of the CSTO Military committee started in Yerevan. The delegations of the General Staffs of the Armed Forces of the CSTO member-states including those of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan, as well as the Secretary General of the CSTO and chief of the Unified Staff visited Yerevan on April 14 to participate in that session. During the opening session the chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Armenia Yuri Khachaturov welcomed the guests, expressed gratitude to them for devoting their time to participate in this session despite the busy schedule. We had a meeting in Minsk not long ago. Now I will suggest to discuss the issues put on the daily agenda. Except from that, Kazakhstan made a proposal to discuss the issue of developing the media plan of the CSTO activity, Armenpress reports, Khachaturov says. At the end of the session press conference is expected to be held. New Delhi: The IIT fee hike announced recently will be applicable from admissions that take place from academic year 2016-17 onwards, the HRD ministry said. In a statement issued here, the ministry said that "the revised fee would be applicable for students taking admission starting from academic year 2016-17 onwards. The students currently studying would continue to pay at the existing rates." The government had recently decided to increase the annual fees for undergraduate courses from existing Rs 90,000 to Rs 2 lakh, a rise of 122 per cent, from the upcoming academic session. Steep Hike in IIT Fee From Rs 90,000 to Rs 2 lakh Per Year Fee hike not applicable to existing students Earlier, there had been protests by students of IIT-Kharagpur, after which the HRD ministry issued the clarification saying that students who are already enrolled in undergraduate courses have been spared from the 122 per cent fee hike. In a letter written to directors of all IITs also, HRD ministry clarified that the revised fee would be applicable from academic year 2016-17 onwards. The order came a day after IIT-Kharagpur students protested by shouting slogans at the campus against the fee hike. IIT Fee Hike: Complete Fee Waiver for SC/ST & Disabled Students PTI YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia Shavarsh Kocharyan addressed Russian Deputy PM Dmitry Rogozins statement on opinions voiced in Armenia during days of Azerbaijani aggressions regarding Russia selling weapons to Azerbaijan. Similar style cannot be typical of a state official, and I cannot use the same style, Armenpress reports Kocharyan saying after the Cabinet meeting. In particular, Rogozin made inappropriate statements against persons who criticized the Russian side. .A horrible demagogy began there.I dont want to point out, but people didnt behave well, Rogozin said. To a reporters observation that its war, its understandable, Rogozin said: War requires equanimity, not blurred tears, especially propagandistic. Mitsubishi Motors UK has joined the Go Ultra Low campaign, set to increase awareness of ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs) among British motorists. In the UK, the benefits of owning a ULEV include low running costs and government incentives, which is why Mitsubishi is joining the likes of Audi, VW, BMW, Nissan, Renault and Toyota in this endeavor. Having said that, its a known fact that the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV the worlds first 44 plug-in hybrid SUV has become the UKs best selling plug-in hybrid vehicle. Which is a very good starting point to any conversation about raising awareness. According to the SMMT (the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders), ULEV registrations in 2014 grew by more than 300%, to 14,518 cars. More UK car-buyers are realizing the advantages of owning an ultra-low emission vehicle, and the aim of the newly-expanded Go Ultra Low consortium is to share the multiple benefits with a wider audience. Weve discovered that once people learn more about the benefits of these cars and vans, theyre keen to take action and once theyve tried them, theyre hooked. stated Go Ultra Low spokesperson Hetal Shah. In the UK, the government currently offers up to 5,000 of the price of ULEVs as a tax benefit, while the cost of driving them is as little as 2p per mile, compared to at least 10p per mile for a typical petrol or diesel car. The Go Ultra Low campaign is the first of its kind, as it brings together the Department for Transport, the Office for Low Emissions Vehicles, SMMT as well as a consortium of seven car manufacturers. PHOTOS This is not your average classic 911 race car, but then again, how average can the iconic Porsche really be? Chassis No.300617 was originally delivered on March 1965, painted in Light Ivory with a black/grey interior with the only options fitted to it to be the Webasto gas heater and a set of Dunlop radial tires. The car was handed over to Peter Klasen to create the project 007, which was completed in 2009. Art cars rarely show up in auctions, with Janis Joplins own psychedelic painted 356 recently sold for a hefty $1.76 million. Under the unusual paintjob, this 911 is a fully prepped race car with a FIA HTP plus its only one of the 3,154 911s built in 1965. The 2.0-litre boxer makes 190hp with the kind help of two triple-throat Weber 40 IDS carburetors while the gearbox is a five-speed manual. The car will be auctioned in RM Sothebys Monaco event on May 14 without reserve. PHOTO GALLERY One of the most anticipated animated features of 2016 will have one of the most coveted film premiere slots: the Cannes Film Festival. The festival, which runs May 11-22, has announced that Michael Dudok de Wits The Red Turtle will premiere in its Un Certain Regard category. The project marks the feature-length debut of the 62-year-old director who has received much praise throughout the years for his short films The Monk and the Fish (1994) and Father and Daughter (2000). Though produced in Europe, The Red Turtle was made under the auspices of Studio Ghibli. Dudok de Wit reportedly created the storyboards at Ghibli in Japan under the oversight of Isao Takahata, who is credited as the films artistic producer. Steven Spielberg Presents Animaniacs premiered 23 years ago, which may not seem like such a long time ago, but in the context of Americas evolving cultural consciousness, it may as well have been 123 years ago. The shows retrograde sensibilities (and bungling attempts to insert adult content into a childrens cartoon) are now available to revisit on Netflix, and they are the subject of a recent think-piece on Medium, written in the form of an open letter to Steven Spielberg. The writer, Charlene deGuzman, who claims to have been a fan of a show when she was younger, explains her objections: Sexy music. A sexy figure. Sexy walking. A sexy nurse. Hellooooooo Nurse! chime Yakko and Wakko. Panting. Drooling. Tongues rolling out onto the floor. Dot walks over to their tongues and snaps them back into their mouths. Boys, she concludes with a smirk. Trigger! I said to the pile of stuffed animals next to me. I am an addict in recovery. Specifically, a sex and love addict. At my 12-step meetings we can raise our hand and say trigger if at any point we feel triggered by something someone is saying. Oh okay. Right. Okay. Yeah, that makes complete sense and is totally valid. What caught me off guard was realizing that this bit didnt consciously affect me or stand out to me when I watched it as a kid. Because it was normal to me. Thats just how the world worked. A beautiful blonde woman with big curves in a tight dress and high heels and boys making comments, literally chasing her while she runs away in distress. In front of their sister. Thats normal. Thats okay. Boys, as Dot put it. Steven, I TMI only because I want you to know that I am fully aware that this bit probably affects me more than most because of my personal experiences and trauma. I know that my reaction is just a manifestation of my stuff, and has nothing to do with you or your cartoon. However you might feel about the shows naughty nurse character, deGuzmans criticism of Netflixs categorization of the series is on-point: YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. The Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia Hovik Abrahamyan received the heads of German Remondis Aqua, Tilia and Decon International companies which operate in the water supply sector, Armenpress was informed about this by the Department of Information and Public Relations of the Armenian Government. The interlocutors discussed issues related to the possible cooperation in the water supply sector. The heads of the companies stated that they are highly interested in expanding their activities and investing their great experience in that field in Armenia. Prime Minister Abrahamyan welcomed the initiative and mentioned that the Government of Armenia gives a great importance to the water supply sector. He emphasized that regular steps have been carried out for the improvement of water supply and drainage works in Yerevan and its districts in recent years, and he gave an importance of enhancing the efficiency of water management. Photo: Tiero Bail in or bail out In my previous two MP reports, I covered several concerns related to the recent 2016 Federal Budget, and in turn have received excellent feedback, with many good questions and comments. Citizen concerns One question that received a large amount of interest relates to page 223 of the federal budget, detailing the Liberal Governments plan for the bank recapitalization bail in regime. This is a frequently asked question because some citizens believe this recapitalization plan would allow banks to take money from depositors to be used for a bank bailout during a financial crises. Understandably, this has created a considerable amount of anxiety for many citizens. Complex subject Before plunging further into this issue, let us start by acknowledging that this is an extremely technical subject, and some simplification has been applied to summarize the issue in order to fit into this weeks report. The obvious question is: Does this proposed bank recapitalization bail in regime allow banks to take your money during a financial crisis? To answer this, it is important to understand what is actually being proposed, and why. One of the lessons learned during the recent economic crises is that many banks that failed (fortunately, none in Canada) were provided taxpayer financed bailouts, with little consequences to the key decision makers at the banks who were ultimately responsible for many of the high risk decisions being made. Increasing accountability For many taxpayers, this lack of accountability was unacceptable. In many cases, senior bank managers continued to collect extravagant bonuses, almost as a reward for engaging in risky behaviour. We know when a major bank fails it can have devastating effects on our economy and for citizens. For this reason, many banks are considered too large and too important to fail. How can accountability be increased in future so that risky behaviour is not rewarded by taxpayer financed bailouts? The idea behind a formal bank recapitalization regime is that in the event of a financial crisis, major shareholders of the bank in other words those who are investors in the bank, along with major creditors who do business with the bank in question - would see their investment in the bank converted from being a bank liability into common shares, so the bank could continue to operate. In other words, the owners of the bank, in effect being the shareholders and the major creditors, would see their investment converted into common shares until such time the bank returned to profitability. How does this benefit taxpayers? The simple answer is, those citizens who deal at a bank, credit union, or financial institution that did not engage in such practices are not forced to financially subsidize and reward risky behaviour and poor management that occurs elsewhere. Further, the bank management that runs an institution into insolvency would be held to account by the shareholders and creditors of the bank in question. What about bank depositors? Here lies the largest concern for everyday consumers who bank with a major institution but who are not shareholders or the primary creditors. As this policy discussion and related consultation has evolved in Canada for some time, it should be noted that the stated position of the previous Government is that deposits from Canadian consumers would be excluded and protected in a Bank recapitalization regime. Going forward To the best of my knowledge, the current Liberal Government has not made a similar policy commitment to exclude and protect depositors from these proposed changes, however it is, in my view, reasonable to conclude that the intent would be the same, and they will do so. As this legislation and further details are still pending on this subject, I will confirm this speculation at a future date. For more questions, comments or concerns on this or any topic, please contact me [email protected] or toll free at 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: Martin Taft Stuck in the Sahara Steph Jeavons is 50,000 miles and two years into a round-the-world solo motorcycle ride, and has 20,000 miles and one year remaining to become the first person to ride around the world on all seven continents using a small motorbike - 250cc. And on April 27th, she will be speaking in West Kelowna. The first time I met Steph was in the wilds of South Africa in the birth place of Nelson Mandela, Port Elizabeth on the Eastern Cape. Together with her sister Cora, Steph was about to ride almost 2000 kms through some of the most rugged terrain the Transkei could throw at us. Massive drops into river valleys with steep scrambles out and a multitude of river crossings lay ahead. It was daunting even for experienced riders. I watched Steph at the beginning, I remember thinking how incredibly brave she and her sister were to tackle the journey with what appeared to be limited riding experience. That was in 2008. In 2010, I met Steph again in Africa, this time in Morocco. I was training for the Dakar with Mick Extance. After the trip to South Africa, Steph had started an off road riding school with Mick, and was operating tours in Morocco. Jackie and I were picked up at the airport in Fez and whisked over to the camp to meet the other riders. We were to ride over the Atlas mountains and down to the Sahara for some dune training. It was more than notable that Steph was now extremely confident on a motorbike, and still had the same courage I saw in South Africa. Mick's initial words to the group - no racing" - seemed to fade as quickly as the breeze that blew through the valley. He had uttered the words to a group of guys who were there to have fun. Several days in to the trip, we arrived in the dunes. Close to the border of Algeria, we set up camp, which displeased my wife who was convinced that Al-Qaeda would be out looking for us that very night. Mick and a small group of riders including myself traveled back along our route to a small set of dunes we had passed earlier, and decided to ride for a while, getting used to the feeling of climbing and riding in sand. Mick, as Britain's top Dakar rider, was obviously a natural. Me, less so. Twenty minutes into the dune riding I had enough skill to almost pull it off, and enough courage to be dangerous. I was riding a Honda CRF450 and climbed a small dune quickly, and pushed over the top to see a 15 ft near vertical drop. I was going too slow to jump and too fast to stop. The front wheel dipped, and I found myself staring straight at a rocky base. I should have jumped off the foot pegs but instead, I convinced myself stupidly that I could ride it out. The end result was a landing head first, with the whole weight of the bike between my legs. Another rider saw the accident and looked at me with no blood left in his face. Im okay, I shouted, realizing that my shoulder felt very strange, as I raised my arm to wave. There was a photographer in the group, so I decided I would jump on the bike and ride over to him to get a few pics taken doing some jumps. As I sat on the bike, I could hear crepitus - the sound of broken bones crunching together. I remember thinking, I can deal with that later. After five minutes of riding, I pulled up next to Mick and told him I was heading back to camp, something was wrong. When I arrived at camp, my wife took one look at me and asked, "What happened? Clearly, I had no blood left in my face either. What transpired was a fractured collar bone and two broken ribs. That night we weathered a sand storm, major rain storm, avoided Al-Qaeda, and promptly got stuck in a river bed the next morning. Mark bites the dust. Steph was a hero, coordinating an extraction with a local village, organizing breakfast, and making sure I was comfortable when we arrived at the Berber camp the next day. It was then that I heard about her goal to ride around the world. This month, Steph arrived home to her birthplace, Canada, for the first time. We are fortunate that she has some time to spend here, and has offered to do a talk on April 27th. She will also be making appearances at Kelowna Honda and at MotoVida. Her tales are much more epic than mine, and she has continued to demonstrate courage by riding solo through places like India and Iran, and sailing through the Southern Ocean to Antarctica. For the talk, you can grab a ticket here. Come hear Steph, together with myself and Cam McQueen, as we tell our stories of some very fun adventures. See you there. This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet. Photo: Jupiter Images As I watch my children get older, I harken back to the days of my youth and think, Am I ever glad that is over. I remember that transitional stage of life when I went from being a kid to a young man, and all the confusion that came with it. The biggest area of confusion revolved around members of the female persuasion. I can remember the actual moment girls became girls in a much more significant manner. It was near the end summer holidays going into Grade 8. I saw a girl from school who had always been a tomboy. She was one of the best athletes in the school, and her nickname was Sam, which was an abbreviation of her last name. I had known her since Grade 2, and never thought of her as anything more than one of the first picks when choosing a team. But seeing her at the mall a few days before school started again, she went from being Sam to being Shelly. Anyone standing close by may have heard a barely audible ping as my brain switched from girls are icky to helloooo ladies. From that point on, girls took on a whole new meaning. The problem was communicating those new-found feelings. It is no secret that young men are not the greatest communicators in the world. Actually, many fully grown men have a hard time communicating, which might explain the never ending series of wars. While girls could most often express their feelings verbally and with insight, guys would likely just mumble something before pushing the girl in the shoulder. Nothing says I like you like smacking someone on the arm. The way a young man communicated with a young girl was also dependent on the environment. If it is winter, and if a young lad is smitten with a young lass, there is a good chance the lass is going to end up face first in the snow or clobbered by a snow ball when the young lad attempts to express his feelings. Not possessing the words to say how he feels, the young man decides hurling a ball of compressed ice particles at the fair maiden will get the message across without the need for verbal interaction. When he gets older, he figures out that intelligent banter is a much more effective way of getting a girls attention. Mind you, pushing someone in a snow bank does get their attention, but usually not in a positive way. Girls have a much different - and more civilized - approach to the opposite sex. The girl will try to engage the young man in conversation, or maybe try to help him with his school work or something, as a way of spending time with him on a meaningful and intellectual level. For the guy, in the winter anyway, young love is expressed with projectiles of the snow variety. In the non-winter months, other methods of communication must be devised. In elementary school, chasing a girl with a snake found in the tall grass was one way of saying, Youre kind of cool. At that age, the young Romeo may not know why he feels this way, but for some reason he feels the need to scare a particular girl. If a snake could not be found, then a bug, worm, or other object could be used. They just had to be scary or gross, because as every young man knows, a young girl will like you if you frighten them or make them feel nauseous. As the young Romeos head into the teen years, snakes and other such critters are replaced by more mature forms of communication. For example, a young man will try to impress the girls with his video-playing skills. He is sure that girls will be amazed at the ability to get Scooter to level nine without stopping even once. He will spend hours and hours impressing his love interest, who, no doubt, will sit in absolute awe of what a big, strong man he is because he can defeat the ice dragon before it melts his suit of armour. Guys will also try to impress the opposite sex with acts fuelled by testosterone. In the animal world, gorillas beat their chest and jump around to show how big and strong they are, while in the human world, um, well, actually its not that different. They may not actually thump their chests, but teenage boys will find a plethora of other ways to show how big and strong they are, and how much they like a certain girl - and none will involve words. Photo: Ryan McVey This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet. Photo: Contributed A pre-trial conference was held today for the man accused of stabbing Caesar Rosales to death on a Kelowna transit bus last year. Tyler Jack Newton is charged with second-degree murder in the attack that killed 55-year-old Rosales, who bled to death while taking the No. 8 bus home from work on Oct. 30, 2014. The bus was stopped behind Dilworth Shopping Centre on Baron Road at 6:30 p.m. when Rosales was stabbed without provocation and died at the scene. Less than 24 hours after the incident, police had Newton in custody. On Nov. 2, 2014, he was charged. Newton's multi-week trial is scheduled to begin June 6, 2016, in front of both a judge and jury. Newton has remained in custody since his arrest. For past Castanet stories on this case, click here. Photo: Jon Manchester - File photo Confusion over where an invasive mussel inspection station will be set up is causing problems in Osoyoos. According to David Karn with the Ministry of Environment, a recent announcement that one of the eight inspection station would be located in Penticton, and not at the border, caused concern over boats entering from the U.S. and heading either east or west away from the possible Penticton station. There has been some confusion over the base office locations for the inspection crews and the actual location of the inspection stations, said Karn. In the case of the Penticton-based crew, the inspection station is being operated near the Osoyoos border crossing. We are not publishing the exact locations of the inspection stations as this is a compliance monitoring program. Although the stations are considered permanent, the teams will have mobile capability and may shift locations to respond to a high risk incident. Corrine Jackson with the Okanagan Basin Water Board said the Penticton station will also cover the area through Midway, Osoyoos and Kaleden. The only permanent stations will be in Golden, Valemont and Dawson Creek. The Penticton station will cover the surrounding area just like the station in Cranbrook, Invermere, Nelson and the Lower Mainland. In March the province announced a $2 million program for the 2016 boating season to set up the inspection stations, as well as to hire and train 20 additional auxiliary conservation officers as aquatic invasive species inspectors. Funding will also go to the purchase of six new mobile decontamination units, to add to the two purchased by the province last year, ensuring each station is equipped with a unit. Karn said there shouldnt be concern over the lack of inspection stations at the border, as the Canadian Boarder Services Agency is trained to conduct inspections when a boat comes across. On the southern border there are at least 14 border crossings and we are working in collaboration with the CBSA to cover these many crossings, explained Karn. We have worked with the CBSA to develop a standard operating procedure and provided training so that border agents can recognize high risk boats. Jackson is pleased to hear that CBSA officials can now check boats at the border as it was something the OBWB had been calling for. They dont have the ability to do decontamination. So, if they find invasive mussels on a boat, paddleboard, you name it, then they will call in the province and have them do a secondary inspection and decontamination as required, she said. CBSA officials as well as federal Fisheries officers will have the ability to inspect and detain boats that transport zebra or quagga mussels. The five mandatory inspection stations set up at key crossings along the B.C.-Alberta border will be near safe areas that can be used to pull traffic off the highway, such as CVSE weigh scales or other pullout sites, to inspect, and if necessary, decontaminate a watercraft. However, Karn does recognize there might be an issue with boats that cross the border while the inspections stations are closed - as they are only set up 10 hours a day - or may be in another location. No jurisdiction is operating inspection stations 24 hours a day as it is considered unsafe to do so at night, he said. Every driver of a vehicle transporting a watercraft (including kayaks, canoes and car toppers) must obey the watercraft inspection signs. If a boat is entering B.C. outside of operational hours, it is the owners responsibility to have the vessel inspected before entering any waterways.Tickets will be issued to drivers who have not reported to watercraft inspection stations. Jackson said the OBWB doesnt have an issue with current arrangement of the stations and is confident with CBSA officials conducting inspections. The ability to be flexible with the stations is important. The station based in Penticton will be able to work these other roads coming into the Okanagan. The Ministry of Environment chose the sites for the inspection stations on the basis of last years pilot program that determined the amount of traffic coming over the border and the destinations of those with watercraft. Photo: UBCO Ben Moody, Lucia Woolgar of the Equity and Inclusion Office, Jenica Frisque, and student union VP Internal Romey Jaswal. It will be a stairway to inclusion, getting closer to acceptance with every step. A rainbow stairway is set to be unveiled on the UBC Okanagan Campus next week as part of an 18-month awareness-raising project. The stairway will be similar to the rainbow crosswalk in Kelowna featured on Lawrence street and Pandosy street. Jenica Frisque, an educator at UBC Okanagans Equity and Inclusion Office says UBC believes that all people, regardless of race, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation, should be able to work and study in an inclusive environment. These stairs will act as a symbol of UBC Okanagans continued commitment of support to all students and staff and its opposition to discrimination in any form. Paid for by the Students Union, the stairs will be coloured using $3,000 worth of laminate. Ben Moody, a coordinator at UBC Okanagans Pride Resource Centre, said the installation of the stairs follows the beginning of the Pride Alliance, which was started on campus earlier this year. Canada is becoming a place where a large number of people are proud to say they support issues such as gay rights and gay marriage, but that hasnt spread everywhere, said Moody. Kelowna itself has experienced many issues, but with things such as the rainbow crosswalks downtown and our mayor participating in the pride march we are making progress. The official opening of the stairs will take place April. 18, at 11 a.m. Photo: Kris Hargrave The community has rallied around a Rock Creek family who lost everything in a devastating wildfire last August. The Winn family lost their home to the wildfire, which burned uncontained for almost a month and charred more than 4,000 hectares, along with all their belongings. The Winns werent home when the fire hit their property, and had no chance to salvage anything from the house before it burned to the ground. After the fire, Habitat for Humanity of southeast B.C. stepped in to help. Thirty homes were destroyed in the fire, so Habitat had to go through the difficult task of picking a family who needed help most. There were many families who were burned out, some had insurance, some were underinsured and some had no insurance, said executive director Bob Huff. The Winn family seemed to be the one that would most benefit from Habitat for Humanitys involvement. It was a family that had no insurance, and they had three boys still living at home, so it was a more compelling reason for us to help. A groundbreaking ceremony was held Sunday, and Huff says roughly 50 people attended. They are such a nice family and it was great to see how much community support there is in Rock Creek for the Winns, said Kris Hargrave, co-founder of the Rock Creek-based Ponderosa Arts & Music Festival, who attended the event. Construction of a new home began this week with the pouring of footings. Huff says they hope to have the house finished by August. While Habitat for Humanity has organized the build and will provide the Winn family with an interest-free, subsidized mortgage, many organizations and community members have also rallied around the build. Theres been cash donations, theres been donations of building materials, theres been donations of services and labour, Huff said. There have been substantial donations. The bulk of the labour is being provided by the Mennonite Disaster Service, a volunteer network of Anabaptist churches, who also helped in the 2013 High River, Alta., floods. The organizers of the Ponderosa Arts & Music Festival held a fundraising concert last November, which raised $5,000 for the cause as well. They brought the Winn family a small ponderosa pine to plant near their new house on Sunday. We wanted this family to be able to thrive rather than just survive, Huff said. The cost of replacing everything as well as their home and contents would have been devastating financially for them. A Kelowna student is one of just 10 students from across Canada heading to the United Nations to discuss international drug policies. UBC Okanagan student Michelle Thiessen is attending the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Drugs in New York City, April 19 to 21. The group's trip is being sponsored by Canadian Students for Sensible Drug Policy (CSSDP) a grassroots network of students concerned about the negative impact current drug policies have on individuals and communities. In fact, Thiessen co-founded UBC Okanagans CSSDP chapter last year. Since then, the student club has organized a number of drug policy-related lectures on campus and provided an opportunity for students to be trained to administer naloxone, a compound which can reverse opioid overdoses. This training was conducted through the Outreach Urban Health Centre in downtown Kelowna. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to attend UNGASS, said Thiessen. Current drug policies are failing in some parts of the world drug possession offences are punishable by death. In North America, harm reduction programs like needle exchanges are still hotly contested. Concordia University's Gonzo Nieto is the co-chair of the national board of CSSDP and says drug policies are often made for youth, but lack youth input. In recent years we have seen a trend of greater inclusion of civil society groups in these proceedings, and were confident that supporting Canadian youths to attend this forum is an additional step in the right direction, ensuring that the youth voice is heard at these consultations, said Nieto. UNGASS is the only meeting of the UN where all 193-member states have equal representation. This particular meeting is occurring three years early at the request of the Guatemalan, Mexican, and Colombian governments, that have highlighted an urgent need to reform the existing drug strategies and modernize international drug treaties. Thiessen is a fourth-year psychology honours student at the Irving K. Barber School of Arts and Sciences, who will begin her masters in clinical psychology at UBC this fall. Were hoping that this meeting will signal the start of an international approach to drugs that favours public health and harm reduction, said Thiessen. The existing strategies that have been in place for four decades have been a failure. Photo: Contributed Wildlife officials are urging British Columbians to report unusual bat activity in the province after a diseased bat was found near Seattle. The Ministry of the Environment says experts are concerned that White Nose Syndrome could spread to bat species in B.C., although it has not been detected in the province yet. The deadly fungal disease is not a threat to human health but sickens and kills bats during their winter hibernation period. Members of the public are asked to report any strange bat movement, including bats flying during the day or finding dead or dying bats. However, officials are warning people not to handle an ill bat with bare hands because it could carry rabies. The public is asked to phone the B.C. Community Bat Program toll free at 1-855-922-2287 with sightings. GYUMRI, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. Valery Permyakov, who is accused of murdering the Avetisyan family refused to testify in the courtroom. The Court decided to release the preliminary investigation testimony. As Armenpress reports, to the Courts question, whether it was Permyakov who entered the Avetisyans home on January 12, Permyakov answered yes. Asked if he was the one who killed the Avetisyans for the brigand assault, Permyakov said I refuse to answer. He also noted that he was not intimidated and he agrees to release the preliminary testimony. To attorney Eduard Aghajanyans question regarding his health condition, Permyakov answered it is normal. According to the released first interrogation, Permyakov entered the home of the Avetisyans to drink water, to the investigators question whether he used his attached weapon, Permyakov answered yes. When he had drank the water and wanted to leave, the girl woke up, took the phone and threatened to call the police. And I, fearing that she will call, opened fire. Then everything happened spontaneously, the testimony reads. To the investigators question as to how many people he had shot, Permyakov answered Six, the little one I stabbed with a knife. To the question what intention he had, Permyakov said Nothing, it just happened on its own. How he entered the Avetisyans home and what he took with him is also written in the first testimony. Asked if he has any remorse for what he had done, he said yes. It was noted that during his service in Chita, Permyakov left the military unit 8 times, and the reason for leaving the Gyumri military unit was returning to Chita. He took his weapon to be able to take clothing and money, reach the border and cross it. He chose the Avetisyans home randomly. After I shot the girl, the man said something from the other room, probably in Armenian, and I shot. Another man was in the next room, he was trying to say something, I shot him, then in the 3rd room I saw that the woman laying in the bed is trying to make a call, then I saw a child in the baby crib, I shot, when I wanted to leave, I heard a childs scream and stabbed him with the bayonet knife, the testimony reads. To the investigators question why he shot those people, Permyakov said It happened spontaneously, on its own. He stabbed the child because his rifle got jammed and he didnt want anyone to stay alive after all that. The six members of the Avetisyan family were shot and killed in Gyumri at around 6 a.m. on January 12, 2015. The only survivor was 6-month old Seryozha Avetisyan, who was transferred to a hospital with injuries caused by a cutting and piercing tool. The childs health condition became worse on January 19. After fighting for his life and undergoing several difficult surgeries for a week, six-month old Seryozha Avetisyan also died on January 19. There was severe renal insufficiency and cardiac insufficiency, and doctors werent able to save his life. Soldier of the 102nd Russian military base stationed in Gyumri, Valery Permyakov was charged with killing the members of the Avetisyan family. Russian border guards found him when he was trying to cross the Armenian-Turkish border and handed him over to the commanders of the 102nd Russian military base. Permyakov confessed his guilt. On August 12, The Russian side sentenced Permyakov to 10 years of imprisonment for desertion and illegal possession of a firearm. Photo: The Canadian Press Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould A proposed new federal law that imposes strict conditions on the right of Canadians to end their lives with medical assistance is a betrayal of the woman whose case was central to the Supreme Court's decision to strike down the ban on assisted death, critics say. Kay Carter would not have qualified for an assisted death under the law proposed Thursday by the Trudeau government in response to the top court's landmark ruling, said the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association, a plaintiff in the case. The 89-year-old B.C. woman suffered "excruciating physical and psychological distress" from spinal stenosis, but was not facing imminent death, the BCCLA said. Under the proposed new law, to be eligible for a medically assisted death, a person must be someone who is "suffering intolerably" and for whom a natural death is "reasonably foreseeable." They must also be a consenting adult, at least 18 years old, with a serious and incurable disease, illness or disability, and be in "an advanced state of irreversible decline." "It was not reasonably foreseeable that Kay would die a natural death from her underlying disease," said BCCLA litigation director Grace Pastine. "We think it's shameful that the woman who was at the very heart of this litigation would be a person who would not qualify for a compassionate and peaceful death." Carter travelled secretly to Switzerland in January 2010, where she was able to legally obtain medical help to end her life. Her daughter, Lee Carter, who carried on her mother's fight for the legal right to an assisted death in Canada, agreed that her mother would not have qualified under the new law. "I feel angry, I feel sad, I'm bitterly disappointed," she said in an interview. "It's like we've gone through this for five years and for what?" The "foreseeable death" provision shocked those who had claimed victory last year when the Supreme Court struck down the ban on assisted death as a violation of the right to life, liberty and security of the person. "This is a way of saying (the disease must be) terminal without saying terminal," said Shanaaz Gokool, head of Dying with Dignity Canada. That, she said, blatantly disregards the court's ruling that a new law must recognize the right to a medically assisted death for a clearly consenting adult who has a "grievous and irremediable medical condition" that "causes enduring suffering that is intolerable to the individual in the circumstances of his or her condition." The court did not specify that the illness must be terminal or that the individual must be at death's door; it said only that the incurable condition must be intolerable to the individual. Nor did the court confine its ruling to those suffering physical illnesses. The proposed law does not apply to those suffering only from mental illnesses, or to so-called mature minors who may otherwise meet all the criteria except for age. Nor does it allow those with competence-eroding conditions, such as dementia, to make requests in advance for medical assistance to die at a certain point in the progression of their disease. Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould said those controversial, complex issues require further study which the government under pressure to meet the court's June 6 deadline for enacting a new law didn't have time to do. Others say those omissions, along with the foreseeable death provision, virtually guarantee the new law will be challenged and, eventually, struck down. "It is disappointing that the Liberal government continues the former Harper government's tradition of ignoring Supreme Court decisions," said Queen's University bioethicist Udo Schuklenk, former chair of the Royal Society of Canada's expert panel on end-of-life decision making. "This legislation would not withstand a charter challenge by a competent, not terminally ill patient who suffers an irreversible medical condition that renders their life not worth living." A number of groups have called on the government to refer the law, once passed, to the Supreme Court to test whether it is actually in compliance with the charter of rights rather than forcing sick and dying individuals to launch their own court challenges. But Wilson-Raybould said it's "definitely too early to speculate" on that. In any event, she maintained the proposed law is compliant with the court's ruling and respects the charter, although she and Health Minister Jane Philpott both seemed to acknowledge the inevitability of a court challenge. "For some, medical assistance in dying will be troubling. For others, this legislation will not go far enough," said Wilson-Raybould. "We believe that this legislation is the best approach to ensure that dying patients who are suffering unbearable pain have the choice of a peaceful death and that the vulnerable are protected." The proposed law also flies in the face of recommendations from a special joint parliamentary committee which urged the government to take a much more permissive approach. An angry-looking Liberal MP Rob Oliphant, who co-chaired the committee, refused to comment Thursday. But in the House of Commons, Conservative MPs, who had strenuously objected to the committee's majority report, claimed victory. "In the delicate issue of medical aid for dying, we note the government has agreed with the Conservatives' dissenting report, because they don't touch minors or people who suffer from mental illness," said Gerard Deltell. "Good." The Canadian Medical Association lauded the bill as "both thoughtful and comprehensive" and the Canadian Association for Community Living, which advocates for the disabled, expressed relief that the bill recognizes the need for "robust protections" for vulnerable people. However, Canadian Physicians for Life said the government still hasn't done enough to avoid potential abuses or to ensure that medical practitioners are not forced to provide assistance in dying even if it violates their personal beliefs. To obtain a medically assisted death, the bill requires a patient, or designated person, to submit a written request, which would need to be signed by two independent witnesses. Two independent physicians or authorized nurse practitioners would have to evaluate it and there would be a mandatory 15-day waiting period unless death or loss of capacity to consent was imminent. It does not compel anyone to provide assistance in dying; nor does it require conscientious objectors to refer patients to a medical practitioner who will help them die. Philpott said the federal government will work with provinces to connect patients with doctors or nurse practitioners who are willing. Photo: Alex Raths The vast majority of seniors care homes in B.C. are not providing enough hours of service to their clients, as set out in guidelines by the province. A recently released directory by the B.C Office of the Seniors Advocate on the state of care in B.C. shows fewer than 18 per cent of the 292 publicly subsidized care homes in B.C. receive adequate funding to provide the provincial guidelines of 3.36 daily direct care hours per senior. While care homes funded by Interior Health fare slightly better than those province-wide, just under one-quarter of IH care homes provide more than the recommended guideline. While 3.36 hours is not a requirement, it is a guideline as a starting point for planning decisions and facilities should be working toward that as an average, said Stephen May, public affairs officer with B.C. Health Services. The direct care hours reported in the directory are not an actual average reported by each care home, but the amount of funding each care home has been provided with to provide direct care services to seniors. These services could include things like helping with bathing, feeding or using the bathroom. Its the first time were able to see this on a province-wide basis, said Isobel Mackenzie, B.C.s senior advocate. We were all a little surprised, so that has prompted the minister to say we need to go and review this. What will be the outcome of that review, I dont know. Mackenzie says different care homes will require varying levels of care hours per person based on the level of need of their clients, but there is currently no standardized way of ensuring these hours are adequate. Theres not a formula for determining how many hours a facility gets right now in any formulized way and while theres a provincial guideline, clearly its not being met, Mackenzie said. Each facility negotiates their funding with their health authority on an individual basis, and while its possible to provide more direct care hours to clients than they are funded for, Mackenzie says theres no way to collect that information. The B.C Office of the Seniors Advocate is an independent arm of the B.C. government. Daryl Plecas, parliamentary secretary for seniors, is currently reviewing the direct care hours issue. Photo: BCLC Robert Jaeger. A Vernon senior has come forward as the winner of a $5 million Lotto 6/49 jackpot on the April 9 draw. Robert Jaeger admitted he got only about two hours sleep the night before claiming his big prize. Everyone has been so happy and excited for me, said Jaeger. I have really felt like the talk of the town. As for what he plans to do with the money, the first thing will be a bash for his buddies. Im planning on treating 20 of my closest friends to dinner of course its on me, said Jaeger. The senior citizen plans to share some of his winnings with family and bank the rest for now. The winning ticket was purchased at Kirbys Kiosk on Highway 6. Jaeger's win came one day after the $50 million Lotto Max jackpot was won in Kelowna by June Bergh. A few weeks earlier, Kelowna resident Robert Goertzen won a $21.9 million Lotto 6/49 jackpot. Photo: Surveillance image Police in Surrey are hoping to find the driver of a white van who may have witnessed a fatal pedestrian collision. The collision happened April 1, about 7:30 a.m. on 192nd Street at 54th Avenue. It claimed the life of a 55-year-old woman. RCMP have released surveillance images of the van and say the driver would have likely seen or heard the accident. Investigators hope the driver and any passengers will come forward with any information on the crash. The van is described as a white Ford or Chevrolet with rectangular windows on the passenger side. It was travelling west on 54th and turned right on 192nd. Anyone with information is asked to call Surrey RCMP at 604-599-0502 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Photo: Contributed Three Ontario families have launched lawsuits against a U.S.-based sperm bank and its Canadian distributor, alleging they were misled about their sperm donor's medical and social history, which included a criminal record and significant mental illness. The families all of whom used the same donor have brought three separate suits against Georgia-based Xytex Corp and Ontario-based Outreach Health Services over the sperm of Donor 9623, who they allege was promoted as a highly educated, healthy and popular donor. Statements of claim filed in a Newmarket, Ont., court this week allege the donor had in fact been diagnosed with schizophrenia and narcissistic personality disorder, had spent time behind bars for a residential burglary and did not have the degrees he claimed to obtain. The documents allege Xytex failed to properly investigate the donor's education claims and his medical history, and misrepresented him to customers, including suggesting he had the IQ level of a genius. "The claims allege Xytex continued to sell the sperm even after it knew the truth about the donor's health, his education and his criminal past," said lawyer James Fireman, who represents the three families. "This kind of specific facts scenario is pretty novel." The donor is believed to have fathered at least 36 children, the lawsuits allege. A lawyer for Xytex, however, said the company looks forward to "successfully defending itself" and noted that one of the families involved had already filed a similar lawsuit against the company in the U.S. which had been dismissed. "Pursuing claims in a court of law requires actual evidence and proof. Making unfounded allegations in the court of public opinion requires no actual proof at all, but merely the word of the very lawyers and litigants who already failed in a court of law," Ted Lavender told The Canadian Press. "Xytex is an industry leader and complies with all industry standards in how they safely and carefully help provide the gift of children to families who are otherwise unable have them without this assistance." Outreach Health Services was not immediately available for comment. The allegations in the lawsuits, which involve families from Port Hope, Ont., Ottawa and Haileybury, Ont., have not been proven in court. The Port Hope couple Angela Collins and Margaret Elizabeth Hanson had filed a lawsuit against Xytex, its parent company, sperm bank employees and the donor last year. The case was dismissed by a judge who said that while the lawsuit claimed fraud, negligence and product liability, it is "rooted in the concept of wrongful birth," which isn't recognized under Georgia law. The couple is the only one named in the latest trio of lawsuits filed in Ontario. Their statement of claim says the donor, James Christian Aggeles, by his own admission, lied about his mental health history and his education which included a claim about working towards a PhD in neuroscience engineering when he filled out a Xytex questionnaire, but was never questioned by anyone at Xytex. "Instead of conducting an actual investigation into the claims made by Aggeles, Xytex promoted Donor #i9623 as one of their best donors," the document said. "Xytex promoted Aggeles as a man of high integrity who was extremely intelligent and incredibly educated." Xytex continued to try and sell Aggeles' sperm even after his arrest history and mental illness came to light, the statement of claim alleges. "The Xytex Corporation has admitted no wrongdoing, it has done absolutely nothing to warn affected parents that schizophrenia may develop in their children," it said. The families are each seeking millions in damages. Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer There was a rash of thefts in Naramata Thursday, with multiple vehicles broken into and job sites ransacked. The Penticton RCMP say they have received eight separate reports of theft since 6:30 a.m. Thursday, including stolen ATVs, tools, a trailer and a child's bicycle. The streets targeted by thieves include Debeck Road, Ritchie Avenue, McPhee Road, Hayman Road and Robinson Road. "It's actually scary. I don't know what to think of it, because Naramata is supposed to be a safe community," said a Ritchie Avenue resident, whose car was tampered with. In the aftermath of the thefts, the RCMP is asking people to be more careful with their belongings. "I want to remind the public to secure their vehicles and outbuildings to make things a bit more difficult for thieves," said Cpl. Chris Richardson of the Penticton RCMP in a statement. "It is evident that they went to great lengths to cut locks and overcome security, however in the majority of incidents it appears to have been an easy opportunity to take valuables from an insecure location." Police are asking for the public's help in identifying those responsible for the thefts. Photo: Google Street View A coroner's jury in Kamloops B.C., has concluded an inquest into the death of 18-year-old Jacob Setah by calling for better mental health services in rural communities. The recommendation was among 15 made by jurors examining Setah's death after he escaped from a psychiatric unit and jumped from the upper floors of the parkade at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops in June 2014. During the four day inquest, jurors heard Setah was being held under the Mental Health Act and had been transferred to Kamloops from his home in Williams Lake against the wishes of his family. The panel urged significant changes to mental health services in rural communities and on reserves, including introduction of a youth mental health crisis response team, and better support for families of teens in care. A Taser was eventually used when police could not talk Setah off the ledge of the parkade, but the weapon malfunctioned and the teen jumped. A jury recommendation seeks a review of Taser use in critical incidents where someone is threatening self harm. "Until this Inquest, the facts of the tragedy had been a mystery to the family and community," said Russell Myers Ross, Chief of the Yunesit'in Government on Stone Reserve, where Setah grew up. Some of the feelings of anger and grief have resurfaced and there is still a need for healing," he added. "The need to support families so they can be deeply involved in their child's care is important." Pivot Legal Society represented the Yunesit'in Government and, in a release issued by the society, lawyer Doug King said the organization was generally happy with the jury findings. "We still believe there is fundamental lack of understanding from police in how to respond to a mental health crisis," he said, "We continue to see an over-reliance on use of force as a means of attempting to resolve a mental health crisis, and have doubts about the adequacy of current mental health training for police responders." Photo: Contributed The Supreme Court of Canada has ruled that two federal laws from the previous Conservative government's tough-on-crime agenda are unconstitutional. In a 6-3 vote, the high court says a mandatory, one-year minimum sentence for a drug crime when the offender has a similar charge on the record constitutes cruel and unusual punishment, a violation of section 12 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The case came about after Joseph Ryan Lloyd was convicted in September 2014 of three counts of possessing crack, methamphetamine and heroin for the purpose of trafficking in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside. He also had a 2012 trafficking charge. The provincial court ruled that while the appropriate sentence for Lloyd was one year, the mandatory minimum sentence constituted cruel and unusual punishment and violated the charter. The Supreme Court also says that provisions passed in 2009 which prohibit a trial judge from giving more than one-for-one credit for pre-trial detention if a justice of the peace denies bail to the person because of a previous conviction are unconstitutional. Photo: Facebook - Jill Hein The female orca calf, named J53. Some good news has come from the B.C. orca world, after recent dreary reports of dead killer whales and skewed sex ratios in newborns. A calf, born in 2015, has been identified as a female by the Centre for Whale Research. The centre was able to identify the sex of the orca, named J53, from photos sent to them by the public. A new female calf is a big deal for the endangered southern residents orca population, as the large majority of calves in a recent so-called orca baby boom have been male. Only one of the eight other calves born since Dec. 30, 2014, has been female. We are delighted to have another young female in the population, wrote the Centre for Whale Research on their website. This is great news for the southern residents. Researchers have been concerned this skewed sex ratio could be linked to toxins in the orcas environment. A skewed sex ratio could make reproductions difficult in the future, as female orcas only give birth roughly once every three years. Photo: CTV A Richmond RCMP officer has been charged with assault causing bodily harm. Const. Daryl Morrison has been charged in the wake of an alleged assaulted on a man in the detachment cell block. Morrison was charged following an investigation into his handling of a man on April 4, 2015, Richmond RCMP said in a press release, They did not specify whether the alleged victim was in custody. Morrison is also the subject of an internal Code of Conduct probe, but remains on the job. with files from CTV Vancouver YEREVAN, APRIL 16, ARMENPRESS. The President of the Republic of Armenia, Chairman of the CSTO Collective Security Council Serzh Sargsyan received the Secretary General of the CSTO Nikolai Bordyuzha on April 15, chief of the CSTO United Staff Anatoly Sidorov and the heads of the General Staffs of the CSTO member states delegations including those of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan who arrived in Armenia to participate in the eighth session of the CSTO Military committee. As Armenpress was informed by the Department of Public Relations and Mass Media of the Presidential Administration of Armenia, the participants of the meeting presented to the President the issues of the daily agenda of the Military Committee session and their relevance to the strengthening of the CSTO military component. They exchanged views about the works of enhancing the efficiency of the activity of the United staff. They also discussed the issues related to the maintenance of security and stability of the Organizations collective security of the Caucasian region, in particular, they referred to the situation created as a result of Azerbaijani aggression in the Karabakh-Azerbaijan line of contact in recent days. At the end of the meeting President Serzh Sargsyan and Secretary General of the CSTO Nikolai Bordyuzha had a private conversation where the Secretary General reported the Organizations ongoing steps to the President. Issues were discussed related to the chairmanship of the Republic of Armenia in the Organization. Photo: Twitter Self-described geek Justin Trudeau seized an opportunity with both hands Friday to deliver an impromptu lesson on quantum computing to some of the country's smartest theoretical physicists and possibly some not-so-smart reporters. Speaking at the Perimeter Institute, where he was making a funding announcement, the prime minister said he was excited by what he had learned earlier in the day on the topic. "When we get to the media questions later, I have to tell you: I'm really hoping people ask me how quantum computing works," Trudeau said. A reporter from The Canadian Press, with no knowledge of the topic, obliged. Trudeau wasted little time getting to it. "Very simply: Normal computers work by ..." he began, sparking laughter and applause from the appreciative audience. "Don't interrupt me," he chided with a smile. "When you walk out of here, you will know more no, some of you will know far less about quantum computing." The former teacher, who had been welcomed to the institute by renowned British physicist Stephen Hawking via recorded video, then picked up the thread with obvious relish to deliver a mini-lesson to his erudite audience. "Normal computers work ... either there's power going through a wire or not. It's one or a zero. They're binary systems," he lectured. "What quantum states allow for is much more complex information to be encoded into a single bit." Like any good teacher, Trudeau then repeated the information and elaborated just in case of any misunderstandings. "A regular computer bit is ether a one or a zero. On or off. A quantum state can be much more complex than that because, as we know, things can be both particle and waves at the same times, and the uncertainty around quantum states allows us to encode more information into a much smaller computer. "So that's what's exciting about quantum computing," he said as the audience burst again into applause. "Don't get me going on this or we'll be here all day. Trust me." The prime minister then went on to answer questions about the Islamic State and the Supreme Court ruling on Metis rights among other weightier matters. He also announced $50 million over five years for the institute. YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. The elaboration of the draft military partnership treaty between Armenia and NKR is underway. The treaty of military cooperation is already in the stage of approval, which, I believe, will not last long, Armenpress reports Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia Shavarsh Kocharyan told about this after Cabinet meeting. At the extraordinary National Security Council convened by the President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan in relations with the military operations unleashed by Azerbaijan on the contact line, Sargsyan assigned the Foreign Ministry to start the process of signing a military partnership treaty with Artsakh. At the meeting with the Ambassadors of OSCE member states President Sargsyan had mentioned that if the military operations continue and grow in scale, The Republic of Armenia would recognize the independence of Nagorno Karabakh. Discussion In addition to the present case report, at least five other cases of sexually transmitted Zika virus infection supported by laboratory evidence have now been reported in the published literature; all were male-to-female transmissions involving vaginal sex. All of the male travelers had symptoms consistent with Zika virus infection and could have transmitted infections to their sex partners a few days before or after as well as during the time symptoms appeared (35). In this case report, patient Bs potential exposures occurred both before and just after initial appearance of symptoms in the traveler, which is the time when blood viremia appears to be highest (i.e., as clinical signs and symptoms of infection emerge). Transmission of Zika virus to patient B by Ae. aegypti or albopictus was unlikely based on environmental conditions. Even if these mosquito species had been present and active, the time from exposure to illness in patient B (i.e., 68 days) was shorter than the minimum estimated time required for Aedes to become infectious had a mosquito ingested a Zika virus-infected blood meal from patient A (i.e., Ae. aegypti extrinsic incubation period is a minimum estimated duration of 10 days) (6,7), and for patient B once infected to have then developed illness (i.e., 312 days). Studies investigating seminal shedding of infection-competent Zika virus, including its incidence, pattern (e.g., intermittent shedding or a steady decay), and duration are ongoing. At the time of Patient Bs clinical presentation, there had been only one published report describing testing of semen from a man with Zika virus infection (8); studies of semen from two additional men have since been reported (9,10). Zika virus has been detected by RT-PCR and isolated in culture from the semen of two men at least 2 weeks after onset of illnesses (8,10) and possibly up to 10 weeks after illness in one of these cases (8). One report described Zika virus detectable in semen by RT-PCR 62 days after illness onset; culture was not performed (9). In two men, Zika virus was no longer detectable in their blood by RT-PCR when the semen specimens were analyzed (8,9). None of the three men provided follow-up semen specimens to determine when Zika virus was no longer detectable. Notably, all men in the five case reports and the three semen studies, as well as patient A, experienced symptomatic illness. In the report of the sexual transmission case that occurred in 2008 (1) and of the man with culturable Zika virus in semen in 2013 (8), symptoms also included hematospermia. Identifying and characterizing cases of sexually transmitted Zika virus infection in areas experiencing intense autochthonous vector-borne Zika virus transmission is challenging. Reports of sexual transmission identified in areas where autochthonous transmission is not occurring offer unique and important opportunities to learn about this emerging mode of transmission and rapidly inform and refine interim prevention recommendations. Such cases highlight the need for clinicians to remain vigilant for and continue reporting any suspected cases of Zika virus infection to their state or local health departments, including suspected infections in symptomatic persons without travel history, but who report unprotected sexual contact with a person who has traveled to an area with active Zika virus transmission. We cannot look at the current state of Mobile Operating Systems without looking at the past. Android, iOS, and every modern OS drew inspiration from their past counterparts. Back then, mobile phones had simpler functions and that is to help us get connected. Besides the basic functions of calling, answering phone calls, and receiving messages, at most youll just play The Snake game on the phone. Before mobile phones took a turn to the Millenium, it mostly ran on embedded systems. An embedded system usually features a processor, input, output, and memory which is commonly seen used on portable music players and vehicles. Soon after, mobile operating systems evolved in the form of Personal Digital Assistants. What it does are far more sophisticated than the basic is by allowing mobile devices to organize emails and gain internet access. At that time, the most popular OS for PDAs was the PenPoint OS. Then a few years later, Symbian OS emerged during the mobile blooming era of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Symbian was a cooperative effort from Nokia, Motorola, Ericsson, and PSION. That said, these three brands gains its popularity mainly during the rise of Symbian. The 2000s also saw the rise of mobile operating systems from Microsoft and Blackberry. But, in 2007 Apple released its first iPhone, and with it is Apples iOS changed the whole landscape. The iPhone combined cell phone functionality with iPod and internet capabilities. Soon enough in 2008, Android 1.0 was launched for mobile phones and subsequently for tablets and other mobile devices. Until now, iOS and Android remain the most favorable mobile operating systems. And though these two OS seems to be a constant rivalry, a healthy competition doesnt hurt. YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. The issue of the Azerbaijani provocative actions has been raised at the session of the CSTO Military committee, Armenpress reports, in an interview with journalists Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces Yuri Khachaturov said this after the session of the CSTO Military committee. I have informed my partners about the situation in the contact line of Karabakh and Azerbaijan from the beginning of April. Armenian side is seriously concerned about the aggressive military actions committed by Azerbaijan. They resulted in the loss of numerous lives, including also the loss among the civilian population. There has been an exchange of opinions on this particular issue, said Yuri Khachaturov. According to him, all issues of the daily agenda were discussed in the CSTO Military committee session. The participants stated that the issue of military threat in the area of the CSTO is complex by nature. The issue of the military security is connected with political, economic, informational and other important sectors. Therefore, there is a need to support and refine the mechanisms of stability maintenance in the collective security states. We agreed to refine the activity of the United Staff, made concrete the functions, problems and other issues related to the Staff. We have also determined the directions of our future work, Yuri Khachaturov added. The eighth session of the CSTO Military committee kicked off in Yerevan on April 15. The delegations of the General Staffs of the Armed Forces of the CSTO member-states including those of Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia and Tajikistan, as well as the Secretary General of the CSTO and chief of the United Staff arrived in Yerevan to participate in that session. The next session will be held in Armenia in the second half of 2016. YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatovic expressed concern about the state of Internet freedom in Turkey, following the blocking of the Russian news agency Sputniks website in the country, Armenpress was informed about this by the OSCE Office. This blocking is only the latest in a series of issues that I have voiced over the years with regard to freedom of expression on the Internet in Turkey. The problems stem from several provisions of Law 5651 that have been used to block websites in the country, Mijatovic said. Mijatovic stated that the blocking of websites is a highly disproportionate measure. It impedes on the publics right to access information on the Internet and negatively impacts media pluralism and free expression, the OSCE representative said. Mijatovic stated that currently more than 110,000 websites and thousands of news and social media related URLs are reportedly blocked from Turkey, many without judiciary oversight. The Internet Law of Turkey remains in urgent need of reform. My Office stands ready to assist the authorities with this very important step towards increasing freedom of expression online, Mijatovic added. On 14 April, Turkeys telecommunications authority TIB, citing technical analysis and legal consideration based on Article 8/A of Law Nr. 5651, blocked the Sputnik news website by an administrative measure. The news agency said they were not notified of the decision ahead of time. YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. During these days of April leading up to the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and during these days of trouble in our homeland Karabakh, the Mher Mkrtchyan Theater Company of New York of Tekeyan Cultural Association (TCA) is in Armenia with the mission to express solidarity with the Armenian people and present the play Rise for the Judge by Pertch Zeytuntsyan. As Armenpress was informed from the press service of the Ministry of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia, on April 15, Minister of Diaspora of Armenia Hranush Hakobyan received the theater companys representative, editor of Armenian Mirror Spectator Weekly Hagop Vartivarian, editor-in-chief of Zartonk Daily Baidzig Galajian and the chairman of the theater company Harout Chatmajian. Greeting the guests, the Minister attached importance to the ongoing determination of all Diaspora Armenian structures, organizations and individuals to place the Homeland above everything else at decisive and catastrophic moments for the Armenian people, their will and willingness to support and express solidarity with the Defense Army of Nagorno-Karabakh, proving that they have always stood and continue to stand with the Homeland. Our key objective is to ensure the safety of Armenia and Artsakh. We need to do everything possible to reinforce Armenia and the Armenian army, the Minister particularly stated. Hagop Vartivarian stressed the following: The members of the Mher Mkrtchyan Theater Company of New York are in Armenia with high awareness and a great spirit of patriotism. They are here once again to become empowered by the native land, the homeland, Sardarapat, Tsitsernakaberd and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. They are in Armenia the homeland to renew their covenant to serve our people, culture and national heritage. They are the descendants of the immortals, that is, Vahan Tekeyan, Arshak Chopanyan and Mihran Damadian, who set the examples of real patriotism throughout their lives. Patriotism doesnt recognize an ideology, political doctrine, or sectional propaganda. We must return to stir the emotions of the Armenians of New York with renewed patriotism and with the vision of eternal Ararat. The tour of the Mher Mkrtchyan Theater Company of New York of Tekeyan Cultural Association (TCA) is sponsored by RA Prime Minister Hovik Abrahamyan. STEPANAKERT, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. Prime Minister of Artsakh Arayik Harutyunyan convened a consultation on April 15 to discuss a number of issues related to the restoration of economic activities in the regions. Press service of the Government of Artsakh Republic informed Armenpress about this, adding that The Prime Minister highlighted the importance of restoration of normal economic activities for rapid elimination of the consequences of Azerbaijan aggression and for further improvement of the social-economic condition of the people. Arayik Harutyunyan assigned the Minister of Agriculture and heads of regions to properly arrange the spring works. The Head of the Executive also gave assignments on fire-prevention measures for reducing possible losses during harvesting. Of course, particularly today we are all engaged in the work of protecting the borders of the motherland, but it is already time that the Republic moves to normal life. By doing that we will be able to eliminated the consequences of the military operations within a short period and continue our path to economic development, the PM mentioned. YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. If Russia stays away from selling arms to Azerbaijan, that gap will immediately be filled by some NATO member states. First Deputy Chairman of RF Federation Council's defense and safety committee Alexander Chekalin expressed such an opinion in an interview with journalists at the National Assembly, referring to the concerns of the Armenian side over Russian arms sales to Azerbaijan. Arm deals between states is an internationally accepted practice and it does not surprise anyone. Arm sales is more an economic than a political phenomenon. Azerbaijan buys Israeli and Ukrainian arms in addition to the Russian ones. And if Russia stays away from selling arms to that country, that gap will be immediately filled and most probably, by a NATO member state. And those weapons can be more deadly and dreadful, Armenpress reports Chekalin mentioning. He added that man fires, but not the weapon. For that it is necessary to work with politicians and publics, and in that case neither Russian nor anyone elses weapon will fire. If you believe that that weapon will not fire if it is of European production, you are mistaken. It will fire more fiercely, Chekalin said. In his words peace process is the only way to avoid human losses. If there is someone today that relies on military methods for solving the conflict, it can be an irreversible calamity for the region. It will be a historical mistake. This is my viewpoint. I have been in many hot spots and now I can claim that it will be so, Chekalin concluded. Member of the Federation Council Committee on Defense and Security Aleksey Kondratiev stated that their goal is to prevent the weapons existing in the region from being fired by the armed forces of any of the states or terrorist groups. We cannot fully remain away from weapons, as states take their armed forces for the main guarantor of their national security. But we aim to reach a point when those having aggressive intentions will refrain from using weapons, the Russian MP mentioned. To the remark of a journalist that the RF did not force Azerbaijan to refrain from aggressive use of the weapons, Kondratiev answered, The President of the Russian Federation held talks with Serzh Sargsyan and Ilham Aliyev, after which the 4-day war ended, the MP said, adding that now they work to exclude such incidents. YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. The Defense Ministry of the Republic of Armenia will release the military documents of the downed Azerbaijani helicopters staff. Armenpress reports press secretary of the Ministry of Defense of Armenia Artsrun Hovhannisyan made a note about this on his Facebook page. Dear journalists, we invite you to the Defense Ministry on April 16 to get acquainted with the military documents of the downed Azerbaijani helicopters staff, Hovhannisyan wrote. YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. A statement will be issued based on the joint session of the Standing Committee on Defense, National Security and Internal Affairs of the National Assembly of Armenia and the Russian Federation Council Committee on Defense and Security. The text of the statement will be promulgated a little later as the Russian side has asked for time to make some clarifications. The Chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Defense, National Security and Internal Affairs Koryun Nahapetyan presented the issues discussed at the meeting, but mentioned that they reached an agreement that they will issue a joint statement a little later. The Russian side asked for time to make some clarifications over the text of the statement elaborated by the National Assembly Standing Committee on Defense, National Security and Internal Affairs of Armenia, and we agreed to promulgate the text only after the clarifications are made, Armenpress reports Nahapetyan saying. In the words of Nahapetyan, the text includes all the concerns discussed at the joint session. Concrete assessments will be given, and there will be proposals in the text for taking practical steps to make military-political situation in the South Caucasus more secure, as well as for reinforcement of the security system, Koryun Nahapetyan stated. Issues referring to regional security and bilateral relations were discussed at the session. A reference was made to the Azerbaijani aggression against Artsakh, which was accompanied by large-scale military operations. The participants of the discussion highlighted the peaceful settlement of Nagorno Karabakh conflict and the resumption of the negotiations under the auspices of the OSCE Minsk Group, Nahapetyan stated. Issues related to military cooperation between Armenia and Russia were touched upon. YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. At the American initiative a telephone conversation between Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State John Kerry took place on April 15. Armenpress reports citing the official website of the Russian Foreign Ministry, among other issues Kerry and Lavrov discussed the situation around Nagorno-Karabakh. The main focus was on the settlement of the Syrian crisis. The sides also touched upon the situation in the conflict zone of Dombas. 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 YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. Defense Ministry of Armenia introduced the military documents of the downed Azerbaijani helicopters staff to the military attaches of foreign countries in Armenia on April 15. Armenpress reports press secretary of the Ministry of Defense of Armenia Artsrun Hovhannisyan made a note about this on his Facebook page. The military documents particularly provide evidences that the given helicopter still days ago moved from Baku region to the frontline with its staff and had precise targets which had to be destroyed during its sorties. In fact, this is a final proof that the Azerbaijani side had planned a large-scale military operation in advance and it was not small by scale, Hovhannisyan wrote. These documents will be presented to journalists on April 16. An international group of researchers including Russian scientists from the Moscow State University has been studying the behaviour of the recently-discovered Fe4O5, iron oxide. The group has succeeded in describing its complex structure, and proposed an explanation for its very unusual properties. An international group of researchers including Russian scientists from the Moscow State University has been studying the behaviour of the recently-discovered Fe4O5, iron oxide. The group has succeeded in describing its complex structure, and proposed an explanation for its very unusual properties. The scientists discovered that when Fe4O5 iron oxide is cooled to temperatures below 150K, it goes through an unusual phase transition related to a formation of charge-density waves -- which lead to a "four-dimensional" crystal structure. Artem Abakumov (Senior Researcher at the Chemistry Faculty of the Department of Electrochemistry at the Lomonosov Moscow State University and one of the paper's authors) said that the further study of this material would be rewarding from the viewpoint of a fundamental understanding of the interconnection between magnetic and crystal structures. The origins of this research date back to 1939, when the German physicist E.J.W. Verwey first discovered that the iron oxide Fe 3 O 4 - commonly known as the mineral magnetite -- had a strange phase transition. Magnetite in its normal state is a relatively good electrical conductor, but when cooled below 120K its conductivity markedly decreased, and the material practically became an insulator. Scientists guessed the reason for this transformation explaining that below 120K, the iron atoms arrange themselves into a kind of ordered structure. In this structure the electrons are denied to move freely within the material and act as charge carriers, so that this oxides even becomes a ferroelectric. Even so, the scientists could not explain what exactly changes in the structure -- something which physicists have spent the last century attempting to discover. All that could be suggested was the phenomenon was related to the presence of iron atoms in two different oxidation states (valences) - 2 and 3 - and their consequent ability to form ordered structures. The answer to this question was found only recently, in 2012 - when a group of researchers led by Prof. Paul Attfield of Cambridge University managed to synthesise high-quality magnetite single crystals and decipher their structure. Scientists showed that -- just as had been suggested earlier - a so-called change in the ordering had occurred, in which two- and three-valent iron atoms arranged themselves into groups of three, which were called trimerons. The authors decided to look at different iron oxide, Fe 4 O 5 , which has only recently been discovered by an American research team. It's an unusual oxide that can only be formed at extremely high temperatures and pressure -- meaning that it is not to be found on the Earth's surface, and exists alongside other oxides containing even greater levels of oxygen, as is now believed, at tremendous depths of hundreds of kilometres below our planet's surface. When examining the behaviour of this oxide - which was obtained by Sergey Ovsyannikov in the group of Dr Leonid Dubrovinsky of the University of Bayreuth in Germany, who is a specialist in the synthesis of materials at high pressure -- scientists discovered that this oxide has a phase transition phase very similar to that noted by Verwey in magnetite. It differs, however, in occurring at different temperatures, and the configuration of the structure obtained is much more complex. "We have found that here, just as in magnetite, when cooling to lower than 150K occurs, an unusual structure evolves. It's something of a mixture between standard charge density waves forming dimers" (chains of iron atom pairs which have foreshortened interatomic distance -- Ed) Artem Abakumov commented, "and the situation with the trimerons that was observed in magnetite. This was very complicated in the case of Fe 4 O 5 -- what's known as a 'incommensurately modulated structure", in which we can't identify three-dimensional periodicity. However, the periodicity can be observed in a higher-dimensional space -- in this specific case, in the four-dimensional space. When we mention the four-dimensionality of such structures, we are not actually talking about the existence of these oxides in four dimensions, of course. This is just a technical construct for the mathematical description of such highly complex ordering." Despite clear similarities between the behaviours of magnetite and Fe 4 O 5 , the charge-ordered structure of Fe 4 O 5 remains centro-symmetric, without exhibiting any ferroelectric properties. The special interest which scientists have in Fe 3 O 4 results from the fact that magnetite belongs to a class of materials known as multiferroics -- in which two kinds of ordering are seen at the same time, magnetic and electric. If these two different orders become coupled with each other, then the effect of the magnetic field on the material can alter its electric polarization -- or conversely, magnetisation changes being affected by electric field. "If this happens," says Artem Abakumov, "then we get a bifunctional material. That's of interest not only from the fundamental physics viewpoint or solid-state chemistry -- but also in terms of how it could be put into practical use. It could be used in sensors - for example, in magnetic field sensors. The only drawback is that normally a coupling of a magnetic and electrical order is pretty weak, and only appears at low temperatures. Comparative analysis of the crystalline, electronic and magnetic structure of Fe4O5 and magnetite will give us a better shot at studying the relationship of the magnetic and electrical order in these kinds of materials". YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. The Government of Armenia plans to submit the edited draft electoral code to the National Assembly on April 18. The Government's Chief of Staff Minister Davit Harutyunyan told about at the National Assembly during the discussion of the electoral code in the format 4+4+4. As we have short time limits for the adoption of the electoral code, and it has to receive three readings, we plan to submit it to the National Assembly on April 18. We cannot include all the proposals upon which we can reach a consensus in the draft, but if there are common positions we can make relevant amendments before the second reading, Armenpress reports Harutyunyan mentioning. Harutyunyan added that based on the results of the discussions in 4+4+4 format, the authorities have analyzed the proposals of the opposition and the civil society, and made a decision to include the two important ones in the draft electoral code irrespective of whether the opposition or civil society representatives will announce in the future that there was a consensus upon them or no. One of those proposals is the investment of electronic voting by fingerprints. This means that the fingerprint of each voter is recorded when voting. After the elections the fingerprints from the entire republic are collected and are compared through software to see if the same fingerprint has been repeated. This refers not only to the civilians participating in the elections, but also servicemen, in order to eradicate many doubts, Harutyunyan clarified. The next proposal to be included in the draft electoral code is that on the next day after the elections, from 12:00 to 18:00, proxies of political forces and representatives of observer organizations can submit a request and obtain data on the citizens that participated in the voting in any polling station. They can submit the relevant request and on the next day, from 12:00 to 18:00, will obtain the data of which numbers of the given polling station participated in the polls. There are no limitations on the polling stations. They can submit such requests for any polling station. Harutyunyan said, adding that these two proposals will be included in the draft electoral code to be submitted to the National Assembly on April 18. Michael Binstein, CEO of Binny's Beverage Depot, is seen April 5, 2016. Binstein had hoped to open four Binny's stores in Indiana but those plans are on hold after a change in Indiana's liquor laws. (Nancy Stone / Chicago Tribune) Binny's Beverage Depot was poised to swoop in and open at least four stores in Indiana, where, in the words of CEO Michael Binstein, competitors are "fat, happy and lazy." It would have been the first out-of-state expansion for Chicago's largest liquor store chain. Advertisement But those plans are on hold indefinitely after Indiana Gov. Mike Pence last month signed laws, backed by a powerful liquor store lobby, making it much harder for out-of-state liquor retailers to come in and set up shop. "The retailers and their lobbyists amassed at the border to keep us out," Binstein said. "Indiana's is a free lunch system, not a free enterprise system." Advertisement Laws governing the sale and distribution of alcohol vary significantly among states. In Illinois, those seeking to open a liquor store need only have a legal presence within the state, typically by establishing a corporation. Indiana already had a residency requirement in place for liquor store companies, but the new legislation requires owners of a controlling interest in a company to live in the state for five years. In other words, a company can no longer set up a satellite corporation within Indiana to run liquor stores if the control and financial backing are in another state. In practical terms, that "flat-out prohibits" out-of-state liquor retailers like Binny's from entering Indiana, said Alex Intermill, an Indianapolis-based attorney hired by Binny's to establish its Indiana corporation. Binstein and others say that's discriminatory to the economic interests of out-of-state business, and therefore, unconstitutional. Indiana state Rep. Tom Dermody, an influential state legislator on the brink of retirement, said such concerns weren't aired when the bills passed with overwhelming support. Dermody said he supported the legislation because having a company meet the residency requirement makes it easier for the state to enforce regulations. Plus, he said, many state legislators have formed relationships with package store owners and trust them to operate responsibly. "Fundamentally, I think it's anti-free market." Indiana state Rep. Hal Slager "I don't think it's protecting (Indiana liquor store owners) as much as it is, hey, these guys live in our communities and they do it well," said Dermody, a Republican. In Indiana, the state issues a limited number of liquor store permits in a given community depending on the town's population. Once the permits are issued by the state, they can be bought and sold between owners, creating a secondary market among businesses, so long as the transfers are approved by the state after a local hearing. Binny's planned to open a 33,000-square-foot store in Schererville, a growing town in northwest Indiana that's become a bedroom community to those who work in Chicago. To do so, it planned to manage the permit of another company, Schererville-based Lincoln Highway Liquors, with an option to eventually buy the permit, Binstein said. Advertisement That plan was approved by the local alcoholic beverage board but rejected by the state's Alcohol and Tobacco Commission for reasons not directly related to the residency issue, including Binny's plan to manage the permit at a location where Lincoln Highway had no ownership or leasehold interest. But the change in state law last month rendered the situation moot. "Fundamentally, I think it's anti-free market," said Indiana state Rep. Hal Slager, a Republican who lives in Schererville and who voted against the legislation. "We limit these permits and, particularly in fast-growing areas, these permits are like gold," Slager said. "To limit them to Hoosiers might make some sense to some legislators." Patrick Tamm, president of the Indiana Association of Beverage Retailers, the trade group that lobbied for the new laws, did not return calls seeking comment. Calls to four Indiana liquor store chains 21st Amendment, Big Red Liquors, Nick's Liquors and Wise Guys Discount Liquors also went unreturned. In a February House public policy committee meeting, Tamm called Binny's plan to manage another company's permit in Schererville an "end run" around Indiana's residency requirement and noted some examples in recent years of the state's liquor law passing constitutional muster in legal challenges. Most importantly, Tamm said, the state's Alcohol and Tobacco Commission can more easily "police" in-state liquor store owners. "It's much more difficult and costly to police individuals who live far from Indiana," Tamm said. Advertisement At least 12 other states have some form of residency requirement for liquor store permits, according to Heather Morton, program principal of fiscal affairs for the National Conference of State Legislatures. Some states, like Pennsylvania and New Hampshire, are more directly involved and have state-operated liquor stores. Since the repeal of Prohibition, states have largely crafted their own laws when it comes to selling and distributing alcohol. Those laws come in all shapes and sizes. Until 2006, South Carolina bars only served mixed drinks made from mini-bottles. In Utah restaurants, bartenders have to mix drinks behind a partition some refer to as the "Zion curtain" to prevent underage diners from glimpsing the special sauce. In Indiana, no alcohol of any sort can be purchased at a store on Sunday. Cold beer can only be purchased at liquor stores and, conversely, cold nonalcoholic beverages cannot be sold in liquor stores. As a result, many Indiana liquor stores have soda vending machines just outside. "[States] can do pretty much whatever they want, even if it's stupid." Alex Tanford, a law professor emeritus at Indiana University's Maurer School of Law in Bloomington, explaining states' individual approach to liquor laws When it comes to liquor laws, "states can do pretty much whatever they want, even if it's stupid," said Alex Tanford, a law professor emeritus at Indiana University's Maurer School of Law in Bloomington. But Tanford said Indiana's bolstered residency requirement for liquor store owners was "stunningly idiotic" and unconstitutional because it restricts competition. He predicted it would not survive if challenged in court. "States have the authority to set up any kind of system as long as it doesn't discriminate in favor of in-state businesses against similarly situated out of state businesses," Tanford said. Advertisement Currently, Binny's has 32 stores in Illinois with plans to open four more by the end of the year, Binstein said. There are no immediate plans to expand into other Midwestern states. In some ways, what makes Indiana challenging is also what makes it appealing. Binstein believes his business model would thrive in the Hoosier State because, as he sees it, he offers lower prices and greater selection than what's currently available. Indiana state Rep. Tom Dermody, R-LaPorte, speaks at a 2015 hearing in Indianapolis on Sunday alcohol sales. Dermody said having liquor retailers meet the new residency requirement makes it easier for the state to enforce regulations. (Darron Cummings / AP) A former journalist who co-wrote a syndicated column called the "Washington Merry Go Round" in the early 1990s, Binstein still possesses some rhetorical fire for taking on the establishment, though of course now it's to advance his own economic interests. "It's so unnatural and unhealthy to have this modern-day protectionism anywhere in America, this protectionist legislation for a politically connected class of businessmen who feel privileged and entitled," Binstein said. On whether he'll challenge the Indiana residency requirement in court: "That's a decision we'll consider and think soberly about in the coming weeks." gtrotter@tribpub.com Advertisement Twitter @GregTrotterTrib Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., speaks to reporters on April 6, 2016, in Washington. Durbin has sent a letter to to Miles White, CEO of Abbott Laboratories, criticizing the separation agreement he says laid-off Abbott workers are being required to sign. (J. Scott Applewhite / AP) Abbott Laboratories has confirmed that it's laying off about 150 workers and replacing them with contractors from a foreign company that specializes in outsourcing U.S. jobs, Sen. Dick Durbin says. The Illinois Democrat said he sent a letter Thursday to Miles White, CEO of the Lake Bluff-based health care company, about the dismissal of the workers whose jobs are being outsourced to Wipro, an India-based information technology services firm, and the terms of their exit. Advertisement Last month, Durbin publicly expressed unhappiness about what he then estimated were 180 layoffs, but at the time, Abbott had said only that it "recently outsourced some IT capabilities." In his Thursday letter, Durbin acknowledged that White confirmed the layoffs of about 150 workers who will be replaced with contractors from Wipro. Advertisement The main purpose of the senator's letter, though, was to raise a stink about the separation agreement he says the laid-off Abbott workers are being required to sign as a condition for receiving severance benefits. Durbin, whose office provided a copy of his letter to the Tribune, said the workers are being asked to "sign away their right to sue or disparage the company." "As a result of this agreement, we are unable to hear directly from the U.S. employees whom you have terminated about their perspective on the layoffs," Durbin wrote to White, noting that White's staff refused to provide Durbin with a copy of the separation agreement. A spokesman for Abbott said the company had no comment on Durbin's letter. Durbin has said he heard about the planned dismissals during a recent Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the impact of temporary visa programs, including H-1Bs, used to bring immigrants, mainly from India, for technology work. The senator's staff then spoke with some Abbott workers who confirmed the layoffs, Durbin said earlier. The Abbott employees were given 60 days' notice and were told their last day will be April 22. People who lost their jobs also were told they would have to train their replacements. Last month, Abbott said it was "retaining the vast majority" of its U.S.-based IT jobs. Durbin said he's particularly concerned with the agreement's "sweeping non-disparagement provision." According to Durbin's letter, that provision reads: "You agree to make every effort to maintain and protect the reputation of Abbott and its products and agents. You further agree that you will not disparage Abbott, or its products or agents (or persons representing them in their official capacity) or engage in any activities that reasonably could be anticipated to harm Abbott's reputation, operations, or relationships with current or prospective customers, suppliers or employees." Durbin said that language suggests former Abbott workers are not only barred from disparaging the company, but "are actually required to make an affirmative effort to protect Abbott's reputation." Advertisement "It suggests that an employee is prohibited from objectively describing the circumstances of his or her employment and termination if such a factual recitation 'reasonably could be anticipated' to harm Abbott," Durbin wrote to White. "Abbott employees told my staff they were concerned that speaking with my office about the layoffs could place them in legal jeopardy." The nondisparagement provision also doesn't make clear that a current or former Abbott employee can talk to government agencies regarding workplace discrimination, Durbin said. "As I am sure you are aware, employees have a legal right to communicate with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and comparable federal, state, and local agencies," Durbin said. "Courts have made clear that an agreement purporting to waive this right is unenforceable." byerak@tribpub.com Twitter @beckyyerak Diana Aviv calls herself "the new kid on the block" at Feeding America, a massive network of food banks and food pantries headquartered in Chicago. But the new CEO is facing some age-old problems: 48 million hungry Americans, many of them working at least part time, and a federal food stamp program that the anti-hunger organization says leaves millions running low before the month's end. In March, just five months into Aviv's tenure, the nonprofit announced a partnership with Starbucks that will funnel unsold food from cafes. The plan is for Starbucks to donate 50 million meals through the program by 2021. Aviv thinks it's just the beginning of getting corporations to team up in the fight against hunger. Advertisement Diane Aviv, CEO of Feeding America, is photographed at her downtown Chicago offices March 29, 2016. Aviv has been with the nonprofit, which recently annouced a partnership with Starbucks, for about six months. (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune) But the challenge facing hungry Americans goes beyond not having enough food, Aviv said. It's getting the right kinds of food to them less trans fat and sugar, more fresh fruit and vegetables. In March, Feeding America held its first Fresh Produce Summit, where it brought together representatives from its food banks and the produce industry to brainstorm ways to give away more perishable food. Aviv recently sat down with the Tribune. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Advertisement Q: Give us an overview of Feeding America. A: Feeding America is the largest anti-hunger organization in the United States. It's connected 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries, soup kitchens and other programs that provide food to people who are facing hunger in America. We serve over 3.7 billion meals a year to 46 million people. Our goal is to go to 6.1 billion meals annually by 2025. The number of people facing hunger in America is 48 million. That's more than all the people living in Australia. It's absolutely astonishing. And this is not because we don't have enough food. It is because they don't have enough food. We produce enough (in this country) to feed most of the world. The biggest challenge we have is getting that food to the people who need it before it gets disposed of, thrown away or not harvested in the first place. Here, very poor people don't starve to death they eat themselves to death. Eating the kinds of food that has no value at all other than calories, and at some point it arrests the development of the brain, it attacks the organs in the body, and not only do those folks themselves pay dearly, but so does society. Q: What are the efforts you're making politically? A: We recognize that even as Americans are generous, they're more generous when there's a tax deduction attached. And at the end of last year, for the first time ever in the history of America, we got a tax deduction passed for farmers and small businesses as well. So that means farmers, instead of letting the crops lay fallow because there's no more market, we can come in and reap and glean from what's left over. The same is true for small-business people. We don't have the capacity and the infrastructure but we are thinking about how we can help them as well. The most important action that Congress can take is to expand the food stamp program. More than 60 percent of all food stamp recipients are children, older Americans or someone who is disabled. So we're talking about elderly people who aren't going to get jobs and kids that didn't ask to be brought into the world. We know that virtually all people run out of food stamp (benefits) within the first 21 days of the month. And we now have evidence that at the end of the month, there is a higher incidence of emergency room visits and illness in this population. So we know there's a direct correlation between what you eat and your health and well-being. Elderly people are going to get sicker and children's brains aren't going to develop. Advertisement Q: What's the portrait of an average person that goes to a food bank in America? A: If you take out the elderly and the children, the majority of households we serve have someone working part-time or full-time. The minimum wage doesn't pay. It's not a living wage. We know that. It's certainly not a living wage in Chicago. The profile from our food banks are people who wish they had more resources, who wish they didn't have to come, who wish they could be independent and support themselves and their families. Q: You recently formed a partnership with Starbucks. How did that evolve and what are your goals with that? A: Starbucks employees said to their managers, "We don't like the fact that we're serving food to people that at the end of the day, we throw away when it's perfectly good food." And the Starbucks managers heard that. And they said, "We will find a way to make sure this food is repurposed." That started the development of a long set of conversations with us. Why should that food go to the dumpster when it could go for a good purpose. But our food banks don't have refrigerated trucks in the gazillions to be able to be able to pick it up with the frequency that you would want it. And Starbucks said, "We will help with that." Advertisement And so they've created a system where they will provide infrastructure dollars and incentivize our food banks to go to a whole bunch of Starbucks in an evening, and that infrastructure money will ultimately add up to enough to buy up these kinds of trucks and to hire new people. But the opportunity there is much greater. The beauty of this kind of partnership is that it allows others to see that we're capable of partnering in a way that they would need. Q: You just held your first Fresh Produce Summit. Could you talk about the challenge with fresh food donations and what you're doing with that now? A: It's not that food banks were ever against fresh produce. The challenge is how do you get it in time, and how do you distribute it in a way that the soup kitchens and pantries can absorb. So this summit was an opportunity for everybody who works in the space to think about what are the techniques that have worked, looking at local examples, where they've been able to solve certain challenges that have confounded others, and to think about that. The Feeding America network provides more than 1 billion pounds of fresh produce annually to the people that we serve. That's twice what we provided just five years ago. This is a priority to our system. We understand fundamentally that the kind of food we provide is just as important as providing food. We estimate that there is an additional 6 billion pounds of fresh produce that we're not yet capturing. And we want to capture it all. Advertisement sbomkamp@tribpub.com Twitter @SamWillTravel Dana Cree, pictured in the dining room of Publican, will return to One Off Hospitality Group as pastry chef for the Publican brand. (Sandy Noto) Dana Cree, a two-time finalist for the James Beard Foundation's Outstanding Pastry Chef award, and winner of a Chicago Tribune Dining Award in 2015, is returning to the restaurant world. Cree, who left her post as executive pastry chef at Blackbird and Avec in August, will rejoin One Off Hospitality Group in May as executive pastry chef of The Publican brand. Advertisement In that capacity, Cree will oversee pastry and dessert programs at The Publican, Publican Quality Meats, Publican Tavern (the soon-to-open space in O'Hare airport) and an unnamed project opening in Wicker Park. The timing was fortuitous, Cree said; she had just parted ways with 1871 Dairy (where she had been working since September) when Matthew Rice announced his departure from The Publican. Advertisement "I wasn't sure that's what I wanted," Cree said, "but once Paul (Kahan) said 'Publican,' my heart opened." It's a nice fit for Cree's Hello My Name Is line of gourmet ice creams, which will return to the carryout case of Publican Quality Meats and also be available at Dove's Luncheonette, another One Off Hospitality restaurant. Cree, currently in Los Angeles shooting photographs for her upcoming book, "Hello My Name Is Ice Cream," will return to the Publican fold at the beginning of May. But first, Cree is off to Germany to visit a niece, with whom she shares a late-April birthday, for a "girl party." "We're going to make a My Little Pony cake together," Cree said. Phil Vettel is a Tribune critic. Reporting from New York Sen. Bernie Sanders was anxious to land some tough blows during a debate against Hillary Clinton in his native Brooklyn on Thursday night as he strove for an upset victory over a front-runner whose roots in the crucial electoral state also run deep, but Hillary Clinton came to the matchup prepared. Their intense sparring underscored the unwillingness of either candidate to yield an inch, even at a time Clinton has pulled far ahead of Sanders in convention delegates. Many seasoned strategists have declared her risk of losing to be almost nil, but Clinton nonetheless cannot afford a setback in New York, the biggest prize in the Democratic contest to date. Advertisement A victory here, where polls have consistently shown her well ahead, would put her on a path toward cruising to the nomination, but a loss would generate a fresh round of second-guessing about her abilities as a candidate. So the two clashed repeatedly during the debate, held at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, amplifying the heated rhetoric they had aimed at each other in the days leading up to the contest some of the most bitter of the campaign to date. Advertisement Early in the debate, Sanders suggested he regretted saying earlier this month that Clinton was not qualified to be president, but almost immediately, he went on to question her fitness. "I do question her judgment," Sanders said. "I question a judgment which voted for the war in Iraq, the worst foreign policy blunder in the history of this country, voted for virtually every disastrous trade agreement which cost us millions of decent-paying jobs. And I question her judgment about running super PACs, which are collecting tens of millions of dollars from special interests, including $15million from Wall Street." Clinton hit back, once again bringing up Sanders' struggle to respond to questions about his proposals during an interview earlier this month by the editorial board of the New York Daily News. The Vermont senator had bungled his effort to explain how he would carry out his plan to break up big banks and bobbled other questions about his policy vision. "I've been called a lot of things in my life," Clinton said of Sanders' "unqualified" comment. "That was a first." "Talk about judgment," she said. On "even his core issue, breaking up the banks, when asked, he could not explain how that would be done, and when asked about a number of foreign policy issues, he could not answer about Afghanistan, about Israel, about counter-terrorism, except to say if he'd had some paper in front of him, maybe he could." As Clinton has often done in the race, she used President Obama as a shield against Sanders' implications of untoward influence from campaign donors. "Make no mistake about it: This is not just an attack on me; it's an attack on President Obama," she said, noting Obama had also benefited from a super PAC in his campaigns but had still enacted new regulations on Wall Street. Sanders repeatedly returned to the financial help Clinton had received from the industry, scornfully suggesting that while he was drafting legislation to break up big banks in the Senate, "Secretary Clinton was busy giving speeches to Goldman Sachs for $225,000 a speech." Advertisement Clinton sought to deflect Sanders' repeated demand that she release transcripts of such speeches by questioning why Sanders had not yet released his tax returns, something she said was a more conventional act of disclosure for presidential hopefuls. Sanders said he would release the first of several years of tax returns Friday. Asked why he was not releasing more than one year of taxes, he turned to his wife, who was sitting in the audience. "Jane does our taxes," he explained as his wife chuckled along from the audience. "We've been a little bit busy; you'll excuse us." Since the Democratic candidates last debated more than a month ago in Florida, Clinton has scored victories in key states including Florida, Ohio, Missouri and Arizona, only to see Sanders begin his own winning streak, largely in rural-state caucuses but also in Wisconsin's primary on April 5. New York, which will award 291 delegates proportionally Tuesday, offers Clinton her latest, best chance to put the nomination out of Sanders' reach if not mathematically, at least in the eyes of many Democratic voters and leaders. Polls by several organizations show her leading the race by around 12 percentage points, buoyed by 2-1 leads from key voting blocs among the state's Democrats, particularly African Americans and Jews. Those two groups together are likely to make up more than a third of the Democratic primary electorate. The candidates engaged in several testy exchanges on issues of concern to those groups. Advertisement Sanders, who is Jewish, stood by earlier descriptions of Israel's response to terrorism in the Gaza Strip as "disproportionate" remarks that had riled some pro-Israel advocates. He was critical of a 2014 assault by Israel that killed and wounded thousands of Palestinians in Gaza, and said the U.S. needed to be more "evenhanded" in its approach to the conflict. Clinton expressed regret for civilian casualties but said Israel did not "invite rockets raining down on their towns and villages," adding, "I don't know how you run a country when you are under constant threat." Both candidates have stumbled in the state in their outreach to black voters. Clinton's deep ties with African American activists have been particularly strained at times by her support for anti-crime legislation her husband championed while in the White House, some of the provisions of which she now says were overly harsh. Her past support for that law got more unwelcome attention when former President Clinton got into a shouting match last week with Black Lives Matters protesters in Pennsylvania, during which he defended his wife's use of the term "super predator" two decades ago in talking about some youthful criminals. "It was a racist term, and everybody knew it was a racist term," Sanders said during the debate. Advertisement Hillary Clinton again expressed her regret for supporting the 1994 crime law and talked of the need for "white people to recognize that there is systemic racism" in the justice system. "I am sorry for the consequences that were unintended and have had a very unfortunate impact on people's lives," she said, referring to the 1994 anti-crime bill. "The very first speech I gave in this campaign was about what I would do to reform the criminal justice system and to end the over-mass incarceration." Clinton embraced New York's recent decision to begin phasing in a minimum wage of $15 an hour, but, pressed by Sanders and CNN moderators, acknowledged she has only proposed a nationwide minimum wage of $12. If legislation for a national $15 wage came to her desk as president, she would sign it, she said. Clinton was the aggressor when the conversation turned to gun control. The debate took place hours after a Connecticut judge issued a key ruling in favor of families of victims of the Sandy Hook shooting in their lawsuit against the manufacturer of a rifle used in the killings. Sanders' opposition to holding firearms manufacturers liable, which he repeated in his interview with the Daily News editorial board, has become a political liability for the Vermonter in New York City, where Democratic voters are overwhelmingly in support of gun control. At the debate, he said of the Sandy Hook families, "They have the right to sue, and I support them and anyone else who wants the right to sue." The Daily News skewered him and gave Clinton a fresh line of attack on an issue on which she has been pounding Sanders since early in the race. Gun control is one of the few policy areas on which Clinton has been able to position herself to the left of her socialist opponent, who represents a state where a large proportion of voters place a high value on hunting and gun ownership. Advertisement Sanders, Clinton said, has been "largely a very reliable supporter of the NRA" while in Congress. Both candidates can claim home-state connections: Sanders was born and raised in Brooklyn, and Clinton represented the state in the U.S. Senate, owns a home in Chappaqua and has based her campaign here. Clinton entered the New York contest as the heavy favorite, with endorsements from leading Democrats including Gov. Andrew Cuomo, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and most of the state's congressional delegation. The state has a demographic profile similar to places where she has scored decisive wins a large share of black and Latino voters. Sanders enjoys strong grass-roots support and the backing of the New York Working Families Party, a progressive force in state politics. But because only registered Democrats are eligible to vote Tuesday, some of his most ardent supporters can't cast ballots for him. Times staff writers Cathleen Decker and Chris Megerian contributed to this report. Follow @mikememoli and @evanhalper for more 2016 campaign news. Advertisement ALSO CAMPAIGN SHOCKER! New York tabloids still have influence in presidential race Florida prosecutor drops battery charge against Donald Trump's campaign manager Republicans unintentionally prompted this push to help 8 million immigrants become citizens Organist Ewa Kovak rehearses at St. Adalbert Roman Catholic Church in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood before the start of 10 a.m. Mass on June 26, 2016. Parishioners and supporters are holding prayer vigils and rallies to save their century-old parish from closure. (Antonio Perez / Chicago Tribune) In 1912, Jozef Pawlikowski and other Polish immigrants rolled up their sleeves to stack 185 feet of blond bricks eventually forming the iconic twin towers of St. Adalbert Roman Catholic Church. Years later, Pawlikowski's casket passed between the polished granite Corinthian columns of the portico at 1650 W. 17th St. And over the next century, the cavernous space modeled after St. Paul's Basilica in Rome served as the site of weddings, baptisms and first communions for generations including his great-great-grandchildren. Advertisement St. Adalbert Catholic Church in the Pilsen neighborhood will be closing its doors, the Chicago Archdiocese announced Feb. 14, 2016. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune) Those soaring towers adorned with terra cotta, balconies and copper cupolas became the gateway to Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood. Now parishioners and preservationists are going to battle for those bricks, which have become a beacon of Polish and Catholic heritage and an architectural treasure. One lifelong parishioner offered more than $1 million as long as the church remained a church. Meanwhile, preservationists are pushing to save the building regardless of whether it remains a sacred place. Advertisement A four-hour prayer vigil and protest will take place inside and outside the church Friday night. "We're really encouraging that these buildings, built by the faithful with pennies, nickels and dimes, serve again as goodwill outreach to the communities," said Ward Miller, executive director of Preservation Chicago. The advocacy group recently added St. Adalbert as an unusual eighth entry on its famous "Chicago 7" list of Most Endangered Buildings. "When they're lost, so much is lost," Miller said. "The stories are lost. These buildings that are gateways and landmarks in the communities are lost." For several years, St. Adalbert parishioners haven't been able to raise the more than $3 million it would take to repair the crumbling complex, including those towers now enveloped in scaffolding to protect passers-by from pieces of falling facade. Knowing the church could be permanently shuttered, Pawlikowski's great-grandson, Richard Olszewski, and others sounded the alarm last fall. But only a few donors stepped up and opened their wallets. "Most people just ignored it, (saying) 'The archdiocese is going to take care of them,'" said Olszewski, who remained a volunteer and parishioner after his family left Pilsen nearly 40 years ago. "It's not. Now they know we have to do it ourselves." The distance separating St. Adalbert and some of its longtime parishioners is one reason why the Chicago Archdiocese wants to close one of the earliest parishes built for Chicago's Polish Catholic community. Few of the parishioners occupying its sparsely populated pews still live in the neighborhood. Even fewer are Polish. And on top of the millions of dollars needed to repair the building, it would take millions more to maintain it. The Rev. John Koziol of St. Adalbert Catholic Church and Richard Lubejko, the building fund chairman, look over the sign for the church restoration fund on Nov. 12, 1963, at 17th and Paulina streets in Chicago. (Bob Rea / Chicago Tribune) The most profane aspect of all is when we allow these buildings to be demolished and pulverized. Ward Miller, executive director of Preservation Chicago In a letter to parishioners read from the pulpit on a recent Sunday, Auxiliary Bishop Alberto Rojas wrote that given St. Adalbert's consistently low attendance for the past three years and population trends in Pilsen, no amount of money could solve the parish's problems. "We must consider what it will take to fund not just the tower repairs, but also future maintenance costs and the ongoing support needed to fully resource a vital ministry at St. Adalbert," Rojas said. " It is unlikely that, whatever the investment, there would be sufficient parishioners and ongoing financial support around which to build that ministry." Advertisement Parishioners have been told they should not deposit any donations and should arrange to return those that have been made. Olszewski said the St. Adalbert Preservation Society is trying to set up a separate nonprofit to avoid that prospect. The fight to save St. Adalbert foreshadows the battles to come as the archdiocese prepares to shutter many more houses of worship in Cook and Lake counties by 2030 to address decaying buildings, an expected shortage of pastors and what each church offers to its community. St. Adalbert, preservationists say, is only the beginning. It is one of 25 Chicago churches, schools and hospitals designed by Chicago native Henry Schlacks in the early 20th century. Others include St. John of God, which since has been dismantled and reassembled in northwest suburban Antioch; St. Boniface, which Cardinal Joseph Bernardin shuttered in the early 1990s, inspiring the launch of Preservation Chicago; and Shrine of Christ the King, which the archdiocese recently deeded to a religious institute after parishioners protested the prospect of its demolition after a fire. Schlacks' greatest architectural masterpiece and labor of love, according to historians, is St. Paul Church at 2127 W. 22nd Place, where parishioners at St. Adalbert have been encouraged to go once their parish is closed. But St. Adalbert is characteristic of Schlacks, who combined features common in European churches at the time such as Italian marble, neoclassical porches and classical stained-glass rose windows. It also includes one of the world's largest Kimball pipe organs. He was a favorite of Cardinal George Mundelein, who led the archdiocese between 1915 and 1939. Schlacks went on to found the architecture program at the University of Notre Dame. Indeed, the potential for mass church closings in the years to come and the fate of the buildings they occupy worry architecture buffs. In addition to Preservation Chicago's list of endangered buildings, Landmarks Illinois, a statewide preservation group, included St. Adalbert on its 2016 roster of historic places in jeopardy. Advertisement Bonnie McDonald, president and CEO of Landmarks Illinois, said she personally asked Archbishop Blase Cupich at a community dinner earlier this year to consider a comprehensive planning process for all of the buildings that ultimately might close. She pointed out that more than 40 Chicago public schools remain vacant after the wave of closings in 2013 and that's without the complications of canon law restrictions on reusing sacred space. "Anyone can come to the table with resources that can help the archdiocese to find a reuse for these community beacons," she said. "The Catholic churches have been important community centers not only for faith but for connection in the neighborhood. They're landmarks not only for their architecture but really for the cultural history that they bring to that particular community." The archdiocese said whenever a church building is sold, a representative from the archdiocese makes sure all of the canons that apply are addressed and agreed upon in order to make recommendations to the archbishop. Once a church building no longer is used for Catholic worship it can be relegated to "profane, nonsordid" use, a spokeswoman said. In the archdiocese lexicon, "profane" refers to any use considered not sacred. "Under canon law, the archdiocese can sell a church building to another entity or religious denomination for their own worship purposes but cannot sell a church building to another entity that intends to use the building for unethical or immoral use," the spokeswoman said. But Miller of Preservation Chicago said even if the archdiocese technically owns the churches, citizens take great pride in their neighborhood landmarks regardless of whether they're Catholics. He said when the archdiocese relinquishes ownership of the buildings, it should be up to the community to decide what happens to them. Advertisement A large stained glass dome by Louis Comfort Tiffany studio is tucked above the altar at St. Adalbert Catholic Church in the Pilsen neighborhood Nov. 8, 2015, in Chicago. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune) A deal originally brokered by Miller between the archdiocese and the Chicago-based International Beethoven Project already fell apart because of the rules and restrictions that would have been imposed on exhibits and performances there. The Beethoven Project is a nonprofit group dedicated to the promotion of music and art culture. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > "The most profane aspect of all is when we allow these buildings to be demolished and pulverized," Miller said. Olszewski said he suspects the building will be demolished and replaced by condominiums. But the parishioners aren't giving up "until the wrecking ball comes." At the annual St. Adalbert's Festival on April 23, parishioners plan to sing a rousing rendition of a battle hymn composed by St. Adalbert himself. St. Adalbert, a bishop of Prague in the 10th century, was killed on suspicion of being a Polish spy. April 23 is the saint's feast day. Cynthia Romero, 57, has lived in the same block as St. Adalbert since 1986. She and her husband had been married at a civil ceremony, but later walked across the street to take part in a Catholic ceremony that made their marriage official in the eyes of God, she said. It's where her children had first communion and a grandson was baptized. In addition to worshiping there every Sunday, occasionally attending the Polish Mass so she can learn the language and pay homage to the history of the church, she also occasionally slips into a pew to pray whenever she's stressed or troubled. She's spent a lot of time there lately, talking to the Polish saints carved in marble. "These are the hopes and dreams of immigrants," Romero said. "You don't just knock down the those hopes and dreams." Advertisement mbrachear@tribpub.com Twitter @TribSeeker An 1866 illustration of the celebration of the abolition of slavery in Washington, D.C., from Harper's Weekly (Library of Congress) Happy about having a few more days to file your 2015 state and federal income taxes? You can thank Illinois' very own Abraham Lincoln. First page of the District of Columbia Emancipation Act. (National Archives) OK, why the extra time and why Lincoln? It's due to a holiday observed in Washington, D.C., for actions brought about by President Lincoln. What holiday? (Library of Congress) The District of Columbia Emancipation Act was passed by Congress and signed by Lincoln on April 16, 1862. After the Civil War ended, D.C. residents held the first Emancipation Day parade on April 19, 1866, which was covered by Harper's Weekly. Yearly celebrations continued to 1901. Emancipation Day did not become an official holiday in D.C., however, until 2005. Since April 16 falls on a Saturday this year, the holiday is observed on April 15 instead. Though a parade will take place April 16. What did the act do? The act abolished slavery in Washington, D.C., freeing 3,100 men, women and children. The act also included some aspects that weren't part of the Emancipation Proclamation, including reimbursing those who owned slaves and offering freed slaves $100 if they wanted to voluntarily leave the U.S. That doesn't have anything to do with the IRS. What gives? The IRS treats Emancipation Day as a federal holiday, which means the tax-filing deadline is pushed back to Monday, April 18, for most states. Since Maine and Massachusetts observe Patriots' Day on April 18, the filing deadline there is Tuesday, April 19. Tax-filing deadlines in 2007 and 2011 were also bumped back due to Emancipation Day. Printed copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln and William Seward, which is on display at the Chicago History Museum. (Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum) Wait, then what's the Emancipation Proclamation? The District of Columbia Emancipation Act was signed almost nine months before Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, which declared slaves in southern states free. (Slavery wouldn't be abolished in the U.S. until the 13th Amendment was ratified Dec. 6, 1865.) There are actually two Emancipation Proclamations. The preliminary version was issued by Lincoln on Sept. 22, 1862. When the Confederacy failed to follow its demands, a final version was issued Jan. 1, 1863. A new Abraham Lincoln exhibit at the Chicago History Museum called "Lincoln's Undying Words" has two versions of the Emancipation Proclamation on display. The museum's senior curator, Olivia Mahoney, said the exhibit includes a copy that was distributed by Union soldiers to slaves in southern states and a copy signed by Lincoln and then-Secretary of State William Seward. Both documents are from the collection of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, which partnered on the project. "They are quite rare and very fragile so we are showing facsimile copies," Mahoney said in an email. The first page of the Emancipation Proclamation. (Library of Congress) Cool. What ever happened to the original documents? The District of Columbia Emancipation Act and the Emancipation Proclamation of Jan. 1, 1863, are in the National Archives in Washington, D.C. Neither is on display to the public. The Chicago History Museum had the final draft of the Emancipation Proclamation in Lincoln's handwriting, but it met an untimely end. "Lincoln gave it to the organizers of the 1863 Chicago Sanitary Fair who auctioned it off to help raise funds for wounded Union army soldiers and their families. The new owner gave it to the Chicago Historical Society for safe-keeping but it burned in the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, as did most of the collection," Mahoney said. Babu Bin Abdul Hamad, a member of the growing Rohingya refugee community in the city, holds 3-month-old Mouhmadyassin Nasir as their family prepares dinner Wednesday, April 13, 2016, at their home in the West Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago. (Anthony Souffle / Chicago Tribune) For the majority of his life, Nasir Bin Zakaria was a citizen of nowhere. He was 14 when he was kidnapped by militants at a bazaar in west Myanmar. "Kalah," they hissed at him, a racial slur used toward Rohingya the ethnic Muslim minority residing among the country's Buddhist majority. He spent a night at the militant camp before escaping to Malaysia. He never saw his parents again. Advertisement Now, at 45, he's among almost 1,000 Rohingya refugees who've found a new home in Chicago, the majority of whom began arriving in 2013. The local group makes up nearly a fifth of the Rohingya refugees resettled across the country since 2010, U.S. Department of State officials said. Most of the roughly 300 Rohingya families in Chicago live in the Rogers Park and Albany Park neighborhoods. Up until now, they've had little help navigating Chicago life. Advertisement This year, however, the Rohingya population grew large enough for the Zakat Foundation of America, an Islamic nonprofit, to sponsor opening the Rohingya Cultural Center, a West Rogers Park storefront equipped with meeting space and computers. Laila Mouhmadsoun, whose family is part of the growing Rohingya refugee community in Chicago, goes to make dinner for her family as her daughter, Zubaidah Nasir, 5, plays with 3-month-old Mouhmadyassin Nasir on April 13, 2016, at their West Rogers Park home. (Anthony Souffle / Chicago Tribune) The center was the brainchild of Bin Zakaria, who saw a need for a place where Rohingya refugees could do everything from study English to practice their faith. The center also provides incoming Rohingya refugees unfamiliar with American society sorely needed practical advice, such as not giving out one's Social Security number, or the proper way to answer multiple-choice questions on a driving test. The center opened April 9 and allows Rohingya families to work on their children's English homework together and prepare for citizenship tests. It also gives families space to worship in an open setting for the first time. Prayers are held daily, and the center also offers instruction on the Quran to children and adults. "We are safe here in the U.S. We can practice our religion," Bin Zakaria said. "The (best) way we can say 'thank you' is by becoming educated. And making sure our children are educated." Abdul Jabbar, a refugee who came to Chicago in 2012, said the center creates an environment that helps keep the Rohingya heritage and culture alive. "These children will start speaking English in school, so at the center, they can speak Rohingya," Jabbar said. "It's especially important for the children, to remind them of our identity and culture. To remind them the government in Burma tried to eliminate us." In Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, the Rohingya were deprived of the most fundamental form of identity citizenship despite having lived in the country for several generations. They have been persecuted since a regime change in 1962, and conditions grew worse in 2013, when religious tensions with the Buddhist-led regime heightened and the government forced thousands of Rohingya into designated camps, said Vikram Nehru, a senior associate with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. In the camps, few Rohingya had access to education or health care. Mothers rarely left their homes, fearing their sons would be arrested or kidnapped by patrolling militants. Advertisement Nehru estimates about 800,000 Rohingya still live in Myanmar, though accurate numbers are difficult to come by. Myanmar's official census gathers information from dozens of ethnic groups but excludes Rohingya due to their stateless status, he said. Most of the Rohingya who have fled have left in ships carrying hundreds of refugees packed tightly together. In some instances, Rohingya have drowned when their ships sank, Nehru said. Others have been exploited by human traffickers, and sometimes killed by their captors, he said. In November 2014, more than 16,000 Rohingya fled by boat in just two weeks, largely facilitated by military and security forces, as well as criminal smugglers and traffickers, according to the Department of State's 2014 human rights report on Myanmar. Officials estimate that since 2012, at least 100,000 Rohingya reportedly have fled Myanmar's western coast, where most Rohingya reside. The Chicago Rohingya are hoping the community center, located on Devon Avenue, will make Chicago more attractive for Rohingya resettlement. For the most part, however, the Rohingya and other refugee groups don't have much input on where in the United States they'll be relocated, said Helen Sweitzer, resettlement director at the Chicago agency RefugeeOne. The agency has resettled 265 Rohingya since 2010, with most arriving in 2015. If a refugee applies for U.S. relocation overseas and mentions they have a family member in Chicago, the U.S. government will do its best to resettle them in Chicago, Sweitzer said. Advertisement "If a big Rohingya community develops here, others from the country might move here," Sweitzer said. "But there's no real telling." After escaping militants from the Myanmar jungles at age 14, Bin Zakaria spent nearly two decades living undocumented in Malaysia working at a construction job. He applied for U.S. citizenship and, once approved, brought along his wife, Laila Mouhmadsoun, and daughter, Zubaida, in 2013. Bin Zakaria pitched the idea for the center to the Zakat Foundation last May, and took a monthlong leave from his job as a dishwasher at a casino in Des Plaines so he could focus on the center's development. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > To him, providing the Rohingya with a space to educate themselves was a priority. Children were being placed into middle and high schools with no previous education, and needed tutoring. The center also provides English language classes for adult Rohingya. "If I quit my job, it doesn't matter. If I lose the center, these 1,000 people will suffer," he said. Sisters Nur and Sajidah Omarsultan, 16 and 12, respectively, grew up in Malaysia, where they had not attended school since kindergarten. They arrived with their family in Chicago in 2011, and Sajidah now attends Clinton Elementary School on the Far North Side. Advertisement It's still hard to make friends at times, she said, but she's overjoyed about the prospect of finishing high school, and eventually attending college something no one in her family thought possible five years ago. "I want to be a social worker!" she said brightly, her eyes wide. "I want to help immigrant refugees. Like me." meltagouri@chicagotribune.com Twitter @marwaeltagouri On Friday, April 15 from 6 to 9 pm, South Broadway Cultural Center will host Albuquerque-based The Museum of the American Military Family and Learning Center, a Vietnam War 50th Commemoration Partner, to bring a special screening of the documentary, The Stray Dog. The screening is in honor of the upcoming 2016 Run for the Wall, a motorcycle run involving thousands of participants that travel across the U.S.A. to promote healing among ALL veterans and their families and friends, to call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action (POW/MIA), to honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA) from all wars, and to support our military personnel all over the world. Returning home to the U.S. after his second tour in Vietnam, Ronnie "Stray Dog" Hall discovered what tens of thousands of Vietnam-era vets learned; they were not welcomed back with open arms, but often with hostility. His response was to do an 11-year tour in Korea, where, to his surprise, he was accepted and liked. He married, started a family and returned to the U.S. to find that life was not always smooth. Battling his demons and trying to be a good man who loves his family led to greater understanding of the forces that helped shape his life as he tries to help others. First-time documentary director Debra Granik follows Hall through his day-to-day life as we learn what shaped him and share his joys and sorrows. The film takes a hard, firsthand look at the failings of government toward those who have fought for the United States, but it finds abundant hope in veterans like Hall and the community they have formed. Operation Footlocker, a program of the Museum of the American Military Family that creates themed military footlockers featuring items donated by military families,is creating a very special Memorial Footlocker honoring men and women service members who have passed on. Guests are encouraged to bring mementos honoring a loved one to become a permanent part of this tribute to America's heroes. Admission is free but donations are greatly appreciated and will be shared between MAMF and local RFTW activities. South Broadway Cultural Center is managed by the Cultural Services Department, City of Albuquerque, Richard J. Berry, Mayor. The unique architecture and colorful design of the building's exterior is an attraction in the area. SBCC shares the facility with the South Broadway Library and collaborates with the library on a number of events and activities. There is free parking immediately adjacent to the facility. For more information on events and activities at SBCC, visit cabq.gov/sbcc or call 311. YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. Ira Losco (representing Malta in Eurovision 2016) visited Iveta Mukuchyan in Armenia. After meeting Iveta during the Eurovision pre-party in Moscow, Ira decided to visit Armenia to learn more about the country its people, culture and traditions, Armenpress reports, citing Public TV of Armenia. "I had such a great time in Moscows pre-party. This is where I met Iveta. I was seeing her for the first time, but as soon as we started talking, it seemed like we knew each other for many years. She is such a nice person - openhearted and kind. To be honest, I didnt think we would get so close in such a short time. But we share a lot of personal qualities and interests, so we instantly got along. My visit to Armenia was fascinating. I loved the country, its rich culture, ethnic cuisine, the beautiful nature and of course the people, who were very kind and hospitable. I had a wonderful time" - says Ira Losco. During her stay in Armenia, Ira visited some of most iconic places in the country, like ancient monastery Geghard, Garni temple and the major sights of Yerevan. "I was so excited to see Ira in Armenia. We first met each other during the pre-party in Moscow and have been good friends ever since. She's such an amazing person. Beautiful, talented, strong. I truly admire her and the work she's doing as an artist. It was so much fun to chill with Ira and share with her my country's culture and traditions" - says Iveta. A north suburban Muslim couple said they plan to file a formal complaint with the Federal Aviation Administration after United Airlines failed to acknowledge that their family's removal from a flight last month at O'Hare International Airport amounted to discrimination. Mohamad and Eaman Shebley, of Libertyville, said in an exclusive interview with the Tribune that the way they and their three children were treated by a flight crew went beyond poor customer service. The couple said they were humiliated when their family was ushered off a plane bound for Washington, D.C., on March 20 after seeking help with their child's booster seat. Advertisement "Something doesn't add up to me," said Eaman Shebley, who recorded her family's encounter with a SkyWest flight crew as they prepared to take off for a spring-break trip to the nation's capital. "We weren't rude. We didn't do anything wrong. I'm in customer service. This is not normal for someone to treat someone this way. I felt singled out right from the get-go." Earlier this month, the Council on American Islamic Relations filed a complaint with United on behalf of the family. The airline responded by offering the family reimbursement for their flights and any expenses incurred for the inconvenience. It also offered them five free round-trip tickets anywhere in the continental U.S. Advertisement "It's insulting," Mohamad Shebley said Friday. "They tried to brush it off and said there was nothing wrong. Just a rude employee." The removal from the flight came after the parents requested an additional harness for their youngest daughter's booster seat, which they previously had tried to check at the gate. Unable to attach a label to the seat, a United gate agent inside the airport instructed the parents to take the seat on board instead, Mohamad Shebley said. As the family settled into seats near the back of the plane and the parents made sure their son and older daughter were buckled in, Shebley said he asked a flight attendant for a "five-point harness," as advertised on the airline's website. According to Shebley, the flight attendant didn't help and walked away. Moments later another attendant came by and told the parents they couldn't have the booster seat. They removed the seat and stored it. The pilot then came out of the cockpit and asked the family to leave the plane. Before disembarking, the mother, who wears an Islamic head scarf, asked the pilot if the family's removal was a "discriminatory decision." The pilot responded that it was a "safety of flight issue." The parents then left the plane with their children so as to not further frighten them or inconvenience the other passengers for whom the flight was delayed longer than an hour. "We are aware of the perception of Muslim-Americans. That was in the back of my mind," Shebley said. "In the front of my mind, I have my family with me, including my little children. I didn't want to traumatize them. We tried as much as possible to be in control, even though it was a completely irrational situation." United Airlines said it stood by its original statement that the family was asked to leave the SkyWest flight, operating as United Express from Chicago, "because of concerns about their child's safety seat, which did not comply with federal safety regulations." Advertisement The couple and their children completed their journey on a later flight where nothing was said about the booster seat. They booked their return to Chicago on a different airline. They have asked for a formal apology, corrective action for the employees involved, and reimbursement for that return flight and accommodations they had to book to adjust their travel plans. This is not the first time United has been accused of mistreating Muslim customers. Last May, Northwestern University chaplain Tahera Ahmad was flying from Chicago to Washington, D.C., on a United flight operated by Shuttle America when a flight attendant refused to bring her an unopened can of soda. When Ahmad pointed out that another passenger had received one, the flight attendant abruptly opened the soda and told Ahmad it was so she would not use it as a weapon. Adopting the hashtag #UnitedforTahera, thousands tweeted messages of support and calls for a boycott after Ahmad detailed the confrontation on Facebook. The controversy ended nearly a week later with an apology from United and the company's promise that the attendant would not work on United Express flights until she had undergone more training. The airline also said employees would continue to receive annual cultural awareness training and that it would reach out to its Express partners, including SkyWest, to make sure their staff also receives regular sensitivity training. According to the Council on American-Islamic Relations' civil rights database, about 11 cases involving denial of service or harassment on airplanes have been reported since January 2015, including the Shebleys'. Many of them are still unresolved, a spokesman said. Daywatch Weekdays Start each day with Chicago Tribune editors' top story picks, delivered to your inbox. > As in Ahmad's case, social media have played a role in the Shebleys' incident. Eaman Shebley posted a video of the interaction with the plane's crew on Facebook, where it has been viewed over 3.7 million times and shared by more than 54,000 others. Advertisement "Shame on you #unitedAirlines for profiling my family and me for no reason other than how we look and kicking us off the plane for 'safety flight issues' on our flight to DC for the kids spring break," she posted. "My three kids are too young to have experienced this." The Shebleys said passengers seated around them expressed support and shared their names and numbers if they needed witnesses. All of those passengers either declined to be interviewed or couldn't be reached for comment when a CAIR spokesman tried to contact them. Lawyers for CAIR's Chicago office said the Shebley family now is "exploring all their options," the spokesman said. A spokeswoman for United said the airline had not yet been told the family was rejecting the company's offer and apology for poor customer service. "We'd like to hear back from them," she said. mbrachear@tribpub.com Twitter @TribSeeker Cook County Board Commissioner Bridget Gainer, seen at a 2012 board meeting, wants to spend more money on youth jobs. (E. Jason Wambsgans / Chicago Tribune) Welcome to Clout Street: Morning Spin, our weekday feature to catch you up with what's going on in government and politics from Chicago to Springfield. Topspin Declaring that "nothing stops a bullet like a job," Democratic Cook County Commissioner Bridget Gainer, of Chicago, has proposed an "emergency plan" to provide jobs to youth this summer. Advertisement It's the second such plan to be proposed in the past week. County Commissioner Richard Boykin, D-Oak Park, proposed spending $45 million on youth jobs, using most of the proceeds from a proposed 4 cents-per-gallon increase in the county's gas tax to fund the program. Gainer's proposal, by contrast, does not include a tax increase. Instead, she wants the county to defer all "spending not required for life, safety or health" and steer that money to existing groups that get kids into summer jobs programs. Advertisement She also would reduce by one-half percent the bid calculations of potential county contractors that hire youth for more than 10 percent of their work on their projects, giving them an edge on competitors who don't match that. Gainer, vice president of global public affairs for Aon, also would encourage chambers of commerce and businesses to tap youth labor during the summer. "I have some connections in the business community," Gainer said. "These are my people. I know how to do this." The plans of Boykin and Gainer were introduced Wednesday at the County Board meeting. Consideration could come next month. County Board President Toni Preckwinkle indicated she would like to see more jobs for youth but stopped short of endorsing either proposal. "We appreciate the interest shown by the commissioners in providing jobs for at-risk youth and young adults, a topic about which I feel strongly," Preckwinkle said in a prepared statement. "In the coming weeks, we look forward to working with the commissioners on how we might identify the needed resources to move these proposals forward." (Hal Dardick) What's on tap *Mayor Rahm Emanuel has public events. *Gov. Bruce Rauner has no public events. Advertisement What we're writing *Kirk to skip Republican National Convention and Trump circus. *Prosecutors: Hastert's actions represent "stunning hypocrisy." *Illinois Senate approves reforms inspired by College of DuPage scandal. *Police union chief criticizes task force report. *Judge puts Mel Reynolds on electronic monitoring after scolding. *Exec pleads guilty to kickback scheme with Chicago's parking meters. Advertisement *AG Madigan looking into retailers' on-call shift scheduling. *Illinois unemployment rate hits 6.5 percent. What we're reading *Chicago kid was 14 when he first robbed a bank. *Accused of money laundering, Fox Lake cop's widow still seeking his pension. *Let's hope it's more accessible than weird. From the notebook *The mayor's drop-by: Mayor Emanuel didn't have a public schedule Thursday, which meant reporters couldn't ask him about his police reform task force's lengthy list of recommendations to change the Chicago Police Department. On Wednesday, Emanuel had his post-City Council meeting news conference about an hour before the police task force publicly rolled out its report. And at any rate, Emanuel said he hadn't read the report or been fully briefed about it yet. Advertisement But the mayor didn't want to totally stay out of the public eye Thursday. So his press shop put out the word that the mayor would be stopping by a rally at Cornell Square Park. That's the place of a mass shooting of 13 people that attracted national attention in September 2013. The shooting prompted Emanuel to cut short an East Coast fundraising trip and fly back to Chicago. Would the mayor take reporters' questions? Nope. But Emanuel would be available for cameras to catch footage of him attending a peace rally the type of sympathetic images the mayor's press shop aims to get on the evening newscasts without him having to say a word or answer a single question. The 35-minute lead time Emanuel's office gave ahead of the event also served to make it difficult for any anti-Emanuel protesters to get there in time to disrupt it. That's especially important for the mayor since it would be tough to control access to an outdoor rally. *Dold up with first ad in IL-10: Republican North Shore Congressman Robert Dold's campaign is up with its first ad, accusing former Democratic U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider of flip-flopping on the deal to curb nuclear development in Iran. "Brad Schneider played politics with our security. Schneider vowed to oppose the Iran nuclear deal then broke his promise just to save himself. Struggling in his primary, Schneider reversed course and now backs the deal 100 percent. Schneider survived his primary, but lost our trust," the narrator contends. Schneider, of Deerfield, has said he had initial concerns that the deal would be difficult to enforce and could lead to further problems in the Middle East. But once the deal was put in place, he said he supported it in its entirety. Advertisement Schneider, who defeated Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering in the March 15 Democratic primary, found some previous allies backing Rotering over his failure to endorse the nuclear deal. It's not clear that Dold's ad will run on broadcast TV because it lacks the required candidate appearance that the Republican "approved this message." The ad does disclose it was paid for by the Dold campaign. (Rick Pearson) *Video gambling at distilleries: A House committee advanced legislation Thursday that would add craft liquor distilleries to the list of places video gambling machines could operate. Sponsoring Rep. Chad Hays, R-Catlin, said he was closing a loophole in current law, which allows the machines at bars, restaurants, truck stops and fraternal organizations that are licensed to serve alcohol. "I believe it was more of an oversight than anything else that craft distilleries were not included in the definition of licensed establishments where video gaming is allowed," Hays said in a statement. Hays said he brought the legislation at the request of the Rumshine Distilling & Bar, the first craft distillery to open in downstate Vermilion County. (Monique Garcia) Advertisement *Vets Caucus chair: 36th Ward Ald. Gilbert Villegas, a former U.S. Marine, has been named chairman of the City Council Veteran Caucus he brought together. "The goal of the caucus is to make Chicago the best city for veterans in the world," Villegas said. (Hal Dardick) *The Sunday Spin: On this week's show, Tribune political reporter Rick Pearson's guests are state Rep. Robert Martwick, D-Chicago; Tribune reporter Jeff Coen; Esther Corpuz, CEO of Alivio Medical Center; and Rebecca Shi, executive director of the Illinois Business Immigration Coalition. The "Sunday Spin" airs from 7 to 9 a.m. on WGN-AM 720. Listen live here. Follow the money *The Associated Beer Distributors, big campaign donors at the Capitol, gave $10,000 to the Illinois Republican Party. *Track campaign contribution reports in real time with this Tribune Twitter account: https://twitter.com/ILCampaignCash Beyond Chicago *Presidential race, Republican side: Trump up 16 in Pennsylvania, university poll notes. *Presidential race, Democratic side: Clinton, Sanders clash in New York debate. Advertisement *Canadian prime minister introduces assisted suicide legislation. *Strong fatal earthquake in Japan. AUSTIN, Texas Defending a Texas state law banning the sale of sex toys, Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz argued in a 2007 court brief that individuals have no legal right to use them, even in the privacy of their own bedrooms. Prior to becoming a U.S. senator, Cruz was for more than five years Texas' solicitor general, arguing the state's legal positions in court. He often cites that experience to burnish his credentials as a Christian conservative. Advertisement On the campaign trail, Cruz frequently reminds audiences that he used the job to defend capital punishment and oppose abortion, while preserving the words "Under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance and defending a monument to the Ten Commandments on the state Capitol grounds. But Cruz makes no mention of a decade-old case he lost his defense of Texas' sex-toy ban. The story was first reported by Mother Jones magazine. Advertisement The law, approved in the 1970s, banned as obscene any device "useful primarily for the stimulation of human genital organs." The same law also declared that anyone possessing six or more such items was presumed to be promoting sex-toy usage through manufacture, sale, lending, delivery or other means. Joanne Webb, a 43-year-old mother of three and former fifth-grade teacher, was arrested in 2003 after selling a sex toy to an undercover police officer during a gathering of adult couples similar to a Tupperware party held at a home in a Fort Worth suburb. Though the criminal charges against Webb were eventually dropped, a collection of sex-toy companies sued in federal court to challenge the constitutionality of the state's ban. A three-judge panel of the U.S. District Court of Appeals later ruled that the Texas law violated 14th Amendment privacy rights. Then-Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, now the state's Republican governor, unsuccessfully appealed, asking the full appeals court to review the case. As solicitor general Cruz co-wrote an 83-page brief arguing that the U.S. Supreme Court "has never suggested that the substantive-due-process doctrine ensures individuals' ability to stimulate their genitals in ways that are neither connected to procreation nor associated with any particular lifestyle." Cruz campaign spokeswoman Alice Stewart sought to distance the presidential candidate from his old legal brief, noting in an email that as solicitor general, Cruz had an obligation to defend Texas' laws in court, regardless of whether he agreed with them. "Senator Cruz personally believes that the Texas law in question was, as (Supreme Court) Justice (Clarence) Thomas said in another context, an 'uncommonly silly' law," Stewart said. "But the office was nevertheless duty-bound to defend the policy judgment of the Texas Legislature." Cruz defended the Texas ban as "protecting public morals discouraging prurient interests in sexual gratification" and argued that in doing so the state had a vested moral interest in discouraging "autonomous sex." Advertisement Cruz's brief also suggested that the legal sale of sexual enhancement drugs such as Viagra was different because it can't be described as a "device." Couples, even married ones, willing to use sex toys may also "believe that hiring a willing prostitute or engaging in consensual bigamy would enhance their sexual experiences," Cruz warned. Associated Press Shawn Bagley thought he knew what he was getting into when he was elected to become one of California's so-called superdelegates to the Democratic National Convention, and energetic debate with other activists was part of it. What Bagley had not anticipated was being jolted out of bed by a 2 a.m. phone call from an angry Bernie Sanders supporter. The caller accused Bagley, a retired produce broker from Salinas, of stealing democracy from the citizenry. Advertisement "Why is Bernie Sanders letting these people loose on us?" said Bagley, a Hillary Clinton backer who says he was branded corrupt, immoral and thickheaded over the course of some 200 social media posts and phone calls from Sanders fans. "He lost my vote at 2 a.m." Sanders supporters are known to be a spirited bunch. But as their frustration mounts over their candidate's failure to significantly cut into Clinton's lead, no small number of them are lashing out in ways that are not particularly helpful to his campaign. Advertisement There is the activist in Chicago who unleashed a movement to "harass" superdelegates backing Clinton, with an online "hit list" complete with delegate phone numbers and some home addresses. There are the online trolls who have come to be known as "Bernie bros," who attack journalists, politicians and fellow voters they perceive to be pro-Clinton with misogynistic, often vulgar attacks. There are the campaign surrogates -- some of them high-profile -- who use language the campaign finds itself having to walk back. On Thursday, Sanders apologized for comments made by Paul Song, chairman of the progressive California group Courage Campaign, during Sanders' huge rally the night before in New York's Washington Square Park. Song railed against "corporate Democratic whores," saying the party establishment was beholden to the pharmaceutical industry. The Clinton campaign demanded Sanders disavow Song's words, which it did. Song himself also apologized, saying the comment was not directed at Clinton. The hostility from some Sanders backers reflects a very different tone than what supporters projected a year ago at Sanders' first large rally in Vermont, a lakeside park affair that resembled a peace festival. It comes as Sanders, the underdog candidate who trails in the delegate count despite a string of electoral wins in recent weeks, has stepped up his attacks on a political system he says is rigged for Clinton and a corporate media he says wants him to lose. His increasingly hostile tone can be a combustible mix with a group of supporters who, in many cases, are new to the mechanics of party politics, delegate lobbying and campaign messaging. As a campaign so heavily focused online, it is especially vulnerable to the Internet's darker impulses. "People on the Internet can be jerks," said Neil Sroka, spokesman for Democracy for America, a large grass-roots advocacy group supporting Sanders. "I don't think that is news to anyone who has spent time reading comment sections in the average newspaper. When you have a strong online presence, you are going to have all the good and the bad that comes with it." Sroka says the Sanders campaign is hardly condoning the behavior, pointing to occasions where staffers and the candidate himself have scolded supporters for inappropriate remarks. But others complain the campaign too often looks the other way, particularly in the case of antagonism toward the superdelegates who have pledged to support Clinton at the convention in Philadelphia in July. "These people are worried someone is going to come to their house," said Bob Mulholland, a Democratic political operative in California who supports Clinton and recently wrote an open letter to the Sanders campaign accusing it of fanning the flames of harassment. "They have been put on a 'hit list.'" Advertisement Mulholland is talking about a database of superdelegates published online by activist Spencer Thayer, who originally called it the "Superdelegate Hitlist" and included a graphic of a donkey in cross hairs. Thayer has since toned it down, changing his site's name to "Superdelegate List." But he makes no apologies for collecting and publishing the personal information of the delegates, many of whom are just regular people like Bagley. It's uncharted territory for Democrats. The last time the votes of superdelegates mattered in a convention was in 1980, and the technology did not exist to quickly find and broadcast the personal information of these delegates to anyone who might begrudge them. Some Sanders supporters point out, however, that activists sympathetic to Clinton tested the waters for a similar, unsanctioned superdelegate lobbying effort on her behalf in 2008. Even so, the Sanders campaign has struggled for months with loutish behavior online that extends beyond a few jerks. Most any woman who "has said anything critical about Bernie or positive about Hillary" on social media has been subject to Bernie bro harassment, said Laura Olin, who advised the 2012 Obama campaign on social media. A frequent target is Joan Walsh, a national affairs correspondent for the Nation, who is supporting Clinton for president, though the magazine has endorsed Sanders. "They never stop, and you wind up on Twitter trying to convince a BernieBro that BernieBros exist -- and even as he's being Exhibit A, he's calling you a whore, $hill, sellout and on and on," she said in a direct message on Twitter. Jill Filipovic, a freelance journalist and attorney who often writes positively about Sanders, said that when she criticizes him, she is subjected to "a mass dogpiling" of tweets "sort of treating you like you're a dumb girl. The degree to which any criticism of this candidate is met with this complete brick wall of rage -- it's like criticizing Jesus," she said. "It's truly bizarre." Advertisement She gets attacked by Clinton supporters, too, but not on the same scale, she said. "I do think it's gotten worse as the campaign has gotten more heated," Filipovic said. Most of the sexist slurs directed at Clinton on social media -- such as "hag," "shrill," and other words too crude to print -- have come from Donald Trump supporters, according to a study by a pair of Dutch researchers published in the Washington Post in February. But 14.7% of those slurs came from Sanders supporters, and mostly from men, according to the study. Some women who support Sanders, though, say they've endured boorish behavior from supporters of all the presidential campaigns. They also say the term "Bernie bro" itself diminishes the legions of feminists working for Sanders, who they argue has the best agenda for women. The term, said Sarah Leonard, a senior editor at the Nation, "implies the more progressive candidate draws his support mainly from men, and therefore his presence in the race is the force of misogyny." Like other Sanders supporters, Leonard bristles at all the hostile behavior that has emerged. But she says she sees where it is coming from: The stakes are high for the left, with the candidate vying to be the first female president running against the candidate vying to be the first socialist president. It "makes people on the left very protective of Bernie Sanders," Leonard said, "and they can be overly aggressive." Advertisement Halper reported from New York and Pearce from Los Angeles. Twitter: @evanhalper, @mattdpearce YEREVAN, APRIL 15, ARMENPRESS. A number of Azerbaijani media resources published a statement by the Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan to the OSCE, which refers to alleged traces of abuse discovered on the bodies of deceased Azerbaijani soldiers that were transferred to the Azerbaijani side during the exchange of April 10, with the mediation of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Office of the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office. As reports "Armenpress", in this connection NKR State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons considers it necessary to state the following: "Before the start of the exchange procedure, all bodies were examined in the presence of representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross. No traces of abuse or ill-treatment were discovered or registered on the bodies of Azerbaijani soldiers. Through its groundless accusations voiced five days after the exchange, Azerbaijan is cynically trying to mislead the international community and evade responsibility for the war crimes committed by the Azerbaijani army against civilians and soldiers of the Nagorno Karabakh Republic, including numerous cases of mockery and mutilation of bodies of the deceased, previously reported by the Karabakh side." Decades ago, when Americans imagined 2016, hopeful citizens visualized groovy innovations like widely available personal jetpacks, easily accessible moon bases and "futuristic" fashion trends that looked suspiciously like neon 1980s clothing coated with Saran Wrap. So far, 2016 has brought us none of these delightful novelties, but it has delivered a series of depressing public bathroom wars. Three weeks ago, North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory signed a now-infamous "bathroom bill," a law that, among other things, restricts access to public restrooms based on the sex users were assigned at birth. The bill, which was cobbled together after 12 hours in an emergency session, came as a response to a Charlotte, N.C., ordinance that declared gender identity, not biological sex, as the standard-bearer for proper bathroom entry. Advertisement As you might have guessed, a flame war promptly ensued. PayPal, a company that happily does business in Singapore a country that literally outlaws being gay denounced North Carolina and loudly axed 400 new jobs in Charlotte. Deutsche Bank followed suit, killing its plans for 250 new jobs near Raleigh. According to The Wall Street Journal, at least 100 other companies have expressed their disdain for the bill. In protest, gravel-voiced "hard knocks" crabby man Bruce Springsteen, apparently trying to relive his own glory days, deep-sixed an upcoming concert in Greensboro. Meanwhile, Bryan Adams, a musician who doubles as a living '80s time capsule, righteously canceled a show in Mississippi the state recently passed a similar law perhaps forgetting, due to his age, that he had recently played in gay-hostile Egypt. Advertisement The bill, to be fair, was something of a mess. This week, McCrory issued an executive order expanding the state's equal employment policy to cover sexual orientation; he also asked the state legislature to amend a section dealing with citizens' rights to sue in state court. But the controversial bathroom section declaring that, when it comes to public facilities, biological men at birth go into the men's room, biological women at birth go into the women's remained. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, at least 13 other states are considering similar legislation. Interviewed by The Wall Street Journal, McCrory seemed baffled at the bathroom backlash. "Who would've thought?" he said. "I can't believe we're talking about this." Indeed, in a world where Islamic State is expanding into Europe, ghost ships full of corpses are washing into Japan from North Korea, Hillary Clinton is proposing a $1 trillion tax increase, and people are still paying good money to see Bruce Springsteen, it seems ludicrous to obsess about bathrooms. So why can't we just live and let live? Bathroom law opponents "are crusading against a tiny minority that poses no real threat," Jillian T. Weiss, a transgender rights lawyer and activist, wrote in Wednesday's USA Today. In a way, she's correct: Demonizing transgender people is unfair in any light. But Weiss also misses the bigger picture behind the bathroom brouhaha. It's not a fight against people. It's a fight about reality, and whether or not the government can dictate a certain version of it. Ultimately, it's a fight about freedom of thought. America's burgeoning bathroom wars, so silly and banal on the surface, are actually quite deep: They fling together two conflicting, wildly incompatible streams of thought. On the transgender side, identity is everything. If gender is truly fluid, and yet truly knowable, then the denial of one's gender identity is a hurtful denial of one's very being or self. This is also why the bathroom issue provides such a massive spark point: If the government agrees that trans men and women can access the bathrooms of their choice, they are officially validating the view that gender is no more than what you feel or believe it to be. They are ruling this view, in their own way, a fact and if it's a fact, can anyone really rightfully disagree? Last week, novelist Ian McEwan learned the consequences of thought crime the hard way. "The self, like a consumer desirable, may be plucked from the shelves of a personal identity supermarket, a ready-to-wear little black number," he told an audience. "Call me old-fashioned, but I tend to think of people with penises as men." You can probably guess what happened next and that McEwan was bullied into backtracking. Unfortunately, the bathroom wars are likely just getting started. The Obama administration has already chosen sides. "This is a good illustration that the fight for civil rights is not over," White House press secretary Josh Earnest said of the North Carolina law. "The president, every time, is going to be on the side of equality and fairness and justice for every American." Advertisement That sounds great, unless you're an American with traditional views on gender, your kids are in a public school, and the girls' locker room has just been declared a gender-fluid zone. Alas, my friend; you simply have the wrong thoughts. Sadly, in some cases, that's when "equality and fairness and justice" don't really apply. RealClearPolitics Heather Wilhelm is a writer based in Austin, Texas. Today I did something Ive never done before sent a campaign contribution to a candidate for president. The amount? $27. You guessed it! Im for Bernie Sanders for president and I hope you are, too! Bernies logo is, A Future to Believe In. Its no wonder so many young people rally behind him! His logo reflects his heartfelt commitments: to protect the environment; to ensure a debt-free college education for youth; to promote more equitable health and economic policies in order to lift up the less wealthy among us; and to promote world peace. Bernies record shows he will not be quick to send our youth off to die or become injured in wars that make the world less safe! Republicans running for president dont even mention crucial issues such as climate change in their debates. They focus on poll numbers, calling each other names, belittling the appearance of each other or each others wives, building big walls. Their solutions to problems are not thought through. Repeal Obamacare. Do they offer an alternative? No. Rip up the Iranian peace deal. Do they offer an alternative? No. One even suggested that more countries should have nuclear weapons! What are they thinking? Bernies Democratic challenger, Hillary Clinton, is campaigning on the theme, Fighting for us. In the past, her hawkish attitudes contributed to the current situation in the Middle East a situation resulting in the loss of thousands of lives, trillions of dollars and increased acts of terrorism world-wide. As senators, while she had the same information to go on as Bernie did, she voted for the war in Iraq, while Bernie had the sound judgment to vote against it. And though she admits her vote was a mistake, Hillary has not elaborated on exactly what she learned from her mistake. Now she is proposing more interventionist strategies in relation to Syria. The choice is clear. We the people need to elect a president whose priorities are in the right order. We need a visionary one with the wisdom and foresight to discern how best to lead us towards a more fair and peaceful way of life. Let's, for once, listen to our youth and join in their enthusiasm in support of Bernie Sanders for president! Beth Miller Auburn A second man has pleaded guilty in connection to a 2015 incident during which a gun was pointed at Aurora police officers. In an agreement with prosecutors, 23-year-old Rene Muro admitted to a single count of possession of a firearm by a gang member and was sentenced to 61/2 years in prison, prosecutors said Friday. Muro has been held in Kane County Jail on $500,000 bail since his arrest in July. He was scheduled for a June bench trial. Advertisement Authorities have said Muro and another man, 20-year-old Erik Esparza, were spotted by undercover Aurora police officers near Pearl Street and Parker Avenue after leaving a suspicious vehicle. The two men were confronted by police as they walked between homes in the neighborhood. Prosecutors said Esparza pointed a .45-caliber handgun at one of two officers from the department's special operations group who encountered Muro and Esparza. After Esparza pulled the gun, the officer fired two shots in the pair's direction, although no one was hit, prosecutors said. Esparza and Muro, shown in court records to be documented gang members, were apprehended a short time later. Police said they found two handguns as part of their investigation. Esparza was sentenced to nine years in prison last month after being convicted in a bench trial of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, possession of a weapon by a gang member and aggravated assault. He is being held in the Robinson Correctional Center in Robinson, with a scheduled parole date in 2020, according to the Illinois Department of Corrections. Advertisement Dan Campana is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News. Jonas Cepkauskas discusses the challenges of living with ataxia as he works to raise awareness about this rare disease, Matteson, April 6, 2016. |Allen Cunningham/ for Daily Southtown (Allen Cunningham / Daily Southtown) Stumbling while walking. Talking slowly and deliberately. Advertisement Falling over when trying to put on shoes. "It's like being permanently drunk," said Jonas Cepkauskas, a Matteson man who suffers from a rare medical condition called ataxia. Advertisement Because there is no cure and very little hope that one will be found soon, Cepkauskas said he is doing the only thing he can do, connect with others who have the disease and educate the public about it, much the way Michael J. Fox has shed light on Parkinson's Disease and Dudley Moore opened our eyes to progressive supranuclear palsy. "I want people to know there are conditions out there that severely affect people's daily lives," he said. "I don't know if I'm promoting understanding or compassion, I think people just need to learn to cut other people a little bit of slack." Although he has been symptomatic for some 22 years, since he was 38, Cepkauskas said it wasn't until recently that he learned he has a rare form of ataxia, a disease that shares a name with the staggering behavior brought on by excessive alcohol. "It's called SCA (spinocerebellar ataxia) 15, which is pretty much unheard of in this country," Cepkauskas said. "It seems to be more prevalent in Italy and Portugal." Dr. Christopher Gomez, a University of Chicago neurologist, is Cepkauskas's physician. He established the Ataxia Center at the university (www.ataxia.uchicago.edu/). "Ataxia just means the incoordination and imbalance due to a problem with the cerebellum or its connections," Gomez said. "That can be caused by the intrinsic disease ataxia or it can even be something that occurs to someone who's had three of four martinis." The physical affect is the same, although the causes are very different, he said. The degenerative disease, which does not impair judgment the way alcohol can, affects 5 or 10 per 100,000 people in the country, he said. Advertisement There are two distinct challenges that compound research, Gomez said. The disease is rare and there are at least 50 and maybe hundreds more genetic causes of ataxia and in each of those cases, the fix or the solution, will not apply to the other forms of the disease. "So we need 50 to hundreds of different solutions," he said. He is currently making progress on suppressing the gene responsible for SCA type 6, one of the four most common adult dominant ataxias. "We can turn it off in a test tube and in some mouse models pretty easily," he said. "We're trying to make sure turning it off is safe to do in humans." The work is encouraging, he said, but still there is no timeline for when it will translate into help for humans, he added. And even when it does, it will not help Cepkauskas because he has a different form of the disease. Advertisement "He doesn't have a gene that needs to be turned off, he has a gene that needs to be turned on," Gomez said. As frustrating as things are for researchers, who work with limited funds to research a disease that has so many different variations, it is even more upsetting to those struggling with the disease, he said. "Of course it's frustrating for those with the medical condition," Gomez said. "Police pull them over when they're walking or when they're driving and say, 'Are you drunk?'" Cepkauskas said, "I see myself on video tape. I've hear myself on audio tape. I know I walk and talk funny. But there is a reason. And that reason was not a choice. If people would walk a mile in my shoes, or just a couple of feet because the miles are long gone, they'd see that." Cepkauskas, a St. Rita High School graduate, is a father and grandfather. He worked for years as a long distance bus and truck driver as well as a painter. He was also a guitarist in various friends-based bands. Today, unable to do any of that, Cepkauskas is on disability. Advertisement While his wife Mary works, he tends to his cause getting the word out about ataxia. In addition to a website (www.fightataxia.org), he runs a support group that meets the third Sunday of odd numbered months at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove. The next meeting is scheduled for 1 p.m. May 15. He's also written a book, "Life With Ataxia," available through his website. Each September, he organizes a fundraising walk, with money raised going toward research at the University of Chicago. Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday > Cepkauskas recently returned from Orlando, Fla., where he attended the annual conference of the National Ataxia Foundation. Because he's a former musician, he was asked to deejay a conference party. "It was great," he said. "I think there were almost 600 people there. I got to be up onstage doing my thing. To see 200 or more drunk ataxians out on the dance floor is a sight to behold." How can people help? Cepkauskas said, "Don't rush to judgment. We're just trying to live our lives the best we can. Some of us are so self-conscious they don't even go out. Some suffer from depression." Advertisement Many believe playwright Eugene O'Neill died of alcoholism because it has been documented that the famous writer indulged greatly in his youth. But after his death, a Harvard doctor revealed that O'Neill succumbed to late-onset cerebellar atrophy, which is similar to ataxia. Gomez added, "If you want to help, tell the NIH to give more money to ataxia research and try to understand anyone with ataxia. Hold the door for them, help keep them from falling, watch out for signs of choking." dvickroy@tribpub.com @dvickroy First light, and I was freezing. We Chicagoans may laugh at 20 degrees, but not when sleeping outside. Every April I go on spring break, and it was my first time camping in Colorado's Rocky Mountain National Park. Advertisement It was 6:57 a.m. when I crawled, shivering, from my sleeping bag and got dressed with considerable difficulty in a tent in which you can't quite stand up. When I finally unzipped the flap and stepped outside to make a fire, I found myself face to face with a bull elk. Well, maybe not exactly face to face, for at better than 6 feet tall at eye level, and taller than that with its huge head and antler rack, the 1,000-pound mammal with reddish-brown fir and white rump stared at a downward angle at me from where it stood adjacent to my picnic table. Advertisement Then I noticed, all around me, the rest of the herd of 18 mostly females (they stayed long enough for me to count them), who likewise stared back, having waited without panic to see the two-legged creature emerge from the Coleman dome. My heart was pounding, and I breathed a smell like that of cattle, only more raw or gamier. It really quite literally hit home for me that morning that we are all in this together. Campground, trees, elk, Fall River, tents, mountain grasses and a quaking senior citizen all were components of a spontaneous micro-ecosystem, all momentarily contained within a 7-acre campground, and all dependent on the same phenomenon we call "nature." And I realized that the often-debated question of whether we should choose nature or development is, itself, somewhat of a fallacy, since human development in the long term depends on nature. To elucidate: I discovered during my spring camping trip the many and intricate ways that the elk herd in Rocky Mountain National Park is managed. Since re-introduction in the 1950s, the elk have been counted, medicated, fed, culled, photographed, tagged, pampered and studied. Truly, they are cared for and conserved partly for aesthetic reasons, insofar as it fosters our sense of adventure and history that "wild" elk still inhabit the West. But more important, and more to my point, is that protecting the elk is beneficial for human life. Either not feeling threatened or simply bored by me, the animals resumed their ponderous walk through the campground, some lowering their huge heads to munch on sweet grass, a few nosing at other tents whose inhabitants were snoring, oblivious. For a moment, I thought the male was going to enter the camp shower, but he paused at the entrance and turned toward the campground gate, his hooves clicking on the asphalt as he sauntered down the hill. To the elk, this was not a separate place. They could not read the signs or recognize man-made barriers. To them, the campground near Fall River in Rocky Mountain National Park is but is a strange punctuation mark in the midst of their mountain, stream, wood and meadow realm. But elk thrive here because nature has been preserved for them. There are hundreds of square miles of aspen and willow trees, shrubs, fresh air and fresh water that they require for survival. In turn, the coyote, the cougar and even the bear survive because they prey on the elk. So conserving this place for the elk safeguards it for all other species, including man. Advertisement Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday > This causes some inconvenience and may even seem to impede progress. Thus far, for example, exploration of minerals and oil has not been permitted in the Colorado parks and national forests where elk roam. Hunters have not been allowed to take cougar or bear, and they are limited to certain areas, as well as age and sex restrictions when it comes to taking the elk. Traffic throughout Rocky Mountain National Park and "elkswhere" is regulated, slowed, often even stopped to ensure safe migration of mountain sheep and elk between food meadows at varying elevations. Yet these prohibitions and costs are not a matter of safeguarding nature at man's expense. Rather, they are for his long-term benefit. How can that be? What does man need from Colorado's wild, colorful and diverse cocktail of nature that's more important than extracting precious minerals or more oil that can lower gas prices? What's been learned is that what's good for the elk herd is also good for man, since they share the same environment. The Fall River that the elk drink from, for example, also provides pure water for tens of thousands of people in Colorado. The elk's feast of leaves and meadow shrubbery depends on the health of a forest that seeds the cycle of rainfall necessary for corn crops, for beef cattle and, ultimately, for human sustenance. The U.S. and Colorado tourism industry, the very economy of Estes Park, as well as that of Denver and neighboring towns, profit from the presence of the elk, who depend on preservation of their ancient grazing grounds. Saving the elk and its habitat was determined to have been the right choice for man, when weighed against the exploitation and inevitably permanent alteration of the mountain, water and forest resources. The lesson I learned is that conservation is not just for tree huggers and animal lovers. It's for the good of all of us. Advertisement Former Oak Forest resident David McGrath is emeritus English professor at the College of DuPage and author of the novel "Siege at Ojibwa." He can be emailed at mcgrathd@dupage.edu. Wood frogs were documented in Lake County in 2015 for the first time in more than 20 years following a reintroduction program hosted by the Lake County Forest Preserves and Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo. (Courtesy of Lake County Forest Preserves) The smooth green snake, wood frog and meadow jumping mouse have all seen population gains in Lake County Forest Preserves in part because of a unique program with Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo. Since 2010, the zoo's Urban Wildlife Institute has been working with the forest preserve to breed these rare animals in captivity, then re-introduce them into restored habitats and monitor their success. Advertisement "One of the major reasons we are doing this is as part of the forest preserve's 100-year plan, where we don't want to let any species go extinct in the county," said Gary Glowacki, a wildlife biologist with the forest preserve. "We're going to have a better understanding of how to do that efficiently that's the goal. We're creating a model to do this, step by step, that would not only apply to Lake County but could be used as a model in the region." The zoo programs have already re-introduced 68 smooth green snakes to native Illinois habitats in Lake and McHenry counties, said Urban Wildlife Institute Director Seth Magle. The institute has also helped re-introduce 60 ornate box turtles to the western Illinois prairies and numerous meadow jumping mice in parts of the state. Advertisement "This project is incredibly unique in that it re-introduces often-overlooked species in restored habitats near urban areas," Magle said. "As our planet rapidly urbanizes, it is absolutely critical for conservation that we find a way to conserve rare species in and near our cities." Glowacki said more smooth green snakes may be released this year, but right now the focus of the zoo's field technicians is to document existing populations. The monitoring process includes counting specimens, some of which were released with tracking implants or collars. "We know they survive, but we don't know how much area they are occupying," said Glowacki, who added that the batteries in tracking collars often don't last long. Glowacki said predators and a lack of habitat are hurdles is restoring populations. He said the animals are often given "a soft landing" to acclimate, such as putting a cage around snakes to protect them from predators. "Anecdotally we do see some progress and positive signs. ... There's a danger in claiming success or failure in just a few years because we are looking for long-term recovery. A big early success was the wood frogs breeding and expanding their territory, but the verdict is still out as to what will transpire over the years." Glowacki said the frogs could do especially well after re-introduction because they lay thousands of eggs. "The smooth green snake only lays a couple of eggs. It's going to take a lot more time," Glowacki said. This week, the forest preserve commissioners approved spending $89,000 on the project, of which the Forest Preserve Foundation will contribute $45,000, Lincoln Park Zoo will contribute $31,000 in personnel and costs, and an Illinois State Wildlife grant will add $13,000. Advertisement Forest preserve documents indicate the multiyear project has primarily been funded by $244,000 in grants. fabderholden@tribpub.com Twitter @abderholden Nobody ever compared his speed to that of a bullet, or his power to that of a locomotive, as those things weren't around in ancient Greece. And as for leaping over tall buildings, that was probably small potatoes for the mythological deity Zeus. But, the god of sky and thunder said, there are many similarities between ancient "superheroes" and today's web slingers and men of steel. Local storyteller Terry Lynch took on the guise of Zeus for a recent fundraiser hosted by the Dyer Arts Visionaries, or DAVe. The program Superheroes Then and Now was held in conjunction with the Dyer Historical Society at Dyer Town Hall and kicked off an effort to showcase DAVe's latest project a brick fundraiser to garner funds for a sculpture to be placed on the corner of Hart Street and U.S. 30 in Dyer. Advertisement The group is selling bricks that will be set around the concrete pad already built at the corner. Funds from the sales of these bricks will go toward the purchase and placement of public art on the pad. A sculpture representing the community is in the planning stages. "It is DAVe's hope that enough money will be raised to place more artwork in and around the town of Dyer, as well (as the sculpture)," said Paul Benninghoff, founder and president of the group. Advertisement His group is a grass roots organization committed to promoting the visual and performing arts in and around the surrounding communities of Dyer. But at the fundraiser, the focus was on characters that are larger than life. "I'm a big superheroes fan of all time," said Daniel Strong of Highland as he waited for the program to begin. "I have no idea what's to be presented, but my mind's open." As the sky and thunder god who ruled from Mount Olympus, Zeus discussed the similarities between heroes of the past and those of today. "Your heroes seem to be a lot like those we had," he told the audience. "For instance, Pericles from my day was a helpful man, improving life for the people of Athens in many ways, just like Peter Parker, your Spider-Man of today, who always likes to help people in trouble." Zeus also mentioned Hercules the Roman name for the Greek hero Heracles, who was the son of Zeus as someone who took the weight of the world on his shoulders, performing super-human tasks. "Just like your strong man, Superman," Zeus said. Audience member Jim Lohrman of Dyer found the presentation comical as well as informative. "We're getting a little history lesson here, since Zeus is talking about the lives of ancient people we've heard little about," he said. "And he's keeping it interesting by joking about these characters and keeping us laughing." Advertisement The Dyer Arts Visionaries group is comprised of individuals joining together to enrich the Dyer community through the arts. They currently display local artists' work in Dyer businesses such as Centier Bank, Intrigue Salon & Day Spa, The Candy Cafe and Symphony Home. More information is at DyerArtsVisionaries@gmail.com or 219-670-3958. Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune. We have said insufferably rude things about Indiana Gov. Mike Pence from the parapet atop this outpost. I'd doubt he pays any attention. No time to listen. Messing up Indiana is a full-time job, and he seems fully engaged in that endeavor. Advertisement But now he has way bigger problems than me. The women are coming for him. And not in a good way. Advertisement The anonymous Hoosier women who operate the grassroots "Periods for Pence" (P4P for short) call his office dozens of times every day (317-232-4567) to give the governor an update on their reproductive cycle. Their Facebook page has 48,000 "likes," and the total grows every day. They validate that it's time that people most victimized by Somebody's War on Women should take control of their war effort. They figure it's the least they can do for a know-it-all official and his know-it-all allies, all of whom seem obsessed with women's reproductive cycles without knowing anything about how they work. So this is Pence's year to find about vaginas, menstruation, cramps, clots, bloating and estrogen. How they function. What problems and benefits they produce. He will discover that vaginas are not inanimate objects requiring management by men in the Indiana Legislature. Vaginas, as I've recently learned, are living parts of thinking beings who know how they work. As opposed to male reproductive organs, these organs actually are attached to a self-determinative human brain. Men often name their organs, but thinking is not involved beyond that. If Hoosierland's governor insists on being in charge of Hoosier vaginas and uteruses, the current owner/operators have decided to bring him up to speed. It's about time. If he is not alarmed by this, he is even more dense than I thought. Advertisement The proximate cause of the gender outreach is HEA 1337, the bill that Pence signed into law and makes Indiana (along with North Dakota) the most repressive state on abortion rights. Even female Republicans legislators in Indiana, many whom voted for previous abortion restrictions, found this one too intrusive and dunderheaded to tolerate. Nothing they could say about forcing women to carry damaged and deformed fetuses to term even to term as genetically disfigured stillborns swayed the governor's heart. Or that miscarried fetuses now must be treated as if they are humans. So an anonymous 39-year-old wife and mother read the law and told her husband, "If they are that worried about what is going on with our bodies, they might as well know everything." Now dozens of unofficial members of an unofficial organization call Pence's office every day. Callers are appropriately amused that the bill's sponsor was named Rep. Casey Cox. His number is 317-232-9863. A female friend took to P4P's Facebook home to announce that she's "saving" remnants of her monthly visitation and checking if there were any masses that needed to be buried. She might mail it to the governor's office for his assessment. Advertisement This is not merely gross obnoxiousness. She has a good point, because the law talks freely about miscarriages as if they are some form of deliberate abortion. The law requires all such fetal material to be buried because it's a human. Women trying unsuccessfully to bear children often miscarry. Requiring them to treat the failed, tragic event as a living child is cruelty only men could produce. The Centers for Disease Control and Health says as many 10 percent of all pregnancies end in miscarriage, but there's no choice involved. This is an issue with heartaches, soul-searching and deeply personal, agonizing effects. But the pain is borne to the largest degree by women. They should decide all of this. Men should shut up and wait for further instructions. Didn't men already figure out this role? Of course, many women are pro-life. They have a vested right in their position too. Men also have opinions. But they don't have a vagina or uterus. On this topic at least, that makes them thunderously stupid. Advertisement Let's go to the phone recordings. Woman: "Good Morning! I just wanted to let Mr. Cox know that the eagle has landed. I repeat, the eagle has landed." Them: "Ummm ... OK? Is there anything else he should know?" Post Tribune Twice-weekly News updates from Northwest Indiana delivered every Monday and Wednesday > Woman: "I have awful cramps." Them: (Very pleasant but desperately wanting me to shut up) "OKIwillpassthatalong." Women call to announce they are not pregnant but are having sex. Maybe tonight. Advertisement I normally would pause here to day something about Pence picking a fight he's too fragile and inept to win. But I won't. They're coming for him. David.Rutter@live.com Beijing and Canberra are seeking to increase business ties as Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull leads his country's largest-ever trade mission to China. Australia will also grant 10-year visas for the first time to Chinese and allow online applications, according to Turnbull, who started a two-day visit to China on Thursday. China is Australia's most important tourism market, with more than 1 million visitors last year. Witnessed by Premier Li Keqiang and Turnbull, the two countries signed five documents on Thursday to boost cooperation in areas including tourism, science, industrial parks and mining. Li called on both countries to make full use of their complementary advantages and work together in multiple sectors including infrastructure construction, equipment manufacturing, new energy, cross-border e-commerce, education, law enforcement and defense. "Enhanced China-Australia cooperation will send a positive signal to the region and the world, especially at a time when the global economy is sluggish with increasing uncertainties," Li said. It is Turnbull's first visit to China since taking office in September. Representatives of more than 1,000 companies are attending events at Australia Week in China, which begins on Monday in 12 cities. Turnbull said Australia considers China an important trade partner and is positive about the great potential for China's development. He said he was honored to be the first Australian prime minister to visit China since the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement took effect, adding that the two countries should enhance cooperation in e-commerce, agriculture and technology. The visit comes four months after the free trade agreement went into effect. Under the agreement, more than 86 percent of Australian exports can enter China duty-free, with the proportion rising to 94 percent in 2019 and 96 percent in 2029. "The engagement gets stronger all the time," Turnbull said. "We have a lot of good work to do together." Turnbull made no mention of concerns over the South China Sea issue in his speech in Shanghai on Thursday, according to The Associated Press. Last month, he described China's military deployments in the South China Sea as "counterproductive". Hans Hendrischke, a professor of Chinese business and management at the University of Sydney, said the two countries will discuss the diversification of economic ties during the visit. He said the bilateral relationship is moving from one focused on bulk goods and commodities to a much closer interaction across a range of industries services, agriculture and others. "It will mean closer government business interaction on both sides," he said. Steven Ciobo, Australian minister for trade and investment, said the business delegation will promote "the best we have to offer in cities across the country" during Australia Week in China. "We are committed to such a large showing because China will remain our largest export market for the foreseeable future," Ciobo said in an article for News Corp. Ni Yueju, a researcher of world economic studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said that sending its largest-ever business delegation shows that Australia attaches great importance to the Chinese market. She said both countries have agreed to enhance trade and economic cooperation after experiencing a fall in trade volume last year amid the sluggish world economy. China's retailers, wholesalers, service providers including training schools and tourism agencies are also forming relations with Australian associations, local governments and enterprises. For example, Australia's premium brand Nova Spring Water and Chinese chain retailer T3C signed a memorandum of understanding to coincide with Australia Week in China. You are here: Home Carrying furniture, home appliances and machinery, the first train of the first regular railway freight service linking Guangdong Province and Germany waits for departure in Dongguan on Thursday. [Photo/Xinhua] China on Thursday launched its first regular freight train service linking its southern province of Guangdong and Germany. The first train, carrying furniture, home appliances and machinery, left Dongguan on Thursday afternoon and will pass through Russia, Belarus and Poland before reaching Duisburg in Germany. The journey of more than 13,000 kilometers will take 19 days, 15 days shorter than sea freight, said a spokesperson with the Guangzhou Railway Corporation. Guangdong is the leading Chinese province for foreign trade, with its exports accounting for about 30 percent of the national total. The new line will see trains set out from Dongguan every Thursday. China's relatively slow economy has not cast a shadow on the employment prospects of college and university graduates, according to a new report from a leading recruitment company. Graduates from normal universities in Hunan province interact with their potential employers at a job fair in Hengyang in March. More than 4,000 graduates participated in the event.[Peng Bin/For China Daily] 51job, a leading human resources company in China, released its report on the employment situation of graduates on Wednesday. With a record 7.65 million students about to graduate and enter the job market in July, only 6.7 percent said they have, so far, failed to receive a job interview or are worried about getting one. And, at the same time, graduates are becoming more picky about prospective employers, with a growing number saying they would be reluctant to tie themselves into a binding contract with an employer. 51job conducted the survey among undergraduates and those taking master's degrees and PhDs. Students from 227 universities were interviewed. All will finish their studies in July. The results show that nearly 70 percent of graduates plan to work in the private sector. The other approximately 30 percent plan to either continue studying, start their own business, or become civil servants. Among the job seekers, 43.3 percent said they had already received and accepted job offers. About 25 percent of students seeking work in the private sector said they had received job offers but had not yet decided whether to accept them. And around 17.9 percent had not yet started looking for work. The report noted that past generations of students were more eager to find work quickly than the current batch. It said this year's graduates are not in as much of a hurry and seem more interested in finding the right position and on keeping their options open. The tendency not to grab the first job offered is even more pronounced among students attending the nation's most elite institutionsknown as project 211 and project 985 universitieswhich account for about 7 percent of mainland universities and colleges. Feng Lijuan, a senior expert in human resources at 51job, said many employers are facing a challenge to attract graduates because the graduates are becoming more choosy. "Employers have found that the real recruitment situation is the opposite of what they were expecting," said Feng. "Although the number of graduates keeps growing every year, the employment rate is still stable. Many graduates from prestigious universities are not satisfied with offers they have received and are still trying to choose the best one from what they have. "Besides, the majority of college graduates have no financial burdens. Their families don't need them to get a job as quickly as possible." According to the report, most graduates want to work in a prestigious city and many have a list of requirements from their prospective employers, beyond salary. "Although they have no interest in working for the same company for a long time, they still have high expectations from their first job," she said. "The survey found graduates want to acquire skills and expertise and connections at their first job. They were not so concerned about what they could contribute to their employer or to society." Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang said more will be done to promote clean governance in 2016, including cutting red tape, punishing officials' misconduct and implementation of major projects. Premier Li Keqiang speaks at the State Council's fourth meeting on clean governance in Beijing on March 28, 2016. [Photo: gov.cn] Li made the remarks at the State Council's fourth meeting on clean governance last month. His speech at the meeting was made public on Thursday. The premier praised last year's efforts to set restrictions to power use so as to reduce the scope for officials bargaining for benefits, noting that 311 administrative approval items were slashed and 44 percent of professional certificates were reduced. Li also noted progress in budget and expenditure transparency, including spending in government procurement and public receptions, adding that governments at all levels saved more than 380 billion yuan (58.6 billion U.S. dollars) in this way last year. However, Li noted that anti-graft mechanisms remain weak in some agencies, state-owned enterprises, public institutions and financial institutions and cases of nonfeasance and misconduct still exist among a small group of officials. Calling for full preparations in "fighting a difficult war against corruption" in 2016, Li stressed that Party rules and disciplines must be upheld strictly and corrupt officials in key fields must be firmly punished. Li promised that the government will slash more administrative items this year to boost market vitality and reduce corruption, with focus on stabilizing growth, restructuring and improving people's livelihoods. "To accurately and fully exercise governmental duty requires limiting power and exercising power well as well as... boosting government's action capacity and credibility," Li said. "Some entrepreneurs of privately-owned or foreign businesses told me during my local inspections that some local government officials didn't do things according to contracts and made changes at will, which harmed their passion for investment," Li told the meeting. The premier urged governments at all levels to abide by laws and regulations and fulfil their promises, calling for a system to pursue the liabilities of officials who renege. Li also stressed harsher crackdowns on the infringement of intellectual property rights, production of fake or shoddy goods, business fraud, tax evasion and other malpractices. He ordered intensified efforts in the implementation of major investment projects and those directly affecting people's livelihoods, with strict supervision and detailed responsibility spelled out for every party involved. Taiwan's local procuratorate said Thursday that it had completed investigation into a plane crash that claimed 48 lives and would prosecute two ground service personnel. On July 23, 2014, a TransAsia Airways aircraft took off from Kaohsiung Airport, heading for Magong in the Penghu archipelago. There were 58 people on board -- four crew and 54 passengers. The plane crashed near Magong Airport into a residential area, killing 48. Prosecutors in Penghu said in a press conference that the pilot and co-pilot of the GE222 aircraft had requested to use a runway equipped with Instrument Landing System (ILS) due to low visibility under the influence of a typhoon. However, the military duty officer was not familiar with standard for civil use of different runways in different levels of visibility, and failed to give the permission. The local procuratorate said both the duty officer and the air traffic control staff member would be charged with "professional negligence resulting in death." It added the pilot and the co-pilot were also negligent, but were both killed in the crash. A January report by Taiwan's Aviation Safety Council placed much of the blame on the pilots' non-compliance of standard operating procedure (SOP). According to the flight recorder data, non-compliance with SOP occurred throughout the flight. You are here: Home Chinese prosecutors are investigating five health officials and workers for suspected wrongdoings in vaccine acquisition, according to the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP). Four health institute heads allegedly purchased vaccines via unlawful channels. Prosecutors in east China's Jiangsu Province began investigations on April 1, the SPP said Thursday in a statement. In northeast China's Liaoning Province, a member of staff of epidemic prevention center allegedly bought low-price vaccines from an unapproved dealer. On Wednesday, the State Council announced that 357 officials implicated in cases concerning the illegal sale of improperly stored vaccines would be punished. So far 192 criminal cases have been filed and 202 people detained over the scandal. You are here: Home Fan Changlong, vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, inspected Nansha Islands in the South China Sea in recent days, the Ministry of Defense said Friday. Fan, who was accompanied by military officers and civilian officials, met with officers and soldiers stationed on the islands as well as construction workers, the ministry said on its official website. Fan was also briefed on the construction projects on Nansha islands and reefs. The ministry said the construction projects are going smoothly. Those projects, including lighthouses, automatic weather stations, oceanic observation centers and oceanic research facilities, will provide public services for the international community. Five lighthouses for navigation safety have been completed, and four of them are operative now, it added. Four people were killed after a traditional gold mine collapsed in Marangin district of Jambi province, senior official from a local disaster agency told Xinhua via phone on Thursday. The accident took place when the four miners were working in the mine located in a hill at Simpang Parit village of Renah Pembarap sub-district, said Afrizal, head of the emergency unit of disaster management agency in the province. "When they were digging in the mine, the mine suddenly collapsed and buried all of them," he told Xinhua by phone from the province. All of the bodies have been recovered from the mine, Afrizal added. Traditional mining is common in many areas in Indonesia, but lacking of safety standard has frequently triggered accidents that killed dozens of people. The following editorial appeared in The Baltimore Sun on Sunday, April 10: Anger and rebuke have not been in short supply of late. Nor have they been confined to Republican presidential politics although the Big Apple tabloid putdowns of Sen. Ted We all know what New York values are Cruz may have hit the high note for outright hostility. Former President Bill Clinton got a dose of comeuppance as well from Black Lives Matter protesters in Philadelphia. In such an extended fit of pique, it might be easy to overlook the fiery speech Sen. Charles Grassley gave on the Senate floor last week. What or who caught the ire of the 82-year-old Republican from Iowa who serves as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee? Was it Judge Merrick Garland, President Barack Obamas nominee to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia? Was it the Democrats who have so loudly protested his unwillingness to even conduct hearings on the nominee? Was it his fellow Republican senators who have decided to meet with Judge Garland? No, it was Chief Justice John Roberts, who apparently got Grassley riled up by lamenting how the process of selecting justices for the Supreme Court has become so politicized with votes falling along party lines a point he made in early February, incidentally, before Justice Scalias death on Feb. 13. Grassleys belated response was that it was Roberts who was turning the nations highest court into a political institution. Wait, what? Heres the senators logic, and we use that term advisedly. Because Roberts supported court rulings that twice enabled key provisions of the Affordable Care Act to be enforced, he has politicized the court by taking the side of policy preferences over constitutional text and rendered decisions. He had, as conservatives like to say, legislated from the bench instead of calling balls and strikes, as Roberts so famously described the job in his own confirmation hearings. That is, of course, a pretty infantile argument. It allows Grassley or any other self-appointed expert on constitutional law to make a similar claim every time a justice interprets the law in a manner that is not lock-step with the critics own. But this view of Justice Roberts among conservatives that he somehow betrayed his principles certainly seems to have caught on in the right-wing bubble. It feeds into Republicans argument that only they should select Scalias replacement: You just cant trust these judges. What applesauce, as Scalia liked to say. If one of the bedrock principles of the Supreme Court, and the nations judicial branch generally, is independence, it is these moments when the courts follow their own understanding of the law and not that of the president who nominated them that should be celebrated most. This is how true justice is crafted, not by fealty to a political partys understanding of the Constitution. Shame on Grassley for suggesting that Roberts has somehow betrayed the institution when it is the judiciary chairman who seems to be bent on rewriting the Constitution not only to limit President Barack Obamas authority to fill a court vacancy but now to imply that the chief justice has somehow sabotaged the court. Apparently, Roberts decisions that are anathema to liberals such as Citizens United or the weakening of the Voting Rights Act are simply correct interpretations of the Founding Fathers intent. Iowa voters, take note: Your six-term senator deserves to be put out to pasture, if only for sheer soft-headedness. Three cities have reached their environmental improvement goals with sharp reductions in airborne particulate pollution matters after having serious talks with environmental protection authorities, the Ministry of Environmental Protection said. On Feb 8, 2015, the Ministry of Environmental Protection hosted talks with the government of Cangzhou city in Hebei Province, with Linyi city of Shandong Province on Feb 25, and with the Zhengzhou city of Henan Province on July 28. The talk-down sessions from the ministry pushed the cities' decision-makers forward to take serious efforts in reducing pollution. To improve its air quality, Zhengzhou has set specific targets for this yearconcentrations of the PM2.5 and PM10 shall not surpass 150 and 79 micrograms per cubic meter, respectively. Authorities at the county level will be awarded 500,000 yuan (US$77,200) if their pollutant concentrations are one microgram lower than the newly adopted standards. Otherwise, they will be fined the same amount of money. Any county that reports substandard air quality for three consecutive months will be ordered to shut down all sources of pollution. Twenty tigers in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province embarked on a journey Thursday morning to their new home more than 2,000 kilometers away. [Shanghai Daily] Twenty tigers in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province embarked on a journey Thursday morning to their new home more than 2,000 kilometers away. The felines, one white tiger and 19 Siberian tigers, are all adults of about four years old. They will arrive at a new tiger park in Luanchuan County in central China's Henan Province after three days of travel. "The distance is long, and some tigers may get tired or even carsick. We will give them water and food regularly," said Liu Dan, chief engineer of the Siberian Tiger Park of Heilongjiang, the world's largest Siberian tiger breeding base. He noted that the environment of their new home in Luanchuan's Cangfang Village will be suitable for the large cats. Siberian tigers are among the world's most endangered species. They mostly live in eastern Russia, northeast China and northern parts of the Korean Peninsula. The Siberian Tiger Park of Heilongjiang is now home to more than 1,100 tigers. So far it has sent more than 100 tigers to zoos in other parts of China. Last year, more than 150 tiger cubs were born in the park, the highest number since the park was built in 1986. About 100 cubs are expected to be born this year. Flash Chinese Premier Li Keqiang voiced confidence in the prospects for the China-Australia relations in the fourth annual talks between the two countries' prime ministers. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull during the fourth annual talks between the two countries' prime ministers in Beijing, capital of China, April 14, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] The meeting, on Thursday afternoon at the Great Hall of the People, was co-chaired by Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who is paying his first official visit to China since taking office in September 2015, with a large business delegation. Calling Australia an important cooperation partner, Li said China was ready to strengthen mutual trust with Australia, synchronize development strategies, expand cooperation, and properly handle disputes on the principle of mutual respect, equality and reciprocity, so as to push forward a sustained and stable development of the bilateral relations. Li briefed Turnbull on China's structural reform, mass entrepreneurship and innovation, which will be new opportunities for cooperation. He urged both sides to strengthen synchronization of development strategies, give further play to a joint committee on technological cooperation, and promote joint research and development in areas including food, agriculture, mining and maritime science. Li welcomed Australia to establish an overseas innovation base in Shanghai, and voiced support for the two countries to jointly establish innovation parks and technology transfer centers to promote cooperation between firms, universities and research institutes. Shanghai is also the first stop of Turnbull's visit from Thursday to Friday. Li said China was willing to conduct production capacity cooperation with Australia in infrastructure construction and equipment manufacturing, while seeking opportunities in new energy, new-type urbanization, environmental protection and transnational e-commerce. He also urged the two countries to strengthen cooperation in overseas studying, tourism, judiciary, law enforcement and defense, deepen friendly exchanges between localities, and maintain close communication and coordination under regional and international mechanisms to promote the peace, stability and common development in the region and the world. Turnbull said China is an important trading partner of Australia and he was optimistic with China's economic development potential. He said Australia will adapt to China's economic structural reform and make use of the opportunities brought by it, strengthen cooperation in e-commerce, agriculture, animal husbandry and technology, and jointly promote the peace, stability and economic growth in the region and the world. The two sides also discussed international and regional issues of common concern. After the talks, the two prime ministers witnessed the signing of five cooperation deals between the two countries in areas such as technological innovation, tourism, industrial parks and mining. Flash Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that Moscow is willing to cooperate with any new U.S. president who would respect Russia. "If they speak to us respectfully and seek compromises as we do, then we will always find a solution that would satisfy both," Putin said during his annual live Q-and-A session with the nation, when asked which one, Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump, would be worse for Russia as the next U.S. president. It is necessary to determine who is better, rather than worse, said Putin. It is impossible to build democratic international relations from a position of strength, dictatorship and imperial ambitions without paying due respect to others, Putin said. Flash Beijing has voiced "resolute opposition against infringement of China's sovereignty and security by any country in any form." The Foreign Ministry spelled out China's stance after the Pentagon said that U.S.-Philippine joint patrols in the South China Sea will occur "regularly." U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter confirmed on Thursday that the U.S. and the Philippines had already conducted such patrols. The Foreign Ministry told China Daily, "The military exchanges ... should not target a third party, not to mention supporting some countries to provoke China's sovereignty and security, flaring regional contradictions and damaging regional peace and stability." Beijing will follow developments, and general stability has been maintained in the South China Sea "through joint efforts by China and relevant countries", the ministry said Carter reported the U.S. confirmation at a news conference with Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin in Manila. Carter met with the Philippine President Benigno Aquino earlier in the day. Without quoting a source, Reuters reported the Pentagon saying that the first joint patrol took place in March and a second one took place earlier this month. Carter started a visit to the Philippines on Wednesday during the annual U.S.-Philippine military drill that started on April 4. He will attend the closing ceremony on Friday. Zhang Junshe, a senior researcher at the PLA Naval Military Studies Research Institute, said the U.S. will damage peace in the South China Sea by calling for joint patrols. "When Washington calls China's behavior in the South China Sea 'coercive,' the joint patrols have been a slap in the face. This is sheer coercion against China's peaceful development," Zhang said. Carter said U.S. forces will be given access to more military bases in the Philippines than the five announced already. The Ministry of National Defense said, "The U.S. Army has now returned, has reinforced its military presence in the Philippines and has given rise to militarization in the South China Sea region." Flash The Islamic State (IS) is believed to have targeted a Syrian war jet near an airbase in southern Syria on Thursday, a monitor group reported. The warplane was hit near the airbase of Khilkhileh in the southern province of Swaida, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The UK-based watchdog group said the plane crashed, but the pilot survived and reached a government-controlled area in the countryside of Swaida. The IS confirmed in a statement targeting the Syrian warplane in Swaida. Last week, a Syrian warplane was downed by the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front in the northern province of Aleppo. The incidents come amid intensified battles in Aleppo between the Syrian army and Nusra militants, in addition to battles between the Nusra and the IS south of the capital Damascus. Recent reports said the IS took control of much of the Yarmouk Camp for Palestinian refugees south of Damascus, following battles against the Nusra whose militants have been in control of that devastated area for over two years. Flash The European Union on Thursday said it believed the appointment of a new government in Ukraine would provide new momentum to the implementation of the Minsk agreements. "Today's appointment of a new government in Ukraine, headed by Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman, is a crucial development at a time when new momentum in the country is badly needed," said EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini and Commissioner Johannes Hahn in a joint statement. "We look forward to working with him to build a stronger Ukraine, on the basis of fundamental reform and accountable governance," it said. The statement said the EU remains committed to supporting Ukraine politically and through financial and technical assistance in its efforts to "implement key reforms, modernize the country and fight corruption." "In this context, we will support the new government to ensure that key political and economic institutions function efficiently and transparently, and that the rule of law is strengthened," the leaders said. The officials also called on all parties to follow through on their commitments concerning the implementation of the Minsk agreement. Ukrainian Parliament Speaker Volodymyr Groysman was elected the country's new prime minister on Thursday. Groysman, a 38-year-old former businessman and a close ally of President Petro Poroshenko, announced his bid for premiership on Wednesday, naming deregulation, economic growth and anti-corruption as his top priorities. Flash Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff on Thursday allowed four loyalist ministers to temporarily leave their positions and return to the Chamber of Deputies to help in efforts to overturn an impeachment vote on Sunday. According to the government's gazette, Celso Pansera, minister of Science and Technology, Marcelo Castro, head of Health Department, Mauro Lopes of Civil Aviation from the Brazilian Democratic Movement Party (PMDB) and Patrus Ananias, Agriculture Minister, from the Workers' Party will all vote in her favor. Pansera, Castro and Lopes all rejected the decision by the PMDB to abandon the ruling coalition earlier this month and elected to maintain their positions. On Wednesday, Rousseff accused Vice President Michel Temer and Chamber of Deputies President Eduardo Cunha of being the heads of "coup" against her. Both men are from the PMDB, a key coalition partner of Rousseff's left-leaning Workers' Party. The government supporters of Rousseff in the Chamber presented on Thursday a list of 186 deputies and 32 senators which have signed a document vowing "to defend democracy and reject impeachment." If all these support Rousseff, she would be able to fend off the impeachment attempt. In a vote scheduled for Sunday, the government will need the support of over one-third of lawmakers, or at least 172 out of 513, to defeat the impeachment attempt. The supporters said this list came through negotiations begun by former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to save the Rousseff government, according to the ruling party lawmakers. Furthermore, as the list was presented, Luciana Santos, a deputy from the Brazilian Communist Party, said a number of other deputies would support Rousseff without having signed the pledge. Debates in the lower house about the impeachment process will begin on Friday morning and run all weekend before the vote on Sunday. In order for the impeachment process to move on to the Senate, two-thirds of deputies, or 342 out of 513, will have to vote to impeach Rousseff. Flash Damaged buildings are seen at the Kumamoto University in Kumamoto Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on April 15, 2016. Local police confirmed that nine people were killed after powerful quakes hit Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan at late Thursday and early Friday. [Xinhua] At least nine people died after a powerful earthquake hit southwestern Japan on Thursday night, the Kumamoto Prefecture disaster management office said. As many as 765 people were injured in the quake and the aftershocks, officials said, as of 5 a.m., 53 of whom are suffering with severe injuries. Some 44,400 people were forced to evacuate their homes and take shelter in 500 temporary sites in the prefecture, according to local media reports. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) revised the first quake from 6.4 magnitude to 6.5. The quake was logged at level 7 of the Japan seismic intensity scale of 7 in Mashiki Town at the Kumamoto Prefecture, marking the first since the devastating earthquake in March 2011. The epicenter of the M6.5 quake was detected at 32.7 degree north latitude and 130.8 degree longitude with a depth of 11 km, said the JMA. Mashiki was where the quake hit hardest and was logged at an intensity of 7, although the Japan Meteorological Agency did not issue a tsunami warning. Strong aftershocks, including one measured at 5.7 magnitude at around 10:07 p.m. Thursday and 6.4 magnitude at 0:08 a.m. Friday, are continuing jolting the area after the M6.5 quake, said the JMA, warning there may be strong aftershocks in the coming week. Local police and firefighters in the prefecture said that 20 houses had collapsed as a result of the quake, particularly in and in the vicinity of Mashiki, leaving people trapped beneath rubble and debris. Firefighters were also busy battling blazes in Mashiki that were triggered by the deadly quake. No abnormalities were found in the Sendai nuclear power plant, the only operating nuclear facility in the area, said local reports, adding the quake also not affected volcanic activities at Mount. Also in Kumamoto Prefecture. The quake triggered blackout in the region affecting about 16,000 households. Traffic is stopped on some expressways in Kumamoto and Miyazaki Prefectures and parts of local roads were damaged, said local reports. The Japanese government has set up a special group to gather information on injuries and damage, said top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga. He also called on affected people to remain calm and help each other. Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation. Flash A Chinese envoy to the United Nations on Thursday called on the international community to effectively prevent terrorist groups from using the internet and social media to recruit new members. The internet and social media have become an important platform for terrorist groups, said Liu Jieyi, China's permanent representative to the UN, at a Security Council open debate on counter-terrorism. Therefore, the international community should take targeted methods to stop terrorist from recruiting new members, spreading extremist ideology, raising funds and plotting terrorist attacks using the internet and social media, he said. Moreover, countries should strengthen the regulations of the internet and relevant agencies of the United Nations should coordinate such efforts, he said. The envoy also stressed that the effects of terrorism transcend national boundaries: no country can cope with this threat alone, and no country can be spared, he said. The international community should adhere to uniform standards and zero tolerance for terrorism, he said, while highlighting that terrorism should not be linked to a specific nation or religion. UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday also called for curtailing terrorists groups' ability to abuse and misuse the internet and social media to radicalize and recruit young people at Thursday's open debate. Noting that more than 30,000 people from all over the world have joined Daesh's campaigns in Iraq and Syria, Ban and warned that Daesh -- the acronym for the Islamic State in Arabic language -- has shown an ability to radicalize and recruit disaffected youth, including women and girls, through strategies involving the internet and social media. "We must curtail the ability to abuse and misuse the internet and social media to radicalize and recruit young people, by identifying global and regional solutions that involve governments, private enterprise and civil society," said Ban. Leadership of elected bodies can be a tricky thing, especially when a House speaker or Senate president is chosen only by the majority party members. At least the mayor of Flagstaff can say he was elected by a majority of voters when he makes a decision on council protocol and rules. Not so in legislative bodies like the Arizona House and Senate. On paper, the leaders there are supposed to serve ministerial functions: make committee assignments, keep bills moving to the floor and hire support staff to attend to everything from answering email to checking parking passes. But in reality, legislative leaders, especially in the majority party, have taken on roles akin to the old-style party bosses. They raise campaign cash and dole it out to loyalists, hire partisan staff separate from the Legislatures nonpartisan analysts, and craft budgets separate from the governor. If they can command enough votes among party members, they can afford to ignore members of the minority party no consultation and no compromise needed. And given their higher political profiles, many speakers and presidents use their posts as launching pads for campaigns for higher state and federal office. BLURRING OF ROLES For better or worse, these political roles for legislative leaders at the state level have won a level of voter acceptance perhaps because members of both major parties employ the same tactics when they win majorities in either chamber. It might also be that state leaders have taken a cue from leaders in Congress, who have long raised money from lobbyists and special interests to funnel re-election funds to the rank and file. So its not surprising that leaders like House Speaker David Gowan and Senate President Andy Biggs conflate their political roles with their administrative duties. The latter are supposed to assure a smooth-running institution and a nonpartisan, level playing field for legislators and citizens alike. When they violate that trust, they not only harm the democratic process but also bring no small dose of embarrassment to Arizona as a state. REPORTER ACCESS AT STAKE Such was the case with Gowan and his attempt to subject statehouse reporters to in-depth background checks in the name of House security. Although he denies it was retaliation, the fact that the only reporter who would have been denied floor privileges was the one who had exposed his $12,000 in improperly claimed expenses was just too coincidental to be ignored. And when Gowan cited a letter from House members asking only for tighter security in the public gallery as justifying his reporter crackdown, his credibility even within his own party took a hit. He was forced to back down, but not before the story made national news and likely torpedoed Gowans bid for Congress. On the Senate side, Biggs, who is also running for Congress, is entrusted with assigning bills that arrive from the House to a committee in a timely enough fashion so that they can beat the deadline for full consideration on the Senate floor. If a president has personal or political objections to a bill, he might assign it to several committees just to put higher hurdles in front of it. But refusing to assign it anywhere clearly violates the rules. Yet that is just what Biggs did with a bill that arrived from the House on a 47-12 bipartisan vote to extend health care coverage to 30,000 children of the working poor. It was cosponsored by Republican senators, who point out the bill came with no price tag for the first two years, and at most $27 million a year thereafter if Congress cut all funding. Every other state participates in KidsCare, as most analyses show that getting preventive care to kids early saves money in more expensive emergency care down the road. MISUSE OF DISCRETION To date, Biggs has refused to budge, contending that future costs should be accounted for, and the $27 million is not in this or future budgets. Thats a debatable point and perfectly appropriate to a committee hearing and a floor debate. But cutting off discussion before it even begins and with a bill from the House in hand is a misuse of his discretion as president, and party members ought to let him know he has stepped far over the line. At this point, with the deadline past for committee hearings, Biggs could allow the bill to be attached to one that has already received a hearing. Its a tactic that also violates the rules on paper but which he and other presidents have used frequently to give pet bills of members a second chance. Biggs, like Gowan, should justify the trust that legislators of his party and by extension, the voters who elected them have shown him and back down. It might not save face, but it will save the institution from further embarrassment by a leader whose politics have gotten in the way of a fair and open democratic process. Zhang Yong, Alibaba's chief executive officer and the chairman of Cainiao. [Photo/VCG] Cainiao, Alibaba Group Holding Ltd's logistics offshoot, is investing 1 billion yuan ($153.6 million) in an upgraded type of service, which it claims will offer China's growing army of online shoppers better, faster deliveries. Zhejiang Cainiao Supply Chain Management Co, to give its full name, is creating the Cainiao Alliance, a new e-commerce logistics organization, which officials said will be dedicated to offering higher-quality delivery services. Couriers signing up to the alliance will be offered access to Cainiao's full infrastructure resources, its supply chain and big-data facilities, and have access to its customer service team, which the operator claims will provide a higher level of service. "Logistics is key to any new business and the new economy," said Zhang Yong, Alibaba's chief executive officer and the chairman of Cainiao. "Cainiao wants to leverage its technology and big data to empower its courier partners to provide quality and reliable delivery services." According to the Hangzhou-based Cainiao, it has already attracted some of the country's biggest courier firms to join the alliance, including Zhongtong Express and Shentong Express. The alliance is expected to immediately roll out the upgraded package of services, including same-day and next-day deliveries, on Alibaba's business-to-customer site Tmall. Cainiao said the goal is for the alliance to serve 10 million enterprises and have the annual capacity to deliver 100 billion parcels in the next five to eight years. Founded by Alibaba and a consortium of logistics companies, Cainiao is different in that rather than expanding its own network it operates a proprietary logistics information platform, that links a network of providers, warehouses and distribution centers, that offers better efficiency and cost savings. It recently closed its first round of external fundraising, a week before New York-listed Alibaba said the value of gross merchandise on its online marketplaces in the current fiscal year exceeded 3 trillion yuan. Tong Wenhong, Cainiao's chief executive officer, said China's e-commerce industry's development over the next decade will largely depend on the progress of the logistics industry. She said 20.6 billion packages were generated by online shopping last year, up from 860 million in 2005. "But our recent survey found that 56 percent of online shoppers said deliveries were not on time, and around a quarter complained the deliverymen were impolite," she said. A supermarket in Nanjing, Jiangsu province. In the fast-moving consumer goods sector, buyers are shopping less in large format stores, and more in convenience stores.QU XING / FOR CHINA DAILY German wholesaler Metro China is to speed up the development of its franchise business, and introduce its convenience store brand MyMart this year. Jeroen de Groot, president of Metro China, said the firm has plans to open the first two MyMart stores in Shanghai, one at a major subway station and another close to a residential community. More MyMart openings are scheduled in other cities across China, said de Groot, adding more details cannot be disclosed now, but will be disclosed in the near future. The expansion of franchises is in line with the company's intention to optimize its business to satisfy the demand of customers and to support startups and small business owners in the market, said de Groot. He said Metro will be prudent when choosing its franchisees, as the company will not risk its reputation in terms of quality and food safety. The convenience stores will leverage from the German wholesaler's expertise in food safety, quality control and supply chain management. Metro also made it clear that it welcomes not only professional, but also individual customers, who now account for some 40 percent of its 4.3 million registered members. The company already has 82 stores in 57 Chinese cities, and also plans to open more supermarkets and smaller stores in the next five years. "The move into the convenience store sector indicates Metro wants to take a share of the growing small format modern trade business," said Jason Yu, general manager of Kantar Worldpanel China. Jeroen de Groot, president of Metro China.[Photo/IC] Kantar Worldpanel reported that in 2015 the convenience store sector in China grew by 9.3 percent. In the fast-moving consumer goods sector, buyers are shopping less in large format stores, and more in convenience stores, specialist outlets and e-commerce channels, the report said. Yu said the launch of MyMart obviously suggests a shift of strategy in line with the latest shopping behavior. Challenges remain for Metro, however, as convenience stores are also becoming increasingly competitive, with more Japanese and local players. "Scale is critical to achieve competitive advantage," he said. "Metro will have to be very selective in the locations it chooses, and also maximize its strength in merchandising and sourcing." Kantar has reported that spending in the fast-moving consumer goods sector grew by 3.5 percent last year, as the China economy expanded at its slowest pace in 25 years. Modern trade, including hypermarkets, supermarkets, and convenience stores, continued to experience sluggish growth in line with the total market, growing by 3.3 percent from 2015. The gap between international and domestic retailers has further widened as international retailers continued to lose market share, down 1.1 percentage points to 13.4 percent in 2015. Kantar also revealed international retailers struggled to keep up with the rapidly changing trading environment where growth in their strongholdkey cities and provincial capitalswas sluggish, while they experienced stronger competition from local players in lower-tier cities as well as competition from the e-commerce giants. Every few months I am invited by some technology companies to a major venue such as the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai to attend a news conference for the release of a new version of their products, for example, a new smartphone. Even though most of the minor new features announced are often sneered at by some of the industry experts present, I was always fascinated by the phrase they used from time to time to define the new features: Product iteration. To know more about the tech world to which I think I might be too much of a green hand, I clicked open an online marketplace and looked at the best-selling books of the month. Once again, I was caught by the buzzword of not only the tech industry but rather the whole business world today: Product iteration. Even a business opinion leader, who gives TED talks on his personal WeChat platform, said recently that product iteration is of utmost importance for every company, even century-old automobile companies. The phrase product iteration has been mentioned so many times that you feel out of the loop if you haven't heard of it. Especially in the tech world, it somehow seems to be a serious omission if the person, especially a product manager, doesn't talk about it from time to time. But what exactly is product iteration? According to a thesis published in IEEE Computer in November 1993, iteration basically refers to the engineering life cycle based on user testing and other evaluation methods in an attempt to perfect user interfaces. Hence product iteration is a systematic process that requires a scrupulous attitude. However, the repetitive mentioning of the phrase nowadays only gives a sense of restlessness and even frustration. Designers work hard to constantly come up with slightly different new features for a product, which consumers hardly notice. The newly released iPhone SE, which offers few new features but rather returns to the age of small screens when consumers are crying out for bigger screens, ought to be one of the best examples of awkwardness. Of course, companies should always keep in mind the importance of innovation. But making so-called product iteration only for the sake of it gives the impression that the company is desperate and lacks confidence. Hope it will come for once to the manager's mind that excessive iteration will make consumers question the quality of products. If the company is responsible and thoughtful, it should plan everything in advance to indeed make the product helpful to consumers, rather than making itself looking like an avaricious monster luring every penny from the consumers' purse. One more thing that Wikipedia defines for product iteration is that "the process should be repeated until user issues have been reduced to an acceptable level". What is implied here is the establishment of an effective interaction system between the company and the consumer. But based on what we have seen so far, most product iteration seems to be some new features coming out on a whim. The frequently encountered problems, such as the sudden cutoff of an application, are not probably addressed even though the company claims to have made some adjustments to the application. But maybe it is not all the fault of the company for being so obsessed with the phrase product iteration. Consumers nowadays, spoiled by extensive consumerism, are so insatiable that all they want are more new functions. For companies that have not rolled out any new product for maybe a year, they will denounce them as lacking the spirit of innovation or teasing the designer for lacking inspiration. But the fact is, we don't need so many updates of everything. Just go through the apps installed in your phone, and you will easily find more than 10 of them which have hardly been used for a month. We have seen so many popular products that were well-known for only a few weeks and soon vanished, leaving little impression behind. So the sad fact is, we don't need so many new things but rather a simple, lasting and trustworthy product. WangJun, CEO and co-founder of iCarbonX.[Photo/China Daily] A big-data startup focusing on precision medicine, set up by former CEO of China's genome sequencing giant Beijing Genomics Institute, is planning to expand to the United States after Tencent Holdings Ltd led a nearly 1 billion yuan ($150 million) investment in the seven-month old company. WangJun, CEO and co-founder of iCarbonX, said on Tuesday: "We will make strategic moves in the US and Europe this year, through either investments or acquisitions." He declined to offer more details, only saying the startup is aiming to be a global firm and more overseas moves can be expected in the future. The Shenzhen-based firm will offer precision medicine or personalized healthcare service by lever-aging artificial intelligence and big-data technology. It was established in October after Wang stepped down from BGI, the world's leading sequencer of genomes from human, animal and plant. In January, iCarbonX set up its first overseas branch in Malta, a southern European island country whose healthcare system is ranked fifth globally by the World Health Organization. The expansion plan came one day after iCarbonX announced it had completed series A round of financing, which was led by Ten-cent and valued the company at near $1 billion. "Tencent is not only an investor but also will be a strategic partner," he said. "We are discussing cooperation on jointly developing new internet-enabled products, and leveraging Tencent's popular social networking tool WeChat to collect users' data and do marketing." Other investors include Vcanbio Cell & Gene Engineering Corp, a leading Shanghai-listed cell and gene engineering firm, which will also partner with iCarbonX on genome sequencing resources and storage services. Wang is one of the most pioneering genome experts in China. He was named by Nature magazine as one of the 10 people who mattered most in science in 2012 after he led BGI's efforts to acquire the California-based sequencing-technology company Complete Genomics. The new cash will be used to collect data, speed up computing capability and build an artificial-intelligence-powered big-data analysis model, according to Wang. "By sequencing and analyzing not just genomes, but behavior, imaging and environmental data of the same individual for a long time, we can know what interactions matter in causing genes to be expressed in a certain way," Wang said. In the near term, the company's technology is likely to be first applied to the beauty industry, which is plagued by charismatic hucksters and fake science. Customers, for instance, will be able to undergo a skin test in iCarbonX stores and the company will then offer personalized advice on skin care by analyzing their personal data. "We are considering opening the first store this year so that consumers can have first-hand experience of our personalized skincare service," Wang said. China is bolstering the development of the precision medicine industry, hoping to leverage the cutting-edge technology to meet people's growing demand for personalized healthcare services in an aging society. Chinese internet giants, such as Tencent, Baidu Inc and Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, are also branching into the digital healthcare market, betting it will be a big growth business in the future. The global precision medicine market is expected to reach to $88 billion by 2022, according to HIT Consultant. Zhang Yunlei, an analyst at Daton Securities Co, said currently, the domestic market is still in infancy but it is likely to grow at an annual rate of 20 percent in the next five years. SINGAPORE - Singapore Business Federation (SBF) and International Enterprise (IE) Singapore will jointly lead a delegation of 29 companies to explore business opportunities in China's Chongqing from Friday to Sunday, said SBF and IE Singapore in a joint press release on Thursday. This is the largest Singapore business delegation to visit the Chinese municipality since the Chongqing Connectivity Initiative (CCI) was launched in November 2015, according to the joint release. The Singapore delegation comprises almost 50 senior representatives of companies from the financial services, aviation, transport and logistics, as well as information and communications technology (ICT) sectors, which are the focus sectors for the CCI. Also on the trip are the Industry Advisors to the CCI, who will lend their corporate and professional industry expertise to the project. During the three-day mission, the Singapore delegation will meet local government officials and enterprises, develop a better understanding of Chongqing's business environment, as well as gain insights to the CCI. The delegation will also attend the "Chongqing Connectivity Initiative Seminar" on Saturday. CEO of IE Singapore Lee Ark Boon said China's West is now among the top investment destinations for Singapore companies. The CCI will further strengthen business ties between Singapore and China's Chongqing. "The launch of daily flights will see more travels between Singapore and Chongqing, while newly introduced cross-border renminbi initiatives will result in increased transactions. Singapore companies can leverage the momentum generated by the CCI to seize new opportunities in this region to meet potential partners and explore business collaborations." Lee added. SBF Chairman and CCI Industry Advisor Teo Siong Seng also noted that the Chongqing Connectivity Initiative will further enhance collaboration between Singapore and China, bringing opportunities and investments that will benefit both countries. In recent years, there has been strong economic cooperation and investment interest from Singapore companies in China's West. The CCI is the third Government-to-Government project between Singapore and China, which is focused on the western region of China, also propels the Belt and Road Initiative. According to the Chongqing Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Commission, by the end of 2015, there were 245 projects, accumulating to a total investment value of $5.68 billion in Chongqing. Singapore also became Chongqing's largest source of foreign direct investment. DUBAI - Heads of Chinese companies in retail sector said here Thursday that a growing number of retail chains and consumers have learnt to stay ahead of the business curve despite a cooling Chinese market. Addressing the 10th edition of the World Retail Congress, Victor Fung, the Chinese-American Group Chairman of Hong Kong-based multinational Fung Group, said albeit the cooling Chinese economy, "the future is still bright especially in the service sector where we expect 56 percent growth in the next five years." Lucy Wu, Vice-President of the Chinese Store and Franchise Association affirmed Fung's optimism, saying that 110 shopping malls opened in 2015 in China, and the trend is expected to continue on a high note, she added. Yan Zhang, Co-founder and CEO of Chinese lifestyle and fashion site Yetang.com agreed, said that China still has huge market potential with consumers from different income levels. "The day you launch an online sales channel in China, you will have a national chain, while it is very difficult to realize this offline," said Zhang. He said unlike Western countries, Chinese's new brands are not necessarily associated with shopping malls, but come from the internet where consumers can compare prices and read feedback. "The last five years saw many celebrities and bloggers emerging who became important references for millions of consumers, which is also fueling consumer spending," said Zhang. The three-day World Retail Congress which took place for the first time outside Europe ended on Thursday. BEIJING - It is unfair to place the label "trade barrier" on China's web regulation, which is in line with WTO articles and aimed at safeguarding cybersecurity, not discriminating against foreign firms. The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) said in its new annual report that "China's filtering of cross-border Internet traffic has posed a significant burden to foreign suppliers." The report listed China's Internet regulatory regime as one of the barriers for trade in services, in the latest excuse the US government has used to attack China's cyberspace governance. China bars access to some foreign websites because they refuse to abide by the country's laws and regulations. It is obviously risky for any country to receive unchecked inflows of information, particularly at a time of rising global instability. One of the WTO principles is trade without discrimination, which, however, does not translate into absolute freedom or rule out reasonable regulation. The General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) allows members to contravene their obligations as necessary measures to "protect public morals or maintain public order." China's blocking of websites and filtering of traffic are aimed at safeguarding cybersecurity and maintaining social stability. Cybersecurity is an important issue universally acknowledged, including by the United States. Since he took office, President Barack Obama has identified cybersecurity as one of the most serious economic and national security challenges. In 2014 alone, the United States passed the Cybersecurity Enhancement Act, National Cybersecurity Protection Act and Federal Information Security Modernization Act. China's cyberspace regulation has successfully curbed the spread of imported pornography and terrorist information in a country with the world's largest population of web users. Some of the blocked sites are social media that carry a sea of posts by people across the world, including those with an outdated mentality who still deem China as a rival or threat. In contrast, bona fide, compliant Western e-commerce websites such as Amazon and eBay are easily accessible in the lucrative China market, indicating that the country does not erect trade barriers in cyberspace. In fact, USTR data shows the United States has continued to record a substantial surplus in service trade with China as its exports of services to China totalled $42.5 billion in 2014, up from $37.8 billion in 2013. "This success has been largely attributable to the market openings phased in by China pursuant to its WTO commitments," said the USTR report, describing the prospects for US service suppliers in China as promising. Every country has the right to govern cyberspace in its own manner. The Internet is not beyond law. At the same time, China will honor its commitment of opening wider to the outside world, rather than setting up any business barriers. The government will continue to work for a better environment for foreign-funded companies as long as they abide by Chinese law. If the United States continues to muddy the waters of commerce with politics, rows will only get noisier and economic ties will probably be hurt. A view of Shenzhen's landmark skyscraper Kingkey 100, June 16, 2015. [Photo/IC] Planning to buy an apartment in Shenzhen? Here's some news that might make you think twice: You would need as much as 27.7 years of household income to buy an apartment there, according to E-house China R&D Institute. This puts Shenzhen on top of the list as the country's least affordable market. Nationwide among 35 major cities, a family has to save for 10.2 years before they could buy an apartment, said the real estate provider citing 2015 statistics. China's income growth failed to outrun booming property sector in 2015, as per capita disposable income grew 8.2 percent, down from 9 percent a year ago, while newly built housing saw a 9.1 percent surge in price, according to the report. "For fresh graduates, chances are slim that they could afford an apartment in Shenzhen on their own," a real estate employee Zhang told China Business News, adding that most second-hand flats in the city cost more than 50,000 yuan ($7,707) per square meter. Scholars have voiced concerns on possible "crowding-out effect", a fear that staggering property price could drive young talents away. As of last month, the number of cities with average home price above 10,000 yuan per square meter rose to 26 from 20, according to Beijing-based consultancy company Biaozhunpaiming. The report expects home price in first-tier cities and some second-tier cities such as Hangzhou, Zhengzhou as well as Hefei to rise further this year. 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!) GUANGZHOU - China on Thursday launched its first regular freight train service linking its southern province of Guangdong and Germany. The first train, carrying furniture, home appliances and machinery, left Dongguan on Thursday afternoon and will pass through Russia, Belarus and Poland before reaching Duisburg in Germany. The journey of more than 13,000 kilometers will take 19 days, 15 days shorter than sea freight, said a spokesperson with the Guangzhou Railway Corporation. Guangdong is the leading Chinese province for foreign trade, with its exports accounting for about 30 percent of the national total. The new line will see trains set out from Dongguan every Thursday. A woman walks past a McDonald's outlet in Hong Kong in July 25, 2014. [Photo/Agencies] McDonald's Corp is targeting private equity firms, including Bain Capital, MBK Partners, TPG Capital Management and Chinese conglomerate China Resources (Holdings) for its planned sale of 2,800 restaurants in North Asia, people familiar with the matter told Reuters. The US fast food giant is adopting a new business model in Asia, which is now the most intense battleground for global restaurant chains, by planning to bring in partners to own the restaurants within a franchise operation. Several other global restaurant operators have switched to the so-called franchise model and McDonald's has also set a long-term aim of being 95 percent franchised, the company said in a statement on March 31. Oak Brook, Illinois-based McDonald's has hired Morgan Stanley to run the sale of the restaurants in the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and South Korea, the people said. A formal sales process is expected to kick-off in about three to four weeks, one of the people said. Ahead of that, McDonald's and its advisor are drawing up a list of likely partners who will be approached to participate in the auction, the person added. The franchise partners would likely end up owning a majority stake in the restaurants in each market, or even as much as 100 percent, and be responsible for future capital spending. The precise structure of the deal is still to be decided, the sources said. In return, McDonald's will get a one-time franchise payment and ongoing royalty fees, which usually range between 3-5 percent of annual turnover. Asia-focused Baring Private Equity Asia is the other buyouts firm likely to be invited to the auction process, banking sources familiar with the process said. McDonald's declined to add to the March 31 statement. China Resources, MBK, Bain, TPG and Baring all declined to comment. Morgan Stanley didn't respond to an email seeking comment. McDonald's does not break out country-by-country revenue details. It is China's No 2 fast food chain behind YUM Brands Inc, which operates the KFC and Pizza Hut chains. McDonald's is leaning towards finding separate partners in all the three markets and would likely offer a majority stake to make the deal appealing to buyers, the people added. The private equity firms are attracted to the rapid growth opportunity available in the so-called quick-service restaurants' (QSR) business in Asia. "In recent years, even though formal dining may have been impacted by the austerity measures, QSR as a format is growing pretty rapidly," said Kiki Yang, a Greater China partner at consulting firm Bain & Co. "QSR has the format that a lot of investors like because of the growth of the segment, standardized procedures and it's easy to expand." China Resources, which is the parent of brewing company China Resources Beer Holdings, and operates Pacific Coffee chains in the Greater China region, has previously expressed interest in expanding its retail footprint. "This will attract a lot of sponsor interest," said one senior Hong Kong-based M&A banker familiar with the McDonald's process. "For one, it's an established business and second such assets rarely come to market in Asia." Buyout firms from KKR & Co to Carlyle Group and others have raised billions of dollars in new funds in Asia to benefit from the region's growth potential. But the lack of opportunities to gain control of businesses and stiff asking prices have left the Asia private equity industry sitting on about $140 billion of "dry powder" or unemployed capital, according to data provider Preqin. Apart from the proceeds from a sale, a deal would lower McDonald's capital spending needs, which totaled $2.6 billion last year. McDonald also plans to open 1,500 more restaurants in the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong Special Administrative Region over the next five years, to tap the region's rapid growth. However, McDonald's and Yum, have been facing increasing competition from cheaper local rivals, particularly in China. Yum is also in the process of spinning off its 6,900 China restaurants, and is in talks with buyouts firms, including KKR and Hopu Investments to sell up to a 20 percent stake after battling sliding sales over the past few quarters. Bruised by food safety scandals and changing tastes, McDonald's is also selling a big stake in its Japanese arm. Buyout firms, including Bain Capital, Permira and MBK, were among those who submitted bids for the McDonald's Japan stake earlier this year, though it was unclear if a deal is close. All three buyout firms declined comment. McDonald's has struggled in Japan over the past two years, closing more than 150 restaurants last year, remodeling almost 3,000 and posting a $310 million net loss in 2015. McDonald's owns 49.99 percent of its Japanese arm McDonald's Holdings, according to the company's website, and intends to cut that to about 20 percent. CAIRO - The authority of Egypt's Suez Canal area signed Thursday a cooperation protocol between Port Said Harbor and Chinese Qingdao Port, the state-run MENA news agency reported. Inked by Deputy Head of the Commission Abdel Qader Darwish and chairman of the Chinese port, the protocol aims at boosting cooperation in port operation, exchanging expertise and creating a mechanism for sharing information and technology in the harbor field, according to MENA. The protocol is an outcome of the recent visit of the Chinese President Xi Jinping to Egypt which resulted in signing a number of agreements and memorandums of understanding in many areas to increase the Chinese investments in the Middle Eastern country. Port Said Harbor is one of the six ports affiliated to the economic commission for the Suez Canal Area. Most of the foreign intellectual property disputes heard by the Beijing IP Court last year involved United States comapanies, a report by a third-party IP team said on Friday. From the 5,432 cases the court handled last year, 5,022 verdicts were analyzed by IP House, a research group of more than 30 IP professionals set up in 2014. It found that 1,095 related to foreign litigants. The Beijing IP Court is one of the three specialized courts in China that deals only with intellectual property lawsuits. The other two are in Shanghai and Guangzhou. Some IP disputes and their verdicts remain sealed by law for privacy reasons privacy, "which is why about 400 cases were not included in our analysis," said Pu Xiang, CEO of IP House. More than a one-fifth of the IP cases involved foreigners, the report said, and the propostion is still rising in the capital. That makes foreign IP disputes a major part of the IP case hearings in the city, Pu said. Of the foreign cases, 395 involved US companies, 2.7 times more than those relating to Germany, which stood No 2 on the list, it said. Of the cases involving the US businesses, 346 were administrative IP disputes, dealing for instance with brands or patents, it said. Chen Jinchuan, vice-president of the Beijing IP Court, said the US is a country that pays close attention to IP protection and invests heavily in innovation. "So US companies apply in China for IP protection more often," Chen said. "The growing number of applications from the US also shows that China is more attractive to that country and its businesses need development in China," he added. IP cases were concluded within 125 days on average by the the court in Beijing, the report said. Huang Hui, a lawyer in Beijing, said that the limited number of judges at the court should be applauded for being able to handle such a surge in IP cases. "The amount of time we need to hear an IP case, in fact, is shorter than in European countries, where it takes about 18 months to deal with such disputes," Huang said, adding that there are also fewer IP cases handled in Europe than in China. Staff members work at the 5G Innovation Lab in the China Academy of Telecommunication Research in Beijing, capital of China, Jan 7, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] China has always been at the forefront of new technologies, especially now in 5G telecom technologies research and development, according to Mats Granryd, the newly installed director-general of the GSM Association. Granryd said the organization is making great effort to provide guidance and regulation on 5G rollout worldwide. The global industry body unites nearly 800 mobile operators with more than 250 companies in the mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies and internet companies, as well as organizations in adjacent-industry sectors. It also hosts industry-leading events such as the Mobile World Congress, the world's largest exhibition dedicated to the mobile telecom industry. Granryd, who spent 15 years in a variety of roles at Sweden telecom giant Ericsson and was CEO of Tele2, one of Europe's fastest-growing telecom operators, said the telecom industry in China is developing rapidly, not only in scale, but also in innovative ways of using new technologies. He is confident that "in a few years", 5G will be employed widely in China. "Some operators in Asia, Europe and the United States are claiming they will launch 5G as early as 2018, which is two years before it will be fully standardized. "China's major operators are all working on 5G and will be early adopters of the technology," said Granryd, adding that 5G's fast development in China is making a growing contribution to promoting the technology worldwide. "In working with our members and considering how we are going to treat 5G from a government perspective, it's important for us to follow global standards and regulations," he said China is currently working hard at gaining an edge over international competitors in 5G research and development. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has said the experimental stage of 5G will last three years from 2016 to 2018, before being fully commercialized in 2020. The country's main telecom carriers have already accelerated their efforts at developing 5G technology. China Mobile Communications Corp, the country's largest carrier, set up a 5G innovation center in February, and will launch a 5G laboratory. It also plans to finish the testing of 5G technologies and products in 2017 and conduct trial operations in 2018, with commercial use by 2020. Fu Liang, a telecom expert, said: "5G development in China is generally keeping pace with the world, and China's technology companies, such as Huawei Technologies Co Ltd and ZTE Corp, have a right to a say in formulating the standard of 5G globally and take a lead in promoting its commercial use." Ma Si contributed to this story. A customer uses a Kindle table device at the Amazon bookstore in Seattle, the United States. GETTY IMAGES Firm eyes strong growth among high-end consumers Amazon.com Inc unveiled on Thursday a top-of-the-line Kindle, extending its reach to high-end Chinese customers, who not only enjoy reading but also want to read in style. The new generation of device, Kindle Oasis, is the priciest e-book reader Amazon has ever launched. With a price tag of 2,399 yuan ($370) in China, the all-new Kindle is much more expensive than the 1,499 yuan Kindle Voyage, which was regarded as a high-end Kindle device when it was launched in 2014. The goal for Kindle is to build a device, which is not only comfortable for reading but also makes a fashion statement. Elaine Chang, vice-president of Amazon who oversees Kindle's business in China, said she is betting big on the new device in the country as more young people are much more fashion-councious and require a superb reading experience beyond which a basic e-book reader can offer. "Kindle Oasis is designed for high-end customers. With it joining Kindle's product portfolio, we have different devices targeting a wide range of customers," she said. The new version of Kindle is not only the thinnestabout half of the thickness of an iPhone 6Sbut also the lightest ever. It also has a battery life of around eight weeks. China is one of the first countries in the world in which Kindle Oasis is available. Fans can preorder the device on various online channels, including z.cn and jd.com. Amazon didn't reveal the market size of Kindle in China. But it said that China is the second-largest market in the world for Kindle and enjoys the strongest growth momentum. The largest market for Kindle, which in total has tens of millions of users across more than 160 countries, is still its home marketthe United States. Analysts said that after educating the digital reading market for three years in China, Kindle Oasis is a wise move for the company to gain extra users and boost loyalty among its existing customers who have higher standards for digital reading. "But whether or not it can see significant growth in sales depends on the e-book selection it offers rather the device itself, said Yao Haifeng, analyst with the Beijing-based consultancy Analysys International. According to Yao, an increasing number of Chinese have shifted from reading printed books to digital reading as internet becomes an integral part of people's life. "More and more of them have formed the habit to pay for what they read, which lays a solid foundation for the further growth of e-book reader market," she said, adding there are no official statistics about the size of the e-book reader market. Kindle, which enjoys the status as the pioneer of the e-book industry in the world, is certainly not the only company betting on the e-reading market in China. Beijing-based iReader Technology Co Ltd, which released its first e-book reader, which is priced at 899 yuan, is expected to unveil the latest version of its product later this month. "The average number of printed books read by Chinese every year is quite low compared with the world's average but the country's digital reading population is huge, signifying great potential for the e-book reader business," said Jia Shengting, cofounder of iReader Technology. Perflutren and its packaging.[Photo/China Daily] Substandard medical gas caused serious eye injuries to dozens of patients undergoing eye surgery at Peking University Third Hospital, the hospital said on Thursday. It released a statement following media reports that 18 patients had been left blind in one eye after having surgery at the hospital in Beijing. All of the operations were carried out in June. Doctors had used a batch of a medical gas called perflutren, which is used during eye surgery as a temporary filler. Suspicions were raised about the quality of the gas, according to a report from China National Radio. In its statement, Peking University Third Hospital said the problematic batch of perflutren was applied to 59 patients, resulting in eye injuries in 45 of them. After the incident, regulatory authorities stopped the sale and use of the same batch of the product, the statement said. The gas was produced by Tianjin Jingming New Technological Development Co, the only registered supplier of the gas on the Chinese mainland. The hospital is filing a lawsuit against the company that produced the gas, the statement said. An additional 26 patients underwent eye surgery at Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University in Nantong, Jiangsu province, during June, where another batch of the same gas was used. An engineer at Tianjin Jingming, surnamed Sun, said the company and the regulatory authorities had been investigating the unexpected spike in people losing their sight after surgery during the past year. Wang Enpu, a professor specializing in eye surgery at Air Force General Hospital in Beijing, said perflutren is used as a temporary filler to puff up the hollow part of the eye during surgery. Wang said the gas helps ensure that operations go smoothly and it disappears after surgery is completed. "However, only experienced doctors are capable of properly using the gas for eye surgeries because it expands after going into the eye," he said. An alternative to the gas is silicon oil, but it has to be removed after surgery and can cause side effects, such as increased eye pressure, he said. The China Food and Drug Administration said in a report dated Jan 1 that the administration sent two teams to Peking University Third Hospital and Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University in July after receiving reports of the incidents. It ruled out irregularities during the surgeries, according to a report in ThePaper.cn. The Supreme People's Court has amended the Rules of Court to better protect the rights of all parties involved in trials. Under the revised rules, which take effect on May 1, suspects on trial are no longer required to wear prison uniforms, vests or clothes that carry logos of prisons or detention houses. The changes are part of the country's reform of the judicial system, said Hu Shihao, director of the reform office of the Supreme People's Court. "The new set of regulations requires courts at all levels to strictly abide by the procedural law in trials and is expected to fully protect the rights of all people and entities involved in a trial," he said. Hu said suspects are allowed to wear civilian clothes during trial, and under normal circumstances should not be subject to restraining devices, such as handcuffs. However, suspects in cases of serious violent crimes should still wear such devices because they are likely to pose a danger to people in a courtroom, he said. Wei Jie, a lawyer at Jieqiang Law Firm in Beijing, said the revision has put an end to the decadeslong tradition of requiring suspects to appear in prison uniforms and is a great improvement in protecting people's rights. The Criminal Procedure Law stipulates that no one shall be announced guilty without trial, and the principle that one is considered innocent until proven guilty is one of the most important rights embodied in criminal justice systems. "The revision conforms to the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Law. It has a great significance because it removes the prejudice against suspects who wear prison uniforms in court, which helps ensure justice," Wei said. Under the new rules, defense lawyers are allowed to bring their own laptops into court for trials, and they will enjoy equal status and treatment with prosecutors in court. The new rules also suggest courts use video equipment to allow witnesses to testify outside courtrooms and protect the personal information of the parties involved. zhang_yi@chinadaily.com.cn Police in Jiangsu province have caught 14 suspects who allegedly used a printer and soy sauce to counterfeit money that they said could easily fool most people. According to Wang Tao, director of Dawu police station in Xuzhou, police detained a suspect that used counterfeit money in January. The suspect reported that his friend, surnamed Zhao, provided him with the false bills. Zhao later confessed that he bought partially prepared bills from a wholesaler nicknamed "KK" on the Internet and then used certain materials, including soy sauce, to make the bills look older, Wang said. "Zhao and his accomplices, four teenagers, forged more than 10,000 yuan ($1,540) and then used it across Xuzhou," Wang said. "With the information provided by the suspects, we went to 26 provinces and cracked down on the counterfeiting network, which covered 90 cities." So far, police have busted six production centers and one sales center and seized various kinds of equipment used to counterfeit money. More than 4 million yuan in counterfeit money and 600 kilograms of paper used to print the bills have been confiscated. According to police, the paper could have been used to print more than 100 million yuan in counterfeit money. "Almost all the suspects are computer experts," Wang said. "They showed talent in making the right images and colors. The watermarks and fluorescence they made really resemble the real ones." One of the wholesalers, surnamed Zhang, was caught with more than 1.3 million yuan in counterfeit money and 900,000 yuan in partially prepared bills. According to police, he said the forged bills could fool counterfeit detectors. "We did some experiments with the counterfeit money," said Gao Xinchun, head of the economic investigation brigade under the public security bureau in Xuzhou's Jiawang district. "Many shop owners took them for real ones and accepted them without hesitation." Gao suggested that people should remain alert when they are using bills, especially when large sums are received. cangwei@chinadaily.com.cn A polluted river in Hebei province that turned red-brown this month is undergoing treatment and further analysis, said a local environmental protection authority. The Zhongting River, 100 kilometers south of Beijing in Shengfang town, Bazhou, was polluted by wastewater containing iron ions released by iron and steel factories, said Hao Yongjun, a town official in charge of environmental protection. According to Hao, about a third of the river started to become red-brown earlier this month. "It's a long-term problem," he said. Hao said the iron ions were discharged into the river before 2005, when there were no effective sewage disposal facilities. The town has more than 130 iron and steel companies, according to its government website. Mud with iron ions subsided to the bottom of the riverbed, Hao said, and recently became suspended in the water because of reactions caused by rising temperatures and spring runoff, making the water look red-brown. "The sediment is hard to clear out. We have done our best to monitor the current drainage by heavy industries," he said. The town has invested more than 100 million yuan ($15.4 million) on controlling river pollution since 2005, and has built a comprehensive sewage treatment plant to handle industrial and domestic wastewater. Before sending wastewater into the treatment plant, factories have to treat it with their own facilities. "The double handling procedures help the discharged water meet water quality standards," Hao said. "Experts at the Ministry of Environmental Protection took a sample of the water for analysis on Wednesday, " Hao said, adding that they would adjust pollution-control measures after the results are released. Feng Haibo, head of the Hebei Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, said it would be possible to clean the river through physical, chemical or biological methods, but that would cost a lot of time and money. "Local governments haven't paid enough attention to controlling water pollution, not as much as air pollution. It's harder than controlling air pollution," he said, adding that weather factors, such as wind, may help air quality but do nothing for water. "Water pollution control had just begun," he said. Fang Xin, mayor of Ba-zhou, said earlier this year that water pollution control for rivers including the Zhongting River would be the priority of water quality work this year. "Sewage treatment facilities in companies and waste water treatment plants will be under stringent supervision from this year on," Fang said. Contact the writers at zhangyu1@chinadaily.com.cn and wangwei@chinadaily.com.cn State Councilor Yang Jiechi delievers a speech at the French Institute of International Relations in Paris on April 14, 2016. [Photo by Tuo Yannan/China Daily] Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi dismissed pessimism over China's economy by telling an audience in Paris that "China is becoming a major contributor to global consumption and investment." "The Chinese economy will continue to inject positive energy to the global economic growth," Yang said in an address to the French Institute of International Relations in Paris on Thursday. Yang noted that the Chinese economy still faces a downward pressure, and the transformation and upgrading are invariably accompanied by "growing pains." "We will not evade those problems or deny their existence. Rather, we will rise to the challenges with every confidence," Yang said. China's GDP grew by 6.9 percent last year, and according to the IMF, China will be contributing 30 percent to global economic growth up to 2020. "For three years in a row, China leads the world in the number of outbound tourists as well as the amount of money they spend," Yang said. He noted that last year, the value of wine China imported rose 34 percent year-on-year, reaching a record high of $2 billion, and "a significant amount of that was produced here in France". Envisioning China's import and outbound investment in the next five years, Yang said "China will import goods worth over $10 trillion and make outbound investment of over $600 billion." Zhang Yansheng, secretary-general of the National Development and Reform Commission's Academic Committee, said China's priority tasks for its foreign trade will undergo a shift in the next five years, as "greater emphasis will be placed on the expansion of imports" when the country seeks a better effect on exports. "Also, when capital, talents, technologies and standards are being introduced from outside world, China will further prioritize its 'going global' strategy," Zhang said. Later this year, China will host the G20 Summit in Eastern China's Hangzhou city in September. "We hope this Summit will help improve global economic and financial governance. Is China a liability or an asset for a slowly recovering global economy? The answer is all too clear," State Councillor Yang said. As China is deepening its reforms, Yang told the audience that in the coming five years, 50 million new jobs will be added, ensuring adequate employment despite a moderated growth rate. "The supply-side structural reform that China is pushing forward will further unlock growth potential," Yang said. Elaborating on China's opening up, Yang said the country will "open wider the services and financial sectors and increase market access in an orderly manner. "We are committed to facilitating exchanges and cooperation between foreign companies, institutions and individuals with their Chinese counterparts," Yang said. State Councilor Yang Jiechi delievers a speech at the French Institute of International Relations in Paris on April 14, 2016. [Photo by Tuo Yannan/China Daily] "China-EU relations are blessed with a historic opportunity for more rapid growth," said State Councilor Yang Jiechi in an address to the French Institute of International Relations in Paris on Thursday. This year marks the beginning of the fifth decade of China-Europe relations, and Yang said "equality, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation hold the key to the stable and healthy growth of China-Europe relations". "Forty years on, China and Europe have become comprehensive strategic partners who enjoy frequent high-level visits and conduct wide-ranging conversations in more than 70 dialogue and consultation mechanisms spanning different areas and at different levels," Yang said. On the economic front, the EU has remained China's top trading partner for 12 years, while China has remained the EU's second-largest trading partner for 13 consecutive years. Yang noted that 40 years ago, two-way trade between China and Europe was less than $3 billion. "Forty years on, the figure grew 200-fold to nearly $600 billion, which means the annual trade volume of the past is now easily met in just two days," he said. About people-to-people exchanges, Yang noted that "few visits were exchanged between our people" 40 years ago, when "China in the eyes of most Europeans was merely a remote Oriental legend". Today, two-way personnel exchanges between China and the 28 EU member states top 6.41 million, according to Yang. "Steady progress is being made in facilitating the travel of our people, further cementing popular support for China-Europe relations," he said. In 2014, President Xi Jinping, during his visit to the EU headquarters, called on China and Europe to forge partnerships for peace, growth, reform and civilization. Yang said Xi's vision gives a new strategic direction to the development of China-EU relations. At the end of last month, Xi paid a successful visit to the Czech Republic. Yang said that was the first time for Xi to visit a central and eastern European country in his capacity as president. "His visit injected fresh impetus to China's cooperation with central and eastern European countries, and sent a clear message of China's commitment to Europe and its readiness to promote better and faster development of its relations with Europe," Yang added. Experts are still trying to find what exactly caused serious eye injuries on dozens of patients nine months after they received eye surgeries at two hospitals, according to Chinas top drug regulator. The China Food and Drug Administration released a statement on Thursday night after media reports that 18 patients became blind in one eye after having surgeries at Peking University Third Hospital, one of the top hospitals in Beijing, in June. The CFDA said in its statement that 71 patients suffered injuries after surgeries in the hospital and Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University in Nantong, Jiangsu province last year and they are caused by substandard perflutren, a medical gas which is used during surgery as a temporary filler, during the surgeries on these patients. The two hospitals bought a total of 150 boxes of the gas of the same batch and used most of them in May and June, and the other 13 boxes were sent to local test centers for testing, the CFDA said. Test results released in July showed that the batch of products were not even in quality and some of them failed standards, but experts could not determine what the impurities were in the gas due to restriction of test technologies currently available and lack of samples, it said. The CFDA said the same batch of products, produced by Tianjin Jingming New Technological Development Co, in Tianjin, were sold to 25 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions in China and 621 boxes were used by 82 hospitals in addition to the two hospitals, but no other injuries were reported. The producer recalled all the 8,632 boxes suspected to have problems in July to eliminate risks, it said. Local authorities in Tianjin imposed a fine of 5.18 million yuan ($798,000) on Tianjin Jingming New Technological Development Co for producing substandard medical apparatus, and confiscated all the perflutren it produced, CFDA said. The company has suspended production of the gas and local authorities demanded that the company not resume production of the gas until it finds causes of the substandard gas, according to CFDA. Chen Liangtao is about to be led out of the courtroom after being sentenced to 22 months for bigamy at Beijing Haidian District People's Court on Thursday. Zou Hong/China Daily Beijing court convicts man of bigamy after it was found that he had 4 wives in recent years Legal professionals called on civil affairs departments to create a national network for sharing marriage information after a case in which a man had committed bigamy twice in several years. Chen Liangtao, 49, from Henan province, was sentenced to 22 months in prison for bigamy by Haidian District People's Court in Beijing on Thursday, but he did not accept the judgment and said he will appeal. Liu Lin, a Beijing lawyer specializing in marriage cases, said bigamy is often hard to spot because marriage registration information is not easily accessible. The court said Chen's bigamy dated back eight years. In March 2008, he married one woman at the district's marriage registration office before marrying another in Shandong province the same year. In March 2010, Chen was divorced from both women, but three months later he married a woman from the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, the judgment said. While in that marriage, he returned to his hometown in Henan and married another woman in August 2012, the court said. Chen had children with his first and the second wives, it said, adding that the bigamy surfaced when the first woman sued him in 2015 over a child-rearing dispute. Chen said after the judgment was announced that he met three of the women on a dating website. He said he didn't think what he did was bigamy. But a judge in charge of the case, who asked not to be named, added some details. "The man told the women he was a businessman and owned a company, and none of the victims verified what he said before they married him, let alone conducted background research." Marriage registration information is not shared on any national network, "which is why the man could marry different women", the judge said. After learning of Chen's past life, the third and the fourth women divorced him last year and joined with the first wife in reporting him to the police. They hoped to settle the case through the courts, she said. Chen was arrested in August. Police display a recovered jade dragon that is 5,000 to 6,000 years ago. Yan Yulong/Xinhua A court has sentenced the head of a tomb-raiding ring to death with a two-year reprieve for robbing ancient graves and trafficking in cultural relics stolen from the Hongshan cultural relics protection region. Another three key members of the gang received life sentences for excavating ancient graves and cultural sites, Chaoyang Intermediate People's Court in Liaoning province said on Thursday. "The high-profile tomb robbery case is considered the largest example of cultural relics robbery since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. The number of cultural relics and people involved in the thefts both set records," the court said in a statement. Discovered in 1921, the Hongshan region in Liaoning province is a key national relics site and was a candidate for a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage designation in 2013. The region along the border of Lingyuan and Jianping counties includes a large altar believed to be 5,500 years old. The court said a gang led by Yao Yuzhong formed a secret chain of workers to conduct the crimes, including some who provided financial support, invested in equipment, excavated the tombs and sold the relics. Another 18 gang members received sentences ranging from three to 15 years. "Yao directed others to excavate the nationally protected cultural relics ... causing great losses for our national heritage. The circumstances of such a crime are very serious, and the suspect is subject to death," the court said. In Yao's case, the reprieve means his sentence could be later reduced to life in prison. The high-profile case dates to 2014, when police were tipped off about the crimes and evidence of tomb raiding was found in the Hongshan region. The Ministry of Public Security directed Liaoning police to form a special investigation team. In July, police identified 12 tomb robbing gangs and detained 225 suspects. They recovered 2,063 cultural relics, including 248 pieces considered to have national value. In January, Chaoyang Intermediate People's Court sentenced five of those defendants to life in prison, including Yao's brother, Yao Yufei. Another 25 defendants received sentences ranging from three to 15 years. Sentencing of the other defendants is pending. zhangyan1@chinadaily.com.cn Students queue outside a school library, waiting to enter the reading room to prepare for the upcoming final exams at the Nanjing University of Finance and Economics in Nanjing, Jiangsu province on Jan 8, 2015. [Photo/China News Service] Students in Nanjing University will no longer have to worry about their seats in the library being taken up by someone else when they temporarily leave their seats. "WeChat library", a mobile-based online platform for managing the use of library seats, started a trial operation at Nanjing University on Thursday to keep good order in some libraries, triggering a heated debate on campus. The platform runs on the university's official account "Going to the library" on WeChat, a popular instant-messaging and social-networking platform. Students can book seats, register their presence, report when they leave and reserve seats on the platform. According to the rules, those who book the seat have the priority to use the seat, but they also have to observe a time limit. They must take the seat and scan the QR code on the seat within 20 minutes of the library opening. If not, they will get a violation record. They also have to be back at the seat and report on the platform in 20 minutes if leaving for the toilet, 30 minutes for book searching, and 90 minutes for lunch or supper. Any violation will be recorded, and when three violations are registered, the system will automatically put the violator onto a blacklist. Students reacted differently to the new rules. A university student, surnamed Ye, argued that the time limit was too strict as everyone has different habits. "I think there must be someone who will break the time limit. Not everyone can be so self-disciplined," he said. Another student, surnamed Shen, believes the new tool manages order well as it effectively prevents seats from being occupied when students leave temporarily. Many students support the platform, as snatching seats has long been a issue. It is a positive change, they said, and at least it is better to use the platform and obey rules than not. SHENZHEN - South China police have arrested three Chinese people for the murder of a British citizen in the city of Shenzhen last month. Hilary St John Bower, 60, was killed by his girlfriend surnamed Xu and two men on March 22, according to a statement from the Nanshan branch of the public security bureau of Shenzhen. The suspects were caught a week ago. The police suspect the attack was caused by relationship problems between Xu, 38, and the victim. Xu lives in Nanshan. One of her accomplices, surnamed Sun, is 28 and the other, surnamed Liu, is 23. The three all hail from Xianning city in Central China. The police refused to disclose any more details, saying they are still investigating the case. "You are a 'left-over' woman now," reads a screen shot from SK-II's "Change Destiny" advert. [Photo/Youku.com] A tender and penetrating look at the fraught term "leftover women" in a documentary style, Japanese skincare brand SK-II's latest "Changed Destiny" ad clearly hit a nerve. The four-minute video has taken Chinese social media by storm and sparked off another round of discussions over an increasingly noticeable group in China - single women at a marriageable age. The campaign depicted unmarried women's struggles, a hot-potato topic in China that might sting some of the brand's targeted clients and lead to wider discussions beyond the topic to feminism and social change. "Sheng nv", or "left-over women", is a derogatory term coined to label unwelcome women over the age of 27 who stay unmarried. Many of them fit the profile of being well-educated, career-minded and financially independent single female urbanites. This relatively new, affluent class is one of the products of China's three-decade economic boom and social change. The rise of this group conflicts directly with traditional Chinese society which, in terms of women's roles, prioritizes marriage and motherhood. For bastions of traditional family values, these women, though in many criteria outstanding, are still labeled as losers simply because they don't wear a ring, yet. The crux of the video featured the tension between worried and sometimes pushy parents and single daughters who were caught in between pursuing their own lifestyle and the guilt of disobedience. For Chinese women, marriage is by no means a personal choice. It's a family issue. In a hierarchical family, still the social norm in China, children are supposed to be submissive. In the SK-II ad several single women opened up about the pressure they faced. "I owe them an apology," a woman said, breaking down with tears. [Photo/Youku.com] "I can't die peacefully without seeing you married," a father threatened. "Staying unmarried is definitely one way of showing disrespect to parents," a woman confessed. Later she broke down with tears, saying, "I am so selfish. I owe them an apology." The emotional climax of the video is when parents and daughters reconcile, going down to People's Park in Shanghai, a public leisure venue also known as a "dating market" where parents exchange information of their single children, such as job, salary and age with one another and arrange blind dates for them. Posters featuring photos of these daughters, together with empowering messages such as: "I don't want to get married only to get married. This kind of marriage doesn't make me happy" are hung prominently in the space where parents usually "market" their children. At the end of the video, one woman pinpointed the theme of the ad: "To be independent and confident and enjoy life." An empowering message reads: "I don't want to get married only to get married. This kind of marriage doesn't make me happy." [Photo/Youku.com] The video, described by many as tear-jerking, has earned more than 5,000 kudos on SK-II's official Weibo account and attracted mostly positive comments. A Weibo user called AmeChang posted on the microblogging site: "Being single is nothing to fear. What should be feared is to do what you are expected to and what makes you unhappy. Marriage is something you are entitled to but not indebted to. It's not like only with marriage is your life complete." Besides the clever timing of its release it coincided with a headline-grabbing hotel assault case that provoked outrage nationwide about violence against women, the advert rode on the wave of a new marketing strategy. The Japanese brand joined a host of consumer product companies and beauty brands with ads that sell ideas such as gender equality and women's rights alongside their products. Personal care brands Pantene, Dove and Always have led the way in such campaigns. Screen shot of P&G Always' "Like A Girl" advert. [Photo/Iqiyi] For example, P&G Always' "Like A Girl" ad showed how the phrase "like a girl" is perceived by young women, boys and girls, and had a similar impact in the USA in causing people to reflect on gender issues. Instead of promoting the product's quality, these ads get touchy-feely by raising a topic the targeted clients can relate to personally. SK-II's previous commercials featured actresses showing off their immaculate skins and sharing their own user experiences. Marketed as having age-defying effects, the brand's skin care lines have been pitched at women who deal with mature skin and thus have bigger purchasing power. Some users compared the Changed Destiny campaign with a controversial advert of Baihe, a dating website, which was showered with criticism for guilting women into compromising with traditional values. The older ad showed how an ill grandmother managed to get her single granddaughter to give in by constantly nagging the younger woman. In contrast, the SK-II ad encouraged women to stay true to themselves under the pressure, ending with a morale-lifting message don't let pressure restrict your future. This, however, is not a happy ending. For free-spirited women, reconciliation with parents is only the first step as family is not the only source of the pressure. They have a whole society to reconcile with and to battle. Green express box launched by Cainiao. [Photo/Weibo] China's e-commerce giant Alibaba is planning to launch a green logistics, including green express boxes, to deal with waste and pollution caused by package materials and transportation in express delivery business, thepaper.cn reported on Thursday. Jack Ma, chairman of Alibaba, said: "Our group is formulating a standard for 'green logistics' " during a speech, the giant's logistics offshoot Cainiao's "green logistics" was said to include green express boxes, bags, vehicles and so on. "We are trying to introduce reusable express boxes made of safe plastics and hope the boxes will gradually replace current cartons. In this case, after the buyers sign and receive their packages, couriers will retake the boxes and send the boxes back to delivery warehouse where the boxes used to be," said a source in charge of the logistics business in Cainiao. The source also told thepaper.cn that the express boxes will begin a soft use in Shanghai in April, and the plan will cover 20 cities, including Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, at the end of 2016. The green move aims to deal with the waste and pollution caused by plastic bags and cartons used in transporting goods. In 2015, 2.96 billion woven bags, 8.26 billion plastic bags, 9.9 billion cartons, 16.95 billion meters of tapes and 2.97 billion buffers or bubble wraps were used in express delivery business, which moved 20.6 billion packages, according to Cainiao's data. A formation of the Nanhai Fleet of China's Navy on Saturday finished a three-day patrol of the Nansha islands in the South China Sea. [Photo/Xinhua] Vice-Chairman of the Central Military Commission Fan Changlong has paid an inspection visit to the islands and reefs of China's Nansha Islands in the South China Sea, the Ministry of National Defense said on Friday. According to the ministry, Fan paid the visit "in recent days", and he led officials of the relevant departments of the People's Liberation Army as well as local officials. The short release did not provide further detail on either the exact timing or the specific islands. Fan greeted officers and soldiers garrisoning the islands as well as construction workers. He was also briefed about the construction of facilities on the islands and reefs of Nansha. Construction of a range of projects serving the international community are progressing smoothly, according to the release. The projects range from lighthouses, automatic weather stations, oceanic observation centers to facilities for maritime scientific research, according to the ministry. Five lighthouses for ensuring navigational safety have been established and four have been officially put in to use. CHENGDU -- Tai Shan, 11, a celebrity panda born and raised in the United States, on Friday attempted mating for the first time since his return to China in 2010. He mated with Wen Yu, two years his junior, on Friday morning at the Ya'an base of the Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in southwestern Sichuan province. Observers said Tai Shan performed excellently in the 2-minute-6-second mating after nearly 90 minutes of "affective interaction" with his partner. Tai Shan had suffered digestive problems since returning from the United States. He was put onto the center's reproduction plan this year after recovery. Premier Li Keqiang poses for a selfie taken on Friday by Melissa Ann Kidson, an art student from the United States, at Peking University after an inspection tour of the campus. WU ZHIYI / CHINA DAILY Premier Li Keqiang urged universities to enhance innovation in scientific research and technological development during visits to top Chinese universities on Friday. The premier visited Tsinghua University and Peking University, both of which have long enjoyed prestigious reputations among Chinese students and parents. Several professors at Tsinghua University reported their achievements to the premier in fields such as the internet, gas turbines and new-energy vehicles. To improve scientific research in these fields, the school has introduced a large number of overseas scholars, many of whom are younger than 40. "As shown in your school song, we have to adopt good aspects from Chinese and Western countries. In promoting innovation, we should do so the same way," Li told the professors. Collaboration among universities and research institutes is crucial, the premier said. Otherwise, resources will be wasted on similar research programs. With funds from the government, these institutions can more easily promote innovation in various fields while working together, he added. Xia Xueluan, a professor of sociology at Peking University, said innovation is a key concept for the premier and the central government as the country seeks new models for economic restructuring. Hundreds of students at both schools greeted Li during his visit, and he had discussions with them about various fields. He told the students to contribute to social progress in pursuit of social welfare and justice. The premier took selfie photos with enthusiastic students in the library at Tsinghua University, which will mark its 105th anniversary at the end of this month, and outside the Law School at Peking University. "Welcome back again," students at Peking University, from which Li earned bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees, told the premier upon his departure in the afternoon. It was Li's first visit to the school as premier. Basum Lake was listed by the World Tourist Organization as a world tourist spot in the 1990s.[Photo/Xinhua] Reaction to nude photos posted online of a woman at a sacred lake in the Tibet autonomous region has been mixed. Negative comments followed the posting of the images earlier this week, but there were also many internet users who supported the nude photography and criticized Sina Weibo user YouchumDolkar for posting private images. "Nudity does not necessarily imply sex, and nudity does not mean vulgarism," said Weibo user Miaoira. The photographer was not detained by the police, as reported by some media, according to Wang Jin, head of the publicity department of Nagarze county, Tibet. That was confirmed by the police in Lhasa, the regional capital. However, Wang said, such photography would not be welcomed by ethnic groups, and public nudity is forbidden by the country's public security regulations. "Yamdrok Lake is one of the sacred lakes in Tibet, and it is of major significance to its people. Any action that desecrates the lake is forbidden," Wang said. YouchumDolkar, a female netizen, first posted the nude photos on Monday. She condemned the actions of the male photographer and the woman for what she said was their "way of thinking without any cultural or moral principles". She added another post on Thursday saying, "I only wanted more people to know about the local customs in Tibet" and "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." The posts had more than 2,370 comments and 390 reposts as of Thursday. Accompanying the posts was a screen shot of a WeChat "Moment" in which the photographer explained that the woman who posed for the camera simply wanted to create a memory of the sacred spot because she was able to visit Tibet in the prime of her life. Beijing News had reported on Wednesday that the police had placed the photographeridentified only as Yufeixiong in his social media accountin administrative detention for 10 days after receiving reports about the nude photo shoot from local residents. The photographer did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday. Contact the writers at xuwei@chinadaily.com.cn and daqiong@chinadaily.com.cn Chandradath Singh, Trinidad and Tobago's Ambassador to China, beats a drum during a cultural event in Beijing, April 14, 2016. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn] Hot dance, passionate music, strong Latin flavor is coming into town. The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, a Caribbean country renowned for its seascape, hosted an exciting cultural event Thursday night. Authentic Trinidad and Tobago drinks, traditional costumes, tropical music, and Caribbean dance classes were made available to all participants. Chandradath Singh, Trinidad and Tobago's Ambassador to China brought a passionate performance to the audiences when he played the traditional steelpan instrument. The event was held by the Trinidad and Tobago embassy in Beijing, all part of the ongoing China-Latin America and Caribbean 2016 Year of Cultural Exchange. There were donations made on site with proceeds going to the Yao Foundation. The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, situated off the northern edge of South America, is a twin island country. It is known for its carnivals and other indigenous forms of musical styles. The country's tropical climate attracts many tourists each year. Blue-and-white stem cup. [Photo provided to China Daily] A blue-and-white stem cup which bears wing dragons and was made during the Xuande period of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) will be auctioned in Hong Kong on May 31. It has a pre-sale estimate of $2.85 million. The cup is from the collection of the Staffordshire University in Staffordshire, England. It was donated to the university along with 269 other antiquities by Ernest Thornhill, a London-based pharmacist, in 1944. The university hopes the auction will generate enough funds for it to build a museum on campus to house the rest pieces from the Thornhill collection. Besides the cup, dozens of Chinese antiques including jade pieces and furniture will also be auctioned. Chinese jade pieces to be auctioned. [Photo provided to China Daily] The auction is being jointly staged by Lyon and Trunbell, an auction house based in Scotland, and Freeman's, an auction house from Philadelphia, in the United States. The sale will mark the two auctioneers' maiden entry into Hong Kong and their attempt to reach more Asian and Chinese collectors. A preview of the lots will be held over May 28-30 at Hong Kong's Liang Yi Museum. Related: Chinese arts prove popular in Hong Kong spring sales At home in a foreign land Updated: 2016-04-15 06:35 By Paul Surtees(HK Edition) The Sephardims living in the old city of Sarajevo are descended from the Jews driven out of Spain during the Inquisition of 1492. Photos provided to China Daily Writer Karl-Markus Gauss (left) and photographer Kurt Kaindl (right) traveled across Europe, looking for pockets of immigrant settlers, like these Degesi children in Slovakia (center). Kurt Kaindl's evocative photographs of ethnic minority groups living in Europe, some of them for centuries together, are on show at HK's Goethe Institut. A review by Paul Surtees. In these times when streams of refugees fleeing conflict zones in the Middle East and poverty in Africa continue to arrive in Europe, the remnants of earlier generations of ethnic minority migrants are brought to focus in an excellent exhibition now on at Hong Kong's Goethe Institut. The Unknown Europeans is a fine exhibition of black and white images shot by Austrian photographer Kurt Kaindl. They depict several tiny ethnic minority groups in different parts of Europe; many of them having settled there centuries ago. The show is jointly presented by the Goethe-Institut Hong Kong and the Consulate-General of Austria in Hong Kong. Kaindl is the co-founder of Austria's largest archive of photographs. This is his second exhibition in Hong Kong. It is remarkable that the communities photographed have retained their own traditional language and culture, despite having lived in different, often alien, cultures for years. The photographer has assiduously looked for and captured many examples of displaced people. His respectful capturing of them on film often draws attention to minority communities many of us would otherwise never have heard of. Kaindl captures the amazing ways in which the people living far away from their homes, surrounded by those who are quite different from them, have managed to hold on to the cultures they brought from the countries of their origin. Their continuance to this day speaks of the strength in their parent cultures as well as the diversity they have contributed to Europe. As Kaindl puts it: "There's a lesson for modern Europe here - of displaced peoples retaining their own cultural identity, sometimes over centuries, yet also maintaining a good relationship with the majority population where they settled." As the younger generations grow up and move out of these old settlements, communities get smaller, facing eventual extinction. Kaindl has probably done us a service by recording their present somewhat endangered existence. Europe hosts over 50 such minority enclaves. The exhibition features the Sephardims, descendants of the Jews driven out of Spain during the Inquisition in 1492, living in Sarajevo. The Gottscheers, who settled on the borders of the present-day Croatia and Slovenia, are included as well. They still speak an ancient form of German, not used elsewhere for over 600 years. At the time of Emperor Charlemagne, Sorbs (Slavs) settled in Lusatia (now in eastern part of Germany). The Dowewo are a nomadic group who settled in Slovenia. An Albanian group, the Arbereshe, moved 500 years ago to Southern Italy. And the Aromanians are a Latin-speaking people from the Balkans, long settled in Greece, Albania and Bulgaria. "On our travels, we wanted to come across people and places by chance," said Kaindl, who was in Hong Kong for the opening of the exhibition. "We wanted to photograph and record their present situation, and not dig into their folkloric past. We were interested to meet people on the streets, not in organized groups." His realistic portrayal of these minority groups has been made all the more accessible and interesting by the accompanying texts, written by Karl-Markus Gauss. The photographer and writer traveled together on several journeys, to many remote villages, each recording the ways in which the descendants of some of the world's earliest diaspora live in their own distinctive ways. Between them they have played up the contrasts. Gauss related that there were times when they were surprised to find a guesthouse or a small hotel that looked rather old world from the outside, with only a horse-drawn cart parked in front of it, had rooms fully equipped with satellite connections! These fascinating sets of pictures have previously been exhibited in many parts of Europe, as well as in the US. They make for a window on the many distinctive lifestyles practiced in relatively underexposed pockets of Europe. To sample more of Lorette E. Roberts' work visit www.loretteroberts.com The sketches published here is by courtesy of Blacksmith Books www.blacksmithbooks.com (HK Edition 04/15/2016 page7) A man counts vote during an election of Communist Party of China chief at a village in Sheqi county, Hennan province in this Nov 26, 2008 file photo. [Photo/Asianewsphoto] A researcher in politics at Hubei University of Economics in Wuhan, Central China's Hubei province, wrote a diary while working temporarily in a forestry department in a county-level district in the northwest of the province. Media reports quoting 96 entries from his diary have stirred heated discussions about grassroots officialdom. Beijing News commented on Wednesday: The researcher, surnamed Jiang, wrote more than 300,000 words, and exposed some problems with the forestry district's governance system. "A frog is administrated by the water conservancy bureau if it is in water, by the forestry bureau, if on land," he wrote in his diary. "Every department cares about its power. But when something wrong happens, none stands out." To solve the frog issue, the local government will probably set up a new temporary frog office. In the past we have seen watermelon offices and Chinese cabbages office to help the farmers sell their agricultural products. There used to be a steamed bun office in some counties and towns in Central China, where the wheat flour is the staple food, to strengthen the regulation of the steamed bun market. If the coordination among different government departments remains rigid and inefficient, and if the officials only exercise their power while ignoring the responsibilities behind their power, it is of little meaning to establish a new office. The Chinese government needs streamlining, instead of setting up new makeshift offices to solve urgent issues, which obviously reflects the failure of existing departments. The public lacks legal means to urge the government to fulfill its duties. It is very difficult for a person or an organization to take the initiative to assume responsibilities and bid farewell to the easy benefits that come with power. It is natural for them to seek the advantages of power while avoiding the disadvantages of fulfilling their duties. Obstetric nurses in the Central Hospital of Enshi, Hubei province, take care of newborns at the hospital. [Li Yuanyuan / for China Daily] After the implementation of the universal two-child policy in the Chinese mainland, many aged grandparents have said they will be unable to look after another child. China Youth Daily commented on Thursday: Most parents in China rely on their own parents or other relatives for childcare, as there is a lack of public childcare services and facilities. With many elderly people saying it is too much of a burden for them to look after a second grandchild, and parents saying it is too expensive to raise a second child, most couples with a child have expressed little enthusiasm for having another. The government cannot make the choice for a family, but it can create a more favorable environment to encourage couples to have another child. More maternity leave and greater investment in education and social welfare systems are necessary. Choosing to have a second child in the final analysis reveals a couple's confidence in their future life. On January 11, 2016, activists marched in front of the White House in Washington, D.C., to support the closing of Guantanamo Bay.[Photo/IC] Editor's Note: The State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China published a document titled "Chronology of Human Rights Violations of the United States in 2015" on Thursday. Following is the full text of the document: JANUARY Jan. 3 The Washington Post website reported that John Paul Quintero, an unarmed 23-year-old Hispanic man, was shot by police in Wichita, Kansas. Jan. 6 The Washington Post website reported that Autumn Steele, an unarmed 34-year-old woman, was shot by police in Burlington, Iowa. On the same day, the website reported that Leslie Sapp III, a 47-year-old black man, was shot by police in Knoxville, Pennsylvania. Jan. 8 The Washington Post website reported that Artago Damon Howard, an unarmed 36-year-old black man, was shot by police in a parking lot in Strong, Arkansas. Jan. 12 The Atlantic magazine's website reported that according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, more than a quarter of the teenagers15 years old and upwho died of injuries in the United States were killed in gun-related incidents. Jan. 13 The Washington Post website reported that Richard McClendon, a 43-year-old mentally-ill man, was shot by police in his mother's home in Jourdanton, Texas. Jan. 14 The Washington Post website reported that Talbot Schroeder, a 75-year-old man, was shot by police in a house in Old Bridge, New Jersey, for refusing repeated commands from a police officer to drop the knife. Jan. 16 "No Freshness in our 2016 presidential contest," an article published on the website of The Washington Post said the likely slate of candidates will include the son of a governor and presidential candidate, the son of a congressman and presidential candidate, the wife of a president and the brother of a president, son of a president and grandson of senator. Family pedigree and prestige were dominating factors swaying politics. Jan. 22 The websites of The Huffington Post and The USA Today reported that 10 former McDonald's workers from Virginia sued their stores for racial discrimination and sexual harassment. They said they suffered racial discrimination from the managers from time to time and alleged they were wrongfully fired last year and replaced with mostly white workers because their managers believed there had been "too many black people [working] in the store." Jan. 29 The Washington Post website reported that Ralph Willis, an unarmed 42-year-old man, was shot by police in Stillwater, Oklahoma, for making a threatening gesture toward a police officer. Jan. 31 The Washington Post website reported that Edward Donnell Bright, a 54-year-old mentally-ill black man, was shot by police outside a 7-Eleven store in Baltimore, Maryland. China will continue to implement a special college enrollment plan for students from impoverished rural areas. According to the special plan, key universities at the national and provincial levels will directly enroll students from targeted areas, which aims to enable students from these areas, especially those from poor backgrounds, get more access to quality higher education. Recently top universities including Peking University, Tsinghua University and Fudan University released special enrollment plans for rural residents. The percentage of rural students in universities has continuously declined in recent years, as it is more difficult for rural students to pursue higher education than before, largely because of disparities in schooling and education resources. And for many rural families the tuition fees for higher education are a huge burden. Thus some rural students have to drop out even though they are good students. The special college enrollment plan for rural students is conducive to helping rural students receive higher education, but it is only a stopgap measure that will hardly solve the real problem. To make higher education fairer in the long run, China should further increase the money it puts into education in rural areas to eliminate the education gap between rural and urban areas. A clerk counts yuan bills at a bank in Huaibei, East China's Anhui province. [Photo/IC] Standard & Poor's (S&P) downgrade followed a similar measure earlier in March by Moody's, another major ratings agency. S&P did maintain the rating AA-, adding that China's reform agenda is on track, though likely to proceed more slowly than expected. Nonetheless, the downgrade was strongly criticized by Chinese officials and media outlets. As a Xinhua commentary put it, China's economic growth is decelerating amid a painful transition. However, a downgrade of outlook is not warranted as "the fundamentals of the Chinese economy remain sound and solid, and are improving." Was the downgrade warranted? Rising criticism against credit agencies Credit rating agencies (CRAs) assign credit ratings, which rate a debtor's ability to pay back debt by making timely interest payments as well as the likelihood of default. The issuers include companies, special purpose entities, non-profit organizations, but also sovereign nations, state and local governments. In the past two decades, the criticism of the leading CRAs has increased in the advanced economies, starting with the internet burst of 2000-2001, the subprime mortgage crisis after 2005, the global financial crisis in 2008-9 when hundreds of billions of securities that had the CRAs' highest ratings were downgraded to junk, and the European sovereign debt crisis since spring 2010 when Brussels blamed rating downgrades for crisis escalation. From huge energy companies, such as Enron, to Wall Street's financial giants, the credit agencies - so it seems - have looked the other way, when the world's largest financial conglomerates have engaged in excessive risk-taking. As the major advanced economies no longer fuel global growth, large emerging economies - China, India, Russia and Brazil, among others - play an increasing role in these prospects. In these economies, criticism against the large ratings agencies has also increased since the Asian financial crisis of 1997-98 and the recent downgrades, which reflect substantial capital outflows and other challenges. In advanced economies, criticism focuses on the CRAs' professional conduct. In emerging and developing economies, it also addresses the issue of fairness. As the past two decades suggest, the CRAs are not immune to professional biases, moral hazards and conflicts of interests. According to critics, the problem stems from the extraordinary concentration of the CRA industry. The global might of the "Big Three" According to influential reports in the early 2010s, the two largest U.S.-based CRAs - S&P and Moody's - controlled some 80 percent of the global market share. In turn, the "Big Three" - S&P, Moody's plus Fitch Ratings, which is dually headquartered in the U.S. and the U.K. and majority-owned by a French holding company - dominate 95 percent of the ratings business across the world. Not only is the industry concentrated, so is their geography. In both advanced and emerging economies, governments borrow money by issuing government bonds and selling them to private investors, overseas or domestically. However, emerging and developing economies enjoy neither the history of capital accumulation nor the high living standards that most advanced economies take for granted. Consequently, their efforts to borrow are far more challenging and constrained. Yet, current credit ratings are based on advanced-economy CRAs' perceptions of a sovereign's ability and willingness to repay its debt. Of course, emerging and developing economies can seek funds from international multilateral organizations, such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. However, the latter reflect the interests of their primary owners in advanced economies, which select their leaders, set their policies and control enforcement. It is precisely for this reason that emerging economies led by China have recently established new alternatives, such as the BRICS New Development Bank (NDB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), which stress borrowing in the emerging and developing world. Nevertheless, the "Big Three" continue to dominate the ratings business. Khyati Shah in Shanghai[photo provided to China Daily website] If Charles Dickens were to base the settings of his famous novel "A Tale of Two Cities" in Asia, instead of Europe, there is an iota of credibility that the figment of his imagination would have set the characters in Shanghai and Mumbai in lieu of London and Paris. Indeed, Shanghai and Mumbai call for another tale betwixt them, a tale that runs through similar veins yet diverse dimensions. While viewed from a macroscopic lens, it does feel Shanghai and Mumbai have a similar streak of colors, but microscopically the shades are very different and divergent, and yet the cities harbor a kindred spirit. The most striking similarity is in their geographical layout and their humble beginnings as they rose to become what they are today. Economic behemoths that they are now, they rose from island settlements into financial and commercial capitals of their respective countries. Shanghai rose a mighty from the Land of the Dragon, and Mumbai too leaped from the Land of the Tiger. Being a Mumbai citizen by birth and a Shanghai resident now, I see, feel and breathe the convivial spirit that wafts through these amazing cities. Starting from their origins, they both have similar histories rooted in maritime activities as Mumbai was a port on the west coast of India and Shanghai, a busy port on Eastern China. Their nomenclature till date reflects this most accurately. Mumbai was originally a cluster of seven islands separated by swamps which were filled in and regrouped in 1845 to become one large island called Bombay. Mumbai took over its name from Bombay in 1995 after the patron Goddess of the deep sea fishermen, Mumbadevi. The coastal city was proverbially seen as a Gateway to India, and so a magnificent monument by the name was built in the 20th century as it was the first structure that the arriving visitors (mostly British viceroys and governors back in the heyday) would first set their sights on. Shanghai too derives its name from Shang-(Chinese word for above/upon) and Hai-(Chinese word for Sea). While Mumbai is developed on the waterfront overlooking the Arabian Sea, Shanghai has its waterfront embankment overlooking the East China Sea which blends into the Pacific Ocean. Shanghai has one of the busiest ports today where large container vessels epitomize the trade between China and the rest of the world. The iconic waterfront promenade of Shanghai is called the Bund, which too traces its origins to being a British settlement before 1840. Circa 1846, Shanghai became a trading port and come the 1900s, the Bund rose to grow into a powerful financial hub. Sporting imperial Gothic structures and iconic landmarks on its visage, the waterfront esplanade of Shanghai- Bund finds a worthy counterpart in the waterfront of Mumbai- Marine Drive. Both waterfronts of the island cities house commercial powerhouses and simultaneously serve as beacons of beauty making them top the Must-see lists of tourists thronging the cities. As the sun sets and the natural lights fade, the Bund transforms into a jazzy lively nightspot with its shining beaming neon lights, and Marine Drive lights up with a smile as the lights on its angular arc transform to become the "Queens necklace". Both the cities, Mumbai and Shanghai, have their own aliases too. Mumbai is called the Maximum City where life and its experiences can be maximized and is also called City of Dreams, where all dreams can definitely have a chance to come true. Shanghai with its European beauty and grace is called the Pearl of the Orient and also the Paris of the East. Tourism spots abound in both cities, and these economic capitals are also shopping havens for tourists. Where tourism booms, shopping is not far behind, and where shopaholics throng, how can fashion lag behind? Fashion plays an important role in the character of any city. New York and Paris might be the centre stage of the world where fashion plays out an intriguing show every season, but come to Asia, and Shanghai and Mumbai are eager to put up an interesting riot of colors. Mumbai has the high end malls as well as bargain jaunts, to please the pockets of the populace which comprises of the richest rich and the poorest of the poor and oh yes, just like Mumbais looming skyline, the width of difference encompasses both in large numbers. Shanghai is a fashionistas delight and, being a developed city of the Middle Kingdom, is very European in its fashion quotient. Malls of Shanghai outnumber malls of Mumbai not only in number, but also in technology, scale and escalators alone! Not to mention, Shanghai is a city with bargain flea markets too. Besides fashion, it is food which lines a citys milieu. Fine dining restaurants filled with world cuisine and showcasing eclectic ambiences abide a plenty in both cities, yet Mumbai and Shanghai both have a delectable mouth-watering array of street food. The street food culture of any city, I feel, is as necessary if not more, than upscale restaurants to a citys personality. The spiced-fried potato buns (Vada Pav) of Mumbai find a worthy and healthier companion in my favorite steamed vegetable and tofu filled buns (Mantou) of Shanghai. Of course, there are many other street foods that leave your palate wanting for more in both cities like Bhel puri, Pani puri and Ragda pattice of Mumbai and rice, noodles and dumplings eaten with chopsticks (obviously!) in Shanghai. The peppery grilled and barbequed vegetables, mushrooms or anything you pick from a platter to charcoal-grill is unique to the street food culture of Shanghai and tops my list of must-haves. 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 Himalaya Airlines, a China-Nepal joint-venture company, completed its maiden flight from Kathmandu to Colombo on Tuesday, said Tibet Airlines, the Chinese investor. Based in the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Himalaya Airlines was set up in August 2014, with focus on the market in South Asia, China and the Middle East. The company also plans to extend its service to Southeast Asian and European countries in the next five years, to facilitate more trips to China's Tibet Autonomous Region, which is aiming for a world-class tourist destination. Bai Weisan, general manager of Tibet Airlines, said Himalaya Airlines will contribute to the transport and trade between China and South Asian countries. Nepal has been Tibet's top trade partner since 2006. In 2014, Tibet's trade with Nepal exceeded 10 billion yuan ($1.54 billion), accounting for 90 percent of the region's total foreign trade that year. What kind of ship never sinks? Friendship! While this joke has always been popular, it has never been able to show how the ship sinks. Until now, that is. A recent set of cartoons reveals the whole story with the help of cute penguins. The cartoons were first put online on Sina Weibo, a Twitter-like service in China, on April 2. Captions on the cartoons show that the two are on 'friend ship'. But then one gets thinner and the ship sinks. The cartoons soon went viral and were forwarded 78,000 times within 10 days, Chengdu Business Daily reported. The artist, who uses the pseudonym Nan Dongni, allowed internet users on April 6 to replace his captions with their own. Nan wanted to publish the best ones on his verified Weibo account and offered prizes. The cartoons went viral on social media, such as Weibo, WeChat and online forums. Captions suggested the reasons why the "friend ship" sinks, such as friends having different jobs and industries. Some of the suggested captions suggested that the ship sinks because friends work in different industries. For instance, if you have a journalist friend and ask them to have a meal together and they respond that they have to finish a news report first, the "friend ship" sinks. Or, when your friend is a teacher and you ask if they want to have a meal today and they reply that they have to finish school reports, the "friend ship" sinks. The popularity of the cartoons shows that people have little understanding of the different demands made by careers, which causes barriers in communication and that in turn creates misunderstandings and that sinks friendship. These cartoons with different captions have been viewed more than 16 million times. Nan said April 12 on his Weibo account that some changed cartoons without his permission but they too attracted more than 100,000 views. The "friend ship" cartoons have finally transformed Nan into a cyber celebrity, or Wanghong, in Chinese. Nan was born in the late 1980s in Linyi, East China's Shandong province. He told media that he left university to embark on creating cartoons. His decision came after he bought two books by Chinese cartoonist Jimmy in 2010. Nan wrote on his WeChat account, a messaging service, "I never thought I'd be the creator of a hot event. As you can see, the 'friend ship' cartoons and notes have flooded the circle of friends on social media." He said he created the two penguins a yellow one named Dongni and a black one called Ade last year. He was happy that the two penguins have become popular with Chinese netizens, but he worried that some people posted the cartoons with their own captions without giving him credit as the creator. John Loges is a veteran detective and drug enforcement agent, but when it came to addressing a synthetic-drug epidemic in South Florida, he put on his diplomat's hat. A Fort Lauderdale police detective on loan to the US Drug Enforcement Administration, Loges coordinated a trip to China last fall to lobby officials to cut off the export of chemicals used to make the street drug "flakka", which sends users into psychotic frenzies. Flakka is a version of a Spanish word that means a thin, pretty woman. A derivative of bath salts, the drug compels users to tear off their clothes as their body temperatures surge. Some hallucinated that they were being chased. One man impaled himself on a police department fence trying to evade imaginary pursuers, The Associated Press reported. In 16 months, 63 flakka users died in Fort Lauderdale and its vicinity - overdoses, suicides, homicides and accidents, according to the AP. Anti-flakka posters around Broward warned: "Lose your mind. Lose your life." But about three months ago, the scourge suddenly stopped. "I have never seen a drug gain popularity so rapidly and be eliminated so quickly," Broward Sheriff Scott Israel told the AP. Hospitals in Broward County recorded more than 300 flakka cases in October, 187 in November, and 54 in December, also the last month for a flakka fatality, The Washington Post reported. The Chinese government, as of Oct 1, 2015, restricted exports of flakka's key ingredient, alpha-PVP, and 115 other chemical substances used to make synthetic drugs, according to the DEA. Loges told China Daily that the Chinese government used three criteria to ban the drug: Is there any medicinal or industrial use for the chemical anywhere in the world? Is it actually being exported from China? Is it being abused as a drug? Loges, who also has served in the US Army for 30 years, including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and is now a master sergeant in the Reserves, led a delegation of Broward County, Florida, law enforcement officials and federal agents to Beijing last fall to meet their Chinese counterparts. On the Nov 1-8 trip to Beijing with Loges were US Attorney Tony Gonzalez, Fort Lauderdale police Sgt. John Jensen, Broward Sheriff's Office Lietuentant Ozzy Tianga, Assistant DEA Special Agent Kristine Costa, and Mindy Mazzei, a Coral Springs detective and DEA task force officer, the Sun-Sentinel of Fort Lauderdale reported. Loges said his thinking was, "Let's take it to their government. ... Just because we're local officials, why can't we?" Loges' team met with Zhao Yu, director of China's office of the National Narcotics Control Commission, Ministry of Public Security, and Shan Yehua, deputy director for international cooperation. "They were open arms with us," he said of the meeting. The delegation also met with US Ambassador to China Max Baucus. Loges said Baucus "embraced" the team's efforts, adding the synthetic-drug problem to his list of top 10 priorities as ambassador. Although the alpha-PVP ban was in place by the time the group arrived in China, the trip "was important moving forward, strategy-wise", Loges told the Sun-Sentinel. Once China put the ban in place, it still had to trace the suppliers through postal and delivery service codes. "In the history of their government, they've never done this," Loges told the Sun-Sentinel. "They don't want to be known as a source country similar to Colombia or anything like that." In the US, drug dealers were buying alpha-PVP from Chinese labs online, breaking it down into small doses and pushing it onto the streets. "The dose unit for cocaine is in general 1 gram, but for alpha-PVP, it is a tenth of a gram," Loges said. "Ten thousand people can get high off that kilo, versus cocaine. The price for a kilogram online was anywhere between $1,500 to $3,000. But the street value of it was $50,000, crazy mark-up." Loges said that law enforcement also faces the issue of illicit manufacturers tinkering with molecular structures to create new drugs to avoid detection. "When you're changing the synthetics ... it's with the intent to circumvent law enforcement and dog detection". "It's not like you're targeting Pablo Escobar," Loges said, but rather, trying to tackle a problem wherever it arises. He said it took a partnership across jurisdictions (local, state, federal), at the border, in the medical community, and finally, diplomatically. "You're not going to arrest your way out of the problem." He estimated that before China's actions, and despite a concerted effort by US Customs, only about 5 percent of alpha-PVP was intercepted before it made it into the US. The battle against synthetic drugs is ongoing. Before flakka, there was "Molly", which had flooded South Florida's streets before China banned its key ingredient, methlyone, in 2014. The bilateral action on synthetic drugs exemplifies the best results of people-to-people exchange between the US and China. Contact the writer at williamhennelly@chinadailyusa.com LAGOS - The Nigerian government has granted an airliner, Air Peace, a license to operate international flights from southeast city of Enugu to China and other areas, an official said Thursday. The recognition would open a new vista in the economy of the state, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, the state governor during the closing ceremony of the First Enugu Investment Summit. The governor said by approving the license of the airline, President Muhammadu Buhari had shown himself as having the interest of all sections of the country at heart. Ugwuanyi said the state would never be the same again having had a successful summit that attracted investors across the world. "We have not only showcased the vast potentials in the state, but from reactions of participants, it does appear that we have been able to provoke an unprecedented interest from investors across the world," he added. "The journey to economic prosperity has commenced. The light of the economic dawn that has been lit through this summit will never be allowed to die," he said. Ugwuanyi thanked delegates who made the summit a success and pledged to create an enabling environment for interested investors. Earlier in his presentation, the Chairman of Air Peace Ltd, Allen Onyema, said the airline would soon commence flights from the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu to China. The chairman said it was time for Nigeria to be a hub for West and Central African sub-regions. "President Muhammadu Buhari in his magnanimity on March 31, 2016 approved for us the right to fly to five different countries and we decided now to make Enugu State the hub," he said. Onyema said Air Peace would fly to India, United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Atlanta in the US and China, adding that the China flight would commence in a few months. "There is no other airline in West and Central Africa that flies direct to China," he added. "We will use our airline to bring passengers from countries in West and Central Africa to Enugu and move them to China," Onyema said. International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde addresses a news conference during the spring meetings of the IMF and the World Bank in Washington April 14, 2016.[Photo/Agencies] Christine Lagarde, managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), defended her positive view of China's economy, as global economic and financial leaders gathered in Washington this week to convene the World Bank-IMF's spring meeting. "It's normal that (China's) growth rate is a little bit lower than it was a few years back, perfectly legitimate, difficult but manageable," said Lagarde during an interview with Stephen Sackur, host of BBC's HARDtalk, at George Washington University on Thursday, an appearance that was listed on the spring meeting's official agenda. "The Chinese economy is going through a massive transformation," she said. "It's moving from being vastly export-driven to being much more focused on the domestic market; it's moving from heavy-industry based to light industry and predominantly service driven, and it is clearly moving in terms of opening to the rest of the world." Lagarde was adamant in her comments, which came in response to Sackur's pointed suggestion that "the world is losing its faith in China". Lagarde conveyed a similarly positive message during an earlier press conference at IMF headquarters on Thursday morning. "We've reset China's economic growth rate to 6.5 percent taking into account the measures that have been announced by the Chinese authority in its latest five-year plan," said Lagarde. IMF's signature document, World Economic Outlook, released on Tuesday, raises China's 2016 growth rate from 6.3 as projected in the report's January version. The 2017 rate is now set to 6.2, also a 0.2 increase from its earlier version. The outlook states that "growth in China was in contrast slightly stronger than previously forecast, reflecting resilient domestic demand, especially consumption" and "robust growth in the services sector offset recent weakness in manufacturing activity." It concludes that "China's transition toward more sustainable growth, backed by ample policy buffers, is a welcome development." Another key IMF document, Global Financial Stability Report, released on Wednesday, said that "China's financial integration with the rest of world is expected to accelerate, and its financial influence abroad will likely catch up with its economic prowess." Lagarde seems satisfied that China has followed some of the IMF's advice. "Some of the structural reforms that we have been advocating are clearly endorsed by the Chinese authority now," said Lagarde, who was just unanimously reelected to a second five-year term as managing director of the IMF. Lagarde praised China's determination to play an increasingly important role in international organizations like the IMF. "In the next five years, I am convinced that China will play an important role because it wants to be a player in these institutions and it wants to cooperate in the international domains, playing by the rules and belonging to the club," said Lagarde, calling China "a serious and solid partner". Allan Fong in Washington contributed to this story. charlenecai@chinadailyusa.com Zhou Xiaochuan, the governor of the People's Bank of China, said on Thursday that he would support efforts to develop policy recommendations on diversified financing for small- and medium-sized (SMEs) enterprises during China's G20 presidency. Zhou Xiaochuan made his remarks in welcoming a new report from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) on SMEs. The report, Financing SMEs and Entrepreneurs 2016: An OECD Scoreboard, was issued in Washington on Thursday prior to the G20 finance ministers meeting. China will host the 11th G20 summit, for the first time, in Hangzhou, East China's Zhejiang province in September. "The OECD Scoreboard is a valuable tool to support G20 work, and to monitor trends and the implications of financial reforms for SMEs," Zhou said. "It will not only enrich G20 discussion, but will also provide reference for the G20 policy maker." The fifth annual edition of the OECD Scoreboard highlights developments in SME financing over the 2012-2014 period. In China, SMEs made up 97 percent of all firms, accounting for 80 percent of urban employment, and for 60 percent of total GDP in 2013, according to the Scoreboard. "SMEs and entrepreneurs can play an active role in achieving stronger and more inclusive growth, and it is now time to show our commitment to enabling the development of alternative funding options," Zhou said. "Governments are increasingly supporting the news developments of SME financing instruments. This is consistent with the G20 and OECD high-level principles for SME financing, which was welcomed by the leaders in Antalya in 2015," said Angel Gurria, secretary-general of the OECD. "Chinese President Xi has been leading the way, leading the charge about SMEs." In 2014, the Chinese government reformed the commercial registration system, and shortened registration procedures for SMEs. The reform had a big impact on business creation in China. As shown in the report, in 2014 there were 12.9 million new companies registered in China, an increase of 14 2 percent from 2013. That means there were about 10,600 new companies created every day in China. China is considering a plan that would allow banks to swap bad debts for equity in the borrowing firm. The plan may help large and medium-sized companies, which "borrowed too much" to reduce their debt, Zhou said. Globally, financing for SMEs has turned the corner from the decline seen during the global financial crisis, but overall credit conditions remain challenging and access to external finance continues to be much tighter for SMEs than larger firms, according to the OECD report. "Finance is one of the keys for unlocking the potential of small firms to innovate, upgrade and become more productive," said Gurria. "We still have a lot to do, to create conditions for the diverse population for the SMEs, to access finance in appropriate amount, appropriate forms, appropriate terms." leshuodong@chinadailyusa.com Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and his wife Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge are shown around the Tashichho Dzong temple by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and his wife Jetsun Pema in Thimphu, Bhutan, April 14, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] THIMPHU - Following the Kensington Palace's announcement on Jan 9, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Prince William and Kate Middleton finally touched down in the tiny Himalayan country of Bhutan in the morning of April 14. Looking rather stunning in a golden coatdress, the Duchess, who completed three-day visit to India with her husband Prince William, reached the Paro International airport at 10:56 am. The King's sister Princess ChhimiYangzom Wangchuck welcomed the Royal Couple along with her husband and a team of delegates. They are the first British Royals visiting Bhutan since the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles trip to the country in 1998. The Royal Couple's visit marks yet another historic moment for Bhutan. After a brief photo session at the airport, the two whisked off to the capital city of Thimphu. 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? Governor Pat McCrory20301 Mail Service CenterRaleigh, NC 27699-0301Dear Governor McCrory,I am writing with a heartfelt THANK YOU for standing for common sense, standing for the constitutional protections of privacy, and perhaps most of all, for standing with conviction and exemplifying the courage one rarely sees in a politician these days. I am, of course, referring to your readiness and willingness to address the bathroom ordinance passed by the Charlotte legislature and pass HB2.I know you and the entire state of North Carolina is coming under attack from the liberals for your stance in this matter. I know that the mayor of San Francisco, Edwin Lee, has banned flights for city employees from SF to North Carolina in protest, as did the mayors of NYC and Seattle. I know that New York's Governor Andrew Cuomo has also banned non-essential flights to North Carolina for state employees in protest over the bill. And Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin and Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy have done the same. I know that director Rob Reiner has called for a boycott among filmmakers not to film in our state until HB2 is repealed. Wow, the wave of intolerance is strong. But waves that crash on rock do no damage and cause no erosion.The point is that none of these individuals live in our state and how dare they try to engage in coercion to change our laws and policies. Decisions that affect the day-to-day conditions of our lives here in our own state should rightfully be made by us who live here, and by our representatives. And other states ought to respect those decisions. It's one of the hallmarks of a federation of sovereign states. Let's not forget that in 1973, when California legalized marijuana, North Carolina didn't issue any boycotts in protest. In fact, there were no boycotts at all issued by states who did not agree with California's decision. North Carolina and other states respected California's right. And recently when California enacted an extreme gun control law, again North Carolina stood silent. North Carolina, a state that has a deep respect and affection for our Bill of Rights and especially for the big daddy of them all, the second amendment, could have easily acted in protest.I know that our state Attorney General, Roy Cooper, an avowed liberal who believes strongly in gay marriage, not only refused to enforce the state constitutional amendment that passed overwhelmingly in our state defining marriage as between a man and a woman but now refuses to enforce HB2. He has publicly called our state an "embarrassment." The truth is that HE, a man elected as Attorney General to defend the laws of the state who has not done so, taking an oath to perform the duties of that office yet violating it over and over again, taking a paycheck while he has essentially done nothing in performance of the duties of his office, and then turning his back on the great majority of the North Carolinians is the real definition of an embarrassment. Roy Cooper is an embarrassment to the state and to the government of this state. Why is this man still in office and why does he continue to collect a paycheck? Where are the articles of impeachment to remove him and give us a vacant office (pretty much what it is with him IN IT). The people of the state are entitled to a public servant that carries out his or her function. Governor McCrory, you were right when you said that Mr. Roy Cooper was elected to do a job and that "he is an attorney first and a politician second."Hypocritically, Cooper and his kind want to force OTHER officials into doing their job - such as issue marriage licenses to homosexuals, despite political and religious differences - but as for themselves, they believe they can refuse to carry out their elected responsibilities for the same reasons.The bottom line is that the people expect their laws to be defended and someone will need to take this one on, with all the energy, sincerity, legal know-how, and passion that it takes.We face an uphill battle in trying to remain a normal state with normal, natural-law values and trying to fight off the degenerate policies of liberals and progressives (and the LGBT community) who would love to see the entire country become like the biblical dens of iniquity, Sodom and Gomorrah. Biological confusion, biological rejection, massive sexual experimentation, and the unfettered personal freedom to live life as one sees fit without regard to boundaries, natural or social.... These are the goals of the progressives and liberals. By-products of such lifestyles are just collateral damage that we must all live with. But certain things are worth fighting for because the society that results is the one that will prove most successful.The condemnation and the protests..... these will pass. If we don't start standing up issue by issue, then North Carolina becomes no better than places like San Francisco and New York City, and neither place provides the safety and comfort needed to encourage and embrace family values and all the wonderful things that come with the proper focus on the family. Governor McCrory, you are doing a wonderful job in sticking up for HB2 and explaining it truthfully and fairly. Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest is also doing an outstanding job defending it.You mentioned that other states and some politicians are calling our state an embarrassment. I contend that when such states and when such politicians attack our policies, then we should be consoled in the fact that we are doing the right thing. North Carolina is NOT California. North Carolina is NOT New York. North Carolina is NOT Vermont. North Carolina is NOT Washington. North Carolinians have different values than San Franciscans. North Carolinians have different values than New Yorkers. There are communities of people all across this country defined by the values they embrace and wish to live by. And they are entitled to live by, as long as they don't discriminate in violation of the long-settled principles solidified in our Constitution. How have we as a body of people been allowed to tolerate bathroom facilities separating on account of biological gender differences all these great many years? Clearly there have been no constitutional violations. A one-size-fits-all society is not what we want in this country. We want differences so that people, as diverse as we are, can find the place - using our constitutionally protected ability to be mobile - that allows us to live as faithfully and as comfortably with respect to our values. People forced to live in a changing environment where they must hide their values, apologize for them, be ashamed of them, and worse, live in contradiction to them are people ripe for discontent and hatred. A state that respects the values embraced by nature, that stands up for the values that promote wholesome family and gender values, a state respects the voice of the majority of its people (so that the minority cannot force their demands on others who are not ready for them), that refuses to engage in the type of cultural transformation of places like San Francisco and others that put individuality and selfishness before proper guidelines, embedded in natural law, for the good of society and its bedrock foundation, and that does not back down from the bullies of this country...... is NOT an embarrassment. It is an example.As an attorney, I agree with your assessment of HB2. It is a common-sense bill that invokes no constitutional protection for the groups that are attacking it. The bill protects men, women, and children when they use restrooms, lockers, and showers. Individuals have a basic expectation of privacy in these areas. In fact, I would argue that there is a heightened expectation of privacy in these areas. Individuals have a right not to feel uncomfortable, traumatized, nervous, or scared when they enter a bathroom for biological purposes. They have a right to feel protected when they shed their clothing in locker rooms and in shower areas. The bill protects the elderly and the young who are most vulnerable to intimidation and fear. They are the ones who most assuredly need protection. Governor, you are correct when you say that this right must be protected and secured. If the very governing body of a state cannot protect a child or a grandmother in an area traditionally set aside for only members of society biologically identical to them, sharing similar concerns, functions, and risks, then that governing body should dissolve in favor of one that is able to protect its citizens.A doctor who operates on a male (regardless of his "identification") will need certain operating implements and gadgets to do the job. Just because that person may "identify" as another gender does not somehow change the reality that physically there are differences that require separate attention.HB2 requires that requires that public bathrooms or changing facilities (locker rooms and/or showers) to be designated for and only those persons based on their biological sex; that is, the sex identified on their birth certificate. This bill only reasserts the status quo. It makes sure that the current situation - the one that has existed for over one hundred years - continues to remain as such. Without this bill and having the possibility of other cities and towns adopting the radical plan put forth by the Charlotte legislature, would expose the overwhelming majority of people to traumatization in an area that they should feel most comfortable.Last year started a movement to demonize the Confederate flag and in fact, all symbols and names that are associated with the antebellum South and the Civil War. [I'm referring to the movement that was independent of the flag's removal from the state capitol in SC]. All of a sudden, the flag and all such symbols, monuments, historical figures, street names, etc were deemed to only have ONE meaning, and that meaning was one of hatred. I watched and read time after time as a mayor or town official, or college student, or African-American citizen cried "trauma" and "discomfort" at having to lay his or her eyes on the flag, a monument, a street sign, a building name, etc etc. I imagined them convulsing, vomiting, and having to be hospitalized with live-giving fluids delivered to their failing veins. But no, they were healthy as can be. They were just exercising a misguided freedom to personally feel shielded from a message they didn't care to see. Now, most of these individuals, of course (and clearly) have no clue about history. But governing body after governing body gave in. The right of one person not to be traumatized was treated as paramount to the overwhelming majority of people to embrace or be reminded of the history of our country.I see this as an analogy, to some degree. We must respect the right of biologically-oriented people NOT to feel traumatized when they use a public restroom, locker room, or shower. This is simply common sense. Imagine the trauma and confusion that a young child will suffer? A young girl is taught not to talk to a stranger that is of a different sex. A young girl is taught that there are differences between herself and someone like her daddy. We teach our children about the proper roles they are to assume in the school system (because, after all, a boy who dares put his arm around a girl simply to show affection can be sent home with a charge of assault) and the role that gender plays in society and in rightful expectations. What about the parent who is trying to teach her child about biology and nature and the natural order of life? How can a child reconcile what she NEEDS to learn (for her safety and protection) with what she might confront in a public bathroom? What about the trauma a grandmother will feel? The fear as well?There are reports all over the internet of assaults, rapes, videoing, and uncomfortable situations when men "pretending" to be gender-confused go into a women's bathroom. All one needs to do is simply research them. It is far too easy for a male to pretend to be gender-confused to gain entry into a woman's bathroom in order to do something that is less than legitimate or legal. He can film what he sees (and there are very secret ways to do that) or he can force himself on unsuspecting females. He can also rob them because they have let their guard down or because they are temporarily away from their purse, their mace, and their purchases. [Jay Delancy of the Voter Integrity Project, has posted several of these incidents, for example]. The only conceivable scenario where a male should be allowed to enter a women's restroom, locker room, and shower is when he has been surgically altered and is on hormone therapy to officially change his gender. That is the only REAL way to "identify" as a woman. That would provide the only reasonable confidence to show that the person identifies as a woman and that the associated intent is there.Finally, should bathrooms become open to individuals of a different biological identity, I believe patrons will not want to use the restroom lest they be made to feel uncomfortable. I have been in a public bathroom in a mall that was marked "Ladies" and watched as a male emerged from one of the stalls. There was nothing about the individual to comfort the women and teen girls in the bathroom that he/she was "identifying" as a female. All we knew was that he was a male, looked like a male, was zipping up his pants as he walked out of the stall, and he was in the women's room. It was unsettling and my daughters and I immediately left. We felt uncomfortable and uneasy. We should have never been put in that situation. We opted to leave the mall and go somewhere else to get a bite to eat so that we could eventually take care of nature (take care of business) in a more private setting. I believe patrons will wait to go home to use the restroom and they will use the food court areas less frequently so as not to have to use the restrooms. Hence, their time in malls, etc will be shortened. Eventually, with policies as the LGBT desire and as the progressives and liberals who support the Charlotte initiative desire, people will begin retreating into their own homes or the homes and meeting places of people they feel comfortable with and reverse discrimination will tacitly result. Such policies will have a disparate impact on those who believe in a rightful expectation of privacy and who believe that nature, after all, is the immutable basis for life.In addition to the provisions related to public/education bathroom, locker, and shower facilities, I want to thank you for the provisions added to the bill which protect business owners/government sub-contractors from the coercion of local laws which they ordinarily would not have to be subject to. The pre-emption provisions - pre-emption from - the pre-emption of local laws that expand the categories of non-discrimination to "sexual orientation" - are the icing on the wonderful cake that is HB2. I truly believe you showed your commitment and respect to the business community by: (1) recognizing and emphasizing that HB2 does not affect them and they are free to handle the bathroom situation as they see fit; and (2) making sure they are not subject to local laws that force them to participate in speech with which they do not believe (which underscores the rights recognized in the First Amendment - speech, religion, conscience). The guarantees protected under the First Amendment are firmly-rooted in our history and in our collective conscious and government law (including state) must not force businesses, small or large, or sole proprietors to participate in events or promote an agenda which violate their deeply-held beliefs and their collective conscience. Such a law is a dangerous violation of the First Amendment guarantees of free speech and freedom of religion and they certainly threaten businesses just as acutely as issues such as discrimination and the failure to provide bathroom accessibility to transgenders. Even more telling is what such a law says about our treasured freedoms. It sends a message to the world that we aren't the nation that we claim to be. Hypocrisy may work for others but it shouldn't be an accusation that attaches to the state of North Carolina.Thank you again in joining with the NC General Assembly and standing together in a courageous moment of clarity and allegiance to the good people of the state and signing HB2 into law. This mother, parent, attorney, school teacher, and someday soon - grandmother wanted to take this opportunity to express my gratitude and respect. Please, please, please continue to stand firm in the wake of the growing opposition and demonization of our state with respect to HB2.Most Sincerely,Language of Bill ( "Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act" In the following video message, Governor Pat McCrory explains HB2:In the following video, Lieutenant Governor Dan Forest defends HB2 on CNBC , dispels the rumors, and explains the facts. Firefighters walk among collapsed houses caused by an earthquake in Mashiki town, Kumamoto prefecture, southern Japan, in this photo taken by Kyodo April 15, 2016. [Photo/Agencies] TOKYO - A powerful earthquake that rocked southwestern Japan on Thursday night has left nine people dead so far and hundreds injured as emergency Self-Defense Force personnel have been rapidly deployed to the region to help with ongoing search and rescue efforts. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told a press briefing that the government will do everything in its power to support the victims of the quake and ensure emergency provisions such as food, water and medical assistance are on hand to those who need it. A disaster response team has been set up at the prime minister's office and response efforts are being coordinated from there. Abe said that he is in touch with Kumamoto's governor and will work closely with the quake-hit prefecture to coordinate operations. The Japanese leader told a lower house session on Friday the government would do its utmost to help local residents. "We will do our best in ensuring the safety of residents," the prime minister said. "In collaboration with local authorities, we will take every possible measure to support sufferers such as securing food, blankets and other necessary materials, providing medical services, as well as restoring infrastructure such as electricity and water supply," said Abe. The magnitude-6.5 earthquake that struck at 9:26 pm measured 7 on Japan's seismic scale, the highest possible reading for an earthquake, and marking the first time a temblor in Japan has hit the peak on the scale since the devastating quake in Tohoku in 2011 that along with an ensuing tsunami killed nearly 16,000 people. The town of Mashiki, home to more than 32,600 people in Kumamoto Prefecture, in southern Kyushu, was where the quake hit hardest and was logged at an intensity of 7, although the Japan Meteorological Agency did not issue a tsunami warning. The shallow quake which originated at a depth of around 11 kilometers and was followed by 123 aftershocks according to the weather agency on Friday morning, some measuring in the upper six range on Japan's scale, left nine people dead. Three of the deceased were men and the four were women, local officials have confirmed. They said those who were killed were from the town of Mashiki and also from the Higashi Ward of Kumamoto City. Local police and firefighters in the prefecture said that 20 houses had collapsed as a result of the quake, particularly in and around Mashiki, leaving people trapped beneath rubble and fallen debris. Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and his wife Catherine (R), Duchess of Cambridge, Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck (2nd L) and his wife Jetsun Pema (L) pose at the Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu, Bhutan, in this April 14, 2016 handout photo by the Bhutanese Royal Office. [Photo/Agencies] THIMPHU - Britain's Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived on Thursday in the tiny Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, where they will meet its glamorous young royal couple for the first time. Prince William and wife Kate touched down at Bhutan's only international airport, nestled deep in a river valley, to be welcomed by members of the royal family and receive flowers from a boy and girl wearing traditional dress. Bhutan's fifth king, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, and Queen Jetsun Pema will meet the British royals in a private audience and later host them to dinner, besides treating them to a display of archery, the national sport. Masato Kitera, the Japanese ambassador, holds his first news conference in Beijing on Dec 25, 2012.[Feng Yongbin / China Daily] Outgoing Japanese Ambassador to China Masato Kitera, who will soon assume his new post as Japan's top envoy in France, said the diplomat who replaces him should "do different things than me" when asked by China Daily about any advice he would offer his successor. Kitera made the comment on the sidelines of a reception luncheon at the ambassador's residence on Friday in Beijing. On March 25, the Japanese ruling cabinet officially appointed Yutaka Yokoi, Japan's representative in Turkey, as the next ambassador to China. Kitera delivered a farewell speech at the reception and took a retrospective glance on his time in Beijing, from December 2012, a period that saw the China-Japan relationship experience a deep chill. Kitera graduated from Tokyo University and began to work for the Japanese Foreign Ministry in 1976. He served as assistant chief cabinet secretary in 2011 before his being appointed as ambassador to China. "A dry and cold wind like that of the Beijing winter was blowing between the two counties," he said as he recalled his days as Japan's top envoy to China. Kitera said that while there is some way to go "the warm sunshine of spring" is beginning to reach bilateral relations. "I am very happy, and even appreciative, because I have an opportunity to witness such changes in bilateral relations in the last moments of my term as Japanese Ambassador in China," he added. Around 5 million Chinese people visited Japan last year and the number of monthly Chinese visitors to Japan has continued to reach record numbers, while the number of Japanese visitors to China shows signs of growing, according to Kitera. A screenshot of Wu Wei's Weibo. A teaching assistant at the University of Sydney has been accused of racism for his online comments targeting Chinese international students. Wu Wei, a Chinese-Australian PhD student and head tutor at the University of Sydney's business school, was charged for calling Chinese international students "pigs" on Weibo, a social media platform widely used in China. His remarks triggered great rage among Chinese international students who presented a petition to the university protesting Wu's racist comments in the name of University of Sydney Business Association (USBA). The USBA exposed Wu's comments from his Weibo account. One of the screenshots shows that a Chinese international student stated Wu was a shame of the Australian-Chinese community. Wu replied back saying the finance courses are difficult and wondered how much time the "pigs" will spend on essays. Evidence also shows that Wu burned a Chinese passport in the toilet in 2015 after he was granted an Australian citizenship. The topic quickly assembled 9,000 Chinese netizens since being exposed on Weibo yesterday. Wu's behaviours have drawn criticism on the Internet. A cyber citizen named hellojimmy said, "it's universally identified that no one can gain superiority by disrespecting his motherland. He will eat the bitter fruit which bears from his misbehavior. Why don't we just hold the temper and wait to see what happens to him." Another netizen with the username Bohemia wrote that Wu is just a little dizzy with his secular success. "Let's get over him and guard his freedom to utter his personal voice," said Bohemia. According to the Daily Mail, the university launched an investigation on Wu. 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. (Photo : Getty Images/Buddhika Weerasinghe) People light lamps in August 2015 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Hiroshima atomic bombing. Kerry's visit to the Hiroshima site is the first from any top US official. Advertisement US Secretary of State John Kerry paid a visit to the Hiroshima atomic bomb memorial site on April 11. The visit is quite significant since this WAs the first official visit by such a high level US official since the atomic tragedy, seven decades ago. Kerry was joined by Philip Hammond, UK foreign secretary, who will also be attending a G7 meeting in the city. In the company of the Japanese foreign minister Fumio Kishida, they laid wreaths at the memorial and Kerry wrote a note in the guest book that reads "Everyone should see and feel the power of this memorial." He described it as a "compelling reminder not only of our obligation to end the threat of nuclear weapons, but to rededicate all our effort to avoid war itself". Like Us on Facebook Advertisement The site commemorates the utter destruction of the Japanese city after an atomic bomb was dropped by American forces on August 6, 1945, causing Japan to surrender and ultimately ending the Second World War. The A-bomb dome, now a peace memorial park, stands at the site of the prefectural industry promotion building, the only standing structure after the atomic bomb devastated the Japanese city, killing 80,000 people immediately and leaving hundreds of thousands wounded and susceptible to radiation poisoning. America has consistently maintained that dropping the atomic bomb was necessary to end the war and that it averted a catastrophic number of casualties on both sides. Whats more, the crew of the Enola Gay jet that dropped the bomb have been treated as heroes. However, historians and war analysts have questioned America's claims and downplaying of the Hiroshima atomic tragedy. The fact that the bomb was dropped 500 meters above the city and at its very centre points towards an intent to create maximum destruction. While it is debatable whether the use of the atomic bomb did actually avert any casualties, the brutality and gruesome images of victims of the tragedy walking like zombies with their flesh dripping off their bodies, remains a fact of history and a stark contrast to the narrative western super powers have to offer. Furthermore, had Japan not surrendered, America planned to drop seven more bombs in the months that followed. The G7 meeting is significant for Japan and hosting it in Hiroshima makes sense since the country seems to be the epicentre of another nuclear war with North Korea is testing its missiles and countries like China beefing up their nuclear storehouses. Advertisement TagsHiroshima and Nagasaki bombing, hiroshima, Atomic Bomb!, atomic bombing, Hiroshima Bombing 70th Anniversary (Photo : Youtube.com) China on Wednesday categorically said that it has complete jurisdiction over Taiwanese deportees from Kenya and will launch a thorough investigation against them. Advertisement China on Wednesday said that group of Taiwanese citizens deported from Kenya are wanted in mainland China for serious charges, claiming complete jurisdiction over the Taiwanese deportees. The controversy over the Taiwanese deportees broke out on Monday after Taiwan accused China of illegally abducting eight Taiwanese citizens from Kenya. Taiwan claimed that Kenyan police used tear gas and rifles to force Taiwanese citizens into a China-bound aircraft. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement In total, 45 Taiwanese citizens have reportedly been deported to China. Eight were deported on Friday, while rest of the 37 Taiwanese citizens were deported on Tuesday. These 45 Taiwanese, along with several other Chinese citizens, were being tried in Kenya over cyber related crimes since 2014. However, several Taiwan citizens were acquitted by a Kenyan High Court earlier this week. According to Xinhua, China's Ministry of Public Security said that these Taiwanese deportees swindled millions of Yuan from Chinese citizens while pretending to be "law-enforcement officers." The ministry further revealed that Chinese authorities will launch full investigation against them, adding that officials from Taiwan are welcome to join the investigation. Meanwhile, Taiwan is planning to file a lawsuit against the Kenyan government for forcefully detaining its citizens and not acting as per court directives which acquitted several of its citizens. This is the first major diplomatic controversy that has broken between China and Taiwan ever since the landslide victory of pro-independent leader Tsai Ing-wen in the island's Presidential election earlier this year. Tsai will take office in May. Experts claim that this latest controversy will be the first litmus test for Tsai's government amid Beijing's warning that Taiwan should not stoke any secessionist movement. Advertisement Tagschina, Taiwan, Kenya (Photo : Getty Images) The deepening military relationship between the US and the Philippines has been branded by China as a reflection of a "cold war mentality." Beijing claims that such ties will only exacerbate the already high tensions in the South China Sea region. Advertisement China's defense ministry said joint patrols by the US and Philippine forces in the South China Sea as well as plans of strengthening military ties between the two countries reflect a "cold war mentality" and further raises tension in the disputed waters. The comment was made amid Beijing's vow to resolutely defend its territories and uphold its sovereignty in the South China Sea region in the face of any infringement from other countries. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Beijing, whose comments were posted on the defense ministry's website on Thursday, reacted to the recent announcement of the US that it would increase its troops in the Philippines. "A strengthening of the U.S.-Philippine military alliance... is a manifestation of the Cold War mentality and is not conducive to peace and stability in the South China Sea," the defense ministry said. More sea and air patrols The United States announced on Thursday that it will send more troops to the Philippines for more regular and frequent rotations and will launch more sea and air patrols with the Philippines in the South China Sea. US Defense Secretary Ash Carter disclosed that the US and the Philippines had actually carried out sea and air patrols in the disputed waters recently and that the two nations will step up their operations in the region. Although Carter maintained the recent patrols were not meant to provoke China, his Philippine counterpart defense secretary Voltaire Gazmin welcomed the US presence saying it will deter "uncalled for actions" by China. Brazen actions China is laying claim to a lage portion of the disputed waters through which $5 trillion worth of ship-borne trade passes every year. The international waterway is believed to contain large deposits of oil and gas. The Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam have rival claims in the region. The US and the claimant countries have expressed concern over China's brazen actions in the region which have been intensified by its buildup of artificial islands in the Spratlys, a group of islands which are being claimed by the Philippines and Vietnam. Militarization The Chinese defense ministry emphasized that joint patrols between the US and the Philippines in the disputed waters "promote the militarization of the region." Chinese authorities likewise said that bilateral military exercises between the two countries should not prejudice the interests of third parties. "The Chinese army will monitor this trend closely, and will resolutely safeguard China's territorial sovereignty as well as maritime rights and interests," the defense ministry said. Advertisement TagsUS-Philippine Military Ties, South China Sea, Chinese Defense Ministry, sea and air patrols, Cold War, US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter, joint patrols, Beijing (Photo : Reuters) Twitter appoints new Managing Director for Greater China Region. Advertisement Online social networking giant Twitter Inc. has hired former General Manager of Microsoft Greater China Region, Kathy Chen, as the new Managing Director for the company's Greater China office in Hong Kong. Kathy Chen is an information technology executive who was the former General Manager of Microsoft Asia-Pacific Research & Development Group based in Beijing, and former General Manager of Cisco Systems' East China Region. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement As the new Managing Director in Greater China, Ms. Chen will be the one responsible to reach out to potential clients and advertisers. It is worth mentioning that Greater China includes mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. In spite of the fact that Twitter has been blocked in the country since 2009, last year the company managed to establish an office in Hong Kong. The aim was to look for companies who are interested in advertising their products and services to Twitter's millions of users worldwide. According to a report by South China Morning Post (SCMP), Twitter's Vice President for Asia-Pacific, Latin America and emerging markets, Shailesh Rao, said that there has been a 340 percent increase in the number of companies who advertise using Twitter's platform. Due to the success, Mr. Rao said, the company plans to increase its investment in the region, and will also bring other services to the table, such as its new customer service platform and data analytics. Twitter's data analytics can provide companies with insight on how to interact effectively with their audiences. Major companies that are using Twitter include very popular Chinese brands and media outlets such as Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Lenovo Group Ltd. and Xinhua News Agency, which is the largest media organization in China. Advertisement TagsTwitter China News, Twitter Inc., Twitter New Managing Director Kathy Chen Hong Kong Greater China, Twitter Greater China Hong Kong (Photo : Sovfoto/UIG via Getty Images) The body of Vladimir Lenin in the mausoleum on Red Square. Advertisement The Russian government will spend close to 13m roubles ($200,000) to preserve communist leader Vladimir Lenin's embalmed body, which is on display. The Russian Biomedical Technology and Research Centre has been in charge of carrying out all the required repairs to the body of Lenin since it was placed for public exhibition in Russia Capital Moscow's Red Square following his death in 1924. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Although Lenin reportedly wished to be buried, according to his will, his body is being kept in a mausoleum near the Kremlin wall on Red Square in Moscow. The mortal remains of Vladimir Lenin are 146 years old, but it does not look a day older than he was when he died. Plans for the annual maintenance of Lenin's body was revealed in the Russian government website after tenders were published for medical and biological works on body. Lenin's body is preserved on a regular basis with a biochemical solution that produces the protecting effect. According to deputy director of the Russian Research Institute for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Dr. Yuri Denisov, this distinctive technology will help to keep the mummy for another 100 years. Lenin's Tomb, as the mausoleum is known, is a vital object that appeals thousands of tourists from different countries. For Russian people, the Lenin's mausoleum personifies a whole era of grand accomplishments, an unique symbol of the Soviet Union. There were reports in the past that the mummy of Vladimir Lenin was left without a new suit on his birthday. The body was supposed to be lifted from his bed to be dressed in a new suit. However, there was not enough money for the new clothes so specialists change Lenin's suit once in three years. Advertisement TagsRussia, Vladimir Lenin, Moscow (Photo : PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Images) US Secretary of State John Kerry delivers remarks on the just released Human Rights Report from the press room of the US State Department on April 13, 2016, in Washington, DC. Advertisement In a strongly worded note, China hit back at the US' "Annual State Department report on human rights around the World" that criticised Beijing's severe clampdown on lawyers. This report published by Washington discussed human rights violation and policies in 199 countries, with specific focus on serious right violation in the Middle East countries. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement This year's report on China focused on the suppression of civil society. The report said that repression and coercion has markedly increased. It criticized China's crackdown on lawyers, adding that this gives a sense of government's insecurity in the face of popular aspiration for the rule of law. Hundreds of Chinese lawyers and law associates have been interrogated, investigated and in many cases detained in secret locations for many months without charges or access to attorneys or family members, the report claimed. The report also condemned the enforced vanishing of five men working in Hong Kong's publishing industry, alleging the involvement of Chinese security officials in the issue. In response, Beijing has criticised the US for human rights violations outside its borders and perpetrating civilian casualties in Syria and Iraq, extreme use of force by police, and eavesdropping on foreign nationals. A report issued by China's Cabinet's State Council Information Office also mentioned gun crime and excessive use of force by the police, as well as other issues including fraud in the prison system; racial conflict, homelessness, and gender pay disparity. China releases a report every year in response to the U.S. State Department's annual report on China's human rights situation. The issue of human right violation have been a source of conflict between these world's two largest economies since the 1989 Tiananmen Square protest. Advertisement TagsUSA, china, Human Rights (Photo : Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) Microsoft General Counsel and Executive Vice President Brad Smith, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Microsoft CFO and Executive Vice President Amy Hood and Microsoft Chairman of the Board J. Advertisement Microsoft Corporation has sued the US government for the right to tell its customers when a government agency is asking for access to the details of their email contents. The lawsuit is the newest front in the battle between technology firms and the US government over the issue of how much private business establishments are obligated to support government-led scrutiny and surveillance. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement By filing the suit, Microsoft is taking a lead role in this battle, which has been dominated by Apple in recent months due to the government's attempt to get the company to develop software to unlock an iPhone used by one of the terrorist in the massacre in San Bernardino, California. The suit comes just weeks after the Justice Department dropped its effort to compel Apple to write a software to help it unlock the iPhone used by Syed Rizwan Farook, who with his wife launched an attack in San Bernardino that left 14 dead and many others injured on December 2, 2015. The US investigating agency FBI could not unlock the encoded phone and won an order from a federal judge requiring Apple to write the needed code to access to the device. Apple strongly pursued the reversal of this ruling and had been joined by a number of other technology companies in its court battle. The Department of Justice reportedly dropped the legal proceeding when an anonymous third party managed to efficaciously unlock the phone. The FBI has so far not openly divulged what was found in Farook's iPhone, but a source familiar with the investigation revealed that the agency could not succeed in recovering anything substantial from the phone. Advertisement Tagsapple, Microsoft, US government, San Bernardino, california, Data Protection, FBI (Photo : Cancan Chu/Getty Images) Just like Uber, you may now book a shared business jet in China using an app. Advertisement Just like Uber, you may now book a shared business jet using an app. The companies offering the service are taking advantage of the slow progress of the flight market in China. The Beijing branch of Hong Kong-based Global Wings Aviation Holding Co. developed an app called "Wo Yao Pin Ji" (or the "I Want to Share a Flight"), allowing people to take a seat on a chartered flight without paying exorbitant fees. According to Ji Guang, vice president of Global Wings, people can now enjoy shared business jet while paying only a regular flight's first class fare, China Daily reports. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement During the Asian Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition 2016, Ji told Shanghai Morning Post that they took advantage of returning flights of jets, which most of the time comes back empty. The conference was held this week in Shanghai. Last year, around 2,500 return business flights were empty in China, according to industry figures. Despite the loss, the company saw an opportunity to gain more income. While it is still a privilege to rent a private jet or chartered flight, anyone can now experience similar service without putting a hole in their pockets. According to Ji, it will cost around 6,666 yuan or $1,030 to get a seat on a business jet from Shanghai to Changchun on April 20. You may book a seat through the company's app. Currently, the seat sale is only offered to limited cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Sanya, Chengdu, Shenyang, Hong Kong, Macao, Tokyo, and Seoul. Last year, there was a 3.8 increase in business jets, a much slower progress compared to previous years, according to the latest report from the aviation consultancy company Asian Sky Group. Advertisement TagsBook a Business Jet Through an App, Book Business Jet For Lesser Price, Seat Sale on Business Jets: Book Through an App, Business Jets, Chartered Planes, I Want to Share a Flight, Wo Yao Pin Ji (Photo : China Photos/Getty Images) Schools usually use exams to rank students, but a teacher in southwest China used alcohol consumption to gauge students' marks. Advertisement While chemistry is a subject commonly taught in schools, asking students to consume alcohol for grades is something that teachers should not teach their students. Thats what a teacher from Guizhou in southwest China has learned after he was punished for doing so. Gu Ming, Traditional Chinese Medicine manufacturing teacher at Guizhou Anshun Vocational Institute has been removed from his position as teacher after asking students to drink alcoholic drinks in school, reports Shanghai Daily. Gu reportedly gave students different marks based on the amount of liquor that they can drink, the report said. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Gu reportedly gave three different marks for different amounts of liquor, a student shared on social media website Weibo. Those who gulped a full glass of liquor gets a full 100 mark for their exam, those who drink half a glass get a 90 mark, and a little sip will get drinkers a 60 mark. Those who refuse to drink or even sip will get a failing grade. Because of this, Gus students were seen drunk while on campus, said the schools deputy director, Fu Guisheng. He also said that Gu might have meant the rating challenge as a joke, but of course it did not go well with critics on the internet. The liquor incident has sparked intense debates and discussions online, with some commenters bashing Gu for such an act. Others, on the other hand, sympathized with the teacher Gu, saying that the teacher only wanted to help students learn to get used to a social practice. Another Weibo user, Lapingjun, said that many of the students may go to sales meetings, and the number of deals that they will be able to seal is determined by how much they can drink. There is a culture of gaining other people's trust and recognition through drinking, Lapingjun explains, which is sad but true." Advertisement Tagsliquor, alcohol, Traditional Chinese Medicine manufacturing, Guizhuo Anshun Vocational Institute (Photo : Getty Images/Bethany Clarke) Twitter is set to stop counting links and photos as part of its 140-character text limit for a post. Advertisement Despite being behind digital walls, the Chinese market is too lucrative to be ignored by bigwig Silicon Valley firms. The latest attempt comes from Twitter, which is banned in China. However, the company is not letting this technicality come in its way to acquire more advertising revenue from one of the most formidable economies in the world. Like Us on Facebook Advertisement Twitter announced that it has appointed Kathy Chen as its new managing director for China. While the microblogging service has been banned in mainland China since 2009, Twitter is looking to increase its advertisement revenue from the country. The company stated that it is collaborating with content providers and advertisers from China. Twitter opened a new office in Hong Kong last year. Its latest move reemphasizes the importance of the vast Chinese market. Chen will be responsible for offering more value to Chinese companies advertising on Twitter. She has previously worked with Microsoft and Cisco. Twitter claims to have witnessed a 340 percent growth in the number of its advertisers hailing from China. The company is now looking to lure more corporate advertisers with the help of its technological tools such as data analytics. The company's vice president for Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Emerging Markets said, "Because of the success we've seen, we want to expand the investment we're making in (the region)." He also stated, "Kathy Chen will be responsible for developing the strategy and running the business." China imposes filters on many social websites including Facebook and Google. However, these companies are still pushing to capture the vast Chinese market. Google is looking to court developers in the country, while Facebook is pursuing more advertisers. Advertisement Tagschina, Twitter, Google BREAKING: Tenn. governor vetoes bill that would make Bible official state book 15 April, 2016 by Gregory Tomlin , | NASHVILLE (Christian Examiner) Tennessee's governor has vetoed a bill that would have made the Bible the official book of the Volunteer State. In a letter to Speaker of the House Beth Harwell April 14, Gov. Bill Haslam, himself a conservative, Bible-believing Christian, said he opposed the bill on multiple grounds among them that the state's attorney general had already issued an opinion that giving the status to the Bible would be a violation of both the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the Tennessee Constitution. The Tennessee Constitution declares "no preference shall ever be given, by law, to any religious establishment or mode of worship." All of us should and must bring our deepest beliefs to the places we are called, including government service. Men and women motivated by faith have every right and obligation to bring their belief and commitment to the public debate. However, that is very different from the governmental establishment of religion that our founders warned against and our Constitution prohibits. However, Haslam also claimed his personal feelings prompted the veto. He wrote that the "bill trivializes the Bible, which I believe is a sacred text. If we believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, then we shouldn't be recognizing it only as a book of historical and economic significance. If we are recognizing the Bible as a sacred text, then we are violating the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Tennessee by designating it as the official state book. Our founders recognized that when the church and state were combined, it was the church that suffered in the long run." That does not mean Haslam agrees with political leftists and atheists who are attempting to "drive religion out of the public square." "All of us should and must bring our deepest beliefs to the places we are called, including government service. Men and women motivated by faith have every right and obligation to bring their belief and commitment to the public debate. However, that is very different from the governmental establishment of religion that our founders warned against and our Constitution prohibits," Haslam, who is an elder in an Evangelical Presbyterian Church, wrote. Even if Haslam doesn't agree with the atheists, they for once agree with him. Annie Laurie Gaylor, the co-president of the litigious Wisconsin-based Freedom from Religion Foundation said in a statement the veto was evidence that the "country is turning a corner." Gaylor said the bill was wrong-headed and failed to consider other alternative scenarios, such as if Muslims became the majority and attempted to make the Koran the official state book, or if atheists pushed to make one of Richard Dawkins' books an official book for the state. "It's equally inappropriate and coercive to endorse the Christian Bible. Government may not take side on religion," Gaylor said. "Bill Haslam not only vetoed the bill, but he issued a strong statement affirming the Establishment Clause and explaining why the bill is unconstitutional." The governor's veto of the bill may be overridden, if the bill's sponsors can muster the support necessary in the legislature. Sen. Steve Southerland (R-Morristown), who sponsored the bill in the Senate and is the chaplain of the Senate Republican Caucus, said he will ask for the override early next week. Rep. Jerry Sexton (R-Bean Station), who originally proposed the bill in the Tennessee House in 2015, also said he was ready to move forward with a veto override vote. Southerland and Sexton are both members of Southern Baptist churches. A House subcommittee heard a report by pro-life group Charlotte Lozier Institute on Thursday to evaluate the relevance of a bill meant to ban the practice of sex-selective abortion prevalent in many parts of the world, and among the immigrant communities within US. The Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act (PRENDA), which aims to ban abortion based on sex of the baby, was brought to the House Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice on Thursday, and the practice of discriminating against unborn babies on the basis of their sex was discussed. Ahead of the hearing, the Charlotte Lozier Institute had released a paper titled "Sex-Selection Abortion: The Real War on Women," authored by Anna Higgins, an associate scholar at the institute. Higgins, who also testified before the subcommittee, wrote in the report that most developed nations agree that discrimination on the basis of sex alone was "inherently unjust, a very real and pervasive form of sex discrimination is still permitted and practiced in the world today. Prenatal sex discrimination crosses cultural, ethnic, and national lines. It is practiced in many countries, including the U.S., via sex-selective abortion - choosing to abort a preborn child based solely on the child's sex." "Prenatal discrimination can also be practiced pre-implantation by destroying embryos based on a pre-implantation sex determination. Undoubtedly, such practices constitute discrimination against a unique human individual based on sex alone, and thus constitute sex discrimination." She notes in her research that this was a "global" practice during the last two decades, and now it has become pervasive even in US and UK. Higgins points out that "the sex ratio at birth of certain sub-populations in the U.S. and U.K. has climbed sharply, resulting in highly unbalanced ratios in favor of males. Such a noticeable change in recent decades implicates the increased use of sex-selective abortion and the failure of abortion providers to uniformly reject abortion on these grounds." Apart from Higgins, the three other members of the panel who testified before the committee were Miriam Yeung of the National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum, Catherine Davis of the National Black Prolife Coalition, and Reverend Derek McCoy of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education. Her research says that female feticide is practiced in huge proportions in China and India owing to cultural preference for males. She said that over 20 years ago, Nobel laureate Amartya Sen reported that 100 million girls were either never born, or died because of abandonment and deliberate neglect. Steven W. Mosher, President at Population Research Institute, also cited multiple studies, including a 2008 study by Columbia University economists Douglas Almond and Lena Edlund, which pointed out that sex-selective abortions were carried out in large numbers in US, particularly in the immigrant communities. Their study showed that among the Chinese, Indians, and Korean families living in US, those who had two first daughters displayed a ratio of 151 boys to 100 girls for third child - which is an extreme ratio. Mosher said that given the population size of the immigrants at the time (3.9 million Chinese-Americans, 2.8 million Asian-Indians, and 1.6 million Korean-Americans) the number of sex-selective abortions is estimated to be high in the country. 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. A survey of 192 countries has demonstrated scientifically what many have long known anecdotally to be true: Christian women are more religious than Christian men. The lesser known fact: those women bear the brunt of persecution in the 50 countries where it is hardest to be a Christian. Increasing numbers of women face a double blow todayviolent attacks against them because of their Christian faith, and because they are women, said Kate Ward, an organizer of an international conference that met last month to seek answers to the growing problem. The conference was sponsored by Release International, Open Doors, Christian Solidarity Worldwide, the International Institute for Religious Freedom, and the Religious Liberty Partnership. This Sunday, many American churches will observe Stand with the Persecuted, a day of activism sponsored by the Family Research Council, Open Doors, the Institute on Religion and Democracy, Voice of the Martyrs, In Defense of Christians, ... 1 An American missionary facing deportation from Turkey for being a danger to public order has been released. Praise God, I was released from the deportation center this afternoon, and just arrived home, David Byle wrote on Facebook. Thanks to all who prayed and did advocacy for me, also to my tireless lawyer and most of all to our lord and savior Jesus Christ, who never left side [sic], and never will. Byle works with a successful Bible correspondence course, which suffered an arson attack in 2014 that destroyed thousands of New Testaments. But he has garnered more controversy within Turkey for his street evangelism. Byle has faced previous attempts to expel him from Turkey. Last year, he won a five-year battle over his residencybecoming one of the few missionaries to bring such a legal challenge and win. Declaring Byle a danger to public order, authorities in Turkey took him into custody on April 6 after asking him to report to ... 1 I had a recurring dream that lasted from age 6 or 7 all the way through college. In the dream, I leave my parents home to embark on a journeyone that will take many days and introduce me to many people and new things. I have to keep moving because my father is looking for me (we have a great relationship, really); as soon as he catches up to me, the dream ends. The emotion at the core of the dream was always exhilarationthe rush of exploring a world unknown. I wish I still dreamt it. Wanderlustthe insatiable desire to exploredates back to the earliest eras of human history, but only recently have humans traveled, not to survive, but for the sheer fun of it. More of us are traveling outside national borders, too; last year, the United Nations World Tourism Organization found that 1.1 billion of usabout 1 of every 6 people on the planettraveled internationally as tourists last year. Likewise, more of us are traveling alone. According to one 2015 study, 24 percent of people traveled by themselves on their most recent overseas vacation, up from 15 percent in 2013. The same study found an increase among Wander Womensolo female travelers (SFTs) who arent waiting for a spouse or family and friends schedules to line up in order to adventure. Scads of TripAdvisor reviews and blogs are dedicated to helping SFTs pack lightly, find new friends, be safe, and make the most of their time away. If were in an epoch of single women, as journalist Rebecca Traister claims, then travel is just another thing (alongside buy a home, raise a child, and start a business) women apparently dont need a man in order to do. As a reward for writing ... 1 home US Louisiana overturns Exec. Order on religious liberty, signs new Non-Discrimination executive order Governor John Bel Edwards of Louisiana signed the Non-Discrimination Executive Order, which protects employees of the state and of state contractors from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, political affiliation, disability, or age, as well as sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity. "We are fortunate enough to live in a state that is rich with diversity, and we are built on a foundation of unity and fairness for all of our citizens," the governor said in a statement. He said that he respects people's beliefs, but he also believes in letting the residents of Louisiana have the opportunity to be successful within the state. "Our goal is to promote the opportunities we have right here in Louisiana," he said. "While this executive order respects the religious beliefs of our people, it also signals to the rest of the country that discrimination is not a Louisiana value, but rather, that Louisiana is a state that is respectful and inclusive of everyone around us." The Louisiana cities of New Orleans and Shreveport have also passed municipal ordinances that provide protections similar to Edwards' executive order. Edwards made good on his word that he would rescind the Marriage and Conscience Executive Order issued by his predecessor, former governor Bobby Jindal. Jindal's Executive Order BJ 15-8 states that no adverse action should be taken by government bodies against a person "on the basis that such person acts in accordance with his religious belief that marriage is or should be recognized as the union of one man and one woman." That had stirred a lot of positive reactions from religious organizations and negative ones from the LGBT community and its supporters. "The previous administration's executive I am rescinding was meant to serve a narrow political agenda," Edwards said. "It does nothing but divide our state and forced the business community, from Louisiana's smallest businesses to large corporations, like IBM, to strongly oppose it. This executive order threatens Louisiana's business growth, and it goes against everything we stand for -- unity, acceptance, and opportunity for all." Zika virus: 7 important facts Zika Virus is quickly spreading after an outbreak took place in Brazil last year. Prior to the October incident, there were only 146 cases listed in 2014. However, as reported by CNN, the World Health Organization already estimates that by the end of the year, there will be 3 to 4 million infected in the Americas alone. Here are some of the things you need to know about the virus. 1. The Zika Virus is a type of flavivirus which puts it in the same family as yellow fever, dengue and chikungunya. However, unlike these other mosquito-spread diseases, Zika Virus currently has no form of treatment or vaccine. The virus has been linked to a neurological disorder called microcephaly, a condition in which babies are born with abnormally small heads. 2. Zika Virus spreads through two different means: People may be infected when bitten by the Aedes aegypti mosquito or when having sexual intercourse with someone already infected by the virus. 3. The virus has reached the United States. The Zika Virus has infiltrated Brazil, Costa Rica, Samoa, Ecuador, Mexico and several other countries from Central and South America. However, there is at least one confirmed case in the United States and more than ten suspected cases. 4. Unfortunately, there is no treatment or vaccine at the moment for the Zika Virus and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention highly recommends avoiding travel to areas that have been confirmed to be of high risk such as Brazil. Those who will still choose to travel in such places must use a repellent approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Those who have been bitten are recommended to stay away from mosquitoes and other people to prevent the virus from spreading any further. Unplanned pregnancies are also discouraged given that the virus can lead to abnormalities or even the death of babies. 5. Efforts are being made to develop a treatment or vaccine against Zika Virus, but it may take 18 months or more before clinical trials even begin. 6. Everyday Health also reports that the initial symptoms of Zika Virus infection are mild, making it difficult to determine if someone is infected. It is advised that anyone bitten by a mosquito, particularly when in a Zika Virus-contaminated area, immediately seek medical attention. 7. The virus first made its appearance in 1947 and began in Africa. The virus, then refered to as ZIKV, initially came from an infected rhesus macaque living in the Zika forest in Uganda. However, the outbreak only began to cause a stir in late 2015. An eye for an eye: How Trump's got the Bible wrong AGAIN and what it says about his campaign Donald Trump has been asked again about his favourite Bible verse, and this time he managed to come up with an answer that can actually be found in Scripture. Asked by a US radio station whether he has "a favourite Bible verse or Bible story that has informed your thinking or your character through life?", Trump responded, after his usual rambling: "an eye for an eye". "That's not a particularly nice thing," he continued. "But you know, if you look at what's happening to our country, I mean, when you see what's going on with our country, how people are taking advantage of us, and how they scoff at us and laugh at us. And they laugh at our face, and they're taking our jobs, they're taking our money, they're taking the health of our country. "And we have to be firm and have to be very strong. And we can learn a lot from the Bible, that I can tell you." Trump's inability to string a few sentences together has become a hallmark of his speechgiving, and yet it's been largely glossed over. As Jonathan Bernstein recently put it for the Bloomberg View: "Journalists are quick to accuse him of bullying and bigotry (and rightly so), but he's rarely called grossly incompetent for his basic factual understanding of the world, or even called out on his inability to speak coherently." Trump's latest interview is a classic example of his incoherence; jumping from one thought to the next and never quite finishing a sentence. But if you sift through it, you land on something quite revealing and disturbing. At the heart of Trump's campaign, is revenge. Anyone who's read the New Testament can tell you that Jesus shuts down the verse from Leviticus that Trump's referring to here pretty swiftly. "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also," he says in Matthew 5. While Jesus preached forgiveness over retaliation, generosity over revenge, and peace over violence, Trump seems to have missed that message. The Old Testament has much to teach us and we shouldn't dismiss it. Trump and I, remarkably, agree on at least this one thing. The Bible is a rich tapestry; weaving prophesy and poetry, history and law. It is living, breathing and active. But it should also always be read through the lens of Jesus: the living Word who "became flesh and made his dwelling among us" (John 1:14). Jesus has the final say. And Jesus made it clear that we are not to 'get even' when we feel that we've been wronged. The verse in Leviticus has been taken wildly out of context anyway 'an eye for an eye' was only ever meant to be a punishment in the context of a fair judicial system, not an instruction for vigilantes or individuals to take matters into their own hands. It was a guiding principle meant for lawmakers to prevent overly-harsh sentences. So Trump's got it wrong either way, but that's hardly surprising from a man who's built his campaign on false premises and marginalising the 'other' whether that's Mexicans, women, Muslims, the disabled, or other groups he's made demeaning and offensive remarks about. In his latest interview, he refers repeatedly to "they" the people who are "taking advantage" of America, "taking our jobs... our money... the health of our country". He doesn't, however, expand on who he's referring to preferring to leave it up to his audience to fill in the blanks with whichever group they want to blame. It's a clever technique, and one that has seen the Republican frontrunner's ratings soar across the US as the world looks on in horror. He's evidently trying to hedge his bets here; attempting to appeal to his evangelical audience and also right-wingers more widely. But that Trump's response to these people "they" who are supposedly to blame for America's demise, is to seek revenge is entirely counter to the gospel. It says nothing of God's kindness, or his call for Christians to respond to all people with mercy. Not to mention the fact that to implicitly blame immigrants and those of other faiths for the US' failures is nonsense it's a country built on immigration, and made richer for its mix of cultures. Trump says "we have to be firm and have to be very strong" by which he presumably means responding with violence, or at least aggressive policies. This is, after all, the man who has said we should kill the families of ISIS militants (a war crime under international law), in fact who's entire military strategy when it comes to the Middle East is to "bomb the s**t out of ISIS", and who has called for all Muslims including those fleeing war and persecution at the hands of Islamic State to be banned from entering the US. His version of 'strength' is to be combative. Threatening. Power hungry. And yet Jesus offers another way. When he urges his followers to "turn the other cheek", he isn't suggesting they simply give in to violence or wrongdoing. Instead, he presents a third way one which requires incredible strength, but a different kind to that which Trump is advocating. Jesus calls us to be generous, kind and loving to those who wrong us, or who we perceive to be our enemies. To welcome the stranger and share what we have with the poor. To have mercy triumph over judgement. To renounce evil, yes, but also to renounce revenge. Apostolic Church destroyed in Cuba by government agents A Protestant church in Cuba has been demolished under authorisation from the government. Officials demolished the Strong Winds Ministry Church in Las Tunas, eastern Cuba earlier this month. The minister, Rev Mario Jorge Travieso, has been threatened with seven years' imprisonment if he speaks publicly about the destruction. The church, which is affiliated with the Apostolic Movement, an unregistered Protestant denomination, is the fourth in Cuba and the second in Las Tunas to be demolished by the government since the beginning of the year. Travieso told Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) that on 9 April, hundreds of government officials surrounded the property on the outskirts of the city. The minister was detained while the church was destroyed. Travieso said: "The farm was raided by hundreds of troops from different government entities and they used modern heavy machinery to destroy the foundation which we had built and a brick platform covered with earth. They broke up the floor with an old digger and they confiscated all the pews where more than 70 church members sit, all of the lights and cables and electrical equipment, as well as the tools to carry out work, iron pipes and a private cement mixer." The value of the items taken was more than 50,000 Cuban pesos, or about 1400, and that is not including the 14 zinc sheets and the pipes donated by members of the congregation wortha furrther 20,000, or about 560. Travieso said he was treated "like a common delinquent" by security agents who served him with a pre-arrest warrant threatening a seven-year prison sentence if anyone in the congregation makes public complaints about the destruction of their church. Travieso said: "All of these violations continue in my country, without any attention, so we share the news of this great injustice with the international community." He called for international support with regards to his own safety. Mervyn Thomas of CSW said: "We are extremely disturbed to learn of this latest church demolition by the Cuban authorities, just weeks after President Obama's historic visit to the island. "The actions of the Cuban government this past weekend indicate that they have no plans to ease up on their crackdown on the Apostolic Movement churches. The threats of a lengthy prison sentence, should members of the Strong Winds Ministry Church speak out about these serious human rights violations, are beyond the pale. Once again, we urge the international community to raise the demolition of these three churches, the mass detentions of pastors and church members, and threats of imprisonment with the Cuban government as a matter of urgency. We continue to call on the EU and the US to make freedom of religion or belief a central component of its dialogues with Cuba and to insist on improvement in this area." Do churches need Sunday schools for adults? The Bishop of Chelmsford has suggested churches should start Sunday schools for adults to improve discipleship. Churches should be "schools for discipleship", Bishop Stephen Cottrell said during a plenary discussion on discipleship at the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) meeting in Lusaka, Zambia. He noted the stark contrast between the "expectation" of what means to go to church in the Anglican Church of Kenya, and the Church in the UK. "It amazes me that in England we go to all this effort to get people to church and then we let them go after an hour," he said, adding that churches try to "persuade them to come back later the same day". "Why don't we renegotiate the Sunday contract? What if we did Sunday differently like Kenya? That might be [the] best way of discipling people of God in the world." Cottrell's remarks were made during a meeting about a draft resolution calling for a period of intentional discipleship throughout the Anglican Communion, which is scheduled to come before the Council on Monday. His suggestion was met with mixed reactions. Professor Joanildo Burity from the Episocopal Anglican Church of Brazil highlighted that discipleship cannot be found solely within the Church. Discipleship is also living as a Christian "in the workplace [and] in their everyday life [as a] witness to Christ to express how deeply they are following Jesus", he said. The Archdeacon of Suva Ovalau in the Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia, Sepiuta Hala'api'api, highlighted the importance of mentoring young people. Rather than having Christian role models, young people are being mentored by celebrities, he warned. "Young people don't need any more events, they need someone to walk alongside them [like] Jesus did with his disciples," he said. The Bishop of Edmonton in the Anglican Church of Canada, the Rt Rev Jane Alexander, said a focus on discipleship was "life-giving", and called for a nine-year period of discipleship. "If we have a nine-year period and fail, never mind; but if we name it then we can have something to work towards," she said. The ACC have met to discuss and put in place its mission and priorities for the next three years and beyond, under the theme "intentional discipleship in a world of differences". Bishop of Durham calls for immediate action to help desperate refugees in Europe Britain must do more to help and protect the hundreds of thousands of refugees arriving in Europe, the Bishop of Durham has said. Speaking to Christian Today, Bishop Paul Butler praised the UK's support of camps in Lebanon and Jordan, but said greater attention must be paid to those suffering on Britain's doorstep. "I think what we've done in regions in terms of support of camps in Lebanon and Jordan has been exemplary, and we've led the way. My concern is our response to those who have arrived in Europe," he said. "I am particularly concerned at this point for unaccompanied minors. The government has said it will take more, but we seem to be struggling to do it at any pace, really." According to Help Refugees, a grassroots organisation working in the Calais Jungle, 129 unaccompanied children went missing following the demolition of the southern part of the camp last month. It has led to widespread fears regarding their safety, and what's being done to ensure children arriving in Europe are receiving the support they need. Butler attributed the slow pace to "a genuine desire to make sure we get it right", and ensuring adequate housing and support for refugees arriving in the UK, but insisted that "crafting safer routes [to the UK] needs much greater attention". The bishop was speaking after a report released yesterday accused the British government of falling short of its "moral responsibility to provide safe routes to protection for people seeking refuge in the UK". The report, A Safe Haven?, from a coalition of 13 agencies including Christian Aid, CAFOD, Oxfam, Islamic Relief and World Vision, also said the UK has "failed to advocate for an approach that protects the rights of all people on the move." The UK government has pledged to take in 20,000 Syrian refugees by 2020, but so far just 1,194 have been resettled under the Vulnerable Persons Relocation scheme. A group of 84 Church of England bishops including Butler last year urged Prime Minister David Cameron to increase the number to at least 50,000. "The UK is trying to pretend that this is someone else's problem, and that refugees and migrants could and should be dealt with elsewhere. But people who are desperate will take huge risks to reach safety," said Maya Mailer, Oxfam's head of humanitarian policy. "The UK needs to accept its moral responsibility to offer a safe haven to the world's poorest and most vulnerable men, women and children who have been made homeless by war, violence and disasters." Butler urged Britons, especially Christians, to be ready to welcome refugees in their villages, towns and cities when they do arrive. "As a nation we have a history of welcoming asylum seekers and being a hospitable nation, and also engaging with the wider world and seeking to encourage other nations to play their part too. This has to be an international collaborative thing; no one country can handle the situation we're facing," he said. "Our calling as followers of Jesus has always been to welcome the stranger, to offer hospitality to those who need it, to show compassion to those who find themselves in desperate straits. These people do not take their journeys lightly; they are fleeing persecution, fleeing violence, fleeing war. They've seen their homes destroyed, and we need to recognise just how desperate the situation is for them." Butler is currently co-chair of the National Refugee Welcome Board, and encouraged Christians to get involved with local organisations who are working to help refugees. "It's partly the church working with other local community groups, welcoming people when they arrive and helping them settle in, helping them to learn the language if they need it, helping them find doctors and schooling for their children," he said. "It's about being good, human, neighbours." Can violence ever be justified? Vatican conference urges Church to abandon 'just war' theory A Vatican-hosted conference has called on the Catholic Church to abandon its 'just war' theory, asking Pope Francis to write an encyclical on nonviolence and 'just peace' instead. The conference, sponsored by the Vatican's justice and peace office and Pax Christi International, the Catholic peace movement, said the just war doctrine has been used too often to justify violence rather than prevent it. Instead, Catholics should pursue "active nonviolence" befitting the gospel message of peace, they said. The historic gathering of 80 senior Catholic peace leaders from 20 nations met at the Vatican between April 11-13. It was the first time the Catholic Church has discussed abandoning the just war theory, which has been advocated for over 1,700 years. At the close of the conference an official statement was submitted to Pope Francis, appealing to "re-commit to the centrality of gospel nonviolence". What is 'just war'? The just war theory, developed by early Church Father St Augustine of Hippo, is a Christian ethical system that advocates for war being in rare circumstances the most just action. The theory poses the following question: If we accept the fact that inaction has consequences, is there a point at which inaction is less morally acceptable than action? Augustine's just war tradition argues that there comes a point where love of neighbour requires action when one neighbour acts unjustly towards another. It sets out certain parameters for war, but holds that there are cases in which it is permissible, and even necessary. The basic requirements are that it is in response to a great ill, and that its primary intention is to right that wrong. There are some crucial boundaries set in place to ensure a war remains just: The war must have just cause in response to a serious wrong. It must be waged under legitimate authority not simply by an individual. There must be the right intention justice, rather than economic or military gain. It must be the last resort aware that the consequences of war always involve suffering and therefore it should not be entered into lightly. It must be proportionate to the threat not simply using as much force as possible. It must be discriminate as to who is targetted. There must be a genuine hope of success. It is particular about the type of war and how it is waged. It rules out air raids in an indiscriminate manner, terrorist action that will intentionally kill civilians, and the dehumanisation of prisoners of war through torture. There has been a significant move within this theological camp toward including a commitment to justice beyond the point where a war is won, recognising the significant impact warfare has on civilians. OK, so why does the conference want to get rid of it? They see a fundamental internal inconsistency in allowing violence in the name of the gospel. Instead, they argue that Jesus modelled a life of active nonviolence. "Neither passive nor weak, Jesus' nonviolence was the power of love in action. In vision and deed he is the revelation and embodiment of the nonviolent God, a truth especially illuminated in the Cross and Resurrection. He calls us to develop the virtue of nonviolent peacemaking," the closing statement said. The just war theory, by contrast, has "too often... been used to endorse rather than prevent or limit war". "We confess that the people of God have betrayed this central message of the gospel many times, participating in wars, persecution, oppression, exploitation, and discrimination," the statement added. "Suggesting that a 'just war' is possible also undermines the moral imperative to develop tools and capacities for nonviolent transformation of conflict." What do they propose instead? 'Just peace'. In the context of "tremendous suffering", the conference called on Christians to push for active nonviolence. They are petitioning for the Church, and Pope Francis, to recognise that "peace requires justice and justice requires peacemaking." Based on gospel nonviolence, they suggested "a Just Peace approach offers a vision and an ethic to build peace as well as prevent, defuse, and to heal the damage of violent conflict. This ethic includes a commitment to human dignity and thriving relationships, with specific criteria, virtues, and practices to guide our actions." Rooted in the "unconditional love of God", they looked to Jesus, who "in his own times, rife with structural violence... proclaimed a new, nonviolent order". The group, who submitted their letter to the Pope, also urged the Church to "lift up the prophetic voice of the Church to challenge unjust world powers and to support and defend those nonviolent activists whose work for peace and justice put their lives at risk. "In every age, the Holy Spirit graces the Church with the wisdom to respond to the challenges of its time. In response to what is a global epidemic of violence, which Pope Francis has labeled a 'world war in instalments', we are being called to invoke, pray over, teach and take decisive action. With our communities and organisations, we look forward to continue collaborating with the Holy See and the global Church to advance gospel nonviolence." How will the Pope respond? Pope Francis, named after the peace-loving St Francis of Assisi, wrote a greeting to the gathering, saying that the "ultimate and most deeply worthy goal of human beings and of the human community is the abolition of war". He is undoubtedly an advocate for peace. He has declared this year the Jubilee Year of Mercy, explicitly stated that "faith and violence are incompatible" and issues almost-weekly appeals for peace across the globe. After the Paris attacks, he described God as "weeping" for the state of the world, yet he also said in the same homily that "war can be justified for many reasons". "Everyone of us who participated in the conference left Rome feeling hopeful that Pope Francis will help lead the Catholic Church and the world to a new breakthrough toward peace and nonviolence," said Rev John Dear, a Catholic priest and peace activist who attended the conference. That peace is on the Pope's agenda is beyond doubt, but whether 'just war' will continue to be is yet to be determined. 'Cancer within Islam': Leaders urge Muslims to take a stand against terror Leaders of some of the world's biggest Muslim countries gathered at the annual summit of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) in Turkey have called on fellow Muslims to criticise themselves and take a stand against terror, which they said is spreading like cancer within Islam. Speaking to the delegates attending the meeting in Istanbul, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said "sectarianism and violence'" have already caused the division of the Muslim world and its continued existence ''brings more sorrows among brothers.'' "Muslims are the ones that experience the biggest harm. We cannot accept this situation. We cannot stay silent in front of such a picture,'' stressed Cavusoglu, CBN News reports. "The disease tries to set Muslims against one another. If nothing is done to stop the cancer within Islam, terrorism and radical trends will continue to divide the Islamic community and the result will be more bloodshed,'' he warned. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry echoed a similar point urging Muslim nations to ''engage and defeat the terror'' perpetrated in the name of Islam. "We will continue to fight against forces of darkness and extremism that misrepresent the real teaching of Islam, which is based on tolerance,'' Shoukry said in his opening speech. He added that Islam needs ''moderation'' and called on OIC members to develop a comprehensive strategy that will defeat terrorism and extremism. The conference, held from April 10 to 15, seeks to call for a new peace process to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It also tackles such weighty issues as combating extremism within Muslim nations, countering Islamophobia in the rest of the world, and protecting a group of Muslims suffering persecution in Myanmar. During the summit, some major Arab countries reportedly indicated a change of view on Israel and no longer see the Jewish state as an enemy. This comes as Kuwaiti media personality Yousuf 'Abd Al-Karim Al-Zinkawi called on all Arab and Muslim states to recognise Israel, "openly and without delay, and to stop calling it "the Zionist entity" or "the Israeli occupation," terms which undermine Israel's legitimacy, according to UnitedwithIsrael.org. Countries like Qatar and the Sultanate of Oman earlier recognised the call and have since maintain bilateral relations in various domains with Israel, writes Al-Zinkawi in an article published in the Kuwaiti daily Al-Siyassa. He claimed that the vast majority of the world "effectively supports Israel's existence, and the Arab states have begun to move in that direction and should complete the process.'' The OIC was founded in 1969 and consists of 57 member states. For decades, the organisation has acted as the collective voice of the Muslim world and holds its summit every three years. Cardinal Vincent Nichols: Brexit would cause 'complex problems' Britain's most senior Catholic figure has backed the EU Remain campaign. In the most significant intervention to date by British faith leader, the Archbishop of Westminster said Britain should not leave the European Union. He went further than a recent statement where the Catholic bishops' conference of England and Wales did not take sides but did urge voters to remember the debate is "about much more than economics". Cardinal Nichols, spiritual leader of the four million Catholics of England and Wales and president of the conference, warned the path to division "almost inevitably leads to further division". He said: "There is a long tradition in Christianity and Catholicism in particular of believing in holding things together. So the Catholic stance towards an effort such as the EU is largely supportive. "If the vote was to leave Europe I think we would face more complex problems and greater difficulty in finding our role in response to it than we would by playing an active and vigorous part with partners within the EU." The Cardinal acknowledged his remarks "basically answer" the question of which way he will vote on 23 June. His comments set him apart from the Archbishop of Canterbury who has avoided answering the question directly. Justin Welby has said there was no particular "correct Christian view" on the question. The Church of England and the Church of Scotland have set up a blog to discuss the issue but it does not take a stance. Dr Angus Morrison, moderator of the general assembly of the Church of Scotland, is more outspoken. He has said the EU symbolises "real progress and hope" for the future. The Church of Scotland has an official position that Scotland should remain within the EU. Cardinal Nichols gave his views as he reported back on the bishops' spring meeting. He said the bishops had had a "spirited debate" over the EU. The statement issued as bishops "might not be the same as what we would say as citizens". Christian governor of Tennessee vetoes making Bible official state book The Republican Governor of Tennessee has used his personal veto against a bill to make the Bible the state's official book. Governor Bill Haslam, a committed Christian, said it would violate the federal and state constitutions. The sponsor of the bill, Jerry Sexton, immediately filed to override the veto. Each house must vote against the veto by a majority for the bill now to go through. In a letter to the Speaker of the house, Beth Harwell, Governor Haslam wrote: "My personal feeling is that this bill trivialises the Bible, which I believe is sacred text. If we believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God, then we shouldn't be recognising it only as a book of historical and economic significance. "If we are recogising the Bible as a sacred text, then we are violating the constitution of the United States and the constitution of the State of Tennessee by designating it as the official state book. Our founders recognised that when the church and state were combined, it was the church that suffered in the long run." He said he "strongly disagreed" with those trying to drive religion out of the public square. "All of us should and must bring our deepest beliefs to the places we are called, including government service." The Tennessee state senate voted a week ago to make the Bible its official book. Hedy Weinberg, of the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee, welcomed the veto. In an email to The Tennessean she said: "Religion thrives when it is left in the hands of families and faith communities. Publicly elected government officials cannot use their official positions to favor one religious belief over another. The governor's veto of this unconstitutional legislation ensures that religious freedom can flourish in Tennessee." Polls show that more that six in ten people in Tennessee support making the Bible the state book. Tennessee voted to make the Bible its "official" book soon after voting to make a sniper gun the official state rifle. The bill was the first of its kind in the US. The state already has an official tree, the tulip poplar, two official flowers, the purple passion flower and the iris, an official fruit, the tomato, and two official birds, the mockingbird and the partridge. Many top Bible publishers have their company headquarters in Tennessee. Church burned down in Chile amid land disputes A church has been burned down in southern Chile in the latest attack from the Mapuche indigenous people, who are campaigning to reclaim ancestral lands, according to authorities. At the site of the fire on Tuesday was a poster with slogans against the Catholic bishop of Villarrica, Javier Stegmeier, accusing him of being complcit in the "state repression" against Mapuche people. Twelve churches have been the target of arson attacks in the last two years in this region of Chile. More than half of them have been in the municipality of Ercilla. The latest attack comes after meetings were held seeking a solution to the violent episodes between the governor of the Araucania, Andres Jouannet, and the Catholic Church. "The burning of churches is the greatest intolerance ever seen," Jouannet told media on Tuesday. "If they burn one of our churches, we're going to rebuild it and we're going to do so with the community. And if there are 13, 14 or 20, we're going to rebuild them. What cannot be accepted is intolerance, attacking the freedom of religion and the faith," he added. "We're going to rebuild all the chapels and churches, and quickly," he said. The Mapuche people lost a significant amount of land during a brutal late-19th century "pacification" campaign against the indigenous people of the Araucania and Bio Bio regions. In the struggle to reclaim the land, some Mapuche people have been killed and dozens have been sent to prison, mainly for crimes against property. The Mapuches make up around 650,000 of Chile's 17 million population and are concentrated in Araucania and greater Santiago. Church leaders ask Pope Francis to write encyclical on nonviolence in line with Jesus' teachings A first-of-its kind gathering of Catholic leaders called on Pope Francis to consider writing an encyclical letter, or some other "major teaching document," reorienting the church's teachings on violence after they issued a blunt rejection of the Catholic church's long-held teachings on just war theory. The call was made on Thursday at the end of a three-day conference in the Vatican. In the conference's final appeal document, titled "An Appeal to the Catholic Church to Re-Commit to the Centrality of Gospel Nonviolence," the participants said Church teachings on war too often been used to justify violent conflicts. It said the global church must reconsider Jesus' teachings on nonviolence, the Associated Press reports. "We need a new framework that is consistent with Gospel nonviolence," the document said, noting that Pope Francis and his past four predecessors have all spoken out against war. "We propose that the Catholic Church develop and consider shifting to a Just Peace approach based on Gospel nonviolence." "Too often the 'just war theory' has been used to endorse rather than prevent or limit war," said the document, according to the National Catholic Reporter. "Suggesting that a 'just war' is possible also undermines the moral imperative to develop tools and capacities for nonviolent transformation of conflict," the paper said. The event was co-hosted by the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace and the international Catholic peace organisation Pax Christi. The just war theory is a Catholic tradition that uses a series of criteria to evaluate whether the use of violence can be considered morally justifiable. It was first referred to by fourth-century bishop St. Augustine of Hippo, and later articulated in depth by 13th-century theologian St. Thomas Aquinas. The April 11-13 conference was held in Rome and attended by experts engaged in global nonviolent struggles under the aegis of the Vatican. The conference was held after a number of theologians criticised the continued use of the theory in modern times, saying that both the powerful capabilities of modern weapons and evidence of the effectiveness of nonviolent campaigns make it outdated. Several of the event's participants said the church should simply no longer teach the just war theory. "I came a long distance for this conference, with a very clear mind that violence is outlived," said Archbishop John Baptist Odama of Gulu, Uganda. "It is out of date for our world of today." "We have to sound this with a strong voice," said the archbishop. "Any war is a destruction. There is no justice in destruction. ... It is outdated." One of the criteria for moral justification of war, according to the Catechism of the Roman Catholic Church, is that "the use of arms must not produce evils and disorders graver than the evil to be eliminated." Odama, who also leads Uganda's Catholic bishops' conference, said the conditions in the Catechism "are only given to say in reality there should be no war." "This is where the group was very strong," he said, referring to the conference. "We should not give now, at this moment, reasons for war. Let us block them and promote relationships of harmony, of brother and sisterhood, rather than going for war." Controversial pastor Creflo Dollar not welcome in Scotland After figuring in a controversial crowdsourcing drive to buy a $65 million Gulfstream G650 jet last year, televangelist and World Changers Church International founder Creflo Dollar is seeking to bring his ministry to Scotland, but he will not be welcomed warmly by all. According to a report by Christian Post, Rev. David Robertson of the Free Church of Scotland said that he does not appreciate Dollar's planned appearances in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh for a tour organized by the Destiny Church. "Creflo Dollar coming here is appalling. He's a multimillionaire, American, televangelist and we really do not need him here. The church doesn't need him. It's embarrassing to have somebody like that come. His prosperity gospel is blasphemous. It's not what people in Scotland need to hear. He's not welcome. Not with that message. It's a horrendous message that he brings. It's not the message of the Gospel at all. He can keep his jet and use it to fly elsewhere," he said. Robertson, Moderator of the Free Church of Scotland, criticised Destiny church for extending the invitation to Dollar because of his interpretation of the Gospel. "They should not be inviting a false teacher to come and preach in their churches if so they are associated with that false teaching. Of course God can use Creflo Dollar he can use a donkey and he can use a pagan king. But we are not to allow God's sovereignty to justify human sin/stupidity and our own inaction. I would plead with Destiny to uninvite Creflo Dollar," he explained through his blog after Christians expressed their displeasure over his criticism of Destiny Church. Dollar last year figured in a controversial drive asking his 200,000 church members donate $300 to purchase the expensive jet so that Dollar could travel the world and conduct missions for the church, but the drive was aborted following a massive backlash. Japanese Church rejects nuclear power The Anglican Church in Japan has reiterated its opposition to nuclear power following last years meltdown at the Fukushima plant. The nuclear power plant was crippled as a result of the earthquake and tsunami that struck north-eastern Japan in 2011, leaking large amounts of radiation into the surrounding area. In a statement, the Anglican Church in Japan (Nippon Sei Ko Kai) said that the Fukushima disaster had revealed the extremely dangerous nature of nuclear power generation. It is not too much to say this is a warning from God to each of us who, having suffered from nuclear bombings, have failed to acquire sufficient knowledge about nuclear power and exposure to radiation, it said. The Church criticised the level of risk to people in the process of generating nuclear power, from the mining of uranium to the disposal of radioactive waste. Nuclear power endangers the life created by God, the statement continued. With the decommissioning of Fukushima set to take decades, the Church warned of the harm being done to children and future generations as a result of exposure to radiation. A large quantity of radioactive waste, without any appropriate disposal technology, will continue to endanger peoples lives for a long period of time. Besides, no one can deny that the existence of nuclear power plants in a country like Japan, which is subject to frequent earthquakes, is very likely to be the cause of serious crises in the future. It follows a statement from Japanese bishops in March in which they said that last years devastating earthquake had shattered the safety myth of nuclear power. We also strongly call on all of us to change our own lifestyle, they said. Meizu Pro 6 news: Deca-core smartphone's 5 amazing features Meizu Technology recently unveiled its latest flagship in Beijing, the Meizu Pro 6. It contains very impressive specs, and the most notable is the 10-core MediaTek processor, a rarity at the moment. It is also reasonably priced, just like a mid-range phone, under US$390. 1. Processor By comparison, the Apple iPhone 6s and 6s Plus run on an in-house dual-core A9, while the Samsung Galaxy S7 houses the quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 820. However, the performance of the 10-core Helio X25 processor remains to be seen, if it can go head to head with other flagship phones of the same caliber. "The brand-new Helio X25 processor adopts a revolutionary 10-core 3-cluster architecture. The Cortex A72 CPU and the Mali T880 GPU complement each other perfectly, resulting in an Antutu score of 101757 points. With eMMC 5.1 flash memory and ultra-large 4GB RAM, Meizu PRO 6 can easily handle all situations. Meizu PRO 6 is also integrated with the kernel-level power-saving algorithm. It can intelligently switch between three clusters to balance endurance and performance," the Chinese phone manufacturer said of the power of a deca-core processor. 2. Slim body design The Meizu Pro 6 also features a unibody metal design and boasts the smallest antenna lines in the smartphone arena. It is also considerably thin, at 7.25 mm. The iPhone 6s is at 7.1 mm, while the S7 is at 7.9 mm. It has no camera bulge on the rear either, so it lays flat on a table. 3. Camera Another amazing feature is its camera's flash that comes with not two or four but 10 LED lights. Unexpectedly, these do not go around the camera lens; instead they sit right below it, encircling the laser-focusing assist. Incidentally, the main camera comes equipped with a 21MP Sony IMX230 sensor with a 6-element lens, the assembly of which Meizu customized to make it a little thinner than the others. The camera is also said to be able to focus in just 0.07 seconds with an aperture setting of f/2.2. The front-facing camera is at 5MP with an F/2.0 aperture, a standard nowadays. 4. Audio Meizu was highly praised when it released the M8 back in 2007 because of its sound quality. It, no doubt, doesn't want to let down fans, so the new Pro 6 comes with the company's mSound audio technology that is said to improve the sound quality on its Hi-Fi speakers, which is then powered by the Cirrus Logic CS43L36 amplifier chip. The combination is said to achieve a clean and powerful sound. 5. Display screen The screen size of the Meizu flagship is nothing fancy, 5.2 inches; however, the display is the 5.5th generation of the Samsung AMOLED screen that offers a 1080p resolution and 423 ppi pixel density. It is then protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. Additionally, the screen is equipped with a 3D Press technology, much like Apple's 3D Touch. The company has not mentioned yet if it has plans for an international release. It is currently available only in China. Prayers for Japan after earthquake and tsunami cause massive destruction The port city of Sendai suffered widespread devastation after it was hit by a 33ft wave that swept away cars, ships and buildings. The official death toll stands at 413 but it is feared that the number of dead may surpass 1,300. At least 1,100 people have been injured and more than 215,000 people are staying in emergency shelters. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, has sent a message of condolence to the Anglican Archbishop of Japan, the Most Rev Nathaniel Makoto Uematsu. Dr Williams said: The news of the horrific earthquake in Japan has shocked us all. We await further and more detailed news with apprehension, but I want to say immediately that our hearts and our prayers go out to all who have been affected and that we as a church will do what we can to offer practical as well as spiritual support at this time of great suffering and great anxiety for so many. The Catholic Church has sent out prayers for those affected by the disaster: God our Father, you set the earth on its foundation. Keep us safe from the danger of earthquakes and let us always feel the presence of your love. May we be secure in your protection and serve you with grateful hearts. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Catholic aid agency Caritas Internationalis is planning its response, although this has been severely hampered by the damage to phone lines. Our solidarity is with our brothers and sisters at Caritas Japan and all the Japanese people, said Lesley-Anne Knight, Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis. We will continue to support them at this difficult time and we will keep all of those affected by the earthquake in our prayers. The 8.9 magnitude earthquake is the largest in Japans history. There are now fears of a nuclear disaster after an explosion at the Daiichi facility at Fukushima, 150 miles north of Tokyo. Although earthquakes are common in Japan, the scale of the destruction caused by this quake has been particularly severe. World Vision said its Global Rapid Response Team was on standby for deployment to affected areas. Geoff Shepherd, World Visions humanitarian and emergency affairs director for the Asia-Pacific region, said: Our staff are prepared to respond. Why loving science doesn't have to turn you into an atheist It's a well-known fact: religion and science don't mix. Science has established that the universe is nearly 14 billion years old; Christians think it was created in 4004 BC. Scientists believe in experiments and reason; Christians think all you need is a book. Scientists are reasonable people; Christians, and religious people generally, are just fanatics. Science has disproved religion. Faith is a fantasy. Everyone knows that, and comedians can get a good laugh by playing to the stereotypes. Only none of it is true. The idea that there's a perpetual conflict between science and religion is based on a wildly inaccurate misreading of history. In fact, some of the greatest scientists ever have been people of profound Christian faith. The Church has never been anti-science. And it's possible to have a theology of science that both reflects its contribution to understanding the physical world and improving the lives of human beings, and sets it in the context of God's redemptive work. These were some of the points made forcefully this week at a conference at St John's College, Durham, run by the Equipping Christian Leadership in an Age of Science project. According to Durham University physics professor and project co-director Tom McLeish, it's possible to think theologically about science and throughout history, many scientists have done so. As well as pioneers like Johannes Kepler, Robert Boyle and Isaac Newton, he instanced Joseph Taylor, who received the 1993 Nobel Prize in Physics for the discovery of the first known binary pulsar, and for his work which supported the Big Bang theory of the creation of the universe. Taylor said: "A scientific discovery is also a religious discovery. There is no conflict between science and religion. Our knowledge of God is made larger with every discovery we make about the world." McLeish also cited the pioneers of quantum mechanics. According to Max Planck: "Both religion and science require a belief in God. For believers, God is in the beginning, and for physicists He is at the end of all considerations... To the former He is the foundation, to the latter, the crown of the edifice of every generalised world view." Max Born said: "Those who say that the study of science makes a man an atheist must be rather silly." While according to Werner Heisenberg: "The first gulp from the glass of natural sciences will turn you into an atheist, but at the bottom of the glass God is waiting for you." So why do so many people believe science and religion are in conflict? According to McLeish, it goes back only as far as the late 19th century and the work of two American authors, John William Draper and Andrew Dickson White. Draper born and educated in England wrote a fiercely anti-Catholic book The History of the Conflict Between Science and Religion. It included the sentence: "The history of Science is not a mere record of isolated discoveries; it is a narrative of the conflict of two contending powers, the expansive force of the human intellect on one side, and the compression arising from traditionary faith and human interests on the other." Draper's book purported to show how religion had always sought to suppress and denigrate science and was wildly popular, going through 50 printings in the US alone. It was translated into 10 languages. White's book A History of the Warfare of Science with Theology in Christendom was published in 1896 and claims to document the attempts by science to free itself from the shackles of religious dogma. It didn't sell as well as Draper's, but was better documented and its influence lasted longer. However, historians have accepted for years that the whole 'conflict thesis' is flawed, and based on ideology rather than evidence. McLeish cites former Oxford University Professor of Science and Religion Peter Harrison, who said: "Those who have magnified more recent controversies about the relations of science and religion, and who have projected them back into historical time, simply perpetuate a historical myth. The myth of a perennial conflict between science and religion is one to which no historian of science would subscribe." So why is the conflict thesis so embedded in our culture today, and why do people like 'new atheists' Richard Dawkins and Daniel Dennett get so much traction? Several ideas surfaced at the conference. One was that Christians sometimes gave credibility to the accusations they were anti-science by unwisely venturing onto scientists' territory without being able to back up their claims. Examples include claims that the earth is only about 6,000 years old. Another is that the conflict thesis actually works quite well for some parts of the Church. It creates a sense among Christians that they're an embattled minority. This might not always be a comfortable experience, but it does tend to enhance the solidarity of a group. Another is the power of the mass media, who haven't really caught up with what's happened in the history of science. It's easier to parrot cliches than to question people's assumptions, especially when it's the cliches that get the laughs. And the idea that science and religion are in conflict feeds in to a wider perception that religion is somehow discredited in the modern age. Force your children to read The Bible. If they are smart and kind it will put them off religion for life. Ricky Gervais Quotes (@GervaisQuotes) 6 October 2015 So how should we think theologically about science? McLeish invites us to consider the Wisdom literature of the Old Testament, particularly Job 38-40, where God questions the doubters about their knowledge of the creation ("Have you journeyed to the springs of the sea? Where is the way to the abode of light?"). The New Testament speaks of a "new creation" from God, who "gave us the ministry of reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5:17). So McLeish offers this definition of science: it is "the participative, relational and co-creative work of healing the fallen relationship of humans with nature". Science may challenge theology, but that's not a bad thing. But it doesn't threaten it, and it ought to be honoured as a discipline that reveals more of the wonders of the created world. As Copernicus said: "To know the mighty works of God, to comprehend His wisdom and majesty and power; to appreciate, in degree, the wonderful workings of His laws, surely all this must be a pleasing and acceptable mode of worship to the Most High." Follow Mark Woods on Twitter: @RevMarkWoods Trainee vicar jailed for 15 years for rape of 2 teenage girls A former church youth leader and trainee vicar has been jailed for 15 years for the rape of two teenage girls. Timothy Storey, 35, formerly of Peckham, south London, posed a "serious danger to the public" because of his insidious behaviour, said Judge Philip Katz QC. Storey had groomed the girls at a Christian summer camp and had sexted and messaged them through social media. He was found guilty of three counts of rape and one count of assault by penetration at Woolwich Crown Court in February and was sentenced today. Storey also had a previous conviction of grooming girls aged 10-16. The offences for which he was tried on this occasion were committed in 2008 and 2009 and relate to two women now in their 20s. One of them was attacked when Storey used his position as a church youth leader to gain her trust. During his trial, he was described as "every parent's worst nightmare". He preached the virtues of chastity and abstinence while grooming girls in the congregation at the prominent evangelical church of St Michael's Chester Square in the heart of London's exclusive Belgravia disrtrict. One victim who was raped twice was so under his control she described him as "more influential than God". Both victims complained to the Church of England about Storey, but the allegations were "brushed aside," Woolwich Crown Court heard. The Diocese of London said in a statement on his conviction: "The Diocese of London first received complaints regarding Timothy Storey's conduct in early 2009. He was then training as a Church of England ordinand at Wycliffe Hall. "The diocese's child protection adviser at the time looked into the allegations and spoke with the Metropolitan Police Westminster Child Protection Team, raising concerns that his actions were an offence under the 2003 Sexual Offences Act. "Whilst the diocese's child protection adviser recorded that police did not believe any criminal act had been committed, the diocese nevertheless took the decision to withdraw him from ordination training. The diocese subsequently submitted a report to the Independent Safeguarding Authority, now known as the Disclosure and Barring Service. "Within the submission, the diocese stipulated that it deemed Timothy Storey's behaviour to pose a risk to those under the age of 18 and included first-hand statements that the diocese gathered from the individuals who had made allegations against Mr Storey. The national Church of England was also notified, to prevent him from applying for ordination elsewhere in the country." Trainee vicars to get science lessons to help them understand the modern world The Church of England is to send its trainee priests on science courses to ensure they understand the modern world properly. The Church today launches a three-year project to improve its relationship with the world of science. The biologist Richard Dawkins is among the many leading contemporary scientists who have led the charge against faith as not credible and even delusional. The launch of the 700,000 project comes during British Science Week, a 10-day celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths. Scientists and theologians are to be brought together with Christian leaders as part of the three-year Durham University programme, which is funded by the Templeton World Charity Foundation and run in partnership with the Church of England. The Church is inviting grant proposals of up to 10,000 for "scientists in congregations", and is seeking Christians who are also scientists to promote greater understanding of the relationship between science and faith. In addition, more than 1,000 people training for Anglican ministry will be sent on science courses. Bishop of Kingston Dr Richard Cheetham, one of those leading the programme, said: "It is absolutely vital to stimulate good conversation between science and theology. "The prevailing idea that the two are in conflict is remarkably persistent despite the vast amount of excellent academic literature giving a very different view. The project aims to get a much deeper understanding of the relationship between science and theology deeply embedded in our churches and in the wider world." The Rev David Wilkinson, professor in theology and religion at Durham University and an astrophysicist, who is also leading the programme, said: "Too often Christian leaders have felt that science is a threat or have felt a lack of confidence in engaging with it. "This project is a significant commitment by Templeton World Charity Foundation and churches in England to take science seriously in what it means for theology and in valuing science as a gift. "One of the things that we have been particularly interested in over the last few years is how we can help senior church leaders understand contemporary science and not see it as something to be fearful of, but something that can help theology." A Templeton spokesman said: "Many church members are engaged in studies or professions which use science, all of them use technology based on science, they live in a culture which often views science as the route to knowledge, and science can be a fuel for faith and worship. "It is therefore important to give church leaders the opportunity to learn about fundamental scientific principles and topical issues." A US sociologist who last year published a study reporting that the majority of scientists are religious has now also claimed that seven in ten evangelicals do not believe religion and science are in conflict. Elaine Howard Ecklund, director of Rice University's Religion and Public Life Program, told 200 scientists, pastors and others at an American Association for the Advancement of Science's event last week that the second wave of data from her research showed a high degree of acceptance of science among evangelicals. Overall, 85 percent of Americans and 84 percent of evangelicals said modern science was doing good in the world. She also found however that six in ten evangelicals believe scientists "should be open to considering miracles in their theories." UK Church leaders reluctant to declare ISIS killings 'genocide' Christian leaders in Britain are reluctant to use the term 'genocide' to refer to ISIS' atrocities against Christians, Yazidis and other religious minorities in the Middle East. Ahead of a House of Commons debate next Wednesday, Christian Today found neither the Church of England, nor the Catholic Church in the UK, nor the Coptic Church in the UK were willing to openly advocate for the use of the word. The Prime Minister has until now refused to follow the European Parliament and the White House in declaring ISIS' killings as genocide. His argument has been that genocide is a legal term and should be a matter for international courts and not governments. The Catholic peer Lord Alton has led a campaign to pressurize David Cameron into using the term. He told Christian Today it was "vitally important" the government change its position. However the most senior Catholic figure in Britain is among a group of cautious Christian figures. Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster and president of the Catholic bishops' conference in England and Wales, said he understood the use of the word in general language. However his difficultly was that "genocide seems to suggest a single target. Whereas what we are seeing in the Middle East has multiple religious targets and multiple ethnic targets." He continued to say genocide was a legal term. "Therefore I quite understand the point of view that says the technical use of the term genocide is for courts to decide," he said. Neither the Archbishop of Canterbury nor the Archbishop of York were available for comment but both have also avoided the term. Justin Welby has said Christians face "elimination" at the hands of ISIS but has not referred to it as a genocide. Rt Rev Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham, told Christian Today it was "complicated" as many Muslims had been killed too. "I don't want to reduce genocide of its meaning, but nor do I want to diminish the horrors of what ISIS have been doing in terms of attacking our communities the Christian communities, the Yazidi communities, and they've been killing many fellow Muslims as well." He said it "appears to be genocide" as entire communities have been wiped out, but added: "We need to make sure we're not diminishing the word of its power." Bishop Angaelos, the general bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the UK, has previously been the most outspoken advocate for describing ISIS' atrocities as genocide. However when asked by Christian Today whether he thought the right decision was for the UK government to declare a genocide, he said: "I think the right decision would be to have a robust discussion in parliament and then make a decision." Bishop Angaelos joined the campaign for the US administration to declare a genocide last month. But he told Christian Today on Friday his main concern had been the White House would declare a genocide against Yazidis but not Christians and the "distorted message" that would send out. When asked whether he thought the British government should declare genocide he said: "I quite understood their position." He added: "I have every confidence the UK government will make the right decision." One of the reasons Christian leaders may be so hesitant is because they fear promoting a Muslim versus Christian rhetoric when, as Bishop Butler notes, thousands of Muslims have been killed by ISIS. Another reason is it risks devaluing the strength of the legal term because the conflict is so complex. Nevertheless Pope Francis remains free of such concerns. It is nearly a year since the Catholic leader referred to a Christian "genocide" in the Middle East. "In this third world war, waged piecemeal, which we are now experiencing, a form of genocide is taking place, and it must end," he said last July. What have Christians ever done for us? If the Church is supposed to be the ultimate apologetic for Christ ("all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another"), it seems as though the case for Christ is very weak! The general attitude is perhaps summed up best by the famous quote attributed to Mahatma Ghandi: "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ." Never mind the fact that people who say this often know very little about Christ. It is an effective argument because it contains a grain of truth and because it means that the Christian message can be summarily dismissed on the basis that Christians are human! We are the victims of the ultimate ad hominem arguments. According to the Oxford English dictionary ad hom is: "(Of an argument or reaction) directed against a person rather than the position they are maintaining". It really means to play the man, rather than the argument. "An ad hominem argument is one that relies on personal attacks rather than reason or substance." There you are trying to tell people about Jesus and you get hit with everything wrong that any Christian/Church is supposed to have done whether it is last week's subject 'Christianity spread by violence' or the Spanish Inquisition, Westboro Baptist Church or of course that perennial favourite Hitler. I am astonished at how many atheists must have read Mein Kampf, given the number of times the quote about Hitler calling Jesus his Lord is used. The trouble is that for the vast majority this is all they have read (usually from another atheist blog/website). They have not read the book, they don't know the context and history of the period and they know precious little about the life and thoughts of Adolf Hitler. This quote is enough for them (combined with the fact that he was baptised as a Catholic). In this regard it is important to remember that a statement without a context just becomes a pretext for whatever particular prejudice we want to put forward. Christians of course can be as guilty of this as anyone else I have read some incredible statements from Christians that are made without any supporting evidence other than "I read it somewhere". The deathbed conversion of Charles Darwin is one such 'urban myth'. But the trouble is that in this era of historical, religious and philosophical illiteracy, it is all too easy for people to surf the web and find 'evidence' for what they believed in the first place. It's called confirmation bias. But if you can it's great to get people to do something really old fashioned read and think. Once you begin to examine the evidence it is astonishing just how much influence for good Christianity has had on our society. Do you remember this hilarious Monty Python sketch where John Cleese, acting as the leader of a Jewish liberation group, asks 'what have the Romans ever done for us?". One of his followers mentions the aqueducts. The others go on to mention a long list of things which results in Cleese finally asking: 'What have the Romans ever done for us apart from sanitation, the roads, irrigation, medicine, education, public health, the wine, law and order, and peace!" What have the Christians ever done for us? While we can list the faults of those who profess to be Christians who have done great harm, the good done in the name of Christ is quite astonishing. "The gospel not only converts the individual, but it changes society. On every mission field from the days of William Carey, the missionaries carried a real social gospel. They established standards of hygiene and purity, promoted industry, elevated womanhood, restrained anti-social customs, abolished cannibalism, human sacrifice and cruelty, organised famine relief, checked tribal wars, and changed the social structure of society." (Samuel Zwemer, Professor of Missions at Princeton) Education (every major European university was founded on Christian principles), social reform, medicine, democracy, the arts and modern science all owe much of their current existence to the teaching and ideas of the followers of Jesus Christ. That's a bold claim but one I think that can be substantiated. Take, for example, the question of science. As many have recognised, rather than being suppressed by the Church, modern science stems from a theistic culture and indeed would have been impossible without the understanding that there was an ordered universe created by God. Strangely I find that faith in Christ and science go together, feeding off one another. "Far from belief in God being some sort of irrational leap of faith it is the most rational hypothesis there is; and perhaps it is the only plausible and sure foundation of the rationality of the universe that science presupposes." (Keith Ward) It's not just science. What we consider 'modern' values such as equality, tolerance and freedom are the fruits of Christianity as well. In a fascinating and detailed book, Inventing the Individual, The Origins of Western Liberalism, Larry Siedentop argues that all of these ideals stemmed from the early and medieval Church. Vishnal Mangalwadi is an Indian who has written a compelling account (The Book that Made your World), of how the Bible has been formative in the development of modern Western society. When we ask the question, what did the Christians give to us, modern Western society should recognise that it is the foundation of everything. The question then becomes what happens when you lose the foundation? Will the walls come down and the roof fall in? My own small nation of Scotland sent doctors, engineers, military men, politicians and missionaries all over the globe. For many the primary motivating factor was their Christian faith. We were one of the most literate and educationally advanced nations in the world, thanks largely to John Knox's maxim that where there was a church there should be a school. I don't think it is without significance that as Scotland has rapidly secularised, so we have rapidly dumbed down with one in five Scots now being functionally illiterate. Speaking of education I went to the University of Edinburgh founded by the Church, funded by a welfare state established on Christian principles, to study history. One of my specialist subjects was on the English Civil War and as part of that I had to read a book by the Marxist historian Christopher Hill, The World Turned Upside Down. I loved it and learned a great deal from it; although I disagreed with his pre-supposition that God had nothing to do with the tremendous social, political and economic changes at that time. In fact the Bible verse which provided the title of that book (Acts 17:6) has become a kind of theme verse for my own ministry in and through the church. Tolstoy in his agonising about society and how to transform mused that everyone seemed to think about changing society, no one thought about changing their own hearts. The radicalness of Christianity is that it changes society by changing people. The fact is that from the time of Christ, his Church, with all its faults and imperfections, has fulfilled his mission. His work has continued and the world has been turned upside down. Let me finish with one more story. History is not about memes, myths or Internet confirmation basis. It is about examining facts and primary sources. A woman called Traudl Junge wrote her story towards the end of her life. She made a fascinating comment about her boss: "Sometimes we also had interesting discussions about the church and the development of the human race. Perhaps it's going too far to call them discussions, because he would begin explaining his ideas when some question or remark from one of us had set them off, and we just listened. He was not a member of any church, and thought the Christian religions were outdated, hypocritical institutions that lured people into them. The laws of nature were his religion. He could reconcile his dogma of violence better with nature than with the Christian doctrine of loving your neighbour and your enemy. 'Science isn't yet clear about the origins of humanity,' he once said. 'We are probably the highest stage of development of some mammal which developed from reptiles and moved on to human beings, perhaps by way of the apes. We are a part of creation and children of nature, and the same laws apply to us as to all living creatures. And in nature the law of the struggle for survival has reigned from the first. Everything incapable of life, everything weak is eliminated. Only mankind and above all the church have made it their aim to keep alive the weak, those unfit to live, and people of an inferior kind." Her boss was Adolf Hitler. Sometimes when one reads, thinks and examines the evidence, it is possible to come to an understanding of truth in history. History is His story. The more you delve in, the more you understand, the more you see that history is a confirmation of the Bible's basic teaching about God and man, and about the central figure of that history the God man before whom everything is Before Christ and after whom everything is AD Anno Domini (the year of our Lord). David Robertson is the moderator of the Free Church of Scotland and director of Solas CPC, Dundee. Follow him on Twitter @theweeflea. For previous articles in his apologetics series, click here. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Bombay Sapphire is looking for a few good drinks. The gin maker has launched its search today for the Most Imaginative Bartender in the United States. The cocktail competition, conducted under the auspices of the United States Bartender Guild, challenges bartenders to create a cocktail using Bombay Sapphire Gin and only five other ingredients. RELATED: Mixologists put their skills to the test during Houston Black Restaurant Week. Mixologists can sign up here for beginning April 18 presentation times in 29 U.S. cities. The first round stop in Houston will be April 29. (Dallas gets two-days -- April 26-27 -- and there is a stop in San Antonio on April 28.) The competition is open to U.S. residents over age 25. (The only exception is residents of Utah are not eligible. I can only imagine the reason for that exception.) One hundred bartenders will be selected as regional finalists. Ten regional events will send one competitor to this fall to the finale, which will be held in Bombay Sapphires home in London. The winner earns the title of 2016 Most Imaginative Bartender, a trip to Tuscany and a promotional cover on GQ magazine. This is the 10th year Bombay Sapphire will crown a winner. Last years winner was Justin Lavenue of Austins the Roosevelt Room. Browse the slideshow above to see the most popular bars in Texas. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Independent record stores all over the globe Saturday will be celebrating Record Store Day, an annual event created to boost the record store business. Indie and major labels press special, limited run vinyl LPs and singles just for the occasion, leading to long lines around stores, akin to Black Friday craziness in November. The vinyl format has been in a boom for nearly a decade. All the talk about vinyl means that some of us begin thinking about the records we've collected over the years before cassettes, compact discs, MP3s and streaming tried to kill off each successive format. RELATED: Vinal Edge, one of Houston's favorite record stores, turns 30 years old this month Shows like "American Pickers" and "Pawn Stars" lead some of us to believe we might have a fortune in vinyl in a dusty box, but according to leading store owners in Houston you might just have junk. Some seasoned record store owners break it down for us novices. As it turns out, older isn't always better. According to Chuck Roast at Vinal Edge, 239 W. 19th, the Heights shop uses some straightforward considerations to decide what to buy from people who bring in vintage records. "Is there a market for this stuff? Are the people with this taste long dead or downsizing? Does it fit our stores direction? Roast says. If a record is what Roasts store is looking for, the staff then looks at its condition. The record itself and the sleeve should be in mint or near-mint condition. We like to see collections where the covers are in plastic sleeves. It indicates a well cared for collection, Roast adds. Common things that Roast and other store owners run into are water damage, mold, adhesive tape, mysterious stains and names. People used to love writing their names on their LPs and 45s. How else would you get your records back from a friend or an ex? What records does he see on a near-daily basis? I never need to see another Pablo Cruise record in my life. It is the cruise you dont need to ever take, Roast says. Kurt Brennan of Sound Exchange, 1846 Richmond, does brisk business selling music from the underground, but says that shoppers are still looking for the same things to round out their collections. The records most sought after have not really changed much in the past 40 years. Jazz, punk, soul and hard rock always top the list, Brennan says. Theyve gotten plenty of calls from people thinking that theyve found gold at grandmas house only to have to let them down when they learn that those Glenn Miller or Elvis Presley records arent all that rare. Regarding the notion that most people think all records are valuable, I can tell you that is all too true. The endless hyping of the return of vinyl records certainly isnt educating anyone either, Brennan says. When I get the daily hyper-ventilating phone call from someone cleaning out grandmas house I always try to give the caller some perspective. That is, the number of records in existence is always going to be many thousands of times greater that the number of records people actually want to buy, Brennan says. Quinn Bishop at Cactus Music, 2110 Portsmouth, says that hes seen a lot of baby boomers looking to unload their parents collections after theyve passed. That generation had a much different taste in music. We are seeing those customers bringing in tons of light classical, post-WWII pop vocalists and easy listening records that have almost no value, Bishop says. We not-so-affectionately refer to these records as "parent music and it is sometimes difficult to find an organization who will accept them as a donation. RELATED: AC/DC brings decades of rock classics to Toyota Center These are not the records that teens and twenty-somethings want to play on their new turntables. The millennials who are driving vinyl sales just have no interest in these items. I'm not sure that anyone else does either, Bishop says. Millennials these days are buying lots of Fleetwood Mac, if you can believe that. On a recent visit to Vinal Edge we saw a gaggle of collectors barely old enough to drink purchasing Macs Rumours as if it was the newest Taylor Swift release. Boomers who are pruning their living spaces down after the kids have left the nest are also coming by with crates of records to sell. The following seem to be in every box of records that is brought to us: Herb Alpert, Barbara Streisand, Sergio Mendes, Neil Diamond, The Carpenters, Dan Fogelberg and others, Bishop says. That Alpert Whipped Cream & Other Delights LP cover is still a timeless gem, though. The Moody Blues albums may have been making babies out there, because I suspect that the number of them being attempted to be sold back to record shops actually eclipse the number of those originally pressed, Bishop jokes. RELATED: Cactus Music, Houston's favorite music store, turns 40 What Bishop says he will take are blue chip classic rock records from Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, and David Bowie, plus timeless jazz records from the '50s through the '70s. Classic soul records are always welcome. How does Bishop assess a personal collection? We first evaluate content. Any parent music or titles like those listed above are culled out to leave titles which we would be likely to sell in our store for $4 or more, Bishop says. Any titles for which we are overstocked go into the former category as well. As at Vinal Edge, condition is key. Condition is everything as all of our records in the Record Ranch are in VG (very good) condition or better. We are often more forgiving for records of great rarity or unique pressings, Bishop says. What does a dream haul look like for Cactus Music? Ultra-esoteric rock and folk of the prog and psych variety. These type of records are easy to sell, interesting listening for our staff and excite our core customers. We've had a few buys that provided an educational experience for our buying staff, Bishop says. If you cant unload Grandma or Grandpas ancient classical records, you can always make art out of them. You can melt them and mold them into bowls or cut them down to make nerdy coasters. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate No visitor to Houston can overlook the megachurches scattered throughout the area. The Bayou City has some three dozen megachurches (defined as having a weekly attendance of more than 2,000), including the biggest one in the U.S.: Lakewood. SUPER-SIZED: Here are Texas biggest megachurches But the city also has many non-Christian houses of worship that, while not as large as the megachurches, can look equally as grand. Houston has one of the most diverse populations in the country: One out of every four residents is foreign-born. Visitors will find an assorted number of temples in the city from the beautifully decorated Houston BahaI Center in the downtown area to the exquisite Shri Swaminarayan Hindu temple in Stafford. There are Islamic mosques, Zen centers, Jain prayer rooms and a Jewish congregation thats more than a century-old. And in Old Town Spring last year, worshipers opened the regions first Greater Church of Lucifer. Yes, Houston really has options for anyone looking to get spiritual. READ MORE: Greater Church of Lucifers opening in Texas billed as historic first See the gallery above for a look at Houstons non-Christian houses of worship. To see the citys megachurches, click here. The Harris County Sheriff's Office said Friday that it's "not time" to make a decision on whether to continue the county's participation in a controversial federal program that trains local law enforcement officers to help federal agents screen for undocumented immigrants in the jails. The statement came a day after Harris County Sheriff Ron Hickman, representatives of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and immigrant rights activists met to discuss the program, a meeting the sheriff's office said resulted in "productive dialogue." Immigrant rights advocates have stepped up calls in recent weeks for the sheriff's office to end its participation in the 287(g) program, which last year led to the deportation of almost 170 individuals, according to the sheriff's office. The sheriff's office's agreement with the federal government is up for renewal in June. Harris County commissioners in recent weeks have deferred to Hickman, who said earlier this week he would need a "very compelling reason" not to continue participating in 287(g). Activists have said the program sows distrust between law enforcement and the immigrant community, causing some to fear being deported. The program had grown increasingly controversial over the years, particularly after a series of critical reports by the Government Accountability Office and the Inspector General as well as high-profile allegations of abuse or mistakes by local law enforcement agencies. Sheriff's office representatives declined to elaborate on the outcome of the meeting and would only say that "it is not time" to make a decision on the program. In Friday's statement, the sheriff's office responded to claims made by activists and said "local law enforcement authorities do not enforce federal immigration laws on the street level." "Claims that immigrant members of the Harris County community should fear authorities hinder law enforcement's ability to conduct criminal investigations, enforce state laws, and undermine the delicate relationship between law enforcement and the community," the sheriff's office said in the statement. Hickman has emphasized that the only people targeted by the program are those that have been charged with a crime and put in jail. "No member of the immigrant community should fear contact with law enforcement as a victim of a crime or during routine contact in the community," the statement reads. Authorized by Congress in the late 1990s, the program has been credited with identifying hundreds of thousands of suspected illegal immigrants nationwide since 2006, when it gained popularity under the second Bush administration. It is not the same as the Secure Communities program, which has drawn its share of controversy and opposition. Currently, 32 agencies nationwide participate in 287(g). The only other law enforcement agency in Texas that has a 287(g) agreement with ICE is the Carrollton Police Department. In May, Los Angeles County supervisors voted to terminate their contract with ICE. U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Jonathan Dowdell, his wife Becky and daughter Kitura, 12, were met with a street filled with neighbors, friends, family and Patriot Guard Riders holding American flags as they drove up to their new home in League City Thursday. Dowdell received a Purple Heart award after he was injured in an IED blast on June 24, 2010, while on a deployment in Afghanistan. A video emerged this week that reportedly shows a Mexican woman being tortured by army and federal police. An army captain and a female soldier have been charged with disobeying orders, according to AFP. Human rights abuses by Mexico's armed forces and police have become an important focus on the government recently. "Police and troops have faced a slew of accusations of torture and other abuses since soldiers were deployed in the streets of Mexico to combat drug trafficking in 2006," AFP reported. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Nearly 65,000 to 80,000 undocumented students graduate from high school in the United States each year to pursue the American Dream and try to build a better life than their parents. Many of those students don't have the resources to get them through the high cost of college. CLOSE TO HOME: How Fort Bend County became a model for diversity Roberto G. Gonzales, an assistant professor at Harvard University Graduate School of Education, said he's seen smart and ambitious teens who a decade later were working in a factory - just like their immigrant parents. "They grew up to the same shows... vowing to the Pledge of Allegiance in school and growing up with the same mindset as their peers," Gonzalez said, "then comes this pivotal point of going to college and all these doors get shut on them. "And the critical question is what happens to these kids?" Gonzales tried to find that answer. For 12 years, he followed 150 DREAMers or undocumented students in Los Angeles. Only 79 got their college degrees. Of those who earned degrees, many still ended up in low-wage, low-skilled jobs because of their immigration status. His recently published book, Lives in Limbo, chronicles the lives of these young adults. It all began when Gonzales worked at a youth center in a largely immigrant neighborhood back in Chicago. Students like Omar Ramirez, who came to Houston at the age of 7, moved away recently to the University of Texas-Arlington to study mechanical engineering, because he couldn't find the money to study here. IN FOCUS: 1 million foreign-born residents living in Harris County "I wanted to go to the University of Houston with my friends, but I couldn't pay $15,000 a year, year," Ramirez said. "I got accepted to A&M and UT, but I didn't have the money. All these scholarships just shut me out because I didn't have my citizenship." In 2012, President Barack Obama issued an executive order known as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, which gives temporary relief for these students, referred to as DREAMers. Ramirez, along 680,000 other students, use DACA to get work permits and driver's licenses. Eighteen states, including Colorado, Maryland and Oregon, allow teens without legal status to pay in-state tuition rates at public colleges and universities, provided they meet certain requirements. Students living in California, Texas, New Mexico, Minnesota and Washington are also eligible for state-based financial aid, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. One of the scholarships offered to immigrant students with temporary resident status is TheDream.US, a $32 million scholarship fund established in February 2014, which awards scholarships of up to $25,000 for those who apply. What is unfortunate, is that many students don't know they have these kinds of resources. Ramirez, pays tuition out of his own pocket with the help of his family and his girlfriend's family. He's taken just 9 hours a semester for the past three years, because that's all he can afford. Gonzales said many DREAMers developed chronic headaches, toothaches, depression and thoughts of suicide because of the strain of being an undocumented student with limited resources. Ramirez experienced that stress last year. "There's one point that I don't know whether to go to work, go to school, if i should break off relationships, because I just don't have the resources," Ramirez said. "You think of whether you should just drive 100 miles per hour and just crash and let it all burn. You feel like all hell is breaking loose." He said he found solace in his renewed faith in God. "If one door shuts, I'll find another way," Ramirez said. Undocumented immigrants are less likely than other students to graduate from high school or get a college degree. Those who arrive in this country before age 14 have better chances, but they still fall short of average. According to a recent Institute for Immigration, Globalization and Education study, about 122,600 undocumented high school seniors attend high school every year, but only 31,850 are likely to attend college each year. Of those, less than 2,000 are likely to graduate from college each year. "These students grow up and face the difficult challenges of acculturating into society, with each year taking them further from their parents' realities and culture at home," he said, "their status as undocumented brings them closer to the legal circumstances of their parents, making it difficult to form an identity of belonging in the United States." From sleeping in different time shifts to saving money by becoming a residential adviser in your university, go through the gallery and check out what some undocumented students do to save money. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A handful of Texas Republican district or county conventions in March passed resolutions calling for a vote on secession, paving the way for a potentially awkward debate at the state GOP conference in May. A Nederland-based pro-independence activist group, the Texas Nationalist Movement, said at least 22 of the hundreds of conventions passed secession items. Texas GOP chairman Tom Mechler said he "would be very surprised" if that many had indeed passed the conventions. The Houston Chronicle reached out to GOP officials in the counties listed by the Nationalist Movement. Ten responded and all confirmed passage of the resolutions. An official count should be available from the Republican Party of Texas in early May. RELATED: Ever hopeful and determined, Texas secessionists face long, long odds A party committee will consider the resolutions for debate on the floor of the state GOP convention in Dallas May 12-14. The volume of independence resolutions -- from which party leaders are quick to distance themselves -- increases the possibility they could be approved for discussion, though the notion of secession would certainly be shot down swiftly on the convention floor. Still, the resolutions represent a significant milestone in the growth of a fringe movement in the Texas GOP, which drew attention last year when members of the party's State Republican Executive Committee pushed for a vote at a December meeting. RELATED: Texas GOP official wants secession on the primary ballot "I hadn't really heard of this in any organized way until this past year," said Paul Simpson, chairman of the Republican Party of Harris County. "It's cropped up in a major way just in this last year." The Nationalist Movement recently has led the push for a conversation on independence, and SREC officials cited it as inspiration when they introduced a resolution for a vote in December. That resolution was voted down overwhelmingly. RELATED: Texas GOP rejects proposal for vote on secession Mechler said the Nationalist Movement was not a Republican group, and was using the state party apparatus to push its cause. "Republican is not even in their name," Mechler said. Last year, the Nationalist Movement made headlines for a statewide tour of speaking events, aimed at garnering enough signatures to get secession on the GOP primary ballot. They came up short, but the group's president, Daniel Miller, said he recruited and "trained" volunteers from Amarillo to San Antonio to Beaumont. "There's no coincidence that a lot of people who attended those trainings were some of the very minds responsible for championing these resolutions in district and county conventions," Miller said. The cause also has a few sympathizers in the Republican ranks. Tanya Robertson, SREC member of Senate District 11 in the Greater Houston area has led the drive for an independence vote within the party, with help from a handful of allies including Bonnie Lugo of SD 13 in Harris and Fort Bend Counties. Even Houston's Jared Woodfill, a tea party activist running to unseat Mechler as state party chairman, has been an ally. "I absolutely think the people should have an opportunity to vote on this issue," he said. RELATED: Rejection of secession ballot language could add fuel to the fire in RPT Chairman Race The number of secession resolutions this year contrasts with 2012, when Nationalist Movement activists fanned out at county GOP conventions but were only able to pass their item in one, Miller said. Last month in SD 11, a resolution passed urging a statewide vote on "whether or not the State of Texas should reassert its status as an independent nation." A similar resolution passed in Harris County SD 6, said State Republican Executive Committee member Glenda Bowles. Officials confirmed resolutions also passed in Jefferson, Tarrant, Webb, Lee, DeWitt and Guadalupe counties. "The resolution in questions appears to have originated from the Texas Nationalist Movement," said Guadalupe County GOP chair Karen Hale. Lubbock County GOP chair Carl Tepper said two secession items passed his county convention: one calling for an independence vote, and the other calling for secession in case the constitutional convention suggested by Gov. Greg Abbott fails to right the ways of the federal government. The county conventions are "kind of a place for people to vent," he said. Supporters of and independent Texas allege overreach, corruption and excessive spending by the federal government, and argue that Texas is large and prosperous enough to get by on its own. RELATED: Feds raid Texas secessionist meeting Talk of Texas secession has long simmered in Lone Star discourse, flaring up periodically. It has raised tempers in political settings before. At the December SREC meeting, opponents of the notion hotly said it shouldn't even be discussed, and one official scoffed at the notion of sending Texans to fight the U.S. military. Miller said that in Jefferson County, where he spoke at a Republican convention, another attendee angrily accused him of "sedition" for advocating secession. "People are extraordinarily reactionary about this issue," Miller said. "I've heard it for years." For the record, the Supreme Court ruled in 1869 that states do not have a right to secede. Secessionists contend that the nation's laws are irrelevant once a state declares independence. However, they would compel the federal government to use force against any Texas rebellion, evoking recollections of the state's last disastrous attempt to secede. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate A cannibalistic, monster gator is chowing down on other alligators in Florida. Humans in the area seem pretty chill about it. A bunch of people at the Circle B Bar Reserve in Lakeland seem to have filmed the brutal gator on gator action in the past week. Alex Figueroa uploaded a video to YouTube where he described the killer alligator as 11 to 12 feet long. READ THIS: Florida hunters take down almost 15-foot alligator A crowd of people seem uncomfortably close to the alligator that happens to have another smaller alligator hanging out of its craw. But the predator seemed unbothered by the spectators and looked satisfied with his same-species meal Another video by Octavia Heart shows a similar incident of what appears to be the same alligator eating one of his or her brethren. Gary Morse, of Florida Fish and Wildlife, told Fox 13 that this is just typical alligator behavior. Males can get especially aggressive and cannibalistic during mating season, which occurs between March and June. READ THIS: Texas man mocks alligator, gets eaten The sequence doesnt end there. The last part is harder to catch on film. "What alligators will typically do," said Morse," is they'll take that animal and stuff it some place for a week or two until it gets nice and soft and they can tear it apart." Other alligators in Lakeland seem more amicable. In March, a Lakeland woman discussed her battle with wildlife officials to keep her 6-foot-long pet alligator named Rambo. See the gallery above for a history of Texas alligator attacks. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate After a couple hours of freedom, a large male chimp named Chacha is back inside a Japanese zoo. Chacha escaped Thursday from the Yagiyama Zoological Park in Sendai, Japan, and held a global TV audience captivated as he climbed to the top of an electric pole. The howling 24-year-old chimp led police on a chase that lasted two hours until a zoo worker with a tranquilizer dart shot down Chacha from the pole. He fell into a blanket held by a dozen workers and was returned to the zoo. Two zoo workers suffered minor injuries while trying to recapture the chimp. Its not known how Chacha escaped the zoo, which is surrounded by an electrical fence. It appeared that he might have left through a hole in the fence. According to a CNN report, the zoo was closed on Friday while the staff inspected the facilities and Chacha recovered from being sedated. As CNN noted, its already been a wild week for zoo escapes. Inky, an octopus, broke out of an aquarium in New Zealand and made his way to the nearby ocean and freedom forever more. He used a seawater runoff pipe to bolt the complex. 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. Claire Danes is a star. Whether battling Islamist terrorists and internal demons as Carrie Mathison on the Showtime series Homeland (for which she won back-to-back Emmys and two Golden Globes) or commanding the New York stage in a new play about the sins of American capitalism, the actress commands your attention. Thats the strengthand a weaknessof Dry Powder, the 90-minute drama now playing in a limited run (through May 1) at Manhattans Public Theater. Word that Danes would star in this world premiere by playwright Sarah Burgess triggered a frenzy of interest. Extended twice, the play was sold out only weeks after tickets went on sale (though individual tickets can still be found for remaining performances). Staged by Thomas Kail, director of the Publics mega-hit Hamilton, the play features superb supporting performances by John Krasinski, Hank Azaria, and Sanjit De Silva. Burgesss dialogue is sharp and witty, and delivers a dramatic punch. But the theme of Wall Streets indifference to the pain inflicted by its machinations is well-trod dramatic turf. From Death of a Salesman to Glengarry Glen Ross, the theater has suffered no shortage of plays decrying the evils of private enterprise. As the play opens, Rick, founder and president of KMM, a midtown-Manhattan-based private-equity firm, is being attacked in the press for throwing an extravagant engagement party the same week that his firm has laid off thousands of workers at a national grocery chain following a leveraged buyout. Jenny (Danes), a KMM managing director, dismisses the outrage and scoffs at the scandal. But Rick is rattled. Hes been fending off calls from investors worried about protestors. Of course theyre protesting. Thats what unemployed people do, scoffs Jenny, whose obsession with profits and investment capitalor dry powdergives new meaning to cutthroat capitalism. Seth (Krasinski), a KMM managing director and Jennys rival, also worries about the bad press. To counter it, he is championing a new buyout deal that will not only make KMM lots of money but also save American jobs. Hes urging Rick to buy Landmark Luggage, a Sacramento-based company employing 653 workers. He has cajoled Jeff Schrader, Landmarks chief executive, who urges his employees to volunteer for good causes on weekends, into letting KMM buy the firm for what seems a song and modernize its business. KMM will also give Seth a large bonus should the deal go through. Jenny has other ideas. She tells Rick her numbers show that more money can be made by outsourcing Landmarks jobs, sucking the company dry, and selling the shell. For KMM, this is business as usual. The subplot rivalry between Seth and Jenny is terrifyingly funny. But its unsurprising point is that, while Jenny may not be the heartless barracuda she seems, there are no good guys in high finance. Playing a character as devoted to making money as Carrie Mathison is to saving the West from terror, Daness performance is pitch-perfectand thats the problem. Jenny is Carrie Mathison without the bipolar disorder and other endearing vulnerabilities. Watching Jenny, I couldnt stop thinking about Carrie, and the extent to which Danes may have become inseparable from that character. The best American actors have escaped typecasting. Kevin Spacey has done so brilliantly, despite his unforgettable portrait of Frank Underwood in House of Cards. Spaceys career has been as long and varied as his roles. Meryl Streep, perhaps Americas greatest actress, is convincing in all her partsfrom Vogues ambitiously cool editor in The Devil Wears Prada to the sensitive Polish mother confronted with an impossible decision in Sophies Choice. The great British actors, of course, are champions at escaping typecasting. Vanessa Redgrave, Jude Law, and especially Mark Rylance have been utterly convincing playing a wide range of characters on stage and screen. There is theatrical peril here. Though he was talented and almost by definition a character actor rather than a leading man, James Gandolfini couldnt escape being Tony Soprano, the head of a New Jersey organized crime syndicate. Danes, by contrast, has already demonstrated the range of a leading actor. Performing since age nine, she came to critical attention as Angela Chase, a shy teenager, in My So-Called Life, the critically acclaimed 1994 series for which she won the first of her Golden Globe awards. That same year, she made her film debut as the sweet, dying Beth in Little Women, and gained critical notice for her starring role in Baz Luhrmanns Romeo and Juliet. Luhrmann called the 16-year-old Danes the Meryl Streep of her generation. Since then, she has appeared in The Rainmaker, Les Miserables, Brokedown Palace, Igby Goes Down, and Stardust, among other films. She has also continued performing on stage. Considering this diverse body of work, one cant help but wonder why she wanted the role of Jenny for her debut at the Public. Whether Danes will forever be typecast as Carrie depends on the choices she makes going forward. Dry Powders Jenny is a caricature of a heartless priestess of finance, so myopic that she doesnt know the name of one of her analysts, or that he has been hospitalized with a drug addiction. Given Daness exceptional talent, one hopes that her next role will be as distinctive and memorable as the character she created in Homeland. Thats a high bar. Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images As a proud right-winger, Im appalled and disgusted by Donald Trump. Nonetheless, I feel a certain schadenfreudean glee at watching leftists reel in horror at his unbridled incivility. They truly dont seem to realize: he is only the loud and manifest avatar of their own silent and invisible nastiness. In a veiled reference to Trump at a recent lunch on Capitol Hill, President Obama declared he was dismayed at the vulgar and divisive rhetoric being heard on the campaign trail. In America, there is no law that says we have to be nice to each other, or courteous, or treat each other with respect, the president said. But there are norms. There are customs. Are there? When I hear this sort of thing from Obama and his fellow leftists, what I wonder is: Have they not listened to themselves for the past 50 years? Do they really have no idea how vicious, how low, how cruel, and how dishonest their attacks on the Right have been? No, they havent; and, no, they dont. The Democrat-monopolized media, which explodes with rage at any minor unmannerliness on the right, falls so silent at the Lefts almost ceaseless acrimony that leftists are never forced to confront what despicable little Trumps they often are. It begins with the Democratic leadership. Last August, principled Republicans opposed Obamas foolish nuclear deal with Iran. Obamas response? He compared them to terrorists. Those hard-liners chanting Death to America, he said. Theyre making common cause with the Republican caucus. And yet there are norms. There are customs. Cities like Detroit and Baltimorerun by Democratsare hellish for African-Americans; black families have been destroyed by Democratic welfare-programs; murder rates have risen in black neighborhoods where the police have been intimidated by Black Lives Matter and their allies in the Obama Justice Department. And yet, former attorney general Eric Holder frequently accused administration critics of racial animus, and Vice President Joe Biden asserted to a partly black audience that Republicans want to put yall back in chains. Norms. Customs. Such reflexive insults from the top die to nothing in the medias left-wing echo chamber, leaving the rank-and-file free to imitate them without self-awareness or remorse. If a conservative expresses concern that Koranic ideas seem to be conducive to oppression and violence in every country where they hold sway, leftists label him Islamophobic. If he feels unborn children might have a right to life, leftists say he is a sexist waging war on women. If he feels that secure borders and the rule of law might be necessary to the maintenance of a sovereign nation, leftists cry that hes a nativist who hates immigrants. With the help of the media, leftists have even managed to bake their rudeness into the language itself, redefining standard behavior with offensive phrases. They use objectification of women to describe mens normal sexual yearnings; racial profiling to describe street-smart police work that protects citizens of every color; and climate deniers (ala Holocaust deniers, for Gods sake) to describe those who call baloney on one of the great scams of our generation. These off-handed insults have a purpose and a rationale. The mental tyranny that goes by the name of political correctness wrongly assumes that the human heart is infinitely malleable and that words can endlessly reshape the reality of its experience. Force people to declare that all cultures are morally equal, and morally equal those cultures will become; demand we pretend that gender differences are a myth, and gender differences will disappear; shame us out of noticing the color of a criminals skin, and crime statistics will lose their power. It is in seeking these transformations that the Left has felt blithely justified in sneering at opposing opinions it deems racist, sexist, or otherwise hateful. But it just doesnt work. The eyes see what they see; the heart knows what it knows. Bottle up the human experience in silence, and it will ultimately break forth in rage. Thus, the result of these last 50 years of ceaseless left-wing incivility has been not a rainbow-striped paradise of social justice, but the utter collapse of our civic dialogue as the Right now responds with vulgar cruelty of its own. Those to whom evil is done, as the poet Auden wrote, do evil in return. You might say to me, as my mother used to say, Two wrongs dont make a right. But I say to you, as I used to say to my mother, They started it. Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images On Monday, certain reporters at The Denver Post were on the hunt for stories. More stories. Managers at the paper had just announced that editors would be officially measuring the number of items published by investigative journalists and reporters who work on the city desk. The expectation is that every reporter will produce at least one story a day, and some of you will be expected to write at least two stories a day, the papers news editor, Larry Ryckman, wrote to staff in a Monday e-mail. He added: We will maintain our standards when it comes to story selection. We want only stories that are worthy of The Denver Post in print or online. These number targets will not change that. The Monday memo itself wasnt exactly a bombshell. The previous Thursday, many Post reporters had heard about the policy from their immediate supervisors. Blog posts, news briefs, and contributor credits will count toward the target. Lee Ann Colacioppo, the papers interim editor, downplayed the move, describing the announcements in an email exchange as simply renewed attention to a long-standing goal. Still, the story count targets have prompted plenty of talk within Colorados largest newspaperwhich isnt surprising, as they come at a moment of uncertainty for the Post. Last month the papers top editor, Greg Moore, announced at an impromptu meeting that he was stepping down after 14 years at the helm. After presiding over multiple rounds of buyouts and cutbacks, It was just time to explore other ways to use my brain, he said later. Moores exit followed the departure of other notable Post journalists, like the politics reporter Lynn Bartels, who took a buyout in July to go work in a government press office. The paper also recently cut back on locally produced editorials after a writer who left wasnt replaced. The loss of talent, and years of stagnant wages, have become top priorities for the newsroom union, which opened collective bargaining negotiations this week with management at the papers parent company, Digital First Media. Sign up for weekly emails from the United States Project Also a source of concern for the union: Recent events at Digital Firsts papers on the West Coast. The company last month won a bankruptcy sale of two newspapers in California, including the Orange County Register. The sale was immediately followed by news that 70 employees, including the Registers top editor, would be laid off. And in the Bay Area, the company recently consolidated six papers into two, trimming staff through layoffs and buyouts in the process. Put it all togetherMoores departure, the news out of California, the byline counts, even the pending end of the fiscal year, a traditional time for staff shakeupsand theres a lot of anxiety in the newsroom, said Kieran Nicholson, a reporter and union leader who has been at the paper since 1986. Other Post journalists, speaking on background, offered similar assessments. Its gotten to the point where its pretty exhausting, said Nicholson, For people like meand theres a few of us who have been around that whole timeits death by a thousand cuts, and we ride this roller coaster of emotion and seeing so much talent walk out the door. The papers Guild chaptersone newsroom, one non-newsroomare part of a national campaign by DFM employees, dubbed #NewsMatters, that includes about a dozen bargaining units around the country. Much of the campaigns messaging is focused on a lack of investment by DFM and its primary owner, the New York-based hedge fund Alden Global Capital. That echoes the critique of industry analysts like Ken Doctor, who wrote last year of DFM: Is there anything more to the strategy than milking the company as much as possible? Just keep trimming and well just keep swimming, is how Nicholson sees the companys approach. Eventually I think its going to sink us. Contacted for this story, Digital First CEO Steve Rossi issued a statement from the companys general counsel: We are in the midst of collective bargaining negotiations with the unions and hope to reach agreements soon. He had no further comment. Colacioppo, the interim editor, also declined to discuss the Guild negotiations. Asked if the byline count policy came down from Digital First, she said, its a Denver Post thing. In a vacuum, a story count policy at a large metro newspaper adjusting to digital disruption could be met with a muted reaction. But given the broader sense of waiting for the next shoe to drop, the shift has sparked more discussion within the Post than it might otherwise. At a Wednesday meeting of the rank-and-file, Nicholson said, there was some angst about the policy. Nicholson, the elected chair for the newsrooms union, said the story quotas (or counts, as higher-ups call them) could be manageableas long as they dont degrade the papers journalism. Another sticking point in talks with union membership has been the prospect of disciplinary action. So far theres been nothing in writing about that, he said. Asked about discipline for missing the targets, Colacioppo told me she hasnt even considered itthough based on conversations with several Post journalists, that is not how reporters in the newsroom understand the policy. We do not want to clutter up the website with garbage, Colacioppo said. She declined to engage in a fuller discussion about whether a stricter story count policy could create incentives for reporters to grab at a press release they might normally pass over. Despite the broader concerns, the union is hopeful of progress in contract talks. On Wednesday, union leaders met with company managers to begin negotiations and submitted their proposal for higher wages. Theyll be back to the table later this month. I think people here are guarded and they are hopefully optimistic, Nicholson said. Thats how you have to be. Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Corey Hutchins is CJRs correspondent based in Colorado, where he teaches journalism at Colorado College. A former alt-weekly reporter in South Carolina, he was twice named journalist of the year in the weekly division by the SC Press Association. Hutchins writes about politics and media for the Colorado Independent and worked on the State Integrity Investigation at the Center for Public Integrity; he has contributed to Slate, The Nation, the Washington Post, and others. Follow him on Twitter @coreyhutchins or email him at coreyhutchins@gmail.com. A Greek ship owner was arrested by London police as he left court after testifying in a $77 million lawsuit against the insurers of a ship that was allegedly damaged by pirates off the coast of Yemen. Police officers told Marios Iliopoulos that he was being arrested for conspiracy to commit fraud and led him into the back of an unmarked car as he emerged from the Rolls Building, the court where large commercial cases are heard. Suez Fortune Investments Ltd. is seeking $77 million from Talbot Underwriting Ltd. and other insurers over damage to the vessel Brillante Virtuoso in 2011, according to documents filed in the case. Suez claims the ship was boarded by armed men who detonated a grenade that started a fire, damaging the vessel beyond repair. Iliopoulos was the ultimate beneficial owner of the ship, according to a previous legal ruling in the case. The underwriters have questioned whether the attack took place as described. Iliopoulos came to London to answer questions about an archive for one of his companies that lawyers for the underwriters were trying to access. He had earlier claimed to be too ill to attend court. Rhys Clift, a lawyer for Iliopoulos, and Chris Zavos, a lawyer for the underwriters, didnt immediately respond to an email seeking comment. The case is: Suez Fortune Investments Limited & anr v. Talbot Underwriting Ltd & ors, Queens Bench Division, Commercial Court, CL-2012-000028 Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. The Oklahoma Supreme Court on Tuesday struck down part of the states workers compensation law, saying the provisions deprived workers of their due process rights and created a subclass of workers. The 7-2 decision invalidates a portion of the law, enacted by the Oklahoma Legislature in 2013, that authorizes deferral of payments for permanent partial disability for workers who eventually return to their jobs. Justices said deferring permanent partial disability payments if an injured worker returns to work is unconstitutional. Under the provision, an injured employee who returns to work receives no compensation for the physical injury sustained and no compensation for a reducing in future earning capacity, upending the entire purpose of the workers compensation system, Justice Noma Gurich wrote for the majority. In a concurring opinion, Justices Tom Colbert and Joseph Watt said they agreed with the decision but believed it does not go far enough to cure the Legislatures unconstitutional scheme, hinting that other provisions could have been tackled in the ruling. The decision involved four cases filed with the states Workers Compensation Commission by workers who were injured on the job. In one case, Theresa Maxwell, an employee of a telecommunications provider Sprint, suffered an injury to her knee on the job in February 2014 and filed for workers compensation benefits, the ruling states. She underwent surgery to repair a tendon in her knee and received temporary total disability benefits. She returned to work in July 2014 and a month later filed a request for a hearing on permanent partial disability, the ruling states. A hearing was held in December 2014 where an administrative law judge awarded a total of $2,261 but ordered that it be deferred because Maxwell had returned to work. Maxwell appealed to the commission, which affirmed the ruling in 2015. She then appealed to the Supreme Court, which ruled that her constitutional due process rights to fair compensation had been eliminated by the law. The court also ruled that officials improperly relied on American Medical Association guidelines when evaluating the extent of the permanent impairment she suffered and the amount of compensation she would receive. The court sent all four cases back to the commission for recalculation of compensation due. Justices James Winchester and Steven Taylor dissented from the decision. Attorney Bob Burke, who represents workers in two of the four cases, said he was gratified that the court sided with the workers. It is another example of the court having to correct a poorly written law, Burke said in a statement. The Supreme Court has struck down earlier attempts to revamp state workers compensation statutes, and Burke said legal challenges to the law have been raised in 15 other cases pending in the state Supreme Court. Reworking the states workers compensation system is a priority for Republican legislative leaders who claim the states previous court-based system was a detriment to business and industry in the state. Fred Morgan, president and CEO of the State Chamber of Oklahoma, which supported the law, said he is disappointed with the decision and believes the court should defer to the Legislature. Oklahoma workers and employers both benefit from an administrative rather than court-based system, Morgan said in a statement. Both groups are harmed when the court continues to act like an unelected legislature, overturning the will of the people through their elected representatives. Attorney General Scott Pruitts office, which defended the law, declined comment on the ruling. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Kinky Boots Becomes Longest-Running Show at Al Hirschfeld Theatre; Tickets Continue to Rise Left to Right: Actor Harvey Fierstein, director Jerry Mitchell, and singer Cyndi Lauper celebrate the L.A. premiere of 'Kinky Boots' at the Pantages Theatre on November 11, 2014 in Hollywood, California. (Photo : Getty Images for Hollywood Pantages) LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 26: Singer/songwriter Cyndi Lauper accepts the Best Musical Theater Album award for 'Kinky Boots' onstage during the 56th GRAMMY Awards Pre-Telecast Show at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on January 26, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo : Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) 2016 continues to be a huge year for Broadway musicals in the news. On April 3, Kinky Boots became the longest-running show to ever play the Al Hirschfeld Theatre on 302 West 45th Street, as announced by producers Daryl Roth and Hal Luftig via Playbill last week. The show, which was co-created by Cyndi Lauper and Harvey Fierstein, has been a routinely top-grossing production since it opened in 2013, and the tickets for Kinky Boots have been relentlessly expensive on the secondary market. When Kinky Boots opened in 2013, tickets on the resale market for the first year averaged an impressive $575. As it stands currently, tickets for Kinky Boots are averaging $249. Although the resale averages have dropped over the years, ticket grosses for the production are still routinely at the top of the list. To compare, other popular shows on Broadway average similar numbers on the resale market. Currently, tickets for Aladdin are averaging $221, tickets for Wicked average $259, and The Lion King averages $264. Hamilton is one of the only Broadway shows that averages well above other productions, as resale tickets for the larger-than-life show are currently averaging $1,211. The record for the longest running show at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre was previously held by the original production of The Man of La Mancha, which spent three years there before transferring from the ANTA Washington Square Theatre. Fans traveling into the city to see Kinky Boots can secure parking in New York City through Parkwhiz.com, where rates begin for as low as $25. Kinky Boots is the winner of six 2013 Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The current Broadway cast includes Alan Mingo, Jr., Andy Kelso, Jeanna de Waal, Daniel Stewart Sherman, Cortney Wolfson, Marcus Neville, Nick Rashad Burroughs, Sean Patrick Doyle and more. 2016 The Classical Art, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. TagsKinky Boots, Cyndi Lauper, Harvey Fierstein, Alan Mingo Jr AKRON, Ohio -- An Akron man will spend 15 years in prison for attacking and robbing an 81-year-old woman and burglarizing four other homes. Brandon Elkins, 26, pleaded guilty Thursday to aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, escape, burglary and two counts of receiving stolen property. Summit County Common Pleas Judge Tammy O'Brien sentenced him to 13 years for the new charges and two extra years for violating the terms of his probation in a 2013 burglary case. Elkins' first burglary during the three-month spree happened Sept. 22 at a home on Sunset Avenue. In that case, he's accused of breaking into the home between 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. and stealing a laptop and a video game system. A witness took photos of Elkins and his car as he drove away. He also broke into a home Oct. 20 in the 1000 block of Juniper Avenue while the homeowners were at work. He smashed a back window with a brick and stole $2,000 from an envelope tucked into a slot machine-shaped purse. Six days later, he broke into two apartments in the 100 block of South Canton Road by smashing a window. He stole a television, a gold watch, two diamond rings and diamond earrings from one apartment and a tablet computer from another. On Nov. 16, he returned to the same Juniper home and stole two jewelry boxes. The next day, Elkins attacked the 81-year-old woman from behind as she brought groceries into her home in the 1600 block of Highview Avenue. Elkins forced his way into her home, dragged the woman throughout the building and demanded her money. He stole jewelry off her wrist. Akron police arrested Elkins hiding in the attic at his Nadia Court home. Police found the woman's purse with Elkins. Investigators found stolen items in the trunk of Elkins' car. As Akron officers took him from the police station to a patrol wagon in order to drive him to the county jail, Elkins shoved an officer and ran. He was found after about 20 minutes and charged with escape. If you wish to discuss or comment on this story, please visit our crime and courts comments section. The little dog lay curled up and shaking outside Berea's Union Depot Tavern when line cook Tyler Gass stepped outside and found her that intemperate evening of April 2. Kyra, a nine-month-old, blue-eyed Siberian Husky and her male sibling, Storm, had Alan Rick, left and his wife, Karen, are grateful for the efforts of Micki Ezzo, center, Tyler Gass, right and local police officers, which likely saved the life of their Siberian Husky, Kyra. both bolted from the Sylvia Drive home of their owners, Alan and Karen Rick of Brook Park, running free in the wind and snow. Storm was found a short time later near Teamz Restaurant & Bar, 6611 Eastland Road in Middleburg Heights, but Kyra made it all the way to Berea, where she was struck by a car in front of the former train station at 30 Depot St. Gass said Kyra was injured and appeared to be frightened as she huddled in bushes next to a trash bin. "She was bleeding," he said. Tavern Manager Micki Ezzo, with the aid of Gass and Berea police officers, wrapped Kyra in a small blanket and placed her in Ezzo's car for a fast trip to West Park Animal Hospital, 4117 Rocky River Drive in Cleveland." "She was really hurt and probably in shock and freezing," Ezzo said. But, despite the severity of Kyra's injuries, including a couple of fractured ribs and a fractured hip, she appears to be making a swift recovery. The Ricks have expressed their gratitude to all who aided Kyra and whose quick action likely saved her life. Ezzo said the couple "gave us a reward and a thank you card and they've been to coming to our restaurant ever since." Award-winning author to speak: D.M. Pulley, author of "The Dead Key" will speak at 7 p.m. April 2 at the Berea Historical Society's Mahler Museum and History Center, 118 East Bridge St. Pulley was the Grand Prize winner of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award for 2014. Her debut novel, "The Dead Key," was inspired by her work as a structural engineer in Cleveland. A limited number of books will be available for sale. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 440-243-2541 or visit bereahistoricalsociety.org. Why not give poetry a whirl: It's Never Too Late To Be a Poet Lunch and Learn Poetry Writing Workshop will be at 11 a.m. April 21 at North Park Senior Living, 14801 Holland Road in Brook Park. This workshop will be adventurous for beginners who will learn how to let their pen travel across paper with their thoughts and words. The styles of poetry writing and the ways in which poetry can be a source of joy and a stress will also be discussed. During this workshop, participants will create a poem with the techniques learned and hear readings from local poets. The workshop is sponsored by Cuyahoga County Library's Brook Park branch. A complimentary lunch will be provided. For more information, visit cuyahogalibrary.org. Please call 216-267-0555 to RSVP by Monday, April 8. ARF volunteers needed: The Berea Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) will sponsor a new volunteer orientation at 7 p.m. April 27 at the Cuyahoga County Library's Berea branch, 7 Berea Commons. Reliable and dedicated volunteers are needed to help with rescued dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens. Volunteer cat helpers, therapists, and dog walkers are also needed at the shelter, along with cat monitors at the Fairview Park and Strongsville Petco stores. Anyone 18 years or older interested in learning how to help homeless animals by volunteering a few hours weekly or every other week, is welcome. Visit bereaanimalrescue.com or email: voluntterwitharft@gmal.com. Please email information on items you would like to see included in this column to richatsun@gmail.com. Celebrate everything Irish: Young explorers in grades K-5 are invited to explore the magic of Ireland through stories, games, crafts and music at 7 p.m. April 21 at the Cuyahoga Library's Berea branch, 7 Berea Commons.explore amazing magnetic forces with common household objects and see how much fun simple science can be. This event will also include the exploration of amazing magnetic forces with common household objects. See how much fun simple science can be. The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati ruled this week that the FBI and other federal law enforcement agencies need not apply for a search warrant when seeking to obtain a certain types of cellphone data. The decision further creates a split on what states allow investigators to collect such data without a warrant and which ones set a higher bar. The American Civil Liberties Union has pointed to this decision, as well as others, as an intrusion that should require a judge's approval. Appeals court says government doesn't need warrant for some cellphone tracking By Eric Heisig, cleveland.com, April 16, 2016 CINCINNATI, Ohio A federal appeals court in Cincinnati has said that the government does not need to get a warrant when asking cellphone providers to hand over location information as part of criminal prosecution. The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, in a ruling handed down Wednesday, said that warrants and a probable cause finding by a judge to require an intrusion into a persons privacy is not necessary when investigators want to obtain cell-site location information. This data is collected when a phone uses a signal from a cell tower. It is often not used for real-time location monitoring, but rather it is gathered later in reports that cellphone providers give to investigators. Such information is used by the government in trials to show the general location of a person at the time a crime happened. While not precise, it can give investigators a rough idea of whether a suspect was in the area. The 6th Circuits ruling effectively lowers the bar for the feds to obtain such location information. It also further complicates the issue for federal law enforcement as judges in other federal jurisdictions have reached difference conclusions on this issue. This creates a muddled set of standards that can only be resolved by the U.S. Supreme Court. If you want to comment on this story, please visit the cleveland.com crime and courts comments section. Photo by The Associated Press Don't Edit What's the case? The case in question centers on Timothy Carpenter and his half-brother Timothy Sanders, two men who were part of a scheme to rob cellphone stores in Michigan and in Warren, Ohio. Both men were found guilty at trial. Carpenter is serving a 116-year sentence, while Sanders was given 14 years. Before their trial began, both men asked a federal judge in Detroit to forbid prosecutors from using cell-site data as evidence. The FBI got the data after getting orders from a magistrate judge to obtain transactional records for different phone companies for 16 people. Of that data, they obtained 127 days in records for Carpenter and 88 days for Sanders. The men argued that the FBI needed a warrant to get the data in order to protect both mens Fourth Amendment rights against unlawful searches and seizures. The judge denied their claim, and both men appealed. Photo by The Associated Press Don't Edit The court's decision The 6th Circuit, in a ruling authored by Judge Raymond Kethledge, shows that the court does not feel that it is unduly obtrusive to look a person's location through obtaining what it simply sees as "business records." Kethledge wrote that courts across the country have long held that while investigators need a warrant to look at the contents of a letter, package or email or to listen in on a phone call, they do not need one when they are simply looking at how a message got from one place to the next. (You can read the full decision here.) In this case, the FBI was looking at where the phone was after the fact, and not the contents of what Carpenter and Sanders said when they made calls or sent text messages, the judge wrote. Photo by The Plain Dealer Don't Edit Defendants, ACLU say recent cases apply The ACLU tried its hand in swaying the court, filing a "friend of the court" brief citing United States v. Jones. The 2012 U.S. Supreme Court case penned by the late-Justice Antonin Scalia said that placing a GPS tracking device on a car constitutes an illegal search. Kethledge and the panel disagreed, saying this type of collection is not an intrusion on a persons constitutional rights. Moreover, he wrote, GPS tracking devices like the one at the center of Jones decision are much more accurate. Cellphone data, on the other hand, can sometimes only say whether a person was within two miles of a location, and rural areas with fewer cell towers can be even less accurate, the opinion says. The defendants also tried to argue that 2014 decision in the case of Riley v. California also applies. In that case, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that warrantless searches of the contents of a cellphone are illegal. Kethledge also shoots this down, writing that the tracking data is much broader and less specific than files on a cellphone. Photo by The Associated Press Don't Edit Eric Heisig, cleveland.com What does this mean? Wednesdays decision means that federal investigators in Ohio, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee, all of the states over which the 6th Circuit presides, do not need a warrant to obtain certain types of cellphone tracking information. That precedent is different than Pennsylvania, Indiana and West Virginia, neighboring states in which courts have ruled differently, sometimes only slightly. The rest of the country is similarly split. As an article by The Atlantic points out, the ruling "only complicates the legal situation of their use, which is now so complex that driving across the border from Illinois to Kentucky changes how federal authorities can use the technology." While the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled on similar cases, it has not yet weighed in on this form of cellphone tracking. Two other circuits, the 5th and 11th, previously ruled the same way that the 6th did, The Atlantic reported. The ACLU has a handy map on how law enforcement can track cellphones from state to state. You can find it here. ACLU attorney Nathan Freed Wessler said in an emailed statement that the 6th Circuits decision "fails to adequately account for the privacy violations made possible by the cellphones that we all need to carry around to live our lives normally. "When police obtain months' worth of cellphone data comprising thousands of individual locations, like they did in this case, they should have to get a search warrant from a judge," Wessler said. Copyright 2016 American Civil Liberties Union. Originally posted by the ACLU here. Don't Edit 15DARCY-DODGERS.jpg The Democratic debate in Brooklyn, New York, was hostile for start to finish. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The cartoon above was drawn before the Democratic debate in Brooklyn between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders. Sanders ended up standing on the opposite side from what's shown. Hillary wore a white outfit, not green. But the rest of the cartoon is fairly accurate at capturing the scene and tone of the debate. Bernie Sanders name-dropped Pope Francis, who he hopes to meet with this weekend, but Sanders and Clinton were as pious and meek as lions and Gladiators were in the Roman Coliseum. As expected, the sniping between the two opponents in the weeks leading up to the debate, characterized their exchanges in Brooklyn. The debate was contentious from start to finish as the candidates sparred over minimum wage, wall street, guns, fracking, Libya,Israel, NATO and the crime bill signed by President Bill Clinton. In the two hours Sanders and Clinton spent playing beanball, Clinton connected more times than she whiffed, and was able to dodge most of what Sanders threw at her. Sanders main pitch -- that Clinton is beholden to Wall Street -- fell flat when he couldn't name one example of Clinton-Wall Street quid pro quo. On the issue of guns, Sanders would have shot himself in the foot if he wasn't firing blanks to begin with. His stumbling answers might have gone over in a general election with Independents and Republicans, but for someone who is supposed to be the champion of progressives, and is trying to expand his appeal to win Democratic primaries in New York and Pennsylvania, his answers on guns backfired. The gun exchange was one of several times Sanders was actually booed my the boisterous crowd. Clinton repeatedly tried to establish a theme that Sanders is great at diagnosing problems but not great at fixing them. Nothing Sanders said in the debate disproved that new Clinton campaign mantra. Sanders trails Clinton by 17 points in New York. It's doubtful he did enough in the Brooklyn debate to dodge a loss to Clinton on Tuesday. FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio -- The Fairview Park man facing charges in a Thursday crash that injured a high school student has been released from custody so he can receive medical treatment, records show. David Powlowski, 60, is charged with aggravated vehicular assault and suspicion of drunken driving in the crash that happened just after 3 p.m. outside Fairview High School. He waived his right to a preliminary hearing during his arraignment Friday in Rocky River Municipal Court. The case has been bound over to the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court. Municipal Judge Donna C. Fitzsimmons ordered Powlowski released from custody so he can receive medical treatment. He will be required to wear an alcohol monitor once he is released from the hospital, and he will not be allowed to drive for any reason. If he violates the bond conditions he will be taken into custody and held without bail, records show. Powlowski is accused of hitting the student with his SUV while trying to park outside the high school gymnasium. He sped up while pulling into a parking spot, drove over a curb and hit the student, police said. First responders found the injured student and took her to Fairview Hospital. She is in stable condition, police said Friday. Powlowski was arrested at the scene and taken to the Fairview Park Police Department. He took a breath test and registered a .177 percent blood-alcohol level, police said. The legal threshold in the state of Ohio is .08 percent. If you want to comment on this story, please visit the cleveland.com crime and courts comments section. FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio -- A Fairview Park man is facing drunken driving charges in a Thursday crash that injured a high school student, police said. David Powlowski, 60, is also charged with aggravated vehicular assault in the crash. He will appear Friday in Rocky River Municipal Court. Powlowski is accused of hitting the student with his SUV while trying to park outside the high school gymnasium. He accelerated while pulling into a parking spot, drove over a curb and hit the student, police said. First responders found the injured student and took her to Fairview Hospital. She is in stable condition, but police could not say Friday if she has been released from the hospital. Powlowski was arrested at the scene and taken to the Fairview Park Police Department. He took a breath test and registered a .177 blood-alcohol level, police said. The legal threshold in the state of Ohio is .08. If you want to comment on this story, please visit the cleveland.com crime and courts comments section. Public debate opens on proposal to make Medicaid recipients pay to access care Ohio Governor John Kasich makes his plea for expanding Medicaid insurance at the Cleveland Clinic on Oct. 18, 2013. On Friday, his administration filed a draft proposal that would require Medicaid enrollees to help pay for their care starting in 2018. (Lisa DeJong/The Plain Dealer) Gov. John Kasich's administration today filed a detailed draft of changes to the state's Medicaid program, kicking off public debate over a requirement that beneficiaries make monthly payments or lose their coverage. If approved by the federal government, the changes would require about 1.5 million Ohioans on Medicaid to contribute to a health savings account to help pay for their care. The changes would take effect in 2018. The filing of the draft will trigger a monthlong comment period in which people can submit opinions to state and federal regulators. Public hearings are scheduled for April 21 and May 3. The proposal is already fueling a fiery debate in communities statewide. Supporters say it injects needed personal responsibility into the program and will help pare Medicaid's ever-rising costs. Opponents argue it undermines recent progress in expanding access to Medicaid and will erect a cost barrier in front of people who can least afford it. "This proposal hurts people like servers at restaurants, retail associates, and caregivers," said Steve Wagner, executive director of Ohio's Universal Health Care Action Network. "These are people who are barely getting by as it is." The proposal for Medicaid enrollees to make financial contributions was first made by Kasich, who suggested premiums be paid by people making more than 100 percent of the federal poverty level. The state Legislature replaced it with a plan that would require all non-disabled adults on Medicaid, regardless of income, to pay up to $99 a year, or $8.25 a month, into a health savings account. The state would then contribute $1,000 annually into each person's account to help pay for health services. Supporters said the program is designed to get enrollees to budget their health care dollars and more directly participate in the costs and consequences of medical decision making. One of its architects, State Rep. Jim Butler, a Republican from Oakwood, said the changes would improve health outcomes by encouraging the use of primary and preventive care. "These incentives will result in patients being healthier and utilizing the health care system in a better way," Butler said. "The incentives also produce healthier outcomes, and healthier outcomes are going to mean a more sustainable program in the long run." Ohio's application is being watched closely because it is among the first to be considered in states that opted to expand Medicaid under Obamacare. It could also continue to play into Kasich's campaign for the White House and the broader political debate over health care funding and coverage. Ohio's proposal is modeled after a seven-year-old program in Indiana that also requires enrollees to pay into an account as a requirement of receiving health coverage. As in Ohio, the Indiana program uses financial incentives to encourage participants to use preventative and primary care. Butler pointed to survey data in Indiana showing that the program has resulted in participants relying less on expensive emergency room visits to get care. A survey of Indiana enrollees by Mathematica Policy Research indicated that 30 percent of new enrollees reported using the emergency room as their main source of care. That percentage dropped to 9.2 percent among established enrollees who had used the program for some time. "It helps to encourage participation instead of being a recipient," Butler said. "And the data shows that it results in people being healthier." Opponents of the changes argue, however, that requiring additional contributions from Medicaid enrollees will simply cause more people to drop out of the program altogether. State projections indicate that enrollment in Medicaid will drop between 125,000 and 140,000 following the implementation of the changes. "If they drop out, it is just costing us more," Wagner said. "Then they end up not getting the preventive services and going to the hospital only when they are very sick, and that's expensive." Wagner encouraged people to submit comments in coming months to state regulators and the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which has final say over whether the proposed changes will be implemented. A spokesman for the Ohio Department of Medicaid said the final application, including pubic comments, will be submitted to CMS by June 30. It is unclear when CMS will make its determination, but the process typically takes six to nine months. CLEVELAND, Ohio - A 31-year-old Cleveland man is accused of breaking a 4-year-old girl's jaw with a belt. Cortez P. Fears on Friday entered a not guilty plea to one count of endangering children and two counts of felonious assault. Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge Michael Astrab set his bond at $100,000. Astrab ordered Fears to have no contact with the victim as a condition of his bond. The pretrial hearing was scheduled for 9 a.m. April 29. Fears on March 30 struck the girl with a belt, leaving marks on her face, arms and back, according to court documents. The girl's jaw was broken in two places. The incident happened at a home near the corner of Morgan Avenue and East 72nd Street, documents say. Fears is not the girl's father. He was arrested the following day. Fears was found guilty of aggravated robbery in 2007, court records show. He was sentenced to three years in prison. If you want to comment on this story, please visit the cleveland.com crime and courts comments section. watch now watch now watch now John Kasich has little chance of topping Donald Trump in the mogul's home state Tuesday, but the Ohio governor believes his record shows why voters should choose him over Ted Cruz. Kasich, a longshot for the Republican presidential nomination, said he has taken a message of "hope" to New York ahead of the state's primary. In an interview with CNBC's Larry Kudlow Thursday, he looked to distance himself from his rivals, not only through economic policy but also through his track record. "Voters think that if a politician's lips are moving, they're lying. I can show evidence that what I say I've already done and I can accomplish it again," the GOP hopeful said in New York. Speaking of Cruz, the U.S. senator from Texas, Kasich contended "he didn't accomplish anything the whole time he's been in" the Senate. U.S. Republican presidential candidate, Ohio Gov. John Kasich Bryan Woolston | Reuters Kasich's comments come amid mounting questions about why he has not dropped out of the race. He has won only 143 delegates so far, and cannot garner enough delegates to win the Republican presidential nomination before July's Republican National Convention, according to NBC News. Both Trump and Cruz currently triple his pledged delegates. Kasich still holds a chance at the GOP nomination if no candidate comes to the convention with the required number of delegates. His campaign is upbeat despite the long odds. "The reason why Trump and Cruz are trying to push us out is they know we can win an open convention," campaign communications director Mike Schrimpf previously told CNBC. Trump gets support from 54 percent of likely Republican primary voters in New York, according to an NBC News/Wall Street Journal/Marist poll released this week. The same poll showed Kasich with 21 percent of support and Cruz with 18 percent. If Trump tops 50 percent of the vote statewide and in each of New York's congressional districts, he will walk away with all of the state's 95 delegates. watch now watch now watch now Data measuring the mood of consumers and Citigroup 's earnings are two reports traders will be watching Friday. The winning streak in financial stocks continued for a fifth day Thursday, with BlackRock and Bank of America shares rising after earnings announcements. Wells Fargo was lower after its report. Bank of America profits fell nearly 20 percent but it reported improvement in consumer and commercial banking activity. The S&P financial sector is up more than 4 percent for the week so far. The closed just slightly higher Thursday, up less than a point at 2,082. Consumer sentiment is reported at 10 a.m. EDT, and it will be the first look at the data for April. March retail sales this week disappointed and showed a consumer less willing to spend than expected. Sentiment is projected to rise slightly to 92 from 91. Nikada | E+ | Getty Images Read MoreAnalyst: Most bullish on bank stocks in 20 years "I think people are going to turn to the economics here. We all know we're going to get a weak first-quarter GDP. That's well baked in. There's been just enough data weakening of late that people are starting to get concerned about it," said James Paulsen, chief investment strategist at Wells Capital Management. Economists are forecasting a very sluggish first quarter, with growth of less than 1 percent. Other economic reports expected Friday include the April Empire State Survey at 8:30 a.m. EDT, an important first look at activity in the second quarter. Industrial production and capacity utilization for March are released at 9:15 a.m. There is also a release from the Treasury on TIC data or international capital flows at 4 p.m. Citigroup reports earnings ahead of the bell, as does Charles Schwab and Regions Financial. Also important will be trading in BATs Global Markets, the exchange operator. BATs priced its long-awaited IPO Thursday night at $19, the high end of the range, and its first day of trading Friday will be of interest since it is the first significant IPO in four months. Argentina confirmed the seven banks managing its upcoming bond issue in the government's official gazette on Friday as it prepares to return to international credit markets for the first time in 15 years. Argentina's President Mauricio Macri (R) and President Barack Obama leave after posing at the Casa Rosada government house in Buenos Aires, March 23, 2016. Argentina plans within days to launch the sale of its first international bond issue in 15 years, raising up to $15 billion to ease government financing and settle litigation that followed a $100 billion default in 2002. The minimum amount Argentina will issue will be $8.5 billion, because that is the amount owed to so-called holdout creditors, Cecely Hugh of Aberdeen Asset Management told CNBC. Hugh said the bookrunners had called for an investor call on Monday and might issue guidance pricing before or after. The bookrunners are indicating yields of 7 percent, 8 percent and 9 percent for the 5-year notes, 10-year notes and 30-year bonds respectively, she added. A U.S. court ruling on Wednesday cleared the way for Argentina to pay outstanding debts and raise new funds to pay those settlements. His promise to tax "Wall Street speculators" as social restitution for the taxpayer-funded bailout of 2008 is misguided at best. This tax targets helpful market activity that had nothing to do with the risky subprime mortgage loans that prompted the bailout. Further still, it goes beyond Wall Street to tens of millions of investors whenever they, or those managing their retirement savings, trade stocks and bonds. Recently, the Dutch Finance Ministry called a financial transaction tax "a charge on pensions." An ironic twist given the strong support Sanders enjoys from unions. A link on Sanders' website explaining how the tax "would generate about $300 billion in revenue," leads only to a memo by Robert Pollin and James Heintz of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. That document begins "we emphasize that our conclusions are not based on anything close to the type of solid foundation in research and evidence that one would normally expect in considering such an important question." (Note: After this piece was published, the link on the Sanders campaign web site was changed.) watch now Bill Miller, chairman & CIO of LMM, said he's optimistic about the future of Valeant Pharmaceuticals . Speaking with CNBC's "Closing Bell" on Friday, he acknowledged it is "probably the most toxic name in the market," but he said the troubled pharmaceutical company should be worth about double its current trading price. "It's worth at least $60 and we can get significantly higher prices depending on what happens in the business in the next couple of years," Miller said. The stock closed Friday at about $32 per share. The Canada-based drug maker has been struggling after its stock dropped more than 80 percent since August as a result of high drug prices and a controversial relationship with a specialty pharmacy, which drew criticism in the political sphere. Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange underneath a board showing the name of Valeant Pharmaceuticals shortly before the opening of the markets in New York October 22, 2015. Lucas Jackson | Reuters Though it has decided not to sell any major businesses as of yet, Valeant is reviewing its options with investment banks as interest from buyout firms increases. "When you have a busted roll-up like Valeant ... if those businesses they bought are good cash generating businesses, the cash will be used to pay down the debt," Miller said. Whether or not Valeant will ever trade at $200 per share again is doubtful, Miller said, adding there would have to be changes to its business model for Valeant to bounce back to its former highs. "I think there was aggressive behavior driven by the incentive structure to get the stock higher," Miller said of Valeant. Judging by the reaction of financial markets, traders seem encouraged by the recent round of Chinese economic data, from gross domestic product and exports to industrial production and retail sales. But those traders may be leaping to conclusions. STR | AFP | Getty Images "In the short term, it reinforces what we've been trying to get investors to listen to China is not headed for a hard landing. Retail sales witnessing double-digit growth. Housing market looks like it is stabilizing ... indicating that the stimulus put in place by the central bank is starting to work," said Sameer Samana, global quantitative strategist at Wells Fargo Investment Institute. But Wall Street veterans including Samana caution that investors should not buy into the idea of a Chinese recovery too quickly turnarounds take time. At least three to four months of consistently good numbers representing a gradual rebound in China's industrial and services sectors will be needed before any seasoned economist will be able to label China as a "turnaround story." With every statistic we see out of Asia, ex-China, whether it's Taiwan, whether it's Hong Kong and other Asian countries, they're suffering slowdowns from their sensitivity and exposure to China. Peter Boockvar managing director, Lindsey Group Moreover, the earnings of major Chinese corporations would also need to illustrate a rebound in profit and sales growth. According to Shanghai-based financial data firm Wind Information, steel, industrial and energy companies in 2015 posted a 45 percent or greater drop in net profits on average. That's definitely not an encouraging sign, experts say, given how actively the central bank was injecting liquidity into the economy. Analysts point to something else, as well: Neighboring trading partners of China continue to post dismal numbers, suggesting that the improvement in China's March data may not be accurate. South Korea reported a double-digit decline in first-quarter exports. Taiwan posted weaker-than-expected March trade data earlier this week, with exports plunging 11.4 percent and imports dropping 17 percent year over year. Growth in Hong Kong's manufacturing sector came in at its lowest level since August. And Japan's latest Tankan Survey indicated further deterioration in business activity and confidence. "With every statistic we see out of Asia, ex-China, whether it's Taiwan, whether it's Hong Kong and other Asian countries, they're suffering slowdowns from their sensitivity and exposure to China," said Peter Boockvar, managing director of Washington-based economic advisory firm The Lindsey Group. Markets for years have had a sort of psychological co-dependency on China, given its prevalence, influence and growth in the global economy. But other macroeconomic factors at play volatility in currencies, rising fears over Japan's economy and the effectiveness of global central bank policy have attracted some investors' attention and sidelined the awareness they normally give to China. The yuan: It still matters Strategists who spoke to CNBC said it will only take another disappointing report from China or a significant drop in the yuan for global investors to once again put the world's second-biggest economy at the top of their worry list. Also important is the talk from Chinese policymakers. President Xi Jinping and central bank Governor Zhou Xiaochuan have expressed an intent to keep the yuan stable. Finance Minister Lou Jiwei has attempted to inspire confidence among global investors, resulting in the offshore yuan gaining ground against a basket of currencies. Bets against the yuan were popular among hedge fund giants such as David Tepper and Bill Ackman. Yuan appreciation over the last two months has made that trade less tenable. Still, Beijing experts are forecasting a gradual depreciation in the Chinese currency. The question is how global stock markets will respond to a drop in yuan, which hurts foreign companies that do business in China. "I don't think the Chinese will devalue the yuan in the near term, but if they were to do it, markets would take it negatively. It would reintroduce the threat of competitive devaluation, which could likely feed into other global markets," said Samana. "This meeting isn't about freezing anything. There are way too many countries involved and OPEC itself is basically broken. It is every country for itself in the oil market," Cramer said. While individual stocks can transcend oil, Cramer anticipates that crude will be in the driver's seat again next week because of the OPEC meeting in Doha. Oil ministers from both OPEC and Russia are expected to gather to discuss freezing oil production. "Oil is in control as we saw today. That is OK, as long as we know what we want to buy as we can use the declines to put money to work in situations that might not otherwise be down if it weren't for crude's weakness," the " Mad Money " host said. Once again, oil was in control of stocks on Friday. The market is so interlinked with crude that Jim Cramer pretty much knows if oil opens down, so will stocks. This would be the kind of classic stock that could be bought on an oil-related swoon ahead of the quarter Wednesday. Cramer recognized that OPEC is still relevant, but in his perspective, everything comes down to supply and demand. Right now supply is being cut back in the U.S. and demand worldwide is picking up. Cramer expects that no conclusions will be reached at the meeting, and oil will sell off. That is when he wants investors to buy favorite stocks but not oil stocks that are taken down by a market-wide sell-off. With earnings season in full swing next week, Cramer outlined the stocks on his radar: Monday: PepsiCo, IBM, Netflix PepsiCo : This stock was downgraded earlier in the week, but PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi has reduced costs while growing revenues, so he will be ready to buy. Netflix : Netflix must demonstrate acceleration in sub-growth in both the U.S. and international. That is a tall order for the stock. Read more from Mad Money with Jim Cramer Cramer Remix: A sucker's game for this stock Cramer: The secret to trading Facebook Cramer: New dynamic signals big earnings season Tuesday: Johnson & Johnson, Intel, Yahoo Yahoo : This stock has become hard to own with the soap opera factor of whether it will be for sale. Cramer is hoping to hear that it simply is for sale and buyers can come and get it to end the drama. Wednesday: Coca-Cola, Yum Brands Coca-Cola : Cramer expects a good quarter from the beverage giant. The stock isn't cheap, but Cramer is impressed with how the CEO has managed to improve volumes and wrench costs. "This would be the kind of classic stock that could be bought on an oil-related swoon ahead of the quarter," Cramer said. Thursday: Alphabet, Microsoft, Under Armour, Starbucks, Schlumberger, Visa Alphabet : Cramer expects that the quarter will produce an interesting revision upward, because of the international exposure the company has. It could be a beneficiary to a weaker dollar. Microsoft : While P.C. usage is soft, Cramer thinks investors may be pleasantly surprised by Microsoft's cloud business. Friday: American Airlines, Caterpillar, General Electric, Honeywell, Kimberly-Clark, McDonald's Caterpillar : This could be a tough one because of its relationship to China, but maybe investors won't care. Cramer wouldn't blame investors that want to ring the register ahead of earnings given the huge move the stock has had. General Electric : If oil is down next week, Cramer recommended that some may want to sell this stock based on the huge run it has had. Though, he doubts it will be hammered too severely. "That is your opportunity. Seize it," Cramer said. Disclosure: Cramer's charitable trust held a position in General Electric, Alphabet, PepsiCo, Starbucks, Schlumberger and Visa at the time this story was published. The Trump campaign has parlayed its strength in marketing to a significant lead in pledged delegates. Trump's clearest likely only path to the nomination is to arrive in Cleveland with the requisite 1,237 delegates committed to voting for him on the first ballot. If he fails to secure that majority, his weak ground game will then begin to show as he loses delegates on subsequent ballots. His New York strategy is thus straightforward: win as many votes as possible, wherever possible. If the polls hold, he will win all 14 of the at-large delegates, and at least two delegates from each of the state's districts. Given his commanding lead in the polls, however, Trump should consider anything short of a clean sweep disappointing. The Cruz campaign, which boasts a powerful ground game, has been playing the primaries to gain enough delegates to win on the second or third ballot. Cruz is not well-known in New York, and polls suggest that his quip about "New York values" did little to ingratiate him even to New York's Republicans. Still, he has attempted to deploy his quiet microtargeting to play a weak hand well. Cruz's two highest profile stops in the state have been a meeting with black evangelical ministers in the Bronx and a trip to a matzah bakery with Orthodox Jews in Brooklyn. watch now Shack Shack fans in North Carolina may be waiting a long time for the cult favorite burgers to come to the state. Famed restaurateur and Shack Shack founder Danny Meyer says North Carolina's controversial "Bathroom Bill" would keep him from doing business in the Tar Heel state. "One of the things small businesses have the opportunity to do is to take a stand," Meyer told CNBC. "I think where you go to work and how you feel about your job and whether your job aligns with your values makes a big difference. I would love to do business in places and bring our products to places that feel welcoming to all people." Company name # of Jobs Location (in NC) Money invested (millions) Response Paypal 400 Charlotte $3.6 Halted plans Braeburn Pharmaceuticals 52 Durham County $19.9 Reevaluating our options KSM Castings USA 80 Shelby $80 Unitquetex 150 Grover $31.6 RSI Home Products Manufacturing 175 Richmond County $5.8 GF Automotive and Linamar Corporation 350 Mills River $217 Krystal Engineering 82 Caldwell County $20.9 Plans unchanged Republic Services 350 Charlotte $6.8 Perdue Foods 30 Rockingham $10.9 Coty 25 Sanford $19 The Hillshire Brands Company 98 Tarboro $28.4 BSH Home Appliances Corporation 460 New Bern $80.7 Corning Optical Communications 150 Mecklenburg County $38.7 Plans unchanged Red Ventures 500 Charlotte $5 Reevaluating our growth plans Qorvo 100 Greensboro $25 Premier Research 260 Durham $4.1 Ivars Cabinet Shop 27 Shelby $2.8 Plans unchanged Alcami (AAIPharma Services Corp./Cambridge Major Laboratories) 37 Wilmington $15.8 WillowTree 98 Durham $0.25 Frontier Communications 200 Durham $4.3 GKN Sinter Metals 55 Conover $19.8 Fidelity Investments 600 Durham County $8 Ashley Furniture Industries 454 Davie County $8.7 Magneti Marelli Powertrain USA 76 Sanford $12 North State Aviation 109 North Carolina Global TransPark $0.9 Deutsche Bank 250 Wake County Not disclosed Halted plans to create 250 new jobs Source: Sources: North Carolina Office of the Governor and the companies. Signed into law in late March, House Bill 2 established a statewide anti-discrimination policy that excludes protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Its most controversial provision maintains that in schools and government buildings, transgender people must use the restroom that correlates with the gender on their birth certificates, though private sector businesses can institute their own policies. Shake Shack and Meyer's restaurant group do not currently operate in the state. Many corporations and chief executives including Tim Cook of Apple have joined the fight against the new law. Meyer spoke at a Small Business Town Hall event hosted by Capital One Spark Business in New York City on Thursday night. The chief executive of the Union Square Hospitality Group sparked national conversation when he decided to do away with tipping at his 13 full-service venues as a way to "compensate all of our employees equitably, competitively and professionally," Meyer wrote in an October 2015 letter. Since then, major strides have been made on the wage front, including deals in California and New York to raise the statewide minimum wages to $15 an hour, well above the federal minimum of $7.25 an hour. "I think it's ludicrous we are willing to pay $15 or whatever the minimum wage is to a certain class, but if you are in a tipped class you get dramatically less money," Meyer said. "There's just nothing more important than having a level playing field where all businesses pay people what they're worth and recognize it does cost money to live here it's kind of hard to love your job if you can't afford an apartment." watch now Yahoo is slated to report quarterly earnings Tuesday, the day after bidding to acquire the company's core businesses closes. On average, analysts expect Yahoo to report earnings of 7 cents per share, down from 15 cents a share in the same quarter last year. For most investors, however, Yahoo's quarterly results come second to any hints about the company's potential sale. "Monday will steal Tuesday's show when we see who the suitors are and maybe get a preview of what they think this is worth," said Max Wolff, chief economist at Manhattan Venture Partners, in an interview with CNBC. Earlier this week, the parent company of British newspaper the Daily Mail was added to the long list of Yahoo's potential suitors. Other potential bidders include Verizon , CBS , InterActiveCorp and Microsoft , according to The Wall Street Journal, which first reported the talks between the Daily Mail and Yahoo. "Verizon by far and away is the leading bidder here," said Robert Peck, internet equity analyst at SunTrust, in an interview with CNBC's "Closing Bell" on Monday. He expects Yahoo to sell for $6 billion to $8 billion considering its core business as well as intellectual property and real estate holdings. Scott Kessler, internet analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence, is less convinced that investors will glean any more certainty about a potential sale. Kessler said he wouldn't be surprised if Yahoo doesn't say a word about its suitors at all on its earnings call after the bell Tuesday. The European Parliament gave final approval on Thursday to an exchange of airline passenger data between security forces in the European Union, ending a stand-off between privacy advocates and those who consider the move crucial to fighting terrorism. The law on retaining and sharing passenger name records - PNR - had been stalled for years because of opposition within the European Parliament to the blanket collection of such data. Islamist militant attacks in Paris last year and in Brussels last month spurred France and other governments to call for the swift adoption of PNR to improve security against terrorism. Brussels Airlines aircraft are seen on the tarmac at Zaventem international airport near Brussels. Francois Lenoir | Reuters French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve welcomed the deal as a "precious tool" to strengthen European security by making it easier to detect the movements of suspected Islamic militants ahead of time. Some left-wing groups opposed the measure, arguing that it infringed people's privacy and that security forces should share more existing information instead. "There is no proof that the mass collection and storage of air passenger data helps in combating terrorism," said Jan Albrecht, a member of parliament from the Greens group. Thursday's vote paves the way for the final adoption of the law by EU member states. "PNR is not a silver bullet but countries that have national PNR systems have shown time and again that it is highly effective," Timothy Kirkhope, a European parliamentarian who steered the legislation to adoption, said after the vote. PNR includes name, travel dates, itinerary, ticket details, contact details, travel agent, means of payment, seat number and baggage information. Donald Trump could find his claim to the presidential nomination in jeopardy if he comes into this summer's convention a couple hundred delegates short of 1,237, former Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele said Friday. "If Donald Trump goes in there short 200-plus delegates, then it's a whole different ballgame," Steele told CNBC's "Squawk Box." He said if Trump were only 100 delegates short of the magic number it would be hard for party leaders to deny him the nomination. Trump has 756 delegates, Sen. Ted Cruz has 545 and Ohio Gov, John Kasich 143, according to NBC News. Trump has been helping his case with GOP establishment officials by acting more presidential recently, Steele said, citing the billionaire real estate mogul's actions Thursday night at a Republican fundraiser in New York City. "It was interesting because, at the beginning, he did his like 15-minute riff on building buildings here in New York," Steele said. "And then he turned his head down and started to read notes and text. And I was like, wow because he never does that." Trump is starting to see himself in the role of president and "doing the disciplined things you need to do," Steele said. John S Lander | LightRocket | Getty Images His point is obvious inside Gotham Greens' 20,000-square-foot rooftop greenhouse facility in Gowanus, Brooklyn, where red leaf goes from seed to sprout to harvest in tech-savvy, climate-controlled conditions no wind, rain, or temperature fluctuations to be dealt with and is then sold just steps below, on shelves at Whole Foods, and nearby to diners at restaurants like Franny's and Gramercy Tavern. It's just a small peek at a new approach to supplying supermarkets, restaurants, and chefs with the locally-grown produce consumers are increasingly demanding. Gotham Greens has raised about $30 million to date and now has four greenhouse farms in New York City and Chicago that total 170,000 square feet, and it's set to break ground in two more cities this year. It's not the only greenhouse group with expansion plans in the works. BrightFarms, which builds greenhouses just outside of city centers, started with a 56,000-square-foot greenhouse in Bucks County, PA; in February, it opened a 140,000-square-foot facility just outside Washington, DC, and will debut a 160,000-square-foot Chicago greenhouse this summer. The latter two will each produce about one million pounds of produce annually, and BrightFarms CEO Paul Lightfoot says that over the next three years, he expects to build 15 more in additional cities across the Northeast and Midwest. "Our mission is to improve the health of Americans and the health of the environment by transforming the produce supply chain," Lightfoot says of his company, which has raised more than $40 million in funding and has more than $100 million in contracted commitments with supermarkets. While the idea of local lettuce in many diners' minds may conjure images of rolling fields of green tended by generations of a farm family, these greenhouse farms are pitching their model as a more sustainable alternative to big-box organic agriculture brands like Organic Valley, since it allows for year-round production with minimal transportation. But some are asking the question: Is arugula that's grown in a greenhouse in Chicago but owned by a multi-million-dollar company based in New York City really "local"? To be clear, greenhouse farming is nothing new. The growing method is especially popular in Canada because of its cold climate that makes outdoor farming difficult, but most in the past have fallen into two camps: very small (local farmers tending to herbs and tomatoes) or massive industrial operations that ship the produce all over the world. Gotham Greens and BrightFarms take components of each to create a new model, one that involves scale and volume but that places each hydroponic, heated growing facility in or next to a city, where it is operated by and serves the local community. Both are focused on cities in the Northeast and Midwest, where the produce they grow mainly leafy greens is scarce during colder months and primarily shipped from the West Coast. There are others, too. Backyard Farms applies a similar model to tomatoes in Maine; FarmedHere does it for microgreens and basil in Chicago; and Newark, NJ-based AeroFarms just raised $20 million to expand its aeroponic vertical farms (which use different technology but still apply commercial scale to growing local produce indoors). And demand for locally-grown produce is growing (like weeds). A January 2015 USDA report about trends in local and regional food systems found that the number of farms with direct-to-consumer sales (indicating a local model) increased by 17 percent between 2002 and 2007 and another 5.5 percent between 2007 and 2012. Meanwhile, a 2015 grocery shopper trends survey conducted by the Food Marketing Institute found that 29 percent of shoppers nationwide want retailers to prioritize supporting the local food economy. Given that fact, Lightfoot says BrightFarms is filling in a major gap. "There's a great supply chain of local food throughout the country generally you find it through CSAs, farmers markets. Those farmers often don't meet food safety requirements, volume, and consistency standards for supermarkets," he says. "Supermarkets see this massive demand trend, but they're left out in the cold." In each of its markets, BrightFarms has partnered with major chains, like Giant and Acme, and the produce often hits shelves within 24 hours of being picked, a fact that means it's almost guaranteed to be longer-lasting than other greens. "I want to help people eat healthier food, and making it flavorful and delicious is a big part of that," Lightfoot says. Gotham Greens is also aligned with the biggest supermarkets, like Whole Foods, ShopRite, and Key Food, but has partnered with restaurants in a much bigger way, too. Its greens are on the menu at Brooklyn pizza hotspot Franny's and in office worker's salads via seasonal partnerships with lunch chain Just Salad and David Chang's beloved delivery service Maple. They're also on plates at many of the best restaurants in Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group (USHG), like Michael Anthony's Gramercy Tavern and Untitled. Puri says that very soon after Gotham's first greenhouse was up and running in Greenpoint, the restaurant community responded with enthusiasm. "I think what people were responding to was the quality and [otherwise] not having a reliable source of fresh produce year-round," he says. But what about the allure of a funky heirloom tomato with its one-of-a-kind terroir and patterning, the likes of which will never be bitten into again? While chefs won't get vegetables with that kind of cultural cache, many swear by the greens. "It's the best basil we've ever had, and they're able to produce it for us year-round," says John Karangis, the executive chef at Union Square Events, USHG's catering and partnership business. Karangis says Union Square Events purchased 11,000 pounds of produce from Gotham Greens between March 2015 and March 2016, and that while they still buy fresh basil from local farmers when it's available, having access to Gotham Greens has been a game-changer. Karangis definitely feels that the concept is in line with the local food movement, too. "The fact that they're local is definitely very important to us, and their overall integrity and family values... it's all very much in line with what we do and how we operate," he says. Which is where some foodies and food movement activists may protest. When it comes to defining local, "it generally has to do with distance," explains Gail Feenstra, the deputy director of the Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education Program (SAREP) at UC Davis. But there are other considerations, namely who controls the resources and whether or not they're using those larger resources (which may not all be local) to compete with small farmers. "I guess my question is, 'Are they really filling a niche or are they competing? Are local farmers really unable to supply these markets?'" Puri says the answer is clear (although it's a fact impossible to verify). "All of our produce here [in Gowanus] is grown by New Yorkers for New Yorkers. Chicago's is grown by Chicagoans for Chicagoans," he says. And Lightfoot agrees. "We're never competing with farmers markets. I'm a farmers market consumer and that would upset me," he promises. Who they are competing with, they say, are brands that grow greens in California and other far-flung warm climates year-round and then ship the produce to the Northeast and Midwest. Which points to the brands' other selling point: sustainability. Both Gotham Greens and BrightFarms boast a long list of environmental benefits that accompany their decentralized methods of local greenhouse growing. Saving on shipping fuel is a huge one, followed by water use. The recirculating hydroponic growing system allows both to use significantly less water than traditional farms, with no agricultural runoff. They grow without pesticides and use land in an incredibly efficient way. Gotham Greens says its greenhouses yield about 20-30 times more produce per acre than field farming and they're even on rooftops, on land already being used for something else. Energy, of course, seems like it would be an issue, considering the high-tech climate control and irrigation systems. Feenstra pointed to a UC Davis White Paper from 2008 which stated that "production of produce in fossil fuel-heated greenhouses typically adds substantially to the life cycle energy use and GHG [greenhouse gas] emissions of food items compared to the equivalent field-grown crops." Gotham Greens accounts for this by using solar panels for a portion of its energy and then purchasing renewable energy through the utility company to offset the balance. Lightfoot says BrightFarms purchases renewable (wind) energy to power its Pennsylvania greenhouse and that he's looking into similar deals for the other farms, including a way to capture waste heat from an adjacent ethanol facility in Chicago. watch now The Kremlin has apologized over Russian President Vladimir Putin's accusations that U.S. bank Goldman Sachs was behind one of the leading German papers that publicized the Panama Papers leak which drew links to Putin's associates. Putin suggested that Sueddeutsche Zeitung a German newspaper that was heavily involved with the reporting was obligated to the U.S. bank during his annual citizen call-in session on Thursday. "Who is engaged in these provocations? We know that there are employees of official U.S. agencies; an article was written I asked (my) press secretary (Dmitry) Peskov where it first appeared in Sueddeutsche Zeitung. Sueddeutsche Zeitung is part of a media holding that belongs to the U.S. financial corporation Goldman Sachs. In other words, those behind this stick out, but they never blush," Putin said, according to a Kremlin transcript. The Kremlin came out less than 24 hours later to apologize for Putin's comments, blaming misinformation over the German newspaper's ownership on one of the president's aides. "It is more the error of those who prepared the briefing documents, my error," Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters, according to Reuters. watch now "There was information there that had not been checked and rechecked again and we gave it to the president. We have apologized (to the bank) and we will also apologize to the publication," Peskov added. Europe's five largest economies have announced plans to share more information on business owners in a bid crack down on tax evasion. The U.K., Germany, France, Italy and Spain are to share information on the ultimate owners of companies to make it more difficult for firms to "dodge tax or funnel corrupt funds." Mint Images RF/Getty Images "Tax and law enforcement agencies from the five countries exchange data on company beneficial ownership registers and new registers of trusts, allowing for more effective investigation of financial wrongdoing," the U.K. Treasury said in a press release on Thursday evening. The agreement comes in the wake of the Panama Papers scandal earlier this month in which leaked papers from a Panama law firm shone a light on the hidden financial dealings of politicians and public officials around the globe. The leak has caused casualties among high-profile European politicians with the Icelandic prime minister resigning after being named in the leaked papers and on Thursday, Spain's interim industry minister followed suit after revelations about his offshore business activities. CNBC has not been able to independently verify the assertions. When oil was trading for about $74 a barrel in late 2014, oil analyst Tom Kloza made what seemed like a crazy call: Oil would fall to $35 in the next year. Thirteen months later, his prediction came true. Now, with oil rallying nearly 60 percent off its Feb. 11 low, he's back with another prediction: Don't get too excited. Kloza, global head of energy analysis at the Oil Price Information Service, said that despite the recent surge, oil is trapped in a tight range between $35 and $45 even as anticipation grows over potential production cuts that could come Sunday when OPEC and non-OPEC producers meet in Doha, Qatar. "The expectations are pretty low," said Kloza on CNBC's "Futures Now" on Wednesday. "They have no integrity in terms of compliance and in terms of maintaining cuts." However, a CNBC survey out Friday of 23 experts found that 56 percent saw a better than 50/50 chance of a freeze agreement. Mitel 's stock fell 9.64 percent Friday after the Canadian telecommunications company announced it was buying Polycom for $1.96 billion in cash and stock. Under the terms of the deal, Polycom stockholders will get $3.12 in cash and 1.31 Mitel shares for each share of Polycom common stock, or $13.68 based on the closing price of a Mitel common share on April 13. Mitel's stock closed that day at $8.06 and has fallen 10 percent since then. The deal is expected to close in the third quarter of this year. "Together, Polycom and Mitel expect to drive meaningful value for our shareholders, customers, partners and employees around the world," Peter Leav, Polycom's president and chief executive officer, said in a statement. watch now Beleaguered commodities trader Noble Group has had a difficult year after claims about its accounting practices hit the stock, but at least one analyst is bullish. "We see considerable upside at these levels because Noble is one of the leading commodity traders in the world," said Religare Capital Markets' research director, Nirgunan Tiruchelvam. The steep drop in the company's stock price was a buying opportunity because it was trading at a "massive" discount to its book value, Tiruchelvam told CNBC's "Squawk Box". In February 2015, Iceberg Research published a report alleging that the Singapore-listed trader's accounting treatments were "unusual," resulted in "fabricated" profit and "intentionally misleads credit agencies and investors." Noble has consistently and vehemently denied the allegations but its stock has steadily declined and on Friday was trading around 43 cents a share, down more than 64 percent from a $1.21 peak hit days before the Iceberg report. Although Iceberg raised serious concerns about the company, those worries have already been priced, Tiruchelvam said. "The significant change that has taken place over the last year is that Noble's debt has been downgraded to junk status and by virtue of that fact, their financing cost has gone up. But what is surprising is that Noble continues to be able to borrow...Noble is completely financeable despite the change in its status." The Panama Papers scandal highlights how much progress the world has made in combating tax havens, the head of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) told CNBC on Friday, warning that Panama would face "consequences" if it did not improve. "It shows how much progress we have made because it shows also that the tolerance (for tax havens) is very dramatically reduced. And also the fact that it shook everybody up (shows that) now it is an exceptionality rather than the rule," Angel Gurria, the secretary general of the OECD, said in Washington D.C. The OECD is an influential international organization to which 34 mostly major economies belong. Panama, a small country in Latin America, is not a member. The so-called Panama Papers have exposed more than 11.5 million financial and legal records and revealed the heads of states and other public figures around the world that are sheltering wealth offshore. The leak came from Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca. watch now The world's biggest economy has plenty to gain from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), despite the anti-trade rhetoric dominating the U.S. presidential election campaign, according to a top executive at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Tami Overby, the senior vice president for Asia at the chamber, dismissed campaign trail electioneering as "a fact-free zone regarding trade," adding that "America will do the right thing," implying the TPP would eventually get ratified, but "only after trying everything else first." U.S. presidential hopefuls, including Republican candidate Donald Trump and the Democrats Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, have spoken against the multilateral TPP as costing U.S. jobs - comments that, a survey by CNBC in March found, had led to the waning of U.S. public support for trade. U.S. representative Michael Froman and Vietnam Minister Vu Huy Hoang celebrates the after the signing of the Trans Pacific Partnership at Sky City on February 4, 2016 in Auckland, New Zealand. Countries are now in the process of ratifying the agreement. Fiona Goodall | Getty Images The CNBC-All America Economic Survey, conducted from March 21-23, found just 27 percent of the public agreed that free trade "has helped the U.S.," compared with the 43 percent who said it hurt the country. Support for free trade declined 10 points since the same question was asked in an April 2015 poll by NBC News/Wall Street Journal. With many of the potential replacements for President Barack Obama campaigning against free trade, commentators have questioned whether U.S. Congress will ratify the TPP deal that was signed by 12 countries in New Zealand earlier this year. If Congress did not ratify the agreement, it would imply the U.S. was leaving Asia, according to Overby. Overby told CNBC's "Squawk Box" that the economic and geo-strategic ramifications meant it was imperative the U.S. ratified the TPP. The deal would also benefit U.S. companies by giving them deeper access into the business environment in Asia, she said. Frankie J. Grande attends the 8th Annual Shorty Awards at The New York Times Center on April 11, 2016 in New York City. Selfies and Snapchats abound, The Shorty Awards in New York brought together everyone from a famous plastic surgeon in Miami who documents his patients surgeries to record producer to DJ Khaled. As nominees made their way through the red carpet before the show, it was nearly impossible to find someone without a phone in hand. This was, after all, their very business. The Shorty Awards is an annual show which honored anything from major brands to YouTube stars for their innovation in social media. The show, in its 8th year, garnished 3.4 million fan votes for various categories, a large increase to its two million total votes the year before. For the category of, "Snapchatter of the Year," Danny Berk, a younger surfer from San Diego, found himself nominated alongside names like DJ Khaled and Kylie Jenner. Berk, a semi professional athlete, started recording his adventures, built a following and that's when brands begin to reach out to him. In his Snapchat account, he does everything from documenting surfing to interviewing random bypassers on the street. Recently, Cinnabon commissioned him to take over its Snapchat account for their 30th anniversary. "A lot of brands have Snapchat accounts, but they don't know how to use it and that's why they bring influencers like us," Berk told CNBC. "If you're trying to reach a younger generation, that's what everyone's on," he said of Snapchat. "I can't believe where I am today and that I'm making money off this app. It's like a dream come true." Berk said his dad is his is agent for now, since he doesn't have a professional agent yet. More and more influencers are getting agents, and traditional talent agencies like CAA and WME are starting to add divisions to represent them. Kate Albrecht, a.k.a. Mr. Kate is a YouTube star represented by Abrams Artist Agency. Also sometimes referred to as, "the antithesis of Martha Stewart," Albrecht was nominated for a Shorty Award for best DIY (Do It Yourself) category. Her work on YouTube includes beauty tips, style suggestions, and she's even wrote a book, "A Hot Glue Gun Mess." Last year, she signed a deal with Maker Studios, a subsidiary of Disney and recently became the top lifestyle brand content integrator for the production company. She started six years ago and believed she had a first-mover advantage, "I definitely think it'd be really hard to break in now, because it's so saturated," she told CNBC. "You have to find new platforms that are coming out." European stocks finished in the red Friday as investors digested the latest earnings reports and Chinese growth data, ahead of a key oil summit this weekend. The pan-European STOXX 600 closed down 0.35 percent provisionally. On the week, however, the STOXX 600 jumped 3.3 percent. All major European bourses closed down some 0.3 to 0.4 percent. The Athens stock exchange however outperformed fellow indexes, jumping 4.9 percent, on the back of a strong performance in its banking sector. China GDP meets forecasts European markets Autos under pressure despite data European new car sales rose 5.7 percent in March, according to data from industry body ACEA. But the autos sector was under pressure on Friday. Auto equipment maker Faurecia closed down some 3.6 percent after the firm said quarterly sales fell 2 percent in China. Societe Generale also cut its outlook on the stock from "buy" to "hold". Fellow French-listed car firms Peugeot Citroen and Valeo closed sharply lower on the back of this. Volkswagen also under-performed, closing 2.4 percent down after the German carmaker said March brand sales were down 2.7 percent, highlighting that it is still feeling the effects from the diesel emissions scandal. Banks, earnings in focus Job cuts were once again on the agenda in the banking sector with BNP Paribas proposing a voluntary redundancy program which could see up to 675 positions lost from the French bank in the next three years. Shares closed down over 1 percent. Some of the Italian banks finished higher however, as the plan to help with their bad loans continues to gather steam. The country's government has proposed a fund that will be able to buy non-performing loans from the Italian banks. Banco Popolare popped over 4.5 percent. Carrefour jumps 3.8% Elsewhere, earnings were in focus once again for investors. French supermarket chain Carrefour reported sales in line with expectations, but showed signs of slowing in its home market of France and pointed to weakness in China. Still, shares jumped some 3.8 percent. The world's largest listed hedge fund Man Group saw shares jump over 7 percent, after it revealed it had held onto most of the assets it invests, despite a challenging first quarter for fund managers, Reuters reported. French hotel group Accor fell over 1.5 percent after JPMorgan cut its price target for the stock. And Intercontinental Hotels Group fell over 2 percent after JPMorgan cut its outlook on the stock. Shares of British luxury fashion brand Burberry closed sharply lower following cautious results on Thursday and after a number of brokers including JPMorgan and Bernstein cut their price target for the stock. Russian shares took a double whammy from international sanctions and oil's crash, but the market now offers "the bargain of the century," Mark Mobius, Templeton Emerging Markets' executive chairman, told CNBC. "Russia is very cheap," the storied emerging markets investor told CNBC's "Street Signs." "The problem is the sanctions. Many of us cannot invest because of the sanctions. Once sanctions are released, then the market is going to do very well." The MSCI Russia index has rallied about 20 percent so far this year, but it's still down around 36 percent since the beginning of 2014. Russia's economy has been on a rollercoaster ride since the government's annexation of Crimea in March 2014 and its role in the pro-Russian uprising in Ukraine resulted in the European Union and the U.S imposing sanctions. The next review of the sanctions is in July. This economic isolation, coupled with the low price of oil, has weighed heavily on the country's currency - - and economy. The Tass news agency said Russia's gross domestic product (GDP) contracted 3.7 percent in 2015 after ekeing out growth of just 0.6 percent in 2014. Mobius isn't alone in seeing value in Russia. "If you look at the Russian economy, the worst is behind us," Karine Hirn, chief executive of East Capital, told CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Friday, noting consumers in the country had been resilient. "Russians keep spending money. Less than before, but they still keep spending," she said, adding that East Capital had invested in consumer plays. Hirn's also watching dividend yields. "The Russian market has always been one of the markets among emerging markets paying the highest yield and now the government that needs money is speaking to state-owned enterprises to make them increase the payout ratio from 25 percent to 50 percent," she said. After the market's recent gains, "it's not a screaming buy," she noted, but added that it was still very cheap compared with other emerging markets, which was drawing many brokers and investors back into the market. watch now watch now watch now Ted Cruz is making a strong play for Wall Street support and Wall Street money, appearing for an hour on CNBC's "Squawk Box" on Friday and holding a high-dollar fundraiser at the Harvard Club in midtown on Monday. The Texas U.S. senator needs the cash in the final sprint for the GOP nomination as he hopes to keep down Donald Trump's delegate hauls in the Northeast and the final primary in California on June 7. Cruz is counting on keeping Trump under 1,237 delegates and then winning the nomination in Cleveland based on his much stronger work wooing delegates who will be free to vote for whomever they choose after the first ballot. watch now watch now watch now It's a tough sell on Wall Street for Cruz, who is distrusted if not outright disliked by many in high finance and across corporate America. Many of these people despise Cruz's penchant for partisan warfare in Washington particularly on the debt ceiling and deplore his populist bashing of big banks. Cruz himself acknowledged the problem on "Squawk Box": "I can't tell you how many people come in, particularly in the business world, hearing all these skeptical things about 'this guy Cruz is a troublemaker,'" he said. But Cruz argued that his fights in Washington were meant to stand on principle against President Barack Obama on spending, immigration and health care, and that as president he would be willing to sit down and cut deals on taxes and spending. He also said Wall Street "performs an important function" while continuing his opposition to taxpayer bailouts and any other "special favors" from Washington. Cruz also spent a good bit of time talking up his tax plan, which would impose a flat 16 percent value-added tax for business and 10 percent for individuals. Cruz claims this would ignite economic growth and dramatically simplify the tax code. He also said that after four years as president, companies in Europe in Asia would be trying to "invert" their corporate structure into the United States to take advantage of the newly reduced tax rate. And he claimed his tax plan would bring high-paying jobs back to the U.S. while Trump's threats of big new tariffs would ignite damaging trade wars. Cruz has a couple of problems on this front. Republicans traditionally loathe value-added taxes because they believe they are hidden from consumers and are easily boosted. Critics of Cruz's plan, including Florida Sen. Marco Rubio before he dropped out of the primaries, also say businesses will simply pass the tax on to consumers by raising prices for products. But Cruz's issue with Wall Street is not really the fine print of his tax plan. It's that many bankers don't like his stringent stances on social issues like abortion and gay marriage and simply don't like the guy personally and think he would be a disaster as president. Ken Langone, a Wall Street investor, co-founder of Home Depot and supporter of Ohio Governor John Kasich, told me this week he could see no scenario under which he would back Cruz. "I couldn't do it because I just don't like the guy," Langone said, echoing sentiments uttered privately by executives all over the financial industry. "I don't like the way he presents himself and I don't like the way he isolates himself. One of the problems in Washington is you have to get things done, and I don't think he's proven that he can work in that environment. I don't like the man. I'm not a fan." That sentiment exists all across Wall Street, which heavily backed former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and then Rubio before both were knocked out of the race by Trump and Cruz. Now, many Republicans in high finance are simply giving up on the 2016 primaries and waiting to see whether they sit out the general election as well, back the GOP nominee or grudgingly support Hillary Clinton who has historic ties to the industry, something that has dogged her throughout her primary against Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders. "There is no point in supporting someone who can't win," the CEO of a large financial firm told me this week about Cruz. "We would wind up with a guy nobody really likes who can't appeal to the broad mass of the American electorate. So I'm done with 2016. I've given up any belief that I know what's going on." Cruz is now trying to walk a fine line to turn this attitude around among deep-pocketed Wall Street donors without alienating his conservative, populist base. Ideally, Cruz would just ignore Wall Street and revel in its disdain. But he's short on cash for the expensive final sprint, so expect him to continue to make the case that business people should not hate him. PHOTO CREDIT: Syracuse University website SYRACUSE, N.Y. Syracuse University has named Craig Boise the next dean of the schools College of Law. Boise will assume his new role on July 1, the school said in a news release. His appointment also marks the conclusion of William Banks tenure as interim dean of the College of Law. Banks will reassume his posts as a law professor and founding director of the schools Institute for National Security and Counterterrorism. The former dean, Hannah Arterian, stepped down from the position last August. Boise comes to Syracuse University from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law at Cleveland State University in Cleveland, Ohio. Craig Boise is a dynamic and forward-thinking leader who is equally passionate about quality, access and enhancing the student experience, Michele Wheatly, vice chancellor and provost-designate, said in the schools release. I am impressed by his record of achievements and know the College of Law will make great strides under his leadership. Chancellor Kent Syverud believes Boise will achieve great things as dean of the College of Law. Craigs bold vision and commitment to academic excellence have enhanced the student experience, improved student outcomes and positioned graduates for career success, Syverud said. He is the ideal person to lead the College of Law into a new era, particularly as it seeks to enhance its global reputation and continue its ascent in national rankings. During his time at Cleveland-Marshall, annual-fund participation among alumni increased 38 percent; annual-fund giving nearly doubled to more than $625,000; and fund-raising efforts generated more than $1 million in new scholarship support for students, according to the Syracuse release. Boise also led the institution through a 29-point rise in U.S. News & World Report rankings, moving from 135 in his first year to an all-time school high of 106 this year, Syracuse University added. Boises scholarship has focused on U.S. corporate and international tax policy, offshore financial centers, and offshore financial intermediation. He has taught international tax, corporate tax, international-tax policy, and federal-income taxation. He is currently admitted to practice in Ohio and New York, according to the release. Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com Family aims to raise awareness about invisible illness Michelle and Jason Kemp's two children were born with cystic fibrosis. The Columbia family shares their story to raise awareness about the genetic disorder. On The Docket Whether it's a verdict or a hearing, it's On The Docket SHARE By Katie Fretland of The Commercial Appeal Two officials at Memphis bail bond companies were indicted on theft charges, the office of the Shelby County District Attorney General said Friday. Angela Bryant, 41, manager of 24 Hour Bonding Company of Memphis LLC, and George Austin Hitt, 38, president of Memphis Bonding Co. and Tennessee Bonding Company were indicted by a grand jury. Bryant was indicted on theft over $10,000, and Hitt was indicted on theft over $250,000. Investigators from the Tennessee Department of Revenue found that Bryant and Hitt had failed to report thousands of bonds to the state and failed to pay a $12 tax levied by law on each of those bonds, according to a news release. According to the investigation, from January 2013 through June 2015, Bryant failed to report bonds and failed to pay taxes. In the case of Hitt, state revenue investigators found that between January 2010 through June 2015 one of his companies, Memphis Bonding iCompany, wrote bonds that were not reported and taxes that were not paid. April 14, 2016 - Ginger Leonard, head of Tennessee Equality Project, talks with David Waters about LGBT related bills in Tennessee and Mississippi. (Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal) SHARE By David Waters of The Commercial Appeal A bill working its way through the Tennessee legislature would require public school students to use bathrooms that correspond to the gender on their birth certificates. "I have no idea how they think they're going to police that," said Ginger Leonard, board chair and president of the Tennessee Equality Project. "I mean, who's going to check when a kid's walking into the bathroom?" Leonard has a lot of other questions and concerns about a number of legislative efforts, in Tennessee, Mississippi and other states, that target members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. "It's a last-ditch effort to marginalize a group of people," she says in this Talk, Memphis podcast. Leonard talks about the so-called "Transgender Bathroom Bill" in Tennessee, the so-called "Religious Conscience" law in Mississippi and others. Feel free to talk back in the comments section. SHARE Courtesy of Gareth Somers English actor Gareth Somers brings his one-man Shakespeare show to Rhodes College on April 22. Author Thomas Christensen will be at Rhodes College on April 21. Photo by Ellen Christensen. By John Beifuss of The Commercial Appeal "All the world's a stage," wrote Shakespeare in his play "As You Like It." If the Bard could be in Memphis this season, he might discover his metaphor has become almost literally true, as venues all over the region host concerts, plays, seminars, lectures and other events in recognition of the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death. Many of the events are complements to this week's "1616 Symposium" at Rhodes College, presented by the school's Pearce Shakespeare Endowment. Free and open to the public, the symposium brings international scholars, authors and actors to Rhodes for two days of talks and performances. The focus is not so much on Shakespeare per se but on the turbulent, increasingly modern world that existed at the time of the playwright's death on April 23, 1616. "This was a momentous era," said symposium organizer Scott L. Newstok, 43, a Rhodes College associate professor of English and director of the Pearce endowment, which was established in 2007 with funds provided by the late Dr. Iris Annette Pearce, a Rhodes alumna and local physician who was a lifelong Shakespeare enthusiast. In 1616, according to Newstok, "We are beginning to see the world in a way that is recognizable to us. Corporations are starting to become much more powerful and influential, which leads to colonization and the modern corporation. Medical science and medical training are advancing. We are seeing changing roles for women, an increase in the circulation of people around the globe, new ideas about science and magic ... ." The bad came with the good, as it always does. In 1616, Galileo sparred with the Vatican over this theory that the sun was the center of the galaxy, Pocahontas visited London, doctors began to understand the theory of circulation of the blood, galleons carrying silk and silver established a global economy, and the first slaves were brought to the Bermudas. In the world of literature, both Shakespeare and "Don Quixote" author Cervantes died on April 23. But though the wordsmiths died on the same date, they did not die on the same day, since England and Spain marked time with different calendars. The extravagance of this age is the focus of the acclaimed (and lavishly illustrated) Counterpoint Press book "1616: The World in Motion" by California-based scholar Thomas Christensen. The author will be here this weekend, and he will kick off the symposium with a free "Communities in Conversation" public talk at 6 p.m. Thursday at Blount Auditorium on the Rhodes campus. (Christensen also will be at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library at 1 p.m. Saturday, as part of the library's Bookstock festival.) A series of free public talks will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Blount. The talks will be delivered by scholars from Stanford, Harvard, Rutgers and elsewhere, but they are intended to appeal to general audiences. Topics will include astronomy, medicine, corporations, slavery and more. "It's designed to be a gathering for nonspecialists, to enable them to engage with people who are at the top of their fields." At 7:30 p.m. Friday at Rhodes' Hardie Auditorium, British actor Gareth Somers will present the Memphis debut of his one-man show "The Secrets and Passions of William Shakespeare," which imagines the events of the last few days leading up to the author's death at 52 at his Stratford-upon-Avon home. "Shakespeare's world is close in some ways to ours," said Somers, in an interview from his Manchester, England, home. "People might be surprised to know that there was a greater racial mix in his London than they imagine, there were fears of terrorism and religious divisions. ... And at the center of the play is the story of a young man who left his family farm and business to make something in the new world of theater. It is a story of love, betrayals and friendships, and it describes a man reconciling himself with God. These are eternal themes." Newstok said the cliche that every performance and every reading of a work represent a new interpretation is especially true in the case of Shakespeare. "Interpretations of the Bible, the environment topics that are important today, we find them in Shakespeare. He is a figure we keep coming back to, with new eyes and renewed insight." RHODES COLLEGE 1616 SYMPOSIUM Presented by the Pearce Shakespeare Endowment. 6 p.m. Thursday, Blount Auditorium: Communities in Conversation keynote address featuring Thomas Christensen, author of 1616: World in Motion. (Reception at 5:30 p.m.) 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, April 22, Blount Auditorium: A series of short lectures by scholars on the world of 1616. A new topic every half hour. 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 22, Hardie Auditorium: Gareth Somers one-man show, The Secrets and Passions of William Shakespeare. Through May 15, Barret Library: 1616 exhibit, featuring rare books, scientific instruments and more. Other events related to Shakespeare and 1616 will take place through June 19. For more information and a full schedule, visit rhodes.edu/1616. Photos by Mike Brown/The Commercial Appeal ABOVE: March 29, 2016 Wiseacre Brewing Company brewmaster and co-founder Davin Bartosch adds unsalted popcorn to the mash for the special one-off beer Wiseacre brewed to help The Commercial Appeal celebrate their 175th anniversary. Wiseacre is calling the beer style a maizebock, a twist on a maibock with popcorn, and have named the beer Men Not Machines after a headline they saw in a 1940s Commercial Appeal talking about the 100th anniversary of the newspaper. TOP LEFT: March 29, 2016 Wiseacre Brewing Company brewer Sam Tomaszczuk measures out some specialty grains that will be added to the malt bill for the brewery's maizebock, Men, Not Machines. The one-off beer is being brewed to commemorate the 175th anniversary of The Commercial Appeal. TOP RIGHT: March 29, 2016 A newspaper subhead from a 1940 edition of The Commercial Appeal inspired the name for the beer, a maizebock called "Men Not Machines", that Wiseacre is brewing to commemorate the paper's 175th anniversary. (Mike Brown/The Commercial Appeal) SHARE March 29, 2016 Wiseacre Brewing Company brewer Sam Tomaszczuk measures out some specialty grains that will be added to the malt bill for the brewery's maizebock, Men, Not Machines. The one-off beer is being brewed to commemorate the 175th anniversary of The Commercial Appeal. (Mike Brown/The Commercial Appeal) March 29, 2016 A newspaper subhead from a 1940 edition of The Commercial Appeal inspired the name for the beer, a maizebock called "Men Not Machines", that Wiseacre is brewing to commemorate the paper's 175th anniversary. (Mike Brown/The Commercial Appeal) March 29, 2016 Andrew Caldwell cleans a fermentation vessel to prepare it for the arrival of "Men, Not Machines" which is being brewed by Wiseacre to help The Commercial Appeal commemorate its 175th anniversary. (Mike Brown/The Commercial Appeal) March 29, 2016 Unsalted popcorn sits on top of the grain bed at the start of the mash as Wiseacre brews a one-off beer called "Men Not Machines". The beer is Wiseacre's take on a maibock style beer, they are calling a maizebock because of the addition of the popcorn. (Mike Brown/The Commercial Appeal) By Jennifer Biggs of The Commercial Appeal In 1981, Coors entered the Memphis beer market and made out like a bandit, capturing 20 percent of the market virtually overnight. No doubt the allure of the beer "brewed with Rocky Mountain spring water" was due in large part to the popularity of "Smokey and the Bandit," the 1977 Burt Reynolds movie about the granddaddy of all beer runs but maybe there is something about the water. After all, the beer industry in Memphis was founded because of our Artesian wells. But before we go back, let's hop forward: On April 22, Wiseacre Brewing Co. and The Commercial Appeal will release Men Not Machines to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the paper. We'll have a party, and you're invited, of course. We'll even have popcorn it's in the beer. Men Not Machines, named after a 1941 article about how "men, not machines make newspapers," is a maizebock with popcorn added. "We just started talking about what to do, and this was something we'd been thinking about," said Kellan Bartosch, one of the brothers who own the brewery on Broad Avenue. "Maibock is a spring lager that's made in Germany, and this is a lighter version of the same beer." Davin Bartosch, the primary brewmaster, attended school in Germany to learn how to make beer. And the Germans know a thing or two about brewing: We can even thank them for what once was a booming industry in town. In 1885, when the Memphis Daily Appeal was 44 years old and had weathered a temporary shutdown during the Civil War and five yellow fever epidemics, Casper Koehler and John W. Schorr (both Germans by way of St. Louis) came down the river and started the Tennessee Brewing Co. On June 7, they served 40,000 free glasses of beer to the public. In 1887, the first well was drilled to tap the artesian aquifer. Because of that, in 1890, they built the first part of the building we know today as the Tennessee Brewery. "If good water can be secured here, we can make good beer," Schorr told the Appeal-Avalanche in 1891. "The brewery people began boring into the earth and struck a stream as clear as crystal." While the first well wasn't drilled at the brewery (it served an ice house), many were drilled there over the years. The plentiful supply of good water certainly led to the success of the brewery. But then ... "Prohibition really ruined beer in the United States," said Kellan Bartosch. It came in 1920, after years of lobbying by the Temperance movement (which wasn't so much against beer, accepting it as a lesser evil). Grapes withered on the vine in wine country, and taps stopped flowing at breweries. Good jobs were lost; more than 500 people were employed then at the Tennessee Brewery. Here, the Southern Cattlemen's Association decided to make headquarters in Memphis. Elsewhere, Babe Ruth made his first home run for the Yankees, the first commercial radio station in the country began daily broadcasting in Detroit, and President Woodrow Wilson made Communism illegal. For a couple of years, Tennessee Brewing tried to stay in business as an ice house and by brewing and bottling a product called NIB (Non-Intoxicating Beverage). It could only be sustained a short while. But in 1933, the 18th Amendment was revoked, and the shuttered wineries, distilleries and breweries worked furiously to get running again. Tennessee Brewery led the way (there were other breweries in Memphis along the way about 15 before and just after the turn of the 20th century, some a flash in the pan and others that operated for 10 years or more) and soon was bottling beer, mostly Goldcrest. It employed about 200 men with an annual payroll of $1 million. While beer consumption increased, the popularity of local beers in the region waned. In 1954, the Tennessee Brewing Co. shut its doors. The first in Tennessee was the last one standing when it gave up the ghost. But it wasn't over. In 1972, the days of Larry Finch and Ronnie Robinson days at Memphis State, Schlitz opened a big brewery here, which 10 years later was taken over by Stroh's. In 1990, the year the movie "Memphis Belle" was released, that "Rocky Mountain spring water" beer, Coors, decided that Memphis Artesian water was just as good and purchased the brewery. This was high-production stuff, about 1 million barrels annually. It was 1992, the year President George H.W. Bush threw up on the Japanese prime minister, Willie Nelson settled his big tax bill with the IRS, "The Etruscans: Legacy of a Lost Civilization," opened at Memphis Pink Palace Museum, and Bill Clinton was elected president, when Boscos restaurant and microbrewery opened in Germantown. "We were the first new brewery to open in Tennessee since Prohibition was repealed," said owner Jeremy Feinstone, who moved Boscos to Overton Square in 2002 and in 2011 opened Ghost River Brewing on South Main. He and former partner Chuck Skypeck were clearly the leaders in the current local craft beer market. But there was more to come (and go, as in recent years some lasted no longer than the breweries in the city's early days). Today, High Cotton Brewing Co., Memphis Made Brewing Co. in Cooper-Young, and Wiseacre are among more than 4,000 microbreweries across the country producing craft beer. That's a 2015 number; it's a good bet that in 2016 the number will pass the historical high of 4,131 set in 1873. Wiseacre has recently received good national press for Tiny Bomb, an American Pilsner that made Playboy's list of "The 10 Best Beers from the Deep South" and one of Men's Journal's "100 Best Beers in the World." "We've been looking for fun things to celebrate our 175th anniversary, and we thought, 'Wouldn't it be great to have our own beer?'" said Stephanie Boggins, vice president of sales and marketing at The Commercial Appeal. Phone calls were made, meetings were held, and then everyone was in a room watching the start of the brewing process. The company was selected to brew the CA's beer because of its reputation and its tasting room, which is where the party will be held next Friday; the beer will be ready to go April 19 after three weeks of fermentation. Other local breweries continue to grow. While Memphis Made and High Cotton are available only on tap, Ghost River also bottles its beer. The company has recently introduced a new IPA with a new logo: a well head, and a name that takes it back to where it all started: 1887. Men Not Machines release party Starts at 4 p.m. Friday, April 22 at Wiseacre Brewing Co., 2783 Broad Ave. Free admission. Prizes will be awarded through the party, and the first 100 people to buy the beer receive a commemorative glass. October 29, 2015 - Lorenzo Clark, 36, stands during a hearing at the Shelby County Criminal Justice Center. Clark was sentenced to 51 months in prison Friday for gun violations in connection with the 2015 fatal shooting of off-duty Memphis police officer Terence Olridge in Cordova. (Yalonda M. James/The Commercial Appeal) By Katie Fretland of The Commercial Appeal A man charged in connection with the fatal shooting of an off-duty Memphis police officer in Cordova was sentenced Friday to 51 months in prison in a federal gun case. His wife, Natalie Clark, was sentenced to 12 months and one day for providing a Glock to Lorenzo Clark. Clark and the officer, Terence Olridge, exchanged gunfire at about 12:50 p.m. on Oct. 11 before Olridge left for his shift at the Airways police precinct. Olridge was fatally shot with a Glock 9mm gun. Clark, the officer's neighbor, surrendered later at his home in the 2700 block of Long Shadow. Clark was indicted on federal charges of illegally possessing the Glock, a Colt rifle and an Escort 12-gauge shotgun after having a felony conviction. A large amount of ammunition was also recovered. "The defendant had an arsenal," Assistant U.S. Attorney Marques Young said Friday. Clark was not charged with killing the officer, and there appeared to be evidence that Clark shot the officer in self-defense, defense attorney Bill Massey said in October. Then-Memphis Police Director Toney Armstrong said in a news conference Oct. 13 there was not enough evidence to substantiate other charges. "At this point I don't expect any charges to be brought forth," Young said Friday. Clark pleaded guilty in January to possession of the Glock. The other gun charges in the federal indictment were dismissed Friday. Clark was charged in state court with being a felon in possession of a handgun, but that charge was dropped in November as the federal case continued. Both the families of the officer and Clark were present in court Friday. The officer's sister, Kimberly Woods, addressed Clark telling him, "You are a coward." She said Clark took away her brother. "He has completely destroyed my family," she told the court. Clark's mother, Carolyn Wallace, was distraught after he was sentenced to more than four years. "They took my son," she said. "They took my son away." "(Olridge) was the one that shot at my son first," Wallace said. Natalie Clark, was charged with providing three guns to her husband and pleaded guilty in January to providing the Glock to Clark. The charges relating to the other guns were dismissed Friday at sentencing. Woods testified at Natalie Clark's sentencing hearing, saying that Natalie Clark should be held more accountable than her husband. She said Natalie Clark had responsibility for purchasing the guns. "My brother would still be alive today," Woods said. Natalie Clark's attorney, Blake Ballin, said she has no criminal history and has been a loving mother and wife. "Ms. Clark would never do anything like this again," Ballin said. She has been a hardworking person employed since age 14, Ballin said. She has done clerical work and has medical assistant skills. Guns were part of her life growing up in Texas, and she had guns around her house for her own safety, Ballin said. By Yolanda Jones of The Commercial Appeal Marshall D. Smith, the off-duty Memphis police officer who shot and killed a man during a child custody exchange last Sunday initially flunked out of the police academy for academic reasons, personnel records released Friday reveal. He also had two excessive force complaints filed against him in 2012 and 2015, according to Internal Affairs records. Neither charge was sustained and no charges were filed against him. Smith, 36, is assigned to the North Main precinct on the Alpha Shift and has been a police officer with Memphis since 2009. He has been on leave with pay since he fatally shot Luis Soto, 29. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation authorities said Smith was accompanying his fiancee to the Shell gas station at 1781 Getwell Road to drop off the woman's 4-year-old daughter with the girl's father. An altercation occurred and authorities said Smith shot and killed Soto. A gun was found near Soto's body, but it is not known if he fired it. It is also not known if Smith, who was off-duty at the time of the 10 p.m. shooting, used his police-issued weapon during the shooting. This incident is the third officer-involved fatal shooting in Memphis this year. Personnel records show Smith was "separated" from the police academy in Dec. 29, 2008 because he failed to score the required 75 percent minimum passing score on two exams. Recruits can reapply to the police academy immediately but face a year of probation, said MPD analyst Nedra Dandridge. Records show Smith's probation ended Oct. 29, 2010. In Smith's Internal Affairs records, there were two excessive force complaints filed against the officer during his seven-year career. The first complaint was filed by Mario Woods on Dec. 21, 2012 when Smith was working in the South Main precinct which includes Beale Street and downtown Memphis. In the complaint, Woods alleged that Smith sprayed him with mace, kicked and hit him with a baton when he tried to get the car keys from his friend who was being arrested by officers for disorderly conduct. Woods said that he was then falsely arrested by police and charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and public intoxication. In his statement, Officer Smith told investigators that Woods "smelled of alcohol" and was "aggressive" when he approached him. Investigators found that there were inconsistencies in both the officer's statement and the suspect's statement and the charges against Smith were not sustained. Three years later on June 19, 2015, another man, Demetrius Brady, the son of a Memphis police officer, filed the second excessive force complaint against Smith. Brady said he was with friends on Second and Beale when he said Smith pushed his head into the pavement and hit him in the face while he was on the ground handcuffed. Other officers were present, but Brady alleged Smith was the one who assaulted him. According to the incident report, officers said when they arrived on the scene Brady was loud and aggressive shouting, "Ya'll gonna have to fight me to take me to jail." Smith told investigators that Brady was intoxicated and cursed at officers. Smith said he never hit the man in the face or slammed his head into the pavement. Investigators found that the charges were not substantiated. "Based on the facts of the case, the preponderance of evidence was unable to prove or disprove that Officer Marshall Smith was in violation of the stated excessive force/unnecessary force allegation against Demetrius Brady," investigators said in Smith's Internal Affairs file. "Therefore, the allegation is not sustained." Police officers leave the campus of Tennessee State University early Friday in Nashville. Authorities say one person was killed and three were wounded in a shooting Thursday night at an outdoor courtyard. A campus spokesperson said the person killed wasn't enrolled at the school. SHARE By Natalie Neysa Alund, The Tennessean NASHVILLE It's been nearly half a year since gunmen opened fire on the campus of Tennessee State University, injuring three students and killing a 19-year-old Memphis man. Cameron Selmon, who went by "Lil Cam" and attended Southwest Tennessee Community College, died in a barrage of bullets during the Oct. 22 school shooting that also injured three TSU students. And although the night-time shooting was captured on video, the unidentified shooting suspects remain at large. "It's still heartbreaking to not have answers after almost six months, knowing somebody knows (who shot him)," Selmon's mother, Stacie Payne, told reporters during a news conference at Metro police's North Precinct. "We understand 50-plus people were out there that night, and no one will come forward." Metro police say the shooting stemmed from an argument over a dice game that escalated into a physical fight and then gunfire. It took place in the courtyard by the Floyd-Payne Campus Center. One or more of those bullets fatally struck Selmon, police said. On the night he died, a campus security camera caught the gunmen firing into a crowd. Bullets struck Selmon and also hit three freshmen women who were passing the courtyard at the time. A bullet grazed one woman who refused treatment, police said. The other two were transported to Vanderbilt University Medical Center where they were treated and released. As a result of the investigation, which includes 100-plus hours working the case and following up on numerous tips to Crime Stoppers, Metro police detective Melody Saxton said two individuals have been developed as likely suspects. But Saxton said police need witnesses to come forward. "Usually, you don't have that many witnesses," Saxton said. "You would think someone (would) want to come forward. I don't know if it's fear of retaliation. Some people don't want to be seen as a snitch. I understand your fear, but this was an 18-year-old kid with no criminal history simply hanging with friends on campus that night." "So please don't think about snitching," Payne added. "Please refer to it as surviving. Helping somebody else survive. Helping another mom not have to bury a child or have a family lose a child." A $15,000 reward is being offered for info leading to the identity of the gunmen in the fatal TSU campus shooting case. #CameronSelmon Anyone with info on the TSU shooting is asked to call Saxton at 615-862-7805 or Metro police investigations at 615-862-7901. February 5, 2016 - Jessica Peterson, cofounder of the Warren Apartments Tenant Association, right, spreads the news that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development was forcing Global Ministries Foundation to relocate all of the residents living in the Warren Apartments while Cynthia Crawford, cofounder of the Warren Apartments Tenant Association, left, is interviewed on the local news. (Brad Vest/The Commercial Appeal) By Maria Ines Zamudio of The Commercial Appeal The Housing Assistance Payment contract that Global Ministries Foundation lost for Warren and Tulane apartments will remain in Memphis, said Ed Jennings, regional director for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The funding will be transferred to other properties in Memphis and the suburbs. Jennings said the federal housing agency will schedule meetings with developers and local officials to find responsible landlords. The contract, which provides funding for low-income housing, can be split up in to several different buildings, he said. "We have made the decision to keep that funding availability in Memphis," he told The Commercial Appeal Friday. "That's a big step. But we won't keep it at Warren and Tulane, let me be clear about that." After HUD pulled funding from GMF in February for failing to provide quality housing at Warren and Tulane, local leaders and housing activists said they were concerned about losing hundreds of federally subsidized units in Memphis. There are about 448 units in both properties. Jennings said HUD is willing to separate the contract for multiple landlords. "We can break that grouping down into smaller chunks, so if one property wanted to have as low as 50 units we could do that," he said. Jennings said this new opportunity will help de-concentrate areas of poverty. Warren and Tulane tenants will be able to find housing outside Memphis, in places like Germantown or higher end communities, he said. Similar opportunities will be available for the relocation of the HAP contract that was previously attached to those two properties. "We would like to be able to give the citizens of Memphis the opportunity to go to communities of opportunity where there are better schools, better access to health care, transportation a better quality of life. That's going to be an opportunity to come out of this as well," he said. Jennings said the Memphis Housing Authority will start distributing 355 vouchers to residents at Warren on April 29 and Tulane on May 3. After receiving the vouchers, tenants will have up to 60 days to find a new place to live. Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland said he was pleased with HUD's decision. "We are grateful that HUD is willing to keep the contract in the city," Strickland said. "We will continue to work with all partners to assist residents of the Warren and Tulane apartments." Brad Watkins, executive director Mid-South Peace and Justice Center, said he was "ecstatic" about the decision. Watkins' organization has been advocating for tenants at Warren and Tulane, but also had advocated to keep federally subsidized low-income housing. "We were concerned about being able to keep the same level of affordable housing (in Memphis)," he said. "It's great news for all of us." Tenants also can take the vouchers outside Memphis. HUD will pay for relocation up to 50 miles, Jennings said. So far, three tenants haven't qualified for vouchers, he said. April 14, 2016 - Rev. Ralph White, chairman of CLERB, leads the board's first meeting and hears its first case since the City Council expanded its powers. (Stan Carroll/The Commercial Appeal) By Ryan Poe of The Commercial Appeal The civilian board tasked with reviewing possible Memphis police misconduct all for the stated goal of being more transparent on Thursday closed its meeting to the public in what City Council attorney Allan Wade said was a "clear" violation of open meetings law. In its first hearing since 2011, the recently revamped Civilian Law Enforcement Review Board deliberated privately for more than an hour on a 2015 excessive force complaint, closing the meeting on the recommendation of board member Bruce Kramer, an attorney partner at law firm Apperson Crump. In closing the meeting, Kramer cited the ordinance that created CLERB, which says in its online version that the board must close the meeting for deliberations. When a Commercial Appeal reporter objected to the meeting being closed, Kramer said he was an open meetings law expert and threatened to have the reporter escorted out of the room by police. After the meeting, Kramer compared the board's deliberation to a jury deliberation which is exempted from the state's Open Meetings Act and said the board must follow the ordinance as written. "If our ordinance is contrary to the state law, then it's up to the City Council to amend our ordinance," he said. Wade said the wording Kramer cited was either in the ordinance by error or should be amended out to avoid contradicting the Open Meetings Act, which requires public boards to meet openly unless members are discussing pending or potential litigation. Wade said he thought the ordinance was changed after he wrote an opinion in July that state law trumps a city ordinance. "If I had been there, (the meeting) wouldn't have been closed," he said. Wade said he will review the ordinance to determine if a correction is needed, and said he will recommend that CLERB reconvene the meeting to reiterate what was said in deliberations. City Council member Worth Morgan, a member of the board who was at the meeting, said he would also look at possibly changing the ordinance to make clear that the meetings should be transparent for the public. "I want to make what we do as fair and open a process as possible," he said. CLERB didn't take any action on the case, which was filed by Larry Brown. Before the meeting was closed, Brown and his daughter testified that a Memphis officer pulled him off of his porch, dragged him across his yard and slammed him on the hood of a squad car because Brown wouldn't let the officer wake up his sleeping wife to notify her that their son needed to be picked up from Juvenile Court. CLERB delayed further deliberation until it could review additional records about the case, including Juvenile Court documents. Deborah Fisher, executive director for the Tennessee Coalition for Open Government, said CLERB had opened itself up to a lawsuit or a state complaint by closing the meeting. "It appears the whole purpose in creating this review board was to create more transparency, particularly into police shootings," she said. "It's not transparent to go behind closed doors." SHARE The Commercial Appeal files Three times around this hand makes 15, and that's the number of clubs Hillman Robbins Jr. had when he started the first round of the Tennessee Open golf tournament on April 15, 1955, at Chickasaw Country Club. Robbins called the infraction on himself and took the disqualification. He then played along with the gag for the photographer. April 15 25 years ago: 1991 VICKSBURG, Miss. The Delta Queen moved up the Yazoo River from its confluence with the Mississippi at noon Sunday, a long blast from its whistle echoing off the bluff, followed by two short blasts, another long blast, then two more short ones. The sound brought back boyhood memories, said author and Civil War historian Shelby Foote, standing with several other passengers on deck. It was a special moment but a typical one in a way, too, as the 285-foot stern-wheeler steamed along on the second day of a Mississippi River cruise not quite like any cruise it has taken before. One hundred seventy-six passengers, most paying $2,000 to $3,550 each for the privilege, are traveling from Helena, Ark., to New Orleans on a luxury trip christened "A Mississippi Voyage," sponsored by the Center for the Study of Southern Culture. 50 years ago: 1966 NASHVILLE State officials were elated Thursday with an apparent low base bid of $7,970,000 on construction of the new West Tennessee Hospital and School for the Retarded at Arlington. State architect Clayton Dekle flashed a broad smile after the bid opening and said, "Good shape." Thursday's apparent low bidder was Warrior Constructors of Houston. After last year's unexpectedly high bid, Dekle and the architects for the project Mann and Harrover and Eason, Anthony, McKinnie & Cox went to work to trim off extras and substitute, in many cases, less expensive materials for more costly ones. 75 years ago: 1941 ATLANTA Southern educators, facing the problem of equalizing white and Negro teachers' salaries in compliance with a recent Supreme Court ruling, concluded at a meeting here Monday that Federal aid was the only solution. 100 years ago: 1916 Miss Istalina and Mr. Dudley Ransom entertained delightfully last evening with an informal dancing party in their home on Harbert Avenue in honor of the members of the Younger Set Club. 125 years ago: 1891 The largest crowd that ever assembled at Montgomery Park, and probably the largest ever seen on a Southern race course, saw Vallera win the Tennessee Derby yesterday. Estimates ranged from 7,000 to 10,000. SHARE By Ron Maxey of The Commercial Appeal A Tupelo, Mississippi, woman on her way to work in Memphis died Thursday evening after her vehicle collided with two tractor-trailers on Interstate 22 near Olive Branch. Olive Branch Police on Friday identified the victim as Andriana Hall, 20. According to police, Hall was traveling west on I-22, formerly U.S. 78, when she lost control and collided with the two tractor-trailers north of the Miss. 305 intersection. Hall was pronounced dead at the scene, but the two tractor-trailer drivers were not injured. The police statement said there was no evidence of drugs or alcohol, but heavy rain at the time is suspected as a contributing factor. No criminal or traffic charges are expected, but an investigation by the Olive Branch Police Department crash team is ongoing. Hall was a student at Rust College in Holly Springs. SHARE Charlotte T. Smith Memphis The new motto of the Shelby County Schools Board to get funding is Students Deserve More. I totally agree, but our students also deserve a school board that makes sound academic and financial decisions on their behalf. The recent suggested budget cuts for the next school year only affect the students. Why use scare tactics like eliminating CLUE, cutting special-education programs, cutting foreign language, guidance counselor positions, or cutting Innovation Zone hours to anger parents enough to contact county commissioners in order to fully fund your padded budget for schools? Since the SCS board boasts of being transparent, why not consider board personnel taking a 10 percent pay cut; close your exclusive board cafeteria (brown bag it); or eliminate board positions (staff walking over each other doing nothing)? Is the SCS security directors pay still more than that of the Memphis police director? How many satellite buildings does SCS need to be operational? Why purchase iPads for pre-K babies? Can some of those SCS satellite buildings be closed and space utilized at the central office? A panelist on Informed Sources recently said that the SCS operating budget is more than both the city and county governments operating budgets combined. SCS must be more accountable for its spending. If money was spent properly, SCS would not have the majority of its schools in the lower 10 percentile. The more the commissioners give them, the more SCS will continue to waste. SHARE By Mark Davis The air hangs thick with hypocrisy and selective outrage as some Americans seek through their state legislatures to enact measures to balance LGBT interests and individual religious liberty. The North Carolina measure that left Bruce Springsteen morally unable to belt out "Born to Run" for his Greensboro fans is the picture of compromise. Yet, once again, the left concludes that it has the market cornered not just on basic rights, but also on human decency. For the record: North Carolina's House Bill 2 does indeed prevent men from entering women's bathrooms. But for those repelled by this, it also provides for reasonable accommodations such as single-occupancy facilities, and it even opens the doors for transgender people who have invested in their journey sufficiently to have their sex changed on their birth certificates. Private businesses, of course, are free to accommodate as they wish. And this drives Springsteen out of the Tar Heel State? I will back off my opinion of him as a posturing fool when he refuses to cash two monster checks in mid-June from stadium shows in Germany, where gay marriage is illegal. And does anyone doubt that "The Boss" would gladly follow the Rolling Stones into Cuba, rolling out "Dancing in the Dark" in a land where basic liberties are trampled ever day? Spare me his hand-wringing about the evils of his fellow Americans standing up for their religious liberties. Disagreements over these boundaries are fine. Different states will do different things. What is absurd is the holier-than-thou strutting of rock stars and businesses getting the vapors as if these states had reinstated slavery. I'd like to hear from PayPal, a company choosing to deny jobs to North Carolinians, about their headquarters in Singapore, where same-sex acts behind closed doors carry a two-year jail term. Then we can hear about the business they are happy to do in Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates, where the transgender community is not as worried about getting into the proper bathroom as they are about staying out of prison. If these mouthy objectors want to talk the talk, let's see them walk the walk. That won't be happening. It's a lot easier to bail on one concert out of 50 on a tour, or move a business out of a state or two, than it is to draw these opportunistic lines in the sand with honesty and consistency. Meanwhile, in Texas, citizens seeking the type of protections approved in Houston last year will be slandered as bigots. Chief executives like PayPal's Dan Schulman will wring their hands about such efforts while rolling in money from operations in regimes punitive toward the very existence of the people they seek to champion. And stories will continue to malign these efforts as "anti-gay" incursions on rights. Some rights debates are a two-sided coin; North Carolina, Mississippi and perhaps additional parts of Texas will seek to stand up for the "rights" of women who do not wish to worry if a biological man is in the next stall. And again, these are debates than can properly play out, state by state, city by city. But the vilification heaped upon people for not taking the current day's favored side is an act of shameless political bullying. The good news is that every chapter of this drama features people doing what they have a right to do. States may enact religious freedom measures or not, rock stars and companies may hyperventilate or not, and boycott people they disagree with or not. And those people are then free to decide whether they ever wish to do things like use PayPal or hear "Hungry Heart" ever again. Mark Davis is a radio host in Texas and a columnist for the Dallas Morning News. Contact him at markdavisshow@gmail.com. SHARE By Paul Waldman If you've spent any time inside the conservative information bubble, among the things you know is that not only did Hillary Clinton commit all manner of nefarious crimes with relation to the emails she sent and received as secretary of state, but she will be indicted for those crimes soon, and that indictment will throw the 2016 to the Republican presidential nominee. If you inhabit the world outside that bubble, you may know that the chances of such an indictment are infinitesimal. But conservatives hold on to the possible indictment like a life raft amid swelling seas, the one thing that can save them from the horror of a Clinton presidency. So it was that when President Barack Obama agreed to be interviewed by Fox News Sunday for last week's broadcast, host Chris Wallace had to get him to weigh in on the matter. Obama's answer was pretty much what you would have expected, but it was the panel discussion afterward that was most revealing. Here's how Obama answered Wallace's first question: "I've got to be careful because, as you know, there have been investigations, there are hearings, Congress is looking at this. And I haven't been sorting through each and every aspect of this. "Here's what I know: Hillary Clinton was an outstanding secretary of state. She would never intentionally put America in any kind of jeopardy. "And what I also know, because I handle a lot of classified information, is that there are there's classified, and then there's classified. There's stuff that is really top secret top secret, and there's stuff that is being presented to the president or the secretary of state, that you might not want on the transom, or going out over the wire, but is basically stuff that you could get in open source." Wallace then pressed Obama on whether he would exercise any influence over the investigation, and he guaranteed (multiple times) that he wouldn't. Although Obama's answer might not be all that revealing to the uninitiated, he actually touched on the most critical questions with regard to an indictment. First, the classified material in question was not marked classified at the time it was sent and received; it was only afterward that the intelligence agencies retroactively classified it, which is critical to any legal case against Clinton. Second and most important, in order to be charged with the crime of mishandling classified information, the person has to knowingly and intentionally make the information available to someone who doesn't have authorization to receive it, or act with such extraordinary negligence that it would inevitably fall into the wrong hands. So for instance, David Petraeus got charged because he showed top secret documents to his mistress (and then lied to the FBI about it). But there's no evidence Clinton did anything even remotely similar. That's why, when Politico's Josh Gerstein examined prior cases similar to this one, he concluded that an indictment is highly unlikely. As Gestein writes: "The relatively few cases that drew prosecution almost always involved a deliberate intent to violate classification rules, as well as some add-on element: An FBI agent who took home highly sensitive agency records while having an affair with a Chinese agent; a Boeing engineer who brought home 2,000 classified documents and whose travel to Israel raised suspicions; a National Security Agency official who removed boxes of classified documents and also lied on a job application form." The only person with something resembling expertise in this area Gerstein could find who would say Clinton ought to be indicted was the increasingly loathsome Rudy Giuliani, whose opinion on matters like this is worth about as much a ticket to one of his inspirational speeches. Just to be clear, I'm not defending Clinton's decision to set up her own email server. That was a violation of departmental policy, and she shouldn't have done it. But that's very different from saying it was a crime, or even that it jeopardized national security in some way. (There's been no evidence that Clinton's server was hacked or that anyone even tried to hack it, unlike the State Department's own systems, which are constantly targeted by hackers.) But if you're a Republican pundit, you know that the idea of Hillary Clinton being led away in handcuffs is just too tantalizing for your audience to resist. And so when the Fox News Sunday panel (consisting of two conservative Republicans and two objective reporters, which is their idea of balance) had the chance to weigh in, the conservatives Karl Rove and George Will expressed the proper degree of faux outrage at Obama. What's most interesting about their comments is that neither one of them even tried to make a case that Clinton should be indicted. Instead, they both brought up former IRS official Lois Lerner, to argue that the Obama Justice Department engages in cover-ups of criminal behavior. They implied, without saying outright, that the Justice Department would never issue indictments that would damage Democrats (such as Hillary Clinton). For the most part, the Clinton email story has been a disappointment to Republicans. They were desperately hoping that the emails would reveal some kind of ghastly malfeasance on Clinton's part, some smoking gun that would make all Americans realize that she should never be elected president. When that turned out not to be the case, they pinned their hopes on the idea that she would just have to be charged with a crime eventually. I have no doubt that people like Will and Rove now understand that that isn't going to happen either. But having gone this far, they need to keep up appearances, and they also know that just talking about her emails serves to convince people that something scandalous must have happened. So they are laying the groundwork to argue, if and when she doesn't get indicted, that it must only be because Barack Obama's corrupt administration quashed the investigation and hid the truth from the public. And down where the conservative rank and file get their information the talk radio rants, the right-wing blogs, the breathless chain emails these two contradictory ideas are both widely circulated. Clinton is about to be indicted, and Clinton won't be indicted because the fix is in. The assumption in either case is that of course she committed crimes, even if no one can say exactly what they were. Because she's Hillary Clinton, right? What more do you need to know? Paul Waldman is a contributor to The Washington Post's Plum Line blog. SHARE By Rekha Basu Even the tired cliche about the pot calling the kettle black couldn't adequately capture the irony when Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, last week accused Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts of fueling partisanship around the judiciary. "Physician, heal thyself," Grassley said, admonishing Roberts in a speech. Picking a fight with the Republican-appointed chief justice marks a bizarre twist in the Senate Judiciary Committee chairman's refusal to consider a nominee to fill an opening on the court while President Barack Obama is in office. Grassley's remarks were in reference to a speech the chief justice had given shortly before Justice Antonin Scalia's death. Roberts observed that the public wrongly believes that justices see themselves as Republicans or Democrats. Grassley shot back that perception is not because, as Roberts had contended, the confirmation process has been so politicized, but because, "the justices' decisions are often political and transgress their constitutional role." "In fact," Grassley continued, "many of my constituents believe, with all due respect, that the chief justice is part of this problem. They believe that a number of his votes have reflected political considerations, not legal ones." Far be it from me to defend Roberts' voting record on the court, which included the disastrous 2010 Citizens United decision allowing corporations to spend unlimited amounts to influence election outcomes in the name of free speech. Roberts also authored the dissenting opinion in the 2015 court ruling that upheld same-sex marriage rights. He even blasted his fellow justices over it at the time, declaring: "Today, five lawyers have ordered every state to change their definition of marriage. Just who do we think we are?" Since his appointment by President George W. Bush in 2005, Roberts has also voted against the use of race-conscious admission policies to achieve school desegregation; against student free-speech rights when drug use is being advocated; to strike down an animal cruelty law; to require that colleges that receive any federal funding must allow military recruiters on campus, and to uphold the partial birth abortion ban. A liberal he isn't. "After four years on the Court " wrote The New Yorker's Jeffrey Toobin in 2009, "Roberts's record is not that of a humble moderate but, rather, that of a doctrinaire conservative." But not according to Grassley, for whom Roberts' cardinal sin must have been voting to uphold Obama's Affordable Care Act. Grassley last week accused the court of drifting from the "constitutional text" and ruling on such hot-button issues as "freedom of religion, abortion, affirmative action, gun control, free speech, and the death penalty," based on individual policy preferences. And he blamed that primarily on justices appointed by Democrats. Declaring that all the liberal justices were appointed by Democrats, and the conservative and swing justices by Republicans, Grassley said: "There are four justices who vote in a liberal way in effectively every case the public follows. There are two justices who stick to the constitutional text and who vote in a consistently conservative way. One justice votes mostly, but not always, in a conservative way, and one justice votes sometimes with the conservatives and sometimes with the liberals." It seems that for Grassley, only justices appointed by Republican presidents are capable of being impartial, because they "stick to the constitutional text." But even then, some can't be trusted because, like Roberts, they might occasionally drift from the conservative viewpoint. It's no secret that some justices appointed by Republican presidents have shifted to the middle in their votes over time. Sandra Day O'Connor is a good example. But instead of being traitors to the conservative cause, as Grassley sees them, maybe they've had their eyes opened to a contemporary world perspective on social realities. After all, the Constitution was written at a time when many current circumstances were not even contemplated. Declaring that "tens of millions of Americans believe, correctly, that too many of the justices are imposing their views and not interpreting the law," Grassley called for a debate on the proper role of a Supreme Court justice, and "whether our current justices are adhering to their constitutional role." Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid fired back at Grassley the following day for having, in Reid's words, the audacity to accuse Roberts of being part of the problem. "I say to the senior senator from Iowa, Justice Roberts isn't the one who needs healing," he declared. By refusing to give a hearing to Obama's appointee, Judge Merrick Garland, "purely because he was nominated by a Democratic president," Nevada's Reid said, "Sen. Grassley has sacrificed the historic independence of the judiciary to do the bidding of the tea party and the Koch Brothers." Grassley's delay in confirming a ninth justice to the Supreme Court has prevented it from making precedent-setting rulings in tied cases. Reid said "with only himself to blame," Grassley is "grasping for something, anything to get him off the hook." I'm tired of Iowa getting a bad name for Grassley's antics, and annoyed that he invokes his constituents to justify his intransigent stance. He denies being partisan but blasts a Republican-appointed justice for moving to the center. What could be a better illustration of partisanship except maybe refusing to consider a Democratic president's appointee? So, many of us in Iowa and elsewhere await the election, wondering how Grassley will get out of the corner he's painted himself into if a Democrat wins. Rekha Basu is a columnist for the Des Moines Register When Microsoft on Thursday (April 14) sued the U.S. Justice Department demanding more openness about data seizures, it made the case that its customers have the right to know when their data in the cloud is being examined. Retail IT execs need to watch this case very closely, since the massive data stores of merchants are a popular place for law enforcement to snoop. Just like Microsoft, retailers have much to fear from their customers seeing them as government agents. For the government, finding out about every inquiry or purchase that was made by a consumer with a wide range of retailers is an effective way to establish intent. Microsoft's argument is simple: The government can have the data, but insisting that Microsoft keep the request from its customers potentially forever is not necessary, as well as contrary to the U.S. Constitution. "Microsoft brings this case because its customers have a right to know when the government obtains a warrant to read their emails and because Microsoft has a right to tell them," Microsoft says in the lawsuit. "Yet the Electronic Communications Privacy Act ('ECPA') allows courts to order Microsoft to keep its customers in the dark when the government seeks their email content or other private information, based solely on a 'reason to believe' that disclosure might hinder an investigation. Nothing in the statute requires that the 'reason to believe' be grounded in the facts of the particular investigation and the statute contains no limit on the length of time such secrecy orders may be kept in place." In other words, Microsoft is arguing that government agents are using the "hinder an investigation" line as an excuse and that there is no meaningful limit. Investigators must use that excuse sparingly so that it doesn't lose its meaning. We have already seen this happen in retail with breach disclosure. Almost all state breach-disclosure rules offer an exemption if law enforcement thinks disclosure may possibly at some point impede their investigation. What investigator wouldn't say yes to that? Microsoft concedes that there might be some cases where secrecy is needed, but it needs sharp limits, in terms of both use and length of time the secret must be maintained. "There may be exceptional circumstances when the governments interest in investigating criminal conduct justifies an order temporarily barring a provider from notifying a customer that the government has obtained the customers private communications and data. But Section 2705(b) sweeps too broadly," Microsoft says in its filing. "That antiquated law (passed decades before cloud computing existed) allows courts to impose prior restraints on speech about government conduct the very core of expressive activity the First Amendment is intended to protect even if other approaches could achieve the governments objectives without burdening the right to speak freely." Here's what this is really all about, and it's a critical retail issue: privacy. The U.S. Constitution makes no direct reference to privacy, which is why Microsoft is having to dance around its real point. (OK, its real point is that it wants to make more money from cloud services. I meant its pretend real point.) It wants the courts to recognize an implied privacy element to the Constitution. It wants the courts to place severe hurdles that law enforcement must clear before it uses subpoenas to access any private information on any resident it wants to investigate. The point of disclosure is not a free speech issue per se for Microsoft. The point is that if consumers and business know that such data has been accessed or, even better, that such access has been requested then they have the ability to go to court and object. Today, there are, as a practical matter, no such hurdles. That has led to petabytes of data being examined with unlimited secrecy requirements. For Microsoft, and many retailers, keeping silent about data exposures threatens to obliterate the trust that must exist between company and customer. 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. Close Drug for Hepatitis C therapy is expected to be made available to patients at an affordable price in the near future. The drug that would cost less than $300 is currently under generic trials and will be available for use in a year or two. Hepatitis C is a disease caused by hepatitis C virus, contracted from one person to another through blood and bodily fluids. Hepatitis C infection can cause illness as mild as for few weeks to as severe as liver cirrhosis, cancer, and death. In most cases hepatitis C infection is symptomless while some people experience stomach pain, jaundice, nausea, fatigue and loss of appetite. About 150 million people around the world are affected by hepatitis C and in the low-income countries, only people with severe illness get the required medical aid. The drugs specific for treating Hepatitis C are priced high by the US drugmakers Gilead, AbbVie and Merck and are not affordable to people from developing countries. To resolve this issue, a combination of two Hepatitis C tablets ravidasvir and sofosbuvir are being made at an affordable price by the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), a not-for-profit organization in collaboration with the Egyptian drug-maker Pharco Pharmaceuticals, according to The Guardian. The DNDi that made an announcement on the project at the international liver congress in Barcelona said that clinical trials on combination treatment are about to be held in Malaysia and Thailand, the countries with varied genetic characteristics. DNDi also noted that one such trial was conducted in Egypt among 300 participants which yielded 100 percent success rate. "Because of the high prices of new hepatitis C medicines, it has been almost impossible for governments to provide access to treatment at the necessary scale," said YB Datuk Seri Dr. S Subramaniam, Malaysian health minister. "We hope data from these studies will support our efforts to introduce this combination as soon as possible and scale up to reach all patients in need," he added. The drug is expected to be made available within 12 months in Egypt and 18- 24 months in other countries. The combination drug therapy for Hepatitis C by Pharco would cost around $300 that translates to $3.50 per day, which is far lesser than the drugs marketed by US pharmaceutical giants. "The collaboration between DNDi and the Ministry will cover Phase II and III clinical trials on combination therapy ravidasvir and sofosbuvir for Hepatitis C patients in Malaysia," said Health director-general Datuk Dr. Noor Hisham Abdullah in a separate press statement, noted The Star Online. "The early part of the trials is to assess the new Hepatitis C treatment regimen," he added. See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare Close A controversial bill tackling on the physician-assisted suicide over in Canada has resurfaced and such could turn into a law if it passes the House of Commons and the Senate. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is backing the legislation, which carries a fresh set of conditions before doctors would be allowed to aid patients who are struck with enduring physical or psychological suffering. The bill surfaced Thursday and carried the following conditions: Be eligible for government-funded health care. Be a mentally competent adult 18 or older. Have a serious and incurable disease, illness or disability. Be in an "advanced state of irreversible decline," with enduring and intolerable suffering. Have a "reasonably foreseeable" natural death. Aside from the conditions above, patients who indulge in physician-assisted suicide will need to get written requests from two independent witnesses while also undergoing more than one medical evaluation and a mandatory waiting period of 15 days via NPR. The bill was originally thumbed down last year by Canadas Supreme Court, stating that the law denies people the right "to make decisions concerning their bodily integrity and medical care" and leaves them "to endure intolerable suffering," via a previous report from NPR. The law was given a one-year deadline but with little progress (via the NY Times), an extension was granted when Trudeaus group took over. The deadline was moved to June. The whole issue is personal to Trudeau who lost his father, former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, back in 2000. The current Canadian Prime Minister believes that his father would have preferred to pass away with dignity and seen as one of the reasons why he is pushing for the said bill via CBC Radio. Should the bill be made into a law, Canada will join countries who allow certain forms of assisted suicide. Among the countries that allow such include Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany. In America, only a couple of states like Oregon and Vermont allow physician-assisted suicide. The bill is likely to invite stiff opposition from the ones who object to such a practice and people who feel that the law does not have the full right to grant people the right to take away their lives. See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare Close The legendary country singer, Glen Campbell, who was once rocking the world with his famous songs, rocked the world once again when he shared that he has an Alzheimer's during the first stages of the disease. According to Huffington Post, Campbell still managed to perform after announcing his condition. Together with his daughter, Ashley and son, Shannon, they toured the country playing his songs. Their last performance was in Napa Valley. Now, Campbell's Alzheimer's disease took away his guitar skills. Alzheimer's disease makes people forget everything such as names, address, skills, memories and even their loved ones. One of the questions about the disease is: why Alzheimer's patients lose memories? The memories created by the brain are being registered in the part of the brain called the hippocampus. It will then send those memories into the brain storage, which retrieves the memory. The hippocampus is the first to get damaged when Alzheimer's starts. Since this part of the brain does not remember, it can't help in retrieving memories, shared AgingCare. The memories gradually disappear as the Alzheimer's disease progresses. "The first thing that gets affected is the ability to take in new memories," explains Dr. Amanda Smith, M.D., medical director of the Byrd Alzheimer's Institute at the University of South Florida. There are times that new memories do not have an emotional attachment, and these memories are stored in a different place other than memories. This makes the patient remember some events that happened 20 years but cannot remember the things happened 20 minutes ago. As a result, a person with an Alzheimer's disease cannot learn new things as the hippocampus is not able to register new thoughts or send it to the storage units of the brain. The patient's memory and thinking will be affected once the plaque starts to build up in the nerve cells of the brain. It causes confusion among people with Alzheimer's disease. They will then start losing the ability to organize thoughts or even remember the faces of the people close to them. "It takes an emotional toll on the caregiver," explains Louise Kenny, LCSW, a bereavement counselor at Avow Hospice in Naples, Florida. "They grieve watching their loved one lose their memory." Kenny stated that caregivers should educate themselves as much as possible to understand the disease. This will prepare themselves for the many phases of the Alzheimer's disease as it progress. Meanwhile, Campbell is currently being treated at the National Memory Care Facility where he is being exposed to music therapy. See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare Close A type of thyroid tumor which was considered as cancer for decades is now reclassified not cancer anymore. This reclassification, which was expected for quite a long time is believed to change the way how people look at it as well as the doctors' approach in terms of treatment. The thyroid tumor which was referred to as "encapsulated follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma," is now renamed as "noninvasive follicular thyroid neoplasm with papillary-like nuclear features," or NIFTP. The word carcinoma which holds the meaning that the tumor is cancerous is now removed from the term, reported New York Times. According to a study published in the journal JAMA Oncology, the reclassification of follicular thyroid carcinoma into noninvasive neoplasm would have an impact on the lives of tens of thousands of people in the US. There will be a huge difference in the way the tumor will be looked at and as well as the treatment plan is devised. "This phenomenon is known as overdiagnosis," said senior investigator Dr Yuri Nikiforov, professor of pathology and director of Pitt's Division of Molecular and Genomic Pathology, according to Science Daily. "To my knowledge, this is the first time in the modern era a type of cancer is being reclassified as a non-cancer. I hope that it will set an example for other expert groups to address nomenclature of various cancer types that have indolent behavior to prevent inappropriate and costly treatment," Nikiforov added. The renamed tumor is a small lump in thyroid which is surrounded by a capsule of fibrous tissue. Though the nucleus appears like cancer, the cells are noninvasive and are not broken out of the capsule. Since the tumor is encased and doesn't invade nearby tissues unlike their malignant counterparts, the removal of the thyroid gland for the purpose of treatment is declared unnecessary hereafter. As the thyroid is not removed, patients will not require the radioactive iodine therapy as well. Following up thousands of patients with both non-invasive as well as malignant tumors for over ten years, researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine observed that patients with encapsulated tumors had no recurrence once their tumors were removed. The individuals didn't seem to be in need of monthly and yearly check-ups as well. "The cost of treating thyroid cancer in 2013 was estimated to exceed $1.6 billion in the U.S. Not only does the reclassification eliminate the psychological impact of the diagnosis of 'cancer,' it reduces the likelihood of complications of total thyroid removal, and the overall cost of health care," Nikiforov said. See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare Close Prolonged use of drugs for treating ulcers, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) and heartburns could relatively damage the kidney and even result in renal failure, reports a recent research. The study results have it that a group of drugs that are used to reduce the production of gastric acid may damage the kidneys extensively. Researchers at the Clinical Epidemiology Center at the VA Saint Louis Health Care System and Washington University in Saint Louis noted that the widely used over-the-counter proton pump inhibitors (PPI) drugs could not only result in kidney damages but also lead to kidney failure in the long run, according to Medical Daily. "The results emphasize the importance of limiting PPI use only when it is medically necessary, and also limiting the duration of use to the shortest duration possible," said the study's lead author Dr. Ziyad Al-Aly, a professor of medicine at Washington University School of Medicine, in a statement. "A lot of patients start taking PPIs for a medical condition, and they continue much longer than necessary." The study supports the previous findings that established a link between the PPI and renal problems. According to the recent report, about 15 million Americans were prescribed PPI by the doctors in 2013 while access for many over-the-counter PPI drugs like Prilosec, Nexium, and Prevacid are easily available for everyone. The researchers compared 170,000 new PPI users with 20,000 new histamine H2 receptor blockers user, from the information obtained from the Department of Veterans Affairs national databases. The histamine H2 receptor blockers is another group of drugs widely used by people in the US to reduce gastric acid production. It was observed after five years of follow up that 15 percent of individuals that took PPI were diagnosed with chronic renal problems whereas 11 percent of people using H2 receptor blockers were diagnosed positive for the same. While only 0.2 percent of individuals on PPI involved in the study developed end-stage kidney failure, the risk of developing the disease among PPI users was observed to be as high as 96 percent. "Losing weight and avoiding eating high-fat foods and avoiding eating late at night can be very helpful," he said. "If you can, elevating the head of your bed on six to eight-inch blocks will really help a great deal," said Dr. Kenneth R. DeVault, president of the American College of Gastroenterology and chair of medicine at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, reported CBS News. See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare Close Zika virus infection could be transmitted through anal sex, claims a recent report that confirmed the first sexually transmitted Zika virus case in Dallas. According to the report from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Texas health officials on Zika virus infection, the first confirmed case in Dallas was sexually transmitted from one man to another, reported NBC News. The unnamed man that contracted the infection is said to have had intercourse with another man who returned with Zika virus infection from Venezuela. The couple that has been in relationship for over ten years reportedly had sex the day the traveller returned to the country. No virus was said to have found initially in the urine, semen and saliva samples collected by the doctors from both the men. However, after subjecting the samples through thorough investigation it was identified that the partner that travelled out of the country had sexually transmitted the disease to another. "The second man had had a Zika virus infection and the only way he could have gotten it was from his sexual partner," says Dr. John Brooks, a medical epidemiologist with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and an author on the case report published Thursday by the CDC. "We know that most STIs can be transmitted through anal sex and oral sex as well as vaginal sex," says Brooks. Since Zika virus is found to cause severe birth defects in children it is indispensible to know the cause and source of the infection. While now it is proven that Zika virus could be sexually transmitted from one person to another, CDC has advised pregnant women not to have unprotected sex with their partners that are suspected to have contracted the infection. CDC also recommends pregnant women to refrain from having sexual relationship with partners that travelled to Zika virus-infected areas. However, it is not established clearly that the infection spreads from semen, any bodily fluid, say pre-ejaculate or saliva from the infected person could be responsible for the transmission of Zika virus infection. "The take-home message is you have to consider any kind of intimate contact between an infected person with Zika and a non-infected person as a potential risk situation, regardless of gender," the Huffington Post quoted Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Diseases Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota, as telling STAT, noted Australia News Network. See Now: What Republicans Don't Want You To Know About Obamacare Discrimination Against Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle Continues At IIT Madras By APSC IITM 15 April, 2016 Countercurrents.org On Commemorating the 125th Birth Anniversary of Dr.B.R.Ambedkar, Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle (APSC) had organized a seminar on 14th of April, in which Prof. Ram Punyani delivered a speech on "Liberating Ambedkars ideology from the religious nationalism at the IC & SR auditorium inside IIT Madras. We had got the required approval from the IIT management for this event with some conditions likes not to issue flyers since it is menace to habitat. On 14th Shortly before the seminar could begin, the security personnel of around 7 who were at the entrance of the auditorium, refused to allow people who didn't have an IIT identity card as per order of Dean of student. Due to this many aspirants of Dr.Ambedkar who came in to hear Prof. Ram Punyani's speech were not able to attend the meeting and they were sent back with disappointment. We talked to Dean of Student and Director, they replied this is an old rule outsiders are not allowed for Institute lectures in IITM. This is due to environmental reason. But nobody knows there exit such rule. This is not a case for any of such meeting seminars held inside the campus by any student groups. A recent seminar on Innovations driving the fourth industrial revolution by CEO of Switzerland based Robtic company, conducted inside the campus had members joining in from various corporate houses and none of them were denied entry (There is no identify card verifications). Similarly for seminars organized by the pro hindutva study circle the management is not posing any such restrictions. Recently on past January, members of vande matram group organized a lecture on critiquing contemporary indology studies by Rajive Malhotra also took place with many outsiders, there was not a single operating procedure applied with them. It is only for us that management is showing this discrimination blatantly with no second thought. Once again it has proved that the Institute is not operating for the cause of common people rather for corporate and Hindutva. Right from the day we decided to have a seminar on Ambedkar's birth day, the management started creating hurdles and we crossed them one after the other. From compelling us not to conduct any cultural programme and restricting us from issuing pamphlets regarding the Institution did everything in its capacity to stop us. While issuing the pamphlets also, our study circle members were even threatened by a mob of more than 30 pro hindutva students were warned of severe consequences if we continue to spread the thoughts of Ambedkar. This was their last weapon that, not allowing outsiders for the talk, but more number of IIT students was participated and supported us. People from outside constantly argued with the security guards and with our faculty in charge to allow inside the hall, finally we decided to continue the speech outside of IC&SR auditorium. The speech continued there for more than hour and many of IIT students and outside members welcomed our move of conducting the speech outside the auditorium. It is very hard to digest that even during the 125th anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar, such discrimination continues and is sitting in the minds of the highly educated people of the institution. This is not the single incident; we are suffocating like anything for conducting any such events from the date of commencing of APSC, the restrictions increased even a lot after the re recognition of APSC. APSC condemns the prejudiced, discriminatory and anarchy move of IITM administration towards curbing the activity of our team. We hope? The same activity of IITM admin will not occur in future atleast for the sake of the institutes reputation!! APSC TEAM, IIT Madras The Cuckoo That Won't Sing: Sustanaibility And Japanese Culture By Ugo Bardi 15 April, 2016 Cassandra's Legacy This is a version of a talk that I gave at the "Kosen Dojo" in Florence, Italy on March 26 2011. It is not a transcription, but a text written from memory where I try to maintain the style of a spoken presentation. Ladies and gentlemen, let me say first of all that I gave many talks on energy and sustainability in my career, but this is the first time that I am giving one while sitting cross-legged on the floor on a Japanese mat, a tatami. But, let me add, it is a real pleasure to do it, and it is a special pleasure to give it in a dojo, under the portrait of Kano Jigoro, the founder of modern Judo. Indeed, I used to be a judoka myself, although I must say it is a while that I don't practice. So, this place reminds me a lot of Japan, where I had a very nice time when I lived there, years ago and, as you all know, the recent events in Fukushima have highlighted the problem of energy and sustainability both in Japan and in the whole world. The Japanese have suffered more than anybody else as the result of the way we have mismanaged atomic energy. It is a sad story that of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, in 1945. Perhaps some of you had a chance to visit those places - I visited both cities and I can tell you that the memory of those events is not something you can easily ignore. In comparison, the nuclear accident in Fukushima has been a small thing, of course. But it remains difficult for us - intended as humankind - to manage nuclear energy. Maybe it is just too big and complex for us to manage. Anyway, let's not go into the pros and cons of atomic energy; it is not what I wanted to discuss with you today. Rather, I think you might be interested in discussing a little about Japanese culture. The very fact that we are all sitting on the floor on a Japanese tatami, means that Japanese culture is influencing us; just as it has influenced Western culture in many fields - just think of manga! So, what I would like to do today is to discuss what we can learn from Japan in terms of sustainability. So, let me start with something about the history of Japan. You surely know of the early "Heian" or "Imperial" period that started long ago; it was the "classical" period of Japanese history. Then, the Heian age gave way to a period of civil wars; the sengoku jidai, the period of the Samurai. Many movies have shown it as a romantic age, but I am sure the people who lived in it didn't find it very romantic; it was a period of continuous wars and it must have been very hard for everyone. Anyway, that historical phase was over when Tokugawa Ieyasu emerged as the winner of the struggle and he became the shogun, the ruler of all Japan. That was around the year 1600 and it started the "Edo" period which was much quieter. The Edo period lasted until Commodore Perry arrived with his "black ships" in mid 19th century and that started the modern period. Now, the two centuries and a half of the Edo Period are very interesting in terms of sustainability. It was not just a period of peace; it was also a period of a stable economy and of a stable populationNow, the two centuries and a half of the Edo Period are very interesting in terms of sustainability. It was not just a period of peace; it was also a period of a stable economy and of a stable population. Actually, that is not completely true, population increasing during the first part of the Edo period, but when it arrived at nearly 30 million, it stayed nearly constant for almost two centuries. I don't know of another society in history that managed such a period of stability. It was an example of what we call today "steady state" economy. The reason why most societies can't manage to reach a steady state is because it is very easy to overexploit the environment. It is not something that has to do just with fossil fuels. It is typical of agricultural societies, too. Cut too many trees and the fertile soil will be washed away by rain. And then, without fertile soil to cultivate, people starve. The result is collapse - a common feature of most civilizations of the past. Jared Diamond wrote about that in a book of a few years ago; titled, indeed "Collapse". Now, there is an interesting point that Diamond makes about islands. On islands, he says, people have limited resources - much more limited than on continents - and their options are limited. When you run out of resources, say, of fertile soil, you can't migrate and you can't attack your neighbors to get resources from them. So, you can only adapt or die. Diamond cites several cases of small islands in the Pacific Ocean where adaptation was very difficult and the results have been dramatic, such as in the case of Easter Island. In some really small islands, adaptation was so difficult that the human population simply disappeared. Everybody died and that was it. And that brings us to the case of Japan; an island, of course, although a big one. But some of the problems with resources must have been the same as in all islands. Japan doesn't have much in terms of natural resources. A lot of rain; mostly, but little else and rain can do a lot of damage if forests are not managed well. And, of course, space is limited in Japan and that means that there is a limit to population; at least as long as they have to rely only on local resources. So, I think that at some point in history the Japanese had reached the limit of what they could do with the space they had. Of course, it took time; the cycle was much longer than for a small island such as Easter Island. But it may well be the civil wars were a consequence of the Japanese society having reached a limit. When there is not enough for everyone, people tend to fight but that, of course, is not the way to manage scant resources. So, at some point the Japanese had to stop fighting, they had to adapt or die - and they adapted to the resources they had. That was the start of the Edo period. In order to attain steady state, the Japanese had to manage well their resources and avoid wasting them. One thing they did was to get rid of the armies of the warring period. War is just too expensive for a steady state society. Then, they made big effort to maintain and increase their forests. You can read something on this point in Diamond's book. Coal from Kyushu may have helped a little in saving trees, but coal alone would not have been enough - it was the management of forests that did the trick. Forests were managed to the level of single trees by the government; a remarkable feat. Finally, the Japanese managed to control population. That was possibly the hardest part in an age when there were no contraceptives. From what I read, I understand that the poor had to use mainly infanticide and that must have been very hard for the Japanese, as it would be for us today. But the consequences of letting the population grow unchecked would have been terrible; so they had to. We tend to see a steady state economy as something very similar to our society, only a bit quieter. But Edo Japan was very different. Surely it was not paradise on earth. It was a highly regulated and hierarchical society where it would have been hard to find - perhaps even to imagine - such things as "democracy" or "human rights". Nevertheless, the Edo period was a remarkable achievement; a highly refined and cultured society. A society of craftsmen, poets, artists and philosophers. It created some of the artistic treasures we still admire today; from the katana sword to Basho's poetry. So, the Japanese succeeded in creating a highly refined society that managed to exist in a steady state for more than two centuries. I think there is no comparable case in history. Why did Japan succeed where many other societies in history had failed? Well, I think that being an island was a major advantage. It shielded (mostly) Japan from the ambitions of their neighbors and also from the temptation that the Japanese might have had to invade their neighbors. And if you are not so terribly afraid of being invaded (and you have no intention of invading anyone) then you have no reason to have a big army and so no reason to increase the population. You can concentrate on sustainability and on managing what you have. Then, of course, when Commodore Perry and his black ships arrived Japan was not an island anymore; in the sense that it was not any longer isolated from the rest of the world. So growth restarted. But, as long as Japan remained isolated, the economy remained in steady state and, as I said, it was a remarkable achievement. But I don't think that the fact of being an island explains everything about the Edo period. I think, that it would not have been possible without a certain degree of wisdom. Or, perhaps, a more correct term, in this case, is "sapience." Wisdom or sapience is not something that you can quantify or attribute to specific persons. But I think that Japan as a whole had attained a certain degree of - let's say - "enlightenment." Please, understand that I am referring to the Edo Period. I know very well that, today, Japan is just as ugly as most places in the Western World - polluted, overcrowded and full of ugly buildings. But, during the Edo Period they had developed a way of looking at the world that we still admire today, that is - in my opinion - embodied in Japanese poetry: a marvel of lightness, of perception of the detail, of love for the delicate little things of the impermanent world. But not just poetry - think of Judo according to Kano sensei. It is a way of life - a philosophy, a way of gaining wisdom. Judo is a modern idea, of course, but it has its origins with the Edo period. As far as I understand, the Japanese attitude at that time was as far as possible from that monstrosity that we have today; that of the golem we call "homo economicus" who seriously thinks that a tree is worth nothing unless it is felled. If this is the way we see the world, we deserve to collapse and disappear. Wisdom cannot be a non-renewable resource, but we seem to have been able to run out of it, too. So, out of Japanese wisdom, I think I would like to tell you a little story that has to do with the warring period, but that was surely invented during the gentler Edo Period. You probably know the names of the main leaders of the last phase of the civil wars in Japan: Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Eventually, it was Ieyasu who became shogun and the leader of all Japan. About how he managed to do that, there is this story which exists in the form of a "senryu", a short poem. It says that one day Nobunaga, Hideyoshi and Ieyasu got together and they saw a cuckoo bird that won't sing. So, Nobunaga said; "If it doesn't sing I'll kill it". But Hideyoshi said, "No; I'll convince it to sing" And Ieyasu said, "I'll wait until it sings" I think this story is a nice illustration of how people of the Edo Period rationalized the events that led to their age. It says that the winning strategy is not violence and not even cunning. It is adaptation. The Japanese had understood that they could not force or cajole their island to behave the way they wanted - just as you can't force or cajole a cuckoo bird to sing. They had to adapt and they did. This, I think, is wisdom. Now, one characteristic of wisdom is that it can be applied to different situations, different places, different times. Let's see how we can see this story in our age. Of course, we have big problems: not enough oil, not enough mineral resources, not enough water and not enough atmosphere to take in the results of burning oil. So, how do we react? Well, a little like Nobunaga. We tend to use violence and not just in terms of "oil wars". We try to force the earth to produce what we want. In a sense, it is like telling the bird "sing or I'll kill you". So, it is "drill, baby, drill" and we are willing do anything and use anything we can find in order to produce the liquid fuels we are convinced we absolutely need, even if we are going to destroy the land and the atmosphere. We are willing to build atomic plants, no matter what the risks involved and to do many other things to force the earth to produce what we think we need. Then, there is a different attitude that looks more civilized. It is efficiency. It says that if we can convince people to use resources in more efficient ways, we can still have everything we are accustomed to have and save the earth, too. Fluorescent lamps and small cars surely look much better than the "drill baby drill" idea but, in the end, the concept is not so different in the sense that we are not willing to change in what we think we need. The American way of life remains not negotiable, apparently, just the way of obtaining it might be. It is a strategy that might even work - for a while, at least. But can we really find technological solutions to get all that we are accustomed to have - and for everyone? The recent case of the Fukushima disaster should have shown to us that we are not so smart as we think we are. We have not arrived yet to the last part of the story; when we could discover that the winning strategy is neither forcing nor cajoling the earth to give more than it can give. The winning strategy is adaptation. We need to adjust our needs to what this planet can give us. It is what the Japanese did on their island and, after all, we are all living on an island, a gigantic, spherical, blue island floating in the blackness of space. It is up to us to manage the bounty that we can have from the earth and create something that could be as beautiful as the Edo Civilization in Japan; surely with better and softer ways of controlling population. If the historical example of Japan counts for something, we may be heading in the right direction and the age of planetary civil wars may end one day or another. So, if we can wait long enough, one day we may hear the cuckoo sing. Ugo Bardi teaches physical chemistry at the University of Florence, in Italy. He is interested in resource depletion, system dynamics modeling, climate science and renewable energy. US Corporate Tax Cheats Hiding $1.4 Trillion In Profits In Offshore Accounts By Patrick Martin 15 April, 2016 WSWS.org A report issued Thursday by the British charity Oxfam found that the 50 largest US corporations are hiding $1.4 trillion in profits in overseas accounts to avoid US income taxes, much of it in tax havens like Bermuda and the Cayman Islands. The biggest tax dodger is technology giant Apple, with $181 billion held offshore. General Electric had the second-largest stash, at $119 billion, enough to repay four times over the $28 billion GE received in federal guarantees during the 2008 Wall Street crash. Microsoft had $108 billion in overseas accounts, with companies like Exxon Mobil, Pfizer, IBM, Cisco Systems, Google, Merck, and Johnson & Johnson rounding out the top ten. Overseas tax havens have been the focus of recent revelations about tax scams by wealthy individuals, based on the leak of the Panama Papers, documents from a single Panama-based law firm, Mossack Fonseca, involving 214,000 offshore shell companies. The firms clients included 29 billionaires and 140 top politicians worldwide, among them a dozen heads of government. But the sums involved in corporate tax scams dwarf those hidden away by individuals. According to the Oxfam report, the offshore manipulations by the 50 largest US corporations cost the US taxpayer $111 billion each year, while robbing another $100 billion annually from countries overseas, many of them desperately poor. The $111 billion a year in US taxes evaded would be sufficient to eliminate 90 percent of child poverty in America, effectively wiping out that social scourge. It is more than the annual cost of the food stamp program, or unemployment benefits, or the total budget of the Department of Education. Oxfam timed the release of its report for the April 15 income tax deadline in the United States (actually Monday, April 18 this year), when tens of millions of working people must file their income tax returns or face federal penalties. Working people could face additional tax penalties of up to 2 percent of household income, to a maximum of $975, under the Obamacare individual mandate, if they have not purchased private health insurance. There is a stark contrast between the IRS hounding of working people for relatively small amounts of moneybut difficult or impossible to pay for those on low incomesand the green light given to corporate tax cheats who evade taxation on trillions in income. Federal Tax Paid vs Federal Loans, Bailouts, Loan Guarantees Received by 50 largest US companies 2008-2014 As Americans rush to finalize tax returns, multinational corporations that benefit from trillions in taxpayer-funded support are dodging billions in taxes, said Raymond C. Offenheiser, President of Oxfam America. The vast sums large companies stash in tax havens should be fighting poverty and rebuilding Americas infrastructure, not hidden offshore in Panama, Bahamas, or the Cayman Islands. The Oxfam report, titled Broken at the Top, expresses concern that tax dodging by multinational corporationscontributes to dangerous inequality that is undermining our social fabric and hindering economic growth. It continues: This inequality is fueled by an economic and political system that benefits the rich and powerful at the expense of the rest, causing the gains of economic growth over the last several decades to go disproportionately to the already wealthy. Among the most damning examples of this rigged system is the way large, profitable companies use offshore tax havens, and other aggressive and secretive methods, to dramatically lower their corporate tax rates in the United States and developing countries alike. Oxfam collected figures available from the 10-K reports and other financial documents issued by the 50 largest US companies, covering the period since the Wall Street crash, 2008 through 2014, and presented them in an interactive table. The figures included total profits, federal taxes paid, total US taxes paid (including state and local), lobbying expenses, tax breaks, money held in offshore accounts, and benefits received from the federal government, including loans, loan guarantees and bailouts. Among the most important findings: * The top 50 companies made nearly $4 trillion in profits globally, but paid only $412 billion in federal income tax, for an effective tax rate of barely 10 percent, compared to the statutory rate of 35 percent. * The 50 companies spent $2.6 billion to influence the federal government, while reaping nearly $11.2 trillion in federal support, for an effective return of 400,000 percent on their lobbying expenses. * The overseas cash stashed by the 50 companies, nearly $1.4 trillion, is larger than the Gross Domestic Product of Russia, Mexico, Spain or South Korea. * US multinationals reported 43 percent of their foreign earnings from five tax havens, countries that accounted for only 4 percent of their foreign workforce and 7 percent of foreign investment. All told, US companies shifted between $500 billion and $700 billion in profits from countries where economic activity actually took place to countries where tax rates were low. * In the year 2012 alone, US firms reported $80 billion in profits in Bermuda, more than their combined reported profits in the four largest economies (after the US itself): China, Japan, Germany and France. This figure was nearly 20 times the total GDP of the tiny island country. The Oxfam report also pointed to an estimated $100 billion in taxes evaded in foreign countries, many of them rich in natural resources extracted by such global giants as Exxon, Chevron and Dow Chemical. According to the report, Taxes paid, or unpaid, by multinational companies in poor countries can be the difference between life and death, poverty or opportunity. $100 billion is four times what the 47 least developed countries in the world spend on education for their 932 million citizens. $100 billion is equivalent to what it would cost to provide basic life-saving health services or safe water and sanitation to more than 2.2 billion people. The report cited former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annans assessment that Africa loses more money each year to tax dodging than it receives in international development assistance. Oxfam offered no solution to the growth of inequality and the systematic looting by big corporations that its report documents, except to urge governments around the world to close tax loopholes. The group also pleads with the corporate bosses themselves not to be quite so greedy. Neither capitalist governments nor the CEOs will pay the slightest attention. But the working class should take note of these figures, which provide ample evidence of the bankrupt and reactionary nature of capitalism, and the urgent necessity of building a mass movement, on a global scale, to put an end to the profit system. Should Asia Pacific Lead The World With Robust Roadmap For Sustainable Development? By Bobby Ramakant 15 April, 2016 CNS (Citizen News Service) Although the governments of UN member countries had adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in September 2015, a lot more work needs to be done to deliver on these promises by 2030. Thirty-six Asia Pacific nations had met in Thailand for Asia Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD) but largely failed to agree with consensus on a regional roadmap to achieve these promises by 2030. The window of opportunity is not closed yet - Asia Pacific nations still can demonstrate leadership on implementing SDGs by agreeing on an ambitious plan to move forward. Missed opportunity: 'Soi' map is not a Roadmap! According to civil society representatives, the 36 governments who attended the APFSD managed to merely agree on a 'Soi' map! 'Sois' are small side-roads in Thailand, which more than often are hard to navigate and can lead to dead ends and roadblocks. "We are very disappointed that the substantive part of the APFSD's work, which is embodied in the Road Map, has been watered down, and will need further discussions and possible negotiations," said Ranja Sengupta of the Third World Network (TWN) and co-Chair of the Asia-Pacific Regional CSO Engagement Mechanism (AP-RCEM). She added that while it was far from complete or perfect, the draft roadmap as it was initially presented "offered significant ideas in pursuing meaningful regional cooperation and evaluation, which would have been of great value to all countries, especially the developing and least developed countries, and countries and populations with special needs, as they set out to implement the 2030 agenda. The failure to include more substantive language into the outcome document represents a missed opportunity for our governments and our people across the region, and much of the headway made in recent years is being backpedalled." Civil society representatives who attended the forum also noted their disappointment that the document lacks clear timeframes or details on processes that can produce a more meaningful regional blueprint for action on SDGs. Nevertheless, civil society representatives are glad that governments have agreed on the APFSD as an annual forum and that it remains a multi-stakeholder, inclusive space for engagement, respecting the commitments made by the UN General Assembly at the Sustainable Development Summit in September last year. CSOs laud Sri Lanka, Australia and Indonesia who negotiated hard to keep the APFSD this way. "Moving forward, as the Roadmap is finalized and decided in the coming months, civil society calls on governments to ensure this is an inclusive and transparent process and secure the involvement of the CSOs from across the region as an important step to attain broader ownership of the development agenda, said Marjorie Pamintuan of the Asia Pacific Research Network (APRN) and co-Chair of AP-RCEM. Methods employed by the Open Working Group to reach consensus on the SDGs can set a valuable precedent. Civil society also called to ensure that the forum report, particularly the Chair's Summary, include the summary of demands made by civil society in their statements. "Asia Pacific civil society commits to continue engaging substantively and constructively in the APFSD, as well as in the development, implementation and monitoring of the Regional Roadmap as part of our contributions in making the 2030 agenda relevant to the lives of peoples in Asia Pacific. We, the CSOs in Asia and the Pacific, have raised the bar high for civil society engagement and have been following the process and building movements for development justice. We will make sure the voices of grassroots and people's movements are present in the discussions," said Wardarina of the Asia Pacific Forum on Women, Law and Development (APWLD) and co-Chair of AP-RCEM. Resolution 67/290 on the format and organisational aspects of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development clearly states the role of UN regional commissions to contribute to the work of the forum, including through annual regional meetings, with involvement of other relevant regional entities, major groups and other relevant stakeholders. The resolution also iterates on the participation of the major groups and other relevant stakeholders. Bobby Ramakant serves as the Health Editor of Citizen News Service (CNS), is a WHO Director-General's WNTD Awardee and Network for Accountability of Tobacco Transnationals (NATT) leader from India. Follow him on Twitter: @bobbyramakant The Slow Bleed: Fukushima Five Years On By Vincent Di Stefano 15 April, 2016 Countercurrents.org Fukushima, Reactors 3 and 4 The melt down of three nuclear reactors at Fukushima in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami of 11th March 2011 seems to have quietly slipped out of our collective awareness - as quietly as the cauldrons of radioactive elements that were once within the active cores of the reactors invisibly bleed into the groundwaters and seawaters of the region. This event has become yet another minor detail in the distorted mosaic of ruin that mirrors the latter days of a civilisation in free-fall. Arnie Gundersen is looking a little weathered these days. He has just returned from a five-week long speaking tour of Japan. He spent much of that time in the company of many whose lives have been indelibly seared by the Fukushima catastrophe. What he reports is unlikely to appear in the mainstream media, but such has ever been the case when it comes to the hidden machinations of big government and big business. What Gundersen has to say is worth closely attending to. As a nuclear engineer, he has been deeply involved in the American nuclear industry for over four decades. He has a special interest in the design and safety of containment structures and holds a patent for a nuclear safety device. He has also managed and coordinated nuclear projects at 70 nuclear power plants in the US and is a former nuclear industry senior vice-president. He knows the industry well, particularly its toxic underbelly. Arnie Gundersen served as an expert witness in the investigation of the 1979 Three Mile Island accident, and found that releases of radioactivity from that particular event were 15 times higher than the figures published subsequently in a government report. He is no stranger to the prevarication and deceit that have too often accompanied statements made by the nuclear industry and its government supporters. Gundersen has been an active critic of the nuclear industry for over two decades. More recently, he has co-authored a Greenpeace International report on Fukushima. He was among the first North American commentators to speak publicly and forcefully on the implications of Fukushima in the days and weeks after the meltdowns. And since that time, he has been tireless in his efforts to provide an informed narrative of developments at Fukushima and their consequences for both the inhabitants of Japan and on the global community. Arnie Gunderson reports that the Japanese Government continues to put the interests of Japanese banks and power companies ahead of the safety of its people. Within a short time of the Fukushima meltdowns in 2011, the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) who were in power at that time arbitrarily raised the "acceptable" limits of radiation exposure twenty-fold: from 1 millisievert (mSv)/year - the maximum dose recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection - to 20 mSv/year. In 1998, over a decade beforehand, Rosalie Bertell presented the findings of a number of independent studies published in peer-reviewed journals, including the British Medical Journal and the Journal of the American Medical Association that showed unequivocally that radiation doses as low as 2.5 mSv/year were associated with significant increases in the incidence of leukaemias and myelomas, and cancers of the pancreas, lungs and female reproductive organs in nuclear industry workers. As Japanese medical practitioners begin to encounter the effects of radiation exposure in their patients - particularly children - the government now refuses to pay doctors who record a diagnosis of radiation-induced sickness in their patients. This will come as no surprise to those who followed the actions of the Soviet government and later, the Russian, Ukraine and Belarus governments in their concerted suppression of medical reports dealing with the consequences of radiation exposure on the lives of their citizens after the Chernobyl meltdown. Rearranging the Deck Chairs Temporary housing for Fukushima evacuees Over 100,000 people are still not able to return to their homes in Fukushima prefecture since the meltdowns. In a disturbing disclosure, Gundersen reveals that many of the evacuees have received virtually no information regarding the issue of radiation exposure either from the Japanese government or from TEPCO, the operators of the Fukushima power plant. The subsistence stipend that they have received since being evacuated will cease in March 2017. Considerable pressure is being put on former residents by the government that they now return to Fukushima and tough it out regardless of the ongoing contamination. Many have grave concerns regarding the effects of such a move on the future health of their families. 30 Million Bags of Radioactive Debris Another remarkable aspect of the present situation concerns the manner in which highly contaminated materials - which include radioactive soil, leaves and other debris - have been dealt with. Thirty million tons of such debris has so far been gathered from throughout the Fukushima prefecture. Much of this is now stored in over 9 million large plastic bags scattered throughout the affected areas. Three years after being filled, the bags have started to disintegrate and nobody seems to know what to do next since their contents need to be kept isolated for at least another 30 years. One favoured option is to incinerate them. This would certainly decrease their number, but would inevitably result in the further dispersion of radioactive elements in aerosol form around Japan. There are clearly some who still hold to the old but ultimately banal adage that, the solution to pollution is dilution. Contaminated Water Storage Tanks at Fukushima Dwarfing the problem of solid wastes is the ongoing leaching of radioactive elements from the melted reactor cores into groundwater and seawater. For the past five years, between 200 and 500 tons of groundwater flow through the reactors every day as a result of multiple cracks in the containment structures. Some of this water has recently been diverted away from the reactors, but an estimated 150 tons of groundwater continue to flow through the reactors daily. This irradiated water inexorably flows on, steadily bleeding into the northern Pacific. Furthermore, 700,000 tons of highly radioactive water salvaged from cooling operations since the meltdown is presently stored in massive tanks that now pepper the reactor site. More are being built as contaminated water continues to accumulate. The Tragic Absurdity It is common knowledge that engineers will be busy for the next 30 to 40 years in their efforts to put the lid on the cauldron of radioactivity that seethes in the reactor basements at Fukushima. Meanwhile, the Pacific tectonic plate continues its own inexorable movement beneath the continental Okhotsk plate on which Japan sits creating the conditions for future mega-thrust events like that which shook the region on 11th March 2011. The unspoken terror is that it could all turn again in the blink of an eye. Despite what has happened at Fukushima, the Abe Government is determined to restart Japan's nuclear reactors that were all shut down after the 2011 earthquake. Widespread anti-nuclear protests throughout Japan have been ignored and three nuclear power plants in Kagoshima and Fukui prefectures have been restarted since August 2015. Over the next year, a further six to twelve reactors are slated to resume operations. Business reigns as usual. There are many who proudly insist on riding the nuclear beast regardless of the human and environmental consequences. They insist that this is the way of the future and a "necessary" solution to the problems of rising atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and an ever-accelerating movement towards numerous tipping points which include ocean acidification, loss of polar albedo effects due to melting of polar ice, and the bubbling up of vast new wells of methane gas from the melting of northern permafrost and sea-floor deposits. In the immortal words of Edwin Arlington Robinson, what folly is here that has not yet a name? Arnie Gundersen's Report The video clip below presents an interview between Arnie Gundersen and Margaret Harrington recorded soon after he returned from a recent speaking tour of Japan. The first 25 minutes of the interview offers deep insight into how the worst industrial accident in the history of humanity has affected the people of Japan, and how the Japanese government now increasingly serves the interests of power companies and their financial backers rather than those of its own people. Arnie Gundersen is unambiguously clear regarding the nature of what has gone down in Fukushima in this presentation. And the moral abandonment of both the Japanese government and TEPCO in the downplaying of the present and future consequences of the meltdown are not lost on him. The second half of this clip offers a detailed review by Gundersen of the developments at Fukushima over the past five years. A separate high-definition version of the second segment can be accessed here. Vincent Di Stefano is a retired educator and practitioner of natural medicine and author of Holism and Complementary Medicine. History and Principles (Allen and Unwin, 2006). He remains committed to exploring the nature of healing at personal, social, spiritual and environmental levels and maintaining a watching brief on the turbulent currents that course through the present times. He periodically posts on the blog-site Integral Reflections through which he can be contacted. Poor G7 Just Cannot Disarm Yet! By Andre Vltchek 15 April, 2016 Countercurrents.org F15 overflying Kadena air base They met in Hiroshima, Japan, in the first city on Earth that had been subjected to nuclear genocide. They were representing some of the mightiest nations on Earth: Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States the so-called Group of Seven (G7). And at the end of their encounter, they called for a world without nuclear weapons. I am talking about the foreign ministers of seven countries with the largest economies on Earth. Read carefully the names of these countries, one by one! For decades and centuries, the world has been trembling imagining their armed forces and corporations. Lashes administered by their colonial rulers have scarred entire continents, tens of millions were enslaved, and hundreds of millions killed, billions robbed. Even now, if we all listen carefully, we can clearly hear the victims screaming, in agony: the native people of Canada and United States, the colonized people of Africa, Asia and the Middle East. For centuries, the entire world has been in shackles, on its knees, humiliated, plundered and destroyed. G7! How many billions of victims from all corners of the world, made those countries so grand? To ensure that the pillage could continue uninterrupted, the West together with those honorary whites (a term that the South African apartheid regime invented exclusively for the Japanese people) created several aggressive and belligerent pacts, including NATO, calling them, of course, defensive alliances. It came as no surprise: remember that in the lexicon of the Empire of Lies, war is called peace, while aggression is always defined as defense. But this I have already described in detail, in my 820-page book Exposing Lies of the Empire. Now foreign policy tsars of the G7 were standing shoulder to shoulder again, in Hiroshima, of all places, and only a few days after the 71st anniversary of the nuclear blast. Making predictable declarations and self-glorifying speeches. The weather was good, partly sunny, with excellent visibility. But was the world really able to see through the thick fog of Machiavellian cynicism and lies, dispersed all over the Planet by those grinning rulers of the world? F15 - overflying Kadena air base On April 11, 2016, the foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) issued a written declaration on nuclear disarmament: We reaffirm our commitment to seeking a safer world for all and to creating the conditions for a world without nuclear weapons in a way that promotes international stability. Seriously? No one around those ministers fell; nobody was seen to be rolling on the floor, shaking from uncontrollable laughter. Obviously, a joke repeated thousands of times loses its luster. But that was not all. The text of the declaration continued: This task is made more complex by the deteriorating security environment in a number of regions, such as Syria and Ukraine, and, in particular by North Koreas repeated provocations. What exactly were we reading? What was between the lines? Were we being told that the United States needs all of its 6,970 nuclear weapons to antagonize Syria and North Korea, while sustaining the fascist regime in Ukraine? Just to put things into perspective: two Communist countries with nuclear capability have really negligible stockpiles of nuclear weapons, compared to the West and G7. China has 260 and North Korea (DPRK) approximately 15. In comparison, France has 300 and the U.K., 215. In 2016, the population of China stands at 1.382 million, while that of France is less than 65 million. China has more than 21 times more people to defend, but despite that, France has more nuclear weapons. The comparison gets even more ridiculous between North Korea and the U.K. The figures quoted above are the latest official statistics, taken from the World Nuclear Weapons Stockpile Report, updated as recently as on March 2, 2016. It would also be appropriate to recall that North Korea has never invaded any foreign country. Also China (PRC), apart from two brief border clashes, has never been involved in any large-scale military conflict. Not once has it colonized or destroyed a foreign land. Both France and the U.K. have been plundering on all of the planets continents, for centuries. Later, in the 20th Century, the United States took over the reigns of imperialism from the old and traditional European colonialist empires. One statement is actually correct: there is that deteriorating security environment in a number of regions, but only due to the covert as well as direct aggressions of NATO and the G7 countries. But it would be even more honest to declare: We are sorry, we really cannot disarm, because if we would, it would become much more difficult to loot and to control the world. Goma, DR Congo - people that are making G7 rich Before dispersing, the G7 party did what its members enjoy doing the most: lashing at China. As Reuters reported: Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) advanced economies said they strongly opposed provocation in the East and South China Seas, where China is locked in territorial disputes with nations including the Philippines, Vietnam and Japan Earlier on Monday, the G7 foreign ministers said after meeting in the Japanese city of Hiroshima that they opposed any intimidating coercive or provocative unilateral actions that could alter the status quo and increase tensions. The US is habitually implementing that good old British divide and rule strategy. In Asia, it uses its client states, particularly the Philippines, Japan and South Korea to isolate and provoke both China and DPRK. This policy is so dangerous that many here believe that it could eventually trigger the Third World War. This time, China has fired back, almost immediately. At a news briefing, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang declared: If the G7 wants to continue playing a major role in the world, it should take an attitude of seeking truth from the facts to handle the issues the international community is most concerned with at the moment. The Western military build-up in the Asia Pacific region, the military maneuvers conducted jointly by the US and South Korea, as well as the continuous militarization of Japan, are definitely some of the topics that are making most of the Asian continent both concerned and frightened. Nuclear Dome, Hiroshima, Japan Predictably, the DPRK remained the main punch bag of the G7. The ministers never explained exactly why the world should be petrified of North Korea. Such fear should apparently be taken for granted, especially after the long decades of intensive and vicious Western and South Korean propaganda. But back to the statement of the ministers: We condemn in the strongest terms the nuclear test on January 6 and the launch using ballistic missile technology on February 7, March 10 and March 18 conducted by North Korea. It is profoundly deplorable that North Korea has conducted four nuclear tests in the 21st century. Of course, building defenses against the combined NATO and G7 aggressions is one of the most deplorable crimes, it calls for capital punishment! Shamelessly, after spreading verbal toxins, all seven ministers went to the grounds of the monument and museum dedicated to the victims of Hiroshima A-bomb. The Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida led the pack. Under the bizarre leadership of his government, Japan has been doing its absolute best to betray Asia, and to antagonize its neighbors. In the most servile and shameful way, it has fully accepted the Western dictates, increased the volume of its own hysterical propaganda campaign against China and DPRK, and has begun to bolster its military. Why? Just to please its masters, those noble and superior Westerners! By now, Japan is not even what its Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wants the world to believe that it is: a conservative nation governed by a nationalist government. Japan has no spine, just as it has no foreign policy. It fully takes orders from the United States. And as I was told repeatedly by one of the employees of the NHK: No major media outlet in Japan would dare to broadcast anything important, related to international affairs, that hasnt appeared previously on at least one of the major US networks. Looking at Japans past, conservative nationalists used to be, for instance, some of the greatest writers like Yukio Mishima, a man who ended his life in 1970 by committing a ritual suicide, protesting Japans unabashed submission to the West. Japans Prime Minister Abe is definitely a conservative, but is he really a Japanese nationalist? He is defending the interests of Washington much more than those of his own country. Perhaps, honorary white and one of G7 leaders would be the most fitting term to define him. Now, according to the official NATO website: Japan is the longest-standing of NATOs partners across the globe. It is also one of the nations that are shamelessly plundering the world through its brutal corporations. *** And so they stood there seven ministers from some of the most aggressive countries on Earth. They stood on the turf that was, more than 70 years ago, burned to ashes, in just a few seconds after the nuclear explosion. They said again and again how much they would like to disarm, how much they would like to see the world free of nuclear weapons. What they didnt say was that they never would disarm, voluntarily. And they never clarified how they actually made it to that exclusive G7 club: because of the unbridled plunder during their colonial history, and because of the modern-day global corporate pillage, as well as their mining and oil investments. And of course because of the world order, imposed by force and all sorts of weapons, nuclear and conventional, on the rest of the Planet. Instead of Group of Seven, this pack should be simply called GS the Group of Shame. The ministers stood for some time in front of the flame burning at the monument to Hiroshima A-bomb victims. They posed for the cameras. Then they went away, sat down at some table, and wrote the official declaration on nuclear disarmament, explaining why they cannot abandon their tools of coercion. And that declaration turned out to be nothing more than yet another monumental pile of lies! Andre Vltchek is a philosopher, novelist, filmmaker and investigative journalist. He covered wars and conflicts in dozens of countries. His latest books are: Exposing Lies Of The Empire and Fighting Against Western Imperialism.Discussion with Noam Chomsky:On Western Terrorism. Point of No Return is his critically acclaimed political novel. Oceania - a book on Western imperialism in the South Pacific. His provocative book about Indonesia: Indonesia The Archipelago of Fear. Andre is making films for teleSUR and Press TV. After living for many years in Latin America and Oceania, Vltchek presently resides and works in East Asia and the Middle East. He can be reached through his website or hisTwitter. British Conservative Breaks Ranks, Opposes TTIP By Eric Zuesse 15 April, 2016 Strategic-culture.org Its as if, say, during the Republican Administration of U.S. President George Herbert Walker Bush, the person who had negotiated international trade deals for the prior President, the Republican Ronald Reagan, came out publicly against a mega-trade deal that his fellow-Party-member, President Bush, was ardently trying to get approved. That is extremely breaking ranks, and it happened recently in the UK. Britains former Secretary of State for Trade & Industry (1990-92, under Margaret Thatcher and John Major), and current Conservative MP (Member of Parliament), Peter Liley, did it when he blogged on April 3rd at the Conservative Partys website Conservative Home: I believe in free trade. Always have, always will. As the only serving MP to have negotiated a successful free trade deal (the Uruguay Round as Trade and Industry Secretary during the 1990s), I automatically supported the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) deal currently being negotiated between the USA and EU, assuming it was a free trade agreement. The more closely I look at it, the more parts of it worry me. Conservatives who believe in free trade should be very wary about endorsing TTIP. And both the Leave and Remain campaigns should look very carefully at its implications for our EU membership. Let me explain why. TTIP is not primarily about removing tariffs and quotas. The average tariff levied by the US on goods from Europe is just 2.5 per cent. Getting rid of them would be worthwhile but no big deal. It is mainly about harmonising product specifications and creating a special regime for investment. There is no objection to those things in principle. Insofar as product harmonisation means removing rules introduced as hidden protection of a domestic producer, that is fine. But we should not sign away Parliaments right to protect our citizens from harmful additives, and so forth. The very core of both Obamas trade deal with Europe, TTIP, and his trade deal with Asia, TPP, is precisely that: to sign away legislators power to protect the electorate from harmful additives, toxic water and foods and air, unsafe cars, and a sustainable environment for themselves and future generations and more (Lilley is especially concerned because it would abolish Britains vaunted public health service. Imagine: a British Conservative is determined to protect that enormously successful socialist program in his country! Flabbergasting, but true.) The very core of it is to transfer national sovereignty to a worldwide dictatorship of international corporations (three-person corporate-accountable panels of arbitrators, whose rulings are non-appealable and arent required to adhere to any nations laws its shocking, but true). And, for any conservative whether in Britain or any other country to oppose that is a very big deal, especially when its a former Secretary of State for Trade & Industry. He goes on to say: My three main concerns relate to the Investor-State Dispute Settlement System (ISDS). This creates a system of tribunals special courts in which large foreign companies can sue governments (but not vice-versa) for pursuing policies which harm their investments. US companies could sue the UK government should it want to take back into the public sector privately provided services in the NHS, education, and so forth or open fewer services to private provision. The EU and UK government have denied that this is possible. But a cogent Counsels Opinion argues that because these tribunals can award unlimited fines they could exert a chilling effect on government decision making. The Left have been particularly irate about this but Conservatives too should be worried. I and other local MPs all Tories lobbied successfully to reincorporate into the NHS a disastrously run private Surgicentre (set up by Tony Blairs Government) serving our constituencies. Under TTIP, a foreign operator could have sued for massive compensation at the expense of our local NHS. Conservatives have rightly been cautious and pragmatic about the extent of private provision particularly in health. It would be electorally disastrous if we back a system which turns out to bring in privatisation by the back door. These tribunals give foreign multinationals their own privileged legal system, too costly for smaller foreign companies (since the average case costs $8 million), and from which UK companies are excluded. Moreover, the judges are commercial lawyers who, when not serving on a Tribunal, work for, and are therefore sympathetic to, big companies. Cases are heard largely in secret. The Stabilisation Clause protects all investments made under the treaty for at least 20 years. Arecent legal treatise explains how this undermines parliamentary democracy by binding future parliaments. Of course, the UK enters into other long term treaties and contracts but our government can always renegotiate or, in the last resort, resile from them. Exceptional circumstances may make that necessary: I had to nationalise without compensation all Iraqi-owned companies when Saddam Husain invaded Kuwait. A future parliament might object to letting foreign multinationals have their own courts especially if those courts expand their remit beyond that originally envisaged. The UK might decide the protection of our common law courts is sufficient. But if we are still in the EU when TTIP and CETA are ratified, we will be bound jointly and severally. We could not renegotiate these treaties without the consent of every EU state and the Commission even if we subsequently left the EU. So we would still be bound by the Stabilisation Clause for 20 years. The EU and UK government respond to these criticisms by saying: the UK is party to a large number of treaties with similar tribunals; only twice have cases been brought against the UK, neither succeeded; if the tribunals did not exist, UK courts would impose similar verdicts and fines; arbitrators cannot rule on companies for whom they work; TTIP negotiators now propose a permanent judicial panel instead of using ad hoc arbitrators; also, the proceedings may in future be made public. In particular, they deny that the tribunals could affect the NHS at all let alone force it to put out services to contract or prevent it taking back private services into the public sector. In short, the Government argues (not entirely convincingly) that TTIP tribunals will probably do no harm. No one claims that they will actually do any good i.e. attract more US investment to the UK or vice versa. The idea that any American companies are afraid to invest here because they do not trust the British legal system or fear expropriation is not credible. Businesses from across the globe choose to make their contracts subject to British law precisely because it is the most trusted. If, as the Government claims, these ISDS tribunals will give the same outcome as British courts they are completely unnecessary. In or out of the EU, we should question whether ISDS tribunals are necessary, reject the 20-year stabilisation clause and insist on excluding the NHS from the treaty (as France has excluded movies). That would be less difficult if Britain leaves the EU and negotiates a parallel treaty though the simplest thing would be to negotiate a pure free trade agreement restricted to abolishing remaining tariffs. He comes to this late, after millions of Europeans have already made clear in marches and in numerous public opinion polls that the only way the TTIP can become law in the EU will be if the EU is already a dictatorship not at all by truly democratic means. But, better late than never. Unlike Hillary Clinton in the U.S., who has always worked behind the scenes to pass trade deals that have ISDS in them, and who told Democrats in Congress to follow the lead of Nancy Pelosi, who spoke publicly against Obamas trade deals but was actually whipping in the U.S. House to help the President win Fast Track so they can become passed into law, Lilley doesnt have the reputation of someone who says one thing in public and does the opposite, behind the scenes, in actual policymaking. His statement is real not mere slogans and words. And it will sway policymakers, and not merely the voters of his own Party (in order to win that Partys primary election). If Obama gets his trade deals passed into law, he will be by far the biggest-impact U.S. President since FDR, who introduced Social Security and many other existing programs (and also the Glass-Steagall Act, which FDRs fellow but only fake Democrat, Bill Clinton annihilated), and who joined with Churchill and the formerly Hitler-allied Stalin, to defeat global fascism. Obamas impact will then be perhaps even more evil than FDRs was good. However, if he fails to pass any of his trade deals, then hell only be as bad, or nearly as bad, as George W. Bush was, even if he turns out to have been lucky enough to postpone the coming super-crash (toward which his policies are building) till the next person becomes President. Obama is the most conservative Democratic President since James Buchanan and thats pretty bad, even if Obama manages to hold off the crash that he has been postponing, until his successor comes in. In contrast, the Conservative Peter Lilley is a flaming progressive, by comparison, because he certainly is that on the biggest public-policy issue since World War II, which is whether to end or instead expand ISDS. If its expanded, then, for example, the recent Paris accord against global warming will be effectively dead. Thats how big a deal this is: not only democracy, but even the continuation of a livable planet, are all on the line now. Obama says one thing, but what he does can be very different. Investigative historian Eric Zuesse is the author, most recently, of Theyre Not Even Close: The Democratic vs. Republican Economic Records, 1910-2010, and of CHRISTS VENTRILOQUISTS: The Event that Created Christianity. SHARE By Susan Orr of the Courier and Press The Area Plan Commission plans to consider whether local subdivision approval procedures need some changes. The topic arose Thursday at the commission's monthly meeting, at which members were set to vote on the Evansville-Vanderburgh County 2015-2035 Comprehensive Plan. The plan seeks to guide local land use and development for the next 20 years. Before it takes effect it must be voted on by the Area Plan Commission, as well as Evansville City Council, Vanderburgh County Commissioners and the Darmstadt Town Board. A copy of the draft is available at EvansvilleAPC.com. Rather than take action now, Area Plan decided instead to defer its vote another month while it mulls possible subdivision-related changes. Currently, land that is zoned agricultural can be platted and developed as a subdivision without first being rezoned. If the plat meets local requirements, the Area Plan Commission must approve it. If rezoning were required, the community would have more of a say in the process, said Area Plan Commission President Stacy Stevens. For instance, Stevens said, neighbors might raise legitimate reasons why a subdivision is unsuitable for a given agricultural site. "The public could sway us on zoning if they had really good reasons and really good arguments," she said. As things stand now, Stevens said, that option is not available because no rezoning is required. It's premature to say what will happen. The Area Plan Commission makes recommendations only Evansville City Council and Vanderburgh County Commissioners ultimately decide on rezoning in the city and county, respectively. And, Stevens said, local officials don't have to follow the comprehensive plan. "We're just going to move in that direction," Stevens said of the proposed subdivision process changes. Also at Thursday's meeting, the commission recommended approval for two rezonings: The No-Ruz Grotto building at 911 Southeast Second St. Petitioner Warren Bank Properties LLC wants to redevelop the site for possible restaurant/office/retail tenants. Developer Otha Warren said his company plans to refurbish the building so that it can accommodate up to three tenants. The former Salvation Army thrift store at 1931 S. Weinbach Avenue. Scott Beadle of engineering firm Cash Waggner & Associates said apartments are planned for the site. Microsoft offices in Issy- les-Moulineaux outside Paris SHARE By Jaleesa M. Jones, USA TODAY SAN FRANCISCO Microsoft has sued the Justice Department in a fresh effort to prevent the government from rifling through users' personal emails or documents without their knowledge. "We believe that with rare exceptions consumers and businesses have a right to know when the government accesses their emails or records," Microsoft president and chief legal officer Brad Smith wrote in a blog post. "Yet its becoming routine for the U.S. government to issue orders that require email providers to keep these types of legal demands secret. We believe that this goes too far and we are asking the courts to address the situation." The filing marks yet another high-profile skirmish between the government and a major technology company. Apple has pushed back against government demands that it help the FBI undermine its encryption and break into its iPhones. Smith last month publicly supported Apples refusal to assist the government. Microsoft has mounted a vigorous legal front over customer privacy, taking on the government for the past three years. This is the fourth lawsuit that Microsoft has filed including the companys litigation challenging a U.S. search warrant for customer emails in Ireland. The lawsuit filed Thursday in federal court in Seattle questions the legitimacy of the government's demand for secrecy in all cases. Justice spokeswoman Emily Pierce said federal authorities are reviewing the filing and declined further comment. Requests from the FBI and other law enforcement agencies for access to users' personal information routinely flood tech companies that store vast amounts of people's personal data in the cloud. Law enforcement says such requests are routine and necessary to fight crime and terrorism. "To be clear, we appreciate that there are times when secrecy around a government warrant is needed. This is the case, for example, when disclosure of the governments warrant would create a real risk of harm to another individual or when disclosure would allow people to destroy evidence and thwart an investigation," Smith wrote. Using the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, the U.S. government is increasingly targeting data stored in the cloud, according to Microsoft, which says the government has mandated secrecy in 2,576 instances over the past 18 month. People would know if the government went through their filing cabinet or their hard drive, but are unaware when their privacy in the cloud is intruded upon. The 1986 law was written before the Web was born and long before Americans started sending, receiving and storing so much of their personal communications and documents on the Web. Microsoft alleges the Electronic Communications Privacy Act violates users' Fourth Amendment right that a search be reasonable and Microsoft's First Amendment right to talk to its users. "Notably and even surprisingly, 1,752 of these secrecy orders, or 68% of the total, contained no fixed end date at all. This means that we effectively are prohibited forever from telling our customers that the government has obtained their data," Smith said. University of Washington law professor Ryan Calo says Microsoft's First Amendment argument in particular is strong "if you think about this as a prior restraint on speech." "This is something that should be justified and not something that is so routine," he said. The lawsuit underscores rising tensions over the secrecy that shrouds government requests for personal information. Microsofts lawsuit was filed one day after a U.S. congressional panel voted unanimously to advance a bill that would reform the Electronics Privacy Communications Act. As a result of last-minute changes, the legislation no longer requires the government to notify a user when his or her personal communications are being pursued. Instead the government would disclose a warrant to the service provider which would then have the right to notify users unless a court grants a gag order. "U.S. laws have not kept pace with the Internet revolution," said Gartner Research analyst Avivah Litan. "It's commendable that Microsoft is challenging outdated laws and it's regrettable that congress has not been more proactive in these matters. Cloud computing puts technology companies who store private consumer information in the cloud unfairly between the U.S. government and the public. The laws need to change and adapt to this new middleman role of the cloud provider to ensure consumer privacy and rights are protected." SHARE By Sarah Loesch of the Courier and Press Brittney Westbrook said the Evansville African-American Museum's ultimate goal is to educate the public and she's hopeful a month of events will do that. One upcoming event at the museum with that goal is the latest installment of the Community Diversity Forum on April 21 at the museum. April's forum will discuss the perceptions of black women's identity. "We want to help create a space where people can learn about the different issues that affect the community," she said. "(We want) to build a bridge over ground they have maybe never felt comfortable talking about or learning about." Westbrook said the forum will give black women the chance to share some experiences they have had with perception. "We want these forums to give a voice to our community," she said. The event, which is free and open to the public, is also meant for anyone who wants to come and learn more about stereotypes and the impact they have on the person they are placed on. Westbrook said issues such as race and diversity, are noticeable topics all around the U.S. Conversations about those topics never have had a permanent fixture, which is what the ongoing forum provides. The museum also has two art programs open to adults and children. The first is a class that will teach silk scarf painting Saturday. The class will include a discussion about textiles and their role in African-American culture. "This is one way to teach people to learn about another culture," Westbrook said. She said it's easier, especially for children, if you make the learning process fun. The second art event is alcohol ink stamped vase making on April 30. It will include lessons about African ceramics and some modern works of art in the African community as well. "We are trying to create a bridge between the past and the present to create a better community for everybody," she said. She said events that incorporate a chance to learn also give people a chance to reshape and bond the community. The museum will host Gina Moore and Bob Green for Jazzy Nights at the Museum April 29. Every other month the Jazzy Nights program looks at different forms of jazz within the African-American community. This month's program focuses on women and gospel. Westbrook said it is important for the community to engage in programs offered by the museum. "We definitely want to make sure our goal is to connect the dots in history and in our community," she said. "We want people to know Evansville African-American history is everyone's history." If you go: What: Silk Scarf Painting When: 1-3 p.m. Saturday Where: East Branch Library Auditorium Cost: Free What: Alcohol Ink Stamped Vases When: 1-3 p.m. April Where: East Branch Library Auditorium Cost: Free, RSVP by April 19 Contact: 812-423-5188 What: "The Perception of Black Women's Identity" When: 6-7 p.m. April 21 Where: African-American Museum Cost: Free What: Jazzy Nights at the Museum When: 6-7 p.m. April 29 Where: African-American Museum Cost: Free for members $5 for nonmembers $3 for nonmember students Contact: 812-423-5188 SHARE Michael Loveless By Shannon Hall of the Courier and Press A former Evansville firefighter accused of raping his live-in girlfriend has paid his $50,000 bond. Michael Vernon Loveless, 42, was released Friday morning from the Vanderburgh County jail. As part of his bond condition, Loveless a 11-year veteran at the Evansville Fire Department is not to have contact with the alleged victim or her children, and will be placed on GPS moitoring. He must also submit to daily breathalyzers. The court agreed to allow him to reside in Kentucky "upon execution of a written waiver of extradition," according to court records. Loveless is accused of threatening his girlfriend with a handgun and a knife while children were present in the home they shared. The woman reported she was raped during the Feb. 23 encounter. Special Prosecutor Stan Levco on Wednesday filed additional rape and intimidation charges, as well as a notice that he would seek an enhanced sentence on one of Loveless' charges. The intimidation charge arises from an incident alleged to have occurred on Feb. 17, six days before the alleged rape, according to an amended probable cause affidavit filed in court. It states that the alleged victim arrived home to find Loveless, who had appeared to have been drinking. It alleges he was upset, and that he damaged a shower door and punched a bathroom wall, according to the affidavit. Loveless reportedly threatened to kill the victim if she called police about the incident. Loveless has pleaded not guilty to charges of rape while armed with a deadly weapon, a level 1 felony; criminal confinement, a level 3 felony; intimidation, a level 5 felony; and battery resulting in bodily injury, a class A misdemeanor. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 13. SHARE By Shannon Hall of the Courier and Press A former Warrick County School Corp. extracurricular treasurer pleaded guilty earlier this month to embezzling about $135,000 from the corporation. Rebecca McKee, 61, of Newburgh, pleaded guilty to three federal counts of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds totaling $135,869.25. Her sentencing will be at 9 a.m. May 31 in the U.S. District Court of Southern Indiana. McKee, who was indicted on federal charges last year by a grand jury, was the extracurricular treasurer at Castle High School from July 2008 to October 2012. After the Indiana State Board of Accounts reviewed Castle High School's extracurricular account in April 2013, it "concluded that McKee performed her duties with no controls in place for the verification" for compliance under state law, court documents state. "The audit revealed that McKee issued unauthorized checks, made fraudulent claims for reimbursements, deposited unrelated checks into the (Warrick County School Corporation) extracurricular account to conceal cash thefts and failed to deposit cash received into the (Warrick County School Corporation) accounts," court documents state. In the court documents, McKee stated she hoped to receive probation, but she's "prepared to accept any punishment permitted by law which the Court may see fit to impose." With each count, McKee could face a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years supervised release. SHARE DENNY SIMMONS / COURIER & PRESS Chase Stockon of Fort Branch, Ind., (right) autographs the shoe of Hebron Elementary School fourth-grader Kendra Givens, 10, as her classmate, Purnika Adhikari, 10, waits her turn Thursday morning. Stockon, a sprint car racer, was visiting Jeremy Marshall's third, fourth and fifth grade STEM classes as part of their unit on the Indianapolis 500. DENNY SIMMONS / COURIER & PRESS Hebron Elementary School fourth-grader Javier Perez, 9, disembarks Chase Stockon's sprint car after his turn in the driver's seat Thursday morning. Stockon was visiting Jeremy Marshall's third, fourth and fifth grade STEM classes as part of their unit on the Indianapolis 500. DENNY SIMMONS / COURIER & PRESS Jeremy Marshall's fourth grade STEM class respond in the affirmative when sprint car driver Chase Stockon asked them if they'd like to climb inside his race car at Hebron Elementary School Thursday morning. DENNY SIMMONS / COURIER & PRESS Hebron Elementary School third-graders explore Chase Stockon's race car in the school's parking lot Thursday morning. "They're squishy," one of the girls remarked which created a chain reaction of girls feeling the massive rear tires of the vehicle. Stockon, a sprint car racer, was visiting Jeremy Marshall's third, fourth and fifth grade STEM classes as part of their unit on the Indianapolis 500. By Megan Erbacher of the Courier and Press Six years shy of being old enough to get his driver's license, Shane Sims has already sat behind the wheel of a sprint car. Sims was surprised at how difficult it was to climb into the car, but once he settled into the seat, he couldn't stop smiling. Thursday morning, about 75 Hebron Elementary School students in grades 3-5 from Jeremy Marshall's "high ability classes" got to meet and talk with USAC sprint car driver Chase Stockon. For about four years now, Marshall has incorporated a racing unit into his science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum around the time of the Indianapolis 500. In the past, Marshall said Indianapolis 500 driver Ed Carpenter has visited, but he wasn't available this time. Through some connections, he asked Stockon, 28, to help kick off the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500. "Our focus in math has been circumference and radius," Marshall said. "Of course with racing, it's with the tires on cars. So we brought Chase out because we know he's one of the top USAC drivers in the country." Marshall said the kids immediately searched Stockon on YouTube and social media. By the next day, he said students knew more about Stockon than he did. Marshall said he wanted students to see how STEM can be applied to real-life scenarios and jobs. Standing next to his No. 32 green, yellow and black sprint car, Stockon shared his love of racing, and explained to students how he uses math and engineering on a daily basis. He also discussed parts of the car, how the engine works and safety. "What's this," third-grader Katrice Heyward asked as she pointed to a hump in the back of the car. "It's the gas tank," Stockon replied. "Do you guys know how much a gallon is? Well this is a 33-gallon tank." "Whoa," the students screamed in unison. Stockon, who lives in Fort Branch, has been racing since he was 5 years old. The past 13 years he's competed in the sprint car division. He races all over the country, from Florida to Minnesota to New Jersey to California. "This is what I do for a living," he said. "And we enjoy the heck out of it. ... Racing here in Indiana is something quite large. So to be able to kind of show the kids down here in Evansville what its' all about is kind of neat." Ellen Daugherty, 9, admitted the sprint car looks bigger in videos and photos online. "But we got to see how big the wheels are," she said. Heyward, 9, agreed the car is "really small" in person. Lorelei Taylor, 9, and Aireona Ferguson, 8, squealed as they got Stockon's autograph. The friends agreed to hang it in their lockers. Stockton even signed someone's shoe. "I've signed some weird stuff before," he said. "But I think that was my first shoe." Stockon enjoys traveling and seeing different people in other parts of the country. "But coming to events like this, where you can try to draw some interest with the younger generations, is pretty neat," he said. "It's kind of hard in today's society to draw interest to something like auto racing. Anytime you can get kids excited about it is pretty cool." DENNY SIMMONS / COURIER & PRESS Sarah Gough (left) and Salena Courtney organize clothing at Borrowed Hearts, a facility at 121 Walnut Street in Evansville started by Gough as a 24-hour resource for foster parents to clothe and supply hygiene products their wards. SHARE DENNY SIMMONS / COURIER & PRESS Sarah Gough (center) discusses the need for hangers with foster parents Salena Courtney (left) and Mary Ann Martin at Borrowed Hearts in March. The foundation offers clothing and hygiene products to foster families because many times the child placements arrive to their foster homes without anything but the clothes they are wearing. DENNY SIMMONS / COURIER & PRESS Sarah Gough serves up lunch for her babysitting charge, Brody White, 2, at Borrowed Hearts in March. The facility was started by Gough as a 24-hour resource for foster parents to clothe and supply hygiene products their wards. Oftentimes those children arrive at their foster homes with nothing but the clothes they are wearing. DENNY SIMMONS / COURIER & PRESS Hygiene items line the walls of Borrowed Hearts at 121 Walnut Street in Evansville. DENNY SIMMONS / COURIER & PRESS Borrowed Hearts at 121 Walnut Street in Evansville donates clothing and hygiene supplies to area foster families. The service is available 24-hours-a-day because many foster placements happen when it is difficult to obtain what the children need. By Bobby Shipman Sarah Gough and her husband bought a four-bedroom house with dreams of filling it with children. When doctors told Gough she only had a 7 percent chance of conception, she was devastated. "Your whole life you grow up thinking you're going to be a mom," Gough said. And she eventually was just not in the manner she originally expected. Since 2012, the Goughs have cared for 26 children and adopted two little boys. And they plan to adopt more. "I've been mom to a whole lot of kids," the foster mother said. "It's been amazing. We always joke that we got broke into being parents the right way." For Gough, the experience revealed that foster families are in dire need of quality resources. So she started a nonprofit organization in 2014 called Borrowed Hearts, which serves as a 24-hour clothing/hygiene bank. A pancake breakfast/auction fundraiser on April 23 will raise money for the legal fees required for the organization to become a 501c3. 'Just theirs' Gough said foster children often arrive with only the clothes on their back. "Or they come with clothes that are the wrong size or that you wouldn't want to take them in public in," she said. "You never know what they're going to come with. Sometimes they come from homes that have scabies or lice." Gough said the $200 per child allowance provided by the state doesn't go far, and takes at least a week to get. "You're stuck scrambling to get what (the children) need, especially if they are a child in school and they didn't come with their backpack or their school uniforms," she said. Borrowed Hearts allows the child to pick out clothes, a toothbrush and other necessities. It also lends car seats. Gough said Borrowed Hearts not only provides quick access to necessities, but it helps create a sense of stability for the child. "These kids feel really out of control, obviously, when they are pulled away from their parents and everything they know and they don't always get to bring things with them, then they're thrown into a home with complete strangers, nothing familiar to them," she said. "(Borrowed Hearts) is a way for them to get things that are just theirs." Finding a family According to statistics cited by the IDCS, there are more than 500,000 young people in the foster care system. Almost 50 percent of those are preteens or teenagers who bounce from foster or youth homes, searching for a place they can call home. An Evansville teenager now named Jordan is one of them. Her parents divorced when she was 11. They had begun experimenting with drugs. Immediately after the split, Jordan stayed with her mother and her mother's new boyfriend. One night, Jordan said she stayed home alone with the boyfriend. She had a stomachache, and she said the boyfriend gave her medicine and slowly rubbed her belly until she fell asleep. Jordan said she later awoke in a haze to find him on top of her. The next day, she told her mother she had been raped. "(My mother) totally didn't believe me. She called me a liar. She slapped me in the face," Jordan said. The police were contacted and Jordan and her brother were taken to a local youth home, where it was decided they would stay with her mother's parents. They lived there for a few months until Jordan's brother began to act aggressively and was taken back to the youth home. He accused the grandfather of rape. Jordan said her grandfather refused to take a lie detector test, and she was removed and taken to her first foster home. Not long after, her grandfather shot himself behind his barn when pictures surfaced allegedly validating the accusations. But Jordan still couldn't find respite. The woman she was placed with was verbally abusive and dirty, she said. "There were fleas everywhere. It was gross," Jordan said. "I had to leave because there was a possum in (the house) at some point." The Department of Child Services placed her in a new home. And another. And another. And over the next few years, Jordan tried her hardest to cling to one home, but at every new place, she met adversity. She said she stayed at a home where children stole from her; she tried to run away from a youth home; she lived with a foster family that accused her of stealing and even strip-searched her. "Most foster homes, when you first meet them, they put on a front," she said. They will act like the best people ever." She began to self-harm and was sent to a variety behavioral health care centers and youth homes. While at one home, she said she was temporarily put on medication that made her hear voices. Jordan feared there was nowhere left for her to go. But then her caseworker informed her a family wanted to house her for three days. That three days became permanent. In July, Jordan will be the third foster child adopted by Sarah Gough. Right away Jordan connected with Gough, who she saw as more laid back and cooler than people in her previous foster homes. She especially liked Gough's tattoos. "Honestly, I don't know what it feels like to be wanted. Most foster kids feel like that. All of the teenagers I met in facilities cry themselves to sleep every night," she said. "... Are they going to choose a 3-year-old that's only there because of their parents, or a teenage girl who self-harms, runs away, fights, gets bad grades?" Jordan said older foster children give up hope quickly and many grow out of the system and never get adopted. "A year ago, I couldn't see this happening. All I wanted was to be adopted," Jordan said. "I just really wanted a family a family that is going to care about me." Filling a need Libby Treado became a foster parent in 2007, and said the number of homes versus the number of children is astonishing. "What happens to foster parents is that they adopt out very quickly, because the state mandate only allows five children per home without special exception (by a judge)," she said. Treado serves as the representative for foster families for the Region 16 Service Council, which includes five Southern Indiana counties, including Vanderburgh and Warrick. "The need for foster parents and the need to recruit foster parents is, I think, a greater focus right now than it's ever been before," she said. She said the need is especially great for homes that will take teenagers or large groups of siblings. "... (Foster parents) need support. We need emotional support. We need financial support. We need a quick clothing bank," Treado said. Treado said there are services for the homeless or low-income community foster parents. But they wait in line like everyone else. Services such as day care can take as long as six months. Sarah Gough is also the foster parent representative for the Indiana Department of Child Services Regional Council. "We are putting together a foster parent resource directory because when these kids come into care, obviously we have to make sure they are getting medical care, dental care, vision care; all of those things," Gough said. The directory will serve as a guide for the best resources foster parents can access. When Treado first became a foster parent, she said her mother and friends questioned how safe foster work would be. "The more that we talk about (foster care) and the more that we show people that it's not as scary as it seems to be (the better)," she said. "Real people are getting out there and making a difference in their community." Hearts to borrow Foster children are resilient, Gough said, and often call her mom after only a few days -- which makes it impossible not to get attached. "It is hard to see them go home, especially (since) what the state considers minimal acceptable living conditions may not be what you would consider what you would live in," she said. Gough said she and her husband aren't as cautious as others about steering clear of the biological families. "We are able to keep in contact with the kids when they go home so that way we know they're safe," she said. "The success is making a difference in these children's lives, enough that they still come to us when they need things," she said. "...We want them to know we really do love them and care for them." Gough said the children don't like being referred to as "foster kids," because it makes them feel unwanted. And part of Borrowed Heart's goal will be to make sure these children, no matter what hardships they've endured, will feel safe. Feel wanted. Feel loved. "We looked at it as, we're just kind of borrowing them," she said. "We actually joked one day, 'Oh, we are just borrowing these kids for a while.' It stuck for us that they are our borrowed hearts." SHARE By Mark Wilson of the Courier and Press Old National Bank has agreed to settle a class action lawsuit alleging it posted certain checking account transactions in a way that increased depositors' overdraft fees. Vanderburgh Circuit Court Judge David Kiely on Thursday approved a motion giving preliminary approval to the $4.75 million proposed settlement and determined it was fair the first part of a two-step approval process. Members of the class represented in the lawsuit can now be notified of the settlement terms and the June 13 final hearing on its fairness. Class actions allow one or more people to file a lawsuit on behalf of a larger group. The lawsuit accused the Evansville-based bank with purposefully posting debit card and ATM transactions so as to increase depositors' overdraft fees. Attorney Rhett Gonterman, representing Old National Bank, said Thursday that the financial institution remained adamant that it had committed no wrongdoing. "This case has been pending since 2010 and it's in the best interest of our shareholders for this to be settled and put to rest rather than incur the cost of continued litigation," he said. He said the settlement was approved by ONB's board of directors in December. Kathy Schoettlin, the bank's vice president of public relations, said Old National has not changed any of its practices or procedures. "This is the way that 99 percent of other banks do it," she said. Gonterman said the bank is under no legal obligation to change anything. William Sweetnam, lead attorney for the plaintiffs, said he was aware of at least 20 similar lawsuits across the nation but that the ONB lawsuit was one of the last to be settled. He said the $4.75 million settlement represents about 90 percent of the damages incurred by the class members participating in the lawsuit making it a larger settlement than achieved in most of those similar lawsuits. The cost of administering the settlement, as well as $1.9 million in attorney fees, are included in the settlement amount. Former Old National customers Steven Kelly, Jon Cook and Rebecca Cook, who filed the lawsuit in Vanderburgh Circuit Court in December 2010, will each receive $10,000 40 percent of which will be covered out of Sweetnam's legal fees. Refunds will automatically be distributed on a pro-rated basis to current ONB customers who were depositors between November 2008 and August 2010, and Indiana residents who incurred two or more overdraft fees in a single day, Sweetnam said. Former ONB depositors who fit that class will receive the same pro-rated refunds but will need to apply either electronically or by mail. The settlement calls for any funds remaining after the reimbursements to be shared between the Indiana Bar Association, Old National Bank Foundation which is operated separately from the bank and other Indiana organizations for use in promoting financial literacy education. Kiely approved expanding the lawsuit to a class action in a 2014 ruling, and the Indiana Court of Appeals affirmed it in April 2015. That decision was left standing by the Indiana Supreme Court's denial of the bank's petition to transfer the case. The April 2015 appeals court ruling eliminated the lawsuit's other claims. Those included conversion, unconscionability and unjust enrichment claims that alleged Old National Bank intentionally exerted unauthorized control over deposits, as well as a claim that the bank violated the Indiana Crime Victim Relief Act. Kiely was scheduled to hear the case in a bench trial May 9 on the issue of whether Old National Bank had breached an implied duty to deal in good faith with customers. That trial date has now been cancelled. Instead, there will be a final hearing on the fairness of the settlement at 2 p.m. June 13 in Circuit Court. SHARE By David Jackson, USA TODAY A Florida state attorney said Thursday he would not prosecute Donald Trump's campaign manager for simple battery in connection with an incident involving a reporter, saying a conviction would have been unlikely. "This office will not be filing charges for against Corey Lewandowski for battery," Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg told reporters in Florida. Echoing a legal filing made earlier in the day, Aronberg said the evidence including a video justified Fields' complaint that Lewandowski grabbed her after a March 8 news conference, but there is a question as to whether his action constituted criminal activity. Aronberg noted that the legal bar for a police charge is lower than the one for an actual prosecution. The Trump campaign said in a statement that Lewandowski is "gratified by the decision," and "the matter is now concluded." Police in Jupiter, Fla., had charged Lewandowski last month with simple battery in the wake of the March 8 confrontation with Breitbart News correspondent Michelle Fields. Fields, who has since resigned from Breitbart, said Lewandowski forcibly grabbed her by the arm and pulled her back as she tried to ask Trump a question after a news conference. She produced a photo of bruises on her arm. "Although there was probable cause to make an arrest," Thursday's legal filing said, "the evidence cannot prove all legally required elements of the crime alleged and is insufficient to support a criminal prosecution." Lewandowski denied wrongdoing and said he was trying to protect Trump from Fields. Police released video of the incident when it charged Lewandowski on March 29. Aronberg said his office spoke with Trump, who said that Fields touched him and urged prosecutors to "do the right thing." While the facts support Fields' statements and the police charge, Aronberg said that "it is unethical for us to file cases when we believe there is not a good-faith basis to proceed." Had the case gone to trial, Aronberg said, Lewandowski would have had "a reasonable hypothesis for innocence." Lewandowski, who ran the Trump campaign since its inception last year, has seen his position change in the weeks since the misdemeanor battery charge. Trump has hired veteran Republican operative Paul Manafort to be his convention manager, and it appears that Lewandowski and Manafort are now sharing power within the campaign organization. Fields has said she is considering a defamation suit against Lewandowski, who had called her "delusional" after the incident occurred. On Twitter, Fields said the Florida prosecutor's office asked her two weeks ago if she would accept a public apology from Lewandowski. She said she never heard back from the office. Aronberg said his office spoke with Fields, and "it was clear to us she was disappointed by this decision." State attorneys are elected in Florida. Aronberg, a registered Democrat who attended law school with Trump Republican opponent Ted Cruz, rejected suggestions that politics played a role in the Lewandowski case. "This is an apolitical office," Aronberg said, and the case was handled in a "non-partisan manner." Sarah Jo Pender was convicted along with her former boyfriend, Richard Hull, of murdering their roommates Andrew Cataldi and Tricia Nordman on Oct. 24, 2000, in Indiana. Pender, who was sentenced to 110 years in prison, is shown here at the Indiana Women's Prison in Indianapolis on April 18, 2013. SHARE By Allison Carter, IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK At her sentencing, Sarah Jo Pender was called a "female Charles Manson." Now her story is coming to television again. The shocking double homicide will be featured in the "Master Manipulator" episode of Investigation Discovery's "Stranger in my Home." The show will premiere at 10 p.m. on Friday, April 15, and will be repeated on April 16 at 1 a.m. and 2 p.m. Pender was found guilty of the 2000 double murder of her roommates. She was sentenced to 110 years in prison, which she is serving at Indiana Women's Prison. Pender was a Lawrence Central grad and a Purdue University dropout. Police agree she did not pull the trigger in the deaths of Andrew Cataldi and Tricia Nordman, but police say she was a cold-blooded manipulator who pulled the strings that led her boyfriend, Richard Hull, to do the deed and leave the bodies in a trash bin. Hull was sentenced to 90 years in prison. For her part, Pender says she was forced to help with the coverup of the double homicide, or she feared she would have become Hull's third victim. The Investigation Discovery program focuses on the identification of the two bodies. Mangled and bloodied, they were identified by their tattoos, which led to the hunt for Pender and Hull. The Pender story has been featured in true-crime media before; she is the subject of the 2011 novel "Girl, Wanted: The Chase for Sarah Pender" and Lifetime Television biopic "She Made Them Do It." SHARE By Madeline Buckley, IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK A former Title IX coordinator at Indiana University Bloomington who resigned amid a sexual assault allegation will not face criminal prosecution in connection with the complaint, police said. Jason Casares in February resigned from his position as director of student ethics and a deputy Title IX coordinator, a job in which he investigated claims of sexual misconduct at the university. Jill Creighton, an administrator at New York University, published a letter through her Twitter account in February that accused Casares of sexually assaulting her at a December conference for the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors in Fort Worth, Texas. In her letter, Creighton wrote: "I made the mistake of letting my guard down while socializing with Jason about Association business. Jason took advantage of me after I had had too much to drink." Creighton filed a criminal complaint with the Fort Worth Police Department. Forth Worth Police Sgt. Steve Enright told IndyStar Thursday that no criminal charges will be filed in the case. Enright said the complaint was not substantiated. Creighton told IndyStar in an email that she learned the case was closed through a blog post and the media. "My experience in reporting to the police exemplifies why survivors do not go to the police," Creighton said. She criticized the Fort Worth Police Department's handling of the case, and said the department made it difficult for her to file the complaint, as she had returned home to New York when she began the process. "Our justice systems are not designed for multi-state jurisdiction, and its clear that the Fort Worth Police do not care what happens in their jurisdiction as long as what they view as the problem has left their city," Creighton said. Enright, the Fort Worth Police spokesman, said a Fort Worth police detective worked "extensively" with a New York detective who took Creighton's statement. "The interview in (New York) lasted several hours and the (New York) detective submitted the results to our detective. The (New York) detective concurred with the conclusion that a criminal offense had not occurred," Enright said by email. In a statement sent to IndyStar, Casares said: "There was no assault. It never happened. I am grateful the truth has finally been shared. I'm choosing to no longer focus on the false claims made against me but rather my statements and my story that was corroborated in each independent investigation." Casares in February told IndyStar in a statement he resigned because he could not "credibly preside" over student sexual assault investigations after having been publicly accused of sexual assault. IU's Title IX office oversees reports of sexual harassment, sexual violence, stalking and intimate partner violence that involve students, staff and faculty. The office investigates claims and brings them to a resolution. The university asked Julia Lamber, a graduate of the IU Maurer School of Law and a Title IX expert, to review 17 sexual misconduct cases heard by Casares in the 2015-16 school year. IU announced earlier this month that Lamber concluded all cases were handled properly. SHARE Suzanne Draper Evansville Every year thousands of children in Indiana are abused and neglected and become involved in the Juvenile Court system. Although the number is staggering and the circumstances are often horrendous, the CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocate program of Vanderburgh County is helping to make a difference in the lives of these children. Vanderburgh County CASA recruits and trains volunteers to speak for the best interest of the abused and neglected children in court to help them return home safely or be placed in another safe permanent home in a timely manner. Our CASA volunteers help children by supporting and guiding them through this difficult time. In honor of National Volunteer Appreciation Week, I would like to take this opportunity to say thanks to over 150 volunteers that make up Vanderburgh County CASA. These advocates put in over 17,000 hours of volunteer work in 2015 spending time gathering information from everyone that is involved in the case to help the Juvenile Court Judge understand the children's needs as the case progresses. It is sometimes frustrating and emotional; however our volunteers continue to push forward to give the powerless children a powerful voice. So again, on behalf of Vanderburgh County CASA, thank you for all you do. You are the best! Suzanne Draper is the executive director of Vanderburgh County CASA. Continue Reading Below Advertisement Frasier is a critically acclaimed, fan-favorite show that wouldn't have happened at all had if its main star got his way. After playing Frasier Crane on Cheers for nine years, Kelsey Grammer was done with the smug little twit and wanted something different. So, when it came time to pitch his own series to Paramount, he went as un-Frasier as he could get without turning the character into a Martian porn star. Grammer wanted to play a super-rich, ultra-eccentric publishing mogul who rode around on a cartoonishly huge motorcycle. Biker Yuppie would get into a bad accident and wind up paralyzed from the waist down, forcing him to a life of bossing people around in bed from his luxury penthouse suite. Basically, he would start as a Malcolm Forbes parody, and then morph into a thinly veiled Hugh Hefner. Random House Continue Reading Below Advertisement Except Hefner has even better reasons for losing all feeling from the waist down. His physical therapist, by the way, was to be a sassy, Hispanic maid, because in TV land you can't spell minority without S-A-S-S-Y. Everyone was excited about the pitch, until Paramount execs politely told them to fuck off with their idea, along with any other not-Frasier pitch they had brewing in their bottom-line-ignorant brains. Random House "He's the guy everyone greeted by yelling, 'Norm!' right?" The president of Paramount's TV division even visited Grammer and straight-up told him his idea wasn't funny, because no joke could possibly be more uproarious than a humongous paycheck. Grammer eventually relented, but insisted the show take place as far away from Boston as possible, so Paramount couldn't force Cheers characters into every episode until the viewers grew sick of weekly reminders that their favorite show didn't exist anymore. Also, he wanted to keep the penthouse, though that was less "creative vision" and more "no shit, who wouldn't?" Sussex News Story Saved You can find this story in My Bookmarks. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. The dark web is actually much smaller than you think, and the percentage of websites residing there that provide illegal content and services is also over-exaggerated, according to a new report from Intelliagg and Darksum. The report, Deeplight: Shining a Light on the Dark Web, claimed to be the first comprehensive, definitive mapping of the largest dark net, Tor, where hidden websites are not indexed by search engines and content cannot be accessed without specialised encrypted software. This mysterious online frontier, shrouded in secrecy, is surprisingly composed of only about 30,000 websites, each featuring Tor's .onion top-level domain suffix, the report states. Researchers at the two firms created an index of dark web pages by consulting preexisting lists of Tor links, and using a collection software application known as a spider to sniff out and follow additional links that connect various sites. To further probe the corners of the dark web, the researchers also leveraged over 100 servers to observe traffic requests on the Tor network in order to identify sites that otherwise had no discernible links. Indeed, 39 percent of analysed sites could not be found with a link, making it critical for the researchers to monitor the Tor network for clues. Only 46 percent of the 29,532 discovered websites were accessible during the research's sampling period of these, the researchers used a combination of manual analysis and automated tools to classify their content. As it turns out, less than half of the computer-analysed sites only 48 percent were determined to provide content or services that would be deemed illegal in the U.S. or U.K. This includes child pornography, drugs, guns, hate speech and other criminal activity. The automated solution may have overlooked some illegal activity, as the separate manual analysis found 68 percent of 1,200 sampled sites carried illegal content. But that still leaves a lot of sites whose content is perfectly legal, though perhaps controversial or sensitive in nature, thus warranting discretion. I thought it would be mostly guns and drugs, but actually if you look at the content, there is much more file sharing, discussion boards and generally good uses for the dark net, said Thomas Olofsson, CEO of Intelliagg, in an interview with SCMagazine.com. Some of the sites were anything from whistleblowing sites to sites where journalists are digging up research, he continued. The report also references sites specialising in everything from political discourse to sexual fetishes. However, just because these relatively innocuous exist doesn't mean that's where most dark web denizens are spending their time. When you read just the Deeplight report, it sounds like the situation is not as bad as the media portrays, said Eric Jardine, research fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) and a dark web expert, in an interview with SCMagazine.com. But I think there's a step missing and that step has to do with traffic patterns, he remarked, pointing to a separate research report by the Global Commission on Internet Governance, which in its own sampling found that more than 80 percent of requests on Tor were made to so-called abuse sites representing just two percent of the dark net's hidden services. Intelliagg and Darksum's joint report also found that 76 percent of analysed Tor websites were written primarily in English, with German (four percent) the next most common language. Olofsson noted he was surprised there were not more sites catering to users in Russian or Chinese-speaking regions, though he expects there will be in the near future as more cybercriminals from these areas turn to encrypted sites to do their business. Ultimately, Jardine praised the report for shedding new light on the dark web. I appreciate any effort to make sense of the dark web what it is, how big it is and to try to categorise .onion sites and catalogue them. This is a really good step, said Jardine. However, he also noted that uncharted pockets of the dark web still remain, as this research focused exclusively on Tor. Tor is the biggest route to the dark web, but not the only one, he added. This article originally appeared at scmagazineus.com Telstra chief executive Andrew Penn has attempted to downplay yesterdays controversy by reinforcing the companys support for marriage equality. The Australian reported that Telstra removed all references to its previous support of marriage equality after it received a letter from the Catholic Church pointing out commercial considerations. You may be aware that the Catholic archdiocese of Sydney is a significant user of goods and services from many corporations, said the letter from the Catholic Churchs Archdiocese of Sydney business manager Michael Digges. Undoubtedly, many of the Catholic population of Sydney would be your employees, customers, partners and suppliers. It is therefore with grave concern that I write to you about the Marriage Equality for Australians campaign. Yesterday afternoon, Telstra issued a statement on its public blog, Telstra Exchange, stating its position hadnt changed, but would no longer be active in the debate. Penn took to Exchange this morning to publicly declare that Telstra still supports marriage equality, without mentioning anything about alleged influence from the Catholic Church. We clearly need to make this simple statement: Telstra supports marriage equality as part of the great importance we place on diversity and standing against all forms of discrimination, Penn wrote. Equally we recognise there are many and varied views and if we are all truly accepting of diversity, there should be room made for all of them. He added that the reason Telstra wont participate in the debate is due to the federal governments proposed plebiscite, which opens the debate up to the public. However, this position was interpreted by some as us abandoning our tradition of supporting diversity and inclusion, be it in the community or in our workplace. This could not be further from the truth. Last year, Telstra was part of a group of companies that displayed their logo on Australian Marriage Equality advertisements in support of the campaign. AME still displays Telstra as a supporter. Other AME supporters include Microsoft, Optus, Vodafone, Atlassian and LinkedIn. ASG has signed a two-year deal with the Australian Bureau of Statistics to deliver an enterprise data management environment. The contract, which has been valued at more than $10 million, will significantly expand ASGs portfolio of federal government enterprise applications work. ASG said it would provide the ABS with a specialised solution that would be driven by metadata and would use Oracle technology. The aim is to help the ABS enhance its production of coherent, in-depth statistical information from multiple sources This ASG solution is part of an ABS strategy to standardise processes, modernise infrastructure and become more agile. ASG chief executive Geoff Lewis said this is the companys first engagement with the ABS and hopefully the start of a valuable long-term partnership. ASG has one of the largest enterprise analytics practices in Australia and we are excited to deliver our unique expertise to help federal government departments transform their technology environments, delivering definitive business outcomes, he said. Lars Ljoen will take over the position of Executive Vice President and Managing Director at Carnival Maritime, the operations group overseeing Costa and AIDA ships from an office in Hamburg. He will be responsible for supervising the departments Fleet Governance, Cruise Preparation & Projects, Cruise Execution as well as Continuous Improvement and the Fleet Operations Center, said Carnival. Ljoen began his career on supply vessels and shuttle tankers in the North Sea offshore industry. In 1997, he joined Royal Caribbean Cruises where he worked on the cruise vessels and ashore in Miami, managing fleet-wide navigation issues, maritime training and deck operations. During his eight years of employment there, he became Director of Marine Operations. In 2005, Ljoen joined Ceres Marine Terminals (NYK Ports) in Miami as Vice President of Business Development. Almost ten years later he headed up the development of business strategies for cruise services, roll-on/roll-off business and general cargo for the North American port activities of NYK Line. In 2015 Ljoen joined Carnival Maritime, leading the Cruise Preparation & Projects department as Senior Vice President. In this position he was responsible for port operations, dry dockings, deck and engine human resources, innovations and technical purchasing. As Executive Vice President, Ljoen will directly report to Michael Thamm, CEO of the Costa Group. He takes over his new position from Jens Lassen, until now Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Carnival Maritime, who will continue to assist Ljoen in an advisory capacity. "I am happy to welcome Lars in our management team. With his extensive experiences in marine operations and his passionate leadership style, Lars will strengthen our performance as a Center of Excellence for the fleet," Thamm commented. "I am very excited about this new opportunity, as I feel it allows me to shape the future of cruising. My fantastic team and I will put our best efforts into reaching the ambitious goals of Carnival Maritime: Having the highest efficiency, lowest energy consumption and lowest repair and maintenance costs in the industry," Ljoen added. Carnival Cruise Line is the first recipient of Port of Seattles inaugural Program Innovator Award and also received the ports Green Gateway Partners Award, honoring the cruise lines commitment to environmental stewardship, according to a news release from the Miami-based cruise company. Rabih Aboudargham, director, environmental operations for Carnival Cruise Line, accepted the honors yesterday at Port of Seattles Cruise Annual All Agency Pre-Season Reception held at the World Trade Center on the Seattle waterfront. As the inaugural recipient of the ports Program Innovator Award, Carnival was recognized for its creativity in environmental practices, including innovations in fuel efficiency and waste reduction, as well as its partnership with the Nature Conservancy and the development of groundbreaking exhaust gas cleaning technology. The cruise lines training program for shipboard employees was acknowledged, as well. The annual Green Gateway Awards are bestowed on those cruise and container customers whose environmental programs and initiatives exceed regulatory requirements and support the ports goal of becoming the cleanest and most energy-efficient port in North America. Receiving this recognition from Port of Seattle one of the leaders in seaport environmental innovation is truly an honor, said Aboudargham. It also is an inspiration to continue seeking new ways to reduce our carbon footprint and preserve and protect our precious natural resources, he added. "Carnival Cruise Line proves by their everyday practices that you can be good environmental stewards while contributing to this regions economy, said Port of Seattle Commissioner Courtney Gregoire. As we start another fantastic cruise season, we thank Carnival Cruise Line for making our planet a greener place, she added. Photo: from left: Port of Seattle Managing Director Lindsay Pulsifer ; Rabih Aboudargham, director, environmental operations for Carnival Cruise Line; Port of Seattle Commissioner Courtney Gregoir. Blockchain for entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector: challenges and opportunities - May 15, 2020 4:00 PM CEST Blockchain for Agriculture webinar Are you an entrepreneur in African, the Caribbean and Pacific countries and interested in blockchain? Do you want to know if and in which conditions you can leverage on blockchain to offer meaningful services to potential clients in the agricultural sector and beyond? This webinar organised by the Technical Centre for Agriculture and Rural Cooperation (CTA) in the framework its AgriHack and Blockchain projects, and in partnership with Blockchain Workspace in the Netherlands will discuss these questions. Apart from insights from three invited experts, experiences of an ACP entrepreneur investing in Blockchain will be shared. Other entrepreneurs from the audience may have the opportunity to briefly share their experiences as well. The session will be held in English only. With George Maina, founder of Shamba Records & Once Sync Limited (Kenya); Henk van Cann and Erwin Overstegen, both co-founder of the training firm Blockchain Workspace (bcws.io); and Ken Lohento (CTA) A new report that identifies the most distinctive cause of injury death for each state, compared to national rates, has some findings that might be expected: Seven states in Appalachia and the Southwest, for example, had unintentional firearms deaths roughly two to four times the national rate. Those states have high gun ownership rates and lack safe-storage laws. Three states Montana, South Dakota and Nebraska had as their most distinctive injury motor vehicle crashes involving passengers. Four safety provisions primary seat-belt laws, mandatory key ignition locks for drunk drivers, booster seats and nighttime driving restrictions for teens are absent in Montana, while South Dakota and Nebraska have only one each. Connecticut had as its most distinctive cause of injury death unintentional suffocation the only state with that outlier cause. The states rate was 1.3 times, or 30 percent higher than, the national average, according to the report in the journal Injury Prevention, led by researchers from Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. The report analyzed data from 2004-2013 from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to identify one type of injury death for each state that was disproportionately popular with a rate that was the largest multiple of the U.S. rate. While the report does not point to factors responsible for Connecticuts relatively high suffocation rate, child health advocates say they suspect unsafe sleeping conditions among infants, which led to a public health alert by the states Office of the Child Advocate in 2014 and other action, may be one factor. SIDS deaths Between 2002 and 2010, there were 211 infant deaths in Connecticut classified as due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome or other undetermined causes, with at least 140 of those cases associated with unsafe sleep environments, such as infants in bed with adults, older children, or adult pillows and other large items, according to a report by the Child Advocate. In 2013 alone, 18 infants who died of SIDS or undetermined causes were found to have risk factors associated with their sleep environments. Child Advocate Sarah Eagan said accidental asphyxiation from unsafe sleep practices remains a concern, with the state continuing to see 17 to 23 deaths per year of infants. It remains definitely a high-priority issue, she said. Its still the leading cause of death of healthy infants in Connecticut - higher than child abuse. Eagan said the state has made strides to better educate parents about safe sleeping passing legislation in 2015 that requires hospitals to disseminate materials to new parents about safe sleep practices. Also, the state Department of Children and Families for the past several years has instructed workers to counsel parents about safe sleep and distributes Pack N Play cribs to households lacking adequate sleeping arrangements. Eagan said state agencies have been working recently to more broadly disseminate information on the issue through a variety of organizations. A 2015 Fact Sheet by the Childrens Safety Network National Injury and Violence Prevention Resource Center lists suffocation as the leading cause of injury deaths of children ages 1-4 in Connecticut from 2008-2012. Suffocation also is listed as the fourth-highest cause of death among Connecticut children ages 5 to 9. Sara Heins, lead author of the national injury study, said the suffocation rates cited in the report represent not just infants, but people of all ages. She noted that not all suffocation deaths are caused by unsafe sleeping, and that not all infant sleep deaths are classified as suffocation. Heins said that most states have laws designed to reduce the risk of sudden, unexpected infant deaths, through training, raising public awareness and reporting. Many are more stringent than Connecticuts 2015 law. Drug poisoning The injury study also calculates the most frequent injury death for each state, based on CDC data counts. In Connecticut and 28 other states, the most frequent cause is unintentional drug poisoning, or overdose. In four states Alaska, Arkansas, Utah and Wyoming suicide by firearm is the most frequent cause. Heins and colleagues noted that while the distinctive injury rates are, by definition, high compared to the national average, they might actually account for a small number of fatalities. The most frequent distinctive cause of injury death among all states was unintentional death by firearm. Five states clustered in the West California, Oregon, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah had rates of legal intervention deaths when police kill someone, or officers are killed in the line of duty up to 3.5 times higher than the U.S. average. For Maine, Rhode Island and eight other states, suicide by falls, drowning and other means was the category with the largest multiple of the national rate. Rural states in the Midwest and West tended to have higher rates of vehicle, machinery and natural/environmental injury deaths. Heins said she hoped the findings would help policymakers identify injuries that, while not the most burdensome, may warrant special prevention efforts. In states where injuries are distinctive due to differences in policy or culture, the results could be a useful tool for advocates who could assert, Not only is this injury a problem, it is a problem that we as a state are distinctively bad at addressing, she said. This story was reported under a partnership with the Connecticut Health I-Team (www.c-hit.org). BRIDGEPORT A West Haven teen is accused of threatening to kill a Stratford girl sending her a photograph of him pointing a gun after she refused to go to the prom with him. Trevon Malik Avery, 18, of Washington Avenue, was charged Friday with first-degree threatening, second-degree harassment and second-degree breach of peace. During an arraignment hearing, state Superior Court Judge William Holden ordered the teen confined to house arrest with the exception of going to school, and issued a protective order requiring Avery to stay away from the girl. The judge continued the case to May 11. Police said the 17-year-old girl told them she had broken up with Avery on Thursday and refused to go to her high school prom with him. She told police she subsequently began getting threatening text messages from Avery. N dont honestly care who u tell bro, dad, superman whoever they could get it too, one of Averys texts read, according to police. They said the girl showed them a photograph on her phone of Avery pointing a handgun into the camera. Police said the girl told them he had never acted this way toward her before, and that she became frightened and decided to call for help. Stratford and West Haven police went to Averys home. They said he answered the door and, when he saw it was the police, ran back into the house. A short time later, Averys mother came to the door, and police said she agreed to turn her son over to them. Police said Avery told them he had only been joking and the gun wasnt real, but he didnt know where it was. While in the back of a police car, Avery kept yelling, You dont understand, the gun was not real. Its a joke, police said. West Haven officers told the Stratford officers they are familiar with Avery and that he runs with a rough crowd that causes a lot of problems in the area, police said. The arrest renewed memories of a Milford slaying with some similar circumstances. Last month, Christopher Plaskon, now 18, pleaded no contest to fatally stabbing 16-year-old classmate Maren Sanchez on April 25, 2014, in a hallway at Milfords Jonathan Law High School after she refused to go to the prom with him, police said. Plaskon faces 25 years in prison when he is sentenced June 6. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate STRATFORD If the Bard only knew. On Sunday, 35 Shakespeare-lovers from town will be journeying to Stratford-upon-Avon to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the death of William Shakespeare on April 23, 1616. They will be joining dozens of like-minded people from the other Stratfords of the world as part of the Sister Cities program. They will be arriving from New Zealand, Australia, Prince Edward Island, Ontario and, yes, Stratford-upon- Avon. To read the full story, subscribe below. STORY LINK Mixed Forecast for GBP Pound Sterling Exchange Rate vs AUD NZD AUD and NZD Exchange Rates Climb despite 7-Year Low Chinese GDP Chinese Data Supports Hopes of Stabilising Economic Outlook Like this piece? Please share with your friends and colleagues: Much as anticipated, last nights Asian session saw official government figures confirm that activity levels in Chinas vast economy once again contracted during the first three months of last year.The statistics revealed that the worlds second largest economy expanded by an annualised 6.7% last month down from the counterpart Q4 2015 showing of 6.8%.The result represented the slowest level of Chinese economic growth for seven years.The old market adage which advises that investors should buy on the rumour, sell on the news, once again held true and last nights Chinese growth numbers failed to significantly dent support for the risk-correlated Australian Dollar (currency : AUD) and New Zealand Dollar (currency : NZD) during todays session.The Pound Sterling Aussie Dollar exchange rate crept into the low 1.8300s earlier today before pulling itself back above the 1.8400 threshold during afternoon trading.Meanwhile, the Pound New Zealand Dollar exchange rate showed similar price action, initially edging Southwards to 2.0459 GBP NZD before recovering to 2.0652.Drilling down into the component elements of the official figures, many analysts expressed the belief that they were in fact a good news story, with the New Yuan Loans statistic hinting at a real pick-up.Craig James of Commsec explained the resolute response to the Chinese GDP numbers earlier, stating that what followed in the market represented, a collective sigh of relieve, not just here in Australia but around the world. All the results are above market expectations, it shows the rebalancing of the economy is proceeding to plan.He went on to note that, if anything, the figures are surprisingly high, so one wonders about the sustainability of the growth rate for future months. Hopefully we'll see other economies around the world focus on lifting their own growth rates.For the above reasons, the near-term forecast for the Pound Sterling vs AUD and NZD exchange rate remains decidedly mixed. International Money Transfer? Ask our resident FX expert a money transfer question or try John's new, free, no-obligation personal service! ,where he helps every step of the way, ensuring you get the best exchange rates on your currency requirements. TAGS: American Dollar Forecasts New Zealand Dollar Forecasts Pound Austral Forecasts Berlin, Windber and North Star bring plenty of momentum into Week 10 Check out what we learned in Week 9 of the high school football season across Somerset County. Videos of Floridian arrests bring renewed criticism of crackdown on election fraud Law enforcement body camera footage showed stunned and confused Floridians being arrested on voter fraud charges. Advocates are calling for changes. 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 Whenever I hear or read those chilling words 'dinner party', my mind flashes back to a remark one of our guests made at a grim evening we hosted as newlyweds in the early Eighties. To impress my young bride, I'd invited Dominic Grieve, whom I'd known slightly at school. True, he was not yet an MP, and his ascent to ministerial office as Attorney General was a long way ahead of him. But he was already a hotshot lawyer, with avowed political ambitions, much spoken of in informed circles as the Coming Man. The evening was not going well. Two of our other guests had arrived very late, which meant that the fancy trout dish my wife had slaved over for the starter was disgustingly overcooked, with the consistency of glue. The conversation was just as sticky. Two of our other guests arrived late which meant that the trout dish my wife had slaved over had the consistency of glue - and the conversation was just as sticky - writes TOM UTLEY (file photo) Desperate to think of something to talk about, I mentioned that we were planning a motoring holiday, driving around Brittany in our Triumph Spitfire. Dominic picked up the conversational ball and ran with it, advising us where to go and what to see. Now, at this point I must show myself in a very bad light, because the shameful truth is that I get extremely irritated by little things. And the little thing irritating me that evening was that Dominic pronounced every place-name on his recommended itinerary in an impeccable French accent. In fairness, I should point out that if anyone has the right to roll his 'R's in that throaty Gallic way (think of Rennes, Quiberon or, indeed, Bretagne itself), that person is Dominic Grieve. After all, he is half-French and a fluent francophone, having attended the Lycee Francais Charles de Gaulle in London before we met at Westminster School. Dominic Grieve (pictured) picked up the conversational ball and ran with it, writes UTLEY Nor do I feel quite as strongly on the subject as my late father, who believed that all British citizens have a sacred patriotic duty to mispronounce foreign names. I well remember the old man rebuking me fiercely for speaking of Marseilles as 'Marsay', in an approximation of a French accent, instead of using the old-fashioned English pronunciation, 'Marsales'. 'Marsay, boy, Marsay? Call yourself an Englishman? Next you'll be saying Paree instead of Paris!' (He also pronounced Calais as 'Calliss' an eccentricity I've never heard from anyone else.) But I digress. As I say, I was acutely irritated by Dominic's accent. I was also afraid that our other guests would think I'd invited an appalling show-off to dinner. So I announced, perhaps somewhat cack-handedly: 'You'll have to forgive him. His mother is French.' The trouble was that it came out in quite the wrong way not so much light-hearted as ratty and rude. An awkward silence fell, which seemed to drag on for an eternity, while I tried in vain to think of other subjects to raise, which might get the evening flowing. At long last, the silence was broken by my spinster aunt, who piped up with the conversationally unhelpful remark: 'Gosh! Everyone's gone very quiet!' It was then that the future Attorney General uttered the five words that will be forever associated in my mind with the social hell of the British Middle-Class Dinner Party (BMCDP). Speaking this time in his distinctly posh English accent, and trying desperately to be polite, he said: 'A satisfied silence, I think.' Aaaargh!!! A satisfied silence? It was an excruciating silence, as we sat squashed round that table in our pokey one-bed flat, chewing our overcooked trout and racking our brains for something, anything, to say. Oh, why do we middle-classes put ourselves through the agonising ritual of the BMCDP? Weeks beforehand, the pain begins as we wrestle with the decisions about the guest-list. ('Yes, darling, I know we owe the Dudleys, the Worthingtons, the Darbyshires and the Donnellys but will they get on, or will they hate each other on sight?') Desperate to think of something to talk about, UTLEY mentioned he and his wife were planning a motoring holiday driving around Brittany in our Triumph Spitfire (file photo of a Triumph Spitfire 2) As the awful day approaches, the tensions crank up as my wife turns her mind to the menu. Naturally, she can't serve up any of the delicious, simple, tried and tested dishes that she cooks so beautifully. No, since this is to be a BMCDP, it has to be something fancy, with dozens of exotic ingredients. Something that she's never attempted before, which she thinks is sure to cause a sensation. Something, in short, that's almost bound to go horribly wrong. And that's even before one of the guests turns out to be a vegetarian, another allergic to mushrooms and latecomers keep us waiting while everything overcooks. Then there's the question of what we should wear. Opt for smart, and you can be sure that the first guests will arrive in sweaters and jeans and immediately feel ill at ease. Opt for casual, and it's equally certain they'll turn up in suits and ties and full-length ball dresses. (OK, we could ring in advance to warn about the dress-code, but isn't there a risk of sounding a little officious, thereby causing resentment of another kind?) The long and the short of it is that I wasn't a bit surprised to read this week's finding that most of us spend longer planning our dinner parties than we do on deciding to put in an offer on a house. Though a typical dinner party costs less than 100, says the survey by HSBC's mortgage department, hosts spend an average of 31 hours choosing guests, food and wine (make that 31 days, in the Utleys' case). By contrast, we spend only 26 hours mulling over whether or not to buy a house average price, 283,658. And no wonder. I reckon you can tell almost the moment you walk over the threshold whether or not you're going to like a house. After that tiny flat, this was certainly true of our first proper family home a two-bed, early Victorian house, full of light, with steps leading up to the front door and a kitchen in the half-basement. For both of us, it was love at first sight, and we offered the asking-price on the spot. If my memory serves me right, it set us back 52,000. Ah, but this was the early Eighties, in the days before you had to be a Russian oligarch with a Panamanian bank account to buy a bedsit in London. We were similarly decisive, but for very different reasons, when it came buying our present home in 1987. It was dark, dingy and damp, and I disliked it immediately. But we had just been gazumped, we needed the extra bedrooms for our growing family and I was sick to death of spending every day-off traipsing around London looking at houses. The very next day after about 26 hours' deliberation, as it happens we decided, hell, we might as well buy it and live in it for a couple of years until something more agreeable came up. That was almost 30 years ago, and we've been stuck there ever since. So, yes, our own experience bears out HSBC's findings almost exactly. On the mercifully rare occasions when we throw BMCDPs (we're down to about one a year, thank God) the Utleys do indeed spend far longer agonising over them than we've ever spent deciding where to live. And all for what? For evenings of unbearable social tension, forced jollity, excruciating silences. Or, worse, garrulous, wine-fuelled conversation that ends in raised voices and someone (usually me) saying something he'll regret for ever and a day. David Cameron, Paddy Ashdown and Neil Kinnock put aside party differences yesterday and turned up at a phone bank to make unsolicited calls aimed at persuading voters to stay in the EU. It was just my luck to be on the receiving end. There I was at my desk, staring at a blank wordface, when the phone started ringing off the hook. Normally, when I get nuisance calls I hang up immediately. You can always tell them by the irritating delay at the other end. But in this game you never know where the next few hundred words are coming from. So I played along. I dont think they had the faintest idea who they were calling. Scroll down for video David Cameron, Paddy Ashdown and Neil Kinnock put aside party differences yesterday and turned up at a phone bank to make unsolicited calls aimed at persuading voters to stay in the EU (Brring, brring . . .) Hello. (Silence) Hello? (Silence, click) Id like to speak to a Mr John Richards, please. Who? Is this Mr Richards? No. I think youve got the wrong number. Im so sorry, is that John Little? Close enough. Can I ask how you intend to vote in the forthcoming referendum on EU membership? Whats it got to do with you? This is Lord Ashdown speaking. You still owe me for nicking Call Me Dave. Sorry, not with you. The title of your book on David Cameron. I beg your pardon? Call Me Dave. I thought your name was John. Thats what it says here. But Ill call you Dave if thats what you want. Richard Littlejohn imagines what it would be like to get a call from David Cameron persuading voters to support the Remain campaign No. Call Me Dave. You must remember it. Your name was on the cover. That business with the pigs head. It was all over the papers. Oh, I see. I think youre getting me confused with Lord Ashcroft. Who are you then? Lord Ash-DOWN, used to be leader of the Lib Dems. You probably know me better as Paddy. Its Paddy Pantsdown! (Embarrassed laugh) So what do you want, Paddy? Or can I call you Pantsdown? Certainly not. Lord Justice Leveson is a personal friend of mine. Just get on with it. I havent got all day. Well, I was wondering if we could count on your vote in the referendum to stay in the EU. No, you cant, Paddy. (Beep) Ive got another call waiting. Goodbye. (Brring, brring . . .) Now what? Hello. (Silence) For crying out loud. (Silence, click) Hello, good morning and good day. Would I be right, accurate and correct in thinking Im speaking to, talking to, and indeed, addressing Mr Little Richard John? No, you wouldnt. During the mock phone-call Richard jokingly refers to former leader of the Liberal Democrats Paddy Ashdown, as 'Paddy Pantsdown' Lovely, tidy, smashing. Now Mr Little, Im calling, ringing and telephoning on behalf of the campaign to remain, stay and, indeed, continue to be a part of the European Union. What did you say your name was? Sorry, I didnt. Rude of me, boyo. I am Lord Kinnock of Bedwellty. Have you tried incontinence pants? No, Bed-WELLTY. Its in Wales, you know. Id never have guessed. Look you, I havent got all day. You called me. And I still dont have the faintest idea who you are. So I did. I havent always been Lord Bedwellty. I used to be Neil Kinnock, saviour of the Labour Party. I thought the name rang a bell. Neil, how are you? Im AAAAWWWLLLRIIIIGHHHT! You should be. Didnt I read that you and your missus earned north of 10 million out of the EU? And how much is your pension from Brussels worth these days . . ? Thats not the point. Britain is safer and stronger in Europe, stronger and safer, and indeed . . . You havent always thought that, though, have you? Some of us can remember you standing for election on a manifesto calling for an immediate withdrawal from Europe. That was before . . . You became a European commissioner? And isnt it right that if you criticise the EU in public, you could lose your pension? Thatd cost you, what, 100 grand a year these days? Thats between me and HMRC. Three hundred million jobs in Britain depend upon, rely on and, indeed, are linked to the EU. As well as speaking to Mr Ashdown and Mr Cameron, Richard imagines Neil Kinnock, the former leader of the Labour party, canvassing his vote Well it certainly worked for your family and your mate Peter Mandelson. But what about the steelworkers in Port Talbot? Have you spoken to the local MP lately? Whats his name? Thats right, Kinnock. He used to work for the EU, too, if I remember correctly. Look, I didnt make this call just so I could be kebabbed . . . Well, shove off, then, you self-serving Welsh windbag. (Brring, brring . . .) Not again. Hello? (Silence) For crying out loud... (Silence, click) OK, yah. Here we go. Do I press this button? Right, got it. Hello? Oh, hi. Could I speak to Ive got it written down somewhere Mrs Joan Littlewood? Who? Is that Mister Littlewood? If you like. And before you ask, I havent been mis-sold PPI, nor have I been involved in an accident at work that wasnt my fault and Im not interested in switching my broadband provider, either. In the fantasy conversation , Mr Cameron tells Richard 'Well still be a province of a European superstate; we wont have any control over who can come and live here.' Please dont hang up. Its nothing like that. My names David Cameron, but you can call me Dave. We were just talking about you. You were? Splendid. No need for formal introductions, then. Im ringing on behalf of the Remain campaign. Have you had our leaflet yet? I posted it straight back to you. Me and a few million others. Never seen such a complete parcel of patronising garbage in my life. What a waste of nine million quid we havent got. But your Government thinks its important you know all the facts. Facts? Lies, more like. How stupid do you think we are? Its vital we remain in a reformed Europe. Reformed? Dont make me laugh. But we wont have to join the euro. We never were going to join the euro. Its on the brink of collapse anyway. Well retain control of our borders. You are joking, right? We cant stop anyone from the EU settling here. There will be tough new restrictions on access to our welfare system. No, there wont. And, er... Well still be a province of a European superstate; we wont have any control over who can come and live here; most of our laws will continue to be made abroad by unelected, unaccountable foreign bureaucrats; we wont be able to negotiate our own trade deals with the rest of the world; and well still be banned from catching our own fish. But if you vote Leave, no one will ever be allowed to travel abroad again; every industry in Britain will go bankrupt; hundreds of millions of jobs will disappear; the NHS will shut down; house prices will go into freefall; World War III will break out; and giant rats . . . I was wondering when wed get to the giant rats. Listen, Dave, you know what you can do with Project Fear and your ludicrous leaflet. The last time I was offered such a dodgy prospectus was when some shady broker tried to persuade me to buy shares in a dubious offshore caper in where was it? Thats right, Panama. Ill put you down as a Dont Know then. The campaign raises awareness for the Li'l Aussie Prems Foundation The #Green4Prem hashtag shows how much premmie babies have grown Children and babies born premature have worn green to raise awareness Only the parents of babies born prematurely will know the heart-ache and uncertainty that surrounds their birth. The days, weeks and months that follow can pass by in a blue of hospital visits and time spent in the neonatal intensive care unit. To raise awareness about premature births Li'l Aussie Prems Foundation held the event Wearing Green For Premmies, and proud parents shared photos of their healthy children to show just how far they'e come. Scroll down for video Showing support: The Green For Premmies day saw parents post photos of their children who were born premature, including little Alyssa (picture) who was born at 26 weeks and is now 10 months old Adorable: Imogen Eve was born at 35 weeks, but is now six months old and 'doing great' Little superman: This proud parent showed how much thier 11-month-old son had grown after he was born at 27 weeks The event, held on April 13, is also held for those who lost a baby born too soon. One parent who took part shared a photo of her 10-month-old daughter Alyssa who was born at just 26 weeks, weighing a tiny 902 grams. The photos showed a tiny Alyssa in intensive care after she was born, next to a photo of the smiling tot sitting up in bed. Raising awareness: The Green For Prems day was held on April 13 and was an initiative of the Li'l Aussie Prems Foundation Growing up: This little boy was born at 31 weeks and was hooked up to tubes and monitors, but today sat happily in his green shirt 'Our journey to get to where we are today hasn't been easy but it's definitely been worth it,' they wrote. 'We are so proud of our little miracle. She is the true definition of strength and determination.' Another proud parent shared a photo of her baby girl Imogen Eve, who despite being born at 35 weeks, is no six months old and 'doing great'. So sweet: These twins wore green for prems, and were adorable in their matching hats and playsuits Helping others: The same twins were pictured with their mother who at 10 months old are simply adorable 'Today we wear green': This proud mother cuddled up to her child who was born prematurely 'It's a difficult and scary time when you have a prem baby, not just in the days after birth but the weeks, months and years,' they wrote. 'A lot of mums suffer post traumatic stress and there's also an increased rate of postpartum depression in mums of premmies. 'So please give your support to these mums.' Looking back: Danielle was born at 26 weeks and weighed just 722 grams, but today is a happy nine-year-old Giving hope to parents of premature babies that their child's future will be bright, the Li'l Aussie Prems Foundation shared a photo of nine-year-old Danielle. Dressed in a green t-shirt and holding a photo of herself a premature baby, a smiling Danielle looked just like every other child her age. 'Danielle was born at 26 weeks and weighing 722 grams,' the caption read. Double the joy: Twins Scarlett and Lila hold pictures of themselves as premature newborns Thriving: Millie was born at 24 weeks and six days, weighing 727 grams Look how much she's grown: One mother, Lisa, shared this picture, writing: 'Our little miss on her first birthday, born at 26.3 weeks weighing 995 grams' The green for prems day initiative came after the Li'l Aussie Prems Foundation urged parents of children born premature to share photos of their kids holding an image from their time in hospital. The Put a Food Forward for Premmies campaign encourages parents to share heart-warming photographs. Among them was a photographs of a boy named Caelan who was born at 30 weeks weighing less than one kilogram. Caelan proudly held a photo of himself in the hospital as a newborn, hooked up to drips and monitors. In another photo, twins Scarlet and Lila held photos of their own tiny bodies not long after they were born. Big grin: This boy looked back on his time in the hospital as he held a photo from when he was born Fragile: 'Caelan was born at 30 weeks weighing a tiny 942 grams,' his parents wrote on Facebook Fighter: Max was born at 24 weeks and weighed just 821 grams Mum Sherrin Mitchell shared a photo her her daughter Millie, who was born at 24 weeks and six days. 'She definitely is [incredible] even though doctors had a completely different outcome expected from her,' Ms Mitchell wrote on the Lil' Aussie Prems Foundation Facebook page. All of the pictures were shared using the hashtags #foot4prems and #green4prems. The Lil Aussie Prems Foundation aims to make an emotional and financial difference for premmie families and to donate equipment to hospitals that care for premature babies. Tiny fighter: Little Isabelle with a picture of when she was born at 28 weeks Growing strong: Mother Jenna shared this snap of her twin boys, who were born at 31 weeks, weighing 1.3 and 1.4 kgs respectively, and are now 15 months old A woman has told how she was raped by her father when she was a child - and how he went on to become a killer after he was released from jail. Becky Butler, 32, from Warrington, Cheshire, suffered years of abuse at the hands of her dad, Ian Gordon, from the age of ten - as he told her it was something all girls did for their fathers. After serving a 12-year sentence for his crimes, child rapist Gordon, now 52, went on to murder his next girlfriend and was jailed for life last month. Becky Butler, 32, from Warrington, Cheshire, suffered years of abuse at the hands of her father, Ian Gordon Recalling her ordeal, the mother-of-four, who has waived her right to anonymity, said: 'Each morning before school, I was abused. I was told all girls did that for their dad. 'It wasn't until I was a teenager that I realised how wrong it was. I went off the rails and I lost my way. 'Then, I began to realise that by being angry, I was letting my dad win. I now know that being happy and being a good mum to my own children is the best form of revenge.' Gordon was also violent to Becky's mother, Carole, with whom he had five children. Becky's mother, Carole Smith, 51, said: 'Ian Gordon is a monster. He made our lives so miserable I even thought about killing him just so that we could escape. 'I feel so lucky to have escaped. My life has moved on and me and my children have finally found happiness.' In May 1998, Gordon, left, was jailed for 12 years for rape, indecent assault, ABH, GBH with intent and unlawful wounding after preying on his young daughter Becky, right, pictured at 13 Becky has gone on to have four children (pictured with her son Bailey). She believes that 'being happy and being a good mum is the best form of revenge' Carole met Gordon at a party, four days before her 16th birthday, in September 1980. She recalled: 'All the girls fancied him. He was good looking and very smart. His nickname was Flash. 'We started going out, and he would pick me up on his motorbike. I was besotted with him.' Becky, their first child, was born in November 1983 and the couple set up home together. But it was soon after that the violence began. Carole said: 'The slightest thing would make him snap. If his tea wasn't cooked properly, he would throw the plate at me. 'I tried to leave him but he would always drag me home again. I went to the police, but Ian would scare me into dropping the charges. Becky was abused every day before school but was told all daughters did that for their fathers. Pictured with her brothers Aaron, Kieron and Sean Ian Gordon (pictured second from left in the front row as a sea cadet) made his family's life hell. His wife Carole recalls that she was so desperate to escape she thought about killing him 'He had me under his control. I felt like he owned me. 'He made me wear scruffy baggy clothes and had my hair cut very short so that no other man would ever look at me. I had to have sex with him whenever he wanted it, or he would beat me up.' The couple went on to have four more children together, all boys. One of their sons was born with a brain tumour, and Carole spent two months in hospital with him as he had surgery. It was whilst Carole was in hospital with their son that Gordon began abusing their daughter, Becky. She said: 'I had no idea what was happening. Becky didn't come to visit her baby brother in hospital and I remember asking Ian why she wasn't there. 'When I came home, I noticed she was very withdrawn and I asked her what was wrong, but she always clammed up. Becky's ordeal began after her brother needed surgery for a brain tumour. Her mother Carole, right, was at his hospital bedside and had no idea what was happening at home Becky as a young girl with her brother Sean. Growing up she witnessed her father's violent side 'I had my hands full with five kids, one seriously ill.' Becky lived with her dark secret for years, refusing to tell anyone. She said: 'Each morning, before school, dad made me give him oral sex. He told me it was normal and he said all girls did this for their dads. 'I just had to get it over with so that I could escape out to school. 'After mum came home from hospital with my brother, dad started sending her out to bingo once a week and then he would rape me. He would lay me out, on a table, completely naked. 'It was only when I started at high school and I started talking about sex to other girls that I realised it was very wrong.' Eventually Becky confided in a teacher and Gordon was arrested. Police and social services spoke to Carole and the full horror of her family's ordeal was exposed. Carole did not see Gordon again after his arrest. Becky, pictured with her brothers, recalls how her father would send her mother out to bingo so he could rape her. But she kept her dark secret for years Eventually Becky confided in a teacher and Gordon was arrested. She said: 'It was only when I started at high school and I started talking about sex to other girls that I realised it was very wrong' In May 1998, he was jailed for 12 years for rape, indecent assault, ABH, GBH with intent and unlawful wounding. Carole said: 'I was sickened. I'd had no idea he had abused Becky. I felt guilt, horror, shame. He repulsed me.' I was sickened. I'd had no idea he had abused Becky. I felt guilt, horror, shame. He repulsed me. Carole, Becky's mother After Gordon was jailed, Carole met a new partner, Steve Smith. He brought Carole's children up as his own and the couple have now been together for almost 20 years. They were married in August 2000 and now run their own pub in Warrington. However last year, Carole was contacted by police who told her that Ian Gordon was accused of murdering his latest partner, Anne-Marie Cropper. The couple had only been together ten weeks when the grandmother-of-four died from head and chest injuries, and Gordon claimed she had fallen in the shower. Carole agreed to testify against her ex-husband. Liverpool Crown Court heard that doctors had found exactly 100 marks or injuries on Anne-Marie's head and body during a post-mortem examination. The alcoholic denied her brutal murder in a trial at Liverpool Crown Court, only admitting to manslaughter, but he must now serve at least 20 years in prison. After Gordon was jailed, Carole met a new partner, Steve Smith. He brought Carole's children up as his own and the couple have been happy together for almost 20 years, pictured on their wedding day Carole said: 'When I read the details of the case, my blood ran cold. It was a mirror image of what I had been through. It brought everything back and it was very hard, but I was determined to go to court.' Gordon pleaded guilty part-way through his trial, meaning Carole did not have to testify. She said: 'I know we had a lucky escape from him. Despite Ian Gordon, we've found happiness and peace and I am very proud of the way Becky has coped with what happened. We're very close now. 'Now that Gordon is locked away for life, I feel such a sense of relief.' Becky now has four children with her fiance, Adrian Heaton. The couple have been together for 12 years and Becky credits him with helping her through her darkest time. She and Adrian will marry next year. Carole now runs a pub with Steve, pictured with their grandson Bailey. After hearing about the murder of Anne-Marie Cropper, she said: 'My blood ran cold. It was a mirror image of what I had been through' Becky's mother Carole, pictured right with her daughter, was asked to testify when Gordon went on trial for murdering his ex-girlfriend. Gordon eventually changed his plea to guilty and was jailed for life last month She said: 'As a teenager, I went off the rails. I was always fighting and getting into trouble. I blamed he whole world for what I'd been through. I had no regard or respect for sex; I was on self-destruct. 'Mum and me were always arguing and at odds. But as I grew older I realised that, by being so angry, I was letting Ian Gordon win. 'After he came out of prison, he came to live near me and I had to see him every day. It was horrific but eventually the police moved him on. 'Now he's in jail for life, I feel as though my children are safe from him. In the the Texas-based mom's latest series of photos, the women pictured include a Las Vegas showgirl, a nurse, a teacher, and an active duty airman, all nursing their children while dressed in uniform However, earlier this month, an image Tara posted of a New Mexico mother breastfeeding in her firefighter husband's uniform sparked furious debate, and the father has been told he may face an investigation at work After the images caused a stir online, Tara was inspired to create a photo series dedicated to all moms in uniform The photographer and veteran created the photo series to show support for Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, opening a nursing room at its headquarters for active duty mothers Advertisement The photographer behind the controversial images of military mothers breastfeeding their children has released four new images of working moms nursing their children, including a veteran 'tandem feeding' her two kids and a showgirl dressed in full costume. Last September, Tara Ruby photographed portraits of 10 active duty military moms breastfeeding their children in full uniform to show support for Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, opening a nursing room at its headquarters in hopes of normalizing nursing in the military. The Texas-based photographer, who served in the Air Force from 1997 to 2001, told Cosmopolitan.com that she was so inspired by the enthusiastic response she received from other moms, she decided to dedicate an photo series to woman breastfeeding in any and all uniforms. Moment in time: Photographer Tara Ruby has created a portrait series that sees full-time working mother's breastfeeding in their uniforms, including this Las Vegas showgirl with her son, who is dressed as Elvis The images were inspired by the photos she took in September 2015 of military mom's breastfeeding in their uniforms. In this image an airman can be seen tandem breastfeeding her sons Tara explained that after her photos debuted last year woman from a variety of professions started to come up to her to say that they see themselves in those portraits even though they are not in active duty. The photographer's latest images feature a Las Vegas showgirl, a nurse, a teacher, and an active duty airman. Tara revealed that during the shoot, the airman had to unzip her entire uniform to nurse her two little boys for the shoot 'Her older one is three, so she's been doing this full-time for [that long],' she explained. Working mom: Tara said she shot this portrait in the library of this teacher's school because she was asked not to pose for the candid photos in her classroom Never a dull moment: This mom said her daughter always kicks her face when she is breasfeeding. The full-time nurse is working on a line of nursing-friendly scrubs Another striking shoot from the series sees a full-time showgirl dressed in her sequined costume and extravagant headpiece while she breastfeeds her baby boy, who is dressed like Elvis. Tara stressed that their is an amazing story behind each and every one of the photos. During her photoshoot with a labor and delivery nurse, Tara captured the mom's toddler lifting her foot to her mother's chin while nursing. 'I thought it was really funny, because it shows just how crazy it is when you start nursing an older child,' she explained. Powerful shot: This photograph of a group of soldiers breastfeeding their children in full uniform took the internet by storm in September Inadvertent controversy: A New Mexico firefighter is facing unpaid leave after a picture of his wife breastfeeding their infant son while wearing his uniform was posted online The mom told Tara that her daughter does that every time they nurse, and she is currently designing scrubs that are 'nursing appropriate' because it is challenging to breastfeed in the current ones on the market. Another image of a breastfeeding teacher was taken in the school's library because she was asked to not do it in the classroom, and Tara explained that she strongly suggests that women who agree to pose for the series should talk to their HR departments before shooting in their uniform or at their workplace. Earlier this week it was revealed that an unidentified New Mexico firefighter could face unpaid leave after a picture of his wife breastfeeding their infant son wearing his uniform was posted online by Tara. The Las Cruces Fire Department told KFOX14 that the firefighter could face disciplinary action because of the photo, but a spokesman said that because the issue is a personal matter, they would not be able discuss any aspect of the situation. 'This Mommy is a doctor here in El Paso and has successfully breastfed for six months with no end in sight,' Tara captioned this image when she posted it to Facebook in February Look of love: Tara said this full-time working nurse asked her to capture this breastfeeding moment A department spokesman said the issue is a personnel matter and they are unable to discuss any aspect of the situation. However, Tara pointed out that the controversy surrounding the photo is overshadowing its message 'The intention has been since the very beginning to show that a mom can be a full-time mom and still work a full-time job and do both equally at the same time,' she explained, noting that the images were never intended to be anything negative. Images from the ongoing series will be published in an upcoming book collaboration between Tara and Amherst Media. Princess Mary has stepped out for a dinner without her coat in chilling Copenhagen, where the temperature was only eight degrees. Mary was pictured in a sleeveless black top and printed skirt, with only a light shawl for protection against the chilly weather on Thursday night. She paired the outfit with simply black heels, a black clutch and gold jewelry. The chic but potentially very cold princess has her hair styled in loose curls and opted for smokey eye makeup and a pink lip. Scroll down for video Royal dining: Crown Princess Mary of Denmark attends a return dinner on Thursday nighy at The Hotel D'Angleterre, on the second day of a State visit of the President of The United Mexican States Welcome to Denmark: Mexican President Enrique Peoa Nieto and First Lady Angelica Rivera (left) were on a state visit to Denmark on April 13th and 14th She must be freezing: Princess Mary (above) was pictured without a coat in the chilly Copenhagen weather, where the temperature was only eight degrees Braving the cold: Mary (left) didn't seem concerned about the weather, smiling as she walked into the event with bare arms and legs and accompanied by her husband Crown Prince Frederik (centre) Side by side: Prince Frederik was by Mary's side and wore a navy suit and tie and looked comfortably layered up for the weather Five star taste: the dinner saw 150 guests attend before the Mexican President and first lady flew home later in the evening Just a bit of sparkle: Princess Mary accessorized her outfit with neutral coloured drop earings Princess Marie and Queen Margrethe both seemed to have the better idea and seemed suitably warm in their winter coats. Princess Marie opted for a black coat with glittering jeweled clasps along with bare legs and glittering shoes. Queen Margrethe remained stylish, and warm, with a thick black and grey fur cape. The Queen, who is known for her eccentric style, paired the voluminous cape with a shiny deep pink skirt and white tights. Mary, however, didn't seem concerned about the weather, smiling as she walked into the event with bare arms and legs. Warmer in winter: Princess Marie (above) opted for a stylish black coat with jeweled clasps on the cold evening Simple and stylish: Queen Margrethe (above) also rugged up, wearing a black and grey fur trimmed cape A royal affair: The royals were attending an official dinner for the State visit of President Enrique Pena Nieto, and his wife Angelica Rivera Prince Frederik was by Mary's side, also without a coat. He was, however, wearing a navy suit and tie and looked comfortably layered up for the weather. The royals were heading to an official dinner which marked the end of the State visit of President of The United Mexican States, President Enrique Pena Nieto, and his wife Angelica Rivera, to Denmark. The dinner, held at the luxury five-star hotel Hotel d'Angleterre in Copenhagen, saw 150 guests attend before the Mexican President and first lady flew home later in the evening. Ravishing royal: Earlier in the day Mary was out for official duties, this time opting for a cream coat to keep her warm Queen of the kids: Mary and Prince Frederik visited a school north of Copenhagen with First Lady Angelica Rivera, where they spoke to kindergarten students Earlier in the day Mary had attended another event for the State visit, visiting the Tjornegaard School, this time keeping herself warm with a cream coloured coat. She decided to keep warm in the coat and a pair of blue gloves, although left her legs bare, braving the cold Copenhagen day. Going head-to-head with the very fashionable First Lady is no easy feat, but TV anchor Gayle King found a rather unique way of ensuring that she stood out after modeling the same designer dress as Michelle Obama - by wearing it backwards. The 61-year-old TV anchor took to Instagram last week to admit that she had accidentally worn her $1,300 Antonio Berardi dress backwards at an event in New York, sharing images of herself with the dress on the right way - with the zipper to the front - and the 'wrong' way - with the zipper at the back. 'Which is correct? pix in the middle-dress is on BACKWARDS & I prefer this way... Thoughts? shout out to @antonioberardi I LOVE the dress! [sic]', she captioned the collage of images. Scroll down to vote for who you think wore the dress best Spot the difference! Gayle King (right) wore the same Antonio Berardi dress as Michelle Obama (left), but accidentally donned the design backwards, with the zipper facing the wrong way Whoops! The 61-year-old CBS This Morning co-host revealed on Instagram that she might have worn the dress the wrong way round, but insisted she liked the design equally when worn correctly, or backwards Poll Who wore the dress best? Michelle Obama Gayle King Who wore the dress best? Michelle Obama 853 votes Gayle King 545 votes Now share your opinion But while Gayle might have been unsure of the 'correct' way to wear the dress at the time, there can be no doubt in her mind now, after First Lady Michelle, 52, modeled the same stylish pink-and-red number on the cover of Seventeen magazine, with the zipper worn very clearly at the front. Unlike Gayle, who chose to accessorize her dress with a pink leather belt, a pair of multicolored heels and a matching rainbow clutch bag, Michelle wore the dress in its most simple form, without any add-ons. Despite her sartorial slip-up, however, Gayle looks as confident as can be as she posed up on the red carpet at the Hollywood Reporter event on April 6, smiling happily at the cameras on her way into the party, before posing up with some long-time friends once inside. Meanwhile on the cover of Seventeen, Michelle can be seen posing alongside Gemma Busoni and Zaniya Lewis, the two winners of the publication's essay contest that asked readers to detail the obstacles they are overcoming to find their way into their dream college or university. Glamorous: Gayle chose the $1,300 dress for an event in New York last week, pairing the ensemble with a multi-colored clutch back and matching shoes Starring role: Michelle, meanwhile, wore the designer dress for her Seventeen magazine cover shoot, which appears in the latest issue of the publication The right way: The 52-year-old wore the dress in the way that it is advertised, with the zipper - and the detailed shoulder designs - facing to the front The duo also joined Michelle for her shoot for the magazine's inside pages, with the First Lady looking every inch the model as she flashed a smile for the cameras. Interestingly, Gayle, who counts Oprah Winfrey as one of her closest friends, serving as an editor-at-large for the TV icon's O Magazine, is known to be a firm and open supporter of Michelle's, and actually interviewed the mother-of-two and her husband, President Barack Obama, about watching their last Super Bowl in the White House back in February. The CBS This Morning co-host quizzed the couple all about their Super Bowl traditions while on air, however it is possible that she sought some fashion-focused advice from the First Lady after the cameras stopped rolling? But, the key question is: Who wore the dress, which retails for $1,310, best? Can Gayle pull off the quirky back-to-front look, or does Michelle keep her style crown? Advertisement When you have a three hour hike ahead, you need some trusty boots to ensure you won't get blisters. And today the Duchess of Cambridge relied on a favourite pair as she made the long trek to the famous Tiger's Nest monastery in Bhutan with Prince William. Kate, 34, wore leather, knee high Penelope Chilvers boots, costing 475, that are clearly an old reliable as she's been stepping out in them for well over a decade. Scroll down for video The Duchess of Cambridge, 34, wore a pair of leather knee high Penelope Chilvers boots as she completed a three hour trek to the Tiger's Nest Monastery in Bhutan this morning She was first spotted in the brown boots with a tassel detail on the zip at the Game Fair at Blenheim Palace in August 2004. The then Kate Middleton had just been thrust into the spotlight as the public got wind of her relationship with Prince William who she met when they were both studying at St Andrew's University. Kate teamed the boots with a country style checked khaki jacket and skirt, a striped shirt and a brown woven belt. She later swapped the shirt for a t-shirt as she assisted at the Wild Thing clothing company stand with a friend. She was first spotted 475 brown boots with a tassel detail on the zip at the Game Fair at Blenheim Palace in August 2004 Kate teamed the boots with a country style checked khaki jacket and skirt, a striped shirt and a brown woven belt The boots made another appearance exactly a year later as Kate attended the Gatcombe Festival of Eventing in Gloucestershire. This time she paired them with a pair of blue denim jeans, a green v neck jumper and white shirt. She wore a brown jacket and carried a bag in a matching colour, topping off the look with a similarly coloured trilby. It's not clear whether Kate has had the same boots in her wardrobe for well over a decade or she's so fond of them that she bought a second pair, as they're still available to buy from the designer's website. The boots made another appearance exactly a year later as Kate attended the Gatcombe Festival of Eventing in Gloucestershire Kate teamed her favourite footwear with with a pair of blue denim jeans, a green v neck jumper and white shirt. She wore a brown jacket and carried a bag in a matching colour, topping off the look with a similarly coloured trilby This morning, she teamed them with skinny jeans, a shirt and a 495 Nubock shoot waistcoat but despite the heat she barely broke a sweat on the gruelling hike. While Prince William was seen wiping sweat from his brow, his wife appeared unfazed by the climb and simply pushed her hair back from her face with her sunglasses. The couple had started their trek through the stunning scenery around 10am (local time) and arrived at the monastery three hours later (12.50pm) having stopped for a couple of breaks. The couple pose next to a prayer wheel on the trek up to Tiger's Nest during a visit to Bhutan The couple had started their trek through the stunning scenery around 10am (local time) and arrived at the monastery three hours later (12.50pm) having stopped for a couple of breaks The couple paused on the way up to admire the view and pose for photos, with William placing a tender arm around his wife's shoulders Built into the side of a steep cliff above a beautiful forest of rhododendrons, some 10,000 feet above sea level, it is one of the most stunning temples in the world. The royal couple admired the 'absolutely stunning' scenery on their way up and beamed as they posed for a photo during their trek to the breathtaking monastery in Paro Taktsang. A furious mother was left 'horrified' when she was stopped by an airport shop salesman who suggested she ought to purchase an anti-wrinkle cream or face having surgery later in life. Annick Robinson, 40, from Quebec, Canada, posted an outraged Facebook rant about the encounter, which has been shared more than 33,000 times, after being told that the bags under her eyes and her smile lines would only become worse with age. Initially the salesman at Calgary International Airport attempted to butter up Annick, who was heading to her departure gate, by stopping her and saying: 'Your skin is so natural looking, you aren't wearing any make-up, right?' Annick Robinson, 40, from Quebec, Canada, posted an outraged Facebook rant about the encounter, which has been shared more than 12,000 times, after being told that the bags under her eyes and her smile lines would only become worse with age Annick then revealed on her social media post that he guessed her age at being 12 years' younger than what she actually is - to which she replied: 'I look my age and that's OK actually'. The salesman then attempted to tell Annick she was in need of serums and creams to prevent needed cosmetic surgery in the future, something she admitted that she didn't take too kindly to. Writing on Facebook, she revealed what had happened: 'So. I was kind of a brat yesterday. And I don't regret it one bit. 'I was headed to my gate at the airport when a man at a store suckered me in with a free bar of natural soap. NOTHING IS FREE PEOPLE! At least, not in airports, am I right? The furious mother was left 'horrified' when she was stopped by an airport shop salesman who suggested she ought to purchase an anti-wrinkle cream or face having surgery later in life 'This is basically how the conversation went, although I admit, this is not verbatim. 'Man: "your skin is so natural looking, you aren't wearing any make-up, right?" 'Me: "Um, nooooo?" 'Man: "Let me guess your age..." Proceeds to pull out a number 12 years younger than I am. 'Me: "I look my age and that's ok actually." 'Man: unsure how to handle that.. "let me show you our face serum, because if you aren't careful to maintain your skin now, these wrinkles on your face will get much deeper, by 45, creams won't help anymore." 'Me: "what's wrong with a woman looking 40?" 'Man: "Well let's talk about the bags under your eyes, and smile lines, my eye cream could improve those in 15-minutes." The mum-of-two told the salesman she would look fine when she was 50 and that she didn't need a cream, before posted a picture of her make-up free face, along with details of the exchange, to Facebook Annick took to Facebook once more yesterday to address the issue with a long list of the things she does worry about, which she feels is more important than her skin ageing 'Me: "What's wrong with my eyes? I have a miracle baby at home and haven't slept in 2 years, so if I have bags I am grateful to have them, and my husband and I laugh a lot. Those are his fault. He loves how I look... I don't think I need your cream." 'Man: (nervously) "They may be manageable now, but by 50, it's too late to correct sagging skin and deep wrinkles, unless you act now, only surgery can correct those." 'Me: "what's wrong again with a woman aging? You know, my husband and I can't wait to grow old together, we talk about it all the time, how we'll be this funny wrinkled old couple. My husband is going to age too, we all are. It's kind of how life works." 'Man: glancing nervously at other customers in the store who are listening in... "Wait, if it's the price that's an issue, I can offer you our special this week, all three creams for $199 - that's cheaper than Botox!" Since Annick, above with her partner Anthony Chamy, shared her story online on April 9, more than 33,000 Facebook users have shared it. She is hoping to use the popularity of the post to start a movement against 'a billion dollar industry that depends on women hating themselves' 'Me: "I look fine now, and when I'm 45 I will look fine, and when I'm 50 I will look fine, because there is nothing wrong with a woman aging. Old age is a privilege denied to many, and I don't appreciate you marketing youth instead of your products, and denigrating aging women as a sales tactic. Thank you, but I don't want or need your cream." 'I was so horrified by the normalcy of his sales pitch, and the sales ringing up at his cash, that I took a picture of that wrinkled baggy face he was selling to, right on the spot. 'This is the face my children and my husband love. I think I'll keep it.' Since Annick shared her story online on April 9, more than 33,000 Facebook users have shared it. The mother-of-two has also updated Facebook users since. She is hoping to use the popularity of the post to start a movement against 'a billion dollar industry that depends on women hating themselves.' She wrote an update on her Facebook status, saying how shocked she was that her comments had had so much response: 'I was really excited for a couple of minutes (that was my ego talking) until I realized what that meant. 'It means that in 2016, refusing to accept self-loathing as a beauty standard is a radical concept. And that is just depressing on a whole other level. Annick took to Facebook once more yesterday to address the issue with a long list of the things she does worry about, which she feels is more important than her skin ageing She said: 'I worry about my sons being healthy and happy. How disconnected this generation is. Bullies in school. Drunk drivers' 'I have been reading some of the comments and wanted to clarify that this wasn't a post about natural beauty over those who wear make-up, its not about being insulted by a salesman. Its not even about the salesman, who I am sure is very good at his job and following a script. 'Its about a billion dollar industry that depends on women hating themselves. 'Women have more important things to do in 2016 than spend a single other minute worried about our wrinkles or the acceptability of our thighs. 'Let's start a movement that says no to brands that require you to hate yourself in order to sell their products.' Annick took to Facebook once more yesterday to address the issue with a long list of the things she does worry about, which she feels is more important than her skin ageing. She said: 'I worry about my sons being healthy and happy. How disconnected this generation is. Bullies in school. Drunk drivers. 'Getting to see my kids grow up. Raising my kids right and protecting them. Doing the right thing even when its hard.' She added: 'My list is too full already. Don't ask me to worry about getting old. Its the one thing I have no control over, and I need to remember to be GRATEFUL about and savor every minute that I can.' Advertisement Prince William is trying to shake off his image of being workshy, the Duchess of Cambridge is desperate to be a part of the Royal Family, and Prince Harry and Pippa are dating. This is the new comedy storyline of a spoof Channel 4 comedy called The Windsors that imagines what really goes on behind the palace doors with a ludicrous parody of the Royal Family. Comedy legend Harry Enfield, 54, plays green warrior Prince Charles, while Haydn Gwynne, 59, is power-hungry Camilla - and Sarah Ferguson is portrayed by Katy Wix - who is 20 years' the Duchess's junior. Left to Right - Prince Edward (Matthew Cottle), Prince Andrew (Tim Wallers), Sarah Ferguson (Katy Wix), Pippa Middleton (Morgana Robinson), Prince Harry (Richard Goulding), Prince Charles (Harry Enfield), Camilla (Haydn Gwynne), Prince William (Hugh Skinner), Kate and Princesses Beatrice (Ellie White) and Eugenie (Celeste Dring) as portrayed in Channel 4's The Windsors In The Windsors, which airs next month, writers Bert Tyler-Moore and George Jeffrie, who previously created Star Stories, let their imaginations run wild creating outrageous caricatures of everyone from Prince Charles and Camilla to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. C4 said in a statement: 'The series is a wry take on what the soap opera of their lives (and loves) might just be like. Delving behind the headlines and gossip columns, The Windsors lets our imaginations run riot in this ludicrous parody. 'Imagine, who really controls the sceptre in Charles and Camillas marriage? What do the Royals really think of Kate? Does Wills really want to be King? Will Harry ever take Pippa up the aisle or will they end on a bum note? And what do Beatrice and Eugenie actually do for a living?' C4's head of comedy Phil Clarke added: 'In The Windsors, our much-loved Royal family is re-imagined through the lens of a soap opera, and although the stories are completely fictional, some are inspired by real events. As a result, writers Bert and George have outdone even the funniest, most ludicrous issue of Hello! magazine ever.' Here, FEMAIL reveals reveal the actors bringing the royals to life and the soap opera style storylines the writers imagine could happen as they battle to steal the headlines or seize the throne... PRINCE WILLIAM English actor Hugh Skinner, 31, left, plays the Duke of Cambridge as an earnest man trying to appear hardworking and normal English actor Hugh Skinner, 31, who appeared in the film Les Miserables, plays the Duke of Cambridge as he tries to shake off his image of being workshy in his job as a helicopter pilot for the air ambulance service. The show paints Prince William as an earnest hero desperate to save his subjects through his endeavours. Although he is the second in line to the throne, he is keen to be seen as normal. He applies for a job in a cafe and takes Kate for dinner at Pizza Express using discount coupons. No doubt the writers were inspired by the true life events where William once sat down to eat lunch at school canteen while on a break in his job for the East Anglian Air Ambulance Service and the fact he has flown Easyjet with his wife. THE DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE Actress Louise Ford, 32, left, portrays the Duchess Of Cambridge as trying too hard to be accepted in the royal family Actress Louise Ford, 32, portrays the Duchess Of Cambridge as desperate to make her mark as a royal and be accepted as part of the famous family. Her eagerness to please leads her to getting stitched up at public engagements by other members of the royal family, perhaps inspired by Kate's comments in a recent documentary about the queen in which she said she gets 'teased' by her in-laws for spending too much time talking to the public on walkabouts. The writers also imagine Kate dreams of being a 'gypsy queen' and hasn't forgotten her past working for the Middleton family business Party Pieces. She tries to continue working as an online entrepreneur by selling knock offs. PRINCE HARRY The spoof plays up Harry's, played by Richard Goulding, reputation as the party prince who is still seeking 'The One' It has long been speculated that romance could flourish between Prince Harry and Pippa Middleton and the series imagines the pair having an affair. Harry, played by Richard Goulding, fully encompasses his usual stereotype as the 'party prince' by staging wild parties and shouting 'incoming' during a sex scene with Pippa. His inability to find The One is also satirised as he laments his lost loves Cressida Bonas and Chelsy Davy - but often gets them muddled up. PIPPA MIDDLETON Pippa Middleton is given a racy makeover as she is played by Morgana Robinson, left, an having an affair with Prince Harry Morgana Robinson, 33, plays up to the image of Pippa as her 'Royal Hotness', started by the figure hugging bridesmaid dress she wore to the royal wedding. She's shown wearing racy outfits to try and tempt Prince Harry into bed, as she is desperate to match her sister's royal status by getting him to marry her. The show also mocks her book deal but imagines she has squandered the thousands she was given as an advance and must now appeal to her sister's charity to get by. The imagined sibling rivalry sees Kate criticising her sister for doing nothing but sitting on her 'fantastic a***' all day. PRINCE CHARLES Harry Enfield, left, plays Prince Charles as eager to please wife Camilla, he even goes along with her plan to have a baby Comedy legend Harry Enfield, 54, plays Prince Charles and the show play up to his stereotype as a green warrior keen to push homegrown produce. He is shown as a hopeless romantic with his wife the Duchess of Cornwall, who he will do anything to please - even agreeing to visit a fertility doctor to give a sperm sample as she is keen to have IVF treatment so they can produce their own heir to the throne. CAMILLA Haydn Gwynne, left, plays a scheming Camilla who is intent on becoming queen and producing an heir to the throne Haydn Gwynne, 59, most famous for her appearance in Drop The Dead Donkey, plays the Duchess of Cornwall as a power hungry matriarch intent on becoming the queen. She has numerous schemes in play to try and topple the real queen (who doesn't appear in the show but is referenced as sending emails) and is desperate to discredit her closest rival the Duchess of Cambridge. Her most hair brained plot shows her trying to get pregnant at the age of 68 so she can put a child of her own in the line of succession. PRINCE ANDREW Tim Wallers, 49, left, plays Prince Andrew as a practical joker who isn't keen to be in the public eye Tim Wallers, 49, plays Prince Andrew as a practical joker who isn't keen to be in the public eye. He is often having to fend off the advances of his ex-wife Fergie, who is keen to get back together with him to increase her own status, backed up by her fame hungry daughters. FERGIE Katy Wix, left, is 20 years younger than the real Sarah Ferguson and plays her as a fame hungry fashion victim Katy Wix, 36, may be 20 years her junior but she takes on the role of playing Sarah Ferguson, 56. She portrays the former Duchess of York as stuck in a style rut and desperate for attention. She tries to push her daughters Beatrice and Eugenie into the limelight and is always keen for an invitation to the palace. But her pleas to attend one of Prince Harry's parties fall on deaf ears as he is told in an email from the Duke of Edinburgh: 'Dear Harry, under no circumstances can your f****** Aunt Fergie come to your f****** ball. She's a f****** liability, if she asks to come tell her to f*** right off, love your f****** granddad.' PRINCESS BEATRICE AND PRINCESS EUGENIE Ellie White, left as Princess Beatrice and Celeste Dring, as Eugenie portray the princesses as silly and workshy Ellie White, 27, plays the princess who is astonished that people think she is workshy even though she has dozens of holidays a year. Her quest to find a job when she learns the Government will no long fund her extravagant lifestyle ends in disaster as her only skill is 'owning an iPhone'. Meanwhile her attempts to rival the Duchess of Cambridge as a style icon also fail miserably. Celeste Dring, 27, plays Princess Eugenie as silly and as workshy as her older sister. Her silly get rich quick schemes and attempts to blag a free holiday result in the pair having permanent face paint after a YouTube make up tutorial goes wrong and wearing burkas in the hope of a free trip to Syria. PRINCE EDWARD Prince Edward played by Matthew Cottle, 49, left, has fallen on hard times so has to buy clothes in charity shops Prince Edward played by Matthew Cottle, 49, is desperate to be part of the family and will do anything to make himself more useful, including babysitting Prince George and Princess Charlotte. The actor looks far from the usual public persona of Edward as he is portrayed as having fallen on hard times. He is so strapped for cash he has to buy his clothes from charity shops and rarely bothers to shave. Will make an orange drizzle cake with orange curd and orange buttercream The 31-year-old, from Luton, revealed the news on Loose Women today Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain today announced that she has been given the special privilege of creating the Queen's 90th birthday cake this year. The 31-year-old baker, from Luton, excitedly revealed she has been given the honour as she returned to the panel on Loose Women this morning. Nadiya told Jane Moore, Andrea McLean and Nadia Sawalha revealed she would be preparing an orange drizzle cake with orange curd and orange buttercream and fondant. Scroll down for video Great British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain, above, today announced that she has the special privilege of creating the Queen's 90th birthday cake this year Her fellow presenters were left completely astounded when she let slip the secret that she had been keeping quiet for three long weeks. However she added that she was so nervous about baking Her Majesty's special milestone cake that she couldn't even 'look at the oven'. She said: 'I'm making the Queen's 90th birthday cake. 'Sometimes I want to drown it out because I don't want to talk about it. 'How often can you say that you are baking the Queen's birthday cake in one sentence?' The 31-year-old baker, from Luton, excitedly revealed she has been given the honour as she returned to the panel on Loose Women this morning, including, right to left, Andrea McLean, Nadia Sawalha and Jane Moore Nadiya, right, said she was so nervous about baking the milestone cake for Her Majesty, left, that she couldn't even 'look at the oven right now'. However she added: 'I can't say no to the Queen!' The first ever Muslim winner of GBBO had initially presumed the news was a joke when she received an email to tell her of the regal invitation. But soon a call from her agent confirmed it. The mother-of-three, who learned basic cooking skills at school and taught herself the rest from recipe books and YouTube videos, admitted that she is feeling the pressure. However she added: 'I can't say no to the Queen!' Nadiya's fellow presenters were left completely astounded when she let slip the secret that she had been keeping quiet for three long weeks The baker, above winning GBBO in 2015, revealed she would be preparing an orange drizzle cake with orange curd and orange buttercream and fondant, after researching examples of past birthday cakes online She said the cake would be 'very citrussy' after deciding to do 'something a little bit different'. The mother-of-three told a cute anecdote about her daughter's reaction to the news. Hussain said: 'When I told the kids (I was making a cake for the Queen), the boys were great at keeping it a secret. I told my daughter and she said, "Oh Mary Berry? You've made lots of cakes for Mary Berry".' Her culinary delight will be delivered to the Queen personally at Windsor Castle's Guildhall. The first ever Muslim winner of GBBO, above with her trophy, had initially presumed the news was a joke when she received an email to tell her of the regal invitation - but a call from her agent confirmed it Nadiya impressed the nation with her winning showstopper on last year's GBBO - a cake called My Big Fat British Wedding Cake, above, decorated with pink flowers, navy clothes and gold and pearls She said: 'I have to give it to her on Thursday, myself. I'm so nervous I can't even look at the oven right now. 'Chocolate fingers won't do', she added. Nadiya, who impressed the nation with her winning showstopper on last year's GBBO - a cake called My Big Fat British Wedding Cake - came up with her recipe after researching examples of past royal birthday bakes online. Celebrations to be held in honour of the Queen's 90th birthday sold out within hours of being made available to the general public. The 25,000 tickets went on sale at 9am on 24 November 2015 but the organiser's website HMQ90.co.uk showed seats for all four nights had been snapped up within five hours. Mary Berry wipes a tear from the eye of the mother-of-three, above, who learned basic cooking skills at school and taught herself the rest from recipe books and YouTube videos Nadiya has admitted that she is feeling the pressure after the royal cake order. The Queen's 90th Birthday Celebration is taking place from May 12 to 15 next year in Home Park, Windsor Castle, and will feature 900 horses and 1,500 participants - including musicians, dancers and choirs, as well as famous actors and artists The extravaganza is taking place from May 12 to 15 in Home Park, Windsor Castle, and will feature 900 horses and 1,500 participants - including musicians, dancers and choirs, as well as famous actors and artists. Members of the Royal Family will attend the show each night, and the Queen will go to the last performance on the evening of Sunday May 15, which will be broadcast live on ITV. Nadiya was delighted win over the nation on Bake Off after admitting she feared viewers would dismiss her as a Muslim in a headscarf. A devoted yogi has combined her passion for yoga and horses by practicing her complicated stretches and poses while balanced on the back of her beloved Appaloosa. Angela Nunez, a 27-year-old yoga teacher from Middleburg, Virginia, regularly climbs on the back of her beloved horse, Snowy, and performs a range of stretches as part of her practice. 'I've been practicing yoga for nine years and first started doing yoga with my horse four years ago,' she said. Combining passions: Angela Nunez often practices complicated yoga stretches on the back of her beloved Appaloosa horse Snowy Showing off: Angela is pictured doing a difficult flying crow pose while balancing on her horse Testing the waters: The 27-year-old barn manager and yoga teacher started practicing yoga on horseback because she was curious to see if she could combine two of her interests 'Yoga and horses are my two passions and I was curious to find out what it would be like to combine the two.' Angela has had the Appaloosa from birth and tried out the method after being desperate to combine her love of yoga and horses. 'The goal of yoga is to quiet the mind, and, as a horsewoman, I realized that the more I could quiet my mind when working and playing with my horse, the better I could listen to him and the deeper our relationship could become,' she explained. 'Standing balance poses and arm balance poses are quite difficult. I'm working towards doing forearm stands with Snowy, but I think it'll take a couple years for me to accomplish that. Passing the reigns: The yogi from Middleburg, Virginia, learned about horses from her mother, who managed an equestrian center Social media star: The animal lover often posts photos of herself practicing yoga with Snowy on her Instagram page Slow and steady: Although she has been doing yoga for nine years, it took five years before she started practicing yoga on her horse Happy birthday! Angela has had Snowy since he was born, and the horse turned 10 years old on April 6 'I can do a forearm stand on my mat, but on horseback all poses become more challenging. 'I've had Snowy since he was born and he turned 10 years old on April 6 - I actually got to witness his birth which was magical. 'Snowy definitely enjoys our yoga - we both get into a very relaxed state of mind.' The yoga teacher is a keen traveler and has done yoga in countries across the globe including Spain, Italy, Costa Rica, and the Bahamas. Next level: Unsurprisingly, Angela explained that doing standing balance poses and arm balance poses are far more difficult on a horse than on a mat Loving bond: Angela said she realized that by quieting her mind through yoga she is better able to listen to Snowy and form a 'deeper relationship' with the horse Signs: The yogi said that when she practices yoga on Snowy's back he will often yawn, lick and chew to show that he's relaxed and happy Just hanging out: Angela is pictured doing a bridge pose while Snowy lovingly sniffs her face Angela has posted several videos and photos of her performing yoga poses on Snowy on her Instagram page although many people have criticized her as they believe the stretches are damaging to the horse. But Angela believes the yoga has been hugely beneficial for Snowy and that the trust between the two has been drastically improved as a result of the yoga. 'The reaction to my pictures and videos has been mostly positive,' she said. 'There have been some negative comments, such as people saying I'm abusing my horse by doing yoga with him - but these comments come from a place of ignorance. Favorite friends: The equestrian enthusiast can be seen cuddling up to her beloved horse in an Instagram snap Just breathe: Angela looks totally at ease as she poses on the back of her horse, managing to remain just as well-balanced as she would if she were on the ground Snowy by name... Even when she isn't on the back of her horse, Angela can't help but show off her flexibility, even when she's knee-deep in snow Say cheese! The duo have amassed quite the fan club on Instagram, building up an impressive 8,000-strong following, many of whom comment on how impressed they are with Angela's moves 'If you look at Snowy's body language in my photos and videos, you can tell he's relaxed, comfortable and content. I never do anything that would harm him or make him uncomfortable. His well-being is my first priority. 'When I practice yoga with him, it's similar to him receiving a massage or chiropractic work so it feels quite good for him A mother-of-four boys has shared the devastating long-term affects of miscarriage in a harrowing account of losing her baby girl at 18 weeks. Writer Laura Richards, 45, said she still grieves for her daughter Lucy Grace, who had she lived would be nine years old now, after her miscarriage a decade ago. Laura, who lives in Boston, Massachusetts, with her husband Kevin, 47, and their four sons Jack, three, Harry, 10, and 14-year-old identical twins Nick and Charlie, described the heartbreaking moment she was told her daughter had died at her 18-week ultrasound in a touching account on parenting website Scary Mommy. Grief: Laura Richards, 45, described the harrowing moment she found out she had lost her daughter Lucy Grace at her 18-week ultrasound Family unit: The writer, from Boston, Massachusetts, pictured with her four sons Jack, now three, in her arms, Charlie, 14, Harry, ten, and Nick 14, said if her daughter had lived she would be nine years old She said having four boys she gets asked 'all the time' whether she would like to have a daughter by people who do not know about her miscarriage. She said on the day of the scan she had started spotting - which had not happened to her before during pregnancy - and that part of her 'knew something was wrong'. She told her husband about it but she said they went to the appointment 'guarded but hopeful'. But when the midwife could not find a heartbeat Laura said she 'knew' that her worst fears had been confirmed. 'She kept searching and searching but nothing,' she wrote. 'My heart already knew, but I let them continue. 'She got us into the ultrasound room, and in the dark, I saw our baby on the screen, perfectly formed with a cute nose, lips, fingers, and toes still and un-moving, silently suspended. 'The technician said, Im so sorry. I cant detect a heartbeat, frantically turned off the machine, turned on the lights, and ran out of the room to get someone. Insensitive: Laura, pictured, said as a mother of four boys she gets asked 'all the time' whether she would like to have a daughter Faith: Laura, pictured far left with her sons Harry, Nick, Charlie and Jack and her husband Kevin, 47, said she takes 'tremendous solace' from her belief that her daughter is in heaven 'I laid there with gel on my bare stomach, put both hands over my face, and started to sobloud, ugly sobs of No, no, no.' Laura said she 'staggered' out 'completely numb' with Kevin and went home to share the tragic news with their sons and her parents. Two months later she got a call from the doctor wop did genetic testing on the baby and asked her the gender who told her the child was a girl. I am asked that all the time, Oh wouldnt you like a girl? Of course I would, and I did She said she takes 'tremendous solace' from her belief that her daughter is in heaven and that they will one day be reunited but hopes that by talking about her miscarriage she will help other mothers who have to endure the experience. She told Daily Mail Online: 'I am asked that all the time, Oh wouldnt you like a girl? Of course I would, and I did. 'I just hoped to shed some light on the topic and connect with other moms who have been through the same thing and let them know that they are not alone... 'I take tremendous solace knowing that our daughter is in heaven and that we will see her again. To me eternity is far more important. 'This life is wonderful and important but eternity is just that, eternity, and we will be reunited someday.' Close: Laura, whose sons Nick, Jack, Charlie and Harry are pictured at Christmas, said she wants to help others who experience miscarriage by telling them they are not alone She said she was inspired to write about the experience after receiving a prayer request over Easter about somebody who found out they had lost their fifth child at their 18-week ultrasound. She said: 'Reading this and knowing that this is exactly what happened to me several years ago really hit me hard. 'I felt almost a punch in the stomach...It sort of brought it all back for me. They had been excited to find out what they were having, a boy or girl, only to find that there was not going to be a baby.' She said she could not stop thinking about them and felt 'strongly prompted' to share her own experience in the hope it might help others in similar situations. Laura said it is not often that stories are shared of people having miscarriages in the second or third trimester. She added: 'When we lost our baby I was already wearing maternity clothes and looked quite pregnant so it was quite a blow... We ask a celebrity a set of devilishly probing questions and only accept THE definitive answer. This week its the comedian Bill Bailey Bill Bailey is in this week's hot seat for the definite article The prized possession you value above all others... A leather documents case my father Christopher gave me when I was six. I kept my piano music in it and it stayed with me. My son Dax, 12, uses it. The biggest regret you wish you could amend... Not pursuing academia further. After my A-levels I was in too much of a hurry to get out in the world. The temptation you wish you could resist... Beer. Ive tried to give up, but there are too many great new breweries. The book that holds an everlasting resonance... Vineland, Thomas Pynchons novel about US radicals from the 1960s. Bill would love to have a pint with Suleiman the Magnificent The priority activity if you were the Invisible Man for a day... Id stand on stage at a Rolling Stones concert and watch Mick Jagger strut his stuff. The pet hate that makes your hackles rise... People who stare at me in restaurants. The film you can watch time and time again... The Night Of The Hunter, with Robert Mitchum. Its terrifying and brilliant. The person who has influenced you most... My music teacher Lynda Phipps. She was no-nonsense and full of life. She taught me far more than music she gave me belief in myself. Sadly, she died 10 years ago. The figure from history for whom youd most like to buy a pie and a pint... Suleiman the Magnificent. He ruled the Ottoman Empire in the 16th century and kept order in the Islamic world. Id show him the chaos today and ask his advice. The piece of wisdom you would pass on to a child... Enjoy the moment and dont worry about the future. The unlikely interest that engages your curiosity... Tanks! Ive driven at least a dozen. Im fascinated by guns, jets, missiles and warships though I appreciate that they cause carnage. The treasured item you lost and wish you could have again... A pair of black leather boots with metal heels I wore doing stand-up in the mid-1990s. One of the heels fell off, so I abandoned them in a dressing room in Edinburgh. Theyd be a nice memento. The unending quest that drives you on... To keep improving at stand-up. The poem that touches your soul... Adlestrop by Edward Thomas. He writes of an English rural paradise before WWI. I carry a book of his poems when walking in the country. The misapprehension about yourself you wish you could erase... That because I support the Labour Party, Im a deluded, vegetarian, romantic Communist who wants to give money to Putin. Im a meat-eating realist who likes tanks! The event that altered the course of your life and character... Playing Mozarts Coronation Concerto on piano with a full orchestra in Bath at 17. Miss Phipps talked me into doing it. The crime you would commit knowing you could get away with it... Id drive a Chieftain tank through the offices of Amazon for not paying enough tax. The song that means most to you... Once In A Lifetime by Talking Heads. I first heard it at 15 and it became the party song for me and my mates. In his fantasy 24 hours Bill would visit the island of Seram in Indonesia The way you would spend your fantasy 24 hours, with no travel restrictions...Id begin the day watching the sun come up at Stonehenge and feeling the stones. Id have breakfast on the back of a truck driving through Namibia. Just a flask of coffee and a Croix de Savoie [a brioche-like pastry]. Then Id have a walk along the Skeleton Coast and sit on the beach taking photos of the lions. Id meet my wife Kristin and Dax on the island of Seram in Indonesia where wed sit on a platform 120ft above the jungle and watch the wildlife. For lunch, Id have rujak a spicy fruit dish with iced coconut water. After that wed visit the ruins of the Lost City in Colombia, then Id take my paddleboard up the Thames at Streatley, Berkshire. The evening would begin with a stroll in the back streets of Rome watching the entertainers, followed by pasta and red wine for dinner. The day would end with the sunset at Avebury Stone Circle in Wiltshire, a pint of local ale, and bed at home in west London. The happiest moment you will cherish forever... The last day of my six-day, 87-mile walk on The Ridgeway Trail to Avebury last summer. I did it with family and friends for my 50th birthday and to raise money for Cancer Research. The saddest time that shook your world... My mum, Madryn, passing away in 2005 from bowel cancer. Mum was such a character. I was with her when she died and it was surreal. The unfulfilled ambition that continues to haunt you... To write a musical. I have a story and six songs already written. The philosophy that underpins your life... To never give up. The order of service at your funeral... It will be in a chapel by the sea and begin with Once In A Lifetime, followed by a reading of WB Yeats The Indian To His Love. Then I want Jerusalem and Adlestrop before ending with Song To The Siren by This Mortal Coil. I wouldnt mind my body being set out to sea in a Viking longship and burnt! The way you want to be remembered... With a smile will do. You're invited to stick with green or stick with red, but which is safe? You pick green but then the blue is removed - and it's definitely poisonous Three sweets are laid on a stump and two are poisonous You've found the hidden panda and sussed out the image contained in a seemingly solid red dot, but now there's a new head-scratching riddle sweeping the internet. Tim Urban and Andrew Finn of the website butwaitwhy.com have created a fiendishly difficult puzzle based around three jelly beans. The premise of the puzzle is that you have to choose to eat one of three jelly beans laid out on a stump, two of which are poisonous. Scroll down for video Three jelly beans are laid on a stump and you have to choose one to eat, but two of them are poisonous and will kill you 'Two of the jelly beans on the stump are poisonousyoull die within 30 seconds of eating either one of them,' the riddle explains. 'But one of the jelly beans isnt poisonous and wont harm you at all. All three of the jelly beans are delicious. The situation works like this: You pick one of the jelly beans and eat it, and if you happen to pick the non-poisonous one, youre free to go.' According to the riddle, you decide to pick up the green jelly bean. But just before you eat it, a man takes away the blue jelly bean explaining that it's definitely poisonous. That leaves the red one on the stump and the green one still in your hand. You get one last chance to change your mind about which one to take. You take the green jelly bean, leaving the red and blue Solving the riddle involves choosing between the red and green jelly beans - one of which is definitely poisonous. You might think that now it's down to two jelly beans that there's a 50-50 chance you have the poisonous one and decide to stick with green. In fact, it's twice as likely to poisonous and the red jelly bean is two thirds more likely to be safe. 'When you initially picked the green jelly bean, there was a 1/3 chance that it was the safe one to eat, and a 2/3 chance that it was poisonous and the safe one was still on the stump,' Tim Urban of Wait But Why explained. 'When the man removed a poisonous blue jelly bean from the stump, it told you no new info about the green jelly bean in your handthat still had a 1/3 chance of being safe. The blue jelly bean is taken away and you're told it's definitely poisonous. Should you swap with the red sweet or stick with the green? 'But removing the blue jelly bean told you a lot about the red jelly beanit told you that if the safe jelly bean had been on the stump, the red one is safe. 'Put another way, if you picked a poisonous jelly beanwhich you would do two-thirds of the timethen choosing to switch after he removes one will save you every time. 'If you picked the safe one to start off withwhich happens one-third of the timethen switching will kill you. So switching is a good choice two-thirds of the time.' The test is just the latest in a string of a popular brain teasers sweeping the net. Recently, puzzlers were challenged to find a hidden picture inside a red circle? The brain teaser was said to test the internet's vision with people able to see everything from a detailed image to just an outline, while others struggled to spot anything at all. Is your eyesight good enough to see the hidden picture inside this red circle? The brain teaser has appeared online quizzing internet users about whether they can see another shape hidden inside the red blob, above While some claimed they could see the whole image in perfect detail, others were left scratching their heads in confusion. When the dot is flipped you can clearly see a detailed sketch of a horse complete with a mane and tail, saddle and bridle and grass around its feet. Some people can only see the outline of the image before the red spot is flipped, while others say they can see much more. Try the test below to see how you get on. While some claim they can see the whole image perfectly, others are completely baffled by the image. When the dot is flipped, right, you can clearly see a detailed sketch of a horse complete with a mane and tail The online teaser shows how some people only see the outline of the horse rather than the other details in the picture such as the grass, mane, tail and saddle An image of an iPhone screen became an internet sensation recently as thousands of people deliberated over the photo, which was widely shared along with the question: 'How many threes can you see in this picture?' Social networkers came up with the most common answers of either 15, 19 or 21. But which answer is correct? There are in fact 19 number threes pictured in the image, but there could be 21 depending on how you interpret the question. Can you count how many threes are on the iPhone screen? If you see 15, 19 or 21 number threes, you have arrived at the same conclusion as the majority of social networkers... but what's the correct answer? Apart from the eight threes in the phone number, there are two threes on the key pad as the number eight button has been replaced. At 3.33pm, the time also contains three number threes and the battery power at 33 per cent contains another two. That totals 15, the answer many social networkers have come to. On closer inspection, however, there are a further four hidden digits, totaling 19. Three of the letters in the contact's name have been replaced with threes and the letter 'I' on the number four key has also been replaced. But many online posts give the answer to be 21, with people seeming convinced that there are a further two threes in the image. The differing opinions come down to the interpretation of the question. Many users have included the bar signal and the wifi signal, both of which show three bars. But whether 19 or 21 is the correct answer is a matter of opinion But many online posts give the answer to be 21, with people seeming convinced that there are a further two threes in the image. The differing opinions come down to the interpretation of the question. The images has been widely shared on Facebook and Twitter with the message. 'How many threes do you see in this picture?' Many users have included the network bar and WiFi signal, both of which show three bars. But whether 19 or 21 is the correct answer is a matter of opinion. The puzzle, which has been widely shared on Facebook and Twitter after resurfacing again online, has instigated heated debate - with many left flummoxed at how others arrive at a different answer. Twitter user Dani posted: 'This thing annoyed the hell out of me when someone said 21. I was like no there's 18 until I looked again properly haha.' How many threes can you see? Apart from the eight threes in the phone number, there are two threes on the key pad as the number eight button has been replaced. At 3.33pm, the time also contains three number threes and the battery power at 33 per cent contains another two. Three of the letters in the contact's name have been replaced with threes and the letter 'I' on the number four key has also been replaced Facebook Ravi Vidyadhar Pathak came to a grander total and said: '28 if it's saying to count everything that resembles to 3 including the network signal which is 3 dots the page info on left which is 3 the buttons having 3 letters ABC.' Another philosophical Facebook user Marc Joseph posted: 'I see only 2....and technically am correct cause you never asked how many 3's are there in the pic.' Athene Whitfield finally concluded the answer was 19 but had made so many previous guesses she posted: 'I got to that in the end but thought - I can't send an answer through again!!? Was getting embarrassed!' One user by the name of Sarah was so involved in the problem she posted a mock-up of the screen with the potential answers highlighted in purple. When a friend posted 'Not sure where you get 20 from' she posted: 'Now I'm not sure.' It follows an optical illusion poster featuring tigers that resurfaced online this week, asking viewers to guess how many animals it featured. On close inspection the picture has the big cats hiding in the bushes, bark and even the sky. The image, which appears to have been produced as a poster, has two adults tigers and their two cubs in the foreground. After that it becomes trickier to track down the felines in the picture but there are 12 other tiger faces hidden. The image appears to have been used as a poster but has resurfaced on the internet The puzzle has the big cats hidden in foliage, trees and even the ground with all 16 very difficult to find In the foliage to the right of the tigers, there's a fern in the shape of a tiger's face, with two hiding in the dirt beneath the tigers' feet. In the top of the picture, there are five feline faces hidden within the branches of the trees. While another two are seen in the wide trunk of the tree on the left of the picture and another tiger is face is seen on the left behind it and the last one is hidden in the soil below. The poster, which features 16 in total, appears to be aimed at children, like many of the logic puzzles which have stormed the internet recently. Another recent brain teaser saw a children's picture with tourists at a holiday campsite and challenged them to answer a list of nine questions. The image is thought to be from an old children's magazine, according to The Independent, but the tough questions are likely to also leave adults scratching their heads. A recent challenge which baffled the internet is a logic puzzle from an old children's magazine that involves studying a picture of tourists at a holiday camp site and answering a list of nine questions A series of clues is provided by the apparently calm scene involving boys at a campsite The black and white drawing showed three people at the campsite. One is standing by the cooking pot with a ladle, another is rifling through his backpack, and a third is taking photos. A sign nailed to a tree states said: 'On duty. Colin, 7. Peter, 8. James, 9'. The final name is obscured, but the number 10 is visible. CAN YOU SOLVE THE PUZZLE BY ANSWERING THESE QUESTIONS? 1. How many tourists are staying at this camp? 2. When did they arrive: today or a few days ago? 3. How did they get here? 4. Is there a town nearby? 5. Where does the wind blow from: north or south? 6. What time of day is it? 7. Where did Alex go? 8. Who was on duty yesterday? 9. What date is it today? *Scroll down for answers Advertisement A picnic blanket with four plates, four spoons and a watermelon is laid out on the ground and a hen is scratching in the grass nearby. Nearby, a tent is pitched and a spider has built a cobweb between the edge of the tent and a nearby tree. The first question asks how many people are staying at the camp. They must also figure out whether they arrived that day or a few days earlier, how they got there and how far away the closest town is. In addition, they are asked whether the wind is blowing from north or south and what time of day it is. The next question is to state where someone called Alex went. Finally, they must figure out who was on duty yesterday and what day of the week it is. Unlike the many cartoons that have swept the web in recent months challenging users to spot figures hidden in a sea animals or Star Wars characters, this puzzle relies on deduction. The answer to how many tourists there are is relatively easy to figure out. As there are four spoons and plates on the blanket and four names on the duty list, the answer is quite obvious. Hungarian cartoonist Gergely Dudas, also known as Dudolf, posted his latest puzzle a few days ago to celebrate Easter, challenging fans to find an egg cleverly disguised alongside a group of bunnies The egg is cunningly disguised between a pair of white rabbit ears in the second row on the left hand side The cobweb gives a clue to when the group arrived as it must have been a few days earlier to give the spider time to build it. An oar leaning up against the tree is the key to figuring out how they got there - by boat. The hen indicates that the nearest town is not far away as it's managed to wander into the campsite. A flag on the tent, known as a windsock, shows that the wind is blowing from the south, but to figure this out you need to be aware that branches on the southern side of trees in the UK get more sun and grow more densely. ANSWERS TO THE CAMP RIDDLE 1. There are four tourists four spoons on the picnic blanket and four names on the duty list. 2. They arrived a few days ago A spider's web has appeared between their tent and a tree in that time. 3. They got there by boat Note the oars by the tree. 4. No, a village is not far ..because there's a chicken wandering around. 5. The wind is blowing from the south A flag that shows the wind direction is on top of the tent. (To tell which direction is which, look at the branches - they're normally bigger on the southern side of trees - if you're in the Northern Hemisphere.) 6. Its morning Take the answer from question five to figure out east and west then work out the time based on the shadows. 7. Alex is catching butterflies His net is behind the tent. 8. Colin was on duty yesterday Colin is rummaging through his backpack (marked with a 'c'); Alex is catching butterflies; James is taking photos as his tripod can be seen sticking out of his bag. This leaves Peter - then, according to the list, that means Colin was on duty yesterday. 9. Today is August 8th... According to the list, Peter is on duty, and there is a watermelon - which ripen in August - on the ground. Advertisement To figure out the time, you need to use the previous answer which tells you south from north to figure out where is east and west and deduce the time based on shadows. The answer is that it's morning because the boy by the cook pot's shadow extends to the west. Because we're asked where Alex went, we can assume he's not visible in the picture. However a butterfly net can be seen behind the tent. So the answer is that he's gone to catch butterflies. To figure out who was on duty yesterday first consider that Colin, Peter, James and Alex are staying at the camp. Gergley's original spot the panda puzzle left the internet baffled at Christmas 2015 The original Where's Wally-style snowmen picture was liked by 42,000 people and shared 100,000 times within days, with many struggling to find the panda at all Dudolf followed up the panda puzzle days later with another picture posted online, this time of a cat hidden among dozens of brightly coloured owls He planted a few red herrings in the owl picture like a colourful bow tie and festive hats, but the owl's facial features make it particularly difficult to spot the cat We know that Alex is catching butterflies and the person taking photos must be James, as there's a tripod sticking out of the bag marked J. The person looking through the backpack is Colin as it's marked with a C. That means Peter must be the one standing by the cooking pot. If Peter is on duty today, then according to the list on the tree Colin was on duty yesterday. Figuring out the day of the month isn't too tricky as according to the duty list it's the 8th of the month. But establishing what month it is may prove rather more difficult. The solution lies in the watermelon on the picnic blanket. The answer is August 8, but you would have to be aware that it's the month in which watermelons ripen to find the correct answer. Its long list of questions makes the puzzle even more baffling than a challenge by Gergely Dudas who first drove the internet mad trying to find a panda among a group of snowmen, and a cat blended into rows of owls. The Hungarian cartoonist posted his latest puzzle a few days ago to celebrate Easter, challenging fans to find an egg cleverly disguised alongside a group of bunnies. The panda craze was followed up by Reddit contributor, with the username Oneste, who created a mind-boggling puzzle in which he hid a panda amongst rows and rows of Stormtroopers - and TIE fighter pilots She is known for her love of designer clothing and rarely looks anything less than immaculate. But Queen Maxima of the Netherlands caused a stir during a state visit to Germany yesterday when she wore a coat with beading detail that some onlookers compared to a swastika. Maxima, 44, and her husband King Willem-Alexander, 48, were visiting Nuremburg's Medical Valley Center on Thursday and the royal looked smart in her grey coat with flared sleeves by Danish designer Claes Iversen. Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, 44 caused a stir during a state visit to Germany yesterday when she wore a Claes Iversen coat with beading detail that some onlookers compared to the swastika According to German tabloid Bild, Maxima's outfit caused a 'brouhaha,' while the Rheinische Post pointed out that the cross-shaped pattern was in fact closer to the Buddhist symbol for eternity than the Nazi symbol As photographs emerged of the trip, Joep O' Leo took to Twitter to write: 'Which idiot is responsible for choosing Maximas clothes?' suggesting that they resembled military clothing. Commentator Ancilla wrote: 'The Dutch Queen decided to wear this wonderful little ensemble during her visit to Germany. Seriously.'Barry van Someren remarked: 'It's as if common sense no longer applies when you're royalty...' while one bystander tweeted: 'Is it satire, or just bad taste?' According to German tabloid Bild, the outfit caused a 'brouhaha,' while the Rheinische Post pointed out that the cross-shaped pattern was in fact closer to the Buddhist symbol for eternity than the Nazi symbol. Twitter user Liliana Moreva also sprang to Maxima's defence, insisting that the pattern was actually 'an ancient pagan Slavic symbol.' Others stressed that no one had protested when Maxima previously wore the coat in March 2015 during a tour of Denmark. The offending article: As photos emerged of the trip, Joep O' Leo took to Twitter to write: 'Which idiot is responsible for choosing Maximas clothes?' suggesting that they resembled military clothing Maxima and her husband King Willem-Alexander, 48, were visiting Nuremburg's Medical Valley Center on Thursday and the royal looked smart in her grey coat with flared sleeves by Danish designer Claes Iversen Twitter user Liliana Moreva also sprang to Maxima's defence, while others pointed out that no one had protested when Maxima previously wore the coat in March 2015 during a tour of Denmark The designer himself was eventually forced to speak out, telling Dutch newspaper de Volksrant: 'It was obviously never my intention to make the suggested reference.' He added: 'The embroidery was created with the idea to form a classic geometric-element pattern with unconventional materials.' The royal couple are on a working holiday in Bavaria, and earlier in the week they officially re-opened the Dutch wing of the Alte Pinakothek museum in Munich - home to an impressive collection of 17th century Dutch masterpieces - by stepping through a giant picture frame. Willem-Alexander complimented his wife's cheery pink outfit by wearing a blue suit with a bright blue tie. It was a sketch that left them looking more than a little Morecambe and Wise, as they each put their best foot forward to step towards the gathered media and their cameras. Designer Claes Iverson himself was eventually forced to speak out, telling Dutch newspaper de Volksrant : 'It was obviously never my intention to make the suggested reference' The royal couple are on a working holiday in Bavaria, and earlier in the week they officially re-opened the Dutch wing of the Alte Pinakothek museum in Munich, home to an impressive collection of Dutch masterpieces While at the museum, the couple, who have three children together, watched as an agreement between the Utrechts Centraal Museum and the Bavarian State Painting Collections was rubber stamped. The cultural document will see the two countries host an exhibition of Carravaggisti work, art that follows the style of 16th century Italian Baroque painter Caravaggio. The two-day visit to neighbouring Germany is designed to improve relations between Holland and the country. Last month, Maxima and Willem-Alexander made a similar Euro-friendly visit to France. Also on the Dutch couple's agenda was a visit to car goliath's BMW's exhibition centre to discuss ways to increase sustainable urban mobility. Both of Shaylee's parents are also deaf, but her younger sister can hear as a way of ensuring those with Other characters in the theme park are also learning sign l It was a moment that took her breath away and a memory she'll never forget. Four-year-old Shaylee Mansfield who is from Texas, is deaf. She was on vacation with her family at Disney World in Orlando, Florida when something unexpected happened. In her own world of silence, sign language is the only way she can communicate with everyone else around her, so imagine Shaylee's surprise when one of Disney's most famous cartoon characters began chatting with her in sign language. Scroll down for video I hear you! In a moment captured in a touching family video, Shaylee Mansfield, 4, who is deaf, got the surprise of her life, when Tinkerbell was able to sign with her during a trip to Walt Disney World Spelling it out: Disney characters being able to sign afforded Shaylee a feeling of inclusiveness and opened up her world, allowing her to enjoy a normal and happy childhood It was all captured on film as her parents captured the interaction between their daughter and the fairy, Tinkerbell. It was surprising to her because cartoon characters are never seen using sign language at during during Disney films, however the theme parks are moving towards becoming more inclusive to those with disabilities. It's not just Tinkerbell who uses American Sign Language. Even three-fingered Minnie Mouse is able to have a conversation with those who are deaf. 'When I was growing up, I never expected anyone to sign. That was the world I grew up in',' says her mom, who is also deaf. Disney magic: She and her sister got to pose for a picture with Minnie Mouse, and then the most unexpected thing happened that made Shaylee and her familys day - Minnie also began to sign to her Signing on: The folks at Walt Disney World brought Shaylee and her family back for a return visit - and now even Minnie Mouse is able to sign Hug of love: When the family traveled to Disney, they thought that there was no way Shaylee would be able to communicate with her heroes there, but there were several surprises in store Her father is appreciative of the change that seems to be slowly occurring. 'It made her proud of her own language. She made that connection. The moments I remember the most in my life are when I see someone truly happy. It brings out the best in me and makes me become a kid again, seeing this through their eyes.' On a second visit to the theme park, paid for by the company, the little girl is seen looking equally surprised when wife of Mickey is seen telling Shaylee that she is learning how to sign. The video which was shared by Disney on YouTube has garnered more than five millions views since it was uploaded last month. 'Every family that steps through the magical gates of a Disney Park is unique and special in their own way,' the company said. Sisterly love: Shaylee is a little girl with a big smile and a lot of heart. Her sister Ivy also understands ASL, however she can hear Return trip: The Mansfield family returned to Disney World to share their tale as part of Disney's 'Unforgettable Stories' Bugs that are resistant to antibiotics are expected to kill more people than cancer within decades, George Osborne said last night. Without new drugs, common infections will be responsible for ten million deaths a year around the world by 2050, he claimed more than the eight million a year who die from cancer now. As well as disastrous consequences for health, the Chancellor warned that a lack of effective antibiotics may have an enormous economic cost over the same period, slashing global economic output by 3.5 per cent or 70trillion. Bugs that are resistant to antibiotics are expected to kill more people than cancer within decades, George Osborne said last night He highlighted the potentially catastrophic toll as he called for a global effort to develop new antibiotics. In a speech at the International Monetary Fund in Washington DC, he called for countries to offer multi-billion-pound prizes for firms that develop new drugs. Huge cash rewards should also be given to companies that come up with new ways of diagnosing exactly which infection a person has and which drugs will be most effective, he said. Widespread over-prescribing weakens drugs effectiveness as bacteria become more resistant. Medical experts have warned of a catastrophic future in which common infections are deadly, as they were before the discovery of penicillin in the Twenties. It could lead to slight scratches or routine operations becoming fatal. The Chancellor warned that a lack of effective antibiotics may have an enormous economic cost, slashing global economic output by 70trillion It is nearly two decades since the last discovery of a new class of antibiotics. The huge cost of creating them and their limited use before they become worthless deters pharmaceutical firms from research. Sally Davies, the Chief Medical Officer, has warned that the threat from antibiotic resistance is as severe as terrorism. Mr Osborne said existing drug markets were broken, adding: Unless we take global action, antimicrobial resistance will become an even greater threat to mankind than cancer currently is. It is not just a health problem, but an economic one, too. The cost of doing nothing, both in terms of lives lost and money wasted, is too great, and the world needs to come together to agree a common approach. My message is that we need the worlds governments and industry leaders to work together in radical new ways. Ministers have commissioned the economist Lord ONeill to review the issue, and his recommendations are expected next month. Last year, British doctors were warned they faced being struck off if they handed out too many antibiotics. Prescription rates are spiralling, and GPs face being referred to regulators if they continue to dole out antibiotics like sweets. Doctors have been found prescribing them for coughs, colds and hayfever. In some GP practices, up to 97 per cent of patients who ask for antibiotics get them. Almost 42million antibiotic prescriptions were issued on the NHS in 2013 up 14 per cent on 2003. The ZeniPower mercury-free hearing aid and implant batteries have been recalled with patients being asked to check the best before dates Hundreds of thousands of hearing aid patients are being warned that faulty batteries could cause their devices to explode. One of the NHSs main suppliers has issued batches of batteries that are liable to explode suddenly in the users ear. Although the risks of harm are low, there is a small chance they could go off, causing pain and further hearing loss. Patients are being urged to check their batteries manufacturer and use-by date and pharmacists are withdrawing them from shelves. The affected batteries are ZeniPower mercury-free with use-by dates of August 2018 and September 2018 and hundreds of thousands have been sold privately or distributed by the NHS. The Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency has issued an urgent product recall and told patients to check their batteries. And Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge has written to 14,000 hearing aid patients warning them about the possible fault. The warning also applies to hearing implants, which are electronic devices that do the job of the damaged inner ear rather than making sounds louder as hearing aids do. The Chinese manufacturer ZeniPower is the main NHS supplier of hearing aid batteries and it also distributes to 40 other countries worldwide. Around 1.4million Britons wear hearing aids although the exact number using this type of battery is not known. Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, sent letters to 14,000 patients to warn them about the risks The fault has been caused by the zinc electrode in the batteries being liable to react with the electrolyte the liquid to generate hydrogen. This causes the battery to expand and possibly explode. John Wilkinson, the MHRAs director of medical devices, said: While the risk is very low, it is important people check if their hearing aid batteries are affected and if they are in doubt do not use the battery. Patient safety is of paramount importance and continually monitored. In a letter to patients, Dr David Baguley, head of the audiology service at Addenbrookes Hospital, said: There is a low risk that these batteries could explode and whilst to date there have been no reported episodes of any harm caused, as a precautionary measure, we are withdrawing these batteries from circulation and are now stocking alternative batteries. A civil servant has become the first NHS patient to travel to France for routine surgery as part of a contract designed to cut waiting times. Timothy Brierley made the 44-mile trip from his home in Lyminge, Kent, to a Calais hospital to have his gall bladder removed this morning. He opted to travel abroad to reduce his waiting time from 10 months to just weeks as part of an agreement between South Kent Coast NHS and the Centre Hospitalier de Calais. It won the right to provide services for NHS patients including orthopaedics, gynaecology, ear nose and throat and cataract surgery - but patients have to pay for their own travel costs. The hospital has trained dozens of nurses and support staff in English, and an NHS sign is now visible at its entrance. Mr Brierley, 54, who made the journey yesterday, told The Guardian it was no less convenient than going to his local hospital - and worth it for the reduction in waiting times. Timothy Brierley, pictured here with his surgeon Laurent Tartar, has travelled to Calais to have his gall bladder removed after learning it would slash his waiting time from 10 months to weeks Mr Brierley travelled 44 miles to the hospital in Calais from his home in Lyminge, Kent. He said the journey was worth it as it reduced his 'disappointing' waiting time in the UK 'The wait, absolutely, was the main reason. I was very disappointed by it,' he said. 'After I was told there was nothing before July, I decided I had to explore another avenue.' Mr Brierly was first treated in September and was told it was likely he would have to wait 18 weeks or more for the procedure if he had it at William Harvey hospital in Ashford. He was later told he would be waiting until at least July, he told the newspaper. It follows the contract between the NHS group and two hospitals in Calais and Le Touquet. For many, travelling to France is quicker than travelling to London - and patients it means could be treated sooner. Patients should be able to arrange it through their GP although Mr Brierley said his local doctor did not know about the arrangement until he asked. 'The wait in the UK, absolutely, was the main reason. I was very disappointed by it Patient Timothy Brierley Under the scheme, patients can have 24-hour access by phone for 14 days with the surgical team after treatment. And follow-up appointments will be either by telephone or video technology such as Skype, or they will travel back to France to see their consultant. Mr Brierley was referred to the hospital at the end of February and was told there would be a waiting time of just six weeks. His surgeon, Laurent Tartar, said in France this would be considered a long wait. Mr Tartar said he was surprised to hear British patients would be coming to his hospital. 'I'm surprised it's necessary but I'm not surprised that they come. I would do the same. But for my job, it's the same: French man, English man, it's the same body,' he said. The plans were revealed by the NHS South Kent Coast Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), which controls 253 million and covers a population of 202,000 in the Folkestone and Dover area, earlier this year. Timothy Brierley, from Kent, is having his gall bladder removed at the Centre Hospitalier de Calais (pictured) They were introduced as Dover is only 30 miles from Calais, half the distance to London. Union officials said it was 'an admission of failure' by the NHS, and they scoffed at claims that the scheme was to broaden healthcare choice for patients. Speaking at the time, Simon Bolton, of Unison, said the scheme was a 'gimmick' to cover up NHS failings. He said: 'It's an admission of failure and instead of trying to own up and deal with it, they've come up with this. 'I dare say if you go to France you will get decent treatment but if you need a hip operation, for example, how are you going to travel 22 miles? Who's going to visit you?' By law, any British patient has the right to have an operation or procedure in another EU country paid for by the NHS as long as they can prove they are experiencing an 'undue delay.' They have to meet travel costs, ranging from 30 by ferry to up to 90 on the Eurostar, and are entitled only to treatments that are available on the health service. Although the law has been in place since 2006, just a handful of patients take advantage each year the NHS does not collect figures on those travelling abroad for treatment. The arrangement in Kent is thought to be the first to enable patients to travel abroad en masse to avoid NHS queues. Any British patient has the right by law to have an operation or procedure in another EU country paid for by the NHS as long as they can prove they are experiencing an 'undue delay (file photo) In July 2015, waiting times across the country were at record levels with 3.4million on the lists, the highest for seven years. The average wait for most common procedures is three months, although some have been delayed for more than a year. NHS officials said patients cannot be forced to travel to France for their treatment, insisting that the option was an 'additional choice of healthcare'. They have denied it was happening because local NHS hospitals were struggling to cope with the numbers of patients they were being asked to treat. And officials sought to ease any concerns about patient confidentiality, saying the standards for managing and storing patient records will be same as for UK hospitals. Under EU rules on procurement law, healthcare providers from other EU countries are entitled to apply to be accredited. Hazel Carpenter, of the NHS South Kent Coast CCG, denied the contract was about waiting times and said it was for 'patient choice'. His partner, patient B, fell ill with the same symptoms 7 days later Both the day before and after his symptoms appeared the man had unprotected sex with his partner, who had not traveled to a Zika region The first case of sexual transmission of the Zika virus between two gay men has been reported in Dallas, health officials have revealed. The case first came to light in January, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). An investigation was launched after officials in Dallas County identified a case of sexual transmission of Zika between a men who had recently traveled to a region where the virus is rife, and his non-traveling male partner. Experts warn the case highlights how the virus can be transmitted through anal sex, as well as vaginal sex. 'Sexual transmission through both vaginal and anal sex is an emerging mode of Zika virus infection that might contribute to more illness than was anticipated when the outbreak was first recognized,' said the CDC. The CDC has reported details of the first confirmed case of Zika infection sexually transmitted in a gay couple. Patient A had recently returned from Venezuela in January when he started to show symptoms of the illness. Seven days later, and after having unprotected sex, his partner, patient B fell ill with the same symptoms Earlier this week CDC director Dr Tom Frieden announced there is no longer any doubt that Zika virus infection causes the birth defect microcephaly. Confirming the worst fears of pregnant women in the US and Latin America health officials warned mother's who are infected with the virus are at risk of giving birth to babies with abnormally small heads and other severe brain defects. Since last year, doctors in Brazil have been linking Zika infections in pregnant women to a rise in newborns with microcephaly, or an unusually small skull. Most experts were cautious about drawing a firm connection. But now the CDC says enough evidence has been gathered to draw a direct link. Sexual transmission through both vaginal and anal sex is an emerging mode of Zika virus infection that might contribute to more illness than was anticipated when the outbreak was first recognized CDC Futhermore, the virus has also been linked to the condition Guillain-Barre syndrome, a condition where the immune system attacks the nervous system, which can cause temporary paralysis. Two days after returning to Dallas following a one-week visit to Venezuela, the man, known as patient A, started to show signs of Zika infection. He was complaining of a fever, a rash on his upper body and face, and conjunctivitis lasting around three days. Both one day before and one day after the onset of his symptoms the man had unprotected sex with his partner, referred to in the CDC report as patient B. Seven days later patient B began to develop a fever, headache and became lethargic. Days later he developed a rash on his torso and arms, small joint arthritis of his hands and feet and conjunctivits. All the symptoms disappeared within the next week, the CDC report notes. On the 11th day, patient B visited his doctor, who suspected Zika virus infection. And on day 24 semen, urine and saliva specimens were collected from both patients - 24 and 17 days after their respective onset of illness. Experts concluded that although Dallas falls within the geographical range of the Aedes mosquito, pictured, that carries Zika virus, the temperatures were not warm enough for the pest to have transmitted the virus The CDC said patient A had regularly traveled to Central and South America for many years. During his recent trip to Venezuela, he reported that many people in the area he visited were suffering symptoms consistent with Zika virus infection. Furthermore, transmission of Zika had been confirmed in the country in late November last year. The CDC note patient B had never traveled to an area where Zika transmission had been confirmed. While Dallas is within the geographic range of the Zika-carrying Aedes aegypti mosquito, the temperatures in Texas at the time of infection were not conducive for mosquito activity. The CDC said: 'Transmission of Zika virus to patient B by Aedes aegypti was unlikely based on environmental conditions.' As a result, CDC experts concluded transmission from patient A to patient B, must have occured during sex. They note at least five other cases of sexually transmitted Zika virus, though note until now all have involved male-to-female transmission through vaginal sex. Kapil Sharma and his merry bandwagon return with a new bag of jokes later this month, and the buzz among small screen buffs is palpable. For Kapil, the challenge right now is to reinvent his tricks without losing the essence of the image that made him a star. The humour, after all, cannot dry up. 'A comedian has to be funny all the time and constant reinvention is the biggest challenge,' he says. Comedian Kapil Sharma with Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, who is set to appear on the first episode of the funnyman's new show The Kapil Sharma Show Even during Comedy Nights With Kapil (CNWK), coming up with fresh ideas for each episode was the demanding deal,' says the funnyman, whose latest gig, The Kapil Sharma Show, premieres on Sony on April 23. 'CNWK was about a funny family. The new show narrates the crazy stories of an entire society. There are many more people involved in this show,' says Kapil, who shot the first episode in Delhi recently, with Shah Rukh Khan as his special guest. Kapil SHarma started his career in stand up, appearing in The Great Indian Laughter Challenge 3 above, but rose to fame on TV show Comedy NIghts With Kapil He has not fiddled much with the familiar banter text that made him a sensation on CNWK. 'Jo dukaan chal raha hai, usey bandh karke naya showroom kyon kholoon (why would I open a showroom of new ware when I my current shop is doing great business)?' he laughs. So, The Kapil Sharma Show will see him return with familiar collaborators Ali Asgar, Kiku Sharda, Sunil Grover, Sumona Chakravarti and Chandan Prabhakar, and also bring back Navjot Singh Sidhu as the permanent studio guest. Rumours suggest Sony laid out a lavish Rs 50-lakh spread just for the promos, though the series only have 26 episodes. 'One shouldn't push a good joke for long,' says Kapil, on why he opted to go for a finite series this time. He also has his reasons for bringing back familiar faces. 'Comedy is all about timing. That's the reason I work with people I have already worked with. My co-stars on the show are people I have been working with for a while now. We know our strengths so we act and react accordingly.' He takes criticism over all the biwi jokes chin up. 'I will always retain the biwi jokes on my shows. As long as they are not disrespectful towards women, who's to complain?' he says, adding low humour is never his intention. 'Humour has to be healthy. A certain amount of political incorrectness cannot be avoided while creating comedy, but I make sure there are no below-the-belt vibes.' Kapil, left, became popular hosting reality dance show Jhalak Dikhhla but he says stand-up is his passion and that getting a reaction from a live audience is 'a rush like no other' For Kapil, comedy is a random thing. 'Comedy can never be written. It emerges as a though process,' he says. 'Funny lines and scenes come to me when I am alone, as well as when we brainstorm as a team. 'Comedy is serious business that needs constant thinking. Yet a gem of a joke may come to you as an instant reaction. One needs to be observant of all that goes on around.' Kapil would tell you he likes the fact that there are so many comedy shows across channels right now. 'We need more humour. Although I hardly get time to watch television, I feel the more comedy shows we have to address problems in a funny way, the better. Humour has to be healthy. A certain amount of political incorrectness cannot be avoided while creating comedy, but I make sure there are no below-the-belt vibes Kapil Sharma 'I am doing my job in my way. There are many other talented comedians in this country with distinct styles. They should all find room,' he points out. Return to TV, of course, slows down his Bollywood trek, which started with Abbas-Mustan's Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon. He is shooting for ABCD 3 right now, but will be careful signing films. 'I am happy with the way my debut film shaped up. I will do more films in the future, but only the ones that interest me. 'I want to balance my career as a stand-up comedian, sitcom artist and a filmstar,' he says. So, which of these avatars does he relish the most? 'Stand-up,' the excited reply is an instant one. 'The reaction of a live audience is a rush like no other. That is also the reason I tend to pack in a huge studio audience in the episodes of my show,' he says. Kapil's slant at live reaction may be a reason why he does not think highly of the kind of anonymity cyber space allows to netizens to spew reactions. Twitter abuse, particularly, irks him. 'They should issue a licence for holding Twitter accounts, just as they do for driving. It is a mad house in there. 'Too many stupid people have infested social media,' says Kapil, adding that he tweets only to communicate with fans about his work. Being a comic has not exactly been funny business in India lately. Kapil heads up The Kapil Sharma Show, which will run for a finite 26 episodes. Kapil says 'one shouldn't push a good joke for long'. Several of his lot have been at the wrong end of the stick over several issues. Kapil, though, refuses to stamp India as an intolerant nation. 'I feel intolerance is a word that sprung casually. Then, they started marketing it as a brand. True, we are a bit touchy. Unlike in the West, we are not okay with jokes about god or the president. My effort all the time is to ensure I don't get personal while taking jibes at issues or celebrities. 'Overall, however, my experience tells me public reaction to humour is positive in our country.' Public reaction, for any comedian, is the ultimate score. 'The biggest challenge for a comedian lies in popular connect,' says Kapil. 'In any other genre of art there is the scope of time, for the audience to form a reaction. You could watch a great piece of tragedy, for instance, and it could seep in over the next few hours. 'In comedy, the reaction must be instantaneous or else the joke is dead,' he says. 'I am a greedy actor' says Sayani Gupta One-film-old Sayani Gupta seems to be on a major image overhaul trip. Her debut arthouse release Margarita With A Straw may have won her wide acclaim, but the budding actor is looking towards mainstream to create an impact right now. Sayani Gupta says she is 'glamorous enough' to break into the mainstream despite launching her acting career with an arty movie offering She appears in the Shah Rukh Khanstarrer Fan this week, even as she divides time between the Ranbir Kapoor-Katrina Kaif starrer Jagga Jasoos and the Sidharth Malhotra-Katrina Kaif starrer Baar Baar Dekho. The Delhi-born girl, who went to LSR College, tells you she has defining roles in each of these projects, before you start wonder what exactly she might get to do in such big startouting projects. 'I am a greedy actor. I only look at the script and my character while signing a film. I don't look at cinema as art or commerce. 'It should just appeal to me. If I am a good actor, even two scenes will be enough to leave an impact,' she says. For Sayani, film will always be a director's medium. 'As an actor, you can only do that much Ultimately, everything depends on how a scene or role has been written and directed,' she says. Sayani considers herself lucky to have had a debut with Shonali Bose's Margarita With A Straw. She feels getting to play Kalki Koechlin's visually challenged lesbian lover was a 'lifetime's role'. 'There are certain stories not every filmmaker wants to tell. It takes guts and gumption to make such a film,' she says. Will entry into the commercial setup as a lead heroine be tough, after such a heavy arty debut? 'I am glamorous enough, declares Sayani, 'and I am upto the song-dance routine. Just try me.' The recently expanded Gwadar deep water port in Pakistan, which is part of the socalled China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), is nearing completion. According to Zhang Baozhong, chairman and CEO of China Overseas Ports Holding Company Ltd, 'The port cranes are almost ready, and we are thinking that the port will be at full operation by the end of this year.' The port will process about one million tonne of cargo next year, most of which will be incoming construction materials to be used in projects related to CPEC. Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif shakes hands with Chinese president Xi Jinping. China is considered a reliable ally that has always come to Pakistan's aid when India has seemed on the ascendant. The port city Gwadar, in southwestern Balochistan province, is central to the CPEC. Pakistan's army chief has accused India of attempting to undermine the $46 billion project with China. Speaking at a development conference on the impact of CPEC, Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Raheel Sharif said: 'I must highlight that India, our immediate neighbour, has openly challenged this development initiative. 'I would like to make a special reference to Indian intelligence agency RAW that is blatantly involved in destabilising Pakistan. Let me make it clear that we will not allow anyone to create impediments and turbulence in any part of Pakistan.' China-Pakistan collusion against India has taken new turns recently. Despite the Modi government's attempts to improve ties with Pakistan and China, both have responded negatively so far. The writing is clear on the wall and has been for quite some time. The Pakistani military-intelligence complex has no interest in a rapprochement with India; it made it a point to scuttle the growing Sharif-Modi bonhomie. Last month, Pakistani authorities announced they captured a suspected Indian spy in Balochistan, identified as Kulbhushan Jadhav. The military also aired video footage of Jadhav, saying he was working out of his base in Chabahar in neighbouring Iran. The Pakistani investigation team, which had visited Pathankot, ended up suggesting that the Pathankot attack in January was in fact staged by Indian agencies. This was followed by the Pakistani High Commissioner announcing the suspension of Indo-Pakistani peace talks. China then turned the screws tighter and made it a point to scuttle the nascent counter-terror cooperation between Delhi and Beijing. By insisting that designation of any individual as terrorist by UN is a 'serious issue', China last week blocked the UN from banning Jaish-e-Mohammad chief and Pathankot strike mastermind Masood Azhar by the global body. The January 2 attack at Pathankot was followed by a raid on an Indian consulate in Afghanistan that has also been linked to Jaish-e-Mohammad, whose militants were also behind the 2001 attack on Indian Parliament. The Sino-Pakistan relationship has now moved beyond the 'higher than Himalayas and sweeter than honey' phase. Chinese strategists are openly taking of Pakistan as their nation's only real ally. China's submarine operations in the Indian Ocean and the Sino-Pak naval cooperation are challenging naval supremacy and have the potential to change the regional naval power balance. China is also busy re-defining territorial status quo in the region. By deciding to construct major civil, energy and military infrastructure projects in the CPEC, which runs through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the areas of Gilgit and Baltistan, China has accorded de facto 'legitimacy' to Pakistan's illegal occupation of these areas. China the world's third largest weapons exporter has Pakistan as the top recipient of its arms. By aiding Pakistan to set up its nuclear and ballistic missiles programmes, besides supplying conventional arms, Beijing had made sure that the India-Pakistan military balance is maintained. China is considered a reliable ally that has always come to Pakistan's aid when India has seemed on the ascendant so much so that China has even tacitly supported Pakistan's strategy of using terror as a policy instrument against India. With India ascending in the global hierarchy and strengthening its ties with the US, China's need for Pakistan is likely to grow. This has been evident in China's polices toward Pakistan on critical issues in South Asia. A rising India makes Pakistan all the more important in China's strategy for the subcontinent. It is highly unlikely that China will give up playing the Pakistan card vis-a-vis India anytime soon. The China-Pakistan partnership serves the interests of both partners by presenting India with a potential two-front theatre in the event of war with either country. And for China, Pakistan is increasingly important to fend off a joint India-US challenge. South Asia is emerging as an important new front in the balance of power struggle between the US and China as well as India and China, and the region's importance is only likely to increase in the coming years. The Modi government needs to recognise that the challenges of a two-front adversarial strategic environment are only likely to intensify in the coming years. New Delhi needs to be prepared to take on this challenge head-on. Even as India reaches out to China in the next few weeks with the visits of the National Security Advisor and the Defence Minister, it should be clear that Chinese behaviour is unlikely to change in the near future. Delhi Police have given a clean chit to an officer, who led the team in the alleged encounter with businessman Manoj Vashisht at Sagar Ratna restaurant last year, even as the investigation into the mater continues. While the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is probing the case, Inspector Dharmendra Kumar has been asked to rejoin Delhi Police's Special Cell from the IGI Airport. Businessman Manoj Vashisht who died from a bullet wound to the chest According to sources, other team members who are facing charges in the case, may join elite units of the Delhi Police. 'His transfer was decided by the top brass of Delhi police during former commissioner BS Bassi's regime but officially he was transferred after an order was issued on April 11. 'He is facing allegations and the MHA also took up the matter but he has been asked to join Special Cell,' a senior police officer said. Inspector Dharmender Kumar was transferred to IGI Airport just after the incident. At IGI Airport he was handling a team of Delhi Police responsible to counter any attack at the establishment. 'Recently, Special Cell has seen various transfers as the unit was facing multiple allegations. It was found top officials of the Special Cell were not aware about this operation. 'This case had various flaws in the way the Special Cell handled the case,' a senior police officer added. Last year in May, a team headed by Inspector Dharmendra Kumar and other junior staff allegedly encountered Manoj Vashisht. CCTV footage of the encounter released by police shows two officers Inspector Dharmendra Kumar and Constable Jitendra getting into a scuffle with Vashisht before the businessman slumps after being shot. Delhi Police at a protest, above. A CBI inquiry is ongoing into members of the police force's Special Cell team that was allegedly involved in a fatal restaurant shoot out. He died after a bullet hit him during an alleged exchange of fire with an eight-member team of the Special Cell, which planned the operation. Later, the top brass of Delhi Police immediately constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident. The case was transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation by the MHA. According to the police, Vashisht was wanted in several cases of fraud and other crimes. His family had alleged that it was a fake encounter and had demanded a CBI probe. Vashisht's family had also met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh seeking the transfer of the probe to the CBI. Later, case was given to CBI. Delhi Police have recovered a bag containing a gun and a letter threatening to behead prominent JNU Students' Union representatives Kanhaiya Kumar and Umar Khalid. A letter threatening student activists Kanhaiya Kumar, pictured above, and Umar Khlaid was found alongside a gun on an inter-campus bus route The discovery was made in a bus operating between an ISBT and the JNU campus on Friday. It comes a day after a slipper was hurled at JNU Students' Union president Kanhaiya. Following the letter, police have beefed up the duo's security. The university students, who have been agitating since they were arrested in a sedition case over an event held on campus, demanded the university administration lodge a police complaint against various individuals who have been issuing threats to the JNUSU president and others. According to a police officer, a country-made pistol and a threat letter against Kanhaiya, was purportedly written by a man who had earlier threatened the student leader over Facebook. With the gun, there was also a letter which said that Kanhaiya Kumar and Umar Khalid will be decapitated Delhi Police It was the driver of the bus who spotted an unclaimed bag and raised an alarm. He also registered a complaint at a police station in New Delhi district. 'The security provisions have been enhanced in view of the threat perception. Police are trying to ascertain identity of the bag's owner and several people have been questioned. "With the gun, there was also a letter which said that Kanhaiya and Umar Khalid will be decapitated,' said the officer. Earlier, Kumar was threatened on Facebook in a post that said men with weapons were already present inside the campus and ready to kill him at any moment, police said. JNUSU vice-president Shehla Rashid said, 'I have repeatedly alerted the JNU administration about these threats. But there's no positive response. We are disappointed by the silence of the administration and V-C on this issue. Tongues have started wagging in the Congress after recent remarks by Robert Vadra, the son-in-law of Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, that he will never leave the country despite his humiliation, and that he does not need his wife Priyanka to enhance his life. Party spokespersons refrained from commenting on the remarks, saying it was a 'family matter'. In the past, the Congress has always defended Vadra. Robert Vadra married Priyanka Gandhi in 1997 and though he may have political ambitions, he has limited his role as a campaigner for the Gandhis. Vadra, who has been under attack from the BJP over his land deals in Haryana and Rajasthan, said he would never leave the country, no matter how much I am humiliated and further said: I did not need Priyanka to enhance my life, I think I had enough. My parents gave me enough. Even as his rivals tried to read between the lines, Congress insiders claim that Vadra was running his business as a private citizen and nothing has been proved against him yet. While some party insiders who have watched him closely said the remarks seemed off the cuff, others dispelled rumours of a rift between the couple. Robert, 46, married Priyanka Gandhi in 1997 and though he may have political ambitions, he has restricted his role as a campaigner in the family pocket burroughs of Amethi and Rae Bareli in UP for Sonia and brother-in-law Rahul Gandhi. "Never say never, is how he responded when asked about the possibility of an active political role. "It has been 20 years as part of this family, but it won't take me 20 years to join politics, he remarked. "I will join politics only if I can make a difference. I will keep writing on topics, no matter what people think or say about it," he said. Vadra often uses his Facebook page to express views about various issues. Congress leaders said Robert has been targeted because he is Sonias son-in-law. He pointed out that the BJP-ruled Rajasthan and Haryana were quick to order probes, but have failed to find any evidence against him. During the Lok Sabha poll campaign, BJP PM nominee Narendra Modi targeted Robert over his land deals. Vadra said: "I was born and brought up here, I would never leave my country no matter how much the pressure, no matter how much I am humiliated. No matter what the government says, I have the ability to sustain and to absorb. I have a very strong and good family, my children give me strength." Robert and Priyanka have two children - son Rehan, and daughter Miraya. The land deals controversy surfaced in October 2012, when anti-graft activist and current Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his associates accused Vadra of corruption. It snow-balled into a major political controversy ahead of key state Assembly elections in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh. Kejriwal had alleged that Vadra purchased at least 31 properties, mostly in New Delhi, worth more than Rs 300 crore - for which money has come from unsecured interest-free loans from DLF. Ambedkar was the buzz word on Thursday when political parties jostled to make the most of the Dalit icons legacy. Celebrating Ambedkar's 125th birth anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi slammed the Congress for "undermining" Babasaheb. BSP chief Mayawati termed the Centres Dalit outreach as an eyewash and also ridiculed Rahul Gandhi for embracing the Dalit icon. PM Narendra Modi paying tributes to Babasaheb BR Ambedkar in Mumbai Various political parties and state governments had organised programs to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Ambedkar. Floral tributes were paid in London as well, where Ambedkar lived in 1921-22 during his student days at London School of Economics. Modi was in Mhow, the birthplace of Ambedkar in Madhya Pradesh, on Thursday, and asked why the Congress was getting perturbed when his government was working ardently to fulfil Ambedkars vision. Modi, who had faced attacks from the Congress for trying to appropriate the national icon, asked why successive Congress governments did not develop the panch teerth associated with Ambedkar during their tenure. Modi, who chose the occasion to launch the Gram Uday se Bharat Uday Abhiyan (a village self-governance campaign), said it was inspired by Amdedkar. BSP chief Mayawati (left) ridiculed Rahul Gandhi for embracing the Dalit icon, and accused him of 'indulging in theatrics'. Listing a number of measures that his government is taking to carry forward Ambedkars vision, including those for empowering the weaker sections, Modi said: For so many years, the vision of Ambedkar was undermined. Some people are distressed why Modi is doing all this. This is a matter of our dedication and conviction. We believe that social harmony can be achieved only by following the path shown by Baba Saheb. I feel proud to work at the feet of Baba Saheb. Earlier in the day, Mayawati sounded the poll bugle as she launched her election campaign from Lucknow, where she celebrated Ambedkars birth anniversary. Mayawati, whose party counts heavily on Dalit votes for support, cautioned Dalits and other backward classes against the BJPs designs and said its leaders will only act as bonded labourers of the RSS. She added that Modi could do little for the OBCs, though he claims to belong to the community. BJP or RSS can make any Dalit or OBC a prime minister or chief minister of any state but he cannot do anything good for his people... he will always remain a bonded labourer of BJP or RSS, she said. RJD chief Lalu Prasad marks the Dalit icons 125th birth anniversary Her remarks came in the backdrop of BJP appointing Keshav Prasad Maurya, an OBC, the UP-unit president. Mayawati also hit out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for not taking note of suicides by Dalit students when his party was in power. West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee snapped back at the EC The Bengali New Year did not begin so well for West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee. While the Election Commission served her a show-cause notice for having promised a new district in violation of a code of conduct, a fiery Banerjee dared the commission to take action. I have said what I liked, I will again say so, thousand times, crore times, do whatever you (EC) can against me, Banerjee said. They have show-caused me on the very first day of the Bengali New Year, the people will show-cause them on May 19, she said. Perfect tribute for IAF veteran The Indian Air Force base at Panagarh, West Bengal will be named after Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh, who will turn 97 on Friday. Bases are not usually named after personalities, unlike in some other countries, but an exception has been made. The IAF celebrated Singhs birthday with a grand function at Akash Officers Mess on Thursday, which was attended by former PM Manmohan Singh among others. Singh, a stalwart who flew over operational 700 sorties and led the IAF in the 1965 Indo-Pak war, also contributed Rs 2.25 crore to the forces welfare fund. Mehbooba meets Amit Shah J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti met BJP president Amit Shah on Thursday. It was her first meeting with Shah since she took her oath. The two leaders met amidst widespread unrest in the Valley. Former J&K CM Omar Abdullah criticised her Delhi visit, tweeting: Three people died as a result of firing by security forces and what does the J&K CM do? She continues her self-promoting tour of Delhi. From yatra to padyatra? The VHP had a unique request for Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal. They urged that cars participating in the Ram Navami Shobha Yatra should be exempted from the odd-even scheme on April 15. VHP office-bearers suggested that their vehicles will have a bhagwa dhvaj (saffron flag) to show that they are part of the yatra. But the Delhi government was not willing to oblige. Transport Minister Gopal Rai said: Why use cars at all? Its a religious yatra. Better go on foot. Shoes and stones for Kanhaiya JNUSU leader Kanhaiya Kumar is not having the best time since his release on bail. On Thursday, a slipper was hurled at Kanhaiya while he was delivering a speech at an auditorium in Nagpur. The incident happened hours after some Bajrang Dal workers threw stones at a car carrying him. Spotting a Belgian Malinois in the patrol teams deep inside Maoist territory has become a bad omen for the rebels. Extensive use of ferocious dogs in the anti-Red operations has been successful, and the dog squad now instils fear among Maoist groups. Officials revealed that the terror of dogs is such that the Maoists, who are trained for armed insurgency, are being told - Beware of a patrol party that has a dog in it. With rebels using new methods to carry out their attacks, the security forces are opting for enhanced techniques to train the dog squad. The canines are not restricted just to sniffing explosives. The forces are also using them for assaults, and reconnaissance patrols. With new training techniques they are also able to sense an ambush - ensuring that troops are alerted in advance. Officials associated with the anti-insurgency operations in the Red Zone say that rapidly changing tactics are implemented to stay ahead of the Maoists, who are becoming more technologically advanced. Officials say skills training given to the canines has helped them in the war against Maoist rebels Officials have trained the Belgian Malinois, the same breed that was part of the US forces while hunting down Osama Bin Laden. With the rebels using new methods like covering explosives with cow dung, human faeces or black and red pepper to ensure the sniffers dont get a whiff of it, the forces are opting for new training techniques. We have to condition them accordingly while training them. New training tricks includes smelling explosives that have been layered to confuse the dog, said an official involved with dog training. Officials say that training them in multiple skills has helped in attacking the Maoists. Dogs have played a major role in thwarting Maoist strategy by giving early warnings about the presence of an ambush. Many surrendered rebels have revealed in interrogation that if they see dogs in a patrol they are doubly careful and many times have had to retreat since the forces were alerted about a trap laid by the Maoists. Belgian Malinois have been trained to detect landmines and explosives hidden beneath the roads The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and the Border Security Force (BSF) serving in the Red Zone have been focusing on training dog squads to combat the Maoists. ITBP claims that it has never come under a Maoist ambush, for which they credit their dogs squad. With human intelligence failing, dogs provide a great support system. Not only have dogs been responsible for huge seizures of explosives, but they have also saved several lives by indicating that there is an ambush, said an officer. Dogs with a camera mounted on their back are trained to be a part of the anti-Maoist operations. This will aid the troops in launching an attack after seeing the pictures, the officer added. The CRPF, the main force deployed in the Maoist zone, is looking at doubling its dog strength at the earliest, given the success of the canines in combating the red threat. At present there are close to 700 dogs, but the target for the force is to have at least 1,400. Maximum deployment is in the left wing extremist areas, officials said. We are focusing on increasing the Belgian Malinois since its suited for tough conditions, said a CRPF officer. Realising the importance of these dogs in operations in the tough terrain, the force goes out of its way to keep them healthy. The breed can walk long distances despite the intense heat. Seven CRPF jawans were killed in a landmine blast in Chhattisgarhs Dantewada district on March 30, while saving a stricken dog that was part of several patrols digging out explosives planted by Maoists. Security forces have been witnessing the Maoists deploy innovative techniques to plant and conceal deadly improvised explosive devices. The Maoists place explosives beneath the roads, which human beings cannot perceive - but the dogs have been trained to detect them. While Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung is involved in a bitter tussle with Delh's AAP administration, his cook has alleged medical negligence by a Delhi government-run hospital While Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung is involved in a bitter turf tussle with the citys AAP administration, his cook has alleged medical negligence by a Delhi government-run hospital. The Aruna Asaf Ali hospital, which is adjacent to the L-Gs residence and the Delhi assembly, came under scanner after Mohammed Nadeems wife delivered a stillborn baby on Thursday. This is a complaint by an individual and has nothing to do with the LG or L-G House, said Madhur Verma, Deputy Commissioner of Police (North). Saba Bano, 24, was brought to the institute on Thursday night. The weight of the baby was 4.5kg and, according to the family, doctors performed a vaginal delivery. The condition of the mother and child was serious. Though the mother survived, the baby could not be saved, a senior doctor from the hospital told Mail Today. Sources at the institute confirmed that Nadeem works at the L-G House. "He has been here several times for regular medical check-ups, another senior doctor said. Late-night drama followed as members of Jungs family visited the hospital and intervened in the matter. The L-G House did not respond to calls and messages from Mail Today. The battle between Jung and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal stems from Delhis unique position as a union territory doubling as the Capital where both the L-G and police department report to the central home ministry and the local government has no say over several important departments. Loggerheads The AAP, which romped to power winning 67 of the Capitals 70 assembly seats in last years polls, has been at loggerheads with Jung after he appointed several senior bureaucrats against the wishes of the chief minister and overruled many Delhi government picks. Banos family too alleged that some equipment at the hospital were out of order. Doctors could not perform a fetoscopy an endoscopic procedure during pregnancy to allow access to the foetus, the amniotic cavity, the umbilical cord, and the foetal side of the placenta. One can get a close detail before the delivery through fetoscopy. Any abnormalities in foetus, placenta cord and umbilical cord can be diagnosed through the machine. Sometimes, it can also help to identify, if there are any, internal complications, a senior gynaecologist said. The Aruna Asaf Ali Hospital is situated near the residence of Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung Located in north Delhi, the hospital caters to around 1,000-1,200 patients every day. Its administration also manages a mortuary at Subzi Mandi, the oldest and biggest facility of its kind in the Capital. The institute is also among the 10 government hospitals that issue disability certificates to people. We are aware of the matter. But the reason of death cannot be determined until the postmortem report comes out, Dr Kulbhushan Goyal, deputy medical superintendent of the hospital told Mail Today. We did our best to save the baby. While Bano is still receiving treatment at the institute, Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) will perform a post-mortem on the baby's remains. Experts said in most cases with a baby weighing over 3.5 kg, a caesarean delivery is the preferred option. It depends on many factors. One has to perform a proper internal check-up and a pelvis access to decide on the mode of delivery. In many countries, even a baby weighing around 4.5 kg has been operated through vaginal delivery, said Dr Neeta Singh from AIIMS. If the weight of the baby is more than 4 kg then doctors have to be more careful for a vaginal surgery, said Dr Suneeta Mittal, director and of obstetrics at Gurgaon's Fortis Memorial Research Institute. One of the last surviving baolis (step wells) of Delhi the Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah baoli is facing fresh threats of survival. New constructions are growing around it rapidly, in apparent contravention of the AMASR (Ancient Monuments and Archeological Sites and Remains) Act, 2010. The Act prohibits any construction within 100 metres of protected heritage sites. One of the last surviving baolis (step wells) of Delhi the Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah baoli is under threat from encroaching development As Mail Today saw on Friday, a house is being built on the right-hand corner of the baoli gate, which also serves as the entry to the 14th century dargah. Besides, the unauthorised work is dwarfing a white-domed tomb, which is a heritage building on the municipal corporation list. The Archeological Survey of India (ASI), East MCD and the Nizamuddin Dargah Trust, however, seem least bothered by the constructions. On being approached, an ASI Delhi Circle officer said, requesting anonymity: We have sent them a notice, but the problem is that the punitive procedure is very long. In the meantime, such buildings, violating the law, are almost always completed. "After a complaint is made, our area incharge prepares a report, followed by an FIR and Director General (DG) of ASI requests a demolition order to the local Deputy Commissioner (DC). Kashif Nizami, in-charge of Nizamuddin Dargah, said, Please dont ask me to comment on the issue. We are locals and dont want to be seen as enemies in our community. Another khadim (dargah attendant), said, Such works are done in collusion with authorities. MCD inspectors almost always know about these developments. Two ASI Circles at Humayuns Tomb and Safdarjung are hardly few metres away from here. The baoli (step well) is said to have been dug up by revered Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya himself. Completed around 1300 CE, it is 160 feet deep and has green water, which is believed to possess divine healing properties. The baoli (step well) is said to have been dug up by revered Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya himself A flight of stairs leads to the well, fed by underground springs. The walls around the three sides of the well have 14th century architectural features. Unfortunately, the beautifully-arched and jaali (lattice) windows on the walls now have ugly balconies, coolers, sewage pipes and even Dish TV satellites hanging over them. ASI has woefully failed to prevent these constructions over the years and there are no signs of these being removed any time soon. The Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) is engaged in the baolis restoration and renovation since 2007. It managed to revive the Nizamuddin baoli, unclogging its feeding springs, years back. Today, it is probably the only baoli in Delhi with fresh water. However, officials say, these new constructions impede the revival work as well as endanger the old baoli walls. In less than 24 hours of India Today's special investigation Chattisgarh's Dirty Secret Revealed being broadcast, the founders of the vigilante outfit the Samajik Ekta Manch announced that the outfit was being dissolved with immediate effect. The India Today investigation had exposed the deep rooted nexus between the vigilante outfit and the state police. At a hurriedly convened press conference in Chattisgarh's Jagdalpur, the Samajik Ekta Manch said that it would henceforth cease to exist. The Samajik Ekta Manch announced that the outfit was being dissolved with immediate effect not long after an India Today investigation exposed alleged connections between the vigilante group and the state police The Manch put out a press release in which it said, "The Samajik Ekta Manch was set up with the intent of helping the central government, state government, district administration and the local police in the battle against Naxalism. It is with the intention of pushing this agenda that the Samajik Ekta Manch organised a series of nonviolent and democratic protests. However, some people used the activities of the Samajik Ekta Manch to demonise the local police and state administration. It is keeping these circumstances in mind that the members of the outfit have unanimously decided to dissolve the Samajik Ekta Manch with immediate effect." The expose by India Today had led to a massive clamour being built against the Chattisgarh government for using extra-constitutional methods to deal with voices of dissent. Over the past three months over a dozen lawyers, social activists and journalists have been forced out of Chattisgarh after being hounded by members of the Samajik Ekta Manch. Under pressure, Chattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh has announced the setting up of a high powered committee which will include the Secretary incharge of General administration in the state and also the Inspector General of Police of the Bastar region and two senior journalists. This committee has been mandated by the CM to look at all complaints about journalists and activists being hounded out of the state. Former Information and Broadcasting Minister and Congress leader Manish Tewari said, The Samajik Ekta Manch was involved in hounding journalists and social activists "Encouraging such vigilante groups like the Samajik Ekta Manch is against the Supreme Court ruling in the Salwa Judum case. Activists and journalists are there to tell the other side of the story and they can't be targeted. "After India Today's sting the Supreme Court should take suo moto cognisance and hold the Chattisgarh government in contempt. What is being done in Chattisgarh is completely unconstitutional. The CM should resign as he is in contempt and the government should be dismissed." In Delhi, senior advocate Prashant Bhushan announced that he would file a petition in the Supreme Court demanding that action be initiated against the Raman Singh government for disobeying the Supreme Court's verdict and allowing vigilante groups to flourish. In the India Today investigation, senior police officers had been shown on camera admitting that they were facilitating the activities of the Samajik Ekta Manch and that they were very happy that troublesome activists had been chased away from Chattisgarh. The founders of the Samajik Ekta Manch had been shown saying that they were trying to fill the void left after the Supreme Court banned the notorious Salwa Judum in 2011. While it is significant that the vigilante outfit has been forced to shut shop after the hard hitting India Today expose, however, caution needs to be exercised. The dramatic winding down of the Samajik Ekta Manch could well be a ruse to deflect the massive pressure that was building up against the Chattisgarh police. During the India Today investigation the founders of the Manch had admitted that they had already put in place contingency measures in case the Samajik Ekta Manch gets banned. The Congress launched a scathing attack on the PDP-BJP coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir, claiming it has no control over the trouble brewing in the Valley. The party has also urged governor NN Vohra to keep an eye on the border state. The Congress attack came in the wake of the crisis in NIT Srinagar and the widespread public outrage over Army firing in Handwara, in which many civilians lost their lives. Activists from Kashmir Tahreek Khawateen shout slogans during a protest against the killing of civilians at Handwara Both the incidents have given rise to tension within in the new coalition government with Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti having conveyed her concern over the incidents to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ever since the PDP-BJP government has taken over, incidents are taking place, which clearly demonstrate that the government is not in control of the situation, Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari said. As Jammu and Kashmir is a frontline border state, it is imperative that the governor keeps a close watch on the situation, he said. Tewari explained the Congress was urging the governor to keep a watch as he is the only one who holds a constitutional post and is the first one to be alerted. Noting that around 1,500 students of the NIT have left the institute, the Congress leader said the state government and the Centre seem least bothered about the fates of these students. Manish Tewari explained the Congress was urging the governor to keep a watch as he is the only one who holds a constitutional post The first achievement of the PDP-BJP government was to beat up those students who chanted pro-India slogans and force them to flee, said Tewari. Expressing concern over the growing protests in the Valley, he said, keeping in view totality of the situation, there should be caution and circumspection and a very close watch on the situation. The setting in Handwara is grave, he said adding that curfew had been imposed as people were protesting on the streets and Internet had been blocked by the state government. Protests rocked many places in Kupwara and its nearby areas after the death of three persons, who were killed in firing by security forces in Handwara, following allegations of molestation of a girl. The situation in Jammu and Kashmir is volatile though not anarchic, he said. Questioning the Pakistan policy at the Centre, Tewari further targeted the BJP saying that if reports about Pakistan NSA sharing info with his Indian counterpart about 10 terrorists infiltrating India were true, then the nation has every right to know the details. The question is who were they, where did they come from and where are they now. If three of them have been ostensibly neutralised by security forces, where are the rest? Where did the encounter happen, said Tewari. The boards of some of Britains biggest companies are braced for a wave of investor anger following the staggering revolt over executive pay at oil giant BP. Nearly 60 per cent of investors voted against BP chief executive Bob Dudleys 13.9million pay and perks package making the FTSE 100 energy firm the first swallow of a new shareholder spring. And the move against pay and management decisions seemed to be growing. Mining titan Anglo American and Stock Spirits yesterday became the latest to face unrest. Polish vodka maker Stock Spirits Group is facing a plan from shareholders to oust chief executive Chris Heath, and major shareholder Templeton Emerging Markets Group has now supported the move. Undeserving: Nearly 60 per cent of investors voted against BP chief executive Bob Dudley's 13.9m pay and perks package The row revolves around the way the company has lost market share in Poland and how the general poor performance of the firm. Shareholder group The UK Individual Shareholders Society (ShareSoc) then announced its opposition to executive pay at Anglo American. Roger Lawson, deputy chairman at ShareSoc, said it considers the 3.4million pay of chief executive Mark Cutifani as too high particularly in a year when the company suffered a loss of 4billion in 2015 and dividends were suspended. He said: The market cap of Anglo has shrunk from 50billion in 2008 to 8billion. However, chief executive remuneration has not been reduced to reflect the smaller simpler company that Anglo now is. The chief executive is still anticipated to receive 6.3million for target performance and 8.8million for above target performance. Yesterday, builder Persimmon Homes became another victim of shareholder ire as investors questioned the independence of a new non-executive director at its annual general meeting in York. The firm had wanted to appoint Nigel Mills, a senior advisor at Citigroup, a bank which is also the housebuilders broker. Mills scraped through with just 52.3 per cent of shareholder votes. In response, Persimmon said it would engage with investors and explain its reasoning. Bosses said they strongly believed he was independent, adding that he had not worked on the companys business in the previous three years. Chief executive Jeff Fairburns 2million package was waved through with just 8.6 per cent of votes cast against, although Mark Bentley of campaigning investor ShareSoc said there was more to his remuneration than met the eye. Its research suggested Fairburn could be in line for 50million of shares under the firms long-term incentive plan, he said. Bentley said: This pay package isnt fair and it isnt really in shareholders interest either. Nurofen maker Reckitt Benckiser, drugs group Astra Zeneca and media giant WPP are all expected to be confronted by angry investors at meetings over the coming weeks. The public shaming of fat cat pay in the City is regarded as a new shareholder spring, a nickname first used for the pay revolts in 2012. A series of shareholder rebellions claimed the scalps of chief executives including Avivas Andrew Moss. Simon Walker, the director-general of the Institute of Directors, said: The shareholders have spoken, and BP cannot shrug off this significant expression of disapproval with the pay package. On a salary of 2,350, it's unsurprising that thousands have already applied Applicant will be known as 'Porn Jay', and put together mix of audio clips But while it may sound like a publicity A bar in Denmark is advertising for what for someone could be their dream job. For the successful applicant will earn a salary of 2,350 to watch 20 hours' of porn a week. Provided with a computer, the 'lucky' candidate will also receive a mountain of DVDs, log-ins to various porn sites and a private space in the office to get to work. The Hornsleth Bar, in Aarhus, who are hiring, say they have no fixed idea about what they're looking for in their new employee. But they have specified they should be 'open-minded' and 'experienced'. 'The response to the advert has been enormous,' bar founder Kristian von Hornsleth told MailOnline. Hiring: Applicants for the unusual job, who must be over 18, must write an email explaining why they would be a better porn judge than anyone else Bizarre bar: The Hornsleth bar in Aarhus, Denmark, is advertising for someone to watch 20 hours of porn a week in return for a monthly salary of 2,350 Artistic: Hornsleth is a self-branded 'concept bar' and it's supposed to offer its guests a light-hearted way to view art. It has proved to be extremely popular on the Danish nightlife scene Unusual: This is the advert Hornsleth Bar has used to hunt for its new employee which, unsurprisingly, has prompted thousands of applications - some more serious than others 'Thousands have already responded on Facebook and email. 'Of course, there are a lot of strange people who have applied for the job. But we have gotten some serious responses as well, and we will start interviewing them shortly.' Of course, there are a lot of strange people who have applied for the job. But we have gotten some serious responses as well. Kristian von Hornsleth, co-founder of the Hornsleth Bar in Aarhus The chosen applicant will be given the job title 'Porn Jay' or PJ - like a DJ - and will work for the rest of April and throughout May. And all prospective applicants, who must be over 18, have to do is write an email explaining why they would be a better porn judge than anyone else. But while the whole endeavour may just sound like a publicity stunt or a bizarre joke, Hornsleth bar insists it is taking the role very seriously. 'We will find out who is serious and it will be a very interesting process to find the right man or woman for the job,' continued Kristian. 'It's part of an art installation in our toilets. I've put up images of famous porn stars in the toilets and with visual art you also need some kind of audio piece to integrate everything. Art party: 'We want to show art and party. We call it smarter drinking, drinking with a content so to speak,' Kristian von Hornsleth, co-founder and namesake of the Hornsleth Bar in Aarhus, told MailOnline 'We want to have at least 50-60 hours of audio from porn films. Basically sounds from the world of porn. I was once hiding in the women's bathroom at a nightclub and I could not believe how dirtily they were talking. We are trying to mirror that image. Kristian von Hornsleth, co-founder of the Hornsleth Bar in Aarhus 'But we don't want the sound to be the same woman screaming all the time or for the audio to be looped, that's why we need someone to watch as much porn as possible and edit the sound from the film. 'As a DJ, one must mix an entire evening's worth of audio files. There must be different sounds depending on the time and mood. 'The whole point of the bar is to make anything free, including sexuality.' Hornsleth is a self-branded 'concept bar' based both in Aarhus and in Copenhagen, and it's supposed to offer its guests a light-hearted way to view art. 'Art galleries are always boring,' Kristian added. 'You stand there drinking cheap white wine and feeling depressed. 'We want to show art and party. We call it smarter drinking, drinking with a content so to speak. 'An intellectual bar in some ways.' Popular: The bar, which is in Denmark's second largest city of Aarhus, attracts between 1,500 and 2,000 guests every weekend and is adorned with profanity-laced slogans and graffiti 'Serious': Thousands of applications have already come flooding in for the unusual role. But while it may sound like a gimmick, the bar's co-founder Kristian von Hornsleth (pictured) insists the advert is absolutely serious While it may sound like an off-the-wall choice, the bar has proved to be extremely popular on the Danish nightlife scene. The 750 square-metre club, which is adorned with graffiti and profanity-laced slogans, welcomes between 1,500 and 2,000 guests every weekend. 'It's quite uncommon for people to have sex inside the toilets, but it's not something we take that seriously if they do,' said Kristian. 'The reason why I came up with this idea was that toilets at bars and nightclubs is the space where men and women talk truthfully to their friends. 'I was once hiding in the women's bathroom at a nightclub and I could not believe how dirtily they were talking. We are trying to mirror that image.' He said: 'The right applicant must be experienced at watching porn, of course, but also qualified as a researcher and sound editor. 'We need someone with an open mind who knows what to look for in porn. They will be working as my assistant and update the sound regularly. Experienced: The applicant who is hired must be 'experienced at watching porn' but also qualified as a researcher and sound editor Party: The self-labelled 'concept bar' in Aarhus aims to provide its guests with a light-hearted place to view art, with installations scattered around the main rooms and in the toilets 'It could be a man or a woman, we don't care about the gender, but it ought to be someone with creative ideas on how to make this great. 'It's impossible to know how the person will react. It will definitely be challenging for the employee to come back to the real world. 'Perhaps the trauma is part of the job. But on the other hand, a doctor probably looks at naked people a lot during a work day, and for them that's just a normal thing. The child recovery group involved in the 60 Minutes Lebanon fiasco has been accused of using random pictures of a little girl and boy and claiming they had saved them on rescue missions. Child Abduction Recovery International (CARI) founder Adam Whittington has been arrested in Beirut after a botched attempt to retrieve Brisbane mother Sally Faulkner's two children. Sources told Daily Mail Australia Mr Whittington's group posted a picture of a small girl named 'Alake' to Facebook in 2014. This little bundle of joy couldnt stop smiling after seeing her mother, said the post, which has since been deleted. 'As you can see she couldnt take her eyes off her mum when we took this picture. Alake was abducted by family members and taken into Zambia from Kenya. 'She was taken in extreme circumstances over 7 months ago from her mothers (sic) arms and was not heard of again. But Daily Mail Australia can reveal the photograph is a Getty Images stock photo. The child rescue group boasted about rescuing her (left). But Daily Mail Australia can reveal it is a Getty Images stock photo The picture is a Getty Images photo captioned 'photo of curly haired precious little girl' Mr Whittington (pictured in his youth) is a former Australian soldier and Met Police officer This book featured the little girl's photograph. It was published in 2010, years before the CARI post The picture graced the cover of beauty instructor Claduia Campos's 2010 book,Natural, Beautiful and Curly: Hairstyles & Hair Care for Black and Bi-Racial Children. It is one of the first photos to come up on Google when searching picture of little black child girl. It has also been shared widely on haircare groups on Pinterest, and as a stock picture for a childcare organisation in the United States. Two sources in the child rescue industry, Mr Chapman and British-born rescuer Donya Alnahi, told Daily Mail Australia they had seen the picture uploaded to the CARI Facebook page in mid-2014 before it was deleted. Colin Chapman, who is a prominent critic of CARI and runs a rival group, Child Abduction Recovery, said: 'I do not believe that there was ever a recovery of a little girl called Alake.' 'It is my belief that the African girl and the Singaporean boy are fakes... given these photos have also been traced back to Google Images taken long before the supposed recoveries announced by CARI.' Mr Chapman also cast doubt on another story the group published on the CARI page of a little Singaporean boy who had been illegally abducted to Thailand. The group claimed to have rescued the boy on July 23, 2014, on their Facebook page, writing: 'CARI operatives worked in a joint operation with Thailand police and immigration to successfully locate and recover a young baby taken by the father from Singapore (picture attached with approval of mother). But the man who took the attached photograph, Noam Szoke, from California, told Daily Mail Australia he had taken the photo of the baby while he was travelling through Laos in 2012. CARI posted this picture of the a little Singaporean boy they claimed they had freed on July 23, 2014 But photographer Noam Szoke said he took this picture on his travels through Laos in 2012 Mr Szoke had no idea how the picture ended up being used by CARI. 'That is a picture from my blog and was taken about 4 years ago in Laos,' he said. I was traveling. I don't know the baby or its parents.' 'I took the photo. Have no knowledge of this Mr. Whittington, but his story is highly unlikely to say the least!' He added he had never even spoken to the child's mother on the bus trip. Daily Mail Australia reported last week that CARI had boasted on Facebook about a successful 2013 CARI child recovery operation in the Philippines. A picture was attached to the post that actually featured a 2006 police rescue in Oregon, U.S. Adam Whittington (pictured) is the founder of Child Abduction Recovery International The child rescue agency CARI arrested in Beirut with Tara Brown has this photograph on its Facebook page boasting that it is a successful 2013 CARI child recovery in the Philippines, when it is in fact it's a US police rescue from 2006 Real: CBS News covered the story in 2006 when the woman, San Francisco mother Kati Kim had to be rescued from a remote Oregon mountain in winter by police after the family became lost in the snow Mr Whittington founded CARI in 2000, according to his LinkedIn profile. He is a former Met Police officer in the United Kingdom and prior to that, served in the Australian Army. Mr Whittington has posted several photographs of himself with children following successful rescue missions. Stuart Dempster, whose daughter Natasha was rescued from Thailand by CARI in 2014, defended Mr Whittington as a 'top professional' and said 'lies' were being spread about him by rival groups. 'I can only talk about my case specifically and that when I engaged Adam he was a professional and very discreet. 'We collected my daughter - nothing like that [the 60 Minutes saga] went on.' Daily Mail Australia has made multiple attempts to contact CARI but did not receive a response. Mr Whittington is pictured with a child he rescued from a couple of years ago U.S. Rep. Mike Turner sent a letter Wednesday to the top general at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base objecting to the Bible's removal An Ohio congressman said it's unacceptable that a Bible was removed from a POW display at a military base medical center. U.S. Rep. Mike Turner sent a letter Wednesday to the top general at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base objecting to the Bible's removal from a POW/MIA table display in the hospital's dining facility, The Dayton Daily News reported. The Bible was removed last week after the Military Religious Freedom Foundation complained, base spokeswoman Marie Vanover said in an email. The foundation received more than 30 complaints, 10 of which came from people identifying as Christians, according to Mikey Weinstein, the organization's founder and president. Turner's letter to Gen. Ellen Pawlikowski said he's concerned that 'similar efforts to restrict religious freedom' may be made at other military sites. 'It's a very dangerous precedent to have a group that has an issue campaign to effect policy on a government installation merely by complaining,' the congressman said. Weinstein said the foundation had constitutional concerns about the Bible's display. He called Turner's letter 'ridiculous' and 'absurd.' 'He's grandstanding in an election year, throwing red meat to the conservative electorate that's out there,' Weinstein said. Air Force Materiel Command spokesman Ron Fry said the command and the Air Force said military leaders have to balance constitutionally protected religious freedom with the constitutional separation of church and state. The foundation has opposed the placement of Bibles in POW/MIA Missing Man displays at VA facilities in Akron and Youngstown. Those Bibles have also been removed. Scroll down for video All three Presidential candidates addressed their party's New York supporters in midtown Manhattan Thursday. With the make or break New York Primary next Tuesday Donald Trump and Texas Senator Ted Cruz made the most of their platform and dressed the part, whilst Ohio Governor John Kasich took a much more casual approach, donning a navy suit and blue tie for the $1,000 dollar a head dinner in the Five Star Grand Hyatt. Republican front-runner Donald Trump talked up 'New York values'. Those values he said - in a rare example of referring to notes - are 'Number one: Honesty and straight talk,' Trump said, also mentioning family and work ethics as part of the definition. 'It's the energy to get things done. Big energy,' he added. 'It's courage and community service.' Scroll down for video Presidential candidate John Kasich wore lounge suit to the annual GOP black tie gala held in Manhattan Presidential rivals Donald Trump and Ted Cruz followed the dress code as they addressed the GOP elite The New York billionaire is in danger of being forced to try to capture the Republican presidential nomination through a contested convention because opposition from rivals Ted Cruz and John Kasich is chipping away at his lead. As protesters chanted outside and waved signs against Trump, Trump told the New York state Republican Party's gala that he needs the momentum that a victory in the state's primary would bring next Tuesday. 'New York is so important,' Trump said, trying to regain the momentum he lost after Cruz defeated him in Wisconsin last week and captured all of Colorado's delegates. Trump identified himself with 'New York values' of hard work and compassion after Cruz charged Trump's version of these values are basically Democratic positions. Whether Trump can win the 1,237 delegates he needs for the nomination is an open question as both Cruz, a U.S. senator from Texas, and Ohio Governor Kasich, try to block him from getting enough delegates. They want to extend the fight to a contested convention in Cleveland when Republicans gather to formally choose their nominee in July. In his speech to the group, Kasich tried to raise questions about Trump without mentioning his name. He said Republican candidates across the country would be at risk with a candidate with a negative message at the top of the ballot. Trump has drawn many protests for policy positions that include building a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico, deporting 11 million illegal immigrants and banning Muslims temporarily from entering the United States. New York Police were out in force as Donald Trump spoke inside the Grand Hyatt in midtown Manhattan Anti Trump protesters waived banners and shouted slogans outside the venue Several protesters were arrested as they took to the streets around iconic Grand Central Station Demonstrators called for better rights for immigrants to the US and objected to Trump's policies One the signs held aloft by protesters said 'No racism in our White House' 'We risk losing everything from the White House to the courthouse to the state house if we don't advance a positive, uplifting, unifying message to this country. That is what we need to do,' said Kasich, who spoke after Trump. Cruz, speaking after Kasich, continued the theme, pointing to polls showing Trump losing badly to Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton and getting far less support from women and minority voters. Cruz presented himself as a unity candidate who can bring the various wings of the party together. 'If we nominate a candidate who loses to Hillary Clinton by double digits, who loses to women by 20 points, who loses Hispanics by 40 points, who loses young people, we cannot win in the general (election),' said Cruz. Across the river in Brooklyn their Democratic counterparts Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton sparred in the final Democratic town hall before next Tuesday's New York primary elections. Before the event started in the Grand Hyatt hotel near Grand Central Station, a group of protesters stormed the hotel mezzanine with a banner that read: 'NYC Rejects the Party of Hate.' Eleven of them were reported arrested. Across the river in Brooklyn their Democratic counterparts Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton sparred in the final Democratic town hall before next Tuesday's New York primary elections Outside the hotel, many anti-Trump demonstrators called the New York billionaire businessman a fascist or white supremacist. They even teased him about his signature hairdo. 'We Shall Over Comb,' read one sign. Others said: 'Deport Trump,' 'No allegiance for Trump,' and 'Black lives matter.' A series of speakers addressed the protest crowd with a loudspeaker. Police set up portable barriers to keep protesters separated from traffic and allow pedestrians to pass on busy 42nd Street. 'Although Trump is from here, there is no place for him here,' said one of the speakers, Nabil Hassein, 27, of the group Millions March NYC. Kasich scored a victory with the endorsement of former New York Governor George Pataki, an unsuccessful candidate for the Republican nomination for the November 8 election. The Trump campaign got some good news when a Florida prosecutor announced that Trump's campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, would not be prosecuted on a misdemeanor battery charge involving a reporter he was accused of grabbing at an event last month. The vast majority of Americans say they prefer lower prices instead of paying a premium for items labeled 'Made in the USA,' even if it means those cheaper items are made abroad, according to a new poll. With Donald Trump and Bernie Saunders pledging to bring back American jobs that have been outsourced to lower cost economies such as China, consumers in the US seem to prefer bargains to patriotism. According to the survey conducted by the Associated Press, consumers want bargains because income levels have remained fairly static. Americans, regardless of income, are more likely to pick the bargain over a product made in the United States Also, many US employers now want workers who have college degrees rather than those who have simply graduated high school. The survey claimed three in four would prefer to by US-made goods, but complain they are often too expensive of difficult to source. Only nine per cent boasted they only buy American. The pollsters used the example of a $50 pair of pants made abroad or the same style and fabric made in the US for $85. Almost 70 per cent admitted they would by the cheaper pair. The survey showed the reluctance to pay more money for American made goods was similar between poor families and those who are earning more than $100,000. Sonya Grob, a middle school secretary from Norman, Oklahoma said: 'Low prices are a positive for US consumers it stretches budgets and allows people to save for their retirements, if they're wise, with dollars that would otherwise be spent on day-to-day living.' But Trump and Sanders have galvanized many voters by attacking recent trade deals. Donald Trump, right, has appealed to voters with his campaign theme 'Make America Great Again' From their perspective, layoffs and shuttered factories have erased the benefits to the economy from reduced consumer prices. 'We're getting ripped off on trade by everyone,' said Trump, the Republican front-runner, at a Monday speech in Albany, New York. 'Jobs are going down the drain, folks.' The real estate mogul and reality television star has threatened to shred the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement with Mexico and Canada. He has also threatened to slap sharp tariffs on China in hopes of erasing the overall $540 billion trade deficit. Economists doubt that Trump could deliver on his promises to create the first trade surplus since 1975. Many see the backlash against trade as frustration with a broader economy coping with sluggish income gains. 'The reaction to trade is less about trade and more about the decline in people's ability to achieve the American Dream,' said Caroline Freund, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. 'It's a lot easier to blame the foreigner than other forces that are affecting stagnant wage growth like technology.' Democrat challenger Bernie Sanders, pictured, has also promised to bring back US jobs to America But Trump's message appeals to Merry Post, 58, of Paris, Texas where the empty factories are daily reminders of what was lost. Sixty-eight percent of people with a favorable opinion of Trump said that free trade agreements decreased the number of jobs available to Americans. 'In our area down here in Texas, there used to be sewing factories and a lot of cotton gins,' Post said. 'I've watched them all shut down as things went to China, Mexico and the Philippines. All my friends had to take early retirements or walk away.' Sanders, the Vermont senator battling for the Democratic nomination, has pledged to end the exodus of jobs overseas. 'I will stop it by renegotiating all of the trade agreements that we have,' Sanders told the New York Daily News editorial board earlier this month, saying that the wages paid to foreigner workers and environmental standards would be part of any deal he would strike. Still, voters are divided as to whether free trade agreements hurt job creation and incomes. Americans are slightly more likely to say free trade agreements are positive for the economy overall than negative, 33 percent to 27 percent. But 37 percent say the deals make no difference. Republicans (35 percent) are more likely than Democrats (22 percent) to say free trade agreements are bad for the economy. Police and federal agents arrested more than 40 people and seized piles of pot plants and elaborate growing equipment Thursday during raids of homes and warehouses throughout the Denver area. The bust was part of a multi-state investigation into the illegal distribution of marijuana outside Colorado. Authorities described the case as the latest example of drug traffickers seeking safe haven in the state's flourishing marijuana industry, where much of it is shipped out of state. Police said the marijuana can be sold elsewhere for more than double what it would in Colorado. Several raids in recent weeks have taken aim at out-of-state drug rings, including a sweep last month that focused on unlicensed pot grows of varying sizes. The yearlong investigation that led to Thursday's raids began after residents living near the site complained about the smell of weed, a law enforcement official with knowledge of the investigation told The Associated Press. The official wasn't authorized to comment on the ongoing investigation and did so on the condition of anonymity. Scroll down for video An investigator tosses marijuana plants outside an illegal grow operation in north Denver early Thursday An investigator looks over a grow light taken out of a home in which a suspected illegal grow operation for marijuana plants was set up in Aurora early Thursday The official said the case involves people who moved to Colorado from Texas specifically to grow marijuana that would be illegally exported. Colorado residents voted to legalize pot in 2012. Officers searched about 30 properties during the raids, which spanned from the Denver area south to Colorado Springs. The North Metro Drug Task Force and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration referred questions to the state attorney general's office, which refused to comment. At one home in a residential neighborhood, agents confiscated grow lights and laid them on the lawn and driveway. Traffickers hide among the state's sanctioned warehouses and farms, but also in neighborhoods where concerned neighbors sometimes tip police, authorities say In an industrial spot in Denver, large pot branches were stacked up in bushy piles outside a trailer and loaded onto a National Guard vehicle, the pungent stench drawing curious onlookers. Traffickers hide among the state's sanctioned warehouses and farms, but also in neighborhoods where concerned neighbors sometimes tip police, authorities say. In Pueblo, about 115 miles south of Denver, seven separate investigations this month have led to the arrests of 12 people from Florida, many of whom are originally from Cuba. The Pueblo County sheriff's office has said all were growing the drug for shipment to more lucrative markets and some had relocated to Colorado just weeks earlier. Investigators have raided several homes and warehouses throughout the Denver area as part of a multi-state investigation into the illegal distribution of marijuana outside Colorado Investigators sort through illegally-grown marijuana plants outside a grow operation in north Denver early Thursday He wants to see waterboarding allowed, backing a call made by Trump, and says: 'Trump is He bravely fought back from the brink of death after suffering horrific wounds in Iraq. Staff Sgt Bobby Henline lost four of his comrades when their Humvee was destroyed by a roadside bomb; he suffered 38 per cent burns to his body, spent two weeks in a coma and despite two years of treatment, lost his left arm. He fought back by becoming a stand-up comic and found humor amid the horror in the hope it would help himself and others injured in combat. Now Bobby has put his head above the parapet again and come out in support of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump - even offering to be a foreign policy advisor to the GOP front-runner. Henline, 44, of San Antonio, Texas, is impressed with the billionaire's campaign and thinks he could help him fine-tune his policies. New life: After the appalling wounds he suffered in Iraq, Bobby Henline has found a new way of living, moving states - and becoming a stand-up comedian. Now he wants to advise Donald Trump and see him as president As he was: Henline was a staff sergeant in the 82nd Airborne when he was wounded, after a lengthy career, which saw him serve in Desert Storm in 1991 at the age of 19, then re-enlist and carry out four tours of Iraq Backing: Trump's call to bring back waterboarding has resonated with Henline, who says: 'If you get captured you're getting your head cut off on TV. But then we can't pour water on their face to get them to talk to us.' Trump has controversially called to bring back waterboarding and raised concerns that US troops have been banned from using the interrogation technique while terror group ISIS are 'chopping off people's heads'. Henline, a veteran of four combat tours of Iraq, told Daily Mail Online he agreed with the tough stance. 'I have issues with some of the restrictions we have with the rules of engagement. 'If you get captured you're getting your head cut off on TV. But then we can't pour water on their face to get them to talk to us. 'That is frustrating. Waterboarding is something we would do to our own guys as part of training but we can't do it to this guy who is trying to kill us. I would definitely advise Mr Trump. A good leader doesn't have to know everything. Nobody knows everything that's why you surround yourself with people who are experts in different areas. Trump is aggressive and that is good.' 'In a war situation you have to do things that you wouldn't normally do in life. 'I like that Trump is not another politician. I think it is smart to have a businessman in the White House. 'I think one of the president and vice president should be a businessman and the other should be military. 'I would definitely advise Mr Trump. A good leader doesn't have to know everything. Nobody knows everything that's why you surround yourself with people who are experts in different areas. 'That's what makes a good leader. Someone who can motivate the people like that. Trump is aggressive and that is good.' While Henline considers himself an independent, he says Trump would be his 'preference' from the candidates running to be president because he is 'out of the box'. But he does not back all of Trump's foreign policies including his pledge to 'bomb the hell' out of ISIS, having served first in Operation Desert Storm - the 1991 operation to end Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait - then re-enlisting and serving again. 'You don't want to just "bomb the hell out of them" - there are good people there,' he said. 'But we definitely need boots on the ground. I would go back myself if I could. I was in Desert Storm then I went back three more times. 'Then I went back three more times after I got hurt doing comedy for the troops. 'I know they say we kicked out Saddam Hussein then lost control of the country and that's how ISIS was able to get in. But you've got to keep fighting. It takes time to win the hearts and minds.' Henline, who served with the 82nd Airborne Division and 3rd Armored Calvary Regiment, became one of America's most high-profile veterans when he turned to comedy during his recovery. Appalling toll: Bobby Henline's burns left him in a coma for two weeks then a long and difficult road to recovery, which eventually saw him lose his left arm. Support: Staff Sgt Henline with Brigadier General David G. Clarkson, in the wake of his injuries Humor: After his occupational therapist told him he was funny, he turned to stand-up. 'I had a good time in Iraq, but that last tour was a real blast. It took me four tours to realize my lucky number is three,' he jokes. He walks on stage and breaks the silence by saying: 'You should see the other guy.' His act also includes the joke: 'I had a good time in Iraq, but that last tour was a real blast. It took me four tours to realize my lucky number is three.' He uses his stand-up shows to raise money for veterans and increase awareness of PTSD. He is now also hoping to give back to the military community who lifted him from his darkest days by launching a franchise of burger joints run and staffed by veterans. Bobby also recently starred in a movie alongside Diane Ladd, 80, called Sophie and the Rising Sun that debuted at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. He plays a World War I veteran disfigured by mustard gas in the World War II-era romance. And he said: 'I would love to see more people with disfigurement and burns in movies. I want to be the Tyler Perry of burnt people - I want to make romantic comedies with burnt people in them!' But despite retaining his cheerful personality, Bobby has been through a daily struggle and more than 40 operations in his battle to overcome his injuries. He wanted to die for the first year after the attack. And two years ago he divorced from his wife of 20 years and the mother of his three children, Connie, after the dynamics of their marriage were changed by his condition. The devastating injuries happened on April 7 2007, as Henline and his unit from 5th Squadron, 73rd Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, led a convoy delivering supplies to soldiers north of Baghdad. Near the village of Zaganiyah in Diyala province, a roadside bomb exploded under the Humvee. Capt. Jonathan Grassbaugh, Spc. Ebe Emolo, Spc. Levi Hoover and Pfc. Rodney McCandless were all killed instantly. 'I don't remember anything from that day, I just remember waking up in the hospital. But three or four artillery rounds buried in the side of the road had blown the Humvee 20 meters and turned it upside down. 'I was the only survivor out of five guys and was burnt over 38 per cent of my body. 'My head was burnt to the skull. I had my hand for two years and we tried to get it to work again but it just wouldn't work. I kept saying: "Just take it off." 'They gave it two years then took it off. It was an easy decision for me to make. It was causing me pain and it didn't work - so get rid of it. 'The first year was the hardest when I was trying to figure it all out. Why was I alive? Why did I make it? You get that survivor's guilt. You don't want to be alive - I felt worthless and like a burden on my family. 'These families who lost their loved ones, their sons and fathers, were trying to help my family out. They were trying to see what they could do for us - it was just overwhelming. 'I would pray to God every night for that first year. I'd say: 'I'm a burden on my family, I shouldn't be here.' I would ask him to take me every night. But after that year I got a little healthier and thought: 'OK, I'm still here. I can't waste what I have been given.' 'I had to put into perspective that if I hadn't made it and one of the other guys had, what would I want for them. I wouldn't want them to give up. I would want them to live their life to the fullest, continue on and serve. I have to remind myself of that from time to time - I have to keep on for them. 'The best revenge I can get is to help more people that that guy hurt. I consider myself blessed. Lost comrades: PFC Rodney McCandless; Spec Levi Hoover; Cpt Jonathan Grassbaugh; and Spec Ebe Emolo, all of whom were killed in the IED attack which wounded Staff Sgy Bobby Henline Public support: Henline has used his social media profile to support Trump and says of the presidential candidate: ''I think it is smart to have a businessman in the White House. 'I think about life and all the stuff you almost weren't here for. I think about all the guys who didn't come back that day and their families. It's going to be an emotional week, for sure.' Bobby started using humor to cope shortly after emerging from his two-week coma and in August 2009, just over two years after the attack, he performed his first comedy set at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles. He said: 'I didn't want to do it at first but I got talked into it by my occupational therapist. I was joking around at the hospital, it's how I dealt with the pain. 'She said: "You're funny, you should do stand-up comedy." I thought there was no way I could go to the general public and say: "I got blown up in Iraq, isn't that funny?" 'Now I do a lot of comedy shows to raise money for veterans. It's definitely therapeutic. I haven't changed. I'm still a happy-go-lucky guy.' Bobby's family relocated from San Jose, California, to Texas after the incident to be closer to the Brooke Army Medical Center where he was being treated. But his injuries ended up being too much strain on his marriage and he divorced two years ago. He explained: 'We lost that intimacy when she became the caretaker and I was the patient. Now we get along great and communicate a lot better. We have three children together who are 17, 18 and 24 and and they were like: "What took you guys so long?"' Bobby is now trying to help fellow veterans by opening a burger chain that will employ ex-soldiers and given them the opportunity to become franchise owners. He has launched an online fundraising campaign to kickstart the scheme that aims to give veterans careers after they return from serving their country. The inspiration for the burger joint Bobby hopes to open in San Antonio, called Biggie's Burger and Great Shakes, is another restaurant of the same name in San Clemente, California, owned by Korean War veteran Richard Brown. The pair have decided to go into business together and build a chain of Biggie's restaurants all owned by vets. They are currently raising money on a GoFundMe page to get the scheme started and open the San Antonio branch and have received more than $50,000 in donations so far. He said: 'We are going into partnership to start a franchise for veterans. Stephen Cavanaugh sued the Department of Correctional Services and penitentiary officials in 2014 seeking $5 million and a court order mandating that inmates who practice FSMism A judge has dismissed a Nebraska inmate's lawsuit that claimed he was denied his right to worship the divine Flying Spaghetti Monster, and that he was mocked and faced discrimination for his faith. Stephen Cavanaugh sued the Department of Correctional Services and penitentiary officials in 2014 seeking $5 million and a court order mandating that inmates who practice FSMism receive the same rights and privileges as inmates who practice other religions. U.S. District Judge John Gerrard dismissed the lawsuit on Tuesday. He said in his ruling that 'FSMism' is not a religion as outlined by federal law, but 'a parody intended to advance an argument about science, the evolution of life and the place of religion in public education.' Gerrard said those issues are important and that FSMism contains a serious argument, 'but that does not mean that the trappings of the satire used to make that argument are entitled to protection as a "religion,"' the Lincoln Journal Star reported. He also said Cavanaugh, 24, didn't sufficiently back up claims that he had been prevented from exercising his religion while serving time in the Nebraska State Penitentiary on assault and weapons charges. Cavanaugh claimed prison staff discriminated against him by refusing to allow him to meet for worship services and classes, to wear religious clothing and pendants and to receive communion. He said staff mocked and insulted his faith. Gerrard determined that prison staff considered Cavanaugh's request in good faith 'and concluded, reasonably, that FSMism was satirical and required no accommodation.' 'This case is difficult because FSMism, as a parody, is designed to look very much like a religion,' he said. A Georgia high school senior says she was victimized twice first when her ex-boyfriend shared nude images of her via social media and again when she was arrested for throwing water and cursing at him. The 18-year-old student, Xavier Jones, was shocked when a friend told her April 1 that a nude video and photos of her had been shared on the smartphone messaging app Kik. Male classmates at Newnan High School also shared images of other female students, she says. Angry and embarrassed, Jones confronted her ex-boyfriend, who she said shared the video and photos of her. She cursed at him and threw water on him, she said. A teacher saw her outburst and took her to the principal's office. Scroll down for video 18-year-old student Xavier Jones (pictured) was shocked when a friend told her April 1 that a nude video and photos of her had been shared on the smartphone messaging app Kik It was the day before spring break, and Jones was suspended for the first day back after the break, which was Monday. She was told to come in with her parents the following day. Several police officers were at the meeting Tuesday. After a brief conversation, Jones shook and cried as an officer told her to stand up and put handcuffs on her, she said. Jones told WSB-TV: 'They told me to stand up and he put the handcuffs on me. 'Then I started shaking and crying.' Jones was charged with disruption of a public school, according to a police report. The misdemeanor is punishable by up to a year in prison and a fine of up to $5,000, said her attorney Gerald Griggs. 'We fully believe she was defending herself and defending her honor that had been violated by these gentlemen,' Griggs said. 'I don't think the school system or the police department handled this the appropriate way.' Newnan police Deputy Chief Rodney Riggs said the charge was appropriate because a large group of students gathered around when Jones confronted her ex. 'It took a number of faculty and staff to regain order and get people moving along to their classes, so there was a disruption to the school,' Riggs said. Jones has also been kicked out for the rest of the school year and it's not clear whether she'll be allowed to graduate, said attorney Chris Stewart. Newnan police Deputy Chief Rodney Riggs said the charge was appropriate because a large group of students gathered around when Jones confronted her ex Jones has also been kicked out for the rest of the school year and it's not clear whether she'll be allowed to graduate, said another attorney Chris Stewart. Their immediate goal is to get the school to drop the charge and to allow Jones to finish the school year, Stewart said. 'This ruins her life because what if she can't get into college because of this charge,' Stewart said. 'It's just unfair.' Dean Jackson, a spokesman for the Coweta County School System, said the law prevents him from commenting on any matter that involves student discipline. The police report says Jones walked up to her ex in the center of campus, threatened to kill him and threw a water bottle at him. Jones told an officer she had sent the photos to her ex and that he had made the video about a month earlier when they were dating. The male teen confirmed what she said about the photo and videos. He told the officer he was talking about spring break with friends in an online chat when he posted the video and photos. The male student showed the officer the chat, but before the officer could get more information, the person who started the chat 'shut it down and all information was lost,' the police report says. Britains foreign aid budget keeps rising. Currently at 12 billion a year, it is due to soar during David Camerons two terms as Prime Minister, to 16 billion by 2020. As the Mail revealed yesterday, Britain pays 1 in every 7 of aid donated by rich countries three times as much per head as the U.S. and much of it is being sent to the worlds most corrupt countries where despots line their own pockets and make life even worse for the poor. Among the most egregious recent examples was South Africa, where even as our Government gave the country 19 million a year to alleviate poverty its president Jacob Zuma was spending 13 million of state funds improving his lavish home. Ministers have stopped direct aid to South Africa since the outcry, but elsewhere the spending continues. Here, we present our guide to the 12 countries the dirty dozen where British taxpayers money is most shockingly abused... Zimbabwe is asking for 1 billion drought aid and its rulers claim to be Marxists, but those close to veteran president Robert Mugabe, pictured, have plundered billions, largely from illicit diamond smuggling AFGHANISTAN UK aid: 178m a year Corruption league table ranking: 166 (Third most corrupt of 168 countries) The Afghan economy is reliant on aid, yet even International Development Secretary Justine Greening admits theft is endemic. One U.S. audit found no government ministry could be trusted to prevent funds being stolen or wasted, while the UK watchdog has condemned weak controls and anti-corruption measures. Huge sums have been flown out of the country by corrupt politicians and businessmen much of it made from drugs and some suspected of being siphoned off aid projects. At one point, more was leaving Afghanistan in cash than was being collected in taxes. In 2009, a former vice president landed in Dubai with $52 million in cash, while government posts were said to be so lucrative they were sold. Investigations have linked family and associates of ex-president Hamid Karzai to a 90 million property empire. BANGLADESH UK aid: 189m a year Ranking: joint 139 Anti-corruption group Transparency International calls politics in Bangladesh a battle between established elites over state resources, with health services riddled with extortion. Several of the countrys richest people are linked to politics, including Sajeeb Wazed Joy, the prime ministers son, and Tarique Rahman, the British-based son of a previous president. Rahman was cleared of money-laundering three years ago, alleging the accusations were politically motivated, though his business partner was found guilty of taking kickbacks. One MP, a member of the ruling family, increased his income 330-fold in five years. DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO UK aid: 183m a year Ranking: 147 When Joseph Kabila took power in this war-torn nation aged 29 in 2001 after the murder of his father, he became the worlds youngest leader. Since then he is believed to have stashed away billions by flogging off Congos mineral wealth on the cheap in dodgy deals. His twin sisters holdings in a South Pacific tax haven were exposed by the Panama Papers leak. The president was accused of bribing MPs $100,000 each to back a law allowing him to circumvent restrictions over his term of office that would have ejected him out of office this year. KENYA UK aid: 129m a year Ranking: joint 139 Mega-rich President Uhuru Kenyatta, son of his nations first president, is from one of Kenyas wealthiest families, with land holdings and business stakes worth 300 million. He and his vice president used witness intimidation to evade crimes against humanity charges at the International Criminal Court over election violence. Public services are notoriously corrupt. Kenyans pay up to 16 bribes a month to officials. NEPAL UK aid: 81m a year Ranking: 130 Nepal has slipped down the corruption index, with one expert telling British MPs that politics there is an extractive enterprise with absenteeism levels of 73 per cent in the health ministry. Huge sums of aid were poured in to assist after last years earthquake, yet thousands of people remain in temporary shelters without water or electricity amid complaints of aid cash disappearing. NIGERIA UK aid: 250m a year Ranking: 136 Our aid to this West African nation doubled under the Coalition and keeps rising, despite corruption and even a space programme. It has some of the worlds highest-paid politicians, earning up to 1.4 million a year, more billionaires than Britain and is Africas biggest market for private planes, with annual sales of 1 billion. When its central bank governor said 14 billion of oil revenues were missing, he was fired while one state governor alone embezzled 50 million. PAKISTAN UK aid: 538m a year Ranking: 117 Even the pro-aid select committee for international development complained of giving huge sums to a country where more than two-thirds of MPs do not bother filing tax returns. Corruption and tax evasion is estimated to cost Pakistan about 100 million a day. Prime minister Nawaz Sharifs children were linked to 7 million offshore dealings for four Park Lane properties by the Panama Papers. The billionaire businessman sparked outrage over travel expenses including 17 trips to Britain averaging 132,000 a month. Former president Asif Ali Zardari was known as Mr Ten Percent, allegedly amassing a billion-pound property portfolio including a Surrey mansion set in 350 acres. PALESTINE UK aid: 72m a year Ranking: n/a Britain hands 25 million to the Palestinian Authority, which pays convicted terrorists and their families salaries that rise depending on the seriousness of the terrorist crimes they commit. Corruption is rampant in the occupied territories, with claims that one minister stole 120 million and accusations that the terror outfit Hamas took millions from reconstruction aid after Israeli attacks. President Mahmoud Abbas is finishing off a 9 million palace near Ramallah with helipads, two swimming pools and a whirlpool spa. He reportedly stayed in a 1,800-a-night New York hotel. Rwanda has become an aid darling despite the bloodstained reputation of its iron man leader Paul Kagame, pictured, and assassinations of rivals abroad RWANDA UK aid: 66m a year Ranking: 44 This tiny central African nation has become an aid darling despite the bloodstained reputation of its iron man leader Paul Kagame and assassinations of rivals abroad. The prickly president says corruption kills a nation. Yet he has two 30 million private jets (that have been lent to his friend Tony Blair) and a sprawling countryside estate. When visiting New York he stayed in a swanky hotel costing 12,000 a night a sum that would take the average Rwandan two decades to earn. Wife Jeannette is said to be the business brain in the household. SOUTH SUDAN UK aid: 134m a year Ranking: 163 Britain has been a big supporter of the worlds newest country, arguing aid will improve stability. Experts say aid fuels conflict and corruption. South Sudan has been shattered by savage fighting over oil revenues, with economic collapse and state coffers heavily plundered. In 2012, just one year after the nations birth, president Salva Kiir accused his own officials of stealing almost 3 billion. President Yoweri Museveni, pictured, who travels in a 40-vehicle motorcade, has won his fifth election amid reports of intimidation, bribery and ballot-box stuffing UGANDA UK aid: 92m a year Ranking: joint 139 President Yoweri Museveni who travels in a 40-vehicle motorcade has won his fifth election amid reports of intimidation, bribery and ballot-box stuffing. Seven years ago, given 70 million in UK aid, he bought himself a Gulfstream jet. Later it emerged he bought six Russian fighter jets at twice the market rate and without parliamentary approval for three times the annual spending on Ugandas health service. Museveni often hands out cash at rallies, once giving a sack containing 66,000 to a youth group. ZIMBABWE UK aid: 66m a year Ranking: 150 The country is asking for 1 billion drought aid and its rulers claim to be Marxists, but those close to veteran president Robert Mugabe have plundered billions, largely from illicit diamond smuggling. One aide who died in suspicious circumstances was said to have left his wife 8 billion in his will. The presidents wife, fighting rivals to succeed her ailing husband, is nicknamed Gucci Grace due to her extravagant shopping trips to Singapore on which it is said she routinely takes $5 million in cash. A former prison chaplain who pleaded guilty to helping an imprisoned mobster recover a hidden violin avoided any additional time behind bars Thursday when a judge found that prosecutors had not proven that the instrument was a rare 18th-century Stradivarius that purportedly belonged to the late entertainer Liberace. U.S. District Judge John Darrah sentenced the Rev. Eugene Klein to a single day in prison time that the Mesa, Arizona, Roman Catholic priest already has served. Prosecutors had sought a five-year sentence. The Chicago Sun-Times quoted Darrah as saying: 'What you did, Father Klein, was wrong, and was seriously wrong.' Former prison chaplain Rev. Eugene Klein (left) who pleaded guilty to helping imprisoned mobster Frank Calabrese Sr. (seen right in 1983) recover a hidden violin has avoided any additional time behind bars Klein who pleaded guilty last year to conspiring to defraud the government was accused of scheming with the late Frank Calabrese Sr. to find a rare, 250-year-old violin that the Chicago Outfit enforcer hid years earlier in his Wisconsin summer home. In a recent court filing seeking probation, Klein's lawyers argued that the instrument might have been stolen during a 2004 burglary at the home. Prosecutors say the plot was hatched in 2011 when Klein was administering communion to Calabrese at a prison in Springfield, Missouri, where the mob hit man was serving a life sentence for 13 killings. Prosecutors said Klein broke prison rules by accepting a note from Calabrese wrapped in religious materials and pushed through the food slot of his cell. It directed Klein to look in a pull-out door and against a wall in the home in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. The note, via the Chicago Sun-Times said: 'Go upstairs to the second floor the first door on the right has a lot of beds in it. 'When you get in that bedroom go to the right, there is a little pull out door about 3 1/2 feet high. 'Be sure to have a little flashlight with you so you can see. 'Make a right when you go into that little pull out door. 'Go all the way to the wall. That is where the violin is.' Prosecutors say Calabrese wanted to ensure agents could never get ahold of the violin that once belonged to entertainer Liberace, saying he'd rather the priest profited from its sale. Calabrese died in a federal prison in North Carolina in 2012 at age 75. Prosecutors say Calabrese wanted to ensure agents could never get ahold of the violin that once belonged to entertainer Liberace (seen in a file photo), saying he'd rather the priest profited from its sale. Prosecutors found a certificate indicating the violin may have been a much less valuable one made in 1764 by Giuseppe Artalli, and not by the renowned Italian Antonio Stradivari. (This stock image shows a Stradivarius violin) A search in 2010 turned up $1 million in cash, diamonds and other valuables in a wall behind a family portrait in Calabrese's Chicago-area Oak Brook home. Despite searches in Wisconsin, no violin was ever found. In the Oak Brook search, prosecutors found a certificate indicating the violin may have been a much less valuable one made in 1764 by Giuseppe Artalli, and not by the renowned Italian Antonio Stradivari. Klein's sentence includes three years of supervised release, with the first six months served in home confinement with electronic monitoring. He also must perform 200 hours community service. Secretary of State John Kerry said that under US military rules of engagement, the Navy ship that Russian military jets buzzed in the Baltic Sea this week could have opened fire. The guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook reported that pairs of Russian SU-24 attack planes made numerous close-range passes on Monday and Tuesday. In remarks to CNN Espanol in Miami, Kerry condemned the Russian actions and said that 'under the rules of engagement' it 'could have been a shootdown'. Scroll down for video Two low-flying Russian jets (Su-24 plane pictured) 'aggressively' buzzed a US warship sailing in the Baltic Sea on Tuesday evening Show of force: The Russian Su-24 planes thundered over the USS Donald Cook at a height of just 30ft, creating a 'wake in the water' On at least one occasion an SU-24 came within an estimated 30 feet of the Cook, which was in international waters about 70 nautical miles from the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, which hosts Russian military forces. The repeated flights by the SU-24 warplanes were so close, they created wakes in the water, with 11 passes, a US Defense official said. The planes appeared to be unarmed. Secretary of State John Kerry said that under US military rules of engagement, the Navy ship that Russian military jets buzzed in the Baltic Sea this week could have opened fire The American warship was conducting air operations about 70 nautical miles from the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad when the aircraft (pictured) flew at an 'unsafe' speed close to the Destroyer A Russian KA-27 Helix helicopter also made seven passes around the Cook, taking pictures. The Cook did not respond except to unsuccessfully query the Russian pilots by radio. 'They tried to raise them (the Russian aircraft) on the radio but they did not answer,' the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity, adding the US ship was in international waters. In all cases a military commander has the authority to defend his or her ship, plane or other unit. A Russian KA-27 Helix helicopter - designed to sink submarines - took pictures of the US vessel as it made seven passes over the ship The USS Cook was 70 miles (marked by dotted line) from the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad. Its exact location has not been released The White House issued a statement condemning Russia for the latest in a series of 'concerning' clashes. Pictured, the two planes flying past the US warship The commander is expected to use his or her best judgment under the circumstances to determine whether the ship faces an imminent threat. The official said the commanding officer of the Cook believed that Tuesday's incident was 'unsafe and unprofessional,' but cautioned that a formal US military review of the matter was under way. White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the U.S. raised its concerns through its military defense representative at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. STATE-OWNED CHINESE PAPER BACKS RUSSIA OVER 'ARROGANT' US A Chinese state-backed newspaper has claimed Russia has humiliated the arrogant United States after two SU-24 jets aggressively buzzed an American warship in the Baltic Sea. The editorial in the Global Times a paper with close links to Chinas rulers characterized the attack as a blow to US prestige. The Russian pilots have demonstrated high professional skills to conduct such extremely dangerous maneuvers, wrote the papers leader writer. The US military, which intends to provoke Russia in the Baltic Sea, was humiliated by its Russian counterpart instead. The US must feel furious. It went on to claim that the jets were an embodiment of Putin, who for many years has repeatedly posed challenges to Washington adeptly. The article accused the US of an arrogant use of pressure on Russia, which Putin had responded to, allowing an asymmetric strategic balance between the two states. The extraordinary support of Putins actions against US interests, from a media outlet closely linked to Chinas elite, will raise concerns among American officials. The Global Times is a tabloid owned by the People's Daily the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party. Advertisement The two planes (pictured from the USS Donald Cook) were 'wings clean', meaning they were not visibly armed as they flew past The USS Donald Cook (pictured) was sailing in the Baltic Sea when it was buzzed by low flying Russian fighter jets at a height of just 30 feet in 'aggressive' passes The Cook did not respond except to unsuccessfully query the Russian pilots flying the SU-24 (file photo) by radio A lawyer for the Brisbane mother who is facing kidnapping charges with a 60 Minutes crew in Lebanon has reportedly confirmed she used Channel Nine's money to pay for the child recovery operation. Sally Faulkner's Lebanese lawyer Ghassan Moghabghab told the ABC Ms Faulkner had paid funds directly to the recovery team, Child Abduction Recovery International (CARI), for the bungled mission to Beirut. Mr Moghabghab said she had used money from 60 Minutes. But he was quoted saying 'I don't have any idea' if the Nine Network had intended to pay for the retrieval operation or simply the rights to her story. Scroll down for video Sally Faulkner's lawyer has reportedly said she was paid for by the Nine Network and had used money given to her by 60 Minutes to the child recovery agency, Child Abduction Recovery International. She is pictured above with her children Lahela, five, and Noah, three Ghassan Mughaghab (pictured), the lawyer for Brisbane woman Sally Faulkner, made the remarks in an interview with the ABC on Thursday. He added 'I don't have any idea' if 60 Minutes had intended for the money to go towards the child recovery operation 60 Minutes reporter Tara Brown has told the media she is being kept in a barred, heavily meshed holding cell and was required to wear handcuffs each time she went outside Veteran journalist Stephen Rice (left), David Ballment (centre) and Benjamin Williamson (right) are also in custody in Lebanon The lawyer also told the ABC Ms Faulkner had had told the judge she regrets paying for the mission. Mr Moghabghab's comments have not been tested in court. In her only interview on the matter so far, Ms Faulkner told The Australian on Friday she was doing well behind bars at Baabda Central Women's Prison in south-eastern Beirut. 'Please tell my mum and dad how well I am and also (husband) Brendan and my in-laws,' she said. Ms Brown is also behind bars at the prison. 'I am fine but my loved ones need to know that.' The Channel Nine TV crew was planning to film Faulkner's attempt to retrieve her children Noah, three, and Lahela, five, from her ex-husband Ali Elamine, who she claims kept them in Lebanon without her permission. Prosecutors had earlier claimed they had a signed statement from a member of the recovery team saying Nine had paid $115,000 for the operation. CCTV footage supplied by Lebanese authorities appeared to show the bungled kidnapping earlier this week Ali Elamine (pictured with his children Noah, four, and Lahela, six) has to decide whether to pursue child kidnap charges again his ex-wife Sally Faulkner which may get her 20 years in prison Ms Faulkner and the Channel Nine TV crew members appeared handcuffed in a Lebanese court on Wednesday, where they were remanded in custody to face court again on Monday. Faulkner is facing kidnapping charges. The 60 Minutes crew is accused of: hiding information, forming an association with two or more people to commit a crime against a person, kidnapping or holding a minor even with their approval, and physical assault. Lebanese Investigative Judge Rami Abdullah said there was 'no way' the charges against the crew will be dropped. The offences carry penalties of up to 20 years in jail. Nine Network spokeswoman Victoria Buchan said: 'I hope you understand that we never comment on money but also we are not making any comments in this matter as it is currently a matter before the Lebanese judicial system which we respect. It is not appropriate at this time.' A conviction could mean the male 60 Minutes crew risk ending up in Beirut's infamous Roumieh prison, one of the largest jails in the Middle East with 5,500 inmates. LEBANON KIDNAP CASE: WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR THE MUM, THE TV CREW AND THE KIDNAPPING CASE Brisbane mum Sally Faulkner and a Nine Network TV crew made up of reporter Tara Brown, producer Stephen Rice, cameraman Ben Williamson and sound recordist David Ballment, are facing kidnapping and assault charges in Lebanon following a bungled abduction of Ms Faulkner's two children in Beirut. WHAT HAPPENED? The Australians have spent a week behind bars in Beirut after being arrested for the alleged abduction on April 7. The TV crew was filming Faulkner's attempt to retrieve her children Noah, four, and Lahela, six, from her ex-husband Ali Elamine, who she claims kept them in Lebanon without her permission. A professional agency, Child Abduction Recovery International, is believed to have been hired to snatch the children. Two of its members, named in media reports as Britons Adam Whittington and Craig Michael, have also been detained and charged. THE ABDUCTION Security camera footage shows masked men jumping out of a car and snatching the kids from their grandmother and another woman on a Beirut street. The grandmother claims she was attacked and hit on the head with a pistol. The TV crew and recovery agency members were arrested shortly afterwards, while Faulkner hid with her two children in a safe house. Authorities later found the family, arrested Faulkner and returned the children to their father. THE CHARGES Faulkner is facing kidnapping charges. The 60 minutes crew is accused of: - hiding information - forming an association with two or more people to commit a crime against a person - kidnapping or holding a minor even with their approval - physical assault. The offences carry penalties of up to 20 years in jail. LEGAL CASE SO FAR Judge Rami Abdullah told the Australians during a second round of interviews on Wednesday that there was no chance their charges would be dropped. However, he indicated that if Mr Elamine was willing to drop legal action and come to an agreement with his estranged wife, that would help the case against all of the accused. The accused will remain in detention until facing the Baabda Palace of Justice again on Monday. Nine has refused to comment on speculation it organised and funded the recovery operation. Advertisement Told supporters that 'Labour is convinced' the UK should stay in the EU There were scenes of unbridled inertia yesterday when Jeremy Corbyn made his big pro-EU speech. The crowd, beforehand, waited in glum silence. Mr Corbyns speech was delivered in a conversational manner. The room becoming increasingly warm, students falling into a lecture-hall lassitude. The only times they were stirred was when the grizzled Corbyn made Left-wing attacks on austerity and that sort of thing. Remain: Jeremy Corbyn made the case to remain in the EU today at the Senate House of London University A plump bloke in a checked shirt, keen to inject some ping into proceedings, spanked his hands together in a terrific frenzy. He nodded hard at every third or fourth sentence uttered by the Leader. It would, however, be inaccurate to say this fascination was widely shared. Near the back of the hall, former jailbird and Labour MP Denis MacShane leaned back in his chair, gazing at his telephone. Veteran Europhile Denis would have given a far livelier oration. Besides Mr Corbyn, I spotted only two serving Labour MPs and both of them were part of the warm-up act: Alan Johnson and Pat Glass (no Pericles, she). We were in the Senate House of London University, a 1930s Art Deco edifice. A tieless Corbyn until recently regarded as a trenchant Eurosceptic like his late mentor Tony Benn was in a cream summer jacket. His mood was reflective. After being greeted warmly by the young crowd of mainly college students (including one burly lass in blue lipstick), Mr Corbyn noted that the Senate House had been used by George Orwell as an inspiration for his novel, 1984. This building was the Ministry of Truth, he mused, a rogueish smile playing under his beard. He added, with an ounce more mischief than perhaps advisable: Let us see. This refusal to suppress his irony to hint that he was about to tell less than the whole truth is an attractive trait. However, it may have betrayed a certain queasiness about the pro-EU position he has been obliged to take by the Shadow Cabinet. Labour is convinced, he said, referring to the Remain campaign. Please note that he did not say I am convinced. He ran though arguments about climate-change prevention, pollution and collective bargaining. He concluded that the EU offered a form of socialism that would help Labour see off the dreadful Tories. Support: Labour MP Alan Johnson supported the Labour leader as he said 'Labour is convinced' to stay Today is Global Day of Action for Fast Food Workers Rights, he added, as one does. Hamburger flippers for the EU and all that. Mr Corbyn did not go into much detail as to how a fast-food worker in, say, recession-hit Madrid, or a souvlaki vendor in bankrupt Athens was helped by the EUs chronic economic problems. He told us about the internationalist movement, the democratic Europe of social justice and progressive alliances across Europe, all of which evoked fraternity and solidarity among some form of pan-European proletariat. Mind you, more of his speech was devoted to attacking the Tories. If Lefties really want to get rid of David Cameron, should they not vote Leave? During questions afterwards he was asked why he had changed his once-sceptical views. He said he did not retract a word of what he had said in the past yet now he felt staying in was the better option. An ITN reporter wondered why Mr Corbyn was putting the pro-Brussels case with such a half-hearted approach. This irked him. There is nothing half-hearted about anything I do, he growled. The Daily Mirror asked what he could do to assure worried Labour MPs that he really did want to stay in the EU. Theres really no case to worry about anything, burbled Mr Corbyn. He left to modest applause before the crowd ambled towards the exits. There was no buzz of excitement. Pro-Brussels events do tend to be like this. Even the European Unions firmest supporters seem to find it hard too radiate much fervour. Big charities such as Oxfam have been accused of campaigning for higher levels of foreign aid because it benefits them and helps them to grow. Aid has become an important industry that feeds on greater spending and voluntary organisations skew the debate on the issue because they are contractors and lobbyists, an expert on international development said. Jonathan Foreman, senior research fellow at the think-tank Civitas, told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that charities were accepting too many contracts from the Department for International Development rather than just relying on cash from individual donors. An expert has accused chief executive of Oxfam GB, Mark Goldring (pictured), of engaging in aid marketing He accused the chief executive of Oxfam GB, Mark Goldring, of engaging in aid marketing, saying: Oxfam is a contractor for DfID in the same way that BAe might argue for greater defence spending. Hes a contactor and a lobbyist who has a direct financial interest in greater aid budgets. That distorts the discussion on aid. The Daily Mail has campaigned against the waste of billions of pounds in foreign aid. The latest row comes a day after it emerged that Britains foreign aid budget now accounts for 1 in every 7 given by rich countries. The UK spent more than 12billion last year, thanks to David Camerons target to spend 0.7 per cent of national income on development. Mr Goldring said it was true that Oxfam accepted government contracts, but most of its money came from its 500,000 individual donors. We work with the Government, he added. But the money that we get from the Government is 10 or 15 per cent of our total budget. Most of it is coming from the public. Mr Foreman said other international aid charities such as Save the Children benefited from increased DfID spending. The UK spent more than 12billion last year, thanks to David Camerons target to spend 0.7 per cent of national income on development All the big charities are contractors, as are many private companies such as (the professional services business) Adam Smith International, which are profit-making, he added. The real function of Britains excessive aid spending is about detoxifying the reputation of certain politicians. In a book published three years ago, Mr Foreman warned: The big private aid agencies like Oxfam and Save the Children are prime overseas contractors for DfID and draw significant income from it. He said DfIDs agenda is heavily influenced by charities such as Oxfam. It is not just that Oxfam and others publicly lobby DfID and use their influence to shape its agenda; many DfID officials are former activists from the NGO sector, he added. Contrary to popular impression, much of the money that little old ladies give to Oxfam does not necessarily go to feeding the hungry. A magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck off the coast of the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu on Friday. The epicentre of the quake was 84 miles (135 km) north-west of the town of Santo and it was registered at a depth of 6.2 miles (10 km), according to the U.S. Geological Survey. The Joint Australian Tsunami Warning Centre said there was no threat of tsunami at the time. A magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck off the coast of the Pacific island nation of Vanuatu on Friday More than 180,000 residents were thought to have felt some form of vibration, with 2,000 residents encountering moderate to strong shaking on Thursday, SBS reported. There were no immediate damage or casualties reported by Vanuatu authorities. The island nation is still recovering from Cyclone Pam that hit a year ago. It follows a 6.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Japan just hours after a first which killed at least nine people and injured hundreds of others. The quakes, which struck the south-western island of Kyushu, levelled more than a dozen homes, sparked fires and trapped several people under collapsed buildings. It follows a 6.4-magnitude earthquake that struck Japan just hours after a first which killed at least nine people and injured hundreds of others The quakes, which struck the south-western island of Kyushu, levelled more than a dozen homes, sparked fires and trapped several people under collapsed buildings 'The toll currently stands at nine dead,' said a disaster management official from the demolished Kumamoto prefecture, following reports that two were killed. Around 350 military personnel were dispatched to aid the rescue effort, said Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga. The first earthquake, measuring 6.5-magnitude, hit the south-east Asian country late on Thursday night local time, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. Hundreds of Target employees could lose their jobs after the retailer announced it is moving its head office from Geelong in Victoria. On Thursday senior management told staff the headquarters was relocating its 900 employees to headquarters closer to Melbourne. It is unclear exactly how many jobs will be lost but it has been reported by the ABC the figure could be as high as 180. It comes in the same week a number of executives were fired over a 'mind-blowingly stupid' scheme' that artificially bolstered the retailer's earnings by offering overseas suppliers price rises in return for rebates. Retailer Target is moving 900 employees from its headquarters from Geelong, Victoria The new head of Target, Guy Russo, said management had to make hard decisions to make sure Target is profitable and sustainable. 'The Geelong site for the national office is no longer a viable option if we're to remain competitive and build a profitable business,' he said in a statement. Employees will have the option of voluntary redundancies or redeployment at other Kmart or Target sites, as well as other Wesfarmers businesses, Mr Russo said. The state opposition says the closure of Target's Geelong offices shows the government is not doing enough to create jobs in Victoria. As many as 180 people could lose their jobs but CEO Guy Russo said management had to make tough calls Meantime, union officials are meeting with its members and Target management on Friday to discuss the relocation plans. The ASU's Victorian branch wants details about the likely number of jobs that will be impacted, and Target's reasons for restructuring. 'It is utterly reprehensible that workers at Target are the ones paying the price for the highly questionable business practices of the former management team,' Victorian secretary Ingrid Stitt said in a statement. 'This is a dark day for Geelong and the wider Geelong community.' Union officials are meeting with its members and Target management to discuss relocation It comes just a few days after four senior executives were fired from Target over a scheme that artificially bolstered the retailer's earnings. Wesfarmers launched an investigation into its staff after allegations 10 Target employees colluded with 31 overseas clothing suppliers to increase prices if they offered more rebates. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills showered India and China with economic aid in the years leading up to the near- collapse of the British steel industry, it emerged last night. New figures show that over two years, the ministry which exists to support UK firms sent 11million to the two countries, which are both economic rivals. The money was spent on promoting economic development and social welfare, despite the fact that India and China have been booming. New figures show that over two years the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills which exists to support UK firms sent 11million to the two countries, which are both economic rivals. The largesse came in the run up to the decision by Tata Steel (pictured) of India last month to pull out of the UK The largesse came in the run up to the decision by Tata Steel of India last month to pull out of the UK, putting tens of thousands of jobs at risk. And it comes despite the fact the potential closure of British steel plants is blamed in part on the dumping of cheap steel by China. Sajid Javids department handed 7million to India and 4million to China in 2013 and 2014, according to answers to a parliamentary question. The Indian money, distributed through the Newton-Bhabha Fund, goes towards high-value manufacturing and big data, as well as promoting sustainable cities and public health. The UK-China Research and Innovation Partnership Fund, administered by BIS, concentrates on energy, environmental technologies, food and water security, health, urbanisation and the creative economy. Sajid Javids department handed 7million to India and 4million to China in 2013 and 2014, according to answers to a parliamentary question Yesterday even the boss of charity Oxfam admitted that both countries are rapidly developing economies with considerable wealth, meaning they should start spending more money on their own poor. Jacob Rees-Mogg, a Tory MP, said: An aid policy that helps our competitors and an energy policy that manacles our own industry is unlikely to be conducive to economic growth. The Daily Mail has campaigned against the waste of billions of pounds in foreign aid. The latest figures comes a day after it emerged that Britains foreign aid budget now accounts for 1 in every 7 given by rich countries, thanks to David Camerons controversial target to spend 0.7 per cent of national income on development. The government has previously said it was stopping aid to India, after senior ministers in the country said it was no longer needed. But it emerged late last year that some aid spending on India would continue indefinitely even though it can afford its own space programme. The size of Indias economy is expected to exceed the UKs in 2019, while China whose economy is already larger than ours is expected to overtake the US as the worlds largest in 2028. Details of the spending released following a parliamentary question asked by Conservative MP Wendy Morton highlight how not all of Britains 12billion aid budget comes from the Department for International Development. The potential closure of British steel plants is blamed in part on the dumping of cheap steel by China Millions are also handed out by the Ministry of Defence, the Foreign Office and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills as well as other ministries. Overall, 48.5million of the business departments budget was spent on foreign aid in 2013 increasing by 63 per cent in just one year to 79million in 2014. The BIS total includes grants like 236,000 to Nigeria in 2013 and 2014 another country which can afford its own space programme. Another 3.3million was given to South Africa over the two years, and 245million to Brazil two countries whose economies have experienced remarkable growth in recent years. It is the handouts to India and China agreed while the Liberal Democrats Vince Cable was business secretary which will are likely to prove the most controversial. In 2013, BIS sent 1,322,000 to India. A year later, the figure had soared to 5,407,000. An further 968,000 over the two years was sent to the south Asian region, of which India is by far the largest part. China was given 913,000 in 2013 and 2,885,000 a year later. Mark Goldring (pictured) chief executive of Oxfam GB said: Were not giving very much money to China and were reducing what were giving to India. Thats right because they are rapidly developing economies Millions more has gone to the two countries from other departments. Jonathan Foreman, senior research fellow at the think tank Civitas, said: Its obscene that we give aid to very rich countries like China and India. It is true there are many poor people there, but is it Britains role to second guess the priorities of Indias government or Indias voters? That seems very arrogant. It may make people feel better, but what comfort is that to a cancer sufferer being denied a drug, or a steelworker facing losing their job? Given that a lot of our money might as well be burned in a big pile, keeping open Port Talbot would be as good a use as a lot of what our aid budget goes on. Speaking to BBC Radio 4s Today programme, Mark Goldring, chief executive of Oxfam GB said: Were not giving very much money to China and were reducing what were giving to India. Thats right because they are rapidly developing economies. Lets also recognise that there are more poor people in India than in the whole of Africa. There are still 200million people living in extreme poverty in China. There is considerable wealth in those countries and theyve got to spend it on the right thing but that doesnt mean we should walk away; its a collaborative effort thats got to be made. Mr Foreman replied: Theres something extraordinarily colonial about that. Governments in India should get to decide what their proprieties are. Thats part of the problem with aid its all about us trying to tell other people how to live their lives, and Im not sure were going to know any better. Responding to the parliamentary question, business minister Jo Johnson said: BIS is supporting economic development and social welfare in developing countries through a number of programmes. A six-foot Texas inmate who escaped custody was found inside a dishwasher with only his handcuffs and boxers on, authorities said. Wesley Evans, 20, was found inside his girlfriend's apartment on Wednesday morning after deputies searched the Timbers Apartment complex in Jasper a second time. 'That's pretty hard for a man that size to get in,' Timbers Apartment owner Terry Tootle told KTRE. 'He's about six feet tall and slender in build. I imagine he must have taken the racks out to fit in there.' Scroll down for video Jasper County jail inmate Wesley Evans, 20, (pictured) was found inside the dishwasher in his girlfriend's Texas apartment on Wednesday after escaping custody the day before, authorities said Evans was found inside his girlfriend's apartment after deputies searched the Timbers Apartment complex in Jasper a second time Jasper County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Glenn Blank said deputies received an anonymous tip on Wednesday before finding Evans inside the dishwasher around 10am. He was still in handcuffs, though the chain link had been broken, according to Blank. 'I've heard of them being found in the refrigerator, but I've never heard of them being in the dishwasher,' Blank told the station. Authorities had been searching for the Jasper County jail inmate after he allegedly broke out of Christus Jasper Memorial Hospital on Tuesday morning while getting an X-ray, according to the station. Blank said Evans was at the hospital for a hand evaluation when he escaped custody. It was not immediately clear why he was getting an X-ray or how he escaped from the hospital. A short time after he escaped, deputies found his orange jail shoes on the ground in front of the hospital, KJAS reported. Authorities had been searching for the inmate after he reportedly broke out of Christus Jasper Memorial Hospital (pictured) on Tuesday morning while getting an X-ray Surveillance footage reportedly showed him running through the woods behind the Walmart after he broke out of the hospital. A search involving several law enforcement agencies ensued and all Jasper Independent School District schools were put on lock down. Eventually, one of two police dogs led officers to the Timbers Apartment complex where Evans' girlfriend currently lives. Deputies are determining whether she will face charges. Jasper County Sheriff Mitchel Newman told KJAS that Evans had been jailed since March 8 and was charged with arson, aggravated robbery and auto theft. He previously been taken into custody for evading arrest, burglary and marijuana possession, according to his arrest record. Disturbing images showing a Coles chicken breast with a weird 'gangrene' growth and garlic that apparently turned blue after being microwaved have appeared online. A photo of the garlic bread was posted on Reddit not long after another customer posted photos to Imgur of the Coles chicken breast. My housemate microwaved some Coles garlic bread, and the garlic went blue? the user posted to Reddit. A Reddit user said the garlic on the bread turned blue after it was heated in the microwave The RSPCA approved chicken breast bought at Coles had a piece of sickly-looking tissue attached to it In the other photo posted on Friday to Imgur, an RSPCA approved chicken breast bought at Coles shows a piece of sickly-looking tissue connected to it. Reddit user Oscilllator, who posted the photos of the chicken, said: 'PSA: This Chicken I bought yesterday from coles appears to have gangrene [sic]'. The image sparked a spirited discussion on Reddit, with users offering explanations for the yellow lump. 'Used to work in a high turnover butcher, we would get multiple breasts in affected by this every day. The one pictured is no where near the worst ive seen [sic],' said one poster, ConemanTheBongbarian. 'Its a defect in the chicken itself and should have be sorted out at the factory, but obviously with the volumes being dealt with not all defects will be sorted out.' Free Australian, a Twitter user disturbed by the chicken, suggested customers 'boycott Coles' for their own safety. This image of a Coles chicken breast was posted to Imgur on Thursday A spokesperson for Coles said the chicken was not harmful to eat and the taste would not be affected. This looks like deep pectoral myopathy (DPM) which is a green discoloration of the flesh caused when swelling occurs as a result of oxygen deficiency in the muscle. 'This usually happens from the bird flapping its wings too much. Coles said the colour of the garlic was also harmless, and the product safe to eat. 'Garlic can sometimes turn a blue or green colour due to a natural reaction which occurs in the garlic during the cooking process. The spokesperson said any customer not 100 percent happy with their purchase could return to their nearest store for a full refund or replacement. In 2008 Australia's largest supplier of garlic bread, Queensland-based AGB International, recalled 13 brands of its garlic bread including You'll Love Coles. In the dock: Albert Patterson (pictured) said he kept the 9mm pistol, taken from an Argentinian officer, to remind him of the 22 friends who died in the conflict An SAS hero was yesterday jailed for the illegal possession of a souvenir weapon captured in the Falklands War. Albert Patterson said he kept the 9mm pistol, taken from an Argentinian officer, to remind him of the 22 friends who died in the conflict. He served for 22 years, in the Parachute Regiment and then in the SAS. Last night his supporters said the case was 'another example of troops being persecuted by a government and courts obsessed with political correctness'. Sentencing him to 15 months in prison for the possession of the war trophy, Judge Christopher Plunkett said that he had been privileged to see Patterson's service record. But he said parliamentary legislation left him with little choice over the sentence. 'In the wrong hands these weapons could lead to the death of police officers or cause all sorts of mayhem,' Judge Plunkett told Hereford Crown Court. 'It is this risk that Parliament is concerned about.' Patterson had admitted possessing a 9mm self-loading pistol, five rounds of expanding ammunition, 177 rounds of 9mm ammunition, four Enfield pistols and a self-loading rifle component. Stephen Davies, prosecuting, said the hoard was found by police investigating a burglary following his divorce at his former home in Hereford. Patterson was arrested in November 2014. The court heard Patterson had an illustrious career and served in the military for 22 years - starting in the parachute regiment before joining the SAS. After leaving the elite regiment he worked abroad for non-government organisations in Iraq and Afghanistan and now lives in Thailand. Judge Christopher Plunkett said that he had been privileged to see Patterson's service record Cache: The former soldier had a 9mm self-loading pistol, five rounds of expanding ammunition, 177 rounds of 9mm ammunition, four Enfield pistols (file picture) and a self-loading rifle component. Scott Coughtrie, defending, said: 'He spent a great deal of time abroad protecting our country and our way of life. 'In his history he has dealt with the most sensitive and dangerous operations this country is to bare. 'These weapons were never loaded or used in the UK and had never been in the public domain. 'He said he received said pistol as a trophy of war from the Falklands and the ammunition during his military service. 'They weren't hanging on the wall but were hidden. 'He led a frantic lifestyle involving preparing for an operation, being deployed before returning and preparing for the next operation. 'Things got missed during his 15 years working in the SAS. 'When asked why he didn't hand them in he said he worked abroad for 15 of the last 20 years and wasn't back when there was an amnesty. 'If he handed them back to the military he would have been subject to prosecution. 'They were memorial and he hoped to decommission them.' Albert Patterson said he kept the 9mm pistol, taken from an Argentinian officer, to remind him of the 22 friends who died in the conflict. Pictured, Argentine army soldiers take position during the Falkland War Judge Christopher Plunkett said that he had been privileged to see Patterson's service record. But he said parliamentary legislation left him with little choice over the sentence. Pictured, an Argentine aircraft The court heard Patterson risked capture by ISIS by helping locals have access to electricity and water in the Afghanistan. Mr Coughtrie added: 'This stuff got placed to the back of his mind. 'Patterson has been preparing for the likelihood of custody not only through providing for his family but also working on a project in Afghanistan in the Helmand Province with a local agency making sure they have electricity and water. 'He has a long-term relationship with locals meaning he can access these areas all while risking capture by ISIS. 'He has put his own problems in the rear of his mind.' Colonel Richard Kemp, former commander of British forces in Afghanistan, blasted the sentence and called for Patterson's 'immediate' release from prison. He said: 'This is another example of our troops being persecuted by a government and courts obsessed with political correctness. 'An SAS hero who risked his life to defend our country shouldn't be treated like a south London drug dealer. 'He should be freed immediately. The country should be grateful for what he did.' The case echoes that of Sergeant Danny Nightingale who was sent to a military detention centre for 18 months in 2012 after pleading guilty to possessing a Glock 9mm pistol. Following a public campaign which saw more than 107,000 people sign a petition for his release, a Court of Appeal ruled his sentence had been too harsh. Home: An aerial view of the SAS base near Hereford where Bert Patterson was based in his illustrious career She has since started a petition to calling for more station security Footage of the attack was sent to Destiny days later on social media A group of more than six older girl punched, kicked and kneed them The mother of a schoolgirl who was brutally bashed at a train believes the attack was premeditated after footage of the brawl was sent to her daughter. Destiny, 13, was walking to western Sydney's Blacktown train station with her friend Catherine, 15, on March 1 when she was set upon by a group of more than six older girls who began punching and kicking her. Footage of the attack began circulating on social media days afterwards, leading Destiny's mother Shelley to believe it was premeditated, reports 9 News. Scroll down for video Footage of the attack shows Destiny (left) cowering on the ground as her attackers continue to punch and kick her and friend Catherine (right) Destiny's mother has launched an online petition to tackle violence and bolster security at train stations in the wake of the attack Footage shows Destiny cowering on the ground as her attackers continue to punch and kick her, at which point her friend Catherine steps in to protect her friend, sustaining injuries to her eye. 'I was just like very scared because they were older girls, they were bigger than me,' Destiny said. Destiny, whose surname is not known, said she was sent footage of the attack the following day, forcing her to endure the brawl a second time. 'You can tell it was a premeditated attack because they were filming before the first punch happened,' Shelley said. Destiny was abused on social media in the wake of the attack and is now too traumatised to return to the train station which she uses to get home from school. Her mother has launched an online petition which has already drawn 8,600 signatures to tackle violence and bolster security at train stations. Catherine sustained injuries to her eye after stepping in for her friend Destiny was walking to Blacktown train station with her friend Catherine when she was set upon by a group of more than six older girls The footage shows a single security officer eventually managing to pull the attackers off the two victims 'My child has the right to feel safe in a public place. There has to be more security guards at Blacktown Station, especially at peak hour,' Shelley wrote in the petition. 'Unbelievably there was only one security guard on duty - he was totally inadequate and couldn't stop the gang from beating up my girl. 'Violence occurs weekly if not daily at Blacktown Train Station yet the Blacktown Council and Sydney Trains refuse to provide adequate security. The footage shows a single security officer eventually managing to pull the attackers off the two victims. Police arrested a 16-year-old girl at the scene and she is being dealt with under the Young Offenders Act. Kasich also spoke out against North Carolina's 'bathroom law' and called for 'a little more tolerance and respect' But he said he would not try to change the Supreme Court's ruling that legalized same-sex marriage Kasich reiterated this week that he was a 'traditional marriage guy' John Kasich would tell his daughters he loved them if they came out as gay, he revealed on Thursday. The governor of Ohio said he would simply tell his 16-year-old twin daughters Emma and Reese: 'I love you girls' and said that would be 'the end' of the conversation. Earlier this week Kasich reiterated that although he was a 'traditional marriage guy', he would allow the Supreme Court's ruling in favor of gay marriage to stand. 'I'm not looking for some constitutional amendment,' he said during a campaign event in Troy, New York. 'It's done.' John Kasich would tell his daughters (pictured with his wife Karen) he loved them if they came out as gay, he revealed on Thursday The governor of Ohio said he would simply tell his 16-year-old twin daughters Emma (left) and Reese: 'I love you girls' and said that would be 'the end' of the conversation Kasich repeated during an interview with MSNBC's Chris Matthews that he believed marriage should remain between a man and a woman, but said he had recently attended a friend's same-sex wedding. 'I don't think it's right,' he said. 'And the wedding that I went to, they know that I don't agree with them.' But Kasich said he was ready to move on from the gay marriage debate. When Matthews asked him what gay couples who love each other should do, Kasich replied: 'They should love one another. That's the end of it.' The Ohio governor was less straightforward when he was asked about his stance on gay conversion therapy during the same event in Troy. Alana Klein began her question by referencing Leelah Alcorn, a transgender 17-year-old Ohio teen who was subjected to conversion therapy and later committed suicide. She left a heartbreaking note on her Tumblr that made national headlines as she revealed her parents refused to allow her to transition and instead took her to 'Christian therapists'. 'Im never going to be happy,' she wrote. 'Either I live the rest of my life as a lonely man who wishes he were a woman or I live my life as a lonelier woman who hates herself.' Klein noted that conversion therapy has already been banned in California, New Jersey, Illinois and the District of Columbia and asked Kasich what he planned to do 'to protect our LGBT persons'. Kasich only said he was not familiar with Alcorn's case and then changed the subject to same-sex marriage and his views on anti-discrimination legislation. 'This is a very tough issue for people and let me tell you my view on it,' he said. Earlier this week Kasich (pictured at a campaign event in Troy, New York) reiterated that although he was a 'traditional marriage guy', he would allow the Supreme Court's ruling in favor of gay marriage to stand Kasich has also spoken out against the North Carolina 'bathroom law',which orders public schools and government agencies to designate use of bathrooms by biological sex stated on a person's birth certificate 'I am watching what's happening in North Carolina, what happened in Indiana and Georgia and Mississippi.' 'I want no discrimination against anyone, period, end of story.' 'Now our religious institutions should be protected,' he continued. 'They should be able to do things they want.' Kasich went on to explain that although he believed anyone should be able to go into a cupcake store and buy something, it is a different situation when a same-sex couple tries to hire someone. 'If I'm a photographer and you want me to come to your wedding and I don't want to, find another photographer,' he said. Kasich also spoke out this week against the North Carolina 'bathroom law', which orders public schools and government agencies to designate use of bathrooms by the biological sex stated on a person's birth certificate. It also prevents the state's cities and counties from passing their own anti-discrimination rules and instead imposes a statewide standard that leaves out sexual orientation and gender identity. In contrast fellow GOP contender Ted Cruz said he supported the law, saying 'men should not be going to the bathroom with little girls'. 'Come on folks, we have to live together,' Kasich said during the New York event. 'What do we want more laws? How about a little more tolerance and a little more respect?' Klein later revealed to ABC News that she was not satisfied with Kasich's answer, saying she was frustrated Kasich 'completely ignored' her question about conversion therapy. BP has been dealt a bloody nose by investors who revolted over the 14million pay deal of chief executive Bob Dudley. In what is being called the start of a shareholder spring, almost 60 per cent of investors voted against the fatcat pay package in protest over the record 4.6billion loss the firm made last year. The 60-year-old American boss of BP has also culled more than 5,000 jobs in the past year. BP has been dealt a bloody nose by investors who revolted over the 14million pay deal of chief executive Bob Dudley (pictured), the American boss who culled more than 5,000 jobs in the past year The rebellion against BPs board included a number of shareholders who spoke out at the firms annual meeting in London yesterday. Adam Matthews, representative for Church of England pensions, which invests in BP, said: Given the context of the headline performance of BP, is this level of pay morally right? It raises the question; how much one person needs to be paid to be incentivised? Private investor David Walker said he had stood up at a previous BP annual general meeting and defended the pay of former chief executive Lord Browne. But in the current economic climate Mr Dudleys pay is inappropriate. To applause, Mr Walker said: That was a different time when his good stewardship brought this company from the doldrums into a highly successful company. 'The situation in this country and much of the EU is austerity. Its not the time to increase directors remuneration. Around 18million UK savers are estimated to own shares in BP, either directly or through a pension or investment fund. The rebellion against BPs board included a number of shareholders who spoke out at the firms annual meeting in London yesterday But the firm has been plunged into crisis by steep falls in the price of oil, and multi-million-pound fines and costs associated with the Gulf of Mexico spill in 2010. Another shareholder, Grace Smith, told the board: I find it unrealistic that the oil price plays no part in the decision-making on pay. Were not against high pay, but neither are we immune to the realities of the economy. The pay of Mr Dudley was put to a shareholder vote, with 59 per cent voting against the deal. This defeat is thought to be the largest revolt since June 2012 when advertising empire WPP had a 59 per cent vote against chief executive Sir Martin Sorrells package of 11.9million. This marked the rise of the first shareholder spring and caused an overhaul of share voting rules. Every three years companies must put the pay deals of their bosses to shareholders, who then have a binding vote to approve how remuneration is calculated. The first such vote was held in 2014, and another is due in 2017. This means that the revolt against Mr Dudleys pay is not binding, and the company is not forced to change his deal. Despite this, BP has promised to address the situation ahead of the binding votes for a new pay policy next year. BP chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg told shareholders: We will sit down with our largest shareholders to make sure we understand their concerns. BP is the first firm to face a shareholder revolt this year. Miner Anglo American, drugs giant Astra Zeneca and Nurofen maker Reckitt Benckiser are also expected to be confronted at meetings in the coming weeks. There was another revolt at medical equipment firm Smith & Nephew, where 53 per cent of investors voted against a long-term incentive plan under which bonuses of 2.1million were made to 60 executives, despite failing on performance criteria. The firm said the money will still be paid because the vote was non-binding. Advertisement This is the moment a Western man photobombed the 'Day of the Sun' celebrations in the heart of secretive North Korea - and dancing with the crowds in Pyongyang. He was photographed smiling and linking hands with locals during festivities in the capital as North Korea marked the birthday of the founding leader Kim Il-Sung. The nationality of the man and the reason for his being in the city is not yet known. The image was released by the state-run North Korean Central News Agency. Though few chose to, tourists are still able to visit the country where millions live their lives under the dictatorship of Kim Jong-Un. A Western man photobombed the 'Day of the Sun' celebrations in the heart of secretive North Korea - and danced with the crowds in Pyongyang North Korea's latest missile test has failed after the rocket 'disappeared' seconds after launch - on the birthday of the founding leader Kim Il-Sung. Military personnel pay their respects near the statues of former leaders Kim Il-sung (left) and Kim Jong-il in Pyongyang According to the Lonely Planet guide, there are 'compromises' required for those who do wish to visit - including being accompanied by 'two state-employed guides at all times' and being forced to listen to a 'one-sided account of history'. The picture emerged on the same day that North Korea's latest missile test failed after the rocket 'disappeared' seconds after launch. The medium-range Musudan missile vanished from surveillance radar after take-off and is believed to have exploded midair in a high-profile misstep for the secretive country's leader Kim Jong-Un. There had been widespread intelligence reports in recent days that the North was preparing for the first-ever flight test of its Musudan missile, which is believed to be capable of striking US bases in the Pacific island of Guam. The US and South Korean military both detected and tracked the early morning test. 'We assess that the launch failed,' a US defence official said, adding that it was 'presumably' a Musudan. The April 15 birthday of Kim Il-Sung - the grandfather of current ruler Kim Jong-Un - is a major public holiday in North Korea, where key political anniversaries are often marked with displays of military muscle. The country is also gearing up for a rare and much-hyped ruling party congress next month, at which Kim Jong-Un is expected to take credit for pushing the country's nuclear weapons programme to new heights. Respect: People bow in front of bronze statues of North Korea's late leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il at Mansu Hill in Pyongyang Procession: North Korea has unnerved the international community this year with an escalating campaign of belligerence Korean War veteran Jon Sun Rye, 83, is pictured after paying her respect to former leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il at Mansu Hill in Pyongyang Pyongyang has hailed a series of achievements in recent months, including miniaturising a nuclear warhead to fit on a missile, developing a warhead that can withstand atmospheric re-entry, and building a solid-fuel missile engine. Last week, it said it had successfully tested an engine designed for an inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM) that would 'guarantee' an eventual nuclear strike on the US mainland. Outside experts have treated a number of the claims with scepticism, while acknowledging that the North's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes have both made significant strides. If Friday's failure is confirmed as a Musudan test, it would mark a very unwelcome public failure and fuel doubts about just how far the North has gone in developing a reliable nuclear delivery system. The April 15 birthday of Kim Il-Sung - the grandfather of current ruler Kim Jong-Un - is a major public holiday in North Korea Paying their respects: Key political anniversaries in the secretive state are often marked with displays of military muscle The country is also gearing up for a rare and much-hyped ruling party congress next month, at which Kim Jong-Un is expected to take credit for pushing the country's nuclear weapons programme to new heights 'We are monitoring and continuing to assess the situation,' another US official said, calling on North Korea to 'refrain from actions that further raise tensions in the region.' Anxiety has been high on the divided Korean peninsula since Pyongyang conducted its fourth nuclear test in January and a rocket launch a month later that was widely seen as a disguised ballistic missile test. The UN Security Council responded with its toughest sanctions to date, angering the North, which has since made repeated threats of attacks targeting the South and the US. Existing UN resolutions forbid North Korea from the use of any ballistic missile-related technology. School children stand before large statues of former leaders Kim Il-sung (left) and Kim Jong-il (right) at Mansu Hill in Pyongyang Laying flowers: North Korea is marking the 'Day of the Sun', celebrating the day of birth of the country's founder, Kim Il-sung Today is the anniversary of North Korean founding president Kim Il Sung's birthday which is widely celebrated. In 2012, it was marked by a long-range rocket launch attempt which also failed North Korea's latest missile test has failed after the rocket 'disappeared' seconds after launch. Musudan-class missiles are pictured during a military parade in Pyongyang Pyongyang, with the series of provocations, is trying to prove that the UN sanctions are ineffective in curbing its weapons development, said Seoul's unification ministry, which handles cross-border affairs. 'They are trying to divide opinions of the international community by pushing more people to think that we... need dialogue with the North,' ministry spokesman Jeong Joon-Hee said. The nuclear-armed state has staged several short- and mid-range missile launches but has yet to test the Musudan, which has an estimated range of anywhere between 2,500 and 4,000 kilometres (1,550 to 2,500 miles). Anxiety has been high on the divided Korean peninsula since Pyongyang conducted its fourth nuclear test in January Anxiety has been high on the divided Korean peninsula since Pyongyang conducted its fourth nuclear test in January and a rocket launch a month later that was widely seen as a disguised ballistic missile test Children stand next to statues of the founding president Kim Il-Sung (left in grey suit) and late president Kim Jong-Il at the Youth Movement Museum Falling flat: The missile vanished from surveillance radar after take-off and is believed to have exploded midair in a high-profile misstep for the secretive country's leader Kim Jong-Un (pictured in black) The lower range covers the whole of South Korea and Japan, while the upper range would include US military bases on Guam. The Musudan was first unveiled as an indigenous missile at a military parade in Pyongyang in October 2010. Analysis by security consultants IHS Jane's suggests it is an intermediate-range, road-mobile, liquid-propellant, single warhead missile based on the Russian R-27 and using adapted Soviet Scud technology. very different to communities they serve Church schools are shunning the poorest children as the middle classes tighten their grip on the best school places, according to a new report. Educational charity the Sutton Trust found there are 1,576 primary schools in England which are 'highly socially selective'. Each has a proportion of disadvantaged pupils that is at least 9.2 percentage points different from the communities they serve. Church schools are shunning the poorest children as the middle classes tighten their grip on the best school places, according to a new report It said many of these select on faith-based criteria, which prioritise middle class families who are more likely to be regular church-goers. And it added that research by the Education Datalab showed socially selective schools are more likely to be high-performing so deprived children are being barred from some of the best schools. It comes as hundreds of families across the country will find out which primary school their child has been allocated on Monday, which has become known as National Offer Day. Trust chairman Sir Peter Lampl said: 'Disadvantaged young people should have the same chance of accessing the best state school in their neighbourhood as their better off neighbour. 'Today's findings warn us that primary school admissions are far from a level-playing field.' The research examined the difference between the proportion of disadvantaged pupils in a school's intake and that of its local neighbourhood. It revealed many schools employing complicated and narrow admissions criteria appeared to be taking a disproportionate number of wealthier children from neighbourhoods. The research also identified correlations between a school's performance and its socially selectivity. Just 1 per cent of schools in the bottom 10 per cent for performance at age 11 are also in the top 10 per cent most socially selective schools. In contrast, 14 per cent of schools in the top 10 per cent for performance at age 11 are also in the top 10 per cent of socially selective schools. The most socially selective primary schools tend to use more complex oversubscription criteria than the typical school, which uses about five criteria. Educational charity the Sutton Trust found there are 1,576 primary schools in England which are 'highly socially selective' (stock image) Of the 100 most socially selective primary schools identified by the brief, one used as many as 18 different oversubscription criteria. Areas with particularly socially selective schools included London, Blackpool and Hartlepool with many using faith-based often Catholic criteria. Dr Allen said: 'There are many benefits to giving parents a choice over where their child is educated, but our new research shows that that there is not equity in access to many primary schools, either because higher-income families are advantaged in their ability to exercise choice or because their admissions criteria favour certain pupils.' Under the School Admissions Code, faith schools are allowed to prioritise children of their faith when they are over-subscribed. They must be fair and transparent, and must not disadvantage unfairly a child from a particular social or racial background. New academies and free schools with a faith designation can only prioritise up to half of their places by reference to faith, where they are oversubscribed. A Department for Education spokesman said: 'Determining admissions policies on the basis of wealth is both morally wrong and against the law. 'All schools must follow the School Admissions Code which should make sure school places are allocated fairly, with an admissions policy that does not unfairly disadvantage children from a particular social or racial group, or those with a disability or special educational needs. 'Parents with concerns should report them to the Schools Adjudicator, who can intervene. Veteran TV journalist Ray Martin has defended the 60 Minutes crew caught up in the kidnapping of two children in Lebanon, admitting he had done the same thing for the show 36 years ago. Martin, 71, revealed that he had driven the 'getaway car' when his crew was involved in a similar child recovery operation in Spain. In an interview with ABC Radio 612 in Brisbane he admitted what they had done in 1980 was illegal and the only difference with what happened in Beirut last Thursday was they hadn't been caught. Scroll down for video Former 60 Minutes reporter Ray Martin has defended the Channel Nine crew jailed over the attempted abduction of two young children in Beirut last Thursday saying he had been involved in a similar story in Spain almost 36 years ago Brown will remain in custody at the Baabda Women's Jail, in Beirut, in a shared cell with Brisbane mother Sally Faulkner until their next court appearance on Monday A wife of one of the detained men - including producer Stephen Rice (left), sound technician David Ballment (centre) and cameraman Ben Williamson (right) - apparently asked Nine network management 'since when is Channel Nine in the business of child stealing?' Ray Martin (left) pictured with former 60 Minutes colleagues Ian Leslie (centre), Jana Wendt (right) and George Negus (front). Martin, 71, says the crew detained in Beirut had 'done the right thing' 'In recovering that child, the national laws [in Spain] were such that had we been caught at the time we would have broken a national law, so I'm very conscious of what's happening in Lebanon,' Martin revealed. 'As journalists, we do stories that we think are right and are ethical. The question is about ethics and about the morality and the right and wrong.' Sally Faulkner, 60 Minutes reporter Tara Brown, TV producer Stephen Rice, cameraman Ben Williamson and sound recordist David Ballment have all been charged over an alleged botched abduction of the Brisbane mother's two children Noah 4, and Lahela, 6 in Beirut last Thursday. The other suspects have been identified in court as Britons Greg Michael and Adam Whittington (a former police officer); and Lebanese duo Mohammad Hamza and Khaled Barbour. Martin believes the 60 Minutes crew, which remains behind bars in Beirut, had not done the wrong thing. 'I think in this case, as I understand it, I think the 60 Minutes crew have been ethical and I think they have done the right thing,' he added. Martin says he is concerned for their welfare but believes the story the crew was on was a legitimate one. 'I know Tara and I know Stephen Rice and I know the crew, who are highly professional and highly ethical and I can't believe they did something that was unethical,' he added. His revelations come as a Nine insider revealed on Friday that the preparation time or some members of the crew is often limited. The (camera) crews dont really get a lot of time to prepare for these sorts of trips, and not much information on what they are doing, the insider revealed. Theres not a lot of warning, sometimes they are only told about the story and where they are going a couple of days before out some times. 'This is what they do.' Distressed family members of a 60 Minutes crew being detained in Lebanon over their involvement in a botched child recovery agency have asked Channel Nine bosses for answers. Brown told the media she is being kept in a barred, heavily meshed holding cell at Baabda Women's Jail (pictured) and was required to wear handcuffs each time she went outside It's believed the Sally Faulkner - Ali Elamine story was initially pitched to A Current Affair but was forwarded on to producer Stephen Rice and reporter Tara Brown to follow up Channel Nine chief executive Hugh Marks was questioned by the family and loved ones of senior reporter Tara Brown, producer Stephen Rice, cameraman Ben Williamson and sound technician David Ballment on Wednesday following the team's arrest in Lebanon last week. The wife of one of the imprisoned Channel Nine employees demanded answers during the meeting at Nine's Willoughby office, reportedly asking 'since when is Channel Nine in the business of child stealing?' Inside sources have revealed there was a 'distinct lack of information' coming from the television station during the meeting, but that everyone involved appeared quite concerned for the crew who face up to 20 years in jail if convicted, the Daily Telegraph reported. 'Nine management is out of their depth. They have never encountered anything like this before,' they said after the meeting on Wednesday. A source said they felt the television executives were trying to stop them from launching legal proceedings against them for failing to protect their family members before they were sent overseas. The group, including the Brisbane mother at the centre of the operation, face charges for kidnapping, physical assault, hiding information and criminal conspiracy. Lebanese authorities claim to have proof that Channel Nine were involved in funding the kidnapping scheme. It has been reported that Nine's bosses would have had to approve the segment if significant funds were going to be used to cover the story Channel Nine have not responded to allegations that they planned to pay $115,000 to Adam Whittington's agency Child Abduction Recovery International. The Sydney Morning Herald reports Mr Whittington's personal charity Project Rescue Children was given a 'donation' from another Australian media organisation - Pacific Magazines - after its outlet New Idea profiled him last year. Channel Nine executives have issued an email to staff members that claims the station 'will get to the bottom of it when everyone gets back'. It's believed the story was initially pitched to A Current Affair, but was forwarded on to producer Stephen Rice and reporter Tara Brown to follow up on. It has also been reported that Nine's bosses would have had to approve the segment if significant funds were going to be used to cover the story. Brown will remain in custody at the Baabda Women's Jail, in Beirut, in a shared cell with Ms Faulkner until their next court appearance on Monday. The two women, along with the rest of the crew were individually questioned by Judge Rami Abdullah at the Baabda Palace of Justice on Wednesday. Judge Abdullah told Ms Faulkner that she needed to 'reach an agreement' with her estranged husband Ali Elamine over the custody of their young children, but said there was 'no chance' the group of Australians would avoid charges. Homage: A museum will showcase the the life and works of Charlie Chaplin (pictured) in Switzerland An interactive museum showcasing the life and works of Charlie Chaplin opens in Switzerland this weekend. Chaplins World, which has been 15 years in the planning, will launch on Sunday, one day after what would have been the British screen legends 127th birthday. The museum is set on the vast estate of Manoir de Ban, about 16 miles from the Swiss city of Lausanne, where Chaplin spent the last 25 years of his life until his death in 1977 aged 88. He moved to Switzerland after being barred from the United States in the 1950s over suspicions that he had communist sympathies, at the height of paranoia about Soviet infiltration. A separate building has been constructed nearby as a large mock-up of a Hollywood studio dedicated to Chaplins on-screen work, which began in around 1914. Visitors can also catch a glimpse of the artists humble beginnings in South London and his spectacular rise to become one of the biggest and most influential movie legends in Hollywood history. With clips from his films flickering from a multitude of screens, visitors can walk down Easy Street, visit the barber shop from The Great Dictator and the restaurant where he ate his shoe in The Immigrant. Those walking around the new attraction will also be able to move along the cogs within giant machinery as the actor did in Modern Times, or tumble inside a cabin teetering on the edge of a cliff as he did in Gold Rush. One glass case displays the certificate signed by the Queen when Chaplin was knighted in 1975. And in another is the Oscar he won for the score of his film Limelight. However, he didnt win the Oscar until 1973, since the film was barred for release in the United States when it first came out in 1952. Chaplins World is also dotted with more than 30 wax figures created by the Grevin wax museum in Paris. The lifelike figures portray Chaplin in different roles, his wife Oona, actors and actresses from his films, friends and people who mattered to him like Albert Einstein, as well as artists inspired by his work, including Michael Jackson and Woody Allen. At the museum fans can watch clips from Chaplin's films flickering from a multitude of screens and visit recreations of sets including the barber shop from The Great Dictator (pictured Chaplin in the film) His son Michael Chaplin, 70, said: What really touched me is how they managed to make his films come alive again by inserting clips into decors. The museum project has faced numerous stumbling blocks over more than 15 years of drawn-out negotiations. Contained in a smart central London office suite above the celebrity nightspot Libertine, you will find the headquarters of an organisation called the Press Recognition Panel. You might not have heard of the Press Recognition Panel (PRP), but your pocket has already borne the burden of its existence. The PRP has 3 million of taxpayers money to spend over three years, half of it already gone with virtually nothing to show for it unless you count its directors debating whether the staff Christmas celebration dinner should be renamed as the more politically correct seasonal end of year event (it was). And it is the PRPs failures and the Governments unwillingness to activate legislation designed to force newspapers into its State-sanctioned system of regulation which lie behind this weeks smearing of Culture Secretary John Whittingdale by Hacked Off and its allies. Mr Mosley, son of British fascist leader Sir Oswald Mosley, had particular reason to resent the Press The PRP describes itself as the independent body set up... to ensure that regulators of the UK Press are independent, properly funded and able to protect the public. In order to become officially recognised by the PRP, any potential Press regulator is supposed to satisfy 23 criteria. There is no limit to the number of regulators; the more the merrier, perhaps, because next year the PRPs public funding ends and it will have to be able to support itself financially. It will do this by charging those Press regulators it has formally recognised, in return for carrying out annual performance reviews. But the PRP has a fundamental problem. So far, it has been unable to recognise anybody. That is because until recently no potential Press regulator had come forward to seek its benediction. The overwhelming majority of newspapers, magazines and news websites simply did not regard the PRP as an independent body, and did not want to sign up to what is seen as a lurch towards state censorship. But now an applicant has come forward at last. It is called Impress. Even by the official yardstick, Impress would seem to have zero chance of becoming a Press regulator. It falls down on many counts, as we shall see; not least because it has failed to attract a single publication of any substance to regulate, nor even formulated a code of standards by which to do so. Other high-profile Hacked Off supporters included the scandal-mired actor Hugh Grant, millionaire Harry Potter writer J.K. Rowling and the motor racing tycoon Max Mosley Yet the PRP has made encouraging noises, and allowed more time for Impress to improve its application, which was heavily criticised when it was put out for consultation. Impress now has until Wednesday next week to submit its revised bid and it was one of Impresss putative members, a website called Byline (some of whose writers have been previously funded by Hacked Off or its directors), which broke the story of Culture Secretary John Whittingdales former relationship with a so-called dominatrix. But who is behind Impress? And why do they want to regulate the UK Press? This is the story of how a well-connected Left-wing activist financed by a vengeful millionaire tycoon came to be on the verge of triggering the most punitive anti-Press laws enforced outside a dictatorship. Ten years ago, Jonathan Heawood, founder and executive director of Impress, stood in the council elections of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Mr Heawoods ambition resembled a classic case of more in hope than expectation. He was a Labour Party candidate for the Holland ward, one of the wealthiest neighbourhoods in the world. Not that the Cambridge and Harvard-educated Mr Heawood, 42, would feel so very out of place. The electoral roll suggests that he lived on a Thames-side Chelsea street where properties are valued today at more than 6 million. His stepmother-in-law also happened to be queen of the bien pensant society; the hate-filled Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee. Mr Heawood, once deputy literary editor at the Left-leaning Observer newspaper, came ninth of ten candidates; he would not be representing the interests of the very famous and the very wealthy, at least not for quite a long time to come. But the following year, 2007, something occurred which would eventually bring that to pass: then Opposition leader David Camerons calamitous decision to appoint Andy Coulson as the Tory Partys chief spin doctor. Coulson had just stepped down as editor of the Rupert Murdoch-owned News of the World newspaper. Two of his staff had been jailed for phone hacking. In the circumstances, Coulson should not have been touched by the Tories with a bargepole (in time, he too would end up behind bars). As it was, Coulsons new job only encouraged further investigation of his newspapers phone-hacking, by those who felt antipathy for the Tories, Mr Murdoch and the conservative Press in general. Impress had also begun to receive donations from a number of other sources. Some 40,000 came from the author J.K. Rowling (pictured at the Leveson inquiry), it was reported At the fore were the anti-Press pressure group Hacked Off. It was launched under the auspices of the Media Standards Trust, whose chairman Sir David Bell was a trustee of the leadership training charity Common Purpose; described as the Lefts equivalent of the Old Boys Network. Tom Watson, an ambitious Labour backbencher whose profile grew with every call for an inquiry into the Murdoch empire, was a founding member of Hacked Offs advisory committee. Other high-profile Hacked Off supporters included the scandal-mired actor Hugh Grant, millionaire Harry Potter writer J.K. Rowling and the motor racing tycoon Max Mosley. Mr Mosley, son of British fascist leader Sir Oswald Mosley, had particular reason to resent the Press. In 2008, the News of the World had exposed his participation in a sadomasochistic orgy with five prostitutes, which the paper claimed had Nazi overtones. Mr Justice Eady eventually ruled in the High Court that the bondage, beating and domination that took place had no Nazi connotations and Mosley had a right to privacy for his sexual activities, however unconventional. Mosley was awarded damages, but his desire for payback was unsatisfied. He was a fighter, after all; he was once arrested during a brawl at one of his fathers rallies in a Jewish neighbourhood of London in an extraordinary episode which we will explore in detail tomorrow. From the outside, it is unclear when Impress metamorphosed from being Mr Heawoods pet project to Mr Mosleys vehicle for revenge Now, he wants much tougher Press restrictions; restrictions which the European Court of Human Rights has described as potentially chilling. Andy Coulson resigned as No 10s Director of Communications in January 2011. In the first week of July that year, the Guardian reported that Coulsons News of the World had hacked Milly Dowlers voicemail. The Guardian also claimed inaccurately as it turned out that News of the World journalists had deleted voicemail messages, giving Millys parents false hope of her being still alive. This was the so-called tipping point allegation. Coulson was arrested on July 8, and five days later Cameron announced the Leveson Inquiry. Lord Justice Levesons subsequent recommendation of a new system of Press regulation with some kind of statutory backing was, however, rejected by the newspaper industry. This impasse continued until a late-night meeting in the Westminster offices of the then Labour Party leader, Ed Miliband. Present were several Labour Party frontbenchers, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg (whose soon-to-be-appointed communications adviser, Emma Gilpin-Jacobs, would later join the PRP and instigate the debate on what to call Christmas dinner), Tory Cabinet Office minister Oliver Letwin and no fewer than four lobbyists from Hacked Off. But no one from the newspaper industry under discussion was in the room. That night, a new system of Press regulation was agreed. It would be underpinned by a Royal Charter, approved by the Privy Council of senior MPs. And it would come armed with an unprecedentedly big stick with which to beat the Press of all circulations and political persuasions into dutiful line. Under a new Crime and Courts Act, punitive damages could be awarded in libel proceedings against any newspaper which was not a member of the regulator approved by the PRP. The message was join us or be damned. Not only that, the Act also included a costs provisions clause, under which a non-approved newspaper could be ordered to pay the plaintiffs costs in a libel action, even if it won its case, and no matter how wealthy the plaintiff, how large his costs or baseless his complaint. The financial risks of criticising anyone in print would be enormous. This clause is crucial to the Royal Charter zealots, who believe it will force newspapers into their system. It was one of Impresss putative members, a website called Byline (some of whose writers have been previously funded by Hacked Off or its directors), which broke the story of Culture Secretary John Whittingdales former relationship with a so-called dominatrix But there are two problems there has to be a PRP-approved regulator for newspapers to join, and the Culture Secretary, John Whittingdale, has to sign an order to activate the legal punishment for those who do not. So far, he has not done so, and it is the fetid theory of Hacked Off and its allies that the reason he has not is fear of exposure of his defunct relationship with the dominatrix Olivia King. So they decided to do the job themselves. The story of Whittingdale and King was broken by Byline, a website some of whose writers have been previously funded by Hacked Off or its directors, and is one Impresss micro-publisher members. As for the Royal Charter, the newspaper industry rejected it as gross State interference in free expression. Instead, it set up a new self-regulatory body called the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), by which the vast majority of publishers are now regulated. IPSO, it was made clear, would not seek recognition from the PRP. This defiance was supported by journalists and free speech organisations around the world. They argued as they do to this day that the UK Governments Royal Charter is a potent inducement for dictators around the world to oppress their own media. (Their views would surely be if the Mother of Parliaments can do it, so can we.) In this ongoing arm-wrestle, November 2013 proved to be an important month. The Crime and Courts Act was passed in Parliament, while two obscure bodies also came into being. One was Mr Heawoods Impress. The other was called the Independent Press Regulation Trust (IPRT). At this point, readers might be forgiven for feeling they are drowning in an alphabet soup of acronyms. And, at the time, there was no apparent connection between Impress and the IPRT. The link would be revealed only later but it was a profoundly significant one. A clue to the motivating forces behind the IPRT appeared in the accounts of a charity called the Alexander Mosley Charitable Trust. Tom Watson, an ambitious Labour backbencher whose profile grew with every call for an inquiry into the Murdoch empire, was a founding member of Hacked Offs advisory committee. His Labour leadership campaign financed by Max Mosley and J.K. Rowling This was set up by Max Mosley following the 2009 death by a suspected heroin overdose of his eldest son, Alexander. Max Mosley was the sole source of the trusts 3.2 million income in 2013-14. By the end of that financial year, the trust had pledged 30,000 to the IPRT. (By the end of 2014-15, that figure had risen to 400,000. In the same year, the Mosley Trust also gave 110,000 directly to Impress.) Another Alexander Mosley trustee was Horatio Mortimer. Mr Mortimer is a consultant with political lobbyist Sovereign Strategy. The firm was founded by Alan Donnelly, a former Labour MEP and head of the European Parliamentary Labour Party who also worked with Max Mosley in the stewardship of the sport of Formula One. In 2011, Hacked Off said that Mortimer had provided them with administrative assistance. Impress had also begun to receive donations from a number of other sources. Some 40,000 came from the author J.K. Rowling, it was reported. But Impress needed more money, and quickly. Last September, the PRP announced it would begin to take applications from would-be Press regulators under the terms of the Royal Charter. The milestone was marked by a Polly Toynbee article in which she attacked the Presss self-regulating body, IPSO. What was needed, she wrote, was a new regulator, genuinely independent . . . Impress is one organisation ready to apply to be that regulator. Ms Toynbee neglected to mention that she was not only one of Impresss original financial backers, but the stepmother-in-law of its founder. So much for transparency and independence. Twitter traffic also suggested a mutual admiration between the independent Impress and Hacked Off. Priapic actor Hugh Grant, a Hacked Off director, retweeted an Impress initiative with the comment: Important work by Impressive people. Thanks Hugh, came the simpering reply from the Impress Twitter feed Priapic actor Hugh Grant, a Hacked Off director, retweeted an Impress initiative with the comment: Important work by Impressive people. Thanks Hugh, came the simpering reply from the Impress Twitter feed. Impress applied to the PRP for recognition as a Press regulator in January. Its credentials could now be properly scrutinised against the Royal Charter criteria. The problem is that they simply dont stack up. The News Media Association the body that represents national and local newspapers says Impress fails on all but five of the 23 demands. Criterion 5, for example, stipulates that a regulator should have sufficient number of people with experience of the industry. Until last June, Impress had but one board member with significant recent Press experience. This was Sue Evison, who had been chief feature writer at the Sun. She resigned from Impress because she felt she was merely there as a fig leaf, and that other Impress board members were hostile to the popular Press. She also felt that the rival IPSO was making progress. Jonathan Heawood told her she had s*at upon Impress for publicly saying so, Ms Evison recalls. Perhaps aware of the credibility gap left by her departure, Impress took on two new board members. One is Martin Hickman, a former Independent journalist. Mr Hickman is also a friend of, and cheerleader for, the now Labour deputy leader Tom Watson, with whom he co-wrote the press-bashing book Dial M For Murdoch. (Mr Watson who had to apologise for making unfounded sexual allegations against the late Tory minister Leon Brittan had his Labour leadership campaign financed by Max Mosley and J.K. Rowling.) The other Impress recruit was Emma Jones, a Sun columnist until she was sacked in 2003 by current News UK boss Rebekah Wade. Neither recruits seem to be wholly impartial regulators of the Murdoch press at least. So, not many experts. But thats just the start. According to the Royal Charter, Regulator means an independent body formed by or on behalf of relevant publishers for the purpose of conducting regulatory activities in relation to their publications. The legal definition of relevant publisher excludes businesses which have fewer than ten full-time employees, or an annual turnover below 2 million. None of the 2,600 or so titles produced by Britains established publishers have signed up to Impress. So who has? The answer is Your Thurrock (all the latest news from Thurrock and Grays), The Ferret, A Little Bit of Stone (described by its publisher as something journalistic to do in my spare time), the Port Talbot Magnet (staffed by volunteers), and ten other titles, including the now notorious Byline. Almost all are hyper-local news websites or blogs run by one or two individuals on shoestring budgets and with minimal circulation; admirable ventures perhaps, but so tiny they surely do not qualify as relevant; neither legally nor in the context of determining the future freedom or otherwise of the industry as a whole. Their attachment to Impress has the appearance of a fig leaf. Let us move on to finance. The Charter further states that a regulators funding should be negotiated with the industry. But the Impress 14 are so small they are expected to raise no more than 1,000 in annual subscription income to the regulator. The Mail has been told that Mr Mosley had wanted to fund Impress via his late sons trust and the IPRT because it was tax efficient From the outside, it is unclear when Impress metamorphosed from being Mr Heawoods pet project to Mr Mosleys vehicle for revenge. There has been a consistent lack of transparency about the organisations funding. Despite 40 boxes of supporting documents, the Impress application does not mention Max Mosley at all. Instead it sets out how the mysterious IPRT has agreed to pay Impress almost 950,000 a year over four years. It was only when later challenged at a public event that Impress chairman Walter Merricks confirmed that the Trusts donation was Mosley family money. In other words, Mr Mosley holds the Impress purse strings. The Mail has been told that Mr Mosley had wanted to fund Impress via his late sons trust and the IPRT because it was tax efficient. The arrangement is yet more precarious: Mr Mosley also has a get-out clause. By agreeing, absurdly, that Impress is independent and properly funded, should it effectively consent to being bankrolled by Max Mosley, son of the man who was once Britains would-be fascist dictator, and whose own interest in Press regulation stems from the exposure of his paid-for sado-masochistic orgy? If he were to lose faith in Impresss activities, his financial backing could be withdrawn with just ten days notice. It is surely disingenuous for Impress to suggest that this will have no bearing on its modus operandi. But its not only Impress which could be left dancing to Mr Mosleys tune. As the PRP will soon be self-funded through reviewing its own regulators, the likelihood is that it, too, will become financially dependent on the Mosley millions. Theoretically, the tycoon would then have the power to sink even the flagship of the Royal Charter, if he so chose. Did the 14 Impress publications know that they were signing up to a Mosley-funded vehicle? Some seemed to believe that joining a Royal Charter-approved regulator is proof against any future legal costs. If that is so, they will be alarmed to discover that Impress obliges them to join a compulsory arbitration scheme under which, according to industry critics, they could be made to pay legal costs arbitrators fees under compensation adding up to 10,000 to resolve complaints dealt with for free by the newspapers rival IPSO system. Impress can raise its subscription charges at will, which it surely would have to do if Mr Mosley pulls its plug. So what does the PRP do now? It certainly faces an exquisite dilemma. Should it fade away, having achieved nothing? Or, by agreeing, absurdly, that Impress is independent and properly funded, should it effectively consent to being bankrolled by Max Mosley, son of the man who was once Britains would-be fascist dictator, and whose own interest in Press regulation stems from the exposure of his paid-for sado-masochistic orgy? When Mr Cameron launched his Royal Charter in the House of Commons, he quoted Winston Churchill: A free Press is the unsleeping guardian of every other right that free men prize, it is the most dangerous foe of tyranny. In just five years, Guy Russo managed to turn Kmart's profits around and re-establish it as one of Australia's most successful budget retailers. Sister retailer Target, who in the same week announced the firing of a number of senior executives and the potential for hundreds of job losses. Last month Mr Russo was announced as the CEO of Wesfarmers' department stores division, meaning he would be in control of both Target and Kmart. Australian retailer Target has recorded a huge decline in sales in recent years Meantime competitor Kmart has completely reinvented itself as desirable budget department store Retail experts have warned the reason for Target's demise is because it has struggled to find it's niche in the market, fluctuating between middle-market alongside Myer, and budget with Kmart. BY THE NUMBERS: HOW DO TARGET AND KMART WEIGH UP? TARGET Revenue 2015: $3.44 billion Return on capital: 3.6 per cent KMART Revenue 2015: $4.6 billion Return on capital: 32.9 per cent Advertisement 'There's two options, he can push Target slightly more upmarket and into the Myer space, rather than compete against his own store Kmart', Dr Gary Mortimer, Senior Lecturer of International Business at the Queensland University of Technology told Daily Mail Australia. 'Or alternatively - and this is what the rumor has been - they actually start to almost be the same retailer so bring the target model back down to the Kmart everyday low price,' Dr Mortimer added. He said it would be 'risky' for the retailers to position themselves in the same demographic, because it could ultimately lead to amalgamation and leave room for international retailers. Wesfarmers department store division CEO Guy Russo has a big job ahead of him with Target 'I think the challenge currently facing Wesfarmers apparel and and general merchandising division Kmart and Target is they're starting to resemble one another,' Dr Mortimer said. If the two stores were to join forces, removing one from shopping centres where both and Kmart and Target currently exist could leave open opportunity for global retailers. 'Under the stewardship of Guy Russo now looking after both business, the smart move would be to remove duplication on offer. 'So that would mean potentially closing stores where you have duplicates,' Dr Mortimer said. 'This may leave room for global smart sell retailers such as H&M, Uniqlo or Topshop,' he added. Kmart has completely reinvented itself in recent years thanks to Guy Russo The retailer has gained somewhat of a cult following for its affordable homewares range As for the job cuts being reported, Dr Mortimer said it was likely that job cuts at head office meant there would be more money to invest on the front line. 'In doing that they're investing more in the front-line employees and removing back office or administration positions,' he said. Kmart has completely reinvented itself in recent years, becoming the new cool for middle-class Australians with their low price points and trendy items without the designer price tag. A 14-month-old girl has a rare condition that makes her allergic to all foods, even her mother's breast milk. Since birth, Lola Boyd has been unable to feed without experiencing an allergic reaction. The little girl has a condition where her gut cannot process food proteins called food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome, also known as FPIES. Lola Boyd has been unable to feed without experiencing an allergic reaction ever since she was born The 14-month-old has a condition where her gut cannot process food proteins called food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome, also known as FPIES. She is pictured above with her mother, Karina Bannigan Her mother, Karina Bannigan, said she had to be extremely careful what she gave Lola. 'I hold her a lot because it gives her comfort from the pain and because I worry she might find a stray crumb. I can't risk her going into shock,' the mother told Kidspot. Ms Bannigan first noticed her daughter's discomfort when Lola was irritable and hard to settle. In the first weeks following Lola's premature birth, Ms Bannigan, from Sydney, thought the little girl had colic. But soon it was clear her daughter's restlessness was much more serious when she started showing symptoms of severe pain, passing lots of stools a day, blood in her stools and a raw bottom. In the first weeks following Lola's premature birth, Ms Bannigan, from Sydney, thought the little girl had colic But soon it was clear her daughter's restlessness was much more serious when she started showing symptoms of severe pain, passing lots of stools a day, blood in her stools and a raw bottom The mother, who already had three boys before the birth of her daughter, made any changes she could to to give Lola some relief. Lola is pictured above with Mason (left), Lachlan (centre) and Koby (right) 'I had taken her to numerous doctors, hospitals and ultrasounds to figure out what was going on,' Ms Bannigan told Daily Mail Australia. 'I always knew something was wrong with Lola. Even though doctors told me she was lactose intolerant, this and that.' The mother, who already had three boys before the birth of her daughter at 35 weeks and five days by caesarean, made any changes she could to to give Lola some relief. Ms Bannigan told Kidspot she switched up her baby wipes, and stopped eating dairy, soy, oats, rice and bread. The 31-year-old said the one thing that did calm Lola down was holding her and the mother did this 'all the time'. But the worst of it came when Ms Bannigan tried to feed her baby rice and oats. 'When I gave her rice, three to four hours later she had a reaction. She was having acute diarrhoea,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'I haven't seen anything like this. It lasted for weeks.' But the worst of it came when Ms Bannigan tried to feed her baby rice and oats. Pictured above with Lola and her husband, Stephen Lola's big brother, Koby, is seen helping her feed through her feeding tube The little girl's reaction to oats was so severe that her parents rushed her to hospital, with Ms Bannigan describing the moment as scary After her daughter got over the bout of diarrhoea, Ms Bannigan tried out oats but the little girl's reaction was even worse than the one she had to the rice. 'That's when she had the vomiting. She went all pale and floppy,' the mother told Daily Mail Australia. 'I was really scared. I felt sick myself seeing her sick. I didn't know what was going. I knew it wasn't a normal vomit.' Ms Bannigan called an ambulance but her husband arrived home first. The couple raced to Westmead Children's Hospital and it was there they finally found the answers they had been searching for. Allergist Dr Sam Mehr diagnosed Lola with FPIES at six months old. 'I cried [when I heard the news]. I was confused and scared and alone,' Ms Bannigan told Daily Mail Australia. With not a lot of places to find support, the mother-of-four turned to the FPIES Australian Facebook Group. When Lola was about six months old, the couple raced to Westmead Children's Hospital and it was there they finally found the answers they had been searching for Allergist Dr Sam Mehr diagnosed Lola with FPIES. When she found out about the diagnosis, Ms Bannigan said she cried. But she hoped telling her story would raise awareness about the rare disease It was there Ms Bannigan said she found comfort and drew from the experiences of other women who had been through the same thing as herself with their children. 'A lady who runs the Facebook page, Belinda, has been through all it. She was the best to turn to because she knew how I was feeling,' Ms Bannigan said. Ms Bannigan said she hoped telling her story would help raise awareness of the disease. Only 0.34 per cent of the population have FPIES, according to Kidspot. The mother urged people to following their instincts when it came to their child. 'You know your child better than anyone knows your child, so always follow your mother's intuition,' she told Daily Mail Australia. Lola now has a feeding tube to help her get more nutrients. The tube helps her eat as she has never been bottle fed due to her allergies. The little girl has been trialling a new prescription formula over the past few days. 'She will still have the reactions [when being fed through the tube],' Ms Bannigan said. Burglars were caught on surveillance video fleeing from a New Jersey home after being startled when they received a messaged broadcast remotely from the homeowner. New Jersey State Police said the two male suspects broke into the Upper Pittsgrove home by kicking in the side door on Tuesday around 9.30am. While they initially appeared to be startled by the two dogs inside the house, it was hearing the message from the homeowner that seemed to have them fleeing from the Salem County home. Burglars were caught on surveillance video fleeing from a New Jersey home after being startled when they received a messaged broadcast remotely from the homeowner The burglars make a run for it above. Police are now asking for the public's help in identifying the two suspects who they say stole a lock box containing jewelry and personal documents from the home Police said in a Facebook post that while the burglary was in progress, the homeowner was able to see the intruders on surveillance video and addressed them. 'We shall not repeat what was said, but needless to say the burglars read the message loud and clear,' police said. The video shared by authorities did not include audio, but police told Daily Mail Online that the burglars received the message through a 'PA announcement in the house.' Police are now asking for the public's help in identifying the two suspects who they say stole a lock box containing jewelry and personal documents from the home. New Jersey State Police said the two male suspects broke into the Upper Pittsgrove home by kicking in the side door on Tuesday around 9.30am After the dogs sniff them and walk off, the men are seen heading to a different part of the house out of view of the camera while wearing blue gloves During the burglary, the men are seen bursting through the door and entering what appears to be a living room and kitchen area before encountering the homeowner's dogs. After the dogs sniff them and walk off, the men are seen heading to a different part of the house out of view of the camera while wearing blue gloves. Eventually they reappear in the living room area, with one opening a suitcase before quickly closing it. It was around that time when the two men appear to pause and look in the direction of the camera as they were addressed by the homeowner before being scared away. Food banks handed out 10 million meals in one year as the service continues to be used by a record number of hungry Britons, new figures reveal. The country's biggest food bank network passed out 1.1million emergency food packages in 2014/2015 compared with 900,000 the previous year. Each parcel provides 'nutritionally balanced' food for three days, meaning roughly 10million meals were needed. Of these, more than 415,000 packages - some 3.7million meals - went to children. Rising demand: The country's biggest food bank network passed out 1.1million emergency food packages in 2014/2015 compared with 900,000 the previous year. File image of a Trussell Trust food bank Meanwhile a separate report by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Hunger shows a rising number of children are starting their first and final years of primary school underweight. The increase in demand for emergency supplies comes despite signs of an economic recovery, according to the Trussell Trust, Britain's largest food bank operator. The trust said its figures do not reveal the full scale of food poverty in the UK because other groups also offer food aid. Almost half of food banks said there had been an increase in the number of people needing emergency supplies because of delays and changes to benefits, according to the 2014-2015 figures. Other problems included low wages, high living costs or insecure work contracts. The trust said a million emergency food supplies a year must not become the 'new normal'. Trust chief executive David McAuley said: 'Today's figures on national food bank use prove that the numbers of people hitting a crisis where they cannot afford to buy food are still far too high. One million three-day food supplies given out by our food banks every year is one million too many.' The report said there was a clear link between food bank use and areas of high deprivation. Most of the trust's food banks also offer legal and welfare advice, housing support and clothes. Concerns: Too many children have hunger as their 'most constant companion' with one in five pupils at some schools arriving ravenous each day, according to the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Hunger (file image) The charity has previously been criticised by MPs who accused it of 'scaremongering'. A Government spokesman said: 'Reasons for foodbank use are complex so it is misleading to link them to any one thing. 'This Government is determined to move to a higher-wage society, introducing the new National Living Wage that will benefit over one million workers directly this year, and we're also spending 80 billion on working-age benefits to ensure a strong safety net for those who need it most. 'The vast majority of benefits are processed on time and the number of sanctions have actually gone down.' Shadow environment, food and rural affairs secretary Kerry McCarthy said: 'It is a national scandal that food bank usage is continuing to rise. 'Food banks have become a truly shameful symbol of a Tory Government that is failing to stand up for ordinary people. While those at the top are given tax breaks, others are struggling to get by. 'Emergency food aid should remain just that - food banks can never be allowed to become a permanent feature of British society.' Meanwhile the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Hunger said too many children have hunger as their 'most constant companion' with one in five pupils at some schools arriving ravenous each day. The group has called for help from the United Kingdom Statistics Authority to help flesh out data about the true scale of hunger across Britain. Its report looked at 19 schools in Birkenhead and 13 in South Shields, with some staff reporting increased hunger in pupils on Mondays and after school holidays. Chairman Frank Field told how 'one little mite in Birkenhead' at a fun day, said 'I don't mind missing the activities, but please can I come in and eat? I've had nothing today and I'm starving'. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made Sen. Bernie Sanders pay for comments he had made about Israel attacking Gaza in 2014, calling the military action a 'disproportionate' response. 'I do not know how you run a country when you are constant threat,' Clinton said onstage at tonight's Democratic debate in New York City. 'Terrorist attacks, rockets coming at you, you have a right to defend yourself.' Sanders, who could become the country's first Jewish president, had struck a more conciliatory tone when talking about the plight of the Palestinians, noting that Israel indeed had a right to defend itself,' but we had in the Gaza area, not a very large area, some 10,000 civilians who were wounded and more than 1,500 who were killed.' Scroll down for video Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders had a heated discussion on the topic of Israel and the treatment of Palestinians at tonight's Democratic debate in New York City 'Now if you're asking me not just me, but countries all over the world, was that a disproportionate attack the answer is I believe it was,' Sanders said, doubling down on what he's said in the past. Sanders talked about spending time in Israel and having family in the country. 'Let me say something else,' he added. 'As somebody who is 100 percent pro-Israel. In the long run, and this is not going to be easy, God only knows, but in the long run if we are ever going to bring peace to that region, which has seen so much hatred, so much war, we are going to have to treat the Palestinian people with respect and dignity,' Sanders said. He finished his initial statement by saying the United States and the rest of the world needed to ban together to assist the Palestinian people. Clinton characterized Israel as being more of the victim. 'They do not seek these kind of attacks,' she said. '. They do not invite rockets raining down on their towns and villages. They do not believe that there should be a constant incitement by Hamas, aided and abetted by Iran, against Israel.' She recalled one scenario in 2012 when she negotiated a ceasefire recalling that Israelis couldn't make the attacks stop 'because they couldn't find anybody to talk to to tell them to stop it.' As for the suffering of Palestinian civilians she answered that Israel has to take 'appropriate precautions.' She also said the United States should 'o everything we can to try and reach a two-state solution that would give the Palestinians the rights and, just let me finish, the autonomy that they deserve,' trying to not get cut off by a moderator. 'And let me say this, if Yassar Arafat had agreed with my husband at Camp David in the late 1990s to the offer that Prime Minister Barak had put on the table, we would have had a Palestinian state for 15 years already,' she smarted. Sanders called out Clinton for not answering the question saying the point wasn't whether Israel had a right to self-defense, but whether she, too, would characterize the 2014 Gaza conflict as 'disproportionate.' 'I think I did answer it, by saying, of course there have to be precautions taken, but even the most independent analyst will say the way that Hamas places its weapons, the way that it often has its fighters in civilian garb, it is terrible,' Clinton replied. 'I'm not saying it's anything other than terrible,' the former secretary of state added. Clinton reminded Sanders that the Israelis had packed up and left Gaza, only for Hamas to fill the void. 'We have a terrorist haven that is getting more and more rockets shipped in from Iran and elsewhere,' she said. The bickering continued for a minute longer with Sanders pointing a finger at Clinton suggesting that she thought Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was 'right all of the time,' a characterization that Clinton dismissed. 'Here is the issue, of course Israel has the right to defend itself,' Sanders stated one more time. 'But longterm there will never be peace in that region unless the United States plays a role, an even-handed role, trying to bring people together and recognizing the serious problems that exist among the Palestinian people,' he noted. Clinton reiterated her takeaway as well. A survivor of the February massacre in Kalamazoo, Michigan said she does not hate the shooter, even as she now struggles to walk and has to learn how to use a 'completely reconstructed' arm. Tiana Carruthers, 25, is speaking publicly for the first time after she was allegedly shot four times by Jason Dalton on February 20 during the horrific five-hour shooting spree. Dalton, 45, is charged with murder and attempted murder. He told investigators that a 'devil figure' on Uber was controlling him as he killed six people in between driving passengers for the app. Tiana Carruthers, 25, one of the two survivors of the Kalamazoo mass shootings, spoke publicly for the first time on Thursday after she was allegedly shot four times by Jason Dalton on February 20 Carruthers was at an apartment complex playground with her daughter and several children when she sensed trouble as a driver approached and told the children to run away before she was struck Carruthers was at an apartment complex playground with her daughter and several children when she sensed trouble as a driver approached. She moved between the car and children and told them to run home before the shooter opened fire. Authorities said Carruthers was the first person shot by Dalton, who then went to a Cracker Barrel restaurant and car dealership. 'I don't feel like a hero sometimes,' she said on Thursday at the Kalamazoo hospital where she has been treated since the mass shooting. 'I was just doing what any parent would do.' Carruthers revealed that she was working on forgiving the man who shot the bullets that broke most of her fingers and thigh bones. One remains lodged in her liver. 'As far as the man who did this to me, for some reason I do not hate him, I don't hate him at all,' she said. 'Sometimes I get angry with myself because I don't. I'm working on forgiving the man who did this. I know it will be a process. Right now I just wonder why...I know God knows why.' Carruthers said it was her daughter's 'beautiful smile' that helped her through her long recovery, saying she knows how hard it is for her little girl to see the days when she's 'crying' and 'feeling so down'. Carruthers revealed that she was working on forgiving the man who shot the bullets that broke most of her fingers and thigh bones. One remains lodged in her liver Carruthers also spoke about 14-year-old Abigail Kopf (pictured), the only other survivor of the mass shooting. Abigail was shot in the head in the Cracker Barrel parking lot a few hours after Carruthers was struck 'Just being 25 and being in a wheelchair, just trying to walk, I put a smile on my face every day,' she said, according to NBC News. 'I'm trying to be the same person that I was, but that is entirely impossible.' But Carruthers said it feels good to be sleeping in her own bed again, and to get to see her daughter's smile every day. Carruthers began by reading a prepared statement but then opted to 'wing it' because she didn't want her comments to be scripted. 'I'm struggling mentally, physically, emotionally like I said, it's hard,' she said. 'I know it took me a while to speak with anyone.' Carruthers said she felt ready to speak now, thanking those who have helped her get 'to this point' after such a 'life-changing' experience. Doctors initially thought she was brain-dead and planned to harvest her organs when Abigail suddenly squeezed her mother's hand 'I feel like I'm a child at zero months right now,' she continued. 'I'm living life like it's my last.' Carruthers also spoke about 14-year-old Abigail Kopf, the only other survivor of the mass shooting. Abigail was shot in the head in the Cracker Barrel parking lot a few hours after Carruthers was struck. Doctors initially thought she was brain-dead and planned to harvest her organs when Abigail suddenly squeezed her mother's hand. 'I love her,' Carruthers said. 'I've never met the girl but I believe what she's going through is a miracle.' 'She has a whole lot of life to live. I have a whole lot of life to live.' Abigal's family have been documenting her incredible recovery at a Grand Rapids rehabilitation center. Dalton (pictured), 45, an Uber driver, has been charged with six counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder in connection with the shooting Last week Abigail's family released a video on Facebook that showed the teen was walking again. Her family wrote online: 'Abbie's recovery is astounding. It's hard to believe that a girl who was shot in the head a month ago is now playing board games.' Abigail is slated to be released from the Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in the next month. She began speaking in mid-March, less than a month after the shooting on February 20. 'This little girl loves her pig named Hamlet,' her father wrote on the family's Go Fund Me page. 'Tonight, Abbie spoke her first word. It was 'pig'.' 'This gives us great hope that she will regain her speech.' Abigail needed a ventilator at first but began breathing on her own again a few days after she was shot. Earlier in March, she opened her eyes for the first time since the attack and managed to take a few steps. His electorate takes in the Townsville nickel refinery in Queensland Federal MP Ewen Jones has burst into tears after the Turnbull Government announced that most of the sacked Queensland Nickel workers will be compensated. The Federal Government will take unprecedented steps to go after Clive Palmer to recover millions in unpaid entitlements owed to 800 Queensland Nickel workers who lost their jobs. Mr Jones, whose electorate Herbet takes in the Townsville nickel refinery that used to employ so many of his constituents, broke down as Federal Employment Minister Michaelia Cash made the announcement. Scroll down for video Federal MP Ewen Jones (left) burst into tears after the Turnbull government announced that most of the sacked Queensland Nickel workers will be compensated The federal government will take unprecedented steps to go after Clive Palmer to recover millions in unpaid entitlements owed to 800 Queensland Nickel workers who lost their jobs 'This is a tough day in Townsville because this says this is the end of the line for a lot of these people,' Mr Jones said. 'It's up to the liquidators to ensure they do everything they can to step in and chase this money. There's nothing surer ... there are assets floating around that everyone can see, that can be cashed in ... if the circumstances are right.' Mr Jones, a critic of Mr Palmer, stepped away from the microphone during the press conference as he wiped his tears away and was comforted by Senator Cash. Senator Cash expects most of the Yabulu refinery employees will get the bulk of the $73.9 million owed by the company under the government's Fair Entitlements Guarantee Scheme. But she also warned the Government would do everything in its power to ensure Mr Palmer and his businesses cough up the money provided by taxpayers and other funds. Ewan Jones, whose electorate takes in the Townsville nickel refinery that used to employ so many of his constituents, broke down as federal employment minister Michaelia Cash made the announcement Mr Jones (left), a critic of Mr Palmer, stepped away from the microphone during the press conference Senator Cash (pictured) expects most of the Yabulu refinery employees will get the bulk of the $73.9 million owed by the company under the government's Fair Entitlements Guarantee Scheme Subject to court consent, it will appoint a special purpose liquidator, Stephen Parbery from PBB Advisory, to pursue the funds 'ripped off from employees', positioning the government as a creditor to Queensland Nickel. 'This has never been done by a Commonwealth Government before,' the minister told reporters in Townsville on Friday. Queensland Nickel's administrators this week detailed allegations of how tens of millions of dollars was stripped from the company to fund Mr Palmer's other activities, she added. 'This is a tough day in Townsville because this says this is the end of the line for a lot of these people,' Mr Jones said Mr Jones: 'It's up to the liquidators to ensure they do everything they can to step in and chase this money' But Senator Cash also warned the government would do everything in its power to ensure Mr Palmer (pictured) and his businesses cough up the money provided by taxpayers and other funds 'If money has been improperly taken out of the company, then it will be pursued. If individuals have broken the law, then they will be pursued,' Senator Cash warned. 'We're not pursuing a parliamentarian, we are pursuing the management of Queensland Nickel. They are fundamentally different. They just happen to be the same person.' Treasurer Scott Morrison said the workers, who were sacked in two lots in January and March, had been treated disgracefully. 'I'll be expecting the regulators, ASIC and others, to be pursuing this within the full extent of their powers,' he said in Sydney. Australian Workers Union Queensland branch secretary Ben Swan said cash-strapped Townsville families would welcome access to federal help and the pursuit of Mr Palmer. 'He should be held to account for what he's inflicted on people,' Mr Swan told AAP. Treasurer Scott Morrison said the workers, who were sacked in two lots in January and March, had been treated disgracefully Mr Jones is usually one of Parliament's more bubblier and joyful personalities Administrators FTI Consulting say there's evidence to suggest Mr Palmer used Queensland Nickel as a 'piggy bank' to fund his other interests and possible breaches of corporations law that could expose him to civil or criminal charges. Mr Palmer has branded the report derogatory and untrue and denies ever acting as a 'shadow director' of Queensland Nickel - taking part in day-to-day operational and expenditure decisions - after announcing in 2013 he was stepping down after entering parliament. Refinery operator Queensland Nickel and its sales arm are owned under a joint venture arrangement by QNI Resources and QNI Metals, which in turn are owned by three entities - all 100 per cent owned by Mr Palmer. Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said the Government's move was 'better late than never'. Creditors are expected approve the company's liquidation next week. Mr Jones took to Twitter after the press conference to apologise for 'getting teary' Palmer United Party (PUP) leader Clive Palmer during Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra Was asked about it at tonight's debate and tried to turn it into an assault on Sanders' voting record on guns Hillary Clinton denied tonight that she is blaming Democratic rival Bernie Sanders' home state of Vermont for gun violence in New York. 'No, of course not,' she told CNN anchor and debate moderator Wolf Blitzer as he confronted her with claims she made earlier this week on the trail. Clinton said Monday at a roundtable in Port Washington, 'Here's what I want you to know. Most of the guns that are used in crimes and violence and killings in New York come from out of state. And the state that has the highest per capita number of those guns that end up committing crimes in New York come from Vermont.' Vermont's Governor, Peter Shumlin, is a Clinton backer. But he said her claims about his state aren't 'entirely accurate.' Sanders pointed to Shumlin's defense of their state in tonight's debate during the clash and said if that wasn't the inference she was trying to make, 'Why did she put out that statement?' He also said he does not owe an apology to the families of Sandy Hook shooting victims for refusing to vote for legislation that would make it easier for them to prevail in court against those that sold the weapons used in the crime to the mother of the would-be mass murderer. Scroll down for video Hillary Clinton said Monday at a round table in Port Washington, 'Here's what I want you to know. Most of the guns that are used in crimes and violence and killings in New York come from out of state. And the state that has the highest per capita number of those guns that end up committing crimes in New York come from Vermont' As Clinton tried to say tonight she 'of course' wasn't implying Vermont was at fault for New York's homicide rate, Sanders laughed in her face. Clinton roared back at him, 'It's not a laughing matter - 90 people on average a day are killed or commit suicide or die in accidents from guns, 33,000 people a year. I take it really seriously, because I have spent more time than I care to remember being with people who have lost their loved ones.' 'So, yes, we have a problem in America. We need a president who will stand up against the gun lobby. We need a president who will fight for commonsense gun safety reforms,' she said. The former New York senator hit her opponent for his vote in favor of a bill that protected gun manufacturers from liability lawsuits for crimes committed using their firearms and brought up a suit that's being brought by families of the victims of Sand Hook. 'He said they didn't deserve their day in court,' Clinton said. 'I could not disagree more.' Clinton charged, 'We hear a lot from Senator Sanders about the greed and recklessness of Wall Street, and I agree....Well, what about the greed and recklessness of gun manufacturers and dealers in America?' Sanders retorted that 'the only problem is, Wolf, she didn't answer your question.' 'You asked her whether she thought that Vermont was responsible for a lot of the gun violence. You made the point what she said was totally absurd,' he said. Clinton tried to interject but Sanders slapped her down and said, 'Excuse me, I think I'm responding now.' In his answer he addressed the Sandy Hook shooting, calling it 'murder, assault, slaughter' and an 'unspeakable act.' The U.S. senator contended that he 'probably' lost his first federal election because he supported a ban on assault weapons. He said of liability legislation, 'I was concerned that in rural areas all over this country, if a gun shop owner sells a weapon legally to somebody, and that person then goes out and kills somebody, I don't believe it is appropriate that that gun shop owner who just sold a legal weapon to be held accountable and be sued. But, if gun shop owners are selling to someone who wants 'thousands of rounds of ammunition, or they want a whole lot of guns, yes, that gun shop owner or that gun manufacturer should be held liable,' he said. The daughter of the principal of the Newtown, Connecticut, school said this month that Sanders owes her family an apology. Asked about it at tonight's debate, Sanders said, 'No, I don't think I owe them an apology. They are in court today, and actually they won a preliminary decision today. They have the right to sue, and I support them and anyone else who wants the right to sue.' Clinton denied tonight that she is blaming Democratic rival Bernie Sanders' home state of Vermont for gun violence in New York. Sanders said, if that's true, 'Why did she put out that statement?' Clinton has made Sanders' stance on guns the centerpiece of her campaign against him in New York, where her lead dropped to 12 points in a poll on Monday from 21 in February. Monday she publicly linked Vermont, a state that Sanders has represented in Congress for more than 25 years but has never led, to gun trafficking in New York. Addressing Clinton's comments last week, Shumlin said, 'It is campaign season, therefore sometimes things are said by all the candidates that sometimes arent entirely accurate. I would just say this I think youd have a hard time convincing Vermonters that New Yorks crime problems are coming from Vermont.' He pointed the finger in the other direction and said New York is responsible for the influx of heroin into Vermont. 'Theres no question that the heroin heading into Vermont right now doesnt originate in Vermont,' he said, according to the Barre Montpelier Times Argus. Shumlin said, 'It comes from parts south, and you may well notice that often when folks are busted bringing this stuff in they have New York plates.' Clinton's campaign cities a 2014 Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms report to back up the candidate's claims. More guns were found at New York crime scenes from Vermont, per capita, than from any other state, it says. In 2013, 61 guns at New York crime scenes were traced back to Vermont, the campaign said in a statement Monday evening. The next highest state was New Hampshire. Last October the New York Police Department reported a 25 percent increase in homicide by gun over the previous year and made reduction a priority. Clinton spokesman Brian Fallon continued the siege on Sanders over gun crimes this week and said on Twitter, 'When Sanders cites his home state to defend his pro-gun positions, it's worth noting how the impact of VT gun laws don't end at state border.' Michael Briggs, a spokesman for Sanders, directed reporters to Governor Shumlin's comments in the Time Argus in a statement. Briggs added, 'I dont know why Secretary Clinton would be so critical of the governor of Vermont who strongly supports her candidacy.' He also said he does not owe an apology to the families of Sandy Hook shooting victims for refusing to vote for legislation that would make it easier for them to prevail in court against those that sold the weapons used in the crime to the mother of the would-be mass murderer The Washington Post's fact checkers determined that Clinton was relying on a 'misleading data point' to make her case. 'The per capita calculation is skewed by Vermonts small population,' it said. Looking at the raw numbers in 2014, 2,556 guns would have been on the street aside from the 55 that came from Vermont that year. 'The number of crime guns in New York from Vermont is so small that it could even be attributed to one or two bad actors,' the Post said. 'Using the per capita measure of trafficked guns originating from Vermont is as pointless as counting guns trafficked per 100,000 head of cattle.' Clinton moved away from that argument tonight and went back to attacking Sanders' personal record on guns. His most recent rating from prominent gun lobby group the National Rifle Association is a D- and for many years he had an F, but throughout the 2016 campaign Clinton's made him out to be a cohort of the organization. She frequently brings up his vote for the immunity legislation, as well. Sanders has attached his name to legislation in the Senate this legislative session that would open up firearms manufacturers to the types of lawsuits supported by Clinton and a majority of liberals. He's stipulated that it rests on the inclusion of a study to determine how the law affects rural states like Vermont and small, mom and pop style firearms dealers he worries will be bankrupted if the bill becomes law. Clinton told him tonight, 'That was not the point of this. And if he can point to any, any incident where that happened, I would love to hear about it.' Speaking to the New York Daily News editorial board this month Sanders said of gun violence, 'Nobody can guarantee that some lunatic is not going to pick up a gun today and kill people. But we have to do the best that we can to prevent those type of killings.' The lawmaker said he was in favor of expanding background checks, getting rid of a rule that allows private sales without a check at gun shows, cracking down on straw sales and increasing funding for mental health. 'So I support pretty much the President's agenda,' he said. But in response to a question on the 2014 Sandy Hook massacre in Connecticut, Sanders said he does not believe families of the victims should be able to sue the firearms manufacturer for damages. 'In the same sense that if you're a gun dealer and you sell me a gun and I go out and I kill him [a person in the room]. Do I think that that gun dealer should be sued for selling me a legal product that he misused?' Sanders shook his head no. Continuing he said, 'But I do believe that gun manufacturers and gun dealers should be able to be sued when they should know that guns are going into the hands of wrong people.' 'So if somebody walks in and says, "I'd like 10,000 rounds of ammunition," you know, well, you might be suspicious about that. So I think there are grounds for those suits, but not if you sell me a legal product.' Throughout the 2016 campaign she's made him out to be a cohort of the NRA, and she frequently highlights his vote against a bill that would have made gun manufacturers liable for crimes committed using their firearms A progressive who is further to the left than Clinton on almost every issue but guns, his position on immunity for firearms makers is a perceived weakness that Clinton has effectively exploited. Following the NYDN interview, Clinton's campaign convened lawmakers that have endorsed her for a call. Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy accused Sanders of 'shielding the firearms industry' and said his position 'is hard to understand.' 'His comments earlier this week in an interview that he gave to the New York Daily News are disturbing,' Murphy said. Tonight Sanders said his position on gun control will help him bring Republicans and Democrats together to pass legislation addressing violence. Outspoken 2GB radio host Alan Jones has slammed Channel Nine management as 'dysfunctional' over the bungled child recovery operation involving Tara Brown and the 60 Minutes crew in Lebanon. The veteran broadcaster called the bungled child recovery attempt in southern Beirut 'absolutely absurd' and questioned why they were in the first place. 'People who know this area backwards say you wouldn't go into this area for quids,' he said on his morning program. The region is renowned for being a Hezbollah stronghold. Scroll down for videos Veteran radio broadcaster Alan Jones has slammed Channel Nine management over their handling of the case involving the 60 Minutes TV crew in Lebanon Nine Network news boss Darren Wick (left) flew to the Middle East to provide support for the jailed 60 Minutes crew while Nine Entertainment CEO Hugh Marks (right) has met with relatives of the incarcerated group The Baabda Prison for women in Beirut where 60 Minutes reporter Tara Brown has been held along with Brisbane mother Sally Faulkner. They will spend at least the next five days incarcerated there before investigations recommence on Monday A prison truck transports Tara Brown and Sally Faulkner back to the Baabda prison for women in Beirut. A joint Lebanese-Australian committee will be established to examine the case The 60 Minutes crew including Tara Brown (above) have already spent a week in detention. They are expected to know within a week whether formal charges will be laid but remain behind bars until Monday The Australian TV crew including David Ballment (left) and Stephen Rice (right) have been accused of kidnapping and being members of a criminal gang over the botched child recovery operation last Thursday Nine Network cameraman Ben Williamson (left) and Child Abduction Recovery International representative Adam Whittington (right) are among the nine people taken into custody last Thursday Sally Faulkner pictured with her two children Noah and Lahela. Judge Rami Abdullah said 'there is no way the charges will be dropped' against her, the 60 Minutes crew and the child recovery team 'The judge wants further investigation into who signed off on the kidnapping plot and who paid for the operation and of course they are questioning people individually. 'And when people are locked up they spill the beans.' Ms Faulkner, 60 Minutes reporter Tara Brown, TV producer Stephen Rice, cameraman Ben Williamson and sound recordist David Ballment have all been charged over an alleged botched abduction of the Brisbane mother's two children Noah 4, and Lahela, 6 in Beirut last Thursday. The other suspects have been identified in court as Britons Greg Michael and Adam Whittington (a former police officer); and Lebanese duo Mohammad Hamza and Khaled Barbour. Jones, 75, accused the Nine Network of putting ratings ahead of staff. 'It seems here the preference was for television ratings via vigilante justice and Channel Nine has gone too far and now families of Australians are paying the price,' he added. 'Everyone sympathises with the mother whos desperate to get her children back and all that stuff, though there are always two parents involved here. 'While Lebanon has not signed the UNs convention governing international custody disputes, Australia does have its own agreement with Lebanon for co-operation on protecting the welfare of children, and Im not sure if anyone involved in this matter attempted to rely on that agreement.' Baabda Court House in Beirut where Sally Faulkner and members of 60 Minutes have appeared after the failed 'abduction' of her children from the custody of her ex-husband 60 Minutes followed Sally Faulkner to film the recovery of her children, Noah and Lahela, from her estranged husband Ali Zeid Elamine (pictured) whom she claims kept her children in Lebanon without her permission Giving some hope the matter might be handled as a custody dispute Ms Faulkner, 29, and her estranged husband Ali Elamine, 32, have been urged by the presiding judge to reach an agreement over the custody of their children. But the group does face the serious charges of kidnapping and being members of a criminal gang, which can attract maximum sentences of up to three years and 10 years respectively. The children, Noah, 4, and Lahela, 6, were returned to their father soon after they were snatched by a child recovery team as they were walking with their paternal grandmother, Ibtissam Berri, on a street in the southern Beirut suburb of Hadath. It is understood the 60 Minutes team was in Lebanon to report on the recovery of the children. Mount Lebanon Investigative Judge Rami Abdullah is expected to recommence his questioning of the accused on Monday. Despite the imminent establishment of a joint Lebanese-Australian committee to review the case, Judge Abdullah insisted to reporters outside the Baabda Justice Palace there had been 'no political pressure' on him, reported The Daily Star. Ms Faulkner's lawyer, Ghassan Moughabghab, also says if the Brisbane mother and Mr Elamine can reach an agreement, it would 'help all the accused people', including the Australian broadcasters. Sally Faulkner has denied that any force was used against her children's paternal grandmother Ibtissam Berri (pictured) who claimed she was pistol whipped and threatened with a gun during the abduction in Beirut 'The husband has to drop the charges,' Mr Moughabghab claims. 'The judge is pushing [for him] to do that.' Any chance of an early resolution has been dashed with the judge now likely to wait until Monday to again question the group. Brown appeared first before the judge on Wednesday, handcuffed and escorted by security officials into the courtroom. She was soon followed by Faulkner and later Williamson, Ballment and Rice, who were handcuffed to each other but appeared in good spirits. Nine's director of news and current affairs, Darren Wick, watched as his staff members were led in for questioning. He declined to comment. Nine has refused to comment on speculation it organised, and funded the recovery operation. Lebanese authorities reportedly have evidence that Channel Nine paid for the abduction. A son of Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen has been found guilty of harassment after he was accused of pushing his girlfriend during an argument last summer. John Bowlen, 30, was convicted Thursday and sentenced to 24 months of probation with drug and alcohol evaluations. He was also ordered to undergo a mental health evaluation. Bowlen had pleaded not guilty to the harassment charge that stemmed from the 2015 incident in which he pushed his girlfriend against a bathroom wall. John Bowlen (left and right), son of Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen has been found guilty of harassment after he was accused of pushing his girlfriend during an argument last summer Bowlen, who was found guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor charge of harassment, was a candidate to take over the team after his father (pictured), revealed he would give up his duties in 2014 He was also charged with a Class 1 misdemeanor for allegedly hanging up the phone when the woman tried to call 911,according to the Denver Post. The jury found Bowlen guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor charge of harassment, according to a news release from the Arapahoe County District Attorney's office. Last summer, Bowlen's girlfriend of ten months told investigators that he was under the influence of 'whippets', nitrous oxide, and alcohol, according to the Post. Bowlen, who was a marketing assistant for the Broncos, was immediately put on indefinite leave. His girlfriend called the police because of his 'erratic behavior', and could be heard screaming in her initial call before it was hung up from inside of his Glendale apartment. The recording obtained by TMZ revealed that the dispatcher called back and Bowlen answered. After identifying himself as the owner of the Broncos, Bowlen told the dispatcher his girlfriend had called 911 because she was trying to 'ruin his life'. The suspended team executive said: 'I swear on my dad's life. She's crazy right now. 'She's leaving right now. There's nothing to be worried about.' He then revealed the couple supposedly broke up four hours before the 911 call as placed. Bowlen added: 'She's had seven beers. She weighs 95 pounds and she is being picked up by another male who she works out with. 'She is fine and she is trying to cause a problem. As the blood of the city, I'm telling you nothing is wrong.' Last summer, Bowlen's girlfriend of ten months told investigators that he was under the influence of 'whippets', nitrous oxide, and alcohol at the time of the abuse. Bowlen (left in 2014) was a marketing assistant for the Broncos but was immediately put on indefinite leave after the arrest In addition to two years of probation, Bowlen was sentenced 24 hours of community service. If he violates the terms of his probation, the judge said jail will be imposed. He's pictured (left) in 2014 after the Denver Outlaws won the Steinfeld Trophy In order to help out, Bowlen said he had the concierge coming from downstairs. He continued: 'I'm sober. I'm a man of the city. A friend of the mayor. 'And everybody knows exactly who I am. I'm going through a lot. 'She is leaving right now, nothing is wrong. I love you guys. Thank you. Bye bye.' His father is suffering from Alzheimer's and relinquished control of the team in 2014. In addition to two years of probation, Bowlen was sentenced 24 hours of community service. If he violates the terms of his probation, the judge said jail will be imposed, according to TMZ. Bowlen's attorney has said his client will appeal the ruling. In August 2005, he was also arrested by Boulder police on suspicion of driving under the influence. He pleaded guilty to driving while his ability was impaired. If water temperatures rise by just 0.5 degrees much of the reef will suffer An environmental lawyer has called the state of Australia's Great Barrier Reef 'an international tragedy' after a study revealed a bleak outlook for its future. In an opinion piece for The Guardian, Ariane Wilkinson, a lawyer at Environmental Justice Australia, blasts Environmental Minister Greg Hunt for not taking action to protect the largest living thing on Earth. 'He seems to be ignoring the elephant in the room - that carbon pollution is the root of the problem, and that he has the power in his hands right now to prevent a further 120 million tonnes per year of additional carbon pollution, giving the world the chance the save the reef,' Ms Wilkinson states. A study of 27 years worth of data found that corals were able to cope with gains in water temperatures when the heat built up step-by-step, rather than abruptly Ariane Wilkinson says 'carbon pollution is the root of the problem, and that Greg Hunt (pictured) has the power to prevent a further 120 million tonnes per year of additional carbon pollution A team of scientists released a new study in Science on Friday that examined 27 years of temperature data along the 2,300 kilometre long ecosystem. It found that corals were able to cope with gains in water temperatures when the heat built up step-by-step, rather than abruptly. It also reported that less than a degree increase in water temperature could be catastrophic for the reef. 'We find that near-future increases in local temperature of as little as 0.5C result in this protective mechanism being lost, which may increase the rate of degradation of the GBR.' the report stated. The Great Barrier Reef is home to 3000 coral reefs and is bigger than the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Holland combined. The study also stated the while many of the organisms have a threshold to survive warmer temperatures, we're getting closer to going over that threshold. Coral bleaching is responsible for a loss of colour and vibrance in the Great Barrier Reef The Great Barrier Reef is one of Australia's biggest tourist attractions but it is facing a bleak future 'Bleaching events of the past three decades have been mitigated by induced thermal tolerance of reef-building corals, and this protective mechanism is likely to be lost under near-future climate change scenarios,' the report says. In her opinion piece, Wilkinson is critical of the government's approval for more coal mines. 'At a time when the world must burn less coal to prevent precisely this kind of harm, it defies reason for the Australian government to approve the expansion of a coal export terminal at Abbot Point on the Reefs coast, as well as the Adani Goups proposed massive Carmichael coal mine in the Galilee Basin.' If water temperatures rise by 0.5 degrees then a protective mechanism may be lost and subsequently increase the rate of degradation of the Great Barrier Reef The Great Barrier Reef stretches 2,300 km and is bigger than the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Holland combined She adds that these approvals are 'adding insult to injury for the Reef by allowing 120 million tonnes per annum of greenhouse gas emissions to be released into Earths atmosphere, mainly from the burning of the coal'. Uber has been forced to apologise to a blind man after a driver refused to pick him up because he didn't want his guide dog to mess up his car. Graeme Innes, who happens to be Australia's former disability discrimination commissioner, was refused the ride by an Uber driver in Sydney just before Easter. 'He said that he had a new car, it had cost him $90,000 and he wasn't prepared to have animals in the car,' Mr Innes told the ABC. Uber has apologised to a blind man after a driver refused to pick him up because he didn't want his guide dog to mess up his car Graeme Innes and his guide dog (pictured) were refused the ride by an Uber driver in Sydney just before Easter The driver cancelled the booking and the 61-year-old was forced to book another Uber. 'Because I was a bit more frustrated I actually just opened the door and got in the (second) car, and he also didn't want to take me... (he) yelled a lot and drove in a pretty scary manner,' Mr Innes said. He initially took to Twitter to complain about the drivers saying: 'Am regular @Uber user. Refused twice tonight with guide dog. They have 7 days before discrim complaint.' The company responded promptly and Mr Innes then lodged to complaints via email asking to be informed of when and how the drivers were disciplined. Graeme Innes (pictured) happens to be Australia's former disability discrimination commissioner 'They refunded the fares immediately, but I also said that I would like compensation and I'd also like to be made aware of the disciplining of the drivers and I gave them seven days to respond to that,' he said. Mr Innes subsequently lodged a complaint with the Human Rights Commission under the Disability Act, which prompted Uber to contact him to inform him the drivers had been disciplined. Uber said in a statement that drivers were legally obliged to carry guide dogs. 'We have resolved the individual issue about the isolated incident,' a spokesman said. 'We believe that everyone should be able to get access to reliable and affordable transport, including those with accessibility needs and assistance dogs.' The first driver said that it was a new car which had cost him $90,000 and he wasn't prepared to have animals in the car An Ohio woman accused of suffocating her three sons out of jealousy at the attention her husband gave them is asking a judge to toss her confession. Lawyers for 23-year-old Brittany Pilkington have also asked to split the case into three trials and remove the death penalty as a possibility. Her attorneys filed six motions on April 1 and prosecutors had 20 days to respond, The Dayton Daily News reported. Scroll down for video Ohio mom Brittany Pilkington, 23 (pictured) who is accused of suffocating her three sons out of jealousy at the attention her husband gave them is asking a judge to toss her confession Gavin Pilkington, four, (right) died last April and Niall Pilkington, three months, (left) died in July 2014 A judge previously denied removing the death penalty option. The new motion seeks a dismissal based on a January ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court. The defense is questioning the constitutionality of Ohio's capital punishment laws. Her trial is scheduled to start in October. The Bellefontaine woman pleaded not guilty to three counts of aggravated murder. Meanwhile, prosecutors say Pilkington confessed to the killings. In the first motion, it requests for public access to the online court docket to be blocked during the trial to keep the jury from viewing it and improperly inferring information from prior motions and rulings, according to the Dayton Daily News. The second motion requests to split the three counts claiming the three cases together create undue prejudice and interferes with their client's right to a fair trial on each count. Authorities say Pilkington smothered the three boys with blankets. Her son Noah died at three months old last August Her lawyers are also requesting that all statements that she made to law enforcement be concealed, arguing they were made involuntarily, violating her rights under the fifth, sixth and 14th amendments. Defense's motion claims that during questioning last August following the death of her son Noah, it resulted in 'some incriminating statements, but no confessions to causing the deaths of children.' 'Ms. Pilkington, inexperienced with police questioning, emotionally upset, sleep-deprived and very tired, appears to counsel to have provided self-incriminating statements that were not only involuntary, but also likely highly unreliable, if not outright false in that they appear to have been the statements provided by police with her coerced assent given while she was without any psychological defenses,' the motion reads. Officers went to the family's apartment after an emergency call from the mother saying Noah was not breathing Authorities believe Pilkington used the comfort blankets of her four-year-old Gavin, three-month-old Niall and three-month old Noah to suffocate each of them in their crib or bed because she wanted her husband, Joseph Pilkington, to pay more attention to her and their three-year-old daughter. In September, Joseph Pilkington was charged with sexually assaulting Brittany when she was a teenager and had been living in her house for years as her stepfather, according to an indictment made public. Thomas O'Connell was found in a torched car on the side of a road in regional Victoria A man charged with murder after a body was found in a torched car on the side of the road says the allegations will make him a target with bikies. Robert Musso, 37, was charged with the murder of Thomas O'Connell, 32, who was found in a Kia hatchback on the Hume Freeway in regional Victoria's Wandong on February 5. Mr Musso has told the Melbourne Magistrates Court that he now fears for his life, reports The Age. Mr Musso requested for media to leave the courtroom and later asked to leave himself when the magistrate explained the charges laid against him. 'It could endanger my life if people knew that I could be involved,' he told the court. 'I haven't committed this so I'm not going to sit through this.' He told the court he was not involved in the murder and said Mr O'Connell was a 'friend'. It comes as police revealed Mr O'Connell's car had been followed by a 2008 grey Honda Civic sedan shortly before the blaze. Police discovered the torched Kia hatchback on the Hume Freeway in Wandong on February 5 Investigations were delayed several months because of the lengthy process in identifying the charred remains The discovery of the car was announced as the breakthrough needed to solve Mr O'Connell's murder. Investigations had been delayed several months because of the lengthy process in identifying the charred remains. Mr O'Connell was last seen in Mernda in northeast Melbourne with friends the night before his body was found. Investigations are ongoing and detectives are analysing a significant amount of dashboard camera and CCTV footage. Mr Musso declined to apply for bail and will appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday. Police have revealed Mr O'Connell's car (pictured) had been followed by a 2008 grey Honda Civic sedan shortly before the blaze The vagrant teen charged with murdering dance student Haruka Weisner was forced to leave home because of his grandmother's 'religious beliefs', court documents show. Meechaiel Criner, 17, was arrested a week ago and charged with killing the Portland ballerina who was in the first year of her studies at the University of Texas in Austin. But new court documents show that, in August last year, he was forced out of the home he shared with grandmother Mary Wadley, 63, because she believed people his age should 'make their own way in the world.' Scroll down for video Meechaiel Criner (left), 17, claims he was kicked out of the home he shared with grandmother Mary Wadley, 62 (right) last August because her 'religious beliefs' meant it was time for him 'to make his way in the world' Haruka Weiser (pictured) was found dead in a creek on University of Texas at Austin campus last Tuesday. Criner, who is believed to have been living in a derelic building nearby, is suspected of killing her The teen had been living with his grandmother after being removed from his mother Vivian Lafrance Criner, a drug addict and prostitute, aged just two. Criner told police that he then hitchhiked and walked the 300-plus miles from Wadley's home in Texarkana, along the Texas-Arkansas border, to Austin. Wadley reported her grandson as a runaway that same month, but admitted to authorities that it was only so she wouldn't be held responsible when he didn't show up for school. It is not known what exactly became of Criner between the time he arrived in Austin and the time he is accused of killing Weiser, though he is thought to have been squatting in a derelict building close to the University of Texas campus. Weiser was seen on CCTV heading towards her dorm on her phone when a man believed to be Criner began following her with a 'shiny rigid' object Criner's family had an 'extensive history' with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, according to records filed by the agency in August, when the state asked a judge to take over his care and separate the teenager from relatives. The state had investigated various allegations of abuse and neglect involving members of his family over the years. Files seen by Dailymail.com shed light on Criner's chaotic and violent upbringing in which included a 2009 incident where he was left with both eyes swollen shut after being attacked by Wadley. The same document also lists Criner medical needs, saying he suffers from schizophrenia and depression, and has autism. In May 2009 Wadley was arrested and charged with injuring Criner after a neighbor spotted her beating him with a belt outside their home. When police arrived, they found Criner, then aged ten, with two black eyes Wadley claimed he had turned unexpectedly, causing her to hit him in the face with the garment. According to the case report filed by Texarkana police department, the child's eyes were left so swollen, he was unable to open them without using his fingers. He also had bruising on the right side of his face. Although his grandmother claimed to be disciplining the boy, when asked why he was being punished, Criner appeared not to know. The police file, seen by Daily Mail Online, adds: 'Criner spoke as if he were mentally handicapped and 'slower' than normal children. At no time was he taken for medical treatment.' Criner's grandmother, although initially booked into the local jail, was later freed with a warning and a $2,000 fine. A further incident came in November 2013 with the 62-year-old this time accused of attacking one of his sisters. This time, Criner was listed as a witness in the police report in which Wadley is claimed to have pushed and pulled the hair of 26-year-old Lawellai Criner. However, neighbors who witnessed the disturbance said the intended victim was Criner himself, with the boy set upon by his sister. On that occasion, no charges were pressed. Criner's mother wanted to take him back in 2011, according to an affidavit from a child welfare investigator, but when Criner refused his mother allegedly threatened him. 'I am going to make sure you go to foster care,' Vivian Criner told her son, according to the affidavit. More recent files concern Criner's multiple attempts to run away from home, the first time in January 2015. According to his grandmother's statement, she and the teenager had had an argument and she had asked him to leave the house to calm down. When she went to look for her grandson, the boy, who was wearing nothing more than a pair of black and grey pajamas, had gone. Although Wadley told police she thought he might have gone to California, where his mother was then living, Criner instead went to the home of his 23-year-old sister Ariana in Houston. Wadley (left) was previously accused of beating Criner, who also suffers from depression and schizophrenia, and has autism, according to public records Criner had been living with Wadley in her Texarkana home (pictured) since age two after being taken away from his drug-addict mother Vivian Lafrance Criner Returned to his grandmother after being picked up by police, Criner went missing for a second time on August 16 2015, when Criner claims he was forced to leave. She also told the officer that she had no idea of her grandson's height and weight but revealed that he had been arrested in Seagoville a small town just south of Dallas the day before. According to Seagoville police records, Criner was released after telling officers that he was planning to head for Austin, where he is now in jail. When informed of his plans, Wadley was apparently mystified and told police that he knew nobody in the city. Wadley, who made no further effort to find her grandson, has also been speaking to the media about Criner and, in an interview on KSLA yesterday, claimed he had a 'violent' temper. 'He would get along until you made him mad and then he snapped. His temper...he snapped real fast,' she said. 'He's real intelligent, but he has a problem. He talks to himself and he walks back and forth like he's fighting.' It was at the Medical Arts Street address that he was picked up by police on Monday and again on Thursday following a call from the fire department who were putting out a small blaze. When Daily Mail Online visited on Saturday, traces of human habitation could still be seen within, while locals said Criner is thought to have smashed the lock before moving in. Criner (pictured being arrested last week) refused to go back into his mother's care in 2011 and she allegedly threatened him and said she was going to make sure he ended up in a foster home Tributes to Haruka Weiser near the wooded area of Waller Creek by the Alumni Center on the University of Texas campus in Austin It is there that he is thought to have burned some of Weiser's possessions, although some of her things including part of one of her Doc Marten shoes were found intact. He then spent the following three days at the Lifeworks Center; a local shelter that specializes in helping troubled, homeless children. Director Susan McDowell said that his arrest, in front of other occupants of the home, proved a 'severely traumatic experience' for all concerned. She added: 'The youth at the Center are grieving for Haruka and counsellors are working with the children involved. 'For many of them, this has brought back traumatic memories.' Criner is now in jail and has subsequently been charged with the first degree murder of dance student Weiser. Video footage of the night she was killed appears to show him brandishing a 'sharp silver object', although Austin police have refused to confirm whether or not she was stabbed. He was charged with aggravated sexual assault and A 40-year-old man has been charged after he allegedly sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl he met on a dating app. The girl began communicating with the man on the social networking application 'Badoo' earlier this month. She was allegedly assaulted by the man after meeting him at Wyoming, near Gosford, on the NSW Central Coast on April 8, police said in a statement. A 40-year-old man has been charged after he allegedly sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl he met on a dating app After the encounter, she left and told her guardian, who then called the police, Fairfax Media reported. Detectives from the State Crime Command's Child Abuse Squad subsequently arrested a 40-year-old man in Wyoming at about 1.15pm on Thursday. The man was taken to Gosford Police Station where he was charged with aggravated sexual assault and indecent assault. He was refused bail and will appear at Gosford Local Court on Friday. The Badoo app, which has more than 300 million users, encourages 'chatting, making friends, sharing interests and even dating'. Users can upload photos, videos, chat and 'match' with people who live in their area - where they're 'liked' and end up with a score out of 10. The girl began communicating with the man on the social networking and dating application 'Badoo' earlier this month Police are again urging parents and children to be mindful of the dangers associated with the internet. Sex Crimes Squad commander Detective Superintendent Linda Howlett told Fairfax Media that young people are drawn to social media and applications often because of the 'like' system. 'One of the trends at the moment, unfortunately, is that children like the likes system so they are accepting a lot of people they don't know as friends and putting suggestive photos out there to attract likes,' she told Fairfax Media. 'They believe they are corresponding with someone of the same age but sex offenders are also using those apps.' Hillary and Trump have already shown their funny side on his show, so it was perhaps only a matter of time before Ted Cruz sat down to do a skit with Jimmy Fallon. Appearing on The Tonight Show, Cruz took part in a mock phone call with his Republican rival 'Donald Trump' - who was actually played by Fallon in a wig. The Texas senator poked fun at his notorious 'New York values' comment, saying he actually meant he 'valued New York' - but was saying it backwards, 'like Yoda would say it'. Ted Cruz mocked his infamous 'New York values' comment during a phone call with 'Donald Trump' on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on Thursday Cruz also told 'Trump' that he was watching his favorite movie Princess Bride, that he mentioned during a CNN family town hall this week, for the '843rd time'. At the start of the sketch, 'Trump' calls Cruz in order to discuss Thursday night's Democratic Debate in Brooklyn, and attack the performance of Hillary Clinton. Fallon, reviving the Trump impression that he once did alongside The Donald, accuses Clinton of 'going back and forth' on key issues, comparing it to her trying to use a Metrocard on the subway. In an attempt to polish her 'everyman' image, Clinton rode two stops on the subway earlier this week but took five swipes to get through the Metrocard reader, an incident also mocked by Kate McKinnon on Saturday Night Live. 'Trump' then offers to help prepare Cruz for his appearance on the Tonight Show, which he admits is 'very generous', adding 'I appreciate you being the bigger man'. 'Trump' replies: 'Oh Im the bigger man with the bigger hands, and the bigger....You cant see me but I am pointing at my Trump Tower.' 'Im really glad not to be on FaceTime right now,' Cruz responds. Cruz is not the first Republican candidate to appear on the show after Trump stopped by the studio and even faced off in a mirror with Fallon's impression of him Getting on to the subject of New York, Cruz is challenged over his comment during the South Carolina debate in January when he accused the actual Trump if having 'New York values'. Cruz tells the fake Trump: 'Look, Donald, Im not going to pander to New Yorkers. I love New York City. 'It is the greatest city in the world with the best looking audiences in the world, so when I said "New York Values," I was merely trying to say that I value New York - except I was saying it backwards the way Yoda would say it.' Trump shoots back: 'I love Yoda - I watch her every morning with Kathie Lee [Gifford],' confusing the Today host Hoda Kotb, with the Star Wars Jedi master. Cruz is expected to be clobbered by Trump in Tuesday's New York primary, thanks in no small part to his 'New York values' comment. Advertisement The Duchess of Cambridge joked about 'burning off the curry' during a three-hour trek with Prince William to the breathtaking Tiger's Nest monastery perched on a Bhutan clifftop - yet looked as if she had barely broken sweat. William and Kate continued their adventure-packed tour with an energy-sapping climb up one of the country's major attractions. Built into the side of a steep cliff above a beautiful forest of rhododendrons, some 10,000 feet above sea level, it is one of the most spectacular temples in the world. The royal couple admired the 'absolutely stunning' scenery on their way up and beamed as they posed for photos. And while the prince was seen wiping sweat from his brow, his wife appeared unfazed by the climb and simply pushed her hair back from her face with her sunglasses. Scroll down for video Intrepid: William wore traditional walking boots while Kate opted for a riding style Arm in arm: The royal couple linked arms as they made their way up to the Buddhist monastery on the outskirts of Thimphu Close bond: The royal couple stride along the path as they climbed the mountain on the penultimate day of their tour Sunny: The royal couple take in the stunning surroundings during their hike to the monastery, perched at an altitude of 10,000ft (pictured towards the end of the climb) Looking out: The royal couple gazed at the Tiger's Nest Monastery and stopped to admire the views of the surrounding mountains Hike to the top: William and Kate continued their tour with a trek to the breathtaking Tiger's Nest monastery in Paro Taktsang (circled) Sign of affection: The couple walked arm-in-arm as they made their way to the Buddhist monastery in the searing heat Happy couple: The royal couple grinned for the cameras at the mid-way section of their three-hour hike up to the monastery Loving: The royal couple gazed longingly into one another's eyes during their climb up to the Tiger's Nest Monastery Special interest: At the half-way point the couple, guided by the director of the national museum, Phuntesho Tashi, span prayer wheels Spectacular: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge take in the stunning views at the half-way stage of the three-hour climb today Entourage: Kate Middleton's hairdresser Amanda Cook Tucker (left), Sophie Agnew, assistant to the Duchess of Cambridge's private secretary (centre), and PA and stylist Natasha Archer (right) joined the royal couple for the hike Stylists: Hairdresser Amanda Cook Tucker, Sophie Agnew (centre) and the Duchess of Cambridge's PA and stylist Natasha Archer (right) Close circle: Hairdresser Amanda Cook Tucker, (left) and Natasha Archer, the Duchess' PA (centre) joined the couple Jaunt: Sophie Agnew, who also studied History of Art at St Andrew's, Amanda Cook Tucker and Natasha Archer smile for the cameras As they paused at a viewpoint overlooked the monastery, Kate, clad in 475 Penelope Chilvers boots and a 495 Nubuck shoot waistcoat, gushed: 'Wow, that's amazing.' William said: 'Look at the roof (of the temple) it's cool. What a great view.' The couple then sat on a stone bench with their backs to the Buddhist temple - the most important in Bhutan - to pose cheerily for photographs. The couple had started their trek through the stunning scenery at an elevation of 8,525ft and arrived at the monastery three hours later having stopped for two breaks. Kate looked fresh in her white blouse and Zara khaki stretch pants, having finally taken off her leather waistcoat - but William looked a little flushed. Kate described the view as 'very special'. Asked if it was one of the sites the couple were most looking forward to seeing, she replied: 'It's amazing, so beautiful.' The couple agreed to pose with their arms wrapped around each other for a photo taken by their press officer. They chatted briefly with a guide, Kate asking: 'Do you have many rescues here?' But they declined offers of water or to sit down on two specially created seats draped with fabric under a parasol. At the half-way point the couple, guided by the director of the national museum, Phuntesho Tashi, span a series of prayer wheels in the picturesque spot, which in Buddhism helps to absolve sin. The couple pushed on for the final section of the climb, to the monastery itself, unaccompanied by journalists or photographers, sparking a row over media access. Bhutanese tourism ministers said they were happy for reporters, photographers and TV crews to accompany the Duke and Duchess all the way to the monastery. But Kensington Palace blocked that, insisting the royal couple should have a private visit to the monastery buildings. Tuned in: The Duchess of Cambridge spoke with a monk near a prayer wheel at the half-way point of the hike Attentive: The royal couple listen to a monk at the half-way point of their three-hour trek to the top of the Buddhist monastery All done! William and Kate step out of the woodland after completing their trek on day six of their royal tour to India and Bhutan Completed it: The royal couple are all smiles as they return from the peak - the media were barred from joining them along the final section Back to the start: William and Kate show their delight after finishing the stunning trek to the Tiger's Nest monastery Religious: The royal couple chat with a monk at the half-way point of the climb to the monastery 10,000ft above sea level Easy as you like: The Duchess chose to wear a leather jerkin and knee-length leather boots for the arduous, rocky climb Striding ahead: The Duchess of Cambridge, pictured at the start of the ascent, kept her cool as she hiked up the mountain - despite the soaring temperatures No sweat: The Duke and Duchess looked relaxed as they began the energy-sapping trek to the monastery On the move: Their path up to the Tiger's Nest, which dates to 1692, led through a pine forest on the slopes of the hill Radiant: Kate wore a 495 Nubuck shoot leather waistcoat and boots for the trek, but barely broke sweat as she climbed the mountain Pressing on: The royal couple ambled along the winding path through the idyllic landscape on the penultimate day of their tour On the lookout: Prince William points something out to his wife during the start of their trek to the Tiger's Nest Monastery Marching up: It normally takes locals more than two hours to make the steep climb, but the royal couple were a bit faster Breathtaking scenery: The couple cheerily posed for photos as they started their hike up to the top of the Tiger's Nest Monastery Relaxed: The royal couple chatted on the walk up the mountain before sharing a quiet word with each other at the beginning of the ascent Listening in: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge spoke with a monk near a prayer wheel during their visit to the monastery at the half-way point In the moment: Kate was dressed in a white blouse, waistcoat, leggings and boots, while Wills looked casual in chinos and a blue shirt Comfort: The Duchess turned to one of her long-standing favourite shoe designers Penelope Chilvers during the trip MEET THE DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE'S ENTOURAGE Kate Middleton's hairdresser Amanda Cook Tucker, Sophie Agnew, assistant to the Duchess of Cambridge's private secretary, and PA and stylist Natasha Archer joined the royal couple for the hike to the Tiger's Nest Monastery. Amanda Cook Tucker The hairdresser, 50, has become close to the Duchess of Cambridge in recent years and was credited with giving Kate heat-proof hair that defied the humid Asian weather when she toured the Far East with her husband on the Diamond Jubilee tour in 2012. The Prince of Wales paid the cost of Mrs Cook Tucker throughout the 2012 tour, believed to be 300 a day plus travel costs. She's no stranger to Royal circles - having cut William and Harry's hair since they were children, she is also but known for her discretion and has always kept a low profile. Her ex-husband Neville Tucker also has Royal connections: his Knightsbridge salon held the Royal Warrant from 1980 to 1994 and he worked closely with the Queen's longest-serving hairdresser, Charles Martyn. She was a guest at the royal wedding in 2011 and was seen arriving at the Lindo Wing to style Kate's hair after the birth of Prince George in 2013. Sophie Agnew Fellow St Andrews history of art graduate Sophie, 29 is assistant to Rebecca Deacon who is Kate's private secretary. She is said to help the Duchess to keep on top of personal admin. This his her second royal tour after joining the couple on their 2014 trip to Australia and New Zealand. Natasha Archer Kate's PA, 29, first caught the world's attention when she was one of the only people - aside from the Royal family - seen entering the Lindo Wing after the birth of Prince George. She carried a dress bag and baby car seat, leading the world to question whether she hand-picked the now iconic blue and white polkadot dress that Kate stepped out in. Tash, as she is known, has been credited with having a hand in Kate's style and the Duchess is said to admire her own fashion sense and trust's her eye for clothes. She orders things online and calls in clothes for Kate from designers and the High Street. A privately educated university graduate she is unmarried and lives in Wandsworth, South London. She went to Uppingham boarding school, then read Hispanic Studies at King's College London. Advertisement ROW OVER LACK OF MEDIA ACCESS The couple pushed on for the final section of the climb, to the monastery itself, unaccompanied by journalists or photographers, sparking a row over media access. Bhutanese tourism ministers said they were happy for reporters, photographers and TV crews to accompany the Duke and Duchess all the way to the monastery. But Kensington Palace blocked that, insisting the royal couple should have a private visit to the monastery buildings Advertisement Although the couple are both very fit, William admitted the hike up rocky paths and steep inclines had been challenging-particularly with the lung-busting altitude. The prince, dressed in chinos, a shirt and walking boots, looked slightly more flushed than his wife - sporting 475 Penelope Chilvers boots and a 495 Nubuck shoot waistcoat - and wiped sweat from his brow. 'It was quite tough on the way up. This is absolutely stunning', he said. Kate was thinking of her figure, though, joking: 'It's a great way to burn off the curry'. As the pair came back down the mountain, William greeted reporters by saying 'hello intrepid explorers'. He said: 'Are you sure you didn't just get off a donkey? I wish I had! 'It was amazing. Beautiful scenery as you saw. With the mountains like this and the temples at the top, it was just stunning to walk up there and see all the scenery and to listen to some of the history and religion of the country. It's really important when you come on a trip like this to see some of that.' Asked about his comment that it was 'easy' at the half-way point, William admitted: 'I may have slightly spoken too soon. It was a little bit cheeky on the second part definitely.' Kate described it as an 'amazing experience', adding 'I feel very lucky and fortunate to see such beautiful scenery. As William said, we have learnt about the country.' The King of Bhutan had sent some of his own horses to accompany the couple in case either struggled and needed to go on horseback, but neither of them had needed to. As they started the final approach, down 1000 steps and across a bridge over a yawning chasm, the waiting monks started a musical religious welcome. Chanting, bells, cymbals and trumpets all sounded to welcome the royal couple. Easy does it: The Duchess looked cool and composed while the Duke was rather flushed and breathing a little heavier In good spirits: The couple began their walk by posing for photographs with the landmark monastery high above them in the background Picture perfect: They paused for a few minutes to pose for photographs at the viewpoint before pushing on for the monastery itself TIGER'S NEST MONASTERY The monastery itself dates back to 1692, although the sacred and rather mystical nature of the spot is even older. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, who is credited with bringing Buddhism to Bhutan, flew to the site on a tigresses back to subdue a local demon in the 8th Century. The monastery is sited near a cave where Guru Padmasambhava subsequently meditated in for three years, three months, three weeks and three days. Taktshang Goemba, or Tiger's Nest, was later blessed and sanctified as one of Bhutan's most sacred religious sites. An aide said: 'It is a magical place that the Duke and Duchess are thrilled to be visiting. Their hike will take between five and six hours in total and will allow them to get a real sense of the natural and spiritual beauty of the country.' Advertisement Sonam Penjor, 34, who works in the Bhutan information department said: 'It is very good for Kate and William come here. UK and Bhutan already had a relationship before Prince Charles came here before in 1998, but he only make it to the cafeteria, the halfway point. 'So he took some nice shots but he was not able to come to this point. I think his son and daughter-in-law wanted to beat him! 'They wanted to recapture his father's memories but go further. And maybe later George and Charlotte will come to follow in their parents' footsteps.' The Prince of Wales followed the same trail when he visited Bhutan, but he was injured in a polo match, so instead he stopped before the ascent and painted a scenic picture in watercolor. He said suffered from vertigo, saying at the time: 'I don't think I'm going to risk that cliff. The older I get, the more vertigo I get - even at the top of minarets in Istanbul.' When asked about that, Prince William said: 'Yes. My father didn't make it to be top. So that's something I'll be reminding him of when I see him. It will be lovely if the children could come as well definitely.' Kate added: 'We did actually see one family up there with a small child on their front. It was very brave of them.' She laughed: 'Maybe when they're a bit more mobile, I think.' The Duchess said she was missing George and Charlotte 'massively', adding 'we're looking forward to seeing them. They're in good hands.' She added that they had been able to talk with them 'many times' over the week. On their way up, the couple stopped to talk to three trekkers from San Francisco who were returning down from the mountain, Lauren McKennan, 29, Chris Steele, 27, and Alex Willmore, 28. 'They were pretty altogether,' said Lauren. 'There wasn't a single trail of sweat. They stopped to talk to us for three to five minutes and were absolutely charming. ' Alex added: 'They asked us how long we had been here and talked about how lovely the weather was. They said how rainy it had been when they were doing the archery and how glad they were doing the trek today. 'We asked for a photograph they just laughed and wouldn't do it. But they were absolutely charming, very cool, very nice. They kept on saying how beautiful it was.' Sun-kissed: The royal couple listen to Khenpo Phuntsok Tashi during the half-way point of their walk in Bhutan All smiles: Despite the heat, the Duchess did not show any signs of fatigue and barely broke into a sweat Finished: Prince William, in a pair of sturdy walking boots and the Princess, wearing 475 knee-high boots, smile after finishing the walk Radiant: The Duchess of Cambridge wore a red Beulah dress for the reception celebrating Britain's relationship with Bhutan After completing the hike, the couple headed down to the little craft market and perused the shops for ten minutes. William bought a small bronze tiger for 200 rupees just over 2 and Kate settled on a pair of dangly earrings in dark blue for 500 rupees, around 6.60. It appeared he had to borrow money off his foreign affairs advisor, Sir David Manning, who made the trek with him, as he wasn't carrying any cash. The royal couple tonight attended a reception celebrating Britain's relationship with Bhutan. Kate wore a dress by Beulah, with poppies on, which is the national flower of Bhutan. They will conclude their tour with a romantic visit to the Taj Mahal, the marble mausoleum known as a monument to love. It will mark 24 years since Diana was famously pictured sitting by herself in front of the 17th century monument as her marriage to Prince Charles unravelled. Their separation was announced just months later. Memories: The Prince of Wales followed the same trail when he visited Bhutan in 1998, but opted to stop halfway up the mountain to paint a watercolour of the Tiger's Nest rather than carrying on all the way to the monastery itself Past visit: Charles followed the same trail when he visited Bhutan, but he was injured in a polo match, so stopped before the ascent Breathtaking: The monastery is built into the side of a cliff above a forest of rhododendrons, some 10,000 feet above sea level (file image) Advertisement This is the extraordinary moment a baby girl was pulled alive from the rubble of a house toppled by the deadly earthquakes in Japan. Images show rescue workers carrying the eight-month-old girl to safety from the ruined building which collapsed during tremors that have killed nine and left 800 injured. The dramatic rescue came as emergency crews scrambled to find survivors after the powerful earthquake in southern Japan which sparked fires and buckled roads. Great escape: The eight-month-old baby is wrapped in a blanket while it is carefully removed from the rubble by emergency crews Incredibly the tiny baby does not appear to be visibly injured as it is pulled from the rubble of the ruined building in Mashiki Firefighters walk among collapsed houses caused by an earthquake in Mashiki town, Kumamoto prefecture, southern Japan Distressed: A devastated woman cries as she examines the extensive damage to her home in Mashiki following the powerful quake The child's mother, grandfather, grandmother, and older brother were in the living room and kitchen of the home as she slept in another room on the first floor when the quake shook the southern island of Kyushu, the Mainichi Shimbun daily reported. The family members, who all managed to escape, tried to rescue the baby but the house collapsed, the paper said. But a 50-member rescue team managed to pull her safely from the rubble around 3.45am on Friday, Kyodo News reported. Aftershocks have rattled communities in southern Japan as businesses and residents got a fuller look Friday at the widespread damage from an unusually strong overnight earthquake. Tens of thousands of people have fled their homes. Rescue workers were combing through the wreckage in hard-hit areas to make sure there were no more trapped people, said Shotaro Sakamoto, a Kumamoto prefecture official. Concern about aftershocks was keeping many people from starting the huge task of cleaning up, police said. Salvage mission: A man helped by emergency crews carries out a bicycle from a house destroyed by Thursday's earthquake, in Mashiki Rescue bid: After the earthquake more than 44,000 people were evacuated from their homes in Mashiki where the baby was found Left in ruins: Tens of thousands of people fled their homes after the 6.5-magnitude quake struck the southwestern island of Kyushu on Thursday night Houses collapsed, factories stopped work and a high-speed train was de-railed, while the roof of the treasured Kumamoto castle in the southern city of the same name was also damaged. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told reporters the government wants to prevent any secondary disasters from aftershocks. The magnitude 6.5 quake struck at 9.26pm Thursday at a depth of 7 miles near Kumamoto city on the island of Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan's four main islands. About 44,000 people evacuated their homes and stayed in shelters overnight. Many left the next day, but Sakamoto said he wasn't sure if many would come back to stay another night, depending on the conditions of their homes and if power is restored. In the hardest-hit town of Mashiki, about 9 miles from the centre of Kumamoto city, entire buildings collapsed, roofs slid off, and windows and walls crumbled, scattering glass and debris. Huge boulder-like rocks tumbled from the walls of historic Kumamoto castle, which was closed to the public Friday. The magnitude 6.5 quake struck at 9.26pm Thursday at a depth of 7 miles near Kumamoto city on the island of Kyushu, the southernmost of Japan's four main islands Rescuers are concentrating their searches in Mashiki, near the epicentre of the quake where the most deaths have been recorded Devastation:On the streets, the remains of collapsed Japanese-style houses - many of them aged, wooden structures - could be seen, and damaged roof tiles lay in piles A man cycles past the site of a collapsed house. Rescue operations have been hampered over fears of fresh aftershocks Five women and four men were killed, the Fire and Disaster Management Agency said. One man in his 20s died; the rest of the victims ranged from their 50s to one woman in her 90s. Eight of the nine victims were from Mashiki. There were varying reports on the number of injured. The government's chief spokesman, Yoshihide Suga, said at least 860 people had been injured, 53 seriously. Kumamoto prefecture tallied 784 injured. Suga said 1,600 soldiers had joined the relief and rescue efforts. TV reports showed troops delivering blankets and adult diapers to those who took shelter. The area is 800 miles southwest of Tokyo. Rescue efforts, repeatedly disrupted by more than 100 aftershocks, continued through the night. An aerial view shows residents forming a queue to receive meals from defense forces soldiers at the Mashiki town hall TV broadcasters were urging residents to check on elderly people living alone who might not have been able to escape their homes unaided Electricity and water service was cut off in some area, and some residents were hauling water from local offices to their homes to flush toilets Electricity and water service was cut off in some area, and some residents were hauling water from local offices to their homes to flush toilets. TV broadcasters were urging residents to check on elderly people living alone who might not have been able to escape their homes unaided. Suga said there were no abnormalities at nearby nuclear facilities. The epicenter was 74 miles northeast of Kyushu Electric Power Co.'s Sendai nuclear plant, the only one operating in the country. Most of Japan's nuclear reactors remain offline following the meltdowns at the Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima plant in 2011 after a magnitude 9.0 earthquake triggered a huge tsunami. In total, more than 100 earthquakes rocked the region after the first hit, and officials warned this could continue for a week or so Japan's meteorological agency officer Gen Aoki speaks during a press conference on a strong 6.5-magnitude earthquake in Japan's southwestern island of Kyushu, at the agency's headquarters in Tokyo According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, Mashiki sits near two faults on Kyushu. The area is also near Mount Aso, a huge, active volcano. JMA officials said the quake was unusually strong for Kyushu. 'We are combing through Mashiki where the damage was serious to see if there are any people who are still seeking rescue,' said government spokesman Yoshihide Suga. Gen Aoki, a Japan Meteorological Agency seismologist, urged residents to be on guard for more aftershocks and warned rain in coming days could make the situation worse. 'Please do not go near damaged houses and structures that are about to collapse,' he said at an early morning briefing. Wrecked: Resident Nobuyuki Morita cleans up a room damaged by an earthquake in his house in the town of Mashiki A mother walks with her two young children among the rubble from buildings that collapsed during the powerful earthquake They all attended or worked at the Queensland University of Technology He is among three A university student accused of racial discrimination over a Facebook post has amassed a hefty legal bill, which could blow out to $200,000 if the case goes to trial. Alex Wood is being sued under the Racial Discrimination Act over a 2013 post he wrote after being asked to leave a Queensland University of Technology computer lab reserved for the use of indigenous students. A legal source has revealed the costs of defending the proceeding would have already run into tens of thousands of dollars for Mr Wood and could rise to around $200,000 if the case went to trial. An indigenous woman, Cindy Prior, launched the legal action against Mr Wood, two other students and academics from the university for $250,000 in damages under the Racial Discrimination Act. A student from the Queensland University of Technology (pictured) is facing a $200k legal bill over a 2013 post he wrote 'Just got kicked out of the unsigned Indigenous computer room. QUT is stopping segregation with segregation,' he posted on a Facebook page called QUT Stalker Space. The post attracted comments critical of both the incident and the existence of the indigenous-only space. 'I wonder where the white supremacist lab is,' wrote another student, Jackson Powell, who is also being sued. The third student involved in the lawsuit, Calum Thwaites, has emphatically denied being responsible for a post that included a reference to 'ITT N---s' and has produced a volume of evidence supporting his denial. Ms Prior went on sick leave following the incident and reports she felt unsafe leaving her home because she was afraid somebody would say something offensive to her. It's alleged she suffered 'offence, embarrassment, humiliation and psychiatric injury'. She also says she was unable to return to work in a role that required her to have face-to-face contact with white people. Lawyers for the students have sought to have the case dismissed in the Federal Court, citing a lack of legal basis to contend their clients had breached the act and labelling the lawsuit an abuse of process. Cindy Prior launched the legal action against Mr Wood, two other students and academics from the university for $250,000 in damages under the Racial Discrimination Act It is understood the trio's lawyers have spent several hundred hours defending the action. The cumulative bill for the students to defend the case at trial could be more than $500,000. The trio have also hit out at QUT, claiming they were kept in the dark about Ms Prior's complaint to the Human Rights Commission and, therefore, deprived of having the matter thrown out earlier. Under the Racial Discrimination Act, complainants must go through a conciliation process before a Federal Court action can be launched and the Human Rights Commission says more than half of all section 18C cases have been resolved at that level. Mr Wood allegedly wrote the post after being asked to leave a university computer lab reserved for the use of indigenous students (stock image) But the students were not made aware of the complaint until days before a final conference with the commission, despite the matter having been underway for 12 months, and Mr Wood claims a QUT lawyer told him he did not need to attend. QUT's law firm, Minter Ellison, admits one of its solicitors told Mr Wood his presence was not required but denies she discouraged him from attending. A Japanese submarine has entered Sydney Harbour for the first time since World War Two. The JS Hakuryu sailed through the heads accompanied by two warships - the JS Umigiri and JS Asayuki - and Australian naval ship the HMAS Ballarat about 11am, the ABC reported. The historic arrival is the first time a Japanese submarine has entered Sydney Harbour since 1942, when three Japanese midget submarines slipped into the harbour and one attacked an Australian navy vessel, killing 21 sailors. Scroll down for video Japanese submarine the JS Hakuryu entered Sydney Harbour about 11am this morning The historic arrival is the first time a Japanese submarine has entered Sydney Harbour since 1942 The Department of Defence said in a statement that the Japanese vessels would take part in the Nichi Gou Trident exercise with the Royal Australian Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force between April 15 and 26. This exercise, which has been conducted between Australia and Japan since 2009, is an opportunity to develop and enhance the bilateral naval relationship by practising maritime skills and improving levels of interoperability between our two navies, the statement said This is the first opportunity to conduct the exercise off Sydney. The exercises are also a chance for Japanese officials to show off their high-tech Soryu class submarine, the ABC reported. The Japanese are competing with France and Germany to win a $50 billion contract to build 12 new submarines for Australia. The Japanese submarine is entering Sydney Harbour under much better terms than in 1942, when three Japanese subs slipped into the harbour and one attacked an Australian ship killing 21 men The submarine was accompanied by two Japanese warships, the JS Umigiri and JS Asayuki The Japanese vessels will take part in the Nichi Gou Trident exercise with the Australian Navy and Airforce The government is expected to announce who will win the agreement this year. The submarines are likely to begin entering service in the early 2030s, but construction will extend into the 2040s. The bilateral naval exercises between Australia and Japan are a reminder that the two countries were on very different terms in the 1940s. On May 31, 1942 three Japanese midget submarines slipped into Sydney Harbour. One of the submarines sunk the barracks ship HMAS Kuttabul - although it was actually aiming its torpedoes at the cruiser USS Chicago. Twenty one men were killed. None of the Japanese submarines escaped intact. One of them was destroyed by depth charges, another was tangled in a boom net near the harbour mouth and destroyed by the Japanese, and the third was only found in 2006, off Sydney's northern beaches Several men watch as a Japanese midget two-man submarine is raised from the harbour bed in 1942 The Australian ship the HMAS Kuttabul (pictured) was sunk by a Japanese torpedo in Sydney Harbour The girlfriend of British lecturer Hilary Bower (above) has been arrested with two men over his murder in southern China with local media reporting he had been dismembered The girlfriend of a British lecturer has been arrested with two men over his murder with local media reporting he had been dismembered. Hilary St John Bower, 60, who taught at a university in Hong Kong, was murdered over an 'emotional dispute', mainland Chinese police said. A 38-year-old woman surnamed Xu and two men 'murdered her foreigner boyfriend Hilary Bower over an emotional dispute' the Shenzhen public security bureau said on its social media account. It said Bower and Xu had lived together for 17 years. The three were arrested on April 8 and the case was still under investigation, it added. Hong Kong local media, citing unnamed public security sources, reported Xu had turned herself in to police in the Chinese city of Dongguan, where she had told officers she had murdered and then dismembered Bower with the help of two men. Media reports painted a complex picture of his love life involving several women. The English language lecturer at Hong Kong's Polytechnic University had been missing for more than three weeks after he was last seen on March 21 at a border point between Hong Kong and the neighbouring southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, where he is reported to have lived. Police in Shenzhen confirmed on Friday that he had been murdered on March 22, a day after he went missing. The Dongguan public security bureau could not confirm the details. Local media said Bower had a number of girlfriends on the mainland. One girlfriend, named by media as Shi Xiumei, had reported Bower missing at a police station in Hong Kong on March 30. Bower had been reported to be living with Shi and their six-year-old son. Fears were previously raised that his death could have been linked to a million-dollar property deal. A friend of Bower, Richard Charles, told the South China Morning Post he believed it could be related to a recent property sale for which Bower was due to receive HK$9 million ($1.2 million). Bower's brother Robin arrived in Shenzhen on Wednesday where he hoped to meet with Chinese authorities to search for answers, the Post said. Bower had also taught in China, South Korea, Thailand, Spain and Kuwait, according to his personal homepage on the university website. Richard Charles, a colleague of Mr Bower, described police on both sides of the border as 'shoddy and shambolic' in their handling of the case so far, the South China Morning Post reported. 'I find it unbelievable that Hilary's friends and colleagues have had to find out from the media about this. We are in shock and are extremely upset,' he said. Mr Charles suggested the death could have been over a 'complicated' deal, which was reportedly over a property in an industrial district in Shenzhen. He said: 'I do know that after buying at the bottom of the property market a good few years ago, he was expecting to be paid somewhere in the region of 821,000.' Mr Bower, who was originally from Hitchin, Hertfordshire, had been employed at the Polytechnic University since 1996. He was due to finish work at the institution when he went missing more than three weeks ago. Mr Charles told The Telegraph Mr Bower had been 'very, very happy to be retiring' and added: 'He was really looking forward to being able to spend more time with his son.' The 60-year-old, who recently closed a 820,000 property deal, was travelling from Hong Kong to visit his girlfriend and six-year-old son Matthew at the end of March when he disappeared Media reports painted have a complex picture of his love life involving several women. Above, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where Mr Bower worked Following his disappearance, Mr Bower's brother, Robin, who is based in the UK, alerted the police in Britain, according to The Telegraph. A UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office spokesperson said at the time: 'We are providing assistance to the family of a British national reported missing in southern China and are urgently seeking further information from local authorities.' 'Police have received notification from mainland relevant authorities that he was killed on the night of March 22,' a Hong Kong police statement said. Murders of foreigners are extremely rare in China, though the murder in 2011 of another British man, Neil Heywood, triggered one of the country's biggest political scandals in decades. Almost three dozen dogs were rescued from what fire officials called a hoarder's house in Dania Beach, Florida on Thursday night. Firefighters pulled a total of 34 dogs out of the single family residence after responding to the fire shortly before 11pm. Nine animals were transported by rescue truck to a nearby animal hospital, and one dog perished, Broward Sheriff's Office Fire Rescue spokesman Mike Jachles told Daily Mail Online. Scroll down for video Firefighters brought 34 dogs out of the home on South East Park Street, but one animal could not be saved 'We have pet oxygen masks on our vehicles, but since there were so many animals, we had to use conventional oxygen masks as well,' a fire official said Some dogs were put in cages for their own safety after the fire. The dogs appeared well cared for, a fire rescue spokesperson said First responders treated the situation like an ordinary multiple casualty scene - except the victims were dogs, not people No people were injured in the fire, and the cause of the blaze was unclear. 'It was an extraordinary call, given the number of animals,' Jachles said. 'And quite a scene, with dogs everywhere, on the lawn, in cages, in the rescue truck.' He said that rescue efforts were complicated by 'floor to ceiling clutter' in the house on the 200 block of South East Park Street. Jachles said firefighters 'did an excellent job' battling their way through heavy smoke conditions to locate and rescue the dogs. Nine dogs were transported to a nearby animal hospital. It was unclear whether or not the homeowner was suspected of animal abuse. Picture courtesy of WSVN 7 News It was 'quite a scene, with dogs everywhere, on the lawn, in cages, in the rescue truck,' a fire official said. Picture courtesy of CBS Miami Firefighters used pet oxygen masks - and some masks made for people - in their efforts to care for the 34 dogs found in the home. Picture courtesy of WSVN 7 News One dog died and nine were sent to animal hospital after a fire broke out in a Dania Beach, Florida home on Thursday. Picture courtesy of CBS Miami Firefighters used oxygen masks on a number of the wounded animals, some of which were unresponsive. 'We have pet oxygen masks on our vehicles, but since there were so many animals, we had to use conventional oxygen masks as well,' Jachles said. 'It was no different from a multiple casualty incident, a bus accident for example - except we had canine victims in this instance.' 'We separated them by severity, and took the "red tags" in the rescue truck and began treating them,' said Jachles, using a term for victims in need of immediate medical assistance. 31st dog just rescued from house fire @BrowardSheriff #FireRescue #update 1 dog DOA, 5 critical, appx 10 to vet pic.twitter.com/2vrQVClQAL PIO Mike Jachles (@PIOMikeJ) April 15, 2016 This picture shows the aftermath of the fire in Dania Beach that killed one dog and left nine hospitalized This image from 2015 shows the exterior of the home where Thursday's fire broke out Jachles said he was planning a visit to the animal hospital, where on Friday five dogs were listed in critical condition. State Fire Marshal department spokesman Joel Brown said the female owner of the house was 'distraught,' but that there was 'no reason to believe the fire was suspicious.' It was unclear whether the owner of the dogs is currently suspected of animal abuse. Jachles described the dogs rescued from Thursday's fire as 'well cared for and groomed.' According to the Dania Beach code of ordinances it is forbidden to keep more than three dogs in a home. Code compliance officers will conduct an investigation with animal control officers in Broward County to determine whether the homeowner broke the code, Dania Beach assistant city manager Colin Donnelly told Daily Mail Online. A Dania Beach city official said records show Broward County Animal Care paid a visit to the home in February, 2010 and removed 15 dogs. Boris Johnson tonight warned it was 'now or never' for Britain to quit the EU and stop a slide into a European super state. The London Mayor branded David Cameron the 'Gerald Ratner' of British politics - recalling the famous gaffe by the jeweller who described one of his products 'crap' and destroyed his business. Mr Johnson, a senior member of the official Vote Leave campaign, kicked off the Brexit battle on the first official day of campaigning in Manchester. His speech is the first round in a blitz of campaigning to mark 10 weeks until the June 23 referendum on whether Britain should stay a member of the European Union. The London Mayor branded David Cameron the 'Gerald Ratner' of British politics - recalling the famous gaffe by the jeweller who described one of his products 'crap' and destroyed his business London Mayor Boris Johnson, pictured at tonight's Vote Leave rally in Manchester, warned it was 'now or never' for Britain to vote to leave the European Union The first day of the official campaign was dominated by a row over the NHS as: Boris Johnson claimed Brexit would allow 12.3billion to be ploughed into the ailing NHS by 2020/21. But the London Mayor was accused by the Britain Stronger in Europe campaign of wanting to 'privatise' the NHS. French finance minister Emmanuel Macron warned Britain would have to continue contributing signifcant sums of money to Europe regardless of June's vote. Former chancellor Alistair Darling, who played a leading role in the Scottish referendum, claimed there was a 'wall of evidence' in favour of the Remain campaign as he made his first appearance for the BSE campaign. David Cameron was mocked for appearing at an In campaign phone bank alongside Paddy Ashdown and Neil Kinnock. Chancellor George Osborne, attending a G20 meeting of finance ministers in Washington DC, warned a Brexit would lead to rising interest rates and higher mortgage bills. Ukip leader Nigel Farage made good on his promise to return his Government EU leaflet to Downing Street, posing for pictures outside the famous black door of No 10 before posting the leaflet back to Mr Cameron. In his speech, Mr Johnson warned the influence of the EU was growing and getting worse for Britain. He said: 'The laws of our countries should be made by people we elect and we should be in no doubt that this is the last chance many of us will have in our lifetimes to assert that principle in our relations with the EU. 'It is called democracy. 'Because it is now or never and if we fail to make the change now we will continue to be passengers locked in the back of a minicab driven by someone with a wonky satnav and taken to a destination we dont want to go.' Mr Johnson, the standard bearer of the campaign to lead Britain out and the favourite to succeed Mr Cameron at No 10, warned many Britons did not know how far the EU extended into their lives. And he claimed the trading block 'prevents us from deporting murderers and those we believe are a risk to our security'. In his speech, Mr Johnson warned the influence of the EU was growing and getting worse for Britain The Prime Minister was mocked today after he joined phone canvassing with former Liberal Democrat and Labour leaders Paddy Ashdown, left, and Neil Kinnock, right The London Mayor mocked campaigners who want to keep Britain in Europe and pursue continued reforms of the EU. He said: 'You know the most depressing thing about the campaign to bremain - it is that there is not a shred of idealism. Not a single one of them will stand up and admit that it is political. 'No one will say, you know what, I love the idea of a federal Europe. FRENCH MINISTER INSISTS UK WOULD STILL HAVE TO PAY BRUSSELS AFTER QUITTING EU French finance minister Emmanuel Macron warned Britain would not save billions by quitting the EU The French finance minister has dismissed claims Britain will save billions of pounds in EU contributions if it quits the grouping. Emmanuel Macron said Brexit supporters were wrong to claim the UK would not have to contribute to Brussels budgets. He told the Financial Times the UK could strike a deal similar to that of Norway or Switzerland, but it was a 'mistake' to think the terms would be more favourable than they are currently. Referring to arrangements allowing banks and other firms to operate freely across the continent, he said: 'Those who pretend that passporting will be preserved exactly following the same rules without any contribution to the budget, are making a big, a big mistake because it's completely wrong. 'So for sure, you can renegotiate a trade arrangement, but this trade deal will be less favourable to the UK than being part of the club.' Mr Macron also insisted Britain would be in a weaker position to protect its steel industry outside the EU. 'Do you think you will be in a situation to protect your steel industry tomorrow if you are alone as the UK economy facing the Chinese one?' he said. Advertisement 'Because that is the true logic of their position but that is not what they say oh no; they keep saying that they are Euro-sceptics, but we have no choice. 'We agree with you about the democratic problem, they say but its the price we have to pay. 'My friends they are the Gerald Ratners of modern politics. 'The EU, they say its crap but we have no alternative. Well we do have an alternative, and it is a glorious alternative.' Earlier, former chancellor Alistair Darling warned of 'profound disruption' to the economy if Britain quits the union. Delivering a speech in central London, Mr Darling said Brexit was 'simply not a risk worth taking' and stressed that there was everything to play for in the campaign. 'This is a very, very close vote. I really can't emphasise enough that the vote is close,' he said. 'No one can predict with any certainty what is likely to happen. 'I hope we will win and I hope we will win well. But we need to get the support of people the length and breadth of the country, no matter what their political allegiance has been in the past.' Mr Darling - who led the campaign to keep Scotland in the UK in the 2014 independence referendum - argued there was a 'wall of evidence' for Remain. 'We all have to make difficult choices in life. Inevitably there are unknowns but we owe it to ourselves and to our children to make our decision based on the evidence we have,' he said. 'It would be a colossal surrender of power to walk away from our largest trading partner, increase uncertainty, erect trade barriers and diminish our influence.' He accused Leave campaigners of 'playing with fire' and offering a 'fantasy future'. Justice Secretary Michael Gove, who is also attending Vote Leave rallies over the coming days, said: 'If the money is taken back then that 50 million a day will be spent on British people's priorities, and the NHS is of course top of the list.' But the French finance minister warned that the UK would still have to contribute to Brussels budgets even if it left. Ukip leader Nigel Farage today made good on a promise to hand the government's pro-EU leaflet back into Downing Street this morning. Ukip leader Nigel Farage, his deputy Diane James and mayoral candidate Peter Whittle returned their copies of the 9m pro-EU leaflet sent out by the government to Downing Street today Mr Farage, his deputy Diane James and the party's London mayoral candidate Peter Whittle delivered their pamphlets to the door of Number 10. Mr Cameron has been heavily criticised for using more than 9million of public funds for the documents, which are being sent out to every household in the country. Elsewhere today, Cardinal Vincent Nichols called on voters to think about the human impact that leaving would have, insisting 'economics is not the crucial issue in this debate'. The intervention came after a 'good spirited debate' between the bishops about the June 23 referendum. The official Remain campaign responded to London Mayor Boris Johnson on Twitter The image issued by Stronger In after the London Mayor said Britain's EU contributions should be diverted to the NHS Cardinal Nichols said he believed that the UK would face 'more complex problems' than if it played an 'active' role within Europe. The 'economic arguments are not the whole picture by any means,' he insisted. Cardinal Vincent Nichols today warned the UK would face 'complex problems' if it quit the EU 'We want to remind people that in the EU, trade is harnessed to peace. An essential feature of the concept of the EU, and certainly its context, is the peace that has been sustained in Europe since the end of the Second World War,' the cardinal said. Mr Cameron crossed party lines yesterday by engaging in some phone canvassing with Labour and Liberal Democrat grandees Neil Kinnock and Paddy Ashdown. He also held an away day for Tory MPs at an Oxfordshire hotel in a bid to ease increasingly bitter tensions over Europe. The White House has confirmed that President Barack Obama plans to make an intervention in the referendum battle when he visits the UK next week. He is expected to stress the benefits of membership to the British economy and the importance of unity in the continent to global security. However, Tory backbencher Jacob Rees-Mogg dismissed the importance of the President's views, describing him as an 'rather unsuccessful' leader of the free world. He suggested the exhortation from Mr Obama could actually help the Leave campaign. 'I don't mind him coming over to say what he wants because I think it helps Brexit,' he told The House magazine. 'I can't think the British people will want to be told what to do by a rather unsuccessful American president who has had one of the least successful foreign policies in modern history. 'He has appointed as two of his closest subordinates people who have a history of hostility to the United Kingdom.' Project Fear, Chancellor? Now Osborne warns that Brexit would push up your MORTGAGE bill Mortgage rates could soar if Britain votes to leave the European Union on June 23, George Osborne has warned. The Chancellor delivered the latest apocalyptic vision of life outside the grouping as he attended a meeting of finance ministers in Washington. The intervention will infuriate Eurosceptics who have accused the Remain campaign of mounting 'Project Fear' to sway the result of the crucial ballot. Chancellor George Osborne has been attending a meeting of G20 finance ministers in Washington Mr Osborne told Sky News: 'Interest rates are a matter for our independent Bank of England but if you look at the view of the experts here at the IMF, it is pretty clear that if Britain votes to leave prices will go up and there will be instability in the financial markets. 'What that means for families is that mortgage rates are likely to go up. 'It will be families paying the price if Britain votes to leave the EU and it's another reason, frankly, we are stronger, safer and better off inside the EU.' Boris lashes out at 'hypocrite' Obama ahead of his flying visit to Britain next week to endorse the PM's campaign to keep Britain in the EU Boris Johnson blasted Barack Obama as a 'hypocrite' today as the US President prepares to visit Britain and endorse the campaign to keep Britain in the EU. The London Mayor lashed out at Mr Obama as details of his visit next week became clear. Air Force One will land in Britain on Thursday and Mr Obama will meet the Queen as part of her 90th birthday celebrations before he heads to Downing Street for talks with David Cameron. The White House has made clear for the first time Mr Obama will make a 'very candid' endorsement of Mr Cameron's campaign during his visit. Boris Johnson today said it was 'hypocritical' for Barack Obama to encourage Britain to stay in the EU when the United States would never accept the same surrender of sovereignty Mr Johnson today told the Standard: 'I honestly don't mind the idea of him joining the debate. 'Where we do part company, and where I do mind, is that it is plainly hypocritical for America to urge us to sacrifice control of our laws, our sovereignty, our money and our democracy when they would not dream of ever doing the same.' Yesterday, Ben Rhodes, the president's deputy national security adviser, said: 'The approach he (Mr Obama) will take is that we have no closer friend in the world, and if he is asked his view he will offer it. 'He will be very straightforward and candid as a friend on why it's good for the UK to remain in the European Union. The president has said we support a strong UK in the EU. For us the UK is a key partner and the EU is a key partner. A second body has been pulled from the rubble of a collapsed building in Tenerife next to a tapas bar popular with Britons as 11 people are still missing. Rescuers found the second body at 5.30am this morning as the 200-strong team approach nearly 24 hours at the site in Los Cristianos. The top floor of the four-storey residential building literally dropped down to the ground, trapping people in huge slabs of concrete. Scroll down for video A second body has been pulled from the rubble of a collapsed building in Tenerife next to a tapas bar popular with Britons as 11 people are still missing Rescuers found the second body at 5.30am this morning as the 200-strong team approach nearly 24 hours at the site in Los Cristianos The recovered body is that of a woman of middle age but no further details have yet been released. This was the second confirmed death after an elderly woman was found dead late yesterday afternoon. A Police spokesman said: 'We don't know her nationality yet. She appears to be around 75.' Three other people walked away from the collapse just after it happened with various injuries. The rescue efforts continue today amid fears that further bodies will be found. British tourists in the area have reacted with horror at seeing the devastation which they say looks like an earthquake has struck. The top floor of the four-storey residential building literally dropped down to the ground, trapping people in huge slabs of concrete The recovered body is that of a woman of middle age but no further details have yet been released One reported hearing a bang and seeing a huge cloud of smoke. There is still no official cause to the tragedy which could have been caused by structural damage or a gas explosion. Sniffer dogs are being used to try and hunt for possible survivors or more bodies. Witnesses told Spanish media the building had been undergoing renovations. Firefighters with sniffer dogs have continued searching in the rubble for other possible victims. Witness Tino Ponte said: 'Everyone was covered in dust. People were running all over the place and some were crying. Everyone appeared desperate and terrified. 'When I reached the scene a few minutes after the collapse, it looked like a bomb had gone off. People thought at first that it had been a terrorist attack. It was total chaos.' The block is understood to include some flats which are let out to holidaymakers. It is not yet known if any British tourists are involved, but it is believed a number of foreigners may have been inside the building because it is a tourist area. A spokeswoman for local firefighters said families had tried and failed to contact missing relatives. 'These are people who are not answering the telephone, we can't say that they are in the building, but the truth is that right now their families have not been able to contact them,' she said. This was the second confirmed death after an elderly woman was found dead late yesterday afternoon British tourists in the area have reacted with horror at seeing the devastation which they say looks like an earthquake has struck A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: 'We are in contact with local authorities and urgently seeking more information following a building collapse in Tenerife.' A man who was in a neighbouring jewellery shop and a 50-year-old woman are thought to be among those who have been rescued and taken to nearby hospitals. One witness told a local radio station: 'We heard a creaking noise and this huge cloud of smoke appeared from nowhere.' Another claimed to have smelt gas before hearing an explosion. The block is understood to include some flats which are let out to holidaymakers. Javier Velazquez, 58, owner of the Hide Away pub who lives in a flat above his bar next to the affected building, said: 'My whole terrace has been obliterated. 'No-one was on the terrace because I don't open till 5pm but if this had happened in the evening, it would have been far worse. 'Around a third of my customers are British and 95 per cent are Europeans from places like Italy, Belgium and Scandinavia. 'The noise when the building collapsed was tremendous. There was work going on in an old commercial premises on the first floor and I fear what's happened could be something to do with that. 'There were three separate collapses with the second being the loudest. After the third - and when the huge cloud of smoke cleared - I saw a woman shouting in Spanish who appeared trapped and who I've subsequently been told has died. 'I'm not aware of any Britons living permanently in the block affected but there's a lot of British people who use a supermarket nearby and would have to pass by it to reach the supermarket. There is still no official cause to the tragedy which could have been caused by structural damage or a gas explosion A spokeswoman for local firefighters said families had tried and failed to contact missing relatives The building that collapsed is near the centre of Los Cristianos. It is currently high season in the Canary Islands 'I've decided to leave the area with my wife and pet dog. It's been a tremendous shock.' The building that collapsed is near the centre of Los Cristianos. It is currently high season in the Canary Islands. Los Cristianos, located in the municipality of Arona, is like its bustling neighbour Playa de las Americas, one of the islands' most popular tourist resorts. A police spokesman said: 'I am aware of the local reports talking about two dead but all we can confirm at the moment is that three people have been slightly injured and have received medical attention. 'I have no information on any fatalities from the emergency workers who are at the scene. 'They are trying to secure a wall which is part of the building that has remained in place and specialised firefighters will enter when it is secured. 'Only then will we know for sure if there are any fatalities or anyone trapped inside.' Arona mayor Jose Julian Mena said he was unable to confirm anyone was trapped inside the collapsed building. A military emergency response unit sent sniffer dogs to the scene who were working inside the building this afternoon. Los Cristianos, located in the municipality of Arona, is like its bustling neighbour Playa de las Americas one of the islands' most popular tourist resorts (file picture) Three people confirmed as injured included two women aged 57 and 55 and a 28-year-old man. Their nationalities are not known. The 55-year-woman was treated for a panic attack. One local resident, who asked to to be named, said the wife of a friend of his was inside the building but not answering her mobile. He said the 35-year-old had returned to her flat after taking her children to school. An ex-detective charged with the murder of alleged drug dealer Jamie Gao has told a court that co-accused Roger Rogerson 'threatened to kill his daughters' unless he helped him commit the crime. Glen McNamara took the stand again on Friday, continuing the ongoing murder trial at the Supreme Court in Sydney. On Thursday he told the jury it was Rogerson who had shot Gao twice in the chest. '(Rogerson) pointed the gun directly towards my head and he said, "I'll do you, get up and help me you weak c*** or you'll be lying on the floor next to him",' McNamara said, news.com.au reported. '(Rogerson) said, 'F*** me, he pulled a knife on me. Help me or you'll be lying on the floor with him and then I'll kill your girls.' Scroll down for video Glen McNamara (left) told the Supreme Court that Roger Rogerson (right) had threatened to kill his daughters if he didn't help him commit the crime, just moments after shooting alleged dealer Jamie Gao twice in the chest Both men accuse each other of killing university student Jamie Gao, who was shot at a Padstow garage in Sydney's south-west and found floating in the ocean off Cronulla beach six days later McNamara claims Rogerson threatened to kill his daughters (pictured, Jessica) if he didn't help commit the crime McNamara (pictured) told the jury that he had no played no part in shooting Gao, and had no idea why the trio had met up in the first place The crown case is the two men, who accuse each other of killing Mr Gao, shot the alleged drug dealer at a Padstow storage unit before stuffing his body into a surfboard bag and dumping it at sea in May, 2014. But McNamara, 56, has squarely blamed Rogerson, 75, telling the jury he had no idea why there was a meeting between himself, Rogerson and Mr Gao at the unit. Both men have pleaded not guilty to the 20-year-olds death in May 2014, and both deny supplying close to 3 kilograms of the drug ice, which Gao allegedly brought with him to the deal. On Thursday McNamara claimed that Rogerson, 'seething with anger,' had pulled a gun from his right pocket and twice shot Gao in chest, who was armed with a combat knife, as their argument over a drug deal escalated. Back in March, McNamara's daughter Jessica told the court her father paled after his alleged accomplice Rogerson complimented herself and her sister over a beer on the day Gao was killed. She said the three of them exchanged chit-chat as McNamara and a 'jovial' Rogerson shared a beer. But the mood turned when Rogerson commented on how 'nice' she and her younger sister were. 'He said to my dad that he had really lovely, lovely girls,' Ms McNamara told the NSW Supreme Court. 'As he was saying that I looked at my dad and he was pale. 'He looked skittish. He kept moving at the table, twitching a little bit.' Ms McNamara, 25, said she noticed Rogerson began tapping a dark-coloured item in his right trouser pocket and that her father suddenly began fidgeting, standing up and pacing on the spot. Glen McNamara's daughter Jessica (pictured) told the court in March that her father had looked 'skittish' when he had joined her with Rogerson for beers on the same day Gao was killed Mr Gao's body was found in ocean off Cronulla in south Sydney six days after his alleged murder. The blue tarpaulin his body had been wrapped in allegedly matches the blue in the back of McNamara's boat Rogerson sat with a grin on his face as his co-accused gave his version of events to the jury Jamie Gao was allegedly holding a large combat knife when he was shot twice in the chest On Thursday, the court heard McNamara's version of events. Mr Gao, the court heard, had let himself into McNamara's car at a nearby McDonalds and was lying on the floor near the rear seats, clearly scared. 'Gao said 'the triads have been chasing me all f***ing day',' McNamara told the court. Minutes later they were inside the storage unit and Rogerson went off at Mr Gao directly, the court heard. According to McNamara, Rogerson said to Mr Gao: 'you were supposed to come to me, you f***ing idiot. Mr Gao responded: 'It's better to have witnesses. Where's the f***ing money?' 'Where's the gear?' Rogerson then asked. 'There's no money for you f***wit.' Mr Gao repeated his demand, Rogerson did the same and as Mr Gao offered another 'f*** off' he pulled a large combat knife from a bag, McNamara said. Mr Gao was seated but had tried to stand up, which would have put him directly in front of Rogerson, the court heard. 'I saw Roger pull a gun from the right pocket of his pants,' McNamara said. 'He was seething with anger.' At this point, McNamara stepped back and hid under a table, he said. Rogerson then shot Mr Gao, leaving him splayed and groaning in a chair. There was a tinkle as Mr Gao dropped his knife, but Rogerson wasn't finished, McNamara said. 'He held aim and shot him again,' he said. 'Gao stopped moving. There was no noise. He just killed him. 'I said to him, 'Why, why, why?' The day after his alleged murder, Rogerson and McNamara were seen entering a Cronulla apartment with a six pack of beers Turkey has been accused of opening fire on civilians fleeing the fighting in Syria as a Russian-backed offensive has piled pressure on the latest round of peace talks. Fighting in Aleppo has displaced 30,000 Syrians in the past 48 hours but the border remains shut to only the most seriously injured. Government fighters, rebels and ISIS jihadists are currently battling for control of swathes of Aleppo province. Residents in Aleppo inspect the damages of an airstrike on the rebel-held Maysar neighbourhood earlier this week Some 30,000 people have fled Aleppo (pictured) in the past two days, putting pressure on camps at the border with Turkey However, Human Rights Watch has accused Turkish border guards of opening fire on civilians as it keeps its borders closed to everyone except those badly injured Today Human Rights Watch accused Turkish guards of opening fire on civilians as they approached the country's border wall with Syria. Gerry Simpson, senior refugee researcher at Human Rights Watch, said: 'As civilians flee ISIS fighters, Turkey is responding with live ammunition instead of compassion. 'The whole world is talking about fighting ISIS, and yet those most at risk of becoming victims of its horrific abuses are trapped on the wrong side of a concrete wall.' A refugee told the organisation how 2,000 people were forced from a camp after it was overrun by ISIS fighters. They said: 'As we approached the border wall we saw Turkish soldiers on a hill behind the wall and they just started shooting at us. 'They shot at our feet and everyone just turned round and ran in all directions. 'I took my family and we walked to another [refugee] camp nearby, called al-Rayan. Were afraid now because ISIS is close to this camp too. But where can we go?' The escalation in fighting is threatening a nearly seven-week ceasefire that had seen violence drop for the first time in the five-year conflict. Regime loyalists backed by Russian air power have pressed a fierce offensive just north of the provincial capital of Aleppo city, said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. A group of residents chat in the Aleppo following a new wave of airstrikes carried out earlier this weeks Fighting was heaviest around Handarat, a hilly area that lies along a route leading north out of opposition-held parts of the city. Observatory head Rami Abdel Rahman said regime forces, backed by Russian and Syrian planes, were seeking to cut off that road and 'completely besiege' eastern neighbourhoods. An AFP correspondent in opposition-held eastern Aleppo city said the booming crashes of strikes could be heard throughout the day, but no raids hit the city itself. 'We're overwhelmed once again by fears of a government siege of Aleppo, after weeks of a ceasefire that may have just collapsed,' said Ali Saber, a 32-year-old father of one living in Aleppo. The assault has sparked 'strong concerns' in Washington about the ceasefire, which saw violence plummet after it took effect on February 27. A senior US administration official said the offensive 'could well violate the cessation of hostilities, which has... been under increasing pressure in recent weeks'. Russian president Vladimir Putin says he is 'closely following' the escalation in violence in the region European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini also expressed concern about the Aleppo offensive and called for the 'respect, consolidation, and expansion' of the truce. Representatives of Bashar al-Assad's regime are expected in Geneva on Friday for peace talks with UN envoy Staffan de Mistura, who criticised the government for hindering efforts to deliver life-saving assistance to Syrians in need. Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin, Assad's main backer, told broadcaster Russian TVB yesterday that he was 'closely following' the latest spike in violence. Putin last month announced a partial pullout from Syria, but warned Russia could return in full force should the situation require it. The UN fears that the humanitarian situation may deteriorate once again after reporting significant progress through the first two weeks of March. 'We are extremely concerned about the situation in northern Syria, including Aleppo governorate, where there has been a significant increase in incidents of violence that continue to aggravate the humanitarian situation,' a UN humanitarian official said. The official said the UN was planning several aid deliveries to Afrin and Azaz - two flashpoint areas in the province - in the coming days. But UN envoy de Mistura said restrictions by Damascus have frustrated efforts to deliver much-needed assistance to besieged Syrians. Despite several UN Security Council resolutions that call for unobstructed aid access to besieged areas, the regime continues to frequently deny passage to convoys carrying assistance. 'Everyone in the meeting was disappointed,' de Mistura told reporters after a weekly meeting of the so-called humanitarian taskforce on Thursday. 'Many of [the countries] are actually frustrated by the lack of new convoys,' he added, naming Douma and Daraya, both besieged by the regime near Damascus, as being in dire need of aid. De Mistura said he made some progress in Damascus by securing tentative permission to distribute medical supplies. Police have launched an investigation after an elderly woman was badly injured when she was knocked over by a commuter who slid down a busy Tube escalator. Witnesses told how the smartly dressed woman, 70, was 'sent flying' and left lying face down on the floor of North Greenwich Underground Station at around 7am yesterday morning. Two ambulances were sent to the station and the pensioner was treated at the scene by paramedics. An elderly London underground passenger (left, wearing red) had the rush hour journey from hell after a young woman (right, centre) slid down the central barrier of the escalator and crashed straight into her The younger woman received a deep gash to her wrist and hand, and was taken to hospital. A man who witnessed the incident told how Tube staff tried to downplay the incident as an angry crowd demanded the younger woman be arrested. He told MailOnline: 'A young foreign woman in her 20s, who sounded Italian to me, was sliding down the handrail of the escalator when she hit a woman on her way to work. 'The woman messing about sent the middle-aged woman flying to her knees, the escalator was stopped and the woman was at the bottom of the escalator on all fours and could not get up. She was badly hurt. 'The other woman was crying - she had injured her hand and wrist and was bleeding. She was being comforted by her friends. DO YOU KNOW THE WOMEN INVOLVED IN THIS INCIDENT? Email kate.samuelson@mailonline.co.uk or call 02036152983 Advertisement 'There was an underground worker standing over the woman who could not get up. She was trying to calm the situation down because an eyewitness had seen what had happened and was saying that the young woman should be arrested, but the guard was saying it was an accident. 'People that were on the escalator behind the woman who had been knocked to the floor were stepping over her to get off the escalator. 'North Greenwich is always busy but people are normally horsing around at night on their way to and from the O2 arena - not at seven oclock in the morning.' The smartly-dressed woman, 70, was 'sent flying' and left lying face down on the floor of North Greenwich Underground Station at around 7am yesterday morning (stock photo) British Transport Police have confirmed that they are investigating the incident and will be questioning the young woman. A spokesman told MailOnline: 'Our officers were called to North Greenwich London Underground station on Thursday April 14, following reports of a person injured. 'Officers attended and found a 70-year-old woman with injuries to her arm. She was treated at the scene by paramedics from London Ambulance Service. 'Officers will be speaking to another woman in connection with incident in due course.' If you know the women involved in this incident, please email kate.samuelson@mailonline.co.uk or call 02036152983. Two ambulances were sent to the station (pictured) and the elderly woman was treated at the scene by paramedics Other incidents of trouble caused by people playing on Tube escalators Last February, footage of a man attempting to slide down the Tube's longest escalator at Angel station before slipping and crashing went viral. Perhaps inspired by the Hardcore Henry trainer released that same month - showing an exhilarating stunt where a man slides down the central barrier - the 30-year-old can be seen mounting the middle of the escalator as he is cheered on by his friends. But his short slide lasts all of about three seconds before he catches the sign between the escalators, warning travellers to stand on the right. Clutching a bottle of beer in one hand, and after having a few more before, the man mounts the barrier as he is cheered on by his friends Transport bosses slammed the prankster for putting others at risk. Mark Evers, Director of Customer Strategy for London Underground, said: Safety is our top priority and pranks like this are dangerous not only for those involved but also for other customers. We have frequent PA announcements reminding customers to be careful when using escalators, and we also run safety campaigns throughout the year to encourage customers to take care whilst traveling on our network. In 2014, a commuter fell head first while trying to slide down the Tube escalator handrail - while his friends rolled on the floor laughing. After rolling a few times, the man reaches the bottom of the escalator where his jeering friends are waiting and attempts to regain his composure. One man is in stitches and clings on to the railing but he's laughing so much that he falls to the floor in a fit of giggles. The not-so-smooth operator looks a bit worse for wear as he tries to hold his head up high and storms off while his mates are besides themselves. And in February a man known only as Steve crashed after sliding the wrong way down an escalator into a line of commuters. Egged on by friends, the man lets out a high pitched shout as he bundles over and fall on the steps, narrowly avoiding the startled travellers who are moving up in the other direction. Mathematics tutor Quy Huy Hoang enjoyed such confidence from the Sydney families who hired him that they referred their friends for lessons, and installed locks and blinds at his urging. But out of sight, the 'monster' was haunting the children he was entrusted with teaching. The 68-year-old showed no visible emotion in the dock of Sydney District Court on Friday as he was handed a 24-year jail term for sexual crimes against five children to whom he gave private lessons between 2007 and 2014. His victims were aged as young as three and were subjected to a barrage of meticulously planned sexual and indecent assaults. Mathematics tutor Quy Huy Hoang, 68, who 'used his position of trust to sexually abuse children', was sentenced to 24 years in jail at the Sydney District Court on Friday (pictured) For some of the children these attacks happened weekly. Though Friday's decision fell short of the life prosecutors had urged Judge Kate Traill to hand down, the hefty non-parole period means Hoang - known as 'Mr Peter' to his victims and their families - will not walk free from jail until he is at least 85. 'In my view, the offender is a sexual predator who took advantage of his high position of trust as a teacher and elder of the Vietnamese community, and abused that trust to sexually abuse very young children,' Judge Traill said on Friday. 'To add insult to injury, the offender took money from (the complainants' parents) whilst he was sexually assaulting the children.' Judge Kate Traill said the offender had shown no remorse and she believed he still posed a danger to the community Judge Traill, one of two specialist District Court judges appointed last year to hear child sexual assault cases across the state, said the offender had shown no remorse and she believed he still posed a danger to the community. She told how Hoang had convinced one mother that she should put blinds on windows, install locks on doors and use particular tables and chairs - all under the guise of improving her children's school marks. But Judge Traill said she was satisfied Hoang's real intention was to fashion the children's home into a place where he could abuse the children uninterrupted, so that 'as one walked into the room they would not see his hands' fondling the children. The mother she spoke of later told a psychologist: 'I created a perfect haven for him to abuse my babies.' Hoang showed no visible emotion in the dock of Sydney District Court (pictured) on Friday as he was handed the jail term for sexual crimes against five children to whom he gave private lessons between 2007 and 2014 Another mother - whose eldest daughter had recently died in a car crash, and who had lost her husband to cancer shortly before meeting Hoang - could not afford the tutor's services, and believed it was kindness that motivated him to offer free lessons. A victim impact statement tendered to the court details one mother's anguish at allowing Hoang into her home. 'All my children still refuse to sleep in their bedrooms,' she said. 'The room is left abandoned and my children have told me numerous times that the room is haunted and that 'bad things happen there'.' It is not the life sentence prosecuors were asking for but Hoang (pictured) will not be eligible for release until he is 85 years old She said she cried in silence so her children do not hear her. 'Mr Peter has broken my children's childhood, stolen their innocence, blacked their hearts and stolen their smiles,' the woman said. 'What a monster he is.' Outside court, Detective Chief Inspector Peter Yeomans from the Child Abuse Squad commended the courage of the child victims in shining a light on Hoang's 'diabolical' crimes. 'The victims in this matter exhibited extraordinary bravery for their young age,' Insp Yeomans said. This is the shocking moment a hit-and-run driver ploughed into a pedestrian on a zebra crossing and left the woman with serious injuries. The collision occurred on a crossing on Siviter Way in Dagenham, East London, and CCTV captured the horrendous moment the car sent the woman flying. Sanaa Sheikh, who was 25 years old at the time, was then left for dead by the driver of the black Ford Ka, who fled the scene with a damaged windscreen. The CCTV footage showed Sanaa Sheikh on the crossing as the car ploughed into her and sent her flying Detectives at Barking and Dagenham have recently released the footage in a bid to track those responsible The victim was taken to an East London hospital and treated for a fractured collarbone and skull. She has since undergone two operations and her recovery is still ongoing. Two years since the incident Sanaa, now 27, revealed the recovery process has been very stressful and she still cannot bring herself to use a zebra crossing. On the anniversary of the ordeal, Sanaa was treated to a trip to Rome by her husband Mohammed Ahmed, but admitted she still has frequent breakdowns and flashbacks. Sanaa, a receptionist for The Body Shop, said: 'I haven't been able to cross a zebra crossing since then and I don't trust drivers and I still have flashbacks. 'It's been a very stressful two years. It has affected me physically and I haven't been able to get over it mentally. 'There are periods where I'm okay and there are other times when I'm breaking down, I just can't believe they left me there to die. The doctors couldn't believe that I was alive.' Two years since the incident Sanaa, now 27, (pictured) revealed the recovery process has been very stressful and she still cannot bring herself to use a zebra crossing The shocking collision occurred on the crossing on Siviter Way in Dagenham, East London in April 2014 Moments after the collision Sanaa's brother Zeeshan drove past the scene and was shocked to find that it was his sister involved in the horrific collision. Zeeshan, 35, said: 'I was driving home and I saw her on the ground and I was just so shocked. 'I didn't know how badly she had been damaged, I went in the ambulance with her and I was so relieved when I saw her eyes open.' Sanaa spent two weeks in hospital following the crash and was unable to work for six months. Her injuries even forced her to delay her wedding, but in March last year she finally got married. She said: 'We got married in March last year but it was supposed to be six months before that because I had to recover. 'I'm regularly going to counselling, it has affected my social life and my marriage. Mohammed has been very supportive of me. He has been my rock. The Ford Ka, which sustained a damaged windscreen in the collision, failed to stop following the crash The victim, who was 25 years old at the time of the collision, was taken to an East London hospital for a fractured collarbone and skull 'My life will never be the same. I can't lift heavy things because my shoulder has still not healed, even though they put a metal plate in there. I regularly get migraines and I have sensitivity to light.' Whilst police have spent two years hunting for the driver, Sanaa supports the way her incident has been handled. She said: 'I'm very happy with the way police have handled things. I have my full confidence in them. 'They are doing a wonderful job, but I'd just like to get closure if I can. I haven't had closure for two years.' Detectives at Barking and Dagenham recently released the footage in a bid to track those responsible for the fail-to-stop crash, which occurred in April 2014. Detective Constable Liz Carrey said: 'Police have conducted extensive enquiries to trace who was responsible for this collision. Sanaa's (pictured) injuries even forced her to delay her wedding, but in March last year she finally got married Sanaa spent two weeks in hospital following the crash and was unable to work for six months 'This has been a life changing experience for the victim; both physically and mentally. 'The victim was seriously injured and she would like some closure to help her come to terms with the incident. 'We know the car has been scrapped, but someone may have seen it damaged or the driver of the car may even have spoken about what happened. 'I would ask anyone who has information to search their conscience and contact police.' Anyone with information about the collision is asked to call DC Carrey on 020 3276 1047 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Detectives are very keen to trace the driver and hope the CCTV can help with their investigation In a confession letter, she wrote of how she suffocated Harley in his cot Old Bailey in London heard she will serve at least 13 years behind bars Lesley Dunford, 37, was jailed for life for the murder of baby son Harley Lesley Dunford, pictured, has been jailed for life for the murder of her baby son Harley, aged seven months, in 2003 A mother who was jailed for life for murdering her baby son and killing her three-year-old daughter penned a chilling letter confessing to her crimes. Lesley Dunford, 37, was sentenced to a minimum of 13 years behind bars after admitting to murdering son Harley, aged seven months, in August 2003. Harley's death was first recorded as cot death, but suspicions arose after her daughter Lucy, three, died at the family home in East Sussex in February 2004. Dunford was jailed for the manslaughter of Lucy in 2012 but her husband Wayne stood by her until she pleaded guilty to Harley's murder also. Today, the Old Bailey heard how she suffocated her son after 'something clicked' inside her when he would not stop crying. In the brutally graphic letter written in prison, she added: 'I went back into the room, walked over to his cot and pushed his face into the mattress until he stopped breathing, then I turned his head back to the side and noticed that he had foamed at the mouth and blood had come out of his nose. 'That's when I knew I had really hurt him and I didn't really know why I had done it.' The court was told that Dunford's husband, who is in the process of divorcing her, had forgiven her and 'wishes her well in the future'. Speaking after the sentencing, Mr Dunford, 58, said his 'gullible' wife should be in a hospital and not a prison where she might be 'bullied and taken advantage of'. Harley's death was not treated as suspicious until Dunford admitted the killing to prison staff in 2014 while serving seven years for the manslaughter of her daughter, the Old Bailey heard. Sentencing, Mr Justice Baker said: 'The reality is, had you not confessed to killing Harley whilst in custody, it is highly likely there would not have been a police investigation into his death and you would not have faced prosecution for murder.' Dunford (left on her wedding day) is already in jail after being convicted of the manslaughter of her daughter Lucy, three, but her husband Wayne (right) believes she should be in a hospital, not a prison Prosecutor Philippa McAtasney QC said she was only charged after making a series of confessions to staff at Drake Hall women's prison in Staffordshire in June 2014, claiming she had been suffering post-natal depression. Before then, Harley's death had been put down to staphylococcal pneumonia and no action was taken. When Lucy died in 'very similar circumstances' in February 2004, the defendant turned to her local vicar and said: 'It's happened again, it's happened again.' At the time of both killings, Mr Dunford, 58, had been out of the house at work, the court heard. It was while she was serving her manslaughter sentence that she admitted involvement in both deaths to prison staff, saying she was 'riddled with guilt'. She told officers that she had been having 'flashbacks and nightmares' about what she had done. In the written confession, she wrote: 'I remember the day very clearly, the time I put Harley back to bed at 9am, after I had given him his breakfast. I was settling him down in his cot. I put him on his tummy and put his dummy in. Pictured: The handwritten confession by Dunford detailing how she murdered her son Harley 'I know what I have done is very wrong and I deserve to be punished for it', wrote Dunford in the letter 'But then something clicked in my head and I went back into the room walked over to his cot and pushed his face into the mattress until he stopped breathing. She went on: 'Even though we had a death certificate I know I contributed to his death because I relive it every day.' The court heard Dunford told a support worker: 'They told me he died from some respiratory problem, but he didn't. I killed him. He had blood coming out of his mouth and nose but Lucy hadn't.' Medical experts who reviewed the examination of Harley's body rejected the original finding. Instead they found his death was consistent with asphyxiation and should have been recorded as unascertained, the court heard. Ms McAtasney added: 'She didn't know why she had done it, she also made admissions about Lucy, she said she had hit her head against the headboard and then suffocated her and that she was struggling.' 'She said 'I think I did, I was bad. I was suffering from post-natal depression'' - she indicated that others had told her she could have post-natal depression and there's no evidence to support such a diagnosis.' Dunford, pictured during her initial police interview in 2004, wrote a confession to the murder of her son while in prison for the manslaughter of her daughter, the Old Bailey heard Dunford, pictured before a court hearing earlier this year, was jailed for seven years for the manslaughter and faces a life sentence at the OId Bailey today In mitigation, Alan Kent QC said the case was 'quite extraordinary' and his client wished to convey her 'sincere regrets and apologies'. Mr Kent said that Dunford, who had later moved to Windermere Close, Exeter, had low intelligence and complex mental health problems including an 'extremely emotionally unstable personality disorder'. Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Wendy Burton, of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: 'This has been a tragic case in which two children have lost their lives and their family has been stricken by terrible heartache. 'Both investigations were complex. A key factor in both was forensic evidence, and in cases of very young children that can be very difficult to interpret in a way that the criminal justice system can deal with. CONFESSION OF A MURDERER The court heard police re-opened the case of Harley's murder after Dunford confessed, both verbally and in writing, to killing him to prison staff at Drake's Hall in Staffordshire. She drafted a handwritten confession after verbally admitting both children in their home in East Sussex. After her arrest she refused to comment to police during an interview but a forensic analysis of her handwriting showed it was her who wrote the confession. The confession stated: 'I remember the day very clearly, the time I put Harley back to bed at 9am, after I had given him his breakfast. I was settling him down in his cot. I put him on his tummy and put his dummy in. 'But then something clicked in my head and I went back into the room walked over to his cot and pushed his face into the mattress until he stopped breathing. 'And then I put his head to the side and noticed there was blood and foam coming out of his nose. That's when I knew I had hurt him and I don't know why I had done it.' She went on: 'Even though we had a death certificate I know I contributed to his death because I relive it every day.' The court heard Dunford told a support worker: 'They told me he died from some respiratory problem, but he didn't. I killed him. 'He had blood coming out of his mouth and nose but Lucy hadn't.' The prosecution also told the court Dunford had made admissions about Lucy's death, including hitting her head against a headboard and then suffocating her. Advertisement 'But Lesley Dunford then confessed, on several occasions, verbally and in writing, to killing Harley too. This, together with the forensic review, was fully considered by the CPS who authorised her prosecution. 'Justice has now been done and our sympathies are with little Harley and Lucy.' Mr Dunford added: 'This has been a very difficult time for myself. Lesley lied to me about what had happened with the children. 'She was very good at this and I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to family and friends for this deceit that lasted for a decade. I am truly sorry.' Senior Crown Prosecutor in the CPS South East Complex Casework Unit, Libby Clark, added: 'Lesley Dunford has lied for many years about what happened to her son, before finally confessing the truth to prison staff in 2014. 'This was a terrible crime - her confession clearly stated that she deliberately suffocated her son whilst he was face down in his cot. 'Despite being convicted in 2012 of the manslaughter of her eldest daughter, Dunford still kept her silence over Harvey's death. 'She showed no remorse for over a decade by maintaining her claims that she had found him in his cot and that he was not breathing, when the truth was that she had murdered him.' Police initially arrested Dunford shortly after Lucy's death and passed the case to the CPS, but they did not have enough evidence to charge her. A family court hearing in 2005 introduced new evidence and an eventual inquest in 2009 saw the East Sussex coroner demand police re-investigate Lucy's death. Coroner Alan Craze ruled there was evidence of strangulation which meant it was 'likely her death was due to an offence of homicide'. Dunford was charged with murder and was convicted of manslaughter after a trial at Lewes Crown Court in 2012, where she was jailed for seven years. Jurors rejected her account that she found her daughter motionless in bed after hearing medical evidence the girl was smothered. Prosecutor Sally Howes QC said during the 2012 trial that the inquest had 'excluded the likelihood' of a serious infection and found that injuries to the airways were consistent with an 'application of force'. Dunford was therefore rearrested and Ms Howes said she told officers: 'I have been waiting for this to happen.' Mr Dunford, pictured at his children's graves, said he 'never wants to see' his wife again after her guilty plea Dunford, formerly of Windermere Close, Exeter, has twice pleaded guilty to Harley's murder, having admitted she made the first plea to avoid having a trial, before entering the second and final plea in March. As previously reported, Mr Dunford was devastated to discover that his wife was a killer after he supported her for more than a decade. 'She had convinced me for so long she had not harmed our kids,' he said. 'I was convincing people that Lesley had not done anything. 'She was just a good liar and kept up the lie for over ten years. I never want to see her again.' The father believed for years that Harley had succumbed to cot death and that Lucy's death in 2004 was the result of an accident. After his wife was jailed four years ago, Mr Dunford said: 'I don't accept the verdict. I have been with Lesley for 13 years and she is not the sort of person who could keep something like that to herself for so long.' The couple lived in Camber, East Sussex at the time their children died, but later moved to Exeter after the double tragedy. Spain's acting industry minister has resigned after being linked in the Panama Papers leak to offshore dealings on the island of Jersey. Denying all wrongdoing, Jose Manuel Soria said he was stepping down to limit any damage to the caretaker government, the People's Party (PP), as it approaches a general election in June. He was named in the tax leak - which has also toppled Iceland's Prime Minister - as having links to the tax haven Jersey. Jose Manuel Soria has resigned from his Industry Minister role after the Panama Papers said he was an administrator of an offshore firm for two months in 1992, triggering further investigation by Spanish media Iceland Prime Minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson (pictured) resigned on April 5 following the revelations His resignation comes at a time when Spain is facing the likelihood of a second general election in June after an inconclusive December vote. Mr Soria said he was quitting due to 'the succession of mistakes committed along the past few days, relating to my explanations over my business activities'. He added this was doing 'obvious harm' to the Spanish caretaker government of which he was a member. Mr Soria's troubles began on Monday when Spanish online daily El Confidencial, which has had access to the Panama Papers - leaked from law firm Mossack Fonseca - said he had was an administrator of an offshore firm for two months in 1992. He called a news conference to deny any link to any Panamanian company, but as the week went by, more allegations emerged from other media outlets, revealing further alleged connections to offshore havens. It is unclear as yet whether any of his alleged actions were illegal. The latest polls have shown the PP gaining ground, despite a string of corruption scandals involving regional politicians this year, as voters tire of left-wing parties' failure to put aside differences to form a coalition government. Leaks from the Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca have embarrassed several world leaders and shone a spotlight on the shadowy world of offshore companies by revealing the financial arrangements of prominent figures. A new photograph showing a moving object in the middle of the Solent has caused eyewitnesses to question if it was the Loch Ness Monster enjoying a holiday. The extraordinary sighting of three humps bobbing up and down in the water comes just days after a similar shape was spotted in The Thames by the O2 Arena in London. The picture - taken 630 miles away from Loch Ness - has resulted in Trevor and Jo Wilde questioning if it was Nessie swimming past. The humped 'creature' was spotted in The Solent when Jo Wilde, from Newport, Isle of Wight, saw it move as she was heading to Cornwall . She took the picture from the deck of Wightlink's Fishbourne to Portsmouth ferry Three humps emerged from the water as the Nessie-shaped creature - first brought to the world's attention in 1933 -was thought to be making its way around the island. The fascinating object was spotted in The Solent when Jo, from Newport, Isle of Wight, saw it move up and down when she was heading to Cornwall to see her family. She quickly took the photograph from the deck of Wightlink's Fishbourne to Portsmouth ferry. The new sighting of Nessie swimming near the south coast suggests she is on holiday after being seen in the River Thames earlier this month It comes after mysterious footage showed a similar humped object moving in the River Thames in London. The recent sighting also comes after a 1970s film prop of Nessie from the Billy Wilder movie The Private Life Of Sherlock Holmes was discovered in Scotland this week. Jo's husband Trevor, from Newport, said: 'It was right in the middle of the Solent, which we find rather strange. 'I don't think there are any sandbanks near where the ferry goes for rocks to be able to poke out of the water. 'We've looked at the picture a lot and still it really confuses us. Whatever it was seemed to be gently moving along side of the boat. A robotic submarine searching the lake for signs of the phantom Scottish beast may not have found any signs of its fabled lair, but it has come across a long-lost model of the monster Trevor, from Newport, Isle of Wight, said: 'It was right in the middle of the Solent, which we find rather strange. 'I'm a sceptical man myself, but could it have been the Loch Ness monster.' 'It had a really shiny texture to it. 'I'm a sceptical man myself, but could it have been the Loch Ness monster? 'I recently read a story online about the Loch Ness monster being spotted in London. What if this is the same monster that was spotted? 'This is all very exciting, but a bit disturbing. We won't be visiting the beach for a while now.' Advertisement An intrepid explorer has risked life and limb by camping inside an active volcano in Africa right next to a bubbling lava lake. Chris Horsley, from Ormskirk in Lancashire, embarked on the expedition to Mount Nyiragongo in Congo with Geoff Mackley and Bradley Ambrose. But not only did he manage to catch 40 winks on his perilous perch 300 metres inside the volcano, he also managed to cook curry and rice on the super-heated rocks. Chris Horsley, from Ormskirk in Lancashire, (above) embarked on an expedition to Mount Nyiragongo in Congo, Africa with Geoff Mackley and Bradley Ambrose Not only did he manage to catch 40 winks on his perilous perch 300 metres inside the volcano, he also managed to cook curry and rice on the super-heated rocks Chris, 24, (above) said: 'I've slept on many volcano summits but being so far down and close to the lava of Nyiragongo, casting an incredible red glow, was amazing' Chris, 24, said: 'It's by far the best place I've ever camped out. 'I've slept on many volcano summits but being so far down and close to the lava of Nyiragongo, casting an incredible red glow, was amazing. 'I'd recommend it to anyone.' Chris made the trip to experience the unique landscape but, understandably, had trouble drifting off. He added: 'It's by far the best place I've ever camped out. I'd recommend it to anyone. Sleeping inside such a powerful place was a bizarre feeling' The mountain has a 1.2 km diameter summit caldera (shown) containing the world's most active and largest lava lake Mount Nyiragongo is part of the Virunga volcanic chain that straddles the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda He said: 'Sleeping inside such a powerful place was a bizarre feeling. 'As it became dark the excitement of being down there was too great. 'I just kept walking round with my camera and taking photos or shooting video. 'Soon I calmed and sat listening to Pink Floyd. When I finally decided to call it a night and climbed into my tent, it become quite eerie. 'The sense of being alone in a place that possesses such powerful natural energy is quite a feeling. The volcano is one five major lava lakes that have formed since the 1980s and has remained in existence for decades Other lava lakes are found at Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii, Mount Erebus in Antarctica, Ambrym, Vanuatu and Erta' Ale in Ethiopia In 2002, an eruption by Nyiragongo destroyed much of the nearby town of Goma, leaving 200,000 people homeless 'After a long day climbing though exhaustion knocked me out.' The mountain has a 1.2 km diameter summit caldera containing the world's most active and largest lava lake. Mount Nyiragongo is part of the Virunga volcanic chain that straddles the border between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda. It is one five major lava lakes that have formed since the 1980s and has remained in existence for decades. Others are found at Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii, Mount Erebus in Antarctica, Ambrym, Vanuatu and Erta' Ale in Ethiopia. In 2002, an eruption by Nyiragongo destroyed much of the nearby town of Goma, leaving 200,000 people homeless. The eruption spread lava as far as the northern end of the runway at Goma International Airport - around 12 miles (20km) away. Nyiragongo is an active stratovolcano. It measures 11,382ft (3,470 metres) and is found inside Virunga National Park. The 2002 eruption spread lava as far as the northern end of the runway at Goma International Airport - around 12 miles (20km) away Chris added: 'As it became dark the excitement of being down there was too great. I just kept walking round with my camera and taking photos or shooting video' Nyiragongo is an active stratovolcano. It measures 11,382ft (3,470 metres) and is found inside Virunga National Park The Belgian transport minister has resigned amid claims she lied about an EU report that criticised security at Brussels Airport a year before last month's ISIS suicide bombings. In a formal confirmation, the Royal Palace said King Philippe had accepted the resignation of Jacqueline Galant. A day earlier, Prime Minister Charles Michel had defended Galant, who is from his own centrist party in the coalition government, insisting that her office had not been aware of a critical report sent in March 2015 by EU officials. Prime Minister Charles Michel said that, after talks Jacqueline Galant (pictured), 'the minister presented her resignation to the King and the King accepted it' A spokesman for Michel's centrist MR party said documents presented late on Thursday showed that Galant's office had indeed been told of the report. On March 22, two ISIS suicide bombers detonated suitcase bombs in the airport departure hall before a third struck a metro train in the city. In all, they killed 32 people. Galant had said she had not seen the EU report, but Michel said 'a summary of this report was discussed and sent to the minister's cabinet in June 2015.' No immediate replacement was named for Galant but Michel said he would do so as soon as possible. The suicide attacks in the peak morning travel period have shaken the Belgian government, police and judiciary. The revelations came after the attacks in Brussels in March killed 32 people, including 16 at the national airport. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the attacks The Belgian parliament has set up an inquiry to look into any shortcomings in the handling of the bombings. Belgium's interior and justice ministers volunteered to step down last month, but their resignations were rejected. 'The government will work in perfect cooperation with the commission of inquiry so that all transparency can be ensured and to draw lessons for the future,' Michel said. 'The security of all Belgians is a priority for this government.' The EU carries out around 35 safety inspections at European airports each year. The restricted report, dated April 28, 2015, details shortcomings in the supervision of security in the Brussels Airport section that travelers enter once they have cleared security checks and around the planes themselves. A Rebels bikie has been jailed and faces deportation to his native New Zealand after he was hired to extort $70,000 from a restaurateur on behalf of a construction company. Wiremu Hepara Perry, 32, was hired by construction company owner John Andrew Coyne to recover money from the owner of Chik and Kent and Cinnamon Club in Leederville, Perth in 2013. The victim had used Mr Coyne's company JA Constructions to renovate the restaurant and had paid $650,000 for the services, the West Australian reports. Rebels bikie Wiremu Hepara Perry, 32, has been jailed for extortion and could be sent back to New Zealand when he is released But a dispute broke out over an additional payment of $70,000 which led to Perry being hired. Perry harassed the victim four times in three months, and even threatened the safety of the restaurateur's family. 'If you call the police you and your family will have problems,' Perry told the man. He also slapped him and made reference to where he lived. Perry initially demanded $70,000 from his victim, but the price went up by $2,000 when interest was added. The bikie was hired to extort $70,000 from a restaurateur in Perth by the owner of a construction company The bikie expected to be paid $5,000 for securing the money for the construction company. District Court Judge Patrick O'Neal said Perry was used by Mr Coyne because of his terrifying size and appearance. He then sentenced him to three years and two month behind bars. Perry's lawyer Michael Tudori told the court his client was friends with Mr Coyne's son and had offered to help recover the debt. 'He has always maintained and believed this was a legitimate debt that was owed,' Mr Tudori said. The lawyer also said the father of two would probably be deported on release. He will be eligible for parole in August as his sentence was backdated to January, 2015. More than 180 passengers were left stranded on the tarmac after the co-pilot of a Boeing 737-800 had a heart attack and died earlier this morning. The co-pilot, named as 41-year-old Lim Hyun Soo from South Korea in Thai media, suffered a fatal coronary while Flight ZE532 was preparing for takeoff at Phuket International Airport. He reported having problems breathing and was sent to Thalang hospital in Phuket. He reportedly received CPR en route and arrived at the hospital just before 4am but died at 8.20am. Co-pilot, named as 41-year-old Lim Hyun Soo from South Korea in Thai media, suffered a fatal coronary while Eastar Jet Flight ZE532 (above) was preparing for takeoff at Phuket International Airport The low-cost airline cancelled the flight scheduled to travel to Incheon airport in Seoul, South Korea, at 2.20am. All 186 people on board were taken to a hotel in Phuket until their new flight could be arranged. The co-pilot reportedly flew 2,980 hours since he took a job in Eastar Jet in September 2011, according to the Korea Times. 'South Korean pilot Hyunsoo Lim, 41, died in the emergency room at Thalang Hospital at about 8:20am,' Lt Suporn Muangkai of the Thalang Police told the Phuket Gazette. 'His co-workers told us that they were conducting pre-flight checks at about 1am when Mr Lim complained of breathing difficulties and was rushed to hospital.' 'We found no signs of struggle on his body. 'At this stage, we believe that he might have had a heart attack, but we are still waiting for doctors to confirm the cause of death,' Lt Suporn said. All 186 people on board were taken to a hotel in Phuket until their new flight to Incheon airport in Seoul, South Korea, (above) could be arranged The Korean Embassy has been informed of Mr Lim's death. Eastar Jet is based in Seoul and flies to 14 destinations across Asia. Last month a Saudi passenger aircraft captain died minutes before landing a plane forcing his co-pilot to take over. The pilot, Walid bin Mohammed Al Mohammed, was trying to land his plane at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh when he suffered a massive heart attack. Realising that something was wrong, his co-pilot, Rami Ben Ghazi was forced to take over control and successfully managed to bring the plane down to land. A wheelchair-bound man with cerebral palsy was mugged by a cruel thug as he waited at a bus stop. In a crime police have branded 'sickening', victim Danny Barrett, 36, was targeted by the robber who demanded his money. Mr Barrett was returning to John Grooms Court care home in Norwich when the attacker approached him at a city centre bus stop. When he refused to hand over his cash, the thief reached into his coat and grabbed his wallet before walking off. Mugging victim Danny Barrett, 36, is wheelchair-bound man and suffers with cerebral palsy Shaken: Police described the crime as 'sickening', adding Mr Barrett was targeted because of his vulnerability Mr Barrett said after his ordeal: 'I feel absolutely disgusted by it. I was shaken with shock when I got back. 'I would like the guy prosecuted and taken to court.' He added: 'I don't want this ever happening to any other disabled people.' Mr Barrett said he was going home from visiting friends in Taverham when he was targeted at the Castle Meadow bus stop. He said the black leather wallet contained a 10 note and two 1 coins as well as his bus pass - leaving him unable to get home. Mr Barrett said the wallet was a birthday present from a friend and had sentimental value. 'He made out he was a homeless person,' he added. 'He said to me, "I need a pound because I need somewhere to stay." 'But I think he was making it up. I can't believe a homeless person would take off a disabled person.' Mr Barrett was returning to John Grooms Court care home in Norwich when the attacker approached him at a city centre bus stop at Castle Meadow (pictured) demanding money Mr Barrett alerted police as his care home, where he has lived for 11 years, sent a taxi to pick him up. Police have urged any eye-witnesses to the crime, which happened at around 8.50pm on Monday night, to come forward with any information. PC Michael Pearce, of Norfolk Police, said: 'This is a sickening crime where a vulnerable member of our community has been targeted by a callous thief. 'It is believed there may have been a number of people in the area when the incident took place. 'I'd urge anyone who may have seen anything to contact police.' Mr Barrett said the thief reached into his coat and grabbed his wallet before walking off The mugger is described as white, tall, with very short brown hair. He was wearing white jeans, black leather jacket, black trainers and a grey beanie hat. A male midwife who advised women to give more oral sex to 'absorb protein and reduce their blood pressure' has been struck off. Ronald Lock, 48, also told a woman in labour that taking an injection of powerful Pethidine feels like being p***** while working at Southmead Hospital, Bristol. A hearing before the Nursing and Midwifery Council was also told that Lock, from Weston-Super-Mare, pretended his wife was recovering from surgery at nearby Frenchay Hospital to get time off work and change his shifts. The incidents took place between March 2010 and July 2013 at the birthing centre at Southmead. A male midwife from Southmead Hospital, Bristol (pictured) has been struck off for inappropriate comments The hearing was told that, in a series of strange outbursts, Lock referred to a patients placenta as like a tug rope then told her about research that said: If women swallowed sperm it helps the body absorb the protein to reduce blood pressure. He added: Women therefore should give more oral sex. Lock also failed to keep babies warm and fed and did not perform maternal observations for the entirety of a shift. He wrote false information about colleagues in the wards labour diary, the hearing was told. NMC panel chair Lesley White said: The panel considered that these (charges) related to inappropriate and offensive comments made by Mr Lock to his patients. Locks behaviour...demonstrated a total lack of regard and respect for the patients and the circumstances in which he made these comments. Mr Locks actions demonstrated a complete lack of sensitivity and professionalism on his part and by doing so he breached his duty of care to those patients. Mr Lock misrepresented personal circumstances in order to obtain emergency leave and a different shift pattern. By acting dishonestly, pursued his own personal interests and demonstrated a total lack of respect for the rostering needs of his workplace and colleagues at the time. A panel at the Nursing and Midwifery Council centre in east London (pictured) found the charges proved When looking at Locks failings to provide care to patients and babies, Ms White said: These included failure to carry out proper observations. As well as ensuring the babies were warm enough, and temperatures and blood sugar levels were correct. By doing so, Mr Lock failed to ensure he provided a high standard of practice at all times. Lock admitted to all charges except for not having done the observations. All charges against him were found proved. Lock had already removed himself from the register prior to the hearing and expressed no desire to be part of proceedings. Strolling through a Brussels market without a care in the world, this is captured Paris terrorist Salah Abdeslam in new footage shot before the attacks on the French capital. Salah, 26, for months the world's most wanted terrorist, is seen talking to a friend in Molenbeek, a jihadi hotspot in Brussels where he grew up. The video emerges as Salah's elder brother Mohamed has been sacked from his council admin job after five months off sick. Mohamed claimed his brother saved lives by backing out of blowing himself up outside the Stade de France in November's atrocity. Relaxed: Wearing a black zip-up jumper, Salah Abdeslam looks at ease as he walks through a market in Molenbeek, Brussels, in August 2014 Broken: The first photograph of captured Paris ISIS attacker Salah Abdeslam shows the failed suicide bomber looking bearded and broken inside a prison in Bruges The short video clip of Salah, broadcast by Brusselnieuws.be in Belgium, shows the evil bombing suspect looking well-groomed and calm. The shocking footage is in marked contrast to his tired and bedraggled appearance with black rings around his eyes during questioning by anti-terror detectives in Bruges. Salah, a 26-year-old Belgian-born Morocco-Frenchman, sparked a huge manhunt when he failed to detonate his suicide vest in Paris. His other brother Brahim, 31, did blow himself up at the Comptoir Voltaire brasserie in the 11th arrondissement, severely injuring a waitress. Salah, who fled Paris and went into hiding in Molenbeek for five months, worked for two years as a railway mechanic and in a bar set up by Brahim. Salah was childhood friends with Abdelhamid Abaaoud, the Paris attacks mastermind, it is claimed. The pair spent time in jail for armed robbery and it is there that it is believed they became radicalised. Eight months before the ISIS massacre, Salah was filmed drinking, smoking and flirting with girls in a nightclub with his brother Brahim. It is believed the men then became increasingly radicalised, and gave up drinking to spend their time at home, praying. Caught: After evading French and Belgian authorities for four months, Salah Abdeslam was arrested during a siege on his bolthole in the run down Molenbeek district of Brussels in March The footage, which has emerged in the last three days, was filmed in August 2014 - 15 months before the the Paris attacks. A year after the footage was shot, Salah drove from southern Italy to Greece and returned four days later to Molenbeek with an unnamed man. In September he drove to Budapest in a rental car. At the train station he picked up two men, who had arrived in Europe claiming to be asylum seekers. On September 9 on a return trip he was stopped at a checkpoint on the Austrian border in a rental Mercedes, accompanied by two people with fake Belgian ID cards and was allowed through. Around Octover, Salah is believed to have gone from his home to Paris to buy detonators from a fireworks store. On November 11, he and Mohamed Abrini - known as the 'man in white' pictured next to the two Brussels Airport bombers attacks last month - were filmed at a Paris petrol station in a black rented Renault Clio. In northern Paris on November 13, Salah parked one of the rentals in Paris' northern 18th arrondissement, bought a SIM card and immediately phoned two friends in Brussels, asking them to drive through the night to fetch him. He appeared to have changed his mind at the last minute on the night of the attack, choosing to dump his suicide vest. For his part in the attacks on Paris, which killed 130, Salah 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. After evading French and Belgian authorities for four months, he was arrested during a siege on his bolthole in Molenbeek in March. Earlier this month, Mohamed said his brother Salah refused to blow himself up at the Stade de France because he wanted to save lives. He said Salah told him that he 'couldn't go through with it.' Dismissed: Mohamed Abdeslam was reportedly fired from his position at the municipal administration in the Molenbeek neighbourhood of Brussels 'There would have been more victims had I done it. Luckily, I couldn't go through with it,' Salah Abdeslam reportedly told his brother. And this week, Mohamed was fired from his position at the municipal administration in the Molenbeek neighbourhood of Brussels, according to Belgian media. Mohamed lost his job as a local council worker in the foreigner services department earlier this week, according to DH.be. David Cameron secured the best turn out ever at a Tory away day as he took his MPs to Chipping Norton. But he had to avoid talking about Europe throughout and even offered a free bar at the Crowne Plaza Hotel to sweeten the deal. Sources who attended the event told MailOnline the mood was 'remarkable' despite the deep divide within the Conservative Party over the EU referendum. Speculation ahead of the Oxfordshire event focused on whether Brexit-backing MPs would boycott the event in protest at the Government's decision to spend 9.3million sending a pro-EU leaflet to every home as the Tory civil war deepened. David Cameron, pictured with his newly elected MPs after last year's victorious election, took his party away to an Oxfordshire hotel in a bid to ease tensions ahead of May's local and devolved elections Eurosceptics joked before the gathering they were being taken away to the hotel to be 'reprogrammed' as the party bids to come together before May's elections. But more than 300 of Mr Cameron's MPs turned out - with many of those who did not attend being people who never go. The away day was filled with policy seminars - with one Tory MP telling MailOnline Michael Gove's presentation on prison reform was particularly praise-worthy. YouGov pollster Anthony Wells lifted the mood with a presentation on why the polls were so wrong before the 2015 election. And broadcaster Andrew Neil did a presentation for the MPs on the US Presidential race. One source said: 'Morale was good - the PM did a free bar at the end. 'It was the best in the circumstances that it could have been. 'About 90 per cent of the Tory MPs were there - just over 300. 'Honestly, ideally I think it would have been better in July after the referendum but in the circumstances it was nothing divisive.' Another said it was clearly a deliberate strategy to avoid mention of June's crunch referendum. Conservative MPs gathered for the away day at the Crowne Plaza in Oxfordshire yesterday but did not discuss the EU They said: 'My sense is a lot of risk management went into this. 'We ended up concentrating on stuff most of us would rather be talking about - health, education, rehabilitation of offenders. 'Of the colleagues who did not go, some never go and some chose not to go - but the number of colleagues who boycotted was very low. 'It was remarkable.' An MP at the event said those on both sides of the referendum divide 'got on fine', insisting it had been 'very good natured - no fisticuffs!'. Steve Baker, a senior backbencher who coordinated eurosceptic MPs during Mr Cameron's renegotiation before becoming a senior member of Vote Leave told MailOnline it had been a successful event. He said: 'My sense is the Conservative Party breathed a huge sigh of relief when we discovered we still very much enjoy each other's company.' Labour's Jonathan Ashworth said: 'Given the events of the last few weeks it's no wonder the Tories feel the need for a bonding session. 'But the question is whether divided Tory MPs and ministers even want to bond with one another. 'We don't know exactly what is on the agenda but from the latest omnishambles Budget to their failure on tackling tax avoidance the Tories can at least be relied upon to use the opportunity to provide expert training on how not to run a country.' After striking her, he threw a pair of sunglasses at her and said 'You win' Vincent Ryan Jr., 51, was found guilty Thursday of attempted murder and other charges A man was convicted Thursday of trying to kill his mother by ramming his SUV into her upstate New York home. A jury in Sullivan County found Vincent Ryan Jr., 51, guilty of attempted murder, assault and related offenses in the May, 2015 attack. The jurors were not moved by defense attorney Donna Lasher's argument that Ryan drove his car backwards into the basement wall of the Bloomingburg home - striking Helen Ryan, pinning her under the car and causing life-threatening injuries - in a 'stupid bid for attention,' the Times-Herald Record reported. Lasher argued that Ryan didn't think the vehicle would go through the wall and had no intention to hurt his mother. She also argued that if he were looking to kill his mother, he would have stayed and finished the job, the Record reported. Ryan walked away after striking his mother and waited to be arrested while the woman, who is in her 70s, lay injured with two broken leg bones, a fractured sternum and multiple lacerations, the Record reported. Assistant District Attorney Eamonn Neary said that before exiting the house, Ryan threw a pair of sunglasses at his mother and said, 'You win,' according to the Record. Prosecutors said Ryan attempted to kill his mother by ramming his SUV into her Bloomingburg, New York home (pictured) During the investigation into the incident, Ryan told police he initially planned to commit a hate crime in order to get attention from federal law enforcement. Ryan believed that by killing Hasidic Jews in Bloomingburg, he could get the feds to investigate his parents, Helen and Vincent Ryan Sr., for allegedly stealing money from him, Mid-Hudson News reported. 'I was going to put myself on death row to get this investigation,' he said in a police recording that was played during the trial, according to the Record. Migrants are paying smugglers to lead them along old Alpine donkey paths to sneak into northern Europe, it has emerged. They are being charged 200 euros (160) each to be guided on midnight treks between Italy and Austria. Under the cover of darkness, groups of around 50 people are taken through tiny routes between soaring peaks to avoid detection by border guards. Some 900 migrants arrive in the port of Palermo two days ago as part of an influx set to worsen this summer It is believed people smugglers are now using old donkey trails to help migrants make their way into Europe A group of migrants who arrived in Sicily earlier this week are brought ashore from a vessel which rescued them from the sea At the end of the 45-minute hike through woodland, the migrants emerge in the Austrian town of Gries, where they continue their journeys by car to Germany, Scandinavia or eventually Britain. A sudden influx of people crossing the Mediterranean from North Africa to Italy has led to a surge in business for the people smugglers. Austrian authorities are now stepping up patrols in the area and have started work on building checkpoints on the Brenner pass the main route by road between the two countries. Fears were also growing last night of a new migrant crisis as a fresh surge of people attempted to cross the Mediterranean from North Africa. There are concerns that Italy could bear the brunt of new arrivals following EU measures to shut the route between Turkey to the Greek islands. Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi was yesterday forced to insist his country was not facing an invasion as 6,000 people arrived in just three days. It is a big problem but we have clear ideas about how to deal with it, he said. Mr Renzi claimed the number of boats arriving off Italy is barely higher than last year. But figures revealed yesterday that 5,841 migrants have reached Italy by sea since Tuesday, with only 174 landing in Greece. The International Organization for Migration said it was too early to assess whether the EU deal to return all arrivals in Greece back to Turkey was causing a shift in the patterns of movement. More than 24,000 people have crossed into Italy so far this year, and forecasts suggest the country could face at least 100,000 migrants from North Africa for the third straight year. The IOM has warned that with weather warming at the start of the main crossing season, Italy would likely see persistently high arrivals in the weeks ahead David Cameron spoke to German Chancellor Angela Merkel yesterday to discuss whether the deal with Turkey was working as effectively as possible. The PMs official spokeswoman also admitted there are worries about a surge in migrants looking to cross from Libya to Italy this summer. She said Mr Cameron wanted to make sure operations in the Mediterranean are as robust as possible. Meanwhile, there are concerns that fresh violence in Syria will lead to even more refugees heading towards Europe. Aid group Human Rights Watch said at least 30,000 civilians have fled a new outbreak of fighting in the past 48 hours. A roach-infested apartment has exploded in New Jersey after fumes from bug-killing spray built up and combusted, sending two adults and one child to a hospital as a precaution. The explosion happened on Wednesday around 10pm after an occupant was spraying insecticide, got a headache and opened a window, a spokesman for the Asbury Park Fire Department said. Aside from causing the explosion, the roach spray did not have its intended effect - the roaches seemed to survive the blast. An explosion happened on Wednesday around 10pm at an Asbury Park, New Jersey, apartment after an occupant was spraying insecticide, got a headache and opened a window Fire department spokesman Garrett Giberson said that the oxygen from outside combined with the fumes and a stove's pilot light to cause the explosion. 'You had the chemical, you had the oxygen and you had the ignition source,' Giberson told the Asbury Park Press. The blast blew out the first-floor apartment's windows, bent the front door and damaged the kitchen. Damage was restricted to only one unit in the building. Giberson said that the three people are lucky they weren't seriously injured. He added that when he arrived at the first-floor apartment unit, roaches were still crawling through the home. 'The unit was infested with roaches. When I got on scene I saw numerous roaches crawling throughout the apartment,' Giberson told the Asbury Park Press. Giberson said that the tenants of the home 'are lucky because they could have been seriously injured'. 'There had to be quite a buildup of chemicals and fumes from the bug killer to cause an explosion like that,' he added. The American Red Cross is providing shelter for the three-story complex's tenants. A Missouri couple is behind bars after they allegedly sodomized a young girl in their neighborhood. Terry Roderick, 42, and Brittany H. Golden, 29, have each been charged with four counts of first-degree statutory sodomy after being accused of luring the 10-year-old child into their Ballwin home on March 7, 2015 and committing the sexual acts. The couple allegedly asked the girl to help them find their lost puppy, and promised her a bunny rabbit in exchange for her help. Scroll down for video Behind bars: Terry Roderick (left) and Brittany H. Golden (right) of Ballwin, Missouri have each been charged with four counts of first-degree statutory sodomy Fox 2 reports that after getting the young girl into the home, Roderick allegedly touched the girl's genitals and then had her touch his penis. The young girl was then allegedly forced to perform oral sex on both Roderick and Golden. She told police about what happened days later, but it took a year for charges to be filed as police launched their investigation. The St. Louis Dispatch reports that in 2010 Roderick was sentenced to seven years in prison for assault, drugs and weapons offenses, resisting arrest, burglary, and leaving the scene of an accident. He was paroled in May 2012, but went back to prison just days after these latest allegations first emerged last year. He was released on parole again this past December, but is once again behind bars after these new charges and being held on $250,000 bail. Bernie Sanders came out swinging last night against Hillary Clinton, giving what was arguably his best debate performance yet, but the former secretary of state's team isn't sweating it. Clinton, it thinks, will carry the day on Tuesday, winning New York and leaving Sanders without a viable path to the nomination. 'I think we'll win. I think we'll win New York,' Clinton Communications Director Jen Palmieri told DailyMail.com. 'It's a big state. But I'm feeling better about it.' On Twitter Clinton's national press secretary, Brian Fallon said, 'So far NY has exposed Sanders on his core proposal (breaking up banks) & main attack on Clinton. Next it'll reveal his lack of path forward.' SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Bernie Sanders came out swinging last night against Hillary Clinton, giving what was arguably his best debate performance yet, but the former secretary of state's team isn't sweating it Clinton's camp is thanking its stars for Sanders' botched New York Daily News editorial board interview that raised substantive questions about how his plans to implement key portions of his platform and his readiness for the Oval Office. After Sanders contended yesterday evening that Clinton has 'judgement' issues, she fired back. 'Look, we have disagreements on policy. There's no doubt about it. But if you go and read, which I hope all of you will before Tuesday, Senator Sanders' long interview with the New York Daily News, talk about judgment and talk about the kinds of problems he had answering questions about even his core issue, breaking up the banks. 'Then asked about a number of foreign policy issues, he could not answer about Afghanistan, about Israel, about counterterrorism, except to say if he'd had some paper in front of him, maybe he could. She said, 'I think you need to have the judgment on day one to be both president and commander-in-chief. Palmieri told DailyMail.com after the debate, 'I think last week went really well for her. I feel like she had a great week. She had a great trip upstate. We definitely felt that the New York Daily News interview that Sanders did, that was a big moment for us. 'We think a big difference that we really want voters to understand is she can deliver results, and she doesn't just diagnose a problem,' she said. 'And what [NYDN] revealed is, if you haven't even thought this through - how you would attack the problem, let alone, whatever your program is, how you would get it done, you can't even explain that, that means you can't deliver results.' The former aide to Barack Obama said Sanders 'speaks very passionately about problems,' but said 'unless you have a program for how to deal with it and a means of getting it done, it doesn't matter.' The debate gave the Clinton campaign an opportunity to circulate its new attack line: 'It's easy to diagnose the problem. It's harder to do something about the problem.' Clinton Communications Director Jen Palmieri told DailyMail.com, 'We think a big difference that we really want voters to understand is she can deliver results, and she doesn't just diagnose a problem' After Sanders contended yesterday evening that Clinton has 'judgement' issues, she fired back: 'Look, we have disagreements on policy. There's no doubt about it. But if you go and read, which I hope all of you will before Tuesday, Senator Sanders' long interview with the New York Daily News, talk about judgment and talk about the kinds of problems he had answering questions about even his core issue, breaking up the banks' The debate gave the Clinton campaign an opportunity to circulate its new attack line: 'It's easy to diagnose the problem. It's harder to do something about the problem.' Clinton hit the democratic socialist senator with it during the debate after he advocated for a carbon tax. 'Well, I'm a little bewildered about how to respond when you have an agreement which gives you the framework to actually take the action that would have only come about because under the Obama administration in the face of implacable hostility from the Republicans in Congress,' she told him. 'President Obama moved forward on gas mileage, he moved forward on the clean power plant. He has moved forward on so many of the fronts that he could given the executive actions that he was able to take. She told him, 'I'm getting a little bit concerned here because, you know, I really believe that the President has done an incredible job against great odds and deserves to be supported.' Fallon referenced the exchange on Twitter and said, 'The @NYDailyNews interview exposed Sanders as incapable of going beyond the diagnosis.' Sanders' declaration that he wants to break up big banks and force them to restructure also came under scrutiny last night. 'That is their decision,' he said during the NYDN interview when asked what that would look like. CNN's Dana Bash asked him during the debate, 'Why would you trust the banks to restructure themselves when you said the whole business model was fraudulent?' Sanders told her, 'I don't need Dodd-Frank now to tell me that we have got to break up these banks, A, because they're based on fraudulent principles, and B, because when you have six financial institutions that have assets equivalent to 58% of the GFP of this country, they are just too big, too much concentration of wealth and power. He again did not answer her question, though, and Bash came back to him with the same request. 'Because I'm not sure that the government should say is you are too big to fail. You've got to be a certain size. And, then the banks themselves can figure out what they want to sell off,' he said. 'I don't know that it's appropriate that the Department of Treasury to be making those decisions. What we need is to make sure that they are safe.' CELEBRATION: New York City mayor Bill de Blasio (R) and his wife Chirlane McCray (L) joined Clinton last night at a debate watch party at Steiner Studios after the Brooklyn brawl He also struggled to 'name one decision' that Clinton made 'as senator that shows that she favored banks because of the money she received' from them. Sanders instead stated his view that the banks should be broken up and said that while he was introducing legislation to do that, 'Secretary Clinton was busy giving speeches to Goldman Sachs for $225,000 a speech.'' Not missing a beat Clinton said, 'Well, you can tell, Dana, he cannot come up with any example, because there is no example.' The statement did not go over well in the debate hall, but Clinton seemed unphased. 'It may be inconvenient, but it's always important to get the facts straight. I stood up against the behaviors of the banks when I was a senator,' she said. 'Now, this is our ninth debate. In the prior eight debates, I have said, we have a law. You don't just say, we're upset about this. I'm upset about it. She said, 'You don't just say, go break them up. You have a law, because we are a nation of laws.' Palmieri said said Clinton had a 'great debate' and said the extended primary has revealed to voters what the campaign has been saying all along about Sanders' doctrine of change versus Clinton's. 'You accomplish a little bit, and then you come back for more,' Palmieri said of Clinton's perspective, 'and that has, from when she was an advocate and an organizer, 30, 40 years ago; that's her theory and she has very specific ideas...on how you go about that, what do you do next.' The former White House communications director said, 'Our view is that voters overall want a president that has a vision about where they can take the county, that very clearly explain to you what the next step is going to be and how you're going to get it done. 'A lot of people who have doubts about what can be done to address problems, and they want specifics.' AJ Porter-Shaw, 29, has been jailed for five years An 'extremely dangerous' man 'obsessed' with firearms and explosives has been jailed for five years, the Crown Prosecution Service has said. AJ Porter-Shaw, 29, had the means to cause 'significant harm to a large number of people' after firearms, an explosive device and plans for making further weapons were discovered at his Lancashire home. Unemployed Porter-Shaw, of Harrington Road in Morecambe, was handed the prison term at Preston Crown Court after pleading guilty to possessing a stun gun and making an explosive device at his home. Neighbours had reported witnessing him using a stun gun at his address on June 11, 2015 and contacted police. When officers searched his home they found numerous firearms, some of which were home-made along with a stun gun disguised as a mobile phone, a samurai sword, a 'molotov cocktail' style bomb and various sketch designs for making further weapons and explosive devices. The CPS said that its actions had 'neutralised the risk that the defendant clearly posed to members of the public'. Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, Brett Gerrity, said: 'AJ Porter-Shaw is a man with an unhealthy obsession with firearms and explosives, making him an extremely dangerous man. Police found this stun gun belonging to Porter-Shaw - which had been disguised as a mobile phone 'He was seen using the stun gun in full public view by a neighbour on a summer afternoon. 'The defendant clearly had the means to cause significant harm to a large number of people. We should all be extremely grateful to his neighbour who had the presence of mind and bravery to alert someone to his suspicious activities, which allowed a successful prosecution to follow.' Move on over, beefcakes! This is not a drill. The Fire Department of New York will celebrate 12 of the city's finest women with its newly expanded 2017 Calendar of Heroes, it was announced Thursday. Next year's version will include 12 women alongside a full year's worth of men in a reversible calendar that will also showcase EMTs and paramedics for the first time ever. The Fire Department of New York will celebrate 12 of the city's finest women with its newly expanded 2017 Calendar of Heroes The calendar is reversible, with women in tanktops and bunker gear on one side and shirtless men on the other The 2017 calendar features women in tanktops and bunker gear on one side and shirtless men on the other with two different covers on each end. Spokesperson Frank Dwyer said the calendar has been around for '15, 20 years,' adding: 'This is the first time we're really showing every facet of our workforce'. Danae Mines was the first woman to appear in the Calendar of Heroes in 2014, and next year's issue will include an equal representation of the sexes. Photographed holding an axe with a fire blazing behind her, firefighter Jackie-Michelle Martinez told the NY Daily News: 'Women are multi-faceted. The calendar is not taking any of our strength away. It only enhances it.' FDNY EMT Michelle Campbell told the news website: 'It's pretty cool that we're doing it together. We're both equally strong. We all save lives.' Danae Mines was the first woman to appear in the Calendar of Heroes in 2014, and next year's issue will include an equal representation of the sexes FDNY EMT Michelle Campbell (pictured) told the news website: 'It's pretty cool that we're doing it together. We're both equally strong. We all save lives.' There are only 49 female firefighters among the FDNY's 10,000, according to Dwyer. Women make up about a third of the FDNY's 3,000 EMTs and paramedics. While it's the most they've ever had serving in the department, he added the FDNY is 'heavily recruiting among underrepresented groups, including women and people of color'. 'I'm proud that the 2017 is the first calendar the Department has produced which truly represents all of our heroes - the men and women who risk their lives as firefighters, EMTs and paramedics every day to keep New York City safe,' Daniel A Ngiro, FDNY's fire commissioner said in a statement. The calendar models will be signing purchased copies from 11am to 2pm today at Herald Square. Proceeds will help the FDNY Foundation with professional development, training and education, as well as fire safety programs for residents in the city. EMTs and paramedics will also be celebrated for the first time ever. Spokesperson Frank Dwyer said after 15, 20 years of the calendar's existence, 'This is the first time we're really showing every facet of our workforce' A former leader of a black student group accused of tweeting anonymous threats against fellow black college students in New Jersey was denied a request to enter a diversionary probation program. Kayla McKelvey, 25, is charged with creating a false public alarm at Kean University, where prosecutors said she tweeted anonymous threats from a campus library because she wanted more people to attend a November 2015 rally on racial issues. She then allegedly returned to the rally to tell people about the threats. Kayla-Simone McKelvey, from Union Township, New Jersey, is facing prison after allegedly writing a number of threats on Twitter, including one that said she would 'kill any black person' at Kean University in New Jersey The 24-year-old is charged with creating a false public alarm at Kean University, where prosecutors said she tweeted anonymous threats from a campus library A judge on Thursday rejected an appeal from McKelvey to participate in pretrial intervention. The program would have allowed her to be placed on probation and have charges removed from her record if she successfully completed the terms. Judge William Daniel, reading his decision from the bench, said McKelvey had given a statement to investigators in which she admitted sending the messages. 'I went about it the wrong way,' the judge quoted McKelvey as saying. The judge found McKelvey failed to prove that prosecutors engaged in a 'gross use of discretion,' which is required to overturn their recommendation against pretrial intervention. Prosecutors said the threats spread fear and panic on campus and $80,000 was spent for increased campus security and the investigation. Officials even alerted the Department of Homeland Security. In seeking pretrial intervention, her lawyer had argued McKelvey was remorseful, had resigned from her job and had lost her friends. NJ.com reported McKelvey declined to comment outside of court. Attorney Thomas Mirigliano said no decision has been made on whether to appeal the ruling. Prosecutors have offered to recommend that McKelvey, whom police previously identified as Kayla-Simone McKelvey, receive a six-month jail sentence if she pleads guilty to the charge. She was also the school's 2014 homecoming queen and president of the Pan African Student Union, according to her profile. Kean is one of the most racially diverse campuses in New Jersey. Last year's freshman class was 31 per cent white, 30 per cent Hispanic, 20 per cent black, 5 per cent Asian and 14 per cent unknown or other, according to state data. He was today fined 250 after admitting causing a breach of the peace One selfie was later edited onto a picture of a different woman having sex Ryan Mochrie, 23, (pictured) accessed the pages of three females - aged between 16 and 20 - and uploaded them to a pornographic website An internet troll stole selfies from women's Facebook profiles and posted them on a pornographic website that 'no nice girl would want to be seen on', a court heard today. Ryan Mochrie, 23, accessed the pages of three females, aged between 16 and 20, copied their pictures and uploaded them to an erotic site. The court heard he was friends with them on Facebook and one image was later manipulated so the woman's face was imposed on a picture of a female having sex. Mochrie, of Kilsyth, North Lanarkshire, Scotland, was today fined 250 after he admitted causing a breach of the peace by posting the images on the site. Falkirk Sheriff Court heard the women had taken the pictures themselves or 'before a night out' and the photographs had 'nothing sexual about them'. But Mochrie, a carer for his ill father, uploaded them to the kinky site and users then made lewd remarks about the pictures. Summary sheriff Derek Livingston said the website was one that 'no nice girl would want to be seen on'. Samantha Brown, prosecuting, told the court that his actions in moving the innocent images to the site had enabled 'other members of the site to add sexually explicit comments and pornographic references'. Miss Brown said none of Mochrie's victims had given consent for their images to be lifted, and were 'understandably distressed'. She said a major investigation was launched last year after 18 women and girls from the Falkirk area contacted police to complain that their faces had been uploaded without their permission to the website. The other images - many of which had been manipulated to make them pornographic - were uploaded by another person, who has not been traced. She said: 'Those images are just normal images of these people. 'They were taken from Facebook profiles and posted on the website and thereafter enabled members of the public to make sexually explicit comments about these photos. 'The images were added to by other members and turned into sexually explicit images. 'The comments on the images have caused a great deal of upset as they had not given their consent.' Idiot: Kevin Douglas, defending Mochrie, said 'He's an idiot, and I think he's the first to accept that' Mochrie, formerly of Denny, near Falkirk, now of Kilsyth, Stirlingshire, admitted causing a breach of the peace by posting the images on the site. The court heard Mochrie shared his victims' pictures with their full names. Kevin Douglas, defending, said: 'It's the kind of site which guys and girls go on and say things like 'I've done her' or 'she's good at that' - that's the sort of nature of the site. 'I don't want to be seen as ranting against technology, but its a real problem about technology, because if people put a picture onto Facebook, anybody can take it and move it about.' He said Mochrie had first become aware the site when a photograph of a girl he had been dating was placed on it without her permission. Mr Douglas said: 'That's why he thought he'd look at this site, and then he himself was drawn into putting images onto it. 'He's an idiot, and I think he's the first to accept that.' Mochrie, formerly of Denny, near Falkirk, now of Kilsyth, Stirlingshire, admitted causing a breach of the peace by posting the images on the site. He was not forced to sign the sex offenders register because the Crown did not claim that Mochrie was personally responsible for the manipulation or any of the comments posted. Summary sheriff Derek Livingston ruled that there was no 'significant sexual element' to Mochrie's crime and fined him 250. Summary sheriff Livingston said: 'He has taken innocent pictures and really the problem is he has lifted them and put them on a site a good deal less than innocent. 'It seems bizarre behaviour to save the profile pictures of certain girls and put them on another site without their consent without any sort of major relationship. They're more acquaintances. 'If he gets involved with this ever again - doing it a second time could give rise to all sorts of questions being asked. 'It's difficult for me to assess what your motivation was here. It did cause a considerable degree of distress.' The website has been described by some commentators as at the centre of a disturbing new trend in the 'trolling' of women. Mandy Ashman (pictured), 49, laundered a total of 128,000 through her bank account for her criminal husband Joseph Ashman, 47 The wife of a drug lord who laundered part of the cash her husband made smuggling 23million worth of cannabis has walked free from court because of her health problems. Mandy Ashman, 49, laundered a total of 128,000 through her bank account as husband Joseph Ashman, 47, headed of network based in Rainham, Essex, who imported 4.5 tonnes of the drug. He was jailed for eight years and eight months in January last year after admitting conspiracy to supply drugs and money laundering. Twelve of his criminal network were jailed alongside him for a total of 66-and-a-half years. In February, Ashman was sentenced to a further four years for employing his wife and sister Mary Dunn, 54, from Lewisham, to launder his cash. Sentencing Mrs Ashman to a two-year prison term, suspended for two years, Judge Richard Hone QC told her: You are portrayed as the victim of a domineering husband but having seen you over a four-week trial I formed the view you are no shrinking violet whose husband told you nothing about his criminal activities. He added: You were content to live passively from the funds from your husbands substantial criminal lifestyle. Ashmans sister, who allowed him to channel just over 61,000 through her bank account, was sentenced to nine months imprisonment, suspended for two years. You were, in my judgement, a more passive and distant participant in the criminal activity, the judge told her. He said he had intended to send her straight to jail but changed his mind after hearing of her health troubles, including Perthes disease - a hip disorder - and depression. During an Old Bailey trial the court heard Ashman also set up two fictitious firms, the Apple Cross Building Company, and Dash Haulage to make it seem like his family had a legitimate enterprise. He denied four counts of money laundering, but was convicted after a month-long trial. His wife was convicted of two counts of money laundering, but acquitted of a third charge, while her sister-in-law was convicted of one similar charge. Mr Ashman (pictured) was jailed for eight years and eight months in January last year after admitting conspiracy to supply drugs and money laundering In February, Ashman was sentenced to a further four years for employing his wife, and sister Mary Dunn (pictured left in her police mugshot and right at court), 54, from Lewisham, to launder his cash The couples son, Patrick Ashman, was acquitted of money laundering for paying cash into Apple Cross. Handing Ashman an extra four years in jail in February, Judge Hone said: From the age of 13 youve been a career criminal and you seem to be proud of it. You are no shrinking violet whose husband told you nothing about his criminal activities Judge Richard Hone QC Youve played the high stakes and assisted with organised criminal networks. He continued: You were unanimously convicted of four counts of money laundering over the best part of six years. You were absolutely the mastermind and involved your family members and invited them into this scheme. You took care to mingle contaminated money from criminal activity with legitimate income. Your previous convictions significantly aggravate your culpability. You are remorseless, greedy and acquisitive. Ashman was a linked to notorious drug trafficker Kevin Hanley who was jailed for more than 17 years in 2014. A huge haul of cannabis confiscated by the National Crime Agency who followed him and his associates. They shipped in the drugs through their contacts on the freight industry The cardboard boxes were full of cannabis, which had been carefully packed so they did not give off an overpowering aroma when being brought into the country NCA investigators watched as Ashman met his associates at various locations to orchestrate the distribution of the drugs. Ashman and his gang shipped the drugs around the UK using their contacts on the freight industry. One by one his gang was arrested following a two year investigation by the National Crime Agency, forcing him to import smaller and smaller quantities of cannabis. He was eventually arrested in early 2014. An alleged paedophile has been arrested in Mexico after a shocking video of him appearing to molest a four-year-old girl in a restaurant went viral. The graphic footage allegedly showed the man groping the little girl under the table, as she leaned against his lap. Sickeningly, the man in the clip seems to continue having a conversation with the rest of his group as he touches the girl. Scroll down for video Assault: A video clip of a father appearing to molest his daughter under the table while continuing a conversation with the rest of his group went viral in Mexico, leading to his arrest The little girl appears to be fixated with a game and paying little attention, while her whole right leg is exposed to the restaurant in Villahermosa, Tabasco state. The footage came to light after the waitress who recorded it shared it on social media. It rapidly spread online, sparking a nationwide manhunt seeking to track down the man and see him punished. In the frantic search for the man's identity, names were thrown around wildly both by members of the public and even by internet activist group Anonymous. But police have announced that they have now arrested the alleged perpetrator, who turned out to be the little girl's father. Juan Vicente Hernandez Leon, 48, was seized as he attempted to catch a bus to Mexico City, the nation's capital. Manhunt: The waitress who recorded the footage posted it to social media, sparking a nationwide search for the man and the little girl who appeared in it. Pictured, Hernandez Leon (left and right) after his arrest Seized: The man, named as Juan Vicente Hernandez Leon, was arrested by police as he tried to flee on a bus to Mexico City, after a warrant was issued for his arrest Shame: Prosecutor Fernando Valenzuela Pernas said in a press conference that the little girl had been taken into care for the time being, after undergoing medical checks Upset: The footage caused outrage as it spread on social media, leading to allegations and names being thrown around by members of the public and by activist group Anonymous It is thought that he was fleeing a warrant that had been issued for his arrest after he was identified from the video clip, which was recorded on March 27. Tabasco state police tweeted: 'Juan Vicente Hernandez Leon, the alleged paedophile relating to the case of a video in a restaurant in which he was seen with his hand under the clothes of a minor, was arrested on the afternoon of April 11, when he was travelling by bus.' Prosecutor Fernando Valenzuela Pernas said in a press conference that the little girl had been taken into care for the time being, after undergoing medical checks. Meanwhile, a second video clip has been widely circulated in Mexican press of a woman claiming to be the wife of Hernandez Leon defending him. Arrest: Police announced that they had arrested Juan Vicente Hernandez Leon at a press conference, and that he had also been identified as the little girl's father Sentence: The crime of paedophilia carries a lengthy prison sentence in Tabasco state, of up to 20 years Defence: Another video, uploaded to Facebook, shows a woman claiming to be the wife of Hernandez Leon insisting that her husband is innocent, and that it is all the fault of 'a malicious person' The woman who appears in the clip, Silva Algomeda, insists that none of the fiasco has been her husbands fault and accuses a malicious person of causing moral damage to her family. Ms Algomeda uploaded her video to Facebook, offering her defence of her husband. Speaking calmly and looking straight into the camera, she describes the suffering that having her daughter taken away from her has caused. Do you think that the child would have been so calm if my husband had been touching her inappropriately? Of course she wouldnt, the girl would have reacted. She went on to claim that the little girl is suffering psychological damage for having been separated from her family. Advertisement This is the proud moment a tough north London boy who didn't even learn to read until he was 12 received one of the highest honours in military service. Kidane Cousland, 24, was today given the Sword of Honour at Sandhurst Royal Military Academy, beating candidates from Oxford and Cambridge to finish at the top of his class. Dressed in ceremonial uniform, he let off a beaming smile after being handed the honour by his Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamd Al-Khalifa, from the Kingdom of Bahrain - one of the nations that also sends its officers to train at Sandhurst. He was handed the honour by his Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamd Al-Khalifa (pictured), from the Kingdom of Bahrain at Sandhurst today The officer cadet, who grew up on a housing estate in Tottenham, north London, has graduated from Sandhurst at the top of his class having even beaten Oxbridge graduates in the academic challenges The son of a single mother and social worker, he worked his way up the ranks and today became one of only a handful of mixed-race officers to be given the award, graduating as the best of his 200-strong intake He worked his way up the ranks and today became one of only a handful of mixed-race officers to ever be given the prestigious award, graduating as the best of his 200-strong intake. The son of a single mother, Officer Cadet Cousland never knew his father, and grew up on a tough north London housing estate. At age 11, he was unable to read, but he and his brothers have all gone on to become leading talents in their respective fields, with one of the trio a famed artist, and the other became the first black British dancer to be accepted into the Royal Ballet. Last night OCdt Cousland known as Danny to his comrades told the Mail that had it not been for joining the Army, he would have been dead or in prison. He said: I went to school, I was completely disconnected, I didnt get on ... I was in a bad way really. But something I always wanted to do since I was a child was join the Army. 'And it felt like a bit of a pipe dream when I was in Tottenham, but then I said to myself if Im good enough, theyll pick me. I either did that or my anger issues and frustration would actually see me move in a different direction, and probably end up killing me or Id be in prison. At age 11 and living in a tough north London housing estate, OCdt Cousland couldn't even read, and he says he would either be dead or in prison now if it wasn't for the army His platoon commander, Captain Lucy Mason, said he was one of the relatively few former ordinary soldiers to have been selected to be an officer and go on to win the accolade FROM A NORTH LONDON ESTATE TO THE TOP TABLE: THREE BROTHERS WHO DEFIED THE ODDS TO LEAD THEIR FIELDS IN ART, DANCE AND THE ARMY Kidane Cousland is one of three mixed race brothers who grew up on a tough housing estate in north London. But their mother, who juggled parenthood and social work, brought up three boys who eventually became leaders in their own, very different, fields. The eldest, Amartey, born in 1988, went on to study architecture from 2007 until 2010 at Central Saint Martin's School of Art and Design, University of the Arts London. However, after beginnings in art and design, he went on to become a renowned artist, who has displayed work all over the world in countries including Germany, Dubai and Lebanon. Kidane joined the army at 16, however, his mother initially refused to sign the papers allowing him to sign up, believing that the army is 'for white people', according to the BBC. Eventually she relented, and was top of his Army Selection Board at the aged 16. He attended AFC Harrogate and won Gunner of the Year at Larkhill Phase Two training, won the Commandants Certificate for top student on the All Arms Commando course at 18 years of age. He qualified as a personal instructor, and after various deployments - including warzone Afghanistan - he trained as an officer, finishing top of his 200-strong class. But his younger brother Solomon, who was there to see him receive the prized sword of honour for his achievement, has been groundbreaking in a very different field. Solomon is the first black British dancer ever to be accepted in the prestigious Royal Ballet. In 2010, he was a finalist in Young British Dancer of the Year, and he has performed in shows including Don Quixote and Romeo and Juliet. Advertisement Pictured, left, is Kidane on the left with his brother Solomon, when they were growing up in north London. Kidane, known as Danny to his friends, is pictured eating a meal as a child, right He told the BBC: 'Brought up in Tottenham, didn't know my dad, single mum, lot of conflict racially - there always is in those kind of areas where there's a low level of opportunity and, personally, a really poor level of schooling when I was there.' OCdt Cousland accepts he did not have the easiest of starts, yet he and both of his brothers have broken barriers for people of mixed race. One of his brothers, Amartey, is a well-respected artist, studying at the prestigious University of the Arts, London, and is work is displayed in galleries worldwide. All I have done is tried to be the best that I can be every day Kidane Cousland His other brother, Solomon, was the first black British dancer to join the Royal Ballet, and was at Sandhurst today to watch OCdt Cousland receive the accolade. Solomon told the BBC: 'I'm so proud of him because getting something so huge is amazing and something to be proud of, but also, being there and seeing his journey is really inspiring.' On coming top of his class, OCdt Cousland added: All I have done is tried to be the best that I can be every day. I was told I wouldnt be able to be an officer because of my educational background I only had three GCSEs. It just hasnt had time to set in. He told the BBC: 'For me, with my few GCSEs at a C grade to rub together, I didn't expect to be where I was, to be perfectly honest. 'But when people ask you how well you did in certain departments, academic scores, you realise I'm selling myself short and I'm a little bit better than I think I am.' His platoon commander, Captain Lucy Mason, said he was one of the relatively few former ordinary soldiers to have been selected to be an officer and go on to win the accolade. He is incredibly professional, determined, and a great team player, she said. Hes one of the few ex-ranking soldiers to get the sword of honour. He doesnt have a degree like many of the others here. OCdt Cousland revealed his mother had initially refused to sign his Army application because she was absolutely terrified by the prospect of her young mixed-race son joining up But his mother However later relented, and aged 16 he came top of the Army selection board, later coming top of his Commando course at 18. Now he has graduated as top of his officers class THE PRESTIGIOUS SWORD OF HONOUR: THE AWARD EVEN PRINCE WILLIAM COULDN'T WIN Sandhurst sells itself as a hallmark of excellence in military leadership, where the best of the best in its ranks and the armies of other countries in the world train to become even better. The prestigious Sword of Honour takes this high standard to a new level, awarded to the most impressive of a crop that are already among the best in the world. It is given to the Officer Cadet considered by the Commandant to be the best of the course, while there are other prizes for the best overseas Officer Cadet, and the young soldiers from the UK and overseas who gain the highest score in military, practical and academic subjects. In 2006 it was reported that Prince William, pictured as he was inspected by the Queen during the Sovereign's Parade, was in the running to receive the prize, but he and his fellow cadets missed out to Angela Laycock (right), who was only the third female officer to be given the award Historically, the swords were formerly made Wilkinson's, but after the famous company shut down their sword making division they have been presented by Pooley Sword, who also present swords for the Royal Marines and Royal Air Force. During the Second World War, with materials at a premium, a Belt of Honour was awarded instead. Today, it was offered to Kidane Cousland, who became one of only a handful of mixed-race officers ever to achieve the accolade, the most recent being Charlie Mulira, who served with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers but is now with the Irish Guards, who was given the award in 2008. In 2006 it was reported that Prince William was in the running to receive the prize, but he and his fellow cadets missed out to Angela Laycock, who was only the third female officer to be given the award. Later, Senior Under Officer (SUO) Sarah Hunter-Choat, 25, became only the fourth female officer to be presented with the award, by Defence Secretary at the time Philip Hammond, on behalf of the Queen, at a passing out parade. Today, the award was handed out by the Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamd Al-Khalifa, from the Kingdom of Bahrain, who also presented it on behalf of the Queen. Bahrain is one of the 13 countries who send their officers to train at Sandhurst, and it is not uncommon for royals of any of these other territories to represent Her Majesty. Advertisement OCdt Cousland revealed his mother had initially refused to sign his Army application because she was absolutely terrified by the prospect of her young mixed-race son joining the Army. She saw it as a predominantly white organisation made up of some potentially quite aggressive working-class men ruled by some upper-class sorts. Being there and seeing his journey is really inspiring Solomon Golding However, she later relented, and aged 16 he came top of the Army selection board, later coming top of his Commando course at 18. At 19, he was deployed to Afghanistan, where he served as a bombardier for six months in the 29 Commando Regiment, Royal Artillery. After being recommended for officer training, he started at Sandhurst in May 2015. After graduating he will be commissioned into the Royal Artillery, and hopes to complete a Bachelors degree in war studies before doing a Masters. He told the BBC: 'I've had racism everywhere in the world and I've come to the army and had it from individuals, but as an institution, it's not about that.' Only a handful of black, Asian, minority ethnic people have received the sword of honour. She praised Nato as 'most successful military alliance in human history' Her comments will cause alarm among military commanders in Britain Mrs Clinton says UK and other allies should contribute a larger share Britain will have to pay more to remain in Nato if Hillary Clinton becomes the US President. Mrs Clinton, the leading presidential candidate for the Democratic Party, said it was 'important' the UK and other allies contributed a larger share towards the military alliance's costs. Her comments will cause alarm among military commanders in Britain, where defence spending has been slashed in recent years. Scroll down for video Mrs Clinton, the leading presidential candidate for the Democratic Party, said it was 'important' the UK and other allies contributed a larger share towards the military alliance's costs Speaking during a Democratic candidates debate in New York last night, she said: 'I support our continuing involvement in Nato. 'It's important to ask our Nato allies to pay more of the cost. There's a requirement that they should be doing so and I believe that needs to be enforced.' Mrs Clinton stated that Nato has been 'the most successful military alliance in human history' but said 'we need to modernise it and move it into the 21st century.' She added: 'Of course they should be paying more but that doesn't mean if they don't we leave.' Nato members are supposed to spend 2 per cent of national income on defence something Britain only achieved last year because of accountancy tricks, a defence think-tank has warned. America spent 422billion on defence in 2015, ten times as much as Britain's 42billion. But Germany only spent 28billion despite having a larger economy than the UK, Nato figures show. Bernie Sanders (right) launched a fierce attack on Britain and France for leaving the US to pick up the cost of defence in Europe David Cameron met with the Nato secretary general Jens Stoltenberg for talks at No 10 Downing Street yesterday Mrs Clinton's views on Nato funding were echoed by Bernie Sanders, her rival in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination. The Vermont senator said: 'The UK has a good National Health Service and they also provide fairly reasonable higher education. I do believe that the countries of Europe should pick up more of the burden for their defence.' The debate between Mr Sanders and Mrs Clinton came ahead of five crucial primary elections taking place on Tuesday. Britain is one of the few members of the Nato alliance to meet the minimum target of spending 2 per cent of GDP on defence. David Cameron met Nato secretary general Jens Stoltenberg in Downing Street yesterday. Donald Trump has also raised criticism of the Nato alliance during the on-going US presidential race, blasting it as 'obsolete and expensive' But Mr Sanders said: 'What I believe, if my memory is correct here, we spend about 75 percent of the entire cost of the military aspect of Nato. 'Given the fact that France has a very good health care system and free public education, the UK has a good National Health Service and they also provide fairly reasonable higher education, I do believe that the countries of Europe should pick up more of the burden for their defence.' An RAF veteran who was attacked in his own home by an intruder was murdered by the same man just two hours later - after police left them alone together. Officers had found Christopher Fields, 37, with blood on his face when they were called to reports of a violent burglary at his home. While two constables quizzed Mr Fields about the break-in, culprit Joe Hasledine, 24, returned to the scene. However officers left the two men together in the mistaken belief the pair were friends - leaving Hasledine, who had been on a cocaine-fuelled drink and drugs binge, to beat Mr Fields to death. RAF veteran Christopher Fields, 37, was beaten to death by Joe Hasledine, 24 - after police left the two together Shortly afterwards the officers were sent back to Mr Field's flat in Edgeley near Stockport, Greater Manchester to find him dying following a savage second attack by Hasledine. The inquest heard Hasledine held a can of beer in one hand while kicking and stamping on the former serviceman's head during the attack in 2014. Hasledine targeted Mr Fields, who he mistakenly held responsible for having his dog put down. Mr Fields won two medals following tours in Iraq and Afghanistan during seven years of service, before being medically discharged in 2006 because of his post-traumatic stress disorder. Following the attack, he was taken to hospital in a coma, however he never regained consciousness and passed away nine days later. Inquiries revealed the WPC and PC called to the flat had failed to find out who Hasledine was - or carry out background checks on him - in the belief he did not legally have to give them his name. PC Emma Galbraith (left) and PC Michael Poole (right) left Hasledine in Mr Fields's flat - where he subsequently beat him to death At an inquest coroner John Pollard criticised the constables as he recorded a verdict of unlawful killing and said: 'There were inquiries the officers could have made that would have protected Mr Fields and they were not done. 'My belief is that they, unfortunately, took this scene to be the dwelling of someone affected by alcohol and they did not fully investigate. Coroner John Pollard (pictured) criticised the constables as he recorded a verdict of unlawful killing 'It's totally unsatisfactory and they could have pursued it further. They could have better investigated at the time.' The hearing was told Hasledine had harboured a grudge against Mr Fields over the destruction of his Staffordshire Bull Terrier dog Bruno after it mauled a chihuahua to death in the foyer of the victim's block of flats. On the day of the killing on December 12, 2014, Haseldine went on an cocaine-fuelled drink and drugs spree during which he downed beer and Sambuca shots then broke into Mr Fields's flat through a window as the victim was entertaining friends. Eye witness Terrie Ward told the hearing: 'A man came in and began kicking and punching Chris and saying 'do you f..king remember my dog'. 'It was chaos - he was violently punching, kicking and stamping on Chris' head and body. Chris was still on the chair and he was trying to get up. 'Then he fell on to the floor and curled up into the foetal position and then assault continued for five or six minutes. I was trying to stop the attack. 'I ran to a telephone box and told the emergency services and police were there when I got back. 'Then Hasledine came back in telling the officers he was called Owen. He was acting the nice guy, I should have told the officers what I had seen but was frightened and thought that if I said anything he would assault me. 'A carpenter came to board up the window and at that stage Hasledine was still there. He was saying to the carpenter "I've not finished with him yet." 'The carpenter went to his van and while he was gone, Hasledine assaulted Chris while he was sitting in the chair. This was more vicious than the first one, blood was all over Chris's face.' Christopher Fields (pictured) was falsely accused of having Joe Hasledine's dog put to sleep after it mauled another dog outside his apartment Joiner Daniel McGaughey said Hasledine had answered the door to the flat when called to fix the window. He told the inquest: 'The other man was sitting on the couch with blood all over his nose and lower face. 'Male one [Hasledine] said 'you won't be able to fix the window' and then he picked up an axe out of my work bag and said 'can I have this?' I could see that he had blood all over his right hand. This was a pretty frightening situation and I felt nervous. Male one leaned to me and said 'he f**king deserved it, he got my dog put down'. 'The female was saying that he had fallen over. Male one then said "you better not f**king say anything.' Hasledine (pictured) admitted murder at Manchester Crown Court in June 2015. He was jailed for life with a minimum recommendation he serve 16 and a half years WPC Emma Galbraith said she had been called to the flat at 5.20pm. She told the inquest: 'Christopher had a small amount of blood around his nose, there was bleeding on his left ear and his right cheek was slightly swollen and reddening. The frame of the window was knocked out but the glass was not smashed. 'Christopher agreed he had been injured but said he had no idea how that could have happened. He was advised that if he didn't give us anymore information we would struggle to investigate. He said he didn't want to take the matter any further. 'Me and my colleague were standing in the lounge with our backs to the window and became aware of a male jumping through the window who said, "I'm Owen what's going on." 'He was under the influence of alcohol and Christopher seemed unsurprised by his arrival. We didn't do a police check on 'Owen' - I think if he wanted to give us his details then he could have done that but he was in his own rights not to give that to us. 'We left because we didn't feel there was a risk to Chris. 'I can recall crouching to him and offering him assurance that if he didn't want them there we were willing to get rid of them for him. He repeatedly said he didn't mind them being there. I can't do any more than that.' Police were called to the scene in Stockport, Greater Manchester (pictured) to investigate reports of a burglary The hearing was told PC Michael Poole had carried out enquiries with neighbours after the break-in and they reported seeing the intruder flee in a beige top but both he and WPC Galbraith failed to investigate Hasledine when he returned through the window wearing similar clothing. PC Poole said: 'I did ask him for further details and he didn't give them. I didn't ask him where he was at the time. I didn't consider it necessary to caution him. I didn't want to question him at the scene. The fact he would not give me his full name did give me some doubt but they were very comfortable in each other's company. He didn't back off or shy away. 'At the time Christopher was telling us that he was not the offender. Who am I to overrule him when he is saying: "this is not the offender, this is my friend"?' A student who was shot in the chest in New Orleans last week said his 'recovery will be a slow process' but that his family is helping him. Toben Clements, 21, and his friend Jake Ravacsek, 23, were shot during what police claim was a drug deal gone bad in the early hours of April 5 after a night out on the city's notorious Bourbon Street. After the pair were moved out of intensive care earlier this week, Mr Clements took to Facebook to thank his parents, according to WA Today. Scroll down for video Toben Clements, 21, (pictured) who was shot in the chest with his friend Jake Ravacsek, 23, in New Orleans on April 5, said on Friday that his 'recovery will be a slow process' and thanked his parents Mr Clements and Mr Rovacsek (pictured) were shot 'during a drug deal gone wrong,' police allege According to police, the students left the bar with a man who approached them about drugs and then drove them to Algiers, a residential suburb on the west bank of the Mississippi River 'Recovery will be a slow process, but I will recover nonetheless,' Mr Clements posted on Facebook. 'Big shout out to Mum, Dad and Grandad for coming over to the US so quickly, only to spoon feed me and give me massages whenever I ask. 'P.S. Please don't believe the media.' Mr Ravacsek and Mr Clements were holidaying in New Orleans representing Curtin University's Western Australia School of Mines in the 38th Intercollegiate Mining Games in Montana. The pair were at a Bourbon Street bar when they approached 'an unknown black male', asked about purchasing drugs from him and then left the bar and followed the man to a four-door, dark-coloured sedan where a driver was waiting inside, police allege. Mr Ravacsek (pictured) and Mr Clements were holidaying in New Orleans representing Curtin University's Western Australia School of Mines in the 38th Intercollegiate Mining Games in Montana The students were drinking at The Swamp, a bar on Bourbon Street in the city's old district CCTV footage obtained by 9News, shows the pair arriving with friends at the bar known as The Swamp, drinking and then leaving around 1.30am about three hours before they were shot. According to police, the students left the bar with a man who drove them to Algiers, a residential suburb on the west bank of the Mississippi River. The driver told them the drugs would cost several hundred dollars to purchase and the students told them they did not have the money. Bourbon Street (pictured) is a historic area in New Orleans that attracts crowds of tourists year round 'When they arrived at LB Landry Avenue and Shepard Street, the pair said they exited the vehicle and were approached by another unknown male who demanded their money,' local police said in a statement. 'When they told him they didn't have it, the unknown male shot them both and then jumped in the vehicle with the unknown driver and fled the scene,' a police spokesman said. They were taken to New Orleans University Medical Centre around 4.30am. Their condition has since improved enough that they have both been moved from intensive care but remain hospitalised. His opponents are moving for him to be impeached Alabama governor Robert Bentley, who is facing threats of impeachment from lawmakers, had more bad luck Tuesday when press found out that taxpayer money had been spent to have a police helicopter fly four hours to deliver his wallet to him. The order came in December 2014 after the Republican Governor had an argument with his now ex-wife over an alleged affair. He drove five hours from their Tuscaloosa home to another property, forgetting his wallet in the process, The Washington Post reported Friday. The helicopter's flight to take his wallet to the second home in Gulf Shores took around four hours, and would cost around $4,000 from a private company, according to al.com. Troubled: Alabama Governor Robert Bentley (pictured) came under fire this week after it emerged a police helicopter had been used in a four-hour round trip to deliver his wallet to him after he stormed out on his wife Flight: The helicopter was a Bell OH-58 like this one, and would cost around $4,000 to rent privately. The Governor and his ex-bodyguard agree that he did not ask for the helicopter, only that it be delivered 'quickly' Flight logs confirm that on December 26, 2014, an Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) helicopter flew from Montgomery to Tuscaloosa, then on to to Gulf Shores. According to al.com, the logs state, 'Picked up package in Tuscaloosa delivered to Governor @JKA' - JKA being Jack Edwards Airport in Gulf Shores. Stan Sabler, the governor's former bodyguard and now acting ALEA Secretary said in a press release Wednesday: 'In December 2014, I received notification from Governor Bentley that he traveled to his home in Fort Morgan and inadvertently left his wallet in Tuscaloosa. 'I contacted my chain of command and ultimately received approval from former Secretary Spencer Collier to utilize ALEA's aviation unit to pick-up and deliver the wallet to the Governor.' But Collier says that he never gave permission. 'I was never informed about the wallet and did not approve the use of ALEA Aviation to retrieve it,' he said. 'The Chief of Protective Services was given the authority by Governor Bentley to utilize aviation on behalf of the Governor without going up the chain of command to me and the Chief did so routinely,' he added Sabler said it was his own decision to use the helicopter and that the governor did not ask for it or specify how he wanted the wallet brought to him. The governor agreed, telling al.com that he had never asked staff specifically for the helicopter, only that the wallet be delivered 'as quickly as they could.' 'You have to have your wallet for security reasons, he said. 'I'm the governor. And I had to have money. I had to buy something to eat. You have to have identification.' 'Affair': Bentley is said to have left his wallet after arguing with his ex-wife Dianne (pictured left) over an alleged affair with ex-aide Rebekah Mason (right). He denies 'physical relationship' with her The claims about the helicopter first surfaced in Alabama blog Yellow Hammer News, which cites 'multiple whistleblowers' who declined to be named, fearing personal or professional reprisals. They said the argument that Bentley had with his wife that led to him storming out was about his alleged affair with his former political adviser, Rebekah Mason. A recording published by al.com in March appears to show Bentley making flirty remarks to Mason, who is married. 'When I stand behind you, and I put my arms around you, and I put my hands on your breasts,' he says. Later he adds, 'If were gonna do what we did the other day, were gonna have to start locking the door.' Bentley admitted making the 'inappropriate comments' but denied having a 'physical affair' with Mason. Last week lawmakers made moves to impeach Bentley, when Republican Representative - and critic of Bentley - Ed Henry introduced articles of impeachment, saying lawmakers and voters have lost confidence in the governor. 'We are looking at this governor who has essentially betrayed the trust of the people of Alabama through actions and lies that have caused us to have some doubt about his leadership,' Henry said during a press conference at the Alabama Statehouse. Henry had opposition from other politicians, however. Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh, the GOP's leader in the chamber, said last week: 'I'm not in the mood to impeach someone over personal issues. 'Unless someone can show us a reason, that someone has misused their office or misused tax dollars, and I haven't seen that.' A successful businessman took out a contract to have the ex-boyfriend of his daughter killed after a long-running campaign of intimidation, a court heard today. Colin Deferia allegedly agreed to pay hitmen 12,500 to have Jonathan Catchpole shot dead after the younger man broke up with his daughter Rebecca Deferia. The 38-year-old was blasted in the chest with a sawn-off shotgun at point blank range after three men allegedly burst into his flat in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk in August last year. Ipswich Crown Court heard today that he was 'left for dead' as the gunmen fled, but he 'miraculously' survived the attempted assassination. Mr Catchpole said he was shot as he installed new security cameras at his flat in Bury St Edmunds (pictured) Mr Catchpole was airlifted to hospital and had 42 shotgun pellets and cartridge wadding removed from his chest. He had been involved in a lengthy dispute with Deferia, 59, the details of which cannot be revealed for legal reasons. Mr Catchpole met Miss Deferia, now 29, when she was a student at the University of East Anglia, and the couple later lived together in a house in Bury St Edmunds which was owned by her parents and where they paid a cut-price rent of 500 a month, the court heard. He told the court that he joined his girlfriend's family on Christmas and holiday trips to their second home in Austria, and they treated him to meals out in expensive restaurants. Giving evidence behind a screen, he said: 'The impression I got is that they struggled to let her go. They were always a big part of her life.' Deferia, who used to run a building supplies company, denies conspiracy to murder along with Simon Webber, 31, Frank Warren, 51, Paul Baker, 35, and Andrew Seaton, 40. Seaton, Webber and Warren have also denied a charge of attempted murder and possessing a prohibited firearm. I felt someone hitting me over the head and felt some warm blood coming down the side of my face. There was a tussle in the hallway and I was doing my best to grab the shotgun and push it up Jonathan Catchpole Mr Catchpole said he was shot as he installed new security cameras at his flat in Bury St Edmunds, soon after having his car tyres slashed for a second time. He said in a police interview which was played to the court: 'The door bell went and I looked through the peephole and saw a man. I opened the door and there were three men. They pushed their way into the flat. 'They were all saying different things and trying to grab me. I shouted "help, help" and they tried to put their hands over my mouth. I noticed one of them had a sawn-off shotgun. 'I felt someone hitting me over the head and felt some warm blood coming down the side of my face. There was a tussle in the hallway and I was doing my best to grab the shotgun and push it up.' Mr Catchpole said he and the gunman ended up grappling in the bedroom and he heard a noise which may have been the gun misfiring or its safety catch being switched off. The gunman told him that a person who cannot be named for legal reasons 'wanted him dead' and he was hit again by one of the gang. Mr Catchpole added: 'Then I heard a bang and there was a smell. I looked down and there was a hole in my chest with blood spurting out.' Trial: Colin Deferia is on trial accused of conspiring to murder his daughter's ex-boyfriend Jonathan Catchpole at Ipswich Crown Court, pictured The men fled and he staggered out of his flat, banging on doors until he found a neighbour who struggled to get a signal on his mobile phone while trying to call police. Mr Catchpole said how he had earlier received two phone calls to his workplace from an anonymous caller who told him, 'You are a dead man,' and said that his 'life was at stake'. I just thought it was another scare tactic - more intimidation and more harassment. You get to the point where it happens and you develop a thick skin Jonathan Catchpole He said that he was '100 per cent certain' that the caller was Colin Deferia because he recognised his voice. Mr Catchpole added: 'I just thought it was another scare tactic - more intimidation and more harassment. You get to the point where it happens and you develop a thick skin.' He also said that he found the electricity supply to his flat turned off at the meter box with an old screwdriver rammed into the mechanism last July. The same day he had a tyre on his Nissan X-Trail slashed. Mr Catchpole said he also had a car tyre slashed in a car park in August 2014. He added that a warning light came on in his car in January 2015 and a mechanic later told him that someone had used a knife to cut a brake cable. Prosecutor Andrew Jackson said the shooting arose out of a long-running dispute and that Colin Deferia hatched a plan to have Mr Catchpole shot after allegedly making a number of threats to him. Weapon: A sawn-off shotgun similar to this one pictured in a file image was used to shoot Mr Catchpole He said that Baker, Seaton, Webber and Warren had 'lent themselves readily' to the plan and were to be paid at least 12,500 for their 'lethal services'. Shortly after the shooting a call was made to Baker from Seaton's mobile phone to say that the 'contract' had been carried out, said Mr Jackson. The three alleged hit men escaped in a stolen car, which was set alight in an isolated country lane - with the gun inside - to destroy evidence before they drove back to Dorset in Seaton's car, he added. Mr Jackson alleged the plot to murder Mr Catchpole was made over a period of a year and involved meticulous planning. This included obtaining the sawn-off shotgun, stealing a car and laying a false trail to make the police think the killing was related to drug dealing. of 'brutal and illegal prostitution' by police More than 900 German police, tax and customs investigators raided Berlin's biggest brothel, charging it is linked to the Hells Angels biker gang, and made six arrests. They detained the two managers of Artemis, a nude sauna club, and four 'madames' in the raid, in which they encountered 117 prostitutes and over 100 clients. Prostitution is legal in Germany but police have said the four-storey brothel complex constituted a system of 'brutal and illegal prostitution' that severely exploited dependent women. More than 900 German police, tax and customs investigators raided Berlin's biggest brothel Artemis (above), charging it is linked to the Hells Angels biker gang Those detained in the overnight raid are accused of tax fraud and withholding social security contributions, said police, who added that they were also investigating possible human trafficking by the club. Most of the women were from eastern Europe, Russia and several Arab countries. Hells Angels bikers allegedly procured women for the club in return for favours including free admission, said state prosecutor Sjors Kampstra. Police acted on information from a prostitute who had spoken out after fleeing her ex-partner, a Hells Angels biker, who had allegedly mistreated her. Prostitution is legal in Germany but police have said the four-storey brothel complex constituted a system of 'brutal and illegal prostitution' that severely exploited dependent women Investigators focused on tax evasion charges 'like they did with Al Capone', said Berlin chief prosecutor Andreas Behm, referring to the charges that landed the infamous 1920s US-Italian mafia boss behind bars. Police say that while Artemis had officially engaged the women as 'self-employed' sex workers, the prostitutes were in fact regular employees with set work hours, price rates and instructions to perform specific sexual acts. By withholding social security payments for them, the club had cheated the state out of at least 17.5 million euros (14 million), on top of its alleged tax evasion, said Michael Kulus from the Berlin customs office. To help settle the bill, police said they had confiscated 6.4 million euros in cash, cars and property as well as 12 apartments and other premises in Berlin and nationwide. Aneilka Jennings, pictured, 17, was found dead at home by her family after 'struggling with depression' over an 'exploitative' relationship with a man, 39 An aspiring model, 17, who was found hanged 'had struggled with depression after an exploitative relationship with a 39-year-old man', an inquest heard today. Anielka Jennings felt 'confused and distressed' before her death in February 2015 but was not deemed to be a suicide risk by doctors, Gloucester Coroner's Court was told. Her mother Aleksandra had requested two emergency appointments for her daughter in the six months before her death but she was not seen for a mental health assessment until January 2015. Three weeks before her death a practitioner recorded that her case was non-urgent and no date was fixed for her to see a psychiatrist, despite the teenager 'speaking openly about suicide for four years'. She had a number of health problems having suffered a stroke aged 12, and had undergone a complicated heart transplant four years ago. Miss Jennings was undergoing specialist treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. The inquest heard Miss Jennings, a student at the prestigious all-girls Ribston Hall High School, was found by her father Michael at their home in Gloucester. The coroner was told she had admitted abusing cannabis, trying to smoke mephedrone and said that she had self-harmed in the past. A note addressed to her parents was found a few feet away from the teen's body addressed to her parents which said she 'wanted to tell them something' but didn't say what. In an appointment with a practitioner 20 days before her death, Miss Jennings had spoken of being in an exploitative relationship with a 39-year-old man. The teen shared messages apparently from a male which read: 'Waist (sic) of god damn space. Useless piece of s***'. Jane Beamish, a registered practitioner who saw Miss Jennings, told the inquest: 'She was very distressed. She was upset, crying and generally distressed. 'She said she felt confused. She wasn't sure how she felt or where she was at. She had had some difficult relationships and she felt bad about some of those relationships. 'She acknowledged that a relationship she had with a 39-year-old man was difficult and exploitative but explained she was drawn to him. 'She was confused as to how she felt. She didn't know how to manage it. She told me she had run away at a prior date and the police had been called.' Miss Jennings was frequently treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, pictured, having had a stroke as a child and undergone a heart transplant aged 13 But the report found that Miss Jennings, who had been suffering from depression since age 12, was 'not mentally unwell'. As a result of her health issues, she was seen by a range of different professionals, including psychiatrists, education psychologists, neuropsychologists and pastoral carers. But no single individual was responsible for overseeing the many bodies contributing to her care. The inquest heard the teen 'dreamed of having a baby' with the man. Because of her brain injury she was 'very vulnerable' and deemed to be at risk of sexual exploitation because she was displaying sexualised behaviour. But a social worker said she had no concerns about the then 16-year-old's mental capacity despite the fact she was seeing the older man. The inquest heard Anielka scrawled suicide-themed graffiti on her bedroom walls and wrote cruel messages to herself, like 'you're a prostitute'. She also told her parents she felt 'worthless' and 'stupid' following a key incident involving her 39-year-old 'boyfriend' in Stroud. Concerned child sexual exploitation workers began working with Anielka in April 2014 and she had dozens of appointments with them. Amanda Wilsdon, of Gloucester young people's charity Infobuzz, said the teenager's relationship with the older man had ended by that time. 'She just wanted to be a normal, ordinary teenager. Michael Jennings, Anielka's father However, it briefly resumed in October 2014 and Anielka remained at risk of sexual exploitation, Ms Wilsdon said. Anielka's child protection plan was ended in December 2014, two months before her death, but Anielka's contact with the workers continued informally. Child sexual exploitation worker Ms Wilsdon said it looked as though things were getting better for the teen in early 2015. In her final appointment with Miss Jennings, Ms Wilsdon said she seemed 'more positive than she had been for a long time'. Consultant psychiatrist Dr Rosemary Richards, who was responsible overall for the care Miss Jennings received, said she wished things were different. But she added that given the level of distress Anielka had shown in the January appointment, the correct action was taken. Dr Richards said: 'The steps were appropriate to her presentation, bearing in mind that we are mental health specialists. 'We see a great number of patients and I think what we did was appropriate.. In the days leading up to her death, Miss Jennings 'couldn't stop crying', the inquest heard. The outpouring was triggered when she read a disability living allowance form filled in by her father which she wasn't supposed to see. She was confused as to how she felt. She didn't know how to manage it. Jane Beamish, registered practitioner It outlined the mental health obstacles she was struggling to overcome and left her 'extremely upset', her father said. Mr Jennings said: 'I filled out a disability living allowance form for Anielka. 'In that form I had to write all the things that were problems and difficulties for her. They included some very personal things.' He added: 'Anielka saw that form. I didn't want her to see that. She was extremely upset. She read it during the night and she was extremely upset in the morning.' He said the young girl cried all the way to an appointment at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London where she received much of her care. The following day, on the morning of her death, she went to Gloucester city centre with her father who sensed something was wrong, the inquest heard. They spent some time together but she left him and it is believed she caught a bus back to her house, where she later died. Mr Jennings said: 'We didn't discuss anything significant that morning but I was very very aware something was wrong. 'Anielka was extremely quiet - more so than she might normally be. I knew there was something wrong.' When asked by senior Gloucestershire coroner Katy Skerrett whether he thought Miss Jennings had intended to take her own life, Mr Jennings replied that he did. 'It was always a possibility for her, that one way out of this was that she could do it if necessary. 'I think she felt particularly trapped by the fact that everything was written down on the DLA form, that she had all of these difficulties to work through.' He added: 'She just wanted to be a normal, ordinary teenager.' The inquest was adjourned for other witnesses to be called and will not resume until June. An Ohio man charged with murder after he 'fatally kicked another man in his testicles' was the victim's step-brother, a family member told DailyMail.com. A grand jury in Cleveland this week indicted 58-year-old Jackie Pierce on charges of murder, felonious assault and robbery in the 2013 death of Willie Cannon, aged 64. According to court documents, Cannon was attending his niece's birthday party on May 11, 2013 near East 65th Street and Lansing Avenue when he was approached by the suspect, identified as Pierce. The 58-year-old is not in police custody and is currently at large. Jackie Pierce, 58, has been charged with the murder of Willie Cannon, aged 64 who died from an infection after he was kicked repeatedly in his testicles. A family member says that Pierce and Cannon were step-brothers Pierce then demanded money from Cannon and when Cannon refused, Pierce repeatedly kicked him in the groin, then took money from Cannon's pockets, say police. Authorities say the kick ruptured Cannon's testicle, which developed a gangrene infection. Cannon died in June 8, 2013 at MetroHealth hospital. But speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, Cannon's stepbrother, Jonnie Hart has revealed that Pierce and Cannon grew up together and said he believes Pierce is innocent. Hart said: 'They grew up together and were like two peas in a pod. They hung out all the time. 'Everyone who knows them, knows that Jackie didn't do it.' Hart described what he thought happened on that fateful night three years ago. He said that Cannon and Pierce were at his niece's party together with Pierce's female friend and then the three went onto their sister Sharron's boyfriend's house. Pierce and his girlfriend then left the house, Hart says, leaving Cannon with Sharron and her friends. It was then that Hart believes the incident took place. He said: 'Jackie had already left the party with his friend when Willie got hurt so there is no way he did anything.' 'Jackie has been inside too but not for nothing violent and he wouldn't do anything like that because he didn't want to go back inside.' Hart didn't find out about his step-brother's death until several months after the fact. Cannon was attending his niece's birthday party on May 11, 2013 near East 65th Street and Lansing Avenue (pictured) when he was approached by the suspect, identified as Pierce. Victim Willie Cannon died over a month later in MetroHealth hospital in Ohio after developing a gangrene infection Pierce has been summoned for arraignment April 27 in the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. Hart, 60, says he last spoke to him about a month ago but has no idea where he could be. He hasn't spoken to sister Sharron - who he recently took in after she was left homeless - for some time either. Questions were raised by the family about why it took so long for the charges to be brought against Pierce. But Dan Williams, media relations director for City of Cleveland told DailyMail.com: 'It took two years to piece everything together and to get enough information to seek an indictment. 'We didn't have enough information to bring forward the charges until March and so that is what the gap in the investigation is.' Merkel is now accused of pandering to Erdogan's autocratic government It sparked a request for prosecution from Turkey which has been accepted He read out a so-called 'Defamatory Poem' about Recep Tayyip Erdogan Chancellor Angela Merkel has authorised criminal proceedings sought by Turkey against a German comedian over a crude satirical poem about President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Inflaming a bitter row over free speech, she said Germany's judiciary would now have to decide if Jan Boehmermann could be convicted under rarely-enforced lese-majeste legislation. However, in a hastily organised press conference, she also vowed the law would be scrapped by 2018 as a result of the embarrassing affair. A probe under section 103 of the criminal code - insulting organs or representatives of foreign states - can only go forward with the approval of the federal government. German comedian Jan Bohermann, pictured, has insulted the Turkish president Tayyip Erdogan President Erdogan, pictured, has demanded Bohermann is prosecuted over the insulting poem Her decision has exposed rifts within her own government and left her open to critics who have accused her of pandering to Erdogan's increasingly autocratic government. 'The government will give its authorisation in the case at hand,' Merkel told reporters live on national television. The offence can carry a punishment of up to three years in prison. Ankara this month filed a formal request for a criminal inquiry to be launched in Germany against Boehmermann, who accused Erdogan of bestiality and paedophilia in the so-called 'Defamatory Poem'. Boehmermann gleefully admitted he was flouting Germany's legal limits on free expression, but has kept a lower profile since the furore erupted. The comedian was reacting to Ankara's decision last month to summon Germany's ambassador in protest at another satirical song broadcast on German TV which lampooned Erdogan in far tamer language. Merkel - who had previously labelled Boehmermann's poem 'deliberately insulting' - had pledged Turkey's request would be 'very carefully' examined, even as she underlined the German constitution's guarantees of 'freedom of expression, academia and of course the arts'. On Friday she said her government, after heated internal debate, had concluded that only the judiciary should decide whether Boehmermann had committed a criminal offence. 'In a state under the rule of law, it is not a matter for the government but rather for state prosecutors and courts to weigh personal rights issues and other concerns affecting press and artistic freedom,' she said. Merkel stressed that Berlin's decision did not amount to a 'prejudgement' on his legal culpability and that 'prosecutors and courts' would have the last word. German prosecutors last week opened a preliminary probe against Boehmermann, 35, after complaints by dozens of viewers. The case comes at an extremely awkward time as Europe is relying on Ankara to implement a pact spearheaded by Merkel to curb the flow of migrants taking boats headed for the EU from Turkey's shores. It exposed Merkel to criticism she was compromising basic values to win Erdogan's continued cooperation on the refugee issue. Sally Faulkner's estranged husband will drop kidnap charges against her if she agrees to never take their two children on holiday to Australia because he fears she may never bring them back to Lebanon. Ali Elamine - who did the same thing to Ms Faulkner when he took their children Lahela, five, and Noah, three, to Lebanon in 2014 and never returned - said he would grant her access rights if she agreed he could have sole custody. She must also agree to a full religious divorce - a list of demands Ms Faulkner's lawyer Ghassan Moghabghab says he will be able to secure because he has legal rights to the children in Lebanon. 'Legally he is the one with custody,' her Lebanese lawyer Ghassan Moghabghab told the News Corp. 'Legally he is the one with custody': Sally Faulkner's Lebanese lawyer is negotiating a drawn-out deal with the legal team of Ali Elamine (pictured with Noah, 3, Lahela, 5) Mr Elamine said he would grant Ms Faulker full access rights to their children if she agreed he could have sole custody Ghassan Mughaghab (pictured), the lawyer for Brisbane woman Sally Faulkner, there would be a very favourable flow-on effect for the 60 Minutes Crew if Ms Faulkner and Mr Elamine reached a private agreement Ali Elamine (pictured with his children Noah, four, and Lahela, six) has to decide whether to pursue child kidnap charges again his ex-wife Sally Faulkner which may get her 20 years in prison 'He is willing for her to see the children at any time. 'But he is not willing to allow her to take the children to Australia or elsewhere on holidays. These are Australian holiday difficulties, if she takes the children to Australia who will say she will keep them and not bring them back to Lebanon,' he said. Mr Moghabghab also warned that because Mr Elamine had been granted sole care of the children from religious authorities, he would likely be calling all the shots in the international custody battle. If an agreement is reached between the estranged pair over the weekend, it could be registered in the next court appearance on Monday and Ms Faulkner could be on a flight back to Brisbane within the week, without her children. Speaking to ABC's 7.30, Mr Moghabghab revealed that there would be a very favourable flow-on effect for the 60 Minutes Crew if Ms Faulkner and Mr Elamine reached a private agreement. 'When there is not (kidnapping charges) - when he withdraws his charges, there will be only the public charges here, and everything will - they will not go out there indefinitely, but they will take this into consideration,' he said. 'When there is not charges from Mr Elamine, it will be a much more better for her.' 'It will help everybody, I think. It will help everybody.' 'It will help everybody, I think. It will help everybody': Ms Faulkner's lawyer says that if Mr Elamine drops the personal kidnapping charges against his estranged wife, it will have a favourable flow-on effect for the whole team Sally Faulkner's lawyer has reportedly said she was paid for by the Nine Network and had used money given to her by 60 Minutes to the child recovery agency, Child Abduction Recovery International. She is pictured above with her children Lahela, five, and Noah, three Meanwhile, Mr Elamine has remained tight-lipped about the entire ordeal, instead focusing on the wellbeing of his two children and mother - who was allegedly hit with a pistol on the head during the dramatic kidnapping that was captured on security cameras. 'We're keeping to ourselves about the whole situation, there is a personal side, a family side and a judicial side to all of this and all I can say at the moment is everyone is doing okay and we are getting through this process,' he told The Daily Telegraph. 'I took her to the doctors for a check up on head scan today, she is okay. 'On that (pistol) I can't really tell you what happened I wasn't there but she was and I have read reports that that is what she said. 60 Minutes reporter Tara Brown has told the media she is being kept in a barred, heavily meshed holding cell and was required to wear handcuffs each time she went outside Veteran journalist Stephen Rice (left), David Ballment (centre) and Benjamin Williamson (right) are also in custody in Lebanon Sally Faulkner's Lebanese lawyer Ghassan Moghabghab told the ABC Ms Faulkner had paid funds directly to the recovery team, Child Abduction Recovery International (CARI), for the bungled mission to Beirut. Mr Moghabghab said she had used money from 60 Minutes. But he was quoted saying 'I don't have any idea' if the Nine Network had intended to pay for the retrieval operation or simply the rights to her story. The lawyer also told the ABC Ms Faulkner had had told the judge she regrets paying for the mission. Mr Moghabghab's comments have not been tested in court. In her only interview on the matter so far, Ms Faulkner told The Australian on Friday she was doing well behind bars at Baabda Central Women's Prison in south-eastern Beirut. 'Please tell my mum and dad how well I am and also (husband) Brendan and my in-laws,' she said. Ms Brown is also behind bars at the prison. 'I am fine but my loved ones need to know that.' The Channel Nine TV crew was planning to film Faulkner's attempt to retrieve her children Noah, three, and Lahela, five, from her ex-husband Ali Elamine, who she claims kept them in Lebanon without her permission. Prosecutors had earlier claimed they had a signed statement from a member of the recovery team saying Nine had paid $115,000 for the operation. CCTV footage supplied by Lebanese authorities appeared to show the bungled kidnapping earlier this week Ms Faulkner and the Channel Nine TV crew members appeared handcuffed in a Lebanese court on Wednesday, where they were remanded in custody to face court again on Monday. Faulkner is facing kidnapping charges. The 60 Minutes crew is accused of: hiding information, forming an association with two or more people to commit a crime against a person, kidnapping or holding a minor even with their approval, and physical assault. Lebanese Investigative Judge Rami Abdullah said there was 'no way' the charges against the crew will be dropped. The offences carry penalties of up to 20 years in jail. Nine Network spokeswoman Victoria Buchan said: 'I hope you understand that we never comment on money but also we are not making any comments in this matter as it is currently a matter before the Lebanese judicial system which we respect. It is not appropriate at this time.' A conviction could mean the male 60 Minutes crew risk ending up in Beirut's infamous Roumieh prison, one of the largest jails in the Middle East with 5,500 inmates. LEBANON KIDNAP CASE: WHAT WE KNOW SO FAR THE MUM, THE TV CREW AND THE KIDNAPPING CASE Brisbane mum Sally Faulkner and a Nine Network TV crew made up of reporter Tara Brown, producer Stephen Rice, cameraman Ben Williamson and sound recordist David Ballment, are facing kidnapping and assault charges in Lebanon following a bungled abduction of Ms Faulkner's two children in Beirut. WHAT HAPPENED? The Australians have spent a week behind bars in Beirut after being arrested for the alleged abduction on April 7. The TV crew was filming Faulkner's attempt to retrieve her children Noah, four, and Lahela, six, from her ex-husband Ali Elamine, who she claims kept them in Lebanon without her permission. A professional agency, Child Abduction Recovery International, is believed to have been hired to snatch the children. Two of its members, named in media reports as Britons Adam Whittington and Craig Michael, have also been detained and charged. THE ABDUCTION Security camera footage shows masked men jumping out of a car and snatching the kids from their grandmother and another woman on a Beirut street. The grandmother claims she was attacked and hit on the head with a pistol. The TV crew and recovery agency members were arrested shortly afterwards, while Faulkner hid with her two children in a safe house. Authorities later found the family, arrested Faulkner and returned the children to their father. THE CHARGES Faulkner is facing kidnapping charges. The 60 minutes crew is accused of: - hiding information - forming an association with two or more people to commit a crime against a person - kidnapping or holding a minor even with their approval - physical assault. The offences carry penalties of up to 20 years in jail. LEGAL CASE SO FAR Judge Rami Abdullah told the Australians during a second round of interviews on Wednesday that there was no chance their charges would be dropped. However, he indicated that if Mr Elamine was willing to drop legal action and come to an agreement with his estranged wife, that would help the case against all of the accused. The accused will remain in detention until facing the Baabda Palace of Justice again on Monday. Nine has refused to comment on speculation it organised and funded the recovery operation. Advertisement A childcare centre near the property was 'too tempting' Downs has previously admitted to moving locations due to 'temptations' The paedophile was evicted by his tenant over similar concerns Local residents are now concerned he will strike again A paedophile convicted of molesting girls as young as six has been found living in a caravan just metres away from a school and a children's dance studio. Raymond Phillip Downs was found in a dilapidated caravan in Goodna, Ipswich near Brisbane. The 60-year-old's presence sparked concerns from local residents and business owners who fear the convicted child molester might strike again, Nine News reports. Scroll down for video A convicted child molester Raymond Phillip Downs was found living in a dilapidated caravan near Brisbane The 60-year-old (left) was charged for molesting girls as young as six The paedophile's landlord has evicted his tenant after his dark past was revealed. This news comes after the child abuser decided against moving into a house in Goodna because it was too close to a childcare centre the Courier Mail reported. In December, he told his case manager the property was 'too much of a temptation.' Downs had planned to move in with his partner Sharon White and get a job as a truck driver in Kenmore, Goodna or Redbank Plains. In 2015, he was not allowed to visit Ms White at her home address as there were 'signs of children living in the house and next door.' Downs first offence was in 1974 when he was 18 years old and molested a six-year-old girl. The caravan is located near a school and a children's dance school. Locals are concerned the paedophile will strike again. Downs was released from jail in June 2012 and was supervised for almost four years until he was able to rent a home of his choice Downs has recently admitted to refusing a property because a nearby childcare centre was 'too tempting' At 21, he kissed a 10-year-old girl at a swimming pool and molested another girl a year later after picking her up from school and driving her down an isolated track. When he was 45, he molested a nine-year-old on multiple occasions. Downs was released from jail in June 2012 and was supervised for almost four years until he was able to rent a home of his choice. At the end of his court-ordered supervision period Queensland's Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath applied for a two-year extension to the order but failed. During a court hearing last year a psychiatrist said Downs hadn't 'completely lost his deviant sexual arousal to pre-pubescent girls' the Queensland Times reports. The same court also heard the paedophile hadn't completed any rehabilitation programs during his stint in jail. Europe is bracing for a summer surge in the migrant crisis across the Mediterranean as David Cameron stepped up calls for a naval blockade. The Prime Minister spoke to German Chancellor Angela Merkel by telephone to discuss the on-going migrant crisis, which is expected to see a million people enter Europe this year. Many are refugees fleeing the war in Syria but thousands of economic migrants are also among those trying to get into Europe. A new agreement with Turkey has slowed migration to the Greek island of Lesbos but MailOnline revealed yesterday that thousands of people are again travelling across the central Mediterranean. EU leaders are braced for a summer surge in migration across the Med. Pictured: A rescuer carries a baby as migrants and refugees disembark from a Maltese coast guard patrol vessel after being rescued at sea today Some 6,000 people landed on the island of Sicily, highlighting calls from Mr Cameron to focus again on people setting sail from Libya. Downing Street today said it feared migrant numbers crossing the Med could increase over the summer. The PM's official spokeswoman said Mr Cameron wanted to make sure deal with Turkey was being 'properly implemented and was working as effectively as possible'. But she also admitted of a surge in migrants looking to the cross the central Mediterranean from Libya to Italy and Sicily along the 'Central Meditteranean Route' this summer. She said the PM wanted to make sure operations the Med are 'as robust as possible as we move into a season where we are concerned we could see numbers increase on that route'. Last month Mr Cameron urged EU leaders to beef up a naval blockade in the central Med ahead of the summer and to station boats in Libyan waters. EU Foreign Policy chief Federica Mogherini last month warned as many as half a million new refugees may head to Europe this year from Libya and North Africa. On numbers crossing the Aegean she said: 'We have seen the numbers start to fall but it is about making sure we are sustaining that, and making it more effective if it is possible. David Cameron has spoken to Angela Merkel about the latest plans. Pictured: Migrants arriving at the Messina harbor in Sicily today. Warships from EU states are taking part in the anti-people smuggling Operation Sophia in the central Mediterranean and Mr Cameron and Mrs Merkel discussed work being done with the new Libyan unity government to help disrupt trafficking gangs. More than one million migrants entered the EU via Greece in 2015, many of them refugees fleeing the Syrian civil war, while a further 150,000 arrived in Italy. EU foreign and defence ministers will hold a special dinner on Monday in Luxembourg. They will discuss how the EU's so-called 'Sophia' naval mission operating in international waters near Libya could move into Libyan waters to destroy boats used by people smugglers, catch the traffickers and head off an expected surge in migrants trying to reach Europe by sea from Libya. While the naval mission has been operating since mid-2015 and has saved more than 8,000 lives, it is unable to move into Libyan waters without a request from the Libyan government and a UN Security Council resolution. But Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said the new UN-backed government in Tripoli would help reduce the boatloads of migrants who dice with death to reach Europe from Africa. Jailed: Timothy Storey, 35, lived a 'double life' preaching the virtues of abstinence at St Michael's Church in London's Belgravia A judge accused church leaders of a cover-up yesterday as he sentenced a former vicar who raped two Christian girls to 15 years in jail. Judge Philip Katz QC hit out at the utterly incompetent failure to protect youngsters from self-confessed sex addict Timothy Storey. The Oxford-educated trainee vicar had groomed hundreds of other children on Facebook, using his position as a youth leader to systematically pick off weak, insecure girls. But despite numerous warnings about his behaviour, arrogant church leaders remained stone deaf to complaints from his rape victims aged 16 and 17, and failed to inform police, the judge said. Scotland Yard was only called in to investigate the serious sex attacks after Storey appeared on the front page of the Daily Mail in May 2014 for grooming underage girls. The story prompted two women, now aged 24 and 25, to tell officers they were raped by Storey as teenagers. While he was studying theology at Oxford, the sexual predator raped one victim, aged 17, in a toilet. He also raped a 16-year-old twice at his student digs after plying her with alcohol at a concert in 2008. She was so in thrall to cruel and arrogant Storey she described him as more influential than God. Both girls made complaints, but church leaders were fooled by Storeys precious and utterly false religiosity and failed to pass information to police, ensuring the ruthless pervert was free to groom victims for another six years. Judge Katz said Storey had been developing 'paedophile' tendencies but deliberately waited until his victims were over the age of consent before he sexually assaulted them Storey, 35, smirked as he was jailed at Woolwich Crown Court yesterday. The judge said the Diocese of London had mishandled the case and sought to shift blame on to the police. His victims distress was added to by the way in which the Diocese... behaved, he said. The implication was that the police were at fault. If the Diocese... made those suggestions it was a shameful misrepresentation of the truth. He said some leaders seemed to be worried about the reputational damage to the diocese, adding that an adviser on safeguarding had arrogantly refused to help officers. Storey, a childrens pastor, had been sponsored to join the clergy by the Bishop of London. But in 2014 he appeared in court accused of grooming hundreds of children on Facebook. He claimed the sex was consensual and said his victims 'seemed to be enjoying it', but he was convicted of three counts of rape and one count of assault by penetration at Woolwich Crown Court (above) He had become every parents worst nightmare as he preached at St Michaels Church in Belgravia while targeting girls from the congregation for sex. Leading camps for teenagers in the Kent countryside, he manipulated girls dazzled by his looks, sending them flattering messages on social media before tricking them into sending explicit images of themselves. JUSTICE - THANKS TO THE MAIL A senior Scotland Yard detective last night praised the Daily Mail for its coverage of Timothy Storeys crimes. Detective Constable Paul Hill said the rapist might not be behind bars today if we had not told in 2014 how he groomed hundreds of underage girls for sex. Our front page story led to two women coming forward to claim they were raped by the clergyman as teenagers, sparking an investigation which led to him being locked up for 15 years yesterday. Mr Hill, of the Metropolitan Polices sexual offences exploitation and child abuse command, said: The coverage encouraged the victims to come forward. If it hadnt been for the Daily Mail, he may have continued to get away with it and might not be in jail today. He added: We would encourage anyone to come forward if there are other victims. The Mail also exposed the extraordinarily lenient sentence handed to Storey in 2014. Outrage from MPs and charities led to his rehabilitation order being increased to three years in jail. Advertisement Senior members of the clergy were first warned he posed a danger to women in 2008, when an 18-year-old said he had sent her lewd texts. Storey was confronted, but no further action was taken. Over the next year, warnings were issued by parents and one woman told a youth leader that Storey had had sex with her. Statements from four women about his behaviour at camps were also given to the diocese. By September 2009, the Bishop of London, Richard Chartres, was told by senior clergy that Storey had been acting in a predatory manner. The following January he apologised to one victim, but still the church did not report him. Police were finally informed and discovered Storey was grooming hundreds of children, posing online as a privately educated teenager to persuade girls as young as 12 to film themselves naked over Facebook. But at court he was initially given a rehabilitation order and within hours flouted a ban to find new victims on dating websites. Days after his sentencing he is suspected of raping a 20-year-old he contacted online. No one has been disciplined at the Church. Revd Hugh Valentine responsible for protecting children during Storeys reign of terror works at a South London charity. Advertisement The Duchess of Cambridge looked radiant in red as she wore a 745 Beulah dress featuring Bhutan's national flower - the poppy - in a special tribute to the country. Beulah is one of Kate's favourite fashion brands and is run by Lady Natasha Rufus Isaacs, an old friend of the Duchess. The showstopper full-length dress - called 'Juliet' - was a far cry from the casual look she sported earlier in the day for a three-hour hike up to the Tiger's Nest monastery perched on a Bhutan clifftop. Radiant: The Duchess of Cambridge wore a red Beulah dress for the reception celebrating Britain's relationship with Bhutan Quick turn around: Kate dazzled for the glittering reception just hours after completing an energy-sapping climb to Tiger's Nest monastery Lady in red: The Duchess is presented with a silk scarf by Ugyen Michael Wangchukat at the reception at the Taj Hotel, in Thimpu Special tribute: Kate wore the dress with poppies on, as the blue poppy is the national flower of Bhutan Smiles aplenty: Kate shares a joke with the British Honorary Consulate Michael Rutland, in Thimpu, Bhutan, during the ceremony tonight Beulah was set up by Lady Natasha Rufus Isaacs, an old acquaintance of the Duchess, who is married to her former boyfriend Rupert Finch. Her father, the Marquess of Reading, is also close to Prince Charles and as a result, Lady Natasha has known Prince William since she was a little girl. At the reception this evening, which celebrated Britain's relationship with Bhutan, William and Kate met Britons living in the mountain kingdom. William described being in the cockpit of the plane landing in Bhutan as 'terrifying' while speaking to helicopter pilot Nic Suddards, 56, from Yorkshire. Mr Suddards moved to Bhutan in December to fly their national helicopter, making emergency rescues and transporting diplomats. He said afterwards: 'He said it (being in the cockpit) was terrifying. There is a house on the approach which is known as Mr Smith's house and you miss it by metres. 'The pilot was showing him Mr Smith's house and he said 'don't look at that, concentrate on the runway!''' Gift: The Duchess wore a pretty dress by Beulah, with poppies on - the national flower of Bhutan is a blue poppy Glamorous: The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge mingle with guests at the reception celebrating the reception between Britain and Bhutan Elegant: The Duchess plumbed for an elegant silk-chiffon Beulah gown, one of her most trusted and favourite brands Glamour: Kate swapped her skinny jeans and worn boots for the radiant 745 dress, while Prince William sported a navy blue suit Smart: Prince William opted for a navy suit tonight for the reception hosted by the British Honorary Consulate Michael Rutland Gesture: In a nod to the host country, the Duchess accessorized with a blue poppy the national flower of Bhutan Stunning: The Duchess wowed in the red dress after a quick change following the hike up to the Tiger's Nest monastery earlier in the day Mr Suddards had brought his helicopter to the airport when the royal plane landed but he didn't get the chance to show the royals around as they travelled by car to their hotel instead. He said: 'I told him that he missed an opportunity because the dual controls were in the aircraft specially for him in the airport and he could have flown it back to Thimphu.' When asked how William felt about that, he replied: 'Devastated. He said he would have loved to have flown it. I asked him to come and do some volunteer work here because we do a lot of medical evacuations. He said he would love to so we'll send him an official invitation.' Kate spoke to Pio Smith, 39, from Newry, Northern Ireland who has lived in Bhutan since last June when his wife moved to the country for a job with the UN. He said about Kate: 'She was really interested in hearing about what it was like to raise a family here.' William and Kate also spoke to Britons Carolyn Ishering, 75, from North Wales and Louise Dorji, 81, from York, who have both been living in Bhutan since 1966. Listening in: Kate chatted to Britons who had moved to Bhutan at the ceremony to mark the close relationship between the two countries Close bond: The ceremony was a celebration of Britain's close relationship with Bhutan, reinforced by the royal visit this week Dazzling: The Princess look resplendent in a 745 red Beulah dress during a reception at the Taj Hotel in Thimpu tonight Ms Ishering said: 'It was a great honour to meet them, very exciting. She is everything that I thought she was...so elegant, warm and friendly. 'I told him (William) that I had a connection because my sister had actually been second chef to Princess Margaret in Kensington Palace for a number of years and I was retelling a story about how the lifts got stuck in the palace when I went up to her flat. 'He said "yes, it does get stuck.'" Earlier in the day, William and Kate climbed arm-in-arm to the Tiger's Nest monastery, some 10,000 feet above sea level. While the prince was seen wiping sweat from his brow, his wife appeared unfazed by the climb and simply pushed her hair back from her face with her sunglasses. The prince, dressed in chinos, a shirt and walking boots, looked more flushed than his wife - who donned 475 Penelope Chilvers boots and a 495 Nubuck shoot waistcoat over a white Jaeger linen blouse costing 89. At the end of the walk, Kate told the press pack she was missing George and Charlotte 'massively', adding 'we're looking forward to seeing them...they're in good hands.' She added that they had been able to speak with them 'many times' over the week. The couple will conclude their tour tomorrow with a romantic visit to the Taj Mahal, the marble mausoleum known as a monument to love. It will mark 24 years since Diana was famously pictured sitting by herself in front of the 17th century monument as her marriage to Prince Charles unravelled. Their separation was announced just months later. Arm in arm: The royal couple linked arms as they made their way up to the Buddhist monastery on the outskirts of Thimphu earlier Mortgage rates could soar if Britain votes to leave the European Union on June 23, George Osborne has warned. The Chancellor delivered the latest apocalyptic vision of life outside the grouping as he attended a meeting of finance ministers in Washington. The intervention will infuriate Eurosceptics who have accused the Remain campaign of mounting 'Project Fear' to sway the result of the crucial ballot. Meanwhile, the French finance minister has warned that the UK would still have to contribute to Brussels budgets even if it left. Chancellor George Osborne has been attending a meeting of G20 finance ministers in Washington The referendum battle officially got under way today with both sides now subject to strict electoral rules on spending and activities. London Mayor Boris Johnson immediately became embroiled in a bitter spat over calls for the UK's 10 billion Brussels contribution to be redirected to the health service. Spearheading a blitz of events by Vote Leave supporters, the Tory MP is due to point to a predicted 12.3 billion shortfall in funding by 2020-2021 as reason to divert the cash. Justice Secretary Michael Gove, who is also attending rallies over the coming days, said: 'If the money is taken back then that 50 million a day will be spent on British people's priorities, and the NHS is of course top of the list.' But the Stronger In campaign, which has close links to Downing Street, retaliated by insisting Mr Johnson couldn't be 'trusted' because he wanted to privatise the NHS. Former chancellor Alistair Darling has been deployed by the Remain side to warn of 'profound disruption' to the economy if Britain quits the union. Delivering a speech in central London, Mr Darling said Brexit was 'simply not a risk worth taking' and stressed that there was everything to play for in the campaign. 'This is a very, very close vote. I really can't emphasise enough that the vote is close,' he said. 'No one can predict with any certainty what is likely to happen. 'I hope we will win and I hope we will win well. But we need to get the support of people the length and breadth of the country, no matter what their political allegiance has been in the past.' Mr Darling - who led the campaign to keep Scotland in the UK in the 2014 independence referendum - argued there was a 'wall of evidence' for Remain. 'We all have to make difficult choices in life. Inevitably there are unknowns but we owe it to ourselves and to our children to make our decision based on the evidence we have,' he said. 'It would be a colossal surrender of power to walk away from our largest trading partner, increase uncertainty, erect trade barriers and diminish our influence.' He accused Leave campaigners of 'playing with fire' and offering a 'fantasy future'. Mr Cameron crossed party lines yesterday by engaging in some phone canvassing with Labour and Liberal Democrat grandees Neil Kinnock and Paddy Ashdown. He also held an away day for Tory MPs at an Oxfordshire hotel in a bid to ease increasingly bitter tensions over Europe. The White House has confirmed that President Barack Obama plans to make an intervention in the referendum battle when he visits the UK next week. He is expected to stress the benefits of membership to the British economy and the importance of unity in the continent to global security. The Stronger In campaign accused Mr Johnson of wanting to privatise the NHS after he suggested contributions to Brussels could be diverted into the health service Attending the G20 finance ministers' meeting in Washington, Mr Osborne was asked by reporters about the potential impacts of leaving the EU. He said 'yes it is likely' that mortgage rates would be driven up - pointing to a similar warning from Bank of England governor Mark Carney earlier this year. 'The risk of British exit has definitely risen up the international agenda,' Mr Osborne said. 'The universal view has been that it would cause immediate short-term shock and instability and that there would be a long-term cost to the world economy.' FRENCH MINISTER INSISTS UK WOULD STILL HAVE TO PAY BRUSSELS AFTER QUITTING EU The French finance minister has dismissed claims Britain will save billions of pounds in EU contributions if it quits the grouping. Emmanuel Macron said Brexit supporters were wrong to claim the UK would not have to contribute to Brussels budgets. He told the Financial Times the UK could strike a deal similar to that of Norway or Switzerland, but it was a 'mistake' to think the terms would be more favourable than they are currently. Referring to arrangements allowing banks and other firms to operate freely across the continent, he said: 'Those who pretend that passporting will be preserved exactly following the same rules without any contribution to the budget, are making a big, a big mistake because it's completely wrong. 'So for sure, you can renegotiate a trade arrangement, but this trade deal will be less favourable to the UK than being part of the club.' Mr Macron also insisted Britain would be in a weaker position to protect its steel industry outside the EU. 'Do you think you will be in a situation to protect your steel industry tomorrow if you are alone as the UK economy facing the Chinese one?' he said. Advertisement The Chancellor also raised concerns that the growing fears about Brexit are hitting the economy. 'It's fair to say that some of the concerns about a potential exit are weighing on sentiment now and weighing on economic activity now,' he said. 'That could well be reflected in the GDP number that we see for quarter one.' He told Sky News later that there would be huge instability. 'What that means for families is that mortgage rates are going to go up,' Mr Osborn said. 'Families will be paying the price.' France's economy minister Emmanuel Macron said Brexit supporters were wrong to claim the UK would not have to contribute to Brussels budgets after leaving. He told the Financial Times the UK could strike a deal similar to that of Norway or Switzerland, but it was a 'mistake' to think the terms would be more favourable than they are currently. Referring to arrangements allowing banks and other firms to operate freely across the continent, he said: 'Those who pretend that passporting will be preserved exactly following the same rules without any contribution to the budget, are making a big, a big mistake because it's completely wrong. 'So for sure, you can renegotiate a trade arrangement, but this trade deal will be less favourable to the UK than being part of the club.' Mr Macron also insisted Britain would be in a weaker position to protect its steel industry outside the EU. 'Do you think you will be in a situation to protect your steel industry tomorrow if you are alone as the UK economy facing the Chinese one?' he said. Blake Leland Zengo, 20, (pictured), of Athens, Georgia, was arrested after he allegedly sprayed 'Liquid A**' in a downtown bar, forcing many patrons to leave A 20-year-old Georgia man was arrested after he allegedly unleashed a bottle of farts on an Athens bar. Blake Leland Zengo was arrested after bar patrons of Whiskey Bent in downtown Athens accused him of being the gassy culprit. One woman, 21, also accused him of spraying the stinky substance in her face, according to Online Athens. The bar began to clear out after Zengo allegedly sprayed a can of 'Liquid A**' in the bar area. Police found him sitting on the patio area, denying he knew what was going on inside. He also said he didn't spray anything. 'Several patrons of Whiskey Bent began to leave quickly while making comments about how bad it stunk inside the bar,' a police report said. Officers searched Zengo and found the spray bottle of 'Liquid A**' on him. According to Liquid A**'s website: 'Once unleashed, this power-packed, super-concentrated liquid begins to evaporate filling the air with a genuine, foul butt-crack smell with hints of dead animal and fresh poo. 'The funny pranks you can pull with Liquid A** are unlimited. 'Watching the facial grimaces of people and hearing their comments about the part-your-hair, gagging stench will have you laughing until it hurts.' Liquid A** (pictured) is a prank spray that fills the air 'with a genuine, foul butt-crack smell with hints of dead animal and fresh poo' The 20-year-old was 'very inebriated, and was slurring his words', according to police. He has been charged with disorderly conduct, public intoxication and underage consumption of alcohol. The woman who claimed Zengo sprayed her in the face didn't press charges. She was riding the Air Maxx 360 during her visit to Australia from Malaysia The eight-year-old boarded the ride during the Royal Adelaide Show Safe is Safe cleared a ride on which Adelene Long died two years ago Safe is Safe and Hamish Munro will not be charged with manslaughter The head of a safety inspection company is facing up to five years in prison for clearing a ride on which an eight-year-old girl died two years ago. Adelene Leong attended the Royal Adelaide Show in September 2014 with her mum when she was thrown 10metres off of a high-speed ride called AirMaxx 360. Safe is Safe Pty Ltd and boss Hamish Munro, 57, who approved the safety of the ride before the show, are now being accused of breaching health and safety laws by watchdog SafeWork SA, according to The Advertiser. Scroll down for video Safety inspection company Safe is Safe and boss Hamish Munro, 57, will not be charged with manslaughter for clearing a ride on which a Adelene Leong, eight, (pictured) died two years ago Adelene attended the Royal Adelaide Show in September 2014 with her mum when she was thrown 10metres off of a high-speed ride called AirMaxx 360 (pictured) SafeWorks SA also alleges that there was an 'element of reckless conduct without reasonable excuse' at the time. It is the first time the government agency is prosecuting the 'category one' offence, which could lead to five years in jail, a $300,000 fine for Mr Munro and a $1.5 million fine for Safe is Safe, The Advertiser reported. Mr Munro said this week that WorkSafe is 'mak[ing] stuff up.' He claims that he and his business are 'innocent, because [he] carried out the inspections and it operated safely for a couple of days.' Safe is Safe Pty Ltd and boss Hamish Munro, 57, who approved the safety of the ride before the show, are now being accused of breaching health and safety laws by watchdog SafeWork SA It is the first time the government agency is prosecuting the 'category one' offence, which could lead to five years in jail, a $300,000 fine for Mr Munro and a $1.5 million fine for Safe is Safe The director of public prosecutions Adam Kimber decided to go forward with corporate charges instead of criminal charges because there wasn't enough evidence. The owners of the ride have been banned from operating machinery but no charges have been pressed against them yet, according to The Advertiser. Adelene was above the height requirements when she boarded the ride with her mother and took a photo just before it began. Mr Munro claims that he and his business are 'innocent, because [he] carried out the inspections and it operated safely for a couple of days' Paramedics were called about 12.30pm, when Adelene- who was holidaying with family from Malaysia - was thrown from the Air Maxx 360 as her mother watched on in horror Paramedics were called about 12.30pm, when Adelene- who was holidaying with family from Malaysia - was thrown from the Air Maxx 360 as her mother watched on in horror. Adelene was rushed to hospital with critical injuries but died a short time later. Witnesses reportedly saw the girl being thrown from the seat and 'landing extremely far away'. On the day of the accident, Malinda Dunwoodie, 17, told The Advertiser the girl's safety harness was still down but it looked as if she slipped out of her seat. 'She was hanging by her legs off the ride, trying to block herself. She went flying through the air about 10-15 metres up in the air and I started sprinting towards her,' she said. 'I was shaking so much, she looked like a doll flying through the air. 'It was so shocking. It was like a horror movie.' A German woman accused of murdering her child is to go on trial - 41 years after the boy's death. The child, identified only by his first name Milo, was eight-years-old when he was found dead in his bed in the former East German town of Schwedt, near the Polish border. At the time, he had been living with his mother Erna F, now aged 74, who had been separated from the boy's father, Adolf F., a few years previously. At the time of the child's death, he had been living with his mother Erna F (left), now aged 74. Milo (right) was found dead in his bed The case was reopened after a tip-off but was problematic because it happened in eastern Germany (DDR), where the statute of limitations forbade prosecutors from charging anybody with murder after 25 years. Under West German law however, there was no statute of limitations on murder. Prosecutors pointed out that this now also applies to the former DDR area following the German unification procedure. Erna had previously told police that she was shocked to find the child's lifeless body in the bed, and an autopsy revealed he had died from carbon monoxide poisoning which she told her friends was a tragic accident. At the time she was 33. For 41 years this version of events has not changed, until police received an anonymous phone call giving details of the death, persuading them to reopen the case. The caller reportedly said: 'The mother killed her son using gas.' The case was reopened, and now prosecutors say Erna took her eight-year-old son to the kitchen, laid him on the floor and used gas to end his life. She had then put him to bed, and in the morning called doctors to record the death, according to prosecutors who say the motive was that she was simply overloaded with too much to do. The child, identified only by his first name Milo, was eight-years-old when he was found dead in his bed in the former East German town of Schwedt (file picture), near the Polish border Prosecutors in Frankfurt have charged the woman with murder with the court case due to take place in Neuruppin on April 27. Despite the lengthy amount of time in which many of the previous papers dealing with the case have been lost, they say there are still witnesses available for questioning - including the dead boy's father Adolf who had separated from Erna a few years before he died. Speaking to local media he said there had always been something suspicious about the circumstances in which his son died. He added that he never had any proof to the contrary of the official version of events, but was suspicious because he knew that his ex-wife saw the boy as a burden, and was keen to start a relationship with a new man without any baggage. The couple had met in the early sixties when she was an attractive secretary employed by a building firm, and he was working on building agricultural machinery. He said: 'I fell head over heels in love with her.' He added that she was difficult to live with, insisting for example that should be called Sissi like the former Austrian Empress. A grieving mother pleaded with the thieves who stole her dead baby's ashes not to dump the box in the landfill. Burglars broke into the Washington home of Brian and Jessica Kropf two weeks ago and ransacked the property before forcing their way into a fire safe where they took a white box containing baby Casey's ashes. The tragic baby died five years ago after contracting brain cancer. The family said they kept the ashes at home as they wanted to remain close to their child. However that dream has now been shattered since the callous thieves broke into the house and despicably stole baby Casey's ashes. Callous thieves stole baby Casey Kropf's ashes during a burglary at his parents' Washington home Jessica told Kiro 7 News: 'The reason I didn't bury him is because I wanted him to be with me when I find a place, when I pass. Wherever they end up burying me, I wanted to have him with me. I never wanted to be away from him.' Casey was six months old when he was diagnosed with brain cancer. He died shortly after his first birthday. Since the burglary, the family claim it is almost like losing their son once again. Jessica added: 'I really hope he's not in a landfill. I worry that he is because he doesn't deserve to be in the trash some place.' Her husband Brian said: 'We haven't been able to enjoy his company, but we at least felt some comfort knowing he was near us. Once I came inside, I noticed that the TV was completely gone off the wall.' The burglars took the family's computer as well as some tools. Californian was cleared and now considering legal action against airline Cleared: Jeremiah Mathis Thede, 42, (pictured) was found not guilty of endangering an aircraft A man accused of endangering fellow passengers on a transatlantic flight due to a row over crackers has been cleared of any wrongdoing. Jeremiah Mathis Thede, 42, from California, was hauled to court in Antrim, Northern Ireland, over allegations that he acted in a manner likely to negligently endanger an aircraft. Mr Thede was a passenger on a United Airlines flight from Rome to Chicago when the crew were forced to land the plane in Belfast. The airline claimed the American had been aggressive towards cabin crew and that other passengers had complained about his behaviour. However, after the hearing at Antrim Crown Court, Mr Thede's solicitor Patrick Madden said staff had been overreacting and that during the trial they had contradicted themselves. He said: 'The prosecution case and the decision to divert the flight was all based on information which is inaccurate from the cabin crew, it was based on speculation, misunderstanding and misinterpretation. 'In fact there was simply no credible evidence in this case to suggest that Mr Thede had acted in any way to endanger this flight.' Despite staff referencing passenger concerns during the flight, none of the fellow travellers gave evidence during court proceedings. Mr Thede, from Berkeley near San Francisco, had previously described how he was down to his last dollars following a long European trip and had experienced problems with a credit card. He also said he had eaten only an apple during five hours waiting at Rome airport for the delayed flight home. Mr Thede explained that he requested crackers immediately upon boarding, then repeatedly during the flight, because he was hungry. Unable to sleep, he proceeded to repeatedly go to the bathroom and search through his luggage while organising contacts from his trip. Flight attendants claimed he left his meal tray obstructing the aisle and alleged that his behaviour was odd. Mr Thede's barrister Aaron Thompson quipped that the whole trial was a bit crackers. Before sending them away, Judge Desmond Marrinan had told jurors it would be a fatal flaw to just take the crew's word for it and counselled the panel to avoid rumour or speculation. He said the key issues had included Mr Thede's alleged failure to obey United staff and whether passengers were likely to take matters into their own hands - which may have led to trouble or fighting. Solicitor Patrick Madden (pictured with Mr Thede) said his client was now considering legal proceedings against United Airlines A relief pilot disturbed from his sleep to deal with the incident earlier told the trial Thede was unpredictable and his behaviour was odd. The judge said: 'He formed the view that the defendant was unwilling to obey instructions.' Mr Madden said his client was delighted and relieved at the verdict delivered by the jury of seven men and four women in half an hour. He will now return to the US. A spokesman for the airline said the company was 'disappointed' with the jury's verdict but added that the safety of customers and employees was its 'highest priority' He explained they would consider legal proceedings against the airline. Mr Madden said: 'United Airlines should reflect on this case. They should also consider how they handle complaints from passengers in future.' A United Airlines spokesman said: 'Although disappointed, we respect the decision of the jury in this matter. Investigators searching for a missing couple last seen on Monday have found their two cars in the remote woods of Washington state. Patrick Shunn, 45, and his wife, Monique Patenuade, 46, raised alarms on Tuesday when neighbors found their puppy running loose, according to CBC News. Police found their Jeep and Land Rover off an embankment in the remote woods near Oso, about four miles west of their Arlington home. Both vehicles were discovered in the same area. Shunn and Patenaude's disappearance has been deemed 'suspicious and unusual', although police have not named any suspects. Shunn's brother Erik issued an appeal on social media, claiming a neighbor who harassed Patenuade also appears to be missing in a now-deleted post. Shunn and Patenuade filed a civil lawsuit against their neighbors for repeatedly trespassing on their property, according to court records cited by the Seattle Times. Scroll down for video Washington state couple, Patrick Shunn, 45 (left), and his wife, Monique Patenuade (left and right), 46, were reported missing on Tuesday by neighbors who found their puppy running loose Court records say the couple are currently involved in a legal dispute with neighbors whom Shunn and Patenaude claim to have repeatedly trespassed on their property (pictured) near the Stillaguamish River with recreational vehicles and unleashed dogs Shunn, who works at an aircraft-interior refurbishing firm in Kirkland, showed up to work on Monday but did not appear on Tuesday. His brother Erik said he failed to call in sick, which was 'very uncharacteristic of him'. He added in a Facebook post on Tuesday: 'Pat and Monique have pets and livestock and they havent been taken care of the last day and a half.' Snohomish County Sheriff's spokesperson Shari Ireton said 'nothing seemed amiss' inside their home. Patenaude was last seen near the couples home around 1pm on Monday, and family members say both their cell phones have been turned off. Police found their Jeep and Land Rover off an embankment in the remote woods near Oso, about four miles west of their Arlington home. Investigators are hoping to access the heavily wooded area on Friday for more clues Court records show Shunn and Patenaude are currently involved in a legal dispute with their neighbors, who they accused of trespassing with recreational vehicles and unleashed dogs. The trial was scheduled for later this year. But the defendant listed in the civil case told the Seattle Times he didn't know anything about the couple's disappearance. Shunn's brother Erik noted on Facebook on Wednesday that a neighbor had 'harassed Monique and is not a good guy.' 'He is squatting on a property adjacent to Pat and Monique's,' Erik Shunn's since-deleted post said. 'He is missing too and I think if they can find him, we will get some answers.' Shunn (pictured) failed to appear at work or call in sick on Tuesday. His brother Erik noted on Facebook on Wednesday that a neighbor had 'harassed Monique and is not a good guy,' although no suspects have been named The Snohomish County Sheriff's Office said the couple's 2000 Land Rover Discovery and a black 1995 Jeep were located in a heavily wooded area late Thursday by a search and rescue helicopter. Because the two cars were found in a heavily wooded area, authorities did not immediately search the cars, and hoped to have more clues by Friday. Shunn and Patenaude met at Burning Man, a friend told CBC. Cynthia Fawcett, Patenaude's friend of 25 years, described them as 'outdoorsy' and added: 'Monique is very regular with making sure her chickens get out at five in the morning. She would never leave her dog." Sheriff's spokeswoman Shari Ireton said investigators are looking into everything but 'we don't have any suspects at this point'. Thousands of parents are being left with no choice but to call police on their own violent teenage children, while countless others are too ashamed to report the abuse. The latest statistics put out by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research revealed a disturbing trend of domestic violence in Australian households, with children and young people playing a huge part in the sweeping domestic violence crisis. 'It is a concerning trend,' Assistant Commissioner Mick Fuller, NSW Police corporate spokesman for domestic violence, said, the Daily Telegraph reported. Police are increasingly being called to households to deal with children and young people behaving violently towards their parents The latest figures put out by the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research have showed that domestic violence assaults against parents has risen 5.5 per cent each year for the past 10 years In the latest figures put out by the Bureau, police dealt with 886 boys and young men and 487 girls and young women (aged between 10-17) over matters of parental abuse. Across the past ten years, up to September 2015, the number of police cases for youth domestic violence assaults has increased by a staggering 5.5 per cent each year. It's believed that roughly half of domestic violence cases go unreported. Karen Willis, executive officer of Rape & Domestic Violence Services Australia, told the Daily Telegraph that the issue was the 'great unspoken problem.' 'It's hard enough to talk about domestic violence from a person you are married to or live with but if there is this gorgeous child you have raised and loved, to turn around and report them for domestic violence is very difficult,' she said. Experts say many parents are ashamed to report their kids for violence A heart-stopping video that shows the moment a man stops a desperate refugee who was about to take his own life has been released by an aid group. Filmed on the island of Lesbos in Greece, it shows a migrant who has climbed up a telegraph pole and appears to be about to jump to his death, before he is grabbed by the Good Samaritan. The footage was released by Refugee Aid 786 to highlight the plight of migrants as they try to cross into Europe. Scroll down for video Desperate: A desperate migrant climbed a telegraph pole reportedly in a bid to take his own life Samaritan: He climbed to the top of the telegraph pole to protest before a Good Samaritan helps him back down Sakeeb Khan, who co-founded the group with his mother, said the clip was sobering and shone a light on the desperation of many who had crossed into Europe from war-torn countries. 'The clip was taken just outside Moria camp for refugees on Lesbos,' Mr Khan told the Huddersfield Examiner. 'The situation in Greece is getting worse and worse. In this video there is a man trying to commit suicide. Stressed: The video was released by Refugee Aid 786 to highlight the plight of migrants crossing into Europe 'People are stressed, lost and not knowing what to do,' he explained. The release of the video comes as Europe's migrant crisis continues to cause havoc on the EU's borders. This week Macedonian police fired stun grenades and tear gas at stranded migrants trying desperately to pull down a fence on the country's border with Greece. The footage was filmed just outside Moria camp for refugees on Lesbos according to NGO founder Mr Khan Greek authorities say neighbouring police resorted to crowd control measures in an attempt to stop about 30 people from trying to get over the razor-wire fence using blankets. While in Italy 2,000 people a day are entering the country - an increase of 90 per cent on last year. Around 6,000 people arrived in the past three days alone in Sicily after the Balkans route was closed. Lesbos, just a few miles from the Turkish coast has been one of the main point of entry for migrants to Europe. On one day alone in February more than 2,000 landed on the small island. A 76-year-old Washington state man has been released from prison in Illinois after a prosecutor persuaded a judge that the man was wrongly convicted in 2012 of killing a schoolgirl six decades earlier. Judge William Brady vacated the conviction of Jack McCullough on Friday morning and ordered him to be freed. McCullough left a jail near the courthouse Friday afternoon, smiling to reporters from the backseat of his stepdaughter's rental car. Brady's order came in Sycamore, Illinois, where Maria Ridulph was playing in the snow in December 1957 when she was abducted. Her body was found five months later. In 2012, Jack McCullough was convicted for Maria Ridulph's death, in one of the oldest unsolved US cases ever to go to trial. McCullough was sentenced to life in prison. In a six-month review of evidence this year, DeKalb County State's Attorney Richard Schmack concluded that McCullough couldn't have killed Maria, citing evidence supporting the suspect's claim that he had been 40 miles away when the second-grader was abducted. Scroll down for video Jack McCullough, left, smiles from the backseat of his stepdaughter Janey O'Connor's rental car after he was released from the DeKalb County Jail in Sycamore, Illinois on Friday Jack McCullough gives his stepdaughter Janey O'Connor the sign of 'I love you' as he sits during a hearing in the DeKalb County Courthouse on Friday In 2012, Jack McCullough was convicted for the death of seven-year-old Maria Ridulph who went missing and was later found murdered in 1957 Maria's disappearance made headlines nationwide in the 1950s, when reports of child abductions were rare. Maria Ridulph disappeared in 1957 and was later found dead She had been playing outside in the snow with a friend on December 3, 1957, when a young man approached, introduced himself as 'Johnny' and offered them piggyback rides. Maria's friend dashed home to grab mittens, and when she came back, Maria and the man were gone. At trial, prosecutors said McCullough was Johnny, because he went by John Tessier in his youth. They said McCullough, then 18, dragged Maria away, choked and stabbed her to death. Schmack, who wasn't involved in McCullough's case and was elected to the state's attorney post as McCullough's trial came to an end, filed a scathing report with the court last month that appeared to pick the case apart, point-by-point. The former Washington state security guard's long-held alibi was that he was in Rockford, attempting to enlist with the US Air Force at a military recruiting station, on the night Maria disappeared. Schmack said newly discovered phone records proved McCullough had, as he long-claimed, made a collect call to his parents at 6.57pm from a phone booth in downtown Rockford, which is 40 miles northwest of where Maria was abducted between 6.45pm and 6.55pm. Schmack also reviewed police reports and hundreds of other documents, including from the Air Force recruitment office, which he said had been improperly barred at trial. McCullough's stepdaughter Janey O'Connor hugs her cousin Jenn Houton after Judge William Brady released McCullough DeKalb County State's Attorney Richard Schmack concluded that McCullough couldn't have killed Maria, citing evidence supporting the McCullough's claim that he had been 40 miles away when the second-grader was abducted In his review he said the documents contained 'a wealth of information pointing to McCullough's innocence, and absolutely nothing showing guilt'. He also noted that Maria's friend had identified McCullough as the killer five decades later from an array of six photographs; McCullough's picture stood out, partially because everyone but him wore suitcoats and their photos were professional yearbook pictures. Maria's murder haunted the Sycamore community for decades, and McCullough's conviction four years ago seemed to bring some closure. Those wounds now threaten to reopen. Members of her family remain convinced that McCullough is guilty and have sought the appointment of a special prosecutor in an attempt to keep him behind bars. Maria's brother, 70-year-old Charles Ridulph, still lives in Sycamore and has said in recent weeks that his family feels let down by the state prosecutor's office about-face. McCullough was released on Friday afternoon. A male corporal accused of raping a female colleague in a threesome today claimed that the sex was consensual and said he was 'in shock' when he heard of the allegations. He made the claim as a jury was today shown pictures of the barracks bedroom where Cpl Anne-Marie Ellement alleged it took place, and the mess bar that the three were drinking in beforehand. A court was today shown the barracks bedroom where a female Corporal alleges she was raped in a threesome with two male colleagues. But ex Corporal Thomas Fulton, 28, said he believes he instigated a consensual threesome following a booze-filled night at the German barracks seven years ago. He and fellow former Cpl Jeremy Jones, 28, went back to Jones's room with where she engaged in sexual intercourse and other sex acts with them both. Court martial: Thomas Fulton (left) and Jeremy Jones (right), both 28, are accused of raping Cpl Ellement in the early hours of November 20 2009 while she was serving with the Royal Military Police in Germany Pictured with her mother: Cpl Ellement, who died two years after the alleged attack, is said to have spent the evening drinking with several service personnel in their mess Jeremy Jones' room at the barracks in Sennelager, Germany, where Royal Military Police corporal Anne-Marie Ellement is said to have been raped. The picture was shown in court The group had been drinking in the Corporal's Mess bar in Sennelager on the night of the sexual encounter, Fulton told the court today This is the military accommodation where the three recruits allegedly engaged in the threesome which was described in court today. Fulton told the court that Cpl Ellement left wearing his trousers He today told a court martial she kissed both men in Jones's room before she started removing his brown khaki shirt as he struggled to remove her jeans. Fulton claims he and Cpl Ellement, who died aged 30 in 2011, then went to the bed where she kicked off her shoes while he removed her bra. She helped him remove her trousers before Jones joined in, and she had sexual intercourse with both men and performed sex acts on them both. But she was later found sobbing in a corridor outside her room partially naked with muddy feet and told police she was raped by both men, who deny the charges. He claims he was 'in shock' when he first discovered that charges were being brought against him, after a voluntary interview. Speaking from the witness stand, Fulton today said her claims that he forced her to have sex with him and that she asked him to stop several times were 'simply not true'. Bulford Military Court, Wiltshire, heard no charges were initially brought against the pair, but a review of evidence meant both men were charged with rape after her death. When asked how he felt about his voluntary police interview in 2014 being sent to the Service Prosecution Authority leading to the charges, he today admitted: 'I was in complete shock.' Corporal Anne-Marie Ellement (pictured left and right, at her passing out parade) was found almost naked and crying in an Army barracks corridor on the night she alleged she was raped, a court martial heard Fulton, who has since left the army and is now studying for a degree, said the trio were all having a laugh on the evening of November 19 2009 at Sennelager barracks in Germany, drinking in the corporal's mess. He joked with his then girlfriend Sarah Noteyoung over text messages about how they should tell Anne-Marie that Jones liked her, which led to flirting and later kissing between them all. We were all laughing and joking all the way through Thomas Fulton He said: 'Anne-Marie seemed very pleased that Jonesy found her attractive. I remember texting Sarah and she was involved in the joke as well.' As the night went on, he said: 'I recall having a conversation with Anne-Marie about engaging in a threesome. 'I think it was me who instigated the conversation but I cannot be 100 per cent.' He was asked by his barrister Anthony Berry QC: 'Did you think "game on"?' He replied: 'I remember having a conversation and it being serious. The possibility of a threesome was a serious consideration.' He went on to tell the court things 'escalated quickly' in the bar and he and Cpl Ellement ended up flirting and kissing, before the three left for Jones' room. Hearing: Bulford Court Martial Centre in Wiltshire (pictured) heard the soldiers, who have since left the Army, admit that sexual activity took place. But they insist Cpl Ellement fully consented to what happened The court martial today heard extremely graphic detail about how Fulton had sex with Cpl Ellement in the early hours the next day, as she simultaneously performed a sex act on Jones. He also said Cpl Ellement performed a sex act on him, while Jones had sex with her. He told police in an interview: 'I would never have slept with Anne-Marie on my own, but because it was Jez I thought it was funny. 'We were all laughing and joking all the way through.' He added in police interviews that he 'knows she agreed' because she seemed 'excited' at the prospect in the bar earlier. He today added under cross examination: 'She kissed us and she instigated things. She consented the whole time.' Cpl Ellement told police she hurt her wrist because Fulton held her down during the threesome. Ex-corporals Fulton (left), formerly of 174 Provost Company 3 Royal Military Police, and Jones (right), 28, formerly of Close Protection Unit Royal Military Police Operations Wing, each deny two charges of rape However, Fulton told the court martial it happened when she punched a door frame hours before the threesome when she was angry with her female colleagues. Fulton explained to the court martial panel that he later woke up in Jones' room and tried to get dressed - but Cpl Ellement had left wearing his trousers. He followed her steps and found her in the car park, and he admitted yelling at Cpl Ellement: 'Give me my f*****g trousers back.' All I can say is I honestly didn't do anything wrong and I'm sorry Thomas Fulton's text to his girlfriend after the alleged threesome When she said no, he told her to 'stop being a c***' so she removed them in front of him and gave them back, storming off back to her accommodation. At that point Fulton today said: 'As she walked off I said 'f*** off you slag'.' He explained his angry behaviour in the car park to Sarah Whitehouse QC, prosecuting, by saying he was angry Cpl Ellement had 'spoilt a good night'. He said: 'I was frustrated she spoilt a really good night but looking back, I have no excuse. 'I should have walked Anne-Marie back to the block that night.' Afterwards, he and Jones discussed heading out to Savoys bar in Paderborn and left in a taxi when Jones got a call from the barracks police station and told him: 'Anne-Marie is upset.' While at the police station at 1.33am he texted girlfriend Ms Noteyoung saying: 'All I can say is I honestly didn't do anything wrong and I'm sorry, I'm going to turn my phone off. Night! X.' Anne-Marie Ellement's mother Alexandra Barritt and sister Sharon Hardy arrive for today's court martial He said it was 'simply not true' that Cpl Ellement was later found distressed afterwards because she had been subjected to a sexual assault. He added: 'I couldn't understand why she was being unreasonable. I said I would go back to the room and get her jeans for her, and she said no.' Ex Cpl Fulton, formerly of 3rd regiment Royal Military Police, and Ex Cpl Jones, formerly of the close protection unit Royal Military Police, each deny two counts of rape. Fulton said: 'I have since played this incident over and over in my mind for seven years, initially being told I was under investigation then being told the case was being dismissed and I could forget it.' The panel has heard the circumstances surrounding Cpl Ellement's death are not relevant to their task. Donald Trump has opened up a sizable lead over Texas Sen. Ted Cruz in a new national poll of Republican voters, widening his margin from 3 percentage points to 18 in the space of three weeks. The Fox News poll found 45 per cent of GOP voters support his upstart bid for the White House, while Cruz has the backing of 27 per cent. John Kasich, the long-shot Ohio governor, remains in third place with 25 per cent. Trump's 45 per cent showing is a high water mark for him in the Fox poll, although he has posted number as high as 53 per cent in other recognized surveys. Three weeks ago the 45-27 margin between the real estate billionaire and the tea party senator was just 41-38, with Kasich far behind at 17. WIDER: Billionaire Donald Trump has grown his nationwide lead over Texas Sen. Ted Cruz in the Republican presidential primary fight from 3 points to 18 in just the past three weeks FINISH LINE IN SIGHT? Trump leads Cruz in delegates and votes, with 1.94 million more Americans choosing him at the polls THEY THINK THEY CAN (AND AMERICANS SAY ONE OF THEM IS RIGHT): Ted Cruz (left) and John Kasich (right) are chugging along, and polls show Kasich is best equipped to beat Hillary Clinton Fox News reported that Trump's most loyal demographic continues to be Republicans without college degrees. Fully 54 percent of them are on the Trump train. Separately, 50 per cent of Republicans who call themselves 'very' conservative are in his corner. That outcome continues to surprise some analysts who see Cruz as the most likely mascot for the far right. But Trump has defied expectations since he launched his unconventional White House bid last June. Fox also polled a handful of hypothetical matchups between Republican and Democratic candidates, and found that it's Kasich who performs best even though he has the slimmest chance of winning the GOP nomination. Kasich would beat former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton by nine points if they squared off today, pollsters found. Clinton would top Trump by 7 points, and Cruz by 1 point. The Ohio governor is also best-positioned to beat Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who is running in second place on the Democratic side of the race. Kasich would edge Sanders by 4 points if they were the two main White House candidates, the poll determined. Trump and Cruz would drown against Sanders, but 14 and 12 points respectively. Yet voters still say they believe Trump is the Republican with the best chance of beating Clinton in the fall. Forty-two per cent pick him, followed by Cruz with 24 per cent and Kasich with 20. Among Republican primary voters only, that gap grows. Fifty-eight per cent of the GOP faithful give Trump the best odds of defeating Clinton, followed by 21 per cent for Cruz and 16 per cent for Kasich. TIGHTENING: Bernie Sanders has drawn to within 2 points of Hillary Clinton on the strength of an 8-and-1 streak of primary and caucus victories 'When it comes to electability, the disconnect between what Republicans think and what the polling data show is astounding,' said Daron Shaw, the Republican half of the bipartisan team that conducts the Fox news poll. 'Close to three times as many think Trump has the best chance against the Democrats despite the fact he's down seven points to Clinton while Kasich is up nine.' The Fox poll showed the Democratic primary race tightening even as Trump enlarged his lead on the GOP side. Former Clinton now leads Sanders by just 2 points, with a 48-46 per cent margin. Sanders has won eight of the last nine Democratic primary contests and caucuses in the last month. Before that streak began last month, he was trailing by 13 points. Much of that shift, Fox reported, is a reflection of changing views among Democratic women. Since mid-March, Clinton has lost 11 percentage points among women in her primary contest, and Sanders picked up 9 percentage points in from the same group. The two young girls accused of trying to kill a classmate to appease a fictitious horror character have been denied a reduced bail in the case as they continue to await trial behind bars two years after their arrest. Judge Michael Bohren denied requests made by lawyers for Morgan Geyser, now 13, and Anissa Weier, now 14, to have their bail reduced from $500,000, an amount the families of both young girls have said they cannot afford. The girls are being tried as adults for attempted first-degree intentional homicide for an attack on Payton Leutner, who survived 19 stab wounds in Waukesha, Wisconsin in May 2014 as the girls tried to appease the Slender Man. All three were 12 years old at the time. Scroll down for video No luck: Judge Michael Bohren denied requests made by lawyers for Morgan Geyser (left in 2014 mugshot) and Anissa Weier (right in 2014 mugshot) to have their bail reduced Victim: The girls are being tried as adults for attempted intentional homicide for an attack on Payton Leutner (above), who survived 19 stab wounds Judge Bohern said that he was not lowering the bail for the girls because he considered them a flight risk, noting that they had tried to flee before. The two were picked up walking into the woods in hopes of meeting the Slender Man after stabbing Payton. 'Even the best effort to secure someone, outside of a secure facility, doesn't always work,' said Judge Bohern. Geyser, who suffers from early onset schizophrenia, was recently committed to a state mental hospital. In arguing for his client's release, defense attorney Anthony Cotton said in court documents this week that Geyser's mental health has improved. Cotton also said his client was sexually assaulted last year at the county detention center where she has been in custody. During a phone hearing Wednesday, the judge said he would consider the allegation but was concerned that it wasn't immediately reported. On Friday, defense attorneys for both girls said their clients' mental states had improved. One girl said she was diagnosed as having a 'shared delusional belief' that had improved with separation from her co-defendant. The other girl reported significant recent improvement from proper doses of anti-psychotic medication. Cotton also brought in a counselor who testified that his client no longer heard voices or believed she interacted with Harry Potter characters, as she had in the past. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported that last year Kenneth Robbins evaluated Geyser twice, and later testified that she had delusions which appeared to be worsening. During that time she had told professionals she did not want medication because it might make her 'friends' - fictional characters from Harry Potter and Slender Man - disappear. Geyser also believes she can control her emotions. Robbins said her disease would never disappear and that she would at some point begin to lose the ability to function. He also said he believed she would qualify for an insanity defense due to the fact that she believed Slender Man would hurt her or her family if she did not do as he wished and murder Leutner. She did not receive treatment for this condition while behind bars. Nicole Simon, a jail officer in Washington County where Geyser is being held, and other jail officials testified that she was a timid, polite and extremely creative child last year. They also said she talks to herself, sits under a table in her jail pod and feeds and plays with ants crawling on the floor. Testifying for the state, Kenneth Casimir said that despite her problems Geyser should not be sent home as she told him she would have to kill again for the Slender Man, proof he said that she is 'certainly at risk to engage in violent behavior.' When asked if she would commit murder if freed, Casimir said Geyser told him; 'I'd have to do it.' Difficult time: The families of both girls, from Waukesha, Wisconsin, have said they cannot afford the current bail, which has been set at $500,000 (Weier in court last August above) Troubles: Geyser (above in court last August) was committed to a mental hospital last month and suffers from early onset schizophrenia If the case is moved to juvenile court, the girls would spend no more than three more years in custody and would get far more more intense supervision after being released. As adults, they could receive a sentence of 45 years behind bars. In April of last year, Judge Bohren denied a request to move Geyser to a psychiatric treatment center. Geyser's attorney, Anthony Cotton, at that time also applied to have her $500,000 bail reduced so that she could get out of jail and seek treatment for schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Judge Bohren, once again, said Geyser was a flight risk, and even though she is young, she was capable of plotting a sophisticated plan to murder someone. Cotton said at the time that his client had no way to get anywhere and that any allegations of violence have been limited to the stabbing and are connected to her mental illness. 'She has no transport, no car, no friends, no money,' he said. 'She's not any sort of flight risk.' Wisconsin law requires anyone accused of certain serious crimes to be charged as adults if they are 10 or older. According to a criminal complaint, the girls plotted for months before they lured Payton, their former friend, into some woods after a sleepover and attacked her. They told investigators they hoped it would please Slender Man, a fictional online ghoul they had read about in horror stories. Situation: The two girls' attorneys have never denied they attacked and stabbed Payton, but claim they were so disturbed they truly believed the Slender Man - a popular online urban myth - would kill their own families in three seconds if they did not do his bidding (Geyser above in June 2014) Insanity?: The alleged attackers were found after the stabbing walking toward the Nicolet National Forest, where they say they thought they would join Slender Man (Weier above in June 2014) During a preliminary hearing in February 2015, a notebook in which Geyser would draw disturbing pictures and messages, was presented to the court. One of the grotesque cartoons depicts a young cat-like girl armed with a scythe standing over a dead girl with a speech bubble that says, 'I love killing people'. Other writings and cartoons profess her admiration and devotion to the Slender Man urban myth. The drawings will be a central part of the defense team's claim that Geyser is mentally unfit to stand trial as an adult. Along with the sketches, the court was also presented with the mutilated body of one of Geyser's Barbie dolls in April, which had its hair and limbs cut and what appeared to be satanic markings drawn onto the torso. In addition to that was a list of 'supplies necessary' which included a 'map of forest' and 'weapons (kitchen knife).' Neither of the suspects has entered a plea as the attorneys attempt to move the case to juvenile court. The two girls' attorneys have never denied they attacked and stabbed Payton, but claim they were so disturbed they truly believed the Slender Man - a popular online urban myth - would kill their own families in three seconds if they did not do his bidding. Collins previously testified that she has interviewed the Geyser several times and concluded she honestly believes Slender Man exists. '(Her belief) hasn't wavered and it's been unyielding to a rational perspective,' Collins testified. Collins testified again at that hearing that Geyser told her she uses Vulcan mind control to keep negative emotions at bay and believes Harry Potter villain Lord Voldemort visits her when he's not away on business trips. The alleged attackers were found after the stabbing walking toward the Nicolet National Forest, where they say they thought they would join Slender Man. Iraqi forces have continued to push ISIS jihadists from towns in western Iraq, the latest in a series of defeats for the terror group. Military personnel confirmed that the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service took has now taken complete control of the town of Heet in Ramadi province from ISIS after weeks of fighting. It is just latest blow given that ISIS has lost more than 20 per cent of their territory in Iraq since the beginning of the year. Victory: Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service forces retook the town of Heet in western Ramadi from ISIS Fighting: Iraqi forces have been fighting ISIS in Heet for weeks. It is the latest blow to the terror group Research company IHS Conflict Monitor map from March 28 showing Iraqi forces territorial gains against ISIS A graphic by research company IHS Conflict Monitor showing ISIS has lost 22 per cent of territory an area roughly half the size of England since the start of 2015 'Units from the Counter-Terrorism Service completely liberated Heet,' Iraq's Joint Operations Command said in a statement. 'The town of Heet is cleared of any Daesh gunmen,' Noman told AFP, using an Arabic acronym for IS. After securing Anbar capital Ramadi, Iraqi forces launched an operation in mid-March aimed at retaking Heet, one of the largest population centres in the province still under IS control. But the drive was apparently delayed by a two-week sit-in by supporters of powerful Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, as forces were pulled from Anbar to protect them. Evacuation: Families were evacuated from Heet after it was retaken by Iraqi forces as they cleared the town IS overran large areas north and west of Baghdad in 2014, and captured Anbar capital Ramadi the following year. Iraqi forces backed by US-led air strikes and training have since regained signficant ground from the jihadists. But IS still holds territory in Anbar and much of Nineveh province to its north, and it is also able to carry out frequent attacks against civilians and security forces in government-held areas. Booby trap: ISIS are known to booby trap towns before they flee IS still holds territory in Anbar and much of Nineveh province to its north In March, Columb Strack, a senior analyst at research company IHS Conflict Monitor, said: 'The tide of the war is turning against the Islamic State. ISIS is increasingly isolated and being perceived as in decline. 'In 2016, we have seen major losses in the north-east extend south towards Raqqa and Deir al-Zour as the mixed-sectarian Kurdish and Sunni Syrian Democratic Forces advance under the cover of U.S. and Russian airstrikes. 'Isolation and further military defeats will make it harder for the Islamic State to attract new recruits to Syria from the pool of foreign jihadis.' However it comes as the group have made fresh retaliatory attacks on both the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and the Syrian Army near Aleppo city and the Turkish border, causing 20,000 people to flee the fighting. Syrian state media reported late last night that the army had engaged in operations against Islamic State near Khanaser, inflicting 'large losses' on the insurgents. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said clashes had renewed and intensified near Khanaser as part of a fresh IS assault, and that the militants had used a car bomb against government forces later on Friday. Back: ISIS has lost territory in Iraq but has gained towns in Syria against both the government and rebels Fighting between the army and Islamic State in the area had been raging earlier as the government sought to regain control there, the Britain-based Observatory said. The United Nations said that as of Thursday, an Islamic State attack on border areas held by Syrian rebel groups had put camps for displaced people at risk, causing more than 20,000 of them of them to flee towards the opposition-held town of Azaz. On Monday, Islamic State retook the town of al-Rai, 22 miles east of Azaz, from factions fighting under the banner of the Free Syrian Army, part of months of back-and-forth fighting in northern Aleppo province. IS fighters made further gains on Friday in the area, taking over the village of Tal Shair west of al-Rai and also a few miles from the Turkish border, the Observatory and Islamic State's Amaq news agency reported. Killer's lawyer said youngest member of the Manson family, who is 66, is no longer a threat to the public A woman whose father and stepmother were murdered by the Manson family has begged for the beauty queen who held them down as they were stabbed to death to be kept in jail. Leslie Van Houten held a pillow over Rosemary La Bianca's face as the Manson murderers stabbed her and her husband, Leno, to death before carving the word 'WAR' in his stomach. The woman, who was 19 at the time of the killings, admitted stabbing Mrs La Bianca after she died and was sentenced to death for murder. This was later commuted to life in prison, but Van Houten, now 66, was on Thursday recommended for parole after undergoing counselling and exhibiting good behavior behind bars. Mr La Bianca's daughter, Cory La Bianca, has now given a rare interview to the Los Angeles Times, pleading with the authorities to keep the killer in jail. Scroll down for video Manson family member Leslie Van Houten, 66 (pictured Thursday), has been approved for parole in California, but the daughter of her victims has pleaded for her to be kept in prison Van Houten in her most recent mugshot taken on March 3, 2015 by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation 'I very much disagree with the ruling,' Ms La Bianca said. 'We all need to be held responsible for our behavior. The least we can do, for someone who commits a crime against another human being, is to keep them in jail.' She said her 41-year-old son burst into tears while listening to the parole hearing at the California Institution for Women in Chino, which deemed Van Houten 'suitable for parole' after years in prison. Van Houten, the youngest member of the Manson cult, has taken 'self-help programs, classes and counselling' and provided an 'insight why she committed the crimes', a spokesman for the Department of Corrections said. The killer denounced Manson and his teachings soon after she was first convicted of murder. Van Houten, who was denied parole in 2013, was not due to be heard by the parole board again until 2018. Van Houten admitted holding a pillow over the head of Rosemary La Bianca (left) while other cult members stabbed her and husband Leno (right) to death as part of a race war Manson believed was about to start However, according to a report in the San Francisco Chronicle, Van Houten addressed many of the failings reported by the parole board in 2013 and was granted an early hearing. The case will now be reviewed, which can take up to four months, while the final decision on Van Houten's release will be down to Governor Jerry Brown. A spokesman for the governor said Thursday that it would be premature for his office to comment. 'Maybe Leslie Van Houten has been a model prisoner,' Cory La Bianca said. 'But you know what, we still suffer our loss.' Van Houten in her freshman year of high school in 1964 Speaking about her father, she said: 'He didn't get to live his, and I'll live it for him.' She added that her grandson had recently asked her about her father, leaving her speechless. 'How do you answer that to a six-year-old?' Ms La Bianca said. 'It doesn't end. This doesn't end.' She now intends to appeal to Gov. Brown to demand he intervene and keep Van Houten in jail. Richard Pfeiffer, attorney for Van Houten, told Daily Mail Online: 'The governor deserves a lot of credit for taking a broken parole system and making it work. 'The court system was impossible, so he appointed a board who know what they're doing and only I hope he follows through all the way in this case.' He also said in an interview with the Los Angeles Times: 'A lot of people who oppose parole don't know anything about Leslie's conduct. 'Her role was bad. Everyone's was. But they don't know what she's done since then and all of the good she's done.' Van Houten, who launched her first parole attempt in 1979 and has applied for parole 20 times in total, recounted her part in the killing of La Bianca and his wife during her hearing. The former homecoming princess, who described herself as a hippy at the time of the murders, told of how she looked off into the distance until another Manson follower told her to do something before she joined in the stabbing. She described herself as a young woman who was angry at her parents' divorce. During her five-hour testimony, Van Houten described Manson as a 'Christ-like man that had all the answers'. She then went into graphic detail how she held down Rosemary La Bianca and secured a pillow with a lamp cord while another member of the Manson family stabbed her repeatedly. Van Houten (right) has applied for parole a total of 20 times, the first in January 1979. Attorney Richard Pfeiffer (left) said he hoped governor Brown 'follows through all the way in this case' She said: 'I don't let myself off the hook. I don't find parts in any of this that makes me feel the slightest bit good about myself.' Van Houten has so far spent more than four decades in prison for participating in the killings of wealthy grocer Leno La Bianca and his wife. Parole Commissioner Ali Zarrinnam told Van Houten at the end of the hearing: 'Your behavior in prison speaks for itself. Forty-six years and not a single serious rule violation.' The La Biancas were stabbed numerous times and the word 'WAR' was carved on the stomach of Leno La Bianca. Charles Manson appears in Los Angeles, California court on March 29, 1971 Van Houten was the youngest Manson follower to take part in one of the nation's most notorious killings after she descended into a life of drugs and joined Manson's cult in the 1960s. Behind bars, 66-year-old Van Houten has completed college degrees and demonstrated exemplary behavior. The La Biancas were killed a day after other so-called 'Manson family' members murdered actress Sharon Tate, the pregnant wife of director Roman Polanski, and four others. Tate's sister, Debra, has started an online petition opposing parole for Van Houten, saying she failed to show remorse for years after the crimes and can't be trusted. The killings were the start of what Manson believed was a coming race war. He dubbed it 'Helter Skelter' after a Beatles song. Lawyer Mr Pfeiffer said in an earlier interview that she presents no danger to the public and should be freed. 'The only violent thing she has ever done in her entire life was this crime and that was under the control of Charles Manson,' he said. 'She is just not a public safety risk, and when you are not a public safety risk, the law says you shall be released.' At her last hearing in 2013, a parole commissioner told Van Houten she had failed to explain how someone as intelligent and well-bred as she could have committed such cruel and atrocious crimes. Van Houten told the panel she had been traumatized by her parents' divorce when she was 14, her pregnancy soon after and her mother's insistence she have an abortion. During the hearing, she apologized to everyone she had harmed. Van Houten did not participate in the Tate killings but went along the next night when the La Biancas were slain. She was 19 at the time. Her defense lawyers portrayed her as a young woman from a good family who had been a homecoming princess and showed promise until she got involved with drugs and was recruited into Manson's cult. Van Houten (pictured right along with fellow Charles Manson cult members Susan Atkins, left, and Patricia Krenwinkel, center) arrives in court in August 1970 for assisting in the murders of Leno La Bianca and his wife Rosemary Van Houten (pictured left along with fellow Charles Manson cult members Atkins, center, and Krenwinkel, right) arrives in court in November 1970 to tell the judge they want to testify despite the advice of their lawyers Van Houten (pictured right along with fellow Charles Manson cult members Susan Atkins, center, and Patricia Krenwinkel, right) leaves court after being convicted of first degree murder Van Houten (pictured right along with fellow Charles Manson cult members Atkins, left, and Krenwinkel, center) laughs after being sentenced to death for her role in the murders Van Houten (pictured left along with fellow Charles Manson cult members Atkins, right and Krenwinkel, center) arrives in court to hear the formal pronouncement of her death sentence During the penalty phase of her trial, she confessed to joining in stabbing Rosemary La Bianca after she was dead. Van Houten's conviction was overturned on appeal after her lawyer was found dead during the trial. Members of the Manson family took credit for the killing, but it is believed he died in a flash flood. She was retried twice and ultimately convicted in 1978 of two counts of murder and conspiracy. Her first retrial ended in a hung jury, and prior to her conviction in 1978 she was out on $200,000 bond - and even attended the Oscars with a friend. In an interview with filmmaker John Waters, Van Houten was asked what she said to people that night when they asked her if she had seen any of the films. 'If someone brought up one of the nominees, I'd just say, "No, I missed that one" or "I was away when that was playing",' Van Houten said. Manson, 81, and other followers involved in the killings are still jailed. Patricia Krenwinkel and Charles 'Tex' Watson have each been denied parole multiple times, while fellow defendant Susan Atkins died in prison in 2009. Former Manson follower Bruce Davis was approved for parole but Gov. Brown blocked his release in 2014, citing the gravity of his offenses and his refusal to fully accept responsibility for his role in the murders of a stunt man and a musician. A callous Romanian conman who stole 23,000 in life savings from a disabled war veteran after distracting him as he used a cash machine has been jailed for three years. Ion Anghel was one of a three-man gang of Romanians who surrounded Neville Corbett, 93, as he used an ATM inside the Nat West Bank in Grantham, Lincolnshire. Mr Corbett, who served with the Desert Rats in North Africa, was disabled after losing an arm while fighting at El Alamein. Scroll down for video Ion Anghel, 48, was one of a three-man gang of Romanians who surrounded Neville Corbett as he used a cash machine inside the Nat West Bank in Grantham, Lincolnshire He was distracted after a 20 note was dropped on the floor as he collected his money out of the machine. The gang switched his bank card for one they had stolen earlier. They then used his card 27 times over the next two days, buying thousands of pounds worth of goods including iPhones and a 13,800 car. Lincoln Crown Court was told that Anghel had committed similar offences across Europe, carrying out distraction thefts in Italy and Denmark as well as in the UK. He was already serving a jail sentence imposed for theft of a bank card from a 67-year-old woman after she used an ATM in Cheltenham. And when he finishes his sentence for the offences involving Mr Corbett he will be extradited to France where a warrant has been issued for his arrest for a further distraction theft. Jonathon Dee, prosecuting, said 'He has a previous conviction in this country for a similar matter and also has previous convictions in Italy and Denmark for similar matters. 'He is currently wanted on an arrest warrant out for him in France.' Mr Dee said that Anghel and his accomplices spent half an hour walking up and down the main street in Grantham checking out customers using bank machines before selecting Mr Corbett as their victim. Approaching the cash machine, 93-year-old Mr Corbett starts to take some money out of his account Anghel and his accomplices spent half an hour walking up and down the main street in Grantham checking out customers using bank machines before selecting Mr Corbett as their victim As the ex-Desert Rats soldier bends down to pick up a 20 note, one of the thieves swiftly changes his card in the cash machine He said 'This was clearly a well-planned and well-practised deception. They were looking into bank lobbies clearly looking for a suitable victim. 'They chose 93 year old Neville Corbett. He is a man who has some disabilities. He has a prosthetic limb have lost an arm fighting in El Alamein. 'This all happened very quickly. The whole thing took just 45 seconds. 'Within quarter of an hour Mr Corbett's card was being used to withdraw 50 from an ATM in Grantham.' The card was used again to withdraw cash in Grantham and then used later the same day in Newark and Nottingham. By 9pm the same day the card was being used in North London at ATM machines and to buy a vehicle from a car dealer. The card was also used in the Birmingham area before it was eventually rejected after an attempt to buy 4,000 worth of goods from a store in Chingford. Mr Dee said '23,000 was taken over two and a half days. There was very extensive use of the debit card. 'All of the money was refunded to Mr Corbett by the bank. The victim has been remarkably sanguine. 'He says he wasn't aware it was happening and he got his money back. He says he has not been affected by it.' Upon returning to the cash machine, Mr Corbett was unaware his card had been changed Ion Anghel, 48, of Wolverhampton admitted theft of a bank card on 14 December 2015 and fraud. His two accomplices have been identified by police but officers have so far been unable to trace them. Judge Simon Hirst , passing sentence, described Mr Corbett as 'a man of considerable fortitude'. He told Anghel: 'This was a sophisticated offence. You deliberately targeted a vulnerable victim and found the most vulnerable victim you could that day. ' DI Simon Bromiley, of Lincolnshire Police said: 'We believe other individuals were involved in this incident and are doing our utmost to make sure those responsible are brought to justice as Anghel has been today. 'Whilst I am satisfied that one male has been convicted the investigation remains a work in progress and officers are working hard to bring the remaining suspects to account. 'These offences are rare but very distressing when they occur. 'Clearly this was very distressing for the victim and his family. This was a well planned and executed offence. 'They targeted an elderly and disabled man. The offenders travelled all over the UK to utilise his card. 'He has shown great courage and fortitude over the last few months and has been very stoic. I would just like to commend him for that. to the hospital that day and died on May 24 Two days later, on May 16, 2014, Schubert tried to get her grandmother up and when she A New Jersey woman admitted in court to beating her 94-year-old grandmother to death. Katherine L.Schubert, 39, of Asbury Park, New Jersey said that after a night of drinking she got into a fight with Mary Driscoll and attacked the woman, leaving her helpless and lying on the kitchen floor. The frail woman remained there for two more days without food or assistance until Sunday, when Schubert said she 'beat her into submission,' killing the woman. Schubert admitted this all to a judge, breaking down at times, as she pleaded guilty to manslaughter inside a courtroom on Thursday. The Asbury Park Press reports that Scubert said under questioning she could not remember all the details of the night, but recounted what she could recall. On Friday, May 16, 2014, her mother Michele Schubert left the home to open up her summer house in Montauk, New York, leaving her daughter in charge of Driscoll's care. Schubert and her mother got into a fight before she left over her plans that night to go out with someone she had met in a drug rehabilitation program, which she had just competed two weeks prior. Shortly after, Schubert began to drink heavily, and when her friend arrived to pick her up and take her out for the night she was kicked out of his car almost immediately because she was so inebriated. At that point she entered the home and got into a fight with her grandmother where she hit the frail woman, causing her to collapse on the floor. She remained on that floor with no food or assistance for the next two days. Then, on Sunday, May 18, Schubert went to pick up her grandmother and put her into some pajamas to get her into bed. When Driscoll began to struggle that is when Schubert said she decided to 'go in for round two and beat her into submission.' One of Schubert's friends arrived at the house soon after and called for an ambulance, despite Schuibert trying to get the phone away from her. Schubert's mother, who had been called by her daughter earlier in the day and told that something bad had happened, arrived around the same time as the ambulance. Mary Driscoll was rushed to the hospital but died on May 24. Schubert was on probation for endangering the welfare of a child by driving intoxicated with a minor in the car at the time of the incident. Prosecutors in the case are asking that Schubert get eight years in prison on the manslaughter charge. One of the women is currently in Officer Candidate School, 13 will go into the armor field and the remaining nine will become infantry officers No woman has ever completed the Marine Corps Infantry Officer Course, although 29 have tried, while only three have ever become Army Rangers The women will be required to complete the same physical requirements as men in order to serve in the desired position The 22 women are almost finished with officer training and will go on to complete special schools and physical requirements Starting this year, all military positions are now opened to The U.S. Army is preparing to commission 22 female lieutenants as infantry and armor officers under historic new rules, which allow women to serve in ground combat roles. Defense Secretary Ash Carter announced a sweeping order to open all military occupations to women beginning this year, including front line combat roles. The 22 women have almost finished their officer training and must then complete their specialty schools and meet certain physical requirements before they are fully qualified to start, USA Today reported. For the first time since all positions in the military were opened to females, 22 women have been approved for ground combat in the U.S. Army (file photo) The women, who will finish their officer training soon, will go into various divisions of ground combat for the Army. The Marine Corps already has women trained for combat roles (above) Armor officers are responsible for tank and cavalry operations. Infantry officers lead infantry troops and other armed forces during land combat. The 22 women are currently in West Point, ROTC or Officer Candidate School and will be commissioned as officers when they graduate, USA Today reported. One of the women is currently in Officer Candidate School. Thirteen will go into the armor field and the remaining nine will become infantry officers. As soldiers graduate from ROTC programs they are given branch assignments. This often happens at a formal ceremony but at West Point, where the women are training, officers branches are determined in their senior year, according to the Washington Post. Though women warriors have frequently found themselves in combat situations in Iraq and Afghanistan, they had previously been barred from joining front line combat roles, including the infantry and Special Forces. One of the women is in Officer Candidate School, 13 will go into the armor field and nine will become infantry officers (file photo) To serve in the infantry, women need to wear heavy body armor and packs that can weigh more than 100 pounds (file photo) The ground combat jobs require strength and endurance and often involve living in harsh combat conditions for long periods of time. Women only account for about 15.6 per cent of the 1.34 million active-duty personnel in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force. As the new rules kick in, 52 military occupations -- some 220,000 jobs -- will accept female applicants, who must still pass the same rigorous physical tests as men. To serve in the infantry, the women will need to wear heavy body armor and packs that can weigh more than 100 pounds. They also must be able to hike long distances with all the heavy gear. USA Today reported that no woman has ever completed the Marine Corps Infantry Officer Course. Twenty-nine women have tried, but all have failed. Only three women have graduated from the Armys Ranger School since it opened to women last year. Constance Briscoe (pictured) , 58, was one of Britain's first black female judges The career of one of Britain's most high profile barristers was left in tatters today after she was thrown out of the profession. Constance Briscoe, 58, was one of Britain's first black female judges and wrote a best seller about her dysfunctional childhood. She spectacularly fell from grace in 2013 after being caught up in the Vicky Pryce and Chris Huhne points swapping scandal. Briscoe helped Pryce liaise with journalists to smear Huhne - but told police she was neutral and had never spoken to the papers about his case. She also produced two false witness statements and altered a witness statement, the Bar Standards Board heard. James Counsell, for the BSB, told the tribunal: 'On May 1 2014 Ms Briscoe was convicted of three offences in total relating to an attempt to pervert the course of justice. 'She was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment. These facts are our case'. Between May 16, 2011 and October 6, 2012, Briscoe had provided two statements to police in which she denied her contacting of the media. But evidence soon emerged showing Briscoe had communicated with Pryce and journalists in texts, emails, as well as face to face. Briscoe also altered the meaning of a witness statement, and then put this 'altered' document before an expert in handwriting, deceiving the academic into believing it had not been tampered with. The barrister lost the right to appeal of her conviction in 2015, but avoided paying court costs of 89,246.33 after revealing she owed the taxman 150,000, and had been forced to sell her flat to her son to raise capital. The Bar Standards Board found that Briscoe had engaged in conduct which was dishonest and discreditable to a barrister, engaged in conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice, and diminished public confidence in the legal profession. As a result, she has been banned from the profession. Briscoe fell from grace in 2013 after being caught up in the Vicky Pryce (right) and Chris Huhne (left) points swapping scandal Tribunal chair Veronica Hammerton, said: 'Ms Briscoe's actions were a serious and consistent departure from professional standards. 'This is a serious matter, and it is quite clear that serious harm has been caused to the administration of justice and to the reputation of the Bar. 'It is an aggravating facts that she tried to blame the police for inaccuracy in a witness statement. 'She has continued to maintain she is not guilty of the offences for which she is convicted. 'No other sentence can be imposed other than disbarment.' A former US Coast Guard has been sentenced up to 200 years in prison for filming himself as he raped an 18-month-old girl in a motel before urinating on her. Judge Mark Trusock told Eric Devin Master, 'You are truly an evil individual and we need to make sure that you are never allowed in society', during the sentencing hearing at Kent County Circuit Court in Michigan on Thursday. Masters, 29, who was already sentenced to 50-years last month for making sexually explicit videos of children in five counties throughout the state, claimed he had an addiction to child pornography and said he had been a victim of abuse himself. Eric Devin Masters (left, and right, in court Thursday) was sentenced to between 50 and 200 years for three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Judge Mark Trusock said he was 'truly an evil individual' Masters, who pleaded guilty to three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, was accused of taking the toddler to a motel in 2012, where he tied her arms and legs to bedposts and raped her. He admitted to assaulting the girl three times over the course of eight days, the Detroit Free Press reported. Masters filmed himself engaging in multiple sex acts with the toddler before urinating on her in a video that he emailed to others in exchange for more child pornography, the FBI said. The girl's mother begged the judge to keep Masters locked up, testifying that her daughter is still traumatized at the age of five. The girl, who was sexually abused until she was three, remembers the abuse and has spoken about it, mlive.com reported. Trusock, who sentenced Masters to between 50 and 200 years on Thursday, said: 'I want to send a clear message to the Parole Board, when you first come up for parole as a 79-year-old, that I don't want you out. 'This incident is one of the most egregious things that Ive ever had to deal with in dealing with criminal cases for 31 years. 'There is just no justification, there is just no excuse for this. You are truly an evil individual and we need to make sure that you are never allowed in society.' Trusock said: 'This incident is one of the most egregious things that Ive ever had to deal with in dealing with criminal cases for 31 years' Masters apologized for the 'horrible crime' and told the court: 'Something horrible was done to me and number my emotions to others. 'And then I committed the same horrible thing to others. With God's help we can both be healed.' Masters molested five young girls in counties throughout West Michigan over the course of four years, starting in 2011 when he was still on duty with the Coast Guard, according to the FBI. In March, Masters was sentenced to 50 years for making child pornography involving three girls between 18months and 12-years of age, the FBI said. He also illicitly filmed girls as they were leaving the shower, using the bathroom, and changing in their bedrooms. While he was on bond for molesting a 17-year-old in 2014, he friended a 13-year-old through Facebook and had sex with her, the FBI said. Masters previously claimed that he was addicted to child pornography, which he shared with his brother Timothy Matthew Masters, 33, WZZM reported. Timothy was sentenced to 27 years for assaulting a 10-year-old girl. One email sent from Timothy to his younger brother included a pornographic picture of a girl while she was sleeping, with the subject line: 'Good night last night'. According to court documents cited by WZZM, FBI agents found 21 videos and images depicting the sexual exploitation of a child during a federal investigation. One took place on Christmas, Masters' birthday. Two 21-year-olds from Hertfordshire and a Londoner, 28, quizzed by police Masked men held up a bespoke jewellery store with an imitation firearm and plundered bags of jewels in broad daylight. Officers detained three men on suspicion of robbery shortly after the brazen heist in Winchester, Hampshire. The raiders burst into Justice Jewellers, which boasts 'daring, quirky, unique designs and refined, exquisite quality', shortly after 9am on Friday. Police arrested three men on suspicion of robbery after a raid on a boutique jewellers in Winchester, Hampshire The raiders burst into Justice Jewellers, which boasts 'daring, quirky, unique designs and refined, exquisite quality', shortly after 9am on Friday Two men, wearing motorcycle helmets, held up terrified staff with a gun - which later turned out to be fake. After stealing armfuls of fine jems, the men escaped with an accomplice who had been waiting outside in a van. But officers, including dog units, swooped on the scene and arrested three men on suspicion of robbery. A spokesman for Hampshire Police said: 'We are appealing for witnesses following an armed robbery at a jewellers in Winchester this morning. 'Officers were called to Parchment Street, Winchester, shortly after 9am after two men wearing motorcycle helmets entering Justice jewellers armed with an imitation firearm. 'A third man was seen waiting in a van outside. Three men were swiftly arrested and are currently in custody.' Two 21-year-old men from Hertfordshire and a 28-year-old man from London were arrested on suspicion of robbery and were being quizzed by police. No one was injured during the raid, police said, and officers had recovered items of jewellery in the surrounding area, which are currently being examined. The store, which is approaching its 15th year in business, prides itself on its high quality service and skilled designers. Winchester city centre was brought to a standstill because of police activity after the raid. Here, a forensic officer walks towards a cordon set up around the store Two 21-year-old men from Hertfordshire and a 28-year-old man from London were arrested on suspicion of robbery and were being quizzed by police A page on their website states: 'We want to sell pieces that are noticed, talked about, admired and treasured. 'Our jewellery is made by some of the most talented, passionate designers around. 'From well known British makers like Stephen Webster and Shaun Leane to exciting up-and-coming artists.' Detective Inspector Lee Macarthur said: 'This happened in the middle of the busy city centre at a time when there were a lot of people around. 'We have spoken to many witnesses from the scene but we know there are more and we would like these people to come forward as they may have information which can assist our investigation. 'We particularly want to speak to two witnesses who saw the two men run from the shop and into the alleyway at the time of the incident as their accounts will be a valuable line of enquiry. 'I want to reassure the public that this incident was dealt with quickly by specialist officers who were on the scene within minutes.' Detective Inspector Lee Macarthur said: 'We particularly want to speak to two witnesses who saw the two men run from the shop and into the alleyway at the time of the incident as their accounts will be a valuable line of enquiry Members of the Hampshire Police Dog Unit wait outside the jewellers, which boasts 'daring, quirky, unique designs and refined, exquisite quality' Three Ontario families are suing a U.S.-based sperm bank and its Canadian distributor, alleging they were misled about a donor's medical and social history, which included a criminal record and significant mental illness. The families, who all used the same donor, have brought three separate suits against Georgia-based Xytex Corp and Ontario-based Outreach Health Services over the sperm of Donor 9623. The families allege that donor, who has been identified as Chris Aggeles, now 39, was promoted as highly educated, healthy and popular. In June 2014, couple Angela Collins and Margaret Elizabeth Hanson of Port Hope, Ontario, say their sperm donor was not who they thought he was Chris Aggeles, a now 39-year-old man from Georgia, was allegedly advertised on sperm-bank site Xytex as healthy and well-educated Aggeles' sperm has been used to create 19 boys and 17 girls from 26 families, a 2014 email to Collins from Georgia-based sperm bank Xytex Corp revealed One couple, Angela Collins and Margaret Elizabeth Hanson, had filed a lawsuit against Xytex, its parent company, sperm bank employees and the donor last year in the U.S. state of Georgia. The case was dismissed by a judge who said that while the lawsuit claimed fraud, negligence and product liability, it is 'rooted in the concept of wrongful birth,' which isn't recognized under Georgia law. Collins and Hanson previously claimed that Aggeles had schizophrenia, that he was diagnosed with bipolar and narcissistic personality disorders, and that he has self-described himself as having schizoaffective disorder. Court records show Aggeles was charged with felony burglary in 2005. The suits allege he was also a college dropout and struggled to hold down jobs. Allegations against Xytex, which include fraud and negligent misrepresentation, have yet to be proven in court. The company denies any wrongdoing. Ted Lavender, a lawyer for Xytex, said the company looks forward to 'successfully defending itself.' Aggeles sold his sperm to Xytex between 2000 and 2014, and some was stored to be made available after 2014 Aggeles' sperm has been used to create 19 boys and 17 girls from 26 families, a 2014 email to Collins from Georgia-based sperm bank Xytex Corp revealed, according to The Toronto Star. Hersh believes there could be more out there, however. Aggeles sold his sperm to Xytex between 2000 and 2014, and some was stored to be made available after 2014. Collins, a 45-year-old teacher from Port Hope east of Toronto, said she felt physically ill when she discovered that the life of her son, who was created with Aggeles' sperm, 'could just turn on a dime in puberty'. 'It was like a dream turned nightmare in an instant,' she told The Star. Collins has reached out to the public in hopes of pressuring sperm-banks and the government to make changes in the industry. 'Given the current state of affairs in the sperm-bank industry, it is strictly a matter of luck if a sperm donor is an upstanding and healthy individual, not a matter of testing, screening, regulating or legislating,' Collins told The Star. Xytex texts donors for infectious diseases including HIV, hepatitis B and C and syphilis, and requires a physical exam and psychological exam. In compliance with Health Canada regulations, they are also tested for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Donors must also complete an extensive questionnaire that goes deep into personal and medical history. They must also go through genetic testing for a number of conditions, including cystic fibrosis. Collins and her partner Beth Hanson intend to file a lawsuit against Xytex, accusing the company of fraud and negligent misrepresentation They are required to update their medical history and undergo a physical exam every six months. Collins said she chose 'donor 9623' because he was 'the male version of my partner'. Like Hanson, the man in the profile was blue eyed, intelligent and musically talented, Collins said. The profile allegedly said donor 9623 had an IQ of 160, a bachelor of science degree in neuroscience, a master's degree in artificial intelligence, and was working on his PhD in neuroscience engineering. It was also said to have claimed he was an internationally acclaimed drummer. In a six-page health questionnaire asking if he or any blood relative had any of the 143 medical conditions, donor 9623 allegedly answered no to all but one - he said his father was color blind. When asked if he had schizophrenia or manic depression (bipolar disorder), the donor allegedly said 'no'. In an audio interview of donor 9623, Xytex corporate donor counsellor Mary Hartley calls him the 'perfect donor'. He further details his intelligence in the recording, saying he speaks five languages and reads four or five books a month, according to The Star. Collins was impregnated with Aggeles' sperm through artificial insemination at a Toronto fertility clinic. She gave birth to her son in July 2007. The mothers who used donor 9623's sperm learned of the man's real identity in 2014 when Xytex released information inadvertently and 'in a breach of confidentiality'. Through their own research, the women who used the sperm then found that he had dropped out of college and had been arrested for burglary, and that his pictures had been doctored to remove a large mole from his cheek. Aggeles was charged with one count of burglary in 2005 and his case was discharged in May 2014 under terms of the First Offender Act, said Kimberly Isaza, spokeswoman for the Cobb County District Attorney's office. Aggeles' stepfather said in a testimony that Aggeles started suffering from psychotic episodes when he was 19 years old. Collins, pictured avobe with her son, said she chose 'donor 9623' because he was 'the male version of my partner'. The mothers who used donor 9623's sperm learned of the man's real identity in 2014 when Xytex released information inadvertently and 'in a breach of confidentiality'. Before that he was a bright student who was attending the University of Georgia on a full scholarship. 'High stress situations and lack of medication cause him to have psychotic episodes . . . With supervision with medication, I think he is a productive citizen,' the stepfather told the court. When Aggeles was in court on a burglary charge, his mother testified that he had trouble holding down jobs, but things 'finally' were turning around. She said 'for the first time in ten years' he was taking care of his mental health, education and employment. Aggeles finally graduated from UGA last year, two decades after he began at the university. He received a bachelor's in cognitive science, minoring in computer science, according to The Star. He's currently working on his master's in artificial intelligence and working at UGA as a research assistant. Social media shows he got married last year and plays the drums in an indie rock band. Xytex is adamant that it has done nothing wrong, and that the company relied on the honor system when it comes to medical and social histories of the donors. Xytex president Kevin O'Brien said in an open letter that the company is upfront about the aforementioned information to would-be parents. 'He (Aggeles) reported a good health history and stated in his application that he had no physical or medical impairments. This information was passed on to the couple, who were clearly informed the representations were reported by the donor and were not verified by Xytex,' O'Brien wrote, referring to Collins and Hanson when mentioning the couple. Collins wants sperm banks to have more more rigorous vetting systems for donors, and specifically want them to get applicants to sign released granting medical-record access. She also wants the sperm banks to do criminal and education background checks. Collins also wants the Canadian government to amend the 2004 Assisted Human Reproduction Act, which made it illegal to pay sperm donors, egg donors and surrogates anything but expenses. She also worries about the future of her son, who is now a healthy eight-year-old. 'The most important entity to me is potentially facing a very debilitating lifestyle,' she said. Benefits cheat Lamulah Sekiziyuvu looks carefree as she walks down the street As they walk down an East London street, Dennis Kyeyune and Lamulah Sekiziyuvu both look carefree. They live in separate rent-free taxpayer-funded flats because neither is working, and each takes home 500 a month in benefits because they claim that they have depression. Behind the smiles, however, there is a more sinister side to Kyeyune and Sekiziyuvu. Both were members of a notorious nine-strong gang that stole more than 4million in benefits. The gang's crime spree was highlighted four years ago by the Daily Mail when they were involved in a six-week trial at Croydon Crown Court in South London. At the time they were accused by a judge of committing 'fraud on a huge scale and an outrageous abuse of the hospitality' offered by Britain. They were also told that they would be subject to automatic deportation because their sentences were longer than 12 months. But every member of the gang who has served their sentence is now free and still living in Britain. Last night one MP said the country was 'barking mad' to still be providing members of the gang with state handouts. The African gang, mainly from Uganda, ran a fraud lasting 20 years, using the identities of more than 100 fake children to claim a string of related benefits. Ringleader Ruth Nabuguzi, 53, also claimed to have HIV and Aids in order to receive costly drugs which she sent back to Uganda and sold for huge profits. The gains from their crimes saw them buy a complex of luxury apartments, shops and even a hotel in Nabuguzi's home city, the Ugandan capital Kampala. After they were sentenced they were told by the UK Border Agency that they would be kicked out of the country on their release. Any non-EU national who serves a prison term of more than 12 months becomes liable for deportation. But members of the gang are living in social housing in East London. Kyeyune, 33, who came to Britain as a 16-year-old, is believed to be either Nabuguzi's son or nephew. Four years ago he was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison for conspiracy because he worked with the gang. But this week he could be seen behind the wheel of his 2,500 '05' plate Vauxhall Corsa as he drove through East London. When he was jailed he had been driving a '52' plate Nissan Almera so he has even been able to update his car after leaving prison. Kyeyune (pictured) and Sekiziyuvu were both members of a notorious nine-strong gang that stole more than 4million in benefits This week he was driving with fellow gang member Sekiziyuvu, 39, who was jailed for three years and is now living in a state-funded flat in Stratford, East London. She also has a previous conviction for using counterfeit money. Kyeyune, who lives in a flat in Forest Gate, has a British passport which is being held by the Home Office as it makes inquiries about the document's validity. Four years ago we caught them, saw them convicted and imprisoned and now they are out on the streets as if they have not got a care in the world Department for Work and Pensions source Sekiziyuvu was told she was being deprived of her British nationality in 2013 but is appealing against the decision. As well as receiving housing and council tax benefit, the pair both get 125 a week Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) which replaced Incapacity Benefit because they both claim to have depression. One senior source at the Department for Work and Pensions told the Mail: 'The whole thing is a complete and utter joke. The pair of them received the highest level of ESA which amounts to 125 a week. 'Four years ago we caught them, saw them convicted and imprisoned and now they are out on the streets as if they have not got a care in the world. 'It is a disgrace. It makes a mockery of ever taking them to court in the first place.' Fellow gang members 31-year-old Albert Kaidi a Rwandan whose real name is Hassan Kabanda and 30-year-old Jordan Sebutemba are also understood to be living on benefits at an address in Plaistow. The gang's crime spree was highlighted four years ago by the Daily Mail when they were involved in a six-week trial at Croydon Crown Court (pictured) in South London They received sentences of 30 months and a 51-week jail term suspended for two years respectively. Two years ago Nabuguzi, who first came to the UK in 1991 with her four children, appeared in court again as she was ordered to pay back more than 1.5million of the money the gang had stolen. It emerged she was applying for asylum because of the disgrace she had brought on her family in Uganda. These are people who have come into this country and have systematically milked and abused the benefits system and then have been caught doing so Ukip MP Douglas Carswell She claimed her life would be in danger if she was forced to return to Kampala on her release from prison. She also said she was unable to repay any of the stolen money and was told she would serve a further six years and seven months in jail with no remission. Kyeyune told the Mail: 'It is true I have never worked in this country but I still deny I did anything wrong. I was found guilty because of my association with Ruth Nabuguzi. The Home Office will not give me back my passport but I do know Lamulah is appealing against the decision to deport her. We suffer from depression so we can't work.' Last night Douglas Carswell, the Ukip MP for Clacton, said: 'We really must be barking mad in this country to allow this to happen. 'These are people who have come into this country and have systematically milked and abused the benefits system and then have been caught doing so. Jill Biden is ready looking forward to becoming a private citizen again, but the vice president's wife was sorrowful in an interview that aired today that her her husband Joe never got to realize his White House dreams. 'Well, you know, I say every day, I really do feel that Joe would've made a great president,' she told Today. 'I think he has the character, I think that he's a convener. I think that one of his strengths is compromise. She said, 'I feel, you know, maybe America missed an opportunity. I don't know. 'It just wasn't the right time.' Jill Biden is ready looking forward to becoming a private citizen again, but the vice president's wife was sorrowful in an interview that aired today that her her husband Joe never got to realize his White House dreams 'Well, you know, I say every day, I really do feel that Joe would've made a great president,' Jill Biden told Today. The vice president is seen here taking a selfie with participants in a Wounded Warriors event yesterday Biden laughed and smiled as President Obama joked about the Wounded Warrior Service Ride's beginnings. 'Some of my best ideas have come in a bar,' the president said. 'You, too, huh?' The vice president's son Beau died a year ago in May from brain cancer, just as Joe Biden was weighing a 2016 run. He deferred the decision for months as his family grieved and ultimately decided against it in October. With Biden, the natural heir to President Barack Obama's legacy, formally out of the race, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's support soared. Clinton was likely to win the nomination regardless of whether Biden was in the race, and it would have been a long slog for the vice president and his family. In January Biden said of the decision not to run, 'I regret it every day, but was the right decision for my family and for me. And I plan on staying deeply involved.' The vice president is leading the administration push to cure cancer. Yesterday he and the president met at the White House with Wounded Warriors participating in the group's Soldier Ride. He laughed and smiled as Obama joked about the ride's beginnings. 'Some of my best ideas have come in a bar,' the president said. 'You, too, huh?' Obama said, 'But this is one of those ideas that the next day, actually it was still good. He added, 'That was not in the script.' Jill Biden told Today's Natalie Morales that while she'll miss the 'excitement' of the White House, she won't miss the affiliated security procedures. 'I think I'll be glad to leave behind the fact that I haven't driven a car in eight years,' she said. 'It will be nice to have a little bit of independence again.' The pair played music together - and it was captured on camera His dad wrote to Ben's hero, musician Ben Folds, to see if they could meet Doctors said he would never be able to play piano - but he learned anyway Ben Schneider is legally blind, autistic and has an IQ of 47 An 11-year-old blind, autistic boy got the chance of a lifetime when his musical idol, Ben Folds, gave him a special VIP meet-and-greet - and joined the boy in a piano duet. Ben Schneider was born in 'septic shock,' meaning his body was severely infected due to his mother's waters breaking a week before she went into labor. He is legally blind, severely autistic and has an IQ of 47. When Ben was one, doctors told his adoptive father, Rob, that he wouldn't be able to do 'normal' things such as play the piano. But Ben - joined by the leader of the Ben Folds Five - proved them wrong Thursday, Guide Live reported. Scroll down for video Idol: Ben Schneider (pictured, bottom center) has autism, cerebral palsy and is legally blind - but he can play piano, as he proved to his idol, musician Ben Folds (top center) on Thursday at a special VIP meet-and-greet Duet: It was thought that Ben, 11, would never be able to play piano - but he learned to do so having been inspired by the music of Ben Folds, especially the song 'Sky High' which the pair played together Ben's adoptive father, Rob, had written to Folds hoping to arrange the meeting when he came to play the Majestic Theater in Dallas. The letter, reprinted in Guide Live, explained that Ben 'was born with a lifetime of things to overcome. 'He is a Hispanic albino, which makes him look like a blue-eyed, blonde-haired Caucasian,' it continued. 'When he was six months old, we learned he was legally blind. When he was one, we were told he had cerebral palsy. I remember a doctor explaining his limitations to me then: "He wont, for example, be able to play the piano." 'At age two, Ben lost all speech and was diagnosed with autism.' Ben now has stiffness, trouble falling asleep, communication problems and adverse reactions to medication, The Dallas Morning News wrote. But the boy has battled on, regaining some speech and even learning to play the piano - inspired by the music of Ben Folds. In fact, Ben loves one song, 'Sky High,' so much that he plays it every night before he goes to sleep. And now he has met the man himself. Stage time: The meet-and-greet was at a rehearsal for Ben Folds' concert at the Majestic Theater in Dallas. Folds initially took the back seat, accompanying Ben on drums, before joining in on piano - to Ben's delight Rob and wife Jenn accompanied Ben and his sister,15-year-old sister Becca, to a special VIP sound check at the Majestic, Thursday. They were four of just 100 people there. After the four-song rehearsal, Guide Live reported, Ben got a chance to speak to his idol - first asking mom 'Can I tell him I love him? Is it appropriate?' 'Yes, it's appropriate this time,' she replied. Ben asked the musician his favorite questions: 'What is your name? When's your birthday?' Rob wondered whether Ben wanted a photo with Folds, but the boy wanted something more: 'I wanna go to that piano.' 'Why not?' said Folds, and the pair began a beautiful rendition of 'Sky High,' with Ben on piano and Folds - no longer the lead man - providing support on drums. At one point in the song, Folds playfully got up and accompanied Ben on piano, adding surprise notes that left the boy laughing with delight. And what did Ben think? When The Dallas Morning News video team asked him if he was excited he had an exuberant reaction - an enthusiastic 'Yeah!' and a happy tap of his feet. New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand predicted today that Hillary Clinton would end up releasing transcripts of her speeches to Wall Street. 'I think she will. I think shes been clear that shes going to, and yes I would,' Gilibrand told CNN's Chris Cuomo this morning. 'I post my taxes online.' Gillibrand replaced Clinton in the Senate and is a surrogate for her White House bid. She told Cuomo, 'I like transparency and accountability, and I know Hillary does as well. I think she wants to bring accountability into government. New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand predicted today that Hillary Clinton would end up releasing transcripts of her speeches to Wall Street 'I think she will. I think shes been clear that shes going to, and yes I would,' Gilibrand told CNN's Chris Cuomo this morning. 'I post my taxes online.' 'I think she cares deeply about openness and transparency, and I think she will release those speeches at the appropriate time,' Gillibrand said. Clinton said just last night at a debate with Bernie Sanders that she wouldn't disclose hers until Republicans running for the position revealed theirs. She also argued that it's abnormal to demand a presidential candidate to procure that kind of information. 'There are certain expectations when you run for president. This is a new one,' she at the Democratic debate in Brooklyn. Clinton tried to deflect by bringing up her Democratic opponent's failure to release his tax returns - something that is standard practice. Sanders told her, 'Of course we will release our taxes. Jane does our taxes. We've been a little bit busy lately. You'll excuse us.' The U.S. senator claimed that last year's release would be available today but his campaign had produced nothing at close of business. He said last night they contained nothing to get 'very excited' about, though. 'They are very boring tax returns. No big money from speeches, no major investments,' he said. Unfortunately, I remain one of the poorer members of the United States Senate. And that's what that will show.' But Clinton said just last night at a debate with Bernie Sanders that she wouldn't disclose hers until Republicans running for the position revealed theirs. The former New York Senator is seen here today at a senior center in New York City Cuomo referenced the argument between the Democratic candidates today as he interviewed Gillibrand and asked if releasing paid speeches should be part of the standard disclosure materials for Oval Office contenders. 'I think everyone makes their own judgment,' she said. 'When I released my taxes and posted my financial disclosure in Congress as a Congresswoman, I was the first member of Congress to put up my financial disclosure and put up all my earmark requests. That was a new thing. The two-term senator told him, 'I think we can all lead by example on this issue. And I think transparency is always powerful, and I think sunlight is always the best disinfectant to all issues. A playboy who was caught racing past the Houses of Parliament in a speedboat taunted police that they couldn't prosecute him because he was leaving the country. Ross MacGregor, 26, is currently in Australia but faces arrest when he returns to the UK after being accused of putting others at risk with a reckless stunt on the Thames. Eyewitnesses saw his sleek black powerboat hammer past Westminster landmarks, even travelling on the wrong side of the river under a bridge. Ross MacGregor, pictured, is currently in Australia but faces arrest when he returns to the UK after being accused of putting others at risk with a reckless stunt on the Thames Eyewitnesses saw his sleek black powerboat hammer past Westminster landmarks, even travelling on the wrong side of the river under a bridge Alerted by a concerned guard at Parliament, a Metropolitan Police boat patrol tried to give chase but he casually waved at them as they failed to keep up. When they finally found MacGregor several miles upstream, he told them he raced there all the time. He was meant to appear in court on Thursday accused of navigating a vessel in a manner liable to injure or endanger others. But when he failed to show up a judge wasted no time in issuing a warrant for his arrest. Police told the court MacGregor had already boasted he wouldnt turn up. Within weeks of the incident he sent officers an email saying: Sorry about that speed, but Im going to Thailand now and theres nothing you can do about it. In a post added to his Facebook account alongside a photograph of the police launch and his boat, he wrote: Getting nicked for our high speed run down the Thames. F*** it, 1 life live it feeling fabulous. The incident took place after MacGregor and a friend took his familys speedboat for a run on the river last May, a court was told. After posing for a dramatic selfie as they travelled under Tower Bridge, the pair were seen haring past the London Eye and Parliament. In a post added to MacGregor's Facebook account alongside a photograph of the police launch and his boat, he wrote: Getting nicked for our high speed run down the Thames. F*** it, 1 life live it feeling fabulous. Westminster Magistrates Court heard a guard was so concerned he alerted the police who sent a patrol boat with blue lights flashing. It is not known how fast MacGregor was travelling but the police boat was travelling at 40mph (35 knots) and could not keep up. Police eventually caught up with MacGregor in Putney where he was putting the boat on a low-loader on a slipway. When asked why he did not stop when hailed by police, the prosecutor said: He thought they were waving to him. MacGregor lives with his father Steven, 53, a company director, and mother Michelle, 50, at their 500,000 home in Camberley, Surrey. According to his Facebook profile, he is currently living in northern Queensland, Australia. He previously worked at a dive school in Thailand. MacGregor has posted photographs of himself parachuting, bungee jumping and racing motorbikes at exotic destinations including Turkey and Burma. Speaking on the phone his mother said she was surprised her son was in trouble with the police. She said: I didnt know anything about it. After four days workers were finally dispatched to bring her back down But a local cat fan spread the message on social media, causing a furor Her owner was told by two companies that they could not help A Canadian cat who weathered four days up a high-voltage power line while vultures circled overhead was safely back in her owner's arms Thursday, after cat-loving campaigners got their claws out against on social media. It's not known why Miss Kitty the one-year-old tabby ran to the top of the 60-foot pole in Princeton, British Columbia, on Monday. What is known, reported Atlas Obscura, is that the pole was carrying 138,000 volts of electricity to a local mine - meaning its owners didn't want to shut it down. But they didn't account for the power of the internet's feline fanatics. Trapped: Miss Kitty (pictured) spent four days trapped atop a 60-foot electricity pole with vultures circling overhead while her owner struggled to get authorities to rescue her. A web campaign eventually did the job Cat power: The power lines (pictured left), located in Princeton, British Columbia, Canada, carry 138,000 volts to a mine, so authorities were reluctant to shut it down. Eventually, though, they managed to save her When Miss Kitty's owner, Bill Backhall, called government utility company BC Hydro to get the cat down Monday, but was told it was the responsibility of private company FortisBC. So he called them. But ultimately, he told Castanet.net, both companies said they could do nothing. Local cat fan Natalia Bosley told Kelowna Now Thursday that she had also tried to help. 'I phoned BC Hydro and they said that they had put in a work order to have it dealt with,' she said. '[Wednesday] night BC Hydro told [Backhall] that they decided not to respond to the call.' A spokesperson for private company FortisBC, which supplies electricity to Princeton using the BC Hydro pylon, told the site that they would typically wait for the cat to come down before intervening. He also said he only heard about the situation Wednesday. As the bureaucratic entanglements continued and neighbors piled up mattresses below the pole in case Miss Kitty fell, Bosley took action using her Twitter handle, @crazycat6911. Enthusiast: Politician Dan Albas was one of many who spoke out in defense of Miss Kitty She began pushing Miss Kitty's story online Wednesday, fielded questions from concerned observers and provided updates about the scene as they occurred. But things really kicked off when she shared a YouTube video of the stranded cat. The beleaguered pet was soon gifted with its own hashtag - #savethePrincetonBCcat - that attracted attention from across the country, including Canadian politician Dan Albas. Finally, on Thursday evening, BC Hydro engineers made a trip from Salmon Arm, some 186 miles away, to save the pet. Miss Kitty's four-day ordeal ended at 9:10pm as she was finally returned to Backhall - who was pictured by the Similkameen News Leader with a wide grin on his face. And the vultures? They went hungry. As the family of a five-year-old boy said their final goodbyes, they were joined by a police officer who wanted to give the child a 'hero's send off' by dressing up as Spider-Man. Five-year-old Joshua Garcia drowned in a pool on April 2, just minutes after his mother called police to report him missing, according to WFAA. Texas police officer Damon Cole was the first to respond, but it was too late. As the family (pictured) of five-year-old Joshua Garcia said their final goodbyes, they were joined by a police officer (pictured) dressed as Spider-Man who wanted to give the child a 'hero's send off' Joshua (left and right) drowned in a pool on April 2, just minutes after his mother called police to report him missing. Officer Damon Cole was the first to respond, but it was too late Cole told Today.com: 'I don't view myself as a hero. I just wished I had super powers to save that boy.' He conducted a search at the bottom of the pool and on his way to surfacing, he bumped into Joshua's body. As Cole pulled Joshua's body from the pool, the child was wearing Spider-Man shoes and a shirt with the superhero on it as well. Cole and emergency medical technicians performed CPR for nearly an hour but were unable to resuscitate him. 'It's hard, because I really wanted to save that boy,' he told WFAA. Cole later learned that Spider-Man was Joshua's favorite and the family planned to have a Spider-Man-themed funeral. And at Joshua's funeral on Tuesday at Laurel Land Memorial Park, Cole showed up in a Spider-Man costume, so that Joshua could be laid to rest with his beloved superhero by his side. Cole told Today.com that police officers see a lot of difficult things on the job. 'You try not to make it personal, but this is the first time I've been directly affected like this in 16 years as a police officer' Cole said. Along with family members and friends, Cole stood as Spider-Man next to Joshua's casket for the entire ceremony. Joshua was also buried with a Spider-Man costume of his own. Cole (center right), who learned that Spider-Man was Joshua's favorite and the family planned to have a Spider-Man-themed funeral, attended the child's funeral to dressed as Spider-Man The tribute has helped the family, and it's even helped Cole to find peace. 'There's not a minute that has gone by that I haven't thought about Joshua and his family,' Cole told WFAA. 'And anything to honor his memory, I'll do it.' Joshua's tragic death is believed to be an accident and no charges have been filed. 'I can't even get it in my head today that he's gone,' said Joshua's older brother, Jeremy Gurment. Cole's heroic appearance wasn't his first one as he's a member of Heroes, Cops and Kids, a group of police officers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area who dress up in superhero costumes for charity events and other functions. Just a year ago, Cole drove 11 hours to Smitton, Illinois, dressed as Superman to cheer up a seven-year-old boy with a large stomach tumor. A Mail special investigation yesterday revealed the disturbing story behind this weeks plot to smear Culture Secretary John Whittingdale. We described how his former relationship with a dominatrix which he says ended when he learned the truth about her job was exposed by an obscure news website with links to the Hacked Off pressure group, which seeks to muzzle the free Press. Mr Whittingdale is single, and the legal relationship occurred before he held his current position. The real issue at play in these machinations concerns the regulation of the British media for which Mr Whittingdale has responsibility. In this second part of our investigation, we examine certain incidents which Max Mosley describes in his memoir and what they say about his own character, writes Richard Pendlebury. (Pictured is Sir Oswald Mosley at at rally in August 1962) As we described yesterday, a nexus of Left-wing zealots, allied to millionaire motor-racing tycoon Max Mosley, are seeking under the aegis of a new Royal Charter to impose a regulator known as Impress in order, as they see it, to bring the popular Press to heel. WE EXPOSED the fact that Impress is being funded to the tune of almost 1 million a year for four years with money from the family trust of Mosley, who despises the popular Press after the now-defunct News of the World exposed how he took part in a sado-masochistic orgy with five prostitutes. WE ALSO noted how the founder and executive director of Impress, Jonathan Heawood, is the stepson-in-law of Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee, who has called in print for Impress to become the new Press regulator without mentioning her own family connection to it, or the fact that she was one of its original backers. NOT only that, we described how the Press Recognition Panel, set up by the Government to oversee any potential regulators, has been granted 3 million of public money over three years yet has still not sanctioned a single regulator. It is a disturbing state of affairs, not least the hand of Max Mosley behind the scenes. In this second part of our investigation, we examine certain incidents which he describes in his memoir and what they say about his own character. Last year, multi-millionaire tycoon Max Mosley published his auto-biography. It makes for very instructive reading. Most of the near 500 pages concern his career in motorsport, particularly his time as head of the world governing body, the Federation Internationale de LAutomobile. But the memoir is not all high finance and pit-lane politics. Other sections deal with subjects of far wider interest and import to the British public. Last year, multi-millionaire tycoon Max Mosley (pictured) published his auto-biography. It makes for very instructive reading There is, of course, Mosleys upbringing; a childhood of immense privilege skewed by the fact his baronet father was Sir Oswald Mosley, leader of the British Union of Fascists (BUF). His mother the former Diana Mitford was another aristocratic Nazi cheerleader who counted Adolf Hitler as a friend. The Fuhrer was in attendance when the Mosleys married in the home of Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels. As a result of such sympathies, both of Maxs parents were subsequently interned for part of World War II in the interests of national security. This interlude was one of the spurious and foolish restrictions on his parents which the 76-year-old Mosley junior now railed against in his memoir. After the war, Sir Oswald Mosley set up a new party called the Union Movement. Its symbols were the same as the BUF, as were its racist overtones. And many of his supporters were unrepentant Thirties fascists. Young Max became involved, too. He supported his father when he stood unsuccessfully for Parliament in North Kensington in 1959. In 1961, Max acted as party agent for one of his fathers fascist candidates in a by-election in Moss Side, Manchester, another area with a Commonwealth immigrant community. As Max puts it in his autobiography, this was his first opportunity after graduating from Oxford; an interesting new diversion. Again, the Mosleyites lost heavily. Max Mosley describes another episode, from the summer of 1962, in which his loyalty to his father once again drew him into the public eye. It is worth repeating his 2015 account of this event almost in full. In London, my father became the target of violence, he writes. He had been holding regular meetings all over the place for years with no significant problems, but out of the blue those who disliked him decided to attack. I went with him to a meeting in the East End where we were rushed by a group of people. I reacted as one would and a police superintendent arrested me. Next day in court I applied to have my case heard immediately on the grounds that my arrest had been widely reported and facts should come out. The magistrate agreed and I cross-examined the superintendent with some success along the most obvious lines. My elderly father is attacked; the police though present do not protect him. Do I say I should stand idly by? Max was acquitted. A heroic tale, it seems. Yet maybe not. This incident might have been just a very minor footnote in history if it were not for Max Mosleys present endeavours. Yesterday, the Mail revealed how, more than half a century later, Mosley junior is providing millions of pounds in funding for Impress, a body which has applied to be recognised as a regulator of the UK Press under the terms of a controversial Royal Charter. In 1961, Max acted as party agent for one of his fathers fascist candidates in a by-election in Moss Side, Manchester, another area with a Commonwealth immigrant community. (Max Mosley is pictured on the left with his parents, Sir Oswald, right, and Lady Diana, centre) His financing of Impress is unarguably an act of revenge against the Press that can be traced back to the 2008 exposure of his predilection for sadomasochistic orgies with prostitutes by the now defunct News of the World. A court found that the news-paper had invaded his privacy and awarded him costs. But Mr Mosley is not a man for half-measures. By using his family trusts to fund Impress almost entirely by himself he could buy the kind of laws which would significantly restrict news-papers freedom. All this week, supporters of Hacked Off the pressure group established by Labour deputy leader Tom Watson, Hugh Grant and others, of which Mosley was an early advocate have lectured on the need for transparency and the calling to account of those in power. But what of Mosleys own commitment to the truth? Let us return to that street fight in the summer of 1962. The privilege of autobiography is that it allows an author to present his own version of events. That is exactly what Mr Mosley has done here. However, newspapers which were also an eyewitness presence present a radically different story suggesting that Oswald Mosleys supporters sparked the fighting by their own aggressive anti-Semitic taunts, with police shielding Mosley Snr and arresting demonstrators on sometimes flimsy pretexts. Take the report from Americas Time magazine. It can be found in its online subscribers archive. The piece appeared under the headline: Lebensraum for Oswald, in reference to Hitlers desire to create living space for the German people by invading their neighbours. On Ridley Road, a poor, predominantly Jewish street in Londons East End, mounted police and a muttering crowd waited for a scene that might have come from a newsreel of the 1930s, the Time article began. A generation ago, Sir Oswald Mosley and his Jew-baiting Blackshirts often strutted down Ridley Road; their visits almost always ended in savage street fighting. At a Mosley rally on the same street last week, the script was little changed. First came some 30 members of Mosleys neo-Fascist Union Movement, chanting: Jews out! Jews out! When Mosley appeared, the jeering crowd surged toward him and knocked him to the ground. Struggling to his feet, the 65-year-old sometime MP mounted an open truck amid a hail of rotten fruit and heavy English pennies. Before he could open the meeting, the brawl was on. Within minutes, Mosley was led away under heavy police escort, while grim-faced bobbies arrested 54. The local Hackney Gazette newspaper offered a fuller account of the violence and its aftermath. A copy is in the British Newspaper Archive. Max Mosley describes another episode, from the summer of 1962, in which his loyalty to his father once again drew him into the public eye. (Sir Oswald Mosley pictured with his wife, Diana) Many of those arrested were British Jews who feared the return of the Mosley fascists, with their whiff of Nazism. According to the Gazette, Michael Heym, 18, a student, who was fined 10 shillings for obstruction told the local magistrates court: If people dont do what I attempted to do, a situation can arise which arose in Germany in 1933. Raymond Marks, a 21- year-old shoe salesman, was fined 30 shillings for insulting words and behaviour. He told the court: I am a pacifist and strictly against fascism. Another demonstrator, a 40-year-old former Jewish refugee who had escaped Hitler and served in the RAF during the war, when his parents were murdered in Auschwitz, was also fined 30 shillings simply for shouting You Nazi! at Mosley senior. When the Mail approached him to ask for his memories of the day, the man now in his 90s declined to comment because he was so ashamed at having been arrested for the only time in his life. Another protestor who was in the cells with Max Mosley is now a 73-year-old retired fine art academic. He does not wish to be named for fear of reprisal by 21st-century fascists. He has read Max Mosleys account of the Ridley Road riot. He is contemptuous. He has a very selective memory, the pensioner said this week. He is trying to sanitise his past. Max Mosley has written that he was rushed by a group of people, but (in my recollection) his fathers followers rushed protestors. His father (was always escorted) by bullies who were tough and nasty. I got shoved and kicked. I tried to push this bloke off me, but I got arrested and was accused of delivering a glancing blow. The pensioner said that, contrary to Maxs account, there had been a number of other Mosley meetings prior to Ridley Road which had caused trouble. Ridley Road was then a high-density Jewish area and also had Caribbean migrants. Oswald Mosley went deliberately to those places. He was a loathsome man with policies based on hate. He recalled seeing Max Mosley picked up by a family limousine outside Old Street magistrates court the following morning. When I see him today it conjures up those memories of him on the protest. I wonder if the leopard has changed his spots. The pensioner said he was against moves to regulate the Press, even though it was freedom of speech which allowed the march. He said: We are always going to have people who take advantage of freedom of speech, but it doesnt mean you dont have it. I dont believe in any regulation, it is using a steamroller to tackle a mound. You have to have faith in common sense, the judiciary and the courts. He was fined 5; a lot of money in those days. But the debt was settled by a well-wisher: He took me and my friends around Petticoat Lane market with a hat in his hands. The market stall holders put money in it and paid our fines off for us. They were all the old East End Jews. One cannot blame Max Mosley for his parents. Nor for having a degree of loyalty. But the 22-year-old who attended the fascist rally and brawled in Ridley Road was no callow youth. By 1962, he was a married university graduate and member of the Parachute Regiment reserves. He was also studying for the Bar. It is worth repeating Max Mosley's 2015 account of this event almost in full. In London, my father became the target of violence. I went with him to a meeting in the East End where we were rushed by a group of people. I reacted as one would and a police superintendent arrested me.' (Pictured is an Oswald Mosley meeting) Even more difficult to explain away, is his autobiographys disingenuous account of the riot and his fathers politics; no mention of racial hatred and violence; no criticism, perspective or apology, save to say that in the years following Ridley Road though still sympathetic to my fathers ideas, they seemed to me increasingly unlikely ever to be relevant in the real world. The final section of his autobiography is devoted to his battles against the Press, since his sadomasochistic orgies with prostitutes were exposed. Hacked Off, he wrote, were doing an excellent job. He also informs the reader that an alternative body to IPSO (the Press industrys own self-regulator) has been set up by one Jonathan Heawood. Called Impress, it will be fully Leveson compliant . . . It is supported by public money. Whose money? Certainly not that of the old East End Jewish stallholders. Nor even that of the general public. What price transparency, accuracy and public interest now? Last year, multi-millionaire tycoon Max Mosley published his auto-biography. It makes for very instructive reading. Most of the near 500 pages concern his career in motorsport, particularly his time as head of the world governing body, the Federation Internationale de LAutomobile. But the memoir is not all high finance and pit-lane politics. Other sections deal with subjects of far wider interest and import to the British public. There is, of course, Mosleys upbringing; a childhood of immense privilege skewed by the fact his baronet father was Sir Oswald Mosley, leader of the British Union of Fascists (BUF). His mother the former Diana Mitford was another aristocratic Nazi cheerleader who counted Adolf Hitler as a friend. The Fuhrer was in attendance when the Mosleys married in the home of Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels. As a result of such sympathies, both of Maxs parents were subsequently interned for part of World War II in the interests of national security. This interlude was one of the spurious and foolish restrictions on his parents which the 76-year-old Mosley junior now railed against in his memoir. After the war, Sir Oswald Mosley set up a new party called the Union Movement. Its symbols were the same as the BUF, as were its racist overtones. And many of his supporters were unrepentant Thirties fascists. Young Max became involved, too. He supported his father when he stood unsuccessfully for Parliament in North Kensington in 1959. In 1961, Max acted as party agent for one of his fathers fascist candidates in a by-election in Moss Side, Manchester, another area with a Commonwealth immigrant community. As Max puts it in his autobiography, this was his first opportunity after graduating from Oxford; an interesting new diversion. Again, the Mosleyites lost heavily. Max Mosley describes another episode, from the summer of 1962, in which his loyalty to his father once again drew him into the public eye. It is worth repeating his 2015 account of this event almost in full. In London, my father became the target of violence, he writes. He had been holding regular meetings all over the place for years with no significant problems, but out of the blue those who disliked him decided to attack. I went with him to a meeting in the East End where we were rushed by a group of people. I reacted as one would and a police superintendent arrested me. One cannot blame Max Mosley for his parents. Nor for having a degree of loyalty. But the 22-year-old who attended the fascist rally and brawled in Ridley Road was no callow youth. By 1962, he was a married university graduate and member of the Parachute Regiment reserves. He was also studying for the Bar. (Pictured is Sir Oswald Mosley) Next day in court I applied to have my case heard immediately on the grounds that my arrest had been widely reported and facts should come out. The magistrate agreed and I cross-examined the superintendent with some success along the most obvious lines. My elderly father is attacked; the police though present do not protect him. Do I say I should stand idly by? Max was acquitted. A heroic tale, it seems. Yet maybe not. This incident might have been just a very minor footnote in history if it were not for Max Mosleys present endeavours. Yesterday, the Mail revealed how, more than half a century later, Mosley junior is providing millions of pounds in funding for Impress, a body which has applied to be recognised as a regulator of the UK Press under the terms of a controversial Royal Charter. His financing of Impress is unarguably an act of revenge against the Press that can be traced back to the 2008 exposure of his predilection for sadomasochistic orgies with prostitutes by the now defunct News of the World. A court found that the news-paper had invaded his privacy and awarded him costs. But Mr Mosley is not a man for half-measures. By using his family trusts to fund Impress almost entirely by himself he could buy the kind of laws which would significantly restrict news-papers freedom. All this week, supporters of Hacked Off the pressure group established by Labour deputy leader Tom Watson, Hugh Grant and others, of which Mosley was an early advocate have lectured on the need for transparency and the calling to account of those in power. But what of Mosleys own commitment to the truth? Let us return to that street fight in the summer of 1962. The privilege of autobiography is that it allows an author to present his own version of events. That is exactly what Mr Mosley has done here. However, newspapers which were also an eyewitness presence present a radically different story suggesting that Oswald Mosleys supporters sparked the fighting by their own aggressive anti-Semitic taunts, with police shielding Mosley Snr and arresting demonstrators on sometimes flimsy pretexts. Take the report from Americas Time magazine. It can be found in its online subscribers archive. The piece appeared under the headline: Lebensraum for Oswald, in reference to Hitlers desire to create living space for the German people by invading their neighbours. On Ridley Road, a poor, predominantly Jewish street in Londons East End, mounted police and a muttering crowd waited for a scene that might have come from a newsreel of the 1930s, the Time article began. A generation ago, Sir Oswald Mosley and his Jew-baiting Blackshirts often strutted down Ridley Road; their visits almost always ended in savage street fighting. At a Mosley rally on the same street last week, the script was little changed. First came some 30 members of Mosleys neo-Fascist Union Movement, chanting: Jews out! Jews out! When Mosley appeared, the jeering crowd surged toward him and knocked him to the ground. Struggling to his feet, the 65-year-old sometime MP mounted an open truck amid a hail of rotten fruit and heavy English pennies. Before he could open the meeting, the brawl was on. Within minutes, Mosley was led away under heavy police escort, while grim-faced bobbies arrested 54. The local Hackney Gazette newspaper offered a fuller account of the violence and its aftermath. A copy is in the British Newspaper Archive. Many of those arrested were British Jews who feared the return of the Mosley fascists, with their whiff of Nazism. According to the Gazette, Michael Heym, 18, a student, who was fined 10 shillings for obstruction told the local magistrates court: If people dont do what I attempted to do, a situation can arise which arose in Germany in 1933. Raymond Marks, a 21- year-old shoe salesman, was fined 30 shillings for insulting words and behaviour. He told the court: I am a pacifist and strictly against fascism. Another demonstrator, a 40-year-old former Jewish refugee who had escaped Hitler and served in the RAF during the war, when his parents were murdered in Auschwitz, was also fined 30 shillings simply for shouting You Nazi! at Mosley senior. When the Mail approached him to ask for his memories of the day, the man now in his 90s declined to comment because he was so ashamed at having been arrested for the only time in his life. Another protestor who was in the cells with Max Mosley is now a 73-year-old retired fine art academic. He does not wish to be named for fear of reprisal by 21st-century fascists. He has read Max Mosleys account of the Ridley Road riot. He is contemptuous. He has a very selective memory, the pensioner said this week. He is trying to sanitise his past. Max Mosley has written that he was rushed by a group of people, but (in my recollection) his fathers followers rushed protestors. His father (was always escorted) by bullies who were tough and nasty. I got shoved and kicked. I tried to push this bloke off me, but I got arrested and was accused of delivering a glancing blow. All this week, supporters of Hacked Off the pressure group established by Labour deputy leader Tom Watson, Hugh Grant and others, of which Mosley was an early advocate have lectured on the need for transparency and the calling to account of those in power. (Pictured is Joint Executive Director of Hacked Off, Dr Evan Harris) The pensioner said that, contrary to Maxs account, there had been a number of other Mosley meetings prior to Ridley Road which had caused trouble. Ridley Road was then a high-density Jewish area and also had Caribbean migrants. Oswald Mosley went deliberately to those places. He was a loathsome man with policies based on hate. He recalled seeing Max Mosley picked up by a family limousine outside Old Street magistrates court the following morning. When I see him today it conjures up those memories of him on the protest. I wonder if the leopard has changed his spots. The pensioner said he was against moves to regulate the Press, even though it was freedom of speech which allowed the march. He said: We are always going to have people who take advantage of freedom of speech, but it doesnt mean you dont have it. I dont believe in any regulation, it is using a steamroller to tackle a mound. You have to have faith in common sense, the judiciary and the courts. He was fined 5; a lot of money in those days. But the debt was settled by a well-wisher: He took me and my friends around Petticoat Lane market with a hat in his hands. The market stall holders put money in it and paid our fines off for us. They were all the old East End Jews. One cannot blame Max Mosley for his parents. Nor for having a degree of loyalty. But the 22-year-old who attended the fascist rally and brawled in Ridley Road was no callow youth. By 1962, he was a married university graduate and member of the Parachute Regiment reserves. He was also studying for the Bar. Even more difficult to explain away, is his autobiographys disingenuous account of the riot and his fathers politics; no mention of racial hatred and violence; no criticism, perspective or apology, save to say that in the years following Ridley Road though still sympathetic to my fathers ideas, they seemed to me increasingly unlikely ever to be relevant in the real world. The final section of his autobiography is devoted to his battles against the Press, since his sadomasochistic orgies with prostitutes were exposed. Hacked Off, he wrote, were doing an excellent job. He also informs the reader that an alternative body to IPSO (the Press industrys own self-regulator) has been set up by one Jonathan Heawood. Called Impress, it will be fully Leveson compliant . . . It is supported by public money. Whose money? Certainly not that of the old East End Jewish stallholders. Nor even that of the general public. This is the moment actress Roasrio Dawson was arrested during a pro-democracy rally in Washington D.C. on Friday. Activists from Democracy Spring have been lining up to get themselves arrested as part of a protest against money in politics and the campaign finance system, which they see as corrupt. While Dawson is the first high-profile celebrity to be arrested at the event, other such as Spotlight actor Mark Ruffalo, Law and Order actor Sam Waterston, an Transparent's Gaby Hoffmann have expressed support for the movement. Actress Rosario Dawson was arrested on Friday as part of a Democracy Spring demonstration taking place in Washington D.C. this week to protest money in politics Activists have lined up to be arrested by police in the largest mass-arrest in the capital since the Vietnam war, with more than 1,000 people being booked since Monday Dawson, the daughter of writer and singer Isabel Celeste who has starred in films such as Death Proof and Sin City, can be seen in TMZ footage lining up with other activists in front of cops. After an officer takes some information from her she is sent to stand in another line at a temporary processing center set up to deal with the influx of detainees. According to posts on the Democracy Spring website, more than 1,000 people have been arrested so far during the demonstration. More than 100 people were arrested on Friday alone. Dawson, star of Death Proof and Sin City (pictured in 2013), was filmed being released by cops later the same day More footage taken from later the same day shows Dawson being released again. Speaking to The Young Turks, Dawson said: 'We are putting ourselves on the line for what people in this country and around the globe really want to see happen in America. 'That is one person one vote, taking the money out of politics and having real elections with real progressives and real options. Money has distorted our politics.' While it is not known exactly what Dawson was booked for, cops told CNN earlier in the week that demonstrators were being cited for 'crowding, obstructing and incommoding.' Hundreds of activists marched from Philadelphia to Washington DC on April 2 as part of the protest, which saw marches organized throughout the week. Other social justice groups, such as Black Lives Matter, Represent.Us and the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, were invited to take part under the umbrella of Democracy Spring. In Boston on Friday campaigners from Represent.Us threw a bundle of phony campaign dollars into the harbor, mirroring the protest against British rule that sparked the Revolutionary War. Dan Krassner, political director of the movement, said: 'Our message is it doesn't matter if you're conservative or progressive. 'Two hundred and forty-three years after the original Boston Tea Party, Americans of all political stripes are still facing taxation without political representation.' Dawson told reporters that 'money has distorted out politics' and called for the campaign finance system to be overturned in order to promote 'real options' at elections Both Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump have railed against the current political system while out on the campaign trail, and Dawson made it clear which of the two candidates she is supporting The 'corrupt' political system has been a hot topic of this election cycle on both sides of the house, with Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Bernie Sanders attacking it on the campaign trail. While Trump regularly talks up the self-funded nature of his campaign, Bernie has also founded his presidential ambitions on a war chest amassed from individual donations. Both claim that avoiding 'big money' in politics means they will make stronger Presidents, as they will be less open to outside influence. Ceremony: Baroness Scotland was cheered on by friend Cherie Blair (both pictured) as she became Secretary-General of Her Majestys Commonwealth A coronation was staged last week, a stones throw from Buckingham Palace, amid the gilded splendour of Marlborough House, a former royal residence on The Mall. At a lavish ceremony featuring performances from a gospel choir, Caribbean dancers and a steel band, the New Labour peer Baroness Scotland of Asthal accepted one of the diplomatic worlds most prestigious jobs. Clad in blue silk and a thick string of pearls, and applauded by hundreds of guests, including close friends Sir Trevor McDonald (the former ITN newscaster) and Cherie Blair, the former cabinet minister became Secretary-General of Her Majestys Commonwealth. Previously, 60-year-old Baroness Scotland was best known for an unfortunate scandal which catapulted her on to the front pages in 2009, when she was serving as Gordon Browns Attorney General, or chief legal officer. It revolved around the revelation that she employed an illegal immigrant from Tonga called Loloahi Tapui as a cleaner, on a paltry wage of 6 an hour. The wealthy peer was duly prosecuted for breaking immigration laws that she had helped draft, and fined 5,000. Now she has a new job running the Commonwealth, which is set to thrust her back into the public eye. As leader of the highly influential organisation, which unites Britain with 52 of its former colonies, she is required to spend the next four years working to uphold the Commonwealth Charter. This hallowed document, which is signed by the Queen, brings together the values and aspirations to unite the Commonwealths member states. Central are three key principles: Democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Baroness Scotland will be paid a salary of 158,757, plus pension and private health insurance. She will also enjoy the right to live in a four-storey grace-and-favour residence in Mayfair, and travel in a chauffeur-driven luxury car. Not bad for a woman who hails from the very humblest of backgrounds. The tenth of 12 children, Scotland was born in a tiny village on the Caribbean island of Dominica, came to the UK when she was two and grew up on the tough streets of Walthamstow, East London. Now a Privy Councillor, she and her husband Richard Mawhinney a fellow lawyer and the father of her two grown-up sons own a 2 million house near the Thames in Chiswick, along with a cottage in the Cotswold village of Asthal. Little wonder, perhaps, that she used her maiden speech to describe herself as a classic child of the Commonwealth before (according to a Press release she later issued) describing her upwardly mobile life as a journey of firsts. She was, the audience learned, successful enough to become the first black woman to join the Queens Counsel in the United Kingdom in the early 1990s, and the first woman to hold the position of UK Attorney General in 2007. Baroness Scotland found herself embroiled in a scandal in 2009 when it was revealed that she was employing Tonga national and illegal immigrant, Loloahi Tapui (pictured) as a cleaner Now, shes the first woman Commonwealth Secretary-General. Its all very admirable stuff. But in practice, not everyone is cheering Baroness Scotlands landmark appointment. The reason is that her high-flying career has, in recent years, seen her build often lucrative relationships with two of the worlds ugliest dictatorships. One is the notorious government of Kazakhstan, whose repressive dictator, 75-year-old Nursultan Nazarbayev, has been accused of torturing and even killing political opponents, stifling Press freedom, and profiteering from the countrys vast oil and gas reserves. The other is the despotic regime of Abdulla Yameen, the dictator of the Maldives, whose associates seized power in a 2012 coup and have since prosecuted more than 1,700 opposition activists while imprisoning the leaders of three opposition parties. We shall explore these relationships in detail, along with the pressing question of how they can possibly now be squared with the Commonwealths supposed commitment to democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Baroness Scotland, it should be stressed, insists there is no contradiction in her ties to these dictators and their regimes. Indeed, in a statement to the Daily Mail, she described herself as a champion of human rights. But others strongly disagree. For example, the Human Rights Foundation, a prominent global campaigning organisation, tells me that her links to Kazakhstan absolutely stink to high heaven. And Tory MP John Glen, who campaigns for democracy in the Maldives, a Commonwealth nation, describes Baroness Scotlands work there as outrageous and shocking. Whatever ones view, her relationship with the latter country has certainly been very lucrative. It stretches back to 2012, when the democratically elected president, Mohamed Nasheed, was deposed in a coup. Soon afterwards, Baroness Scotland was hired to act as a legal adviser to the dubious regime that replaced him. After becoming the first black woman in Britain to rise to the rank of Queen's Counsel, Baroness Scotland (pictured left) went on to become the first woman to hold the position of UK Attorney General in 2007 Her contract was later leaked to the Mail. It revealed that she was paid 7,500 per day to help find potential ways for the new government to escape censure from the Commonwealth, which was investigating its human rights abuses. Baroness Scotlands decision to take the job, which lasted for ten days, was branded disgusting by Tory MP Karen Lumley. But it nonetheless had the desired effect: thanks in no small part to her work, the 2012 Commonwealth investigation was subsequently dropped. Soon afterwards, it emerged that the Maldives Attorney General, Azima Shukoor, who had signed Baroness Scotlands contract, had agreed to pay her a further 50,000, in addition to the 75,000 stipulated in her contract. This second payment, described as a bonus in a subsequent audit, was later found to be in breach of the Maldives constitution, not to mention its public finance act, and other public finance regulations. Now, of course, the same Baroness Scotland who took this much-criticised job, helping the perpetrators of a coup avoid sanction by the Commonwealth, is running the same Commonwealth. But thats not all. Last summer, it emerged that she had also joined the advisory board of Omnia Strategy, the law firm run by Cherie Blair. The move cemented a close friendship between the two women which stretches back decades. Having first met the Blairs in legal circles when she was plain Patricia Scotland, she was one of the first Labour peers created after Tony Blair became PM, and in 1999 became a junior minister, completing her rise to the Cabinet in 2007.By the time she joined the advisory board of Omnia in 2015, Baroness Scotland was already campaigning to be elected Commonwealth Secretary-General. Meanwhile, Mrs Blairs law firm was busy carrying out PR and legal work for Abdulla Yameens unsavoury government, about which Amnesty International has serious concerns. His regime has arrested hundreds of opposition activists, allowed journalists, human rights campaigners and opposition politicians to be prosecuted, extradited and subjected to death threats, and, Amnesty adds, allowed hard-line Islamic courts to force women who commit the supposed crime of fornication to undergo cruel, inhuman and degrading public floggings. One of Omnias contracts, leaked to the Mail in February, showed that it was at the time earning 420,000 for six months work for its leader the equivalent of 2,000 per day. More than 200,000 of that fee, which was invoiced to a government quango at the centre of a 50 million corruption scandal, was paid to Omnia by an entirely separate private company, at the behest of an international fugitive wanted by Interpol for alleged embezzlement. The Human Rights Foundation, a prominent global campaigning organisation, say that the Baroness' links to Kazakhstan absolutely stink to high heaven. Pictured, she meets its Prosecutor General, Askhat Daulbayev Perhaps more controversially still, Baroness Scotlands close links to the Maldives and Abdulla Yameens regime appear to have followed her not just to Omnia but also to the Commonwealth. I can reveal that one of the first people she chose to hold meetings with after taking office as Secretary-General on April 1, was the aforementioned politician Azima Shukoor the dictatorships former Attorney General who, back in 2012, had been responsible, you will recall, for signing off on Scotlands 75,000 contract and unlawfully paying her the further 50,000. Ms Shukoor visited London last week and met Baroness Scotland as a special envoy of Abdulla Yameen, the President. What cosy circles the Baroness and her despotic associates move in! More intriguingly still, Baroness Scotland decided to take this hitherto secret meeting (which was not made public by the Commonwealth) at a time when the Maldives faces potential sanctions from her own organisation. Later this month, the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG), which polices human rights abuses in member states, will meet to consider disciplinary steps against the Maldives. All of which strikes informed observers as a touch rum. Baroness Scotlands role at the Commonwealth and her paid work for the corrupt Maldivian government is an outrageous conflict of interests, says John Glen MP. That she has also been on the advisory board of Omnia, which has represented the Maldivian government, is equally shocking. The key decision of whether the Commonwealth action group will pursue an investigation into the Maldives shouldnt be influenced by an individual who has had a previous dubious involvement with the regime, and faces such a clear conflict of interest. For her part, Baroness Scotland denies any wrongdoing, telling me that she did indeed meet Shukoor last week. The meeting had been set up by her predecessor. She also later met with representatives of the countrys exiled opposition. Last night, she issued a statement insisting that all her work for the Maldives government was entirely consistent with the Commonwealths approach at the time and denying that her 2012 employment contract with the dictatorship involved her being hired to advocate for one side or the other. She also denied ever having done any work, paid or unpaid, for Omnia Strategy, despite being listed on its website until last month as a member of the firms advisory board. Finally, she insisted that she would have no influence over whether the Commonwealth decides to discipline the country later this month. The Baroness has also received criticism for her close links to the Maldives and its dictator Abdulla Yameen (pictured centre) Any decision on the Maldives will be made by the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group and not the Secretary-General. The Secretary-General is not a member of CMAG, the statement read. We must, of course, take her at her word. However, the Maldives isnt the only murky dictatorship with which the Commonwealths new Secretary-General has concerning links. She also appears to be close chums with the despotic government of oil-rich Kazakhstan. The country is another bete noir of human rights campaigners where, according to Amnesty, there is impunity for torture and where freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly continue to be restricted. Its ruling dictator, Nursultan Nazarbayev, who has no credible opposition, has forcibly closed newspapers which criticise him, and allowed anti-government protestors to be arrested, tortured and even killed. Despite Kazakhstans apalling track record, Baroness Scotland visited the country in February, weeks before taking office at the Commonwealth, on what was somewhat opaquely described by the regime as a working visit. It provided a PR coup for Nazarbayevs regime, whose official news agency circulated photographs to the domestic media of her shaking hands with senior politicians. One state-sanctioned press release claimed that a meeting of Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan Karim Massimov and Secretary-General of Commonwealth Nations Baroness Patricia Janet Scotland had resulted in them deciding on a strengthening of the mutual relationship between the UK and Kazakhstan. It was the second time in recent months that Baroness Scotland had glad-handed leaders of the regime (whose paid advisers, incidentally, have included her friends Tony Blair and his No 10 press spokesman Alastair Campbell). Last November, the countrys prosecutor-general visited London, where he was also invited to meet the baroness. Again, the meeting was considered a PR coup by the regime of the despotic president, who was elected with more than 97 per cent of the vote. A press release promptly published by the state media described Scotland as a prominent public figure of Britain. It added (somewhat laughably) that the meeting had been devoted to the representative of the Kazakh government informing her about the latest achievements of the state in the field of human rights, and claimed she had expressed support for the Kazakh regimes policies in this field. Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev (pictured) has no credible opposition and has forcibly closed newspapers which criticise him Intriguingly, given these meetings, Baroness Scotland has also, for most of the past year, maintained a curious business relationship with a company named Arcanum, a secretive private investigation firm based in Zurich, which she quit days before taking office this month. It has described her as one of its senior advisers. The company offers bespoke and tailored strategic intelligence products to government entities and the private sector across a range of industries and counts among its many lucrative clients the Government of surprise, surprise, Kazakhstan. What is more, Ron Wahid, the founder of Arcanum and an American citizen, was revealed by Private Eye magazine last summer to be helping finance Baroness Scotlands campaign for election as the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. In Private Eyes article, he was described as a Zurich-based financier and sometime polo player with a taste for private jets. Private Eye further reported that Arcanum has been mentioned in connection with a number of questionable activities, notably, a plan to kidnap Alma Shalabayeva, the wife of Kazakhstani opposition politician Mukhtar Ablyazov, and her daughter, in Rome. Meanwhile, in early 2015, Intelligence Online a sort of bible for the corporate intelligence industry revealed the existence of leaked documents showing that Arcanum had been hired by the Kazakh dictatorship to investigate another of its political opponents, Viktor Khrapunov, the former Mayor of the capital city, Almaty. Arcanum would not comment on the specifics of these allegations when I called this week, though it did confirm that it had worked for the Kazakh dictatorship. All of which makes it, shall we say, a colourful firm for the Commonwealths Secretary-General to have been so closely involved with. Little wonder that informed observers smell something fishy. The recent visit of Patricia Scotland to Kazakhstan absolutely stinks. It stinks to high heaven, comments Thor Halvorssen of the Human Rights Foundation. John Glen MP has accused the Baroness (pictured) of performing 'paid work' for the 'corrupt' Maldivian government Here you have a former British government official, about to head the Commonwealth. And yet, immediately prior to taking office as Secretary-General, she is acting as consultant for Arcanum, which is carrying out detective work for the vile regime of Nazarbayev. Then, literally days before taking office, she flies to Kazakhstan. It is remarkable that she has just magically visited the country, at a time when a firm she works for is involved in ongoing work for its dictator. For what reason is she there? The last time I checked, Kazakhstan was not part of the Commonwealth. What on earth did she think she was doing? Asked about the matter, Baroness Scotlands spokesman told the Mail that it was an unpaid visit organised to talk about civil and criminal justice reform, something on which she is widely recognised to be an international expert. The spokesman vigorously denied that her trip to Kazakhstan had anything to do with Arcanum, saying: She has not done any work, paid or unpaid, for Arcanum in Kazakhstan, nor have they facilitated any meetings, formally or informally, on her behalf. Strangely, however, this version of events was swiftly and explicitly contradicted by Arcanums founder, Mr Wahid. At the time of her visit to Kazakhstan, Baroness Scotland was a serving senior adviser to Arcanum, which has links with a number of sovereign governments, including Kazakhstan, he told me in a statement. During visits towards the end of her tenure of office as senior adviser, Baroness Scotland held a number of meetings on behalf of Arcanum in relation to Arcanums ongoing business activities in Kazakhstan. Immediately after receiving Mr Wahids written statement, the Mail contacted the Commonwealth seeking an explanation as to why it was at odds with Baroness Scotlands testimony. Half an hour later hey presto! a spokesman for Arcanum called saying that their aforementioned testimony, which described in some detail how Baroness Scotland had worked for it in Kazakhstan, had actually been issued in error. Due to what the firm called a misunderstanding, the first statement contained completely false information, said the spokesman. In fact, the Arcanum spokesman now said, Baroness Scotlands visit to Kazakhstan had nothing whatsoever to do with Arcanum. What a sloppy mistake for the private investigation company to make! How embarrassing, for all concerned, for them to change their story so suddenly once the Mail started asking questions. Whatever really went on, Her Majestys Commonwealth in theory remains an organisation committed to three fundamental principles: Democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Of all the hundreds of thousands of photographs of Princess Diana, it is among the most famous not the most iconic, perhaps, but certainly the most significant. For five poignant minutes, the Princess sat by herself on a bench in front of the Taj Mahal, Indias shimmering monument to love and one of the seven wonders of the modern world. The pictures were transmitted round the globe and the message they relayed was both symbolic and eloquent. It said: I am alone and I am unloved. The picture that was transmitted round the globe: Princess Diana was memorably pictured on a bench in front of the Indian landmark in 1992 as her marriage to Prince Charles unravelled Those of us who were there that day in February 1992 saw it as public affirmation that the fairytale marriage of the Prince and Princess of Wales was all but over. The bench she was sitting on was, after all, the very seat on which some 12 years earlier a bachelor Charles, who was courting the young Lady Diana Spencer but had not yet proposed, had rested, vowing to return one day with his bride. Like Diana he had been moved by the beauty of the place. But it was a promise he never kept. By the time they finally made it to India as man and wife, the couple were barely on speaking terms and Charless absence that day handed Diana the ammunition for the opening shot in a bitter and acrimonious break-up. Twenty-four years on and that celebrated stone seat is being readied for another royal visit. Today, Dianas son Prince William will follow in his mothers footsteps and unlike his father, he will bring his wife. For William and Kate the moment presents a uniquely royal conundrum. Should they sit, as Diana did, gazing reflectively at the white marble temple, or will they choose to stand? Will they pose surrounded by the entourage that inevitably accompanies such high-profile visitors, or will they try to emulate the Princess of Wales whose hangers-on were fleetingly pushed out of camera shot? After her reverie, Diana was enigmatic when she was asked what she thought of the Taj. Very healing, she said. What did she mean, we asked? Work that out for yourself, she replied. In fact, the monument was anything but healing for the Princess. It symbolised her misery and her despair that the marriage which had begun so brightly and with such optimism just 11 years earlier was at an end. For William and Kate, the encounter is the polar opposite. They are four years into a union that has brought two children and nothing but contentment and happiness. Yet some have suggested that including the Taj Mahal on their itinerary risks stirring up ghosts of the past and ensuring they never escape the shadows of Diana. Twenty-four years on and that celebrated stone seat is being readied for another royal visit. Today, Dianas son Prince William (pictured near Paro, Bhutan) will follow in his mothers footsteps and unlike his father, he will bring his wife Kate, remember, already wears the Princesss engagement ring, while her daughter Princess Charlottes middle name is Diana and her christening was at the same Sandringham church where Diana was baptised in 1961. But quite apart from not wishing to offend their hosts by declining to visit the temple where all overseas VIPs are expected to pay homage William sees the trip as a unique opportunity. Whereas Dianas presence symbolised a broken Royal Family, William and Kate hope theirs will convey a very different image: of a monarchy now happier, more at ease with itself and more secure. It was at the top of their list of places to go in India, says an aide. Cannily, the Prince sees it as a chance to respect the enduring image of his mothers Taj Mahal moment yet confine it to history. In the aides words: William is very protective of his mothers memory and he and Kate particularly want to be seen happy together in a place where Diana was sad. By the time royal planners drew up the schedule of Charles and Dianas visit to India, it was clear there would only be the most superficial attempt at togetherness. Separate itineraries had been compiled but there was still a hope among officials that they would come together for one visit to the Taj Mahal. Had they done so it would have allowed them to make a positive if false statement about their marriage. The absence of Charles saddened those who even then would have rejoiced at seeing him and Diana sharing such precious moments. Kate (shown here at the Taj Tashi Hotel in Thimpu, Bhutan), remember, already wears the Princesss engagement ring, while her daughter Princess Charlottes middle name is Diana and her christening was at the same Sandringham church where Diana was baptised in 1961 But by early 1992, Charles was beyond caring, feeling that to have accompanied her would have been hypocritical and that the whole experience would have been too excruciating for them both. Former police bodyguard Ken Wharfe, who accompanied the Princess across the sub-continent, recalls: You have to remember it was a joint tour and therefore there was an expectation that they would do some things together. 'But the Prince of Wales didnt want to know. He was very p***** off that wherever Diana went, the media went, too, so his philosophy was summed up as whats the point? So while Diana travelled to Agra and the Taj, Charles remained 200 miles away in Delhi to address a forum of industrialists. He couldnt resist a caustic aside, telling his guests: A wiser prince than I would have opted for a visit to the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort in Agra, which I believe is where some of the greatest pundits of the Press seem to think I ought to be anyway, rather than making a greater fool of myself here. According to Wharfe, the uncertainty about the Taj visit meant that plans for a photo-call with the Princess were only sketchy. It was clear she would have to do something, this was the place where dignitaries had to come and it would have been impolite for her not to have been photographed. Some might be surprised that the final stop on William and Kates triumphant tour across India and Bhutan should be the place which was so central to his parents unravelling marriage. (The couple are pictured walking through Kaziranga National Park) The marble mausoleum was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as a memorial to his beloved Queen Mumtaz, the Lady of the Taj, his wife for 19 years. He was heartbroken when she died in childbirth in 1631 after bearing 14 children. Romantics like to visit it under moonlight. Diana arrived in the morning before the sun was too high and the crowds of trippers, hawkers and beggars was too big. Even so, the retinue of hangers-on threatened to swamp the occasion. I remember Diana saying to me: What shall I do?, says Wharfe. I saw the seat and said: You better sit there, and just for a split second we managed to get all the entourage out of the camera shot. Wharfe who much to the amusement of the Princess earlier had slipped and fallen on a flight of stairs inside the building soon found himself thinking on his feet again. BBC newsreader Simon McCoy, who was then working for Sky, asked Diana what she thought of the tomb. Turning to Wharfe, the Princess whispered: What do I say, Ken? The ex-policeman tells me: I just said the first thing that came into my head. Say its a very healing experience. And the rest, as they say, is history. Afterwards, as we left, she was pleased, but she had no idea that it would come to be seen as the start of the PR war with her husband. Had he wanted to, the Prince could have turned the whole thing on its head simply by going with her to the Taj Mahal but he no longer cared what people thought. I remember her saying to me: Charles will go bonkers about it. The tensions of that Indian tour were to become even more unforgivingly obvious just three days later, on Valentines Day no less, when the royal party had descended on Jaipur, the capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan. Charles was playing in a polo match and Diana was due to present the cup to her husband with a kiss. She initially refused. After pressure from aides she reluctantly agreed to do it but she had the last laugh. As Charles made to kiss her, she inclined her head, forcing him to kiss air and launching a flurry of headlines about the kiss that missed. The Prince was furious that Diana had made him look a fool and the tour ended with the two silently ignoring each another. The marriage limped on for another ten months before the couple formally separated in December 1992. Some might be surprised that the final stop on William and Kates triumphant tour across India and Bhutan should be the place which was so central to his parents unravelling marriage. But for William, it is about laying the ghosts of the past to rest. Two men have been arrested for hunting and cooking an endangered python in a Chinese village. The suspects, who are brothers, shared pictures of their barbaric practise last week on social media, which led to their arrest on April 6 in China's Bobai County, a part of Yulin where the chilling dog meat festival takes place every June. The snake they captured and killed is a highly protected animal species in the country, according to People's Daily Online. Killed for its meat: Two Chinese men slaughtered a python for food and shared pictures of the scene online Trophy of the day: The siblings told the police they hunted the snake on April 5 in a mountain in Bobai County According to reports, shocking images of a group of villagers killing a massive python had been widely shared on Chinese social media since April 5. The pictures show the men proudly holding the reptile, which measured about three metres long (10 feet) and weighed 7.5 kilograms (16.5 pounds). One of the photographs showed the villagers washing the snake in a tub of water after they had slaughtered the animal. The snake seemed to have been chopped in half. Blood could be seen around the tub. After investigation, the local forest police confirmed the incident had taken place in a town called Shuiming. Crucial evidence: They police were able to track down the two suspects after seeing their pictures online Captured: One of the brothers seen in police custody after they were arrested for killing an endangered animal According to the police, the two siblings, known only by their surname Guan, found the python while they were visiting their relatives' cemeteries on a mountain on April 5. They decided to kill the python and bring it back home for food. They also took pictures of their hunting and killing before uploading them to Weibo and other Chinese social media platforms. The police were able to identify the two brothers through the pictures. They were arrested in the afternoon of April 6 on suspicion of illegally hunting and killing endangered animals. The two suspects had admitted to killing the python, which is classified as the first-class protected animal in China. Last year, a mysterious 'ring of fire' was spotted in space thanks to Albert Einstein's theory of relatively. Researchers believed the ring was an illusion created by the light of two distant galaxies; one 12 billion light years away, and another four billion light years away. Now, a new study of the image has revealed that a dwarf dark galaxy is hiding in the halo of the larger and closer galaxy. Scroll down for video A composite image of the gravitational lens SDP.81 showing the distorted ALMA image of the more distant galaxy (red arcs) and the Hubble optical image of the nearby lensing galaxy (blue center object). By looking at distortions in the ring, scientists have determined the presence of a dark dwarf galaxy (shown by the white dot) WHAT IS GRAVITATIONAL LENSING? Gravitational lensing occurs when a massive galaxy or cluster of galaxies bends the light emitted from a more distant galaxy, forming a highly magnified, though much distorted image. It can shed light on the properties of the nearby lensing galaxy because of the way its gravity distorts and focuses light from more distant objects. Advertisement The ring was created by a phenomenon, called gravitational lensing, which was predicted by Einstein's general theory of relativity. It can shed light on the properties of the nearby lensing galaxy because of the way its gravity distorts and focuses light from more distant objects. In a new paper accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal, scientists from Stanford University in California explain how they uncovered signs of a hidden dwarf dark galaxy. 'We can find these invisible objects in the same way that you can see rain droplets on a window,' explained astronomer Yashar Hezaveh. 'You know they are there because they distort the image of the background objects. 'In the case of a rain drop, the image distortions are caused by refraction. 'In this image, similar distortions are generated by the gravitational influence of dark matter.' Current theories suggest that dark matter, which makes up about 80 per cent of the mass of the universe, is made of as-yet-unidentified particles that don't interact with visible light or other forms of electromagnetic radiation. Dark matter does, however, have mass, so it can be identified by its gravitational influence. For their study, the researchers harnessed thousands of computers working in parallel for many weeks. An AlmaHubble composite image of the gravitationally lensed galaxy SDP.81. The diffuse blue element at the center of the ring is from the intervening lensing galaxy, as seen with the Hubble Space Telescope WHAT IS A DWARF GALAXY? Dwarf galaxies are the most abundant type of galaxy in the universe. Despite this, they are usually difficult to detect due to their low luminosity, low mass and small size. They are most commonly found in galaxy clusters. Advertisement They wanted to search for subtle anomalies that had a consistent and measurable counterpart in each 'band' of radio data. The computers helped them able to piece together an unprecedented understanding of the lensing galaxy's halo. This is the diffuse and predominantly star-free region around the galaxy. They discovered a distinctive clump less than one-thousandth the mass of the Milky Way. Because of its relationship to the larger galaxy, estimated mass, and lack of an optical counterpart, the astronomers believe this gravitational anomaly may be caused by an extremely faint, dark-matter dominated satellite of the lensing galaxy. The work could lead to the discovery of more collections of dark matter and also solve a long-standing discrepancy that has baffled astronomers. According to theoretical predictions, most galaxies should be brimming with similar dwarf galaxies and other companion objects. Detecting them, however, has proven challenging. Even around our own Milky Way, astronomers can identify only 40 or so of the thousands of satellite objects that are predicted to be present. 'This discrepancy between observed satellites and predicted abundances has been a major problem in cosmology for nearly two decades, even called a 'crisis' by some researchers,' said Neal Dalal of the University of Illinois, a member of the team. 'If these dwarf objects are dominated by dark matter, this could explain the discrepancy while offering new insights into the true nature of dark matter,' he added. Alma's image of the gravitationally lensed galaxy SDP.81. The bright orange central region of the ring - Alma's highest resolution observation ever - reveals the glowing dust in this distant galaxy Computer models of the evolution of the universe indicate that by measuring the 'clumpiness' of dark matter, it's possible to measure its temperature. So by counting the number of small dark matter clumps around distant galaxies, astronomers can infer the temperature of dark matter, which has an important bearing on the smoothness of our Universe. 'If these halo objects are simply not there,' notes co-author Daniel Marrone of the University of Arizona, 'then our current dark matter model cannot be correct and we will have to modify what we think we understand about dark matter particles.' This study suggests, however, that the majority of dwarf galaxies may simply not be seen because they're mainly composed of invisible dark matter and emit little if any light. 'Our current measurements agree with the predictions of cold dark matter,' said team member Gilbert Holder of McGill University in Montreal, Canada. 'In order to increase our confidence we will need to look at many more lenses.' 'Our next step is to look for more of them and to have a census of their abundance to figure out if there is any possibility of a warm temperature for dark matter particles.' The mysterious X-37b spaceplane has captured the imagination of many, with some suggesting it is a spy plane and others who think it could be a space bomber. But now its big brother is one step closer to being built thanks to funding from the US military. The plane-like craft is known as the XS-1 program, short for 'eXperimental Spaceplane 1', and could blast off in 2019 on its first test mission. The small, planelike craft is known as the XS-1. It is hoped it could quickly launch small satellites that could defend against the growing threat of Russian and Chinese space weapons. Boeing was awarded funding to develop a design for the plane in August last year (artist's concept pictured) The US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (Darpa) is now entering the second and third phases of its ambitious program, which aims to make launching satellites a daily occurrence. The XS-1 will be an airplane-like vehicle that can fly to the edge of Earth's atmosphere and quickly boost small satellites into orbit. After this, it will land, refuel, load up another satellite and take off again within 24 hours. The goal of the next phases is to take the program beyond studies to flight tests. 'I can tell you officially now that we have been funded by the [Obama] Administration for the next phase of XS-1,' DARPA's Jess Sponable told attendees at the Space Access '16 Conference in Phoenix last week, according to Space.com. 'What I can tell you right now is that we have $146 million (103m).' The reusable first stage launch vehicle will be capable of carrying and deploying an upper stage to launch small satellite payloads of 3,000 to 5,000 pounds (1,361 kg to 2,268 kg) into low-Earth orbit. The booster would then return to Earth, where it could be prepared for the next flight HOW THE SPACEPLANE WILL WORK The reusable first stage launch vehicle will be capable of carrying and deploying an upper stage to launch small satellite payloads of 3,000 to 5,000 pounds (1,361 kg to 2,268 kg) into low-Earth orbit. The booster would then return to Earth, where it could be quickly prepared for the next flight using methods similar to an airline jet. It is hoped the craft could quickly launch small satellites that could defend against the growing threat of space weapons. XS-1 could 'create a new paradigm for more routine, responsive and affordable space operations,' according to Darpa, the military research arm heading the project. Advertisement Darpa launched the XS-1 program in 2014. The goal is to develop a reusable launch system capable of flying 10 times in 10 days at a cost of no more than $5 million (3.54m) per flight. 'In an era of declining budgets and adversaries' evolving capabilities, quick, affordable, and routine access to space is increasingly critical for both national and economic security,' Darpa said in a press release. Over the past two years, Darpa has funded Phase 1 studies by three companies: Boeing, partnered with Blue Origin, Masten Space Systems, partnered with XCOR Aerospace and Northrop Grumman, partnered with Virgin Galactic. The reusable first stage launch vehicle will be capable of carrying and deploying an upper stage to launch small satellite payloads of 3,000 to 5,000 pounds (1,361 kg to 2,268 kg) into low-Earth orbit. The booster would then return to Earth, where it could be quickly prepared for the next flight using methods similar to an airline jet. It is hoped the craft could quickly launch small satellites that could defend against the growing threat of space weapons. Following the launch, the craft, which flies itself, returns to Earth. XS-1 could 'create a new paradigm for more routine, responsive and affordable space operations,' according to Darpa, the military research arm The craft can then release its second stage (pictured). It is hoped the craft could quickly launch small satellites that could defend against the growing threat of space weapons THE XS-1 NEXT STEPS The goal of the next phases is to take the program beyond studies to flight tests. This will be open to all companies, not just the ones that were funded in Phase 1. Darpa will kick off Phase 2 with a proposers' day on April 29 in Arlington, Virginia. The agency aim to select a single contractor in 2017, with the first flights around 2019 or 2020. Advertisement XS-1 could 'create a new paradigm for more routine, responsive and affordable space operations,' according to Darpa, the military research arm heading the project. 'In an era of declining budgets and adversaries' evolving capabilities, quick, affordable, and routine access to space is increasingly critical for both national and economic security,' Darpa said in a press release. The goal of the next phases is to take the program beyond studies to flight tests. This will be open to all companies, not just the ones that were funded in Phase 1. Darpa will kick off Phase 2 with a proposers' day on 29 April in Arlington, Virginia. Mr Sponable said the $146 million is sufficient to begin to support a single contractor. 'That's enough to pick someone and go,' he said. 'It's probably not enough to fully fund what we have envisioned.' The agency aim to select the contractor in 2017, with the first flights around 2019 or 2020. Bidders will be required to bring their own funding to the table as part of a public-private partnership, Mr Sponable said. The upper stage can launch small satellite payloads of 3,000 to 5,000 pounds (1,361 kg to 2,268 kg) into low-Earth orbit. Darpa aims to select the contractor in 2017, with the first flights around 2019 or 2020. Bidders will be required to bring their own funding to the table as part of a public-private partnership The initial version of the launch vehicle must be capable of placing a 900lb (408 kg) payload into low Earth orbit. The contractor will need to show how the vehicle can be upgraded to carry 3,000lb (1,360 kg) payloads in commercial operations using an expendable upper stage. Mr Sponable said that a number of companies are working on small-satellite launch vehicles, whose engines might be used as an upper stage on the XS-1. A low-cost, reusable launch vehicle capable of flying every day would have numerous military and commercial applications, he added. After that, the Pentagon could decide to build XS-1s for regular use. The booster would then return to Earth, where it could be quickly prepared for the next flight using methods similar to an airline jet. The contractor will need to show how the vehicle can be upgraded to carry 3,000 pound (1,360 kg) payloads in commercial operations using an expendable upper stage The US Air Force's top secret X-37B space plane was caught on camera by a team of amateur astronomers last year. South African astronomer Greg Roberts captured this of the space plane in two-secondlong exposures just a few weeks after launch X-37B CONSPIRACY THEORIES The space plane is a spy plane: The leading theory appears to be that the unmanned space plane is a shuttle-shaped surveillance vehicle. It could be a space bomber: This is the least likely theory, according tot Seven Aftergood, a secrecy expert at the Federation of American Scientists. He claims the US doesn't need this capability. It is on a mission is to 'take out' satellites: This activity would be easily traceable, making it unlikely to stay a secret. The X-37B deploys spy satellites: Instead of destroying them, the theory suggests that the space plane's orbit matches up to where deployed satellites would work best for spying on other countries. Advertisement Boeing was awarded a $6.6 million (4.67m) contract in August last year. The X-program has bounced between several federal agencies, Nasa among them, since 1999. The plane has been in space for a total of 674 days, far more than its two previous flights which lasted 225 and 469 days. Last year the US Air Force's top secret X-37B space plane was caught on camera by a team of amateur astronomers. The unmanned plane launched atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V on May 20 last year, on its fourth mission, but most of the details about its flight remain classified. The unmanned X-37B space plane has flown four secret missions to date, each time carrying a mystery payload on long-duration flights in Earth orbit. The spacecraft looks similar to Nasa's space shuttle but is much smaller. It is about 29ft (8.8m) long and 9.5ft (2.9 m) tall with a wingspan of just less than 15ft (4.6 m). At launch, it weighs 11,000lbs (4,990kg). The craft is taken into orbit on a rocket but lands like the space shuttle by gliding down to Earth. An infrared view of the X-37B unmanned spacecraft landing at Vandenberg Air Force Base. The purpose of the military's space plane is classified. The spacecraft looks similar to Nasa's space shuttle but is much smaller Like a shuttle, X-37B (picutred) is blasted into orbit by a rocket. However, it lands using a runway like a normal aircraft. The X-37B is too small to carry people onboard, but does have a cargo bay similar to that of a pickup truck, which is just large enough to carry a small satellite The X-37B is too small to carry people onboard, but does have a cargo bay similar to that of a pickup truck, which is just large enough to carry a small satellite. According to X-37B manufacturer Boeing, the space plane operates in low-earth orbit, between 110 (177km) and 500 miles (800km) above earth. By comparison, the International Space Station orbits at about 220 miles (350km). at the region as the comets pass again It has puzzled astronomers and fuelled the enthusiasm of alien hunters for nearly 40 years, but the mystery of the famous 'Wow!' signal could soon be solved by a new experiment. The powerful 72-second long blast of radio waves caused a sensation in 1977 when it was detected by astronomers apparently coming from a distant solar system. Now a team of scientists is hoping to point a radio telescope in the direction where the signal was detected in the hope of finally proving what the source is. The Wow! signal was detected by a radio telescope in Ohio in 1977 as a 72 second-long burst of powerful radio waves during a project searching for signals from intelligent extraterrestrial life. It earned its name after astronomer Dr Jerry Ehman circled the data relating to the signal and wrote' Wow!' in the margin (pictured) The signal, which was 30 times stronger than the normal radio background from deep space, was seen by some as a possible contact from intelligent extraterrestrial beings. At the time, astronomer Jerry Ehman scrawled the word 'Wow!' beside the sequence of numbers and letters that denoted the signal, leading to the nickname for the 'message'. THE THEORIES FOR WHAT CAUSED THE 1977 WOW! SIGNAL There have been many theories over the years for what could have been the source for the short-lived, narrow band radio signal that became known as the Wow! signal. At the time, it was seen has having all the traits of having come from a distant planet, but the inability to pick it up again has frustrated astronomers. While some have taken it to be a radio message broadcast by an alien beacon into space, others have looked for other astronomical sources. Theories have included collisions between asteroids and stars, flares from stars, merging white dwarfs and colliding neutron stars. Advertisement But earlier this year a group of scientists revealed a new theory for what may be responsible for the blast of radio waves - a pair of comets passing our planet. Professor Antonio Paris, an astronomer at St Petersburg College, in Florida, believes the comets produced a cloud of hydrogen gas in their wake which released radiation. The frequency of the signal spotted by Dr Ehman in 1977 matches the emissions produced by hydrogen atoms, for example. Professor Paris said comets 266P/Christensen and P/2008 Y2 (Gibbs) would have been in the right part of the sky at the time and perhaps importantly they are due to return in 2017 and 2018. He is now leading a crowdfunding bid to allow his team to build a 10ft (3 metre) radio telescope to point towards the area in the sky where there these comets will pass. If they detect the same signal again as the comets race past the Earth, then it will prove they are the source of the signal. However, if the comets do not produce a similar signal, then it could strengthen the case for it potentially being produced by alien life forms. The Wow! signal was detected as coming from a region of space close to the M55 galaxy cluster close to the constellation Sagittarius (illustrated), but new research suggests the signal may have been produced by two comets, undiscovered at the time, passing through our own solar system in front of the region New research has traced the path of two comets - 266P/Christensen and P/2008 Y2 (Gibbs) - and found they were in the right region of the sky at the time the signal was received. Astronomers claim the large hydrogen clouds enveloping the comets could have produced the radio waves (stock image of comet pictured) THE COMETS BEHIND WOW! Comet 266P/Christensen was first discovered in 2006. It orbits the sun every 6.79 years. The closest it passes to Earth is 125 million miles. P/2008 Y2 (Gibbs) was first discovered in 2008. It passes much closer to Earth, at a distance of 61 million miles and orbits the sun every 6.8 years. Advertisement Writing on the crowdfunding site GoFundMe, Professor Paris said: 'Comet 266P/Christensen will transit the neighborhood of the "Wow" signal again on January 25, 2017. 'And, on January 07, 2018 comet P/2008 Y2 (Gibbs) will also transit the neighborhood of the "Wow" signal. 'The Center for Planetary Science will have an opportunity to direct a radio telescope toward this phenomenon, analyse the hydrogen spectra of these two comets, and test our hypothesis.' According to Professor Paris' theory, the clouds of hydrogen that surround the comets as sunlight breaks up the frozen water on their surface extends millions of miles around each. This means they could produce a powerful signal as radiation is released. The Wow! signal was detected on 15 August 1977 with a radio telescope known as Big Ears at the Ohio State University Radio Observatory in Delaware. Dr Ehman, who had been working on a project for the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute, noticed the surprisingly strong signal in a column of alphanumerical data. Astronomers are hoping to build a 10ft (3m) radio telescope (pictured) to search the area of the sky where the Wow! signal came from as two comets pass close to the Earth to prove if they were the source of the signal With a red pen he scrawled the word 'Wow!' in the margin and circled the sequence. Astronomers ruled out that the signal came from Earth and could find nothing in our solar system to have produced it. THE FRUITLESS SEARCH FOR EXTRATERRESTRIAL INTELLIGENCE Scientists have been searching for signs of intelligent life in the cosmos under the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (Seti) programme since the 1960s. Initially it was conducted on the fringe of radio astronomy, with just short amounts of time obtained on relatively small radio telescopes. However, in 1984 the Seti Institute was established to provide a coordinated approach to the search, using radio telescopes as permanent 'ears' to listen for alien signals. The project suffered a set back in 1994 when Nasa funding to Seti was cut and it now seeks support from private sources instead. The project has yet to detect any positive signs of signals from intelligent life, but some scientists have predicted it could happen within the next 20 years. However, the project has also been criticised for being overly optimistic despite not receiving any signals in the past 30 years. Recently scientists proposed taking a more active approach by broadcasting signals to nearby stars in the hope of getting a response. Advertisement It is thought to have come from a region of space to the northwest of the globular galaxy cluster M55 in the constellation Sagittarius Although Dr Ehman himself has remained sceptical, the signal has led to claims that it may have been a radio beacon or broadcast coming from far beyond our own solar system. Some have taken it as evidence of alien life as the frequency is widely thought to be one that could be used by extraterrestrials to communicate. The mystery surrounding the signal has only been compounded by the inability to pick up the signal again, despite repeated attempts by increasingly more powerful radio telescopes. However, at the time, researchers did not know of the existence of comets of 266P/Christensen and P/2008 Y2 (Gibbs). The pair was only discovered after 2006. Comet 266P/Christensen orbits the sun every seven and a half years and is more than 125 million miles from Earth. By tracing the comets journey through the solar system back in time, Professor Paris found they both seem to have been in the right place for the source of the Wow! signal. Their fleeting passage through this area of space could also explain why it has not been possible to detect the signal again since the short blast. However, some scientists are sceptical that the comets are responsible. James Bauer, of Nasa's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, said the emissions from the comet's hydrogen clouds may not powerful enough to account for the Wow! signal. He explained: 'If comets were radio-bright at 21 centimetres, I would be puzzled as to why they aren't observed more often at those wavelengths.' Professor Paris told the Guardian, however, that even if he is wrong, the experiment could reveal new details about the comets themselves. Astronomers may get a second chance to detect the radio signal if it was produced by the comets as they are set to pass through the same region of space in January 2017 and January 2018. By training radio telescopes (Very Large Array pictured) onto that part of the sky, it may be possible to confirm the comet theory When a huge flaming chunk of rock smashed into Earth almost 66 million years ago, it would have been curtains for the dinosaurs and other large animals on the land and in the seas. The impact would have vaporised everything in its wake and sent choking dust high into the atmosphere, but for those creatures living in the cold and murky depths, life managed to carry on. Exactly how they struggled through this catastrophic period has been unclear, but new research suggests the deep sea creatures may have been able to survive thanks to a trickle of food from above. Scientists believe that deep sea creatures were able to survive in the wake of the mass extinction which wiped out the dinosaurs (illustrated) by feeding on the bodied of micro-organisms such as bacteria and algae trickled down from the waters above Without light, creatures of the deep oceans are dependent on the world above for food, with nutrients from the land and the carcasses of sea animals providing sustenance. The catastrophic asteroid impact turned things on their head, as many species of fish and marine reptile in the seas would likely have perished, cutting off the food supply. But scientists believe micro-organisms such as bacteria and algae would have eked out a living on the surface, providing a meagre source of food. Just like flakes of food sinking to the bottom of a fish tank, researchers now believe deep sea life was sustained by the bodies of these micro-organisms filtering from the surface waters into the abyss below. The catastrophic asteroid impact turned things on their head, as many species of fish, marine reptiles and even plankton would likely have perished, cutting off the food supply to the ocean floor. Stock image Chemical analysis of fossils of sea surface and deep sea creatures found in Atlantic Ocean show that although the food chain would have been severely disrupted after the mass extinction event (illustrated), it would have been fully restored within just 1.7 million years of the impact CARBON CYCLE'S HEAVY ISOTOPES Scientists at Cardiff University believe that micro-organisms such as bacteria and algae would have eked out a living on the surface, providing a meagre source of food for deep sea creatures. Chemical analysis of fossils of sea surface and deep sea creatures found in Atlantic Ocean show that although the food chain would have been severely disrupted after the mass extinction event (illustrated), it would have been fully restored within just 1.7 million years of the impact Researchers were able to use isotopes of carbon and oxygen - these forms of the elements have additional neutrons in their nuclei, making them heavier. Carbon typically has a weight of 12 and oxygen 16, but the team focused on two isotopes, carbon 13 and oxygen 18. While stable, these isotopes are rare, so their relative abundance can be used as markers throughout time. And they can also be traced to show how elements are cycled around the planet. Advertisement 'The global catastrophe that caused the extinction of the dinosaurs also devastated ocean ecosystems,' explained Heather Birch, a PhD student at Cardiff University who led the study. She added: 'Our results show that despite a wave of massive and virtually instantaneous extinctions among the plankton, some types of photosynthesising organisms, such as algae and bacteria, were living in the aftermath of the asteroid strike.' Using measurements of stable isotopes of carbon and oxygen, they found that although the flow of nutrients would have been severely disrupted following the asteroid collision, there was enough food to keep life on the ocean floor ticking over. By analysing changes in the amount of isotopes in fossils of sea surface and deep sea creatures found 656ft (200 metres) below the floor of the Atlantic Ocean, they showed that although the food chain was disrupted, it would have been fully restored within just 1.7 million years of the impact. The evidence suggests these rare heavier forms of elements still managed to make it to the ocean floors, before being used by the animals to make their shells. According to Birch, the findings answer one of the outstanding scientific questions of this period in Earth's history - how these creatures managed to survive on a planet stalked by death. Scientists believe the site of the asteroid that kicked off the demise of the dinosaurs is located at Chicxulub, in Mexico's Yucatan peninsula (illustrated) WHAT DID KILL THE DINOSAURS? While there have been many theories for what killed off the dinosaurs - from an asteroid strike to massive volcanic eruptions - recent research suggests it may have been a combination of disasters. The creatures' 160 million year long reign is thought to have been ended by a double-whammy when the shockwave from the meteor impact caused a storm of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes around the world. Much of the planet would also have been blanketed in dust, meaning plant life could have struggled for years, having a widespread impact on the food chain. Researchers recently announced they had found evidence that a string of volcanoes in a region of India known as the Deccan Traps doubled their activity around 50,000 years after the Chicxulub impact. They blanketed the Earth with sulphurous gas and dust. Together, the impact and volcanism caused a dramatic change in climate as the sun's rays were blanketed out in a version of the 'nuclear winter' predicted to follow a global nuclear war. Advertisement But even with this lifeline from the waters above, recovery was slow. 'It took almost two million years before the deep sea food supply was fully restored as new species evolved to occupy ecological niches vacated by extinct forms,' said Birch. She told MailOnline: 'These findings are important as they help us to understand more about the marine carbon pump, which is the main process that transfers carbon from the atmosphere to the deep ocean, where it can be locked away into sediments. 'Over geological time the marine biological pump helps to regulate climate. 'With greater understanding we can predict/mitigate affects that we might be having on this process.' 'The Crustaceous-Paleogene boundary in particular is interesting because this pump was thought to have almost stopped due to extinctions and have a 3 million year recovery giving us a possible worst case scenario to look at.' Scientists believe the site of the asteroid which kicked off the demise of the dinosaurs is located at Chicxulub, in Mexico's Yucatan peninsula. Teams are currently drilling at the site to take rock core samples from the heart of the Chicxulub crater in the Gulf of Mexico. The European Rotor Sports Association flew in to the capital this week as machines soared around Wembley Stadium at speeds of 75mph (120km/h). Drones buzzed around the iconic venue and further proved why the sport of drone racing is gaining popularity. The racing was live streamed to spectators for the first time over EE's 4G network at the stadium, with 4G cameras attached to the drones giving people a drone's-eye-view. The event was attended by 16-year-old Luke Bannister, from Somerset, who recently won 174,000 ($250,000) in the Drone Grand Prix in Dubai. First Person View (FPV) drone racing involves live video being streamed to the pilot's headset to enable split-second manoeuvres. This perspective is usually only available to the team controlling the drone, however for the first time spectators in the stadium and online were also able to 'ride' around the stadium. By attaching 4GEE Action Cams, additional footage was streamed from the drones to multiple screens around the stadium, live and in high definition. The European Rotor Sports Association flew in to the capital this week as machines soared around Wembley Stadium at speeds of 75mph (120km/h). Drones buzzed around the venue and captured videos as they went (pictured) The tournament also demonstrated Qualcomm's Snapdragon Flight control system, which was incorporated into the racing drones to reduce their weight and improve the response times for the pilots. A bespoke freestyle course was built by the European Rotor Sports Association (ERSA) inside the 90,000-capacity bowl, including slaloms through the players' tunnel, bank turns around the corner flags, and barrel rolls above the royal box. By attaching 4GEE Action Cams, additional footage was streamed from the drones to multiple screens around the stadium, live and in high definition (pictured). The GIF shows the view from one of the drones in the stadium First Person View (FPV) drone racing involves live video being streamed to the pilot's headset to enable split-second manoeuvres. This perspective (pictured) is usually only available to the team controlling the drone, but spectators in the stadium were also able to watch A bespoke freestyle course was built by the European Rotor Sports Association (ERSA) inside the 90,000-capacity bowl, including slaloms through the players' tunnel (pictured) bank turns around the corner flags, and barrel rolls above the royal box HOW THE DRONE RACING WORKS First Person View (FPV) drone racing involves live video being streamed to the pilot's headset to enable split-second manoeuvres. This perspective is usually only available to the team controlling the drone, but spectators in the stadium were also able to watch. By attaching 4GEE Action Cams, additional footage was streamed from the drones to multiple screens around the stadium, live and in high definition. Advertisement Luke Bannister said: 'I started off flying remote control planes indoors and then I found a local club where they taught me how to fly these bigger planes and it progressed from there.' 'Two years ago I got my first set of goggles with an FPV set-up, which has a camera and a video transmitter and then started putting them in my planes flying them around.' Drone racing is often compared to computer-gaming due to the use of a control pad - used to control the drone - and the use of FPV goggles, which look like a virtual reality headset. Luke added: 'It looks similar but there's so many different aspects to drone racing. 'You have to know how to build, solder, tune. There's a lot more to it than just picking up a controller and doing it.' Teeanger Luke Bannister gives his drone a close inspection before the start of his race at the EE event. 'I started off flying remote control planes indoors and then I found a local club where they taught me how to fly these bigger planes and it progressed from there,' he said First Person View (FPV) drone racing involves live video being streamed to the pilot's headset to enable split-second manoeuvres. The growth of drone racing is thought to be down to its accessibility, as people of all ages can buy a drone and start racing The growth of drone racing is thought to be down to its accessibility, as people of all ages can buy a drone and start racing. EE boss Marc Allera said: 'This event is only possible thanks to our unique partnership with Wembley stadium. 'Our 4G network here is the best in the world, offering unprecedented speeds perfect for drone racing, which relies on superfast connectivity. 'This event is a world first with our 4G Action Cams attached to the drones, live streaming direct to fans for the first time, we are helping to bring spectators closer than ever to this exciting new sport.' Luke Bannister (pictured) faces off with fellow drone racers at the event. First Person View (FPV) drone racing involves live video being streamed to the pilot's headset to enable split-second manoeuvres. It looks similar but there's so many different aspects to drone racing, says Luke DRONE VERSUS PORK Danish scientists are trying to demonstrate the damage a small hobby drones can do when they collide with people and animals. Researchers at Aalborg Universitys Drone Research Lab rigged a catapult to launch a hobby drone into a slab of belly pork at high speed, recording the impact with a high-speed camera capturing 3,000 frames per second. Footage from the initial test out earlier this week showed one of the plastic propellers making contact with the meat before it flexes from the force and a shard of plastic breaks off. It appears to puncture the slab of meat, entering by up to half way, which could make for a nasty injury. However, the researchers said that while the initial findings are interesting, it is too early to tell anything at this stage and tests are ongoing. Advertisement Apple will continue itsreduced production of iPhones in the quarter ending June because of sluggish sales, it has been claimed. The Nikkei business daily reported the news, claiming parts suppliers have been notified of the plan. The Nikkei reported in January that the technology giant was expected to cut production of its iPhone 6s and 6s Plus models by about 30 percent in the quarter ended March, but production was expected to return to normal in the current quarter. Apple CEO Tim Cook discusses the new iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus during the Apple event at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco. Most analysts believe Apple surpassed its own record by selling more than 74.5 million iPhones in the final three months of 2015. But there are signs that iPhone sales in the first three months of 2016 will show an abrupt decline from the same period a year earlier. Apple apparently does not plan to make enough of the newlylaunched iPhone SE model, the Nikkei report said. The company's shares fell 1.8 percent to $110.05. Shares ofsome Apple suppliers also fell following the report. SkyworksSolutions Inc was down 1.4 percent, Broadcom Ltd fell 2.4 percent while Jabil Circuit lost 1.7percent. The production cut could last longer than the one itimplemented in 2013, when Apple cut production orders for itscheaper iPhone 5C a month after its launch, the Nikkei said. Apple has told parts suppliers in Japan and elsewhere thatit will maintain the reduced output level in the currentquarter, the Nikkei report said. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In January, Apple said it expected a fall in revenue for thequarter ending March - its first forecast for a revenue drop in13 years - as the critical Chinese market showed signs ofweakening. It also reported the slowest-ever increase in iPhoneshipments. Global smartphone sales in 2016 are expected to grow attheir slowest rate - in single digits in percentage terms,according to research firm Gartner Inc. Most analysts believe Apple surpassed its own record by selling more than 74.5 million units of its flagship product in the final three months of 2015. But there are signs that iPhone sales in the first three months of 2016 will for the first time ever show an abrupt decline from the same period a year earlier. That could mark a pivotal moment for the Silicon Valley giant. Apple is the world's biggest company, in terms of stock value, thanks to the iPhone's surging popularity around the world. In business terms, Apple makes most of its money from iPhone sales. IPHONE MADE MORE IN A QUARTER THAN ANDROID DID IN A LIFETIME Android has generated $31 billion in revenue since Google acquired the mobile operating system in 2005, a lawyer for Oracle has revealed in federal court. Annette Hurst, an Oracle lawyer, said Jan. 14 that Alphabet, Googles parent company, has made $22 billion in profit off of Android, said Bloomberg. If the numbers are accurate, that would mean Android has generated less revenue over its lifetime than the iPhone did in the quarter ended Sep. 30, the most recently reported quarter. Then, Apple said the iPhone generated $32.2 billion in sales. Advertisement But concerns about slowing growth have sent the stock into a months-long slump, fueling debate about what kind of company Apple will be in the future. The iPhone contributed nearly two-thirds of Apple's $234 billion in revenue last year. None of the other new products Apple has launched in recent years have emerged as blockbusters. That's led some critics to suggest Apple has lost its innovative touch, while others say it's evolving to depend on a broader base of related tech products and services. One thing is clear, said analyst Angelo Zino at S&P Capital IQ: 'Last year was an unprecedented year for Apple and the iPhone.... You'll never see that type of growth from the iPhone again.' When CEO Tim Cook reports Tuesday on Apple's sales for the last three months of 2015, investors will be watching closely for any hints about how Apple's signature smartphone is faring in the current quarter. Sales usually fall somewhat after the holiday shopping season. But analysts say it appears Apple has cut production orders from key suppliers in recent weeks, suggesting it's lowered its own forecasts. Apple hasn't commented on iPhone sales since last fall, when Cook struck an upbeat tone. In part, Zino and other experts say, the company is suffering from its own success. Apple sold 61 million iPhones in the March quarter of 2015, or 40 percent more than it did a year earlier. To match that growth rate, Apple would need to sell more than 85 million in the current period. Instead, analysts are expecting around 55 million. IPHONE HISTORY: THE PHONE THAT CHANGED THE WORLD Steve Jobs unveiled the iPhone to the public on January 9, 2007, at the Macworld 2007 convention at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. The two initial models, a 4 GB model priced at US$499 and an 8 GB model at US$599 (both requiring a 2-year contract), went on sale in the United States on June 29, 2007. Development of what was to become the iPhone began in 2004, when Apple started to gather a team of 1000 employees to work on the highly confidential "Project Purple" There are now nine generations of iPhone models, each accompanied by one of the nine major releases of iOS. Steve Jobs unveiling the iPhone to the public on January 9, 2007, at the Macworld 2007 convention at the Moscone Center in San Francisco Advertisement An estimated 500 million people own iPhones now, which means Apple can rely on a significant number to upgrade each year. But some have put off buying a new model because they didn't see a strong reason to upgrade. Despite some new features, 'people are feeling like there hasn't been anything that's really new' in the latest iPhone models, known as the 6S and 6S Plus, which came out last fall, said market researcher John Feland of Argus Insights. Apple will likely make significant changes in the next major iPhone release, expected in September, which could fuel another surge in sales. Some tech blogs have reported a new model might even be coming this spring. The company went through a similar cycle a few years ago, when iPhone sales growth slowed to 7 percent in the final months of 2013. The next year, Apple introduced new models with significantly bigger screens. That sent sales skyrocketing, especially in Asia, where consumers had previously flocked to buy big-screen phones from rival Samsung. But there may no more equally dramatic changes left to jump-start sales like that again. 'Apple really pulled the big lever they had left un-pulled, up to then,' said tech analyst Jan Dawson of Jackdaw Research. 'That was sort of a one-off event.' While iPhone sales may be slowing, Apple has launched other products and services tied to the iPhone from the Apple Watch to the digital payments service known as Apple Pay, the subscription-based Apple Music and 'smart home' software that lets users control their lights and appliances with Siri, the voice-enabled digital assistant on the iPhone and iPad. These are designed to make the iPhone itself more useful, while producing a steady stream of new revenue. Taiwan-based Foxconn, which assembles most iPhones, has taken a rare decision to cut working hours over a major holiday during which workers usually rack up overtime. None of those new products have sold like the iPhone itself, however. Sales of the iPad have been declining for two years. 'Apple still has a lot of value, a lot of cash flow, so it's not to say the company is in trouble. But it's difficult to say that it's on the cutting edge,' said Murillo Campello, a finance professor at Cornell University who follows Apple closely. Others say it's premature to count Apple among former tech giants, like Hewlett-Packard, that have struggled for relevance as their pace of growth and innovation declined. Apple is working on a wide range of future products, from streaming video to virtual reality and even self-driving cars, said FBR Capital Markets' analyst Daniel Ives in a recent note to clients. Labs has already begun replacing payphones in New York with wifi kiosks Project would 'think about a city from the Internet up' Alphabet, Google's parent company, is considering building an entire city from scratch. The boss of Sidewalk Labs, the firm's New York City firm described as an 'urban innovation' company mentioned the idea at a summit hosted by The Information. Now more details of the plan have emerged - and it could house hundreds of thousands of people. The boss of Sidewalk Labs, Alphabet's 'urban innovation' company mentioned the idea at a summit hosted by tech website The Information. SIDEWALK PROJECTS So far the firm has worked on two projects: LinkNYC, which replaces public pay phones with a network of 7,500 data and communication hubs throughout New York City. The kiosks are being provided by a franchise agreement between NYC and CityBridge, a consortium of companies that includes Qualcomm, CIVIQ Smartscapes, and Intersection which is owned by a group of investors led by Sidewalk Labs. The kiosks will deliver to residents and visitors free gigabit Wi-Fi, video and voice calling, and access to emergency and other city services. Flow, a project to improve traffic in cities, is being built with the U.S. Department of Transportation as part of its Smart City Challenge. It will be a transportation coordination platform that uses analytics and messaging to help cities work with citizens to increase the efficiency of road, parking, and transit use, improving access to mobility for all. Advertisement The company has reportedly been working with more than a 100 experts in the field, and is currently deciding whether it wants to own land outright on which it can build a planned community that could house 'hundreds of thousands of people,' or if it wants to accept bids from counties for its city of the future. The team working on Project Sidewalk will reportedly bring Project Sidewalk in front of Alphabet CEO Larry Page in the 'near future' 'Thinking about a city from the Internet up is really compelling,' Sidewalk CEO Dan Doctoroff said at an even run by The Information last month. Later he added that building a new city could help test solutions to cybersecurity and privacy issues: 'If you could create a place, it'd be a laboratory to experiment with these problems.' Developing a city 'would be a great idea,' he said, before quickly adding 'I can't tell you anything' in a conversation with the site's Jessica Lessin. 'Cities are hard,' he said. 'You have people with vested interest, politics, physical space...But the technology ultimately cannot be stopped.' 'A lot of people have tried it and haven't succeeded. 'Right now we're just building products and services but there are lots of lessons that can be learned from the past and we'll see what happens over time,' The subsidiary was launched last year with a mission to develop technology that makes living and running big cities better. 'Sidewalk will focus on improving city life for everyone by developing and incubating urban technologies to address issues like cost of living, efficient transportation and energy usage,' chief executive Larry Page said in a post at the Internet titan's Google+ social network. It is headed by Dan Doctoroff, a former chief executive of Bloomberg LP and New York city deputy mayor of economic development under then Mayor Michael Bloomberg. 'We are at the beginning of a historic transformation in cities,' Doctoroff said in a release when the organisation first formed. 'We hope that Sidewalk will play a major role in developing technology products, platforms and advanced infrastructure that can be implemented at scale in cities around the world.' Free Wi-Fi kiosks with New York City's LinkNYC program were launched Thursday. Mayor Bill de Blasio is seen Thursday at the launch event While financial details were not disclosed, Page described Sidewalk as a 'relatively modest investment' in building a business that is not only different from Google's core Internet operations but which could improve people's lives. He put Sidewalk on par with Google (x) lab headed by Google co-founder Sergey Brin, and known for 'moonshots' like self-driving cars. 'Making long-term, 10X bets like this is hard for most companies to do, but Sergey and I have always believed that it's important,' Page said in his Google+ post. 'And as more and more people around the world live, work and settle in cities, the opportunities for improving urban environments are endless.' So far the firm has worked on NYCLink, and Flow, a project to improve traffic in cities. Mayor Bill de Blasio was filmed telling reporters at a news conference: 'LinkNYC will be the Wi-Fi network New York City deserves. 'It will be the biggest and fastest network in the world - and completely free of charge. 'And one thing I know about my fellow New Yorkers: they like things that are completely free of charge, so this is going to be very popular.' The mayor's office said in a news release: 'These kiosks, called 'Links,' will provide New Yorkers with an incredibly fast, secure and private Wi-Fi network with a 150-foot radius, free domestic calling, two USB charging ports, a tablet for accessing the internet, and a red 911 button to contact emergency services. Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund may have played out one of the all-time classic Europa League encounters, but one lucky fan got even more than he bargained for. Dejan Lovrens late headed winner sent the Kop into absolute pandemonium, and amid the chaos Liverpool supporter Liamie Marum lost his phone. It would have been a shock to even find it, but when Anfields security handed him back his phone, he had a special present on it. Mamadou Sakho (left) and Divock Origi (right) take a selfie on the Liverpool fan's lost mobile phone Goalscorers Origi (left) and Sakho (right) pose for a picture on the mobile phone belonging to a fan Liverpool defender Sakho holds up the mobile phone as he looks towards the Anfield stands to find the owner Sakho shares a joke with the Liverpool supporters after his side defeated Dortmund to reach the semi-finals Sakho took another selfie in the dressing room - this time with both Dejan Lovren (centre) and Origi (right) Writing about the night on Facebook, he said: Well what can I say but unbelievable. I lost my phone celebrating nearly on top of Lovren at the corner flag and I lost my phone. After everyone eventually went back to the Kop, the security came up handed me my phone back as I was sitting on row 3. I checked it just now and look. The phone had worked its way to goalscorers Divock Origi and Mamadou Sakho, and the duo took a moment to take a selfie before handing the phone back. For Liamie, who travelled from Ireland to watch the game, the photo is a priceless token of an unforgettable night of European action. Liamie would have never have pictured the night panning out as it did after the opening nine minutes of action. Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang put the German side two goals ahead after a pair of quick counter attacks. Liverpool struggled to deal with Dortmunds attacking threat, but slowly improved as the match wore on. Origi gave them a glimmer of hope shortly after half-time, but Marco Reus restored Tomas Tuchels sides two-goal advantage in the 57th minute. The stunning comeback truly began with Philippe Coutinhos sweeping shot into the bottom corner. Dortmund looked destined to be heading to the semi-finals after Marco Reus' 57th-minute goal Sakho kept Liverpool's hopes alive by scoring against Dortmund to make it 3-3 on the night on Thursday Lovren's header in the 91st minute sent Liverpool through to the semi-finals of the Europa League Sakho then headed home in the 77th minute, but the away goals rule meant Liverpool would have to score a fourth to progress, with extra-time out of the question. It was Lovren who provided it, heading home after James Milners perfectly weighted cross to send the home fans into ecstasy. In the pandemonium Liamie lost his phone, but he will not be complaining one bit. Liverpool will be hoping for much of the same when they face Spanish outfit Villarreal in the semi-finals of the Europa League. Lovren (left) leaps in the air after scoring a dramatic winner against Jurgen Klopp's former side Sakho (left) and Lovren (centre), both pictured with Origi, display their delight after beating Dortmund It costs more per mile to travel on a London Tube train than to fly first class to New York, according to figures released by Labour mayoral candidate Sadiq Khan. According to his office, it costs more per mile to reach the airport on the Tube than the flight itself, with a return journey from South Kensington to Heathrow Terminal 3 on the Piccadilly Line costing 10.10 - or 42p per mile. In contrast, flying 6,900 miles to New York and back in Virgin Atlantic's Upper Class cabin would cost you 2,199.55 or 32p per mile - if travelling on May 5, the day of the mayoral election. It costs more per mile to commute on a London Tube train than to fly first class to New York, according to figures released by Labour mayoral candidate Sadiq Khan According to Sadiq Khan's office, it costs 10p per mile more to travel by Tube than a journey to New York in Virgin Atlantic's first class cabin (pictured) Khan's report pointed out that standard commuter Tube fares can equate to well in excess of 60p per mile, with a return journey from Wanstead to Liverpool Street on the Central Line costing 63p per mile and a return journey from High Barnet to Euston on the Northern line costing 54p per mile. Mr Khan criticised his Tory opponent, Zac Goldsmith, for his plans to increase TfL fares by a further 17 per cent over the next four years. He said: 'If he gets his way then a Tube journey could end up costing more per mile than taking a private jet.' Mr Khan criticised his Tory opponent, Zac Goldsmith, for his plans to increase TfL fares by a further 17 per cent over the next four years The Mayoral candidate added: 'It now costs more per mile to take the Tube than it does to fly business class to New York. It shows how ludicrously expensive Londoners' fares have got under the Tories. 'I will freeze all TfL fares for four years so Londoners won't pay a penny more in 2020 than they do today. 'Zac Goldsmith confirmed that he will increase Londoners fares by 17 per cent. If you forgot to buy travel money and you're already at the airport then you should think twice about exchanging currencies, because you could end up paying a third more than if you bought some in advance according to a new study. Even more shockingly, exchange rates can vary by as much as 25 per cent between different terminals at the same airport. Among the 30 UK airports included in the study, Cardiff was the most expensive for travellers as it gave the worst rate for both the euro and US dollars. Buying currency at airports is much more expensive than getting it ahead of time but rates can vary between different airports and even different terminals at the same airport Luton was another airport that offered poor rates for both currencies. Meanwhile, Leeds Bradford, Norwich and Southend offered some of the best rates. The results were revealed when FairFX compared the real-time rates across the airports between 9am and 10.30am on April 12. There was a huge variation in rates depending at the airports and terminals, it said. The results showed that there's as much as 50 per cent difference in exchange rate between some airports. Travelex gave $1,261 for every 1,000 at Heathrow terminals 1, 2 and 4. But at Terminal 5, it gave a more favourable $1,370 while for Terminal 3, it was a comparatively meagre $1,090 In monetary terms, it means that you can get 320 (254.65) more for 1,000 at Heathrow T3 than at Cardiff. Similarly, 1,000 will buy you $340 (239.93) more at Southampton than Cardiff. Certain providers even offered travellers different rates from different terminals. For example, Travelex gave $1,261 for every 1,000 at Heathrow terminals 1, 2 and 4. But at Terminal 5, it gave a more favourable $1,370 while for Terminal 3, it was a comparatively meagre $1,090. In fact, Heathrow Terminal 3 offered the best rate for euros but was the second most expensive for dollars. ForExchange at Cardiff offered the poorest rates out of all the airport providers, giving just 930 for 1,000 and $1,060 for the same amount. ForExchange at Cardiff offered the poorest rates out of all the airport providers, giving just 930 for 1,000 and $1,060 for the same amount Ian Strafford-Taylor, CEO of FairFX said: 'Airports are renowned for offering poorer rates but holidaymakers will be astounded to realise just how much they'll lose by buying their travel money before they fly. 'Travellers may expect to pay slightly more but losing as much as 311 for every 1,000 exchanged is a significant financial blow. 'It's shocking to see how wildly rates vary between regional airports in the UK even from the same providers. Hopefully this investigation will help holidaymakers realise the importance of planning ahead for your where and when you buy your travel money.' MOST EXPENSIVE AIRPORTS FOR TRAVEL MONEY FOR EUROS Airport Provider How much you get for 1,000 Cardiff ForExchange 930 Luton ICE 1,060 Stansted Moneycorp 1,070 Birmingham ICE 1,074 Exeter Travelex 1,076 FOR US DOLLARS Airport Provider How much you get for 1,000 Cardiff ForExchange $1,060 Heathrow T3 Travelex $1,090 Glasgow Prestwick The Change Group $1,160 Gatwick Moneycorp $1,207 Luton ICE $1,220 Source: FairFX Advertisement LEAST EXPENSIVE AIRPORTS FOR TRAVEL MONEY FOR EUROS Airport Provider How much you get for 1,000 Heathrow T3 Travelex 1,250 Leeds Bradford Travelex 1,214 Norwich ICE 1,206 Edinburgh ICE 1,188 Southend Moneycorp 1,185 FOR US DOLLARS Airport Provider How much you get for 1,000 Southampton Moneycorp $1,400 Leeds Bradford Travelex $1,387 Norwich ICE $1,377 Heathrow T5 Travelex $1,370 Southend Moneycorp $1,360 Source: FairFX Advertisement Travelex got in touch with MailOnline Travel to dispute the results. Megan Landauro from Travelex told MailOnline Travel: 'On Tuesday (last week) our US dollar sell rate was $1.2612 to the pound. Similarly for Leeds and Exeter, we were offering 1.076 to the pound at both airports. 'Something else which I should probably mention is that any Travelex customer using any of our airport stores can take advantage of our online rates, which are always our most competitive. 'In order to secure our online rates all they need to do is pre-order in advance at www.travelex.co.uk and then collect their cash at any of the airports that we operate in.' When MailOnline Travel put Travelex's comments to FairFx, the company stood by their findings, stating that the rates were supplied by Travelex on the phone and that their research was accurate. Mariette Ferreira, spokeswoman for FairFX said: 'We stand by our research and reported on the exact rates supplied to us by Travelex desks during the mystery shopping exercise. We have asked for them to supply evidence that there is not inconsistency in the rates they charge at Heathrow, however this has not been forthcoming.' Leeds Bradford, Norwich and Southend airport offered some of the best rates for euros and dollars in the comparison of exchange rates The US Senate is debating whether wire cages between plane cockpits and cabins will improve aviation security. Pushed forward by Senator Bob Casey as an amendment to the Federal Aviation Administration Re-authorization Act, the idea would be that all passenger aeroplanes will have a second barrier installed. Casey described how the bill contained 'commonsense measures' that would ultimately increase security for all passengers. The U.S. senate is set to decide on a move to introduce wire cages between the cockpit and cabin on planes Speaking to the Times Leader, Senator Casey said: 'I would like to have it on every aircraft right now. The barrier prevents anyone from getting to the flight deck when the cockpit door is open.' Since the terror attacks of 9/11, regulations came into place to re-inforce the cockpit door, and to ensure pilots kept it locked at all times through the flight. Casey has highlighted that currently, when one of the pilots needs to leave the cockpit to use the restroom, a flight attendant will stand in the arch, or a service trolley is parked there. He also says there has been 51 attempted hijackings of planes since 2001. Senator Bob Casey has said his amendment contains 'commonsense measures' The bill has progressed to the legislative decision stage after a 94 to four vote in favour of it passing the procedural stage. 'I'm calling on Congress to get this legislation to the president's desk as soon as possible, added Casey. 'We need to bolster security at airports and on airplanes themselves.' The politician believes the wire barrier will cost between $3,000 and $5,000. News-site Philly.com says that the reauthorization bill also 'include provisions to beef up security in non-secure areas of airports, such as check-in and baggage claim, and more bomb-sniffing canines in light of the terrorist attacks in Brussels last month.' Speaking to MailOnline Travel about the amendment, the chief executive of the UK Flight Safety Committee Dai Whittingham said: 'I am aware of the proposal but I don't believe it has much support this side of the Atlantic on the simple grounds that the additional mesh is unnecessary. 'I also don't recognise the figure of 51 attempted hijackings since 2001. It is possible Senator Casey is characterising attempts to gain access to the flight deck as failed hijackings but that is not evidence or fact other than proof the current system works. 'The implications for the industry are significant, especially in terms of cost - the $5,000 per aircraft seems very low and probably takes no account of design and airworthiness considerations, never mind the variation in cabin layouts across the different fleets and manufacturers. 'There also needs to be thought about the impact of a second barrier on emergency evacuations. 'If the proposal applies only to U.S. carriers, so be it, but the imposition of this by default (to allow operations in the U.S.) would not be welcome.' The US Senate is debating how aviation security could be enhanced, including the construction of a wire cage between the cockpit and cabin The lands will include character meet-and-greets, retail spaces, and the chance to ride in the Advertisement Attention Star Wars fans - Disney's progress on its two new themed lands is well under way, as a new incredible 360-degree sneak peek reveals. The two 14-acre parks - one in California's Disneyland and the other in Florida's Disney World - will be the company's biggest single-themed land expansion in its history, with advanced sensor features to give visitors an 'immersive' experience. The new digitally-enhanced image of the construction site in California features cameos from some of the franchise's characters, including Stormtroopers, X-wing fighters, walkers and even R2-D2 and BB-8. Scroll down for video Disney's progress on its two new themed lands is well under way - as a new incredible 360-degree sneak peek reveals The two 14-acre parks - one in California's Disneyland and the other in Florida's Disney World - will be the company's biggest single-themed land expansions in its history, with advanced sensor features to give visitors an 'immersive' experience Currently the construction site at Disneyland looks to be in its infant stages, with mounds of dirt and broken concrete on the ground. But the insider view on the Disney Parks Blog is sure to pique the interest of galactic fans. Workers are said to have demolished some 'backstage' buildings in preparation for the highly-anticipated addition, which is located near Disneyland's Big Thunder Jamboree, a spacious outdoor arena. During the construction process, the popular park will be shutting 10 attractions and food outlets, both temporarily and permanently, according to the LA Times. There will also be a similar expansion taking place in Florida at Disney's Hollywood Studios. According to the Disney Blog: 'In these all-new lands, guests will be transported to a never-before-seen planet inhabited by humanoids, droids and many others.' Currently the construction site at Disneyland looks to be in its infant stages, with mounds of dirt and broken concrete on the ground. But the insider view on the Disney Parks Blog is sure to pique the interest of galactic fans During the construction process, the popular park will be shutting 10 attractions and food outlets, both temporarily and permanently Disney has announced that the lands will have two signature attractions, including the ability to take the controls of the Millennium Falcon and a Star Wars adventure that puts guests in the middle of a climactic battle Although there have been few exact details released by Disney so far, officials have said guests can look forward to two central attractions. One includes boarding the Millennium Falcon to head up a 'secret mission' and the other will involve an 'epic' battle between the Resistance and the New Order - a war from the latest film, Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens. When announcing the news last August Disney chairman Bob Iger said: 'I am thrilled to announce the next chapter in the long and exciting history between Disney Parks and Star Wars. 'We are creating a jaw-dropping new world that represents our largest single themed land expansion ever. 'These new lands at Disneyland and Walt Disney World will transport guests to a whole new Star Wars planet.' Disney chairman Bob Iger revealed the parks will depict a never-before-seen planet, a remote trading port, and one of the last stops before wild space. Everyone on site will be in character Iger revealed the parks will depict a never-before-seen planet, a remote trading port, and one of the last stops before wild space. Everyone on site will be in character. 'You will have chance to run into droids and fantastic roaming beasts that Star Wars is known for,' Iger said. 'You'd expect to find a cantina, and there will be one,' he assured the 7,500-strong crowd, making a reference to the fictional bar in the pirate city of Mos Eisley on Tatooine.' The cantina is first seen in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. It is where Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi first meet Han Solo and Chewbacca. This is an artist's impression of the Star Wars-themed land, and the Millennium Falcon, set to open at Disney. No date has been given for an opening as of yet In addition to this there will be character meet-and-greet areas, shopping opportunities and appearances from beloved characters such Darth Vader, R2-D, C3PO and BB-8. A date has not been set for the opening of the new parks. After her stint on The Bachelor Australia rendered her unsuccessful in finding love for now, Lana Jeavons-Fellows has decided to use her new-found fame to good use. And if there was one thing fans were sure to have noticed about the 28-year-old on the hit dating series it was her luscious chocolate locks. Speaking with Daily Mail Australia at the YSL Beauty event in Sydney on Thursday, the reality star revealed she was starting a blog to gift her knowledge of healthy hair maintenance to the masses. Scroll down for video Spreading her knowledge to the masses: Lana Jeavons-Fellows revealed to Daily Mail Australia at the YSL Beauty event in Sydney on Thursday that she's launching a lifestyle and hair blog 'I did notice that throughout and after the show a lot of people would write to me on Instagram about how I look after my hair,' she said. When asked whether her new website, which should launch in the next week or so, would include video tutorials, she laughed: 'We'll just see how tech-savvy I get'. She added: 'I've got the draft but there are still some technical things to work out.' 'I did notice that throughout and after the show': The 28-year-old said she had been inundated with fans messaging her about how she maintains her hair 'There are still some technical things to work out': She said the plan was to launch her new website in the next week 'We'll just see how tech-savvy I get': Lana said she also hopes to include video tutorials on tips and styling tricks Lana will be following the footsteps of other Bachelor contestants including 2013 winner Anna Heinrich, Emily Simms who walked out in week nine of 2015's season and Louise Pillidge. At the event held at the Sydney Town Hall, the brunette beauty's tresses had been slicked back into a chic ponytail in stark contrast to her trademark cascading, free-flowing waves. Her figure was on full display in a flirty monochrome lace playsuit by local designer Alice McCall which she paired with some knee-high boots and a black leather jacket. Sleek: At the event held at the Sydney Town Hall, the brunette beauty's tresses had been slicked back into a chic ponytail Rumours have been circulating as to whether the brunette beauty would become Australia's new Bachelorette, but Lana remained coy about whether she'd been approached for the role. 'I love a good rumour!' she giggled, 'You never know!' While Lana wouldn't expand on the possibility of her returning to the dating show, she said she thought current Bachelor Richie Strahan will be 'great'. It was just another idyllic sunny day in Los Angeles. And proud parents Fergie and Josh Duhamel took full advantage of the perfect spring weather on Thursday and treated their little boy Axl to a play date in the park in Brentwood. The singer, 41, was spotted walking hand-in-hand with her cherubic two-year-old as she put her envy-inducing legs on full display in a frayed pair of Daisy Dukes. Scroll down for video Hey mama! Fergie put her toned legs on full show when she stepped out for a play date with her son Axl and husband Josh Duhamel in Brentwood on Thursday TLC: Josh and Fergie snuggled up to each other as they took in the idyllic sunny day The Where Is The Love? singer also had a stylish animal print scarf looped around her neck and a lightweight shirt tied around her waist. With her long golden hued hair framing her face in loose waves, the hit maker looked breathtaking as she headed out with a natural streak of make-up on her face. Ever prepared for the day ahead, Fergie also came equipped with a tote bag filled to the brim with the essentials. Fergie's blue eyed boy wore a pair of black trousers with a tie-dye print along the pockets, a sweater, and bandanna wrapped around his neck. Say my name: Duhamel had a name tag brandished upon his light blue top His proud dad, 43, meanwhile, donned a dark blue beanie and even had a name tag on his light blue top. While standing at the edge of the sandbox, the couple snuggled up and lovingly wrapped their arms around each other. Fergie and Josh wed on January 10, 2009, at a vineyard in Malibu, California. Toned and terrific! The Don't Lie singer donned a frayed pair of Daisy Dukes and a scoop neck tank which highlighted her gym-honed physique Josh likes to spend as much father-son time with Axl as possible, and says that he intends to educate him about his dad's Midwestern roots in North Dakota. Last summer, Josh traveled to the heartland in America, telling People: 'It was an opportunity for me to spend eight days with him just traveling around. 'I wanted to give him an idea of who I am. Where I'm from is part of me, so it's part of him, too.' The actor also has two films completed that are due for release this year - Spaceman with Ernie Hudson and This Is Your Death opposite Fanke Janssen. It was a beautiful Thursday in New York. So a very pregnant Liv Tyler took advantage of the Spring sunshine as she was spotted leaving her home in the city. The 38-year-old lifted her pale face to the light as she walked up the steps from the basement of her brown stone. Enjoying the early light: A very pregnant Liv Tyler took advantage of the Spring sunshine as she was spotted leaving her home in New York on Thursday morning The star of HBO's Leftovers was dressed in black from head to toe, covering her baby bump in a tunic with long bell sleeves and a keyhole split above her cleavage. She teamed the garment with skinny jeans and black flat shoes decorated with a scalloped edge. Her eyes were protected from the bright light with dark glasses and she threw a leather handbag over her shoulder and carried a leather tote and a coat, all black, of course, as she walked. The Armageddon actress is expecting her second child with fiance David Gardner, 40, a British-born sports manager. Letting her natural beauty shine: Weighed down with a coat and two leather bags, the 38-year-old lifted her pale face to the sunshine Liv announced their happy news via Instagram on January 10. The couple, who got engaged in December 2014, welcomed their first child, son Sailor Gene, on February 11, 2015. Liv is also mother to 11-year-old son Milo with her ex-husband, British rocker Royston Langdon, while David has an eight-year-old son named Grey with his ex-wife Davinia Taylor. Black is back: The star of HBO's Leftovers was dressed in black from head to toe, covering her baby bump in a tunic with bell sleeves and a keyhole above her cleavage, skinny jeans and flat shoes with a scalloped edge Out and about: The Armageddon actress is expecting her second child with fiance David Gardner, 40, a British-born sports manager Meanwhile, the beautiful brunette daughter of Aerosmith's Steve Tyler will next be seen on the big screen in Wildling. Liv stars as small town sheriff Ellen Cooper who frees 16-year-old Anna, played by Bel Powley, from the room where she has spent her entire life under the care of a mysterious man she only knows as Daddy, played by Brad Dourif. He makes her fear the 'outside' by telling her of the Wildling, a creature with sharp teeth and claws who roams around eating little children. The fantasy horror is due out this year but a date has yet to be set. Growing family: The couple, who got engaged in December 2014, welcomed their first child, son Sailor Gene, on February 11, 2015. They were spotted with the tot In New York on October 30 Sports mad: Liv and Dave, took her son Milo Langdon, sitting on her left, and Dave's son, Grey, sitting on her right, to the Brooklyn Nets vs New York Knicks basketball game at Madison Square Garden on April 1, 2015 Going places: The actress looked to be walking at a brisk pace when she arrived to LAX on Thursday Bundled up: The Armageddon actress layered up in a dark blue coat She's been soaking up the sun on her family holiday to Miami Beach. And Tamara Beckwith was enjoying another day out on the beach as she joined her husband Giorgio Veroni and their two children for a day by the shore on Thursday. Showing off her incredible bikini body in a ruffled black two-piece, the 46-year-old socialite seemed in good spirits as she ran along the beach, nipping between the sand and sea. Scroll down for video Yummy mummy: Tamara Beckwith was enjoying another family day out on the beach in Miami as she scooped up son Vero to join her husband Giorgio Veroni and their children on Thursday Slipping into a black bandeau top with matching ruffled bikini bottoms, the mum-of-two sported a healthy bronzed glow on her svelte frame. Slicking her golden tresses away from her face she wore her glossy locks in a messy up-do that no doubt kept her cool as she ventured into the sea. Wearing two delicate bracelets on her wrist, The Jump star finished off her look with a pair of gold mirrored aviators. Beach body: Showing off her incredible bikini body in a ruffled black two-piece, the 46-year-old socialite seemed in good spirits as she ran along the shore, nipping between the sand and sea Tan-tastic! Slipping into a black bandeau top with matching ruffled bikini bottoms, the mum-of-two sported a healthy bronzed glow on her svelte frame after soaking up the sun in her two-piece Ensuring both her children were able to enjoy the sea safely, the blonde beauty carried her one-year-old son Vero through the waves, whilst Giorgio kept a watchful eye over six-year-old Violet. Tamara also has a 27-year-old daughter, Anouska, from a previous relationship with her ex, William Gerhauser. The socialite wed her Italian husband in Venice in August 2007, and revealed she did not expect to fall pregnant again with their youngest son. Speaking to Hello! Magazine ahead of the birth of Vero, Tamara explained her shock at becoming a mum again in her mid-forties after having two miscarriages: 'When youve been lucky to have two gorgeous girls, I think you should just be grateful. I am quite matter-of-fact about those things; what will be, will be,' she said. Blonde beauty: Slicking her golden tresses away from her face she wore her glossy locks in a messy up-do that no doubt kept her cool as she ventured into the sea with her son in her arms Ensuring both her children were able to enjoy the sea safely, the blonde beauty stayed with Vero, whilst her husband Giorgio Veroni kept a watchful eye over six-year-old Violet as they played in the sea Her miscarriages occurred at a time when her own mother Paula was ill with womb cancer and she died in 2011 at the age of 68. Tamara said Anouska then considered her latest pregnancy to be a gift from Paula. 'She was like, "Its a gift from nanny", because mummys birthday was in November and the babys due date is 5 November,' said Tamara. 'Although they dont let you go full term at my age. Noushy was adamant it was the best thing for us.' Criminal (15) Verdict: CIA nonsense Rating: The title stands alone as a noun, but it could be deployed as an adjective, before 'waste of money', 'waste of time', or 'waste of talent'. Which is a shame, because Israeli director Ariel Vromen did a decent job with his 2012 film The Iceman. The title of this Kevin Costner film stands alone as a noun, but it could be deployed as an adjective, before 'waste of money', 'waste of time', or 'waste of talent', writes BRIAN VINER. But this is an unremittingly silly, unnecessarily violent affair, with Kevin Costner in the title role as Jericho Stewart, an imprisoned psycho who is released so that the DNA of a dead CIA agent, Bill Pope (Ryan Reynolds), might be implanted in his brain by a gloomy scientist (Tommy Lee Jones, with much to be gloomy about). The local CIA chief (Gary Oldman) wants Jericho, using the late, lamented Bill's memories and skills, to track down a fiend bent on world destruction. Unfortunately, it takes him 113 minutes to do so. All this takes place in London for absolutely no good reason except that the film-makers were offered tax incentives. If only they had invested some of the money they saved on a better script, or at least one informed by some familiarity with England. Costner's character at one point visits the 'London Public Library', a sure sign that the writers are American. Despite The Falling Snow Verdict: Feeble melodrama Rating: Cold War espionage, passion, treachery, lesbianism, vodka, Charles Dance... It all sounds like a recipe for some kind of fun, but unfortunately Shamim Sarif's film, which she adapted from her own 2004 novel, is a hopelessly clunky melodrama. Despite The Falling Snow sounds like a recipe for some kind of fun, but unfortunately Shamim Sarif's film, which she adapted from her own 2004 novel, is a hopelessly clunky melodrama It flits endlessly between the early Nineties and the late Fifties, when an earnest Muscovite foreign ministry official called Alexander Ivanov (Sam Reid) falls in love with sparky Katya Grinkova (Rebecca Ferguson) and marries her, not knowing she is an American spy. When he does find out, she persuades him to defect during a trade mission to New York, which he does, in the hope that she will join him, which she doesn't. Thirty years later, Sam Reid has become Charles Dance, by now a wealthy businessman whose gay niece (also Ferguson) is not only a ringer for Katya, but wants to go to Moscow to unearth some family history, and there falls for a mysterious, sexy female journalist. It's all very Mills & Boonsky, with plinky piano music and overwrought strings trying to do what the screenplay doesn't, and generate some excitement. Alas, that doesn't work either. Animal Orphans (ITV) Rating: Thank heavens Paul O'Grady has stopped being so earnest for one moment. The man with the sharpest tongue on TV has gone all bleeding-heart on us in recent weeks, joining the Salvation Army and spending evenings on his knees, washing the feet of the homeless. This weekend promises to get worse, when he flies to Athens on BBC1's Sally Army And Me to hand out food parcels to rivers of migrants. O'Grady, let's not forget, is the comedian who made his reputation as acid-tongued drag queen Lily Savage. Now he's like Larry Grayson with a Mother Teresa complex. Paul O'Grady wasn't taking himself quite so seriously on Animal Orphans, on which he snuggled up on a sofa next to Archie the orang-utan, writes CHRISTOPHER STEVENS But he wasn't taking himself quite so seriously on Animal Orphans (ITV). This frothy documentary on conservation work in Indonesia, tracking endangered green turtles and visiting orang-utan and gibbon sanctuaries, opened with a silly sketch set in 2045, at a 'Home for the Bewildered'. An ancient O'Grady, his dentures falling out, snuggled up on a decrepit sofa next to his best mate, Archie the orang-utan actually a bloke in a half-hearted monkey suit. While Archie picked fleas off him, Paul moaned about how Coronation Street was all sex and violence these days. And then they settled down to watch Animal Orphans. An hour later they were tucked up in bed like Laurel and Hardy... except Archie was reading a smutty magazine filled with pictures of Page Three primates. As a respite from all Paul's ponderous preachiness, it was quite welcome. The main show opened at Englishwoman Sue Sheward's orang-utan rehab centre in Sepilok, Borneo, where infant apes often rescued from the pet trade are taught the jungle skills they will need to survive in the wild. The main show opened at Englishwoman Sue Sheward's orang-utan rehab centre in Sepilok, Borneo It's an immense challenge, because baby orang-utans rely so heavily on their mothers, and humans are such a poor substitute It's an immense challenge, because baby orang-utans rely so heavily on their mothers, and humans are such a poor substitute. The staff can't even take off their facemasks, for fear of passing on infectious diseases. But by sheer force of will, Sue (inspired by a visit to Gerald Durrell's zoo) has been able to nurture a number of apes to maturity and resettle them in the rainforest. That's an incredible achievement, a testament to the power of one woman's determination and love for animals. Her work has featured on TV before, on the Animal Planet channel last year, but it's a shame that this mainstream documentary didn't show us much more of Sue's mission. Instead, O'Grady wandered off to see turtles laying eggs in the sand, something that's been shown countless times before. Natural World: Jungle Animal Hospital (BBC2) Rating: In Guatemala, another dauntless pair of animal-lovers were also rescuing orphans and teaching them to survive in the wild. New Zealander Anna Bryant and her partner, vet Alejandro Morales, were working round the clock at a rescue centre in Guatemala, central America, in Natural World: Jungle Animal Hospital (BBC2). Like Sue, they save many of their patients from the pet trade. Alejandro wept tears of anger as he described how baby macaws were snatched from nests by poachers and stuffed into plastic bags to be sold as pets in city markets. Inevitably, 80 per cent of the birds suffocate and die in transit. New Zealander Anna Bryant and her partner, vet Alejandro Morales, were working round the clock at a rescue centre in Guatemala, central America, in Natural World: Jungle Animal Hospital Another of their charges was a one-month-old spider monkey whose parents had been killed so the baby could be cooped up in a city apartment. The owners had become fed up of it within a few days. Returning that domesticated monkey to the wild will take five years. STUPID IDEA OF THE WEEK Move over, Morse. Channel 5 has commissioned a 52-part crime series starring one of the most popular children's characters. Noddy, Toyland Detective, features Enid Blyton's little hero as a sleuth, with Big Ears as his Watson. What next master criminal Teletubbies? Advertisement There was nothing soppy about this documentary, yet it was gut-wrenchingly sad such as Alejandro's struggle to make a rare potoo chick eat. He was at his surgery at 6am on his day off, coaxing the bird, which is related to our nightjar. 'I dreamed it was dead,' he said. 'It was quite a hideous dream.' But for all his devoted care, the little bird did not survive. Naomi Campbell is one of the hosts of amfAR's sixth annual Inspiration Gala Sao Paulo in Brazil. The 45-year-old British supermodel certainly inspired interest on Thursday as she arrived to the organization's charity luncheon a day ahead of the main event. Naomi showed off her slender form in a brilliantly green patterned blazer and trouser set over a white shirt dress held together by only one button. Scroll down for video Green with envy: Naomi Campbell was the essence of sexy sophistication as she arrived to the amfAR charity luncheon in Sao Paulo, Brazil on Thursday She wasn't shy about parading her toned stomach that could be seen whenever her blouse blew open. The blouse featured long cuff sleeves that hung over the backs of her hands while black pink-buckled Gucci loafers Naomi wore large-framed tinted shades that nearly touched the ends of her blunt bangs, and the rest of her long black hair fell in straight bands down her back and over her shoulders. Cuff me: The 45-year-old British supermodel lent her outfit a racy appeal thanks to the long one-buttoned shirt dress with the long cuffs Golden escort: Naomi strolled to the charity lunch with a female companion dressed in a shimmery gold frock The 5 ft 10 cover girl - who participated in a racy Vogue Brazil shoot on Tuesday - emerged from a chauffeured car to the luncheon while swinging a chic handbag over her arm. Meanwhile, her best friend and fellow top model Kate Moss was spotted heading to the luncheon too. Kate was wearing a simple black top with scoop neckline and dark shades as she was whisked to the venue in a light blue Ford Bronco. Travelling in style: Kate Moss was driven to the luncheon in a blue Ford Bronco Supporter: The English model is one of amfAR's biggest supporters and a friend of Naomi's Friday's Inspiration Gala gets top priority among the fashion-watchers which Naomi will host alongside Riccardo Tisci, Dinho and Felipe Diniz. One of the highlights will be a tribute to amfAR supporters Kate Moss, Dsquared2 designers Dean Caten and Dan Caten, and fashion mogul Carlos Jereissati Filho. In addition to a black-tie dinner, the event will include a live auction and special performances by Latin superstars Ricky Martin and Ivete Sangalo. amfAR and Josh Wood Productions initiated the Inspiration events to celebrate men's style and fashion, and raise money for the Foundation's AIDS research programs. To date, the Inspiration galas have generated more than $26 million so far. She's had a difficult few years since her fiance Luke Hunt began serving jail time for causing the death of an elderly grandfather in a car crash in 2012. But Australian model Samantha Harris claims she's looking forward to Luke's release from prison this month - almost two years after he was sentenced for the fatal incident in northern Sydney. The 25-year-old told Channel Sevens Daily Edition on Friday: 'I'm very happy to have my partner coming home soon.' SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO... Back together: Samantha Harris (right) has spoken of her joy ahead of fiance Luke Hunt's (left) prison release; in 2014 he was sentenced to a maximum of four years in prison for dangerous driving occasioning death Homecoming: The Australian model said she's 'happy' while admitting the situation is 'bittersweet' Samantha was in the passenger seat on the fateful day in May 2012 when her partner sped through a red light in Narraweena, causing a crash that killed Kenneth Lay, 78. And in May 2014, Luke pleaded guilty to dangerous driving occasioning death at Downing Centre District Court and was sentenced to a maximum of four years in prison. But nearly two years later, as his release day approaches, Samantha has admitted her joy at seeing her partner again - but admits it is a 'bittersweet situation' due to the tragic circumstances. Reflecting: Samantha is 'happy' about her partner's release from prison but admits 'a tragic thing... happened' Life lessons: Speaking to Daily Edition on Friday, Samantha said: 'There are ups and downs with life but you have to take the good with the bad' 'Obviously, I feel for Mr Lay's family,' she told Daily Edition. 'It's a bittersweet situation. 'It's one of those situations where, you know, I'm happy but it's a tragic thing that's happened.' But the runway model had some words of advice for people going through a tough time. 'It's not forever,' she said. 'There are ups and downs with life but you have to take the good with the bad and not everyone's life is perfect.' She previously told The Daily Telegraph of her 'incredibly traumatic couple of years' between the fatal crash and Luke's sentencing. 'I am beyond devastated with what has happened and for the Lay family,' she said at the time. Sleek in black: Stepping out at Sydney's Town Hall, the 25-year-old runway sensation stunned in a sleek black dress which showed off her petite figure perfectly Flaunting it: Finishing well above the knees, Samantha's mini frock revealed a generous glimpse of her trim pins, while the fitted number certainly hugged her figure in all of the right places 'It is still so raw, having lost my partner. I need time to process and get used to not having him in my life for now.' Samantha - who became engaged to Luke in December 2010 - has since rarely spoken publicly about the couple's status. But she has been pictured wearing her engagement ring while her partner has been behind bars. Meanwhile, Samantha was suitably dressed to impress when she arrived at the YSL Beauty Night Out on Thursday. Attention to detail: Cut-out detailing was featured across her ample decolletage Stepping out at Sydney's Town Hall, the leggy brunette stunned in a sleek black dress which showed off her petite figure perfectly. Finishing well above the knees, Samantha's mini frock revealed a generous glimpse of her trim pins, while the fitted number certainly hugged her figure in all of the right places. Cut-out detailing was featured across her decolletage and a racier design at the back gave the ensemble a very edgy touch. A pair of black open-toed heels accentuated her model height, while she completed her accessories with a matching black clutch. Stepping onto the pink carpet at the exclusive event, the Indigenous model worked her best angles for the cameras. Bringing sexy back: A racier design at the back gave the ensemble a very edgy touch Her dark tresses were pulled back in a tight bun, while a slick of luscious pink lipstick completed her picture perfect look. No doubt stoked to be at the star-studded soiree, Samantha took to Instagram with a photo of herself at the event, along with the caption: 'tonight's @yslbeauty Launch such an amazing event #yslbeautynightout #blackopium (sic)'. There was a very fashionable crowd in attendance on the night, in celebration of the brand's latest lipstick. The star-studded guest list included the likes of Jodi Anasta, Gemma Ward, Lisa Clark and Erin Holland. They are one of Hollywood's most inseparable couples. So it's perhaps unsurprising that Pierce Brosnan cut a romantic figure with his beloved wife, Keely Shaye Smith, on Thursday afternoon. The married couple stepped out hand-in-hand as they enjoyed a shopping spree in downtown Los Angeles. Scroll down for video Loved-up: Pierce Brosnan cut a romantic figure with beloved wife, Keely Shaye Smith, on Thursday afternoon Typically dapper, the Irish actor, 62, was on fine sartorial form as he sported a pair of fitted jeans with a baby blue shirt, which he wore open to the chest. Dressing it down with a pair of plimsolls, he capped the look with a pair of designer sunglasses and some designer stubble. Sweeping his grey hair back in his classic style, he looked impossibly handsome and much younger than his years. Handsome: Typically dapper, the Irish actor, 62, was on fine sartorial form as he sported a pair of fitted jeans with a baby blue shirt, which he wore open to the chest So close: Walking hand-in-hand, the pair - who have been married for 15 years - were as inseparable as ever as they indulged in their shopping spree Meanwhile, Keely was equally well-dressed in a cream dress which featured a textured, waffle-effect fabric which oozed casual class. Sleeveless, the seasonal number allowed her to showcase her Californian tan - which she helped flaunt with the knee-length hemline. Keeping it summer, she added a pair of tan-coloured sandals and a diamond necklace. Looking good: Keely was equally well-dressed in a cream dress which featured a textured, waffle-effect fabric which oozed casual class They've got that loving feeling! The long-term pair remain one of Hollywood's most romantic couples Walking hand-in-hand, the pair - who have been married for 15 years - were as inseparable as ever as they indulged in some retail therapy. Years later, the star is clearly still in awe of his wife and hardly left her side. 'I love her vitality, her passion,' he told the Independent in March, last year. 'She has this strength that I wouldn't be able to live without. When Keely looks at me, I go weak.' Meanwhile, it's been announced that Pierce is set to star in an adaptation of Ernest Hemingway's novel Across the River and Into the Trees. Together: The pair, who have been married for 15 years, were inseparable as they indulged in retail therapy Suits you! The Irish star browses a range of designer sunglasses in downtown Beverly Hills The GoldenEye actor has joined forces with director Martin Campbell to bring the American author's best-selling 1950 book to the big screen. Written in Venice during Hemingway's first visit to Italy, the story revolves around ageing Colonel Richard Cantwell who serves in the European country after World War II and who is dying of heart disease. Filming is due to start in October and Oscar-nominated Michael Radford and BAFTA winner Peter Flannery have adapted the script. The former James Bond star and Campbell have previously teamed up on GoldenEye. She regularly gushes over her baby son on social media. But Michelle Bridges took time out to share a snap of another adorable youngster on Friday. The 45-year-old shared a throwback image of herself as a toddler in her mother's arms, excitedly telling fans that she could see a likeness between herself and her son in the shot. Scroll down for video Throwback: Michelle Bridges shared this image of herself as a baby in her mother's arms on Instagram on Friday Michelle shared the snap to herald her forthcoming appearance on ABC's Australian Story, writing: 'Feel pretty humbled to have been asked to be on ABC Australian Story this Monday night 8pm. 'They have been filming me for a while now, I'm a bit nervous but I'm sure it will be a bit of fun to watch 'That's mum and me. I think I can see a bit of Axel there.' In the image Michelle is seen offering a sweet smile for the camera as she clutches on to her mother's neck. New role: The beauty noted a resemblance between herself as a child and her new son, Axel (seen above together) She is wearing a white and yellow striped t-shirt and boasts thick strands of strawberry blond hair. Michelle will feature in the popular show later this week. Promoting the episode, the network said: 'For the first time on TV Michelle Bridges and her family talk about her becoming a mum at 45, her relationship with 'Commando' Steve Willis and taking on the junk food industry. 'The program traces Bridges' remarkable journey as the daughter of a broken home in working class Newcastle who last year was named on the BRW list of Australia's richest self-made women.' Reflecting on what motivated her career in the past she has told of launching her fitness mission as a teenager at school. Doting: Axel is Michelle's first baby with her partner, Commando 'Steve' Willis, seen above together last year Mission: Michelle, who is Australia's undisputed queen of fitness, will feature in a forthcoming episode of Australian Story on ABC In an interview with The Daily Telegraph last year she said: 'I started doing what I do in 1984 as a 14 year-old. 'It wasnt because I saw pretty pictures of fitness models on Instagram or because I thought I could become well known or famous and world domination was definitely not in my scope. My reason was simple. 'It was, at that point, to help give back all the amazing confidence and abilities that my sport had given me to kids at my school who were missing out on sport.' The beauty welcomed her first child with partner Steve 'Commando' Willis in December after striking up a relationship on The Biggest Loser. Real Housewives of Melbourne (RHOM) star Gina Liano has slammed her fellow cast member Gamble Beaux for lying in a recent interview on Nova's Fitzy & Wippa. The former model and art curator told the radio show on Tuesday morning that the Real Housewives of Beverley Hills - in particular, Lisa Vanderpump - had labelled their RHOM counterparts 'stalkers' for showing up at the same venue in Dubai. But on Thursday, Gina told the Daily Mail Australia that Gamble's on air revelations were 'absolutely not true'. Drama: Real Housewives of Melbourne (RHOM) star Gina Liano has slammed her fellow cast member Gamble Beaux for lying in a recent radio interview claiming the Beverly Hills Housewives called them 'stalkers' 'Gamble wasn't there when she was quoting Lydia,' the 49-year-old confessed. 'I think Gamble gets an excitable imagination. I've heard her on more than one occasion not wanting to ruin a good story for the truth. She does like to embellish. 'I don't know if it's part of her humour or what it is, but she definitely takes things and puts a different spin on them,' she added. Gina went onto explain the situation, saying Lydia had crossed paths with the Beverly Hills women who had also been filming in Dubai. Scandal: Gina said she and her fellow co-stars were shocked by Gamble's revelations 'What happened was that we had a private function up stairs at the Palms...and Lydia had a girlfriend of hers visiting,' the mother-of-two revealed to the Daily Mail Australia. 'Lydia was walking her [her friend] out and it was about 11 O'clock at night, and the Beverly Hills Housewives were just arriving back from the desert. They had been filming out there. Lydia actually said "hello" to them all and Lisa Vanderpump saw her she said "hi". 'Lydia said, "how are you going?". She was pleasant. Lisa actually asked, "Is Gina here?". Lydia said, "yes, she is up stairs". And Lisa said, "send her my love". When Lydia came up stairs she told me that. 'And Kyle [RHOBH co-star] invited us back to her room from what I understand.' Holiday cheer: The RHOM cast members filmed the Dubai trip last year and the episode aired on Sunday Rubbish: Lisa was accused, by Gamble, of calling Gina a 'stalker' Clearing the air: Lisa Vanderpump took to Twitter to clear up the alleged incident Gina - who has her own book, as well as a shoe, perfume and jewellery line - went on to add the blonde beauty had taken a swipe at her on more than one occasion on social media and in articles. 'She told people that I was dying and caused a lot of distress and that is another example of exaggerating a story,' she said. 'I had one of my stylist burst into tears. She actually thought I was dying in hospital in Sydney and they were all worrying. 'She then said that Rick saved my life. I don't know how an eye surgeon saved my life. It stemmed from a message to her saying that I wasn't well.' Professional posers! The busty pair posed with fellow co-star Lydia Schiavello, 47, in front of a fountain in what appeared to be their hotel Gushing: The criminal barrister Tweeted back at Lisa, saying: 'Love you too honey' Lisa Vanderpump was also quick to clear the alleged incident up with fans via Twitter. 'Love Gina, we have met after I supported her thru brutal season [sic],' she told fans. Gamble's version of events included an alleged confrontation between both teams of Housewives franchises. 'Both of us were in Dubai, at the same time as the Beverly Hills girls,' she told Fitzy & Wippa. Claws are out: The mother-of-two said the blonde beauty had taken a swipe at her on more than one occasion on social media and in articles More stories: Gina revealed to the Daily Mail Australia that Gamble had 'told people that I was dying and caused a lot of distress and that is another example of exaggerating a story' She then added: 'When we were in Dubai, Beverly Hills called us "stalkers".' 'The hotel must have sent a shout out to Real Housewives franchises and got both there at the same time', Gamble explained. The former art consultant said Lydia Schiavello was the first one on the receiving end of the insult, before Lisa Vanderpump took a shot at Gina Liano. 'Lydia was saying goodbye to one of her friends at 3am, and apparently when they [the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast] were coming into the hotel they thought that she'd been sitting outside the hotel waiting for them all night, which she hadn't.' Gamble continued: 'So she got called a stalker. Then Gina said hello to Lisa Vanderpump, who she has met before at her restaurant, and she got called a "stalker".' The 44-year-old has since gone onto her Twitter to apologise to her co-star and Lisa, saying: 'Sorry Lisa and Gina my mistake! I was caught up in the gossip mill and shouldn't have repeated it! My sincere apologies!' Professor Green has posted an emotional tribute to his father, who took his own life eight years ago. The musician, real name Stephen Manderson, posted a childhood photo on Instagram on Friday, writing a heartfelt message in the caption for his dad Peter. Pro Green, 32, spoke out on his family's history with mental illness in a BBC documentary last year, where he opened up about his relationship with his father. Scroll down for video Loss: Professor Green has posted an emotional tribute to his father, who took his own life eight years ago, sharing a childhood photo on Instagram The rapper's Instagram photo shows him as a toddler with his father in the family's living room. Alongside the snap, he wrote: '8yrs ago it all got a bit too much for you. I still love you more than anything dad.' The star, who recently split from his wife Millie Mackintosh, revealed last year that his 2013 wedding day was heartbreaking as neither of his parents were at the ceremony, while his bride's whole family was supporting her. Remembering him: Alongside the snap, the rapper wrote: '8yrs ago it all got a bit too much for you. I still love you more than anything dad' The rapper, who was mostly raised by his grandmother Patricia, opened up about his family tragedy and the importance of suicide prevention in an interview with the Radio Times last October to promote his documentary Professor Green: Suicide And Me. He told the publication: 'My wedding was so hard. Millie had her whole family there and its not something I begrudged her but it made it obvious. 'I didnt have my mum there because we werent talking. Fine, that was a decision I made, but I didnt have my dad there because he couldnt be and I wanted nothing more.' Close: Pro Green, 32, spoke out on his family's history with mental illness in a BBC3 documentary last year, where he opened up about his relationship with his father Peter Pro Green was shocked to discover that his father's side of the family has a history of mental health issues since his uncle had also committed suicide. Asked whether he worried it was hereditary, the rapper replied: 'Definitely. Irrespective of my dad not bringing me up I worry whether theres a life event thats going to push me towards it. 'But I dont think Id do it. Theres times when Ive been incredibly anxious and its felt inescapable but Ive never felt that [suicidal]. But Ive learnt to take care of myself.' BBC Three documentary, Professor Green: Suicide And Me. He also admitted he's been seeing a therapist for the past year in a bid to voice his feelings since almost four times more men kill themselves in the UK each year than women. Bittersweet: The star, who recently split from his wife Millie Mackintosh, revealed last year that his 2013 wedding day was heartbreaking as neither of his parents were at the ceremony Revealing that it was a difficult decision to seek professional help, Pro Green explained: 'I had a psychiatrist when I was a kid, and a social worker, and I hated both. 'I felt so stupid when I first sat down but then the tears came and it was the security of being somewhere where I wasnt going to be judged.' The rapper is passionate about helping break the stigma surrounding male mental health and hopes his story will inspire others to speak out. 'Sometimes men do pluck up the courage to explain to someone how theyre feeling and the person just says, "Come on, have a drink, pull yourself together",' he said. '[Your brain is] the single most important part of your body and the one thing we really need to learn to take care of.' Important work: The star spoke out on the importance of suicide prevention in his BBCThree documentary Professor Green: Suicide And Me She's the perfect model for her own flourishing swimwear range. And Kimberley Garner proved exactly why she's the ideal poster girl for her brand as she writhed around flirtatiously in the sun-kissed climes of Malibu, California on Friday, wearing a tiny Pocahontas inspired swimsuit. The 26-year-old beauty showed off her trim and toned figure in the high-rise swimwear piece, which featured an extreme plunge down to her Western belted waistline. Scroll down for video Teasing fans: Kimberley Garner writhed around flirtatiously on Instagram wearing a tiny Pocahontas inspired swimsuit in sun-kissed Malibu, California on Friday Blowing a kiss to her 48.4k followers, the former Made in Chelsea beauty began dancing in the skimpy attire, which also boasted a knotted tie detail at the neck. Captioning the video, '#behindthescenes fooling around swimsuit KimberleyLondon.com', she seemed over the moon at her surroundings. In another picture shared shortly after, Kimberley donned a white bikini while posing seductively in a large field. Her luscious blonde mane was the picture of perfection and she looked every inch the beachy Californian girl thanks to her natural glowing make-up look. Stunning figure: The 26-year-old beauty showed off her trim and toned figure as she donned the thigh-high swimwear piece, which featured an extreme plunge down to her Western belted waist Constant smile: Blowing a kiss to her 48.4k followers, the former Made in Chelsea beauty began dancing gleefully, flashing a never-ending grin in the skimpy attire White hot: In another picture shared shortly after, she donned another sultry white bikini as she posed seductively in a large field, with a photographer capturing her fine form. At the end of last month, the E4 star jetted off to the Caribbean to model a scanty jungle-inspired two-piece showing off her famously perky posterior in a pair of tiny bottoms that featured a little gold disk, synonymous with her collection. Although, the former reality star has been capturing her visions in a series of sunny destinations, she is extremely passionate about keeping her designs British. 'It's always been important to me that we support the incredible talent here in the UK. 'I've built such strong relationships with teams here and our pieces truly are the Best of British,' she spoke her brand, which she launched in 2013. Stunner: Her luscious blonde mane was the picture of perfection, as she looked every inch the beachy Californian girl with her natural glowing make-up look British pride: Although, the former reality star has been capturing her visions in a series of sunny destinations, she is extremely passionate about keeping her designs British The rise of her business hasn't come without its downfalls though. In 2013 she ran into legal trouble when underwear giant Agent Provocateur took Kimberley to court, accusing the willowy blonde of stealing one of their swimwear designs. According to the underwear retailer, which was founded in 1994, Kimberley's swimwear label, Kimberley London, was selling a bikini that was too similar to one of its own best-sellers. Whilst she has been hard at work engaging in a number of modelling shoots, she has also been enjoying her down time in the States. Natural beauty: Former Made In Chelsea beauty Kimberley Garner looked incredible as she showed off her post-hike glow on Wednesday The beauty displayed her trim and toned figure in a tiny black sports bra and matching Lycra shorts as she worked up a sweat on her afternoon hike earlier this week. The star's fitness efforts are clearly working since she looked incredible in her gym gear, revealing her pert posterior as she cast a sultry look over one shoulder. The leggy blonde and her pals posed for several videos, including dancing as they perched in the branches of a tree and playing around on a tyre swing. Working up a sweat: Kimberley posted, 'Sun kissed, scruffy and sweaty from the hike - homeward bound #Malibu' Sporty star: Kimberley swears by ballet and Pilates to keep her long and lean figure She credits barre and ballet to keeping herself in shape and also enjoys eating healthy. Revealing her diet secrets, Kimberley told WomenFitness.net: 'Its so important that girls eat right, but not worry too much about it. I have started loving Green Juice as an alternative to coffee, its made up of lots of healthy green vegetables. 'I have always had a real sweet tooth, I love my sweet treats and feel that life is too short to not enjoy yourself occasionally.' Maisie Williams let her clean cut image slide this week as she opened up about her sexuality. Discussing being in love and whether or not she'll choose to marry, the 19-year-old Game Of Thrones star said she could relate to people who 'fall in love with personalities and not genders.' Former child star Maisie offsets a very mature interview with a youthful fashion photoshoot as she covers NYLON magazine this month. Scroll down for video Mature: Maisie Williams combines a youthful photoshoot with a mature interview as she covers NYLON magazine's Young Hollywood issue She told the magazine: 'I've never sat up and thought about my sexuality for hours. It's like what [fellow actress] Shailene Woodley said: "I fall in love with personalities and not people or genders." 'I have no problem with anyone who would want to be labeled, but I also think that it is no one's business.' Maisie previously revealed that she had a secret, non-famous boyfriend in September 2015, saying now that she feels like she is 'in love.' She continued: 'I met him at school. He's really sweet I feel like I'm in love right now, but I don't know what I am going to feel like down the line. Playful: She's dressed in bright, fun and young colours for a new fashion-forward shoot Getting candid: But the 19-year-old had something to say about her sexuality that may have surprised fans Getting silly: While acting playfully, she candidly told the magazine that she is in love but doesn't believe in marriage Growing up: She appears on the cover wearing just her briefs, it seems 'That's why I am kind of closed-minded about marriageI don't even know if I want to get married.' Maisie unleashes her playful persona in the new fashion editorial for the Young Hollywood issue, looking fun and vibrant in bright colours and pulled up socks. But some fans of the Arya Stark actress, who began her career on the HBO series at 14 years old, will be surprised to see a more sultry side to the star. In the cover image, the brunette appears to be dressed in just her white undergarments with a preppy sweatshirt, and in another fun shot, she flashes her white briefs in a lace skirt. Maisie admits in the interview that she's constantly battling her clean-cut image, saying: 'When I step out with a shorter skirt on, or a little bit more makeup, people say, "What's happening?" But this is what I do in everyday life. It's who I am.' Feeling impassioned, she continued: 'Honestly, this industry [Hollywood] frightens meit scares me seeing people who are evil. No, not evil. But seeing people change. Seeing what this industry has done to me, and then having to pull it all back again. Kooky: With pulled up socks, the Game Of Thrones actress appeared to be having some fun with fashion Dream role: She discussed her delight at landing her dream role and not wanting to settle for less 'I am very happy with who I am, and people always say, "Don't change," but no one ever intentionally changes. It is frightening.' The television star's next project is a big screen feature, The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, for which she attended the premiere on Thursday night. Maisie said: 'I'm so grateful that the first job I ever landed taught me to never take a role that was "less". I've had the opportunity to play a lot of actors' dream roleI don't want to ever settle.' Read the full interview with Maisie Williams in May 2016 issue of NYLON, on sale April 24, 2016. Grateful: Unleashing some of her young side, the GoT star talks about 'evil' Hollywood Dealing with life: Maisie reflects on everything from growing up in the public eye to sexuality to the complexities of fanship Style queen Stella McCartney continued to reign supreme, despite the fact she had just stepped off a long-haul flight from Los Angeles, when she was pictured arriving at Heathrow Airport in London on Friday afternoon. The English fashion designer cut a casually cool figure as she worked a denim one-piece for the 10-hour plus journey. Stella, 44, looked like the ultimate chic jet-setter as she made a low-key arrival to Terminal 5, wheeling a designer suitcase behind her. Scroll down for video Jet-setting chic: Style queen Stella McCartney continued to reign supreme as she was pictured arriving at Heathrow Airport in London on Friday afternoon She swamped her svelte figure somewhat by slipping on a denim boiler suit, featuring turned-up jeans, zip details and two large trouser pockets. Stella styled the comfy jumpsuit with a pair of white gum-sole buckle-shoes while a pair of classic sunglasses provided her with some coverage. The mother-of-four was the picture of serene beauty with pale make-up tones and generously-applied highlighter intensifying her model good looks. Off-duty uniform: Stella, 44, cut a casually cool figure in a denim boiler suit, featuring turned-up jeans and zip details, for her long-haul flight from LA to her hometown Her best foot forward: The English fashion designer sported some statement footwear - white gum-soled buckle shoes Stella extended her low-key theme to her hairstyle, pulling her glossy auburn locks into a sweeping mid-height ponytail. She maintained a steely expression as she calmly made her way to her waiting car. The daughter of The Beatles singer Paul McCartney and his late wife Linda had been across the pond attending to business. Bags of style: Stella wheeled a designer suitcase behind her while some high-end shades provided her with some coverage Stella and her brand held a launch in event Dallas, Texas, and she also put in an appearance at the annual H.E.A.R.T. Brunch on in Los Angeles, California, on Thursday. She took to the podium at the charity event where Leona Lewis, Melissa Rivers, Astrid Heppenstall Heger, Cio Soler and Olivia Culpo were among attendees. The annual gathering, hosted by the Violence Intervention Program, is a fundraiser to help with the organisation's mission of protecting and treating all victims of family violence and sexual assault. H.E.A.R.T. stands for 'helping ease abuse related trauma' and members of the organisation pay a minimum of $1K per year to fund client services. The money raised then allows clinicians to meet the needs of children and their families who are affected by abuse. She married in a New Years Eve ceremony at Cardiff Castle just a few months ago. But now Alex Jones, who is 39, has revealed she feels under mounting pressure to conceive her first child after discovering her own mother went through the menopause at 43. It could mean the BBC One Show presenter has only a small window in which to have a baby with husband Charlie Thomson. She bravely spoke about her fertility yesterday and said it had now dawned on her that the clock is truly ticking. Her mother made the bombshell revelation after Miss Jones got married fearing that bringing it up earlier would have caused her additional stress. The presenter said the news came as a shock and that she now believes I have a five year window potentially to get this done. Scroll down for video No idea: One Show presenter Alex Jones, 39, has revealed she was unaware trying to conceive in her late 30s could be problematic until she married her partner last December Although she adores her job in television she said that for her it is not more important than a family. Believing there is a lack of information for women in her position and that the process is a murky pond she has set about making a BBC documentary on fertility, which will air in the coming months. As part of that she took an NHS test to assess her own fertility which made her realise she and Mr Thomson, an insurance broker, need to address this really quickly. Revealing how her mother had told her she had been through the menopause early, she said: I was having a conversation with Mum and my sister Jen about the show and mum dropped it really casually into conversation. She said Yeah because I started the menopause at 43 and she was cutting Victoria sponge at the time. I said What do you mean? and she said Well I started going through the menopause at 43. It didnt matter for mum because she had me and Jen a lot, lot younger. I said Mum, why didnt you say? and she said Well what was the point Al? You hadnt met somebody that you wanted to start a family with and it would have just caused stress. Of course she was right, however. That was a shock and nonetheless I have a five year window potentially to get this done. Living in the moment: The Welsh star admitted she and husband Charlie Thompson hadn't begun trying for a baby just yet She said her sister had been told at the age of 25 that she would never be able to have a baby but now has two healthy children. Speaking about the pressure she has felt to have a baby, she said: To give you a bit of background, we got married on New Years Eve and literally two days later the first person said So when are you going to have a baby? And I was like Shut up. I just think that women should support women and we all know that it can be tough and its a really dangerous question I think to ask anybody over the age of 30. Its a very personal question anyway and men dont get asked and it puts more and more pressure on us to procreate when sometimes its not that simple. During the course of filming the documentary she tried alternative remedies like acupuncture, reflexology and even an 80 womb massage with castor oil. Yesterday, speaking at a Fertility Health Summit organised by The British Fertility Society, Miss Jones who is from Carmarthenshire in Wales called for more information for women. She said learning how to preserve your fertility should be taught to girls in schools along with safe sex classes. She said otherwise girls end up where I am now. She said doctors were often embarrassed to discuss conception problems and she criticised her own, otherwise lovely GP, for not advising her to stop taking the contraceptive pill sooner to allow more time for her body to settle down. Opening up yesterday about her own experience, she said: Like most girls I spent my 20s and most of my 30s not wanting to get pregnant. That was the mission, wasnt it? Strong words: Alex also criticised the lack of action taken by those in the NHS to ask about family planning, and educate patients about IVF and fertility Calling for change: Alex said there was a lack of information available to young women, calling the topic 'a bit of a murky pond' And then its just like Bonnie Tylers Total Eclipse of The Heart and the day arrives and then you go, Gosh, maybe we should have a baby. And then obviously you are faced with quite a complicated potential process and I didnt feel that I had any information whatsoever. The star has also criticised the IVF postcode lottery which means the area a couple live in can affect how many cycles they are entitled to on the NHS. In her home county of Carmarthenshire, women are entitled to two rounds of IVF and three if they have served in the Armed Forces. However, in West London, where she lives now, women are only entitled to one round of IVF and they must meet a strict set of criteria. She has a body that many women would kill for. And Sylvia Jeffreys showed off her svelte figure as she attended the Black Tie Bingo charity event at the Royal International Convention Centre, in Brisbane, on Friday evening. The Today show co-host stunned in a brightly coloured Ginger and Smart gown which included circular cut-outs over either shoulder and a belt around the waist. 'Two fat ladies': Sylvia Jeffreys flaunted her slender figure alongside dapper looking Nova radio host Tim Blackwell as the pair attended the Black Tie Bingo event in Brisbane, raising $85,000 for youth causes The slender beauty, who hails from Brisbane, styled her luscious blonde locks into a trendy bun. She added thick lashings of mascara to make her blue eyes pop, while applying a light touch of rouge to her naturally rosy cheeks and a layer of pink gloss to her perfect pout. She accessorised her look with a simple silver ring to keep the striking dress the main focus on the night. Congratulations: Sylvia congratulated fellow Nine network journalist Melissa Downes on her work with the non-for-profit organisation, Youngcare The Channel Nine journalist took to her Instagram on two separate occasions throughout the evening to keep her 71,800 followers updated on her movements. In the first picture, Sylvia cuddled up to Kate, Tim & Marty drive-time co-host, Tim Blackwell. Tim put on a dapper display in a sleek black suit, white button-up shirt and a matching black tie for the event. The 29-year-old captioned the upload: 'Two fat ladies (88) ready to roll.' In the next snap, Sylvia wrapped her arms around fellow Nine network journalist Melissa Downes. Fund raiser: The 29-year-old took a close-up snap of herself rocking a white T-shirt as part of Witchery's White shirt campaign, which raises funds for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) Nailed it: Sylvia flaunted her svelte figure in a metallic gown with a plunging neckline at the 57th annual Logie Awards Melissa hosted the charity event which raised more than $85,000 for the non-for-proft organisation, Youngcare. Sylvia congratulated the brunette beauty on her ongoing work with the organisation, saying: 'One last squeeze with @9melissadownes before she sets off on her epic adventure across the Simpson Desert with @youngcareoz. 'Was a wild night & raised $85,000 for young Australians with high care needs. Love your work, Meliss,' she added exuberantly. Days earlier, Sylvia took a closeup snap of herself rocking a white T-shirt as part of Witchery's White shirt campaign which raises funds for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation. She wrote alongside the picture: 'The @witcheryfashion #whiteshirtcampaign launches tomorrow in partnership with @ocrf. 'The range is beautiful and, most importantly, 100% of gross proceeds go to ovarian cancer research.' She launched her own swimwear line after she grew tired of donning bathing suits that didn't fit her ample bust. And Billie Faiers proved to be her own best advert as she slipped into a bright neon bikini from her InTheStyle range for a sizzling Instagram selfie on Thursday. Flaunting her hourglass curves, The Only Way Is Essex star, 26, showcased her ample assets in the skimpy top, while the tiny briefs hugged her pert posterior. Scroll down for video Beach body: Billie Faiers proved to be her own best advert for her swimwear line as she slipped into a bright neon bikini from her InTheStyle range for a sizzling Instagram selfie on Thursday Sporting a healthy bronzed glow, the mum-of-one placed her hand on her hip, drawing attention to her impeccably toned abs, whilst her golden tresses framed her heart-shaped face. Treating her fans to another sizzling offering, she also showed off her ample cleavage in a patterned halter jumpsuit, another garment from her new collection. The fitted one-piece is clearly a favourite of the star's as she also wore it earlier this month as she joined fellow reality stars Charlotte Crosby and Alexandra 'Binky' Felstead at the Sanctum Soho Hotel in London for a photoshoot. Like Billie, Geordie Shore's Charlotte and Made In Chelsea's Binky also have their own ranges with online retailer InTheStyle. See TOWIE updates as Billie Faiers flaunts her cleavage in sexy Instagram selfie Jump to it! Treating her fans to another sizzling offering, she also showed off her ample cleavage in a patterned halter jumpsuit, another garment from her new collection Billie launched her first clothing range with InTheStyle last November, with her swimwear collection also coming out this month. The star's photoshoot came as she is currently starring in the 17th series of TOWIE on ITVBe. Although Billie is joined on-screen by her toddler daughter Nelly, although her fiance Greg Shepherd prefers to remain off-camera. All change: The mother-of-one arrived at the InTheStyle photoshoot at London's Sanctum Soho Hotel on Tuesday in a sexy patterned jumpsuit which hugged her bombshell curves From the catwalk to the pavement: The 26-year-old strutted her stuff as she showcased her latest designs for her fashion range The former glamour model and Greg, 29, who started dating in 2012, got engaged on holiday in the Maldives in February 2014 while Billie was pregnant with Nelly. However, Billie recently revealed they're in no rush to tie the knot and want to have a second child first. She told Closer magazine last month: 'I'm so ready for a second now and I don't want too big a gap between Nelly and our next baby so I need to get going now. Greg and I have decided we'll get married after we have another baby, we think it'll be nice to have both children at our wedding. 'Then, in a few years, we might think about having a third - three is a nice number.' Here come the girls: Billie was joined by fellow reality stars Charlotte Crosby and Alexandra 'Binky' Felstead, who also have their own fashion ranges Girlie: Billie later went for a more feminine look in a maxi, which was slashed-to-the-thigh She has been embroiled in a sexting scandal with married presenter Vernon Kay. But Rhian Sugden seemed to defiantly brush any controversy aside as she posted yet another revealing lingerie snap to her Twitter page on Friday. The Page 3 Model stunned in a plunging black lace bra and matching knickers which she complemented with suspenders and a slick of vampy scarlet lipstick. Scroll down for video Lovely in lace: Page 3 model Rhian Sugden showcased her toned figure as she posed in black lingerie on Friday Her ample assets and enviably toned stomach were fully on show as she posed in the revealing snap. The blonde beauty wore her long blonde locks in a sleek side-ponytail, while her deep parting was slicked to her face. Emphasizing her peepers with lashings of mascara and a smoky sweep of charcoal eye shadow, she wrote alongside the shot: Finished photies for today! Here's another sneaky peek from #bts'. And showing her penchant for revealing selfies, she shared another behind the scenes snap as she prepped for a lingerie shoot in Krakow, Poland on Thursday, Rhian posed in nothing but a pair of red lace knickers as the finishing touches to her barely-there look were completed. Working nine to five: Rhian is putting her sext scandal with Vernon Kay behind her as she heads back to work, sharing another behind the scenes look at her lingerie shoot the previous day Rhian covers her ample assets with one hand as she snaps the selfie in the mirror. Meanwhile an assistant is seen adjusting the model's underwear, while it looks like she has already had her stint in the hair and makeup chair as she rocks voluminous curls and glam eyeliner. 'Tweaked #obsessivelingerie #poland #bts,' Rhian captioned the shot. She also shared a selfie with fiance Oliver Mellor, as she joked it was 'bring the Boyf to work day!' Her man: The blonde also shared a selfie with her fiance Oliver Mellor, as she joked to her followers that it was 'bring the Boyf to work day!' Rhian has been concentrating on work and her relationship with Oliver amid the latest drama between her and TV star Vernon Kay. Meanwhile the Page 3 model is expected to reveal her steamy affair with a Hollywood A-lister who could make Vernon look 'Z-list' in her new tell-all book. According to The Sunday People, the woman behind the DJ's sex text scandal - who insists she's not a homewrecker is 'not ashamed of her past and wants to tell her story'. Model: Rhian has been concentrating on work and her relationship with Oliver amid the latest drama between her and TV star Vernon Kay A source told the newspaper: 'Vernon is a Z-lister compared to the Hollywood star she did hook up with and is prepared to write about in her book.' Rhian is currently engaged to actor Oliver, though the Hollywood hook up has been described as a 'known as a ladies' man' who is 'not someone fans would immediately think of.' The insider continued: 'Rhian is now happy with Oliver and they are getting married, but she's not ashamed of her past and wants to tell her story.' The blonde bombshell returned to public consciousness last month when it was claimed that television personality Vernon had been sending her more messages. Secrets to tell: The model is expected to reveal her steamy affair with a Hollywood A-lister who could make Vernon look 'Z-list' in her new tell-all book It appeared that the pair had reignited the tryst that threatened to end his marriage to Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly in 2009. Rhian and Vernon's daily contact came to light in 2010 after he pursued her on Twitter, text and email for four months. Rhian claims that she exchanged hundreds of messages with Kay and said he also tried to set up a secret liaison with her in a hotel room. Scandal: The blonde bombshell returned to public consciousness last month when it was claimed that television personality Vernon had been sending her more messages She revealed the pair had a secret code for sex acts that they used in their lewd exchanges when they first met in 2010, including the words 'gravy' and 'fountain'. After the latest scandal, Rhian was keen to set the record straight for trolls who called her a 'homewrecker'. Giving her side of the story, the topless model wrote on Instagram: 'I am NOT a home wrecker, Porn star, escort, gold digger OR Stripper! 'I get paid to model and have done for 10 years. I own two cats and live a two up two down, minding my own business!' She's previously been vocal about her preference to breastfeed her son Bodhi Rain. And two years on from giving birth to her little boy, Australian actress Teresa Palmer stands by her decision and continues to practice it. Taking to Instagram on Friday, the 30-year-old shared a black and white filtered snap of herself breastfeeding her son, along with the caption: '2 years 2 months on and still our favorite moments are these morning breastfeeds. The house is still and it's just us snuggled in close awaiting the days adventures (sic)'. Scroll down for video Proud mother: On Friday Australian actress Teresa Palmer shared this black and white filtered snap of herself breastfeeding two-year-old son Bodhi Rain The image attracted mixed reactions from the movie star's social media followers. One Instagram user wrote: 'So beautiful. My son is the same age as yours and breastfeeding him is still my favourite part of the day too'. Meanwhile, others were more inclined to question Teresa's choice, with one follower commenting: 'I am not being mean or so, but why would you breastfeed your child so long?'. Taking the liberty to clarify her decision, the actress responded: '@mrslarabrunner because it's the worlds most nutritious and healthy thing tor my son as well as his greatest comfort (sic)'. Doing her part: As a breastfeeding advocate she has done her best to reduce the stigma attached to nursing in public - cictured nursing her son Bodhi Rain at Bondi beach She continued: 'When you have a child you will understand the desire to meet your child's needs in every way. The World Health Organization says the longer you can breastfeed the better it is for your child's overall health. 'As a woman who is lucky enough to be able to breastfeed this long I'm grateful that I can provide my son with this kind of loving care. 'It's only been society that chooses to judge a woman's choice to continue to nurture their children beyond what has been perceived and labelled as "the norm" there is also a lack of education surrounding the benefits of continuing the breastfeed in to the toddler years (sic),' she concluded. Being open: The Adelaide born actress has tried to normalise what is a simply a natural way to feed her child In June last year, Teresa joined the growing number of women hitting back against the shaming of mothers who breastfeed in public. The beauty, who co-parents her husband Mark Webber's son Issac and their shared baby Bodhi Rain, expressed her disbelief at the double standards mothers face. 'There are billboards around the world that have a bra showing cleavage and that is totally appreciated and celebrated,' she said in an interview with VS magazine, 'but breastfeeding becomes so sexualised.' Doting mother: She regularly shares beautiful images of her nursing her son on Instagram, as she espouses the simple joys of motherhood, such as bonding with her child Partners in crime: In March last year the Point Break actress hit headlines when she was pictured feeding her son as she walked with her husband to an L.A restaurant 'I'm actually shocked by it. I'm not trying to make a big statement, it's just unfortunate that there are such double standards.' As a breastfeeding advocate she has done her best to reduce the stigma attached to nursing in public. She and her husband, 35, regularly share beautiful images of her nursing their son on Instagram, as she espouses the simple joys of motherhood, such as bonding with her child. In March last year, the Point Break actress hit headlines when she was pictured feeding her son as she walked with her husband to an L.A restaurant. Happy family: Teresa shares two-year-old son Bodhi Rain with husband Mark Webber Of course, Teresa isn't the only woman who has been outspoken about the need to change attitudes towards breastfeeding in public. Australian model Nicole Trunfio, 30, generated headlines last year when she appeared on Elle Australia's subscriber issue breastfeeding her son Zion, who she gave birth to in January 2015. She later spoke out about the iconic cover and her own experiences of breastfeeding in public. 'There's nothing worse than, as a mother, doing something so necessary as feeding your child and feeling like somebody could have an opinion about it or somebody's looking at you the wrong way,' she told Good Morning America in May last year. He's one of the biggest names in rap music at the moment. But as Tyga arrived in Perth, Western Australia during his tour of Down Under on Friday, the musician was quite literally overshadowed by a member of his entourage. While helping carry the 26-year-old's bag through the terminal, Tyga was dwarfed by the statuesque individual who waited patiently as Kylie Jenner's on-again, off-again boyfriend took snaps with fans. Scroll down for video The long and short of it! Tyga was dwarfed by a member of his entourage while arriving in Perth as he continues his Australian tour Tyga was dressed in his typical urban style, coupling long black shorts with a photographic-printed T-shirt and a button-up jacket. He accessorised with a large gold necklace and a backwards baseball cap, clearly enjoying listening to some music through white Beats By Dre headphones as he bopped along a zebra crossing. The Rack City rapper finished his look with a pair of contrasting, dark red sneakers. Cool: Tyga was dressed in his typical urban style, coupling long black shorts with a photographic-printed T-shirt Selfie time! The rapper stopped to take some snaps with some Kardashian look-alike fans What made the companions so intriguing was that Tyga stands at about average height, about 5 ft 6 ins, with his escort towering over him by at least half a head. The rapper, whose real name is Micheal Ray Stevenson, stopped to take some pictures with adoring fans who by the way they were dressed closely resembled members of the Kardashian family. The hip hop superstar has been busy visiting Australia as part of his Rawwest Alive tour to promote his latest album Rawwest N**** Alive. Busy: The hip hop superstar has been busy visiting Australia as part of his Rawwest Alive tour New record: The tour is to promote his latest release Rawwest N**** Alive Tensions between Tyga and his ex Blac Chyna were said to have hit boiling point when the backup dancer announced she was engaged to Rob Kardashian, the half-brother of Tyga's on-again, off-again girlfriend Kylie Jenner. Though the rapper later congratulated his ex on her engagement, TMZ reports the former flames are in a custody battle over their three-year-old son King Cairo. Sources told the site that he is going to 'great lengths to drive a wedge between their son and her' and that he is 'not backing down'. 'Vicious cycle' as Australia indigenous prison rates soar Human rights groups are urging the Australian government to do more to bring down Aboriginal incarceration rates which have almost doubled in 25 years, with indigenous criminals now accounting for a quarter of prisoners. The calls came on the 25th anniversary Friday of the landmark Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, which recommended sweeping reforms to improve the plight of the nation's first peoples, who are the country's most impoverished. The indigenous population remains "very much over-represented" in prison, the government's Australian Institute of Criminology said. Human rights groups are urging the Australian government to do more to bring down Aboriginal incarceration rates which have almost doubled in 25 years William West (AFP/File) Aborigines made up 14 percent of those in jail at the time of the royal commission but now account for 27 percent, even though they comprise just under three percent of the adult Australian population, Bureau of Statistics data from 2015 shows. Despite the rise in incarceration rates, Indigenous Affairs Minister Nigel Scullion said many of the commission's 339 recommendations, particularly those focused on reducing the risk of deaths in custody, had been implemented. "At the time the royal commission was established in 1989, First Australians were more likely to die in custody than non-indigenous Australians. This is no longer the case," he said in a statement late Thursday. "Over the past 15 years, in all but one year (2002-03), an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person has in fact been less likely to die in custody than a non-indigenous person." The commission had found that while indigenous people were not more likely to die in jail compared to non-Aboriginal prisoners, they were more exposed to the risk of death as there was a greater chance they were likely to be in custody. Amnesty International accused Scullion of "glossing over" the prison statistics and called for a national strategy to lower custody rates. "The inaccuracies in the minister's statement continue the dodging of responsibility we have seen for 25 long years since the royal commission," Amnesty's indigenous rights campaigner Julian Cleary said in a statement. "Today, one in five people who die in custody are indigenous. This must not be presented as a success; it is a disaster in a nation where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up less than three percent of our population." Leading Aboriginal elder Pat Dodson warned in a speech to the National Press Club in Canberra this week that "by and large the problems the royal commission was set up to examine and advise governments on, have become worse". "A quarter of a century after we handed down our findings the vicious cycle remains the same," said Dodson, who is set to enter federal parliament as a Labor senator. Aborigines have lived on the vast island continent for at least 40,000 years and number just 670,000 out of a total population of 23 million. India poachers kill rhino soon after royal couple visit Poachers shot dead a rhinoceros at a wildlife park in northeast India hours after Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate visited the sanctuary, a wildlife official said Friday. Rangers found the dead rhino with its horn missing on Thursday -- the day the royal couple left the Kaziranga National Park in Assam state, home to two-thirds of the planet's remaining one-horned rhinos. "Poachers used AK-47 assault rifles to kill the adult male rhino and after killing the pachyderm they took away its horn," Subasish Das, a senior forest officer, told AFP. Britain's Prince William (L), Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, look at young rhino at the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation in Kaziranga in the northeastern state of Assam on April 13, 2016 Adnan Abidi (POOL/AFP) It was the second rhino killing in the past four days. Poachers killed an adult rhino on Monday before gouging out its horn, leaving it in a pool of blood. Kaziranga has fought a sustained battle against poachers who kill the rhinos for their horns, which fetch huge prices in some Asian countries where they are used for medicines and jewellery. The park's website said 27 rhinos were poached in 2014 and another 17 last year. A recent census estimated there were 2,400 one-horned rhinos, currently listed as "vulnerable" by conservation groups, in Kaziranga out of a global population of 3,300. During their visit to Kaziranga the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met wildlife officials battling to protect vulnerable rhinos from poachers, and fed a rhino calf with a giant milk bottle. William, the second-in-line to the British throne, has repeatedly condemned illegal wildlife trafficking and has encouraged anti-poaching efforts. He is a patron of the elephant conservation charity Tusk Trust. A spokesman for the royal couple said they had been upset by the poaching. "The Duke and Duchess were angry to hear about the killing of this rhino during their visit," British broadcaster ITV quoted the spokesman as saying. "They hope their time in Kaziranga encourages others to support the brave rangers that are protecting animals that are so important to the communities that surround the national park." Kaziranga has fought a sustained battle against poachers who kill the rhinos for their horns, which fetch huge prices in some Asian countries where they are used for medicines and jewellery Australia's Min-Jee Lee vaults into LPGA Lotte lead Australian Min-Jee Lee vaulted into sole possession of the lead at the LPGA Tour's Lotte Championship after a bogey free round. Lee on Thursday shot a sizzling six-under 66 at the Ko Olina Golf Club in Oahu, Hawaii for a 10-under 134 total. She finished with six birdies including one stretch of five in six holes, beginning on the par-three eighth. Min-Jee Lee of Australia reacts to a birdie putt on the eighth green during the second round of the LPGA Lotte Championship, at Ko Olina Golf Club in Kapolei, Hawaii, on April 14, 2016 Christian Petersen (Getty/AFP) "I have just been having fun and hitting my shots one shot at time," Lee said. Lee got off to a good start with a birdie on the first and then made six straight pars before her birdie run, which straddled the turn. Her five birdies in six holes moved her to 10-under. Lee closed with five pars to hold the 36-hole lead for the second time in her young career. "I holed a couple of nice putts and, yeah, just got my momentum going on the front nine," Lee said. "I birdied eight and nine, so I think the momentum carried on through the back nine." Rights groups accuse Nepal PM of 'harassing' watchdog Leading human rights groups on Friday accused Nepal's new prime minister of attempting to intimidate officials from a national watchdog, after it criticised Kathmandu's handling of recent violence-hit protests. In a joint statement, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and the International Commission of Jurists accused the government of failing to respect the independence of Nepal's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli allegedly attacked watchdog officials over a submission they made to the United Nations Human Rights Council last month which called for a probe into claims that police used excessive force against protesters. Leading human rights groups have accused Nepal's new Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli of attempting to intimidate officials from the National Human Rights Commission Lintao Zhang (POOL/AFP/File) "The PM's blatant attempt to intimidate the NHRC members for that submission is a flagrant violation of the government's basic obligation to ensure the NHRC's ability to carry out its work independently and without undue interference," said Nikhil Narayan, senior legal adviser to the ICJ. Nepal was gripped by a crippling months-long border blockade from September to February, sparked by a new constitution which the country's Madhesi ethnic minority says leaves them politically marginalised. More than 50 people were killed in clashes between police and protesters before the blockade finally ended in February. Oli, who was elected in October, subjected commissioners to "aggressive questioning and reprimanding" after their UN submission, the groups said, calling on the government to end its "intimidation and harassment" of the watchdog. Gopal Khanal, the prime minister's foreign affairs adviser, rejected the claims. "The PM simply opined that it was important for the NHRC to act more cautiously at a time when different international actors are misinterpreting Nepal's human rights situation," he told AFP. As tensions continue to simmer, the International Crisis Group, an NGO which works on conflict prevention, warned of renewed unrest unless the government resolves the dispute over new state borders. Nepal's Madhesis say the borders, laid out in the charter adopted in September, will limit their representation in parliament. The constitution, the first drawn up by elected representatives, was meant to cement peace and bolster Nepal's transformation to a democratic republic after decades of political instability and a 10-year Maoist insurgency. Girlfriend arrested over murder of British teacher in China The girlfriend of a British lecturer has been arrested with two men over his murder in southern China, Chinese police said Friday, with local media reporting he was dismembered after he was killed. Hilary Bower, 60, who taught at a university in Hong Kong, was murdered over an "emotional dispute", mainland Chinese police said, as media reports painted a complex picture of his love life involving several women. The English language lecturer had been missing for more than three weeks after he was last seen on March 21 at a border point between Hong Kong and the neighbouring southern Chinese city of Shenzhen, where he is reported to have lived. The Sheung Yue river runs along the border between Hong Kong (L) and Shenzhen in southern China Fred Dufour (AFP/File) Hong Kong police said earlier this week that Bower had been killed on the mainland, "possibly" murdered. Police in Shenzhen confirmed Friday that he had been murdered on March 22, a day after he went missing. A 38-year-old woman surnamed Xu and two men "murdered her foreigner boyfriend Hilary Bower over an emotional dispute" the Shenzhen public security bureau said on its Twitter-like Weibo account. It said Bower and Xu had lived together for 17 years. The three were arrested on April 8 and the case was still under investigation, it added. Hong Kong local media, citing unnamed public security sources, reported Xu had turned herself in to police in the Chinese city of Dongguan on April 7, where she had told officers she had murdered and then dismembered Bower with the help of two men. The Dongguan public security bureau could not confirm the details when contacted by AFP. Local media said Bower had a number of girlfriends on the mainland. One girlfriend, named by media as Shi Xiumei, had reported Bower missing at a police station in Hong Kong on March 30, Hong Kong police said earlier this week. Bower had been reported to be living with Shi and their six-year-old son. Fears were previously raised that his death could have been linked to a million-dollar property deal. A friend of Bower, Richard Charles, told the South China Morning Post he believed it could be related to a recent property sale for which Bower was due to receive HK$9 million ($1.2 million). Bower's brother Robin arrived in Shenzhen on Wednesday where he hoped to meet with Chinese authorities to search for answers, the Post said. The British consulate has not confirmed that Bower was killed and said Friday it was supporting the family "at this difficult time", without giving more detail. Aleppo battles cast shadow over Syria peace talks Fierce fighting raged Friday around Syria's Aleppo as a surge in violence forced tens of thousands more to flee their homes, overshadowing the latest round of peace talks in Geneva. The clashes on several fronts have put a strain on a fragile ceasefire in place since February 27, and left more than 200 fighters on all sides of the civil war dead in the past week. US Secretary of State John Kerry urged Russia to press its Syrian allies to respect the ceasefire. Syria's conflict began in 2011 as a peaceful revolt, with protests across the country that spread in 2012 to Aleppo province, which borders Turkey Georges Ourfalian (AFP/File) The delegation representing President Bashar al-Assad's regime arrived Friday in Geneva for UN-brokered indirect talks between representatives of the government and opposition. Syria's main opposition High Negotiations Committee (HNC) told AFP it was willing to join a transitional government with diplomats and technocrats from Assad's government. "We cannot accept the participation of the parties who committed crimes against the Syrian people in the transitional governing body," HNC spokesman Salem al-Meslet said on the sidelines of the talks. But the opposition could cooperate with regime "diplomats and technocrats" provided they had popular support, he said. The Geneva talks resumed following legislative elections in regime-held areas on Wednesday. UN envoy Staffan de Mistura met the government delegation, with a second session set for Monday, and the HNC was holding its second meeting with him on Friday. Lead government negotiator Bashar al-Jafaari described his meeting as "constructive and fruitful". - 'Major ceasefire violation' - Assad's role in a future transitional government, which de Mistura has said would be the focus of the talks, remains the key sticking point. Damascus says that even discussing Assad's departure is off limits, while the opposition insists he can have no role in a future transition. The fighting around Syria's second city Aleppo has cast a shadow over international efforts to end the five-year war, which has left more than 270,000 people dead and forced millions to flee their homes. Troops and militiamen loyal to the regime have fought Islamic State group fighters southeast of Aleppo city this week, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. They also battled jihadists from the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Al-Nusra Front and allied rebels in the flashpoint Handarat area, north of Aleppo city, it said. "What is happening in Aleppo is a major violation of the ceasefire," rebel commander Major Eyad Shamsi told AFP in Geneva, blaming the regime. "A big battle is being fought in Aleppo, and it will lead to a major disaster should the regime succeed" in severing the route linking rebel-held parts of Aleppo to the northern countryside, he said. Kerry called Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov to say Washington "expected Russia to urge the regime to comply with the cessation and that we would work with the opposition to do the same", US spokesman John Kirby said. On one Aleppo front alone fighting has forced about 30,000 civilians to flee, according to Human Rights Watch. - Aleppo 'the key' - HRW accused Turkish border guards of shooting at some of those displaced as they approached the frontier. "As civilians flee ISIS fighters, Turkey is responding with live ammunition instead of compassion," said HRW researcher Gerry Simpson, using another acronym for the jihadists. At least 210 fighters on all sides have been killed around Aleppo since Sunday. Among them were 82 soldiers and pro-regime militiamen, 94 members of Al-Nusra Front and allied rebel groups, and 34 IS jihadists, the Observatory said. Even though IS and Al-Nusra are excluded from the truce, violence around Aleppo has sparked concerns that the ceasefire may collapse, partly because rebels are involved there too. "Aleppo is the key to war and peace in Syria," Observatory director Rami Abdel Rahman told AFP. "Every side in the war has a stake in Aleppo." The fighting around the city is the fiercest in Syria since the truce began nearly seven weeks ago, and is especially significant because all sides in the war are present in the province. Russia, which has been supporting regime forces with air strikes, blamed Al-Nusra for the escalation. "According to the data we have, southwest of Aleppo around 8,000 Al-Nusra fighters are already gathered, and north of the city up to 1,500," a Russian foreign ministry statement said. "The actions of the Syrian troops supported by the Russian air force are aimed at wrecking the plans of the Al-Nusra bandit groups," it said, stressing that "no storming of Aleppo is planned". Syria's conflict began in 2011 as a peaceful revolt but later morphed into a multi-front civil war. The fighting around Aleppo cast a shadow over international efforts to end the five-year war, which has left more than 270,000 people dead and forced millions to flee their homes Vincent LEFAI, Kun TIAN (AFP/File) Syrian government forces patrol the town of Khan Tuman, south of the city of Aleppo on April 11, 2016 George Ourfalian (AFP/File) Iran oil minister won't attend Doha output freeze talks Iran's oil minister will not join an Iranian delegation at a meeting this weekend of major crude producers aimed at negotiating a production freeze, the oil ministry said on Friday. In a statement carried by the Shana news agency, the ministry said Bijan Zanganeh would skip the talks in Doha, adding that "Iran already announced it cannot join the plan to stabilise oil prices" while its output is still below pre-sanction levels. The ministry said Iran's OPEC representative would attend the meeting instead. Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zanganeh will not attend a meeting of oil producers, with Iran rejecting plans to stabilise prices Atta Kenare (AFP/File) Tehran is expected to seek a waiver as it increases output after the lifting of nuclear-related Western sanctions. OPEC kingpin and regional rival Saudi Arabia has vowed not to join an output freeze unless Iran does the same. Oil prices, which hit a 13-year low earlier this year, have rebounded sharply in recent weeks partly on expectation that a deal between OPEC and non-OPEC producers in Qatar could help to reduce a global crude supply glut. OPEC said Wednesday that Iranian oil production in March was 3.3 million barrels per day (bpd), up from 2.9 million in January, but still short of its pre-embargo level of around 4.0 million. "Iran supports efforts... to stabilise the market and support prices," oil ministry spokesman Akbar Nematollahi was quoted as saying Friday. Britain's royals trek to cliff-edge monastery in Bhutan Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate hiked to an ancient Buddhist monastery high in the mountains of Bhutan on Friday, a day after meeting the king and queen of the tiny Himalayan nation. The couple hiked up to the spectacular seventh-century Buddhist monastery, perched on the edge of a cliff 12,000 feet (3,636 metres) high in the Himalayas and known as the "Tigers' Nest". William's father Prince Charles undertook the same trek in 1998 but only made it halfway because of a polo injury, stopping en route to paint a watercolour of the monastery. Britain's Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, pose for a photograph halfway up the trail leading to a Buddhist monastery referred to as the "Tiger's Nest" (behind) on their two-day visit to Bhutan on April 15, 2016 Roberto Schmidt (AFP) The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had a private dinner on Thursday with Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema. Earlier, they braved the rain to attend an open-air archery venue, where they tried their hand at the national sport. They are spending two days in the tiny kingdom, famously the last country to get television and home to just 750,000 people, before returning to India for a visit to the Taj Mahal on Saturday. Bhutan's Oxford-educated monarch -- known as the Dragon King -- came to the throne in 2006 after his father abdicated and agreed to cede absolute power to a parliamentary democracy. Pakistan sends troops to free police held hostage in bungled raid Pakistan has sent 150 soldiers to help rescue 24 police held hostage by a gang of heavily armed criminals after a bungled raid on their island stronghold, police said Friday. Officials said six policemen have already been killed in the operation launched Thursday against members of the so-called "Choto gang" on an island in the Indus river in southern Punjab province. Up to 1,500 officers were involved in the failed raid against some 150 men armed with rocket launchers and machine guns, authorities said. Pakistani army pressed in to rescue 24 police from heavily-armed criminals of the "Choto gang" on an island in the Indus river in southern Punjab province Rizwan Tabassum (AFP/File) "Our cops attempted to reach their base by two boats in the river, and the criminals came right in front of them and there was heavy exchange of fire," a police official in the operation control room told AFP. The criminals were armed with "rocket launchers, machine guns and anti-aircraft guns", he said. So far six policemen have been killed with 24 taken hostage, he said. "We have called the army for help and are evolving a new strategy," district police chief Ghulam Mubashir Maken told AFP, adding that helicopters could be used to launch a counter-attack. Some 150 army troops had arrived in Rajanpur district and more were on the way, he said. Officials announced last week that the military in coordination with law enforcement agencies had launched a new crackdown in southern Punjab in the wake of an Easter attack on a park in Lahore that killed more than 70 people. No guarantee of oil deal at Doha talks Tehran said its oil minister would skip the talks in Doha on Sunday between around a dozen oil exporters, including heavyweights Saudi Arabia and Russia. Iran's governor at the OPEC oil cartel will attend instead, it said, triggering a swift drop in oil prices on world markets. Prices have rebounded sharply in recent weeks partly on expectations of a deal that could, in theory at least, help to reduce a supply glut and repair producers' battered public finances. A sharp rise in unconventional oil production, mainly US shale crude, and OPEC's reluctance to cut output triggered a collapse in oil prices Yasser Al-Zayyat (AFP/File) Any agreement to freeze oil production would "likely give prices a further short-term boost," said Fawad Razaqzada, analyst at brokerage firm City Index. Tehran, which is emerging from nuclear-related Western sanctions, will be seeking a waiver until its production reaches its pre-embargo levels. Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh will not attend the Doha talks himself, his ministry said Friday "Iran already announced it cannot join the plan to stabilise oil prices" while its output is still below pre-sanction levels, it added. OPEC kingpin Saudi Arabia, however, has insisted it will not join an output freeze unless Iran, its regional rival, does so. "We don't see Saudi Arabia freezing production and ... accommodating significant production rises by other producers," Fahad al-Turki, head of research at Saudi Jadwa Investment, told AFP. If a substantive agreement is struck in Doha, however, that would help to build trust between key producers and pave the way for production cuts in the future, Turki said. Qatar said Thursday there was an "atmosphere of optimism" that a deal would be struck, adding that the number of countries due to attend had risen. Last month, Qatar said 12 nations including itself would be present at the talks. The Doha meeting is a follow-up to talks in February between OPEC members Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Venezuela plus Russia in which they first mooted the output freeze. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries warned ahead of the Sunday talks of worsening oversupply. OPEC also trimmed its forecast for global oil demand growth this year and said it might have to lower its projection further. - Oil price rollercoaster - A sharp rise in unconventional oil production, mainly US shale crude, and OPEC's reluctance to cut output triggered a collapse in oil prices from levels above $100 a barrel in 2014, costing exporters billions of dollars. After hitting 13-year lows of around $27 a barrel in February, oil prices have since rebounded to above $40. On Thursday, the International Energy Agency warned against over-expectation for the Doha talks, saying the meeting would have only a "limited" impact on supplies. Jean-Francois Seznec, an oil expert at Georgetown University, believes Iran will not be the key problem at the meeting as it is only capable of boosting output by 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) this year. "I think the worry for the producers is not whether Iran freezes or not, but whether Russia would do so," Seznec told AFP. OPEC said Wednesday that Iranian oil production in March was 3.3 million bpd, up from 2.9 million in January, but still short of its pre-embargo level of around 4.0 million. OPEC said its members pumped 32.25 million bpd in March -- with Saudi Arabia accounting for nearly a third -- up from an average of 31.85 million bpd in 2015. "The freeze talks between OPEC and non-OPEC will decide how quickly markets could get balanced and by how much oil prices would rise," Abhishek Deshpande, an analyst at French investment bank Natixis, told AFP. A freeze agreement, if it includes Iran, could see "markets completely balanced" as early as in the third quarter this year, he added. One of the main OPEC goals by not cutting production was to drive high-cost supply, mainly US shale oil, out of the market. US shale production is now sliding but the conventional producers' dilemma is that shale oil can respond quickly when prices increase. Protester killed in fresh clashes in Indian Kashmir A young man was killed Friday in Indian-administered Kashmir when soldiers fired on protesters, taking the death toll to five in clashes that have continued for the fourth consecutive day, officials said. "The 19-year-old was brought to the hospital with bullet injuries but he could not be saved," a doctor at a local hospital told AFP, declining to be named. A police officer speaking on condition of anonymity confirmed the death, saying three other protesters with bullet wounds were sent to a hospital in the main city of Srinagar. An Indian paramilitary trooper stands guard during a tense curfew in Srinagar on April 15, 2016 Tauseef Mustafa (AFP) The latest clashes happened in Natnusa village, some 70 kilometres northwest of Srinagar. On Tuesday, angry residents in the northern town of Handwara stormed an army bunker after a soldier was accused of molesting a local girl. Soldiers fired into the crowd, leaving three people dead, while a protester was killed in Wednesday as angry residents clashed with police. The incidents have heightened tensions in the disputed region, where many resent the huge presence of Indian troops and regularly accuse soldiers of rights abuses. On Friday authorities continued a curfew in parts of the territory, including Srinagar, for a third day as separatists opposed to Indian rule in Kashmir called for protests over the killings. Mobile internet service also remained suspended. Kashmir's chief minister, Mehbooba Mufti has warned officials over harming civilians while maintaining order following the deaths. The Indian army, police and the local government have initiated three separate inquirers into Tuesday's shootings, promising punishment if any soldier were found guilty. But an emergency military law grants soldiers deployed in Kashmir immunity from prosecution in civilian courts unless specifically permitted by New Delhi. Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since partition in 1947. Both claim the region in full and have fought two of their three wars over it. In 1989 a rebellion against Indian rule in Kashmir erupted with groups seeking independence or a merger of the territory with Pakistan. Consequently, hundreds of thousands of Indian troops were deployed in the region, making it one of the world's most militarised zones. Ghana, Togo warned of possible militant attack Ghana and Togo are likely targets of possible Islamist attacks similar to those recently in Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast, a Ghanaian intelligence report has warned. "Intelligence gathered by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) indicates a possible terrorist attack on the country (Ghana) is real," it said in a report dated April 9. The threat emerged after questioning of a Malian attacker involved in the Grand-Bassam attacks last month, in which jihadists killed 19 people at the resort, 40 kilometres (25 miles) from Abidjan. A police armoured car patrols in Accra on December 9, 2012 Pius Utomi Ekpei (AFP/File) Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) claimed responsibility for the attack, as well as a similar strike in the Burkinabe capital, Ouagadougou, in January that left 30 dead. "According to the report, Ghana and Togo are the next targets after the attacks in Burkina Faso and Cote d'Ivoire," according to the security alert, which was published in local media Friday. Ivory Coast is Ghana's neighbour to the west while Togo lies to the east. The choice of Ghana is "to take away the perception that only francophone countries are the targets", the NSCS added. It called for greater vigilance at borders, particularly "unapproved entry points" and the northern frontier with Burkina Faso. Screening for visitors from "high risk" countries such as Libya, Niger and Mali should be enhanced, it added. In the Ivory coast attack, the heavily armed gunmen entered from Mali in a Niger-registered 4x4 and hid their weapons in the spare tyre well, the NSCS said. Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama said on Friday that "all West African countries were at risk" of attack. "Indeed, no country is safe anywhere in the world and so we need to be alert and prepared for any such eventuality," he said. "We are preparing for any such eventuality but we need the alertness of the public; the public needs to be more alert today than before." Haas boss lays into F1 'whiners' The boss of American-owned newcomers Haas launched a withering attack on "whining" Formula One rivals Friday, blasting them as drama queens for crediting his team's success to their links with Ferrari. Gene Haas spoke out after Frenchman Romain Grosjean finished sixth in Australia last month on his debut for the team and went one better in Bahrain in a fairytale start in Formula one -- even if Mexican Esteban Gutierrez has yet to score. Earlier this week in Shanghai, Grosjean claimed detractors were "jealous" of the team's success -- an accusation repeated, with interest, by a defiant Haas. Frenchman Romain Grosjean finished sixth in Australia on his debut for the team and went one better in Bahrain Lluis Gene (AFP/File) "This place is a soap opera," the 63-year-old told reporters. "It's sour grapes. A lot of the teams at the back really don't know what competition is. "They're getting maybe a little too fat and happy," he added. "I guess there are a lot of whiners in F1 that talk about our success. "We never came into this (sport) to run at the back. We want to compete, and that's what we're going to do. If people don't like that then that's their problem, not my problem." Haas have a close partnership with Ferrari, which has prompted some critics to label them "Ferrari B-team". But Haas showed he has little time for the sport's political sniping. "I don't know what they are complaining about, quite frankly," he said. "There have been a lot of obstacles to get to this point and now we're here, we're not going away. They'd better get used to that. "There's an assumption that because we're using Ferrari parts that it makes easier. But I would challenge any team to take a complete Ferrari car with all the parts and just try to run it." He added: "They're very complex cars. Having the parts is only one part of the puzzle." Haas even produced a sheet of paper detailing a list of parts his team makes itself for its two Formula One cars. "We've proven we are well within all the guidelines the FIA publishes," he said. "The fact we're doing something that is different, what's wrong with that? "If you're a driver and you can figure out how to go around a turn faster than the guy next to you, who do you give the credit to? The guy who is slower, or the guy who is faster?" Grosjean placed 14th and 16th in Friday's free practice in China while Gutierrez was 20th and 21st after both the Mexican's rear brakes caught fire in the afternoon session. Grosjean followed his robust thoughts on Haas's critics with some more straight-talking about tyre manufacturer Pirelli following Friday's practice. "The Pirelli tyre limits have been ridiculous today for tyre pressure," he fumed. "You just don't get any feeling, it's like a piece of wood -- it's just not driveable." G20 embraces crackdown on tax havens, warns over 'Brexit' The world's leading economies took a step Friday toward denying tax evaders and money launderers around the world the ability to hide behind anonymous shell companies. Acting in the wake of the Panama Papers scandal, finance chiefs of the Group of 20 powers meeting in Washington supported proposals requiring authorities to share the identities of the real owners of shell companies. They also backed creating a blacklist of international tax havens which do not cooperate with information-sharing programs. French Finance Minister Michel Sapin speaks next to German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble (L) and Spanish Minister of Economy Luis De Guindos (R), during a press conference on April 14, 2016 in Washington, DC Molly Riley (AFP/File) Making the beneficial owners of companies, trusts and foundations transparent "is vital to protect the integrity of the international financial system," the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors said in a statement. Doing so is important "to prevent misuse of these entities and arrangements for corruption, tax evasion, terrorist financing and money laundering." The declaration came hours after the Panama Papers scandal claimed another victim. Spain's industry minister Jose Manuel Soria resigned Friday over allegations he had links to offshore companies. Files from the leaked document trove of Panama law firm Mossack Fonseca showed Soria was an administrator of an offshore firm in 1992. He was just the latest in a number of powerful officials, including the leaders of Russia, Iceland, Britain and Argentina, linked by the Panama Papers to offshore tax havens. The leak provided the impetus for the strong proposals to the G20 Thursday by Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Britain. The five said they would take the lead on creating an international database that provides tax and other authorities the identities of the owners of shell companies, trusts, foundations and other vehicles often used to hide assets. "Today we deal another hammer blow against those who hide their illegal tax evasion in the dark corners of the financial system," British Finance Minister George Osborne said in a statement. Speaking during the Spring Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, World Bank President Jim Yong Kim said the illicit financial activities enabled by tax havens undermined the fight against poverty. "When taxes are evaded, when state assets are taken and put into these havens, all of these things can have a tremendous negative effect on our mission to end poverty and boost prosperity," he said. - Brexit warning - Under pressure from the IMF and World Bank to help prevent the world economy from stalling, the G20 also pledged to support growth with more fiscal actions like more investment, rather than relying on central banks to stimulate activity with monetary measures like negative interest rates. "Monetary policy alone cannot lead to balanced growth," they said. "We will use fiscal policy flexibly to strengthen growth, job creation and confidence." The ministers, however, warned that the global economy faced a number of serious risks, among them the possibility that Britain would pull out of the European Union. "Geopolitical conflicts, terrorism, refugee flows, and the shock of a potential UK exit from the European Union also complicate the global economic environment," they said. The G20 statement came during the IMF and World Bank Spring meetings, where officials warned of potentially severe damage to the regional and global economies from the so-called Brexit. With two months to go before Britain holds a referendum on splitting with the EU, IMF chief Christine Lagarde called on the two sides to save their "long marriage". "Because keeping Europe together after what it has gone through over the last century, and what the risks are on the horizon... is actually a huge asset which is vastly underrated in my view," she said. Fallout from the Panama Papers Alain BOMMENEL, Kun TIAN (AFP) Spain's industry minister Jose Manuel Soria (pictured) resigned over allegations he had links to offshore companies Eduardo Dieguez (AFP/File) Jim Yong Kim, president of the World Bank, during the IMF and World Bank Group 2016 Spring Meetings on April 14, 2016 in Washington, DC Molly Riley (AFP/File) Syria opposition says willing to govern with regime 'diplomats, technocrats' Syria's main opposition High Negotiations Committee (HNC) told AFP Friday it was willing to join a transitional government with diplomats and technocrats from President Bashar al-Assad's government. "We cannot accept the participation of the parties who committed crimes against the Syrian people in the transitional governing body," HNC spokesman Salem al-Meslet said on the sidelines of peace talks in Geneva. But he added that the opposition could cooperate with regime "diplomats and technocrats", provided they had support among the population. High Negotiations Committee (HNC) delegation head Asaad al-Zoabi (R) with HNC delegate George Sabra, during a press conference following Syria peace talks at the United Nations Office on April 13, 2016 in Geneva Fabrice Coffrini (AFP/File) He said it was "premature" to discuss specific individuals who could be included in a prospective new government. "The distribution of seats of the transitional governing body will be subject to a long debate," al-Meslet told AFP. A new round of UN-brokered Syria peace talks got underway earlier this week. The government delegation, which arrived in Geneva on Friday, held its first meeting with United Nations mediator Staffan de Mistura, with a second session set for Monday. The HNC was holding its second meeting with de Mistura on Friday evening. New Japan quake kills two, with widespread damage reported Rescuers desperately searched through the night for victims trapped in rubble after a powerful quake hit southern Japan, killing at least two and causing major damage, just over a day after another strong tremor in the same area. The quake on the southwestern island of Kyushu sparked a fresh wave of destruction and was followed by a wave of aftershocks in the region where nerves are already frayed following Thursday's earthquake that killed nine people. The powerful shaking triggered a huge landslide that swept away homes and cut off a highway in one area, and unlike the earlier quake which mostly affected old houses, larger buildings were damaged and some toppled across Kumamoto prefecture, the epicentre of the quakes. A patient is evacuated by emergency staff from an hospital in Kumamoto City on April 16, 2016 Kazuhiro Nogi (AFP) Public broadcaster NHK said that at least 470 people were injured in the latest tremor, while a government spokesperson said scores were trapped or buried alive. Eleven people were stuck in a damaged apartment building in Minami-Aso near the landslide, a Kumamoto prefecture official said. "We don't know their condition," he said, declining to be named. Meanwhile, a large fire that broke out at an apartment complex in Yatsushiro city killed one person, city official Kiichiro Terada confirmed. "We are also checking if any more people failed to escape," he said, adding that the fire was under control. NHK reported four dead in total, but Kumamoto officials gave a total a tally of two. In nearby Kumamoto city, authorities were evacuating patients from a hospital over fears it could collapse and images showed the building slanted. Hisako Ogata, 61, evacuated to a nearby park with her daughter, where some 50 other people sat on blue plastic sheets. "We left my house as we could not stay due to continuous jolts," Ogata told AFP. "It was so scary," she added. "Thank God we are still alive." An AFP journalist in the city at the time said he was jolted awake by powerful shaking, which sent the television set in his hotel room crashing to the floor. Staff urged guests to evacuate. - 'Really strong' - A ceiling at Kumamoto airport collapsed from the shaking, forcing the airport closed, Jiji Press reported, with no immediate plans to resume flights, and communications in the area were spotty. The quake, measured at magnitude 7.0 by the US Geological Survey, struck at 1:25 am (1625 GMT Friday) at a depth of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles). The Japan Meteorological Agency, which put the magnitude at a revised 7.3, initially issued a tsunami warning for the western coast of Kyushu but later lifted it. Thursday night's quake was measured at magnitude 6.2 by USGS, and 6.5 by the Japanese agency. Some 20,000 soldiers will be deployed to the area over the weekend to help rescue efforts, Defence Minister Gen Nakatani told reporters. Shotaro Sakamoto, a Kumamoto prefectural official, said Saturday's quake felt comparable to Thursday's. "It was really strong... many people on the street appeared panicked," he told AFP. Meteorological agency official Gen Aoki said Saturday's earthquake was the strongest to hit Japan in recent days, and said Thursday's was merely a "precursor". Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was due to visit Kyushu later Saturday to inspect damage and rescue efforts, but Jiji Press reported his trip was cancelled. "We are trying our best to assess the damage situation as it could spread," he told reporters early Saturday. Japan, one of the most seismically active countries in the world, suffered a massive undersea quake on March 11, 2011 that sent a tsunami barrelling into the country's northeast coast. Some 18,500 people were left dead or missing, and several nuclear reactors went into meltdown at the Fukushima plant in the worst atomic accident in a generation. A nuclear plant on Kyushu was unaffected by Saturday's quake, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, the top government spokesman, told reporters. Evactuated residents wait at a park in Higashi-ku in Kumamoto City on April 16, 2016 after a strong 7.0 earthquake hit southern Japan Kazuhiro Nogi (AFP) A damaged house in the town of Mashiki, Kumamoto prefecture on April 15, 2016 Kazuhiro Nogi (AFP) Japan quake Adrian Leung, Gal Roma (AFP) Twitter hires new exec in bid to win China advertisers Twitter introduced a new head of operations Friday for what it calls Greater China despite still being banned in the mainland, as it attempts to boost already booming advertising. While San Francisco-based Twitter is not allowed to operate in mainland China under the country's strict Internet censorship, it does have an office in Hong Kong that courts advertisers over the border. Twitter chief Jack Dorsey fired off a tweet from his @jack account welcoming former Microsoft and Cisco general manager Kathy Chen as managing director of Twitter's Greater China operations. Twitter introduced a new head of operations on April 15, 2016 to boost advertising in what it calls Greater China despite still being banned in mainland China Emmanuel Dunand (AFP/File) "I'm really excited to find more ways to create value for our advertisers, enterprises, creators, influencers and our developers, and partners as well," Chen said in a video snippet posted in a tweet from @TwitterGCN. Twitter shared a link to a story in Hong Kong's South China Morning Post that reported the company has seen advertising triple in Greater China since it opened an office in Hong Kong in March last year. Twitter has been banned in mainland China since 2009, but the service is a way for businesses there to get advertising messages to potential customers in other parts of the world. "We've seen success with Greater China export advertisers and publishers using Twitter to reach global audiences," Twitter chief operating officer Adam Bain said in a tweet welcoming Chen to her new job. Twitter last week added a PepsiCo executive and a British entrepreneur to its board as Dorsey continues an effort to shake up the stagnating one-to-many messaging service. Twitter marked its 10th birthday last month, having become a powerful communication tool but still struggling to win users and reach profitability. Since making a star-quality entrance a decade ago, Twitter has become a must-have tool for journalists, activists and celebrities but has struggled to show it can expand beyond its devoted "twitterati" to become a mainstream hit. Twitter's woes include a slump in its stock price to all-time lows this year -- down nearly half from its 2013 stock market debut -- and ongoing losses, even as its revenue grows. Twitter's base of monthly active users remained stuck at 320 million at the end of 2015. While that is a big accomplishment, Twitter has failed to keep pace with fast-growing rivals and to expand beyond its base. Kerry demands Russia rein in Syrian forces US Secretary of State John Kerry called his Russian counterpart Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday to demand that Moscow press its Syrian allies to respect a crumbling ceasefire. "Secretary Kerry said the United States expected Russia to urge the regime to comply with the cessation and that we would work with the opposition to do the same," US spokesman John Kirby said. Kerry's call came as a new round of fierce fighting around the northern city of Aleppo overshadowed peace talks aimed at ending Syria's five-year civil war. Syrian government forces patrol the town of Khan Tuman, south of Aleppo on April 11, 2016 George Ourfalian (AFP/File) According to Kirby, Kerry told Lavrov of Washington's "serious concerns over the ongoing threats to the cessation of hostilities in Syria and the urgent need for the Assad regime to stop its violations of the cessation." US officials have complained that Russian warplanes appear to be flying in support of Syrian forces attacking rebel positions in Aleppo, Syria's second city, despite Moscow having signed on to efforts to promote a political settlement. But the situation has been complicated by the presence of fighters from the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Nusra Front in Aleppo. Nusra is not party to the ceasefire and both Moscow and Damascus reserve the right to strike groups they regard as terrorists. On the call Kerry "made it clear that we're concerned about the violence in and around Aleppo, and that we're concerned about reports -- which we believe have credibility -- that there are violations of the cessation happening," said Kirby. "And to the degree that they're aided and abetted by Russian air strikes, yes, that's a matter of concern for us." The top US diplomat also expressed to Lavrov concern about reports that Iranian general Qassem Suleimani, commander of the covert wing of the Revolutionary Guards Corps, is visiting Moscow. Suleimani leads the Quds Force, which trains and supports Shiite militias in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria. He is subject to a travel ban under United Nations sanctions targeting Iran's guerrilla campaigns. "He did raise it in the call," Kirby confirmed. "We're aware of reports that General Suleimani has travelled to Russia. I'm not in a position to confirm whether that's actually true. "But as we've said when there have been previous reports of similar travel, there are UN sanctions on General Suleimani that remain in effect so such travel if true would be a violation of UN Security Council resolutions and we believe then a serious matter of concern both for the UN and for the United States." Kerry also protested to Lavrov about an incident this week in which Russian fighter jets repeatedly buzzed a US naval vessel in the Baltic Sea. And he urged Moscow to prevent ceasefire violations along the frontline in divided Ukraine. Syria opposition says willing to govern with regime 'diplomats, technocrats' Syria's main opposition High Negotiations Committee (HNC) told AFP Friday it was willing to join a transitional government with diplomats and technocrats from President Bashar al-Assad's government. But the HNC maintained that Assad's departure from office must be part of any peace deal and categorically ruled out working with anyone who played a central role in the civil war which has killed more than 270,000 people and displaced millions. "We cannot accept the participation of the parties who committed crimes against the Syrian people in the transitional governing body," HNC spokesman Salem al-Meslet said on the sidelines of peace talks in Geneva. High Negotiations Committee (HNC) spokesman Salem al-Meslet gestures as he addresses a press conference on the second round of Syrian peace talks in Geneva on March 15, 2016 Philippr Desmazes (AFP) The opposition, however, could cooperate with regime "diplomats and technocrats", provided they had support among the population. He also said it was "premature" to discuss specific individuals who could be included in a prospective new government. "The distribution of seats of the transitional governing body will be subject to a long debate," al-Meslet told AFP. A new round of UN-brokered Syria peace talks got underway earlier this week. The government delegation arrived in Geneva on Friday and held its first meeting with United Nations mediator Staffan de Mistura. Lead government negotiator Bashar al-Jafaari described the meeting as "constructive and fruitful". Political transition in the war-ravaged country, and particularly Assad's future, are the key obstacles at the negotiations, which aim to set up an interim government in six months ahead of UN-monitored presidential and parliamentary elections within 18 months. At the last round of talks, the HNC put forward a detailed plan on political transition, but the regime remained focused on general principles and made clear it was not yet ready to tackle the concrete details of a new government. De Mistura has urged Damascus to take a step forward at this round by laying out on paper its vision for a unity government. The HNC was holding its second meeting with de Mistura on Friday evening, with the government due to meet the UN again on Monday. This round is expected to last 10 days. The UN hopes that both sides will leave Geneva with general agreement on how to progress towards a new government. Before the talks began, de Mistura travelled to Moscow and Tehran to meet with key Assad allies to shore up support for his peace drive. He has repeatedly said outside influence, especially from Moscow, was crucial to success at the intra-Syrian talks. The negotiations, during which opposing sides meet separately with the UN, have been overshadowed by intensifying violence on the ground that has further threatened a fragile ceasefire declared on February 27. Fierce fighting raged Friday around Syria's Aleppo as government forces have battled jihadists from the Islamic State group and Al-Qaeda linked Al-Nusra, who are not part of the ceasefire. The surge in violence forced tens of thousands more to flee their homes. IMF agrees in principle to $2.8 bn loan for Tunisia Tunisia and the International Monetary Fund have agreed in principle on a new $2.8-billion (2.5-billion euro) loan, subject to approval by the IMF's executive board, the organisation announced Friday. While Tunisia is hailed as a political success story of the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings, authorities have failed to redress the economy, especially in the face of security threats. The agreement with the IMF follows months of negotiations on a new aid package to follow up on a $1.7-billion credit line granted in 2013. Tunisia's agreement with the IMF follows months of negotiations on a new aid package to follow up on a $1.7-billion credit line granted in 2013 Brendan Smialowski (AFP/File) "Tunisian authorities and IMF staff have reached a staff-level agreement on a 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for 375 percent of Tunisia's quota in the IMF (about $2.8 billion)," Amine Mati, mission chief of Tunisia at the IMF, said in a statement released in Washington. "This agreement will be subject to approval by the IMF's executive board, which is expected to consider Tunisia's request next month." Mati said the loan would support the Tunisian government's "reform priorities spelled out in the forthcoming five-year development plan". "The government's economic programme recognises the importance of accelerating the pace of economic reforms for Tunisia to reduce vulnerabilities, boost growth, and foster sustainable job creation." Mati singled out "preserving macroeconomic stability, modernising public institutions, boosting private sector activity, and reinforcing the stability and efficiency of the financial sector" as essential to curbing unemployment, especially among Tunisia's youth. US Supreme Court mulls taking case of man given life for pot The US Supreme Court was expected to consider on Friday whether to accept the case of an elderly disabled veteran sentenced to life in prison after growing marijuana that he used to relieve chronic pain. Under guidelines in Alabama for habitual felony offenders, Lee Brooker was given a life sentence without possibility of parole, the most severe punishment in the southern state short of the death penalty. Brooker, born in 1939 and who according to US news reports is 75 years old, was convicted more than 20 years ago for armed robbery in Florida and served 10 years in prison. The US Supreme Court was expected to consider on April 15, 2016 whether to accept the case of an elderly disabled veteran sentenced to life in prison after growing marijuana that he used to relieve chronic pain Karen Bleier (AFP/File) In 2011, police investigating stolen bicycles stumbled onto three dozen marijuana plants behind the home in Dothan, Alabama that Brooker shared with his son. Although Brooker said the marijuana was for his personal medicinal use, state law dictates that convicted felons in possession of more than 2.2 pounds (one kilogram) of marijuana receive life imprisonment without parole, regardless of whether there was intent to sell or distribute. The marijuana collected at Brooker's home weighed 2.8 pounds, when including unusable parts of the plant such as the stems. Brooker has appealed his sentence to the high court, citing the Eighth Amendment that bans "cruel and unusual punishment." Mali and EU hold talks on African immigration programme Mali and the European Union agreed Friday to combat immigration into Europe by financing projects to fight its causes and promote legal migration, according to a joint statement released on Friday. Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders, whose country currently holds the rotating EU presidency, began a west African tour of Mali, Ghana and Ivory Coast Thursday on behalf of the European bloc. The visit is aimed at implementing the agreement adopted between European and African states in Malta in November, with states agreeing to 1.8 billion-euros ($2.03 billion) of financial assistance to stem the flow of migrants. Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders (C) and police officers pose with biometrical passeports at the Malian border police headquarters in Bamako on April 14, 2016 Habibou Kouyate (AFP/File) The discussions encompassed "how to ensure that people benefit more from their families remaining (at home) than leaving for Europe," the statement said. They also emphasised stopping illegal immigration and the rising numbers of deaths from unsafe Mediterranean crossings, and the promotion of legal migration in the form of seasonal work or studying abroad, it added. Bamako and Brussels "have committed to manage migratory flows together," said the joint statement, referring to the "principles of solidarity, partnership and shared responsibility". More than 1,000 Egyptians rally against regime More than a thousand Egyptian demonstrators rallied in central Cairo on Friday demanding "the fall of the regime", in the largest protest challenging the government in two years. By evening, after most protesters had left, police fired tear gas to disperse the remaining few, while plainclothes officers chased them down side streets to make arrests. Police had earlier dispersed another rally elsewhere in Cairo and arrested at least 12 people. Egyptian protesters with placards shout slogans during a demonstration against a controversial deal to hand two islands in the Red Sea to Saudi Arabia on April 15, 2016 in central Cairo Mohamed el-Shahed (AFP) The main protest, organised by leftist and secular activists, was ostensibly against a deal by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to hand over two islands to Saudi Arabia, during a visit by King Salman last week. But pent-up frustrations over what activists call the president's heavy handedness and his style of governance dominated their chants. "The people demand the fall of the regime," they chanted outside the journalists' syndicate in downtown Cairo. That slogan was the signature chant of the Arab Spring uprisings in 2011, which led to the ouster of veteran Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak. The protest on Friday was far smaller than those that filled Cairo's streets in 2011, and again in 2013 when millions rallied to demand Islamist president Mohamed Morsi's ouster by the military, then led by Sisi. But a crackdown since Morsi's overthrow on protests that has killed more than 1,000 of his Islamist supporters has stifled demonstrations, which are now illegal without prior police permission. Rallies by Morsi supporters, often met by swift police force, had waned since early 2014. His Muslim Brotherhood movement has been banned as a terrorist group and thousands of its members, including Morsi, have been imprisoned. The crackdown has spread to secular and leftist dissidents who had supported Morsi's overthrow and then turned on Sisi. - Dashing of hopes - "The presence of this large number of protesters isn't just because of the islands," said Khaled Dawud, a prominent liberal activist and writer. During a visit by King Salman last week, which brought Egypt billions of dollars in investments, the Egyptian government announced it was returning two islands in the Red Sea to Saudi Arabia. It said the islands in the Straits of Tiran had been leased by Saudi Arabia to Egypt in 1950. The announcement caused a storm of controversy in Egypt, with critics accusing Sisi of "selling" the islands. Others who conceded they were Saudi to begin with criticised his government for announcing the deal only after it was signed. The protesters on Friday included a gallery of prominent leftwing and liberal dissidents. "There is an accumulation of things, and the dashing of the hopes we protested for on January 25," said Dawud, referring to the date when the anti-Mubarak revolt began. The interior ministry had on Thursday warned against the protests and reminded Egyptians in a statement that unapproved demonstrations were illegal. "What is significant is there is this number of protesters despite the interior ministry warning," Dawud said. While Sisi, who won elections in 2014, is reviled by Islamists and secular dissidents, he is supported by many Egyptians say they need a strong leader to revive the economy after years of unrest. He had enjoyed unwavering loyalty in much of the Egyptian media since he took office, but criticism of the president and his police force has grown in recent months. Egyptian protesters take part in a demonstration against a controversial deal to hand two islands in the Red Sea to Saudi Arabia on April 15, 2016 in central Cairo STRINGER (AFP) No kidding: Pentagon ran 'fancy Italian goat' project US lawmakers keen to shear costs from expensive reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan are locking horns with the Pentagon over a failed multi-million-dollar project to mate cashmere goats in the war-torn country. A panel of politicians was aghast Friday as John Sopko, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, described a Defense Department initiative to import Italian and Tajik goats that were supposed to mate on a remote farm and increase Afghanistan's output of blond and white cashmere wool. However, some of the goats used to stock the farm were infected with Johne's disease -- a transmittable, fatal gastrointestinal infection that can destroy whole herds, Sopko said in written testimony to the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. An Afghan man leads a goat ahead of the sacrificial Eid al-Adha festival on October 2, 2014 Aref Karimi (AFP/File) Additionally, the farm itself was too small to provide adequate grazing. Congresswoman Jackie Speier suggested the episode was worthy of lampooning by British comic John Oliver, who hosts a satirical current affairs show on US television. "Too bad many of the female goats were already infected with the disease that could have wiped out the entire herd," she said, noting that "only two of those fancy Italian goats are still usable in the project." "Manufacturing warm, fluffy sweaters (is) not the key to economic recovery in Afghanistan, nor is it in (the Pentagon's) expertise," she added. Sopko has repeatedly highlighted the $6.1 million goat project as one illustration of wasted money in Afghanistan and America's "scattershot" approach to economic development in the country. Yemen never been so close to peace: UN envoy The UN envoy for Yemen declared Friday that "we have never been so close to peace," cautiously talking up prospects for talks in Kuwait next week despite violations of a truce. "The path to peace might be difficult, but it is workable," Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed told the Security Council, cautioning however that violations of the UN-brokered ceasefire "threaten the success of the peace talks." The Saudi-backed government in Yemen will begin on Monday a new round of talks with the Shiite Huthi rebels and their allies in Kuwait to end a war that has brought the country to its knees. The United Nations Special Envoy to Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed (C) speaks during a press conference ahead of his departure at Sanaa international airport on January 14, 2016 Mohammed Huwais (AFP/File) The envoy, who was due to fly to Kuwait after the council meeting, welcomed a decrease in violence since the ceasefire went into force on Monday. Cheikh Ahmed said however there were worrying violations of the truce in Marib to the east, Jawf in the north, and Taez in the southwest. "Yemen is facing a brutal war on one hand and a significant terrorist threat on the other" that has grown in the vacuum created by the chaos, said the envoy. Forces loyal to President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi have launched operations against jihadists in recent weeks, backed by the firepower of an Arab coalition. On Friday, pro-government forces expelled Al-Qaeda fighters from the provincial capital of Huta, close to Yemen's second city of Aden. The United Nations has raised alarm over the growing influence of Al-Qaeda in Yemen and the mounting civilian toll from the coalition air strikes as it pushed all sides to come to the negotiating table. More than 6,400 people have been killed since a Saudi-led coalition began an air campaign in March last year to push back the rebels, who still retain control of the capital Sanaa. Some 2.8 million people have been driven from their homes, and more than 80 percent of the population is in need of emergency aid. "Peace is not an abstract for the people of Yemen, it is vital to their survival," UN aid official Kyung-wha Kang told the council. Among the issues to be tackled at the Kuwait talks are agreements on security arrangements, the withdrawal of militias and armed groups, the handover of heavy weapons and the release of detainees. The conflict in the impoverished nation has raised Middle East tensions, with Saudi Arabia and its Sunni allies backing the government and Shiite powerhouse Iran supporting the rebels. A previous round of UN-brokered talks in Switzerland in January failed to make any headway. A ceasefire that went into force in December was repeatedly violated and eventually abandoned by the coalition on January 2. Israel returns Palestinian attacker's body in 'misunderstanding' The Israeli military on Friday in a "misunderstanding" handed over the body of a Palestinian killed after attacking a soldier with an axe the previous day, an army spokeswoman said. "The body of the Palestinian was handed over following a misunderstanding that will be investigated," she told AFP. The policy on returning the bodies of Palestinians killed "is set according to government guidelines", the spokeswoman added. A Palestinian protester holds a national flag next to Israeli security forces during clashes on April 15, 2016 in the West Bank village of Nabi Saleh Abbas Momani (AFP) Public radio reported that two weeks ago, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon not to return the bodies of Palestinians killed in the West Bank to prevent their funerals escalating into protests. Thursday's axe attack, in which the soldier was lightly wounded, ended a three-week lull in such incidents. It occurred near the Al-Arroub refugee camp between Hebron and Bethlehem on the West Bank. The Palestinian health ministry identified the man killed as Ibrahim al-Gharooz Baradeah, 45. A wave of violence that erupted in October has killed 201 Palestinians and 28 Israelis. Two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese have also been killed. Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, Israeli authorities say. Others were shot dead by Israeli forces during protests and clashes, while some were killed in Israeli air raids in the Gaza Strip. Israel's refusal to return the bodies of attackers has added to Palestinian resentment. Officials in the Jewish state are divided over the issue, with senior figures in the military believing it stokes tensions. He opened eyes around the world with his exposure of surveillance by the NSA. But Edward Snowden's next venture will target the world's ears, with the whistleblower set to release a techno tune as he makes his debut as an electronic dance music artist. The fugitive intelligence contractor is releasing a track with acclaimed electronica star Jean-Michel Jarre, the Columbia record company announced on Friday. Scroll down for snippet of Edward Snowden's song Edward Snowden (right) set to release a techno tune as he makes his debut as an electronic dance music artist with Jean-Michel Jarre The song - called Exit - is set to hit the charts on May 6 and features Snowden discussing digital surveillance to the backdrop of a lively electronic soundscape created by Jarre. It is available to stream online and will appear on Jarre's forthcoming album Electronica Vol. 2: The Heart of Noise. The pair were brought together by the Guardian after Jarre gave an interview and asked to be put in touch with the former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor, who is now wanted on espionage charges in the United States. 'Edward is an absolute hero of our times. When I first read about him, it made me think of my mother,' Jarre saud, 'She joined the French resistance in 1941, when people in France still thought they were just troublemakers, and she always told me that when society is generating things you can't stand, you have to stand up against it.' After being put in touch, Jarre, 67, travelled to Moscow to meet Snowden, 32, who lives in Russia in exile, and record the samples that feature on the track. The song - called Exit - is set to hit the charts on May 6 and features Snowden (right) discussing digital surveillance to the backdrop of a lively electronic soundscape created by Jarre (left) Other guest contributors on the album will include Gary Numan and the Pet Shop Boys. Snowden became one of the worlds most wanted men in 2013 when stole classified documents from the NSA. Snowden, who was a computer specialist at an intelligence centre in Hawaii, tricked colleagues into handing over passwords so he could copy up to 1.7million documents in one of the biggest leaks in US history. He also leaked details of attempts by state spy agencies including Britains GCHQ to view citizens private information. Snowden claimed internet history, emails, text messages, calls and passwords were harvested by spies. And he made the highly damaging claim revelation that the U.S. had hacked Chinese computers and the communications of allies such as Germany and France. The defence contractor claims he had to act because the US governments policies were a threat to democracy - but America consider him a traitor and he would face decades in jail if he ever returned. He fled justice in the US to Hong Kong, then Russia, where he was granted asylum. Snowden is now stranded in Moscow as a fugitive after America took away his passport. Intelligence chiefs believe he is now a puppet' passing details of military capabilities, operations and tactics to Putin's henchmen, although he denies taking any classified material to Russia. PJ Harvey, rock poet, turns journalist with eye on decay With a guitar in hand rather than a notebook, rocker PJ Harvey has taken on the role of a journalist on a forceful new album that crosses continents to explore modern-day destruction. "The Hope Six Demolition Project," the ninth album by one of the most accoladed British musicians of her generation, turns Harvey's observations on 21st-century decay into songs led by her trademark bluesy-punk guitar, with surprisingly uplifting touches. Although Harvey traveled for the album to war-torn Afghanistan and Kosovo, much of the work explores Washington, where the rocker was interested not in the corridors of power but the poverty just a short distance away. British singer PJ Harvey performs on the stage of the 20th edition of the Vieilles Charrues Music Festival on July 17, 2011 in Carhaix, Brittany Fred Tanneau (AFP/File) The album's title is a reference to Hope VI, the 1990s US program that tore down decrepit public housing but which critics say failed to find adequate new accommodation for former residents. Harvey aims to look at some of the lingering after-effects on the album's first track, "The Community of Hope." Set to a deceptively ebullient guitar riff that runs throughout the song, she travels on "the highway to death and destruction" in Washington's low-income Ward 7, which she describes with the words "Now this is just drug town, just zombies / But that's just life." Harvey wrote the song after a tour of Ward 7 led by a Washington Post journalist, Paul Schwartzman, a self-admitted unhip chronicler of the city who had not heard of Harvey but was asked to show around a visiting "musician/poet." The song climaxes in a chant about looming gentrification derived from Schwartzman's tour -- "They're gonna put a Walmart here." (In fact, the mega-chain announced while Harvey was recording the album that it was suspending plans to put a Walmart there.) - Touches of hope - The 46-year-old rocker, who can play virtually all instruments in her music, broke through with her 1995 album "To Bring You My Love" and is the only artist to win Britain's prestigious Mercury Prize twice. Her other two Mercury-winning albums bear the closest narrative similarities to "The Hope Six Demolition Project." "Stories from the City, Stories from the Sea" (2000) delved into Harvey's love of New York City while 2011's "Let England Shake," her last album, weaved together stories of soldiers sent to Iraq and Afghanistan. While the political edge of "Let England Shake" was accompanied by an often dark musical backdrop, "The Hope Six Demolition Project" is belied by an optimism instilled by a saxophone that gives an urgent feel to tracks such as "A Line in the Sand," "Chain of Keys" and "The Wheel." The saxophone takes on a larger role to complement the build-up in "Medicinals," while "Near the Memorials to Vietnam and Lincoln" opens with a joyous folk sing-along. The album culminates with Harvey's bare voice on "Dollar, Dollar," where she shows her vulnerability on seeing a child beggar in Afghanistan. - Anger in Washington - Harvey decided not to give any interviews for "The Hope Six Demolition Project," letting her lyricism speak for itself. In a sign of her inclinations, she spent release day Friday at a literary festival in Genoa, Italy where she presented her recent poetry collection -- a collaboration with photographer Seamus Murphy that also takes place in Washington, Kosovo and Afghanistan. Her work in the vein of journalism has not met with universal acclaim from its subjects. While the boy in "Dollar, Dollar" is unlikely to hear the song, Washington residents have complained about her bleak portrayal of their city. Although the criticism can partially be explained as hometown pride, Harvey may also have run into gaps in trans-Atlantic sensibility. Most white American arthouse musicians would steer clear of writing songs from fleeting encounters in their own country, such as when Harvey sings about Washington's National Mall that "a black man in overalls arrives to empty the trash" and a woman in a wheelchair sips "a new painkiller for the native people." The Community of Hope, a Washington charity, took exception to Harvey's description of "zombies" and her emphasis on the cityscape. DR Congo migrants in limbo as C.Rica, Panama reject them Around 200 African migrants, most of them from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), were in limbo between Costa Rica and Panama on Friday, with both Central American nations refusing them entry. Costa Rica detained them on Thursday when its northern neighbor Nicaragua turned them back at its border as they sought to cross on their way to try to get to the United States. But Panama, through which they passed to enter Costa Rica, was refusing to accept them back. Costa Rican police personnel in riot gear form a line in the border with Panama, 320 km south of San Jose on April 14, 2016 Ezequiel Becerra (AFP/File) The migrants protested Friday on the Costa Rican side of the border with Panama to be allowed to continue their journey to America. Costa Rica bolstered that southern border with police after around 1,000 Cubans stuck in Panama and also trying to get to the United States briefly broke through on Wednesday, only to be made to go back. Costa Rica has issued a statement saying it will not permit the entry of migrants without visas. It criticized countries in South America for allowing them to make it as far north as Central America. "These migratory flows to Panama and Costa Rica show the inability or bad faith of other southern nations to prevent the entry and transit of irregular migrants," the foreign ministry statement said. Some of the DRC migrants told AFP they had arrived on the continent in Brazil, where they spent several months or years before heading north through Colombia and Panama with the aim of making it into the United States. A migration official in Panama, Alfredo Cordoba, told the Panamanian television channel Repretel that the DRC migrants did not have visas so could not be permitted back across the border. Nadal, Federer, Murray reach Monte Carlo Masters quarters MONACO (AP) Rafael Nadal was prepared for pain. Roger Federer hoped to avoid pain. They got what they wished for and reached the Monte Carlo Masters quarterfinals on Thursday. Eight-time champion Nadal saved 15 of 17 break points, scampering all over the clay to retrieve big forehands from Dominic Thiem and beat the Austrian 7-5, 6-3. Andy Murray of Britain plays a return to France's Benoit Paire during their match of the Monte Carlo Tennis Masters tournament in Monaco, Thursday, April 14, 2016. (AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau) Thiem beat Nadal in the semifinals in Buenos Aires en route to the title, the first of two on clay in February. Thiem has the second-most wins on the tour this year, after Novak Djokovic. He made Nadal run and run. "I never gave up in all these tough moments," Nadal said. "You need matches like this. You need to suffer on court." Federer was equally pleased to feel no pain in his left knee, two months after arthroscopic surgery for torn cartilage. In his second match since, Federer was unscathed in easing past Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain 6-2, 6-4 for a fifth straight time. "I'm happy how the body is, that I was able to play two matches already here, and get a chance to play a third," Federer said. "I'm getting closer to the peak in the sense of maximum movement." Federer next faces Jo Wilfried Tsonga in the last eight, leading the Frenchman 11-5 in head-to-heads. "I like his game. I like his power, his capacity to move forward with his forehand," Federer said of Tsonga. "I've seen wonderful matches of him against the best players, and also against me." Elsewhere, Andy Murray rallied from a set and 3-0 down to advance along with Stan Wawrinka, the only other former champion left in the field beside Nadal. Nadal faced 16 of the 17 break points against Thiem in the first set. At 4-4, and with each player having dropped serve once, Thiem missed six chances to break Nadal. On the last one, Thiem let a lob go thinking it was going out, and watched it land in. The Spaniard clenched his fist after holding that tough game, and then broke Thiem when the Austrian double-faulted on set point. "Some of the break points he played very well so I didn't have a chance, but there were also some where I really had some easy shots," said Thiem, who converted only one of 16 chances on Djokovic's serve in the third round of the Miami Masters two weeks ago. "Of course, it's very frustrating." After Thiem broke Nadal to love in the third game of the second set for a 2-1 lead, Nadal quickly regained momentum and broke Thiem twice more to set up a quarterfinal against Wawrinka, the 2014 champion. "If you look at the past year, we can see his level has slightly decreased," Wawrinka, the French Open champion, said of 14-time Grand Slam winner Nadal. "But a champion like him is still able to win big titles." Murray was relieved to scrape past an erratic Benoit Paire of France 2-6, 7-5, 7-5. "To win when you're not playing particularly well, it's a great effort," Murray said. "It would have been easy to lose today and get down on myself. But I kept fighting." Paire had 47 winners among a number of eye-catching shots, but the Frenchman also made 52 unforced errors. He had eight aces and seven double-faults. Paire also lost his composure at key moments, double-faulting when serving for the match and again on match point. "He played a bad game at 3-0 in the second to give me one of the breaks back," Murray said. "I felt like I was in with a chance then." Murray next plays Milos Raonic of Canada, who had 12 aces in beating 99th-ranked Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia and Herzegovina 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (5). Wawrinka advanced by routing Gilles Simon 6-1, 6-2, breaking the Frenchman's serve five times. Since losing his first 12 matches against Nadal, Wawrinka has won three of their past five encounters, including the final of the 2014 Australian Open, his first major. The day after stunning Djokovic in the second round, 55th-ranked Jiri Vesely of the Czech Republic lost to Gael Monfils 6-1, 6-2. Monfils next plays Spaniard Marcel Granollers, who upset David Goffin of Belgium 7-6 (1), 6-4, while Tsonga downed countryman Lucas Pouille 6-4, 6-4. Andy Murray of Britain reacts during his match of the Monte Carlo Tennis Masters tournament against France's Benoit Paire in Monaco, Thursday, April 14, 2016. (AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau) Spain's Rafael Nadal plays a return against Austria's Dominic Thiem during their match at the Monte Carlo Tennis Masters tournament in Monaco, Thursday, April 14, 2016. (AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau) Spain's Rafael Nadal celebrates after defeating Austria's Dominic Thiem in their match of the Monte Carlo Tennis Masters tournament in Monaco, Thursday, April 14, 2016. (AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau) Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland plays a return to France's Gilles Simon during their match of the Monte Carlo Tennis Masters tournament in Monaco, Thursday, April 14, 2016. (AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau) Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland plays a return to France's Gilles Simon during their match of the Monte Carlo Tennis Masters tournament in Monaco, Thursday, April 14, 2016. (AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau) Swiss Roger Federer plays a return to Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut during their match at the Monte Carlo Tennis Masters tournament in Monaco, Thursday, April 14, 2016. (AP Photo/Lionel Cironneau) The Latest: Aggravated murder count filed in officer's death COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) The Latest on a Columbus SWAT officer who died after being shot while trying to serve an arrest warrant (all times local): ___ 6 p.m. FILE - This undated file photo provided by the Columbus Division of Police shows police SWAT Officer Steven M. Smith. The Ohio police officer died Tuesday, April 12, 2016, two days after he was critically wounded when a man opened fire on a SWAT team trying to arrest him. (Columbus Division of Police via AP, File) Authorities say the man accused in the slaying of a Columbus SWAT officer has now been charged with aggravated murder. The upgraded charge against defendant Lincoln Rutledge follows Tuesday's death of Columbus officer Steven Smith. The 44-year-old Rutledge is being held without bond and also faces charges of felonious assault and aggravated arson. The aggravated murder charged filed in Franklin County Municipal Court Thursday is preliminary while an investigation into Smith's death continues. Rutledge will likely face more formal charges once an indictment is handed down. Smith was shot in the head early Sunday while officers tried to arrest Rutledge on the arson charge. Rutledge's public defender is not commenting. Columbus police chief Kim Jacobs remembered the 54-year-old Smith Thursday as someone who lived to serve others. ___ 2:30 p.m. The suspect in the death of an Ohio police officer has given up his right to an initial court hearing. The decision Thursday by Lincoln Rutledge means the state now has nearly two months before an indictment must be issued. Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien says the extra time allows both sides to research the case and for Rutledge's attorneys to argue against making the indictment a death penalty case. Ohio law includes killing a police officer as a factor that can lead to capital punishment. A message was left with the public defender's office representing the 44-year-old Rutledge. Earlier Thursday, dozens of police cruisers escorted slain Columbus SWAT officer Steven Smith's body to a funeral home. Smith died Tuesday, two days after being shot. ___ 1:15 p.m. A law enforcement procession in Ohio's capital city has escorted the body of a slain police officer to a funeral home. Columbus officer Steven M. Smith died Tuesday after he was critically wounded when a man opened fire on a SWAT team trying to arrest him two days earlier. Police say 44-year-old Columbus resident Lincoln Rutledge shot Smith and held police at bay for several hours on Sunday. Rutledge has been denied bond and remains jailed on charges including felonious assault. A Thursday procession including police cruisers and officers on horseback escorted Smith's body from the Franklin County coroner's office to a downtown funeral home. Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien says charges against Rutledge could carry the death penalty because of the officer's death. ___ 9:55 a.m. A procession is planned in Ohio's capital city to escort the body of a slain police officer to a funeral home. Columbus officer Steven M. Smith died Tuesday after he was critically wounded when a man opened fire on a SWAT team trying to arrest him two days earlier. Police say 44-year-old Columbus resident Lincoln Rutledge shot Smith and held police at bay for several hours on Sunday. Rutledge has been denied bond and remains jailed on charges including felonious assault. A Thursday procession including police cruisers and officers on horseback planned to escort Smith's body from the Franklin County coroner's office to a downtown funeral home. Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien says charges against Rutledge could carry the death penalty because of the officer's death. Man accused of killing wife, 2 others blames intruder BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) A man accused of killing his wife and two of her relatives in a tiny Montana town told authorities that a stranger must have broken into the house they shared and shot the victims, court documents released Thursday said. Robert James LeCou, 39, made the claim during an interview with Montana law enforcement following his arrest in Washington state on April 8, according to an affidavit from Carbon County District Attorney Alex Nixon. Authorities allege LeCou shot his wife, her sister and a brother-in-law three days earlier and fled. Nixon would not speculate on a motive. This undated photo released by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice shows Robert James LeCou. LeCou, accused of killing his wife and two of her relatives in a Montana town, told authorities that a stranger must have broken into the house they shared and shot the victims, court documents released Thursday, April 14, 2016, said. (Texas Department of Criminal Justice via AP) LeCou told the agents from the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation that "there was a pistol stored in a back bedroom, and theorized that a stranger must have gone into the residence ... and used the pistol to kill the three remaining in the residence." A resident of Belfry, an agriculture-oriented town of 200 near the Wyoming border, called authorities after seeing no activity at the victims' house for two days. Found dead inside from gunshot wounds were Lloyd Lamb, 76; Lamb's wife, Sharon Hill-Lamb, 72; and LeCou's wife, Karen Hill-LeCou, 54. The women were sisters. Because a prior violent conviction prohibited LeCou from owning firearms, his wife had purchased two boxes of 9 mm ammunition for him about three weeks before her death, according to a witness cited in the affidavit and surveillance video from a Cabela's sporting goods store in Billings, Montana. A 9 mm handgun that Lloyd Lamb apparently owned and kept at the residence has not been found. Numerous 9 mm shell casings were found in and outside the house, inside a camper-trailer on the property and in a dumpster, the affidavit said. LeCou told authorities he left the house at noon April 8, the day of the slayings, the affidavit said. Neighbors told The Associated Press that they had seen LeCou leave around 8 p.m. April 5. That's about the same time another Belfry resident reported hearing gunshots in the neighborhood, the affidavit said. LeCou arrived at his mother's house in the Washington state community of Nine Mile Falls early April 6. His public defender in Washington has not responded to requests for comment. Authorities on Wednesday added a charge of tampering with evidence to the three counts of deliberate homicide that LeCou faces. The new charge stems from dumping the shell casings and some paper towels that appeared to be covered with blood into the dumpster, according to court documents. He was not fighting extradition to Montana, prosecutors said. LeCou previously was convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and sentenced to 10 years in prison for the 1999 beating death of a homeless man in Fort Worth, Texas. He was paroled in 2009. LeCou arrived in Belfry roughly six months ago to help care for Lloyd Lamb, who used a wheelchair, according to several neighbors. ___ Cuckoo clocks? Venezuela shifting time hoping to save energy CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) Venezuela's government is changing the clock again as part of its efforts to stave off an electricity crisis. The move comes nine years after former President Hugo Chavez created Venezuela's own, unique time zone in a stroke of anti-imperialist independence. President Nicolas Maduro said Thursday that the new change will take effect May 1. He didn't provide details about how much or in what direction the clocks would move, saying only that it's an additional emergency measure to prevent power outages as a severe drought reduces power output by lowering water levels at hydroelectric dams. As part of the energy-saving drive, he also declared Monday a public holiday. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, waves to supporters, nexto to lawmaker Elias Jaua, left, and first lady Cilia Flores, right, during a demonstration at Miraflores presidential Palace, in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, April 14, 2016. Several thousand public employees and government supporters marched to protest against a new law that hands over legal property titles to the beneficiaries of government housing programs. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) "It's a very simple measure that represents an important savings," Maduro said about the shift in the time zone. The move follows Maduro's decision requiring cinemas to close early and shopping centers to generate their own electricity and his call for women to ease up on hair blowers in a bid to reduce energy consumption by 20 percent. More controversially, he has also started giving state employees Fridays off. The surprise furlough for Monday means that as of Tuesday, when Venezuelans celebrate independence day, 17 of the last 31 calendar days will have been non-work days for many Venezuelans. Maduro gave workers off the three days leading up to the Easter holiday last month. Not everyone is celebrating the extra time off. Opponents of the socialist leader say electricity rationing could have been prevented had the government invested in maintenance and in the construction of thermoelectric plants. Almost 70 percent of the South American country's electricity comes from hydro power, and officials have been warning for weeks that the water level behind the nation's largest dam has fallen to near its minimum operating level. If the government had to shut down the dam, electricity supply would be crippled. When Chavez in 2007 put Venezuela 4 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time, he said it would allow children to sleep in and prepare for school during daylight. Venezuela is near the equator so daylight varies little by season. Some supporters suggested Chavez also wanted to take further distance from Washington, which during daylight saving time shared the same time zone. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro fist bumps with a supporter during a demonstration at Miraflores presidential palace, in Caracas, Venezuela, Thursday, April 14, 2016. Several thousand public employees and government supporters marched to protest against a new law that hands over legal property titles to the beneficiaries of government housing programs. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos) The Latest: Protesters: Trump's visit opens old wounds PATCHOGUE, N.Y. (AP) The Latest on Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump's appearance at a fundraising gala on Long Island: (all times local): 6:30 p.m. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump attended a fundraising gala on Long Island in New York as about 100 people protested outside. A sign sits near the site where Marcelo Lucero was killed in Patchogue, N.Y., on Wednesday, April, 13, 2016. The Rev. Alan Ramirez, an adviser to the family of Lucero, has called for Donald Trump to cancel a planned appearance at a Suffolk County Republican Committee fundraiser on Thursday, April 14, in Patchogue, because it is being held at a nightclub just blocks from where a gang of teenagers killed Lucero in November 2008. (AP Photo/Frank Eltman) The event Thursday was held just blocks from where an Ecuadorean immigrant was stabbed to death in 2008 by a gang of teenagers who targeted Latinos. Protesters have said the event is a slur on the memory of the slain immigrant. Trump told his supports he has a "great relationship" with Mexico and Hispanic people. He made no mention of the protesters who had gathered outside during his 20-minute speech. Outside the event, police had established separate barricaded areas for Trump supporters and anti-Trump demonstrators. Police said there were no arrests. Trump said he anticipates Suffolk County will be "my single biggest margin" in the New York's Republican primary on April 19. __ 1:45 a.m. Some Latinos are decrying Donald Trump's planned appearance at a Republican fundraiser in suburban New York days ahead of the state's primary. They say it opens old anti-immigrant wounds in light of Trump's tough talk about building a wall on the Mexican border and other rhetoric. The gala is being held Thursday in Patchogue (PACH'-awg), just blocks from where an Ecuadorean immigrant was stabbed to death in 2008 by a gang of teenagers who targeted Latinos. Protesters say the event is a slur on the memory of the slain immigrant. The chairman of the Suffolk County Republican Committee says said the event was scheduled more than two months ago for the location and that Trump only accepted last week. In this circa 2000 photo taken with the camera's self timer and provided by Joselo Lucero, Marcello Lucero, top, playfully hugs his brother Joselo in Patchouge, N.Y. In 2008, a gang of racist white youths out hunting "Mexicans" killed Marcello Lucero blocks from where Republican GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump is planning an appearance at an upcoming Republican fundraiser on Thursday, April 14, 2016. Some say the visit is opening old wounds, but others simply oppose the billionaire's positions on building a wall on the Mexican border and other immigration stances. (Joselo Lucero via AP) Endangered seals start journey home after rehab ABOARD US COAST GUARD HC-130 HERCULES (AP) Seven endangered Hawaiian monk seals that were found abandoned or malnourished late last year began their trip back to their remote island homes Thursday after being rescued and rehabilitated. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration found most of the seal pups on the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, the northernmost islands and atolls in the Hawaiian Islands chain. The nonprofit Marine Mammal Center's monk seal hospital on Hawaii's Big Island then nursed the animals back to health. On Thursday, the seals were loaded into a U.S. Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules airplane and flown from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, to Honolulu. The Associated Press was on the flight. Kevin Deininger, a United States Coast Guard loadmaster, smiles at one of seven endangered Hawaiian monk seals that were being transported from Hawaiis Big Island to Honolulu, Thursday, April 14, 2016 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The seven seal pups were found either abandoned or malnourished and were rescued by federal officials and then rehabilitated at a marine mammal hospital on the Big Island. The Coast Guard picked them up and flew them back Honolulu Thursday for the first leg of their trip back to their native Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones) The seals were then taken to an Oahu NOAA facility, where they will be held until Sunday. From there, the animals will be transported by boat to the islands they were rescued from. Six of the seals will return to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, and the seventh is headed to the privately owned island of Niihau in the main Hawaiian Islands. The voyage is expected to take about a week. According to the California-based Marine Mammal Center, fewer than 1 in 5 monk seals survive their first year in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands because of threats including predation, entanglement and environmental changes. There are only about 1,200 monk seals in the world, NOAA officials said, and they all live in the main or northwest Hawaiian islands. The seals being transported Thursday were all females, said Michelle Barbieri, a NOAA veterinarian with the Monk Seal Research Program who was aboard the flight. "We focus our efforts on female seals because they're going to grow up and contribute to the population in the future," Barbieri said. While in rehabilitation, the seals were slowly nursed to a healthy weight to help increase their odds of survival. Eric Roberts, a marine mammal response coordinator with the Coast Guard in Honolulu, helped bring the pups to the hospital when they were found and was there to escort them home. "At the Coast Guard, we pride ourselves on being lifesavers, and this is a unique opportunity where can actually contribute to saving a species," Roberts said. The Marine Mammal Center has successfully released eight seals so far, and this group is their biggest recovery and release effort to date. David Scholfield, a NOAA response coordinator for the Pacific Islands, said rescuers normally transport only one or two seals at a time, making Thursday's effort "historic" and a major boost for the overall population in generations to come. The monk seal population is still declining at a rate of about 4 percent per year. Returning these animals to their home islands could have a big impact, he said. "These seven animals would have died," Scholfield said, "and so getting them back to health and having them potentially reproduce in the wild, and produce offspring, has a many magnitude effect" on the overall population. ___ Follow Caleb Jones on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CalebAP Find more of his work here: http://bigstory.ap.org/journalist/caleb-jones An endangered Hawaiian looks out from her container as she is transported from Hawaiis Big Island to Honolulu, Thursday, April 14, 2016, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Seven seal were found either abandoned or malnourished and were rescued by federal officials and then rehabilitated at a marine mammal hospital on the Big Island. The Coast Guard picked them up and flew them back to Honolulu Thursday for the first leg of their trip back to their native Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones) An endangered Hawaiian monk seal looks out from her container as she is transported from Hawaiis Big Island to Honolulu, Thursday, April 14, 2016, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Seven seal were found either abandoned or malnourished and were rescued by federal officials and then rehabilitated at a marine mammal hospital on the Big Island. The Coast Guard picked them up and flew them back to Honolulu on Thursday for the first leg of their trip back to their native Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones) An endangered Hawaiian monk seal looks out from her container as she is transported from Hawaiis Big Island to Honolulu, Thursday, April 14, 2016, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Seven seal were found either abandoned or malnourished and were rescued by federal officials and then rehabilitated at a marine mammal hospital on the Big Island. The Coast Guard picked them up and flew them back to Honolulu on Thursday for the first leg of their trip back to their native Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones) Alaska Air Guard recounts skiers' rescue ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) An Alaska Air National Guard helicopter on Tuesday landed 50 meters from an orange blanket tied to a half-buried ski, hoping to find more signs of two people stranded for four nights on the vast Harding Ice Field. Maj. Matthew Kirby and Master Sgt. Shane Hargis approached on snowshoes and spotted a tent pole sticking out from a hole the width of a soda can. They called out, and from 4 feet below the snow, Christopher Hanna and Jennifer Neyman shouted back. The pole was maintaining a breathing hole to a snow cave. Alaska Air National Guard Maj. Brock Roden discusses the rescue of two skiers stranded on an Alaska ice field earlier in the week at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska, Thursday, April 14, 2016. Roden and the others were dropped off by a helicopter and had to ski nearly 15 miles on the Harding Ice Field, trying to reach two skiers who had been stranded by four days in blizzard-like conditions. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen) A few minutes of digging by Hargis and Kirby allowed Hanna and Neyman to crawl out, soaking wet, hungry and suddenly happy. "It was pretty cool how overjoyed they were," Kirby said. "You can just feel the relief on everyone. OK, we got them. They're OK." The ordeal began Friday when Hanna, 45, and Neyman, 36, both of Soldotna, Alaska, were dropped off by a small airplane for a day of recreation on the ice field. Foul weather prevented the plane from returning. Harding Ice Field starts at an elevation of about 1,650 feet and covers 700 square miles. It's a main feature of Kenai Fjords National Park. "When you're up there, it almost feels like it's a desert made up of ice and snow," said Deb Kurtz, physical science program manager for the park. Moisture-laden air blows off the Gulf of Alaska, hits the mountain, cools and dumps up to four times the snow that falls at sea level. By Friday night, Hanna and Neyman were in a blizzard. Heavy snowfall collapsed their tent. "The snow literally crushed and buried their tent three feet down, three to four feet down," Kirby said. A snow cave was their only hope. Snow caves provide shelter from wind and capture heat given off bodies of people inside. As Neyman held up the tent ceiling, Hanna dug outside the door in older, harder snow, below the tent, Kirby said. The cave was perhaps 7-by-5 feet and 3-4 feet high, Kirby said. The skiers used the tent pole to maintain the breathing hole but the cave would not have endured much additional snowfall, he said. "They were running out of pole," he said. Hanna carried a personal locator beacon with texting capability. His messages to a friend set the rescue in motion. The device also gave rescuers their exact coordinates. Air Guard helicopters Monday could not reach the ice field but dropped off a four-man personnel recovery team 15 miles away. Hammered by cross winds up to 35 mph, moving up a glacier in whiteout conditions, maneuvering with instruments and probing for crevasses, they skied nine miles uphill until halting late in the evening, said Maj. Brock Roden. They were perhaps 90 minutes away the next morning when a helicopter was able to land. The problem for landing was not the gusting winds, said pilot Kevin Kelly, but the flat, morning light that made it difficult to distinguish sky from snow. A flight engineer, Master Sgt. Edward Downs, spotted the orange blanket about 8 a.m., but blowing snow quickly blocked it from view. The helicopter refueled and waited near a glacier for clouds to clear. Crewmen brought along spruce boughs that could be dropped onto the snow and used as a landing reference point. By noon they didn't need them. The helicopter swooped to where the skis marked the snow cave. "If we hadn't gotten to them, they were slowly starving, dehydrating, trending toward a bad place," Kirby said. "But fortunately we were able to get there and pull them out." ___ This story has been corrected to show the breathing hole was maintained with a tent pole, not a ski pole. Alaska Air National Guard helicopter pilot Capt. Kevin Kelly discusses the rescue of two skiers stranded on an Alaska ice field during an interview at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Thursday, April 14, 2016. Kelly flew the helicopter on Tuesday that picked up the two skiers off the Harding Ice Field after they had been stranded there for four days by weather. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen) Alaska Air National Guard Combat Rescue Officer Maj. Matt Kirby discusses the rescue of two skiers stranded on an Alaska ice field during an interview at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Thursday, April 14, 2016. (AP Photo/Mark Thiessen). This Tuesday, April 12, 2016, photo provided by the Alaska Air National Guard shows clear weather atop the Harding Ice Field in Alaska. A four-man Alaska Air National Guard rescue team was dropped off on the ice field on Monday, to help rescue skiers, Christopher Hanna and Jennifer Neyman, who were stranded on the glacier and hunkered down in a snow cave. Poor weather prevented a helicopter from landing, and could only drop this team off about 15 miles away. The guard rescue team skied to about 1.7 miles of the two survivors when weather cleared enough for a helicopter to land and take the two people to a hospital. (Senior Airman Allen-Mikel Armstrong/Alaska Air National Guard via AP) This Monday, April 11, 2016, photo provided by the Alaska Air National Guard shows a four-man guard rescue team skiing on top of the Harding Ice Field in Alaska. The team was dropped off on the ice field on Monday, to help rescue two skiers, Christopher Hanna and Jennifer Neyman, who were stranded on the ice field and hunkered down in a snow cave. Poor weather prevented a helicopter from landing, and could only drop this team off about 15 miles away. The guard rescue team skied to about 1.7 miles of the two survivors when weather cleared enough for a helicopter to land and take the two people to a hospital. (Senior Airman Allen-Mikel Armstrong/Alaska Air National Guard via AP) This Monday, April 11, 2016, photo provided by the Alaska Air National Guard shows Bear Glacier, which is connected to the Harding Ice Field near Seward, Alaska. A four-man Alaska Air National Guard rescue team had been dropped off near the glacier, and about 15 miles from where two stranded skiers, Christopher Hanna and Jennifer Neyman, had been hunkered down for days waiting out a blizzard. The rescue team skied on the ice field over two days and were within 1.7 miles of the stranded duo when the weather cleared and a helicopter was able to land for the rescue. (Maj. Brock Roden/Alaska Air National Guard via AP). This Tuesday, April 12, 2016, photo provided by the Alaska Air National Guard shows sunlight glistening off the Harding Ice Field near Seward, Alaska. A four-man Alaska Air National Guard rescue team had been dropped off about 15 miles from where two stranded skiers had been hunkered down for days waiting out a blizzard. The rescue team was dropped off Monday, and when Maj. Brock Roden says they woke up to see sunshine on Tuesday, they knew a helicopter would be able to land and save skiers Christopher Hanna and Jennifer Neyman. Bad weather returned, but the helicopter was able to eventually land as the four-man crew got within 1.7 miles of the stranded skiers. (Maj. Brock Roden/Alaska Air National Guard via AP). US, Russia talking 'almost daily' on Syria military actions COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) President Barack Obama's national security adviser says the U.S. now talks "almost daily" with Russia to ensure its military operations in Syria don't clash. Susan Rice is speaking at the U.S. Air Force Academy. She says the U.S. and Russian governments are working together to investigate ceasefire violations and "build common ground" among Syrians. Such frequent military-to-military discussions reflect a change. The U.S. suspended military ties after Russia annexed Crimea in 2015. But simultaneous U.S. and Russian air campaigns in Syria fueled concerns about a dangerous aerial incident. Candidates for job of world's top diplomat face questions UNITED NATIONS (AP) Nine candidates seeking to become the world's top diplomat answered a total of about 800 questions over the past three days from ambassadors and advocacy groups in the first move in the U.N.'s 70-year history to open up the usually secret selection of the next secretary-general. General Assembly President Mogens Lykketoft, who presided over the question-and-answer sessions, said he was "very inspired" that in addition to almost all 193 U.N. member states taking part, 227,000 people from 209 countries and territories watched some of the webcast. "It has already made a difference," he told reporters late Thursday. "We have established a new standard of transparency and inclusivity for the selection of the secretary-general." Former Macedonian Foreign Minister Srgjan Kerim gestures as he address U.N. General Assembly members about his candidacy for U.N. Secretary General, Thursday April 14, 2016 at U.N. headquarters. The United Nations is taking a historic step to open up the usually secret process of selecting the next secretary-general, giving all countries the chance to question candidates on issues. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) According to the U.N. Charter, the secretary-general is chosen by the 193-member General Assembly on the recommendation of the 15-member Security Council. In practice, this has meant that the council's five permanent members the U.S., Russia, China, Britain and France have veto power over the candidates. That will not change in deciding whom to recommend to succeed Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, whose second five-year term ends on Dec. 31. Lykketoft has said the question-and-answer sessions could be "a potential game-changer" if many countries support one candidate, which would put pressure on the Security Council not to choose someone else. It's too early to say if that will happen since more candidates are expected to throw their hats in the ring. Lykketoft encouraged those interested to "come forward quickly." Britain's U.N. Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said questioning and hearing from every candidate "will increase the quality of the decision-making in the Security Council when the time comes, and I think it will raise the bar in terms of the overall quality of the field." Other council members were more cautious about the impact of the sessions. Angola's U.N. Ambassador Ismael Gaspar Martins said they "could offer the council a first view of who the potential candidates really are" and help them "choose properly." Russia's U.N. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said "some people seem to be excited" but he clearly wasn't. "I think it might be useful. We'll see," he said, declaring diplomatically that he has a "very good impression of all candidates." By tradition, the job of secretary-general has rotated among regions and Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe have all held the top U.N. post. East European nations, including Russia, argue that they have never had a secretary-general and it is their turn. There has also never been a woman secretary-general and a group of 56 nations are campaigning for the first female U.N. chief. Srgjan Kerim, a former Macedonian foreign minister and ex-General Assembly president, stressed the importance of following the unwritten rule of rotation, saying Thursday it maintains "mutual trust" and promotes needed unity at a time the world is facing many crises. Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, who heads the U.N. Development Program, said the U.N. needs "a proven leader who is pragmatic and effective" and she has demonstrated those qualities. As one of four women in the race, she stressed that "all my life I have fought for gender equality and women's empowerment." Former Serbian foreign minister and General Assembly President Vuk Jeremic, who was only nominated by his government on Monday, presented General Assembly members with an 81-page platform containing 53 specific commitments on issues from stabilizing countries in the Mideast and North Africa to prioritizing genocide prevention. Lykketoft said a common thread among all the candidates was that the U.N. has taken some great steps forward with new development goals, a climate agreement and maybe progress in Iran and a start in Syria. But there was also widespread agreement on the need for the U.N. to undertake "pro-active intervention to avoid conflicts and contain conflicts," adopt a stronger network to monitor human rights violations, and reform the U.N. bureaucracy, he said. Former Slovenian president Danilo Turk said "the secretary-general is neither secretary nor general" but "a servant of the organization" who must be available 24 hours a day. As U.N. chief, he said he would urgently review global crises, launch a program to implement the new U.N. goals for 2030, and carry out recruitment and budget reforms. The other candidates are Montenegro's Foreign Minister Igor Luksic; former Croatian Foreign Minister Vesna Pucic; UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova from Bulgaria; former Moldovan Foreign Minister Natalia Gherman and former U.N. refugee chief and ex-Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres. Former Macedonian Foreign Minister Srgjan Kerim, left, is seated next to General Assembly President Mogens Lykketoft, right, while listening to questions from U.N. General Assembly members about his candidacy for U.N. Secretary General, Thursday April 14, 2016 at U.N. headquarters. The United Nations is taking a historic step to open up the usually secret process of selecting the next secretary-general, giving all countries the chance to question candidates on issues. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, who heads the U.N. Development Program, speaks at a news conference after she addressed U.N. General Assembly members about her candidacy for U.N. Secretary General, Thursday April 14, 2016 at U.N. headquarters. The United Nations is taking a historic step to open up the usually secret process of selecting the next secretary-general, giving all countries the chance to question candidates on issues. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) Documentary explores healing journeys after Newtown shooting HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Tain Gregory lost a friend in the December 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary school. Jimmy Greene lost a daughter. The role the arts have played in helping both on their journeys through grief and toward healing is explored in a "Midsummer in Newtown," a documentary debuting on Sunday at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York. The film follows the staging of "A Rockin' Midsummer Night's Dream," a musical adaptation of Shakespeare's play, which was put on in Newtown by Broadway professionals during the summer of 2014 using children from the community. In this undated motion picture still image provided by Participant Media and Vulcan Productions, the cast performs a scene in the stage production, "A Rockin' Midsummer Night's Dream," a musical adaptation of Shakespeare's play, which was put on in Newtown, Conn., by Broadway professionals with children from the community. "Midsummer in Newtown", a movie documentary about that stage production and its role in helping the community heal from the December 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, debuts on April 17, 2016, at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York. (Participant Media and Vulcan Productions via AP) It focuses on two of the young local actors, Gregory and a girl named Sammy Vertucci, who find the play's themes of love helping to restore order from chaos reflected in their own lives. A separate track follows Greene as he creates his album "Beautiful Life," to honor his daughter Ana Grace, while his wife, Nelba Marquez-Greene, creates a foundation to help troubled children. "It's about people finding ways to move forward," said director Lloyd Kramer. The film is the second major documentary this year about the Newtown shooting, in which a gunman killed 20 schoolchildren, six educators, his mother and finally himself. The film "Newtown" premiered earlier this year at the Sundance Film Festival. It also explores the effects of the events of that day on the community. Marquez-Greene said they choose to be part of "Midsummer in Newtown" because it allowed them to tell their story the way they wanted it told. That includes a moment when she stops being angry at her husband, a well-known jazz saxophonist, for not joining her as a political activist in Washington, D.C., pushing for new laws. "It was very powerful for me when I heard his music to realize that this was not only his way to fight, but his way to continue to be a dad," she said. Filmmakers say they chose to debut the documentary at Tribeca because of the festival's history. It was created in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks as a way for the arts to help heal the community in New York. Sophfronia Scott Gregory, Tain's mother, said she hopes people see her son come out of his shell in the film and understand the healing power the play had on her family. For Tain, she said, being part of the production became a microcosm of his part in a community dealing with stress. He and others used the safe space of the theater community to overcome their fears, learn to trust and be vulnerable again. He cries when the production is over. His mother said that was a good thing, because it meant that he missed something he loved and began to understand feelings that went far beyond the play. "It's always OK to love," she said. "Don't be afraid of the pain. The pain is going to go away at some point, but the love is going to stay." Kramer said they were very careful in the film not to make it about closure, or good coming from evil or happy endings. Because, he said, the truth in Newtown is not that simplistic. Instead, he said the movie is about the journey what Jimmy Greene describes as a search to reflect love and beauty "through all the trauma and the horror that we've been through." "You can't choose what happens to you in this life in a lot of ways, but you can choose how you respond to it," Greene says near the movie's end. 2 plead not guilty to charges of rape, livestreaming rape COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) An 18-year-old Ohio woman accused of livestreaming the rape of her 17-year-old friend with a social media app was trying to record the assault as evidence, the woman's attorney said Friday in a defense a prosecutor flatly dismissed. Marina Lonina pleaded not guilty Friday to multiple charges including rape, kidnapping, sexual battery and pandering sexual matter involving a minor. A judge set bond at $125,000 for Lonina, a student at New Albany High School, outside Columbus. Her co-defendant, Raymond Gates, 29, also pleaded not guilty, with a judge setting his bond at $300,000. A public defender representing Gates did not comment about the allegations. This photo provided by the Franklin County, Ohio, Sheriff's Office, shows Marina Lonina. A prosecutor has charged Lonina with using an app to livestream the alleged rape of a 17-year-old girl. Lonina and her co-defendant Raymond Gates were charged Wednesday, April 13, 2016, with rape, kidnapping, sexual battery and pandering sexually-oriented matter involving a minor. (Franklin County Sheriff's Office via AP) Lonina and her friend who attends the same high school met Gates at a Columbus mall for the first time the day before where he bought them a bottle of vodka and encouraged them to meet him the following day, her lawyer Sam Shamansky said. He acknowledged his client filmed the February assault of her intoxicated friend but said she was trying to get the girl out of the house where the attack happened. Lonina is in the habit of filming everything with Periscope, Shamansky said. The app for smartphones allows users to stream live video. "She does everything possible to contain the situation even to the point of asking while it's being filmed to these Periscope followers, 'What should I do now? What should I do now?'" Shamansky said. Lonina and her friend are naturalized U.S. citizens from Russia, and Gates is also of Russian descent, said Franklin County Prosecutor Ron O'Brien. The comments on the video are in Russian. O'Brien said Lonina is seen trying to help only briefly during the 10-minute video. O'Brien said the victim was clearly screaming "stop" and "no" during the assault. Although Lonina told police she was trying to record the assault as evidence, her behavior as people watching via Periscope "liked" the assault painted a different picture, O'Brien said. "She got, I guess, taken up with all the 'likes' that her livestream was getting and therefore continued to do it, and did nothing to aid the victim," O'Brien said. Independent of the rape count, Lonina is also charged with livestreaming her friend nude the day before the assault, which is a felony, O'Brien said. ___ Andrew Welsh-Huggins can be reached on Twitter at https://twitter.com/awhcolumbus. His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/andrew-welsh-huggins Endangered seals start journey home after rehab ABOARD US COAST GUARD HC-130 HERCULES (AP) A U.S. Coast Guard airplane rumbled down an airstrip on Hawaii's Big Island, carrying hundreds of pounds of rare and precious cargo: seven endangered Hawaiian monk seals. Federal officials found most of the young animals malnourished late last year in the uninhabited Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, the northernmost islands and atolls in the Hawaiian Islands chain. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration brought the seals to the nonprofit Marine Mammal Center on the Big Island, which nursed them back to health. In this Feb. 1, 2016 photo released by The Marine Mammal Center, Moo, an endangered Hawaiian monk seal, participates in rehab after being rescued and admitted to the Marine Mammal Centers Big Island seal hospital in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Seven seals were found either abandoned or malnourished and were rescued by federal officials and then rehabilitated at the marine hospital in Hawaii. The Coast Guard picked them up and flew them back to Honolulu Thursday, April 14, 2016 for the first leg of their trip back to their native Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. (Julie Steelman /The Marine Mammal Center via AP) Now rehabilitated, they have started their journey home. The Coast Guard loaded the seals on a HC-130 Hercules plane Thursday and flew them to Honolulu. The Associated Press was on the flight. The animals will stay in a NOAA facility on Oahu until they embark on a roughly weeklong journey by boat back to their home islands. One will return to the privately owned island of Niihau. Monk seals number only about 1,200 worldwide, and they all live in the main or Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, federal officials said. Fewer than one in five survive their first year in the uninhabited islands because of threats including predation, entanglement and environmental changes, according to the California-based Marine Mammal Center. All those being transported Thursday were female, said Michelle Barbieri, a NOAA veterinarian with the Monk Seal Research Program who was aboard the flight. "We focus our efforts on female seals because they're going to grow up and contribute to the population in the future," Barbieri said. While in rehab, the seals were nursed to a healthy weight to help increase their odds of survival, initially receiving fish mash through a feeding tube. They later were taught to catch and eat fish, with little human intervention, so they can hunt for themselves when they return to the wild. "We don't want them to become habituated to people or associate food with people," Shawn Johnson, director of veterinarian science for the Marine Mammal Center, said in a telephone interview Friday. "So we can't go out there and hand-feed them." He said he hopes the center can reintroduce 10 to 15 seals per year, which could have a dramatic effect on the population in years to come. The facility has successfully released eight seals so far, but this group was its biggest recovery and release effort to date. Eric Roberts, a Coast Guard marine mammal response coordinator, helped bring the pups to the hospital and was there to escort them home. "At the Coast Guard, we pride ourselves on being lifesavers, and this is a unique opportunity where we can actually contribute to saving a species," Roberts said. Rescuers normally transport only one or two seals at a time, making Thursday's effort "historic" and a major boost for the overall population, which is declining by about 4 percent per year, said David Scholfield, a NOAA response coordinator for the Pacific Islands. "These seven animals would have died," Scholfield said. "So getting them back to health and having them potentially reproduce in the wild, and produce offspring, has a many magnitude effect." All seals that are released are equipped with tags so scientists can monitor their health, Johnson said. ___ Follow Caleb Jones on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CalebAP . His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/journalist/caleb-jones . Kevin Deininger, a United States Coast Guard loadmaster, smiles at one of seven endangered Hawaiian monk seals that were being transported from Hawaiis Big Island to Honolulu, Thursday, April 14, 2016 in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. The seven seal pups were found either abandoned or malnourished and were rescued by federal officials and then rehabilitated at a marine mammal hospital on the Big Island. The Coast Guard picked them up and flew them back Honolulu Thursday for the first leg of their trip back to their native Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones) ADDS MONK SEAL TO THE SUBJECT - An endangered Hawaiian monk seal looks out from her container as she is transported from Hawaiis Big Island to Honolulu, Thursday, April 14, 2016, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Seven seal were found either abandoned or malnourished and were rescued by federal officials and then rehabilitated at a marine mammal hospital on the Big Island. The Coast Guard picked them up and flew them back to Honolulu Thursday for the first leg of their trip back to their native Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones) Coast Guard and NOAA officials unload an endangered Hawaiian monk seal after a flight from Kailua Kona, Hawaii to Honolulu, Thursday, April 14, 2016. Seven endangered Hawaiian monk seals that were found abandoned or malnourished have begun their trip back to their remote island homes after being rescued and rehabilitated. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration rescued the seal pups several months ago on the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, the northernmost islands and atolls in the Hawaiian Islands chain. The nonprofit Marine Mammal Center's monk seal hospital on Hawaii's Big Island then nursed them back to health. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones) In this Sept. 8, 2015 photo released by The Marine Mammal Center, Kilo, an endangered Hawaiian monk seal, rests after being rescued and admitted to the Marine Mammal Centers Big Island seal hospital in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Seven seals were found either abandoned or malnourished and were rescued by federal officials and then rehabilitated at the marine hospital in Hawaii. The Coast Guard picked them up and flew them back to Honolulu Thursday, April 14, 2016 for the first leg of their trip back to their native Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. (Julie Steelman /The Marine Mammal Center via AP) In this Nov. 7, 2015 photo, Moo, an endangered Hawaiian monk seal, rests after being rescued and admitted to the Marine Mammal Centers Big Island seal hospital in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Seven seals were found either abandoned or malnourished and were rescued by federal officials and then rehabilitated at the marine hospital. The Coast Guard picked them up and flew them back to Honolulu Thursday, April 14, 2016 for the first leg of their trip back to their native Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. (The Marine Mammal Center, Julie Steelman via AP) A Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules is prepared for takeoff, Thursday April 14, 2016 in Honolulu. Seven endangered Hawaiian monk seals that were found abandoned or malnourished late last year began their trip back to their remote island homes Thursday after being rescued and rehabilitated. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration found most of the seal pups on the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, the northernmost islands and atolls in the Hawaiian Islands chain. The nonprofit Marine Mammal Centers monk seal hospital on Hawaiis Big Island then nursed the animals back to health. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones) U.S. Coast Guard pilot Lt. Eric Casida, left, and co-pilot Lt. j.g. Kevin Knaup, right, fly a HC-130 Hercules from Honolulu to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, Thursday, April 14, 2016. The crew was transporting seven endangered Hawaiian monk seals back to Honolulu. The seals were found either abandoned or malnourished and were rescued by federal officials and then rehabilitated at a marine mammal hospital on the Big Island. The Coast Guard picked them up and flew them back to Honolulu Thursday for the first leg of their trip back to their native Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones) An endangered Hawaiian monk seal looks out from her container as she is transported from Hawaiis Big Island to Honolulu, Thursday, April 14, 2016, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Seven seal were found either abandoned or malnourished and were rescued by federal officials and then rehabilitated at a marine mammal hospital on the Big Island. The Coast Guard picked them up and flew them back to Honolulu on Thursday for the first leg of their trip back to their native Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones) An endangered Hawaiian monk seal looks out from her container as she is transported from Hawaiis Big Island to Honolulu, Thursday, April 14, 2016, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Seven seal were found either abandoned or malnourished and were rescued by federal officials and then rehabilitated at a marine mammal hospital on the Big Island. The Coast Guard picked them up and flew them back to Honolulu on Thursday for the first leg of their trip back to their native Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones) In this April 11, 2016 photo, Kilo, an endangered Hawaiian monk seal, lays next to a poll after being treated at the Marine Mammal Centers Big Island seal hospital in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Seven seals were found either abandoned or malnourished and were rescued by federal officials and then rehabilitated at the marine hospital. The Coast Guard picked them up and flew them back to Honolulu Thursday, April 14, 2016 for the first leg of their trip back to their native Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. (The Marine Mammal Center, Julie Steelman via AP) Panel recommends parole for ex-Manson follower Van Houten CHINO, Calif. (AP) Leslie Van Houten sat before the California panel that would soon recommend her parole as a slight woman with shoulder-length gray hair, a wrinkled face and glasses, a far cry to from the rebellious teen she was when she joined the cult of Charles Manson more than 40 years ago and helped kill a wealthy grocer and his wife. At a five-hour hearing she described in detail how she descended from an idyllic childhood into psychedelic drug use and eventually found Manson, whom she described as a "Christ-like man that had all the answers" for a young woman whose parents' divorce had left her feeling abandoned and angry. On Thursday she convinced the state panel that the murderous young woman she had been was a long-distant memory and that she was now fit to be paroled. She has completed college degrees and been a model inmate. Former Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten confers with her attorney Rich Pfeiffer, not shown, during a break from her hearing before the California Board of Parole Hearings at the California Institution for Women in Chino, Calif., Thursday, April 14, 2016. A California panel recommended parole Thursday for former Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten more than four decades after she and other cult members went to prison for the notorious killings of a wealthy grocer and his wife. (AP Photo/Nick Ut) "Your behavior in prison speaks for itself. Forty-six years and not a single serious rule violation," Commissioner Ali Zarrinnam told Van Houten at the close of her 20th parole hearing. The decision will now undergo administrative review by the parole board. If upheld it goes to Gov. Jerry Brown, who has final say on whether Van Houten is released. Brown spokeswoman Deborah Hoffman on Friday said it would be premature to comment. The now-66-year-old Van Houten was "numb" after the panel announced its decision, said her attorney Rich Pfeiffer. "She's been ready for this for a long time," Pfeiffer said outside the prison. "It really should have happened a long time ago." Van Houten participated in the killings of Leno La Bianca and his wife Rosemary a day after other so-called "Manson family" members murdered pregnant actress Sharon Tate and four others in 1969. Thursday's decision makes her the first Manson follower involved in the Tate or La Bianca killings to reach this stage in the parole process. Family member Bruce Davis, who was not involved in those killings, has been recommended for parole, but it was blocked by the governor. At 19, Van Houten was the youngest Manson follower to take part in the killings after she joined the cult in the 1960s. The murders were the start of what Manson believed was a coming race war that he dubbed "Helter Skelter" after a Beatles song. Manson had his followers prepare to fight and learn to can food so they could go underground and live in a hole in the desert, Van Houten told the panel. At the hearing, Van Houten described how she helped secure a pillow over the head of Rosemary La Bianca with a lamp cord and held her down while another member of the Manson family began stabbing the woman in her home. Van Houten said she had looked off into the distance until another Manson follower told her to do something and she joined in the stabbing. "I don't let myself off the hook. I don't find parts in any of this that makes me feel the slightest bit good about myself," she told the panel. The La Biancas were stabbed numerous times and the word "WAR" was carved on the stomach of Leno La Bianca. After her arrest, she said at the hearing, Van Houten heeded Manson's calls to disrespect the court during trial, and took LSD on death row in the early 1970s, imagining she was breaking down her molecules so she could exit the building. The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office vehemently opposed Van Houten's release. After the decision, District Attorney Jackie Lacey said in a statement she would evaluate how to proceed. Louis Smaldino, nephew of Leno La Bianca, pleaded with the panel not to release Van Houten after the horror she and the others inflicted by taking a carving knife used at annual Thanksgiving dinners to mutilate his family. "The Manson family are terrorists, albeit homegrown," he said. "They're long before their time. What we're seeing today, these people were back in the 60s." Van Houten did not participate in the Tate killings. Van Houten's earlier conviction was overturned on appeal. She was retried twice and convicted in 1978 of two counts of murder and conspiracy. Manson, 81, and other followers involved in the killings are still jailed. Patricia Krenwinkel and Charles "Tex" Watson have each been denied parole multiple times, while fellow defendant Susan Atkins died in prison in 2009. ___ Associated Press writer Don Thompson in Sacramento and Linda Deutsch, retired AP special correspondent, contributed to this report. Former Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten confers with her attorney Rich Pfeiffer during a break from her hearing before the California Board of Parole Hearings at the California Institution for Women in Chino, Calif., Thursday, April 14, 2016. The panel recommended parole for Van Houten more than four decades after she went to prison for the killings of a wealthy grocer and his wife. The decision will now undergo administrative review by the board. If upheld it goes to Gov. Jerry Brown, who has final say on whether the now-66-year-old Van Houten is released. (AP Photo/Nick Ut) Former Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten confers with her attorney Rich Pfeiffer during a break from her hearing before the California Board of Parole Hearings at the California Institution for Women in Chino, Calif., Thursday, April 14, 2016. A California panel recommended parole Thursday for former Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten more than four decades after she and other cult members went to prison for the notorious killings of a wealthy grocer and his wife. (AP Photo/Nick Ut) FILE- In this June 5, 2013, file photo, Leslie Van Houten appears during her parole hearing at the California Institution for Women in Chino, Calif. The youngest of Charles Mansons followers to take part in one of the nations most notorious killings is trying again for parole. Van Houten is scheduled for her 21st hearing before a parole board panel Thursday, April 14, 2016, at a womens prison in Corona, Calif. (AP Photo/Nick Ut, File) French protesters rampage after Hollande sticks to labor law PARIS (AP) Protesters in Paris smashed store windows and damaged cars after French President Francois Hollande said he would not abandon a labor bill that has prompted weeks of sometimes violent demonstrations. The Paris police department said groups of troublemakers damaged a supermarket, a jobs center, bus stops and electric cars used in a municipal car-sharing service, among other businesses, in a late-night march Thursday. The violence came shortly after Hollande was questioned on national television about the bill, which is aimed at loosening labor rules to encourage companies to hire. Hollande's left-wing base considers it a betrayal of France's hard-fought worker protections. Demonstrators carry an injuried man during a high school protest in Paris, Thursday, April 14, 2016. Protesters across France are again marching to voice their anger at labor reforms being championed by the country's Socialist government. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena) The government has amended it in the face of resistance, but Hollande insisted: "It won't be withdrawn." Most of the protesters, led by unions and students, have been peaceful. Top finance officials: World economy still faces threats WASHINGTON (AP) The global recovery has regained most of the ground lost from the market turbulence at the beginning of the year, finance officials of the world's largest economies said Friday. But they worry that growth remains uneven in the face of a variety of threats ranging from terrorist bombings to Britain's upcoming vote on whether to leave the European Union. The finance ministers from the Group of 20 major economies pledged to pursue policies that will bolster growth and further stabilize financial markets, but they offered no new measures to accomplish these goals. Reflecting some of the challenges the countries face, Lou Jiwei, China's finance minister, defended his country's handling of its economy against criticism that has seen two major credit rating agencies recently downgrade the outlook for Chinese bonds. Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen and Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew talk at the G-20 Finance Minister and Central Bank Governors group photo, during the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings at IMF headquarters in Washington, Friday, April 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Sait Serkan Gurbuz) The joint statement from the G-20 finance ministers and central bank governors repeated many of the promises the group had made at their last meeting in Shanghai in late February. However, at that time global financial markets had just gone through a significant bout of turbulence over concerns about a worse-than-expected slowdown in China, falling oil prices and the threat they posed to the global economy. U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew said the resolve demonstrated by the finance officials to bolster global growth represented a strong statement rebutting the voices of anti-globalization. He said cooperation was needed because "the United States cannot and must not be the only engine of growth. ... All major economies need to deploy a full tool kit of economic policy measures." While there are still many challenges, finance officials said they were encouraged that markets had stabilized. Stephen Poloz, head of the Bank of Canada, said the mood this week was much better than at the February meeting in China: "I came away feeling a little more encouraged than when I arrived." Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso said the world's financial markets are starting to regain "composure," although he said "downside risk" persists. Aso expressed particular concern about risks from volatility in capital flows and foreign exchange rates. Japanese officials are concerned about the value of the yen, which has risen rapidly this year against the dollar despite an unusual move by the Bank of Japan in February to introduce negative interest rates in a so-far unsuccessful effort to spur Japan's flagging economy. The G-20 discussions were occurring as part of the spring meetings of the 189-nation International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Lew and Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen were representing the United States at the meetings. In its statement Friday, the group acknowledged the volatility at the beginning of the year but stated that markets had "recovered most of the ground lost" although "growth remains modest and uneven." Much of the market nervousness has focused on China, the world's second largest economy. Investors have grown concerned that China's slowdown is even worse than the government's numbers show and that Chinese authorities have mishandled policies meant to restore confidence. On Friday, the Chinese reported that economic growth fell to 6.7 percent in the first three months of 2016, the slowest since the financial crisis but strong by global standards. Moody's Investors Service and Standard & Poor's last month downgraded the outlook for Chinese government bonds, citing slowing economic growth and rising government debts. China is attempting a transition from rapid growth based on often-wasteful investments in factories and real estate to slower but more sustainable growth built on consumer spending. Moody's warned Friday that China is straying from that strategy, propping up growth by funneling loans to inefficient government-owned companies and putting longer-term growth at risk. At his news conference, Lou, who is chairman of the G-20 group, was asked about the downgrade by the credit agencies. He dismissed the action by the credit agencies saying that they did not know what was happening "on the ground" in China. The G-20 statement repeated a goal to increase transparency of all countries on tax matters. Lou was asked, in light of the recent disclosure of significant tax havens in Panama, whether this effort needed to be strengthened. But he did not respond directly to the question of what penalties could be imposed to discipline countries that refuse to share tax information. The IMF is urging countries to launch a new round of public works projects to improve roads and other types of infrastructure in hopes the higher government spending will boost growth. But in an era of high budget deficits, that call has not met with much support. In Friday's communique, the G-20 did not offer any new proposals on infrastructure spending. Global finance officials are seeking to address the political backlash against globalization, which has helped propel the presidential campaign of Republican front-runner Donald Trump in the United States and has triggered a June vote in Britain over whether that country should exit from the European Union. Both IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde and World Bank President Jim Yong Kim told reporters that the answer to stagnant wages in many industrial nations and complaints about jobs being lost to trade competition was to pursue growth-oriented policies. "This movement toward isolationism and the movement away from trade is very bad for poor people," Kim told reporters. "It is very bad for our efforts to reduce poverty." ___ Associated Press reporter Matthew Pennington contributed to this report. Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso speaks at a news conference during the 2016 World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings, on Friday, April 15, 2016, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) World Bank President Jim Yong Kim speaks the Forced Displacement: A Global Development Challenge panel discussion during the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings, Friday, April 15, 2016, at the World Bank in Washington. (AP Photo/Sait Serkan Gurbuz) From left, Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen, Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew, Bundesbank President Jens Weidmann and German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble are seen at the G-20 Finance Minister and Central Bank Governors group photo, during the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings at IMF headquarters in Washington, Friday, April 15, 2016. ( AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) At the Vatican, Sanders blasts 'immoral' wealth inequality VATICAN CITY (AP) Bernie Sanders issued a global call to action at the Vatican on Friday to address "immoral and unsustainable" wealth inequality and poverty, using the high-profile gathering to echo one of the central platforms of his presidential campaign. The Democratic senator from Vermont cited Pope Francis and St. John Paul II repeatedly during his speech to the Vatican conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of a landmark teaching document from John Paul on social and economic justice after the Cold War. Sanders arrived in Rome hours after wrapping up a debate in New York Thursday night, saying the opportunity to address the Vatican conference was too meaningful to pass up. The roughly 24-hour visit precedes Tuesday's crucial New York primary, which Sanders must do well in to maintain a viable challenge to Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton. Backdropped by St. Peter's Basilica dome, US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders meets reporters outside the Perugino gate at the Vatican, Friday, April 15, 2016. Sanders spoke at a conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of "Centesimus Annus," a high-level teaching document by Pope John Paul II on the economy and social justice at the end of the Cold War. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) Pope Francis apologized that he couldn't personally greet participants at the Vatican conference. No meeting with Sanders was expected. But the trip gave Sanders a moment on the world stage, placing him alongside priests, bishops, academics and two South American presidents. Sanders has been at a disadvantage during his campaign against Clinton, President Barack Obama's former secretary of state, on issues of foreign policy but he was peppered with questions from academics and ecclesiastics in a manner that might have been afforded a head of state. Sanders trails Clinton in the Democratic primaries but the trip to the Vatican and his massive rally earlier this week with 27,000 people in New York City may have offered a glimpse of the senator's aim to become a progressive leader, win or lose. The discussions gave him a chance to expand on his core campaign messages about the need to reform banking regulations, campaign finance rules and higher education. Asked about inequality in public education, he said it was "beyond disgraceful" and cited challenging conditions in Detroit's school system. He told the audience that rather than a world economy that looks out for the common good, "we have been left with an economy operated for the top 1 percent, who get richer and richer as the working class, the young and the poor fall further and further behind." "We don't choose to politicize the pope," Sanders told attendees, "but his spirit and courage and the fact, if I may say so here, that his words have gone way, way, way beyond the Catholic Church." Sanders also warned that youth around the world are no longer satisfied with the status quo, which includes "corrupt and broken politics and an economy of stark inequality and injustice." During the meetings, he sat next to the other main guest of honor at the Vatican: Bolivian President Evo Morales, whose is renowned for his anti-imperialist, socialist rhetoric. President Rafael Correa of Ecuador also attended. As he walked through Vatican City's Perugino gate, Sanders was greeted about two dozen supporters, some of whom carried signs bearing Sanders' name. "This is the first candidate I have seen in awhile, a matter of fact my entire life, that I feel like wants to make real changes," said Kevin Jaksik, 29, of Austin, Texas, who now lives in Rome. Back home, Clinton holds a significant delegate lead against Sanders, but the senator has vowed to stay in the campaign until the party's July convention. His message calling for a political revolution to address wealth inequality and the influence of Wall Street on U.S. politics has galvanized many Democrats and independents. Despite being enmeshed in an increasingly bitter campaign against Clinton, Sanders aides said the trip was not aimed at appealing to Catholic voters who comprise a large share of the Democratic electorate in New York and an upcoming contest in Pennsylvania. The Vatican has been loath to get involved in electoral campaigns and usually tries to avoid any perception of partisanship involving the pope. Popes rarely travel to countries during the thick of political campaigns, knowing a papal photo opportunity with a sitting head of state could be exploited for political ends. As a result, the invitation to Sanders to address the Vatican conference raised eyebrows and allegations that the senator lobbied for the invitation. The chancellor for the pontifical academy, Bishop Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo, has said he invited Sanders because he was the only U.S. presidential candidate who showed deep interest in the teachings of Francis. The Rev. Matt Malone, editor of the Jesuit magazine America, said Sanders' trip was unlikely to have much of an impact on Catholic voters, noting that conferences like the one Sanders is attending "happen all the time." "I don't think that Bernie Sanders going to the Vatican is going to help Bernie with Catholics any more than Ted Cruz going to a matzo factory is going to help him with the Jewish vote," said Malone, who served as a speechwriter to former Rep. Marty Meehan, a Massachusetts Democrat. But there were other benefits. The trip offered his extended family a brief respite: Sanders was accompanied on the trip by his wife, Jane Sanders, and 10 family members, including four grandchildren. __ Associated Press writer Rachel Zoll contributed from New York. US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders meets supporters outside the Perugino gate at the Vatican, Friday, April 15, 2016. Sanders spoke at a conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of "Centesimus Annus," a high-level teaching document by Pope John Paul II on the economy and social justice at the end of the Cold War. (Angelo Carconi/ANSA via AP) Bolivia's president Evo Morales attends a conference organized by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, at the Vatican Friday, April 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, right, sits by Bolivia president Evo Morales during a conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of "Centesimus Annus," a high-level teaching document by Pope John Paul II on the economy and social justice at the end of the Cold War, at the Vatican, Friday, April 15, 2016. (Andreas Solaro/Pool Photo via AP) US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, right, sits by Bolivia president Evo Morales during a conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of "Centesimus Annus," a high-level teaching document by Pope John Paul II on the economy and social justice at the end of the Cold War, at the Vatican, Friday, April 15, 2016. (Andreas Solaro/Pool Photo via AP) US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, right, speaks with Bolivia president Evo Morales during a conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of "Centesimus Annus," a high-level teaching document by Pope John Paul II on the economy and social justice at the end of the Cold War, at the Vatican, Friday, April 15, 2016. (Andreas Solaro/Pool Photo via AP) US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders meets reporters outside the Perugino gate at the Vatican, Friday, April 15, 2016. Sanders spoke at a conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of "Centesimus Annus," a high-level teaching document by Pope John Paul II on the economy and social justice at the end of the Cold War. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) Backdropped by St. Peter's Basilica dome, US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders meets reporters outside the Perugino gate at the Vatican, Friday, April 15, 2016. Sanders spoke at a conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of "Centesimus Annus," a high-level teaching document by Pope John Paul II on the economy and social justice at the end of the Cold War. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders meets a group of supporters outside the Perugino gate at the Vatican, Friday, April 15, 2016. Sanders spoke at a conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of "Centesimus Annus," a high-level teaching document by Pope John Paul II on the economy and social justice at the end of the Cold War. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) Backdropped by St. Peter's Basilica dome, US presidential candidate Bernie Sanders meets reporters outside the Perugino gate at the Vatican, Friday, April 15, 2016. Sanders spoke at a conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of "Centesimus Annus," a high-level teaching document by Pope John Paul II on the economy and social justice at the end of the Cold War. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) Bolivia's president Evo Morales attends a conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of "Centesimus Annus," a high-level teaching document by Pope John Paul II on the economy and social justice at the end of the Cold War, at the Vatican, Friday, April 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) U.S. Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Bernie Sanders' motorcade enters the Vatican, Friday, April 15, 2016. The Vatican conference drawing Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders away from the campaign for New York delegates is steeped in his lifelong passions of economic and social justice and reflects his admiration for Pope Francis. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) US Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. right, speaks with Bolivia president Evo Morales during a conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of "Centesimus Annus," a high-level teaching document by Pope John Paul II on the economy and social justice at the end of the Cold War, at the Vatican, Friday, April 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) US Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. speaks at a conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of "Centesimus Annus," a high-level teaching document by Pope John Paul II on the economy and social justice at the end of the Cold War, at the Vatican, Friday, April 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Russia, Japan agree to leaders' meetings this year TOKYO (AP) Top diplomats from Japan and Russia agreed Friday on scheduling their leaders' meetings this year, starting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's visit to Russia, to deepen relations overshadowed by a World War II territorial dispute and the conflict in Ukraine. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's trip came days after Japan hosted foreign ministers from the Group of Seven industrialized nations. Russia is barred from G-7 because of its annexation of Crimea in 2014. That has also shelved Russian President Vladimir Putin's Japan visit for nearly two years. Still, Abe has been pushing to make progress in the dispute over Russian-held islands, called the Northern Territories in Japan and the southern Kurils in Russia, which has kept the two countries from signing a peace treaty formally ending their World War II hostilities. Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, left, and his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida, right, shake hands at the foreign ministry's Iikura guest house in Tokyo, Japan, Friday, April 15, 2016. (Toru Hanai/Pool Photo via AP) The two ministers said Abe will unofficially visit Russia "soon," but declined to give details. They also agreed to hold high-level talks on a possibility of starting negotiations toward signing a peace treaty. Lavrov said that Russia was open to continue dialogue with Japan on the territorial issues, but that Moscow's position remained unchanged. "The Russian position is that (the ownership) is based on the results of World War II," he said. Media reports say Abe would travel to Sochi in southern Russia on May 6 to meet with Putin, ahead of Putin's return visit Japan is in a delicate position. As part of the G-7, it supports the group's diplomatic isolation of Russia. At the same time, Tokyo wants good relations with Moscow to maintain dialogue and negotiate the territorial dispute. The two sides have stepped up economic and diplomatic cooperation despite Russia's support for rebels in eastern Ukraine. ___ Follow Mari Yamaguchi on https://www.twitter.com/mariyamaguchi Also at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/mari-yamaguchi Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, left, and his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida shake hands for their meeting at the foreign ministry's Iikura guest house in Tokyo, Japan, Friday, April 15, 2016. (Toru Hanai/Pool Photo via AP) Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, third from left, and his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida, third from right, hold a talk at the foreign ministry's Iikura guest house in Tokyo, Japan, Friday, April 15, 2016. (Toru Hanai/Pool Photo via AP) Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, left, and his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida arrive for their meeting at the foreign ministry's Iikura guest house in Tokyo, Japan, Friday, April 15, 2016. (Toru Hanai/Pool Photo via AP) Hong Kong's Tiananmen Museum faces closure threat HONG KONG (AP) The world's only museum chronicling the Chinese government's brutal 1989 crackdown on student protesters in Beijing's Tiananmen Square say it faces closure because of a legal dispute, its Hong Kong operators said Friday. The pro-democracy group behind the tiny Hong Kong museum said it has decided to look for another space rather than fight a costly lawsuit launched by other owners of the building where the museum is located. The June 4th Museum, which opened two years ago, is dedicated to preserving the memory of one of the darkest chapters of modern Chinese history through photos, videos, artifacts and written histories. Its exhibits include a replica of the Goddess of Democracy statue famously erected by protesters in Tiananmen Square. A man looks at the exhibits in the June 4th Museum in Hong Kong, Friday, April 15, 2016. The world's only museum chronicling the Chinese government's brutal 1989 crackdown on student protesters in Beijing's Tiananmen Square say it faces closure because of a legal dispute, its Hong Kong operators said Friday. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung) Located in a small office building in the specially administered Chinese region's Kowloon peninsula not far from a major tourist district, the 75 square meter (800 square foot) museum is aimed at challenging the Communist Party's official verdict that the mostly student-led protests were a "counterrevolutionary riot." Unlike in mainland China, where the crackdown remains a taboo, memory of the Tiananmen protests remains strong in Hong Kong, which retains civil liberties 17 years after Britain ceded control of the city to China. The lawsuit claims the group is breaking building rules by not using the space as an office, said Lee Cheuk-yan, a lawmaker and secretary of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China. "They have a very expensive lawyer team to challenge us so it takes up a lot of our time and resources in facing this lawsuit," Lee said, calling it a form of politically motivated harassment. He said his group has decided to find a new and bigger space and will hold a crowdfunding campaign to raise 3 million Hong Kong dollars ($387,000). A staff member delivers books at the June 4th Museum in Hong Kong, Friday, April 15, 2016. The operators of the worlds only museum chronicling the Chinese governments brutal 1989 crackdown on student protesters in Beijings Tiananmen Square say it faces closure because of a legal dispute. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung) Lee Cheuk-yan, Secretary of Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China, speaks to a reporter at the June 4th Museum in Hong Kong, Friday, April 15, 2016. The operators of the worlds only museum chronicling the Chinese governments brutal 1989 crackdown on student protesters in Beijings Tiananmen Square say it faces closure because of a legal dispute. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung) A man checks on the books in the June 4th Museum in Hong Kong, Friday, April 15, 2016. The operators of the worlds only museum chronicling the Chinese governments brutal 1989 crackdown on student protesters in Beijings Tiananmen Square say it faces closure because of a legal dispute. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung) Visitors look at the exhibits in the June 4th Museum in Hong Kong, Friday, April 15, 2016. The operators of the worlds only museum chronicling the Chinese governments brutal 1989 crackdown on student protesters in Beijings Tiananmen Square say it faces closure because of a legal dispute. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung) A reporter walks past the statue replica of the Goddess of Democracy in the June 4th Museum in Hong Kong, Friday, April 15, 2016. The operators of the worlds only museum chronicling the Chinese governments brutal 1989 crackdown on student protesters in Beijings Tiananmen Square say it faces closure because of a legal dispute. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung) Spain: Princess Cristina's tax fraud accuser is arrested MADRID (AP) Spanish police on Friday arrested the leader of an anti-corruption group that brought criminal tax fraud charges against Princess Cristina amid allegations the group had asked for a big payoff to drop the case. Miguel Bernad, leader of the Manos Limpias (Clean Hands) group, was taken into custody by financial crimes officers at his Madrid home, according to a Spanish police official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of police policy. A separate police statement said 11 people were arrested in an investigation focusing on whether Manos Limpios had filed charges in some cases only to withdraw them later in return for money. The statement didn't mention Cristina's case and police and court officials declined to discuss whether it was part of the investigation. FILE - In this Monday, Jan. 11, 2016, file photo, Spain's Princess Cristina arrives at a makeshift courtroom for a corruption trial, in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. A Spanish police official says the leader of the anti-corruption group that brought criminal tax fraud charges against Princess Cristina has been arrested by financial crimes officers. The official says Manos Limpias (Clean Hands) chief Miguel Bernad was detained at his Madrid home on Friday April 15, 2016. The group has pursued criminal tax fraud charges punishable by up to eight years in prison against Cristina, the sister of King Felipe VI, after prosecutors declined to do so, saying Cristina should face an administrative fine at most. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti, File) But one of Cristina's lawyers, Pau Molins, told the Antena 3 television station that Manos Limpios had asked for a "very significant amount of money" to withdraw the charges that the princess faces. He declined to provide further details. The Manos Limpias lawyer questioning witnesses in Cristina's case, Virginia Negrete, told reporters in Palma de Mallorca where the trial is underway that she had no information about Bernad's arrest and was unaware of any alleged possible payoff for the withdrawal of charges against Cristina. "I've never asked for money in my professional career in this case or in any other," she said. "I have a clean conscience and very clean hands." The trial is taking place because Manos Limpios pursued tax fraud charges punishable by up to eight years in prison against Cristina, the sister of King Felipe VI. Prosecutors had declined to do so, saying Cristina should face an administrative fine at most. Due to a quirk in Spanish law, private groups like Manos Limpios can initiate criminal cases when authorities decide not to but a judge must agree the case can go forward. One did in 2014. The landmark fraud trial started in January, with Cristina appearing in court and answering questions as the first member of Spain's royal family facing charges since the monarchy was restored in 1975. Cristina is accused of failing to declare as income personal expenses paid by a real estate company she owned with her husband Inaki Urdangarin, an Olympic handball medalist-turned-businessman. Urdangarin, in the same trial, faces charges of embezzling up to 6.2 million euros ($6.8 million) from contracts for sports conferences and events that were allegedly inflated or never performed. The princess' husband, formerly the Duke of Palma, is accused of using his title to land the deals for the nonprofit Noos Institute he ran with business partner Diego Torres. Lawyers for Cristina, Urdangarin and Torres say they are innocent. Immediately after taking the stand in March, Cristina invoked her right to answer only questions posed by her own lawyer. She testified that her husband handled all bill payments for the couple and she didn't know why some costs for their lavish lifestyle including an African safari and more than 1,000 euros ($1,100) for wine were charged to a credit card for a company they co-owned. The princess' lawyer aimed to distance her from involvement with Aizoon, the real estate consulting company Urdangarin ran from an office inside the Barcelona mansion they lived in for years with their four children but were forced to sell as their legal troubles mounted. Money went from Noos to Aizoon, which Urdangarin and the princess testified was set up to receive his income. A three-judge panel hearing the case will weigh whether the couple abused Aizoon, described in court papers as a "front company" that may have funded luxury vacations and parties at the couple's modernist mansion. Urdangarin testified he made Cristina a co-director of Aizoon because he wanted her to be part of the business project but also insisted "she didn't have anything to do with the company's activities." The questioning of witnesses is expected to continue through June. During Friday's testimony, Francisco Camps, the former leader of Spain's Valencia region, was questioned in court about sporting events set up by Urdangarin. Cristina and her husband were not in court Friday and have not been during witness questioning because their presence is not yet required. ___ This story has been corrected to show 11 people were arrested, not 10. ___ Syria government team joins peace talks amid Aleppo clashes GENEVA (AP) The U.N.'s special envoy to Syria met with a government delegation as part of peace talks in Geneva on Friday as humanitarian workers warned that fighting in Syria's north was triggering a new wave of civilian displacement. Syria's U.N. ambassador Bashar Ja'afari said he had "constructive and fruitful" discussions with Special Envoy Staffan de Mistura and said his delegation proposed "amendments" to the de Mistura's blueprint for negotiations. Ja'afari's brief comments to reporters suggested the government is still focusing on the basic principles toward a political solution in Syria, and not yet willing to consider what de Mistura calls the "mother of all issues" political transition away from President Bashar Assad's rule. A Russian soldier is seen as smoke rises from a controlled land mine detonation by Russian experts in the ancient town of Palmyra in the central Homs province, Syria, Thursday, April 14, 2016. Russian combat engineers arrived in Syria on a mission to clear mines in Palmyra, which has been recaptured from Islamic State militants in an offensive that has proven Russia's military might in Syria despite a drawdown of its warplanes. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) De Mistura met with delegates from the High Negotiations Committee, an umbrella opposition coalition backed by the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and other Western powers, later in the day. The committee said it was distrustful of the government's intentions. HNC representative Asaad al-Zoubi blasted the government for "sending a strong message that it doesn't want a political solution but it's seeking a military solution that will bring destruction to the whole country." The discussions came as fighting escalated between pro-government forces, rebels, and the Islamic State group throughout Syria, and especially in its north. Around 30,000 displaced persons have fled from their shelters near the Turkish border as battles intensified between opposition fighters and the Islamic State group, according to the New York-based Human Rights Watch. Medicins Sans Frontieres, also known as MSF or Doctors Without Borders, said it was "extremely worried" about their security and access to health care. The international medical relief organization said it knew of just five operating hospitals in the Azaz district, where much of the violence is concentrated. Muskilda Zancada, head of the MSF mission in Syria, said the situation on the ground "remains very unpredictable." Opposition groups in the north are also under renewed pressure from pro-government forces, which have launched a new offensive to besiege the rebel-held part of Aleppo, Syria's largest city. Commanders of the rebel Free Syrian Army said government forces are preparing an offensive on Aleppo, and opposition fighters are waiting to see if world powers can keep a tenuous cease-fire afloat before deciding whether to continue supporting peace talks in Geneva. In comments on the sidelines of the talks, Abu Ossama Al-Jolani accused Assad's government of trying to "destroy" a truce brokered by Russia and the U.S. He said FSA fighters who now support the talks are waiting for "those who decided that this truce should start" to determine whether it's holding. Earlier in the day, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 14 pro-government fighters and 20 militants, including members of Syria's al-Qaida affiliate known as the Nusra Front, were killed north of Aleppo in the previous 24 hours. The al-Qaida branch and its more powerful rival, the Islamic State group, are not part of a cease-fire that went into effect at the end of February. The truce has held in most of Syria, except in the north, where it has practically collapsed. The Nusra Front is deeply rooted in the areas in northern Syria controlled by opposition forces, complicating the oversight of the truce. IS militants have clashed with both rival insurgents and pro-government forces in Aleppo, making a wide advance on opposition-held territory along the Turkish border, the Observatory said Thursday. The New York-based Human Rights Watch said Turkish border guards fired on hundreds of Syrian civilians fleeing the IS onslaught on Thursday and heading for a wall at the border. The rights group urged Ankara to allow thousands of Syrians fleeing to cross into Turkey to seek protection. "As civilians flee ISIS fighters, Turkey is responding with live ammunition instead of compassion," said Gerry Simpson, senior refugee researcher at Human Rights Watch, using an alternate acronym for the Islamic State group. "The whole world is talking about fighting ISIS, and yet those most at risk of becoming victims of its horrific abuses are trapped on the wrong side of a concrete wall," he added. Turkish officials say they were aware of the report but had no immediate response. There was no information whether any of the civilians were hurt in the shooting. The Syrian opposition High Negotiations Committee, which is negotiating in Geneva, has accused the Syrian government of over 2,000 breaches of the cease-fire. De Mistura has said he hopes for a substantive round of "proximity talks" on a transitional government to end the war. The two warring Syrian sides do not actually talk to one another in Geneva but each meets separately with the U.N. envoy. The most obvious public difference between the two sides revolves around the fate of Assad. Opposition representatives have insisted that Assad be removed from power as part of any peace deal, while government officials have declared Assad to be a red line. This round of talks began Wednesday in Geneva but the government said it was delayed because of parliamentary elections that were held this week in government-controlled areas of Syria. The opposition has dismissed the balloting as a sham and said it could further undermine the peace talks. ___ Tiger countries agree to preserve big-cat habitats NEW DELHI (AP) Countries with wild tiger populations have agreed to do more to protect tiger habitats that are shrinking drastically because of deforestation and urban sprawl, conservationists said Friday. Representatives from the 13 Asian countries with tigers, meeting this week in New Delhi, issued a resolution acknowledging that the forests in which tigers live are inherently valuable themselves and worthy of protection. These forests can help preserve economic growth by safeguarding water supplies, improving air quality and providing homes for not only tigers but also birds, frogs and other mammals. FILE - In this Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012, file photo, Khushi, a white tigress, plays with her newborn cub at the state zoological park in Gauhati, India. Countries with wild tiger populations have agreed to do more to protect tiger habitats that are shrinking drastically because of deforestation and urban sprawl, conservationists said Friday, April 15, 2016. Representatives from the 13 Asian countries with tigers, meeting this week in New Delhi, issued a resolution acknowledging that the forests in which tigers live are inherently valuable themselves and worthy of protection. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath, File) "Before, there's always been this conflict of development versus conservation, as if countries had to choose," said Sejal Worah, the program director for World Wildlife Fund in India. "But in this resolution, it clearly states that natural capital is important to the economy of a country," she said. "Countries understand that preserving tiger habitats does not compromise growth. And that's important. That's new." The world's tiger countries are all in Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Nepal, Malaysia, Myanmar, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam. India has the most by far, with about 2,500. None of the others have more than 500 and some have just a few. Many of the countries have growing human populations and fast-developing economies. By 2022, they want to double the world's wild tiger population from the all-time low of 3,200 hit in 2010. On Monday, conservation groups announced that the world's tiger count had gone up to 3,890, according to 2014-15 survey data. That marked the first increase in the wild population census in more than a century. But that did not necessarily mean there were more tigers in the wild. The higher number may just mean scientists are getting better at counting them, with more sophisticated survey methods including camera traps and DNA analysis of scat. An actual increase in wild tiger populations would also be hard to reconcile with the fact that their habitat is shrinking so fast. In just the last five years, tigers lost a full 40 percent of their remaining natural habitat, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. "The tiger is still teetering on the brink of extinction, and a too-hasty celebration of an increase in tiger numbers will only disservice efforts for the species' conservation," said John Goodrich, tiger program director at the New York-based big cat conservation group Panthera. He and other tiger biologists said it was unrealistic to think the world could double its wild tiger population by 2022, unless tiger landscapes were vastly increased. Today, tigers roam across just 7 percent of their historical range. "Rather than engaging in these tiger number games that distract them from reality, conservationists must now focus on enhancing and expanding recovery and monitoring of source populations, while protecting their remaining habitat and their linkages,"Goodrich and the other biologists wrote. Cambodia this year declared its tiger population "functionally extinct," meaning it had no breeding tigers left in the wild. While in New Delhi this week, Cambodia's agriculture minister reportedly looked into repopulating the Southeast Asian country with Indian tigers. India is ready to help, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said. "India is willing to cooperate with any country which does not have or has lost its tiger population in the course of history," he said Thursday. India, home to about two-thirds of the world's wild tigers, also agreed to strengthen controls against cross-border wildlife crimes, including trafficking in animals and animal parts such as tiger skins and bones and rhino horns. ___ Follow Katy Daigle at www.twitter.com/katydaigle Woman fights Russian law on organ removal without consent When Elena Sablina's daughter Alina was killed in a car crash in Moscow two years ago, she was devastated. One month later, Sablina accidentally discovered from a forensic report that six of her 19-year-old daughter's organs, including her heart and kidneys, had been removed for transplant. "I was shocked that organs were taken from my child without my permission," Sablina told The Associated Press. In this handout photo taken and released by Elena Sablina, mother of Alina Sablina in 2013 year, shows her daughter somewhere in Moscow, Russia. When Elena Sablinas daughter Alina was killed in a car crash in Moscow two years ago, she was devastated. One month later, Sablina accidentally discovered from a forensic report that six of her 19-year-old daughters organs, including her heart and kidneys, had been removed for transplant. (Elena Sablina, family handout photo via AP) Yet all of that was legal. Russian law explicitly allows doctors to take organs from deceased patients without informing their families. Sablina sued for damages in five Russian courts and has lost every challenge. In frustration, she recently filed a case with the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, contending that the removal of her daughter's organs violated several articles of Europe's Human Rights Convention. Sablina also hopes her daughter's case will prompt a change in Russian law. "(Doctors) just came with a briefcase and took what they wanted," said Sablina, who said she would not have agreed to the donation even if asked. "Who gave them the right?" More than a dozen countries in Europe, including Russia, have a "presumed consent" donation system, where, in an attempt to boost the number of available organs, the government assumes people will be donors unless they specifically opt out. Others, like England, require people or their relatives to provide permission before anything can be taken. In some countries with presumed consent, including Spain and Belgium, doctors still consult family members before removing organs. But in Russia, doctors don't always seek the family's permission beforehand. A recently proposed amendment, however, would require Russian doctors to inform a patient's relatives within 12 hours of their loved one's death of any intention to remove organs or tissue, giving the family time to object. But the amendment does not make it mandatory for doctors to obtain the family's consent before taking organs. The proposal is still awaiting approval and there is no timeline on when Russian lawmakers might debate it. Still, that would only be a partial solution, critics say, since Russia still lacks an organ donation infrastructure, including a viable way for people to opt out. After her daughter's accident in Moscow, Sablina and her husband flew from their home in the Ural Mountains city of Yekaterinburg to be with her at the hospital. The doctors told them to prepare for the worst. After five days, Sablina said the doctors said they were too busy to talk, that she and her husband could not see Alina that day and asked them to leave. The following morning, Sablina got a telephone call from a funeral home informing her that her daughter had died. She inadvertently discovered the organ removal as she reviewed a criminal case file against the driver implicated in the fatal collision. One doctor had removed her daughter's heart while another took her kidneys. Doctors also cut out part of her aorta, her adrenal gland and a piece of her right lung. Sablina sued the hospital and two other institutions involved. Her lawyer, Anton Burkov, said Russian law gives doctors a disturbing amount of discretion. "Every single act of organ removal is conducted without any permission from the relatives," he said. "Doctors can freely ignore the families since it is completely legal to harvest organs in secrecy." Burkov said they have requested priority status with the European Court but that a judgment could still take two to four years. A similar case filed by a Latvian mother resulted in a ruling against the country and a modified law. The Russian ministry of health did not respond to repeated requests for comment on the case. Alexei Starchenko, chairman of Russia's National Patient Safety Agency, said every hospital that performs organ transplants has its own waiting list, describing the system as "corrupt" since there is little transparency to explain how organs get distributed, unlike the clear criteria used by most other Western countries. Russian lawmakers say the taking of organs without permission is partly out of consideration for grieving families. In a 2003 ruling upholding the law, the Constitutional Court said it is "inhumane to put the question of harvesting organs or tissues to a person's relatives at practically the same time as they are notified of his death." Some experts backed Russia's approach, saying it ultimately serves a greater good. "My sympathies lie more with the governments that are trying to save lives through transplantation of healthy organs that are absolutely of no use to the deceased or their families," said Robert Wintemute, a professor of human rights law at King's College London. "If we stop and ask whose organs these are, they don't really in any sense belong to the family." Others said stronger safeguards were needed in Russia. "To behave as the doctors in Russia behaved, is totally unacceptable," said Dr. Roberto Cacciola, a transplant surgeon at The Royal London Hospital in Britain. In England, he said, multiple doctors and nurses must ensure consent has been obtained from the family before removing any organs. For Sablina, the lawsuit in the European Court is an attempt to honor her daughter's memory. "If I don't start to fight against such an inhumane, cruel law, if I just stop and forget about it, I will betray my girl," Sablina said. "This law should be changed. The law should be humane." The Latest: Renzi: There is no migrant 'invasion' of Italy ISTANBUL (AP) The Latest on developments in Europe's migration crisis (all times local): 7:20 p.m. Premier Matteo Renzi is trying to reassure his fellow Italians there is no migrant "invasion" of Italy. A migrant boy blows bubbles near his tent the northern Greek border point of Idomeni, Greece, Friday, April 15, 2016. More than 12,000 people have been stuck here for more than a month amid hopes that the border would reopen.(AP Photo/Amel Emric) Renzi said Friday the number of migrants brought to Italian shores after rescue at sea so far this year is "barely" higher than in the same period in 2014, the peak year for such arrivals in Italy. He put the tally this year through mid-April at roughly 24,000. Austria has said it would close the main Brenner border crossing from Italy if the influx of migrants becomes "extreme." Many expect an EU-Turkey deal tightening a Balkans route will send migrants and refugees via sea to Italy and then northward. Renzi calls the Brenner crossing an important symbol, vital to Italian businesses transporting goods northward, and is urging Austria to respect EU border rules. ___ 3:15 p.m. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) says Italy appears on track to take in at least 100,000 migrants from North Africa across the Mediterranean for the third straight year in 2016. IOM spokesman Joel Millman says more than 6,000 people crossed the Mediterranean in the last week, with nearly all crossing to Italy - and only 300 crossing from Turkey to Greece, a route that has taken over 1 million people since the start of 2015. Millman said Friday it was too early to assess whether a European Union-Turkey deal on the return of refugees from Greece to Turkey was causing a shift in the patterns of movement of Syrians fleeing to Europe. He noted that more than 40,000 people made the journey from Syria through Egypt, Libya and then to Italy in 2014. He said more than 24,000 people had crossed into Italy so far this year, and the "high season" of migration in the spring and summer was just beginning now. ___ 11:25 a.m. Human Rights Watch has urged Turkey to allow thousands of Syrians fleeing fighting between rebels and the Islamic State group to cross the Turkish border to seek protection. In a statement released late Thursday, the advocacy group quoted a Syrian refugee who said Turkish border guards shot at hundreds of people fleeing IS as they approached a border wall. "As civilians flee ISIS fighters, Turkey is responding with live ammunition instead of compassion," said Gerry Simpson, senior refugee researcher at Human Rights Watch. "The whole world is talking about fighting ISIS, and yet those most at risk of becoming victims of its horrific abuses are trapped on the wrong side of a concrete wall." Turkish officials say they were aware of the report but had no immediate response. Migrant children play at the northern Greek border point of Idomeni, Greece, Friday, April 15, 2016. More than 12,000 people have been stuck near Idomeni for more than a month amid hopes that the border would reopen.(AP Photo/Amel Emric) Migrant children play at the northern Greek border point of Idomeni, Greece, Friday, April 15, 2016. More than 12,000 people have been stuck near Idomeni for more than a month amid hopes that the border would reopen.(AP Photo/Amel Emric) A migrant girl poses for a photo inside a tent at the makeshift camp at the northern Greek border point of Idomeni, Greece, Friday, April 15, 2016. More than 11,000 people have been stuck at the camp for more than a month amid hopes that the border would reopen. (AP Photo/Amel Emric) A man carries a child inside Moria camp on Lesbos island, Greece, where 2,300 migrants and refugees are being detained for deportation back to Turkey on Friday, April 15, 2016. Pope Francis will visit the Moria camp Saturday, a mission human rights groups hope will highlight the plight of refugees who fled their war-ravaged homes only to be denied entry to Europe. Pope Francis will be joined by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the head of the Orthodox Church of Greece, Athens Archbishop Ieronymos II.(AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) A migrant man feeds his baby inside a tent at the makeshift camp at the northern Greek border point of Idomeni, Greece, Friday, April 15, 2016. More than 11,000 people have been stuck at the camp for more than a month amid hopes that the border would reopen. (AP Photo/Amel Emric) A woman looks out of Moria camp on Lesbos island, Greece, where 2,300 migrants and refugees are being detained for deportation back to Turkey on Friday, April 15, 2016. Pope Francis will visit Moria camp Saturday, a mission human rights groups hope will highlight the plight of refugees who fled their war-ravaged homes only to be denied entry to Europe. Pope Francis will be joined by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the head of the Orthodox Church of Greece, Athens Archbishop Ieronymos II.(AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) A woman holds her child as they wait in a line to receive food at the northern Greek border point of Idomeni, Greece, Friday, April 15, 2016. More than 11,000 people have been stuck at the makeshift camp for more than a month amid hopes that the border would reopen. (AP Photo/Amel Emric) Migrant women walk with their children after receiving food at the northern Greek border point of Idomeni, Greece, Friday, April 15, 2016. More than 11,000 people have been stuck at the makeshift camp for more than a month amid hopes that the border would reopen. (AP Photo/Amel Emric) A woman and her son walk among tents at the northern Greek border point of Idomeni, Greece, Friday, April 15, 2016. More than 11,000 people have been stuck at the makeshift camp for more than a month amid hopes that the border would reopen. (AP Photo/Amel Emric) Children play between washing lines at the new refugee camp in the western Athens' suburb of Skaramagas, Friday, April 15, 2016. Over 1,000 people stay at container houses as more than 53,000 people who made their way to Greece from Turkey have been stranded in the country since Balkan and European nations shut their land borders to stem the largest refugee flow the continent has seen since World War II. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis) Migrant men sits in front of tent at the northern Greek border point of Idomeni, Greece, Friday, April 15, 2016. More than 11,000 people have been stuck at the makeshift camp for more than a month with hopes that the border would reopen. (AP Photo/Amel Emric) A woman holds her baby as she walks to receive breakfast at the northern Greek border point of Idomeni, Greece, Friday, April 15, 2016. More than 11,000 people have been stuck at the makeshift camp for more than a month amid hopes that the border would reopen. (AP Photo/Amel Emric) The Latest: Sanders expands on campaign message at Vatican WASHINGTON (AP) The Latest on Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders' trip to Rome to speak the Vatican conference on social and economic justice (all times Eastern Daylight Time): 12:10 p.m. Bernie Sanders is being peppered with questions from academics and ecclesiastics at the Vatican, giving the Democratic presidential hopeful a chance to expand on core campaign messages about the need to reform banking regulations, campaign finance rules and higher education. US Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. right, speaks with Bolivia president Evo Morales during a conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of "Centesimus Annus," a high-level teaching document by Pope John Paul II on the economy and social justice at the end of the Cold War, at the Vatican, Friday, April 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) After his initial speech Friday, Sanders was treated as something of the eminence grise of the United States, answering the questions of conference participants from around the globe. Host Bishop Marcello Sanchez Sorondo kicked off the questioning, drawing out Sanders on his praise of Pope Francis and their shared condemnation of income inequality. Sanders said: "We don't choose to politicize the pope ... But his spirit and courage and the fact, if I may say so here, that his words have gone way, way, way beyond the Catholic Church." The Jewish candidate called the situation of public education in America "beyond disgraceful" and denounced campaign finance regulations that allow the wealthy to buy their way into office. He said: "Is that really democracy? My view it is not. It's a move toward oligarchy." ___ 11:20 a.m. Democratic Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders delivered his speech on social and economic inequality sitting next to the other main guest of honor at the Vatican: Bolivian President Evo Morales, whose is renowned for his anti-imperialist, socialist rhetoric. Sanders arrived about 20 minutes late for his speech Friday and launched right into it as soon as he took his seat on the dias next to Morales, an Aymara Indian who came to power championing Bolivia's 36 indigenous groups. Earlier in the day, Morales met with Pope Francis and gave him an eyebrow raising gift: three books on the health benefits of coca leaf, the raw material of cocaine that is chewed throughout the Andes as a mild stimulant and an antidote to altitude sickness. Sanders' received a warm round of applause after his speech on the "Urgency of a Moral Economy." In addition to Morales, participants at the conference included academics, priests, bishops, as well as Francis' closest adviser, Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga and the Ecuadoran president, Rafael Correa. ___ 11:00 a.m. Following his address to a gathering of priests, bishops, academics and two South American presidents, Sanders walked through Vatican City's Perugino gate and greeted about two dozen supporters, some of whom carried signs bearing Sanders' name. The Vermont senator told reporters Friday that he was honored to address the conference and admired Francis' message on the economy and the environment, noting that the pope's vision "has turned many people around about the urgency of the moment in terms of dealing with climate change." "I know that it's taking me away from the campaign trail for a day but when I received this information it was so moving to me that it was something that I could just simply not refuse to attend," Sanders said. ___ 10:05 a.m. Pope Francis has apologized that he couldn't personally greet participants of a Vatican conference where Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders spoke. Bishop Marcello Sanchez Sorondo read aloud the hand-written note of apology from the pope right before Sanders took the floor Friday. In it, Francis said he had hoped to swing by the conference, located in a villa deep in the Vatican gardens, later Friday evening. But he said couldn't pull it off because he was busy preparing for his upcoming trip to Greece on Saturday. Francis asked Sanchez to "greet the speakers and participants, requesting their understanding of this situation. I will keep them all in my prayers and good wishes, and send them my heartfelt thanks for their participation." In the run-up to his brief Vatican visit, Sanders had said he would welcome a meeting with Francis. The Vatican, however, said Thursday that no such meeting was planned. ___ 10:50 a.m. Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders is telling a Vatican conference that young people today are no longer satisfied with an economy "of stark inequality and injustice" and want instead an economy that looks out for the common good. Speaking Friday at the Vatican, Sanders said today's youth in the United States and elsewhere are looking for a "return to fairness" and an economy that ensures everyone has access to health care, nutrition and education. He said: "Our youth are no longer satisfied with corrupt and broken politics and an economy of stark inequality and injustice." Sanders was speaking at a Vatican conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of St. John Paul II's 1991 encyclical "Centesimus Annus" on the economy and social justice at the end of the Cold War. ___ 10:35 a.m. Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders is issuing a global call to address "immoral and unsustainable" wealth inequality and poverty in a Vatican address that embraces the teachings of Pope Francis. Sanders cited Francis and St. John Paul II repeatedly during his speech Friday to the Vatican conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of a landmark teaching document from John Paul on social and economic justice after the Cold War. Sanders told the audience of priests, bishops, academics and two South American presidents that instead of a world economy that looks out for the common good, "we have been left with an economy operated for the top 1 percent, who get richer and richer as the working class, the young and the poor fall further and further behind." Echoing some of his main campaign messages, Sanders said "billionaires and banks have reaped the returns of their campaign investments, in the form of special tax privileges, imbalanced trade agreements that favor investors over workers, and that even give multinational companies extra-judicial power over governments that are trying to regulate them." ___ 10:05 a.m. One of Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders' foreign policy advisers is telling a Vatican conference that U.S. corporate greed and corruption have contributed to repeated financial, social and environmental crises. Jeffrey Sachs, economist and head of the U.N.'s sustainable development network, told the Vatican conference that it's time to "end the impunity of the rich and powerful." Sanders is expected to address the conference later Friday. The conference is commemorating the 25th anniversary of St. John Paul II's 1991 encyclical "Centesimus Annus" on the economy and social justice at the end of the Cold War. Sachs, who was Poland's lead economic adviser at the time and worked on the document, said it had aimed to support the market economic system being in adopted in Eastern Europe but "with the clear admonition to embed the market system in a moral system based on the universal destination of goods." ___ 9:05 a.m. Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders has landed in Rome to attend a Vatican conference steeped in his lifelong passions of economic and social justice. The Vermont senator is making the trip even while he faces a crucial New York primary against rival Hillary Clinton next week. The self-described democratic socialist is an admirer of Pope Francis and will join several speakers commemorating the 25th anniversary of "Centesimus Annus," a high-level teaching document by Pope John Paul II on the economy and social justice at the end of the Cold War. The roughly 24-hour break from the campaign comes just five days before the New York primary. Sanders is joined by his wife, Jane Sanders, and 10 family members, including four grandchildren. ___ 8:50 a.m. Pope Francis has met with at least one participant of the Vatican conference on social and economic justice that Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders is attending: Bolivian President Evo Morales. Morales met for about a half-hour Friday morning with Francis before heading into the conference. Morales once again raised eyebrows with an unusual gift for the pontiff: three books about the health benefits of the coca leaf, the raw ingredient for cocaine. The Vatican has said Francis has no plans to meet with conference participants or with Sanders. He has a longstanding friendship with Morales, however, and visited him in Bolivia last summer. Morales sparked a minor diplomatic incident during the visit when he gave the pope a crucifix fashioned as a communist-style hammer and sickle. Francis said he wasn't offended. Coca leaf is widely chewed in the Andes to fight against altitude sickness and as a mild stimulant. ___ 3:00 a.m. The Vatican conference drawing Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders away from the campaign for New York delegates is steeped in his lifelong passions of economic and social justice and reflects his admiration for Pope Francis. Sanders departed New York for Rome after Thursday night's debate with front-running rival Hillary Clinton. The self-described democratic socialist will join several speakers commemorating a high-level teaching document by Pope John Paul II on the economy and social justice at the end of the Cold War. The Vermont senator is joined by his wife, Jane, and 10 family members, including four grandchildren. His spokesman said Sanders was still working on a draft of his speech on the plane. The roughly 24-hour break from the campaign comes just five days before the New York primary. Bolivia's President Evo Morales, left, presents Pope Francis with a handcrafted bust of Bolivia's indigenous leader Tupac Katari on the occasion of their private meeting in the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican, Friday, April 15, 2016. (L'Osservatore Romano/Pool photo via AP) US Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. speaks at a conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of ' Centesimus Annus,' a high-level teaching document by Pope John Paul II on the economy and social justice at the end of the Cold War, at the Vatican, Friday, April 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) US Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. speaks at a conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of "Centesimus Annus," a high-level teaching document by Pope John Paul II on the economy and social justice at the end of the Cold War, at the Vatican, Friday, April 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) US Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. speaks at a conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of "Centesimus Annus," a high-level teaching document by Pope John Paul II on the economy and social justice at the end of the Cold War, at the Vatican, Friday, April 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) U.S. Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Bernie Sanders' motorcade enters the Vatican, Friday, April 15, 2016. The Vatican conference drawing Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders away from the campaign for New York delegates is steeped in his lifelong passions of economic and social justice and reflects his admiration for Pope Francis. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) US Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt. bottom right, speaks at a conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of "Centesimus Annus," a high-level teaching document by Pope John Paul II on the economy and social justice at the end of the Cold War, at the Vatican, Friday, April 15, 2016. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, sitting in the back of the car, is welcomed by supporters upon his arrival at the Vatican to attend a conference, Friday, April 15, 2016. The Vatican conference drawing Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders away from the campaign for New York delegates is steeped in his lifelong passions of economic and social justice and reflects his admiration for Pope Francis. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) US military school considers exception for Muslim headscarf CHARLESTON, South Carolina (AP) A U.S. military school is considering a request from a new student that the school's longstanding uniform requirements be tweaked to allow her to wear a traditional Muslim headscarf. Citadel spokeswoman Kim Keelor said Friday that as far as she knows, it's the first time such a request has been made although the school has had a number of Muslim students in the past. "The college is reviewing the request at this time. We do not currently have anyone that has a special religious accommodation for uniforms," according to a statement released by the school. The student is an incoming freshman who's been accepted for the term that begins in August, Kellor said. She said she could not release the name of the student or where she is from because of privacy regulations. Kellor said a decision should be made in several weeks. The Citadel, South Carolina's state military college founded in 1842, has a policy that states the college will approve religious requests "unless accommodation will have an adverse impact on a competing institutional interest including, but not limited to, cohesion, morale, good order and discipline, cadet welfare, safety and/or health." The policy also says "accommodation of a cadet's religious practices must be examined considering these factors and cannot be guaranteed at all times." The college may approve requests for religious accommodation in five areas including worship, dietary practices, medial practices, wearing and appearance of uniforms and personal grooming," according to the policy. Citadel cadets are required to wear uniforms at nearly all times. Endangered seals start journey home after rehab ABOARD US COAST GUARD HC-130 HERCULES (AP) A United States Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules rumbled down an airstrip on Hawaii's Big Island Thursday carrying seven endangered Hawaiian monk seals. The young monk seals were found abandoned or malnourished late last year by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials in the uninhabited Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. They were rescued, then rehabilitated at the nonprofit Martine Mammal Center's monk seal hospital in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, where the Coast Guard picked them up Thursday for the first leg of their journey home. NOAA found six of the seal pups on the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, the northernmost islands and atolls in Hawaii. The seventh seal, a yearling, was rescued from Niihau, a privately owned island in the main Hawaiian Islands. In this Sept. 8, 2015 photo released by The Marine Mammal Center, Kilo, an endangered Hawaiian monk seal, rests after being rescued and admitted to the Marine Mammal Centers Big Island seal hospital in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Seven seals were found either abandoned or malnourished and were rescued by federal officials and then rehabilitated at the marine hospital in Hawaii. The Coast Guard picked them up and flew them back to Honolulu Thursday, April 14, 2016 for the first leg of their trip back to their native Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. (Julie Steelman /The Marine Mammal Center via AP) The Marine Mammal Center's monk seal hospital on Hawaii's Big Island then nursed the animals back to health. On Thursday, the seals were loaded into a U.S. Coast Guard airplane and flown from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, to Honolulu. Before they will be returned by boat to the islands they were rescued from. According to the California-based Marine Mammal Center, fewer than 1 in 5 monk seals survive their first year in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands because of threats including predation, entanglement and environmental changes. There are only about 1,200 monk seals in the world, NOAA officials said, and they all live in the main or northwest Hawaiian islands. The seals being transported Thursday were all females, said Michelle Barbieri, a NOAA veterinarian with the Monk Seal Research Program who was aboard the flight. "We focus our efforts on female seals because they're going to grow up and contribute to the population in the future," Barbieri said. While in rehabilitation, the seals were slowly nursed to a healthy weight to help increase their odds of survival. They were also taught to catch and eat fish naturally, with little human intervention, so that they could hunt for themselves when they return to the wild. David Scholfield, a NOAA response coordinator for the Pacific Islands, said rescuers normally transport only one or two seals at a time, making Thursday's effort "historic" and a major boost for the overall population in generations to come. The monk seal population is still declining at a rate of about 4 percent per year. Returning these animals to their home islands could have a big impact, he said. "These seven animals would have died," Scholfield said, "and so getting them back to health and having them potentially reproduce in the wild, and produce offspring, has a many magnitude effect" on the overall population. ___ Follow Caleb Jones on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CalebAP Find more of his work here: http://bigstory.ap.org/journalist/caleb-jones In this Feb. 1, 2016 photo released by The Marine Mammal Center, Moo, an endangered Hawaiian monk seal, participates in rehab after being rescued and admitted to the Marine Mammal Centers Big Island seal hospital in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Seven seals were found either abandoned or malnourished and were rescued by federal officials and then rehabilitated at the marine hospital in Hawaii. The Coast Guard picked them up and flew them back to Honolulu Thursday, April 14, 2016 for the first leg of their trip back to their native Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. (Julie Steelman /The Marine Mammal Center via AP) In this Oct. 1, 2015 photo, Puka, an endangered Hawaiian monk seal, rests after being rescued and admitted to the Marine Mammal Centers Big Island seal hospital in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Seven seals were found either abandoned or malnourished and were rescued by federal officials and then rehabilitated at the marine hospital. The Coast Guard picked them up and flew them back to Honolulu Thursday, April 14, 2016 for the first leg of their trip back to their native Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. (The Marine Mammal Center, Julie Steelman via AP) In this March 21, 2016. photo, Puka, an endangered Hawaiian monk seal, rests after being treated at the Marine Mammal Centers Big Island seal hospital in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii.Seven seals were found either abandoned or malnourished and were rescued by federal officials and then rehabilitated at the marine hospital. The Coast Guard picked them up and flew them back to Honolulu Thursday, April 14, 2016 for the first leg of their trip back to their native Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. (The Marine Mammal Center, Julie Steelman via AP) ADDS MONK SEAL TO THE SUBJECT - An endangered Hawaiian monk seal looks out from her container as she is transported from Hawaiis Big Island to Honolulu, Thursday, April 14, 2016, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Seven seal were found either abandoned or malnourished and were rescued by federal officials and then rehabilitated at a marine mammal hospital on the Big Island. The Coast Guard picked them up and flew them back to Honolulu Thursday for the first leg of their trip back to their native Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones) U.S. Coast Guard pilot Lt. Eric Casida, left, and co-pilot Lt. j.g. Kevin Knaup, right, fly a HC-130 Hercules from Honolulu to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, Thursday, April 14, 2016. The crew was transporting seven endangered Hawaiian monk seals back to Honolulu. The seals were found either abandoned or malnourished and were rescued by federal officials and then rehabilitated at a marine mammal hospital on the Big Island. The Coast Guard picked them up and flew them back to Honolulu Thursday for the first leg of their trip back to their native Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones) Coast Guard and NOAA officials unload an endangered Hawaiian monk seal after a flight from Kailua Kona, Hawaii to Honolulu, Thursday, April 14, 2016. Seven endangered Hawaiian monk seals that were found abandoned or malnourished have begun their trip back to their remote island homes after being rescued and rehabilitated. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration rescued the seal pups several months ago on the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, the northernmost islands and atolls in the Hawaiian Islands chain. The nonprofit Marine Mammal Center's monk seal hospital on Hawaii's Big Island then nursed them back to health. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones) Michelle Barbieri, right, a veterinarian with NOAAs Hawaiian Monk Seal Research Program, stands in the cockpit of a U.S. Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules aircraft as she and a team of officials fly from Honolulu to Hawaiis Big Island to pick up several endangered monk seals, Thursday, April 14, 2016. Seven seals were found either abandoned or malnourished and were rescued by federal officials and then rehabilitated at a marine mammal hospital on the Big Island. The Coast Guard picked them up and flew them back to Honolulu Thursday for the first leg of their trip back to their native Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones) A Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules is prepared for takeoff, Thursday April 14, 2016 in Honolulu. Seven endangered Hawaiian monk seals that were found abandoned or malnourished late last year began their trip back to their remote island homes Thursday after being rescued and rehabilitated. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration found most of the seal pups on the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, the northernmost islands and atolls in the Hawaiian Islands chain. The nonprofit Marine Mammal Centers monk seal hospital on Hawaiis Big Island then nursed the animals back to health. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones) An endangered Hawaiian monk seal looks out from her container as she is transported from Hawaiis Big Island to Honolulu, Thursday, April 14, 2016, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Seven seal were found either abandoned or malnourished and were rescued by federal officials and then rehabilitated at a marine mammal hospital on the Big Island. The Coast Guard picked them up and flew them back to Honolulu on Thursday for the first leg of their trip back to their native Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones) An endangered Hawaiian monk seal looks out from her container as she is transported from Hawaiis Big Island to Honolulu, Thursday, April 14, 2016, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. Seven seal were found either abandoned or malnourished and were rescued by federal officials and then rehabilitated at a marine mammal hospital on the Big Island. The Coast Guard picked them up and flew them back to Honolulu on Thursday for the first leg of their trip back to their native Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. (AP Photo/Caleb Jones) The Latest: Russia says no plans to capture Aleppo BEIRUT (AP) The Latest on the conflict in Syria as a new round of peace talks begins in Geneva (all times local): 8:30 p.m. Russia says its warplanes are helping the Syrian army fight the al-Qaida-affiliated Nusra Front around Aleppo, adding that there is no plan to capture the city. A Russian soldier is seen as smoke rises from a controlled land mine detonation by Russian experts in the ancient town of Palmyra in the central Homs province, Syria, Thursday, April 14, 2016. Russian combat engineers arrived in Syria on a mission to clear mines in Palmyra, which has been recaptured from Islamic State militants in an offensive that has proven Russia's military might in Syria despite a drawdown of its warplanes. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) The Russian Foreign Ministry said Friday that Syrian troops' attacks on the Nusra Front are necessary to prevent the militants from blocking civilian areas. It emphasized that "there is no plan for storming Aleppo." The U.S. and Russia-backed truce that began on Feb. 27 has helped reduce hostilities in some parts of Syria, but fighting has continued around Aleppo where the Nusra Front has strong positions. The Nusra Front and the Islamic State group have been excluded from the truce. The ministry said Moscow expects Washington to continue coordinating the cease-fire's enforcement and strongly warned the U.S. against supplying any weapons to the rebels. ___ 8 p.m. A Syrian government envoy says he had "constructive and fruitful" discussions with a U.N. mediator in the resumption of peace talks in Geneva. Syria's U.N. ambassador Bashar Ja'afari spoke briefly to reporters Friday after his delegation provided proposed "amendments" to a working paper laid out by U.N. envoy Staffan de Mistura as the talks took a break last month. De Mistura on Wednesday re-convened parties to the indirect peace talks between the government and the main opposition group, the High Negotiations Committee, aimed to try to bring an end to Syria's five-year war that has left over 250,000 dead and driven millions from their homes. Ja'afari said de Mistura's team would examine the government's proposed changes to a list of fundamental principles for the talks before meeting again Monday. ___ 7:30 p.m. Commanders of the rebel Free Syrian Army say government forces are preparing an offensive on the northern city of Aleppo, and opposition fighters are waiting to see if world powers can keep a tenuous cease-fire afloat before deciding whether to continue supporting peace talks. FSA commanders spoke to reporters Friday in Geneva against the backdrop of indirect peace talks at nearby U.N. offices between opposition representatives and a government delegation. Abu Ossama Al-Jolani accused President Bashar Assad's government of trying to "destroy" the truce brokered by Russia and the U.S. He said FSA fighters who now support the talks are waiting for "those who decided that this truce should start" to determine whether it's holding. Another commander, Iyad Shamsi, said government forces and their Iranian backers were preparing a "big offensive" on Aleppo. ___ 6:45 p.m. Syria's ambassador to the United Nations and a government delegation have arrived at the U.N's Geneva offices in their return to indirect peace talks with the opposition amid new fighting in Syria. Bashar Ja'afari and his entourage were meeting with U.N. special envoy Staffan de Mistura Friday for the first time since the so-called "proximity talks" in which the delegations meet separately with de Mistura suspended for a break last month. The opposition High Negotiations Committee met with de Mistura on Wednesday and was to see him again later Friday. While a cease-fire between government forces and rebel fighters has largely held, the talks have largely been overshadowed by renewed combat near Syria's largest city, Aleppo. The talks are seen by many as the best chance yet to end the five-year war. ___ 6:15 p.m. An international medical relief organization says it is "extremely worried" about the security of people fleeing fighting in northern Syria and about their access to health care. Medicins Sans Frontieres, also known as MSF or Doctors Without Borders, says it knows of just five operating hospitals in the Azaz district, where Syrians who have already been displaced by conflict are now fleeing renewed fighting between Syrian rebels and the Islamic State group. Muskilda Zancada, head of the MSF mission in Syria, says the situation on the ground "remains very unpredictable." The New York-based Human Rights Watch said Thursday that an Islamic State advance in the area sent around 30,000 displaced persons fleeing from their camps. The group said some headed to the Turkish border but were refused entry. ___ 1 p.m. Syrian state media says a government delegation has arrived to join the new round of U.N.-mediated peace talks with an umbrella opposition group that began this week in Geneva. The arrival of the Damascus team, led by Syria's U.N. Ambassador Bashar Jaafari, comes amid an escalation in northern Aleppo province that has left 34 dead on both sides. The renewed fighting has undermined the fragility of the cease-fire that has largely held elsewhere in Syria. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says that of those killed in the past 24 hours in the clashes, 14 were pro-government fighters and 20 were militants. Guyana tightens security at prison following deadly riot GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP) Guyana's president has ordered soldiers and police to surround a violent, overcrowded prison in the South American country that was the recent site of a deadly riot. David Granger called an emergency meeting late Thursday after prison officials said people have been hurling suspected weapons over walls into the prison in recent days. The situation has been unclear because of short staffing: More than a dozen guards at the main prison in the capital of Georgetown have called in sick for a week out of fear for their lives. The Latest: Wrongly convicted man is released in Illinois SYCAMORE, Ill. (AP) The Latest on a retired Washington state police officer who an Illinois prosecutor says was wrongly convicted in a 1957 slaying (all times local): 2 p.m. A 76-year-old Washington state man has been released from prison in Illinois after a prosecutor persuaded a judge that the man was wrongly convicted in 2012 of killing a schoolgirl six decades earlier. Jack McCullough winks at his stepdaughter Janey O'Connor behind him as he sits during a hearing in the DeKalb County Courthouse on Friday, April 15, 2016 in Sycamore, Ill. McCullough who a prosecutor says was wrongly convicted in the 1957 killing of an Illinois schoolgirl was released Friday shortly after a judge vacated his conviction, meaning that one of the oldest cold cases to be tried in U.S. history has officially gone cold again. (Danielle Guerra/Daily Chronicle via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT; CHICAGO TRIBUNE OUT Judge William Brady vacated the conviction of Jack McCullough Friday morning and ordered him to be freed. McCullough left a jail near the courthouse Friday afternoon, smiling to reporters from the backseat of his stepdaughter's rental car. Brady's order came in Sycamore, Illinois, where Maria Ridulph was playing in the snow in December 1957 when she was abducted. Her body was found five months later. McCullough was convicted in Maria's death in 2012 and sentenced to life in prison. In a six-month review of evidence this year, DeKalb County State's Attorney Richard Schmack concluded that McCullough couldn't have killed Maria. ___ 12:55 p.m. The stepdaughter of a 76-year-old Washington state man who a prosecutor says was wrongly convicted in 2012 of killing an Illinois schoolgirl six decades ago says he'll be released within hours. Janey O'Connor attended a hearing Friday morning at which a judge vacated the conviction of Jack McCullough and ordered him to be freed. O'Connor told The Associated Press by phone that court officials say her step-father will be released from a jail near the courthouse Friday afternoon. Judge William Brady's order came in Sycamore, Illinois, where Maria Ridulph was playing in the snow in December 1957 when she was abducted. McCullough was convicted in Maria's death in 2012 and sentenced to life in prison. DeKalb County State's Attorney Richard Schmack concluded this year that McCullough couldn't have killed Maria. ___ 11:45 a.m. A judge has ordered a new trial for a 76-year-old Washington state man who a prosecutor says was wrongly convicted of killing an Illinois schoolgirl in 1957. Judge William P. Brady on Friday vacated the conviction of Jack McCullough and ordered him to be freed. The county prosecutor told Brady he wouldn't retry McCullough if the murder conviction was vacated. He says there are no grounds to retry someone who couldn't possibly have committed the crime. The judge's order came in Sycamore, Illinois, where Maria Ridulph was playing in the snow in December 1957 when she was abducted. McCullough was convicted in Maria's death in 2012 and sentenced to life in prison. DeKalb County State's Attorney Richard Schmack concluded this year that McCullough couldn't have killed Maria. ___ 11 a.m. A judge has ordered the release of a 76-year-old man who a prosecutor says was wrongly convicted of killing an Illinois schoolgirl in 1957. The order came at a hearing Friday in Sycamore, Illinois, near where Maria Ridulph was abducted as she played in the snow. Forest hikers found Maria's remains five months later. In 2012, Jack McCullough, a retired security guard from Washington state, was convicted in Maria's killing and sentenced to life in prison, in one of the oldest unsolved U.S. cases ever to go to trial. DeKalb County State's Attorney Richard Schmack conducted a six-month review and concluded that McCullough couldn't possibly have killed Maria. Schmack found evidence to shore up McCullough's claim that he had been 35 miles away in Rockford, Illinois, when Maria was abducted. ___ 00:20 a.m. A 76-year-old man serving a life sentence for the 1957 slaying of an Illinois schoolgirl is hoping to be set free after a prosecutor re-examined evidence and concluded the former Washington state security guard couldn't have committed the crime. Jack McCullough was convicted in 2012 in the killing of 7-year-old Maria Ridulph, in one of the oldest unsolved cases to go to trial. Defense lawyers will argue why McCullough should be released at a hearing Friday. DeKalb County State's Attorney Richard Schmack agrees that McCullough should be freed. Schmack says old and new evidence proves McCullough was 35 miles away when the second-grader was abducted as she played in the snow in Sycamore, Illinois. Maria's body was found months later. Police renew search for Texas gunman after suspect ruled out HOUSTON (AP) Houston police stepped up the search Friday for a gunman who they say ambushed and seriously wounded a Texas deputy constable, after investigators concluded that a suspect they had questioned was not involved in the shooting. Crime Stoppers of Houston, a nonprofit public safety organization, doubled to $10,000 a reward for information leading to the arrest of the person responsible for the shooting of Harris County Deputy Constable Alden Clopton. Authorities said Clopton, 48, was shot four times from behind late Wednesday as the assailant stood on the other side of a four-lane road in a neighborhood about three miles south of downtown Houston. Clopton was trying to assist another officer in a routine traffic stop. Police are unsure of the motive but said they believe it was an ambush. In this undated photo released by Harris County Sheriff's Office, Harris County Deputy Constable Alden Clopton is seen. Clopton was shot multiple times from behind late Wednesday, while talking to another constable following a traffic stop in Houston. Clopton was wearing a protective vest when he was shot and is expected to recover after undergoing several hours of surgery. (Harris County Sheriff's Office via AP) Investigators initially focused on questioning a man with a long criminal history, Chester Irving, 46, who appeared at a fire station near the scene about 30 minutes after the shooting. According to Harris County court records, the Houston resident had been arrested 32 arrests beginning in 1988 for a variety of offenses involving burglary, drugs, prostitution, forgery and weapons violations. "He showed up with a gun magazine, which you slide into the gun," Houston police spokesman Keese Smith said. Authorities had said Thursday that police were not actively looking for anyone else. On Friday they reversed course and said that Irving had not been involved in the shooting and instead charged him with illegally possessing a gun. As a felon, Irving was not allowed to have a gun. "During the course of the interviews we were doing with him he said, 'Yeah, I have a gun but I hid it before I came to the fire station,'" Smith said. Police gave no explanation of why they had ruled out Irving. "It's fair to say we're still looking for the shooter," Smith said. Doctors have said Clopton suffered wounds to his chest and abdomen and should fully recover, but will remain in the hospital for about a week. Authorities initially said that Clopton's life might have been saved by wearing a bulletproof vest. But the Harris County Precinct 7 Constable's Office said Friday it was not clear if the vest was removed by paramedics at the scene or if Clopton was not wearing it when the shooting happened. "We will not be able to give a definite answer until the investigation has been completed," Constable's Office spokeswoman Pamela Greenwood said. Constables in some regions are tasked with serving warrants and providing court security, but in the Houston area they generally provide the same policing coverage as other law agencies. Clopton is an 11-year veteran of the Harris County Precinct 7 Constable force and comes from a law enforcement family. He has three brothers who are law officers, his wife is a Harris County sheriff's deputy and a son is an officer in Biloxi, Mississippi. Clopton is the second Harris County law officer to be shot from behind in an unprovoked attack in the past year. Texas prosecutors in August charged a 30-year-old man with capital murder in the killing of sheriff's Deputy Darren Goforth, who was gunned down while filling his patrol car with gas in what officials described as a "senseless and cowardly act." In this frame from video provided by KTRK, an officer walks on the the scene after a late Wednesday, April 13, 2016, shooting in Houston. A deputy constable was rushed to a hospital after a suspect shot him from behind multiple times, authorities said. (KTRK via AP) MANDATORY CREDIT In this undated photo released by Harris County Sheriff's Office, Harris County Deputy Constable Alden Clopton is seen. Clopton was shot multiple times from behind late Wednesday, April 13, 2016, while talking to another constable following a traffic stop in Houston. Clopton was wearing a protective vest when he was shot and is expected to recover after undergoing several hours of surgery. (Harris County Sheriff's Office via AP) Ted Cruz defended Texas ban on the sale of sex toys in state AUSTIN, Texas (AP) Defending a Texas state law banning the sale of sex toys, Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz argued in a 2007 court brief that individuals have no legal right to use them, even in the privacy of their own bedrooms. Prior to becoming a U.S. senator, Cruz was for more than five years Texas' solicitor general, arguing the state's legal positions in court. He often cites that experience to burnish his credentials as a Christian conservative. On the campaign trail, Cruz frequently reminds audiences that he used the job to defend capital punishment and oppose abortion, while preserving the words "Under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance and defending a monument to the Ten Commandments on the state Capitol grounds. Republican presidential candidate Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speaks at a campaign rally Friday, April 15, 2016, in Syracuse, N.Y. (AP Photo/Mel Evans) But Cruz makes no mention of a decade-old case he lost his defense of Texas' sex-toy ban. The story was first reported by Mother Jones magazine. The law, approved in the 1970s, banned as obscene any device "useful primarily for the stimulation of human genital organs." The same law also declared that anyone possessing six or more such items was presumed to be promoting sex-toy usage through manufacture, sale, lending, delivery or other means. Joanne Webb, a 43-year-old mother of three and former fifth-grade teacher, was arrested in 2003 after selling a sex toy to an undercover police officer during a gathering of adult couples similar to a Tupperware party held at a home in a Fort Worth suburb. Though the criminal charges against Webb were eventually dropped, a collection of sex-toy companies sued in federal court to challenge the constitutionality of the state's ban. A three-judge panel of the U.S. District Court of Appeals later ruled that the Texas law violated 14th Amendment privacy rights. Then-Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott, now the state's Republican governor, unsuccessfully appealed, asking the full appeals court to review the case. As solicitor general Cruz co-wrote an 83-page brief arguing that the U.S. Supreme Court "has never suggested that the substantive-due-process doctrine ensures individuals' ability to stimulate their genitals in ways that are neither connected to procreation nor associated with any particular lifestyle." In an interview Friday night on New York's WABC radio, Cruz was asked if he would ban the sale of sex toys if he became president. "Look, of course not, it's a ridiculous question, and of course not," Cruz responded. "What people do in their own private time with themselves is their own business and it's none of government's business." Cruz campaign spokeswoman Alice Stewart noted in an email that as solicitor general, Cruz had an obligation to defend Texas' laws in court, regardless of whether he agreed with them. "Senator Cruz personally believes that the Texas law in question was, as (Supreme Court) Justice (Clarence) Thomas said in another context, an 'uncommonly silly' law," Stewart said. "But the office was nevertheless duty-bound to defend the policy judgment of the Texas Legislature." Cruz defended the Texas ban as "protecting public morals discouraging prurient interests in sexual gratification" and argued that in doing so the state had a vested moral interest in discouraging "autonomous sex." Cruz's brief also suggested that the legal sale of sexual enhancement drugs such as Viagra was different because it can't be described as a "device." Couples, even married ones, willing to use sex toys may also "believe that hiring a willing prostitute or engaging in consensual bigamy would enhance their sexual experiences," Cruz warned. ___ Michael Biesecker reported from Washington. Follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/mbieseck ___ Rights commission eyes new entity on missing Mexico students WASHINGTON (AP) The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights said Friday it will create a new entity to monitor the case of 43 students who disappeared in southern Mexico after its group of experts ceases investigating at the end of the month. The commission said it will consult with Mexico and the families of the missing students to determine the terms that will guide the unspecified entity. Commission president James Cavallaro said he regrets that the Mexican government did not renew the group of experts' mandate, which expires April 30. FILE - In this Dec. 26, 2015, file photo, relatives of the 43 missing students from the Isidro Burgos rural teachers' college march and hold pictures of their missing loved ones during a protest in Mexico City. Mexico's national human rights commission said Thursday, April 14, 2016, that it had found a witness to the 2014 disappearance of the college students who reported that federal and municipal police were present when the youths were taken off a bus and disappeared. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte, File) "Given the nature of the agreement on technical assistance, in which the consent of the state is indispensable, the (commission) considers that the conditions are not there to continue," Cavallaro said. He added that the experts could continue to offer advice to the commission because "they know the case very well." Mexico's foreign ministry said in a statement that it is committed to seeking justice in the case and will continue working to implement the independent experts' recommendations. The 43 students have not been heard from since they were taken by local police in September 2014 in the city of Iguala, Guerrero state. Government investigators have said that police handed the students over to drug gang members who killed them and burned their bodies at a trash dump. But the commission's group of experts and another international investigative body that also investigated the case have both doubted there is evidence at the dump of a fire large enough to incinerate that many bodies. Cavallaro said the Inter-American Commission will continue to work to discover what happened to the students. However the body's executive secretary, Emilio Alvarez, said that "the group's presence generated a unique and novel cooperation that is now going to diminish." "But in the end, the investigation to clear up the case is the responsibility of the Mexican state," Alvarez added. "Not that of the (commission) nor the experts." The group of experts, which is expected to present its conclusions and recommendations April 24 in Mexico, recently criticized the Mexican government for unilaterally releasing results of a new study on the trash dump. It also complains that its members have been targeted by a smear campaign to discredit and discourage them from working to establish the truth. Families of the victims had asked for the group to remain on the case until the whereabouts of the students are determined and those responsible punished. But the Mexican government said this week that it was time for the experts to present their findings. ___ Follow Luis Alonso Lugo at www.twitter.com./luisalonsolugo ___ This story has been corrected to reflect that the commission official's surname is Cavallaro. Ohio ex-cop leaves jail after posting bond in 2005 case LEBANON, Ohio (AP) A former suburban Ohio police official who has spent more than a decade behind bars for his wife's death has been released from jail nearly a month after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to reinstate a 2005 manslaughter conviction. WHIO-TV reports that former Springboro Police Lt. Thomas "Jim" Barton declined comment as he left jail Friday afternoon. A Warren County judge Thursday set bond at $350,000 for Barton, whose conviction was overturned by a federal appeals court last year. FILE - This Friday March 18, 2005 file photo shows former Springboro Police Lt. Thomas "Jim" Barton listening as he is given the maximum sentence in the shooting death of his wife in Warren County Court in Lebanon, Ohio. The attorney for Barton, a former police official wants a judge to set bail for him in southwest Ohio after a federal court threw out his 2005 conviction on charges from his wife's slaying in a botched burglary. (AP Photo/Al Behrman, File) The 60-year-old Barton faces a new trial Sept. 19. Prosecutors say Vickie Barton died in a botched 1995 burglary that authorities said Thomas Barton paid to have staged. Lawyers: Inmate in NYC terror case in coma after suicide try NEW YORK (AP) Lawyers for a New York inmate say he tried to kill himself in prison after guards tormented him because of his terror conviction. Ahmed Ferhani's attorney says he's in a medically induced coma after trying to hang himself in the state's Attica prison. Lawyer Lamis Deek says the hospital told Ferhani's family April 7 what had happened, but details are unclear. The state Corrections Department will say only that Ferhani has been taken to a hospital and officials are investigating. Ferhani is 31 years old and halfway through a 10-year sentence. He was among the first people charged under a New York anti-terrorism law passed days after 9/11. Colombia exhumes minister's remains as murder probe reopened BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) Authorities have dug up the remains of a former Colombian justice minister to determine if state agents participated in his shocking death three decades ago. Rodrigo Lara's 1984 killing by Pablo Escobar's gunmen was the first in a string of slayings of politicians by the drug kingpin. Investigations into many of the slayings have recently been reopened and evidence has been uncovered suggesting that state security agents may have colluded with the killers. FILE - This undated file photo shows Colombia's former Justice Minister Rodrigo Lara Bonilla in an unknown location. Authorities dug up Lara's remains on April 15, 2016 to determine if state agents participated in his shocking death three decades ago. Laras 1984 killing by Pablo Escobars gunmen was the first in a string of politician slayings by the drug kingpin that stunned the nation. (AP Photo, file) Authorities have long puzzled over how the gunmen who killed Lara were able to carry out such a precise attack at night against a moving car without Lara's driver or bodyguard suffering major injuries. Some suspect the car was stopped and Lara shot at close range. Pianist Cecil Taylor makes triumphant comeback at Whitney NEW YORK (AP) The visionary 87-year-old jazz pianist Cecil Taylor received a standing ovation as he walked slowly to the stage at the Whitney Museum of American Art, using a cane and holding his assistant's arm. No one in the audience Thursday night knew quite what to expect from Taylor. This was only his fourth public performance in the past four years, the last a brief solo at the June 2015 funeral of Ornette Coleman, who along with Taylor revolutionized jazz by launching the free-jazz movement in the late '50s. But though frail in body, Taylor was strong in spirit. Once his hands touched the keyboard, he again displayed his orchestral approach and commanding virtuosity, with percussive flurries, sudden changes in loud-soft dynamics and dancer-like leaps across the octaves. In this April 14, 2016 photo, pianist Cecil Taylor, 88, who revolutionized jazz by launching the free-jazz movement in the late '50s and early '60s, performs in an unannounced second set at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, kicking off a 10-day exhibition celebrating Taylor's music as well as his deep connection to dance, poetry and other art forms. (AP Photo/Barbara Woike) After the performance, Jason Moran, a leading contemporary jazz pianist who was in the audience, said he was impressed with just how much ferocity, integrity, pacing and care Taylor showed. "With Cecil, it's like all of a sudden the years peel away," said Moran, who considers Taylor one of his main influences. "That's the elixir of the music. .. When musicians get really excited about an idea, it gives them that much energy." The performance opened an exhibition titled "Open Plan: Cecil Taylor," running until April 24. Taylor performed with two long-time collaborators, Britain's Tony Oxley on electronics rather than his usual drum kit and Japanese modern dancer Min Tanaka. The energy from Taylor's piano flowed to Tanaka who moved around the room, shifting from graceful slow-motion movements to frenetic gestures in response to the music. As the music subsided, he waved his arms around Taylor before settling into repose. It was an appropriate opening for an exhibition celebrating not only Taylor's music, but also his deep connection to dance, poetry and other art forms. "I want people to understand why this person who is truly a maverick is an utterly important 20th-century artist," said the Whitney's Jay Sanders, who co-curated the exhibit with Lawrence Kumpf, artistic director of the Brooklyn-based Issue Project Room. "We want to bring his past forward in the present." Though Taylor eschews revisiting his past, the exhibition includes audio and video listening stations, offering music dating back to his 1956 debut album "Jazz Advance." On display are album covers and concert posters, scores with his personalized notation system, and hand-written pages from journals of unpublished poems. The scheduled events include performances by past Taylor collaborators and film screenings. The curators hope the Whitney experience will encourage Taylor to perform. The pianist went through a rough patch when his one-time friend and contractor was sentenced to prison for stealing most of the $500,000 he received by winning the prestigious Kyoto Prize in 2013. Taylor, who has a long association with the Whitney, has been coming to the museum's new building several times a month to practice on a baby grand piano in the private trustee room. It's not known whether Taylor will play again during the exhibition, but he did give an unannounced performance Thursday night after the trio's set with an octet he called The New Unit, including spoken word artist Jane Grenier Balgochian and saxophonists Harri Sjostrom, Elliott Levin and Bobby Zankel. With a broad smile on his face, Taylor percussively slapped his hands on the piano as the music built to a cacophonous, free-form climax before settling down with Taylor standing up to incant his own verse. He closed a triumphant comeback with a quiet "Thank you" to the audience. ___ Online: www.whitney.org/Exhibitions/OpenPlanCecilTaylor ___ Follow Charles J. Gans at www.twitter.com/chjgans. ___ This story has been updated to correct Taylor's age to 87, instead of 88. In this April 14, 2016 photo, visionary jazz pianist Cecil Taylor, 88, right, performs with Japanese modern dancer Min Tanaka, left, at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York to kick off a 10-day exhibition celebrating Taylor's music as well as his deep connection to dance, poetry and other art forms. (AP Photo/Barbara Woike) In this April 14, 2016 photo, pianist Cecil Taylor, 88, who revolutionized jazz by launching the free-jazz movement in the late '50s and early '60s, performs in an unannounced second set at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, kicking off a 10-day exhibition celebrating Taylor's music as well as his deep connection to dance, poetry and other art forms. (AP Photo/Barbara Woike) In this April 14, 2016 photo, pianist Cecil Taylor, 88, who revolutionized jazz by launching the free-jazz movement in the late '50s and early '60s, performs in an unannounced second set at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York, kicking off a 10-day exhibition celebrating Taylor's music as well as his deep connection to dance, poetry and other art forms. (AP Photo/Barbara Woike) In this April 14, 2016 photo, a film featuring vintage footage of Cecil Taylor, is screened at the Whitney Museum of American Art before a rare performance by the visionary jazz pianist in New York to kick off a 10-day exhibition celebrating Taylor's music as well as his deep connection to dance, poetry and other art forms. (AP Photo/Barbara Woike) In this April 14, 2016 photo, vintage album covers of Cecil Taylor recordings are displayed at the Whitney Museum of American Art before a rare performance by the visionary jazz pianist in New York to kick off a 10-day exhibition celebrating his music as well as his deep connection to dance, poetry and other art forms. (AP Photo/Barbara Woike) Puerto Rico to fumigate public housing amid Zika epidemic SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) Officials in Puerto Rico say they will fumigate 100 public housing projects across the U.S. territory in its fight against the mosquito-borne Zika virus. Health officials said Friday that 114 new cases were reported this week alone for a total of 550 cases. They said 71 of them involve pregnant women. Zika can cause severe birth defects such as babies being born with abnormally small heads. It also is suspected of causing a temporary paralysis condition known as Guillain-Barre. Puerto Rico has six Guillain-Barre cases believed to be tied to Zika, and a total of 16 people have been hospitalized because of the virus. The island's eastern and southern regions have reported the most cases. Cops: Dad's stranger-danger test scares teens into 911 call WESTLAKE, Ohio (AP) A suburban Cleveland man had a friend pose as a threatening ex-convict during a test to see whether his teenagers would let a stranger into their home, prompting them to flee and call 911, police said Friday. A prosecutor will consider potential child-endangering charges against the adults. Westlake police said the father "refused to acknowledge the emotional upset he had caused" and described his 14- and 16-year-old sons' actions as an "epic fail." But officers commended them for barricading themselves in a bedroom, jumping out a second-floor window onto a garage roof and then running to a neighbor's home to call for help. The stranger showed up at their door Thursday afternoon and was let in by the younger teen, breaking the family rule on admitting only known relatives, police said. Once inside, the man told the boys that their father owed him money, and he threatened them. "This guy was crazy. This guy wanted to kill us," the elder son told a dispatcher on the 911 call. "He said, 'If I start chopping up bodies in here, then I'm going to be the bad guy. I just got out of jail two weeks ago.'" The fake convict, a 45-year-old man from Cleveland Heights, was in contact by phone with the father during the charade, and when the friend thought things had gone too far and wanted to stop, the father insisted it play out, police said. Trump prepared to cede Wyoming delegate contest CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) Donald Trump's presidential campaign has all but thrown in the towel in Wyoming ahead of Saturday's Republican convention. The billionaire businessman's campaign made a conscious decision not to commit resources to Wyoming, according to Alan Cobb, a senior Trump adviser. Trump picked only up a single delegate in last month's Wyoming county conventions while rival Ted Cruz scored nine. There are 14 more delegates at stake at this weekend's state convention. Dennis Smyth accepts paper ballots from voters at the Laramie County Democratic Caucus held Saturday, April 9, 2016, in Cheyenne, Wyo. (Shawn Havel/The Wyoming Tribune Eagle via AP) In a telephone interview with The Associated Press from the convention site in Casper, Cobb said Friday that he expects Cruz to sweep what remains of the 29 delegates up for grabs in the Wyoming convention. "This process is favorable toward party-insider folks," Cobb said. "When you don't have a vote of the people, it just favors (Cruz)." While Cruz' campaign has been working for months lining up support among the Wyoming's GOP insiders, Trump's campaign has limited mobilization in the state, and the candidate has not spent any time campaigning there. Cruz is scheduled to attend Saturday's convention. The state party's arcane system of allocating delegates through county meetings followed by the state convention doesn't favor the disorganized. If Cruz performs as expected, Wyoming's result could mirror that of Colorado, where Cruz swept all 34 delegates earlier this month. Trump encouraged supporters to demonstrate against the Colorado party's presidential nominating process Friday at the state capitol in Denver. "The very insider, narrow pathways like Wyoming, they just don't work very well for us," Cobb said. "Campaigns make strategic choices on where to go and where to invest, and just given your process here, it just doesn't lend itself to our kind of campaign and candidate." Sarah Palin had been scheduled to speak for Trump in Casper on Saturday but the 2008 GOP vice presidential nominee canceled her appearance on Thursday. Cobb said he may wind up giving Trump's address. Even so, Cobb said he still sees Trump on track to win the 1,237 delegates required to secure the GOP nomination on the first ballot at the national convention this summer. "We've got the Northeast states," he said. "I think we'll do well in California, Oregon, Washington." By contrast, the Cruz campaign in Wyoming has been well organized for months. Ed Buchanan, a former Wyoming House speaker, is state campaign chairman. "Of course, we've been working at this since last fall, and really attempted to identify folks at the precinct level, and the caucus level and then at the county conventions, and that's why we had some success on March 12," Buchanan said Friday. "And so we've just continued that effort." Buchanan said he sees Cruz as a natural fit for voters in Wyoming, a state where registered Republicans outnumber Democrats by roughly 140,000 to 41,000. Buchanan said people support Cruz because of his conservative values and the fact he's a fellow westerner. Ogden Driskill, a Republican state senator from Devils Tower, was chosen as the party's only uncommitted delegate in the March 12 county conventions. He's trying to organize a slate of uncommitted delegates at the party convention with the hope the candidates would pay more attention to the state's concerns if they had to work to woo delegates ahead of the national convention. He said he expects Wyoming delegates ultimately to support Cruz. Isaiah Baskins (pictured) of North Carolina was taking his daughter to a doctor's appointment at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center when a hospital volunteer began shouting at him and another woman Two families were left rattled and angry after a hospital volunteer began screaming at them, allegedly using racial slurs and forcing them to leave. Most of the encounter at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in North Carolina was caught on film and the man who filmed the video said that the woman 'called him a n*****' and told him to 'get his black babies out' of the waiting area. The nearly seven-minute video was posted to YouTube by Isaiah Baskins, who is black, in which an older white woman wearing a yellow top gets in Isaiah's face and shouts at another parent, Katie Thomas, who is white. 'Went to Baptist Hospital for my daughter's appointment and went into the family resource center and became a victim of racism. 'Before I started recording she called me a n***** and said get my black kids out. We weren't bothering anybody. I was just taking to someone I just met in the hospital,' Isaiah wrote on the video. Isaiah's and Katie's young children were playing together while they waited in the area before the lady started screaming at them. The video begins after the confrontation has already started. 'Lady what is wrong with you?' Isaiah can be head saying as the woman in yellow storms away from him. 'We need some help. There's something wrong with this volunteer.She's in here acting like a fool. She's already called me a n*****,' he says. The lady then takes a stroller belonging to Katie and pushes it out the door. 'You're getting out,' the lady says when Isaiah asks what she's doing. In the video a hospital volunteer (pictured) rabidly shrieks at Isaiah and another woman Katie Thomas after the parents began speaking in the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center's family resource room 'You'er going all over the Internet. We haven'd done anything wrong to you,' Isaiah tells her. Katie then asks her what caused the woman to become so enraged. 'We were peacefully talking while our kids were playing,' Katie begins to say before the woman shouts 'shut your mouth up' back at her. 'I'm done with you. I don't care what you say,' the older woman continues. Katie asks her what's wrong with her, obviously shaken and confused by the outburst. The volunteer then begins screaming 'You shut up! What's wrong with you?' Isaiah continues to remind the volunteer he's recording her as she gets on the phone to call security. The woman gets on the phone to call security and shouts into the phone she's not 'going to take it any more'. Katie begins to ask what the problem is and the woman screams at her to 'shut her mouth up' The woman tells the hospital security to get Isaiah and Katie 'out of here' and then walks over to Isaiah and begins poking him The woman mentions something about Isaiah's underwear and shouts into the phone: 'Will you get these people out of here? I'm not putting up with it!' Isaiah and the woman can be heard getting more and more confused as to what is causing the volunteer's outburst. Isaiah asks the woman, 'Are you on your medication?' Then the volunteer comes at Isaiah saying, 'You just worry about your camera problems.' She then starts shrieking furiously through gritted teeth while poking at Isaiah's body. Her fury is so apparent she seems unable to finish her sentence as her enraged face fills the screen. 'Get out of mine,' the woman shouts rabidly into the camera. Isaiah asks her to stop touching him and puts his arm out to block her. She repeats over and over 'get out' to Isaiah. Then Katie shouts 'don't touch my son' as it becomes clear a toddler is standing next to the arguing adults. 'Don't touch that baby,' Isaiah tells the volunteer, who is continuing to shout at the two families to get out. When Isaiah tells her not to touch him she gets in his face and begins manically screaming into his camera. He repeatedly asks her what's wrong with her. Earlier in the video he claims she 'called him a n*****' and told him to get his 'black babies' out of the room The woman becomes so angry as she tries to get Isaiah to leave the room she has trouble finishing her sentences and shrieks from behind gritted teeth into the camera at him She continues to shriek 'out!' at the family as the children in the room begin to ask what's going on. 'Get his rear out of here! Get your damn underwear out of here,' the volunteer shouts. 'Gray underwear! Get your underwear and get your s*** out of here!' She points at Isaiah's, seeming to blame the fact she can see his gray undergarment as the reason for her tantrum. 'Something is wrong with you lady,' Isaiah says. She grits her teeth again and begins shrieking into the camera: 'Something's wrong with you! Children! Children! Are you a child? How old are you? Get out! Get out! How old am I you dumb -- how old am I?' The volunteer repeatedly starts pushing Isaiah out of the room as Katie gathers her children and Isaiah's outside the waiting room. Isaiah again asks her to stop touching him and she shouts, 'Gray underwear, that tramp! Dirty old tramp!' Then after a few minutes of the shouting back and forth she claims her anger is over the fact she can see Isaiah's gray underwear. Another man asks her why she cares about the underwear but she adamantly wants them to leave Another father exits the room with Katie and Isaiah and tries to defuse the situation when the volunteer starts going after him, too. 'What am I doing?' the other father asks. The volunteer points a finger at Isaiah and shouts , curtly: 'Gray underwear!' 'Who cares?' the father responds. She shouts that she doesn't want to see it. The other fathers says something about calling security and Isaiah agrees, again saying something is wrong with the woman. He then mentions angrily that she called his children 'black'. 'I don't care what color your underwear is,' the woman screams back, seeming to have misunderstood what Isaiah was speaking about. They then begin arguing in the hallway and the woman starts kicking Isaiah in the shins. Finally she goes back inside and security comes minutes later to begin speaking with all three parents. Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center (pictured) has since apologized to Katie and Isaiah and has ended its relationship with the volunteer Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center has issued an apology since the video, which has nearly 200,000 views, came to light and has terminated its relationship with the volunteer. First the hospital commented on the video saying: 'We deeply regret and apologize for this behavior demonstrated by our volunteer in this video. 'We are dedicated to providing an inclusive environment for all, with respect, dignity and compassion. We are taking action, and this individual is no longer a volunteer with our organization. 'If they havent already, one of our senior executives should be reaching out to you shortly. Again, we apologize for this appalling incident.' Isaiah and Katie are looking into pursuing criminal charges against the woman and filed complaints with hospital security Later, they released a more formal apology to the Winston-Salem Journal. 'Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center is shocked and appalled at the behavior demonstrated by our volunteer in this video. 'This behavior does not reflect our identity or our values. This individual is no longer a volunteer with our organization.' Ex-EastEnder and new Henry VIII Charlie Clements slams 'snobbery to soap actors' Former EastEnders actor Charlie Clements has said there is still "snobbery" in the television industry towards soap actors. Clements remains best known for his four-year role as Max Branning's son Bradley. He played the doomed Albert Square resident until the character's death in a special live episode in 2010. Former Albert Square resident Charlie Clements as Henry VIII (Channel 5/PA) He will next be seen in Henry VIII And His Six Wives as the famous Tudor king. "Part of the reason why I'm doing this show is to try and show people that, to me and a lot of actors in soaps, there's more than what viewers just see on the screens," he said. "Being on a soap is a very pressurised environment. You're shooting very quickly, you don't have much time to work on it, you've got to rattle it off, essentially. "Whereas doing something like Henry VIII And His Six Wives gives you the chance to work on it a bit more. "But there's definitely a snobbery towards soap and soap actors. I don't know where it stems from, but I'm trying to do the best I can to change it on a personal level by choosing jobs carefully." Clements added: "I was offered an amazing job at 18 - I couldn't turn that down. "I wasn't in a position to say no to that, but I've got absolutely no regrets from doing EastEnders because it's given me a very good foundation." Historians Suzannah Lipscomb and Dan Jones will lead viewers through the web of intrigue, scandal, romance, betrayal and tragedy that characterised Henry's six marriages as the dramatic reconstruction brings it all vividly to life. "I've always been fascinated by Tudor history," Clements said when asked what drew him to Henry VIII And His Six Wives. "Just having the chance to play probably the most famous king in history for a one-off was a really exciting prospect. "It's something that will show me in a different light, I suppose, compared to the stuff I've done before." The oft-married Tudor has been portrayed by Irishman Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Australian Keith Michell and, most recently, by English actor Damian Lewis in Wolf Hall. Asked if he felt any pressure about stepping into Lewis' shoes, the 28-year-old answered: "If you start trying to draw comparisons to people that have done it beforehand, you're fighting a losing battle. "They've got their way of doing it and you've got your way of doing it which would be different so I didn't feel any pressure, I just wanted to get on with it." The London-born actor enrolled at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (Rada) and completed a master's course, graduating in 2014. His post-EastEnders credits include BBC medical drama Casualty and Canadian drama Murdoch Mysteries. On the decision to train at Rada, Clements said landing the role of Bradley in EastEnders put a hold on his career path. "I'd always wanted to go to drama school - that was my plan, and then I auditioned for 'Enders and got the job and it got put on the back burner. I left 'Enders and did some other stuff, but I wanted to learn a bit more about the craft as a whole and to get a bit more of an idea on the history of it and different methods of working, of approaching scripts, of methodology and things like that. "I trained for the first time and it opened my eyes up." 'Voice' of London Underground Phil Sayer has died The man who voiced the "Please mind the gap" and "Stand clear of the doors" announcements on the London Underground has died. Voice-over artist Phil Sayer, 62, who previously worked for the BBC as a regional TV and radio presenter, died on Thursday, according to a statement on his Facebook page. Mr Sayer, dubbed the "voice of reason, radio and railways", announced the warning phrases for multiple London Underground lines and PA announcements at railway stations across the country. Phil Sayer voiced safety announcements on the London Underground (Family handout/PA) He was a presenter for BBC North West News and BBC GMR - now known as Radio Manchester - in the 1980s, before setting up a voice over business with wife Elinor Hamilton. A statement from their company, SayerHamilton, said: "Phil Sayer - voice of reason, radio, and railways. A dearly loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. "We are sorry to announce that this service terminates here. 18.5.53 - 14.4.16." Last month, Mr Sayer retired from voicing "due to a sudden decline in health", according to his website. He told The Daily Telegraph in 2010 that he apologised "more than anybody in the UK". " I do say sorry rather a lot and I'm apologising for lots of things at the moment", he said. Mortgage rates 'likely to go up' if Britain leaves EU, claims Osborne Mortgage rates are likely to rise if Britain quits the European Union, the Chancellor has warned. Families would be left "paying the price" of a Brexit as i nstability in financial markets pushed up the cost of repayments, George Osborne insisted. Experts are "pretty clear" that prices would increase if voters choose to leave the 28-strong bloc in the June 23 referendum, he said. George Osborne is visiting the US (AP) The International Monetary Fund (IMF) earlier this week warned that quitting could inflict "severe regional and global damage" and downgraded its forecast for UK economic growth. Mr Osborne, who is visiting the US, told Sky News: "If you look at the view of the experts here at the IMF in Washington it's pretty clear that if Britain votes to leave the EU then prices will go up and there will be instability in financial markets. "What that means for families is that mortgage rates are likely to go up. In other words, it will be families paying the price if Britain votes to leave the EU and I think it's another reason why, frankly, we are stronger, safer and better off inside the European Union." Matthew Elliott, chief executive of Vote Leave, said: " Less than 24 hours in and the pro-EU camp are already panicking - resorting to doing down the economy and people's mortgages to intimidate the British public into voting their way. "The Chancellor is desperate not to talk about the NHS and the pressure it is under because of EU migration." As campaigning ramped up, l eading Leave campaigner Boris Johnson said it would be "hypocritical" for US President Barack Obama to seek to use his upcoming visit to the UK to try to persuade Britain to stay in the European Union. London's mayor told the Evening Standard: "I honestly don't mind the idea of him joining the debate. "Where we do part company, and where I do mind, is that it is plainly hypocritical for America to urge us to sacrifice control - of our laws, our sovereignty, our money and our democracy - when they would not dream of ever doing the same." Fellow Brexit campaigner Michael Gove insisted quitting the EU would free up more cash for the NHS as Vote Leave put the service centre stage. It claimed a large chunk of the UK's 10.6 billion net contribution to Brussels could be diverted to medical care if Britain quits the EU. The Justice Secretary told Sky News: "If we stay in, if we vote to remain, then the European Union will press ahead with integration and it will drag us into that process. "At the moment, the money we give to the European Union is spent by others, people that we have never elected, never chosen and can't remove. "If that money is taken back, then that 50 million a day will be spent on British people's priorities and the NHS, of course, is top of the list." Downing Street insisted that Brexit would mean "less money for the NHS", with Mr Cameron's official spokeswoman saying: "A strong NHS needs a strong economy and the Prime Minister has been very clear that our economy is stronger in the EU." Health unions blasted Vote Leave's figures as "spurious and outrageously misleading", insisting the NHS's financial woes were made in Whitehall and not Brussels. Unite national officer for health Barrie Brown said: "It defies belief to think that Boris Johnson and Michael Gove would do a massive political U-turn and divert billions of EU cash into the NHS - when they have supported real cuts to the NHS budget and been enthusiastic flag-wavers for the privatisation and break-up of the NHS." TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said: "The reality is that Brexit would plunge the NHS into a staffing crisis, which could lead to the longest hospital waiting lists we've ever known. And with experts warning that Brexit would hit Britain's economy, the consequences for NHS funding would be dire." The Remain camp also wheeled out a big gun, with former chancellor Lord (Alistair) Darling accusing Brexit backers of offering Project Fantasy, as he warned that leaving would threaten Britain's economy. In a speech in London, the Labour peer acknowledged that either side could win the EU contest. "This is a very, very close vote. No one can predict with any certainty what is likely to happen," said the Labour peer. "I hope we will win and I hope we will win well but we need to get the support of people the length and breadth of the country, no matter what their political allegiance has been in the past. Boris Johnson: Remain campaigners are 'Gerald Ratners' of modern politics Remain campaigners who say the EU is not perfect but there is no alternative are the "Gerald Ratners" of modern politics, Boris Johnson has claimed London's mayor took a swipe at leading figures who suggest they are Eurosceptics but insist Britain must stay in the 28 member bloc. Prime Minister David Cameron is among those campaigning for Britain to remain while admitting it is "not perfect". Mayor of London Boris Johnson wants the UK to leave the EU At a Brexit rally in Manchester, Mr Johnson said one of the most "depressing things about the campaign to Bremain" is that "there is not a shred of idealism". Likening remain campaigners who say they are Eurosceptics but there is no alternative to the jewellery tycoon who brought down his company when he described its goods as "crap", he said they insist the problems with Brussels are the "price we have to pay". He said: "They keep saying that they are Eurosceptics, but we have no choice, we agree with you about the democratic problem, they say - but it's the price we have to pay. "My friends, they are the Gerald Ratners of modern politics. The EU, they say - it's crap but we have no alternative. Well we do have an alternative, and it is a glorious alternative, a relationship with Europe based not on the whims of unelected bureaucrats but on cooperation between elected governments." Mr Johnson warned that the June 23 referendum is the "last chance" many voters will have to decide Britain's relationship with the EU. He said: "We should be in no doubt that this is the last chance many of us will have in our lifetimes to assert that principle in our relations with the EU. It is called democracy. "Because it is now or never and if we fail to make the change now we will continue to be passengers locked in the back of a minicab driven by someone with a wonky satnav and taken to a destination we don't want to go and I think the people of this country have no idea how far the EU now invades every area of our lives." He added: "It is time for us in Britain to speak up for the millions around Europe who think as we do, who are fed up with the remoteness of the Brussels system, but who are currently disfranchised. "It is time for us to believe in ourselves, to believe in Britain and what we can do and if we hold our nerve and we are not cowed and we vote for freedom and democracy on June 23 then I believe that this country will continue to grow and thrive as never before and June 24 will be independence day." Mr Johnson caused a live television news report to be disrupted when he called for supporters to interrupt broadcaster Michael Crick. The Channel 4 News journalist was reporting from the hall while the mayor was still giving his speech. Mr Johnson told the crowd: "Some chap from the media is trying to do his piece to camera. Shut up. Can we tell Crick, can someone go and interrupt Crick at the back "Tell Crick you can do your piece to camera when I have finished." A man from the crowd told Mr Crick to "be quiet" adding the Mr Johnson was "trying to talk". Cabinet minister warns Brexit would cause 'economic rupture' Quitting the European Union would cause an "economic rupture" with "disastrous" consequences for families, a Cabinet minister has warned. Brexit is a "reckless" move that would lead to factory closures, an exodus of businesses and job losses, Stephen Crabb said. Writing in The Sunday Telegraph, the Work and Pensions Secretary warned of the "self-harm" that a vote to leave would cause . Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Stephen Crabb warned of the impact of Brexit on jobs "Lost jobs and livelihoods take an enormous, indelible toll on families and communities," he said. "No one should be complacent about the potential consequences for working people and their families if Britain votes to exit the EU. This is not a theoretical debate." He added: "When those who want Britain to leave the EU complacently wave away expert predictions of an economic shock, or casually dismiss the warnings of British businesses that employ millions of workers, I think about what that would mean for families who are striving day by day to improve their circumstances. "And I am troubled by how relaxed they are about the real life consequences of the economic rupture that is at the heart of their position." The comments come in the first official weekend of campaigning ahead of the referendum on June 23. Leave supporter Boris Johnson launched a fresh attack on David Cameron for "shamefully" spending 9.3 million of taxpayers' cash on a pro-EU leaflet. London's mayor rounded on the "scare" tactics of the remain campaign as he completed his northern "Brexit blitz" tour. In a swipe at the Prime Minister, Mr Johnson attacked those who were " shamefully spending 9.3m of taxpayers' money on a leaflet trying to scare everybody into remaining in the EU". "In the scare tactics of project fear they are woefully underestimating this country and its people and what we can do." Boris Johnson addresses supporters at a Vote Leave meeting in Newcastle Thousands march through London in protest against Government cuts Thousands of people have marched on central London's streets in a national demonstration against the Government's cuts. Slogans such as Cameron Must Go - Tories Out! and demands for decent health, homes, jobs and education were brandished in the protest organised by the People's Assembly. On Saturday the march began by the University of Central London before weaving its way through the streets for a rally in Trafalgar Square. Banners urged an end to David Cameron's premiership Union heads and political leaders addressed the crowd, thought to be in the region of 150,000, after they packed out the London landmark. To a roar of applause, Labour's shadow chancellor John McDonnell said: "As a Labour government when we get into power we will end austerity. "We will halt the privatisation of our NHS and make it public once again. "And for all those people desperately waiting for a home - I can give this promise, we will build the hundreds of thousands of council homes that will end homelessness." The Hayes and Harlington MP also said his party would scrap the work capability assessments affecting the disabled. He added: "The Panama revelations demonstrate that they have been robbing us for generations now," he added. "We will make the rich and corporations pay their way in society." In light of the Panama leaks, the crowds were also calling for the resignation of Prime Minister David Cameron. Unite union general secretary Len McCluskey pulled out a Panama hat during his speech in relation to the recent scandal and said: "The only thing I have from Panama, Mr Cameron, is a hat." He added: "The establishment shames our democracy. It is up to all of us to work together and send a clear message - t hat we will fight, fight, fight for a better tomorrow." Green Party leader Natalie Bennett told the hordes of people "we want all of the Tories out, not just David Cameron". She added: "We have a vision of a different kind of society. A society that works for the common good." In a video message played to the demonstrators, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: "The austerity we are in is a political choice, not an economic necessity." Some of the unions and groups who attended the march and rally included the National Union of Teachers, Stop the War Coalition, the National Union of Students and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. People's Assembly national secretary Sam Fairbairn said: "If the Government can bail out the banks in a couple of days, then they can provide health, homes, jobs and education for everyone." He added: "They (the Tories) are stealing money from us all saying 'we are in this together'. That is why we are saying Cameron must go." He said the crowd at the rally "represents a growing movement" and "a section of society united against what the Government is trying to do". Campaigners in pig masks on the march Unite General Secretary Len McCluskey, centre, marches with campaigners Anti-austerity protesters with smoke flares Campaigners marching in an anti-austerity demonstration in central London The march was organised by the People's Assembly The protest was organised by the People's Assembly Campaigners marching in an anti-austerity demonstration A campaigner dressed as a police officer People from all across the UK have turned out for the demo The campaigners head to a rally at Trafalgar Square Ukraine must fully implement IMF program -ex-finance minister WASHINGTON, April 14 (Reuters) - Ukraine's new government must fully implement the International Monetary Fund's financial assistance program including painful reforms, the country's ex-finance minister, Natalia Yaresko, said on Thursday. "Ukraine is highly dependent on the IMF program and I believe that's a huge asset," Yaresko said at an event on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank spring meetings in Washington. "The new Ukrainian government must stick to the IMF program and implement it fully, including painful reforms." Earlier on Thursday, Ukraine's parliament approved a new cabinet of ministers headed by Volodymyr Groysman as prime minister in the biggest political shakeup since a 2014 uprising brought in a pro-Western leadership. U.S.-born Yaresko was not included in the cabinet. Her departure is seen as a blow to some of Ukraine's Western allies who have praised her stewardship of the country's economy and her role in leading strategic talks with Western lenders. Political turmoil in Ukraine has delayed the disbursement of a third tranche of loans from the International Monetary Fund worth $1.7 billion. Yaresko also called on the new government to continue down a path of fiscal constraint and rid the country of the "poison" of corruption. Reform of Ukraine's judicial system must be the No. 1 priority, she added. "There cannot be any sustainable investment, growth and prosperity unless Ukraine manages to fully reform the judiciary," Yaresko said. Argentina wins WTO appeal in case targeting Panama tax practices By Tom Miles GENEVA, April 14 (Reuters) - The World Trade Organization's appellate body on Thursday threw out a complaint from Panama about Argentina's efforts to combat alleged tax evasion and avoidance. The case brought by Panama, now under global scrutiny because of a huge leak of secretive offshore accounts data from Panama-based law firm Mossack Fonseca, was the first WTO row over steps taken against "harmful tax practices". Panama accused Argentina of discriminating against suppliers of financial services based in "countries not cooperating for tax purposes", and it won a partial victory in a ruling last September. WTO member countries are not allowed to discriminate between suppliers from different countries. But Panama said in 2012 that Argentina discriminated in eight ways against countries, including itself, that did not exchange information with Argentine authorities for the purposes of fiscal transparency. Argentina countered that its measures were in line with recommendations by the OECD and the Financial Action Task Force, which combats money laundering and terrorist financing. The appeal ruling found Argentina's measures did not break WTO rules. But it did not go so far as to say Argentina was definitely within WTO rules, either. Instead, it decided there had been insufficient analysis of Panama's original complaint, leaving the way open for similar disputes in future. However, the Appellate Body did rule that countries could restrict trade with tax havens for "prudential" reasons or to comply with national laws, as long as they did so in a consistent and non-arbitrary manner. Panama brought the WTO action when it was on Argentina's list of countries that did not cooperate with tax investigations, though it was later listed as cooperative. Part of its complaint was that Argentina was inconsistent, listing countries such as Cyprus, Gibraltar and Hong Kong as non-cooperative even though they had begun negotiations on an agreement on an exchange of tax information. U.S.' Kerry: Carnival should not bar Cuban-Americans from cruises to Cuba By Patricia Zengerle MIAMI, April 14 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry condemned Carnival Corp on Thursday for barring Cuban-Americans from its planned cruises to Cuba and called on the Cuban government to change its policies to allow them. "Carnival needs to not discriminate," Kerry said in an interview with CNN en Espanol and the Miami Herald. Cuban-born Americans cannot visit the island by sea, due to a Cuban law that dates to the Cold War era, and therefore are barred from joining in Carnival's sailings to the island, the Miami Herald has reported. People born in Cuba can, however, travel to the island on an airplane. "American citizens, Cuban Americans have a right to travel, and we should not be in a situation where the Cuban government is forcing its discrimination policy on us," Kerry said. "So we call on the government of Cuba to change that policy and to recognize that if they want a full relationship, a normal relationship, with the United States, they have to live by international law and not exclusively by their own," he said during a trip to Miami. Carnival officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment. But the company has told the Miami Herald it had no choice but to enforce the rule when booking tickets for its new Miami-to-Havana route. It said it has asked the Cuban government to waive the rule before the first ship sails on May 1. A State Department official said, "Secretary Kerry in no way meant to convey that Carnival is supporting policies that are discriminating against Cuban American travelers." Miami is the center of the U.S. Cuban-American community, and many of its residents from the island nation, who fled Cuba after its Communist revolution, are vehemently opposed to President Barack Obama's moves toward more normal relations with Havana. Critics of the policy say Washington should not ease a half century of restrictions on travel and trade until Cuba has free elections and its human rights record improves. Kerry, who gave two interviews to local media, met with business leaders and addressed college students, said Cuba could move more quickly to improve its rights record. But he said he was sure a more open relationship with the United States would yield positive changes. Protesters clash with police in Paris PARIS, April 14 (Reuters) - Protesters attacked shop windows and cash dispensers in the east of Paris on Thursday, a Paris police spokeswoman said. "There are 300 people currently causing very important damage," the spokeswoman said, adding that a police operation was under way but no arrests had been made yet. Several unauthorised marches have been taking place in Paris over the past two weeks on the sidelines of the occupation by left-wing and anarchist young people of the city's 'Place de la Republique', a vast square in the east of the French capital. Earlier on Thursday, dozens were arrested after clashing with police at the margins of a rally protesting controversial labour reform plans. Ghana government memo warns of possible militant attack ACCRA, April 14 (Reuters) - Ghana and Togo are the next targets for Islamist militants following high-profile attacks this year in Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast, according to a memo from Ghana's Immigration Service. The memo calls for better border protection in the latest sign of a heightened government response to the threat to West Africa by militants based in northern Mali who have stepped up a campaign of violence in the last year. It says the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) has evidence from neighbouring Ivory Coast from the interrogation of a man suspected of orchestrating an attack on March 13 in which 18 people were killed. "Intelligence gathered by the ... NSCS indicates a possible terrorist attack on the country is real. ... The choice of Ghana according to the report is to take away the perception that only Francophone countries are the target," said the memo, dated April 9 and published by Ghanaian media. It ordered immigration agents on the northern border with Burkina Faso to be extra vigilant and said patrols should be stepped up along informal routes between the two countries. Ghana is one of Africa's most stable and peaceful democracies and has not suffered an attack by Islamist militants. Togo is the country's eastern neighbour. President John Mahama spoke about the memo in an interview on state radio's Sunrise FM on Thursday. He asked for public vigilance and said Ghana was also at risk from home grown militants, while noting that countries in the region share intelligence on militant threats. "We must deal with this without creating panic amongst our people," he said, adding that the memo should not have detailed the intelligence on which its calls for greater vigilance were based. Government spokesmen in the presidency and at the immigration ministry did not return calls requesting comment. Brazil top court denies injunction to alter impeachment vote order BRASILIA, April 14 (Reuters) - Brazil's Supreme Court upheld on Thursday the voting order fixed by the lower house of Congress for Sunday's impeachment vote, a setback for President Dilma Rousseff, who is struggling to muster votes to block an opposition bid to remove her from office. Failed North Korea missile launch prompts Chinese 'sabre-rattling' jibe By Ju-min Park SEOUL, April 15 (Reuters) - North Korea attempted and failed to launch what experts believe was an intermediate-range ballistic missile on Friday in defiance of U.N. sanctions and in an embarrassing setback for leader Kim Jong Un, drawing criticism from major ally China. The U.S. Defense Department called the test of the road-mobile missile, which came as North Korea celebrated the birthday of Kim's grandfather and North Korea's founding father Kim Il Sung, a "fiery, catastrophic" failure. The test, on North Korea's so-called "Day of the Sun," followed its fourth nuclear test in January and a long-range rocket launch in February, which led to new U.N. sanctions that have failed to halt Pyongyang's weapons programmes. South Korean officials and international experts said the failed test heightened the possibility that North Korea would conduct a fifth nuclear test, possibly within weeks. The U.S.-based 38 North website, which specialises in North Korea, said there has been activity at the country's nuclear site based on satellite imagery and on Wednesday said the possibility of a fifth nuclear test "could not be ruled out." U.S. officials said the missile tested on Friday never got off the launch pad but further tests were expected. "We're still assessing the specifics of it but I can tell you that it was a fiery, catastrophic attempt at a launch," Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis told a briefing. "It was not successful." Davis said the U.S. military thought the device was a road-mobile missile because the launch occurred at a coastal site where Pyongyang ordinarily does not test rockets. He said North Korea, which regularly threatens to destroy South Korea and the United States and often fires missiles during periods of tension, remained a security concern in spite of the failure. "We know that this is a capability that they are aiming towards," he said. It's ... a missile system that they've displayed on multiple occasions and that is why we have a ballistic missile defence system that we have invested in very heavily to be able to outpace that threat as that threat develops further." CHINA ANGERED The White House strongly condemned the latest launch attempt and said Washington would work with China and other countries to put pressure on North Korea, which faced the prospect of further isolation. China, North Korea's most important economic and diplomatic backer, has been angered by Pyongyang's nuclear tests and rocket launches and has backed U.N. sanctions. "The firing of a mid-range ballistic missile on Friday by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), though failed, marks the latest in a string of sabre-rattling that, if unchecked, will lead the country to nowhere," China's official Xinhua news agency said in an English language commentary. "... Nuclear weapons will not make Pyongyang safer. On the contrary, its costly military endeavours will keep on suffocating its economy." Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said the U.N. Security Council was clear on North Korean rocket launches. "At present, the situation on the peninsula is complex and sensitive," he told reporters. "We hope all parties can strictly respect the decisions of the Security Council and avoid taking any steps that could further worsen tensions." In 2012, Kim Il Sung's birthday was also marked by an attempted long-range rocket launch, which also failed. The missile was likely a Musudan, South Korea's Yonhap news agency said, an intermediate-range ballistic missile with a design range of more than 3,000 km (1,800 miles) that can be fired from a road mobile launcher but which has never been flight-tested. Experts see North Korea's Musudan test as part of an effort to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile that can reach the mainland United States. The Musudan theoretically could reach the U.S. Pacific island of Guam. North Korea is to hold a congress of its ruling Workers Party - the first such meeting in 36 years - in early May, at which Kim Jong Un is likely to trumpet his achievements in building up Pyongyang's weapons prowess. South Korean officials and experts say he will be keen to go into that with a show of strength, not a failed rocket launch, making the possibility of another nuclear test more likely. In a new report on Friday, 38 North said it had seen fresh activity in satellite images of North Korea's main nuclear complex, suggesting that reprocessing may be under way to produce more plutonium for atomic bombs. Romania - Factors to watch on April 15 BUCHAREST, April 15 (Reuters) - Here are news stories, press reports and events to watch which may affect Romanian financial markets on Friday. DEBT TENDER Romania sold a less than planned 386 million lei ($97.20 million) worth of Dec. 2022 treasury bonds on Thursday, with the average accepted yield at 3.0 percent, central bank data showed. CEE MARKETS Hungarian 10-year bond yields fell below those of much better-rated Poland for the first time since 2002 on Thursday, amid growing confidence that junk-rated Hungary is on the path to recovery and worries of political instability in Poland. GRAINS Consultancy Strategie Grains on Thursday raised its forecast for this year's soft wheat production in the European Union by just over a million tonnes as crops continued to benefit from favourable weather conditions. Forecast grain maize production was trimmed by 500,000 tonnes to 63.4 million tonnes due to downward area revisions in Germany, Austria, Greece, Poland, Croatia and Romania. The reduced EU maize forecast was still 11 percent above last year's harvest which was affected by hot, dry weather. WORLD BANK FUNDS Romania and the World Bank have signed a loan agreement on Thursday for 48 million euros ($54.03 million) aimed at reducing nutrient pollution from agricultural, livestock and human sources, the bank said. The loan adds to an ongoing 50 million euros project and will benefit roughly 30,000 small farms from about 100 villages. LUKOIL Romania's Lira offshore gas deposit, discovered in 2015 by a joint project led by Russia's Lukoil holds over 32 billion cubic meters of gas, the energy ministry said in a statement after a meeting woth Lukoil vice president Vladimir Nekrasov. LABOUR MINISTER Romania's Labour Minister Ana-Claudia Costea resigned from her cabinet post on Thursday, days after talks on a plan to overhaul public sector wages were postponed. For the long-term Romanian diary, click on For emerging markets economic events, click on For an index of all diaries, click on Another former OPEC member, Gabon, wants to rejoin oil group -sources By Rania El Gamal and Alex Lawler DUBAI/LONDON, April 15 (Reuters) - The African nation of Gabon wants to rejoin OPEC after more than two decades, two OPEC sources said, becoming the second former member in a year to seek a return to the oil exporters' group just as it is taking the first steps in years to prop up prices. If it returned, Gabon would be the smallest producer in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and bring its ranks to 14 countries following last year's return of Indonesia, which had quit in 2008. "They sent the request to OPEC officially," said one of the sources, an OPEC delegate. An oil official in Gabon declined to comment. Gabon joined OPEC in 1975 and left in 1995 over the exporter group's refusal to grant its request for reduced annual contributions in line with the country's small production, news reports said at the time. The move to rejoin comes as key OPEC members and outside producers such as Russia are attempting to support prices through a deal to freeze output which will be discussed this weekend in Doha. The initiative has helped oil prices to start recovering from a 12-year low reached in January. OPEC in 2014 had abandoned its traditional role of cutting supply to support the market, accelerating a drop in prices which were falling due to oversupply and prompting critics to question its relevance. Gabon produces 200,000 barrels of oil per day (bpd) according to the International Energy Agency, and output is in decline. Last year, the government launched an offshore licensing round in a bid to boost exploration. Ecuador, which pumps 530,000 bpd, is currently the smallest OPEC producer. The next step, the sources said, would be for OPEC oil ministers to discuss Gabon's request. They hold their next meeting in June. OPEC rules state that a country needs to have "a substantial net export of crude" in order to become a full member. Still, the ministers waived this requirement with the decision to welcome back Indonesia, now a net oil importer. PRESS DIGEST - Bulgaria - April 15 SOFIA, April 15 (Reuters) - These are some of the main stories in Bulgarian newspapers on Friday. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy. -- The Supreme Judicial Council voted to divide itself into a college of judges and a college of prosecutors as part of reforms aimed at boosting efficiency and fight graft in the judiciary. (24 Chasa, Capital Daily, Monitor, Trud, Standart) -- Bulgaria will set up special center to fight cyber attacks on institutions and crucial state infrastructure, such as airports, the council on national security decided. (24 Chasa, Duma, Capital Daily, Trud, Monitor, Standart) Russian state news agency Sputnik says site blocked in Turkey By Can Sezer and Alexander Winning ISTANBUL/MOSCOW, April 15 (Reuters) - The website of Russian state news agency Sputnik has been blocked in Turkey, its Turkish editor-in-chief said on Friday, shortly after President Vladimir Putin made comments critical of Turkey's leaders. Russia's foreign ministry called the site blocking unlawful and a grave violation of human rights. Ties between Moscow and Ankara have been strained after Turkey shot down a Russian warplane last November. "There is no access to Sputniknews.com and sub-domains from Turkey," Mahir Boztepe told Reuters. "We were not expecting a ban at all." No one was available for comment at Turkey's telecoms and internet regulatory agencies. However, the internet regulator's website said that an "administration measure" had been taken against Sputniknews.com. Such measures are commonly used when authorities wish to block access to websites in Turkey. In Moscow, Sputnik's top editor, Margarita Simonyan, described the blocking as "a further act of harsh censorship" in Turkey and said the site had been blocked late on Thursday, hours after Putin made his critical comments. "We have problems with some political leaders (in Turkey) whose behaviour, actions we consider inappropriate," Putin said in a televised national phone-in. Sputnik, part of the sprawling state media holding company Rossiya Segodnya, was set up in 2014 to help disseminate Russia's views abroad. Turkey has shut or confiscated several newspapers over the past year and has also sometimes blocked access to social media sites including Twitter and Facebook, often due to images or other content being shared. CHILLY RELATIONS Relations between the former Cold War rivals hit their worst level in recent memory after Turkey shot down a Russian warplane that it said had strayed into its air space from Syria. In the Syrian civil war, Moscow has backed its longtime ally, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, while Turkey says Assad is a dictator who needs to be removed. Following the warplane incident, Putin imposed sanctions on Turkey and trade between the two countries has dived. Russian state media have adopted a hostile tone towards Ankara. Last month the Komsomolskaya Pravda mass-market tabloid ran a report headlined "Turkey never was and never will be a friend of Russia". Caught between Italy and Austria, South Tyrol braces for border checks By Francois Murphy BOLZANO, Italy, April 15 (Reuters) - Almost a century after World War One's victors made it part of Italy, the mainly German-speaking province of Alto Adige, or South Tyrol, is bracing for controls at what some still call the "unjust border" separating it from Austria. People in this picturesque part of the Alps, many of whom want an ever closer union with Austrian Tyrol, are used to crossing into Austria unhindered to shop, work and study, thanks the Schengen agreement on open borders in the European Union. But, with hundreds of thousands of migrants expected to cross the Mediterranean to Italy from Africa in the coming months, Austria has said it will introduce border checks at the busy Brenner Pass if the northward flow of people requires it. "We have to be realistic. When you see that they're carrying out building work, they're going to carry out controls," said Alfred Aberer, the head of the chamber of commerce in Bolzano, the Italian province's capital. Work began this week on building facilities to manage crowds and inspect vehicles at Brenner, the busiest route through the Alps. The controls, if introduced, will slow traffic on Italy's main transport link to Germany, its top trading partner. Rome has condemned the preparations and the European Commission has expressed concern. In the province itself, there is apprehension and much uncertainty, but little sense that it could become the next flashpoint in Europe's migration crisis. "It is too early to say what scenarios can develop," South Tyrol's Governor Arno Kompatscher told Reuters after a news conference conducted, like all government business here, in Italian and German. Much will depend on whether Italy lets the migrants landing in the south travel towards Germany. That, in turn, depends on whether the EU can arrange for them to be taken back to countries like Libya or be redistributed within the bloc. "We are preparing what we, as the little province of South Tyrol can manage, and continue to insist on there being a common European solution," Kompatscher said, emphasising how sensitive an issue the border here is. "Brenner is of enormous political significance to us," he said, adding at the news conference: "The Brenner pass is a symbol of Europe's unification ... and, for us especially, the reunification of the historic Tyrol region." For now, few migrants are crossing into Italy, and those who are generally take the train, which also runs through Brenner in a steep, narrow valley, the provincial government's head of social affairs, Luca Critelli, told Reuters. "At the moment it is relatively quiet," he said. He and Kompatscher said the province could only accommodate a backlog of migrants in the hundreds. MUCH ADO ABOUT TRUCKING Economically, the repercussions of controls could be significant. The province of 500,000 people hosts around six million tourists a year, and Germans are the biggest group, according to a provincial trade group for hoteliers, HGV. "There are of course concerns, fears in the hotel and restaurant industry, that is clear," Aberer, the chamber of commerce chief, said. "There would be delays and we think that because of those delays people could be scared off of coming on holiday." A one percent drop in annual tourist arrivals would cost the industry 30 million to 35 million euros ($33.8 million to $39.5 million), he said. Around 10 million cars and two million trucks pass through Brenner a year. But not everyone believes the measures will have severe consequences. Austria has pledged to keep the disruption to traffic to a minimum, and it might be trying to prod countries like Italy into taking action. "Honestly, I think there's a lot of sabre-rattling in this," Thomas Baumgartner, the owner and chief executive of Fercam, a Bolzano-based logistics company, said at his company's offices, despite having potentially much to lose. His firm, Italy's biggest trucking company, makes roughly 200,000 deliveries by truck each year, half of which go through Brenner. "I am confident Austria is doing this so that the EU secures the external border, to put pressure on the EU," he said. Some, however, are less optimistic. In Wyoming, Cruz shows edge over Trump in grasp of nuances of White House race By Emily Stephenson and Ginger Gibson April 15 (Reuters) - U.S. Senator Ted Cruz is poised to notch another small but important victory in his battle with billionaire Donald Trump for the Republican presidential nomination at a hotel convention center in the ranching city of Casper, Wyoming, this weekend. A committee of Wyoming Republicans is likely to hand Cruz most of the state's 14 remaining delegates to the party's national convention in July, political operatives, including Trump supporters in the state, told Reuters. That may not seem like a big number, but both men are engaged in a fierce struggle to win as many as possible of the party insiders who could decide the presidential nominee at a contested convention. Cruz's strength in Wyoming underscores the contrast between the way the rivals handle this nuance of American politics: where Cruz focuses on organizing at a minute level to court delegates in preparation for a convention fight, Trump has run a national campaign focused on winning the popular vote in early nominating contests and has paid little attention to the more arcane elements of U.S. presidential politics. Cruz's effort has included personal visits to far-flung areas, regular conference calls among his state supporters, and hospitality suites to court backers within state parties, while Trump has assailed the delegate system as "rigged" and only recently reorganized his campaign to focus on them. "I think Cruz has done a good job with how they targeted states," said Jason Osborne, a Republican strategist who has advised Trump, and who previously worked on former candidate Ben Carson's campaign. "An operation like Trump's was built for something completely different." Trump's campaign did not respond to requests for comment. The United States has a unique system for picking presidential nominees. A combination of nominating polls - usually in the form of state primaries, caucuses, and party conventions - are used to apportion delegates to candidates. In the Republican race, a candidate needs to win a majority of the total 2,472 delegates to get the nomination. While Trump has won 21 state nominating contests so far to Cruz's nine, the billionaire leads the Texas senator by only 208 delegates (743-545). To avoid a convention fight, Trump needs 1,237 delegates to secure the nomination. That means he has to win nearly 60 percent of the remaining delegates before July. KEEP THE PROMISE Cruz's effort in Wyoming, America's least populous state, is a window into his broader delegate strategy and helps explain how he has become a formidable candidate despite his relatively underdog performance in the primaries so far. The effort began in 2015, while most other candidates were focused on the early races in Iowa or New Hampshire. Ed Buchanan, a trial attorney in Cheyenne, got a call from Heidi Cruz, the candidate's wife, in October asking if he would become the state chairman for Cruz's presidential campaign. Buchanan, a former speaker of the State House, agreed to the role, which has taken him to every corner of the state trying to court support and build a slate of delegates. Some states allow the voters to select the delegates who will attend the Republican convention on their behalf, but in most, like Wyoming, Colorado and North Dakota, voters have no say in who goes to Cleveland. If Trump doesn't have the 1,237 delegates needed to win the nomination outright, many delegates will become free at the July convention to pick a candidate based on their personal preference, not the choice of the voters in their state. That is why campaigns want their supporters among the delegates and that is where Buchanan comes in. He is responsible for assembling a list of the Cruz campaign's preferred delegates, which he will present to the Casper conference. Each would-be Cruz delegate has promised not to switch allegiances if the voting at the Cleveland convention goes beyond one ballot. Buchanan expects them to stick to their word. If they don't, it will not go unnoticed, he said. "It's a small state. The people who are in political circles know each other and that would not be forgotten," he said. CAMPAIGN BUTTONS AND FREE FOOD In Wyoming, Cruz won nine of the 12 delegates who were selected at county-level meetings in March. Nearly 1,000 of the state's most active party members will decide in Casper this weekend the remaining 14 delegates to be voted on. Cruz will speak on Saturday and his supporters have organized a hospitality room, where they will have freebies like campaign buttons and food. Trump has not campaigned in the state and will spend the weekend in New York, which holds a major primary next week. He will send former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin in his stead. "Cruz was here, and that makes a difference to a small state," former U.S. Senator Alan Simpson of Wyoming said in an interview. Trump has been slow to adapt his campaign to the delegate fight and has instead attacked the process. "I know the rules very well, but I know it's stacked against me by the establishment," Trump said on CNN on Tuesday. It is likely now too late to combat Cruz's operation in Wyoming. Dick Shanor, who will attend the national convention to support Cruz, said supporters organized to get like-minded voters to show up at the county elections last month, helping the senator to score those early delegate wins. Jack Volsey, a Trump supporter from Rock Springs, Wyoming, had a different experience. He said he sent a message to a pro-Trump Facebook group in the state asking how he could participate in his county convention, but he never heard back. He was eventually selected as an alternate delegate to this weekend's gathering, but he has decided not to go. "I'm not going to go there to sit on the sidelines when I'm sure it's a done deal already." Saudi minister says donation to Malaysia's Najib was genuine - state media KUALA LUMPUR, April 15 (Reuters) - Saudi Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir said funds wired into Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak's personal bank account were a "genuine" donation originating from Saudi Arabia, Malaysian state media reported on Friday. Najib, who faced graft allegations following reports that a $681-million deposit in his account originated from troubled state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), has maintained the funds were a donation, and did not come from 1MDB. "We are aware of the donation, and it is a genuine donation with nothing expected in return," the Bernama news agency quoted Al-Jubeir as saying at a summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Istanbul. "We are also fully aware that the attorney-general of Malaysia has thoroughly investigated the matter and found no wrongdoing. So, as far as we are concerned, the matter is closed." Al-Jubeir, who was speaking to Malaysian reporters after a meeting with Najib, did not specify the amount, timing or source of the donation. Al-Jubeir's comments showed the allegations against Najib were unfounded, the prime minister's spokesman, Tengku Sarifuddin Tengku Ahmad, said in a statement. "This confirms what the prime minister maintained all along, and what multiple lawful authorities concluded after exhaustive investigations: the funds were a donation from Saudi Arabia," he said. 1MDB, whose advisory board is chaired by Najib, is under investigation in at least five countries for alleged graft and mismanagement. Last week, a Malaysian parliamentary inquiry slammed the board of 1MDB for being irresponsible and urged a probe into its former chief, but stopped short of implicating the prime minister. India's Alkem Labs accused of fudging trial data by German regulator MUMBAI, April 15 (Reuters) - India's Alkem Laboratories has been accused by Germany's health regulator of fudging data on clinical trials of an antibiotic and brain disorder drug, becoming the third Indian firm to be scrutinised since 2014 for suspected manipulation of trial data. The medicines are now being reviewed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on the recommendation of the German regulator, which inspected Alkem's Taloja plant in western India last March. Alkem was found to have engaged in "intentional misrepresentation" of data and duplicated results of electrocardiogram (ECG) readings of patients in trials, the German regulator said in a notice sent to the EMA on March 24, 2016. The notice and other information on the review dated April 1 was seen by Reuters on the EMA website on Friday. (http://bit.ly/1Vp9VgP) In recent years, India's GVK Biosciences and Quest Lifesciences were found to have duplicated ECG data, resulting in the withdrawal of approvals for hundreds of drugs last year. (http://reut.rs/1SFyorM). The EMA said it was assessing the "benefit-risk" of certain medicines that had received marketing approval based on trials conducted by Alkem between March 2013 and March 2015. The drugs include the antibiotic cefuroxime and rulizole, used to treat the neurological disorder amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, sold both by Alkem and Slovenia's Krka, the EMA said. Alkem was conducting trials on the drugs for Krka. The German regulator made Alkem aware of its findings on Sept. 8, 2015, according to the notice. Mumbai-based Alkem did not immediately reply to requests for comment on Friday. It said last month that UK regulator MHRA had inspected the Taloja plant and made eight observations. Krka did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. The German regulator said Alkem's quality management system "neither avoided nor detected" the data manipulation. The regulator has urged the EMA, the medicines regulator for the European Union, to take necessary action and consider if impacted drugs need to be suspended or recalled. Alkem, one of the fastest-growing drugmakers in India, debuted on Indian stock exchanges in December, raising more than $200 million in an offering that received an overwhelming response from investors. Since the listing, its shares have dipped 3 percent. Apart from conducting clinical trials for drug companies, it sells generic versions of medicines ranging from anti-infectives, anti-diabetics and anti-malaria drugs to 55 countries, including United States and Europe. OFFICIAL-UPDATE 1-WHO group backs Sanofi's vaccine in areas with high dengue rates By Tom Miles GENEVA, April 15 (Reuters) - The World Health Organization's expert group on immunisation said on Friday it recommended that countries consider introducing Sanofi's dengue vaccine Dengvaxia in areas where prevalence of the virus was 50 percent or higher. Vaccination should be done between the ages of nine and 14, but efficacy improved as people got older, Jon Abramson, chairman of the WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on immunisation (SAGE) told a news conference in Geneva. The vaccine needs to be administered in a three-dose series and SAGE does not recommend its use before 9-years-old, which it said was consistent with current labelling. Dengue kills about 20,000 people per year and infects hundreds of millions, and it is becoming much more prevalent and widespread. "The number one main recommendation is that this vaccine is efficacious and safe but should be only used in populations where the disease incidence in the population is at least 50 percent," Abramson said. "So it shouldn't be used in areas with what we would call low transmission. "The key reason for that is when you look at the efficacy of the vaccine, in those who have not been infected the efficacy is nowhere near as good as in those who were previously infected." Severe cases of dengue usually occur when people are infected for the second time with a different one of dengue's four serotypes, he said. The doses of vaccine should be administered at six month intervals. "That in itself brings up a whole set of implementation issues about how were going to get three doses of the vaccine into these children who usually don't access healthcare three times in a given year." Each country could make its own decision on whether to use the vaccine, but by SAGE's criteria there would be a need for "many millions of doses", Abramson said. "I learned yesterday that the company has the capacity to make 100 million doses a year once its manufacturing capacity is fully up." He said the company had not settled on a price but had promised to make it cost effective, but it was not clear if that meant on an individual or societal basis. "To get the three doses and get them delivered -- so we're not just talking about the price of the vaccine, it would be cost effective if the cost of delivering those three vaccines into the arms of children... would have to be $50 or less." Egypt protestors call for downfall of the "regime" CAIRO, April 15 (Reuters) - About 200 protestors called for the downfall of the Egyptian "regime" in protests on Friday triggered by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's decision to hand over two islands to Saudi Arabia, Reuters witnesses said. The same slogan was used in the 2011 uprising that toppled President Hosni Mubarak. Sisi, who once enjoyed widespread support, has faced mounting criticism in recent months over a range of issues, including his management of the economy. Al Qaeda re-emerges as challenge for US, NATO in Afghanistan By James Mackenzie and Paul Tait KABUL, April 15 (Reuters) - Leadership turmoil within the Taliban since the death of the militant group's founder has fuelled closer links with foreign groups like al Qaeda, the new commander of international forces in Afghanistan said, complicating counter-terrorism efforts. In an interview with Reuters, General John Nicholson pointed to what U.S. officials saw as a shift in the Taliban's relationship with groups that Washington considers terrorist organisations. That could influence his assessment of plans to cut U.S. troop numbers next year, because if al Qaeda, which carried out the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, can operate in Afghanistan with increasing freedom, it may pose a greater security threat inside the country and beyond. That was the very reason NATO forces went into Afghanistan in the first place: to prevent al Qaeda functioning freely while the Taliban, which ruled the country until its ouster at the end of 2001, looked on. "You see a more overt cooperation between the Taliban and these designated terrorist organisations," Nicholson said. "Our concern is that if the Taliban were to return, that because of their close relationships with these groups, that they would offer sanctuary to these groups." Nicholson is about half way though a review of plans that would see U.S. troop numbers nearly halved to 5,500 by 2017 and an end to much of the training and advice the NATO-led coalition currently provides Afghan forces fighting the Taliban. Some U.S. politicians and Afghan commanders are urging Washington to reconsider its drawdown plans, worried that the Islamist Taliban movement poses a growing threat to security. Public appetite for an even more prolonged deployment of U.S. forces in Afghanistan is low, partly because the conflict is seen as limited to the country itself with little risk of international spillover. Nicholson declined to comment on the review, which will be presented in Washington by June. But he highlighted a "greater linkage" between the Taliban and U.S.-designated terrorist group al Qaeda since the death of Taliban founder Mullah Mohammad Omar and his replacement by current leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour. Prompted by the need to win support in a leadership battle that broke out after Omar's death was announced last year, Nicholson said Mansour had been forced closer to groups like al Qaeda and the Haqqani network, blamed for a series of high-profile suicide attacks in Kabul. "When Mullah Omar was alive, he maintained a public distance from al Qaeda that his successor Mullah Mansour has not," he said. "I think this is in part because Mansour lacks the legitimacy of Omar." U.S.-ONLY OPERATIONS "LESS FREQUENT" Al Qaeda, which U.S. officials have estimated has between 100-300 fighters in Afghanistan, has returned as one of the main focuses of the U.S. counter-terrorism mission in Afghanistan. Some independent assessments say that estimate is too low. The group has been less prominent in recent years as the Taliban, numbering thousands of fighters, seized territory in a series of intense battles including, briefly, the northern city of Kunduz and, more recently, swaths of Helmand in the south. The emergence of an offshoot of Islamic State based in eastern Afghanistan, which U.S. officials believe is mainly composed of disaffected Taliban fighters and some foreign militants, has provided a further unwanted distraction. However, the discovery last year in the south of what U.S. officials describe as a well-established training camp featuring Taliban and al Qaeda facilities together, refocused attention on the latter, as well as the broader problem of groups using Afghanistan as a base for cross-border operations. Six organisations are now on the State Department's list of foreign terrorist organisations active in Afghanistan, although the Taliban are not. That means U.S. forces are more limited in the authority they have to attack the group. "The Taliban are a medium within which these transnational groups operate," Nicholson said, pointing to other organisations such as Laskhar-e-Taiba, a Pakistan-based militant group that normally targets India. Whatever the outcome of Nicholson's review, the separate U.S. counter-terrorism mission in Afghanistan will continue next year, with conventional and drone aircraft, as well as special forces troops on the ground. U.S. officials say operations in Afghanistan have picked up in intensity following the U.S. State Department's formal designation of Islamic State in Khorasan as a foreign terrorist organisation in January. In the first three months of the year, U.S. forces conducted nearly 100 strikes against the group, which is based mainly in Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan, and operations have continued at roughly the same pace since, U.S. army spokesman Brigadier General Charles Cleveland said. Unlike al Qaeda, Islamic State is fiercely opposed to the Taliban and has directed most of its attacks against them rather than Afghan forces. The 5,500 troops earmarked to remain in Afghanistan next year will mainly focus on counter-terrorism operations, but Afghan troops, who already conduct the bulk of missions, will take an increasing share, Nicholson said. "We possess the capabilities here if it were necessary to do a unilateral operation," he said, but added: "that would be less frequent". Serbia arrests 49 in anti-corruption sweep BELGRADE, April 15 (Reuters) - Serbian police detained 49 people, including officials from ministries and state-owned firms, on suspicion of corruption and abuse of office on Friday as part of an anti-graft drive that has gained momentum before this month's election. Officials of the Finance Ministry, tax administration, the EPS power utility, the Putevi Srbije road maintenance company, the Post Office and 12 police officers were among those arrested across the country, Interior Minister Nebojsa Stefanovic said in a statement. "This is yet another demonstration that the police will not stop ... Together with prosecutors, we will show Serbia can be a completely serious, honest and fair country," the statement said. Two more suspects remain at large. The ministry alleged that the group's activities had cost the budgets of the country and the northern Vojvodina province around 7.6 million euros ($8.6 million) since 2007. It is the second big crackdown on corruption since March when police arrested 46 people in a similar sweep. Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic's Progressive Party aims to cement its grip on power in the April 24 election to pursue economic reforms with the aim of completing European Union negotiations by 2019. To join the EU, Serbia will have to step up the fight against corruption and organised crime which flourished during the wars of federal Yugoslavia's break-up in the 1990s. Greece has three suitors for state railways sale By Angeliki Koutantou ATHENS, April 15 (Reuters) - Greece has received three expressions of interest in the sale of state railways operator TRAINOSE, the country's privatisations agency (HRADF) said on Friday. HRADF said Italy's state railways, Russian Railways (RZD) and Greek construction group GEK-Terna had signaled their interest in TRAINOSE, confirming what sources earlier told Reuters. One of the sources said RZD and GEK-Terna were cooperating in the race for the asset. The leftist-led government of Alexis Tsipras halted the sale of TRAINOSE along with other divestments last year, but relaunched it as part of a privatisation scheme under a bailout agreed with international lenders last summer. The scheme is aimed at helping the country raise 6.4 billion euros ($7.2 billion) by 2018 to reduce debt, which reached 180.2 percent of gross domestic product last year. "HRADF's advisors will evaluate, per terms and criteria stipulated in the process letter, the above expressions of interest and submit to HRADF's board of directors their recommendation as to which candidates qualify for the next phase," HRADF said in a statement. The deadline for initial expressions of interest expired at 1400 GMT on Friday. Qualified potential investors will have to submit binding bids by May 31. TRAINOSE is the sole provider of passenger and freight rail transportation in Greece and operates a 2,500 km rail network. A source close to the matter has said that without a sale TRAINOSE could be forced to return millions of euros in state subsidies to the European Union. Iran's Soleimani in Russia for talks on Syria, missiles: sources By Lidia Kelly and Parisa Hafezi MOSCOW, April 15 (Reuters) - Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani has flown to Moscow for talks with Russia's military and political leadership to discuss the conflict in Syria and deliveries of Russian missiles, sources with knowledge of his trip said on Friday. The main purpose of his visit was to discuss new delivery routes for future shipments of Russian S-300 surface-to-air missile systems, sources said, with one saying Soleimani wanted to talk about how Russia and Iran could help the Syrian government take back full control of Aleppo. "General Soleimani travelled to Moscow last night to discuss issues including the delivery of S-300s and further military cooperation," a senior Iranian security official told Reuters. Soleimani met both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Friday, one source said. A Kremlin spokesman said a meeting with Soleimani was not on Putin's schedule. Asked about Soleimani's visit, the Iranian embassy in Moscow said it had no information about it. The visit is likely to be seen as a sign that the tactical alliance struck up by Russia and Iran over Syria remains strong despite some reported differences over battlefield strategy. Iranian media reported on Monday that Russia had delivered the first part of the S-300 missile system, starting to equip Tehran with technology that was blocked before it signed a deal with world powers on its nuclear programme. Soleimani, the commander of foreign operations for Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards, flew to Moscow in July last year to help Russia plan its military intervention in Syria and forge an Iranian-Russian alliance to support Syria's President Bashar al-Assad. He helped reactivate the stalled S-300 deal, which Russia had put on ice in 2010 under pressure from the West. Russia, despite withdrawing some of its fast jets, still maintains a significant military presence in Syria providing air support, advice and training to the Syrian army. A senior regional source told Reuters last year that Russia's military intervention in Syria was set out in an agreement between Moscow and Tehran that said Russian air strikes would support ground operations by Iranian, Syrian and Lebanese Hezbollah forces. Iran has committed troops to help prop up the Syrian army, sometimes sustaining heavy losses, and Soleimani has been reported to be spending time in Syria where he is thought to have helped coordinate operations. He remains subject to an international travel ban by the U.N. Security Council. Washington has also designated the Quds Force, the unit of the Revolutionary Guards which Soleimani leads, as a supporter of terrorism. Muslim nations accuse Iran of supporting terrorism - summit communique By Yesim Dikmen and Melih Aslan ISTANBUL, April 15 (Reuters) - Leaders from more than 50 Muslim nations accused Iran on Friday of supporting terrorism and interfering in the affairs of regional states, including Syria and Yemen, a condemnation that may widen the divide between Iran and its main rival, Saudi Arabia. The leaders, including Iranian President Hassan Rouhani, have been attending a summit in Istanbul this week of the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to discuss a such issues as the humanitarian fall-out from Syria's civil war. "The conference deplored Iran's interference in the internal affairs of the States of the region and other member states including Bahrain, Yemen, Syria, and Somalia, and its continued support for terrorism," the OIC said in its final summit communique. It also stressed the need for "cooperative relations" between Iran and other Muslim countries, including refraining from the use or threat of force. Both Turkey, which has assumed the three-year rotating presidency of the OIC, and Saudi Arabia are part of the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State militants in Syria. They are also opponents of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a stance that has put them at odds with Iran, an ally of Assad. Shi'ite Iran is also allied with the Houthi movement in Yemen, which has been battling forces loyal to Yemen's Saudi-backed president in a conflict that has killed more than 6,000 people since March 2015. While Turkey and Iran have stark differences over Syria, they have managed to keep their diplomatic and trade relations. Still, majority-Sunni Turkey is close to Saudi Arabia, which has cut diplomatic ties with Iran, and it is concerned about Tehran's growing clout in Lebanon, Syria and Yemen. 'WE ARE MUSLIMS' A day before the communique, Iran's Rouhani urged summit delegates to avoid sending out divisive messages. "No message which would fuel division in the Islamic community should come out of the conference," said Rouhani, according to Iranian state television. In a speech at the summit's closing news conference, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan addressed the need to reconcile the divisions. "We are Muslims, we will not allow Islam to be divided," he said. The leaders also condemned what they called the aggression of Armenia against Azerbaijan and called for the unconditional withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Protesters demand fall of Egypt's government over islands deal By Ahmed Aboulenein and Eric Knecht CAIRO, April 15 (Reuters) - Thousands of Egyptians angered by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's decision to hand over two islands to Saudi Arabia called on Friday for the government to fall, chanting a slogan from the 2011 Arab Spring uprising. Their protests signaled that the former general, who is also under mounting criticism over the struggling economy, no longer enjoys the broad public support that let him round up thousands of opponents after he seized power in 2013. In the evening, riot police who had surrounded the site of the biggest demonstration, in the heart of downtown Cairo, dispersed the crowd with tear gas, Reuters witnesses said. Egyptian security forces detained a total of 119 protesters at several demonstrations, according to security officials. Sisi's government prompted an outcry in Egyptian newspapers and on social media last week when it announced an accord that put the uninhabited Red Sea islands of Tiran and Sanafir in Saudi waters. "The people want the downfall of the regime!" protesters cried outside the Cairo press syndicate, using the signature chant of the 2011 revolt against then-president Hosni Mubarak, who later stepped down. They also chanted: "Sisi - Mubarak", "We don't want you, leave" and "We own the land and you are agents who sold our land." In other parts of Cairo, police fired tear gas at protesters, security sources said. The U.S. government, which sees Cairo as a critical Middle East ally, will continue to watch carefully the situation in Egypt, the White House said. Saudi and Egyptian officials say the islands belong to the kingdom across the Red Sea and were only under Egyptian control because Riyadh had asked Cairo in 1950 to protect them. Saudi Arabia and other wealthy Gulf Arab states showered Egypt with billions of dollars in aid and grants after Sisi toppled President Mohamed Mursi of the Muslim Brotherhood in 2013, following mass protests against him. But a sharp drop in oil prices and differences with Cairo over such regional issues as the war in Yemen have raised questions over whether strong Gulf Arab support can be sustained. MISHANDLED CRISES Egyptians are eager for an economic revival after years of political upheaval. But the islands issue seems to have hurt their national pride, prompting thousands to return to the streets to confront their leader. There are no signs that Sisi's rule is under immediate threat. However, even local media, which once suggested he could do no wrong, have been attacking the president. Critics say the government has mishandled a series of crises, from an investigation into the killing of Italian graduate student Giulio Regeni, 28, in Cairo, to a bomb that brought down a Russian airliner in the Sinai Peninsula last October. Torture marks on Regini's body prompted human rights groups to conclude he died at the hands of security forces, which Egypt denies. That revived complaints of police brutality, one of the issues that led Egyptians to challenge Mubarak's 30-year rule. Sisi has made fighting corruption a top priority. But he drew fire last month after sacking Hesham Geneina, Egypt's top auditor, who had stirred controversy by publicly concluding that state corruption had cost the country billions of dollars. In a tweet, Geneina described the protests as the "purest, bravest and most noble demonstration of Egyptians" in decades. Many Egyptians enthusiastically welcomed Sisi when he took over. They turned a blind eye as Islamists and other opponents were rounded up, swelling the number of political prisoners to about 40,000, according to estimates by human rights groups. PATIENCE WITH SISI FADING A growing number are now losing patience over corruption, poverty and unemployment, the same issues that led to Mubarak's downfall, while Sisi has appeared increasingly authoritarian in televised speeches. "We want the downfall of the regime," said Abdelrahman Abdellatif, 29, an air conditioning engineer, at the Cairo protest. "The youth of the revolution are still here ... We are experiencing unprecedented fascism and dictatorship." There were also Sisi supporters, including a woman wearing a shirt with an image of the former military intelligence chief. In Alexandria, around 500 people gathered near a railway station. Meanwhile, 300 Sisi supporters holding up photographs of him demonstrated outside a mosque in the port city. IMF says additional $1 bln in Mozambique debt uncovered WASHINGTON, April 15 (Reuters) - Mozambique's government has borrowed $1 billion more than it previously disclosed, the International Monetary Fund said on Friday, adding that the discovery diminished its view of the African nation's fiscal outlook. Antoinette Sayeh, the IMF's Africa director, told a news conference that the additional funds appeared to have been borrowed from Credit Suisse and Russia's VTB Bank, but few other details about the money were available. Canada top court strikes down two tough-on-crime measures OTTAWA, April 15 (Reuters) - Canada's Supreme Court on Friday struck down two so-called tough-on-crime measures introduced by the former Conservative government, ruling the changes to sentencing practices were unconstitutional. IMF says additional $1 bln in Mozambique debt uncovered WASHINGTON, April 15 (Reuters) - Mozambique's government has borrowed $1 billion more than it previously disclosed, the International Monetary Fund said on Friday, adding that the discovery diminished its view of the African nation's economic outlook. Antoinette Sayeh, the IMF's Africa director, told a news conference that the additional funds appeared to have been borrowed from Credit Suisse and Russia's VTB Bank and allocated to Mozambique's defense and security sector. The IMF last year agreed to loan Mozambique $286 million to help cushion its economy following deep declines in commodity prices and the value of the metical, Mozambique's currency. "The undisclosed borrowing exceeds $1 billion and significantly changes our assessment of Mozambique's macroeconomic outlook," Sayeh said. Earlier this month, the Wall Street Journal reported that Mozambique had borrowed hundreds of millions of dollars for a state-owned company's tuna fishing fleet, but that the funds were diverted to buy military speed boats. Banks on Argentina bond to earn up to US$27m in total fees By Davide Scigliuzzo NEW YORK, April 15 (IFR) - Banks leading Argentina's jumbo bond sale, which is set to price next week, could earn up to US$27m in total fees, according to government documents published on Friday. Argentina will pay a commission of 18bp to the underwriters arranging its first international bond sale in 15 years, which is expected to include maturities of five, 10 and 30-years. The South American nation is expected to raise between US$12.5bn and US$15bn through the bond sale, bringing the total feel pool to between US$22.5m and US$27m, according to IFR calculations. Deutsche Bank, HSBC, JP Morgan and Santander - the four global coordinators appointed to manage the offering - will each receive 19% of the total fee pool, or between US$4.28m and US$5.13m, based on the expected issue size. Canada top court strikes down two tough-on-crime measures By Leah Schnurr OTTAWA, April 15 (Reuters) - Canada's Supreme Court on Friday struck down two so-called tough-on-crime measures introduced by the former Conservative government, ruling the changes to sentencing practices were unconstitutional. It was another ruling by the top court against the policies of former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, who lost last year's election. In recent years, the court overturned a ban on physician-assisted suicide, blocked Harper's plans to introduce elections to the Senate and struck down restrictions on adult prostitution. In Friday's first case, the court ruled six to three that the requirement of a one-year mandatory minimum prison sentence for drug offenses violated the guarantee against cruel and unusual punishment in the country's Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The case came about after Joseph Ryan Lloyd was convicted of drug possession for trafficking purposes and was subject to a minimum one-year sentence due to a prior conviction for a similar offense. Mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent drug offenders were enacted in 2012, part of changes the Conservatives made. "The mandatory minimum sentence provision covers a wide range of potential conduct. As a result, it catches not only the serious drug trafficking that is its proper aim, but conduct that is much less blameworthy," the court said. It offered advice to the current Liberal government that if parliament wants to keep mandatory minimum sentences for offences that cast a wide net, it should consider narrowing their reach or allowing judicial discretion for a lesser sentence where appropriate. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he has tasked the justice minister with looking into the issue. "There is a general sense, reinforced by the Supreme Court decision today, that mandatory minimums brought in by the previous government in a number of cases went too far," Trudeau told reporters. Michael Cooper, Conservative deputy justice critic, said he was disappointed by the rulings. "Our party makes no apologies for the important legislative measures that we took in government to target gangs, organized crime and those involved in drug trafficking," he told CBC. In the second case, the court voted unanimously against denying enhanced credit for pre-sentence time spent in custody to those that had been denied bail primarily due to a prior conviction. Reforms in 2009 limited credit in such cases to a one-to-one basis, rather than one-and-a-half days. The court ruled that the denial was overly broad. Iran's Soleimani in Russia for talks on Syria, missiles -sources By Lidia Kelly and Parisa Hafezi MOSCOW/ANKARA, April 15 (Reuters) - Iranian Major General Qassem Soleimani has flouted an international travel ban and flown to Moscow for talks with Russia's military and political leadership on Syria and deliveries of Russian missiles, sources said on Friday. The main purpose of his visit was to discuss new delivery routes for shipments of Russian S-300 surface-to-air missile systems, sources said. Several sources also said Soleimani wanted to talk about how Russia and Iran could help the Syrian government take back full control of the city of Aleppo. "General Soleimani travelled to Moscow last night to discuss issues including the delivery of S-300s and further military cooperation," a senior Iranian security official told Reuters. Soleimani met Russian President Vladimir Putin and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu on Friday, one source said. A Kremlin spokesman said a meeting with Soleimani was not on Putin's schedule. Asked about Soleimani's visit, the Iranian embassy in Moscow said it had no information about it. U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby said Secretary of State John Kerry raised concerns about reports of Soleimani going to Russia in a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Friday, but added that Washington was not in a position to confirm the visit. Kirby said U.N. sanctions on remained in effect, "so such travel, if true, would be a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions, and we believe, then, a serious matter of concern to both the U.N. and the United States." A U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the United States would continue to insist that Russia and other countries comply with U.N. obligations "and prevent the international travel of Soleimani." "We also intend to continue to raise the issue in New York," the official said, referring to the United Nations. Soleimani's visit is likely to be seen as a sign that the tactical alliance of Russia and Iran over Syria remains strong despite some reported differences over battlefield strategy. "Soleimani's most likely meetings would be with (Russian) military leaders - Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu, among others, although the possibility of meeting with President Putin cannot be ruled out," said Yuri Lyamin, a Russian security analyst who follows Russian-Iranian military developments. Iranian media reported on Monday that Russia had delivered the first part of the S-300 missile system, providing technology that was blocked before Tehran signed a deal with world powers on its nuclear programme. Soleimani, the commander of foreign operations for Iran's elite Revolutionary Guards, flew to Moscow in July last year to help Russia plan its military intervention in Syria and forge an Iranian-Russian alliance to support Syria's President Bashar al-Assad. He helped reactivate the stalled S-300 deal, which Russia had put on ice in 2010 under pressure from the West. Russia, despite withdrawing some of its fast jets, still maintains a significant military presence in Syria, providing air support, advice and training to the Syrian army. A senior regional source told Reuters last year that Russia's military intervention in Syria was set out in an agreement between Moscow and Tehran that said Russian air strikes would support ground operations by Iranian, Syrian and Lebanese Hezbollah forces. Iran has committed troops to help prop up the Syrian army, sometimes sustaining heavy losses, and Soleimani has been reported to be spending time in Syria, where he is thought to have helped coordinate operations. He remains subject to an international travel ban by the U.N. Security Council. Washington has also designated the Quds Force, the unit of the Revolutionary Guards that Soleimani leads, as a supporter of terrorism. Portugal sees no need for new steps on deficit, keeps 2016 growth view By Jan Strupczewski WASHINGTON, April 15 (Reuters) - Portugal does not see a need to introduce any new deficit-cutting measures as data for the first months of the year indicate public finances are on track, Portuguese Finance Minister Mario Centeno told Reuters in an interview on Friday. The head of the IMF's European Department Poul Thomsen said earlier on Friday that Portugal would need to take new steps to reach its 2.2 percent of GDP deficit goal this year. "Do I share his evaluation? Not really," Centeno said. "It is very surprising to me. We have a very different evaluation of the situation," he said. He said budget execution data for the first quarter of the year showed that Portugal was on track. "There are risks in the global economy, which eventually may affect a small open economy like Portugal, but that is something that we need to evaluate," he said. "On budget execution we are very confident. The figures for January and February and the ones that are already known for the rest of the first quarter tell us that we are on track," he said. Euro zone finance ministers asked Portugal in February to prepare extra deficit-cutting steps in case they proved necessary to keep the budget in line with EU rules after the European Commission said the country's 2016 budget was at risk of breaking deficit-cutting commitments. Portuguese bond yields have risen and euro zone officials have stressed that Portugal needs to retain the confidence of financial markets to be able to borrow at reasonable rates after exiting from a euro zone bailout in 2014. STICKING TO 2016 GROWTH FORECAST Centeno said that if new measures were to become necessary, the government would focus on shifting from direct to indirect taxation but would not cut pensions or wages. Centeno said he was working closely with the DBRS rating agency, the only one that still gives Lisbon an investment grade rating which enables Portugal to take part in the European Central Bank's government bond purchasing programme. DBRS is to review Portugal's rating on April 29. A downgrade would mean a sharp rise in borrowing costs for the government. "We are working for a downgrade not to happen, working very closely with the DBRS, meeting in Washington. We are acting in a way that does not lead for that event to happen," Centeno said. He said that even though the IMF had again cut its global growth forecast this week and saw slower growth in the euro zone, Portugal was for now sticking with its forecast of 1.8 percent GDP growth in 2016. "We will not be revising the numbers for 2016, although the profile of growth ...in 2017 and 2020 ... is lower. But for 2016 so far we are sticking to our forecast," Centeno said. "We have figures for the first quarter that show strong performance in tourism, double-digit growth, we have private consumption also recovering, it looks like the first quarter will be positive growth quarter-on-quarter," he said. He said reforms that Portugal has already introduced would have had a bigger positive impact on the economy were it not for problems in the country's financial sector. He said the government was planning to address that by creating a vehicle to deal with non-performing loans in banks modelled on Italy's 5-billion-euro fund to shore up weaker banks. "The Italian case is a bit of a good example for us. The Italian system was designed for Italy, we have to adapt it, but the solution will not involve public money," Centeno said. Senegal creates new national airline, seeks strategic partner DAKAR, April 15 (Reuters) - Senegal has created Air Senegal, a new national airline intended to replace the West African nation's now defunct, heavily indebted carrier Senegal Airlines, the minister of tourism and air transport said on Friday. Maimouna Ndoye Seck said the new company was formed with capital of 40 billion CFA francs ($69 million) aimed at making the new airline operational as quickly as possible as it seeks "a strong strategic partner". Senegal state-owned television said late on Friday that Turkish Airlines was the front-runner to take a stake in Air Senegal. President Macky Sall was in Istanbul for a summit of Islamic nations. A ministry official confirmed the state had contributed the initial capital and total capital would eventually more than double to 100 billion CFA francs. Airlines have long been a fraught business in West Africa though there have been some success stories, including Ivory Coast's flagship carrier Air Cote d'Ivoire. Congo Republic's ECAir announced earlier this week that it was seeking to raise more than $100 million through a regional bond issuance in order to expand its fleet and routes. Senegal revoked the air operator's certificate of the previous carrier Senegal Airlines, which ran up debts of more than 100 billion CFA francs in less than five years of operation. The state owned a minority stake. By the time it was shut down, the airline no longer possessed any aircraft. Islamist militants in Philippines set deadline to execute foreign captives April 15 (Reuters) - Islamist militants in the Philippines on Friday announced a new deadline of April 25 for the execution of three foreign captives and a Filipino, but scaled back their ransom demand in a video posted on social media. The captives - two Canadian men, a Norwegian man and a Filipino woman - were kidnapped from a beach resort on a southern island last September. They are believed to be held in the jungle on Jolo island, a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf group, which is known for bombings, beheadings and kidnappings. In the video, the captives, with machetes held to their necks, asked their families and governments to pay a ransom of 300 million pesos ($6.51 million) each, down from the figure of a billion pesos each that the militants demanded last year. "This is already an ultimatum," the masked militant leader said. "We will certainly behead one of these four," he added, setting the execution for 3 p.m. on April 25. There was no explanation why the ransom was reduced or a new deadline set. A spokesman for the Philippine military declined to comment, saying he had not seen the video. In Ottawa, a spokeswoman for the Canadian foreign ministry said the government was aware of the video. "(We) will not comment or release any information which may compromise ongoing efforts or endanger the safety of Canadian citizens," Rachna Mishra said in an emailed statement. In the nearly two-minute clip posted on YouTube, the foreigners appealed for the militants' demands to be met. "I am told to tell you that my ransom is 300 million," said one man, who identified himself as Robert Hall. "My specific appeal is to the Canadian government, who, I know, have the capacity to get us out of here. I'm wondering what they're waiting for." The other Canadian and the Norwegian also made appeals, but the Filipino woman was not allowed to speak. The video was the fourth such appeal released by the militants. In their third clip last month, they set an April 8 deadline but no ransom was specified. Security is precarious in the resource-rich south of the largely Christian Philippines, despite a 2014 peace pact between the government and the largest Muslim rebel group that ended 45 years of conflict. Abu Sayyaf militants are holding other foreigners, including one from the Netherlands, one from Japan, four Malaysians and 10 Indonesian tugboat crew. Greece must stop locking up child migrants, charity warns ahead of pope's visit By Emma Batha LONDON, April 16 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - At least 1,500 unaccompanied migrant and refugee children stranded in Greece have nowhere safe to stay, with many sleeping rough in the cold and others incarcerated, a charity warned on Saturday ahead of Pope Francis' visit to Lesbos. Save the Children said Greece must stop locking up children and called on the European Union to help open more safe shelters for them. "Children ... are sleeping rough in increasingly volatile unofficial accommodation sites, are being incarcerated in detention centres and are slipping through the cracks of the system," said Amy Frost, Save the Children's team leader in Greece. "They are at risk of violence, abuse and exploitation by people traffickers." The children - some as young as 10 - come from countries including Syria, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Many have fled war and other violence. Some have travelled alone to Europe, while others have become separated from their families. Pope Francis will visit the Greek island of Lesbos on Saturday in a trip which aims to draw attention to the frontline of Europe's migrant crisis. Hundreds of thousands of migrants and refugees entered Europe last year after crossing the Aegean Sea from Turkey to Greece. But the European Union last month struck a controversial deal with Turkey aimed at closing the Aegean route, and Balkan states have closed their borders. The closures have left an estimated 2,000 unaccompanied children trapped in Greece, but Save the Children said there were just 477 shelter spaces for them in the country. The shelters have been full for weeks meaning some new arrivals are put in detention centres and police cells. "SERIOUS CONCERNS" Frost said some children were being held for weeks in police custody in "extremely bad conditions". She criticised the European Union for rushing to close borders and implement the deal with Turkey. "Pope Francis is telling the world there can be a more compassionate way to deal with the refugee crisis and Save the Children agrees," Frost said in a statement. The charity said children at the overcrowded centre in Moria - which the Pope is scheduled to visit - were getting sick. It also had "serious concerns" about the mental and physical wellbeing of nearly 60 children detained in a section of Moria managed by the police. "The conditions are very dirty, there are not enough beds and they do not have access to legal services," Save the Children spokeswoman Sacha Myers said by phone from Lesbos. Other children are sleeping rough in Athens - some on park benches - and at Greece's northern border, where Myers said they were at risk of exploitation and abuse. One 15-year-old Syrian boy, who spent several days sleeping in the rain and mud, described conditions at the border as "wretched". "I want to cry, but I don't want people to see me crying," he was quoted as saying by the charity. He said he had fled Syria after being jailed and beaten. His boat from Turkey had nearly capsized twice. Keith Allen Harward spent more than three decades in a locked cage for a crime he did not commit. Thanks to fast work by his attorneys and the Virginia Supreme Court, he walked out of prison on Friday. But nothing the state does can atone for the crime it committed against him. And the heck of it is that many more innocents just like him could be rotting behind bars. Nobody knows. Harward was convicted for the 1982 murder of Jesse Perron and the raping of Perrons wife, Teresa. DNA evidence has now conclusively demonstrated that another man a now-dead career criminal named Jerry Crotty is the real perpetrator of the 1982 crime. Harward had nothing to do with it. And the authorities probably knew that or should have. Swabs from the rape kit in Harwards case included blood-type evidence that, his appeal says, excluded Mr. Harward as the perpetrator. But that evidence was never provided Mr. Harward or his counsel. This information was not only suppressed but also falsely characterized as inconclusive by the Commonwealths forensic expert at trial. As The Times-Dispatchs Frank Green has reported, the work of that expert David Pomposini also has been involved in another wrongful conviction case, concerning a man named Troy Webb. Webb spent eight years in prison for rape before DNA cleared him. Harward and Webb are preceded by other well-known innocents set free long after conviction. Thomas Haynesworth spent 27 years in prison for rapes committed by another man. Earl Washington spent 17 years in prison for crimes that DNA proved he did not commit including several years on death row and six more years even after his exoneration. Still, that Harwards lawyers never got to see evidence that could have kept another innocent man out of prison while the guilty one went free ought to chasten the members of the Virginia Supreme Court. A 1963 U.S. Supreme Court case, Brady v. Maryland, requires prosecutors to disclose information that could help the defense. But Virginia lets the prosecutor decide what might be helpful and what might not be. In many jurisdictions, prosecutors routinely withhold even basic information such as witness lists and arrest reports. The result is that defendants face what some call trial by ambush. To be fair, please note that prosecutors resent that term; they say defense counsel springs surprise witnesses during trial far more often than the state does. A couple of years ago the Virginia Supreme Court appointed a committee to study disclosure rules. It scrutinized the issue for nearly a year, and proposed major reforms. The reforms might have leaned in one direction, but they were not entirely one-sided. Prosecutors could have learned more about the case to be presented by the defense as well. Yet in a two-sentence order in November, the Supreme Court rejected the suggestions wholesale. Which is too bad, because prosecutors dont always abide by even current discovery requirements. Prince William County Commonwealths Attorney Paul Ebert who was re-elected only three weeks before the Virginia Supreme Courts order has been chastised by federal courts for his flabbergasting justifications for withholding exculpatory evidence. In one instance, the case of Beltway sniper John Allen Muhammad, the evidence would not have changed the trials outcome. But the second instance led the courts to vacate a murder-for-hire conviction. U.S. District Judge Robert Jackson, a former prosecutor himself, blasted Ebert for repeating behavior he had been warned about in the Muhammad case, and an appellate court found his withholding of evidence useful to the defense was entirely intentional. Eberts justification is, essentially, that he does not want to give defendants material they might use to make stuff up. But in withholding material defendants might use to tell lies, he also is withholding material they need to tell the truth. Thats why Virginia legislators should do what the states Supremes would not, and require more thorough discovery of pretrial evidence. This would let defense attorneys decide what is useful, rather than prosecutors who might take a more cramped view of the question. Theres another possible reason to adopt open discovery rules: Jason Norton, a former detective with the Richmond Police Department. Two years ago sharp-eyed federal prosecutors noted that the language in some of Nortons requests for search warrants sounded awfully similar. It turned out Norton lied about confidential informants, whose information he cited as the justification for the warrants, and essentially cut and pasted language from one affidavit to the next. Norton is no longer on the Richmond force. Chief Alfred Durham has set up an internal audit system to prevent similar instances in the future. But in the meantime, the convictions of a dozen people have been overturned, and the police department and prosecutor Mike Herring have spent God-only-knows-how-many hours sorting the whole mess out. Think of the resources wasted. Maybe Norton is alone among the thousands of police officers throughout Virginia. But nobody knows. Giving defense lawyers routine access to prosecutors files might have some deterrent effect in preventing similar cases. Officers would be on notice that defense lawyers would be checking their work, and might take greater pains because of it. A lot of mischief or simple sloppiness is possible when arrest reports and similar documents never see the light of day. This isnt about favoring defendants over law and order. When the state locks up innocent men for crimes they didnt commit, it lets guilty men go free free to commit further mayhem. Public safety requires more than simply getting a conviction. It requires convicting the right person. Convicting an innocent one is a crime against him, against public safety and against the taxpayers. Richmond Times-Dispatch (VA) One employee was injured and a manufacturing building at the TE Connectivity plant in Culpeper sustained major damage Friday from a fire that began during a roof remodeling. The employee suffered burns to his neck and hands and was transported to UVa Culpeper Hospital for treatment, officials said. All other employees were evacuated and accounted for, according to Erin Burke with TE Connectivity, based in Switzerland. According to Junior Perryman, first assistant chief of the Culpeper County Volunteer Fire Department, workers remodeling the roof took a lunch break, and when they returned at about 12:30 p.m. they found a stack of roofing repair materials burning. The production plant and the adjoining office area were quickly evacuated as fire units from 10 companies in four counties fought the blaze, which sent black smoke billowing high into the clear midday sky. Most of the fire damage was committed to the roof area and there was significant damage there, said Perryman, estimating that about a 150-by-150-foot area was destroyed. There was some fire damage to the production plant area, but the fire was quickly contained there. Perryman said, however, that there was significant water damage to the production area and smoke damage to an office area in the building. He could not offer a monetary damage estimate, saying only that it was significant. Firefighters from Culpeper, Little Fork, Salem and Brandy were aided by two companies from Fauquier County, one from Orange and another from Rappahannock. It took almost five hours to completely put out the fire as firefighters continued to battle hot spots on the roof. Culpeper Countys professional rescue squad also responded. Production in the damaged building, one of several on the campus, was halted for the weekend, according to Burke. TE Connectivity, formerly known as Rochester Wire & Cable, came to Culpeper in 1937 and for decades was the countys biggest employer. The facility manufactures wire rope and fiber-optic cable. There was an electrical fire at TE Connectivity nearly three years ago on April 24, 2013 that caused an estimated $750,000 in damage. LONDON - England - With no logic to their campaign for Britain to stay in the EU, there is a sense of floundering desperation to the proceedings as the official EU referendum campaigning begins. The EU is a failing enterprise that is un-democratic, corrupt and profligate, with a future akin to the Titanic. Much like the famous ship which was said to be too big to sink, so too come the claims about the EU, and it is sinking in a sea of debt, unrealised pension debt liabilities as well as failing members like Greece. The IN campaign are definitely in the sewer, a shit party full to the brim, directed from behind the scenes by cowardly unelected eurocrats hiding behind their curtain of deceit and greed. With their unlimited expense accounts, low tax rates and diamond plated pensions, of course the faceless unelected eurocrats have a lot to lose, so this is why they are now pouring huge amounts of your taxpayer money into propaganda drives to fool the people of Britain with your own money whilst laughing in your face. The campaigners and supporters of the Remain camp are low information people, they are not interested in the cold hard facts or the truth about the EU, they are enslaved by lies and false propaganda forced onto the populace by Project Fear and pledge allegiance to nothing but cowardice, betrayal and greed. There is an almost robotic element to those who support to stay in the EU. Their fervour resembles the same Soviet pride of the former USSR, and the current communist state of China. No amount of reasoning or facts put in front of their faces, point by point telling them they have been told lies by their greed fuelled masters will assuage their singular urgency to sell Britain out and betray its people forever. To fight this form of brainwashing and ulterior greed fuelled enemy is a task that is gargantuan in size, but a wholly manageable affair because the IN campaign may have the backing of Goldman Sachs and other EU departments, but it does not have half the passion or truth behind its operation. The truth always wins through, and the people can see through the lies the BSE team spout. You are definitely IN, you are IN the Shit, and you know it. Most students come to school to acquire skills and knowledge they can apply in the real world. Kalab Workye, on the other hand, came to Dals Bachelor of Management program as a veteran of the business world. The first-year student was the recipient of this years Entrepreneur of the Year Impact Award. The honour is no surprise, considering that Kalab has been in business for himself since he was 17. I was delivering pizzas and I took my earnings and started a rickshaw business, he explains. I had four of them built and I wanted to sell advertising on them. I did a bunch of cold calls and met with a bunch of people and sold a couple of advertising spots. To secure these advertising deals, which included a $4,000 agreement with a local car dealership, Kalab had to present a level of professionalism well beyond his teenage years. I set up a meeting with a branding agency and I knew I couldnt let them know I was 17. I had flyers and a package made up, I put on a suit and met with them and I was able to sell them on (doing rickshaw advertising). Seizing opportunity Kalab has since let go of his rickshaw business to focus on Project Painters, a seasonal interior and exterior painting company that uses environmentally friendly supplies and materials. I looked for a business I could get into with minimal investment and make a buck in. I saw that this industry was highly fragmented and disorganized, says Kalab. I thought I could take advantage of that by presenting a more professional image. Kalab adds that offering ecologically conscious painting services helps him stand out in the marketplace. If youre bringing a product to market thats environmentally friendly, the most environmentally friendly product on the market, then as long as your pricing is right and youre seen as competent, youll do better than the competition. Kalabs keen business sense and hustle was forged in part by his upbringing. Born in a refugee camp in Kenya, he came to Canada at the age of eight and grew up in what he describes as a tough neighbourhood. Starting multiple companies, he says, has helped him develop some of the social skills required for business success. Ive learned to deal with people through my businesses, says Kalab. You have to work with people and be personable and professional. Building a skill set Kalab says hes added some new skills as a student in the Faculty of Management. He cites Microeconomics as his favourite course and points to learning Microsoft Excel as a critical skill hes developed. Its very basic but Id never done it. Its an amazing tool to keep track of everything. With the academic year ending and the painting season ramping up, Kalab will have lots to keep track of over the next few months. For now, hes honoured by his Entrepreneur of the Year award and continues to hone his business savvy. I think I have that mindset of having a goal and figuring out how to go after it, whether its a sale or whatever it may be. Thats what its about for me. Dayton International Airport kicks off a new era of destination travel for the region's travelers today with the inaugural Allegiant Air flight to Orlando Sanford Airport. Allegiant will follow up Friday with the first flight to its second Dayton destination, St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport. "We could not be more thrilled to officially welcome Allegiant to Dayton International Airport," said Terrence Slaybaugh, airport director. "Allegiant is known for providing affordable flights to many popular destinations, and Dayton travelers are thrilled to be able to now have convenient access to nonstop flights to two amazing cities." The inaugural Orlando and St. Pete-Clearwater flights will be sent off in the traditional manner, with balloons, refreshments and giveaways for passengers and a water cannon salute from the airport's fire engines. The Thursday (April 14) celebration will take place leading up to the 5:20 p.m.Orlando flight departure and also will include a live remote broadcast by Gina Ferraro and Mix 107.7. Friday's (April 15) celebration will be lead up to the St. Pete-Clearwater flight's 4:03 p.m. departure. "It's always a lot of fun to send off new flights in this way," Slaybaugh said. "It's our way of letting passengers know they are a part of something special and welcome a new airline to our fun way of doing things in Dayton." The new nonstop flights will operate twice weekly out of Dayton. Flight days, times and the lowest fares can be found only at Allegiant.com. Allegiant is known for its low-cost leisure travel. The company provides customers with low base fares averaging nearly half the cost of the average domestic round-trip fares. Prices for the new flights out of Dayton start as low as $51 to Orlando Sanford Airport and $57 to St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport. The deal comes with the clause of creating thousands of new jobs in India through offsets. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: India is all set to buy fighter jets from the France for 8.8 billion dollars as the two countries have finally narrowed down their differences over the pricing. The development comes nearly four months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande signed a memorandum of agreement (MoU) to purchase 36 Rafale combat jets. Read: France pitches for naval version of Rafale According to a report in NDTV, a formal agreement will be signed between the two countries by May-end. Sources said the French have more or less agreed to Indian terms but India would not get the first batch of the French-made fighter planes until at least 18 months. The Indian side has been negotiating hard to bring down the price of the Rafale deal. Sources said the price for 36 Rafales, as per the UPA tender, keeping the cost escalation and dollar rate in mind, comes to a little over Rs 65,000 crore. This includes the cost involved in making changes India has sought in the aircraft, including Israeli helmet mounted display and some specific weaponry, among others. The deal comes with the clause of delivering 50 per cent offsets, creating business worth at least 3 billion Euros for smaller Indian companies and creating thousands of new jobs in India through the offsets. Modi had signed a deal with France in January but said the two countries would sort out the financial aspects later. In fact, the toughest phase in the negotiations that began in July 2015 - three months after Modi announced in Paris India's plan to purchase 36 Rafale jets - was to get the French to agree to 50 per cent offsets in the deal. Initially, Dassault Aviation was willing to agree to reinvest only 30 per cent of the value of its contract in Indian entities to meet the offset obligations. The French side finally agreed to invest 50 per cent of the value following a phone conversation between Modi and Hollande late last year. The commercial negotiations, as in the pricing of the planes, equipment and other issues, actually began only in mid-January this year. Under the proposed deal, French companies apart from Dassault Aviation, will provide several aeronautics, electronics and micro-electronics technologies to comply with the offset obligation. Companies like Safran and Thales will join Dassault in providing state-of-art technologies in stealth, radar, thrust vectoring for missiles and materials for electronics and micro-electronics. Bengaluru: If everything goes as per plan, a business school, modelled on the lines of the famed London School of Economics, will be established in the city. Launching the 125th birth anniversary of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah said the government is seriously considering setting up Dr Ambedkar London School of Economics in the city. Later, the Chief Ministers office said the chief minister, after consulting National Law School of India University faculty member, Dr S. Japhet and PWD minister, Dr H.C. Mahadevappa, announced this at the event on Wednesday. Dr. Ambedkar received one of his four doctorate degrees in economics from LSE in 1923. The discussion will start now. The idea perhaps is to partner with London School of Economics to set up a business school here. We have to see how this will take shape in future, a senior official told Deccan Chronicle. Earlier this year, the original proposal of setting up a business school was rejected by the Bengaluru University syndicate when the Jindal group put forth a proposal. The group wanted BU to allot land to it to set up Jindal School of Business on the BU campus.With the chief minister making the announcement now, the idea has got a different twist. The chief minister also announced that the metro station outside Vidhana Soudha will be named after Dr Ambedkar. He said that Indian Railways would be requested to rename the Yashwanthpur railway station after Dr Ambedkar. Picture released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency shows a display featuring statues of founding president Kim Il-Sung and late president Kim Jong-Il at the Youth Movement Museum in North Korea. (Photo: AFP) Seoul, South Korea: A North Korean launch of a missile on the birthday of its revered founder appears to have failed, South Korean and US defense officials said on Friday. South Korea's Yonhap news agency carried an unsourced report that the failed launch was of a powerful new mid-range missile that could one day be capable of reaching far-off US military bases in Asia. The US and South Korean officials, however, provided few details, including the type of missile, of what would be an embarrassing failure for Pyongyang, if confirmed. The launch comes as the two Koreas trade threats amid Pyongyang's anger over annual South Korean-US military drills that North Korea calls a rehearsal for an invasion. The North has fired a slew of missiles and artillery shells into the sea in an apparent protest against the drills. A recent surge in belligerent threats and nuclear and missile activity in the North may also be linked to leader Kim Jong Un's preparations for a major ruling party meeting next month that analysts believe he will use to further solidify his autocratic rule. A senior US defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity because the official wasn't authorized to speak publicly, said the US Strategic Command systems have detected and tracked what officials assessed as a failed North Korean missile launch. "We strongly condemn North Korea's missile test in violation of UN Security Council Resolutions, which explicitly prohibit North Korea's use of ballistic missile technology," the official said. The North American Aerospace Defense Command said the missile launched from North Korea did not pose a threat to North America. The South's Defense Ministry said it wasn't immediately known whether the missile fired Friday morning was a short-range or mid-range missile. The North's launch came amid speculation in the South that its rival was preparing to test a medium-range missile with a range of 3,500 kilometers (2,180 miles) - enough to reach US military installments in Japan and Guam. Foreign experts have nicknamed the missile "Musudan" after the village in the northeast where North Korea has a Launchpad. Friday is the birthday anniversary of the late Kim Il Sung, the current leader's grandfather and the nation's founder. North Korea has occasionally used such celebrations to stage nuclear or missile tests that outsiders consider provocations. North Korea has unnerved the international community this year with an escalating campaign of belligerence. This includes a nuclear test in January, its fourth, and a long-range rocket launch in February, as well as nuclear threats against the United States and Seoul. There is debate among analysts about the exact state of the North's nuclear capabilities - many believe Pyongyang has a handful of crude nuclear bombs - but each nuclear and missile test pushes them farther along in their goal of a nuclear-armed arsenal of long-range missiles. Istanbul: Muslim countries have agreed to work together more closely to fight terrorism and other crimes and will establish an Istanbul-based centre for greater police cooperation, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday. Leaders from the Muslim world are attending a summit in Istanbul this week of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to discuss issues facing the grouping's 57 member states, including the humanitarian fall-out from Syria's civil war. "It would be appropriate to create a structure among OIC countries which would strengthen and institutionalise cooperation against terror and other crimes," Erdogan said in his opening address at the summit. "With this in mind, our proposal for the establishment of an OIC police cooperation and coordination centre based in Istanbul found acceptance." Erdogan, whose country is set to take over the three-year rotating presidency of the OIC, gave no details about the new police centre or say when it might start work. Turkey has long pressed for closer regional cooperation in tackling terrorism as its army and security forces battle Kurdish militants that Ankara and its Western allies classify as terrorists. Turkey is part of the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State in neighbouring Syria and is also a vocal opponent of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a stance that has put it at odds with Assad's ally, Iran. On Thursday Erdogan called for greater unity among Muslim countries. "The more that we as Muslims, as Muslim countries, fall out with each other, the more the innocents who have put their hopes in us will be exposed to strife," he said. Also speaking at the summit, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani spoke out against divisions among Muslims. Shi'ite Iran is at loggerheads with Sunni Muslim powers including Saudi Arabia in Yemen as well as in Syria. "No message which would fuel division in the Islamic community should come out of the conference," Rouhani told the conference, according to Iranian state television. Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah, son of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, on Thursday categorically said he would not resign as a director of Matrix Imaging Solutions in the wake of charges of nepotism against his father. The code of conduct to be followed by the ministers applies to their minor children, family members who are dependent on them and wife/husband. Though I am living with my father (Siddaramaiah), I am not dependent on him. I am a doctor by profession. Hence, the code of conduct does not apply to me, he told this newspaper. The contract to establish a superspecialty laboratory at Victoria hospital was awarded after a transparent tendering process. It has been politicised unnecessarily. It would send a wrong message if I resign (as a director of the company). I dont like to politicise it, Yathindra said. He said his company had no intention to make a profit from the venture. The company will conduct medical examinations at 20 per cent less cost than what Victoria Hospital charges. The aim is to help poor patients, he said. Transparent tender When contacted, Medical Education Minister, Dr Sharan Prakash Patil, said the question of cancelling the contract awarded to the company owned by Siddaramaiahs son Yathindra did not arise. We will be going ahead with the inauguration, but the date has not been fixed as there are a few pending works to be completed at the facility. The contract has been awarded through a transparent bidding process. The question of cancelling it does not arise, he said. An embarrassed Congress high command has summoned its party chief in Karnataka G Parameshwara to seek details about the latest controversy surrounding Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs son, whose firm was given a contract to run a lab in a government hospital. Parameshwara, who will arrive in Delhi on Friday, is expected to meet party top brass and explain the situation. It is also learnt that the party has sought details from Karnataka in-charge General Secretary Digvijay Singh about the row. Incidentally, Singh was in Bengaluru on Wednesday when the controversy broke out. The latest controversy over alleged nepotism came at a time when a large number of MLAs have been demanding a reshuffle of the Cabinet while another section of leaders was pitching for leadership change. The MLAs had earlier complained to the high command that the state government was busy addressing its own controversy instead of tackling the unprecedented drought, which the state is facing now. The party top brass is worried about the frequent controversies surrounding the chief minister and about the state leadership being forced onto the back foot to defend him. Earlier, the party had expressed serious concern over the row involving an expensive watch worn by Siddaramaiah and the setting up of the Anti-Corruption Bureau. Party senior leader and former chief minister S M Krishna recently met party national president Sonia Gandhi and vice-president Rahul Gandhi and complained against Siddaramaiah. Even senior leader Mallikarjuna Kharge had urged CM to drop the proposal of setting up the ACB. Normal life remained disrupted on third consecutive day on Thursday in Kashmir Valley due to restrictions and strike against the killing of four civilians in security forces firing in frontier Kupwara district on Tuesday. While the strike was called by hardline Hurriyat and JKLF, authorities imposed curfew in the areas falling under the jurisdiction of six police stations of old Srinagar and Kupwara, Langate, Magam and Handwara town, where two youth and a woman were killed in protests on Tuesday. Subsequently, another youth was killed during protests on Wednesday in the same area. The killings triggered widespread protests and clashes in Handwara and Kupwara in which dozens of people including policemen were injured. On Thursday authorities suspended mobile internet services across Kashmir valley to block rumour mongering on social networking sites. Though mobile service providers remained tight-lipped about suspension of the services, a senior police official said the step was taken to check spreading of rumours. He said the suspension was a temporary measure and services would be restored as soon as the situation normalise. Police also denied entry of journalists into curfew-bound Handwara town. Reports said the town has been garrisoned and police and paramilitary forces in riot gear are manning barricades erected at the entry points of Handwara. Reports said public transport remained off the roads in most parts of the valley while private transport was plying in some areas of Srinagar. Most of the government offices witnessed thin attendance while educational institutions remained closed. In Srinagar, security forces closed all the exit and entrance points to old Srinagar with barbed wire and blocked road junctions with armored vehicles. Civil Lines areas of the city also witnessed complete shutdown with heavy deployment of forces on roads, reports added. Reports from other district headquarters said that business establishments remained shut to protest the killings. Chairmen of both factions of Hurriyat, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Syed Ali Shah Geelani were put under house arrest while JKLF chairman, Muhammad Yasin Malik continues to remain in police custody. He was arrested three days back. A police spokesman said situation remained normal throughout Kashmir. However, isolated minor incidents stone pelting were reported from some area in which there were no reports of any injury to anybody so far, he said. As part of the Centre efforts to decongest national capital region by building link roads, flyovers and underpasses, the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) has come up with a detailed proposal and sought experts comments on it. The proposal has been uploaded on the NHAI website and the authority has requested architects, town-planners and other citizens to send in their suggestions and comments by April 30. The authority also created a separate cell to work on decongesting Delhi and the NCR, which comprises 13 districts of Haryana, UPs 7 and 2 of Rajasthan as well as boats of over 88.50 lakh vehicles. Worried over increasing pollution level, earlier Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari has promised to address the problems in 2 years by decongesting national capital by improving infrastructure to efficient management of traffic and promoting eco-friendly fuel. In November 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation of 3 National Highway projects Eastern Peripheral Highway (EPH), Western Peripheral Highway (WPH) and eight-laning of NH between Mukarba Chowk in Delhi and Panipat in Haryana. Once these projects complete a large number of vehicles, which come from southern side of the national capital, can go to the neighbouring states without entering Delhi. The NHAI proposes to connect Azadpur to Sonipat, Kashmiri Gate to Baghpat, Nizamuddin Bridge to Dasna, Lajpat Nagar to Kherli Kankar in Haryana and Bhikaji Cama Place to NBRC Gate on NH-8 in Haryana among others for radial connectivity of Outer Ring Road to EPE and WPE. It also proposed to decongest the settlement areas through elevated corridor or by rerouting the networks by a green field alignment. Apart from this, NHAI says that new links to NH-8 will further decongest Delhi-Gurgaon road, Palam area, Aya Nagar, Vasant Kunj and MG (Mehrauli-Gurgaon) Road. In order to decongest NH-8/Gurgaon, NHAI proposes a links to connect Vasant Kunj to Aya Nagar on Gurgaon-Mehrauli road (NH-236), Sikandarpur/Guru Dronacharya Metro station to NSG Gate on NH-8, among others. To decongest the Delhi-Gurgaon section of the NH-8, NHAI proposed construction of flyover and underpass at Hero Honda Chowk on Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway as well as constructing of underpasses, overpasses etc. for improvement of 3 junctions at IFFCO Chowk, Signature Chowk and Rajiv Chowk. Two members of a gang of cattle thieves have been arrested for an attack on a Delhi Police PCR van last year. On Wednesday evening, the armed men tried to open fire when they were surrounded by a police team in south Delhi. Sabir Ali, 30, and Javed, 28, who hail from Haryanas Faridabad district, were nabbed from Govindpuri. Police said they were informed that Sabir and Javed were cattle thieves from Mewat, Haryana. Their gang was involved in the attack on a PCR team in south Delhis Khanpur in September 2015. The PCR staff had a miraculous escape when the gang members opened fire. They had also pelted stones at the van as a result of which the windscreen of the vehicle was shattered, said a police officer. The chase proved futile as the gang members had managed to escape. They usually travel in a Tata 407 mini-truck without registration number. On Wednesday, police got a tip-off that the gang would visit the capital again for cattle theft in outer Delhi. They were warned that the gang members would be carrying country-made pistols. At 6.30 pm, their mini-truck was spotted in Govindpuri. Sabir and Javed were identified by an informer. They, however, tried to flee despite being surrounded by our team, the officer added. Sabir and Javed then whipped out their pistols, but were overpowered before they could open fire. They were arrested and a case under the Arms Act filed with the special cell police station. The investigators are questioning them to nab their accomplices and identify the source of their firearms.In the past couple of years, policemen have even lost their lives while chasing members of Mewati gangs.According to police, they have intensified vigil at border pickets and instructions have been given to the staff to check and verify all Tata 407 mini-trucks entering the capital. Country's second-largest software services major Infosys today reported a 16.2 per cent growth in consolidated net profit at Rs 3,597 crore for the quarter ended March 31, 2016. It had posted a net profit of Rs 3,097 crore in January-March of 2014-15, Infosys said in a BSE filing. Revenue of the Bengaluru-based firm grew 23.4 per cent to Rs 16,550 crore in the March quarter compared with Rs 13,411 crore in the same quarter of 2014-15, it added. On a sequential basis, Infosys' net profit rose 3.8 per cent from Rs 3,465 crore in the October-December quarter while revenue was up 4.1 per cent from Rs 15,902 crore during the same period. Reacting to the results, the stock was trading at Rs 1,172.05, down 0.87 per cent, on BSE at 1002 hours. Infosys Managing Director and CEO Vishal Sikka said: "Over the course of this year, we saw this strategy of bringing automation and innovation to our clients, on a foundation of learning and education, start to show results in the organic growth of our client relationships, in our win rates in large deals, and in the types of projects we are seeing in strategic areas where we never participated before." In US dollars, Infosys net profit grew 7 per cent to USD 533 million in the March quarter from USD 498 million in the year-ago period while revenues rose 13.3 per cent to USD 2.44 billion from USD 2.15 billion a year ago. For 2015-16, profit was up 1.9 per cent at USD 2.05 billion while revenues grew 9.1 per cent to USD 9.5 billion. Infosys said it expects revenue for 2016-17 to grow in the range of 11.5-13.5 per cent in constant currency and 11.8-13.8 per cent in US dollar terms, in line with industry body Nasscom's estimate of 10-12 per cent for the fiscal. The company said it has appointed Mohit Joshi, Ravi Kumar S and Sandeep Dadlani as presidents with effective immediate effect. Cash and cash equivalents, available-for-sale financial assets, certificates of deposits and government bonds were Rs 34,468 crore as of March 31, 2016. "Our growth trajectory improved in FY16 and we navigated the external business environment well. We will continue to focus on leveraging operational efficiency levers for consistent profitable growth," Infosys CFO MD Ranganath said. During the quarter, cash generation was strong and Infosys managed a volatile currency environment effectively, he added. Infosys said its quarterly annualised attrition rate has declined to 17.3 per cent in January-March of 2016. For the March quarter, Infosys' total headcount stood at 1,94,044 as against 1,76,187 a year ago. Net additions in the March quarter stood at 661 people. "Employee attrition reduced further in Q4, and is reflective of increased engagement with our people all through the year, and our steps to make Infosys an exciting place for the world's best talent. We continue to reimagine our internal processes to increase organisational agility," Infosys COO U B Pravin Rao said. The momentum of large deal wins continued this quarter and bookings were strong, he added. Infosys Board has recommended a final dividend of Rs 14.25 per equity share for the financial year ended March 2016. In fiscal 2016, over Rs 216 crore (USD 33 million) contributed by Infosys was utilised across projects related to healthcare, education, culture, destitute care and rural development, it said. In addition, the company has spent Rs 86 crore (USD 13 million) crore on multiple initiatives including Chennai flood disaster relief, environment sustainability and conservation of natural resources aimed at long-term sustainability of ecosystem. India is "not forthcoming" in resuming comprehensive dialogue with Pakistan and such an attitude is "impeding" prospects of normalisation of bilateral relations, Pakistan's envoy to the UN has said. Pakistan's Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi told a group of students and faculty members from the US Army War College last week that despite a positive start following the coming to power of the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India suspended talks between the two countries on "flimsy grounds and set unacceptable pre-conditions" for their revival. According to a press release by the Pakistan Mission at the UN, Lodhi said in spite of Pakistan's call to resume broad-based, comprehensive dialogue, "India was still not forthcoming". "This attitude was impeding prospects of normalisation between the two countries," the release said. Lodhi said that defeating terrorism, growing the economy and building a peaceful neighbourhood were among Pakistan's top priorities, including promoting peace and security in Afghanistan and normalising relations with India on the basis of resolution of outstanding disputes. "These national priorities frame our international diplomacy and our foreign engagements," she said. Lodhi further said one of Pakistan's key priorities was regional connectivity and integration and cited the connectivity project with China linking the two countries through an economic corridor. "The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor that would link Pakistan to Central Asia and the Eurasian landmass will not be confined to China and Pakistan but will be win-win for the entire region," the release said. With CBI getting nod to prosecute him in the alleged cheating and corruption in the LTC Scam, JD(U) Rajya Sabha MP Anil Sahni today denied the charges and refused to resign. "It's a conspiracy against me... Why shall I resign on moral ground when I have not done anything wrong," the second term Rajya Sabha member from Nitish Kumar's party told PTI here. Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari has given his approval to CBI to prosecute JD(U) MP Anil Sahani against whom the agency had filed a charge sheet for alleged cheating and corruption in LTC Scam. The Bihar MP is reportedly the first from the Upper House who will be prosecuted by CBI after sanction in this regard was given by the Chairman. The MP said he would also talk to lawyers to file a defamation suit. Sahni alleged that he fell victim to a "racket" which operated in raising fake bills for LTC for parliamentarians. "Twice I drew attention of the authorities in 2013 about false bill submitted in my name by racketeers against LTC," he said, defending himself in the controversy. "I invite the probe agency to check my bank accounts in Delhi as well in Patna to ascertain flow of money on this count," he said. The JD(U) Rajya Sabha member, son of former JD(U) RS MP Madan Sahni, said he would seek time with Chief Minister Kumar, who is now also JD(U) National President, to discuss the issue. Asked who was "conspiring" against him and for what reason, the JD(U) MP hailing from Muzaffarpur, said he did not know persons behind the conspiracy. "I might be targeted as I hail from a poor community and have been raising issues concerning dalits and have-nots," the JD(U) Rajya Sabha MP said. CBI had filed a charge sheet against Sahani alleging that he, in collusion with other persons, used forged e-tickets and fake boarding passes to defraud Rajya Sabha to the tune of Rs 23.71 lakh as travel and dearness allowance reimbursement without undertaking the actual journey. Besides Sahani, whose term in Rajya Sabha ends in April 2018, others named in the CBI chargesheet were Anup Singh Panwar, an employee of Delhi-based Air Cruise Travels Private Limited, N S Nair, then Office Superintendent (Traffic), Air India and one Arvind Tiwari. Members of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha get 34 free air tickets in a year for themselves, their family members and associates for domestic travel. JD(U) state President Bashishtha Narayan Singh said the party would take appropriate action against Sahni after a probe into the matter. "Our party always takes action in such matters. We will take action against Sahni after conducting a preliminary inquiry by the party," Singh told PTI. Asked whether the party has served a show-cause notice to the Rajya Sabha member, he said the matter has just come to light and the party would initiate action based on facts that would be known from the report The parents of TV star Pratyusha Banerjee, who allegedly committed suicide, have written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis requesting for a probe by Mumbai Police Crime Branch into her death. In their letter to the CM, they have alleged that Pratyusha's boyfriend and actor-producer Rahul Raj Singh was "solely responsible for her death". "...she fell prey to conman Rahul Raj Singh, who has not only cheated my daughter and is solely responsible for death, but also cheated many innocent girls like her to the tune of lakhs of rupees," said the letter, dated April 13, signed by Pratyusha's mother Soma Banerjee. The letter, which has also been addressed to Minister of State for (Home) Ranjit Patil, Mumbai Police Commissioner Dattatray Padsalgikar and Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Deven Bharti, alleged that their complaint was not being heard by police. The actress' mother alleged that instead of seriously investigating the matter, the Bangur Nagar police, where the case has been registered, was giving a free hand to the accused to destroy the evidence. "He (Rahul) also has been threatening us and the witnesses. The death of my daughter is being coloured and portrayed as a suicide committed due to depression," it stated. "Our appeal to you is that the investigation in the case should be transferred to Mumbai Crime Branch for a fair investigation so that justice is done after our daughter's untimely and mysterious death," the letter further said. The 'Balika Badhu' fame actress was found hanging at her residence in Goregaon on April 1. She was then rushed by Rahul to a hospital in Andheri where she was declared dead. Rahul, who has been booked for abetment of suicide, has been undergoing treatment for alleged depression at a hospital in Borivali since April 3. The Bombay High Court had on Tuesday granted Rahul interim protection from arrest till April 18. AirAsia today asserted that effective control of its joint venture AirAsia India is with Indian parties and said 'vested interests' were trying to prevent the local no-frills airline from offering competitive service and fares. The assertion comes amid concerns expressed in various quarters about effective control at the low cost airline AirAsia India - jointly owned by Malaysia-based AirAsia Bhd and Tatas. AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes said it is time for India to end patronage and put people first and emphasised that Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has promised fairness and transparency. According to AirAsia, a provision in the brand license AirAsia India and AirAsia Bhd explicitly states that substantial ownership and effective control of the licensee remains at all times with Indian residents. "We are shocked and surprised by the unprecedented opposition we continue to face in the Indian market from vested interests that are determined to find any reason or argument to block us in our endeavour to offer Indian consumer the most competitive service and fares," AirAsia said in a statement today. It reiterated that AirAsia India's majority ownership and effective control are with Indian parties as per regulations. "All the important decisions concerning the day-to-day operations of the airline are taken by the management team of the airline under the overall supervision, control, and direction of the board of directors (which include a majority of Indian nationals)," the statement said. Meanwhile, Fernandes said the "constant attack on AirAsia, especially by certain members of media has saddened me but we will prevail. It is time for India to end patronage and put people first". Last month, Tata Sons said it would hike its stake in AirAsia India to 49 per cent by buying additional shares from Arun Bhatia's Telestra which would be exiting the airline. Telestra Tradeplace had around 10 per cent stake. While Tata Sons would buy 7.94 per cent shareholding, the remaining stake would be purchased by the carrier's two directors - S Ramadorai and R Venkataramanan - in their individual capacities. Post deal, Tata group and Malaysia's AirAsia Bhd would have 49 per cent stake each in the no-frills airline. Meanwhile, Fernandes today also said Modi government has promised fairness and transparency and having met the Prime Minister, "I am even more excited about our future in India". "My father was a proud Indian and of all the things that I have done, nothing would have made him prouder than what we are trying to achieve in India. AirAsia is about creating jobs and enabling people to do things they never ever thought possible. We made Asia smaller. That's all we want to do in India," he noted. In more trouble for beleaguered businessman Vijay Mallya, the Enforcement Directorate today moved the special PMLA court here seeking non-bailable warrant against him in connection with a money laundering probe in the over Rs 900 crore IDBI loan fraud case. "We have moved the court seeking NBW against him and the hearing is likely to take place tomorrow," said an ED official. Government today suspended the passposrt of Mallya, whose Kingfisher Airlines has defaulted on loans of over Rs 9,400 crores and who has been defying Enforcement Directorate summons, and even threatened to revoke it. The 60-year-old industrialist, who has been in Britain for over a month, had skipped three summonses issued by the agency. He had also sought time till May to depose before the officials. On April 9, in reply to the last summons, Mallya had informed the Investigating Officer (IO) of the case here that he will be unable to depose personally as scheduled citing the ongoing legal proceedings going in the Supreme Court over settlement of loans. The agency had issued fresh summons in the first week of April to Mallya asking him to appear on April 9 after he sought two extensions from the earlier dates of March 18 and April 2 citing official reasons. The officials said that while seeking extension Mallya had informed the ED that cases related to bank loans were currently sub-judice in the Supreme Court and he was trying to settle these loans with the help of his legal and corporate team and, hence, would require some more time. Mallya was first summoned by the agency to "appear in person" at its office in Mumbai on March 18 but he sought more time citing his prior engagements, following which the agency asked him to depose on April 2. Mallya was also directed by the Supreme Court to disclose all assets owned by him and his family in India and abroad by April 21. The liquor baron is reported to be in the UK after he left India on March 2. The ED has registered a money laundering case against Mallya and others based on an FIR registered last year by the CBI. The agency is also investigating financial structure of the now defunct Kingfisher Airlines and looking into any payment of kickbacks to secure loans. Having taken upon itself to reach out the digitally deprived MSME community in India through its initiative Boost you Business, Facebook has now reached Bengaluru. The city on Friday witnessed the first such programme specifically dedicated to women entrepreneurs. Ritesh Mehta, Head of Economic Growth Initiatives for Facebook India, said, When women entrepreneurs succeed, economies do better. With women entrepreneurs, it is ensured that the money goes to the right place. Taking the initiative to Jaipur next, Facebook plans to expand into states that offer strong MSME cultures and are interested in promoting them. Facebook, in collaboration with the state, successfully completed its first such programme in Uttar Pradesh, where it deployed a team of 12 people to reach out to entrepreneurs as well as artisans and craftsmen. It plans to further expand the reach of this programme to different states by leveraging the support of respective state authorities. To do it in association with the state authorities gives us the benefit of support from the skill development department, the industrial association and the database of artisans. Thereby, we can add value to the state as well as the user, he said. With focus on helping SMBs gain visibility, Facebook through this initiative is proposing itself as a technology platform that has the capability to launch and accelerate businesses. Over 2 million SMBs already have their pages on Facebook. We want to build a community, which can inspire young and aspiring entrepreneurs to grow and scale, he said. On 11 March, panic struck engineers at a giant power station on the banks of the Ganges river in West Bengal state. Readings showed that the water level in the canal connecting the river to the plant was going down rapidly. Water is used to produce steam to run the turbines and for cooling vital equipment of coal-fired power stations. By next day, authorities were forced to suspend generation at the 2,300-megawatt plant in Farakka town causing shortages in Indias power grid. Next, the vast township on the river, where more than 1,000 families of plant workers live, ran out of water. Thousands of bottles of packaged drinking water were distributed to residents, and fire engines rushed to the river to extract water for cooking and cleaning. The power station one of the 41 run by the state-owned National Thermal Power Corporation, which generates a quarter of Indias electricity was shut for 10 days, unprecedented in its 30-year history. Never before have we shut down the plant because of a shortage of water, says Milan Kumar, a senior plant official. We are being told by the authorities that water levels in the river have receded, and that they can do very little. Further downstream, say locals, ferries were suspended and sandbars emerged on the river. Some 13 barges carrying imported coal to the power station were stranded midstream because of insufficient water. Children were seen playing on a near-dry river bed. Nobody is sure why the water level on the Ganges receded at Farakka, where India built a barrage in the 1970s to divert water away from Bangladesh. Much later, in the mid-1990s, the countries signed a 30-year agreement to share water. (The precipitous decline in water levels happened during a 10-day cycle when India is bound by the pact to divert most of the water to Bangladesh. The fall in level left India with much less water than usual.) Monsoon rains have been scanty in India for the second year in succession. The melting of snow in the Himalayas the mountain holds the worlds largest body of ice outside the polar caps and contributes up to 15% of the river flow has been delayed this year, says SK Haldar, general manager of the barrage. There are fluctuations like this every year, he says. But the evidence about the declining water levels and waning health of the 2,500km (1,553 miles)-long Ganges, which supports a quarter of Indias 1.3 billion people, is mounting. Part of a rivers water level is determined by the groundwater reserves in the area drained by it and the duration and intensity of monsoon rains. Water tables have been declining in the Ganges basin due to the reckless extraction of groundwater. Much of the groundwater is, anyway, already contaminated with arsenic and fluoride. A controversial UN climate report said the Himalayan glaciers could melt to a fifth of the current levels by 2035. Emmanuel Theophilus and his son, Theo, kayaked on the Ganges during their 87-day, 2,500km journey of Indias rivers last year. They asked fishermen and people living on the river what had changed most about it. All of them said there had been a reduction in water levels over the years. Also when we were sailing on the Ganges, we did not find a single turtle. The river was so dirty that it stank. There were effluents, sewage and dead bodies floating, says Theophilus. The waning health of the sacred river underscores the rising crisis of water in India. Two successive bad monsoons have already led to a drought-like situation, and river basins are facing water shortages. The three-month-long summer is barely weeks away but water availability in Indias 91 reservoirs is at its lowest in a decade, with stocks at a paltry 29% of their total storage capacity, according to the Central Water Commission. Some 85% of the country's drinking water comes from aquifers, but their levels are falling, according to Water Aid. No wonder then that conflicts over water are on the rise. Water conflicts Thousands of villagers in drought-hit region of Maharashtra depend on tankers for water; and authorities in Latur district, fearing violence, have imposed prohibitory orders on gatherings of more than five people around storage tanks. Tens of thousands of farmers and livestock have moved to camps providing free fodder and water for animals in parched districts. The government has asked local municipalities to stop supplying water to swimming pools. States like Punjab are squabbling over ownership of river waters. In water-scarce Orissa, farmers have reportedly breached embankments to save their crops. Back in Farakka, villagers are washing clothes in the shallow waters of the power station canal and children are crossing by foot. We would dive into the canal earlier for a swim, says a villager. Not far away, near the shores of the Ganges, fisherman Balai Haldar looks at his meagre catch of prawns and bemoans the lack of water. The river has very little water these days. It is also running out of fish. Tube wells in our village have run out of water, he says. Theres too much of uncertainty. People in our villages have moved to the cities to look for work. It is a concern you hear a lot on the river these days. At the power plant, Milan Kumar says he is afraid that this can happen again. We are being told that water levels in the Ganges have declined by a fourth. Being located on the banks of one of the worlds largest rivers, we never thought we would face a scarcity of water. The unthinkable is happening. A Dalit victim of gang-rape or murder could get at least Rs 8.25 lakh from states with the Centre on Ambedkar Jayanti notifying the substantial increase in compensation. The Centre has amended the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Rules of 1995 and issuance of notification came on April 14, the day the nation celebrated the 125th birth anniversary of Dalit icon B R Ambedkar. The latest changes make the list of crimes to be compensated more specific under 47 heads compared to 22 in the previous amendment, and put more clear instructions on the disbursement of the compensation that ranges from Rs one lakh to Rs 8.25 lakh. Until now, the compensation ranged between Rs 60,000 to Rs 5 lakh. The state government will now have to provide monetary relief within seven days besides providing immediate relief like food, water, clothing, shelter, medical aid and transport facilities to victims. According to the amendments, abusing by caste name in public place and garlanding Dalits with footwear or parading naked will result in Rs 1 lakh compensation. With cases of Dalits being discriminated on electoral front coming to light, the compensation on such incidents has been raised to Rs 85,000 from Rs 50,000. The enhanced compensation for a gangrape victim will be disbursed in three instalments with half of the money being given soon after medical examination confirming the crime. A rape victim would get at least Rs 5 lakh. The new rules have changed the compensation for kin of murder victims. Previously, the kin would have got Rs 5 lakh if an earning Dalit member was killed and Rs 2.5 lakh for a non-earning victim, the fresh regulations do not make any such distinction and give Rs 8.25 lakh as relief. Compensation for crime against Dalit women has also been clearly delineated compared to the 2011 amendments. A acid attack victim, whose face was damaged, could get at least Rs 8.25 lakh while Rs 2 lakh should be given to victims of incidents of intentionally touching a Dalit woman without consent, using acts or gestures, as an act of sexual nature. The Supreme Court has upheld the conviction and sentence of life term awarded to six people for killing a BJP worker in Trichy in 1999. The BJP worker was killed just after the Coimbatore serial blasts with an aim to stop the growth of the saffron party. The appellants claimed that prosecution witness Lakshmi Priya, the daughter of deceased Dr Sridhar, BJPs town secretary at Trichy, could not be relied as it was doubtful if she was present on the spot. They claimed the number of assailants was not clear and the conspiracy for the crime was also not proved. Relying upon the version of victims daughter, the court noted that she was hiding after the incident, fearing for her life and so she was not seen by other witnesses. Lakshmi claimed she was studying in her house when she heard a screamsave me. Realising that it was of her father, she went out of the gate and saw six-seven people stabbing her father with knife-like weapons. The court grave credence to statement of witness Sayeed Ibrahim, a purse manufacturer, who knew all six convicts. He claimed he was a member of the Al-Umma movement which was a banned organisation and his job was to collect money for the undercover or arrested members of the organisation. The Tamil Nadu Police filed charge sheet against 13 people in the case but the trial court exonerated six people and the state government did not challenge the order in the high court. Severe heat wave conditions prevailing in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have so far claimed over 150 lives in the past few days. Temperature ranging from 40 to 45 degrees, which is almost 5 degrees more than seasonal average, has affected normal life in almost all 10 districts in Telangana and 13 districts in AP. Hot weather along with severe dry winds have turned life into a veritable hell in these two states, which are also facing acute shortage of drinking water. In Telangana, the government has pressed water tankers to cater to the needs of 1,650 rural areas particularly in Mahbubnagar, Medak, Nizamabad, Ranga Reddy and Nalgonda districts. There is also severe shortage of green fodder for the cattle. In Andhra Pradesh, Rayalaseema region bore the brunt of heat, while coastal region was comparatively cooler. Anantapur continued to sizzle under 44 degrees Celsius day time temperature, Kurnool and Nandyal at 43 degrees, Tirupati 42 and Kadapa 41. Vijayawada recorded 40 degrees Celsius. In Anantapur, Tarimela and Pamudurti were the hottest with 46 degrees temperature. District revenue officials say that such high temperatures were noted almost after 12 years. More funds Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh chief minister who has held a video conference with all district collectors on Friday, has directed them to give top priority to provision of drinking water. He said that additional funds have been released to cater drinking water through water tankers. In Telangana, Adilabad recorded 45 degrees, Hyderabad 43, Warangal and Karimnagar 40. Coal belt region of Ramagundam was the hottest in Telangana which crossed 45 degrees in the open mining sector. Considering the severity of the heat wave, Telangana government has declared summer holidays for all schools from Saturday and warned private institutions not to violate the orders. Meanwhile, the cyclone warning centre in Vizag has said that there could be scattered rains in few places in AP and Telangana due to cumulonimbus clouds arising out of hot weather which could bring down temperatures considerably in a day or two. Hottest April in TN Tamil Nadu, too, has been reeling under extreme heat wave conditions with temperatures crossing above 40 degrees on Friday in over 10 districts. Dharmapuri recorded a high of 41 degrees, the highest April temperature for the district in nearly 18 years as it registered 41 degrees in 1998. Trichy, Vellore, Tiruttani and Tirupattur have also recorded 41 degrees as people stayed at home. Most of the roads in Chennai, which scorched at 39 degrees, also wore a deserted look in the noon. The latest weather bulletin on Friday evening said temperatures would increase by two degrees in coastal districts, accompanied by heat wave conditions. However, southern districts experienced sporadic rains with Ayikudi in Tirunelveli district recording 20 mm rains in the last 24 hours. Erode recorded 10 mm rains in the same period. A senior Met official said late arrival of sea breeze in the last one week has made the heat especially extreme in April. UP sizzles Mercury soared to 42 degree Celsius in parts of Uttar Pradesh on Friday. Heat wave-like conditions forced people to remain indoors while roads wore a deserted look during the day in the state capital. According to weather officials, the maximum temperature was likely to rise further in the days to come. Hot winds emanating from Rajasthan are adding to heat wave-like conditions. Rising temperatures have also pushed up the demand for power. Large parts of the state, especially rural areas, have been experiencing unscheduled power cuts for several hours. The Left-backed students union of the Jawaharlal Nehru University on Friday accused the varsity administration of remaining callous to threats to life of Kanhaiya Kumar and Umer Khalid, even as the Delhi Police enhanced their security cover in wake of recovery of a pistol along with a threat letter from a bus operated between Kashmiri Gate and the varsity. JNU Students Union vice president Shehla Rashid Shora said that she has been repeatedly alerting the university administration with regard to the threats to lives of Kanhaiya and Khalid. But theres no positive response, she added. Shora expressed disappointment with the silence of the university administration on the issue. A teenager was killed in north Kashmirs Kupwara district on Friday when Army opened fire on people protesting against the deaths of four civilians earlier this week. The firing left at least three others injured. Reports said Arif Ahmad Dar, a Class XI student was killed when army opened fire on protesters in Natnusa, Kupwara, 110 km from here. The protesters attacked the army camp with stones and in the retaliatory action, Dar and three others were injured, reports added. Dar succumbed to his injuries on way to hospital. Block medical officer of Kupwara Dr Fareed said Dar had received bullets in the upper part of the legs. He said three other injured have been referred to SMHS hospital in Srinagar as they too have bullet injuries in legs. Two of the injured have been identified as Amir Sheikh and Danish Sheikh. Protests and strike are being held in Kashmir since Tuesday, when four civilians including a woman were killed in security forces firing in Handwara, where a protest was in progress after locals charged that a soldier had tried to molest a school girl. Authorities have placed some areas of Srinagar, Handwara and Kupwara towns under curfew since Wednesday and also suspended mobile internet services from Thursday to maintain law and order. Both factions of Hurriyat and JKLF called for a shutdown on Saturday to protest the killing of Dar. Separatist leaders, including Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq and Yasin Malik continued to be house arrested. Meanwhile, normal life remained crippled in Kashmir valley due to restrictions and strike called by separatists. Reports said in old city of Srinagar, clashes erupted between youth and forces in several areas after the Friday prayers. Kashmir University and Jammu and Kashmir State Board of School Education postponed all the examinations scheduled to be held on April 16 in view of strike call against the killing of Dar. In what appeared to be a shift in its strategy, the Congress did not resort to any aggressive defence of Robert Vadras latest assertions on joining politics and his relation with the Gandhi family. If he has made some comment, we do not think there is any need to react, AICC spokesperson Manish Tewari told reporters here. However, privately the Congress leaders were taken by surprise over Vadras sudden statement that appeared to carve out a separate identity and hinting that he was not averse to joining politics. I did not need Priyanka to enhance my life. I had enough. I always had enough. My parents gave me enough. I think I was educated enough to understand that I can sustain no matter what comes my way. That is my strength really, Vadra told ANI on Thursday. Political circles were abuzz over the outburst of Congress President Sonia Gandhis son-in-law. As the Modi government assumed power in May 2014, the Congress appeared to throw a protective shield over Vadra, whose questionable land deals always saw sparks fly between the Congress and the BJP. The Congress spokespersons defended Vadra vigorously when the BJP governments in Rajasthan and Haryana ordered probed into the land deals. When the sudden change in the Congress attitude towards Vadra was pointed out on Friday, Tewaris refrain was there is a difference in the circumstances. Then, it was a matter of political vendetta, the Congress spokesman said appearing to suggest that Thursdays remarks were stray comments. Another view in the Congress was that Vadras remarks were an outcome of the witch hunt launched by the BJP against him and dismissed suggestions of a rift in the family. Vadra is also said to be upset over the constant lampooning he is subjected to on social media, particularly after Vijay Mallya seeking safer environs in the UK in the backdrop of loan default to the tune of Rs 9,000 crore. India views Pakistans continued doublespeak on bilateral dialogue as a sign of civil-military dichotomy in the neighbouring country. Though India is not expecting any substantial progress in its engagements with Pakistan in the coming months, it is unlikely to call off the process to restart the stalled dialogue. New Delhi will rather keep its eyes on evolving situation in Pakistan, as well as the progress of the probe by the neighbouring countrys investigators into the terror attack on the airbase at Pathankot in India. New Delhi is also waiting for Islamabads decision on its request for allowing officials of National Investigation Agency of India to visit Pakistan and question terror plotter Masood Azhar in connection with probe into the attack. Maleeha Lodhi, Pakistans Permanent Representative to United Nations, has accused India of not being forthcoming to the call by Prime Minister M Nawaz Sharifs government in Islamabad for resumption of the stalled bilateral dialogue. She made the comment while interacting with a group of students and faculty members from the US Army War College at her office in New York last week. Despite a positive start following the advent of the Modi government in India, Delhi suspended talks between the two countries on flimsy grounds and set unacceptable pre-conditions for their revival, a press-release on the website of the Pakistans Permanent Mission to UN quoted Lodhi. Since then, she added, in spite of Pakistans call to resume broad based, comprehensive dialogue, India was still not forthcoming. This attitude was impeding prospects of normalisation between the two countries. Her comment was almost in sync with that of Pakistans High Commissioner to India, Abdul Basit. Basit told journalists in New Delhi on April 7 that the process to restart the stalled bilateral dialogue was suspended. Congress president Sonia Gandhi conveyed her annoyance to KPCC chief Parameshwara on Friday over the controversy in awarding government contracts to a firm where Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs son is a director. Taking a serious view of reports that point to cronyism, Sonia told Parameshwara that such episodes raised numerous questions and everyone concerned must act to restore the publics faith in the system. According to sources in the Congress, the urgency of the issue was underscored by Sonias act of granting immediate appointment to Parameshwara on his arrival from Bengaluru to brief her about the controversy. The Congress president apparently wanted Siddaramaiah to come clean over Matrix Imaging Solutions Pvt Ltd bagging three major government contracts after Siddaramaiahs younger son Yathindra joined it as a director. She did not appear to be convinced by arguments advanced by Siddaramaiah and his son that the company won the government hospitals contract for diagnostic labs as it was the lowest bidder. The company is owned by Yathindras friend, who is a pathologist. Expressing unhappiness over frequent controversies surrounding the chief minister, she reportedly said these incidents have embarrassed the party. While seeking details about the latest row, the party top brass is also learnt to have said it was high time a full stop was put to such issues which have damaged the prospects of the party. No enquiry AICC general-secretary Digvijaya Singh said: The whole thing is totally transparent. It was the lowest tender by the company. The file never came to the chief minister. I have not asked for an inquiry. I have only advised that he (Yathindra) withdraw from the company. It is not an order, but an advice. Legally, the son does not have to quit. As a (matter of) propriety, he may, Singh added. But Parameshwara, who was closeted with Sonia for more than half an hour, denied discussing the issue. While leaving for Bengaluru, Parameshwara said: Neither Sonia Gandhi asked about this, nor did I explain anything. Bengaluru Development Minister K J George has suspended two Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) engineers for allowing private builders to dump debris on footpaths. Devaraj, an assistant executive engineer, and Keshav Murthy, an assistant engineer, both posted in Aramane Nagar ward under Mathikere subdivision of the BBMP, have been suspended. Accompanied by Mayor B N Manjunath Reddy and Palike officials, George undertook a surprise visit on Friday to inspect the quality of road works under the Nagarothana scheme. On finding mounds of debris on footpaths on CV Raman Road and 11th Cross Jeevaraj Alva Road, he ordered the suspension of Devaraj and Murthy, who were in charge of that area. He also directed BBMP officials to issue notice to the builders and fine them. During the inspection, the minister was greeted with heaps of garbage dumped on the footpath on the 8th main road on the same stretch, missing slabs on footpaths and Optical Fibre Cables (OFCs) obstructing the pedestrians. He asked the engineer concerned to immediately address the problems. The minister gave a dressing-down to the contractor and the PWD engineer for not erecting a board on Jayamahal Road with details of ongoing work, date of commencement and cost of the project, which is mandatory for all development works. George inspected road works being carried out under the Nagarothana scheme in Bhoopasandra 3rd cross road, Outer Ring Road to Telecom Layout, HBR 5th Block and 1st main Telecom Layout, HBR to Telecom Layout and K Channasandra Layout. He also examined KG Road, Richmond Circle and Residency Road, which are being redeveloped under Tender SURE project. Rs 797 cr for roads Later in the day, George told reporters that the BBMP would develop 1,155 ward-level roads in all its eight zones under 80 packages at the cost of Rs 797 crore under the Nagarothana scheme. The works will be commissioned soon by single-window clearance, he said. Currently, the Palike is asphalting 268 roads under 43 packages at the cost of Rs 417 crore and the Public Works Department (PWD) carrying out road works under 13 packages at the cost of Rs 260 crore. The state government on Friday issued the final notification fixing the reservation for the post of president and vice-president of zilla panchayats. The government, while making changes in the reservation of presidents in four districts (Ballari, Vijayapura, Chikkamagaluru and Mysuru), has left the quota of Hassan zilla panchayat president untouched. The government had fixed the reservation for the Hassan zilla panchayat president as ST (woman) and it remains. JD(S) leader H D Revanna had accused the government of reserving the post to ST (woman) to deny his wife Bhavani, who is a member of the zilla panchayat, from becoming president. He had even threatened to withdraw his partys support to the Congress at the BBMP. The High Court recently refused to hear the plea of a father who had moved the court seeking custody of his daughter whom he had given her in adoption 15 years ago. The High Court dismissed the petition as the petitioner was not able to establish his fatherhood before the court. Filing a habeas corpus petition, the father, a resident of Bengaluru, sought directions to produce his daughter, now a resident of Doddaballapur. He sought directions to book case against his daughters guardians and sought his daughters custody. A division bench comprising Justice Mohan M Shantanagoudar and Justice RB Budihal conducted an in-camera proceedings as the daughter was a minor and that it was a sensitive matter. The bench had stated that they had spoken to the minor girl and asked her, in front of her guardians, and separately, about her well being and the girl had responded saying that she is living happily with her uncle and his children and that she is studying in Class 10. The order further stated that she does not know who the petitioner is and that she was a daughter of a couple who had died. The girl had been living with her uncle who is related to her parents. The minor girl further admitted that she does not identify the petitioner, who is claiming to be her biological father. Fifteen-years-ago, the petitioner who already had two daughters did not want another girl child and hence had opted to abort the baby. However, on the suggestion of his friend, the petitioner gave away his third child in adoption to a couple from Doddaballapur. The couple died due to illness and have left huge property in the name of the their adopted daughter. After knowing these details, the biological father approached the court seeking her custody. The bench, in its order, stated, As of now, there is nothing on record to show that the petitioner is the father of the minor girl although he claims to be the father. It is open to the petitioner to prove his paternity before the competent forum and thereafter seek further orders relating to the custody of the child. Till then the minor girl will be in custody of her uncle. The Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has lodged a police complaint against some of its unidentified officials and those in the Urban Development Department for fabricating RTI documents against a senior police officer. The complaint filed at the Seshadripuram police station on April 12 says the documents were fabricated with the mala fide intent of maligning Additional Director General of Police Dr RP Sharma. The story goes back to 2012 when the Bangalore Metropolitan Task Force (BMTF) started investigating the Rs 1,539-crore fake bill scam and arrested a BBMP executive engineer named Idaya Vendon. A few days after the arrest, former mayors P R Ramesh, Huchchappa J, M Ramachandrappa and K H N Simha petitioned Amita Prasad, the then principal secretary of Urban Development Department, on August 9, 2012. They accused Dr Sharma, who was heading the BMTF then, of building a house in the BDA limits without the agencys approval. They attached an RTI reply by the BDA that stated that it hadnt sanctioned the building plan. The letter was sent to the chief ministers office for appropriate action the same day. The file was then moved to the BDA commissioner for further action. Since the BMTF was entrusted with checking the violations of BBMP, BDA and BMRDA rules, the state government removed Dr Sharma on the grounds that a person accused of violating the building plan cannot carry out an investigation against himself. When Dr Sharma moved the High Court and the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) against the transfer, the government made the forged RTI document the evidence against him. The tribunal, however, quashed the transfer and reinstated Dr Sharma. Dr Sharma later sought documents about his transfer under the RTI, and the BDA replied that the entire RTI document was fabricated. BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa, who calls himself a farmers leader, now has a swanky new high-end Toyota Land Cruiser Prado to travel around. He would be hitting village roads in the drought-hit districts in the luxury vehicle when he begins his tour on April 25. The Rs 1.15-crore SUV (on-road price after road tax and insurance in Bengaluru) has been provided to Yeddyurappa by former minister Murugesh Nirani for his travel needs. The vehicle was purchased in Bengaluru in January and registered in the name of Nirani Sugar Limited owned by Murugesh Nirani. The seven-seater Prado comes with five-speed automatic transmission with three-zone climate control, among other features, and has been registered at the Regional Transport Office (Bengaluru West). As per his assets and liabilities declared, along with the nomination papers for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Yeddyurappa does not own any vehicle. Yeddyurappa is 73 years old. He will be travelling extensively, discharging his responsibilities as the state party president. I decided to provide the vehicle to ensure there is comfort and safety during his travel, Nirani said. However, Nirani said the SUV was not a gift, but Yeddyurappa could use it as long as he wants. He said he had provided the SUV to Yeddyurappa in January itself, but now it would be used extensively because of his new position. Yeddyurappa, in an interaction with reporters, said the SUV had been given to him by Nirani to ensure his safe travel in the drought-hit districts. Sources said the registration number of the car (KA 03 MY 4545) had been procured after consulting numerologists. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who is now on a tour of the drought-hit districts, uses a Toyota Fortuner (on-road price Rs 31.65 lakh) for his travel requirements. However, he usually uses chartered helicopter services to travel across the districts, the bill for which is footed by the state government. Close on the heels of a group of armymen beating up a traffic sub-inspector and a constable, and creating ruckus on Commercial Street in central Bengaluru, an army truck driver parked his vehicle in the middle of the road at Webbs Junction after colliding with a car, leading to huge traffic jam on the busy Cubbon Park road on Friday morning. Shivaputrappa was on his way to Command Hospital from Shivajinagar when he collided with a car. After the collision, the damaged car was cleared off the road immediately, but Shivaputrappa refused to move his vehicle until his senior officials visit the spot and inspect the scene. Despite repeated requests by the traffic police, Shivaputrappa did not move his vehicle leading to traffic snarls till BRV Junction and Hasanath College for well over an hour. Defiant The traffic police tried to convince Shivaputrappa that they had taken the pictures and conducted spot inspection for further investigation, but he insisted that he would remove the vehicle only after senior army officers visit. But the vehicle was taken away after his senior identified as Kamlesh Kumar arrived to the scene and asked the driver to take away the vehicle. This is highly uncalled for. It looks like the army officials are made up their minds to trouble the traffic police after the Commercial Street incident, a senior police officer said. Meanwhile, the car owner has filed a complaint against Shivaputrappa following which a case under Section 279 of IPC (rash driving or riding on a public way) has been registered against Shivaputrappa and are waiting for the army officials response to inspect the truck involved in the accident. Sheep merchant killed A 31-year-old sheep merchant was killed while his friend suffered injuries in a road accident on Richmond flyover on Thursday night. The deceased has been identified as Kamal Abbas and the injured, Amjad Hussain, said the police. They were residents of DJ Halli. According to the police, Abbas and Hussain were returning home on bike from a funeral around 11.30 pm. Abbas was riding the bike and lost control over it after the two-wheelers handle grazed against the parapet of the flyover. The two fell down from the bike. Abbas, who suffered severe head injury, was rushed to a nearby hospital. He was declared dead on arrival while Amjad is out of danger, said the police. The BJP has demanded a CBI inquiry into varied scams in the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) such as allotment of alternative sites to a company in which Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs son is a partner. The party cited several instances of nepotism, favouritism and corruption by the BDA on behalf of the powers that be and questioned the manner in which the agency allots alternative sites to influential people. The party demanded an explanation from Siddaramaiah, besides legal action against BDA Commissioner T Sham Bhatt and his immediate transfer. Since Siddaramaiah heads the BDA, he is directly responsible for the scams, the BJP said. According to the opposition party, the BDA allotted 2.19 acres of land in Hebbal, a prime locality in northern Bengaluru, to Dr C M Rajesh Gowda, the business partner of Siddaramaiahs son Yathindra. Land worth Rs 150 crore Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Friday, Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Jagadish Shettar said the land was worth at least Rs 150 crore. The land was allotted to Gowda in exchange for land acquired from Gowdas firm Shantha Industrial Enterprises in survey numbers 174 and 175 in Kethamaranahalli, Mahalakshmi Layout. This was done with the single objective of favouring Gowda, he suggested. The chief minister is already facing the heat for reportedly violating the code of conduct for ministers by allowing his sons firm co-owned by Gowda to set up a pathological laboratory at the PMSSY super-speciality hospital on the Victoria Hospital campus in Bengaluru. Shettar demanded a judicial inquiry into that matter as well. 45 sites and bribe The BJP leader also accused former JD(S) corporator A M Hanumanthegowda of bribing officials to allot him 45 alternative sites valued at Rs 64 crore in Janabharathi Layout in exchange for his dubious land acquired for extension of Sir M Visvesvaraya Layout. Shettar suggested the BDA allotted alternative sites in several prime localities of the city in a similar manner and lost crores of rupees. He produced a list of 35 such alternative sites to the extent of 1.53 lakh sq ft (30x40 sites) allotted by the BDA. He also cited nine instances where rules were flouted to allot corner sites as alternative sites in Banashankari 6th Stage. Sites were illegally denotified in Kempegowda (77 acres) and Arkavathi (544 acres) layouts. The entire scam runs into lakhs of crores of rupees. Its as big as 2G or coal scam. Valuable land has been allotted as alternative sites, he said. Shettar also demanded that the government release the findings of a report submitted by retired IAS officer H Shashidhar who carried a detailed investigation into the violations. He said several middlemen were involved in the scams. Another controversy is brewing over the BDAs allotment of 2.11 acres in a prime locality in northern Bengaluru to Shantha Industrial Enterprises, whose director is Dr C M Rajesh Gowda, the business partner of Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs son Yathindra. In January, the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) allotted the land near Hebbal flyover to the firm in exchange for industrial land it had acquired to form Mahalakshmi Layout near the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) in 1972-73. Gowda is also the founder director of Matrix Imaging Solutions in which Dr Yathindra is a director. The state governments decision to award the firm a contract to set up a diagnostics lab on the Victoria Hospital campus has already made things difficult for the chief minister. BDA Commissioner T Sham Bhatt defended allotment of land to Shantha Industrial Enterprises, saying the firm was the beneficiary, not Rajesh Gowda. He said the decision on allotment was taken by the BDA board. According to Bhatt, the land in Mahalakshmi Layout belonged to an industry. With the firm in the red, a court auctioned it and three companies bid for it. One of them was Shantha Industrial Enterprises. This was the time when the BDA was forming Mahalakshmi Layout and acquired the entire area. It compensated two of the three industries with alternative sites in 2007 and 2012. Only Shantha Industrial Enterprises remained to be compensated. In January, we found an alternative land in Hebbal and allotted it to the firm. This allotment was challenged in the High Court which has cleared it, Bhatt said. But a member of the BDA board said on the condition of anonymity that Gowdas firm got the prime land because of his political connection. The decision on alternative site was taken last year. Former BDA commissioners also see something fishy in the allotment. They questioned the long delay in the allotment and the prime locality of the site. A retired BDA official said the land allotted was near Hebbal flyover and there was no space for setting up any industry there. The area was clearly meant for creating a park. Allotting the land to industries is the job of the KIADB, not the BDA, he said. A former BDA commissioner said Mahalakshmi Layout was formed in 1972-73. As per the BDA (Incentive Scheme for Voluntary Surrender of Land) Rules, 1989, the BDA must hand over a 60x40 site for every acre of land acquired. When Mahalakshmi Layout was formed, due compensation was given to landlosers. The land now given to Shantha Industrial Enterprises seems to be dual compensation. If so, all landlosers should get similar compensation. After dilly-dallying for the last two days on quitting as director of Matrix Imaging Solutions India, Yathindra, the pathologist son of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has decided to leave the company. His decision follows a strong message from Digvijaya Singh, the Congress general secretary in charge of the partys affairs in Karnataka, that he must come out of the company. Dr Yathindra is a director of Matrix, a diagnostics company that was awarded the contract to set up a super-speciality pathological lab at the PMSSY hospital located on the Victoria Hospital premises in Bengaluru. The Opposition has accused the chief minister of nepotism over the matter. Responding to a text message sent by Deccan Herald, Dr Yathindra said he would resign as director of Matrix after returning to Bengaluru. I will hand over (my) resignation once I am back in Bangalore, he responded. When asked about his whereabouts and when will he return to the city, he said he would resign on Monday. But he didnt answer where he was. Earlier too, Dr Yathindra declared that he would quit the firm but changed his mind after seeking legal opinion. Siddaramaiah and Medical Education Minister Dr Sharanprakash Patil had claimed that there was nothing wrong in Matrix getting the contract as the tender process had been duly followed. Even Dr P G Girish, special officer of the PMSSY hospital, had said that the tender would not be cancelled. Colorado budget writers quietly gave Gov. John Hickenloopers administration the authority to spend $3 million to stave off closure of a Burlington private prison that is struggling as its inmate population declines. The last-minute move angered some lawmakers Thursday and drew criticism about spending tax dollars to benefit a private, for-profit prison angst that is now jeopardizing the $25.8 billion state budget ahead of Fridays deadline for passage. The cash infusion would increase how much the state pays Corrections Corporation of America to house inmates, allowing the company the largest of its kind in the country to keep open Kit Carson Correctional Center in eastern Colorado. Hickenloopers administration said the closure of a prison in a rural community would have serious repercussions. The governors budget director, Henry Sobanet, said he understood why the request was sparking criticism, especially when the budget is tight, but that given the seriousness of a potential closure in a rural community, the governors office found it necessary. But Democratic lawmakers and critics of the private prison system are skeptical about the request. They have a pattern of threatening to close prisons, to declare an emergency to get a bailout from taxpayers, said Christie Donner, director of the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition. This is Chapter 2 of the same crap. Its the second bailout for CCA in recent years after lawmakers gave the company $9 million in 2012 to keep the Burlington facility open. CCA officials informed the Hickenlooper administration in mid-March that they may close the prison which employs 130 people amid negotiations on the annual contract that starts July 1. CCA officials did not provide an interview, but in an emailed statement characterized the negotiations as an ongoing conversation. Spokesman Jonathan Burns said the company is working toward a flexible solution to keep three viable prisons in Colorado. CCA has two besides Burlington in Las Animas and Olney Springs. In all, there are 24 state prisons. The $3 million would come from $5.7 million set aside in the state budget for the Department of Corrections in case the prison population increases faster than current forecasts. If the prison closes, the state will need to find housing for its 580 inmates and most would probably go to other CCA facilities, meaning the company would still get state money for housing the prisoners without the overhead of operating an additional prison. The administration is considering a recommendation to eventually stop sending inmates to the Kit Carson facility. But with state forecasts showing an increase in the prison population the near future, now is not the right time, lawmakers said. If we allowed it to close today, we would probably need that capacity sometime before we could fully implement this (realignment) plan, said Sen. Pat Steadman, a Denver Democrat and veteran budget writer. This is the only big employer out there. Most of those workers would leave Burlington and the prospect of reopening it would be difficult and expensive. The economic impact in a rural community is driving the quick action from lawmakers. It is basically the only non-agricultural industry on the Eastern Plains, said Sen. Kent Lambert, a top Republican budget writer from Colorado Springs. Its hard to have this transition with no notice on closing it. Its not so much what you do, its when you do it. The Hickenlooper administrations conversations with CCA took place in the background as lawmakers crafted the final budget bill but the request only came at the very end as a six-member conference committee reached a final deal Wednesday. We have known about this for a little while, but yesterday was the first time members of the caucus have heard about the problem, Steadman said. Senate Democrats are particularly angered by the request and the frustration spilled into a caucus meeting Thursday. Id love to make a stand, said Sen. Rollie Heath, a Democratic leader. But, he added, I dont think this is where you do it. I think its a game changer, said Sen. Andy Kerr, D-Lakewood. The Senate approved the budget bill in a 30-5 vote, with four Republicans dissenting, but if Democrats join the opposition it may threaten the spending measures passage. If the private prison company doesnt get the money, argued Sen. Irene Aguilar, D-Denver, its not the Democrats fault if the facility closes its the Republican leaders who refuse to consider a bill to reclassify the hospital provider fee, which would open more room for spending in the budget. I dont want us to lose jobs in Burlington, she said. We have other money available, but the only reason we dont have it available is because they signed a pledge to the Koch brothers. Her remark references opposition to the hospital provider fee bill being led by Americans for Prosperity, a conservative advocacy organization backed by the billionaire businessmen David and Charles Koch. GOP Senate President Bill Cadman took offense to Aguilars suggestion about the ties between the partys opposition to the bill and the lobbying from the Koch-backed group. The Colorado Springs lawmaker suggested that Aguilar, a doctor, opposed the money because it is going to a Republican part of the state. Apparently, the Hippocratic oath doesnt prevent a doctor/senator from lying to the public, he said in a statement. The $3 million of prison funding is already included in the $27 billion budget for 2016-2017; this is a fact. Sen. Nancy Todd, D-Aurora, echoed the idea and put the onus on the governors office. They are the ones that have been pushing for the hospital provider fee from the beginning, so how hard are they fighting? she asked. The discord forced the Senate to layover the budget conference committee report until Friday the self-imposed deadline for passage in both chambers. The delay may force lawmakers to request an extension, which is permitted. In 2012, as prison populations in the state declined for the first time in 40 years and CCA warned it might shut down a prison, Colorado lawmakers guaranteed the state Department of Corrections would pay the company for 3,300 inmate beds. Donner called the arrangement padding the budget and gouging taxpayers. The 3,300-inmate guarantee was in place until June 2013, and the number of inmates in CCA prisons hovered just above 3,300 until then. After the slaying of corrections chief Tom Clements by a paroled inmate in March 2013, prison populations rose in the short term. But in the last year, Colorados inmate population has dropped by about 1,000 people. One of the impacts of reform is that your prison population will decline, and thats a good thing, Donner said. When Colorado contracted with its first private prison in 1993, companies told lawmakers they were a zero-risk investment and that the state would pay only for the beds it needed, she said. Earlier this week, CCA announced it had purchased Correctional Management Inc., a private company that runs seven halfway houses in Colorado with 605 beds. Jennifer Brown: 303-954-1593, jenbrown@denverpost.com or @jbrowndpost WASHINGTON, DC, 13 April 2016 (CIEL) Hundreds of documents uncovered by the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) push back the record of oil industry knowledge on climate change by decades. The research demonstrates that the oil industry was explicitly warned of climate risks in the 1960s. Significantly, much of this research was carried out as part of a broader industry effortdating from the 1940sto use industry-funded research to spur public skepticism of pollution science and environmental regulations. We began with three simple, related questions, says Carroll Muffett, President of CIEL. What did they know? When did they know it? And what did they do about it? What we found is that they knew a great deal, and they knew it much earlier and with greater certainty than anyone has recognized or that the industry has admitted. In 1968, a report commissioned by the oil industry detailed rising levels of CO2 in the atmosphere and warned of potentially catastrophic climate risks. It warned of melting ice caps, rising sea levels, impacts to fisheries and agriculture, and potentially serious degradation of the environment on a worldwide scale. According to Muffett, CIELs findings add to the growing body of evidence that the oil industry worked to actively undermine public confidence in climate science and in the need for climate action even as its own knowledge of climate risks was growing. Through industry histories and other documents, CIEL traced the genesis of the industrys collective climate research to a meeting of oil and gas industry executives in Los Angeles in late 1946. Faced with growing public concern about air pollution, the industry embarked on what would become a well-funded, carefully coordinated, multi-decade enterprise of funding scientific research into air pollution issues. Through its aptly-named Smoke and Fumes Committee, the industry not only funded research, but used it to promote public skepticism of environmental science and environmental regulations the industry considered hasty, costly, and potentially unnecessary. In the decades that followed, the Smoke and Fumes Committee funded massive levels of research into an array of air pollution issues, often conducted by institutes fostered and governed by the oil companies themselves. By the mid-1950s at the very latest, climate change was one of those issues. The documents also show how Humble Oil (now ExxonMobil) scientists actively engaged on climate science in the companys name beginning in the 1950s, even as they actively funded and published research into alternate theories of global warming. These documents are the tip of an evidentiary iceberg that demands further investigation, says Muffett. Oil companies had an early opportunity to acknowledge climate science and climate risks, and to enable consumers to make informed choices. They chose a different path. The public deserves to know why. To view the research and document excerpts visit: www.SmokeAndFumes.org Media Contact Carroll Muffett, President: cmuffett@ciel.org, 202.742.5772 Amanda Kistler, Communications Manager: akistler@ciel.org, 202.742.5832 -//- Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) uses the power of law to protect the environment, promote human rights, and ensure a just and sustainable society. CIEL is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocacy in the global public interest, including through legal counsel, policy research, analysis, education, training and capacity building. New Documents Reveal Oil Industry Knew of Climate Risks Decades Earlier Than Suspected; Suggest Coordinated Efforts to Foster Skepticism Sarbjit Trailer: Miscarriage Of Justice In A Heart Wrenching And An Inspiring Tale! Nokia is providing technology to help Idea Cellular to roll out 4G/LTE in three key Indian telecom circles. Under the agreement, Idea Cellular will deploy Nokias unique Single RAN technology - which enables simultaneous 2G/3G/4G operation on one platform - across Andhra Pradesh, Haryana and Kerala. Nokia will also support modernisation and expansion of Idea Cellulars core network and operational support systems to support the 4G LTE rollout, along with professional services for network deployment, network planning and optimisation, system integration and supervisory managed services support. Himanshu Kapania, Managing Director, Idea Cellular, said, We were looking for a solution which can support multiple radio technologies simultaneously on a single platform. We found it in Nokias Single RAN solution, complemented by its energy-efficient and flexible site solutions. Furthermore, Nokia will enable Idea Cellular to modernise and expand its current 2G and 3G radio access networks and core network infrastructure, spread across six 2G circles and four 3G circles where Nokia equipment has been deployed in Idea Cellulars network. Sandeep Girotra, Head of India Market, Nokia, said, As Idea Cellulars preferred technology partner in 2G, 3G, and now in 4G, we will continue to support them by providing new technologies and capabilities for superior network quality. You can leave a response , or trackback from your own site. by Kathleen Gilbert BEIJING, September 7, 2012, (LifeSiteNews.com) Escaped Chinese dissident Chen Guangcheng is leading international opponents of forced abortion in calling upon the worlds largest company to end compliance with the Chinas one-child policy. Family planning police have targeted employees (569) Sign up below to have the hottest Catholic news delivered to your email daily! Close Sign up below to have the hottest Catholic news delivered to your email daily! Church Militant, we need to band together to protect our religious liberties and win the culture war! Shares in Man Group are significantly undervalued, analysts at Shore Capital argued following the companys first quarter update. Contrary to what one might expect, in a quarter pockmarked by volatility the fund manager saw net inflows rise by $0.5bn, helping to keep its total assets under management on an even keel as of 31 March, at $78.6bn. The performance of its AHL fund was particularly striking, with Quant Alternatives seeing good net inflows of $1.3bn (8.0%) and an excellent investment performance of +5% in a volatile quarter, conditions not usually helpful to trend-following strategies, ShoreCap analyst Paul McGinnis said in a research note sent to clients. Nevertheless, a difficult first quarter did leave the fund manager nursing losses of 16.3% on its Japan Core Alpha product, versus a 12.0% fall for Tokyos benchmark Topix index. Trading on 10.9 times ShoreCaps earnings per share estimate for 2016 of 19.8c and sporting a 4.7% dividend yield, the company was changing hands at about a 20.0% discount to the sector. That [discount] materially undervalues [] and we think it should trade at a sector premium, McGinnis said, sticking by his buy recommendation and fair value estimate of 245p. His peers at RBC were a bit more circumspect in their appraisal of the companys solidness; hence their recommendation was held at a sector perform. Mans efforts to diversify its product range and broaden its distribution network has resulted in net inflows during a volatile and uncertain Q1 Man remains the most inexpensive asset manager that we cover and trades at 9.1x 2017E EPS (sector: 14.1x) and at 6.4x 2017E EBITDA (sector: 9.8x), largely because of the large proportion of performance fees that it derives and the lower visibility over net inflows, RBC said. The might of oil refiners along the New Silk Road stretching from Beijing to Lagos is gaining influence, especially as European suppliers shrink back after more than a century of dominance. China is by far the refining behemoth along the New Silk Road, closely followed by a highly competitive India and an increasingly well-equipped Gulf. The vast majority of the 7.1m barrels a day (bpd) of new distillation capacity expected in 2015-2020 will be coming from the Middle East, China and the wider Asia-Pacific, according to OPECs 2015 World Oil Outlook. Chinas refining capacity is expected to reach 14.4m bpd this year, rising by 1.3% on last year, thanks to teapot refiners in Chinas eastern provinces. A wave of excess refined products - notably diesel, kerosene and gasoline is piling pressure on Asian refining margins, especially since the second half of 2015. China is now allowed to export 1.8m bpd of diesel double the 2015 figure. The country's influence on exports could deepen if domestic demand weakens and storage becomes limited, enabling Beijing to offer highly competitive pricing and rival exports from the Gulf and India, for example. Meanwhile, India is competing to climb the chain of power along the New Silk Road and aims to become a refining superpower by 2025 sharpening the countrys competitive edge on the global energy stage. Indias state-owned refiners are taking advantage of oil prices at sub $40 per barrel as they negotiate purchase deals with OPEC members for the first time. Talks are still underway between Gulf producers notably Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE with Bharat Petroleum, Hindustan Petroleum, Indian Oil and Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals, which collectively represent 60% of India's 4.6m bpd capacity. Ramping up refining supply in the Gulf, which sits in the heart of the New Silk Road, is increasingly front and centre of countries oil playbook and investment strategies. Traders at refining companies are fixed their attention on locking in Asian and European clients, while appetite for East African opportunities is also growing. Gulf refiners are widening their meet-and-greet efforts in Europe as Russia meanwhile historically Europes dominant supplier tries to elbow its way into Asia. European sales are a growing portion of OPEC members Saudi Arabia and Iraqs portfolio Poland and Sweden are on the hit list as well as Kuwait, which already has the Q8 marketing and retail arm in Europe. Kuwaits refining supply will be supported by state-owned oil firm KPCs downstream subsidiary KNPCs new $15bn Al Zour refinery on the outskirts of Kuwait City. The 615,000 bpd facility is set to be one of the largest in the region when it starts up in late-2019 and will boost Kuwaits marketing efforts abroad. In Asia, KPC is deepening Kuwaits refining footprint in Vietnam, China and Indonesia through joint ventures with the countries state-owned energy firms. For example, KPCs downstream foreign arm KPI is heavily involved in the $9bn Nghi Son petrochemical complex project in northern central Vietnam, with around 200,000 bpd of Kuwaiti crude exports expected to supply the project when it comes online in mid-2017. On a wider note, the number of refining joint ventures and merger and acquisition (M&A) activity along the New Silk Road are expected to increase, as operators feeling pinched by the 12-year low oil price seek out financial buffers with new and better-endowed partners. Oman is pushing ahead with a 230,000 bpd refinery at Duqm along its central-eastern Arabian Sea coastline. While the $6bn refinery is not particularly large when compared to others in the region the UAEs 922,000 bpd Ruwais refinery, or Kuwaits 615,000 Al Zour refinery, for example it could evolve into geostrategic gold when completed in the third quarter of 2020. Another major player, Iran, could join the more established refiners along the New Silk Road after sanctions were lifted in January. Tehran has revealed plans to buy, or invest in foreign refineries in Europe, Asia and Latin America, as well as ramp up its domestic production. The countrys refining infrastructure was well maintained during the sanctions, but Tehran needs a hefty cash injection to reach its downstream ambitions more than $10bn between 2016-2020. Investors based in the Middle East are increasingly eyeing the significant refining opportunities along Africas east coast, with Dar es Salaam and Nairobi heralded as emerging hot spots. Africas annual appetite for gasoil and gasoline is expected to climb by as much as 8%, while demand for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has hit double digits. Refining activity will increase as East Africa quickly reacts to satisfy the demand of its thriving middle-class. With a continent-crossing array of new clients, the collective influence of emerging refiners along the New Silk Road could herald the worlds new refining juggernaut. Five people have been arrested on suspicion of terror-related activities following an investigation involving MI5 and French and Belgian authorities. Four of the individuals three men and a woman were arrested on Thursday evening, while a 26-year old man was arrested at Gatwick airport early on Friday. They are all being held for questioning in the West Midlands, where police are also searching properties as part of an ongoing investigation. Assistant chief constable Marcus Beale, the head of counter-terrorism for the West Midlands, said: This action forms part of an extensive investigation by West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit (WMCTU), together with the wider counter terrorism network, MI5 and international partners including Belgian and French authorities to address any associated threat to the UK following the attacks in Europe. The arrests were pre-planned and intelligence-led. There was no risk to the public at any time and there is no information to suggest an attack in the UK was being planned. The men arrested in Birmingham are aged 26, 40 and 59, and the woman is 29. Spains industry minister stepped down following a newspaper reports linking him to the controversial Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca. According to Spanish daily El Mundo Jose Manuel Soria had links to a Jersey, UK-based company bearing a similar name to Panama-listed UK Lines, which was set up by Mossack Fonseca. All political activity should be exemplary, including when it comes providing explanations. When that is not the case, you have to take responsibility accordingly, Soria said in a statement. Soria initially denied allegations of any links but later backtracked following the report in El Mundo. His resignation came as Spain girded itself for likely repeat general elections on June given so far inconclusive talks between the countrys main political parties aimed at crafting a coalition government. Spains ruling PP party had been wracked by allegations and several court cases for graft and tax evasion involving both current and past members over the approximately last two years, leading to a sharp drop in public support for the centre-right party. As a result, current Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy came under extreme pressure to take as hard a stance as possible on any new corruption cases. In a recent televised interview Rajoy defended himself by saying that neither he nor one whom he had appointed had been involved in any of the alleged cases of corruption. Those allegations and court cases also helped fuel the rise of the PP's extreme far-left rival Podemos, which is against many of the reform and austerity measures put in place by Madrid in the aftermath of the Great Financial Crisis. Recent allegations of political graft also forced the regional president of Catalonia to step aside following the most recent elections held in that northeastern region of the Mediterranean country. 1635:Close Property stocks and homebuilders shares weighed on the Footsie in what was otherwise a rather dull day of trading. FX markets were very calm, at least on the surface. Sovereign fixed income markets on the other hand were on the move, with yields on UK ad US 10 year bonds moderately lower. To take note of, the latest US data on industrial production and consumer confidence came in below analysts forecasts. Crude oil futures were also on the backfoot, likely as traders played it safe ahead of this weekends meeting of several of the worlds major oil producers in Doha, Qatar. FTSE 100 down 21.35 to 6,343.75. 1635: Three-month LME-traded copper futures have ended the day 0.8% lower at $4,782.00 per metric tonne. 1536: Stock in global exchange operator BATS is 20.84% higher in its first day of trading on its own venue. 1530: Front month Brent crude futures are lower by 3.4% to $42.39 per barrel on the ICE. 1500: The University of Michigan's preliminary consumer confidence index for April slipped from 91.0 to 89.7 (consensus: 92.0). 1415: US industrial production fell 0.6% month-on-month in March (consensus: -0.10%). 1414: Michael Saunders, ex-Citibank, has been appointed to the MPC. 1330: Three-month copper futures are down by 0.6% to $4,786.50 over on the LME. 1315: Empire State manufacturing gauge prints at 9.56 for April, up from 0.62 in the month before (consensus: 2.0). 1300: Citigroup results are out. The lender has posted adjusted earnings per share of $1.10 versus analysts' estimate for $1.03 in profits. Stock is higher by 2.5% in an immediate reaction. 1027: Front month Brent crude futures are down by 0.991% to $43.41 per barrel on the ICE, alongside reports that Iran's oil minister will not attend this weekend's meeting in Doha, Qatar of many of the world's main oil producers. In his place will go the country's OPEC governor. Energy Aspect's Amrita Sen believes that is a ploy to help bolster sentiment. She does expect a 'soft' agreement to come out of the meeting. Supplies from many parts of the world are falling, Sen adds. 1000: Eurozone trade surplus declines from 22.8bn in February to 20.2bn (consensus: 21.5bn). 0930: UK construction output dropped 0.3% month-on-month in February (consensus: 0.0%). 0912: Rio Tinto's chief reportedly sees weakness ahead for iron ore prices. "Chinese growth slips to 6.7% in Q1 2016, as expected; we believe current resources rally premature; we are inclined to short base and industrial metals (and associated large-cap miners)," analysts at ShoreCap are chiming in. [...] we reiterate our stance in favour of shorting base and industrial metals (e.g. iron ore, copper, nickel) and associated large-cap miners e.g. BHP, Rio Tinto, Glencore, Anglo American, First Quantum and Antofagasta. 0842: Man Group is leading risers on the second-tier index, with analysts at ShoreCap standing by their full-year assumptions for net-inflows at the fund manager following its Q1 update. 0831: Just a reminder, Citigroup's results are set for release at 13:00. 0830: "This morning marks the start of the official UK EU referendum campaigning period. From now until the poll date on June 23rd strict rules apply on commenting or publishing non-campaign affiliated pieces," Deutsche Bank's Jim Reid is pointing out. 0816: Its a quiet start to trading so far for the market London, with little movement in oil or FX and the Footsie just marginally lower, although benchmarks over on the continent are faring a bit worse. That is despite better than expected readings on Chinese GDP, fixed asset investment and retail sales this morning. The data was flattered by favourable base-effects, Capital Economics points out, but it nevertheless confirms that at least for now the worst is probably over for Asias largest economy. However, Nomura (and others) think otherwise when looking towards the medium-term. In terms of the big picture, and probably linked to the above, copper and iron ore are both on track for their largest weekly gains in many weeks, while gold is off for the week on the back of better risk-appetite and a better tone to the US dollar. FTSE 100 down 1 point to 6,364. UK stocks closed in the red on Friday as oil prices fell and investors sifted through a batch of mixed economic data. Oil prices extended losses amid reports the Iranian oil minister will not attend this Sundays summit in Qatar. Instead, Irans OPEC governor will be present at the meeting between global producers to discuss whether to freeze output. Brent crude fell 2.8% to $42.61 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate dropped 3.1% to $40.22 per barrel at 1630 BST. On Thursday, the International Energy Agency said the global oil glut was set to ease by the end of this year. It also said that any potential agreement to freeze output at the Doha meeting would have only a limited impact on supplies. Overall theres a slight negative bias but this could be no more than a touch of position-squaring after this weeks rally and ahead of the weekend, said David Morrison, senior market strategist at SpreadCo. Investors are well aware of Sundays meeting in Doha between OPEC and non-OPEC producers to discuss a freeze on crude output. Equity movements have a strong positive correlation to the oil price so we may see some profit-taking now given uncertainty ahead of the meeting. In economic data, Chinas gross domestic product rose 6.7% year-on-year in the first three months of the year, down from 6.8% growth the previous quarter, the National Bureau of Statistics said. The figure was in line with analysts estimates but marked the slowest quarterly growth for China since the height of the financial crisis in 2009. Other Chinese data came in more positive. Retail sales jumped 10.3% in March, beating forecasts for a 10.2% increase. Industrial production climbed 6.8% in March compared to forecasts for a 6% gain. In the UK, data from the Office for National Statistics revealed construction output dipped 0.3% in February compared with the previous month, falling short of expectations for no change. Compared with the same month last year, output rose 0.3% versus analysts forecasts for a 0.7% increase. Across the pond, US industrial production fell more than expected in March, according to the latest data from the Federal Reserve. Production was down 0.6% from February, which was much steeper than the 0.1% dip forecast by economists. Manufacturing output declined 0.3%, with the production of durables down 0.4%. Other data from the University of Michigan showed consumer sentiment eased in April. The preliminary estimate for the confidence index was 89.7 in April, down from 91.0 in March and worse than the 92.0 reading expected by analysts. The Empire State index for April rose to its highest level in more than a year to 9.56 compared to 0.62 a month earlier. On the corporate front, SABMiller gained after Anheuser-Busch InBev NV said it reached an agreement with the South African government to create a $69m investment fund and other commitments to help it secure regulatory approval of its acquisition of the beverage maker. Man Group advanced after Shore Capital argued that the companys shares were significantly undervalued, following its first quarter update. Housebuilders were expending their losses from the previous session as concerns about Brexit led Berkeley Group, Barratt Developments and Taylor Wimpey below the waterline. "Ahead of Brexit, people have been selling the housebuilders and the pressure will remain until we get the vote out of the way - that's the main headwind for UK housebuilders," Zeg Choudhry, managing director at LONTRAD, said. Anglo American also slumped, after Rio Tintos chief executive Sam Walsh poured cold water on speculation it was keen on Anglos Australian coal assets on Thursday. Market Movers FTSE 100 (UKX) 6,345.23 -0.31% FTSE 250 (MCX) 16,909.17 -0.54% techMARK (TASX) 3,172.27 -0.29% FTSE 100 - Risers SABMiller (SAB) 4,281.50p 1.48% Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS) 235.00p 1.47% Antofagasta (ANTO) 471.00p 1.29% Tesco (TSCO) 179.75p 1.18% Vodafone Group (VOD) 229.45p 1.17% Fresnillo (FRES) 1,019.00p 0.89% Provident Financial (PFG) 3,086.00p 0.85% Standard Chartered (STAN) 520.90p 0.83% Inmarsat (ISAT) 1,011.00p 0.60% British American Tobacco (BATS) 4,232.00p 0.52% FTSE 100 - Fallers Travis Perkins (TPK) 1,774.00p -4.62% Ashtead Group (AHT) 814.50p -4.01% Berkeley Group Holdings (The) (BKG) 2,862.00p -3.83% Intu Properties (INTU) 296.50p -3.55% Kingfisher (KGF) 357.30p -2.96% Mediclinic International (MDC) 942.50p -2.43% Taylor Wimpey (TW.) 172.70p -2.43% Barratt Developments (BDEV) 509.50p -2.39% Mondi (MNDI) 1,329.00p -2.35% Wolseley (WOS) 3,850.00p -2.31% FTSE 250 - Risers Man Group (EMG) 162.40p 7.19% Indivior (INDV) 167.00p 5.56% Evraz (EVR) 133.10p 5.47% Restaurant Group (RTN) 376.40p 4.18% Circassia Pharmaceuticals (CIR) 270.00p 3.45% Millennium & Copthorne Hotels (MLC) 446.70p 3.09% St. Modwen Properties (SMP) 324.90p 2.98% Kaz Minerals (KAZ) 173.00p 2.91% Acacia Mining (ACA) 310.50p 2.64% Cineworld Group (CINE) 549.00p 2.33% FTSE 250 - Fallers Tullow Oil (TLW) 213.10p -5.58% Grafton Group Units (GFTU) 675.50p -5.52% McCarthy & Stone (MCS) 252.40p -5.47% Crest Nicholson Holdings (CRST) 475.00p -4.90% Savills (SVS) 719.00p -4.26% Howden Joinery Group (HWDN) 443.90p -3.88% G4S (GFS) 189.20p -3.62% Bellway (BWY) 2,285.00p -3.46% Keller Group (KLR) 809.50p -3.40% Cairn Energy (CNE) 202.80p -3.38% London stocks were set to open broadly flat on Friday following a muted session in Asia, after Chinese first quarter GDP met expectations. The FTSE 100 was seen starting five points lower than Thursdays close at 6,360. Chinese Q1 GDP released Friday early AM slowed to slow to 6.7%, down from 6.8% in Q4. The data confounded some expectations that improved economic performance in February and March would offset the sharp slowdown seen during January. Retail sales and industrial production in China grew faster than expected in March to 10.5% and 6.8% respectively, said CMC Markets Jasper Lawler. On the UK economic calendar, construction output is due at 0930 BST. In the US, Empire manufacturing is at 1330 BST while industrial production is at 1415 BST and University of Michigan consumer sentiment is at 1500 BST. FTSE 100 mining firm Rio Tinto and Sinosteel Corporation announced the extension of their Channar Mining joint venture in Australias Pilbara region on Friday. Its board said the joint venture extension, coupled with a separate agreement for Rio Tinto to supply iron ore from the Pilbara, will enable sales of up to 70 million tonnes of iron ore to Sinosteel over the next five years. The extension will see 30 million tonnes of iron ore supplied into the joint venture, with Sinosteel making a one-off payment of $45m to Rio Tinto. The separate agreement will see Rio Tinto selling up to 40 million tonnes of iron ore to Sinosteel between 2016 and 2021. In spite of a small 0.5bn net inflow into its raft of hedge funds, Man Group's funds under management shrank very slightly in a volatile first quarter of 2016 for global markets. Funds under management (FUM) sat at $78.6bn at 31 March, down from $78.7bn at the end of December, which chief executive Manny Roman said was a demonstration of the value and benefits of a diversified business model in what are challenging market conditions for the global investment management industry. FTSE 100 mining firm Rio Tinto and Chinese state-backed Sinosteel Corporation announced the extension of their Channar Mining joint venture in Australias Pilbara region on Friday. Rio's board said the joint venture extension, coupled with a separate agreement for Rio Tinto to supply iron ore from the Pilbara, will enable sales of up to 70 million tonnes of iron ore to Sinosteel over the next five years. The extension will see 30 million tonnes of iron ore supplied into the joint venture, with Sinosteel making a one-off payment of $45m to Rio Tinto. The separate agreement will see Rio Tinto selling up to 40 million tonnes of iron ore to Sinosteel between 2016 and 2021. Rio Tinto Iron Ore chief executive Andrew Harding and Sinosteel president Liu Andong signed the Channar agreement at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, in a ceremony witnessed by Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. "In the 50 years that we have been exporting iron ore from the Pilbara, the Channar joint venture stands out as one of the most important deals not only for our business, but for Australia's economic ties with China. Now in its 30th year, it is one of the longest running and most successful partnerships between the two nations, Harding said. "We place immense value on our long-term customer relationships and today's agreements clearly demonstrate that Rio Tinto and Sinosteel remain committed to our mutually beneficial partnership." The joint venture extension remained conditional on approval from the Australian and Chinese governments and the Western Australia state governments. "The Channar Mining Joint Venture was the first large-scale mining initiative between our two countries and is a cornerstone of Chinese and Australian trade. The extension of the joint venture marks another milestone in trade cooperation, especially in the current economic climate, commented Sinosteels Andong. "The relationship between Sinosteel and Rio Tinto has demonstrated the ability of our companies and both nations to sustain significant long-term joint commercial activities for the benefit of all concerned." 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. No power, no hot water, bedbugs at apartment towers near Downtown Residents at the Latitude Five25 apartment towers on the Near East Side said they've had no hot water, no power at times. The city is going to court. $326M Colman Dock terminal upgrade expected to start construction in 2017 Images courtesy of Washington State Ferries [enlarge] The project will replace seismically vulnerable parts of the terminal, while reconfiguring the layout to improve safety and efficiency. Washington State Ferries is holding a series of open houses this month to share its $326 million plan for Colman Dock in Seattle. WSF is working with the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration to replace old and seismically vulnerable parts of the ferry terminal. The project also provides a chance to reconfigure the dock's inefficient layout, and address safety concerns for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians who use the space. The joint venture of Hoffman-Pacific was selected last year as the general contractor/construction manager. The architect is NBBJ. Construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2017 and finish by early 2023. Open houses are set for April 19, 20 and 26 at multiple locations. See seattlemultimodalterminalproject.publicmeeting.info for details. Colman Dock is the largest ferry terminal in the state system, serving more than 9 million ferry customers and 500,000 King County Water Taxi riders in 2015. [enlarge] A new entry building, elevated plaza and view platform will improve pedestrian connections and integrate with the waterfront. WSF has a number of goals for the project: Reconfigure the layout of the dock to improve safety and efficiency Replace the main terminal building with a building that meets current seismic safety standards Construct a new entry building, elevated plaza and view platform to improve pedestrian connections to Alaskan Way, and integrate with the city's waterfront plans Increase public open space and provide a complete pedestrian loop that connects the terminal building, King County Water Taxi and the Marion Street pedestrian bridge Replace the Slip 3 overhead loading and vehicle-transfer span, and widen the walkway to handle more pedestrians and provide better ADA accessibility As part of the project, King County will replace the passenger-only water taxi facility. It will be built during the first phase of construction and is scheduled to open in late 2018. The state Legislature has approved funding to complete the work, using a combination of federal and state money, and local funds for the water taxi facility. China on Friday voiced ''resolute opposition'' to the US-Philippines joint patrols in the South China Sea, saying the ''harmful'' move would flare regional contradictions and damage peace and stability in the disputed territory. The Chinese foreign ministry spelled out China's stance after the Pentagon said that the US-Philippines joint patrols in the SCS ''will occur regularly''. The ministry said China expressed ''resolute opposition against infringement of China's sovereignty and security by any country in any form.'' The foreign ministry told state-run China Daily, ''The military exchanges ... should not target a third party, not to mention supporting some countries to provoke China's sovereignty and security, flaring regional contradictions and damaging regional peace and stability.'' ''The joint patrols between the United States and the Philippines in the SCS have led to militarisation in the region, which is harmful to regional peace and stability,'' said a statement of the Chinese defence ministry. The statement came after the US said on Thursday it had launched joint SCS patrols with the Philippines, and that 275 troops and five attack aircraft would remain in the Philippines temporarily. Carter's confirmation US Defence Secretary Ash Carter confirmed in Manila on Thursday that the US and the Philippines had already conducted such patrols. ''The Chinese military will pay close attention to the situation, and resolutely defend China's territorial sovereignty and maritime interests,'' the statement said. The ministry said the US and the Philippines' were strengthening military alliance, increasing frontline military deployment and holding joint military drills with specific targets reflected ''Cold War mentality'' and it went against peace and stability in the SCS. ''We urge the parties concerned to sincerely respect the regional countries' efforts to maintain peace and stability in the SCS,'' it said. Beijing would follow developments, and general stability had been maintained in the SCS ''through joint efforts by China and relevant countries'', the ministry officials told the daily. Involving India? Reporting on the US-Philippines joint patrols, Chinese English daily Global Times said the ''US moves to include India and Philippines in mini-NATO''. ''The US moves around the SCS show that it wants to include India and the Philippines in its mini-NATO framework in the Asia-Pacific region,'' Liu Feng, a Hainan-based expert on the SCS, told the Global Times. China's claim of almost all of SCS is disputed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. The Philippines has taken the dispute to the UN Convention on the Law of Seas, (UNCLOS). The tribunal proceedings were boycotted by China. Reports said the first joint patrol took place in March and a second one took place earlier this month. Carter has said the US forces will be given access to more military bases in the Philippines than the five announced already. ''The US Army has now returned, has reinforced its military presence in the Philippines and has given rise to militarisation in the SCS region,'' said China's ministry of national defence. ''We urge related parties not to target a third party or affect its interests when carrying out bilateral military cooperation,'' the ministry's press office has been quoted as saying by the state-run Global Times. Carter's visit to the Philippines comes after a three-day visit to India, during which the two countries decided to reach military logistics supply agreement to get access to each other's bases. Defence minister Manohar Parrikar and Carter, however, made it clear that the agreement, which ''will be signed in weeks'' or ''coming months'', did not entail deployment of American troops on Indian soil. China reacted cautiously to the announcement, saying that India as an influential country pursued independent foreign policy while hinting that it may raise the issue during next week's visit here of Parrikar. Liu added that China should maintain its stance on solving the SCS issue through consultations and negotiations, supported by countries such as Russia and Fiji. Earlier, the Chinese ministry summoned envoys of G7 foreign ministers and lodged a protest over a statement in Hiroshima expressing concerns over the situations in the East and South China Seas. Anheuser-Busch offers concessions to S African regulators for SABMiller acquisition Anheuser-Busch InBev has offered concessions to South African regulators for gaining approval for its $104-billion takeover of smaller rival SABMiller, just a week it offered concessions to the European regulator. The package of concessions addresses employment, localisation of production and inputs used in the production of beer and cider, empowerment in the company, long-term commitments to South Africa and participation of small beer brewers in the local market. AB InBev has committed to maintain its total permanent employment levels in South Africa as at the date of closing, for a period of five years. The company also agreed to invest Rand 1 billion ($69 million) to support small-holder farmers as well as to promote enterprise development; local manufacturing, exports and jobs; reduction of the harmful use of alcohol and green and water-saving technologies. As part of the R1 billion commitment, AB InBev will finance 800 new emerging farmers and 20 new commercial farmers to produce barley, hops, maize and malt for the company, with the intent to create additional jobs in the agricultural supply chain. The company has also committed to expand the production of barley to be malted and to turn a current net import of barley to a net export of malt, a processed form of grain used in beer brewing. As part of its long-term commitment to investment in the country, AB InBev's regional head-office for Africa will be located in Johannesburg and has completed a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. The concessions also include commitments by AB InBev to support the participation of small craft-beer producers in local markets. "It is expected that the agreement on terms between government and the merger parties will expedite the merger proceedings before the South African competition authorities," AB InBev said in a statement. South African Competition Commission had earlier extended the deadline for approval four times and early this week once again extended its scrutiny of the deal, saying it needed at another 15 days to complete its investigation. Early this week, Anheuser Busch InBev, which owns Stella Artois, Budweiser and Corona, had submitted concessions to the European antitrust regulator in order to get approval for its proposed SABMiller acquisition. (See: Anheuser-Busch InBev submits concessions for European approval of SABMiller acquisition) 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. Halloween creatures owls, crows and bats all live at Crossroads, and that makes us very happy, for these scary animals make a positive contribution to the habitats of the preserve. We don't even mind black cats, IF they are kept indoors. Feral and outdoor cats are exceedingly harmful to wildlife ... and that's not a superstition! But to tamp down superstitions, we at Crossroads will spend the week demystifying Halloween creatures. On October 28, 2022, at 6 p.m. will be our Evening with Owls. The Open Door Bird Sanctuary will be at Crossroads, offering a one-hour presentation followed by the opportunity to meet and greet live birds. Learn all about owls and the other incredible birds in the care of the Sanctuary! Down through the centuries, in many cultures throughout the world, owls have been associated with evil and death. Truth is, owls probably are not smart enough to be evil. But researchers agree that owls are about as dim as the nighttime forests in which they hunt. Owls don't need to be smart. They have everything else going for them. They are muscular. They fly silently. Their huge eyes enable them to see in the dark. Their beaks and talons are strong and wickedly sharp. But their sensitive ears are what make owls extraordinary hunters. Most people assume that the plumicorns (a.k.a. "horns) of an owl are its ears. Not so. The actual ears lie under feathers on the sides of the head, and they aren't symmetrical. Because one ear is higher than the other and the ears are unequal in size, sound is different from different directions, helping owls locate prey, which they do almost unfailingly, even in total darkness. Owls do not smell their prey. As with most birds, the sense of smell is insignificant, if it exists are all. Great Horned Owls frequently prey on skunks. Enough said. But well-developed intelligence? Researchers have observed owls beating their wings on bushes to try to flush out little birds. Is this learned behavior? Is it problem-solving? Maybe. For the most part, owls do not have a lot of problems to solve. They appropriate abandoned nests of other birds, so they don't need building skills. They are stealthy by nature, and they pounce on and usually catch anything they hear, so they don't need hunting techniques. In spite of ghost stories, legends of American First People, and superstitions from Europe and India, hooting owls do not foretell impending death, although their nocturnal calls are spooky. We hear them now and then this time of year, but we will regularly hear those eerie calls at Crossroads in January or February. In contrast to owls, crows are noisy all year round and they are amazingly intelligent. They can learn. They can remember. They can solve problems. They can even identify individual humans. And they detest owls, though whether this is innate or learned behavior is not clear. Those curious about crows will want to attend the Crossroads Book Club on Wednesday, October 26, at 10:00 a.m. This month, the book Crow Planet, Essential Wisdom for the Urban Wilderness by Lyanda Lynn Haupt will explore the fascinating world of these remarkable birds. The program is free and open to all, whether or not they have read the book. So bring the family to our program on owls, learn about crows at the Crossroads Book Club, or learn about bats at our pre-school Junior Nature Club on Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. or our Family Science Saturday program at 2:00 p.m. Costumes are encouraged but not required at Junior Nature Club and Science Saturday, and adult visitors are welcome. 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 20 year old man who admitted being involved in stealing full beer kegs from two pubs and a local hotel, was sentenced to three months at Dundalk district court last week. The court heard during one of the incidents a publican and his son who tried to retrieve the stolen goods were driven away in a van and had to bang on the door to get out. Charlie McDonagh Jnr. with an address at Mullaharlin Park, Dundalk pleaded guilty to stealing seven beer kegs from Bellingham Castle hotel on November fourth 2014, four kegs from The Phoenix Bar on Park Street, Dundalk nine days later and stealing 10 beer kegs from the Bay View Inn, Main Street, Blackrock four days after that. He also admitted the theft over 58 worth of goods from Aldi, Rampart Road - including two cashmere throws and ski wear on January 25th last year. The court heard a silver Ford Transit had reversed into an alleyway at the Bay View Inn and ten full kegs of beer were taken from the side. The owner and his son disturbed the thieves and jumped into the van to retrieve the kegs but the van drove off and they had to keep banging on the door for the driver to stop. The defence solicitor said her client got married last year and his wife gave birth to a son three weeks ago. She said it was a turbulent time of his life but he seems to have turned his life around. The court heard a co-accused in relation to the Bellingham Castle theft, has had his case adjourned for a community service report and has been told to pay compensation. Judge Grainne O'Neill said it was an extraordinary spate of robberies and said the defendant was very lucky not to be facing further charges in relation to the Blackrock incident. She added he could be facing false imprisonment or worse and said it must have been incredibly frightening for the injured parties. She imposed a three month sentence for one of the Bellingham Castle theft, suspended on him entering a bond to be of good behaviour for 12 months. Judge ONeill also sentenced him to three months for the Bay View Inn theft and said he could appeal on his own bond of 300 and an independent surety of 600. At the Federation AGM of the Irish Country Women's Association last week Blackrock Guild were announced as the overall winners of the Guild of the Year for Louth and were awarded the President's trophy. This magnificent Cut Glass Rose Bowl, donated by Past President Breda O'Hanrahan, was presented to Guild President, Brenda Leary, by National President Marie O'Toole who was visiting for the night. Blackrock were clear winners with 790 points, Drogheda came second with 590 and Louth village, last year's winners, were third with 540. Points are awarded according to a number of criteria, overall increase in membership, holding of open nights, attendance at Federation meetings, entry into Federation competitions and gaining 1st or 2nd place in these competitions. Blackrock increased it's membership by 6 ladies this year, held 2 open nights - a summer and Christmas floral demonstration, and participated well at meetings and competitions. One of our members, Adrienne Boyle won second place in both the Aldi Federation Brown bread competition and in the Easter Simnel cake. Blackrock also won the Nancy Darcy table quiz and the team made up of Assumpta Grey, Catherine White and Corry O'Dalaigh will represent the Federation at the National Final in An Grianan on Saturday 2nd April. The guild celebrated the win by sharing a delicious specially iced cake after it's normal meeting, which this week was a talk and demonstation on the use of essential oils. Full credit must be given to all the members who support the meetings both in Blackrock and at Federation level. Blackrock ICA meets on a Wednesday evening from 8 -10pm in the Community Centre in Sandy Lane. Our membership is now 39 so there is always a great buzz when we meet. Our programme includes craft work, speakers and demonstrations. A number of us will be attending a Basket making work shop with Ronan Russel of Newgrange Willow at the end of April. We also have a day trip planned to Castle Coole in Enniskillen in June. May is our recruitment month so why not come along to see what goes on? We shall be doing group work of the traditional crafts crochet, knitting, cross stitch, lace and card making with experienced members sharing their knowledge. Look us up on Facebook: Blackrocklouthica and ICALouth Federation. Harold O'Sullivan (1924-2009) was remembered today at a special event, organised by IMPACT trade union, that took place on Thursday last at Louth County Library. A workspace in Dundalk Library was officially dedicated to the memory of the public servant, trade unionist and historian. Harold was a former general secretary of the Local Government and Public Services Union (LGPSU), a forerunner of IMPACT, and also served as president of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU). Speaking at the event, IMPACT general secretary Shay Cody said choosing to dedicate a workspace at the library in Harolds memory was very appropriate; Harold was a dedicated public servant and a passionate historian. The library service opens its doors to everyone in the community and invites everyone to share in the wealth of knowledge it contains. As a trade unionist, Harold was a brilliant advocate for public services and stood strongly for well-funded public services available to all. So it seems entirely appropriate that we remember him here and invite future visitors to the library to reflect on Harolds positive legacy, he said. Born in Dublin in 1924, Harold was one of 10 children and grew up in Kildare. During the Emergency, he joined the Defence Forces, was commissioned as an officer and served as a Lieutenant with the Cavalry Corps. Returning to civilian life in 1946, he was employed by Bord na Mona. He next joined the staff of Kildare County Council and later became a Health Inspector in Waterford, transferring in that capacity to Louth County Council where he was based in Dundalk. Early in his working life he joined what was then the Irish Local Government Officials Union, moving up through the ranks as Shop Steward, Executive Council member and finally, in 1964, General Secretary. He was first elected to the ICTU Executive in 1968 and having been elected Vice-President of ICTU in 1977, he acted as a mediator in the ill-fated Ferenka affair. Following the closure of the Limerick-based steel cord manufacturing plant, with the loss of 1,400 jobs, he described the managements personnel policy as very poor", adding They regarded their workers as they regarded their machines. In 1978, as ICTU President, he described the situation whereby workers paid almost 80 per cent of total income tax as grossly inequitable. In March 1979 he said it was a situation the PAYE classes would no longer tolerate. Massive nationwide demonstrations, supported by ICTU, took place with a quarter of a million workers taking part in one series, with 150,000 marching in Dublin. Following his appointment in 1983 to the National Planning Board, he was succeeded as general secretary of the LGPSU by Phil Flynn. In the mid-1980s, as chairman and acting director-general of the Institute for Industrial Research and Standards, he steered the Institute through a period of staff changes and public scrutiny from the Dail Committee on Public Expenditure. He later made his mark as a local historian, publishing or contributing to several books dealing with the borderlands of southeast Ulster. In addition he wrote numerous articles for local historical journals. His M Litt thesis was The Trevors of Rostrevor: a British colonial family in 17th century Ireland (Trinity College, Dublin, 1985), while his doctoral thesis was Landownership Changes in the County of Louth in the Seventeenth Century. His publications include History of Local Government in the County of Louth and John Bellew: a seventeenth-century man of many parts (both 2000). A former chairman of the Irish Health Services Development Corporation, he also served on the National Prices Commission and was a member of the Telecom Eireann board. Celebrations were in full swing at the annual Dundalk Incredible Years Parent Programme Graduation which took place in the Crowne Plaza Dundalk on Friday last. The event saw 39 parents graduate from four different programmes attached to the eight participating primary schools in Dundalk. They are St Josephs NS, Gaelscoil Dhun Dealgan, Scoil Eoin Baiste, St Nicholas Monastery NS, Redeemer BNS, Redeemer GNS, Castletown GNS and St Nicholas NS The schools are very much supported in the rollout of these programmes by the School Completion Programmes (SCP) that work with them, namely Oriel SCP and SCP Dhun Dealgan. The programmes are part of a wide range of interventions supported by The Genesis Programme, a consortium of almost fifty Partner Organisations that is delivering the Incredible Years suite of programmes and other evidence-informed interventions to children, families and communities in Dundalk as part of the Area Based Childhood (ABC) Programme. The Incredible Years is a set of three interlocking, comprehensive, and developmentally based programmes targeting parents, teachers and children. The programmes are designed to work jointly to promote emotional, social, and academic competence and to prevent, reduce, and treat behavioural and emotional problems in young children Yvonne Forde, Development Officer (Schools) with The Genesis Programme said: The Incredible Years Parent Programme is a prime example of early intervention at its best. The Incredible Years Parent Programme is focused on providing parents with positive proactive parenting strategies that aim to improve and strengthen the child parent relationship. Sinead Shields, HSCL (Home School Community Liaison) with the Redeemer Schools Dundalk and Incredible Years Parent Programme Group Leader said: The parenting strand of the Incredible Years suite of programmes is fundamental to the overall success of the Incredible Years. The Incredible Years Parenting Programme focuses on strengthening parenting competencies and fostering parental involvement in childrens school experiences. The programme has had a significant positive impact on the lives of children and their families since its introduction to Dundalk in 2010. Since then over 200 parents have graduated from the Parent Programme. This number is indicative of the sheer dedication and commitment that parents have shown to both the programme and indeed to their childrens well being and future development. A Melbourne based technology start-up that leverages the power of emotional reactions and interaction is experiencing explosive global growth. Vent, an online platform that allows users to express their feelings and connect with people, has already raised over $500k in investment since launching in August 2014. Vent has acquired 1 million global users and expects further user escalation with the roll out of new features. Co-founder Dean Serroni tells Dynamic Business When we first started the app it was actually built to vent frustrations. It was around the time when the Gillard government was going through all sorts and the Essendon drug saga was kicking off, and we sat around one lunch break and realised that wed just spent an hour complaining about things that were happening in the news. Rather than letting those vents play out on a platform like Facebook, Serroni along with business partner, Duncan Turner, decided to come up with a social app where people could express their feelings about issues that were frustrating in society. Turner, Vents Head of Product and a digital designer by trade, came up with the concept for a very colourful, vibrant and uplifting platform. We noticed that rather than people in their 30s complaining about things like public transport and phone bills we actually had a lot of teenagers gravitating towards our product to express their feelings and to talk about things they were experiencing at school, or personal issues such as coming out with their sexuality. From there, we spent the next 18 months adapting the platform to provide an outlet for a younger demographic to express their feelings and connect with people who can relate to them and support them, said Serroni. Vent provides an outlet for teenagers and young adults to build supportive networks in a safe place. Many of our users share thoughts and feelings they dont feel they can on their other social media channels or with friends and family in person. We moderate the environment to avoid malicious comments or trolling that can be common with other social media and this has allowed it to become a safe outlet for many particularly for those from the LGBT community or with mental health problems. Our usernames are pseudonym-based so our users can reveal as little or much as they feel comfortable with, Serroni tells Dynamic Business. Serroni and Turner have recently brought development onshore to allow for greater control over user experience and to facilitate strong growth plans. Vents millennial target demographic are savvy social media users, if the user experience and product design wasnt up to their standards, Vent wouldnt have experienced such rapid growth, said Turner. We spend hours talking to our users every day about what they like and dont like and are using this feedback to create a dedicated environment that is specifically optimised and tailored for our audience. Vent is attracting users by the bundle, averaging 20,000 new registrations each week. Three million vents are posted per month generating 20 million supportive interactions and comments. Users are spending more time on the app than the market leader, with an average of 60 minutes spent on Vent each day, fifty percent more than the average 40 minutes spent on Facebook. The app has recently been ranked in the top 50 social network apps in the U.S., Australia, Canada, U.K. and New Zealand. This month Vent have launched a private messaging facility. Having the capability to privately connect with fellow users has been the most common request so we were excited to launch the feature. Not only will it help out users continue to develop strong and supporting friendships, it will keep them on the platform for longer and help us transition to being a life companion to our users, said Serroni. The New private chat feature enables for mutual followers only to facilitate safe and genuine 1:1 conversations. The dynamic duo has an ambitious vision, with plans to leverage the initial growth to create a raft of new features and transition to a broader web presence. Plans for raising further funding, Serroni and Turner are determined to see Vent expand. Further funding will help us enhance our product further, including more sophisticated methods of surfing relevant, interesting and timely content to users to better support the many growing sub communities we have forming, said Serroni. Vent are planning to move the company to the States in 12 months time and focus on growing and scaling the product to become a global leader in the social space, with their core point of difference being that they want to provide millennials with a safe and supportive environment. As Serroni puts it Vent is a social diary that is there with people as a companion to help them through life. You can download the Vent app at: App Store Google Play The EBRD at 25: the Bank played a role in the countrys success, and continues doing so Poland has been a transition success story from when it received the EBRDs first ever investment 25 years ago to its development today into an increasingly flourishing economy that is firmly established within the European Union. I got politics and economics moving and then others took over, said Lech Waesa, who rose from being leader of the Solidarnosc trade union to become his countrys national president. EBRD at 25 We celebrate 25 years of investing for change Waesas labour movement not only brought down communism in Poland but also played an essential role in the collapse of the entire Soviet empire. Shock therapy (or Starting Over) Post-communist countries chose many different paths as they worked to become market economies. None was easy or without pain. Poland, under Minister of Finance Leszek Balcerowicz, in 1989 introduced a shock therapy which freed prices and created room for private enterprise. Despite severe hardship the foundations for a functioning market economy were laid. Poland was rewarded with rapid growth as the private sector became the engine of the economy. The country also started to attract foreign investors who saw great potential in a country with a large domestic market of almost 40 million people and a strategic location between Germany and Russia. Banks were the pioneers and it was a bank, the Poznan-based Wielkopolski Bank Kredytowy (WBK), which became the EBRDs first business partner in May 1991 with a credit line for on-lending to local small businesses. It is a relationship that exists to this day: in 1995 Allied Irish Banks acquired a minority stake in WBK, with the EBRD and International Finance Corporation also becoming shareholders. Today, after a merger with Bank Zachodni, BZ WBK is Polands third-largest bank and part of Grupa Santander. With the Polish economy accelerating over the next decade, the EBRDs work in the country focused on privatisation and the development of the banking sector. Poland made rapid progress with integration into the global economy and EU membership in 2004 providing a great boost to its development. The EBRD played a crucial role in the political and economic changes in Poland following the collapse of communism. More videos Weathering the storm When in 2008 the global financial crisis reached the EBRD region, growth in Poland slowed, but it was the only country in the European Union that managed to escape recession. Not for one year did the country register a contraction of its economy. This strong resilience was built on robust public finances, a sound banking sector, a well-functioning regulatory regime and a flexible and adaptable economy. For many observers Poland became the poster child of a successful transition process. Yet, challenges remain. Despite a successful record in utilising EU funds, the country still faces huge infrastructure needs, for instance in its transport and roads network. Poland still has one of the highest energy intensity rates in the EU and needs massive investment to lessen its dependence on coal. Despite the shock therapy a largely unreformed state sector consumes resources that are lacking elsewhere. The EBRD remains active in addressing all these needs of the Polish economy. In recent years the Bank has continued to address specific areas where it still can make a relevant contribution, for instance in the development of the financial sector and capital markets or in providing finance for renewable sources of energy in a difficult regulatory environment. The EBRDs Director for Poland, Grzegorz Zielinski, says: Financing sustainable energy investments is one of the EBRDs outstanding areas of expertise and we are pleased to widen our activities in this area. More to come Overall, since 1991 the EBRD has invested more than 7.8 billion in Poland and become one of the largest investors in the country. An example of a recent successful project is the DCT Gdansk container terminal in northern Poland, which is expected to boost the regional economy throughout the Baltics by significantly increasing the ports handling capacity. As the Polish revolution started in Gdansk it is only fitting that the latest EBRD success story is also taking place here. Ive been writing lately about the attempt by the Snyder administration to continue the undemocratic takeover of local schools facing financial difficulties without having to use an Emergency Manager. Thanks to the Flint water catastrophe where the residents drinking water was contaminated with lead thanks to decisions made by Emergency Managers, that phrase has become (pardon the pun) toxic. As I have written (HERE and HERE), the individual put in charge of taking over the school districts is now called a CEO. And the CEO has all sorts of power: Assume the financial and academic authority over multiple schools; Assume the role of the locally elected school board for those schools they have been assigned; Control all funds attributable to pupils at the school without the consent of the locally elected board; Permanently close a school without the consent of the locally elected board; Sell closed school buildings without the consent of the locally elected board; and Convert schools into charter schools without the consent of the locally elected board. If that sounds pretty much exactly like an Emergency Manager to you, youre absolutely right. The Detroit Free Press recently published a piece that goes more in depth: More chronically failing Michigan schools are likely to come under the control of a CEO whose mission would be to turn around those schools an approach that is being met with resistance among educators who say it puts too much power in the hands of one person. The state school-reform office already is moving ahead with plans to hire a CEO to take over four elementary schools in East Detroit Public Schools, a Macomb County school district in Eastpointe that serves part of that city and part of Warren. The move was announced earlier this year. The office is banking on the Legislature to help fund an expansion of that effort. The office has asked for $1 million to fund the districts CEO and three other similar positions. The money would pay for salaries, benefits and work-related expenses; $5 million more is being requested for schools with CEOs to pay for academic support, technology upgrades and professional development. [] The CEO would control how the schools funding is spent, could terminate any contract or portion of a contract and impose a plan for changes on the school, among other things. To us, this isnt any different than an emergency manager, [chief academic officer for the Macomb Intermediate School District Judy] Pritchett said. And we know that the emergency manager model has not been successful. Its not entirely surprising that the rebranding from Emergency Manager to CEO is taking place now. Recall that last year Gov. Snyder took the State School Reform/Redesign Office (SSRRO) away from the Department of Education and put it under the control of the Department of Technology, Management and Budget. The person in charge of this process is Natasha Baker. Shes an interesting choice given her history. As I wrote about last fall, Baker is a big proponent of charter schools. In fact, in an effort to start one of her own she called it a public boarding school she was the recipient of over $100,000 in tax dollars. The school never opened. The school was what the Center for Media and Democracy calls a ghost school and was one of several in Michigan that received millions of tax dollars without ever opening. So, we have a rebranding of Emergency Managers into CEOs with the power to convert schools into charter schools without the consent of the locally elected board and headed up by a charter school booster who took a huge amount of our tax dollars to open her own charter school and never had anything to show for it. And thats how things work in Michigan when it comes to education. Its a shame that, rather than moving the deck chairs around on a sinking ship, our Republican legislators cant seem to realize that reinvesting in education is what is really needed to help these financially-strapped school districts. But, when you have to pay for over a billion dollars in new corporate tax breaks each year, the money has to come from somewhere and kids in struggling school districts are an easy target because they have very little political clout and an almost silent voice when policy and laws are being made. Amazon on Monday launched its Payments Partner Program a global effort widely seen as a rival to PayPal in the United States, the UK, Germany and Japan. Currently available by invitation only, the program provides for three levels of partners: premier partners, certified partners and certified developers. The first two are for e-commerce platform providers, and the third is for developers and agencies. A separate agreement is required for all three types of partnerships. Participation is free. Shopify, Future Shop and PrestaShop are among the companies that have signed up for the program. Other integrations include AmericanEagle.com, Chargebee, Magento, Rand Marketing, UltraCart, Volusion, WooCommerce and Zoey. Spreading Benefits All Around One of the draws of the program for merchants is that so many shoppers already have payment information registered with Amazon, noted Tom Caporaso, CEO ofClarus Commerce. Adding an Amazon payment button should offer millions of consumers a quick, seamless transaction process. The program will be particularly valuable to small and midsize merchants that dont have much brand recognition, he told the E-Commerce Times. Theyll get a reflected glow of trust as well as, possibly, joint marketing opportunities, an easy checkout process, and Amazons behind-the-screen expertise and constant improvement process will help ensure that the system flows smoothly, Caporaso said. Customers will benefit from the ease and convenience of the checkout process and will likely feel a bit more confident with making purchases at Amazon-certified merchants, he suggested, as Amazon is one of, if not the, most trusted retailers in the U.S. Payment volume from Pay with Amazon grew more than 150 percent year over year in 2015, Amazon said in its Q4 2015 financial report. Partner Perks Partners at all three levels will get integration support and certification review. They also will be allowed to use the logo Amazon provides to designate their status in the partner program on their websites. The logo can be used in promotions and on third-party websites with Amazons approval. Premier partners will get instructor-led tech training on the features and functioning of Amazon products at the companys discretion; certified partners and certified developers will get only written and video materials. Premier partners will be given early access to any new features adopted; the others will get access as available. Premier partners also will be given preferred placement on Amazons Partner webpage. Too Much Information? Obviously, Amazons going after PayPal, observed Andreas Scherer, managing partner at Salto Partners. By providing convenience and, perhaps, aggressive terms on its payment service, [it] would be well positioned to grow. However, retailers have to think long and hard before they reveal their client data to another retailer, let alone the worlds largest retail e-commerce site, told the E-Commerce Times. Via this service, Amazon learns what people buy, who they are, and what they paid for a particular item. Information of that type is very valuable to have in a hypercompetitive industry. Retailers who go with PayPal wont have to fear any conflict of interest now and in the foreseeable future, Scherer said. Thats the biggest hurdle for Amazon to clear. Amazons huge subscriber base is one of the biggest selling points of the program for merchants, Clarus Commerces Caporaso noted. If Amazon certifies a merchant, shoppers will be more likely to make payments with Payments Partner Program participants than they might be with nonparticipating stores. That gives Amazons program a running start, he pointed out. If youre an Amazon customer and you can see an Amazon payment button at every retailer you visit, youre less likely to want or need to sign up with PayPal. The Everything Business Payment processing is a huge potential growth area, Caporaso said. Amazon is trying to become the everything business, and this will go a long way toward helping it reach that goal if it does it right. Amazon already serves more than 200,000 businesses, the companys Q4 financial report stated, ranging from Fortune 500 corporations to SMBs with Amazon Business. The FBI paid hackers to break onto the iPhone of the San Bernardino, California, shooter, according to a news report published Tuesday in The Washington Post. The bureau obtained the services of gray hats, the Post said, citing unnamed sources. It apparently did not get help fromCellebrite, as earlier reports had suggested. Gray hats are hackers who sell flaws to governments or companies that make surveillance tools. The FBI would not confirm that it had turned to gray hats, but its National Press Office directed the E-Commerce Times to a speech FBI Director James Comey made at Kenyon College last week, calling attention to his statement that someone outside the government came up with a solution that will be closely protected, and used lawfully and appropriately. Comey knows about the people the FBI bought the solution from, he said, and he expressed a high degree of confidence that they are very good at protecting it, and their motivations align with ours. Support for the FBIs Actions The use of bad guys by the United States government, and in fact all governments, has been going on since the beginning of time, remarked Philip Lieberman, CEO ofLieberman Software. I would rather live in the U.S., where safety and sanity trumps a repressive government that implements an idealistic set of privacy laws that end up putting my life at risk, he told the E-Commerce Times. U.S. policy holds that the governments need to protect citizens trumps privacy rights, while the UK and the EU take the opposite tack, which has resulted in unintended consequences of death and destruction due to laws that protect criminals and psychopaths and criminalize breaches of privacy to the degree that potentially saving the lives of others is a criminal act, Lieberman said. When it comes to justice, the FBI should be able to use whatever resources necessary in its pursuit of information, argued Brad Bussie, director of product management atStealthbits Technologies. The gray hat is a contractor, and Im more interested in how closely the FBI will be watching its new contractor to see if they try to make more money with the technique that was used on the terrorists iPhone, he told the E-Commerce Times. The Other Side of the Argument From a macro perspective, its incredibly stupid to work with the gray hats, argued Rob Enderle principal analyst at the Enderle Group. Its in line with negotiating with terrorists or kidnappers, he told the E-Commerce Times. The larger outcome is generally worse than the specific problem the efforts attempting to address. If true, the action comes uncomfortably close to blackmail, Enderle suggested. The implicit threat is that, if you dont do what we ask, we will open your platform to attackers harming your customers and putting your business at risk. The problem is, the ethics have an extremely fuzzy boundary, Craig Kensek, security expert atLastline, pointed out. There are people who will say once youve gone black or gray, youll always go back, he told the E-Commerce Times. If the FBI pays researchers to discover vulnerabilities and then reports them to the vendors, its participating in beneficial vulnerability research, suggested Tim Erlin, director of IT security and risk strategy forTripwire. However, choosing to not disclose discovered vulnerabilities to the vendors simply ensures that risk remains in the market, he told the E-Commerce Times. The FBI has not decided whether to disclose the vulnerability to Apple. In the meantime, it reportedly has written to local police departments offering its help to crack iPhones of suspects. Microsoft on Thursday filed suit against the U.S. Department of Justice challenging the gag orders that accompany requests to access customers private emails and other data. The orders prevent the company from notifying affected customers about the governments demands. The case is the fourth public lawsuit it has filed against the Justice Department in three years, including a lawsuit challenging a search warrant for a customers emails in Ireland. The orders violate customers privacy rights, the company has maintained. Microsoft has new data on the growing problem of secrecy orders and wants to propose new Justice Department and congressional actions that could resolve the issue, according to Microsoft Chief Legal Officer Brad Smith. We believe that with rare exceptions, consumers and businesses have the right to know when the government accesses their emails and records, Smith said. Yet its becoming routine for the U.S. government to issue orders that require email providers to keep these type of legal demands secret. Law Lags Technology Over the past 18 months, the U.S. government has required that Microsoft maintain secrecy regarding 2,576 legal demands, which effectively prevents the company from letting customers know about warrants seeking their data, Smith pointed out. Most of those orders 1,752, or 68 percent of the total have no fixed end date, meaning that Microsoft can never disclose the information to its customers. The orders raise serious questions in the age of cloud computing, Microsoft said, because data no longer is stored in file cabinets or on servers inside a companys offices. Records often are stored on remote servers that customers trust companies to keep private. Microsoft announced a plan to increase the use of encryption three years ago. It pledged to notify customers about data demands such as the ones currently in dispute, based on the same concerns raised in the new lawsuit. Congress should amend the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, Smith urged, to address issues of transparency, necessity, and digital neutrality which means customers shouldnt be entitled to less notice because they store their data in the cloud. The Justice Department is reviewing the filing, said Nicole Navas, spokesperson for the DoJ. We have no further comment on this pending legislation. Privacy vs. Security Tug of War The suit comes during an increasingly contentious period between Silicon Valley and the federal government. The government recently dropped a suit seeking to compel Apple to help the FBI crack an encrypted iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino terrorists. The DoJ dropped the suit after the FBI notified Apple that it found a third party to help it access the data, something that Apple previously had suggested. The suit also comes days after Sens. Richard Burr and Dianne Feinstein, the chair and vice chair of the Select Committee on Intelligence, introduced draft legislation that would compel technology companies to cooperate with government authorities on terrorism-related cases. Technology and privacy advocates have registered strong opposition to the proposed bill and have voiced strong support for Microsoft. Rallying Around Microsoft The government has an obligation to notify any citizen whose rights it infringes, ACLU Attorney Alex Abdo noted. For years the government has skirted that obligation by seeking out sensitive data from tech companies without providing notice, even long after any legitimate need for secrecy expires, he said. Congress has an opportunity to fix the problem, Abdo added, by updating the Electronic Communications Privacy Act: It should require government notification; impose the high standard that the Constitution requires before law enforcement can impose a gag order on a company; and limit the duration of gag orders. If Congress fails to make these changes to the ECPA, then the courts should step in, he suggested. In the Microsoft case, they should end the unconstitutional practice of failure to provide notice. Microsoft receives a staggering number of orders in these type of cases, noted Electronic Frontier Foundation staff attorney Andrew Crocker. We applaud Microsoft for challenging government gag orders that prevent companies from being more transparent with their customers amount government searches of their data, he told the E-Commerce Times. In nearly all cases, indefinite gag orders and gag orders issued routinely rather than in exceptional cases are unconstitutional prior restraints on free speech and infringe on First Amendment rights. The Federal Communications Commission on Thursday voted 3-2 to approve a US$2.25 billion program to subsidize broadband Internet service and bundled voice and data packages for low-income consumers. The new subsidy is part of a major overhaul of the agencys Lifeline program, which has provided affordable phone access for decades. FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler, and Commissioners Mignon Clyburn and Jessica Rosenworcel voted in favor of the measure. Commissioners Ajit Pai and Michael ORielly dissented. The goal is not only to expand affordable high-speed Internet, but also to eliminate waste and fraud from the system, Wheeler said. Further, they will even the playing field in the modern economy. By dramatically improving Lifelines management and design, and putting the program on sound fiscal footing moving forward, we will help low-income Americans across our nation connect to the Internet and the opportunities of the broadband revolution, Wheeler pointed out. Down to Basics The FCC launched the Lifeline program in 1985 to ensure low-income Americans had access to basic telephone service. It provides subsidized basic landline or wireless telephone service for consumers who are at or below 135 percent of the poverty line. However, 43 percent of the nations poorest households cannot afford to have broadband service in their homes, according to the FCC. The order approved on Thursday will phase in minimum standards for standalone broadband or bundled service starting in December 2016. The program will provide a minimum of 500 mg per month at 3G speeds starting in December, eventually rising to 2 GB per month by the end of 2018. It will phase in a minimum of 500 bundled voice minutes per month starting in December, and rise to 1,000 minutes per month by Dec. 1, 2018. To encourage carrier participation, the FCC will enlist a third-party National Eligibility Verifier to screen applicants. There will be a streamlined process for bringing in carriers, called Lifeline Broadband Providers, and to refine the list of federal programs that consumers can use to verify eligibility. Those programs include SNAP, Medicaid, Veterans Pension, Tribal programs, SSI and HUD Federal Housing Assistance. Narrowing the Digital Divide The vote was a long-awaited reform for many low-income communities that have broadband access only through smartphone connections. Todays order is a tremendously important step towards getting more Americans online, said Josh Stager, policy counsel at New Americas Open Technology Institute. Lifeline is not a silver bullet that closes the digital divide entirely, but it tackles the biggest barrier to broadband adoption: cost.Forty-eight percent of households making less than $25,000 a year are online, while 95 percent of households making $150,000 are online, noted Phillip Berenbroick, counsel for government affairs at Public Knowledge. Eighty percent of Fortune 500 companies require job applications to be done online, he pointed out, which means low-income job seekers effectively have an automatic disadvantage when competing for jobs. The FCC should expand the program to work with local public libraries and nonprofits in low-income communities, where many of the libraries currently loan out mobile hotspots to residents, said Craig Settles, a technology analyst who specializes in broadband issues. Making broadband service available to low-income customers for less doesnt seem to be a problem for providers. Cable companies have been supportive of the FCCs effort to modernize Lifeline, Berenbroick told the E-Commerce Times. Earlier this year, providers including Comcast, Cox, AT&T, Verizon, CenturyLink, and Frontier filed a letter, along with Public Knowledge, urging the FCC to reform Lifeline to support broadband, he noted. Republican Resistance The Republican-appointed commissioners objected to the program because they were seeking stricter budget caps and sought other changes, Settles told the E-Commerce Times. Pai earlier this week said he was looking for a lower budget $1.75 billion and a mechanism that automatically would reduce payments to carriers when program costs exceeded the budget, Settles noted. Pai also wanted to eliminate the programs $25 enhanced subsidy in counties with more than 50 people per square mile, as the subsidy was intended to support construction of facilities in Native American communities and instead has gone to cities like Reno, Nev., and Tulsa, Okla. The government should make it easier to deploy mobile broadband on federal lands, suggested Public Knowledges Berenbroick. Many rural areas are near large swaths of federal lands, and providers often find it difficult to deploy in those areas. There are many other actions that should be taken to improve broadband access, he added, such as ensuring accessible broadband conduits in federally funded road projects; ensuring that communities can self-provision broadband; and ensuring sufficient unlicensed spectrum for WiFi access. 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Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury; International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Christine Lagarde and Philipp Hildebrand, Vice-Chair, BlackRock, Inc; leave after participating in a panel discussion during the IMF-World Bank annual meetings in Washington October 12, 2014 The Archbishop of Canterbury, who is the spiritual head of the Church of England, has said he is not anti-business but he believes profit-making organizations should pay their taxes. Rev. Justin Welby is also the senior bishop in the 88-million strong Anglican Communion and has faced criticism from some people for his criticism of the excesses of capitalism and the level of inequality in society. He spoke about taxes to the BBC the day before he spoke to lawmakers from different parties in the UK Parliament on January 5. In the interview he said there "needs to be simplification in tax so that people are responsible in the right place." Before he assumed his position as Anglican leader and before he became a priest Welby has worked in the banking and oil industry. His entry into the debate about the role of business coincides with campaigning for a national general election that has to be held in the United Kingdom before May 7. In an interview with the BBC at his church's administrative headquarters in Lambeth Palace, Archbishop Welby said that businesses, which create jobs and local wealth, also need to consider how they use their powerful positions to support society. "Business is important, we need to affirm the significance of those who generate and create wealth," said Welby. Yet it is important that they contribute to the societies in which they operate by paying taxes. "There has always been the principle that you pay the tax where you earn the money," he told the BBC. "If you earn the money in a country, the revenue service of that country needs to get a fair share of what you have earned." "It comes back to the very simple principle that we see in what Jesus Christ spoke of - the importance of paying what's due. The Bible speaks of it endlessly," he said. He noted, however, that a big problem for tax collection is "this unbelievably complex tax system internationally and in each country, well in most countries." 'TAX SYSTEM OF BIBLICAL PROPORTIONS' He quipped, ""Somebody said the other day that the tax system is of biblical proportions, well the Bible is only 1000 pages, how many tax systems are only 1000 pages? They are several hundred times that." When he spoke to parliamentary members at Westminster, the archbishop said that capitalism is the only known viable economic system, but due to greed, it can never be totally free and fair. "No better firm of allocation of resources has been found," said Welby. "And the alternatives have always led to inhumanity and even tyranny." In a reference to the Scottish economist who is seen as the founding father of free-market capitalism, he noted, "Adam Smith famously spoke with equal conviction of the dangers of market manipulation as he did of the invisible hand. "The experience of 2008 shows that the complexity of human motivation and greed can never be left to the market to deal with," said the archbishop referring to the global financial crisis that began then. "There is no such thing as a level playing field if human beings are involved, and there is no such thing as a fully fair and free market. "It doesn't exist. Art museums are often depictedperhaps unfairlyas stuffy, lumbering institutions that are slow to embrace change. But now, a growing number of those institutions are jumping headfirst into the new-age world of memes, snapchat, and Instagram. These cultural institutions say they feel obligated to keep up with a generation that has taken an unprecedented interest in visual digital content. The pervasiveness of memes is shaping not only the language of social media, but also the norms of language itself: The Oxford English Dictionary recently embraced an emoji, the face with tears of joy emoji as the 2015 word of the year. One institution that has exploited the use of online images to engage young people is the L.A. County Museum of Art, or LACMA. The museums Snapchat profile, run by Social Media Manager Lucy Redoglia, who has aggressively promoted it, has over 180,000 followers. The average user age on Snapchat is 18. Her strategy is to mash-up trendy pop culture references with images of artwork from the museums collection. A popular entry included a picture of Auguste Rodins 1880 sculpture, The Shade, with the caption all the single ladies. Last year, the museum posted an image of the Dutch artist Salomon de Brays 1652 Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence, with the irreverent hashtag #dadbod superimposed across it. Redoglia has also arranged longer snap stories that animate every line of entire songs (Queens Bohemian Rhapsody was recently featured). Images on Snapchat are ephemeral, meaning they are only displayed on a users device for 10 seconds before they must be replayed, and the platform does not allow Redoglia to link to any other content. Even so, she says the medium helps translate art into something more approachable and relatable for students. Between 20 and 500 screenshots of each snap are taken by users, many of which are shared on social media, and some of them have gone viral, Redoglia said. That sharing generates free advertising to one of the institutions core demographic audiences. LACMA is not alone in pushing the boundaries between memes and fine art. The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum of Art are other leaders in the push to democratize collections in the name of accessibilitythe Met having found social media success as far away as Chinas Weibo micro-blogging platform. The popular Instagram channel turned fashion label, Fly Art, has also gained a following among millennials by mashing up classic art with contemporary rap lyrics. But is the breezy treatment of historys most significant cultural artifacts cheapening their value? Redoglia said she tries to keep a balance between engaging new audiences and respecting the works of art. She points out that her presentation of pieces of art are more formal in other social media forums, including Facebook and Twitter. Redoglia also referred to a recent quote from art historian Bendor Grosvenor in the British newspaper the Independent, who argued in favor of the initiative by saying, Art cant be devalued. The Mona Lisa adorns everything from pizza boxes to toothpaste, Grosvenor observed, and still its regarded as one of the greatest paintings of all time. John Gunnin, a veteran high school teacher, greeted the newly enrolled students in his AP Art History with a challenging first assignment. During the first few weeks of this school year at Corona Del Mar High, in Californias Orange County, Gunnin asked the students to dissect a contemporary piece made for the 500th anniversary of Columbus discovery of America. Despite their limited experience formally analyzing sophisticated visual art, the teacher asked his students to respond to a digital display of a nine-foot-tall, HD-quality image of the mixed-media artwork, Trade (Gifts for Trading Land With White People), by a Native American artist, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith. The assignment was to study the piece from political, visual, cultural, historical, societal, and economic angles. Works such as Smiths are emblematic of a major overhaul of the AP Art History course that is designed to shift away from the rote memorization of a mostly Eurocentric selection of images to focus on the layers of meaning of a more global set of artworks. Those changes were largely unnoticed when they went into effect at the beginning of the 2015-16 academic yearpartly because they were overshadowed by major controversies that swirled around the recent redesign of the AP U.S. History curriculum. Statistics released by the College Board show that 23,314 students from 2,072 schools nationally took the AP Art History exam in 2015. Thats more than the number who took AP French Language or Comparative Politics tests, but still a small figure compared with the more than 500,000 who took the English Language AP. Gunnin, a member of the College Boards AP Art History development committee, helped oversee the big changes in the national curriculum that sought to bring more diversity to students lessons. One of the committees changes was to encourage students to focus on the broader cultural context of a smaller number of works of art intended to more accurately reflect world history. The correction to a more globally representative list is long overdueat least 30 years, if not more said Emily Shaw, the assistant curator at Columbia Universitys Media Center for Art History. Smiths Trade (Gifts for Trading Land With White People), is one of the 250 works selected as culturally significant by the APs committee and a good example of new points of emphasis. Her piece is a biting indictment of Americas foundations and of contemporary American cultures commoditization of Native American culture. The artist satirizes the traditional three-paneled structure of European Medieval altar pieces by presenting the form in a roughly hewn, blood-red collage of newspaper clippings, photographs, and paint, all beneath a clothesline adorned with trinket souvenirs from professional and college sport franchises that have adopted American Indian mascots. Many of the non-Western works selected by the development committee are meant to challenge AP students to step outside of their own cultural frameworks and work to assimilate the difficult and layered imagery. By the time Gunnins students graduate in May, they will have been exposed to historical and contemporary works from Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific Islands. In recognition of the diversity of traditions that increasingly define art history today, Gunnin opens his class with comparisons of works by contemporary artists. His lessons expose students to treatments of feminine power by comparing the intensely polemical work of Shirin Neshat, whose photography grapples with the intersection of feminism and Islam, and the staged photography of Cindy Sherman, who explores similar themes through an explicitly classical Western lens. Images: AP Art History teacher John Gunnin likes to present his students with two works of art that feature similar themes expressed through contrasting styles. One such comparison focuses on the piece on the left by Cindy Sherman, which references the Biblical story of Judith and Holifernes, a subject tackled repeatedly by well-known European artists like Carvaggio and Artemesia Gentileschi. He juxtaposes it against the work on the right, Shirin Neshats stark portrait of an armed woman wearing a hijab, a contemporary example of the APs shift towards a more global selection of artworks. Sources: Cindy Sherman, Untitled, 1990, chromogenic color print, 82 x 48 inches, 208.3 x 121.9 cm, (MP# CS--228). Courtesy of the artist and Metro Pictures, New York. Shirin Neshat, Rebellious Silence, 1994, B& W RC print & ink (photo taken by Cynthia Preston), 11 x 14 inches, copyright Shirin Neshat, courtesy Gladstone Gallery, New York and Brussels. At first, it felt strange to fly through lessons on periods and styles that he used to emphasize more heavily, Gunnin said. But now he revels in having the power to share an egalitarian approach to the world and to art with his students. Over the course of an academic year, AP Art History teachers must get their students to respond emotionally and intellectually to artworks that are often found in galleries or historic sites thousands of miles away. The college-level course covers pieces that include Emperor Qins Terra Cotta Warriors, buried in Chinas Shaanxi province, and Caravaggios Calling of St. Matthew, which hangs in the church of San Luigi dei Francesi, a few blocks from the Pantheon in Rome. Figuring out how to virtually transport these creations to the classroom, through photos, prints, and other means is a challenge for educators that dates back decadeseven centuries. Teachers of art history have continually adapted to incorporate changes in image technology. Most recently, an array of new tools, particularly high-resolution digital images, immersive technology, and multimedia textbooks, have brought about a fundamental shift in how the discipline is being taught. Photo, top: A printed textbook, Jansons History of Art, Eighth Edition, includes a floorplan, a written description, and images of the interior and exterior of the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy. Historically, textbooks and slide projectors have been primary tools used by art history teachers. Image, below: A 360-degree panorama allows viewers to take an interactive, virtual tour of San Vitale, starting from the area behind the altar. Teachers of art history classes are using similar interactive tools to introduce students to famous works of art. Courtesy of the Columbia Universitys Media Center for Art History One of the most prominent of those platforms is Smarthistory, a nonprofit initiative founded a decade ago that has evolved into a widely used, free online multimedia introductory textbook in art history. Other tools, such as the databases Artstor and the Google Art Project, image and architecture viewers like Wolff and Google Streetview, and technologies like virtual reality and 3D printing are also connecting students with works cloistered in faraway museums to a degree that was once impossible. Smarthistory, which uses Khan Academy as its primary platform, features 5-10-minute videos of visits by art historians Beth Harris and Stephen Zucker to museums around the world. The platform presents viewers with high-resolution images of individual pieces of artwork, set to recordings of the pairs semiscripted conversations and reactions to what theyre seeing. Video: Smarthistory, a nonprofit that makes recordings of art historians interpreting prominent works, has created its own video interpretation of San Vitale, which focuses on the churchs layout and interior. Smarthistory content, which is being used by high school art history teachers around the country, was accessed by the public 13.5 million times in 2015, the organization says. YouTube Stephen Murray, an expert in Medieval Art History at Columbia University, and a leader in the move toward high resolution imaging for decades, said that the combination of resources that have become available can be used to replace a sense of static thinking with a sense of wonder, particularly in complex areas like Gothic architecture. Highly sophisticated works of art, like the Gothic architecture Murray studies, does not turn into a book easily. He said that while many in the discipline could buttress their lessons with technology, he has seen how well executed images make students gasp. Multiple Interpretations The Smarthistory videos, which are paired with articles and contributions from more than 200 experts in the field, have elbowed aside traditional textbooks and have become so popular that their content is the first result to appear in Google, after Wikipedia, when one searches art history. John Gunnin, an art-history teacher at Corona Del Mar High School in Orange County, Calif., attributes the popularity of Smarthistory to the ability of Harris and Zucker to be very articulate and conversational at the same time. The videos also allow for multiple interpretations of the same work, which, incidentally, is a core point of emphasis in the new AP curriculum the College Board launched this year. (See related story on the new AP Art History curriculum.) They really do go deep, they give good information, and they are succinct, Gunnin said. You can get a lot out of a six-minute video. Tiffany Alvarez-Thurman, an AP teacher at Plano Senior High School in Texas, uses Smarthistory along with supplemental-textbook readings. She said her students prefer Smarthistory and visibly perk up when they hear the rolling jazz-piano introduction that accompanies each video: These are 21st-century learners who are just more engaged in multimedia. Two of Alvarez-Thurmans 11th graders, Kathryn Brooks and Joshua Fowler, have embraced the multimedia lessons. Both said that if forced to choose, they would stick to Smarthistory over their art-history textbook to prepare for the AP exam. Brooks said she appreciates how the conversational style of the videos allows for the experts to disagree over interpretations of the artand how they tease out nuances and contradictions in possible meanings, rather than offer monolithic explanations. There is always an aspect of thinking for yourself, she said. Harris and Zucker believe the widespread use of their curriculum in classes validates their wide-lens strategy. Harris says they have content for 97 percent of the 250 artworks covered by the newly overhauled AP curriculum. Though the College Board is not officially partnered with Smarthistory, the test-makers AP History homepage links to the art history platforms website. Evolutions in Teaching Centuries ago, art instructors would copy paintings by hand or disseminate images through laboriously produced prints. In the 19th century, lithographs were used until black-and-white photography took over and allowed for the first mechanical reproductions of art. For much of the 20th century, slide projections of color images dominated the teaching of art history. Students exposure to some of the worlds most important and sublime works of art came through overhead projectors or static, often grainy images from printed texts. Today, online databases of high-resolution digital images mean that students can access millions of artworks, or move through virtual spaces, where their parents might have had access to only a few hundred lower-resolution images. Image, top: Smarthistory has created a video entry on The Standard of Ur, one of the better preserved and most illustrative artifacts extant from Ancient Mesopotamia. The work is housed at the British Museum, in London. YouTube Slider, below: By toggling this high-resolution sliding image, students and teachers have an easy way of enhancing an image from the War side of the Standard or Ur. The detail of the War panel comes from the middle of the lowest section of the artwork and depicts a soldier being trampled to death by a chariot. Wikimedia Commons Having access to precise reproductions of art in the classroom matters, argues Fowler of Plano Senior High. Images are the next-best thing to studying works of art in person, he said, and a lot of intricacies can be missed if an image isnt high quality. Some of the resources where the images are housed are public, such as Smarthistory or the Google art project, while other image repositories, like nonprofit Artstor, require schools or districts to buy an institutional license. Behind its paywall, Artstor also offers a slew of essays and teaching resources targeted specifically to the AP Art History exam. The overall effect, said Zucker, is an explosion in access to images, including the ability to study a huge number of works outside the traditional art history canon. While educators and cultural institutions have generally supported the movement toward making artworks available through digital images, the enthusiasm is not universal. Since the 1930s, the philosopher and cultural critic Walter Benjamin has warned that the proliferation of reproductions of original artworks risks diluting the impact of the original object. According to Ian McDermott, the collection-development manager at Artstor, some museums, particularly in Europe, are wary of relinquishing virtual access to what they refer to as their cultural patrimony. In other words, while many museums cite cost as the largest barrier to offering schools or the public digital access to their collections, some are worried about ceding control of digital assets, and others are concerned that virtual access could serve as a substitute for visitors coming to their institutions in person. Furthermore, a more existential concern for Western traditionalists is how the larger collective image library has opened the door for modern schools of criticism to pick apart what they see as the proven ways of critiquing art. As those voices have become more prominent in recent decades, the canon and its political foundation have become more and more suspect, said Harris of Smarthistory. In that context, the College Boards new AP Art History course, which jettisoned numerous European Baroque and Renaissance artists for a larger share of non-Western artists, is more evidence of a wider sea change in cultural values. In addition to Smarthistory, other ed-tech platforms are giving educators an unprecedented ability to manipulate or enhance the quality of artistic reproductions in ways that would have been unthinkable a decade ago. Greg Bryda, a doctoral candidate at Yale University, produced the Wolff app, a free mobile application launched last August that gives educators a platform to manipulate and zoom into details of high-resolution images during their lessons through touch-screen technology. The application, which Bryda developed to address his own teaching needs through a Kickstarter campaign, is named after Swiss art historian Heinrich Wolfflin, who pioneered the method of side-by-side slide comparisons in the early 20th century. Despite the advantages a high-resolution reproduction can have in certain instances, Bryda believes there is no substitute for the original, and museums should not be concerned about the in-person attraction of their collections. According to Bryda, the better an image is, the more likely students are to go out of their way to see the original in person. The first time a student sees a reproduction followed by an original, Bryda argued, they realize how important it is to see the original for all other artworks, because they are always different. Virtual and 3D Viewing New technology, however, continues to close the gap between virtual reproductions and physical reality. Art-history teachers are already taking their students on virtual tours of faraway places like Versailles through Google maps and Streetviewapplications that are improving markedly with the plummeting costs of virtual-reality headsets like Cardboard. Streetview: Google Streetview, which is used in some art history classes, provides an option for virtual visits to museum collections and renowned architectural sites. Here viewers are taken to the Hall of Mirrors in the French palace of Versailles. Google Those applications are especially important for giving students an understanding of architecture, as Brooks, the Texas student, explains, with people and cars and streets, you get a different idea of scale and space. Dana Howard, Artstors K-12 relationship manager, which has its own library of 360-degree high-definition panoramic images, says the files are especially valuable in leveling the playing field between well-heeled students and those who cant afford to travel. Beyond virtual reality is 3D printing, which holds some promise for the possibility of recreating nearly identical copies of artworks from nearly the same materials. Video: Another tool that may be on the horizon for educators is the prospect of printing 3-D copies of great works of art. This video shows researchers printing a highly faithful copy of Rembrandts 1667 oil painting The Jewish Bride, a process that begins with a highly detailed 3-D scan of the works topography. YouTube The gulf between the experiences that students like Brooks describe in witnessing flat, digital images of Van Goghs Starry Night, and seeing the thick textured layers of impasto oil paint in person, could soon become a thing of the past. In partnership with OCE, a division of the camera-maker Cannon, Dutch researcher Tim Zaman has succeeded in scanning and reprinting topographically faithful reproductions of works by Rembrandt and Van Gogh with an oil-paintlike polymer. While Zaman is quick to say that his reproductions are not perfect copies of the original, they offer an unprecedented degree of fidelity to the original object. Bryda acknowledges that reproductions are getting ever closer in accuracy to original artworksa trend that has museums appropriately concerned about protecting the aura that surrounds their collections, as well as their bottom line. While cautioning against fetishizing the original pieces of art, Bryda said that original artworks will always have primacy. After theyre created, original works have an afterlife, he said, by virtue of their historical presence in society, and the physical changes they endure over time, which he argues reproductions will never be able to fully capture. EIB Vice President Jonathan Taylor has met with his Multilateral Development Bank (MDB) climate Vice President counterparts from the World Bank, AfDB, AsDB, EBRD and IADB. The meeting noted the good progress on MDBs' joint work on the climate mainstreaming principles, leverage/mobilisation, and tracking of climate finance. There was full agreement with VP Taylor's comment that the MDBs should collectively ensure that momentum should be maintained at this critical moment for climate finance. Vice President Taylor also met with Rachel Kyte, the newly appointed CEO of SE4ALL. Ms Kyte is one of the global 'climate warriors', well known to the EIB in her previous role World Bank Vice President responsible for climate. Ms Kyte briefed the EIB on a number of reforms and action programmes she was introducing to the SE4ALL. Acknowledging the importance of the EIB as a financing partner on the climate agenda she expressed her strong hope to see cooperation between SE4ALL and the EIB increase and strengthen, especially with regard to energy efficiency. As an early step SE4ALL will seek the EIB's comments on a new strategy to be announced in June in good time for COP22. A growing problem; urban transport development By developing an integrated and sustainable urban transport project together with the Asian Development Bank, we are able to make a real impact on the quality of life of people, particularly those who are poor and vulnerable. This project will allow the citizens of Vientiane to benefit from affordable environmentally-friendly transport services, greater road safety and lower health risks. Meryn Martens EIBs Senior Transport Specialist Vientiane, the capital of Lao Peoples Democratic Republic, has been hit hard by urban development. Growth in the citys population has taken speed, as has the number of cars on the crowded city roads. Between 2005 and 2012 the rates of car ownership almost tripled, leaving the city more and more congested, road accidents the norm and pollution high. The need to move from private transport to public has therefore become essential to improve not only the quality of life and increase mobility but also to work towards climate action. The EIB is working to change this through collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to finance a Bus Rapid Transit system. This will see the construction of 11.5km dedicated bus-ways, 21 enclosed stations and 96 new buses to improve traffic flow and safety across the capital. Alongside this a parking and traffic management system will be put in place to improve accessibility for pedestrians and other non-motorised traffic. Every step of the way dedicated experts from both the ADB and the EIB, as well as external consultants funded by a grant from the European Union (EU)s Asian Investment Facility, will be providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) to ensure the project is successfully and sustainably implemented. Quality of life is set to improve dramatically in Vientiane due to the project. Movement around the city will become easier ensuring not only a drop in commuting time by 1.5m hours per year but also better access to vital services. Residents health in the developing region will also be improved through less air pollution and risk of motor accidents. 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 Community service for man who thought drugs were 'legal' A Polish man has been ordered to carry out 180 hours of community service after being caught with drugs he thought were "legal". 32-year-old Tomasz Pasternak was sentenced at Douglas Courthouse earlier this week - he'd previously pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing drugs. Police stopped him in his car on Woodbourne Road in Douglas on the evening of December 18th - they searched him after noticing he was fidgeting with his clothing. He was found to be carrying heroin - with a street value of 350 - cocaine, valued at 70, and cannabis worth 1.06p. In a police interview he told officers he believed the substances were "legal highs" - his advocate told the court the drugs were for his own personal use and he was planning to take them at a party. She said Pasternak realised it was an "irresponsible act" and he'd put his family "at risk" financially - including his mother in Poland to whom he sends money to. Sentencing him Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes also fined him 300 and ordered him to pay court costs of 125. Re: MBA in finace/banking from IT background a) with no professional experience, you will neither get in (in a good program that is), nor will it be useful. b) an MBA is NOT an alternative to an MS/MA. It's a different path c) an MBA is designed as a "fast-track" business education for those who are not of a business background, at least that's what it was supposed to be originally. So yes of course with a non-business background, you can get in d) unless it's a good school, don't even bother. Waste of time and waste of what is likely still way too much money. There's some 4000-5000 "business schools" and dubious institutions claiming to offer an "MBA" out there, of with at best some 10% are properly accredited. In Switzerland, there's only one good school and that's IMD, and with some generosity HSG is decent enough (though you'll be far better of doing an MS/MA at HSG than an MBA). Screw everything else, see point d). I'm sure you can figure out the rest of your own. There's this thing called Google, that should give you plenty of hits on each point on your list. Re: Aeroflot to Moscow There's a transit visa available that allows you to leave the airport for up to three days. Visas for US citizens are somewhat pricey. http://vhs-swiss.com/main.php?id=transit&lang=en If you travel from Sheremetyevo into Moscow, consider taking the Aeroexpress train, rather than a taxi, as Moscow can be very congested. Then either a taxi from the Moscow Belorussky train station or, for the somewhat daring, the metro to Red Square. https://aeroexpress.ru/en What a creative way to fly to Los Angeles!There's a transit visa available that allows you to leave the airport for up to three days. Visas for US citizens are somewhat pricey.If you travel from Sheremetyevo into Moscow, consider taking the Aeroexpress train, rather than a taxi, as Moscow can be very congested. Then either a taxi from the Moscow Belorussky train station or, for the somewhat daring, the metro to Red Square. Where to buy ink for Epson Stylus SX445W in Zurich In my opinion this is really expensive, so does anyone know of anywhere it can be got cheaper? Maybe a specialist store in the Zurich area, or a web site that delivers to Zurich? A google search throws up Amazon and some UK sites but they don't deliver to Switzerland. (The annoying thing is that I don't want to print anything I just want to use the scanner...but the scanner doesn't work when one of the cartridges is empty.. ) I have an Epson Stylus SX445W and it's out of ink. I checked Inter discount and a multi-pack with all the colours costs 49.95.In my opinion this is really expensive, so does anyone know of anywhere it can be got cheaper? Maybe a specialist store in the Zurich area, or a web site that delivers to Zurich? A google search throws up Amazon and some UK sites but they don't deliver to Switzerland.(The annoying thing is that I don't want to print anything I just want to use the scanner...but the scanner doesn't work when one of the cartridges is empty.. He could have taken half of his now ex-wife's fortune, but Gavin Rossdale has reportedly chosen not to take such a path when it came to finalizing his divorce from Gwen Stefani. The pair's divorce has reportedly been settled in court, and though he could have taken 50 percent of the money Stefani earned during their marriage since she did not have a prenup, Rossdale allegedly chose to take a far smaller amount. According to TMZ, Rossdale did not press to get a big chunk of Stefani's money earned from concerts and record sales, even though he was legally allowed to make such a request. Details of the settlement aren't entirely revealed, but the couple also reportedly agreed to a 50/50 joint custody agreement when it comes to their sons, Kingston, Zuma and Apollo, though Rossdale will have more than 50 percent custody at time due to Stefani's touring schedule. The website also reports that Rossdale is not asking for child support, which Stefani, as the parent with more money and higher earning capacity, would have had to provide if he sought it. All that is left for the couple's divorce proceedings is not having things signed off on by the judge, meaning they could officially be divorced in the coming days. The couple, who were married for 13 years, announced their divorce over the summer last year. It was later revealed that the marriage initially fell apart earlier in the year, after Stefani found inappropriate text messages between Rossdale and nanny Mindy Mann, which revealed he'd been having an affair with her for three years. Since the divorce, Stefani has since moved on with Blake Shelton, in a romance that has been highly publicized due to Shelton's quick divorce from Miranda Lambert just weeks before Stefani's own plans for a divorce were announced. Rossdale has not been linked to anyone else in a new romance, though Mann has been revealed to be pregnant, though the baby is not believed to be one she conceived with Rossdale. Leading scientists have identified an important gene that is associated with cleft lip and palate. Experts say the discovery is a step closer to understanding how this birth defect arises, and will help in the development of medical approaches to prevent the disfiguring condition. An international team, led by Newcastle University, UK, and the University of Bonn in Germany, has found that variants near a gene called GREM1 (Gremlin1) significantly increase the risk for cleft lip and palate. A cleft is a gap in the upper lip, the roof of the mouth, or sometimes both. Each year, approximately 250,000 babies worldwide are born with a cleft, equating to about two babies a day in the UK. Dr Heiko Peters, who works at Newcastle University's Institute of Genetic Medicine, is senior author of the research paper published in the journal, PLoS Genetics. He said: "The findings reveal a link between GREM1 and specific clinical characteristics that arise in the formation of a cleft lip and palate. "This is very important in this research area as it helps to decipher the complex interplay between genes required for the different steps and in different tissues during lip and palate development. "A cleft lip can occur with or without a cleft palate and the genetic factors that predispose to palate involvement are largely unknown." The research team carried out analyses on genetic and clinical data from three large patient cohorts and identified a strong association between a region on chromosome 15 and cleft lip and palate. Experts carried out studies on mice to investigate where GREM1 is normally active in the development of the face and how alterations in the gene's activity may affect the lip and palate. Results indicate that it is not the loss of GREM1 function but rather its increased activity that causes the condition. It is the second gene which has been shown to be linked to a condition in which a cleft of the lip and a cleft of the secondary palate occur together. Dr Peters added: "These findings provide a framework for further analyses of GREM1 in human cell systems and model organisms, broadening our understanding of the processes that regulate the face's shape." Although not life-threatening for patients with access to postnatal surgery, cleft lip and palate requires additional multidisciplinary care by specialists, including ear, nose and throat experts, orthodontists and speech therapists. Children with the condition can have dental issues, speech problems and are at increased risk of serious ear infections and hearing loss. Currently, scientists only have a fragmented picture about which genes are required for lip and palate development, and how environmental factors might interact with genetic risk factors. To establish effective prevention strategies scientists must identify genetic risk factors and understand how gene-gene and gene-environment interactions interfere with lip and palate development. As the use of personalised medicine increases, understanding how genetic changes alter foetal development will become increasingly relevant. This is particularly important for conditions such as cleft lip and palate that appear to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as smoking or certain medicines used by the mother. Further studies will focus on identifying genes and environmental factors that interact with GREM1. Dr Laura Yates, consultant in clinical genetics at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "The families we meet in genetic clinics on a daily basis generally have two common questions. "Firstly, what is the cause of the developmental anomaly affecting their child or themselves, and secondly, can it be treated or prevented in future pregnancies? "Studies such as this contribute vital pieces of information that enable clinicians to provide patients with answers that are relevant to them and their family, not just general statistics. "Our understanding of how genetic factors in both mother and foetus, and external or environmental influences impact on foetal development in the womb, is far from complete. "This study takes us one step closer to being able to identify genetic changes that increase the chance of a particular form of cleft lip and palate re-occurring in a family, therefore to studying what can be done to reduce the chance of this happening in individuals who have this genetic change." Case study Mother-of-five Joanne Brown knows first-hand the challenges faced by those with a cleft lip and palate. The student nurse's daughter, Emily, seven, was born with the condition and has had to undergo three operations so far with more expected in the years ahead. Emily has coped well with her condition but having a cleft lip and palate has affected her speech and confidence. Joanne, 33, of West Rainton, County Durham, who is married to David, 45, a joiner, welcomes the research into the condition. She said: "I found out at my 20 week pregnancy scan that Emily had a cleft lip and palate. I was very upset as I didn't know anything about the condition. "Speech is a huge problem for Emily and she is shy around other children. She never used to look in the mirror and it has taken time for her to be able to do this. "It's so important that research is carried out as the condition is a lifelong problem for sufferers. "This research is a significant step forward in understanding the condition. It would be phenomenal if, in the future, the chance of a cleft lip and palate occurring could be reduced." ### Reference Meta-analysis reveals genome-wide significance at 15q13 for nonsyndromic clefting of both the lip and the palate, and functional analyses implicate GREM1 as a plausible causative gene Kerstin U. Ludwig, Syeda Tasnim Ahmed, Anne C. Bohmer, Nasim Bahram Sangani, Sheryil Varghese, Johanna Klamt, Hannah Schuenke, Pinar Gultepe, Andrea Hofmann, Michele Rubini, Khalid Ahmed Aldhorae, Regine P. Steegers-Theunissen, Augusto Rojas-Martinez, Rudolf Reiter, Guntram Borck, Michael Knapp, Mitsushiro Nakatomi, Daniel Graf, Elisabeth Mangold, Heiko Peters Published in PLoS Genetics. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005914 An analysis comparing the individual differences between over 40 strains of Zika virus (30 isolated from humans, 10 from mosquitoes, and 1 from monkeys) has identified significant changes in both amino acid and nucleotide sequences during the past half-century. The data, published April 15 in Cell Host & Microbe, support a strong divergence between the Asian and African lineages as well as human and mosquito isolates of the virus, and will likely be helpful as researchers flush out how a relatively unknown pathogen led to the current outbreak. The project--led by researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, and the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing--builds on other viral sequence analyses conducted over the past two months, with new large-scale and structural comparisons. Highlights of the findings include: All contemporary human Zika virus strains share a more similar sequence to the Malaysian/1966 strain than the Nigerian/1968 strain, suggesting the strains in the recent human outbreak evolved from the Asian lineage. All human strains identified in the 2015-2016 epidemic appear to be more closely related to the French Polynesia/2013 strain than the Micronesia/2007 strain, suggesting that the two variants evolved from a common ancestor. The prM (pre-membrane precursor) protein of the Zika virus had the highest percentage variability between the Asian human and the African mosquito subtypes, and modeling suggests that some of this variability contributes to a significant structural change. "We believe these changes may, at least partially, explain why the virus has demonstrated the capacity to spread exponentially in the human population in the Americas," says senior study author Genhong Cheng, a professor in UCLA's Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics. "These changes could enable the virus to replicate more efficiently, invade new tissues that provide protective niches for viral propagation, or evade the immune system, leading to viral persistence. Of course, all of these hypotheses will need to be tested in experimental models." Future sequencing work will likely focus on understanding the Zika strain causing the 2015-2016 epidemic, which has yet to be isolated from a mosquito. Cheng's group and others will also begin to elucidate the structure of the viral proteins, which can inform drug and vaccine design. "We hope that our work provides a strong basis that will help the larger scientific community in accelerating Zika virus research," he says. ### This work was supported by the National Institutes of Health; the Ministry of Science and Technology of China; the National Natural Science Foundation of China; and the Institutional Research Fund for Thousand Talents Program at Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Cell Host & Microbe, Wang and Valderramos et al.: "From Mosquitos to Humans: Genetic Evolution of Zika Virus." http://www.cell.com/cell-host-microbe/fulltext/S1931-3128(16)30142-1 Cell Press Statement on Data Sharing in Public Health Emergencies The Cell Press family of journals is committed to ensuring that the global response to public health emergencies is informed by the best available research evidence and data, and as such, we will make all content concerning the Zika virus free to access. We will work in partnership with reviewers to fast-track review all submissions concerning Zika. We will adapt the editorial criteria that we apply to Zika submissions by asking reviewers to evaluate only if the research methods are sound and support the conclusions and if the work will contribute in some way toward resolving the immediate challenges. We will expedite publication of papers that meet these two criteria. Cell Host & Microbe (@cellhostmicrobe), published by Cell Press, is a monthly journal that publishes novel findings and translational studies related to microbes (which include bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses). The unifying theme is the integrated study of microbes in conjunction and communication with each other, their host, and the cellular environment they inhabit. Learn more: http://www.cell.com/cell-host-microbe. To receive Cell Press media alerts, contact press@cell.com. In the first study of its kind, Cornell sociologists have found that people who have a medical emergency in a public place can't necessarily rely on the kindness of strangers. Only 2.5 percent of people, or 1 in 39, got help from strangers before emergency medical personnel arrived, in research published April 14 in the American Journal of Public Health. For African-Americans, these dismal findings only get worse. African-Americans were less than half as likely as Caucasians to get help from a bystander, regardless of the type of symptoms or illness they were suffering - only 1.8 percent, or fewer than 1 in 55 African-Americans, received assistance. For Caucasians, the corresponding number was 4.2 percent, or 1 in 24. People in lower-income and densely populated counties were also less likely to get help, the researchers said. Conversely, those in less-densely populated counties with average socioeconomic levels were most likely to get assistance. "It's very surprising and disappointing to find such low rates of people helping each other and that African-American patients and those in poorer counties are left to wait longer for help," said lead author Erin York Cornwell, assistant professor of sociology and Sesquicentennial Faculty Fellow. York Cornwell wrote the study with Alex Currit, a doctoral student in the field of sociology at Cornell. York Cornwell points out that the types of support bystanders could offer require little to no training, and could include offering a glass of water, covering someone with a blanket, putting pressure on a wound or assisting with medications. "We find evidence that bystanders can provide help in a huge range of scenarios, but the rates of assistance are so incredibly low," she said. In the paper, "Racial and Social Disparities in Bystander Support During Medical Emergencies in U.S. Streets," York Cornwell and Currit analyzed data on nearly 22,500 patients from the 2011 National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS) data set, which they linked to characteristics of counties where the incidents occurred. The data came from emergency medical services providers, who fill out a form after each ambulance call. The form includes an indication of what type of help, if any, patients received from bystanders before medical staff arrived on the scene. Because of underrepresentation of Latinos in the data, the researchers focused on African-Americans and Caucasians. York Cornwell thinks that disparities in receiving help could stem from differences in the social context of the neighborhoods where emergencies occurred. Sociological research suggests that socioeconomic disadvantage within an area shapes how people relate to each other. For example, neighborhoods that have a high degree of poverty and residential instability tend to have fewer social institutions like synagogues, churches and community organizations - and this can make it difficult for residents to get to know each other. "When you have a neighborhood environment where people don't know each other, where people are wary of strangers on the street, and someone needs help right in that moment, people may be more likely to just look away or keep walking without lending a hand," she said. Sociologists have used this theory to explain disparities in the development of stress-related illnesses over the long term. But York Cornwell is applying the theory to brief, urgent moments when people could use help but don't get it; over time those moments could add up and contribute to health disparities across racial groups, she said. "Disparities in health across race are persistent and growing in many cases. We don't really have a good understanding of the reasons why we see such large disparities. These day-to-day processes could be an important contributor," York Cornwell said. ### The study was supported in part by Cornell's Institute for the Social Sciences, where York Cornwell is a faculty fellow. Cornell University has television, ISDN and dedicated Skype/Google+ Hangout studios available for media interviews. ITHACA, N.Y. - Using the latest computer game technology, a Cornell-led team of physicists has come up with a "suitably beautiful" explanation to a puzzle that has baffled researchers in the materials and theoretical physics communities for a century. Physics professor James Sethna has co-authored a paper on the unusual microstructure of smectics - liquid crystals whose molecules are arranged in layers and form ellipses and hyperbolas - and their similarity to martensites, a crystalline structure of steel. In fact, Sethna and his cohorts have termed smectic liquids "the world's weirdest martensite." Sethna's group employed the computing power of a graphics processing unit, or GPU - the technology that has led to the advent of amazingly realistic video games - to run hundreds of numerical simulations. They developed a clustering algorithm and proposed a theory of smectic microstructure that merges the laws of association between smectic liquid crystals and martensites. "This has been this puzzle for many years, and it finally has a suitably beautiful explanation," Sethna said. "It ties together ideas from special relativity, and ideas from martensites, to explain this whole puzzle. "It's aesthetically beautiful," he added, "there's a little bit of Euclidean geometry for those people who actually went to geometry class. It's like, 'Ellipses and hyperbolas, I remember those.' And you pour this (smectic) liquid and it forms these things." If you fill a glass with a smectic liquid, due to its layering pattern the liquid forms beautiful ellipses and hyperbolas. The ellipses are defects - places where the desired ordering breaks down. In martensite steel, named for German metallurgist Adolf Martens in 1898, its different low-energy crystal orientations mesh together in microscopic layers to give it a hardness factor far superior to pearlitic and other forms of steel. In 1910, French physicist Georges Friedel studied a fluid that formed ellipses and hyperbolas, and realized that they must be formed by equally spaced layers of molecules. Sethna suggests that a possible reason Friedel knew enough to be able to identify these ellipses and hyperbolas is that "he was French. And in France, they used to study much more sophisticated math in high school, and everybody in high school learned about the cyclides of Dupin." Like concentric, equally spaced spheres can fill space with only a point defect at the center, the cyclides of Dupin can fill space with only ellipses and hyperbolas as defects. Friedel saw these defects, and deduced the structure. The recent breakthrough, inspired by the GPU simulations, was to realize the connection between smectics and martensites. "For over 100 years, these cool focal conics have been a curiosity - they didn't fit into our system," says Sethna. "Now we know that these cool cyclides follow the same rules as the crystals that fit together into martensitic steel." ### The paper has been published in Physical Review Letters. This work was supported by grants from the U.S. Department of Energy and the Simons Foundation. AMES, IA -- U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Ames Laboratory senior metallurgist Iver Anderson was inducted into the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) at a special ceremony in Washington, D.C. today at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The ceremony, which was held as part of the NAI's Fifth Annual Conference, welcomed 168 new Fellows into the academy. Each Fellow was presented with a special trophy, a medal and a rosette pin. Andrew Hirshfeld, USPTO commissioner, provided the keynote address for the ceremony. In earlier comments, Hirshfeld congratulated the new NAI Fellows on their accomplishment. "The NAI Fellows Program plays an important role in highlighting our nation's most prolific inventors and their accomplishments, which provide vital support for our economy." Those elected to the rank of NAI Fellow are named inventors on U.S. patents and were nominated by their peers for outstanding contributions in innovation in areas such as patents and licensing, innovative discovery and technology, significant impact on society, and support and enhancement of innovation. The NAI Fellows Selection Committee credited Anderson for demonstrating a "highly prolific spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions that have made tangible impact on quality of life, economic development, and welfare of society." "I am honored to have been recognized as an NAI Fellow," said Anderson, "This award is an outstanding endorsement of contributions academic inventors like me make to research and, in particular, research that can make a lasting impact on society." Anderson is best known for his co-invention of lead-free solder, an alloy of tin, silver and copper, used globally as a replacement for lead-based solders that can pollute soil and groundwater. The lead-free solder patent is the top-earning patent for Ames Laboratory, Iowa State University (Ames Laboratory's contractor), and Sandia National Laboratory. It has generated approximately $60 million in royalty income throughout the life of the patent, which expired in 2013. At its peak, more than 50 companies in 13 countries licensed the invention. In addition to lead-free solder, Anderson has used gas-atomization technology he and his colleagues developed to produce fine, spherical titanium powder for additive manufacturing and metal injection molding of aerospace, medical, and industrial parts. A spinoff company, Iowa Powder Atomization Technologies, was created in 2012 to exclusively license Ames Laboratory's titanium atomization patents. In 2014, IPAT was acquired by Praxair, a Fortune 250 company and one of the world's largest producers of gases and powder-based surface coatings. "Iver has dedicated his career to conducting outstanding research, and his commitment to excellence has paid off through the awarding of this Fellow recognition," said Ames Laboratory Director Adam Schwartz. "He has accomplished much, and we fully expect his list of inventions to grow further in the years ahead." This work was supported at Ames Laboratory by the Department of Energy's Office of Science (Office of Basic Energy Sciences) and Office of Environmental Management. Additional funding was received from the Iowa State University Research Foundation and Nihon Superior. Anderson's continuing work is being supported by the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Office of Fossil Energy, Office of Electricity Delivery & Energy Reliability, Office of Nuclear Energy, and by a series of industrial sponsors through the Work for Others program at Ames Laboratory. ### Ames Laboratory is a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science national laboratory operated by Iowa State University. Ames Laboratory creates innovative materials, technologies and energy solutions. We use our expertise, unique capabilities and interdisciplinary collaborations to solve global problems. DOE's Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit science.energy.gov. OAK RIDGE, Tenn., April 15, 2016--Epitaxy, or growing crystalline film layers that are templated by a crystalline substrate, is a mainstay of manufacturing transistors and semiconductors. If the material in one deposited layer is the same as the material in the next layer, it can be energetically favorable for strong bonds to form between the highly ordered, perfectly matched layers. In contrast, trying to layer dissimilar materials is a great challenge if the crystal lattices don't match up easily. Then, weak van der Waals forces create attraction but don't form strong bonds between unlike layers. In a study led by the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, scientists synthesized a stack of atomically thin monolayers of two lattice-mismatched semiconductors. One, gallium selenide, is a "p-type" semiconductor, rich in charge carriers called "holes." The other, molybdenum diselenide, is an "n-type" semiconductor, rich in electron charge carriers. Where the two semiconductor layers met, they formed an atomically sharp heterostructure called a p-n junction, which generated a photovoltaic response by separating electron-hole pairs that were generated by light. The achievement of creating this atomically thin solar cell, published in Science Advances, shows the promise of synthesizing mismatched layers to enable new families of functional two-dimensional (2D) materials. The idea of stacking different materials on top of each other isn't new by itself. In fact, it is the basis for most electronic devices in use today. But such stacking usually only works when the individual materials have crystal lattices that are very similar, i.e., they have a good "lattice match." This is where this research breaks new ground by growing high-quality layers of very different 2D materials, broadening the number of materials that can be combined and thus creating a wider range of potential atomically thin electronic devices. "Because the two layers had such a large lattice mismatch between them, it's very unexpected that they would grow on each other in an orderly way," said ORNL's Xufan Li, lead author of the study. "But it worked." The group was the first to show that monolayers of two different types of metal chalcogenides--binary compounds of sulfur, selenium or tellurium with a more electropositive element or radical--having such different lattice constants can be grown together to form a perfectly aligned stacking bilayer. "It's a new, potential building block for energy-efficient optoelectronics," Li said. Upon characterizing their new bilayer building block, the researchers found that the two mismatched layers had self-assembled into a repeating long-range atomic order that could be directly visualized by the Moire patterns they showed in the electron microscope. "We were surprised that these patterns aligned perfectly," Li said. Researchers in ORNL's Functional Hybrid Nanomaterials group, led by David Geohegan, conducted the study with partners at Vanderbilt University, the University of Utah and Beijing Computational Science Research Center. "These new 2D mismatched layered heterostructures open the door to novel building blocks for optoelectronic applications," said senior author Kai Xiao of ORNL. "They can allow us to study new physics properties which cannot be discovered with other 2D heterostructures with matched lattices. They offer potential for a wide range of physical phenomena ranging from interfacial magnetism, superconductivity and Hofstadter's butterfly effect." Li first grew a monolayer of molybdenum diselenide, and then grew a layer of gallium selenide on top. This technique, called "van der Waals epitaxy," is named for the weak attractive forces that hold dissimilar layers together. "With van der Waals epitaxy, despite big lattice mismatches, you can still grow another layer on the first," Li said. Using scanning transmission electron microscopy, the team characterized the atomic structure of the materials and revealed the formation of Moire patterns. The scientists plan to conduct future studies to explore how the material aligns during the growth process and how material composition influences properties beyond the photovoltaic response. The research advances efforts to incorporate 2D materials into devices. For many years, layering different compounds with similar lattice cell sizes has been widely studied. Different elements have been incorporated into the compounds to produce a wide range of physical properties related to superconductivity, magnetism and thermoelectrics. But layering 2D compounds having dissimilar lattice cell sizes is virtually unexplored territory. "We've opened the door to exploring all types of mismatched heterostructures," Li said. The title of the paper is "Two-dimensional GaSe/MoSe2 misfit bilayer heterojunctions by van der Waals epitaxy." ### Research, including materials synthesis, was supported by the DOE Office of Science. Materials characterization was conducted in part at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, a DOE Office of Science User Facility at ORNL. ORNL Laboratory Directed Research and Development funds supported some of the device measurements in the study. UT-Battelle manages ORNL for DOE's Office of Science. The single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, the Office of Science is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit www.science.energy.gov. --by Dawn Levy CAPTION/CREDIT: Light drives the migration of charge carriers (electrons and holes) at the juncture between semiconductors with mismatched crystal lattices. These heterostructures hold promise for advancing optoelectronics and exploring new physics. The schematic's background is a scanning transmission electron microscope image showing the bilayer in atomic-scale resolution. Image credit: Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Dept. of Energy. Image by Xufan Li and Chris Rouleau April 15, 2016, Barcelona, Spain: Innovative Hepatitis testing projects from 5 countries will be commended by the World Health Organization (WHO) at an award ceremony and symposium on Hepatitis testing on Sunday morning, 17 April 2016, at The International Liver Congress (ILC) in Barcelona, Spain. The session will showcase the winning entries from 67 submissions and 27 countries, including new testing models for Hepatitis in primary care, the community and prison settings. The winning entries come from Australia, India, Mongolia, the Netherlands and the United States of America (USA). The competition, which was run by WHO's Global Hepatitis Programme and the Social Entrepreneurship for Sexual Health (SESH), in partnership with the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL), sought to identify and celebrate innovative real-world examples of Hepatitis B and C testing. "Lack of access to testing and awareness of diagnosis is a major barrier to accessing treatment for Hepatitis," said Philippa Easterbrook from WHO's Global Hepatitis Programme, who will chair the award session. "WHO will provide guidance on Hepatitis testing for low- and middleincome countries this year, so the competition has been key in identifying a wide range of excellent examples of testing. These span a number of settings, from health care clinics to delivery in the community, all of which will help us to scale up Hepatitis testing in the coming year." "There is an urgent need to identify innovations to promote Hepatitis B and C testing," said Joseph Tucker, Chair of the SESH group. SESH has organized several innovation contests to improve health, and has found such contests to be an effective way to identify good ideas in testing approaches. The winning entries to be presented at ILC include: Hepatitis C virus testing linked to integrated routine primary care at 5 health centres in Philadelphia, using electronic medical record prompts and reflexive testing technology. The presenting representative will be Catelyn Coyle, National Nursing Centers Consortium, USA. An established screening method for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and liver cancer through primary health care clinics in rural Mongolia called "FIRE", which has been running since 2011. The presenting representative will be Meredith Potts, FIRE, Mongolia. A community network in collaboration with local government, which established testing camps across 9 districts for over a month to mobilize Hepatitis B and C testing among people who inject drugs and people living with HIV. The presenting representative will be Rajkumar Nalinikanta, Community Network for Empowerment, Manipur, India. The use of a novel internet risk assessment tool, alongside an internet mediated Hepatitis C testing process, in 2 regions in the Netherlands. The presenting representative will be Janke Schinkel, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Hepatitis C virus testing across 13 prisons in the state of Victoria, Australia, at prison entry or transfer, linked with de-centralized care and treatment by trained nurses. The presenting representative will be Alexander Thompson, Victorian State Government, Australia All entries were reviewed and independently scored by a global panel of 16 judges, which included representatives from community organizations, people living with Hepatitis, physicians, public health experts and WHO officials. Submissions were rated using a 10-point scale on 4 criteria: description of testing model; level of innovation; evaluation of effectiveness and impact; and plans for sustainability. They were then ranked based on overall mean score. The 5 winning projects will also be included in WHO's 2016 Hepatitis testing guidelines, which will be launched in July 2016. "Although Hepatitis is one of the most deadly diseases in the world, testing coverage is extremely low, with only approximately 5% of people living with the disease to have actually been tested and granted access to treatment," said Massimo Colombo, Professor of Gastroenterology at the University of Milan, Italy, who was one of the EASL specialists associated with the competition. "It is important to understand and share innovative testing approaches such as these, to encourage the prevalence of effective Hepatitis testing in more countries around the world." WHO contest steering committee Isabelle Andrieux-Meyer (Medecins Sans Frontieres, Switzerland) Tasnim Azim (International Center for Diarrhoeal Disease Research Center, Bangladesh) Philippa Easterbrook (WHO, Switzerland) Carmen Figueroa (WHO, Switzerland) Charles Gore (Hepatitis C Trust and World Hepatitis Alliance, UK) Karyn Kaplan (Treatment Action Group, USA) Giten Khwairakpam (TREAT Asia/amfAR, Thailand) Veronica Miller (Forum for Collaborative HIV Research, USA) Antons Mozalevskis (WHO-EUR, Denmark) Michael Ninburg (Hepatitis Education Project, USA) Ponsiano Ocama (Makerere University, Uganda) Rosanna Peeling (London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and International Diagnostics Centre, UK) Razia Pendse (WHO-SEARO, India) Gabriele Riedner (WHO-EMRO, Egypt) Joseph Tucker (University of North Carolina, SESH, and the International Diagnostics Centre, China) Nick Walsh (WHO-WPRO) ### About The International Liver Congress This annual congress is the biggest event in the EASL calendar, attracting scientific and medical experts from around the world to learn about the latest in liver research. Attending specialists present, share, debate and conclude on the latest science and research in hepatology, working to enhance the treatment and management of liver disease in clinical practice. This year, the congress is expected to attract approximately 10,000 delegates from all corners of the globe. The International Liver Congress takes place from April 13 - 17, 2016, at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via, Barcelona, Spain. About EASL Since EASL's foundation in 1966, this not-for-profit organisation has grown to over 4,000 members from all over the world, including many of the leading hepatologists in Europe and beyond. EASL is the leading liver association in Europe, having evolved into a major European Association with international influence, with an impressive track record in promoting research in liver disease, supporting wider education and promoting changes in European liver policy. Contact For more information, please contact the ILC Press Office at: Email: ILCpressoffice@ruderfinn.co.uk Telephone: +44 (0)7841 009 252 Onsite location reference General session 3 and awards, Hall 8.0-C1 Sunday 17 April, 08:30 - 10:00 Presenter: Philippa Easterbrook, Switzerland GENEVA, Switzerland, 15 April 2016 - The benefit of plasma genotyping to predict treatment benefit in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is confirmed in three studies presented today at the European Lung Cancer Conference (ELCC) 2016 in Geneva, Switzerland.1 Researchers however warned that plasma tests are unlikely to fully replace tissue biopsies. Patients with NSCLC are tested for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations which indicate their suitability for targeted EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy. Tissue biopsies are the gold standard but are not possible in around 20% of NSCLC patients. Plasma is a potential alternative for EGFR mutation analysis through extraction of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA). The primary results of the ASSESS trial, presented at ELCC 20152, demonstrated that ctDNA is suitable and feasible for EGFR mutation analysis in real-world practice. The analysis presented today examined whether patient disease or demographic characteristics influenced the detection of EGFR mutations in plasma. There was increased sensitivity of EGFR mutation detection in plasma associated with increasing number and severity of metastases. EGFR mutation detection in plasma was also significantly higher in patients aged less than 65 years old compared with older patients. These findings were independently confirmed by the companion IGNITE study. "Further studies are required to confirm these findings and identify potential underlying biological mechanisms - the age finding in particular is interesting," said Dr Nicola Normanno, chief of the Cell Biology and Biotherapy Unit, INT-Fondazione Pascale, Naples, Italy, author of one of the studies. "The increased ability to detect EGFR mutations in plasma from patients with a higher number of organs with metastases makes sense biologically, as these patients have higher tumour burden and we could expect more ctDNA to be released in the blood. The same could also be true for patients that have metastases to organs further away from the lungs (M1b)." He continued: "The link with age is more difficult to understand. Evidence suggests that the biological features of certain tumours change with age. However, the specific biological mechanisms underlying the correlation between the success of plasma analysis and age will need to be investigated further." Commenting on the implications of the findings for clinical practice, Normanno said: "If plasma testing is more reliable for some patients with certain characteristics, this may have implications in the way that we conduct mutation testing for patients with NSCLC, and ultimately impact upon treatment decisions. Our data suggests that for the majority of patients with metastatic disease a plasma test could be sufficient to determine EGFR mutation status particularly when a robust and reliable methodology is used. Due to the low sensitivity of plasma genotyping (60-70%), a biopsy will still be recommended in plasma negative cases." Also presented today at the ELCC Conference is an analysis from the phase I AURA trial of osimertinib, a third generation T790M targeting EGFR inhibitor. Eligibility for the drug is currently determined through a positive biopsy test for T790M. The study evaluated the effectiveness of osimertinib, based on tumour results or plasma results, in patients with acquired resistance to first-line EGFR inhibitors who had the T790M mutation L858R or exon 19 deletion. Positive T790M biopsies correlated with high response rates and long progression free survival (PFS), while those with T790M negative tumours had a low response rate and modest PFS. Patients with T790M positive plasma had high response rates and long PFS. But those with T790M negative plasma had mixed outcomes. "The first conclusion is that a non-invasive blood test appears to have the ability to find T790M positive patients very effectively," said lead author Dr Geoffrey Oxnard, a thoracic cancer physician at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, US. "But the blood test only has a sensitivity of 70 or 80% so there are false negatives. In other words, if you have a negative result in the blood test it may be that the mutation was present but not detected." Oxnard continued: "When we studied the tumour results on patients who were T790M negative in the blood we could differentiate those who do better or worse on osimertinib, meaning that a biopsy is an effective fall back to clarify who should and who shouldn't get the drug. We conclude that a two stage approach is needed, starting with the blood test. Patients who test positive for T790M on the blood test can receive osimertinib. Those who test negative should have a biopsy test to clarify their T790M status." A surprising result was that some patients were T790M negative in the tumour but T790M positive in the blood test. "This suggests that the resistant mutation might be present in just a subset of the cells, or only in some sites of the tumour," said Oxnard. "A biopsy may not capture the cancer's resistance across all sites of disease but a blood test does. Patients with this apparent false negative tissue result did not respond as well to osimertinib as patients with a positive test. It could be that if T790M is only in a subset of resistance cells there may be other resistance mechanisms hidden in the tumour which reduce the effect of the drug." A second study of osimertinib, limited to patients with an EGFR T790M mutation who had failed a previous EGFR inhibitor, found a high concordance between plasma positive and tissue positive tests. Patients with either positive test responded to the drug to a similar degree. "The data demonstrates that the responses are equivalent, which hopefully will ultimately lead us to a point where we no longer have to do a biopsy in every patient," said one of the study authors Pasi Janne, professor of medicine at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, US. "I think we will see more and more plasma testing for genetic alterations in lung cancer, where we are trying to treat a genetically defined patient population." He added: "Blood can be drawn on every patient whereas biopsies are not feasible in everybody, so that opens up the spectrum of patients who can be tested. With a blood test you can isolate and analyse the DNA much faster than you can do a biopsy so eligibility for treatment could be determined more quickly." Commenting on the findings of the three studies presented today, Dr Sanjay Popat, consultant thoracic medical oncologist at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, UK, said: "These studies confirm the potential clinical utility of using ctDNA EGFR genotyping in routine practice and give information on the magnitude of false negatives. We now need validation of ctDNA EGFR genotyping in real world settings to better understand how it can be delivered. Analyses from clinical trial datasets are usually done retrospective to patient accrual in the trial which is very different to a patient waiting for the result in real time." But he added: "Plasma testing will not routinely replace tissue biopsy for mutation testing which should still be regarded as the gold standard. It would be a complementary test, and may be a replacement in some patients, for example those in whom a tissue biopsy is not possible." ### References 1) 134O_PR: Plasma ctDNA analysis for detection of EGFR T790M mutation in patients (pts) with EGFR mutation-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC). S. Jenkins, UK. Friday 15th April 2016 - 10:00-10:15 NSCLC targeted therapy and circulating biomarkers Room C 135O_PR: Plasma genotyping for predicting benefit from osimertinib in patients (pts) with advanced NSCLC. G. Oxnard, US. Friday 15th April 2016 10:15-10:30 NSCLC targeted therapy and circulating biomarkers Room C 58O_PR: Clinical and demographic features that influence EGFR mutation detection in plasma from patients (pts) with aNSCLC: The ASSESS experience. N. Normanno, Italy. Friday 15th April 2016 - 9:45-10:00 NSCLC targeted therapy and circulating biomarkers Room C 2) http://www.esmo.org/Conferences/Past-Conferences/ELCC-2015-Lung-Cancer/News-Press-Releases/DNA-Blood-Test-Detects-Lung-Cancer-Mutations Notes to Editors Disclaimer Information contained in this press release was provided by the lecture authors. It does not necessarily express ESMO's or IASLC's point of view. About the European Lung Cancer Conference (ELCC) 2016 The European Lung Cancer Conference (ELCC) has become the reference event in Europe for professionals treating lung cancers. It is organized by the European Society for Medical Oncology and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, in collaboration with the partner societies ESTRO, ESTS and ETOP. ELCC provides a comprehensive multidisciplinary overview of the latest as well as of the state-of-the-art knowledge in thoracic malignancies, covering different aspects such as prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment modalities and the results of basic, clinical and translational research, presented by top international academic experts. Around 2,000 attendees are expected from throughout Europe and the rest of the world. About the European Society for Medical Oncology ESMO is the leading professional organisation for medical oncology. With more than 14,000 members representing oncology professionals from over 130 countries, ESMO is the society of reference for oncology education and information. ESMO's educational resources support an integrated, multi-professional approach to cancer care. We have European roots and a global reach: we welcome oncology professionals from around the world and we seek to erase boundaries in cancer care as we pursue our mission across oncology, worldwide. To learn about ESMO, visit http://www.esmo.org About International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) is the only global organization dedicated solely to the study of lung cancer. Founded in 1974, the association's membership includes more than 5,000 lung cancer specialists in over 100 countries. IASLC members promote the study of etiology, epidemiology, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and all other aspects of lung cancer and thoracic malignancies. IASLC brings scientists, members of the medical community and the public together from all over the world to share best practices and discover new and better ways to eliminate the health threat of thoracic cancers. Membership is open to any physician, scientist, nurse or allied health professional interested in lung cancer and other thoracic malignancies, including patients, survivors, caregivers and advocates. Visit http://www.iaslc.org for more information and follow us on Twitter @IASLC Abstract 134O_PR Plasma ctDNA analysis for detection of EGFR T790M mutation in patients (pts) with EGFR mutation-positive advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) S. Jenkins1, J. Yang2, S. Ramalingam3, K. Yu4, S. Patel5, S. Weston1, R. Lawrance6, M. Cantarini7, P. Janne8, T. Mitsudomi9 1Personalised Healthcare and Biomarkers, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK, 2Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, 3Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA, 4Clinical Operations, Roche Molecular Systems, Inc., Pleasanton, CA, USA, 5Oncology Companion Diagnostics Unit, Personalised Healthcare and Biomarkers, AstraZeneca, Royston, UK, 6Biometrics and Informatics, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK, 7Global Medicines Development, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK,8Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA, 9Thoracic Surgery, Kinki University School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan Background: Osimertinib is an irreversible EGFR-TKI that targets the T790M EGFR-TKI resistance mutation as well as common EGFR-TKI-sensitive mutant forms of EGFR. Pt selection for two single-arm Phase II registration studies (AURA extension, NCT01802632; AURA2, NCT02094261) was based on detection of the T790M mutation using the cobas EGFR Mutation Test for use with formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue (cobas tissue test). Plasma samples were collected from screened pts and analysed retrospectively using the cobas EGFR Mutation Test v2.0 (cobas plasma test; plasma claims not yet available in the US). Next generation sequencing (NGS) analysis was also performed on these plasma samples. Methods: Agreement (positive and negative) between the cobas tissue test and the cobas plasma test, for detection of EGFR mutations, was calculated in the pooled Phase II analysis set. Agreement between the cobas plasma test and NGS analysis of plasma was calculated using samples from AURA2 pts. Results: In the pooled analysis, the positive percentage agreement (PPA) and negative percentage agreement (NPA) between the cobas tissue test and plasma test were 61.4% and 78.6%, respectively for detection of T790M. In AURA2, the PPA and NPA between the cobas plasma test and NGS analysis of plasma were 91.5% and 91.1%, respectively. As of May 2015, comparable ORR was observed in the subset of pts with a positive T790M plasma test as for all patients selected using the cobas tissue test. Common sensitising mutations were also analysed. PPA and NPA between the cobas tissue test and plasma test were 75.6% and 98.1%, respectively, for the L858R mutation, and 85.1% and 98.0%, respectively, for exon 19 deletions. Conclusions: Data indicate that approximately 60% of pts with T790M positive NSCLC, the biomarker against which treatment with osimertinib is targeted, could have avoided an invasive biopsy by use of a plasma test. However, for EGFR-TKI-resistant pts, without detectable T790M in plasma, a tissue-based test is advised to address the potential for false negative results from the plasma test. These results indicate the utility of both plasma- and tissue-based tests in the diagnostic setting. Clinical trial identification: NCT01802632 and NCT02094261 (Release dates 25 February 2013 and 17 March 2014) Legal entity responsible for the study: AstraZeneca Funding: AstraZeneca Disclosure: S. Jenkins, S. Patel, S. Weston, R. Lawrance, M. Cantarini: Employee and shareholder: AstraZeneca J. Yang: Advisory boards: Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, Bayer, Roche/Genentech, AstraZeneca, Astellas, MSD, Merck Serono, Pfizer, Novartis, Clovis Oncology, Celgene. S. Ramalingam: Consultancy fees: AstraZeneca, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Genentech, Novartis, Lilly, Merck, Bristol-Myers Squibb. K. Yu: Employee: Roche Molecular Systems, Inc. P. Janne: Consultancy fees: AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Roche Research support: AstraZeneca, Astellas Pharmaceuticals Stock ownership: Gatekeeper Pharmaceuticals Other: Post marketing royalties on DFCI owned patent on EGFR mutations licensed to Lab Corp. T. Mitsudomi: Advisory board: AstraZeneca, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Chugai, Pfizer Honoraria: AstraZeneca, Chugai, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Pfizer Research fund: Boehringer-Ingelheim, Chugai, Pfizer. Keywords: osimertinib, AZD9291, T790M, EGFR-TKI Abstract 135O_PR Plasma genotyping for predicting benefit from osimertinib in patients (pts) with advanced NSCLC G.R. Oxnard1, K.S. Thress2, R.S. Alden1, R. Lawrance3, C.P. Paweletz4, M. Cantarini5, C. Barrett2, J. Yang6, P. Janne1 1Lowe Center for Thoracic Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA, 2IMED Oncology Translational Sciences, AstraZeneca, Waltham, MA, USA, 3Biometrics and Informatics, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK, 4Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA,5Global Medicines Development, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK, 6Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan Background: Osimertinib (AZD9291) is a selective, irreversible EGFR-TKI recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of pts with EGFR T790M positive metastatic NSCLC who have progressed on/after EGFR-TKI therapy. In the Phase I AURA trial (NCT01802632), plasma was collected for analysis to determine whether genotyping of plasma DNA could identify pts who gain clinical benefit from osimertinib. Methods: Pre-treated NSCLC pts from the trial (20 mg-240 mg dosing cohorts) were included if they had a common EGFR-sensitising (sens) mutation and central-lab confirmed tumour and/or exploratory plasma genotyping (BEAMing) T790M result (n=308). Objective response rate (ORR) and median progression-free survival in months (mPFS) were assessed, dividing pts based on either tumour or plasma genotyping. Data cut-off was 1 May 2015. Results: In 216 pts with both plasma and tumour genotyping results, concordance for T790M was 70%. Concordance improved to 80% limiting to 137 cases with a sens mutation detected in plasma. Outcomes were robust in 179 pts T790M+ in tumour (62% ORR, 9.7 mPFS) or in 167 pts T790M+ in plasma (63% ORR, 9.7 mPFS). Outcomes were unexpectedly favourable in 104 pts T790M- in plasma (46% ORR, 8.2 mPFS) compared with 58 pts T790M- in tumour (26% ORR, 3.4 mPFS). Using detection of the plasma sens mutation as a control, plasma T790M- cases could be differentiated into a 'T790M undetected' group (T790M-/sens+) with poorer outcomes (38% ORR, 4.4 mPFS) and a 'plasma uninformative' group (T790M-/sens-) with better outcomes (64% ORR, 15.2 mPFS). Conclusions: Plasma genotyping can identify pts with T790M resistance, therefore avoiding an invasive biopsy for tumour T790M. In contrast, the ORR observed in pts with T790M- plasma genotyping likely reflects false negative results. For EGFR-TKI-resistant pts without detectable T790M in plasma, a tissue-based test is therefore advised to identify T790M+ candidates for osimertinib therapy. Testing for a plasma sens mutation may serve as a control to inform the likelihood of falsely negative plasma T790M results. These data support the investigation of a new paradigm for resistance management, with rapid plasma genotyping as a test option prior to undergoing a biopsy for T790M. Clinical trial identification: NCT01802632 (Release date 23 February 2013) Legal entity responsible for the study: AstraZeneca Funding: AstraZeneca Disclosure: G.R. Oxnard: Advisory board/consulting: AstraZeneca, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Clovis, Genentech, Sysmex. K.S. Thress, R. Lawrance, M. Cantarini, C. Barrett: Employee and shareholder: AstraZeneca. C.P. Paweletz: Honoraria: BioRad, Clovis Oncology. J. Yang: Advisory boards: Boehringer Ingelheim, Eli Lilly, Bayer, Roche/Genentech, Astrazeneca, Astellas, MSD, Merck Serono, Pfizer, Novartis, Clovis Oncology, Celgene. P. Janne: Consultancy fees: AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Roche Research support: AstraZeneca, Astellas Pharmaceuticals Stock ownership: Gatekeeper Pharmaceuticals Other: Post marketing royalties on DFCI owned patent on EGFR mutations licensed to Lab Corp. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest. Keywords: osimertinib, EGFR T790M, cell-free DNA, plasma genotyping Abstract 58O_PR Clinical and demographic features that influence EGFR mutation detection in plasma from patients (pts) with aNSCLC: The ASSESS experience N. Normanno1, H. Brown2, V. Haddad3, M. Ratcliffe2, R. McCormack2, S. Tjulandin4, K. Hagiwara5, B. Han6, M. Reck7 1Dept. Biologia Cellulare e Bioterapie, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - I.R.C.C.S - Fondazione Pascale, Naples, Italy, 2Personalised Healthcare and Biomarkers, AstraZeneca, Macclesfield, UK, 3Biostatistics & Information Sciences, AstraZeneca, Royston, UK, 4Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Chemotherapy, Russian Cancer Research Centre, Moscow, Russian Federation, 5Comprehensive Medicine, Jichi Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Saitama, Japan, 6Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China,7Department of Thoracic Oncology, LungenClinic Grosshansdorf GmbH, Airway Research Center North (ARCN), Grosshansdorf, Germany Background: Mutation detection from circulating free tumour-derived DNA (ctDNA) in plasma offers a minimally invasive alternative when biopsy is not possible. Despite continuous improvement in detection methods, the sensitivity of EGFR mutation-positive detection remains lower in plasma compared with tumour tissue. The large non-interventional study ASSESS (NCT01785888) offers the ability to investigate if clinical characteristics of disease and/or pt demographics influence the ability to detect mutations in plasma. Methods: The accuracy of EGFR mutation-positive detection in plasma compared with tumour (sensitivity, specificity, concordance) was reported and analysed by the Coughlin method for the following covariates: gender, age, ethnicity, smoking status, disease stage, World Health Organization (WHO) performance status (PS), time since diagnosis, metastases and number of organs with metastases, in 1162 pts from Europe and Japan. Results: Of those pts with EGFR mutation-positive tumours, EGFR mutation-positive detection in plasma was higher in pts aged <65 (63.5% [95% confidence interval 50-75]) vs pts aged ?65 (37.3% [29-46]) (interaction p-value=0.0002) (Table). Increased sensitivity of EGFR mutation-positive detection in plasma was also associated with increasing number of organs with metastases (1: 35.9% [27-46]; 2: 60.5% [43-76]; ?3: 69.4% [52-84]) and with higher metastatic grade (M1b: 63.4% [52-74] vs M1a: 22.8% [13-36]; interaction p-values not significant). Gender, ethnicity, smoking status and PS status did not influence plasma mutation detection. Conclusions: These data suggest that pt age significantly influences the ability to detect EGFR mutation-positive from plasma; detection is also more likely when pts have a higher metastatic tumour burden. Further studies are required to confirm these findings/identify underlying biological mechanisms. Characteristic Subgroup Tumour and plasma evaluable N (%) EGFR mutation-positive by tumour Sensitivity (95% CI) Specificity (95% CI) Interaction with tumour tissue p-value Total - 1162 189 46.03 (38.8, 53.4) 97.43 (96.2, 98.3) - Age >=65 680 (58.52) 126 37.3 (28.9, 46.4) 96.39 (94.5, 97.8) <65 482 (41.48) 63 63.49 (50.4, 75.3) 98.81 (97.2, 99.6) 0.0002 Current disease stage IIIA 66 (5.71) 5 20 (0.5, 71.6) 98.36 (91.2, 100.0) IIIB 104 (9.00) 3 0 (NC) 99.01 (94.6, 100.0) IV 986 (85.29) 181 47.51 (40.1, 55.1) 97.14 (95.7, 98.2) 0.8951 Distant metastases M1a 233 (20.09) 57 22.81 (12.7, 35.8) 98.3 (95.1, 99.7) M1b 486 (41.90) 82 63.41 (52.1, 73.8) 97.28 (95.2, 98.6) 0.0915 Number of organs with metastasis 0 165 (13.98) 9 11.11 (0.3, 48.3) 98.72 (95.5, 98.8) 1 534 (45.96) 106 35.85 (26.8, 45.7) 97.43 (95.5, 98.7) 2 268 (23.06) 38 60.53 (43.4, 76.0) 97.39 (94.4, 99.0) >=3 195 (16.78) 36 69.44 (51.9, 83.7) 96.23 (92.0, 98.6) 0.2114 Time since diagnosis <=0.66 months 578(49.96) 91 43.96 (33.6, 54.8) 97.33 (95.5, 98.6) >0.66 months 579 (50.04) 96 46.88 (36.6, 57.3) 97.52 (95.7, 98.7) 0.7023 Concordance >79%. NC, non-calculable Clinical trial identification: NCT01785888 Legal entity responsible for the study: AstraZeneca Funding: AstraZeneca Disclosure: N. Normanno: Received grants/research support from, and been a Consultant for, AstraZeneca, Qiagen and Roche Diagnostics. H. Brown, V. Haddad, M. Ratcliffe, R. McCormack: Employee of AstraZeneca and holds shares in AstraZeneca. S. Tjulandin: Member of the speakers' bureau for AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Sanofi-Aventis. K. Hagiwara: Member of the speakers' bureau for AstraZeneca, Chugai Pharmaceuticals and Pfizer and holds a patent with LSI Medience. B. Han: Member of the speakers' bureau for AstraZeneca and Roche and a Consultant for AstraZeneca and Pfizer. M. Reck: Member of speakers' bureau for AstraZeneca, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Daiichi-Sankyo, Hoffmann-La Roche, Lilly and Pfizer; Consultant for AstraZeneca, BMS, Boehringer Ingelheim, Daiichi-Sankyo, Hoffmann-La Roche, Lilly, MSD and Pfizer. Keywords: plasma, ctDNA, EGFR mutation, NSCLC GENEVA, Switzerland, 15 April 2016 - Patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expressing advanced squamous non-small-cell lung cancer benefit most from necitumumab added to gemcitabine and cisplatin chemotherapy, according to a subgroup analysis from the SQUIRE trial presented today at the European Lung Cancer Conference (ELCC) 2016 in Geneva, Switzerland.1 The randomised phase III SQUIRE trial demonstrated that the addition of necitumumab to gemcitabine and cisplatin chemotherapy improved overall survival in patients with stage IV squamous non-small-cell lung cancer by 1.6 months compared to chemotherapy alone. The current study analysed outcomes in the subgroup of patients with EGFR expressing tumours compared to those with no EGFRs. Out of 982 patients in the SQUIRE trial, 95% had EGFR expressing tumours and 5% had tumours with no EGFR protein. The addition of necitumumab to gemcitabine and cisplatin chemotherapy improved overall survival and progression free survival by 21% and 16%, respectively, as compared to chemotherapy alone in patients whose tumours expressed the EGFR protein. There was no benefit in patients with no EGFR in their tumours. Dr Luis Paz-Ares, Chief of medical oncology at the University Hospital 12 De Octubre in Madrid, Spain, lead author, said: "Necitumumab is targeted at EGFR so it makes sense that the drug is active in patients with the receptor. Our analysis showed that the drug had no effect when the receptor was absent, presumably because there was no target to bind to. We cannot make robust conclusions because the subgroup of patients with negative EGFR was very small, but the hypothesis generated here is that those tumours do not respond well to necitumumab." "Based on this analysis, the European Medicines Agency has decided that necitumumab is approved only for patients with EGFR expressing tumours," continued Paz-Ares. "On the other hand the US Food and Drug Administration has taken the more conservative approach which recognises that SQUIRE was designed for all-comers without prior selection, and this subgroup analysis is insufficient evidence to conclude that patients with EGFR negative tumours are not candidates." He concluded: "Our results need to be interpreted with caution. A confirmatory study in patients with EGFR negative tumours is needed to assess whether they are good candidates for necitumumab or not." Commenting on the findings, Prof Robert Pirker, programme director for lung cancer at the Vienna General Hospital in Vienna, Austria, not involved in the study, said: "This subgroup analysis shows that the effect of necitumumab was slightly greater in patients with EGFR expressing tumours than it was in the entire SQUIRE population. It indicates that immunohistochemical detection of the EGFR receptor improves clinical activity of necitumumab. The findings are consistent with previous studies suggesting that monoclonal antibodies in combination with chemotherapy work better in patients with EGFR expressing cells." Pirker added that a more thorough analysis is needed. He said: "Information on outcome of patients with cut-off levels higher than in the current analysis would be of interest. We also need to know the effect of necitumumab according to both percentages of positive cells and their staining intensity. This could be combined with fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) analysis to detect gene amplification. This could give us a clearer picture of which patients benefit most from necitumumab." ### WASHINGTON (April 14, 2016) - Safe levels of electrical stimulation can enhance your capacity to think more creatively, according to a new study by Georgetown researchers. Georgetown psychology professor Adam Green and Dr. Peter Turkeltaub of Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC) and MedStar National Rehabilitation Network, and a team of colleagues published the study yesterday online in Cerebral Cortex. The team used Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) to stimulate an area of the brain known to be associated with creativity in combination with giving test subjects verbal cues to think more creatively. "We found that the individuals who were most able to ramp up activity in a region at the far front of the brain, called the frontopolar cortex, were the ones most able to ramp up the creativity of the connections they formed," Green explains. "Since ramping up activity in frontopolar cortex appeared to support a natural boost in creative thinking, we predicted that stimulating activity in this brain region would facilitate this boost, allowing people to reach higher creative heights." Use of tDCS targeting frontopolar cortex in two creativity tasks allowed the test subjects to form more creative analogical connections between sets of words, and to generate more creative associations between words. "This work is a departure from traditional research that treats creativity as a static trait," Green says. "Instead, we focused on creativity as a dynamic state that can change quickly within an individual when they 'put their thinking cap on.' " "The findings of this study offer the new suggestion that giving individuals a "zap" of electrical stimulation can enhance the brain's natural thinking cap boost in creativity," he adds. The researchers wrote that their results provide "novel evidence" that tDCS enhances the "conscious augmentation of creativity elicited by cognitive intervention, and extends the known boundaries of tDCS enhancement to analogical reasoning, a form of creative intelligence that is a powerful engine for innovation." Turkletaub, a GUMC cognitive neurologist, hopes that one day doctors may be able to improve creative analogical reasoning using both cueing and tDCS to help people with brain disorders. "People with speech and language difficulties often can't find or produce the words they need," he explains. "Enhancing creative analogical reasoning might allow them to find alternate ways of expressing their ideas using different words, gestures, or other approaches to convey a similar meaning." Green and Turkeltaub say that although their results are promising, "it is important to be cautious about applications of tDCS." They say that much remains unknown about exactly how tDCS affects brain function, and early reports of tDCS effects need further replication before researchers can further gauge how substantive these effects are. "Any effort to use electric current for stimulating the brain outside the laboratory or clinic could be dangerous and should be strongly discouraged," Green cautioned. ### This work was supported by awards from the National Science Foundation, The John Templeton Foundation, the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences via Georgetown Howard Universities Center for Clinical and Translational Science (KL2 TR000102) and Pymetrics. About Georgetown University Medical Center Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC) is an internationally recognized academic medical center with a three-part mission of research, teaching and patient care (through MedStar Health). GUMC's mission is carried out with a strong emphasis on public service and a dedication to the Catholic, Jesuit principle of cura personalis -- or "care of the whole person." The Medical Center includes the School of Medicine and the School of Nursing & Health Studies, both nationally ranked; Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, designated as a comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute; and the Biomedical Graduate Research Organization, which accounts for the majority of externally funded research at GUMC including a Clinical and Translational Science Award (UL1TR001409-01) from the National Institutes of Health. "It's possible to finance the drinking water supply in the majority of countries worldwide by the year 2030," says Dr. Michael Jacob, lead author of the study from the Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change (MCC) in Berlin. In India alone, a carbon tax would generate around 115 billion US dollars a year, "and only a fraction of that would be needed for clean water, meaning that enough money would remain for sanitation and electricity," said the researcher. In fact, the needed infrastructure for this second largest country of the world would consume only about four percent of the revenue from the tax. That said, there are a few countries, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa (see figure), where carbon pricing would not suffice, namely because carbon emissions there are so low that they would yield little revenue. "However, this funding gap could be closed when considering that developing countries have not yet exhausted their right to use the atmosphere," says Jakob. "Avoidance of emissions would then entitle them to compensation payments from industrialized countries." The MCC study, which examined the development potential for not only water, sanitation and electricity but also ICT and roads, was published today under the title "Carbon pricing revenues could close infrastructure gaps" in the journal World Development. In their calculations, the researchers assume that every country in the world is now introducing a steadily increasing carbon tax. In 2020 the tax would have to be 40 US dollars per tonne of CO? emissions and increase up to 175 US dollars by 2030. "In addition to generating revenue for infrastructure, the tax would thus contribute to the international goal of limiting global warming to two degrees," explains Dr. Sabine Fuss, co-author of the study who is also a guest researcher at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA). "This is because the tax penalizes the use of fossil fuels and creates incentives for zero-carbon technologies." Money not needed for the infrastructure could be used to mitigate climate change impacts such as rising sea levels, which affect in particular the developing countries. As is well known, raising the price of coal, oil and gas as part of climate protection measures brings its share of problems. "Nobody wants to pay more. But that's exactly why the idea to fund vital infrastructure directly from carbon revenue has clout," says Jakob. Linking the revenue to a specific use increases acceptance among the population and decreases the risk of misappropriation. In addition, carbon pricing could be used to reduce the burdens facing in particular the poorer segments of the population, such as the value added tax. "One thing is clear: For climate protection to be effective it must be embedded in a broader sustainable development scheme, and vice versa," says Jakob. "Simply infusing more money won't solve the problem. Instead, decisive factors such as a functioning state, democratic decision-making and the relevant institutions must be taken into consideration." ### Link to the cited study: Jakob, M.; Chen, C.; Fuss, S.; Marxen, A.; Rao, N.; Edenhofer, O. (2016): Carbon pricing revenues could close infrastructure gaps. World Development, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2016.03.001 About the MCC: The MCC explores sustainable economic development as well as the use of common goods such as global environmental systems and social infrastructures against the background of climate change. Our seven working groups are active in the fields of economic growth and development, resources and international trade, cities and infrastructures, governance and scientific policy advice. The MCC was co-founded by the Mercator Foundation and the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK). In a small, phase I clinical trial, Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center researchers say they show for the first time that the experimental drug guadecitabine (SGI-110) is safe in combination with the chemotherapy drug irinotecan and may overcome resistance to irinotecan in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Results of the study are expected to be presented April 17 at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2016 in New Orleans (abstract CT017). Guadecitabine works to reverse a so-called epigenetic change in cancer cells known as methylation, which may alter genetic activity in cells in a way that can block the action of tumor-suppressing genes, pushing cells to become cancerous and resistant to therapy. By reversing this change in cancer cells, the drug restores cancer cells' vulnerability to drugs such as irinotecan. The clinical trial included 22 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer who had been treated previously with irinotecan and whose disease was progressing. The patients were divided into four groups, each receiving different doses of guadecitabine in combination with irinotecan, over an average period of four months. During the study, 15 patients had at least one imaging scan to retest the extent and location of their cancers -- with 12 patients experiencing stable disease -- for more than the four-month period, on average, and one patient experiencing a partial response to the treatment (measured as at least a 30 percent reduction in the size of the tumors.) Although the study's main purpose was to test the safety rather than the effectiveness of guadecitabine doses, "we were very happy to see some patients who benefited from the combination of the therapies for many months to more than a year," says Nilofer Azad, M.D., professor of oncology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. The study also showed signs that guadecitabine reduced methylation among the cancer cells. "We did see that giving a higher dose of the drug seemed to produce a better methylation response among patients," says Valerie Lee, M.D., a fellow at the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. "However, it seemed that patients were responding at all levels of the drug." Among the side effects of the combined treatment, 16 patients experienced neutropenia, a low count of the infection-fighting white blood cells called neutrophils; five patients with neutropenia had fevers; three patients became anemic; and two patients developed thrombocytopenia, a lowered count of blood-clotting platelets. Other side effects included diarrhea (three patients), fatigue (two patients) and dehydration (two patients). There was one death during the study, possibly resulting from febrile neutropenia caused by the treatment. The current study was based on previous studies in the laboratory of Nita Ahuja, M.D., director of the Sarcoma and Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Program and professor of surgery at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, which showed that guadecitabine limited the growth of colorectal cancer cell lines when combined with irinotecan, says Azad. The drug combination is being tested in an ongoing phase II clinical trial (NCT01896856) in a larger group of metastatic colorectal cancer patients at multiple institutions to determine the effectiveness of the dual therapy compared with chemotherapy regimens that do not include guadecitabine, says Azad. Scientists leading the new study will also look for biomarkers in patients that could help determine which of them are most likely to benefit from guadecitabine and irinotecan. Lee says the research team will measure the amount of methylation in patients' cells when they begin their treatment and the presence of genes associated with irinotecan resistance, among other possible biomarkers. In 2015, there were more than 130,000 people in the U.S. diagnosed with colon cancers. Five-year survival rates among people with localized colon cancers are more than 90 percent, but they are only 20 percent in those with metastatic cancer. Guadecitabine is an experimental drug that has not been approved for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It is manufactured by Astex Pharmaceuticals, a supporter of the Johns Hopkins-led study. The research was also supported by the Van Andel Research Institute SU2C/AACR Epigenetics Dream Team. Other scientists who contributed to the research include Judy Wang, Anup Sharma, Zachary Kerner, Stephen Baylin, Ellen Lilly, and Thomas Brown from Johns Hopkins; Anthony El Khoueiry from the University of Southern California; Henk Verheul and Elske Gootjes from Vrije Universiteit in the Netherlands; and Peter Jones from the Van Andel Research Institute. ### An experimental antibody treatment decreased by half the number of cancer stem cells that drive the growth of tumors in nearly all patients with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow and bone tissue, according to results of a preliminary clinical trial led by Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center scientists. The antibody, called Medi-551, was tested in 15 newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma who also received a monthly regimen of lenalidomide and dexamethasone -- already approved chemotherapy drugs that are often prescribed to treat multiple myeloma. The scientists are expected to present their findings April 19 at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting 2016 in New Orleans (abstract CT102). The researchers, led by myeloma experts William Matsui, M.D., and Carol Ann Huff, M.D., measured the impact of the drugs on cancer stem cells by counting the stem cells in bone marrow and blood samples drawn from the patients at several points throughout the seven-month study, which ended in March 2016. Bone marrow-derived cancer stem cells at first increased by an average of 2.5-fold in the patients after two cycles of lenalidomide and dexamethasone alone. After MEDI-551 was added in the third and fourth months of treatment, the number of cancer stem cells decreased by half, on average, in 14 of the 15 patients. By contrast, five newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients who did not receive the extra antibody treatment had their cancer stem cell numbers swell 9.3-fold after an average of four months' treatment with the other two drugs. There were no serious adverse side effects among the patients in the study of the antibody. Matsui and Huff are part of the Johns Hopkins research team that in 2002 was among the first to identify and isolate cancer stem cells in multiple myeloma, which is diagnosed in approximately 30,000 people in the U.S. annually. Their subsequent research showed how these cancer stem cells contribute to relapse in patients with multiple myeloma, and the scientists have been looking for new ways to target these cells with treatments that can halt their ability to create mature tumor cells and trigger relapse. The antibody MEDI-551 targets a specific protein called CD19 found on the surface of multiple myeloma cancer stem cells, explains Matsui. "We chose to carry out this clinical trial in newly diagnosed patients because our original data showed that CD19 was almost always expressed by myeloma stem cells in these patients, whereas we don't know if that is the case in more advanced patients," he says. The researchers also tested two different ways to measure cancer stem cells in patients: in tissue samples aspirated from bone marrow and in blood drawn from the patients throughout the study. "We wanted to see if these two assays gave similar results, and in this clinical trial, they were almost identical," Huff says. "Since it is much easier to draw blood than bone marrow from our patients, we think that we can primarily use blood to track multiple myeloma stem cells in the future." Although most of the patients experienced a decrease in multiple myeloma cancer stem cells after three doses of MEDI-551, these stem cells increased in two of the patients, each of who had their cancer grow or spread during the course of the study. Matsui, Huff and their colleagues plan to conduct further studies to determine the long-term impact of the antibody treatment in patients with multiple myeloma and to find out how the antibody might work in combination with other treatments. "In other studies at Johns Hopkins, we have found that antibody therapies can work much better after a bone marrow transplant, especially allogeneic transplants, where patients receive bone marrow cells donated from a relative," says Matsui. ### Funding for the study was provided by MedImmune Inc., the developers of MEDI-551. Matsui and Huff have received research funding and honoraria from MedImmune. Funding and drugs for the study described in this presentation were provided by MedImmune Inc., the developers of MEDI-551. Huff and Matsui respectively served as a paid scientific advisory board member and consultant to MedImmune Inc. These arrangements have been reviewed and approved by The Johns Hopkins University in accordance with its conflict of interest policies. Other Johns Hopkins researchers who contributed to the study include Douglas Gladstone, Ivan Borrello, Qiuju Wang and Christian Gocke. Their co-researchers include Shannon Marshall, Parthiv Mahadevia, Boyd Mudenda and Ronald Herbst of MedImmune Inc. A team of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) investigators has found no evidence of infections related to administration of allergy immunotherapy, the common practice of injecting minimal quantities of allergens beneath the skin to reduce the allergic response. Although there has never been a concern about the sterility of the preparations used in these "allergy shots," the organization that sets standards for the quality and safety of medications and other products has proposed revised guidelines that place allergen immunotherapy (AIT) in the same category as more risky preparations intended for intravenous or spinal administration. "Our analysis of 10 years of data from large allergy practices at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital - covering approximately 135,000 individual injections administered to about 3,250 patients -- finds no incidence of infection related to those injections," says Aidan Long, MD, clinical director of the Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit in the MGH Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology and senior author of the report published online in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. "This confirms that the sterile practices used in the preparation of allergy shots at our hospitals and at most clinical allergy practices do not pose an infectious risk for patients." The report notes that the safety record of AIT goes back more than 100 years and that the practices used are different from those of pharmacy compounding, which has recently come under scrutiny because of a meningitis outbreak tied to contaminated spinal injections prepared by a particular compounding center. That and other incidents may be behind the guideline changes proposed by the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), which would place allergen extracts in the same category as compounds prepared for injection into the circulatory system or the cerebrospinal fluid. The current study was prepared to provide data supporting the response to the proposed changes from several allergy and immunology specialty organizations. In on-site pharmacies at MGH, Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) and other major hospitals, the allergen extracts used in AIT are individually prepared for each patient. Independent allergy practices may prepare them in their offices using the same sterile techniques used in hospitals, and existing USP standards placed allergen extracts in a separate category because their infectious risk was perceived to be extremely low. "AIT is truly a disease-modifying treatment that diminishes the intensity, frequency and severity of symptoms, as well as reducing the need for medications. There are no equivalent therapies for allergic diseases -- including seasonal allergies, asthma, and potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity to insect stings," says Long, who is an associate professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. "While there was no evidence in the literature to suggest that a problem existed, but we wanted to look at a larger data set to confirm the widely held belief in the lack of infectious problems related to AIT," The MGH-led study analyzed data from the Research Patient Data Registry of Partners Healthcare -- a Boston-based system that includes MGH, BWH, several community hospitals and a network of more than 6,000 physicians -- covering all AIT injections administered at two major allergy practices at the hospitals from 2005 through 2015. Using the electronic medical record, they were able to identify any patients receiving AIT during those years who also were treated for an infection at any Partners-affiliated practice during the week after their injection. While there were 86 episodes of patients being treated for infection during that time -- out of 3,242 patients - no soft-tissue infections were at the site of the injection, and no systemic infections could be attributed to AIT. Long explains, "While it would be technically possible for hospital pharmacies to meet the proposed USP guidelines, doing so would require significantly more manpower, space and work. It is unlikely that any individual allergy practice not allied to a pharmacy would ever be able to meet the specifications, and given the current reimbursement rates, the additional costs would not be feasible for any active allergist inside or outside a hospital. The net effect would be the disappearance of subcutaneous allergen immuotherapy." While the official commentary period for the proposed changes to USP guidelines -- which are typically adopted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration -- have ended, Long has been informed that the agency is still holding discussions with the allergy community and accepting additional information. He and his colleagues plan to continue those discussions, including presentation of the data in this report. ### The lead author of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology article is Diana Balekian, MD, MPH, of the MGH Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology. Additional co-authors are Aleena Banerji, MD, Kimberly Blumenthal, MD, and Carlos Camargo, Jr., MD, DrPH, also of MGH Rheumatology, Allergy and Immunology. The study was supported by National Institutes of Health grant T32 HL116275. Massachusetts General Hospital, founded in 1811, is the original and largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School. The MGH conducts the largest hospital-based research program in the United States, with an annual research budget of more than $800 million and major research centers in AIDS, cardiovascular research, cancer, computational and integrative biology, cutaneous biology, human genetics, medical imaging, neurodegenerative disorders, regenerative medicine, reproductive biology, systems biology, transplantation biology and photomedicine. In July 2015, MGH returned into the number one spot on the 2015-16 U.S. News & World Report list of "America's Best Hospitals." Women live longer in areas with more green vegetation, according to new research funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), part of the National Institutes of Health. Women with the highest levels of vegetation, or greenness, near their homes had a 12 percent lower death rate compared to women with the lowest levels of vegetation near their homes. The results were published Apr. 14, 2016 in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives. The researchers found the biggest differences in death rates from kidney disease, respiratory disease, and cancer. The researchers also explored how an environment with trees, shrubs, and plants might lower mortality rates. They showed that improved mental health and social engagement are the strongest factors, while increased physical activity and reduced air pollution also contribute. "It is important to know that trees and plants provide health benefits in our communities, as well as beauty," said NIEHS director Linda Birnbaum, Ph.D. "The finding of reduced mortality suggests that vegetation may be important to health in a broad range of ways." The study, conducted by scientists at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, examined greenness around the homes of 108,630 women in the long-term Nurses' Health Study. The researchers mapped home locations and used high resolution satellite imagery to determine the level of vegetation within 250 meters and 1,250 meters of homes. They then followed the women from 2000 to 2008, tracking changes in vegetation and participant deaths. During the study, 8,604 deaths occurred. The scientists consistently found lower mortality rates in women as levels of trees and plants increased around their homes. This trend was seen for separate causes of death, as well as when all causes were combined. When researchers compared women in the areas with highest greenness to women in the lowest, they found a 41 percent lower death rate for kidney disease, 34 percent lower death rate for respiratory disease, and 13 percent lower death rate for cancer in the greenest areas. "The ability to examine vegetation in relatively fine detail around so many homes, while also considering the characteristics of the individual participants, is a major strength of this study," said Bonnie Joubert, Ph.D., NIEHS scientific program director overseeing the study. "This builds on prior studies showing the health benefits of greenness that used community-level or regional data." The scientists also looked at characteristics that can otherwise contribute to mortality risk, such as age, race, ethnicity, smoking, and socioeconomic status. This enabled them to be more confident that vegetation plays a role in reduced mortality, rather than these factors. If participants moved or the vegetation near their homes changed during the study, the scientists took those changes into account in their study. ### Grant Numbers: R01ES017017 Reference: James P, Hart JE, Banay RF, Laden F. Exposure to greenness and mortality in a nationwide prospective cohort study of women. Environmental Health Perspectives; doi:10.1289/ehp.1510363 [Online 14 Apr 2016]. NIEHS supports research to understand the effects of the environment on human health and is part of NIH. For more information on environmental health topics, visit http://www.niehs.nih.gov. Subscribe to one or more of the NIEHS news lists to stay current on NIEHS news, press releases, grant opportunities, training, events, and publications. About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit http://www.nih.gov. NIH...Turning Discovery Into Health Contact: Virginia Guidry NIEHS 919-541-1993 virginia.guidry@nih.gov Disastrous floods in the Balkans two years ago are likely linked to the temporary slowdown of giant airstreams, scientists found. These wind patterns, circling the globe in the form of huge waves between the Equator and the North Pole, normally move eastwards, but practically stopped for several days then -- at the same time, a weather system got stuck over Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Croatia that poured out record amounts of rain. The study adds evidence that so-called planetary wave resonance is a key mechanism for causing extreme weather events in summer. Further, the scientists showed that extreme rainfall events are strongly increasing in the Balkans, even more than the globally observed rise. "We were surprised to see how long the weather system that led to the flooding stayed over the region - it's like the Vb cyclone 'Yvette' was trapped there," says Lisa Stadtherr from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), lead-author of the study to be published in Science Advances. "Day after day the rain was soaking the soil until it was saturated, which lead to the flooding that reportedly caused several dozen casualties and 3.5 billion Euro of damages." While the mean daily rainfall in the Balkans has increased only a little since 1950, the intensity of the strongest rainfall events rose by one third, the scientists found. In May 2014, daily rainfall amounts were locally bigger than ever before in the observed period. The frequency of such potentially devastating extremes in the Balkans, though they're still rare, doubled over the past sixty years. "We had a similar situation in 1997 in Germany, resulting in the Elbe flooding" "This is worrying, all the more because we're seeing increasing extreme rainfall in many parts of the globe," says co-author and PIK project head Dim Coumou. "The changes over the Balkan are substantially larger than those expected from simple warming of the air." Regional temperatures rose by one degree since the middle of the past century, and the increased water holding capacity of warmer air intensifies heavy rainfall by about 7 percent per degree of warming. "Yet the observed rainfall changes in the Balkans are roughly five times that much -- hence other factors must have come into play." The scientists detected that the unusual trapping of the weather system over the Balkans happened at the same time when so-called planetary waves of the jetstream circulation also became trapped. "This does not prove causality, but the co-occurrence is at least suspicious -- particularly since we had a similar situation for instance in 1997 in Germany with cyclone 'Zoe', resulting in the devastating Elbe flooding," says Coumou. "We provide evidence that the near stationarity of the waves was linked to a subtle phenomenon we call resonance." A mechanism for creating extreme weather events in summer in general This mechanism has first been put forward by PIK scientist Vladimir Petoukhov only a few years ago, opening a new branch of research; he is co-author of the present study. The scientists produced a video to explain the mechanism which might be a decisive factor for creating extreme weather events in summer in general (see weblinks below). "Our findings provide more evidence that planetary waves cause extreme weather events," says co-author Stefan Rahmstorf, chair of PIK's research domain Earth System Analysis. "When these waves start to resonate this can have serious impacts for people on the ground. I am concerned that the ongoing climate change may be creating conditions more favorable for this kind of resonance." ### Article: Coumou, D., Stadtherr, L., Petoukhov, V., Petri, S., Rahmstorf, S. (2016): Record Balkan floods of 2014 linked to planetary wave resonance. Science Advances [doi:10.1126/sciadv.1501428] Weblink to article once it is published: http://advances.sciencemag.org/ Weblink to VIDEO on planetary waves: https://youtu.be/MzW5Isbv2A0 Weblinks to previous studies on the subject: Trapped atmospheric waves triggered more weather extremes https://www.pik-potsdam.de/news/press-releases/archive/2014/trapped-atmospheric-waves-triggered-more-weather-extremes Cold, hot or dry: Persistent weather extremes associated with decreased storm activity https://www.pik-potsdam.de/news/press-releases/cold-hot-or-dry-persistent-weather-extremes-associated-with-decreased-storm-activity Summer storm weakening leads to more persistent heat extremes https://www.pik-potsdam.de/news/press-releases/summer-storm-weakening-leads-to-more-persistent-heat-extremes Record-breaking heavy rainfall events increased under global warming https://www.pik-potsdam.de/news/press-releases/record-breaking-heavy-rainfall-events-increased-under-global-warming For further information please contact: PIK press office Phone: 49-331-288-25-07 E-Mail: press@pik-potsdam.de Twitter: @PIK_Climate http://www.pik-potsdam.de UC Davis researchers have shown that an enzyme produced by beneficial microbes in babies' intestines is able to harvest specific sugar compounds from human breast-milk and cow's milk. The discovery identifies those sugars -- rather than associated protein compounds -- as the key to nourishing those important, health-promoting microbes. "These sugar compounds selectively provide incredible nutrient support specifically for the growth of the infant gut microbes," said lead researcher David Mills, a professor of food science and technology at UC Davis. The study results will appear April 15, 2016 online in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, a journal of the American Society of Microbiology. Advancing earlier discoveries: In previous studies, Mills and colleagues had shown that glycoproteins from human milk may be a source of sugar for the beneficial microbes in the infant gut. Glycoproteins are compounds with both protein and sugar molecules called oligosaccharides. The researchers also had earlier demonstrated that one such gut microbe -- a bacterial subspecies called Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis (B. infantis) -- produced an enzyme called EndoBI-1 that could split the oligosaccharides away from the glycoproteins. But there was no definitive answer as to whether it was the sugar or the protein components of the glycoproteins that were supporting growth of B. infantis. New findings: In the new study, the researchers set out to determine whether the oligosaccharides could, as they suspected, be a sole nutrient source for B. infantis in the infant gut. They used the EndoBI-1 enzyme to separate the oligosaccharides from the glycoproteins found in bovine colostrum -- the "first milk" produced by a lactating cow. Cow's milk was used for the study because it was readily available in significant volumes. The researchers found that oligosaccharides separated out from the cow's colostrum fueled rapid growth of the B. infantis bacterium. However, the oligosaccharides from the cow's milk did not support growth of a related bacterium found in the intestines of adult humans. The study also showed that B. infantis did not grow on milk proteins from which the sugars had been separated out, clearly indicating that the oligosaccharides were the compounds that fed those specific bacteria. Mills noted that B. infantis has many genes that are involved with breaking down glycoproteins in mother's milk in order to release the oligosaccharides. "Mother's milk co-evolved over millions of years with mammals and the beneficial gut microbiota that the milk helped nourish," he said. "And milk is the only food that co-evolved with humans to make us healthy." In addition to solving the protein-or-sugar question related to the role of glycoproteins in feeding B. infantis, the findings also suggest that cow's milk could be a source of selective oligosaccharides, which might be used to make therapeutic prebiotics for infants. ### Collaborators and funding: In addition to Mills, study co-authors -- all from UC Davis -- were Sercan Karav, Annabelle Le Parc, Juliana Maria Leite Nobrega de Moura Bell, Steven A. Frese, Nina Kirmiz, David E. Block and Daniela Barile. Funding for the study was provided by the UC Davis Research Investments in the Sciences and Engineering Program, the National Institutes of Health, the Peter J. Shields Endowed Chair in Dairy Science at UC Davis, and by Turkey's Ministry of Education. Media contact: David Mills Food Science and Technology 530-754-7821 damills@ucdavis.edu Pat Bailey News and Media Relations 530-752-9843 pjbailey@ucdavis.edu The University of Exeter Medical School has led an analysis of more than 3,000 people in Scotland who each had blood pressure measurements taken from both arms, published today in the British Journal of General Practice. Researchers say the findings show the importance of routinely measuring blood pressure in both arms. Up to now, such research has mainly focussed on people who have already encountered heart disease or hypertension. Now, the new research, funded by RCGP, The South West GP Trust, NIHR and the NIHR CLAHRC South West Peninsula (PenCLAHRC), analysed a cohort of people who had been identified as having a greater risk of heart disease or hypertension, but who had not yet had any episode of either. They were healthy, but identified as being at higher risk of cardiovascular disease when recruited to the study. The team found that a difference in systolic blood pressure measurements between the two arms (of 5mm Hg) was associated with almost double the risk of death from heart-related disease, when the cohort was followed up over a period of eight years. In the analysis, which was based on one pair of blood pressure readings, 60 per cent of the cohort had this difference. The researchers wanted to examine this single check of blood pressure in both arms to reflect currently available measurement methods in general practice. It is known, however, that the proportion of people confirmed to have a blood pressure difference will fall substantially on repeated testing. Dr Chris Clark, a GP andNIHR Clinical Lecturer at the University of Exeter Medical School, said: "Current guidelines state that blood pressure should be measured in both arms when assessing patients for hypertension, but often this advice is not followed due to time constraints or lack of awareness amongst clinicians. For accuracy, to overcome natural blood pressure fluctuations, it is important to test both arms simultaneously to confirm any difference. However, our previous research has found that if one arm is tested before the other, with just a single pair of measures, it is still possible to identify nearly all those who will prove to have an inter-arm difference on further testing. This new study confirms that people identified with only a single pair of measurements are still at higher risk of heart disease than those without an inter-arm difference. Repeated assessments to confirm the existence of an inter-arm difference, and suitable lifestyle advice, can then be targeted at individuals identified in this way, and could make a difference to their future health. The next stage of our research is to quantify the extra risk that an inter-arm difference indicates, and after that, to discover the extent to which this can be protected against." The cohort was from the Aspirin for Asymptomatic Atherosclerosis (AAA) trial, a randomised controlled trial conducted from April 1998 to October 2008. That study, led by the University of Edinburgh and funded by the British Heart Foundation, recruited 3350 males and females aged 50-75 years living in central Scotland and free of pre-existing clinical cardiovascular disease. The study involved taking blood pressure from both arms, and the Exeter team worked with the authors of the AAA trial to analyse their data. Professor Jeremy Pearson, Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation which funded the initial clinical trial, said: "Differences in blood pressure between arms has previously been linked with an increased risk of dying from cardiovascular disease in those that already have the condition or are at very high risk. But this study found that healthy people without pre-existing heart disease may also have an increased risk. The findings support current guidance that blood pressure should be measured in both arms when assessing someone for hypertension." ### The study, Inter-arm blood pressure difference and mortality: a cohort study in an asymptomatic primary care population at elevated cardiovascular risk, is published in the print edition of the British Journal of General Practice on April 29, 2016. Authors are Christopher E Clark, Rod S Taylor, Isabella Butcher, Marlene CW Stewart, Jackie Price, F Gerald R Fowkes, Angela C Shore and John L Campbell. C Shore The worldwide reliance on burning fossil fuels to create energy could be phased out in a decade, according to an article published by a major energy think tank in the UK. Professor Benjamin Sovacool, Director of the Sussex Energy Group at the University of Sussex, believes that the next great energy revolution could take place in a fraction of the time of major changes in the past. But it would take a collaborative, interdisciplinary, multi-scalar effort to get there, he warns. And that effort must learn from the trials and tribulations from previous energy systems and technology transitions. In a paper published in the peer-reviewed journal Energy Research & Social Science, Professor Sovacool analyses energy transitions throughout history and argues that only looking towards the past can often paint an overly bleak and unnecessary picture. Moving from wood to coal in Europe, for example, took between 96 and 160 years, whereas electricity took 47 to 69 years to enter into mainstream use. But this time the future could be different, he says - the scarcity of resources, the threat of climate change and vastly improved technological learning and innovation could greatly accelerate a global shift to a cleaner energy future. The study highlights numerous examples of speedier transitions that are often overlooked by analysts. For example, Ontario completed a shift away from coal between 2003 and 2014; a major household energy programme in Indonesia took just three years to move two-thirds of the population from kerosene stoves to LPG stoves; and France's nuclear power programme saw supply rocket from four per cent of the electricity supply market in 1970 to 40 per cent in 1982. Each of these cases has in common strong government intervention coupled with shifts in consumer behaviour, often driven by incentives and pressure from stakeholders. Professor Sovacool says: "The mainstream view of energy transitions as long, protracted affairs, often taking decades or centuries to occur, is not always supported by the evidence. "Moving to a new, cleaner energy system would require significant shifts in technology, political regulations, tariffs and pricing regimes, and the behaviour of users and adopters. "Left to evolve by itself - as it has largely been in the past - this can indeed take many decades. A lot of stars have to align all at once. "But we have learnt a sufficient amount from previous transitions that I believe future transformations can happen much more rapidly." In sum, although the study suggests that the historical record can be instructive in shaping our understanding of macro and micro energy transitions, it need not be predictive. ### Toronto - Two professors at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management have been named as the recipients of prestigious research awards from the Bank of Canada today. Dan Trefler, a professor of business economics who holds the J. Douglas and Ruth Grant Canada Research Chair in Competitiveness and Prosperity, is the recipient of the Bank's Fellowship Award. Liyan Yang, an associate professor of finance, is the recipient of the Bank's Governor's Award. The Bank of Canada's Fellowship Program is designed to encourage leading-edge research and the development of expertise in Canada in a number of areas critical to the Bank's mandate: macroeconomics, monetary economics and international finance, as well as the economics of financial markets and institutions, including their financial stability. Each Fellowship Award is for a term of up to five years. Peter Christoffersen, a professor of finance at the Rotman School and the TSX Chair in Capital Markets, was the recipient of the Fellowship in 2013. The Governor's Award recognizes outstanding academics at a relatively early stage in their careers, who are working at Canadian universities in areas of research critical to the Bank's mandate. The award is granted for a non-renewable term of up to two years. "The Bank of Canada is delighted to present the Fellowship Award to an exceptional economist with a remarkable record of path-breaking research. Prof. Trefler's focus on export performance, investment and productivity is of great interest to the Bank," said Stephen S. Poloz, Governor of the Bank of Canada. "The Bank is also proud to support Prof. Yang, whose work is pushing the frontiers of financial economics. We expect his interactions with our research staff will improve our collective understanding of the challenges the Bank is facing--today and in years to come." Prof. Trefler is an internationally respected trade economist, known for his path-breaking contributions to public policy formation in Canada. His research has been instrumental in the design and pursuit of trade agreements that promote productivity, innovation and investment while minimizing the harmful effects on workers through unemployment and wage effects. He holds a joint appointment with the Department of Economics at the University of Toronto. Prof. Trefler is also a senior research fellow at the Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, a research fellow at the C.D. Howe Institute and an advisor to the Institute for Competitiveness & Prosperity. He sits on the board of the Ontario Task Force on Competitiveness, Productivity, and Economic Progress. Prof. Yang joined the Rotman School in 2009. His research interests are in asset pricing, behavioral finance and information economics. His current research focuses on information transmission and production in financial markets and related regulation issues. He has received many awards for his research including the 2011 Inaugural TCFA (The Chinese Finance Association) Award for the Best Paper on Global Financial Markets, the Connaught New Researcher Award from the University of Toronto in 2013 and received the Roger Martin Award for Excellence in Research from the Rotman School in 2015. Prof. Francesco Trebbi from the University of British Columbia's Vancouver School of Economics was also a recipient of the Bank's Fellowship Award. ### Further information on the Bank's Fellowship program is online. The Rotman School of Management is located in the heart of Canada's commercial and cultural capital and is part of the University of Toronto, one of the world's top 20 research universities. The Rotman School fosters a new way to think that enables our graduates to tackle today's global business and societal challenges. For more information, visit http://www.rotman.utoronto.ca. For more information: Ken McGuffin Manager, Media Relations Rotman School of Management University of Toronto Voice 416.946.3818 E-mail mcguffin@rotman.utoronto.ca Follow Rotman on Twitter @rotmanschool Steve Elgar, a senior scientist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), has been selected as a 2016 National Security Science and Engineering Faculty Fellow (NSSEFF) by the Department of Defense. Elgar, a physical oceanographer in the Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering Department at WHOI, is among 15 exceptional faculty scientists and engineers from U.S. universities in this year's class of fellows, which includes a Nobel Prize Laureate. This is the second NSSEFF award Elgar has received. He also was chosen as part of the 2009 class. The prestigious and highly competitive program awards five-year, $3 million grants to top-tier scientists and engineers to conduct long-term, unclassified basic research of strategic importance to the Department of Defense. "These grants engage outstanding scientists and engineers in the most challenging technical issues facing the Department," said Dr. Melissa L. Flagg, deputy assistant secretary of defense for research. Ranging in fields from quantum physics to neuroscience, the new fellows will conduct research in core science and engineering disciplines that underpin future DoD technology development. They also will share their knowledge and insight with DoD military and civilian leaders, researchers in DoD laboratories, and the national security science and engineering community, Flagg said. "It is an honor to be chosen because the NSSEFF fellows are amazing scientists and engineers--among the best in the world," said Elgar, who is the only oceanographer in a cohort of 50 past and present fellows. "It is also a statement about the wonderful environment for research that WHOI provides." Elgar's research focuses on the surf zone--the fast-moving and turbulent area where ocean waves and high energy currents meet the shoreline. "It's a challenging laboratory to work in," Elgar said. "The system is energetic, with big waves, strong currents, and sand moving around in all directions. We say it is like trying to do experiments in a giant washing machine." This area is of particular importance when it comes to understanding and predicting dangerous rip currents, coastal flooding, beach erosion, and other impacts from big storms like Hurricane Sandy. "We want to understand the interactions between waves, currents, and the seafloor so that we can develop numerical models that simulate surfzone hydrodynamics on small spatial (few meters) and short temporal (few minutes) scales," Elgar said. "Predictive models are necessary to investigate possible effects of sealevel rise, large storms, and manmade structures. Moreover, skillful model predictions will help plan and execute civilian and military operations in this energetic environment." Elgar's NSSEFF project will combine remotely sensed images of the sea surface using LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), infrared cameras, and optical sensors, with measurements from wave and current sensors deployed in the water, and with numerical models to increase the fundamental understanding of physical processes near the shoreline. "With numerical models, we can be better prepared for different scenarios," he said. "No model is going to be able to tell us exactly where each and every rip current is at any particular time. But we hope to develop a model that will be able to tell us the likelihood of having rip currents on a given day in a certain area. That's important information to know for the safety of swimmers, whether it's families at the beach or Marines getting off a boat with 100-pound backpacks. Neither wants to swim in a dangerous rip current." "Steve's insight and creativity and his willingness to tackle the most vexing problems in the near shore environment have made him one of the world-leading experts on surf zone processes," said WHOI President and Director Mark Abbott. "He is an outstanding representative of WHOI--combining science, technology, and collaboration together in ways that continually advance our knowledge of the ocean." The NSSEFF grant also provides funding for students and postdocs in Elgar's lab, which is an important component of the research program that stresses training future scientists through student participation. Elgar joined the WHOI staff in 1999, as a senior scientist in the Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering department. He has authored or coauthored more than 125 research papers. He is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Geophysical Union, and the American Meteorological Society. ### The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution is a private, non-profit organization on Cape Cod, Mass., dedicated to marine research, engineering, and higher education. Established in 1930 on a recommendation from the National Academy of Sciences, its primary mission is to understand the ocean and its interaction with the Earth as a whole, and to communicate a basic understanding of the ocean's role in the changing global environment. For more information, please visit http://www.whoi.edu. New global rules will come into force from September, requiring the worlds biggest financial players to start posting initial and variation margin on their uncleared derivatives trades. The rules will initially impact the largest dealers, but over time will also affect smaller banks and buy-side institutions such as pension funds. Roger Cogan, Isda Regulators want to push as many derivatives trades as possible through clearing houses, in a bid to mitigate counterparty risk, but this cookie-cutter approach does not work for all derivatives, hence the new margin rules. The theory is that posting collateral against these trades, such as cash or bonds, will prevent another Lehman-style collapse, if a counterparty to a trade goes bust. The US Commodity Futures Trading Commission finalized its minimum margin requirements at the end of last year, which fall under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. European Union (EU) regulators released the final draft of their equivalent rules in March, which form part of the European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR). These are expected to be finalized by mid-July. Currency mismatch haircut The EUs final draft has provided clarity on the rules and offers dealers some relief with regards to its currency mismatch rules. Variation margin that is posted in cash but is denominated in a different currency than that agreed under the master agreement will no longer face an 8% haircut. Roger Cogan, head of European public policy at the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (Isda), which represents the worlds largest derivatives dealers, welcomed the concession. We welcome the improvements made to the RTS [regulatory technical standards] in respect of the currency mismatch haircut, which make the calculation more proportionate and importantly ensure that the calculation does not itself increase counterparty credit risk. Dealers will still face an 8% haircut on initial margin cash and non-cash where there is a currency mismatch, and also on non-cash variation margin, such as bonds. EU vs US The EU and Hong Kong have adopted the same approach regarding cash variation margin; Singapores rules have yet to be finalized. Michael Beaton, DRS US rules are comparatively more restrictive, though, imposing the haircut where the variation margin collateral is denominated in a different currency to the one of settlement or is not cash-denominated in a G10 currency. In particular, this would hit Asian financial counterparties that trade with US counterparties, because their local currencies are not G10 currencies, says Michael Beaton, managing partner at specialist risk consultancy Derivatives Risk Solutions (DRS). The impact to Asian banks should be minimal, though in terms of getting access to the relevant currencies, believes John Ball, managing director of the FX division in Asia-Pacific at banking lobby forum Global Financial Markets Association. This [access] should already be happening on a daily basis through the funding of their currency assets and liabilities in the interbank market to meet settlement obligations, he says. Regulatory divergence Haircuts are part and parcel of margining, though. The bigger problem is how regulators treat FX derivatives. Non-cleared physically settled currency forwards fall outside of the scope of US rules, meaning dealers do not have to post collateral on these trades. William Winterton, Clifford Chance It remains to be seen whether US banks will seek to margin those trades anyway, either of their own volition or as a result of prudential encouragement, says William Winterton, senior associate in banking and finance at law firm Clifford Chance. EU regulators have, however, taken a radically different approach, deeming them in scope. This is the key headline difference between the EU and US margin rules on uncleared derivatives, says Winterton. However, the problem remains there is no EU-wide definition of an FX forward and, as such, consensus on whether it is even a derivative. The final draft rules provided some clarity on the issue, largely by kicking the can down the road. An EU-wide definition of an FX forward is expected under forthcoming regulation the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (Mifid II). EU banking regulators have therefore decided to defer imposing variation margin on physically settled FX forwards until Mifid II is in force or December 21, 2018, whichever date come first. If it is decided these commonly traded instruments are in fact derivatives, then this could make it is more expensive to trade them in the EU than in the US. Isdas Cogan says: Our members want the rules to be as harmonized as possible to make them practically workable. Absurd habits of thinking can collapse on themselves, suddenly, like the Dutch tulip mania of the 17th century. Something like that is bound to happen with the current madness about sexual and racial identity. Watch this (above) its quite funny. College students at the University of Washington seem ready to entertain the idea that a thirty-something 59 white guy may in fact be a seven-year-old 65 Chinese woman. That, Im convinced, is going to go the way of the Dutch tulip bulb. Not so the idea that science skeptics could face prison time. It would have seemed absurd not long ago and it is absurd. But watch Bill Nye the Science Guy musing on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s suggestions that climate change deniers be treated as war criminals or traitors: Nye is far from dismissing this out of hand. From Climate Depot: Bill Nye, the science guy, revealed he is openly favorable to the idea of jailing global warming skeptics at the Hague as war criminals. Nye was confronted with environmental activists Robert F. Kennedys call to jail climate skeptics for treason and lock them up at the Hague. Nye openly pondered the idea that climate skeptics deserve jail. Climate Hustles Marc Morano asked Nye in an exclusive interview, What is your thought on jailing skeptics as war criminals? Nye responded: Well, well see what happens. Was it appropriate to jail the guys from ENRON? Nye added, For me as a taxpayer and voter the introduction of this extreme doubt about climate change is affecting my quality of life as a public citizen. Remember, the people in the grip of this particular madness, a very malignant one, are not just silly college students or even just silly college professors or administrators, but state attorneys general. That is serious. Before this mania collapses, I wouldnt be altogether shocked if people get seriously hurt going to prison for having the wrong ideas about a contentious scientific question. H/t Nick Gillespie. SALEM, Ohio In an effort to generate millions of dollars for rehabilitation, and to increase prison safety, the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction announced April 12, that it will close and sell all of its prison farms. The state prison system currently owns 12,500 acres of farmland, as well as 2,300 head of beef cattle and 1,000 dairy cows, at eight farm operations. The state has operated the farm system for more than 100 years, using inmate labor, and had used part of the food to feed inmates. The state is expected to continue operating its meat processing plant, at the Pickaway Correctional Institution, the AP reports. The phasing out of outmoded prison farming operations will improve safety and provide more meaningful career opportunities for prisoners returning to society, according to a statement put out by the DRC. According to The Associated Press, which first broke the news, the state will continue farming this year, but prepare to auction off livestock and stop farming by 2017. Broader reach Gary Mohr, director of the DRC, told the AP that the decision was made because of the low number of inmates who work on the farms and take farm jobs after being released compared to the potential benefit for all inmates, if the farms are sold and the funds dispersed. Mohr noted that in peak season, only about 220 inmates worked on the farms, compared to the 20,000 inmates who are released each year. Few if any inmates have pursued careers in farming following their release, the DRC said. Related: Farm and Dairy featured the Mansfield prison farm in 2014. The union that represents the prison staff at the farms the Ohio Civil Service Employees Association disputes the need to close the farms and says they were self supporting. Its not being done for any reason of economy, said Chris Mabe, OCSEA president. Diverse skills He argues that prison farms have done a lot of good even if inmates havent gone into farming jobs upon release. For instance, inmates also learn skills related to heavy machinery operation, welding, driving large equipment, and using a variety of tools for repairs. Unfortunately, we believe the impetus for this change is purely political, said Mabe, who is a correctional counselor at the Lorain facility. It has nothing to do with DR&Cs core mission of recidivism or safety. This is about dollars and cents for corporate interests. The DRC statement says the state has become a national leader in criminal justice reform over the past five years, finding new and innovative ways to reform the organizational structure of the states prison system and help prisoners successfully transition back into the community. In 2011, Ohio announced plans to sell and privatize some of its prison facilities projecting the state would generate millions of dollars by privatizing those operations. Mabe said private food lobbyists have been trying to convince state lawmakers to shut down the farms, so they could take over the food business, as well. The DRC says that by selling the farms, the state prison system can drive more energy and resources back inside the prison walls, where safety needs are greatest. Other benefits The department also expects that ending the prison farms will also minimize the opportunities for inmates to bring illegal contraband into the prisons. Its not yet clear when or how the properties will be sold, but the DRC said the privatization of these lands will allow local governments and school districts to collect taxes on the property. The DRC says inmates who currently work for the farms will be reassigned to other programs for job training opportunities. The AP reported that about 70 prison staff employees will be affected, but said layoffs are not expected. Mabe said there are many questions to still be answered, and hes concerned how the decision could affect the states food pantries, which had benefited from the prison farms. COLUMBUS Ohio farmers and the Ohio Farm Bureau continued their call for a more accurate Current Agricultural Use Value formula during the second hearing of a Senate bill April 13, before the Senate Ways and Means Committee. Farmers testifying in support of S.B. 246 said their taxes have more than doubled in the last few years, and cited concerns that non-agricultural factors are being used to calculate the formula. They also said theyre being taxed for land that they leave idle for conservation practices as though its producing cash crops. The average statewide increase in CAUV was 294 percent, from 2008 to 2014, said Brandon Kern, Ohio Farm Bureau Director of State Policy. He said farmland taxpayers paid a total of $370 million more in 2014, than in 2008. For those of you who have worked in small business, ask yourselves if you would be able to manage a tax increase of some 300 percent, said Lane Osswald, a Farm Bureau trustee and farmer from southwest Ohio. Its not an easy thing to budget for. Accurate formula Osswald and Kern said they want the CAUV program to accurately reflect farm productivity. In 2006, Ohio Farm Bureau supported changes to the formula that actually resulted in higher taxes, Kern said, because farmers agreed that outdated yield figures needed to be updated. Our first priority is maintaining the integrity of this program so that we can justify its existence, Kern said. He also noted that the rapid increase in farm commodity prices justified an increase in taxation but that it was followed by a rapid and near-record decrease. Nationally, from 2013 to 2015, we experienced the second largest net farm income decrease in history, Kern said, adding that if the formula isnt fixed, many farmers wont be able to survive. In the bills The bill calls for two main reforms. First, it would prohibit the use of equity buildup and appreciation, as part of the CAUV calculation. Secondly, it would make farmers investments in conservation practices more tax friendly, by assigning the lowest CAUV value to conservation ground that remains in year-round conservation, for a minimum of three years. Currently, farmers are being taxed on their conservation ground as though its producing a crop. Doug Erwin, a land manager from Champaign County, manages farmland and conservation land in multiple counties, including about 500 acres enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program. He said conservation contracts often take land out of production for 10 or more years. They usually include an upfront payment to the landowner, or a rental payment, but he said its usually less than what the farmer could get for renting out the same acreage. At these (current) rates, the commitment to these conservation programs is in jeopardy, he said, all at a time when farmers are being asked to do more conservation to improve water quality. Making choices Kurt Garver, a farmer from Butler County, said farmers like himself have two main options. Either farm it and pay the high taxes with the potential theyll lose money in the process, or turn it down and watch the land go to development. Our family has lost over 600 acres in the last two years to development, he said. Once its gone, its gone. Small and specialty crop farmers are also concerned. Val Jorgensen, an organic farmer from Westerville, said equity buildup is a poor determinant of farm value, because families like her own often own their farms for many generations and never really see the benefit of equity until the farm is sold. She said farmers can sometimes borrow against their equity, but that its a risky investment, with the added cost of interest. Equity issue Sen. John Eklund, R-Geauga County, questioned Kern over the assertion that equity doesnt lead to farm profitability. I recognize you can get your equity out of your property when you sell it, Eklund said. You can also find other ways to get your equity out of your property. He said millions of Americans have used their equity to help finance their purchases, and improve their lots in life. Kern said over longer periods of time, equity buildup could lend itself to a more profitable farm operation, but said the five-year equity period used in the formula is a concern. I think its the disproportional effect that an equity buildup assumption has, as opposed to what the emphasis should be on, in terms of farm income producing potential, Kern said. Sen. Bob Peterson, R-Washington Courthouse, who chairs the Senate committee and also farms, said the proponent testimony was very reflective of whats happening out in the agriculture community. Farmers across the state, including our (own) farming operation, are experiencing doubling and tripling of taxes, he said. The committee will hear opponent testimony during the third hearing, April 20. Related coverage: Ohio Sen. Cliff Hite delivers sponsor testimony on CAUV bill (April 12). A project worth 430,000 to build a sheep husbandry training centre in Penrith could help the future of hill farming in the area. The Centre will be built at the college's uplands farm and will be a national showcase for the best hill farming practice, ensure the industry's future workforce and leaders have the key skills they need and provide a focal point as a demonstration farm. The 430,000 project is based at Low Beckside Farm in Mungrisdale and includes demolition of the existing buildings, constructing the new Sheep Husbandry Centre, which will be a steel portal framed building measuring 36m x 25m x 2.95m with Yorkshire boarding and a fibre cement roof. There will be additional work provide new areas of hard standing to aid sheep handling, and improvements to the silage clamp. Robinsons Scotland Ltd has been awarded the contract and work is expected to begin later this month and be complete by September. The Centre will be used throughout the year, particularly for practical teaching. It will be the focus for the college's lambing operations, a base for sheep shearing and for general sheep husbandry. Alongside the specialist courses for students, the Centre will host farm events and demonstration activities within uplands agriculture and sheep management to show best practice and encourage professional development. Low Beckside Farm is home to two flocks, a Swaledale flock of 350 ewes which are hefted to the fell at Mungrisdale and a draft flock (older ewes from the fell flock) which are kept on land at Low Beckside and Redmire. Wes Johnson, Campus Principal, said: Our vision is that Newton Rigg College will become the UK hub for training and education in uplands land management and sheep husbandry which will not only benefit students but the UK hill farming industry as a whole. He added: This new Centre will enable us to demonstrate the best modern hill farming practice with high standards of animal welfare and hygiene and provide the future workforce with key hill farming skills. The UK uplands are a vital part not only of our countrywide and heritage, but of British agriculture and this initiative will help ensure the future viability of this important sector of farming. Newton Rigg is the only college in England to have its own hill farm and it also hosts the National Centre for the Uplands. It is part of York-based Askham Bryan College, which took over the running of Newton Rigg in 2011. Since then student numbers have increased year on year, particularly across the land-based courses. There are currently 600 students studying agriculture across Askham Bryan's 11 centres in the north of England. The project has been supported by the Cumbria LEP, through the Skills Funding Agency and Cumbrian farmers have had input as members of the college's Technical Advisory Group. Support has also been given by the Cumbria Farmer Network, Lake District National Park, NFU, CLA, and Cumbria YFC. Graham Haywood, Director of Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, says: A key strand of our strategic economic plan is to target investment to maintain and nurture a vibrant rural economy, and the development of the training centre at Newton Rigg will reinforce Cumbria's reputation for excellence in uplands agriculture. "Developing our expertise for land management and animal welfare opens up new opportunities for agriculture students to learn new skills, as well as helping to protect our hill farming heritage and contributing to environmental sustainability." The college has formed a technical advisory group to progress the initiative with several members from the Cumbrian farming community providing input and informing the project. David Lawton is an advisory group member and with many years as an upland hill farmer. He said: This is a unique development educationally and it is ideally placed to become a centre of excellence both regionally and nationally. It will I'm sure be warmly welcomed by the farming community both in Cumbria and across the country. Ryan Brown, Managing Director of Robinsons Ltd commented: We look forward to creating a great new facility for Newton Rigg College and further boosting its offering as the only English college with its own hill farm. We understand the importance of investing in the next generation to ensure that they have the tools to develop and be successful in this ever changing industry. Being able to provide the full project from start to finish ensures that we are able to guarantee the quality of the work and the efficiency of the project. We are delighted to be involved. Legal ruling set to have implications for farm inheritance rows With a limited machinery line-up presented on the day, most of the potential buyers were there to peruse the extensive sundry offering put up for sale by Brian Taylor and family, BG & BM Taylor & Co, who were keen to downsize their holdings in the lead up to a permanent move to Torbay on the South Coast. Job Title: Compliance Risk Manager, Anti-Bribery Compliance Employer: Starbucks Location: Seattle, Washington USA Job Summary and Mission This job contributes to Starbucks success by supporting Starbucks Global Anti-Bribery compliance initiatives and to ensure compliance with Starbucks Standards of Business Conduct. This job promotes ethical behavior, facilitates proper decision-making, and provides Starbucks partners with the tools and resources to do what is right in any context. Models and acts in accordance with Starbucks guiding principles. . . . . Collaborates with attorneys, business units and departments to incorporate antitrust, privacy, conflict of interest, Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), UK Bribery Act and other specific compliance issues into compliance training. . . . Continue Reading . . . . The FCPA Blog Job Board is here Image courtest of TI-USAFollowing the release of the Panama Papers and the public outrage that followed, we at Transparency International-USA have set up a web page to explain anonymous companies and how they affect ordinary people in the United States. Transparency International-USA is advocating for an end to secret companies because they allow corruption to flourish. Please help by writing to members of Congress urging them to pass legislation to end anonymous U.S. companies. Find your Senators here and your Representatives here. You can also write to Congressman Jeb Hensarling (here), Chairman of the House Committee on Financial Services, and members of the Task Force to Investigate Terrorism Financing of the House Committee on Financial Services, to urge passage of bipartisan legislation recently reintroduced to address the problem of corporate anonymity. One way to write is to copy and paste the message below and email it to your Senators and Representatives and other members of Congress: We are outraged by the recent disclosures in the Panama Papers leak that expose how many rich, famous and politically connected people, from heads of state to crime bosses and business owners, hide their wealth behind the facade of secret companies. This should be stopped. It is now time for Congress to act and pass bills (H.R. 4450 and S. 2489) introduced by Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) Both bills titled the Incorporation Transparency and Law Enforcement Assistance Act require the collection, maintenance and updating of beneficial ownership information on U.S. legal entities for law enforcement purposes. Anonymous companies are used for dirty-money transactions and schemes that support drug traffickers and terrorists, defraud government agencies and cheat U.S. citizens, and undermine U.S institutions. Congress should put a stop to them now. ____ Shruti Shah is a contributing editor of the FCPA Blog. Shes Vice President of Programs and Operations at Transparency International-USA. She can be contacted here. George Clooney and Rande Gerber have jointly sold their Mexican homes for $100 million. Randy Gerber and George Clooney The 'Monuments Men' actor and his best friend - who is married to Cindy Crawford - have offloaded their Cabo properties, which they built on adjacent sites, to a Mexican billionaire who was desperate to have the houses, TMZ reports. The two abodes were the last properties designed by famed architect Ricardo Legorreta before he died, and Rande and Cindy have previously featured their retreat in prestigious Architectural Digest magazine. Despite selling up, George - who is married to lawyer Amal Clooney - and Rande won't be without homes in the area for long as they are planning to build an "even more spectacular" compound together. The two friends also have their own tequila business, Casamigos, and Rande previously claimed they were "forced" into starting a company because they were ordering so many bottles. He shared: "George and I started drinking tequila a very long time ago. There came a point when George said to me, 'Why don't we just make our own.' We never meant it to be a business. "We started out just us drinking it, without anyone being able to buy a bottle. We were kind of forced into [making it a business], after about two years, we got a call from our distillery and they said to us, 'We have a situation. For the past two years, we've sent you a thousand bottles a year. Either you're selling it, or you're drinking way too much. You need to get licensed and get legit with the situation." Anthony Mackie says he, and the rest of the Captain America: Civil War cast. feel 'lucky' to be part of the Marvel Universe movies. Anthony Mackie Mackie is set to reprise the role of Falcon in Civil War. We were introduced to this character for the first time in The Winter Solider but we did get a brief look at him in Avengers: Age of Ultron. Speaking on the red carpet at the premiere of Captain America: Civil War earlier this week, Mackie also praised Anthony and Joe Russo for pulling off this complex storyline. "The one thing that I love about being in these movies is that we all realise how lucky we are to be a part of the Marvel Universe. It is not often - if ever - you go into a movie knowing that the final product is going to be really good and well received. "I think it is very hard to believe that you can take something as epic as the Civil War battle in the Captain America comic series and make it work, but the Russo's did that. I am just really proud to be a part of it." Civil War sees Mackie reunite with the Russo brothers as they direct their second consecutive Captain America film. The duo is going to go on to direct the Avengers: Infinity War movies. We are going to see Mackie's character Falcon on Team Cap as he reunites with Chris Evans, Sebastian Stan, and Scarlett Johansson. Robert Downey Jr, Jeremy Renner, and Elizabeth Olsen are some of the big new additions to the cast list. Captain America: Civil War will be the third big screen outing for Mackie so far this year, having already starred in Our Brand Is Crisis and Triple 9. The cast list for Avengers: Infinity War Part 1 and Part 2 are yet to be revealed... could we see the Falcon take on a bigger role in the upcoming Avengers movies? I guess we are going to have to wait and see. Captain America: Civil War is released 29th April. by Helen Earnshaw for www.femalefirst.co.uk find me on and follow me on The Conjuring 2 is one of the horror movies that I am looking forward to the most this summer after being such a big fan of the first film. The Conjuring 2 The movie marks the return of James Wan to the director's chair for his first feature film since the huge success of Fast & Furious 7 last year. It is also the first time that we have seen him tackle a horror film project since Insidious: Chapter 2. The Conjuring 2 is promising to be another very chilling ride and we get a taste of that with this rather creepy new poster. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson are set to reprise their roles as paranormal investigators Lorraine and Ed Warren, who have travelled to London for their latest case. Farmiga and Wilson are joined on the cast list by David Thewlis, Franka Potente, Frances O'Connor, Maria Doyle Kennedy, and Sterling Jerins. This is set to be one of the most terrifying paranormal investigations for Lorraine and Ed as they travel to north London to help a single mother raising four children alone in a house plagued by malicious spirits. The Conjuring was a huge commercial success when it was released back in 2013 - it remains the second highest grossing original horror movie of all time behind The Exorcist... and the sequel looks on course to be as big a hit. The Conjuring 2 is released 17th June. by Helen Earnshaw for www.femalefirst.co.uk find me on and follow me on The NHS Choir has signed to the same label as Justin Bieber. Justin Bieber Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Choir, which beat Justin Bieber to the UK Christmas number one, have now signed to Universal's Decca Records and will release their debut album, 'Something Inside So Strong', next month. Justin - who is signed to Universal - encouraged his 72 million Twitter followers to buy the choir's 'A Bridge Over You' in order to help it reach number one ahead of his own single 'Love Yourself'. He was widely praised for his selfless gesture after tweeting: "So for 1 week it's ok not to be #1. Let's do the right thing & help them win. It's Christmas. @Choir_NHS good luck. (sic)" And in March he met up with members of the choir to congratulate them. Katie Rogerson, a junior doctor and choir spokesperson, said: "We are all delighted to meet Justin Bieber today, and congratulate him on his tremendous achievements. It was wonderful that Justin supported the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS choir. "By doing this, he not only recognised our mental health charities and Carers UK, but also acknowledged every single member of our hardworking NHS team across the UK. "On a personal note, it gives me a bit of street cred with my paediatric patients as Dr Katie! I'm now a Belieber in every sense of the word!" Britain's Princess Anne paid a visit to the set of 'Coronation Street' in Manchester yesterday (14.04.16). Princess Anne The 65-year-old royal - the daughter of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip - visited the iconic pebbled street alongside 50 senior and diverse leaders from businesses, Governments and NGOs from across the Commonwealth as part of a wider CSC Leaders Common Purpose visit to the UK. Marie Mohan, Chief Executive of Common Purpose UK, said: "We are delighted that Commonwealth leaders are visiting Manchester this year to explore city-wide collaboration. At Common Purpose, we have been helping leaders to cross boundaries in Manchester for many years, introducing them to diverse people and places and showing them how they might do things differently. The visit to 'Coronation Street' in MediaCityUK is definitely a highlight for the visitors. It's fascinating to learn about how ITV works in collaboration with other sectors and industries." The Princess appeared to be enjoying herself as she wandered along the pavement with a pair of snazzy shades protecting her eyes from the bright sun's hot rays. Robbie Sandison, Head of Production for 'Coronation Street', added: "It was a delight to welcome Her Royal Highness and leaders from across the Commonwealth to the cobbles. 'Coronation Street' has worked together across various industries in the Greater Manchester community for over 50 years and together with ITV we're very proud of our place in the region's history." China is dismantling a rash of subsidies it has been using to boost its exports of agricultural, medical, textile and other goods, US Trade Representative Michael Froman announced on Thursday.Froman said the US and China have signed an agreement terminating the export subsidies China has provided through the Demonstration Bases-Common Service Platform Programme. China is dismantling a rash of subsidies it has been using to boost its exports of agricultural, medical, textile and other goods, US Trade # Following a dispute brought by the US in the World Trade Organization (WTO), China has effectively terminated the challenged Programme channeling export-contingent subsidies to Chinese enterprises across seven economic sectors, and dozens of sub-sectors, located in more than 179 industrial clusters, the Office of the US Trade Representative said in a press release.China has terminated the Common Service Platform subsidies to Demonstration Base enterprises and will remove export-contingent criteria from the Demonstration Bases. Termination of prohibited export subsidies under the Demonstration Bases-Common Service Platform Programme will help level the playing field for American workers and businesses in the many affected sectors.Today we have signed an agreement with China to eliminate export subsidies that the United States challenged because they are prohibited under WTO rules. This is a win for Americans employed in seven diverse sectors that run the gamut from agriculture to textiles to medical products, who will benefit from a more level playing field on which to compete. This agreement once again underscores that President Obama's commitment to enforce our trade rights aggressively to secure real economic results for American workers, farmers, and businesses of all sizes and in every part of the country , Froman said.As a result of USTR's extensive efforts, this agreement addresses all elements of the massive and complex export subsidy programme. China has now issued and provided more than 130 directives, instructions, and notices to address US concerns. The transparency provisions of the agreement give us a solid basis to monitor closely and confirm whether the terms of the agreement are being met.Froman said the US win went beyond just stopping Chinese export subsidies. It shows that the US is capable of enforcing trade rules and underlines how the US will make sure that foreign trade partners live up to promises in the 12-country Trans-Pacific Partnership, he explained.This agreement shows our dedication to ensuring that American workers and businesses have the opportunity to compete fairly, supporting high-quality US jobs and strengthening the middle class, Froman said. It also demonstrates the resolve with which we will enforce the high standards negotiated in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, whether on labour, environment, intellectual property rights or other commercial issues. The global framework agreement (GFA) between IndustriALL Global Union and Spanish retail giant Inditex, was the basis for a meeting in Vietnam's Ho Chi Mihn City to discuss the creation of a national Inditex trade union network, IndustriALL said in a press release.The meeting in March brought together VNUTGW factory level union leaders from the Southern provinces of Vietnam to discuss how to implement the existing GFA, and to ensure that international labour standards are followed in the over 100 Inditex suppliers and subcontractors. The global framework agreement (GFA) between IndustriALL Global Union and Spanish retail giant Inditex, was the basis for a meeting in Vietnam's # IndustriALL Global Union, its Spanish affiliate Industria-CC.OO, the Vietnamese trade union centre VGCL and German foundation Friedrich Ebert Stiftung brought their expertise on organizing in Inditex's global supply chain and making the GFA relevant for a local context.IndustriALL textile and garment industry Director Christina Clausen, encouraged participants to use the GFA to build a network that develops solidarity and an exchange of information among factory level union leaders.Isidor Boix, from Industria-CC.OO and IndustriALL's coordinator for implementation of the GFA with Inditex, said that the network is interesting both for the workers in Vietnam and global trade unionism.This is about defending labour rights in the global supply chain and organising workers in factories producing for the big brands, he said.Workers at Inditex factories discussed issues faced at work, like long working hours, widespread use of precarious work, low wages, hot, dusty and noisy work environment, violation of workers' rights, a lack of real collective bargaining, and a reluctance from the employer's side to pay full-time shop stewards and to allow time for union activity to build sound labour relations.Through IndustriALL's union building project and in cooperation with the VGCL and VNUTGW, collective bargaining training for the shop stewards of Inditex suppliers is focusing on how to improve the quality of CBA. Implementing the GFA inside supplier factories by instructing leaders on international standards such as ILO core conventions and OECD Guidelines is another important issue, the release said. (SH) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India America's National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) which represents domestic textile manufacturers, has applauded the announcement of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the US and China with respect to an agreement by China to terminate export subsidies under its Demonstration Bases-Common Services Platform.We thank the Obama administration for working diligently to construct an arrangement to eliminate these subsidies which directly damage US manufacturing jobs, output and investment, said NCTO CEO & President Augustine Tantillo. America's National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO) which represents domestic textile manufacturers, has applauded the announcement of a # There is no doubt that China's rise to become the world's largest exporter of textile and apparel products has been aided by a pervasive series of illegal state-sponsored subsidies, Tantillo continued.These subsidies are clearly inconsistent with the rules of the World Trade Organization, and they are unfair to domestic textile manufacturers and the hundreds of thousands of U.S. workers they employ, Tantillo added.The NCTO chief said American companies must play by free-market rules, and it is time that Chinese textile manufacturers did the same. (SH) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India Nepal would lobby the US government to gain duty-free, quota-free access to the American market for all types of readymade garments, Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said. He also urged garment makers to expand their production capacity to ensure regular supplies to one of the main export destinations.Oli's comment during his address at the 65th annual general meeting of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC). The Prime Minister said manufacturers should focus on improving their production capacity. Nepal would lobby the US government to gain duty-free, quota-free access to the American market for all types of readymade garments, Nepali Prime # After US President Barack Obama signed legislation authorising special trade preferences for Nepal on February 24, Nepali garment exporters have been able to utilise duty-free tariff benefits for up to 66 types of garment items like carpets, headgear, shawls, scarves and travel goods.However, garment producers were disappointed after finding out that they do not currently manufacture the products in the duty-free list. The duty-free facility which lasts until 2025 is applicable to only 40 per cent of the Nepali garments being exported to the US.There were over 400 apparel factories across the country that provided employment to 450,000 individuals when garment export was at its peak in 2001. Investment in this sector reportedly exceeded Rs six billion at that time.Nepal's garment industry went into a nosedive after the Multi Fibre Agreement (MFA) with the US was phased out in 2005. Till that time, about 90 per cent of readymade garments produced in Nepal, amounting to about Rs 10 billion, were exported to the US. Readymade garments then had 20 per cent share in total export. Its ranking slipped to fifth position in overall exports of 2014-15, amounting to Rs 5.29 billion. (SH) Fibre2Fashion News Desk India We are sorry, but the content item you are looking for has moved or has been changed... Inconvenience Regretted Go back to the previous page | Go to the home page Bangladesh fashion students' denim design contest, an initiative to bring the talent of aspiring young designers of Bangladesh to the world by Denimsandjeans Dhaka, concluded successfully, as stated in a press release. The students showcased collections on the theme 'denim in high fashion' at the fifth edition of Denimsandjeans. Students from multiple fashion universities including INIFD, NIFT, SMUCT, and BUFT had participated in this competition. The 15 shortlisted designs were voted by all exhibitors and visitors at the event. The Fashionim runway displayed the collections of Vicunha Textil and Envoy Textil. For the first time the designs of young students of Bangladesh were showcased to an international audience which included the Diesel team from Italy and India. Bangladesh fashion students' denim design contest, aninitiativeto bring the talent of aspiring young designers of Bangladesh to the world # Shovon Majumder from SMUCT secured the first placed and Fatema Zohoro from SMUCT stood second in the contest. The students were well appreciated for their striking designs by all the attendees. The whole process of students design competition was guided by Anna Troupe, a sustainable design lecturer and social entrepreneur based in Dhaka. (HO) Denimsandjeans Graf, the leading manufacturer of clothings for flat cards and roller cards will present its important innovative clothing solutions EasyTop, X-Comb, FlexComb and DABM at ITM in Istanbul, being held in Turkey from June 1-4, the company said in a press release. Graf would be presenting a new flat top system, EasyTop, which can reduce the stoppage time by up to 70 per cent. The flat tops is applied on flat bars designed for magnetic attachment and are equipped with a metal carrier. EasyTop can resist even the highest carding forces and guarantee for a high reliability in operation. They are available for working widths of 40, 51 and 60 inches of flat clothings. Graf, the leading manufacturer of clothings for flat cards and roller cards will present its important innovative clothing solutions EasyTop, X-Comb, # Graf will also present new products for the combing process, the X-Comb segments. The combing segments are made from metallic clothings that undergo a special surface treatment, which substantially reduces the running-in period. Graf's X-Comb can be used on comb-bodies requiring individual segments from other manufacturers and thus can be accessible for the conventional combs. The new circular comb series FlexComb, with height adjustable geometry, a 130 combing surface and a detachable spoiler has been developed for high performance combers of the latest generation. FlexComb guarantees cost effectiveness and offers a short running-in period with efficient trash removal. In addition Graf will present the DABM flat striping machine for the first time in Istanbul. The DABM allows gentle and correct removal of worn flexible flat clothings from the flat bars. It also allows a straight forward and efficient mechanical removal of the worn flat strips from the flat bars. (NA) Fibre2fashion News Desk - India Looks like the fight between the Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hain makers and actress, Shilpa Shinde (Angoori) is getting uglier day by day. Recently, CINTAA had decided to send notice (ban) to Shilpa, but the actress hit back by saying, she will go ahead and file police complaint against the producer! And she does it! The actress has apparently filed a police complaint against CINTAA for banning her from working on television! Shilpa Shinde has been trending on Twitter. Click on 'View Photos' to read the tweets... It all started when the rumours of Shilpa being unprofessional and was said to be throwing tantrums on the sets. The actress was irked with such wrong rumours doing the rounds and quit the show. She even lashed out at the producer (Benaifer Kohli) of the show and the channel (& TV). This didn't stop here, as the producer came forward with her version of story against Shilpa. She revealed some of the shocking statements about Shilpa saying how she really threw tantrums on the set (regarding clothes alterations). The producer and CINTA sent notice to the actress to join the set again, but Shilpa didn't respond to their notice! Amit Behl, Chairman, Dispute Committee, CINTAA was quoted by the website as saying, "We work for the welfare of artists and thus it is disappointing to see that our support is not being reciprocated. Shilpa has blocked our numbers and is not responding to our calls and messages. Our hands are tied and we have to take an action to sort out the issues finally." When Shilpa was informed about the notice she said, "CINTAA is for the artists and it is ridiculous that they are supporting the producers and not understanding my point of view." She further added, "How can they decide to ban me? I have decided to get back to them the legal way. I really wonder why no producer is ever banned; actors only suffer when it comes to any dispute." For this, Dilip Pithva, General Secretary, FWICE was quoted by the website as saying, "Producers will be banned if they decide to work with her. That should answer Shilpa's query." Shilpa had said in her interview to the website that she will go legal way and fight the situation. She added that she will send legal notice to CINTAA! (Images Source: Facebook) Balika Vadhu and Bigg Boss ex-contestant Pratyusha Banerjee's death case is taking a new turn with each passing day. Recently, Pratyusha's boyfriend Rahul Raj Singh, who was booked for amendment of suicide, was given interim bail by the Bombay High Court. This did not go well with the actress parents who feel the case has not been investigated properly by the allotted officials. The actress' mother, Soma Banerje had recently written a letter to the Chief Minister, Home Minister and the Police Commissioner of Mumbai, appealing to transfer the case to the Crime Branch. Click On 'View Photos' To Read The (Edited) Letter Pratyusha's mother was quoted by a leading website as saying, "We have a suspicion that she has been murdered by Rahul... He has also been threatening us and the witnesses." She felt that instead of seriously investigating the matter, the police was giving a free hand to the accused to destroy the evidence. The Minister of State (Home) Ranjit Patil said the police administration will have to bear the consequences if their work was not found proper. Patil was quoted by PTI as saying, "We have received the letter and have asked police officials to take up the case on a high priority basis. If the need be, we do not mind transferring the case to the Crime Branch." He further added, "I have myself spoken to the concerned police officials and have told them that a letter from Pratyusha's mother means that her parents are not happy with the investigation and more needs to be done." Rahul, who is undergoing treatment for depression, has been given interim protection from arrest till April 18. (With PTI Inputs) Both Wells Fargo and Merrill Lynch saw a fall in first quarter wealth management revenues this year, according to the latest earnings reports. Wells's revenue dipped 3%, or was $122 million less from the corresponding quarter last year, while Merrill's was down 2.6%, or $101 million year-over-year. Wells Fargo blamed the latest revenue figures on lower brokerage transaction revenue and asset based fees. The wirehouse also reported a 3%, or $17 million, drop in net income from the same period last year. Net interest income, however, recorded a 14% year-over-year increase, with average loans up 13% and average deposits 8%. Noninterest income was down 8% from the corresponding quarter last year for the firm. Lower market valuations and reduced transaction activity drove revenue declines at Merril Lynch, according to Bank of America. Wealth management client balances were $2 trillion, a decrease of $47 billion compared to the year before. The bank blamed lower market levels and valuations. Wells reported client assets of $225 billion, which declined 1% from the same period last year. The wirehouse also said that it completed its onboarding process of financial advisors from Credit Suisse, but did not say how many specifically moved between the firms. Wells' total number of advisors rose to 15,064, a 1% increase from last quarter. Merrill Lynch added 227 advisors from a year prior, bringing its total number of advisors to 14,412, but lost 88 from the previous quarter. The decline was mostly from transitioning advisors to the firm's Global Client Strategy team, which serves international higher-net-worth clients. Fiduciary Rule Impact The pressure on earnings will likely continue at Wells Fargo and Merrill Lynch, and may spread to other industry firms in future quarters as they begin to comply with the recent adoption of the Department of Labor's fiduciary rule, says Alois Pirker, Aite Group's wealth management research director. Productivity may be impacted on different levels as advisors switch from commissions to a fee-based compensation for retirement investment products, according to Pirker. "Advisors at Merrill Lynch work more with higher-net-worth clients, shifting the franchise decisively upmarket," Pirker says. "The pressure will be felt most by businesses with more mass affluent clients like Wells Fargo." BANK EARNINGS Merril Lynch's parent company, Bank of America, said profits declined 13% due to a drop in trading and underwriting revenues, and a 30% increase in provisions for credit losses, mostly tied to souring energy loans. First-quarter net income fell to $2.68 billion, or 21 cents a share, from $3.1 billion, or 25 cents, a year earlier, according to a statement Thursday from the Charlotte, N.C.-based firm. Adjusted earnings per share were 20 cents, missing the 21-cent average estimate of analysts surveyed by Bloomberg. Wells Fargo reported first-quarter profit fell 5.9%, as the firm set aside more money for soured energy loans and increased expenses. Net income slid to $5.46 billion, or 99 cents a share, from $5.8 billion, or $1.04, a year earlier, the firm said Thursday in a statement. That beat the 97-cent average estimate of 29 analysts surveyed by Bloomberg. Additional reporting by Bloomberg Read more: BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - German engineering group Bilfinger SE (BFLBY.PK) announced on April 13, 2016 that it was holding talks with potential candidates for the new Chairman of the Executive Board. The company intends to name the future Chairman of the Executive Board shortly. The company confirmed that talks have also been held with Thomas Blades, but these talks have not been completed. A resolution from the Supervisory Board of Bilfinger SE on the appointment of the future Chairman of the Executive Board has not yet been made, the company 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. 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. Basilea Pharmaceutica AG / Basilea reports presentation of isavuconazole and ceftobiprole data at European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID) . Processed and transmitted by NASDAQ OMX Corporate Solutions. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Post-hoc analysis on clinical response of ceftobiprole in staphylococcal bacteremia Basel, Switzerland, April 15, 2016 - Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. (SIX: BSLN) announced today that a broad range of posters and oral presentations with scientific data on the antifungal isavuconazole (CRESEMBA) and the antibiotic ceftobiprole (Zevtera) were presented at the European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID). At the conference, which was held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, starting on April 9, 2016, the company hosted symposia on new perspectives in the management of nosocomial pneumonia and current challenges and recent developments for the treatment of invasive mold infections. The data presented on isavuconazole included further analyses from the isavuconazole SECURE phase 3 study in invasive aspergillosis and the results of the ACTIVE phase 3 study in invasive candidiasis. In addition, in-vitro data on the activity of isavuconazole against a variety of fungal pathogens, including isolates with reduced susceptibility to other azoles, were presented. For ceftobiprole, the presentations included data from a post-hoc analysis of patients with staphylococcal bacteremia from four double-blind, randomized, phase 3 studies in complicated skin or pulmonary infections. The data demonstrated that clinical responses with ceftobiprole were similar to those for standard-of-care comparators, with a trend towards lower 30-day all-cause mortality with ceftobiprole. Bloodstream infections caused by Methicillin-susceptible and -resistant Staphylococcus aureus are a potentially life-threatening complication of staphylococcal infections in other sites of the body. Isavuconazole posters and presentations at ECCMID 2016 Pharmacodynamics of isavuconazole in experimental invasive pulmonary aspergillosis: a virtuous cycle between bench and bedside - L. Kovanda, R. Petraitiene, V. Petraitis, T. J. Walsh, A. Desai, P. Bonate, W. W. Hope; ePoster EP0006 Efficacy and safety outcomes in patients with probable or proven versus possible invasive mould disease from the phase 3 secure study, evaluating isavuconazole versus voriconazole for the primary treatment of invasive fungal disease caused by Aspergillus spp. or other filamentous fungi - J. Maertens, D. Selleslag, W. Heinz, R. Herbrecht, G. Rahav, M. Giladi, M. Aoun, O. A. Cornely, N. Azie, A. Kaufhold, M. Engelhardt, M. Saulay, A. Ullmann; ePoster EP0010 In vitro activity of isavuconazole against Candida and Aspergillus - M. C. Arendrup, R. H. Jensen, K. Astvad; Oral presentation O227 Isavuconazole versus caspofungin in the treatment of candidaemia and other invasive Candida infections: the ACTIVE trial - B.-J. Kullberg, G. Thompson, P. Pappas, J. Vazquez, C. Viscoli, L. Ostrosky-Zeichner, C. Rotstein, J. Sobel, R. Herbrecht, G. Rahav, E. Van Wijngaerden, J. De Waele, S. Jaruratanasirikul, P. Chetchotisakd, L. Kovanda, C. Lademacher, M. Lee, M. Engelhardt; Oral presentation O423 Intra-subject variability and exposure-response relationship of isavuconazole in the phase 3 SECURE study in patients with invasive mould disease caused by Aspergillus spp. and other filamentous fungi - T. Kaindl, M. Engelhardt, R. Townsend, A. Desai, L. Kovanda, M. Saulay, A. H. Schmitt-Hoffmann; Oral presentation O424 Population pharmacokinetics of isavuconazole in patients with invasive Candida infections (IC) and combined analysis of patients with IC or invasive aspergillosis - A. Desai, L. Kovanda, C. Lademacher, R. W. Townsend, S. Mujais, P. L. Bonate; Poster P1572 In vitro activity of isavuconazole against azole-resistant environmental Aspergillus fumigatus isolates, cryptic Candida strains and emerging yeasts - P. Le Pape, B. Ariza, C. Loge, R. Lavergne, F. Morio, C. Picot, S. Valderrama, C. Alvarez; Poster P1584 Ceftobiprole posters and presentations at ECCMID 2016 EUCAST zone diameter breakpoints and quality control criteria for ceftobiprole 5 mcg - E. Matuschek, J. Ahman, A. Santerre Henriksen, G. Kahlmeter; Poster P0825 A pooled analysis of clinical cure and mortality with ceftobiprole medocaril versus comparators in staphylococcal bacteraemia in complicated skin infections, and community- and hospital acquired pneumonia - J. Rello, G. Rahav, T. Scheeren, M. Saulay, M. Engelhardt, T. Welte; Oral presentation O318 Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ceftobiprole in adults who are severely obese - A. Schmitt-Hoffmann, M. Engelhardt, J. Spickermann, M. Jones, A. Kaufhold; Poster P1250 Bone penetration of the new-generation cephalosporin ceftobiprole in patients following hip replacement surgery - A.-H. Schmitt-Hoffmann, M. Engelhard, J. Spickermann, M. Jones, A. Kaufhold; Poster P1251 Pharmacokinetics of ceftobiprole in paediatric patients - J. Blumer, A.-H. Schmitt-Hoffmann, M. Engelhardt, J. Spickermann, M. Jones, A. Kaufhold; Poster P1252 Ceftobiprole resistance in Danish MRSA - A. Larsen, A. Petersen, F. Hansen, A. Santerre Henriksen, R. Skov; Poster P1343 Comparison of MRSA susceptibility to ceftobiprole as determined by either Etest or microdilution methods - L. Galia, G. Cornaglia, A. Mazzariol; Poster P1345 For further information please visit www.eccmid.org (http://www.eccmid.org). About CRESEMBA (isavuconazole) Isavuconazole is an intravenous and oral azole antifungal and the active agent of the prodrug isavuconazonium sulfate. The drug was co-developed with Basilea's license partner Astellas Pharma Inc. Astellas commercializes isavuconazole in the U.S. and Basilea holds full rights in markets outside the United States. Isavuconazole was approved in March 2015 by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the use for patients 18 years of age and older in the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and invasive mucormycosis, and was launched in the U.S. by Astellas in April 2015. Isavuconazole is marketed under the trade name CRESEMBA. The European Commission granted isavuconazole marketing authorization in October 2015 for the treatment of adult patients with invasive aspergillosis and for the treatment of adult patients with mucormycosis for whom amphotericin B is inappropriate.1 The European marketing authorization is valid in all 28 European Union member states, as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. Basilea has launched CRESEMBA in the UK and Germany, and launches in additional European countries are planned throughout 2016. Isavuconazole has orphan drug designation for the treatment of invasive aspergillosis and mucormycosis in Europe and the U.S. Outside the United States and the EU, isavuconazole is currently an investigational product and not approved for commercial use. About Zevtera (ceftobiprole) Zevtera (ceftobiprole medocaril) is a broad-spectrum antibiotic for intravenous administration with bactericidal activity against certain Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and susceptible Pseudomonas spp.2 Ceftobiprole is approved for sale in 13 European countries and Canada for the treatment of adult patients with community-acquired pneumonia and hospital-acquired pneumonia (excluding ventilator-associated pneumonia).2 It has been launched in Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom and Austria. Ceftobiprole received Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the potential treatment of community-acquired bacterial pneumonia and acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections. Ceftobiprole is not approved in the United States. About Basilea Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is a biopharmaceutical company developing products that address increasing resistance and non-response to current treatment options in the therapeutic areas of bacterial infections, fungal infections and cancer. The company uses the integrated research, development and commercial operations of its subsidiary Basilea Pharmaceutica International Ltd. to discover, develop and commercialize innovative pharmaceutical products to meet the medical needs of patients with serious and potentially life-threatening conditions. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is headquartered in Basel, Switzerland and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (SIX: BSLN). Additional information can be found at Basilea's website www.basilea.com (http://www.basilea.com). Disclaimer This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Basilea Pharmaceutica Ltd. is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. For further information, please contact: Peer Nils Schroder, PhD Head Corporate Communications & Investor Relations +41 61 606 1102 media_relations@basilea.com (mailto:media_relations@basilea.com) investor_relations@basilea.com (mailto:investor_relations@basilea.com) This press release can be downloaded from www.basilea.com (http://www.basilea.com). References 1 European Public Assessment Report (EPAR) for CRESEMBA: http://www.ema.europa.eu (http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR_-_Summary_for_the_public/human/002734/WC500196131.pdf) [Accessed: April 12, 2016] 2 UK Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) for Zevtera: http://www.mhra.gov.uk/ (http://www.mhra.gov.uk/spc-pil/?prodName=ZEVTERA%20500MG%20POWDER%20FOR%20CONCENTRATE%20FOR%20SOLUTION%20FOR%20INFUSION&subsName=&pageID=ThirdLevel&searchTerm=zevteraretainDisplay) [Accessed: April 12, 2016] Press release (PDF) (http://hugin.info/134390/R/2003843/739757.pdf) LONDON, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Norgine B.V. announced today that it has expanded its agreement with Apharm s.r.l. to distribute ZIVEREL in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the UK. In June 2015, Norgine and Apharm entered into an agreement to distribute ZIVEREL in Spain, Australia and New Zealand. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130829/633895-a ) ZIVEREL is a medical device (class III) used to maintain the integrity of the oesophageal mucosa to avoid the irritation of the oesophagus caused by stomach acid among other causes. ZIVEREL is a combination of hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate, which protects the oesophageal mucosa by an original mechanism.[i] The presence of a high bioadhesive capacity component (poloxamer 407) in the formulation increases the stability of contact between the chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid in the surface of the wall of the oesophagus and contributes to the protective effect against the action of hydrochloric acid and pepsin produced by the stomach. Chondroitin sulfate also has an action that promotes the repair process of the oesophageal mucosa. Peter Martin, COO at Norgine said: "We are delighted to increase the number of countries in which ZIVEREL will become available. This recent transaction exemplifies our partnering culture and commitment to acquire further specialised innovative products to be maximised through our well-established EU infrastructure." He added: "By ensuring ZIVEREL is widely available in the EU, patients who suffer from gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms will have access to a new treatment option for a condition which is on the rise and that can have a significant impact on health-related quality of life and reduction in personal and work-related productivity." Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is prevalent worldwide, and disease burden may be increasing. It affects up to 20% of the Western population[ii] and is associated with a range of risk factors. ZIVEREL is available in Spain. Norgine plans to launch ZIVEREL in Australia and New Zealand in 2016 and in early 2017 in the newly added European markets. Go to http://www.norgine.com to access release in full. ----------------------------------- i. Simone et al. Barrier effect of Esoxxon esophageal mucosal damage: experimental study on ex-vivo swine model. Clin Exp Gastroenterology. 2012; 5: 103-17 ii. J Dent et al. Gut2005;54:710-717 doi:10.1136/gut.2004.051821. http://gut.bmj.com/content/54/5/710.full LONDON, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Company:B.S.D CROWN LTD., incorporated and registered in the State of Israel with registered number 52-004292-0 (the "Company") Notice by:Rotenstreich Gitzelter Trust Company Ltd. ("Rotenstreich Gitzelter ") It is announced that the Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company, which was scheduled to be held on Monday, April 18, 2016 at 2pm (London time) at the Hilton London Tower Bridge, 5 More London Place, Tooley Street, London SE1 2BY, United Kingdom, is hereby cancelled. The cancellation of the Extraordinary General Meeting is required due to a postponement of the hearing of the motion filed on February 28, 2016 by Rotenstreich Gitzelter, together with Mr Naftali Shani, with the District Court in Tel-Aviv, Israel, requesting the Court to find and declare that the extraordinary general meeting of BGI Investments (1961) Ltd., held on February 17, 2016 was duly convened and that the resolutions approved at said meeting were duly accepted. BGI Investments (1961) Ltd. holds 25,515,677 ordinary shares of the Company. On April 14, 2016 the Court ordered a postponement of the hearing, to be held on May 5, 2016. Therefore, NOTICE is hereby given hereby given that AN EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING of the Company (the "EGM") will be held on Monday, May 9, 2016 at 2pm (London time) at the Hilton London Tower Bridge, 5 More London Place, Tooley Street, London SE1 2BY, United Kingdom. The EGM is called by invitation of Rotenstreich Gitzelter, a Company shareholder, holding 10,278,451 ordinary shares of the Company (representing approximately 9.34 per cent. of the Company's issued and outstanding share capital and voting rights), whose request to convene an extraordinary general meeting of the Company's shareholders, in accordance with clause 63(b) and 63(c) of the Israeli Companies Law, 5759-1999 (the "Israeli Companies Law") and the Company's articles of association, was served on 3 February 2016 to the board of directors of the Company (the "Board") and refused. Following said refusal, Rotenstreich Gitzelter is entitled to call an extraordinary general meeting in accordance with clause 64 of the Israeli Companies Law. The EGM will convene for the purpose of considering and voting upon the following proposed resolutions: 1. the election of the following persons to serve the office as directors of the board of directors of the Company commencing on the date of approval by shareholders at the EGM and until the conclusion of the next annual general meeting: a)Mr. Naftali Shani; b)Adv. Arnon Gicelter; c)Mr. Yonatan Malca; and d)Mr. David Blass. 2. the election of Ms. Ruth Breger to serve the office as a statutory independent director in accordance with the Israeli Companies Law for an initial fixed term of three years commencing on the date of approval by shareholders at the EGM. 3. the removal from office of all the existing directors (other than the statutory independent director), namely: a)Mr Gregory Gurtovoi; b)Mr Oleksander Avdyeyev; c)Mr Israel Jossef Schneorson; d)Mr Yosef Schvinger; and e)Mr Chanoch Winderboim. EGM documents Copies of the notice, as well as the proposed directors' respective declarations, are available at the offices of Rotenstreich Gitzelter Trust Company Ltd. during regular business hours via email to: office@rglaw.co.il or upon advanced notice at 25 Ibn Gvirol Street, Tel-Aviv, Israel, Tel: +972-3-5258090 Fax: +972-3-5258080. Remuneration and Indemnification Pursuant to the Israeli Companies Law, the remuneration of directors is subject to the approval by the Company's remuneration committee followed by the approval of the board of directors of the Company. Subject to the required approvals by law, directors shall also be entitled to indemnification and Directors and Officers insurance policy covering actions and omissions. Record Date The record date for shareholders and depository interest holders to be entitled to vote is set on April 18, 2016. Quorum Two or more shareholders, present in person or by proxy and holding shares conferring in the aggregate at least 25% of the outstanding voting power of the Company, shall constitute a legal quorum at the EGM. No business shall be transacted at the EGM unless a legal quorum is present, and no resolution may be passed unless a legal quorum is present at the time such resolution is voted upon. If within half an hour from the time scheduled for the EGM a legal quorum is not present, the meeting shall be adjourned to May 16, 2016 at the same time and place (the "Adjourned Meeting"). If within half an hour from the time scheduled for the Adjourned Meeting a legal quorum is not present, then any two shareholders entitled to vote, present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a legal quorum for such adjourned meeting and shall be entitled to resolve any matters on the agenda of the meeting. Contact: Rotenstreich Gitzelter Trust Company Ltd. 25 Ibn Gvirol Street, Tel-Aviv, Israel Tel: +972-3-5258090 Fax: +972-3-5258080 Email: office@rglaw.co.il PST Nordic AB, the subsidiary company of Panevezio statybos trestas AB, has signed the construction contract agreement with Ake Sundvall Byggnads AB. The company will make the design of the pre-fabricated reinforced concrete and steel frame, deliver and erect it, starting all activities in April 2016 and completing them by 1 September 2016. The total value of the contract amounts to approximately 0.7 mln. Euros. There will be 16 apartments in the newly built apartment building and the total area of the building will be nearly 2000 square meters. Contact person Managing Director Dalius Gesevicius Tel. (+370 45) 505 503 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. Attendo is the leading private provider of publicly financed care and healthcare services in the Nordic region. The company was founded in 1985 and was first to provide outsourced care for older people in Sweden. In addition to care for older people, Attendo provides care for people with disabilities, individuals and families, and, in Finland, healthcare and dental care. Attendo has 19 000 employees and is locally anchored with 510 operations in more than 200 municipalities in Sweden, Finland, Norway and Denmark. www.attendo.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. April 15, 2016 - Aker Solutions secured an agreement to provide maintenance and other services for subsea facilities at Petrobras-operated oil and gas fields offshore Brazil. The contract is for a fixed term of three years valued at BRL 435 million net of taxes (NOK 1 billion) and may be extended by another three years. It covers maintenance, storage, supply of parts and technical assistance for all subsea equipment delivered by Aker Solutions to Petrobras in Brazil. "Brazil is a key global offshore market," said Luis Araujo, chief executive officer of Aker Solutions. "We have a nearly four-decade presence in the country and are committed to finding solutions to help Petrobras develop its petroleum resources in the most efficient and sustainable manner possible." Aker Solutions is in April opening a new subsea manufacturing center in Curitiba, doubling its local production capacity. The company is also upgrading its subsea services unit in Rio das Ostras to better meet customer demand. The contract will be managed at the base in Rio das Ostras in Rio de Janeiro, at a local content rate of 87 percent. This builds on a commitment to develop partnerships with national suppliers. "We are pleased to be able to continue providing top-notch services and technologies to support Petrobras' production and growth plans in the pre-salt deepwater fields," said Maria Peralta, head of Aker Solutions in Brazil. The agreement is similar to one signed in 2011 for maintenance of equipment and other offshore services. Currently, Aker Solutions' subsea lifecycle services unit has about 360 employees in Brazil, of which 150 are part of the technical team working offshore. The company has about 1,300 employees in the country. The contract is booked as part of Aker Solutions' first-quarter order intake. ENDS For further information, please contact: Media: Bunny Nooryani, Chief Communications Officer, Aker Solutions. Tel: +47 67 59 42 71, Mob: +47 480 27 575, E-mail: bunny.nooryani@akersolutions.com (mailto:bunny.nooryani@akersolutions.com) Anne Cecilie Lund-Andersen, Media Relations Manager, Aker Solutions. Tel: +47 22 94 74 52, Mob: +47 99 62 12 13, E-mail: anne.cecilie.lund-andersen@akersolutions.com (mailto:anne.cecilie.lund-andersen@akersolutions.com) Investors: David Phillips, Head of Industry & Investor Relations, Aker Solutions. Tel: +44 208 811 7111, Mob: +44 7788 338 887, E-mail: david.phillips@akersolutions.com (mailto:david.phillips@akersolutions.com) Lasse Torkildsen, Senior Advisor, Aker Solutions. Tel: +47 67 51 30 39, Mob: +47 911 37 194, E-mail: lasse.torkildsen@akersolutions.com (mailto:lasse.torkildsen@akersolutions.com) Aker Solutions is a global provider of products, systems and services to the oil and gas industry. Its engineering, design and technology bring discoveries into production and maximize recovery. The company employs approximately 15,000 people in about 20 countries. Go to http://akersolutions.com (http://akersolutions.com/) for more information on our business, people and values. This press release may include forward-looking information or statements and is subject to our disclaimer, see http://akersolutions.com (http://akersolutions.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: Aker Solutions ASA via Globenewswire HUG#2003844 Not for publication, release or distribution directly or indirectly in the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan. This press release is not an offer of securities, or a solicitation for purchase, subscription or sale of securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction in which it would be unlawful to do so. Soitec's Board of Directors calls on shareholders to take part in the vote for the second Extraordinary General Meeting on April 29, 2016 Bernin, France, April 15, 2016 - Soitec (Euronext Paris), a world leader in manufacturing innovative semiconductor materials, will hold another Extraordinary General Meeting on Friday April 29 on second notice. Said Extraordinary General Meeting has been convened in order to vote on the only two resolutions (the 7th and 8th resolutions) that could not be voted on during the Combined General Meeting of April 11 due to lack of quorum, as Bpifrance Participations could not vote on these two resolutions respectively relating to the approval of the recapitalization transaction as a whole and to the reserved capital increase in favor of Bpifrance Participations. Shareholders who have already voted remotely during the Combined General Meeting of April 11 (either by post or via the internet) or have appointed a proxy , do not need to take further action: their votes and proxies remain valid for the meeting of April 29. However, shareholders who appointed a proxy other than the Chairman are invited to contact their proxy to ensure that he or she will take part in the vote on April 29. The Board of Directors invites all other shareholders, i.e. those who did not take part in the Combined General Meeting of April 11 but also those who attended said meeting in person, to take part in the General Meeting convened for April 29 on second notice: Shareholders who already have an admission card for the Combined General Meeting of April 11 do not need to request another admission card if they wish to attend the April 29 meeting in person. They can also choose to vote by post, by returning their form to their authorized intermediary (for bearer shareholders) or directly to BNP Paribas Securities Services (CTS Assemblees Generales - Les Grands Moulins de Pantin - 9, rue du Debarcadere - 93761 Pantin Cedex), for registered shareholders. Shareholders who did not take part in the Combined General Meeting of April 11 (and did not ask for an admission card for the Combined General Meeting of April 11) may choose to take part in any way (attend the meeting in person, vote by post, via the internet or appoint a proxy) and are encouraged to vote via the internet. Online voting via the VOTACCESS platform will end at 3pm Paris time on April 26. However, to avoid any overloading of the Votaccess site, shareholders are advised to vote before April 26. The Combined General Meeting convened on first notice on April 11, 2016 was convened to decide upon all the resolutions required for the implementation of Soitec's planned capital increases[1] (#_ftn1). Said capital increases were announced on February 10, 2016 and are intended to raise between 130 million and 180 million, including 76.5 million via reserved capital increases. At the Combined General Meeting convened on first notice on April 11, 2016, shareholders widely approved the resolutions that had beensubmitted to them - which did not include the 7th and 8th resolutions - with between 86% and 99% voting in favor of them. The second notice convening the meeting, including the agenda and the text of the 7th and 8th resolutions (identical to the text included in the first notice convening the meeting published in the Bulletin des Annonces Legales Obligatoires on March 21, 2016) has been published in today's Bulletin des Annonces Legales Obligatoires. Shareholders can download the voting form and view the documents relating to the General Meeting and the planned capital increases on the website dedicated to the transaction that can be accessed from Soitec's homepage at www.soitec.com (http://www.soitec.com). If shareholders have any questions, they are invited to call +33 1 70 79 13 15 or to email them to investors@soitec.com. Soitec S.A. draws the public's attention to the "Risk factors" sections of the prospectus granted visa no. 16-085 dated March 18, 2016 by the AMF, set out in chapter 4 of the registration document filed with the AMF on June 10, 2015 under no. D.15-0587 and of its update filed with the AMF on March 7, 2016 under no. D-15-0587-A01 as well as in chapter 4 of the offering memorandum included in the prospectus. The realization of one or several of these risks is likely to have a material adverse impact on the business, assets, financial situation, results or prospects of the Soitec group as well as on the market price of the Soitec S.A. shares. Copies of the prospectus are available free of charge at the registered office of the Company, Parc Technologique des Fontaines, Chemin des Franques, 38190 Bernin, on its website (www.soitec.com) and on the AMF website (www.amf-france.org (http://www.amf-france.org)). Important Notice This document constitutes an advertisement and not a prospectus. No communication or other information related to this transaction or to Soitec S.A. may be transmitted to the public in a country in which any approval or registration is required. No steps to such end have been taken or will be taken by Soitec S.A. in any country in which such steps would be required (other than France). This press release and the information contained herein do not constitute and cannot be construed as a public offer, an offer to sell or subscribe or a solicitation of an order to purchase or subscribe securities in any country other than France. This press release does not constitute an offer or a solicitation to sell or subscribe for securities requiring a prospectus within the meaning of Directive 2003/71/EC of the European Parliament and Council dated November 4, 2003, as amended, including by Directive 2010/73/EU insofar as said Directive has been implemented in the Member States of the European Economic Area (together, the "Prospectus Directive", such expression including any relevant implementing measure in each member State of the European Economic Area). With respect to the member states of the European Economic Area other than France (each a "Member State") having implemented the Prospectus Directive, no action has been or will be taken in order to permit a public offer of the securities which would require the publication of a prospectus in any Member State. In each Member State, the information contained herein is addressed solely to persons who are "qualified investors" within the meaning of the Prospectus Directive. The securities mentioned in this press release have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and may not be offered, or sold in the United States in the absence of such registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement under the Securities Act. Soitec S.A. does not intend to register any portion of the planned offering in the United States or to conduct a public offering of securities in the United States. This press release is neither an invitation to commit to, nor is it intended to encourage an investment activity for the purposes of Section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended ("FSMA"). This press release is directed only at (i) persons outside the United Kingdom, (ii) investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order"), (iii) persons referred to in Article 49(2) (a) to (d) of the Order (high net worth entities, non-registered associations, etc.) and (iv) other persons to whom this document may be lawfully communicated (all persons listed in (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) above being referred to as "Relevant Persons"). The securities of Soitec S.A. described herein are available only to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, Relevant Persons. Any person who is not a Relevant Person must not act or rely on this document or any of its contents. The release, publication or distribution of this press release in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by laws or regulations. Persons physically located in such jurisdictions in which this press release is released, published or distributed must inform themselves about and comply with such laws or regulations. This press release must not be published, released or distributed, directly or indirectly, in Australia, Canada, Japan or the United States. About Soitec Soitec (Euronext, Paris) is a world leader in manufacturing innovative semiconductor materials. The company uses its unique technologies to serve the electronics and energy markets. With 3,600 patents worldwide, Soitec's strategy is based on disruptive innovation to respond to its customers' needs for high performance, energy efficiency and cost competitiveness. Soitec has manufacturing facilities, R&D centers and offices in Europe, the US and Asia. For more information, please visit www.soitec.com. For any additional information, please contact: Investor relations Steve Babureck +33 (0)6 16 38 56 27 or +1 858 519 6230 steve.babureck@soitec.com (mailto:steve.babureck@soitec.com) Individual shareholder relations +33 (0)1 70 79 13 15 investors@soitec.com (mailto:investors@soitec.com) Media relations Fabrice Baron +33 (0)1 53 32 61 27 fabrice.baron@ddbfinancial.fr Isabelle Laurent +33 (0)1 53 32 61 51 isabelle.laurent@ddbfinancial.fr [1] (#_ftnref1) Readers are invited to consult the press release published by the company on February 10, 2016, along with all information on the planned capital increases on the www.soitec.com website. Soitec press release in PDF (http://hugin.info/143589/R/2003848/739762.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: SOITEC via Globenewswire HUG#2003848 ROME (dpa-AFX) - Automaker Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV (FCAU) reported Friday that its European sales for the month of March increased 13.3 percent year-over-year to 110,600 vehicles, significantly outperforming the industry average of 5.7 percent. Market share was 40 basis points higher at 6.3 percent. All FCA brands registered increases. The company posted March sales increases of 21.5 percent in Italy, 10.2 percent in France, 13.2 percent in the UK and 12.9 percent in Spain. Fiat brand posted European sales of 85,500 vehicles for the month, representing a 14.0 percent year-over-year increase and the best March sales since 2010. Market share was 40 basis points higher at 4.9 percent. For the major European markets, the Fiat brand posted March sales increase of 21.6 percent in Italy, 14.7 percent in France, 13.3 percent in the UK and 13.8 percent in Spain. Lancia/Chrysler also outperformed the market with sales up 16.8 percent to 7,300 units and share in line with the prior year at 0.4 percent. Jeep posted a 14.5 percent increase in March sales to nearly 10,700 vehicles. For the three months year-to-date, FCA posted unit sales of more than 264,000 vehicles, an increase of 16.3 percent with market share 50 basis points higher at 6.7 percent. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. PUNE, India, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Market-Research-Reports.com adds "Global and Chinese Chloropicrin Industry, 2016 Market Research Report" latest study of 150 pages, published in Apr 2016, to the Chemicals intelligence collection of its store. 2016 Chloropicrin Industry Report - Global and Chinese Market Scenario is a comprehensive business research report that highlights the latest business trends with a thorough description for each and every business aspect of the Chloropicrin industry. The report systematically addresses the growth prospects of the Chloropicrin market and drafts a business forecast for the period of 2016-2021. Complete report on Chloropicrin market divided into 11 major chapters that offer an overview of current market scenario as well as Chloropicrin forecasts is now available at http://www.market-research-reports.com/450193-chloropicrin-industry . 2016 Chloropicrin Industry Report - Global and Chinese Market commences with an introduction to the industry, providing detailed explanations of the industry terminologies and explaining the development of the industry over time. The changes and the development introduced to the manufacturing technologies are stated in the following section of the report, discussing the current status of the industry. Then, the report explores the company profile of the key-players in the Chloropicrin market, analyzing their current and past product specifications. Then, the report reviews the past market condition of the Global and Chinese Chloropicrin industry over the review period of 2011-2016, analyzing crucial figures of industry wide production, consumption and supply of Chloropicrin within the review period. Also, the section highlights the Import and export of Chloropicrin by the Chinese market. To make it easy to understand and provide an overall business insight on the prevalent market competition, the report provides a market competition break-up that has classified the market competition based on the companies in the business and on the basis of key business regions of Chloropicrin industry. Order a copy of Global and Chinese Chloropicrin Industry, 2016 Market Research Report at http://www.market-research-reports.com/contacts/purchase.php?name=450193 . Based on the key-findings of the market research and by thoroughly analyzing the primary and secondary informative inputs provided by the existing industry players, industry experts have drafted a market forecast 2016-2021 that suggests estimated business growth over the forecast period. In the last few-sections, the report explains the industry chain structure and explores through all possible impacts of Global and Chinese economy on the Chloropicrin market. A dedicated section to a new business proposal is incorporated in the report stating the market strategies, countermeasures and vivid marketing channels, for a new business unit in the Global and Chinese Chloropicrin industry. To sum up, the report provides a conclusion that covers all the key-findings of the report and explaining the application and scope of the report. Also, it enlists the best practices that can be followed by the business professional, associated with the Chloropicrin market at different levels, ensuring a hassle free decision making procedure. Another research titled Global and Chinese Nitrochloroform (CAS 76-06-2) Industry, 2015 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the global Nitrochloroform industry with a focus on the Chinese market. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Nitrochloroform manufacturers and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the industry. 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 2010-2015 market shares for each company. Through the statistical analysis, the report depicts the global and Chinese total market of Nitrochloroform 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 2015-2020 market development trends of Nitrochloroform 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 Nitrochloroform Industry before evaluating its feasibility. Overall, the report provides an in-depth insight of 2010-2020 global and Chinese Nitrochloroform industry covering all important parameters. Read more at http://www.market-research-reports.com/426784-nitrochloroform-cas-76-06-2-industry . Explore more reports on chemicals at http://www.market-research-reports.com/cat/chemicals-market-research . About Us: Market Research Reports is an aggregator of syndicated market research studies that offer current and future market intelligence across multiple industrial verticals through is high quality database. Market Research Reports aims to help you take business decisions accurately and on time, every time. Understanding your time constraints, we can help you find the most relevant research based on the requirements you share with us. Our customers get 24 X 7 email and phone support. Feel free to reach us at +1 888 391 5441 with your business intelligence needs. Contact: Ritesh Tiwari UNIT no 802, Tower no. 7, SEZ Magarpatta city, Hadapsar Pune - 411013 Maharashtra, India. Tel: +1-888-391-5441 sales@market-research-reports.com BANGALORE, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- - Q4 Revenue Growth at 1.6% qoq in USD Terms; 1.9% in Constant Currency Terms - Q4 Operating Margin at 25.5%; Increase of 0.6% From Q3 Operating Margin of 24.9% - FY 16 Revenue Growth at 9.1% in USD Terms; 13.3% in Constant Currency Terms - FY 17 Revenue Guidance at 11.5%-13.5% in Constant Currency and 11.8%-13.8% in USD Terms at March 31, 2016 Exchange Rates - Board Recommended a Final Dividend ofINR 14.25 per share Financial Highlights Consolidated results under International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for the quarter and year ended March 31, 2016 Quarter ended March 31, 2016 Revenues were $ 2,446 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 QoQ growth was 1.6% in reported terms; 1.9% in constant currency terms YoY growth was 13.3% in reported terms; 15.0% in constant currency terms Operating profit was $ 625 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 QoQ growth was 4.3% YoY growth was 12.6% Net profit was $ 533 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 QoQ growth was 1.7% YoY growth was 7.0% Earnings per share (EPS) was $ 0.23 for the quarter ended March 31, 2016 QoQ growth was 1.7% YoY growth was 7.0% Year ended March 31, 2016 Revenues were $ 9 , 501 million for the year ended March 3 1 , 201 6 YoY growth was 9.1% in reported terms; 13. 3 % in constant currency terms Operating profit was $ 2,375 million for the year ended March 31, 201 6 YoY growth was 5 .2% Net profit was $ 2,052 million for the year ended March 3 1 , 201 6 YoY growth was 1 . 9 % Earnings per share (EPS) was $ 0.90 for the year ended March 31, 2016 YoY growth was 1.9% Liquid assets including cash and cash equivalents, available-for-sale financial assets and government bonds were $ 5,202 million as on March 31, 2016 as compared to $ 4,765 million as on December 31, 2015 and $ 5,214 million as on March 31, 2015 as on as compared to as on and as on The Board of Directors recommended a final dividend of INR 14.25 per share for fiscal 2016. This translates to a final dividend of $ 0.22 per share (at USD-INR rate of 66.26). (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130122/589162 ) "I am proud of our company's achievements in my first fiscal year as CEO of Infosys. At the same time, I am humbled by the task that is still in front of us. We started the year just two quarters into a strategy to completely reimagine the notion of services and to transform Infosys. Over the course of this year, we saw this strategy, of bringing automation and innovation to our clients, on a foundation of learning and education, start to show results in the organic growth of our client relationships, in our win rates in large deals, and in the types of projects we are seeing in strategic areas where we never participated before. I am proud of what our teams have achieved this quarter and in the year," said Dr. Vishal Sikka, CEO. "And yet despite these heartening results, they are still based on metrics of the past, of the way the industry has been. The world of our future looks entirely different - it is a world that is being fundamentally reshaped by digital technologies, and it is our endeavor to create great value for every business through solutions built on our AI technology and open, cloud platforms, to have Infoscions amplified by intelligent technology, to bring purposeful innovation to life, and in that sense, we are still very much at the beginning of this journey." "Employee attrition reduced further in Q4, and is reflective of increased engagement with our people all through the year, and our steps to make Infosys an exciting place for the world's best talent. We continue to reimagine our internal processes to increase organizational agility," said U B Pravin Rao, COO. "The momentum of large deal wins continued this quarter and bookings were strong." "Our growth trajectory improved in FY 16 and we navigated the external business environment well. We will continue to focus on leveraging operational efficiency levers for consistent profitable growth," said M.D. Ranganath, CFO. "During the quarter, cash generation was strong. We managed a volatile currency environment effectively." Outlook* The Company's outlook (consolidated) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2017, under IFRS is as follows: Revenues are expected to grow 11.5%-13.5% in constant currency*; Revenues are expected to grow 11.8%-13.8% in USD terms based on the exchange rates as of March 31, 2016 ** *AUD/USD - 0.73; Euro/USD - 1.10; GBP/USD - 1.51 **AUD/USD - 0.77; Euro/USD - 1.14; GBP/USD - 1.44 Management Changes The Company announced that Mr. Mohit Joshi, Mr. Ravi Kumar S and Mr. Sandeep Dadlani have been appointed as Presidents of the company effective immediately. Business Highlights This quarter we made significant advances in our strategy to deliver automation and innovation through our traditional and new service offerings, our platforms and tools, and through investments in the broader ecosystem - enabling us to create more depth in existing client relationships, win more deals and specifically large deals, and open up entirely new types of strategic projects for Infosys. Driving depth in client relationships, and winning large deals ConAgra Foods, Inc., one of North America's leading packaged food companies, chose us as a strategic partner for a multi-year managed services deal that will support ConAgra's Application, Infrastructure and Information Security systems. The design-thinking led solution will leverage Panaya and the Infosys Automation Platform (IAP) to help the client reduce total effort in support, upgrade and testing and will drive innovation, improve service levels, and reduce operating costs. For Welsh Water, a large utilities company, we will be responsible for the setup, migration and execution of data center facilities and services, managing over 400 critical network links, business applications, server and storage management. We will also transform and manage the client's internal network communications and IP telephony services and infrastructure. The deal includes managing all projects in the client's IT ecosystem including virtualization, operating system strategy, database platforms and more. Growing momentum in new services, platforms and tools We continued to see new strategic projects coming to Infosys based on our Aikido service offerings as well as our platforms and tools. IIP - Completed more than 220 engagements leveraging IIP; announced availability of IIP on AWS. This quarter we announced the availability of IIP on Amazon Web Services Marketplace (AWS Marketplace). Businesses will now be able to gain robust data insights quickly, while tapping into the flexibility and the lower cost of a cloud-based platform. Hershey's LLC, North America's largest chocolate manufacturer, recently used IIP on AWS to analyze retail store data. The company wanted to gain valuable, revenue-generating insight faster than a traditional analytics implementation could deliver. Hershey needed to establish its Hadoop landscape and extend its analytics and big data capabilities quickly. Partnering with the client, we had the landscape up and the data lake seeded for their analysts in less than a week. Using the Infosys Information Platform on AWS accelerated the deployment by weeks IAP - More than 125 engagements in IAP across segments; 21 additional deployments in this quarter across key accounts. Johnson Controls (JCI) is transforming the role IT plays in accelerating growth and delivering value to the business. One of JCI's goals for this transformation is to drive and improve efficiency across the enterprise through Automation. Infosys is helping JCI in this journey to delivery leading edge Enterprise Automation capabilities. JCI will automate business processes, with the help of Infosys's industry leading tools and services including Self-service, Robotic and Assisted Automation, Predictive Diagnostics, and Self-Healing capabilities. Panaya, Skava & EdgeVerve Panaya and Skava continued to gain traction both as part of large client engagements where these products were central to the value proposition, and as standalone deals. Cummins, a global power leader that designs, manufactures, sells and services diesel engines and related technology globally, chose us as a partner to execute its Brazilian Oracle upgrade program. Rosane Rodrigues , CIO, Cummins Brazil commented, "Our Brazilian oracle instance has all the complexities needed to support our local business, with more than 5000+ objects, catering to different product lines and supporting 2500+ users in South America . Risk of disruption to our business was a major concern. We wanted to make sure we partnered with a service provider who has in depth Oracle knowledge, understanding of localization requirements and more importantly someone who could demonstrate their ability to de-risk the upgrade project by using advanced tools. The Panaya based detailed impact analysis that Infosys presented to us prior to start of the project gave us the confidence that they exactly knew what was going to break and how to fix it. With their upgrade methodology and cloud based impact assessment tools like Panaya, Infosys is leading the way in minimizing risk involved in software changes." Aimia Inc., a global leader in data-driven marketing and loyalty analytics, has chosen us as strategic partner for a multi-year managed services deal to deliver product engineering, maintenance and support services of various Aimia platforms and solutions. Liz Graham , EVP Operations and Strategic Initiatives at Aimia said, "We have chosen Infosys' Skava platform to implement Omni-channel Digital marketing solution for its nimbleness and ability to work in a test-and-learn manner. We look forward for a great partnership with Infosys and leveraging Skava platform in other digital initiatives." This quarter the EdgeVerve business sustained momentum with 18 wins and 24 go-lives for both the Finacle and Edge suite of solutions across various market regions. Lesley Secretan Director and COO of Bank Leumi (UK) plc said, "Finacle Corporate e-banking will provide us with a complete and modern e-banking solution for our changing corporate banking requirements. We chose Finacle for its out-of-the box capabilities, enhanced functionality, agile implementation approach, and the ability to work on multiple platforms. Over the years, Infosys Finacle has demonstrated extensive experience in the market, having worked on complex projects with leading banks globally. Perhaps more importantly, we chose Finacle because we liked its look and feel and felt it will be appreciated by our customers once the solution is deployed." Design-led services - Now in every engagement and rapidly reaching all our clients. In the last quarter, we saw a significant increase in the adoption of Design Thinking by our clients globally. More than 225 Design Thinking workshops have been conducted to date, with more than 10 design led transformation programs this quarter from across industry segments. A very significant development is that our clients are increasingly engaging with our consultants to develop and execute strategic business transformation ideas and initiatives. Building a Culture of Innovators Zero Distance - Covers more than 95% of the projects base lined andmanaged by Infosys. Zero Distance, our program to drive innovation in every project, empowering all employees to be innovators, now covers almost all projects and is establishing a new way to achieve project management excellence. Jeroen Korstanje, IT Change Manager Enterprise Content Management, ABN AMRO, said, "We have been partnering with Infosys over 10 years. In the last 3 years our partnership has reached a higher maturity and we are truly acting as partners. The Zero Distance and Design Thinking movement within the Infosys organization is adding additional value to the partnership. Looking pro-actively at opportunities to make the work easier and automate as much as possible we already implemented a number of improvements. To strengthen the partnership even more we jointly trained all staff in the Enterprise Content Management area in Zero Distance and Design Thinking. I am confident that this will bring even more value to the bank as a whole." Extending the Reach through our Ecosystem This quarter we announced an investment of USD 4 million in Waterline Data Science, a leading provider of data discovery and data governance software. This investment is testimony to our efforts to bring innovative data science solutions across our platforms and offerings, and commitment to deliver greater business value for our clients from their Big Data assets. Awards and Recognition Ranked a "Leader in the Winner's Circle - Excellent at Innovation and Execution," in HfS's Research Blueprint: Design Thinking in the As-A-service Economy. Infosys ReachOut solution selected by The American Council for Technology - Industry Advisory Council (ACT-IAC) as one of the top 40 finalists for its Igniting Innovation 2016 Awards. . Infosys ReachOut is a device agnostic web-based application that connects people-in-need with assistance and resources in real-time. Infosys Finacle rated as a Market Leader in Ovum's Core Banking Decision Matrix for Europe . . Infosys Finacle positioned as one of the top selling solution in IBS Sales League 2016. Infosys Finacle recognized for Best Innovations in Digital Initiative - Middle and Back Office and the Best Islamic Banking Technology Provider in the Middle East at the 2016 Private Banking Middle East Awards. at the 2016 Private Banking Middle East Awards. Awarded Tableau GSI partner of the year; Hitachi Data Systems Innovation Partner of the Year. Beyond Business In fiscal 2016 over INR 216 crore ($ 33 million) contributed by Infosys has been utilized across projects related to healthcare, education, culture, destitute care and rural development. In addition, the company has spent INR 86 crore ($ 13 million) crore on multiple initiatives including Chennai flood disaster relief, environment sustainability and conservation of natural resources aimed at long term sustainability of eco system. As part of its mission to better prepare all students for an increasingly digital future, Infosys Foundation USA continued to engage with local communities and invest in computer science related programs. The Foundation announced a grant of $1M in partnership with NSF to support Computer Science (CS) professional development for teachers.This collaboration will provide opportunities for as many as 2,000 school teachers to deepen their understanding of CS. About Infosys Ltd Infosys is a global leader in consulting, technology, outsourcing and next-generation services. We enable clients, in more than 50 countries, to stay a step ahead of emerging business trends and outperform the competition. We help them transform and thrive in a changing world by co-creating breakthrough solutions that combine strategic insights and execution excellence. Visit http://www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NYSE: INFY), with US$ 9.5 billion in LTM revenues and 194,000+ employees, is helping enterprises renew themselves while also creating new avenues to generate value. Safe Harbor Certain statements in this press release concerning our future growth prospects are forward-looking statements regarding our future business expectations intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding fluctuations in earnings, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, our ability to manage growth, intense competition in IT services including those factors which may affect our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, industry segment concentration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks or system failures, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which Infosys has made strategic investments, withdrawal or expiration of governmental fiscal incentives, political instability and regional conflicts, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, and unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our industry. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our United States Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2015. These filings are available at http://www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. In addition, please note that the date of this press release is April 15, 2016, and any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable as of this date. The company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the company unless it is required by law. Infosys Limited and subsidiaries Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Balance Sheets as of (Dollars in millions except equity share data) March 31, 2016 March 31, 2015 ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents 4,935 4,859 Available-for-sale financial assets 11 140 Trade receivables 1,710 1,554 Unbilled revenue 457 455 Prepayments and other current assets 672 527 Derivative financial instruments 17 16 Total current assets 7,802 7,551 Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment 1,589 1,460 Goodwill 568 495 Intangible assets 149 102 Investment in Associates 16 15 Available-for-sale financial assets 273 215 Deferred income tax assets 81 85 Income tax assets 789 654 Other non-current assets 111 38 Total non-current assets 3,576 3,064 Total assets 11,378 10,615 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities Trade payables 58 22 Derivative Financial Instruments 1 - Current income tax liabilities 515 451 Client deposits 4 4 Unearned revenue 201 168 Employee benefit obligations 202 171 Provisions 77 77 Other current liabilities 940 927 Total current liabilities 1,998 1,820 Non-current liabilities Deferred income tax liabilities 39 25 Other non-current liabilities 17 8 Total liabilities 2,054 1,853 Equity Share capital- INR 5 ($0.16) par value 2,400,000,000 (1,200,000,000) equity shares authorized, issued and outstanding 2,285,621,088 (1,142,805,132), net of 11,323,576 (5,667,200) treasury shares as of March 31, 2016 (March 31, 2015), respectively 199 109 Share premium 570 659 Retained earnings 11,083 10,090 Other reserves - - Other components of equity (2,528) (2,096) Total equity attributable to equity holders of the company 9,324 8,762 Non-controlling interests - - Total equity 9,324 8,762 Total liabilities and equity 11,378 10,615 Infosys Limited and subsidiaries Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Interim Statements of Comprehensive Income (Dollars in millions except share and per equity share data) Three months Three months Year ended Year ended ended March ended March March 31, March 31, 31, 2016 31, 2015 2016 2015 Revenues 2,446 2,159 9,501 8,711 Cost of sales 1,516 1,317 5,950 5,374 Gross profit 930 842 3,551 3,337 Operating expenses: Selling and marketing expenses 134 118 522 480 Administrative expenses 171 169 654 599 Total operating expenses 305 287 1,176 1,079 Operating profit 625 555 2,375 2,258 Other income, net 114 141 476 560 Share in associate's profit / (loss) - - - - Profit before income taxes 739 696 2,851 2,818 Income tax expense 206 198 799 805 Net profit 533 498 2,052 2,013 Other comprehensive income Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss: Re-measurement of the net defined benefit liability/(asset) - (2) (2) (8) Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit or loss: Fair value changes on available-for-sale financial asset 3 (2) 6 14 Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations 11 53 (436) (375) Total other comprehensive income, net of tax 14 49 (432) (369) Total comprehensive income 547 547 1,620 1,644 Profit attributable to: Owners of the company 533 498 2,052 2,013 Non-controlling interests - - - - 533 498 2,052 2,013 Total comprehensive income attributable to: Owners of the company 547 547 1,620 1,644 Non-controlling interests - - - - 547 547 1,620 1,644 Earnings per equity share Basic ($) 0.23 0.22 0.90 0.88 Diluted ($) 0.23 0.22 0.90 0.88 Weighted average equity shares used in computing earnings per equity share 2,285,620,95 2,285,610,26 2,285,616,16 2,285,610,26 Basic 7 4 0 4 2,285,750,31 2,285,667,25 2,285,718,89 2,285,642,94 Diluted 6 2 4 0 NOTE: 1. The unaudited Condensed Consolidated interim Balance sheets and Condensed Consolidated interim Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months and year ended March 31, 2016 have been taken on record at the Board meeting held on April 15, 2016 2. A Fact Sheet providing the operating metrics of the company can be downloaded from http://www.infosys.com 3. Previous period share count and EPS has been restated due to issue of bonus shares in Jun-15 Fact Sheet: http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/ENR/355774-infosys-fact-sheet.pdf IFRS-INR Press Release: http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/ENR/355777-infosys-inr-press-release.pdf CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Japanese yen weakened against the other major currencies in the Asian session on Friday, as positive China GDP data for first quarter improved investor sentiment. Comments from Bank of Japan's officials hinting about excessive rise in the yen also weighed on the currency. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics showed that China's gross domestic product expanded 6.7 percent on year in the first quarter of 2016. That was in line with expectations and down from 6.8 percent in the three months prior. The bureau also noted that industrial production gained 6.8 percent in March, topping forecasts for 6.0 percent and up from 5.9 percent in February. Retail sales advanced 10.5 percent on year, beating expectations for 10.3 percent and up from 10.2 percent in the previous month. Speaking on the sidelines of 20 meeting in Washington, Aso warned that Japan will take 'necessary steps if one-sided and speculative moves in exchange rates are observed.' Aso told U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew that Tokyo had 'strong concern' about recent moves in the yen. Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda also described the yen's appreciation as 'excessive', and added that it has slightly been corrected' in recent days. Thursday, the yen rose 0.03 percent against the euro, 0.31 percent against the pound and 0.008 percent against the Swiss franc. Meanwhile, the yen fell against the U.S. dollar. In the Asian trading, the yen fell to an 8-day low of 109.73 against the U.S. dollar, from yesterday's closing value of 109.38. The yen may test support near the 112.00 region. Against the euro and the Swiss franc, the yen dropped to 2-day lows of 123.56 and 113.47 from yesterday's closing quotes of 123.22 and 113.08, respectively. If the yen extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 125.00 against the euro and 115.00 against the franc. The yen edged down to 155.31 against the pound and 75.60 against the NZ dollar, from yesterday's closing values of 154.78 and 74.81, respectively. On the downside, 160.00 against the pound and 77.00 against the kiwi are seen as the next support levels for the yen. Against the Australian and the Canadian dollars, the yen dropped to nearly a 2-week low of 84.77 and a 2-day low of 85.68 from yesterday's closing quotes of 84.13 and 85.15, respectively. The next downside level for the yen is seen around 86.00 against the aussie and 87.00 against the loonie. Looking ahead, U.K. construction output and Eurozone trade balance, both for February, are due to be released later in the day. In the New York session, Canada manufacturing sales data for February, U.S. industrial production for March, New York Fed's empire manufacturing index for April, U.S. Baker Hughes rig count data and U.S. University of Michigan's preliminary consumer sentiment index for April, are slated for release. At 12:30 pm ET, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago President Charles Evans is expected to speak on current economic conditions and monetary policy before the J.P. Morgan Investment Seminar, in Washington. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - At 5:00 am ET Friday, Eurozone trade data for February is due to be released. The trade surplus is expected to rise to EUR 21.5 billion in February from EUR 21.2 billion in January. Ahead of the data, the euro showed mixed trading against its major rivals. While the euro rose against the pound and the Swiss franc, it held steady against he U.S. dollar and the yen. As of 4:55 am ET, the euro was trading at 0.7959 against the pound, 1.0899 against the Swiss franc, 1.1261 against the U.S. dollar and 123.18 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. DUBLIN, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Research and Marketshas announced the addition of the,"Endoscopy Devices: Applications and Global Markets,"report to their offering. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160330/349511LOGO ) The global endoscopy device market is expected to grow from $32.5 billion in 2015 to roughly $45.2 billion by 2020, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% for the period of 2015-2020. Current and projected endoscopy revenue forecasts during the forecast period (2015 to 2020) are discussed. Endoscopy devices require U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Pre-market Notification (PMN) approval, European Union Medical Device Directive European Conformity (CE Mark) approval, or similar approvals in other countries. Regulation of endoscopic devices is rigid in terms of proving proof of product safety and efficacy before sale to the medical community. Due to the timing of the release of this report, the figures for 2014 are estimated, except where actual results have been reported. The report includes analysis of the leading competitors, as well as of emerging companies in the current worldwide endoscopy market. Profiles of the manufacturers of the leading products are analyzed, their specific product strategies are outlined, and their product pipelines are discussed. This report looks at companies poised to introduce new products during the forecast period and discusses how these products may change the face of the competitive environment. This competitive environment is examined with special focus on how developing products and technologies are influencing the current standard of patient care. Detailed profiles of the current market leaders and emerging companies are discussed in detail. Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Summary Chapter 3: Overview - Endoscopy Trends And Forecast - The Endoscope And Endoscopic Procedures - Major Companies In The Endoscopy Market - Drivers And Inhibitors For The Endoscopy Market - Regulatory Developments - Increasing Influence Of Group Purchasing Organizations - Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) - Medical Device Excise Tax Chapter 4: Medical Applications Of Endoscopy - Urology Endoscopy - Laparoscopy - Gastrointestinal (GI) Endoscopy - Arthroscopy - ENT Endoscopy And Bronchoscopy - Gynecology Endoscopy - Neurology Endoscopy Chapter- 5: Global Endoscopy Market Chapter- 6: Advances In Endoscope Technology - Narrow-Band Imaging (NBI) - High-Definition (HD) Imaging And HD TV - Third Eye Retroscope - Double-Balloon Endoscopy Device - Pillcam - Picture Archiving And Communications System (PACS) - Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) - Robot-Assisted Endoscopy Chapter- 7: Endoscopy Clinical Trials Worldwide Chapter- 8: Mergers And Acquisitions Chapter- 9: Company Profiles Of Major Endoscopy Manufactures - Boston Scientific Corp. - Medtronic/Covidien - Given Imaging Ltd. - Johnson & Johnson--Ethicon Endo-Surgery (EES) - Karl Storz Gmbh & Co. KG - Olympus Medical Systems - Smith & Nephew Inc. - Stryker For more information visithttp://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/76p4g3/endoscopy 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 1. Name: Toyota Tsusho DENSO Electronics (Thailand) Co., Ltd. 2. Location: Bangkok, Thailand 3. President: Hideya Ito while also serving as President and CEO of Toyota Tsusho Electronics (Thailand) Co., Ltd. 4. Establishment: July 2016 (planned) 5. Capital: 20 million baht (Approx. US$0.6 million) 6. Ownership: 51percent owned by DENSO INTERNATIONAL ASIA PTE., LTD. and 49 percent owned by Toyota Tsusho Electronics (Thailand) Co., Ltd. 7. Employees: Approx. 30 (FY2016) 8. Business desc.: Designing and developing software used in automotive engine ECUs 1. Location: Bangkok, Thailand 2. President: Hideya Ito 3. Establishment: 2005 4. Capital: 32 million baht (Approx. US$0.9 million) 5. Employees: 200 6. Business desc.: Developing embedded automotive and related system software and selling in-vehicle electronic devices. Sadayoshi Yokoyama, Toshiko Watanabe DENSO CORPORATION Phone: 81-566-25-5594 Fax: 81-566-25-4509 sadayoshi_yokoyama@denso.co.jp toshiko_watanabe@denso.co.jp KARIYA, JAPAN, Apr 15, 2016 - (JCN Newswire) - DENSO Corporation and Toyota Tsusho Corporation have agreed to form a joint venture in Bangkok, Thailand. The new company, Toyota Tsusho DENSO Electronics (Thailand) Co., Ltd., plans to start developing software in July 2016 to help improve the efficiency of engine electronic control unit (engine ECU) development.Recently, it has been challenging to improve efficiency when developing software used in engine ECUs because, as the control of powertrains becomes increasingly complex, the development scale expands accordingly. The joint venture will use models in all phases of software development including control-program development, design, and verification.Moreover, to be capable of supporting a wide variety of ECUs to be developed, the new company will standardize software and improve development efficiency and speed.The new company will be capitalized at 20 million baht (Approx. US$0.6 million).Profile of the joint ventureReferenceProfile of Toyota Tsusho DENSO Electronics (Thailand) Co., Ltd.* The foreign exchange rate used in this news release is US$0.03 to thebaht.About DensoDENSO Corporation, headquartered in Kariya, Aichi prefecture, Japan, is a leading global automotive supplier of advanced technology, systems and components in the areas of thermal, powertrain control, electronics and information and safety. Its customers include all the world's major carmakers. Worldwide, the company has more than 200 subsidiaries and affiliates in 38 countries and regions and employs nearly 140,000 people. Consolidated global sales for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2014, totaled US$39.8 billion. Last fiscal year, DENSO spent 9 percent of its global consolidated sales on research and development. DENSO common stock is traded on the Tokyo and Nagoya stock exchanges. For more information, go to www.globaldenso.com, or visit our media website at www.densomediacenter.com.Source: DensoContact:Copyright 2016 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. 15 April 2016, Limassol, Cyprus: SeaBird Exploration Plc convene the Shareholders to the Annual General Meeting to be held on 10 May 2016 at 11.00 (local time) at Diagoras House 7th Floor, 16 Pantelis Catelaris Street, CY 1097 Nicosia, Cyprus. The Agenda, recommendations by Nomination Committee and Proxy form are distributed to the shareholders, attached hereto and are listed on the company's web-page: www.sbexp.com (http://www.sbexp.com/). The Annual Report 2015 was released by announcement 18 March 2016 and is also available on the company's web-page. SeaBird is a global provider of marine acquisition for 2D/3D and 4D seismic data, and associated products and services to the oil and gas industry. SeaBird specializes in high quality operations within the high end of the source vessel and 2D market, as well as in the shallow/deep water 2D/3D and 4D market. Main focus for the company is proprietary seismic surveys (contract seismic). Main success criteria for the company are an unrelenting focus on Health, Safety, Security, Environment and Quality (HSSEQ), combined with efficient collection of high quality seismic data. All statements in this press release other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict, and are based upon assumptions as to future events that may not prove accurate. These factors include SeaBird's reliance on a cyclical industry and the utilization of the company's vessels. Actual results may differ substantially from those expected or projected in the forward-looking statements. This information is subject of the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. For further queries contact: Christophe Debouvry CEO SeaBird Exploration Phone: +47 22 40 27 05 Nils Haugestad CFO SeaBird Exploration Phone: +47 22 40 27 17 Calling notice with proxy form (http://hugin.info/136336/R/2003695/739732.pdf) SeaBird Exploration Annual Report 2015 (http://hugin.info/136336/R/2003695/739733.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: SeaBird Exploration Plc via Globenewswire HUG#2003695 The "Hong Kong Cross-border e-Commerce Forum" brings together a number of industry experts to discuss the related opportunities and challenges under the theme of "Statistics of cross-border e-commerce" HKTDC Communication and Public Affairs Department Joe Kainz Tel: +852 2584 4216 Email: joe.kainz@hktdc.org HONG KONG, Apr 15, 2016 - (ACN Newswire) - Since the Central Government in Beijing began implementing the "Internet Plus" strategy last year, cross-border e-commerce has been developing at an accelerating pace. In response to this trend, the International ICT Expo (13-16 April), organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, has incorporated a number of new elements related to e-commerce. Among them is the inaugural "Hong Kong Cross-border e-Commerce Forum 2016" (14 April), which invited a number of industry experts to discuss the opportunities and challenges under the theme of "Statistics of cross-border e-commerce". The three-in-one platform for payment, shopping and logistics for cross-border e-commerce businesses was the focal point of the forum.Strengthening supply chains to enhance competitivenessAt the forum, Vice Chairman of the HKCBEA, Clement So, unveiled the "Initial Report on the Studies of Hong Kong Cross-border E-Commerce". He stated that Hong Kong's e-commerce has thrived due to the city's extensive experience in this sector thanks to a conducive free trade environment, as well as its diverse range of brands. He predicted that online shopping will continue to grow rapidly this year, and suggested that young people acquire a broader understanding of global market trends. Meanwhile, the government should allocate more resources to formulate relevant industry standards and offer assistance to small- and medium-sized enterprises, which would strengthen the city's supply chain and the niche sectors of various industries.Tremendous growth potential for Sino-Russia e-commerceGeneral Manager and Chief Operating Officer of the Beijing-based PayEase, Kino Kwok, noted that use of the Internet is increasingly popular in the Chinese mainland and Russia. While the total transaction amount of online sales reached US$10.5 billion, retail accounted for just two per cent of the total figure, with only 50 online shopping websites recording a total transaction amount of RUB4 billion or above. This points to tremendous room for growth for cross-border e-commerce in Russia. As well as introducing the China-Russia e-commerce platform TradeEase, he also spoke of different channels for developing business in the Russian market such as using localised text, employing Russian experts to oversees logistics, owning local servers, offering local customer service to increase customer loyalty, and utilising both online and offline marketing.Pros and cons of new policy on cross-border commerceSenior Business Development Manager of PayEase, Edwin Ma, pointed out that the Chinese government announced its new policy on cross-border e-commerce on 8 April. In addition to analysing the difference between the old and new policies, he also addressed the issues presented by the new policy. "'The Cross-border E-commerce Retail List of Imported Goods' was published at 9pm, 7 April, though it was implemented at the midnight of 8 April," said Mr Ma. "Consequently, goods that were already in the bonded area at the time of its announcement, but not included on the list, were not allowed to leave the area. Those goods with an imminent use-by date were to be destroyed." He also offered his analysis on other policy changes related to imports, such as tax rates.Key to successSpeaking on the subject of "Cross-border O2O Integrated Solutions Plan," Sha Qingping, Chairman of Rennibi E-commerce Technology Ltd based in Qianhai, Shenzhen, explained that a company's cross-border e-commerce platform is comprised of 12 sub-systems. He spoke about the 12 steps of founding a cross-border e-commerce company, from registration to launching its e-commerce channels. He also discussed the distribution models of cross-border e-commerce businesses including "tiered distribution", "distribution for multi-channeled orders" and "customs verification of customer order, payment processing and logistic information". He concluded that the key to cross-border e-commerce success lies in "the joining of forces to seize business opportunities".Privacy and security of mobile app downloadsIn spite of rapid technological advancement, the issues of privacy and security of mobile apps are often overlooked. As Jerald Ray, Executive Vice President for Asia Pacific of Tech Star Communication Ltd remarked, the use of mobile messaging apps and the download of mobile apps involve issues of privacy and security. He also pinpointed the significant risk in users granting apps permissions when they download mobile apps. "It's like putting your life in someone else's hand," he said.Qianhai to become a smart portIn her remarks, Huang Lifang, Assistant General Manager of Qianhai International Liaison Services Ltd, spotlighted the procedures of company registration in Qianhai and offered her thoughts on "Opportunities in Cross-border E-commerce in Qianhai". She stressed that "Qianhai seeks not to replace Hong Kong, but to add value to it." She noted that Qianhai is striving towards becoming a "smart port". At present, 3,000 Hong Kong enterprises are based in Qianhai, with the 15 per cent tax rate being the most attractive incentive. Financial subsidies and talent matching services in Qianhai also bring various benefits to Hong Kong enterprises.Defining Free Trade AreasDrawing on his experience, Former Grade Three Customs Overseer of the General Administration of Customs, Bao Huazha, elaborated on the differences between the three types of free trade areas, including free trade area (broadly defined), free trade zone (narrowly defined) and special customs supervision areas, as mentioned in the Third Plenary sessions of the Central Committee and in the "Free Trade Area and Special Customs Supervision Areas". He concluded by discussing the special areas, e-commerce and the impact of tax adjustment.Zero Tolerance of counterfeits vital to e-commerce success in ChinaWith its rapid upswing, the total value of online retail sales in the mainland reached Rmb 3,800 billion in 2015. The forum invited Han Cong, Business Division General Manager of jd.hk (Clothing and Household Goods), which is owned by the world's ninth-ranked online shopping website JD.com, to share her insights on the topic of "Breakthrough in 2016". She said that jd.hk regards quality assured products as the key to success. To guard against counterfeits among its offerings, the company launches and enforces a number of "zero tolerance" initiatives every year, including irregular inspection and rigorous supervision of sourcing channels.Fair Websites:Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Spring Edition): www.hktdc.com/hkelectronicsfairseInternational ICT Expo: www.hktdc.com/ictexpoPhoto Download: http://bit.ly/1SPhyHlMedia Registration: Media representatives wishing to cover the event may register on-site with their business cards and/or media identification.To view press releases in Chinese, please visit http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/tcAbout HKTDCA statutory body established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is the international marketing arm for Hong Kong-based traders, manufacturers and services providers. With more than 40 offices globally, including 13 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China and throughout Asia. The HKTDC also organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to provide companies, particularly SMEs, with business opportunities on the mainland and in overseas markets, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and digital channels including the media room. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus. Follow us on Google+, Twitter @hktdc, LinkedIn.Google+: https://plus.google.com/+hktdcTwitter: http://www.twitter.com/hktdcLinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/hong-kong-trade-development-councilSource: HKTDCContact:Copyright 2016 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved. VIENNA (dpa-AFX) - French shares fell slightly on Friday after a powerful earthquake struck southwestern Japan and official data showed China's economy grew at its slowest pace in seven years during the first quarter. Closer home, data released by Eurostat showed that the euro zone's trade surplus shrank in February to reach its lowest level in four months, as imports rose more rapidly than exports. Investors look ahead to the outcome of spring meetings of the World Bank and the IMF opening today and a key oil summit this weekend. The benchmark CAC 40 was down 18 points or 0.41 percent at 4,492 in midday trading after gaining half a percent the previous day. Car parts maker Faurecia slumped 4.5 percent after reporting sluggish first-quarter growth and reiterating its forecast of 1-3 percent sales growth for 2016. Carrefour shares climbed 4 percent as the supermarket chain reported higher quarterly sales, reflecting robust sales in Brazil, Spain and Italy. Utility EDF rallied 2.5 percent, a day after extending the outage period of its Paluel 2 nuclear reactor to March 2017. 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. VIENNA (dpa-AFX) - U.K. shares traded slightly lower on Friday after a powerful earthquake struck southwestern Japan and official data showed China's economy grew at its slowest pace in seven years during the first quarter. Also weighing on investor sentiment, figures from the Office for National Statistics showed that British construction output unexpectedly declined in February, marking its second consecutive fall. Construction output fell 0.3 percent from January, when it declined 0.4 percent. Economists were looking for no change. Traders look ahead to the outcome of spring meetings of the World Bank and the IMF opening today and a key oil summit this weekend for further direction. The benchmark FTSE 100 was down 11 points or 0.18 percent at 6,354 in midday trading after finishing marginally higher in the previous session. Rio Tinto fell over 1 percent after extending its Channar Mining Joint Venture in Australia's Pilbarra region with Sinosteel Corporation. Fellow miner Anglo American lost 2 percent and Tullow Oil plunged 5 percent. Floorcovering manufacturer Victoria retreated 5 percent after saying it is no longer in talks to buy Lano Carpets. Man Group shares jumped 5 percent. The hedge fund manager reported net inflows of US$500 million in the first quarter and said it is benefiting from its diversified business model against the backdrop of challenging market conditions. Acal shares rallied 4 percent. The specialist electronics group said its earnings for fiscal 2016 will be 'slightly' ahead of expectations. 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 (dpa-AFX) - Mitel Networks Corp. (MITL, MNW.TO) Friday said it has agreed to acquire Polycom Inc. (PLCM) in a cash and stock transaction valued at around $1.96 billion. As per the definitive agreement, Polycom stockholders will be entitled to $3.12 in cash and 1.31 Mitel common shares for each share of Polycom common stock, or $13.68 based on the closing price of a Mitel common share on April 13. The transaction represented a 22 percent premium to Polycom shareholders based on Mitel's and Polycom's 'unaffected' share prices as of April 5. The combination is expected to leverage Mitel's position as a global communications with Polycom's portfolio in the conference and video collaboration market. The combined company will be headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, and will operate under the Mitel name. Once merged, the combined company will have a global workforce of approximately 7,700 employees. The deal is expected to close in the third quarter of 2016. Richard McBee, chief executive officer of Mitel will lead the combined organization and its CFO Steve Spooner continue in that role. Polycom directors will assume two seats on the Mitel board. Mitel intends to finance the cash portion of the consideration for the acquisition, and the refinancing of its existing credit facilities. It has received financing commitments from BofA Merrill Lynch of approximately $1.1 billion in the aggregate. Looking ahead, Mitel confirmed that its first quarter revenue and adjusted EBITDA margin will be within its prior guidance range. Mitel now expects quarterly non-GAAP revenue will be in the range of $270 million to $280 million and adjusted EBITDA margin will be in the range of 7.5 to 9.5 percent. The combined company will have a diverse revenue base with pro forma 2015 sales of around $2.5 billion. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de The scholarship foundations established by OP Financial Group to support scientific research awarded a total of 1,224,300 euros in research grants based on the applications for 2016. Both the quantity and quality of the applications increased considerably over the previous year. - High-quality education and research provides a sustained basis for Finnish prosperity across the board. OP Financial Group's scientific foundations make their contribution in this important role by financing research done by post-graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in particular. This year we can offer financial support to 30 young talented researchers. This is a major contribution to Finnish research and future, says Jaakko Pehkonen, Chairman of the Board of OP Financial Groups Research Foundation and the Kyosti Haataja Foundation. Established in 1972, OP Financial Group's Research Foundation is one of the largest Finnish economic research foundations. The Research Foundation supports economic research, especially research into financing and cooperative banking. The Kyosti Haataja Foundation established in 1951 supports research into financial, social and judicial conditions in rural areas, especially among farmers. For more information, please contact: Heli Kangasluoma, Representative, OP Financial Group's Research Foundation and Kyosti Haataja Foundation: +358 (0)40 500 6608 In 2016, the Board of Directors of OP Financial Group's Research Foundation awarded 1,124,300 million euros in grants to the following researchers and projects: Post doc grants Jari Hannikainen Korkokayran ennustaminen (Yield Curve Forecasting) 65 000 Pekka Tolonen New Evidence from Hedge fund Option Holdings: Preferences and Selection Skills 65 000 Saara Hamalainen Studies on effects and origins of market frictions 32 500 Paula Makela Screening by Decision Making Mechanisms 65 000 Miikka Voutilainen Yhtenaiskasvuteoriat ja Suomen taloudellinen kehitys 1600-2000 (Unified Growth Theories and Finnish Economic Development 1600-2000). Aikasarjojen estimointi ja analyysi (Time Series Estimation and Analysis). 65 000 Mats Godenhielm Information, costs, and liquidity in OTC- and other decentralized markets 65 000 Mao Yaping Catch me if you can: the role of client-auditor IQ compatibility in earnings manipulation and audit report 65 000 Grants for full-time postgraduate studies Ville Seppala Kotitalouskohtainen tyovoiman tarjonta - tutkimuksia puolisoiden yhteisesta paatoksenteosta (Labour Supply by Household - Studies on Spouses' Joint Decision-making) 25 000 Annika Kuusela Epatavanomaisen rahapolitiikan globaalit vaikutukset (Global Effects of Unconventional Monetary Policy) 25 000 Susanne Syren Doctoral dissertation project: Koulutus, tyomarkkinat ja persoonallisuus (Education, Labour Markets and Personality) 25 000 Annika Lindblad Time-variation in stock market volatility forecasts 25 000 Julia Salmi Doctoral dissertation on the role of information and its sharing in economic decision-making 25 000 Laura Ansala The economic and social integration of immigrants in Finland and Sweden 12 500 Eero Sillasto Exploiting Heterogeneous Deposits of a Resource 12 500 Ramin Izadi Foreign exchange at UC Berkley 15 000 Kim Ristolainen Robustness of banking crises prediction: A study within the Eurozone. (Final article of doctoral dissertation) 25 000 Krista Riukula Research studies in the field of labour and health economics 25 000 Kim Lien Nguyen Hedging Risk in Risk Arbitrage: New Evidence from Arbitrageurs' Option Holdings 25 000 Mats Ekman Essays on Social Economics 12 500 Petteri Juvonen Tyomarkkinainstituutiot ja talouden sopeutuminen (Labour market institutions and economic adjustment) 12 500 Jenni Mikkonen Insider Trading and Corporate Insiders' Personal Characteristics 25 000 Andrey Zhukov Doctoral Studies and Research Visit to Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 15 000 Mikko Salonen Essays on the allocation of indivisible goods 25 000 Kristine Koponen Macroeconomic implications of financial crises, sudden stops, and firm entry dynamics 25 000 Yijie Li The impact of macroeconomic variables on stock returns in different regimes 25 000 Saara Tuuli Essays in macroprudential policy and supply potential in the economy 25 000 Michele Crescenzi Essays on Information Economics and Mechanism Design 25 000 Niclas Meyer Research project: Corporate Social Responsibility Controversies and Director Reputation 20 000 Joona Karlsson Course stage of doctoral studies and start of doctoral dissertation project 12 500 Saara Vaahtoniemi The development of finance sector wages and human capital in Finland 25 000 Ville Savolainen Esseita osaketuottojen ennustettavuudesta (Essays on the predictability of stock returns) 12 500 Grants for project group costs Juha Joenvaara Institutional Investors: Data infrastructure 20 000 Timo Korkeamaki CEO mobility and corporate policy risk 23 000 Marko Jarvenpaa Ohjaus ja strategisen muutoksen johtaminen osuustoiminnallisissa organisaatioissa - Tapaus OP Ryhma (Steering and Strategic Change Management in a Cooperative Organisation - Case OP Financial Group) 30 000 Marlene Isore Banks' Decisions under Uncertainty and their Macroeconomic Impact 75 000 Personal grants Hannu Vartiainen Visit to the Cambridge University and research project "Mechanism design without commitment" 10 000 Michaela Schmoller Secular Stagnation in a Monetary Union 2 900 Salla Simola Postgraduate visit to the University College London 10 000 Kristiina Huttunen Research visit to the University College London 5 000 Tuomas Pekkarinen Research visit to the London School of Economics 5 000 Milla Siikanen Liquidity in FX market: Research Visit to Fraunhofer ITWM and Big-xyt GmbH 3 900 Jaana Kari (os. Jaako) Lifelong Physical Activity and Long-term Labor Market Performance 10 000 Nebojsa Dimic Project: Reverse cross-listing in the Emerging markets Research visit at: Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester, UK 2 000 Juha Junttila Research visit to the State University of New York Albany, project "Effect of uncertainty in economic policy on forecasting real economy" 5 000 Grants awarded by Kyosti Haataja Foundation in 2016 The Board of Directors of the Kyosti Haataja Foundation awarded 100,000 euros in grants to the following researchers and projects: Lauri Turpeinen A multi-sited ethnography of rural-urban migration of young adults in Finland 10 000 Kimmo Huttunen Legal research into forest use knowledge base and its exploitation 20 000 Suvi Borgstrom Law for green economy: the future of natural resources and nature conservation law 11 000 Tanja Kahkonen Towards a sustainable change in the bioeconomy: values, attitudes and views in the local forest-based energy driven change dynamics 20 000 Benjamin Anang Microcredit, production system and efficiency of smallholder rice production in Northern Ghana 19 000 Hanna-Mari Ikonen Once there were entrepreneurs - follow-up study on rural women in entrepreneurial society 10 000 Henri Wallen Research into cumulative social effects in the mining industry: Case Sokli 10 000 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: OP Yrityspankki Oyj via Globenewswire HUG#2003481 HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/15/16 -- Immunovaccine Inc. ("Immunovaccine" or the "company") (TSX: IMV) (OTCQX: IMMVF), a clinical stage vaccine and immunotherapy company, today elected Andrew Sheldon as chairman of its board of directors. Mr. Sheldon, who currently serves as President and CEO of Medicago, joined the board after the company's annual and special meeting of shareholders. Newly named Chief Executive Officer Frederic Ors was also elected to the board. Andy Sheldon Elected Chairman of the Board Following his election at the AGM, the board chose Mr. Sheldon to become chairman, effective immediately, to serve until the next AGM. Mr. Sheldon succeeds Albert Scardino, who remains a director of the company. "Immunovaccine leads the industry in development of a platform that enhances the speed, strength and durability of vaccines," Mr. Sheldon said. "Add to that the simplicity and low cost of its manufacturing processes and you have a combination that could significantly impact the ways our entire industry approaches the development of cancer therapies and the prevention of infectious diseases. With the partnerships the company is developing, there are broad opportunities to create products that address the fast changing world of cancer therapy and the chronic infections that afflict large portions of the world." Albert Scardino, the retiring chairman, said: "Andy's experience across the pharmaceutical and biotech industries provides just the kind of leadership Immunovaccine needs as it evolves from research and development to commercialization. His partnership with our new chief executive, Fred Ors, revives their long association at Medicago and will give commercial partners and investors confidence that we understand our markets and are ready to serve them." Voting Results of Annual and Special Meeting of Shareholders of the Company Immunovaccine also announces the voting results of the annual and special meeting (the "Meeting") of shareholders of the Company (the "Shareholders") held today in Halifax, Nova Scotia. At the AGM, the shareholders elected Andrew Sheldon and Frederic Ors as new directors and re-elected all six of the nominees listed in the management information circular dated March 20, 2016 (the "Circular"). All Directors were elected until the next annual meeting of Shareholders or until such person's successor is elected or appointed. Each of the directors was elected by a majority of the votes cast by Shareholders present at the Meeting on a show of hands. The votes represented by proxy in respect of the election of each director are as follows: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Nominee Votes % of Votes Votes % Votes For For Withheld Withheld Non Vote ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wade Dawe 25,127,131 99.85% 37,633 0.15% 3,016,830 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- James Hall 21,002,078 83.46% 4,162,686 16.54% 3,016,830 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wayne Pisano 24,591,578 97.72% 573,186 2.28% 3,016,830 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Albert Scardino 25,131,631 99.87% 33,133 0.13% 3,016,830 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Alfred Smithers 25,132,131 99.87% 32,633 0.13% 3,016,830 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bradley Thompson 21,000,578 83.45% 4,164,186 16.55% 3,016,830 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Andrew Sheldon 28,181,594 100% - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Frederic Ors 28,181,594 100% - - - ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Shareholders also approved the re-appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as auditor of the Company. Please refer to the Circular available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com for more information on the business transacted at the Meeting. A report on voting results will also be filed on SEDAR. About Immunovaccine Immunovaccine Inc. develops cancer immunotherapies and infectious disease vaccines based on the Company's DepoVax platform, a patented formulation that provides controlled and prolonged exposure of antigens and adjuvant to the immune system. Immunovaccine has advanced two T cell activation therapies for cancer through Phase 1 human clinical trials and is currently conducting a Phase 2 study with its lead cancer vaccine therapy, DPX-Survivac, in recurrent lymphoma. DPX-Survivac is expected to enter additional Phase 2 clinical studies in ovarian cancer and glioblastoma (brain cancer). In collaboration with commercial and academic partners, Immunovaccine is also expanding the application of DepoVax as an adjuvanting platform for vaccines targeted against infectious diseases. Immunovaccine's goal in infectious diseases is to out-license its DepoVax platform to partners to generate earlier revenues. Connect at www.imvaccine.com Immunovaccine Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking information under applicable securities law. All information that addresses activities or developments that we expect to occur in the future is forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements are based on the estimates and opinions of management on the date the statements are made. However, they should not be regarded as a representation that any of the plans will be achieved. Actual results may differ materially from those set forth in this press release due to risks affecting the Company, including access to capital, the successful completion of clinical trials and receipt of all regulatory approvals. Immunovaccine Inc. assumes no responsibility to update forward-looking statements in this press release except as required by law. Contacts: MEDIA Mike Beyer Sam Brown Inc. T: (312) 961-2502 E: mikebeyer@sambrown.com INVESTOR RELATIONS Kimberly Stephens Chief Financial Officer T: (902) 492-1819 E: kstephens@imvaccine.com BEIJING, CHINA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/15/16 -- Genoil (OTCBB: GNOLF) & Beijing Petrochemical Engineering Co Ltd (BPEC), a division of Shaanxi Yanchang Petroleum Group Company, are pleased to announce that they have received a $ 5 billion dollar (USD) letter of intent for an initial 500,000 barrel per day (bpd) upgrading project, to be situated in the Middle East. The letter of intent from one of the largest banks in China is to cover the initial project cost, and will be presented to a major party in the Middle East. For this project, the goal of the consortium is to develop 3.5 million bpd of upgrading capacity at a total estimated cost of $ 35-50 billion. Financing will be subject to a number of conditions and approval of the contract terms by all parties. China is actively seeking investment opportunities around the world and Genoil has demonstrated ability in establishing connections with major national oil companies and government ministries. The GHU represents an opportunity for China to invest in environmentally friendly global energy projects, developing clean sources of low sulfur fuels for the global market. Another project for 1 million bpd is currently under consideration by a second national oil company. Additional funding for future projects will be considered on a project by project basis. 2015 Year End Audited Financials Genoil has completed it's 2015 audited financial statement which is now available on EDGAR & SEDAR. About the Genoil GHU Technology: Genoil's field upgrader (GHU) is an environmentally friendly technology which reduces the carbon content of a barrel of crude oil while removing sulfur and nitrogen that cause greenhouse gases. The GHU economically (up to 75% less OPEX & CAPEX than existing processes) converts heavy crude oil, bitumen, atmospheric residues, and vacuum residues into a lighter crude so that it can be transportable by pipeline without the aid of diluent making it compatible for refineries. The GHU increases the yield of light products and decreases the residual portion of a heavy crude stream, producing a much more desirable refinery feedstock. About BPEC: BPEC was founded in 1979 and is a first class engineering company based in Beijing and its parent company is Shaanxi Yanchang Petroleum Group Corp Ltd.. BPEC currently has about 1200 employees and holds a class A qualification of engineering consulting and engineering design. The company has been mainly engaged in engineering consulting, engineering design, EPC, engineering technology development and other related business in the fields of refining, petrochemical, coal-chemical, natural-gas-chemical, oil and gas fields, storage and transportation, etc. About Shaanxi Yanchang Petroleum Group Corp. Ltd.: Formerly "Yanchang Oil Plant" founded by the Qing regime in Yan'an in 1905, Yanchang Petroleum is China's only century-old oil enterprise and the driller of the first oil well on the Chinese continent. Shaanxi Province where Yanchang Petroleum is located is an emerging key oil & gas province in China, with rapid growth of 5 million tons oil & gas equivalent on average every year since the beginning of the "twelfth five-year" period. In 2012, Shaanxi province became China's largest oil & gas-producing province with oil & gas equivalent of over 60 million tons. They are also one of the largest producers of coal in China with 18 billion tons of coal reserves, and 300,000 bpd of oil production. Forward-Looking Statements: Statements included in this release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties such as competitive factors, technological development, market demand, and the company's ability to obtain new contracts and accurately estimate net revenues due to variability in size, scope and duration of projects, and internal issues in the sponsoring client. Further information on potential risk factors that could affect the company's financial results can be found in the company's Reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Contacts: Genoil Inc. Investor Relations Suite 218, 1811 - 4th Street S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2S 1W2 Canada (587) 400-0249 / (914) 433-0304 www.Genoil.ca CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Canadian dollar lost ground against the other major currencies in Europe on Friday. The loonie declined to a 2-day low of 1.4514 against the euro and a 3-day low of 84.63 against the yen, off early 2-day highs of 1.4406 and 85.68, respectively. The loonie fell to an 8-day low of 0.9927 versus the aussie, reversing from an early high of 0.9854. The loonie edged down to 1.2865 against the greenback, after having advanced to 1.2797 at 3:30 am ET. The next possible support for the loonie is seen around 1.30 against the greenback, 82.00 against the yen, 1.05 against the aussie and 1.475 against the euro. 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. NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 04/15/16 -- Hunt Mortgage Group, a leader in financing commercial real estate throughout the United States, announced today that it has closed on a $3.7 million Freddie Mac small balance execution to refinance a multifamily property located in Hayward, California. Sohal Apartments consists of 35 rental units contained in three, two-story apartment buildings situated on 1.46 acres of land. The loan is a 5+15 Hybrid ARM with 30-year amortization, after one year of interest only, and step-down prepayment schedule. The borrower is Sohal, Inc., a California corporation and single asset entity, backed by Gurjinder Singh and Harwinder Singh. "The sponsors have owned and managed the property for more than 13 years and have done an outstanding job maintaining the property as a long-term investment," noted Sergey Klimov, Vice President at Hunt Mortgage Group. Sohal Apartments is well located, surrounded primarily by single family and commercial/retail uses and in close proximity to support services, shopping and employment centers. The property is located within Alameda County in the Oakland-Hayward-Berkeley MSA. The city of Hayward is the third largest city within Alameda County, just 15 miles southeast of Oakland and 30 miles southeast of San Francisco. The unit mix consists of 15 one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments and 20 two-bedroom, two-bathroom units with a total net rentable area of 26,750 square feet. Property amenities include a leasing office and laundry room. Parking on-site is available. The Hunt Mortgage Group deal team consisted of Klimov and Christina Hawn, Vice President. About Hunt Mortgage Group Hunt Mortgage Group, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hunt Companies, Inc., is a leader in financing commercial real estate throughout the United States. The Company finances all types of commercial real estate: multifamily properties (including small balance), affordable housing, office, retail, manufactured housing, healthcare/senior living, hospitality, industrial, and self-storage facilities. It offers Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, HUD/FHA in addition to its own Proprietary loan products. Since inception, the Company has structured more than $20 billion of loans and today maintains a servicing portfolio of more than $11 billion. Headquartered in New York City, Hunt Mortgage Group is comprised of 158 employees located in 17 locations throughout the United States. To learn more about Hunt Mortgage Group, visit www.huntmortgagegroup.com. MEDIA CONTACTS Brent Feigenbaum Hunt Mortgage Group 212-317-5730 Email Contact Pam Flores 773-218-9260 Email Contact NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 04/15/16 -- RealBiz Media Group, Inc. (OTCQB: RBIZ) today announced that four directors of the company had resigned and were replaced by three new directors, including the company's CFO. Messrs. Donald Monaco, Pasquale M. LaVecchia, Douglas Checkeris and William Kerby resigned as directors of RealBiz Media Group effective Monday April 11th, 2016. Their resignations were not because of any disagreements with Real Biz on matters relating to its operations, policies or practices. Prior to their resignations, Messrs. Monaco, LaVecchia, Checkeris and Kerby served on the boards of both RealBiz Media Group, Inc. and Monaker Group, Inc. simultaneously. Their resignations were the final step in the deconsolidation of these two companies. On April 12, 2016, the remaining RealBiz directors appointed Mr. Warren Kettlewell, Mr. Mike Craig and Mr. Thomas Grbelja as directors to fill the vacancies which existed due to the resignations of Messrs. Monaco, LaVecchia, Checkeris and Kerby on April 11, 2016. Mr. Grbelja currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer of RealBiz. Mr. Kettlewell was most recently the founding investor of Shotgun Fund and he still remains involved with several private venture capital companies. Mr. Craig was most recently President of MaaSPros Inc., a technology and licensing company. Both gentlemen bring a host of business knowledge and public company experience to the Board of RealBiz. "This was an essential final step in the deconsolidation of RealBiz from Monaker Group. The inter-company affiliations were not helpful to the growth plans we have set for the company," said Alex Aliksanyan, CEO of RealBiz. "We now are set with a wonderfully experienced Board independent from Monaker Group that can help guide and steer the company to further dramatic growth and traction," continued Mr. Aliksanyan. About RealBiz Media Group, Inc. RealBiz Media Group, Inc. is a real estate digital media and technology company whose proprietary video processing technology makes it one of the leaders in providing home video tours to the real estate industry. Its client base reaches more than 350,000 real estate agents and brokers. The company provides a series of products including a consumer portal at http://www.nestbuilder.com, an agent-only platform known as NestbuilderAgent 2.0, an agent social media and marketing solution known as ReachFactor, a growing MVA network, virtual tours and mobile apps. The company enjoys access to many of the nation's largest real estate companies with numerous approved vendors and national contracts. Safe Harbor Statement This news release contains forward-looking statements as defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning plan, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are other than statements of historical facts. These statements are subject to uncertainties and risks including, but not limited to, product and service demand and acceptance, changes in technology, economic conditions, the impact of competition and pricing, government regulation, and other risks described in statements filed from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All such forward-looking statements whether written or oral, and whether made by or on behalf of the Company, are expressly qualified by the cautionary statements that may accompany the forward-looking statements. In addition, the Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. CONTACT INFORMATION Vic Allgeier TTC Group, Inc. 646-290-6400 tel 646-841-4220 mobile vic@ttcominc.com VAL-D'OR, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 04/15/16 -- Abitibi Royalties Inc. (TSX VENTURE: RZZ) ("Abitibi Royalties" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Ivars Azis (the "Claim Holder") to acquire a 2% net smelter royalty ("NSR") on additional mineral claims, located approximately 3.5 kilometres east of Metanor Resources Inc., Bachelor mine in Quebec (Fig 1). This NSR agreement builds on an earlier royalty acquired around the Bachelor mine in 2015 and is the 12th royalty purchased near an existing mine since the "Royalty Search" was launched on June 9th, 2015. In exchange for the 2% NSR, Abitibi Royalties will pay approximately CDN$3,775. In addition, Abitibi Royalties has agreed to pay the Claim Holder approximately CDN$3,775 in exchange for the right to receive 15% of total proceeds should the property be sold. The cash consideration will be paid by Abitibi Royalties from its cash flow. The new package of claims (Fig 1.) also consists of one claim (the "Additional Claim") that was added to the original claim package after the Company's press release dated July 6, 2015. For the Additional Claim, the Company agreed to pay the Claim Holder an amount equal to the next annual claim maintenance fees, estimated at approximately CDN$1,250 at the time of signing the original NSR agreement, and CDN$1,000 for the right to receive 15% of the total proceeds should the Additional Claim be sold. The Claim Holder is actively searching for a joint venture partner in order to explore the mineral claims east of the Bachelor mine. To contact Ivars Azis, please visit www.tamarackgold.com or call 416.303.6684. Since launching the Royalty Search on June 9th, 2015, 12 royalties near existing mining operations have been acquired, which include royalties surrounding or near Agnico Eagle and Yamana's Canadian Malartic mine in Quebec, Agnico Eagle's Lapa mine in Quebec, Alamos Gold's Young-Davidson mine in Ontario, Eldorado's Efemcukuru mine in Turkey, Goldcorp's Red Lake mine in Ontario, Hudbay's 777 mine in Manitoba, Metanor Resources Bachelor mine in Quebec and New Gold's Rainy River mine in Ontario. A list of these royalties can be found here. The Royalty Search (www.abitibiroyalties.com) is an easy to use website that allows mining companies and prospectors a quick way of accessing capital in this difficult commodities market. Abitibi Royalties is offering to pay the annual claim fees/taxes related to: 1) Existing mineral properties or 2) Staking of new mineral properties In return for paying these fees, Abitibi Royalties would be granted a NSR on the property. To date, approximately 95 properties have been submitted through the website and 12 agreements have been finalized. Share Repurchase Program Since receiving approval to begin the Company's Normal Course Issuer Bid ("NCIB") on October 6th, 2015, Abitibi Royalties has repurchased approximately 72,700 common shares of the Company at an approximate average price of CDN$3.13 per share. The NCIB allows the Company to purchase up to 546,300 common shares (representing 5% of the Company's total issued and outstanding common shares as of September 21st, 2015) over a period of 12 months. The NCIB will expire no later than October 5th, 2016. Update on Cash Flows Since last reported on March 17th the Company's total cash flow in 2016 has increased to approximately CDN$625,000 from CDN$530,000 due to additional investment income. On January 13th, 2016, the Company announced it had adopted a policy to sell covered call options on up to 25% of its shares held in Agnico Eagle and Yamana each quarter. The table below outlines the call options that have been sold to date, including call options before the policy took effect. Since August 2015, approximately CDN$645,000 in covered call income has been generated. The current market value of the shares, plus the Company's last reported cash balance (September 30, 2015) is approximately CDN$43.5 million. The Company is debt free. Table 1. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Agnico Eagle Shares Option Expiry Percentage of Price $ (USD) Date Shares Owned ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 40 65,100 Jan. 20, 2017 14.7 45 43,600 Jan. 20, 2017 9.8 50 31,000 Jan. 20, 2017 7.0 55 27,800 Jan. 20, 2017 6.3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 167,500 - 37.7 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table 2. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yamana Shares Option Expiry Percentage of Price $(USD) Date Shares Owned ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4.5 2,000 Jan. 20, 2017 0.1 5 97,900 Jan. 20, 2017 2.8 5 200,100 Jan. 19, 2018 5.6 5.5 19,700 Jan. 20, 2017 0.6 7 925,900 Jan. 20, 2017 26.1 10 64,200 Jan. 20, 2017 1.8 12 21,800 Jan. 20, 2017 0.6 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total 1,331,600 - 37.5 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- About Abitibi Royalties Abitibi Royalties holds a 3% NSR on the Odyssey North discovery, Jeffrey Zone and the eastern portion of the Barnat Extension and a 2% NSR on portions of the Gouldie and Charlie zones all at the Canadian Malartic mine near Val-d'Or, Quebec. In addition, the Company is building a portfolio of royalties on early stage properties near producing mines and it holds 100% title to the Luc Bourdon and Bourdon West Prospects in the Ring of Fire, Ontario. The Company owns 3,549,695 shares of Yamana Gold and 444,197 shares of Agnico Eagle Mines. Golden Valley Mines and Rob McEwen hold approximately 51.4% and 8.7% interest in Abitibi Royalties, respectively. Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "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 the Company 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 realities may differ materially from those in forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. 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. Contacts: Abitibi Royalties Inc. Ian J. Ball President and CEO 416-346-4680 ian.ball@abitibiroyalties.com www.abitibiroyalties.com As of 1 May 2016, Tiit Magi assumes office as the member of the management board and manager of a subsidiary of Tallinna Kaubamaja Grupp AS, AS TKM King, which operates the ABC King and SHU stores. Prior to taking up this position in Tallinna Kaubamaja Grupp AS, Tiit Magi worked as the manager at Windrox OU, and he has held several positions related to sales. He also has extensive experience with managing and developing the footwear brand NS King. Magi has graduated from the Tallinn University of Technology in the field of vehicles and fleet management. Tiit Magi does not own any shares of Tallinna Kaubamaja Grupp AS. The current member of the executive board of AS TKM King, Edward Koster, who has previously held different managerial positions in Tallinna Kaubamaja Grupp AS since 2000, will continue as an entrepreneur. In addition to new challenges, Koster will be consulting on the commercial concept of a new Kaubamaja building for the Tallinna Kaubamaja Grupp AS' subsidiary Kaubamaja AS. Tallinna Kaubamaja Grupp AS is grateful for the contribution that Edward Koster, as a managing director of TKM King AS, has made to the development of the company. Raul Puusepp Chairman of the Board Phone: +372 731 5000 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. BOSTON, MA--(Marketwired - April 15, 2016) - VMTurbo, the only application performance control platform, today announced the launch of its new STEM Initiative Program, welcoming students from the Greater Boston Area to provide an interactive educational experience at a growing technology company. "According to the National Math and Science Initiative, engineering is one of the highest earning career paths, but less than 20% of students choose to follow the STEM path," said Chris McMahon, Vice President, People and Culture, VMTurbo. "At VMTurbo, we understand what it takes to be successful in a competitive, technology-driven world, and want to give these students an inside look as well as guidance on doing so for their own futures." Tenth grade students from Shawsheen Valley Vocational Technical High School will receive a tour of VMTurbo's office space at 500 Boylston Street and attend interactive educational sessions led by VMTurbo executives, including sales, technical and marketing leadership. Students will have the opportunity to shadow VMTurbo employees for a hands-on look at their day-to-day work. The day will close with an Executive Roundtable, featuring VMTurbo CEO Ben Nye, CFO Mo Garad, CMO Geeta Sachdev and CRO Eric Fischer. VMTurbo will be hosting Boston-area students each quarter as part of continuing the STEM Initiative Program. For more information or to get involved, email Kelsey.Hill@vmturbo.com. About VMTurbo VMTurbo's Application Performance Control platform is trusted by enterprises around the world to guarantee the performance of any application on any infrastructure, cloud, virtualized or physical. VMTurbo's patented decision-engine dynamically analyzes application demand and automatically allocates shared resources to all applications maintaining a perpetual state of health. Launched in 2010, VMTurbo is one of the fastest growing technology companies on the market. Leveraging VMTurbo's control platform, customers can confidently accelerate their adoption of virtual, cloud, and container deployments for all mission critical applications today and in the future. Leveraging VMTurbo, customers can guarantee application performance, maximizing infrastructure and human efficiency and positively impacting their companies' business goals. To learn more, visit vmturbo.com. Media Contacts: Eric Senunas 617.669.3676 Eric.senunas@vmturbo.com MIAMI BEACH, FL -- (Marketwired) -- 04/15/16 -- Car Charging Group, Inc. (OTCQB: CCGI) ("CarCharging") the largest owner, operator, and provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging services, announced its financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2015. Highlights for the six months ended June 30, 2015* compared to the six months ended June 30, 2014 include: Gross profits turned positive to $513,307 from a loss of ($1.56m) EV Charging hardware sales grew over 4x to $405,979 from $98,721 EV Charging service fees grew 72% to $905,770 from $527,514 Net Operating Expenses were reduced by $3.33m to $7.20m from $10.54m Total Loss from Operations was nearly reduced in half to $6.69m from $12.01m Net Loss per Share was significantly reduced to (0.08) from (0.14) *The Company's financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2015 also appear in the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which was filed with the SEC on Thursday, April 14, 2016. "In the first half of 2015, the Company's acquisition integration strategy continued to deliver favorable financial improvements as compared to 2014. We demonstrated growth in our key areas, including charging equipment sales, fees and revenues, and also began the implementation of cost reductions that were vital to operating the Company in an efficient manner moving forward," stated Mike Calise, CarCharging's Chief Executive Officer. "This execution led to a significant reduction in net loss per share. "We have dedicated major project management resources to ensure the rapid completion of our filings with the SEC," continued Mr. Calise. "We anticipate that the improved timeframes for our financial reporting should have a positive effect on our shareholder's confidence in the Company." About Car Charging Group, Inc. Car Charging Group, Inc. (OTCQB: CCGI) is a pioneer in nationwide public electric vehicle (EV) charging services, enabling EV drivers to easily recharge at locations throughout the United States. Headquartered in Miami Beach, FL with offices in San Jose, CA; New York, NY; and Phoenix, AZ; CarCharging's business model is designed to accelerate the adoption of public EV charging. Through its subsidiary, Blink Network, CarCharging also provides residential EV charging solutions for single-family homes. For more information, please visit www.BlinkHQ.com. CarCharging has strategic partnerships across multiple business sectors including multi-family residential and commercial properties, parking garages, shopping malls, retail parking, and municipalities. For more information about CarCharging, please visit www.CarCharging.com, www.facebook.com/Car.Charging, or www.twitter.com/CarCharging. Forward-Looking Safe Harbor Statement: This press release contains forward-looking statements as defined within Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. By their nature, forward-looking statements and forecasts involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the near future. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Car Charging Group, Inc., and members of its management as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed conditions. Investor Relations and Media Contacts: CarCharging Media Contact: Suzanne Tamargo Suzanne@CarCharging.com (305) 521-0200 x 214 COSTA MESA, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/15/16 -- Sipp Industries, Inc. (OTC PINK: SIPC), a diversified conglomerate corporation specializing in technology, manufacturing and distribution of commercial and consumer products announces the brewing of hemp beer is on schedule and nearing completion. As the hemp beer finishes its fermentation stage it will be kegged for the 4/20 event at Ute Pass Brewing Company in Woodland Park, Colorado. Major Hemp and Ute Pass Brewing Company are co-sponsoring an event on 4/20 from 2pm to Close at Ute Pass Brewing Company. There will be five hemp beer flavors and styles to be showcased at the event. President Ted Jorgensen commented, "I will be attending the event at Ute Pass Brewing Company on 4/20 and look forward to meeting shareholders and patrons sampling our hemp beers." Major Hemp has also partnered with and supplied Wally's Tamales with hemp seeds which will be used to produce "Superfood Hemp Tamales" for the event. Wally's Tamales has previously developed and marketed natural food products to local retailers in Colorado as well as Whole Foods Market. "The Superfood Hemp Tamales are a unique recipe and hemp product we feel customers will love the taste of," stated Mike Wallard, owner of Wally's Tamales. "Major Hemp provided us quality hemp seeds and we're looking forward to partnering together on future product events and launches." Major Hemp and Ute Pass Brewing Company will evaluate the result of the hemp beer trial run after 4/20 and will determine next steps toward large scale expansion. Under Colorado state law, Ute Pass Brewing Company can brew up to 300,000 gallons of beer per year. With established intellectual property in hemp ingredients and recipes for hemp beer, the companies are discussing a more synergistic relationship to efficiently bring the beers to market nationwide. The company will provide further updates and announcements over the coming weeks and will be updating the 4/20 hemp beer event via social media. About Sipp Industries, Inc. Sipp Industries is a conglomerate corporation that specializes in technology, manufacturing and distribution of commercial and consumer products. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Major Hemp, the Company provides high quality and competitively priced bulk hemp, CBD supply, co-packing and private labeling services. For more information, please visit http://www.sippindustries.com. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SippIndustries Twitter: @SippIndustries Contact: Syman Vong CEO Sipp Industries, Inc. Investor Relations ir@sippindustries.com 949.220.0435 VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - April 15, 2016) - Quaterra Resources Inc. ("Quaterra" or "the Company") (OTCQX: QTRRF) (TSX VENTURE: QTA) today announced that Gerald Prosalendis, a current consultant of the Company, has been named President and Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. To accommodate this appointment, Thomas Patton has resigned as President while retaining the positions of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Prosalendis has been involved in decision making at a senior level for 30 years across a variety of industries, and for the last two decades has focused on the mining exploration and development business. "Gerald has experience in a wide range of activities involving exploration and mine development," says Patton. "He has been successful more than once in being part of a team that has created tremendous corporate value." "I am excited and honored to take on this role," says Prosalendis. "I look forward to working with Tom and the company team to create value through exploration at Yerington. I am keenly aware of the difficult challenges that face our industry at this time, but believe that current market conditions may also present opportunities." Mr. Prosalendis has been an officer or director of a number of publicly traded mining exploration and development companies. He was the Vice President Corporate Development of Western Silver Corporation and was involved in the successful sale of that company in 2006 to Glamis Gold Ltd. for $1.6 billion. He was also Vice President Corporate Development of Dia Met Minerals, a member of the team that developed the Ekati diamond mine and was involved in the sale of Dia Met to BHP Billiton for $687 million in 2001. He has worked with company executives to develop and implement strategic plans; identify opportunities for growth including property acquisitions, M&A activity, joint ventures and partnerships; facilitate corporate financings; and, build companies' profiles in the investment community. Mr. Prosalendis is currently enrolled in a Master's degree in environmental management at Royal Roads University, and has a Bachelor's degree from the University of Cape Town. The Company also announced that it has granted 3,025,000 incentive stock options to 22 directors, officers, employees and consultants pursuant to the Company's stock option plan. The options are exercisable at a price of $0.065 per share for a period of five years and are subject to the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. About Quaterra Resources Inc. Quaterra Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE: QTA) (OTCQX: QTRRF) is a copper exploration and development company with the primary objective to advance its U.S. subsidiary's copper projects in the Yerington District, Nevada. On behalf of the Board of Directors, Thomas Patton, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Quaterra Resources Inc. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. For more information please contact: Thomas Patton Chairman and CEO Quaterra Resources Inc. 604-641-2758 Gerald Prosalendis President and COO Quaterra Resources Inc. 604-641-2780 ALBANY, New York, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new market report published by Transparency Market Research entitled"Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024,"theenvironmental health & safety (EHS) marketwas worth US$ 3,009.0 Mn in 2015 and is expected to reach US$ 8,315.1 Mn by 2024, expanding at a CAGR of 12.0% from 2016 to 2024. North America was the largest EHS market in 2015. The growth in this region is being driven by the implementation of EHS across a large number of major industry verticals, including chemical, oil & gas, construction, and mining. The EHS market is expected to witness prominent growth in the near future, especially in developing economies. Due to the high cost of environmental compliance software, the adoption of EHS across SMBs was too low in the early stage. Thus, in order to adhere with EHS norms and regulations, several Federal agencies have been operational across developing economies to mandate the implementation of EHS. Furthermore, these agencies have brought cost-effective solutions to comply with EHS standards primarily for SMBs and cost-sensitive economies. One of the most prominent driving factors for the EHS market is multiple statutory and legal requirements to maintain EHS safety standards. This has led the market to exhibit significant growth potential across all the regions over the forecast period. The report provides cross-segment analysis of the EHS market components, comprising software and services. The segmentation on the basis of software includes quality & risk assessment, data analytics, cost management, environmental compliance, energy & carbon management, and others. Environmental compliance software is expected to emerge as the fastest-growing software solution. The high growth in this segment is characterized by several norms and regulations implemented by federal agencies associated with environmental protection legislation around the globe. However, data analytics software held the dominant position in terms of EHS software type in 2015 due to rising demand for analytical tools to monitor health & safety issues. Browse the Press Release of this report, here: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/environmental-health-safety-market.htm EHS services covered in the report are consulting, project management, analytics, training, implementation, auditing, and certification. Auditing services held the largest market share in terms of revenue for EHS services across all the regions. Auditing of EHS compliance includes heavy capital investments, thereby resulting in the largest market share across EHS services types. Furthermore, auditing service is also anticipated to be the fastest-growing segment across all the EHS service types. End-use industries deploying EHS software and services covered in the report are chemical & petrochemical, energy & mining, construction, agriculture, transportation, manufacturing, government & public sector, retail, healthcare, and others. The chemical and petrochemical industry verticals held major market share in terms of EHS adoption across a majority of the economies. Get Sample Report Copy or for further inquiries, click here: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=2292 Geographically, North America is the largest market for EHS and the region is anticipated to dominate the global EHS market over the forecast period. In 2015, North America accounted for approximately 32% of the global EHS market's revenue. Key players in the global EHS market include IHS Inc., 3E Company, International Finance Corporation, Enablon North America Corporation, SAP SE, UL LLC, and Medgate Inc. The EHS market is segmented as follows. Environmental Health & Safety Market, by Components Software Quality & Risk Assessment Data Analytics Cost Management Environmental Compliance Energy & Carbon Management Others Services Consulting Project Management Analytics Training Implementation Auditing Certification Environmental Health & Safety Market, by End-use Industry Chemical & Petrochemical Energy & Mining Construction Agriculture Transportation Manufacturing Government & Public Sector Retail Healthcare Others Environmental Health & Safety Market, by Geography North America The U.S. Rest of North America Europe EU7 CIS Rest of Europe Asia-Pacific (APAC) Japan China South Asia Australasia Rest of APAC Middle East and Africa (MEA) GCC Countries North Africa South Africa Rest of MEA Latin America Brazil Rest of Latin America Other Research Reports by Transparency Market Research: Test Automation Market: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/test-automation-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/test-automation-market.html Telecom Expense Management Market : http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/telecom-expense-management-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/telecom-expense-management-market.html HPV Decontamination Systems Market: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/hpv-decontamination-systems-market.html About Us Transparency Market Research (TMR) 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. TMR's experiencedteam of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information. Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports. Contact Mr.Sudip. S 90 State Street, Suite 700 Albany, NY 12207 Tel: +1-518-618-1030 USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Email:sales@transparencymarketresearch.com Website: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ In the midst of a power crisis and a commitment to grow its renewable energy industry, the connection of a 20 MW solar PV plant must be music to the ears of Ghanaian energy officials. The plant is the largest PV installation in Ghana and is a signal of intent for a country that is making great efforts to increase its reliance on clean energy. The 20 MW project was developed by Chinese technology company firm Beijing Xiaocheng Company (BXC), a subsidiary of Beijing Fuxing Xiao-Cheng Electronic (FXXCE), who put up the US$30 million in funding itself. The plant is the first large-scale solar farm in Ghana, constructed on a 100-acre piece ... 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. AB Amber Grid (legal entity code 303090867, office address Savanoriu pr. 28, LT-03116 Vilnius, Republic of Lithuania) (hereinafter referred to as the 'Company') has publicised the Draft Agenda of the General Meeting of Shareholders to be held on 26 April 2016 (hereinafter referred to as the 'Meeting') and the Draft Resolutions of the Meeting.On 12 April 2016 the Company received a proposal of its shareholder UAB EPSO-G with holding more than 1/20 of all votes to extend the Agenda by including item 10 and the proposed Draft Resolution.The Agenda of the Meeting was supplemented with the item proposed by the shareholder and Draft Resolutions and is presented for the Meeting.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.10) Establishing a maximum annual budget for wages of the members of the Board of Directors of AB Amber Grid and concrete wages for members of the Board of Directors, the conclusion of agreements with the members of the Board of Directors regarding their activity in the Board of Directors of AB Amber Grid, the determination of standard terms and conditions of such agreements and the appointment of a person authorised by AB Amber Grid to sign the agreements.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 the Company approved the Agenda and Draft Resolutions of the General Meeting of Shareholders.The updated Agenda and the Draft Resolutions of the General Meeting with the item proposed by the shareholder: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 2015.6) 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).10) Establishing a maximum annual budget for wages of the members of the Board of Directors of AB Amber Grid and concrete wages for members of the Board of Directors, the conclusion of agreements with the members of the Board of Directors regarding their activity in the Board of Directors of AB Amber Grid, the determination of standard terms and conditions of such agreements and the appointment of a person authorised by AB Amber Grid to sign the agreements.Draft Resolution:With regard to resolutions adopted at the extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders which took place on 30 June 2014 and the provisions of the new version of Articles of Association of AB Amber Grid approved at the present General Meeting of Shareholders:1.1. to approve a maximum annual budget of 36 000.00 (thirty-six thousand euros) for wages of the members of the Board of AB Amber Grid.1.2. to set the following concrete wages for members of the Board:an hourly wage of 50.00 (fifty euros) (before taxes) for activity in the Board of Directors of AB Amber Grid, with a maximum monthly wage not exceeding 1 000.00 (one thousand euros) (before taxes) to be paid to the members of the Board of Directors of AB Amber Grid, except those members who are the employees of UAB EPSO-G, which holds a controlling stake in the Company.1.3. to approve the standard terms and conditions of agreements signed with members and independent members of the Board of Directors of AB Amber Grid on their activity in the Board (enclosed).1.4. to appoint and authorise Director of the Law and Administration Department of AB Amber Grid Tomas Suslavicius immediately, not later than 10 (ten) days following the adoption of this Resolution to sign on behalf of AB Amber Grid agreements with members and chairman of the Board of Directors of AB Amber Grid on their activity in the Board of Directors of AB Amber Grid in accordance with the standard terms and conditions of agreements approved by the Board of Directors of AB Amber Grid under this resolution.The shareholder EPSO-G also proposed the following candidates to the members of the Board of Directors of AB Amber Grid under item 8 of the Agenda of the General Meeting of Shareholders:- Rimvydas Stilinis,- Nemunas Biknius,- Saulius Bilys,- Vytautas Ruolia,- Nerijus Datkunas.Rimvydas Stilinis and Nemunas Biknius are proposed on behalf of UAB EPSO-G, a parent company which holds a 96.58% shareholding in the Company; Nerijus Datkunas is proposed as an independent candidate to the members of the Board of Directors of AB Amber Grid.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. 10. Information about the members of the Board of Directors. 11. The Standard Terms and Conditions of the Agreement of the Board Member on the activities in the Board 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 2327732fax +370 5 236 0850e-mail: t.suslavicius@ambergrid.ltAttachment:https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=556531 WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The Department of State has warned U.S. citizens to avoid travel to the Central African Republic (CAR) due to an unpredictable security situation subject to rapid deterioration, activities of armed groups, and violent crime. In a Travel Warning update Thursday, the State Department urged U.S. citizens who are currently in CAR to consider departing. U.S. citizens in CAR who require consular assistance should contact the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde, Cameroon. The potential for sectarian violence remains high. Indiscriminate violence and looting has occurred in CAR since the overthrow of the government in March 2013. Despite the peaceful election of a new president in 2016 and the continued presence of a United Nations stabilization force, the security situation remains fragile. In the event of unrest, airport, land border, and road closures may occur with little or no notice, says the Travel Warning update. 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 (dpa-AFX) - Business activity for New York manufacturers expanded faster than expected in the month of April, according to a report released by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on Friday. The New York Fed said its general business conditions climbed to 9.6 in April from 0.6 in March, with a positive reading indicating growth in regional manufacturing activity. Economists had expected the index to rise to 3.0. With the much bigger than expected increase, the index rose to its highest level since reaching 9.7 in January of 2015. 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. CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Canadian dollar declined against its major rivals in European trading on Friday, as oil prices declined on fading hopes that the oil producers' meeting in Doha would agree on a proposal to freeze oil production on Sunday. Crude for May delivery fell $0.83 to $40.67 per barrel. News that Iranian Petroleum Minister Bijan Zanganeh may not attend the Sunday meeting made investors skeptical about a breakthrough deal to freeze production at January levels. As Iran has rejected calls to cut production, Saudi Arabia made clear that it won't sign any deal unless other major oil producers, including Iran, participate in the deal. Investor sentiment dampened after a powerful earthquake struck southwestern Japan and official data showed China's economy grew at its slowest pace in seven years during the first quarter. The currency was trading a positive territory in the previous session. The loonie declined to a 2-day low of 1.4514 against the euro and a 3-day low of 84.63 against the yen, off early 2-day highs of 1.4406 and 85.68, respectively. On the downside, the loonie may find support around 1.475 against the euro and 82.00 against the yen. The loonie fell to an 8-day low of 0.9927 versus the aussie, reversing from an early high of 0.9854. If the loonie extends slide, 1.05 is likely seen as its next support level. The loonie edged down to 1.2865 against the greenback, after having advanced to 1.2797 at 3:30 am ET. The next possible support for the loonie is seen around the 1.30 region. Looking ahead, Canada existing home sales for March, U.S. industrial production for March and University of Michigan's preliminary consumer sentiment index for April are set for release shortly. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de CHENNAI and HANOI, Vietnam, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Seamlessly Integrates 692 Branches; Drives Significant Improvement in all of the Banks Key Indicators Intellect Design Arena Limited, a specialist in enabling true digital transformation across banking & insurance, is proud to announce that Vietnam's leading government-owned bank, Vietnam Bank for Social Policies (VBSP) has won a Celent Model Bank Award in the Legacy and Ecosystem Transformation category. The prestigious award was presented at a glittering ceremony at Celent's Innovation and Insights Day, held in New York. The award recognizes the bank's adoption of Intellect's robust Digital Core and Lending platform that drove significant improvement in all of the banks key indicators & seamlessly integrated 692 branches. Celent, a global research and advisory firm for the financial services industry, recognizes the best practices of technology usage in different areas critical to success in banking through the Annual Model Bank Awards. Nominations are submitted by financial institutions and technology vendors around the globe that undergo rigorous evaluation by Celent analysts. "The technology deployed by VBSP to reach the underbanked population in the rural areas of Vietnam gives a new meaning to the term 'mobile banking'," said James O'Neill, Senior Analyst at Celent. "The ability of the Intellect core banking platform to handle off-line transactions through laptops that are deployed in the field is the key to the growth of VBSP's micro lending business in these rural areas." VBSP was seeking to increase its reach to its target market essentially extending banking services to the unbanked of Vietnam and set a firm target of 10% per year in loan portfolio growth while maintaining a delinquency target rate of 3% and below. As a grassroots lender seeking to reach low-income consumers where they live, VBSP has operated with a patchwork quilt of separate systems. The Bank was using ad-hoc methods of capturing mobile branch transactions, resulting in both reduced productivity & increased input errors. The Bank needed a Digital core banking system that was similar to those being used by other commercial banks in the market, but also required a highly robust offline transaction processing. The bank chose Intellect's inclusive Digital Core & Lending platform for its ambitious growth strategy. Intellect Digital Core presented the hybrid model of on-line and off-line processing, when coupled with the high number of accounts that needed to be serviced. Intellect's Digital Core has been deployed in a centralized data centre in Vietnam and can be accessed by all the 692 branches across the country. The most important component of VBSP's Core Banking platform is Intellect Inclusive, a laptop-based application that is accessible via browser and functionally equivalent to a teller platform, but with functionality linked tightly to the role of the banks mobile branch staff across its 11,000 transaction points, with both disbursement & collection responsibilities for existing loans and origination responsibility for new loans. Commenting on the award, Mr Hoang Minh Te - Deputy General Director, Head of Project, Vietnam Bank for Social Policies said, "We are delighted with this recognition from Celent for VBSP's initiative on Inclusive banking. As the chief tool of the Vietnamese Government to fight against poverty and to enable financial inclusion of the poor, we required a centralized, robust and scalable core banking solution that will enable us to promote policy and microfinance in Vietnam. In the 18 months since successfully implementing Intellect's Digital Core banking solution, all of the Bank's key indicators have improved materially. The most important of these indicates are customer count (increasing by 20% from 7.5 million to 9.2 million customers), loan count (increasing by 30%, from 7 million loans to 9.2 million loans), and customer delinquency rate decreasing to under 1%". Jaideep Billa, CEO, Global Consumer Banking (iGCB), Intellect Design Arena Ltd. said, "Intellect congratulates VBSP for this prestigious recognition from Celent, one of the most respected global analyst firms. We applaud the vision of VBSP to leverage Digital Technology in their fight against rural poverty in Vietnam. We are privileged to be part of this transformational initiative. We designed the new Digital platform around customer convenience, higher volume of new loans, loan quality and increased staff productivity. The Lending programs maintained by the bank are one of the most diverse serving over 9 million customers. As the rural poor of Vietnam are not very mobile, VBSP maintains a strong physical outreach through 618 district transaction office, and over 10000 mobile branches, which are specially equipped vans. A unique aspect of VBSP's new platform is the automated scheduling of loan due-dates based on the mobile van's travel schedule to a given locale, a very important client convenience." The Intellect platform's reporting capabilities have also been helpful in streamlining the workflows required to provide relevant and timely reports to the Bank's stakeholders, including the Vietnamese government, other non-governmental donors, and third-party investors. About Intellect Design Arena Limited Intellect Design Arena Ltd, a specialist in enabling true digital transformations, is the world's first full spectrum banking and insurance technology products company, across global consumer banking, central banking, global transaction banking, risk & treasury management and insurance. Visit us at: http://www.intellectdesign.com/ For Media related info, please contact: Nachu Nagappan Intellect Design Arena Ltd Mob: +91 89396 19676 Email: nachu.nagappan@intellectdesign.com For Investor related info, please contact: Praveen Malik Intellect Design Arena Limited Mob: +91 89397 82837 Email: praveen.malik@intellectdesign.com NEW YORK, APRIL 15, 2016 - Today Reuters, the world's largest international multimedia news provider, launched a new Reuters.com (http://www.reuters.com/) homepage, providing a more immersive experience for readers through a streamlined design, compelling visuals and a strong multimedia presentation. The new home page was released simultaneously across six editions: U.S., UK, India, Germany, Japan and China. The new design allows Reuters to play to its strengths in fast-moving global news and business coverage and with more in-depth reporting and stirring visual features. The platform will also feature new advertising formats, including floating ads and custom solutions for advertisers. On the newly designed homepage, readers will find: The Wire, a real-time news stream highlighting Reuters agenda-setting news coverage from around the world; The biggest and most important stories of the day, front and center, curated by online editorial teams in each region; Markets data in a more prominent place, so readers can quickly get the latest pricing and intraday movement across equities, bonds, currencies and commodities; Feature modules showcasing the best in Reuters multimedia, long-form investigative pieces, commentary, podcasts and ongoing coverage; Bigger visuals and faster load times; New ad formats providing enhanced viewability for advertisers and introducing new share of voice opportunities across all Reuters.com platforms. "Reuters visuals are among the best in the world, and this new homepage design enables us to feature our multimedia coverage in a more compelling way," said Reuters Digital Executive Editor Dan Colarusso. "We're showcasing that depth with a striking visual presentation, while also highlighting our strength in breaking news coverage and speed. It's the best of Reuters, front and center for the user." "We started by tackling the mobile web first, with a redesign last August, and that gave us a 40% spike in mobile users," said Reuters Digital Publisher Bill Riordan. "Now we're taking what we learned back to the desktop. This next step will mean new opportunities for users and for advertisers and there will be more enhancements to come." To view the new Reuters.com homepage, visit http://www.reuters.com (http://www.reuters.com). Reuters Reuters, the news and media division of Thomson Reuters, is the world's largest international multimedia news provider reaching more than one billion people every day. Reuters provides trusted business, financial, national, and international news to professionals via Thomson Reuters desktops, the world's media organizations, and directly to consumers at Reuters.com. Thomson Reuters Thomson Reuters is the world's leading source of news and information for professional markets. Our customers rely on us to deliver the intelligence, technology and expertise they need to find trusted answers. The business has operated in more than 100 countries for more than 100 years. Thomson Reuters shares are listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges. For more information, visit www.thomsonreuters.com CONTACT Heather Carpenter PR Manager, Head of Special Projects Reuters heather.carpenter@thomsonreuters.com (mailto:heather.carpenter@thomsonreuters.com) 646-223-8551 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: Thomson Reuters Corporation via Globenewswire HUG#2004014 PUNE, India, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The report "Regulatory Environment and Impact Analysis - Sterile Packaging Market Standards & Regulations, Regional & National Regulatory Bodies - Market Analysis & Forecast to 2020", published by MarketsandMarkets, The market for sterile medical packaging is projected to grow from USD 26.55 Billion in 2015 to USD 35.07 Billion by 2020, at an estimated CAGR of 5.72%. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 ) Browse 33 market data Tables and 39 Figures spread through 121 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Regulatory Environment and Impact Analysis - Sterile Packaging Market" http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/regulatory-environment-impact-analysis-sterile-packaging-market-133232063.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report. The market for sterile medical packaging is growing due to increasing applications of sterile packaging in the pharmaceutical & biological sectors, aging population, and rising chronic diseases. Growing demand from the healthcare industry also provides an opportunity to the market to grow further, especially in the emerging Asia-Pacific and Latin American regions. However, maintaining medical packaging integrity can act as a challenge to the growth of the market for sterile medical packaging. North America dominated the Market for Sterile Medical Packaging in 2014 and has the most organized regulatory framework for sterile medical packaging On the basis of key regions, the Market for Sterile Medical Packaging is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of the World (RoW). The North American region held the largest share among all the regions in 2014. This is mainly due to rising healthcare awareness and continuous innovation & technological developments in both pharmaceutical & medical industries which are transforming the healthcare packaging industry further, thereby driving the growth of the sterile medical packaging market. Further, the regulatory framework in North America is organized, effective, strong, and transparent. Factors such as timelines for the medical device approval process, cost for placing the product in the market, and ease of doing business have been considered for defining the structure of the sterile medical device regulatory framework. Countries such as the U.S., Canada, and Mexico have been considered for the study. In North America, the regulations implemented by governing bodies such as U.S. FDA and ASTM have been followed as international standards and regulations by different countries across the region. While in Asia-Pacific, factors such as longer timelines for approving the medical devices in Australia, red tapism in India, and higher cost for approval of the medical device make the regulatory framework in the region complex as compared to the regulatory environment in North America and Europe. Make an Inquiry: http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=133232063 The scope of the report covers detailed information regarding the major factors influencing the growth of the Market for Sterile Medical Packaging such as drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities. This report studies and covers sterile medical packaging regulations and legislations in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and RoW. The regions have been further studied based on laws prevalent in the top countries. The report also includes key governing bodies and the medical device approval process is mentioned for the key countries. Browse Related Reports: Sterile Medical Packaging Market by Material (Plastics, Glass, Others), Type (Thermoform trays, Bottles, Vials & Ampoules, Others), Sterilization Methods (Chemical, Radiation, Others), Application (Surgical instruments, Pharmaceutical, Others) - Forecast to 2020 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/sterile-medical-packaging-market-261270541.html Skin Packaging Market by Material (Plastic films, Paper & Paperboard, Others), Type (Carded, Non-carded), Heat Seal Coating (Solvent-based, Water-based, others), & Application (Food, Consumer goods, Industrial goods, others) - Global Forecast to 2020 http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/skin-packaging-market-70226116.html About MarketsandMarkets: MarketsandMarkets is the world's No. 2 firm in terms of annually published premium market research reports. Serving 1700 global fortune enterprises with more than 1200 premium studies in a year, M&M is catering to a multitude of clients across 8 different industrial verticals. We specialize in consulting assignments and business research across high growth markets, cutting edge technologies and newer applications. Our 850 fulltime analyst and SMEs at MarketsandMarkets are tracking global high growth markets following the "Growth Engagement Model - GEM". The GEM aims at proactive collaboration with the clients to identify new opportunities, identify most important customers, write "Attack, avoid and defend" strategies, identify sources of incremental revenues for both the company and its competitors. M&M's flagship competitive intelligence and market research platform, "RT" connects over 200,000 markets and entire value chains for deeper understanding of the unmet insights along with market sizing and forecasts of niche markets. The new included chapters on Methodology and Benchmarking presented with high quality analytical infographics in our reports gives complete visibility of how the numbers have been arrived and defend the accuracy of the numbers. We at MarketsandMarkets are inspired to help our clients grow by providing apt business insight with our huge market intelligence repository. Contact: Mr. Rohan Markets and Markets UNIT no 802, Tower no. 7, SEZ Magarpatta city, Hadapsar Pune, Maharashtra 411013, India 1-888-600-6441 Email: sales@marketsandmarkets.com Visit MarketsandMarkets Blog @ http://www.marketsandmarketsblog.com/market-reports/packaging Connect with us on LinkedIn @ http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets Draft decisions of the ordinary shareholders meeting of Agrowill Group AB (company code 126264360, registered address: Smolensko st. 10, Vilnius) which will take place on April 29, 2016:1. Consolidated annual report of the Company for the year 2015 and report of the Auditor:- Taken for the information.2. Approval of consolidated annual financial statements of the Company for the year 2015.Draft decision:- To approve consolidated annual financial statements for the year 2015.3. Approval of the profit (loss) appropriation of the Company for the year 2015.Draft decision:- To leave inappropriated the result of the Company for the year 2015 as indicated in the consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for the year 2014.4. Election of the Supervisory Board.-to recall members of the Supervisory Board of the Company regarding the expiry of the term of office of the Supervisory Board-to elect members of the Supervisory Board of the Company:4.1. [name, surname of the elected candidate]4.2. [name, surname of the elected candidate]4.3. [name, surname of the elected candidate]4.4. [name, surname of the elected candidate]4.5. [name, surname of the elected candidate]5. Election of the auditor of the Company .Draft decision:-To elect [..........] as the Company's audit enterprise to perform the audit of the Group financial statements (including - consolidated) for the 2016 financial year. To authorize the Company's general manager or any member of the Board to conclude the agreement for audit services, establishing the payment for services as agreed between the parties but in any case not more than [..........] EUR (VAT excluded) per year for the audit of the Company's financial statements (including - consolidated).Note: Due to ongoing audit procedures Consolidated annual financial statements for the year 2015 and consolidated annual report of the Company 2015 will be disclosed later by separate announcement before Meeting.All documents possessed by the Company related to the agenda of the Meeting, are available at the headquarters of Agrowill Group AB, Smolensko st. 10, Vilnius, Lithuania (tel. +370 5 233 53 40) and also available online at www.agrowill.ltAttached:1. General voting ballot.Vladas Bagavicius Member of the Board tel. +370 5 233 5340Attachment:https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=556581 This announcement does not constitute an offering circular or prospectus in connection with an offering of securities of TORM plc. Investors must neither accept any offer for, nor acquire or subscribe for, any securities to which this document refers, unless they do so on the basis of the information contained in the prospectus made available by TORM plc in those jurisdictions where an offer may be made (if an offer is made). This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for, any securities and cannot be relied on for any investment contract or decision.Notice to U.S. Shareholders: The offer described in this announcement is for the securities of a non-U.S. company. The offer is subject to disclosure requirements of a country that are different from those of the United States. It may be difficult for you to enforce your rights and any claim you may have arising under the U.S. federal securities laws, since the issuer is located in a foreign country and some or all of its officers and directors are residents of a foreign country. You may not be able to sue a foreign company or its officers or directors in a foreign court for violations of the U.S. securities laws. It may be difficult to compel a foreign company and its affiliates to subject themselves to a U.S. court's judgment. You should be aware that the offeror may purchase securities otherwise than under the offer, such as in open market or privately negotiated purchases.With reference to company announcement no. 11 dated 15 April 2016 regarding the completion of the exchange offer submitted by TORM plc on 21 March 2016, TORM A/S hereby announces the receipt of the following notifications pursuant to Section 29 of the Danish Securities Trading Act (vrdipapirhandelsloven):On 15 April 2016, OCM Njord Holdings S.a r.l. notified TORM A/S that as a consequence of the completion of the exchange offer submitted by TORM plc on 21 March 2016, OCM Njord Holdings S.a r.l. through TORM plc holds 61,203,063 A shares in TORM A/S of a nominal value of DKK 15 each corresponding to 95.9% of the total issued share capital and 95.9% of the voting rights of TORM A/S (excluding the voting rights attached to the C share as set out in TORM A/S' articles of association). In addition to the A shares, OCM Njord Holdings S.a r.l. through TORM plc holds the sole C share of TORM A/S of nominally DKK 0.01 which carries 525,000,000,000 votes in respect of certain matters as set out in TORM A/S' articles of association. Accordingly, OCM Njord Holdings S.a r.l. indirectly holds 100% of the C share capital and 100% of the voting rights attached to the C share. TORM plc is a subsidiary of OCM Njord Holdings S.a r.l. OCM Njord Holdings S.a r.l. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the following entities owned by funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management L.P., OCM Luxembourg OPPS VIIIB S.a r.l., OCM Luxembourg OPPS XI S.a r.l. and OCM Luxembourg OPPS IX (Parallel 2) S.a r.l.On 15 April 2016, DW Partners, LP informed TORM A/S that as a consequence of accepting the exchange offer submitted by TORM plc on 21 March 2016, DW Catalyst Master Fund, Ltd. and DW Value Master Fund, Ltd., respectively and in aggregate, hold less than 5% of the total issued share capital and voting rights attached to the A shares of TORM A/S. DW Catalyst Master Fund, Ltd. and DW Value Master Fund, Ltd. do no longer hold any shares in TORM A/S. The voting rights attached to the A shares held by DW Catalyst Master Fund, Ltd. and DW Value Master Fund, Ltd, were previously exercised by the DW Partners, LP as investment manager.CONTACT TORM plc Christian Sgaard-Christensen, IR, tel.: +45 27 Old Gloucester Street 3076 1288 London WC1N 3AX, United Kingdom Tel.: +45 3917 9200 / Fax: +45 3917 9393 www.torm-plc.comABOUT TORM TORM is one of the world's leading carriers of refined oil products. The Company operates a fleet of approximately 80 modern vessels with a strong commitment to safety, environmental responsibility and customer service. TORM was founded in 1889. The Company conducts business worldwide. For further information, please visit www.torm.com.SAFE HARBOR STATEMENTS AS TO THE FUTURE Matters discussed in this release may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance and may include statements concerning plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and statements other than statements of historical facts. The words "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "forecast," "project," "plan," "potential," "may," "should," "expect," "pending" and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements.The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon various assumptions, many of which are based, in turn, upon further assumptions, including without limitation, management's examination of historical operating trends, data contained in our records and other data available from third parties. Although the Company believes that these assumptions were reasonable when made, because these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies that are difficult or impossible to predict and are beyond our control, the Company cannot guarantee that it will achieve or accomplish these expectations, beliefs or projections.Important factors that, in our view, could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements include the strength of the world economy and currencies, changes in charter hire rates and vessel values, changes in demand for "ton miles" of oil carried by oil tankers, the effect of changes in OPEC's petroleum production levels and worldwide oil consumption and storage, changes in demand that may affect attitudes of time charterers to scheduled and unscheduled dry-docking, changes in TORM's operating expenses, including bunker prices, dry-docking and insurance costs, changes in the regulation of shipping operations, including requirements for double hull tankers or actions taken by regulatory authorities, potential liability from pending or future litigation, domestic and international political conditions, potential disruption of shipping routes due to accidents, political events or acts by terrorists.In light of these risks and uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this release because they are statements about events that are not certain to occur as described or at all. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of our future performance, and actual results and future developments may vary materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.Except to the extent required by applicable law or regulation, the Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.The Exchange Offer was made in the United States in reliance on and in compliance with Rule 14d-1(c) under the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). The TORM plc securities will be issued pursuant to an exemption from registration provided by Rule 802 of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), which provides for an exemption for offerings in connection with an exchange offer for the securities of non-U.S. private issuers, such as TORM plc. TORM plc has furnished to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") a Form CB with respect to the Exchange Offer which may be amended and supplemented as applicable. TORM plc is not required to, and does not plan to, prepare and file with the SEC a registration statement with respect to the Exchange Offer. The securities of TORM plc have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act in connection with the Exchange Offer, or under the securities laws of any jurisdiction of the United States. The securities of TORM plc may not be offered, pledged, sold, resold, granted, delivered, allotted or otherwise transferred, as applicable, in the United States, except in transactions that are exempt from or not subject to the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and in compliance with any applicable state securities laws. The Exchange Offer does not comprise an offer or placement of TORM plc securities in the United States. Neither the SEC nor any U.S. state securities commission has approved or disapproved of the TORM plc securities offered in connection with the Exchange Offer, or determined if this announcement, the Prospectus, or the Exchange Offer Document is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence.Attachment:https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=556578 NEEDHAM, MA--(Marketwired - April 15, 2016) - Cambridge Healthtech Institute (CHI) announced the speaker agenda for the 15 th Annual World Preclinical Congress, taking place June 14-17, 2016 in Boston, MA. The leading preclinical drug discovery event, the World Preclinical Congress, features conferences, training seminars and short courses that cover the very latest in preclinical strategies and technologies, to enable better and faster decisions in drug discovery. This annual event is where preclinical minds meet discovery technologies, and this event attracts a diverse, global audience, which include experts, as well as people who are new and eager to contribute to the field. Having chemists, biologists, pharmacologists, toxicologists, screening and formulation experts in attendance, creates an interesting cross-disciplinary environment for tackling challenges and sharing expertise. The Plenary Keynote Presentations feature two prominent thought-leaders who are playing an important role in innovating drug discovery: Anthony J. Coyle Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer and Senior Vice President, Centers for Therapeutic Innovation, Pfizer Inc. and James Wilson, M.D., Ph.D., Professor, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine; Director, Orphan Disease Center and Director, Gene Therapy Program, University of Pennsylvania. During the keynote presentations, Coyle and Wilson will share their experiences and their perspectives on what has changed and what can be changed to improve preclinical research, help translate preclinical findings to the clinic, and to foster effective communication and collaboration. Attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and gain valuable insights from their learnings. Coyle and Wilson will join a distinguished faculty list comprised of over 220 world-renowned experts and visionaries in the drug discovery community. The year's event features nearly 175 presentations within twelve topic-focused conferences, two symposia, an introductory training seminars, over 65 exhibiting companies, scientific research posters, interactive roundtable discussions and a plethora of engaging networking events. For more information about the World Preclinical Congress, visit: www.WorldPreclinicalCongress.com. About Cambridge Healthtech Institute (www.healthtech.com) Cambridge Healthtech Institute (CHI), a division of Cambridge Innovation Institute, is the preeminent life science network for leading researchers and business experts from top pharmaceutical, biotech, CROs, academia, and niche service providers. CHI is renowned for its vast conference portfolio held worldwide including PepTalk, Molecular Medicine Tri-Conference, SCOPE Summit, Bio-IT World Conference & Expo, PEGS Summit, Drug Discovery Chemistry, Biomarker World Congress, World Preclinical Congress, Next Generation Dx Summit and Discovery on Target. CHI's portfolio of products include Cambridge Healthtech Institute Conferences, Barnett International, Insight Pharma Reports, Cambridge Marketing Consultants, Cambridge Meeting Planners, Knowledge Foundation, Bio-IT World, Clinical Informatics News and Diagnostics World. Lisa Scimemi Corporate Marketing Director lscimemi@healthtech.com TYSONS CORNER, VA--(Marketwired - April 15, 2016) - To help businesses more efficiently prepare for the Federal Regulatory agency auditing process, NeoSystems Corp., a leading professional services company specializing in technology-enabled business process outsourcing (BPO) and Deltek's first Platinum Partner, has released its latest code cracking summary entitled "5 Reasons Why Workflow Automation is Essential for Audit Compliance." Based on the FedPubs released webinar, "Audit Compliance with Workflow Automation" presented by DCAA audit expert Marty Herbert, this follow-up article provides insight into how the implementation of workflow automation can drastically simplify and improve the efficiency of the auditing process. "Federal Regulatory agency audits can be an extremely daunting and tedious task for any company," states Marty Herbert, former DCAA auditor and NeoSystems' Director of Business Automation and Consulting Management. "To prove compliance to federal regulations, such as FAR, DFARS, Sarbanes-Oxley, and HIPAA, companies are placed under a significant amount of scrutiny. Any irregularity in process control and record keeping can cost a company compliance status. By integrating state-of-the-art workflow automation into day-to-day operations, companies can ensure consistency in their business processes and detailed records of all activity within the company." Industry expert, Sandra Levy, Vice President of Contract Management at NeoSystems Corp., added, "our mission is to empower companies with the necessary information and tools needed to improve their overall productivity and success. Regulatory compliance can be an extremely time-consuming task that takes away from the ability to focus on their core businesses. We are thrilled to provide any support and insight we can to lessen the burden of regulatory audits, and help businesses better focus on the success and growth of their companies." To read the full article and watch the downloadable "Audit Compliance with Workflow Automation" webinar in its entirety, go to http://bit.ly/1VnVVnw. For more information about this webinar and NeoSystems Corp., contact LPowers@NeoSystemsCorp.com. About NeoSystems Corporation NeoSystems Corp, based in Tyson's Corner, Virginia, delivers integrated strategic back office services and solutions for commercial entities, government contractors, and nonprofit organizations. Today, NeoSystems supports 700 companies and over 50,000 employees with its BPO services and NeoSystems' experts have implemented hundreds of fully integrated financial and business management systems. Utilizing best of breed technology and leveraging in-depth expertise in Accounting & Finance, Human Capital Management, Hosting (SOC1/SOC2), and Information Technology, our team enables companies to improve vital operations, reduce their overhead costs and become compliant with complex requirements. NeoSystems is partnered with the world's leading software companies, including NetSuite, Deltek, Ultimate Software, IBM, Integrify, Contract Logix, and others to provide best-in-class ERP, HR, IT, Contract Management and business solutions. In March 2016, NeoSystems was named the first and only Deltek Platinum Partner and Costpoint Reseller, recognizing NeoSystems' experience and expertise as an elite Deltek solution provider. And, for six years in a row, Inc Magazine has NeoSystems has been honored as one of America's fastest growing private companies. For more information, visit www.neosystemscorp.com. Embedded Video Available: http://bit.ly/1VnVVnw Agency Contact: Nancy Rose Senich +1-202-262-6996 cell/txt. nancy@rose4results.com neosystems@rose4results.com SAN DIEGO, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/15/16 -- Fish & Richardson litigator Craig Countryman has been named a Rising Star by Appellate Law360, placing him among the top appellate lawyers in the United States under the age of 40. Countryman was one of only six attorneys nationally selected for this prestigious list. According to Law360, Countryman "pushed appellate courts into new territory, persuading the Federal Circuit to set precedent for patent reviews and winning certiorari at the U.S. Supreme Court..." on the standard for enhanced damages in patent cases. Countryman, who is 34 years old, is co-chair of Fish's appellate practice and is based in the firm's San Diego/Southern California office. He has led the briefing in over 30 Federal Circuit, Ninth Circuit, and Supreme Court appeals and has argued several of them. In 2015 alone, he received favorable decisions in four appeals. He also writes frequently on a variety of patent law topics and has published over 25 articles and dozens of posts on Fish's litigation blog. "I knew we had someone special when we hired Craig as a summer associate several years ago as even then, his ability to cut through the clutter and get to the core of an argument surpassed that of lawyers many years his senior," says Roger Denning, Fish's Southern California office managing partner who has worked closely with Countryman for several years. "Combine that with his natural gift for clear and persuasive writing and oral advocacy, and Craig is a tough act to beat." Before attending law school, Countryman was a chemist and developed a new stereoselective synthesis of a pain-killing drug using an organocatalytic cycloaddition. He received his law degree from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law in 2006, and his B.S. in chemistry, with honors, from the California Institute of Technology in 2003. Fish & Richardson is a global patent, intellectual property (IP) litigation, and commercial litigation law firm with more than 400 attorneys and technology specialists across the U.S. and Europe. Fish has been named the #1 patent litigation firm in the U.S. for 12 consecutive years and is one of the busiest post-grant firms, representing more petitioners at the PTAB than any other firm. Fish has been winning cases worth billions in controversy -- often by making new law -- for the most innovative clients and influential industry leaders since 1878. For more information, visit www.fr.com. Image Available: http://www2.marketwire.com/mw/frame_mw?attachid=2993218 Contact: Teresa Warren TW2 Marketing 619-582-5750 twarren@tw2marketing.com Kelly Largey Fish & Richardson 800-818-5070 largey@fr.com TORONTO, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Richmont Mines Inc. (TSX - NYSE MKT: RIC) ("Richmont" or the "Corporation"), announced that it will release the Corporations' first quarter financial results for the three month period ended March 31, 2016 before the market open on Thursday, May12, 2016. The financial statements will be available on the Corporation's website at http://www.richmont-mines.com or http://www.sedar.com . Webcast and Conference Call A webcast and conference call will be held on Thursday, May 12, 2016 starting at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time. Senior management will be on the call to discuss the results. Conference Call Access International & Toronto: 1-416-764-8688 Canada & U.S. Toll Free: 1-888-390-0546 Please ask to be placed into the Richmont Mines 2016 First Quarter Results Conference Call. Conference Call Live Webcast The conference call will be broadcast live on the Internet via webcast. To access the webcast, please follow this link: http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=1159345&s=1&k=091F297ECBCF0B3FCDA94611973F11E8. Archive Call Access If you are unable to attend the conference call, a replay will be available until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, Thursday, May 19, 2016 by dialing the appropriate number below: International & Toronto: 1-416-764-8677 Passcode: 669767# Canada & U.S. Toll Free: 1-888-390-0541 Passcode: 669767# Archive Webcast The webcast will be archived for 90 days. To access the archived webcast, visit the Corporation's website at http://www.richmont-mines.com or follow this link: http://event.on24.com/r.htm?e=1159345&s=1&k=091F297ECBCF0B3FCDA94611973F11E8. About Richmont Mines Inc. Richmont Mines has produced over 1.6 million ounces of gold from its operations in Quebec, Ontario and Newfoundland since beginning production. The Corporation currently produces gold from the Island Gold Mine in Ontario, and the Beaufor Mine in Quebec. The Corporation is also advancing development of the significant high-grade resource extension at depth of the Island Gold Mine in Ontario. With 25 years of experience in gold production, exploration and development, and prudent financial management, the Corporation is well-positioned to cost-effectively build its Canadian reserve base and to successfully enter its next phase of growth. Richmont routinely posts news and other important information on its website (http://www.richmont-mines.com). Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements that include risks and uncertainties. When used in this news release, the words "estimate", "project", "anticipate", "expect", "intend", "believe", "hope", "may" and similar expressions, as well as "will", "shall" and other indications of future tense, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and apply only as of the date on which they were made. Except as may be required by law, the Corporation undertakes no obligation and disclaims any responsibility to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements include changes in the prevailing price of gold, the Canadian-United States exchange rate, grade of ore mined and unforeseen difficulties in mining operations that could affect revenue and production costs. Other factors such as uncertainties regarding government regulations could also affect the results. Other risks may be set out in Richmont Mines' Annual Information Form, Annual Reports and periodic reports. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release. For more information, please contact: Renaud Adams President and CEO Phone: +1-416-368-0291 ext. 101 Anne Day Vice-President, Investor Relations Phone: +1-416-368-0291 ext. 105 Richmont Mines Inc. Ticker symbol:RIC Listings:TSX-NYSE MKT Web Site:http://www.richmont-mines.com Visit our Facebook page TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 04/15/16 -- Investors and investment advisors are invited to listen to an update on Global Healthcare Income & Growth Fund (the "Fund") (TSX: HIG.UN), hosted by Senior Portfolio Manager Laura Lau and Portfolio Manager Michael Clare of Brompton Funds. The Portfolio Managers discuss the Fund's portfolio and the Healthcare sector. The Manager believes that current valuations for Healthcare companies are attractive given their strong growth prospects, defensive characteristics and exposure to secular trends that will drive healthcare spending for decades to come. A link to the replay of the update recorded on April 14, 2016 has been posted to the Brompton Funds website at www.bromptongroup.com. The Fund has been created to provide investors with exposure to an equal-weight portfolio of equity securities of large capitalization global healthcare companies, providing the opportunity for capital appreciation, and the opportunity for enhanced distributions and higher risk-adjusted returns due to an active covered-call writing program. The Fund has a current distribution of $0.60 per unit per annum, representing a cash distribution rate of 7.3% based on the April 12, 2016 TSX closing price. The Fund's portfolio is comprised of the shares of the following companies: AbbVie Inc Cardinal Health Inc Pfizer Inc Allergan PLC Celgene Corp Roche Holding AG Bayer AG CVS Health Corp Stryker Corp Becton Dickinson and Co Gilead Sciences Inc Thermo Fisher Scientific Biogen Inc Johnson & Johnson Inc Bristol-Myers Squibb Co Laboratory Corp of UnitedHealth Group Inc Boston Scientific Corp America Holdings United Therapeutics Corp Baxalta Inc Medtronic PLC Zimmer Biomet Holdings Inc About Brompton Funds Brompton Funds, a division of Brompton Group which was founded in 2000, is an experienced investment fund manager with approximately $2.0 billion in assets under management. Brompton's investment solutions include TSX listed closed-end funds, mutual funds, hedge funds and flow-through limited partnerships. For further information, please contact your investment advisor, call Brompton's investor relations line at 416-642-6000 (toll-free at 1-866-642-6001), email info@bromptongroup.com or visit our website at www.bromptongroup.com. You will usually pay brokerage fees to your dealer if you purchase or sell units of the investment fund on the Toronto Stock Exchange or other alternative Canadian trading system (an "exchange"). If the units are purchased or sold on an exchange, investors may pay more than the current net asset value when buying units of the investment fund and may receive less than the current net asset values when selling them. There are ongoing fees and expenses associated with owning units of an investment fund. An investment fund must prepare disclosure documents that contain key information about the Fund. You can find more detailed information about the Fund in the public filings available at www.sedar.com. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information may relate to matters disclosed in this news release and to other matters identified in public filings relating to the Fund, to the future outlook of the Fund and anticipated events or results and may include statements regarding the future financial performance of the Fund. In some cases, forward-looking information can be identified by terms such as "may", "will", "should", "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "intend", "estimate", "predict", "potential", "continue" or other similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. Actual results may vary from such forward-looking information. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and we assume no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. Contacts: Brompton's Investor Relations line 416-642-6000 (toll-free at 1-866-642-6001) info@bromptongroup.com www.bromptongroup.com Stockholm, 2016-04-15 17:35 CEST (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --Notice is hereby given to the holders of depository receipts in respect of shares in Vostok New Ventures Ltd ("Vostok New Ventures" or the "Company") that an Annual General Meeting (the "Meeting") of shareholders shall be held on Tuesday, 17 May 2016 at 10 am CEST in the room New York at Grand Hotel, Sodra Blasieholmshamnen 8 in Stockholm, Sweden.Notice to attend etc.Holders of depository receipts wishing to attend the Meeting shall:(1) be listed in the register of holders of depository receipts kept by Euroclear Sweden AB on Wednesday, 11 May 2016; and(2) notify the Company of the intention to attend the Meeting not later than Wednesday, 11 May 2016 by mail at the address Computershare AB, Vostok New Ventures Ltd Annual General Meeting, Box 610, SE-182 16 Danderyd, Sweden, by telephone +46 8 518 015 52 or by e-mail to agm2016@vostoknewventures.com. The holder of depository receipts shall state his or her name, personal or company identification number, address as well as telephone number. If a holder of depository receipts intends to be represented by proxy, the name of the proxy holder shall be stated.Holders of depository receipts represented by proxy shall issue dated and signed power of attorney for the proxy. If the power of attorney is issued on behalf of a legal entity, a certified copy of a registration certificate or a corresponding document for the legal entity shall be appended. The power of attorney in original and, where applicable, the registration certificate should be submitted to the Company by mail at the address set forth above well in advance of the Meeting. The form to use for a power of attorney can be found on www.vostoknewventures.com.Holders of depository receipts who hold their receipts through nominees (Sw. forvaltare) must request a temporary registration of the voting rights in order to be able to participate at the Meeting. Holders of depository receipts who want to obtain such registration must contact the nominee regarding this well in advance of Wednesday, 11 May 2016.Voting forms will be distributed to the holders who have complied with the above requirements and the voting form must be brought to the Meeting.Proposed agenda1. Election of Chairman for the Meeting.2. Preparation and approval of voting list.3. Approval of the agenda.4. Election of one or two persons to check and sign the minutes.5. Resolution that the Meeting has been duly convened.6. Presentation by the Managing Director.7. Presentation of the annual report and the auditor's report as well as the consolidated annual report and the consolidated auditor's report.8. Resolution in respect of(a) the adoption of the profit and loss account and the balance sheet as well as the consolidated profit and loss account and the consolidated balance sheet; and(b) the appropriation of the Company's results according to the adopted balance sheet.9. Determination of the number of Directors and auditors.10. Determination of remuneration to the Directors and the auditors.11. Election of Directors and auditors.12. Resolution to appoint the Nomination Committee.13. Resolution regarding remuneration principles for the senior management.14. Resolution regarding introduction of new long term incentive programme.15. Closing of the Meeting.Chairman for the Meeting (item 1)The Nomination Committee, consisting of Jonathan Green (Luxor Capital), Ramsey Brufer (Alecta), Hakan Berg (Swedbank Robur Funds) and Lars O Gronstedt (chairman of the Board of Directors) proposes that Jesper Schonbeck, member of the Swedish Bar Association, is elected as Chairman for the Meeting.The appropriation of the Company's results (item 8b)The Board of Directors proposes that no dividend is paid to the shareholders and that the Company's results are brought forward.Election of Directors and auditors etc. (items 9-11)The Nomination Committee proposes that the Board of Directors shall consist of six (6) Directors without any deputy members. The Nomination Committee proposes, for the period until the end of the next Annual General Meeting, the re-election of all of the current Directors: Lars O Gronstedt, Josh Blachman, Per Brilioth, Victoria Grace, Ylva Lindquist and Keith Richman. The Nomination Committee proposes that the Meeting shall appoint Lars O Gronstedt to be Chairman of the Board of Directors.The Nomination Committee proposes a total Board remuneration (including remuneration for the work within the committees of the Board) of USD 342,000 of which USD 130,000 shall be allocated to the Chairman of the Board of Directors and USD 53,000 to each of the other Directors who are not employed by the Company, and that, in line with Swedish market practice, Directors who so wish shall be permitted to invoice the Company for their Board fees in an amount that is cost neutral to the Company, provided any Director who does so is solely liable for any tax effects.Furthermore, the Nomination Committee proposes that the Company's auditor, the registered audit company PricewaterhouseCoopers AB be re-elected until the end of the next Annual General Meeting and remunerated upon approval of their invoice.For information about the current Directors proposed for re-election, please see the Company's website, www.vostoknewventures.com.Nomination committee (item 12)The Nomination Committee proposes a procedure for appointing the Nomination Committee for the purposes of the Annual General Meeting in 2017, as per the following:A Nomination Committee shall be established consisting of representatives from the three largest holders of depository receipts in the Company. The ownership shall be based on the statistics from Euroclear Sweden AB over holders of depository receipts as per the last business day in August 2016. The names of the members of the Nomination Committee shall be announced as soon as they have been appointed, which shall take place no later than six months prior to the annual general meeting in 2017. In case of a material change in ownership prior to completion of the work to be performed by the Nomination Committee, it shall be possible to change the composition of the Nomination Committee. The Nomination Committee's mandate period extends up to the appointment of a new Nomination Committee. The Nomination Committee shall appoint a Chairman among them. If the representatives cannot agree upon appointment of Chairman, the representative representing the holder of depository receipts with the largest number of votes shall be appointed as Chairman. The Nomination Committee shall prepare proposals for the following decisions at the Annual General Meeting in 2017: (i) election of the Chairman for the Meeting, (ii) election of Directors, (iii) election of the Chairman of the Board of Directors, (iv) remuneration to the Directors, (v) election of the Company's auditors (vi) compensation to the Company's auditors, and (vii) proposal for how to conduct the nomination process for the Annual General Meeting in 2018.Remuneration principles for the senior management (item 13)The Board of Directors proposes that the Meeting resolves to approve the following management remuneration principles etc.The remuneration to the Managing Director and other members of the senior management shall consist of fixed salary, variable remuneration, other benefits and pension benefits. Except for the Managing Director, the senior management currently includes two individuals.The total remuneration shall correspond to the prevailing market conditions and be competitive. The fixed and variable remuneration shall correspond to the respective individual's responsibility and authority. The variable component should, in the first instance, be covered within the parameters of the Company's option plan and the Company's depository receipts incentive programme and shall, where payable in other instances, be subject to an upper limit in accordance with market terms and specific objectives for the Company and/or the individual.The period of notice of termination of employment shall be three to six months in the event of termination by the member of the senior management. In the event of termination by the Company, the total of the period of notice of termination and the period during which severance compensation is payable shall not exceed 12 months.Pension benefits shall be either benefit-based or contribution based or a combination thereof, with individual retirement ages. Benefit based pension benefits are conditional on the benefits being earned during a pre-determined period of employment.The Board of Directors shall be entitled to deviate from these guidelines in individual cases should special reasons exist.Resolution regarding introduction of new long term incentive programme (item 14)The Board of Directors proposes that the Meeting resolves to introduce a new long term incentive programme for up to six employees in Vostok New Ventures Ltd ("LTIP 2016") in accordance with the below. LTIP 2016 is a three year performance based incentive program.Adoption of an incentive programmeSummary of the programmeThe Board of Directors proposes that the general meeting resolves to adopt LTIP 2016. LTIP 2016 is proposed to include up to six employees in Vostok New Ventures. The participants in LTIP 2016 are required to invest in Vostok New Ventures by acquiring shares in the form of depository receipts in Vostok New Ventures ("Saving DRs"). These Saving DRs are received by way of purchase of depository receipts (representing shares in Vostok New Ventures) at market value or transfer of depository receipts that such participant already holds in accordance with the terms set out under "Personal investment" below. The participants will thereafter be granted the opportunity to receive depository receipts free of charge in accordance with LTIP 2016, so called "Performance DRs" in accordance with the terms set out below.In the event that delivery of Performance DRs cannot be achieved at reasonable costs, with reasonable administrative efforts or due to market conditions, participants may instead be offered a cash-based settlement.Personal investmentIn order to participate in LTIP 2016, the participant must have made a private investment by (i) purchase of depository receipts (representing shares in Vostok New Ventures) at market value and for a value of up to SEK 1,250,000[1] depending on the participants' position in Vostok New Ventures in accordance with what is further described below, or (ii) by transfer of depository receipts that such participant already holds (provided that the participant holds at least 100% of annual net base pay in depository receipts) for a value of up to SEK 1,250,000[2] depending on the participants' position in Vostok New Ventures in accordance with what is further described below. For each Saving DR held under LTIP 2016, the Company will grant the participants ten rights to Performance DRs, meaning rights to receive Performance DRs free of charge ("Rights"). The number of Performance DRs each participant's Saving DRs entitles to depends on the Company's fulfilment of the performance conditions. A participant cannot receive more than ten Performance DRs per Saving DR.The maximum amounts for the personal investments are based on an assumed market price of Vostok New Ventures' depository receipts of SEK 50. The market price of the depository receipts may have increased or decreased by the time of the personal investment and the Board of Directors is authorised to change the maximum amount of the personal investment to take into account any material changes to the price of Vostok New Ventures' depository receipts, in order to give as positive effects as possible for depository receipt holders in the Company.General terms and conditionsSubject to the fulfilment of the entry level of the performance based conditions for the period 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2018 and provided that the participant has kept its investment in Saving DRs during the period from the day of allocation of the Rights until the day of the release of the interim report for the period 1 January to 31 March 2019 (the vesting period) and, with certain exceptions, kept its employment within the Vostok group and not given notice of termination at such point in time, two Rights entitles the participant to receive one Performance DR free of charge per Right.Retention and performance conditionsThe number of Performance DRs each of the participant's Saving DR entitles to depends on the Company's fulfilment of the performance conditions during the measurement period. The performance conditions are based on the Company's Net Asset Value ("NAV").The determined levels of the conditions include an entry, a target and a stretch level as regards the number of Rights that vest. The entry level constitutes the minimum level which must be exceeded in order to enable vesting of Rights. If the entry level is reached or exceeded, each participant will receive two Performance DRs per Saving DR. If the target level is reached or exceeded, each participant will receive five Performance DRs per Saving DR. If the stretch level is reached or exceeded, each participant will receive ten Performance DRs per Saving DR.The Board of Directors intends to disclose the outcome of the performance based conditions in the annual report for the financial year 2018.The RightsThe Rights shall be governed by the following terms and conditions: Rights are granted free of charge as soon as possible after the annual general meeting 2016 and not later than 31 August 2016. Vest following the publication of the Company's interim report for the period 1 January - 31 March 2019 (the vesting period). May not be transferred or pledged. Two Rights entitles the participant to receive one Performance DR per Right after the end of the vesting period, if the entry level of the performance-based conditions has been fulfilled and the participant, at the time of the release of the interim report for the period 1 January - 31 March 2019, maintains its employment within the Vostok group, has not given notice of termination and maintains the invested Saving DRs. In order to align the participants' and the depository receipt holders' interests, the Company will compensate the participants for any dividends paid during the three year vesting period. Compensation will only be made for dividend resolved after the time of allocation.Preparation and administrationThe Board of Directors shall be responsible for preparing the detailed terms and conditions of LTIP 2016, in accordance with the mentioned terms and guidelines. To this end, the Board of Directors shall be entitled to make adjustments to meet foreign regulations or market conditions. The Board of Directors may also make other adjustments if significant changes in the Vostok group or its operating environment would result in a situation where the decided terms and conditions of LTIP 2016 no longer serve their purpose.AllocationThe participants are divided into different categories and in accordance with the above, LTIP 2016 will comprise the following number of Saving DRs and maximum number of Rights for the different categories: the CEO: may acquire up to SEK 1,250,000 worth of Saving DRs[3] within LTIP 2016, entitling the holder to allotment of not less than two and up to ten Rights per Saving DR; other members of management than the CEO (two individuals): may acquire up to SEK 400,000 worth of Saving DRs[4] within LTIP 2016, entitling the holder to allotment of not less than two and up to ten Rights per Saving DR; other employees (three individuals): may acquire up to SEK 100,000 worth of Saving DRs[5] within LTIP 2016, entitling each holder to allotment of not less than two and up to ten Rights per Saving DR.Scope and costs of LTIP 2016LTIP 2016 will be accounted for in accordance with IFRS 2 which stipulates that the Rights should be recorded as a personnel expense in the income statement during the vesting period. The costs for LTIP 2016 is estimated to amount to approximately SEK 11.75 million, excluding social security costs, calculated in accordance with IFRS 2.The costs for social security charges are calculated to approximately SEK 3.69 million, based on the above assumptions.In addition to what is set forth above, the costs for LTIP 2016 have been based on that LTIP 2016 comprises up to six participants and that each participant makes a maximum investment.If the maximum result is reached, and all invested Saving DRs are retained under LTIP 2016 and a fulfilment of the performance conditions of 100 percent, the maximum cost of LTIP 2016 as defined in IFRS 2 is approximately SEK 23.5 million and the maximum social security cost is estimated to approximately SEK 7.38 million.The costs are expected to have a marginal effect on key ratios of the Vostok group.Upon maximum allotment of Performance DRs, 470,000 depository receipts representing shares in the Company may be allocated within the framework of LTIP 2016, which would correspond to approximately 0.64 percent of the share capital and the votes in the Company. A total of 1,688,000 depository receipts, which comprise currently outstanding and allocated 1,218,000 options under existing long-term incentive program and maximum allotment of 470,000 Performance DRs within the framework of LTIP 2016, would correspond to approximately 2.30 percent of the share capital and the votes in the Company.Delivery of Performance DRs under LTIP 2016To ensure delivery of Performance DRs under LTIP 2016, the Company may enter into a swap agreement or other similar agreement with a third party.The rationale for the proposalThe objective of LTIP 2016 is to create incentives for the management to work for a long-term development in the Company. Furthermore, LTIP 2016 shall create conditions for retaining competent employees in the Vostok group through the offering of competitive remuneration. LTIP 2016 has been designed based on the view that it is desirable that employees within the group are depository receipt holders in the Company and that they see that working with a long term horizon pays off. Participation in LTIP 2016 requires a personal investment in Saving DRs.By offering an allotment of Performance DRs which are based performance based conditions, the participants are rewarded for increased depository receipt holder value. Further, LTIP 2016 rewards employees' loyalty and long-term value growth in the Company. Against this background, the Board of Directors is of the opinion that the adoption of LTIP 2016 will have a positive effect on the Vostok group's future development and thus be beneficial for both the Company and its depository receipt holders.PreparationThe Company's Board of Directors has prepared LTIP 2016 in consultation with external advisors. LTIP 2016 has been reviewed by the Board of Directors at its meetings on 16 March 2016 and 15 April 2016.Other incentive programs in the CompanyThe 2010 Incentive ProgramThe 2010 Annual General Meeting decided in accordance with the proposal from the Board of Directors to adopt an incentive program entitling present and future employees to be allocated call options to acquire shares represented by depository receipts in Vostok New Ventures. The program covers present and future employees. A total of 5,115,600 options were authorized under the program. A total of 1,218,000 options are currently outstanding. The option life is 10 December 2013 - 31 January 2017 and the exercise period is 1 December 2016 - 31 January 2017. If all options are exercised a total of 1,218,000 depository receipts could be allocated, which would correspond to approximately 1.66 percent of the share capital and the votes in the Company. For more information about the 2010 incentive program please see the annual report 2015.Majority requirementsResolution in accordance with the Board of Directors' proposal in respect of item 14 require support of shareholders representing not less than half of the votes cast as well as of the shares represented by depository receipts represented at the Meeting.MiscellaneousThe annual accounts and the auditors' report will be available at the Company's office at Hovslagargatan 5 in Stockholm, Sweden and at its website www.vostoknewventures.com._______________________April 2016Pareto Securities ABThe Board of Directors of Vostok New Ventures Ltd[1] Corresponding to 25,000 depository receipts based on an assumed price of SEK 50 per depository receipt.[2] Corresponding to 25,000 depository receipts based on an assumed price of SEK 50 per depository receipt.[3] Corresponding to 25,000 depository receipts based on an assumed price of SEK 50 per depository receipt.[4] Corresponding to 8,000 depository receipts based on an assumed price of SEK 50 per depository receipt.[5] Corresponding to 2,000 depository receipts based on an assumed price of SEK 50 per depository receipt.Attachment:https://cns.omxgroup.com/cds/DisclosureAttachmentServlet?messageAttachmentId=556597 BRUSSELS (dpa-AFX) - The Swiss stock market ended Friday's session with a modest pull back, following the strong gains of recent days. The dip was attributed to profit taking. Despite the decrease, the market held above the 8,000 point level. Investors are looking forward to the meeting of major oil producing nations in Doha on Sunday. The outcome of the meeting is expected to determine the direction for oil prices. Investors have become more uncertain on the outcome of the meeting as it draws nearer. An agreement on a production freeze could be in danger of falling apart. The Swiss Market Index decreased 0.08 percent Friday and finished at 8,014.60. The SMI ended the trading week with an overall gain of 2.5 percent. The Swiss Leader Index declined 0.18 percent Friday and the Swiss Performance Index fell 0.13 percent. Credit Suisse ended the day with a loss of 0.8 percent. The company is facing punishment by supervisory authorities in Japan on allegations that it leaked information to clients without passing through internal controls. Julius Baer dropped 4.0 percent as it began trading on an ex-dividend basis. UBS also finished lower by 0.1 percent. Among the insurance stocks, Swiss Life and Baloise both dropped 0.8 percent, while Swiss Re lost 0.5 percent. Baader Helvea confirmed its 'Hold' rating on Swiss Re. Dufry weakened by 1.4 percent and Clariant surrendered 3.1 percent. JPMorgan downgraded its rating on shares of Clariant to 'Underweight' from 'Overweight.' Among the index heavyweights, Nestle finished with a gain of 0.1 percent, while Novartis fell 0.2 percent. Shares of Roche ended the session unchanged. In the broad market, Dottikon ES surged 7.2 percent. The specialty chemicals company had a revenue increase of 25% for the fiscal year. EFG International dropped 3.5 percent after it was downgraded by Goldman Sachs. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de Technavio has announced the top five leading vendors for the global IoT security marketin their latest research report. This report also lists 12 other prominent vendors who are expected to contribute to this market's growth over the forecast period. To identify the top vendors, Technavio's market research analysts have considered the top contributors to the overall revenue of this market. To calculate the market size, we considered revenues generated from the sales of network security solutions including hardware, software, and services (including managed services) provided by vendors. The report provides a detailed analysis of the following: End-users: Utilities, automotive, and healthcare Network security components: Hardware, software, and services Regions: The Americas; Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA); and APAC Request sample report: http://bit.ly/25ML0aH "The growing number of connected devices in organizations across the globe is driving the demand for IoT security. Connected devices include imaging devices with cellular communications, portable navigation devices, and media players. In 2015, the number of connected devices across the globe was 10.83 billion. By 2020, the number will reach 41.15 billion," said Amrita Choudhury, one of Technavio's lead analysts for IT security "With an increase in the number of connected devices, it is difficult for organizations to monitor, manage, and maintain data traversing between these devices through wired and wireless networks. Thus, the need for IoT security solutions increases among organizations in order to maintain data confidentiality," added Amrita. Top five leading vendors in the global IoT security market: Cisco Systems Cisco Systems offers products and services related to IT and communications industries across the globe. The company's products and security solutions include switches, IP phones, workstations, access points, call center and messaging products, telepresence systems, firewalls, intrusion prevention, cloud managed solutions, fabric interconnects, and data center products. The products and solutions provided by the company include, Cisco 3000 Series Industrial Security Appliances (ISA), Cisco AMP, Cisco AMP Threat Grid, Cisco ASA 5506H-X with FirePOWER Services Ruggedized Security Appliance, Cisco FirePOWER Next-Generation Intrusion Prevention Service (IPS), and Cisco Identity Services Engine. GE (Wurldtech Security Technologies) Wurldtech Security Technologies is a software company that provides cyber security solutions for connected devices to prevent persistent and dynamic cyber threats. The company provides innovative assessment products to discover and analyze different threats and vulnerability profiles and to mitigate known vulnerabilities in installed networks with Achilles Threat Intelligence Software. The products and solutions provided by the company include Achilles Industrial Next-gen Firewall, Achilles Test Platform, Achilles Test Software, and OpShield. Infineon Technologies Infineon Technologies, a Germany-based company, develops semiconductors and system solutions for automotive and industrial electronics, chip cards, and security applications. Its operations are diversified across four main divisions: industrial power control, automotive, power management, and chip card and security. The industrial power control division designs and manufactures semiconductors and system solutions for use in industrial electronic applications and for customer-specific product requirements. The automotive division offers semiconductors for use in automotive applications. The power management division focuses on components for power management of high-frequency applications. The chip card and security division offers different security controllers and security memories for chip card and security applications. Intel Intel manufactures integrated digital technology platforms. The company sells these platforms to OEMs, original design manufacturers, and industrial and communications equipment manufacturers in different industries. Their platforms are used in applications such as PCs, data centers, tablets, smartphones, automobiles, automated factory systems and medical devices. Intel also develops and sells software and services primarily focused on security and technology integration. It offers platforms that incorporate different components and technologies, including a microprocessor and chipset. Symantec Symantec is headquartered in Mountain View, California, US. The company is a worldwide leader in security, backup, and availability solutions. Its products and services are designed to protect information in any environment. The company's products and services range from mobile devices to enterprise data centers and cloud-based systems. Browse related reports: Global IoT Market 2016-2020 Russia Enterprise Application IOT Market 2015-2019 Global IoT Devices Market 2015-2019 Purchase three reports from our library 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/20160415005025/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 Security software pioneer Avira today announced that itearnedthe highest possible ratings in real-world dynamic protection and malicious file detection tests from AV-Comparatives, the leading independent tester of security software. The top results demonstrate Avira's consistently high performance at defending computers against malware both on the street and in the testing lab. In the Whole Product Dynamic Test, AV-Comparatives threw a collection of 449 live test cases at a computer. These test cases were all working exploits and URLs leading to malware just the kind of experience that the better-than-average web surfer would encounter. And, when we say better-than-average, we mean that the test computer was running Windows 7 and was fully patched for known security vulnerabilities. Avira identified 100% of the malware samples and had zero false positives - a simply stellar performance. In the File Detection Test, AV-Comparatives ran a larger set of 163,763 recent or prevalent malware samples by their test computers. The test examined the ability of antivirus software to detect these real malware samples and also their reliability in doing this the ability to identify malware accurately, with a minimum of false positives. Avira detected 99.9% of all malware and matched this with a low number of false positives. These joint result qualified Avira to receive the Advanced+ award, the highest result. "We are absolutely pleased with Avira winning the Advanced+ award on the basis of its results. The AV-Comparative tests are designed to mimic the conditions faced by real users, so we believe there is a close linkage between test results and what computer users will experience in their day-to-day lives," said Philipp Wolf, Avira Protection Labs EVP. A significant part of the File Detection test focused on false positives - when antivirus software incorrectly identifies a file as being malicious. The false positives were divided into fixed groups or ranges, with Avira placed in the number one grouping. "With our Whole Product Dynamic Real-World Protection Test and the File Detection Test of Malicious Software, we have created an environment for verifying that security software can actually perform as it should," said Andreas Clementi, CEO of AV-Comparatives." AV-Comparatives is an independent testing organization focused on security software. Its tests have carved out a reputation within the industry as a primary measuring stick for the effectiveness and the efficiency of antivirus software. About Avira GmbH Avira protects people in the connected world enabling everyone to manage, secure, and improve their digital lives. The Avira umbrella covers a portfolio of security and performance applications for Windows, Android, Mac, and iOS. In addition, the reach of our protective technologies extends through OEM partnerships. Our security solutions consistently lead in independent tests for detection, performance, and usability. Avira is a family-owned company with headquarters near Lake Constance, in Tettnang, Germany, and additional offices in Munich, Bucharest, Beijing, and Silicon Valley. A portion of Avira's sales support the Auerbach Foundation, which assists education, children, and families in need. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160415005770/en/ Contacts: Media Contact USA: Rocket Science PR Rich Mullikin, APR, +1 415-464-8110 x216 Mobile: +1 925-354-7444 Email: rich@rocketscience.com Today Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) announced that Rhone Resch will step down as its CEO on May 31, 2016. SEIA says that it will name an interim leader and conduct a search for a new executive to lead the organization before Resch leaves. Resch has served as CEO of SEIA since 2004, during which time the U.S. solar industry has undergone a profound transformation. During the first year that Resch served as CEO the U.S. installed less than 60 MW of solar PV, nearly all of which was on rooftops; by 2015 this had increased more than ten-fold to over 7 GW, with utility-scale projects representing the majority of new capacity. During Resch's tenure a number of policy victories have underscored this growth, from the establishment of the 30% investment tax credit (ITC) in 2005 and its extension in 2008 to the passage of renewable energy mandates including solar and distributed generation ... 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. Las Vegas, Nevada--(Newsfile Corp. - April 15, 2016) - Canyon Gold Corp. (OTCQB: CGCC) (The Company), is pleased to inform that the Company will be featured weekly on MoneyTV, with Donald Baillargeon starting April 15, 2016. MoneyTV is the internationally syndicated television program all about money and what makes it happen, (http://www.moneytv.net), featuring informative interviews with company Spokespersons, providing insights into their operations and outlooks for their futures. The first weekly presentation of the Company is by Ray Barner (an independent spokesperson) on the company's gold properties in Nevada and the 'Offender Alert Passive Scan' of the Company's wholly owned subsidiary 'Defense Technology Corporation (DTC). MoneyTV has initiated coverage of CGCC. See the first weekly presentation of CanyonGold on MoneyTV:http://www.moneytv.net/ THE COMPANY'S SUBSIDIARIES: www.canyongoldexploration.com DEFENSE TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION, LLC (DTC): DTC was formed in 2007 to bring products to market in the areas of personal and collateral protection. DTC will succeed in the markets of personal and collateral protection by creating technology that is unique in design and operation. The company currently has two products in development that will have the potential to change the face of their respective industries. DTC's Offender Alert Passive Scan is a 'next generation' walk-through detector scanning unit. The DTC scan-system emits nothing through the subject and is passive. (Scanner systems currently in the market are effectively an X-RAY in some form) A patented, trademarked product that is a technologically advanced passive scanning system for detecting and identifying concealed threats. The unit can be installed into a door frame with no visual presence, providing covert detection, or can be installed as a standalone unit for portable operation. Long Canyon Gold Resources Corp. (LCGRC) owns 30 mineral lease claims and has the opportunity to acquire additional claims in the mineral-rich Spruce Ridge area as well as in the similarly mineralized Pequop Mountains of the Long Canyon Trend Area of Nevada. These sections are adjacent to the original discovery acquired by Newmont Mining for 2.3 Billion Dollars and also the site of the Newmont open pit mine estimated to be in full operation by 2017. * * * "With our timely new 'Passive Scanning System' by DTC and the climbing gold market we are looking to a good future for CanyonGold and its Investors." * * * On behalf of the Board of Directors, Stephen M. Studdert, President & CEO Company Contact: 1 800 520-9485 Stephen Studdert, President Email: cgcc@canyongoldexploration.com The Company trades on the OTCQB tier of the OTC market. Investors can find Real-time quotes and market Information for the Company on http://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/CGCC/quote Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "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 Canyon Gold Corp. 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 Canyon Gold Corp's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, Canyon Gold Corp. undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 04/15/16 -- DRB Lending (DRBL), an affiliate of Darien Rowayton Bank, a leading bank and the fastest marketplace lender to reach $1 billion in student loan refinancing originations, today announced their office expansion in Manhattan for an additional 20 employees. As DRBL continues to grow, the company has signed a lease to move into 4,550 square feet of new office space at 1995 Broadway in Manhattan. Over the next year, DRBL will continue to expand its New York presence and has plans to hire and fill the new space. This strategic business unit located in Manhattan is focused on expanding DRBL's technology and marketing capabilities. In addition to the Manhattan expansion, the new lease in Bridgeport, CT includes 11,900 square feet, room for 120 employees, and will house the core units of operations, underwriting, and customer support. "To date, Darien Rowayton Bank has seen an overwhelmingly positive response from the borrower community as we solve a very real challenge for them in managing their student loans," said Aryea Aranoff, Chief Strategy Officer of DRBL. "DRBL's build out in both New York and Connecticut is a testament to the rapid growth that the bank has experienced, and the growth we expect to continue to experience as DRB Lending continues to innovate and seek out new ways to serve clients." About DRBL DRB Lending (DRBL) is an affiliate of Darien Rowayton Bank. Darien Rowayton Bank is a leading national marketplace lender and the fastest lender in industry history to reach $1 billion in student loan refinancings. FDIC insured and established in 2006, Darien Rowayton Bank has helped thousands of professionals with graduate and undergraduate degrees across the country to refinance and consolidate federal and private student loans, saving these borrowers thousands of dollars each. For more information, visit https://student.drbank.com/. DRB (Darien Rowayton Bank) Jenny Chou 212.712.2100 partners@drbank.com VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/15/16 -- The Government of Canada understands the central role of science and post-secondary research in a thriving, clean economy. That's why it continues to make record investments in research that will build on Canada's record of scientific excellence. The Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence, on behalf of the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science, celebrated $1.5 million in funding for 14 projects at the University of British Columbia. This Government of Canada investment was made through the Canada Foundation for Innovation's (CFI) John R. Evans Leaders Fund, which helps universities attract and retain the best and brightest researchers from around the world by giving them access to state-of-the-art research tools. Among the researchers receiving funding at the University of British Columbia is Dr. Janel Kopp. Dr. Kopp is investigating the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying pancreatic cancer. The funding will help her secure new equipment for analyzing tumour progression within pancreatic cancer cells. Quotes "Investments like today's in Canada's research infrastructure are incredibly important to the nation's future. They give Canadian researchers the tools they need to make new discoveries that will better the lives of Canadians today and for years to come." - The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science "I am proud to be back home in Vancouver to celebrate this funding with the award recipients from the University of British Columbia. Every day, Canadian researchers are pushing the boundaries of knowledge and making breakthroughs that make Canada and British Columbia a destination for discovery-driven research." - The Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of National Defence "From health to engineering and from telecommunications to environmental protection, the Canada Foundation for Innovation provides researchers with state-of-the-art facilities and equipment that are essential for conducting world-class research that directly benefits all Canadians." - Gilles Patry, President and CEO, Canada Foundation for Innovation "This funding provides our researchers with new tools and equipment they need to examine issues like disease and wildfires. We are grateful to the Canada Foundation for Innovation for their continued support." - Dr. John Hepburn, Vice-President, Research and International, University of British Columbia "Funding from the John R. Evans Leaders Fund will allow me to acquire new equipment for examining how cancer grows from different cell types in the pancreas. This will lead to a new understanding of how pancreatic cancer develops. I am grateful to the Canada Foundation for Innovation for its support of our research." - Dr. Janel Kopp, Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia Quick facts -- The University of British Columbia is receiving $1,545,353 in infrastructure funding for 14 research projects. -- On April 15, 2016, Parliamentary Secretary Terry Beech, on behalf of Minister Duncan, announced an investment of more than $19 million for tools and equipment through the CFI's John R. Evans Leaders Fund to support 94 projects at 33 universities across Canada. -- Dr. Janel Kopp received her PhD from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 2007 and since then has worked tirelessly examining the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the development of pancreatic diseases. She is currently working on the role ductal cells have in the initiation of cancer. Associated links List of CFI-funded projects Canada Foundation for Innovation John R. Evans Leaders Fund The CFI Research Facilities Navigator, an online directory of CFI-funded labs that are available to collaborate with the private sector Follow Minister Duncan on Twitter and Instagram: @ScienceMin Contacts: Jordan Owens Press Secretary to the Minister of National Defence 613-996-3100 Jordan.Owens@forces.gc.ca Veronique Perron Press Secretary Office of the Minister of Science 343-291-2600 Media Relations Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada 343-291-1777 ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 04/15/16 -- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada The Government of Canada is investing nearly a million dollars ($949,322) to develop precision, wireless technology capable of predicting diseases that affect farm output, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay announced today. This investment with SemiosBio Technologies Inc. will provide farmers with real-time localized information to better manage plant diseases and optimize the use of pesticides. This project will focus specifically on fire blight in apples, and downy and powdery mildews in grapes, with field testing in locations across the country. Quick facts -- SemiosBio has already developed a sensor and pest management system for codling moths in apples, with support from AAFC (see link below). -- This investment is being made through the Growing Forward 2, AgriInnovation Program, a five-year, up to $698 million initiative. -- SemiosBio is a company that provides safe and environmentally-friendly pest management solutions to growers of tree fruits, nuts and grapes. Quotes "The government is pleased to support this innovative project that will help the sector adopt fully integrated pest management systems. Initiatives such as these help farmers continue to be good stewards of the land, while maintaining their competitiveness." -- Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food "The agriculture industry is under tremendous pressure to produce more food with less environmental impact. To do this we need to optimize inputs such as insecticides, fungicides and water. Leveraging a proprietary internet-of-things (IoT) wireless network of 50,000 sensors and big data analytics, Semios delivers a precision ag service to measure and manage disease risks with less chemical inputs. With the financial support from AAFC, Semios will help growers better understand and predict crop disease, with focused treatments when and where needed." -- Michael Gilbert, CEO, SemiosBIO Additional links - AgriInnovation Program - SemiosBIO Technologies - Green solutions send orchard pests packing Follow us on Twitter: @AAFC_Canada Like us on Facebook: CanadianAgriculture Contacts: Guy Gallant Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay 613-773-1059 Media Relations Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Ottawa, Ontario 613-773-7972 1-866-345-7972 Michael Gilbert CEO SemiosBIO 604-202-3245 OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 04/15/16 -- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada For most Canadians, access to affordable and reliable broadband networks is an important part of everyday life. However, communities outside urban centres often face challenges in accessing Internet service at levels comparable to those in cities due to factors such as remote location and challenging terrain. Ten British Columbia Internet service providers are receiving a total of approximately $16 million from the Government of Canada to increase broadband Internet access for approximately 23,000 households throughout rural British Columbia. The Government of British Columbia is also providing approximately $3.4 million for six of the projects through its Connecting British Columbia program. Canadians in all parts of the country need access to high-speed Internet to take advantage of new economic and business opportunities and to connect with friends and family in Canada and beyond. This funding through the Connecting Canadians program will provide the communities with access to broadband at speeds of five megabits per second or more. Quotes "Helping to extend high-speed Internet across the country is one of the most important infrastructure investments the Government of Canada can make to help unlock the tremendous potential of our country's northern and rural regions. By working with partners across the country, the Government is helping to deliver increased broadband coverage to underserved areas across Canada." - The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development "Access to high-speed Internet is increasingly important in today's technical world, especially in rural and remote regions. This latest investment will help local British Columbia service providers, both small and large, expand Internet service to thousands of households in the north, south and interior regions of the province, and it complements investments made through our Connecting British Columbia program. As part of our BCTECH Strategy, we are committed to providing high-speed Internet access to 100 percent of the province by 2021, and today's announcement takes us one step further toward meeting this goal." - The Honourable Amrik Virk, Minister of Technology, Innovation and Citizens' Services, Government of British Columbia "Faster, more reliable broadband Internet is essential for people in rural communities in British Columbia. This is a significant investment that will provide British Columbians with greater employment and business opportunities, better access to online education and e-health, improved communications and media, and increased access to online goods and services." - Pamela Goldsmith-Jones, Member of Parliament for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country "A strong digital economy is the backbone of Canada's future prosperity, and that begins with ensuring all citizens have access to fast, reliable Internet connections. This new partnership with the Government of Canada will make it possible for us to extend our existing investment to connect even more rural Canadian families to the emerging digital economy and the educational, medical, social and cultural opportunities this connectivity creates, thereby strengthening our communities and the fabric of our nation." -Tony Geheran, TELUS Executive Vice-President and President of Broadband Networks "The Connecting Canadians Program will provide a vital boost to expanding and upgrading A.B.C.'s communications network capacity in the Interior of British Columbia. We look forward to providing the next generation of fixed wireless services in British Columbia over the next few years. Our services will deliver fast, affordable and reliable broadband to 12,000 homes using the latest technology available today. The continued commitment by the Government of Canada and the Honorable Navdeep Bains is driving Canada into the next digital age." - Bob Allen, CEO, A.B.C. Allen Business Communications Ltd. "Mascon is very excited to be working with the federal government to bring much-needed high-speed Internet to Lee Creek, St. Ives, Mara, Tofino and Silver Creek. Once the project is completed, all these areas will be connected by fibre optics and have speeds up to 1 Gbps. Providing fibre-based services to rural communities is very expensive, but with the government helping to cover some of the costs, these projects become affordable and make a big difference to the people living in these remote regions of British Columbia." - Darren Muloin, General Manager, Mascon Cable Systems Ltd. "Twin Island Communications is committed to providing high-speed Internet to remote communities in the Discovery Islands. We are excited for the opportunity to partner with the Canadian government to upgrade our backhaul links in our wireless network. The upgrades will help us continue to provide service to underserved communities and will facilitate the growth we need for the ever-expanding services the Internet has to offer." - Constantinos Tsakonas, General Manager, Twin Island Communications Ltd. "These are areas in British Columbia where we are now providing service that have no cell phone coverage and previously no access to high-speed Internet. People living in these communities are at a significant disadvantage in the world today, isolated not only geographically but also without access to essential communications. Now as a direct result of this program, we are able to offer affordable, faster new networks and services that promote social and economic growth. Using the latest developments in wireless communications technology, we deliver high-speed Internet and data for rural communities and remote industrial applications." - Davin Peterson, Executive Director, Base Technology Ltd. "Funding provided by the Government of Canada and other partners in 2010 provided the capital to build a dedicated network to replace dial-up Internet access with 1.5 Mbps broadband service. The recent contributions made by the Government of Canada and partners will allow Minto Communications Society to upgrade its network to offer 5 Mbps broadband service, a level of Internet performance that better meets the needs and expectations of our residential and commercial rural users. High-speed Internet access is not an option; it is now a necessity for retaining existing residents and attracting new industry and residents into our community. Minto Communications Society applauds the Government of Canada for making this upgrade possible." - Chris Donald, Vice-President, Minto Communications Society "We are extremely grateful to have been given this opportunity. This funding has enabled us to expand our network by upgrading the links between our towers. This now allows us to provide a faster, more reliable quality of service to our customers in the underserved areas so they can access all opportunities of the Internet. Farms, families and small businesses are now enjoying the added benefits of these upgrades to monitor their homes, equipment and other facilities. On behalf of our loyal customers that have supported us through some tough times as we got the infrastructure in place, we'd all like to say thank you to the Connecting Canadians program and other federal partners for making this possible in the rural areas of British Columbia we serve, including Spences Bridge, Boston Bar and North Bend, Yale, and outlying areas of Chilliwack and Mission." - George Pede, Director of Operations, Lookieloo.net Sales & Purchases Ltd. "Without the Connecting Canadians Program we simply never would have been able to raise the funds to connect us to the rest of Canada and the world outside our door. This is our fibre optic backbone, connecting our communities and allowing access to increasing opportunities in medicine, education, cultural exchange and economic diversification." - Carol Kulesha, CEO, GwaiiTel Society "Rural communities continually face many challenges to joining the "technical world." Bringing high-speed Internet is a major step, and it is extremely exciting for the Village of Granisle to be included and awarded funding for Internet expansion. This will now allow us to offer increased, faster and reliable service while focusing on economic development and attracting potential business investment. Additionally, with high-speed Internet in the fast-paced technical world, our community strives to ensure that the visiting public as well as our local residents will be in a position to access online education programs, updated e-health and many online goods and services." - Linda McGuire, Mayor, Village of Granisle Quick facts -- The $305-million Connecting Canadians program is extending and enhancing broadband service to over 300,000 households across Canada. -- Additionally, through Budget 2016, the Government of Canada will invest $500 million over five years for a new program to extend and enhance broadband services in rural and remote communities. Associated links Connecting Canadians website Backgrounder - List of Connecting Canadians projects Follow the Minister on Twitter: @MinisterISED Contacts: Media Relations Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada 343-291-1777 ic.mediarelations-mediasrelations.ic@canada.ca London, UK-based Bijou Commerce, a provider of a B2B SaaS platform for fashion retailers to monetize their mobile channels, recently raised 2m in seed funding. Following the close of the round, Managing Director Beth Wond answered our questions about the company, the product, the funding and future plans. FinSMEs: Hi Beth, firstly can you tell us a bit more about you? Beth: Previous to my role at Bijou in mCommerce, I was a Co-Founder of Made by Silk, a technology company that offered a complete end-to-end eCommerce service and technical retail solution for brands to communicate effectively online, engage with their own customers and provide exceptional standards of service. As part of the BFCs Digital Innovation Pillar Committee, Ive also helped mentor international designer brands define and derive their digital propositions and benefit directly from multi-channel and global digital growth. Before my career in eCommerce, I was one of the co-founders and Managing Director at Aigua Media, an online global publisher of titles including the fashion shopping site Osoyou.com and the influential high fashion and beauty style titles Catwalk Queen, The Bag Lady, Shoewawa and Kiss and Makeup. Previous to this I launched a start-up lingerie line with the model Caprice that gained global distribution in leading stores and I have also run consumer marketing and press teams for a US and UK based e-commerce marketplace. FinSMEs: Lets talk about Bijou Commerce. How did the idea come about? What is the market opportunity here? Beth: Despite sales through mobile accounting for over a half of all UK retail spend and 85% of consumers preferring mobile native apps only 2.3% of retailers believed their business to at the cutting edge of mCommerce. Coupled with the fact that retailers struggled to convert mobile traffic at the same level as desktop visitors, we looked at what user experience was required within a mobile app to maximise conversion rates for this user group. Following a year of research, development and architectural design, 2015 saw the creation of Bijou Commerce and the defining and implementation of a native mCommerce platform and full service proposition for retailers. The unique UI and UX that Bijou Commerce and machine data learning that Bijou implements converts has been proven to convert shoppers at a higher rate than traditional mweb offerings and provides unprecedented data gathering for retail insights. As Bijou Commerce overcomes the challenges to retailers with this rapid advancement of the mobile sales channel. This is exactly where our unique market opportunity lies the intersection of omni-channel marketing, fashion tech and the explosive growth of mobile. FinSMEs: How does it work? Beth: As mobile apps are becoming an increasingly integral part of the omni-channel retail requirement, Bijou Commerce has produced a unique data driven single image browsing that provides unparalleled data access, thats supported on a platform that can create cost effective, quick to market, customised native apps for both iOS and Android operating systems to leading global retailers with an on-going service solution for regular updates and upgrades. Bijou Commerce has created a leading mCommerce platform that provides the opportunity to uniquely personalise retailers individual mobile and omni-channel customer experience. Addressing the need for full retail synchronisation, beacon technology, payment integration, live inventory and order processing, Bijou Commerce ensures a seamless branded shopping experience that engages customers, drives personalisation and significantly increases mobile conversion rates. FinSMEs: Where are you in terms of growth right now? Beth: Bijous proprietary platform has already been tested and benchmarked through its open test app, The Edit, which was launched in February 2015 to validate the user experience. To date fifteen leading UK retailers and publishers in the fashion and beauty sector have already agreed to work with Bijou Commerce, with more than 300 retailers in the active pipeline for 2016. FinSMEs: You just raised 2m in funding. How are you using the funds? Beth: We will use the funds to evolve our features and product offering to clients, adding modular bolt-ons to match retail technology advances such as bluetooth and wifi beacons. It will also automate client onboarding with direct API feeds, front end customization, powerful personalisation and automatic copy production cutting the costs of delivery dramatically. The company will also move to make its platform code open source, providing the ability for third party developers to build new functionality and sell it through a platform marketplace. FinSMEs: Future plans? Beth: Future plans include expanding our product offering and forging new partnerships with even more exciting retailers in the fashion industry, offering a mobile arm to their existing sales funnel. We aim at further developing the following features that make the BIjou platform so special: A unique Tinder Swipe UI-UX Most retailers apps and mobile sites put anywhere between 4 and 12 products on a single screen for the user to pick out. Bijous UI shows the user just one product at a time, but makes browsing through them incredibly simple. This means that your users see more product per visit. Unparalleled Integration Bijou offers full integration in the back end and a scalable API with automatic updates. It is IOS and Android compatible and works with most eCommerce software providing a mobile arm to marketers. Real time Insights By forcing users to express an opinion on every single product, the Bijou Commerce platform generates an approval rating for every item. Retailers can use this real-time data on disliked products to enable early action on stock levels and re-ordering. Deep Personalisation The collected data is used to personalise the users experience, making individual product recommendations based on the individual users nuanced tastes. Better Conversion Rates A native app provides numerous benefits for both the retailers and the customer starting with an increased conversion rate. The simple, clear swiping mechanics quickly populate a wishlist or a shopping bag, which, when combined with an optimised checkout process, delivers conversion rates 3-5 x better than typical mobile site benchmarks. Further strengthening the development and distribution of our product offering around these 6 pillars will help us spearhead growth in the years to come. These are exciting times for the fashion industry and we are certainly very proud to be taking part in the transformation of the backend technology supporting the sales, engagement, feedback and omni-channel marketing of major fashion retailers globally. FinSMEs 15/04/2016 HomeToGo, a Berlin, Germany-based search engine for vacation rentals, raised $20m in Series B funding. The round was led by New York-based venture capital and private equity firm Insight Venture Partners with participation from Series A investors DN Capital and Acton Capital Partners. The company intends to use the funds to further international expansion and accelerate product innovation. Founded in January 2014 by Patrick Andra, Wolfgang Heigl and Nils Regge, HomeToGo is a vacation rental metasearch engine that allows users to search and compare listings from over 6 million offers in over 200 countries from more than 250 providers. The platform features smart filtering, which enables users to find their rental by sorting according to their preferred destination, travel dates, budget and amenities. The company currently employs more than 70 employees and operates local sites in Germany, France, Poland, Italy, Spain, Austria, the Netherlands, Switzerland and the United Kingdom) as well as in the United States. FinSMEs 15/04/2016 Parkloco, a Boston, MA-based provider of a parking industry data analytics platform, raised a seed funding round of undisclosed amount. The round was led by Raymond Chang from NXT Ventures and Jeff Xiong from 7 Seas Ventures with participation from investors as well as industry experts Joe Caruso (Bantam Group), Jere Doyle, Geoffrey Bernstein (Indicator Ventures) and Dreamit Ventures. The company intends to use the funds to launch and implement its enterprise software solutions for parking owners and operators. Led by Ronak Massand and Jug (Napatsapa) Vajarodaya, Parkloco provides a real-time data platform for parking industry operators to optimize occupancy, revenue capture and performance, and improve the overall parking experience. A Brown University spin off, the company is now expanding operations in the North East and is working with some of the top national and regional operators to launch their service. FinSMEs 15/04/2016 Ever since AirAsia BhD teamed up with Indian investors to start an airline from scratch in 2013, the venture has been a target of frequent attacks from vested interests. India's airline industry is notorious for taking care of its own and hounding out new entrants. Some powerful airline promoters are known to actually influence key policy decisions, leaving the less-powerful rivals in a quandary. So when these powerful airline promoters join hands to hound out a newbie, it is really no surprise. Now, renewed attacks on the airline have found place in media reports and even in complaints by rival airlines to aviation authorities. The allegations can be summed up thus: AirAsia India is violating a specific requirement under which the Indian government allowed foreign airlines to invest in Indian carriers in 2012. The allegations are that the Malaysian parent exercises substantial ownership and effective control in the Indian venture even though it holds minority 49% equity stake. In AA India, Tata Sons now holds 49% while the remaining 2% is held by functional directors, both Indians. This story in Mint newspaper on April 11 makes several allegations. It says the documents submitted by AirAsia India to the directorate general of civil aviation to secure the airline licence wereand arestill posted on the regulators website but the brand licence agreement of April 2013 is not part of that. It also quotes DGCA M. Sathiyavathy as saying that the regulator was not aware of any such document and would investigate it if brought to its notice. Nobody has brought on anything to our knowledge about other agreements, Sathiyavathy said in an interview on the sidelines of the Hyderabad air show in March. Till now, we have no knowledge of any other agreement which are with other parties. If someone can give us the documents, we will definitely get it examined. In a strongly worded statement today, AirAsia BhD said today that a section of the Indian media has "grossly misreported" that the brand license agreement signed between AirAsia India and AirAsia Bhd does not uphold the primacy of Indian shareholders and their effective control of AirAsia India. "We wish to point out that Clause 5.30 of the agreement explicitly states that substantial ownership and effective control of the licensee remains at all times with Indian residents. The agreement further states that the licensee shall not be obliged to undertake any act or omission which will result in a breach of the provisions of clause 5.30.....The brand license agreement is also referenced in the original Shareholders Agreement among the founding shareholders of AirAsia India. The Shareholders Agreement was lodged immediately after execution in April 2013 with the Indian government, in full compliance with all regulations." If there has been a violation of an Indian guideline, of course AA India needs to be pulled up. But consider, for a moment, the similarity in the allegations against the Jet-Etihad equity deal where Etihad picked up 24% stake (not even 49%). At that time too, similar allegations had been levelled about the shareholder agreement between Jet and Etihad which ostensibly gave Etihad vast powers in decision making. Mandarins of the DIPP had said that time that along with the ministry of civil aviation, they ensured that some key clauses on the agreements were changed so that Etihad did not become the de-facto controller of an Indian airline by acquiring only 24% equity stake. If this agreement was to be the bone of contention, should it not have been examined in detail by the same people in the case of AirAsia India also? Secondly, as this piece in the Business Standard points out, there is a good reason to re-examine this provision which bars foreign airlines from taking control of Indian carriers. If we want to pursue Ease of doing Business, we must examine whether allowing foreign companies control over Indian businesses actually hams our business or takes away level playing field from Indian companies. It is another matter that AirAsia India's own internal workings and simmering discontent between some shareholders has only provided more fodder to rivals. It is a fact worth noting that almost two years into operations, the airline is struggling for funds due to shareholder apathy and its expansion plans have been de-escalated so that it keeps in step with India's slow paced regulatory changes. Only recently, the second Indian partner Telestra Tradeplace, has signed an agreement to exit the airline and let it be run by the Tatas along with AirAsia BhD. AA India has had more than its fair share of trouble since day one. Not only has it been fighting allegations of control by the Malaysian parent, the start of its operations was severely delayed when DGCA dusted out a small little provision, buried somewhere in the Aircraft Rules of 1937, which required any objections by the public at large to be considered before a new airline is granted a flying permit. Though the provision existed earlier too, it was never mandatory and had never been used before granting the flying permit to any other airline in India. But it was applied in the case of AA India. Since DGCA managed to delay the airline's launch by several months by insisting on bureaucratic legalese, it should have examined all relevant agreements before granting the airline a permit. Anyway, since then, AirAsia India has had other battles to fight, Along with Vistara (the second Tata airline), AA India has taken on the powerful lobby of incumbent airlines over the 5/20 rule. This lobby group comprises IndiGo, Jet Airways, SpiceJet and GoAir and has been seeking a status quo on the 5/20 rule which bars airlines from flying overseas before 5 years of Indian operations and a fleet of 20 aircraft. AA's Tony Fernandes has been vocal about the need to remove this antiquated rule. Is that the reason for rivals to up the ante once again? New Delhi: Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai on Friday said the response of the people was "positive" on the first day of the fortnight-long road rationing odd-even scheme. "I have reports from all over Delhi that people are following the scheme. The final picture will emerge after we receive reports from different departments," Rai, who took a bus ride to assess implementation of the scheme, told mediapersons. Owing to Ram Navmi holiday, light traffic was witnessed during the course of the full circle bus ride from Delhi secretariat, via Pragati Maidan, India Gate, Delhi Gate, Red Fort and Rajghat. He said the response of the people was "positive" although some complaints were received from border areas where drivers from other states were caught for violation. Comparing the second phase of odd-even scheme with trial run in first half of January this year, the minister said problems could be faced due to summer and schools being opened but solutions could be found. "Following the extended weekend, traffic will increase on Monday when offices and schools will open but the government is prepared to tackle the situation," he said. Rai appealed to residents of Delhi to leave "early" to drop their children to school so that they are not caught on the wrong side. He also urged women drivers to help and drop back other children in their neighbourhood from school while picking their own children. "Eighty five percent women drop children to schools and pick them back in the city. People of Delhi have given them exemption from the scheme and they should enquire about other children in their vicinity and arrange dropping them also at their homes." Regarding complaints of over charging by App based cab aggregators providing carpooling options, Rai said that they were not registered in Delhi so government had limited role in restraining them but warned that "strict action" will be taken if any complaints are found. He said that government will review success of the second phase of the odd-even before taking any decision on implementing odd-even every month for 15 days. The Transport minister said that reduction in pollution and traffic congestion were "inter-linked" and both will be reduced during operation of odd-even scheme. "The number of vehicles on Delhi roads will reduce by half during odd even. If 10 lakh vehicles are off road on any given day congestion will also be reduced. Consequently, pollution will go down since vehicles will consume less fuel due to congestion free movement," he said. Rai said the number of buses have been "reduced" this time as many buses ran empty during trial run of the scheme in January. "DTC will ply around 6000 buses. Additional 600 buses from schools and other private parties will further strengthen public transport. The number could vary after assessment of demand," he said. DTC is procuring 1000 new buses and the first lot of 20 buses including 10 AC buses, is expected to arrive by the first week of May, he said. The minister interacted with Civil Defense volunteers at India Gate and Mori Gate lauding their work during the hot day. He said officials will be directed to ensure proper arrangements for them including drinking water. Earlier, Rai carpooled with Mehrauli MLA Naresh Yadav in his car to reach Delhi secretariat. Burari MLA Sanjeev Jha also carpooled with Yadav. On the way to Secretariat, the minister stopped violators of the odd-even scheme and urged them to follow the same as it is necessary to bring down air pollution in the national capital. Editor's note: On Friday, the Supreme Court issued notices to the Kerala government and the Devaswom Boards in Kerala on a petition by Subramanian Swamy and TG Mohandas seeking to abolish the boards and end the state's control over temples. In light of this development, Firstpost is republishing a three-part series analysing why it might be in state's interest to give up control of religious shrines and temples. This is the first in a three-part series on Hinduism, godmen and the judiciary It may sound surprising. Christianity produced only one saint in India Mother Teresa during the past three decades. But look at Hinduism. Over the past two decades Hindus have managed to create more than a handful of them. Take some of the prominent names: Dhirendra Bhramachari, Asaram Bapu, Ma Anandamayi, Baba Ramdev, Baba Ram Rahim Insaan, Putuparthi Sai Baba, and of course the man who is much in the news Sri Sri Ravishankar. So what is that makes Hindus create more godmen than other religions? There could be two reasons. First, the absence of a single organisation, or holy book that is the final word for the Hindus. The Hindus have over 300 gods, and more than a dozen holy books. What is even more interesting is that many of the holy books themselves have more than one version, with different stories and story endings. So there are several versions of the Ramayana; there are apocryphal Upanishads, there are several versions of stories in the Mahabharata. The list could go on. Thus, each Hindu is actually free to choose the stories he likes, and the interpretations that agree with him. That could explain why there are so many sects and sub-sects in Hinduism. Thus, notwithstanding the shrill cries of the people who understand Hinduism least, there is no official version of Hinduism, and no accepted ultimate god. But there is an even more pernicious reason for Hinduism spawning so many more godmen than other religions. It is the sheer inability of the existing godmen from the Hindu mainstream to market themselves. Thus the Shankaracharyas get fewer eyeballs than a Baba Ramdev. In fact, these holy men get almost no grant of land or other benefits from the government that the newly emerged godmen get. Compare this with the tracts of land that governments have given away to a Baba Ramdev (Maharashtra has agreed to give him some 200 acres in this state). Look at the land holdings of an Ma Amritamayi. One does not get to hear much of the lands that Swami Dhirendra Bhramachari had converted into a major ashram during the days when he was powerful. Ditto with the grants that a Sri Sri Ravishankar enjoys whether it is permission to use wetlands along the Yamuna, or it is the use of armymen to work on a missionary basis (with no payment) on his site. Is it because the mainstream holy men of Hinduism lack the skills or the willingness to promote their views? No, the real reason is that all the collections that the main temples get each day, the money is controlled by the government both state and central. The governments have done their best to ensure that Indias biggest temples are not allowed the flexibility or liberty to spend the money the way they want to. For instance, one temple might want to set up homes for the elderly. Another temple trust may want to set up meditation halls. A third may decide to focus on medicare. For instance, the Nirankari sect has a mission in the suburbs of Mumbai, where it offers its devotees medical (pathological) tests at nominal costs. A blood test costs Rs 10. An X-ray costs Rs 25. It comes, therefore, as no surprise that more followers visit the pravachans of the Nirankari sect than they do the bigger temples. There is convenience (near their place of residence), and there is relevance (their health care needs are met). And there is a new community that is being formed, which is what draws people together, and worship the visionary. Each of these methods would make the temple a lot more relevant to the communities they serve and relate to. In fact, the priests of Tirupati, Sabarimalai, Vaishnodevi, Shirdi and a host of other temples would be delighted to increase their relevance to the community. But they cannot, because the community leaders are not allowed to decide how the funds should be used. It is normally a government appointee who enjoys these powers. The result: mainstream religious heads get marginalised. And in the resultant vacuum, politicians prop up other godmen and allow them the freedom to use their devotees contributions the way they want. Politicians have a vested interest in doing this. The godmen attract followers. And the followers are persuaded to vote for a particular party. Thus politically propped up godmen grow in stature and in collections (in percentage terms) than mainstream holy men (who refuse to call themselves godmen). This is sad. Remember, a politician who props up godmen has a five-year vision how to create votebanks for the next election. If a godman fails in achieving this objective, you can be certain that a new godman will be created. If a politician has a five-year horizon, the bureaucrat is only marginally better. He looks to a sinecure of around 20 years, by when he will be eased out, or will pass his time on earth. This is in sharp contrast to genuine community leaders who have a vision of 200-300 years for the community they serve. That, in many ways, explains why you will not find a single Sikh beggar on the streets (ditto with the Parsis). True such leaders make mistakes. But communities have an auto-correct facility, which allows them to redress grievances, and ensure that the flock stays together. The best of community leaders call them holy men or any other name try to focus on community development programmes. This could be education (most crucial of all), community welfare or even community health. It is worth remembering that the Tirumalai Trusts, which control the cluster of temples that comprise the Tirupati holy shrines once ran some of the best educational institutions in India. However, ever since the government took control of the temple trust, the educational standards that these institutions used to cherish began to crumble and the colleges and schools have lost much of their reputation. Against this fading glory, you have the newly arisen godmen who become the favoured few. Till, of course, the political dispensation changes. Can this be stopped? Of course. Even the Supreme Court is against the government trying to control temple trusts. Next: Part II The Supreme Court attempts to rescue temples So, it turns out that 'hum do hamare do' as a slogan for family planning may just have become slightly outdated in Indian cities. The fertility rate in urban India in urban areas has dropped below two births per woman after the year 2010, according to government data. At present, the fertility rate in urban India is 1.8 births per woman, which is lower than our colonial masters the United Kingdom, the United States and France, as per a report by The Times of India. So maybe, just maybe, all those sanskari Alok Nath films at the turn of the century had their intended effect after all. And you thought this was good news? On the contrary, this is very worrisome news indeed. Last year, Sakshi Maharaj, the wise MP from Unnao and the BJP's 'fringe element'-in-chief, had issued a clarion call to Hindus to produce at least four children to protect Hinduism. From the looks of things, it appears that the bharatiya naari is part of a sinister conspiracy against Hinduism. In these dark ages, women don't even listen to the venerable gurujis of the Great Indian Family on how many children they must produce. The nerve! Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand are the only few 'patriotic' states which have a fertility rate of more than 2.1 births per woman. This is the magic figure below which the population begin to decline, as per a report by The Hindu. Even (gasp) the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state of Gujarat fails to make the cut, with two births per woman. This puts the state's claim of being the laboratory of the great Hindutva experiment in serious peril. More worryingly, even rural India appears to be veering from the four-child norm laid down by our Hindutva gladiators. According to data cited by The Times of India, the fertility rate in rural areas has fallen from 5.4 births to 2.5 births for every woman. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat may believe rural India remains steeped in wholesome Indian values and has not been swayed by poisonous western concepts like family planning. However, these statistics indicate that his optimism may be misplaced. With the ideal of 'hum do humare do' fast becoming obsolete, it appears that Sakshi Maharaj has reason to be very, very worried. The negotiations over the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets have enered the "final stages" as both India and France have managed to narrow down their differences over the pricing. Government sources said that the deal has not been concluded yet but it is in "final stages". The development came nearly four months after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Francois Hollande signed a memorandum of agreement (MoU) to purchase 36 Rafale combat jets. The Indian side has been negotiating hard to bring down the price of the Rafale deal. Sources said the price for 36 Rafales, as per the UPA tender, keeping the cost escalation and dollar rate in mind, comes to a little over Rs 65,000 crore. This includes the cost involved in making changes India has sought in the aircraft, including Israeli helmet mounted display and some specific weaponry, among others. "The effort is to bring down the price to less than Euros 8 billion (Rs 59,000 crore)," the sources said. Sources said the French have more or less agreed to Indian terms. The expectation is that the final deal will be clinched by May-end. The deal comes with the clause of delivering 50 per cent offsets, creating business worth at least 3 billion Euros for smaller Indian companies and creating thousands of new jobs in India through the offsets. In fact, the toughest phase in the negotiations that began in July 2015 - three months after Modi announced in Paris India's plan to purchase 36 Rafale jets - was to get the French to agree to 50 per cent offsets in the deal. Initially, Dassault Aviation was willing to agree to reinvest only 30 per cent of the value of its contract in Indian entities to meet the offset obligations. The French side finally agreed to invest 50 per cent of the value following a phone conversation between Modi and Hollande late last year. The commercial negotiations, as in the pricing of the planes, equipment and other issues, actually began only in mid-January this year. Under the proposed deal, French companies apart from Dassault Aviation, will provide several aeronautics, electronics and micro-electronics technologies to comply with the offset obligation. Companies like Safran and Thales will join Dassault in providing state-of-art technologies in stealth, radar, thrust vectoring for missiles and materials for electronics and micro-electronics. One of the key witnesses of the Murthal gangrapes, which allegedly took place during the Jat agitation, is claiming that he has been subjected to intimidation through 'threatening phone calls', bringing the ongoing the investigation in the case under a cloud. ANI reported that the witness, Bobby Joshi, said that he received a call threatening him with dire consequences for speaking on the matter. Joshi is said to have claimed that the caller said that he is 'speaking too much,' and that following the call, he complained to a senior police official. In an interview to CNN-IBN on Friday, Joshi said that he remained unfazed by the threats and would stick to the statement he gave to the police earlier. "I informed the police 2 days ago that I had seen some boys burning vehicles and harass two women from Ludhiana," Joshi told CNN-IBN. "I saw the women being forced towards the farms but they somehow managed to escape. Later, I guided these women to a nearby dhaba to ensure their safety," he added. The Haryana Government had initially told the court that no incidents of rape or molestation had taken place. However, subsequently, the Punjab and Haryana High Court censured the Haryana Police for suppressing facts related to the alleged Murthal gang rapes, ANI reported. Later, the Haryana police, which had also earlier said that no rapes took place during the nine-day Jat agitation, told the court that they were investigating two complaints filed by alleged rape victims. On Monday, The Times of India reported that a High Court judge had taken suo motu notice of the alleged incidents of rape, following the complaint filed by Joshi, following which the case was brought before the High Court. Also, new charges under Section 376 (D) (gang rape) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) were added to the FIR, after two anonymous letters were received by the state government, from an NRI woman from Australia and a girl student from Faridabad, who were allegedly raped on the highway near Murthal during the quota agitation, the report said. Jats in Haryana have demanded inclusion into the OBC category in order to get the reservation benefits. By 26 February, the protests were estimated to have caused 30 deaths and over 200 injuries, with economic losses due to the protests in Haryana estimated at Rs. 20,000 crore, as per an IANS report put up by NDTV. With input from agencies Thrissur (Kerala): Thrissur Pooram will be celebrated in line with the guidelines issued by the High Court to ensure safety and security and without losing the essence of its tradition, beauty and culture, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said on Friday. "Safety and security is a very important matter," Chandy said a day after the Kerala High Court allowed low-decibel fireworks display in the night during the Pooram festival, exempting it from the ban imposed in the wake of 10 April Kollam Puttingal Devi temple tragedy, that claimed 108 lives. Chandy held a review meeting with Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala, Thrissur district administration and office-bearers of Pooram organising committee Friday morning during which the preparations for the festival were analysed. "Government will continue to extend its full support to the Pooram festival," Chandy said after the meeting. Chennithala said the meeting decided to organise the Pooram as it was organised in previous years. Fireworks display, procession of majestically caparisoned elephants and changing of sequined parasols are the major attractions of Pooram festival. Chennithala appealed to the people to follow the guidelines issued by the High Court and the district administration for the smooth conduct of the festival. "There will be strict restrictions in place for this year's Pooram festival," Chennithala said. Thrissur is best known for its Pooram festival and is the most colourful and spectacular temple festivals of Kerala. Devotees and spectators from all parts of the state and outside throng the venue of the Pooram. Paramekkavu and Thiruvambadi Devaswoms conduct the festival on the grounds of the Vadakkunnathan Temple in the heart of Thrissur city. Chennithala said the government is planning to suggest laser fireworks which add light, colour and texture to any event for Thrissur Pooram instead of noise making traditional fireworks. "We have sought the cooperation of Devaswoms in this regard," he said. On Thursday, the Kerala High Court had ordered that no unauthorised chemicals should be used in the fireworks and the sound level should not exceed 125 decibel for the Pooram fireworks. The bench was hearing a plea by the private Paramekkavu and Thirvambadi Devaswoms, which fund the annual Pooram festival. The ongoing festival will come to an end on 18 April. Everybody is talking about how Kerala will continue to allow temples and churches to burst crackers but without competitions. But there is not a word about how Indian Mujahideen (IM) gets its kalungii Mujahideens code word for explosives from Kerala. On Friday, Keralas political parties went through the motions of discussing the matter of banning fireworks at festivals. And as expected, the all-party meeting bowed to the sentiments of religion and compulsions of elections, and said fireworks displays could go on under regulations but fireworks competitions would be banned. With Keralas police chief having already gone on record saying that it will be difficult to enforce regulations, its clear that cracker shows will go on as usual. There are others who argue that it will be tough to distinguish between a display and a competition, and the latter can always be easily masqueraded as the former, especially if the officers look the other way. But during the entire, elaborate exercise of hair-pulling over whether to ban the firecrackers or not, not a single precious word was uttered by anyone in power on the flourishing illegal trade in explosive substances that goes on in Kerala. And no one has even thought it fit to mention that some of these explosive substances, used in the making of bombs, have been falling into the hands of Mujahideen terrorists. There is nothing to suggest that the 10 April disaster at the Puttingal Devi temple near Kollam in Kerala, that killed 116 people, was the handiwork of terrorists. Everything, on the other hand, points to the clumsy handling of the lethal firecrackers. But it is common knowledge in the intelligence community that terrorists, especially those of the IM brand, have little difficulty procuring explosive substances from within the country. Those who investigated terror blasts in the past across India suspect that Kerala is a prime source for Mujahideen for its kalungii. There are many explosive substances that are used in the making of firecrackers, fertilisers, explosives for quarryingand bombs for killing people. Potassium nitrate, for instance, is used in fertilisers and fireworks. But it is also one of the major ingredients in gunpowder or blackpowder. And the blasting gelatin or jelly, invented by Alfred Nobel, is made of, among other things, saltpetre (sodium nitrate or potassium nitrate). Ammonium nitrate, used predominantly as a fertiliser, is also used in mining and the making of bombs or Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Investigators say this chemical is a favourite among Mujahideen terrorists. Prodded by the National Security Agency (NSA), Keralas director-general of police sent a circular to his officers on 13 September, 2011. It said: It is recommended that a certain level of control on explosives need to be put in place. In addition, there must be measures to prevent the easy availability of explosives to undesirable elements who may misuse them. A special cell is therefore constituted at Police Headquarters to monitor matters relating to the use or misuse of the explosives. And not a word was heard fromor aboutthis special cell ever since, even in the aftermath of the Kollam temple tragedy. On the other hand, investigations into the blasts in Hyderabad on 21 February, 2013 that killed 17 people and injured 119, said that the ammonium nitrate that was used in the bombs may have come from Kerala. A close look at the past blasts clearly shows that the terrorists spent more time on reconnaissance and planning than on getting their explosives, which was easy. The charge sheet filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in the Hyderabad blasts case shows that Mujahideen operatives discuss the procurement of explosives with the same ease as housewives talk about buying tomatoes. Some excerpts from the charge sheet: In January 2013, Riyaz Bhatkal (A-1) informed Asadullah Akhtar (A-2) through an internet chat that in a few days explosive material would be delivered in Mangalore and Asadullah Akhtar (A-2) was directed to carry out blasts in Hyderabad along with Waqas (A-3) and Tahseen Akhtar (A-4). As planned earlier, Asadullah Akhtar (A-2) received the explosive material from an unknown person in a golden colour trolley bag. The material was delivered near Unity Health Centre, Mangalore. Investigation has further established that, after receiving the explosives, Asadullah Akhtar (A-2) took the explosive material to their rented flat in Zephyr Heights Apartments. They checked the trolley bag and found to be containing 300 tubes of semi-solid pinkish coloured ANFO (ammonium nitrate oil fuel) of 100 grams each, and 50 numbers of detonators. During an internet chat with Riyaz on December 30, 2012, Yasin asked him about the stage of preparation of the blasts to be conducted, to which Riyaz replied that the explosives were expected in a weeks time . . . Riyaz further mentioned that the explosives were to be collected from the supplier of Mumbai Blasts of July 13, 2011, and that there was a different supplier for the Pune 1st Aug, 2012 blast. Yasin said that white gelatin was good for explosion, and that red was not good. Since explosive substances have legitimate uses as well, there are 1) those who make them under license 2) dealers who sell them and 3) users who buy them. Terrorists can lay their hands on the chemicals they want from any one of these three illegally. Often, huge amounts of substances have been reported stolen. The authorities no doubt need to keep an eye on the temples and churches in Kerala that use or misuse firecrackers. What demands a closer scrutiny is IndiasKeralas in particularflourishing explosives trade that has become a source of raw material for deadly terror bombs. Mumbai: Around 50 school students were on Thursday taken ill allegedly after they had consumed food packets served to them during an event that was held simultaneously at four city colleges, police said. The event had been organised by Indian International Model United Nations (IIMUN) at Thadomal Shahani College in Bandra, KC College in Churchgate, Lala Lajpatrai College in Haji Ali and Whistling Woods College, they said. "Around 1,400 students of Class VIII to X from various schools took part in the event. During the event, at around 12.30 PM food packets were served to students," a police officer said. The aim of the event was to make a pitch for a permanent seat for India in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). At Thadomal Shahani College, five students started vomiting after consuming the food. While three of them were taken to Hinduja Hospital in Khar, two were rushed to Holy family hospital in Bandra. Two of these students were subsequently discharged, police said. At Lala Lajpatrai College, around 12 students were taken ill after consuming the food and were rushed to Breach Candy hospital, Bhatiya Hospital and Jaslok hospital. "All of them are out of danger," police said, adding that students who participated in KC College and Whistling Woods College also complained of uneasiness after consuming the food. Police said they are probing the case but refused to share further details. Talking about the incident, IIMUN, founder and president, Rishabh Shah said, "The students were going to be treated to food from an Indian multinational company that delivers home-style food to corporates and schools. They served rice and dal makhani but the rice was stale and dal was sour." He claimed that "the food, instead of being made at four centres as promised, was made in Thane before it was sent". India figured among 10 countries that saw that largest declines in happiness levels between 2005-07 and 2013-15, according to a report released last month. The World Happiness Report ranked 156 countries based on the analysis of six factors by the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UNSDSN). Other countries with highest declines in happiness include Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Ukraine and Yemen. Italy and Spain also figured in this list. Nicaragua had the largest increase in happiness levels during this period, followed by Sierra Leone, Ecuador, Moldova and Latvia. Israel and Palestinian territories also had an increase in their happiness levels. The report, however, acknowledges that the case of Indias decline in happiness is unexplained by the model. The largest regional drop (-0.6 points) was in South Asia, in which India has by far the largest population share, and is unexplained by the model, which shows an expected gain based on improvements in five of the six variables, offset by a drop in social support, the report said. The report ranks countries on the basis of a scale of 0 to 10with the worst possible life as a 0 and the best possible life as a 10 on six factors: Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, healthy years of life expectancy, social support (as measured by having someone to count on in times of trouble), trust (as measured by a perceived absence of corruption in government and business), perceived freedom to make life decisions, and generosity (as measured by recent donations). The rating for the subjective factors was based on questions in the Gallup World Poll (GWP) asked of more than 1,000 people in each country. India had a score of 4.404, much below the global average of 5.382, and was ranked 118thone below last years ranking. Denmark, with a score of 7.526, was rated as the happiest country, while Burundi at 2.905 was rated the least happy. Half the countries had a score more than 5.314. Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Pakistan happier than India Among neighbours, India did better only than Myanmar (119th with 4.395); Pakistan was ranked 92nd with a score of 5.132 while Nepal stood 107th with 4.793, Bangladesh at 110th with 4.643, and Sri Lanka at 117th with 4.415. Increasingly, happiness is considered to be the proper measure of social progress and the goal of public policy, the report published last month said. India lags Saudi Arabia (34th), Uzbekistan (49th), Kazakhstan (54th), Somalia (76th), Iran (105th) and Palestinian Territories (108th). Even among the BRICS nations, India stood lastbehind Brazil (17th) with 6.952, Russia (56th) with 5.856, China (83rd) with 6.952, and South Africa (116th) with 4.459. India and South Africa are the only BRICS countries that saw a decline in the happiness levels from 2005-07 to 2013-15. Iraq, Yemen, Egypt had better social support than India In GDP per capita, India was ranked 111th, much behind Brazil (69th), Russia (47th), China (79th) and South Africa (80th). In terms of healthy life expectancydefined as the average equivalent number of years of full health that a newborn could expect to liveIndia (59.07 years) did better only than South Africa (50.14 years) among the BRICS nations. China (68.59 years), Brazil (64.59 years) and Russia (64.08 years) figured way ahead. In terms of social support, India did better than only 10 countries including Pakistan, Bangladesh and Syria. Iraq, Yemen and Egypt fared better than India. India was ranked 75th in terms of freedom to make life choices, and 64th in generosity. In terms of trust, which was measured based on the perceived absence of corruption, India stood 90th, behind countries including Libya, Iraq, Somalia, Syria, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Canada 6th, Russia 56th: How the big countries fared Among the G8 nations, Canada ranked the highest (6th) while Russia ranked the lowest (56th). Israel (11th) was ranked higher than the United States. The United Arab Emirates (29th) fared better than four of the G8 countries. Saudi Arabia, at 34th, fared better than Italy, Japan and Russia. (Madhavapeddi is a desk editor at IndiaSpend.) (IndiaSpend.com is a data-driven, public-interest journalism non-profit) Auto refresh feeds Firstpost's Debobrat Ghose takes a Metro ride up to ITO - one of the busiest locations in Delhi. Despite a holiday, many families are either on an outing, visiting temples or their relatives. A member of the Joshi family told Firstpost: "We boarded the Metro from Kailash Colony as we are going to Dwarka to meet my parents and elder brother's family. We had a very bad experience with autorickshaws today. Despite putting 'On Duty' board, 15 autorickshaw drivers refused to take us. It is so disturbing. Moreover, they are acting pricey. Everyday, I pay Rs 30 from my residence to the Metro station. But today, they asked for Rs 50 to 60. Odd-even drive is good, but the Delhi government must ensure proper functioning of autos. Refusal has increased and due to this common man is suffering. Public transportation has to improve." A lot of NCR commuters are in favour of the road space rationing and want the odd-even scheme to become permanent, i.e. 15 days a month. "I travel every day from Gurugram to Delhi, I am very much in favour of the odd-even scheme. I save one hour of my travel. I wish if it can be done on a permanent basis," said Geeta Sharma, a resident of Gurugram who travels to Hauz Khas for work. Devendra Kumar, a Civil Defence volunteer, has been standing near Pragati Maidan since 6 am. He has stopped two violators and gave them roses and pamphlets and urged them to follow the odd-even rule. An even number car was spotted and stopped by a traffic cop and challaned near Gate Number One Pragati Maidan. A traffic cop said, "We want the scheme to be made permanent. We only know what all we have to face while managing the traffic during office hours." He has challaned four people since morning. An even number car was spotted and stopped by a traffic cop and challaned near Gate Number One Pragati Maidan. A traffic cop said, "We want the scheme to be made permanent. We only know what all we have to face while managing the traffic during office hours." He has challaned four people since morning. Oh what a relief..odd-even is back! Make the best o it DilliValloh!& fr this at least let's 'Thx' AK hugely!No harm n acknowledging w/grace! It was a smooth start to the odd-even phase 2. It got a good response on day one, with some people even saying that the scheme should be made permanent. While most of the roads was less congested on Friday, motorists near the AIIMS flyover witnessed heavy traffic. Former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Friday said that the Delhi government's odd-even scheme is an attempt to fool people into believing that it is working. Dikshit told ANI that the scheme will not benefit the people of Delhi as there is no adequate public transport. It was a slow day for the Delhi autorickshaw drivers at Rajiv Chowk in Connaught Place on Friday. Auto drivers wait outside Metro station hoping to get passengers. The odd-even experiment, aimed at curbing air pollution, will once again play out in Delhi roads from Friday, taking cars whose registration numbers end with even numbers off roads on the first day of its fortnight long implementation. However, not much rush is expected, Friday being a public holiday on account of Ramnavami. One of the new exemptions in the second phase of the odd-even scheme is that vehicles ferrying children in school uniform will be exempted from the odd-even rule but there are concerns about what will happen when the car is on its way back after dropping the child. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday said the government has not been able to arrive at a solution to the problem of cars returning after dropping school children and suggested car pooling. Kejriwal said the government has exempted vehicles carrying children in school uniform during the second phase of odd even which could pose difficulty and suggest car-pooling with neighbours to avoid problems. "We gave it a lot of thought but no solution could be found. It will cause some problems but vehicles could be shared with neighbours," the Chief Minister said. Kejriwal said the implementation of the odd even scheme in January did not reduce pollution "as much as expected" but it significantly helped reduce traffic congestion in the city. The Delhi government, which has projected the second phase of the road-rationing policy as the "decisive" one, said that 2,000 traffic personnel, 580 enforcement officials and over 5,000 civil defence volunteers are being deployed for its smooth implementation. Violators will be fined Rs 2,000 in accordance with relevant section of the Motor Vehicles Act and the scheme will not be implemented on Sundays. Two hundred metro trains will make around 3,248 trips daily during the next fortnight, a rise of about 56 trips over the existing arrangements, DMRC has said. Fifteen additional feeder buses will also leave from stations across the city. About 2,000 officials of Delhi Traffic Police will be deployed on roads daily. The traffic department has identified 200 intersections in the city where their personnel will be deployed in teams, with their sizes depending upon the volume of traffic in those intersections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Maritime India Summit on Thursday and praised Dr BR Ambedkar, calling him "the architect of the water and river navigation policy in India". "There is a reason why this important Summit has been organised today, on 14th April 2016. Today is 125th anniversary of a great son of India: Dr BR Ambedkar," said PM Modi. He said that Ambedkar had emphasised on creating a new waterways policy for India. "Many of us may not know that Babasaheb created two powerful institutions related to water, navigation and power. They were the Central Waterways, Irrigation and Navigation Commission and The Central Technical Power Board. Dr Ambedkar emphasised importance of new waterways policy to lay the foundation for a regime of prosperity for millions of poor of India," he said. "We have embarked on the development of National Waterways in keeping with Babasahebs vision and foresight," the PM added. The Prime Minister also claimed that India was the fastest growing economy in the world today. "With a GDP growth rate of more than seven percent, India is the fastest growing major economy today," he said. "We Indians are inheritors of a glorious maritime heritage. It is my governments endeavour to revive and restore Indias position of eminence in the global maritime sector," Modi said. "In the very early days of our government, we announced the Sagarmala programme...We want to modernise ports and integrate them with SEZs, port-based smart cities, industrial parks, warehouses, logistics parks," he said. "Our maritime agenda will complement this ambitious infrastructure plan for the hinterland which is going on at the same time," he said. "Long coastline of India along with diverse coastal regions and hard working coastal communities can become an engine of growth of India. Our vast coastline of 7,500 km offers a huge investment opportunity," said the PM. Modi also said that the year 2015-16 saw the highest-ever FDI inflow into India and that Moody's had recently appreciated the 'Make In India' programme. "Our vision is to increase port capacity from one thousand, four hundred million tonnes to three thousand million tonnes by 2025," he said. Our vision is to increase port capacity from one thousand, four hundred million tonnes to three thousand million tonnes by 2025: PM PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 14, 2016 "With more than 14,000 km of navigable inland waterways, there is tremendous potential for development," said the PM. "Private ports have been growing at a very healthy pace and have nearly doubled their capacity in the last five years," he said. "The maritime sector not only creates and facilitates economic activities; it also connects countries and civilisations," he added. The PM added that 18 percent of the population in India lived in 72 coastal districts. Finally, Prime Minister Modi ended his speech by saying, "It is the right time to come to India, an even better time to come through the sea route." At the three-day summit, agreements entailing investments of over Rs 82,000 crore will be signed, Union Shipping and Ports Minister Nitin Gadkari had said, adding this includes 35 concession agreements of Rs 5,900 crore, 20 work orders of Rs 8,250 crore and 86 MoUs involving an investment of over Rs 68,700 crore. More than a dozen Union ministers are expected to address the summit, for which 3,000 delegates, including 300 from 41 countries, have registered, he said. Chief Ministers of Maharashtra, Goa, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat will also be present. Being held at NSE Grounds in suburban Goregaon, the summit will have 13 technical sessions, 200 exhibitors and 52 participants from South Korea, which is the partner country for the event. It will also have a museum resembling a ship displaying the maritime history of the country, made by art director Nitin Desai. India and South Korea also signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation and mutual assistance in the port sector, Gadkari said Watch Modi's inauguration speech here: You can read PM Modi's full speech here: Hon. Governor of Maharashtra; Hon. Chief Minister of Maharashtra; His Excellency Mr. Kim Young-Suk, Minister of the Republic of Korea Our Union Minister for Shipping, Mr. Nitin Gadkari Other Dignitaries on the dais; Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen! I have great pleasure in being with you and welcoming you at the Maritime India Summit. This is the first time that a global event of such a large scale is being organised by India. I extend a warm welcome to all the esteemed guests attending this event in the maritime hub of India. I am sure, this event; together with the seminars and exhibition, will showcase the emerging trends and opportunities in the maritime sector. We all know that oceans cover more than seventy percent of the Earth's surface. We also know that oceans contain ninety-seven percent of the Earth's water. Therefore, maritime transport can be the most extensive mode of transport. It is also the most eco-friendly mode of transport. However, there is one more aspect to this fact. Which is that, oceans contain ninety nine percent of the living space on the planet. This means that our lifestyle, transport systems and trading behavior should not spoil the ecology of the oceans. Also, maritime security, freedom of navigation and safety and security of sea lanes is equally important. The challenges of climate change have shown that even offshore human behavior can change the ecology of glaciers and oceans. This is already causing a lot of concern for island countries and coastal communities in particular. I hope this summit will deliberate on these issues while discussing economic issues related with oceans. The elimination of sea piracy, which was a big threat to international shipping a few years ago, is a good example of how joint efforts by maritime nations can achieve outstanding results. Friends! There is a reason why this important Summit has been organised today, on the 14th of April 2016. Today is the 125th birth anniversary of a great son of India who also lived and worked in Mumbai. I am referring to Dr. B.R.Ambedkar, who was the architect of our Constitution. He is also the architect of the water and river navigation policy in India. I offer my profound respects to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on this auspicious day. I also wish and pray that his wisdom continues to guide us in our efforts towards nation building. Many of us may not know that Babasaheb created two powerful institutions related to water, navigation and power. They were: The Central Waterways, Irrigation and Navigation Commission and The Central Technical Power Board. His observations while setting up these two organizations is a testimony to his great foresight. I quote from his address on 3rd January, 1945: The objects which have led to the setting up of two organizations are to advise on how the water resources can be best utilized and how a project can be made to serve purposes other than irrigation. Dr Ambedkar had emphasized the importance of the new waterways policy in order to lay the foundation for a regime of prosperity for the millions of poor of our country. I am happy to state that we have embarked on the development of National Waterways in keeping with Babasahebs vision and foresight. With a GDP growth rate of more than seven percent, India is the fastest growing major economy today. The IMF and the World Bank have indicated even better prospects in the days to come. We are taking aggressive steps to ensure that our process of growth is both fast as well as inclusive. This summit is another step to realize Babasahebs dream of an economically strong, socially empowered and technologically equipped India. I understand that more than 4500 dignitaries and delegates from around forty countries are participating in this Summit. I am particularly happy that the Republic of Korea is the Partner Country for this event. I thank the President of Korea and also the senior Minister, Mr. Kim Young-Suk who is present here. Friends! We Indians are inheritors of a glorious maritime heritage. The worlds first dock was built at Lothal in Gujarat around 2500 BC during the Harappan Civilisation. This dock was equipped to berth and service ships. It was built after studying tidal flows. In addition to Lothal, there were also some other Indian ports, which were major drivers of global maritime trade two thousand years ago. These included: Barygaza - which today is known as Bharuch in Gujarat; Muziris which today is known as Kodungallur near Cochin in Kerala; Korkai which is todays Tuticorin; Kaveripattinam which is in Nagapattanam District of Tamil Nadu; and Arikamedu which is in Ariyankuppam District of Puducherry There are many references in ancient Indian literature and in Greek and Roman works about the vibrant maritime trade of India with Rome, Greece, Egypt and Arabia. Ancient and medieval Indian traders maintained links with countries in Southeast and East Asia, Africa, Arabia and Europe. Friends! Since my government took over, among other things, we have laid emphasis on building futuristicinfrastructure. This includes building next generation infrastructure in many sectors. Port, Shipping and Maritime infrastructure is prominent among them. It is my Governments endeavour to revive and restore Indias position of eminence in the global maritime sector. Building upon our glorious maritime tradition, we are working hard to achieve new heights in this area. In the very early days of our Government, we announced the Sagarmala programme. This is aimed at leveraging our long coastline and natural maritime advantages. It also focuses on promoting port led development, energizing the coastal economy and infrastructure development in these areas. We particularly want to modernize our ports and integrate them with Special Economic Zones, Port based Smart Cities, Industrial Parks, Warehouses, Logistics Parks and Transport Corridors. I must mention that our vast coastline of 7500 kilometers offers a huge investment opportunity. Apart from the length of the coastline, India's maritime potential also lies in its strategic location on all major shipping highways. In addition, we have an expansive and productive hinterland, through which flows a network of mighty rivers. Our maritime agenda will complement this ambitious infrastructure plan for the hinterland which is going on in parallel. I call upon the global business community to partner with us to give shape to our process of port led development. I amsure, the long coastline of India along with diverse coastal regions and hard working coastal communities can become an engine of growth of India. To enable the growth of the port and related sectors, we have carried out several reforms and taken a number of new initiatives. Under our Make in India approach, we have taken many steps to make India a global manufacturing hub; Recently MOODYs has appreciated the Make in India initiative; We have done a lot of corrections on the front of Ease of doing business - we have jumped up 12 ranks in World Banks ranking; A lot of simplification has happened in the processes for cross border trade; We have greatly liberalized the licensing regimes; This also includes the defence sector and ship building therein; We have taken almost sixty per cent of the defence items out of the licensing process Most of the FDI sectors are now put on automatic approval route; Shipyards are being given Infrastructure status; at par with the ports; Rebate of service tax on coastal shipping has been increased to seventy per cent; We have granted customs duty and central excise exemption on inputs used in ship building; A scheme of financial assistance to promote ship building has been approved; Customs and central excise duties have been exempted on bunker fuel for Indian flagged container ships; Tax issues of sea farers have been resolved; A new company by the name of Indian Port Rail Corporation, has been established to focus on the last mile connectivity to ports. We have enacted a legislation for declaring one hundred and eleven waterways as National Waterways-1. We have taken up skill development activities aggressively. The results of our initial efforts are clearly visible: FDI inflows have gone up by 44 per cent since this government took over. In fact, the year 2015-16 has seen the highest ever FDI inflow into India; Indias highest ever quantity of cargo handled by major ports was in 2015; The port efficiency parameters have shown very good improvement; Indias fastest average turnaround time in ports was in 2015; In the last two years, our Major Ports have added 165 million tonne capacity with record additions each year; 94 million tonne capacity was added by these ports in 2015-16 alone which is the highest ever; The traffic in Major Ports has shown a healthy growth of more than four per cent in the last two years, despite global slowdown; The performance of the Major Ports in the last two years has been remarkable; Operating Profit margins which were declining, have increased; In 2015-16 alone, the operating profit of the twelve Major Ports has increased by nearly 6.7 billion rupees; During 2015-16, Kandla Port in Gujarat breached the one hundred million traffic landmark and displayed twenty per cent improvement in efficiency. Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust registered a net profit of ten billion rupees helped by a twelve per cent increase in efficiency. Our flagship companies like the Shipping Corporation, Dredging Corporation and the Cochin Shipyard have registered higher profits as compared to the previous year. However, this is just the beginning. We want to do more. We are enhancing our own capacities of execution and implementation. The National Perspective Plan of the Sagarmala Programme has been released today. During the last two years, major ports have awarded 56 new Projects involving an investment of more than 250 billion rupees. This will create an additional port capacity of 317 million tonnes per annum. Our vision is to increase port capacity from 1400 million tonnes to 3000 million tonnes by 2025. We want to mobilize an investment of one lakh crore, or one trillion rupees, in the Port Sector to enable this growth. Five new ports are planned to meet the increasing demand of the Exim trade which will rise in proportion with the fast-growing Indian economy. New ports are also being developed by several coastal States of India. The multiple measures to promote Coastal Shipping coupled with the anticipated rise in domestic production of coal, is expected to enhance coastal transportation of coal by at least four fold by 2025. We are engaging with our immediate and regional neighbours to promote shipping and maritime security. Recently India has signed a Coastal Shipping Agreement with Bangladesh which will be mutually beneficial. India is also engaged in the development ofChahbahar Port in Iran. A special purpose vehicle by the name India Ports Global Limited has been established to take up Maritime Projects overseas. I am informed that the Ministry of Shipping is showcasing about 250 projects with investment opportunity in the Maritime Sector. These projects include various infrastructure development opportunities in 12 Major Ports, projects in eight maritime states and other agencies. Of these, over 100 projects have been identified under the SagarmalaProgramme. With more than 14,000 kilometers of navigable inland waterways in the country, there is tremendous potential for development in this sector. My Government is committed to integration in infrastructure. We are also committed to creating an enabling environment for investors and to facilitate investments with an open mind. Friends! All this is being done to benefit the common man. This is being done to provide employment to the youth. This is particularly being done to empower coastal communities. Approximately eighteen percent of Indias population lives in 72 coastal districts. It comprises twelve percent of Indias landmass. Therefore, there is a need for holistic and sustainable development of coastal regions and communities. Development of coastal communities especially fishermen requires an integrated approach. As part of the Sagarmala programme, we will adopt a comprehensive approach with focus on capacity building and training, upgrading of technology and for improving physical and social infrastructure. This will be done in collaboration with the coastal states. These initiatives will create employment opportunities of approximately ten million jobs over the next ten years. This includes four million direct and six million indirect jobs. To broaden livelihood opportunities further, we are planning to deploy modern and sophisticated fishing vessels. This would enable them to harness resources in Indias Exclusive Economic Zone. In addition, we are also focusing on value addition in fisheries, aquaculture and cold chain development. The Port Sector in India is a good mix of Private and Public Ports, with both contributing to the growth of the sector. The PPP model of development has been quite successful in this sector and has helped in bringing latest technology and best practices. Private Ports have been growing at a very healthy pace and have nearly doubled their capacity in the last 5 years. They handle around 45 per cent of the total cargo. Most of these Ports are new, with modern facilities and can match the best international Ports in terms of performance and infrastructure. Friends! India has had a glorious maritime history. We are on the path of shaping an even better maritime future. The maritime sector not only creates and facilitates economic activities; it also connects countries and civilizations. Moreover, it is the cleanest and cheapest carrier of global trade. Investing in maritime sector is not only investing in ones own future; but in the future of the planet and that of coming generations. However, in this sector, no country can achieve the desired results in isolation. Nations have to collaborate to realize this potential and to overcome challenges in this sector. The objective of this Summit is to provide a platform and forum for such cooperation. To conclude, I would like to say that: This is the right time to come to India; It is even better to come through the sea route; The Indian ship is well equipped for a long haul; Dont miss it; Missing it means missing a pleasant journey and a great destination. Once you are here, I assure you that I will personally hold your hands to see that your berthing is safe, secure and satisfactory. Thank You! With inputs from PTI Kolkata: The Election Commission has issued a show cause notice to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for violation of the model code of conduct, Chief Election Commissioner Naseem Zaidi said on Thursday. "It has been brought to our notice that she made a promise of creation of Asansol district and also made certain other utterances, for which the showcause has been issued," Zaidi told the media. "She also made some other utterances which violated the model code of conduct," he said. Zaidi informed that future course of action will be decided after receiving reply from Banerjee. An unfazed Banerjee, however, dared the Commission and said, "Do whatever you like". "I heard that Election Commission has showcaused me. What I have said I will say it again, I will say it thousand times. I will say it a lakh times. Do whatever you like. If anyone spread canards against me I will seek answers," she said during an election meeting in Birbhum district. "Election Commission has showcaused me on Bengali New Year today, people will showcause them on 19 May," she said. The full bench of the Election Commission of India held day-long meetings with police and administration officials and also met delegations from various political parties ahead of the third phase of the state assembly polls scheduled for 17 April. With inputs from agencies Kolkata: The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday transferred Birbhum SP Mukesh Kumar and the officers-in-charge of three police stations in the district following a review of poll preparedness in West Bengal, where Assembly elections are underway. The move comes days after controversial Kolkata Police Commissioner Rajeev Kumar was removed from his post by the poll watchdog following complaints against him by the major opposition parties. Birbhum votes in the second phase of the elections on Sunday. Officials said the Commission decided to transfer these officers following an assessment of the poll preparedness and overall law and order situation as also representations made by the various political parties. The Commission has ordered that Kumar will be replaced by Sabyasachi Mishra as the new Superintendent of Police in Birbhum. The three other officers who have been transferred are the OCs of Bolpur, Mayureshwar and Labhpur police stations. Earlier in the day, Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi met the leaders of various political parties with Congress leaders lodging a complaint against the Birbhum SP during the interaction. Trinamool Congress's controversial Birbhum district president Anubrata Mandal is already facing the ire of the poll watchdog, which is in the process of initiating legal action against him for allegedly violating the model code of conduct. Opposition parties have accused Mandal of intimidating voters in the area. United Nations: India took aim squarely against the use of secret vetoes to protect terrorists and their backers from UN sanctions, an action that China has repeatedly taken to provide cover for Pakistan-based terrorists and Islamabad. That secrecy results in a lack of accountability and engenders impunity, India's Permanent Representative Syed Akbaruddin said on Thursday facing the wielder of the secret vetoes, China's Permanent Representative Liu Jieyi, from across the Security Council chamber's horseshoe-shaped table. China is the Council's president for this month. Each of the 15 members of the of the A1 Qaeda, Taliban and IS Sanctions Committees now has a veto and none outside the panels is told who wielded the veto in a specific instance, Akbaruddin told the Council debate Thursday on 'Threats to International Peace and Security Caused by Terrorist Acts.' "The general membership of the UN is never ever formally informed of how and why requests for listing terrorists are not acceded to," he said. "Counter terror mechanisms such as the Sanctions Committees that act on behalf of the international community need to build trust not engender impunity by the use of this form of a 'hidden' veto." Akbaruddin did not name China or Pakistan in his speech. Although word does eventually gets out about who vetoed a measure, that country does not have to explain its action or publicly responsibility for it because of the official secrecy. China has twice use the veto to protect Pakistan and terrorists based there. Last month it prevented Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohamed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar, who is behind the January Pathankot air force base attack, from being put on a sanctions list as a terrorist. And Beijing blocked New Delhi`s demand last year for taking action under the Council`s anti-terrorism resolutions against Pakistan for freeing Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, the Lashkar-e-Taiba mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attack in which 166 people were killed. Asked at a press conference about the latest veto, Liu blandly said Azhar did not meet "the Council's requirements" to be considered a terrorist. Ironically Liu circulated a note to UN members ahead of Thursday's meeting that called for "avoiding double standards in the fight against terrorism." "All acts of terrorism are criminal and unjustifiable whenever, wherever and by whomsoever they are committed. Terrorism poses a global threat, from which no member state is exempt," his note said. "Cutting off the sources of terrorist financing; the disruption of financing channels is a vital and effective way to degrade and defeat ISIL and other terrorist organizations." With China providing cover, Pakistan's Permanent Representative Maleeha Lodhi claimed that her country "is perhaps among the few countries, which has a ministerial-level committee to oversee the implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions." Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon brought up the issue of state-sponsored terrorism. "We must also have the courage to address certain difficult situations, such as the support that violent extremists and terrorists may receive directly, indirectly and perhaps even unintentionally from governments," he said sitting next to Liu. "We need to focus on implementing the relevant provisions of Security Council resolutions...and other resolutions and measures that sanction terrorist groups and individuals," Ban added. Outlining the magnitude of the global problem, Akbaruddin said, "According to authoritative accounts 2,850 lives have been lost and nearly 4,500 others have been injured in terrorist related violence in 38 countries during the first three months of this year." While terrorists have "mutated into hydra headed monsters" with an ever-growing footprint, "the international community's counter terrorism efforts are still in an embryonic form," he said. To meet the challenge he called for the early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. It has been stymied for over 20 years, mainly due to differences in defining what are terrorist organisations and who are terrorists. Some countries want exemption made for groups they consider to be "national liberation movements" rather than terrorist organisations, and terrorists they consider to be "freedom fighters." GENEVA Syria's chief government negotiator sought on Friday to steer a new round of peace talks away from the political transition that U.N. mediators hope to promote, as increased fighting near Aleppo threatened to undermine a shaky truce. Bashar Ja'afari said his focus was to submit amendments to a framework document for the talks, prompting accusations from the head of the opposition negotiating team that Damascus was "not serious" about seeking a political solution to the five-year conflict. The Syrian government, buoyed by Russian and Iranian military support, arrived in Geneva six days after U.N. mediator Staffan de Mistura had hoped to begin negotiations. The previous round of indirect talks ended on March 24, with de Mistura issuing a document on 12 guiding principles and vowing to shift the focus to a political transition, which the camp of President Bashar al-Assad has refused to discuss. After almost two hours with de Mistura, Ja'afari told reporters that he had given the U.N. envoy amendments to his document and would wait for him and his team to "study in-depth" the paper over the weekend and submit it to other groups. "We will once again discuss our proposal the next time we will meet on Monday," he said. Ja'afari declined to answer questions, and de Mistura canceled a planned news briefing. 'DIVORCED FROM REALITY' The main opposition delegation, the High Negotiations Committee, has been in Geneva for two days. After meeting de Mistura on Friday it said the push on Aleppo by forces loyal to Assad showed the government did not want to negotiate a peace deal. "Today, as usual, the regime ... is sending a strong message that it doesn't want a political solution, but a military solution that will bring destruction to the whole country," said team head Asaad al-Zoubi, referring to intensified fighting in the northern city. He said the government amendments made to de Mistura earlier in the day highlighted Damascus was "not serious about the political solution" and "divorced from reality." The opposition told Reuters on Thursday that it was willing to share seats on a transitional governing body with members of Syria's government, but Assad must leave power and it was now time to discuss a transition. Assad has rejected the idea of a transitional governing body, saying instead he could broaden the government to include what he described as opposition and independent figures. Syrian Information Minister Omran al-Zoubi said Assad's future was not up for negotiation in Geneva or elsewhere, Russia's TASS news agency quoted him as saying in Damascus. A senior Western diplomat close to the talks said it was clear that Syria's government had no intention of negotiating in good faith. "The regime is doing everything it can to kill the negotiations," the diplomat said. "If there was one moment when it shouldnt launch an offensive (in the Aleppo region) then it really shouldnt be the day before the government delegation arrives in Geneva." (Editing by Mark Heinrich and John Stonestreet) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. To say that India-Pakistan ties are like a love-hate relationship is an understatement. It's probably more accurate to describe the bilateral as the dictionary definition of 'trolling in international diplomacy'. Mere days after Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit said the bilateral peace process between the two countries stands "suspended", a top Pakistani official said on Thursday that dialogue is the best option between Pakistan and India and the two sides should not think in terms of "foreclosing any options". India-Pakistan relations have been this confusing for quite a while now. And perhaps the best evidence for this troll diplomacy are the on-and-off talks between India and Pakistan. When Narendra Modi invited the heads of the other Saarc countries including Pakistan's prime minister Nawaz Sharif for his swearing-in ceremony in May 2014, it raised hopes about a positive turn in the ties between the two countries. What made people even more hopeful was when the two prime ministers exchanged gifts. After Modi gifted a shawl to Sharif's mother, Sharif responded by sending a white sari for Modi's mother. A day after the swearing-in ceremony, Modi held his first bilateral meeting with Sharif. PTI had reported that the two leaders had talked about ways to enhance cooperation in the field of trade and the 26 November, 2008 terror attack investigation. But things turned bitter after incidents of ceasefire violations at the borders increased. Between June 2014 and January 2015, Pakistan violated the ceasefire 685 times. On 18 August, 2014, India sent a stern message to Pakistan by calling off foreign secretary-level talks with Pakistan that were scheduled a week later in Islamabad after Pakistan High Commissioner in India Abdul Basit invited Kashmiri separatist leaders for "consultations" before the talks in Islamabad. During the Saarc summit in November 2014, the two PMs had avoided each other but in a final ice-breaking moment, Modi shook hands and laughed with Sharif. Hindustan Times had reported that the two had even held an hour-long secret meeting on the sidelines of the Saarc summit. On 3 March, 2015, Indian foreign secretary S Jaishankar held talks with his Pakistani counterpart Aizaz Ahmed Chaudhary, seven months after India had cancelled foreign secretary-level talks. Perhaps the most significant Modi-Sharif bilateral meet took place on 10 July, 2015 in Ufa, Russia. During their meeting, the two leaders agreed that the existing mechanism of regular meetings between DG Rangers, DG BSFs and DG MOs should be held to ensure full compliance with the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding. And giving us all a sense of deja vu, planned talks between the the national security advisors of the two countries scheduled for 23 and 24 August, 2015 were called off by Pakistan a day before the talks were going to held because External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had given an ultimatum to Islamabad to give a commitment that it would not go ahead with meeting separatists. And then on 30 November, as if the NSA talks had never been cancelled, Modi met Sharif at the inauguration of the Conference of Parties (CoP) 21 climate summit in Paris. On 6 December, the NSAs also held a secret meeting in Bangkok and discussed a range of issues including peace and security, terrorism and Jammu and Kashmir. Sushma Swaraj also met Sharif and Sartaj Aziz, adviser on foreign policy at Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the PM, in Islamabad on 9 December. And then on 25 December, Modi met Sharif on the latter's birthday in a surprise visit to Pakistan. That's like a statesman. Padosi se aise hi rishte hone chahiyen. https://t.co/dM26am9tWf Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) December 25, 2015 But this birthday bonhomie received yet another setback after the Pathankot terror attack on 2 January 2016, in which seven Indian security personnel were killed. However, Sushma Swaraj met Sartaj Aziz again in Pokhara, Nepal on 18 March. This was the first political-level engagement between the two sides after the Pathankot attack. At the meeting, Swaraj also accepted Pakistan's invitation for Modi to visit Islamabad for the Saarc Summit to be held on 9 and 10 November this year. The Pathankot attack figured very high in the over 20-minute meeting between Swaraj and Aziz. The five-member Pakistani Joint Investigation Team (JIT) reached Pathankot to probe the attack on 29 March. While the JIT probe was going well initially after Indian investigators said that the JIT admitted that the attackers were from Pakistan, things soon went downhill yet again when Pakistani media reports claimed that the JIT had said that India had staged the Pathankot attack. The repeated pattern of bilateral meetings, talks and bonhomie followed by bitter allegations, ceasefire violations or terror attacks not only reveals the dark nature of the ties between India and Pakistan but makes one feel that the diplomacy between the two countries has become a joke. It seems this strategy is here to stay for Pakistan when it comes to relations with India: West Palm Beach: Donald Trump's campaign manager won't be prosecuted for battery after briefly grabbing a female reporter's arm at a campaign event, but prosecutors have said the situation might have been avoided with two simple words: I'm sorry. State Attorney Dave Aronberg said at a news conference there wasn't enough evidence to justify bringing misdemeanor simple battery charges against Corey Lewandowski for the 8 March dustup with Michelle Fields, then a reporter for the conservative Breitbart News website. Although Lewandowski's act wasn't criminal, Aronberg said there may have been an easy way to defuse things. "In a case like this we do encourage an apology. Had an apology been given at the beginning of all this, we could have avoided the whole criminal justice process," Aronberg said. Although police in Jupiter, Florida, found enough probable cause to charge Lewandowski last month after viewing a video recording of the encounter, Aronberg said prosecutors are held to a higher legal standard. "We have the burden of proving each case beyond a reasonable doubt," he said. In a Thursday night appearance on "Hannity" on Fox News, Lewandowski thanked Trump for supporting him and said the decision to drop the charges was a relief. "This has really taken over a big piece of my life, and I'm glad it's behind us," he said. Lewandowski denied grabbing Fields and Republican front-runner Trump stood by him, rejecting calls by his opponents to fire or discipline him. Instead, he went after Fields, accusing her of exaggerating and changing her story. Not backing down, Fields tweeted a photograph of her bruised forearm and said she had been yanked backward. The investigation proved that Lewandowski "pulled Ms Fields back" as she attempted to interview Trump, according to a memo by another prosecutor, Chief Assistant State Attorney Adrienne Ellis. The memo says Lewandowski could have believed Fields was "making unwanted physical contact with Mr Trump" that led him to pull her away. "Mr Lewandowski may have had apparent authority to assist in the protection of the candidate, specifically to maintain the 'protective bubble' around the candidate," Ellis wrote. "While the facts support the allegation that Mr. Lewandowski did grab Ms Fields' arm against her will, Mr Lewandowski has a reasonable hypothesis of innocence." Ellis added that the video showed Trump moving his arm away from Fields' initial contact, but said that didn't constitute battery either. "It was incidental," she said. North West province (South Africa): The world's largest rhino farm looks like a vast fortress and is guarded by a private army. At night a helicopter fitted with an infrared camera circles over the 8,000 hectare (nearly 20,000 acre) electric-fenced ranch in South Africa, and by day armed men in military fatigues are on patrol. Their sole mission: to protect 1,200 rhinos from poachers, who killed 1,175 of the horned beasts across the country last year. Rhinos are being slaughtered in record numbers to meet the insatiable demand for their horns in countries such as China and Vietnam, where they are mistakenly believed to have medicinal properties. The horn is mainly hard keratin, the same substance found in human nails, but on the black market where it is sold in powdered form it is believed to cure cancer and other diseases. It can fetch as much as $60,000 (55,000 euros) per kilogramme, more than gold or cocaine. Clad in khaki shorts, blue shirt and sandals, wealthy South African businessman and rhino farmer John Hume says he has bred 600 rhino since 2008, but his target is to breed 200 each year. Legalise trade? "The way we are going to save the rhino from extinction is to breed more and protect them, and that is what I am trying to do here," said Hume. His next battle is to secure the legalisation of international trade in horns, which has been outlawed since 1977. Horns peddled on the black market are from dead rhinos but, if trade is allowed, demand would be fed from live ones. Just like nails, cut horns will regrow. Screengrab from the AFP video. "We can supply horns from live rhinos, while now every single horn that you are supplying to the demand is coming from a dead rhino. Surely that is stupid. It absolutely flummoxes me," said Hume. Plans to legalise the trade are controversial, however, and are fiercely debated by conservationists. Hume opened the farm in 2008 after selling hotels he owned. Today he employs around 60 full-time staffers plus his "army", whose strength he refuses to divulge on the grounds that it is "too sensitive." Even the exact location of the farm where he spends some $170,000 (156,000 euros) a month in security costs is kept secret, to protect it from poachers ravaging game parks elsewhere across the country. Harvesting horn On the plains of South Africa's North West province where the farm is located, a dozen rhinos were due for dehorning when AFP visited. Standing at the back of a pick-up truck, Menard Mathe used a pair of binoculars to identify the animals earmarked for dehorning. In front of the vehicle, veterinarian Michelle Otto drew her gun and darted one animal with a powerful anaesthetic. A few minutes later, the gigantic animal began to stagger. Otto cautiously walked towards it, and another worker secured its hind legs with a rope, forcing it to fall limply to the ground. Quickly the rhino's eyes were covered with a piece of mutton cloth and old socks used for makeshift earplugs. The horns are measured and a line is marked precisely where it will be cut, making sure blood vessels are not touched. Then a handheld power saw cuts through the horn. The procedure is painless for the animal. "We trim their horns for their safety and to deter poaching," said Otto. Despite the dehorning and the massive security cordon around the ranch, 39 rhinos have been poached there since 2008. Back at the farm building, the horns are weighed. A total of 23 kilogrammes (51 pounds) have been harvested on this day, said farm general manager Johnny Hennop. Each horn is then numbered and they are stored in metal trunks where they are wrapped in baby diapers to protect them from moisture while mothballs are strewn around the containers to keep bugs away. The boxes are then sealed and are ready to be moved to a safe location. Hume has a stockpile of five tonnes in banks and with private security companies. It is potentially worth a fortune, but is worthless as long as the ban in international trade in rhino horn remains in place. The ranch's security chief, Stefran Broekman, who previously worked at private game reserves, says he is "frustrated" that even when poachers are arrested in South Africa, some of them get away with a "small fine". At the turn of a muddy track, Broekman's face lights up on seeing a newborn calf suckling his mother under a tree. It was born overnight. AFP Islamabad: Dialogue is the best option between Pakistan and India and the two sides should not think in terms "foreclosing any options", a top Pakistani official said on Thursday. "During Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi's visit to Pakistan in December last, it was decided that the two Foreign Secretaries should meet soon. It is hoped that both sides would work out modalities for the Foreign Secretary-level talks," Foreign Office spokesman Nafees Zakaria said when asked if the word "suspended" correctly defines the current state of the bilateral peace process. "We need to look ahead and not think in terms foreclosing any options. Both sides are in contact with each other. Once the modalities are worked out Secretary-level talks would take place," he said. "Dialogue is the best option! Diplomacy is for interaction and engagement between countries," he said. Zakaria's comments came days after Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit said the bilateral peace process stands "suspended". When asked if the position in Islamabad is similar to Pakistan's High Commissioner to New Delhi, he said, "There is a difference between comments on day to day ground situation as compared to broader policy and future vision and prospects. At our level here in the Ministry, we do not give a day to day running commentary on official policy." He said Pakistan was committed to resolving all outstanding issues with India through a sustainable, uninterrupted and meaningful dialogue without any preconditions, in order to address each other's concerns, and establish lasting peace. On a question regarding the death Indian prisoner Kirpal Singh in a Pakistani jail, Zakaria said he died due to heart attack and preparation were underway to send his body to India. He said Singh was convicted by an anti-terrorism court for spying. "It is not appropriate to see everything through the prism of suspicion and conspiracy. He was kept in intensive care at the hospital but he could not survive," he said. "We have communicated this information to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. We are in contact with the Ministry of Interior and the India High Commission with regard to transportation of dead body to India," he said. India had raised the issue of Singh's mysterious death with Pakistan authorities and sought a probe into the matter. On Pathankot investigation, Zakaria said that the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) after visiting India was "evaluating the information shared by the Indian side" which is part of the ongoing investigation into the Pathankot attack. On a question about alleged Indian 'spy' arrested in Pakistan on charges of terrorism, Zakaria said investigations are still going on regarding Kulbhushan Jadhav and some arrests were already made as a result of interrogation. "As investigations continue more aspects related to this may come to light," he said. He said Pakistan expects that its neighbour would respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity by refraining from any interference or subversive activities. The recent arrest and confessional statement by the RAWs officer has vindicated Pakistans position that Indian state institutions are involved in conducting terrorist activities in Pakistan, he claimed. Zakaria said that Pakistan was a peace-loving nation and maintenance of peace and stability in South Asia is the cornerstone of Pakistan's policy. "We are opposed to conventional or nuclear arms race in the region. Pakistan's conventional military and nuclear capability is solely for self-defense and we are committed to credible minimum deterrence," he said. He said there was an increased understanding at the international level of Pakistan's genuine concerns regarding rapidly growing Indian conventional and nuclear capabilities and their offensive force postures and military doctrines such as the Cold Start Doctrine. He said Pakistan remains ready to discuss arms control and restraint measures with India. "Our proposal for Strategic Restraint Regime (SRR) can provide a basis for mutually agreed restraint measures and avoidance of unnecessary arms race in the region. We believe that the limited resources of Pakistan and India should be channelled to meeting the social needs of our people," he said. He also expressed concern over recent violence in Kashmir. "We expressed our deep concern on what is going on in Handwara," he said. "We have always condemned these violations and would continue to extend political, moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people," he said. Zakaria said that the issue of unprovoked LoC ceasefire violations are responded appropriately and also taken up strongly with the Indian side. "We believe in observance of 2003 LOC ceasefire agreement. The issues related to the international borders, LOC and Working Boundary are addressed in the spirit of rules of engagement on ground. The mechanism of DG MOs' consultation plays an effective role," he said. Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Friday that Germany had accepted a request from Turkey to seek prosecution of a German comedian who read out a sexually crude poem about Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on German television. The request from Ankara had put Merkel in a tricky position because she has spearheaded the effort to secure a deal between the European Union and Turkey that is helping to reduce the number of migrants arriving in Europe and Germany. Critics have accused her of getting too cozy with Turkey and the decision on Friday to pass the case to a prosecutor could fuel more accusations that she is compromising on values like the freedom of expression to secure Turkey's continued cooperation on the refugees. Under a section of Germany's criminal code, the government needed to authorize prosecutors to pursue a case against the comedian, Jan Boehmermann, who may have broken a German law by insulting a foreign leader. On 31 March, the satirist recited a poem on public broadcaster ZDF that mocked Erdogan with crude references to bestiality. "There were different opinions between the coalition partners - the conservatives and the SPD (Social Democrats)," Merkel told reporters at the Chancellery in Berlin. "The outcome is that the German government will give the authorization in the current case," she added, stressing that this was not a decision about the merits of the prosecution's case against Boehmermann. Thomas Oppermann, a senior SPD member, criticized the government's decision, writing on Twitter, "Prosecution of satire due to 'lese majesty' does not fit with modern democracy." In a reflection of the difficult position the case had put Berlin in, Merkel said the German government planned to remove the section of the criminal code that requires it to grant permission for prosecution in such cases. Merkel said the government would present a draft law to remove the paragraph which should be passed in the current legislative period and come into force from 2018. She justified the decision by pointing to the close and friendly relationship that Germany shares with Turkey, referring to the 3 million people with Turkish roots that live in Germany, their economic ties and cooperation as members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). Merkel also took the opportunity to press Turkey to uphold the values of freedom of expression, the press and art. Kuala Lumpur: Taiwan on Friday was trying to prevent Malaysia from deporting 52 Taiwanese criminal suspects to China amidst an ongoing battle over jurisdiction involving the self-ruled island. A Taiwanese Foreign Ministry statement said that an initial group of 20 of those detained on suspicion of committing wire fraud had been due to be returned to Taiwan on Friday. However, it said Malaysian officials had delayed the flight, saying they were awaiting legal approval. Taiwan's statement said its officials were actively engaged in talks to pressure Malaysia to "bring home our citizen suspects to be investigated." Malaysian officials, speaking anonymously because they weren't authorized to talk to media, confirmed that Chinese officials had requested the suspects be sent to China. The officials said the case was still under discussion but were unable to give further details. The latest battle over Taiwanese deportations came after Kenya sent 45 Taiwanese suspects to China instead of Taiwan. Beijing wants to investigate them for defrauding victims in China by posing as police officers and insurance agents over the phone in order to obtain banking details. China claims jurisdiction in such cases where the victims are Chinese, and says the perpetrators aren't given due punishment when they are returned to Taiwan. Taiwan has protested that Kenya violated the legal process and accused Beijing of violating a tacit agreement not to interfere in each side's citizens' legal affairs abroad. A Taiwanese delegation is expected in Beijing soon to negotiate the matter. Some see such moves by China as an attempt to assert its claims to sovereignty over the island and legal authority over its residents. The sides split amid civil war and China has long sought to isolate Taiwan diplomatically by preventing it from maintaining formal ties with most countries, including Malaysia and Kenya, where China's economic cloud lends it political influence. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV has covered the Kenya deportations extensively, with suspects shown being led from the plane in prison smocks with bags over their heads. Others were shown in front of police and television cameras confessing to their crimes and apologizing to their victims. New Delhi: The third Asia Ministerial Conference on Tiger Conservation concluded on Thursday with the 13 Tiger Range Countries adopting a resolution reasserting their commitment to the Global Tiger Recovery Programme (GTRP). Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar said the 'New Delhi Resolution on Tiger Conservation' will help strengthen the commitment of the member countries toward the "Global Tiger Summit" resolution adopted in 2010 at St. Petersburg, Russia which was to double the tiger population by 2022. "Restoration, Reintroduction and Rehabilitation is needed to increase tiger population in low density areas," Javadekar said. According to a report in The Hindu, Sokhun TY, Secretary of State, Ministry of Agricultue, Forestry and Fisheries, Cambodia said that talks are in place about taking six female tigers and two males from India in order to replenish the Cambodian forests. Artem Sidorov, head of the Federal Supervisory Natural Resources Management Service, Russia said, "We understand that our common goals and compliance still exists." "This resolution must not be limited to the respective ministries of environment or forest only. It's ambit must be broadened and other departments must be included," said Chencho Norbu, director general of Department of Forest and Park Services, Bhutan. The minister said there is need to align development and tiger conservation through participation of locals and other stakeholders. "We believe in partnership with local communities because they are the real protectors," said Javadekar. He added, "India is ready to help non-tiger countries to develop tiger habitats." "We have tigers, they have money," he said. Answering a question on the tiger parts trade in China, through its several 'tiger farms', he said that China has its own legal framework and "we respect that". He also stressed to include non-tiger countries, with rich bio-diversity, in the next conference, to be held two years later. The venue of the conference had not been decided yet. "Strengthen co-operation at the highest levels of government to combat wildlife crime, address the demand for tiger products and increase formal and informal trans boundary coordination," the resolution stated. The resolutions adopted also stressed on accelerated implementation of the GTRP, mutual and systematic reporting of the census, integrating tiger and wildlife safeguards in infrastructure at the landscape level, leverage funding and technical support from international organisations and financial institution in addition to the tiger range country governments. Providing ecosystem services to the tiger reserves, emphasising the tiger recovery growth in the areas with low tiger densities, knowledge sharing and capacity development for all stakeholders and increase in the use of technology were also part of the resolution adopted. During the three-day conference, representatives from the earlier 13 Tiger Range Countries of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, India, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russian Federation, Thailand and Vietnam as well as the two new ones of Kyrgyz Republic and Kazakhstan participated. The two new countries gained entry for the Snow Leopard. While several Tiger Range Countries like India, Nepal, Russia and Bhutan have registered an increase in tiger population, the status of tiger remains 'endangered', and has declined to 'non-viable' level in some range countries, a cause for concern. India is home to 70 percent of the world's tigers. According to the latest figures, Bangladesh has 106 tigers, Bhutan 103, Cambodia nil, China seven, India 2,500, Indonesia 371, Lao PDR two, Malaysia 250, Nepal 198, Russia 433, Thailand 189 and Vietnam less than five tigers in the wild. with inputs from IANS Washington: The US seeks a "powerful" quadrilateral partnership with India, Japan and Australia for maintenance of "rules-based order" and deterring coercion or unrestrained national ambitions, a top American commander has said. Pacific Command (PACOM) "aims to build a powerful quadrilateral partnership framework of the most powerful democracies" in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, US Pacific Command Commander Admiral Harry B Harris told lawmakers during a Congressional hearing on Thursday. "India, Japan, Australia and the US working together will be a force for the maintenance of the regional rules-based order, counterbalancing and deterring coercion or unrestrained national ambitions," Harris said. In his testimony, Harris said the future lies in multilateral security mechanisms. USPACOM is evolving key bilateral relationships into multilateral ones that will more effectively address shared security concerns. Observing that China is "out-sticking" US air and maritime forces in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region in terms of ranges of anti-ship weapons, Harris told Congressmen that he needs increased lethality, specifically ships and aircraft equipped with faster, more lethal, and more survivable weapons systems. "We must have longer range offensive weapons on every platform. Finally, we must have a networked force that provides greater options for action or response," he said. China is improving the lethality and survivability of its attack submarines and building quieter high-end, diesel- and nuclear-powered submarines, he said. Noting that China has four operational JIN-class ballistic missile submarines (SSBNs) and at least one more may enter service by the end of this decade, Harris said when armed, a JIN-class SSBN will give China an important strategic capability that must be countered. Harris said that China's military modernisation programme is transforming its forces into a high-tech military to achieve its dream of regional dominance, with growing aspirations of global reach and influence. Given China's economic rise, the goal may be natural; however, the lack of transparency on its overall strategic intent behind its military investments and activities creates instability and regional anxiety, he said. "China's navy and air forces are rapidly fielding advanced warships and planes. Over the past decade, the Chinese navy has significantly increased in size and is much more capable in every way. Chinese forces are operating at a higher tempo, in more places, and with greater sophistication than ever before," Harris said. "Chinese shipyards are constructing China's first cruiser-sized warship, their first indigenous aircraft carrier, and many classes of patrol boats, frigates, and destroyers. Newer, more capable submarines continue replacing older ones," he added. United Nations: Nine candidates seeking to become the world's top diplomat answered a total of about 800 questions over the past three days from ambassadors and advocacy groups in the first move in the UN's 70-year history to open up the usually secret selection of the next secretary-general. General Assembly president Mogens Lykketoft, who presided over the question-and-answer sessions, said he was "very inspired" that in addition to almost all 193 UN member states taking part, 227,000 people from 209 countries and territories watched some of the webcast. "It has already made a difference," he told reporters late Thursday. "We have established a new standard of transparency and inclusivity for the selection of the secretary-general." According to the UN Charter, the secretary-general is chosen by the 193-member General Assembly on the recommendation of the 15-member Security Council. In practice, this has meant that the council's five permanent members the US, Russia, China, Britain and France have veto power over the candidates. That will not change in deciding whom to recommend to succeed Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, whose second five-year term ends on 31 December. Lykketoft has said the question-and-answer sessions could be "a potential game-changer" if many countries support one candidate, which would put pressure on the Security Council not to choose someone else. It's too early to say if that will happen since more candidates are expected to throw their hats in the ring. 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The move comes from the company as it wants to open its own retail stores in the country. LeEco is the third company that has filed an application with the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) for single brand retail licence following Apple and Xiaomi who applied earlier this month. LeEco entered India in January this year with Le 1s smartphone. A foreign company needs to manufacture 30% of its goods in India to be able to operate retail stores in the country. LeEco is seeking relaxation on this policy to make a aggressive push in the India. The application was filed earlier this week and said LeEco will set up its distribution network over the next two months. It plans to open fully owned exclusive retail stores in top 8 to 10 cities, starting with New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, LeEco plans to display its entire Ecosystem ranging from phones, TVs, VR Headsets, Bluetooth devices and power banks. Additionally, the company will also open 500 franchise stores to ensure its consumers can experience their breakthrough products and unique content integrated offerings across its device ecosystem. Moving ahead, Jain also revealed that the company plans to kick start local manufacturing of smartphones in the country within the next six months. Just last week, Telecom and IT minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the company is exploring a bigger investment in India and Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Raipurs electronic cluster, Bhopal and Bhilwada in Rajasthan were suggested for its manufacturing facility. LeEco also intends to launch over 40-inches television by June-end at disruptive prices. Atul Jain, COO, Smart Electronics Business, LeEco India, said: India is a key market for LeEco and we plan to significantly invest in setting up our business model in the country. We are committed to offering our users cutting edge technology at disruptive prices. We have received a great response from consumers so far for our Superphones and now plan to strengthen our presence in the market by opening our own stores and e-commerce portal to offer our users the best-in-class experience. We at LeEco are also aligned with the Governments Make in India initiative and also plan to start manufacturing in India very soon. With microSD cards being back in fashion especially with the latest flagships from Samsung, LG and HTC, it is important to check out the best SD cards in the market that will help you make full use of your devices capabilities and expand the storage to meet your needs. We studied the Samsung Evo Plus microSDXC card in detail to find out whether it is worthy of sitting inside your smartphone. Design and Durability microSD cards come in the same shape and size since they have to be universally compatible. Same is the story with the Evo Plus card from Samsung. But where it differs is the finish and the way the card is branded. The Evo Plus or Evo+ as Samsung has written it in a stylish way on the card comes in a white and fluorescent reddish orange colour. The Samsung branding is present on the upper white portion and the card capacity, the speed and class are present at the bottom fluorescent portion that is separated by a thin black line. Got to admit that this beautiful choice of colour does stand out and really helps in grabbing your attention amongst the vast majority of black and white microSD cards on the market that all look identical. Everyone wants their data safe and when your data is stored on something as small as a microSD card which can easily be dropped or lost and take a while to recover, that data needs all the more protection. Firstly, the Evo+ is X-Ray proof which means that it will be perfectly fine as it passes under your airport X-Ray for example and also can resist magnetic fields upto 15,000 Gauss which is the equivalent of an MRI scanner. Not that you would take your microSD card with you while going heads first into an MRI machine, but its good to know the capabilities of the card. Similarly, the card can withstand temperatures ranging from -25 degrees Celcius all the way upto 85 degrees Celcius. The only place that I can think of where you may encounter an issue in Antarctica and how many people could say that theyll be going there anytime soon. If it is water you are worried about, then youd be happy to know that the Evo+ can survive in seawater for upto 72 hours. All these measures make sure that your data is safe in almost every circumstance. Storage Capacities and Compatibility The EVO+ range comes in three different storage options a 32GB, 64GB and a 128GB variant. We were testing the 64GB variant which comes with 59.59GB of free space out of the box. Although most users would be using this card on their smartphones, the card is also compatible with tablets, actions cameras such as GoPro etc. You could also use it as an SD card on devices that have an SD card slot using the build in adapter. It also becomes easier for the user to transfer data to and from their PC or laptop in case they dont have an SD card reader lying around. Use Cases and Performance The EVO+ is a fast card. It offers a data read speed of upto 80MB/s and a write speed of 20 MB/s. The read speed is quite fast and is good enough to play back HD videos on your smartphone smoothly as well as record full HD videos from your camera. But if you are a 4K or UHD freak then you would be better off with the Pro or Pro+ lineup from Samsung which boasts read/write speeds of 95/90 and 90/80 MB/s respectively. I have seen a lot of instances where people use their SD cards to store photos, music etc and this card works perfectly fine with that. I personally use the SD card mainly to store my music collection which wont fit on my 32GB of internal memory that my phone has. You can also choose to set your microSD as the default storage location for whatever your camera captures. Anything that is beyond the write speed of the card will get saved on the phone memory such as 4K video, camera burst etc. Weve not had any issues with data being lost or corrupt during our time of use with the card. Apps can also be moved to the SD card provided that the app and phones software supports it. The write speeds were always consistent and upwards of the promised 20 MB/s that Samsung claimed. We got around 22 to 23 in most tests on the phone while 23 25 on tests on PC. The Read test speeds did often fall below promised level and the lowest recorded one was around 69 MB/s on the phone but always exceeded 80 MB/s on PC. Conclusion Ive seen a lot of people complaining about their phone getting slow and hanging a lot and most of them blame their phones. Upon closer inspection, I find that they have a lot of data stored on their SD cards and those cards often have really low speeds which as a result will definitely slow the performance. In some cases, Ive even seen people use Class 4 cards that only offer speeds of around 4MB/s. What you must understand is that you need to have cards that provide decent performance too in order for your phone to function fine and having a high end flagship smartphone for example isnt enough. Its like buying a Ferrari but putting adulterated fuel into the car. You definitely wont get the same performance if you do that. If you are looking for a nice memory card that is capable of storing your music, photos and HD videos then this card is for you. You can get your Samsung Evo+ microSDXC card from MobileFun for Rs 3132 (US$ 56.99 and GBP 40) and they provide worldwide shipping as well. International wine and beer manufacturer Constellation Brands (STZ 1.18%) announced fiscal 2016 results last week, marking the completion of another strong year, in which its top-line revenue expanded by 9% to $6.5 billion, and net income increased 26% to $1.1 billion. Is it time for the company to take a breather from a string of acquisitions alongside heavy investment in capacity expansion? Below we review the most significant points management made on its April 6 earnings call, which address how Constellation Brands intends to move forward over the next year. It's considering an IPO for its Canadian wine business [Our Canadian business'] size and scale across Canada includes eight wineries in key wine regions, approximately 1,700 acres of Canadian vineyards, and a network of growers to support their Canadian-produced brands. And they are the largest holder of independent retail licenses in Ontario, with more than 160 wine rack stores. -- CEO Rob Sands The Canadian wine business has been an important part of Constellation Brands' income statement for several years. The company hasn't yet filed its fiscal 2016 annual report yet (its fiscal year ended on Feb. 28), but a glance at least year's annual report shows that non-U.S. sales, which the company describes as "primarily Canada," reached $668 million, out of a company total of $6.0 billion. Why would the company want to divest such a large segment from its operations? Management indicated on the earnings call that it would use initial public offering proceeds to tackle debt on its balance sheet. As I've described in the past, Constellation Brands actively employs debt to increase its return on equity and also to increase market share. So we can infer that if management wants to put IPO proceeds in service of deleveraging its balance sheet, the company essentially intends to sell one revenue opportunity (Canadian wine) in order to re-tap its borrowing capacity for other, higher-margin revenue opportunities. Constellation is taking no prisoners in the high-end wine market [T]he Prisoner acquisition aligns with our portfolio premiumization strategy and enables us to capitalize on U.S. market trends that favor high-end wine brands with accretive margin profiles. In particular, it strengthens our position in the dynamic and margin enhancing super luxury wine category and can be easily integrated into our existing portfolio of brands. -- Sands On the morning of its earnings release, Constellation announced its intention to acquire Prisoner Wine Company's "super-premium" portfolio of five wines from Huneeus Vintners, for anticipated cash paid at closing of $285 million. This acquisition follows the company's purchase of the Meoimi luxury pinot noir and chardonnay portfolio in August of last year for $315 million. In just a few months since the purchase, evidence of Constellation's penchant for scaling production of newly acquired premium brands has surfaced. In its 2016 earnings filing from last week, Constellation revealed that it's already sold $74 million of Meiomi label wines in just seven months since the closing of the transaction. Look for a similar trajectory for Prisoner Wines. The acquisition didn't include land; Prisoner sources its grapes from some 80 vineyards in Napa Valley. This makes for an ideal Constellation acquisition. That is, the company buys an extremely popular, high-end (and high-margin) wine with surging sales, then attempts to meaningfully increase case volume, using its grape purchasing power and connections, high capacity production facilities, and wide distribution network. Capacity plans are proceeding at pace Now, these investments in Mexicali and Nava will ensure that we have the capacity, quality, control and flexibility to meet expected demand for our iconic beer brands well into the future, and position us to capture the continued momentum and growth opportunities we see in the high end of the U.S. beer market. -- Sands Sands reported above on the company's brewery in Nava, California, which will have 20 million hectoliters of capacity up and running within the next few months. The plant's eventual capacity will reach 27.5 million hectoliters in 2018. The Nava plant will be complemented by a sister brewery in Mexicali, Mexico, located not far from the California border. This brewery will have an initial capacity of 10 million hectoliters, scaling up to 20 million hectoliters by 2020. Constellation Brands is about $1.5 billion deep into its massive $4.5 billion Mexican beer capacity expansion. Steady progress on this initiative is extremely important, as the build-out is largely financed by debt, but also because long-term revenue expectations are tied into new capacity coming on line over the next five years. So far, management has delivered on its capacity promises on, and in some instances, beyond, schedule. Constellation is raising outlook for fiscal 2017 "The beer business is targeting net sales and operating income growth to be in the range of 14% to 17%. This includes the anticipated incremental benefit from the Ballast Point acquisition...We expect organic net sales and operating income growth to be in the 10% to 13% range. Our projections include 1% to 2% anticipated pricing benefit for our Mexican portfolio." -- CFO David Klein The company's mix of popular Mexican beer brands in the U.S., and a focus on growing craft beer companies such as Ballast Point Brewery after acquisition (similar to its wine purchases) is resulting in an annual growth rate in beer that far exceeds the rest of the industry. According to some projections, the global beer market is projected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate, or CAGR, of 6% through 2020. The company's own recent CAGR is double this rate. As you can see from the second part of Klein's quote above, this success is pushing the overall business forward. Expansion of its beer business well in excess of the global industry is one of the reasons Constellation's stock has attracted so much interest since the organization started its beer acquisition spree in 2013. It's not just about acquisition and capacity, but operating leverage as well And for the third consecutive year, we plan to execute price increases for select products within the portfolio...we plan to continue to optimize COGS through global blend management initiatives, productivity improvements, and lower grape costs. -- Sands The statement above indicates that for all its acquisition activity, Constellation is still working on improving its operating leverage, by leaning into price increases where the market allows, improving productivity, and using its purchasing might to reduce inventory costs. Over the last two years, the company's operating margin has normalized to roughly 25%, which supports fairly robust profitability. Such focus provides great cash flow which shareholders currently applaud, but it's also a sort of insurance policy for a day when the company's organic growth and acquisitions cool. And in the wine and beer business, such periods are not only to be expected; they're inevitable. Legendary international sailing competition, Americas Cup, will be held in New York City for the first time since 1920. The multiday event sponsored by Louis Vuitton brings a collection of the worlds best sailors, competing on foiling, wing sailed catamarans, in New York Citys iconic Hudson River. During an interview with the FOX Business Networks Mornings with Maria, Americas Cup CEO Sir Russell Coutts discussed the importance of bringing the racing circuit back into the New York harbor. I think its always been an objective to try and get the race back here [New York City], Coutts told the FOX Business Networks Dagan McDowell. Of course, it originated here in a way because a group of very influential New Yorkers challenged the business of British fleet and then brought the cup back here, named the cup after the other one. Americas Cup use to be raced out at sea, away from spectators and could only be viewed by boat. Now, the racing is set close to the shore, specifically along the Hudson River between Battery Park and the Statue of Liberty. Coutts, a five-time world champion sailor, also discussed the athleticism and physicality involved in maneuvering such fast boats, with some even going faster than the wind. The sailors are real athletes. In fact, we put heart rate monitors on some of the sailors last time and two of the sailors, their heart rate didnt drop below 180 beats per minute in the 25-minute race. The preliminary event is scheduled for May 7 and 8 and is one of six events planned during 2016 as six Americas Cup teams vie for points that count towards the final competition for the 35th Americas Cup in 2017. International wine and beer manufacturer Constellation Brands announced fiscal 2016 results last week, marking the completion of another strong year, in which its top-line revenue expanded by 9% to $6.5 billion, and net income increased 26% to $1.1 billion. Is it time for the company to take a breather from a string of acquisitions alongside heavy investment in capacity expansion? Below we review the most significant points management made on its April 6 earnings call, which address how Constellation Brands intends to move forward over the next year. It's considering an IPO for its Canadian wine business The Canadian wine business has been an important part of Constellation Brands' income statement for several years. The company hasn't yet filed its fiscal 2016 annual report yet (its fiscal year ended on Feb. 28), but a glance at least year's annual report shows that non-U.S. sales, which the company describes as "primarily Canada," reached $668 million, out of a company total of $6.0 billion. Why would the company want to divest such a large segment from its operations? Management indicated on the earnings call that it would use initial public offering proceeds to tackle debt on its balance sheet. As I've described in the past, Constellation Brands actively employs debtto increase its return on equityand also to increase market share. So we can infer that if management wants to put IPO proceeds in service of deleveraging its balance sheet, the company essentially intends to sell one revenue opportunity (Canadian wine) in order to re-tap its borrowing capacity for other, higher-margin revenue opportunities. Constellation is taking no prisoners in the high-end wine market Detail from an image of the hand sorting of grapes, from the Prisoner Wine Company website. On the morning of its earnings release, Constellation announced its intention to acquire Prisoner Wine Company's "super-premium" portfolio of five wines from Huneeus Vintners, for anticipated cash paid at closing of $285 million. This acquisition follows the company's purchase of the Meoimiluxury pinot noir and chardonnay portfolio in August of last year for $315 million. In just a few months since the purchase, evidence of Constellation's penchant for scaling production of newly acquired premium brands has surfaced. In its 2016 earnings filing from last week, Constellation revealed that it's already sold $74 million of Meiomi label wines in just seven months since the closing of the transaction. Look for a similar trajectory for Prisoner Wines. The acquisition didn't include land; Prisoner sources its grapes from some 80 vineyards in Napa Valley. This makes for an ideal Constellation acquisition. That is, the company buys an extremely popular, high-end (and high-margin) wine with surging sales, then attempts to meaningfully increase case volume, using its grape purchasing power and connections, high capacity production facilities, and wide distribution network. Capacity plans are proceeding at pace Sands reported above on the company's brewery in Nava, California, which will have 20 million hectoliters of capacity up and running within the next few months. The plant's eventual capacity will reach 27.5 million hectoliters in 2018. The Nava plant will be complemented by a sister brewery in Mexicali, Mexico, located not far from the California border. This brewery will have an initial capacity of 10 million hectoliters, scaling up to 20 million hectoliters by 2020. Constellation Brands is about $1.5 billion deep into its massive $4.5 billion Mexican beer capacity expansion. Steady progress on this initiative is extremely important, as the build-out is largely financed by debt, but also because long-term revenue expectations are tied into new capacity coming on line over the next five years. So far, management has delivered on its capacity promises on, and in some instances, beyond, schedule. Constellation is raising outlook for fiscal 2017 The company's mix of popular Mexican beer brands in the U.S., and a focus on growing craft beer companies such as Ballast Point Brewery after acquisition (similar to its wine purchases) is resulting in an annual growth rate in beer that far exceeds the rest of the industry. According to some projections, the global beer market is projected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate, or CAGR, of 6% through 2020.The company's own recent CAGR is double this rate. As you can see from the second part of Klein's quote above, this success is pushing the overall business forward. Expansion of its beer business well in excess of the global industry is one of the reasons Constellation's stock has attracted so much interest since the organization started its beer acquisition spree in 2013. It's not just about acquisition and capacity, but operating leverage as well The statement above indicates that for all its acquisition activity, Constellation is still working on improving its operating leverage, by leaning into price increases where the market allows, improving productivity, and using its purchasing might to reduce inventory costs. Over the last two years, the company's operating margin has normalized to roughly 25%, which supports fairly robust profitability. Such focus provides great cash flow which shareholders currently applaud, but it's also a sort of insurance policy for a day when the company's organic growth and acquisitions cool. And in the wine and beer business, such periods are not only to be expected; they're inevitable. The article 5 Points Constellation Brands' Management Wants to Emphasize originally appeared on Fool.com. Asit Sharma 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. SOURCE: FLICKR USER PICTURES OF MONEY. Earlier today, credit-ratings service Moody's issued a report that says it believes Allergan plc.'s cash flow, and the potential for $36 billion in after-tax money tied to the sale of its generics business toTeva Pharmaceutical, will protect its investment-grade credit rating, except under certain circumstances. Despite Moody's assurances, shares in Allergan dropped today to new lows following the demise of its planned tie-up with big pharma giant Pfizer.Is Allergan's financial picture really safe, and if it is, are its shares a buy? AGN data by YCharts. A bit of backgroundAllergan is a global pharmaceuticals company that has built up market-leading positions in eye care and treatment for central nervous system disorders, such as depression, and Alzheimer's disease. The company's $15 billion in 2015 sales, and low-tax Irish domicile, prompted Pfizer to agree to merge with it last year in a $160 billion combination. At the time, Pfizer cited Allergan's top-selling drugs, such as Botox, its product pipeline, and tax savings, as reasons for merging; however, after the U.S. Treasury Department announced new rules that would prohibit Pfizer from moving its headquarters overseas to cut its tax bill, Pfizer and Allergan scuttled their merger plans. Since then, Allergan's shares have fallen sharply over concerns regarding its $42 billion in debt, its limited cash cushion, and the potential risk that regulators could block its planned deal with Teva Pharmaceutical. Offering up some clarityMoody's indicates that it believes Allergan's financial situation is OK, as long as the deal with Teva Pharmaceutical goes as planned. Allergan agreed to sell its generic drug business to Teva Pharmaceutical last summer for $33.75 billion in cash, and $6.75 billion in Teva Pharmaceutical's stock. As a result, Allergan estimates that it will walk away with $36 billion in after-tax monies that it can use to reduce debt, acquire competitors, or fund share buybacks. Moody's says that Allergan could keep its investment-grade rating as long as it uses that money for small-to-midsize acquisitions rather than debt-fueled megadeals, and it avoids stock repurchases without a commensurate reduction in its debt. According to Moody's analysis, Allergan's credit rating could remain top shelf even if it spent as much as $30 billion on an acquisition, as long as the deal is financed largely with cash, and the company being acquired is EBITDA positive. One big question markThe key to Allergan's rating, however, appears to be its receiving a cash windfall from Teva Pharmaceutical. In that regard, regulators at the Federal Trade Commission could be a fly in the ointment. Although regulators in the EU signed off on the Teva Pharmaceutical deal earlier this year, the FTC has yet to formerly give the two companies its OK. Allergan's management is confident that it will get the regulatory go-ahead, and that it will close this deal before midyear. Until the FTC officially gives its blessing, however, investors are likely to discount Allergan's share price. Looking forwardInvestors may not be totally off-base to think that regulators could balk at giving these two generics businesses a green light to combine. After all, generic drug price increases have drawn considerable fire in the past year, and regulators could view this merger as being too anti-competitive. That worry creates uncertainty that forces investors to consider how Allergan might fare if the Teva Pharmaceutical deal disintegrates. On that basis, its heavy debt load and $1.2 billion cash stockpile seem a bit lacking. Moody's report may also be dashing some hope of a big share buyback that could prop up its flagging share price. Nevertheless, Allergan's shares could offer investors opportunity if prices slide below $200, and get closer to its book value of $181. After all, Allergan's balance sheet will look a lot better if the deal goes through, and even if the deal falls apart, Allergan could still spin off the business in an IPO. Regardless, I'm content to sit on the sidelines for now until there's more clarity. The article Allergan's Credit Rating Appears Safe -- Is Its Stock? 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 recommends Moody's and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries. 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. In mid-2014, JetBlue Airways launched its Mint premium service on a limited number of flights between New York and Los Angeles. While JetBlue has offered extra-legroom seats on its flights for many years, this was the first time it ventured into offering a "first-class"-like experience. JetBlue's Mint premium service has been very well received. Image source: JetBlue Airways. Mint was a phenomenal success for JetBlue out of the gate. As a result, JetBlue has expanded the scale of its Mint service numerous times in the past two years. This week, the company announced its boldest move yet. JetBlue will upgrade seven more transcontinental routes to Mint service in 2017 and beyond. This move should help it win over even more business travelers, boosting JetBlue's unit revenue. A bright spot for JetBlueJetBlue's Mint service utilizes a dedicated fleet of Airbus A321 aircraft configured with 159 seats. That includes 143 "Core" seats, some of which have extra legroom, and 16 full flat-bed "Mint" premium seats. The Mint seats have the longest bed length of any domestic business class seat and come with a built-in massage function. Four of the seats actually convert to semi-private suites. Customers receive Birchbox amenity kits upon boarding and are treated to a tapas-style meal that regularly gets rave reviews. JetBlue's Mint planes feature 16 flat-bed seats in the premium cabin. Image source: JetBlue Airways. Customer acceptance of Mint has exceeded JetBlue's hopes. It originally thought that the Mint premium seats would cater to wealthy individuals and small businesses. It assumed that big corporations would remain loyal to JetBlue's larger rivals: American Airlines , Delta Air Lines , and United Continental . However, JetBlue has also gained a foothold among large corporations, at the expense of American, Delta, United, and Virgin America . To satisfy surging demand for the Mint premium seats, JetBlue has had to add flights. JetBlue's initial plan for Mint was to operate seven daily New York-Los Angeles roundtrips and five daily New York-San Francisco roundtrips. It now operates up to 10 daily roundtrips on the LA route and up to six daily roundtrips to San Francisco. Meanwhile, strong demand from corporate customers has allowed JetBlue to achieve much higher average fares than expected. Mint expands -- rapidlyJetBlue has gone well beyond adding flights on its two original Mint routes. It now offers Mint flights from New York and Boston to several Caribbean destinations. For the most part, these are Saturday-only flights scheduled to utilize the Mint fleet on a day that has less demand for transcontinental flights. More significantly, JetBlue is in the midst of expanding its Mint transcontinental service to Boston: its second-largest focus city. One of its three daily Boston-San Francisco roundtrips now operates on a Mint-configured A321. A second daily Mint flight on that route will start next week, and JetBlue will move to all-Mint service for Boston-San Francisco flights in September. JetBlue will then introduce Mint service on the Boston-Los Angeles route beginning in October. On Tuesday, JetBlue announced even grander plans. During the 2017-2018 period, it plans to inaugurate Mint service on seven more routes: New York-Seattle, Boston-Seattle, New York-San Diego, Boston-San Diego, New York-Las Vegas, Fort Lauderdale-Los Angeles, and Fort Lauderdale-San Francisco. A bold stand-alone planThis massive Mint expansion appears to be JetBlue's response to losing out on its bid to acquire Virgin America. JetBlue already competes with Virgin America on all of its transcontinental Mint routes, and it will go head-to-head with either Virgin America or its soon-to-be parent Alaska Air on all of the newly announced Mint routes, except for New York-San Diego. JetBlue is challenging Virgin America in the premium market. Image source: Virgin America. In deciding to expand Mint to more routes, JetBlue was probably encouraged by its strong performance with large corporations. Flat-bed seats have become standard in business class on the New York-LA and New York-San Francisco routes. Only Virgin America has recliner-style first-class seats on those routes, albeit very comfortable ones. However, business travelers don't have good options today on other transcontinental routes. Indeed, American, Delta, United, and Virgin America use the same planes on other transcontinental routes that they use for much shorter flights. Delta and United have shrunk the first-class pitch (the distance between rows) to 37" or less on many domestic aircraft, whereas 40" or more used to be typical. American Airlines offers only slightly more legroom in first class. Today, Virgin America is by far the leader in terms of first-class seating quality on all of its routes except for New York-LA and New York-San Francisco. Its plush first-class seats offer 55" of pitch. But for redeye flights, business travelers prefer to have a bed -- and Virgin America only serves a handful of routes anyway. By offering a vastly superior product for business travelers on more routes than ever, JetBlue has an opportunity to make a much bigger dent in the corporate travel market. This could also have a halo effect, getting more business travelers to consider flying JetBlue even on non-Mint routes. JetBlue has big potentialBuying Virgin America would have given JetBlue a very strong platform for competing with American, Delta, and United. But this week's big Mint expansion announcement shows that JetBlue is confident in its ability to compete even as a smaller player. JetBlue currently plans to increase its Mint fleet from 11 planes at the end of 2015 to 26 planes by the end of 2017 -- with more growth beyond that. As the expansion of Mint service brings in more and more high-fare business travelers, it should pull JetBlue's unit revenue higher, driving strong earnings growth. The article JetBlue Goes Upscale to Compete With Bigger Rivals originally appeared on Fool.com. Adam Levine-Weinberg owns shares of JetBlue Airways and United Continental Holdings, and is long January 2017 $17 calls on JetBlue Airways, long January 2017 $40 calls on Delta Air Lines,, and long January 2017 $30 calls on American Airlines Group. The Motley Fool is long January 2017 $35 calls on American Airlines Group. The Motley Fool recommends Virgin America. 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. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 2022 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. FAQ - New Privacy Policy American Express (NYSE:AXP) has begun selected layoffs as part of a $1 billion cost-cutting plan announced in January FOXBusiness.com has learned. Company spokesperson Marina Norville tells FOXBusiness.com, There were some announcements this week that advised which roles were being eliminated as part of the larger restructuring plan. Norville did not elaborate on the number of employees that would be impacted. She added, There will be restructuring changes throughout the year, reflecting our previously announced actions to take $1 billion out of our cost base by 2017. In February, American Express CEO Kenneth Chenault released an internal note titled Organization Announcement, which addressed the challenges facing the credit card giant. To get ahead of the changes that are altering the dynamics of the payments business, we need to re-adjust our expense base, which is why we set a target of reducing costs by $1 billion over the next two years, Chenault wrote. American Express is facing more competition from rivals including MasterCard (NYSE:MA) and Visa (NYSE:V). This summer, the company will lose its 16-year co-branded partnership with Costco (COST) for its TrueEarnings card, as the big box retailer has partnered with Citi. AmEx profits fell 39.2% during the fourth-quarter of 2015, those results were reported in Janaury along with the $1 billion plan to cut costs. The company is set to report results for the first-quarter on April 20. Warren Buffetts Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) is the companys largest shareholder with a 15.7% stake. Buffett reaffirmed his support for AmEx's management team in his 2015 annual report. Image source: Amazon. Let's face it:Amazon stock is expensive. Everyone's favorite online retailer, which is valued at around $300 billion, barely, and inconsistently, turns a profit. The price-to-earnings ratio is measured in the hundreds, and while the company appears to generate billions of dollars in cash flow each year, that number is greatly inflated thanks to the magic of lease accounting, not to mention stock-based compensation. When it comes to investing, the best way to reduce risk is by paying less. While Amazon may not seem that risky, given its dominant status in the e-commerce and cloud computing markets, even the best company makes for a terrible investment if the price is too high. There are better, more reasonably priced options available. The other retail giant Image source: Wal-Mart. While Amazon may be the king of online retail, Wal-Mart still sells nearly $500 billion of goods each year, mostly through its more than 11,000 locations worldwide. Like most traditional retailers, Wal-Mart has watched Amazon grow into a force of nature. While online sales still only account for about 7.5% of total retail sales in the United States, Wal-Mart is now ramping up its e-commerce investments in an effort to compete. The company is investing heavily in a variety of initiatives, some in an effort to improve the quality of the customer experience in its stores, and others with the goal of pushing back against Amazon. Wal-Mart recently enacted a wage boost for all of its employees, bringing the minimum hourly wage for current associates to $10 an hour. Wal-Mart hopes that higher pay, along with new training programs and more transparent scheduling, will improve employee productivity and ultimately make shopping at Wal-Mart more enjoyable. On the e-commerce front, Wal-Mart is ramping up capital spending. During fiscal 2015, the company spent $11.1 billion on capital expenditures related to its stores, and just $0.7 billion on e-commerce. In fiscal 2017, Wal-Mart plans to reduce store investments to $9.9 billion, while bringing e-commerce investments up to $1.1 billion. The company aims to grow its e-commerce sales by 20% to 30% per year. One initiative that could have legs is online grocery pickup. Wal-Mart recently announced an expansion of the service, which allows customers to order groceries online and pick them up curbside at a Wal-Mart store for free. Wal-Mart's vast network of stores, and its ability to provide the service without any additional fees, could give the company a major advantage in the burgeoning online grocery industry. All of these investments are taking a toll on the bottom line. Wal-Mart's earnings declined in 2015, and it expects another 6% to 12% decline this year. Growth is expected to return next year, assuming these initiatives pay off, but investors have been less than pleased. Shares of Wal-Mart are down 15% from the 52-week high, and that's after a major recovery over the past few months. The stock trades at about 17 times the low-end of company's guidance for EPS this year, which is not particularly cheap. But with earnings depressed and significant earnings growth potentially around the corner, Wal-Mart looks like a better option that Amazon. The other cloud computing king Image source: Microsoft. Amazon Web Services gets most of the attention when it comes to cloud computing infrastructure. The company offers infrastructure-as-a-service and platform-as-a-service products, allowing clients to pay for only the computing services that they use. During 2015, AWS generated $7.9 billion of revenue, making it the largest IaaS provider. Microsoft is also a major player in the cloud computing market, and although the company obfuscates its cloud results, making it difficult to tell how much IaaS and PaaS revenue it's generating, cloud is a core focus of the company. The Intelligent Cloud segment, which includes Azure, Windows Server, SQL Server, and Visual Studio, generated $6.3 billion in revenue during the fiscal second quarter alone. This number doesn't even include software-as-a-service revenue from Office 365, Dynamics, and other software products. These results are instead lumped into a different segment. The growth prospects of Azure are just as bright as AWS, but Microsoft stock trades at a far lower multiple than Amazon. Backing out the cash net of debt on Microsoft's balance sheet, which totaled $59 billion at the end of 2015, shares of Microsoft trade for 18 times fiscal 2015 adjusted earnings. Like Wal-Mart, Microsoft is far from a clear bargain. But the company is going through a transition as it shifts its business to the cloud, and that's certainly hurting earnings in the short run. No one investing in Amazon today is doing so because the valuation looks reasonable. It's all about growth, and Amazon has been happy to deliver on that front. But for investors who want to buy shares of companies that generate real profits, and that return some of those profits to shareholders, Wal-Mart and Microsoft are far better options than Amazon. The article Ignore Amazon.com, Inc.: Here Are 2 Better Stocks originally appeared on Fool.com. Timothy Green has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Amazon.com. The Motley Fool recommends Microsoft. 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. What happened? Shares of Integrated Device Technology , a maker of high-tech networking and automobile components, spiked Tuesday on the news that the company had received a generous takeover offer, but shares fell after it came to light that the bid might not be as promising as it seemed. IMAGE SOURCE: INTEGRATED DEVICE TECHNOLOGY. A group of investors in the company, collectively holding just under 5% of outstanding shares, announced in a pair of regulatory filings that they had sent a letter to Integrated's board offering to buy the remaining shares for $32 apiece in cash. This is 65% higher than the stock's closing price on the day before the offer was revealed. Does it matter?Does it matter? Not if the bid is questionable, which at this point it appears to be. It was news to everyone, including Integrated -- to the point where the company felt compelled to issue a statement on the matter containing a distinct note of bewilderment. Integrated quoted CEO Greg Waters as saying that "These SEC filings represent the first and only information IDT has received from this group, and we have not had any communication whatsoever with any of these parties. At this time we are unaware of any other information that would support a determination that the group's proposal represents a credible bona fide offer to purchase the company." No further communication from the potential buyers has been forthcoming. Additionally, several media outlets reported that the registered address of one of the group's members is apparently a warehouse in Portland, Oregon. So shareholders shouldn't get excited about this buyout offer. Although it might be legitimate, the hefty amount, the opacity of the buyers, and the oddball way it's being conducted augur otherwise. The article Instant Analysis: Integrated Device Technology Receives Dubious Buyout Offer originally appeared on Fool.com. Eric Volkman has no position in any stocks mentioned, and neither does The Motley Fool. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Copyright 1995 - 2016 The Motley Fool, LLC. All rights reserved. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Intel PC chief, Navin Shenoy. Image credit: screen-capture from Intel video. Since 2013, Intel has been more aggressive about developing processors and platforms that effectively target low-cost personal computers using its Atom architecture. One way for Intel to try to stabilize falling PC sales is to try to bring more value to systems at even lower price points in an attempt to capture as much incremental demand as possible. At the Intel Developer Forum in Shenzhen, China, Intel announced its newest low-cost PC platform known as Apollo Lake. Let's take a look at what this product could mean for Intel's business. Improved performance and powerIn 2013, Intel released a platform known as Bay Trail targeted at low-cost notebooks and desktops. This part brought a new architecture and a transition to Intel's newer 22-nanometer FinFET manufacturing technology, allowing for substantial improvements in performance/power/features over the company's prior efforts. This product family also allowed Intel to gain significant share at the low-end of the PC market while still maintaining strong gross profit margins. Intel followed up Bay Trail with a product known as Braswell, which essentially amounted to a move of Bay Trail to the newer 14-nanometer process. Braswell wound up delivering graphics performance enhancements over Bay Trail, but CPU performance proved to be underwhelming. All told, it doesn't look like Braswell was really an impressive successor to Bay Trail. Apollo Lake, on the other hand, should be much more impressive. Intel says that both graphics and CPU performance improve (thanks to a transition to new graphics and CPU architectures) over the prior generation. This, in my mind, is the "true" successor to Bay Trail. Lower system costsIn a technical presentation hosted at the Intel Developer Forum, Intel highlighted the numerous platform-level cost saving opportunities that the Apollo Lake platform brings over "previous gen" (which in this case I would assume is Braswell). Image credit: Intel. Thanks to the improved energy efficiency and higher levels of integration of the Apollo Lake platform, Intel claims that in aggregate, system makers can see their costs reduced anywhere from $5.55 to more than $7.45. Although saving a couple of dollars at the platform level in aggregate may not seem like much, keep in mind that we're talking about systems that are aimed to be sold at under $350 at retail -- sometimes well below that. Those cost savings can either be used to cut costs further (to help boost demand), improve the quality of the devices sold at a given price-point/margin level, or to improve margins to the device vendor at a given price level. Given how fiercely competitive the PC market is, I expect that system vendors will do the first and the third, and not so much the second. What does this mean for Intel stock?At the end of the day, Intel wins when it can either: Sell higher average selling price/margin products to its customers; Sells product in greater volumes. I think Apollo Lake should enable a bit of both. By helping to, perhaps significantly, improve the quality of low-cost systems, Intel and its system partners might be able to stabilize low-end PC volume to some extent with this platform. Perhaps more importantly, though, I would imagine that Intel may be able to slightly increase average selling prices of Apollo Lake versus, say, Bay Trail or Braswell. The cost savings that all of the added integration can deliver is significant, and I expect much of it to get passed on to the customer (in this case the PC maker), but I also think Intel wants to get paid for the additional value brought here. So, if Apollo Lake is able to save about $6 on the bill of materials cost of a system, I could see Intel increasing selling prices by about $1-2, and allowing the system vendor to save on the other $4. In this case the major stakeholders win. The article Intel Corp. Officially Outs Apollo Lake for Cheap PCs originally appeared on Fool.com. Ashraf Eassa owns shares of Intel. The Motley Fool recommends Intel. 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: Ixia. What: Shares of Ixia , a provider of network security solutions, slumped on Friday after the company released disappointing preliminary results for the first quarter. At 11:15 a.m. ET Friday, the stock was down about 18%. So what: Ixia expects revenue between $108 million and $111 million during the first quarter, well below its prior guidance of $121 million to $126 million. According to Ixia, the revenue shortfall was due to an unexpected slowdown in network test spending from the company's North America network equipment manufacturer customers in March. Ixia expects to post a GAAP loss between $0.03 and $0.05 per share during the first quarter, at the low end of its previous guidance of breakeven to a loss of $0.04 per share. On a non-GAAP basis, the company expects earnings between $0.05 and $0.08 per share, below previous guidance of $0.10 to $0.14 per share. CEO Bethany Mayer tried to reassure investors. "Despite these near-term headwinds, we remain confident in our strategy to grow our business and are committed to financial discipline." The company's revenue growth has not been consistent over the past five years, with a slump 2014, so this decline isn't completely out of character. With little in the way of profits over the past few years, and with a major revenuespeed bumpduring the first quarter, it's notsurprising that investors have sent the stock tumbling. Now what: Ixia's problems during the first quarter may prove to be temporary, and if that's the case, the steep drop in the stock price on Friday may end up being an overreaction. On the other hand, with revenue now set to decline year over year during the first quarter, deeper problems may be at play. The article Why Shares of Ixia Slumped on Friday originally appeared on Fool.com. Timothy Green 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. Starbucks' stock is trouncing the market, up 26% in the last year compared to a 3% decline for the S&P 500. Investors are still celebrating the coffee giant's awesome fiscal Q1 results that in January depicted a business firing on all cylinders: Sales spiked 12% higher, and profitability improved to a record 19.7% of sales as Starbucks dominated the holiday season. To keep that strong business momentum going, here's what shareholders will want to see when Starbucks posts its fiscal Q2 results on Thursday, April 21. Customer traffic-led sales growth CEO Howard Schultz and his team project that revenue will rise by 10% for the full fiscal year, which is exactly what consensus estimates call for this quarter. Sales are forecast to improve to just over $5 billion from last year's record $4.6 billion. Image source: Starbucks. An expanding store base will help that result, but the more important number to watch is comparable sales at existing locations. Comps soared by 8% last quarter, powered by a 4% gain in customer traffic. And while 4% might not seem like much, considering Starbucks' massive sales base, it's huge. The uptick translated into 23 million additional customer visits around the world last quarter as the coffee giant handled 18 million more transactions in its U.S. stores alone. Look for initiatives like an expanded lunch menu, digital ordering, and loyalty card marketing to help drive customer traffic growth this quarter, ideally without too much of a slowdown from Q1's banner result. Retailing wins It's hard to overstate the recent success of Starbucks' consumer packaged goods division, CPG, which sells packaged coffees and single-serve drinks in grocery stores and other retailing spots. Schultz wasn't exaggerating when he told investors last quarter that "no national or global retailer has been able to leverage a retail store footprint into a CPG business remotely approaching the size, scale, and profitability of ours." Image source: Starbucks. Last quarter, the CPG division grew 16%, to put it in second place in packaged coffee behind food product giant Kraft. Profits grew even faster, leading to a 2-percentage-point boost in operating margin to 38% of sales. CPG's margin makes it Starbucks' most profitable operating segmentby far. New product launches including Starbucks brand latte K-Cups, combined with growing demand for Frappuccino and Double Shot drinks, should help keep market share growing this year even as the company expands its ready-to-drink reach into new markets like China and the Middle East. Can Starbucks keep rising? Starbucks' market-beating sales and profit growth -- which spans geographies and retailing channels -- justifies a significant premium for the stock. Still, its current valuation of 36 times earnings puts it in a class by itself. Costco and Home Depot are both posting record results on huge traffic gains lately, but they aren't valued at nearly that multiple: COST P/E Ratio (TTM) data by YCharts. This optimism raises the risk that investors could be disappointed with operating results in any given quarter. It isn't likely, after all, that the retailer can keep posting such consistently high customer traffic growth numbers for much longer. However, Starbucks has a stronger brand and better growth profile than any other global retailer right now. It's also one of the best-positioned companies to attack potentially game-changing long-term opportunities like a growing middle class in China, or food and drink delivery across the U.S. Given those unique advantages, I wouldn't be surprised to see shares set new highs even though the stock seems expensive heading into next week's announcement. The article Will Starbucks Corporation's Stock Hit a New High After Earnings Next Week? originally appeared on Fool.com. Demitrios Kalogeropoulos owns shares of COST, HD, and SBUX. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends COST and SBUX. The Motley Fool recommends HD. 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. A 14-year-old has been blinded in one eye and potentially faces permanent damage to his hands after allegedly testing an e-cigarette at a mall kiosk in Brooklyn, New York. The latest in a string of similar incidents, the teenagers injury may raise questions over the safety of the devices as well as how much they are marketed to youth. Leor Domatov said he was trying out an e-cigarette at the Plaza Vapes kiosk in Brooklyns Kings Plaza Mall when it exploded in his hands and face, PIX11 reported. The injury occurred after an employee connected one of the vaporizers to the battery of the store. I cant see anything because I got a cut through my cornea, Domatov told the news station. Domatov, who is only 14, wouldnt have legally been able to buy one of the products because state and local law forbids the sale of e-cigarettes to minors. Domatovs father hired Marc Freund, a partner at Lipsig, Shapey, Manus and Moverman, to reportedly sue the kiosk owner and mall. "Leor was being marketed at the entrance of the Kings Plaza Mall," Freund told the news station, "a mall that caters to children, and they're marketing these products, causing all these injuries." Employees at the kiosk reportedly distribute promotional cards advertising the companys Instagram account and packaging that resemble popular breakfast cereals. The employee who allowed Domatov to test the e-cigarette had only been on her second day at the job, PIX11 reported. Her boss didnt respond to a voicemail left by PIX11. CrossFit trainer Emily Breeze is a mom-to-be who has chosen to maintain an intense fitness regimen throughout her pregnancyand received serious backlash for it. Breeze was recently filmed lifting more than 90 pounds 37 weeks into her pregnancy, which scored her praise from some commenters and outrage from others. Watson is a CrossFit trainer who recently told the Today show that working out is her life. She regularly updates her Instagram page with healthy lifestyle pictures and videos for her 15,000 followers to enjoy, and shes gained attention over the last few weeks for her ability to deadlift crazy amounts of weight while pregnant. Though Breeze has assured her followers that shes been listening to her doctors advice as far as fitness is concerned, many have said theyre worried shes jeopardizing the health of her pregnancy by maintaining such an active life in the gym. Related: 18 Things You Should Never Put In Your Vagina Breeze is not the first to encounter this criticism. Just last month, Australian trainer Chontel Duncan came under fire for continuing high-intensity workouts during her pregnancy. And fitness competitor Stacie Venagro received backlash for her six-pack pregnancy in January, as well. But despite the overwhelming backlash, experts say maintaining a fit, healthy lifestyle during pregnancy is often whats best for mother and child. The most recent set of American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists guidelines state that exercise during pregnancy has been shown to have minimal risks (though the ACOG does recommend modification based on normal physiological changes throughout the nine months). In fact, regular physical activity during pregnancy often brings with it several benefits, like: weight management, physical fitness, a reduced risk of gestational diabetes in obese women, and improved psychological well-being. The guidelines suggest that women with uncomplicated pregnancies take part in aerobic and strength-training activities before, during, and after their pregnancies. But the ACOG warns that any pregnant woman should speak to her doctor and receive a thorough clinical evaluation before embarking on a fitness regimen. Related: 8 Sneaky Ways To Debloat In Just One Day [Exercise] is all I know, Breeze said. Its what I believe in, and I want to have a healthy, fit pregnancy. In cases like these, its important to remember that whats right for one mother may not be right for another. While regular physical activity is encouraged in uncomplicated pregnancies, each patient should consult her physician before starting any exercise routine during pregnancy, Nitasha G. Jain, M.D., assistant professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Columbia University Medical Center, tells SELF. We consider each patient as an individual, because everyones a little different. Exercise in pregnancy should be tailored to each individuals baseline capacity and should be discussed with an obstetrician at the beginning of the pregnancy. For Breeze, this might mean lifting 90 pounds. And for you, it might not. Like Jain said, its all about individual differences and needs. MORE FROM SELF: 4 Things Men Hide From Their Wives The Surprising Behavior That Actually Rekindles Love 5 Types Of Workout Pains You Should Never Ignore Sending a mobile optometrist to preschools is not as cost-effective as telling kids and their parents to follow up with their own eye doctors, according to a new study from San Francisco. Bringing a mobile optometrist to preschools also didn't increase the number of children who ended up receiving follow-up eye exams, researchers found. Dr. Eugene Lowry of the University of California, San Francisco and colleagues write in JAMA Ophthalmology that vision screening in three- to five-year-olds allows early correction of eye problems. Ensuring follow-up exams with eye doctors after a school-based eye screening has been challenging, however. One possible solution is to bring optometrists to preschools for follow-up appointments. Those programs haven't been evaluated before now. For the new study, the researchers used data from a vision screening program. Between 2009 and 2012, the parents of 175 children were told to take the child to an eye doctor for a follow-up exam. In 2012 and 2013, however, a mobile vision unit came to the schools for follow-up exams; during this period, 204 children were eligible for the exams. About 60 percent of kids ended up getting follow-up exams between 2009 and 2012, while only about 55 percent got them between 2012 and 2013. And, the researchers found, telling children and their parents to follow up with their own doctors was more cost effective than the mobile eye exams in 88 percent of cases. On average, it cost $664 to diagnose one case of lazy eye between 2009 and 2012, compared to $776 per case from 2012 to 2013. Lowry told Reuters Health about three quarters of students would need to complete their follow-up eye exams for the mobile method to break even in terms of costs. "I think there are programmatic changes that could happen to increase follow up and make it cost effective," he said. In an editorial, Eric Ross and Dr. Joshua Stein of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor suggest changes to the mobile program. "With a few modifications to its implementation, the mobile follow-up could prove to be an effective and economically efficient solution to the problem of suboptimal follow-up," they write. Specifically, they suggest schools wait until they've received a certain number of permission slips back from parents before inviting the mobile unit. Additionally, the mobile examinations still required parents to be present, which may have been a barrier to increasing follow-up rates. Lowry said absenteeism may also play a role in low examination rates. "I think this study highlights some changes that would be beneficial to make the program cost effective," he said. In a sign of growing alarm about painkiller addiction, a group of U.S. state health officials, doctors and consumer advocates is calling for a stricter approach to treating pain in hospitals and clinics. The group of 60, including senior health officials from Pennsylvania, Vermont, Alaska and Rhode Island, is recommending new guidelines for pain treatment, saying current standards are too aggressive and contribute to overuse of addictive painkillers. In a letter sent Wednesday to the head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the group urges the agency to stop surveying patients about how well their pain was controlled while in the hospital, a set of questions the agency uses to help judge hospital performance and determine payment. The group argued that the pain questions have had the unintended consequence of encouraging aggressive opioid use because hospitals aim for high scores on the surveys. CMS said it would respond to the letter. It added that the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees CMS, already announced in October it would review how hospitals patient satisfaction surveys influence pain treatment and opioid prescribing. In a separate letter, the health officials and doctors are asking a nonprofit body that accredits hospitals and clinics to re-examine the pain management standards it requires its accredited institutions to follow. The letter to the president of the Joint Commission, a body funded by the health-care industry, says these standards encourage unnecessary, unhelpful and unsafe pain treatments. The letters add to a growing chorus of concern about addiction to prescription opioid painkillers and heroin, a chemically similar drug. President Barack Obama and members of Congress have proposed measures to combat the crisis, which health officials say is causing more Americans to die from drug overdoses than from traffic accidents. The Joint Commission standards for treating pain, adopted in 2001, require hospitals and clinics to assess and manage pain as part of their routine care. The Joint Commission developed the standards amid concern in the 1990s that too many doctors and nurses were neglecting pain, David Baker, executive vice president of the Joint Commission, said. Click for more from The Wall Street Journal. The cat is out of the bag. The mainstream media in America no longer even pretends to hide their bias and disdain against Republicans. Exhibit A was Sunday's edition of the Boston Globe dedicated to headlines about what America might look like under a President Donald Trump. But how could a major American newspaper print something that biased, distorted and prejudicial? Sure, it was in the Opinion section of the paper but still where's equal time for the Trump side of the story? How could a major newspaper so ferociously engage in slashing and burning a Republican candidate? Are we living in the land of the free, or a Banana Republic? Well, two can play at that game. What if Hillary became president? What would America look like under President Hillary Clinton? Here are very likely news headlines that might appear with Hillary in the White House. These are the headlines the Boston Globe would never show you. Because the truth scares liberals. America Teeters on Brink of Disaster as National Debt hits $30 Trillion With Debt at $30 Trillion, Clinton Approves Social Security, Medicare and Disability for Illegals Epic 1929-style Stock Market Crash Fueled by Massive Debt Crisis Israel Hit by Iranian nuclear attack: 1 million dead and injured. Prime Minister blames Obama, Kerry, Bill Clinton Illegal Immigrants Overrun US as Worst Border Crisis in History Unfolds English No Longer Spoken Here. Public School Systems Across US Abandoned by American Citizens Clinton Says Taxes Must Be Raised to 90 Percent Due to Debt Crisis, Corporate Failures and Entitlements Overwhelming System Escape from America: Record Numbers of Business Owners Leave US Clinton Critics Sent to Prison by IRS. Republicans Long for "Good Old Days" under Obama ISIS Taunts America -- Claims 1,000 Terrorists Crossing US Border Each Day ISIS Follows NY Terror Attack by Claiming to Unleash Army of 10,000 Specially-Trained Suicide Bombers Already on U.S. Soil College Education Declared "Free" by Clinton Because 80 Percent of Student Loans in Default Unemployment Hits 55 Percent Among Young Adults: Costs of Taxes, ObamaCare and $15 Minimum Wage to Blame Say Business Leaders Chicago Lays Off Half of Its Teachers -- Cook County Debt Reaches $300 Billion Unrest and Violence in Streets Across US as Debt Crisis Causes Delay in Welfare and Food Stamps Walmart Seeks Bankruptcy Protection. Costs of ObamaCare Overwhelm Company as Mass Layoffs Begin Middle Class Devastated by $2,000 Monthly Electric Bills Due to Prohibitive Costs of Green Energy and Coal Ban Middle Class Bankrupted by $30,000 Annual Health Premiums Due to ObamaCare Costs Food Stamp Use Doubles to Unimaginable 90 million Americans Record 120 Million Working Age Americans Not Working California, NY, NJ Lobby Congress to Allow States to Declare Bankruptcy Trillions in Government Employee Pension Costs Overwhelm Budget,Crowd Out All Other Services Perhaps the State Department's public proclamation last year that terrorists need jobs (thanks Marie Harf) wasn't so far off the mark, after all. U2's front-man Bono was on Capitol Hill Tuesday testifying before the Senate Appropriations Committee (Washington's establishment to end all establishments) about violent extremism and the role of foreign assistance, along with General Jim Jones, former Supreme Allied Commander, Europe, and Tony Blinken, Deputy Secretary of State; a power-player trio of note. The foremost agenda item was the unpalatable yet highly pragmatic idea that national security in the 21st century requires a revamped and multi-faceted approach (at least from Europe and the United States). This approach must include all the traditional elements of national power (diplomatic, economic, military, informational, etc.) as well as some new foreign policymaking tools like the application of smartly tailored foreign aid that is designed and implemented in accordance with specific, achievable goals. The United States and its European allies need to start viewing foreign assistance to some messy and unsavory regions of the world as investments in our collective future, rather than charity; were paying money now so that we dont have to pay with blood and treasure later. On no other issue does foreign assistance have such obvious potential to pay big dividends than on the fight against violent extremism (a.k.a. terrorism). Bono and General Jones talked at length about the siren-song-effect radical ideology currently enjoys across large swathes of the Middle East, and the potential for it to spill over into the western world and beyond if left unchecked by the remaining world powers. If you think ISIS's metastasis across Iraq and Syria (and Yemen, Libya, and Afghanistan) is bad, along with the ensuing domino-like collapse of Middle Eastern states and the resulting international refugee crisis, just wait until you see what's coming next out of Africa. Thanks to organizations like Boko Haram in Nigeria and al Shabaab in Somalia, radical Islamic ideology is enjoying unprecedented popularity across the African continent, which is roughly the size of Europe and the U.S. combined and within a decade will have more than double their combined population. What will happen to African nations once theyre saturated with hybrid, like-minded terrorist groups whose primary goals are the destruction of the U.S. and the West? We shouldn't wait to find out (General Jones has referred to the proliferation of terrorism across the Middle East and its attendant consequences as "the tidal wave that precedes a tsunami" the tsunami in this analogy being terrorism in Africa). We need only look to Boko Haram for a feasibility indicator here, a group that has in the recent past murdered more civilians in a single day than ISIS has in totality since their emergence on the scene last year. The Bono-Jones solution to all this? It's development assistance to Africa, stupid. The global community needs to invest (more and now) in the resources that will enable Africa's people to live productive, meaningful and sustainable lives; we need to invest in their education, public health and disease control, and political participation because, as the refugee crisis has demonstrated, their problems will eventually become ours. If we want to dissuade them from joining the ranks of ISIS and other terrorist groups, which the vast majority of them do for mercenary reasons just as often as ideological ones, then it will fall to us to present them with other options. Sounds awfully expensive, you say? Well, prevention now is a lot cheaper than cleaning up the mess five or ten years from now. We need to offer Africans the alternatives to terrorist recruitment that their own governments cannot. This includes, yes, jobs. Sounds an awful lot like nation-building (the most abhorred verb in the Washington vernacular) you say? Well, if we invest in vulnerable populations today, help them to build their own nations through security, development, and good governance initiatives, perhaps we can prevent the devastating crush of a tsunami that spills onto our own shores tomorrow (this isnt wishful thinking, but logic). We can avert a refugee crisis that is truly global in scale and knows no regional bounds; a humanitarian disaster that impacts each and every country in the international community and is truly unfixable; and the spread of radical ideology and its ugly step-sister jihad across the entire world. The most effective way to protect our national security interests in the medium- to long-term is to strategically shape the future of the international community (were looking at you, Africa). Sounds awfully smart to me. Hillary Clinton may very well have locked up the Democratic nomination at Thursday nights debate in Brooklyn. The main theme that ran throughout each of Clintons pointed answers was its easy to diagnose the problem. Its hard to do something about it. Its a brilliant tack for her to take especially as more critics have been pointing out flaws in Sanderss plans, especially when it comes to funding his free college for all and universal health care plans. And it worked a charm. Sanders suffered for it. She buried him in details no matter the topic. From breaking up the banks Sanderss signature issue that he notably struggled with during his recent Daily News interview to tackling climate change to raising the minimum wage to the conflict in the Middle East between Israel and the Palestinians, Clinton showed how deep her understanding of the issues is and the level of specificity with which she has crafted plans to address them. That doesnt mean that she was without flaws, but she did better handling them than in previous debates. For instance, Clinton is still shaky on releasing her Goldman Sachs speech transcripts and the approach of calling Sanders out for not releasing his tax returns yet doesnt exonerate her. But where she is now improved is jumping on Sanders for having absolutely no evidence that she ever made a decision based on her Wall Street ties (special thanks to Dana Bash for asking the question in the first place). Concerning her position on the minimum wage, Clinton tried to take credit for being for a $15 minimum wage when shes actually only for a federal $12 minimum wage. Her approach is one that I agree with in that we should set a responsible floor and let cities decide if they can go to $15 based on their local economies. Although this isnt the position of the progressive left, her explanation of the importance of making incremental improvements appeared to resonate with the audience and with the viewers at home. And then there was her defense of our intervention in Libya, which Obama called one of his biggest regrets but one that Clinton was very much committed to. This will continue to be a sticking point for her, but she handled the criticism adeptly by pointing out that final decisions are made by presidents whether it be President Obama or President Clinton, alluding to the flack shes taking for her husbands 1994 Crime Bill (even though Sanders voted for the bill himself in Congress). It was a very slick move and one that will have also registered with voters. As usual, Bernie was on message. He talked about the rigged economy, the dangers that corporate America pose to the average worker and the importance of doing away with Citizens United. He reiterated his position that Clinton doesnt have the right judgment to be president because of her vote for the Iraq War and that she has a Super PAC. But this evening it didnt seem to matter the way it has in the past and I think thats because he was speaking almost entirely in rhetoric while she was offering clear ideas and solutions. The latest Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll shows that Clinton is up by 17 percent in New York. Thats not apt to change and with Sanders heading Friday to the Vatican, hes giving up key campaigning time. If she wins this big in New York and she could certainly win in double digits Sanderss momentum will be slowed. He wont drop out, but there will be an even greater case that he should. As a former Pentagon spokesman whos been stationed in both Europe and Asia over a 20-year military career, I believe Donald Trump is 100 percent correct to insist that our allies share the burden of collective defense. While Americans should be proud of our historical role to advance global freedom -- defeating Nazism and imperialism during World War II, communism during the Cold War, and battling jihadist terror networks today, we cant be the worlds policeman forever. We cant afford it. Nope, were $19 trillion in debt and our own national infrastructure is crumbling. Literally. Anybody remember the I-35W Bridge in Minneapolis? On a bright, sunny August day in 2007, it collapsed into the Mississippi River during rush hour, killing 13 and injuring 145. Anybody seen current pictures of once mighty and prosperous industrial cities like Detroit; Gary, Indiana; or Akron, Ohio? Or urban decay in places like Philadelphia, Baltimore, Chicago, Milwaukee, Oakland, Los Angeles and Ferguson? Isnt it time to do some nation-building at home? Meanwhile, aside from natural disasters, our top allies dont worry about physically crumbling cities. And thats thanks to the American taxpayer underwriting their massive security bills since the 1940s. So lets take a look at some facts & figures: NATO is an alliance of 28 nations with a population of more than 910 million. America makes up over 1/3 the population, yet pays nearly three quarters of the defense expenditures. Each country is supposed to pay 2 percent of their GDP on defense. Yet only America, the U.K., Greece, Estonia and Poland are currently meeting their obligations. According to World Bank figures, during 2011-2015 America spent about 3.5 percentof GDP on military expenditures. Meanwhile, our wealthy NATO allies arent even coming close. Italy: 1.4%; Germany: 1.2%; Canada: 1%; Spain: 0.9%. Over in Asia, Japan has spent 1.0 percent and South Korea 2.6%. During a Washington Post editorial board with Mr. Trump last month, the newspaper noted that Japan and South Korea pay about half of the non-personnel costs of U.S. military basing. And his response: Why isnt it 100 percent? Great question. Even getting past the massive trade deficits with allies like Japan, were funding a system that makes our allies nicer places to live than here. Take airports, for instance. Many of our NATO allies, Japan and South Korea put ours to shame. The first time I set foot in Japan, it was mind-blowing. Kansai Airport is a marvel of technology, entirely built on an artificial island in the middle of Osaka Bay. Never seen anything like it. Two decades later, the state-of-the-art, luxurious air hub still beats JFK, OHare and LAX. And then theres high-speed rail, subways, highways and ferries. Theyre modernizing while were struggling to keep ours on-line. Case in point, Washington, DC Metro authorities have been discussing potential 6-month closures of certain rail lines for repairs -- which comes after several accident and fire related fatalities in recent years. But beyond the lopsided financial burden, our allies arent pulling their weight on the battlefield either. As Defense Secretary Robert Gates noted on his way out of the Pentagon in 2011, only a handful of allies were willing to fight and die in Afghanistan. Some insisted their troops couldnt fight in the snow or mountains. On NATO, he said its future is dim, if not dismal. A running joke during my Pentagon days was that International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan, actually stood for I Saw Americans Fighting. In the Middle East, its even worse. While we spend billions to defend Saudi Arabia and other Gulf State allies, we get practically nothing. Though theyve signed up to fight ISIS, the vast majority of airstrikes are American. The Saudis ought to pay the bills, especially considering the role their hardline clerics play in creating jihadist networks in the first place. Lets recall that 15 of 19 hijackers on 9/11 were Saudis. The Iranians are even more hostile, yet dont claim to be an ally. While America shoulders the free worlds defense burden, we must recognize the threats have changed. Thats despite the panicking establishments insistence they havent, both on the left and the right. While the Soviet Union was the biggest threat during the Cold War, it no longer exists. Todays greatest long-term threats to Europe and America are radical Islam-inspired terrorism and unchecked immigration, which by the way, go hand in hand. Next is nuclear proliferation and rogue nations like Iran and North Korea. Then the rise of China, busily hacking and cheating its way to superpower status. They dont have to conquer us if we internally collapse. Bottom line, our allies must get serious about defense. If they cant pull their own weight, why should we go broke carrying them on our backs? Time for a fresh approach. School administrators in Middleton, Wisconsin have intensified their threats and intimidation of a group of mothers who host a weekly Jesus Lunch for students at a park adjacent to Middleton High School. New video shows school officials physically confronting one of the moms in the park as one womans stunned husband observes from a distance. The moms were undeterred and told school officials they were going to serve lunch regardless of their objections. Click here to join Todds American Dispatch: a must-read for Conservatives! These ongoing attempts to suppress free speech by school officials are disgraceful, said Phillip Stamman, an attorney representing the moms. These mothers devote hours each week to serving the students with free meals and a brief message about Jesus. They should not be bullied or harassed but praised. Stamman said his clients have been repeatedly threatened by school officials - but they refuse to comply with their demands to cease the non-denominational religious gathering. These women will not be intimidated, he told me. They are wholeheartedly committed to serving the students a free meal while sharing a Christian message. I first wrote about the Jesus Lunch controversy earlier this week. So allow me to give you a brief primer on the hullabaloo. Students at Middleton High School are permitted to eat lunch off campus. So go to McDonalds. Others go to Taco Bell. And some students eat at Firemans Park, a public park adjacent to the school campus. In 2014, a group of moms started what would become known as the Jesus Lunch. They would prepared home-cooked meals for their children and conclude the lunch with an inspirational Christian message. Over the years, the Jesus Lunch grew into a massive weekly event with nearly 500 kids voluntarily attending. But the school district wants to shut down the gathering and as evidenced by the video they will do anything to make sure that eventually happens. We believe that religious or political events do not have a place in our school or on our campus, except when sponsored by a student group in accordance with our rules, which require prior approval, the pair wrote in an email sent to parents on April 12. The district accused the moms of violating all sorts of rules especially in the area of food preparation. They implied the parents are putting their children in danger by hosting the weekly picnics. The policies in question include food handling, visitors to campus, and expectations around student organized events, the administrators wrote. We are in no way interested in opposing religious practice in otherwise legal circumstances. The district said parents are ignoring food handling standards. Food of any kind that is served to students must be approved by the school/district to ensure food safety, cleanliness and health, they wrote. In addition, many students are subject to food allergies, so additional protocols must be followed to safeguard students with these conditions. Principal Stephen Plank even accused the moms of luring students to the park with promises of free food in exchange for a Christian message. Many students have conveyed to us their concern about a group offering free food to incentivize participation in a religious event on campus, he told News8000.com. The result of which has a divisive impact on our learning community. The principal suggested that some students loathe the event so much they become hysterical. There are some students that when they know this day is coming, they will leave school early, he told the news organization. We have some students that staff will find sitting in the hallway crying. His remarks left me incredulous. I thought public schools provided safe space so youngsters could be shielded from opinions or concepts they dont agree with? The district also believes that the public park is technically a part of the campus. They have a lease agreement with the city that allows them to use the park during school hours. So the district contends the moms and their offspring are technically on school property. The parents contend that it is their First Amendment Right to provide free food and hold a religiously oriented event on this property during school hours, the administrators wrote. The District believes that we have jurisdiction of this leased property, which is part of our campus. The moms believe that even though there is a lease agreement that doesnt make the public space off-limits. Fireman's Park -- a public park owned by the City of Middleton -- remains accessible to everyone in the public for the purposes of assembly and free speech, they wrote in a statement. By law, the lease agreement between the city and the School District of Middleton does not privatize the park. The City of Middleton has sent us a letter this week and acknowledged our rental agreement of the pavilion at Fireman's Park. So hence, the standoff between the goodhearted moms and a bunch of public school administrative bullies who dont under the concept of free speech or religious liberty. Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders shelved the niceties and went right after each others perceived weak spots at a must-win Democratic primary debate Thursday night where the front-runner challenged her rivals grasp of complex policy issues and the insurgent senator hammered her as a Wall Street pal just now talking the talk of working Americans. The charge crystallized when Clinton seemed to surprise Sanders by declaring shed back legislation for a $15 federal minimum wage. To suddenly announce now youre for 15, I dont think is quite accurate, Sanders said, noting Clinton previously has pushed for increasing the hourly wage to $12. I think the secretary has confused a lot of people. However, Clinton said while she supports the goal of raising the wage to $12, she would sign legislation raising it to $15 if a Democratic Congress passes it. I have said from the very beginning that I supported the fight for 15, Clinton insisted. The heated dispute, in which the candidates frequently interrupted each other, was one of many at a CNN-hosted debate heavy on populist rhetoric and personal attacks. Sanders at one point went as far as to suggest Clintons labeling of certain criminals as "superpredators" when she was first lady was "a racist term and everybody knew it was a racist term." The two faced off in Brooklyn, for their first debate in more than a month, at a critical time. The campaign heads soon into the final stretch with the upcoming New York primary seen as a determining factor. While Sanders trails badly in delegates, he is pointing to his recent winning streak in insisting he can still win this nomination. Secretary Clinton cleaned our clock in the deep South. We got murdered there, he conceded, before adding. Were out of the deep South now. Im not taking anything for granted, or any voter or any place, Clinton said, while noting shes gotten millions more votes and saying the party will eventually have to unite. Eyeing the contest ahead, both candidates courted Empire State voters Thursday by stressing their New York ties and more broadly, hitting working-class themes. At the same time, the debate veered heavily into foreign policy in the second half, with Sanders using the issue to challenge Clintons judgment while she questioned his experience. Describing the problem is a lot easier than trying to solve it, Clinton said at one point, challenging Sanders as he laid out his goals for achieving Middle East peace. Sanders also took heat from Clinton for describing Israeli military action as at times disproportionate. They do not invite rockets raining down on their towns and villages, she said. Sanders said Israel has a right to defend itself, but the U.S. needs to be even-handed in peace talks. Sanders, as he has before, hammered Clinton for supporting regime change in Libya and Iraq, warning that it has unintended consequences. He said the former secretary of states continued support for a no-fly zone in Syria which he noted President Obama does not support runs the risk of getting us sucked into perpetual warfare in that region. But Clinton defended her stance, and argued: Nobody stood up to Assad and removed him and we have had a far greater disaster in Syria. Earlier, Sanders also pointed to Clintons support for the Iraq war, as well as virtually every disastrous trade agreement, in challenging her judgment to lead. However, Clinton fired back, pointing to an editorial board meeting Sanders had with the New York Daily News where he seemed to struggle to explain his plan to break up the banks and various foreign policy positions. He could not explain how he would break up the banks, Clinton said. She defended her own judgment and said: I think you need to have the judgment on day one to be both president and commander-in-chief. While the tone was tougher than past face-offs, the candidates hit several familiar themes. Clinton suggested Sanders is too closely aligned with the gun industry. Sanders knocked Clinton for not releasing transcripts of her past paid speeches (while saying he would soon release a new batch of tax returns). On that point, Sanders said that despite the financial industry-fueled recession, Secretary Clinton was busy giving speeches to Goldman Sachs for $225,000 a speech. Clinton, though, denied that any of that money influenced her decisions in office. Further, she said, I stood up against behaviors of the banks when I was a senator. Sanders gave a sarcastic retort: Oh my goodness. They must have been really crushed by this. As he did on the minimum wage, Sanders also seemed to accuse Clinton of shifting her position when it came to Social Security taxes, though Clinton again claimed shes been consistent. Sanders has been on an election roll lately, winning seven of the last eight state contests, most recently in Wyoming over the weekend. On stage Thursday, he touted his landslide victories in recent contests. But analysts note the primary map could soon be turning back in the front-runners favor, not only in New York but other Eastern primary states. With the stakes getting ever-higher, the tone of the contest had sharpened well before Thursdays debate. Sanders recently alleged Clinton may not be qualified for president, before walking back the remark. And the Clinton campaign has criticized Sanders for the aggressive efforts by some of his supporters to persuade so-called superdelegates to back the Vermont senator. Superdelegates are elected officials and other party insiders free to support whomever they want. Most of them are siding with Clinton, giving her an even wider delegate lead. But Clinton noted Thursday night that she holds the pledged delegate lead as well. Going into the Empire State primary on Tuesday, Clinton so far has held the lead in most polls. Clinton spent eight years as a New York senator. But Sanders, a Vermont senator who was born in Brooklyn, has been touting his local roots as he seeks to upset Clinton in the state. While Sanders is on a winning streak in primaries and caucuses, he desperately needs a big victory in New York if he hopes to cut into Clinton's delegate lead and slow her march to the nomination. To date, Clinton has accumulated 1,758 total delegates, compared with Sanders 1,069. It takes 2,383 to win. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Former New York Gov. George Pataki endorsed Ohio Gov. John Kasich for president on On the Record with Greta Van Susteren Thursday evening. The most recent Republican to hold the Empire States highest office, Pataki said a Kasich nomination would allow the party to claim victory in November against Democratic rival Hillary Clinton. Kasichdoesnt just beat Hillary Clinton, he trounces her and will help us regain Washington, Pataki told Van Susteren in a satellite interview from the Grand Hyatt in Manhattan, where the New York Republican Party was holding its annual gala. Once we win, you have to be able to govern. John Kasich has a history of bringing people together and governing successfully, he said, adding that he does not think current frontrunner Donald Trump should be president, predicting that his fellow New Yorker would drive the Republican party off a cliff. [Kasich] balanced the budget when he was in Washington [as a Congressman in the 1990s]. He has been a very effective governor in Ohio working to create jobs and move that state forward, Pataki said. When asked about Kasichs ability to clinch only one state in the primary battle thus farhis home state of OhioPataki blamed the governors performance on the tremendous attention Trump has been garnering throughout the nomination process. Republicans at the convention are going to say who can win this race? Its Governor John Kasich, Pataki said. Pataki, who held the governors office during the 9/11 terror attacks and was also mayor of Peekskill, is a former 2016 presidential candidate. New York holds its primary on April 19. Former FBI agents who worked the notorious 1970s sting operation known as ABSCAM have written FBI Director James Comey to warn that nothing less than the bureau's "reputation" is on the line as the investigation into Hillary Clinton's email practices enters a critical phase. The agents, in a March 16 letter obtained by Fox News, offered their support for Comey and the agents working the email case. But the letter cautioned the outcome would have long-lasting implications. "Decisions must be made on facts alone. Much is at stake here -- people's trust in the Bureau for years to come, as well as the Bureau's reputation among our allies, partners, and friends as the greatest law enforcement agency in the world, wrote John F. Good, president of the Long Island Chapter of the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI. Good told Fox News a half-dozen FBI agents who worked the 1978 ABSCAM investigation which targeted sitting members of Congress -- belong to the chapter. The ABSCAM investigation included more than 30 political figures, with six House members and one U.S. senator ultimately convicted of crimes. The investigation was depicted in the 2013 Golden Globe-winning movie "American Hustle," in which Bradley Cooper played an agent based on Good and others. Good, 79, told Fox News by phone that the Clinton email case boils down to whether the U.S. is a nation of laws, where all citizens are equal under the law, or there is a different set of rules for the powerful. He said the ABSCAM agents thought it was important to show support for the bureaus work in the email probe since they know what it feels like to face intense public scrutiny. Good, though, said the pressure the ABSCAM agents faced 40 years ago pales in comparison to what Comey and the agents are dealing with today regarding the Democratic presidential front-runner and her aides. On Fox News Sunday last weekend, President Obama weighed in on the ongoing email investigation, saying his former secretary of state had not intentionally harmed national security, but had been "careless" with her emails. White House Spokesman Josh Earnest later confirmed the president was not briefed on the investigation by the FBI or Justice Department, and had based his statements on media reports. Obama, meanwhile, repeatedly vowed there would be no political influence in the case. Good said that at the outset of ABSCAM, then-FBI Director William Webster had their backs and told them, "The future of the FBI rests on this case." He said the same holds true today, but added that the retired agents are concerned Comey may not have the same level of support from the Justice Department, where Attorney General Loretta Lynch will make the decision on whether a prosecution is pursued. "It does not appear that the same relationship between the FBI and DOJ exists today on the case," he told Fox News. Then-FBI agent Good was a central player in ABSCAM. A native of the Bronx, and son of an FBI agent, he was known for his expertise navigating the tricky business of selecting and developing informants. In 1977, Good had been working on an ongoing inquiry into payoffs to officials in Suffolk County, N.Y., during a sewer project but the pressure from the bureau was to develop bigger and more major cases. So in 1977, Good selected a crook's crook by working with a colorful swindler from Long Island named Mel Weinberg (the basis for the American Hustle character played by Christian Bale) to ferret out widespread government corruption. The undercover operation featured agents posing as phony Arab sheiks toting suitcases full of cash and stolen artwork, all caught on 1,000 hours of videotape. Now 91 and living in Florida, Weinberg told Fox News that "the country is going to pot. Today's politicians are too smart, the money is greater and they all learned from ABSCAM." EXCLUSIVE: Since 1775, the U.S. Marine Corps has prided itself on being The Few" and "The Proud." But while the Corps takes pride in doing more with less, senior Marine officers are warning that the Corps' aviation service is being stretched to the breaking point. Today, the vast majority of Marine Corps aircraft cant fly. The reasons behind the grounding of these aircraft include the toll of long wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the fight against ISIS and budget cuts precluding the purchase of the parts needed to fix an aging fleet, according to dozens of Marines interviewed by Fox News at two air stations in the Carolinas this week. Out of 276 F/A-18 Hornet strike fighters in the Marine Corps inventory, only about 30% are ready to fly, according to statistics provided by the Corps. Similarly, only 42 of 147 heavy-lift CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters are airworthy. U.S. military spending has dropped from $691 billion in 2010 to $560 billion in 2015. The cuts came just as the planes were returning from 15 years of war, suffering from overuse and extreme wear and tear. Many highly trained mechanics in the aviation depots left for jobs in the private sector. Quite honestly, it is coming on the backs of our young Marines, Lt. Col. Matthew Pablo Brown, commanding officer of VMFA(AW)-533, a Hornet squadron based at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina. They can do it, and they are doing it but it is certainly not easy. Brown's squadron is due to deploy to the Middle East in the coming days. Lack of funds has forced the Marines to go outside the normal supply chain to procure desperately needed parts. Cannibalization, or taking parts from one multi-million dollar aircraft to get other multi-million dollar aicraft airborne, has become the norm. To get one Hornet flying again, Marines at Beaufort stripped a landing gear door off a mothballed museum jet. The door, found on the flight deck of the World War II-era USS Yorktown, was last manufactured over a decade ago. Imagine taking a 1995 Cadillac and trying to make it a Ferrari, Sgt. Argentry Uebelhoer said days before embarking on his third deployment. You're trying to make it faster, more efficient, but it's still an old airframe [and] the aircraft is constantly breaking. Maintaining the high-performance Hornets is a challenge with 30,000 fewer Marines, part of a downsizing that has been ongoing since 2010. We don't have enough of them to do the added work efficiently. We are making it a lot harder on the young marines who are fixing our aircraft, said Maj. Michael Malone of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31. Sometimes it takes the Marines 18 months to get parts for early model F-18 jets whose production was halted in 2001. We are an operational squadron. We are supposed to be flying jets, not building them, said Lt. Col. Harry Thomas, Commanding Officer of VMFA-312, a Marine Corps F/A-18 squadron based at Beaufort. The cuts include those made by the Obama administration as well as the sequestration cutbacks agreed to by Congress. Asked about the Marines concerns on Friday, White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest put the onus on Congress to right the problem and said Republicans have blocked spending reforms that would have helped military readiness. He said Republicans championed the sequester cuts. Lt. Col Thomas, call sign Crash, deployed to the Pacific with 10 jets last year. Only seven made it. A fuel leak caused his F/A-18 to catch fire in Guam. Instead of ejecting, he landed safely, saving taxpayers $29 million. Thomas has deployed eight times in all, including six to Iraq and Afghanistan. Right now only two of his 14 Hornets can fly. His Marines deploy in three months. We are supposed to be doing the type of maintenance like you would take your car to Jiffy Lube for replacing fluids, doing minor inspections, changing tires, things of that nature, not building airplanes from the ground up, he added. The aircraft shortage means pilots spend less time in the air. This last 30 days our average flight time per pilot was just over 4 hours, said Thomas. Ten years ago, Marine Corps pilots averaged between 25 and 30 hours in the air each month, according to one pilot. This is the worst Ive seen it, he added. Another pilot who asked to remain nameless told Fox News that Chinese and Russian pilots fly more hours each month than Marine Corps pilots. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets are supposed to have a shelf life of 6,000 hours, but they are being refurbished to extend the life to 8,000. There is talk that some aircraft might be pushed to 10,000 hours while the Marine Corps waits for the 5th-generation Joint Strike Fighter, which is slated to replace the F-18, but has been plagued by cost overruns. Our aviation readiness is really my No. 1 concern, Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Neller told Congress last month. We dont have enough airplanes that we would call ready basic aircraft." Col. Sean Salene oversees nine helicopter squadrons at Marine Corps Air Station New River in North Carolina. Unlike previous wars, we did not have a period of time afterwards where we did not have tasking, said Col. Salene. There was no time to catch our breath. Maj. Matt Gruba, executive officer of HMH-461, a Super Stallion squadron at New River took Fox News reporters inside one of the large helicopters, which has sent thousands of fully loaded Marines into combat over the past three decades. Inside, hundreds of small wires cover every surface of the helicopter except the hard non-skid deck. Its up to the Marine maintainers to inspect each one. One failure could be catastrophic, as happened in 2014 when a Navy MH-53E Sea Dragon crashed off the coast of Virginia after a fire engulfed the aircraft due to faulty fuel lines. "It would be easy to miss some small minute detail, some small amount of wear [which] could potentially, eventually cause a fire, Gruba said Lt. Gen. Jon M. "Dog" Davis is the Marine Corps' deputy commandant for aviation, tasked with getting his aircraft back in the air. Davis ordered the Corps to refurbish all of the old CH-53E helicopters to their pre-war condition, including fixing the chafing wires and jerryrigged fuel lines that were repaired in theater. "The biggest thing is right now after 15 years of hard service, of hard fighting and deploying around the world, is we don't have enough airplanes on the flight line, Davis said. The cuts have not sat well within the military leadership. Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates told Fox News Bret Baier in a recent interview that he felt betrayed when told to cut billions from the budget after having already done so. I guess Id have to say I felt double-crossed. After all those years in Washington, I was naive, he said. And last week, the Armys top officer, Gen. Mark Milley, said cuts could mean more American troops could lose their lives. If one or more possible unforeseen contingencies happen, then the United States Army currently risks not having ready forces available to provide flexible options to our national leadership. ... And most importantly, we risk incurring significantly increased U.S. casualties, Milley testified last week on Capitol Hill. Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton said Thursday that she was sorry for what she described as the unintended consequences of a landmark 1994 crime bill signed into law by her husband, former President Bill Clinton. Clinton's past support for the law has come under fire from some African-Americans, who say that it has contributed to mass incarceration of young blacks. When asked if she believed the bill was a mistake during the Democratic debate in Brooklyn, N.Y., Clinton said the law "had some positive aspects", like an effort to prevent violence against women. When pressed on her support for the law, Clinton said she was "sorry for the consequences that were unintended and that have had a very unfortunate impact on people's lives." She also noted that her husband had apologized for the law and that her opponent, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., had voted for the bill. For his part, Sanders stood by his criticism of Bill Clinton for defending Hillary Clinton's use of the term "super predators" in 1996 to describe some criminals. "It was a racist term, and everybody knew it was a racist term," Sanders said. The self-described democratic socialist, who was a congressman at the time the bill was passed, agreed the law was a mixed bag. He then called for a rethink of what he described as "a broken criminal justice system ... from the bottom on up." The Associated Press contributed to this report. Majorities of American voters think Republican front-runner Donald Trump lacks the knowledge, temperament, and the likeability to be an effective president. On the other hand, majorities feel Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, and Ted Cruz do possess those traits. Most voters believe Clinton (63 percent), Sanders (58 percent), and Cruz (55 percent) have the knowledge to serve effectively, according to a new Fox News national poll. In contrast, 60 percent say Trump doesnt. In addition, most feel Sanders (68 percent), Clinton (62 percent), and Cruz (61 percent) have the temperament to serve, while most think Trump does not (65 percent). Clintons advantages over Trump on knowledge and temperament are striking, comments Democratic pollster Chris Anderson, who conducts the Fox News Poll with Republican pollster Daron Shaw. That could provide a very good foundation for a general election campaign. CLICK TO READ THE POLL RESULTS In the 2008 Democratic primary, then-candidate Barack Obama famously told Clinton, Youre likeable enough, Hillary. Voters agree: 52 percent say she is likeable enough, while 47 percent say she isnt. Cruz does a bit better on this measure: 52-45 percent. Sanders wins the congeniality award: 71 percent feel hes likeable enough to serve effectively. Trump is in negative territory, as 41 percent say he is likeable enough, but over half -- 57 percent -- disagree. Meanwhile, majorities say Sanders (70 percent) and Cruz (56 percent) have the integrity to serve effectively. Its the opposite for Trump, as 58 percent think he lacks the integrity to serve. Voters split over whether Clinton does: 48 percent say yes vs. 51 percent no. The biggest question mark for all four is whether they can be an effective chief executive. When asked if the candidate could get things done as president to solve the countrys problems, slightly more voters disagree than agree for each. "If you simply look at these trait evaluations, you'd think that Sanders is the run-away top choice," says Shaw. "The front-runners, on the other hand, garner scores ranging from mediocre to abysmal." The new poll also asked voters how proud they would be to have the top 2016 contenders as president. About 3 in 10 would be proud (14 percent extremely and 17 percent very) to have the Vermont senator in the White House. Thats more than feel the same about Clinton (28 percent), Trump (24 percent), and Cruz (22 percent). The two front-runners, Trump (56 percent) and Clinton (48 percent), have the largest numbers saying they would not be proud to have them as president. Views among partisans Among Democrats, Clinton gets her best score on knowledge (88 percent) and her worst on can get things done (76 percent). Democrats rate Sanders highest on likeability (85 percent) and integrity (85 percent) and lowest on effectiveness (66 percent). Trump does best among Republicans on effectiveness as president (73 percent) and his worst on temperament (58 percent). Its the reverse for Cruz: Republicans give him his highest marks on temperament (76 percent) and integrity (76 percent) and his lowest on getting things done (62 percent). Pollpourri Who would voters put across the table from Russian President Vladimir Putin? They trust Clinton more than Trump (53-40 percent) or Cruz (48-44 percent) to negotiate with Putin. Also, more voters trust Sanders than Trump (53-39 percent) or Cruz (48-45 percent). Men are more likely to pick Cruz and Trump over Clinton. Most women would put the former Secretary of State across the table with Putin in both instances. One in five Republicans trusts Clinton more than Trump against Putin (20 percent). The Fox News poll is based on landline and cellphone interviews with 1,021 randomly chosen registered voters nationwide and was conducted under the joint direction of Anderson Robbins Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R) from April 11-13, 2016. The poll has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus three percentage points for all registered voters. Ted Cruz on Saturday won all 14 delegates in the Wyoming GOP convention -- a relatively small number but enough for the Texas senator to declare victory and keep GOP presidential front-runner Donald Trump from securing the nomination. We are likely to have a battle in Cleveland to decide who is the nominee, Cruz told party members before they picked the delegates. If you dont want to see Donald Trump as the nominee, then I ask you to please vote for the men and women on this slate. The Wyoming process mirrored that of Colorado, which was engulfed by political controversy after hosting a similar convention last week. Cruzs campaign ran circles around the Trump operation there, prompting Trump to slam the multi-tiered caucus system as rigged. Cruz was expected to do well in Wyoming because his campaign had been lining up support there for months, too. The ground game is starting early and starting at your most local, smallest enclave, said Ed Buchanan, Cruzs Wyoming chairman. After being tapped by Cruz in February, Buchanan started drafting activists across the state. His efforts were bolstered by two days of Cruz campaign stops in Wyoming last August. Trump did not actively campaign in either state, while Cruz put in face-time in both. You are going to hear this from me more and more: We have to bring our country together. We are a divided nation, Trump said at a rally in upstate New York, ahead of the states primary Tuesday in which 95 GOP delegates are up for grabs. Before Saturday, Trump had 742 delegates, followed by Cruz with 529 and Ohio Gov. John Kasich with 143. The winner needs 1,237 delegates to win the nomination. (Kasich is running second in the New York primary, according to polls.) Senior Trump adviser Alan Cobb said about Colorado and Wyoming: "Candidates that have allies that are party insiders have advantages in states that have a pyramid process of selecting their delegates. These folks have worked this process for years." Mindful of potential accusations, Wyoming GOP leaders are ready. Their message: The rules were set long before anyone announced their candidacy. Every presidential candidate for the last 40 years has managed this process and has worked through this process and has followed the process that we have in Wyoming, state GOP Chairman Matt Micheli said in an interview with Fox News. We are simply following the rules that are in place and that have been in place for a long time. Fox News' Dan Gallo, Mike Emanuel and John Roberts contributed to this report. Are we seeing the softening of Donald Trump? He hasnt whacked anyone on Twitter for days. He is being more serious and less inflammatory in interviews. And in a hell-hath-frozen-over moment, he sat down for a clear-the-air meeting with Megyn Kelly and said nice things about her afterward. All this comes as Trump is expanding his team by bringing in veteran Republican operatives to run the show and help him in the trench warfare for delegates. I dont think this is an accident. I think hes making the pivot that some advisers and family members urged on him weeks ago, before the series of missteps that contributed to his big loss in Wisconsin. Its not that Trump has gone all kumbaya on us. Hes been hammering away at what he sees as a crooked Republican process that is denying him delegates being won over by the Cruz campaign. But other than some jabs at Lyin Ted, Trump is, well, acting like a more conventional candidate. Now we have been through this before with Trump. Hell be more serious in a debate or a couple of interviews, only to return to flame-throwing when something gets under his skin. But this time, if his Twitter feed is any indication, he seems more determined to tone things down. Other than one jab about the New York Times reporting inaccurately on him, there arent even any denunciations of the disgusting media. In that vein, Trumps Wednesday meeting with Megynwhich made the cover of the New York Post!seemed like a carefully choreographed truce. A few short weeks ago, Trump, who has been angry at the Fox News anchor since the first presidential debate, was tweeting that she was sick" and "crazy, prompting the network to accuse him of having a sick obsession with her. Kelly told viewers that the Trump Tower session, held at her request, in part to discuss a possible interview, helped clear the air and that Trump was gracious to take the meeting. Trump says they had a very good conversation and that he gives her a lot of credit for coming to see him. In another bit of fence-mending, Trump sat down with my Fox colleague Kirsten Powers, who had repeatedly criticized him, for her USA Today column. The headline: Donald Trumps Kinder, Gentler Version. She asked him about his hyperaggressive style: So, why not just stick to substance and stop with the other stuff? Maybe the other stuff is part of it, Trump said. If I didnt do it, then you might not be talking to me about a race where we are leading substantially. In the hourlong sitdown, when Powers was asking about VP possibilities, Trump said nice things about Marco Rubio, John Kasich and Scott Walker. Trump also caught a break in the moving-on department when Florida authorities chose not to prosecute campaign manager Corey Lewandowski for grabbing reporter Michelle Fields (although Fields is still considering a civil suit). And Trump has now tapped Rick Wiley, Walkers former campaign manager, as his national political director, after bringing in veteran Paul Manafort to hunt delegates for the convention. The anti-establishment candidate is learning to deal with the establishment. If Trump is acting more presidential, he undoubtedly has an eye on the fall campaign and knows he has to deal with his high negatives. He could bring those numbers down by being more diplomatic. Or perhaps the showman in him just senses that its time for a second act. Sarah Palin's latest target: Bill Nye the Science Guy. The former Alaska governor, at a panel Thursday on Capitol Hill, ripped the TV star's credentials and accused him of intentionally using his stature to spread what she described as an alarmist agenda on global warming. Bill Nye is as much a scientist as I am, Palin said at a screening of "Climate Hustle" on Capitol Hill, according to an account in The Hill. Hes a kids show actor. Hes not a scientist. Nye, who graduated from Cornell University with a degree in mechanical engineering, is famous for his show Bill Nye the Science Guy, an educational program for kids that covers the basics of various scientific topics. His program was a science classroom staple in the '90s and 2000s. After Nye ended his show in 1998, he went on to give speeches around the country with prominent figures in the scientific community. Palin insisted that children need to question climate change and raise doubt over scientific thought rather than blindly believing what the scientific community says. Ask those questions and dont just believe what Bill Nye the Science Guy is trying to tell them, she reportedly advised parents. "Climate Hustle," starring Marc Morano, a climate change skeptic and head of the Climate Depot blog, is largely a response to a documentary attacking such skeptics called "Merchants of Doubt." A screening was held on Thursday on Capitol Hill and was followed by a panel discussion where the 2012 GOP vice presidential nominee made her remarks. In an interview with Morano, Nye claimed that people and companies who challenge the notion of climate change need to be investigated. The introduction of this extreme doubt about climate change is affecting my quality of life as a public citizen, he said. So I can see where people are very concerned about this and are pursuing criminal investigations. FoxNews.com's Danny Jativa contributed to this report. Outside groups reportedly spent nearly $20 million last year honoring elected officials and allied organizations doling out everything from plaques to honorary degrees to donations to favored groups. Despite rules that prohibit gifts to federal officials and put limits on campaign contributions, hosting grand gala dinners and lavish get-togethers is legal. Many of these ceremonies put on by companies, unions and universities -- include honorary degrees and awards, as well as fundraisers and donations for organizations these officials support. The nearly $20 million in honorary expenses came from more than 240 groups, and went to more than 100 organizations, according to Senate disclosure records analyzed by The Hill. Robert Kelner, the chair of Covington and Burlingtons law practice, told The Hill these kinds of honorary expenses are a very common way of building relationships with members of Congress. Last year, for instance, Johns Hopkins reportedly spent over $600,000 on its commencement ceremony which included Maryland Rep. Elijah Cummings and Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health as recipients of honorary degrees. Chevron even gave $50,000 to the State Department last May, a fraction of the reported $687,000 in honorary expenses; there is no regulation on the amount of money corporations such as Chevron can give directly to federal agencies. According to The Hill, compliance lawyers say enforcement over the expenses is essentially little-to-none. Bernie Sanders new Jewish outreach coordinator is under fire -- and reportedly has been suspended -- over controversial and profane remarks she made on social media about Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Simone Zimmerman has a history of scathing criticism about Israeli's policies, but prompted particular outrage from Jewish groups over a newly uncovered Facebook rant. The Washington Free Beacon first obtained screenshots of Zimmermans remarks, posted on Facebook in March 2015, in which she called Netanyahu an arrogant, deceptive, cynical, manipulative a**hole, accused him of sanctioning the murder of 2,000 people the prior summer, and said F**k you Bibi. He is the embodiment of the ugliest national hubris and tone deafness towards the international community, she wrote. She later modified some of the language, the Free Beacon reported. The New York Times, citing a Sanders spokesman, reported late Thursday that Zimmerman had been suspended from her role, having only been hired for the job Tuesday. The campaign did not respond to FoxNews.coms requests for comments. The Netanyahu comments were far from her only Israel smackdown. In February, she wrote an opinion piece for Haaretz in which she blasted "rampant racism in Israeli society" and called for "the community to stop willfully blinding itself to the disastrous reality of holding millions of Palestinians under military occupation." And last month, she criticized Hillary Clintons speech at The American Israel Public Affairs Committee as racist. HRC bashes Trump's bigotry at #PC16 but repeats AIPAC's racist & orientalist talking points about Palestinians SMDH #dumptrump #dumpaipac Simone Zimmerman (@simonerzim) March 21, 2016 The revelations immediately drew fierce criticism. Jordana Brown, a blogger for the Jewish Press wrote an open letter to Zimmerman calling her a leftist American Jew who cares more about literally everything than Israel and your people. You are so dangerous to American and world Jewry, you cant even imagine, Brown wrote. Daniel Greenfield, writing for Frontpage Mag affiliated with the conservative David Horowitz Center for Freedom said Zimmermans hiring represents Sanders version of Jewish outreach. "The Bernie Sanders campaign has utterly abandoned any effort to reach out to Jews," he wrote. Former Anti-Defamation League head Abe Foxman told the Jewish Press she should be fired. No amount of word changes can cure her ugly characterization of the Prime Minister of Israel and the Israeli army and people defending themselves, Foxman said. The controversy is flaring ahead of next week's New York primary, for which Sanders and Clinton are fiercely competing for votes. While Zimmerman did not come up at their debate in Brooklyn Thursday night, the issue of Israel was a flashpoint. Sanders said in the debate that he is 100 percent pro-Israel but also described some of Israel's military actions as disproportionate and called for a more even-handed approach in working with the Palestinians. There comes a time when if we pursue justice and peace, we are going to have to say that Netanyahu is not right all of the time, he said. Zimmerman has received support from some Jewish supporters of Sanders. On principle, were not going to allow right-wingers bully us into burning our friend Simone. #NotApologizing Jews for Bernie (@jewsforbernie) April 15, 2016 Peter Beinart, an editor for The Atlantic who also writes for Haaretz.com, criticized Sanders for challenging Clinton in Thursday's debate in New York on the subject of Israel but not backing Zimmerman. **Want FOX News First in your inbox every day? Sign up here.** Buzz Cut: Trump does reset on delegates Christie could tip nomination to Trump Clinton, Sanders brawl in Brooklyn Big Obama donors slow to warm to Hillary Theres a new dog in town TRUMP DOES RESET ON DELEGATES Donald Trumps ability to reset the media narrative at his will has been tested the past few weeks. While he once was able to jump from one brash statement to the next, the New York businessman has had a difficult time lately changing his campaigns characterization as one that doesnt really understand the partys delegate selection process and cant navigate its way to an outright win. But his op-ed in the WSJ looks like the first sign that he might just be able to turn things around yet again. Trumps basic point in the piece is that, yes, he understands the rules he just doesnt agree with them, arguing that the process disenfranchises voters. In doing so, he sets the establishments process as a system severing the interests of political parties at the expense of the people, and hes the man to change all that. And in a Reaganesque move, he asks voters: How has the system been working out for you and your family? Using this as what is likely to be his campaigns mantra over the remaining primary contests leaves Trump with two possible avenues depending on the delegate count after the last contests on June 7: If Trump wins the majority of the 1,237 delegates needed he will say he did it in spite of the establishment rules. If he loses the majority, and further loses on a second or third ballot at the convention, he will say the system is rigged. The latter could set him up for a possible third party run, which he has threatened if he felt he was treated unfairly by the Republican National Committee. Whats most surprising about the piece, however, is that its not a rail against the establishment or the rules, but rather makes the case on behalf of voters arguing that they deserve a better system for selecting a presidential nominee. Its a change for Trump who has spent weeks lamenting the system and was called out by Sen. Ted Cruz for whining. The RNC has already jumped on this story releasing a memo that explains how and when campaigns were given the information on each states delegate process, but their response seems to merely further Trumps additional point that the party isnt even defending the rules, theyre just saying this is what they are. Trump makes no argument for what he would replace the system with, but does say that he will work with the party to come up with a new system to restore the faith and the franchise of voters. This will play well with his supporters many of whom have said they support Trump because of his ability get things done. Whats also playing heavily in Trumps favor is that many voters, and even some political insiders, are not familiar with each states local delegate selection process, meaning he has more freedom in building a narrative over the next few months. At this point in recent history, the party frontrunner has been pretty clearly decided already and so the local selection of delegates has played little or no importance in the national media. Ahead of next weeks big primary in New York, which looks like a Trump blowout, his timing on this latest campaign messaging reset could be his best move yet. Riding a likely wave of victories in the East as the frontrunner who will play by the rules he vows to change for the betterment of voters is a powerful combination. Christie could tip nomination to Trump - WashExs David Drucker explains how the New Jersey governor enjoys a surprising amount of control over the states 51 delegates: Gov. Chris Christie could help hand the Republican presidential nomination to Donald Trump because he has unusually tight control over the 51 delegates New Jersey will send to the convention in July. Christie is one of Trumps biggest boosters and has moved aggressively with county-level party bosses to stack the delegation with loyalists who owe him favorsThe governor enjoys an unusual command over a delegation that isnt necessarily as pro-Trump as might be assumed from the billionaires dominance of the slate. If Christie makes a move, he could cash in his delegates IOUs and lead them into a rival camp. Fox News Sunday: Trump campaign leader - Trumps campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski, faces Mr. Sunday in wake of the news that he will not face charges for allegedly assaulting a female reporter. Watch Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. ET on the Fox News Channel. Check local listings for broadcast times in your area. Trumps favorite Bible verse - BuzzFeed: Donald Trump said in a radio interview on Thursday that his favorite teaching in the Bible is the Old Testament punishment of an eye for eye. Is there a favorite Bible verse or Bible story that has informed your thinking or your character through life, sir? asked host Bob Lonsberry on WHAM 1180 AM. Trump responded, Well, I think many. I mean, when we get into the Bible, I think many, so many. And some people, look, an eye for an eye, you can almost say that. Thats not a particularly nice thing. But you know, if you look at whats happening to our country Cruz lays out his own primary map - WaPo: Cruzs decision to lavish attention on parochial power brokers 3,000 miles away from the next big contest underscored his novel approach to the final three months of the Republican presidential race: He is effectively creating his own primary calendar, map and electorate in hopes of cobbling together enough support to prevent front-runner Donald Trump from clinching the nomination outright. It is a strategy born of necessity for the senator from TexasWith polls showing Cruz running well behind Trump in New York and five other northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states voting in the next two weeks, the pressure for him to make gains elsewhere is intensifying. Cruz gets icy treatment N.Y. GOP gala - The Hill: Presidential hopeful Ted Cruz got the cold shoulder from a room of 800 Republicans at the New York City GOP gala Thursday night, receiving little interaction from the audience as he went through his usual stump speechMedia at the scene reported guests walking around and talking during Cruzs address. Cruz stands by calling McConnell a liar - RCP: Sen. Ted Cruz said Thursday that he has no regrets about his fight last summer with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in an MSNBC Town HallI cannot believe [McConnell] would tell a flat-out lie, Cruz said on the floor of the Senate July 24. Every word I said there is true and accurate. No one disputed a word I said, [Cruz] told the audience Thursday. The reaction in the Senate is how dare you say that out loud? Theyre not upset that somebody lied to them! [GOP delegate count: Trump 755; Cruz 545; Kasich 143 (1,237 needed to win)] RYAN DEALT A BLOW AS HOUSE MISSES BUDGET DEADLINE WaPo: The House will miss a Friday deadline for adopting its annual budget resolution due to an intra-party fight, delivering a blow to Speaker Paul D. Ryan who pledged to show this year that Republicans could smoothly handle the basic job of funding the government. House conservatives have balked at supporting a budget that includes the spending deal struck last year by Republican and Democratic congressional leaders that would provide an additional $30 billion in funding this year, depriving GOP leaders of the votes needed to adopt the fiscal blueprint. There is no practical impact from failing to meet the April 15 deadline laid out in the law governing the budget process, but it is an embarrassment for Ryan who came to prominence in Congress as chairman of the Budget Committee. WITH YOUR SECOND CUP OF COFFEE Over time, words can stray far from their original meaning, and even change completely. The New Yorker looks at the lost meaning for virility and how our modern understanding is much different than its Roman roots: The Romans made virility more complex and demanding. The main challenge for Greek men who aspired to andreia had been insufficient brawninessBut the defining quality of virilitas was self-control. Virilitas was an ethic of moderation, in which strong or vigorous powers were kept deliberately reined in, in the manner of a standing army. If a man became too aggressive, too emotional, or too brawnytoo manlyhis virilitas could be lostTodays unnamed virility, though, has a different, gentler tone and intensity. The sweet spot for contemporary manliness often seems to be a less troubled kind of virilitas Got a TIP from the RIGHT or the LEFT? Email FoxNewsFirst@FOXNEWS.COM POLL CHECK Real Clear Politics Averages National GOP nomination: Trump 39 percent; Cruz 32.3 percent; Kasich 20.5 percent National Dem nomination: Clinton 46.8 percent; Sanders 45.8 percent General Election: Clinton vs. Trump: Clinton +10.4 points Generic Congressional Vote: Republicans +0.5 CLINTON, SANDERS BRAWL IN BROOKLYN From the opening bell it was clear that not only were the gloves off, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders were packing brass knuckles. Fox News: [Clinton and Sanders] shelved the niceties and went right after each others perceived weak spots at a must-win Democratic primary debate Thursday night where the front-runner challenged her rivals grasp of complex policy issues and the insurgent senator hammered her as a Wall Street pal just now talking the talk of working Americans. On the Waterfront - The Atlantic takes a deep dive into a debate that tossed any notions of kumbayah and went into direct attacks. At one point, Wolf Blitzer, like a disapproving national father, felt compelled to cut in. Youre both screaming at each other, he implored. The viewers won't be able to hear either of you. Clinton pursued a strategy of hugging President Obama closecloser even, perhaps, than she had done in previous debates, which was no mean feat. Sanders, meanwhile, worked to paint Clinton as a mealy-mouthed candidate of a broken status quo. Ahem - HuffPo: Sanders (I-Vt.) argued during Thursdays Democratic debate that the Palestinian people should be treated with dignity and that the United States shouldnt always kowtow to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Hours earlier, Sanders campaign suspended its new Jewish outreach director for advocating the exact same positions. #mediabuzz - Host Howard Kurtz breaks down the Democratic debate coverage in wake of a spirited battle between Clinton and Sanders New York. Watch Sunday at 11 a.m. ET, with a second airing at 5 p.m. Big Obama donors slow to warm to Hillary - Bloomberg: At least 33 of the 145 political donors who gave $25,000 or more in 2012 to Priorities USA, the super-PAC that backed Obamas re-election and now supports Clintons bid, have yet to contribute to either Clinton's campaign or affiliated outside committees, according to a Bloomberg analysis of the most recently available Federal Election Commission records Some longtime Democratic donors have been quiet so far, including trial lawyer and Baltimore Orioles owner Peter Angelos, Sun Microsystems co-founder Vinod Khosla, and former San Francisco Giants CEO Bill Neukom. [Dem delegate count: Clinton 1758; Sanders 1069 (2,383 needed to win)] THERES A NEW DOG IN TOWN Fox News: Move over, German shepherds. A new police dog is coming to town. Russian police are hoping to turn Welsh corgis the preferred breed of Britains Queen Elizabeth into bomb-sniffing hounds that can squeeze into tight spaces during search operations, state news agency RIA Novosti reports. It is not certain that they will be able to join the ranks of service dogs, but even if they dont the experiment will be interesting for everyone. We will try out the breed in search operations, said Elena Haikova, head of Moscows canine unit. Haikova believes the low height of the corgis will make them effective in sniffing out contraband or bombs in tight spaces. Chris Stirewalt is digital politics editor for Fox News. Sally Persons contributed to this report. Want FOX News First in your inbox every day? Sign up here. Using high-tech scanning equipment, scientists in Australia have discovered that in the battle between bed bugs and humans, some of the insects wield thicker exoskeletons, making them more resistant to insecticide. Bed bugs are a source of itchy misery and expense for those whose homes are infested, and the number of such infestations have increased in a dramatic way since 2000, according to a new study in the journal PLOS ONE. Related: 17-year cicadas set to invade the Northeast To better understand what makes some bedbugs more resistant than others, scientists at the University of Sydney conducted an experiment. They used bed bugs that were obtained in 2012 in suburban Australia from a single, domestic, field infestation as well as a laboratory strain, the study reports. Before the testing, they even let the bugs have a blood meal from anesthetized rats. They then tested the bugs resistance to insecticide by putting them on paper treated with the toxin. While they found that the laboratory strain of bedbug succumbed quickly to insecticide, the responses from the wild bugs varied. Depending on how long it took those bugs to get knocked down by the toxin, the scientists divided them into groups they dubbed intolerant, tolerant, and resistant. Using an scanning electron microscope, the scientists measured the cuticles, or exoskeletons, of bugs from the different groups. They found that the more resistant the bug, the thicker its shell. In fact, the pests in the resistant category had cuticles that were 16 percent thicker than the bugs in the intolerant group. The resistant bugs cuticles were also thicker than the bugs from the laboratory strain that was so susceptible to the insecticide. Related: San Diego Zoo hatches near-extinct 'tree lobster' insects The new findings reveal that one way bed bugs beat insecticides is by developing a thicker 'skin', David Lilly, a PhD candidate at the University of Sydney and the studys first author, said in a statement. Lilly added that research might be able to help scientists understand how to better fight the parasites. "If we understand the biological mechanisms bed bugs use to beat insecticides, we may be able to spot a chink in their armour that we can exploit with new strategies," he said. next Image 1 of 2 prev Image 2 of 2 Russia offered to fly Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos beyond the moon for a mere $200 million, but the billionaire entrepreneur said no. Of course, Bezos who is also CEO of the spaceflight company Blue Origin should be able to take a flight to suborbital space on Blue Origin's New Shepard vehicle in the near future. Bezos mentioned the opportunity to fly on a Soyuz craft Tuesday during a "fireside chat" with science journalist Alan Boyle at the 32nd National Space Symposium (NSS) in Colorado Springs, Colorado. NSS is one of the largest spaceflight industry meetings in the world. [Photos: Glimpses of Secretive Blue Origin's Private Spaceships] Boyle asked Bezos whether he would go to space, and Bezos said he intended to fly on New Shepard, which Blue Origin representatives have said will start carrying humans by 2017. Bezos added that he established Blue Origin back in 2000 not out of a personal desire to go to space but rather because he wants to help make spaceflight cheaper, safer and more accessible to everyone. This line of questioning led to the revelation that Roscosmos, the Russian federal space agency, approached Bezos to take a ride on Russia's Soyuz capsule, which is the only vehicle that currently carries humans into space. Roscosmos officials inquired about Bezos' desire to ride a Soyuz craft to the International Space Station (ISS), the capsule's usual destination. The Soyuz has flown a handful of wealthy space tourists to and from the ISS before, at about $20 million per seat. "I'm definitely in their target market," Bezos told Boyle. Roscosmos also offered Bezos the chance to do a flyby of the moon a capability that the Soyuz was built for but that has not been tested. The lunar mission would cost Bezos about $200 million, he said. The high price tag was an issue, as was the fact that the Soyuz hasn't yet been tested on a lunar flyby. Roscosmos responded by saying it would test the vehicle for him, for an additional $400 million. Bezos turned the Russian officials down. A spaceflight golden age The talk between Bezos and Boyle covered many aspects of Blue Origin's current goals, including getting its BE-4 engine into operation in the company's orbital vehicle, as well as in rockets built by United Launch Alliance. But Bezos' dreams go far beyond those goals. He reiterated his long-term vision of having "millions of people living and working in space," but went farther to say that Earth should eventually conduct most of its manufacturing in space and use the planet's surface primarily for habitation. [3D Printing in Space: 21st Century Space Manufacturing and Technology] Boyle first asked Bezos to compare the landscape for startups in the spaceflight industry today with the landscape for tech startups in the mid-1990s, when Bezos founded Amazon.com. Bezos said he thinks the massive growth of internet-based companies over the past two decades was possible largely because those companies could build upon pre-existing infrastructure. For example, phone companies had already built the international infrastructure to allow people to connect to the internet, even though that was not part of the original purpose of phone lines. Moreover, the existence of remote payment systems and the post office allowed Amazon.com to sell products over the internet and ship them all over the world, Bezos said. But a similar infrastructure is missing for the spaceflight industry, he noted. "If you want to see a kind of dynamic golden age where thousands of entrepreneurs can be doing amazing things in space the reason we haven't seen it is, the big, heavy-lifting pieces are not yet in place," Bezos said. "And there may be multiple things that have to happen before you can see that kind of giant leap, but I don't think so. I really think it's just one big piece: We need much lower-cost access to space." Blue Origin may help change that, Bezos said. One of the primary pillars that set Blue Origin apart from most (though not all) other spaceflight companies is its emphasis on reusable rockets, which would "make access to space much lower-cost, so entrepreneurs can do exciting things in space." On April 2, Blue Origin successfully launched and landed one of its New Shepard suborbital rockets. After separating from the company's space capsule (which is built to carry humans on suborbital flights), the rocket used its thrusters to land vertically on the ground. This same rocket had launched and landed twice before, so Blue Origin is making big strides in its quest for reusability. Blue Origin has said that its suborbital vehicle will provide commercial trips to space for civilians. It will also serve as a place to do scientific experiments in microgravity, or test technologies that will eventually go into orbit. Into orbit Blue Origin is not the only company pursuing reusable rocket boosters: The private spaceflight company SpaceX recently made its second reusable rocket landing this time, on a robotic "drone ship" off the coast of Florida. (SpaceX's first such landing occurred on land, at Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.) Whereas New Shepard touched down after missions to suborbital space, SpaceX's rocket landings occurred during launches that sent payloads to orbit. [See photos of SpaceX's recent rocket landing at sea] Blue Origin plans to get into the orbital spaceflight game as well. In the same way that Amazon.com began as an online bookseller and then expanded into selling a wide array of items, as well as other ventures, Bezos said "suborbital space tourism might be the 'books' equivalent for Blue Origin." Blue Origin is building an orbital vehicle that it has nicknamed "Very Big Brother," which is also being designed to be reusable. Bezos said the vertical landing approach that the company is using with New Shepard can be scaled up to bigger rockets. "In terms of that landing segment, which is the most challenging segment of this type of mission, that part just gets easier with scale," Bezos said. "In fact, in general, rockets want to be big. The bigger, the better, as far as vertical landing is concerned." Very Big Brother will be powered by the company's BE-4 engine, which Blue Origin has a contract to sell to United Launch Alliance (ULA), which currently builds its Atlas V rockets using refurbished Russian rocket engines. On this point, Bezos noted that ULA launches many national-security payloads and that the BE-4 engine will therefore help keep the United States strong and safe. "Me and all of us at Blue Origin find the fact that we will get to help with the national-security missions incredibly motivating," he said. Finally, Boyle asked Bezos to talk more about the distant future of humans in space. Bezos said he believes in increasing Earth's energy consumption because it allows people to live better lives. But he also emphasized his belief that humanity should expand into space in order to protect Earth from that growing energy appetite. In fact, Bezos said he thinks a majority of manufacturing facilities could eventually be moved into space, leaving the surface of the planet free for habitation. "I think we need to explore and utilize space in order to save the Earth," Bezos said. "So we are going to go into space, and we need to do so in order to continue to grow our civilization and to keep this jewel of a planet the way it is. And I think we will do that." Editor's Recommendations A supersonic plane recently zoomed past the sun, and its light-bending shock waves were captured in a stunning new image. The plane, a T-38C manned by a pilot for the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School, was photographed using an updated version of a 150-year-old technique called Schlieren photography. Schlieren photography typically uses a bright light source and a speckled background to reveal changes in the density of air. Shock waves squish and stretch air, changing the air density. That, in turn, alters how light rays bounce off the air, and these changes show up in a shadow image. [Supersonic! The 11 Fastest Military Planes] Old technique, new spin In the past, Schlieren photography required a very bright light source and some complicated optics. As a result, it was typically performed only on supersonic planes in wind tunnels. However, NASA recently developed new methods of Schlieren photography, in which the sun or the moon forms both a luminous source and the mottled background needed for the images. NASA has been working on the project in an effort to design quieter supersonic jets. The Federal Aviation Administration has banned the ear-splitting jets from flying over unrestricted air space since 1973, because of their incredibly loud sonic booms. But if scientists better understand the shock-wave structure, they can predict when and where the shock wave is the loudest, according to NASA. In turn, this could help designers craft supersonic jets that produce quieter booms. NASA recently awarded a $20 million contract to Lockheed Martin to design a quieter supersonic jet. Early test flights could begin as soon as 2020, assuming funding continues. Several companies are currently working on supersonic jets. For instance, Spike Aerospace is developing a commercial airliner that could speed from New York City to London in a mere 3 hours. The plane would fly at Mach 1.8, or 1.8 times the speed of sound. A more pie-in-the-sky (or plane in the sky?) idea aims to zoom people between the two big cities in just 30 minutes. That concept, called the Skreemr, would need a "magnetic rail-gun launching" system to take off and fly at 10 times the speed of sound, or about 7,600 mph. Copyright 2016 LiveScience, a Purch company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. U.S. officials said Thursday that an unidentified company was defrauded out of nearly $100 million by individuals who used a fake email to pose as one of its vendors. Reuters reported the U.S. government has filed a civil forfeiture lawsuit in federal court in New York seeking to recover nearly $25 million derived from the fraud which is being held in approximately 20 bank accounts around the world. Authorities said about $74 million has been returned to the company, according to Reuters. Tom Brown, the managing director of Berkeley Research Groups cyber security practice, told Reuters the lawsuit appears to be the largest email scam that Ive seen." The email scheme is believed to have taken place between August and September after a Cyprus-based bank identified some suspicious transfers, authorities said. The fraudsters carried out the scheme by creating a fake email address posing as one of the companys legitimate vendors in Asia. The individuals posed as a vendor while communicating with a separate company that was hired to handle the logistics of vendor payments to the American company, the complaint said. The American company sent $98.9 million meant for the vendor to a bank account in Cyprus, according to the suit. Authorities said at least $25 million was laundered through separate accounts in Cyprus, Latvia, Hungary, Estonia, Lithuania, Slovakia and Hong Kong. The Cyprus bank was able to restrain nearly $74 million. Authorities believe that this case is the latest example of fraudsters targeting businesses with foreign suppliers or that regularly complete wire transfers. The FBI issued an alert to companies last week that businesses have lost $2.3 billion globally from wire fraud from October 2013 to February of this year. Click for more from Reuters. Captain Mickey Mouse is officially set to expand his horizons as Disney Cruise Line will embark on new itineraries in summer 2017. Deploying the entire fleet of the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, highlighted destinations will include new Alaskan and European ports, extended Caribbean sailings and more of Disneys private island, Castaway Cay. Alaska The Disney Wonder will head north again in 2017, calling on fan favorites like Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway while traversing Tracy Arm Fjord, and making inaugural visits as well. It will be the first season that the cruise line stops at Icy Strait Point and sails up to Hubbard Glacier. A new 9-night itinerary will hit it all leaving from Vancouver, British Columbia, on July 24, 2017. Adventures like one of the longest and tallest zip lines in the world will await guests at Icy Strait Point, and Hubbard Glacier will enchant as the largest tidewater glacier in North America and a great spot to witness natural dramatic ice calving. Other Alaskan itineraries include a 7-night sailing that features Icy Strait Point plus Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan on July 17, 2017 incidentally, the 62nd anniversary of Disneylands opening and a 5-night featuring Tracy Arm and Ketchikan on Aug. 2, 2017. Europe While the Disney Wonder is in Alaska, the Disney Magic will be making its run in Europe, including inaugural calls at Amsterdam, Netherlands and Portland, England, with access to the legendary Stonehenge, in 2017. May 13, 2017 will mark the start of the ships 15-night trans-Atlantic crossing from Port Canaveral, Florida to Copenhagen, Denmark. Both maiden calls and the one of seven wonders of the medieval world will be celebrated on the cruise. (To infinity and) beyond will be a 10-night northern European itinerary that goes to Amsterdam, Netherlands; Warnemunde (Berlin), Germany; Stockholm, Sweden; Helsinki, Finland; St. Petersburg, Russia; and Tallinn, Estonia between Copenhagen, Denmark and Dover, England on June 18, 2017. Other 2017 European itineraries will again showcase the Baltic, Norwegian fjords, Iceland, British Isles and the Mediterranean. The Caribbean Departing from Disney Cruise Lines original homeport Port Canaveral, Florida the Caribbean will continue to be a hallmark destination. In summer 2017, the Disney Fantasy will embark on its first voyages longer than a week, since originally sailing from Europe, on 10- and 11-night deep southern Caribbean circuits. June 17, 2017 will be an 11-night sailing to Aruba, Barbados, Martinique, St. Kitts, Tortola and Castaway Cay; and June 28, 2017 will be a 10-night sailing to Aruba, Curacao, St. Kitts, Tortola and Castaway Cay. Speaking of Castaway Cay, the Disney-exclusive Bahamian island will be frequented even more with double calls on select Disney Dream sailings: 5-night cruises leaving on June 2, 11, 16, 25, 30 and July 9, 2017; and 4-night cruises departing on June 7, 21 and July 5, 2017. Both itineraries will also feature a stop at Nassau, Bahamas. For more information, visit Disney Cruise Lines website here. More from TravelPulse 5 Tips for Traveling While in the Middle of a Name Change Who Wins in a Car-Plane Race Between Qantas and Tesla? 20 Jobs For Professionals Traveling Abroad Confused About The New Airline Pricing Structure? ASTA Is Here To Help Disney's Hollywood Studios' New 'Star Wars' Show Looks Amazing Daring air passengers have been known to smuggle many odd things in and out of airports. But customs officials in Vietnam were surprised to discover what one passenger was hiding in his trousers on Monday. The man was caught at Tan Son Nhat Airport in Ho Chi Minh City allegedly trying to illegally smuggle live birds including endangered species to Taiwan by strapping them to his legs inside his pants and attempting to board an aircraft. The man also allegedly packed several live birds inside his luggage, bringing the total of live birds found in the mans possession to 18, including 11 varieties listed as endangered species. They included singing birds such as the white-rumped shama, oriental shama and melodious laughing thrush, Thanhnien News reported. Photographs released by the airport show the man pulling up his trousers to reveal the live birds partially hidden in pouches and strapped to his legs. The others were housed in boxes in his luggage. Scientists told Vietnam news agency Hoanhapthe 11 protected species were strictly banned from export. The man, who customs officials said was a Vietnamese national, is now being investigated by authorities. The illegal trade of wildlife is a major international problem and is believed to be a $10 billion-a-year business. A study by researchers from Indonesia and New Jerseys Princeton University last year found the problem was most intense in south east Asia, where bird species are being threatened by a booming black market trade. Eagle-eyed customs officials have been working to arrest the trafficking of live birds across Asias borders. In October, a Singaporean man was sentenced to nine weeks in jail for smuggling live birds into Singapore and an additional three weeks in jail for animal cruelty. His collection of nine birds included the in-demand melodious laughing thrush and white-rumped shama varieties. A 37-year-old man was arrested as he tried to board a passenger ship with the animals at the Port of Tanjung Perak in Surabaya. The live birds, some of which were made very weak under the conditions, were freed and taken for medical treatment. Had they made it to their intended destination, the critically endangered birds would have fetched up to a whopping $1,200 each on the black market. A major investigation by the Australian Crime Commission in 2012 linked wildlife trafficking from Australia to organised crime groups in Asia, where Australian birds among other animals are illegally bred in captivity. A University of South Alabama student was charged with violating the schools code of conduct after campus police caught him on campus wearing an empty gun holster, in an incident recorded on video. D.J. Parten, a junior from Mobile, said he was stopped Wednesday, detained for more than 30 minutes and then issued a citation that required him to meet with the Dean of Students, Al.com reported Thursday. Officials said they ultimately dismissed the citation after taking a closer look at the case. South Alabama spokesman Bob Lowry told the news outlet it all started when campus police responded to a report of a person in the Student Center who may have been carrying an "unconcealed" weapon. USAPD officers arrived at the location and following an on-site interview with a student wearing an empty gun holster, issued a campus judicial citation to the student, he said. Upon further investigation, it has been determined that the citation should not have been issued and it has been rescinded, Lowry said, adding that University Police were conducting an internal investigation of the matter. Parten told the website he is acting president of the USA chapter of Students for Concealed Carry. Each spring the organization holds a nationwide empty holster protest against rules prohibiting weapons on campus. In a seven-minute video posted on Campus Reform, a campus police officer asks Parent where the weapon is that is meant to go in the holster. I dont have it, he tells the officer, according to Al.com. Would you like a copy of the Constitution?" Could the mundane drudgery of writing shopping lists in 600 B.C. be the key to an important discovery about the Bible? Thats exactly what experts from Tel Aviv University are hoping to prove, the New York Times has reported. The findings concern Eliashib, who was the quartermaster of a distant fortress and who received his military direction through writings on pieces of pottery. To Eliashib: And now, give the Kittiyim 3 baths of wine, and write the name of the day, one of the inscriptions read. The words are scrawled in ancient Hebrew in the Aramaic alphabet. And a full homer of wine, bring tomorrow; dont be late. And if there is vinegar, give it to them, another one of the texts read. While the inscriptions dont seem like much of anything, an analysis of the writings has scholars proposing that literacy in 600 B.C. in the Holy Land might have been more common than originally acknowledged. This discovery could contribute fresh understanding of when the Bible was actually written. The study, "based on a trove of about 100 letters inscribed in ink on pieces of pottery, known as ostracons, that were unearthed near the Dead Sea," as the Times noted, was released this week from the proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. The researchers essentially used an algorithm to distinguish between the various authors of the texts. After the analysis, the scholars came to the conclusion that of the 18 different inscriptions, at least six people contributed to writing them during the same period of time. But here's the twist: It seems the analysis could prove that lower ranking soldiers in the Judahite army were literate. When Eliashib commanded the fort, there were roughly 30 soldiers stationed there. Given the wealth of writings with all sorts of recordings from many different individuals during this short amount of time, the lower ranking soldiers could have been contributing and therefore, were literate. If the same ratio of those who could read and write at Eliashib's fort was applied to the entire population which was about 100,000 at the time hundreds of people would have been literate. "There is something psychological beyond the statistics," Prof. Israel Finkelstein, who heads the project and is from the Department of Archaeology and Ancient Near Eastern Civilizations at Tel Aviv University, told the New York Times. "There is an understanding of the power of literacy. And they wrote well, with hardly any mistakes." "There is no such thing as consensus in biblical studies these days," Prof. Edward Greenstein from Bar-Ilan University, near Tel Aviv, also told the Times. "The process of transmission was much more complicated than scholars used to think." This study could be the key to what researchers have discussed for years whether the Bible was written in real time, or years later in retrospect. The argument that it was not written in real time due to a lack of widespread literacy might be dead in the water. A longtime fugitive and Boston Mafia associate who spent years on the lam as an Idaho rancher was sentenced Thursday for unlawful possession of firearms U.S. District Judge Edward Lodge sentenced Enrico M. Ponzo, aka Jay Shaw, to serve 46 months in prison. Half of that prison sentence will be completed after he finishes a separate 28 year prison sentence in Boston. In 2013, a jury found him guilty of two counts of attempted murder and numerous other charges. As part of a plea agreement, officials say Ponzo admitted that he knowingly possessed 33 firearms in February 2011 after having been convicted of felony assault and battery. The FBI and U.S. Marshals arrested Ponzo in Marsing, Idaho, in February 2011, 16 years after he fled Boston. A 76-year-old retired police officer from Washington state who was tried and convicted in 2012 in the abduction and killing of a 7-year-old Illinois schoolgirl in 1957 will be released from prison pending a new trial, a judge ordered Friday. The judge said he made his decision based on records that support Jack McCullough's claim he was 40 miles away when second-grader Maria Ridulph was kidnapped. The evidence includes newly discovered phone records. In 2012, a different judge convicted Jack McCullough in Maria's death, in one of the oldest unsolved U.S. cases ever to go to trial. McCullough was sentenced to life in prison. Forest hikers found the girl's remains five months after her disappearance in Sycamore, about 70 miles west of Chicago. She was playing in the snow the last time she was seen alive. DeKalb County State's Attorney Richard Schmack conducted a six-month review of evidence and concluded that McCullough could not have killed Maria, citing the new evidence. On Friday, McCullough appeared shaken by Judge William P. Brady's decision at first, rocking back and forth, then taking a deep breath. Family members behind him hugged and cried. Moments later, McCullough looked back and smiled broadly. On the other side of the room, Maria's brother and sister displayed little emotion. A few hours later, McCullough's stepdaughter, Janey O'Connor, drove McCullough away from a jail near the courthouse. McCullough, wearing street clothes, smiled broadly to reporters from the back seat. It wasn't clear until the last minute that Brady would rule as he did. "Rest assured I am not trying this case... You will not hear the words, 'Mr. McCullough is guilty' or 'Mr. McCullough is not guilty' coming from my mouth." Maria's disappearance made headlines nationwide in the 1950s, when reports of child abductions were rare. She had been playing outside in the snow with a friend on Dec. 3, 1957, when a young man approached, introduced himself as "Johnny" and offered them piggyback rides. Maria's friend dashed home to grab mittens, and when she came back, Maria and the man were gone. At trial, prosecutors said McCullough was Johnny, because he went by John Tessier in his youth. They said McCullough, then 18, dragged Maria away, choked and stabbed her to death. Schmack, who wasn't involved in McCullough's case and was elected to the state's attorney post as McCullough's trial came to an end, filed a scathing report with the court last month that appeared to pick the case apart, point-by-point. McCullough's long-held alibi was that he was in Rockford, attempting to enlist with the U.S. Air Force at a military recruiting station, on the night Maria disappeared. Schmack said newly discovered phone records proved McCullough had, as he long-claimed, made a collect call to his parents at 6:57 p.m. from a phone booth in downtown Rockford -- which is 40 miles northwest of where Maria was abducted between 6:45 p.m. and 6:55 p.m. Schmack also reviewed police reports and hundreds of other documents, including from the Air Force recruitment office, which he said had been improperly barred at trial. In his review he said the documents contained "a wealth of information pointing to McCullough's innocence, and absolutely nothing showing guilt." He also noted that Maria's friend had identified McCullough as the killer five decades later from an array of six photographs; McCullough's picture stood out, partially because everyone but him wore suitcoats and their photos were professional yearbook pictures. Maria's murder haunted the Sycamore for decades, and McCullough's conviction four years ago seemed to bring some closure. Those wounds now threaten to reopen. Members of her family remain convinced that McCullough is guilty and have sought the appointment of a special prosecutor in an attempt to keep him behind bars. Maria's brother, 70-year-old Charles Ridulph, still lives in Sycamore and has said that his family feels let down by the state prosecutor's office about-face. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said Thursday he supports the goal of offering one free year of college education to all of those who graduate from the citys school district. Garcetti announced his support in his State of the City address touting Los Angeles improving job numbers, and painted a picture of a strong future for the city, according to City News Service. His target for the Los Angeles Unified School District is part of an effort to meet President Obamas call to make community college free. "Tonight Los Angeles will become the largest city in the nation to commit ourselves to a new goal: every hardworking student who graduates from LAUSD will receive one free year of community college," Garcetti said. School board member Scott Svonkin told City News Service the mayor is expected to help the citys community colleges with a $3 million fundraising effort with the goal to implement this proposed program within a year. The college district plans to match any funds that Garcetti is able to raise. Speaking from the factory floor of Noribachi, an LED maker near the Port of Los Angeles, Garcetti said he slashed the city unemployment rate in half from 12 percent in 2013 and the city has also gained 109,000 news jobs. Noribachi relocated from New Mexico to Los Angeles in 2012. Garcetti touted how well Noribachi has done since its move in an effort to illustrate Los Angeles attractiveness as a tech-friendly place to do business, according to City News Service. "We helped launch them, because they reflect who we are as Angelenos, and who we want to be as a city -- they're high-tech, they're inventive, they're green and they're global," he said. Noribachi makes customized LEDs. The business has seen its revenues increase 340 percent and the amount of employees have doubled to 170. Garcetti also touched on his plan to put 260 new cops on the street, fix more broken sidewalks, fight the growing homelessness problem and create jobs for reformed gang members. KABC-TV reported that Garcetti urged residents to support his vision for the city to fix the problems the city has faced in recent years. "If Kobe Bryant could post 60 points and lead his team to victory in his final game, come on guys we can do this," he said. Click for more from KTTV. next Image 1 of 3 prev next Image 2 of 3 prev Image 3 of 3 A 76-year-old man serving a life sentence for the 1957 slaying of an Illinois schoolgirl is hoping to be set free after a prosecutor re-examined evidence and concluded the former Washington state security guard couldn't have committed the crime. Jack McCullough was convicted in 2012 in the killing of 7-year-old Maria Ridulph, in one of the oldest unsolved cases to go to trial. Defense lawyers will argue why McCullough should be released at a hearing Friday. DeKalb County State's Attorney Richard Schmack agrees that McCullough should be freed. Schmack says old and new evidence proves McCullough was 35 miles away when the second-grader was abducted as she played in the snow in Sycamore, Illinois. Maria's body was found months later. A Manhattan judge Thursday made a surprise plea offer to the nanny who stabbed to death two young children in the bathtub of their Upper West Side apartment despite the fact parents Kevin and Marina Krim are ready and willing to testify against her. Justice Gregory Carro made the generous offer of 30 years to life in prison, the minimum sentence for the two murder counts, to Yoselyn Ortega in exchange for her guilty plea to the shocking murders of Lucia Krim, 6, and Leo Krim, 2, in October 2012. Through her attorney, Ortega, 53, rejected the deal, which would have made her eligible for parole by age 80. The defendant does not wish to accept that at this time, said defense attorney Valerie Van Leer-Greenberg. Ortega, wearing her usually unruly hair freshly straightened, had no expression. The stunning offer was made over the objection of prosecutors. The People believe the only appropriate sentence is life without parole, said prosecutor Stuart Silberg. The family is behind that, the family will testify, the family does not want that to be the disposition in this case and in their words they want her never to be out. Ortega used two kitchen knives in her attack on the helpless children. Lucia suffered defensive wounds from bravely trying to fight her off. Click for more from The New York Post. Authorities are searching Friday for a missing 33-year-old Marine from Ohio who served multiple combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Hamilton County Sheriffs Office has issued a critical missing person alert for Anthony Tony Pastura, who was last seen in the Cincinnati area on Monday. "Anthony suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and has made previous suicidal threats, police said in a statement. Pastura -- a Marine from one of the heaviest-hit units of the Iraq War -- is possibly driving a dark blue, 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee with an Ohio Licence Plate 169YIE, authorities said. A family friend of Pastura's told Fox affiliate WXIX that his cellphone pinged somewhere along the Arizona-New Mexico border on Tuesday. Police did not confirm the cellphone ping. A spokesman from the Hamilton County Sherriff's Office told FoxNews.com Friday morning that there have been no known sightings of Pastura. Pastura served as a mortarman with Columbus-based Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines, according to MilitaryTimes.com. Pastura left the Reserve as a sergeant in December 2012. Pastura reportedly received the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon and two Selected Marine Corps Reserve Medals. "He's the most energetic, loving guy," family friend Annie Ey said at a prayer service for Pastura on Wednesday, WXIX reported. "He's a great father," added Ey, who said she last saw Pastura about a week ago. "He's had his ups and downs but he seemed OK," she said. "He seemed like he was on the upswing of things." Anyone with information on Pastura's whereabouts is urged to contact detectives at 513-851-6000 or CrimeStoppers at 513-352-3040. FoxNews.com's Cristina Corbin contributed to this report. Click for more from Fox 19. A letter from a top Pentagon official has brought comfort to the widows of two Marine pilots at the controls of a MV-22 Osprey that crashed in the Arizona desert 16 years ago, killing 19 Marines. Test pilots Lt. Col. John Brow and Maj. Brooks Gruber were flying the revolutionary aircraft when it crashed April 8, 2000 during an exercise in Marana, and for 16 years their widows had challenged the Defense Departments verdict that pilot error was the primary cause, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported Friday. Now Connie Gruber and Trish Brow say they've been vindicated. In an unusual move, Deputy Secretary of Defense Robert Work acknowledged in a letter last month that its impossible to point to a single fatal factor that caused this crash. Its just a burden lifted, Gruber, of North Carolina, told the paper. Because for all these years, weve had to feel the weight of, not only did they cause their own deaths, but the deaths of 17 other Marines. That was hard to bear. She added, They could not rest in peace until this record was set straight. Brow said Works letter softened the sting of this years anniversary of the crash. Its not quite as painful, she told the paper. Theres not quite the injustice. Rep. Walter Jones (R-N.C.) told the Union-Tribune the pilots were convenient targets because the Pentagon needed the troubled Osprey program to continue and succeed. It was too easy to let the blame be on those who cant defend themselves, so the plane cant be blamed and the software cant be blamed, Jones said. The Osprey performs like an airplane and a helicopter but became controversial over its performance and cost. Since the crash, the U.S. used the Osprey frequently on the battlefields of Afghanistan and Iraq. Police say a man charged with stealing a television in Connecticut 27 years ago flew from his Florida home and voluntarily turned himself in last weekend after recently learning there was a warrant out for this arrest. Police in Norwalk, Connecticut, tell The Hour newspaper that 60-year-old Randy Iannacone, of Port St. Lucie, Florida, arrived at headquarters Sunday with the letter notifying him of the warrant. Iannacone was arrested and charged with third-degree larceny. He was released with a promise to appear in court next week. The charge stemmed from the 1989 theft of a television from the Norwalk Jewish Center, where Iannacone worked as a custodian. Lieutenant Paul Resnick says it was "pretty cool" that Iannacone turned himself in. Iannacone didn't immediately respond to the paper's requests for comment. Pro-life advocates are pushing for new restrictions on abortions in Ohio a move that has become more common in recent years. The pro-life lobby is in favor of legislation that would outlaw abortion after 20 weeks of pregnancy, and also after a Down Syndrome diagnosis has been made. Pro-lifers gathered Tuesday at the Ohio House and Senate in Columbus to show their support for the legislative changes to be made before recess, which is in June. Also, Keith Faber, the Senate president and a Republican, has said there will probably be legislation passed concerning the requirement of burial or cremation of fetal remains. The two proposals in Ohio seek to clarify existing laws and help ensure the unborn are treated with dignity, the bills Republican sponsors say. On Wednesday, abortion advocates came out in Columbus to articulate their side of the argument. But the trend seems to be shifting more towards the Right in recent years. Since 1991, 81 percent of all abortion clinics have been closed, with much of that change happening in the most recent years, according to an Operation Rescue Survey. The survey also shows that today, the United States has 517 surgical abortion clinics and 213 medication abortion clinics. This is the lowest number of such clinics in the past few decades. In 2015, 53 abortion clinics closed, while another 28 reduced services. "We have a pro-life state going here, but there is never enough until abortion ends," Paul Coudron, the executive director of Dayton Right to Life, told Dayton Daily News. Kellie Copeland of NARAL ProChoice Ohio has also been vocal on the subject. "What is sad is that the Ohio Legislature has been so gerrymandered that these politicians have chosen their constituents," she told the Dayton Daily News. "And Ohio voters have been disenfranchised. Anti-choice advocates are exploiting that to pass legislation that does not have the support of the majority of Ohioans and which endangers womens health." This is not the first time the Ohio legislature has mandated restrictions on abortion. The legislative body has been passing laws like this one for years. Among the restrictions passed in Ohio: Ultrasounds are required before an abortion procedure; Planned Parenthood has been defunded; abortion clinics are required to have transfer agreements with a hospital, or have a waiver: public hospitals are not to have transfer agreements with clinics; abortion has been outlawed after 20 weeks: and state rape counselor are not to mention abortion as an option. Ohio has joined many other states in putting stringent restrictions on abortion. A high school band director in Louisiana has been arrested after authorities say he was found hiding in a 16-year-old girl's closet. News outlets report officials say 30-year-old Jeremy Conner was charged Wednesday with indecent behavior with a juvenile. Ascension Parish Sheriff's Lt. Col. Bobby Webre said in a statement Thursday that detectives began investigating the incident and learned Conner had been communicating with the girl since last year. He says Conner told deputies he sent inappropriate text messages to the teenager. Conner is listed on Westgate High School's website as the band instructor. Iberia Parish Schools Superintendent Dale Henderson said in a statement that Conner is currently absent without leave. Webre says more charges are possible. It's unclear whether Conner has an attorney. Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani traveled to Moscow once again to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other high ranking officials in defiance of a United Nations ban forbidding him from international travel, multiple intelligence sources tell Fox News. This marked Soleimanis second trip to Moscow since July, days after a landmark nuclear agreement between Iran and world powers was reached on July 14. Fox News learned Soleimani has departed Moscow, opting to return to Tehran after one day instead of a planned two-day trip. This marks the first face-to-face meeting between Soleimani and Putin since the Russian president ordered his military to begin a partial withdrawal of forces from Syria last month. Soleimani arrived in Moscow from Tehran early Thursday morning via private jet, a charter operated by Mahan Air, an Iranian airline. This week, Russia sent its first component of the advanced S-300 air defense system to Tehran, a delivery planned during Soleimanis last trip to Moscow. Using a private jet to travel to Moscow indicates that Soleimani wants to avoid public disclosure of his clandestine travels. Sources say that he has canceled a number of trips to Moscow recently, fearing that he would be exposed. Soleimani was first designated a terrorist and sanctioned by the United States in 2005 for his role as a supporter of terrorism. He is responsible for coordinating Shia-militias that killed hundreds of American troops in Iraq during the second Iraq war. In October 2011, the U.S. Treasury Department tied Soleimani to the failed Iranian plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador to the United States at a popular restaurant in Washington, D.C. Soleimanis Quds Force is part of Irans Revolutionary Guard, charged with supporting proxy forces in the Middle East, particularly in Iraq, Lebanon and Yemen, in addition to Syria. At one point, Iran sent a few thousand troops to Syria to defend the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. The Quds Force reports directly to Irans Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Last weekend, Khamenei tweeted a photo of a gathering of his military commanders. A close-up photo of Soleimani was among the photos sent out. In early March, Russia pulled out more than a dozen fighter jets from Syria, but dozens more remain. Moscow has recently sent its most advanced helicopter gunships to Syria to help Syrian forces battle ISIS in the historic city of Palmyra, an indication that Russia does not plan a complete withdrawal any time soon. Sources tell Fox News Irans leadership was surprised by Putins decision to withdraw some of his forces and wants to coordinate next steps in Syria. Since his last visit to Moscow in July, Soleimani has been seen in photos on social media leading Iranian-backed forces in Syria, including Hezbollah, not far from where the Russian military has established an air base in Latakia along the Mediterranean coast. Months after Soleimanis visit to Moscow, Russia began its deployment of military aircraft and troops to Syria to shore up Assad. In Moscow in July, Soleimani is believed to have helped Russia draw up plans for its military intervention. Sources told Fox News, first to report Soleimanis trip in July, that Iran wanted Syria to serve as a buffer between ISIS and Hezbollah, a Shia-Islamist group based in Lebanon. In July, five days after Soleimanis first visit to Moscow, Secretary of State John Kerry was asked if the Iranian general would ever receive sanctions relief as part of a deal with Iran. Under the United Statess initiative, Qassem Soleimani will never be relieved of any sanctions, Kerry testified on Capitol Hill. In another embarrassing setback for the North Korean communist regime, a senior U.S. defense official told Fox News late Thursday that North Koreas test of a new intermediate-range ballistic missile failed spectacularly. It blew up on launch, the official said. South Korea's Defense Ministry also said it had failed. North Korea was prepared to launch a new intermediate-range ballistic missile capable of hitting Guam and the Philippines as soon as Friday to celebrate the 104th birthday of the late North Korean founder and leader Kim Il Sung, two U.S. defense officials told Fox News. U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter is currently visiting the Philippines to finalize plans to station U.S. troops there for the first time since 1992, when the Subic Bay naval base closed. The U.S. military has moved thousands of troops onto Guam recently. April 15 is a national holiday in North Korea, known as Day of Sun." The Musudan ballistic missile has a range of nearly 2,500 miles, but it has never been tested by North Korea. Officials say this particular Musudan has been seen on a road launcher, which is a concern to the Pentagon because of its mobility and potential concealment in the future. For the past few years, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has paid respects to his father and grandfather, founder of the communist country, at Kumsusan Place of the Sun on April 15. Last month, despite claims by North Korea that it fired two ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan, two U.S. officials told Fox News that one blew up shortly after liftoff in an embarrassing new development for the North Korean military. Both missiles were Nodong medium-range ballistic missiles, based on the Soviet-era Scud-C missile. North Korea has also launched a series of short-range rockets recently that landed in the Sea of Japan. In February, North Korea launched a satellite into space on Super Bowl Sunday in the United States. The concern among Pentagon officials is that the components used to launch the long-range rocket into space are the same used for an intercontinental ballistic missile. The U.S. Air Forces top officer, Gen. Mark Welsh, told reporters in March that North Korea did not possess the capability to put a nuclear warhead atop one of its long-range ballistic missiles. North Korean leaders a day later said they did. The recent launches of North Korean missiles coincide with annual military exercises between the United States and South Korea involving more than 10,000 troops. Three nuclear-capable B-2 bombers were sent to the region as part of the exercise in a show of force to the North Koreans. Secretary of State John Kerry raised concerns with Russia over news a general from Iran's hardline Revolutionary Guard Corps visited Moscow in defiance of a U.N. travel ban. Fox News reported Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani traveled to Moscow Thursday to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other high ranking officials, his second trip since July. Kerry raised the matter in a conversation Friday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, according to the State Department. The Quds Force has been responsible for killing hundreds of American troops in Iraq. Soleimani is subject to a five-year U.N. travel ban. He cut short his trip to just one day and returned to Iran after it was revealed that he violated U.N. Security Council resolutions, sources tell Fox News. "Such travel, if true, would be a violation" and a "serious matter of concern," State Department spokesman John Kirby said. He didn't outline Lavrov's response to Kerry on the call. In July, five days after Soleimani's first visit to Moscow, Kerry was asked if the Iranian general would ever receive sanctions relief as part of a deal with Iran. "Under the United States' initiative, Qassem Soleimani will never be relieved of any sanctions," Kerry testified on Capitol Hill. The CIA declined comment on the matter when reached by Fox News Friday. Fox News' Lucas Tomlinson and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Secretary of State John Kerry said Thursday the U.S. Navy ship that was buzzed by two Russian warplanes in the Baltic Sea this week could have opened fire under U.S. military rules of engagement. The USS Donald Cook (DDG-75) was conducting flight operations with a Polish helicopter Monday when two Russian Su-24 attack aircraft came within 1,000 yards of the destroyer, flying just 100 feet off the ground. The following day, a Russian jet came within 30 feet of the destroyer. A U.S. defense official described the maneuvers to Fox News as a "simulated attack profile." "We condemn this kind of behavior. It is reckless. It is provocative. It is dangerous. And under the rules of engagement that could have been a shoot-down," Kerry told CNN Espanol in Miami Thursday. In all cases, a military commander has the authority to defend his or her ship, plane or other unit. The commander is expected to use his or her best judgment under the circumstances to determine whether the ship faces an imminent threat. "People need to understand that this is serious business and the United States is not going to be intimidated on the high seas," Kerry added. "We are communicating to the Russians how dangerous this is and our hope is that this will never be repeated." The planes appeared to be unarmed. At the time of the incidents, the Cook was in international waters about 70 nautical miles from the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, which hosts Russian military forces. The Cook did not respond except to unsuccessfully query the Russian pilots by radio. Russian defense officials rejected U.S. criticism of the incident. A spokesman for the Russian defense ministry said earlier Thursday that the pilots of the Su-24 jets saw the ship and turned back while using all measures of precaution. Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said he was baffled by what he described as the "distressed reaction of our American counterparts." The U.S. European Command statement said Wednesday that officials are using diplomatic channels to address the matter. "We have deep concerns about the unsafe and unprofessional Russian flight maneuvers," European Command said in its written statement. "These actions have the potential to unnecessarily escalate tensions between countries, and could result in a miscalculation or accident that could cause serious injury or death." "It may have been in international waters and therefore may not be any violation of international law, but it is still irresponsible behavior," NATO Deputy Secretary General Alexander Vershbow, a former US ambassador to Russia, told the Associated Press. "It illustrates that Russia is contributing to tensions." It was unclear when or if the U.S. government would formally protest the Russian actions, which come at a time of tensions between Washington and Moscow over Russia's annexation of Crimea, its military intervention in eastern Ukraine and fears among former Soviet states in eastern Europe that Russian aggression could threaten their independence. White House press secretary Josh Earnest said the incident was part of a pattern of unsafe Russian aircraft action. "This incident ... is entirely inconsistent with the professional norms of militaries operating in proximity to each other in international waters and international airspace," Earnest said. "There have been repeated incidents over the last year where the Russian military, including Russian military aircraft, have come close enough to each other or have come close enough to other air and sea traffic to raise serious safety concerns. We continue to be concerned about this behavior," he said. The U.S. believes the Russian actions may have violated a 1970s agreement meant to prevent unsafe incidents at sea. The agreement was between the U.S. and the former Soviet Union but remains in force with Russia. Russian jets buzzed the USS Donald Cook in the Black Sea in similarly provocative fashion in April 2014. More recently, a Russian fighter jet intercepted a U.S. Air Force spy plane over the Black Sea in January. Fox News' Lucas Tomlinson, Jennifer Griffin and The Associated Press contributed to this report. The Secretary General of NATO said Thursday the alliance is ready to help fight militants in Libya if it wants military assistance. It is a very difficult and dangerous situation in Libya, Jens Stoltenberg told Sky News. We see fighting, we see turmoil. We see increased presence of (ISIS). Stoltenberg told Sky News that NATO isnt planning a combat mission in Libya. He said the alliance has been in touch with the Libyan government and is ready to disarm militia groups and possibly provide military training in the future. We are ready to help, Stoltenberg said. But they have to request it so we will not send in troops and we will not do any activities in Libya at all without a request from the Libyan government. Britain has provisionally offered to contribute 1,000 troops to an Italian-led training mission. Stoltenberg also condemned flyby of Russian warplanes in the Baltic Sea over a US Navy destroyer that took place Monday. He called Russias behavior unsafe and unprofessional. We've seen several examples of this kind of behavior and it just underlines the importance of transparency of risk reduction, he said. "We're going to have a meeting in the NATO Russia commission next week and one of the issues we're going to address there is exactly military activity and the need for risk reduction transparency. Stoltenberg said that both NATO and Russia have to avoid hostile incidents like the incident in the Baltic Sea and the Turkish shoot down of a Russian plane. "If they do happen they don't spiral out of control and create really dangerous situations." Click for more from Sky News. Kurdish Peshmerga forces arguably the most effective ground troops battling the Islamic State terror group in Iraq have been fighting for the past three months without a paycheck, according to experts and a top official from the region. Unless we get direct [financial] support, we will not be able to continue the way we are currently doing so, Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister for the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), said at a forum held by the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) in Washington on Wednesday. A lack of direct financial support isnt the only problem, according to Talabani. The Kurdish-controlled area of Northern Iraq also has been forced to absorb a loss of more than $100 million a month in declining oil revenues and diminished support from the central Iraqi government in Baghdad. "There are not a lot of jobs. Most of the days I cant find work." Haval Muhammed, Peshmerga fighter The situation is dire. People are not getting paid. Including their frontline troops, said John Hannah, a senior counselor with the FDD and former national security advisor for former Vice President Dick Cheney, told Foxnews.com. Hannah said the Kurds have a lot of issues, including a bloated government that was built on the expectation of a $100 per barrel of oil. The KRG has also taken on almost two million refugees, on top of a population of only five million Kurds, which has put an incredible strain on their finances. They're facing incredible burdens with few good options for relief. They have been cut off from any of their budget from Baghdad, and have no easy access to international debt markets or to the international donor community since they are not a sovereign state, Hannah said. This shortfall has affected not just Peshmerga fighters, but public service like teachers and healthcare workers. But sources familiar with the KRGs current financial issues say its likely they are actually losing hundreds of millions more than officials say. And the lack of payments to Kurdish forces is becoming more of a problem. Some fighters have reportedly gone home to visit their families without returning to the combat zone. Many have begun to look for work elsewhere. Some have pulled double duty, refusing to quit the battle by day but moonlighting as cab drivers or laborers at night. "When I come [home] from the frontlines, I have to work because of my familys needs. It is my responsibility," Haval Muhammed, 28, a Peshmerga fighter from the Sulimani area, told Foxnews.com. Muhammed says he has two disabled daughters, leaving his wife unable to get a job. Along with his Peshmerga work, he said he often finds work in home construction when hes back from the fighting - if the work is available. "There are not a lot of jobs," he said. "Most of the days I cant find work, people don't have money to build houses." KRG officials say that despite the lack of payment, a majority of the Peshmerga have not given up the fight. We are facing many challenges. International community has helped us but we need more, Farhan Jawhar, head of the KRGs Cultural Committee, recently told FoxNews.com. We need more money two years ago [this] started, we are fighting the same enemy as Baghdad, but they cut our funds. The salaries for the Peshmerga havent been paid. How do we stay here fighting? next Image 1 of 3 prev next Image 2 of 3 prev Image 3 of 3 Pope Francis will visit the Greek island of Lesbos Saturday to highlight the plight of the refugees who are fleeing war in the Middle East. His visit is intended to show solidarity with the thousands who have risked their lives in the perilous journey here, and now face an uncertain future in detention camps. Today, 52,000 refugees are trapped in Greece after the Balkan countries closed their borders to block the path to Germany and Sweden. Twelve thousand Syrian refugees, mainly women and children, have been stuck at Greeces northern border with Macedonia. A European agreement with Turkey is designed to stem the tide of refugees seeking safe haven in Europe. They hugged and kissed us. It was like we gave them the world back. Kara Schiff, 41, of Weston, Conn. Approximately a half million people have lost their lives since the beginning of the Syrian civil war in 2011. Five million Syrians have fled their war-ravaged homeland, according to the International Organization for Migration. So far this year, more than 320 refugees have drowned while trying to reach Lesbos, a gateway to Europe thats only a few miles across the Aegean Sea from Turkeys western coast. Kara Schiff, 41, of Weston, Conn., gave Fox News a close-up view of conditions on Lesbos, where she worked in February and March as a volunteer with IsraAid, an Israeli non-profit that helps victims of war and natural disasters throughout the world. IsraAid is one of many humanitarian organizations that have brought volunteers to help with this refugee crisis. Data curated by FindTheData Schiff, an advanced emergency medical technician who works for a Greenwich, Conn., non-profit ambulance service, has seen her share of pain and suffering. But her experience on Lesbos, which she describes as a life-changing one, presented her with situations she could not have imagined. On February 23, she helped deliver a baby boy to a 12-year-old Syrian girl. The girls parents had sold her to a 50-year old man in order to raise money to evacuate the rest of the family, Schiff said. The girl was catatonic. She didnt want any of the male practitioners to help or touch her, said Schiff, describing the birth. That little girl wasnt prepared to be a mother the child wasnt ready to be anything more than a kid. Herself the mother of 4 children, aged 4 to 14, Schiff found this devastating. Many of the refugees are dehydrated, said Schiff, and living on one slice of bread a day. They suffered from hypothermia that was worsened by the cold February water that splashed their rubber boats during the dangerous night crossings. Schiff and other aid workers would wade into the water to rescue the old people and children who were often in dire need of emergency care. One day a fellow volunteer passed a 5-month-old boy to Schiff from a boat that had just been pulled ashore. Turkish smugglers had put the infant on board, while keeping the parents behind at gunpoint, thereby forcing them to pay a second fare to be reunited with their baby. I felt happiness that the child ended up here, Schiff replied when asked what she felt as she held the nameless infant on the rocky Lesbos beach, But sadness because I didnt know what would happen to him without his parents. According to the German broadcaster Deutsche Welle, six thousand minors have been separated from their parents during this largest migration of people since World War II. Germany absorbed more than a million refugees last year. Little comforts often made a big difference, Schiff said. For instance, the volunteers gave a used stroller to the parents of a 6-year-old boy who could not walk because he had no bones in his feet. His mother had to always carry him. They hugged and kissed us, Schiff recalled. It was like we gave them the world back. Schiff said that she and the other volunteers smothered their emotions as they went about their work. They did not allow themselves to express their feelings. And then they found an earless black lamb on the side of a road. They named him George. Schiff bottle-fed George for the time she was on Lesbos. A few days before Schiff returned to the United States, the little lamb died. They buried him in the refugee camp. Georges death gave us an outlet to release our emotions, Schiff said. We all sat down and cried and hugged. Syrian state media says a government delegation has arrived to join the new round of U.N.-mediated peace talks with an umbrella opposition group that began this week in Geneva. The arrival of the Damascus team, led by Syria's U.N. Ambassador Bashar Jaafari, comes amid an escalation in northern Aleppo province that has left 34 dead on both sides. The renewed fighting has undermined the fragility of the cease-fire that has largely held elsewhere in Syria. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says that of those killed in the past 24 hours in the clashes, 14 were pro-government fighters and 20 were militants. U.N. Special Envoy Steffan De Mistura has said he hopes this round will have substantive talks on a peace process to resolve the country's five-year civil war. A Syrian government delegation arrived in Geneva on Friday to join a new round of U.N.-mediated peace talks underway with an umbrella opposition group that seeks to find a resolution to the country's five-year civil war. The arrival of the Damascus team, led by Syria's U.N. Ambassador Bashar Jaafari, comes amid escalating fighting between government forces and insurgents in northern Aleppo province that has killed 34 fighters on both sides over the past 24 hours. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said of those killed, 14 were pro-government fighters and 20 were militants, including members of Syria's Al Qaeda affiliate known as the Nusra Front. The Al Qaeda branch and its more powerful rival, the Islamic State group, are not part of a cease-fire that went into effect at the end of February. The U.S. and Russia-backed truce has held in most of Syria, except in the north, where it has practically collapsed. The Nusra Front is deeply rooted in the areas in northern Syria controlled by opposition forces, complicating the oversight of the truce. ISIS militants have clashed with both rival insurgents and pro-government forces in Aleppo, making a wide advance on opposition-held territory along the Turkish border, the Observatory said Thursday. The New York-based Human Rights Watch said Turkish border guards fired on hundreds of Syrian civilians fleeing the ISIS onslaught on Thursday and heading for a wall at the border. The rights group urged Ankara to allow thousands of Syrians fleeing to cross into Turkey to seek protection. "As civilians flee ISIS fighters, Turkey is responding with live ammunition instead of compassion," said Gerry Simpson, senior refugee researcher at Human Rights Watch. ISIS is an alternate acronym for the Islamic State group. "The whole world is talking about fighting ISIS, and yet those most at risk of becoming victims of its horrific abuses are trapped on the wrong side of a concrete wall," he added. Turkish officials say they were aware of the report but had no immediate response. There was no information whether any of the civilians were hurt in the shooting. The latest IS advance has displaced 30,000 already-displaced civilians north of Syria's largest city, Aleppo, the provincial capital. The Syrian opposition High Negotiations Committee, which is negotiating in Geneva, has accused the Syrian government of over 2,000 breaches of the cease-fire in deadly attacks on opposition areas. U.N. Special Envoy Steffan De Mistura has said he hopes for a substantive round of "proximity talks" on a transitional government to end the war. The two warring Syrian sides do not actually talk to one another in Geneva but the U.N. envoy shuttles between them. The most obvious public difference between the two sides revolves around the fate of President Bashar Assad. Opposition representatives have insisted that Assad be removed from power as part of any peace deal, while government officials have declared Assad to be a red line. This round of talks began Wednesday in Geneva but the government said it was delayed because of parliament elections that were held this week in government-controlled areas of Syria. The opposition has dismissed the balloting as a sham and said it could further undermine the peace talks. Taiwan said Friday it was trying to prevent Malaysia from deporting 52 Taiwanese criminal suspects to China amid an ongoing battle over jurisdiction involving the self-ruled island. A Foreign Ministry statement said an initial group of 20 of those detained on suspicion of committing wire fraud had been due to be returned to Taiwan on Friday. However, it said Malaysian officials had delayed the flight, saying they were awaiting legal approval. Taiwan's statement said its officials were actively engaged in talks to pressure Malaysia to "bring home our citizen suspects to be investigated." Malaysian officials, speaking anonymously because they weren't authorized to talk to media, confirmed that Chinese officials had requested the suspects be sent to China. The officials said the case was still under discussion but were unable to give further details. The latest battle over Taiwanese deportations came after Kenya sent 45 Taiwanese suspects to China instead of Taiwan. Beijing wants to investigate them for defrauding victims in China by posing as police officers and insurance agents over the phone in order to obtain banking details. China claims jurisdiction in such cases where the victims are Chinese, and says the perpetrators aren't given due punishment when they are returned to Taiwan. Taiwan has protested that Kenya violated the legal process and accused Beijing of violating a tacit agreement not to interfere in each side's citizens' legal affairs abroad. A Taiwanese delegation is expected in Beijing soon to negotiate the matter. Some see such moves by China as an attempt by China to assert its claims to sovereignty over the island and legal authority over its residents. The sides split amid civil war and China has long sought to isolate Taiwan diplomatically by preventing it from maintaining formal ties with most countries, including Malaysia and Kenya, where China's economic cloud lends it political influence. Chinese state broadcaster CCTV has covered the Kenya deportations extensively, with suspects shown being led from the plane in prison smocks with bags over their heads. Others were shown in front of police and television cameras confessing to their crimes and apologizing to their victims. ___ Associated Press writer Eileen Ng in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, contributed to this report. next Image 1 of 3 prev next Image 2 of 3 prev Image 3 of 3 Muslim nations have agreed to establish a Turkey-based body to fight terrorism, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Thursday as he urged the countries' leaders to examine the root causes of the migration crisis. Addressing the 13th summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation in Istanbul, Erdogan stressed his belief that terrorism is the largest problem confronting the Muslim world. To effectively combat terrorism, he urged Muslim leaders to overcome their differences and tackle the problem from the security and financial tracks. He called for support for a Saudi-led initiative for an Islamic alliance against terrorism and to "turn it into an effective body." "Instead of waiting for other forces to intervene against terror incidents and other crises that occur in Muslim countries, we must produce the solution ourselves through the Islamic alliance," he said. Erdogan announced that a Turkish proposal to establish an Istanbul-based police cooperation and coordination center had been accepted by the 57-member Islamic bloc. The Turkish president noted that the majority of the victims of terrorism are Muslims and called it a "source of shame" that most of those who risk their lives at sea to reach Europe are Muslims. Turkey, he said, has saved 100,000 migrants from drowning in the Aegean Sea on the way to Greece The country also hosts 2.7 million Syrian refugees and recently entered a controversial deal with the EU aiming to curb illegal migration. Combatting terrorism and addressing the migrant crisis are two central issues being discussed at the OIC meeting. Turkey, which has suffered a string of deadly suicide bombings this past year, boosted security in Istanbul and shut down traffic in the area of the event. Saudi King Salman and Iranian President Rouhani, whose countries are at odds over the Syrian and Yemeni conflict, were among those attending the summit. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was notably absent. Relations between Egypt and Turkey soured after the Egyptian military toppled Islamist president-elect Mohammed Morsi. The conflict in Syria was also on the summit's agenda. Egyptian foreign Minister Sameh Shukri voiced hope for a "quick political solution that meets the expectations of the Syrian people" and allows for "countering terrorism." BIGGBY COFFEE, New Location In South Haven, MI BIGGBY COFFEE is Opening a Brand New Location in South Haven, Michigan! April 15, 2016 // Franchising.com // South Haven, MI BIGGBY COFFEE is excited to announce the Grand Opening of a brand new store in South Haven, MI on Tuesday, April 19, 2016! This new store is located near the corner of Blue Star Hwy and Phoenix St across from Walgreens (330 Blue Star Hwy South Haven, MI 49090). This will be the first location for BIGGBY owner/operators Tara Walston and Kim Zdybel! They cant wait to bring BIGGBY to South Haven be a part of such a vibrant and cultural community! When asked why they chose BIGGBY for their new adventure in South Haven, Tara had a lot of wonderful things to say! The entrepreneurial spirit of working for oneself and providing a service helped in deciding to open a BIGGBY COFFEE. The opportunity to have fun, spread smiles, and share our passion for coffee is a wonderful thing! Plus in doing research we discovered what a great company BIGGBY is and how highly rated the franchise is. Our cultural values match the BIGGBY cultural values of B Happy, Have Fun, Make Friends, Love People, and Drink Great Coffee! Tara will be behind the line making drinks on a regular basis acting as the store manager. Kim and Tara will both take an active part in the business along with Taras daughters, Brooke and Madison. Theyre also very excited for the new opportunities that business ownership will provide! This business venture is something completely new and different for us. We wanted to bring BIGGBY COFFEE to South Haven not only because of the amazing lakeshore community, but also to break that long stretch of highway between Chicago and Grand Rapids. That deserves a coffee break! They also plan to actively partner with the local organizations and have already met some new friends along the way. We have recently been part of the Childrens Food Basket in Grand Rapids. This winter we also had the chance to participate in the Break the Ice 5K during the 2016 Ice Breaker Festival here in South Haven and loved every chilly moment! We look forward to continuing the relationships with local non-profits in the area as we open this spring! Stop in and help Tara, Kim, Brooke, and Madison celebrate the Grand Opening of their new BIGGBY store! They will be open Monday through Saturday 6:00 am to 9:00 pm and Sunday 7:00 am to 9:00 pm. If youre a new customer, or already a fanatic, Tara would like to offer up a drink suggestion when you visit them in South Haven. Its so hard to choose just one but the frozen Mocha Mocha latte is my favorite as we head into the warmer months! About BIGGBY COFFEE BIGGBY COFFEE, East Lansing, Mich.-based, was started with a single store on March 15, 1995. One year later, and on the cusp of opening a second location, Bob Fish and his business partner Michael McFall, on a handshake and $3,000, decided to franchise the concept. BIGGBY COFFEEs core values of B happy, have fun, make friends, love people, and drink great coffee help coffee-lovers and the coffee-curious alike benefit from a less pretentious and fun approach to the standard gourmet cafe paradigm. Besides connoisseur-worthy drinks with pronounceable names like Teddy Bear and Caramel Marvel, BIGGBY baristas provide a unique experience focused on brightening their customers day. The Big B on the orange background caught on, and today BIGGBY COFFEE has 258 cafes open or under contract across nine states including: Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, South Carolina, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Florida, and Texas. SOURCE BIGGBY COFFEE Contact: Caitlin Courval 517-898-3677 ccourval@biggby.com. ### Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus Daniel Zurbrigg, Owner of House Doctors of Naples, is Recognized with Companys Presidents Award Zurbriggs local franchise based in Naples serves Collier County, North Naples, Olde Naples, Downtown Naples, and Marco Island. (PRWEB) April 14, 2016 - When Daniel Zurbrigg opened House Doctors of Naples three years ago, it was with a mission to grow the company by providing quality craftsmanship and a top-notch customer service experience. In recognition of his efforts, House Doctors is proud to recognize Zurbrigg with the companys Presidents Award. Daniel shows an awesome amount of determination and resolve to build a handyman and home improvement business in his local community. He believes in the House Doctors brand and all that it stands for. Hes also always willing to support and encourage his fellow franchisees and will go out of his way to promote and improve the brand on a national level. We appreciate all his hard work and we are happy to recognize him with this years Presidents Award, House Doctors President and CEO Jim Hunter said. House Doctors is different because the companys friendly and experienced craftsmen and technicians are committed to providing an excellent customer experience by being on time, doing the job right and guaranteeing the work for one year. Zurbriggs local franchise based in Naples serves Collier County, North Naples, Olde Naples, Downtown Naples, and Marco Island. Zurbrigg has lived in Collier County for the last 24 years and his wife, Shenna, was born in the area. Winning the Presidents Award was a surprise and a huge honor. Weve been focused on growing our business over the last three years by providing an excellent customer experience and its great to be recognized for our efforts, Zurbrigg said. We want to be a household name here in Collier County. We want to be the first company you think of when you need a home repair. Zurbrigg opened House Doctors of Naples three years ago after 22 years in the corporate world, where he worked mostly in retail management. House Doctors is insured, background checked, and has uniformed technicians that are experienced. They specialize in repairs for carpentry, sheetrock, windows, doors, floors, screen repair, bathroom remodels, as well as interior and exterior home maintenance services, remodeling projects and so much more. House Doctors attracted me because I was interested in offering home services and I liked the model and the flexibility. Some franchises out there require you to operate one exact way and House Doctors allows me the freedom to expand our services to meet the needs of our clients, Zurbrigg said. The nice thing about working with House Doctors is that were not out to sell you something we want to work with you to create the best plan to meet your goals. We just want whats best for our customers. To learn more about House Doctors of Naples and to schedule services, call (239)455-4019, email hd521(at)housedoctors(dot)com or visit http://housedoctors.com/naples/. About House Doctors House Doctors Handyman Service has been helping homeowners across the United States with home repair and light remodeling projects for more than 20 years. Our friendly, insured and bonded craftsmen are scheduled to be there on time and are committed to complete customer satisfaction. Each of our technicians are experienced in home maintenance, product installations and a variety of home improvements. Were so confident in our team and products that every job we perform comes with a one-year guarantee. SOURCE House Doctors Contact: Angie Shafer House Doctors +1 5138310100 Ext: 104 ### Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus House Doctors of Westfield Named Rookie of the Year WESTFIELD, NJ (PRWEB) April 14, 2016 - When Ken Benedetto, the owner of House Doctors of Westfield, attended his first House Doctors convention last year, he walked away with a goal to win the Rookie of the Year Award the following year. After a year of climbing to the top, House Doctors is proud to announce that Benedetto has reached that goal and was recently named companys Rookie of the Year for 2015. Ken is committed to building his professional handyman and home improvement business and his positive approach is inspiring. Ken has built great relationships with fellow franchises, our vendors, the home office and his clients, House Doctors President and CEO Jim Hunter said. Ken was recognized as our Rookie of the Year because of the efforts hes making to grow the company in his community and strengthen the brand nationwide. House Doctors is different because the companys friendly and experienced craftsmen and technicians are committed to providing an excellent customer experience by being on time, doing the job right and guaranteeing the work for one year. Benedettos local franchise serves Union, Middlesex, Morris and Essex Counties of NJ, and the surrounding areas. I attended my first convention last year and I heard about the Rookie of the Year Award. I came home and said, Our goal is to win that award next year. We spent the last year focusing on building our team, promoting the business and creating revenue through excellent customer service, Benedetto said. We were consistently in the top 10 or 15 franchises from a revenue standpoint, but I didnt realize we were doing well enough to win the award. I was surprised and excited to meet that goal. House Doctors experienced, insured, background checked and uniformed technicians specialize in repairs for carpentry, sheetrock, windows, doors, floors, minor electrical and minor plumbing, as well as interior and exterior home maintenance services, and remodeling projects. In addition to being one of the fastest growing franchises in the House Doctors network, Benedettos business also has over a 90 percent customer satisfaction on public review and is an A rating on Angies List. I think people appreciate what we do because we arent there to sell them something. If you have a broken fence and you call a fence company, they ultimately want to sell you a new fence. I just want to fix the broken section so youre happy with your home and youre not breaking the bank to do it. That attitude really sets us apart, Benedetto said. Prior to opening House Doctors of Westfield, Benedetto spent 17 years working in a New York City power plant. During that time, he acquired multiple rental properties and flipped houses that needed work. That gave me a good understanding of the work that needs done on a house and the challenges you can have when working with contractors. Over the years I build up a list of great contractors and I got to a point where I thought, you know, I can help those contractors get more work and help the community by offering their services through House Doctors. Thats what led me to open the business, Benedetto said. Benedetto is a member of the Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce as well as the Tri-County Chamber of Commerce. When hes not working, Benedetto can be found spending time with his family, creating new possibilities or having a big Italian Sunday dinner with his loved ones. To learn more about House Doctors of Westfield, call (908)490-1900, email hd529@housedoctors.com or visit https://www.housedoctors.com/tricounty/handyman-services-westfield/. About House Doctors House Doctors Handyman Service has been helping homeowners across the United States with home repair and light remodeling projects for more than 20 years. Our friendly, insured and bonded craftsmen are scheduled to be there on time and are committed to complete customer satisfaction. Each of our technicians are experienced in home maintenance, product installations and a variety of home improvements. Were so confident in our team and products that every job we perform comes with a one-year guarantee. SOURCE House Doctors Contact: Angie Shafer House Doctors +1 5138310100 Ext: 104 ### Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus Joeys Seafood Restaurants Celebrates Grilled Cheese Month with Lobster Sourdough Grill Canadian Seafood chain gets cheesy with limited time sandwich. Calgary, Canada - April 15, 2016 -(PR.com) - Get ready to live it up because April is National Grilled Cheese Month. This is not a carry-over from April Fools Day. Somehow the grilled cheese sandwich earned the honor of having an entire month dedicated to it. In celebration of this comfy month, Joeys Seafood Restaurants decided to join the fun and feature their own seafood version of this lunchtime classic. The Lobster Sourdough Grill is a purely decadent sandwich. Joeys chefs created this grilled cheese sandwich with a perfectly crisp and golden brown cheesy Sourdough crust and a warm and gooey, melted cheesy, lobster salad filled center. In addition to this limited time offer that runs until May 15, Joeys is featuring an outstanding Sticky Toffee Pudding. Rich, warm toffee flowing over a cool white cloud of whipped cream atop layers of moist, lightly-spiced sponge cake, generously speckled with finely chopped dates. Finally, their #ilovejoeys Photo Contest continues to gather momentum. Tagging any Joeys Restaurant picture with #joeyscanada and #grilledcheesemonth enters customers for a chance to win the weekly $25 gift certificate draw. About Joey's Calgary-based Joey's is a pioneer and leader in the fast-casual seafood restaurant category in Canada. Its signature "Joey's Famous Fish & Chips" and Fish Taco has gained the company a North American reputation for preparing generous portions of high quality seafood at affordable prices. Each Joey's franchise embodies the vision of its founder, Joe Klassen - to serve great seafood in a cozy neighbourhood seafood restaurant. Annually, Joey's serves more than 6.5 million guests system wide through its 55 restaurants in Canada. In 2015, the company celebrated its 30th anniversary. SOURCE Joey's Contact: Mr. Andy Taylor Senior Vice President Joeys Restaurants andy@joeys.ca Mr. Dave Holland VP of Marketing Joeys Restaurants 403.513.1320 dave.holland@joeys.ca ### Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus Pancheros Supports Iowa Man In 250 Mile Run To Benefit Cancer Research Fresh Mexican Concept Helps Raise Awareness for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society April 15, 2016 // Franchising.com // CORALVILLE, Iowa Pancheros Mexican Grill (www.pancheros.com), a fast casual Mexican chain known for its delicious, better-built burritos, announces its partnership with Ryan Wades One Step At a Time initiative. In an effort to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (L.L.S.), Ryan will run a total of 250 miles through the state of Iowa. Pancheros has donated a significant amount to the cause and will be providing a wrapped support vehicle for the runs entirety. Ryan will also make a pit stop at Pancheros in Iowa City on the afternoon of April 23 to refuel for the rest of his charitable race. With a goal of raising $175,000, Ryan Wade will embark on his 250 mile journey starting April 19 on the Minnesota-Iowa border in Eitzen and cross the finish line on April 25 in Farmington. Through his seven-day adventure, he hopes to raise awareness and money to help find a cure for various blood cancers. Ryan was recently nominated for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Societys Man of the Year for Eastern Iowa due to his astounding dedication and support to the cause. All donations from the One Step At a Time fundraiser will directly fund L.L.S.s research to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkins Disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since becoming involved with L.L.S., Ive been motivated by my supporters who have dedicated much of their time to a cause that changes peoples lives, said Ryan Wade. With extra support from Pancheros, we will be able to generate greater awareness for an organization that makes such a significant impact in the lives of those suffering from these life-threatening illnesses. One Step At a Time is about one mans journey to bring Iowan communities together in an effort to touch the lives of many, said Rodney Anderson, president of Pancheros Mexican Grill. Ryans commitment to helping others is an inspiration to all of us on the Pancheros team, and we are honored to play an integral role in his mission to help find a cure. For more information on Pancheros, please visit www.pancheros.com. For more information or to donate to Ryan Wades One Step At a Time fundraiser, please visit www.onesteplls.org. About Pancheros Mexican Grill Founded in 1992, Coralville, Iowa-based Pancheros Mexican Grill is a fast-casual, fresh-Mexican franchise. Known best for their homemade, fresh-pressed tortillas, Pancheros has set the standard for burritos that dont start from a bag. Along with their amazing burritos, the menu also includes quesadillas, tacos, burrito bowls, and salads. Pancheros currently has 65 locations in the United States and the company plans to have 75 restaurants open across the country by the end of 2016. For more information, visit www.pancheros.com. SOURCE Pancheros Mexican Grill Media Contacts: Christina Erwin cerwin@konnect-pr.com Emily Johnston ejohnston@konnect-pr.com ### Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus The Goddard Schools Dynamic Learning Through Play Curriculum Comes To Saugus Play Based Preschool Now Open For Enrollment April 15, 2016 // Franchising.com // SAUGUS, Mass. - Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI), the franchisor of The Goddard School preschool system, announces its newest school in Saugus, MA is open. Located at 248 Lynn Fells Parkway, Saugus, MA 01906, the new school is owned and operated by franchisees Dave and Trisha Kahn. To celebrate the opening, the school will kick off its Root For Earth campaign, a week-long celebration promoting environmental responsibility. During Root for Earth, preschoolers from The Goddard School will engage in a range of eco-friendly projects inspired by S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, art and math). The event, which leads up to Earth Day and is celebrated by all Goddard Schools, marks the first time Dave and Trisha will participate in the event as new owners. The Goddard School preschool system prides itself on its unique dual-management system, a distinguisher in the early childhood education industry. Franchise owners are onsite at each location and work alongside an educational director, whose focus is to communicate and work with teachers, as well as to implement The Goddard School curriculum. This dual-management system ensures a hands-on, community-focused approach when it comes to early childhood education. With each school opening, The Goddard School also has a local economic impact, creating an average of 20 to 25 jobs within the community. The Goddard Schools play-based approach, called Fun, Learning Experience (or F.L.EX.), is grounded in research on how children learn best: children experience the deepest, most genuine learning when they are having fun. At The Goddard School, the focus is on building each childs emotional, academic, social, creative and physical skills to provide a well-rounded experience and ensure each one becomes confident, joyful and fully prepared in school and in life. With nearly 30 years of experience in early childhood education, The Goddard Schools unique dual-management system creates lasting community bonds as owners are on-site at the Schools to provide support to the communities they serve, said Joe Schumacher, Chief Executive Officer of Goddard Systems, Inc. One area that truly sets us apart from other childcare systems is our philosophy based on learning through play, designed to teach and reinforce 21st century skills, including social behaviors such as communication, critical thinking, creativity and collaboration. This philosophy fosters a lifelong love of learning and creates meaningful connections at an early age. Jobs relating to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) are currently the fastest growing segment of the U.S. economy, and a focus on developing 21st century skills such as creativity and innovation as well as the abilities to collaborate, communicate and think critically, is expected to increase over time. By introducing 21st century skill concepts early on, children develop a strong foundation and a passion for STEAM at the very beginning of their education. With two children of our own, my wife and I know how important early education is for child development, said franchisee Dave Kahn. We believe in the exceptional programs The Goddard School has to offer and are excited to bring our play-based program to the community. The Goddard School located in Saugus, MA is located at 248 Lynn Fells Parkway, Saugus, MA 01906. To reach this location, please call (781) 484-0600 or email SaugusMA@goddardschools.com. About The Goddard School Franchise The Goddard School Franchise, franchisor of The Goddard School preschools, was named the No. 1 Childcare Franchise in the United States by Entrepreneur magazine for the fifteenth consecutive year (January 2016) and one of the Top 200 Franchise Systems (in worldwide sales) by Franchise Times for the ninth consecutive year (October 2015). Headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, The Goddard School Franchise currently licenses more than 430 franchised Schools with more than 50,000 students in 35 states. The Goddard School's AdvancED- and Middle States-accredited F.L.EX. Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience), a comprehensive play-based curriculum developed with early childhood education experts, provides the best childhood preparation for social and academic success. With a proven system in place and a strong network of dedicated franchisees, The Goddard School Franchise is the acknowledged leader in franchised childcare and a premier educational childcare provider. For more information, visitwww.goddardschoolfranchise.com. SOURCE The Goddard School Franchise Media Contacts: Amanda Bialek 213-988-8344 abialek@konnect-pr.com Deanna Ashikyan 213-988-8344 dashikyan@konnect-pr.com ### Comments: Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Disqus The first time I saw it hanging in my trailer, it gave me chills, Kerry Washington says of the replica of the turquoise skirt suit that Anita Hill wore in 1991 during Clarence Thomass Supreme Court nomination hearings. It felt like a reminder to not give in to caricature. The actress plays Hill in Confirmation, a new and already controversial film that dramatizes the hearings, premiering Saturday on HBO. Hill, a law professor and former employee of Thomas, accused him of sexual harassment in the workplace, leading to a riveting weekend of Senate testimony. In the film, the camera lingers on the costumes reveal, panning up slowly as Hill loops the last buttons, and pausing as she stands before a mirror. I wanted to take time with that, says director Rick Famuyiwa. Thats the moment Kerry becomes Anita Hill. In a later scene, the linen bears crumpled wrinkles from 11 hours of testimony, a subtle marker of just how much she endured, Famuyiwa adds. Given Washingtons liberal leanings and her title of executive producer, viewers may wonder whether Confirmation tilts in favor of Hill. But its creators say they were not interested in showing whose testimony was true. Screenwriter Susannah Grant, also an executive producer, was more interested in the conflict between the function of government and the function of human beings, Grant says. The movie only has credibility if its not espousing one point of view or presenting only one side. When asked how exhaustive her research was, Grant replies, Exhaustive is a good word. Grant consulted more than 40 people connected to the hearings, and consumed countless memoirs, articles and televised accounts. To fact-check the script, producers shared an early draft with several players involved in the hearings. In February, Politico reported that former Republican senators Alan K. Simpson and John C. Danforth, after seeing an early script, called it unfair to everyone but Anita Hill and full of errors and distortions, respectively, and that Mark Paoletta, one of Thomas lawyers during the hearings, threatened litigation. Is it difficult to dramatize historical moments that are readily available on YouTube? Rather than feeling trapped by the source material, I tried to let it lead me in the right direction, Washington says. My husband could recite the entire hearing, verbatim, because we watched it so much in my house. Onscreen, Washington delivers the testimony in Hills famously soft, even-toned voicea performance thats nothing like the one Washington gives as the high-strung Olivia Pope on ABCs smash hit Scandal. Wendell Pierce (The Wire, Treme), who plays Thomas, scoured the video of the hearings for clues on how to play the enigmatic justice. One of the most important moments for him was a line from Thomas during the hearings: If there is anything that has been misconstrued by Anita Hill or anyone else, then I can say that I am so very sorry. That was a window into knowing that he was going through some self-reflection, Pierce says. That sentence said a lot. It spoke to his humanity. Washington, who was 14 at the time of Thomass nomination, says the hearings split her household. My dad felt compassionately pulled toward Thomas, she recalls. He understood the pain of being a black man put in that position and having your career ripped from you publicly. And I understood that, from the perspective of race. And through my moms eyes, I was aware of the gender politics, which was something my dad couldnt as easily understand at the time. It was one of the first moments I was forced to engage with my own intersectionality as a woman and as a person of color, and how complex both of those identities could be. RICHMOND A pamphlet from a rape survivor in New York to a conservative Republican senator in Virginia was the catalyst for legislation Gov. Terry McAuliffe signed into law Thursday to ensure that physical evidence in sexual assaults is properly retained and tested. Natasha Alexenko beamed as McAuliffe signed legislation sponsored by Sen. Richard H. Black, RLoudoun, as well as an identical bill carried by Del. Robert B. Bell, RAlbemarle, to ensure that rape kits are retained at least two years in cases when victims choose not to report the crime and tested within 60 days when they do. I was trying not to cry, she said after a bipartisan ceremony at the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance near Willow Lawn. Alexenko, now 43 and living in Long Island, N.Y., was living in Newport News and working at the Mariners Museum in 2003 when she learned that the physical evidence collected when she was raped at gunpoint 10 years earlier in New York City finally had been tested. The test ultimately resulted in a DNA match in 2007 and conviction of the rapist a year later. She founded Natashas Justice Project to push for testing of physical evidence recovery kits from sexual assault cases across the country. What this does is it begins to link cases together and by linking cases together you take the serial offenders off the street, said Black, a former military prosecutor who began pushing for an audit of rape kits in Virginia after receiving a handmade pamphlet from Alexenko two years ago. Black, known for his conservative positions on abortion and other social issues, enlisted the help of an unlikely ally, the National Organization for Women, to introduce a bill in the waning days of the 2014 legislative session to conduct an audit that as of December had identified more than 2,900 untested physical evidence kits from Virginia rape cases dating as far back as 1988. He also found common cause with McAuliffe and Attorney General Mark R. Herring, both Democrats, to begin clearing the backlog of untested kits and establish standards to ensure proper handling and testing of physical evidence from sexual assaults in the future. It is a long overdue overhaul of the way we conduct investigations and handle evidence, said Herring, whose office secured a $1.4 million grant to hire a private company, Bode Cellmark Forensics, to test the kits, beginning with evidence that had been kept in cases in Virginia Beach and Fairfax County. McAuliffe, whose wife, Dorothy, served on the task force formed in 2014 to investigate the problem, included $900,000 in his pending two-year budget to allow the Department of Forensic Science to hire six DNA analysts to promptly test evidence collected in the kits in the future. The survivors of these malicious crimes are trusting in us to provide a full accounting of these cases and to bring perpetrators to justice, the governor said before signing the bills. Dana G. Schrad, executive director of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, said many of the kits in the backlog went untested because of budget cuts that limited the capacity of the Department of Forensic Science to handle them, not because of neglect by law enforcement. I know law enforcement is thrilled about this because they want this, Schrad said. They want the kits tested whether they have an open case or not. A report by the Department of Forensic Science last year suggested that the problem of untested kits is less severe in Virginia than other parts of the country. About 35 percent of law enforcement agencies in the state reported having untested kits2,369 at 136 agencies. The total rose to 2,902 in an updated report in December. McAuliffe also signed a separate bill introduced by Black to allow a minor to consent to testing of physical evidence in a sexual assault, even if the parent or guardian does not. Black said the law is needed especially in cases in which the parent or guardian is a potential suspect. He also signed legislation sponsored Del. Eileen Filler-Corn, DFairfax, and Sen. Barbara A. Favola, DArlington, to require the state to develop curriculum and provide training for law enforcement officers in how to respond in sexual assault cases and treat the survivors of the assault. The bill was part of Herrings legislative package, which reflected the recommendations of the Governors Campus Sexual Violence Task Force, which he chaired. The Department of Criminal Justice Services will develop the curriculum and oversee the training of law officers, including campus police at colleges and universities, prosecutors, administrators responsible for enforcing federal laws to prevent discrimination against women in higher education, and others who respond to cases of sexual assault and violence. For Black, the pamphlet from Alexenko, dropped off at his office by a friend of hers from Virginia Beach, was a revelation. I never knew there was such a thing as an untested rape test kit, said Black, a Marine combat veteran who also served as a major in the Judge Advocate General Corps and later directed the Army criminal law division at the Pentagon. He introduced Alexenko at the ceremony and credited her for the legislation. There wouldnt have been one person in this room if it wouldnt have been for her, he said after the ceremony. We wouldnt have known about it. Dorothy Mae Palmer, 74, of Fredericksburg was called home by her Heavenly Father on Tuesday, April 12, 2016, at Mary Washington Hospital after a lengthy illness. Born in Alexandria on Jan. 18, 1942, Dotty had lived in Fredericksburg for the past 10 years after living in Alexandria for more than 60 years. She was married to the love of her life, Jack, for 57 years until he passed on March 4, 2016. Dotty was a full-time homemaker and mother. She spent many years serving the Lord at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Alexandria, where she sang in the choir and served in the hospitality ministry and as a Sunday School secretary. Dotty enjoyed worshiping at Ramoth Baptist Church in Stafford County after moving to Fredericksburg. She enjoyed crocheting and a number of other handicrafts, reading, watching game shows and classic movies, and above all else, spending time with family and friends. Dotty is survived by her three sons, Robert and wife Linda of Fredericksburg, William and wife Jennifer of Rockledge, Fla., and John and wife Terri of Stafford; two grandsons, Jacob and Noah of Rockledge, Fla.; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; and her parents, Charles and Mandy Eaves. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, April 17, at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg. A service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 18, at the funeral home. Interment will follow at 2 p.m. in Mount Comfort Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Womens Ministry Visitation Team at Ramoth Baptist Church, 478 Ramoth Church Road, Stafford, VA 22554; or to the American Diabetes Association, Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312, or online at diabetes.org. Online guest book is available at covenantfuneralservice.com. The assumption that a college education should take four years is baked into American culture. Colleges in the Colonial days were founded on the premise of a four-year degree, a concept imported from Europe. Harvard University experimented with a three-year degree when it was founded in 1636, but the test was short-lived, and the four-year degree has been the standard ever since. We expect students to enter college at 18 and leave when they turn 22, and we worry about those who take a more circuitous route to graduation. But we need to reconsider that long-established, one-size-fits all model. For many students, attending college for four consecutive years is no longer the right path. The dynamic economy requires more flexibility, especially in fields outside the traditional liberal arts. Take data science. In the last five years, there has been a sevenfold increase in demand for data scientists, according to Burning Glass, a company that analyzes job ads. But in the same time span, the requirements for the job have changed, requiring greater training in data visualization and less familiarity with deep quantitative reasoning. In this and other areas, the relevant skills are evolving so rapidly that no traditional undergraduate curriculum can keep up. Instead of maintaining the four-year norm, we should reimagine a college education as a platform for lifelong learning, one that would provide students with multiple opportunities to develop soft skills as well as critical technical skillsnot just between the ages of 18 and 22 but whenever necessary. Stanford University has provided a model for how a college for life might work. In 2014, its design school developed a proposal for what it called an open loop university, which would admit students for six years of study that could be undertaken at any time. Under this new system, students could start college when they were readyat 16, 18 or 26 years oldand distribute the six years as they saw fit. They could loop out after two years to work for a Silicon Valley startup and then loop in a few years later if the startup failed or they wanted to try something else. Students who returned after looping out could use the time that remained on their six-year clock to move toward new careers in their 30s or 50s. Granted, students are rushed through college in part because of ever spiraling tuition prices. But new advances in the delivery of education can assist in lowering the cost of a degree, so that more time wont necessarily equal higher prices. Online and hybrid classes, which mix virtual and face-to-face learning, are both less expensive to offer and more flexible than a traditional lecture- or seminar-based course. At the University of Central Florida, 60 percent of the universitys 53,000 students take online or hybrid classes, and can mix and match them with traditional classes in the same semester. Students at many colleges already acquire knowledge in a variety of settingsthrough internships, co-curricular activities and independent research projectsyet most of the credits they earn and pay for in college are based only on the time they spend sitting in a classroom. By giving students credit for experiential learning as well, colleges could help integrate in-class education with the hands-on experiences valued by employers. This change would also help students learn how to take control of directing their professional development. Courses in this new model for education wouldnt need to be offered solely by traditional universities. College and universities could curate trusted sources outside their campus walls to supplement their offerings, including free open online courses; boot camps that offer short-term skill classes; and online training programs, such as Lynda.com. With an expansion of the ways higher education is provided, students wouldnt be locked into studying at a particular place and in one set period of time. Instead, a student could move in and out of college, going back when new skills and information are needed, and higher education would become what it needs to bea lifelong and adjustable acquisition of knowledge. Jeffrey J. Selingo, a professor at Arizona State University, is author of There Is Life After College: What Parents and Students Should Know About Navigating School to Prepare for the Jobs of Tomorrow, out this week. Cutting red tape and addressing patient concerns Dr. Mary-Claire King, the American Cancer Society Professor of Medicine at the University of Washington and an affiliate Fred Hutch researcher, offered the vice president two suggestions. Her first would be to streamline and speed up research at no extra cost by cutting regulatory hoops for adding a person to an existing research grant. If we have a new project that requires a young person who transcends certain disciplines, if there were a way we could add that person to our team quickly by adding a simple supplement to an existing grant, rather than take a year to a year and a half, [it would give us] a way we could build our teams very quickly, she said. King, who was the first to show that breast cancer is inherited in some families as a result of mutations in BRCA genes, also advised Biden to take steps to help breast cancer and other patients by giving the National Cancer Institute enough funding to pay for Phase 3 clinical trials that pharmaceutical companies dont want to sponsor. Human drug and treatment clinical trials are typically divided into three phases; the final, Phase 3 trial is the most expensive to conduct because it tests for both safety and efficacy in hundreds or thousands of patients. Pharmaceutical companies, King pointed out, have little incentive to fund a costly trial that wont result in a new drug a trial that, for example, tests how a particular three- or four-drug combination would work if the drug with the worst side effects was left out. Thats not of interest to Pharma but of great interest to patients seeking effective and less harsh options, King said. Dr. Angelique Richard, chief nurse executive and vice president of clinical operations at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, also focused on patients. We need to establish a system that supports cancer patients and families getting clear information about their best treatment options and full access to these options, regardless of [insurance] coverage, she said. Encouraging innovation and quality through pricing The pricing of cancer treatment is also of concern to Dr. Jeffery C. Ward, a medical oncologist/hematologist with the Swedish Cancer Institute and an advocate of community-based cancer care who has practiced in the Edmonds community since 1993. The hopes invested in personalized medicine will not be realized, he said, unless another paradigm shift occurs first in how both drug development and cancer care are reimbursed. His advice: The United States needs to provide better incentives for pharmaceutical companies to be innovative, nimble, and willing to take risks and for oncologists to provide the best, safest, and most effective treatments. I would tell the vice president that a great impediment to the development of personalized therapies and personalized care is the way in which we pay for it, Ward said. Pharmaceutical prices have little, if anything, to do with the value they bring to the care equation. Instead, every new drug is the same price, or a little bit more, than the last drug irrespective of how good a drug it is. Copy-cat drugs routinely cost more than the innovator drug. Competition occurs through marketing, but never through price. Similarly, a fee for service health care delivery system encourages physicians to give as much care as possible, not necessarily the right care or the best care. But neither, Ward cautioned, should care be rationed. As we develop personalized, but very expensive, therapies, we need a system that will pay the oncologist to provide the correct therapy in the safest and most efficient way, he said. Only a reimbursement system that rewards quality and value will fuel a cancer moonshot. Pediatric approaches and a plug for basic research Dr. Julie R. Park, an attending physician at Seattle Childrens Hospital, a pediatrics professor at UW Medicine and a Fred Hutch researcher, suggested new approaches to pediatric cancer. Many of her recommendations touched on themes that have emerged in recent months as a focus for the moonshot initiative. These include personalized medicine, which uses molecularly targeted therapies based on, among other factors, genomic drivers in cancer found through genomic profiling and enhanced data sharing: Invest in infrastructure needed for banking biologic specimens as a resource to scientists worldwide and for genomic profiling of a broad spectrum of rare and high-risk childhood tumors; Support an expansion of bioinformatics infrastructure to leverage existing clinical research and translational data in pediatric cancer; Invest in research that will focus on targeting molecular pathways and the microenvironment in pediatric cancer, including attracting a larger group of both new and established scientist to better understand pediatric cancer. Dr. Stanley Riddell, who led the vice president on a brief lab tour before taking part in the March panel, took a different tack, avoiding the specific to praise the benefits of undirected research. Although his recent advances in immunotherapy have attracted national attention, Riddells advice was to remember that such advances are rooted in far more basic research. We have to continue this fundamental research into understanding how cancer develops, understanding how the immune system interacts with cancer, he told the vice president. The power of understanding cancer at the genetic level, understanding the immune response to cancer will really yield new insights that will develop new therapies. But I think the reality is if we really want big breakthroughs, we are going to have to invest in good old fashioned R&D. Launching the moonshot President Barack Obama launched a new moonshot to speed up cancer cures during his final State of the Union address in January. He put Biden, who inspired the effort, in charge of mission control. The vice president dedicated himself to the cause after losing his older son, Beau, to brain cancer in 2015. Since the initiative was announced, Biden has visited seven cancer research centers, including Fred Hutch, and met with more than 200 scientists, physicians, patients and philanthropists to gather ideas. Earlier this month, the National Cancer Institute named a blue ribbon panel to provide scientific guidance on how to advance the themes that emerged from these meetings. The panel is expected to deliver its recommendations by late summer to the NCIs National Cancer Advisory Board. The White House Cancer Moonshot Task Force, an interagency group chaired by Biden and led by cancer patient and industry executive Greg Simon, will deliver a final report to President Obama by the end of the year. More ideas? According to the National Cancer Institute, as part of this process, the cancer community, including patients and caregivers, will be provided a forum to post comments and insights to help inform deliberations. Until then, join the conversation on our Facebook page, and let us know your ideas for how to speed up the development of cancer cures. doTERRA Wellness Advocate JoAnn Porter of Essential Oils Pure Gets ELITE Award JoAnn Porter of Essential Oils Pure and doTERRA announce their wellness advocate award of ELITE. d?TERRA products are sold exclusively through Wellness Advocates to holistic health business owners and the public. -- Essential Oils Pure! and doTERRA International LLC have be working together on wellness advocate launch from February 2016. These two companies have a wealth of combined experience in Distribution, Marketing, and Training. Essential Oils Pure! is a distributor of d?TERRA International, LLC products and built a solid market base with teams in Arizona, Utah, Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Carolina. Essential Oils Pure! is looking for growth in this market as well as holistic health professionals in additional states. Interested parties can view full details on the following website: http://essentialoilspure.com. Essential Oils Pure! and JoAnn Porter, an approved wellness advocate, will be sharing multiple responsibilities including: Education to the community - Both companies will continue to education the community on product use benefits and more. Independent distributorship opportunity - Product sales leaders recognize the value of d?TERRA's powerful compensation plan. Customer retention - d?TERRA enjoys a 65 percent retention rate, compared to a direct selling industry average near 10 percent. d?TERRA essential oils has been created specifically for wellness advocates with multiple features: Single Oils - The d?TERRA collection of single essential oils represents the finest aromatic extracts available in the world today. Proprietary Therapeutic Grade Blends - d?TERRA provides therapeutic-grade essential oils and wellness products to people who care about improving their health and that of their loved ones. Nutritional, spa, and healthy living products - Based on essential oil technologies and a comprehensive wellness philosophy. JoAnn Porter, CEO of Essential Oils Pure had this to say about the new award ELITE with d?TERRA: "Consumers look to trusted holistic health business owners for quality essential oil product recommendations. Essential oil companies that distill therapeutic grade essential oils must have the expertise and know how to produce oils correctly and responsibly. Essential Oils Pure has selected doTERRA and seeks to educate holistic health business professionals and their clients." Those interested in learning more about Essential Oils Pure! can do so here: Watch The Video Those interested in purchasing d?TERRA essential oils can do so here: http://essentialoilspure.com. For more information about us, please visit http://essentialoilspure.com Contact Info: Name: Eric Williamson Organization: Clear Media Marketing Address: 16921 E Palisades Blvd Ste 106 Fountain Hills, Arizona 85268 Release ID: 110677 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) Layton, Utah, Surgeon Participates in Annual Medical Mercy Mission to Guatemala Utah Medical Outreach and Dr. Joseph Jensen provide medical humanitarian aid. -- Layton, USA - April 11, 2016 Dr. Jensen's heart broke when he saw the little Guatemalan girl approach him. Every step was awkward; her shoes were torn open. Once she was close enough, he realized her shoes were deliberately cut--the little girl had extra toes and normal shoes didn't fit. Carving up her shoes had been the only solution. For the past three years Dr. Joseph Jensen has left his medical practice and hospital privileges to go to Guatemala and provide free medical care. He goes with an organization called Utah Medical Outreach--a nonprofit corporation comprised of a team of medical and professional volunteers that visit Guatemala semi-annually. Their goal is to perform surgeries, hold educational clinics, and provide medical and other humanitarian services. In just under two weeks, Dr. Jensen will pack up donated medical supplies and head back to Guatemala for one week. While there he will perform a variety of general surgeries: finger and toe separations, abdominal and breast/breast cancer surgeries. In fact, one of the most common surgeries he performs are hernia surgeries. In countries like Guatemala, physical labor is a necessity and hernias pose a dire threat to families' income and livelihood. Surgical mesh is essential for hernia operations. Dr. Jensen can surgically fix an abdominal hernia without surgical mesh; however there is a risk the hernia would tear again and the initial surgical benefit would be lost. Due to the great need, Dr. Jensen welcomes monetary donations so he can purchase essential medical supplies, like surgical mesh. He admits that surgical mesh is expensive, but it is the only way to provide long-term hernia relief and reduce the risk of repeated hernias. Utah Medical Outreach and its volunteer doctors and medical professionals donate their time and pay their own expenses; they depend on donations of surgical equipment, medical instruments, and medical supplies to support these medical missions. Monetary donations are desperately needed to provide free medical services to needy Guatemalan children, individuals, and families who do not otherwise have access to these services. Dr. Jensen swipes through his phone's pictures and stops on one of the pictures. A little girl wears new shoes. No holes. No tears or cuts. New shoes and a new life. Those interested in supporting Dr. Jensen's humanitarian medical mission are encouraged to contact his office directly. About Dr. Joseph Jensen: Located in Layton, Utah, Dr. Joseph Jensen, DO, is the surgeon of choice for people seeking laser liposuction, laser tattoo removal, tummy tuck, laser liposuction, Smartlipo, facial rejuvenation, varicose veins treatment, laser hair removal, brown spot removal, acne scar removal, and general surgery. Using top-of-the-line, state-of-the-art equipment and always displaying sincere compassion, Dr. Jensen takes great care to ensure your utmost safety and realize your desired surgical outcomes. To achieve your desired skin and body, visit Dr. Joseph Jensen, DO. Visit DrJosephJensen.com for more information. For more information about us, please visit http://DrJosephJensen.com Contact Info: Name: Dr. Joseph W. Jensen Email: info@DrJosephJensen.com Organization: Dr. Joseph W. Jensen, DO Address: 1580 W Antelope Dr #130 Phone: 801-728-9258 Source: http://marketersmedia.com/layton-utah-surgeon-participates-in-annual-medical-mercy-mission-to-guatemala/110868 Release ID: 110868 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) Hollywood Photo Booth Rental in Los Angeles Launches New GIF Photo Booth Hollywood Photo Booth is a company providing all sorts of events with high-quality photo booth installations. The company has now added a new .GIF photo booth setup to their service. -- Headquartered in Los Angeles, Hollywood Photo Booth is a company catering to clients in L.A., San Diego, Las Vegas, San Francisco and more. "Make Your Event, A Smash Hit," states the company slogan on their official website. The company has now announced a new unique service that is stated to be a .GIF photo booth. With other installations including open air photo booths, green screen booths, instant print booths and more, the new .GIF photo booth installation can apparently create an animated .GIF picture of shots taken in the booth. The company provides photo booths for corporate events, social gatherings, festivals, fundraisers, and private events like weddings, birthday parties, bar/bat mitzvahs and more. The company claims to have high-quality professional equipment with specially trained and uniformed staff. "Professional, easy to work with, reasonably priced. I've used them twice, almost back to back for two events I've put on via my employer this summer and would definitely use them again, as well as recommend them to anyone who is looking for a straightforward photo booth set-up with professional employees who enhance any event and give guests a great time," states a Hollywood Photo Booth customer in their testimony of the services provided by the company. A company spokesperson made an official press statement in which he discussed Hollywood Photo Booth's new service "Here at Hollywood Photo Booth, we aim to offer high-quality installations with extremely trained and polite staff. Our installations are an amazing addition to any event and allow corporations to better engage the attendees in the event. Client satisfaction is our top-most priority and we aim to make the photo booth experience a very memorable one for all clients who choose to hire us. Private events like weddings and birthdays are also ideal for out various kinds of amazing photo booth installations so that moments can be captured into amazing high quality pictures, to last forever." He further explained about the new .GIF photo booth installation the company is now offering "We always aim to reinvent ourselves and offer the latest to our clients. Animated .GIF pictures are the latest trend ever since social media giants like Facebook included .GIF photo sending options to their chat boxes. With this new booth, all people have to do is take pictures and our friendly staff will convert the pictures into an animated .GIF picture that people can then save on their phones and share on their social media profiles. This is a revolutionary addition to our already extensive repertoire of installations and we urge people to add this amazing installation to their event to further engage the attendees in something fun and creative." Having worked for major corporations including Microsoft, Nike, Adidas and Apple, the company is now also offering a free consultation service for people looking to hire the company for their events. People can reportedly get in touch with the company to discuss their needs and the customer representatives will assist them with everything and provide them free price quotes. The company can also be contacted using the contact page on their official website at http://hollywoodphotobooth.com/contact-us/. The company spokesperson explains that it has been made very easy for clients to get an accurate price quote for their event. Users can fill in a form and list their event specifications to get the right price quote. For more information about us, please visit http://hollywoodphotobooth.com/ Contact Info: Name: Michael Tertoole Email: info@hollywoodphotobooth.com Organization: Hollywood Photo Booth Address: 14560 Dickens St, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403 Phone: 310-756-4098 Release ID: 110935 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) Westerville Ohio Dentist Announces Program For Those Without Dental Insurance Lynn Monstwil, DDS introduces its Smile Club to provide a solution for patients without dental insurance. Further information can be found at http://monstwildds.com/. -- Lynn Monstwil, DDS has implemented a new element to her practice-The Smile Club! The Smile Club is a savings club for patients who do not have dental insurance. It is available to both new and existing patients. This allows anyone with or without dental insurance to have his or her smile improved. This update offers a savings club for Westerville and Columbus area patients that includes 15% off of regular services as well as huge discounts on preventative services, hygiene services, and oral cancer screenings. Lynn Monstwil, DDS has been able to do this by working hand in hand with patients to help them get the most out of their smiles. The entire staff is excited to unveil the latest benefit for current and new patients as it's specifically designed to improve the experience and better fulfill the needs of Westerville families. When asked to provide greater insight on the subject, Dr. Monstwil, Owner and Dentist at Lynn Monstwil, DDS, said, "By using our Smile Club, patients in the Westerville and Columbus areas who don't have dental insurance can still get the same benefits of regular dental care as those who do. Our goal is to make everyone smile!" "This dental practice has made a point of listening to its customers and taking suggestions wherever possible. We do this because it's our best source of feedback into what services we need to provide to our patients in the Westerville and Columbus, Ohio areas.", says Dr. Monstwil. Lynn Monstwil, DDS has made it part of its mission to to provide the highest level of dental care for every patient who comes in the door, and to serve all of Westerville's dental needs in the family dentist market. The business is known as a gentle, caring, comfortable environment where patients are treated as family and greeted with a genuine smile, which Dr. Monstwil is immensely proud of, with the business being operational now for 22 years. Interested parties who would like to be among the first to experience The Smile Club with Lynn Monstwil, DDS are encouraged to visit the website at http://monstwildds.com/ for full details and to get started. For more information about us, please visit http://monstwildds.com/ Contact Info: Name: Dr. Lynn Monstwil Organization: Lynn Monstwil, DDS Address: 450 Alkyre Run Dr #260, Westerville, OH 43082 Phone: (614) 882-9828 Release ID: 110853 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) It was the summer of 2008 in San Francisco and a small company called Airbnb had a dream. People with spare bedrooms would welcome strangers into their homes and share their restaurant recommendations with them for a small fee. Fast forward to 2016 and the now quite big and successful Airbnb is considered one of the mainstays of what we have come to call the sharing economy. It is also, in every article written on millennials, the business that defines the mentality of a generation. Why? First, because it has subtly commoditised the unique experience. It offers people a way to feel both spontaneous and that they are somehow circumventing the world of big business. The word that Airbnb uses to describe the kind of holiday its users might have is authentic. We make it easy for you to get to know hosts, boasts the website, picturing a smiling lady with a half-chopped cucumber. But Airbnb has lost its soul. No longer is it just about one human sharing their home with another. Something quite annoying has happened: companies offering property management services have emerged to help hosts get the best deal for their rooms. This is great news for hosts, but bad news for everyone else. It is also something of a reversal of one of the principles that first made Airbnb different disintermediation. Along with low cost and singularity of experience, disintermediation is one of the big themes of the Airbnb business model. Here is an accommodation provider that owns no property; it merely connects homeowners with holidaymakers. Look at the London listings and youll find theres an apartment squirrelled away behind the St Pancras clock tower. This is not the sort of thing a hotel can offer you and the appeal of it is the illusion that this is something money cant buy. But guess what? If you pay a man called Peter 150 a night you can stay there, because its his home. This is a relatively high price for properties on the site: the cost of staying in an Airbnb is typically low because people are using spare capacity. By definition, there is no break even to be met. Whereas this month the average price of an Airbnb room in London is 86 per night, the average cost of a hotel room is 130. Airbnb is also about deprofessionalisation. The temporary accommodation industry is no longer about Mr Ritz marketing his ample suites to the profligate. Its about Jerry from Barnet and his mad Princess Diana-themed bedroom. St Pancras clock tower Dreamstime This causes problems. Its not great for Jerry if his spare bedroom or even his entire house becomes the location for someones bacchanalian revels. On the other side of the bargain, guests are understandably wary of finding themselves staying in the home of someone who turns out to be a knife-wielding maniac. Airbnbs answer to these concerns is trust. Airbnb, according to its website, is built on trust. It proudly adds: Trust is what makes it work. There have been stories of guests trashing the joint. When responding to these cases, Airbnb typically says it has zero tolerance for this kind of behaviour. But the point is that it cant predict human behaviour in any meaningful way and it certainly cant prevent unpleasantness or worse from happening. The company does operate an insurance policy of sorts for your possessions, called the $1m host guarantee. Because, as Airbnb puts it, youre part of the Airbnb family, and we stand by our family. Elsewhere it reminds users that being a host on Airbnb is about so much more than money. But Airbnb does make money. And it has a problem in that the demand for rooms to rent outstrips supply, so to continue making money it needs to persuade homeowners to host more often. It recently tried to adjust its pricing structure to make hosting more lucrative. Time will tell if this works, but in the meantime, there is another answer in the form of a brand new phenomenon: Airbnb estate agents. In Los Angeles there is Pillow, in San Francisco there is Guesty, in New York there is Happy Host and now in London there is Airsorted. You may have seen their advertisements on the London Underground. Much like the property management arms of estate agents, all of these companies offer services for lazy hosts who dont have the time to welcome guests or change the sheets. Much less if they have multiple properties and the British Hospitality Industry estimates that 40 per cent of Airbnb hosts in London are marketing more than one place. Airsorted promises to make more money for hosts. This is not a new aim. Scott Shatford, founder of another property management company, who describes himself as a professional Airbnb host, has written a book on the subject, called The Airbnb Experts Playbook Secrets of a Six-Figure Rentalpreneur. But Airsorted says it has a competitive advantage over people marketing rooms themselves because it has data analytics systems that work out the maximum price it can charge and has hired a team of commercial analysts to solve the problem too. Its business model? It takes a 12 per cent cut of the rent. Why are people so happy to give over such a potentially hefty slice of the rental income? Because they dont really want disintermediation. Theyd rather have a more complicated supply chain in which experts calculate the optimum price, push for more rent and deal with tiresome property issues. Will this re-intermediation push up the price of an Airbnb room? Almost certainly. In February Airbnb published a report called Discover Greater London: The Impact of Sharing an Authentic London. Although it uses the language of a public authority it is an impact assessment this is actually an advertisement. A key boast is that the number of guests staying in outer London boroughs has more than doubled in many cases. One of the hallmarks of the London rental market is the creep of young renters to the outer London boroughs as inner London boroughs become more expensive. So if anything, this shift to the suburbs is testament to the rising costs of short term rental. London boroughs like Hillingdon and Barnet are trending over Westminster and Kensington, it says but thats just another way of saying Airbnb users like a good old-fashioned low-cost option. Its probably not about Barnet being the next Shoreditch. The market is maturing. Or rather, regressing into its former intermediated state. Is this an economic problem? No. Is it a brand problem? I think so Airbnb is understandably keen to maintain that its hosts are not all just professional hoteliers or buy-to-let landlords cynically using the Airbnb brand as a distribution tool it says the majority of its hosts are freelancers or work in creative industries (maybe a rentalpreneur would call themselves a freelancer?). It describes the countless families for whom home sharing is an economic lifeline. The British Hospitality Association takes a dimmer view. Although it welcomes the opportunities the sharing economy brings to owners letting their homes from time to time, it does not like the idea of illegal hotels using platforms to circumvent regulations and tax. Then it goes in for the kill: Sharing has become big business with hosts acting as landlords in all but name. The market is maturing. Or rather, regressing into its former intermediated state. Is this an economic problem? No. Is it a brand problem? I think so. There seems to be little to prevent Airbnb turning from being a low-cost accommodation provider beloved of young travellers to a ragtag property empire administered by the future Foxtons of the short-let world. Aime Williams is a reporter on FT Money. aime.williams@ft.com; Twitter: @Aime_Williams Mike Rogers will step down as chief executive of life company LV after a decade in the role, as soon as a suitable successor is found, the company has announced. Mr Rogers said 10 years is a significant milestone, but the time was now right for a new team to shape the next decade. LV will always be special for me and I look forward to seeing its members, customers and people thrive, he said. The hunt for a successor is underway and Mr Rogers will lead the business for the remainder of the year, and into 2017 if required, until a suitable candidate is found, LV chairman Mark Austen said. Since 2006, when Mr Rogers took the helm of what was then insurance, banking, IFA and asset management group Liverpool Victoria, the companys fortunes have witnessed a dramatic turnaround, swingeing from a 20m loss to a 195m profit in 2015. Gross earned premiums in that time have risen from 630m to 2.4bn last year. LV attributed the success to Mr Rogers completely reshaping and refocusing the group. Under his leadership the business has been restructured through the closure of its banking operation in 2007 and IFA division in 2008. There have been several targeted acquisitions: Tomorrow in 2007, Highway and Britannia Rescue in 2008 plus a majority shareholding in Wealth Wizards in 2015. A further acquisition is planned of the majority of Teachers Assurance business lines in 2016. In a statement, Mr Austen thanked Mr Rogers for the outstanding service he has provided over the last ten years. Under his leadership LV has been transformed into the successful and profitable financial mutual it is today with a special place in the financial services market. laura.miller@ft.com Man Group has reported net inflows of $500m in the quarter to March 31 2016, in spite of a decrease in funds under management in GLG. Net outflows of $500m from GLGs discretionary long-only business were mainly in relation to the performance of its $3.6bn Japan CoreAlpha fund run by Stephen Harker, which was down 16.3 per cent in the quarter, compared to the Topix index which was down 12 per cent. In its trading statement, the group said this had resulted in a negative investment movement of $1.2bn. Funds under management in its discretionary long only business decreased by $1.7bn. Net outflows from its discretionary alternatives business saw funds under management drop by $900m during the quarter, mainly driven by outflows of $600m from its North American equity and convertibles strategies. The group reported net inflows of $1.3bn across its quant alternative strategies and inflows of $500m into its quant long only strategies. Net flows into fund of funds alternatives were flat for the quarter. Chief executive Manny Roman said the group had delivered results against a backdrop of challenging market conditions. He added: Investment performance across our quantitative strategies and net inflows meant that group funds under management remained stable over a highly volatile quarter. The ongoing uncertainty in the markets remains challenging and, accordingly, the risk appetite of our clients has the potential to impact flows. However, the ongoing diversification of our business has enhanced our resilience as a firm, and positions us well to navigate the current economic climate. Mr Roman said: As we have previously indicated, we continue to explore new options for growth, both organically and by acquisition, within our disciplined financial framework. Shares in Man Group were up 4 per cent to 157.80p this morning following its results. Outgoing Architas chief investment officer Caspar Rock has cut exposure to Clive Beagles JOHCM UK Equity Income fund as part of a reduction of his equity positions. Mr Rock, who runs the six-strong multi-manager range but is to leave the business for Cazenove later this year, said he had been taking a little bit of money out of equity strategies following the market rally that emerged in mid-February, while also paring back beta exposure. Thats one way to reduce your equity exposure. You can either sell holdings or reduce your beta. If theres a downside, you should be, to an extent, protected [by doing this], he said. We are taking a little bit of money out of equity following the rally we have seen since February 11. We were neutral equity and we have moved to slightly underweight. Thats not just physical, but also the beta of our portfolios. We reduced the weighting [and] played around with the beta exposure in our active range. The market volatility that marked the opening weeks of 2016 has prompted some fund selectors to de-risk their offerings by, for example, adjusting equity weightings. In Mr Rocks case, he has reduced a huge holding in the Standard Life Investments UK Equity Unconstrained fund as well as cutting his position in Mr Beagles fund. He has also moved money into Woodford Equity Income and the Fidelity Moneybuilder Dividend portfolio. Elsewhere, the manager has made other attempts to position the range more defensively. This includes being slightly short duration on fixed income, but continuing to favour gilts. This has seen him reduce his holding in the Vanguard UK Long Duration Gilt Index fund and add to the BlackRock UK Gilts All Stocks Tracker. At the margins, we are slightly short duration, he said. We do have gilts and they have done incredibly well. Gilts have protected us where equities have been pretty dismal. The manager has also moved to protect investors from a weakened sterling on the back of Brexit concerns. Before Christmas, we decided to tweak down our weighting in sterling, he said. We were thinking about what the market would think about after Christmas, so we increased our overseas currency weighting. This has seen him add to overseas positions, including BGF Asia Pacific Equity Income. He said: We have been investing overseas. It could be in equity or fixed income. The overall intention was to increase our foreign currency exposure. Meanwhile, Mr Rock retains a preference for niche vehicles in his property exposure, in part because he sees risks in the generalist space. His holdings include Empiric Student Property, which was added to the range in recent weeks. We have a preference for the more specialist property exposure, he said. Theres trouble on the high street, which we have to remember. You also have to remember theres a lot of supply and high prices in London and the south east. Specialist distributor and packager All Types of Mortgages had announced a new partnership with Kensington Mortgages. AToMs managing director Dale Jannels said the move was a chance to rekindle relationships with the specialist packager community and showed Kensingtons intent to establish itself as a go to lender when it comes to complex and specialist mortgages. The deal will give AToMs advisers access to the lenders 90 per cent loan-to-value product, which features its approach to individual underwriting for customers with smaller deposits. This is excellent news for brokers who have clients who are self-employed, contractors or have historic credit difficulties, said Mr Jannels. Other product highlights include rates from 4.89 per cent, no credit scoring, 100 per cent bonus acceptable for employed, completion fee-free products and free valuation and legals on some products. AToM has recently expanded its offerings to include complex prime, secured loans, commercials, properties abroad, bridging, conveyancing, website design/maintenance and more. Kensingtons head of sales and distribution Steve Griffiths said that specialist distributors provide an important service for brokers who are looking for a simple way of sourcing and placing their more complex cases. This is a really important partnership for us and we are looking forward to working together to promote our core range, 90 per cent LTV product and future proposition developments, he commented. Since the start of this year, Kensington has increased the maximum LTVs on its core range to 85 per cent, reviewed its lending policies for older borrowers, moved to paperless processing and upped the maximum loan limits for first-time buyers and buy-to-let mortgages. peter.walker@ft.com Two of the oldest UK machinery companies Twose of Tiverton and McConnel are to merge next month. Twose, which started life in 1830, and McConnel, which was established in 1935, have both been part of the giant US Alamo Corporation for many years. Alamo also owns several other UK brands, including Bomford, Kellands and Spearhead, French hedger company Rousseau and US rotary mower maker Bush-Hog. See also: Twose all-in-one subsoiler and aerator boosts growth The move, which will take place on 1 May 2016, will see the formation of a specialist grassland and arable machinery division, resulting in a wider product offering which the company hopes will generate new opportunities for growth. Twose currently makes cultivators, mowers, bale handlers, forestry kit and is a big seller of rolls, while McConnel specialises in hedgers, cultivators and remote-control hillside mowers. In fact, McConnel is the worlds biggest maker of hedgecutters. Both brands will continue to be made at Ludlow in Shropshire, while Bomford and Spearhead manufacture at Evesham and Kellands makes its sprayers at Birdlip in Gloucestershire. The McConnel brand will now be used for all export machines, while the plan is to make more of the well-liked Twose brand in the UK. The changes will not involve redundancies, says the company, as the production facilities at Tiverton, Devon, closed many years ago. Fed-up farmers in south Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire are demanding tougher action from police to stop criminal gangs targeting their businesses. Farmers say gangs of quad bikers are illegally riding over their land and causing thousands of pounds worth of damage to crops in a rural crime wave that is spiraling out of control. Other crimes landowners have suffered in recent weeks include deer lamping, hare coursing, sheep worrying, fly-grazing and lambs being shot. See also: Lambs shot dead in sickening farm shooting Farmers complain that after they telephone police on 101 to report crime, by the time officers arrive it is too late and the offenders have already fled. Stephen Smith, the owner of Grange Farm, a 75ha mixed beef and arable farm in Styrrup, south of Doncaster, said farmers were fighting back by digging trenches around fields to prevent access and erecting concrete barriers around gates. But he said more must be done and he called on South Yorkshire Police to intervene and carry out sting operations to catch offenders in the act. Its absolute hell Quad bikers are making our lives a misery around here. Its absolute hell, said Mr Smith. Sometimes they are in convoys of 20 on roads, with no helmets and wearing balaclavas to hide their identity. They access fields in the daytime, rampaging across fields and doing donuts on crops. Personally, I lost 4,000 worth of winter wheat in one such incident when it snowed. They think farm fields are playgrounds. In the evenings, they go lamping and chase deer around fields, exhausting and then killing them with their guns. They have no respect for the law whatsoever. We have brought it up with the police, but they are nowhere to be seen. Police response Paul Barnes, farm manager at Bawtry Farms, a 1,300ha mixed farm in Serlby, said quad bike gangs had smashed through fences to get access to fields. Mr Barnes said his team was out digging ditches with JCBs to keep unwanted people off farmland. He has even resorted to spreading poultry manure in strategic places in fields to keep the quad bikers off. Its doing a job in one way by putting nutrients and organic matter in the soils, he said. Also, the quad bikers dont like it when they get it on their bikes. Mr Barnes said he regularly logs crimes by calling 101, but he did not feel police were following up reports of incidents. We get quad bikes coming on fields at all hours. You call 101 and the PCSOs come around two hours later. They have said no stingers can be activated due to public liability and health and safety reasons. One farmer from Hatfield, near Doncaster, said gangs operating in the area were out of control and police were not doing enough to catch them. There is not a field in the area that hasnt been done with quad bikes. There are tracks all over the place, he said. I caught one quad bike gang pulling my fence down. I pushed one of them into a ditch. Then I got locked up. The police dont seem to be bothered. They come round on a bicycle, but they dont have any authority. They need to catch these people. South Yorkshire Polices budget for the financial year 2015-16 has been cut by 5.1%. NFU president Meurig Raymond has written to the Treasury to demand more action from government to tackle rural crime. Farmers Weekly has asked police forces in the area to comment on the story. Story Highlights Americans say money and wealth should be more evenly distributed Belief that upper-income pay too little in taxes has been evident for 25 years Slight majority favoring heavy taxes on rich is unchanged over last three years PRINCETON, N.J. -- Six in 10 Americans continue to believe that upper-income Americans pay too little in taxes. This attitude has been steady over the past five years, but is lower than in the early 1990s, when as many as 77% said those with higher incomes paid too little in taxes. The latest update comes from Gallup's April 6-10 Economy and Personal Finance survey -- conducted during a presidential election year in which taxes have been a major area of focus for the candidates. In particular, Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders has made the reduction of inequality the central motif of his campaign, saying, "The issue of wealth and income inequality is the great moral issue of our time, it is the great economic issue of our time, and it is the great political issue of our time." He has called for "higher income tax rates for the richest Americans." His Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, also has called for the need to "reform our tax code so the wealthiest pay their fair share." Republicans, in contrast, have called for simplified tax plans, which will end up reducing the income taxes all Americans pay. Ted Cruz says that under his tax plan, "All income groups will see a double-digit increase in after-tax income." Donald Trump's plan would simplify the tax code into fewer tax brackets. Although it would reduce or eliminate "most deductions and loopholes available to the very rich," the rich likely would pay less in taxes because upper-income taxpayers under Trump's plan would have a lower tax rate. The Democratic presidential candidates are the most in sync with overall public opinion on the issue of taxing the rich, given the significant majority who say upper-income Americans pay too little in taxes. Americans' attitudes on whether upper-income Americans pay too little in taxes are split along political lines. Three-quarters of Democrats say the rich pay too little, compared with less than half of Republicans. Independents mirror the national average. Those with an annual income of at least $75,000 per year, Gallup's highest income category for this analysis, have views that are broadly similar to those earning lower incomes. Americans' Views on Tax Burden of Upper-Income Americans As I read off some different groups, please tell me if you think they are paying their FAIR share in federal taxes, paying too MUCH or paying too LITTLE? First, how about upper-income people? Fair share % Too much % Too little % National adults 21 15 61 Democrats 14 9 75 Independents 18 16 62 Republicans 32 20 45 Conservatives 30 20 46 Moderates 20 11 67 Liberals 10 12 76 Under $30,000 15 19 63 $30,000 to $74,999 21 11 64 $75,000+ 26 16 57 April 6-10, 2016 Gallup Slightly More Than Half Agree With the Idea of Heavy Taxes on the Rich A separate Gallup trend question addressing the issue of taxes paid by the well-to-do finds that a slight majority of Americans agree with the proposition that the government should redistribute wealth by "heavy taxes on the rich." Fortune Magazine first asked this question in the late 1930s, during the Depression, and at that point only about a third agreed. When Gallup updated the question in 1998, 45% agreed. Although the exact figures have fluctuated since, public opinion has been about evenly divided. Most recently, in 2013, 2015 and this year, 52% say the government should redistribute wealth by taxing the rich. Views on heavily taxing the rich to redistribute wealth are strongly related to political orientation, with a huge gap between Republicans (22% of whom agree with the idea) and Democrats (80%), and a similar gap between conservatives and liberals. As household income rises, support for this idea drops, with those making at least $75,000 per year rejecting the idea of heavy taxes on the rich by a 59% to 40% margin. Young people, who tend to skew more Democratic in orientation, are most likely of the age groups o favor the idea. Views on Government Redistribution of U.S. Wealth People feel differently about how far a government should go. Here is a phrase which some people believe in and some don't. Do you think our government should or should not redistribute wealth by heavy taxes on the rich? Yes, redistribute by heavy taxes on rich % No, should not redistribute wealth % Don't know/ Refused % National adults 52 46 2 Democrats 80 19 2 Independents 50 47 3 Republicans 22 76 1 Conservatives 26 71 3 Moderates 57 42 1 Liberals 77 21 2 Under $30,000 61 35 3 $30,000 to $74,999 57 41 2 $75,000+ 40 59 1 April 6-10, 2016 Gallup Americans Generally Favor More Equal Distribution A clear majority of Americans agree that money and wealth in the U.S. should be more evenly distributed among a larger percentage of people, as has been true since Gallup first asked this question in 1984. The percentage agreeing was generally in the 60% range from 1984 through April 2008 and then dropped slightly in the fall of 2008 just before Barack Obama won the presidential election. The current 59% agreement is right at the average of what Gallup has found since 2009. Implications Americans are generally on board -- as they consistently have been in recent decades -- with the concept that wealth and income should be distributed more equally in the U.S. Americans also tend to agree that upper-income Americans pay too little in taxes and that the rich should be more heavily taxed in order to achieve a more even distribution of wealth. These attitudes are divided along partisan lines, with wide gaps in opinion between Republicans and Democrats, reflecting the starkly different positions of the two parties' presidential candidates on this issue. Sanders has been most focused on the issue of income inequality in his campaign, and his position clearly strikes a highly responsive chord with his own partisans, although Democrats interviewed in this survey who support Clinton for their party's nomination are little different on these measures from those who support Sanders. Cruz and Trump may find a similarly responsive chord among their partisans for their "lower all taxes" positions, with again little difference between Republicans who support one or the other for their party's nomination. Overall, the Democrats continue to have a more resonant position than Republicans with the general public on the use of taxes to help redistribute income and wealth. Other Gallup research shows, however, that Americans have become less likely to say the amount they personally pay in taxes is fair, and the Republican candidates' calls for lowering taxes in general may be more in sync with the public's views. Inequality does not show up as an extremely high priority when Americans are asked about campaign issues, and relatively few Americans mention inequality or taxes more generally as the most important problem facing the nation today. Historical data are available in Gallup Analytics. Survey Methods Results for this Gallup poll are based on telephone interviews conducted April 6-10, 2016, with a random sample of 1,015 adults, aged 18 and older, living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. For results based on the total sample of national adults, the margin of sampling error is 4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. All reported margins of sampling error include computed design effects for weighting. Each sample of national adults includes a minimum quota of 60% cellphone respondents and 40% landline respondents, with additional minimum quotas by time zone within region. Landline and cellular telephone numbers are selected using random-digit-dial methods. View survey methodology, complete question responses and trends. Learn more about how the Gallup Poll Social Series works. Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia was among the right people enshrined on the memorial wall on Saturday, Oct. 21. 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 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. Criminal statistics : Crime rate goes up in 2015 Bonn Police reports show there were more burglaries and car break-ins this past year. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken Statistics show that the number of criminal offenses in the past year have increased in Bonn and Beuel. In Bonn, 19,476 crimes were committed in 2015, which is 786 more than in 2014. In Beuel, there were 2,350 crimes reported, a total of 210 more than in 2014. Theft: 5,769 cases of simple theft were recorded in Bonn. This is an increase of 449 from the previous year. Included in this number is shoplifting, and these incidents went up by 273. Part of this increase could be because more shoplifters are being caught due to growing use of cameras and store detectives. Serious thefts in Bonn went from 4,229 cases in 2014 to 4,579 cases in 2015. In Beuel, cases of simple theft went from 876 in 2014 to 917 in 2015. Serious thefts increased from 1,155 in 2014 to 1,218 in 2015. Car break-ins: 1,323 car break-ins were reported in Bonn for 2015; this is 54 more than in 2014. The number in Beuel increased from 390 to 402. Officials say there is a difference in the type of crimes and criminals from the left side of the Rhine to the right side. On the left side in Bonn, its mostly criminals who are looking for quick money, for example drug addicts who take every chance to break in and steal anything of worth. On the left side where Beuel is, its mainly criminal bands from outside the region who steal navigation systems and airbags. A group from Lithuania is currently being investigated. Burglaries: The number of home burglaries in Bonn in 2015 was 584, similar to 2014 with 588. There were 116 burglaries in businesses in 2015; this is 13 less than in 2014. In Beuel, however, home burglaries increased by 16 to a total of 295, and break-ins at businesses rose to 37, which is 7 more than last year. Some of these might be explained by the Albanian band of burglars who drilled holes around door locks to break in, using this technique not only in Bonn but all over Europe. They are responsible for numerous burglaries between August and November of 2015. Robbery, bodily assault and false imprisonment (holding someone against their will): 2,042 of these types of crimes occurred in 2015 in Bonn, up from 2,028 in 2014. Violent crimes including rape, serious assault, robbery and homicides have gone up from 673 in 2014 to 701 in 2015 in Bonn. Street crimes in Bonn went from 5,738 in 2014 to 5,971 in 2015. Stolen bikes: 1,626 bikes were stolen in Bonn in 2015; this is 130 more than were stolen in 2014. In Beuel, 375 bikes were stolen in 2015, an increase of 14 from 2014. A new weekly police radar map of break-ins and attempted break-ins can be found at: www.polizei.nrw.de/bonn On the map, red-colored pins represent burglaries that were completed and green-colored pins represent attempted burglaries. Cologne An Algerian man is sentenced to jail for his crime at the Cologne central train station. A 21-year-old Algerian man is the first offender from the Cologne New Years Eve attacks to receive a jail sentence. On Thursday in a Cologne court, he received a one year sentence for stealing. He was found guilty of stealing a mans wallet in the area in front of the Hauptbahnhof (central train station). When the victim noticed what had happened, he held the thief who then kicked him. Others came to the victims aid and a fistfight ensued. Plittersdorf turning circle : Open for business Bad Godesberg. Much praise has gone out to Bonn roadworks for finishing the Plittersdorf turning circle early. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken Thanks to a mild winter and favorable weather conditions, the big construction mess in Plittersdorf has come to an end and the new turning circle opens Friday morning at 9:00 a.m. It connects Plittersdorfer Strae, Ubierstrae, Mittelstrae and Gotenstrae. Much praise has been extended to the civil engineering bureau for roadworks. Initial time tables had the project finishing up at the beginning of June but they were able to speed things up and finish around two months early. This is a huge relief for people who drive in the area and for businesses who had complained about having fewer customers due to the construction. Blocked off roads and heavy machinery on Beethovenallee, Plittersdorfer Strae and the corner of Kornerstrae scared away potential business. In a visit from the director of the roadworks bureau at the end of February, Peter Esch promised he would do what he could. Signs were put up to let people known they still had access to the businesses. As uncomfortable as the situation was, local businesses had praise for the city in responding to their needs. And Waltraud Haidous of the shop Lotto, Toto and Burobedarf (office supplies) said the construction workers were working like crazy at the site and called it the fastest construction site in Germany. Christian Sydow from the Second Hand Shop Relindis said he had seldom seen so many people and machinery at work all at once on a construction site, One can really say here in Bonn that we can be proud of a construction site. An interesting note in this story - if you go back to the 1960s, there was already a turning circle here. It was replaced with stoplights. Officials say that bus routes affected by the construction will also return to their normal routes this evening at 6:00 p.m. '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. Obama at CIA headquarters to discuss US war on Daesh Iran Press TV Thu Apr 14, 2016 12:25AM US President Barack Obama has paid a rare visit to CIA headquarters in the state of Virginia to discuss the country's alleged war on Daesh terror group. With the USled coalition standing accused of having done little to tackle Daesh militancy in Iraq and Syria after around 20 months, Obama sounded optimistic about his intent to "take out" more of the terrorists in his Wednesday meeting with the Central Intelligence Agency's chiefs and other security officials. "ISIL is on the defensive, and we are on the offensive," Obama said. "We have momentum, and we intend to keep that momentum." The US president also bragged about how effective the coalition has been in its fight with the Takfiris, who were originally trained by the CIA in Jordan back in 2012 to destabilize the Syrian government. "In the days and weeks ahead we intend to take out more (leaders.) Every day, ISIL leaders wake up and understand it could be their last," Obama said. Takfiri 'cause is lost' The US president estimated that the terror group is in its most vulnerable status since 2014. "Their ranks of fighters are estimated to be at the lowest levels in two years and more and more are realizing that their cause is lost," he said, adding, "So we continue to work for a diplomatic end to this awful conflict." Earlier in the day, Colonel Steve Warren who serves as the spokesman for the so-called Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) said the second "phase" of operations had kicked off. "We are now in phase two, which is to dismantle this enemy," Warren said. "While ISIL can still put together some complex attacks, they have not been able to take hold of any key terrain for almost a year now." Apart from the US airstrikes apparently targeting Daesh, the Takfiris face attacks by the Syrian and Iraqi army, whose forces are busy liberating areas under the militants' control. A number of US regional allies, including Saudi Arabia and Turkey, have been implicated in providing support for the terrorists, on which Washington has turned a blind eye. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Pakistan's ISI suspected of funding attack on CIA outpost: Documents Iran Press TV Thu Apr 14, 2016 5:57PM Pakistan's intelligence agency may have provided terror groups with the necessary funds to carry out a deadly attack on a US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) base in Afghanistan, newly declassified US State Department cables allege. The heavily redacted cable, which was released by The National Security Archive at George Washington University on Wednesday, was sent about two weeks after the attack on December 30, 2009, and details an alleged meeting between operatives from the al-Qaeda affiliate Haqqani network and a number of unidentified officers with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The US document states that according to "not finally evaluated intelligence" the ISI had given the terror network $200,000 to "enable" the attack on Forward Operating Base Chapman in Afghanistan's Khost province. Seven CIA officers and a Jordanian intelligence operative were killed during the attack that was carried out by a double agent, a Jordanian named Hammam Khalil Mohammed. He was reportedly invited to the base to help the American spy agency track down senior al Qaeda operatives. The CIA refused to answer questions about the report's veracity, or whether there is stronger intelligence that concretely holds the ISI responsible for funding the Chapman bombing. Another State Department cable that was also released on Wednesday under a Freedom of Information Act request stated that the Haqqani network's leaders were holding monthly meetings with the ISI in the capital city of Islamabad as of late December 2009. The unconfirmed allegations against Pakistan come in a time when according to a recent assessment by Islamabad, most of the Haqqani terrorist network has been obliterated by the country's armed forces. Sartaj Aziz, an adviser on national security and foreign affairs for Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, said in August of last year that most of the Haqqani network's base had been destroyed by an army operation that began in the North Waziristan tribal district. The Haqqani network is allied with Taliban and al-Qaeda militants and has conducted many attacks against US targets, including the 2009 Camp Chapman bombing in eastern Afghanistan, which killed seven CIA agents. Washington says future payments of hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan are contingent upon Islamabad's eradication of the group. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Obama: Counter-ISIL Campaign Accelerates By Jim Garamone DoD News, Defense Media Activity WASHINGTON, April 14, 2016 The campaign against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant has accelerated, President Barack Obama said yesterday at the headquarters of the Central Intelligence Agency. Obama spoke to the press after a meeting of the National Security Council at the intelligence facility to review progress being made against all stripes of terrorist. In February, the president ordered the national security team to accelerate the campaign against ISIL. "And we have," he said. "This remains a difficult fight, and a complex one, involving many countries and different communities in Syria and in Iraq. It is a military campaign and a counterterrorism effort, but it also depends on a whole range of political issues that face these two countries." Since February, ISIL has struck in Turkey and Belgium. The terror group continues to launch attacks against innocent civilians in Iraq and Syria. "With attacks like these, ISIL hopes to weaken our collective resolve," the president said. "Once again, they have failed. Their barbarism only stiffens our unity and determination to wipe this vile terrorist organization off the face of the Earth." ISIL on Defensive ISIL is on the defensive in Iraq and Syria, Obama said. "We have momentum, and we intend to keep that momentum," he said. The president said the counter-ISIL air campaign continues to hit the terror group throughout the region. "We continue to take out their leaders, their commanders and those plotting terrorist attacks," he said. "For ISIL's leadership, it has been a bad few months." With coalition support, local forces continue to push ISIL back in Iraq, the president said. He noted the success Iraqi forces have had in Anbar province, especially their successes in Hit. "In Syria, a coalition of local forces -- some backed by U.S. special operations forces -- continue to make progress, pushing ISIL out of the strategic town of al-Shaddadi," he said. This cut the supply and communications line between Raqqa, Syria -- ISIL's self-proclaimed capital -- and Mosul, Iraq. ISIL Shrinks "In other words, the ISIL core in Syria and Iraq continues to shrink," Obama said. "Their ranks of fighters are estimated to be at the lowest levels in about two years, and more and more of them are realizing that their cause is lost. Our cyber operations are disrupting their command-and-control and communications. We continue to target ISIL's financial infrastructure, including its oil wells, refineries and supply lines." Diplomats are working to end the Syrian civil war, the president said. "Talks are now resuming in Geneva," he said. "And the United States will continue to do everything that we can to help the cessation [of hostilities] succeed and to advance a political solution to the Syrian civil war." But ISIL has global ambitions, and the United States will continue to go after the terrorists wherever they are, Obama said. "We're helping partners strengthen their security forces, from Africa to Afghanistan," he said. "As we, our allies and partners have made it harder for foreign terrorists to reach Syria and Iraq, we've seen an uptick in the number of ISIL fighters heading to Libya. So we're going to continue to use the full range of tools to roll ISIL back from Libya while assisting the new and nascent Libyan government as it works to secure their country." The president also pointed out that ISIL is not the only terror threat the United States is addressing. Strikes continue to hit al-Qaida and its affiliates, he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Number of ISIL Fighters in Afghanistan Drops Significantly, Official Says By Terri Moon Cronk DoD News, Defense Media Activity WASHINGTON, April 14, 2016 Unilateral U.S. efforts and a spring offensive by Afghan forces have significantly decreased the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant's footprint in Afghanistan, the NATO-led Resolute Support mission's deputy chief of staff for communications told Pentagon reporters today Speaking by teleconference from the Afghan capital of Kabul, Army Brig. Gen. Charles H. Cleveland said U.S. Forces Afghanistan continues its authorized mission to disrupt, dismantle and defeat al-Qaida, and noted the unilateral counterterrorism mission also was extended to ISIL in January 2015 after that terror organization raised its flag in the country. But the battle for control has changed as ISIL is pushed back, he said. "Our overall view now is we are having an effect [by] putting pressure on [ISIL], specifically in Nangarhar," Cleveland said. One indicator is ISIL appears to exist in two or three districts today, compared to six to eight districts three months ago, he said. ISIL Forces Moving in Effort to Survive Additionally, ISIL fighters are trying to move into Kunar and Nuristan provinces or farther south into Ghazni, Cleveland added. "We don't think they're moving because they're able to expand or they have additional capacity," he said. "We think they're trying to survive. They're under pressure, and are trying to escape from the areas where we've aggressively targeted them." Another indication of ISIL's decreasing numbers in Afghanistan is the number of fighters who are defecting, Cleveland said. "They're either laying down their arms and coming back to the government or trying to get back into the Taliban," he added. Partnering With Afghan Forces Cleveland updated reporters on the mission to train, advise and assist Afghan national defense and security forces on numerous levels in the effort. "Specifically, we partner with them at the tactical level, and particularly with their special operations forces," he said. During a 36-hour mission last week involving unilateral U.S. strikes against ISIL targets, Afghan special operations forces were able to move into the Kot district in Nangarhar province and clear part of a valley, Cleveland pointed out. "It's a partnership as we move forward on all of these counterterrorism operations," the general said. Three weeks into their spring offensive, has Afghan forces have transitioned from last year's defensive to an offensive one in 2016, Cleveland said. "They're trying to take the fight to the enemy," he said. "We've already seen evidence of them in northeastern Kunduz, engaging the Taliban there." Afghan forces also have begun re-establishing their presence in Helmand province with an offensive approach, particularly where they are trying to clear territory in the east, Cleveland said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Downgrading of Taiping Island to a rock will be illegal: President Ma ROC Central News Agency 2016/04/14 22:07:20 Taipei, April 14 (CNA) President Ma Ying-jeou () on Thursday reiterated that the Republic of China (Taiwan) holds sovereignty over Taiping Island and said that any international court ruling that downgrades the legal status of Taiping () from an "island" to a "rock" will be illegal and will hurt the ROC's sovereignty. "Whether from the perspective of history, geography or international law, it is indisputable that the Spratly (Nansha) Islands, Paracel (Xisha) Islands, the Macclesfield Bank (Zhongsha Islands), and Pratas (Dongsha) Islands in the South China Sea, and their surrounding waters, are inherent parts of the territory of the ROC," Ma said at a seminar on South China Sea disputes and international law. That is why when Philippine lawyers argued in an international arbitration court that Taiping Island was not an island, but a rock, the ROC government felt compelled to defend the legal status of its territory, Ma said. The Philippines is trying to prove that if Taiping is not actually an island, then all the smaller islets claimed by China in the region are also rocks and are not entitled to an economic exclusive zone under international law. In its lawsuit in The Hague, the Philippines asserted that "some rocks" do not create a claim to territorial waters in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Ma said that although the ROC is an important claimant in the case, it has not been invited to appear before the arbitration court. If the court accepts the totally non-factual argument made by the Philippine lawyers, it will seriously hurt the ROC sovereignty rights over its territory and constitute a violation of the UNCLOS, Ma said. Taiping, the largest island in the disputed Spratly archipelago, fully meets the description of an island as defined in Article 121 of the UNCLOS, the president added. He said he has been inviting the Philippines to send officials, representatives or lawyers to visit Taiping to see the high-quality fresh water source and the ecological environment there, and thus make a proper judgment for themselves. During the seminar, Ma also mentioned his South China Sea Peace Initiative, which was proposed last year amid simmering tensions over competing territorial claims in that area from several countries. The initiative calls for all parties concerned to take action to reduce tensions, abide by international law, ensure freedom of navigation and overflight, and seek a peaceful resolution to disputes. Meanwhile, at the invitation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, international law scholars who participated in the seminar will go on a tour of Taiping on Friday. Taiwan, China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei claim all or part of the islands and reefs in the South China Sea, which are thought to be rich in oil and natural gas reserves. (By Hsieh Chia-chen and Evelyn Kao) Enditem/pc NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US-Philippine military cooperation urged not to target third party People's Daily Online By ZHANG YUNBI (Chinadaily.com.cn) 18:20, April 14, 2016 Military cooperation between the United States and the Philippines should not "target a third-party" or "infringe the interests of the third-party", the Ministry of National Defense told China Daily on Thursday. The comment was made after US Defense Secretary Ash Carter said on Wednesday that US forces will gain access to more military bases in the Philippines than the five already announced, AFP reported. In response, the ministry referred to the fact that the US military bases in the Philippines were closed in the early 1990s. The ministry said in a written reply that "now the US army has returned, has reinforced its military presence in the Philippines and has given rise to militarization in the South China Sea region". "Reinforcing a military alliance is a sign of Cold-War thinking, and it runs against the trend of this era - peace, development, cooperation and win-win," the ministry said. "We urge the relevant parties to break away from the outdated Cold-War thinking, and not to target a third-party, infringe interests of the third-party or impact the regional peace and stability when they embark on bilateral military cooperation," the ministry added. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US, Philippines conducting joint patrols in South China Sea Iran Press TV Thu Apr 14, 2016 1:44PM The US military has revealed for the first time that American warships have been conducting joint patrols with the Philippines in the disputed South China Sea. US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter made the revelation on Thursday at a press conference with Philippines Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmi in Manila. Carter also said that more US forces and aircraft will be rotated through the Philippines, boosting the American military presence there. "These patrols will continue to help build our inter-operability and improve the Philippine Navy," the Pentagon chief said. The comments come as the United States, Australia and the Philippines are conducting joint military exercises in the region. The 11-day drills were launched earlier this month and will conclude on Friday. The war games are part of the annual Balikatan military exercises between Washington and Manila. Australian troops have participated in the drills since 2014. China has repeatedly criticized US military presence in the region and suspects the military drills are part of efforts to contain Beijing. The South China Sea has become a source of tension between China, the US, and some of Washington's regional allies. The territory is rich in mineral resources and lies on a crucial trade route. China claims nearly all of the South China Sea, despite partial counterclaims by Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, Vietnam and the Philippines. China is also locked in disputes with Japan and South Korea over the East China Sea. In recent years, China has built major structures including radar systems and air strips over reclaimed reefs and outcrops. Washington has sent bombers and warships on patrol close to the Chinese construction activity in recent months, infuriating Beijing. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Jordanians to replace UAE forces in war on Yemen: Report Iran Press TV Thu Apr 14, 2016 6:28AM Jordanian military forces and advisers will be replacing UAE troops fighting in the Saudi war on Yemen, following reports of serious disputes among the few "coalition" members, a report says. Yemen's Khabar news agency, citing informed sources, reported on Thursday that the decision had been made following a recent visit by Saudi deputy crown prince Mohammad bin Salman Al Saud to Jordan. Price Mohammad, who is the Saudi defense minister, met King Abdullah in the Jordanian port city of Aqaba and signed a package of agreements, including on development of military cooperation. The report said the deployment of Jordanian forces will now be coming after the United Arab Emirates withdrew the bulk of its military force from Yemen's Ma'rib following a series of military setbacks. The Saudi crown prince also traveled to the UAE in an effort to mend fences after reports of significant frictions between the two allies over the war on Yemen. Emirati authorities are reportedly angry with a Saudi decision to dismiss a former general with close ties to the UAE. In February, the Saudi kingdom sacked Khaled Bahah and appointed Ali Mohsen Al Ahmar to lead the fight against Yemen's Houthis. Ahmar has been based in Saudi Arabia since the Houthis took over Sana'a in 2014. Jordanian military forces reportedly took part in the Saudi operation in Aden last July following the flight of Saudi-backed militiamen loyal to former president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi. Early on Thursday, Saudi military aircraft carried out a fresh round of aerial assaults against the Nihm district of Sana'a Province, though there were no immediate reports of possible casualties and the extent of damage caused. The development came only hours after Saudi-backed militiamen fired a barrage of artillery rounds at Dhubab, Harir and al-Jumhuri districts in Yemen's southwestern province of Ta'izz and Ghorab and al-Madaniyah neighborhoods in the provincial capital city of Ta'izz. Saudi Arabia launched its military aggression against Yemen on March 26, 2015, in a bid to bring Hadi who is a staunch ally of Riyadh back to power and undermine the Houthi Ansarullah movement. More than 9,400 people have been killed and at least 16,000 others injured since the onset of the aggression. The Saudi strikes have also taken a heavy toll on the country's facilities and infrastructure, destroying many hospitals, schools, and factories. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Protests Rock Macedonia For Third Straight Night After Wiretap Pardons April 14, 2016 by RFE/RL Antigovernment protests continued for the third consecutive night in Macedonia's capital on April 14 following President Gjorge Ivanov's decision this week to halt prosecutions of officials linked to a wiretapping scandal. Several thousand demonstrators bearing banners proclaiming "No Justice, No Peace" protested in front of government buildings in Skopje demanding Ivanov's resignation and the freezing of preparations for early parliamentary elections scheduled for June 5. Protesters clashed with police, throwing rocks and flares at officers guarding the seat of the ruling nationalist VMRO-DPMNE party. Five police officers were struck by rocks and injured, while one demonstrator was detained, authorities said. Protests turned violent a day earlier as well when demonstrators ransacked offices used by Ivanov's team and set fire to the furniture. European Union officials and the U.S. State Department criticized Ivanov's decision and urged him to reconsider his amnesty of more than 50 officials. Ivanov was defiant in an April 14 interview broadcast on national television, saying his primary motive in pardoning the officials is to put an end to the political crisis that has rattled the poor Balkan nation of 2 million. "As president, it is my responsibility to end the crisis that has lasted for too long," Ivanov said. Macedonia has been in turmoil since opposition leader Zoran Zaev accused then-Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski of being behind the wiretapping of about 20,000 people -- including many politicians, journalists, and others in powerful positions. Gruevski, a political ally of Ivanov's, denied the charges and accused Zaev of "spying" on the government and attempting to "destabilize" the country. Zaev was later charged with attempting to overthrow the government and is now among those pardoned from prosecution. Gruevski on April 14 distanced himself from Ivanov's amnesty. "It is against what we stand for. Those who have done something criminal should answer for it," he said. An EU-brokered deal reached last year to try to end the crisis gave a special prosecutor, Katica Janeva, powers to investigate the wiretap revelations. She said on April 14 that she would continue to investigate, including allegations of large-scale misappropriation of state funds. With reporting by RFE/RL's Macedonian Unit, dpa, AP, AFP, and Reuters Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/macedonia- protests-third-straight-night-wiretapping- corruption-scandal/27675514.html Copyright (c) 2016. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Has Raised Concerns With Russia About Baltic Sea Jet Incident Sputnik News 20:32 14.04.2016(updated 21:51 14.04.2016) White House spokesperson Josh Earnest said that United States has raised concerns about the recent incident of two Russian Su-24 bombers flying close to US guided missile destroyer Donald Cook in the Baltic Sea through its military defense attache at the US embassy in Moscow. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) The United States has raised concerns about the recent incident of two Russian Su-24 bombers flying close to US guided missile destroyer Donald Cook in the Baltic Sea through its military defense attache at the US embassy in Moscow, Whtie House spokesperson Josh Earnest said during a press briefing on Thursday. "The United States has raised our concerns with the Russians, fortunately there is a well-established process for doing so, it's not at all uncommon for Russian military aircrafts to engage in acts like this, so we typically would raise concerns about this through the military defense attache at the US Embassy in Moscow, I can tell you that that communication has occurred," Earnest explained. The White House spokesperson said that Washington and Moscow would seek to resolve its differences through "a well-established military channel." On Wednesday, the United States expressed concern after two Russian Su-24 bombers came in close proximity with the US guided missile destroyer. Washington officials said the combat jets flew in a manner that resembled an attack, ignoring safety advisories. Earnest explained that communicating through the defense attache about the incident was the "most effective channel," and that there was "little value in further escalating the situation." Moreover, the White House spokesperson would not rule out a potential phone call concerning the incident between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Barack Obama. Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. General Igor Konashenkov said the two Su-24 bombers were conducting planned training flights in neutral waters in the Baltic Sea, and had swerved away from the US warship once they identified it. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Deploys Communications Support Aircraft to Turkey for Anti-Daesh Ops Sputnik News 20:09 14.04.2016(updated 20:39 14.04.2016) According to US European Command, US Marine Corps deployed a squadron of EA-6B Prowler aircraft to the Incirlik Air Base in Turkey in support of coalition operations against the Daesh. WASHINGTON (Sputnik) The US Marine Corps deployed a squadron of EA-6B Prowler aircraft to the Incirlik Air Base in Turkey in support of coalition operations against the Daesh, the US European Command (EUCOM) said in a statement on Thursday. "The Prowler provides an umbrella of protection to coalition aircraft and ground troops in the fight against Daesh by intercepting communications as well as denying the enemy's ability to communicate," the statement said. The EA-6B Prowler is a twin-engine, four-seat electronic warfare aircraft produced by Northrop Grumman. In the operations against the Daesh, the Prowler squadron will support warfighters fighting in the air and on the ground by providing electronic communications dominance, the statement said. The squadron is expected to be deployed through September 2016, according to the statement. The Daesh has been designated a terrorist group and is outlawed in the United States, Russia and numerous other countries around the world. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Armenia Continues Shelling in Nagorno-Karabakh Sputnik News 17:41 14.04.2016 Head of Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry's press service Khikmet Gadzhiev said that the Armenian side continues shelling and provocations along the line of contact in Nagorno-Karabakh. BAKU (Sputnik) Armenia continues shelling and provocations along the line of contact in Nagorno-Karabakh, head of Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry's press service Khikmet Gadzhiev said Wednesday. "The Armenian side continues shelling and provocations along the line of contact in [Nagorno-]Karabakh. We have evidence that the Armenian side was the first to launch military operations on the contact line in Karabakh. The Armenian side had been concentrated its armed forces on the line of contact until April 2," Gadzhiev told RIA Novosti. Armenia and Azerbaijan accused each other of provoking hostilities in the April 2 escalation of violence in the Azerbaijani breakaway region with a predominantly Armenian population known as Nagorno-Karabakh. The sides reached a ceasefire agreement on April 5, which followed by near-daily reports of hundreds of violations and scores of deaths on each side. Armenia and Azerbaijan have been engaged in a dispute over Nagorno-Karabakh since 1988, when the autonomous region left the Azerbaijan Soviet Socialist Republic and proclaimed independence after the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991. The sedition triggered a war that lasted until a Russia-brokered ceasefire was signed in 1994. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe's Minsk Group, co-chaired by Russia, the United States and France, has mediated the conflict since 1992. The Group's permanent members are Belarus, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Finland, and Turkey, as well as Armenia and Azerbaijan. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Update: air strikes against Daesh 14 April 2016 British forces have continued to conduct air operations in the fight against Daesh Latest update - Friday 8 April Typhoons destroyed a terrorist "hell cannon" in western Iraq. - Saturday 9 April a Reaper struck a Daesh mortar team in western Iraq. - Sunday 10 April Tornados attacked a suspected headquarters in northern Iraq, as well as a rocket base and a sniper team. - Monday 11 April Typhoons hit four terrorist positions in northern Iraq. - Tuesday 12 April Tornados struck three Daesh positions in northern Iraq, including rocket and mortar teams, while Typhoons destroyed two terrorist strongpoints in the west of the country. Detail The Royal Air Force, within the wider Coalition campaign, continues to primarily be tasked to provide support to successful operations by Iraq security forces around the city of Hit in western Iraq, Mosul and Qayyarah in northern Iraq, as well as conducting vital broader reconnaissance missions. On Friday 8 April, RAF Typhoon FGR4s patrolled the area around Hit. Coalition surveillance aircraft located a concealed improvised artillery piece known as a "hell cannon" which had opened fire on the Iraqi troops and was hidden under trees. Working closely with surveillance aircraft, the Typhoon flight was able to score a direct hit using a Paveway IV guided bomb. A RAF Reaper remotely piloted aircraft was tasked on Saturday 9 April to hunt for a Daesh mortar team operating in the Hit area. Intensive surveillance allowed the Reaper's crew to identify and track motorcycle-mounted terrorists who stopped to set up a mortar. They were struck by a Hellfire missile from the Reaper. On Sunday 10 April, two flights of Tornado GR4s operated over northern Iraq to support Kurdish ground forces. One flight working east of Mosul demolished a Daesh-held building, suspected to be a local headquarters, using Paveway bombs. The Tornados then hit a building being used to stockpile rockets with another Paveway and used a Brimstone missle to account for a set of rocket launch rails nearby. The second Tornado flight provided support to Kurdish troops near Qayyarah who were coming under fire from a sniper team they were successfully silenced by a further Paveway. RAF patrols continued in northern Iraq on Monday 11 April. A Typhoon mission destroyed a terrorist machine-gun team east of Mosul, then struck three Daesh positions east of Qayyarah. On Tuesday 12 April, a pair of Tornados bombed through thick cloud to hit two terrorist positions, including a rocket launching team, north of Mosul, and a Daesh mortar team near Qayyarah. In western Iraq, Typhoons supported the Iraqi counter-terrorist forces pushing into Hit, and used Paveways to strike two buildings held by Daesh rocket-propelled grenade and machine-gun teams. Previous air strikes 1 March: Whilst RAF Tornado GR4s conducted extensive reconnaissance missions against suspected terrorist locations, RAF Typhoon FGR4s patrolled over western Iraq to support Iraqi army operations south-east of Haditha. One of the few large artillery pieces operated by Daesh a D-30 122mm howitzer was located close to the Euphrates, and was successfully destroyed by a Paveway IV precision guided bomb. 2 March: Typhoons were active over a wide swathe of northern Iraq, providing close air support to the Kurdish security forces. East of Mosul, Paveways were used to destroy two groups of terrorists with vehicles, the aircraft then flew west to the area north-east of Tall Afar where they conducted a series of four Paveway attacks on a number of rocket-launchers and a stockpile of rockets. A second Typhoon mission bombed a Daesh mortar team south of Sinjar, while a pair of Tornado GR4s used a Paveway to demolish a building north of Mosul where a large group of terrorists had been observed. In eastern Syria, an RAF Reaper worked closely with other coalition aircraft to support Syrian Democratic Forces south-west of As Shadadi, as they followed up on their recent successes against Daesh in the region. A coalition surveillance aircraft identified a terrorist truck, armed with an anti-aircraft gun, concealed in an orchard, and passed the target to the Reaper for prosecution. A Hellfire missile scored a direct hit on the vehicle. 3 March: Typhoons were in action again near Mosul, they used Paveways to destroy two buildings where Daesh terrorists were possibly planning an attack. Later that night, Typhoons also bombed two heavy machine-gun positions south-west of Sinjar. 4 March: Typhoons continued to provide close air support to the Iraqi and Kurdish forces in northern Iraq, delivering three attacks with Paveway IVs against Daesh positions near Tall Afar, Kisik and Sinjar. 5 March: Four Typhoons joined other coalition aircraft in a large coordinated operation against terrorist locations in western Iraq. The RAF aircraft targeted a large Daesh weapons factory in the countryside near Qubaysah, some miles west of Ramadi. The Typhoons released a total of 16 Paveways, which completely demolished workshops and storage sheds. 6 March: A Typhoon mission returned to northern Iraq and assisted Kurdish forces south-west of Sinjar, who had come under fire from a terrorist heavy machine-gun team. A Paveway IV destroyed the target. 7 March: Reaper remotely piloted aircraft have also been extremely active over the period, primarily flying surveillance missions. An attack was conducted by a Reaper in the morning, when a Hellfire missile was used to destroy a Daesh-held building in western Iraq, close to the Syrian border. In the evening a Typhoon patrol assisted Kurdish peshmerga fighting a group of terrorists near Kisik by attacking the Daesh position with a Paveway IV precision guided bomb. 8 March: Patrols over northern Iraq continued, near Kisik, Tornados used a Paveway against a terrorist position, while a Typhoon flight silenced a heavy machine-gun position with a direct hit from a Paveway. The Typhoons were then tasked to use their remaining Paveway bombs to strike seven strongpoints in a village south of Sinjar, where Daesh had driven out the civilian population and were using it as a defensive base against the Kurdish advance. All seven Paveways struck their targets accurately. 9 March: Typhoons patrolled south of Sinjar. A vehicle used by Daesh to construct defensive positions, was destroyed by a Paveway. A second deserted village taken over by the terrorists as a fortified haven, near Ranbusi, was then attacked with six targets successfully struck by Paveways. Further south, Tornado GR4s were providing close air support to Iraqi forces in the Euphrates river valley. A Paveway was used against a group of terrorists in the open, whilst a further pair of Paveways accounted for two heavy machine-gun positions. 10 March: Both Tornados and Typhoons were active over the Euphrates valley, assisting Iraqi forces as they cleared Daesh positions to the west of Ramadi. A Tornado mission targeted a terrorist weapons cache concealed under the ramp of a destroyed bridge over the Euphrates, using two Paveways. At the same time a Typhoon mission conducted successful strikes on a heavy machine-gun team and a group of extremists engaged in close combat with Iraqi troops. In the north of the country, a Typhoon flight attacked a rocket launch point near Tall Afar, then dropped Paveways on six Daesh positions in the Kisik area where Kurdish forces had spotted terrorists preparing for a possible attack. 11 March: A Reaper worked with coalition jets to attack terrorists to the west of Sinjar. The Reaper provided targeting assistance for three successful coalition air attacks on groups of Daesh fighters, it then conducted two attacks of its own using Hellfire missiles. 12 March: Another Reaper was active in the same area and conducted an attack on terrorists who were launching rockets. The terrorists immediately left the area in a truck which the Reaper's crew tracked and successfully attacked with a Hellfire. The Reaper then directed coalition aircraft in an attack on an array of rocket launchers nearby. 13 March: Typhoon FGR4s, based at RAF Akrotiri and supported by a Voyager air refuelling tanker, provided support to Iraqi troops operating to the west of Ramadi. The Typhoons used a pair of Paveway IV guided bombs to demolish the entrance to a tunnel system which was reported to be surrounded by IEDs. 14 March: Typhoons and Tornado GR4s also provided support to ground forces in northern Iraq. Near Qayyarah, Typhoons used Paveways against two Daesh mortars and a group of terrorists engaged in a firefight with the security forces, whilst near Kisik, Tornados destroyed two Daesh positions, again with Paveway IVs. 15 March: Typhoon FGR4s provided close air support to Kurdish peshmerga pushing south from Sinjar and eliminated a heavy machine-gun position firing on Kurdish troops, scoring a direct hit on the terrorists with a Paveway IV precision guided bomb. 16 March: The Kurdish forces received further air support from the RAF the following day, when Tornado GR4s, destroyed another heavy machine-gun which had opened fire on the peshmerga some miles to the west of Kirkuk. Further south, in Anbar province, a Reaper remotely piloted aircraft patrolled over Anbar province and identified and attacked a terrorist check-point near Ar Rutbah being used to intimidate and control the local population using a Hellfire missile. 17 March: Tornados and Typhoons operated over both northern and western Iraq. Typhoons used a Paveway bomb to demolish a building from which a terrorist sniper had opened fire on Iraqi forces near Tall Afar, while a Tornado mission over Anbar worked in cooperation with a coalition remotely piloted aircraft to assist Iraqi troops engaged in combat with Daesh extremists to the north-west of Ramadi. Despite heavy cloud obscuring the target, the RAF and coalition aircraft used their highly sophisticated surveillance and targeting equipment to allow the Tornados to deliver two precision attacks with Brimstone missiles on the terrorists, then, once they attempted to retreat, to strike the remainder of the Daesh group with a Paveway. Meanwhile, another Tornado flight Near Kisik used a Paveway to destroy a Daesh command and control position, where a number of terrorists had gathered. The Tornados then interrupted Daesh's efforts to reopen supply routes near Qayyarah, destroying targets with two direct hits from Paveways and then another Paveway and Brimstone missiles were used to destroy three engineering vehicles. 18 March: Paveway-armed Typhoons struck a group of extremists mustering east of Mosul, while Tornados similarly hit two Daesh groups gathered for possible attacks near Kisik. 20 March: Tornado GR4s were in action again over northern Iraq, when they used Paveways to destroy three weapons caches and supply points several miles south-west of Sinjar. 21 March: Two flights of Typhoons provided close air support to the Kurdish forces; one flight destroyed a Daesh group that was firing rockets at the Kurds, whilst the other flight successfully attacked three terrorist teams which were planting improvised explosive devices in the Kisik area. Across the border in Syria, careful reconnaissance work had identified a major Daesh weapons storage facility at a site near Ukayrishah, south-east of Raqqa. This intelligence success allowed Tornado GR4s to conduct a very successful strike on Monday night, delivering eight Paveway IVs which destroyed the main warehouse and three support buildings. On the ground, British training teams continue to play an important role in the large coalition programme to help the Iraqi security forces become ever more effective in their successful efforts to drive the terrorists from their country. The British instructors have focused on training infantry and combat medical skills, as well as leading the coalition's assistance in how to deal safely with the thousands of improvised explosive devices and booby-traps left behind by Daesh in an attempt to prevent the civilian population from resuming their lives in liberated territory. 22 March: Royal Air Force Tornado GR4s conducted strike operations over both western and northern Iraq. In Anbar province, a Tornado flight was able to destroy with Paveway IV guided bombs a staging post used by Daesh extremists. Further north, near Qayyarah, coalition surveillance aircraft identified renewed attempts by Daesh to build an improvised ramp up to a damaged bridge at a key crossing over the Tigris, just south of Qayyarah; RAF aircraft had destroyed the heavy engineering vehicles and a previous attempt at a ramp on 17 March. Two Tornados therefore returned to the bridge and again destroyed the ramp with Paveways, preventing the terrorists from reopening their supply route across the river. In eastern Syria, a Reaper used a Hellfire missile to demolish a Daesh storage building near Ukayrishah; the attack was very carefully planned in both timing and weapon choice to avoid causing any damage to a nearby school. 23 March: Typhoon FGR4s patrolled over northern Iraq. They used Paveways to destroy a Daesh position south of Sinjar, and a tunnel entrance, two terrorist-held buildings and a mortar team all located near Kisik. The following day, Tornados were again active over Qayyarah; working in close cooperation with a coalition surveillance aircraft, they were able to successfully engage with a Paveway a Daesh mortar team that had opened fire on Kurdish forces. Across the border in eastern Syria, a Reaper used a Hellfire missile in a successful attack on a Daesh vehicle. 25 March: Typhoons caught extremists mustering near Mosul and struck five positions with Paveway IVs. 27 March: RAF aircraft continued to provide close air support to the Kurdish forces. Paveways from a Typhoon flight silenced both a sniper and a heavy machine-gun team who were engaged in combat with Kurdish troops near Qayyarah, and a further Paveway accounted for a second heavy machine-gun team that opened fire on the peshmerga south of Sinjar. 28 March: The Typhoons were again in action south of Sinjar when they bombed two terrorist-held buildings, before flying to the area around Tall Afar where they struck a third Daesh position. 29 March: Operations over both northern and western Iraq continued. One Typhoon flight struck a reported Daesh storage building north-east of Mosul, while a second flight assisted Kurdish forces by bombing a mortar position near Quyyarah, then conducted attacks on terrorist installations nearby; one Typhoon was able to strike simultaneously four tunnel entrances, each with a Paveway, the second aircraft striking three truck-bomb facilities, again each with a Paveway. In Anbar province, two further truck-bomb workshops near Hit were successfully attacked by Tornados the same day. 30 March: Royal Air Force Typhoon FGR4s, flying from Akrotiri, used Paveway IV guided bombs to strike a Daesh-held building and a stockpile of concealed rockets near Fallujah. In northern Iraq, near Mosul, a second Typhoon flight destroyed two more buildings used as bases by the terrorists. 31 March: RAF Tornado GR4s - supported by a Voyager air refuelling tanker like the Typhoons provided close air support to Iraqi security forces as they advanced near the city of Hit. A terrorist observation post was identified and the Tornado flight scored a direct hit with a Brimstone missile. 1 April: Typhoons were active over western Iraq. A Daesh truck armed with an anti-aircraft gun was successfully bombed north-east of Ramadi and Paveways were used to destroy a fuel tanker converted into a truck bomb near Hit and a bunker west of Fallujah where terrorists had been spotted. In northern Iraq, a Tornado patrol employed Paveway IVs to destroy three Daesh buildings in the Mosul and Sinjar areas. 2 April: Coalition surveillance operations had identified Daesh extremists using a former Iraqi military ammunition depot near Qayyarah in northern Iraq. This intelligence indicated that the terrorists were manufacturing improvised explosive devices and other weaponry on the site. As part of a large coalition air strike on terrorist facilities in the area, four RAF Tornado GR4s were tasked with attacking 16 of these storage bunkers. Each aircraft dropped a salvo of four Paveways, and initial indications are that the strike was highly accurate and effective. An RAF Reaper was also active in the Qayyarah area, hunting a Daesh mortar team. The aircraft's crew were able successfully to locate the team, operating a truck-mounted mortar, concealed under trees on the western bank of the Tigris, and secured a direct hit with a Hellfire missile. 4 April: Typhoon FGR4s patrolled over Anbar province in western Iraq. East of Fallujah, the Typhoons struck two buildings occupied by Daesh fighters that had been identified by Iraqi ground forces with Paveway IV guided bombs. The aircraft then flew to the city of Hit, on the Euphrates river, where a coalition surveillance aircraft had spotted a large group of terrorists positioned in a line of trees on the edge of the town. These extremists were also struck using a Paveway IV. Other RAF aircraft were active over northern Iraq; Tornado GR4s assisted Kurdish peshmerga engaged in a firefight north-west of Mosul, hitting their Daesh opponents with a Paveway, whilst Typhoons conducted a successful bombing attack on extremists mustering near Qayyarah. 5 April: A Typhoon flight operated over northern Iraq, using Paveways to attack three Daesh-held buildings north-east of Mosul, including a weapons store. They then used a further three Paveways to destroy three Daesh positions some miles south of Kirkuk, including a headquarters building and a base used by a mortar team. 6 April: A Typhoon flight tasked to provide close air support to the Iraqi security forces attacking Daesh strongholds in Hit. The Typhoons used Paveways to strike a total of seven targets identified by the aircraft themselves, the Iraqi forces and supporting surveillance aircraft. A rocket-propelled grenade team firing from a building were silenced in a precise strike which avoided causing damage to a nearby mosque. They also destroyed two heavy-machine guns; a third heavy machine-gun on the northern bank of the river; and a series of simultaneous attacks eliminated a fourth machine-gun position and two more groups of Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG)-armed terrorists. In northern Iraq, Tornado GR4s bombed a network of trenches near Qayyarah. 7 April: The Tornados were in action again over northern Iraq, where they used a Paveway to destroy a truck-bomb positioned ahead of Kurdish troops south of Kirkuk. They then destroyed a machine-gun position on the Little Zab River using a Brimstone missile. Near Qayyarah, a Typhoon flight supported Kurdish troops who had come under fire from a number of Daesh positions. Two terrorist-held buildings were destroyed, and a group of extremists caught manoeuvring in the open were also struck with a Paveway. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Two-state solution in danger,' warns new report from UN office on Middle East peace process 14 April 2016 The viability of a two-state solution, which envisages peaceful co-existence of both Israel and Palestine, is in danger due to the negative trends on the ground, including recent violence, ongoing settlement activity, demolitions, incitement, and the absence of Palestinian unity, a new United Nations report warned today. The report, issued by the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO), highlights an increase in settlement activities by Israel and a further consolidation of Israeli control over the West Bank. The report also underscores that the demolition of Palestinian homes and livelihood structures more than doubled in the reporting period as compared with the previous six months, noting that the total demolitions by mid-April already exceeded last year's total. It also expresses concern over Palestinian access to land and natural resources in 'Area C' of the West Bank, among other development factors. Regarding the Palestinian side, the report notes that despite continuing reconciliation discussions held in February and March between Fatah, Hamas and other Palestinian factions in Qatar, no consensus has been reached on achieving genuine Palestinian unity. "The formation of a national unity government and the holding of elections are vital to laying the foundations of a future Palestinian state," the report notes. Humanitarian crisis, degenerated human rights situation Citing a protracted humanitarian crisis in the occupied Palestinian territory, the report says that "some 1.1 million people in the West Bank and some 1.3 million in Gaza, over 900,000 of them refugees, need some form of humanitarian assistance in 2016." The report stresses that the human rights situation degenerated with the dramatic rise in clashes between Palestinians and the Israeli Security Forces in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, increased instances of punitive measures against families of alleged perpetrators of attacks, and administrative detentions. Gaza reconstruction Turning to the Gaza Strip, the report notes that there has been steady progress on the enclave's reconstruction, and that more than 90 per cent of health and education facilities damaged or destroyed during the conflict in 2014 have been repaired, but that structural barriers continue to impede recovery. It adds that, although the temporary Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism (GRM) has enabled a significant increase in the entry of construction material to Gaza, only the lifting of the closures would allow the people in Gaza to rebuild their lives and livelihoods. It also cites energy and water shortages in Gaza as particularly urgent and chronic. The report will be presented to the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) at its bi-annual meeting in Brussels on 19 April. The Committee, chaired by Norway and co-sponsored by the European Union and the United States, serves as the principal policy-level coordination mechanism for development assistance to the Occupied Palestinian Territory. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US General: IS Losing Its Grip in Afghanistan by Jeff Seldin April 14, 2016 Islamic State (IS) appears to be losing its grip in Afghanistan, due in part to a steady aerial bombardment from U.S. and NATO forces and the terror group's failure to win over Afghans themselves. "Nobody really wants Daesh [Islamic State] in the neighborhood," Brigadier General Charles Cleveland, a spokesman for the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission, told Pentagon reporters Thursday via a video link from Afghanistan. "We think we have significantly decreased the footprint that they have in Afghanistan," he said. The U.S. military estimates there are between 1,000 and 3,000 IS fighters left in Afghanistan, though Cleveland said the actual number is "probably on the lower end of that." Shrinking territory Three months ago, IS held between six and eight districts, he said. Now it holds just two to three. IS fighters have been seen fleeing to the Kunar and Nuristan provinces along Afghanistan's western border with Pakistan, where they are just "trying to survive," Cleveland said. Though precise numbers are hard to come by, US and Afghan military commanders in Afghanistan are also beginning to see members of IS defect to the Afghan government or to the Taliban. Cleveland said IS forces left in Afghanistan are mostly "disaffected" Pakistani and Afghan Taliban, or remnants of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. Threat remains Through the first three months of 2016, NATO has hit IS fighters with between 70 and 80 airstrikes. But while it has taken a toll, Cleveland cautioned that the militants still "present the potential to be an enormous threat." "They've got the ability to really catch fire," he said. Despite setbacks, the Afghan military is also successfully putting pressure on IS and working to bolster its ranks. The Afghan National Defense and Security Forces lost about 5,500 troops last year, but held together; and Cleveland said he is expecting them to go on the offensive against both the Taliban and IS this year. "The [Afghan] military did not collapse," Cleveland said. "While they certainly took some hits, they were able to keep themselves together. So we don't have a Mosul here in Afghanistan. We don't have a Ramadi or a Fallujah or anything like that." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Greece Launches Military Exercise Over Migrant Camp by VOA News April 14, 2016 The Greek army launched an unscheduled military exercise Thursday along its border with Macedonia and a cluster of islands near Turkey, with fighter jets passing over a tent city in Idomeni near the border. Sources within the Greek army confirmed that emergency maneuvers had been ordered in the northern city of Kilkis and in Oinousses, a chain of Greek islands off the coast of Turkey. The drills involved an airborne special forces unit backed up by aircraft, and air defense units along the island chain. The military exercise comes at a time of increased tensions among Greece and the two neighboring countries over the refugee crisis. On Wednesday, for the second time in three days, clashes erupted at the tent city between Macedonian police and refugees protesting the border closings that left more than 11,000 of them stranded in the camp. On Sunday, around 300 migrants were injured in Idomeni when they tried to break through a border fence and Macedonian riot police used rubber bullets and tear gas to push them back. Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras condemned the Macedonian police after the clash with protesters, saying their use of rubber bullets and tear gas against unarmed migrants was "shaming" Europe. Macedonia denied using rubber bullets and said the migrants were throwing rocks at police officers. Greece has accused Turkish warplanes of repeatedly entering Greek airspace, flying over the Oinousses islands, though Turkey disputes whether the area should, in fact, be controlled by Greece. According to a source in the Greek air force, the two sites were chosen for the unscheduled war games because they were high-profile and had "been in the news" in recent days. Some material for this report came from AP and AFP. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Coalition Strikes Hit ISIL Targets in Iraq, Syria From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release SOUTHWEST ASIA, April 15, 2016 U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Iraq and Syria yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today. Officials reported details of the latest strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports. Strikes in Syria Attack and ground attack aircraft conducted six strikes in Syria: -- Near Raqqah, a strike destroyed an ISIL bulldozer. -- Near Mara, five strikes struck five separate ISIL tactical units and destroyed two ISIL fighting positions and four ISIL vehicles. Strikes in Iraq Attack, fighter and ground attack aircraft conducted 30 strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of Iraq's government: -- Near Hit, three strikes struck a large ISIL tactical unit and destroyed 18 ISIL boats, an ISIL command and control node and an ISIL weapons cache and denied ISIL access to terrain. -- Near Kisik, a strike struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL tunnel system. -- Near Mosul, 21 strikes struck an ISIL tactical unit, 18 ISIL modular oil refineries and two ISIL crude oil stills and destroyed an ISIL assembly area. -- Near Qayyarah, a strike destroyed 33 ISIL boats. -- Near Sultan Abdallah, three strikes struck an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed an ISIL assembly area, an ISIL fighting position, an ISIL mortar cache and an ISIL mortar system. -- Near Tal Afar, a strike suppressed an ISIL mortar position. Task force officials define a strike as one or more kinetic events that occur in roughly the same geographic location to produce a single, sometimes cumulative, effect. Therefore, officials explained, a single aircraft delivering a single weapon against a lone ISIL vehicle is one strike, but so is multiple aircraft delivering dozens of weapons against buildings, vehicles and weapon systems in a compound, for example, having the cumulative effect of making those targets harder or impossible for ISIL to use. Accordingly, officials said, they do not report the number or type of aircraft employed in a strike, the number of munitions dropped in each strike, or the number of individual munition impact points against a target. Part of Operation Inherent Resolve The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said. Coalition nations 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, the United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Despite Coalition Military Gains, No End in Sight in Anti-IS Campaign by Jeff Seldin, Sharon Behn April 15, 2016 The Kurdish Peshmerga commander sat on a couch at his headquarters in Sulaymaniyah. On a nearby table there was a bowl of dried fruit and nuts. Two large sniper rifles lay on the floor by his desk. "The longer ISIS stays, the more it becomes fashionable to youngsters with no hope, to all these youngsters who have been oppressed by the government here, in Syria, in other countries" he said in his British accent, using a common acronym for the Islamic State. "They are not going to go away. ISIS is not going to be finished as soon as Mosul and Raqqa are taken," he warned. "It's going to be continuous. It's not going to stop." The assessment just a few weeks ago from Polad Jangi, in charge of counterterrorism operations south of Mosul in the Kirkuk-Sulaymaniyah area, is far more grim than the latest public assessments by U.S. officials, including President Barack Obama. It may also be much more realistic, however, according to several military and intelligence officials, who say that while gains by the U.S.-led coalition are real, they are on the periphery of Islamic State's core holdings and are far from a death blow. "They're willing to trade space for time," said one U.S. official who spoke to VOA on condition of anonymity. Selective engagement What worries officials is that while Islamic State is losing ground up to 40 percent of the terrain it once controlled in Iraq and at least 10 percent of its holdings in Syria the group is learning a great deal in defeat. Where it once spread out its resources, picking as many fights as it could, it now seems to be choosing its battles more carefully. "What you're seeing is a prioritization by ISIL on its strongholds of Raqqa and Mosul," the official said, using another acronym for the terror group. "You're going to see a really tough fight." There also is concern that the more desperate Islamic State becomes, the more dangerous it may grow. "It has lost senior leaders, thousands of fighters and territory," a U.S. intelligence official said. "There's little doubt the group will attempt to compensate." And it has the experience to do so. "ISIS actually has a tried and true playbook for its defense and is employing that to ensure it can maintain its core caliphate," said Harleen Gambhir, a counterterrorism analyst at the Institute for the Study of War. "The organization has mastered, particularly within Iraq, the art of pulling apart the Iraqi security forces." She said evidence of Islamic State's divide-and-conquer strategy already is evident in a series of recent bombings around Baghdad earlier this month, some targeting Shia militias, that has resulted in at least 25 deaths. Fresh fighters Steady depletions of the group's manpower also appear to be doing little to stop Islamic State. More than 25,000 Islamic State fighters may have been killed due to U.S. and coalition airstrikes in Iraq and Syria. Until recently, though, both military and intelligence officials estimated the group was able to replenish its forces with about 1,000 new foreign fighters a month. That's about the same rate it was losing them. Even with an intensified air campaign, the addition of more U.S. special forces and a stepped-up effort from local ground forces in Iraq and Syria, the Islamic State force remains formidable. According to the most recent U.S. intelligence estimates, Islamic State has dropped from a high of about 32,000 fighters to a range of 19,000 to 25,000. Earlier U.S. military estimates had put the number of so-called card-carrying, or core, Islamic State members in Iraq and Syria at about 17,000. Recent reports that the terror group is being forced to depend on child soldiers, as opposed to using them for propaganda purposes, may also be overblown. "As disturbing as the idea of child-soldiers is, ISIL still remains largely dependent on drawing its fighters from foreign recruits and adult populations under its control," a U.S. counterterrorism official told VOA on condition of anonymity, adding the group "probably has not shifted to a greater reliance on children." Body counts Several U.S. officials and analysts also warn against using the number of fighters as a benchmark for progress. While one official said a propensity remains for the group to "throw bodies at problems," others describe Islamic State's tactics as "brilliant" at times. "If you look at their offensive in Anbar, the one that [Abu Omar al] Shishani led back in 2014, he didn't use that many men to capture territory," said Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. "He used a relatively light force to capture a significant amount of territory. "They face an uphill battle, but I also wouldn't count them out in terms of their ability to surprise us and take territory again," he said. There also are questions as to whether an apparent public relations backlash against Islamic State will do much to hurt the group. 'Core audience' A survey released earlier this week by ASDA'A Burson-Marsteller, based on 3,500 face-to-face interviews, found young people in 16 Arab countries "overwhelmingly reject the extremist group and believe it will fail," with 50 percent calling Islamic State the Middle East's biggest obstacle. Still, Gartenstein-Ross cautions it may take many more losses before Islamic State's narrative of continued growth is put to the test, especially if it is able to conduct additional terror attacks outside Iraq and Syria. "They have a core audience that's not viewing them very critically," he said. "So they're not close to a tipping point in terms of that core audience." "As long as they control a piece of land, they're able to control or influence a global jihadist insurgency," warned Haras Rafiq, managing director of Quilliam Foundation, a London-based organization focused on countering extremism. "That's what they're doing," he said. "That's what's affecting us here in the West and in Europe and the U.S." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Afghan Forces Fend Off Taliban Assault on Kunduz by Ayaz Gul April 15, 2016 Authorities in Afghanistan say that security forces on Friday repulsed a major Taliban assault on the northern city of Kunduz, killing dozens of insurgents. A regional police commander, General Sher Aziz Kamwal, told VOA that fighting erupted early in the morning when Taliban insurgents attacked security outposts around the strategically important city. Fighting insurgents He said Afghan forces killed 40 insurgents and wounded many more. The general added the fighting left two security personnel dead and wounded nine others. A Taliban spokesman, however, claimed that its fighters staged attacks in all districts of the Kunduz province, inflicting heavy casualties on Afghan security forces and overrunning around a dozen security outposts in Imam Sahib and Qala-e-Zal districts. Independent confirmation of official and insurgent claims were not available immediately. Hostilities have picked up across Afghanistan since Tuesday when the Taliban launched its annual spring offensive, called Operation Omari, named after the late founder and first leader of the Islamist insurgency, Mullah Omar. The Taliban had briefly overrun the city of Kunduz last September, taking advantage of the withdrawal of NATO combat forces in 2014. Afghan causualties, wounded U.S. military commanders say that Afghan security forces lost around 5,500 personnel while another 14,000 were wounded in the 2015 fighting season because, for the first time, they were fighting the insurgency on their own. A U.S. army spokesman, Brigadier General Charles Cleveland, said that Afghan security forces are expected to perform better in 2016 because they have gotten more capability than they had this time last year. Afghans now have a total of eight A-29 aircraft to provide closer air support and are beginning to make their first strikes and they have also been using MD-530 helicopters to provide fire support, Cleveland told Pentagon reporters Thursday via a video link from Afghanistan. "So, I know that's a long way of telling you 5,500 casualties is incredibly difficult and incredibly difficult for any military to sustain. We do think, though, that we will see some improvement in their overall performance based on what I described to you previously," Cleveland said. Fighting usually subsides in Afghanistan in winter when snow-covered high altitude passes prevent insurgents from moving in large numbers with heavy weapons. However, fighting continued through 2015 for the first time in the 15-year-old Afghan conflict because of a mild winter, say Afghan army commanders. Separately, Afghan security officials told VOA that at least 41 Islamic State militants were killed in overnight U.S. drone strikes in eastern Nangarhar province, which borders Pakistan. Targeting IS A spokesman for the provincial police, Hazrat Hussain Mashreqiwal, told VOA that the strikes targeted a meeting of IS fighters in the remote Achin district. General Cleveland said Thursday that IS appeared to be losing its grip in Afghanistan because of a steady aerial bombardment from American and NATO forces since the beginning of this year. "We think we have significantly decreased the footprint that they have in Afghanistan," he said, adding that three months ago, IS held between six and eight districts, and now it holds just two to three. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Daesh calls Muslim Brotherhood 'apostate' Iran Press TV Thu Apr 14, 2016 10:49AM The Takfiri Daesh terrorist group has branded Muslim Brotherhood, a leading transnational Sunni movement, as "apostate." The Takfiris lambasted the Egypt-based organization in a 25-page "feature" published in the latest issue of their propaganda magazine Dabiq on Wednesday. It denounced the group's close ties with the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas and its support for the establishment of democratic bodies. The feature, with pictures of Egypt's ousted and Brotherhood-affiliated President Mohamed Morsi dominating it, also accused Muslim Brotherhood of "waging war against Islam and the Muslims." The text dismissed democracy as "a faith that gives supreme authority to people," criticizing the Brotherhood for playing a part in various parliamentary systems across the Middle East and North Africa. In Jordan, security officials closed the headquarters of a Muslim Brotherhood affiliate in the capital Amman as well as an office in the city of Jerash some 48 km (30 miles) north of the capital. "Jordanian security searched the headquarters of the Muslim Brotherhood and evacuated it before sealing off the entrance with red wax," lawyer Abdelkader al-Khatib said on Wednesday. Jordanian authorities view the Brotherhood, which has wide grassroots support in Jordan, as an illegal organization. Jordan and Saudi Arabia are among a group of countries which support Takfiri groups fighting in Syria and Iraq. According to findings of a recent study by two UAE-based think tanks, the majority of people who are promoting Takfiri ideology online are using political rather than religious arguments. The findings are based on a study of over 45,000 Arabic-language Tweets by individuals who have either perpetrated terror attacks or trained to do so, along with 789 YouTube videos and numerous blogs. The study found that 78.3 percent of polemics used by the terrorist Takfiri group "are essentially non-religious and principally sociopolitical." The study's findings also showed that the rejection of "Zionism" only appeared in 3.7 percent of the material studied, while direct attacks on Israel did not feature at all. Daesh periodically releases propaganda videos that depict gruesome scenes such as videotaped beheadings and summary executions. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Leaked Memo Says Ghana Terror Threat 'Real' by Francisca Kakra Forson April 15, 2016 West Africa has been on high alert following recent terror attacks on hotels in Mali, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast. And now in Ghana, a leaked security document says Ghana and Togo are the next targets of the al-Qaida affiliate that claimed responsibility for the previous attacks. Ghanaian President John Mahama has told the nation not to panic. The leaked memo says the threat of a terror attack in Ghana is "real," citing intelligence from the National Security Council Secretariat. It is addressed to Ghana's immigration service. The document calls for stronger border surveillance, including "thorough profiling" of people from Mali, Niger and Libya. The memo was shared on social media and picked up by local press. President Mahama sought to reassure the nation on state-run radio Thursday. "We have trained our own special forces. Currently a significant number of them [are] on standby. We are preparing for any such eventually but we need the alertness of the public," said Mahama. Ghana's government put the nation on high alert in March after al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) attacked a beach resort outside Abidjan, killing 19 people. The leaked document says information from Ivory Coast, including confessions obtained from the mastermind of the attack there, indicates that the attackers entered that country in a 4x4 vehicle registered in Niger. The memo says the attackers concealed their explosives and weapons in the spare tire compartment. Mahama said the leak was unfortunate. "They didn't need to put the intel in there. You just to send a directive asking for alertness and asking them to search more thoroughly vehicles and all that. Every country in West Africa is at risk and we are at risk not only from external forces but even from internal forces. We have evidence of radicalization of our own citizens who have gone out to join some of these terrorist groups," he said. The head of the West African Center for Counter Terrorism in Accra, Mutharu Muqthar Mumuni, says panic must be avoided. "We need to ensure vigilance and reporting of suspicious activities; however, we've got to be very careful in order not to condone acts that have the proclivity to lead to gross basic human rights violations relating to lynching of innocent people," said Mumuni. The AQIM attacks in Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast marked an alarming expansion for the group whose operations until then had been confined to North Africa and parts of the Sahel region. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Missile Defense Agency Budget Addresses Escalating North Korea, Iran Threats By Cheryl Pellerin DoD News, Defense Media Activity WASHINGTON, April 14, 2016 Escalating threats from North Korea and Iran, including aggressive ballistic missile testing, is pushing the Missile Defense Agency to find increasingly more cost-effective ways to perform its mission, MDA Director Navy Vice Adm. James D. Syring said here yesterday. Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Strategic Forces Subcommittee on the agency's $7.5 billion fiscal year 2017 budget request, Syring said the agency needs current and future funding for technology demonstrations and prototypes of advanced technology, among other activities. But, he told the panel, "the programs we have in development today and will be fielding between now and 2020 are adequately funded." Ballistic Missile Defense Overall, MDA is developing, testing and deploying a system designed to counter ballistic missile threats of all ranges -- short, medium, intermediate and long. The ballistic missile defense, or BMD, system includes many integrated elements in a layered architecture that offers several ways to destroy incoming missiles and warheads before they reach their targets. The architecture includes: -- Networked sensors and ground- and sea-based radars for detecting and tracking targets. -- Ground- and sea-based interceptor missiles that can destroy a ballistic missile using the force of a direct collision, called "hit-to-kill" technology. A critical ground-based interceptor, or GBI, component called the exo-atmospheric kill vehicle uses this technology. An explosive blast fragmentation warhead also can destroy ballistic missiles. -- A command and control, battle management and communications network that gives operational commanders links between sensors and interceptor missiles. New Start Programs The missile defense system's ground-based midcourse defense, or GMD, element uses integrated communications networks, fire-control systems, globally deployed sensors, and GBIs that can detect, track and destroy incoming ballistic missiles. Over the past three years, Syring said, Congress has funded four new programs for the agency -- a new kill vehicle, GMD reliability improvements, a long-range discrimination radar, or LRDR, to be based in Alaska, and discrimination efforts -- so the system can tell the difference between real targets and things like decoys and countermeasures. According to the MDA budget document, the redesigned kill vehicle will increase performance to address the evolving threat, improve in-flight communications to better use off-board sensor data, and enhance combatant commanders' situational awareness through hit and kill assessment messages. The LRDR is a mid-course tracking radar for persistent sensor coverage and better discrimination capabilities against threats to the United States from the Pacific theater. Strategy of Improvement Syring called the LRDR and the new kill vehicle a key part of MDA's strategy of improvement by 2020. North Korea's "last Taepodong-2 [ballistic missile] flight test at the end of 2012 -- and then revalidation in February -- underscores the importance of not just the GMD system, but the long-range discrimination radar in particular [because] there is a clear intent to continue to pursue ICBM road-mobile technology by North Korea," Syring told the panel. "Our system today is designed to counter that if [North Korea] tests and then improves the capability to make this even more complex in the future with decoys and countermeasures," he noted, adding, "We need the radar in Alaska to help defeat that threat and everything that was done to the radar in 2020 is against that very contingency." LRDR construction will begin in Alaska in FY 2017, Syring said, and the agency is moving forward with the redesigned kill-vehicle program to improve the system's reliability, and GBI upgrades and placements remain on track to reach 44 interceptors by the end of 2017. Also in 2017, he said, the agency will conduct two intercept flight tests to fully demonstrate GMD system performance against intercontinental ballistic missiles. Regional Missile Defense On the topic of regional missile defense forces that are interoperable with systems deployed by international partners, Syring said MDA will continue to enhance the capability of the Aegis ballistic missile defense weapon system and deliver more U.S. standard missile 3-Block-1B guided missiles. Syring has called the Aegis program one of the most adaptable and critical to U.S. and allied defense, and the program seeks to have 43 such ships by fiscal 2019. "Our plans include maintaining support for the operational readiness of the Romania Aegis Ashore site we delivered to the warfighter in December 2015. We also remain on track to deliver the Aegis Ashore site in Poland by the end of 2018 to improve European NATO defenses against medium- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles," he said. Aegis Ashore is part of the phased adaptive approach, or PAA, for phase II and III of European missile defense. In 2015, Aegis Ashore was installed in Romania as part of PAA phase II to provide ballistic missile coverage of Southern Europe. In 2018, Aegis Ashore will be installed in Poland as part of PAA phase III to support defense of Northern Europe, according to the MDA website. Directed-Energy Weapons Another priority, Syring told the panel, includes advancing research into directed-energy capabilities. "Today we are focused on directed energy, which I believe is a potential game changer. Our work on laser scaling to achieve greater efficiency and lighter weight will enable a low-power laser demonstration in 2021 to determine the feasibility of destroying enemy missiles in the boost phase of flight," he said. A directed-energy capability will make missile defense in a layered system more effective and less costly, Syring added. "In the past, we've had MIT and Livermore Lab gainfully engaged in reducing risk with the technology for directed energy, specifically solid-state laser technology. They've done some great work that has enabled some of the contractors that are now leaning in on directed energy with the services, and expanding our thinking to what can be done with the missile defense mission," he noted. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address North Korea prepares to launch ballistic missiles: Report Iran Press TV Thu Apr 14, 2016 9:11AM North Korea is reportedly preparing to launch mid-range ballistic missiles on the birthday anniversary of the country's late founding president, a South Korean news agency says. Pyongyang deployed one or two Musudan ballistic missiles around the eastern port city of Wonsan about three weeks ago, the Yonhap news agency reported Thursday, citing an anonymous Seoul official. "There is an ample possibility that the North would launch them around Kim II Sung's birthday on Friday," Yonhap quoted the official as saying. The North celebrates Kim's birthday anniversaries on April 15 each year with massive military parades featuring its most impressive-looking weapons or with missile launches. South Korea's Defense Ministry spokesman Moon Sang-gyun said the military has been on high alert for any missile launch by the North since its leader, Kim Jong-un, vowed to conduct more tests. Kim said in March his country would soon test a nuclear warhead and ballistic missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. South Korean Defense Ministry noted that the Musudan missile, reportedly set for launch with a design range of about 4,000 km (2,485 miles), is not known to have been flight-tested. It further added that the North may choose to test-fire the Musudan in the near future as it tries to build an intercontinental ballistic missile designed to put the mainland US within range. North Korea, which is under UN sanctions over its nuclear tests and missiles launches, accuses the US of plotting with regional allies to topple its government, and says it will not relinquish its nuclear deterrence unless Washington ends its hostile policy toward Pyongyang and dissolves the US-led UN command in South Korea. North Korea declared itself a nuclear power in 2005 and carried out four nuclear weapons tests in 2006, 2009, 2013 and 2016. It also launched a long-range rocket February this year, which Pyongyang said was aimed at placing an earth observation satellite into orbit. However, the US and South Korea denounced the move as a cover for an intercontinental ballistic missile test. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Failed North Korean Missile Launch Detected On Founder's Birthday April 15, 2016 by RFE/RL The United States and South Korea say North Korea appears to have failed in an attempt to launch a missile on April 15, likely to mark the birthday of its founding president. A Pentagon spokesman said U.S. Strategic Command detected and tracked what it believes was a failed missile launch by Pyongyang. That assessment echoes an April 15 statement by South Korea's joint chiefs of staff, which said the North "appears to have attempted a missile test near its east coast early Friday morning, but it appears to have failed." South Korean media reported a day earlier that Pyongyang was preparing a midrange ballistic missile test as part of celebrations for the birthday of the North's founder, Kim Il Sung. The Pentagon spokesman said U.S. Strategic Command systems detected the launch at around 5 a.m. local time on April 15 in North Korea. The missile did not pose a threat to North America, the spokesman added. A Strategic Command spokesman told Reuters that he had no details about the type of missile used in the launch. "We'll probably let North Korea characterize it themselves," he was quoted as saying. South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported that it appeared to be a Musudan intermediate-range ballistic missile with a range of more than 3,000 kilometers. In recent weeks, North Korean media have carried repeated threats of preemptive nuclear strikes against both South Korea and the U.S. mainland. The reported failed launch on April 15 follows Pyongyang's fourth nuclear test in January and a long-range rocket launch weeks later, which led to fresh UN sanctions. A U.S. State Department official said Washington is monitoring the situation closely. "We call again on North Korea to refrain from actions and rhetoric that further raise tensions in the region and focus instead on taking concrete steps toward fulfilling its international commitments and obligations," the official told Reuters. With reporting by Reuters, AFP, and AP Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/north-korea-failed- missile-test-founder-birthday-/27675977.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 North Korean Dud Missile Still Cause for Concern by Brian Padden April 15, 2016 North Korea's failed attempt to launch an intermediate-range ballistic missile on Friday is not the military set back it may seem, analysts said. It is instead, part of the natural progression in the development of an advanced nuclear weapons program. "While I think people will look at the failure and they will conclude that that is a reason not to be worried about North Korea, the reality is that their missile scientists will learn a lot even from the failure," said Jeffrey Lewis, the director of the East Asia Nonproliferation Program at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in California. Musudan medium-range missile There has been growing concern over North Korea's increasing missile and nuclear capabilities, as the country continues to threaten its neighbors, South Korea and Japan, as well as the United States. It is presumed that the missile North Korea unsuccessfully tested on Friday was the Musudan medium-range ballistic missile, which had not been tested in the past. Observers have been anticipating that North Korea would mark the Friday birthday of Kim Il Sung, the country's first president and grandfather of current leader Kim Jong Un, with the launch of a midrange missile. Earlier this week the South Korean military detected the deployment of this type of missile near the east coastal city of Wonsan in the North. This medium range missile has a potential range of 3,000-4,000 kilometers and could reach targets as far away as Guam. The Musudan is based on an old Soviet submarine launch ballistic missile design that the North converted to be fired from a mobile land-based launcher. Officials in Seoul and Washington concluded the attempted launch failed but declined any further comment. Analysts however said trial and error are part of the development process. "Taking that design and converting it to a road mobile version is a difficult task and when they do conduct the flight test like this, they learn. They collect data and then they can go back and correct the mistakes," said Daniel Pinkston, a lecturer in international relations with Troy University in Seoul. Hype or not North Korea has in the past been accused of exaggerating its advanced military capabilities. Pyongyang recently claimed to have successfully conducted a submarine-launched ballistic missile test, but Lewis and other experts at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies in California, studied satellite images and came to a different conclusion. "North Koreans declared that it was an enormous success and we were able to demonstrate quite conclusively that it exploded. So the North Koreans will definitely lie to exaggerate their capabilities," said Lewis. Officials in Washington and Seoul also discount Kim Jong Un's claim that his country's fourth nuclear test in January was that of a hydrogen bomb. According to their assessment the bomb blast was not powerful enough to be that of a hydrogen bomb. Although they did say it was more powerful than past atomic bomb tests and could have incorporated some hydrogen bomb components. North Korea's claim to have developed the capability to miniaturize nuclear warhead to fit on a ballistic missile is viewed as a credible threat by military leaders in South Korea and the United States, but it has not yet been verified. North Korea also made an unverified claim that it had successfully tested an engine designed for a long-range intercontinental ballistic missile that could reach the U.S. mainland. While Pyongyang has demonstrated the capability to launch missiles or rockets into space, analysts said it has not yet developed the re-entry vehicle capability needed for successful long-range missile strikes. Some may look at these failed weapons tests and over-hyped claims and conclude that North Korea's repressive command and control structure has hampered this technological development just as it has severely restricted economic growth in the poverty stricken country. But Pinkston said both Kim Jong Un and his father Kim Jong Il have prioritized missile and nuclear development programs and maintained a strong long-term commitment to them, despite the high costs imposed on the North Korean people. "They can select all the best people. They can squeeze resources out of the economy and they've been able to sustain that dedication for decades," he said. The United Nations Security Council has banned North Korea from developing nuclear and ballistic missile technology. China, the North's key ally, has urged the Kim Jong Un government to return to international talks and dismantle its nuclear program for economic assistance and security guarantees. In March, the United Nations imposed tough new sanctions to pressure Pyongyang to comply with these restrictions, but North Korea has responded by firing of a series of short and mid-range missiles almost on a weekly basis. Youmi Kim in Seoul contributed to this report. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Saudi Arabia sends ammunition to anti-Iran terror groups in Pakistan Iran Press TV Wed Apr 13, 2016 9:50PM Saudi Arabia's former Crown Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz says his country is supplying anti-Iran militant groups in neighboring Pakistan with large volumes of ammunition. According to Turki bin Nasser bin Abdulaziz, the kingdom's former head of the presidency of meteorology and environment, Muqrin made the remarks when they paid a visit to former deputy minister of defense and aviation Abdul-Rahman bin Abdulaziz at the King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Riyadh, where he had been hospitalized for some health problems earlier this month, Kuwaiti online newspaper Alaan reported on Wednesday. Muqrin said, citing military sources, that Riyadh had sent the ammunition via C-130 military transport planes in five stages to terrorists in Pakistan's southwestern province of Balochistan which borders Iran. The aircraft unloaded their cargos at Dalbandin airport, which was constructed by the financial assistance of Saudi Arabia in the 1980's. He also said that the Saudi Arabia, via Kuwait, had also sent similar ammunition cargos to anti-Iran militants who are active near the border of Iran's southwestern province of Khuzestan. Muqrin expressed his concern about these operations, saying that they would have adverse consequences for the security of the Kingdom. Riyadh has reportedly spent $100 billion to nurture Wahhabism throughout the world, which is directly responsible for the rise of such terror networks as the Daesh Takfiri group wreaking havoc in several countries, mainly Iraq and Syria. Takfirism, or the practice of accusing others of being "infidels," is a characteristic of Wahhabism, the radical ideology dominating Saudi Arabia and freely espoused by the country's clerics. Saudi Arabia also provides widely-reported support for Daesh. Riyadh has also been under fire for violating international humanitarian law since the start of its deadly campaign in Yemen last March, which has so far claimed the lives of 9,400 Yemenis, including 4,000 women and children. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran to make aggressors regret action: Defense min. Iran Press TV Thu Apr 14, 2016 10:29AM Defense Minister Hossein Dehqan says Iran's military forces are fully prepared to defend the country and make any aggressor regret their action. "Iran's Armed Forces have proved that they will make regional and extra-regional powers regret if they lay greedy eyes on this country," Dehqan said in the northern Iranian city of Bandar Anzali on Thursday. He also said the Iranian nation and military forces will stand with full power against the hegemonic system led by the US if it decides to take action against the "resistance front." The "resistance front" is generally referred to the alliance between Iran, Syria, Lebanon's Hezbollah and any side which fights against the Israeli occupation and colonial powers. Dehqan said certain powers back terrorist groups across the world, citing their invasions of countries which have led to the rise of the most violent militants, including Daesh. Those countries have "fomented the worst crimes against humanity in Yemen, Iraq and Africa," he said. Their crimes "have even reached the apparently developed and civilized countries that thought they...can prevent unrest within them," Dehqan said in an apparent reference to terrorist attacks in Europe. Referring to the wars in the Middle East, Dehqan said the US and the Israeli regime are killing innocent people "by waging proxy wars" and are seeking to "create insecurity in the region." The best way to establish security in the region, he said, is the withdrawal of "arrogant countries," such as the US from the Middle East. "There is no need for the presence of foreign countries, and the region can provide security for itself," Dehqan stressed. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iranian Military Official Accuses Saudi Arabia of Supporting Daesh Sputnik News 02:24 14.04.2016(updated 08:12 14.04.2016) A senior Iranian military official claimed that Saudi Arabia, along with neighboring Gulf states, provides material support to Daesh extremists with an aim toward spreading terrorism to Iran. General Ahmad Reza Pourdastan, commander of the Iranian Army's ground forces, commented in an interview Wednesday with Press TV that regional countries, specifically Saudi Arabia, are providing material support to Daesh, helping the violent extremist group spread terrorism in Iran. "We know that some reactionary regimes of the region, including Saudi Arabia which sponsors Daesh terrorism and sort of supports the terrorists both financially and spiritually and its puppets, who all enjoy help from the US and Israeli intelligence services, are planning to get terrorist groups into our country," Pourdastan said. In 2014, Daesh extremists were identified in Iraq's eastern Diyala Province, bordering Iran's western Kermanshah Province, attempting to carry out terror attacks in Iran, claimed Gen. Pourdastan. He said that, at the time, Iran's "armed forces intervened in a timely manner and took decisive action." Following the 2014 Daesh advance, Iran defined a 25 mile (40km) perimeter beyond its border as a red line warning that any attempt to cross would be met with a firm response. The perimeter includes Iraqi territory, raising the specter that Iranian forces could violate Iraqi sovereignty in its efforts to prevent terrorism from spilling into Iran. The Iranian military official offered that Iran's "defensive doctrine means that we do not intend to invade any country." He stated that Iranian troops must be prepared to expand defense drills to provide a deterrent against Daesh and other terrorist groups. Pourdastan repeatedly referred to Daesh extremists as Takfiri, a term referring to a Sunni Muslim who accuses another Muslim of apostasy. The term has become synonymous with Daesh in Iranian parlance, in reference to the group's fundamentalist Sunni doctrines, but has also been used to refer to violent religious extremist groups including al-Qaeda and the Taliban. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraqi forces recapture city of Hit from Daesh Takfiri militants Iran Press TV Thu Apr 14, 2016 3:20PM Iraqi forces have recaptured the city of Hit located in Anbar Province from Daesh Takfiri militants following weeks of fighting, the military says. "Units from the Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) completely liberated Hit," Iraq's Joint Operations Command said in a statement on Thursday. CTS spokesman Sabah al-Noman said the recapture of the city was completed on Thursday, adding that Hit "is cleared of any Daesh gunmen." The recapture marks the latest defeat inflicted by the Iraqi forces on the Daesh Takfiri terrorists in the country. Iraqi forces entered Hit, located northwest of the provincial city of Ramadi, on April 4. The liberation of Hit comes less than a month after Iraqi forces recaptured the nearby city of Kubaysah. In December 2015, Iraqi forces made their biggest victory against Daesh group in Anbar, recapturing Ramadi which had been seized by Takfiri militants last spring. Preparations are underway for the recapture of Fallujah, which is the second largest city in the western violence-hit province. Over the past months, Daesh has lost a significant portion of the territories it used to control in Anbar and other provinces to Iraqi forces. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraq legislators vote to remove parliament speaker: Reports Iran Press TV Thu Apr 14, 2016 1:14PM Iraqi lawmakers have reportedly voted to unseat Parliament Speaker Salim al-Jabouri and his deputies amid a major dispute in the chamber over a plan to overhaul the cabinet line-up to counter corruption. Parliamentary sources said Thursday that the vote was held amid the absence of Jabouri and his two aides. The parliament, called the Council of Representatives of Iraq, reconvened after two previous sessions for voting on a government reshuffle ended in chaos. During the Thursday meeting, MPs also appointed Adnan al-Janabi, a senior tribal leader, as the acting head of the parliament. Janabi said legislators are required to choose a new presiding board for the council during the session due to be held on Saturday. The vote came a day after a fistfight erupted in the parliament hall. A head of the brawl, dozens of legislators had also held a sit-in inside the parliament building in protest at alleged attempts by a number of political parties and blocs to maintain their influence over key government posts. Following the Thursday vote, Jabouri said in a statement that the session runs contrary to the constitution and that the required quorum of 165 was not reached. This is while three lawmakers, including Niyazi Oghlu, who were present at the meeting, put the number of participants at more than 170. The parliament voted on March 28 to give Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi a three-day deadline to present his new government or face a vote of no-confidence. The premier met the deadline and presented a list of nominees, but he has faced stiff resistance from the powerful parties seeking to maintain their influence. Most of those on Abadi's list were later substituted with new names on a second list distributed among lawmakers on Tuesday. However, a number of lawmakers called for a vote on the prime minister's original list and staged the sit-in protest after the voting session was postponed to Thursday. An emergency session was called on Wednesday, but in ended with clashes among lawmakers. There have been widespread calls among the public for deep reforms in Iraq's economic policies and a robust determination in the government for tackling corruption. Weekly protests in the capital Baghdad last month called by prominent cleric Muqtada al-Sadr led to a sit-in by him inside the city's heavily fortified Green Zone area, prompting Abadi to propose changes in the cabinet. Sadr and his followers want a government run by technocrats and experts instead of politically-affiliated ministers who would serve the goals of their parties. The new Iraqi cabinet would be tasked with uprooting corruption and dealing with the violence-torn country's economic woes. In February, Abadi called for "fundamental" changes to the government which, he said, should include academic and professional figure. Since then, several of his reform measures have been delayed or undermined by political parties, whose powers would be affected in the wake of such changes to the running system. The latest development on Iraq's political scene comes as army troops and allied volunteer forces have been engaged in large-scale military operations against Daesh Takfiri terrorists controlling swathes of land in the northern and western parts of the country since 2014. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Political Crisis in Baghdad Hits Boiling Point by Sharon Behn April 14, 2016 Iraqi lawmakers broke into fistfights Thursday as Baghdad plunged deep into a political crisis over how the fractured country should be governed. The first victim of the scrum appears to have been the outspoken Sunni Speaker of Parliament Salim al Jabouri. But several lawmakers also have been calling for the ouster of Prime Minister Haider al Abadi and even President Mohammed Fuad Masum. The three are still holding onto their posts, but lawmaker and former national security advisor Muwaffak al Rubaie told VOA their positions "are untenable." "Either we have general elections or we go back to parliament and choose a new president, a new speaker and prime minister," al Rubaie said, adding, "I don't think new elections are practical now." The political eruption comes after months of street protests calling for Prime Minister Abadi to make good on his promises to reform what many see as an elitist system of political cronyism. "This is the most significant period in Iraqi politics since 2003," Toby Dodge, consulting Senior Fellow for the London-based International Institute for Strategic Studies. "Finally, you have the population of Iraq saying to their politicians, 'You have completely betrayed us, you have let us down'," Dodge said. Some politicians are putting forward multiple solutions to avoid an even greater political meltdown. Veteran statesman and former prime minister Ayad Allawi weighed in, calling onpopulist Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al Sadr and those inside parliament to agree on what he calls a "political road map" to gradually lead the way out of the crisis. Allawi said Prime Minister Abadi "is going in circles without presenting proper reforms." The only way out of the paralysis, Allawi told VOA, was to start reforms gradually, focus on defeating Islamic State, work on political reconciliation and make the parliament fully democratic. "The key for this road map is to have the legislature operating without any pressures and to empower the Council of Representatives," he said. "Once the parliament is empowered to do what it should do, to legislate, then all the political players will be satisfied." Dodge was skeptical. Protesters galvanized by Sadr last summer to demand change at the pinnacle of the Iraqi state might not be so easily satisfied. "They have flung a gauntlet down at the seat of the post-2003 political elite, and it's a challenge that the political elite can't meet without removing themselves from office and taking away their power and finances," Dodge explained. "Senior politicians in the Green Zone talking about something as vacuous and meaningless as a road map to empowering parliament won't deliver meaningful reforms." Dodge added the core of the fight is about much more than cleaning up a vastly corrupt government. It was the start of the post-Islamic State struggle for power in Baghdad between the various ruling Shi'ite factions, he said. But Kenneth Katzman, an Iraq expert at the Congressional Research Service in Washington, D.C., believed the bedrock of the current crisis is the dramatic fall in oil prices that has left the Baghdad government without any real resources. Although the average Iraqi is suffering, Katzman said, the political class in Baghdad has been living a parallel life of tremendous privileges, good salaries, and protection that they do not want to give up. "The politics flows from that. Abadi has been weakened politically because of these demonstrations that show his government to be ineffective, and then various Shia politicians are using his weakness to bolster their own fortunes," Katzman told VOA. The result, Katzman said, could be very destabilizing. Abadi has already pulled some military units back from the front lines against Islamic State into Baghdad to shore up his government. "You could get a petition in parliament for elections or an extra-constitutional putsch by a Shia commander or by Sadr. You could get the Sunnis pulling out entirely," he said. But Baghdad's leadership has pulled back from the brink before. And Iran, which wields a strong influence over Baghdad, is unlikely to support any move that would lead to outright instability. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia rejects flight over US warship was unsafe Iran Press TV Thu Apr 14, 2016 11:56AM Russia says its aircraft observed all required safety measures when flying over a US warship in international waters of the Baltic Sea, dismissing claims of unsafe conduct. "After detecting the ship within their visibility range, the Russian pilots diverted from it with all safety precautions," Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said Thursday. The remarks were made after the US military officials claimed that Sukhoi Su-24 planes had multiple simulated attack passes on Monday and and Tuesday near the US Donald Cook destroyer in neutral waters of the Baltic. The US officials described the passes as unsafe and unprofessional. "Frankly speaking, the reason behind such a painful reaction from our American colleagues is unclear," said Konashenkov. "Being present in the operational proximity of the Russian naval base of the Baltic Fleet, the US destroyer's freedom of navigation by no means cancels the principle of air navigation freedom of Russian airplanes." The US Navy sent the Donald Cook to the Baltic Sea along with three other vessels last week "to boost security in Europe." The Donald Cook had left the Polish port of Gdynia and was about 70 nautical miles from Kaliningrad in the Baltic Sea when the Russian jets made 20 passes of it, the US says. US officials said the jets were flying within 915 meters (1,000 yards) from the destroyer at an altitude of just 30 meters (100 feet). Washington believes the overflights breach a 1970s agreement which was designed to prevent unsafe incidents at sea. The incident occurred as tensions are on the rise between the US and Russia over the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Syria. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Pacific Ships Enter Indian Ocean for Joint Int'l Exercises Sputnik News 09:39 14.04.2016(updated 10:53 14.04.2016) Russia will participate in international joint military exercises with countries from the Asian-Pacific region, the head of the Russian Defense Ministry's Eastern Military District's press service said Thursday. MOSCOW (Sputnik) A group of Russian warships from the Pacific Fleet has entered the Indian Ocean for international joint military exercises with countries from the Asian-Pacific region, the head of the Russian Defense Ministry's Eastern Military District's press service said Thursday. "There are 20 warships and vessels with participants from 32 Asian-Pacific region countries involved in the exerciseThe Russian sailors will operate together during the exercise with ships from 15 countries, including from Australia, China, the United States, Japan, and countries from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations," Capt. 1st Rank Roman Martov said. According to Martov, participants of the exercises will have a drill to recapture a ship, seized by pirates. For that purpose, the Russian side will involve anti-terror and aviation groups. The goal of the Komodo 2016 navy exercises is to promote the cooperation on maritime issues including information exchange, training and personnel reciprocation, according to the official website of the drills. The exercises will last until April 16. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Kadyrov Tries To Parry Putin Criticism, Calls Crosshairs Video 'A Joke' April 15, 2016 by RFE/RL Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has sought to deflect implicit criticism from Russia's president after Vladimir Putin suggested some regional leaders in Russia were "hunt[ing] for enemies of the nation among opposition figures." Kadyrov, who has governed his North Caucasus region with a free hand that many rights activists blame for disappearances and even execution-style killings of his critics, reacted via Instagram by saying he was "sometimes too emotional" but citing personal loss and sacrifice in the "everyday fight against the most determined enemies of Russia." The 39-year-old weapons and sports-car enthusiast called "a joke" a video he posted to Instagram in January showing prominent opposition figure Mikhail Kasyanov in crosshairs. Kadyrov has repeatedly denounced and threatened the Russian opposition, calling them "enemies of the nation who must be punished." "I received my diplomatic education in the everyday fight against the most determined enemies of Russia, in which I lost my closest and dearest relatives, friends, and comrades," Kadyrov, whose ex-militant father led Chechnya with Moscow's blessing until he was killed by a bomb blast in Grozny in 2004, wrote. "This explains why my way of self-expression is sometimes too emotional, but it is absolutely sincere." Of the crosshairs video of Kasyanov, which also showed Kremlin critic and activist Vladimir Kara-Murza, Kadyrov wrote, "...It was a joke, a figure of speech. By no means did it contain or could it contain any direct threat against anyone." 'Proven' Loyalty Kadyrov thanked Putin for his critical remarks and vowed to continue to struggle "for the interests of Russia and the people of our great country." Putin said in his April 14 program in language that was unusually blunt: "I hope that both Chechnya's leadership and other Russian regional leaders will come to realize the level of responsibility both before the people on their territories and the entire Russia; and that they will come to understand that such statements against their opponents do not contribute to stability in our country. On the contrary, it damages stability." Putin added praise for Kadyrov -- who once "fought against us in the woods" alongside Chechen separatists targeting Russia's federal forces -- for his "proven" loyalty to Moscow. "One needs to understand what sort of people they are," Putin added. "Let alone the fact that we are talking about the Caucasus where people are hot-headed, the very involvement of these people in a governing job at a high political level is not an easy thing. We're all human beings. We are all stemming from our own individual past." Kasyanov's Parnas party issued a report in February accusing Kadyrov of amassing a 30,000-strong "private army" that constitutes a threat to national security. That document came one year after Parnas co-chairman and former Deputy Prime Minister Boris Nemtsov was shot dead near the Kremlin in an attack that some opposition figures suggested was carried out with Kadyrov's involvement. Five men from Chechnya have been arrested and charged with Nemtsov's killing. With reporting by RFE/RL's Russian and North Caucasus services, AP, and Interfax Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/russia-kadyrov-putin- criticism-crosshairs-video/27676887.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 Canada refuses to cancel arms sales to Saudi despite rights violations Iran Press TV Thu Apr 14, 2016 6:23AM Canada's Liberal government has refused to cancel a controversial contract to sell weapons to Saudi Arabia despite Riyadh's human rights violations, particularly in the war against Yemen. Canadian Foreign Minister Stephane Dion signed off on export permits for the USD 15-billion sale of light armored vehicles to Saudi Arabia on Friday. The contract had been initially signed under the previous Conservative government in February 2014. Dion, which has come under fire over authorizing the sales, told reporters on Wednesday that Canada's credibility would be harmed if it didn't honor the contract. "Credibility matters. The Liberal Party committed during the 2015 election campaign to respect the previously agreed contract Our government will not weaken the credibility of the signature of the government of Canada," Dion said. He also claimed that canceling the agreement would impede Canada's efforts to convince Saudi Arabia to improve its human rights record. "If we drop the contract, we will set back the clock on those productive efforts too, and we will simply hand the contract to a non-Canadian, potentially more ambivalent provider," Dion said. However, leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP) Thomas Mulcair accused the government of lying to the public regarding the contract. "The government lied to Canadians about who signed what when in the Saudi arms deal, and that is a very serious matter," Mulcair said. Yemen has been under military attacks by Saudi Arabia since late March last year. At least 9,400 people, including 4,000 women and children, have been killed so far. On March 22, Amnesty International also called on the United States and Britain to halt their arms deliveries to Saudi Arabia amid the brutal Saudi military campaign against Yemen. Amnesty criticized Riyadh for "repeatedly" using prohibited cluster munitions in attacks that have "killed and maimed civilians." Human Rights Watch has also called for an arms embargo, urging the US, the UK, France and all other nations to suspend the sales of arms to Riyadh until it "not only curtails its unlawful airstrikes in Yemen but also credibly investigates alleged violations." In February, the European Parliament called for a European Union (EU)-wide arms embargo against Riyadh. Leading international lawyer Philippe Sands said on Wednesday that Britain has breached international, EU and its own domestic laws by selling arms to Riyadh that were used in the war against Yemen. The UK government, which supplied export licenses for some USD 4.3 billion worth of weapons to Riyadh last year, had "not asked the right questions" when it came to whether or not it should sell arms to Saudi Arabia, said Sands. "Having asked the wrong questions, it has reached answers that are implausible." Riyadh has been under fire for violating international humanitarian law since the start of its campaign in Yemen in March 2015. The regime has not responded to the numberless reports of violations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Syria starts counting votes in parliamentary polls Iran Press TV Thu Apr 14, 2016 3:28PM The voting process for Syria's parliamentary elections has concluded and the counting work has begun amid peace talks between the Damascus government and opposition. Staff at polling stations are opening the seal of ballot boxes and taking out the votes under the supervision of candidates' representatives. Preliminary estimates show that the voter turnout may far exceed the one recorded in the 2012 parliamentary polls. "I was also in charge of the same region four years ago and there were a total of 900 votes in these two polling stations. Today there has been about 1,700 votes and I think this may be a common situation," said Jamal Almouzen, manager of a polling station in Damascus. According to local media, the elections started at 07:00 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) and ended at 12:00 p.m. local time (2100 GMT) while people actively took part in the voting across the government-held regions. A number of opposition parties were running in the race, but armed opposition groups have boycotted the vote and called it illegitimate. The ruling Ba'ath party is expected to prevail. The results of the polls are expected to be released in the near future. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said the parliamentary polls intended to avoid a "legal vacuum" before early elections are held under a new constitution. Wednesday's elections coincided with the beginning of the latest round of UN-brokered indirect negotiations between the Syrian government and the opposition in the Swiss city of Geneva. The last round of the Syria peace talks came to a halt on March 24 over disagreements on the role of President Bashar al-Assad in Syria's future. The discussions come against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire in the war-wracked country. The truce, brokered by the US and Russia, went into effect on February 27 across Syria, excluding terrorist groups such as Daesh and al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Nusra Front. Syria has been grappling with a deadly crisis it blames on some foreign states for more than five years. The Militancy has left over 470,000 people dead, according to a February report by the Syrian Center for Policy Research. Backed by the Russian air cover, Syrian forces have managed to liberate many militant-held areas over the past few months. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Renewed Fighting Threatens Latest Round of Syria Peace Talks by Henry Ridgwell April 14, 2016 Syrian government delegates are due to attend peace talks with opposition representatives Friday in Geneva to try to bring an end to five years of fighting that has killed more than half a million people. However, there are growing fears that the cease-fire which has underpinned the negotiations is about to break. There's been an upsurge in fighting in Aleppo and Homs, where opposition supporters accuse the government of carrying out airstrikes on civilians. The United Nations' Special Envoy to Syria who is overseeing the talks said humanitarian relief is struggling to get through to besieged towns. "Everyone in the meeting was disappointed," Staffan De Mistura told reporters Thursday. "Indeed, many of them are actually frustrated by the lack of new convoys reaching some areas." Those difficulties suggest the cease-fire is becoming increasingly shaky, says Ben Barry of the International Institute for Strategic Studies. "The less the tension is on the frontlines, the easier it is for humanitarian aid convoys to pass through," he said. "And as tension rises, it becomes more and more difficult. And put that together with evidence that the Syrian government appears to be gearing up for another major offensive around Aleppo." 'No veto' for opposition The Syrian opposition represented at the talks by umbrella group the High Negotiations Committee said Thursday it would accept a transitional government that includes current government figures. "We will have no veto, as long as they don't send us criminals, as long as they don't send us people who are involved in the killing of Syrians," said the HNC's Salim Al-Muslat. The opposition insists Syrian President Bashar al-Assad cannot be part of the country's future. But government negotiators, who will join the talks Friday, said the opposition is dreaming. "Others need to forget the dreams they had for the last five years and to come with factual, actual solutions to the problem," said Faisal Mekdad, Syria's Deputy Foreign Minister. But it's unclear exactly who is directing the Syrian government delegation, according to Barry. "There has been evidence of different political factions jockeying for influence. And who exactly is writing what instructions for the Syrian delegate to the peace talks, I think is an important question," he said. Meanwhile, the United States' ambassador to the U.N., Samantha Power, voiced her fears that the renewed fighting in Aleppo could derail the peace talks, and urged Assad's key ally, Russia, to "get the Syrian regime back with the program." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address After the Syrian War: A Huge, Costly Cleanup by Cecily Hilleary April 14, 2016 War destroys people, infrastructure and economies, but activists say we still don't have a clear idea of its long-term impact on the environment and civilian health -- much less, who should be responsible for the clean-up. Five years into the Syrian conflict, about half of all urban areas are in ruin, says Wim Zwijnenburg, project leader for PAX, a humanitarian disarmament group based in the Netherlands. Left behind are millions of tons of "conflict rubble" a mix of crushed cement, mangled metal, industrial and medical waste, asbestos and explosives residues that have to be removed, transported and either disposed of or stored. "And it's not yet clear to what extent that could be an environmental health issue," Zwijnenburg said, "but looking for example at September 11th, when first responders were cleaning up the rubble from the World Trade Towers, years after, they face a lot of health problems because of being exposed to all the dust." "The debris pile acted like a chemical factory," said atmospheric scientist Thomas Cahill, who conducted a study of air quality at Ground Zero. "It cooked together the components of the buildings and their contents, including enormous numbers of computers, and gave off gases of toxic metals, acids and organics for at least six weeks." Prior to the war, Syria had invested billions of dollars in creating four industrial zones to attract international investors. The largest, Sheikh Najjar, once housed hundreds of factories, primarily pharmaceutical, textiles and plastics. "They have been severely damaged during the war, and the question is, what kind of toxins or hazards are being released," said Zwijnenburg. Across Syria, cement plants, quarries, power stations, oil refineries and hospitals have been destroyed, likely releasing waste products and contaminants into the air, soil and water. Ordnance, too, leaves a footprint that could also pose a long-term threat to health and the environment. "Explosives contain substances like RDX, TNT and PBX," said Zwijnenburg. "A lot of times there are residues left over after detonating, or if it didn't fully detonate, explosives can start leaking and end up in the groundwater." Syrian's environmental governance, poor enough prior to the war, has collapsed, resulting in a buildup of household, industrial and medical waste which is either burned or left to rot either way, a health hazard. Assessing damage The U.N. Environmental Program (UNEP) was created in 1972 as the leading global environmental authority. It has conducted ecological studies in a number of post-conflict zones. "But they need to be invited in by a country and they need sufficient free rein to go around taking samples and measurements," said Douglas Weir, manager of the Toxic Remnants of War Project, a network of environmental and humanitarian NGO's pushing for greater protection of the environment in conflict. If requested, the UNEP would send in teams with expertise in waste management, water quality, asbestos and soil/land contamination to take samples of water, soil, ash, dust and more. The U.N. would also compare its findings with baseline data on Syria's environment prior to the conflict, something that could be problematic. All this is assuming that world governments contribute to the effort. Germany, Switzerland and Norway, for example, funded UNEP's assessment in Lebanon after the 2006 war with Israel. "Syria was an up-and-coming industrial state," Zwijnenburg said, "but there were hardly any regulations in place, nor a sufficient, capable government able to deal with all the complexities of industrialization." The Syrian government, he added, also did a poor job of collecting environmental data. Determining liability So who will ultimately pay the price for cleaning up Syria? "That is probably one of the least popular conversations among governments involved in armed conflicts," said Weir. "Environmental law in peacetime has blossomed since the 1960's and 1970's, but the only place law hasn't been developed is in relation to conflict." Only once has a state been forced to be liable for damage, said Weir. "In the 1991 Gulf War, after Iraq bombed all the Kuwaiti oil wells and you had these huge fires and oil spills," he said, the fires burned for months, sending off toxic soot, smoke and ash and causing widespread ecological damage. The U.N. Compensation Commission evaluated millions of claims of loss and damage in Kuwait and neighboring countries and awarded more than $52 billion for damages, which were paid out from Iraq's oil-for-food program. Assessing culpability in Syria will be challenging, if not impossible, given the many players involved. And even in cases where liability is established, it is not easily enforced. During its 2006 war with Lebanon, Israel bombed a power station's oil storage depot. Fifteen thousand tons of heating oil formed a 150-kilometer oil slick along the coast of Lebanon and Syria. The U.N. General Assembly subsequently adopted nine non-binding resolutions calling on Israel to compensate Lebanon more than $850 million in cleanup costs. Israel has refused to do so, citing lost lives and environmental damage of its own and pointing out that Hezbollah started the war. In announcing the findings of the 2006 assessment of Lebanon, UNEP director Achim Steiner noted that the international community could be of great help in providing dollars and technical support with cleanup efforts. In the end, more than a dozen countries helped clean up Lebanon. The refugee problem , however, has strained budgets and tempers across Europe and the Middle East. It is too soon to tell how generous these economies can afford to be when it comes to mopping up and rebuilding Syria. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Battles Rage Around Aleppo Amid Syria Talks by Aline Barros April 15, 2016 Syrian forces have engaged in fighting on different fronts near the northern city of Aleppo, said a group that monitors the war in Syria, as U.N.-mediated peace talks got underway in Geneva. "Fierce fighting raged between regime troops and loyalist militia against IS (Islamic State) to the east of Khanasser," southeast of Aleppo city, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. Separately, it was being reported that the army backed by Russian warplanes launched an assault north of Aleppo Thursday, threatening to block a vital rebel route into the city. At least 14 pro-government fighters and 20 militants were killed over the past 24 hours around the flashpoint area of Handarat. "Aleppo is the key to war and peace in Syria...Every side in the war has a stake in Aleppo," said Rami Abdel Rahman, director of the observatory. A senior official in Washington told the French news agency the United States is "very concerned" about reports of a Russian-backed Syrian government offensive near Aleppo. The five-year-old conflict in Syria began as a peaceful revolt and spread in 2012 to Aleppo province, which borders Turkey. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Turkish Parliament Considering Lifting Immunity for Kurd Deputies by Dorian Jones April 14, 2016 The Turkish parliament has begun the process of lifting the immunity of leading parliamentary deputies of the pro-Kurdish party. Parliament is considering a motion by the ruling AKP to amend the constitution to ease immunity for parliamentary deputies. The move is widely seen as aimed at the pro-Kurdish HDP, with its leading members facing charges of supporting terrorism. Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said opposition parties have an obligation to support the move in the battle against terrorism. The reform is expected to easily pass in parliament, with the main opposition Republican People's Party supporting it. Political scientist Cengiz Aktar of Istanbul's Suleyman Sah University says it is widely expected the leading members of the Kurdish Party are likely to be prosecuted and jailed, a move he warns will have far-reaching consequences. "Those who continue to call for peace, those who continue to call for dialogue, will again be sidelined and marginalized in Turkish politics; this will be the result. If, in the meantime, the remaining HDP parliamentarians leave the parliament, then it will be a major, major crisis," said Aktar. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is the driving force for the prosecution of the pro-Kurdish deputies. He insists the deputies are no different than the PKK rebels the Turkish military is fighting in the country's predominantly Kurdish southeast. Large parts of many towns and cities in the region have been destroyed in the crackdown, which observers say has alienated much of the population from the Turkish state. That process will accelerate with the prosecution of the deputies, warns Kadri Gursel, a columnist for Al Monitor website and expert on the Kurdish conflict. Gursel says such a move comes at a time when it has never been more favorable for the PKK in its 30-year conflict with the Turkish state. "As long as Turkey is at odds with other actors in the region, this creates favorable conditions for PKK to have foreign support. And PKK has unprecedented strategic depth in the region, stretching towards Iraq, Iran and Syria. And in Istanbul live 1.5 million Kurds; [Kurds] are spread all over Turkey. So it is an unmanageable situation," said Gursel. In 1994, four Kurdish deputes were jailed on terrorism charges. Experts say the imprisonment resulted in a surge in support for the PKK and its armed struggle. Their imprisonment also saw Turkey being internationally isolated. This latest move to prosecute pro-Kurdish deputies comes as the U.S. State Department and the European Parliament each expressed concern this week over the deteriorating human rights situation in Turkey. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Deputy Secretary General Alexander Vershbow reaffirms support for Ukraine at Kyiv Security Forum NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 14 Apr. 2016 Speaking at the Kyiv Security Forum on Thursday (14 April), NATO Deputy Secretary General Alexander Vershbow focused on NATO's response to Russia's aggression and on the Alliance's support to Ukraine's efforts to reform its defence forces and democratic institutions. The Deputy Secretary General underlined that NATO "will never accept Russia's military occupation of Crimea". "NATO stands by Ukraine and its right to be an independent, sovereign nation", Mr. Vershbow said. He also stressed a clear need for Ukraine to adopt NATO standards and said that this is not "just a technical exercise". "Civilian control of the armed forces and democratic oversight of the security and defence sector are essential, interconnected principles shared by all NATO Allies. These are principles that Ukraine needs to embed irreversibly in its own institutional set-up", he said. Deputy Secretary General Vershbow underscored that NATO will continue to support Ukraine's reforms. "We back this political support with practical assistance through an advisory mission in Kyiv supporting comprehensive reform of the security and defence sector." NATO also supports Ukraine through capacity building Trust Funds and through the Annual National Programme, which includes reform of its defence forces and democratic institutions, and reform to tackle corruption and strengthen the rule of law. "Ukraine's leaders have set an ambitious course towards Euro-Atlantic values and standards; they must now deliver. But so must we. Allies will continue to support Ukraine, through NATO and bilaterally. And we will further improve our own coordination to make the most of the resources we have available for Ukraine", he said. Mr. Vershbow said that the Minsk agreements must be implemented in full and that "strengthened security is needed in parallel with the fulfilment of the political aspects of the Minsk agreements". "NATO will reiterate its insistence on full implementation of the Minsk agreements when the NATO-Russia Council convenes next week", Mr. Vershbow said. Speaking about the upcoming NATO Summit, the Deputy Secretary General said that Allies will "reaffirm their continuing commitment to support the sovereignty and independence of Ukraine by holding a meeting of the NATO-Ukraine Commission at the level of Heads of State and Government" in July in Warsaw. Mr. Veshbow highlighted that the security and independence of Ukraine are vital for Euro-Atlantic security and that Ukraine has long been one of NATO's closest partners. "As we approach the Warsaw Summit, now is the time to make Ukrainian defence forces and Ukrainian democratic institutions truly fit for purpose, in line with NATO standards. Ukraine has missed many previous windows of opportunity in the last 25 years. Let us resolve not to miss this one", he concluded. During his visit to Kiyv, Deputy Secretary General Vershbow also met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Pavlo Klimkin and other senior officials. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US modernizing missile systems against Russia, China: Pentagon Iran Press TV Thu Apr 14, 2016 3:37PM The Pentagon has once again confirmed that it is planning to upgrade its missile systems to protect America from the increasing Russian "provocation," says a senior US military official. Speaking before the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee, Principal Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Brian McKeon laid down the Department of Defense (DoD) plans to focus on "developing and implementing a strategy to address Russian military actions." "Russia is making significant investments in cruise missiles, including a cruise missile that violates the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, which eliminated an entire class of US and Russian missiles nearly three decades ago," he told the panel. The DoD's plans further include "modifying and expanding air defense systems to deny Russia offensive capabilities" as well as "investing in the technologies that are most relevant to Russia's provocation." The official was trying to persuade the lawmakers to approve the US Missile Defense Agency's requested budget for the 2017 fiscal year which amounts to $7.5 billion. He said Russia and China are sitting on top of the list of America's "evolving challenges," accusing Moscow and Beijing of actions that signal "a return to great power competition." Also on the Pentagon's to-do list is "modernizing" defense capabilities in order to remain ahead of a growing ballistic missile threat posed by North Korea, Iran and Syria, McKeon said. He added that Washington is open to partnering with allies that are "most concerned with Russian behavior" and counter the perceived threats. The INF treaty, which was signed by then the US President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 1987, maintains that the two countries cannot possess, produce, or test-fly nuclear and conventional ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with intermediate ranges, defined as between 500 to 5,500 kilometers (300 to 3,400 miles). The two sides have repeatedly accused one another of breaching the 30-year old agreement. In June last year Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov blasted the US over "ramping up the issue of 'Russian violations' to justify" its own plans to deploy missile systems across Europe. Russia does not look favorably upon the North Atlantic Organization Treaty (NATO)'s growing deployment of missiles and nuclear weapons near its borders, with the Russian President Vladimir Putin saying in June last year that if threatened by NATO, Moscow will respond to the threat accordingly. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address VANCOUVER, April 14, 2016 - Northair Silver Corp. (TSX VENTURE:INM) (the "Company" or "Northair") is pleased to announce that securityholders of Northair have approved the previously announced business combination with Kootenay Silver Inc. (TSX VENTURE:KTN) ("Kootenay"), to be completed by way of a plan of arrangement (the "Arrangement"), at a special meeting held earlier today. Under the terms of the Arrangement, Kootenay will acquire all the issued and outstanding common shares of Northair in exchange for 0.35 of a common share of Kootenay, plus 0.15 of a warrant to purchase Kootenay common shares at an exercise price of $0.55 for a period of five years from closing, for each Northair share held.Securityholder participation was very high, with 72.39% of the Company's outstanding securities having exercised their vote. Northair would like to thank all of its securityholders for their support, engagement and participation, and looks forward to the future prospects of the combined company as a leading Mexican silver explorer and developer.Northair will be seeking final court approval of the Arrangement on April 19, 2016 and, subject to the satisfaction of certain customary closing conditions, the Arrangement is anticipated to be completed on or about April 21, 2016. If closing occurs as contemplated Northair's shares are expected to trade until market close on Wednesday April 20and be de-listed on Thursday, April 21The Northair disclosure of a scientific or technical nature contained in this news release was reviewed by David Ernst, a professional geologist and vice-president of exploration of Northair, who is a Qualified Person in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101.The Kootenay Silver technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in NI 43-101 and reviewed on behalf Kootenay Silver by James McDonald, P.Geo, President, CEO & Director for Kootenay, a Qualified Person.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. Kootenay Silver Inc. is an exploration company actively engaged in the discovery and development of mineral projects in the Sierra Madre Region of Mexico and in British Columbia, Canada. The Company's top priority is the advancement of precious metals projects contained within its Promontorio Mineral Belt in Sonora, Mexico. This includes its La Negra high-grade silver discovery and its Promontorio Silver Resource. Kootenay's core objective is to develop near term discoveries and long-term sustainable growth. Management comprises proven professionals with extensive international experience in all aspects of mineral exploration, operations and venture capital markets. Multiple, ongoing J/V partnerships in Mexico and Canada maximize potential for additional new discoveries while maintaining minimal share dilution.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.This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer of securities in the United States. The securities issuable in the transaction have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered within the United States or to U.S. Persons unless exemptions from such registration requirements are available.The information in this news release has been prepared as at April 14, 2016. Certain statements in this news release, referred to herein as "forward-looking statements", constitute "forward-looking statements" under the provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws. These statements can be identified by the use of words such as "expected", "may", "will" or similar terms. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of factors and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by Kootenay and Northair as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements in this press release relate to, among other things: anticipated benefits of the Transaction to Kootenay and Northair and their respective securityholders; the pro rata shareholdings of the current shareholders of Northair in Kootenay; the timing and receipt of required securityholder, court, stock exchange and regulatory approvals for the Transaction; the ability of Kootenay and Northair to satisfy the other conditions to, and to complete, the Transaction; the anticipated timing of the mailing of the information circular regarding the Transaction; the closing of the Transaction; analyst coverage, liquidity and access to capital markets of Kootenay; length of the current market cycle and the requirements for an issuer to survive the current market cycle and future growth potential for Kootenay. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the respective parties, 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 and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: satisfaction or waiver of all applicable conditions to closing of the Transaction including, without limitation, receipt of all necessary securityholder, court, stock exchange and regulatory approvals or consents and lack of material changes with respect to the parties and their respective businesses; the synergies expected from the Transaction not being realized; business integration risks; fluctuations in general macro-economic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets and the market price of Kootenay's shares; fluctuations in the spot and forward price of silver, base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in the currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar versus the U.S. dollar); changes in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; 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); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; and the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; 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; title to properties; the failure to meet the closing conditions thereunder and the failure by counterparties to such agreements to comply with their obligations thereunder. In addition, Northair may in certain circumstances be required to pay a non-completion or other fee to Kootenay, the result of which could have a material adverse effect on Northair's financial position and results of operations and its ability to fund growth prospects and current operations. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these times. Many factors, known and unknown, could cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date made. Except as otherwise required by law, Kootenay and Northair expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements to reflect any change in Kootenay or Northair's expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based. Cautionary Note to United States Investors 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. Kootenay and 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. Andrea Zaradic, President, CEO & Director(604) 687-7545Northair Silver Corp.Chris Curran, Manager of Corporate Communications(604) 687-7545James McDonald, President, CEO & Director(403) 238-6986Kootenay Silver Inc.Ken Berry, Chairman(604) 601-5652 The wild interior at Lot 1. Photo: Louie Douvis Address 20 York Street Sydney, New South Wales 2000 View map Book online Opening hours Mon-Fri 6am12am ; Sat 5pm12am ; Sun Closed Features Bar, Licensed, Business lunch, Vegetarian friendly, Degustation, Gluten-free options, Private dining, Accepts bookings, Romance-first date Prices Expensive (mains over $40) Chef Adam Swanson Seats 400 Payments eftpos, AMEX, Cash, Visa, Mastercard Phone 02 9279 3555 Lot.1 may be the new Italian kid on the block, but it has staked an ambitious claim on the neighbourhood. Since November, it has drawn steady streams of office workers into its York Street espresso bar with homemade pastries and paninis in the morning, while tempting the business lunch crowd with fresh pasta and wine. By 5pm, the cocktail crowd is already trickling in to take advantage of aperitivo hour, where traditional Italian snacks (think polpette, prosciutto and arancini balls) are served gratis on the bar every week day. Chianti beef cheeks with carrot and radicchio. Photo: Louie Douvis Just over a month ago, patrons were given another reason to stay a little longer when the restaurant opened. Sprawled across three floors of a converted 19th-century waterhouse, Lot.1 is an homage to the "European way of life" where the emphasis is on "keeping it in one house", says chef Adam Swanson. The 36-year-old is also chef and owner of the award-winning Zucca Mezze restaurant in Adelaide. Lot.1's fitout is a curious, striking mix of old and new. A wall of 19th-century sandstone brickwork divides it from the espresso bar next door, and provides a beautiful backdrop for the in-house cocktail bar. This is juxtaposed with sweeping timberwork paneling along another wall, while timber sculptures, designed to replicate milk swirling through coffee, stretch across the ceiling. Vibrant purple ceiling lights lend a slightly ethereal disco vibe. Adam and Eve dessert. Photo: Louie Douvis Swanson sources produce from NSW as well as his home state of South Australia for the dinner menu. Divided into small and large sharing plates, it is informed by Swanson's Italian heritage and the tricks he picked up in his nonna's Adelaide kitchen, with added "modern flair". "My philosophy is four or five ingredients on a plate. If you go back to traditional Italian food, it's really about simplicity," he says. Smoked burrata mozzarella filled with fresh cream rests on a nest of charred leek strips on a bed of smoked leek puree. The tomato element a classic with mozzarella takes the form of rich drops of concentrated passata dotted across the plate. The burrata's creamy curd is injected with herb-oil so that, much like a poached egg, it oozes on to the plate when sliced. As advised, we use the silken cheese to mop all the elements onto our forks at once. Divine. As red wine lovers, we can't go past the chianti beef cheeks, which are artfully topped with radicchio and carrot strips. The beef is meltingly tender after simmering in a Chianti reduction for several hours, while the radicchio, cooked in vinegar and stock, cuts through the richness. The carrot strips, tossed in roasted garlic oil, are also delicious. We mop up the chianti jus with a plate of creamy polenta topped with candied walnuts. Though we're more than comfortably full by this point, we succumb to food envy after spotting a nearby table tuck into dessert. Our waiter pitches the Adam and Eve as "love on a plate". Impressively plated, a column of light sponge slices with vanilla bean panna cotta sit on a bed of coffee-chocolate soil. Biblical trimmings adorn the dish: snakes of tempered chocolate, toasted apple slices, mini toffee apples (candied cherries) and a scoop of decadent chocolate-apple gelato. We have indulged in cocktails over the evening (the espresso martini is highly recommended) but the wine list has a good selection of local and overseas drops. For those into the stronger stuff, a palate-cleansing grappa can also be arranged. With Lot.1's basement bar due to open at the end of the month, diners may well find themselves lingering much later than they planned. THE PICKS Burrata, Chianti beef cheeks, Adam and Eve dessert THE LOOK Eye-catching combination of sculpted timber and rustic sandstone THE SERVICE Jovial, informative and prompt Butter chicken kebabs? Yes. We have arrived. The crew from Bang has set up Trunk Road in Darlinghurst and is pumping out the popular late night curry on "roadie" size Indian flatbread with pride. It's one of many new additions to the Sydney food and drink scene over the last month, which also welcomed deep-fried garlic cloves, Burgundy snails and the possibility of dehydrated chicken tears. Of course, it wouldn't be a monthly food round-up in 2016 without mention of Nutella and/or fried chicken, so we've got you covered for both of those, too. Dig in. WHERE TO EAT Trunk Road 163 Crown Street, Darlinghurst, trunkroad.com.au Started by Nicholas Gurney and Tapos Singha from Bang, that casual mod-Bangladeshi diner that stirred up Surry Hills last year, this newbie is up the Darlinghurst end of Crown Street and offers a very simple menu in a very lavish setting. Myffy Rigby Read: the full review Capriccio 159 Norton Street, Leichhardt, 02 9572 7607, capriccio.sydney Advertisement There's really nothing like throwing down the lunching gauntlet with a silken mortadella sandwich punctuated by some light acid from globe artichoke slices and the peppery bite of rocket, all captured within a charred chewy Italian bread roll. Yeah. MR Read: the full review WHERE TO DRINK Jangling Jack's Bar and Grill 175 Victoria Street, Potts Point There's a lot I dig at this long and narrow small bar from Jon Ruttan and his partner Orlan Erin Raleigh; a Primal Scream and Let It Be-era Beatles soundtrack, emerald green pressed-metal walls, deeper green fortune-teller lamp shades, blues posters, quality whisky, andouille sausages, Reschs on tap and Nick Cave vinyl on display. Snags, Reschs and Cave the Holy Trinity of "I saw Custard in 1992" inner-west rock dad. Callan Boys Read: the full review 77 77 William Street, Darlinghurst, 02 8094 9616 William Street's favourite late-night dance den is back and it's better than ever, re-launched under the stewardship of former Drink 'n' Dine group maestros Jamie Wirth and Mike Delany. CB Read: the full review HOT AND NEW Bistrot Gavroche Level 1, 2-10 Kensington Street, Chippendale, bistrotgavroche.com.au This is Bistroland, The Happiest Kingdom Of Them All. And while it may not be the best French food in the world, here's the thing it does actually taste French. Terry Durack Read: The full review Salt Meats Cheese, Broadway 68 Bay Street, Ultimo, 02 9281 5048, saltmeatscheese.com.au Sydney's Broadway precinct has lots of things. Top-notch Malaysian restaurants, a wide choice of dumplings and a shopping centre where children treat the travelator like it's a Disneyland ride. Now thanks to the kind folk at Salt Meats Cheese, it also has a place where you can drop in for a negroni, stay for pasta and finish with a Nutella-based dessert. CB Read: the full story SHARE With Aggie Muster coming up Thursday, it seems an appropriate time to mention the excellent new book by John A. Adams Jr. "The Fightin' Texas Aggie Defenders of Bataan & Corregidor" (Texas A&M University Press, $30 hardcover). Adams is the author of three other books about Texas A&M, including one on Muster, when Aggies get together every April 21 (San Jacinto Day) to share a meal and call the roll of those who have died in the past year. Two dozen Aggies observed Muster on Corregidor shortly before it fell in 1942. Adams' new book tells the stories of the 89 Aggie soldiers who fought at Bataan and Corregidor during the early days of World War II and were subjected to incredible brutality after being captured by the Imperial Japanese forces. Of the 89, six were killed in the battles and five escaped or were evacuated, two would be missing in action, 31 died on prisoner ships and 15 in prison camps, and only 30 returned home after surviving capture. Adams lists all 89, what camp or ship they were held, and their fate. "While there have been many books on the saga of Bataan-Corregidor, none has focused solely on the contributions and sacrifice of the citizen soldiers from Texas A&M University," Adams writes. "This is their story: a chronicle of valor, grit and sacrifice that has never been told and should never be forgotten." Texas Ranger: "Whiskey River Ranger: The Old West Life of Baz Outlaw" by Bob Alexander ($34.95 hardcover) is the 16th book in the University of North Texas Press's Frances B. Vick Series that focuses primarily on biographies of legendary Texas Rangers. Several of the previous bios have dealt with notable Ranger captains and commanders such as J.A. Brooks, John Rogers, John Brooks, Bill McDonald, John B. Jones and Frank Jones. In this volume, Alexander traces the life and times of a good-bad Ranger sergeant. Outlaw, says Alexander, "could be a fearless and crackerjack lawman, as well as an unmanageable maniac" who fought a losing battle with alcoholism and died in a brothel brawl in El Paso in 1894 at age 40. "Whiskey River Ranger" is Alexander's sixth book in the UNT series. The author is a retired federal agent. Now in Paperback: The University of Oklahoma Press has brought out new paperback editions of two books by Charles M. Robinson III that have been around for a while. "The Frontier World of Fort Griffin: The Life and Death of a Western Town" ($14.95) was first published in 1992. It tells the story of the frontier post and the wild west town that grew up in its shadow, once known as the "toughest town in the West." "The Indian Trial: The Complete Story of the Warren Wagon Train Massacre and the Fall of the Kiowa Nation" ($14.95) first came out in 1997. The book concerns the Jacksboro Indian Trial involving Satanta and Big Tree and the aftermath of the verdicts. Each book is a compact, fast-paced account of about 200 pages plus index. SHARE By Lou Kesten, Associated Press What would you do if you could control time? Visit the future and grab an iPhone 50? Kill a despised historical figure while he's still a baby? Carve out some time to catch up on your Netflix queue? Will Joyce, the genius who discovers time travel in "Quantum Break" (Microsoft, for the Xbox One, PC, $59.95), wants none of that. He's the kind of quirky brainiac who just wants to unlock the secrets of the universe. Unfortunately, his tinkering has busted the time-space continuum so badly the whole thing's about to collapse. You play Jack Joyce, Will's brother, who's dragged into the whole mess by an old friend named Paul Serene. Paul is head of Monarch Solutions, one of those mysterious corporations that's so powerful it needs its own military and he has his own ideas about how to harness time travel. Is Paul insane? Can Will be saved? It's up to Jack to find the answers. Fortunately, he's the kind of average-Joe who turns out to be ridiculously skilled with firearms. Unfortunately, saving the world is going to require him to kill hundreds of people who made the mistake of signing on with Monarch. So what could have been a brain-bending time-travel romp turns into yet another trigger-happy orgy of violence. Sigh. At least Jack's exposure to Will's device gives him some unique talents. He can dodge bullets, freeze enemies and unleash "time blasts" that hurl opponents into the air. Occasionally, Jack needs to use his powers to solve rudimentary puzzles like, say, reversing time to restore a broken bridge. What's most distinctive about "Quantum Break" is the way it's presented. Most of the time you're controlling Jack in computer-generated scenarios, like you would in a typical video game. But on occasion you're invited to put down your controller and watch what Paul and the other characters are up to. These non-interactive episodes are shot on full-motion video, with human actors in real-life settings. The quality is decent about on the level of an episode of "24" and the cast has some familiar faces, like "The Wire" veterans Aiden Gillen and Lance Reddick. Jack is played by Shawn Ashmore, best known for "The Following," and it's a little disconcerting to switch from watching the real actor to controlling a computerized version. The combination feels like binge-watching a season of a middling TV thriller, except you have some control over the outcome. The video segments you see are determined by some of the choices you make in-game, enough so that you'll want to play through "Quantum Break" a few times to see all the variations. That makes it all the more disappointing when the drama wraps with an exasperating firefight that depends more on old-fashioned ballistics than trippy quantum physics. "Quantum Break" pulls off some neat tricks with its overall presentation I just wish its separate elements were cleverer. SHARE Nowadays, jail escapees are fairly rare in San Angelo and other West Texas towns, but there was a time when jail breaks were ordinary nuisances. Here are just a few: Jan. 11, 1961: San Angelo prisoners and an ex-convict from Stamford who were in the Tom Green County Jail awaiting trial caught an unwary jailer by surprise and broke to freedom shortly after 9 p.m. on a Tuesday. Two were rounded up by police minutes afterwards several blocks apart. The third was still at large late Tuesday night as police searched the city and road blocks were set up at practically every road leading out of town. Of the two who were tracked down quickly, patrolman J.D. Wright found one sitting in car parked at a service station at Fifth and Randolph streets. The other was arrested walking on Fourth Street. Neither offered any resistance. Assistant jailer Sidney Bingham said the three escaped from the main cell on the second floor when he opened the cell to empty a garbage can. The jailer said one of the men grabbed him and twisted his arm, forcing him to hand over his keys. Sept. 29, 1961: A prisoner broke out of the Runnels County Jail, where he was being held on a forgery charge. He was free about an hour and then recaptured. The prisoner "apparently got hold of a saw blade in some way," Sheriff Don Atkins said. The prisoner used the saw blade to cut through the bars in a window. Then the prisoner squeezed through and walked down the back steps. State Highway Patrolman John Perkins, one of about 40 people involved in the search, arrested the prisoner at Miles near the Runnels-Tom Green County line. It was the first jailbreak in Ballinger since the jail was rebuilt more than 30 years earlier, Sheriff Atkins said. June 12, 1961: A city jail prisoner escaped from a San Angelo Coliseum work detail about 10 a.m. The prisoner had been jailed on a drunk charge and was one of four trusties cleaning the coliseum, working off his fine. Pat Moore, coliseum building superintendent, said the prisoner "took a notion to walk out the back door." July 3, 1961: A young man from Illinois was held in Menard on a forgery charge. He battered through the wall of his Menard County Jail cell on a Sunday afternoon. The prisoner, from Mahomet, Illinois,was walking east on the Mason Road about 8 miles from Menard when a highway patrolman spotted him at 9:15 p.m. When arrested the man told the officers, "I was going home to Illinois." Menard County Deputy Sheriff Tuck Bowman said the man ripped a piece of plumbing from the inside of his cell and battered through a hole in the concrete wall to the outside. Another inmate being held at the jail for serious threats didn't choose to follow. However, at 8 p.m., three and a half hours after the break, the second prisoner crawled through the hole, went to a telephone and informed sheriff's officers what was happening. No law officers were at the jail when the escape occurred. Jan. 24, 1960: A 19-year-old prisoner attempted to escape while being taken from the Tom Green County jail to the courthouse to plead guilty to a burglary charge. The prisoner broke away from sheriff's deputies, ran about 50 feet, slipped and fell on the wet courthouse lawn and was recaptured. The incident occurred behind the courthouse about 10 a.m. Deputy Sheriff James Layman said he shouted for the prisoner to stop and drew his gun but found it unnecessary to use it. Deputy Barney Martinez said he was just drawing a pistol as the prisoner fell. When he was taken from the county jail to the courthouse he was not handcuffed. On the trip back he was. SHARE Terror group unable to go on offense, he says By Gregory Korte, USA TODAY NETWORK WASHINGTON The United States and allied forces have the Islamic State on the defensive, President Obama said Wednesday, with the terrorist group failing to mount a single offensive operation in Syria or Iraq since last summer. "We have momentum, and we intend to keep that momentum," he said. "It's harder than ever for them to move, and for them to amass forces." In remarks after meeting with his National Security Council at CIA headquarters Wednesday in Langley, Virginia, Obama hinted at no changes in U.S. strategy, saying the current military, intelligence and diplomatic efforts are depriving the Islamic State of fighters, money and leadership. But he also said the ultimate solution has to be a diplomatic one. "The only way to truly destroy ISIL is to end the Syrian civil war that ISIL has exploited," he said, citing an acronym for the Islamic State. Acknowledging recent terror attacks in Brussels, Turkey and Iraq, Obama condemned ISIL in some of his strongest language of late. "These depraved terrorists still have the ability to inflict horrific violence on the innocent, to the revulsion of the entire world," he said. "Their barbarism only stiffens our unity and determination to wipe this vile terrorist organization off the face of the Earth." Obama meets with his National Security Council about once a week, but has also been taking a tour of its agencies to highlight their roles in defeating ISIL. Police chief candidates Frank Carter (from left), Jeff Davis, Mike Hernandez and Tim Vasquez answer questions during a forum Thursday at the McNease Convention Center. SHARE City Council candidates Trinidad Aguirre Jr. (from left), Bill Richardson, Daniel Cardenas, Harry Thomas, Lane Carter and Elizabeth Grindstaff answer questions during Thursday's forum. Residents laugh at a joke by a police chief candidate during Thursday's forum. More than 150 people attended the City Council and police chief candidate forum Thursday at the McNease Convention Center. By Federico Martinez, federico.martinez@gosanangelo.com / @Federico_SAST San Angelo Police Chief Tim Vasquez's leadership was called into question during a candidate forum by three challengers vying for his position in the upcoming May 7 elections. The San Angelo Candidates Forum, which also featured a debate for city council candidates, was held Thursday at the McNease Convention Center. Vasquez's challengers, which include Frank Carter, Jeff Davis and Mike Hernandez, accused the chief of not using officers effectively to protect citizens and promised they would find money to allow the department to hire more police. Vasquez challenged those claims. "Everyone wants the job until they get it," Vasquez quipped during the debate. "We're maximizing the officers we have as efficiently as possible. That's policing today; it's different from the way we did it in the past. "You need to put your resources where the crimes are happening." The candidates were debating the effectiveness of the "sector" system the police department uses to patrol the city. Vasquez says the strategy allows the department to concentrate on areas where more crimes occur. Carter, Davis and Hernandez said they believe officers are spread too thin and are not able to respond quickly when police are needed outside those sectors. Carter, a lieutenant on the force, argued that the department should return to "districts," which station more officers in neighborhoods and encourage them to interact more with residents. Davis, a former officer, and Hernandez, a lieutenant in the department, said they aren't opposed to the "sectors" concept, but they like how districts encourage more neighborhood involvement. The four candidates agreed that drugs and gangs are a growing problem in San Angelo. Davis blamed the problem on drug cartel members crossing the border illegally. "We're only 150 miles from the border," said Davis, who believes the police department should step up efforts to fight the invaders. "The drug cartels are already here. We need to let them know this is our city." Vasquez agreed that some problems are caused by drug cartels, but he said addressing illegal immigration is the responsibility of federal law enforcement. More than 200 people attended the forum, which was sponsored by the Standard-Times, Conexion Hispana, KIDY-TV, Foster Communications, the city of San Angelo and Lowe's Grocery. Many attendees seemed fully engaged clapping when candidates said something they liked, or grumbling out loud when they disagreed. Davis listed a number of ideas he believes would save the department money, including replacing police vehicles with hybrid vehicles that use less gas. He also would like to implement random drug testing and create more youth programs. His challengers expressed skepticism about his ideas, pointing out that hybrid vehicles often cost more to buy and asking where he would get the money to purchase them. In comparison, the debate among City Council candidates for Districts 1, 3 and 5 was rather mild. Candidates agreed on major issues such as the need to continue addressing water shortage and dissatisfaction with current sanitation services. District 3 candidate Daniel Cardenas criticized the current council and city administrators for not being transparent enough and not doing enough to seek public input on important issues. His opponent, Harry Thomas, said the city's priorities should be fixing streets and addressing water issues. Bill Richardson, a candidate for the District 1 seat, said the city needs to improve customer service and better utilize its resources. Trinidad Aguirre, who is also running for District 1, said he believes the city is doing a good job of communicating with residents but can improve those efforts by better using social media. District 5 incumbent Elizabeth Grindstaff touted her experience on the Council. The city is dealing with major issues such as budget challenges, water and crime issues that need someone with experience and knowledge of those problems, she said. Her challenger, Lane Carter, responded that although experience is important, it doesn't always mean a person has the best solutions or can relate best to residents' needs. "You may be hearing the citizens, but they many not be being listened to," Carter said. "I want to represent everyone in District 5." SHARE I wouldn't say that the GOP is falling in love with Ted Cruz, but maybe it's falling in like. In arguably the most improbable political season of our lifetimes, this fact has to rank high on the list of things no one could have seen coming. If they gave out report cards for first-term senators, Cruz would get an "F'' in the "plays well with others" category. Party leaders believed that his 2013 gambit to shut down the government over "Obamacare" was a disaster for everyone but Cruz, and they have harbored a not-so-secret disdain for him since. But that's all over at least for now. Like Perseus pulling Medusa's head out of a sack to petrify his enemies, Cruz has been able to dangle the prospect of a President Trump to strike fear in the hearts of even his biggest detractors. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-South Carolina, once said choosing between Donald Trump and Cruz was like choosing between being shot or poisoned. Graham chose his poison. He's out there raising money for Cruz. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, whose hatred for Cruz was the stuff of Sicilian blood feuds, seems to have reconciled himself to the fact that Cruz is the only person who can stop Trump. McConnell's definitely not in love, but he recognizes that these are the cards we've all been dealt. Team Cruz fears that people such as McConnell will use the convention in Cleveland this summer to reshuffle the deck and get a new deal a new candidate more palatable to the establishment. "There is still distrust over whether or not the party is actually willing to accept Cruz as the nominee or if they're using him to shut down Trump only to then stab Cruz in the back come summer," Erick Erickson, a conservative talk show host and Cruz backer, told The Washington Post. The concern is understandable but overblown. Although a contested convention is likely, the "white knight" scenario, in which someone other than Cruz, Trump or John Kasich swoops in and "steals" the nomination, is not. At an open convention, the delegates, not Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus, are in charge of everything. Imagine if attendees of the great nerd conclave known as Comic-Con set the rules for Comic-Con. Now imagine someone proposed replacing a screening of the new "X-Men" movie with a mandatory daylong seminar on crop rotation in the 14th century. Would it happen? Yes, it's theoretically possible that the delegates will choose a white knight, but that would only happen after days of deadlocked voting. In other words, the delegates would have to really want someone other than Cruz. And given the Cruz campaign's success at lining up huge numbers of sympathetic delegates, that seems unlikely. Although there is no coherent ideological agenda implied by the term "anti-establishment," it is a recognizable attitude. Trump and Cruz have very different philosophies. (For starters, Cruz has one.) But they are both avatars of the anti-establishment mood, a mood that will be well represented on the convention floor. It seems unlikely that delegates' ultimate choice would be someone so synonymous with the establishment. The most likely scenario is that should Trump lose on the first ballot, Cruz will win on the second or third. In fact, some see a path where Cruz cobbles together his own delegates, unbound delegates and, say, Marco Rubio's delegates and wins on the first ballot. He's that good at working the system. There's some irony here, of course. Cruz spent years building his reputation as the guy who wants to tear down the system, and now it's the system, not necessarily the voters, that may put him over the top. Nervous Republicans should find this reassuring. Yes, in a normal year, failure to win a majority of votes in the primaries would present a serious PR problem. But this isn't a normal year. Meanwhile, Cruz is demonstrating, yet again, his ability to do what is required to win. That's a skill set that will be much needed come the fall. Jonah Goldberg is a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and a senior editor of National Review. Contact him at goldbergcolumn@gmail.com. Even though he is an immigrant with no Social Security number, Roberto Sanchez filed income tax returns with the state of New Mexico every year for nearly decade without incident. Every year at tax time, he used an ID number issued by the federal government instead of a Social Security number on his tax forms.But when it came time to file his 2012 taxes, Sanchez could not get his state tax refund. It was the second year of Gov. Susana Martinezs term, and the new Republican governor had won office promising to crack down on illegal immigration. The state tax agency sent Sanchez a letter saying there was a discrepancy in his returns. Sanchez enlisted the volunteer help of an attorney to recover his return of $219.The next year, it got worse. Not only did the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department refuse to issue Sanchez his return of $329, the agency claimed that Sanchez actuallythe state $291 instead. The agency said the ID number from his tax returns didnt match the Social Security number on his W-2 yearly income statement, so it claimed Sanchez owes penalties and interest. Sanchez couldnt collect the money this time, so he sued the state to get his money back.Several immigrant rights groups are backing Sanchez and three other immigrants in similar lawsuits against the state, which could have far-reaching consequences. Between 2012 and 2014, New Mexico challenged the validity of 14,500 tax returns worth more than $4 million. The legal action also highlights the divergent ways states handle tax returns from immigrants, as they weigh the fear of fraud against the need for fairness.David Urias, an Albuquerque lawyer who is part of the team representing Sanchez, said New Mexico is targeting immigrants because it assumes most wont follow up with the departments demands for more documentation.A lot of times we hear this myth that immigrants dont pay taxes when theyre here. [But] they do, Urias said. If theyre working, they pay income tax like everybody else. To take that money from them, to take those overpayments that are due to them -- thats the act of swindlers, not the act of a legitimate state government.Urias and the other lawyers are trying to temporarily block the state agency from using its new policy, at least until the case reaches trial this summer. The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the United Workers Center of New Mexico are also representing Sanchez and his fellow plaintiffs. While state law prevents the groups from filing a class action lawsuit against the state, they hope to at least change the state policy.Demesia Padilla, New Mexicos taxation and revenue secretary, called the lawsuits a bogus political charade when they were filed last year. The lawsuits, she said in a statement, are asking us to turn a blind eye when illegal immigrants seek tax refunds using tax returns that have fraudulent Social Security numbers. Thats ridiculous. Her office reiterated that statement this week but did not otherwise respond to questions about the immigrants refunds.States that impose income taxes are about evenly split on how they handle returns from taxpayers who use federal Individual Tax Identification Numbers (ITINs) that do not match the Social Security numbers they use in their jobs, said Verenda Smith, deputy director of the Federation of Tax Administrators. Half process the returns; the others dont. She said states have been divided ever since the federal government first rolled out the ITINs in 1996.Its a tricky one, Smith said. There is harm here. It is a situation where you have a taxpayer who has worked, has overpaid taxes and deserves to get that refund back. On the other hand, if the worker is using somebody elses Social Security number illegally, that identity theft harms the rightful owner of the number, Smith added. Theres no good answer to this one.The controversy at the state level mirrors concerns at the federal level, as well. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration has long warned about the potential for fraud in tax returns using ITINs. As a result, the Internal Revenue Service made it far more difficult to obtain an ITIN, and the number of applications for the alternate number dropped by 58 percent between 2011 and 2014.Tax filers who do use the ITINs have had to wait longer for their returns. Last year, the IRS said the wait for processing the returns could be as long as 11 weeks, as it sorted through a backlog of 120,000 applications. That prompted the National Taxpayer Advocate to warn that the IRS attempts to crack down on fraud do not effectively target the fraud nor do they balance the anti-fraud regime with the taxpayers need for a process no more intrusive than necessary, part of a taxpayers right to privacy.In New Mexico, Urias, the lawyer for the immigrants, said the states decision to block immigrants from getting their tax returns put the state squarely at odds with the federal government. The whole point of creating the ITIN was to let people without Social Security numbers file their taxes, he said.Plus, he warned that holding up or denying refunds to immigrants would discourage them from paying taxes in the first place.I will never understand why the Taxation and Revenue Department would want to disincentivize people from paying their taxes. It seems a little backwards for me. Thats exactly whats going to happen, he said.Padilla, the New Mexico revenue secretary, has been at the center of several other dust-ups over unauthorized immigrants. But the previous controversies centered on her agencys job of issuing drivers licenses. From 2003 until earlier this year , New Mexico allowed unauthorized to qualify for licenses, despite repeated attempts by Gov. Martinez to get the legislature to reverse the policy.In 2010, Padilla sent letters to 10,000 license holders who werent U.S. citizens. The letters demanded that the license holders come to state offices to prove their identity. Many of the same immigrant rights groups that filed the tax return lawsuits went to court to block Padillas drivers license verification program. Padilla eventually agreed to a settlement that put an end to the program. The drama over whether Congress should allow financially strapped Puerto Rico to restructure its debts has kicked up a notch after the recent announcement that the territorys main financier was putting a moratorium on paying its debt, among other things. This week, a group called Main Street Bondholders launched an ad campaign calling the proposed federal legislation a bailout that removes any incentive for Puerto Rico to remain at the table with bondholders. The group says it represents the interest of retiree investors In response, House Speaker Paul Ryan issued a lengthy statement charging that big-money interest groups on Wall Street were dumping a lot of money toward sabotaging this legislation in order to force a last-minute bailout upon Puerto Rico. That would put U.S. taxpayers on the hook for creditors bad loans, Ryan said, which is what Congress is trying to avoid.Anytime someone mentions big-money interest groups on Wall Street, it can be tempting to assume they're referring to Republican mega-donors Charles and David Koch. In this case, that's correct: The Main Street Bondholders were formed by the 60 Plus Association, a conservative small-government group that spent millions in the 2012 and 2014 election cycles to help elect conservative or Tea Party candidates. Much of its funding came from conservative groups with ties to the Koch Brothers . The group has been quiet until recently and no information is readily available yet on its funding and expenses this election cycle.Meanwhile, a new study shows that Puerto Ricos financial problems have been a long time coming. Produced by the George Mason Universitys Mercatus Center, the study highlights various parts of the territorys history that have led to the massive $70 billion debt load Puerto Rico is suffering under today. Amazingly, a key part of the story is a translation error from English to Spanish, which is the islands prime language.It happened all the way back in 1952, during Puerto Ricos constitutional convention. The balanced budget provision of the constitutions English version said that appropriations made for any fiscal year shall not exceed the total revenues, including available surplus But total revenue, was translated to -- or "total resources," which has a much broader meaning. The provision effectively allowed Puerto Rico to spend more than it made. With no debt cap in place, the island freely took on debt so much so, that even as early as 1982, an academic journal was warning of a future crisis.The study, written by Marc Joffe (who is also acontributor) and Jesse Martinez, points to other historical factors. A big one started when the IRS exempted income earned in Puerto Rico from taxation, which led to a lot of pharmaceutical companies parking their headquarters there. But Congress phased out that tax perk by 2006 -- which is precisely when Puerto Ricos recession started because it lost a top industry. The studys recommendations include: allowing the island to restructure its debt, installing a federal financial oversight board, and revising its constitution to make its spending and debt restrictions more like state provisions.In Iowa, ethanol production alone accounts for $2.2 billion per year in state GDP and supports more than 8,600 jobs. Now the state is taking a big stand to try and grow its stake of the biochemical industry that one report says will expand to more than $250 billion per year and 50,000 new jobs across the country by 2020.This month, Iowa enacted the first-ever tax credit for renewable chemical manufacturing and advanced bio-refining companies. For the next 10 years, the state will make up to $10 million a year available in credits for companies who work on extracting chemicals from biomass (like corn husks, which Iowa has a lot of) for use in consumer products. The idea is to attract more industries that transform organic by-products (plant materials) left over from producing ethanol, biodiesel and other biomass-based fuels, into higher-value chemicals. These chemicals would be used in other industries like pharmaceuticals, plastics, textiles and cosmetics.Supporters of the credit point to a good history with the states ethanol production tax credit. The aforementioned study, produced by Iowa State University and funded by the biochemical industry, notes that Iowa produces 17 percent of the nations corn yet has nabbed one-quarter of the countrys ethanol production business.Critics of the credit question whether it would actually create jobs. Like many tax credits that state legislatures across the country approve , the legislation lists requirements for companies to qualify for the credit but it doesnt list any specific jobs requirements. Meanwhile, the state uses money from its High Quality Jobs program (which does have job creation requirements) to pay for the credit. On Thursday, in the morning, at the Brisbane Conventtion and Exhibition Centre, His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC attended the Salvation Army 2016 Red Shield Appeal for Queensland Official Opening and addressed guests. Following, at the Executive Building, the Governor presided at a special meeting of the Executive Council. In the afternoon, at Government House, the Governor received the Electoral Commissioner of Queensland, Mr Walter van der Merwe and Deputy Electoral Commissioner of Queensland, Mr Dermot Tiernan, for the return of the Writ following a referendum for fixed four-year terms for Queenslands Legislative Assembly held on 19 March 2016. In the evening, at Pullman Brisbane, the Governor attended Tennis Australias Fed Cup Official Dinner and addressed guests. (TNS) Four years ago, Google began pumping superspeed Internet connections to ordinary households in Kansas City making it the first market in the country to get such vast bandwidth in the home.Now the company, building on the pricey network that made Google Fiber service possible, wants to test new technology to see if it can make the Internet fast and wireless.If the emerging technology works in a city setting Google wants to run tests downtown, on the Country Club Plaza and in six other spots it could make Kansas City the most wired and wireless place in the world to tap into the Internet.Yet unlike the landline cables strung to living rooms across the metro area, this play comes without an immediate plan to hook you up.Google isnt eager yet to raise hopes of constant connectivity. The tests will operate in a radio spectrum that your tablet, your laptop and your smartphone cant reach. Theyd need new chips or antennas.It remains uncertain whether it will work or how and when it might be of use to consumers. At best, Google estimates it might understand whats possible by the end of next year.The company also is looking at whether it could use wireless technology to beam the Internet to places where its too expensive to bury cable or string it on utility poles. That could be helpful in dense areas of cities, or in remote neighborhoods where too few customers live to justify expensive construction.A Google consultant, Robert Jystad, presented the companys plan Thursday morning to a Kansas City Council committee. The company is asking for two-year, and discounted, permission to put antennas on city light poles and other structures in eight areas: downtown, the Plaza, Waldo, 18th and Vine, Zona Rosa, Brookside, Westport and near Barry Road and Interstate 29. The testing will be outdoors in four places and inside at all eight.Jystad said the project is motivated partly by the inability of existing Wi-Fi and cell networks to keep up with fast-growing demand for bandwidth.The council later voted 11-2 to give Google access to city light poles for the project.Google wants to explore how well a range of frequencies can channel video streaming, online game-playing and the many other data swaps that work well only with a wide opening to the Internet.For decades, the targeted radio spectrum could be used only by the U.S. military. In practice, it remained mostly vacant.So a year ago, federal regulators opened it up in hopes that newly available frequencies might relieve the airwave congestion that makes connecting to the Internet on the go such a hit-and-miss game.The Federal Communications Commission calls it the Citizens Broadband Radio Service not to be confused with the stuff of truckers or 1970s hobbyists.The spectrum would be used for a number of different services, and part of that would be open to anyone unlike cellphone frequencies, for which companies pay the federal government for exclusive use.Google told The Star it wants to operate in that spectrum in Kansas City experimentally. Its unclear how long it would take to attach its antennas to city light poles and inside buildings in the eight areas. The company also said it didnt know how long it would take to test the system.The company has received an experimental license from the FCC to operate on newly available frequencies. In applying for that permission, Google promised to avoid interference with existing operations. Google has done some testing in the 3.5 gigahertz range in conjunction with the Defense Department and the Navy to make sure such signals wouldnt foul up radar used for some air traffic control.Part of the appeal of Kansas City is the chance to work in an urban environment, where all manner of radio signals police and fire radios, Wi-Fi, cellphone systems can clutter the airwaves.Its also where Google has spent heavily likely hundreds of millions of dollars to string fiber-optic lines on utility poles and underground to knit together its landline Google Fiber service.Councilman Jermaine Reed said the pilot program could further elevate the citys techie bona fides.Were really showcasing how were on the cutting edge moving forward, he said. We in Kansas City are in the spotlight leading the way on technology.Assistant City Manager Rick Usher said that if the technology pans out, it could potentially tie into various smart city plans to improve energy use and allow various electronics across the city to coordinate more easily.It could be another way to tap things into the Internet, he said.In its slide show for the City Council, Google said: If successful, the Kansas City metro area will be the first gigabit region to benefit with new advanced wireless services.Google Fiber offers landline connections with upload and download speeds of 1-gigabit-per-second delivering bandwidth to homes that previously was available only to university campuses and other large institutions.Since Google Fibers entry into the Kansas City market, AT&T and Consolidated Communications have begun selling gigabit connections at consumer prices. And Time Warner Cable, while not matching Googles speeds, has dramatically increased the bandwidth it offers at the same price it formerly charged for much slower hookups.The possibilities of the wireless technology could lead in multiple directions.For instance, it could lower the cost and disruption of outfitting home Internet service.Kansas City has seen its streets and lawns torn up since Google Fiber came to town to build its system and its competitors have done the same to keep pace.Analysts see some potential with that application, although radio waves in that spectrum dont penetrate walls well and cant match the capacity of fiber-optic cable.Wireless companies such as Overland Park-based Sprint have used a similar technology in recent years placing multiple small cell antennas in urban areas to save money and reach where more expensive cell towers cant do the job.In voting against the Google proposal in committee, Northland Council Member Dan Fowler complained about construction disruptions and Googles sometimes plodding rollout.They go in and run roughshod, he said.Council member Teresa Loar, also upset with how Google Fiber has operated in some neighborhoods, was the other vote against the project.In an interview posted on Re/code early Thursday , Google executive Craig Barratt said the company wants to see how wireless technology could deliver robust Internet connections to isolated homes more cheaply and with much less of the digging that has prompted so many complaints in Kansas City.It allows you (to) reach houses and users that are in lower-density settings where fiber becomes too expensive, said Barratt, who oversees Google Fiber. We think, over time, there will be a sort of heterogeneous mix of technologies that we can use, depending upon the type of problem were trying to solve.Google came under fire for skipping over Kansas City area neighborhoods where it found only middling demand for its Internet service. The company said it couldnt justify the expense of construction in areas where too few customers seemed willing to buy.Using radio signals, rather than expensive construction to extend cables, might shift that dynamic.Meanwhile, federal regulators look at the 3.5 GHz spectrum as a little-used data lane that might increase the speed of wireless Internet. Theres some worry that signals like the ones Google plans to use could either interfere with or jam those of other data traveling in nearby frequencies.The coordinating of the next-door spectrum signals would be automated by technology thats yet to get much testing in real-world conditions.Will it work? Have we struck a balance that will allow a variety of innovative uses to flourish? FCC commissioner Ajit Pai wrote about the evolving rules . We will see. Ensuring the timely implementation of independent security assessments as required by Irwins AB 670 passed in 2015. Establishing a process to inform lawmakers of sensitive information related to cybersecurity so resources can be allocated appropriately. Requiring all state agencies to comply with any future state audits related to cybersecurity. (Twenty state agencies did not respond to the state auditors survey last year.) Direct the Department of Technology and OES to work with lawmakers and other stakeholders to develop a comprehensive set of performance metrics that would provide greater transparency and accountability. Frustrated that Californias cybersecurity readiness suffers from underlying systemic issues, two Assembly lawmakers have urged Gov. Jerry Brown to rethink how the state prepares for a potential cyberattack.The request by Assemblymembers Ed Chau, D-Arcadia, and Jacqui Irwin, D-Thousand Oaks, came just weeks after Californias chief information security officer (CISO) struggled to defend the Department of Technologys cybersecurity readiness before two Assembly committees.At issue is a state auditor report released last summer that revealed Californias dismal compliance with its own security standards to protect sensitive information.If we do not take substantial action now, we are concerned that the unaddressed weaknesses will lead to similar problems with similar unfortunate results, the lawmakers wrote in their March 16 letter to Brown.Among the questions raised in the letter is whether the Department of Technologys CISO would be more effective and autonomous at the Office of Emergency Services, the Department of Finance or the governors office.There is some question [of] whether CISO should really be under the department, Irwin toldin a sit-down interview. Should that be more of somebody functioning independently as opposed to reporting directly to the head of Technology?That office is currently vacant after Michele Robinson resigned in March, just two weeks after lawmakers pointedly questioned her at a joint hearing held by the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee and the Select Committee on Cybersecurity. A week and a half later, Department of Technology head Carlos Ramos announced his resignation.In their letter sent the day of Ramos announcement, lawmakers suggested Brown consider designating a single individual to coordinate cybersecurity across the executive branch. Currently cybersecurity oversight falls to a handful of entities, including the Technology Department, the California Highway Patrol, the state Attorney General, and the Office of Emergency Services.Thats problematic to lawmakers who say they want better coordination, oversight and accountability.We want to see how a response is going to be structured and who is in charge, Irwin said. Whether it is OES or Department of Technology, I dont think thats necessarily our role to define who that is.Lawmakers also want to know exactly how much the state spends each year on cybersecurity, a fact Robinson was unable to provide lawmakers at last months hearing. They also urged Brown to direct state agencies to complete emergency response plans for cybersecurity within the next 12 months, which mirrors a bill Irwin is shepherding through the Assembly.Other recommendations in the letter include: Tax Lobby Hinders Free IRS Tax Preparation OpenGov Acquires Ontodia Wouldnt it be a relief if filing taxes was a free and automated experience? Thats exactly the option the IRS has tried to give citizens and the No. 1 thing tax filing services like Intuits TurboTax and H&R Block have labored vociferously to prevent.On Wednesday, April 13, the Sunlight Foundation highlighted a report by Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren that detailed how tax preparation companies have invested millions to halt the IRS efforts to create a free tax filing system. The report noted that simple filing or return-free filing as the option is called would allow the IRS to receive W-2 tax forms directly from employers calculating how much citizens get back or what they owe. The process would have the IRS send its figures to taxpayers in the mail, and citizens could approve or disapprove the figure. Disputes would just require filers to submit tax documents in the usual way.The proposal, according to the report, has potential to save taxpayers a few hundred dollars each year. Warrens analysis estimated that, on average, taxpayers spend 13 hours preparing returns and $200 paying for tax services each year. This amounts to about 10 percent of the average federal tax refund.Sunlight reported that in the last five years, Intuit TurboTaxs parent company spent more than $13 million to lobby against software for simple filing; and between 2010 and 2013, Intuits lobbying dollars against simple filing policies totaled more than $1.9 million in the House and Senate. The spending is a rare instance when a tech company actually lobbies to make the government less digital and more dependent on the private sector.To protect profits, according to Sunlight, the tax lobby has created what amounts to a token free filing service for Americans earning less than $62,000 a year. Under the banner of the Free File Alliance, the companies established a coalition that partnered with the IRS to provide the free filing services in exchange for an IRS promise it would not create its own software. According to the, the Free File program processed roughly 2.8 million filings in 2014 out of the 100 million that were eligible. If simple filing was the default, one can only imagine the number of free returns the IRS would collect.In response to this, and in conjunction to its report, Warrens office has introduced the Tax Filing Simplification Act of 2016, a congressional bill that, if passed, would demand that the IRS offer free software by 2018. At the same time, the bill prevents officials from entering into any prohibitive public-private contracts that hinder access to free tax software."Congress should be making it easier for Americans to file their taxes each year, not bowing to the interests of the tax prep industry," Warren said. "The Tax Filing Simplification Act is a commonsense bill that would help taxpayers all across this country file their taxes with less stress and fewer costs, and it would push the IRS to use the authority it already has to simplify Tax Day for all Americans."The financial transparency and analytics platform OpenGov appears to be in a state of constant growth. To date, the startup has raised more than $47 million thanks to venture capital firms like Andreessen Horowitz and this week, the company announced its acquisition of the open data publishing company Ontodia.The deal expands OpenGovs services and potential customer base. Like OpenGov, Ontodias services are centered on generating open data insights. This includes a handful of offerings that provide data publishing, data management and analytics through CKAN an open-source data portal popularly known for its use in government and the federal open data site Data.gov.With Ontodias tools, OpenGov Co-founder and CEO Zachary Bookman said in a blog post that his company would leverage Ontodia skill sets and data to contextualize and refine OpenGov's financial analysis. In 2015 the company launched OpenGov Comparisons, a set of tools for governments to compare themselves to similarly sized jurisdictions. Ontodias database brings additional U.S. Census information and Labor Department statistics into the equation for analysis.By adding a flexible, open source, open data platform and service to our quickly expanding portfolio of government financial solutions, we are getting one step closer to realizing our vision of transforming how governments analyze, share, compare, and allocate public money Bookman wrote.OpenGov and Ontodia did not disclose monetary or any other specific details about the acquisition. After returning to action on Friday, Fernando Alonso got the green light to race on throughout the entire Chinese grand prix weekend. Following medical checks on Thursday, the FIA declared that the Spaniard would need to be checked again after driving in only the first Friday practice session. Alonso, who sustained chest injuries in his huge crash in Melbourne, was twelfth quickest in that session before meeting with FIA medical delegate Jean-Charles Piette. "As the driver has been cleared to take part, no further medical checks will be undertaken unless the driver presents any abnormal symptom," the governing body declared in a statement. The first practice session in China was also notable due to some apparent Pirelli tyre failures. Felipe Massa's Williams suffered two separate failures on his left rear, while the same corner of Kevin Magnussen's Renault was similarly affected. The session was stopped for 30 minutes for an investigation, but Pirelli concluded that the failures were in fact "not tyre related". Williams agreed that smoke was coming from Massa's tyre before it blew, with technical boss Pat Symonds admitting to Auto Motor und Sport: "We had a problem with the rims and we're investigating it now." A modification was prepared for the second practice session, Williams confirmed. Renault, meanwhile, declared on Twitter: "We're still investigating what happened on Kevin's car during FP1, and that means he won't be running in this (second) session." (GMM) Japans Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) established the Council in December 2013; the Strategic Road Map was first published in June 2014. With the increased dissemination of fuel cells for households, the launch of fuel cell vehicles onto the market, and steady progress in the construction of hydrogen stations, the Council has revised the plan, setting new targets. For vehicles, these targets are: Japans Council for a Strategy for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells, which includes experts from industry, academia, and government, recently issued a revised version of the Strategic Roadmap for Hydrogen and Fuel Cells. About 40,000 fuel cell vehicles by 2020; 200,000 by 2025; and about 800,000 by 2030, in total. Currently there are some 500 fuel cell vehicles on the roads. The number of hydrogen stations is to increase to about 160 stations by 2020 and about 320 stations by 2025. There are about 80 currently. The council also discussed the technical and economic challenges concerning the utilization of hydrogen generated using renewable energy. The new plan published by METI also calls for research and development to reduce the cost of fuel cells to one-fourth the current level. The Asahi Shimbun reported that the Japanese government projects that the cost of fuel cells can be halved from the current level by 2020 and lowered to around one-fourth by 2025 by reducing the use of expensive cell materials and the standardization and sharing of cell components. Reduction in stack cost will enable the auto industry to introduce popular-market FCV models priced less than 3,000,000 (US$27,500), according to the plan. Toyota Motor has said it plans to achieve annual global sales of more than 30,000 Mirai fuel cell vehicles by 2020. Achievers Morris J. Clarke, associate professor of biochemistry at Winston-Salem State University, has been named leader of the Executive Council of the Advisory Committee for Biotechnology in the Piedmont Triad. Jerry Barker, chief sales officer for SightLife, a current advisory committee member, will be joining as the councils newest member. Russ Read, executive director of the National Center for the Biotechnology Workforce, has been selected to lead the advisory committees strategic work plan known as BioIgnite, which is focused on innovation, infrastructure and investment to help grow jobs. Michael Kelly, chief financial officer of Piedmont Pharmaceuticals, remains as chair of the advisory committee, with Daniel Erb, dean of the High Point University School of Health Sciences, as vice chair. New members of the committee are: Jennifer Byrne, CEO, PMG Research; Algie Gatewood, president, Alamance Community College; Gary Graham, president, Graham Personnel Services; Genevra Kelly, MPH, Institute Partnerships, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine; and Troy Knauss, partner, Guardant Partners and vice chairman, Angel Resource Institute. *** High Point business owner and published leadership author Bill McKenzie recently delivered the opening address to the Randleman Chamber of Commerce 2016 Leadership Team. McKenzies book, If Youre Not The Lead Dog, The View Never Changes: A Leadership Path for Young Adults, is being used by select North Carolina schools and business organizations for leadership awareness and motivation. *** U.S. Rep. Mark Walker honored Richard and Jennifer Kaffenberger, teachers at Turrentine Middle School in Burlington, as the 6th District Community Heroes of the Month for April 2016. Their son, Harry, died in 2011 from prescription drug misuse. He was 17. Since this tragedy, the Kaffenbergers have dedicated their time and energy to educating others especially parents and teens about the dangers of prescription drug misuse. *** An article written by Sojung Claire Kim, assistant professor of strategic communication at High Point University, Online Discussion Effects on Intention to Participate in Genetic Research: A Longitudinal Experimental Study, appeared in the journal Psychology and Health. Kims published research indicates that online discussions have a positive impact on peoples intentions to participate in genetic testing and research. Kim conducted her research with co-authors Joseph Cappella and Vincent Price of the University of Pennsylvania. *** Andrea Patterson-Masuka, a Winston-Salem State University assistant professor of communication and media studies, was recently appointed to the local research board for the city of Greensboros Participatory Budgeting Project. *** Randolph Hospitals Breast Center has been granted a three-year/full accreditation designation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, a program administered by the American College of Surgeons, making it one of only 17 breast centers in North Carolina with the accreditation. *** The White House recognized Greensboro native Shelbi Flynn as a Champion of Change for her efforts in helping New Orleans residents enroll in the Affordable Healthcare Act. She collaborated with community leaders there which resulted in 40,737 new enrollments. Flynn works in the New Orleans Health Department as a public health associate for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Champions of Change program was created as an opportunity for the White House to feature individuals doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities. Awards Cone Health hospitals have received the 2016 Distinguished Hospital Award for Clinical Excellence from Healthgrades, the leading online resource for comprehensive information about physicians and hospitals. The distinction puts Cone Health hospitals among the top five percent of more than 4,500 hospitals nationwide for clinical performance. The award is based on the quality of care provided at Alamance Regional Medical Center, Annie Penn Hospital, Moses Cone Hospital, Wesley Long Hospital and Womens Hospital. For information, visit www.healthgrades.com/quality. *** Averitt Express recently honored associate Bill Ford of Burlington for 25 years of service. He is one of the nearly 900 active Averitt associates who are members of the companys Over 20 Team, an exclusive group of associates who have served 20 or more years with Averitt. *** The National Civic League has named the City of Asheboro as a finalist for the 2016 All-America City Award. This marks the second year in a row that Asheboro has been selected as a finalist for the award. A cross-sector team, including young people, will present Asheboros story and programs to a jury of nationally recognized business, local government and philanthropic leaders on June 17-19 in Denver, Colo. Winners will be selected from the finalists on June 19. *** Novant Health is the first health system worldwide to be revalidated for the Health Information and Management Systems Society Analytics Stage 7 Ambulatory Award for its adoption and use of an electronic health record. All Novant Health medical group clinics approximately 440 locations were revalidated as part of the award. In July 2013, the organization finalized the implementation of the electronic health record in all physician clinics across the Novant Health system. The implementation was completed three years early and under budget. Novant Health initially received the HIMSS Analytics Stage 7 Ambulatory Award in October 2013. *** Crumley Roberts has awarded the 2016 Servants Heart Spirit Award to Katrina Carter. This is the fourth year Crumley Roberts has bestowed the award upon an individual who has given back to the community in a significant way. Carter, an accountant with Crumley Roberts for more than 11 years, works to promote mental health education. As a recipient of the Servants Heart Spirit Award, Carter received a Red Crystal Heart paperweight from Tiffanys. Crumley Roberts also donated $5,000 to the National Alliance on Mental Illness-Guilford in her honor. *** Senn Dunn Insurance, a House Doctors awarded the 2015 Brand Ambassador Award to Steve Cranford, owner of a House Doctors franchise in High Point. Cranford opened House Doctors of High Point almost 14 years ago. In addition to his award from the House Doctors team, Cranford has also earned the Angies List Super Service Award every year since 2012. *** Marsh and McLennan Agency, was recently awarded the 2015 Central Blue Streak Circle of Achievement Award for Regional Agency of the Year by Central Insurance Companies. Blue Streak is a personal lines service developed more than 30 years ago to provide agencies a more efficient way to handle personal lines and as a result, is better equipped to provide first-rate service to their clients. The Blue Streak Circle of Achievement is presented annually to an agency for exceptional performance in producing new business. *** Annie M. Brown, a 1953 N.C. A&T graduate, received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award in September 2015. After Brown received a B.S. in commercial education from A&T, she became the first certified teacher in business education at the South Ayden School in Ayden. Military U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Arafa Simmons has completed basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in San Antonio. Simmons is the daughter of Lisa Simmons of Greensboro and Eric Simmons of Duluth, Ga. She earned a bachelors degree in 2015 from UNC-Greensboro. *** U.S. Army Pvt. Isaiah T. Ingram has completed basic infantry training at Fort Jackson, S.C. Ingram, a 2015 Dudley High School graduate, is the son of Karen M. Ingram and grandson of Mary Brown, both of Greensboro. *** Senior Chief Mark Hudson, a 1994 Ragsdale High School graduate, is serving with a U.S. Navy helicopter squad that flies the Navys newest and most technologically-advanced helicopter. Hudson is an aviation machinists mate with the Grandmasters of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 46, a Mayport, Fla.-based squadron that operates the Navys next generation submarine hunter and anti-surface warfare helicopter, the MH-60R Seahawk. Each helicopter is nearly 65 feet long, may weigh up to 23,500 pounds and can travel more than 120 miles per hour. As an aviation machinists mate, Hudson is a maintenance supervisor and coordinator. GREENSBORO Cirque du Soleil is the second major act in a week to cancel shows at the Greensboro Coliseum to protest House Bill 2. The Canadian circus company announced Friday that it has canceled performances of its North Carolina shows: "Ovo" from April 20 to 24 at the coliseum and July 6 to 10 in Charlotte, as well as "Toruk Avatar" in Raleigh from June 22 to 26. "The new HB 2 legislation passed in North Carolina is an important regression to ensuring human rights for all," the company said in a press release. Cirque du Soleil said its belief in equality for all guides its relationships with employees and customers. "We behave as change agents to reach our ultimate goal of making a better world with our actions and our productions," the release said. "We sincerely hope that the customers that have purchased tickets for our performances in North Carolina will understand our motivation and we look forward to performing in North Carolina when this issue is addressed," it added. The announcement followed Bruce Springsteen's cancellation of his April 10 Greensboro show because of HB 2. Cirque du Soleil's show, "Ovo," features more than 50 elaborately-costumed artists, including acrobats, aerialists, foot jugglers, slack-wire unicyclists, contortionists and trambolinists. They perform to live music combining bosso nova, samba, funk and electro. The coliseum had sold 10,000 tickets to seven performances, said Andrew Brown, coliseum public relations manager. Prices ranged from $35 to $145. Online and phone ticket purchases will be automatically reimbursed. Those who bought tickets in person must return to point of purchase for refunds. Customer service can be reached at 1-877-924-7783. Brown estimated that the coliseum would lose about $68,000 in projected revenues, primarily from parking fees and concession sales. That comes on top of the estimated $100,000 in projected revenue that it lost from Springsteen's cancellation. HB 2 bans local governments from adopting anti-discrimination rules that include LGBT people, some of which had already been passed in Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh. The part of the bill thats gotten the most attention is a provision requiring transgender people to use restrooms, showers, locker and changing rooms that correspond to the sex on their birth certificates in public buildings, schools and universities. That part of the law has been framed by state legislators and supporters as a way to protect women and children. Sexually predatory men may claim to be transgender, the argument goes, making it easier for them to spy upon, molest and rape women in bathrooms and other facilities. But thats a fundamental misunderstanding of transgender people, critics say. Cirque du Soleil's action is one of the entertainment industry's latest responses to the new law. On Wednesday, Ringo Starr canceled his June 18 concert at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary because of HB 2. Singers Jimmy Buffett, Rhiannon Giddens, Cyndi Lauper and Brandi Carlile have criticized the law but haven't canceled their shows in the state. On Monday, Buffett called HB 2 a "stupid law," but said that his shows next week in Raleigh and Charlotte will go on as scheduled. Whether he schedules more shows in the state will depend on whether the law is repealed, he said. Lauper said Friday that she will donate all profits from her June 4 show in Raleigh to Equality North Carolina's efforts to repeal the law. Carlile, an openly gay singer, said on her Facebook page that she won't cancel her North Carolina shows. She is scheduled to perform May 7 in the White Oak Amphitheatre in the Greensboro Coliseum complex. "I'm a small artist, and I'm gay; many of my fans are gay as well," Carlile wrote. "To cancel my shows in NC would further oppress my fans who are hurt by this legislation, who worked hard to suppress it, and who need a place where they can come together." Earlier this month, Broadway composer Stephen Schwartz -- known for shows such as "Wicked," "Godspell" and "Pippin" -- said he and his collaborators will not allow any theater or organization based in North Carolina to produce their shows. He encouraged fellow theater writers and producers to do the same until the legislation is repealed. Nancy and Donald Moseley heard a knock on the front door of their home near Reidsville. Standing outside were Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page, District Attorney Craig Blitzer, Chief Assistant District Attorney Mark Keeney and Detective Capt. Tammi Howell. "We made an arrest," Page told the Moseleys. It was 5:45 p.m. on Aug. 25, 2015. My body froze up like it did when they told me LaDonna and Troy had been killed, Nancy Moseley said. I shut down. Troy French, 48, and LaDonna Moseley French, 45, had been gunned down in their home just across the road from the Moseleys on Feb. 4, 2012. Now, 3 frustrating years later, their families were hearing that this much-discussed and highly analyzed crime at last might have closure. Page had fanned out deputies to Browns Summit, Greenville, N.C., and Greensboro to tell other members of the French and Moseley families the stunning news: Jose Silvano Alvarez Jr. had surrendered to deputies at the Rockingham County Sheriffs Office and would be charged with murder in the shooting deaths of Troy and LaDonna French. It was a name they knew. He is the brother-in-law of Whitley French Alvarez, the daughter of the Frenches who is the only witness to their deaths that night. A figure known to them as a hooded intruder of medium size now had a name, and the relief they felt was interspersed with the anguish of the knowledge that the person charged was someone whose family they knew far more than casually. This case, which Page once told North Carolinas governor had gone cold, now turned on a fragment of DNA evidence analyzed in excruciating fineness by labs outside North Carolina. That evidence linked five blood drops found on the stairs in the Frenches home to a second-level male relative a half-sibling of John Alvarez, Whitley French Alvarez's new husband. The DNA showed that Jose Alvarez Jr. and John Alvarez were born to the same mother, but that they had different fathers, a detail that shocked both families. Deputies traveled to the Greenville home of Whitley French Alvarez and John Alvarez to tell them. Hunter French, the couples son who had just begun his senior year at Greensboro Day School, heard the news from deputies while at a baseball training camp in Greensboro. Ann French-Faucette, Troy Frenchs mother, was told by deputies who came to her home in Browns Summit. The intruder she had described so many times, whom she had described as awakening her by crawling on top of her in her childhood bedroom after midnight, a figure in a dark, hooded sweatshirt, apparently was someone she knew but had not recognized. Could her brother-in-law of a few months be the person Whitley French Alvarez had watched from the stairs pull out a 9-mm handgun and fire repeatedly into first her mother and then her father before fleeing out the front door of their home on Pinewood Road? She knew her alleged assailant. But the man charged with killing her parents and somehow cutting her arm doesnt match exactly the description she had given to investigators during interviews. She had described the assailant as standing 5 feet 8 to 5 feet 9 and weighing 160 to 170 pounds. Jose Alvarez Jr. is 5 feet 4 and has been described as very thin. Family members asked themselves repeatedly: How could he be the killer? Nice and quiet' Jose Alvarez Jr. attended school and church in Rockingham County. He had grown up there. He spent his first 28-plus years living in his parents home, which most recently is in Stokesdale. He moved to a rented apartment in Greensboro in May 2015, three months before his arrest. But in a place where everyone knows everyone, few people remember much about this first-born son of Elaine and Jose Alvarez Sr. At 29 he is the eldest of their four children, four years senior to John Alvarez. They also have two school-aged brothers. He is a graduate of Rockingham County High School, the same school his brother, sister-in-law and Troy and LaDonna French attended and where Ann French-Faucette, Whitley's paternal grandmother, worked at as a guidance counselor. I dont remember him, French-Faucette said. Evidently, he didnt get in trouble, because mostly the children I saw were the ones having problems, and I dont remember him. Before attending that high school and Rockingham County Middle School, Alvarez studied at three different elementary schools in Rockinghams school system: Bethany, Dillard and New Vision School of Math, Science and Technology, a year-round magnet school in Madison. Jose Alvarez Jr. was a groomsman at the wedding of John and Whitley Alvarez on May 16, 2015, just a few days after he had submitted to the DNA swab that later would link him to the crime scene. Photographs from Whitley and John Alvarezs wedding show Jose Alvarez Jr. by his brothers side. He appears happy and calm. In one photograph Whitley stands left of center as John Alvarez jumps in apparent joy next to her. Three groomsmen behind them are in the air as well, two with their arms outstretched. Whitley's five bridesmaids surround the couple looking tough but happy. Two more groomsmen stand on either side of the bridesmaids. One is Jose Alvarez Jr., who is barely off the ground but is sticking out his tongue as he clowns around. In another photo Jose looks mischievous as he makes a bridesmaid he is escorting laugh. In a third photograph, Hunter French and Jose follow John Alvarez and the rest of the groomsmen, who are all trying to look tough. Several of them, including John Alvarez, cant help but crack a smile. Despite those moments, Jose Alvarez Jr. seldom stood out. Even in the revelry of that day, few family members paid attention to him. That has been his pattern. Jose had no prior history of criminal activity, his record showing only two traffic infractions. He worked as a landscaper for Jose Alvarez Sr.'s landscaping company and at New Garden Landscaping and Nursery in Greensboro. Alvarez Landscaping & Lawn Maintenance has tended private grounds in the Triad for 20 years. New Garden Landscaping and Nursery for 40 years has created and maintained grounds of both residences and commercial properties. The company also houses and sells plants and materials out of its facility on Garden Village Way, where Jose Alvarez Jr. worked. Conrad Hayter, president of New Garden Nursery, didnt want to answer questions about him. Coworkers referred questions to Hayter, because they were told to do so by their supervisor. Nancy Moseley, LaDonna Frenchs mother, once hired Jose Alvarez Jr. to tend to the roses in her yard, which is across the road from the house where he is accused of shooting her daughter. "He was as nice as he could be and quiet," she said. Thats how family members had known him. Bonded families Now, the family knew him as the man accused of killing Troy and LaDonna French. Since their daughter's death, Nancy and Donald Moseley had become close with Elaine Alvarez, the mother of Jose Alvarez Jr., who visited the Moseleys regularly and often took along her two younger sons. They just came by one day, and we just acted like friends that were comforting each other, Nancy Moseley said. Its so sad. They are fine people. Kathy Hayes, LaDonna Frenchs sister, invited the Alvarezes to her familys Christmas celebration in 2015 at Nancy and Donald Moseleys house. The Alvarezes took a fruit basket to Nancy Moseley. The families enjoyed a meal together before the celebration broke up. French-Faucette and Jose Alvarez Jr.'s parents sat together occasionally at Hunter Frenchs baseball games, because the school-aged Alvarezes also play baseball. They have a harder road than I do, French-Faucette said. They have this to face with a son, which I think is far greater than death, I really do. My heart goes out to them. The Alvarezes have declined repeated requests to talk about their sons arrest and have hung up on a reporter at least once. The Moseleys encouraged them to share their feelings, but they wouldnt speak about any of these events. A day of emotions Less than 24 hours after Jose Alvarez Jr.'s arrest, members of all three families the Frenches, the Moseleys and Jose Alvarez Sr. would see each other face-to-face in what must have seemed a stunning reunion. They met early on the afternoon of Aug. 26, 2015, a Wednesday, outside Courtroom D at the Rockingham County Courthouse in Wentworth. This courtroom, in which district court cases are heard, is on the second floor of a 3-story, 4-year-old building. So these families, joined first by geography, then by marriage and now by unthinkable tragedy, gathered in a large, open hallway. Jose Alvarez Sr. leaned against the sill of the floor-to-ceiling windows that line the outside wall overlooking the parking lot and a wooded field on the southeast side. Dressed casually, he took off his white baseball cap, laid it on a bench to his left, buried his head in his hands and cried. Nearly a dozen members of the Moseley and French families, sitting beside him on two benches, occasionally rose to hug him, support him and generally try to comfort him. But seldom did anyone speak as he continued to sob for at least 15 minutes. Whitley French Alvarez, John Alvarez and Hunter French werent there. Neither was Elaine Alvarez. Everyone else arrived early for the first court appearance of Jose Alvarez Jr. At 2 p.m. a bailiff allowed them into the courtroom, and they gathered on three rows of the center section of seats. The atmosphere in the courtroom was different from that of a typical first appearance. Several additional court officials were present, solely as spectators. Ordinarily one or two bailiffs are in a courtroom at a time. For the Alvarez hearing, there were five. One bailiff stood near the judges bench. Another leaned on a wooden rail that divides the gallery from the area reserved for court officials. A third sat at the bailiffs table beside the judge's bench. Two others stood by the double-door entrance to the courtroom. Rockingham County District Attorney Craig Blitzer entered into the courtroom with Assistant Chief DA Mark Keeney, who would represent the state. Even Rockingham County Clerk of Courts Mark Pegram came into the courtroom and stood near the judges bench, which he rarely does. Everyone stood as Rockingham County District Court Judge Tony Grogan entered. But then the family had to wait. Grogan oversaw the first appearances in several cases before listening to the details of the charges against Jose Alvarez Jr. They watched closely as those other defendants talked with the judge on an open video connection. Jose Alvarez Jr.s charges comprised a capital case. By law he had to be in the courtroom. Grogan explained the severity of those charges, and his matter-of-fact statement would make the three families even more emotional. A bailiff led Jose Alvarez Jr. in through a door opposite the jury box and in front of the gallery to the defense table. Wearing an orange jumpsuit, he shuffled toward the table, his feet in shackles. He kept his head lowered, never making eye contact with his family. He never spoke. He stood alone to face the judge. Craig French began to shake uncontrollably as he watched the man accused of killing his older brother, Troy. I tried to stop shaking, but I couldnt, because I wanted to go after him, French said. It was the hardest thing in this whole thing other than losing my brother. Jose Alvarez Sr. again buried his face in his hands. Other family members wept audibly. Judge Grogan began to address Jose Alvarez Jr., telling him he faced two charges, filed in the courthouse under Nos. 15CRS052311 and 15CRS052309. You are charged with first-degree murder in the deaths of Troy and LaDonna French, Grogan said. These charges come with a maximum sentence of death or life in prison. The room erupted in sobs and sniffs from family members. Some were quieter, others more audible, the judges words overpowering their self-control. Jose Alvarez Sr.'s head remained in his hands. Grogan told Alvarez Jr. he would appoint Eden-based defense attorney Seth Woodall to represent him. That wouldnt last. Woodall spent two hours working on Alvarezs behalf before the case automatically was referred to the Office of Indigent Defense Services, an arm of the Administrative Office of the Courts created by statute to represent defendants in cases involving the possibility of a death sentence. That agency assigned the case to Vincent Rabil, a capital defender based in Winston-Salem, and Woodall formally was removed as counsel. That all happened quietly, out of public view. Standing alone in the courtroom, Jose Alvarez Jr. listened as Grogan considered whether to grant bail. We request that Mr. Alvarez be held without bond, Keeney told Grogan. No one argued on Alvarez's behalf. Grogan agreed to the request, meaning Alvarez would return to the Rockingham County Jail. His next appearance in district court would be Sept. 10. He was led out of the courtroom. Members of the families continued to weep. Jose Alvarez Jr. did not speak during the hearing. In the months since, he has not responded to requests for comment. Letters sent to him at the Rockingham County Jail have drawn no reply from him or his attorney. Rabil also has declined numerous requests to discuss this case, to explain how five drops of blood could lead to first-degree murder charges, when the murder weapon proved by ballistics to be a handgun missing from the Frenches home has not been found and when no motive has been asserted by the prosecution. There is only one known witness from that night, Whitley French Alvarez. There are the details that sometimes conflict. Rabil offered only a few words that sounded curiously like the case could be headed for a plea agreement. "We are working with the prosecution to quickly bring a resolution to this case," he said. No ill In the seven months since that afternoon in the courtroom, members of all three families have been working to forge their own resolutions. Some of these are evident. The night my son was killed, I forgave whoever it was, and I didnt know who it was, but I had forgiven him, French-Faucette said. Gods son has forgiven me for so much. Theres nothing I cant forgive. French-Faucette said she knew Craig French, Troys younger brother, has remained angry, but she watched as that anger turned to compassion when a still sobbing Jose Alvarez Sr. approached her son. When you raise your children, and you know them that well, I knew that everything would be fine, French-Faucette said. Craig French hugged Jose Alvarez Sr. He was extremely apologetic to me, and when he hugged me, you could just feel it, Craig French said. He said he told Alvarez that he held no ill regard towards you and that he would pray for Jose Alvarez Jr. during the ordeal of prosecution he was about to face. I have no ill feelings towards that family, French-Faucette said. In fact, hes in my prayers. EASTON, Md. Its been a long while since South Carolina could look down on its neighbor to the north. Thanks to North Carolinas anti-LGBT legislation (HB 2), also referred to as the bathroom bill, the state effectively has begun redefining itself from its long-popular characterization as a valley of humility between two mountains of conceit (South Carolina and Virginia). The new law, which ludicrously requires transgender people to use the restroom consistent with the sex on their birth certificates, liberates South Carolina from its persistent place as the brunt of late-night jokes. Remarking on it, South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley said her state doesnt have that problem. Brava. The law was hurriedly passed and signed by Gov. Pat McCrory in response to what one state official called a restroom free-for-all, referring to sudden hysteria over the possibility of transgender individuals using the wrong restroom. How would anyone know? Will officials now post monitors at public restrooms to check birth certificates and human bladder-evacuation portals? This would be riotously funny if it werent so patently discriminatory. Many bad deeds go unpunished, but not this one. The economic fallout from the law already is being felt and the price of not doing business is about to go up. Bruce Springsteen recently canceled a concert in Greensboro and Deutsche Bank has frozen a planned 250-job expansion in the state. But the real showdown will be this weekend when not nearly as many buyers and designers as usual will attend the biannual High Point furniture market the largest in the nation and the states biggest economic event. A 2013 study by Duke University placed the annual economic impact of the market at $5.38 billion. The furnishings industry also generates more than 600,000 visitor days to the state each year and accounts for 37,000 jobs. If there were a Darwin Award for states, North Carolina would win hands-down. Already the High Point Market Authority reports that hundreds or thousands of the 75,000 retailers and designers who attend wont be visiting because of HB 2, which, come to think of it, sounds appropriately like a disease. Many of those who plan to attend have expressed deep reservations amid likely plans to go to the relatively new Las Vegas furniture market next go-round. Among these is Don Wooters, interior designer and co-owner of Eastons Dwelling and Design, who told me he feels guilt about going to North Carolina. I feel like a traitor going to High Point, putting capitalism before human rights, he said. I dont feel good about that and I know its wrong. Wooters isnt only baffled by the bigotry of the legislation but also by whatever generates the fear behind it. Why do people feel they have to be afraid? Its a big sign of how uneducated America is. Another local designer, Jamie Merida, owner of Bountiful, told me he decided to go if only to make his case to vendors that they have six months to straighten out this mess or he, too, will be off to Las Vegas. Although North Carolina has been noted in recent years for its increasingly hard-right politics, it is still shocking that a state that boasts several of the nations top colleges and universities and is home to the Research Triangle could codify what is so plainly a discriminatory law. In comments Tuesday, McCrory, feeling the pressure, softened his defense of the law but stopped short of opposing the provision on bathroom use by transsexual people. As in all other times when bigotry raises its hideous head, better angels will prevail. Either the courts will overturn the law or the state will come to its senses, if only for economic reasons. As to that valley of humility? In 1900, when Mary Oates Spratt Van Landingham, a cultural leader and author, first conjured the image in a speech, she was bemoaning her states then-lesser native literature. Could it be that being located between Virginia and South Carolina, our people for so long have been furnished such conspicuous illustrations of self-appreciation that they have, by contrast, learned modesty and silence? she said. Where there are mountains of conceit, there are apt to be valleys of humility. Today, those mountains have good reason for self-appreciation by comparison. And North Carolina has proved itself a valley of ignorance, whose legislators and governor could use a moment of silence to consider their ill-conceived conceit. Sorry... ..An error has occured: If you have any queries about this error, try emailing feedback@mirror.co.uk and we'll do what we can to help you. ZID:308457493 or Already a subscriber? Sign In What is your email? This email will be used to sign into all New York sites. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us. Enter your email: Please enter a valid email address. Submit Email or Connect with Google Sign In To Continue Reading Create Your Free Account edit email Sign in with Facebook Sign in with Google Choose a password to create an account: Enter your password or sign in with a different email Forgot Password? Password must be at least 8 characters and contain: Lower case letters (a-z) Upper case letters (A-Z) Numbers (0-9) Special Characters (!@#$%^&*) New York sites. By submitting your email, you agree to our This password will be used to sign into allsites. By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy and to receive email correspondence from us. Sign In Create Account He wishes NASA more success. Astronauts these days get to enjoy delicious space lettuce and a morning espresso, perks that are definitely going to make Elon Musks Martian colonists super jealous. So, to throw eventual Red Planet inhabitants a bone, NASA is undertaking a study to figure out how to grow potatoes a la Matt Damons character in The Martian, though presumably without the exploding airlock and probably on a much tighter budget. Researchers cant just blast potatoes 140 million miles over to our neighbor planet, so instead they tell The Wall Street Journal theyve gathered up 65 varieties known for their hardiness on Earth. Money will be on the ones that can grow best in soil from a Peruvian desert that receives one millimeter of water per year; these winners (or survivors, more like) will enter round two, where theyll be put in a simulator that mimics the atmosphere. Mars has water, but the atmosphere there is between -84 and -284 degrees, contains high levels of radiation, and is 96 percent carbon dioxide. These conditions have led one researcher to predict, I dont think theyll grow in the open air; he says under some sort of biodome is more likely. The teams theory is that maybe ten of the test-group potatoes will yield decent-size tubers in the end, but they also warn exposure to severe drought and temperature extremes could change their flavor. Specifically: It may make them so bitter they are inedible. In other words, Martians are going to be expecting constant resupplies of ketchup. [WSJ] Xperia X series pre-orders on the Sony Xperia Store will come with an "exclusive offer" Sony has announced that its brand new Xperia X series of smartphones will soon be available for pre-order from the Xperia Store. The announcement came in the form of an email which the company sent out to those who had registered their interest in the devices. In the email, Sony also said that pre-orders will come with an "exclusive offer," although the company didn't reveal what exactly the offer would be. The exclusive offer - going by the email - will only be available on Xperia X and XA pre-orders (as well as on the Xperia Ear accessory), meaning those pre-ordering the Xperia X Performance will be out of luck. Meanwhile, the Japanese company also released a promotional ad (embedded below) for the Xperia X smartphone that focuses on the device's camera. Take a look: Via Culture Salman Rushdie loses eye, use of hand in attack: Agent The British writer Salman Rushdie, who was attacked in the United States in August, lost sight in one of his eyes and paralyzed his hand, as well as other injuries, according to what his agent indicated in a statement released to the media. Haiti - FLASH : Verification Commission, terms of reference handed to Executive The Communication Office of the Presidency confirmed that the sub commission in charge of work on the terms of reference of the Independent Commission for Electoral Evaluation and Verification had delivered Thursday, April 14, 2016, its final report to President a.i. Jocelrme Privert for validation purposes. Indicating that after two days of work, the members of this subcommission have agreed on the composition of the Commission, its mission, its mandate and the deadline for fulfilling its tasks. Recall that this Independent Commission for Electoral Evaluation and Verification has as main mission of restoring the confidence of political actors in the electoral process by establishing the accuracy of the results of the 2015 elections. For now, the Government has not officially communicated details on the terms of this report. However, we learned informally with members of this Subcommission and various sources: that it is proposed that the Commission be composed of 5 members : one representative of the Order of Chartered Accountants, 1 representative of the Association of engineers / architects of Haiti, 1 representative of the Anglican church, 1 former election adviser and one member of the Independent Electoral Commission of evaluation of 2015. We also learned that Me Gedeon Jean was selected as representative of the former Commission (established under the administration Martelly-Paul) and Francois Benoit, a former adviser to the CEP, still remainb 3 other members to be appointed. According to Pierre Esperance (RNDDH) one of the members of the subcommission, the Verification Commission should be limited to the polls of 25 October, the first round of presidential elections, the second round of parliamentary and municipal elections. According to its terms of reference the Commission will have at the level of confirmed fraud, identify fraudsters who must be punished, however, it seems according to our sources, that the exclusion of persons receiving these frauds is not in the terms of reference adopted by the subcommission... Finally, the Commission would have a term of 30 days from next week to carry out its work. To be continued... See also : https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-17154-haiti-elections-draft-outline-of-the-commission-of-electoral-verification.html HL/ HaitiLibre Haiti - Economy : Towards common strategies to fight against smuggling This week at the National Palace, President a.i. Jocelerme Privert, met a delegation of various entities of the State and of private business sector around the problem of smuggling in Haiti. Composed of representatives of the private sector business, the Minister of Commerce, Ms. Jessy C. Petit-Frere, of Minister of Justice, Me Camille Edouard Jr, of Director-General a.i. of the National Police of Haiti, Michel-Ange Gedeon, the Director General of Customs, Victor H. St. Louis and that of the General Tax Directorate (DGI), Morlan Muradin, the delegation was invited by the Head of State to decide on common strategies to combat the scourge of smuggling in Haiti. After the meeting it was agreed that measures against smuggling would be submitted shortly by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, then communicated to the public. Another technical meeting is also scheduled with the MEF, Customs, the DGI, the PNH and the private business sector. For its part the Association of Industries of Haiti (ADIH) has once again reiterated its concerns this week, facing the rise of smuggling that develops on the border, which further deprive the treasury of tax revenue, generating unfair competition vis-a-vis local producers and prevent investment in areas affected by smuggling. In a note, George B. Sassine, the President of the ADIH urges the Haitian government to regain control of four officially recognized crossing points for trade between the two countries by providing the adequate infrastructure for the control of goods and counteract smuggling. Furthermore "ADIH strongly recommends keeping and even amplify the list of [Dominicans] products to be received only by sea in the ports equipped with correct customs structures. HL/ S/ HaitiLibre The Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center has been a hub of the Hamptons since 1998, with the building dating back even further. The building has been part of Westhampton Beach for over three generations, first opening as a movie theater before the building was later purchased by United Artists and changed to a single-theater movie house. Then, in the mid-1990s, a group of village residents and business owners purchased the theater and started the movement to create a performing arts space. Published on 2016/04/14 | Source Lee Jong-suk has been invited to an event by the luxury brand Dior Homme and will pay a surprise visit to Taiwan in response to the invitation. Advertisement Lee Jong-suk's agency said on April 14th, "Lee Jong-suk has been invited by Dior Homme to represent Korea and will visit Taiwan. After he attended the official events by Dior Homme, he will have a photoshoot for a cover page of a famous fashion magazine in collaboration with Dior Homme. An interview is also included in his schedule on this day". After Lee Jong-suk arrives in Taiwan, he will attend Breeze Xin Yi boutique opening event by Dior Homme. He then will have a photoshoot for the cover page and pictorial for the famous fashion magazine GQ as well as an interview with fashion magazine Vogue. Lee Jong-suk drew much attention when he was invited to a Burberry fashion show in January this year, where many celebrities were also invited from all over the international places. Lee Jong-suk's surprise visit to Taiwan has been announced online. This news has brought much excitement to his fans in Taiwan as well as other fans in the international places. Lee Jong-suk received much love from his international fans for his roles in 'I See Your Voice', "Pinocchio" and 'Doctor Stranger'. To respond to the love from his fans, he is currently filming Korea China joint drama, 'Ruby Lovers' currently. Meanwhile, Lee Jong-suk also confirmed his cast for MBC's new Wednesday & Thursday drama "W" by Song Jae-jeong, who is well-known for her previous work, 'Nine: Time Travelling Nine Times'. He will begin filming "W" in May and focus on the drama fully afterwards. the employees primary place of work remains in Australia; and the employee does not enter into a new contract outside Australia to perform duties outside Australia. "In this situation, the fact that the employees ordinary place of employment is outside of Australia does not affect the application of the FW Act during the course of the secondment," he says. But if an employee is seconded to work overseas for a specified period exclusively for another company related to the employees Australian employer, and the overseas business has agreed to pay his or her wages, then the employee will be subject to the labour laws applicable in the country in which he or she is working. TWU National Secretary Tony Sheldon says the government is putting aviation workers at risk. Open Skies policies allowing foreign airlines greater access to Australian routes are importing a culture of abuse and exploitation and threatening living standards for aviation workers, Sheldon said in a statement. It is up to the Government to ensure Australian standards are upheld for all employees working here, Sheldon says. According to the TWU, Qatar Airways also prohibits employees from joining a union and demands a confidentiality agreement which stops them reporting abuses, even after they leave. Clayer says the key issue is whether the employer is Australian owned or based in Australia or the employees are Australian-based. If a corporation registered in Australia is the employer of an Australian citizen and the Australian citizen is located in Australia, either when an offer of employment is made or at the time that employment commences, the employee will be covered by the Act, he says. Moreover, the Act may apply if the employee is performing any work on behalf of or related to a companys Australian business, particularly where any work-related travel to Australia may be required. In these types of arrangements, the employee may be entitled to Australian benefits under the Act. Qatar recently increased its flights into Australia from 14 to 21 per day with a new Doha Sydney route and also flies to Perth and Melbourne. Retain any complaints from customers as a result of such comments. Provide evidence that enquiries or sales declined in the period following the employee making such comments. Obtain forensic data on the number of people who saw or accessed the comments and how long they remained accessible online. Obtain witness statements from customers detailing their concerns about dealing with the business. Obtain witness statements from any employees implicated detailing whether they felt threatened, offended or intimidated as a result of the comments. Obtain a witness statement from the owner of any confidential information disclosed, detailing the impact of any disclosure on them Yet to go in guns blazing and fire that employee could result in an unfair dismissal claim if termination of employment was found to be harsh, unjust and unreasonable, says Ellis. In a recent unfair dismissal case, an employee was fired for misconduct after voicing dissatisfaction with his supervisor and payments on Facebook. In O'Keefe v Williams Muir's Pty Ltd T/A Troy Williams The Good Guys[2011] FWA 5311, the employee, who posted "Damian OKeefe wonders how the f*** work could be so f***ing useless and mess up my pay again. C***s are going down tomorrow", said in his defence that he was extremely "angry" when he wrote the comments and did not intend for his supervisor to see. Even though the employees privacy settings were set to maximum and he did not name his employer, his co-workers spotted the comment and passed it onto his superiors. The FWC agreed that his comment constituted threatening behaviour and that his employers were justified in sacking him. In another case, a Centrelink worker who wrote that his clients were whinging junkies and spastics on a social media forum won his case for unfair dismissal, despite his employer arguing that he has brought the Department into disrepute. In this case, there was no evidence that the Departments reputation was actually damaged or that anyone actually formed an adverse perception of the Departments impartiality, Ellis says. This is probably largely a result of the fact that Centrelink is not a commercial enterprise reliant on customer loyalty, but was also a product of the special interest forums in which the comments whether the comments were a one-off or part of a more sustained campaign. However, if the employee had worked for a brand where client loyalty is imperative, his employer could have argued against his reinstatement by providing evidence that his comments had a detrimental effect on the employers business, Ellis says. In recent years, MerleFest, presented by Window World and slated for April 28May 1, has drawn an increasingly international audience to the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, N.C. While the iconic festivals mix of Traditional Plus programming has gained worldwide attention, an enormous increase in attendance from the rugged Canadian province of Saskatchewan has surprised some in Wilkesboro. Weve seen a 1,000 percent increase in visitors from Saskatchewan over the last three years, says Steve Johnson, artist relations manager for MerleFest. This year, over 30 visitors from Saskatchewan will arrive at MerleFest for the annual celebration of the best in North American roots music. Saskatchewan has a population of just over 1 million, about the same as Rhode Island, in an area almost the size of Texas. The Saskatchewan group attending this year includes festival organizers, musicians, fans and music industry representatives. It speaks to how much we truly honor the music that was born out of this region, says Tracy Lalonde of the Northern Lights Bluegrass and Old Tyme Festival, on her third visit. My first trip took me to landmarks that were in iconic songs Id heard since I started following the music and that blew me away. When we can connect to the music like that it allows us to appreciate it even more. They started coming from Northern Lights three years ago, says Johnson. In 2013, we hosted a small group that came on a mission to learn about MerleFest after I received a nice introduction letter from the group. Who knew it would come to this? We just introduced ourselves as people who had been involved with these music festivals at the Ness Creek Site for a long time and that we would appreciate any chance to get up close to see how things were done at MerleFest, remembers Patton MacLean, one of the first group from Saskatchewan. The letter landed on Steve Johnsons desk in January 2013. Frankly, I didnt know what to think, says Johnson. They said they were coming to MerleFest to check things out. We had some mutual musician friends who had played up there and loved it. I agreed to meet them before the festival. We toured the campus, and they met some MerleFest team members. The visitors invited Johnson to return the visit. In 2014, Johnson took them up on the offer, flew into Saskatoon on a Thursday night in August, and drove three hours north to the Northern Lights Bluegrass and Old Tyme Music Camp and Festival. It was a bit unsettling because we drove for three hours and only went through a couple of small towns. When we hit the dirt road and the big forest, I started to wonder what I had gotten myself into. But when we got there, I found this beautiful festival site carved out of the meadows and forest of evergreens and silver birch. Backstage I saw a campfire area under spruce trees with all of the festival musicians picking in a moonlit jam. It was something else a great night of picking, featuring some of the artists you will see at MerleFest in 2016. Johnson has since made multiple visits to festivals in Saskatchewan where he first saw some artists slated to perform at MerleFest this year: master storyteller Bonnie Logan, folk duo Kacy and Clayton, old-time trio In With The Old, bluegrass adventurers The Slocan Ramblers, and Americana soulsters The Brothers Landreth. Saskatchewan has a rich music scene, especially considering its size. Saskatoon reminds me of my hometown of Asheville in some ways with lots of places to hear live music and lots of musicians working on different projects. A lot of great music passes through, too. Its a good town for a music fan, says Johnson. A shortlist of Western North Carolina musicians who have visted Saskatchewan in recent years includes Tellico, Town Mountain (with Jon Stickley), Steep Canyon Rangers, Mark Bumgarner, and, most recently, Jim Lauderdale. Of her experiences at the Ness Creek Site, Anya Hinkle of Tellico says, The Northern Lights Bluegrass Festival is one of the most memorable experiences Ive had as a performer. The students, the performers, the setting, the food it was amazing. Its a beautiful place with some of the friendliest, most welcoming folks Ive ever played with. Weve always had a great time in Saskatchewan, says Town Mountains Jesse Langlais, who in 2012 suggested that his new Canadian friends visit MerleFest and Western North Carolina for the first time. Is there an aim for this sudden rise in visitors from this relatively wild and rural Canadian province? Weve had a lot of musicians from North Carolina come visit us, and a lot of musicians from Saskatchewan have been having playing down in North Carolina. We want that to continue, says Gord Olson, co-founder of the Ness Creek Music Festival and a first-time visitor to MerleFest in 2016. The bottom line is that it feels like a sisterhood, says Lalonde, currently director of the Northern Lights Bluegrass and Old Tyme Music Camp. We hope some of our N.C. friends will consider visiting us and experiencing our festivals, our hospitality and our own brand of traditional music. I think there are a lot of similarities between this part of the world and our part of the world. If people like playing music and building community together, thats a good place to start, says MacLean, co-founder of the NorthAmericana Concert Series and now a volunteer at MerleFest. Well, they are coming, and were excited to welcome them, says MerleFests Johnson. For more information on Northern Lights Bluegrass and Old Tyme Music (http:// northernlightsbluegrass.ca), The Ness Creek Music Festival (http://www. nesscreekmusicfestival.com) or the NorthAmericana Concert Series (http://northamericanafest.com ), contact Patton MacLean at [email protected] or (306) 290-0024. MerleFest, considered one of the premier music festivals in the country, is an annual homecoming of musicians and music fans held on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. MerleFest was founded in 1988 in memory of the son of the late American music legend Doc Watson, renowned guitarist Eddy Merle Watson. MerleFest is a celebration of traditional plus music, a unique mix of music based on the traditional, roots-oriented sounds of the Appalachian region, including bluegrass and old-time music, and expanded to include Americana, country, blues, rock and many other styles. The festival hosts a diverse mix of artists on its 13 stages during the course of the four-day event. The annual event has become the primary fundraiser for the WCC Endowment Corporation, funding scholarships, capital projects and other educational needs. Share this: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Pocket By Bailey Faulkner Boone Saloon is the place to be on Friday, April 22 prog rock-funk fusion quintet Eminence Ensemble is coming to Boone for an unforgettable night of music. Will Bradfords longtime independent cult alt-rock project SeepeopleS will be the nights opening act. If youve never seen either of the groups, Friday night is a perfect opportunity to check out why they are two of todays hottest bands. Eminence Ensemble Justin Neely (guitar, vocals) Zac Flynn (bass) Johnny Bosbyshell (keys, vocals) Nick Baum (percussion, vocals) Tanner Bardin (drums, vocals) Based in Boulder, Colorado, Eminence Ensemble has been heavily touring since forming back in 2008. The members founded the band while attending the University of Colorado at Boulder. Billing itself as a progressive rock and fusion band, Eminence Ensemble has cited Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder, Yes and Michael Jackson among its greatest influences. While you can detect those influences in the bands music and performances, Eminence Ensembles fusion of styles and genres sets the band apart as something totally unique. Known for its explosive live performances and captivating, unique style of songwriting, Eminence Ensemble is a crowd pleaser to say the least. If you want to check out some live performances online, click here. If you leave Boone Saloon with a craving for more Eminence Ensemble, you should check out Pardeepalooza, the annual music festival that the band helps host at the State Bridge Amphitheater in Bond, Colorado. Its a ways away from North Carolina, but the drive is worth it for a true music lover! You can check out the lineup from last years Pardeepalooza here. The lineup to this years show will be available in the coming weeks. SeepeopleS Will Bradford (guitar, vocals, songwriting) Ian Riley (bass, vocals) Dan Capaldi (drums, vocals) Doug Porter (guitar, vocals) Fred Copeman (keys, vocals) Portland, Maines SeepeopleS isnt new to the music scene the band has toured and produced music since 2000. In that time, it has amassed a long list of notable achievements. The bands music has been featured on ABCs television series The Gates and CBS Judging Amy. The music community has positively received SeepeopleS as well. Members of Morphine, Dave Matthews Band, Spearhead and Parliament-Funkadelic have been featured on the bands studio recordings. In 2015, the band released Dead Soul Sessions, a 25-track behemoth that mixed rock, trip-hop, alternative, psychedelic, R&B, funk, acoustic, electronica, ambient and pop. That probably sounds like a ton of styles, and it is the band describes their sound as anti-genre-new-music. Along with the bands weird, mind-bending world view, SeepeopleS musical flavors truly set the band apart from any group that could fall into only one or two genres. Phish drummer John Fishman obviously likes what he hears: the legendary jam bands drummer recently joined SeepeopleS to play a set at a pre-caucus party in Orono, Maine in support of Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders campaign. Jerry Greenfield of Ben and Jerrys ice cream also joined the musicians on stage to support Sanders. Along with Fishman, the band ended the night with a cover of Billy Joels Movin Out (Anthonys Song). Boone Saloon Fridays show will begin at 10 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door. If you want to check out more about the bands playing, click on these links for more information: Eminence Ensemble, SeepeopleS. Considering the unique style of both bands, Fridays show will truly be a must-see. Dont miss out! Share this: Twitter Facebook LinkedIn Reddit Pocket When it comes to weight loss, salmon probably isnt the first food you think of. Many people eat Pardia will not continue the possible further deliberations over the establishment of a new central organisation, it states in a press release . The Federation of Salaried Employees (Pardia) has declared its decision to withdraw from the preliminary discussions over the establishment of a new central organisation following a meeting of its executive board on Tuesday. The Union of Health and Social Care Professionals in Finland (Tehy), another member union of the Finnish Confederation of Professionals (STTK), has similarly announced its decision to withdraw from the discussions. The new central organisation would be established by merging STTK and the Central Organisation of Finnish Trade Unions (SAK). The member unions of both SAK and STTK are expected to determine by the start of June whether or not to join the massive organisation. Niko Simola, the chairperson of Pardia, acknowledges that the preparatory work has shed some much-needed light on the reform needs of the trade union movement. Unfortunately, we have yet been able to agree on a thorough enough reform to warrant our participation, he adds. However, you only need to look in the mirror if you want someone to blame. Pardia, he underlines, is pleased with the approach taken by STTK. It has demonstrated that it is a modern central organisation that updates its practices and borne its responsibility for developing the labour markets by adopting a very solution-oriented approach. We want to continue developing STTK to an even more agile and modern direction, continues Simola. The majority of the 55,000 members of Pardia are employed by state agencies and institutions. Aleksi Teivainen HT Photo: Martti Kainulainen Lehtikuva Source: Uusi Suomi The acting Minister for Justice has come under pressure to release another round of emergency funding to combat gang violence in the wake of the latest gun murder. The daylight shooting of an innocent Dublin man yesterday marked the fourth life lost since February to the escalating feud between the Kinahan and Hutch mobs. Chairperson of the Dublin City joint-policing committee Daithi de Roiste said that more resources and a long-term plan are needed. We seem to have a government by press release, and until we start pumping resources in this lawlessness is going to exist on the streets of our city. We have criminal gangs operating above the law and nobody can seem to get it under control. Until we put dedicated resources in to challenge this nothing is going to happen, he said. Chairperson of the Policing Authority Josephine Feehily said this week that gardai had been very successful in recent months in the fight against gangland crime. I think those are areas, when we have a body of data, that we would certainly be asking the commissioner some questions about, but theres no getting away from the fact that, in the last couple of months, theyve been very successful and shown their professionalism and their competence, she said. However, Mr de Roiste questioned her statements. Disgrace If anybody thinks they are doing such a good job why are there people being shot every other week? Its an absolute disgrace that this is allowed to happen in our city. We need to properly resource the gardai to go after these criminals, strip them of their wealth and end this shooting on our streets, he said. Resources have to be allocated with immediate effect. We need to know what the plan is to smash these gangs. If the gardai need international expertise Im open to that because the situation is at breaking point, Mr de Roiste added. Meanwhile, north-inner-city councillor Gary Gannon said that he is sick of seeing knee-jerk initiatives being rolled out after another shooting. When it comes to resources, we need to look at why people get involved in crime. The 5m that was given to gardai could have been used for an early years initiative in the area that would make a difference in the long term. The money is not making a difference in the short term, he said. Ive grown up in the north inner city constantly watching people welcoming new garda initiatives and nothing ever comes of it. Were just lying to ourselves. People arent taking drugs just because someone is selling them beside them, he added. A spokesman for the Department of Justice did not respond when asked if extra funding would be made available. The Government moved decisively to strengthen the resources available to gardai to deal with serious armed crime through a special ring-fenced additional allocation of 5m, as well as steps to establish a dedicated Armed Support Unit in Dublin, he said. Gardai are becoming increasingly concerned that the New IRA terror group are planning a spectacular bomb attack to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising this month. The fears come after a massive garda operation on Wednesday night which led to the discovery of a large haul of explosives in a car. Armed officers from the Emergency Response Unit stopped the vehicle just before the Long Mile Road junction at around 7pm. Two Tallaght men were arrested at the scene after being subdued by armed gardai and forced to lie on the ground. Senior sources have revealed that gardai and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) are extremely worried that the New IRA will carry out a bomb attack in either Northern Ireland or the mainland UK to mark the Rising anniversary on Sunday, April 24. This organisation seems to be getting stronger all the time, but this weeks garda operation shows that the Special Detective Unit are on top of these individuals in terms of surveillance, a source said. There is little doubt that the seizure of explosives has helped save lives. However, there are still major concerns about this organisations capabilities ahead of events later this month, and garda operations will continue, a source said last night. Dangerous This terrorist organisation seems to have a point to prove and that is a very dangerous state-of-play, the source added. The Herald can reveal that one of the arrested men is a 42-year-old man who is one of the countrys most prominent dissident republicans. He has previously been cleared of IRA membership charges, and was heavily involved with the Continuity IRA. The suspect previously served a lengthy sentence for possession of firearms, and it is suspected that some of his associates were involved in the murder of veteran criminal Eamon Kelly in December 2012. It is now suspected the arrested man is involved with the New IRA, the organisation which claimed responsibility for the van bomb attack that led to the murder of prison officer Adrian Ismay in Belfast last month. In the aftermath of that incident, the PSNI warned that dissident republicans are intent on killing security force members to mark the upcoming centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising. PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Martin said while the terror threat level in the North has been categorised as severe for a number of years he was now describing it as the upper end of severe. I believe there are people within dissident republican groupings who want to mark this centenary by killing police officers, prison officers and soldiers, he said. Earlier this week, the Herald revealed that gardai made two highly significant arrests and seized 10,000 in cash as part of a major surveillance operation against The New IRA last Friday in Co Louth. A young woman who has bravely refused to allow cystic fibrosis restrict her life has called for greater awareness and support for the condition in Ireland. Ciara Aston (24) travelled to Greece to visit a sea turtle protection society and worked at a marine wildlife station in the Firth of Clyde in Scotland. Thats despite the fact she relies on a daily routine of inhalers, vitamins, antibiotics and digestive enzymes to keep her condition under control. Ciara even travelled to San Diego in the US on a J1 student programme for three months. Now, the young Cork woman has called for greater awareness of cystic fibrosis in Ireland one in 19 people here carry the gene for the condition. Ciara has also called for public backing for Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Week, which culminates today in a major national fundraising drive dubbed the 65 Roses. I am one of the lucky ones, Ciara said. I have been able to live a relatively normal life. Ive been able to pursue my passions in terms of travel and work. I love to go horse-riding and I suppose I do have a pretty good fitness regime, she said. It is important to be fit because of the condition. Ciara works with Amazon in Cork and said they are a wonderful firm. When she was younger, her dream was to become a garda but her focus now is to one day work with animals in a care role such as in a rescue home. Ive had fantastic support from my family and friends over the years, she said. Ciara lives in Carrigaline, Co Cork with her parents, Dave and Ann, and her brother Keith (21). Risk But it is also very important to have the supports there in hospitals when you need them. When I go to a hospital for a check up, Im in a special room and the doctors and nurses come to me rather than the other way around, she said. That is very important in terms of infection risk for cystic fibrosis patients, she added. The Cystic Fibrosis National Awareness Week fundraising collection takes place nationwide today with the aim of raising 65,000. A Northern Ireland man has been granted bail charged with careless driving causing the death of a motorcyclist in a road crash on Dublins quays. Patrick McArdle (47) is facing trial on the charge, following the death of a motorcyclist who was killed instantly in a collision with a truck in the docklands last summer. The case against him was adjourned when he appeared at Dublin District Court yesterday. Mr McArdle (inset), with an address at Forest Park, Drumintee, Co Armagh is charged with driving without due care and attention, causing the death of Slawomir Korytowski, a Lithuanian national in his 30s. The offence is alleged to have happened at North Wall Quay, near the 3 Arena on the morning of July 3 last year. Garda Sergeant Karl Murray told the court he arrested the defendant by arrangement at Store Street Garda Station at 1.47am yesterday morning. He made no reply to the charge after caution. Sgt Murray said the charge related to a traffic accident last year and the DPP had directed trial on indictment. This means the case will be sent for trial to Dublin Circuit Criminal Court when a book of evidence is ready. Sgt Murray applied for an adjournment and said he had no objections to bail. Judge John Lindsay granted bail in Mr McArdles own bond of 300, with an independent surety of 1,000. The judge granted free legal aid after a statement of the defendants financial means was handed in to court. Mr McArdle did not address the court during the brief hearing. He is due to appear in court again on a date in May. The defendant has not yet indicated how he intends to plead to the charge. Armed gardai are hunting for a convicted rapist who is the chief suspect in a recent assassination attempt. Members of the Regional Support Unit (RSU) have been conducting a number of raids in the Bray area following the incident, which occurred in the same Wicklow town last Friday morning. The victim, aged in his early 30s, was targeted as he made his way to work. A gunman, who was wearing a balaclava, approached him outside his home and attempted to fire a number of shots. However the weapon is believed to have jammed. The intended target then confronted the would-be hitman and a struggle ensued before the perpetrator fled the scene. It is believed a shotgun was produced during the assassination attempt. The incident occurred at 7.30am on Friday in the Oldcourt estate, in Bray. Several armed units from the RSU immediately flooded the area and proceeded to carry out a number of raids. The raids continued over the weekend and our picture show local officers, supported by armed units conducting a number of searches, in the area on Tuesday afternoon. A number of properties have been searched in the north Wicklow area as part of the investigation. No arrests have yet been made in relation to the incident and officers from Bray Garda station are appealing for anyone with information to contact them. The chief suspect in the attempted hit is a convicted rapist who is also suspected of carrying out a number of shootings in the Co Wicklow area. The man, aged in his 20s, is also the suspected hitman in the murder attempt of Jonathan Burke in the Heatherwood estate, Bray in November 2014. Burke (41) survived the shooting but was subsequently left paralysed as a result of his injuries. Last Fridays intended target is an individual who has no involvement in organised crime. It is believed that he was targeted over a personal dispute involving a senior member of a gang led by convicted killer Richie OCarroll. Dispute A source said that the dispute has been ongoing for a number of years, which highlights the unforgivable nature of criminals. It is over something that happened a long time ago, the victim of the attempted shooting isnt a player by any stretch of the imagination and probably assumed that the threat level had decreased due to the amount of time that has passed. These lads never forget though, and the incident could have ended in tragedy had the gunmans firearm not jammed, the source said. Micheal Martin is to tell Enda Kenny he must win the support of at least eight Independents as precondition for Fianna Fail facilitating a Fine Gael-led minority government. At a Fianna Fail parliamentary party meeting last night, Mr Martin was also told by his members to put nothing in writing if he reaches agreement with Mr Kenny. However, central to any agreement between the two parties will be an onus on Mr Kenny to secure the support of at least eight Independents. This will bring Fine Gael and Independents combined support to 58 TDs and will allow Fianna Fail to abstain from certain votes if a deal is reached on forming a minority government. Plans The move comes after Mr Martin abandoned plans to lead the next government after failing to win the support of any Independent TDs during todays vote for Taoiseach. Mr Martin received no additional support during yesterdays vote despite warning Independents it was their last opportunity to remove FG leader Mr Kenny from office. But the FF leader immediately dug in his heels in relation to water, as he accused FG of acting in an unhelpful and provocative manner after the party passed a motion this week reaffirming its commitment to a national utility. Despite admitting that the future of water is not the single most important issue facing our country, Mr Martin indicated that his partys position to suspend charges remains. He demanded an investigation into the money spent by Irish Water on a post-election lobbying campaign designed to prevent its abolition. The post-election lobbying campaign by this state company is unprecedented in our history. It is a total waste of public money and of the legitimate balance of powers between parliament and State companies, Mr Martin told the Dail. Senior sources in both parties now admit that the ability to form a stable government hinges significantly on whether a deal can be reached on water. Fine Gael wants to maintain charges and the public utility while Fianna Fail is adamant charges must be suspended and Irish Water replaced with a slimmed-down body. As expected, yesterdays vote for Taoiseach which took place 47 days after the election proved inconclusive. Mr Kenny did however secure the support of Independent TD Katherine Zappone, as 14 other Independent TDs abstained from the vote and withdrew from the talks. After the vote, Mr Kenny extended an invitation to Mr Martin to re-open talks between the two main parties on forming a government just hours after talks between the two parties negotiation teams broke down. Mr Martin addressed his own TDs on two occasions yesterday, as questions were raised internally over his decision to issue the ultimatum to Independents. FF negotiator Charlie McConalogue admitted last night that Mr Martins defeat meant the party is giving up on hopes to leading a minority government. Gamble The Herald has learned that a claim by FG during the negotiations that the party was on the cusp of securing the support of six Independents prompted Mr Martins gamble. A senior FF source said the claim contradicted strongly what Mr Martin was being told privately by Independents about their voting intentions. During his speech following the vote, Mr Martin made a thinly-veiled swipe at Independents. It is not unreasonable to ask that people state who they are willing to support. Many very candid positions have been stated in private which have yet to be repeated in public, he said. In a further boost for Mr Kenny, there were indications last night that Labour is moving to support the FG leader at a future vote for Taoiseach. A source said if Fine Gael agreed to demands important to us a party, Labours seven TDs may support Mr Kenny. In his own speech to the Dail, Mr Kenny said he respected the rights of Independent TDs to abstain. The decision had been made earlier in the day at a meeting of 14 Independents in Agriculture House. Editors note: Features and show times are subject to change without notice. Carmike Cinemas in Billings (Shiloh 14 and Wynnsong 10) also offers a movie line at 255-7676 and real-time updates are available online at fandango.com. Vue and Brew has a movie line at 633-4438, and info can also be found at vueandbrew.com. Arriving this week 'BARBERSHOP: THE NEXT CUT' Genre/rating: Comedy. PG-13. Shiloh 14: 1:15, 4, 7, 10 p.m. daily. Wynnsong 10: 1, 4:05, 7:10, 9:55 p.m. daily. Synopsis: With their surrounding community having taken a turn for the worse, Calvin (Ice Cube), Eddie (Credric the Entertainer) and the crew at Calvin's Barbershop come together to bring some much-needed change to their neighborhood. Regina Hall, Sean Patrick Thomas, Eve, Anthony Anderson, Jazsmine Lewis, J.B. Smoove and Common co-star. 'CRIMINAL' Genre/rating: Action-drama. R. Shiloh 14: 1, 4, 7, 10 p.m. daily. Wynnsong 10: 1:15, 4:15, 7:05, 9:50 p.m. daily. Synopsis: The memories and skills of CIA agent Bill Pope (Ryan Reynolds) are implanted into the brain of dangerous criminal Jericho Stewart (Kevin Costner) in order to stop an international terrorist. The supporting cast includes Gary Oldman, Gal Gadot, Alice Eve and Tommy Lee Jones. 'DISNEY'S THE JUNGLE BOOK' Genre/rating: Action-adventure. PG. Amusement Park Drive-in: Friday and Saturday showings on Screen 1. Gates open at 7 p.m.; movie begins at dusk. Shiloh 14: IMAX showings (in 3-D): Noon, 2:30, 5, 7:30, 10 p.m. daily. Big D showings (in 2-D): 12:30, 3, 5:30, 8 p.m. daily. Other 3-D showings: 1:30, 4, 6:30, 9 p.m. daily. Other 2-D showings: Noon, 2:30, 5, 7:30, 10 p.m. daily. Vue and Brew: Show times TBD; information at 633-4438, vueandbrew.com. Wynnsong 10: 3-D showings: 1:40, 4:25, 6:55, 9:30 p.m. daily. 2-D showings: 1:30, 4:10, 6:50, 9:20 p.m. daily. Synopsis: Mowgli, played by newcomer Neel Sethi, is a man-cub whos been raised by a family of wolves. But he soon finds that he's no longer welcome in the jungle when fearsome tiger Shere Khan (voiced by Idris Elba), who bears the scars of Man, promises to eliminate what he sees as a threat. Urged to abandon the only home hes ever known, Mowgli embarks on a captivating journey of self-discovery guided by Bagheera (voiced by Ben Kingsley), a panther who becomes his stern mentor, and Baloo (voiced by Bill Murray), a free-spirited bear. 'MY GOLDEN DAYS' Genre/rating: Romance. R. Art House Cinema & Pub: 3:45 and 8:15 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Wednesday and Thursday. (Additional 12:30 p.m. matinee Sunday). Synopsis: Paul Dedalus (Mathieu Almeric), an anthropologist preparing to leave Tajikistan, has a series of flashbacks that include his childhood in Roubaix, his mother's attacks of madness and his father's alienating depression. He remembers his trip to the USSR, where a clandestine mission led him to offer up his own identity for a young Russian, whom he considered a phantom twin for the remainder of his life as well as remembering Esther (Lou-Roy- Lecollinet), the beautiful, rude love of his life. Quentin Dolmaire stars as Paul in his younger days. Returning feature 'EDDIE THE EAGLE' Genre/rating: Drama. PG-13. Vue and Brew: Show times TBD; information at 633-4438, vueandbrew.com. Synopsis: Michael "Eddie" Edwards, played by Taron Egerton, is an unlikely but courageous British ski-jumper who never stopped believing in himself even as an entire nation was counting him out. With the help of a rebellious and charismatic coach (played by Hugh Jackman), Eddie takes on the establishment and wins the hearts of sports fans everywhere with his improbable performance at the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. Special showings Shiloh 14: "Roberto Devereaux," presented by the Metropolitan Opera, 10:55 a.m. Saturday and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. "The is Winter Jam," 7 p.m. Tuesday. Also playing 'BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE' Genre/rating: Action-fantasy. PG-13. Amusement Park Drive-in: Friday and Saturday showings on Screen 2. Gates open at 7 p.m.; movie begins at dusk. Shiloh 14: 3-D showings: 6:30, 10 p.m. daily. 2-D showings: Noon, 3:30, 7 p.m. daily. Vue and Brew: Show times TBD; information at 633-4438, vueandbrew.com. Wynnsong 10: 2-D showings: 1, 4:25, 7:50 p.m. daily. Synopsis: Fearing the actions of a god-like superhero left unchecked, Gotham Citys own formidable, forceful vigilante takes on Metropoliss most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs. And with Batman (Ben Affleck) and Superman (Henry Cavill) at war with one another, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than its ever known before. 'THE BOSS' Genre/rating: Comedy. R. Shiloh 14: 1:15, 4, 7, 10 p.m. daily. Vue and Brew: Show times TBD; information at 633-4438, vueandbrew.com. Wynnsong 10: 1:10, 4, 7, 9:30 p.m. daily. Synopsis: Melissa McCarthy plays Michelle Darnell, a titan of industry who is sent to prison after being convicted of insider trading. When she emerges ready to rebrand herself as Americas latest sweetheart, not everyone whom she used and abused on her way to the top is so quick to forgive and forget. 'DEADPOOL' Genre/rating: Action-fantasy. Shiloh 14: 1, 4, 7, 9:50 p.m. daily. Synopsis: A former Special Forces operative named Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) becomes a mercenary after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers. Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor and adopting the alter ego Deadpool, he hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life. 'THE DIVERGENT SERIES: ALLEGIANT PART 1' Genre/rating: Fantasy. PG-13. Shiloh 14: 1, 4, 7, 10 p.m. daily. Synopsis: Tris (Shailene Woodley) must escape with Four (Theo James) beyond the Wall that encircles Chicago to finally discover the shocking truth of what lies beyond it. 'GOD'S NOT DEAD 2' Genre/rating: Faith-based drama. PG. Wynnsong 10: 1:30, 4:30, 7:30 p.m. daily. Synopsis: When high school teacher Grace Wesley (Melissa Joan Hart) is asked a question in class about Jesus, her reasoned response lands her in deep trouble and could expel God from the public square once and for all. The supporting cast includes Robin Givens, Hayley Orrantia and Ernie Hudson. 'HARDCORE HENRY' Genre/rating: Action-fantasy. R. Shiloh 14: Noon, 2:30, 5, 7:30, 10 p.m. daily. Wynnsong 10: 1:35, 4:15, 7:10, 9:45 p.m. daily. Synopsis: Over the course of one day in Moscow, Russia, a newly resurrected cyborg named Henry must save his wife/creator from the clutches of a psychotic tyrant with telekinetic powers, AKAN, and his army of mercenaries. Fighting alongside Henry is Jimmy, who is Henry's only hope to make it through the day. 'KRISHA' Genre/rating: Drama. R. Art House Cinema & Pub: 6:15 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Wednesday, Thursday. (Additional 1:45 p.m. matinee Saturday, 3 p.m. matinee Sunday). Synopsis: When Krisha shows up at her sister's home on Thanksgiving morning, her close and extended family greet her with a mixture of warmth and wariness. A palpable unease quickly permeates the air as Krisha tries to make up for lost time by catching up with her various relatives. 'MIRACLES FROM HEAVEN' Genre/rating: Faith-based drama. PG. Shiloh 14: 1, 3:40 p.m. daily. Wynnsong 10: 1:45, 4:30, 7:15, 9:55 p.m. daily. Synopsis: When 10-year-old Anna (Kylie Rogers) is stricken with a rare, incurable disease, her family especially her fierce mother, Christy (Jennifer Garner) rallies around her, though the girl's prognosis is grim. But after Anna suffers another traumatic event a fall from a tree that nearly kills her doctors find that the disease has disappeared completely from her body. Now the grateful family must come to grips with another unexpected challenge and Anna becomes the center of a media circus. 'MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING 2' Genre/rating: Comedy. PG-13. Shiloh 14: Noon, 2:30, 5, 7:30, 10 p.m. daily. Synopsis: As Ian (John Corbett) tries his best to be a supportive husband and father, it's Toula (Nia Vardalos) who struggles to keep her motherly bond with daughter Paris (Elena Kampouris) as decision time nears for her to choose a college close to home, or far away. But a recently discovered family secret brings the Portokaloses back together for an even bigger and Greeker wedding. 'ZOOTOPIA' Genre/rating: Animation-comedy. PG. Shiloh 14: 2-D showings: 12:10, 2:50, 5:30, 8:10 p.m. daily. Vue and Brew: Show times TBD; information at 633-4438, vueandbrew.com. Wynnsong 10: 2-D showings: 1:10, 4, 6:45, 9:25 p.m. daily. Synopsis: Zootopia is a city like no other, a melting pot where animals from every environment live together. But when optimistic Officer Judy Hopps arrives, she discovers that being the first bunny on a police force of big, tough animals isnt so easy. Determined to prove herself, she jumps at the opportunity to crack a case, even if it means partnering with a fast-talking fox, Nick Wilde. CASPER, Wyo. A police officer on the Wind River Indian Reservation is facing a federal kidnapping charge for allegedly chaining his wife in their basement, court records show. William Arthur Curran II forced his wife into the basement of their home and put handcuffs on her wrists and ankles, according to a criminal complaint filed Wednesday in the U.S. District Court of Wyoming. The complaint states Curran is a police officer for the Bureau of Indian Affairs on the Wind River Indian Reservation and has been since July 2014. Nedra Darling, public affairs director for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, confirmed Curran is employed by the agency. She said she could not comment further on the issue because it involves personnel matters. Curran appeared Thursday for his initial hearing in federal court in Casper. A judge read the charge and told Curran he would have a detention hearing within the next week. At that hearing, it will be decided whether Curran should remain in jail pending trial or be released. Curran requested he be appointed a public defender. He appeared in the courtroom in jeans and a T-shirt, and was handcuffed. According to the criminal complaint, Curran arrived at his home at about 10 p.m. Monday in Fort Washakie. His wife and two children were sleeping. Currans wife told a Federal Bureau of Investigations agent her husband was drunk at the time, the complaint states. The couple argued and the woman tried to leave the home. However, Curran blocked the bedroom doorway and hit his wife. According to the complaint, Curran then picked up his wife and carried her toward the basement. While doing so, the woman was able to pick up her cellphone and a cork screw bottle opener from their kitchen counter. She tried to stab Curran in the back with the cork screw. However, Curran threw the woman onto the ground and pushed her down the stairs into the basement, the complaint states. Curran grabbed his wife by the arms and dragged her into a room where he keeps his police gear, according to the complaint. He cuffed her wrists and ankles and retrieved a pistol. He then threatened to kill his wife and bury her, the complaint states. The woman dialed 911 on the cell phone and hid the phone behind her. A recording from the Fremont County Sheriffs Office states Curran told his wife, I can bury you, according to the complaint. Curran continued to threaten his wife while her hands were cuffed for about an hour and a half, the complaint states. She was eventually able to convince her husband to allow her to go upstairs with him. Curran directed the woman to sleep on a couch and checked on her frequently, according to the complaint. When interviewed the next day by detectives, Currans wife had bruises and abrasions on her face, arms and legs, the complaint states. Kind of a drag if you miss The Buckinghams concert Wednesday The Buckinghams, a Chicago-based pop rock band that exploded onto the charts in 1967 with Kind of a Drag, are coming to the Maryland Theatre. CASPER, Wyo. A Glenrock man who led law enforcement officers on a two-county police chase last fall still faces charges for ramming patrol cars, court records show. Frank Banzhaf faces four felony charges in Converse County District Court for attempting to cause injury to a peace officer. He is also charged with four counts of felony property destruction. In all, Banzhaf could face up to 80 years in prison. A Natrona County Circuit Court judge sentenced Banzhaf on Monday to 45 days in jail for driving drunk and eluding police. Banzhaf is awaiting an arraignment in Converse County. According to police records, Banzhaf led Natrona County sheriffs deputies on a chase Oct. 18 before traveling onto U.S. Highway 20-26, where he crashed into several law enforcement vehicles. Banzhaf, 34, was being held in the Natrona County Detention Center as of Thursday afternoon. Authorities received a 911 call about 9:40 p.m. from Old Chicago on Second Street in Casper, according to a police report. The caller said Banzhaf left the restaurant without paying his bill. Workers were able to settle Banzhafs bill in the parking lot, where he was seen stumbling. Banzhaf got into his car and drove away. A Natrona County sheriffs deputy caught up to Banzhaf and tried to pull him over on Hat Six Road. Banzhaf sped up and continued onto U.S. Highway 20-26, according to the report. Banzhaf was driving faster than 95 mph and was drifting back and forth across both lanes, the report states. Banzhaf turned off the highway before getting back on and crashing into the sheriffs car and a Wyoming Highway Patrol vehicle. The chase continued through Glenrock and onto Interstate 25, where Banzhaf side-swiped a police car, according to the report. Then Banzhaf struck another Wyoming Highway Patrol car. At this point, Banzhaf attempted to flee in his car north in the southbound lane of I-25, the report states. Due to the danger posed by Banzhaf, both the Natrona County sheriffs deputy and a Converse County sheriffs deputy rammed Banzhafs car, according to the report. Law enforcement repeatedly told Banzhaf to get out of his car, but his only response was to flip the officers off, the report states. One deputy used pepper spray on Banzha, while an officer shot Banzhaf with a stun gun. A deputy climbed into the car and pulled Banzhaf out, at which time he was handcuffed. Insider: A QB change won't save IU's season. It's already lost. IU quarterback Connor Bazelak's struggles have IU fans suggesting change, but at this point change might not make much difference. The Burleigh County Commission has voted to no longer support Bismarcks Renaissance Zone. The five-member commission was unanimous in refusing to send a letter of support for the program to the state Commerce Department. Department guidelines require letters of support from the county and the Bismarck School District when Bismarck submits its application for state approval. The zone is scheduled to end May 1 and Bismarck commissioners approved seeking a five-year extension of the program on March 22. The Bismarck School Board is expected to vote Monday on Bismarcks request for a letter of support. The program allows developers who invest in older downtown properties to receive state income tax and local property tax breaks. The programs goal is to boost economic development and housing opportunities by improving older buildings and properties. The Tribune believes the county commission was wrong to refuse a letter of support. The Renaissance Zone has provided downtown Bismarck with a number of renovated buildings and that has translated into more jobs and more tax revenue. While developers get tax breaks for a period of time, the tax breaks eventually end and the result is higher taxes on the improved structures. Among the downtown projects that have benefited from the Renaissance Zone are the former Front Page building at 521 E. Main Ave., which was converted to Civic Square, a professional office building; the office building at 217 N. Third St., converted to J.L. Beers; the former hair school at 124 N. Fourth St., converted to Toasted Frog; and the former Wilhelm Motors site at 100 W. Broadway Ave., converted to Broadway Centre. The Bismarck Tribune expansion project in 2005 was done with Renaissance Zone help. Overall, according to Bismarck officials, there have been 118 projects approved, with improvements valued at $65.2 million. An estimated 465 full-time jobs were created, 50 new downtown businesses started and 17 downtown businesses expanded. The county commissioners are apparently concerned about the loss of tax revenue. County commissioner Doug Schonert complained the program never seems to end. Dustin Gawrylow, managing director of the North Dakota Watchdog Network, expressed concern that the city will expand the zone. Some also are worried the focus on downtown puts the burden on taxpayers in other areas of the city. Whether Burleighs lack of support will doom the program remains uncertain. Rikki Roehrich, who administers the Renaissance Zone program for the Commerce Department, said letters of support from the county and the school district play a big role in the departments decision. If the school board supports the zone, and it should, it will be a draw of sorts. The Commerce Department should renew the zone for Bismarck. And the city should be reasonable in how it uses the program to ease the concerns of Gawrylow and others. The Renaissance Zone has served Bismarck well and, if renewed, will continue to do so. This past March, a group of 100 Jewish National Fund (JNF) donors, including Central Floridians Bruce Gould and Jim and Jill Riola, experienced something unique as they all traveled to Israel with JNF's $1 Billion Dollar Roadmap Mission for one unbelievable week to engage in the many projects JNF has developed to grow the country's northern and southern regions. What made this trip even more special was that each participant is a member of one of JNF's specialized task forces and committees. "Our donors have taken a leap of leadership to actualize the vision," said JNF CEO Russell F. Robinson, the driving force behind the visionary $1 Billion Roadmap. "They believe in what JNF is doing. They want to see Israel grow and succeed, and come here often to see how their investment is doing. These are some of the most dedicated individuals in philanthropy today." Gould, an attorney and member of the Israel Relations Committee, shared his thoughts of the trip: "I got involved in Jewish National Fund in 1996 in a future leadership mission. It was my first time to Israel. I fell in love with the country, I had an awesome time. I never realized my purpose in life beforehand and that the love of my religion really centered on Israel. I found that JNF is really the only organization that is 100 percent Israel, you can see what we do and you can touch what we do. You can see the results." JNF's $1 Billion Roadmap is an unprecedented campaign focused on investing in the future of Israel. The campaign has set ambitious goals for each of JNF's seven program areas: Community Building, Zionist Education & Advocacy, Disabilities & Special Needs, Forestry & Green Innovations, Water Solutions, Heritage Sites, and Research & Development. To ensure that these goals come to fruition, JNF launched task forces and committees to give donors a meaningful and hands-on way to help the land and people of Israel Co-chair of the Ofakim Task Force Jim Riola, who is an attorney and World Chairman's Council member, first came to Israel during the Gaza War, just as the ceasefire ended in 2009. "I thought people were crazy to come to Israel at a time when rockets were still falling. But I came, and from then on I've been hooked." Jim, who has served as president of the Orlando JNF board, sits on the National Campaign Strategy Committee, continued, "My connection with the city of Ofakim is because that's where the facility of Aleh Negev is located." Jill Riola, also an attorney, is a member of the Task Force on Disabilities. She and her husband Jim have been involved with JNF since 2008 when they hosted a luncheon for Gen. Doron Almog, founder and chairman of Aleh Negev. The luncheon was held last year at Jill's law office under the auspices of Lawyers for Israel, of which Jill now serves at the national co-chairman. Ronan Plot, the Knesset's director-general, receiving an award from Special in Uniform from Jim and Jill Riola for his dedication to encourage organizations and government agencies to hire people with disabilities. "I had never heard of Aleh Negev," she said. "Jim and I have no children, no disabilities in our family, but we were just so moved by what Doron has accomplished. After the luncheon Doron asked me to be on the Task Force on Disabilities and, if you've ever met him, you know there's no way you can say no to him. So, I joined a few months ago and this is my first mission." Each committee and task force had its own specialized itinerary for the $1 Billion Roadmap Mission focusing on specific areas and JNF partners throughout Israel. Participants, representing 10 of approximately 20 dedicated task forces and committees, saw for themselves the work they help fund, and consulted with key organizational leaders on the ground to discuss future opportunities and existing challenges. These groups, comprised of people from across the U.S., are helping to realize JNF's vision on how best to enhance and grow the Negev and Galilee, where JNF plans to see the population expand by 500,000 and 300,000, respectively, by 2023. (Kveller via JTA)-My son is 4 1/2, a delightful age when he is still full of sometimes grammatically incorrect sentences that provide a glimpse into the magical and unique way that children see the world. In everything, my husband and I look for teaching moments. Our policy is to tell the truth, even if we need to simplify it a little bit. Like most first-generation Americans, he hears the words "when I was little..." from us a lot. It's followed by a comparison of how different his American childhood is from our Soviet childhoods: everything from toys and food, to freedom of religion and celebrating diversity. Once we went to our local Chabad for a model matzah baking. At the end, the kids received real shmurah matzah, and the rabbi even mentioned to us that it comes from Dnepropetrovsk, in Ukraine. (When I was little, there were no matzah bakeries in Dnepropetrovsk.) That morning, as I was getting my tortilla out of the fridge, I mentioned to Will that once Passover starts, I won't be eating any tortillas and we giggled about the difficulty of spreading peanut butter and jelly on matzah without breaking it. Somewhat thoughtfully, Will remarked: "You'll probably be really sick of matzah by the end of Pesach! Aaaaaand, you can't have pancakes!" Even though I was already risking being late for work, I decided that the moment was right to share my thoughts on Passover with my son since he had brought it up. "You know what? You're right, by the end, I do miss real bread," I said. "But you know what else? I'm really happy when I eat matzah. It reminds me that I'm free to eat it and free to celebrate Pesach. Did you know that when I was little, we weren't allowed to?" Aha! I saw the spark of interest in his eyes; my cue to continue. "When I was little, and even when Grandma Yana was little, we weren't allowed to celebrate Pesach and eat matzah," I said. "In the Soviet Union, the government didn't want Jews to celebrate their holidays. We couldn't go to the library and learn to make matzah. And Jews couldn't even speak Yiddish in public. Can you imagine what it would be like if you were only allowed to speak Russian at home and never, ever outside?" Confused surprise flashed across my son's face. "Is that why everyone only remembers some words in Yiddish but not all?" he asked. "And is that why you want me to speak Russian? So I don't forget it like they forgot Yiddish?" Bingo! A connection had been made. It was imperfect, but I'll take it. I came back to eating matzah. Yes, I miss hametz by about Day 5. But the truth is, Passover is one of my favorite holidays precisely because it celebrates freedom. Freedom of my Jewish people from slavery, freedom of refugees/Americans by choice like us to be Jewish, and most recently, freedom of self-determination for Jews in Ukraine, who joined Ukrainians of all backgrounds to proclaim that they, too, want to live free of corruption and outside political influence. My son is the new generation that will not know political oppression and religious suppression. He is the pure generation that hears about things so unthinkable to him that he probably assumes we exaggerate. Watching him grow up free and teaching him what it means to be Jewish is an honor and a joy. It is something I do openly, buying Jewish books in Barnes & Noble and celebrating holidays in public spaces. These are such simple things, yet so unthinkable for my parents and grandparents. They managed to pass on what little they knew out of sight and with some apprehension. I eat matzah for them, to be reminded that Jewish freedom comes with a heavy price. But in today's America, passing on the significance of that freedom is both my luxury and my responsibility. Olga Chernov-Gitin is a first-generation American who lives with her husband and two children in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. By Pamela Ruben Ruth Darvin is a woman of firsts. In the 1960s the Philadelphia native was an early female systems engineer with IBM and then Westinghouse at a time when she recounts "one computer filled an entire room." After relocating to Florida with her late husband, Herb Darvin, she became one of the first volunteers with the Jewish Pavilion in the Oviedo-Winter Springs area. More than a decade later, Darvin serves as vice president of the Jewish Pavilion Executive Board as well the immediate past president of the Pavilion's Friends Board. The active volunteer continues to visit up to a dozen seniors bi-weekly, bringing her signature smile and a listening ear to just about every Jewish elder-care resident in East Seminole County, including residents of Arden Courts of Winter Springs, Brookdale Tuskawilla and Brookdale Oviedo, as well as Tuskawilla Nursing and Rehab Center. Darvin was inspired to make elder visits, by her sister-in-law's mother, Ruby, who visited Ruth's aging parents and in-laws, Sarah and David Cohen and Vida Darvin, on a regular basis. While Ruth commuted between the Northeast and Florida as often as she could, she saw the impact that regular visits made on her parents as residents of a senior living community. When her parents passed away, she reached out to the Jewish Pavilion with the time and the desire to bring connection and companionship to elder-care residents within her own community. When she first began volunteering, there was only one or two Jewish residents in elder-care homes in the Winter Springs/Oviedo area served by the Pavilion. In the last several years, Darvin has spent up to 3 hours at a time serving as a senior companion. She also regularly attends holiday services and Shabbats, and assists Judy Appleton, Pavilion Program Director for the East side of town, whenever she can. While Darvin visits residents of all levels of care, she is known for her sensitivity and her ability to connect to memory care residents. She shares that she has learned how to relate to memory care patients through time and experience. "Often, I just listen to what they have to say," noted the dedicated volunteer. "If they speak in gibberish, I answer back the same way. They appreciate being accepted the way they are. Occasionally, I am treated to a moment of clarity and then we can chat like old friends." Darvin develops a close relationship with the seniors she visits, who become like family. One gentleman she visited for five years, couldn't recall her name, but always referred to her affectionately as "Princess." Several years ago Darvin penned a letter to the Jewish Pavilion's Executive Director, Nancy Ludin, sharing another first she had experienced with a memory care whom she regularly visits. She wrote, "I have been visiting a man who has Alzheimers' Disease for about seven years at Arden Courts... As the years passed he became progressively worse until he only could speak gibberish. He constantly would clap his hands. I learned that I should mimic his words and motions, which I did. "His caregivers liked to tell me that he never spoke or smiled at all-until I would come. When I was there he smiled all the time and also spoke in a constant stream. "Last week when I greeted him we had our usual conversation and continually clapped our hands. Then all of sudden he put four words together-"YOU ARE THE BEST." It was like his brain was struck by lightning for an instant and he was able to clearly think as he did in the past. For the rest of my visit, he proceeded to say my first name over and over. When I said goodbye, he waved to me with a big smile on his face." Darvin added, "The visits of volunteers of the Jewish Pavilion are so meaningful. They bring warmth and happiness to so many elders. They share the holidays and Shabbat with them. They light up their life." "While not every volunteer is comfortable working with dementia or Alzheimer's patients, Ruth brings out the best in the residents she visits in all levels of care. Visitors tend to drop off as residents lose their lucidity, but Ruth is a true friend, and has visited some residents for three, four and even five years. Her patient manner and her regular visits, week after week, year after year, provide these residents with a special friend they can count on," shared Director Ludin. Last summer, Darvin experienced a senior living community from the other side, when she fell and fractured her wrist and her orbital socket. For three weeks she became the resident of the rehabilitation wing of one the same senior living communities that she regularly visits. Though Darvin had numerous and regular visitors, she found the lack of independence to be a challenge, and the reliance on others more than a bit frustrating. The experience caused her to gain additional compassion for the full-time residents she continued to spend time with, once she returned home and regained her physical health and driving independence. Though a senior herself, Darvin remains young and active by staying connected. This community role model has taken her activism to the red carpet, serving as a volunteer model at the Jewish Pavilion's "Spring into Fashion Show" for the last two years. Still a "techie" after all these years, Darvin connects with her adult children, Bev Darvin (Fred Cwerner) of New Jersey and Howard Darvin (Amy) of Melbourne, as well as her four grandchildren (Arielle, Andrew, Cayla, Sarah) through email, skype, and Facebook. She is a Hadassah member, and is devoted to her weekly bridge and mah jong games, which came right to the doorstep of the facility while she rehabilitated from her injury. How hard can making matzah be? Mix flour and water, and bake. Actually, there are various ways that one can go about producing matzah-and the results are all a little different. When you're standing in the supermarket just before the holiday trying to choose matzah, it might help to know what you are looking at. It's not just the orange box versus the blue box, or even hand-made versus machine-made. According to leading kashrut supervisors at the Star-K and Orthodox Union (OU) kosher-certification providers, there can be differences between the flour, the baking process, and even the time it takes for the matzah to be produced. The flour Rabbi David Stein, head of the Star-K in Israel, says the differences between matzah start even before the wheat is harvested. There are three types of flour: shmurah mi'sh'as k'tzirah (made from grains that have been supervised from the time of their harvesting until the actual baking of the matzah), shmurah mi'sh'as techina (made from wheat guarded from the time it is milled into flour), and shmurah mi'sh'as lisha (watched from the time the flour is mixed with water). In all three cases, the "watching" aspect ("shmurah" in Hebrew) is meant to ensure that the wheat does not get wet and transform into chametz (a leavened product). The longer the grains are watched, the more kosher-and generally, the more expensive- the matzah will be. Hand vs. machine The most obvious difference between types of matzah is how the matzah is produced: hand and machine are the two most common types. Rabbi Moshe Elefant, chief operation officer of the OU's kashrut department, says hand-made matzah precisely reflects that description. "This is the way it was always done before the advancement of machinery, and the way it is still done in many communities," Elefant says. The reason that many people still opt for hand matzah is for the intention behind the process, explains Elefant. Not only is it a Torah commandment to eat matzah on Passover, but according to some opinions, the Torah requires us to perform the act of making matzah "l'shmah," for the sake of the mitzvah. "Many people prefer hand matzah for the seder because the baker has to have that intent of making matzah and a machine does not have the ability to have intent," says Elefant. Yet making matzah is an inexact science, Stein says, explaining that not all machine matzah or all hand matzah is made the same. "If you don't know where you are getting your hand matzah, it is better to get machine matzah," he says. There are three types of machine matzah as far as the level of kashrut is concerned, but much more variation in hand matzah practices. Stein says the Jewish sages teach that it takes at least 18 minutes for matzah dough to become flour. The kashrut level of matzah changes depending on how careful the factory is about these 18 minutes. In the most lenient factories-the so-called "regular" machine matzah factories-the matzah-making machine isn't cleaned almost all day long. "Some regular factories will have someone standing there with a vacuum cleaner that will clean the dough as it falls off," says Stein. "Some don't, and the machine goes straight through the cycles without cleaning. Really, anything that falls would be botul ('insignificant' in Jewish law), but this is not the best situation." The next level of machine matzah is 18-minute matzah. This is matzah produced in a factory where the machinery is designed to be dismantled and thoroughly cleaned every 18 minutes. In either case, there is always a team of dough kneaders who ensure the dough not being fired is constantly needed; as long as the dough is being kneaded, it will never become chametz. A final and strictest level is matzah "chabura." According to Stein, in this situation, all dough must make it into the oven within 18 minutes, whether or not it's being kneaded. After 18 minutes, the machinery and all of the tools, bowls, and other materials are thoroughly cleaned. "These people make sure there is no chametz left over," says Stein. "The price of this level-and each different level-is significantly different." Today, most machine matzah consumed around the world is imported from Israel, where there are dozens of matzah factories. Only one machine matzah factory-the facility of Manischewitz-exists in the United States, according to the OU. Non-traditional traditions There are some smaller communities, especially variant sects of Hasidim, that add extra levels of stringency to their matzah baking practices. For example, according to Stein, there are those who mill their matzah by hand. "This is not a very popular chumra (stringency)," says Stein, noting that today this is mostly practiced by the Sanzer Hasidim of Kiryat Sanz, in the Israeli city of Netanya. Another stringency is "kefirah shel yad," hand-reaped matzah. Finally, there are those who hold that the matzah eaten at the seder must be made in the afternoon on the same day Passover starts. The holiday begins on the 14th day of the Hebrew month of Nissan, when the Passover sacrifice was brought to the Jewish Temple. The matzah being baked that afternoon models the time of the sacrifice. Such an enterprise requires great care. "People who do this will start at chatzot (mid-day)," says Stein, who does this himself in his synagogue in Rehovot, Israel. Alternatives Today, there is a growing community of gluten-free individuals who cannot eat matzah made of wheat flour and water. For those people, oat matzah is produced. Stein says he knows of no hand-made oat matzah factories, but that the product is becoming plentiful on the grocery store shelves. "It is very difficult to eat oat matzah if something isn't done to take the bitterness out," says Stein. "The oat matzah is very expensive." Sephardim eat a softer version of Ashkenazi matzah. There is "nothing theoretically wrong with this," says Stein. "Ashkenazim don't eat it because we are afraid. The Ashkenazi minhag (custom) is to eat only matzah that is crisp and thin," he says. Egg matzah-which is no longer made with eggs, but rather with apple juice or grape juice, according to Elefant-is another type of matzah that Sephardim love and Ashkenazim should stay away from, unless there are extenuating circumstances. "The halacha (Jewish law) says that other liquids mixed with chametz make the flour rise quicker," says Elefant. "Avoid it, if you don't have to have it." The same goes for chocolate-covered matzah. "On Pesach, we try to avoid foods that are chametz or can become chametz with one exception: matzah," Elefant says with a chuckle. He continues, "Pesach is a holiday of customs and traditions. Each family and community has its own traditions that are passed down from generation to generation. One thing remains consistent: matzah... The matzah we eat is forever." The Jacksonvilles Main Public Library will host an overview of the Jewish history of the United States oldest European city, presented by the St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society. The presentation will be open to the public at no charge and will be held in the Lounge at 303, adjacent to the Laura Street entrance of the Main Library at 303 North Laura Street at 2 p.m. on Sunday, May 22. The presentation affords the Jewish Historical Society an opportunity to share new information about the Jews buried in the St. Augustine National Cemetery and the work being done to link Antonio Martinez Carvajal, the chief harbor pilot of St. Augustine in the 1570s to the Carvajal family of Mexico City whose family members were burned at the stake in the 1590s after having confessed under torture to participating in Jewish rituals. For more information about the event, contact the St. Augustine Jewish Historical Society, Rabbi Merrill Shapiro, president, at Rabbi32164@gmail.com or 804-914-4460. Sen. Ben Cardin speaking at a news conference with other leading Democratic senators at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., Nov. 19, 2015. WASHINGTON (JTA)-The top Democrat handling foreign relations in the Senate says he will endeavor to get Congress to reauthorize Iran sanctions before year's end, a key goal of pro-Israel activists. "There's general agreement we have to extend the sanctions against Iran, and we need to do it before they expire at the end of this year, " Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, told JTA on Thursday. Last month Cardin toured Israel, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, where he met with leaders to discuss best methods of dealing with Iran in the post-nuclear deal environment. Reauthorizing sanctions was the major request last week when a record 18,000 American Israel Public Affairs Committee activists ended a three-day conference in Washington with a day of Capitol Hill lobbying. Yet in a move highly unusual for an AIPAC lobbying day, activists did not attach legislation to the request because Republicans and Democrats have yet to agree on a way forward post-Iran deal. Pro-Israel Democrats like Cardin are caught between an Obama administration that shows little enthusiasm for anything that could be construed by Iran as a U.S. bid to undercut the deal and Republicans determined to toughen what they say has been a giveaway to Iran. Cardin said he can get Democrats behind a simple reauthorization, adding it is needed to keep in effect sanctions the Obama administration say will "snap back" should Iran violate the deal. The deal offers sanctions relief in exchange for rollbacks in Iran's nuclear program. "Speaking as the ranking Democrat on the committee, and on behalf of the Democrats, we could get it done quickly if we were to just do that part," he said, meaning a simple reauthorization of the sanctions, which were passed in 1996 and reauthorized in 2006. The sanctions must be renewed every 10 years. Cardin said concerns about whether Iran would expand its influence in the region came up during his March 18-26 tour of the region in conversations with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Saudi King Salman and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the emir of Qatar. "Israelis believe Iran will comply with the letter of the agreement as it relates to nuclear provisions," he said. ""They are very concerned it will push envelopes on ballistic missiles, on terrorism and on human rights." The Obama administration says reauthorization is not required and is opposing it for now. "It is not necessary to extend the Iran Sanctions Act at this time, as it does not expire until December 2016," a senior administration official told JTA. "Right now we are focused on ensuring that Iran adheres to its nuclear-related commitments under the JCPOA," the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the formal name for the Iran deal. The official cited other laws that would snap back sanctions or penalize Iran for activities not directly related to the deal-for instance, its recent ballistic missile testing. "We can do everything we need to do" under existing law, the official said. Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, was unavailable for an interview, but his spokesman forwarded recent statements suggesting that he was not likely for now to back Cardin's straightforward reauthorization. Any reauthorization legislation "must also deal appropriately with the waiver issue, because I believe President Obama used the Iran waivers in a manner that Congress never intended," he said last month. The failure so far to strike a deal is notable in part because Corker and Cardin are known for their ability to compromise; they fashioned the agreement last year under which Congress considered the Iran deal. Cardin was one of four Democrats who joined Republicans in opposing the deal. Likewise in the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Ed Royce, R-Calif., the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, and Rep. Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., its top Democrat, who often jointly sponsor legislation, have yet to do so to reauthorize the Iran sanctions. Engel said in an interview that Democrats may have to compromise, being in the minority in both chambers. "We need the reauthorization for sure," he said. "The Republicans want a little bit more, and they do have the majority in both houses. We want to pass things." Royce was unavailable for comment, but his office provided a recent statement in which he joined Engel in saying they were working to reauthorize the Iran Sanctions Act. The grappling over how and whether to reauthorize the sanctions act comes as Congress and the administration contend with how to deal with other Iranian actions, including backing for terrorism and recent ballistic missile tests, which violate U.N. Security Council resolutions. The administration, under pressure to react to the missile tests, last week sanctioned two entities involved in launching the missiles, an industrial group and the Revolutionary Guard Corps missile command. Such sanctions make it harder for the entities to trade in dollars or for individuals attached to the entities to travel. Republicans and some Democrats want more; two of the Republican presidential candidates, Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas and Ohio Gov. John Kasich, have cited the tests as reason for the United States to abrogate the nuclear deal and reimpose sanctions. Royce and Engel say they want new congressional sanctions to target the missile program, and Cardin told JTA he also was considering new sanctions targeting the missile testing. Lawmakers from both parties have also sought assurances from the administration regarding a report that it is considering allowing Iran to work around a ban, under sanctions still in place, on trading in dollars. The Associated Press earlier this week quoted Treasury officials as saying they are considering allowing such transactions to take place outside of Iran. That would facilitate trade for Iran, since the vast majority of foreign transactions include trading in dollars at some point. Administration officials have hinted that in order for Iranians to feel the benefits of the nuclear deal, some sanctions may have to be eased. The lawmakers, including top Democrats such as Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., the minority whip in the House, say the workaround is a giveaway uncalled for by the nuclear deal. "I do not support granting Iran any new relief without a corresponding concession," Hoyer said in a statement. "We lose leverage otherwise, and Iran receives something for free." Cardin also discussed with Netanyahu the negotiations to extend the defense assistance agreement between Israel and the United States, due to expire in 2018, for another 10 years. The Jerusalem Post reported this week that Netanyahu is delaying signing the new memorandum of understanding because he fears President Obama will use it to provide cover for moves at the United Nations to define the parameters of a two-state solution with the Palestinians. Cardin said the report was groundless, and that he expected an agreement to be signed soon. He said talks were delayed only because the new defense assistance pact will include complex arrangements on sharing defense technologies, including in missile defense and combating tunneling, a form of warfare Hamas used against Israel in the 2014 Gaza Strip war. By Jane Edelstein More than 200 people recently attended the grand opening of Nate's Shul-the new home of Chabad of North Orlando. While dark clouds remained overhead, sunshine and smiles prevailed as children reveled in games and snacks and adults enjoyed conversation and camaraderie. And finally, the question of "who is Nate?" behind "Nate's Shul" was answered. "We are honored to name our shul after Nathan Kaplan (Of Blessed Memory), who was the grandfather of Rabbi Chaim and Lauren," said Rabbi Majesky, who along with wife Chansky, serve as the spiritual leaders of the Chabad of North Orlando. Rabbi Yanky and Chansky Majesky (r) presenting a hanging photograph of grandfather Nathan to the Thomas family. Lauren Thomas stands smiling in sunglasses on the far left. "Rabbi Chaim and Lauren Thomas are true partners in everything we accomplish in our community," noted Rabbi Yanky Majesky Three generations of the Thomas family, longtime members of the Jewish community who live in Longwood, mounted the stage to accept a special plaque, and to tell a few tales of Nathan's memorable life. Although not a particularly religious man in a ritual way, Nathan had a strong sense of Jewish history and tradition, and was very dedicated to Am Yisrael Chai. "I can promise you that Nathan is (spiritually) here with us today, and kvelling without a doubt," noted Rabbi Majesky. The event also included comments from various members of the Chabad community talking about their unique relationship with Chabad, from perspectives of education, religion, community-and just plain fun. The ceremony also featured City of Longwood Commissioner Ben Paris presenting a Welcome Proclamation to Rabbi Majesky and the community. Two high school girls from Miami who went missing Saturday afternoon during a weekend trip to Orlando, Fla., with their school were found by search teams on Sunday and were on the way to a local hospital, where they will be reunited with their families. A police helicopter spotted Brocha Katz and Rivkah Moshe, both 16 years old, who were last seen taking a walk together at the Caribe Resort. A rescue team was sent to an isolated spot in a densely forested swampland near the hotel where they were staying. While they were only several thousand feet away from the hotel, it took the rescue team more than two hours to reach them. Thank G d, the girls are back and have been reunited with their parents, said Rabbi Yosef Konikov, director of Chabad of South Orlando. They are generally OK, and theyre in an ambulance now on the way to the hospital. Obviously, everyone here is elated. The girls families, who came up from Miami to Orlando when their children were reported missing, expressed their gratitude for everyone who was involved in the rescue. How did the girls get lost so close to their hotel? Apparently, the girls decided to take a walk around the lake, which is located right near the hotel, adjacent to the woods. The land around the lake was uneven and one girl accidentally slipped and fell into the lake. The other girl knew that her friend did not know how to swim and jumped into the water to help her out. Once they were both out of the lake, they tried climbing back up to ground level, but found that it was too steep. The girls tried walking around the lake and found a spot to climb up that led into the woods. Eventually the girls found themselves totally lost in the woods and it was already getting dark. They just kept walking all night, trying not to fall asleep. During their travels they saw a bear and plenty of other animals. Police initially searched the forested areas around the resort with infrared-equipped helicopters and K-9 teams, but came up empty. Meanwhile, hundreds of volunteers gathered from Orlando and came up from Miami, where the girls are from, to assist in the search. Eventually the girls came to a small clearing, where the helicopter that came in the morning spotted them. The helicopter dropped down a note to the girls upon spotting them. Portions of this article were from Onlysimchas.com. SAINT-DENIS, France (JTA)-After three firebombs hit the synagogue of this poor and heavily Muslim suburb of Paris, municipal authorities advised the local Jewish community to lower its profile. Like dozens of attacks on French synagogues since 2000, the January 2009 incident at the Chabad House of Saint-Denis, which did not result in any injuries, was believed to have been Islamist extremists' retaliation for Israel's actions-that year against Hamas in Gaza. "We were told by the mayor from the Communist Party that it would be prudent if we tone down our activities at least until things calm down in the Middle East," recalled Yisroel Belinow, who runs the Chabad House here with his wife, Rivky, and his brother, Mendel. "We had absolutely no intention of complying," he said. Instead of laying low, the Belinows that year produced Saint-Denis' first public community Passover seder, starting an annual tradition. Members of this besieged congregation say it succeeded because it reflects their unity in the face of rising anti-Semitic violence. Each year since 2009, the Beth Chabad of Saint-Denis-a small building under constant army protection-welcomes about 100 congregants for a group seder dinner. It is led by Belinow, an introverted and soft-spoken man, and his more outgoing and older brother. "It's the best answer we could come up with to the attack," Belinow said. On the evening of Jan. 11, 2009, assailants ignited and hurled firebombs into the Chabad House kitchen. The fire charred the dining area but failed to catch because of a quick intervention by Mendel Belinow, who was inside the building. Belinow said police found 15 unignited firebombs in parts of the building, including a children's play corner. No one was convicted in the attack. "The attack lasted an instant and made an impression for a few weeks. But the seders-they're now an annual event that's part of the definition of this community," Belinow told JTA during a community event last month in Saint-Denis. Saint-Denis' 15,000 Jews are all that remains of a community that was halved after the 1980s, when many left for more affluent and safer areas. Jewish emigration from Saint-Denis increased in 2000 amid a surge in anti-Semitic attacks. Gradually estranged from areas where it became unsafe to wear a kippah, the Jews here joined a quiet exodus that has depleted Jewish communities north of Paris. With 100 guests, attendance at public seders in this drab suburb is relatively high for France. The Chabad House of Toulouse, where 23,000 Jews live, gets similar and even lower attendance, which sometimes leads to the event's cancellation. And in Nice, where 20,000 Jews live, some 120 local Jews attend the local Chabad House's public seder, which is being prepared for the fifth consecutive year. Group seders are less popular in France than elsewhere in Europe because it has a predominantly Sephardic community with "close family ties and a tradition of hospitality," said Avraham Weill, a Chabad emissary and chief rabbi of Toulouse. "People get invited to family seders, lowering demand for a public one." Some of the Saint-Denis seder guests are poor Jews with no family in France, including Mordechai Elbaz, a 60-year-old former dope dealer who lives in a moldy two-room apartment. He plans to attend the seder this year with his only relative-a sister, who is on a visit from Israel. Other Saint-Denis congregants choose the public seder over a family setting. Caroline Wildbaum, 47, a regular at the Mendels' Chabad House, has attended Saint-Denis seders with her four children, now aged 15 to 22, since the first year. "I have a rather large family, so it's not like I come here not to feel alone," said Wildbaum, who lives in the nearby suburb of Sarcelles, a municipality known as "little Jerusalem" for its Jewish community of 60,000. "Having a seder here doesn't subtract from the family atmosphere, it amplifies it." She added: "None of Sarcelles' synagogues offer this feeling of unity and family." The Chabad House is now the only synagogue in Saint-Denis, which once boasted four. Drugs are sold openly at a local train station. Young, jobless gang members loiter there. In November, two suspected terrorists were killed here in a police raid on alleged perpetrators and accomplices tied to the terrorist attacks that month in Paris, which killed 130 people. During the raid, the Jewish community of Saint-Denis went into lockdown for a few days. But true to his institution's ethos, Mendel Belinow vowed activities would only "increase in volume," starting with a public lighting of Hanukkah candles the following month. At the Chabad House, congregants exchange hugs, kisses and back slaps. They call each other by their first names and address one another, including the rabbis, with the less formal pronoun "tu." Wildbaum sometimes teases the Brooklyn-born Rivky Belinow by calling her "my sister the princess" while playfully imitating her American accent. Many credit the Belinows with generating this atmosphere. "Mendel, with his fiery speeches and warm hugs, sets the tone," said Ascher Bouaziz, a physician in his 60s who has worked his whole professional life in Saint-Denis. "Yisroel is more reserved. His administrational skills keep the place ticking. And Rivky, her charm and sweetness just melts everyone who meets her. That's the secret to this place." Yet some connect the social cohesion also to the external threats, which are "making Jews seek comfort in a community where members have exceptionally strong ties to one another," according to Irene Benhamou, a 59-year-old mother of two. "When you are surrounded by people who want to kill you, you find less time for bickering and formalities." Her youngest son was threatened with a knife on the street last year in what she said was an anti-Semitic incident. It made her decide to move four months ago to Noisy-le-Grand, an affluent eastern suburb, but she still comes to Saint-Denis for community events. For Bouaziz, this year's Saint-Denis seder may be his last. Next year he is planning to join the 20,000 French Jews who have immigrated to Israel since 2014. "I don't feel safe here," he said. "When I retire I want to live where I can wear my kippah without inviting attack and army protection." But Yisroel Belinow wryly jokes about the security arrangements at his synagogue. "At every seder, there's one extra on top of the guest list," he said of the prophet Elijah, for whom room is traditionally left at the seder table. "The only difference here is that we have Elijah plus four French Legion soldiers." With a few strokes of the pen, Wednesday, April 6, the landscape of Orlando was profoundly altered as Orlando Torah Academy (OTA) closed on their building. OTA is now the proud owner of a 17,000 sq. ft. building on a 1.5 acre campus. This dramatic new chapter in its history was precipitated by phenomenal and sustained growth since its inception. Founded almost 6 years ago with an enrollment of a mere 12 children, OTA has grown to almost 60 students this year. With new families already registering for next year, OTA is anticipating over 20 percent growth to more than 70 students from 1-year-olds through seventh grade for this coming academic year. Orlando Torah Academy had been renting space for the past year and a half in a building off of Sand Lake Road and John Young Pkwy. A few months ago, the owner of the building, Larry Liner, a generous supporter of the school, approached the deans of OTA, Rabbi Yehuda Schepansky and Rabbi Avraham Wachsman, and told them that he had received a cash offer for $1.8mil to sell the building to a timeshare resale company. The school would have 60 days to find a new location. Knowing the difficulties inherent in finding a new school building on such short notice and, being the middle of the school year, the upheaval it would create in the continuity necessary for excellence in education, the rabbis said they would match the offer and buy the building. They were given until March 15 to raise all of the money. The school immediately launched an urgent local and national campaign to raise $1.8 million. This was a task that many thought was unrealistic and well nigh impossible. The rabbis and the Board of Directors knew that if this was the necessary course for the school to take and the right thing to do, G-d would surely help the school succeed. Personal solicitations began and a mailing went out. In the course of a month a little over $200,000 was raised. The rabbis also met with Howard Lefkowitz to arrange getting a loan from the Jewish Capital Alliance of Central Florida (JCA). It was a good start, but with time running out a more radical approach was needed. Ira Zlotowitz from Lakewood, N.J., and president and founder of Eastern Union Funding, was vacationing with his family in Orlando and spent Shabbos in the Jewish community in Dr. Phillips. Understanding the urgency and the critical need for a vibrant Jewish school in Orlando, Zlotowitz helped launch an international crowdfunding campaign. This campaign was particularly unique in its combination of interest free loans and donations. As the rabbis continued to meet with people locally and across the country, the OTA story hit the national Jewish media. Donations and interest free loans began pouring in from all over the world. Jews, young and old were joining in. Even the young students of OTA were emptying their piggy banks to help the school. From $2 to $40,000, almost 1000 people from Orlando, around the country and around the world wanted to be a part of this historic and incredible campaign. Each day students and parents would watch the big screen in the OTA lobby as the numbers on the crowdfunding website continued to increase. The hand of G-d was clear to everyone and as the deadline arrived Orlando Torah Academy had raised $1,800,000. Orlando Torah Academy's new building. "This is a tremendous step in the development and growth of Orlando's Jewish community," said Rabbi Wachsman. "Orlando Torah Academy is unique in its diverse student body. OTA offers a challenging dual curriculum program that attracts Jewish children from across the spectrum of religious affiliation and traditions. The professional and experienced staff at OTA are both warm and caring and the parents feel part of a large family all working together towards the same goals and aspirations." The purchase of the entire building will allow the school to continue expanding, broadening its impact and enhancing its ability to fill the vital role of molding today's boys and girls into tomorrow's principled leaders and passionate role models. By providing the necessary space to add more classrooms, a most conducive environment for effective education can be introduced. In addition, the school would like to add a new computer and STEM lab, a commercial kitchen and build a playground. For those that have not yet participated, there is still so much to be done. The children of Orlando Torah Academy offer a very bright future for Orlando. For more details about how to get involved, to take a tour or see if OTA is right for your child please contact Rabbi Schepansky or Rabbi Wachsman at 407-270-4936. Yesterday a group of students from New York University came to visit Karnei Shomron. They were on a semester in Israel program and as part of a course on religion and politics, they were interested in how religious beliefs affected the settlement movement. They also wanted to learn more about the partnership between Jews and Christians on the settlement issue. I was eager to meet these young students but as soon as they entered, before I even had a chance to open my mouth and say anything, I was met by a feeling of distance, bordering on hostility. They were extremely polite and respectful, but seemed suspicious of what I had to say. After my talk, there was time for questions and answers but very few had questions. I could not help but wonder if they gained anything from my talk and what exactly they were interested in learning. We then took a short walk in the community and discussion continued. I made the point that we were waiting for significant leaders in the Muslim world to condemn the terrorism and extremism represented by ISIS and other violent groups, to create a counter-movement that would attract young Muslims to a different vision of Islam than the one presented by radical groups and that is sweeping across Europe, gathering recruits and potential terrorists at an alarming rate. One of the students identified herself as an American Muslim and argued with me. She insisted that most Muslims were not supportive of ISIS and that whenever terrorist attacks were perpetrated by Muslims, her community would hold prayer vigils and reach out to the general community with a different message. I responded that such activities were positive but would not influence behaviors in the Middle East. And I challenged her and the others: Where is the outrage expressed by a Muslim cleric on the streets of Gaza when Arabs are passing out candies in celebration of another Jew murdered in a terrorist attack? Where are the Muslim clerics who excommunicate or effectively disassociate themselves from the Muslim leaders who are preaching violence, terrorism and hatred? The instructor then stepped in to cut off the discussion with the following statement: We all know there are many different narratives and we can discuss this further on the bus ride back. We parted and they boarded their bus back to Tel Aviv. But as I left them I continued to ponder the significance of the instructors statement regarding narratives. I can well understand that there was no time to iron out the differences in opinion between myself and the group. But the instructor did not mention a lack of time. He talked about narratives. Are there no longer facts? I referred to factual situationsthe distribution of candies and sweets on the streets of Gaza after 9-11 and subsequently, after numerous terrorist attacks against innocent Israelis. These incidents happened. They are fact. Can we no longer discuss the morality of incidents? Is it all relegated to narratives? I am a Jew who lives in Israel. The Land of Israel is the ancestral homeland of the Jewish people and the Jewish people have come home to this land after nearly 2,000 years in exile. Is that a fact or a narrative? Sometimes I feel as if I live in an ivory tower, cushioned and mercifully protected from the antagonism against Israel that is so prevalent in so many societies around the world. Universities are known to be hotbeds of anti-Semitic and anti-Israel sentiment. I am always deeply moved by accounts of students who participate in CUFI (Christians United For Israel) on Campus, as they recount the often harrowing experiences they have on their own campuses when they stand publicly for Israel. It must be so hard to stand up for what is right and true when so many around you are not even willing to acknowledge the facts that form the foundation of a pro-Israel opinion. Israel is a very open society and our citizens have diverse opinions about so many things. But there are basic ideas that are part of the consensus. Zionism is part of our consensus. Even though there are some people on the far left of the political spectrum who are questioning the basics of Zionism, they remain a fringe. Soldiers who fight in the IDF are our boys and Israelis feel a camaraderie for one another, regardless of whether we are religious, traditional or secular. There are non-Jews in Israel who have chosen to partner with the Jewish people, who define themselves as Zionist or as proud Israelis, and they are welcomed and treated as brothers and fellow travelers. When I encounter people from abroad who cannot even agree on the facts that underlie our national story, I am at a loss. How can I convince anyone of the rightness of our cause if they dont accept a single fact I present as truth? When we reduce disagreements to narratives, we can no longer argue points of view. If each person has his own narrative, there are no longer varying points of view about one story, but varying stories. We lose the ability to create consensus around one set of facts, one story. We lose the search for truth. And that is tragic. Sondra Oster Baras is the director of Christian Friends of Israeli Communities Israeli Office. She was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, in an Orthodox Jewish home. She moved to Israel in 1984 and later moved to the Samarian town of Karnei Shomron were she and her husband raised five children. She is an advocate for the settlement movement. (Rabbis Without Borders via JTA)There are two funny images I like to circulate this time every year as we approach the Passover holiday. The first is a cartoon of a truck with large text on the side reading Mortys Passover Cleaning. On the drivers side door is the word chametz inside a circle with line struck through it. Underneath the large Mortys Passover Cleaning text on the side of the truck it reads: Orthodox $89.95, Conservative $49.95; Reform $19.95. The second image is of a persons office cubicle completely covered in aluminum foileven the desk chair, computer, keyboard and mouse. Most likely this photo was taken of the scene of an office prank, but I like to circulate it with the question, Do we go overboard when it comes to Pesach cleaning? Lets look at the first photo. Is there some truth to this? I always maintain there has to be some truth to a joke for it to be funny, so lets say that on the whole, yes, Orthodox Jews would spend more money for Passover cleaning than Conservative Jews and Conservative Jews would spend more money for Passover cleaning than Reform Jews. Perhaps this image strikes us as offensive, but well unpack that in a moment. I remember as a kid before we got granite countertops watching my mother cover all the countertops in tin foil and then redoing this process each morning of the holiday because some of the tin foil had ripped the night before, causing little sections of the white Formica counter to be revealed. This was done despite the fact that our house was completely spotless after having been thoroughly cleaned for the holiday. The thinking was that the counter is of a porous material and would have retained some of the hametz from the year, which would contaminate our Passover food. We all spend exorbitant amounts of money on this eight-day holiday (only seven in Israel) to get special food that has been labeled kosher for Passover. We take spring cleaning to the next level, and then up a few more levels to make sure there is no hametz in our homes. We stockpile enough kosher for Passover food to feed an army, as if were planning to never return to a grocery store again or that the supply of matzah may run out. Are our intentions misguided? Most rabbis encourage congregants to fully embrace the strictures of Passover, and I certainly want everyone to observe the holiday with fervor and joy. But I question what can only be characterized as the intense OCD-like tenacity with which we tackle the minutiae of Passover observance. After all, our ancestors in Europe werent buying kosher for Passover bottled water! Rabbi Jason Miller is an educator, entrepreneur, social media expert and blogger. He is president of Access Computer Technology, a computer consulting firm based in Detroit, and is the founder-director of Kosher Michigan, a kosher certification agency. A recent visit with a young Japanese friend, a paratrooper in the IDF, provided an insight into the nature of Israel and other places. He said that fellow soldiers take him for Chinese or Korean, even though he explains that he comes from Japan. Israelis do a lot of traveling. Its tough being cooped up in a small country with hostiles all around. We can reach Europe, depending on destination, with 30 minutes of flying (Cyprus), four hours (Italy or France), or five hours (Britain). There are more than four million departures annually by Israelis, which is equivalent to half the population. The statistics dont distinguish between individuals. There are people who travel several times each year, and some who never leave. U.S. statistics show about 60 million departures, a far smaller percentage of 320 million. Its common for IDF graduates to trek through Europe, the U.S., Latin America, India, and Thailand. There is relatively little travel to the Far East. Just as Israelis have trouble distinguishing East Asians, outsiders have trouble comprehending the large number of ethnic groups among this countrys Jews. American Jews who claim to know and love, or not to love this place, make a common mistake of lumping together the Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox. Nothing could be further from reality, and the error defines as deficient someone who claims to understand Israel. While the ultra-Orthodox seek to isolate themselves from the countrys institutions, except to exercise their weight in the Knesset to gain benefits, the Orthodox operate as super patriots. Ultra-Orthodox avoid the IDF like the plague, and shun as marriage partners for their daughters those who have served. Orthodox have surpassed the kibbutzim in providing disproportionately to elite units and the officer corps. The two clusters of religious Jews approach the character of ethnic groups, due to their distinctive cultures and endogamy. That is, they tend to marry among themselves. Both also tend to stay within the Ashkenazi or Sephardi communities, in choosing their synagogues and their marriage partners. Some of the ultra-Orthodox Ashkenazi congregations limit their childrens marriage opportunities to other members of the same congregation, out of concern that followers of some other Rebbe, although Ashkenazim, cannot be proper Jews. Some of the Ashkenazi schools among the ultra-Orthodox do what they can to exclude students from ultra-Orthodox Sephardi families, on the claim that their knowledge of religious law is not up to the Ashkenazi standard. To be sure, the categories are open to individuals who move from one to another, or leave the inclusive category of religious for a life that is secular in large or part. There appears to be an increasing tendency of ethnic mixture among secular Israelis. Government statistics show that 34 percent of Jewish couples have one partner born in Europe or America (i.e., most likely Ashkenazim) and another born in Africa or Asia. However, in more than one-half of the Jewish couples, both partners have been born in Israel, with no official report of their parents origins. Israelis think in terms of ethnicity. Sephardim do less well in obtaining desirable employment than Ashkenazim, and claim discrimination. The accents and skin color of Russian-speakers and Ethiopians work against their chances. Romanians and Moroccans suffer from distinctive stereotypes, while Kurds and Iraqis (the latter being Jews with backgrounds in Baghdad or Bazra) score differently in socio-economic traits after three generations of living in Israel, despite both coming from Iraq. Those called Iraqis have higher levels of education and occupational achievements than Kurds or other groups coming from outside of Europe, perhaps reflecting earlier generations who served as administrators during British colonial rule in Iraq. We hear that they are the most German of Sephardi Israels. Israels non-Jews also have their ethnic differences. Circassians came from the Caucuses, arguably outside of the Middle East; they are Muslim, but Arabic is not their mother tongue. The Druze mother tongue is Arabic, but they are not Muslim. Bedouin and those calling themselves Arabs or Palestinians are Muslims and speak Arabic. Each of these groups tend to be endogamous, with Druze asserting that none leave or enter their community. That claim may be more spiritual than real, but its hard to know across ethnic divides. The American record is one of considerable success in absorbing European immigrants into its melting pot. Recent years have also shown considerable coupling between individuals of different races, but there remain distinct cultures of African Americans, Latinos, various clusters of South Asians and East Asians, and more recently Muslims that test what it means to be American. Europeans have become significantly more heterogeneous since WWII, with values of inclusivity and openness in the lands that produced the Holocaust. On a visit to Freiburg, Germany, we passed by a kindergarten with a multi-cultural mural on its outside wall, showing a black, blond, and brown child, reflecting the kids in that university town. Now, however, the issue of Islamic violence and streams of refugees from Middle Eastern and African chaos are testing Europeans values. Tribalism is a synonym for ethnicity. Conceptual definitions are muddied, and controversial among those who object to the word tribe as suggesting something primitive. There are also the labels of clans, extended families, and hamulas, used for smaller units within tribes or ethnic groups. All of these appear to greater or lesser degree throughout the world, often producing more serious problems than encountered by our Japanese friend whose colleagues in the IDF did not distinguish him from Chinese and Koreans. Culture matters. Ethnic differences provide interesting and exciting encounters, and confusion as we try to understand one another. Some of them spill over from interesting to threatening. Comments welcome Ira Sharkansky (Emeritus) Department of Political Science Hebrew University of Jerusalem irashark@gmail.com For some, the members of the Israeli NGO calling itself Breaking the Silence (BTS) are whistleblowers and human rights activists; for others, they are a tiny group of dangerous messianists who tour the world promoting anonymous and false allegations of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) war crimes. The recent expose on Israels Channel 2 showing how they gather sensitive and potentially classified information on IDF tactics and equipmentfar removed from any human rights claimsincreased the suspicion and hostility with which they are viewed by many Israelis. This debate is important, particularly when some college students in the U.S. are trying to push the BTS activists into Jewish and pro-Israel frameworks such as Hillel. In response, critics note that although BTS is a fringe group with a handful of activists, unfounded accusations against Israel feed BDS (the Boycott, Divestment Sanctions movement), demonization, and other forms of political warfare. BTS speakers allegations seem persuasive simply because they are Israelis, have served in the military, and look the part of righteous whistleblowers. In these controversies, the details appear to get lost, while vague ideological perceptions take over. BTS supportersincluding the CEO of the New Israel Fund (NIF), a BTS core funderuse shut-down techniques, arguing that valid criticism of the group is a smear campaign. The real problem with BTS is the money they have, provided by irresponsible donors, including European governments and the NIF. Together, these funders give over $1 million every year to BTS under the official facade of promoting human rights and international law among Israelis. These donations enable a handful of activists to buy influence completely disproportionate to their size in Israeli society. With this money, BTS holds events in churches, parliaments, and universities, promoting specious allegations of Israeli war crimes and other immoral acts. To make their arguments seem reasonable, BTS activists and their supporters systematically strip away the context of Palestinian terror and thousands of rocket attacks, leaving only a highly exaggerated and fictitious version of Israeli responses. For the European governments, the kosher certificate provided by the NIF to BTS is enough to justify much larger grants, which go unsupervised and are renewed year after year. NGOs in general are a big business in Israel, and external funding for the radical political groups is very controversial. Due to its central role, the NIF is seen by many Israelis as a self-selected and externally based alternative government to Israels elected leadership, operating outside any of the democratic checks and balances. A small group of NIF officials meeting in total secrecy provide seed money, and help their NGOs file applications and gain access to the European state funders, which then increase the existing budget many times over. For a significant part of the Israeli public, the powerful but undemocratic power of fringe groups like BTS, and the damage that they do in helping to demonize the Jewish state, has reached the boiling point. Responding to the unparalleled sums of money involved, and the secrecy that envelops European funding processes for Israeli political NGOs, Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked advanced legislation aimed at making these donations more transparent. (It is important to note this law would not affect private donors like the NIF, which are inherently different than governments that infringe on Israels sovereignty.) Whether or not the proposed Israeli legislation is passed, or instead, European governments negotiate guidelines with the government, this will not end the debate on American college campuses. In these cases, one option would be to demand that all such appearances and events with BTS and similar groups include an Israeli who served in the IDF and can present a very different picture. If necessary, the sponsoring organization will have to pay for the costs of ensuring a fair discussion. In that way, BTS will not be given the privileged position it currently enjoys, based on its $1 million budget, and instead of propaganda, college campus and other audiences will be able to hear different perspectives and decide for themselves. Gerald M. Steinberg is a professor of political science at Bar-Ilan University and the president of NGO Monitor, a Jerusalem-based research institute. No, the headline doesnt refer to Americas president. Im referring to the president of the Palestinian Authority (PA), Mahmoud Abbas. But lets keep President Barack Obamas party, the Democrats, in mind as we examine the latest developments involving Abbas and his Fatah party. Established in 1964long before there were any settlements or occupied territoriesFatah has long been the largest faction of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), and it carried out many of the PLOs most notorious terrorist massacres. The 1972 Munich Olympics massacre was perpetrated by Fatah (using the fake name Black September). The 1978 Coastal Road Massacre of 37 innocent civilians, including the niece of a U.S. senator, was carried out by Fatah. So were many, many other infamous atrocities. Yasser Arafat was chairman of both Fatah and the PLO; Abbas was his second in command with the nom de guerre of Abu Mazen. In a personal conversation with me, the late Yitzhak Rabin told me that Abbas was one of the terrorists surrounding Arafat. Since Arafats death, Abbas has been the leader of Fatah, the PLO, and the PA. The U.S. State Department claimed after the signing of the 1993 Oslo Accords that Fatah has become moderate, and it was removed from the official U.S. list of terrorist groups. But Fatahs Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade has continued to carry out terrorism against Israelis to this day. Moreover, the official Fatah emblem still shows a map of all of Israel (not just the disputed territories) as Palestine, criss-crossed by hands holding rifles. Some moderates they are! How has Abbass Fatah responded to the current wave of Palestinian stabbings of Israelis? By glorifying the stabbers and urging other Arabs to carry out knife attacks, too. Think about that for a moment. Fatah is the party of the head of the PA. In other words, it is the Palestinian equivalent of what the Democratic party is in the U.S.the party of the head of the government. Can you imagine the reaction if the Democratic party publicly endorsed murdering civilians? Here are a few samples of what Fatah has been saying about the terrorists and the stabbings: On March 27, the official Fatah Twitter account posts an illustration of a large knife, with the skyline of Jerusalem on it, above the slogan, Israel is forcing the young Palestinians to follow this path to Jerusalem. On March 9, Fatahs Facebook page posts an image of a huge hand holding a knife over a map of all of Israel. On the arm are the words The Heroic Martyr; the map is labeled Bashar Masalhathe name of the terrorist who recently stabbed to death an American tourist, Taylor Force. Also on March 9, photos of three terrorists are posted on the Fatah Facebook page, over the slogan, Happy are the Martyrs. The three are the aforementioned Bashar Masalha; Fuad Kassab Al-Tamimi, who shot attacked and wounded two Israelis in Jerusalem the previous day; and Abd Al-Rahman Raddad, who stabbed an Israeli in Petach Tikva the previous day. On March 8, the Fatah Facebook page posted this about Masalha, Al-Tamimi, and Raddad: O the pride of all O the pride of all of the young Palestinians, may your blood remain a source of true honor for the homeland for which you sacrificed alleven your precious lives. We promise you that your blood will continue to be a torch that illuminates our path, until we achieve what you died for as Martyrs. Your blood has taught us a lesson in the school of life. These are just three samples of an enormous number of similar Fatah declarations, which have been exposed and translated by Palestinian Media Watch. Now think about Fatahs declarations in American terms. Imagine if the Democratic partys Facebook page called the San Bernardino mass-murderers the pride of all young Americans. Imagine if Democratic party leaders hailed Dylann Roof (who carried out the South Carolina church massacre) as the Martyr, and promised that your blood will continue to be a torch that illuminates our path. At a bare minimum, surely President Obama would have that Facebook page dismantled and would fire any party officials who praised the murderers. Mahmoud Abbas, by contrast, has not penalized a single Fatah official for glorifying and inciting the stabbers. On the contrary, he himself has repeatedly praised the stabbers, has sent condolences to the families of stabbers who were killed in the act, and has even characterized the attacks as a peaceful popular uprising. The Palestinians should be held to the same moral standards as everyone else. To suggest that they cant help it and therefore should be excused when they behave like this is, frankly, racist. There is nothing in their DNA that compels them to be murderers or inciters. Their presidents party should be judged by the exact same standards and criteria that we judge the American presidents party. Where is the outrage from those who pressure Israel to make concessions to those who honor and praise terrorists? Over the years, Ive spoken at or attended a number of academic conferences on the subject of rising anti-Semitism. Parleys like these are essential for boosting our understanding of why, seven decades after the end of the World War II, the taboo around anti-Semitic invectivewhether directed at Jews as Jews, or through code words like Zionistshas been broken. Historians, sociologists, and political scientists, along with scholars from similar disciplines, all play a decisive role in determining how the trajectory of anti-Semitism changes even as its core themes, like its implacable opposition to Jewish sovereignty and its dark warnings about powerful Jews working against the national interest, remain the same. From April 2-6, all these topics again came under the spotlight at a major conference at the Indiana University Institute for the Study of Contemporary Anti-Semitism, under the able direction of Professor Alvin Rosenfeld. The papers being delivered suggested that the conference was digging deep into the weeds: Over four days, attendees discussed why anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism exercise little attraction in countries like Japan, India, and China; examining the manipulation of the Holocaust in public debates around Israel and Zionism; and revisiting, through such subjects as Anglo-American Committee of Inquiry of 1946 on the future of the land of Israel, the historical foundations of anti-Semitism in our own time. All very interesting and perhaps even a little obscure, you might think, but dont make the mistake of believing that a conference like this one is a purely ivory tower affair. The very title of the conferenceAnti-Zionism, Anti-Semitism, and the Dynamics of Delegitimizationmakes clear what the conference organizers correctly regard as the heart of the current problem. Our goal is to open more eyes toward what is happening, Rosenfeld told The Algemeiner, to get more people to start paying attention to contemporary anti-Semitism and the role that hostility to Israel plays in generating it. Thus do we come to the perennial question of whether anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism. Its a question that is often put to me, and my brief answer is that historically, the two were distinct, but today, they are largely the same. The great scholar of anti-Semitism, Professor Robert Wistrich, whose sudden passing in 2015 robbed the academic community of one of its sharpest and most charismatic figures, put it much more precisely, and it is worth quoting in full: Anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism are two distinct ideologies that over time (especially since the creation of Israel in 1948) have tended to converge, generally without undergoing a full merger. There have always been Bundists, Jewish communists, Reform Jews, and ultra-Orthodox Jews who strongly opposed Zionism without being Judeophobes. So, too, there are conservatives, liberals, and leftists in the West today who are pro-Palestinian, antagonistic toward Israel, and deeply distrustful of Zionism without crossing the line into anti- Semitism. There are also Israeli post-Zionists who object to the definition of Israel as an exclusively or even a predominantly Jewish state without feeling hostile toward Jews as such. There are others, too, who question whether Jews are really a nation; or who reject Zionism because they believe its accomplishment inevitably resulted in uprooting many Palestinians. None of these positions is intrinsically anti-Semitic in the sense of expressing opposition or hatred toward Jews as Jews. Nevertheless, I believe that the more radical forms of anti-Zionism that have emerged with renewed force in recent years do display unmistakable analogies to European anti-Semitism immediately preceding the Holocaust. In this regard, Wistrich stressed the grim associations between the Nazi boycott of German Jews during the 1930s and the current Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) hate campaign targeting the Jewish state. It is these functional overlaps between old and new forms of anti-Semitism, rather than the stated intentions of those who engage in boycotts of Israel, that really matter. Put another way, most boycotters will, often at the same time, angrily deny that they are anti-Semites and insist that the charge of anti-Semitism is a meaningless smear designed to choke off free debate about the legitimacy of Israel. But what counts is how these political views are put into practice. Examine that and you will find, as recent research by the AMCHA Initiative watchdog group has revealed, a verifiable correlation between anti-Zionist activism and anti-Semitic outrages. What AMCHA has shown is that the more exposed a university campus is to the propaganda of anti-Zionismthe slander that Israel is an apartheid state, the denial of Jewish indigeneity in the land of Israel, the celebration of Palestinian violence against Jews and Israelisthe more likely it is that Jewish students will face harassment. The fact that it is Jews living in the Diaspora, rather than the State of Israel itself, that are first in the line of BDS fire tells us a great deal about both the beliefs and tactics of this campaign. Of course, campus bien-pensants will tell you that such data means nothing because the real challenge is not perceived anti-Jewish prejudice, but the hierarchy of oppression, which determines that Jews are the beneficiaries of white privilege. As Harvard University professor Larry Summers put it in a recent Washington Post column, on too many American campuses, [T]here is hypersensitivity to prejudice against most minority groups but what might be called hyper-insensitivity to anti-Semitism. Yet the portents are changing, and for the better. Seven states in the U.S. have now passed legislation to counter any material impact that the BDS hate campaign might have. The Board of Regents of the University of California recently determined in a statement that there are anti-Semitic forms of anti-Zionism. While this manifestly doesnt mean that BDS advocacy is banned, it does stigmatize the underlying message as hate speech. We need more of these victories against the anti-Semitic incarnation of anti-Zionism, and scholars of the phenomenon have a critical role to play. Our adversaries have, for too long, enjoyed an uncontested playing field upon which to stake their claim that opposing Zionism is duty towards global justice. Now, though, the triangle of pro-Israel advocacy, anti-BDS legislation, and further scholarly unmasking of this movements malicious aims is finally making its mark. Ben Cohen, senior editor of TheTower.org & The Tower Magazine, writes a weekly column for JNS.org on Jewish affairs and Middle Eastern politics. His writings have been published in Commentary, the New York Post, Haaretz, The Wall Street Journal, and many other publications. He is the author of Some of My Best Friends: A Journey Through Twenty-First Century Antisemitism (Edition Critic, 2014). HILLSBOROUGH A pair of rainbow flags has been stolen from a rural Orange County church about a week after a pair of similar banners were burned outside of the same church. News outlets report that Hillsborough United Church of Christ reported the theft to the Orange County Sheriff's Office on Thursday and replaced the stolen flags with another new set. The theft comes in the wake of church members finding the scorched remains of a pair of rainbow flags Saturday morning. Rev. Jay Kennett says the banners were raised last month to support the LGBT community in the wake of House Bill 2, which prevents local and state governments from mandating protections for LGBT people in the private sector or at stores and restaurants. Deputies are still investigating both the flag-burning and the theft. 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/ From rigid corsets to barely-there nylon briefs, a new exhibition at Londons Victoria and Albert Museum explores three centuries of underwear in Europe, focusing on Britains relationship with its most intimate garments. Fashion and underwear are inextricably linked, Susanna Cordner, research assistant on the Underwear exhibition, told AFP. Corset, cotton, whalebone, about 1890. Museum no. T.90-1984. (Victoria and Albert Museum, London) Its like the chicken and the egg, one influences the other and its cyclical, she added. Read: A smart underwear to get that perfect body posture The show, which opens Saturday, comprises more than 200 pieces and will run until March 2017. The story begins in the 18th century with a look at the heavy undergarments of the time, made form natural fibres that allowed high-temperature washing and helped hygiene. Close Trompe loeil corset dress, designed by Antonio Berardi, Spring/Summer 2009, worn by Gwyneth Paltrow. (Victoria and Albert Museum, London) These were clamped in place by corsets that supported the bust and sculpted the silhouette, forming a solid base for dresses to be worn over. One of the exhibitions centre-pieces -- a hand-made corset fashioned by an Englishwoman of modest means -- shows that such complex items were not confined to high-society, but had to be worn by all women for fear of upsetting moral sensibilities. Mans top and pants, designed by Sibling, Spring/Summer 2013. (Victoria and Albert Museum, London) The show also reveals how men also used corsets and other garments to provide support while playing sport and to flatter the shape, but not nearly to the extent of the women of the age. See: Were talking lingerie (and lots of it) A copy of a silk corset from 1890 boasts a 48 centimetre (19 inch) waist, compared to todays average of 71 centimetres (28 inches), and led to warnings from doctors and calls to ditch the restrictive garment. Installation view of Undressed: A Brief History of Underwear. (Victoria and Albert Museum, London) Other shape-defining garments on display include crinolines, the stiffened 19th-century petticoats that accentuated the hips and buttocks, but which had an unfortunate tendency to catch fire. For men, a jockstrap, originally introduced for cyclists in the United States in 1887, shows how underwear was used to enhance the male figure. Advertising poster designed by Hans Schleger for the Charnaux Patent Corset Co. Ltd, about 1936. (Victoria and Albert Museum, London) Modern-day smalls on show reveal the importance of new, lighter fabrics in helping to produce less restrictive garments that hug the figure in a more natural fashion and are easier to maintain. Read: Your guide to the prettiest, trendiest lingerie of 2016 Every period had different preoccupations and different technologies that they used to express those different times and styles, explained Cordner. The story begins in the 18th century with a look at the heavy undergarments of the time, made form natural fibres that allowed high-temperature washing and helped hygiene. (AFP) However, the second part of the exhibition shows how corsets have remained popular with designers such as Agent Provocateur, playing on the garments erotic undertones. Other highlights include long cotton drawers worn by Queen Victorias mother, and flesh-coloured leggings decorated with a mirrored-glass fig leaf, designed by Vivienne Westwood. The rivalry between the Congress and the Trinamool in West Bengal might cast a long shadow on the Opposition unity in Parliament, at least during the second the budget session due to start from April 25. The Trinamool reacted sharply to Congress president Sonia Gandhis accusations during an election rally where she drew a parallel between West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With the party launching a rare attack on the top Congress leadership, Trinamool sources said chances of supporting the Congress on key issues against the NDA government in Parliament, is unlikely, at least for the time being. We are fighting against the Congress here. The Congress chief has actually launched a no-holds barred attack on us. How can they expect our help in Parliament? said a senior leader. The Opposition unity is crucial for the Congress as it can stall key bills or force the BJP to come at a negotiating table. Trinamool is the fourth largest party in Parliament and has 12 MPs in Rajya Sabha where the government is in minority. We know why you said what you did today. The circle is now complete: Sonia and Modi are on the same side. Mamata Banerjee is on the other side. In Bengal your party is a facsimile of the Communists. In Delhi, you play along with the BJP government, Trinamools national spokesperson Derek OBrien said on Wednesday, responding to Gandhis political onslaught. Trinamool had often lent crucial support to the Congress in Parliament. When 23 Congress MPs were suspended by Lok Sabha speaker, we had also walked out in protest, said a Trinamool MP. The second budget session will also coincide with the ongoing assembly polls in West Bengal where the Congress and Trinamool are at loggerheads. The Sonia-Modi arrangement is so neat, it has reduced national politics to a protection racket, said Derek. Swara Bhaskar has made a mark in Bollywood by playing unconventional characters in movies like Tanu Weds Manu and Raanjhanaa. Her next, Nil Battey Sannata, will see her portray the role of a maid struggling to bring up her daughter. She feels, saves her from falling into the trap of doing stereotypical cinema. She also believes that her ideals should reflect in the kind of work she chooses to do, be it films or theatre. The 28-year-old is known to not mince words when it comes to expressing her opinion. Calling herself progressive and reckless at the same time, she says, I usually end up doing something I fear the most, but if its something I strongly feel about I will do it, said Bhaskar, who recently received a lot of flak for her open letter in support of Umar Khalid, the PhD student from Jawaharlal Nehru University, who was charged with sedition for raising anti-national slogans on campus. Talking about the issue, she says, I believe in progressive politics and dont believe in being neutral. Appalled at what was going on in the country, I felt this was the only way to register my protest and at that time Kanhaiya or Khalid were not the heroes they are today. The open letter became a Twitter sensation. I did not realise that it would mean falling out with my producers. I believe that I lost out on a National Award after I read something on those lines on an online portal where some sources confirmed the same, because of my take on the JNU sedition row. What could be worse (laughs)? says the JNU alumus, further adding that she will be more careful about her timing but doesnt regret having had her say in the matter. Swara has a taste for protest poetry. She works with a motley group of actors, writers, directors, musicians and producers called Swaang, who share their videos on social media. She says she has a major problem with lyrics of Punjabi rap. I dont get what Yo Yo Honey Singh or other Punjabi rappers are trying to convey. I am okay with sexually explicit content and item numbers but I have a problem with people celebrating rape or other such violence, she signs off. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Bollywood actor Sridevi has visited the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai to seek blessings along with her friends. She visited the temple on Thursday on the occasion of the Tamil New Year. She took to Twitter on Friday to share some photographs of her visit with her fans. In one photograph, see can be seen posing with a gods idol behind her. Feeling blessed at the Meenakshi temple, Madurai on Tamil New Year. A divine experience, she captioned the image. Feeling blessed at the Meenakshi temple, Madurai on Tamil New Year. A divine experience. pic.twitter.com/UfB5x6fdot SRIDEVI BONEY KAPOOR (@SrideviBKapoor) April 15, 2016 In another image, she can be seen with her friends. With my holy circle of friends at the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. A fantastic visit and darshan on Tamil New Year, she wrote along with the image. With my holy circle of friends at the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai. A fantastic visit and darshan on Tamil New Year. pic.twitter.com/muYC2IzuqY SRIDEVI BONEY KAPOOR (@SrideviBKapoor) April 15, 2016 This year marks the 125th anniversary of Pope Leo XIIIs encyclical Rerum Novarum and the beginning of the modern Catholic social encyclical tradition. In this landmark text, Leo courageously set out to examine the new things of his time, especially the changes associated with the Industrial Revolution. These included the emergence of an urbanized working class, the breakdown of old social hierarchies, and the rise of capitalism as well as ideologies such as socialism, liberalism, communism, and corporatism. On April 20, 2016, Acton Institute is holding a free conference in Rome exploring similar themes. This conference on Freedom with Justice: Rerum Novarum and the New Things of Our Time will take place in Rome, Italy from 14:00-19:30 (GMT +2) at the Centro Congressi Roma Eventi Fontana di Trevi. Remote participation is also possible through the online Live Broadcast. Among the speakers will be Rev. Prof. Wojciech Giertych, OP, Professor and Theologian of the Papal Household. For more information about this event or to register, visit www.acton.org/Rome2016. Acton Institutes director of research, Dr. Samuel Gregg, recently authored an article in Crisis Magazine which highlighted the radical character of Leo XIIIs attempt to engage the modern economic world: Eighty-one year old men are not the first people who come to mind when we hear the word revolutionary. But 125 years ago, one such manVincenzo Pecci, better known to history as Pope Leo XIIIdid something radical. By issuing the first modern social encyclical, Rerum Novarum , he ushered in a new era for Catholicisms relationship with what we often call modernity, especially the world created by the Industrial Revolution and the upheaval in ideas precipitated by Adam Smiths Wealth of Nations . This wasnt the first occasion that Leo entered into discussions of political economy. His second encyclical, Quod Apostolici Muneris (1878), promulgated just 10 months into his pontificate dealt directly with the topic of socialism. Not mincing his words, Leo bluntly stated that socialismwhatever its formcorrupted the state, damaged the family, violated legitimate property rights, contradicted the commandment against theft, and, above all, was contrary to divine and natural law. Thats strong stuff. Yet, as Rerum Novarum illustrated, Pope Leo wasnt a libertarian. But then neither was Adam Smith, at least by contemporary standards. Certainly, Leo admired the French Catholic free market liberal, Frederic Bastiat (1801-1850), whos buried in Eglise Saint Louis des Francais in Rome. In a pastoral letter published only 18 months before being elected pope, the-then Cardinal Pecci of Perugia wrote: A celebrated French economist, Bastiat, has grouped and shown as in a picture the multiplied benefits man finds in society. That said, Leo was not blind to the social turmoil (or what the twentieth-century economist Joseph Schumpeter famously called creative destruction) thats part-and-parcel of capital-intensive market economies. Read Greggs full piece A Revolutionary Pope for Revolutionary Times at Crisis Magazine. Again, for more information about this event or to register, visit www.acton.org/Rome2016. Indian airlines in a tearing hurry to fit in more flights every day have received a rap on their knuckles from the aviation regulator. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has asked domestic carriers to have a realistic turnaround time (the time taken to make an aircraft ready for departure after it has landed) to avoid inconvenience to passengers. This comes after the regulator received several complaints from passengers on how airlines had been hurrying up disembarking procedures especially at the smaller airports. There have been instances where people with a disability are still inside the aircraft waiting to disembark and the airline allows passengers to start boarding, said a DGCA official. There have been several cases where airlines begin boarding while the aircraft is still being cleaned. Cases have also been brought to our notice where passengers getting off have complained that there is no place for them to step out as the ladder is already blocked by passengers who are about to board, he said. DGCA officials brought up this issue in a meeting on summer schedule slot coordination held on March 17 at the headquarters of the aviation ministry with airlines. Airlines were advised to follow a realistic turnaround time in view of safety and security considerations, said the minutes of the meeting. More flights mean more revenue for an airline. A higher aircraft utilization is good but not at the cost of inconveniencing passengers, said another official. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Indias Alkem Laboratories has been accused by Germanys health regulator of fudging data on clinical trials of an antibiotic and brain disorder drug, becoming the third Indian firm to be scrutinised since 2014 for suspected manipulation of trial data. The medicines are now being reviewed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on the recommendation of the German regulator, which inspected Alkems Taloja plant in western India last March. Alkem was found to have engaged in intentional misrepresentation of data and duplicated results of electrocardiogram (ECG) readings of patients in trials, the German regulator said in a notice sent to the EMA on March 24, 2016. The notice and other information on the review dated April 1 was seen by Reuters on the EMA website on Friday. In recent years, Indias GVK Biosciences and Quest Lifesciences were found to have duplicated ECG data, resulting in the withdrawal of approvals for hundreds of drugs last year. The EMA said it was assessing the benefit-risk of certain medicines that had received marketing approval based on trials conducted by Alkem between March 2013 and March 2015. The drugs include the antibiotic cefuroxime and rulizole, used to treat the neurological disorder amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, sold both by Alkem and Slovenias Krka, the EMA said. Alkem was conducting trials on the drugs for Krka. The German regulator made Alkem aware of its findings on Sept. 8, 2015, according to the notice. Mumbai-based Alkem did not immediately reply to requests for comment on Friday. It said last month that UK regulator MHRA had inspected the Taloja plant and made eight observations. Krka did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment. The German regulator said Alkems quality management system neither avoided nor detected the data manipulation. The regulator has urged the EMA, the medicines regulator for the European Union, to take necessary action and consider if impacted drugs need to be suspended or recalled. Alkem, one of the fastest-growing drugmakers in India, debuted on Indian stock exchanges in December, raising more than $200 million in an offering that received an overwhelming response from investors. Since the listing, its shares have dipped 3 percent. Apart from conducting clinical trials for drug companies, it sells generic versions of medicines ranging from anti-infectives, anti-diabetics and anti-malaria drugs to 55 countries, including United States and Europe. The EMAs opinion will be considered by the European Commission, which will take a final decision on the medicines, the EMA said. The three-year-old Bharatiya Mahila Bank (BMB) has its days numbered. The Rs 1,000-crore experiment of the previous UPA government has remained a non-starter, and the Modi government is keen to merge it with another public sector lender, sources said. However, the issue could turn into a political war between BJP and Opposition Congress. While the Centre is looking for an appropriate merger partner for BMB, former finance minister P Chidambaram, who was part of the launch team, said the decision to merge BMB with another bank will be a terrible idea. I hope the idea is not being killed because it was launched by the UPA, Chidambaram told HT through a text message, when asked about the current governments decision. Soon after the launch of BMB, a majority of lenders, both public and private, introduced their own all-women branches, and even came out with special products for women. The uniqueness of BMB was lost soon after its launch as most other banks came up with the same model within their own business space...however, it wasnt possible for these banks, including BMB, to continue with this model... BMB has customers who are men, employees who are men... so how do you differentiate? said Ashvin Parekh, managing partner, APA Services. Top officials of the bank have urged the government to take the final call on the fate of the lender at the earliest, as the uncertainty is impacting business and morale of employees. A final decision on the banks fate needs to be taken very quickly as reports of the merger is impacting our employees and customerswho will come to the bank, if there is uncertainty, said SM Swathi, executive director, BMB. The Banks Board Bureau (BBB), which came into force from April 1, is looking for a match for the lender. However, senior officials, who have been with BMB since its inception, questioned the decision. On one hand several new licences are being issued for setting up banks and on the other, this banks future seems uncertain..when the country needs more banks especially to handle niche businesses, what is the problem in continuing with BMB? an official questioned. Launched in 2013 by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, BMB currently has around 56 branches. However, the bank has not been able to make much of a dent in the market. Total advances stood at Rs 446 crore as on September 30, 2015, while deposits amounted to Rs 920 crore. The bank also offers insurance products for women like Nirbhaya primarily a maternity cover and Sakhee targeted at the rural women, besides Komal Kali a recurring deposit scheme for the girl child. It is running without a chairperson since August. We are looking at all options and a decision will be taken soon, a senior finance ministry official said. The bank, with zero non-performing assets (NPAs) loans that do not yield returns will not have a problem in finding a taker, the BMB official said. According to earlier reports, the finance ministry was considering a proposal to merge BMB with State Bank of India (SBI), though no decision was taken. When asked about the merger proposal, SBI chairman Arundhati Bhattacharya had said at that time: I have not been approached on this...I think this is something they are discussing at the Cabinet... Bharatiya Mahila Bank has `1,000-crore capital and their loan book must be Rs 150-200 crore and zero non-performing assets along with very few branches. So it is really a very small entity as of now. So well see. Sources, however, said a merger proposal with SBI would be examined carefully before a final decision is taken. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Indias exports which have fallen for 15 straight months till now are likely to end below the lowered $260-billion target for this fiscal, said a senior commerce ministry official. The target was set at $300 billion at the beginning of the last financial year. The next fiscal, however, is expected to be better, the official added. The case of plunging exports has been a global trend which is why the government is not feeling the pinch. Finance ministry is not bothered till the current account deficit is in control and even if the commerce ministry is approaching with ideas to bail out falling exports, it is not bothered, the official said. Indias merchandise exports fell by 5.7% to $20.7 billion in February this year. The figures for March are expected later this week. Last week World Trade Organisation cut its global trade growth forecast to 2.8% from 3.9% earlier on account of slowdown in emerging economies and financial volatility. This wasnt good news for India as it is aiming to increase its share in the global trade to 3.5% from the current 2% now by 2020, by when it also aims to double its exports to $900 billion. Meanwhile, India is exploring bilateral trade deals with Iran and UAE. UAE is our biggest trading partner. Similarly, Iran is important as India imports a huge amount of crude oil and exports essential commodities to the country. Thus, new trade deals are the way forward to growth, the official added. A pre-primary favourite for a partys nomination to contest the November elections isnt convinced the principal rival is faithful to the cause: Im not even sure he is one. Hes running as one. So I dont know quite how to characterise him, went the charge. The opposing camp, meanwhile, warns the frontrunner not to destroy the party to satisfy personal ambition. Theres much chatter concerning convention chaos. If youre starting to scowl over the prospect of yet another analysis on the Trump train derailing the Republicans, you are thinking off-track. In recent days, Hillary Clinton has been feeling the Bern and questioned Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders claim to fly the Democratic Party banner. His campaign adviser ticked her off for mouthing off. One recent poll shows nearly a quarter of Sanders supporters wont back Clinton in the general. If Democrats thought they could sit by and munch popcorn (or quinoa) while the Republicans ate their own, now theyre getting indigestion over their own party making a meal of getting a nominee. Read | Rivals Clinton, Sanders tied in support among Democrats: Poll This is the latest chapter in the most bizarre presidential election cycle in America in decades, one where even New York, which rarely sees hard fought contests, has begun to matter. That, of course, refers to the primary in the Empire State on April 19. Bernie Sanders met Brooklyn hipsters, Ted Cruz met with Bronx cheers, the Trump rail rolled into Long Island and Hillary Clinton fumbled her swipe into the NYC subway. It isnt as if politicians dont make a beeline for New York, but its usually for its eponymous city, to midtown and lower Manhattan, fund-raising central, where blue bilious billionaires adhere like barnacles. Those are the people presidential contenders abuse in public and amuse in private. Read | Trump blasts rigged rules on picking Republican delegates In a way, New Yorks recent relevance is fitting since three of the main remaining participants are, in various ways, natives. Sanders is the liberal New York Jew, the fauna that flourishes on the Upper West Side. Despite his decades in Vermont, he hasnt quite lost that New York accent. Clinton is the Midwestern carpetbagger (by way of Little Rock, Arkansas), who pretends to be at home in Harlem even if she cant quite swipe a Metrocard, the ubiquitous pass for the subway system. Trump, of course, remains a denizen, displaying the sort of brazenness that makes it the city of hucksters on the make. The outsiders Cruz and Kasich have as much chance of cracking the code as they have of finding parking downtown on a weekday. Thats, at least, the city; theres also the rest of the state, succinctly dismissed as Upstate, that expanse between NYC and Niagara Falls. Not that New York oughtnt to matter. But in this game of democracy gone wild, states that are a gimme for a party or a candidate often draw as much electoral interest as sunbathing during a Delhi summer. While there are arguments that the process allows insurgent candidates to dethrone the anointed (see Clinton, Hillary, 2008 and Bush, Jeb 2016), it has progressed this time into a mandate for madness. Primary voters may have cast their ballots in their millions, but the nomination may actually depend on establishment rules. If a Donald Trump emerges with the most delegates but not enough to hit the magic number, a contested convention could chew him up. And if a Sanders wins eight out of nine contests, but still drowns in a deluge of superdelegates (party grandees at various levels), his supporters could take their case of sour grapes to the convention floor to whine about the injustice league. Read | Howd US be under President Trump: Boston Globe mocks on frontpage After two-and-a-half months of grassroots voters turning up, you may well have a high command dictating the outcome. Meanwhile, the primaries could continue to matter all the way to June 7, a day when the calendar includes California. If it gets that far, both parties should seriously consider cancelling the primary process and instead taking to holding an awards night in Los Angeles and have a jury give a statuette to the best performer in the role of presidential candidate. (Anirudh Bhattacharyya is a Toronto-based commentator on American affairs. The views expressed are personal) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The Uttarakhand Environment Protection and Pollution Control Board (UEPPCB) fears that the Ganga pollution may rise manifold during the Char Dham yatra which begins next month. The boards main concern is that hotels, ashrams and lodges along the Char Dham route (Rishikesh, Haridwar and Garhwal) continue to dump their waste into the Ganga despite restrictions and the volume might increase by 70% when they reach the capacity during the yatra. Over six lakh pilgrims go on the Char Dham pilgrimage every year. Board member secretary Vinod Singhal, however, was hopeful that the state government would support the board in environment compliance. Read | More biometric centres for pilgrim registration on Char Dham routes A pollution survey report submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) last month revealed that at least 1,500 hotels and ashrams are dumping waste in the Ganga besides 60 industries in Haridwar and nearby areas along the river. The situation might become complex as the sewage treatment plants along the river are under capacity, officials said. Peyjal Nigam project engineer VK Goel said Haridwar needed at least a treatment plant with an additional 15 MLD treatment capacity and Rishikesh and Garhwal with over 20 MLD capacity. According to the tribunal, In Uttarakhand alone, daily sewage output into the river is 142.99 MLD whereas contribution from trade effluents from grossly polluting industries is 7 MLD and treated and untreated effluent from other industries is 67 MLD. In Haridwar, the Jagjitpur has a capacity of only 18 MLD and it receives over 45 MLD waste daily. Same is the case in Sarai. In Rishikesh, only a 6 MLD plant is running at Lakadghat. In Garhwal there are two STPs-Tapovan (3MLD) and Swargashram (3.50 MLD). All of them are under capacity plants which might prove ineffective during the yatra, officials said. However, hoteliers blame it on the government. Its the urban body that has to come up with STPs and not individual hotels and ashrams, Sunil Gulati of Ellbe hotels said. Action so far The board has already sealed three hotels early this year that didnt obtain the non-objection certificate which is mandatory under Section 25 of The Water (Prevention and Control Pollution) Act, 1974. At least five ashrams have been found to be violating the section. The board has slapped notices on 15 hotels having more than 50 rooms for not disposing their sewage waste as per the prescribed norms. They have been asked to reply on April 15. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A section of auto and taxi unions have given a call for a one-day strike on Monday, to protest against app-based cab services, a move which may cause hardship to commuters in the national capital. Rajendra Soni, who is general secretary of both Delhi Autorickshaw Sangh and Delhi Pradesh Taxi Unions, said that autos and black-yellow taxis will not ply on the capitals roads on Monday. Soni said the AAP government has so far not issued 10,000 new permits of autorickshaws which it had cancelled after alleged irregularities in their distribution. On one hand, government talks about strengthening public transport, but on the other hand it has not issued 10,000 new permits of autos so far. Besides, we have also been demanding to stop app-based taxis as their operation is illegal. They are snatching our livelihood. When we had met Delhi Transport Minister Gopal Rai on March 14, he had assured us to fulfil our demands within next 15 days, but till now, no decision has been taken by the government, he said. There are around 13,000 black-yellow taxis and around 81,000 autorickshaws plying on the streets of the capital. If they go on strike, commuters may face hardships while using public transport as the fortnight-long odd-even scheme is already in place in the capital. Earlier this week, a section of auto and taxi unions had taken out a protest march against the app-based taxi services in the Capital. The Delhi government has banned the sale, purchase and storage of all forms of chewable tobacco, including gutkha, pan masala, khaini and zarda, in the national capital for one year. The department of food safety had issued a notification on Wednesday in this regard. According to the notification, unpackaged products of chewable tobacco, too, are covered under the ambit of the ban. Read | Punjab bans manufacturing of gutkha, pan masala The manufacture, storage, distribution, or sale of tobacco which is either flavoured, scented or mixed... and whether going by the name or form of gutka, pan, masala, flavoured/scented tobacco, kharra, or otherwise... whether packaged or unpackaged and/or sold as one product, or though packaged as separate products, sold or distributed in such manner so as to easily facilitate mixing by the consumer is prohibited for a period of one year, the notification stated. Read | 85 pc pictorial warning on tobacco products in force from today Health department officials said a notification was issued by Delhi government in September, 2012, in pursuance of a series of directions from Supreme Court for a ban on gutkha in the city. But since the term gutkha was used in that notification, tobacco retailers started selling the components of gutkha (betel nut and raw tobacco) in separate pouches, thus defeating the purpose behind the ban on gutkha. The health department had, therefore, come up with a new proposal for banning all raw chewable tobacco products in Delhi, a senior official said. The second phase of Delhis odd-even road-rationing scheme started on a bad note on Friday with particulate pollution far beyond permissible limits but the levels decreased as the day progressed. Real-time data from monitoring stations of the Delhi Pollution Control Committee revealed poor readings on Friday morning . The levels of PM2.5 the tiniest and deadliest particulate matter that affects lungs and enters the blood stream, and PM10 slightly bigger in size -- were far beyond permissible limits . This was despite the significant dip in vehicles on roads due to the odd-even scheme and a public holiday (Ram Navmi). Air quality experts blamed the pollution on low wind speed. The wind speed on Friday 8 am at RK Puram was 1 m/s. At noon, it went up to 2.8 m/s. Air pollution levels corresponded accordingly. According to Hindustan Times air pollution monitoring index PM 2.5 was 298 microgrammes per cubic metre at 8am but dropped to 62 microgrammes per cubic metre at noon. It further decreased to 48 microgrammes per cubic metre at 2 pm. The permissible level of PM 2.5 is 60 per cubic metre while for PM10 it is 100 micrograms per cubic metre. According to System of Air Pollution Monitoring and Forecasting (Safar) under the ministry of earth sciences, the Air Quality Index (AQI) of Delhi on Friday was 269 a poor rating that comes with the advisory that sensitive people may experience health effects. On Thursday though, the AQI scaled a moderate rating of 101-200; the health advisory deems this acceptable for general public. The portal, however, had not updated its readings after 10 am. The air quality for the past week has been in the moderate and satisfactory range- unusual for Delhi. Met officials have attributed this to high wind speed, in the range of 5 m/s and 8 m/s . Delhi last year overtook Beijing as the city with the worst air in the world as per WHO rankings, in which 13 of the 20 most polluted cities were in India. The Delhi government brought in the odd-even scheme to tackle air pollution but the fickle weather made it difficult to understand its impact on air pollution. Scientists are hoping the second phase of the scheme will help them understand the impact better as weather is more stable in April . Former Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit on Friday accused her successor Arvind Kejriwal of publicising the odd-even road rationing policy in a blatant attempt to fool people into believing that the formula was a raging success. The second phase of the odd-even scheme began in the national capital on Friday and Kejriwal has called on the people to make it a success. Odd even scheme returns: Live Coverage of Day 1 I really dont see any benefit here. This is nothing but inconvenience. They should have gone ahead with the programme only if they honestly thought it was a success. They should also ensure adequate transportation to people, which is not there right now. Half the buses are broken down, how are people supposed to travel now? Dikshit told ANI. She further accused Kejriwal of going out of his way to publicise the scheme saying that the chief minister was trying to make the scheme sound like a one of a kind, never heard before formula. They have publicised this to make it sound like it is out of this world and they have tried to create such an impression, but its clearly not working, Dikshit added. Echoing similar sentiments, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Vijender Gupta told ANI that the Delhi government was not proving anything by implementing the formula only for 15 days and asserted that the odd-even scheme was not a permanent solution to the national capitals traffic woes. Full Coverage: Breathe Delhi The governments aim through this programme is not clear. This is all just a waste of effort and time and its not even a permanent solution. Its just time pass by the government. People are saying that they might have to buy another vehicle if this continues, Gupta said. Kejriwal, however, found some support from Trinamool Congress spokesperson Derek O Brien, who wished him luck for the successful implantation of the scheme. Rise & Shine #Delhi. Good luck @ArvindKejriwal & team for Chapter Two #oddeven Do what it takes, Brien tweeted. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) have announced extra trains and buses to cope up with the rise in the numbers of commuters opting for public transport. The chief minister has conceded the first phase didnt reduce pollution as expected but insisted the scheme freed up choked intersections and slashed traffic on Delhis busiest stretches. Kejriwal also said that public transport needs to be strengthened before the scheme could be implemented on a regular basis. According to the scheme, private cars with registration numbers ending in odd digits will be allowed on odd dates and those ending in even digits will ply on even dates. The scheme is starting on Friday, April 15 and will end on April 30. The restrictions will be enforced from 8am to 8pm Monday through Saturday. In pics: Fewer cars and more cops, Delhi roads see odd-even effects VIPs, women drivers, CNG-certified vehicles, two-wheelers, those carrying the differently-abled, two-wheelers, and emergency vehicles are exempted from the scheme. The exemption will not apply to Delhi chief minister and his Cabinet colleagues as they have decided to abide by the rule. Those found violating the scheme will be penalised with a fine of Rs. 2000. About 5000 civil defence volunteers will be at various traffic intersections carrying placards explaining the rules to motorists. The Aam Aadmi Party government had implemented the first phase of the radical initiative between January 1 and 15 to clean up Delhis toxic air, considered the worst in the world. With the New York presidential primary only a few days away, most candidates are canvassing the state to drum up votes. But Bernie Sanders has taken a peculiar detour to Rome. (Not Rome, NY. The one in Italy.) Sanders is delivering a 10-minute speech this morning at a Vatican conference hosted by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Saint John Paul IIs encyclical, Centesimus Annus. Sanders will be speaking on economy and social justice. In The Detroit News, Actons research director Samuel Gregg considers what Bernie might learn at the Vatican: In Sanders case, the invitation is somewhat ironic, given that the text being commemorated by the conference is one of the papacys most explicit affirmations of the market economys moral legitimacy and economic effectiveness. Put simply, the pope wrote, on the level of individual nations and of international relations, the free market is the most efficient instrument for utilizing resources and effectively responding to needs. That cannot be easy for a self-described democratic socialist to hear. And at The American Spectator, Kishore Jayabalan, director of Istituto Acton in Rome, says that while in Rome Sanders really should read up on Leo XIII and Pope St. John Paul: At a very superficial first glance, and as Sanders himself has claimed, the Catholic Church would seem to support the candidates passionate quest for greater income equality and social harmony. Yet even his own supporters are blissfully unaware of what socialism is, and the nefarious means, as defined by the Italian theorist Antonio Grasmci, needed to achieve such objectives: the negation of private property, the traditional family and organized religion, especially Christianity. While socialists rarely mention these obstacles anymore, their overcoming remains necessary to achieve the socialist vision of a completely egalitarian society. Unfortunately, Sanders wont be staying around in Rome long enough to attend a free conference sponsored by the Acton Institute next week. This conference on Freedom with Justice: Rerum Novarum and the New Things of Our Time will take place in Rome, Italy from 14:00-19:30 (GMT +2) on April 20 at the Centro Congressi Roma Eventi Fontana di Trevi. Remote participation is also possible through the online Live Broadcast. Among the speakers will be Rev. Prof. Wojciech Giertych, OP, Professor and Theologian of the Papal Household. For more information about this event or to register, visit www.acton.org/Rome2016. Atul H Mehta was not keen on taking up mathematics and statistics during his higher studies and took up a course in company secretaryship instead after a friend advised him to do so. Today, he does not regret his decision and has achieved great success by becoming the president of Institute of Company Secretaries of India. Over the years, his work has involved preparing project reports, identifying the potential market and clientele, getting reports vetted by banks or public finance institutions, applying for loans from financial institutions before disbursing that money to the shareholders of the company involved. Company secretaries act like in-house lawyers, taking care of day-to-day functions/activities of corporate secretarial department in an organisation, says Mehta. They are professionals who take care of governance-related issues in a company and also sign documents that are sent to regulators, including the ministry of corporate affairs, stock exchanges and Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). They are also responsible for conducting board meetings, preparing the agenda, issuing notices to the board of directors, following up orders for these meetings, and handling legal compliances of an organisation. The job involves giving advice on conducting a business, dealing with situations involving conflict of interest, suggesting ways to prepare financial reports, and developing corporate strategy and assisting in planning. Besides company law, there are several other laws applicable to organisations doing business. Companies with more than 20 employees are governed by a range of labour laws that include Minimum Wages Act, Bonus Act, Gratuity Act, Factory Act, Foreign Exchange Regulation Act etc. Company secretaries are required to deal with these as well. Several SEBI regulations apply to a listed company. The regulator expects companies to get their quarterly results published in the media and ensure that they comply with these regulations. Most of these functions are taken care of by a company secretary employed with the firm, says Mehta. Company secretaries are much sought after. Today, there is demand of approximately 7,000 company secretaries in India, he adds. Every listed company is required to have on its rolls a full-time CS as per Companies Act 2013. In India, there are about 10 lakh companies, out of which a lakh are private limited ones, of which 7,000 are listed in the stock market. About 1,000 of these 7,000 firms are large and are required to employ several these professionals. When it comes to studying for becoming a company secretary, students must remember that about 90% of the CS syllabus consists of corporate law. Most of these laws also form part of the LLB course. A LLB qualification along with the CS course is an added advantage. Some of the skills that one requires to become a CS include an analytical mind, interest in case studies and laws of the country. Career as a company secretary at a glance (HT Photo) All you need to know about a career as a company secretary (HT Photo) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Like a show stopper in a fashion show or a lead actor in a movie, every conference has a star speaker. At the 17th Global Development Networks Annual Global Development Conference, the celebrity speaker among an array of highly qualified academics and influential policymakers was Finnish educator, author and scholar Pasi Sahlberg. The topic of the conference, which was held in Lima on March 17 and 18, was Education for Development: Quality and Inclusion for Changing Global Human Capital Needs. The world is talking about the Finnish school system. So I am keen to hear Sahlberg, one of the conference attendees, a professor in Britain, told me during the lunch on the first day at the rooftop cafeteria of the conference venue, Universidad del Pacifico. Its a holistic system that helps both high achieving and low achieving students achieve their best, she explained, as we went for a second helping of ceviche, a popular sea food dish. The 57-year-old Sahlberg wears many hats: He has worked as a schoolteacher, teacher educator, researcher and policy adviser in Finland and has studied education systems and reforms around the world. His expertise includes school improvement, international education issues, classroom teaching and learning, and school leadership. Sahlbergs best-seller book Finnish Lessons 2.0: What can the world learn from educational change in Finland is an account of how the northern European nation built its world-class education system in four decades. The book traces the evolution of the countrys education policy and highlights how they differ from the US and much of the rest of the world. The Finnish story is a story of building a long-term improvement on commonly shared inspiring vision of the future of the school, political consensus, and professionalising the teaching profession, Sahlberg, who is currently a visiting Professor of Practice at Harvard Universitys Graduate School of Education in Cambridge, MA, told HT Education in Lima, Peru. He added improvement in quality will only come when policymakers and educators realise that education is seen as part of social complex that is surrounded by other public policy sectors. One lesson from the Finnish system is that educational improvement takes time, we cannot rush it. Second, enhancing equity and equality of education has turned out to be the winning strategy in improving the quality of student learning, explained Sahlberg, who has been an adviser to many governments and international organisations. Educational equity means early childhood education for all children, funding all schools so they can better serve those with special educational needs, access to health services for all children in all schools, and a national curriculum that insists that schools focus on the whole child rather than narrow academic achievement. Thanks to this holistic education system that focuses on quality than quantity, Finnish students have been consistently scoring near the top in the Program for International Student Assessment, or PISA, for reading, mathematics and science. The Finnish system has been independent evaluated by several organisations and academics. One such evaluation was done by Janet English, an American educator who is now using the Finnish teaching methods in her high school. In her very engaging blog she writes that extensively about how teachers function in the system: Teachers aim to connect students emotionally and intellectually with the content. It is common for teachers to give students a choice in what they want to learn within the Core Curriculum. Commenting on the Indian education system, where enrollments have reached almost 100% but learning levels have been poor, Sahlberg says, Increasing access eats resources that would be required to maintain or improve the quality of education. As it often happens the enrollment gains bring significantly more children to schools who would benefit from special education or more individualised educational approaches. When resources are scarce this will not be possible. Without investments in equity, quality of education most often suffers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently said that the government is planning to overhaul the education system. Hopefully, the focus this time around would finally be on quality than quantity. Pasi Sahlberg is a Finnish educator, author and scholar . (Handout Image) SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON She made headlines a week ago when home minister Rajnath Singh posted a tweet congratulating her for being part of a team that successfully decoded the deadly Zika virus, a critical advancement that will help in treatment. Meerut girl Devika Sirohi, a research scholar at Purdue University, US, is proud to be part of a team led by Purdue University researchers which is the first to determine the structure of the virus, which reveals insights critical to the development of effective antiviral treatments and vaccines. The team also identified regions within the Zika virus structure where it differs from other flaviviruses, the family of viruses to which Zika belongs, that includes dengue, West Nile, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis and tick-borne encephalitic viruses. Excerpts from an interview. Tell us about yourself. I was born in Meerut and finished my schooling there. I did my bachelors in biochemistry from University of Delhi and masters at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Mumbai. I learned a variety of disciplines spanning immunology, cell biology, molecular biology and developmental neuroscience. Currently, I am engaged in PhD research at Purdue University, US. The bulk of my PhD work is focused on dengue virus. I am the lead author and participated in multiple stages of the project including its initiation. Read more: UP girl Devika Sirohi now a popular face after decoding Zika virus Why did you choose to go abroad for higher studies? Why Purdue? Purdue is an excellent place for doing basic and/or applied interdisciplinary research in a variety of areas. A lot of talented scientists supported by good infrastructure and a great learning environment, from what I had heard. I joined Dr Richard Kuhns laboratory and the opportunities for growth here have been tremendous. He is the director of the Purdue Institute for Inflammation, Immunology and Infectious Diseases and head of Purdues Department of Biological Sciences. How did you zero in on a college abroad? Research, resources and faculty are what I looked at when I was zeroing in on a graduate school for PhD. What is your research area and focus? My research is focused on the structure and maturation of flaviviruses. Flaviviruses include pathogens such as dengue, West Nile, yellow fever and Zika virus and impact millions of people around the globe. How was your experience being part of the research team that decoded Zika virus? Given our experience with dengue and other flaviviruses, structure studies with Zika were a natural extension. We heavily relied on the expertise that Richard Kuhn, Michael Rossmann and Ted Piersons research groups have gained over many years of work with different flaviviruses. Purdue has state-of-the-art biological safety level II laboratories, cryo-electron microscopy facility and necessary infrastructure that made the structure studies feasible in a short time-frame. This was a collaborative project between Richard Kuhn and Michael Rossmann at Purdue University and Ted Pierson at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. The team also included Zhenguo Chen, Lei Sun and Thomas Klose, who are post-doctoral research associates at the university. Each person in the team brought with them their unique skill sets and contributed to the success of the project. Zika virus is a bag of unknowns and inspires tremendous scientific curiosity. We have just scratched the surface and we will continue our efforts to deepen our understanding of the virus. Your future plans? I plan to pursue research as a post-doctoral fellow after I defend my PhD thesis. Do you wish to contribute to research in India as well? My research interest lies in the field of infectious diseases; many of which are endemics in India. Therefore, I will be connected to research in India either directly or indirectly. Research in any country requires funds, infrastructure and opportunities. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A British parliamentary panel has launched an inquiry after an immigration tribunal ruled as unlawful the deportation of nearly 48,000 non-EU students most of them Indians for allegedly passing a mandatory English language test fraudulently. In a damning ruling in March, the Upper Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) allowed an appeal by two students accused of cheating in the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) conducted by a subsidiary of US-based ETS. Senior Labour MP Keith Vaz, who chairs the home affairs committee of parliament, called it a devastating verdict and told the Home Office at a hearing on Tuesday that a full inquiry had been opened into the issue that led to thousands of innocent individuals being branded as cheats and deported. It began in February 2014, when a sting operation by BBCs Panorama programme uncovered cheating, including the use of proxies to impersonate candidates in speaking and listening tests, and invigilators at a London centre providing answers. The Home Office reacted by claiming its own investigation after the programme had revealed 46,000 invalid and questionable tests conducted by ETS, and suspended the company. Extrapolating fraud uncovered in one London centre by the programme, the Home Office revoked the sponsorship licence of 60 institutions and detained or removed thousands of non-EU students and migrants who had obtained the TOEIC certificate at different centres. The actions affected genuine students who had not cheated. Harsev Bains of the Indian Workers Association told Hindustan Times: Seventy per cent of the 48,000 affected were Indians. Due to their personal and national humiliation, many left of their own accord, the majority were deported. The biggest disappointment was this was not briefed or highlighted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his (November) visit. I certainly hope the students will be adequately compensated. However, I would not be surprised if they choose not to come back to the UK after the way they were disgracefully treated. A Home Office spokesperson said: We are very disappointed by the decision and are awaiting a copy of the full determination to consider next steps, including an appeal. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The all-India ranking for higher education institutions in the country released by the human resource development (HRD) ministry last week is being seen as a big step in improving the quality of education imparted by Indian universities. It also aims to make these universities globally competitive. While 100 institutions each were ranked under the university and engineering categories, 50 each were ranked in management (research and teaching) and pharmacy (research and teaching) categories. Prominent names missing from the list One of the surprise elements was that some prominent institutions in different disciplines were missing in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF). These include Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, National Law School of India University (Bengaluru), Faculty of Management Studies (Delhi), National Institute of Design (Ahmedabad), Mudra Institute of Communication (Ahmedabad), Indian Institute of Mass Communication (Delhi/Dhenkanal) and School of Planning and Architecture (Delhi and others). The rankings were arrived at after detailed analysis and validation of the data submitted by more than 3,600 higher educational institutions in the country classified in six categories. These rankings followed an Indian approach, where an academic institute was assessed on parameters, including teaching-learning; research; collaborative practice and professional performance; graduate outcomes; placements; outreach and inclusive action and peer group perception. Each of these was subdivided into nearly 20 sub criteria to comprehensively assess an institution. Citing reasons for prominent names not making the cut, Ashok Thakur, former secretary to the government of India, department of higher education, HRD ministry, says, This is the first year of NIRF and it is possible that many institutions, including some very good ones could not participate or could not upload complete information. For example, in the category of universities, though we have more than 740 in the country, only about 250 of them participated. Read more: Ranking framework to help institutions, students and industry Professor Surendra Prasad, who is part of the core committee involved in devising the ranking framework, says, NIRF has ranked only those institutions, which registered with it for ranking. Those who registered, were allowed to submit the data required for the rankings. Those who did not, were out of our loop. It was entirely their choice. Karthick Sridhar, vice chairman, Indian Centre for Academic Rankings and Excellence Pvt Ltd, however, says, NIRF could have been more proactive in reaching out to institutions. Conducting workshops at regional levels, addressing queries, setting up a dedicated phone and email assistance service and engaging more closely with stakeholders so as to educate them on the requirements could have been done in a better way. Many technical universities felt handicapped as they were not aware if they were to participate as a university or an engineering college or both. The data requirements set forth by NIRF was way too demanding such as data of the last three years. There was no proper channel of communication between institutions and NIRF. All phone calls made to a particular number at National Board of Accreditation were either unanswered or queries redirected to UGC or AICTE. No one agency took complete charge and addressed the situation. In the process, many well-known institutions ignored the rankings and hence many not-so-well-known institutions got their chance under the sun. Institutions cite their own reasons for not being able to make a mark on the NIRF. I think institutions like FMS have been clubbed with their parent university as FMS is not a standalone institute. It is a constituent component of University of Delhi. So the university has been ranked and not individual faculties and departments, says ML Singla, dean, Faculty of Management Studies. Categories not exhaustive Another aspect where there is scope for improvement in the NIRF is the number of categories under which institutions have been ranked. This number isnt exhaustive. In the years to come, the number of categories will have to be increased in order to cater to various types of institutions as one can only compare apples with apples. For example, apart from subject-wise categories, even within the universities, the newer ones want separate parameters for ranking, which, to some extent, is understandable as their challenges are different from the established ones. As far as the overall parameters are concerned, these seem to be very relevant and adequate. In our country, even an engineering or a dental collage can don the mantle of a university to circumvent regulation. The national rankings can highlight such discrepancies and help separate the wheat from the chaff, says Thakur. Data from the Category B institutions in all domains continued to exhibit major inconsistencies despite NIRFs best efforts to remove them. It was decided, therefore, that no rankings be announced for Category B institutions this year. Similarly, due to non-representative participation in the domains of architecture and general degree colleges, no rankings were announced this year. Data verification a big challenge The general nature of the NIRF rankings also brings into question the verification of data. Prasad says, This was one of the biggest challenges for us operationally. Data-based objective rankings can be only as good as the quality of the underlying data. Enormous effort was spent on making sure that data are scrutinised carefully to remove as many inconsistencies as we could spot. We used some automation (statistical tools), but more importantly a large number of senior volunteers (without a conflict of interest) for this purpose. Wherever available, we used data from independent sources. Wherever data collected from institutions was used, they went through very strict scrutiny. Wherever we did not have confidence, we desisted from doing a ranking. That is another reason, we did not rank all categories. Data vetting is the key in ranking institutions further. A random sampling method must be in process and any data that looks out of the ordinary must be reexamined. Technology must be employed at the highest level and government must seek support of agencies that have expertise in this area. Physical verification of infrastructure is out of question in a country that is so large and an education system that is so complex, adds Sridhar. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Tabrez Noorani, a producer on the Academy Award-winning film Slumdog Millionaire, will direct a movie on sex trafficking after first encountering victims of the trade in Los Angeles more than 10 years ago. Love Sonia, which starts filming next week, will feature actress Freida Pinto, who starred in Slumdog Millionaire, with newcomer Mrunal Thakur in the lead role. Read: Anupam Kher, Freida Pinto to feature in a film on sex-trafficking This is a movie that found me, Noorani told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in Mumbai, where he is scouting for locations. Its a story that needs to be told, to show the plight of these girls, what they go through. Noorani, whose production credits also include The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, Life of Pi and Eat, Pray, Love, said his introduction to human trafficking was in Los Angeles in 2003, when some girls were found in a container shipped from China. One of the victims was a young Indian girl, he said. The incident inspired Noorani to work with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) focused on trafficking in Los Angeles, as well as groups in India and Hong Kong. He has participated in several raids of brothels, he said. He then spent years working on the screenplay. The film, which marks Nooranis directorial debut, tells the story of Sonia, a young Indian village girl who gets trapped in the global sex trade industry. Securing investors was a challenge, he said. It took a long time. There arent many people who want to put money into something like this, he said. There havent been a lot of films on trafficking out there because it isnt such an easy, uplifting story. Anupam Kher will co-star with Freida Pinto in Love Sonia. Almost 36 million people are enslaved worldwide --trafficked into brothels, forced into manual labour, or even born into servitude, according to the Global Slavery Index. About half - 16 million - are in India. India is both a destination and a transit country for women and children trafficked into sex trade. Many are from poor rural areas, lured with the promise of good jobs or marriage. Instead, they end up sold into prostitution in cities such as Mumbai. Read: Anupam Kher starts shooting for the Wachowskis Netflix show Sense8 It is an unflinching look at the issue. Its something you cant water down because that would be unfair to the story, said David Womark, a producer on Life of Pi, who is producing Nooranis film. But a great drama can highlight the human element of the problem, he said. Actors Paul Dano, Manoj Bajpayee and Anupam Kher will also star in Love Sonia, which will be filmed in India, Hong Kong and Los Angeles. It comes on the heels of another film on trafficking, SOLD, which opened earlier this month. Featuring Gillian Anderson, it tells the story of a Nepali girl who is unwittingly sold by her impoverished parents to an Indian brothel. Happy & Proud to be part of this amazing international film LOVE SONIA dir by Tabrez Noorani.:) https://t.co/jjzQ9VcyVd Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) April 14, 2016 Amidst the gloom and despair of the sex trade industry, there is also hope, Noorani said. These women and girls - they are full of spirit. Some manage to break free and move on. Theres a lot of hope. Follow @htshowbiz for more Hail Ceasar! star Alden Ehrenreich is the frontrunner to play a young version of iconic character, Han Solo, in an upcoming Star Wars spin-off, set to be directed by The Lego Movies Phil Lord and Chris Miller. Read the Star Wars The Force Awakens review here Among 2,500 actors auditioning for the role, Ehrenreich made up the final shortlist along with Taron Egerton (Kingsman: The Secret Service) and Jack Reynor (Transformers: Age of Extinction). Read: One of these three actors will play a young Han Solo The 26-year-old Los Angeles native now leads the pack thanks to his impressive performance during a series of screen tests, reported Deadline. Watch the Star Wars: The Force Awakens trailer here Its worth noting that Ehrenreichs casting is not yet official and the coveted role could still go to another actor. Read: More than 2500 actors have auditioned for the role of Han Solo Written by Lawrence Kasdan and his son Jon, the still-untitled stand-alone Star Wars film will be an origin story about Han Solo and his best buddy Chewbacca. Filming is set to star next January for a May 25, 2018 release in the US. Read: Harrison Ford to auction Han Solo jacket in aid of epileptic daughter Follow @htshowbiz for more At least 22 senior officials in the ministry of railways are under the scanner following the Central Bureau of Investigations (CBI) negative reports about them. These officers belong to the Indian Railways North Eastern zone that covers Uttar Pradesh, western Bihar, and Uttarakhand. After the anti-graft agency red-flagged their names, most of them have been removed from sensitive postings in which decisions involving monetary transactions are taken. Three officials continue to stay in their posts but their financial powers have been withdrawn. One officer has been on sick leave for long, said a source. Every year, the CBI prepares two lists that identify officers with doubtful integrity. The suspects names and other particulars are kept away from public glare but shared with their department heads for a discreet check on their activities. The CBIs lists are prepared with inputs from the chief vigilance officers of central ministries, public sector units and undertakings. If an officer features in either of these lists, it has an adverse effect on their career. The copies of the two lists are kept in the custody of the CBI and head of the concerned ministry, department or undertaking. The purpose of the agency placing the officers on such a watch is not only to pre-empt their corruption, it can also begin a formal, open probe against them on receipt of adequate material evidence establishing any irregularity, said the source. He or she can get removed from a sensitive posting immediately and if that is not possible, his or her financial powers would be taken away, said the source. It can also blight the officers access to career-advancement opportunities and post-retirement jobs of commercial nature, added the source. The Indian Railways runs 12,000 trains daily to carry over 23 million passengers, more than the combined population of Belgium and Hungary, across 8,000 stations in the country. There are 17 zones including the NER. As part of its probe into the high-tech manipulations of Indian Railways static and Electronic In-Motion Weigh Bridges last April, the CBI had conducted raids on 65 nation-wide locations and subsequently registered four cases against private firms and unknown railways officials. Last December, the agency had booked two senior officers of the Northern Railway, along with others, for alleged irregularities related to the supply of cheap packaged drinking water instead of the government-approved Rail Neer brand in premium trains. A small settlement established four decades ago after a bloody movement by Left sympathisers on the India-Bhutan border in West Bengal is slowly moving away from the CPI(M) after years of unwavering support. Lal Jhamela Basti was set up by local villagers who claimed their right to land was given away by the then Congress government to a private tea company in the early 1970s. The agitation was led by two CPI(M) youth Lal Somra Oraon and Jhamela Somra Oraon who clashed with police forces. Many CPI(M) workers were injured in the violence but the villagers were able to settle down in the area. Each of the 329 families was given three bighas of land for free and the settlement was named after the two leaders. Lal Somra Oraon, now 80, tells HT that he still supports the CPI(M). He was once the CPI (M)s local committee secretary and used to head the CITU-affiliated Cha Bagan Mazdoor Union. But more than 45 years later, Lal Jhamela Basti is no more a CPI(M) citadel. The area is decorated with Congress, TMC and BJP flags. Many of the settlements 1,325 voters say they may not vote for the Left when Nagrakata the assembly constituency the Basti falls under goes to the polls on April 17. Lal is respected by everyone and leaders of different political parties make a beeline for him. I cannot forget the miseries and pain we had to undergo during the Congress rule when we were fighting for the trade union and land rights, Lal says, adding he is still a CPI (M) member. But will he vote for the Congress with whom the CPI (M) has an alliance? As a loyal CPI (M) man I have to follow the partys instruction, he reluctantly says. The incumbent Trinamool Congress is locked in a fight with an informal Left-Congress alliance and the BJP in the state. Padam Rai of the CPI(M) who won the 2013 gram panchayat election from this village but switched to the Trinamool Congress admits the Left is losing support. Joseph Munda, who won the last assembly election from the area, is the Congress candidate this time. Sukra Munda is the TMC nominee. The other hero of the struggle, Jhamela, is now a paralytic. It hurts when none from the party for which he sacrificed so much care for him, his wife Basanti says. Jhamela greets visitors by trying to raise his right hand in the traditional style of Left cadre. Many political changes have come to the Basti but Jhamela is still a diehard CPI (M) supporter, Basanti says. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON A poster depicting newly-appointed Uttar Pradesh BJP chief Keshav Prasad Maurya as Lord Krishna, other politicians including chief minister Akhilesh Yadav as one of the Kauravas and the state as Draupadi in Varanasi has triggered a controversy with the ruling Samajwadi Party accusing the saffron party of trying to tarnish the CMs image. The poster, which went viral on social media, was released ahead of Mauryas first visit to the temple town. CM Yadav, his cabinet colleague Azam Khan, Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisi are shown disrobing UP. The poster depicts a scene from the Mahabharata where Krishna rescues Draupadi from Duryodhana trying to disrobe her in the presence of her husbands, the Pandavas, and other members of the family. A case was registered in Varanasi against BJP worker Rupesh Pandey who put up the poster, news agency ANI reported. Read: From tea seller to state party chief, Keshav Maurya is BJPs face in UP A poster depicting BJPs Uttar Pradesh chief Keshav Prasad Maurya as Lord Krishna has triggered a controversy. Slogans on the poster read Rakshamam Keshawah or Save me Keshava, another name of Krishna, and Kaliyug mein Keshav updesh hi nahin dete ranbhoomi mein yudh bhi karte hain (In Kaliyuga, Krishna not only preaches but he also fights in the battleground). The controversial poster shows Prime Minister Narendra Modi and national BJP president Amit Shah as well. It also carries the photograph of one Rupesh Pandey claiming to be a BJP worker. The Bharatiya Janata Party has distanced itself from the poster saying it does not have any association with it and Maurya claimed he has no idea who Pandey is. We have no idea from where this poster appeared. We will look into the matter. It has not been done by the party, media in-charge of the BJP in east UP Sanjay Bhardwaj said. I have no idea about any such poster. I dont know from where it appeared and who created it. I have just come to know from you (media persons) about the poster issue. I have asked Kashi region BJP president Laxman Acharya to carry out a probe, Maurya said. He said Acharya would submit the report within a week and action will be taken on the basis of probe report. Pandey, however, claimed to be a diehard fan of Maurya and a dedicated worker of the BJP for last two and half decades. I strongly believe that the BJP will do well under the leadership of Keshav Prasad Maurya in the upcoming elections. The party will certainly get UP rid of SP and BSPs caste-based politics. The BJP would form a government in the state, Pandey said. Assembly elections are scheduled to be held in the state early next year. Read: Aim to make the state SP-BSP free, says new UP BJP chief Samajwadi Party city unit president Rajkumar Jaiswal lodged a complaint against Pandey for sticking the posters at various locations in the city and defaming the SP state chief at the Kotwali police station. Jaiswal said the posters hurt the sentiments of Samajwadi Party workers and they would not tolerate the move. SP workers burnt an effigy of Maurya near the BJP office in Gulab Bagh on Friday. I am deeply hurt by such a depiction of my party leaders. The BJP is upset over the popularity of Akhilesh Yadav. That is why they are resorting to such acts. The public will teach the BJP a lesson in the upcoming assembly elections, SP district unit chief Satish Fauji said. Kotwali police station inspector Sriprakash Gupta said a case has been registered against Pandey under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) following a complaint by SP leaders. He also said that a section of the information act has also been imposed in the complaint. Gupta added that an investigation is on and action would be taken those found guilty. A dispute over the Lake George Project's impact on the health of the Pascagoula River continues, with some observers challenging George County Board of Supervisors President Larry McDonald's recent statements on the issue. The river's status came into the spotlight Tuesday, with a press conference at the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, where Gautier resident Nancy Blue talked about her feelings for the river. Blue's nomination led the American Rivers organization to include the Pascagoula River on its 2016 list of the most endangered rivers in the U.S. Tuesday afternoon, The Mississippi Press received an email from George County Board of Supervisors President Larry McDonald characterizing statements reported from Tuesday morning press conference as "unjustified, unfair, and is honestly environmental fear mongering." Blue had described the Lake George Project as "a real estate venture disguised as a way to protect our river from climate change." American Rivers cited impacts of the project's two dams on "one of the last undammed river systems ... in the lower 48 states." McDonald took issue, saying, "The Lake George Project does not 'endanger' or pose an 'urgent' threat to the Pascagoula River." McDonald continued, saying, "American Rivers should recall that in 2009 they listed the Pascagoula River as the 9th most endangered river because global warming was predicted to alter river flows and lower flows could have disastrous effects on the River's fragile ecosystem. "The Lake George Project's main purpose is to provide enough water storage capacity to keep the Pascagoula River's flows above the drought levels which will directly benefit endangered species, the environment, and economic activities." Since Tuesday, some have taken issue with McDonald's statements. On Wednesday, a Mississippi Press correspondent received an email from Ocean Springs resident Julia O'Neal stating, "The George County Supervisor (Board of Supervisors President) made that up about the 2009 report." According to O'Neal, "That is NOT what the 2009 American Rivers listing said. Rather, the endangerment in 2009 was the threat of the Richton Salt domes being hollowed out and used for oil storage (both the danger of the salt traveling through the river to the Gulf, and the potential for oil leaks)" O'Neal quoted the report summary: "But this natural treasure could be lost if the U.S. Department of Energy uses the river to hollow out natural salt domes for future storage of 160 million barrels of oil under a project initiated under the Bush administration." The full 2009 report can be found at . Click here to read it: The 2009 report clearly identifies the Richton salt dome project as threat that put the Pascagoula on American Rivers' most-endangered list that year. It includes one mention of global warming, arguing that the salt dome project would damage a river under stress: "With global warming already predicted to alter river flows in the Southeast, the double-blow of climatic-induced low flows and water withdrawals for the oil storage project could have disastrous effects on this fragile ecosystem." "Politicians are famously loose with the truth, but McDonald's statement is fabricated out of thin air, simply to serve his real estate and business desires," wrote O'Neal. "(How many of the George County Board of Supervisors even "believe in" global warming?) He should not get away with this bald faced lie." Ben Raines, senior reporter for al.com who covered the Pascagoula area years ago, stated, "I was the environment reporter for this area for 14 years and I remember when this project was first proposed. Those quotes from Larry McDonald are patently false." An attempt on Thursday to reach McDonald for further comment had not drawn a response as of Friday morning. Note: This story was updated at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, with the following response from McDonald: "Opponents to the Lake George Project appear unable to discuss any part of this proposal without making personal attacks. The Board of Supervisors will not take part, or be intimidated, by these tactics. South Mississippians can read and decide for themselves why American Rivers, in 2009, sited 'global warming' and 'low water flow' as threats to the Pascagoula River. The Lake George Project's main purpose is to provide enough water storage capacity to keep the Pascagoula River's flows above the drought levels which will directly benefit endangered species, the environment, and economic activities. The reality is that the Pascagoula River is changing. Three years of hydrologic and climate data collection indicate wide swings in water flow with droughts becoming more frequent and lasting longer on the Pascagoula River. Why are opposition groups so scared of the Lake George Project going through the permitting process? The Corps of Engineers and the State of Mississippi have comprehensive environmental review processes in place which are managed by highly qualified staff. There is no truth to the rumors of hidden development deals. In fact, it is impossible for any such hidden agendas to survive the permitting process. Once these agencies complete their reviews, all information will be open to the public." Supervisor Larry McDonald 2016 Board President Major Amit Deswal of the 21 Para, who was killed in an encounter with Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) militants in Manipurs Tamenglong district on Wednesday, was born on Army Day (January 15) in 1985. He decided his career goal as a child and worked hard to achieve it, said his younger brother Sumit Dewal, talking to HT at the familys Sector 6 residence in Jhajjar, where they shifted last year. People gathered at Major Amit Deswals house in Jhajjar on Thursday. (Manoj Dhaka/HT Photo) Major Deswal followed in the footsteps of his father, a retired subedar major, to join the Indian Army. He is survived by his wife Neeta and three-year-old son Arjun. They along with his father Subedar Major Rishi Ram Deswal (retired) had gone to Manipur to visit him on April 6. Amits mother was alone to receive the news here. His younger brother was at Jamnagar when the news came in, said Ram Kumar, his uncle. Promotion was due next year His promotion was due next year. Even his posting orders had come, said Sumit. He was excellent in both academics and sports. He won many prizes during his commando course. He used to tell me about his achievements to motivate me, he said. Major Deswal completed his schooling from Kendriya Vidyalaya and later took admission in Delhi University for bachelors in commerce. He stood second in the merit list of the Indian Military Academy in 2005, released by the Union Public Service Commission. He was commissioned on June 10, 2006, in the regiment of artillery, from where his father retired in 2009. After several successful operations, he was selected for the special forces and later entered the elite unit of the army in 2011. Major Deswal was given an important role in Manipur for Operation Hifazat-2 in January 2016. Taking leave from the operation, he last visited his home in February for one week to attend Sumits wedding. He was born on the Army Day, and we knew he was meant to be an army man. Our father has already started teaching his son Arjun how to swim and is preparing him for the same career, said Sumit. Sustained six bullet wounds Major Deswal had sustained six bullet injuries, the post-mortem examination conducted on Thursday revealed. With other soldiers in his unit injured as well and there being bad weather in the region, Major Deswals body will be kept in Assam for Thursday night, where the army will pay tributes to him. The body will be flown to Delhi on Friday morning, from where it will be brought to his native village of Surehti in Jhajjar district, said Sumit. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON For 69-year-old Nirmala (name changed), having a special child was never a hardship until two years ago. Tragedy struck her household in July 2014. Her daughter, then 36, was raped by their security guard. Nirmala rues the fact that she could not reach home in time after her help left the house. There was a time-gap of 40 minutes between her leaving and my reaching home. The accused had not left. I felt something strange in my daughters behaviour as I stepped into the house. There was an eerie silence and she refused to eat dinner. At night she kept screaming, says the mother, an expert in mother and child health. Her daughter, a cerebral palsy patient, could not speak out that night. The disease has rendered the womans cognitive ability and communication skills to a six-year-old childs. The ability plummeted to that of a three-year-old after the incident. Nirmala says her daughter opened up when they were on a road trip to Dehradun the next day. She kept crying in the bus and talked about some bad man. I kept asking her what he did and thats when she told me through actions, she claims. On reaching Dehradun, she took her for a medical test and got an FIR registered, which was later transferred to Delhi. Nirmala then realised how unfriendly and insensitive the legal system in India is towards mentally-challenged people. Her experience began at the hospital itself. The staff was untrained to handle the victim, she says. The Delhi Police reportedly refused to detain the culprit until the case was formally transferred. There was no provision for a psychologist during the trial. She took one to the court on receiving a notice summoning her daughter to record her statement. My daughter was fluent with three languages but lost confidence post the incident. Her statement was recorded through an audio-visual and the psychologist translated her narrative to the judge, who refused to record it. He insisted my child speak and asked her to sing a song. My daughter broke down that led to an adjournment, she recalls, adding the judge warned that he would give bail to the accused on the next hearing. Thereafter, Nirmala refused to take her daughter back to the court. The mother went to the court and informed the judge, this time a woman, that her daughter was recuperating after a surgery and had 22 stitches in her mouth. Despite showing surgery documents, the judge asked for a medical certificate. Nirmala has moved the Supreme Court requesting her daughters case be tried under the special law meant for the welfare of a sexual abuse child victim. The petition is listed for a hearing on May 3 before Justice Dipak Misras bench. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi on Friday ordered a probe into the killings of two rhinos, including one during the stay of Britains Prince William and Kate Middleton at Kaziranga National Park. He asked TY Das, additional chief secretary, to investigate the killings and submit a report immediately. Poachers had struck early Thursday morning in Kazirangas Burapahar range, sawing off the horn of a rhino after pumping it with 80 bullets from automatic weapons. The range had fewer guards to protect the animals, as some had gone to Bagori range 12 km away for a meeting of forest guards with the British royal couple, who had stayed Wednesday night at a resort in that range. Officials said the chief minister also directed an anti-poaching special task force to intensify operations against poachers in the UNESCO World Heritage Site and evolve strategies to protect wildlife by taking locals into confidence. The Duchess of Cambridge feeds a rhino calf during a visit to the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) near Kaziranga National Park, Assam. (PTI Photo) Poachers had killed another rhino three days before William and Kate had arrived. The royal couple had primarily come to see conservation measures undertaken in the 860 sq km national park, which is also a tiger reserve. Read: Rhino killed, Assam park security during Wil-Kat visit questioned Assam has lost more than 200 rhinos to poachers since January 2000. Most of the rhinos were killed in Kaziranga. The other wildlife preserves that have lost rhinos are Orang National Park, Manas National Park and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, which is often called mini Kaziranga. The family members of Kirpal Singh, the Indian prisoner, who died under mysterious circumstances in a Lahore jail, have denied Pakistans claim that he died of a heart attack and demand post-mortem to ascertain the facts. How can we believe that he died of heart attack? His body should be sent to us and post-mortem be done. We want to know the truth, nephew of Singh told ANI. With India raising the issue of Singhs death, Pakistan has said that the Indian prisoner died of heart attack while asserting that it was not appropriate to see everything through the prism of suspicion and conspiracy. The Indian prisoner Kirpal Singh died on April 11 due to heart attack. It is not appropriate to see everything through the prism of suspicion and conspiracy. He was kept in intensive care at the hospital but he could not survive, Pakistan foreign office spokesperson Nafees Zakaria said. Read: Pakistan says Kirpal Singh died of heart attack as India takes up issue He said that Islamabad was in touch with the Indian High Commission with regard to handing over Singhs body. We have communicated this information to the Indian High Commission in Islamabad. We are in contact with the Ministry of Interior and the Indian High Commission with regard to transportation of dead body back to India, he added. Read: Family seeks Kejriwals help to get Kirpal Singhs body from Pakistan Indian external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj had on Thursday met the family members of Singh in New Delhi and promised a full inquiry into the matter. Indias acting high commissioner in Islamabad, JP Singh, met the director-general for South Asia in the Pakistani Ministry for Foreign Affairs to request that Singhs body be flown to India at the earliest. Our acting high commissioner met DG South Asia in the Min of Foreign Affairs & asked for earliest possible repatriation of mortal remains, tweeted Indian ministry of external affairs spokesperson Vikas Swarup earlier. Our Acting High Commissioner met DG South Asia in the Min of Foreign Affairs & asked for earliest possible repatriation of mortal remains Vikas Swarup (@MEAIndia) April 13, 2016 Kirpal Singhs kin had on Tuesday staged a protest at the Attari border and raised anti- Pakistan slogans near the Integrated Check Post (ICP). Read: Pak killed another Sarabjit: Kirpal Singhs sister A fortnight after Bihar enforced liquor prohibition, the states 38 de-addiction centres in as many districts are awaiting patients. Three alcoholics have died since the ban on April 1, with the latest case from Khagaria de-addiction centre on Wednesday. Of the total 550 beds in these centres, only 106 less than 20% were occupied on Wednesday, while only 251 were admitted at these centres since April 1. The admissions at the de-addiction centre are contrary to the governments expectation. On April 5, chief minister Nitish Kumar asked the health department to scale up the number of beds in the de-addiction centres from 10 to 20. While 17 districts had already complied with the directives, another 21 were in the process of increasing the number of beds. However, the government now finds that even 10 beds are not occupied at most of the de-addiction centres. This has prompted the government to infer that liquor sale is going on clandestinely. Officials said there was reluctance among patients to stay back at the centre for fear of losing their wages. Those coming to our centres are usually from the lower socio-economic strata, not sure about two square meals a day. Maximum that they (alcoholics) stay at our centre is for three days, after which they insist on being released for fear of losing wages, said Dr VP Agarwal, nodal officer of the Purnea de-addiction centre. Three persons one each at Katihar, Kaimur and Khagaria have died after reporting at our de-addiction centres. We cannot say if all these deaths were due to alcohol withdrawal, health secretary Jitendra Srivastava said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The BJP-led government in Maharashtra will give a 2,000 square metre plot in Mumbais upscale Andheri to actress and party parliamentarian Hema Malini for Rs 1.75 lakh to set up a dance school. More than that, she need not pay a penny for the land worth about Rs 70 crore in the suburban neighbourhood because of a twist of fate. The throwaway price drew widespread criticism against chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is accused of showing undue benevolence to the actress-danseuse known as the Dream Girl during her Bollywood heydays in the 70s. The government clarified that it had not fixed the price but followed existing policy, which state that charitable and education trusts are required to pay only 25% of the total cost of an allotted land in accordance with rates on February 1, 1976. Sources said the collectors office revaluated the price and found that the market price in 1976 was Rs 350 a square metre. This amounts to Rs 7 lakh for 2,000 square metres. Thus, 25% of Rs 7 lakh is Rs 1.75 lakh. The plots value is around Rs 23 crore, according to the government ready reckoner rate. But real estate industry sources said the market value could be anywhere between Rs 60 crore and Rs 70 crore. The decision came after 19 years as Malini had applied in 1996 for land to set up a dance school and cultural complex through her charity, the Natya Vihar Kala Kendra. The Fadnavis government allotted the plot in Andheris Ambivli locality on December 29, 2015. Earlier, the 67-year-old trained Bharatnayam dancer had paid Rs 10 lakh for a plot allotted to her by the Shiv Sena-BJP government in 1996. But she could not use the land because it falls in the protected coastal regulation zone. Hence, she was forced to reapply for an adjacent plot, a revenue official said. Mumbai suburbs collector Shekhar Channe said the actress wont have to pay a single rupee for the Andheri plot since she had deposited Rs 10 lakh in 1996 and it would be adjusted now. It has been alleged that she was yet to return the land given to her in 1996. State revenue minister Eknath Khadse had tried to deflect criticism, saying the BJP government was implementing a decision taken when the Congress-NCP was in power. The previous government had changed the plots status, which was earlier reserved for a public ground, he said. Malini didnt respond to calls and text messages for her comments. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Dalbir Kaur, the sister of alleged Indian spy Sarabjit Singh, who died in Lahores Kot Lakhpat jail three years ago, said on Friday that Union home minister Rajnath Singh had given an assurance that all concerns related to the bringing of the body of Kirpal Singh back from Pakistan will be addressed. Home Minister assured us that all our concerns will be addressed and the body of Kirpal Singh will be soon brought back. He also said that he is in contact with the Pakistani government, Dalbir Kaur told ANI in New Delhi. Read: Pakistan says Kirpal Singh died of heart attack as India takes up issue Jagir Kaur, the sister of Kirpal Singh, who died under mysterious circumstances in a Lahore jail, was accompanied by Dalbir Kaur to meet the home minister. What happened to Sarabjit, the same thing has happened to my brother, Jagir Kaur said. Read: Pak killed another Sarabjit: Kirpal Singhs sister Family members of Kirpal Singh met Rajnath Singh in Delhi on Friday to express their concern over the gruesome treatment meted out to Indians languishing in Pakistani jails. Dalbir Kaur, the sister of Sarabjit Singh, accompanied them. Dalbir Kaur had met external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj over the same issue last month, and added that what was happening in Pakistan was nothing new or surprising. Kirpal Singhs family have rejected Pakistans claim that he died of a heart attack and have demanded a post-mortem to ascertain the true facts behind his sudden death. How can we believe that he died of heart attack? His body should be sent to us and post-mortem should be done. We want to know the truth, Singhs nephew told ANI. Kirpal had allegedly crossed the Attari-Wagah border to Pakistan in 1992 and was subsequently sentenced to death in a serial bomb blasts case in Pakistans Punjab province. It is just the middle of April but vast tracts of India are reeling under the scorching heat, with temperatures zipping past the 40 degree Celsius mark, triggering a crippling water shortage. From Rajasthan to the Gangetic plains of West Bengal and from Punjab to Tamil Nadu, most regions have been declared facing a heat wave by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Rising temperatures have already killed over 100 people. Most of the weather stations in this region have temperature recorded over 40 degree Celsius, the IMD said in an advisory. The unusually-hot summer comes on the back of two successive droughts that have ravaged farm incomes and pushed thousands of farmers to suicide. The IMD has predicted an above average monsoon this year. But the heat has already sparked fierce wars over water in cities ranging from Ranchi to Nagpur. Authorities are rationing water, banning car-wash services and employing tankers but warn the situation may get out of hand if the mercury soars in May. The future, too, appears bleak with the IMD predicting an increase in the heat wave intensity. A government report earlier this week said temperatures in central India could shoot up to 44.5 degree Celsius. A special train carrying five lakh litres of water arrives in drought-hit Latur in Marathwada region, which is facing its worst water crisis on record. (Anshuman Poyrekar/ HT Photo) Water levels in major reservoirs the source for 70% of Indias hydro electricity generated have dipped to 22% of the total storage capacity, the lowest in a decade. The only beneficiary of the searing sun appears to be the hospitality industry, as bookings have soared in tourist destinations in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. So far, we have got 10-20% higher bookings than in April last year, said Sandeep Sahni, president of the Uttarakhand Hotel Association. In Telangana that has seen the maximum heat-related deaths, the government said summer vacations will begin from April 16 instead of 23. The government also banned labourers from working between 11am and 3pm at construction sites. The IMD forecast that temperatures will touch 45 degree Celsius in the weekend after Hyderabad and Nizamabad recorded 44 degree Celsius on Friday. In neighbouring Odisha, where 31 heat-wave deaths were reported, normal life was thrown out of gear with at least 14 urban centres crossing 40 degree Celsius for the past 10 days. (With agency inputs) India on Thursday called for concrete action against countries that sponsor and host terrorists by invoking the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) that combats money laundering and the financing of terrorism. Finance minister Arun Jaitley said the body must ensure effective implementation of legislation in various countries relating to terrorist financing and take concrete action against countries sponsoring terrorism and hosting terrorist infrastructure. Jaitleys remarks came during the sixth annual ministerial meeting of India-US Economic and Financial Partnership with his American counterpart Jack Lew. India and the US are among 37 members of FATF - the intergovernmental policy-making body that was set up in 1986. Pakistan, however, is not. But the target of the ministers call for effective implementation and concrete action against countries sponsoring and hosting terrorism couldnt have been clearer. The FATF must also address offshore tax evasion and avoidance including through tax havens, Jaitley said, according to an official statement about his meetings on Thursday. Offshore tax evasion and tax havens figured prominently during the meeting, with an announcement to intensify collaboration on the issue, going beyond sharing experience and expertise. The two countries will continue to hold joint tax audits and tax examinations abroad, they said in a joint statement issued after the meeting, and that Competent Authorities of the two countries engaging in bilateral dialogue to move forward cooperation in these areas. But no dates were announced. India and the US began discussing collaboration on offshore tax evasion around 2015, when it first figured at the annual bilateral meeting of the two finance ministers that year. Few months later in October, they signed the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), which enjoins them to share information about cross-border accounts by their nationals. The two sides will continue to engage in discussions on full reciprocal arrangement on FATCA, the statement said, adding they look forward to increased cooperation. The stress on offshore tax evasion comes at a time of a fresh urgency felt around the world in the aftermath of the devastating revelations about clients of a Panama law firm. Another significant announcement was about the US offering support for Indias National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and, the statement said, expressed interest in further discussions in areas such as municipal finance. Dubbed the fund of funds, the NIIF was set up in December 2015 as Rs 40,000 crore umbrella fund for investing in Indias infrastructure. Half of this money is coming from the Indian government and the private sector is expected to come up with the rest. The Congress on Thursday released photographs of Sudip Kalkal, a lawyer accused of provoking riots and arson at Haryana finance minister Captain Abhimanyus Rohtak house, in which he is seen posing with chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar, agriculture minister OP Dhankar and even Capt Abhimanyu. Kalkal was recently sent to police remand again when a new audio clip purportedly revealed his role in the arson at Capt Abhimanyus house. In the audio, he is allegedly heard saying that they have made Maharshi Dayanand University shut its gate and gheraoed Capt Abhimanyus house,special investigating team in-charge Siddharth Dhanda had said. The SIT said Kalkal was a relative of former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. The chief minister also called Kalkal a Congressmanduring his visit to Kalanaur and Meham. With the Thursday revelation, the Congress hit back at the BJP. Some Congress leaders also said that Kalkal was a relative of Capt Abhimanyu, and not of Hooda. Our constant stand is that Kalkal is a BJP man and does not belong to the Congress. Just because he is married in a village where Hoodas relatives reside doesnt make him his relative. The way he was clicking photographs with BJP ministers undoubtedly reveals he is a BJP man, said former Congress MLA Bharat Bhushan Batra, who released the photographs along with Kuldeep Sharma in Gurgaon. Meanwhile, several photographs of Kalkal went viral on social media wherein he was seen clicking selfies with famous personalities. The BJP, too, used the same logic to shun the allegations made by the Congress. Health minister Anil Vij said: Photos cannot prove such allegations. People from all parties come to social events and click photographs. Capt Abhimanyu, too, hit back at the Congress. Good to know that Kuldeep Sharma has contributed to the investigation by releasing these photographs. But this only proves his relations with Kalkal, he said. OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi -- A new business venture called Ocean Springs LIVE has launched to bring new live music experiences to the local area and will offer a free concert series in the city in June. According to Ocean Springs LIVE founder Vicki Applewhite, the company has partnered with Blackwater Brass, which will serve as the series house band and kick off each concert evening with this "signature NOLA groove-funk music sylings. The series will combine live music and art experiences on the grounds of Rosetti Park, located between Church Street and Cox Avenue in Ocean Springs. Applewhite said the goal of Ocean Springs LIVE is not only to provide new live music experiences for local residents, but to encourage more business in the downtown area. "It is our hope that Ocean Springs LIVE will bring a larger new audience to downtown early for a free show," she said, "and that they continue their night out downtown, visiting and exploring the variety of pubs, restaurants and nightclubs in Ocean Springs." The first concert is set for June 4, with additional concerts on July 2, Aug. 6 and Sept. 3. The series is expected include a wide range of musical genres, and will include both local, regional and national performers. The first headliner will be announced on Monday at 11 a.m. on the Ocean Springs LIVE website. "Ocean Springs LIVE will fill a void in the current Gulf Coast music scene," said Corey Christy of Blackwater Brass. "There is growing interest in live music and an huge inventory of regional bands that need to be seen on the coast. Ocean Springs LIVE will help close the gap between these two things and create a new exciting option for both residents and visitors of the Gulf Coast." Each concert will begin at 5 p.m. and continue until just after sunset. Families are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to the park and picnic meals will be available from Eat, Drink, Love Catering and Lola Fleur Catering. Businesses or individuals interested in supporting Ocean Springs LIVE with sponsorships or volunteerism can contact Applewhite at 228-861-0029. Ocean Springs LIVE can also be followed on Facebook and Twitter. The Narendra Modi-led government is struggling to keep its promise of adding more jobs, a big reason behind its election victory in 2014, with employment generation in eight sectors slowing to a seven-year low in 2015, government data showed. Textiles, leather, metals, automobiles, gems and jewellery, transport, information technology and the handloom sectors together created 135,000 jobs during 2015, 67% lower than 421,000 jobs that were added in 2014, the last year of the United Progressive Alliance government. Worse, during October to December last year, 20,000 people lost jobs in these sectors, partly because of shrinking exports. Merchandise exports have shrunk for 15 successive months till February as orders continue to dry out from much of Europe. India has become the worlds fastest growing major economy at 7.6% outpacing China last year, but this expansion may not have created enough jobs to absorb armies of young people who join the work force. About 12 million people join the jobseekers queue in India every year. According to the labour bureau data, India had added 419,000 jobs in 2013, 321,000 jobs in 2012, 929,000 jobs in 2011, 870,000 in 2010 and 1.28 million in 2009. The governments Economic Survey tabled in Parliament in February has also said job creation for millions of Indians who will join the work-force every year over the next decade remains a key concern. Indias economy needs to create enough good jobs jobs that are safe and pay well, and encourage firms and workers to improve skills and productivity, the Economic Survey said. The labour bureau survey found that 19,000 people lost jobs in the gems and jewellery sector in 2015, followed by followed by handloom/Powerloom at 11,000. Employment fell by 8,000 each in leather and automobiles sectors while 4,000 people lost their jobs in the transport sector. IT/BPOs created the highest number of jobs adding 76,000 more employee during the year, followed by textiles (72,000) and metals (37,000). A 19-year-old student was killed in firing by security forces trying to quell protests in north Kashmirs Kupwara on Friday as the fifth civilian death this week sparked fresh anger in the Valley. The incident is being seen as an embarrassment for Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, who directed security agencies a day ago to not harm civilians during protests. A police official said villagers tried to storm a Rashtriya Rifles camp in Natnusa village on the national highway after Friday prayers. They were reportedly angry over the death of four people in police firing in the district earlier this week. The people pelted stones on the camp prompting the army men to open fire. One protester injured in the firing died at a hospital while three others were wounded, said the official. The firing killed Arif Hussain Dar, a class-11 student. The three injured people were rushed to Srinagar hospitals. According to eye witnesses, none of the injured was critical. People accompanying the injured people said an army bunker in the middle of Handwara town was not attacked and insisted that the army fired at peaceful demonstrations after prayers. We exercised maximum restraint despite stone pelting by large crowd. Only when the mob stormed the army post was forced to open controlled fire in which some miscreants were injured, army spokesman NN Joshi said. Police said 40 of their men were injured in clashes with protestors. Read: Two men killed after soldiers fire at protesters in Kashmirs Handwara The incident triggered fresh demonstrations in Kashmir with people taking to streets in Srinagar and Kupwara. Shouting slogans, thousands took Arifs body and marched down to his village in Kupwara, bringing back memories of the 2010 street protests across Kashmir against the government where over 100 people lost their lives. Read: Handwara minor in protective police custody, activists protest I am in the thick of stone pelting and wont be able to talk, said Kupwara superintendent of police Aijaz Ahmad. Violence erupted on Tuesday in Handwara 85 kilometres from Srinagar -- when police fired on a mob that had gathered following allegations that an army personnel molested a local girl. The army has since then released a video of the girl where she allegedly denies the molestation charge. Pressure mounted on the state government as social media erupted in condemnation of the spate of killings and questioned the way security agencies were dealing with crowds. Read: Kashmir shut down for 3rd day, mobile internet services suspended Separatists, who asked people to protest after Friday prayers, urged local residents to observe a shutdown on Saturday. Most of the Valley observed a spontaneous shutdown on Friday to protest against the killing. Kashmir University all its examinations scheduled on Saturday. Authorities clamped a curfew the region and suspended mobile internet services but struggled to contain protests over the death of Mohammad Iqbal, Nayeem Qadir, Raja Begum, and Jehangir Ahmad Wani. Restrictions were in force on Friday in many parts of Srinagar and curfew was imposed in Handwara and Kupwara towns. Friday prayers were not held in Srinagars Jamia Masjid. Read: Kashmir firing: Army orders probe as CM Mehbooba demands strict action Sporadic protests broke in many parts of Kashmir. A group of young people attacked a paramilitary camp with stones in Tral town of south Kashmir. In the central district of Ganderbal, civilians threw stones at security forces after Friday prayers. Police fired tear gas shells to disperse the protesters and detained several people for questioning. The Union home ministry has decided to restart the construction work on a lift irrigation canal along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh that was stopped by the Indian Army after the Chinese army objected to the project. The decision was taken after locals protested for about 20 days the stopping of the work on the water channel that was being done under Operation Sadhbhavana by the army at Demchok. We are concerned about the development along borders. The home ministry assured us that construction activity will be taken up under BAPD (Border Area Development Programme). A team of ministry is likely to visit the area next month, a senior administrative official, who did not wish to be named, said. China does not view the LAC in Ladakh sector as clearly demarcatedand usually objects to construction activity along the same. In 2014, India had protested against the construction of a Chinese road link in the same area because it was reportedly being done in Indian territory. Two days back, locals and the leaders of the area held a meeting with the district administration where they were assured of resumption of the work. According to the district administration, the home ministry has said it will fund the resumption of the work under BAPD. The Peoples Liberation Army (PLA) had objected to the construction of the water channels and even pitched tents along the LAC to ensure the work is not resumed. The local commander had said the orders to stop the construction activity had come from Delhi. In March, the Indian Army had directed civil authorities to stop laying a road in Chumar area of Ladakh along the LAC after the Chinese army objected. Leh district authorities had written a letter to the home ministry seeking directions on the resumption of the work. The work was being done under BAPD. Sources said that officials from the home ministry will visit both Demchok and Chumar. Ladakh shares a 225-km Line of Control and a 955-km LAC with China. Sources said that the neighbouring countrys objections to development work along the border are likely to figure in talks during defence minister Manohar Parrikars three-day visit to China in April. The armies of the two countries had faced off at Chumar in 2014 when PLA troops pitched tents in Indian territory and New Delhi rushed in military reinforcements to counter them. A leopard, which strayed into the Meerut cantonment area and injured at least two labourers at a construction site, was caught by a joint team of forest and wildlife experts on Thursday after a 45-hour rescue operation. The animal was first spotted by a hospital staff near a military hospital in the cantonment area on Tuesday morning. The employee raised an alarm to alert other hospital staff and teachers of a special kids school inside the premises. Frightened by the commotion, the leopard climbed a banyan tree and remained there until Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) officials tried to nab it by shooting three tranquiliser darts in the night. However, the animal managed to escape in the dark. The leopard later resurfaced at a construction site in the cantonments Fazalpur area. We were taking it to the forest of Shivalik where it will be released after examination, AK Awasthi, conservator of Meerut division, said admitting that the animal was in deep shock and requires a medical check up before its release. A team of wildlife experts, forest officials, and veterinary doctors has been sent along with the animal to ensure its smooth release. The leopard was caught after a 45-hour operation from the army cantonment in Meerut on Thursday. (HT Photo) The experts of the WTI and forest department began their rescue operation on Thursday morning after cornering the animal at the construction site. The team covered it with a long net and also placed a cage there. They then released smoke to bring it out and placed a bait inside the cage to attract the hungry leopard. When it came out in the afternoon, the team tranquilised it with a dart and took it away after it fell unconscious. We took it away from there immediately in order to rescue it from the crowd, the conservator said. It was indeed a Herculean task to catch the animal without hurting it, DFO Manish Mittal, who remained with his team during the long rescue operation, said. The city had witnessed a similar incident two years ago when a leopard was spotted inside a wood store in Sadar area and then entered into the cantonment hospital. The entire city was kept on alert for over a week but the animal mysteriously disappeared after dodging teams of forest officials and wildlife experts. With the CBI getting the nod to prosecute him in the alleged cheating and corruption in the LTC Scam, JD(U) Rajya Sabha MP Anil Sahni denied the charges on Friday and refused to resign. Its a conspiracy against me... Why shall I resign on moral ground when I have not done anything wrong, the second term Rajya Sabha member from Nitish Kumars party told PTI. Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari gave his approval to CBI to prosecute JD(U) MP Anil Sahni, against whom the agency had filed a charge sheet for alleged cheating and corruption in LTC Scam. The Bihar MP is reportedly the first from the Upper House who will be prosecuted by CBI after sanction in this regard was given by the Chairman. The MP said he would also talk to lawyers to file a defamation suit. Sahni alleged that he fell victim to a racket which operated in raising fake bills for LTC for parliamentarians. Twice I drew attention of the authorities in 2013 about false bill submitted in my name by racketeers against LTC, he said, defending himself in the controversy. I invite the probe agency to check my bank accounts in Delhi as well in Patna to ascertain flow of money on this count, he said. The JD(U) Rajya Sabha member, son of former JD(U) RS MP Madan Sahni, said he would seek time with Chief Minister Kumar, who is now also JD(U) National President, to discuss the issue. Asked who was conspiring against him and for what reason, the JD(U) MP hailing from Muzaffarpur, said he did not know persons behind the conspiracy. I might be targeted as I hail from a poor community and have been raising issues concerning dalits and have-nots, the JD(U) Rajya Sabha MP said. Pakistan on Friday said it has briefed envoys of the Arab and ASEAN countries over Indo-Pak ties and the arrest of an alleged Indian spy. The Pakistan Foreign Office issued a statement saying that the envoys of Arab countries and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states based in Islamabad were briefed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the arrest of RAW (Research and Analysis Wing) Officer Kulbhushan Yadav. It said the envoys were briefed about Yadavs alleged confession about Indian sponsored subversive activities and terrorist financing to destabilise Pakistan. It was emphasised in the briefing that in order to achieve regional peace and stability, it was imperative that India immediately stops its interference in Pakistan and resolves all contentious issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, through the process of sustained dialogue, the statement said. The briefing comes days after Yadav was reportedly charged with terrorism and sabotage in an FIR filed against him by the provincial Balochistan government. The Pakistan Army had also released a confessional video of Yadav, who said he was a serving Indian Navy officer. India has acknowledged Yadav is a retired Indian Navy officer, but denied allegations that he was in any way connected to the government. Two men were run over by a train while they were busy taking a selfie on a railway track in Mirzapur near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. According to reports, Vinod Kumar and Jitendra Kumar, residents of Semara village in Chandauli, had gone to the Ram Navmi fair at Shivshankari Dham, Kailhat in Mirzapur. After spending a couple of hours at the fair they walked along a railway track on which Brahmaputra Express approached them from behind. The duo stood on the track to take a selfie with the approaching train in the background. Before they managed to click the picture, the speeding train crushed them to death. Police recovered the identity card of one of the victims and their families were informed about the incident. The Congress on Friday took a dim view of the suspension of the diplomatic passport of beleaguered industrialist Vijay Mallya whose Kingfisher Airlines has defaulted on loans of over Rs 9,400 crores, saying why did government allow him to leave the country in the first place. If Mallyas case was so sensitive, why did the government allow him to run away in the first place, party spokesman Manish Tewari said. Talking to reporters, he also raked up the Lalit Modi controversy wondering why external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj ensured that the ex-IPL chief got travel documents in London for his worldwide travel despite being an Indian fugitive. This showed the double standards of this government, he alleged. Tewari alleged that the Centre deliberately allowed Mallya to go to Britain as several high ups in the government would have been exposed if he had stayed in India. Mallya on Friday suffered a major blow when his diplomatic passport was suspended by the government which has threatened to revoke it. To add to his problems, the Enforcement Directorate, which is probing money laundering charges against the flamboyant 60-year-old liquor baron, moved a special PMLA court in Mumbai seeking a non-bailable warrant against him in connection with a Rs 900 crore IDBI loan fraud case. The passport of Mallya, who is an MP and has been in Britain for over a month and refused to appear before ED, was suspended by the External Affairs Ministry on the recommendation of the agency. There are days when ones hard work inspires another. The saying went well with Delhi Daredevils leg-spinner Amit Mishra, whose four-wicket haul (in three overs) against Kings XI Punjab broke the visitors back. This was after Delhi skipper Zaheer Khans miserly three overs laid the foundation. Delhi went on to beat KXIP by eight wickets to record their first victory this season. Playing his 100th IPL game, the Haryana leggie couldnt have asked for better figures against a side whose middle order is rated one of the best this season. While credit has to be given to Mishra for the heart he showed against the likes of Shaun Marsh, David Miller, Glen Maxwell and Manan Vohra, it was Zaheer who encouraged him by setting attacking fields. With KXIP 37/1 in six overs, Zaheer was aware the opposition would go after the spinners and that this was the time to pick a few wickets. It was as if he planned and Mishra delivered. The previous day, Mishra had said team mentor Rahul Dravids message to him was to focus on picking wickets without caring about leaking runs. Mishra flighted the first ball to Marsh, and the Aussie southpaw jumped out only to be foxed by the break and dip. Next up was Miller. He had played just nine balls when Zaheer called in a slip and short leg for the KXIP skipper. The South African was clearly being urged to go for a lofted stroke against Mishra. The leggie began on a positive note by beating Miller first ball but in his second over, the South African planted his leg and went for a slog sweep. Mishra changed his length and Miller was trapped in front. Against Maxwell, the plan was simple --- cover the leg-side boundary and urge him to go over cover. Against India a few months back, Maxwell had been dismissed twice trying to clear the cover region, once to Yuvraj Singh as well. Mishra was aware of his weakness. He tossed the ball up and the Australian fell in the trap one more time. As Maxwell half-chipped-half-lofted to Carlos Brathwaite at long-off, KXIPs backbone had been broken in the space of 10 balls. With Vohra at the other end, Mishra kept mixing up his deliveries and waited for him to make a mistake. A googly was all it took to trigger the dismissal as Mishra bowled it slightly wide of the crease and it crashed into Vohras stumps. Mishras day at work was over in just three overs and it gave Zaheer a chance to test his other options. The Delhi skipper had bowled like the Zaheer of old and completed his quota by conceding just 14 runs. Chasing 112, the Delhi batsmen had an enjoyable time with Quinton de Kock helping himself to an unbeaten half century (59) and Sanju Samson (33) playing the supporting role. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Shah Rukh Khan has stepped out of his comfort zone with Maneesh Sharma-directed Fan. A far cry from his romantic image, Fan takes us back to the days of Anjaam and Darr when SRK played obsessive lover/stalker with aplomb. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge changed all of that. Read: SRKs Fan gets no love from censors In Fan, the actor plays movie star Aryan Khanna obviously based on his own persona with even shots done outside his luxurious Mumbai home. He also plays Gaurav, a creepy obsessed fan with prosthetics and brilliant white teeth. It is about the imaginary relationship between a star and his fan. It is just that the fan is street smart, cynical and expects too much from the star. Read: SRKs Fan is no ripoff Gaurav wins a Aryan Khanna tribute and decides to head to Mumbai to meet his favourite star. Things dont go well and Gauravs love sours and turns into hate. He will then travel around the world, following on Aryans footsteps, and staging crimes whose blame will be pinned on his erstwhile god. The film also stars Waluscha DSouza and Sachin Pilgaonkars daughter, Shriya. The film lacks any songs and plays like a thriller. Only, it needs more teeth and tighter editing. ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop On Aug. 15, 1942, Honor Jones, an observer at an Aircraft Warning Service Post in Hurley, noticed a black ball of smoke in the sky heading east near Wade. As it turned south he saw that it was an airplane and watched it burst into flames and glide and disappear into a swamp about one-half mile from Wade. Jones heard three explosions. Because his telephone line was out of order, he drove 20 miles to Moss Point to report the crash through the Army Aircraft Warning System in Mobile, Ala. As events unraveled, it was revealed the aircraft was a Douglas DB-7/A-20 Havoc attack bomber, one of the most produced during World War II. The mid-wing, twin-engine, three-place medium bomber had a reputation for getting its crews home, even when both crew and aircraft suffered crippling blows. And on this summer day while flying a scheduled round trip from Hattiesburg (Miss.) Air Base to Brookley Field in Mobile, the pilot reported fire in his right engine. As the aircraft lost altitude, First Lt. Harold W. Prusa, a passenger, attempted to bail out at about 600 feet, while the pilot First Lt. Walter W. Ruoff made a forced landing and along with Staff Sgt. Vernon W. Vogt rode the aircraft down and answered shouts from farmers who had come into the woods looking for them. Ruoff had major injuries while Vogt's were not as serious. They were taken by car to Jackson County Hospital where Ruoff was treated for a broken back, hand, and numerous cuts and bruises. Vogt suffered burns, scalp lacerations and cuts about the face and legs. "I was at the hospital about one hour when a call from Miss Frances Jones informed me that Lt. Prusa was pinned beneath the ship and was dead," wrote Vogt in his report. "His chute had evidently fouled up when he attempted to abandon ship." Through correspondence in 2007 with Terry Ganey, then of Columbia, Mo., Mitchell Cirlot of Pascagoula, who shared his file on the crash with this column, said he was told the plane crashed on the property of Jimmy Faggard. Ganey told Cirlot he believed he located during a 1992 visit to Mississippi the farm where Vogt, who was his uncle, had come out of the swamp. "My uncle told me that later the Army Air Force went in there and removed all the instruments and whatever was salvageable from the plane," Ganey wrote Cirlot. The wreckage may still exist and it would be interesting to know if anyone knows where it is, or if anyone recalls any stories about the crash from their friends or relatives. Army clothing must have been a commodity during that era because Vogt was asked to return to the Army Infantry headquarters "one khaki shirt and one khaki trousers loaned during recent airplane crash emergency" to Vogt, who was assigned to the Hattiesburg Air Base. Story of the crash was covered on the front page of "The Chronicle" as was the ensuing probe into the crash. The aircraft was first used in 1939, had a wing span of 61 feet 4 inches, length of 47 feet, 7 inches, height of 17 feet 7 inches, weighed 19,750 pounds and was powered by two 1,600 horsepower Wright R-2600-23 engines. Its top speed was 340 mph and it had a range of 1,240 miles. It accommodated a three-man crew and its armament was a 2,000-pound bomb load and 12 machine guns. Correspondent Joanne Anderson may be reached at joandy42@cableone.net. The Khar police registered a case against food outlet Box8 which supplied food to Thadomal Shahani College and Lala Lajpatrai College from where 17 students had to be rushed to hospital after they suffered food poisoning on Thursday. The students were attending an awareness programme on a permanent seat for India at the United Nations Security Council, which was organised by Indian International Model United Nations (a non-profit organisation). The event was held across several colleges in the city. The organisers had placed the order for food online, which was cooked at Box8s kitchen that is located in Thane. The food was transported to the locations in packets, said an officer from Khar police station. The police said at least 1,000 students were present at the venues for the event that was scheduled between 10am and 6pm, with a lunch break post noon. The Tardeo police, meanwhile, collected food samples from the packets and sent them to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The reports are awaited. We have recorded the statements of most of the students at Lala Lajpatrai College, the organisers and the outlet that provided food, said Dnyanesh Devde, senior inspector of Tardeo police station. The police said the outlet claimed the food had been freshly cooked. The Khar police have registered a case under sections 273 (sale of noxious food or drink), 338 (causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the Indian Penal Code. An official statement from Box8 said: We are deeply concerned about the news report of illness caused to some students yesterday. Box8 maintains a rigourous quality process through preparation of food and delivery system, including tasting the food before serving, which too was followed yesterday without any adverse results. Matter is being inquired by the authorities and we have been fully co-operating to identify the cause. Once the cause is identified Box8 will spare no efforts to deal with the same. Week after an auto driver, Vikrant Kumar, was killed by gangster Goru Bachcha over parking issue, his family refused to cremate his body until the accused is arrested. Read: Gangster Goru Bachcha flaunts Akali student wing connection His body has been preserved in a private hospital. Deceaseds brother Vijay Kumar said, Police have failed to arrest the accused even seven days after the murder. The family had met deputy commissioner Ravi Bhagat seeking compensation through local MLA Darshan Singh Shivalik. The DC had even assured financial help and job for his dependents, but to no avail. Punjab Polices war on drugs is losing thrust, so much so that the Punjab and Haryana high court now has threatened to issue orders to withhold the salaries of the officials not appearing before trial courts. Claiming on the one hand to be going after the associates of synthetic-drug racket kingpin Jagdish Bhola, police officials are, on the other hand, ignoring even bailable warrants to turn up to depose against them. One of the constables pleaded court that he could not appear in the trial court because he was on VIP duty. The police officials are either colluding with the accused or making concerted effort to delay trial and create circumstances that the court releases the accused on bail. It demonstrates the lack of commitment for taking the pending cases to their logical conclusion, the high court bench of justice Surya Kant and justice PB Bajanthri observed recently, while hearing the bail matters of some accused. The high court had to intervene in the matter and ask director general of police (DGP) to submit a list of official police witnesses along with an undertaking that theyd be assigned no duty on the dates they were required in the trial court. If it was found that the official skipped the hearing deliberately, he or she is to be dismissed from service, the court asked the DGP to submit in writing. As almost every cop standing as witness in these drug cases is found to be skipping trial proceedings, we will be constrained to restrain the police department from releasing the salary of all the official witnesses until they would depose before the court concerned, the high court has said, asking the DGP to take necessary steps or it would intervene with additional punitive action against the erring officials. It was highlighted during the hearing that in the case of drug racket accused Canadian citizen Sukhraj Singh Kang, a trial court was forced on March 25 to issue bailable warrants against cops who had not turned up for witness examination. Of the 29 prosecution witness cited against the accused, 22 are police officials, of which only one has been examined. The three prosecution witnesses against accused Kulwant Singh, who were to be examined on March 25, also did not turn up even after bailable warrants. These cases under the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances), money laundering and other Acts were registered in 2013. The trials, including the one against Bhola, are at various stages in the trial courts of Punjab. Notice to DGP, ADGP (prisons) The high court has also issued show-cause notice to the DGP and additional DGP (prisons) to seek explanation on the conduct of officers who, in the courts eyes, are delaying the conclusion of trial against Bhola drug racket accused Tarsem Singh. The court found tacit collusion and connivance between the jail authorities and the prosecution agency, as one or the other accused under trial remained absent on the trial date, compelling the court to adjourn the matter every time. Police and the jail authorities have made the learned special court judge a mute spectator virtually, as no effective proceedings have been conducted since November 2015, the high court recorded in its order. The high court also observed that accused drug maker Jagjit Singh Chahal, who was on bail, was absent from the trial court proceedings. Terming his absence prime facie case of misuse of concession of bail, the court has asked him by a notice why his bail should not be cancelled now. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON The minor son of city industrialists who was found murdered on Wednesday was subjected to torture by kidnappers, revealed the post-mortem report. Class-10 student Jaskirat Singh (14) was kidnapped on Monday. The report by a medical board of comprising three doctors revealed that the accused used a rope to strangle the boy thrice and his eight ribs were found fractured, the medical board said, adding the accused had tied bricks to the boys body and the police presume that the accused might had planned to throw the body into a river. The accused dumped the body in a field, 3km from a bridge over the Beas river near Goindwal after spotting a checkpoint and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed at the entrance of the bridge. Fractures in ribs indicate that the accused strangulated the boy by sitting on his chest as there were no visible marks of sharp injuries on his chest, examination revealed. The three-member board comprising Dr Ranbir Singh, Dr Harpreet, and Dr Narinder Singh conducted the post-mortem on Thursday at the Kapurthala civil hospital. The board also denied that the accused used acid to kill the boy. We did not find any traces of acid on the body. His face was swollen due to extreme heat and blockage of blood flow, Dr Narinder told HT over phone. Kidnappers might be known to family: Cops The police are suspecting involvement of persons close to the family behind the crime. The police said it was a planned murder and a ransom call was made to misguide the police and the family. The kidnappers made a call from a mobile phone which was snatched from a migrant migrated worker on March 21. Read: Family accuses police of shoddy handling of case Station house officer Sukha Singh, who is part of the three-member special investigating team, said preliminary investigations point towards rivalry and someone close to the family kidnapped and killed the boy. We have recovered the CCTV camera footage from shops in the market, but the kidnappers faces are not clear. The CCTV camera installed at the bridge near Goindwal was also damaged by a truck driver on April 10, a day before the boy was kidnapped, SHO added. Senior superintendent of police (SSP) Rajinder Singh also said a person known to the family was behind the incident. He did not divulge details and said investigations were no. Police ask shopkeepers to install CCTV cameras The deputy superintendents of police (DSPs) held a series of meetings on Thursday with various non-governmental organisations and shopkeepers in Kapurthala and Phagwara and asked them to install CCTV cameras on their premises. Superintendent of police (headquarters), Kapurthala, Balvir Singh said they have directed resident and shopkeepers to install CCTV cameras. There are around 30 functional cameras in the city and we have decided to install 50 to 70 more cameras in city markets this month, he said. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Going out of the way director general of police (DGP) Suresh Arora has allowed cops to take off on their birthdays and marriage anniversaries, even though there is no such provision in Punjab Police rules. The DGP has shown this generosity following the point raised by a woman cop in a meeting held at Punjab Police Academy (PPA), Phillaur. During the meeting of probationer deputy superintendents of police (DSP) and sub-inspectors (SI) at Phillaur on April 4, a probationer woman SI, Renu, had raised the point that cops should get day offs on their marriage anniversaries and birthdays, so that they could celebrate the days with their families without any burden or work pressure on mind. Accepting the suggestion, the DGP sent a letter to all commissioners of police and senior superintendents of police (SSPs) in this context. Referring to the woman cops suggestion, the DGP said, Though there is no rule to give day off to cops on their birthday and marriage anniversary, the cops can avail day off from their respective heads on such days. Hailing the DGPs orders, cops said earlier, they used to work on such specials days and their families used to wait for them to celebrate the days. Cops not getting weekly offs since 2003 The cops in Ludhiana have not been getting weekly offs after the transfer of the then senior superintendent of police (SSP) Harpreet Singh Sidhu in 2003. A cop, requesting anonymity, said, Sidhu had started to give weekly off to cops. Once he had issued warning notice to Focal Point SHO for coming to police station on his weekly off. But, after Sidhu was transferred from the city, weekly off system was collapsed. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON Is Gulzar really going to give lectures at Panjab University? A day after PU announced that he had accepted the offer to take up its Tagore Chair, the poet-filmmaker denied having said yes, adding that he was not sure what my role would be. Heading a chair has certain benefits but it has certain responsibilities too, he added. Also, he categorically denied reports that he had allowed Punjabi translations of his translations of Rabindranath Tagores works. When HT got back to PU vice-chancellor Arun Kumar Grover over the denial, he insisted that the poet had not made a categorical refusal, and then later in the day sent another offer to Gulzar, who in turn said he would ponder over it. Actually, in response to the Chair offer sent via email by the V-C on March 10, Gulzar had replied on March 23: I have been travelling for some time. I received your letter when I came back. I will check up my schedules and get back to you. Thank you very much for the honour. The university took this as acceptance and issued a press release on Wednesday, stating that he had agreed to assume the Tagore Chair. In his renewed offer on Thursday evening after HT told him about the denial, Grover wrote to Gulzar that even one event a year would be enough to do honour to the Chair. He added that just one visit to re-release his two books of Tagores translations and give a lecture to the faculty and students would be sufficient. At this, Gulzar told HT over phone again: Well, the V-C is reasonable in making this offer; however I would need time to ponder over it. As for a function to re-launch the Tagore books, I would do it in my personal capacity, and it can be dedicated to the Tagore Chair. He added that the function should not be confused as acceptance of the Chair. The university had, as was clear from the announcement press release, envisaged a wide role for him. The university will be enriched by the series of lectures that Gulzar Sahib will be delivering and also through the meaningful interaction with faculty, students, artists, writers and intellectuals across disciplines in this region which will be organised as part of the activities of the Chair, it had said, adding, The students of the School of Communication Studies and listeners of Radio Jyotirgamaya, will be exposed to the literary acumen of Gulzar sahib and learn the nuances of popular writing styles for creative media. Gulzar was honoured by PU with its first Sahitya Ratan Award last year and he had held a lively interaction with the faculty and students. Besides being chancellor of Assam University, Silchar, he is a recipient of several academic honours, including being chosen as national fellow by the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies at Shimla. The Shiromani Akali Dal (Longowal) headed by former Punjab chief minister Surjit Singh Barnalas wife will merge into the Congress, with a formal announcement to be made by Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi during his visit to Punjab on Saturday. The decision to merge the outfit with the Congress came after the Barnala family met Congress president Sonia Gandhi at her residence on Delhi on Thursday. Among those who met Sonia were SAD (Longowal) president Surjit Kaur Barnala, her son and outfit general secretary Gaganjit Singh Barnala and Gaganjits son Simar Partap Barnala. Simar Pratap had unsuccessfully contested the 2015 Dhuri assembly bypoll on Congress symbol. We have decided to merge out party with Congress unconditionally, Gaganjit Barnala told PTI, adding that a formal announcement will most likely be made on Saturday. The merger is viewed as a move to strengthen the anti-SAD-BJP sentiment and to counter the growing influence of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab. Surjit Singh Barnala, along with Harchand Singh Longowal, had signed an accord with then Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi in the 1980s for bringing peace to Punjab during the troubled times of militancy. Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badals estranged nephew Manpreet Singh Badal earlier joined Congress and merged his outfit Peoples Party of Punjab (PPP) with it. Congress general secretary and in-charge of Punjab affairs, Shakeel Ahmad too said the announcement is likely on Saturday. The Barnalas share a good rapport with former chief minister and Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh and this has helped in initiating the merger move ahead of Punjab assembly elections slated early next year. Sources said Simar Pratap is likely to be the party candidate from Dhuri, a seat represented by Gaganjit Barnala once. Rahul to hold meeting for unity Chandigarh: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi will reach Zirakpur around 11.30am on Saturday and will hold a meeting with almost 2,000 party members, including sitting and former MLAs, MPs, and block unit presidents. The meeting, organised by poll strategist Prashant Kishors organisation Indian Political Action Committee, assumes significance as the state Congress, which faced factionalism, wants to put up a united face to take on the SAD-BJP alliance and an emerging AAP in the polls. Senior Congress leaders Jagmeet Brar and Bir Devinder Singh were suspended for their outbursts against party leaders, especially Amarinder Singh, earlier this month. PTI Reacting to the reports on seed dealers from Gujarat illegally operating in Bathinda, deputy commissioner Basant Garg has directed the agriculture and the police department to take action against such elements. It must be mentioned that many seed dealers from outside the state sold spurious cotton seeds, prone to pest attack, to gullible farmers last year. Garg said they were holding regular meetings with seed dealers from time to time in order to ensure that only recommended varieties of seeds were being provided to farmers this year. Many of the dealers, especially from Gujarat are publicising duplicate seeds among farmers and it cannot be tolerated at any cost, Garg said. He added that the administration was making all possible efforts to ensure proper cotton crop and yield this year. The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and agriculture department experts are creating awareness among farmers. We have taken steps to eliminate whitefly before the cotton crop seeds is sowed, for which an exhaustive plan has been drawn, he informed. Meanwhile, chief agriculture officer Nachhattar Singh Aulakh said the farmers were being asked to sow only 38 verities seeds, which have been recommended by the PAU. Pamphlets have been distributed among the farmers, besides training camps at villages, to make them aware about the recommended seeds and pesticides, he said. He added that some people were falsely selling seeds, claiming it to be whitefly-resistant. During regular inspections, it was found that some farmers are buying non-recommended varieties, which are more vulnerable to pest attack and can cause huge damage to the crop and the farmers may end up suffering losses like last year, he said. Telugu actor Ram Charan has made it clear that he is not appearing with Bollywood actor Salman Khan in any film, contrary to media reports. The actor, who is busy shooting for the yet-untitled Telugu remake of Tamil blockbuster Thani Oruvan, said so while on a visit to Delhi. Ram, who was last seen in Bollywood film Zanjeer, a remake of director Prakash Mehras 1973 released film Zanjeer, says that Salman once approached him for producing a film but they are not starring together as of now. Read: Salman Khan | Ram Charan Tejas savior in Bollywood Read: My father made me sign Zanjeer, says Ram Charan Teja No, I dont know how these rumours are coming in. I am not starring in a film with Salman Khan, said Ram. Watch Zanjeer trailer here: He added: But it was very nice of him when he once approached and said he wants to produce a film, and but of course the script and everything he has to select... but we are not acting together as of now. Ram is known for his performances in Telugu films like Magadheera and Chirutha. ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop The story of TV actor Pratyusha Banerjees tragic death has taken another turn. Her mother has now written to Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, requesting a probe by Mumbai Police Crime Branch into the actors alleged suicides. In her letter to the CM, Soma Banerjee, has alleged that Pratyushas boyfriend and actor-producer Rahul Raj Singh was solely responsible for her death. ...she fell prey to conman Rahul Raj Singh, who has not only cheated my daughter and is solely responsible for death, but also cheated many innocent girls like her to the tune of lakhs of rupees, said the letter, dated April 13, signed by Pratyushas mother. Read: Pratyusha Banerjee suicide- Who said what in the case The letter, which has also been addressed to minister of state for (home) Ranjit Patil, Mumbai police commissioner Dattatray Padsalgikar and joint commissioner of police (law and order) Deven Bharti, alleged that their complaint was not being heard by police. The actors mother alleged that instead of seriously investigating the matter, the Bangur Nagar police, where the case has been registered, was giving a free hand to the accused to destroy the evidence. Memoriesss to cherish... Mom ,, dad aur main!!!! A photo posted by Pratyusha Banerjee (@iamprats) on Sep 29, 2015 at 1:23am PDT He (Rahul) also has been threatening us and the witnesses. The death of my daughter is being coloured and portrayed as a suicide committed due to depression, it stated. Our appeal to you is that the investigation in the case should be transferred to Mumbai Crime Branch for a fair investigation so that justice is done after our daughters untimely and mysterious death, the letter further said. Goa it issss!!!! Love u babyyyyyyyy... .. @rahul.r.singh.378 A photo posted by Pratyusha Banerjee (@iamprats) on Oct 22, 2015 at 6:22am PDT The Balika Vadhu fame actor was found hanging at her residence in Goregaon on April 1. She was then rushed by Rahul to a hospital in Andheri where she was declared dead. Rahul, who has been booked for abetment of suicide, has been undergoing treatment for alleged depression at a hospital in Borivali since April 3. Read: TV actor Pratyusha Banerjee of Balika Vadhu fame commits suicide The Bombay High Court had on Tuesday granted Rahul interim protection from arrest till April 18. ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop Even if Anthony had a year to analyze and dissect each piece...(he couldn't tell if it would)... stand the harsh light of public exposure. WUWT insider Willis Eschenbach tells you all you need to know about Anthony Watts and his blog, WattsUpWithThat (WUWT). As part of his scathing commentary , Wondering Willis accuses Anthony Watts of being clueless about the blog articles he posts. To paraphrase: Click here to read more. Seizing the popularity it has got after Gerua from Shah Rukh Khan-Kajol starrer Dilwale was shot at its scenic locales, Iceland now wants to attract niche Indian travellers. There has been an interest among Indians to visit Iceland after the picturisation of the song Gerua from movie Dilwale in Iceland. The locales of Iceland were beautifully captured in the song. We want to leverage on this interest and increase the number of tourist arrivals from India, Ambassador of Iceland to India Thorir Ibsen said in Mumbai. Read: SRK did Fan way before Dilwale but still it got so delayed? Heres why He said Iceland would like to invite more Bollywood filmmakers to come and shoot in his country. Recently, Promote Iceland, a body that promotes Iceland as a tourist destination, conducted its maiden roadshow in Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai to reach out to Indian travellers. The strategy of Promote Iceland is to target the premium travellers from India as Iceland is not for budget tourists. We have not been very active in the Indian market in the past. But now we think that Iceland has gained interest in India and we want to build on the momentum through our maiden roadshows. The roadshow was a platform for us to meet the travel trade and understand the requirements of Indian travellers, Promote Iceland Manager Trade Delegations, Thorleifur Thor Jonsson said. Being blessed with beautiful landscapes, roaring volcanoes, monolithic glaciers, icy mountains and deep fjords, Icelands beauty sometimes seem surreal and will appeal to those Indians who are looking for new and niche destinations, Ibsen added. Iceland received a little over 1,000 tourists from India last year. Follow @htlifeandstyle for more. Brazils Supreme Court on Friday rejected a last-ditch attempt by President Dilma Rousseff to halt the impeachment process against her, clearing the way for a key vote in the Congress. Justices refused a request for an injunction against proceedings that the government lawyer called Kafkaesque and said amounted to denying Rousseff the opportunity to defend herself against allegations of illegally fudging government budget numbers to boost her re-election chances in 2014. The 7-3 ruling in an emergency Supreme Court session that began late Thursday and went well past midnight in the capital Brasilia paved the way for Sundays vote by the lower house of Congress, which is due to decide whether to send Rousseff to an impeachment trial. In an atmosphere of maximum drama and tension in Latin Americas largest country and economy, debate in the lower house begins later Friday leading up to the vote on Sunday. If the vote passes on Sunday, the Senate will have authority to open a trial against Rousseff. If the Senate finds her guilty with another two-thirds vote, she would be forced from office. That leaves Brazils Vice President Michel Temer closing in on the interim presidency, as required under the constitution should Rousseff be suspended or removed from office. Temer and Rousseff always made an awkward couple. As head of the PMDB centrist party, Temer represented the biggest force in leftist Rousseffs shaky coalition. For years, the PMDB played that kingmaker role and it worked. But in March, the party voted to quit the government and go into opposition, supporting the rush to impeach Rousseff. The 75-year-old lawyer has a low profile for someone in such a lynchpin position at the top of Latin Americas biggest country and economy. A constitutional scholar, he is perhaps best known to voters for having a 32-year-old former beauty contestant as a wife. But now, with his boss possibly sliding toward political oblivion, Temer appears hungry to take himself and his party out of the shadows. In fact Rousseff accuses him of manipulating the impeachment proceedings to rise to the top, calling him a conspirator. Temer, seen as a master operator in the snakepit of Brasilias Congressional politics, initially played his cards cautiously. For months he made his displeasure at Rousseff known, sending a letter in December where he complained of feeling undervalued as a decorative vice president. But he was careful to stay on the fence, even as other PMDB members openly attacked Rousseff and pushed ahead the impeachment momentum. Occasionally, he let the mask slip, publishing a document in October called A bridge to the future in which he criticized excesses in government policies. But while lower-level supporters liked to refer to him as President Temer, he insisted he had no ambitions, except perhaps at the next scheduled elections in 2018. Finally last month Temer came out into the open, calling on the PMDB to abandon the government and go into opposition. But nothing was as brazen as the leaking Monday of an audio recording where he practices the speech hed give if he replaces Rousseff. We are living in strange and worrying times, times of a coup and pretending and treachery, Rousseff said. Yesterday they used the pretense of a leak to give the order for the conspiracy. For such a colorless, backroom wheeler and dealer, Temer has a surprising side. Not only is he married to a woman less than half his age, but this is his third marriage. He has five children born across four decades. Nor is he the stuffed suit that he might appear on television. In addition to a highly regarded work on constitutional law, this child of Lebanese immigrants has authored a book of poetry. He has served three times as speaker of the lower house of Congress and has been president of the PMDB for 15 years. Temer does not apologize for his dour manner, telling Piaui magazine in 2010 that joking is not his thing. I dont know how to do this. If I tried, it would be a disaster. That persona may account for his rock-bottom popularity -- he would get just one percent of the vote in a presidential race against other leading figures, according to a recent Datafolha poll. Becoming interim president because of a Rousseff impeachment would be one way for the kingmaker to become king. There was a time when Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders were extremely civil to each other, in stark contrast to the Republicans brawling across the room. They can barely stand each other now. Clinton and Sanders clashed furiously and frequently at the Democratic debate on Thursday, that got so scrappy one TV network said, October civility gives way to April anger. The New York Times was surprised by the contempt they showed each other and said the debate was packed with sarcasm, snideness and smackdowns. When Clinton said she had stood up to Wall Street, a reference to big banks and financial institutions, Sanders shot back: They must have been very, very upset by what you did. After leaving office as secretary of state, Clinton received massive sums of money for speaking at some of these banks and is battling perception she will bat for them when elected. In another exchange, Clinton said anyone who doesnt agree with Sanders is promptly described by him as the establishment, something he rails against constantly. At one point during one of their exchanges that went out of control, moderator Wolf Blitzer of CNN cute said, If youre both screaming at each other, the viewers wont be able to hear either of you. The two candidates are locked in a bitter fight for the Democratic nomination with the silver-haired senator from Vermont winning seven of the last eight nominating contests. Clinton still leads Sanders 1,289-1,038 in the count of pledged delegates (Democrats also have super-delegates), and is likely to sweep New York, but is struggling to shake him off. The Thursday night debate is unlikely to change the race, most experts agreed, but it was clear Sanders was prepared to fight till the last, and was not likely to give Clinton a pass. He questioned her judgment for supporting the Iraq War as a senator, and, as secretary of state, not preparing adequately for the aftermath of the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi in Libya. Clinton slammed him on gun control as she has in the past on his ambivalence, his inability to explain how he will deliver on his campaign promises, such as breaking up big banks. They differed vigorously on Israel with Sanders, who is Jewish, insisting the Jewish state reacts with disproportionate aggression to provocations from Palestine. Clinton sided with Israel. A former US defence contractor has been sentenced to nearly five years in jail for illegally exporting to India military blueprints and technical drawings of parts used in some high-tech hardware like F-15 jets using a local churchs website. Hannah Robert, 49, circumvented the US government and provided export-controlled technical data related to various types of military technology to an individual in India, said asssistant US attorney general John P Carlin in a statement. Robert, a resident of New Jersey, was sentenced to 57 months of imprisonment. We will vigorously prosecute and bring to justice those who abuse their access to sensitive defence information and violate the Arms Export Control Act, Carlin said. Prosecutors say she ran two New Jersey-based companies that contracted with the Pentagon to supply defence hardware and spare parts. She owned a third company in India that manufactured parts. Currently under home detention pending trial, she was charged in a superseding indictment with one count of violating the Arms Export Control Act, one count of conspiracy to violate the act and four counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. According to court documents, Robert, founder, owner, and president of One Source USA LLC, used a local churchs website to transfer technical drawings of military hardware parts. The exported technical drawings include parts used in the torpedo systems for nuclear submarines, military attack helicopters, and F-15 fighter aircraft, the Department of Justice said. She transmitted export-controlled technical data to one PR in India so that they could submit bids to foreigners, including those in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to supply them or their foreign customers with defence hardware items and spare parts. Neither Robert nor PR obtained approval from the US Department of State for this conduct, the Justice Department said. Rescuers were rifling through the remains of collapsed buildings in southern Japan on Friday, after a powerful earthquake left at least nine people dead and injured hundreds, sparking fires and buckling roads. Tens of thousands of people fled their homes after the 6.5-magnitude quake struck the southwestern island of Kyushu on Thursday night, leaving lumps of broken concrete strewn in the streets. Houses collapsed, factories stopped work and a high-speed train was derailed, while the roof of the treasured Kumamoto castle in the southern city of the same name was also damaged. There was a ka-boom and the whole house shook violently sideways, Takahiko Morita, a resident of nearby town Mashiki, said in a telephone interview with public broadcaster NHK. Furniture and bookshelves fell down, and books were all over the floor. Dozens of aftershocks followed the quake, which hit about 9:26 pm local time on Thursday evening, and officials warned the death toll could rise as rescuers scoured the collapsed structures. As rescue workers toiled through the night, an eight-month-old baby girl was pulled from the rubble alive and unharmed, NHK reported. As far as we can tell from infrared images from a police helicopter, there appears to be a significant number of houses destroyed or half-collapsed, said disaster minister Taro Kono. There are fears the number of injured could rise. Firefighters walk among collapsed houses caused by an earthquake in Mashiki town, Kumamoto prefecture, southern Japan. (Reuters) Rescuers are concentrating their searches in Mashiki, a town near the epicentre of the quake where the most deaths have been recorded. On the streets, the remains of collapsed Japanese-style houses many of then aged, wooden structures could be seen, and damaged roof tiles lay in piles. Scores of people spent the night huddled in front of the town hall, some in tears, while others wrapped themselves in blankets to ward off the nighttime chill. Im so scared of the aftershocks that I cannot sleep, 94-year-old Tomiko Takahashi told Jiji Press. Nuclear plants safe By Friday morning, the government said it had confirmed at least 860 people had been injured, at least 53 seriously. An official from the local Kumamoto disaster agency said at least nine were dead. We are combing through Mashiki where the damage was serious to see if there are any people who are still seeking rescue, said government spokesman Yoshihide Suga. Gen Aoki, a Japan Meteorological Agency seismologist, urged residents to be on guard for more aftershocks and warned rain in coming days could make the situation worse. (AFP) Please do not go near damaged houses and structures that are about to collapse, he said at an early morning briefing. About 57,000 households in Kumamoto prefecture have been left without water, according to local government figures. Nuclear plants in the region were unaffected, but several major manufacturers including Honda, Bridgestone, and Sony said they had suspended operations at factories in the area. Train services on Kyushu were temporarily halted after Thursdays earthquake and a super fast bullet train derailed luckily while it was empty said Yusuke Nanri, a spokesman for operator JR Kyushu. Some 1,600 military personnel were joined by nearly 2,000 police officers and more than 1,300 firefighters to help in the search and rescue efforts, Suga said early Friday. The initial quake, which struck at a shallow depth of 10 kilometres (6.2 miles), was followed two and a half hours later by another measuring 6.4 magnitude, according to Japans meteorological agency. The US Geological Survey measured it a smaller 6.2 magnitude. In total, more than 100 earthquakes rocked the region after the first hit, and officials warned the could continue for a week or so. Japans two sole operating nuclear reactors, located on Kyushu, were functioning normally, an official at the Sendai plant told AFP. Japan, one of the most seismically active countries in the world, has been particularly on edge over the vulnerability of nuclear power plants after a massive undersea quake on March 11, 2011, that sent a tsunami barrelling into the countrys northeast coast. Some 18,500 people were left dead or missing, and several nuclear reactors went into meltdown at the Fukushima plant in the worst atomic accident in a generation. Chancellor Angela Merkel on Friday authorised a Turkish demand for criminal proceedings against a German TV comedian over a crude satirical poem about President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a bitter row over free speech. The government will give its authorisation in the case at hand, Merkel told reporters, adding that it was up to the courts to decide on his guilt or innocence. However, Merkel also announced that Germany would by 2018 scrap the rarely-enforced section 103 of the criminal code -- insulting organs or representatives of foreign states -- under which the comic, Jan Boehmermann, has been accused, as a result of the embarrassing affair. A section 103 probe can only go forward with the approval of the federal government. Ankara this month filed a formal request for a criminal inquiry to be launched in Germany against the popular Boehmermann, who accused Erdogan of having sex with goats and sheep while gleefully admitting he was flouting Germanys legal limits on free expression. The so-called Defamatory Poem also audaciously labelled the Turkish president a paedophile. Merkel -- who had previously labelled the poem deliberately insulting -- had pledged Turkeys request would be very carefully examined, even as she underlined the German Constitutions guarantees of freedom of expression, academia and of course the arts. On Friday she said her government, after heated internal debate, had concluded that only the judiciary should decide whether Boehmermann had committed a criminal offence. In a state under the rule of law, it is not a matter for the government but rather for state prosecutors and courts to weigh personal rights issues and other concerns affecting press and artistic freedom, she said. Merkel stressed that Berlins decision did not amount to a prejudgement on his legal culpability and that prosecutors and courts would have the last word. A new study of Pakistani school textbooks backed by a US government commission has concluded their contents will make it virtually impossible for a new generation of Pakistanis to envision a peaceful future with Hindu-majority India. The report Teaching intolerance in Pakistan: Religious bias in public school textbooks, released this week and sponsored by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), noted that the textbooks are riddled with errors about minority faiths and cultures. The textbooks, which reach more than 41 million children, negatively portray religious minorities as untrustworthy and inferior, the USCIRF said. The study was conducted by Pakistan-based NGO Peace and Education Foundation (PEF). According to the study, a tenth grade Urdu textbook states: Because the Muslim religion, culture and social system are different from non-Muslims, it is impossible to cooperate with Hindus. The report said: This kind of education closes all doors for a new generation of Pakistani Muslims to see a peaceful future with Hindus of India, and worse yet, it provides a rationale to treat Pakistani Hindus as outsiders. In contrast, it ignores how Hindus and Muslims have cooperated and coexisted peacefully for centuries in the subcontinent. USCIRF chairman Robert P George said: Pakistans public school textbooks contain deeply troubling content that portrays non-Muslim citizens as outsiders, unpatriotic, and inferior; are filled with errors; and present widely-disputed historical facts as settled history. He added this reflects the alarming state today of religious freedom in Pakistan. The report said the social studies, Pakistan studies, and history curriculums teach students a version of history that promotes a national Islamic identity of Pakistan and often describes conflicts with India in religious terms. It added, The conflation of national and religious identities creates a narrative of conflict and historic grievance between Pakistani Muslims and Indian Hindus. The report cited a social studies textbook of Sindh province that states: Even a half century after the creation of Pakistan, (Hindu racist) organisations are still working to eliminate Muslims. As a result, violence has occurred between Hindus and other groups living in Pakistan, which resulted in the destruction of Babri mosque and Hindu-Muslim riots in Gujarat... The report further said: In post-independence history, wars with India are emphasised and examples of peace initiatives are largely ignored, resulting in an unbalanced historical discourse focused on intractable conflict. The new study found some intolerant passages identified in another study in 2011 were removed from textbooks, while many new examples of bias were added, including passages that portray Pakistani Hindus as Indians. The study made several recommendations, including the acknowledgement of peaceful coexistence and religious diversity in Pakistan so that students learn to respect all faiths. The USCIRF is an independent, bipartisan US government panel that monitors the right to freedom of religion abroad and makes policy recommendations to the President, secretary of state and Congress. SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON War games between the US and the Philippines in the South China Sea have stirred up tension, with China saying on Friday that Washingtons decision to conduct joint patrols in the region means it is unlikely to remain neutral about disputes. The US has dispatched around 300 soldiers and attack aircraft for the annual drill with the Philippines. The troops and aircraft will remain in the region till the end of April. The US action amounts to it wading deeper and deeper into a regional row, on which it has promised to stay neutral, Chinas official Xinhua news agency said in a comment piece. In late January, a US Navy guided missile destroyer sailed within 12 nautical miles (22 km) off Zhongjian Dao, part of Chinas Xisha Islands, without prior notice to the Chinese side. It was a clear violation of international law, the commentary said. File photo of US soldiers disembarking from a military helicopter while taking part in the annual "Balikatan" (shoulder-to-shoulder) war game with Filipino soldiers in April 2015. (Reuters) Describing the US approach to the maritime disputes in the South China Sea as lopsided, the commentary said that the worlds sole super power has clearly gone back on its words. It added, However, in addition to its commitment not to take sides, Washington must be reminded of one simple fact: neither muscle-flexing nor arbitrary intervention will shake Chinas resolve to safeguard its sovereignty and maritime rights. China claims nearly the whole of the South China Sea and is locked in territorial disputes with several countries, including Vietnam and Malaysia. Chinas defence ministry has accused the US of militarising the region. The joint patrols between the US and the Philippines in the South China Sea have led to militarisation in the region, which is harmful to regional peace and stability, the ministry said a statement. The Chinese military will pay close attention to the situation, and resolutely defend Chinas territorial sovereignty and maritime interests, it said. The statement added the US and Philippines strengthening military alliance, increasing frontline military deployment and holding joint military drills with specific targets reflected Cold War mentality. It seems like cable set-top boxes are on their way out of American homes. If the president has anything to say about it, of course. According to sources, which have opted to remain anonymous, U.S. President Barack Obama is allegedly set to announce his support for opening the market for cable set-top boxes on Friday. The president's stance on the issue was allegedly sent to federal regulators in a letter on Thursday night, which, according to the sources, emphasized the president's initiatives to enhance competition in the otherwise monopolized market of cable TV. With Obama's support, the Federal Communications Commission, which has so far taken the lead in attempting to crack the market for TV set-top boxes, would have a far stronger backer than it has ever had before. After all, the cable set-top boxes market, which is practically monopolized by a handful of large firms, is worth billions of dollars a year, with the average American family spending about $200 a year to rent their cable boxes from a provider. For Obama, the sheer presence of cable boxes in U.S. homes is a prominent symbol of corporate power over consumers. After all, with the advancement of technology, the cable boxes have become quite outdated and extremely expensive to lease. By opening the market for cable set-top TV boxes, other manufacturers, who could offer consumers more advanced devices at lower prices, could very well force the hand of prominent cable and satellite TV companies to make their prices more competitive. Jason Furman, the chairman of Obama's Council of Economic Advisers, and Jeffrey D. Zients, the director of the National Economic Council, described the president's emphasis on the issue. "Instead of spending nearly $1,000 over four years on a set of behind-the-times boxes, American families will have options to own a device for much less money that will integrate everything they want, including their cable or satellite content, as well as online streaming apps, in one, easier-to-use gadget," they wrote. Furman and Zients further compared the aged set-top boxes to the rotary phone, which used to be rented by customers as a condition of service during the 1980s. After the FCC moved to open the telephone industry to competition, the functionality, style and most of all, the price of the phones significantly improved. Obama's initiative is allegedly being backed by notable tech firms, such as Google, Apple and Amazon. If successful, the era of the ubiquitous cable TV set-top boxes might very well come to a definitive close. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Theres been too little recent action at the federal and state levels to crack down on puppy mills, so grassroots advocates are turning more and more attention to local ordinances and getting their communities to set up firewalls against the sale of dogs from mills. Photo by Allen E. Sullivan/For The HSUS 4.8K shares In the latest blow against the scourge of puppy mills, Philadelphia, the nations fifth largest city, this morning banned all sales of puppy mill dogs in pet stores and at outdoor venues like flea markets. The unanimous vote by the Philadelphia city council on the bill introduced by Councilman Kenyatta Johnson signals growing support among lawmakers and citizens in Pennsylvania a state with 900 puppy mills against these operations that typically keep and breed animals in deficient and abusive conditions. With todays action, the City of Brotherly Love joins more than 140 other localities around the United States, including Chicago and Los Angeles, with similar ordinances restricting puppy mill sales. Together, these developments are driving the market toward shelter and rescue adoption and responsible breeders. Reform has a funny way of finding a pathway when there are roadblocks set in place. After Congress failed to set minimum standards for the treatment of laying hens in the egg industry, for example, we went to Americas biggest food retailers and ran the table with them in changing their purchasing practices and instituting cage-free policies. On the puppy mill front, in recent years, theres been too little action at the federal and state levels to crack down on the mills, so grassroots advocates are turning more and more attention to local ordinances and getting their communities to set up firewalls against the sale of dogs from mills. This political movement focused on municipal action will wither when there is legitimate reform at the state and federal levels. But some segments of the industry have fought sensible reforms every step of the way. We are starting to see some progress on this front, after a few years of stasis. Connecticut last year passed a bill banning breeders with severe Animal Welfare Act violations, and just yesterday, the Louisiana state senate passed a bill to crack down on the sale of puppy mill dogs at pet stores. Maryland last month passed a bill that requires pet shops to only source from breeders licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and without the most egregious Animal Welfare Act violations. The bill also bans outdoor sales of puppy mill dogs. It is now awaiting the governors signature. New Jersey is now considering the most comprehensive puppy mill sales bill ever in any state. Introduced by state Senator Raymond Lesniak, a great champion of all animals, the bill would ban the sale of puppy mill puppies at pet shops and at outdoor venues. And, emulating the USDAs 2013 Retail Rule, it would make New Jersey the first state to ban puppy mills from shipping puppies sight-unseen to customers, requiring that the customer visit the breeders facility (or, in the case of a responsible breeder, their home) and meet the dog prior to sale. Our campaign against puppy mills leaves nothing to chance. We work with local law enforcement officials to carry out rescues at puppy mills, like one just last month where we pulled out 295 dogs living in filth and horror at an Arkansas puppy mill. We have been working with pet store chains to convert to a humane model of adopting out puppies from rescues and shelters, instead of selling dogs. To date, our pet store conversion program has helped 15 pet stores change to this model and these stores have adopted out more than 6,300 dogs and cats, many from shelters with high euthanasia rates. Courts have ruled in our favor when local puppy mill ordinances have been challenged in Arizona, Florida, Illinois, New York, and Rhode Island. Our goal is simple: to end the era of production of dogs in mills and to drive consumers to rescues and shelters, and to responsible breeders. Philadelphias decision today is just the latest indicator that theres a growing movement to spurn the mills. Scientists have discovered a total of three new primate species in Madagascar. The three new species are mouse lemurs and live in the South and East of the island nation. Mouse lemurs are small, nocturnal primates that can only be found in Madagascar. Just 20 years ago, only two species were known to exist. Now, with the recent findings, that number has jumped to 24 species in total. The reason for why these various species have gone unnoticed for so long is simple: mouse lemurs look similar. Because they're nocturnal, they're also elusive, and they can only be distinguished reliably with genetic methods. "By using new, objective methods to assess genetic differences between individuals, we were able to find independent evidence that these three mouse lemurs represent new species," said Peter Kappeler, Head of the Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology Unit at the German Primate Center and one of the researchers behind the study. "The genetic techniques we used could facilitate species identification, thus also contributing to further new descriptions in other animal groups." About three years ago, the same research groups described two new mouse lemur species. The closely related Madame Berthe's mouse lemur is actually the smallest primate in the world, weighing in at just 30g. Finding these different species, although they're closely related, is important. This is largely due to the fact that scientists will be able to better target conservation efforts by knowing the distribution of different species. "To know the exact distribution area of individual species is necessary to identify functioning protected areas," Kappeler said. "Furthermore, this new information is an important element towards better understanding how biodiversity in Madagascar arose." More than 100 known species of lemurs are threatened by extinction, according to the IUCN "Red List." In fact, lemurs represent the world's most endangered group of mammals. Both deforestation and hunting have helped reduce population numbers. This, in particular, shows how important it is to monitor these populations of lemurs and understand what species may or may not be vulnerable. The new findings reveal that mouse lemurs are more diverse than expected. It's likely that scientists will continue to uncover more species in the future with genetic techniques. The study was recently published in the journal Molecular Ecology. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. After more than 40 years in jail and 19 failed attempts at getting approved for parole, former Manson Family member Leslie Van Houten managed to earn the approval of the California parole board. After a five-hour hearing at the California Institution for Women in Corona, Van Houten finally saw hope. Van Houten was the youngest among those who were convicted in the brutal Manson Family killings way back in 1969. During her conviction, she was initially given the death penalty, but after a change in California law, her sentence was downgraded to life in prison. After getting the all-elusive approval of the parole board, Van Houten simply stated that the decision made her feel "numb." "I don't let myself off the hook. I don't find parts in any of this that makes me feel the slightest bit good about myself," she said. During her long stint in prison, Van Houten proved herself to be an ideal inmate, earning both her bachelor's and master's degrees behind bars. She also organized a number of notable self-help groups for women in prison. Indeed, her actions seemed to have shown that through the years, the now 66-year-old Van Houten became a changed woman. Despite her efforts in earning more freedom for herself, however, her parole is not guaranteed. After the initial approval from the parole board, the decision is set to be endorsed to an administrative review and later on to the governor of California, Jerry Brown. Of course, her possible parole has caused much criticism, especially among the families of the people she murdered on that fateful night almost 50 years ago. Cory LaBianca, whose mother and father were killed by the Manson family, acknowledged that Van Houten might have done good things in prison. Regardless of what she has done behind bars, however, LaBianca believes that it was her actions before she ended up in prison that should determine whether or not she gets parole. "I very much disagree with the ruling. We all need to be held responsible for our behavior. The least we can do, for someone who commits a crime against another human being, is to keep them in jail," LaBianca said. "Maybe Leslie Van Houten has been a model prisoner. But you know what, we still suffer our loss. My father will never be paroled. My stepmother will never get her life back." Rich Pfeiffer, Van Houten's attorney, disagrees with the criticism. According to the lawyer, throughout the years, his client has suffered from the stigma brought about by her participation in the gruesome murders and not much else. "A lot of people who oppose parole don't know anything about Leslie's conduct. Her role was bad. Everyone's was. But they don't know what she's done since then and all of the good she's done," he said. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. After Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took grave offense to a satirical attack by a comic on March 31, German Chancellor Angela Merkel decided to allow the prosecution of the German comedian, citing a law that criminalizes insults towards people of power. Merkel announced Friday that she would authorize a criminal investigation that is set to examine whether prominent comedian Jan Bohmermann committed an illegal act by reciting a satirical poem about the Turkish president on German TV. During a broadcast on German broadcaster ZDF, Bohmermann honed in on Erdogan, suggesting that he hits women. The comic also poked fun at the possibility that the Turkish president watches child pornography and is a fan of bestiality. Needless to say, Erdogan was not amused. Since he came to power back in 2014, he has already managed to lodge more than 1,800 criminal cases against people who offended him. Just last year, he had two cartoonists arrested after they published a political cartoon that did not sit well with the Turkish president. Fortunately for Erdogan, Germany actually has a law that prohibits people from offending those in power. However, the law was created back when Germany was still under a monarchy, with the law targeting those who offend the nation's royalty. Thus, it is quite outdated and is set to be repealed starting 2018. During her announcement, Merkel emphasized the importance of Turkey as a partner. "The result is, that the German government grants the right to prosecute Jan Bohmermann. I want to explain further that Turkey is a state with whom we have strong ties. There are a lot of Turkish citizen living in Germany. We have strong economic relations and our responsibility to work together in the NATO," she said. She did, however, state that the final decision would be left to prosecutors and the nation's courts. The Chancellor's decision was quickly criticized by a number of prominent people, with Thomas Oppermann, the head of the Social Democrats Merkel's own partner in the coalition government, disagreeing with her decision. "I think this decision is wrong. Criminal proceedings against satire for 'insulting a majesty' do not fit in with modern Germany," he said. If convicted, Bohmermann might face up to three years in prison, or face a fine. @ 2022 HNGN, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. News, events, history, and other mid-week tidbits. Tuesday, October 25, 4:30 7 p.m. Orr Area EMS Open House Brats and burgers will be served. Event includes a new ambulance tour and blood pressure screenings. For more info: 218-780-3798. Orr Fire Hall 4540 Lake St., Orr Tuesday, October 25, 12 6 p.m. Essentia Health Job Fair Talent recruiters and department managers will be on-site at Essentia Health-Virginia. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to attendnurses, nursing and clinical assistants, surgery technicians, radiology technicians, respiratory therapists, human resource professionals, and those interested in environmental services or nutrition services. Essentia staff will greet candidates, conduct an initial screening and filter them to appropriate hiring managers for interviews. Select candidates will be verbally offered a position before leaving. Candidates are asked to bring a resume, but its not required. Attire is business casual. For more info: www.essentiacareers.org. 901 9th St. N., Virginia Lets be fair. Racehorse names are notoriously silly, and so even if the newly christened Horsey McHorseface had not been named for an internet meme, he wouldnt have necessarily been given a noble moniker. Still, you have to hope that Horsey earns a better nickname for use around the barn. Photo: Bjorn Baker Racing Photo: Bjorn Baker Racing Get Our Free Weekly Enewsletter About Horses In case you missed it (or have already forgotten), Boaty McBoatface is a name proposed for the #NameOurShip campaign by the Natural Environment Research Council in Great Britain. The name has earned the lions share of public support in a vote for the name of a new polar research ship. James Hand, a former BBC radio host who originally suggested the name, apologized for the joke after it took off, but there was no harm done. The NERC always maintained the right to name the ship at their discretion, citing the public poll as simply a way to gather suggestions. But back to Horsey. The two-year-old was purchased at a sale in New Zealand last November and is now in training with Australian race trainer Bjorn Baker. The stables staff came up with the name. We had a laugh about it in the office and thought, Hey, why not? said racing manager Jake Bruce. According to ITV.com, the colt is scheduled to make his racing debut in May. Incidentally, the NERCs poll for their ships name closes tomorrow, April 16, so theres still time to suggest Horsey McHorseface as the name for the research vessel. Hey, why not? Leslie Potter is Managing Editor of HorseChannel.com. Follow her on Twitter: @LeslieInLex. In light of the rising power of platforms for renting out private accommodations, hotel groups first expressed casual indifference, quickly followed by vehement outcry. But now, since the phenomenon has been established for the long-run, a third pragmatic phase is underway that includes part of the sharing model that has begun in hospitality. "If you can't beat 'em join 'em," as the popular saying goes and that is what is taking place right now with equity participation or with the creation of collaborative offers by several hotel groups. The arrival of the sharing economy had a salutary effect on the price/value ratio. From the hotelier's point of view it had blatantly got worse due to a shortage combined with growing demand. The "sharing economy" helped give meaning back to non-market values. In the eighteenth century, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, the eternal idealist, insisted on these immaterial values: "Of all the things that matter to me, most cannot be bought." A few centuries later, pragmatism quickly caught up with start-ups that were developed on the principle of sharing and community spirit. Between the tools for good rate management and the "Ten commandments" of the "super host", the relationship between platform managers and their subscribers is growing imperceptibly closer to franchise and revenue management. In the end, the two models, which are very different at first, will end up meeting and we may already bet that the commercial hotel model could carry the way in the mind of a demanding client. In response to Rousseau, Voltaire always had the right retort: "What idiot, if he had a good bed, would sleep outside?" he wrote in Dictionary of Philosophy. Why deprive oneself of the comfort and experience of service when the price/value ratio has been readjusted in the right direction? The new concepts - and those that wish to raise themselves back up - are lucky to be able to rely on increasingly "user friendly" technology. From public spaces to rooms, from dining areas to meeting rooms, the hotel experience is undergoing a technological revolution in order to better exploit each square meter at around the clock in order to facilitate flux management, create personalized atmospheres, recreate conviviality and transport guests into an "experimental" universe far away from their habits and domestic environment. This is what made the strength of the hotel industry when it reinvented itself at the end of the last century. It had lost its ability to surprise and stay ahead of household equipment. It is both luck and an opportunity that is available as long as investment follows. Each actor has his own role, and in his category can resuscitate what almost went missing in hotel products. Sovereign funds invest in perfecting service and preserving heritage; institutional investors and promoters finance the development of the latest generations of properties; hotel operators give new meaning to the notion of experience by breaking codes and valorizing personnel; inventors of all stripes see the hospitality industry as a formidable playing field. http://hospitality-on.com/en/editorial/georges-panayotis/the-voltaire-syndrome/#ixzz45nWZzszT Georges Panayotis Chairman & CEO +33 (0) 1 56 56 87 87 Hospitality ON View source For some types of businesses, offering consumers choice is a big deal. Hotels offer a perfect example: Because big hotel chains often manage a variety of different brands, they can suggest options from budget properties and posh, boutique hotels to lavish, upscale resorts, hoping to appeal to the broadest range of consumers possible. But, perhaps unintentionally, Airbnb might be winning at the differentiation game. The rising popularity of Airbnb is not a new story. More travelers are renting. But now that the sharing economy is in full swing, more consumers are now comfortable hosting. Airbnb's supply seems to be growing exponentially, offering renters an unprecedented range of accommodation choices. Options can range from a US$15 per night spot on the couch to an $8,000 per night mansion on a sprawling 100-acre property (and everything in between). Airbnb offers something for everyone, and the website is attracting a wide range of spenders. For example, while younger consumers typically have a passion for seeing the world, they often travel on a tight budget. Tastes and preferences, however, generally become a bit more expensive a few years down the road, once travelers get a bit older and settled into their careers. These general patterns in leisure travel spending are becoming increasingly apparent among Airbnb renters. According to Phocuswright's From Hotels to Homes: Opening the Door to the Airbnb Traveler, leisure Airbnb renters between the ages of 18 and 24 paid roughly $100 per night for their last Airbnb (see Figure 1). Nightly rates, however, spike among older age groups, generally closer to $200. Figure 1 Airbnb Accommodates Broad Spectrum of Travel Spenders | By Brandie Wright Photo by Phocuswright Younger Airbnb'ers truly appreciate the low-cost lodging options made available by the private accommodation brand. Compared to older groups, younger renters were significantly more likely to be "completely" satisfied with the price paid and value of their last leisure Airbnb stay (see Figure 1). Low prices are important to them because it simply makes travel possible. Older renters, however, may not have been as satisfied or concerned with price because other elements of the travel experience become more important with age such as splurging on nicer listings with better amenities and more comfort. When asked to rate different elements of their last Airbnb stay, older travelers expressed a significantly higher level of satisfaction with the arrival and check-in process, linens and toiletries, cleanliness and privacy (see Figure 2). Figure 2 Airbnb Accommodates Broad Spectrum of Travel Spenders | By Brandie Wright Photo by Phocuswright Most of the big hotel chains realize that offering a single type of lodging experience to a globe of travelers with a wide variety of tastes and preferences is a surefire way to limit profits. Because Airbnb still draws a younger audience, most hotel groups consider their lower cost brands to be most at risk to direct competition. Study findings suggest, however, that plenty of Airbnb'ers are booking upmarket, offering another piece of evidence that Airbnb's competitive threat to hotels is stronger than most think. Phocuswright's From Hotels to Homes: Opening the Door to the Airbnb Traveler offers an unprecedented view of the Airbnb consumer exploring who's renting with the brand, why and how often. This study also takes a deep dive into travelers' last Airbnb rental experiences, revealing facets about their trips such as what motivated them to rent, where they stayed and for how long, their experiences with hosts, overall satisfaction and much more. This report also delves into the business side of things, examining the experiences of travelers who rented an Airbnb for a business trip within the past two years. Learn more and purchase your copy HERE. View source 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 JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.You should upgrade or use an alternative browser Caribbean Travel Marketplace, the region's largest marketing forum, will return to The Bahamas for the second consecutive year when the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) stages the event from Jan. 31 - Feb. 2, 2017 at Atlantis, Paradise Island. In addition to CHTA, Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2017 will be organized with the support of The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Nassau/Paradise Island Promotion Board (NPIPB), Paradise Island Tourism Development Association (PITDA) and The Bahamas Hotel & Tourism Association (BHTA). Pictured (l-r) Hon. Obie Wilchcombe, Minister of Tourism, Islands of The Bahamas; Joy Jibrilu, Director General, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, and Frank Comito, CEO and Director General, Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, CHTA. We are delighted to announce that next year CHTA's Caribbean Travel Marketplace will once again be hosted here on our beloved Islands of The Bahamas. We look forward to welcoming back those delegates who joined us this year as well as inviting new travel partners to enjoy our hospitality and see firsthand the exciting new products and experiences which The Bahamas and the Caribbean offer," said Joy Jibrilu, Director General, Bahamas Ministry of Tourism. "The Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association welcomes the opportunity to co-host Caribbean Travel Marketplace along with our partners at the Ministry of Tourism, NPIPB and PITDA. Marketplace is an invaluable forum for showcasing the incredible range of hotel and tourism-related offerings available in The Bahamas and throughout the Caribbean. Atlantis is the ideal host property for this event, providing one location for the more than 1,000 attendees to meet, network, and enjoy themselves. We will be offering attendees the opportunity to discover The Bahamas through pre- and post-trips to our Family Islands, Grand Bahama and to several new properties just completed or under development in Nassau and on Paradise Island," said BHTA President Stuart Bowe. CHTA will be adding several new components to the event aimed at attracting even more buyers and suppliers. "With the support of The Islands of The Bahamas, we are enhancing the scope and impact of Caribbean Travel Marketplace, attracting new delegates and building upon the successful sales and marketing professional development sessions offered earlier this year," said Karolin Troubetzkoy, president of CHTA. "Caribbean Travel Marketplace presents the best opportunity to generate last-minute seasonal business while setting the state for long-term business and enhancing the relationship between hoteliers and buyer companies," she added. Caribbean Travel Marketplace affords tourism suppliers the vital opportunity to meet face-to-face with wholesalers from around the world selling Caribbean vacation packages over the course of two days of business meetings. CHTA hopes to build on its success from 2016 by expanding its outreach to wholesalers in Latin America and emerging destinations as well as tour operators specializing in niche markets. As a result of the concerted efforts made by CHTA, Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2016 attracted 19 new buyer companies, bringing the total to 109 companies. In addition to the buyers, there were 243 suppliers and over 1,000 delegates in attendance at Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2016. CHTA will offer a full day of professional development opportunities for attendees on Jan. 31, 2017, followed by the Opening Ceremonies in the evening. The educational sessions will provide attendees with the tools for developing revenue-generating opportunities that will help them make money and cut costs. Companies interested in learning about sponsorship opportunities should contact Matt Cooper, chief marketing officer, via matt@caribbeanhotelandtourism.com or call (305) 443-3040. Contact CHTA by email events@caribbeanhotelandtourism.com or telephone 786-476-8623 for more information. Last month, Drake teased his a new liquor brand hes launching called Virginia Black. Dizzy worked with Brent Hocking to create the American whiskey brand. Hocking previously created DeLeon Tequila, which he eventually sold to Diddy & Diageo. Last night, Drake unveiled a TV spot via his Instagram, as well as a pretty cheesy pic of him holding a bottle of the liquor. The branding evokes 1970s disco and funk vibes, down to its gold labeling. Drake and Hocking also provided a mission statement to Billboard for the new liquor: We believe everyone should have access to glamour, swagger and soul. Virginia Black grants them that access, allowing people to embody the lifestyle always, not just on special occasions. That statement makes it seem like this wont be exorbitantly priced, which is a nice gesture from Drizzy. The liquor isnt on sale yet, and doesnt have a release date. However, we wouldnt be surprised to see it hit shelves in conjunction with his upcoming album Views From The 6. Drake joins Diddy, Jay Z and 50 Cent as a rapper with a liquor brand under his belt. Not bad company to be in, all things considered. We do have one question for Drake, though why didnt he make a Canadian whiskey? Drake-VirginiaBlack Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print. Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition. If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create. As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content. When you click get started below it will walk you through creating an online account to attach your print subscription number to. After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE NUMBER OFF OF THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OR ANYTHING AFTER JANUARY 28, 2019 TO GAIN ACCESS! OLD ACCOUNT NUMBERS WILL NOT WORK The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those. e industry commentators may say that robotic workers threaten millions of jobs around the world but one Chinese restaurant chain is sure to disagree after it was forced to scale back operations thanks to the incompetent AI.When Guangshou-based eatery Heweilai introduced the $7,000 machines to three of its restaurants last year, the move was met with much excitement and customers flocked to see the wait-staff in action.Fast forward a few months and two of those restaurants have now closed with the third only in operation after firing its entire robotic workforce.Maintenance costs may have been lower than the average workers salary but, according to one human employee, there were too many tasks the machines couldnt do and too many variables in play.The skin-and-bones staff member said the robots which frequently malfunctioned couldnt handle soup dishes, pour water or take orders and had to follow a fixed route that sometimes resulted in clashes.Zhang Yun, a vice president at the Guangdong University of Technology, told a local newspaper that the robots werent ready for the job.He said mechanical workers will be widely used within the manufacturing industry in the future, as many tasks are repetitive, but said further development is needed before robots are able to work effectively in the service sector. t month, a key HRINZ judge claimed that New Zealand businesses may be lagging behind their European counterparts when it comes to CSR but now, one French-born HR head has said Kiwi companies actually outdo overseas organisations on multiple fronts.New Zealand is sometimes even going above and beyond [European companies], notably because of its culture, insists Laurent Sylvestre , general manager of people and culture. There are lots of things here in New Zealand that HR professionals in Europe can definitely learn from.Sylvestre, who worked as a national HR manager in both Paris and Le Mans, now heads up the people and culture team at Kiwi engineering icon Beca. He told HRM that New Zealand can easily compete with and even outdo some of the top global organisations when it comes to HR.Ive worked for eight years in the corporate world in Europe and yes, Ive seen cutting edge HR technology, HR philosophy and HR development tools but Ive also seen some pretty poor behaviour in the way some companies treat people, says Sylvestre. Behaviour which is way worse than the way we treat employees in New Zealand.In New Zealand, you have a work life balance which is way higher than what you would find in Europe, youve got a sense of community which is way better than what you would find in most of Europe and youve got values at work which are way better than most of the companies you would find in Europe, he continued.While some New Zealand organisations often operate on a smaller scale compared to European, Asian or U.S. companies, Sylvestre says this size actually works to our advantage, with many companies being much quicker to adopt innovative people practices.Many European and U.S. HR practices can come across as pretty old school, not very nimble and driven out of massive corporate culture, usually due to scale, he explained.Despite the smaller scale, Sylvestre says that many New Zealand organisations are still successfully operating in a global marketplace which is testament to the countrys ability to compete.I think that globalization is such that every single business in New Zealand that operates in a global context has to run faster than the big boys in Europe and the U.S. to compete, he told HRM.We are competing in exactly the same markets take us for example in Asia so our people practices, philosophies, technology, everything has to be better, he continued.We can be better because we are more innovative, more nimble and hungrier. New Zealand has the opportunity to break out of the global HR mold and do some more unconventional and innovative stuff and lead the way globally, he added. Google decided that they needed to add voice to offer a triple-play. So for $10 you can have a landline equivalent. I have a bunch of questions. One, if you only have 120,000 subscribers*, do you think that not having triple-play was the problem? Was it harder to rollout fiber to the home than you thought? This article suggests that government regulations, electric companies, ILECs, cable guys and franchise rules with fees, has a lot to do with cities getting FTTH or not. "Laying down high-speed fiber is expensive. Digging trenches in the ground and stringing cables along utility poles is expensive. Getting permission to do all that is expensive. But it turns out that all of that is a fraction of the cost of offering TV programming, according to the head of Google Fiber, Milo Medin. And it's a cost Google can't avoid paying. Video "is the single biggest impediment" to Google Fiber's deployment, Medin told an audience at the COMPTEL telecom conference in Dallas in 2014." [source] Also, Google Fiber had to raise rates for TV in Kansas City AND got rid of its free service there. Lots of real world troubles for triple-play. (It's why Telco TV will end up being a huge money suck.) Back to the voice addition, Why choose landline and not Google Fi, the cellular service that Alphabet just opened up to anyone (invites no longer needed)? I often wonder why VZW didn't offer quad play by adding cellular plans with its FiOS bundles, but it may have to do with sticker shock on the bill. "As for Google Fiber's new phone service, it is like a standard landline, with 911 support, caller ID, and voicemail--which is transcribed and emailed like Google Voice. The service also allows people to have calls automatically forwarded to a cell phone." [time] Another way to do it is to just do Cloud Phone - Google Voice basically - or to do simul ring or sequential ring. Add SMS to that number as well. The voicemail to text is nice. Are they shipping an ATA? How will they connect to the cat3 wiring in the house so that the RJ11 phone jacks work? They could have re-invented the landline. They are getting a boost from the FCC with the new order about to come down on set-top boxes. The smaller providers would be happy to not have to buy, install, RMA set-top boxes. However, it is big revenue for the big guys - $231 per year to rent a box. Re-invention of this stuff should already be happening. BTW, Google Fiber, which started in 2012, has 27,000 video subscribers in Greater Kansas City according to this article. This article says "Google ended 2014 with 29,867 video subs " combined. Wikipedia says about 120K broadband subscribers, whichis the same number that The Verge reported. Colors and shapes of underwater world via Getty Images Little Corn Island, Nicaragua, Caribbean, Atlantic Ocean When you think of travelling with a tour, you might picture a large group of rowdy young people or a sense of sticking to a routine. But some destinations require the expertise of a local, someone who knows the ins and outs of a particular city, and not just the typical tourist traps. Some of the most popular tourist destinations across the world offer an abundance of tours, but below, TourRadar, a site that allows you to book guides or tours, has helped us narrow down some of the least crowded destinations still worth a trip. Advertisement Of course, if you're the type of person who doesn't like an agenda or having restrictions, you can always book a guide for smaller parts of your trip. We suggest looking into them if you are checking out any type of ancient architecture or religious monuments. And with our dollar slowly picking up steam, you can also check out some of these budget-friendly destinations ideal for Canadians. TourRadar also has an emphasis on small local tour groups, and includes guides everywhere from the stunning beaches of Little Corn Island in Nicaragua to the forests of Kyrgyzstan and even the mountains of Himachal Pradesh, India. Below, the site lists 17 beautiful destinations that you should definitely check out with a local expert. Advertisement A U.K. court has ruled that Cyanide is not an acceptable name for a baby. On Thursday, an unnamed mother from Wales was banned from naming her twin daughter after the poison that killed Adolf Hitler. While the woman believed the moniker to be lovely and pretty, the court ruled that the name might bring harm to the child in the future. The mother, who is from Powys, Wales, was also banned from naming her twin son Preacher. While this name was not considered as unusual as Cyanide, the court ruled that both monikers were not in the best interest of the children. Advertisement The issue was first brought to the courts attention by Powys County Council social workers who learned of the twins names. In court, the mother argued that she has the right to name her own children. She also noted that cyanide has positive connotations, as it is responsible for killing Hitler and Goebbels and I consider that this was a good thing. It is hard to see how... the twin girl could regard being named after this deadly poison as other than a complete rejection of her by her birth mother. Nonetheless, Appeal Court judges ruled that even allowing for changes in taste, fashion and developing individual perception, Cyanide was still not an appropriate name for a baby. Advertisement Justice Eleanor King also added, It is hard to see how... the twin girl could regard being named after this deadly poison as other than a complete rejection of her by her birth mother. The twins three older half-siblings are now responsible for giving the kids new names. All of the mothers five kids are in foster care due to her history of mental illness and drug abuse. In the U.K., parents have the freedom to choose any name for their child, as long as it is not offensive. Regarding this case, Justice King said: This is one of those rare cases where the court should intervene to protect the girl twin from emotional harm. This isnt the first time a country has banned an unusual baby name. In 2015, for instance, two French couples were banned from naming their children Nutella and Strawberry. Later that year, the French court also barred one couple from naming their son Prince William. Baby name laws vary around the world. Flip through the slideshow below to see which countries are the strictest: Advertisement CP Gov. Gen. David Johnston says Canada showed its true colours during the niqab debate and in its response to the Syrian refugee crisis. In an interview with CBC News, Johnston said Canadians responded to the two issues "in an exemplary way." Advertisement On the niqab debate he said Canada's "showed its strength" and the issue failed to impugn or "sidetrack us from who we really are." That debate, which almost engulfed the federal election campaign, revolved around Zunera Ishaq's choice to take the oath of citizenship while wearing the niqab. Zunera Ishaq took the oath of citizenship in October while wearing the niqab. (Photo: The Canadian Press) Advertisement The niqab issue was quickly utilized by the Conservatives as an election issue arguing it was essential for new Canadians to show their faces at citizenship ceremonies. Liberals and the NDP did not make similar arguments, and instead accused the Tories of using the niqab to distract voters from other issues. Ishaq, who took the oath while wearing the niqab in October, said much of the discussion that swirled around the religious garment was based on misconceptions about Islam, the niqab, and of women who embrace both. She attributed much of the misinformation to the previous Conservative government, accusing former prime minister Stephen Harper of turning her personal choice into a national vote-getting strategy. Johnston, who was appointed governor general while Harper was in power, told CBC News that although the niqab issue has since died down, he still worries about divisive ideas that could damage Canada's reputation. Advertisement "I continue to worry about any initiatives that would cause us to be small-minded, and to lose that sense of A, inclusiveness, B, fairness, C, equality of opportunity," he said. Canada's Gov. Gen. David Johnston (left) greets Syrian refugee Osama and his baby daughter as they arrive at the Welcome Centre at Toronto's Pearson Airport on Dec. 18, 2015. (Photo: Chris Young/The Canadian Press) In December, Johnston greeted government-sponsored Syrian refugees arriving in Toronto. At the time, he said the Canadian goodwill expressed in response to the Syrian refugee crisis has "great momentum." "I'm very heartened and believe that we will see it with a strong momentum because it's so grassroots,'' he said of the response to the crisis. "It has shown so many Canadians participating in so many different ways." Advertisement With files from The Canadian Press Also On HuffPost: S. Larose If you want a real taste of the food scene in Quebec, Canada, head over to the Eastern Townships. Nestled between Montreal and the U.S. border, this bucolic region is dotted with charming towns, historic buildings and hidden culinary gems. Its a destination not to be missed by those looking to leave the beaten path in search of new foodie finds. Advertisement Weve created a food itinerary that maps out the most delicious digs in the region. Follow along and be sure to wear those stretchy pants. Day One Breakfast Of Eggs Benny Hop in a car and head to Le Cafe de la Brulerie for breakfast. This warm and inviting cafe, located in the town of Granby is the perfect place for a leisurely breakfast of eggs Benedict with smoked salmon. The warm and inviting atmosphere will keep you lingering long after youve wiped your plate clean. Breaking Bread At Lunch Theres no better place for a delicious and hearty lunch than La Mie Bretonne. This charming French bakery and pastry shop makes all of its bread (30 varieties and counting) onsite, using only local or sustainable flour. Their wide selection of sandwiches packed with local cheese, pates, and sausages, are sure to satisfy anyones hunger pangs. A cup of coffee and some homemade macarons will seal the deal. Afternoon Cider Next, make a quick pit stop at Union Libre Cidre et Vin to sample the local cider and walk around the beautiful estate. Union Libre is Quebecs leading producer of Fire Cider, a drink made by fermenting heat-concentrated apple juice. Advertisement Nightcap (With A Side Of Duck) End off the night at Auberge Brouerie Sutton to savor local beer and order one of their delectable Truite des Bobines or duck dishes to share. Better yet, come back in the fall when the Lac Brome Duck Festival, a food festival in the village of Knowlton, is in full swing. Day Two Brunch On The Orford Express Your second day of exploration begins on board the Orford Express -- a beautiful train that takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in the Eastern Townships. Discover the cities of Sherbrooke, Magog and Eastman while enjoying an exquisite brunch consisting of frittata, crepes and seasonal fruit. Bleu Benedictine Cheese While in the Magog region of Quebec, be sure to make a stop at LAbbaye Saint-Benoit-du-Lac monastery, which recently celebrated its centenary. You dont need to be religious to find yourself deeply devoted to their awe-inspiring Bleu Benedictine cheese and homemade jams. Take the guided tour to learn more about the life at the monastery. Dinner At Le Hatley After checking in at Manoir Hovey, a charming inn with a lakeside view, enjoy dinner at Le Hatley, the inns restaurant. The restaurants chef, Francis Wolf, serves up quintessentially Canadian meals made with the finest local and regional products. After dinner, enjoy the multimedia show Foresta Lumina at Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook and take a hike through the enchanted forest, its magic! Advertisement Nightcap Theres no better way to end your weekend discovering the Eastern Townships than at Manoir Hovey, a five-star inn located on the shores of Lake Massawippi. Find the perfect spot in the Tap Room Pub, order a glass of port, and plan your next trip to Quebec. Day Three Sugar Sublimity For Lunch (Because Youre On Vacation) An hour drive away from Manoir Hovey is les Sucreries de lErable, an old general store built in the 1800s. This place is known for its maple syrup pie, a popular Quebec dessert the owner claims to have perfected. Grab a cup of coffee and take a bite of this tree-tapped delicacy. Before this sweet indulgence, consider going to Velo Volant at Au Diable Vert where you can ride through the treetops on a suspended recumbent bicycle. How fun does that sound? Dinner At Quatre Canard Situated at the base of Mount Bromont is Quatre Canard, a restaurant in Hotel Chateau-Bromont, an outstanding hotel and spa in the city of Bromont. Indulge in local cuisine while sipping on a glass (or two) of local wine. If day three of your weekend getaway falls on a Sunday, consider having a leisurely brunch with friends or family. Advertisement Province of New Brunswick press release The province of New Brunswick is offering free post-secondary tuition for students from low-income families. Premier Brian Gallant announced Thursday that families with household incomes of $60,000 or less are eligible for the new program. Advertisement "We are doing this so university and college tuition can be free for low income and many middle class New Brunswick families," Gallant said in a press release. The province has earmarked $14.5 million for Tuition Access Bursary which will top-up federal grants to fully cover the student's tuition. The only catch: the money is available only to students who will attend universities and colleges in New Brunswick, as as part of a push to increase enrollment there. Advertisement The new tuition program is restricted to only post-secondary schools in the province, like the University of New Brunswick. According to the Maritime Province Higher Education Commission, New Brunswick recorded a 5.9 per cent decline in home university enrollment last year. Some have attributed that to a decreased youth population, while others say it's because of crippling student debt. Earlier this month, about 50 students from the University of Moncton showed up at the provincial legislature to bring attention to a lack of action on changes to the grant program, reported CBC News. They wore shirts emblazoned with the number 35,200 according to the New Brunswick Student Alliance, that's the average debt a student in the province graduates with, which is the highest in the country. Grants to start 2016-17 Thursday's announcement drew praise from the group. By directing resources to the students who need it most when they need it most, government is dramatically improving financial aid and increasing access," said Lindsay Handren, the alliance's executive director. Advertisement Students can expect the grants to take effect in the 2016-2017 academic year. Meanwhile in Newfoundland and Labrador The student grant program was an idea taken up with great fanfare by Newfoundland and Labrador. But less than a year after implementing it, the province is returning to student loans. Last summer, Newfoundland and Labrador decided to convert student loans to non-repayable grants. On Thursday, Finance Minister Cathy Bennett said a financial crisis has forced the province to roll back the program. With a budget deep in the red partly due to a drop in oil revenues, Bennett cut the grants. The province also announced that it will be scrapping $14 million in funding to Memorial University. Also on HuffPost: Tourisme Laurentides If you truly want to escape from the stressors of life, head to the Laurentians region of Quebec, Canada, an area known for its incredible spa facilities. The mountains, rivers and lakes of the stunning region make any act of relaxation here all the more indulgent. But you havent truly lived until youve experienced the body-tingling results of a Nordic spa treatment amidst Quebecs natural glory. So whether you want to enjoy a hot stone treatment like the one at Ofuro Spa, located 40 minutes away from Montreal, or visit Le Bagni Spa Station Sante, a nordic spa with access to an enchanting river, the Laurentians region and its 22,000 square kilometers of pure beauty has you covered. Imagine the invigorating sensation of working up a sweat in a wood-heated sauna, then plunging into an ice-cold river or outdoor pool. For optimal effect, repeat that process a few times until you finally unwind in a eucalyptus steam bath or fall asleep on a comfortable chair. Spa Le Finlandais even redefines the relaxation experience with novelties such as the bubble chair and the multi sensorial stations! Advertisement Doesnt that sound like pure bliss? The sharp contrast between hot and cold -- commonly referred to as Nordic or Scandinavian hydrotherapy -- is a centuries-old relaxation method but has only recently left northern Europe to take the rest of the world by storm. Quebec, especially the Laurentians region, has become a top-rated destination for Nordic spas. From Nordic spas in the regions small inns and hotels to the internationally renowned Polar Bears Club and Scandinave Spa Mont-Tremblant, the area is full of establishments offering the invigorating treatment. We present five reasons you should jump on a plane or hop in your car to La Belle Province and head straight to a Nordic spa. Your Immune System Is Stimulated Blood pressure rises and blood vessels contract when your body experiences the shocking sensation of a hot and cold treatment. This stimulation causes your metabolic rate to increase, activating your immune system. In other words, a nordic spa treatment increases the production of white blood cells helping you stay healthy. Advertisement It Soothes Overworked Muscles And Aching Joints Those who train on a regular basis sing the praises of steam baths for helping muscles relax. Nordic baths, however, help overworked muscles heal and recover even more quickly. Its A Great Way To Eliminate Skin Toxins And Tone Skin A hydrotherapy treatment will actually clean and tighten your skin, allowing for a healthy glow. (Its not just in your head!) The hot temperature opens your pores to naturally eliminate toxins in your body while the cold will firm up your skin. Sold yet? Its The Perfect Excuse To Do Nothing Were conditioned to believe multitasking is the only way to be productive -- its partly why were so stressed all the time. But theres absolutely nothing virtuous about running ourselves to the ground. Nordic spas, like all spas, permit us to do absolutely nothing and not feel guilty about it. Read a book, jot in your journal, daydream or just take in the tranquil beauty of your surroundings and breathe. What are you waiting for? Take the plunge! Advertisement Hollywood is booming with babies this week! According to Us Weekly, Ryan Gosling is going to be a dad again. The 35-year-old Canadian star is expecting his second child with longtime girlfriend Eva Mendes. A source also confirmed the news to E! Online, adding that the 42-year-old mom-to-be is in her second trimester. Advertisement Its not surprising that the couple chose to keep their pregnancy under wraps. The two are notoriously private and were able to keep their first pregnancy a secret for several months. At the time, a source told People, Mendes just hasn't ever wanted anyone beyond her close friends and family knowing more than they had to. And Ryan is certainly private and always has been. Gosling and Mendes first child, Esmeralda Amada, was born in September 2014 and the couple has managed to keep her out of the spotlight. Advertisement The actress did allude back in October that she would be taking a break from Hollywood so she could put her family first. If Im even like, Oh, what should I wear? Or, should I do this project? All I have to think about is my daughter and her face, and I know the answer immediately, the actress said on The Today Show. Gosling and Mendes exciting news comes just hours after it was confirmed that the other famous Canadian Ryan Ryan Reynolds is expecting his second child with wife Blake Lively. And if that wasnt exciting enough, Megan Fox and Susan Sarandons daughter Eva Amurri also revealed their pregnancies this week. Also on HuffPost Ryan Gosling's 100 Sexiest See Gallery Man: "your skin is so natural looking, you aren't wearing any make-up, right?" Me: "Um, nooooo?" Man: "Let me guess your age..." Proceeds to pull out a number 12 years younger than I am. Me: "I look my age and that's ok actually." Man: unsure how to handle that.. "let me show you our face serum, because if you aren't careful to maintain your skin now, these wrinkles on your face will get much deeper, by 45, creams won't help anymore." Me: "what's wrong with a woman looking 40?" A North Carolina mom says a judge tried to boot her from court for breastfeeding her young son. Stephanie Rhodus appeared in county court Monday during a custody hearing involving one of her other children, she told the Asheville Citizen-Times. When she was breastfeeding her eight-month-old, Archer, uncovered, the judge had some choice words for her. Advertisement "Maam, you need to cover up for you not to realize that is absolutely ridiculous," Judge Peter Knight said in a recording obtained by the outlet. Step outside and cover up right now. Stand up and go, now. Judge tells mom that breastfeeding in court is ridiculous and inappropriate. We object https://t.co/INoaYDZa1bpic.twitter.com/Fab9YUoaYj Today's Parent (@Todaysparent) April 15, 2016 Archer was crying, but the judge kept scolding Rhodus, telling her that nursing her baby in the courtroom was absolutely inappropriate. Rhodus, 25, told ABC News she was shocked. "He was so condescending and so aggressive, and I knew that by law I had the right to breastfeed my child there, and I wanted to declare that I had the right to do that there, but I was terrified." Advertisement She said she stopped nursing Archer and apologized to Knight. Under North Carolina law, a mother can breastfeed anywhere, even uncovered. Rhodus told ABC the judge ruled against her in the custody case, and she thinks feeding her baby affected his decision. "He was so condescending and so aggressive, and I knew that by law I had the right to breastfeed my child there, and I wanted to declare that I had the right to do that there, but I was terrified." In a statement emailed to the Washington Post, Knight said the court accommodates breastfeeding women, even when theyre waiting for their case to be called. "However, when a case is called and a party is participating in a formal hearing before the court, all litigants are expected to respect the same rules of procedure, decorum and dress. He said that accommodations for breastfeeding would have been made if needed. Rhodus has received a lot of support online. A "nurse-in" is planned for Tuesday outside the Hendersonville courthouse, the same day the mom will appear in court to appeal the custody ruling. Advertisement What do you think? Did the judge step out of line? let us know in the comments below. Also on HuffPost Phil Tifo Lets face it, the people we love the most can often be the ones who push our buttons like no other. Thats especially true when on family vacation. But with advanced planning, a solid itinerary and these tips, youre set for a stress-free time. Make Sure Your Destination Is Family Friendly The Outaouais region in western Quebec is the perfect vacation destination. Theres something to offer every family member as its bursting with outdoor adventures, museums and wildlife parks. Thats the most important thing for a stress-free time -- ensuring your accommodations and activities are kid-friendly. It will make the experience more fun for both you and the little ones. Advertisement Stay Outside Summer is made for outdoor activities and theres nothing kids love more than being able to move around at the park. Gatineau Park in the Outaouais is an ideal destination for a day trip or a fun-filled camping weekend. With hiking trails, parkways and horseback rides, Gatineau Park is a must-visit destination. Mix Culture With Fun Its sometimes hard to plan cultural activities for the entire family. Luckily, Outaouais is home to fun museums and cultural centres that satisfy everyones criteria. Head over to the Canadian Childrens Museum, the Canadian Museum of History or better yet, the National Gallery of Canada. Its known as the countrys finest art gallery and has self-guided family tours available. Advertisement Hang Out Where The Wild Things Are There are a number of excellent wildlife parks in the Outaouais region that bring you up close and personal with animals. Parc Omega wildlife park is an impressive spread of land where you can see bears, bisons and deer all in the comfort (and safety) of your car. Get A Good Nights Sleep The Outaouais region in Quebec offers accommodations for every type of family. From cottages to bed and breakfasts, the options are limitless. But for a true Quebec experience stay at the Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello, known as the worlds largest log cabin. Unwind in one of six jacuzzi rooms and recharge for another day of adventure in a chalet-inspired suite. Just watch him... explain quantum computing? That's what Prime Minister Justin Trudeau did Friday at the Perimeter Institute in Waterloo, Ont., where the federal government will invest $50 million over five years. Trudeau was responding to a reporter, who made a joke about asking the prime minister to break down quantum computing before asking a real question on Canada's ISIS mission. (Watch the video above.) Advertisement Trudeau walks on stage to make an announcement at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo, Ont. on April 15, 2016. (Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press) "I was going to ask you to explain quantum computing but.. when do you expect Canada's ISIL mission to begin again, and are we not doing anything in the interim while we prepare?" said Colin Perkel from The Canadian Press. Trudeau called his bluff. "OK. Very simple, normal computers work by..." he said as the audience started cracking up. "No, no, don't interrupt me. When you walk out of here, you will know more no, some of you will know far less about quantum computing." Advertisement 'Quite accurate' "What quantum states allow for is much more complex information to be encoded into a single bit. Regular computer bit is either a one or a zero, on or off," said Trudeau. "A quantum state could be much more complex than that, because, as we know, things could be both particle and wave at the same time, and the uncertainty around quantum states allows us to encode more information into a much smaller information. So that's what's exciting about quantum computing," he concluded, before the audience gave him a standing ovation. (via Perimeter Institute) So, was Trudeau's explanation full of bit? Martin Laforest, a quantum computing expert at the University of Waterloo, told The Huffington Post Canada Trudeau's explanation was "quite accurate" given that he "learned about quantum computing this morning." The University of Waterloo's quantum computing institute has a handy explainer. Here are some excerpts from the centre for your learning pleasure: Advertisement "A traditional computer uses long strings of bits, which encode either a zero or a one. A quantum computer, on the other hand, uses quantum bits, or qubits." "Think of it this way: whereas a classical computer works with ones and zeros, a quantum computer will have the advantage of using ones, zeros and superpositions of ones and zeros. Certain difficult tasks that have long been thought impossible (or intractable) for classical computers will be achieved quickly and efficiently by a quantum computer." Trudeau says the funding will help the Perimeter Institute continue its scientific research, training, and education outreach. He called the centre an example of Canada's stature in innovation and research. The work researchers are doing, Trudeau says, will lead to the technological discoveries of tomorrow that will contribute in tangible ways to our understanding of the universe. The prime minister did go on to answer questions about the Islamic State and the Supreme Court ruling on Metis rights. With files from The Canadian Press Also on HuffPost Justin Trudeau: The Global Town Hall See Gallery Croisieres AML There are few experiences as exhilarating and memorable as watching a whale in its natural habitat. The Charlevoix region, in Quebec, Canada has become one of the most popular destinations for the activity thanks to its picturesque bays and breathtaking scenery. But before you book that ticket and board the boat, here are some tips to help you have a whale of a time while riding those waves in search of Shamu. Advertisement Set Sail On A Sunny Day Plan your expedition on a clear and calm day to increase your chances of seeing the majestic marine mammal in its natural habitat. The experience of seeing a whale break through the waters surface on a clear day is a moment that cant be missed. To fully experience the Charlevoix waters, consider going on a Katabatik aventure. You can kayak through the St. Lawrence River for the first part of your excursion, then hop on an inflatable boat affixed with two engines to view whales. This is the perfect option for the adventure seeker. Take In The Surroundings As you wait for that million-dollar moment, be sure to take in the scenery of the Charlevoix region. Theres stunning coastal views, horizons that seem to never end and breathtaking cliffs that will leave you with goosebumps. Remember, whale-watching is as much about your surroundings as it is the marine mammal. Advertisement On another day, visit Parc National des Grands-Jardins to get an up-close-and-personal look at the spectacular fauna and flora you may have seen as you rode those waves. Take A Guided Cruise Theres a number of guided whale-watching tours available for you to take while in Quebecs Charlevoix region. With the direction of a certified naturalist-captain, an excursion on board the AML Grand Fleuve or the AML Zephyr observation boats, for example, will make your experience all the better. Youll see the majestic creatures and nature through the eyes of an expert. Dress The Part Wear a rain jacket, dress in layers and bring extra clothes in case you get wet. Also, dont forget to wear comfortable rubber-soled shoes and a pair of sunglasses. Youre a sailor for the day after all, might as well dress the part! There are plenty of small boutiques throughout the Charlevoix region you can visit in advance of your outing. While youre at it, stop by Boutique Charlevoix to pick up a memento made by a local artisan for a loved one at home. Bring A Camera Bring a fully-juiced camera and phone on your whale-watching expedition. Exploring one of North Americas most breathtaking regions is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and youll want to capture the breathtaking beauty on film. Advertisement Britain's Prince William and his wife Kate hiked to an ancient Buddhist monastery high in the mountains of Bhutan on Friday, a day after meeting the king and queen of the tiny Himalayan nation. Advertisement Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge arrive for a ceremonial welcome at Paro International Airport, Bhutan. (Photo by KGC-178/STAR MAX/IPx) The couple hiked up to the spectacular seventh-century Buddhist monastery, perched on the edge of a cliff 12,000 feet (3,636 metres) high in the Himalayas and known as the "Tigers' Nest". William's father Prince Charles undertook the same trek in 1998 but only made it halfway because of a polo injury, stopping en route to paint a watercolour of the monastery. Advertisement Charles, Prince of Wales takes a break from hiking to sketch the stunning views of Bhutan's "Tiger's Nest" monastery on February 11, 1998. (Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images) The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge had a private dinner on Thursday with Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema. Earlier, they braved the rain to attend an open-air archery venue, where they tried their hand at the national sport. Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge tries her hand at archery in Bhutan's National Stadium. (Photo by KGC-178/STAR MAX/IPx) Advertisement They are spending two days in the tiny kingdom, famously the last country to get television and home to just 750,000 people, before returning to India for a visit to the Taj Mahal on Saturday. Bhutan's Oxford-educated monarch known as the Dragon King came to the throne in 2006 after his father abdicated and agreed to cede absolute power to a parliamentary democracy. The country held its first elections in 2008 and is known for pursuing a unique economic development model of "Gross National Happiness", which aims to balance spiritual and material wealth. Also on HuffPost Richard Lautens via Getty Images FORT ST. JOHN, BC - MAR. 4: Fort Saint John, ON - MARCH, 5 - Protestors look over the Site C hydroelectric dam project on the Peace River.13 aboriginal women have gone missing from the 20,000 population city of Fort Saint John in the north-eastern corner of British Columbia. There has been a severe lack of interest or resources into the investigations. (Richard Lautens/Toronto Star via Getty Images) Premier Christy Clark has ambitious plans for the copious amounts of electricity -- far more than British Columbia is expected to need for more than a decade -- generated by the Site C dam on the Peace River: sell it to Alberta. In a recent interview with Alaska Highway News, Clark said the power from the Site C dam, scheduled to come online in 2024, could potentially provide electricity to Alberta -- where the government has recently committed to closing all of its coal-powered energy plants. Advertisement "We could potentially electrify the oilsands, which would make the oilsands the cleanest oil produced anywhere on the globe," Clark said. "If Canada wants to make an argument for our resources to find their way to market, let's make them the cleanest in the world and let's make that our brand." "Here we have a government floundering for a market while they go ahead building the project." Need for Site C Unproven Clark's suggestion that Site C may power the oilsands shines a spotlight on the B.C. government's ever-changing rationale for building the project. Ken Boon, a Peace Valley farmer who lives on family land that will be flooded if the dam is built, said he finds the prospect of prime agricultural land being destroyed to supply the oilsands with electricity "very disturbing." "It highlights that they don't have a market for the Site C power," Boon told DeSmog Canada. "So here we have a government floundering for a market while they go ahead building the project." Advertisement In its final report, the federal-provincial panel tasked with reviewing the Site C dam said that, due to the severe environmental impacts of the project, the project should not proceed unless there is an unambiguous need for the power. "Electrifying the oilsands doesn't seem like a demonstrated unambiguous need," Boon said. Harry Swain, chair of the Joint Review Panel that reviewed Site C, said B.C. Hydro never mentioned Alberta as a potential market for the dam's power in its application. "One recognizes that things change over time, but this has an air of desperation," Swain told DeSmog Canada. "In the rationale for building the dam, B.C. Hydro put forward load forecasts that included a fair amount of electricity for the LNG industry and continued growth in other industrial, commercial and residential demand. Well, the truth is that since 2008 demand has been falling, not rising," he said. As DeSmog Canada recently reported, B.C. Hydro's records show that without an expanded natural gas export sector, there is no demonstrable need for the Site C dam. Advertisement B.C. Hydro anticipates domestic energy consumption won't surpass domestic energy supply until 2028, at the earliest. According to B.C. Hydro's estimates, major industrial users of electricity, such as the pulp and paper industry, will use less energy than previously thought -- partially because the cost of electricity will increase 28 per cent over the next five years, in part to pay for the Site C dam. A DeSmog Canada investigation revealed B.C. Hydro is in fact paying independent power producers not to produce electricity due to an oversupply problem. "The case that we need this power by 2024 was not made then, and is in even worse shape now," Swain said. He added that electrifying the oilsands would require new transmission lines and likely a new regulatory process with Alberta. Advertisement "It does not appear to be a practical alternative," he said. "It's residential schools. It's smallpox in blankets. Now it's energy development. It's criminal. They should be held accountable for the damages." Destination for Site C Power a Moving Target B.C. LNG projects have been delayed, labeled unprofitable, caught up in land disputes and lack committed investors -- hence Clark's wandering eye. "I think... we want to have as many customers for B.C. Hydro product as we can," Clark told the Alaska Highway News. Clark added that exporting power "allows us to lower rates for people who live here," but did not make mention of B.C. Hydro's plan to raise hydro rates until at least 2019. Clark also didn't mention that Site C's power is going to cost $80 to $90 per megawatt hour to produce, but the pool price for electricity in Alberta right now is hovering at around $30 per megawatt hour. Advertisement Site C is 'Cultural Genocide': Chief West Moberly First Nation Chief Roland Willson said Clark's suggestion that Site C might be used to electrify the oilsands is absurd. The purpose of Site C "is a never-ending moving target," Willson said. "First it was for LNG, then it was to sell power to California, now it's Alberta." He said recent revelations that B.C. Hydro is paying power producers not to produce highlights that there is no need for Site C. "So it's absolutely ridiculous that we're destroying a valley to potentially sell the power to the Alberta tar sands now." The West Moberly and Prophet River First Nations are currently fighting against Site C in court, arguing the project infringes on rights guaranteed by Treaty 8. Advertisement Willson said Site C will not pass the Sparrow test, a legal litmus test for determining if a government decision justifiably violates First Nation's rights, because there is no demonstrable need for the power it will produce. "They're taking away from us what we value," Willson said, saying the effects of this project amount to "cultural genocide" for his community. "It's residential schools. It's smallpox in blankets. Now it's energy development," he said. "It's criminal. They should be held accountable for the damages." This article originally appeared on DeSmog Canada. With files from Emma Gilchrist. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook MORE ON HUFFPOST: Hemera Technologies via Getty Images Hand holding Canadian money By Craig and Marc Kielburger Merna Forster was stunned as she watched Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announce on International Women's Day that women will be represented on one of Canada's banknotes again. "After fighting for this for years, it was hard to believe the victory," the historian and author of 100 Canadian Heroines(Dundurn, 2004) and 100 More Canadian Heroines (Dundurn, 2011) tells us. Advertisement Forster has been campaigning since a picture of the Famous Five (who led the charge in the 1800s to get women legally recognized as "persons" with rights) was removed from the $50 bill in 2011, replaced with the arctic icebreaker CCGS Amundsen, a ship named after a white male explorer. A petition Forster launched on Change.org in 2013 garnered more than 73,000 signatures to bring women back to Canadian currency. (The Queen doesn't count.) The lack of diversity on our money is hardly fitting for a country that likes to think of itself as a leader on progressive issues. Even the U.S. is getting ahead, announcing last year its upcoming redesigned $10 bill will feature an iconic American woman, to be chosen by the public. Now that this oversight is finally being rectified, our question is: why just one? It smacks of tokenism. How can one woman represent all Canadian women? Australia achieved gender parity on its currency featuring both a man and a woman, one on each side, on every monetary denomination except one. (The Australian $5 note features the Queen and their parliament buildings.) Advertisement There are some obvious great choices to represent women on our bucks, like a personal favorite 1812 heroine Laura Secord. Here are also seven lesser-known Canadian heroes we also think would be ideal on Canadian currency. How better to encourage young women to look at non-traditional careers than by honouring Elsie MacGill -- Canada's "Queen of Hurricanes." As the world's first female aeronautical engineer, MacGill oversaw Canada's production of Hurricane fighter planes during World War II. She also helped devise the first international safety regulations for commercial aircraft. And certainly we'd put forward Canada's first female member of parliament, Agnes MacPhail. She was also the founder of the Elizabeth Fry Society of Canada, advocating for better prison conditions for women. One name we've written about before is Viola Desmond, who fought segregation in Canada. Almost a decade before Rosa Parks' famous bus boycott in the U.S., Desmond refused to sit in the balcony of a Nova Scotia movie theatre after being told the main floor seating was for "whites" only. Mary Two-Axe Earley is another little-known but powerful activist deserving of recognition. In the 1960s, she stood up for indigenous women who were stripped of their rights by discriminatory laws under Canada's Indian Act. Advertisement On Forster's suggestion, we'd nominate Madeleine Parent, the Quebec trade union activist who fought for workers' rights in the early 20th Century and helped found the National Action Committee on the Status of Women. We can't overlook the contributions of Canadian immigrants and minorities, like the incredible entrepreneur, philanthropist and activist Jean Lumb, a.k.a. Wong Toy Jin. At age 18, she started her own grocery business in Toronto, and went on to support diverse causes, from education, to health care, to the arts. In the 1950s, Lumb advocated for change to discriminatory laws that kept immigrants from bringing their families to Canada. She went on to become the first female Chinese-Canadian member of the Order of Canada. And of course we expect Canadian youth representation. When we open our wallets, we'd love to see faces like Shannen Koostachin. Koostachin, from Ontario's Attawapiskat First Nation, was a tireless activist for aboriginal education. When the 15-year-old was tragically killed in a car accident in 2010, her cousin Chelsea Jane Edwards founded the Shannen's Dream campaign to advocate for equal funding for aboriginal schools. Come on, Canada, let's make a real investment in diversity! 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. Advertisement Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook MORE ON HUFFPOST: David Couillard via Getty Images Five Toronto Transit Commission special constables have been charged with attempting to obstruct justice and fabricating evidence for writing false tickets to homeless people, a shocking situation both in substance and because it is so rare for officers to be charged criminally in relation to their duties. The problem, however, isn't only the professionalism of a few constables, nor is it simply a question of management wanting to pad their statistics for budgetary reasons. The problem is bad laws. Advertisement Unlike those of us with homes and adequate incomes, people living in poverty are targeted and ticketed for activities necessary to their survival: sleeping in a park, vending goods on the sidewalk, or even setting up a basic shelter such as a tarp or a box in order to survive the night. Municipal bylaws prohibiting those activities stand in the way of people's safety and survival. Ontario's Safe Streets Act, for example, stops people from earning an income relatively safely by prohibiting squeegeeing and targeting people for panhandling. These laws criminalize people for being poor. The TTC case lays bare the prejudice faced by people living in poverty and is one of many examples of how bad laws lead to bad enforcement. Whether it is a homeless man in Montreal accumulating more than $100,000 in fines or city staff using chicken manure to clear a homeless camp in British Columbia, the laws underlying these actions are largely the same. These laws also perpetuate prejudice against people living in homelessness and poverty, dehumanizing and reducing them to a problem to be regulated. Using laws to target people living in homelessness and poverty increases displacement, pushing people into more remote locations and putting their safety at risk while decreasing their access to police protection and making it harder for service providers to find an assist people. The health impacts are clear: homelessness and poverty lead to poor health and early death. Using the law to further marginalize this group of people achieves nothing and increases the harms they already experience. Advertisement Fines and possible arrests and charges make it far more difficult for people to exit homelessness and, given people's inability to pay tickets and the failure of ticketing to deter people from continuing in these acts of basic necessity, one has to wonder what possible societal benefit is being derived here. These laws also perpetuate prejudice against people living in homelessness and poverty, dehumanizing and reducing them to a problem to be regulated. The result is an ugly NIMBYism that poisons and divides our communities, making solutions to our housing crisis nearly impossible to implement. The United Nations has twice this year alone called for an end to laws that criminalize homelessness, recommending specifically that Canada repeal laws that "penalize homeless persons for finding solutions necessary for their survival and well-being." It is time for our cities and provinces to repeal the laws that perpetuate this type of enforcement and cause these significant individual and societal harms. As a country we need to be working towards an end to homelessness and poverty, not ticketing those whom our system has most egregiously failed. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook ALSO ON HUFFPOST: AndreyPopov via Getty Images Over 85% of us will suffer from lower back pain at some point in our working lives. When that pain strikes, patients will try anything to find relief: bed rest, painkillers, injections and more. When you consider just how frustrating chronic back pain can be to deal with it's no surprise that it's the leading cause of disability worldwide and second only to the common cold as a cause of lost work time. 30 years of clinical practice as a chiropractor has taught me that one size does not fit all when it comes to back pain. There is no silver bullet. While some treatments may help some people, they don't work well for others, so it's very important to offer a targeted combination of approaches based on a thorough assessment and diagnosis. Advertisement Chiropractors are specifically trained to diagnose the underlying cause of back pain and recommend treatment options to help keep you doing the things you love to do. Here is how a chiropractor would approach your back pain: Assessment The first step is always a thorough assessment that includes both the specific complaint and your general state of health. Your chiropractor will ask you to share the history of your condition to help determine your pain's location, duration, constancy/intermittency, intensity and character, and whether there is an associated referral of pain into the arms or legs. A physical examination includes specific testing such as checking the ranges of motion, function and mobility of the spinal joints, and orthopedic tests to determine exactly what is happening to your body. As you go through your assessment, your chiropractor will be looking for yellow and red flags. Yellow flags are psycho-social barriers to recovery that include a belief that bed rest, time off work and passive interventions are the key to recovery (the opposite is true), alongside social withdrawal and low job satisfaction. Red flags are potentially serious problems that mean a referral to another practitioner is required because the condition is not one a chiropractor can treat. Fortunately, red flags are very rare, and most patients with back pain can be treated by a chiropractor. Advertisement Diagnosis From the assessment stems a diagnosis of the condition. The spine is complex and there are many potential sources of pain. Research clearly shows what chiropractors and other spine clinicians have learned: most back pain (as much as 90%) is "non-specific". While clinicians used to identify a specific disc, joint, ligament or muscle as the source of the pain, we now know that this level of specificity is not really possible. What "non-specific" really means is that the back pain is related to how your spine and associated tissues function and move and not the result of tissue or structural damage. Nerves carry messages to the brain, for example to transmit the sensation of pain. They also carry messages from the brain, including how to make muscles contract and coordinate movement. That's why it's important for a chiropractor to understand and assess how the nervous system is functioning and how this could be related to the complaint. This is particularly useful in deciding whether a patient is likely to respond to the care a chiropractor provides, or whether a referral to another practitioner is warranted. Loss of muscle function related to the bladder or bowel are very rare, but can be dangerous and indicate conditions for which urgent surgery may be required. The presence of pain, numbness and other sensations, even if severe, usually do not mean you need surgery. Prognosis Non-specific back pain can be categorized as Acute - symptoms lasting less than 6 weeks, Subacute - symptoms lasting 6-12 weeks, Chronic - symptoms lasting 12 weeks or more or Recurrent/flare up - symptoms are similar to original symptoms, and return sporadically or as result of exacerbating circumstances. Episodes of acute low back pain are very common; the key is to prevent these from becoming chronic or recurrent. There is a growing body of evidence on how to identify those patients who are at most risk of experiencing chronic pain, and this informs how a chiropractor or other healthcare provider would tailor their approach. Treatment A chiropractor has a large number of tools available to help care for people with low back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions. The evidence, including a number of high-quality interprofessional guidelines shows that the chiropractic approach is in fact the most appropriate approach for most back pain patients. This includes engaging you to keep moving and going about life, a focus on exercise, education about your condition, and spinal manipulation and/or mobilization (which can include neck and back adjustments). The goals are to help people return to full function, and to train and motivate them to care for themselves so they can manage and prevent future debilitating episodes. Advertisement Based on the assessment, and keeping in mind the patient's unique history and context a chiropractor can recommend a combination of massage, acupuncture and manual therapies, alongside exercises to strengthen the back. As a patient's condition improves, the exercises can be modified to maximize their benefit. Throughout your care, a chiropractor will provide you with clear, detailed information about the treatment you are receiving, and manage your expectations around what a treatment can and can't do. The key is constant, clear communication and continuous reassessment to see if you are responding to treatment, and amending the approach as necessary. Once you experience low back pain you can appreciate how much of an impact it can have on everyday life, and how routine activities can all of a sudden become huge obstacles. That's why it is so important to make sure you tackle back pain with the right tools, the right evidence and the right approach for your needs, whether it's from your chiropractor, physician, physiotherapist or other practitioner. Alan Sirulnikoff via Getty Images Legislative Assembly Building, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada A big victory in New Brunswick last week shows how important it is to all of society that working people have a strong voice to speak up to people in power. Last month, the New Brunswick government introduced Bill 24, an omnibus bill that, among other things, changed the rules around collective bargaining and arbitration for both public and private sector employers and workers. Advertisement And, while the changes were being brought in to deal specifically with public sector collective bargaining and to reduce wage settlements for those workers, even the province's own Labour Minister Francine Landry when questioned, did not seem to know why the law would also apply to the private sector. That's bad enough. But what's even more troubling is that the government of Premier Brian Gallant did not initially appreciate just how destructive and divisive the new legislation would be in the province. Unions such as Unifor and our members saw right away that the bill would result in unnecessary labour conflict across the economy as it gutted free and fair collective bargaining, put a downward pressure on the wages of all New Brunswickers and would make it very difficult to achieve negotiated contracts. Employers would have had little incentive to come to the bargaining table to negotiate openly or freely toward a collective agreement, preferring an arbitration system slanted in their favour under this legislation. Advertisement The bill would effectively suppress the wages of all workers in the province and limit their rights to free association. Unifor and others from across the New Brunswick labour movement packed the province's Legislature to voice our concerns with Bill 24. And on April 5, Unifor Atlantic Regional Director Lana Payne and I met with both the premier and the labour minister to outline what was wrong with Bill 24. Two days later, the parts of the proposed labour law changes in the omnibus bill were withdrawn and private sector collective bargaining rules would remain as they were. The minister announced a joint committee of all stakeholders to review the rules for public sector collective bargaining. We will be an active part of that process. This victory came as a result of a united labour movement that stood together in solidarity against a poorly thought out piece of legislation that would have done a lot of harm. In doing so, the labour movement stood up for the good wages for all New Brunswickers, not just those who happen to be represented by a union. Legal opinions obtained by Unifor showed that not only would the proposed changes damage labour relations in the province, they would violate the Charter of Rights and Freedoms for all New Brunswickers. The bill would effectively suppress the wages of all workers in the province and limit their rights to free association. Advertisement While every employer wants to save money where it can, it is a fool's game for a government to try bringing in labour laws that so blatantly tilt the balance in employers' favour. When you cut or suppress wages, you cut consumer spending, and that ultimately hurts businesses and the economy. Fighting laws like Bill 24 just makes good economic sense. Wages aren't just a cost. They are the consumer spending that truly drives a modern economy. Every dollar a worker earns is put back into the economy in the form of spending on the goods and services that businesses provide, further driving the economy. That means wage suppression is economic suppression, and a fool-hardy policy for any government to pursue. It just makes no sense. Not for the economy, not for business and not for workers And, while the removal of sections of Bill 24 is a great victory for working people in New Brunswick, much work remains as the province reviews collective bargaining rules in the public sector. Advertisement We will be front and centre as that review takes place, as we have been from the beginning. Beyond that, we must fight back against the attitude that driving down wages for working people and tilting the system in favour of big employers is a good thing. Such policies ultimately hurt the economy and all workers, and it is vital that the labour movement continue to show the solidarity is has throughout this struggle if we are to make real progress. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook ALSO ON HUFFPOST: Chris Wattie / Reuters Canada's Foreign Minister Stephane Dion speaks during Question Period in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada, January 26, 2016. REUTERS/Chris Wattie The Canadian government will go forward with the export permits that allow Saudi Arabia to acquire Canadian-made Light Armored Vehicle III (LAV III). The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Stephane Dion, stated that Canada would block future export permits if Saudi Arabia uses the purchased military equipment against its own citizens. That said, Dion believes this is not the case so far. Advertisement The total exports are evaluated at more than $11 billion and is aimed at helping Saudi Arabia in the fight against Islamic State. We have provided military equipment to Saudi Arabia since 1993. That's Liberals and Conservatives signing export permits. Minister Dion said in a statement that ''we will not weaken the credibility of the signature of the Government of Canada.'' What kind of message would Canada send if they cancelled or reviewed all the contract signed by the previous government? It would be the kind of message that would steer away everyone interested in Canadian-made weapons if you ask me. I believe that if Canada cancels the contract, other countries will jump on the occasion to sell their own weapons. It is a very delicate matter and I am having issues trying to figure out what is the best way to approach this whole situation. On one side, I totally understand Canada's decision to go forward with the export permits. Many Canadian workers would be directly affected if the contract was cancelled and millions of dollars would have to be paid by Canadian taxpayers to cancel the contract. ''Any time a contract is broken, financial penalties are sure to follow. In this case, it is the Canadian taxpayer who is on the hook. Cancellation would deprive almost 2,000 workers of their livelihood, principally in London, Ontario. We must take into account the chain of repercussions for an industry on which around 70,000 Canadian jobs directly depend and which plays an important role in fostering research and development in Canada,'' said Dion in his statement. I believe that if Canada cancels the contract, other countries will jump on the occasion to sell their own weapons. This wouldn't be an improvement on the human rights issues in Saudi Arabia; it would only cost Canadians jobs and millions of dollars. Saudi Arabia wouldn't really be affected by a cancelled contract, they would most likely turn to Russia or countries such as France and Germany. The only loser in this would be Canada. Advertisement Let's be honest here. If we were to cancel the contract, do you believe Saudi Arabia would stop abusing human rights? I don't think so. On the other side, it is hard for me to understand how can Canada, a "champion" in the human rights field, could sell weapons to a country that still decapitates people. However, if Canada declined to issue export permits, diplomatic relations between Ottawa and Riyadh would be in jeopardy. My biggest concern is the LAV III will most likely be used by the Saudi National Guard, a unit known to take part in the country's repression. That said, I believe that by cancelling the contract, we would lose the opportunity to further openly address our concerns about human rights with Saudi Arabia. We are actively trying to free Raif Badawi and if we want to keep working on it, it is not by cancelling a military contract that it will give us more leverage; it will only make matters worse. Forget about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) being elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). This is outrageous if you ask me. For me, it's like having North Korea discussing nuclear non-proliferation. Advertisement But as a Canadian taxpayer, I am tired of paying millions of dollars in cancelled military contracts and I prefer seeing Canadians working instead of sending a huge defense contract to another country. I am clearly against the KSA human rights abuse, but I am more concerned about Canadians losing their jobs. I don't think Canadians can afford to lose more jobs, and with a $29.4-billion deficit, paying millions of dollars in cancellation fees would be horrendous. If the contract wouldn't be signed and workers wouldn't depend on it to feed their families, I would be against selling LAV IIIs to KSA. I believe we should honour this contract and stop selling more weapons to Saudi Arabia, however. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook ALSO ON HUFFPOST: Tim Draper via Getty Images Canada, British Columbia, Victoria, waterfront on Inner Harbour, night For me, the best part of traveling is when I chat with the locals. I learn from them what life is like in the town or city. Where do they eat? What shops do they visit? It can be an amazing way to explore a new destination. Or if you have already visited the area, you can rediscover the region in a new way. I have been visiting lovely Victoria, British Columbia since I was a child. When I was younger, my father would take me to all the regular tourist destinations. Advertisement This time, I wanted to experience the province's capital through the eyes of a Victoria resident. So I asked a few locals what their favourite spots are. The locals were warm, friendly and eager to share the restaurants, music scene and shops that they frequent. Parks Cadboro Bay - A family friendly green space, Cadboro-Gyro park is adjacent to the beach. The park is a popular spot with children. It has large concrete climbing structures, in the shape of an octopus, a big salmon, a tugboat and the local Cryptid, the sea monster Cadborosaurus. Advertisement Located at Beacon Hill Park and approximately one hectare in size, the Cook Street Playground is located between Cook Street and Nursery Road, across from the Victoria Lawn Bowling Club. The playground provides play and picnic opportunities for everyone. Cafes Ruth and Dean cafe is a favourite spot for the locals to grab a cup of coffee and relax. They are famous for their cakes, so be sure to arrive with plenty of appetite! Nourish Kitchen & Cafe uses natural ingredients to showcase their love of wholesome culinary techniques. A woman I was chatting with suggested this place. She told me it is a cafe she visits frequently. Restaurant Agrius is known to have delicious dishes and also be a part of the Slow Food Movement. This restaurant values local, sustainable and traditional approaches to food cultivation and preparation. Another favourite is Cafe Brio. They are an established restaurant in Victoria for 19 years and create Italian inspired rustic west coast dishes. Advertisement Stay Fairmont Empress Hotel - This gorgeous accommodation has been hosting guests in Victoria since 1908. They have a world famous high tea which locals and visitors alike frequent. The lobby is warm and welcoming. When I think of the heart of Victoria, my mind always goes to the Fairmont Empress hotel. Music Interested in checking out the local music scene? The Sunset Room is a local favourite spot. Picnic lunch For organic healthy foods try Mother Nature's Market & Deli. Delicious wholesome foods you can pack with you for a picnic in the park. Books Munro Books listed by National Geographic as the third best bookstore in the world! Founded by Alice Munro, a Canadian short story writer and Nobel Prize winner. An established fixture in Victoria since 1963, the staff are extremely knowledgeable, there are rows and rows of books on every topic you can imagine, gorgeous architecture and chairs for you to sit while you flip through pages of your favourite books. Style & Home Decor Lower Johnson Street - This area is filled with gorgeous unique boutiques. There are also several home decor stores along this street. If you love to fill your home with beautiful items, this is the street for you. Advertisement Getting There To get some spectacular views and try a different way of traveling to the island. Helijet has transportation from downtown Vancouver to Victoria, daily. Or another option is to travel by ferry. Stay tuned for the next installment in my travel blog series! Your suggestions are always welcome, as I continue on my journey to live life to the fullest. Let's explore some wonderful places and have the very best 2016! Todd Korol / Reuters The Athabasca river runs through the city of Fort McMurray, Alberta, November 3, 2011. Fort McMurray is the hub of Canada's tar sands industry. REUTERS/Todd Korol (CANADA - Tags: BUSINESS ENERGY) By Andrea Harden-Donahue If you follow mainstream media and you havent heard "we need to get our oil to tidewater" ad nauseum, something weird is up. Advertisement Heres the thing... its totally wrong. I clearly have a strong opinion on Energy East. Some may be inclined to think this discounts the arguments below (I beg to differ by the way...). To those who may be reading and of this opinion, Im not the only one calling this bluff. In a recent iPolitics piece written by former top senior manager with one of Canadas top energy companies, Ross Melot (who earlier argued the business case for Energy East is shaky at best), stated clearly ...Premier Notley just became the latest Canadian politician to play games with pipelines. Shes telling Albertans a pipeline to tidewater can cure what ails the industry. It wont it cant because the problem a pipeline to tidewater was intended to address doesnt exist anymore.... Money spent on a pipeline right now would be money wasted. But Notley cant say that aloud not while also delivering the bad news on her provinces finances. Tarsands woes arent due to lack of access to pipelines The core premise of this argument is that lack of pipeline access to tidewater is forcing tarsands crude to be sold at discounted rates. With greater access and market diversity, will come higher prices for tarsands crude. Advertisement First of all, the price differential between tarsands crude (classified as Western Canadian Select WCS) and other key crude oil price benchmarks like West Texas Intermediate (WTI) has reduced significantly since 2013 (when you could legitimately make an economic case for getting oil to tidewater). In fact, Scotia Bank Energy Economist Rory Johnson projected that by 2017 there would be no price differential at all. Several pipeline projects between Illinois, Cushing and the Gulf Coast came online in 2013/2014, relieving a regional transportation bottleneck, allowing tarsands crude to flow further to the U.S Gulf Coast. The Gulf Coast refineries are the ultimate destination for tarsands crude. It is home to over 2 million barrels per day of oil refining capacity, much of it geared towards heavy oil. Current pipelines actually give tarsands producers 500 thousand bpd of surplus capacity to the Gulf Coast, and U.S. Midwest, another important destination for heavy oil. The price differential that exists is explained not by lack of access, but primarily by the quality and remote location of the tarsands. Bitumen is thick and heavy, requiring dilution for transporting by pipeline, creating more havoc when leaked in waterways, generating more carbon pollution when produced. It costs more to refine and and produces less valuable end products like gasoline (generally $2-3 per barrel of the price differential). And, simply put, Hardisty, Alberta is far from major markets, so this adds to the costs of shipping tarsands crude. Advertisement Further, accessing Asian and European markets via Kinder Morgan or Energy East pipelines will do little to fetch more money. The cost of getting the crude there increases and they have less capacity to refine heavy crude. In fact, evidence suggests the money received for crude shipped to these markets will be less than what tarsands producers get with Gulf Coast and U.S. Midwest refiners. So if lack of market access isn't causing the tarsands current struggles, what is? Alberta's deficit, one that is causing serious struggles for workers and families across the province and this country (with many workers traveling to Alberta for high paying jobs) is first and foremost, a victim of the global oil price crash. Heavy oil in the tarsands is more difficult to produce, and more expensive. And right now, it has a lot of competition. Returning to Melots article, he adds further critical context. Albertas problem is twofold: Its oilsands have been buried by fracked American oil that is both higher-value and cheaper to produce..." Undeniably, the U.S. is awash in cheaper fracked oil, the production of which is wreaking havoc on communities, waterways and our shared climate. Melot also rightly argues that, longer-term, the tarsands will face marginalization in a 'world committed to weaning itself off carbon.' Advertisement Energy East is proposed as 40 year infrastructure. If it is operational in 2020 as TransCanada aspires it be (I think this is overly ambitious, this means Canada will be producing and shipping 1.1 million barrels of oil at least until 2060. And we have pipelines with longer lives than 40 years already. In fact, the natural gas pipeline TransCanada wants to convert for Energy East is up to 40 years old in segments located in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (and TransCanada has the worst pipeline safety record in Canada yikes!) This is past the 2050 deadline the Paris agreement included as a goal for weaning ourselves off of fossil fuels, which many climate scientists support. It runs in conflict with over 100 scientists in Canada who have publicly called on no further expansion of the tarsands. Pursuing this kind of infrastructure locks Alberta and Canada into producing and shipping what will become stranded assets within the projected life time project. This not only puts our climate, communities and waterways at risk, its represents an economic risk too. The truth is we can meet the deadline and de-carbonize by 2050. Its not technology that stands in our way, but political will and the powerful fossil fuel lobby. For some inspiration on the direction forward, check out this story about the Indigenous community of Little Buffalo located in the heart of the Peace River tarsands, launched a solar project installing 20.8kW to power their health centre. Advertisement Stay tuned for more on the direction forward in tomorrows blog on the Leap Manifesto and the many responses it is inspiring. For more information on why the oil to tidewater argument doesn't add up, please see this useful briefing (a key source for this blog) by Oil Change International, Environmental Defence and the NRDC. Follow HuffPost Canada Blogs on Facebook ALSO ON HUFFPOST: The most selfish thing I have done is choosing to be a parent. When I got married 14 years ago, I had no intention of ever being a mom. Two years into our marriage, the questions began. And as we approached our fifth anniversary, the pressure from our families took on a new level of intensity. Our visits with parents amounted to just one topic being discussed over and over and over again. Advertisement Not a single conversation could take place without a snide remark to outright accusations and suggestions for medical interventions. No one was ready to accept that we had chosen to not have kids. They couldn't have raised us to be that selfish. It MUST be a medical issue, they concluded. Not just that, MY uterus must be to blame. To make things worse for us, two of our close friends delivered babies three days apart. One of them also happened to be our neighbour... she was a harried new parent, I a willing helper... and soon I found myself playing peekaboo or rocking the baby to sleep every evening after work. Despite the fun I had watching that kid for an hour daily, I knew that was about all I could take. I didn't get any maternal pangs. Nor did it feel like the life I wanted. I was happy with my career and the spontaneity that came with a child-free life. We could just take off for the weekend or plan a trip to South Africa without a thought. While these friends were embroiled in the challenges of sleep training and diaper changes, we were watching movies, going to late night dinners, continuing our travels all over the world. It was the perfect life. Advertisement There were times when the neighbour's toddler would accidentally call me "mummy" and my heart would do a flip. But I figured eh. And the feeling usually passed the next minute. My husband had started enjoying the increased interactivity that toddlerhood brought, but his limit with anyone under three feet was an hour. As soon as there was a tantrum or meltdown, he would be done. Neither of us felt inadequate or incomplete. We didn't hate kids... we just didn't want any of our own. We babysat our friends' infants and toddlers and we enjoyed all the goofiness and reverberating belly laughs but we always felt a sense of relief when the parents came to take their kids back. We got a lot of comments: "You'll make such great parents!" "You're naturals at this!" "Aww! Look at her...she's aching for a baby!" "Stop being so selfish!" No. They couldn't know what kind of parents we would be. We were just having fun (while making sure no one got hurt under our watch). My uterus was just fine. And that last one just got to me! I always wanted to yell, "You are the ones being selfish! We're doing this planet some selfless good!" A child-free life suited us. We talked about it at length, over a gap of every few years. The little itty bitty feet tap-tapping on our hardwood floors didn't enchant us. The fat rolls and chubby cheeks failed to enamor us. For 12 years, we arrived at the same conclusion: parenthood was not for us. Sacrifice isn't part of our vocabulary. Selflessness isn't either. We do everything because we want to. Because we derive happiness out of it. Because we love to feel loved. And then something changed. The kids were growing up... the more we spent time with them the more we realized we wanted this "thing" for our own... this feeling of being loved unconditionally, of creating someone to nurture, of calling someone our own. Interestingly enough, it wasn't my ticking time bomb of a uterus that initiated the conversation. It was my husband. At a layover from a memorable trip to Hawaii, while standing in a Starbucks line, he said, "I didn't sleep at all last night. I want us to have a child of our own." Just like that. No drama. No prefacing with anything. Just out of the blue. Next words I hear: "I can help the next customer in line." I was in a daze. I just ran from there to the restroom and must have uttered "sh$*" 500 times with tears streaming down my face. I didn't know why I was reacting this way. I just knew that it felt so right and so wrong at the same time. It meant the end of us as we knew it. I was lamenting that. It meant a whole new beginning... One where a child wouldn't accidentally call me "mom." I was rejoicing over that. Lessons... we learn so many of them every day. Some that last with us for a long time; others that we forget as soon as they are learned. Now we would have the responsibility to pass them on. To be role models. To do "the right thing." Advertisement It's daunting to be responsible for another life. But it's also selfish... to pass on one's DNA. To have someone who looks up to you. To feel the pride and joy that comes with the pain and tears. Some say that parenthood is the most selfless of "loves" one experiences in one's life. In our case, it wasn't selflessness that drove us to the decision. We chose parenthood because we wanted something out of it. As a mother, I have laughed way more in the past year than in the last 36 put together. I revel in that feeling of pure contentment when my child comes and snuggles with me. I love it when she chooses me over and over again to comfort her. Yes we were selfish then and we are selfish now. But we wouldn't have it any other way. I note down when I got the first sloppy kiss. The first hug. She has become our world... and she is everything we had imagined our child would be. We put her first but really what we're doing is putting our happiness first. Sacrifice isn't part of our vocabulary. Selflessness isn't either. We do everything because we want to. Because we derive happiness out of it. Because we love to feel loved. Advertisement Yes we were selfish then and we are selfish now. But we wouldn't have it any other way. This post originally appeared on The Cultural Misfit. ALSO ON HUFFPOST: 13 Springtime Scavenger Hunts For Kids See Gallery The five things you need to know on Friday April 15, 2016 1) EURO AWAY DAY RETURN I know its felt like its been going on for years already, but today is legally the first day of the EU referendum campaign. Alistair Darling has a speech warning of the economic risks of Brexit, while Boris has a speech in Manchester as the Leave camp say billions more could be spent on the NHS if we stop sending cash to Brussels. Advertisement Meanwhile hardline Eurosceptic Tory MPs have been shunning the PMs bonding session (no my dear boy, its not a Bondage Session, despite recent events, one veteran MP told me) in Chipping Norton overnight. Some Outers did manage to turn up, however, just to prove that they arent churlish. The most chilling feature was the dread dress code: casual. Ever since William Hague and David Lidington organised these away days back in the late 1990s (many of us hacks wasted hours doorstepping them for titbits about Michael Ancram strumming his guitar late into the night), many MPs have loathed them. In a pure Thick Of It moment, it seems there was little mobile phone reception. One source with a signal tells me Anthony Wells did a session on why the pollsters got 2015 so wrong and Andrew Neil did a talk about the US elections. Some Tories whisper that the party expects to make life very difficult for Corbyn in the May local elections - but they won't shout it from the rooftops during the 'truce' over the EU vote. The FTs George Parker points out that a bit of bonding is in dire need given the mutinous mood among the Parliamentary Tory party. He cites a Eurosceptic underlining the message weve been getting that a narrow In vote would spark a leadership challenge. The letters would flood in, one MP says, claiming that Graham Brady would receive more than the 50 letters from MPs needed to trigger a vote. On the Today prog, Alistair Darling said that the EU referendum felt closer than the Scottish independence referendum. He said "the nationalists fell because they couldnt make an economic case and the Brexiters were struggling similarly. But Its too close to call. Asked if he was worried about the result, he replied Yes I am. Advertisement Yet Darling himself is blamed by some on the Left for ruining Labours chances in Scotland. Many Corbynistas think his sharing of platforms with Cameron was deadly and yesterdays snaps of Neil Kinnock grinning alongside the PM made them distinctly queasy. Corbyns own speech on the EU yesterday proved that he retains his scepticism about Brussels. Kate Hoey even told the BBC: I dont believe Jeremy has gone back on all his views at all and she wasnt far wrong (Owen Smith admitted on Question Time Jez's euro-enthusiasm was only '7/10'). But Red Ken is in the headlines again, gifting the Brexiters a story: hes told his local paper the Ham & High (my own former employers) that if theres an Out vote I would personally start thinking about emigrating to somewhere the economy is not going to collapse. Jacob Rees-Mogg has told The House magazine that Barack Obamas decision to back Cameron on the EU will boost the Brexit cause. But ahead of the Presidents UK trip, his deputy national security adviser has briefed this: He will be very straightforward and candid as a friend on why it's good for the UK to remain in the European Union. 2) CHILLAXED ON TAX Some MPs think the PM is already too casual when it comes to chillaxing. Although the PM survived this week largely unscathed by the Panama Papers, the FT quotes a well-connected Tory explaining why the row was allowed to get out of hand last week: The PM didnt want to take calls on it he wanted a holiday. Punters on Question Time last night certainly expressed their anger at the tax issue. George Osborne declared yesterday that the UK and other EU states were dealing a hammer blow to tax avoiders. But that deal notably didnt include the US and the Government isnt out of the woods yet on tax avoidance. Advertisement The Public Accounts Committees report today is pretty damning on the record of HMRC over the past five years. The tax man has no clear strategy for stopping tax fraud that costs us a whopping 16bn every year. The PACs main concern is the lack of prosecutions, pointing out just one resulted from the HSBC Swiss scandal last year. Its report states: HMRC told us it investigates around 35 wealthy individuals for tax evasion each year. But it did not know how many wealthy individuals it had successfully prosecuted. PAC chairwoman Meg Hillier has written a blog for HuffPost pointing out just 35 wealthy individuals are investigated every year, and the plan to increase that to 100 a year by 2020 proves much more can be done. Most people sweating over their tax returns will be worried about whether theyve made a minor mistake. They need to know that HMRC is actively pursuing those who wilfully dont pay their dues. 3) NHS EMERGENCY The NHS continues to be a real political headache for the Government. With the most severe junior docs strike looming (will the consultants stepping in mean its a safe strike?), there were fresh stats yesterday showing waiting times in A&E were getting worse. Heidi Alexander said were heading back to the bad old days of patients waiting hours on end in overcrowded A&E departments or stuck on trolleys because no beds are available. The FT reports that the stats show that tight funding (yes despite ring-fencing) is increasingly having a toll on performance and that the figures were the worst month in six years. The Indy reports on how Chorley Hospital in Lancashire has been forced to stop running its A&E department, warning that staff shortages (caused by agency staff working in Scotland and elsewhere) left it with no other safe options. The A&E will be temporarily downgraded to an urgent care centre, meaning it will close at night and will not be able to take the most seriously ill patients until further notice. Advertisement BECAUSE YOUVE READ THIS FAR Watch this gorilla at Twyford Zoo execute an incredibly balletic pirouette 4) BAKER DAY Nicky Morgans plans for forced academisation look to be in even more trouble after a significant intervention on Newsnight by former Tory Education Secretary Ken (now Lord) Baker. Baker, in his amiable, elderly peer kind of way, managed to gently savage the current plans by making it sound obvious that forcing all schools to convert to academies was plain daft and unnecessary. Echoing the points made by many Tory backbenchers this week, Baker pointed out that it has taken decades for his own City Technology Colleges (business-backed forerunners of academies) to develop organically. Baker also stressed how important parent governors were. Morgan (like Gove before her) shares the PMs belief that pupils cant wait years for radical reform, but Baker is such a senior Tory voice on all this that it adds further pressure for a clarification (aka concession or even U-turn) ahead of the Queens Speech. Gove himself clashed with Baker, but in the end had to bow to the man who is still seen by many Tories as the most genuinely radical Education Secretary of modern times. 5) AN MPS LOT Talk about trust in politicians is yet again on the agenda. Yesterday, the Hansard Society audit of political engagement found some good news: levels of claimed interest in (57%) and knowledge of (55%) politics have both risen eight points in the last year (something Team Corbyn believes is partly because of the impact hes had in enthusing disaffected voters, young and old). More people say they will definitely vote in the next general election too. Today, we have an exclusive piece on a new study of the way MPs view their job - and are viewed by the public. The Commons Administration Committee publishes will today publish its report of views of 50 MPs who left Parliament in 2015 (many couldnt cope with the long hours and lack of family life). Committee chairman Sir Paul Beresford has written us a blog on how MPs need to get across their real work in Parliament - even though many people think their own local MP is doing a good job, voters tend to view negatively MPs as a whole. Advertisement Writing for the Times today, Philip Collins points out that the first MORI poll on this in 1983 showed just 18% of voters trusted politicians to tell the truth and that has risen to 21% in 2016. But he adds that the UK is also one of the least corrupt systems in the world and that other countries have a much lower opinion of their MPs. More importantly, Collins says its not a bad thing that politicians are not trusted to tell the whole truth: Trust is always linked to the nature of the activity in question and it is in the nature of politics that trusts most vital ingredient is missing. The politician is not, and can never be, impartially motivated. COMMONS PEOPLE Our latest Commons People podcast is now out HERE. Hear us discuss the Brexit camp designation, Corbyns EU speech, tax transparency and that Tory revolt over forced academisation. If youre reading this on the web, sign-up HERE to get the WaughZone delivered to your inbox. This week, crucial decisions at the International Maritime Organisation in London could undermine the central goals of the global climate deal agreed in Paris last December. The Paris Agreement makes it impossible for any country or any sector to say climate change isn't their problem. It has created unprecedented momentum for all sectors in all countries to take action and be part of the solution. The shipping industry plays a fundamental role in boosting global trade and prosperity. Maritime leaders have rightly recognised the need to invest in more energy-efficient vessels and to apply measures like slow-steaming. But to ensure a level playing field, collective action is urgently needed across the sector. Advertisement Because maritime carbon pollution happens beyond national boundaries, emissions from shipping did not get a specific reference in the final text agreed at the Paris climate conference. That is why the industry will be gathering at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in London from 18th-22nd April with the aim of agreeing a plan for the sector to manage its emissions. Failure to get an agreement could put the integrity of the Paris Agreement - and the safety of us all - at risk. The IMO, predicts emissions from shipping may rise by 50-250% by 2050 from 2012 levels. That would take the shipping sector from a carbon footprint the size of Germany, at 3% of global emissions, to one nearly the size of the entire EU. We need robust sustainability regulations for shipping that are internationally recognised and respected. This will ensure shipping plays its part in the global transition to carbon neutrality. Advertisement It is now a year since the Marshall Islands called for measures to help the shipping sector to reduce its emissions. That proposal gained support but countries agreed to wait and see what the climate summit agreed. In fact, the level of ambition agreed in Paris went far beyond what many had expected, with 195 governments signing up to a global goal of reaching 'net zero' emissions in the second half of the century. Now the Marshall Islands have resubmitted their plan for the shipping industry to manage its pollution whilst maintaining a thriving maritime sector. They are joined by France, Germany, Morocco, the Solomon Islands and Belgium but the UK's position remains unclear. These countries are supported by ever louder calls from ship owners and builders calling for a plan for the shipping industry to manage its pollution within a strategy to ensure a thriving industry of opportunity. In February, the International Chamber of Shipping called for the shipping sector to put forward its own 'intended nationally determined contribution', following the national climate plans that countries announced ahead of the COP21 climate summit. Advertisement The Sustainable Shipping Initiative, backed by Maersk, Cargill and China Navigation Company, launched a sustainability roadmap last month, and has called for more focused, urgent action to be adopted. So why is the UK prevaricating? Last November Amber Rudd's leaked letter to Patrick McLoughlin showed the Department of Energy & Climate Change's frustration that McLoughlin's Department of Transport was dragging its feet in meeting the UK's clean energy targets. In the Labour Party we are absolutely united in our belief that shipping must define its 'fair share' of tackling climate change, and develop an emissions reduction plan for the sector. In the words of the Sustainable Shipping Initiative, this is "the minimum" that countries must agree in London this week. The new IMO Secretary-General, Kitack Lim, has called tackling climate change "a top priority for IMO". It must be a top priority for the UK's Department of Transport as well. Donald Trump, multi-billionaire and idiot, is currently the front runner in the battle to receive the US Republican nomination for the 2016 Presidential Election. As the prospect of a Donald Trump America becomes more and more likely, let's take a look at what the world's biggest 'democracy' might look like this time next year if Trump miraculously wins the race to the Whitehouse. So, what would change in a Trump America? America's relationship with the world One of the obvious changes that would occur in a Donald Trump America is the country's relationship with the rest of the world. With his right wing agenda and disregard for anybody who doesn't agree with him, Trump will be a spitting image of Russia's Vladimir Putin's (maybe just a bit more orange). The world's superpower will also become a lot less super, and a lot less powerful with a giant umpa lumpa running the country. For starters he might not have much of a relationship with the UK in the future if he is banned from visiting. If he does manage to sneak past border control, we can only hope he finds his way to Bolsover and bumps into the beast himself, Dennis Skinner. That would be a showdown I would pay to see! Advertisement Another country who wants nothing less than a Donald Trump America is North Korea. Kim Jong Un will be devastated if he has a new competitor for the title of 'World's Most Mentally Unstable Leader'! In all seriousness though, it is very unfair to compare Trump to Kim Jong Un - Kim still has his real hair. The White House will need new doors Another significant change that will have to take place in a Trump led America is the interior of the White House. With an ego as big as Donald's, the doors to the White House will have to be widened to get his self-inflated head into the building. The same goes for the corridors and archways. The cutlery, soap and writing utensils will have to be made smaller though to accommodate Donald's tiny hands. There will also be no press room in a Donald Trump Whitehouse. The press are 'so dishonest' and if they ever criticise Trump, they will be sued by his press office for libel! Advertisement A very big wall If there is one thing history has taught us, it is never to build big walls. Donald Trump doesn't care though as he knows this idea will lure the stupid into voting for him. Out of all the things I have posted in this list, this is the least likely to happen. Trump is deluded if he thinks Mexico will pay for the construction of the wall. Furthermore, who actually will build it? When asked whether he would build a wall on the Canadian border, he called this 'impractical'. Of course it is impractical because only white people will travel from Canada so that doesn't bother the Trump supporters! If the wall does ever get built, maybe Trump will sell it as a major tourist attraction like the Great Wall of China? Don't expect to climb on the wall to pose for photos though, because you will probably get shot. The new US Cabinet As much as Trump would like to have complete control of the world, he will still have to have a handpicked cabinet to assist with the day to day running of the United States. So, who will be on his team: Donald Trump Jr - Secretary of State Eric Trump - Wall Builder (well somebody has to do it if the Mexicans won't) Chris Christie - Attorney General David Duke - Vice President Sarah Palin - Any role in the cabinet would be a satirists dream When a leak causes the downfall of one Prime Minister and forces another to publish his tax returns - quickly followed by a clutch of his counterparts doing the same - it's safe to say we are in the middle of more than a typical media frenzy. The political repercussions from the publication of the Panama Papers are being felt from Iceland to Downing Street and from China to Argentina. Here in the UK, it is now hard to see how anyone running for high office will in future be able to avoid full transparency over their tax affairs. Tighter restrictions on the way wealthy individuals move money across borders to reduce their tax burden seem inevitable. But, while we may be transfixed by the temporary discomfort felt by David Cameron and a host of other high-profile individuals around the world, the more fundamental impact of the biggest corporate leak in history will, I believe, be on the way British business behaves. For the Panama Papers have shown conclusively that the age of business secrecy is coming to a close. The internet has killed it. Companies had better prepare for a new era of transparency, or pay the price not only in government interventions but also a consumer backlash. Advertisement We can't say we have not been warned. The last few years have shown how supposedly private data can now be instantly and widely shared across the web, with the law providing no protection. If even the US Government is powerless to prevent massive leaks of confidential and highly sensitive information, then companies had better stop putting their head in the sand. The exposure of cosy tax deals between Luxembourg and a host of multinationals, back in 2014, was just a taste of what the future holds. But smart companies can see this change brings opportunities, rather than just threats. Consumers now rank "honesty and transparency" alongside price and quality when considering whether to buy a product or brand. The firms embracing this are seeing their market share increase. This new revolution is led by the tech sector, for whom transparency was not an afterthought, but central to how we operate and what we offer. Rather than being resistant to openness, digital entrepreneurs see the sharing of information with consumers as a key driver of their business. We can see its transformative impact across a growing number of sectors. Uber, Airbnb, and eBay have all developed sophisticated "feedback" settings to publish the behaviour of their users, showing consumers the track record of other people in their community. Advertisement Funding Circle has created an open methodology for loan applications, and clear performance and bidding data to explain how their system works. Transferwise are opening up pricing for international money transfers: an area which up until recently was cloaked in secrecy. At Property Partner, every month we share an extraordinary level of detail about the housing market, our investment performance and measures of liquidity in our resale market. This approach is what make us - and the many other companies with a similar approach in their own sectors - such a radical departure from the past. Some tech companies arguably buck the trend: Google and Amazon appear to have somewhat opaque tax affairs, for example. But overall the drive towards openness and transparency is exciting and it is the internet that is making it possible. And that's the wider lesson from the Panama Papers: rather than the soap opera of individual cases. Right now the debate is centred on what Government should do to ensure wealthy individuals pay their fair share of tax and whether politicians should be required to publish their tax returns. Yes, the EU is putting forward proposals to force larger companies to declare turnover in each member country and how much tax they pay. Today's world is dominated by social media and it plays a significant role in our lives - both at work and at home. There are an estimated 2.3 billion social media users globally.* But has our need to keep people updated on our every move or thought gone too far? Arguably a benefit of social media is that it reduces isolation by connecting people all over the world. However, in many ways, it can be a 'false reality' - simply a window through which you see just a snapshot of another person's life. This snapshot is often carefully choreographed and portrays the subject at their best moment and in their best light. As such, when seeing others though social media it's natural to make assumptions about how their life might be and you might believe that they, and others, are all having a great time while you are missing out. A recent study by researchers from the University of Houston in Texas has shown that social media is contributing to depression due to users comparing themselves to others.** For some, being online is their main source of social interaction and, over time, this can turn out to be an isolating and lonely experience. And, while the 'rewards' of communicating online are instantaneous, it can also create an 'always on' state of alertness from which can be a struggle to switch off. Advertisement There can be big benefits to taking some time off social media, however, by logging-out and tuning-in to other means of social interaction. Taking a 'social media holiday', where you meet and speak to people in person, might just be the break that you need. Take the case of Faye Smith, for example. Faye is founder and director of Keep Your Fork Marketing. Although she might not seem like the type of person who would take time off from social media, with two email accounts, three phone lines and five business social media accounts, being constantly online isn't actually for her. Like so many others, she has learnt that, for her mental health's sake, she has to take a break from it. She comments: "If I'm out of the country I don't connect my phone to emails, social media channels or the internet. Last year I went to Portugal with friends for ten days. It was bliss. No social media leaves time for contemplation and enjoyment of the now - not how the images will appear on Instagram or Facebook. Instead, I watched the sunset, read novels, played games and reflected. I rarely had my phone with me and the usual work stresses slipped away. The beach holiday resulted in a social media holiday which was actually much more beneficial to my mental health." If you're considering taking a social media holiday, bear the following in mind: 1.Suspend your accounts - suspending them for a week means you can take a break without the temptation to check for any new notifications. Advertisement 2.Make an effort to meet with friends face to face - you may find that cutting down on your social media time leaves a temporary void so arrange to see friends and family personally and you'll feel in touch when you're off-line. 3.Enjoy the gift of renewed focus - think of all the occasions when your attention was split between checking social media and having a conversation or watching TV or walking along and just tune in to the moment of what you're doing without the distraction. 4.Get an alarm clock - using your phone as an alarm can make it tempting to automatically check the online scene the minute you're getting up. Having a separate alarm clock removes that temptation. 5.If you find you crave social media, try checking out apps designed to block certain sites at certain times of the day. This helps to avoid that mindless checking and re-checking we all fall victim to! Taking a social media holiday can be an incredibly refreshing experience. It gives you time to enjoy life in the 'here and now' instead of analysing what others are seemingly doing. It has never been easier for us to stay connected with one another, to receive updates on what each of our friends are doing - but it is easy to forget that this is not always a healthy or desirable option. Advertisement *Global social media research summary 2016. Smart Insights: http://www.smartinsights.com/social-media-marketing/social-media-strategy/new-global-social-media-research/ **Mai-Ly N Steers, Robert E Wickham and Linda K Acitelli (2014). Seeing everyone else's highlight reels: how Facebook usage is linked to depressive symptoms. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology 33(8): 701-731: It is a national scandal that the number of families and households turning to food banks is at record levels and is continuing to rise. Today's report from the Trussell Trust on food bank usage shows well over 1.1million three day emergency food parcels were provided to people in crisis by the charity's network in 2015-16, compared to 41,000 parcels in 2009-10: a mortifying increase of 2,612% in the number of people who needed food aid to put a meal on the table since David Cameron became Prime Minister. Low pay and rising bills have pushed hundreds of thousands of people into relying on food banks, and the Bedroom Tax, sanctions and delays at the Department of Work and Pensions have made things worse. Three quarters of Trussell Trust foodbanks reported low wages were a significant problem for working people who had been referred. Other significant problems for working people seen by the foodbanks include 56% reporting insecure work contracts, 47% reporting high living costs, and 44% reporting problems accessing working benefits. Advertisement Food banks have become a truly shameful symbol of a Tory Government that is failing to stand up for ordinary people. I first asked the Prime Minister back in 2012 about the queues of ordinary people at food banks who could not afford to feed their families. He failed then to acknowledge that this was a real problem and he continues to do so. While his Chancellor was giving tax breaks to those at the top, he was also cutting public services and support for those already struggling to get by. But far from rebalancing our economy and making work pay, the impact of these Tory reforms has been to take money away from ordinary people, both those in work and those seeking work. The UK, both urban and rural, has been hit by a decade of record low wage growth with former industrial parts of the UK being hit the hardest. And the coming cuts to Universal Credit will only make matters worse, as they take 1,600 a year from over two million low- and middle-paid working people. We need to tackle the scandal of low pay in Britain. We know the system is broken when some people working in the food and farming industries are being paid wages so low that they cannot afford to eat the food they are packing or picking. Advertisement Our food system also generates a scandalous level of waste with the UK throwing away 15 million tonnes of food a year. Just over half of all food is wasted before it reaches our shopping bags. We all have a visceral reaction to those statistics, knowing that good food is thrown away while more than a million people are queuing at food banks. Yet in the UK, only 2% of our good surplus food is currently redistributed to charities. If we diverted just a quarter of all this wasted food for redistribution, it would make surplus food the second largest supporter of charity after the Big Lottery. My Food Waste Bill could go a long way towards tackling the huge amount of food waste in Britain and redistributing more than half the nation's food waste. This would be a step in the right direction but we need to do far more to address the root causes of food poverty. The Government must take a strategic and joined-up approach to food policy to ensure people are able to feed themselves and their families healthily and adequately. Emergency food aid should remain just that: the Tories must never be allowed to make food banks a permanent feature of British society. Advertisement A hair of the dog, a roll and bacon, and bottle of that trusty Scottish favourite Irn-Bru are just some of the hangover 'cures' I've been told about and if you were like me in my youth; you've had ample opportunity to try them all many times over! For those of you who know me, I'm an avid fan of Twitter and try to keep myself up to date with the latest crazes and trends online and it was during one of my better days that I stumbled across a product called Phizz. This new product was promoted, reviewed and shared by customers on Twitter and Amazon as an effervescent rehydration product with a blend of vitamins and minerals to promote well-being and increase energy; with my M.E, Crohn's and other chronic conditions, this sounded right up my street. I was put in touch with the team at Phizz who sent me a five dose (10 tablets) 'Petite' pack to try. Advertisement The shiny, bright white and yellow tube arrived in the post within a couple of days and I was despirate to get started and try the product myself. A half glass of water and two Phizz tablets was all it took to get started and as the tablets danced around the glass, a fresh and fruity odour was released; the test was on! While Phizz is advertised as a dual hydration formula with added vitamins and minerals; I wasn't expecting the sweet and salty combination and it did take a few minutes to acclimatise to the unexpected taste and finish drinking it. I should add that traditional rehydration therapies are salty and as someone with Crohn's I've drunk my fair share of these over the years; I just wasn't expecting the sweet and salty combination to taste quite so strange. The effects of the Phizz tablets didn't hit me instantly but built up gradually within an hour of drinking the concoction. After the hour passed I was very aware of improved focus and energy and found I wasn't as sluggish as usual. The noticeable benefits faded after around four to five hours and this was a common outcome in the five days I tried the product. Phizz advises that a maximum of four tablets should be consumed in any 24 hour period but I stuck to two tablets each day over a five-day period. The Phizz website and literature state that their formulation contains a World Health Organisation inspired rehydration formula and includes B-Group vitamins, Vitamins A, C and E, Calcium, Copper, Magnesium, Potassium, Selenium and Zinc, and is the first of its kind in the UK. Advertisement Hangovers and its associated headaches and fatigue are made worse as a result of dehydration caused by consuming alcohol. Phizz is definitely worth a try for periods of exertion and those busy mornings after those late nights spent dancing around your handbags. Ian West/PA Archive I come from an ordinary working class background and feel profoundly fortunate to have had a unique experience in my formative years that has given me a certain perspective on life. I feel it my duty to share it. I was born in 1947. Yes I know I know I don't look that old. I was a post WW2 baby boomer. Twenty million Europeans died in that terrible war. We were all born in the hope of a better future; that this abomination would never happen again. Advertisement As a kid none of my friends or family had ever been abroad or knew anyone from a foreign country. Only our fathers had been abroad to fight and kill people - or be killed. In 1964 at the age of 17 I started my singing career and, using my school lessons, began to record in French, then Italian, Spanish and German. Pretty soon I had begun travelling in Europe, and became a recording artist and star in all the countries in the West and in the then Eastern bloc. I had the most amazing times getting to know and enjoy their different cultures and sharing ours. To be part of, accepted and loved by all these countries was often challenging but a great education in life. Everybody was so proud of their nationalities and eager to know about mine. Some of the stories they told me about their country's experience of the war and its impact were eye opening and truly heart breaking. There were some heated discussions; but the one thing we all had in common was the desire to never to let it happen again. All my family and friends were fascinated. I sent regular postcards home telling of my adventures and each time brought them home a national doll from each country. Eventually my mum and dad had to move to a bigger house to fit in all the presents and awards. Advertisement I never once met a British person or artist on my travels. It was completely new territory. Through the sharing of British culture I was given the opportunity to experience first- hand trans-national communication before it became the norm for everyone. Later I was asked by the BBC to represent Britain in the Eurovision Song Contest in order or them to capitalise on my unique career in Europe. It was a really uncool thing to do. So I refused. Until I discovered that the event was born after the Second World War from that intense desire shared by all Europeans to use culture and communication to bring the nations together in a creative rather than destructive way. I thought that was cool. The Sixties consciousness was very much underpinned by this ideal. I believe that is why our generation in Britain had such a huge creative surge and worldwide young people were so enthralled by the peace movement. I have been disappointed that the BBC has chosen of late to use this event to make fun of and belittle other countries and to send our worst offerings instead of our best, which would help to raise the standard of everyone. Advertisement The Common market was also born from this desire to make peace instead of war. It was Churchill's great vision after the war to unite Europe along with other enlightened European leaders. Gradually, as this began to take place during the late Sixties and Seventies, I was joined by other British artists keen to take part in Europe. As the Common Market became a reality we were joined in the early hours in Heathrow departure lounge by brief-cased businessmen eager to trade too. I was often used as an ambassador for Britain by politicians all over Europe keen, (and some not so keen), (put up a picture of me and De Gaulle cartoon) for Britain to join the European Union. Soon this also became a reality and Europe was flooded with British people wanting to take the sun and enjoy the food, wine and lifestyle of Europeans. My family and friends visited. Some people decided to really go for it and stayed to make a living or retire there. My children naturally thought of themselves as British Europeans and my grandchildren cannot imagine being anything else. Our current world of the internet has tended to make young people less parochial, they communicate across the world. They were born to be technology natives and, though some older people are technology emigres, it is only natural that a lot of us might cling to the past and not be able to fully embrace the future. Which brings us bang up to the present. I work as Chair of the Featured Artists Coalition, which has spawned the International Artist Organisation. Together we represent the rights and interests of European music artists and creators. The EU is currently working on the Digital Single market. This is essential to our future. It is the future. An artist's job is to break down barriers, tear down the walls that separate our shared humanity. We are intrinsically international. In order for our music industry to survive we recognise the necessity of European and global markets. We have never thought of ourselves as being isolated from the rest of the world. Our innate desire is to bring people together, to create community and union. We are the modern day explorers and pioneers. In our FAC and IAO experience, working with the EU and artists from the other countries has been very instructive and much fun. We have got to know our own MEPs, our representatives and other countries' MEPs. We are working really well with the Brussels' bureaucrats who love our input -they really aren't that stuffy once you get to know them. They have welcomed us and our ideas with open arms. They want us to take part in this exciting journey into the future not to stand on the outside complaining. They want us to help change things for the better. How many people know who their MEP is? Advertisement If we want to do something about the bureaucracy, expenses culture, outdated policies and general silliness of Brussels, we have to get involved: kick the ball around; don't take pot shots from lines. There is far more to win than there is to lose. Those that want to stay huddled up in the past will be left behind. Jingoism is profoundly unattractive. Certainly not cool. It is our task as creators to share our vision and hope for a creative and productive future as part of Europe that Churchill dreamed up so long ago. It is the only way I know of that can curb corporate greed and allow all people to enjoy the fruits of the digital world we are living in today. I believe that the movement away from Europe is retrogressive. Loving your country, being patriotic is a good thing. The European Union, however, is there to prevent the negative aspects of nationalism which has in the past resulted in the deaths of 60million people and even more in the First World War. It forces us to come to terms with our differences, to see them as something that enriches us, makes us bigger than the sum of our parts. Its purpose is to reinforce our national identities and respect those of other countries: to find common ground about the essential things in life. It is far from perfect but at least it is a political fight and not a blood bath. The intention behind the EU is powerful and valuable. Britain has an enormous part to play. The driving force is to break down barriers. We know that it is not going to be easy. But at least it is a political struggle, a conflict of words, and not taking up arms. It will take courage, wisdom and compassion. But to leave now at this point in the process is cowardly. Advertisement It is a loser's game I refuse to back out. I love winning. And I am determined to win in Europe. Sandie Shaw "O ye who believe... say not to anyone who greets you with the greeting of peace, 'Thou art not a believer.'" (Qur'an 4: 94/95) Have you ever identified yourself as something, lived and breathed it all your life, and then told you're not really what you believe yourself to be? I've always called myself a Muslim, but last week the Muslim Council of Britain made a statement about me, saying I was excluded from the family of Islam. Advertisement What's my offence - am I neglecting my prayers, or not eating halal meat? Allow me to first tell you how I came into my faith and practice it today, and then judge for yourself. My name, Waqar, is an Arabic word meaning 'dignity', given to me in honour of its mention in the Qur'an (71: 14). I am a descendant of Abu Bakr, the first caliph of Islam. Growing up, I remember my parents doing lots of Muslim things both in and outside the house - saying 'assalamu alaikum' whenever returning home, answering the phone or meeting someone; my mother wearing her headscarf whenever she stepped out; teaching me the Qur'an, how to perform ablution, the words and postures in salah (prayer), reciting 'bismillah' before meals, and saying 'alhamdulillah' in gratitude afterwards. As a young boy, I regularly went to the mosque, and often made the call to prayer. I loved attending religious classes and was addicted to reading about Islam, especially the life of the Prophet Muhammad. From an early age, I got used to attending Friday prayers. I was a secondary student when my father wrote a response to Salman Rushdie's The Satanic Verses and other books that vilified the Prophet. This inspired me to write about my faith too, and defend the Prophet's honour whenever and wherever he was insulted. Advertisement Soon after graduating, I got married to my wife, who has always proudly worn the hijab. We have three beautiful children - the eldest is our daughter whose name derives from the Qur'an's first chapter, followed by two boys, both named after Prophets also mentioned in the sacred text. As per Islamic custom, we recited the words of the adhan (call to prayer) into their right ears when they were born, and also held aqiqah ceremonies for them, where the meat we ate and distributed was halal, as is the food we consume today. We have continued the same tradition as our parents in the raising of our own kids - teaching them Islamic etiquettes, learning the Qur'an, and going to the mosque. My eldest son has already decided that he wants to become an imam! All my life, I have believed in the five pillars and six articles of faith. I never miss salah, and also try to rise for tahajjud, a voluntary night prayer which the Qur'an says is granted special acceptance. I observe fasts during Ramadan, believe in paying zakah and have always dreamed of going to Makkah for hajj. I respect all divinely revealed scriptures, revere the long line of Allah's Messengers, and regard Muhammad as the Seal of the Prophets. Furthermore, my community requires me to make the Qur'an and hadith my guiding principles, to invoke blessings on the Prophet, and to put Islam above everyone and everything. Whenever I leave the house, I wear a ring with the inscription 'Is Allah not sufficient for His servant?' Advertisement But does any of this make me a Muslim? This Arabic word literally means 'one who submits to God', but also one devoted to peace. All Muslims are required to say the shahadah: 'I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His servant and Messenger.' The Prophet taught that "a Muslim is one from whose hands and tongue other Muslims are safe" (Sahih Bukhari), and also said, "Whoever prays like us and faces our qiblah (Makkah) and eats our slaughtered animals is a Muslim, and has the same rights as other Muslims" (Sahih Bukhari). I tick every one of those boxes. However, while I fulfil all the descriptions of a Muslim given by Allah and the Prophet, the MCB still won't recognise me as one. All the Muslim stuff I believe and do just isn't Muslim enough. For them, anyone who says that Messengers of any kind can still come after Muhammad is a non-believer; and because Ahmadiyya Muslims like me consider Mirza Ghulam Ahmad to be the Messiah and Mahdi (a prophetic figure foretold by Muhammad himself), we cannot be part of the ummah. Unfortunately for the MCB, their own criterion for who is and isn't a Muslim has no basis in the primary Islamic sources. It is also inconsistent with the belief of the majority of Muslims, including their own affiliates, that Jesus - a Prophet - will come again in future. When Muslims start playing God in this way, is it any wonder religious prejudice, bigotry and hate are on the rise here in Britain? The MCB claims to be committed to "pluralism, peaceful coexistence and extend a hand of friendship and cooperation for the common good of all", but seems to have a different rule when it comes to Ahmadiyya Muslims. They appear content to regard extremists like the murderer of Asad Shah as their co-religionists, but not those who live by the motto 'love for all, hatred for none.' How Malaria Moves From Mosquitoes To Humans Malaria is a parasite that can infect mosquitoes and humans as well as other animals like reptiles and birds. Only female mosquitoes feed on blood, and when a mosquito drinks malaria-infected blood, the parasite sets up inside its body. After a three-week process, the malaria parasites have moved into the mosquito's salivary gland, ready to be passed on to the next animal it bites. As we honor the anniversary of one of the most horrific shipwrecks of all time, we are reminded that every wreck dive we do as scuba divers grants us the opportunity to remember those who have lost their lives at sea. While leaving flowers at a cemetery helps us to remember and honor our loved ones on land, visiting a shipwreck in person is a wonderful way to memorialize those lost at sea. April 15th marks the anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. She rests under more than 12,000 feet of water - a depth so great that she was not found until 73 years after her fateful voyage. Titanic rests as a memorial to her passengers and crew, a reminder of the more than 1,500 who perished that night. As scuba divers, we seek every opportunity to study shipwrecks in person and to learn their stories. Some, like Titanic, will never be visited by divers because of their location. Of those we are able to visit, some carry a dark past down to the ocean floor. Other shipwrecks are intentional - dropped to a sandy bottom purposefully at the end of a ship's service. Advertisement But each shipwreck that we scuba divers approach carries a story and a lesson to be learned - we are reminded that the ocean will always be more powerful than we will ever be. We are reminded that we owe it to those who have lost their lives at sea to learn their stories and to remember them. And for those of us who feel so connected to all things maritime, what better way to show respect than to visit a shipwreck and to admire the abundant life she now hosts in her new home. If you are headed to the Caribbean, there are endless shipwrecks you can visit as a diver. Some of these wrecks have fun stories to share, others tell a tale of life lost. Wherever you dive a wreck, learn and honor its history. As with all diving, but especially with wreck diving, safety is your first priority. PADI - the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, recognized as the world's leading scuba diver training organization - has very high standards for dive professionals that can be trusted the world over. With over 6,000 PADI dive centers and resorts around the world, it's easy to choose a quality dive shop with a proven safety and performance record. Advertisement Many wreck dives will require you to have advanced skills, so visiting these locations in particular offers the perfect opportunity to learn and to hone those skills with your PADI instructor. Here are some highlights of wreck dives in the Caribbean, ready for you to explore and to admire the awesome power of nature to take over these ships with new life. Wreck Dives in the Caribbean James Bond Wrecks, New Providence, Bahamas - The Bahamas offer an incredible variety of wreck dives, including some of the most widely recognized. You can relive the adventures of James Bond by diving two sites used in the Bond films. The Vulcan Bomber is a wreck purposely sunk for the movie Thunderball, and the Tears of Allah is another wreck that was used in the movie Never Say Never Again. Don your tuxedo (or wetsuit) to film your own version of 007. Photo courtesy of Stuart Cove Photo courtesy of Stuart Cove MV Bianca C, Grenada - Known as the "Titanic of the Caribbean," this 600-foot passenger ship caught fire in 1961 while anchored off Grenada. Two of her crewmembers were killed as a result of the initial explosion and resulting fire, but because of the quick action of local Grenadians, all of her passengers and other crewmembers were saved. You can now visit the Bianca C, known as one of the best wreck dives in the world and the largest in the Caribbean. Although the top of the wreck is at about 23 meters/75 feet, the main deck sits between 28-38 meters/90-125 feet, so it's an advanced dive. Over the years, some of it has collapsed, but there's still a lot of structure to see. She is encrusted with sponges and corals and visited by schools of jack, barracuda, and spotted eagle rays. Because of the depth, quality images of the Bianca C are an extra challenge for photographers; however, Grenada boasts a number of other amazing wreck dives as well, including the Buccaneer, the Veronica L, and the Shakem. Photo of the Buccaneer courtesy of Dive Grenada Photo of the Veronica L courtesy of Dive Grenada Photo of the Shakem courtesy of Dive Grenada SS Stavronikita, Barbados - The most famous wreck on the island, this Greek freighter is now part of the Folkestone Underwater Park, and she hosts a rainbow of huge tube and rope sponges. The Stavronikita lies in 36 meters/120ft of water with the stern at 30 meters/100ft and the bow at 21 meters/70ft. After catching fire while at sea, she was purposely sunk in 1978 just offshore to create this stunning artificial reef filled with new life. Photo courtesy of PADI Photo courtesy of PADI Photo courtesy of PADI Wherever you dive this year, be sure to learn the story behind the shipwrecks you visit. Every story has people behind it, and as divers, we can honor those people every time we dive a wreck. Remember them as you explore each wreck and as you watch it teeming with new life. If you're diving in the Caribbean, be sure to check out these locations for unusual sightings, and don't miss out on these impressive marine life encounters. If you're not yet a diver, here are some great places to learn to dive in the Caribbean. Go explore the world! ---------------------------------------------- This article was completed and photos were contributed with assistance from PADI. Amanda Walkins is a PADI Diver and former PADI dive shop manager in Roatan, Honduras. WASHINGTON, DC (Herald de Paris) -- Graceful, lean and fit as a racehorse with a strong handshake that puts many men to shame, Dr. Jill Biden took the stage at the White House on Wednesday, as part of her Joining Forces initiative. Dressed in a sleek, black, brass-buttoned, cropped jacket, Dr. Biden, a woman who herself, has suffered tremendous loss, stood resolute in her commitment and conviction to Educate the educators of the children of military families both here and overseas. The event was held in collaboration with the Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) and the University of Southern California (USC). Dr. Biden launched the Joining Forces Initiative with First Lady Michelle Obama with the mission to give all Americans the opportunity to step up and show their support for those who serve in the United States military. Dr. Biden said, "I have been privileged to shine a light on the thousands of families -- and children -- who have taken on these challenging roles without complaint. They are my everyday heroes who often want no acknowledgment. One of the best parts of my role as Second Lady is spending time with so many veterans and military families. As I travel to bases across the country -- and the world -- I am always inspired by their strength and resilience." Advertisement As I listened to Dr. Biden talk about her work and how she met, "Teachers in Illinois who are using writing and art therapy to help National Guard kids with deployed parents express their fear and anxiety." and the fact she met a teacher in Georgia, "Who arranges parent-teacher conferences by Skype so that a parent deployed in Afghanistan can participate," something else struck me. It was the American spirit. Here we had a woman, a high achiever yes, but in basic terms, an ordinary woman, who did not need to be doing any of this. A woman could easily put her feet up and simply be Second Lady. It made me think of First Ladies, Second Ladies, indeed, the spouses, female or male, of President's, Prime Ministers and leaders around the world. It made one think about some of the things that made America unique. America is a country that has a strong sense of giving back, where individuals rise up and stand up, to make the world better for others, even when they don't need too, or indeed, cannot afford to. More importantly, it is a country, where it is allowed and acceptable to do so. It happens in all strata's of society in America. Currently everyday American's are battling in their individual states to raise the minimum wage from approximately $8.25 per hour to a livable $15 per hour. A minimum wage that has been raised many times in the past few years in many countries including Australia, New Zealand and Canada. "Standing up," and taking positive action, is an intrinsic part of the American spirit, it is part of what attracts others to America, it is part of what has made America build the country it has, with some extraordinary technological, scientific, cultural and artistic achievements and also lead the world in many areas. It has not been without fault at times of course, slavery a prime example, but America, considering it's size, has been relatively quick to rectify its wrongs, again with the will of the people and the will of individuals - be it Vietnam, slavery or raising the minimum wage. In the western world, the British royalty aside, there are few spouses of any leader who go out of their way to identify and create unique initiatives, and build significant resources to create betterment. Advertisement It gets right to the core of the American people. These women, Dr. Jill Biden, the First Lady Michelle Obama, and those who have come before, be it Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, or Nancy Reagan, don't do it because it is solely expected, they do it as it is who they are, it is who they are as Americans. Although admittedly, Ms. Clinton's reasons are more politically minded but she made great strides for women and equality. Either way, it is the humanity of being an American. That is one thing that one hopes never gets lost in this new corporate world. Dr. Biden continued, "One of the students I met that day told me that her family moved to Fort Riley in the middle of the school year, and so she missed the auditions for the school play. But, because her teachers knew how difficult transitions and starting over can be, they gave her the opportunity to be part of it. That doesn't always happen for military students." Dr. Biden is right, and one can only imagine the impact that had on this child's life -be it school play, sports fields, attention can be made and must be made to the individual child - whether its military family, or indeed otherwise. Dr. Biden said that Fort Riley, which has 8000 military children, "Represents what I hope all schools could do for our military families: a community-wide effort -- one in which Kansas State University has invested heavily in educating their teachers -- to better serve the needs of their military students." Dr. Biden pointed out that, "Not every public school is in a military community where nearly all of the student population is military-connected. Not every teacher, faculty member and administrator lives the same life as military families do, day in and day out. And, in some cases, not all public schools and teachers have been afforded the opportunity and resources they need to truly understand how to recognize and support the needs of these unique and inspiring students." The tenacious Dr. Biden has deftly targeted a matter that has been largely overlooked. She along, with Michelle Obama, is in the process of making a difference and creating a movement in the United States and around the world, to be aware of what children of military families deal with in terms of constant moves and transitions. Advertisement In closing, Dr. Biden stressed how the smallest act of kindness can make more of a difference in the lives of so many military students and their families than anyone might realize. And that is exactly what is needed around the world-for all people. Loving kindness. As I said in my award winning film Buddha Wild, http://www.buddhawildfilm.com it is not just enough to say have, "Loving kindness." You have to do it. You must act. You must do it. "In the context of the government's fight against the "parallel state" or "parallel structure"--which it alleged was a clandestine network of followers of Muslim cleric Fethullah Gulen within the executive and legislative branches that sought to overthrow the government--a court ordered that a Gulen-affiliated holding company, Koza Ipek Holding, be placed under government-appointed trusteeship on October 27. Koza Ipek Holding owned five media outlets, which re-opened with a pro-government editorial line shortly after the takeover. Another holding company, Kaynak Holding, with the nation's largest publisher of educational textbooks, was put under trusteeship on November 18." "Most Gulen-affiliated television channels lost a significant portion of their audience after pay-television platforms dropped them, beginning with Tivibu on September 27. By October 15, four (out of six) digital pay-television platforms had dropped the channels. The government's media regulatory institution, RTUK, warned the operators that the removal violated broadcasting requirements for platform operators to be fair and impartial and was inconsistent with standard legal procedure. Despite the RTUK warning, a fifth pay-television platform, Turksat, dropped Gulen-affiliated channels on November 16." "On October 28, police used teargas and water cannons to disperse crowds of supporters in front of the office building housing the Kanalturk and Bugun TV television stations, then forced their way into the building and shut down the two channels during a live broadcast. The police action was the result of a court ruling creating a board of trustees to manage the stations' parent company, Koza Ipek Holding. Critics of the takeover cited procedural irregularities and asserted that the media outlets were targeted for criticizing the government. Government officials denied any political motives, stating the connection between Koza Ipek Holding and Gulen justified the action." VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - APRIL 15: U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders leaves the Vatican on April 15, 2016 in Vatican City, Vatican. Candidate Bernie Sanders came to Rome to attend a conference sponsored by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences marking the 25th anniversary of Pope St. John Paul II's social encyclical 'Centesimus Annus.' (Photo by Franco Origlia/Getty Images) With the growing tensions on the campaign trail hitting a near boiling point between former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Senator Bernie Sanders, everyone who follows politics closely saw this collision course on the horizon. Right from its inception, last night's CNN Democratic debate lived up to it's heightened expectations as the most contentious, bruising political fight of the Democratic primary nomination battle to date. It embodied the rough-and-tumble, raw, and bare-knuckle punching slugfest brand of politics that New Yorkers are not only used to, but yearn for come election season. Advertisement Going into the debate, both candidates had a lot on the line. For Clinton, she needed to not only accomplish what any frontrunner attempts to do at a debate-- do no harm to her own campaign-- but she also needed to find a way to cool off the 'berning' momentum swirling around her rival following his wins in eight of the last nine contests. Sanders, on the other hand, had a much more difficult task. Down by double-digits against Clinton in the state, his challenge was to position himself to do the near impossible-- find a way to do what he says he'll inspire nationally by creating a 'political revolution,' but instead use the debate to create one in the Empire State. As they have in past debate performances, overall, both candidates did relatively well and accomplished some of what they sought to achieve going into the debate. Clinton walked away mostly unscathed but fell short of delivering a body-blow that could bury Sanders' campaign six feet underground. Sanders threw some tough punches, but didn't do much to spark a political revolution in New York. It's too early to tell what, if any, lasting impact the debate had on the shape of the race in New York, but nonetheless, there were several key take-aways. Advertisement Lets dive into Sanders showing first. Understanding that he's made enormous gains recently, particularly in New York where he had a near 50-point deficit a month ago and now is behind Clinton by just 14-points, Sanders needed to fundamentally alter the overall dynamics of the race. This debate was his best opportunity yet, and while he finally took the gloves off and went for the jugular, it's unclear if his effort was enough to change the state of the race with just days before New Yorkers go to the ballot box. Sanders landed some potent barbs against Clinton. He tied her to Wall Street by questioning her donations from the financial service industry as well as her private paid speeches. Sanders, along with the moderators, also antagonized Clinton more than usual over the release of her speech transcripts. This knock on Clinton served two purposes. First, it amplified the perception Sanders has been trying to create in which he paints Clinton has having a cozy relationship with Wall Street. Secondly, it served the purpose of exacerbating concerns about her trustworthiness and honesty after Clinton repeatedly refused to release the transcripts unless Republicans do the same. Her lack of a better response to this issue continues to haunt her campaign and makes her look like she's hiding something. Also noteworthy was when Sanders caught Clinton in a miniature flip-flop over the $15 per hour minimum wage issue. Initially Clinton said emphatically that she'd supported the "fight for $15," yet then backtracked saying she supported a national $12 minimum wage. He also drove the conversation on climate change, a flagship issue for Democrats, and questioned Clinton's resolve on the issue given her maxed out contributions from 43 fossil fuel industry lobbyists and the big campaign cash her SuperPAC has received from the same interests. Potentially, the most provocative statement came from Sanders in an attempt to appeal to African American voters when he called Clinton's past comments of "super predators" a flat out "racist term." The politically advantageous move was clearly an attempt for Sanders to exploit the issue in order to make inroads with this crucial constituency. It remains to be seen whether or not it worked. On the flip side, like always, Clinton had another solid debate performance. She held her own, came off looking Presidential, deeply knowledgable about every issue and at times even broke out of her often polished demeanor to convey intense passion, particularly when it came to gun control. Advertisement A master of policy, Clinton displayed an unrivaled understanding of each topic discussed. She smartly hit Sanders on his imperfect record on gun control, a cogent issue in crime-ridden New York. Pivoting away from his attacks against her for not releasing her speech transcripts, Clinton slammed Sanders for not releasing his own tax returns, which at the time made him look somewhat like a hypocrite. And in speaking to the expansive Jewish population in New York, Clinton was a vigorous defender of Israel while Sanders doubled down on his statements where he said the Jewish-state's attacks against Gaza were "disproportionate." Similar to past debates, Clinton also continued to wrap her arms around President Obama, still the most popular figure among Democratic Party voters, especially among minority voters. Her most epic line of the night, however, was when she implored the moderators to have a discussion that pertains to women's rights issues. The matter isn't just a bedrock issue for Democrats, but it also directly and indirectly implies the historical significance of Clinton's candidacy as the possible first woman President in the U.S. CAIRO, EGYPT - APRIL 8 : King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia (L) attends a meeting with the President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sisi (R) at the Egyptian Presidential Palace in Cairo, Egypt on April 8, 2016. (Photo by Pool / Egyptian Presidency/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has been burning the candle at both ends. Having burned his way through Egypt's largest political party, the Muslim Brotherhood, Sisi went on to give secular liberals who supported his coup against Mohamed Morsi the same treatment: imprisonment, torture or banishment. A significant part of Egypt's political and intellectual elite is now in exile. He has one source of legitimacy left - the international community. This week, he's been burning his way through that. Sisi's week should have started on a high - the visit of the Saudi King Salman. After all the tension between the two countries (at the time of Salman's succession, the pro-Sisi media declared the then crown prince not fit for office) and after all the reports of money from Saudi drying up, this should have been an occasion to silence all doubters: Salman was investing $22 billion in Egypt. The Egyptian presidency described Salman's visit as "crowning the close brotherly ties between the two countries." Advertisement Salman's visit had been much hyped, as indeed Sisi's visit to Britain was in November last year. Sisi expected each to be a breakthrough of its kind. And yet during his visit to London, Cameron cancelled all British flights to Egypt as a result of the downing of a Russian airliner over Sinai, sounding the death knell of the Egyptian tourist industry. A similar disaster awaited Sisi in Salman's visit. Part of the brotherly deal was to hand the Saudis two uninhabited but strategic islands in the Gulf of Aqaba that had been under Egyptian control for much of the last century and were given back to Egypt by Israel in 1982. Egypt informed Israel in advance of its intention to give the two islands to the Saudis. The surrender of Egyptian land to its Saudi neighbor did not go down well domestically for a president who has built his image on being Egypt's new Nasser. The Muslim Brotherhood said no one had the right to abandon the property of the Egyptian people for a fistful of dollars. Ayman Nour said the agreement would be rescinded "once the Egyptian people became free". The secular opposition movement April 6 is planning a rare and risky street demonstration on Friday. Ibrahim Eissa, formerly one of Sisi's rottweilers, turned on his former master. He said: "Sisi's Egypt is putting itself behind Saudi Arabia, not ahead of it as Nasser and Sadat did, and not at its side as Mubarak did." Ahmed Shafiq said that regardless of the history of the islands, this was a disaster for Egypt. The brotherly visit turned into a nightmare for the Egyptian president. Advertisement The surrender of the islands in exchange for important Saudi investment inevitably fed the impression that Sisi was selling Egyptian territory for financial gain. Nour, leader of the Liberal Gahd El Thawra party went further by leaking what he claimed was a Saudi embassy document showing that Saudis had given expensive Rolex watches to the president, speaker of parliament and prime minister, and Tissot watches and analog clocks to each member of parliament. However, the Saudi ambassador to Cairo said the document was a fraud. The second calamity to befall the Egyptian president was the withdrawal of Italy's ambassador, after the torture and murder of an Italian student in Cairo. What happened to Cambridge doctoral student Giulio Regeni was no different than the fate that befell thousands of Egyptian victims of the security forces, to whom Sisi has given blanket immunity. According to preliminary coroner reports, his fingernails and toenails had been pulled out; there were cigarette burns around his eyes and feet and numerous cuts on his face. His spine had been broken. The brave student held out for 10 days. The head of the Giza Investigations Unit, Khaled Shalaby, initially claimed that Regeni had died in a traffic accident and then claimed criminals had murdered him. The difference this time is that Italians were being lied to and there was outrage across Italy. Matteo Renzi, the Italian prime minister who in an interview with Al Jazeera described Sisi as a great and ambitious leader, has had to do a sharp U-turn, even by the standards of Italian driving. Renzi saw in Sisi an opportunity to bundle together Italy's regional security, business and foreign policy interests. The Italian oil giant ENI is sitting on the largest gas field in the Mediterranean, off the coast of Egypt. Italy's largest bank, Banca Intesa, has large interests in Egypt. Italy was an enthusiastic supporter of Sisi as a counter-terrorism fighter not just in Egypt, but in Libya. The first European country that Sisi visited, has now become the first to withdraw its ambassador. Italy has suddenly found out what it is like to be at the receiving end of gross human rights violations in Egypt. It is asking for EU solidarity in its demand for the truth about Regeni. Advertisement On Wednesday, Sisi lashed out against his critics for the second time in a month, blaming everyone but himself for the two public relations disasters. He said Egypt's achievements were unprecedented in 20 years. He defended his parliament, his intelligence services and hailed the demarcation of maritime boundaries with Saudi Arabia. Egypt, he said, was being undone by "the people of evil who are inside us and within us". He said the Egyptian people were doing themselves harm by talking about the border agreement. In a ramble that contradicted itself sentence by sentence, Sisi told Egyptians to shut up about the two islands and to await a full parliamentary debate. This is supposedly the debate that will be conducted impartially by all those members of parliament sporting expensive watches. Sisi struggled on: "In one sentence ... we have not abandoned something that belonged to us ... we simply gave people what was theirs ... Egypt has not abandoned a single atom of sand to others, and given it to the Saudis." Sisi blamed the Egyptian media for the international furore over Regeni's death: "It is we, the media people, who do this to ourselves... It is we who created the problem... Bring here all that was published ... there are among us and within us evil people who are just sitting doing this kind of work ... we announce a project or a decision and then they cast doubt on it and they accuse the state about it." Sisi then addressed the elephant in the room -- the man who appointed him defense minister and whom he has put in jail, Mohamed Morsi. He said of Morsi: "I told him the people have chosen you and we shall assist you for the sake of the people and for the sake of the country, not like they are doing, hurting the country and destroying it." Emad Shahin, a visiting professor at the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University said: "Sisi is suffering from the security dilemma. The more you try to build up your security, the more you rely on fear and division, the more you distrust civilian institutions and rely totally on the army, the more insecure you become. It's like someone who has fire inside his house and he is going on the grass outside in order to make himself safe. In the end the fire will catch him up wherever he tries to hide." "People think of him as the general who can provide security and they deliberately sacrifice freedom and uncertainty for his promises. This bet has not paid off. Most of his projects are failing, whether it's the Suez Canal, or the islands. The problem with the islands was not even maintaining the minimum level of transparency. We woke up and we were told by the government that these islands never belonged to us, when every text book every schoolboy reads says they do." Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks at the Canada 2020 and the Center for American Progress luncheon gathering in Washington, Friday, March 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta) Shortly after winning a majority government late last year, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau opined about new-found hope, optimism and the advent of so-called sunny ways. A bold refugee plan, the upholding of Canada's middle class, key infrastructure investments and building and maintaining reconciliation with Aboriginal Canadians were just a few of the younger Trudeau's promises. To the question of why gender balance was so important when choosing cabinet, Trudeau's shrug and "because it's 2015" quickly went viral and indeed worked to support the progressive attitude the young leader was trying to sell to Canadians. Trudeau made a habit, during the campaign and indeed after taking office, to make clear that Charter issues were not to be toiled with. Under his leadership we were to believe that a new vision on the Charter and on "Canadian" would come from the top. During a Federal Election debate, in perhaps his most powerful and convincing moment of the campaign, Trudeau steadfastly declared that "a Canadian is a Canadian is a Canadian". Advertisement More than a year after the Supreme Court of Canada overturned a criminal prohibition on physician-assisted suicide and months after the federal government successfully secured an extension on producing new legislation covering the controversial medical service, we are beginning to get a glimpse of what exactly sunny ways look like under the Trudeau Liberals. On Thursday, the Ministers of Justice and Health, Jody Wilson-Raybould and Jane Philpott, held a press conference on newly-proposed legislation related to aid in dying. The legislation appears to employ a narrow interpretation of the Carter decision, extending strict access to competent adults coming to the end of life. As for cases of mature minors, those suffering solely from mental illness and those requesting advanced directives related to physician-assisted death, the Justice Minister stated that review processes for these cases would continue and did not rule in or out possible changes to the law down the road. The Minsters collectively held firm throughout the question period that this was the best way forward for Canada. And this is where issues arise related to the Charter and the Supreme Court's ruling. The Federal Minister of Justice reaffirmed her view that the proposed legislation was in line with the Supreme Court's decision in Carter and indeed the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Additionally, in her retort to one question, the Justice Minister seemed to suggest that the Supreme Court's decision did not extend beyond terminal cases of disease. But these feelings and assertions don't adhere to the facts as they pertain to the Supreme Court's decision or indeed to the exact Charter from which the decision was born. In Carter, the Supreme Court clearly stated the following in outlining its decision: We conclude that the prohibition on physician assisted dying is void insofar as it deprives a competent adult of such assistance where (1) the person affected clearly consents to the termination of life; and (2) the person has a grievous and irremediable medical condition (including an illness, disease or disability) that causes enduring suffering that is intolerable to the individual in the circumstances of his or her condition. Indeed, the Court's decision in no way ruled out the possibility of non-terminal cases of illness, disease or disability from meeting the necessary requirements for access to aid in dying. After a lengthy federal case and after the exhaustive Report of the Special Joint Committee on Physician-Assisted Dying, the door to access for mature minors and the mentally ill was left wide open and still a Liberal Majority government posits that more time is needed to debate and review evidence. In the mean time, the best that could be offered, given the emotional nature of the discussion and time requirements to pass legislation, was a relatively restrictive take on the implementation. But to competent adult patients suffering with incurable diseases such as treatment-resistant depression and ALS, the new legislation provides far less than the sunny ways the Prime Minister promised. Indeed this legislation appears to reflect new national polling on the controversial issues related to physician aid in dying more than it does our Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Map of Ukraine with a Russian flag over the contested area of Crimea. Many Ukrainians expect America and Europe to save them. Suggest that they are living a fantasy gets you tarred as a blatant fool and Russian stooge. Yet Ukraine shouldn't waste time posing as a fairy tale maiden in distress waiting for rescue by the Western knight in shining armor. Kiev risks ending up as a failed state. Ukraine has suffered through a difficult existence. It long was part of the Russian Empire or Soviet Union. Since gaining independence Kiev has endured horrendous political leadership. In recent years the presidency flipped from pro-Western incompetent Viktor Yushchenko to pro-Russian kleptocrat Viktor Yanukovich. After the latter's ouster oligarchical economic interests remain in control, only through a different set of fractious politicians. Moreover, the country itself is badly divided, melding together vastly different western and eastern sections. Advertisement Obviously life isn't fair. But no one gains from pretending otherwise. The West and Ukraine both need to make policies based on reality, not fantasy. This argument does not make one a fan of Vladimir Putin or Russia. Rather, it recognizes that we live in the world as it is, not as we wish it would be. Ukraine is stuck in a bad neighborhood. Rather like Mexicans say of America, Kiev's tragic lot is being so close to Russia and so far from God. The colossus next door has special historical, cultural, economic, and security ties to Ukraine. Many people share at least some of those connections. This explains Moscow's willingness to accept international criticism, economic sanctions, political isolation, and military threats to prevent Ukraine from joining the Western bloc. Making this observation is not an endorsement. But good policy requires honest analysis. Acting as if Putin had been mysteriously transformed into Adolf Hitler and planned a blitzkrieg across Finland, the Baltic States, and Poland, on into Germany and to the Atlantic helps no one. America and Europe don't have much at stake in Ukraine. It's an unpleasant truth which sets off much screeching in Kiev, but that makes it no less true. Despite the outrage over Russian behavior expressed in Brussels, "Old Europe" feels little threat from the east. The economic benefits of integrating even an undivided Ukraine at peace into the European Union would be modest and take much time. Today Kiev is an economic black hole and the fiscally strapped Europeans have shown no inclination to contribute anything close to the aid levels required by Ukraine. The U.S. has even less interest in the region. Other than Ukrainian expatriates who believe the sun rises and sets in Kiev and ideological Neoconservatives who believe Washington should war against any power that resists America's dictates, no American even thinks about Ukraine. Much silly rhetoric has been spewed in the presidential contest so far on all manner of subjects. Yet Russia is rarely mentioned and even then mostly to complain about Moscow's intervention in Syria, not Ukraine. Advertisement For most of their respective histories America and Europe got along just fine with Ukraine under St. Petersburg's and later Moscow's control. That has not changed. Bleeding Ukraine elicits sympathy, not concern. Neither America nor Europe is prepared to impose serious sanctions designed to break the Russian economy. Neither America nor Europe is prepared to risk war with Russia. The West will not retrieve Crimea, suppress Donbas separatists, guarantee Ukraine's territorial integrity, or even bail out the latter's economy. Which means Kiev is effectively on its own. Ukraine's leaders only fooled themselves if they thought otherwise. Despite the antics of Washington's war lobby, led by the likes of Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham, none of America's post-Cold War presidents was prepared to toss away the success of the end of the Cold War by triggering a war with Russia over lesser stakes. The most obvious case is the 1994 Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances after Ukraine relinquished the nuclear weapons left by the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Some Ukrainians convinced themselves that the U.S. must "enforce" the agreement--presumably by nuclear war, if necessary. Washington's refusal to act militarily is seen as a great betrayal. Actually, no. The U.S. joined Britain and Russia in making a series of commitments, but none involved a security guarantee, let alone a promise to go to war. First, the three signatories lauded Ukraine for signing the nuclear nonproliferation treaty. They also committed themselves to respect Ukraine's sovereignty and borders and refrain from threatening Ukraine with military force or economic coercion. How was this to be enforced? The signatories committed themselves to ... go to the UN on Kiev's behalf if the latter faced aggression "in which nuclear weapons are used" and consult "in the event a situation arises that raises a question concerning these commitments." Which means no one promised Ukraine anything meaningful if anyone violated the accord. Nevertheless, Kiev signed. Meaningless verbiage was all that Ukraine was going to get. The Clinton administration was not prepared to offer Kiev a bilateral security treaty or NATO membership. The West has no more interest in going to war for Ukraine today than in 1994. Russia won't be surrendering Crimea short of war or collapse. Sanctions may be painful economically, but are not crippling, either economically or politically. So far Putin remains more popular than almost any of his Western counterparts. His poll numbers are down and could fall further, of course, but he would be unlikely to respond by retreating from his most dramatic, celebrated, and costly initiative. Advertisement Nor does making things worse in Moscow necessarily benefit Ukraine or the West. Weimar Russia would be a fearsome phenomenon to behold. Unfortunately, the alternative to Putin is not likely some Western-style liberal, but a harder-line nationalist, of whom there are many. Imagine chaotic Ukraine-style politics in Moscow followed by greater repression. In none of these scenarios is Russia likely to improve its relationship with the West, let alone disgorge its conquest. Moreover, in an age of self-determination the objective should be to assess what the people Crimea want, not to shift control back to Ukraine. The referendum held under Russian control can't be trusted but that doesn't mean it wasn't accurate. Throughout most of its history Crimea was part of Russia and the majority of residents are ethnic Russian. If they want to stay in Russia, their wishes should be respected. Thus, the West's objective should be a fair vote. The West has no credibility complaining about Russian aggression. Moscow has behaved badly and shares much blame for the conflict engulfing the Donbas. However, there are real Russian separatists who genuinely object to rule from Kiev. And there are some nasty Ukrainian forces, extreme nationalists every bit as brutal as Russian fighters. Moreover, the allies cheerfully, even joyously trampled Russian security interests for years. Expanding NATO obviously was directed against Moscow, something well understood by Russians. The allies launched an unprovoked war against Moscow's traditional friend, Serbia, dismembered that nation, and created a new country. Having done so, they then denied a similar right of self-determination to Serbs caught within a new hostile state in which they had suffered from brutal ethnic cleansing by triumphant ethnic Albanians after the war. The allies promised to bring Ukraine into NATO, an understandable anathema to Moscow. Europe then pressed Kiev to shift West economically. Through all this Putin did nothing, even though Ukraine's previous president, Yushchenko, was actively hostile to Moscow and sitting president, Yanukovich, maintained Ukraine's ties both east and west. Only after the West pushed a street revolution against Ukraine's corrupt but nevertheless elected president did Putin act to safeguard what he saw as Russia's interests. Advertisement Bad behavior by Putin to be sure, and unjustified. But no one has clean hands, least of all the U.S., which bombs, invades, occupies, and divides other nations as it sees fit without concern for other nations' interests, international law dictates, or likely consequences. Sanctimonious complaints from Washington about the conduct of other countries merely undercut American credibility. Certainly Moscow has no reason to take America's moralistic pretensions seriously. The status quo benefits no one. Two years ago Russia seized Crimea. A Moscow-backed insurgency in eastern Ukraine has waxed and waned since then. Russia and Western parties signed the Minsk agreement to end the Donbas conflict, which has reduced fighting though implementation remains sketchy on both sides. No one believes that sanctions are going to force Moscow to return Crimea. Nor do they offer any reason for Putin not to initiate another territorial grab if he is so inclined (in fact, there is no evidence that he wants to rule over non-Russians). At best the economic penalties encourage fuller implementation of Minsk by Russia, though not Ukraine. They also make a moral statement of sorts, but there are much better ways to do that. The continuing conflict is guaranteed to leave Ukraine a financial, economic, and political wreck. The way forward to normalcy is difficult enough. Suffering through a "frozen conflict" could disrupt life for a generation or more. Sanctions punish average Russians, allow Putin to blame the West for his nation's economic problems, and give the Russian government even greater power over the economy and financially-strapped businesses. Beyond that is the negative impact on Western companies and consumers. Advertisement Moreover, waging a low-grade economic war against Russia inevitably discourages Moscow from helping on other issues, which are many. The U.S., in particular, seeks Russian assistance in Afghanistan, Iran, North Korea, and Syria. Washington and Moscow share concerns over terrorism. The U.S. should stop pushing Russia toward China. It is one thing to sacrifice other concerns to achieve something significant. But in this case the U.S. is gaining nothing on an issue of at most modest importance. Confrontation with Russia is a penny-wise, pound-foolish policy. Instead, the allies should seek to negotiate a compromise everyone can live with. They should offer to end sanctions, pledge not to include Ukraine (and Georgia) into NATO, and support Ukrainian ties both east and west. Moscow should insist Ukrainian separatists accept autonomy, hold an internationally monitored referendum in Crimea, restructure Kiev's unsustainable debt, and accept nonexclusive political and economic ties between Ukraine and the EU. Ukraine is free to make its own decisions on its own responsibility. Life isn't fair, President Jimmy Carter said, and Kiev's position reflects that reality. Of course, Ukraine is a sovereign state and might prefer full western integration, including NATO membership. But the allies need to act in their interest: adding a conflict-waiting-to-happen to the alliance would be extremely foolish. Kiev is free to decide its future, but it must do so knowing that no Western nation, including the U.S., is prepared for war with nuclear-armed Russia over Ukraine. Negotiating the best deal possible would be better than pining for a rescue that will never come. by Doug Kirkpatrick, US Partner at NuFocus Strategic Group Item: Arvind Suresh, writing in Discover magazine, reports that Jacob Sherson, an associate professor of Physics at Aarhus University (AU) in Denmark, and his colleagues have been working on ways to develop quantum computers by efficiently manipulating atoms with lasers. They are working to transcend the challenge of developing ever-smaller transistors to crunch bits of information in one of two states, 0 or 1. Quantum computers, based on quantum systems (atoms, electrons, photons) allow bits to exist as 0 and 1 simultaneously, allowing for massive, parallel increases in computer power. One challenge in manipulating atoms is "sloshing", where a sudden move with a laser "tweezer" may cause an atom to slosh in the tweezer and produce calculation errors. Inspired by a Danish tech radio show, Sherson decided to gamify the challenge and invite citizen scientists to find the best solution. The project, Quantum Moves, created games where players manipulated atoms as efficiently as possible. By mapping the mouse positions of successful players, thousands of scientists can solve the problem far faster than one lonely researcher trying to find the perfect algorithm. Item: Atul Gawande, in The Checklist Manifesto, describes how Peter Pronovost, a critical care specialist at Johns Hopkins Hospital decided to try a radical idea: a checklist for ICU doctors. He created a simple, five-point checklist for doctors to avoid infections when putting in a central line (first point: wash hands with soap!). For one month, nurses observed how often doctors followed each step. In more than a third of patients, doctors skipped at least one step. The following month, Johns Hopkins administration authorized nurses to stop doctors if they saw them skip a step--a revolutionary move in the hierarchical hospital environment. Over the next year, the ten-day line infection rate dropped from 11 percent to zero. Advertisement Item: James Surowiecki, author of The Wisdom of Crowds, describes the hunt for USS Scorpion, a nuclear submarine that disappeared in May 1968 somewhere in the North Atlantic. Based on the last radio contact, the Navy began searching a radius twenty miles wide, a nearly hopeless task. Fortunately, naval officer John Craven had a better idea. He concocted a multitude of potential scenarios, and then concocted a team with a diverse range of skills and backgrounds. He asked the team members to give their best individual guesses regarding Scorpion's fate, and place bets on the likelihood of each scenario with bottles of Chivas Regal as prizes. Craven built a composite scenario built on all the guesses. Five months after Scorpion's disappearance, this intelligence, built on the collective wisdom of Craven's team, enabled a navy ship to find Scorpion 220 yards from where the group (but no individual group member) predicted it would be. Like the quantum computers of the future, where one relatively small quantum machine could have more computing power than all conventional computers combined, quantum organizations will creatively and effectively deploy crowdsourcing, gamification, voice activation, collective intelligence and myriad other social technologies to let people bring their entire brains to work. As Chuck Blakeman wrote in Inc. magazine: "In the Participation Age, which is already upon us, everybody is getting their brain back, and work once again is becoming a meaningful, integrated part of our lives, not something we put up with to make money." The benefits of participation are real: in the book Firms of Endearment: How World-Class Companies Profit From Passion and Purpose, the authors examine how to build high-performance companies on love, involving all stakeholders (all of whom, coincidentally, happen to be human beings). They found that humanistic firms of endearment (FoEs) maximize value to society as a whole, not just to shareholders, by creating emotional, experiential, social and financial value. Publicly held FoEs returned 1,026 percent for investors over the 10 years ending June 30, 2006, compared with 122 percent for the S&P 500. FoE Costco, for example, pays people 40% more than Sam's Club, yet generates significantly more profit per employee. Advertisement Powerful social technologies are finding their way into companies and organizations around the world. Open Space, detailed by discoverer Harrison Owen in his book Open Space Technology: A User's Guide, has been practiced in over 100,000 different meetings in 160 countries, involving self-organizing groups of between 5 and 2100 participants. In a safe, diverse Open Space environment, participants self-organize and grapple with the burning issues most important to them, where collective wisdom can emerge. The World Cafe, a process discovered by Juanita Brown and David Isaacs in 1995, has also found resonance around the world as a social technology to drive multi-stakeholder engagement. The World Cafe publishes an Impact Map that shows its influence around the world. Rod Collins, former Chief Operating Executive of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program and author of Wiki Management: A Revolutionary New Model for a Rapidly Changing and Collaborative World, shares an exercise he calls the "Elegant Set", a method of quickly aggregating the collective intelligence in a room of diverse stakeholders. Keith McCandless and Henri Lipmanowicz, co-authors of The Surprising Power of Liberating Structures: Simple Rules to Unleash A Culture of Innovation, describe several simple yet powerful exercises designed to unleash innovation and performance through engagement. To the degree they are deployed, liberating social technologies will exert tectonic pressure on traditional organizations to, well, liberate people. Once exposed to these technologies, people will expect to have a voice and expect their voice to be heard. Given the typically low employee engagement levels measured by numerous researchers, it would appear that organizations have little to lose by listening. Doug Kirkpatrick is the author of Beyond Empowerment, The Age of the Self-Managed Organization. He is an organizational change consultant, TEDx and keynote speaker, executive coach, writer, educator and SPHR. Advertisement He played the first season of his business career in the manufacturing sector, principally with The Morning Star Company of Sacramento, California, a world leader in the food industry, as a financial controller and administrator. He now engages with the Morning Star Self-Management Institute, Great Work Cultures, The Center for Innovative Cultures and other vibrant organizations and leaders to co-create the future of management. Contact Doug at Twitter @Redshifter3. Rep. Susan Lynn, R-Mt Juliet, speaks in the House Chamber of the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville, Tenn. on Monday, Feb. 8, 2010. The House voted 65-31 on Monday to override Gov. Phil Bredesen's veto of a bill to limit local authority on requiring calorie counts to be listed on restaurant menus. The bill was introduced in response to a decision in Nashville last year to require menu labeling at chain restaurants. The Democratic governor vetoed the bill in July, citing Tennessee's obesity rate that ranks among the highest in the nation. (AP Photo/Josh Anderson) If social conservatives in Tennessee get their way, the state will soon become the second in the nation to use the coercive power of the government to force people into bathrooms that violate their very sense of self or risk punishment. Legislation targeting trans students pending in both houses in the state's legislature would require public school and university students to use a bathroom or locker room that matches the sex recorded on their birth certificate. Limited-government it's not. Tennessee legislators, though, aren't original in their bigotry. North Carolina controversially passed an even broader law in March, and at least 30 similar bills have been introduced in a total of 16 states this year alone. Proponents of these discriminatory anti-trans bathroom bills have advanced many arguments for why they are necessary. Most are absurd "urban legends." Some argue these bills are necessary to stop predatory men from dressing up as women, entering the female restroom, and then attacking unsuspecting women. The more restrained say it will stop men from just trying to sneak a peek. Not surprisingly, these are solutions in search of a problem. There is neither evidence that anyone has used the fictional "transgender defense" for illegal conduct nor reports of any increase in public safety incidents in any of the hundreds of jurisdictions that have extended legal protections to transgender people. Advertisement "...forcing transgender people to use the wrong restroom will have terrible consequences for their very real privacy interests..." The argument getting the most traction, however, is the idea that compelling trans people to use the bathroom that corresponds to their assigned sex at birth protects the privacy of non-transgender boys and girls and men and women. "Letting boys into girls' restrooms and changing areas, for example, is an invasion of privacy," said Matt Sharp, a lawyer with the conservative Alliance Defending Freedom, in defense of Tennessee's bill. One of the stated purposes of Florida's defeated bill last year was "to secure privacy ... for all individuals using single-sex public facilities." North Carolina legislators this year went so far as to name their anti-trans bathroom bill, the "Public Facilities Privacy and Security Act." As a threshold matter, no one is proposing letting boys into girls' bathrooms. Preying on misinformation about transgender people and calling trans girls boys, advocates for these harmful measures decry the fictitious end of sex-segregated spaces altogether. But even beyond the absurd distortions peddled in state legislatures across the country, these purported privacy justifications for unconstitutional government discrimination aren't remotely persuasive. It does not infringe anyone else's rights to share public space with those who are different. People just don't get naked in the restroom, and we should all just keep our eyes to ourselves, anyway. Like previous efforts to expel people of color, people with disabilities, and others from communal space, these arguments for privacy just mask a fear of difference. And as courts have repeatedly recognized, those who are uncomfortable with sharing such spaces can seek out private spaces for themselves rather than force transgender people to be forever stigmatized and isolated. The privacy argument for these anti-trans bathroom bills falls completely apart when it comes to enforcement. Who exactly will have the authority to verify who is "male" or who is "female"? Will there be pee police? What will happen to androgynous men and women who don't conform to the police officer or bureaucrat's notion of what "real" maleness or femaleness is? For legislators trying to protect privacy, the unintended or ill-considered consequences of these bills seem to undermine their purpose. But let's get real, these bills aren't motivated by privacy concerns -- they're motivated by ignorance, misinformation and fear. Many people, particularly social conservatives, find transgender people, at best, curiosities, and, at worst, less than human, even if the more political hide their disgust with carefully crafted language. The bill's sponsor in Tennessee, Republican Rep. Susan Lynn, called her measure "very friendly." Trans students may mistake her kindness for cruelty because forcing transgender people to use the wrong restroom will have terrible consequences for their very real privacy interests as well as their safety. "These bills aren't motivated by privacy concerns -- they're motivated by ignorance, misinformation and fear." Five years. What is it about saying "five years" that makes it seem like you've reached a milestone? Reunions are in five-year increments, anniversaries seem more important on the fives, decisions just seem more finalized if they've reached a five-year mark. My mom died five years ago this month. It feels like five days. Sometimes it feels like five hours. "Grief doesn't have a milestone," my friend Wendy told me. Amen to that. Things happen in our lives for myriad of reasons. It's only after the fact, sometimes years later, that we realize it. It was hard to find those reasons when I was doubled over in pain of heartache five years ago. I simply could not believe that my mother wasn't with me anymore. The emptiness was excruciating. Grief is paralyzing, my friend Laura succinctly put it once. I had those days, wracked with guilt when I donated her clothes to a worthy charity, sitting on the couch, zoning out, holding onto a favorite pillow. It simply didn't sink in. My therapy was talking to friends and going through my treasure trove of e-mails and letters from her. I've got letters from college days, from Italy sojourns, my first job, second job and New York. My mom was a letter-writer and I'm very glad that she was. Put together, they're a record of our lives. Advertisement I have found in myself a strength that I never knew existed. I know that sounds like a cliche - you don't realize how strong you are until you need to be. I have to attribute that to my mom. My mom arrived in America from Italy when she was four years old. She came though Ellis Island with her mother and brother, my Uncle Charlie. Her father and older brother had been in America for two years by the time she arrived. For most of the next eight years, her mother was ill and she died when my mom was 12. So here she was, trying to assimilate in a new country, and she lost her mother. But she came through it, taking care of things that needed to be taken care of, excelled at school, learned to write shorthand, learned how to play Bridge, was a fabulous cook, enjoyed a career. So when I think about how much it hurts when I can't pick up the phone and laugh with her and discuss a recipe that Giada made or how Gail Collins always gets it right, I realize I'm pretty lucky. She was with me for 47 years. The strength that she instilled in me got me through the sale of her house and writing about her has actually been therapeutic. I'm quasi-starting over and have rediscovered my love of Italy, not that it was ever really gone. Just lying in wait. Everything I do now is all about my quest to live and work in Italy. I feel like I've come full circle. Advertisement The first time I lived in Italy was 1986, in Rome. Mom came to see me at Christmas and then we went to Assisi, San Gimignano and Siena. We loved Siena. I still remember our wonderful dinner at a place called Medio Evo, complete with a bottle of Chianti Classico. I also remember our waiter tried to get away with overcharging us. Mom was having none of that! I bought a poster of the Palio, the city's famous horse race, and it's currently framed and hanging in my apartment. Fast forward 30 years and I'm back in Siena in late 2015, I fall in love all over again and have finalized my plans to return this summer. When my mom went back to work, as a Kelly Girl, she faced challenges and took them head-on, including dealing with a conniving boss at her first job. She eventually flourished and retired after a successful career at Procter and Gamble. I had so much respect for her. She guided me through many rough patches and always had the right words to say; she could always find a solution. We were a good team. And I even forgave her for all those times she made me go to bed with pin curls and plastic curlers in my hair. (You try it!) So here I am, five years later. It still hurts. I still cry. But then I think about how she'd likely be very happy about all the new things I've done in the past five years and how I've decided to follow the Italy dream. As I wrote in 2012, to stop reaching for a goal would be a disservice to her. Advertisement And I often read and re-read a few of her credos: "Remember: success equals effort. I hope you do what you need to do for yourself. Don't be scared. I'm right here to help." "Believe in yourself. I believe in you. Get that 'get-up-and-go' spirit back. You have had a good year so far because you took risks and were willing to work hard. Let it continue." And my favorite message from 1996: "Have a good weekend and stop worrying. Be positive. Be professional. Be good. I'm always thinking about you. Don't worry. Things will work out one way or another. Love, Mom." Mom and me in Rome, 2004. Spring 2016 is going to be the most exciting season the J. Luce Foundation has experienced since its inception. There are so many ways that you can get involved and help better humanity! It began in 1998 with Orphans International Worldwide, and was joined in 2008 by the J. Luce Foundation. The Stewardship Report began publication in 2010. Last fall, a chapter of Lions Clubs International, the New York Global Leadership Lions Club, joined (Facebook). The Manjushree Home for Tibetan Orphans in India. The Foundation and its partners support projects uplifting of humanity around the world - often promoting arts, education and orphan care. Advertisement The Manjushree Home for Tibetan Orphans in Tawang, India -- under the auspices of H.H. the Dalai Lama -- has been supported by Dr. Kazuko Hillyer Tatsumura, for decades. Dr. Kazuko, founder of the Gaia Holistic Foundation and board member of Orphans International Worldwide (OIWW), has been known as the most prominent non-Tibetan supporter of this project. This fascinating story may be read in HuffPo. This spring, at a dinner in a Chelsea loft in NYC, the J. Luce Foundation will launch in cooperation with the Gaia Holistic Foundation, The Manjushree Fund for Tibetan Orphans. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, April 27 and tickets may be purchased here. His Holiness the Dalai Lama has been a long-time friend of Dr. Kazuko Hillyer Tatsumura, who is today an enormous supporter. Dr. Kazuko Hillyer Tatsumura told us: I really hope you will join us for our Gala Dinner on Wednesday, April 27 when we establish the Manjushree Fund under auspices of Gaia Holistic Foundation and the J. Luce Foundation! With the help of many devoted friends from the U.S. and Japan, we completed the magnificent Academic Building there last year with a total expenditure of $669,049 in the remote village in Himalaya --Tawang -- located at the borders of Bhutan, Myanmar, and old India. Tawang is the only original Tibetan village now in existence. It contains very important Tibetan Cultural Heritage, including the Monastery of Dalai Lama 5th that used to be the second largest monastery in old Tibet, the birth place of Dalai Lama 6th, as well as an important Stupa being built by H.H. Dalai Lama's Oracle, Khandoma. The scenery there is just breathtakingly magnificent, with waterfalls, mountains, and rivers. The children are all so wonderful and compassionate. Join us on The J. Luce Leadership Experience - The Ideals of Hellas. The J. Luce Leadership Experience - Hellas is scheduled for May 14-22, coordinated by Global Adviser and Corporate Sponsor Georgia Nomikos, C.E.O. of The Orpheus Luxury Collection. The trip is to expose young global leaders to the wisdom of ancient Hellas while allowing the students to witness the realities of modern Greece in refugee camps, orphanages, and civic institutions. The extensive ten-day itinerary for this leadership experience is online and you may read about the trip in The Huffington Post. In addition, there is an exciting video about the experience on YouTube. This subsidized trip costs $2,950 per person based on double occupancy plus airfare. Georgia Nomikos tells us: This May our young global leaders will embark on a journey to the land of Socrates... to the sacred Hellas... the land that gave birth to philosophy, to science, to medicine, to theater, to music and arts, to leadership and democracy all based on the highest of human virtues. They will experience the 'Spirit of Hellenism' - and discover the foundation of the Humanistic Ideals of Leadership. With these Hellenic Ideals our young leaders will therefore lead with great passion, inspiration and wisdom to make a positive change and a better world for all. The J. Luce Foundation not only provides challenge grants, but also "spotlights" individuals and organizations that it supports. Each year, the J. Luce Foundation promotes and attends important events of its supported organizations. Advertisement This spring, the Foundation will have tables at two events for the Osborne Association which deals with prison reform and inmate education in New York State, and Legacy High School, a superb special needs institution serving the NYC Tri-State. The author attending last year's Osborne Association Lighting The Way Breakfast at the New York Hilton. The Osborne Association has been around for over a century - and the J. Luce Foundation has been supporting it since the Foundation's inception. Jim Luce has written numerous articles about this prison reform organization in The Huffington Post. Foundation board members have toured Rikers Island and the penitentiary at Sing Sing up the Hudson River in Ossining. On Thursday, April 21, the Foundation will host a table at the Osborne Association's Lighting the Way Breakfast in the New York Hilton Midtown. If you would like to attend, please contact info@lucefoundation.org. Stacee Mandeville, the C.E.O. of Red Leaf Coaching and Global Adviser to the Foundation, says: It is truly exciting that our foundation is slowly but surely exposing more in our leadership circle to various vetted charities in the NYC. Because there are so many, it is helpful to have them screened - and wonderful to have a group of friends to attend with. Luce Scholar Jeff Guan and Vishu Grover, director of Legacy High School. On the evening of Thursday, May 5, our Foundation is supporting the South China Seas Trunk Sale to 'Benefit Children in Asia & Beyond.' Held twice a year in the home of Ambassador Sichan and Martha Siv across from the United Nations in New York. A great place to shop for distinctive treasures including handmade products supporting women and communities - consciously sourced from their own personal network: accessories and clothing, purses and jewelry, silks, scarves, shawls, Cambodian silver, toys and decorative items. Plus - autographed books -- Golden Bones and Golden State -- by Ambassador Sichan Siv. Facebook. Invite. On Wednesday June 1, the Foundation will host a table at the Legacy High School Annual Dinner at Battery Gardens near Battery Park in lower Manhattan. LHS is a premier special needs institution in New York from which Foundation Board member Mathew Luce graduated. Tickets are $100 each and scholarships are available. Please RSVP to info@lucefoundation.org. One of the last events of spring season 2016 will be the annual Roosevelt Island Cherry Blossom Festival to be held on Saturday, April 30. Sponsored in part by our foundation, I will serve again as master of ceremony - in full kimono (I studied once in Tokyo). See my past story in HuffPo. The incomparable Roosevelt Island Cherry Blossom Festival in NYC. Recent events of the Foundation have been equally amazing and will be repeated next spring. These include the Marietta College Leadership Conference in Ohio and the International Day of Happiness at the United Nations - across the East River from Roosevelt Island. Marietta College has one of the oldest leadership programs of an undergraduate institution in the U.S., its McDonough Leadership Program. The Foundation attended the conference with Luce Scholars and Global Advisers. Five J. Luce Foundation Fellows presented a panel on social responsibility. Story. Advertisement The International Happiness Day at the United Nations was an enormous success, intermixing presentations by U.N. Ambassadors and experts, with thrilling cultural performances, and a panel with Jim Luce and other Lions Club members. Prominent Lions were in attendance (HuffPo). Dr. Judy Kuriansky produced the event, in her role as advisor to Ambassador Toriello of the Mission of Sao Tome and Principe to the United Nations. Also a Global Advisor to the Foundation, adjunct professor of Psychology at Columbia University Teachers College, and a prominent member of the mental health NGO community at the United Nations, Dr. Judy says: The Lions' panel was perfect on the topic of "Happiness Through Service," when Jim Luce talked touchingly about his personal journey from wealthy Wall Street mogul to philanthropist adopting an Indonesian orphan and devoting his life to other needy children, followed by Lion District Governor Guillermo Perez and inspiring youth representing Lion and Leo clubs. The J. Luce Foundation (Facebook), focused on supporting young global leadership, publishes The Stewardship Report on Connecting Goodness (Facebook). It's sister organization, Orphans International Worldwide (Facebook), works to raise global citizens in the developing world, while the New York Global Leaders Lions Club (Facebook), strives to support the efforts of both organizations. This summer, beginning in San Francisco Thursday, May 26 hosted by Board member Seal Bin Han, Orphans International will host its Annual Summer Orphan Tour. Stops will include the United Nations, and possibly Dublin and Zurich. These events fund projects from India and Sri Lanka to Nepal and Indonesia. Advertisement Please note that our New York Global Leaders Lions Club (NYGLLC) continues to meet every Monday night with 35 members and you are welcome to join us. For further information, contact info@lucefoundation.org. In early 2016, tiny Alabama-based Cleber, LLC managed to conquer two Goliaths with one stone. It became the first American company to receive authorization from both the US and Cuba to set up a manufacturing operation on the island's Mariel Special Development Zone. Like David in the biblical story, Cleber used simple technology to accomplish what no one else had managed to before: slay two sets of monster bureaucracies with one blow. The embargo-busting, low-tech stone is its 'Oggun' tractor, an updated version of the 1940's Allis-Chalmers Model G. The co-founders, Cuban-born Saul Berenthal and Alabaman Horace Clemmons, are former IBM engineers and retired entrepreneurs, who found unlikely success in Cuba in great part due to their intuitive grasp of 'frugal innovation' principles. Like other frugal innovators worldwide, they created a low-cost, high-quality good by re-imagining processes and repurposing resources to meet the needs of a market with enormous financial constraints. The adaptation of frugal innovation principles to the needs and challenges of developing nations like Cuba has been described by Navi Radjou, Jaideep Prabhu and Simone Ahuja in their work on Jugaad Innovation. 'Jugaad', a colloquial Hindi word, roughly translates as an innovative fix or an improvised solution born from ingenuity and cleverness. The term bears a surprising similarity to the colloquial Cuban term 'resolver' - improvising and making do through inventiveness. No wonder, then, that the Cuban experience is home to a wealth of local frugal innovation examples. Advertisement Cleber's entrance into the Cuban market provides another example of how the six guiding principles of jugaad/frugal innovation can be used to create value in Cuban markets. 1. Seek Opportunity in Adversity. Frugal entrepreneurs perceive harsh constraints as an invitation to innovate. The small-hold farmers and cooperative members who farm 70% of Cuba's arable land deal with frequent input shortages (from fertilizers, to seeds, to fuel, to parts), obsolete technology, and major inefficiencies in transportation and distribution. The situation is further aggravated by two factors - the final consumer's wallet is limited to the $25/month salary of average Cuban workers, and pressure on market prices and on quality specifications from a growing tourist sector. The end result is low productivity, higher costs, variable quality and a wasteful drag on foreign reserves as Cuba resorts to importing approximately 80% of its food requirements, much of it, cash in advance. Advertisement Cleber realized that this overwhelming set of related problems was a Cuban national priority and a dynamic that had to be resolved before US tourists landed en masse on Cuban soil. Only 'out of the box' thinking could uncover a solution. 2. Keep it simple. The "resolver" mindset requires that frugal entrepreneurs focus on developing "good enough" offerings that are accessible and easy to use. Since all of the patents for the Allis-Chalmers Model G tractor had expired, the partners were able to simply copy the basic design, upgrade it with newer technology (e.g. from manual lift to hydraulic lift) and cobble together a vehicle from easily acquired off-the-shelf components. The end result is perfect for small plots, simple to operate and maintain, and relatively cheap when compared to other tractors. Fossil fuel models will eventually give way to all electrical models charged by solar panels. Granted, the vehicle will sell for about $8,000 to $10,000, a steep price for a small farmer in Cuba, but Berenthal and Commons are placing their bets on remittances helping to defray costs. 3. They do more with less. Frugal innovators compensate for a lack of resources by finding ways to leverage social networks and the intimate knowledge of their communities to create and deliver value. Berenthal and Clemmons noted that many U.S. companies arrive in Cuba asking: "What can we sell you?" They, on the other hand, found a way to deliver superior value to the Cuban market by instead, asking what customers need. "A lot of our plan just came from listening to what the Cuban people want and what the Cuban government wants...we suggest that prospective Cuba entrepreneurs always include in any proposal economic, social, and cultural justifications". Advertisement Potential partners would also be well served to "learn, understand and respect the Cuban culture; adopt a style that shows mutual respect; study, understand and follow established protocols; expect hard business negotiations; and, be patient and persevere." In other words, fostering knowledge networks is as important as having the right product or service. Since the Oggun is an open-source manufacturing model (OSMM) that uses a modular design and common components across a broad range of agricultural and light construction equipment, the basic design serves as a platform from which modules can be created with interchangeable components. This provides for varied and economical equipment that can be made available to small-scale farmers that can easily be adapted to suit their needs. It also makes it easy and inexpensive to service and maintain, as parts and components are available in a wide variety of international markets and from different suppliers. But the current configuration of the Oggun is only the beginning. Once the Mariel facility is running smoothly, Cleber plans to invite Cuban inventors and entrepreneurs to submit their Oggun-based product ideas and plans for possible adoption. For a percent of the business, Cleber will also produce the product for these entrepreneurs with great precision and cost efficiency if that is how the inventors prefer to market it. The Oggun takes advantage of Cuba's extraordinary DIY self-sufficiency and it will soon, take advantage of its inventiveness and creativity. 4. Think and act flexibly. To innovate in a constraint-based environment, frugal entrepreneurs must quickly respond to changes in their environment with entirely new value propositions. Advertisement Cleber's rollout strategy also demonstrates adaptability. It balances available investment capital, responsiveness to increasing market demand, and adjustment to the vagaries of US-Cuba normalization negotiations by building capacity to serve the market even before the Mariel Zone is fully operative. Initially, the Oggun vehicles will be assembled in Alabama and exported to Cuba. Once the Mariel plant is ready in 2017, U.S. manufactured parts will be exported to Cuba and vehicles assembled in there. The next phase of the project calls for Cuban manufactured components to be assembled on site for national markets. They expect to build 100 tractors a year to start with. Over time, the partners expect to ramp up to a thousand vehicles a year for both local and export markets. And the Oggun is not only a tractor. It is also an excavator and a skidsteer loader with wide variety of applications in the construction sector. Solving the agricultural, construction and housing bottlenecks is an essential component of the country's economic growth and social welfare strategy, especially as the country ramps up for a growing US tourist sector. The Oggun will provide a bottom-up solution. 5. They include the margin. Frugal innovators search for ways to include marginal segments of society, not just out a sense of empathy, but because it makes business sense for them. The fact that Cleber is already receiving inquiries and solicitations from Latin America, Africa and Asia bodes well for the company's future export success in 'base of the pyramid markets' where jugaad innovation is key. 'Base of the pyramid' (BoP) is a term given to the 4.5 billion people in the world who live on $5 per day or less. Increasingly, private-sector companies and investors, often in partnership with local communities, are developing profitable business models that provide creative low-cost/low price solutions to the many day-to-day challenges faced by individual in this global US $15 trillion economy. Advertisement The combination of Cuban 'resolver' in a jugaad innovation lab, together with an adaptive Cleber platform and a large BoP export market could turn this modest business experiment into a global success not only helping Cuba by generating foreign income and tax revenues, but by also benefiting the world with great products at affordable prices for these largely underserved and marginalized markets. 6. They follow their hearts. Frugal innovators take risks, trust their intuition, are passionate about what they do, and believe they pursue a good cause in the process. While the Oggun is a perfect example of jugaad innovation, neither the Cleber owners nor the Cuban government had any knowledge of these six principles. The business partners found each other because of their shared passion for solving some of Cuba's mind-boggling problems through instinct, intuition and creativity. Think of what could happen if both sides were to study and apply these principles in order to leverage the potential of jugaad/resolver innovation for Cuba and for global 'base of the pyramid' and low income markets. Cuban jugaad innovation might actually become a revolutionary movement, not only in, but outside of Cuba as well. Julia Sagebien, Associate Professor, Dalhousie University Last week's Curios covered cat magic, fairy circles, and shooting at one trillion frames per second. Curio No. 997 | The cat righting reflex meets the dead cat bounce Most animals are naturally afraid of high places. Not cats. Incidences of cats falling from tall buildings are so common, vets have named the phenomenon high-rise syndrome. Scientists believe this to be an adopted trait from their big-cat relatives--who prefer to hunt from high places. Also, are also amazingly good at landing upright after long falls. Their landing mechanism, studied since the 1800s, and is called the cat righting reflex. When a cat falls, it twists to create angular momentum, then pulls in its paws to increase the torque, turning it upright again. Then it flattens its body out like a parachute, similar to flying squirrels... keep reading. Curio No. 996 | How Super Soakers could save the planet Like many inventors, Lonnie Johnson stumbled upon his most famous creation by mistake. Johnson was building an environmentally-friendly heat pump that ran on high-pressure water. When he hooked a prototype up to his bathroom sink, his everyday faucet became a high-powered jet cannon. As he watched the water fly through the air in a perfect stream, he had his "Eureka moment." Johnson put the heat pump on hold and focused on designing a high-pressure squirt gun for kids. In his spare time. His day job was designing stealth bombers for the Air Force, after a previous stint at NASA engineering missions to Jupiter and Saturn. After several years of refining his invention on nights and weekends, Johnson received a patent and sold the rights to a toy company... keep reading. Advertisement Curio No. 995 | Dumb people or dumb marketers? Never underestimate the public's math illiteracy, I guess. In the early 1980s, executives at fast food chain A&W were struggling to compete with McDonald's wildly popular Quarter Pounder. Until somebody on the marketing team had a brilliant idea: the Third Pounder. It would cost less than a McDonald's Quarter pounder but contain more beef. 1/12th of a pound more to be exact, as I'm sure Curio readers can easily figure. And, at least according to most early reviews, it also tasted better. Yet when the Third Pounder came out, sales were lethargic. The crack team at A&W was stumped... keep reading. Curio No. 994 | A musical road that slows speeders down Finally an idea that could actually slow down speeders. In Tijeras, New Mexico, the state Department of Transportation has installed a custom patch of asphalt on Route 66 that--when driven over at exactly 45 miles per hour--plays the tune to "America the Beautiful." How is that possible? Precisely engineered metal plates are imprinted into wet asphalt to create grooves different distances apart. When driven over at a certain speed, the tires and road vibrate at the exact frequencies of specific musical notes. The more identically-spaced grooves in a row, the longer the note is held for... keep reading. Curio No. 993 | Mysterious African fairy circles invade Australia They are called fairy circles. And scientists are mystified by patterns of them dotting the Namibian grasslands in Africa. The patches of bare soil, which range from 6 to 36 feet in diameter, cover huge areas--and exist for an average of 41 years before giving way to new patches. Around the edges, vegetation grows thickly. After decades of investigation, biologists still don't understand how or why they are formed. Hence the name. (Although to my five-year-old daughter, fairies are a perfectly scientific explanation for such a phenomenon.) One early theory blamed large termite populations living under the grasslands... keep reading. Curio No. 992 | The best bourbon in the world? For whiskey lovers, a 20-year-old bottle of Pappy Van Winkle's Family Reserve bourbon is as good as it gets. The cult whiskey came to fame after the Beverage Testing Institute gave it an unprecedented 99 out of 100 for its 1996 batch. Today it is considered the best bourbon ever produced by celebrity tastemakers like Anthony Bourdain and David Chang. But is Pappy really that much better? The Van Winkles started producing bourbon in the late 1800s. When prohibition shut down the vast majority of distilleries from 1920 to 1933, Pappy Van Winkle was one of only six allowed to stay open--thanks to a "medicinal" whiskey permit... keep reading. Advertisement Curio No. 991 | One trillion frames per second Most movies are shot at 60 frames per second (fps). Newer smart phones can shoot video at 240 fps. A professional videographer might have a high-speed camera that can shoot over 1,000 fps. The more fps, the higher quality slow-motion videos a camera can produce. Since so many frames are recorded every second, even a speeding bullet or 100 mph fastball can be recorded hundreds of times as it flies by the camera and then played back slowly. The MIT Media Lab has taken this concept to the extreme. Their new camera technology, called femto-photography, can record 1 trillion frames per second! It is so fast it can capture a single burst of light as it flies through a scene... keep reading. Rana Husseini is an award-winning journalist, senior reporter for the Jordan Times, and human rights activist. She is a leading international investigative journalist whose reporting has put violence against women on the public agenda around the world. She has also been an activist on the issue of so-called honor murders for more than 23 years. Husseini has earned a medal from His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan for her activism in the human rights field and for defending women's causes in Jordan. She is the recipient of many awards, including the Reebok Human Rights award, Human Rights Watch award and Marie Claire Top Ten Women of the World award. In addition to her extensive experience in the journalism field, Husseini has conducted several consultancies and advocacy for women' s rights in the Middle East and Jordan with local NGOs, UN agencies and international organizations. She has served as special advisor to UN Women (previously UNIFEM), Equality Now and Freedom House on women's issues and press freedoms in Jordan. Husseini also worked as a consultant and trainer for the Jordan Media Institute and the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX) by conducting training workshops for local reporters, journalism students on reporting on gender, human rights and violence against women. Advertisement Husseini is a regular speaker at major international events such as the Global UNDP Meeting on Action to Address Gender-Based Violence and Human Rights Conference. Lan Anh Vu caught up with Husseini to learn more about her journey of investigating over the years and the lessons she has learned along the way. As told to Lan Anh Vu How I got involved in working on the issue of the honor crimes I was studying in the United States and came back to Jordan, where I was appointed as the crime reporter for the Jordan Times in September 1993. In June 1994, I came across the sad story of a 16-year-old girl who was killed by her brother. When I went to investigate I was shocked to learn more of her story. She was raped by one of her brothers, and he attempted to kill her because she told her family. She became pregnant, underwent a secret abortion, and was forced to marry a man 50 years older than her. Six months later, this man divorced her; the day he divorced her, the second brother killed her and blamed her for the rape. I spoke to the uncles, who were a part of the plot; they also blamed her for the rape and accused her of seducing her brother. I reported the story. The following day, an intellectual woman called the newspaper and started screaming and yelling at my editors, saying that they should stop me from writing and reporting these crimes because this is not us or our society. I became even more enraged and decided to show her and everyone else that this is our society, and we need to work on changing such issues. Advertisement Later, I went to the courts and discovered that the killers were getting away with lenient sentences of three or six months, or a maximum of a year. I decided to document this as well because no one was really talking about it at the time. What motivates me is that those women have no voice, no value and nobody there to defend them, so this is one area where I feel I am able to make a difference. The most important thing, as I told my colleagues, is that I know I have saved lives directly or indirectly, and this is something very important. For me, that is the most rewarding thing; it is a very good feeling to be able to help someone. I'm doing the right thing, and I know that I don't contradict human rights or religions; any normal person would know that those killings are wrong. I think the honor crimes happen in many countries around the world. It's a big problem, and it varies from one country to another. It depends on the population; the higher the population, the more you will see murders and crimes and general violence against women. This happens in countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, India and Turkey, to name a few, so I would say that these crimes are not restricted to any society, religion or nation. Impact on the families of the victims I spoke to some families; the impacts were very bad. These crimes do not help or solve the problem, as some families might think. They actually start new problems, especially for the person who was chosen to do the killing. I have met some who regret killing the female relative they lived with. Others were too depressed to talk about it. I think that some of the killers are also victims because they do not want to kill, but societal and family pressures alter them from normal human beings into killers. Positive changes There are a lot of positive changes in Jordan. The issue is no longer taboo and is heavily discussed in the press and among citizens, government officials, NGOs and other figures in society. I can tell you that there has been a major change in the mentality of people in Jordan. People are now more open to and aware of this issue. Voices against these crimes and lenient laws are growing, and there is more acceptance towards the work that is done by the government and civil society to end these crimes. Advertisement There is a major change in the way the judiciary is handling these cases. There are harsher penalties than there were in the past. Judges have become more aware that they need to hand out stricter punishments against perpetrators of such crimes. In the past, it was three months, six months, or a maximum of a year. Now, the perpetrators receive lengthy sentences; the prison punishment terms range from 7.5 years to life in prison. Lessons learned You have to be very patient, because change will not come overnight. Before, I was very excited and wanted things to happen quickly--but they don't. I've also learned to listen to other people's opinions and absorb them and try to answer them in a smart way. Of course, the most important thing is to always have hope. There is always hope that things will change, but it takes time, so you have to be patient. How we could end the honor crimes We have to continue to raise awareness, encourage religious and community leaders to speak up against these crimes, and encourage women and let them know they are not alone and that they can seek help. We should work on humanizing the victims and telling their stories to the world. We should work on improving the education system. Governments should improve their services to victims, and more NGOs should be encouraged to work on targeting laws that discriminate against women. This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. by Mary Gaylord Last week I went out with three girlfriends to enjoy some beer at a local brewpub. One woman I know quite well, the other casually, and the third woman was someone I was meeting for the first time. We all have kids - which is how we are connected - and we all live in the same small town of Superior, Colorado in Boulder County. As we enjoyed our finely crafted Belgian beer and pizza, the conversation ran it's typical course - schools, kids, neighborhood goings-on, etc. Then I decided to venture into unknown and potentially dangerous territory. I asked if anyone at the table had conservative or Republican leanings. In a soft but confident voice, one woman offered that she is conservative; a self-described "Constitutionalist." A 2nd woman chimed in that she is of the same mind; a supporter of conservative values and constitutionally based policies. The other person at the table I know well, listened attentively - as I acknowledged that I already knew her leanings to be to the left. I outed myself as an independent. The conservative leaning friends discussed their concerns about presidential candidates as well as the fact that they keep their conservative leanings quiet, knowing that Boulder County is dominated with not just left-leaners, but some very far left-leaners. We agreed that it's a sad state of affairs when people cannot feel comfortable expressing their viewpoint without fear of being dismissed, judged, or attacked. Advertisement After the initial wave of uncertainty as to the direction this conversation might take we relaxed into the realization that while our perspectives differ, we are also able to lean into the friendly and gracious manners we extend to people who live in our small community - challenging the notion that "one doesn't talk about politics in polite company." There seemed to be tacit agreement that our relationships with each other mattered more than our political differences. After all, our kids play together - what do they care when it comes to politics? Try explaining to a 4th grader that they can't play with their friend because their parents are voting for "fill-in-the-blank." I'm reminded of a song made famous by Sting, Russians, where Sting sings: In Europe and America, there's a growing feeling of hysteria conditioned to respond to all the threats in the rhetorical speeches of the Soviets. Mr. Krushchev said we will bury you. I don't subscribe to this point of view. It would be such an ignorant thing to do If the Russians love their children too In the current political climate, it seems we could easily replace the word "Russians" with the words "Democrats" or "Republicans" and "Mr. Khrushchev" with many of our public office hopefuls. During the Cold War years Americans were mostly unified against the Soviets and the threat of nuclear aggression. In the present day, it seems we are anything but unified and have defined the enemy as each other. Unified doesn't mean we all must think the same thing or vote for the same person. It means we have differences and can still be unified as a community, supporting each other, and letting our children play together. I love my children and want a better life for them - I want a better example than what we are seeing, and, perhaps than we are demonstrating - I want my children to understand that differences need not divide us and that we are much more than simple labels. What about you? What do you want for your children, for yourself? And what are you willing to do to get there? Advertisement Many politicians and business advisors believed that companies and corporations would be pouring into the world largest untapped market at full speed. Although all major United Nations Security Council sanctions have been lifted, there has not been a considerable amount of businesses entering the Islamic Republic. In his latest speech, Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei claimed to know the reason by arguing that "The U.S. Treasury... acts in such a way that big corporations, big institutions and big banks do not dare to come and deal with Iran." Khamenei's swift method of blaming the U.S. for almost everything domestically, regionally or globally is classic and politically-driven. It does not adequately and fully address the question concerning why corporations are still reluctant to do business with Iran. Advertisement First and foremost, big corporations and companies aim at opening businesses in a country where the social, political, and economic environment are stable. As Steve, a CEO of an American company who was eager to do business with Iran (has obtained a waiver to operate in Iran but changed his decision few months after the sanctions were lifted) pointed out that Iranian leaders rhetoric and attitude, that appear to have become more confrontational in the region particularly after the implementation day of the nuclear day, made us hesitate to whether it is safe to invest in Iran. Iranian leaders' words and actions are causing further political instability. And for us, political instability means high-risk in financial investment. Large firms and corporations need an environment where they can aim at long-term investment rather than a short-term one. They prefer to open their own stores, provide services, hire people, and plan for many years of investment, so finally they can begin receiving the profits and fruit of their investments. Advertisement But the Islamic Republic is not making efforts to provide such a platform and make the process easier for businesses. Instead, the defiant senior cadre of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) have publicly launched ballistic missiles several times after the nuclear deal, provoking other countries and potentially causing a regional conflagration. Iranian leaders including the moderates have applauded such moves. After the nuclear deal, the Islamic Republic began more publicly declaring its military, financial, intelligence and advisory role in several conflicts including supporting Bashar Al Assad's and the Iraqi government. Iranian leaders are also publicly calling on other Shiite proxies in the region to join the war in Syria or other parts of the region. These actions talk about wars rather than peace, which businesses need. Rather than rejoining the forces of globalizations , cooperating with regional state actors, and building stronger political and economic ties with other countries in the region, the Islamic Republic has further distanced itself from other nations in the region after the nuclear deal. "It is worth noting that political rhetoric of leaders of a country, the respect that they enjoy in their region, as well as the neutral or active position that they take towards conflicts do play crucial role in whether we are going to do business with that country or not" another CEO of an American company which has subsidies in France and Dubai pointed out. Unfortunately, Khamenei's rhetoric, (not that different from that of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Iran's former President), is mostly incendiary and confrontational rather than being diplomatic. Advertisement Based on this, many companies do not desire to be linked to the Islamic Republic and run the risk of being alienated by other regional countries. Although, Iran has a significantly large, untapped market, the markets of other regional countries when combined together are much more lucrative than that of Iran. If businesses have to choose between Iran and other countries in the Middle East, they will choose the latter. In addition, although Iran's business registry indicates that it takes between 13 to 15 days to open a business in Iran, the reality is that this process can take months and months due to the politics and corruption involved in the decision-making and due to the mistrust that Iranian ruling clerics have towards Western businesses. More importantly, it is crucial to point out that the Supreme Leader and the IRGC, which exercise major control over the nation's wealth, political and economic life, desire that corporations do businesses on a state level with Iran rather than the private sector. Most of the business deals which were carried out after the implementation day of the nuclear deal -- including in aviation sector or oil and gas industries -- were done between corporations and the Iranian government. In other words, the major beneficiary of these business deals were the government and IRGC. The Islamic Republic makes it much more difficult for large corporations or smaller firms to do business with Iranian private sector and non-governmental companies. This is due to the fact that from the perspective of Khamenei and the IRGC, the more closed the economic system of Iran is, the easier they can control the population, maintain their comparative advantage and monopoly over the wealth. Advertisement Finally, if Iran wants more money flowing in or more businesses investing in this country, Tehran needs to change its behavior rather than blaming the rest of the world for its failure to attract investments. In addition, instead of pointing fingers at the US or other nations for why large corporations in the West are not doing business with Iran, Khamenei should watch more carefully his speeches and words. Moreover, Khamenei and the IRGC should change their desire to reap all of the business deals while depriving the rest of the country and private sector from doing business with the West. Currently, the best bet -- the most cost effective and low risk strategy -- for foreign companies and corporations is to focus on short term profit, use third parties in the region -- or to use their own foreign subsidiaries -- to indirectly sell their products in Iran through resellers and distributors. Dr. Majid Rafizadeh is an American political scientist, business advisor and the president of the International American Council on the Middle East. Harvard-educated, Rafizadeh serves on the advisory board of Harvard International Review. An American citizen, he is originally from Iran and Syria, lived most of his life in Iran and Syria till recently. He is a board member of several significant and influential international and governmental institutions, and he is native speaker of couple of languages including Arabic and Persian. He also speaks English and Dari, and can converse in French, Hebrew. You can sign up for Dr. Rafizadeh's newsletter for the latest news and analyses on HERE. You can also order his books on HERE. You can learn more about Dr. Rafizadeh on HERE. This post first appeared on The National. On April 13, 2016, Randi Weingarten published a blog post on Huffington Post's website, "A Coordinated National Effort to Decimate Public Schools." She makes a number of allegations about charter schools in the United States in an effort to paint a picture of large-scale conspiracy and malfeasance aimed at toppling the collective institution of public schools. Weingarten bolsters her argument with a number of statements about charter schools and their history, performance and behavior. These include remarks about work done by the research group I direct, the Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) at Stanford University. My point in this rebuttal is to set the record straight on the specific facts she has distorted. Not only are her inferences about the performance our research illuminates incorrect but her arguments undermine her own long-run interests and those of her teachers. In her blog, Weingarten states, "A well-regarded Stanford University Study found that charter school students were doing only slightly better in reading than students in traditional public schools, but at the same time doing slightly worse in math." She refers to our 2013 study, "The National Charter School Study," but errs in both fact and interpretation. The main findings of the report are as follows. Over the course of a school year, charter school students learn more in reading than district public schools -- it is as if the charter school students attended about seven more days of school in a typical school year. The learning in math is not statistically different (not worse as she claims). Advertisement Weingarten misses three other key facts from that study, however. First, the results she cites are the average one-year growth, blending brand new charter school enrollees with students with longer persistence. When the length of time a student attends a charter school is taken into account, the results are striking: In both reading and math, we discovered that students' annual progress rose strongly the longer they attended charter schools. For students with four or more years in charter schools, their gains equated to an additional 43 days of learning in reading and 50 additional days of learning in math in each year. Second, the results showed strong improvement for the sector overall -- the proportion of charter schools outperforming their local district schools rose and the share that underperformed shrank in both reading and math compared to performance four years earlier. The shift in performance is neither idle drift nor nefarious conduct on the part of charter schools -- we found no differences in the demography of students served by charter schools over the period. To be clear, CREDO along with others has repeatedly called out the low performing charter schools. Evidence shows that improvement of poorly performing schools is unlikely so they must be dealt with. We hold the same view about the thousands of district schools that fail to educate their students. Third, Weingarten ignores the most profound success of charter schools with students who need the most support. Here is the fact: Urban low income and minority students are the ones best advantaged in charter schools. CREDO released "The Urban Charter School Study" in 2015, a report conveniently overlooked by Weingarten. We found that gains in urban charter schools are dramatic overall (equivalent to 28 days of additional learning in reading and 40 days of additional learning in math every year) but for low income minority students they are nothing short of liberating: as much as 44 extra days of learning in reading and 59 extra days in math. Advertisement Weingarten's critique of charter schools has it all wrong. Parents see what happens to children in district schools -- and the lack of response on the part of the districts. Charter schools take a different approach that appeals to parents; namely, they act with the conviction that all students can learn and expect educators to modify their approach to make it happen. Nothing stops the AFT from recommending these proven practices for their own members. If Weingarten and her organization were truly dedicated to the cause of public education, they would embrace the thousands of positive examples of charter schools and seek collaboration, partnership and emulation instead of derision. school lunch with a sandwich, fresh fruits, crackers and juice. the toning. selective focus Spring is almost in full swing and summer is just around the corner. Millions of children in America cant wait for summer vacation, but for millions of poor children who rely on school meals its a mixed blessing. I qualify for free and reduced lunch. I can get a free breakfast, I can get like a muffin, juice, anything like that, in the morning, and then lunch, I dont have to pay, so I can get whatever I wanted for lunch. So Ive always been able to eat at school for lunch and breakfast. Linda Ransom is a Columbus, Ohio high school senior and the winner of a Childrens Defense Fund Beat the Odds scholarship whose family struggles to make ends meet. When Linda was seven her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and the medical crisis led to a family financial crisis. Lindas mother lost her job, and with a mountain of medical bills is still trying to catch up ten years later. Theyve been homeless for stretches of time. Food has often been beyond their means. Linda says, If we didnt have any food at home, I knew I could get some at school, and sometimes I could take a couple things from the breakfast line and I could just save it for later, so when I got home, if I was hungry, I could eat it. Hunger doesnt take a summer vacation and poor children like Linda who rely on free and reduced price breakfast and lunch during the school year to keep the wolves of hunger at bay face a long summer of food deprivation. It was hard without school during the summer, but being able to qualify for something like food stamps or having a food pantry near us, that helped a lot, Linda says, but at the end of the month, it was kind of like a hit-or-miss kind of situation. Hit or miss. No child in rich America should go hungry this or any summer, especially when 100 percent federally funded summer feeding programs are available if local officials and communities apply for or use them. But more than 1 in 4 families with children are food insecure and struggling to keep food on the table. The federal Summer Nutrition Programs could help millions more children escape hunger this summer by providing meals if responsible adults act now. The need is urgent. Although 19.7 million children received free or reduced price lunches during the 2013-2014 school year, only 3.2 million children 16.2 percent participated in the Summer Nutrition Programs. If local school boards, community groups, faith congregations, mayors, and county representatives act now, they should be able to get 100 percent federally funded Summer Nutrition Programs in their area or add more if there already are some summer food sites. The federal Summer Food Service Program and the Seamless Summer option offered through the National School Lunch Program are designed to replace the regular school year breakfast and lunch programs. Meals provided through the Summer Nutrition Programs also can link children without summer learning opportunities, camps or other costly options to educational and recreational programming to keep them learning, active and safe during school vacation. Summer feeding programs also create jobs for food preparers, servers, bus drivers and others. Advertisement Schools, community recreation centers, playgrounds, parks, places of worship, day and residential summer camps, housing projects, migrant centers, and Native American reservations are among places that can serve as summer feeding program sites. Many more sites are needed to fill the summer hunger gap for millions of children. Far too many communities have no sites at all or have sites difficult for children without transportation to reach. Check in now with your school officials, mayors and county executives to learn what they are doing to prevent childhood hunger. Some questions to ask include: How many children receiving school year breakfasts and lunches will be served by Summer Food Service Programs? What steps have they taken or will they take immediately to get more summer feeding sites up and running? How are parents notified about free summer food options? Are there district school buses that could be outfitted to deliver summer meals to inaccessible rural areas? How many weekend and holiday meal backpacks are provided to children within the Summer Food Service Programs? Has your school district reached out to seek community support for these backpacks? In districts with large percentages of children in housing projects, have you or local officials asked housing authorities to make sure they get food to hungry children? Are faith communities and service organizations with kitchens in your community aware of the 100 percent federally funded resources and planning to provide summer meals this summer? Do they know about the Childrens Defense Funds Freedom Schools program that provides summer reading enrichment and food to stop summer learning loss and hunger among low-income children? The Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been working very hard to reach more children and is testing exciting new ways to help overcome barriers blocking summer meals for hungry children. Some communities are using mobile vans to transport meals. Others use electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards to transfer money to help families purchase extra food for children in the summer. When 4.9 million households, including 1.4 million with children, had no cash income in fiscal year 2014 and depended only on food stamps to stave off hunger, every public official, congregation, and school system needs to use every tool available to help keep children from going hungry over three long summer months. Advertisement With Bernie Sanders' most recent gaffe that Israel killed "over 10,000 innocent people," and accusing it of "disproportionate" killing in Gaza during the 2014 Protective Edge campaign, the prospect of a first Jewish president is clearly far less appealing to Israel than some would have thought. And considering Hillary Clinton's entourage of Sidney Blumenthal, Huma Abedin et al., the possibility of another four years with a Democratic president in the White House seems altogether unappealing. This, however, does not mean that Donald Trump is a far better option. If he does not "know that Israel has the commitment to make [a peace agreement]," and believes that a hall filled with a Jewish audience has "probably more [businesspersons] than any room [he's] ever spoken," it raises serious questions. It also did not help that a few minutes later he added that he knows the audience will not support him "because I don't want your money," and "You want to control your own politicians." With the three most prominent contenders holding "questionable" views regarding Israel, and with the one clearly pro-Israel contender trailing in the polls, it would seem wise for Israel to prepare for even more "light" between itself and its biggest ally--as President Obama referred to his desire to distance the U.S. government from Israel. Advertisement But there is more to this anti-Israel trend than the U.S. elections. Throughout the world, politicians and opinion leaders express anti-Semitic and anti-Israel views freely, and often with a tone of righteous indignation. The UK Labour party has had to deal with a "seemingly unending list of anti-Semitism scandals," as Arutz Sheva's Ari Soffer put it. Sweden's Foreign Minister, Mrs. Margot Wallstrom, Mr. Jan Marijnissen, chairman of the Socialist Party in the Netherlands, Albrecht Schroter, mayor of the German town of Jena, and Gabor Huszar, mayor of Szentgotthard, Hungary, all pointed to Israel as a contributor to the November 13 terror attack in Paris. With stars like former Pink Floyd front man, Roger Waters, bashing Israel at every opportunity, with the spreading of blood libels such as digging tunnels under the Temple Mount to build an underground city beneath the Dome of the Rock, with the growing momentum of anti-Israel movements such as BDS and Jewish Voice for Peace, particularly on U.S. campuses, and the increasingly active anti-Israel policy of the UN Security Council, it looks like Israel is headed straight for the rapids. To counter this venomous wave of hatred, Israel has engaged some gifted speakers and presenters. Roseanne Barr, Yair Lapid, and other eloquent speakers do a great job at exposing the irrationality and bigotry behind Israel's bashers. But for all their efforts, and for all the efforts of the World Jewish Congress, that the state of Israel, the fact is that the world is becoming increasingly anti-Israeli. The hatred is entrenched so deeply that nothing we will say or do in our defense will matter because people cannot listen. They are inherently predisposed to believe Israel's accusers. Advertisement Throughout history, anti-Semitism has never been rational. The truth was never an issue in the eyes of Israel haters, neither was reason. The notion that Israel is at fault for everything that is wrong with the world has prevailed over everything else, and their craving to punish, or altogether destroy Israel was uncontrollable. Hitler, in his infamous heap of lunacy known as Mein Kampf, wrote that if "the Jew is victorious over the other peoples of the world, his crown will be the funeral wreath of humanity and this planet will ... move through the ether devoid of men." Now that these words are being published and circulated again in Europe and the Arab world, and as otherwise legitimate political figures call this monster, "the greatest man in history," we should start thinking really hard about our next move. But when it comes to thinking about our next move, our biggest, if not only, fault is exposed. Much has been written and said about the fragmentation of Jewish society, and the chasm between Diaspora Jews and Israel, but it is hard to overestimate the importance of this topic. The very essence of our nation entails the tenet, "love your neighbor as yourself." At the foot of Mt. Sinai, we became a nation when we agreed to live "as one man with one heart." Moses received our code of law when he had climbed Mt. Sinai, the mountain of Sinaa [hatred]. And when we agreed to abide by the law of loving others above the hatred we became a nation. It is with good reason that Rabbi Akiva titled "Love your neighbor as yourself" as the great Klal of the Torah, because it kolel [contains] and embodies the very essence of our nation. Our forefathers experienced conflicts and conciliations, but following King Solomon's principle that "Hatred stirs up strife, and love covers all transgressions" (Proverbs, 10:12), they learned how to overcome their egos and maintain unity through crises. When they could not cover transgressions with love, they fell into unfounded hatred and dispersed throughout the world. Advertisement Brotherhood and covering hatred with love are not archaic Biblical notions. They are imperative for our survival as a nation and as individuals because they are the source of our strength. Our nation was formed not by biological kinship or geographical proximity, but by clinging tooth and nail to these tenets. They are so much a part of who we are that one might argue that in the spiritual sense, when they are absent, the essence of Judaism fade away. When Jews were given the task to be "a light unto nations," it was intended that they would spread the light of brotherhood and covering hatred with love. Today, this is the remedy the world needs most. The more the world declines into perpetual conflict, the more people will become enraged with us. More and more people will hold us responsible for every ill-will that surfaces in humanity, especially when it concerns conflicts within and between nations, and the irrationality of it will not make it seem any less true. The one solution to anti-Semitism in all its forms is Jewish unity--brotherhood and love that covers all hatred. It is our utmost urgent task, and we have not even begun. The political right blames the political left, and vice versa, but neither view is right as long as it entails hatred of the other view. We need not agree; we only need to sit together and talk, for once, like members of the same nation, about our common fate--that we are, after all, the carriers of the message of love and brotherhood to the world, but the world sees none of them coming from us. If we display unity above differences instead of the current display of fragmentation, the world will regard us differently. If we succeed in employing among us "love covers all transgressions," let alone "love your neighbor as yourself," will humanity not come and watch? Will people not want to employ unity among themselves, as well? In one form or another, the one rule that all primary religions have "imported" from us is the rule of loving others. But we fell into unfounded hatred before we shipped out the user's manual so no one knows how to use this beautiful concept. Now we have to implement it among us and thereby demonstrate its feasibility. This is all the anti-defamation effort we should do. Protesters against police violence march towards the White House in Washington, April 29, 2015. The marchers joined the cause of those in Baltimore who said they seek answers about the fate of Freddie Gray, who died after suffering spinal injuries while in police custody. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst This week, in a Tarrant County, Texas courtroom, Ethan Couch was handed a two-year prison sentence as a condition for his continued probation stemming from an intoxicated manslaughter conviction. In 2013, four people were killed when Couch rammed his truck into them while driving under the influence of alcohol. Two other persons were seriously injured, thrown from the bed of Couch's truck during the crash. Prosecutors argued that Couch, then 16, deserved a 20-year prison sentence for his crime. The defense countered by arguing that Couch suffered from a condition called affluenza which is defined as "the unhealthy and unwelcomed psychological and social effects of affluence regarded especially as a widespread societal problem such as feelings of guilt, lack of motivation, and social isolation experienced by wealthy people." They argued that his parents' wealth veiled him from understanding the consequences of certain actions. Thusly, he should not be unduly punished for said actions. Advertisement The court sided with the defense. Couch was given a ten year probation and ordered to abstain from alcohol consumption. He was also ordered to complete rehab and reportedly did so at a luxury rehabilitation facility that included horseback-riding among its featured activities. In December, a video surfaced of Couch violating the terms of his probation. He went missing after failing to show for a subsequent meeting with his probation officer. Now fugitive from the law, Couch was found several weeks later at a Mexican resort town near the Pacific Ocean. While in Mexico, he reportedly consumed large amounts of alcohol and consorted with prostitutes. He was extradited back to the United States to await sentencing. Last April, Allen Bullock participated in protests in Baltimore, Maryland, following the death of Freddie Gray, the 25-year-old black man who died of spinal cord injuries while in police custody. On April 25, 2015, Bullock climbed atop a police cruiser and damaged the vehicle by breaking its windows with a traffic cone. Mr. Bullock, who had minor offenses as a juvenile, was arrested, and his bail was set at $500,000. He spent ten days in jail as his parents struggled to make bail for their son. (Comparatively, the bail set for two of the police officers arrested for homicide in the death of Freddie Gray was $250,000 and $350,000, respectively.) On March 29, Bullock was sentenced to serve twelve years in prison. Ultimately, all but six months of his sentence was suspended. Bullock must serve five years of probation, complete 400 hours of community service, get his GED and write an apology letter to the Baltimore City Police Department. Advertisement These cases are a prime example of American justice in black, white, and green. Both cases involve nineteen year-olds. One is white. One is black. One comes from wealth. One comes from one of the most impoverished communities in America. And far too often in this nation, the right combination of race and resource results in leniency from the justice system, and the wrong combination results in undue punishment. Couch's actions killed four and seriously injured two. Bullock's actions hurt a car. Couch became an international fugitive from justice. Bullock voluntarily turned himself in to authorities. For his crimes, Couch's parents offered to pay for his stay at a $450,000 a year luxury rehabilitation community. For his crimes, Bullock's bail was set at an amount well beyond his parent's means. And although Bullock will just serve approximately one-fourth of Couch's sentence, the court actually sentenced him eight years longer than a court sentenced Couch. Given the gross wealth disparity among blacks and whites in America, wherein the median wealth of white households is 13 times the median wealth of black households, these injustices in black, white, and green may only increase, unless new approaches are pursued. Thankfully, also this week, the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance, in partnership with the Center for Court Innovation, announced that the Dallas County Public Defender's Office was one of 10 applicants nationwide to receive a 2016 Community Court Grant Program award. The Dallas City Attorney's Office in partnership with the Public Defender's Office is establishing Dallas County's first-ever county/municipal partnership to establish Dallas County's first-ever felony community court. The South Dallas Second Chance Community Improvement Program Court (S.C.C.I.P.) will receive a $200,000 grant to fund a two-year program targeting young adults in South Dallas. Advertisement Dallas is the epicenter of poverty in America. It leads the nation in childhood poverty for cities over 1 million residents. Here, poverty increased by 40% between 2000-2012. Recently, two South Dallas neighborhoods made the FBI's notorious list of the 25 most violent communities in America. Dallas was the only Texas city to make this list. The newly funded community court, which will operate in South Dallas, will "respond to quality-of-life crimes by ordering offenders to pay back the communities they've harmed through visible community service projects such as painting out graffiti, beautifying neighborhood parks and cleaning up litter and debris from public streets." The community court will also "link offenders to drug and alcohol treatment, mental health services, job training, and public benefits; services designed to help them address the underlying issues fueling their criminal behavior." After successfully completing the program, defendants will have the opportunity to have their records expunged. National research has proven the community court model to effectively reduce crime, to reduce substance use, and to increase services to victims, all the while saving tax-payers money and improving the public's confidence in the justice system. If affluenza works as a defense, it would seem logical that poverty would, too. It has not. Therefore, courts like S.C.C.I.P. are a welcome and necessary approach for restorative justice, especially for historically marginalized communities that have for far too long suffered greater penalties then their wealthier, and oft times, whiter counterparts when appearing before the judicial system. Still, more must be done to ensure that all persons - regardless of their financial means or their racial heritage - receive equity before the courts. Advertisement Instead of paying for a luxury rehabilitation center, maybe Ethan Couch should have gone through S.C.C.I.P. Thankfully, many who would not be granted nor could afford such luxuries as Couch will have this opportunity. And we will all be the better for it! Does the government work for us or against us? As the result of a decision by the Social Security Administration ("SSA"), the government is working better for all of us today. For convincing SSA to do the right thing, we should thank Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Representative Mark Takano (D-CA), and 119 of their colleagues. We are also indebted, for this victory, to two effective, dedicated nonprofits, Justice in Aging and the GLBTQ Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), as well as Foley Hoag, LLP, the law firm that assisted them. SSA is responsible for two crucially important programs. It administers Social Security, which provides a floor of economic protection in the form of insurance to working families whose wages are lost as the result of death, disability or old age. It also administers a companion program, Supplemental Security Income ("SSI"), which provides means-tested benefits to extremely low-income seniors and people with disabilities. These programs exemplify the good that can be done when all of us work together through our government to improve all of our lives. But, despite its positive mission, SSA has been engaging in a destructive practice that represents government not working for us, but against us. SSA has been sending, to hundreds of thousands of Social Security beneficiaries and SSI recipients, bills for what it concludes are overpayments. Advertisement These are not cases of fraud (which are vanishingly rare) but, frequently, cases where it was the government itself that made the error. The beneficiaries and recipients did nothing wrong. They reported all information correctly, but the government did not act on the information in a timely way or created the error in some other way. To add insult to injury, our government outrageously calls those receiving these notices "debtors," though they have done nothing wrong, and, indeed, may be scrupulous about paying their bills on time. The federal government has enormous power. When it chooses to go after someone, it is generally an intimidating experience even when the person in its crosshairs is an innocent, law abiding citizen. If this powerful entity is seeking large sums of money that you don't have, it can be a disruptive and upsetting experience. Moreover, in the case of Social Security and SSI overpayments, the government is going after people who are generally our most vulnerable fellow Americans. Over the last year, this intimidating power got turned on the most vulnerable members of the LGBTQ community, as a result of the 2013 landmark Supreme Court decision, US v. Windsor. The Windsor case struck down the offensively-named Defense of Marriage Act. As a result of the Supreme Court decision, same-sex couples who were legally married under state law finally had their marriages recognized by the federal government. For couples in which one or both partners received SSI, this important victory was followed by a distressing letter from the government. Under SSI's stringent and complicated rules, married recipients receive lower benefits than those who are unmarried. Consequently, a year after that landmark case, SSA began reviewing its SSI rolls to determine whether the benefits it was paying some of its recipients, now that same-sex marriages were recognized as marriages, were now inaccurate in amount. When SSA found that benefits were now too high, it did not just change the benefit level going forward. It sought repayment of the difference between the two amounts for every benefit paid all the way back to July 1, 2013, the month following the Windsor decision. Here was the government coming after people for large sums of money that they didn't have. Advertisement Take, for example, the case of Mary S., a veteran living in New York. She has served our nation with distinction, in Iraq and elsewhere. Unfortunately, she has suffered mightily for her service. Among other horrors she experienced, she witnessed her best friend, standing right next to her, in Fallujah, blown up and killed instantly. She now suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder with all the limitations and hardships that brings. As a result of this wartime disability, she is receiving the Social Security disability benefit she earned. Because that benefit is so low, however -- just $448 a month -- she also found that she qualified for a small SSI benefit, as well. Despite her many hardships, Mary was fortunate to fall in love and marry her wife in 2012. She immediately reported her marriage at the local SSA office, but was told that it didn't affect her benefits. After the Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act in 2013, the marriage all of a sudden did affect those SSI benefits, a fact generally known only to experts who have studied the complicated statute and its regulations. Because Mary's wife receives a small monthly Social Security benefit of around $880, and because they are married so that income is considered joint income, Mary was now considered to have income that was too high. More than two years after the Windsor decision, Mary received a notice that she would no longer receive her SSI benefit. This was difficult, low as their combined income is, but manageable. Outrageously, though, along with the news that her income would drop substantially going forward, she was hit with a bill for $6,609. That was the amount of money Mary had innocently received and spent on rent, food, and other necessities for the prior two years. The bill was from the very government she had enlisted to defend. She had zero savings. Indeed, the only money she had when the notice came in the mail was $5.00! Imagine how distressing that would be. Like Mary, the people the government is seeking Social Security and SSI overpayments from are generally not wealthy people. They tend to be our most vulnerable fellow citizens. Nearly half of unmarried elderly Social Security beneficiaries and nearly a quarter of married couples rely on Social Security for virtually all of their income. These are not people who can just dip into their savings accounts when the government decides it has made a mistake and wants the overpayment back. These are people who are living check to check, already struggling to put groceries on the table and afford increasingly expensive prescription drugs. And SSI recipients are even more vulnerable. To qualify for SSI, an individual must have close to no income or assets. To an even greater extent than Social Security beneficiaries, people who receive SSI are not equipped to handle a sudden "debt" they had no idea existed. Advertisement So how much money is recouped by preying on the most vulnerable? As it turns out, a negative amount. Last year, a report from the Office of the Inspector General found that SSA spends three times more than it collects trying to recover overpayments. Between 2008 and 2013, SSA spent over $323 million to collect $109.4 million in the low-dollar overpayments. There is no moral or fiscal justification for this cruel practice. In the case of overpayments resulting from the striking down of the Defense of Marriage Act, the injustice has now been corrected. That is thanks to the work of many dedicated individuals. Justice in Aging, GLBTQ Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) and the law firm of Foley Hoag brought litigation to stop these collection efforts. Learning about the litigation and the issue, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) joined with Representative Mark Takano (D-CA) and 119 of their colleagues to send a letter to the Acting Social Security Commissioner urging a blanket waiver, so that SSI recipients in same-sex marriages are not hit with overpayments. To her credit, the Acting Commissioner listened. SSA has now announced a waiver process which identifies the SSI beneficiaries who were affected and essentially exempts them from being targeted for overpayments. This news comes as a huge relief to some of our country's most vulnerable couples. Justice is being done in this case. Now, it is time for SSA to continue down the right path by ending the crusade to collect overpayments that beneficiaries (or their relatives) received through no fault of their own. The government should do everything it can to assure accurate payments, but when mistakes happen, as they inevitably will, the cost should not be thrust upon the individuals, who often will have no ability to repay. Although SSA has a waiver process in situations that violate "equity and good conscience," that isn't good enough. This places the burden on the individual. Imagine, if English is not your first language, if you never finished high school, if you have barely any income and no savings. Imagine receiving a letter from the government stating that you owe a staggering amount, an amount so large that you have no idea how you can possibly pay it. That kind of distress should not be rained down upon law-abiding Americans by their government, even if a waiver will be granted if and when one is sought. Advertisement While politicians earn points by being hard on so-called government "fraud, waste, and abuse," these efforts at recoupment cruelly torment those our Social Security system is intended to serve. If these politicians are really concerned about fraud, waste and abuse, they should increase the enforcement dollars overseeing large and powerful government contractors and auditing the wealthiest taxpayers. Going after ordinary, law abiding citizens is nothing short of harassment and bullying. I've been very vocal about the lack of diverse faces and voices in the travel industry as a whole (see this post for one of my more detailed rants on the issue). Western travel media in particular is rife with tourism campaigns and travel shows that are practically devoid of people of colour. Sad as this is to witness, it's not altogether surprising: the quintessential globetrotter has long been depicted as white. I mean, when a simple Google search for the term "traveler" yields these images what can you really expect? But despite not being considered or targeted in mainstream travel marketing, people of colour *are* travelling-- for fun, work, education, and spiritual growth-- more than ever before. Advertisement Especially African-Americans. According to the New York Times, the Mandala Research firm found that nearly one-fifth of African-Americans take one or more international trips per year, and they spend $48 billion on travel within the United States *alone*. And with the explosion of black travel (often referred to as the "black travel movement") has come the much-needed creation of black-owned travel startups that provide resources and support for melanin-rich voyageurs. With this in mind, I'd like to feature five of my favourites. These companies work hard to provide experiences that are tailored to a more diverse set of travellers; they change the narrative about what travellers look like and how they travel. These companies go further than just featuring brown skin on marketing materials-- they travel to lesser known "brown" destinations, and offer itineraries designed to foster integration and appreciation (rather than just observation and appropriation). Advertisement And if that weren't exciting enough, these five companies are all led by fierce, fearless sistas, who are as well-versed in how to run a successful business as they are in navigating foreign territory. I'm deeply honoured to know them all personally and have gleefully watched their ventures flourish over the years. So, without any further ado, here are five black-owned travel startups you should know about: Nomadness Travel Tribe & TV (for the budget-conscious travel junkie) The brand: One part web-series, one part online travel community, the Nomadness umbrella was one of the first of its kind. Over 11,000 members strong and anchored by a popping Facebook group, Nomadness is a one-stop shop for the urban traveller looking to see the world by any means necessary. Members can chat travel and trade tips on the forum, arrange international meetups, participate in group trips, and rock branded merchandise that identify them as part of what is affectionally known as "Tribe". While adherents may be hardcore in their pursuit of passport stamps, they are also so close-knit that the unofficial tagline of the group has become "Family by Choice". The leader: Plucky Evita Turquoise Robinson is as vibrant as her middle name suggests. A native of New York, she's a born hustler and innovator-- she initially started NomadnessTV as a way to record her experiences living in Japan, France, and Thailand and show other black people that they could travel too. She is also the brainchild behind NMDN ALTERnative Travel Conference, the first ever travel conference geared towards urban travellers. (Shameless plug: I spoke at a panel about travel blogging there!) How to join: Tribe hopefuls can apply to join the group on Facebook by searching for Nomadness Travel Tribe on the site. Up in the Air Life (for the traveller who enjoys the finer things in life) The brand: A self-proclaimed "upscale travel company dedicated to social adventures", Up in the Air Life specializes in creating lifestyle experiences for working professionals who enjoy the finer things in life. While this travel tour company's online forum explicitly states that it's open to all travellers, its owners and employees are all people of colour, and its tour offerings (which boast jaunts to places like Haiti, Brazil, and Colombia) are skewed toward locations that comprise the African diaspora. Members (known as Lifers) are wanderers who not only explore the world in style but live life to the fullest. Advertisement The leader: Software sales rep and travel enthusiast Claire Soares is an adventurer at heart: I first met her in London (where she flew, on a whim, for 48 hours from the U.S.) then in Madrid, Spain (the day before she ran with the bulls in nearby Pamplona). Affable and fun, Claire's zeal for life and knack for planning group trips for family and friends prompted her to found UITAL. How to join: Sign up for UITAL's tours on their website and join their Facebook group for updates and travel advice. Bucket List Beasts (for the adrenaline junkie) The brand: Bucket List Beasts is the startup that takes adventure travel to another level. Offering adrenaline- filled experiences that push the envelope (and the limits of your sanity), the emphasis is on living each day as if it were your last. Members post pictures of themselves bungee jumping, shark diving, and drinking shots of cobra blood to the group's online forum, and go on hosted trips to extreme destinations as far flung as Antarctica. Like surprises? Last year the enterprise hosted a mystery trip to Easter Island where attendees had no clue where they were going until they got to the airport. If you're looking for a group that will excite you and challenge you to break out of your comfort zone, this is it. The leader: It's not hard to see why Sonjia Mackey is known as "Lioness" to her friends and acquaintances. After all, she embodies her feline counterpart in every sense of the word: she's a fearless bosslady with a competitive streak. Carpe diem personified, Sonjia has travelled to all 7 continents, done the world's highest bungee jump in Macau, and swum with crocodiles. If it's extreme, Sonjia has done it, and would like to inspire you to do it, too. How to join: Search for the Bucket Lists Beasts group on Facebook. Travel Noire (for the savvy, ultra-hip traveller) The brand: With features in major media outlets like CBS, The New York Times, and TIME Magazine, Travel Noire is the little startup that could. Now a huge digital platform dedicated to making travel more inclusive, Travel Noire's slick Instagram feed (which has amassed an impressive 200,000 followers) was one of the first to share a steady stream of real travellers of colour interacting with jawdropping foreign backdrops. The message is loud and clear: not only do we travel, but we look darn good doing it. Artisanally crafted group experiences and travel education are at the core of the company's mission-- group trips to places like Bali are offered alongside online seminars teaching newbies the art of travel hacking. Advertisement The leader: Zim Ugochukwu is a visionary, wise beyond her years, and used to thinking outside the box. At 19, she cloned a gene and was the youngest precinct judge for the state of North Carolina, and this year she was included in Forbes' prestigious 30 under 30 list. Despite these heady accolades, she radiates light and humility-- something I couldn't fail to notice when we both served as travel experts on Toyota's digital campaign for the 2016 Avalon. How to join: Go to Travel Noire's website to find information for upcoming excursions as well as details for how to join their online community #TNDistrict. Tastemakers (for the traveller who has Africa on their mind) The brand: This company's slogan is bold but sets the tone for its mission: jetsetters are encouraged to "Travel Africa, Skip Mediocre". With bespoke itineraries promoting immersive experiences in less-touristed places like Senegal, Rwanda, and Ghana, Tastemakers Africa is changing global perceptions about travel to the continent. It also has a mobile app that links curious travellers to unique cultural experiences from Cairo to Cape Town and Addis Ababa to Accra. At the forefront of the movement to use technology to empower people of colour to see more of the world, this insider's guide to experiences in the Motherland is perfect for the traveller who wants to scratch beneath the surface. The leader: Cherae Robinson has gone where few (wo)men have gone before in her quest to encourage more millenials to travel to Africa. This tenacious entrepreneur has worn many hats in her professional tenure (she has expertise in fundraising, media, and international development) and her work with humanitarian and public health agencies like the CDC, WHO, and CARE means that her resume reads a bit like an ad for alphabet soup. This superwoman, cited as one of the 10 Women to Watch by the United Nations, responds to the demands of a rapidly growing startup with aplomb. The Takeaway Bottom line: The Black Travel Movement is growing at a spectacular rate and being shaped by groups like the ones highlighted above. Spread the word! Advertisement In the recent announcement of Microsoft suing the US Government over data requests. has it come to this following the Apple versus FBI case is a reflection of the state of antiquated laws that were mostly drawn up in the end of the 18th century and the race of the new digital technology economy that have rendered these obsolete. Is personal data the same as property ownership? The key issue is if the definition of personal data is the same as personal property ownership? In a common law defined back in 1790 the question is whether data ca or cannot be 'owned' the way property is dependent on the type of data used. There is past legal example in the Google versus perfect 10 starting in 2006 where Google was sued for copyright violation by Perfect 10 for indexing their photos posted on unauthorized websites. The case ruled partially in favour of Google being allowed to continue search listings but not to create thumbnails from the data. It remains unclear how owns data beyond just copyright violations in law. The objection from Microsoft is raising the bar of legal objection for being blocked from telling data owners that their data has been accessed by a government. Citing this as a violation of the fourth amendment right for a person to be secure against unreasonable searches and seizures. There remains a contradiction in the need to get access for public safety and national security and the lack of trust generated by the Edward Snowden revelations and Julian Assange wiki leaks over the purpose of surveillance and the huge rise in cyber threats. Advertisement Need for Separate custody and access rights control In a world where our personal data is held on mobile devices, smart payment cards and trusted to cloud services on social media sites and widely used by those cloud companies from 'opt-in' for marketing and other commercial use. Who is authorized to access your personal data if the rise of strong encryption such as the recent WhatsApp message security prevents direct access for legitimate legal reasons? The School Improvement Grant programat least as the Obama administration envisioned itis a thing of the past, thanks to the Every Student Succeeds Act. But the feds have poured more than $7 billion into SIG since it supercharged the program in 2009. And in some places, schools have, indeed, made gains. So will that progress be sustained? Teachers in SIG schools worry it will not, according to a report released Thursday by the U.S. Department of Educations Institute for Education Science. The report, which was based on a three-year study by researchers at the American Institute for Research and Mathematica, followed 12 SIG schools through three years in the program. Two of those schools appeared to have strong prospects for sustainability, according to teacher surveys. Six schools appeared to have mixed prospects for sustainability. And the remaining 4 schools appeared to have weak prospects for sustainability, the report said. Maybe unsurprisingly, schools that focused on professional development and put strong organizational systems in place early on seemed to have the best prospects for sustaining their gains, the report found. And, more often than not, teachers at the SIG schools that got extra support from their districts reported that these outside efforts werent particularly helpful. In a separate survey, just 10 out of 22 schools that got extra district support thought it had a positive impact on their turnaround efforts. Heres a look at how students in the various schools studied perceived their schools improvement at different points along the way: For more on SIGincluding a profile of a Kentucky schools turnaround journeycheck out our turnaround collections page . Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 . 'Don't force me! Such a thing should not be done in Israel! Don't do this wicked thing.' But he refused to listen to her, and since he was stronger than she, he raped her. Her brother Absalom said to her, 'Has that Amnon, your brother, been with you? Be quiet for now, my sister; he is your brother. Don't take this thing to heart.' And Tamar lived in her brother Absalom's house, a desolate woman. When King David heard all this, he was furious. And Absalom never said a word to Amnon, either good or bad; he hated Amnon because he had disgraced his sister Tamar. -- Second Samuel 13:12b, 14, 20-22 Too often in the biblical witness, violence against women and girls focuses disproportionate energy on the feelings and actions of men. King David is furious. Absalom feels hatred. And the desolate Tamar is instructed to be quiet. Her rapist was, after all, her kinfolk, her half-brother, a member of her tribe. In instances when the Bible addresses harmed women and girls, the story is far from pretty. Tamar is silenced. Queen Esther is commended. Hagar is sent away. "Be quiet for now," Absalom instructs his sister. "Be quiet," is too often the message now as it was then. It has been two years since 276 Nigerian girls were forcibly taken from their school. We cannot be quiet. Anywhere I've traveled in the world where people are experiencing great suffering, the question from caring people has always been, "What can we do to help?" and the reply from those who suffer has been, "Don't forget us." This was my experience in Tijuana where the maquiladoras exploited and abused Mexican factory workers. It was my experience in Soweto where South African men lived apart from their families, in shantytowns, in order to send a few dollars home. It is true in Chibok, Nigeria where parents with daughters, a scant ten years older than my own sweet girl, beg the world to #BringBackOurGirls. Sadly, we in the United States have a hard time remembering hard news. We are much better at forgetting. Advertisement On April 14, 2014, Islamist, militant group, Boko Haram, kidnapped 276 girls from their school in the north-eastern Nigerian village of Chibok. 276 children were rounded up and carted away - some were married off to grown men. To be clear, the students were treated this way because they were females daring to get an education. Most of the girls were Christian and forced to convert to Islam. While some of the captives escaped, 219 girls still remain separated from their mothers and fathers two years later. It has been 730 days. I cannot imagine the pain, but we all need to imagine the pain. What might it be like to experience the enormous loss of the girls in our lives? My home would be stiflingly silent without my daughter. There would be so many gaping holes, yawning hungrily for her body, her laughter, and her spirit. As I write this at our dining room table, I force myself to imagine 730 days and immediately start crying. That would mean two birthdays, two Christmases, her favorite holiday, and two first days of school that would make me crazy with grief. We would no longer buy the Haagen Dazs milk chocolate and almond covered vanilla bars she loves. I'd have to figure out something to do with all her dolls and all those pink dresses. I wouldn't have the pleasure of bathing her and doing her hair while eating our favorite popcorn. Saturday mornings at the playground followed by long Saturday afternoon naps - gone. Writing at our dining room table, I see the pink Easter basket my daughter has repurposed to hold her many coins. As I stare off in space, waiting for the next sentence to come, my eyes light upon the single daffodil she rescued from last Thursday's rain. It was covered in mud but became perfect and beautiful once she rinsed it in the bathroom sink. As I sigh and fall back in my chair, already emotional from imagining a world without my daughter, I see her beautiful, dirty socks in a pile on the floor. I make a mental note to never complain about her dirty socks again. Dirty socks confirm that my daughter is in the next room, safe and sleeping, but 219 other mama's and papa's daughters are not safe and not sleeping in their rooms. As people of faith, we cannot imagine the pain of losing our girls without doing something about the Chibok girls. John Calvin said it best, in my opinion. A proper response to God's grace towards us is gratitude. My gratitude has legs - it writes and prays and attends vigils. What will your gratitude do? This year, my gratitude also imagines life without my daughter and remembers 219 schoolgirls. It breaks my heart to imagine their 730 days of captivity, and I believe it breaks the heart of the God who created them. We cannot be quiet. Advertisement And what of the intersection of faith and kidnapped schoolgirls? What of the intersection of holy texts and men who visit harm on women and girls? As a Protestant minister raised in the Roman Catholic Church, I have experienced faithful folks from many traditions seeking answers to their pain in the holy books that they love. Christian believers look to the Bible for help with pain, but on the question of sexual violence and harm, I don't believe the Bible has much to say that is useful. Creative re-interpretations of the text aside, the biblical witness normalizes violence against women and girls in ways that could destroy faith in a loving God. The church is complicit in this violence. In its failure to preach and teach against violence and abuse, the church fails women and girls. In its failure to complicate the ways we name and image God, the church fails women and girls. In its failure to treat women as full members of the body of Christ, authorized to serve anywhere their gifts will take them, the church fails women and girls and boys and men. All the people of God need spiritual leaders that say God loves and values all the people. If God loves and values all the people, so should God's people. The minute the church sets men apart for higher office simply because they are men, the church declares war on women and girls. Good people of faith ignore our misogynistic tradition at their own peril. Our holy texts set the stage for ways of thinking and being in the world that are death dealing. Because the texts say, directly and indirectly, that God is male and males are sovereign...kidnapping and selling schoolgirls can grow out of the book that we love. The church cannot be quiet. I desperately pray that this story ends well - that the girls return home, receive care, and begin mending the shattered pieces of their lives. I desperately pray that the need to march daily and call for the release of these particular girls, or any child of God, is no longer necessary. I desperately pray that the will to end violence against women and girls will be more than a hashtag or a trending topic on Twitter. I hope we, like the Chibok parents, will not give up hope. Will not forget. Will not be quiet. Absalom never said a word about his sister, Tamar. Two years later, however, he had their brother killed. I imagine silence killed Tamar long before a sword killed Amnon. Our silence kills too. On this second anniversary of the Chibok girl's kidnapping, what will you say? What will you post on Facebook? How will you remember them on Twitter? If you have a public platform, when will you speak about it? If you pastor a church, when will you preach about it? If you think you have done enough, I invite you to get curious about doing more. Advertisement It is early morning as I put the finishing touches on this piece. My daughter is awake and finds her way onto my lap, as she does most mornings. She is warm like a biscuit, fresh from the oven. I have to pause and hug her and cover her face in kisses while offering a prayer for the Chibok girls and their parents. I hold back tears when my daughter asks me, "What are you writing?" and "Who are the Chibok girls?" With tears in my eyes, I give an age appropriate answer. She puts her arms around my neck and lays her cheek next to mine. She says, "Chin up. Don't fail," and gives me a hug. I don't know where her words came from, but they give me the power I need to finish writing. Today, I shared the Chibok girl's with my little girl. I will preach again on violence towards women and girls because I must not be quiet. Through my tears, I read this article to my husband and am surprised by his emotion. What I am doing is not special. They are simply conversations with people I love - conversations you can have with your loved ones. Thank you for not forgetting our girls. Thank you for not being quiet. STUDY QUESTIONS 1. Consider the interlocking issues of race, gender, and class. How do you imagine these issues affect the reality that these particular girls are missing two years after their abduction? 2. What steps have your community of faith taken on the Chibok schoolgirls in general and the topic of violence against women and girls in general? Why has your community taken those steps or failed to do so? What will you do or say to help your community remember all our girls? 3. Mother Theresa said, "We can do no great thing, only small things with great love." What small thing will you say or do, individually or collectively, to #BringBackOurGirls? Advertisement ADDITIONAL READING 1. She Who Is by Elizabeth Johnson. Johnson reviews the history of Christian language about God and explains the need for feminist language about God, thereby providing background for non-theologians. She then develops an inclusive and creative Christian spiritual doctrine. Highly recommended for all collections serving educated lay readers, theologians, and clergy. 2. We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Adichie offers readers a unique definition of feminism for the twenty-first century, one rooted in inclusion and awareness. Drawing extensively on her own experiences and her deep understanding of the often masked realities of sexual politics, here is one remarkable author's exploration of what it means to be a woman now. 3. Those Are MY Private Parts by Diane Hansen. Hansen shares this primary message: "America, please teach our young children about their sexuality before the child molester does." In just 12 pages of rhyme, the book gives parents a great starting point for having important, candid discussions with their children about recognizing and preventing sexual abuse. Now available in Spanish, "Esas Son Mis Partes Privadas!" Like ON Scripture on Facebook Follow ON Scripture on Twitter @ONScripture Supporters of Democratic Presidential candidate Bernie Sanders are flocking to local town hall meetings asking why their U.S. Representative or Senator is a Superdelagate for Hillary Clinton when their district or state supported Sanders. They ask, "Shouldn't they represent the will of the people?" Contrariwise, on the Republican side, supporters of Donald Trump are incensed that his rival Ted Cruz secured 34 of 37 delegates in Colorado. The delegates were selected not by the voters but at the state convention. Trump excoriated the system as "corrupt" and bemoaned: "We're supposed to be a Democracy." There is an inherent misunderstanding on the part of many voters that political parties are Democratic institutions. While they are regulated, political parties have plenary authority to select their nominees in any way they choose. They are under no obligation to allow the voters to select their nominees. In fact, voters in most states and territories vote in the primary and caucus system not for a specific candidate, but for a slate of delegates pledged to support a candidate. Surprisingly, they do not vote directly for individual candidates. Ken Rudin, the host of NPR's Ken Rudin's Political Junkie maintains: "People don't know - or they forgot - that party leaders can still have their way if voters fail to make a clear choice. That's why we have superdelagates (on the Democratic side) as well as state party conventions. They are the last chance for the establishment to display the power they once routinely had. In the rare times when the voters and the party don't see eye to eye (i.e., Republicans 2016), the party will do what it can do to have its way." Advertisement Madison proved correct. During the early years of the Republic, supporters of a centralized federal government, led by U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, formed the Federalist Party, while the exponents of a decentralized federal government led by U.S. Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, formed the Democratic-Republican Party. Contrary to conventional belief, the current practice of selecting Presidential nominees is far more Democratic than it has been for most of American history. Originally, members of Congress would caucus to decide their party's nominee. Then political conventions were established wherein delegates to the convention choose the nominee. The delegates are not always representative of the vox populi, but are often hand-selected by the party's high command. Advertisement The Presidential primary process was first utilized in 1912, and it was far from Democratic. Only fourteen states held primaries and they proved functionally impotent. Former President Theodore Roosevelt, a progressive Republican, became disillusioned with the more conservative policies of his Republican, handpicked successor, William Howard Taft. He challenged Taft in the primaries, telling news reporters, "My hat's in the ring. The fight is on, and I'm stripped to the buff." Roosevelt mustered 284 delegates in the primaries, compared to just 125 for Taft. However, Taft secured the nomination because of the support of "pledged delegates" (individual Republicans who had a vote at the convention). Roosevelt subsequently formed the Progressive Party and ran as their nominee. Democrat Woodrow Wilson defeated both Taft and Roosevelt. In 1952, U.S. Senator Estes Kefauver (D-TN) won 12 of the 15 Democratic primaries. He had even defeated Incumbent President Harry S. Truman in the New Hampshire Primary, forcing Truman to announce that he would not seek re-election. Kefauver was a folk hero of sorts for his role as Chairman of a Special Senate Committee on Organized Crime. At the time, television was an inchoate medium; many stores placed the new gadget in their windows so that spectators could watch the hearings. However, the choice of primary voters had little impact. The convention chose Illinois Governor Adlai Stevenson, who had not entered any primaries and who was not even a Presidential candidate. In fact, Stevenson was actively seeking re-election as Governor. A Draft Stevenson movement emerged, and his name was placed in nomination. Stevenson reluctantly accepted the Democratic nomination. In 1968, Vice President Hubert Humphrey entered only one primary, South Dakota, which he lost. Humphrey supported the Vietnam policy of President Lyndon B. Johnson. Many members of the Democrat establishment supported the war, while rank-and-file Democrats did not. Instead, they supported U.S. Senator Eugene McCarthy (D-MN). Humphrey forces placed "favorite son" candidates as substitutes for Humphrey in some states. They then transferred their delegates to Humphrey. Though Humphrey had not won any primaries himself, the convention chose Humphrey. Reflecting on the way the Democratic Party worked against his nomination, McCarthy asserted that he "set out to prove...that the people of this country could be educated and make a decent judgment...but evidently this is something the politicians were afraid to face up to." Eventually McCarthy reluctantly endorsed Humphrey, telling his supporters: "I'm voting for Humphrey, and I think you should suffer with me." Humphrey lost the General Election to Republican President Richard M. Nixon. Advertisement In many respects, the political parties today take the will of the voter under advisement, but party officials are not legally bound to ratify them. Even recently, there are examples of candidates who were out of the party's mainstream who actually won delegates, but who were not seated. In 2000, perennial Democratic Presidential candidate Lyndon Larouche pocketed 22% of the vote in the Arkansas primary. Under state party rules, he was eligible to be awarded seven to ten of the state's 48 delegates to the National Convention. A lawsuit was filed on behalf of Larouche and his delegate slate asking the judge to order that they be seated at the state and National Convention. However, Judge John Ward denied the request. He ruled that the state had the right to "refuse to . . . seat delegates for Lyndon La Rouche," and ruled that the state could instead award those seats to delegates supporting Vice President Al Gore. Many voters believe political parties are mandated to award their nomination to the candidate who garners the most votes. Actually, there have been examples where a candidate garners fewer votes, but still musters his party's nomination. In 1972, U.S. Senator Hubert Humphrey (running again for the nomination) actually won 67,921 more popular votes than the party's nominee, U.S. Senator George McGovern (D-SD). However, California had a winner-take-all rule, meaning that despite the fact that McGovern won the Golden State by only about five percentage points, he secured all of the state's 271 delegates. Advertisement As Richard Winger, the Editor of Ballot Access News emphasizes, political parties are independent from the government. "All over the world that is true, except in highly authoritarian countries." In fact, the Helsinki Accords, signed by the U.S. and thirty-four other countries in 1975 calls for: "a clear separation between the State and political parties; in particular, political parties will not be merged with the State." I've co-authored this article with Sam Ovens of Ovens Enterprises as a sequel to our article earlier this week about beginning your entrepreneurial career as a consultant. The skill sets developed as a consultant are very much integral to this next discussion. The big problem that I see with entrepreneurs and business owners today is that they are generalists who are good at a wide range of things instead of specialists who are magnificent at just one. I'm sure you've visited dozens of cheap restaurants who have a menu the size of a phone book and serve hundreds of different meals all at substandard quality. They serve every meal they know because they want to broaden their net of potential customers however they end up hurting themselves because they can't serve any one meal well. The same is true in business. Entrepreneurs start out with one area of mastery in mind and then a couple of years goes by and they are selling ten different things to all different types of customers and they forget what their core competence is. Advertisement You don't have to comb through much business history to see this pattern repeat itself again and again. An entrepreneur starts a business with one area of mastery in mind and then over time they serve multiple different things and now are weak in the one area they had once mastered because they're spread too thin. Corporate raiders and takeover artists prey on this. A company starts off selling one core thing well and then starts picking fights in industries it has no idea about and then before long a conglomerate is formed competing in five different industries but overall performance is down because there is a lack of focus on one particular thing. The company then gets broken up into pieces where they are operating with their core focus and then before long again the bloat up only for this process to be completed again. It doesn't matter whether you're a consultant, flower shop owner, restaurant owner or software company owner, you want to be a specialist and truly master one thing. Here are three reasons why: 1). You Will Eliminate 95% Of Your Competition When you're a generalist everybody is your competition. An excellent example of this is the local print shop that sells website design, business cards, stationary, signwriting and digital marketing services. In each one of those categories they have a whole new world of competition and it is impossible to be good at all of them at once. Most print shops that do this will do a horrible job of all of these things when if they focused on printing only they could quickly build a name as the best in that one category. Advertisement How can a print shop busy with all of those things compete with a digital marketing expert whose sole focus is Google Adwords advertising? The expert will beat the bloated generalist company any day of the week and run laps around them in the business world. How can a restaurant selling Italian, Chinese, Thai and burgers compete in the burger market with a passionate burger expert who cares about nothing else? How can a generalist consultant who offers all round business advice compete in the tax advice market with a seasoned tax specialist? You get my point. Specialists will always beat generalists and as soon as you cut the fat in your business and narrow down to focussing on one thing you will be surprised how 95% of your competition becomes irrelevant. 2). Your Business Will Become More Simple And Fun Complexity is the devil in business and when you're a generalist you attract complexity like a moth to a flame. Consider the complexity of running the cheap restaurant with one hundred menu items compared to running an InNOut Burger franchise with just one type of burger and an option of a drink and fries. With the generalist restaurant you would have to stock hundreds of different types of spices, meats and vegetables and then every time a new order comes through it's an entirely different process from start to finish. The inventory management and kitchen processes would be an absolute nightmare plagued with complexity. Advertisement Now on the other hand consider running an InNOut Burger franchise. You would only have to stock one type of meat patty, one type of bun and a few other things. Then whenever an order came through you would complete the same process which you had just completed before and you would be an expert at it since you had done it thousands of times. The same story is true in any business. When you try to do a range of things you are not prepared and simply can not compete with somebody who has just mastered one thing. 3). You Attract A New Class Of Clients & Can Charge Premium Prices When people are in desperate need of something or when something is mission critical the specialist is always seeked out and the generalist isn't even considered. If you had a brain tumor would you go to a general practitioner or would you go to the brain surgeon? The answer to this is obvious and in the business world things are exactly the same. When something is important and results are on the line generalists in the business world are out and it's an expert's game only. Why? Because you can depend on the expert to get things done and get results. If you need digital marketing results you go to the digital marketing expert not the print shop down the road that does digital marketing too. Advertisement When you focus and specialize you attract a whole new class of customers who are serious, make decisions quickly and treat you with respect. It's a whole new class of customers and they come with a whole new class of pricing too. First class customers in need of an expert will pay two ten times as much because the result is important. This means that you can work with fewer customers, charge higher prices and make a whole lot more profit in your business whatever your industry. So in summary specialists beat generalists and if you want to enjoy a long and fruitful career in business then you must specialize instead of offer a broad range of things to a broad range of people. Over the past few weeks we've seen much of what the unintended consequences of draconian anti-LGBTQ laws can do to a state. Businesses pull out, banks freeze expansions, rock bands cancel, entire film crews refuse to show up, and billions in federal funding for schools, highways and housing is blocked, because that money hinges on a state not discriminating against its citizens. For the most part laws like North Carolina's bathroom bill are conceived of and written by sexually frustrated older white men who think that being transgender is a perverted choice by male sexual predators who want to skulk around female locker rooms and bathrooms. For them it's a perversion. Advertisement "This is that concept of 'othering' us," said Amy Hunter, Coordinator of the ACLU Transgender Advocacy Project. "The typical trope is that transgender women are really just perverted men who put on women's clothes to do something untoward in the women's restroom Former presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee thought it was funny during a campaign speech to say, "I'm pretty sure that I would have found my feminine side and said, 'Coach, I think I'd rather shower with the girls today.'" And what about the unintended consequences of writing laws that only consider a small segment of a larger population? In a Mother Jones article titled, "I'm a Transgender Man in North Carolina. Here's What the Bathroom Law Means for Me" Charlie Comero, a 35-year-old transgender man in Charlotte, North Carolina describes what the new laws mean to him. Think about that. Imagine being a man and being forced by law to use the woman's restroom. Now imagine being a father and sending your eight-year-old daughter into a restroom and seeing a man walk out five minutes later. Let that sink in. Take your time. Think about how that father feels. Now think about how Charlie Comero feels. I'll let you read the rest of the article over at MoJo. Advertisement Kids in school are equally affected by laws such as this; and, in Michigan, the ACLU is making sure that they are protected and don't go down the same road as other states. ACLU of Michigan issued a statement in March to Michigan Department of Education in which they wrote: Every student has the right to learn in a safe and accepting school environment. A supportive, respectful learning atmosphere for transgender students gives them the equal opportunity for success that every student deserves. Parents, schools, and lawmakers working together as a team is the best way to ensure that every student, regardless of their gender identity, will receive the support they need to achieve. The draft guidelines from the State Board of Education will promote an enriching educational experience that makes achievement much more possible for transgender students. The board of education had proposed a set of policies to make Michigan schools more inclusive for students, should they be adopted by the local school boards. They were developed by the State Board of Education in response to requests from school districts and parents. The ACLU statement was in response to the uproar which ensued after they were released. Over the course of the last month, the Michigan State Board of Education has accepted public comments for consideration in person, via phone, or in writing. During one meeting in particular, students literally begged the board to consider the proposal. Amy Hunter, during a recent guest appearance on T&Z Talk said, "I was in attendance at that board meeting and the kids' testimony was incredibly powerful. There were folks in tears it was so powerful," when relating what she had witnessed at that meeting. Advertisement You can listen to the entire interview with Amy Hunter on T&Z Talk below. Hillary Clinton might struggle with young voters, but she polls well with medieval dictatorships that execute wizards and don't allow women to drive. Unfortunately for Clinton, Riyadh isn't scheduled to hold a Democratic primary (yet). But there's nothing that Debbie Wasserman Schultz can't fix. We understand that part of the job of Secretary of State involves "diplomacy", that long-forgotten art of talking to people instead of drone-bombing them. And we recognize that being an effective diplomat means building cordial, constructive relationships, even with countries that lob off the heads of Hogwarts graduates. But when you receive "white gold jewelry with teardrop rubies and diamonds containing a necklace, a bracelet, earrings, and a ring" from the despotic ruler of a 14th century kingdom of sadness, maybe it's time to find a new not-so-secret admirer. Advertisement There are many hurtful accusations on the internet which suggest that Hillary Clinton is cold, calculating and generally incapable of normal human feelings. Horrible slander. Back in January, Hillary and her husband said they were "saddened" by the death of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, their philanthropic "friend" who donated $10 million to the Clinton Foundation. Later, as Secretary of State, Clinton approved a $29 billion weapons sale to Saudi Arabia ("not a bad Christmas present", according to Hillary's e-mails). And rest assured, The Kingdom has put this high-tech U.S. hardware to good use: These are the very fighter jets the Saudis have been using to intervene in the internal affairs of Yemen since March 2015. A year later, at least 2,800 Yemeni civilians have been killed, mostly by airstrikes--and there is no end in sight. The indiscriminate Saudi strikes have killed journalists and ambulance drivers. They have hit the Chamber of Commerce, facilities supported by Medecins Sans Frontieres (also known as Doctors Without Borders), a wedding hall, and a center for the blind. The attacks have also targeted ancient heritage sites in Yemen. International human rights organizations are saying that the Saudi-led strikes on Yemen may amount to war crimes. There is now a growing international movement which seeks to place an arms embargo on Saudi Arabia. This would be an unacceptable blow to America's bustling defense industry. Frankly speaking, Bernie Sanders lacks the foreign policy expertise -- and fancy-pants "nonprofit" Foundation -- to keep the weapons to Riyadh flowing. Advertisement Upset woman holding her alarm clock with an expression of fright Alarm clocks are a common fixture in most bedrooms, but do they actually help us get better rest? Let's take a look at the history of alarms and see what the experts think about their role in achieving healthy sleep. Origins of Alarm Clocks People have been using alarms of sorts to wake up well before clocks were even a thing. The morning sun was the original cue to rise and shine, and roosters have likely been crowing sleepers awake for eons. Advertisement Plato is said to have woken up early with a clever device that used draining water to signal a whistle as the contraption filled, supposedly spurring the development of later mechanical time-keepers. Church bells have awoken communities for morning service for centuries, and by the 1300s, we can find descriptions of chiming clock towers in Europe designed to inform residents of the time. Later, booming industrial factories in the 18th century relied on an on-time workforce, and would sound morning whistles to rouse their workers living nearby. Some cities and companies even employed a "knocker-up", designated people that would go door to door delivering wake up calls. Although existing as early as the 1500s, it wasn't until the 1870s that alarm clocks started to become a common thing in private homes with the advent of the mechanical wind-up version. Over time, this fixture cemented it's position in the bedroom, incorporating additional features like radio receivers, cuckoos, snooze buttons and more. Modern alarm clocks continue to evolve, with everything from light-based alarms to clocks that run across the room, and even phone apps. With jobs, school and other responsibilities, waking up by a set time remains a must for the majority of us. So naturally, many people depend on alarm clocks to start the day. But, are they really doing us a favor, or is this reliance on alarm clocks detrimental? Advertisement How Morning Alarms Help Us Alarm clocks have been in use for centuries because they solve a real problem--ensuring we wake up on time. Their utility is undeniable, and many of us would probably have a hard time making it to work every day without one. Mark Muehlbach, Ph.D., F.AASM, R.PSGT, clinical director at the Clayton Sleep Institute in St. Louis, provides a little background on why waking up in the morning can be so difficult: Ideally, a person will wake on his or her own when they need to each morning. These are the people who set an alarm but wake a few minutes before the alarm sounds, as if their brain has an expectation to be awake at a certain time. On the other hand is the person who needs two or three alarms to wake them. Our busy schedules and external influences like mobile phones, televisions, tablets, streetlights, neighborhood noises and a myriad of other stimuli can interrupt our sleep, which requires our bodies to demand more sleep and, in turn, lead to us waking feeling drowsy and tired. For humans, it is not that difficult to override our internal clock: staying up late or having an irregular sleep/wake schedule can influence our internal clock and make it difficult to arise when we need to. Shift workers (those who work when the rest of us sleep) often alter their internal body clock, flipping and flopping their day/night schedules, and may need alarm clocks to wake them as they battle their internal biology. Advertisement Here's a an overview of the ways alarm clocks benefit us: Staying on Society's Time Without alarms, many of us would oversleep and wind up late for work. As great as sleeping in sounds, being on time is a (harsh) reality we often must abide. In order for business and schools to run smoothly, agreeing on a set time to be there can be essential, whether you'd like more sleep or not. Normalizing Sleep Schedules Alarm clocks can also be helpful for keeping sleep schedules regular. Waking up around the same time each day is beneficial for our internal biological clocks. Using an alarm clock can help keep your schedule consistent and normalize your sleep patterns. Peace of Mind Richard Shane, PhD, psychotherapist and Founder of , suggests that alarms can also provide peace of mind, adding: Some people don't set an alarm but then look at their clock when the awaken during the night. This can cause anxiety and making it hard to sleep. In this case it's helpful to set an alarm to allow a safer feeling during the night. Potential Downsides of Alarm Clocks However, alarm clocks aren't always helpful; in fact, sometimes they can be counterproductive to overall health and even for getting good sleep. Sleep Anxiety Sleep anxiety, or worrying about not falling asleep, can paradoxically contribute to . And, alarm clocks are right there helping, counting down the precious minutes of sleep left until wake up time. Most sleep experts suggest covering clock faces or turning them away from the bed so you're not tempted to watch the minutes tick by. Stress Levels of the stress hormone cortisol naturally rise for most people. Although there's no studies showing alarms further increase cortisol, being startled awake by a loud alarm first thing in the morning certainly doesn't make things more relaxing. Researchers are also looking into correlations between heart attacks and alarm clocks, due to their adrenaline-spiking jolt which can trigger the flight-or-fight response and . Social Jetlag Social jetlag refers to the sleep deprivation many people experience as they try to eek by on less sleep in order to keep up with social demands. One showed that two-thirds of adults sleep over an hour more on weekends as opposed to weekdays, and that although wakeup times are staying the same, we are going to bed later. Researchers argue this is messing with our internal biological clocks, affecting sleep and significantly increasing risk of weight gain and obesity as well. Bright Lights Some alarm clocks have brightly-lit faces, and while good for seeing the time, researchers have found that can affect sleep. How to Wake Up Refreshed and On-Time So, is there a better way to wake up? The ability to rise the morning after a full night's rest, without needing an alarm, is something plenty of people would prefer over blaring beeps. However, most of can't just toss the alarm in the trash and tell the boss we'll be in whenever we get up. Following good sleep habits and making sure you're actually getting enough sleep are good ways to begin repairing your internal clock, though. 1. Follow Good Sleep Hygiene refers to habits shown to help encourage better rest. These include things like: Eating a balanced diet with plenty of nutrients, and drinking plenty of plain water during the day. Avoiding stimulants in the evening like caffeine, and moderating alcohol in the hours before bed. Getting regular exercise and some time in the sun (for Vitamin D). Sleeping in a cooler bedroom with a comfortable mattress and bedding. Minimizing use of electronics like smartphones and TVs before bed, and keeping bedrooms as dark as possible during rest. 2. Go to Bed with Plenty of Time If you find it impossible to wake up in the morning without an alarm or feel groggy after waking fairly often, take a look at how much sleep you're actually getting. Advertisement Dr. Lynn Johnson, psychologist and author of The Healing Power of Sleep, says we need seven and a half to eight hours of sleep a night, adding: Do you need an alarm clock? That means you aren't going to bed early enough to actually restore your brain and body to peak performance. Your work will be sub-par when you don't clean out the brain with sufficient sleep. You're working as if you'd been drinking. Judgement, creativity, and self-discipline are all weakened without restorative sleep. And, when sleep experts say you should get seven to eight hours of sleep, they mean actual sleep, not just time spent in bed. If you tend to take a while to settle in and relax, factor that into your allotted bed time. For example, if it usually takes you around 30 minutes to get in the zone and you need 7.5 hours to feel your best, aim to be in bed at least eight hours before you need to wake up. Turning in with time to spare can also reduce sleep anxiety, so you aren't counting down the time on the alarm. If you find it takes a very long to time to fall asleep or you wake often through the night, try instituting earlier cut-off times for things like caffeine and electronics, or incorporate stress relief habits like deep breathing, stretching or mindful meditation before bed. Advertisement 3. Keep Regular Hours, Avoid Snooze If you're one of the many that can't wake up on time without an alarm, it might surprise you to know that we all actually have an internal alarm of sorts. Researchers have identified biological processes that signal to the body when it's time to get drowsy and when it's time to wake up. The best way to support this natural rhythm is keeping a regular bedtime and waketime. People on regular schedules often find they wake up before their alarm even goes off, for example. But there are several things that can throw our internal clocks off, including aging, shifting schedules, and travel. So, alarm clocks aren't all bad, and for a lot of people, they are very necessary to maintain a regular schedule. But, try not to hit snooze, says Dr. Muehlbach: Don't set your alarm clock early and keep hitting the snooze button. Set your alarm for the time you need to be up and force yourself out of bed, if necessary. Frequently resetting your alarm by hitting the snooze is only disrupting your sleep. Other sleep researchers concur, suggesting that hitting the snooze button actually sets you up for groggier mornings, and can even make you feel like you had a worse night's sleep overall. Use your alarm clock to stick to a regular schedule, as this will be most helpful for your body's internal clock. Advertisement 4. Try a Smarter Alarm A few companies and app developers offer takes on gentler versions of morning wakeup calls. From rousing you with bright light or vibrations to aiming for a more ideal wakeup time in your sleep cycle, you might find one of these solutions help you wake up on time without the headache inducing bleating of a traditional clock. Several free or inexpensive apps can be found in both Android and iOS stores, and companies like Philips and Lumie make popular wake-up alarm clocks. If you do require an alarm clock, Dr. Richard Shane offers the following suggestions for minimizing sleep disturbances: Turn the face of the clock away from you to help you let go of looking at the clock. A clock with blue numbers is preferable to red. Try an app or alarm with soothing sounds to wake up so you don't jar yourself awake. Put your phone on airplane mode. One wearable smart alarm, the Sleep Shepherd Blue, aims to help people sleep better by monitoring biofeedback and brain waves, inducing relaxation with binaural beats and waking you up gently at the ideal stage. Engineer and Sleep Shepherd creator Michael Larson, PhD, explains the workings behind the smart alarm concept: A normal night's sleep typically encompasses four or five cycles. These light and deep stages are determined by our base brainwave activity rate, which is slow for deep sleep and faster in light sleep, closer to the very fast rate when we are awake. A "dumb" alarm clock erupting during deep sleep drags our brains immediately awake leaving us feeling groggy. We feel best when our alarm rouses us from light sleep. Advertisement A "smart" alarm would sense our state of sleep leading up to the appointed wake time and go off when our bodies are nearly awake anyway. Since we don't always have the luxury of waiting until that happens, a "brilliant" alarm would gently encourage the brain to speed up over time, rather than with a jolt. The Sleep Shepherd Blue is designed to do this using binaural beats, which have been long known to have brain entrainment effects. 5. Listen to Your Body If you wake up every morning groggy and tired, it might be time to readjust your sleep schedule, perhaps going to bed 15 or 30 minutes earlier until you feel more refreshed. Changes in age, stress, health and many other things influence the amount of sleep we need. Even an old mattress can contribute to less restful sleep according to research, so be aware of your sleep environment too. If you have the basics of healthy sleep down and still feel tired, there could be other factors at play. Dr. Muehlbach explains: Difficulty waking in the morning may be associated with several factors. Quantity and quality of sleep can have a big impact on your ability to arise easily. If you do not get enough sleep on a routine basis (7-9 hours a night for an adult) you will be tired. Advertisement Disrupted sleep, which is influenced by sleep disorders like sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome, or by your bed partner's snoring, the sound from an unmuted television or mobile phone, pets or children tossing and turning in your bed, etc. can make it hard to wake. Additionally, certain drugs can also contribute to morning drowsiness, such as alcohol the night before, prescription and over-the-counter sleep aids, some antihistamines and blood pressure medications. If difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep impacts your ability to feel rested during the day and incorporating healthy sleep habits isn't helping, bring it up with your doctor. Things like sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and insomnia can have a significant affects on how you feel during the day, and often go undiagnosed. Do you rely on an alarm clock, or is your internal clock well-tuned? Share in the comments. This article originally appeared on the Amerisleep blog. Voice of America http://www.voaafrique.com/media/video/washington-forum/3253159.html?z=3039&zp=1 [TV version] The Voice of America, which began broadcasting in 1942, is an international multimedia service funded by the US government through the Broadcasting Board of Governors. VOA broadcasts approximately 1,500 hours of news, information and cultural and educational programs each week to some 125 million listeners, viewers and readers. Voice of America: Let's go back a bit in history. There has already been more than half a century of diplomatic rupture between the United States and Cuba. Can you remind us of the key dates in the history of this blockade between the two countries? Advertisement Salim Lamrani: it is worth recalling that the dispute between the United States and Cuba can be traced back to the nineteenth century when the island was a primary objective of US foreign policy. The Founding Fathers had always seen Cuba as a natural appendage to be added to the American Union. Thomas Jefferson spoke of this as early as 1805. We are also aware of the "ripe fruit" theory of John Quincy Adams. In the twentieth century, during the island's Republican period, the US supported the military dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista and opposed Fidel Castro's rise to power well before 1959. Allow me to quote Allen Dulles, then director the CIA who, in December of 1958, said: "We must prevent Castro's victory." When Fidel Castro came to power in 1959, he immediately encountered the hostility of the United States, which early on had welcomed the dignitaries of the former regime and had immediately imposed economic sanctions against Cuba. Let me recall the lucid observation of former President John F. Kennedy who said the following: "We should have given a warmer welcome to Fidel Castro because it would have avoided many problems." VOA: If we move forward a bit in time, we quickly come to the embargo. How did this come about? SL: The United States first imposed economic sanctions on Cuba in 1960. It is important to remember that Washington's diplomatic rhetoric used to justify hostility toward Cuba has fluctuated over the years. In 1960, when Eisenhower imposed the first economic retaliatory measures, he evoqued the process of expropriation and nationalization of US companies. Then in 1962, Kennedy used the alliance with the Soviet Union as justification for the imposition of total economic sanctions. In the 1970s and 1980s, the intervention of Cuba in Africa in support of independence movements was advanced as the reason. Since 1991 and the collapse of the Soviet Union, the United States justifies maintaining its hostile policy toward Cuba for reasons of democracy and human rights. It is important to remember that this diplomatic rhetoric has shifted significantly over the years. Recently, President Obama made a very clear statement on US policy. He realized it had been ineffective. It is obsolete because it is a relic of the Cold War. Advertisement VOA: Is Cuba still a communist bastion of the Cold War? SL: Latin America has changed over the past half century. Cuba is obviously a different society with a political system and a model of society distinct from that of the United States. It should be recognized that there exists two completely different conceptions of democracy. The two presidents even pointed this out in their joint press conference. I think Washington has come to understand the need to base its relations with Havana on the principles of reciprocity, entente cordiale and dialogue. The policy of hostility has failed. Public opinion clearly demonstrates that a majority in the US now support a normalization of relations with Cuba. This goes beyond the cleavage that exists between the Democrats and the Republicans. Many states with a Republican majority, especially in the Midwest, want to have normal relations with Cuba for obvious economic reasons. VOA: The embargo has not been lifted and, in terms of economics, it may take time. What will be the consequences for the island if the process promoted by Barack Obama does not achieve its goal? SL: The economic sanctions constitute the main obstacle to the development of the country. They are unanimously condemned by the vast majority of the international community. In October of 2015, for the 24th consecutive year, 191 of 193 countries, including the United States' most faithful allies, demanded that Washington change its policy and lift the sanctions. The reasons are obvious. The sanctions are anachronistic because they date back to the Cold War. They are cruel because they affect the most vulnerable categories of the Cuban people, not the leaders. Finally, they are ineffective to the extent that the initial goal of overthrowing the Cuban Revolution has clearly failed. The outcome of this policy is instructive: Rather than isolating Cuba internationally, these sanctions have instead isolated the United States. President Obama has adopted constructive measures concerning the easing of some restrictions. Unfortunately however, the sanctions are still in force. It is true that Congress remains an obstacle, but I think that this is marginal. The President of the United States, as chief executive, has the power required to dismantle 90% of these sanctions without Congressional approval. There are very few sections where he is precluded from taking action. VOA: Do you agree that Barack Obama has made an historic change, even if the future of Cuba still raises many questions? SL: Undeniably. President Obama has ended a historical anomaly, restoring the link with the Cuban people. He has rebuilt the bridge that had been broken in 1959. I believe he will make history as the president who adopted the most constructive approach to resolving a dispute dating back more than half a century. If there is one thing Barack Obama's presidency will be remembered for, it will be the process of normalization of relations with Cuba. Advertisement Translated from the French by Larry R. Oberg. First of all, there are only two names that matter right now. One you know, and one you should. The first is Tim Armstrong, the former Google sales leader who spent the past seven years turning AOL from a moribund web portal into a rapidly growing and acquisitive ad tech and web content driver. Under Armstrong, AOL bought Huffington Post and a number of ad tech companies, and his focus and drive continues. There were rumors back in 2014 that Armstrong wanted to buy or merge with Yahoo - but those overtures were rebuffed by Marissa Mayer. Tim Armstrong at the AOL Newfronts [photo credit: Steven Rosenbaum] It's worth remembering that Verizon is a very different organization than AOL/Huffpost. Verizon is a public company with a market cap of 206.85 billion and a headcount of 177,900 employees. AOL, on the other hand, was a small, agile and fast-moving tech company with just 5,600 employees and a market cap of $3.92 billion when it was sold. So there's no doubt that the melding of these two cultures won't happen overnight. But one thing is clear, Verizon CEO Lowell McAdam and Tim Armstrong have a shared vision - and a strong working relationship. McAdam has said that there is a three-tier strategy to Verizon: Connectivity, Content and Traffic. Jim Cramer of CNBC's Mad Money asked McAdam if Yahoo would support the three-tier strategy; McAdam said: "At the right price I think marrying up some of their (Yahoo's) assets with AOL under Tim Armstrong's leadership would be a good thing for investors. Armstrong has set aggressive largest for growth - from its current 700 million users to two billion in just four years. Armstrong's AOL will be the top global media company with revenues between $10 billion and $20 billion by 2020." Advertisement In order to see what the combined entity would look like - start with Verizon's current assets. The Huffington Post, TechCrunch, Moviefone, Weblogs, Inc. including Engadget, Autoblog, Cambio, Stylelist, 5Min Media, Visible, Adap.tv, Truveo, GoViral, Things Lab's social software Brizzly. On the Yahoo side - there's a collection of content resources as well, such as Yahoo Sports, Yahoo Finance, Yahoo Music, Yahoo Movies, Yahoo Weather, Yahoo News, Yahoo Answers and Yahoo Games. Yahoo commands a huge audience. Nearly 1 billion people visit a Yahoo website every month. And Yahoo Video talent includes a roster of name brand presenters including Katie Couric, Joe Zee, formerly the creative director of Elle; and David Pogue, personal tech author and a former columnist for the New York Times. "Verizon is looking to the future," Brett Sappington, director of research of consulting firm Parks Associates told the LA Times. "It's about being able to create an audience, and increasingly that audience is going to mobile and moving away from traditional forms of media." Does this mean Verizon wants to attract an audience of millennials and teens who prefer watching videos on their mobile devices than on television? In a word, yes. And Yahoo's 1 billion users would be an enormous addition to AOL's 2 million and Verizon's 105 million wireless subs. Advertisement So, the good news is Tim's plan to own what are essentially the last two 'portals' seems likely to come true. The question is, at what price? When you look under the hood, there's a good news and a bad news piece to the Yahoo assets. A Re/code reports that Yahoo expects a 15 percent fall in revenue for 2016, shrinking earnings by more than 20 percent - so that's bad. But it turns out the silver lining might be Yahoo's treasure trove of technology patents. There could be as much as $4 billion in value in that IP according to the NY Post. Yahoo holds 6,000 patents including early IP in mobile messaging, data mining, behavioral ad targeting, and more. One executive who knows the value of patents is Tim Armstrong. Armstrong sold AOL patents to Microsoft for $1.1 billion In April 2012. Whether or not Verizon closes a deal with Yahoo - their focus and direction are clear. And last weeks small, but telling investment in AwesomenessTV may be a clue. Advertisement Recently both First Lady Michele Obama and Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton have been promoting "women's empowerment." The normally reserved Clinton has discussed how the "double standard" for women shaped her career, and the First Lady promoted a song about girl's empowerment titled, "This is For My Girls." Neither Secretary Clinton nor the First Lady Clinton have been the first or the last politician to don the empowerment mantle. But what does empowerment mean? My Random House College Dictionary offers the following definition of "empower": 1. "to give power or authority to; authorize. 2. to enable or permit. empowerment, n." Sounds simple enough. In politics, however, empowerment has assumed a number of different, sometimes contradictory, meanings over the past sixty years. It began in the 1950s as a radical critique of the power structure; it was co-opted by various liberal and conservative groups in the '60, '70s and '80s; and it has wound up today as a political buzzword for mainstream politicians of all persuasions precisely because it has lost its power to threaten the establishment. If there is a birthplace of the modern empowerment movement it is Montgomery, Alabama. When, on a cold winter afternoon in 1955, Rosa Parks refused to offer her bus seat to a white patron, she sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott and ignited the modern civil rights movement. Beyond precipitating the fall of Jim Crow laws, the boycott created a sense of community and power among people who had felt left out. As Jo Ann Robinson, one of the organizers, said of the boycott victory, "We felt that we were somebody." At the heart of the early civil rights movement was a compelling vision of democratic reform based on the idea of giving power to disenfranchised people to challenge unjust laws. Though the word itself was not yet in fashion, this was "empowerment" in its literal form: The purpose of the movement was to put clout in the hands of African-Americans -- a group that had previously lacked the electoral, political or economic wherewithal to better their own lot. This particular vision of empowerment, as articulated by Martin Luther King, Jr., depended on building "a beloved community" of enlightened people, black and white, that would, through the power of Christian love and nonviolent protest, transform American society. King's vision was revolutionary in that it challenged deeply held American faith in individualism and asked people to transcend race and class differences. Advertisement The example of Montgomery inspired civil rights activists in the 1960s to expand their protest, and the continued efforts of the movement hewed closely to the goal of helping those who genuinely lacked political and economic power. The spirit that animated many young people, black and white, found expression in the Port Huron Statement. Written by Tom Hayden and other leaders of the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), the document became the bible of the New Left. It attacked the "structural separation of people from power" which contributed to "the sense of outer complexity and inner powerlessness." Student in both SDS and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) aimed to destroy the old bureaucratic system by empowering people through "participatory democracy." With that idea in mind, the young organizers of the SNCC moved into local communities in the South in an effort to build grass roots power structures. At the same time their counterparts in SDS set up shop in poor urban areas in the North. By the early 1960s, through these efforts, a radical notion of empowerment had emerged. It had three essential ingredients. First, it was based on the optimistic notion that a transcendent moral wrong would pull together an enlightened community of citizens who would root out injustice in society. Second, it rested on a foundation of grass roots democracy that challenged the dominant system of leadership by professionals. Third, it offered a fundamental critique of the status quo. Empowerment took a strange twist after 1965. Most people think of the 60s as a decade of radical thought and social revolution. Images of burning cities and angry protesters suggest a time of dramatic change. In fact, during the decade the concept of empowerment was stripped of its radical assumptions. Public rhetoric became more shrill, but the underlying assumptions of empowerment actually became more conservative. The polarizing politics of the decade led many people to abandon hopes of forging broad-based coalitions that transcended racial and class divisions. As reform groups lost faith in government they fragmented into smaller, self-conscious interest groups. Rather than build coalitions they chose to mobilizing minorities. The change was most noticeable in the civil rights movement where advocates of Black Power abandoned King's emphasis on building a bi-racial community. Eldridge Cleaver, "minister of information" for the Black Panther Party argued that blacks were awakening to the "vast power latent in their mass" and "must harness their numbers and hone it into a sword with a sharp cutting edge." James Baldwin, author of the militant manifesto The Fire Next Time, declared that the "only thing white people have that black people need, or should want, is power." Advertisement A host of other groups joined the chorus demanding empowerment. Native Americans, preaching "red power," formed the American Indian Movement. The stonewall riot ignited a nationwide gay "liberation" movement. Two days after the riot, angry homosexuals marched through the streets of New York chanting the new mantra of the movement: "Gay Power!" The Grey Panthers, a group of senior citizens who modeled their organization after the Black Panthers, made "Grey Power" the rallying cry of their movement. Feminists, declaring that "sisterhood is powerful," helped build the most successful social protest movement of the 1970s. Beginning in the 1970s, conservatives moved in to fill the empowerment vacuum created by the fragmentation on the left. From Barry Goldwater's drubbing in 1964 they had learned that they couldn't just criticize the welfare state; they needed to articulate a compelling alternative vision. Conservatives had to be true to their convictions of limited government and individual initiative without appearing heartless or reactionary. Appropriating the concept of empowerment became one of the means. In 1977, Peter Berger and Richard Neuhaus constructed the intellectual scaffolding of the conservative empowerment movement with publication of their essay, "To Empower People." They argued that liberal programs did more harm than good because they crippled mediating institutions, like the family and the church, which gave people a sense of control over their lives. The key to solving many social problems, they argued, was to dismantle the welfare state and "empower" people to help themselves. In the 1980s two conservatives sharpened these ideas into a powerful new ideological weapon: social scientist Charles Murray and congressman Jack Kemp. The genius of Murray's bestselling book, Losing Ground, was that, unlike past conservatives, he did not blame the poor for their plight. Instead, like Berger and Neuhaus, he attacked the well-intentioned liberal reformers for constructing a welfare state that he argued enslaved the poor. Murray contended that destroying the welfare state would in the end empower the poor. His argument helped establish a foundation for a new activist conservatism. Kemp applied the same logic to urban development. Federal policies had contributed to the decay of inner cities, he argued. Only the free market, in this case his much-heralded enterprise zones, could revitalize the nation's cities and empower the people who lived there. By the end of the decade, Kemp and other activist conservatives had made empowerment the linchpin of their new faith. Advertisement The conservative appropriation of the term turned the empowerment ethic upside down. The civil rights-era vision of empowerment held that people gained power through a shared sense of struggle. In the conservative incarnation, empowerment became synonymous with rugged individualism. The original proponents of empowerment were poor African-Americans who were excluded from the mainstream of American life. Corporate America propounds the new version. Civil rights activists used empowerment as a tool for social change; today, the establishment uses it in support of the status quo. Since the 1990s, both liberals and conservatives have embraced the rhetoric of empowerment because it allows them to offer the illusion of change. Conservatives use the term to depict themselves as bold reformers committed to helping the disenfranchised through the healing power of capitalism; in reality, the concept diverts attention from their abdication of responsibility. Liberals find empowerment a convenient way to convince an angry middle class that they have found a "new" approach to old problems; in fact, they have found only a rhetorical device to disguise their failures. Next week's UN General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on the "world drug problem" will be only the third such meeting in the organization's history. And it comes at a critical time in the global drug policy debate. Much of the attention surrounding this event will focus on the most contentious aspects of the discussion: how the "war on drugs" has been lost and measures are urgently needed to reframe drug policy. Some activists will argue for overhauling the international drug control regime. Indeed, for advocates of alternative policies - including legalization and decriminalization (two different things) - UNGASS is a significant opportunity to build momentum for their views in the mainstream international debate. Their opponents will firmly defend the building blocks of the current international system, although many of them will also acknowledge the need for more flexible, evidence-based policy implementation. Different sides will marshal evidence that seeks to support their case. In a sign of progress, many governments will promote a balanced, health-based approach to prevention and treatment that sits alongside disruption of transnational organized crime networks that feed the "supply" side of the problem. Advertisement But there is another pressing issue that has a chance to unite all sides in the drug debate: access to pain relief medicine for the world's poor. While opioid analgesics such as morphine are a cost-effective medication for treatment of moderate to severe pain related to cancer, HIV/AIDS, surgery, and other conditions, they are not adequately available in most developing countries. This is because of inappropriate legal and regulatory restrictions, weak health systems, inadequate training of healthcare workers, and misconceptions about pain treatment. It was not supposed to turn out like this. The international drug control conventions were not designed to prevent access to essential medicines. In fact, they recognize "that the medical use of narcotic drugs continues to be indispensable for the relief of pain and suffering and that adequate provision must be made to ensure the availability of narcotic drugs for such purposes". Tragically, the unintended consequence of current policies has left around 5.5 billion people, or 75 percent of the world's population, without access to proper pain relief treatment. The International Narcotics Control Board, the independent international body that monitors implementation of the UN drug control conventions, highlighted the gravity of the situation in a recent report. According to the Board, just 17 percent of the world's population - located in the United States, Canada, Western Europe, Australia, and New Zealand - accounts for 92 percent of morphine consumed worldwide. The UNGASS draft outcome document, negotiated among countries in Vienna last month and to be agreed on next week, gives this global challenge unprecedented attention in a high-level UN political statement. Advertisement As an Australian diplomat to the United Nations in Vienna between 2011 and 2014, one of my top priorities was advocating for greater global access to essential pain relief medicine. It was an issue my ambassador knew well and a cause the Australian government strongly supported. I got to work with some intensely smart, dedicated professionals from the UN, NGOs, and academia. We had some successes both diplomatically and in the field, including two pilot projects to strengthen health systems. But a challenge this big requires persistent effort over a long period as well as the collective action of governments, multilateral organizations, civil society, and business. Even as the issue of limited access has been gaining traction, numerous countries have, in something of a cruel irony, been grappling with a growing prescription opioid misuse problem. As Vox reported recently, "Painkillers now kill more Americans than any illegal drug." It is therefore important to address the question of how to respond to these two public health challenges - ensuring availability and avoiding misuse - at the same time. It would be understandable for policymakers to assume that increasing availability of these drugs would increase the rate of misuse. But when you look at the data, things get more complicated. By considering consumption of opioid painkillers (measured in milligrams per capita) on a national basis and then comparing this against annual prevalence of misuse of prescription opioids, it becomes clear that there is no simple correlation between the two. Analysis in the UN's 2014 World Drug Report shows a relatively high prevalence of misuse of prescription opioids not only in rich countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United States that have high per capita consumption for medical purposes, but also in lower-middle-income countries such as Nigeria and Pakistan, which have among the lowest per capita consumption of opioids for medical purposes. Meanwhile, Switzerland, Ireland, and the United Kingdom all have high levels of medical consumption but relatively low levels of misuse. While further research is needed in this area, the available data suggests that making painkillers more accessible at the national level does not inevitably lead to greater rates of misuse. High-income countries should therefore focus less on the risk of exporting the problem of misuse to low-income countries and instead emphasize facilitating the legal international supply of these medicines and, crucially, strengthening health systems to distribute them effectively and responsibly. Advertisement Si Ya Wendy Ni had spotted a problem: The subway in New York City seemed to be running late way more often than it should. Wendy decided to investigate, and discovered that one factor was the accumulation of trash on subway tracks, which caused fires along the track. Yesterday at the White House Science Fair , Wendy, Amro Halwah and Stephen Mwingira, all classmates from Baruch College Campus High School presented a potential solution: A vacuum that could travel ahead of a train and remove trash. The Baruch College Campus students were among 40 teams that attended the science fair at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue yesterday. (Wendy is currently a freshman at Marist College; Stephen is a junior, and Amro is a senior. Their project started last year, when Wendy was a senior.) President Barack Obamas administration held the first White House Science Fair fair six years ago, noting that high-achieving science students deserved just as much recognition as students who succeeded in sports. This year was the last fair that will be held during Obamas administration. You remind us that together, through science, we can tackle some of the biggest challenges we face, Obama told more than 130 students gathered at the White House for the fair. You are sharing in this essential spirit of discovery that America is built on. The White House has created a number of new efforts focused on K-12 science, technology, engineering, and math, including a public-private initiative to improve students performance in STEM fields and an effort to recruit 100,000 new STEM teachers. The U.S. Department of Education also issued a Dear Colleague letter about how schools and districts can access federal STEM money yesterday. Obama toured and tested students projects at the fair. The online womens blog Jezebel has a collection of photos of the President marveling at students science projects through the years. The Baruch College Campus students said the project that brought them to the science fair was an opportunity to experience the creativity and perseverance that scientific endeavors can require. Their project was funded by a grant from the Lemelson-MIT InvenTeam project, and supported by teachers and mentors from a local New York energy company. We posed the idea to our mentors and some alumni, and they said it might not be possible, Wendy said. But eventually, they built a prototype that effectively sucks up trash. The students said they hoped their project would inspire other students to get involved with STEM. Im hoping to inspire more young girls to join the STEM field, Wendy said. Stephen noted that the creativity involved in creating their subway vacuum was what got him interested in STEM. The Associated Press contributed to this story. Related stories: It was in the first days of January 2013 that we found that my wife could have leukemia. Our daughter was 3 years old, and my wife, Mai, was 15 weeks pregnant for the second time. For about a month she couldn't get rid of her cough -- something that didn't really worry us. We took a lot of precaution with medication for cough because of the pregnancy, and we were just writing everything off on pregnancy being hard on the immune system and the fact that we couldn't hit the cough with harder drugs. It was a routine blood test that they usually do during pregnancy that showed that something could be wrong. She went to that appointment alone, and when I came back after work she broke down in tears: "We could be losing the baby." Advertisement We had no idea what leukemia is, or what even bone marrow is, for that matter, along with neutrophils and leukocytes, and many other terms we would learn in the weeks, months and years to come. What the disease does is essentially kill the patient's immune system. Any small scratch can get infected, and any infection could be fatal. The confirmation that it was, in fact, leukemia, came a few days later, in the maternity ward of the hospital. We were devastated. Not only this was a threat to pregnancy, but it was a threat to her life. Leukemia, it turns out, is a nasty blood cancer. Cancer, at 32 years old, in an otherwise healthy, lively, happy woman with absolutely no previous health problems. We had to put an end to the pregnancy within two days of receiving the diagnosis, in order to start intensive chemo as soon as possible. And although my wife was in remission after about ten months of it, the cancer came back this past May. Again, we were devastated beyond words. We really hoped the cancer chapter was over. Mai grew back her hair, started working again and we were thinking about what to do on vacation this year. Advertisement "Instead of vacation and enjoying summer with our daughter, she ended up going through more and more and more chemo." But this time around the doctors made it clear that a cure is only possible by going through a bone marrow transplant, or as we affectionately call it, BMT. Just chemo wasn't going to cut it. That's when the real learning started. Bone marrow is the birth place of blood cells in your body, and it lives in the bones. It is entirely unrelated to the spinal cord (I know you would assume that -- we did). Getting a transplant involves the use of even harder-hitting chemo and radiation in order to kill her own bone marrow, and another person's stem cells will be injected in order to gradually replace the "original" ones. The difficulty comes from the fact that the donor in question needs to be compatible. The science behind compatibility is complicated, and the best option for a donor, by far, is a sibling. "Although Mai has an older brother, when he was tested for compatibility it was found out that he isn't compatible." Unfortunately, a sibling has only a 25-30 percent chance to be compatible. Multiple doctors and nurses told us anecdotes from their experience -- there are multiple cases of large families with three to four siblings or more where not even one was compatible. Advertisement The curious thing is that 20 or 30 years ago there were many larger families, but the science behind bone marrow transplants simply wasn't there. Today, the science is here but families are typically much, much smaller. You need to rely on others. The next best option is to find a donor who is not related to the family, by tapping into a worldwide network of donors. Amazingly, such a thing actually exists. Most developed countries operate bone marrow donor registries -- they are databases that allow doctors to look up compatible people based on the DNA. A patient in need of a BMT could find a donor in a country a world apart, and there are procedures in place that allow that to happen. A nurse flies to, say, France, where the stem cells are typically harvested in the donor's blood through a simple, almost painless procedure (the donor regenerates these cells within days, hence not losing anything). The nurse then puts the little baggie in a basket and brings that to the patient's country overnight. The stuff is not even on ice. These stem cells are then injected and the patient gets an actual, real chance at beating leukemia. Although the international network has reached over 24 million people, there was no match for Mai amongst those who signed up to be donors. Not even one. The difficulty comes from the fact that, although born in Canada, Mai is of Vietnamese origin. People of Asian descent are severely under-represented in all registries, and there is simply no public registry in Vietnam. "Again, we were devastated. Doctors told us that we have two months to find a donor. And we tried." To borrow the words from Michael Lewis, in theory, "the world is newly configured" to allow this sort of thing to happen. Facebook allowed us to reach over a million people through likes, shares, ads and such. The message was for Asians and people of Vietnamese ethnicity specifically to sign up to become a donor. The person needs to be 18 to 35 years old (or about that depending on the country of registry). All it takes is filling out a form. You then receive a kit of Q-Tips to swab the inside of your cheeks. Send that back for free. All of it is free. That's it. If you can save someone's life, you get a call. Even at that, there's a small percentage of people registered ever get a call in their life. Advertisement The other option to receive a transplant is to find a compatible umbilical cord. There are pros and cons, but still, it's also an option. Women who give birth can sometimes donate their umbilical cord to the same registries that operate bone marrow donor databases. The cords are frozen and accessible to the worldwide registry network. Because of all the social media activity, the story was picked up by local, national and international media that have written about this. Mai was on the cover page of two newspapers here in Montreal. Her latest stint at the hospital included dozens of interviews. Media companies helped out with ads running on TV, radio, Internet, in doctor clinics via CCTV and even on electronic billboards next to highways. Although thousands of people signed up as a result of our efforts, after two months we didn't find a donor. But despite that, there was a compatible umbilical cord that turned up somewhere. It was shipped to Montreal, thawed, and the stem cells from it were injected into my wife's blood. They call this Day Zero. It's rebirth. It will give her -- us -- another chance. Some woman somewhere in the world was giving birth and signed a form and donated her umbilical cord, making it available through the international donor registry. If she didn't do that, the umbilical cord would've been thrown in the trash. Instead, she gave life another time, without even knowing it since this is entirely confidential. The whole thing really sounds like something out of a science fiction novel. Advertisement The incredible thing is that we were far from being alone in our search for a donor. Mai is lucky that she is petite. Fun-sized. If she wasn't, the umbilical cord blood would not even be a viable option. In fact, over 10,000 people just of Asian descent are currently waiting for a donor. Countless others of other ethnicities are also trying to find a match. The reality is that anyone who is non-Caucasian will likely not be able to find a donor. There are many campaigns being run for them. Some have received quite a bit of coverage, such as Amit Gupta's. He ended up finding a donor, against all odds. Others are still searching, while time is running out. Such as Ryan. Or Morrow. Or Chao Wei. Or Leni. It's even more difficult to find a donor if you're of mixed ethnicity, such as the little Baylor. It's not even a question of money. People who are 18 to 35 years of age can sign up in their country's registry to potentially save someone's life by giving their stem cells (in most cases, a painless procedure similar to giving blood). All you need to do is sign up, return the swabbing kit (for free) and hope to get a call to save a life one day. Here are some registries: US -- BeTheMatch.org Canada -- OneMatch.ca and Hema-Quebec for Quebec UK -- AnthonyNolan.org Australia -- ABMDR.org.au For others, please look up your country at BMDW.org It's a donor that went through the procedure that once said that this is just like giving an organ without losing it. Apparently that's exactly what it feels like. It's easy, free and amazing. If you do get called, the person in need is just like you, sharing your DNA. The stem cells harvested in the blood regenerate within days. You lose nothing. Advertisement When this happened, we didn't know anything about this. But now you do. The world is not split into people sick and people not sick. It's split into people already sick, and those not sick yet. Anyone can get hit with this. It could be a family member, a friend. Please sign up to get a chance at becoming donor. If you're an expecting mother, please consider donating your umbilical cord. There's nothing to lose. It could save a life such as Mai's. The United Nations General Assembly is about to gather in New York for a special session to tackle the "world drug problem." This should be the event where President Obama declares an end to the "War on Drugs" and officially pivots United States drug policy toward public health, harm reduction, and civil and human rights. "We knew we couldn't make it illegal to be either against the war or black, but by getting the public to associate the hippies with marijuana and blacks with heroin, and then criminalizing both heavily, we could disrupt those communities. We could arrest their leaders, raid their homes, break up their meetings, and vilify them night after night on the evening news," said Ehrlichman. "Did we know we were lying about the drugs? Of course we did." Advertisement When judged by that troubling benchmark, Nixon and his presidential successors were outrageously successful. These cynical policies have destroyed generations of Black families and communities across the country and have led to an explosion in the prison population, with people of color making up two-thirds of all individuals in prison for drug offenses. But President Obama has started to shift toward a more humane, public health approach to drug policy and our justice system. During this year's State of the Union address, the first issues he addressed were criminal justice reform and battling prescription drug abuse. In October of last year, the President told a crowd at a West Virginia community resource center that "when it comes to substance abuse, treatment and recovery, those things are possible if we work together and if we care about each other." The White House has hosted a summit on successful pre-booking diversion programs, hearing about local efforts to tackle mass incarceration. And just last month, the President attended the National Prescription Drug Abuse and Heroin Summit to announce additional access to treatment, sterile syringes, and other public health approaches and responses; and granted commutations to 61 people sentenced to extremely long sentences for drug crimes. Advertisement All of these are strong statements about our changed approach. But there is perhaps no bigger stage than the United Nations to articulate a new vision for how we will address the "world drug problem" as a country. While we cannot undo the damage that has been caused by the War on Drugs, or the discriminatory policies sparked by the Nixon administration and carried out and exacerbated by subsequent administrations, we can ensure that the same mistakes don't continue to be repeated at home or replicated abroad. Vengeance may best be served cold for some people, but in Strauss's Elektra it is a rite of unbridled passion and Nina Stemme conveys all its fury in a fiery performance of the title role in the Metropolitan Opera's stark and searing new production. With Adrianne Pieczonka giving a captivating reading of Chrysothemis, Waltraud Meier singing the tortured Klytamnestra (to use the opera's German spellings for all the characters), and Eric Owens as Orest, his mother's nemesis, the new staging by the French director Patrice Chereau is 100 minutes of almost nonstop rage that ends in one of opera's most frenzied bloodbaths. It is a gripping account of the classic Greek tragedy that the Met Opera will make available to audiences around the world on April 30 when the matinee performance of Elektra will be simulcast to more than 2,000 theaters in some 70 countries. Chereau uses a spare unit set of whitewashed stone with an entrance to the Atreus family palace at center under a sort of bandstand shell in Mediterranean blue. Steps lead down from a porch to a courtyard, while a metal door on rollers that looks like a storage warehouse entrance leads off stage right. The costumes are sort of Eileen Fisher modern. Advertisement Strauss was still aglow from the success of his first opera, Salome, in 1905 when he happened to see a play by Hugo von Hofmannsthal titled and based on Sophocles' tragedy about Agamemnon's troubled daughter. The composer immediately contacted the playwright with an idea for an opera, but it was more than three years before their collaboration reached the stage in Dresden. Elektra was a departure musically for Strauss. Expressionism was coming into vogue, and the dissonant, clashing chords that open the opera, and the harsh atonal passages that build the drama throughout - especially in the confrontational duets between Elektra and her sister and mother - were excitingly new at the time. In a way Hofmannsthal's libretto owes almost as much to Freud or Shakespeare as to Sophocles. Freud's Studies of Hysteria had been published and one case study of a patient with split personality resembles some of Elektra's symptoms. Klytamnestra's nightmares, with her suppressed memory of murdering her husband, echo Freud's The Interpretation of Dreams. And, of course, there is the obvious comparison to Hamlet. The character of Elektra has been one of the most enduring from ancient Greek literature. Depending on which playwright you read - Aeschylus, Euripides, and Sophocles all had a go writing about her - the details of her story as well as the endings vary, and Hofmannsthal's version, which cites Sophocles as its inspiration, is as valid as any of them. The back story, however, is pretty much agreed on by all. Agamemnon, the chief Greek general of the Trojan War, returned home to find his wife, Klytamnestra, had taken a lover, Aegisth, in his 10-year absence. Wife and lover then kill him at his welcome-home banquet. Agamemnon's young son, Orest, is hustled off to safety by Elektra and her sister(s) (in other versions Iphigenia is Agamemnon's other daughter, but she doesn't appear in Sophocles' play or Strauss's opera). In due course, Orest will return to avenge his father's murder by killing his own mother and her lover. Advertisement The opera begins in the courtyard of the Atreus palace in Mycenae where servants taunt Elektra for her continued grieving over her murdered father. Chrysothemis comes out to appeal to her to drop her obsession and return to palace life, a suggestion Elektra treats with utter contempt. Klytamnestra enters and complains about her nightmares that keep recurring and asks her daughter's advice on how to stop them. Electra replies that a special sacrifice would end them. Klytamnestra hopefully asks what should be sacrificed. A virgin, maybe? When her daughter replies that it is she, the Queen, who must die, her mother retreats into the palace. When Orest does finally arrive, he is in disguise and he and Elektra don't recognize each other immediately. Once they do, however, they have a touching reunion then waste little time dispatching Klytamnestra and Aegisth. Revenge for their father's murder is complete and Orest walks off while Elektra does an agitated dance of exultation. Much of the opera consists of Elektra's lamentations, beginning with her opening "Allein! Weh ganz allein," which Stemme imbues with genuine anguish and grief in a strong yet plaintive voice that carries over the huge orchestra even from the back of the Met stage. The role is a demanding one with a daunting range, both vocally and emotionally, and Stemme masters it completely, from tender remembrances of her father to her fantasizing about dancing on the corpses of his murderers. Her long "Orest" soliloquy when she finally recognizes her brother is a small tour de force. As Chrysothemis, Pieczonka is excellent as the young sister who basically has a "life goes on" outlook and longs only to become a wife and mother and live a normal existence somewhere far away from Mycenae. Pieczonka has a lovely vibrant soprano that soars to grand heights, especially in her early "Ich kann nicht sitzen" aria. Advertisement Education Images via Getty Images Villagers From Different Villages Attending Training Session At Ralegan Siddhi Near Pune, Maharashtra, India. (Photo by Education Images/UIG via Getty Images) NEW DELHI -- For centuries now, village councils in India have doled out terrible retribution against those who defy the social norms of their communities. Maharashtra has become the first state to pass a law which says that with the exception of the courts, no one can act as judge, jury and executioner. On Wednesday, a day before the 125th birth anniversary of Dalit icon B.R. Ambedkar, the state legislature unanimously outlawed the social boycott of individuals by any person or any extra-judicial group in Maharashtra. Advertisement This is the first serious attempt by a state to reign in these groups, which go by different names such as "Caste Panchayat" in Maharashtra and "Khap Panchayat" in Haryana. They wield immense power in communities which are governed by social codes rather than the law of the land. In the rural hinterlands, the decrees of village elders, who are often members of these groups, are taken more seriously than court rulings. While recognizing the challenge of implementing the law effectively, human rights activists in Maharashtra are rejoicing at its passage, and they give due credit to the Bharatiya Janata Party-led government in the state for working with civil society to get the job done. "If executed properly, this law has the capacity to change the fabric of society. It is a renaissance and a recognition of individualism," said Mukta Dabholkar, human rights activist and daughter of rationalist Narendra Dabholkar. After waging a long struggle to get superstition and black magic outlawed in Maharashtra, Dabholkar was just a few months into the fight against caste panchayats, when he was shot dead by two men in August 2013. He used to say caste is the biggest superstition in this country. This was a big part of his life, his daughter told HuffPost India. Advertisement While working together on this movement, Dabholkar said that they discovered how tools like excommunication and boycott were used not out of any conviction or desire to uphold tradition, but out of vested interests and the desire by some to control others. We saw how machinery of caste operates to keep itself alive," she said. "It is like politics, you control people, you control power." It is a renaissance and a recognition of individualism. Maharashtra has seen some appalling instances of social boycott involving people from all different backgrounds. There was the famous case of the mountaineer who conquered Mount Everest, but was ostracized in his village because his wife did not wear a bindi and mangalsutra. In Osmanabad, Dalit families were chased out of their village because they played songs dedicated to Babasaheb Ambedkar Now, anyone who indulges in social boycott will face three years in jail and a fine Rs.1 Lakh, which can be awarded partly or fully to those who suffer the ordeal. It was a long struggle. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should be congratulated for the grit and political tenacity he has shown," said Irfan Engineer, who heads the Mumbai-based Centre for Study of Society and Secularism. Engineer is also the son of Asghar Ali Engineer, who led the reform movement within the Dawoodi Bohra, a small sect of Shia Muslims based in Mumbai. Advertisement The boycott which his father suffered was so severe that he could not find a place to bury his mother because the graveyard was closed to him, and he was buried in a graveyard for Sunni Muslims in 2013. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should be congratulated for his grit and political tenacity. It Started With The Bohras While the anti-boycott movement picked up just a few months before Dabholkar was killed, the law isnt entirely without precedent. In 1949, Home Minister of Bombay Province Morarji Desai got the Legislative Assembly to pass the Prevention of Excommunication Act, which was aimed at protecting reformist members of the Muslim-Bohra community, who were ostracized by the then High Priest, and denied access to mosques and graveyards. While the Bombay High Court upheld the law on the grounds of religious freedom, it was struck down by the Supreme Court in 1961. The apex court saw merit in the High Priests argument that he must have some control to prevent dissidence and anarchy, and ruled that invalidating excommunication on any grounds also violated the free practice of religion. Then, excommunicated members of the Bohra community approached the political reformist Jayprakash Narayan, who helped set up the Justice Narendra Nathwani Commission, but later dissociated himself with it. In 1979, the Nathwani Commission recommended that excommunication in the Bohra community should be made illegal. Advertisement Four decades on, Maharashtra has a law that outlaws boycott in all communities. Instead of letting this moment pass, Krishna Chandgude, a human rights activist who was deeply involved in the anti-boycott movement, wants the rest of the country to follow the example set by Maharashtra. Khap Panchayats, Caste Panchayats, whatever you call it. It is a parallel judiciary which weakens the Constitution, he said. It is a parallel judiciary which weakens the Constitution. Challenges Activists say that the Maharashtra Prohibition of People from Social Boycott (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2016, is quite comprehensive but the real test will be its implementation. The Act requires the appointment special officers who will detect social boycott, and help the police bring the culprits to justice. Activists, however, are worried that the power-wielding village elders are likely to influence or bribe state officials, which is usually the way things go in India. For this reason, Dabholkar is worried that social boycott is a bailable offense under the Act. For any chance of effective enforcement, experts say that human rights activists will have to work closely with state officials to inform people about the law. They will have to take the lead in convincing victims and survivors of a boycott to speak out. This can be an incredibly dangerous proposition which requires activists to build trust before someone agrees to open up. Advertisement Another big challenge will be proving social boycott in a court of law because many of these situations involve oral directions -- nothing is written down or recorded. The police could find it incredibly hard to find evidence of premeditated boycott unless a member from inside the community speak out. It is rare for people to speak out against their own communities. To show that there is concerted action is difficult, said Engineer. It will be a huge effort to get convictions in court. But even if there is one conviction it will drive fear in the minds of people." Advertisement Contact HuffPost India Also on HuffPost India: ASSOCIATED PRESS A polling official makes an ink mark on the index finger of a woman before she casts her vote during the second phase of Assam state assembly elections inside a polling station on the outskirts of Gauhati, Assam state, India, Monday, April 11, 2016. (AP Photo/ Anupam Nath) Political differences led to divorce in a village in Assam after a Muslim man separated with his wife as she decided to go against the village diktat of voting for the Congress party. The wife, a BJP supporter, voted for the saffron party in the state assembly elections. Dilwara Begum was divorced by her husband Ainuddin after she defied the village diktat and voted for BJP candidate Pramod Borathakur. Advertisement The bizarre incident took place in Donam Addahati village in Sonitpur district, where the village heads apparently have a strong inclination towards the Congress, said news reports quoting regional media. In the diktat, the villagers were mandated to cast their votes for the Congress. Advertisement Contact HuffPost India Also See On HuffPost: NOAH SEELAM via Getty Images Visually impaired Indian students take the Intermediate (10+2) Political Science (Civics) examination on laptops at an examination centre on the outskirts of Hyderabad on March 15, 2010. Nethra Vidyalaya Junior college provides free education exclusively for low socio-econimic underprivileged blind students. The question paper was scanned and recorded in the laptops of 55 students who listened to the questions through their headphones and typed the answers. AFP PHOTO/Noah SEELAM (Photo credit should read NOAH SEELAM/AFP/Getty Images) We live with a saturation level of technology and gadgets around us. Nearly every day, new gadgets are invented to make our lives easier. But not each gadget is accessible to differently abled people. It is difficult for a lot of people to use the traditional input systems such as keyboards, mouse and touchscreens and read on traditional monitors. An Indian company called BarrierBreak is trying to now bridge the accessibility gap. BarrierBreak is a company that develops and sells a range of accessibility technology products. These products cover solutions for a range of conditions, from visual impairment to learning disabilities. The company sells gaming products, screen readers and magnification software, among others. Advertisement "Our vision at the company is not just to be an NGO but to be better enablers for differently abled people. We are here to make a profit but while developing technology that can be even used in a wider consumer market. At our company, 75% of our staff has some disability. That shows that they can understand the problem better and deliver amazing solutions. We believe that from simple things to cutting edge technology can help people. We focus on the problem rather than the technology," founder Shilpi Kapoor said in an interview with Huffpost India. "We also hold a yearly event called TechShare. We invite people from all over the world to showcase the innovations in the accessibility sector. We have got an immense response over the years. Big corporations like Mircosoft and Google are helping us taking these innovations to a larger audience. In TechShare, a panel of experts give out Global Elevate awards to encourage more entrepreneurs to work in this sector," she added. Many of their products are ingenious. The company has developed a big trackball as an alternative for a mouse, for people who lack motor skills. Another of their mouse alternative is Tracker Pro, which is a camera that tracks the head movement and moves the pointer accordingly. Advertisement One of their premium products is Eyeglaze Edge, which allows a person with limited mobility to operate the computer using eyes. By looking at cells displayed on a screen, a user can generate speech either by typing a message or selecting pre-programmed phrases. BarrierBreak has developed keyboards for people with visual, learning or motor disability. They have also developed simple gaming solutions like 2x2 cube, adaptive toys, and games. The company has developed a wide range of products for the visually challenged. The solutions include handheld and stand magnifiers, 2.1x power glasses, braille displayer, screen magnifying software and much more. They also have hardware magnifiers, which enables people to read newspapers and books in a better way. Advertisement "I have been handling post-sales support at BarrierBreak. I test the products, I ensure that they are working well. These are not products where we can say chalega. A lot of people depend on these daily. We leave no stone unturned. I also guide the customers on how to use the products. It is a great work to do," said Amit Bagwe, who is a training & support executive in the company. He is a holder of an IT degree who has visual impaired, so he decided work with people who would help others with disabilities. "Before joining Barrierbreak, I was working with an NGO. Although I did some testing work with the company. In one of their events they invited me to join the company and my boss at NGO also encouraged me. I have been working here for 4 years. I really feel happy when people who use the products give me good feedback," he added. BarrierBreak has also been setting up model resource centres across the country, where physically challenged people can go and access the technology they have developed. Right now there are 4 centres in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Mumbai and Chennai. "There are surely libraries across the countries which have books in braille, but there are a lot of other people who have a different disability. We want to set up centres for addressing all those problems with the technology we have in our hands," said Kapoor. Advertisement Major tech companies have recently focussed on aiding accessibility. Google has released a bunch of tools to help the differently abled people. Microsoft has also developed a 'Seeing AI' which focuses on assisting the visually impaired. Twitter and Facebook have also released tools of accessibility. Contact HuffPost India ASSOCIATED PRESS Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, second left, wearing white, visits the site after a massive fire broke out during a fireworks display at the Puttingal temple complex in Paravoor village, north of Thiruvananthapuram, southern Kerala state, India, Sunday, April 10, 2016. Dozens were killed and many more were injured when a spark from an unauthorized fireworks show ignited a separate batch of fireworks that were being stored at the temple complex, officials said. Most of the people died when the building where the fireworks were stored collapsed, said Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, the state's top elected official.(Press Trust of India via AP)INDIA OUT The Kerala Director General of Police TP Senkumar said during an interview that he had objected to the back-to-back visits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi shortly after the fire tragedy in Kollam. He was especially opposed to the idea of the Prime Minister visiting the area within hours of the explosion in the Puttingal temple in Paravur, which left over 100 people dead. Speaking to The Indian Express he said, "I did object to the idea of the Prime Minister visiting the region within 12 hours of the accident. I told them it would be better for the PM to visit the spot a day after the disaster. But the PM wanted to visit that day itself. Our entire force had been working from early morning, engaged in rescue and relief work. So much work was still left and all of them were tired because there was no provision of even drinking water. We had to make arrangements for the safety and security of Prime Minister Modi and Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi too." Advertisement Rahul Gandhi at the site. He said that some of the police personnel who were working round-the-clock for rescue operations and also had to be employed for the security of politicians were nearly on the verge of collapse. The district administration, he alleged, couldn't even supply them with drinking water. Senkumar added that he had to coordinate with the SPG (Special Protection Group) for the visit. He explained that the protocol demands that during the visit of a VVIP, the secretary of the concerned department communicates with the police. However, this time, the Prime Minister spoke to Kerala CM Oommen Chandy, whose office asked Senkumar to expect a call from the SPG. Following Senkumar's revelation, Chandy rushed to defend his government, the Prime Minister and all other politicians. "The PM's visit to the spot was a great relief for the people. National leaders visited and their presence and advice and help was a great thing for Kerala. All rescue operations were over in the morning. We all concentrated on treatment of the injured after 6 am," he said. Advertisement He even dismissed Senkumar's allegations as a 'non-issue'. Instead he contested the DGP's claims by asserting that the PM or Rahul Gandhi's convoys didn't hold up relief work at all. "There is no harm in national leaders coming to the site. It helps the residents get maximum assistance," he said, not exactly specifying how these political leaders visiting would expedite and aid relief work being carried out by the police on the ground. Union Minister Rajeev Pratap Rudy defended the PM's visit too and said that he only visited the site after the rescue work was over, at 5 pm that day. The PM is said to have flown down 15 burn specialists with him to help treat the victims. Advertisement Contact HuffPost India Also see on HuffPost: Hindustan Times via Getty Images NEW DELHI, INDIA - MARCH 11: An auto rickshaw driver waits as he was stuck in huge traffic Jam due to the Art of Living foundation's 3-day-long World Culture Festival Near Akshardham Temple on NH-24 on March 11, 2016 in New Delhi, India. With Art of Livings World Culture Festival begins on Friday, major traffic snarls may grip arterial roads in East Delhi. Four major roads - NH-24, Ring Road, Noida Link Road and DND Flyway witness heavy traffic. Delhi Traffic Police imposed 13 major traffic diversions to avoid inconvenience to general commuters. People have been advised to take public transport to commute. Around 6,000 personnel from all 11 districts of Delhi Police and its specialized units like the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) and Special Cell deployed at the World Culture Festival. (Photo by Ajay Aggarwal/Hindustan Times via Getty Images) NEW DELHI -- Close to 400 people die in road accidents everyday in India, and a large number of deaths are caused because the victims cannot get medical aid in time. In other words, road accident victims often die because no one stops to help them or because an ambulance can't reach them in time. Given the traffic situation, the Aam Aadmi Party-led Delhi government has figured that it would be easier for an autorickshaw to reach road accident victims than an ambulance. Advertisement And so, the Delhi government is offering Rs. 2,000 to autorickshaw drivers who take road accident and trauma victims to hospital, The Hindu reported today. Delhi, a city of 22 million people, has 152 state-run ambulances, which works out to one for every 144,736 people, The Wall Street Journal reported in 2014. The World Health Organization says there should be at least one ambulance per 100,000 people. The truth is that in Delhi, ambulances do not reach the victims in time. If we follow protocols and wait for ambulances, we will not be able to save lives. We are giving this economic incentive to Good Samaritans because they lose time from work. In most cases, their clothes are bloodied and we do not want them to suffer because of helping accident victims," Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain told The Hindu. "We cannot put a price tag on a life saved. This is just a token, and it is optional it will be up to the people to take this money, he said. Advertisement In March, the Supreme Court approved the central government's guidelines to protect "Good Samaritans," who help road accident victims, from being harassed by police. The National Crimes Records Bureau report says 4,50,898 road accidents resulted in 1,41,526 deaths in 2014. The maximum fatalities were reported on Delhis roads with 2,199 deaths during the year. Advertisement Contact HuffPost India Also on HuffPost India: Mail Today via Getty Images MUMBAI, INDIA - MAY 15: Hrithik Roshan and Farhan Akhtar during a press conference to unveil the first look of 'Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara' at Novotel, Mumbai on May 15, 2011. (Photo by Yogen Shah/India Today Group/Getty Images) Shakun Batras Kapoor and Sons, produced by one of Bollywoods most sought-after banner, Dharma Productions, has been one of the biggest hits from this year. The film also drew abundant critical acclaim for its sensitive portrayal of a wildly dysfunctional family which included a homosexual son, a role that was essayed wonderfully by Pakistani actor Fawad Khan. However, not many are aware that some of Hindi film industrys top-stars were offered the same role, and they said no to the film because they had reservations about playing gay. Advertisement Yes, its 2016 and some of our industrys brightest talents are so protective about the heterosexual alpha male personality of their screen avatars, that they won't accept a role that marks a departure from it. Among the actors who were given a narration of the film are Farhan Akhtar, Saif Ali Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Aditya Roy Kapur and Shahid Kapoor, film-critic and journalist Rajeev Masand has revealed in a column for Open Magazine. Karan Johar had previously said that he had a tough time trying to cast for Fawad Khan's character. In an interview with Bombay Times, he said It was a tough film to cast. There was a point when we almost didn't make it. We kept it on the back-burner for over a year. No one was willing to do Fawad Khan's role. We went to six actors and after six rejections, I told Shakun that we should drop the idea and he started developing another screenplay. Later, in a flash of thought Fawad came to my mind. I sent him the script, he loved it and said he would do it. Advertisement Its especially disappointing to find Akhtar in the list as he was one of the first Bollywood A-lister to laud Kapoor and Sons publicly. He is also known for his 'liberal' politics and has often made his opposition to the Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code known. In fact, he had said that the law that criminalises homosexuality is 'primitive'. "I feel it is a primitive law and does not have any place in today's society. People have the freedom to choose who they want to be with. As long as they are consenting adults, they have the right to do what they want and I don't think we should be peeping inside people's bedrooms and telling them what to do," he had told Hindustan Timesin an interview. Yet, he is believed to have had 'reservations' about playing a gay character. One can only wonder about the reason he got cold feet. Was it the assumption that a money-spinning, traditional Bollywood hero could be a crook, a violent loafer, a sociopath, a corrupt man, a womaniser, but never a gay man on screen? After all, these are characters routinely essayed by Bollywood's heroes for the industry's biggest hits. It is saddening also because Akhtar is the guy who is credited with bringing in the so-called 'Bollywood New Wave' with Dil Chahta Hai, a film that challenged existing norms in the industry and the society. At a time when we need our writers, actors and other artistes to disrupt the status quo, the alleged reason for Akhtar backing out of the film is disheartening. Same holds true for Saif Ali Khan, an actor who hasnt shied away from experimenting and whose film-palette include movies as wide-ranging in genres as Being Cyrus (2005) , Omkara (2006), and even a Humshakals (2014). It is quite strange that Saif Ali Khan had no problem signing up for a stupid, sexist movie such as Humshakals and decided to reject Kapoor And Sons. Advertisement Why Roshan was not inclined to take up this role is best-known to himself but one would imagine that he wouldn't get into something that would question his alpha screen hero image, carefully cultivated with his screen characters and biceps. This, despite having authored a heartfelt essay for The Times Of India wherein he wrote about how 'homosexuality is not a disease' and that 'discrimination against homosexuals is wrong.' The most disappointing bit here is, all the men mentioned in the list are competitive actors and may have pulled off the role had they showed a little more gumption. After all, why would they lose out on a chance to experiment with a character that allows them to demonstrate their acting prowess? Top Hollywood stars (all major box-office draws) like Marlon Brando, Robert Redford, Al Pacino, Tom Hanks, Will Smith, Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon, have essayed the role of a homosexual character at some point in their careers, but unlike them, Bollywood stars are a reluctant, image-obsessed lot in an industry that begs for more maturity. If in todays day and age, a top producer has to run pillar-to-post to cast for the role of a gay man, there is something seriously rotten in the way Bollywoods leading men look at homosexuality. For all its inclusiveness, this instance stands out, and is a horrid reminder of the film industrys regressive attitudes. Advertisement Contact HuffPost India Also See On HuffPost: RAVEENDRAN via Getty Images NEW DELHI, INDIA: Chief minister of the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh Mulayam Singh Yadav (L) talks with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at a function during which an agreement to link two key central Indian rivers was signed, in New Delhi 25 August 2005. The pact is part of the national project 'Inter Linking of Rivers' which aims at shoring up surplus water resources to combat droughts and floods. AFP PHOTO/RAVEENDRAN (Photo credit should read RAVEENDRAN/AFP/Getty Images) Seventy-eight-year old Hans Raj Bhardwaj, usually referred to by the media as an 'old Congress loyalist', has said that the UPA-I government, headed by Manmohan Singh wanted to dissolve the Mulayam Singh Yadav-led Samajwadi party government in Uttar Pradesh. This was in 2007 and the party was allegedly annoyed with the Yadav government's corruption. Speaking to The Indian Express, Bhardwaj said, "Mulayam was continuously under pressure of dismissal over alleged corruption. I advised the government that his government could not be dismissed only on the ground of corruption. So long as they were in majority, they would have to be challenged on the floor of the House. But the Congress was not convinced. And this became a controversy." Advertisement He added that though Manmohan Singh was in two minds about the decision, a 'core' group of the party was for the dissolution of the UP government. Bhardwaj claims to have let his displeasure known in front of party members like Sonia (Gandhi), Pranab (Mukherjee), Shivraj Patil, Manmohan Singh, P Chidambaram, Kapil Sibal. The government, as we know, wasn't dissolved. However, it must be noted that this isn't the first time that Bhardwaj has taken potshots at the Congress. In fact, he has relentlessly criticised the Congress over the past couple of years and has not previously made a mention of this incident. Speaking to The Indian Express back in July 2015, Bhardwaj had said, "No, they are not in a fit state of health to control this powerful campaigner who is backed by a powerful cadre. That is why there was a virtual walkover in 2014." He was referring to Modi and Congress' presence or lack thereof in several states like UP and Bihar. An article on IBN Live notes the fact that Bhardwaj has been relentless in his attacks on his own party, doesn't surprise the Congress party itself. DP Satish wrote in IBN Live last year, "His 'outbursts' have not shocked anybody in the Congress. According to many top Congress leaders the party has now become a sour grape for him. Bhardwaj has never been a front ranking leader of the Congress, though he claims and believes that he is one of the stalwarts of the party. A five time Member of the Parliament (all through backdoor Rajya Sabha), he was a junior minister for Law in Rajiv Gandhi and PV Narasimharao Governments for nine years. He never contested in any direct elections and has no grassroots level support. Advertisement He was elevated to the rank of a Cabinet minister of Law and Justice by Sonia Gandhi in the Congress led UPA 1 between 2004 and 2009. Most part of his tenure was controversial including the alleged 'let off' of main accused in the Bofors scam Ottavio Quattrochchi." Contact HuffPost India Also see on HuffPost: Perry Preschool. Abecedarian. Chicago Child-Parent Centers. Boston. Tulsa. For early-childhood advocates, those namesshorthand for some of the most well-known studies of early learning programsare routinely used to justify expansion of prekindergarten programs. And that expansion is taking place. More states are using their dollars to either expand preschool programs or launch them. But an analysis of 10 influential early-childhood studies , including the five mentioned above, points away from prekindergarten as an effective intervention for struggling children, according to a new report from the American Enterprise Institute. Katharine Stevens, AEIs research fellow focusing on early-childhood education and policy and the reports lead author, contends that strongest research shows that high-quality programs focusing on infants, toddlers, and families do the most to improve child outcomes not pouring money into preschool for 4-year-olds. Lets just say that youre expanding a pre-K program that costs $10,000 a year. What are you getting for your money? Stevens asked hypothetically in an interview. What youre getting is that children entering kindergarten know a few more letters at the beginning of kindergarten than they otherwise would. It seems to me that we would be better off taking our $10,000 and using that to tackle the environments that are shaping kids in the first months of their lives. Stevens and co-author Elizabeth English started by asking experts in the field which early-childhood studies they considered to be most important. Perry Preschool is a well-known study that has tracked children from their toddler years to middle-age. Boston and Tulsa, Okla. have been the sites of research in prekindergarten research. The Chicago Child-Parent Center study also tracked participants well into adulthood. And Abecedarian was a study of a high-quality child care program that participants entered as infants and left when they started kindergarten. The other early-childhood programs included in the report are the Abbott Preschool Program in New Jersey; Georgias pre-K program; the Head Start Impact study; a study of the Nurse-Family Partnership, a home-visiting program ; and a study of Tennessees state-run preschool program. The report goes into detail on each program, noting that many of them had very different features. For example, Boston, Tulsa and Tennessee, generally look like many state-run pre-K programs. Perry Preschool, however, despite having preschool in the name, offered center-based education as only one of its interventions. A weekly home-visiting component was also an important component. The Nurse-Family Partnership program, in contrast to Perry and to state pre-K programs, had no preschool component. The interventions started with women who were pregnant for the first time and continued until their child turned two. The report also goes into detail on the strengths and weaknesses of the different research methods used by the scientists who were tracking program outcomes. Randomized control trials, which allow researchers to compare children who enrolled in a program to children who did not, are called the most rigorous method for determining a programs impact. Other methods have flaws that mean the findings have to be examined closely, the report says: Research results are often reported as though they are universal truths, rather than findings from a particular study of a particular program in a particular context. Nonexperts--including parents, policymakers, and the general public--often fail to realize the extent to which the reported results are uncertain, shaped by the specific methods that generate them, and speak only to narrowly tailored questions. In other words, while research findings may be presented in black-and-white terms, especially in policy conversations around early childhood, those findings have more gray and less relevance than is often acknowledged. The most rigorous studies that show long-term positive impacts are Perry Preschool, the Nurse-Family Partnership and Abecedarian, Stevens concludesand none of those programs looks like todays average state pre-K. What they do have in common is that the programs worked closely with families, and with very young children. Stevens says she believes programs for children younger than age 4 have not received the same attention as prekindergarten, because prekindergarten has a built-in set of supporters: local school systems, teachers unions, and state superintendents among them. Theres a whole set of alliances around adding pre-K in a way that there isnt around advancing the understanding that child care is a really crucial early-childhood prorgram, she said. The analysis also argues that researchers need to focus more on the long-term impact of programs, and should try more innovative research approaches. Rather than spending tens of billions of dollars to scale up unproven programs, the federal government can contribute most effectively by helping build the knowledge base needed to support future investment, the report said. Reno County sees a spike in drug and alcohol overdoses during October The 27 overdoses through Oct. 21 is an average of more than one a day, the highet average since officials began tracking the data real time. Students who receive testing accommodations could get new protections when they take state-required college admissions exams, under proposed draft regulations for the Every Student Succeeds Act. Draft regulations released earlier this month by the U.S. Department of Education acknowledge a growing problem as states increasingly embrace the SAT or ACT as their official high school test, and require it of all students. If finalized, the rules would require states to show that students are being treated equally when their states require them to take the SAT or ACT. As EdWeek reported in February, the College Board and ACT have denied many students the testing accommodations theyre used to, putting students with disabilities in a tough spot when their states require them to take those exams . In some states, students must choose: take the test without their normal supports and risk a compromised score, or insist on their normal accommodations and give up the chance to use the score for college admissions, as their fellow students can do. That accommodations disparity caught the eye of the U.S. Department of Justice , which had begun collecting information on the accommodations practices of ACT and the College Board (and other testmakers). Testing Accommodations Under the Every Student Succeeds Act Enter ESSA, the latest incarnation of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. One of its new provisions, as EdWeek highlighted last fall, allows states and districts to use a nationally recognized high school assessment for accountability instead of its statewide test. Lots of questions began to float about what that would mean, but one question, in particular, focused on how well tests like the SAT and ACT can measure mastery of a states academic standards. Thats not, after all, what college-entrance exams were designed to do. The latest turn of events came out of the negotiated rulemaking process for ESSA. As our Politics K-12 blog explains , thats a process that puts appointed panelists in a room, gives them some guidance, and asks them to come up with draft regulations on certain portions of the new law. If they cant, which is the most typical outcome, the Education Department drafts regulations itself. One of the issues that negotiated rulemakingknown among insiders as neg reg"tried to tackle was a set of assessment provisions in ESSA. That nationally recognized high school assessment provision is one of them. After a couple of rounds of meetings, the Education Department drafted some regulatory language based on what the negotiators had discussed so far. These arent set in stone; Theyre guidance for further discussion , and must still appear in the Federal Register for comment. But its notable that language about the accommodations disparities now appears in those draft regulations. Its a sign that federal officials are watching that situation. Draft Regulations for High School Testing Under ESSA Heres a link to all 25 pages of proposed regulations on assessment , dealing with questions about 8th grade math testing, testing for students with disabilities and English-learners, and other issues. If all you want is the section about the nationally recognized high school assessment, thats been excerpted in this five-page section . So here are the notable draft-regulation tidbits about that new provision of ESSA that allows a nationally recognized high school assessment, with some semi-flippant EdWeek air quotes to help with translation. Before allowing a district to use such a test, states must ensure that the use of appropriate accommodations ... does not deny any student the opportunity to participate in the assessment or afford any benefit from such participation that is not equal to the benefit afforded to students who do not use such accommodations. EdWeek air quotes: You cant put students in a situation where some come out with a college-reportable score and some dont. Whats the definition of a nationally recognized high school assessment? Its an assessment of student knowledge and skills of high school students that is administered in multiple states and used by institutions of higher education in those states for the purposes of entrance into postsecondary education or training programs or courses of study or for placement into courses in postsecondary education or training programs or courses of study. EdWeek air quotes: Yes, this probably includes PARCC and Smarter Balanced, since theyre given in multiple states and usedat least in some statesto place students into college courses. Could this mean that districts could use PARCC or Smarter Balanced in high school instead of the test their state picked? An interesting question, though maybe not too likely to move from the abstract to the real world, since states are dropping consortium tests most often at the high school level. A few other notable tidbits from the draft regulatory language on testing: Sorry but the page you are looking for does not exist, have been removed. name changed or is temporarily unavailable. Mount Greylock School Building Committee Discusses Design Details Stephen Wentworth, third from left, attends Thursday's meeting of the School Building Committee. He is slated to fill a vacancy on the committee. WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. The Mount Greylock School Building Committee on Thursday started digging into the nitty gritty of design work that will produce a final plan for the district's addition/renovation project. Although the broad strokes of the project were hashed out in the project's feasibility and schematic design phase, much of the detail work was saved until after the district and the Massachusetts School Building Authority knew that the project had local voters' approval, which it won last month. On Thursday night, architect Dawn Guarriello took the committee through some of the design refinements that have been made since the schematic design was submitted to MSBA. The committee also discussed the role of working groups looking at items ranging from locker choices to materials to how to incorporate the stained-glass pieces that have been produced by Mount Greylock students over the years and which adorn the current junior-senior high school. Principal Mary MacDonald said subgroups are being formed to address specific parts of the building, incorporating input from faculty, staff, students and community members. To further outreach to the last group, co-Chairwoman Paula Consolini is developing an online form that will be posted on the Friends of the Mount Greylock Building Project Facebook page. Committee member Richard Cohen emphasized that the School Building Committee should have an opportunity to review decisions being made by the working groups, particularly those that can impact cost. "Anything that impacts cost estimating we would absolutely bring to your attention," said Guarriello, part of the team at Perkins Eastman. Also on the subject of cost, the district's construction manager told the committee about how the project will be tracking "value engineering" ideas during the final design and construction phase. Turner Construction's Ziobrowski also talked about an ambitious construction timeline that hopes to complete asbestos abatement this summer in the building's "central spine" the area between the auditorium and gymnasium that will be completely renovated in the building project. "The goal is to have all the abatement done before the kids go back to school," Ziobrowski said. "We know it's a stretch, but that's the goal. In mid-September, once school starts, the [interior] demolition really goes to town. I know it's a loud operation, and we'll be as sensitive as we can, installing masonry walls that are somewhat soundproof." Much of that abatement will take place in an area where the current Tri-District administration is located. One of the first moves later this spring and early summer will be to relocate the offices of the Tri-District staff, a move that raised a question from Cohen. Cohen asked whether the school committees that govern the Tri-District Mount Greylock, Williamstown Elementary and Lanesborough Elementary had been consulted about whether it made sense to move the Tri-District offices to temporary quarters at Mount Greylock only to move them again when the school's current academic wings are torn down as part of the add/reno project. From Day 1, it has been understood that the central administration would be relocated off-site. The MSBA does not pay for square footage used to house district administration. "When we talked about phasing, we found we were able to take advantage of the vast real estate Mount Greylock has," MacDonald said. "That might be the right decision," Cohen said. "The administration may have discussed this. [Mount Greylock School Committee Chairwoman] Carrie Greene may have been involved. But this is a decision that should have been made by this committee and the Tri-District committees. "It really is not something that is in the purview of the administration." Superintendent Douglas Dias said Cohen raised a good point and that he would pursue the question with the district's counsel to make sure the decision process is proper. In other business on Thursday, the School Building Committee was informed that Chris Galib is stepping down from the body. Stephen Wentworth has volunteered to take her place in the chair reserved for a member of Lanesborough's Finance Committee; Wentworth attended Thursday's meeting but is unable to vote on the committee until the Mount Greylock School Committee approves a new roster. Rachel Sussman's use of resin and gold powder technique captures the cracks in the museum's pavement for her 'Sidewalk Kintsukuroi' photography series. Mass MoCA Show Challenges Visitors to Consider 'Space Between' NORTH ADAMS, Mass. The galleries at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art are renowned for the challenging, inventive creations featured in them, but a new show at the museum challenges visitors to pay attention to the areas between the galleries. With "The Space Between," which opens on Saturday, April 16, Williams Graduate curatorial intern Nina Wexelblatt has fashioned an experience that takes advantage of the parts of a museum experience that are not often focused on what happens as you move from one exhibit to another. Wexelblatt says she was inspired by the building and campus themselves, which display a level of character that most museum buildings, built for their specific purpose, do not have. Wexelblatt's own visits to the museum, her own interaction with the space, also informed her conception for the show. "I was also inspired by my weird experience of coming to Mass MoCA and even after many visits still being disoriented, and maybe getting lost or wandering," she said. "I wanted to do a show that could only be in a kind of space like this, and also something that would harness that disorientation or make that wandering quality productive, or make it something unexpected, and that would reward aimlessness or getting lost or stumbling on something." Wexelblatt chose a group of artists whose work had already dealt in some capacity with the concepts of the in-between, of gaps and absences, which resulted in some sight-specific installations, as well as some adaptations of previous work, as with Rachel Sussman's use of resin and gold powder to fill in the cracks in one of the museum's courtyard, a technique she used for her "Sidewalk Kintsukuroi" photography series. Andy Graydon will install a sound piece in the light well between the Sol Lewitt gallery and Building 5, consisting of human voices offering incomplete art proposals for the actual space the sound art exists in. Each landing of the three-story staircase feature a different channel of audio. Amalia Pica's "Stabile #2 (with confetti)," features a scattering of confetti on the floor of the museum lobby, greeting visitors even as it hints that they might have missed the party. "Her practice is a lot about communication and miscommunication, and what the physical remnants of that communication could look like," Wexelblatt said. "Maybe people would become more sensitive to not just what's presented, but maybe the way that things are put together the structure of those experiences, the structure of communication, the structure of movement, in a way that they are not always trained to be aware of." Walead Beshty's sculpture is actually a display of a glass cube that has been shipped inside a FedEx Box, along with the box itself. It's a collaboration with the invisible workers of shipping companies that get our packages from one place to another. Amalia Pica's 'Stabile (with confetti)' greets visitors even as it hints that they might have missed the party. "They're not art handlers, so it cracks and breaks," said Wexelblatt, "and there's scuff marks and stickers that get put on the box and then it's displayed alongside the box that has these cracks and things along the surface of it. It's investigating the in-betweens of these invisible systems. It becomes an index of the treatment where you don't see it at all, you never think about what happens in transit. But there it is, this object that makes visible all the things that happened in transit. It's evidence of that in-between space." Wexelblatt also included work in the show that is not properly on the Mass MoCA campus, as with Edson Chagas' billboard installation, featuring two photographs of found objects, one taken in his homeland of Luanda, Angola, and one taken in London. The billboard is currently on Route 8, but will move to the corner of River and Marshall streets in May. IND vs PAK: 'It Has to be One of India's Best Knocks Not Just His' - Rohit Sharma Hails Virat Kohli 'He Is a Big Player Because He Overcame That Pressure'- Babar Azam Praises Virat Kohli After India's Win 'It Was Undoubtedly the Best innings of Your Life': Sachin Tendulkar on Virat Kohli's Knock Against Pakistan Watch: Rohit Sharma Lifts Virat Kohli After India's Nerve-shredding Win Over Pakistan in T20 World Cup The parent-trigger movement that allows parents to petition to take over failing schools is hitting obstacles in California because the system to determine if schools are indeed failing is in transition. In 2010, California was the first state to pass a so-called parent-trigger law , which allows parents to overhaul schools that are determined as failing by turning them into charters, removing the administration, or taking other measures. Its also the only state, out of six that have such laws, to successfully execute a campaign. But now California school officials and parent advocates have different opinions about how to figure out which, if any, schools are actually failing and are subject to parent-trigger campaigns. Two school districtsLos Angeles Unified and Anaheim Cityrejected parent-trigger petitions because, they argue, the test scores are outdated. It gets a little bit technical: California is moving to a new accountability system, which, in part, will incorporate the results of the Smarter Balanced assessments that began in spring 2015. Under the parent-trigger law, California has used adequate yearly progress, or AYPa measure under the federal No Child Left Behind law that is being phased out to determine if a school is failing. But California froze its 2013 scores when it switched to the new testing system, meaning the test results are several years old. The latest AYP scores dont even include test resultsonly participation, attendance, or graduation figures. Two school districts have argued that those test results are too old to use for a parent-trigger campaign. In the Anaheim case, a judge ruled last year in favor of the parents, saying that the older test scores should count in allowing for parent-trigger efforts. The decision is under appeal. (Heres a story I wrote about Anaheim when I was working for EdSource last year .) In Los Angeles Unified, district officials recently rejected a petition by the 20th Street Elementary Schoo l, saying test scores were outdated so the school did not qualify for an overhaul. Parent Revolution , a group that organized that schools parents, is using the Anaheim court ruling to dispute the districts decision. You cant just rule a statewide law out of existence, said Gabe Rose, chief strategy officer for the California-based group that has served as a national leader in the movement. California isnt alone in changing accountability methods. States across the country have switched in the past few years to new testing systems. Plus, Congress last year passed the new Every Student Succeeds Act, which replaces the NCLB law and will affect states accountability systems. John Rogers, an education professor at the University of California-Los Angeles who has researched the parent-trigger movement, said he thinks the California cases point to a bigger issue: The long and slow and painful death of parent trigger, he said. Rogers said he started his research without knowing if the parent-trigger movement was working. But now he believes the parent-trigger movement has been unable to make widespread change, both in California and nationwide, as it was intended to do. See Education Weeks snapshots of the parent-trigger attempts in California as of last year . State lawmakers and board of education members have been slow to take up the issue because they dont see it as a viable threat, Rogers said. It doesnt have much power anymore, Rogers said. It seems to be a sideshow to either district-level reform or charter reform. It never really made much sense. Rose disagrees about the effectiveness of the parent-trigger movement. I dont think parent trigger is being uniquely ignored [in California], Rose said. I think the state is working very, very, very slowly on anything with accountability right now. Meanwhile, other states have had little success in passing parent-trigger laws in recent years. As of last month, four states had introduced parent-trigger bills in 2016 legislative sessions, but no action had been taken this year. A fifth state, Illinois, sent a bill to a legislative committee on April 5. But nothing has happened in committee on that bill so far, said Rep. John Anthony, who introduced the bill, in an email. Rose said his group continues to have conversations with other states about joining the parent-trigger efforts. But he blames teachers unions and other groups for stalling such plans. The people in power having taken power away from [parents], Rose said. Education Week has been tracking the parent-trigger movement since it started. Here are some of our stories: Contact Sarah Tully at stully@epe.org . Follow @ParentAndPublic for the latest news on schools and parental involvement. Dont miss another K-12 Parents and the Public post. Sign up here to get news alerts in your email inbox. 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 By Emmanuel Felton Updated. A California appeals court, reversing a trial courts ruling in the landmark Vergara case , has found that Californias job-protection laws for teachers do not in fact violate the state constitutions equal protection guarantee. The appeals court ruled April 14 that the plaintiffs in the Vergara case had failed to prove sufficiently that the states teacher-employment laws, including tenure and termination provisions, inevitably cause a certain group of students to receive an education inferior to the education received by other students. In a unanimous decision, the panel of three judges ruled that while the job-protection laws may in fact lead to the employment and retention of more bad teachers, the statues say nothing about how those ineffective teachers are assigned. Critically, plaintiffs failed to show that the statutes themselves make any certain group of students more likely to be taught by ineffective teachers than any other group of students, wrote Presiding Justice Roger Boren. The trial courts rulingciting a California Department of Education report that established that high-poverty schools were far more likely to employ high numbers of ineffective teachershad given credence to the notion that there was a so-called dance of the lemons in school districts because administrators were restricted from terminating poorly performing teachers. The appellate judges ruled, however, that the department of education report never suggested that the employment-law statutes caused those disparities. They instead placed blame on the counterproductive hiring and placement practices of district administrators. This phenomenon is extremely troubling and should not be allowed to occur, the justices argued. But it does not inevitably flow from the challenged statutes, and therefore cannot provide the basis for a facial challenge to the statutes. While the appeals courts ruling notes that the plaintiffs did successfully highlight some of the issues with tenure and seniority protections, the prime culprit for the concentration of ineffective teachers in poor and minority schools, the court concluded, is individual staffing decisions. The plaintiffs case was originally funded by a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, David Welch, and brought by the group Students Matter , a California nonprofit that aims to use impact legislation to improve schools. The case had cemented strong divisions between influential education-advocacy groups, becoming a veritable litmus test for competing approaches to school improvement. The original ruling had been stayed pending the appeal, so the laws remained largely unchanged. The decision comes just hours after a similar suit was filed in Minnesota . The plaintiffs in the Vergara case are expected to appeal the decision to the California Supreme Court. For more on the Vergara case: Nearly two years after California superior court judge Rolf M. Treu struck down five key sections of Californias job-protection laws for teachersa ruling that has spawned copycat lawsuits in other statesan appeals court in Los Angeles yesterday completely overturned his verdict. In a unanimous decision the three-judge panel ruled that Treu had erred in finding that the challenged provisionswhich grant teachers due process rights, establish the time framework for schools to make tenure decisions at 18 months, and require school districts to lay off teachers based on senioritywere the root cause of the troubling pattern of poor and minority students being more likely to get taught by ineffective teachers. Not surprisingly given the history of the case , the new ruling in the Vergara v. California case has been met with conflicting reactionsas well as vows on both sides to press for change. In a statement, the California Teachers Association, declared the opinion a stinging rebuke to the allegations made and millions of dollars spent by wealthy anti-union education reformers to bypass voters, parents, and the legislature with harmful education policy changes. But the backers of the suit lambasted the rulings logic and vowed to take their fight to the states highest court. Every student deserves a great public education; yet Californias education laws make this impossible , said David Welch, the Silicon Valley entrepreneur who helped fund the suit. Today, the courts failed to safeguard students constitutional rights. I hope and expect that the California Supreme Court will step in and protect the rights of millions of students across California. The Court of Appeals decision mistakenly blames local school districts for the egregious constitutional violations students are suffering each and every day, added Theodore J. Boutrous, Jr., lead counsel for the plaintiffs. But the mountain of evidence we put on at trial provedbeyond any reasonable disputethat the irrational, arbitrary, and abominable laws at issue in this case shackle school districts and impose severe and irreparable harm on students. We are disappointed by the Court of Appeals decision today, but expect that the California Supreme Court will have the final say. Other observers focused on the practical aspects of the ruling and the school-equity issues that remain at stake. Im sad, not because of the decision necessarily, but I just hope that the conversation doesnt die with it, said Katharine Strunk, an associate professor at the University of Southern Californias Rossier School of Education. The research is incontrovertible, every piece of high-quality research says that the kids who need it the most arent being served well. It doesnt matter if the laws are unconstitutional or not, we must tackle that head on. American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten argued that the ruling places the onus on administrators to address those issues . When it comes to tenure and due process, these are essential protections for teachers to do their jobs, but they should never be used as a cloak for incompetence or an excuse for managers not to manage, said Weingarten. This is what the court ultimately found when it concluded many school districts are able to use the existing law effectivelyit is not the law that is the problem, but rather the administration of the law. Heres the simple truth: We cannot fire or sanction our way to high-quality schools. We stand ready to roll up our sleeves and do the hard work necessary for every public school to be a place where parents want to send their children, where educators want to work and where children thrive. Weingarten said that, moving forward, districts and states should be focusing on the very real teacher shortage problem. John Rogers, a professor at the University of California at Los Angeless education school who had supported an amicus brief opposing the original ruling, echoed that point. To some extent the decision puts to rest a case that was always in something of a time warp, said Rogers. The case arose out of a set of political dynamics that were created by the recession and budget cuts. We are in a very different political context now, as we struggle with how to deal with the teacher shortage. The critical issue is getting more people who are deeply committed and well-trained into the profession and supporting them through their careers. Teacher shortages, Rogers asserts, are felt hardest in schools that primarily serve poor and minority students. I was in Los Angeles during the late 1990s and early 2000s after the legislature decided to decrease class sizes, despite the fact that so many teachers were retiring, said Rogers. In south Los Angeles districts like Lynwood, Compton, and Inglewood, more than 50 percent of teachers lacked a credential. We need to find ways to address the shortage and do it equitably. While the case will almost certainly be appealed to the state Supreme Court, Lily Eskelsen Garciapresident of the National Education Association, the nations largest teachers unionargued that the best solutions to these types of equity problems wont come from the courts . The Vergara v. State of California lawsuit was an example of using our court system for political goals. The unanimous three-judge panels opinion states it clearly. The plaintiffs caseinstead of addressing and proposing solutions to the real problemsfocused on the wrong issues, proposed the wrong solutions, and used the wrong legal process, she said in a statement. Ensuring that every student gets a good education is a critical goal but one that cant be solved with stripping our teachers of their rights. Today was a win for our educators, our schools and most importantly, our students. USCs Strunk is less sure. What Ive been saying about Vergara all along is I dont know if its right for the courts to do this, she said. But weve been trying for years to fix this in the legislature and through the proposition system. If you look at polls, they consistently say that the public does not agree with tenure laws as is, but we cant make a change in Sacramento. I hope that regardless of what happens with the Supreme Court that this will serve as a wake up call for legislatures. We need to really be thinking hard about how we staff schools. The research is clear, she added. We know providing good teachers is the most important thing we can do in schools. Press Release: IMF Reaches Staff-Level Agreement with Tunisia on a Four-Year US$2.8 Billion Extended Fund Facility End-of-Mission press releases include statements of IMF staff teams that convey preliminary findings after a visit to a country. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMFs Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF's Executive Board for discussion and decision. Press Release No. 16/168 April 15, 2016 Mr. Amine Mati, Mission Chief for Tunisia at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), issued the following statement in Washington today: I am pleased to announce that, in support of the governments comprehensive economic reform agenda, the Tunisian authorities and IMF staff have reached a staff-level agreement on a 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for 375 percent of Tunisias quota in the IMF (about $2.8 billion). This agreement will be subject to approval by the IMFs Executive Board, which is expected to consider Tunisia's request next month. The EFF supports the authorities economic vision and reform priorities spelled out in the forthcoming Five-Year Development Plan. The governments economic program recognizes the importance of accelerating the pace of economic reforms for Tunisia to reduce vulnerabilities, boost growth, and foster sustainable job creation. Preserving macroeconomic stability, modernizing public institutions, boosting private sector activity, and reinforcing the stability and efficiency of the financial sector are essential to achieve higher inclusive growth and make a significant dent in unemployment, particularly for the youth. To this end, the Fund-supported program focuses on boosting public investment, making the tax system more equitable and fair, and improving access to finance for small businesses. Building on the achievements of the previous program, the EFF seeks to re-orient public expenditure towards priority investments and to improve public service delivery through a comprehensive civil service reform that also contains the wage bill. Near-term priorities include the approval of draft legislation aimed at strengthening central bank independence and banking sector stability; the completion of the restructuring of the three public sector banks to ensure that they operate on a sustainable footing; and the adoption of an equity-enhancing tax strategy. With the implementation of these policies, Tunisia will be better placed to address economic challenges and mitigate risks that could arise from a worsening international economic environment or rising regional security tensions. Overall, the EFF will help the Tunisian authorities achieve their objectives of generating faster and more inclusive growth, reduce regional inequalities, and raise the living standards of all Tunisians. IMF Survey : Conflicts and the Refugee Crisis: An International Call for Action More than 23 million people in the Middle East are displaced due to conflict Massive scale, pace of the current refugee crisis require a collective international response and stepped up financial support Host countries need to scale-up labor market reforms to better integrate refugees Efforts to deal with the current and unprecedented refugee crisis require a bigger, bolder, and broader approach the IMFs Christine Lagarde told a seminar at the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings. 2016 IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings This is a humanitarian crisis of huge scale requiring collective and massive action, Lagarde said. The financing volumes and levels of government support need to be bigger than what people think of at the moment, she added. The seminar Conflicts and the Refugee Crisis: an International Call for Action brought together senior national policymakers, members from international organizations, and other stakeholders to identify key policy responses to build awareness of the need for scaled-up and robust international cooperation. The panelists also discussed the impact of the crisis on source, transit, and host countries. Many of the refugees stem from the current Syrian conflict which alone has produced nearly five million refugeesthe majority of which fled to Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan. Europe has also experienced an unprecedented surge of asylum seekers, with about 1.2 million entering the European Union in 2015. Lagarde stressed that all the international institutions have to be a part of the equation and need to develop policies on how to best integrate the influx of refugees into labor markets fairly. For countries that are able to integrate refugees into the workforce, the influx can boost growth potential, Lagarde said, citing IMF research that showed that long-term growth could increase by 0.2 percent on average in the European Union. In a region where average growth is about 1.5 percent, 0.2 percent is worth looking at, she added. The current crisis is not something that matters only to Lebanon, Jordan or Germany, but it matters to everyone. Security and hosting refugees is a public good, Lagarde emphasized. Panelists discuss the economic and political challenges of hosting refugees (photo: IMF) A Humanitarian Crisis Kyung-wha Kang, a United Nations Assistant Secretary-General agreed with Lagarde that the response has to be more of a collective endeavor. Over 42,000 people every day get displaced because of conflict, violence or persecution, she said. The Assistant Secretary-General reminded the audience that other countries are also dealing with conflicts, such as Iraq and Afghanistan. She went on to say that before the Syrian crisis, we always talked about the Democratic Republic of the Congo as the largest conflict-related displacement situation, but now due to the scale of this current refugee crisis, the DRC has dropped off the radar even though conflicts and displacements continue. Kang added that the speed of migration hitting the shores of Europe and neighboring Arab countries is one of the biggest challenges policymakers are facing. Kristalina Georgieva, Vice President of the European Commission, talked about Europes experience, which is in the process of adopting a four-pillar approach aimed at building a much stronger Europe to cope with these shocks of migration flows. The plan, which is still under talks, consists of harmonizing asylum policies, particularly in terms of social benefits and access to labor markets; securing external borders; combating human trafficking; and tackling the root causes of displacement. Integrating Refugees Jordan has historically supported refugee inflows across their borders for decades and has borne the majority of refugees from Syrias civil war. Jordans Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Imad Fakhoury, cited Jordanian citizens as being truly heroes because of their constant hospitable approach welcoming their Arab brothers and sisters into our borders over many decades. Fakhoury mentioned that Jordan has adopted a holistic approach of integrating the refugees into the labor market. The country recently opened up certain sectors of the economy to allow Syrians to find work. We have found a way to expand the economic pie of Jordan but not displace Jordanians from their own jobs, he said. Nevertheless, with a high debt-to-GDP ratio at around 90 percent, the 1.3 million Syrians displaced in Jordan is taking a heavy toll on the countrys finances, said Fakhoury, who is seeking financial support from the international community to sustain its economy and infrastructure. Fakhoury emphasized that countries like Jordan should be recognized for their efforts and sacrifices, but should not be left to shoulder the burden alone. Ian Bremmer, President of Eurasia Group, agreed with the Ministers call for collective action but argued that there should be less focus on great powers and more focus on what can be done to help support the local and regional powers who are clearly going to be forced to bear 99 percent of this burden. Lagarde agreed that the IMF is working on making better policy recommendations that give countries affected by the refugee crisis credit for making changes that are macro-critical. Responding to a question from an audience member about the IMFs role on women and girls in refugee situations, she said its not mainstream business to focus on [these types of] issues, but the membership understands that many of these issues have macroeconomic dimensions. I will continue to raise my voice wherever I can, she concluded. IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde asking the panel to recognize Jordans consistent efforts throughout the crisis (photo: IMF) Imperial Valley News Center Marketers of Indoor Tanning Systems to Pay Refunds to Consumers Washington, DC - The Illinois-based marketers of Mercola-brand indoor tanning systems will pay refunds to consumers and will be permanently banned from marketing or selling indoor tanning systems, under a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission. In the FTCs complaint, which was filed in federal court, the Commission charged that Dr. Joseph Mercola and his two companies ran ads claiming that their indoor tanning systems are safe, that research proves indoor tanning does not increase the risk of melanoma skin cancer, and that their systems which deliver both ultraviolet (UV) light and red light can reverse the appearance of aging. The FTCs complaint alleged that these claims are false, misleading, or unsubstantiated. According to the complaint, the ads also falsely stated that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has endorsed the use of indoor tanning systems as safe, and represented that an organization called the Vitamin D Council has recommended the tanning systems without disclosing that the Council was paid for its endorsement. The Vitality Elite tanning bed sold by Mercola. These types of false claims are especially troubling because of the serious health risks posed by indoor tanning, said Jessica Rich, Director of the FTCs Bureau of Consumer Protection. The fact is, indoor tanning is not safe because it increases the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. According to the FTC, Dr. Mercola and the two companies Mercola.com, LLC and Mercola.com Health Resources, LLC advertised their systems through the Mercola.com website, Google search ads, YouTube videos, and newsletters and claimed that consumers could Slash [Their] Risk of Cancer by tanning indoors and improve the clarity, tone and texture of [their] skin, basically giving [them] a more youthful appearance. The defendants sold several different models of indoor tanning systems, intended for home use, including beds, door mount models, and standing systems, with varying numbers of UV lamps. Mercola brand tanning systems include the D-Lite, Sun Splash, Sun Splash Renew, Vitality, Vitality Refresh, and Vitality D-Lite. The systems sold for between $1,200 and $4,000 each. The proposed stipulated final order bans the defendants from marketing or selling indoor tanning systems. It also prohibits them, in connection with the sale of devices other than indoor tanning systems, from making false or unsubstantiated health-related or efficacy claims, from misrepresenting the existence or results of scientific tests or studies, and from falsely claiming that the benefits of such devices are scientifically proven. The proposed order also requires clear and conspicuous disclosure of material connections between the defendants and any individual providing an endorsement or review of such a device. Finally, the defendants must pay refunds to consumers who bought Mercola brand indoor tanning systems between January 1, 2012 and the present. An FTC redress administrator will send refund eligibility notices and claim forms to these consumers. Purchasers who want a refund must return the claim form by the date stated in the letter. The defendants are required to pay a maximum of $5,334,067 to cover the cost of refunds and administration of the refund program. The Commission vote authorizing the filing of the complaint and approving the proposed final order was 3-0. The complaint and proposed final order were filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division. The FTC is a member of the National Prevention Council, which provides coordination and leadership at the federal level regarding prevention, wellness, and health promotion practices. This case advances the National Prevention Strategys goal of increasing the number of Americans who are healthy at every stage of life. These cases are part of the FTCs ongoing efforts to protect consumers from misleading advertising. The Commission files a complaint when it has reason to believe that the law has been or is being violated and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. Stipulated final orders have the force of law when approved and signed by the District Court judge. Imperial Valley News Center New Research Ship Ready for Duty Arlington, Virginia - Amid booming fireworks, steely skies, blustery winds and the joyful cheers from a large crowd of well-wishers the brand-new research vessel Neil Armstrong recently arrived at its new home at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts, officials announced today. During a pierside ceremony featuring remarks from former astronaut Neil Armstrong's widow, Carol, current astronaut Sunita Williams, and Frank Herr, head of the Ocean Battlespace Sensing Department at the Office of Naval Research, spoke about the important work the new research vessel will perform. "Our Navy and our federal partners who use the ship gain great value from the research the ship enables over its life," said Herr. "I estimate that Neil Armstrong will enable more than 11,000 scientific journal articles, generations of scientists who will gain at-sea training while performing work for their graduate degrees, and a huge amount of ocean engineering development for new sensors and devices, which continue to permit our oceanographers to lead the world in understanding the oceans." Since the end of World War II, the U.S. Navy has provided state-of-the-art research ships to select universities and oceanographic institutions to support mutually beneficial scientific studies of the marine environment. The Navy and other federal agencies fund the construction of oceanographic research ships, and provide them to U.S. academic institutions for operational management and use. This allows contributing agencies to take advantage of research opportunities using the entire U.S. academic research fleet -- providing a range of ship sizes and capabilities, cooperative missions and significant cost savings. The Neil Armstrong is operated by Woods Hole, a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to marine research, engineering and higher education, under a charter agreement with ONR. "The U.S. Navy is proud to support the national research fleet by delivering state-of-the-art research vessels like the R/V Neil Armstrong," said Chief of Naval Research Rear Adm. Mat Winter. "The collaborative projects that will be undertaken on the Neil Armstrong highlight the vital partnerships ONR has developed with research institutions and academia." Named after the first person to walk on the moon, Neil Armstrong replaces the R/V Knorr, which Woods Hole operated from 1970 to 2014. Knorr was a celebrated vessel, serving as the command ship during the discovery of deep ocean thermal vents (nicknamed "black smokers") in 1977 and the wreck of RMS Titanic in 1985. Neil Armstrong is a deep-ocean, general-purpose research vessel that will be used for a wide range of scientific studies including ocean chemistry and geology, underwater acoustics, marine biology and ecosystem management, and marine technology. Some of this work will be essential to gaining a greater understanding of the Earth's changing climate and learning more about the environments in which the Navy operates, said Tim Schnoor, who oversees ONR's research vessel programs. The 238-foot Neil Armstrong can sail on cruises as long as 40 days and accommodate 24 scientists in addition to the 20-person crew. The vessel has advanced sonar to map the ocean bottom in greater detail and state-of-the-art meteorological sensors. It also features the latest navigation and ship-positioning systems and a specially designed hull that minimizes bubbles sweeping below it, improving sonar sensing. The ship also runs on clean diesel engines that are more fuel efficient than Knorr's. Neil Armstrong and other Navy-owned vessels are among the largest in the U.S. academic research fleet, enabling research programs around the globe. The ship's first science mission will occur in the North Atlantic Ocean within the next few months. Imperial Valley News Center President Obama and Vice President Joe Biden's Meeting with Prime Minister Edi Rama of Albania Washington, DC - President Obama joined a meeting today between Vice President Biden and Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama. The President, Vice President, and Prime Minister emphasized the importance of Albania's partnership with the United States. The President and Vice President expressed appreciation for the critical role Albania plays in advancing regional security and reaffirmed the importance of keeping the door open to Euro-Atlantic integration for stability in the Balkans. The President and Vice President commended Albania for its leadership in promoting religious tolerance, Albania's important contributions to the international coalition against ISIL, and for the significant steps Albania has taken to counter terrorism and violent extremism. The President, Vice President, and Prime Minister also agreed on the importance of continued reforms in order to advance Albania's European integration. Pennsylvania Legislature Votes to Legalize Medical Marijuana Pennsylvania legislators voted overwhelmingly this week to pass a medical marijuana bill into law, joining the growing group of states to legalize weed in a limited fashion. And it is very limited indeed in Pennsylvania, but the new legislation will address the needs of those who pressed hardest for its passage, a group of parents. The Pennsylvania medical marijuana law was sought by parents of epileptic children with debilitating seizures, some of whom went door to door trying to convince fellow citizens of the need for this legislation to be approved for over a year. Let's look at the details. Pain Relief Although the state Senate first approved a bill legalizing medical marijuana in 2014, it faced continued opposition until now. This week it passed in the House of Representatives by a wide margin, a vote of 149-46. Governor Tom Wolf said he would sign the bill into law on Sunday. Pennsylvania has now become the 24th state to legalize a comprehensive medical marijuana program, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Parents who were concerned about debilitating seizures and who believe a cannabis oil can be calming for their children expressed relief. "Every day we roll the dice on our child's or our loved one's life," said Christine Brann, whose 5-year-old son, Garrett, is diagnosed with a severe form of epilepsy known as Dravet syndrome. Some parents were reportedly in tears after the vote, according to ABC News. Conditional Use The Pennsylvania law would limit marijuana to medical use only -- there are 17 conditions that qualify for cannabis treatment and the forms of consumption will be highly regulated. There will be no marijuana sold for smoking, the traditional method of recreational consumption. But pills, oils, liquid concentrates, edibles and other regulated alternatives will be available. Pennsylvania will collect a 5 percent state tax on all medical marijuana sales. Governor Wolf released a statement after the vote, writing, "Today the House passed SB3, sending the medical marijuana legalization bill to my desk. I am proud and excited to sign this bill that will provide long overdue medical relief to patients and families who could benefit from this treatment. I applaud members of both parties in the House and Senate who have come together to help patients who have run out of medical options and want to thank the thousands of advocates who have fought tirelessly for this cause." Accused? If you live in a state that has not legalized marijuana for medical or recreational use and have been accused of a crime related to its consumption -- or any other crime -- speak to a lawyer. Many criminal defense attorneys consult for free or a minimal fee and will be happy to assess your case. Related Resources: Public Workshop on the Agriculture Sector to Inform Development of the 2030 Target Scoping Plan Update Sacramento, California - California Department of Food and Agriculture, California Natural Resources Agency and California Air Resources Board are jointly hosting a public workshop on the agriculture sector on April 27, 2016. This workshop will support the process to update the AB 32 Scoping Plan to reflect Californias goal to reduce statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030, as directed in Executive Order B-30-15. This workshop builds upon the Natural and Working Lands public workshop held in Sacramento on March 23, 2016. A copy of the presentation and other workshop materials will be available on the Scoping Plan webpage at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/scopingplan/scopingplan.htm Materials will be posted by April 26, 2016, at 5:00 p.m. This workshop is open to the public and full participation by all parties is encouraged: DATE: Wednesday, April 27, 2016 TIME: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm PLACE San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District Central Region Office Governing Board Room 1990 E. Gettysburg Avenue Fresno, California 93726 Directions: http://www.valleyair.org/General_info/Directions_Fresno.htm. A live webcast of the workshop will be available at: http://www.valleyair.org/Workshops/public_workshops_idx.htm. Remote participants will be able to submit e-mail questions during the workshop at an address provided in the presentation. Background on the 2030 Target Scoping Plan Update This public workshop is part of the public process to update the AB 32 Scoping Plan to reflect the Governors Executive Order B-30-15, which establishes a mid-term GHG reduction target for California of 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. All state agencies with jurisdiction over sources of GHG emissions were directed to implement measures to achieve reductions of GHG emissions to meet the 2030 and 2050 targets. ARB was directed to update the AB 32 Scoping Plan to reflect the 2030 target, and therefore, is moving forward with the update process. The mid-term target is critical to help frame the suite of policy measures, regulations, planning efforts, and investments in clean technologies and infrastructure needed to continue driving down emissions. In an effort to further the vision of AB 32, Governor Brown identified key climate change strategy pillars in his January 2015 inaugural address. The pillars recognize that several major areas of the California economy will need to reduce emissions to meet the 2030 greenhouse gas emissions target. One of the key pillars identified by Governor Brown was to ensure that State agencies are managing farm and rangelands, forests and wetlands so they can store carbon. ARB is collecting public comments on the workshop material at http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/scopingplan/scopingplan.htm. The webpage to submit comments will be live beginning on April 27, 2016 at 8:30 am. Environmental Analysis This workshop will serve as a scoping meeting as required by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Pursuant to CEQA and ARBs Certified Regulatory Program (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, 15251(d); Cal. Code Regs., tit. 17, 6000060008), staff is reviewing the Proposed 2030 Target Scoping Plan Update to determine if the proposed project will result in any potentially significant adverse environmental impacts. Staff will provide an overview of ARBs process for preparing the environmental analysis (EA) and its content. Staff welcomes public input at the workshop on the appropriate scope and content of the EA at the beginning of our process, including the reasonably foreseeable methods of compliance with the Proposed 2030 Target Scoping Plan Update, the potential significant adverse impacts associated with the methods of compliance, potential feasible mitigation measures, and feasible alternatives to the proposal that could reduce or eliminate any significant adverse impacts. A Draft EA will be released for a 45-day public review and comment period with the proposed Draft 2030 Target Scoping Plan Update in early Fall of 2016. Comments received at this public workshop will be considered when preparing the CEQA document. If you require a special accommodation or need this document in an alternate format (i.e. Braille, large print) or another language, please contact Rachel Pallatin at 916-324-3502 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , as soon as possible, but no later than 10 business days before the scheduled event/meeting. TTY/TDD/Speech to Speech users may dial 711 for the California Relay Service. California is in a drought emergency. Visit www.SaveOurH2O.org for water conservation tips. You are receiving this single arbcombo email because you are a subscriber to or have made a public comment to one or more of the following lists: capandtrade, cc. Under Secretary Sewall Travels to Mali and Guinea Washington, DC - Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights Sarah Sewall is on travel to Mali and Guinea April 14-21. Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General on Sexual Violence in Conflict Zainab Hawa Bangura will accompany Under Secretary Sewall. In Mali, Under Secretary Sewall will meet with Prime Minister Modibo Keita as well as other government officials, civil society representatives, and members of the diplomatic community to encourage implementation of the 2015 Accord for Peace and Reconciliation and to emphasize U.S. support for ensuring accountability for conflict-related sexual violence. She will also discuss the threat of violent extremism and meet with Malian officials who are drafting the countrys first national action plan to prevent violent extremism. In Guinea, Under Secretary Sewall will meet with senior government officials and civil society representatives to discuss the investigation of the 2009 stadium massacre case, the ongoing challenge of sexual and gender-based violence, and the global threat of violent extremism. She will visit a U.S.-supported program focused on the elimination of female genital mutilation and cutting and meet with survivors and family members of victims of the 2009 stadium massacre. The quality of care among commercial virtual visit companies in the US where patients used websites to request consultations with doctors they have never met via videoconference, telephone or web chat, has been found to be quite varied, according to a new study published online by JAMA Internal Medicine. Such consultations have grown rapidly and the need to develop a regulatory framework or industry standards will partly depend on the level of variation in the quality of care provided, according to the article. So Dr Adam Schoenfeld of the University of California, San Francisco, and co-authors examined variation in the quality of urgent healthcare among eight virtual visit companies. The study used 67 standardised patients who presented to the virtual visit companies with six common acute conditions: ankle pain, streptococcal pharyngitis, viral pharyngitis, acute rhinosinusitis, low back pain and recurrent female urinary tract infection (UTI). The 67 patients completed 599 virtual visits with 157 internal medicine, emergency medicine or family practice physicians from May 2013 to July 2014. This involved 372 videoconference, 170 telephone and 57 web chat encounters. The authors measured the completeness of histories and physical examinations, correct diagnosis and adherence to relevant guidelines in management decisions. Virtual visit physicians asked all the recommended history questions and performed all the recommended physical examination manoeuvres in 417 visits (69.6%) and named the correct diagnosis in 458 visits (76.5%). However, they named the wrong diagnosis in 89 visits (14.8%), or provided no diagnosis in 52 visits (8.7%). Physicians adhered to guidelines for key decisions in just over half of the visits (325, 54.3%), and they referred patients to local bricks-and-mortar healthcare providers in 83 patient encounters (13.9%). The completeness of histories and physical examinations, and the correct diagnosis varied by condition and virtual visit company. Also, variation across websites was greater for viral pharyngitis and acute rhinosinusitis than for streptococcal pharyngitis and low back pain or ankle pain and recurrent UTI. The authors noted that the study limitations included not knowing whether virtual visits were superior to or inferior to in-person visits, the exclusion of some virtual visit companies and the studys sample size. JAMA Intern Med. Published online April 4, 2016. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2015.8248. Medico-legal expert Eileen Barrington SC advises that when responding to Fitness to Practise charges, getting the tone and balance right is key, Lloyd Mudiwa reports. The medical professions disciplinary process can break down into three phases the investigative phase; the hearing itself; and the imposition/confirmation of a sanction by the High Court, Senior Counsel (SC) Eileen Barrington explained at a recent medico-legal conference, and there were factors that needed to be taken into account at each of these stages. Addressing BLMs Reform and Innovation: The future of healthcare regulation and claims in Ireland conference in Dublin last month (March 4), Ms Barrington, who represented Consultant Paediatrician Prof Martin Corbally in his landmark Supreme Court case against the Irish Medical Council in 2014, said the effect of that cases outcome was that its got rid of some of the smaller complaints about communication that dont go on to an inquiry any more. Nonetheless, she added: Following a complaint, the most important advice to give to a medical practitioner is dont do anything. She continued: Contact your indemnifiers, contact your union, take legal advice. Because the first thing that can be done is that the Medical Council writes out looking for your observations and comments, and you fire back a set of angry responses typed up at 1am in the morning and that ends up being a document that you are cross-examined on a year-and-a-half later over a day it can be a bit of a disaster. Thus, she said, doctors needed to approach their medical indemnifier, explain that they had been the subject of a complaint and ask for advice as to how to address that complaint. Frequently, medical practitioners are aghast to be the subject of a complaint, and if they do respond on their own perhaps dont fully appreciate that their responses would be communicated to the complainant. Therefore, its very important to consider the tone of the response thats going to be made. A complainant may, for example, say they were the subject of a sexual assault during the course of a procedure and a doctor will say what is she talking about doesnt she appreciate that I saved her life, which, of course, is neither here nor there, and doesnt in fact address the issue at all, and starts the medical practitioner off completely on the wrong foot. Apology Considering the question, tone, and the topical issue, an apology also must be considered. Apology was a difficult thing, she acknowledged. In these initial observations and comments it is important to try and achieve some balance in relation to a complaint, because the potential range of outcomes of disciplinary inquiries is much greater than a standard litigation where a person brings proceedings and has to prove their case. First of all, disciplinary inquiries are much less formal than court proceedings and rules of evidence are far more relaxed. The range of possible outcomes is much greater you could be struck off or simply be the subject of a lower sanction of advice or admonishment. But even a lower sanction could be a significant problem, particularly for younger doctors, in subsequently moving through the ranks and reaching consultant status, Barrington cautioned. So it may be that the sanction is a low one but the finding itself is particularly significant and can be very damaging for a medical practitioner. A practitioner has to consider to what extent am I going to acknowledge that any of this happened, or am I going to say nothing at all and put the complainant on proof. Insight The difficulty with that approach was that if the complainant succeeded, then the doctor appeared as if they had been obstructive and not shown sufficient insight into the complaint, Barrington advised. The problem, she added, was getting a balance between demonstrating an insight and making unnecessary concessions. In my view it is best to, somewhere in the observations and comments, if there has been some degree of wrongdoing, to acknowledge it. On the other hand, there are cases where it is best to say nothing at all. If its an allegation, say of sexual assault, thats denied, well then denial is the only thing thats required to be put in. She said a problem often encountered was where a complaint was made against a consultant and it was a member of their team that was responsible for an error that had occurred, and the consultant had the understandable and admirable response of wishing to apologise for what his team member has done. What we often find is that a consultant apologises because an outcome hasnt been good for a patient and thereby they are taking responsibility for the outcome, because it is their team [that is] responsible. So then the consultant finds themself cross-examined on what exactly they are apologising for, if at the same time they are going to say Actually, I personally didnt do anything wrong at all, which is ultimately what they are going to be saying when it comes to defending the allegations directed personally at them. Barrington said she had seen cases where so much information was volunteered: while the clinical notes were fairly scanty, a midwife took it upon herself to recreate exactly what she said had happened with a timeline and detailed notes and put this all in, in a bid to prove the case against her. Of course, the experts and prosecution authority were then able to rely on exactly what she said had occurred to criticise her. They wouldnt have known all that just from the records that were being kept, Barrington observed. She added: So there is balance to be achieved, and in coming to that balance it is important to have assistance to get the tone right to display some insight and to make admissions, if its appropriate, and to consider the long-term consequences of the admissions, because this is the key document thats going to give rise to cross-examination if the matter proceeds to an inquiry, and it will go on to inquiry if its a serious complaint at all. 'We Got Robbed': Pakistani Twitter Had a Meltdown Over 'Controversial' No Ball to Virat Kohli Judge Sides With LA Archdiocese: Katy Perry Could Own Convent Pop star Katy Perry has been trying to buy a convent in Los Angeles, but the five nuns who live there opposed the sale. Meanwhile, the local archdiocese says they decide who buys. Now a judge has sided with church officials and Perry seems primed to buy the property. According to a CNN report with a remarkable number of the star's song titles, LA Superior Court Judge Stephanie Bowick threw out a prior sale by the nuns. But they say they may appeal, so Perry's deal is not quite sealed. Sisters of the Immaculate Heart The five nuns living in the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Convent promised this property to an LA restaurateur, Dana Hollister, for $15.5 million. Perry's offer was reportedly only $14.5 million, yet the archdiocese sought to block the sale to Hollister. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles explained why it turned to the court in a statement. The restaurateur reportedly wasn't putting up much money, despite offering more than Perry. "The Archdiocese was forced to take legal action to protect all the five sisters from being taken advantage of by the Dana Hollister transaction in which Hollister improperly took possession of their property for only $44,000 in cash and a contingent promissory note," church officials said. Why All the Fuss? Remember, it's Los Angeles, so even the convent has a swimming pool and apparently "a sweeping view of the San Gabriel Mountains." The nuns are said to prefer Hollister as the buyer because Perry, raised Catholic, is too zazzy for their taste. A lawyer for the star said he is confident the sale will go forward now. If money is the issue for the Archdiocese, Perry is certainly the solution. Only the all-powerful Taylor Swift is her rival when it comes to earnings, and last year Perry beat Swift in the money game, making $135 million. She appeared on the cover of Forbes in a blazer embroidered with dollar signs, triumphant. Maybe next year, they'll do the shoot from her convent with the sweeping mountain view. Follow FindLaw for Consumers on Facebook and Twitter (@FindLawConsumer). Related Resources: 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 }} Emilia Clarke faces a new round of questioning about Game of Thrones sex and nudity this month, with season 6 launching, and by this point shes come up with a pretty convincing answer. Rather than cut down on the number of naked women, she thinks there should be more opportunity to objectify the men. "There's plenty of female nudity [on Game of Thrones], myself included, and I feel like I think we should get some equal male nudity and female nudity," she told Conan OBrien on his chat show. "I think it is a discussion that should be had." Somewhat shyly, she concluded: Free the penis. Game of Thrones season 6 stills Show all 26 1 /26 Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills HELEN SLOAN / HBO Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills HELEN SLOAN / HBO Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Her comments echo ones she made to Glamour earlier this month, joking that if she were behind the camera she would: "bring back all the pretty boys, get them to take their trousers down, and be like, 'I'm now the queen of everything! I'd like close-ups of all the boys' penises, please.'" Season 6 of the show begins on 24 April with an episode called The Red Woman, it will be simulcast on HBO and Sky Atlantic in the US and UK. 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 first image to be released from Hollywood's Ghost in the Shell remake has incited a backlash from fans of the seminal anime film bemoaning Scarlett Johansson's casting. The first look at the American actor's character has sparked fresh outrage from those who last year campaigned aginst producers' decision to cast the Avengers actor in the lead role as cyborg policewoman Major Kusanagi, The Guardian reports. Leading the commentary against Johansson's casting is Asian actor Ming Na-Wen, the voice of Disney's Mulan who can currently be seen on Marvel television series Agents of SHIELD. Some fans of the 1995 original went so far as to express potential plans to boycott the film. Ghost in the Shell began life as a popular manga comic series, with the film - directed by Mamoru Oshii - serving as a clear influence on esteemed Hollywood films such as The Matrix and Avatar. The remake will see Mitsuhisa Ishikawa's animation studio Production I.G. return to assist in the translation of the visceral sci-fi world depicted in the original. Rupert Sanders (Snow White & the Huntsman) will direct Johansson in the live-action remake which has begun shooting in New Zealand. Co-starring Michael Pitt and Juliette Binoche, the film is due to be released in the UK on 31 March 2017. 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 }} It's a scene every Star Wars fan remembers with a heavy heart - Obi-Wan Kenobi is mowed down by Darth Vader in the first Star Wars film Episode IV - A New Hope (1977). While ultimately serving a purpose to the story - through his death, Kenobi became a guiding presence to Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) on his trajectory to Jedi Knight thanks to the force - it has now emerged, all these 40 years later, that the legendary character, memorably played by Alec Guinness, was originally supposed to survive the film. Chewbacca actor Peter Mayhew has been treating fans to a sneak peek at select pages from the original copy of his Star Wars scripts over the past few months. 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In the original script, Kenobi survives and is even assisted by Skywalker who helps his protege defeat a group of attacking stormtroopers in the tense Death Star showdown. We'll never know how these turn of events would have affected the story, but it's not a stretch to imagine that Obi-Wan would have joined Luke on his journey to Yoda's refuge, Dagobah, as seen in The Empire Strikes Back. Another Star Wars revelation to have been revealed via Mayhew's Twitter account includes the definitive answer on whether or not Han Solo (Harrison Ford) shot Greedo first in the Mos Eisley Cantina (answer: he did). Last week, the trailer for the franchise's upcoming spin-off prequel Rogue One dropped; you can view our shot-by-shot breakdown here - including the moment eagle-eyed fans spotted a scene filmed in a certain London underground station. 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 }} UPDATED: Although reported on by numerous sources, it turns out 'manager' Brian Message wasn't actually Radiohead's manager at all. The band has issued this statement: "At an industry event in London last night Brian Message was asked about new Radiohead music. Quotes attributed to him and taken from his talk have subsequently appeared, describing him as Radiohead's manager. "Brian Message is not Radiohead's manager - he is a partner in Courtyard Management but plays no operational role, and therefore any quotes from last night's event, or any supposition arising from them, should not be attributed to Radiohead's management or be seen as official quotes on behalf of the group. Although billed as Radiohead's manager, working for Radiohead's management company and with various places reporting he is Radiohead's manager, Brian Message is not Radiohead's manager. ORIGINAL: Rumours surrounding Radioheads new album have been circulating for some time, with fans believing its release could be imminent. Fortunately, thanks to the bands manager, the rumours can be killed as he revealed when the album will be out. Speaking at The Wanstead Tap in London, Brian Message told audiences how the follow-up to The King of Limbs would be available in June, the same month they kick off their world tour. "The new Radiohead album out in June will be like nothing like you've ever heard, Message revealed, as Tweeted out by the venues account. The dark art of Radiohead Show all 10 1 /10 The dark art of Radiohead The dark art of Radiohead 154312.bin The dark art of Radiohead 154667.bin Stanley Donwood The dark art of Radiohead 154681.bin Stanley Donwood The dark art of Radiohead 154668.bin Stanley Donwood The dark art of Radiohead 154666.bin Stanley Donwood The dark art of Radiohead 154725.bin Stanley Donwood The dark art of Radiohead 154723.bin Stanley Donwood The dark art of Radiohead 154721.bin Stanley Donwood The dark art of Radiohead 154722.bin Stanley Donwood The dark art of Radiohead 154724.bin Stanley Donwood In January, Radiohead registered a company called Dawn Chorus leading many fans to believe the album could be released at any moment. Later in the year, in February, the band established Dawnchorus Ltd., adding to the speculation. What made this particularly meaningful was that, before the release of both In Rainbows and The King of Limbs, Radiohead started up companies. Recently, long-time collaborator Stanley Donwood described the new album as 'a work of art, adding that - as of March - it wasnt actually finished yet. Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter for all the latest entertainment news and reviews Sign up to our free IndyArts newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the IndyArts email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} With just over a week to go until Game of Thrones' sixth season lands, HBO is drip feeding clips to keep spoiler-hungry fans at bay. The previous one to be released was this particularly tense one featuring Kit Harington's presumed deceased Jon Snow while another focused on Sansa (Sophie Turner) and Theon's (Alfie Allen) escape from Ramsay (Iwan Rheon). The latest scene to be teased, however, is one that places the newly blind Arya Stark (Maisie Williams) at the forefront. The clip shows a mysterious woman approaching the young Stark girl - seemingly with the intention of training her in combat. 'Stand and fight, blind girl," the woman says, throwing a stick at Arya before brandishing one herself. "I can't see," a worried Arya replies as she attempts to fend off the woman's blows. Could this signal the start of a new training regime that'll see Stark evolve into a fighter who must rely on her senses? We certainly hope so. Game of Thrones season 6 stills Show all 26 1 /26 Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills HELEN SLOAN / HBO Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills HELEN SLOAN / HBO Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Game of Thrones season 6 stills Over the past year, Arya's storyline has been teased via reports of Williams' filming schedule. First, there were photos of what appeared to be an underwater scene followed by leaked footage of the actor performing "Assassin's Creed-type" stunts. It seems after a season of remaining silent and washing floors, Arya is being handed some solid action. Game of Thrones' season six premiere, titled "The Red Woman", will air simultaneously with the US broadcast on Sky Atlantic from Sunday 24 April. The episode will be repeated the following evening at 9 PM. 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 US government is urging PC users to uninstall Quicktime from their computers, over fears that weaknesses in the software could leave them vulnerable to cyber-criminals. As discovered by security firm Trend Micro, Apple, which develops Quicktime, is ending its support for the Windows version of the software. This means it will no longer be issuing security updates, making it easier for hackers to use the software as a way into their targets' computers. The firm's experts also identified two "critical vulnerabilities" affecting the software, which could provide a window for hackers to launch cyberattacks against users. Recommended Read more Microsoft has finally killed off Internet Explorer Trend Micro's warning was echoed by the US Department of Homeland Security's Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT), which said users who still have Quicktime for Windows running on their machines could now be vulnerable to "loss of confidentiality, integrity or availability of data," as well as facing increased risks from viruses and other security threats. US-CERT also warned exploitations of these weaknesses "could allow remote attackers to take control of affected systems." The only solution to the problem, it says, is to uninstall Quicktime for Windows from the Control Panel. Gadget and tech news: In pictures Show all 25 1 /25 Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gadget and tech news: In pictures Gun-toting humanoid robot sent into space Russia has launched a humanoid robot into space on a rocket bound for the International Space Station (ISS). The robot Fedor will spend 10 days aboard the ISS practising skills such as using tools to fix issues onboard. Russia's deputy prime minister Dmitry Rogozin has previously shared videos of Fedor handling and shooting guns at a firing range with deadly accuracy. Dmitry Rogozin/Twitter Gadget and tech news: In pictures Google turns 21 Google celebrates its 21st birthday on September 27. The The search engine was founded in September 1998 by two PhD students, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, in their dormitories at Californias Stanford University. Page and Brin chose the name google as it recalled the mathematic term 'googol', meaning 10 raised to the power of 100 Google Gadget and tech news: In pictures Hexa drone lifts off Chief engineer of LIFT aircraft Balazs Kerulo demonstrates the company's "Hexa" personal drone craft in Lago Vista, Texas on June 3 2019 Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures Project Scarlett to succeed Xbox One Microsoft announced Project Scarlett, the successor to the Xbox One, at E3 2019. The company said that the new console will be 4 times as powerful as the Xbox One and is slated for a release date of Christmas 2020 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures First new iPod in four years Apple has announced the new iPod Touch, the first new iPod in four years. The device will have the option of adding more storage, up to 256GB Apple Gadget and tech news: In pictures Folding phone may flop Samsung will cancel orders of its Galaxy Fold phone at the end of May if the phone is not then ready for sale. The $2000 folding phone has been found to break easily with review copies being recalled after backlash PA Gadget and tech news: In pictures Charging mat non-starter Apple has cancelled its AirPower wireless charging mat, which was slated as a way to charge numerous apple products at once AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures "Super league" India shoots down satellite India has claimed status as part of a "super league" of nations after shooting down a live satellite in a test of new missile technology EPA Gadget and tech news: In pictures 5G incoming 5G wireless internet is expected to launch in 2019, with the potential to reach speeds of 50mb/s Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Uber halts driverless testing after death Uber has halted testing of driverless vehicles after a woman was killed by one of their cars in Tempe, Arizona. March 19 2018 Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A humanoid robot gestures during a demo at a stall in the Indian Machine Tools Expo, IMTEX/Tooltech 2017 held in Bangalore Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures The giant human-like robot bears a striking resemblance to the military robots starring in the movie 'Avatar' and is claimed as a world first by its creators from a South Korean robotic company Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Engineers test a four-metre-tall humanoid manned robot dubbed Method-2 in a lab of the Hankook Mirae Technology in Gunpo, south of Seoul, South Korea Jung Yeon-Je/AFP/Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures Waseda University's saxophonist robot WAS-5, developed by professor Atsuo Takanishi and Kaptain Rock playing one string light saber guitar perform jam session Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway resembling the giant panda is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A test line of a new energy suspension railway, resembling a giant panda, is seen in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A concept car by Trumpchi from GAC Group is shown at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Rex Gadget and tech news: In pictures A Mirai fuel cell vehicle by Toyota is displayed at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A visitor tries a Nissan VR experience at the International Automobile Exhibition in Guangzhou, China Reuters Gadget and tech news: In pictures A man looks at an exhibit entitled 'Mimus' a giant industrial robot which has been reprogrammed to interact with humans during a photocall at the new Design Museum in South Kensington, London Getty Gadget and tech news: In pictures A new Israeli Da-Vinci unmanned aerial vehicle manufactured by Elbit Systems is displayed during the 4th International conference on Home Land Security and Cyber in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv Getty This kind of 'deprecation' happens fairly frequently, as software companies introduce new products and decide to stop spending time working on outdated progrms. Microsoft officially ended support for versions 8, 9 and 10 of Internet Explorer in January, leaving people still using them open to the same kinds of cyberattacks. However, Microsoft told users in advance that support for these versions would cease - there appears to have been no similar warnings from Apple, although the company has been slowly winding up their support for Quicktime for Windows for a few years. Trend Micro said there was no evidence that any hackers had exploited the Quicktime vulnerabilities so far, but since Apple won't be issuing any more security updates or keeping up with hacker activity against the software, it's now a prime target. It's important to note that this issue does not apply to versions of Quicktime for Apple computers. Apple did not provide a comment on the matter when contacted by Reuters. Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Lifestyle Edit email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The cost of operations to remove multiple decayed teeth from children has soared by more than 60 per cent since 2010/11 to more than 35m a year, councils have warned. The Local Government Association (LGA) said it was concerned that children are being forced to miss school to have hospital operations on their teeth. Its found there were more than 100 operations a day to remove multiple decayed teeth in young children and teenagers in Englands hospitals. The researchers blamed excessive consumption of fizzy drinks and sugary foods as a major reason why more children are having teeth removed. 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 Figures show 35.3m was spent on multiple teeth extractions among under-18s in 2014/15, compared with 21.9m in 2010/11. Since then almost 140m has been spent. There were 40,970 procedures among under-18s in 2014/15, compared with 32,457 in 2010/11, the LGA's analysis showed. Izzi Seccombe, community well-being spokeswoman for the LGA, which represents more than 370 councils responsible for public health, said: "Our children's teeth are rotting because they are consuming too much food and drink high in sugar far too often. "Nearly half of 11 to 15-year-olds have a sugary drink at least once a day. As these figures show, we don't just have a child obesity crisis, but a children's oral health crisis too. "What makes these numbers doubly alarming is the fact so many teeth extractions are taking place in hospitals rather than dentists. "This means the level of tooth decay is so severe that removal is the only option. It goes to show that a good oral hygiene routine is essential, as well as how regular dentist trips can ensure tooth decay is tackled at an early stage. "Poor oral health can affect children and young people's ability to sleep, eat, speak, play and socialise with others. Having good oral health can help children learn at school, and improve their ability to thrive and develop, not least because it will prevent school absence." Data from the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) shows a steady climb in the numbers of children aged 10 and under needing the removal of one or more teeth, reaching 128,558 extractions since 2011, of which 14,000 cases involved children aged under five. Press Association For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Chinas official statistics agency reported this morning that the worlds second largest economy is growing at its weakest quarterly rate in seven years. Chinese GDP expanded at an annual rate of 6.7 per cent in the first quarter of 2016. Expansion has not been so slow since the first quarter of 2009 when the global economy was in crisis and the countrys GDP grew by just 6.1 per cent: The economys slowdown seems to be getting worse. Chinas growth over the whole of 2015 was 6.9 per cent, the slowest since 1990 when growth dipped to just 3.9 per cent: Yet todays figures were in line with the consensus of most economists. And they mean the Beijing government seems to be still on track to meet its own target of 6.5-7 per cent GDP growth for 2016. China's extraordinary 'nail houses' Show all 8 1 /8 China's extraordinary 'nail houses' China's extraordinary 'nail houses' Nail houses in China A general view shows the demolition of a 'nail house', the last house in the area, at a construction site in Guangzhou, Guangdong province. The owners of the house had filed but lost a lawsuit against the developer of the land to seek more compensation before agreeing to the demolition of their home. The land will be used for a high-rise apartment project. Chinese media have since seized on disputes between developers and owners of so-called 'nail houses', whose owners have stuck to their ground and resisted demolition, holding up development projects in the world's fastest-growing major economy China's extraordinary 'nail houses' Nail houses in China A half-demolished apartment building standing in the middle of a newly-built road thanks to a Chinese couple that refused to move in Wenling, in eastern China's Zhejiang province. Luo Baogen, 67, and his 65-year-old wife have waged a four-year battle to receive more than the 41,300 USD compensation offered by the local government of Daxi, a Chinese newspaper said. The phenomenon is called a 'nail house' in China, as such buildings stick out and are difficult to remove, like a stubborn nail China's extraordinary 'nail houses' Nail houses in China A 'nail house', the last building in the area, sits in the middle of a road under construction in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. According to local media, the owner of the house didn't reach an agreement with the local authority about compensation of the demolition China's extraordinary 'nail houses' Nail houses in China A three-storey 'nail house', the last building in the area, with a Chinese national flag on its rooftop is seen in the middle of a newly-built road in Luoyang, Henan province. According to local media, the house owner did not agree with government's compensation plan for relocation and refused to move out China's extraordinary 'nail houses' Nail houses in China A six-floor villa is viewed on the construction site in the central business district of Shenzhen. Choi Chu Cheung, the owner of the villa, and his wife Zhang Lian-hao, refused to accept the compensation offered by the developer who plans to build a financial centre on the site. The couple are demanding that the developer compensate them with property similar in size or raise the offer from 6,500 yuan ($840) to 18,000 yuan ($2,327) per square metre China's extraordinary 'nail houses' Nail houses in China A 'nail house', the last house in this area, stands in the centre of a construction site which will be developed as a new apartment zone in Chongqing Municipality. The owners of the house insist in seeking more compensation before agreeing to the demolition of their home, local media reported China's extraordinary 'nail houses' Nail houses in China A view of where 75-year-old Yao Baohua's house (C) still stands in the rubble of a vast development site in the city of Changzhou in China's eastern Jiangsu province. The Yao home is the last one standing in the rubble of a vast development site in Changzhou, a Chinese 'nail house', the moniker earned for both their physical appearance and their owners' stubborn resistance China's extraordinary 'nail houses' Nail houses in China Chinese authorities carry sticks as they stand guard while workers demolish houses which are claimed illegal by the local government in Wuhan, central China's Hubei province. Land seizures have been a problem for years in China, and have given rise to the term 'nail house' to describe a holdout tenant or occupant, likening them to a nail refusing to be hammered down, and violent resistance has been reported in numerous cases as ordinary people take matters into their own hands to resist eviction they deem unfair So should we be relieved? Not so fast. As is widely known, China needs to transition from a growth model based on massive investment and construction, fuelled by state-directed bank lending, to one based on household consumption and services. But the latest data shows that this rebalancing is still tentative at best and might even be desribed as having stalled. Service sector growth slowed from 8.2 per cent to a disappointing 7.6 per cent. And there were big upside surprises in infrastructure and real estate output: Economists say this reflects the Chinese government's loosening of credit via state-owned banks over the past year in response to fears of a hard economic landing. Total new credit advanced in the economy was RMB6.6 trillion in the first quarter, up 42 per cent on a year earlier: This looks like an old-styled credit-backed investment-driven recovery The Chinese government was clearly giving growth all the attention in Q1, and now the question is how long it will maintain this undoubtedly unsustainable model. said Wei Yao and Claire Huang of the French bank Societe Generale. Worse, many economists continue to doubt the veracity of the Chinese GDP figures. The economic consultancy Capital Economics produce a proxy GDP reading for Chinas GDP based on statistical measures that are harder for the Beijing authorities to manipulate, such as electricity use and rail freight volumes. And this indicator suggests the true rate of GDP growth in the Chinese economy is closer to 4 per cent: The silver lining? On this metric, according to Capital Economics, Chinas growth slowdown does seem to have bottomed out. So things may be worse than we thought in China but they may not be getting worse in the way we might be led to think. Why does any of this matter? Because China is still the single biggest contributor to global GDP growth. If China slows down very rapidly - or crashes - we will all feel it. 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 }} Britain has joined forces with France, Germany, Italy and Spain to clamp down on tax evasion and corruption in the biggest effort yet to stop the rich and powerful stashing money away from the taxman in offshore accounts. The announcement comes in light of the leak of thousands of confidential documents, the Panama Papers, detailing the secretive accounting methods used by some of the world's most powerful people to avoid paying tax. The Chancellor George Osborne said: "Britain will work with our European partners to share data on ultimate owners of firms to strike another hammer blow against tax dodgers. "This agreement will help expose the secretive shell companies and trusts used to evade tax, launder money and hide proceeds of corruption." The international deal will make it harder for business and wealthy individuals to operate without paying correct taxes, the Treasury said. The countries will now automatically exchange information on the "beneficial owners" of companies and trusts, including information that pertains to more secretive countries such as America, China and Saudi Arabia. Business news: In pictures Show all 13 1 /13 Business news: In pictures Business news: In pictures Flybe collapses Airline Flybe has collapsed. All future flights on the Exeter-based airline have been cancelled leaving more than 2,300 staff facing an uncertain future, and wrecking the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers. The chief executive, Mark Anderson, said: Europes largest independent regional airline has been unable to overcome significant funding challenges to its business. AFP via Getty Business news: In pictures Future product placement will be 'tailored to individual viewers' Marketing executives say that product placement in films and televison shows on streaming services such as Netflix may be tailored to individuals in future. For instance, if data shows that a viewer is a fan of pepsi, a billboard in the background of a shot would host an advert for pepsi, while for a viewer known to have different tastes it could be for Coca-Cola Paramount Business news: In pictures Corbyn wishes Amazon a happy birthday In a card sent to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on the company's 25th birthday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn writes: "You owe the British people millions in taxes that pay for the public services that we all rely on. Please pay your fair share" Business news: In pictures No deal, no tariffs The government has announced that it would slash almost all tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Notable exceptions include cars and meat, which will see tariffs in place to protect British farmers Getty Business news: In pictures Fingerprint payment NatWest is trialling a new bank card that will allow people to touch their hand to the card when paying rather than typing in a PIN number. The card will work by recognising the user's fingerprint NatWest/PA Wire Business news: In pictures Mahabis bust High-end slipper retailer Mahabis has gone into administration. 2 Jan 2019 Mahabis Business news: In pictures Costa Cola Coca-Cola has paid 3.9bn for Costa Coffee. A cafe chain is a new venture for the global soft drinks giant PA Business news: In pictures RIP Payday Loans A funeral procession for payday loans was held in London on September 2. The future of pay day lenders is in doubt after Wonga, Britain's biggest, went into administration on August 30 PA Business news: In pictures Musk irks investors and directors Elon Musk has concluded that Tesla will remain public. Investors and company directors were angry at Musk for tweeting unexpectedly that he was considering taking Tesla private and share prices had taken a tumble in the following weeks Getty Business news: In pictures Jaguar warning Iconic British car maker Jaguar Land Rover warned on July 5, 2018 that a "bad" Brexit deal could jeopardise planned investment of more than $100 billion, upping corporate pressure as the government heads into crucial talks AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures Spotif-IPO Spotify traded publically for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. However, the company isn't issuing shares, but rather, shares held by Spotify's private investors will be sold AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures French blue passports The deadline to award a contract to make blue British passports after Brexit has been extended by two weeks following a request by bidder De La Rue. The move comes after anger at the announcement British passports would be produced by Franco-Dutch firm Gemalto when De La Rues contract ends in July. The British firm said Gemalto was chosen only because it undercut the competition, but the UK company also admitted that it was not the cheapest choice in the tendering process. Business news: In pictures Beast from the east economic impact The Beast from the East wiped 4m off of Flybes revenues due to flight cancellations, airport closures and delays, according to the budget airlines estimates. Flybe said it cancelled 994 flights in the three months to 31 March, compared to 372 in the same period last year. The exchange will take the form of a register detailing those benefiting from companies, trusts, foundations and shell companies, in a coordinated effort for better transparency on money kept overseas. The announcement was made on Thursday under the watch of Christine Lagarde, IMF managing director, and Jose Angel Gurria, head of the OECD. They will now push for the rest of the G20 nations to follow their lead. 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 bailout deal that rescued Greece from the jaws of bankruptcy may be on the brink of collapse after the International Monetary Fund said it was reconsidering its position as a creditor. Christine Lagarde, the managing director of the IMF, has said that the budget targets set for Greece are highly unrealistic and would require heroic efforts by the Greek people to meet the level of austerity required. The statement hints that the IMF may be considering pulling out of the deal agreed by Athens and eurozone creditors in July. Germany has warned that it would not be able to support the bailout plan without the IMF. Lagarde was unable to say how the IMF would stay involved, except that it will not walk away from Greece. The IMF wants Greeces European partners to grant Athens substantial debt relief, contrary to Greek Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos and German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble, who told Reuters on Tuesday that he saw no need for debt restructuring. The IMF has called for changes to value added tax, income tax and the public sector wage bill as well as cuts to pensions. But Greece has resisted these tough measures, unwilling to hurt the countrys 2.7 million pensioners any more. They have already suffered 11 cuts to their monthly stipend since 2011. Writing in the Financial Times, Greek prime minister Alexis Tsipras said that his government could not understand why the IMF wanted to change the reforms to make them less progressive, shifting the burden on to the relatively poor. Our government was reelected with a mandate to meet the twin objectives of fiscal discipline and credibility, on the one hand, and inclusion and social fairness, on the other, Mr Tsipras said. Yanis Varoufakis, the former Greek finance minister, said that the conflict between Greeces European creditors and the IMF dates from the 2010 bailout of Greece. Five years on, this IMF-EU impasse continues, causing a one-third collapse of Greek GDP and fuelling hopelessness to a degree that has made real reform harder than ever, he wrote in the German newspaper Der Spiegel. The IMFs austerity package is inhuman because it will destroy hundreds of thousands of small businesses, defund societys weakest, and turbocharge the humanitarian crisis. Business news: In pictures Show all 13 1 /13 Business news: In pictures Business news: In pictures Flybe collapses Airline Flybe has collapsed. All future flights on the Exeter-based airline have been cancelled leaving more than 2,300 staff facing an uncertain future, and wrecking the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers. The chief executive, Mark Anderson, said: Europes largest independent regional airline has been unable to overcome significant funding challenges to its business. AFP via Getty Business news: In pictures Future product placement will be 'tailored to individual viewers' Marketing executives say that product placement in films and televison shows on streaming services such as Netflix may be tailored to individuals in future. For instance, if data shows that a viewer is a fan of pepsi, a billboard in the background of a shot would host an advert for pepsi, while for a viewer known to have different tastes it could be for Coca-Cola Paramount Business news: In pictures Corbyn wishes Amazon a happy birthday In a card sent to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on the company's 25th birthday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn writes: "You owe the British people millions in taxes that pay for the public services that we all rely on. Please pay your fair share" Business news: In pictures No deal, no tariffs The government has announced that it would slash almost all tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Notable exceptions include cars and meat, which will see tariffs in place to protect British farmers Getty Business news: In pictures Fingerprint payment NatWest is trialling a new bank card that will allow people to touch their hand to the card when paying rather than typing in a PIN number. The card will work by recognising the user's fingerprint NatWest/PA Wire Business news: In pictures Mahabis bust High-end slipper retailer Mahabis has gone into administration. 2 Jan 2019 Mahabis Business news: In pictures Costa Cola Coca-Cola has paid 3.9bn for Costa Coffee. A cafe chain is a new venture for the global soft drinks giant PA Business news: In pictures RIP Payday Loans A funeral procession for payday loans was held in London on September 2. The future of pay day lenders is in doubt after Wonga, Britain's biggest, went into administration on August 30 PA Business news: In pictures Musk irks investors and directors Elon Musk has concluded that Tesla will remain public. Investors and company directors were angry at Musk for tweeting unexpectedly that he was considering taking Tesla private and share prices had taken a tumble in the following weeks Getty Business news: In pictures Jaguar warning Iconic British car maker Jaguar Land Rover warned on July 5, 2018 that a "bad" Brexit deal could jeopardise planned investment of more than $100 billion, upping corporate pressure as the government heads into crucial talks AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures Spotif-IPO Spotify traded publically for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. However, the company isn't issuing shares, but rather, shares held by Spotify's private investors will be sold AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures French blue passports The deadline to award a contract to make blue British passports after Brexit has been extended by two weeks following a request by bidder De La Rue. The move comes after anger at the announcement British passports would be produced by Franco-Dutch firm Gemalto when De La Rues contract ends in July. The British firm said Gemalto was chosen only because it undercut the competition, but the UK company also admitted that it was not the cheapest choice in the tendering process. Business news: In pictures Beast from the east economic impact The Beast from the East wiped 4m off of Flybes revenues due to flight cancellations, airport closures and delays, according to the budget airlines estimates. Flybe said it cancelled 994 flights in the three months to 31 March, compared to 372 in the same period last year. Mr Varoufakis said that a decision on the future of the deal will be suspended until July when default and another debt crisis "will loom". "At that point, in July, the IMF plans to corner Chancellor Merkel into choosing what costs her less politically: Continuing with the Greek program without the IMF? Or granting the Greek state substantial debt relief? "As long as Mrs Merkel chooses one of these two options, the IMF will be out of the woods: Either it will exit or the debt write-off will have rendered its Greek program consistent with its 'primary directive'," he wrote. Athens has said it will submit pension and income tax legislation to parliament in the week beginning April 18. 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 }} Scientists have come up with a formula that could predict which area in a city is next in line for gentrification. Cambridge University researchers used half a million tweets and Foursquare check-ins in over 40,000 venues from 2010 and compared them with deprivation scores. The data showed the five London neighbourhoods that would be prime areas of gentrification in the next five years: Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Greenwich, Hammersmith and Lambeth. These underdeveloped areas that were visited by various groups of strangers were most likely to become more desirable, according to the research team, which also involved academics from the University of Birmingham, University College of London and Queen Mary University. Statista (Statista) Hackney emerged as the area most likely to gentrify. The East London borough had the highest social diversity score combined with the second-highest deprivation score in 2010. It had also seen the most improvement on the UK index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), which measures the prosperity of neighbourhoods across England, by 2015. The area is now becoming more middle-class with house prices rising far above the London average, fast-decreasing crime rate and a highly diverse population, the study found. Tower Hamlets, Greenwich, Hammersmith and Lambeth were next on Londons gentrification list, according to Cambridge researchers. We found that the most socially cohesive and homogenous areas tend to be either very wealthy or very poor, but neighbourhoods with both high social diversity and high deprivation are the ones which are currently undergoing processes of gentrification, said Desislava Hristova from Cambridge Universitys Computer Laboratory. Barking and Dagenham, Brent as well as Newham and Lewisham were likely to remain less desirable neighbourhood as they showed high scores of deprivation but less diversity. The study, based on data from 2010, shows us how London has evolved rather than predicting the future. But if the study were to be repeated based on todays data it could show the areas which are most likely to undergo gentrification in the next five years. Predicting gentrification of neighbourhoods could help local governments and policymakers improve urban development plans and alleviate the negative effects while harvesting economic growth, according to the research. Growing resentment over the lack of affordable housing, with traditionally poorer parts of London becoming gentrified by middle-class families seeking to buy their own homes, has provoked a series of protests in Camden, Brixton, and Brick Lane in recent months. Theres no easy solution to dealing with the problem, according to Dr Alasdair Rae, an expert on urban deprivation based at the University of Sheffield. But building more affordable homes, developing a genuine anti-poverty strategy for inner cities, and recognising the uneven impacts of austerity across the country would be a start, he told the Independent in October. 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 }} Swedish startups are planning a protest over issues with the country's education, tax and housing systems that are threatening to drive businesses out of the country. Plans for a protest at Stockholms parliament building the Riksdag on May 11 come after Spotify co-founders Daniel Ek and Martin Lorentzon published an open letter on Medium. In the letter, the founders warned that they would have no choice but to quit Sweden, taking thousands of jobs from the country and moving them to the US, if politicians didnt take action to address a housing shortage, the limitations of the education system and tax laws. Since 2000, Sweden has produced seven $1 billion tech companies, including music-streaming service Spotify and payments group Klarna. It is also home to companies like online phone app Skype, video developer Mojang and social games company King. While it has long punched above its weight in the startup world, Sweden risks losing its new businesses, Ek and Lorentzon warned. They said that a lack of affordable rental property in Sweden makes it very difficult to attract new talent from overseas. To demand that young people who come to a new country should directly buy expensive condominiums reduces the attractiveness and is not sustainable, they wrote. Spotify's founders warned that they may have to quit Sweden. (Thomas Trutschel/Getty) Henrik Torstensson, CEO of health and fitness app Lifesum, told the Independent that the problem was not affordability but availability. The rental system in Sweden is broken because of the lack of available rental apartments, and because too few apartments are being built. Politicians and the government must make sure that more rental housing is built, he said. Better programming education should be taught in primary schools onwards, the founders said, in order for Stockholm to take advantage of its momentum. Henrik Bergqvist, CEO and Co-Founder of Pickit, an aggregated image bank, told the Independent that while the Swedish government invested heavily in education in the 90s, the greater problem was keeping talented Swedes in the country. Swedes grew up with the internet, meaning were a digitally savvy nation. However it will be difficult for companies to remain in Sweden in the long run, particularly with skilled employees moving to the US, Bergqvist said. The 20 best-loved British brands in 2016 Show all 20 1 /20 The 20 best-loved British brands in 2016 The 20 best-loved British brands in 2016 1. British Airways British Airways has come top of a list of the best British brands for third year in the row. The 20 best-loved British brands in 2016 2. Rolex Rolex retained second position, also for the third year running, but faced increasing competition from third placed LEGO The 20 best-loved British brands in 2016 3. Lego LEGO jumped up eight places in 2016 The 20 best-loved British brands in 2016 4. Dyson Dyson, the electronic goods specialist, climbed ten places to fourth, its highest ever position in the survey, following a high profile advertising campaign fronted by eponymous entrepreneur James Dyson The 20 best-loved British brands in 2016 5. Gillette The 20 best-loved British brands in 2016 6. Mercedes-Benz Mercedes Benz only sent 55 C55 AMG estates to the UK in right-hand drive The 20 best-loved British brands in 2016 7. Apple Core values: Apple was ordered to pay $625.6m by a court in East Texas The 20 best-loved British brands in 2016 8. Jaguar The 20 best-loved British brands in 2016 9. Kellog's The 20 best-loved British brands in 2016 10. Andrex Andrex puppy: Soft, strong and very long... no wait, thats the product, not the pup. Very sweet, though The 20 best-loved British brands in 2016 11. Nike The 20 best-loved British brands in 2016 12. Heinz Heinz, Jaguar and Marks & Spencer all re-entered the top 20, replacing Boots, BMW and Fairy. The 20 best-loved British brands in 2016 13. Coca-Cola The 20 best-loved British brands in 2016 14. John Lewis John Lewis' festive advert features a girl, Lily, who connects by telescope with an old man alone on the Moon The 20 best-loved British brands in 2016 15. Haagen-Dazs 5. Haagen-Dazs chocolate fondant 3.29 for 200ml, tesco.com Overwhelmingly chocolatey with both chocolate ice cream, sauce and brownies in the mix. Just don't eat more than one. The 20 best-loved British brands in 2016 16. Google Google's headquarters in Mountain View, California Justin Sullivan/Getty Images The 20 best-loved British brands in 2016 17. Virgin Atlantic Winging it: behind-the-scenes documentary 'Virgin Atlantic: Up in the Air' ITV The 20 best-loved British brands in 2016 18. Marks & Spencer Getty The 20 best-loved British brands in 2016 19. Amazon.co.uk AFP The 20 best-loved British brands in 2016 20. Microsoft The biggest faller within the Top 20 was US tech giant Microsoft, which dropped 16 places. Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images Finally Ek and Lorentzon called for changes to tax law to allow companies to give stock options to employees. Imagine how amazing it would be if the right Sweden was the country where employees became a shareholder in the companies where they work. It suits us and our culture perfectly, the founders said. More than 1000 people have joined a Facebook group run by Sthlm Tech, a co-working space and monthly startup meetup in Stockholm. Rather than move to London, NYC or Berlin, let's join together to send a message they can't ignore: WE WANT TO STAY IN SWEDEN! the organisers wrote. 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 }} Primary schools in England have been accused of social segregation after a report showed more than 1,500 schools were turning away disadvantaged pupils in favour of children from higher-income families. A report from the Sutton Trust found some of the most popular primary schools particularly faith schools - had complicated oversubscription criteria that actively discouraged parents of poorer children and allowed the schools to be selective about which pupils were granted a place. The findings have raised concerns about a lack of equity in access to primary schools resulting in pupils from lower-income backgrounds potentially missing out on places at top-performing state schools. Dr Rebecca Allen, who co-authored the report, said: There are some parts of the country where many schools are accepting some children ahead of others what we found is that those children had a social profile that was more affluent than the neighbourhoods that they were recruiting from. The main way that a child would get a place at a school ahead of someone living closer to that school is through religious selection and it happens that children who attend church for example tend to be from wealthier families. The report found a direct correlation that showed the most popular primary schools used more complex criteria for selecting new students. British primary schools typically use around five different criteria, but of the most socially selective primary schools, at least one detailed as many as 18 oversubscription criteria. These included giving a high priority to looked after children sharing the faith of the school, prioritising attendance at named churches over a long period of time and prioritising children of staff. In several instances, schools were found to be in breach of the Admissions Code. Christine Blower, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers (NUT), said: It is important is that every child from whatever background has access to a good local school which draws from a balanced intake across the local community and reflects all levels of ability and background. There need to be clear criteria that give all parents a chance to secure their child a place in their local school. Complicated admissions policies with conditions that potentially exclude local children of whatever social background are detrimental to education and communities. Policy-makers need to understand what is happening beneath the radar of their school reforms education is becoming an instrument of social segregation, not an answer to it." The findings come as thousands of parents across the country wait to be told which primary school their child will be offered a place at in September. According to the researchers, places at Church of England schools are increasingly competitive in correspondence to often soaring Ofsted reports and higher achievement rates. Dr Allen said: There is a reason these schools are popular - they are often successful and have historically been so. "If we want to keep criteria for large religious schools to select [new admissions], I think we need to dampen down the effects of that either by allowing for a select number of places available on religious ground or a number of places left for the local community. Recommended Read more Government officials under investigation over illegal faith schools Of all the schools surveyed, there were more than 1,000 primary schools where the proportion of pupils taking free school meals was more than 10 per cent lower than that found among children in the neighbourhoods from which they recruit. Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, criticised Government policy for allowing selection by stealth among higher achieving schools. There is a national admissions code which applies to all schools which is supposed to make sure that admissions are as fair as possible, she said. However, the increasing fragmentation of the system as a result of Government policy has removed robust oversight and scrutiny of this code. The consequence is that there is now selection rife in the system, with those from the poorest backgrounds being disadvantaged. This has been compounded by the fact that key provisions and safeguards in the admissions code have been removed or diluted by the Government, with much of it now being non-statutory, meaning that schools are not required to follow it. "Consequently we now have selection by stealth, as practices are introduced which are designed to deter children from socio-economically deprived backgrounds with increasing numbers of parents unable to secure a place in their local school. As a result of Government policy, children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds are being denied the entitlements they should expect from a public education system. It comes as the Institute for Fiscal Studies warned spending per primary school pupil would fall 7% in real terms between 2016 and 2020. The economic think tank said this would be the largest real-terms fall over any period since at least the late 1970s, but added that due to substantial growth in the 2000s, real school spending per pupil in 201920 would still be more than 50% higher than in 2001. Lucy Powell MP, Labours Shadow Secretary of State for Education, said: Parents will be very surprised to learn that schools budgets face real cuts after the Prime Minister personally promised to protect their budgets at the last election. "Schools will be forced to reduce the number of teachers and teaching assistants and stop funding extra-curricular activities. These cuts will have a huge impact on standards and outcomes. At the same time, this Governments costly reorganisation of our schools system, forcing every primary and secondary school to become an academy by 2022, will remove even more money, time and effort away from where the focus in schools should be on raising standards. This unnecessary and unfounded distraction to academise all schools is the wrong priority and harms standards in the classroom. 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 }} Students have reacted to claims from university professors that they struggle to read books from cover to cover by admitting it is true - but insisting it's because universities don't give them enough time to finish them. University academics caused a furore this week by claiming many students found the thought of reading books all the way to the end daunting, due to shorter attention spans and an inability to focus on complex philosophies. Jenny Pickerill, a professor in environmental geography at the University of Sheffield, told Times Higher Education magazine: Students struggle with set texts, saying the language or concepts are too hard. "I recently had a student suggest an alternative book for a module I am teaching which they found easier to engage with. It was a good book, but it was not really academic enough and I am still unsure if that matters or whether I should be recommending more readable books. There is currently a disjuncture between the types of reading we want students to engage with and the types students feel able or willing to do. Jo Brewis, professor of organisation and consumption at Leicester University, weighed in saying "graduates and postgraduate students seem mainly not to be avid readers. Recommending whole books would overwhelm them, she added, and she tended not to do so. Students have been quick to reject the claims, insisting the reason they struggle to read is because they don't have enough time. Minesh Parekh, Education Officer at University of Sheffield Students Union said: Its just not true that students find reading whole books too challenging. The reason some students dont read whole books isnt because they struggle to, but because of problems with how were assessed, and the over-emphasis universities place on assessment. This over-emphasis on assessmentas opposed to genuine learningmeans that when writing an essay or preparing for exams it makes more sense to read a journal article or a chapter of a book because were not given the time or thinking space. Mr Parekh pointed out that the way in which undergraduates are assessed is according to methods set by the very same professors who criticise their abilities. Chantelle Francis, Academic and Inclusions Officer for the Sheffield University English Society, said: I would argue that it is the time constraints that students struggle with as opposed to the actual material in most cases. Im sure that if students had longer to read a text, theyd likely understand it better, because theyve had more time to engage with it and appreciate it. But to suggest that students attention spans are low or that we are of insufficient ability is unfair. Professor Brewis said that she would like her students to read more because it would enable them to make more considered arguments in their coursework or examinations, and to demonstrate to us as assessors tha they have considered the debates and controversies the literature and arrived at reasoned conclusion on that basis. An undergraduate course such as English Literature arguably a subject which requires intensive reading has a typical reading list of between 20 and 30 books per term according to the University of Sheffield English Department. The majority of students who spoke to The Independent admitted that they would rarely finish a course book within deadlines required. I would say that it is simply a case of needing to prioritise, said Ms Francis, do you finish a book that you probably won't write your essay on, or do you complete the seminar work that's due in for the next day? I know what I'd rather choose. At the beginning of the last academic year it was reported that record numbers of students were seeking help for stress and anxiety related issues. Ruth Caleb, chair of Universities UKs mental well-being working group said that counselling services are facing an annual rise in demand of around 10 per cent on previous years, suggesting that undergraduates are feeling increasing amounts of pressure to succeed. I think most students do thoroughly enjoy the challenge of reading, said Ms Francis. I remember having to read Derrida and thinking I'd lost the plot - but these materials are supposed to be engaging and difficult. It's fine for students to not understand something first-time - that's what our professors are there for. We are not expected to have all the answers. Lizzy Kelly, a history student at Sheffield added: Students might be more inclined to read what academics want them to if our curricula werent overwhelmingly white, male and indicative of a society and structures we fundamentally disagree with because they don't work for us. 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 media has won the right to report on a hearing underway today over whether a privacy injunction preventing a newspaper from publishing the identity of a celebrity couple should be overturned. Lord Justice Jackson heard arguments from lawyers representing The Guardian and other media organisations on Friday, who claimed the issues in the case should be reportable in the interest of open justice. Judges will now make a decision on whether to uphold the order in open court. In January, the Court of Appeal granted an injunction preventing the media from printing details about a three-way sexual encounter involving a high-profile individual. On Friday, lawyers for News Group Newspapers, publishers of The Sun On Sunday, asked three Court of Appeal judges to lift the injunction banning the newspaper from printing the names of the couple and details of the individuals extramarital activities. People news in pictures Show all 18 1 /18 People news in pictures People news in pictures 7 October 2015 Russian President Vladimir Putin takes part in an ice hockey match between former NHL stars and officials at the Shayba Arena in the Black Sea resort of Sochi. Vladimir Putin spent his 63rd birthday on the ice, playing hockey with NHL stars against Russian officials and tycoons EPA People news in pictures 6 October 2015 German designer Karl Lagerfeld (R) and model Cara Delevingne (C) appear at the end of his Spring/Summer 2016 women's ready-to-wear collection for fashion house Chanel at the Grand Palais which is transformed into a Chanel airport during the Fashion Week in Paris, France Reuters People news in pictures 5 October 2015 Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne addresses the Conservative party conference in Manchester. The Chancellor argued that reducing the payments to people in low paid jobs would give them economic security by reducing the Governments spending deficit Getty Images People news in pictures 4 October 2015 Cowboys captain Johnathan Thurston takes a moment in the centre of the field with his daughter Frankie Thurston, holding dark-skinned doll, after winning the 2015 NRL Grand Final match between the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys at ANZ Stadium in Sydney. The image quickly became the talking point of Australias National Rugby League Final and provoked a strong reaction on social media, with many praising Thurston for giving his child a toy that promotes inclusiveness and diversity Getty Images People news in pictures 3 October 2015 Pope Francis gives a thumbs-up as he greets people at the end of an audience to the participants of a meeting organized by the "Food Bank" at the Paul VI audience hall in Vatican Getty Images People news in pictures 2 October 2015 Britain's Finance Minister George Osborne (L) throws an American football as he meets with former American football players Dan Marino (2nd R) and Curtis Martin (not pictured) at 11 Downing Street in London, ahead of the New York Jets playing against the Miami Dolphins at London's Wembley Stadium on 4 October Getty Images People news in pictures 1 October 2015 An honor guard opens the door as Russian President Vladimir Putin enters a hall to attend a meeting with members of the Presidential Council for Civil Society and Human Rights at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia People news in pictures 30 September 2015 Former Mrs America Lisa Christie, who alleges misconduct by Bill Cosby, holds up photos of her younger self during a news conference at the law office of attorney Gloria Allred in Los Angeles People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Matt Damon has defended himself against claims that he instructed gay actors to remain in the closet. He had said I think youre a better actor the less people know about you and sexuality is a huge part of that. Whether youre straight or gay, people shouldnt know anything about your sexuality but an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show said, I was just trying to say actors are more effective when theyre a mystery. Right? Getty People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Actor Marion Cotillard has said that there is no place for feminism in Hollywood. Speaking to Porter magazine, she saidFilm-making is not about gender/ You cannot ask a president in a festival like Cannes to have, like, five movies directed by women and five by men. For me it doesnt create equality, it creates separation. I mean, I dont qualify myself as a feminist." Getty People news in pictures 29 September 2015 Actor Paul Walkers daughter, Meadow, is suing Porsche over her fathers death in a lawsuit that claims he was trapped in the burning car because of design flaws and the seat belt. The Fast and Furious star was killed when the Porsche Carrera GT he was a passenger in hit a pole in California in 2013. The driver, his friend Roger Rodas, also died when the vehicle burst into flames. AP People news in pictures 28 September 2015 Robert Mugabe waits to address the United Nations General Assembly. The leader of Zimbabwe reportedly exclaimed 'We are not gay!' as he criticised Western nation's "double standards and attempts to prescribe new rights that are contrary to our values, norms, traditions and beliefs. In 2013 he described homosexuals as worse than pigs, goats and birds. Reuters People news in pictures 28 September 2015 South African comedian Trevor Noah hosts the first 'Daily Show' since taking over from Jon Stewart as host. Stewart had presented the US satirical news show since 1999 and was described by Noah during the show as a 'Political father' 2015 Getty Images People news in pictures 25 September 2015 Sir Elton John may have received a phone call from the real Vladimir Putin. Mr Putin's spokesman announced he had made contact weeks after the singer was duped by pranksters pretending to be the Russian President. Getty People news in pictures 25 September 2015 Actor Leonardo DiCaprio was mistakenly declared as the artist who produced the Mona Lisa by Fox News anchor Shepard Smith. It was in fact Leonardo da Vinci. People news in pictures 24 September 2015 A new biography claims Donald Trump expected to be dead by 40 and never marry. The Guardian says the a new book also claims that in 1980, Mr Trump manufactured a fake vice-president of his real estate conglomerate, whom he called John Baron. People news in pictures 24 September 2015 The Dalai Lama has said that Britain's policy towards China is just about 'Money, money, money.' And asked 'Where is morality?' People news in pictures 24 September 2015 Puff Daddy secured the number-one spot on the Forbes Hip Hop Cash Kings list, with the publication calculating he made an estimated $60million (39m) between June 2014 and June 2015. Gavin Millar QC, representing News Group Newspapers, said the well known man, referred to as "PJS, had been named by publications in the US and Scotland, and added: A number of people in this jurisdiction know the information. He said the order should be lifted. Judges were told that PJS could pursue a damages claim against The Sun on Sunday and a trial could be staged, regardless of whether the privacy order was overturned. But Desmond Browne QC, leading PJS's legal team, said anonymity would be the only proper relief for his client. Additional reporting by the Press Association For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The man who voiced the Mind the Gap announcements on the London Underground has died. Phil Sayer, 62, whose voice can be heard around the capital's Tube system and on automated PA systems at railway stations across the country, died from cancer on Thursday. A former radio presenter, Mr Sayer presented a daily BBC radio show in the 1980s and later set up a voice-artist company with his wife Elinor Hamilton. Phil Sayer's iconic voice Mr Sayer retired from voicing in April after a sudden decline in health. 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 In a Facebook tribute, Ms Hamilton said: Phil Sayer voice of reason, radio, and railways. A dearly loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. We are sorry to announce that this service terminates here. 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 }} Poisonous chemicals dumped in the sea are coming back to haunt us in the fish we eat, interfering with a critical defence system of the body, according to new research. The scientists warned that newborn babies are particularly at risk as they are exposed to high concentrations of the pollutants in breast milk and their defence mechanism is not yet fully developed. The pollutants were found to hamper a tiny pump in the cells of the body, which acts as a bouncer to kick out potentially harmful toxins. This is normally so effective that the pump is a major problem for pharmaceutical companies as it often expels drugs too quickly, particularly those designed to attack cancer. It also protects our reproductive organs and plays a key role as an enforcer of the blood-brain barrier. Samples of the pollutants including pesticides such as the banned DDT, flame retardants used in upholstery foam and coolants like PCBs were taken from muscle tissue of eight yellowfin tuna by scientists at the prestigious Scripps Institution of Oceanography in San Diego. Such chemicals have already been found in humans and also in marine wildlife such as whales, dolphins and seals. It had been thought that the chemicals were able to slip past the bouncer, a protein known as P-gp. But the researchers found that instead they attached themselves to it, preventing it from doing its job effectively. Amro Hamdoun, an associate professor at Scripps and lead author of a paper about the research in the journal Science Advances, said the P-gp protein was the bodys main line ... and first line of defence against natural and synthetic toxins. When we eat contaminated fish, we could be reducing the effectiveness of this critical defence system in our bodies, he said, adding: We think this is going to be of greatest concern to vulnerable populations, both among humans and wildlife. Among the most at risk are newborn babies, partly because the pollutants are concentrated in their mothers breast milk by a natural process. Professor Hamdoun added: We, all animals, have P-gp in our intestines to keep harmful things in food out. However, babies in the first six months of life have relatively low levels of P-gp in the intestine. How dangerous these chemicals are to human health is not yet fully understood, but Professor Hamdoun said more should be done to stop people from eating fish with high levels of the toxins. I eat fish and I consider fish to be a very healthy food. The issue we are raising is there are some fish that are quite contaminated and I think we need to work harder to eliminate those from our food supply, he said. The level of exposure to these chemicals through seafood is going to depend on how much fish people eat. We think it might behove us to think about whether our food is clean or contaminated. Kenneth Linton, a professor of protein biochemistry at Queen Mary University of London, who was not involved in the research, stressed the importance of P-gp to human health. One of its main functions appears to be to limit accumulation of toxic compounds by preventing their uptake from the gut and also causing their secretion from the liver back into the gut, he wrote in an email. [It] is also highly expressed in sanctuary sites sites, such as the brain and the reproductive organs where it provides a barrier to entry of toxic chemicals into these sensitive organs. He said the Scripps study had shown the pollutants, which he said were mainly byproducts of the petrochemical industry, were potent inhibitors of P-gp. This has the potential to affect the accumulation and distribution of other, more toxic, chemicals (including therapeutic drugs) in the body, he added. Asked how serious the consumption of such chemical was, Professor Linton said: Its not killing us at present, but if we continue to let it happen maybe this is a forewarning we should take heed of. The Marine Conservation Society said the study highlighted the need to stop treating the seas as a dumping ground for chemicals and other waste. Research of this kind shows that there may be many unexpected consequences on human health in future as a result of our throwaway society, an MCS spokesman said. We urgently need new policies and action from Government, new practices from industry and behaviour change from the public to halt the stream of waste entering our seas. Bruce Sterling's announced the first-ever English publication of his story for 25 minutos en el futuro. Nueva ciencia ficcion norteamericana, a Spanish-language sf anthology of translated works by anglophone writers whose work is largely unknown in Mexico. "Before and After Mexico," is a kind of climate-oriented, intensely social-speculative riff on Clan of the Cave Bear, telling the stories of warring theories of civilization long after the collapse of our own. The CornWaterMan, who never spoke, brought his tall clay stove to the plaza. He passed out his ancient black-and-white bowls of corn and beans, and his smaller bowls of ritual herb tea. The CornWaterMan wore stilted clog shoes, and stiff, checkered robes, and a slit-eyed wooden helmet fringed with tall parrot feathers. The CornWaterMan fed the lost souls in the canyon. This was his purpose. He fed the poor, the desperate, the drunks, the foreigners, the crying scolded child, anyone for whom life was too hard. In easy times, the silent CornWaterMan was easy to overlook. In hard times, he was the most important man. Hard times were always coming to the pueblo, some day. It was already hard times, somewhere, for some poor body. Bowl Owl was, by his own shrewd reckoning, the most powerful chief in the pueblo. He nevertheless bowed before the CornWaterMan. The "CornWaterMan" was not a mere mortal man like Bowl Owl. He was an office that outlasted the centuries, as the corn did, as the water did. Before and After Mexico [Bruce Sterling/Medium] (via Warren Ellis) 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 }} One of the two soldiers on trial for the rape of a female colleague has admitted verbally abusing her following the alleged attack. Thomas Fulton said he regretted swearing at Corporal Anne-Marie Ellement and calling her a slag at a barracks in Sennelager, Germany in 2009. Fulton and Jeremy Jones deny raping the former Royal Military Police corporal and have repeatedly insisted the sex was consensual at all times. Bulford Court Martial Centre in Wiltshire heard that Cpl Ellement, from Bournemouth, Dorset, had killed herself two years after making the rape allegation. Cpl Ellement was found in the early hours of the morning - naked apart from a cardigan - outside her accommodation block, crying and seemingly drunk. She said the two men - who have since left the army - had forced her to have sex with them. The three had been drinking in the mess and had joked about having a threesome. In a police interview recorded two days after the alleged incident was supposed to have taken place, Cpl Ellement said: Tom kept mentioning all night about having a threesome and I thought he was joking, because I would never do that. Family and friends of Corporal Ellement leave the court including her sister, Khristina Swain (second right), and her mother Alexandra Barritt (left) (PA) "Tom showed me a text saying 'Tell Anne-Marie Jez fancies her' and Tom and I were having a laugh about that. "I pretty much remember the majority of stuff and we went upstairs to Jez's room so he could get changed to go out. She said the next thing she remembered was Fulton on top of her trying to have sex with her as she said No it really hurts, it really hurts. Stop. The last thing she recalled was Jones grabbing her breasts. Fulton told the court that they had been drinking in the mess but the possibility of a threesome was a serious consideration. We were actively considering it. He said: "We went back to the room with the intention to have sex. She kissed us, she instigated things. "She had sex with us and she was consenting at all times." The three soldiers went to Jones's room at 12.30am, where Fulton said Cpl Ellement helped him undress. He removed her jeans and bra while Cpl Ellement kicked off her shoes before both men had sex with her, Fulton said. Fulton later awoke to find Cpl Ellement had left the room wearing his lightweight trousers, he told the court. Cpl Ellement with her sisters (Family handout/Liberty/PA) The soldier found Cpl Ellement walking through a nearby car park and asked for his trousers back but she refused, he claimed. "I said something along the lines of 'Give me back my f****** trousers'. She said no. I said 'Stop being a c***," he said. "She pulled the lightweights down in front of me and she threw them to my chest. "As she walked off I said 'F*** off you slag'. I was frustrated that she had spoiled a really good night for us all. "I was 21. It is the biggest regret of my life that I never walked Anne-Marie back that night." 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 Fulton said he and Jones then took a taxi to a nightclub but received a phone call on the way informing them that Cpl Ellement was upset. They returned to the camp where they were arrested on suspicion of raping her. Fulton was informed that the case had been dismissed in January 2010 but the pair were interviewed and charged with two counts of rape in 2015. Ex-corporals Fulton, formerly of 174 Provost Company 3 Royal Military Police, and Jones, 28, formerly of Close Protection Unit Royal Military Police Operations Wing, each deny two charges of rape. The trial continues. Additional reporting by PA For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Five people have been arrested on suspicion of terrorist offences including one man who was detained at Gatwick airport after an investigation involving MI5, Belgian and French authorities. West Midlands Police said three men and a 29-year-old woman were arrested in Birmingham on Thursday night and a 26-year-old man was held at the airport in the early hours of Friday. Officers were searching a number of properties in Birmingham as part of the ongoing investigation. Assistant Chief Constable Marcus Beale, who leads on counter-terrorism for the West Midlands, said: This action forms part of an extensive investigation by West Midlands Counter-Terrorism Unit, together with the wider counter-terrorism network, MI5 and international partners including Belgian and French authorities to address any associated threat to the UK following the attacks in Europe. 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 The arrests were pre-planned and intelligence-led. There was no risk to the public at any time and there is no information to suggest an attack in the UK was being planned. Police said all five were held on suspicion of being concerned in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism. They were being questioned at a police station in the West Midlands. The men arrested in Birmingham were aged 26, 40 and 59. Police refused to give any further details beyond a statement on their website. Belgian and French authorities have detained dozens of suspects in their investigations into the terrorist attacks on Brussels and Paris, which were both claimed by Isis. Thirty-two people were killed in bomb blasts at Brussels airport and on a subway train in the city last month. A total of 130 victims were killed and hundreds wounded in Paris when suicide bombers and gunmen attacked a concert hall, a football stadium, restaurants and bars on the same night in November. A spokesperson for the Belgian federal prosecutors office said they were unable to comment on the arrests. 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 man has described how he helped drag an injured police officer to safety from a frenzied attack by a man wielding an axe. The female officer, who remains in hospital with serious injuries, was one of five officers wounded while responding to reports of a domestic incident in the Gleadless area of Sheffield on Wednesday night. Nathan Sumner, 35, of Plowright Close, has been charged with the attempted murder of the female officer as well as number of other offences in connection with the incident. The female officer, who has not been named, lost a finger when she was attacked with a hatchet. She also suffered a fractured skull and a broken leg. Simon Ellis, a resident of Plowright Close in Gleadless, came to the officers aid after witnessing the attack in which she allegedly pleaded desperately for help. Eyewitness Simon Ellis dragged the female police officer to safety after she suffered "multiple serious injuries" in the attack (PA) Mr Ellis told Sky News: The lady police officer, whos been injured the most, came half-staggering, half-falling out of the stairwell pursued by this big bloke, this bodybuilder, with an axe. It was a frenzied attack, chopping at her with an axe. She was on the floor with her baton up, pleading for somebody to help her, to stop him hurting her. The man fled from the scene when a male officer arrived, after which Mr Ellis, unable to carry the injured officer, dragged her into his flat. She said Hes going to finish me off, hes going to kill me, youre going to have to get me out of here. Drag me, drag me. So I dragged her by her body armour with blood pouring out everywhere. A Co-op store in Blackstock Road, Sheffield, where a man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder (PA) Mr Ellis said paramedics attended to the officer in his hallway for more than an hour. Deputy Chief Constable Dawn Copley said: The officers who attended in Gleadless last night were faced with an extremely dangerous situation and showed immense bravery dealing with a violent individual. Our thoughts are with those who were injured on duty and full welfare support has been put in place for all officers affected. The female officer was the most seriously hurt of five police officers injured in the attack, which began at a flat. The incident culminated in a nearby Co-op store where the suspect was subdued by officers using batons and a Taser. In addition to attempted murder, Sumner also faces seven counts of assault by beating, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, two counts of making threats to kill, affray, threatening to kill a person with a blade in a public place and the production of cannabis. Sumner will appear at Sheffield Magistrates Court on Friday. Additional reporting by Press Association 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 }} Food bank usage has continued to rise for another year, according to figures from the countrys biggest provider, as new data revealed that hunger is most common in areas with high levels of disability and long-term illness. Overall 1,109,309 emergency food packages were distributed by the Trussell Trust in 2015-16 up slightly from last year. The charity, Britains leading food bank provider, said the figure was one million too many and urged the Government and the public not to accept the levels of food poverty in the UK as the new normal. The average number of visits per food bank user in the past year was two, meaning that the number of people who had to rely on the charity is likely to be around 554,000. A separate report by the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Hunger, published today, estimates that more than half of the emergency food aid supplied in the UK comes from independent food banks and other organisations not covered by the Trussell Trusts figures indicating that the true scale of hunger in the UK could be far greater. The charity, which manages 424 food banks in the UK, gathers data from its outlets, which are manned by volunteers. Its audit shows that changes to and delays in accessing state benefit payments remain the most common reasons people turn to food banks. New research carried out for the charity by the University of Hull has also mapped food bank demand, finding that areas with more people unable to work due to long-term sickness or disability have the highest usage. Food banks also reported that insecure work arrangements and high living costs were key drivers of food poverty. The APPG on Hunger report found that, according to the latest figures, the poorest households require 41 per cent of their income to cover the costs of food, fuel and housing; an increase of ten percentage points since 2003, but a slight fall of one percentage point on 2013. The group, led by Labour MP for Birkenhead Frank Field, also found worrying levels of hunger being reported at schools. A survey circulated to 19 schools in Birkenhead and 13 in South Shields uncovered two institutions where staff reported one in five children were arriving at school hungry. Kerry McCarthy, Labours Shadow Environment, Food and Rural Affairs spokesperson, said that the of food banks was a national scandal. Food banks have become a truly shameful symbol of a Tory Government that is failing to stand up for ordinary people. While those at the top are given tax breaks others are struggling to get by, she said. Emergency food aid should remain just that - food banks can never be allowed to become a permanent feature of British society. But a spokesperson for the Government said reasons for food bank use were complex and claimed it would be misleading to link them to any one thing. This Government is determined to move to a higher wage society, introducing the new National Living Wage that will benefit over 1 million workers directly this year, and were also spending 80bn on working age benefits to ensure a strong safety net for those who need it most. The vast majority of benefits are processed on time and the number of [benefit] sanctions have actually gone down. The Government intends to cut a further 3bn from the welfare bill by 2020. David McAuley, chief executive of the Trussell Trust said: Todays figures on national food bank use prove that the numbers of people hitting a crisis where they cannot afford to buy food are still far too high. One million three day food supplies given out by our food banks every year is one million too many. This must not become the new normal. Reducing UK hunger will require a collective effort from the voluntary sector, Government, DWP, businesses and the public, and the Trussell Trust is keen to work with all these groups to find solutions that stop so many people needing food banks in future. Frank Field said the rise in levels of hunger in the UK was very troubling. There are at least two forces operating, he said. One is the breakdown in parenting, and the second is an increase in the numbers on a low income. Its a tragedy if one of these strikes a child, but its an unbounded horror if a child is hit by both. How can the worlds fifth richest nation not know the extent of physical damage caused to its own children by a lack of food? 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 }} An audience member lambasted David Cameron and his government on Question Time, saying he has stripped us of everything. The woman, who appeared on Thursday night's programme, talked for so long that the roaming microphone was removed from her, following a number of heated interruptions. Public anger at the Prime Ministers involvement in the Panama Papers scandal came to a head at the debate in Doncaster as the audience member launched an extended attack on Tory hypocrisy. I see a lot of women, my friends, like myself who is going to lose my job in two weeks time because the Tories have been stealing our tax, and domestic violence services are closing, she said, referring to a local branch of Womens Aid which is closing after 40 years. Tax evasion is the elephant in the room which makes the rich richer while communities suffer, she said. The point was aimed at Conservative MEP and Brexit campaigner Daniel Hannan. I dont know how you dare talk about Europe being corrupt when we have Cameron who said he would look after the vulnerable in 2010, she also argued. Mr Hannan responded by arguing that austerity policies could have been wiped out if we were not in the EU. What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Show all 5 1 /5 What's the European Parliament ever done for us? What's the European Parliament ever done for us? A cap on the amount of hours an employer can make you work The Working Time directive provides legal standards to ensure the health and safety of employees in Europe. Among the many rules are a working week of a maximum 48 hours, including overtime, a daily rest period of 11 hours in every 24, a break if a person works for six hours or more, and one day off in every seven. It also includes provisions for paid annual leave of at least four weeks every year Getty Images What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Helping the people of Britain to avoid smoking In 2014 MEPs passed the Tobacco Products Directive strengthening existing rules on the manufacture, production and presentation of tobacco products. This includes things like reduced branding, restrictions on products containing flavoured tobacco, health warnings on cigarette packets and provisions for e-cigarettes to ensure they are safe What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Helping you to make the right choices with your food Thanks to the European Parliament, UK consumers have access to more information than ever about their food and drink. This includes amount of fat, and how much of it is saturated, carbohydrates, sugars, protein and so on. It also includes portion sizes and guideline daily amount information so people can make informed choices about their diet. All facts must be clear and easy to understand What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Two year guarantees and 14-day returns policy for all products Consumers across the EU have access to a number of rights, from things which are potentially very useful, to things which used to be annoying. For example, shoppers in the UK receive a two-year guarantee on all products, and a 14-day period to change their minds and return a purchase, these things are useful www.PeopleImages.com-licence restrictions apply What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Keeping your air nice and fresh (and safe) Believe it or not, although the situation is improving, some areas of the UK have appalling air quality. A report by the Royal College of Physicians released on 23 February says 40,000 deaths are caused by outdoor air pollution in the UK every year. Air pollution is linked to a number of illnesses and conditions, from Asthma to diabetes and dementia. The report estimates the costs to British business and the health service add up to 20 billion every year According to Institute for Fiscal Studies, between 2010 and 2015, all the austerity cuts put together saved 36 billion pounds, he said. This caused the angry audience member to shout across him boring and its a lie, resulting in her microphone being taken away so that Mr Hannan could finish. Over the lifetime of that same parliament, our gross contribution to the EU budget was 85 billion, said Mr Hannan. The subject of the debate was inheritance tax. David Cameron revealed that he had received 200,000 from his mother in 2011 following his fathers death when he published his tax statement on Saturday. It will remain untaxed provided his mother does not pass away before 2018. Women's groups and disability charities have also condemned Conservative cuts. 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 }} A sailor dubbed Captain Calamity after having to be rescued by coast guards nine times in seven months, has sold his ill-fated yacht. Steve Shapiro and his crew mate Bob Weise, both aged 71, set sail from Scandinavia in a 40ft yacht named Nora in July, with plans to cruise across the Atlantic to their native US. The expedition, however, became repeatedly beset by problems as the duo tried to navigate down the west coast to England. Described as a catastrophe waiting to happen by veteran sailor Sir Robin Knox-Johnson, the pair were initially rescued by Norwegian and Danish services, once when Nora's propeller shaft was damaged and a second time when the battery failed. They were rescued twice in Scotland after running aground and having further propeller problems. The pair also ran aground in Northern Ireland and again in the Republic of Ireland leading to further rescue efforts. Two more rescues were made in Cornwall following a mechanical problem and when one of the men got into difficulty rowing to the yacht. The 40ft yacht named Nora after being set alight near Hayle Harbour, Cornwall (ABC/YouTube) The ninth call out came when the boat tipped over near Hayle Harbour, Cornwall, causing a fire on board. Following the incident, Mr Weise, a former army helicopter pilot, abandoned the Atlantic mission. Appearing to have followed Mr Weises lead, Mr Shapiro, a screenwriter from California, recently sold Nora to new owners through Wooden Ships, an international yacht brokers based in Dartmouth, The Times reports. Wooden Ships confirmed to the Independent the yacht had been sold, but gave no further details about the sale. The yacht is understood to be moored at Hayle Harbour where the final catastrophe in the ships chaotic journey took place. Speaking to The Times on Thursday, Peter Haddock, Hayles harbour master believed the sale was due to a combination of being short of funds, the dream just coming to an end and listening to local advice. Wooden Ships have not disclosed how much the boat sold for, but Mr Haddock believes it went for around the 20,000 mark. He added it could be worth 40,000 to 50,000 in mint condition. The sale, however, may be part of a bigger scheme for Mr Shapiro. In February he told reporters he may sell Nora and upgrade to a larger vessel. He previously told the BBC: She is indestructible and seaworthy, but she is a little cramped. 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 }} Thousands of children in England are starting school underweight, a group of MPs has warned. A report undertaken on behalf of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Hunger has revealed that an increasingly high number of children do not get enough to eat at home and are arriving at school hungry. For a minority of children, the school lunchtime represents the only chance each day to eat something substantial, the group reported. At some schools, more than one in five children arrive to classes hungry each day, and for some children, their free school meal may be the only hot food they eat each day, researchers said. In an age of rampant child obesity, there has been a shock increase in the number of children starting their first and final years of school who are underweight, the group said in a statement. Data from the National Child Measurement Programme for England last year showed that at least 6,367 children started reception class underweight an increase of 16 per cent since 2012. As many as 7,663 children started their final year of primary school underweight, up from 15 per cent in the same year. Chart: Statista In some cases, childhood hunger was seen as part of a bigger picture of neglect, but concerns have also been raised about poverty levels in a number of disadvantaged childrens homes. "Some, maybe most, of these parents do not have sufficient income properly to feed their children, said MP Frank Field, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Hunger. Whether the reason for this is a long delay in paying benefits to which they are entitled, low or irregular wages, trying to square previous debts we do not know. Mr Field went on to say that there is not enough data to build a full picture of underweight childrens home environments, but findings suggested that too many children have hunger as their most constant companion. One suggestion that came from the report was to discuss the possibility of using some of the proceeds from the new sugar tax to extend free school meals to disadvantaged children during school holidays. The group also noted that many poorer families were not making use of the NHS Healthy Start voucher scheme, which allows for free milk, fruit, and vegetable allowances. Around one quarter of families who are entitled to the help scheme are failing to take up the vouchers. "Something very troubling is happening and there are at least two forces operating, said Mr Field. One is the breakdown in parenting, and the second is an increase in the numbers on a low income. Its a tragedy if one of these strikes a child, but its an unbounded horror if a child is hit by both. "How can the worlds fifth richest nation not know the extent of physical damage caused to its own children by a lack of food? As well as a rise in malnutrition, the study found that a rising number of infants and pregnant mothers are anaemic. Previous reports have shown that an increasing number of people being admitted to hospital in an emergency were found to be malnourished. In a speech on life chances in January, Prime Minister David Cameron proposed an "all-out assault on poverty" as part of social and economic reform. 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 Data collected 2011 for the House of Commons Library suggested that more than half a million under-fives were anaemic, the highest level in 20 years. Former Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has accused the charity of scaremongering in its figures on food poverty. The MPs say they are working with the United Kingdom Statistics Authority in a bid to obtain better data. 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 Governments new Universal Credit welfare system is punishing the working poor with new sanctions on people who work full time for low pay, academics have warned. Universal Credit combines various benefits into one payment and is being rolled out to people both in work and out of work. But low-paid workers are expected to look for more hours or take on extra jobs to get more cash as a condition of the in-work wage top-ups, and report to regular jobcentre appointments to prove their activities. People working under 35 hours are expected to find more meaning even full-time workers on zero hours contracts who sometimes end up with fewer hours in a week can face conditionality. Workers who miss jobcentre appointments can face sanctions amounting to hundreds of pounds. The new rules are an extension of the much-criticised sanctions system which has long applied to the unemployed, and which MPs on the work and pensions select committee warned last year could be 'purely punitive'. There are concerns that sanctions might lead to a range of unintended consequences, including severe financial hardship and associated wider social impacts, they said in a report, adding that there was strong academic evidence to suggest that sanctions led to poorer quality employment, temporary employment or unstable employment. Stephen Crabb has said he will not cancel Universal Credit (PA) Professor Peter Dwyer, of the University of York, who is studying benefit conditionality, told the Guardian newspaper: [This] is political dynamite. Does the government want to be associated with punishing the working poor? When this happened with tax credits they were forced to take a step back. The newspaper reports an example of a full-time zero-hours bar worker who was fined 218 because she went on a family holiday and did not attend two jobcentre appointments. The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned Show all 16 1 /16 The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "One case where the claimants wife went into premature labour and had to go to hospital. This caused the claimant to miss an appointment. No leeway given" The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "Its Christmas Day and you dont fill in your job search evidence form to show that youve looked for all the new jobs that are advertised on Christmas Day. You are sanctioned. Merry Christmas" The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "You apply for three jobs one week and three jobs the following Sunday and Monday. Because the job centre week starts on a Tuesday it treats this as applying for six jobs in one week and none the following week. You are sanctioned for 13 weeks for failing to apply for three jobs each week" The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "A London man missed his Jobcentre appointments for two weeks because he was in hospital after being hit by a car. He was sanctioned" 2011 Getty Images The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "Youve been unemployed for seven months and are forced onto a workfare scheme in a shop miles away, but cant afford to travel. You offer to work in a nearer branch but are refused and get sanctioned for not attending your placement" 2013 Getty Images The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "You are a mum of two, and are five minutes late for your job centre appointment. You show the advisor the clock on your phone, which is running late. You are sanctioned for a month" The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "A man with heart problems who was on Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) had a heart attack during a work capability assessment. He was then sanctioned for failing to complete the assessment" Rex The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "A man who had gotten a job that was scheduled to begin in two weeks time was sanctioned for not looking for work as he waited for the role to start" The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "Army veteran Stephen Taylor, 60, whose Jobseekers Allowance (JSA) was stopped after he sold poppies in memory of fallen soldiers" 2014 Getty Images The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "A man had to miss his regular appointment at the job centre to attend his fathers funeral. He was sanctioned even though he told DWP staff in advance" 2014 Getty Images The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "Ceri Padley, 26, had her benefits sanctioned after she missed an appointment at the jobcentre - because she was at a job interview" Jason Doiy Photography The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "A man got sanctioned for missing his slot to sign on - as he was attending a work programme interview. He was then sanctioned as he could not afford to travel for his job search" 2012 Getty Images The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "Mother-of-three Angie Godwin, 27, said her benefits were sanctioned after she applied for a role job centre staff said was beyond her" The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "Sofya Harrison was sanctioned for attending a job interview and moving her signing-on to another day" The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "Michael, 54, had his benefits sanctioned for four months for failing to undertake a weeks work experience at a charity shop. The charity shop had told him they didnt want him there" Getty The most ridiculous reasons people had their benefits sanctioned "Terry Eaton, 58, was sanctioned because he didnt have the bus fare he needed to attend an appointment with the job centre" Getty Images To make matters worse, the Chancellor George Osborne has also cut work allowances for UC before the system is even rolled out. This means that low-paid workers can work fewer hours before the money is clawed back, making it less attractive to take additional hours. The Government also effectively rolled its tax credit cuts for low paid workers into Universal Credit, which is set to come full online just before the 2020 general election. Universal Credit, which has been beset by delays and other problems, was the pet project of former Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith. Mr Duncan Smith resigned after the most recent Budget, arguing that the Government was balancing the books on the back of the most vulnerable in society. The new Work and Pensions Secretary, Stephen Crabb, signalled in a speech earlier this week that he would not cancel the programme, however. A spokesperson for the Department for Work and Pensions said: It is right that for the first time ever we are supporting claimants who are in low paid work to increase their earnings and progress in their careers. Universal Credit is a vital reform that will make work pay and is already transforming lives, with claimants moving into work quicker and earning more than under the old system. 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 }} Senior figures behind the campaign to pull Britain out of the European Union have advocated charging patients to use the NHS and cutting 50 billion of public expenditure to reduce the deficit. On Friday Vote Leave suggested that a large chunk of the UK's 10.6 billion net contribution to Brussels could be diverted to fund the NHS if Britain quits the EU. But the Remain campaign said such proposals were a cynical attempt to win support from floating voters and directly contradicted previous statements by leading figures in the Leave campaign. These include Boris Johnson, who suggested that money currently being sent to Brussels could be used to build new hospitals. But the London Mayor is previously on record as suggested that he did not believe in a free NHS. If NHS services continue to be free in this way, they will continue to be abused like any free service, he said in 2003. If people have to pay for them, they will value them more. Above all, there is an economic point. In a very modest way, this extension of private funds into the NHS would help the Chancellors straitened circumstances. What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Show all 5 1 /5 What's the European Parliament ever done for us? What's the European Parliament ever done for us? A cap on the amount of hours an employer can make you work The Working Time directive provides legal standards to ensure the health and safety of employees in Europe. Among the many rules are a working week of a maximum 48 hours, including overtime, a daily rest period of 11 hours in every 24, a break if a person works for six hours or more, and one day off in every seven. It also includes provisions for paid annual leave of at least four weeks every year Getty Images What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Helping the people of Britain to avoid smoking In 2014 MEPs passed the Tobacco Products Directive strengthening existing rules on the manufacture, production and presentation of tobacco products. This includes things like reduced branding, restrictions on products containing flavoured tobacco, health warnings on cigarette packets and provisions for e-cigarettes to ensure they are safe What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Helping you to make the right choices with your food Thanks to the European Parliament, UK consumers have access to more information than ever about their food and drink. This includes amount of fat, and how much of it is saturated, carbohydrates, sugars, protein and so on. It also includes portion sizes and guideline daily amount information so people can make informed choices about their diet. All facts must be clear and easy to understand What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Two year guarantees and 14-day returns policy for all products Consumers across the EU have access to a number of rights, from things which are potentially very useful, to things which used to be annoying. For example, shoppers in the UK receive a two-year guarantee on all products, and a 14-day period to change their minds and return a purchase, these things are useful www.PeopleImages.com-licence restrictions apply What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Keeping your air nice and fresh (and safe) Believe it or not, although the situation is improving, some areas of the UK have appalling air quality. A report by the Royal College of Physicians released on 23 February says 40,000 deaths are caused by outdoor air pollution in the UK every year. Air pollution is linked to a number of illnesses and conditions, from Asthma to diabetes and dementia. The report estimates the costs to British business and the health service add up to 20 billion every year Matthew Elliott, Chief Executive of Vote Leave was previously chief executive of the Taxpayers Alliance, which advocated far harsher public spending cuts than those carried out by the Government. In addition last March when Mr Elliott was still a director of the organisation it set out details of how it would increase charges for NHS services. These included a 20 flat-rate GP consultation charge; a 20 daily hotel charge for overnight hospital stays; and a 25 fine for missed outpatient hospital appointments. In 2010 Mr Elliott said: What we want is spending cuts. Thats how they should solve the fiscal equation we are in at the moment. Weve actually outlined ourselves how you could cut spending by 50bn so it is doable. Farage on Government's leaflet James McGrory, spokesman for the Stronger In Europe campaign said it showed that Vote Leaves new found enthusiasm for the NHS could not be taken at face value. Leave campaigners are trying to pretend to be friends of the NHS but these same people have long campaigned for policies which would destroy our NHS as we know it, he said. This puts them fundamentally ad odds with the interests and values of British people. They have no credibility in this area. But a spokesman for Vote Leave rejected this. BSE really need to do better on day one of the campaign than brief a handful of selective or wrongly attributed quotes, he said. If we Vote Leave we can spend the 350 million we hand to Brussels every week on people's priorities, like the NHS. Unveiling the Leave campaign's first billboard ad, the Labour MP Graham Stringer said leaving the EU would help the NHS. "Our NHS is struggling to cope with rising demand and needs the support that is currently siphoned off to Brussels, he said. Instead of handing over 350 million a week to the EU we should spend our money on our priorities like the NHS." But Downing Street insisted that Brexit would mean "less money for the NHS", with Mr Cameron's official spokeswoman saying: "A strong NHS needs a strong economy and the Prime Minister has been very clear that our economy is stronger in the EU." Health unions also criticised Vote Leave's figures as "spurious and outrageously misleading", insisting the NHS's financial woes were made in Whitehall and not Brussels. Unite national officer for health Barrie Brown said: "It defies belief to think that Boris Johnson and Michael Gove would do a massive political U-turn and divert billions of EU cash into the NHS - when they have supported real cuts to the NHS budget and been enthusiastic flag-wavers for the privatisation and break-up of the NHS." And TUC general secretary Frances O'Grady said: "The reality is that Brexit would plunge the NHS into a staffing crisis, which could lead to the longest hospital waiting lists we've ever known. And with experts warning that Brexit would hit Britain's economy, the consequences for NHS funding would be dire." Justice Secretary Mr Gove is expected to echo the NHS warnings during a speech in Nottingham, as fellow leading Leave figures Commons Leader Chris Grayling and Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers also step up the Brexit campaign in the coming days. 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 Hunt has refused to get back around the negotiating table with junior doctors after a lengthy discussion with protesting medics. Doctors have been staging a permanent protest outside the Department of Health building on Whitehall to encourage officials to return to discussions with the British Medical Association over a new contract. On Friday, two doctors from the protest were invited to meet the Health Secretary and went inside to discuss the dispute with him. Dr Ben White, one of the doctors at the meeting, told the Independent that Mr Hunt had disappointingly refused to return to negotiations. This morning, the Health Secretary invited myself and the other junior doctor on duty outside the Department of Health inside the Department to discuss the junior contract with him, he said. Disappointingly, despite a lengthy discussion in which we attempted to stress the dire impact on patient safety of his proposed contract, he did not offer to do the one thing in his power which would stop the forthcoming industrial action, that is, to get back round the table and resume talks with the BMA. Junior doctors with supporters during an earlier strike outside the Department of Health (PA) We have therefore been left with no alternative but to continue our peaceful protest until such time as he is willing to engage in talks. It is baffling and distressing to all junior doctors that the Health Secretary, who purports to be an advocate of patient safety, is so resistant to talking when this is so clearly the only way to avert industrial action. We appeal to him to please urgently reconsider this stance and re-engage with the negotiations which would end the prospect of further strikes in an instant. Mr Hunt however struck a different tone after the meeting, tweeting: Had a good discussion this morning with [Dr Ben White] & Dr Paola Rodriguez about the junior doctor contract thanks for making the time. Doctors take it in shifts from 9am till 9pm to stand outside the Department two at a time. They say they will remain until meaningful talks about the new NHS-wide contract resume. In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK Show all 10 1 /10 In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK 20,000 Junior Doctors marched through central London in protest at the new contract changes the government is trying to impose which they say will be unfair and unsafe In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK Junior doctors protest in London In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK 4 year old Cassius takes part in a demonstration in Westminster, in support of junior doctors over changes to NHS contracts, London In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK Protest over proposed changes to junior doctors' contracts, Leeds In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK Junior doctors and NHS staff protesting against the health service cuts and the proposed contract changes offered by the government outside Parliament In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK Junior doctors and NHS staff protesting against the health service cuts and the proposed contract changes offered by the government outside Parliament In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK Over 5000 junior doctors rallied in Waterloo place, before marching through Whitehall and onto Parliament Square, in opposition to Jeremy Hunt's new working conditions for doctors In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK Demonstrators listen to speeches in Waterloo Place during the 'Let's Save the NHS' rally and protest march by junior doctors In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK Junior doctors marched in London to highlight their plight In pictures: Junior doctors protests in UK A protester at a demonstration in support of junior doctors in London Junior doctors say a new contract, which Mr Hunt is set to unilaterally impose, will put patient safety at risk by incentivising unsafe staff rostering. The Government says the contract will help implement the Conservatives manifesto pledge of improving care at weekends, dubbed a seven-day NHS. Medics will be holding a further all-out strike against the proposed contract between 8am and 5pm on 26 and 27 April. Unlike during previous strikes, emergency care will also be withdrawn. Alabama governor Robert Bentley left his wallet in Tuscaloosa when he headed off for his beach house. So his aides sent a state police helicopter to fetch it, at a public cost of about $4000. "I requested they deliver my wallet, I didn't know how they were going to do it," the governor told AL.com. "I did not request that a helicopter was used. You have to have your wallet for security reasons. I'm the governor. And I had to have money. I had to buy something to eat. You have to have identification." Bentley's about to be impeached, but over an unrelated a sex scandal. 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 }} Sadiq Khan has said a question should be asked about what is going on in families with Muslim women who wear hijabs and niqabs. In an interview with the Evening Standard, Labours London mayoral candidate said that he questioned why young Muslim women in London are choosing to keep their heads and bodies covered a sight that Mr Khan said he did not see growing up in the capital or when visiting Pakistan. The MP for Tooting, said: When I was younger you didnt see people in hijabs and niqabs, not even in Pakistan when I visited my family. In London we got on. People dressed the same. What you see now are people born and raised here who are choosing to wear the jilbab or niqab. There is a question to be asked about what is going on in those homes. Whats insidious is if people are starting to think it is appropriate to treat women differently or that it has been forced on them. What worries me is children being forced to adopt a lifestyle. Shadow justice secretary Sadiq Khan (Getty Images) The 45-year-old, who became the first Muslim cabinet minister under Gordon Brown in 2009, said he also believes that women working in public service should allow people to see their faces, saying that eye contact matters. He added: There is no other city in the world where I would want to raise my daughters than London. They have rights, they have protection, the right to wear what they like, think what they like, to meet who they like, to study what they like, more than they would in any other country. Mayor of London 2016 - the candidates at a glance Show all 7 1 /7 Mayor of London 2016 - the candidates at a glance Mayor of London 2016 - the candidates at a glance Sadiq Khan - Labour The MP for Tooting, Sadiq Khan says the mayoral election will be a 'referendum on the Tory housing crisis'. He has also pledged to freeze fares until 2020. Son of a bus driver, and doesn't let anyone forget it. His Conservative opponent has made claims about people who he has previously associated with - but attacks so far have failed to stick Mayor of London 2016 - the candidates at a glance Zac Goldsmith - Conservative The MP for Richmond, Zac Goldsmith is a longstanding campaigner against the expansion of Heathrow airport. Despite his environment credentials - he once edited The Ecologist magazine - the Tory candidate has said he would 'rip out' Boris Johnson's cycle lanes if they don't work. A very wealthy man, his campaign has been dogged by accusations of racism against Sadiq Khan Mayor of London 2016 - the candidates at a glance Sian Berry - Green Party A councillor in the London Borough of Camden, Sian Berry is campaigning on improving homes for renters, cleaning up London's air pollution, and flattening fare zones to help Londoners. She previously ran as the party's mayoral candidate in 2008. In 2012, the Green Party came in third place Mayor of London 2016 - the candidates at a glance Caroline Pidgeon - Liberal Democrat A Liberal Democrat London Assembly member for eight years, Caroline Pidgeon has a strong record on the Assembly's transport committee standing up for commuters and cyclists alike. She wants to set up a 2 billion housing investment fund and make all the capital's buses zero emission Mayor of London 2016 - the candidates at a glance Peter Whittle - UKIP UKIP hasn't fared so well in London in previous elections, but is hoping for a breakthrough this time. Peter Whittle has been UKIP's culture spokesperson for two years. He tends to focus on the impact of immigration on London's housing crisis Mayor of London 2016 - the candidates at a glance George Galloway - RESPECT George Galloway has made a habit of defying the odds and pulling off stunning victories when standing for Parliament. His campaign - based on the slogan 'a London for all' has so far failed to make headway in the polls - has his luck run out? Mayor of London 2016 - the candidates at a glance Sophie Walker - Women's Equality Party A journalist, Sophie Walker is campaigning for the little-known Women's Equality Party. She is pledging to make 'equality and diversity the fuel that drives our nation's capital' with measures to increase women's representation in enterprise, more affordable homes and flexible childcare Mr Khan, known for actively campaigning against extremism, has been accused by his Conservative rival, Zac Goldsmith, of giving a platform, oxygen and cover to people who are extremists. Mr Goldsmith, 41, has, in turn, been accused of racially profiling voters after leaflets in support of his campaign were targeted at the British Indian community, mentioning concerns they might have of their jewellery being burgled and the Richmond Park MPs visit to Wembley Stadium to welcome Indians Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year. The 2016 London mayoral election will be held on 5 May. 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 horse has been named Horsey McHorseface as a tribute to what the British public would like to call a new research ship. The two-year-old horse was named by trainer Bjorn Bakers team at Sydneys Warwick Farm racecourse, reports the BBC. Boaty McBoatface was the leading choice in a non-binding poll by the UKs National Environmental Research Council (NERC) to find a name for the new 200million polar research ship. Horsey McHorseface was bought for 32,000 in November last year and was shipped to Australia. Mr Bakers racing manager Jack Bruce told the BBC: We bought him from a ready-to-run sale in New Zealand where he put in a very good breeze. It is not yet clear whether NERC will stand-by the comical Boaty McBoatface for the ship. 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 charity is aiming to provide thousands of Kenyans with a basic income for at least the next decade in a bid to investigate how a fundamental level of economic freedom could change peoples lives. GiveDirectly, an organisation that was set up to transfer cash payments to those in poverty in Kenya and neighbouring Uganda, has said it now wants to structure its donations in such a way that would guarantee at least 6,000 Kenyans an ongoing income, high enough to meet their basic needs a universal basis income or basic income guarantee. The charity is hoping to put $10million of its own funds into the scheme, to match the first $10million donated by others. The debate around introducing a universal basic income or citizens income has picked up pace in recent years with an increasing number of politicians, public policy architects, think tanks and charities advocating the idea. Such a scheme would provide all people living in a country with a basic amount of money that would be enough for them to live on a payment that would not be dependent on means-testing or a requirement to work. It would be provided to everyone regardless, indefinitely, and would replace any existing system of social security and benefits. (Getty Images) GiveDirectly has said it aims to provide a basic income to all full-time residents of the selected villages in Kenya, and that the payments would continue even if people left the villages. Writing in Slate magazine, the charitys co-founders, Michael Faye and Paul Niehaus, said that the key question is how the knowledge that your livelihood is secured for more than a decade affects your behaviour now. Do you take more risk? Get more schooling? Look for a better job? They said that, across many continents and contexts, experimental tests have shown that poorer people do not simply stop trying to better their circumstances when they are given a basic income one of the criticisms levelled at its proponents. They make productive use of the funds - feeding their families, sending their children to school and investing in businesses and their own futures. Even a short-term infusion of capital has been shown to significantly improve long-term living standards, improve psychological wellbeing and even add one year of life. There has been a shift away from the assumption that individuals arent good at making decisions for themselves and that experts had to make decisions for them towards appreciating the power of giving people more control over their own lives, they said. (Getty Images) Advocates of a universal basic income believe it to be a simple system that neither introduces perverse incentives discouraging work nor mandates work to receive benefits and avoids the paternalism at the heart of many social programmes, Mr Faye and Mr Niehaus said. Pilot schemes for a basic income are being considered by the governments of Finland and Canada, while Switzerland will become the first country to hold a referendum on the issue in June. In the UK, a number of Labour politicians have begun to favourably view the concept, and the SNP passed a motion at its spring conference last month to introduce it in Scotland. The Green party has supported the idea for a number of years. GiveDirectlys co-founders added: Should we move from a patchwork system of overlapping poverty-reduction programmes, administered separately to address different issues (nutrition, housing, employment) to simply guaranteeing a basic income? What would happen if we did? Were planning to find out. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Two years after the world united in outrage over the abduction of hundreds of schoolgirls from the remote Nigerian village of Chibok, the horror for Boko Harams victims is not over even for those who escaped. Speaking in an exclusive interview for The Independent, Boko Haram survivor Yagana reveals how she and her children still face the distrust and stigma of being a Sambisa woman, named after the forest where militants hid following the Chibok kidnaps. She was living in Bama in northeast Nigeria with her mother and children when the militants arrived. It was Fajr [prayer] when they came, she says. We were on our way running to the barracks in Bama, when they shot two people in front of us. We ran back home and stayed there. My mother and two of my children ran in a different direction. My husband and I were divorced, so he was somewhere else too. Boko Haram took us to Shehus Palace and enrolled us in Islamic school. It is not known how many of the Chibok girls themselves are still alive. Only 57 of the 276 schoolgirls are confirmed as having escaped, and a video that emerged on Thursday purports to show just 15 of those still in captivity. But while the video and the anniversary itself have sparked renewed calls to bring back our girls, little attention has been paid to the fate of those who, after suffering horrific treatment at the hands of Islamists, are victimised all over again when they return to mistrust and persecution in their communities. Yagana is one of around 250 survivors who have been working with the peace-building charity International Alert to overcome the stigma that goes with being former Boko Haram wives. The process aims to teach the victims about forgiveness and understanding through Islamic principles, and part of that involves discussing their experiences of capture. 'They said our men were pagans and they would marry us themselves' (Picture by Fati Abubakar for International Alert/Unicef) 'When you are with them, there is a constant fear that they can kill you' (Picture by Fati Abubakar for International Alert/Unicef) All they brought us to eat was beans, Yagana says. We were not allowed to go anywhere. When you are with them, there is a constant fear that they can kill you. Or maybe the bombs or stray bullets from the [government] soldiers can also kill you. It was just terrible. Yagana says it was when she and her fellow captives were told they would be married to fighters Boko Harams pretext for allowing its members to rape victims that they felt compelled to risk fleeing. They said our men were pagans and they would marry us themselves. So the day before the marriage, we jumped over the fence and ran. It took Yagana a month to recover from the physical trauma of what she had been through but the psychological challenges remain, in spite of the workshops focussed on recovery and forgiveness being run by Alert and its partners in the Federation of Muslim Womens Associations in Nigeria (Fomwan). Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram Show all 16 1 /16 Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram Fifteen year old Nigerian refugee Fati, hugs her mother Mariam while carrying her sister, at the Minawao refugee camp in Northern Cameroon UNICEF Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram Fifteen year old Nigerian refugee Fati, carry her eight month old sister, who she last seen when she was 3 months old, at the Minawao refugee camp in Northern Cameroon. She was abducted by Boko Haram and spend four months in captivity. She was given to a man and forced to be his wife. She was eventually freed by Cameroonian soldiers and have been reunited with her family in a refugee camp in Cameroon UNICEF Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram Nigerian refugee's at the Minawao refugee camp in Northern Cameroon. The conflict in North-East Nigeria prompted by Boko Haram has led to widespread displacement, violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, protection risks and a severe humanitarian crisis. This is one of the fastest growing displacement crisis in Africa one of the worlds most forgotten emergencies, with little attention from the donor community UNICEF Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram Nigerian refugee children at the Minawao refugee camp in Northern Cameroon UNICEF Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram Nigerian refugees line up to receive food aid at the Minawao refugee camp in Northern Cameroon UNICEF Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram Didja Damna (26) with her daughter, 17 month old Ngarvounsia, as she gets treatment at the Maroua hospital in Northern Cameroon UNICEF Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram Didja Damna (26) with her daughter , 17 month old Ngarvounsia, as she gets treatment at the Maroua hospital in Northern Cameroon. Didja have four other children and had her first child when she was sixteen. Ngarvounsia lost weight and have been treated for three day's in hospital and is recovering UNICEF Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram Fadi ,the wife of internally displaced Alagi Dubji feed her daughter, Ina Petal( 13 months) a peanut butter supplement, at their home in Maroua in Northern Cameroon. Ina received treatment for malnourishment and is doing well after she was discharged from the hospital. Alagi and his family had to flee from his village near Maroua after Boko Haram fighters burned down his house.Alagi had 40 children with 26 still alive UNICEF Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram A malnourished girl gets treatment at the Maroua hospital in Northern Cameroon UNICEF Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram More than 135 displacement sites have been noted along the border with Nigeria UNICEF Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram Temporary schools in the refugee camp of Kabelewa, counts eight classrooms for 549 pupils. Out of those 549 children, only 12 had already been to school before UNICEF Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram As the river continues to dry up in April and May, we expect to see an increase in violence in the Diffa region. Both refugees and internally displaced people are affected by the insecurity, fleeing attacks and also fleeing to safer locations ahead of attacks. Generally noticed is a movement from locations near the border towards the inland area along the main road where spontaneous new sites are being created and host villages' population increasing UNICEF Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram Forced displacement in the region of Diffa is becoming regular and is linked to the volatile security situation in the region. Diffa, the Niger's poorest region, has been affected by the consequences of the increased acts of violence in Nigeria, conducted by the armed group Boko Haram, increasingly expanding and targeting the civilian population in Niger - and Diffa region in particular. With water levels starting to fall, the Nigeria-based armed group is seizing the opportunity to cross over the Komadougou River, into Niger from Nigeria UNICEF Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram Fatima Abubakar, 13, in Dar Es Salam refugee camp, Lake region of Chad. Fatima lost five family members during the attack of her small village in Nigeria, in the shores of the lake Chad. She now lives in Dar Es Salam refugee camp, in Chad, with her father, mother and 3 siblings, "The table was all set and we were just about to have our breakfast together when the gunshots started outside. We immediately left in panic. I escaped with my mother. We left in two pirogues. My mothers pirogue had a whole and they put a cloth to stop the water from entering. But they had to come back to shore. I thought I would be forever alone and that my parents were dead. I cried for days. When I met them both days later in Ngouboua (an island in Chad) I couldnt be happier. I sometimes think about our table, where the breakfast was served, and how the house would be now" UNICEF Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram Hafsa Mohammed sews in the UNICEF-supported child friendly space in Dar Es Salam refugee camp, Lake region of Chad. Every childs future starts with a dream and Hafsa Mohammed, 16, has a very clear idea of what she wants to become. She wants to be a successful businesswoman and own a notions store. She now lives in Daresalam refugee camp, Lake region of Chad. I have started again to sew. I used to do it back in Nigeria. My parents encouraged me to do it. It will be useful for me to start my own business and I would be happy to teach others as well, explains Hafsa UNICEF Beyond Chibok: Report shows alarming trends in countries affected by Boko Haram Salta Bintou Hassan is 11. She lost her arm after an suicide attack on Bagasola market in October 2015. After spending two months in the hospital of N'Djamena, she is back with her family. Yet, her life will never be the same UNICEF Yagana says she didnt like the women [at the displacement camp where she now lives] they would whisper when I passed by. Another survivor, Aisha, told International Alert how she became pregnant after she was raped by a Boko Haram fighter. I felt helpless and felt they had ruined my life, and no one would now take care of me I hated the baby. Like Yagana, Aisha says life was bad in a government camp even after she was freed as part of the major Nigerian army offensive in late 2015. The women called me Boko Haram wife and wouldnt let me use their belongings. A group of them even beat me up, she said. The Nigerian government says it is assessing the new video to establish its authenticity, but two women whose daughters are missing have confirmed their identities among those shown. The footage is the first to emerge of the girls since May 2014. It is understood to have been filmed on Christmas Day 2015, and sent to the Nigerian government as a representation of proof of life for the wider group. Charities say the Chibok girls represent just a tenth of all the women and girls abducted by Boko Haram since 2012 to be used as wives, sex slaves and, in some cases, suicide bombers. They want the second anniversary of the most famous single kidnapping to focus attention not just on those who are still captives, but on those who are trying to rebuild their lives once free. Kimairis Toogood from International Alert said: With more victims now returning from captivity, we are appealing to the international community and the Nigerian government to do more now to support efforts to re-integrate them, and ensure they can build a life for themselves and their children. Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The Canadian government led by Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has introduced legislation to permit voluntary euthanasia for Canadians suffering from serious medical conditions. Under the proposed new law, people who wish to died will be able legally to have an assisted death using drugs provided by their physicians, and administered by those physicians, by family members or by themselves. The legislation would apply only to adults who are mentally competent, who have a serious, terminal condition and who are suffering intolerably and for whom death is reasonably foreseeable. Each case would have to be assessed by two independent doctors; if the doctors objected to participating in euthanasia, they would nonetheless be obliged to refer their patients to another doctor who did not. At a press conference in Ottawa, Justice Minister Jodi Wilson-Raybould said some would inevitably find the legislation troubling, but added that for others, it wont go far enough. The law, she went on, would allow competent adults to apply for a peaceful death instead of the prolonged, frightening, undignified deaths that they may otherwise face. Voluntary euthanasia would only be available to Canadians and Canadian residents under the law. Patients from the US and elsewhere would not be able to travel to Canada for an assisted suicide, which is legal in some form in several other countries including Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Colombia and Japan. It is also legal in a handful of US states including Oregon, New Mexico, Montana and Vermont. The Canadian Supreme Court overturned a ban on assisted suicide in February 2015, but the previous Conservative government led by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and backed by religious groups opposed voluntary euthanasia and declined to introduce new legislation. Mr Trudeaus Liberal Party was elected to power in a landslide last October. The government has said it will allow Liberal MPs to vote freely on the controversial law, but given the partys large parliamentary majority, it is expected to pass comfortably. Mr Trudeau has said he came to support assisted death after experiencing the painful decline of his own father, former Canadian leader Pierre Trudeau, who died in 2000 after suffering from prostate cancer and Parkinsons disease. 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 }} Bernie Sanders took his message on economic inequality to the Vatican today when he addressed a conference on social justice hours after taking part in a Democratic candidates debate in New York on Thursday night that was unusual for its rancour and ill-humour. For an American politician - one who calls himself a democratic socialist - to arrive at the Holy See essentially to decry an unfettered open market system was a rare, jarring event. If Mr Sanders was received warmly inside, he was fairly mobbed by reporters as he emerged outside. Mr Sanders noted at the conference that the Catholic Churchs first encyclical on social justice, written in 1891 by Pope Leo XIII, lamented the gap between the rich and the poor. And let us be clear. That situation is worse today, he said, taking up one of his main campaign themes. In the year 2016, the top 1 percent of the people on this planet own more wealth than the bottom 99 percentAt a time when so few have so much, and so many have so little, we must reject the foundations of this contemporary economy as immoral and unsustainable. Young people in particular have had enough of it, he contended. Our youth are no longer satisfied with corrupt and broken politics and an economy of stark inequality and injustice. Answering questions from reporters, he said he never hesitated when asked to attend the conference even though the dash to Italy removed him fro the campaign trail for 24 hours at a crucial moment with primary voting in New York set for Tuesday. When I received this invitation it was so moving to me, that it was something that I just simply could not refuse to attend, he explained. While campaigning Mr Sanders has repeatedly cited Pope Francis, notably his words on the idolatry of money and on climate change. As well as giving him a presidential sheen, if only for a brief moment, the visit to Rome may help distract attention from a debate post-mortem that mostly held that the 74-year-old senator had squandered a chance to change the dynamics of a race which still sees him lagging behind Hillary Clinton in the delegate count in part by simply being overly angry and aggressive. The debate, hosted by CNN in Brooklyn, was most testy when Mr Sanders accused Ms Clinton of failing fully to support a national minimum wage of $15 an hour. She furiously defended herself and for a while the two simply shouted past each other. If you're both screaming at each other, the viewers won't be able to hear either of you, moderator Wolf Blitzer admonished. The Sanders campaign moved on Friday to drive the point home with a scathing TV ad. The spot, released in the biggest New York TV markets, didnt name Ms Clinton directly but hardly needed to as it explored the contrast between taking speaking fees of $200,000 or more from Wall Street banks - which she has done - with a reluctance to ensure better wages for workers. At the Vatican, Mr Sanders also decried what he calls the corrupt electoral system in the US where billionaires can buy elections. Jeffrey Sachs, economist and head of the United Nation's sustainable development network and a foreign policy advisor to the Senator, told the Vatican conference that it's time to end the impunity of the rich and powerful. In a disappointment for Mr Sanders, an audience with Pope Francis seemed unlikely to materialise before he departed for the return flight to the United States. Indeed the Pontiff did not show up at the conference at all, sending a written apology for his absence which he put down to his imminent departure this weekend for Greece and the island of Lesbos, which is at the epicentre of Europes immigration crisis. 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 }} Texas inmates can no longer have social media accounts, even if they are run by friends or family members on the outside, state authorities have ruled. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) published an update to its orientation handbook to include a rule that bars prisoners from having active profiles on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter for the purposes of soliciting, updating, or engaging others, through a third party or otherwise. TDCJ spokesperson Robert C. Hurst told The Independent that inmates in Texas correctional facilities do not have Internet access and therefore cannot create their own accounts. When its determined there is an active social media account in an offenders name, TDCJ will reach out to the company and request that account be taken down. He added that social media companies now require correctional agencies to have a specific rule in place that prohibits from maintaining active social media accounts in order to have the accounts removed. The new language in the handbook strengthens the TDCJs ability to enforce the prohibition. Mr Hurst explained that inmates had previously sell mementos and tchotchkes through social media based on the notoriety of their crime. Additionally, he said, offenders had previously harassed victims and continued their criminal activity. According to the Texas Tribune, serial killer Elmer Wayne Henley sold items via social media accounts operated by an outside associate. Law enforcement officials can request information about Twitter users via valid legal process, a spokesperson for the social media site told The Independent. They list what information is available to law enforcement on a guidelines page. According to a recent report, Twitter received 123 information requests from the state of Texas during the second half of 2015. Representatives from Facebook declined to comment on the TDCJ policy, but did confirm that the company suspends prisoner accounts if they violate Community Standards or if they are provided with "valid legal authority stating prisoners are prohibited from accessing" the site. Despite the safety concerns expressed by the TDCJ, the new guideline sparked free speech concerns from civil liberties groups in the state. I think that while TDCJ may have sincere goals in trying to implement this new policy, it raises very serious concerns about the stifling of free speech and frankly probably reaches far beyond, in terms of its impact, legal director for the Texas Civil Rights Project, Wayne Krause Yang, told the Tribune. We don't know whether TDCJ is going to attempt to exercise, and has the power to enforce, this policy and against whom. If and when it does, it could present some very serious concerns. Mr Krause Yang added that the TDCJ appears to be attempting to extend its policies beyond prison walls. Those types of policies have a name theyre called laws. They should be considered by the representatives of the people, too, because this policy doesnt just affect the people behind the bars. Additionally, critics feel the new policy could hamper work done by advocates to raise awareness in the case of death row inmates or the wrongfully convicted. It sounds to me like the only reason theyre implementing this is because their actions in the prison, which they like to keep very private, are just becoming way too public, and they dont like that, Julie Strickland, an advocate for death row inmate Rodney Reed, told the Tribune. Mr Reed was convicted of the 1996 murder of Stacey Stites, although defense attorneys say they have evidence that indicates the woman was killed by another man. Ms Strickland runs a Facebook page and Twitter account that push for Mr Reeds exoneration. 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 }} Jamaican lawmakers will debate a constitutional amendment that would replace Britains Queen Elizabeth II as head of state and make the island a republic. The proposal is a major action item on the new governments 2016-2017 legislative agenda, and would replace the Queen with a Non-Executive President, Governor General Sir Patrick Allen said Thursday in a speech to parliament posted on the governments website. Jamaican Labour Party leader Andrew Holness scraped a narrow win in general elections in February as voters opted for promises of tax cuts and a higher minimum wage over the previous governments austerity program. The legislative agenda also includes a proposal to set fixed election dates and term limits for the Prime Minister, as well as a proposal to fully legalize marijuana for specified purposes. The measures would need to be passed by Parliament to become law. The government also plans to set up a single anti-corruption body, and reform the tax and pension system, Mr Allen said. The Queen is also head of state of other Caribbean nations, including Barbados and the Bahamas. Where cannabis is and isn't legal Show all 10 1 /10 Where cannabis is and isn't legal Where cannabis is and isn't legal UK Having been reclassified in 2009 from a Class C to a Class B drug, cannabis is now the most used illegal drug within the United Kingdom. The UK is also, however, the only country where Sativex a prescribed drug that helps to combat muscle spasms in multiple sclerosis and contains some ingredients that are also found in cannabis - is licensed as a treatment Getty Where cannabis is and isn't legal North Korea Although many people believe the consumption of cannabis in North Korea to be legal, the official law regarding the drug has never been made entirely clear whilst under Kim Jong Uns regime. However, it is said that the North Korean leader himself has openly said that he does not consider cannabis to be a drug and his regime doesnt take any issue with the consumption or sale of the drug MARCEL VAN HOORN/AFP/Getty Images Where cannabis is and isn't legal Netherlands In the Netherlands smoking cannabis is legal, given that it is smoked within the designated smoking areas and you dont possess more than 5 grams for personal use. It is also legal to sell the substance, but only in specified coffee shops Getty Where cannabis is and isn't legal USA Although in some states of America cannabis has now been legalised, prior to the legalisation, police in the U.S. could make a marijuana-related arrest every 42 seconds, according to US News and World Report. The country also used to spend around $3.6 billion a year enforcing marijuana law, the American Civil Liberties Union notes AP Photo/Ted S. Warren Where cannabis is and isn't legal Spain Despite cannabis being officially illegal in Spain, the European hotspot has recently started to be branded, the new Amsterdam. This is because across Spain there are over 700 Cannabis Clubs these are considered legal venues to consume cannabis in because the consumption of the drug is in private, and not in public. These figures have risen dramatically in the last three years in 2010 there were just 40 Cannabis Clubs in the whole of Spain. Recent figures also show that in Catalonia alone there are 165,000 registered members of cannabis clubs this amounts to over 5 million euros (4 million) in revenue each month Getty Where cannabis is and isn't legal Uruguay In December 2013, the House of Representatives and Senate passed a bill legalizing and regulating the production and sale of the drug. But the president has since postponed the legalization of cannabis until to 2015 and when it is made legal, it will be the authorities who will grow the cannabis that can be sold legally. Buyers must be 18 or older, residents of Uruguay, and must register with the authorities Getty Where cannabis is and isn't legal Pakistan Despite the fact that laws prohibiting the sale and misuse of cannabis exist and is considered a habit only entertained by lower-income groups, it is very rarely enforced. The occasional use of cannabis in community gatherings is broadly tolerated as a centuries old custom. The open use of cannabis by Sufis and Hindus as a means to induce euphoria has never been challenged by the state. Further, large tracts of cannabis grow unchecked in the wild Getty Where cannabis is and isn't legal Portugal In 2001, Portugal became the first country in the world to decriminalize the use of all drugs, and started treating drug users as sick people, instead of criminals. However, you can still be arrested or assigned mandatory rehab if you are caught several times in possession of drugs Getty Where cannabis is and isn't legal Puerto Rico Although the use of cannabis is currently illegal, it is said that Puerto Rico are in the process of decriminalising it RAUL ARBOLEDA/AFP/Getty Images Where cannabis is and isn't legal China Cannabis is grown in the wild and has been used to treat conditions such as gout and malaria. But, officially the substance is illegal to consume, possess and sell Getty Copyright: Bloomberg 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 parole review board in California has recommended the release of Leslie Van Houten, one of several Manson Family members convicted of the 1969 murders of Leno LaBianca, a wealthy Los Angeles grocer, and his wife Rosemary. Ms Van Houten, who is 66, has previously been denied parole 19 times. If the boards recommendation is approved, she would be the first member of Charles Mansons cult involved in the infamous Tate-LaBianca killings to be freed. The ruling is likely to be sent to the desk of California governor Jerry Brown, who may choose to block Ms Van Houtens release. Another Manson follower and convicted murderer, Bruce Davis, was approved for parole in 2012, but Mr Brown reversed that decision. Recommended Read more Charles Manson family member sends corrections to Wikipedia On 9 August 1969, members of the Manson Family slaughtered pregnant actress Sharon Tate and four other people at the LA home that Tate shared with her husband, film director Roman Polanski. Ms Van Houten was not involved in the Tate killings, but the following night she went with Manson and several of his followers to the Los Feliz home of the LaBiancas, who had also been randomly targeted for murder. Then 19, she was the youngest of Mansons acolytes to participate in the crime. Ms Van Houten struggled with 38-year-old Mrs LaBianca, and then held her down as she was stabbed repeatedly. A Manson accomplice, Charles Tex Watson, handed Ms Van Houten a knife and told her to do something, as Manson had made clear that he wanted everyone involved to incriminate themselves in the murders. She stabbed Mrs LaBianca around two dozen times in the back, though she has since claimed that she believed her victim was already dead at the time. After killing the couple, the cult members used their blood to scrawl hate messages on the walls of the home. Five people were convicted of the Tate-LaBianca murders. Manson, Watson and Patricia Krenwinkel have all been denied parole multiple times. Another of the killers, Susan Atkins, died in 2009. At their 1971 trial, a prosecutor said Ms Van Houten was the most likely of the group to be eligible for parole in later life. She was nonetheless convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to death with her fellow Family members. Their sentences were reduced to life in prison when the death penalty was outlawed in California between 1972 and 1977. A model prisoner, Ms Van Houten has earned two college degrees during her time behind bars, and been praised for her work in supporting the elderly women inmates at her prison. According to the Associated Press, she told the parole board this week that she bitterly regretted her crimes. I dont let myself off the hook, she said. I dont find parts in any of this that makes me feel the slightest bit good about myself. Following the panels decision to recommend her parole, Ms Van Houten said she felt numb, her lawyer, Richard Pfeiffer, told the Los Angeles Times, adding: A lot of people who oppose parole dont know anything about Leslies conduct. Her role was bad. Everyones was. But they dont know what shes done since then and all of the good shes done. Leno LaBiancas daughter, Cory LaBianca, who was 21 at the time of the murders, opposed the ruling. Maybe Leslie Van Houten has been a model prisoner, Ms LaBianca said. But my father will never be paroled. My stepmother will never get her life back. Theres no way I can agree with the ruling today. Just one member of the Manson Family convicted of murder has ever been released: Steve Clem Grogan, who helped Manson to kill Hollywood stuntman Donald Shorty Shea, also in August 1969. Grogan was sentenced to life in prison, but freed in 1985. 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 Muslim woman was asked to get off a plane without any explanation after she asked her neighbour to switch seats. The Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) has called for an investigation of a possible bias motive as the woman was of Somali descent and was wearing a headscarf. Hakima Abdulle was told to disembark a Southwest Airlines plane at a Chicago airport after she asked the man next to her whether she could move to the aisle seat, and he had agreed. She was traveling alone on a connecting flight to help a pregnant family member in Seattle, according to Zainab Chaudry, the Maryland Outreach Manager at CAIR. A flight attendant then approached Ms Abdulle and said they were not allowed to swap seats, despite the airlines policy of unassigned seating. Ms Abdulle asked why she could not switch. The flight attendant did not adequately respond and asked her to get off the plane. When police asked the flight attendant at the gate if there was any reason why Ms Abdulle had been taken off the plane, the flight attendant replied No and that she not feel comfortable with the passenger. Ms Abdulle asked to speak to a supervisor and was rebooked on a flight to Seattle several hours later. She suffered acute distress and anxiety as a result of this experience. She was publicly humiliated before a plane full of passengers, said Ms Chaudry, who has called for an investigation and a formal apology by Southwest Airlines and to reimburse Ms Abdulle's airfare. Her husband, Abukar Fadaw, who spoke on his wifes behalf at a press conference to discuss the incident while Ms Abdulle was in Seattle, said his wife became upset. She was crying in front of everybody, he said. He asked the flight attendant over the phone to explain why his wife was being escorted off the plane as she spoke limited English. They ignored me, he said. The couples lawyer, William Burgess, said it is a violation of federal law for an airline to discriminate against passengers on the basis of religion - yet he said he has received about half a dozen similar reports from Muslims this year alone. A statement from Southwest Airlines read: "Information available, collected at the time of the event, indicates that our employees followed proper procedures in response to this customer's actions while onboard the aircraft. Out of respect for the customer's privacy, we will not share specifics about her conduct or travel experience. It continued: "We are not in the business of removing passengers from flights without reason, our goal is to get each one of our Customers to their final destination safely. We are responsible for the comfort of all passengers and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind." Ms Chaudry added the incident was part of an alarming trend. Last month a Muslim couple and their three children were asked to leave a United Airlines plane at Chicago airport after the pilot cited safety issues. I have one bag of clothes, one backpack with a computer, iPad, and phone. I have zero other possessions. Today I have no address. At this exact moment I am sitting in a restaurant and there's no place for me to go to lie down. By tonight I will find a place to lie down. Will that be my address? Probably not. Am I minimalist? I don't know. I don't care. I don't like that word. I live the way I like to live no matter what label it has. At any moment, you are exactly where you want to be, for better or worse. A lot of people get minimalism confused. It's not necessarily a good way to live. Or a free way to live for many people. It's just the way I like to live. I like to be a wanderer. Without knowing where I am going to end up. To explore with no goal. To love without expectation. For now. Maybe not for later. Maybe not yesterday. "Does minimalism mean not having a lot of possessions?" No, not at all. I think minimalism means having as little as you require. That means different things to everyone. For me, having little means I don't have to think about things that I own. My brain is not so big. So now I can think about other things. I can explore other ways of living more easily. Some people don't like that. I know many people who love roots. Who love being sentimental towards items. This is fine. Who am I to judge? The other day I threw out my college diploma that was in storage. I threw out everything I had in storage. The last objects left in my life. At 48 years old I have nothing and nowhere. Other than the people I love and the experiences I love. A friend asked me, "You worked hard for that diploma. Are you sure you want to throw it out?" Yes. I've worked harder for other things since then. I don't keep all of these things around either. They are gone. Society tells us a diploma is a special life achievement. It isn't. It's yesterday. I don't hold onto all the things society tells me to hold onto "How do you deal with kids if you are a minimalist?" Like 50% of Americans or more, I'm divorced. I have two beautiful children with my first wife. I love my children very much. I miss them almost constantly. I'm not minimalist if minimalism means having zero attachments. I'm attached to my kids. I see them as much as I can. Sometimes they visit me (wherever I am) and sometimes I visit them. And some times they stay with me for an extended period of time. I hope to talk to them every day for the rest of my life. If they lived with me I probably wouldn't be able to live the way I do and I probably wouldn't want to. But life has delivered me to this shore. So I pick myself up and explore the jungle on this new island. "Do you have to get off the internet to be a minimalist?" Sometimes. For four million years we were "disconnected." For 20 years we have been "connected." I have 238,795 unread emails in my inbox. Emails are a suggestion but not an obligation. Love and spirituality and gratitude are found in personal connection. Not in an email response. Sometimes I might return an email ten years later. Those are fun. I pretend like I just got the email a second ago and I return it, "Sure I'll meet you for coffee tomorrow!" I get fun responses. I never answer the phone. I have no voicemail. My phone number is 203-512-2161. Try it and see. I go on Twitter one hour a week to do a Q&A every Thursday from 3:30 4:30 EST. I've been doing that for six years.. I post articles on Facebook but don't really use it for anything else. I have a kindle app on my iPad mini and read all of my books there. I understand real books are beautiful. So I go to bookstores for hours and read them. But I won't own them because they won't fit in my one bag. I never read random articles on the Internet unless they are by people I know. Mostly I read books I love. A friend asked me, when he heard all of this, "But aren't you afraid you're going to miss some information?" I asked him, "What information?" 99% of information we read, we forget anyway. The best way to remember is to "DO." Otherwise, I look at nothing online. Experiences happen when you disconnect. And I choose experiences over goods or information. "Does minimalism mean having few emotional attachments?" I love my friends. I love my children. I love talking to people at a party or a dinner or an event and learning from them. Love is minimalism. Desire, possession, and control are not minimalism. Minimalism of things? No. Minimalism of fear, anxiety, stress, mourning. I don't like any intrigue. I don't like to gossip about people. When I do that, I feel like I am carrying those people in my backpack. So the more I gossip, the heavier my baggage is. I don't like feeling bad if someone doesn't like me. That's also baggage. I try to leave that behind. And we're all different. You never really know why someone is doing the things they are doing. Sometimes its for deeply sad reasons. Sometimes they are projecting. Sometimes they had a bad day, or a bad life. Sometimes It's for reasons we'll never understand. "Why did they do this?" or "Why is this happening to me?" won't fit in my one bag. Did I check the box on physical health, emotional health, creativity, and compassion today? Those items don't need to fit in my bag. They are gone by end of day. I'll find them again tomorrow. How do you get rid of an attachment that is in your baggage? I don't really know. I certainly carry around extra baggage. So I just get back to the four items I said above starting with physical health. Then I always find my baggage is a little lighter. "Does minimalism mean having no accomplishments?" No. If anything, the more you accomplish, the more you can afford to get rid of the things society uses to hold you down. Or, the reverse. Either way. "Is minimalism healthy?" Yes. Sometimes. For instance, I don't like to eat more than I need. Although going extreme on that becomes an obligation to carry around. I don't like to have experiences that are unhealthy. For me, experiences are always more important than material goods. A story is more important than a gift. A material good might not fit in my bag. But a joyful experience is lighter than an atom. I get to look forward to it beforehand. I get to have it. I get to remember it forever afterwards and learn from it and love it. And it weighs nothing. What if an experience is not so joyful. One thing I know: joy is a choice inside and not an emotion given to you. Sometimes I make the wrong choice. I can't help it. But sometimes I make the right one. I hope today I will. "What are minimalist emotions?" Love, joy, wonder, curiosity, friendship connection. These are things you give away. Not take from others. Emotions that can't fit in my bag: possession, control, anxiety, fear. I don't include anger. Anger is just fear clothed. When I'm angry I try to find the underlying fear. Get naked with it. Am I good at this? Not really. I try to get better. If I judge myself for something I did wrong then I just did two things I don't like to do: the wrong thing, and the judging. Minimalism is about not judging yourself or others. "You have to have goals to succeed! How can you be a minimalist with goals?" Goals are ways the mind tries to control you. "I need X to be happy." When I feel like I need something outside of me to be happy, I have to make room in my bag for it. I don't have enough room. I have some shirts and pants and toothpaste and a few other things. Goals don't fit. I have interests and things that I love to do. If I get better at those things each day (or try to) I feel good. When I have less things in my bag, I feel more free. Did I get 1% more "free" today, whatever free means? When I spend time with friends, I find joy in the connection. Sometimes the only thing we need in life is not a goal achieved but a hand to hold. These three above items catapult me to achieve every goal I never had. It's magic. "Should I sell my house and get a smaller house?" No. OrI don't know. Don't do it for a label. If you like your house, keep it. If you like your job, keep it. Figure out the 10-15 things you want in your bag before you die tomorrow. "What's the first step I should take? Should I throw things out?" I have no clue. This is the problem with self-help books. They seem to be written by someone on a pedestal giving advice without having any blemishes. I have too many blemishes to give advice. I am a homeless man with no address, with some failures and some successes and no possessions. Today I can start over. Or today I can ask too many times: "Why?" But there's one thing I can do: I can always help someone else. That makes my day and life lighter. Anyone can have miracles in their life. Miracles don't happen. Miracles are given. "If you are a minimalist how come sometimes you have really long articles?" Because I don't care what you think about me. [Read James' follow-up post, where here reflects on the feedback he's received so far on this essay.] Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Evening Headlines email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The US army has announced the first 22 women who will become infantry and armour officers following new rules this year which further opened up ground combat jobs for women. They are reportedly near completion of their training and will become second lieutenants within a few weeks, in charge of units of about 40 troops. While only a small number of women were expected to volunteer for the jobs, the Marine Corps said about 200 women a year would likely sign up to the newly opened ground combat positions. Incrementally over time, its been one success after another, Lt. Col. Jerry Pionk, an Army spokesman told USA Today. Although women worked for the army in Iraq and Afghanistan, this is the first time these divisions will be more gender diverse. Three years ago the pentagon ordered all armed services to admit women into all jobs by 2016, opening up more than 110,000 positions. Since then military services developed gender-neutral physical tests to screen applicants. Now, thanks to rules implemented in 2016, divisions like infantry armour and special forces and other very physically demanding jobs are on offer to women for the first time, opening up the last 10 per cent of army roles that were not previously available to women. 13 of the women will enter the armour field while the remaining nine will become infantry. Infantry members wear heavy body armour - packs can weigh more than 100 pounds - and must walk long distances. Ground combat roles can involve living in difficult and austere conditions for long periods of time. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter denied the Marine Corps' request to make an exception for infantry, machine gunner and fire support roles, arguing performance of mixed-gender units did not perform as all-male units. But Mr Carter said his rule would apply without exception and that standards would not decline as a result of admitting women. Theyll be allowed to drive tanks, fire mortars and lead infantry soldiers into combat, Mr Carter said in December last year. Theyll be able to serve as Army Rangers and Green Berets, Navy SEALs, Marine Corps infantry, Air Force parajumpers, and everything else that was previously open only to men. He also addressed the important issue of women becoming role models for future applicants. So far 29 women have tried to complete the Marine Corps Infantry Officer Course but none have succeeded. Three women did graduate, however, from the Armys Ranger School, a physically demanding course for small unit leaders. 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 }} Call it the Brawl in Brooklyn and so it was as the two rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, went full bore trying to diminish the other and burnish themselves just five days from the New York primary. But it was a brawl with some news and some surprises. Ms Clinton had resisted having this debate at all the ninth between them - seeing little upside in giving oxygen to the Senator from Vermont, who, in spite of scoring a string of big victories in recent state contests, needs a breakthrough more than she does. And that must come in New York on Tuesday. It is not clear, as ever, whether the debate, furious and feisty though it was, will have changed the dynamic of the race, which is bad news for Mr Sanders who remains the underdog in New York and remains seriously adrift in the race to win delegates before the nominating convention in July in Philadelphia. But it was surely Senator Sanders who gave the greatest jolt of electricity to the night in the one area he might be at the biggest disadvantage, foreign policy. (He has not served as Secretary of State.) He stood there on the stage at the Brooklyn Navy Yard and squarely spoke up for the innocent Palestinians killed and wounded during what he called the disproportionate Israeli assault on Gaza in 2014. Bernie Sanders's answer on Israel's military response in Palestine https://t.co/Utmd92C6lQ BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeedNews) April 15, 2016 The gasps of the Jewish lobby might have changed the tide cycle of New York Harbour for good. It is an unwritten rule of New York politics that you never, ever criticise Israel openly. And surely not when you are days from an election in the state. And yet here was Mr Sanders declaring: "We are going to have to say that Netanyahu is not right all the time," referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Expanding the confines of American politics is partly what the Sanders campaign has been about and surely that is healthy. He dares say and do things most others politicians never would. Donald Trump, in an entirely different way, has been doing the same on the Republican side, which earned him the endorsement of The New York Post, owned by Rupert Murdoch, on Thursday night. Mr Sanders is tireless in pushing those boundaries and pushing Ms Clinton. On foreign policy again, he assailed her for her role in involving the US in the toppling of Muamar Gaddafi in Libya in 2011, pointing to an admission made by President Barack Obama this week that not planning properly for what was meant to happen the day after in Libya may have been the biggest mistake he made in office. Ms Clinton resorted to blaming Mr Obama, saying he was the one who took the decisions, both as regards Libya and also the ongoing catastrophe in Syria. This was rich given that she had spent much of the rest of the debate trying to claim Mr Obamas coattails, aware that he remains popular with many New York voters and certainly its minority populations. She actually drew the first boos of the night when she tried to suggest that any time Mr Sanders attacked her he was in fact attacking Mr Obama. The Senator also managed to elicit from the former first lady her most explicit expression of regret yet for having back her husband in passing a savage sentencing law in 1994 that led to an explosion of black incarceration in America. I am sorry for the consequences that were unintended and had very unfortunate consequences for peoples lives, she offered. You cant fault either candidate for their passion or their energy. One is just shy of seventy and the other, Mr Sanders, is four years past it. (And, amazingly, he was due to leave directly after the debate for the airport for a flight to the Vatican where he is to speak at a conference on Friday.) And dont imagine that Ms Clinton, who was just as fiery and focused, did not have her moments also. She not only speared Mr Sanders on his patchy support for gun control but twisted the blade and he struggled to offer a coherent comeback. Few topics will stir more emotion in Brooklyn than the scourge of gun violenceHe was stumped when, after he had faulted her from taking money from special interests and the banks on Wall Street, she asked him to name on example where that had influenced her in making or supporting policy. There are no examples, she declared. And she also very effectively and consistently tagged Mr Sanders as a dreamer with very ambitious ideas that he would never have any hope of actually getting through the US Congress or implementing. Its easy to diagnose the problem she said over and over, its harder to solve the problem. She may be right. But the question New York Democrats will surely ask themselves when they vote on Tuesday is will they play safe and settle for Ms Clintons pragmatic incrementalism, or be steered by their hearts to Mr Sanders who makes no bones about what he is after: a political revolution. 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 }} They were loud, passionate and determined that Donald Trump should hear their message - we do not want you as our president. Hundreds of protesters gathered outside a hotel in New York where Mr Trump was speaking to Republican party supporters on Thursday evening, bearing signs and banners and chanting songs. To a voice, they declared that the Republican frontrunner was danger to the country and could even spark a civil war if he was elected. "Trumpism is a philosophy that people do not believe. He is so against immigrants. But all the people here are immigrants, said Mino Jones, an actor and activist from the citys Harlem neighborhood. Masha Datz (left) said that 'everything he stands for, we are against' (Andrew Buncombe ) (Andrew Buncombe) But what does that mean? Does that mean he wants to get rid of his current wife, because she is an immigrant. Is he going to get rid of her? The protesters were gathered outside the Grand Hyatt Hotel as Mr Trump joined fellow candidates Ted Crux and John Kasich to speak at the Republican gala dinner, ahead of next weeks New York primary election. The latest polls put the tycoon considerably ahead of his rivals. But while Mr Trump may be the frontrunner, to those gathered outside the hotel located close to the citys Grand Central station, he was little short of the devil. With everything that Trump says, it seems to bring racism out, said Jean Bowdish, 65, a human resources worker. Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the hotel where Donald Trump was speaking (Andrew Buncombe ) (Andrew Buncombe) She said that some of Mr Trumps supporters may believe he can solve their economic woes, but that others were attracted by the divisive comments he made. She said anti-Muslim, anti-immigrant and anti-LGBT groups and individuals felt emboldened by him. The fight against racism was never won, she said, referring to the struggles of the civil rights era. Anyone thinking we are living in a post-racial society because we have elected a black president is just talking bullsh*t. Michael Haire said he thought Mr Trump would oversee an authoritarian society (Andrew Buncombe ) (Andrew Buncombe) Masha Datz said that everything he stands for, we are against. He is destroying the idea of what America stands for, said the retired teacher. One of her friends said she believed Mr Trumps hot-headedness and lack of international experience might lead him to start an overseas war. Another friend said she believed Mr Trumps election as president would start a war within the US. Salwa Mozzed was not old enough to vote, but she knew that she had not time for Mr Trump. 'All the people here are immigrants,' said Mino Jones, (Andrew Buncombe ) (Andrew Buncombe) I think its important that we come out and fight against so much hatred, said the 15-year-old student, from Brooklyn. Leda Sabio, an immigrant from Honduras, had come with her family because she wanted to send a message to Mr Trump that not all hispanics love him. If he is elected he would start deporting all the undocumented people who have been here for years and have their families here, said the social worker. This is not what America is about. Its a nation of immigrants. Michael Haire, a hospital worker, said the rise of Mr Trump, who announced his candidacy last June to some mockery within the media, had taken him by surprise. But he said that now Mr Trump was on the brink of securing the Republican nomination, he had to be confronted. My neighbour on my left is from Mexico. The neighbour on my right is from Pakistan," he said. "I think Trump would create an authoritarian society that we have not seen since the days of Joseph McCarthy. He will unleash the rabid, right-wing people. 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 }} Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders squared-off in Brooklyn on Thursday night for their ninth and final Democratic Debate, just five days ahead of New Yorks April 19 primary. CNNs Dana Bash, one of the shining stars of the night, asked Ms Clinton why she hasn't released transcripts from her speeches to Goldman Sachs. Ms Clinton responded by calling the transcripts a non-issue, arguing that she will release the transcripts when other presidential candidates are expected to do the same. I did stand up to the banks. I did make it clear that their behavior would not be excused," she began. If youre going to look at the problems that actually caused the great recession, youve got to looks at the full picture. Still, Bash pressed Ms Clinton to answer her question, and received applause from the crowd: What about the speeches? There are certain expectations when you run for president," Ms Clinton responded. "This is a new one but I will tell you this, there is a longstanding expectation that everybody running release their tax returns. The former secretaty of state has made more than $2.9 million from speeches to big banks, The Intercept reports. Combined with her husband Bill, the couple has made more than $139 million in paid speeches. When Mr Sanders responded to Ms Clintons rebuttal, he offered to take the first step and release his very boring tax returns from 2014. I am going to release all of the transcripts of the speeches that I gave on Wall Street behind closed doors, Senator Sanders said, not for $225,000, not for $2,000, not for 2 cents. There were no speeches. Mr Sanders said that his wife Jane does the family's tax returns, and promised to release his returns "very soon." Unfortunately, I remain one of the poorer members of the United States Senate, and thats what that will show. 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 }} The Rupert Murdoch-owned New York tabloid paper famous for such headlines as "Headless body found in topless bar" has officially backed Donald Trump for the Republican nomination on the same day that its editor stepped down after 42 years. In a Thursday evening announcement, the New York Post made its case for the business mogul and former reality TV star saying he has electrified the public and they expect a pivot from the oft-inflammatory candidate if he wins the nomination not just on the issues, the editorial board writes, but in his manner. The endorsement lays out all of Mr Trumps flaws and rookie mistakes and says that his policies appear to be made up on the fly. But the paper owned by Mr Murdochs News Corp attributes his less refined characteristics to his newcomer status in the political sphere, as demonstrated by his political incorrectness. Indeed, his political incorrectness is one of his great attractions it proves hes not one of them. Hes challenging the victim culture that has turned into a victimizing culture. The Post continues: Trump is now an imperfect messenger carrying a vital message. But he reflects the best of New York values and offers the best hope for all Americans who rightly feel betrayed by the political class. The editorial boards endorsement of Mr Trump fell on the same day that longtime New York Post editor-in-chief Col Allan announced his retirement from the tabloid. It has been an enormous privilege to edit this great paper, Mr Allan, 62, said. Journalists at the Post are the best in the business, and I know that the paper will continue to grow in scale and influence. Mr Murdoch called Mr Allan a great friend and colleague and thanked him for the time spent working with News Corporation. Mr Allan edited two papers for the company, according to Mr Murdoch, including Australia's Daily Telegraph. Mr Allan will be succeeded by the Posts Sunday editor, Stephen Lynch, who is set to begin on 1 May. 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 girlfriend of a British academic has been arrested along with two men in connection to his alleged murder. Hilary St John Bower, 60, who taught English at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, was reportedly dismembered after he was killed. His girlfriend, named only as Ms Xu, is accused along with the two men of murdering him "over an emotional dispute", Shenzen's public security bureau said. Mr Bower had been missing for three weeks after he vanished on 22 March while travelling from Hong Kong to Shenzhen, where he lived. Local reports suggests Mr Bower had a number of girlfriends in China. 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 Police said a girlfriend, named by media as Shi Xiumei, reported him missing at a Hong Kong police station on 30 March. Mr Bower is reported to have been living with Ms Xiumei and their six-year-old son. Ms Xu, 38, is said to have been Mr Bower's girlfriend for 17 years. She was arrested along with the two men on 8 April. However, there is speculation his death could be linked to a recent property deal. He had been due to retire this year and had recently sold his flat in Shekou, Shenzhen City, for 820,000. He is not thought to have received the money from the sale. A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are providing support to the family at this difficult time, and will remain in close contact with local authorities." The case is still under investigation. 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 }} Angela Merkel has accepted a request from Turkey to seek the prosecution of a comedian who read out an offensive poem about the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on German television. Under an obscure paragraph of Germany's criminal code, the government has to authorise prosecutors to pursue a case against the comedian, Jan Bohmermann, who stands accused of insulting a foreign leader. "There were different opinions between the coalition partners the conservatives and the SPD (Social Democrats)," Ms Merkel said. "The outcome is that the German government will give the authorisation in the current case," she added, stressing that this was not a decision about the merits of the prosecution's case against Bohmermann. However, the German leader also announced that the country would by 2018 scrap the rarely enforced section 103 of the criminal code insulting representatives of foreign states as a result of the embarrassing affair. According to Reuters, Justice Minister Heiko Maas, a Social Democrat, said this was the first such case in which the statement at stake was made by a journalist in a satirical program. "Freedom of opinion, the press and art are things requiring the highest protection under our constitution," and that also needed to be taken into account, he said. "The idea of lese-majeste no longer has a place in our criminal law," Maas said. The German Federation of Journalists added Ms Merkel's announcement sent "the wrong signal to the Turkish government." In the poem Bohmermann calls the Turkish premier a "goat fucker" and also says Mr Erdogan "watches child porn while kicking Kurds", in reference to accusations against him that he is persecuting the Kurdish minority in the country. Recep Tayyip Erdogan's most controversial quotes Show all 8 1 /8 Recep Tayyip Erdogan's most controversial quotes Recep Tayyip Erdogan's most controversial quotes The Turkish President's craziest quotes Just a week before he was elected President, he called Erdogan Amberin Zaman, the Turkey correspondent for 'The Economist', a "shameless militant woman disguised under the name of a journalist" after she had asked an opposition leader whether "Muslim society is able to question" the authorities. "Know your place," Erdogan said. "They gave you a pen and you are writing a column in a newspaper. "And then they invite you to a TV channel owned by Dogan media group and you insult at a society of 99 per cent Muslims," he said he said according to Today's Zaman newspaper. Sascha Schuermann/Getty Images Recep Tayyip Erdogan's most controversial quotes The Turkish President's craziest quotes Turkish people are pictured chanting slogans during an anti-government protest on Taksim square in Istanbul, on 29 June, 2013. The protests were sparked by brutal police action against a local conservation battle to save Istanbul's Gezi Park, and soon turned into nationwide demonstrations against the government. Amid the protests - the worst in Turkey for years - Erdogan accused demonstrators of being "arm-in-arm with terrorism," according to Reuters. "This is a protest organized by extremist elements. We will not give away anything to those who live arm-in-arm with terrorism," he said. GURCAN OZTURK/AFP/Getty Images Recep Tayyip Erdogan's most controversial quotes The Turkish President's craziest quotes During last years protests, activists used social media to organise and disseminate information. Several dozen tweeters were arrested following the protests, according to local media reports. Erdogan responded by calling the technology a "menace". "There is now a menace which is called Twitter," Erdogan said. "The best examples of lies can be found there. To me, social media is the worst menace to society," BBC New reported. Vladimir Astapkovich/RIA Novosti via Getty Images Recep Tayyip Erdogan's most controversial quotes The Turkish President's craziest quotes Not helping to allay accusations of authoritarianism, after Turkish police detained 49 people, including well-known business people and those close to the ruling party, Erdeogan ominously told reporter that Turkey "is not a banana republic" that can be affected by unnamed "operations", according to Today's Zaman newspaper. People who are backed by the media and certain funders cannot change this country," he said. "People backed by certain dark gangs both inside and outside Turkey cannot mess with the country's path. They cannot change conditions in Turkey. Turkey is not a country that anyone can launch an operation into. The [Turkish] nation will not allow that. The AK Party, which is governing this nation, will not allow this." Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images Recep Tayyip Erdogan's most controversial quotes The Turkish President's craziest quotes Friends and relatives of the miners who died in an explosion at the Soma mine are pictured praying following the burial in Soma cemetery of the last body to be recovered from the mine in May 2014. At the time, the then-Prime Minister badly misjudged the Soma mining disaster, in which 301 workers died. He told the relatives of dead and dying miners that "these types of incidents are ordinary things", following allegations that the government had ignored safety concerns about the privately owned mine, the Guardian reported. In his defence, Erdogan recounted in a separate speech a list of mining disasters which occurred abroad, including a British disaster in 1862, and one in America "which has every kind of technology". Oli Scarff/Getty Images Recep Tayyip Erdogan's most controversial quotes The Turkish President's craziest quotes Palestinians pictured attending Friday noon prayers in a destroyed mosque that was hit by Israeli strikes, in Gaza City. As Prime Minister, Erdogan has condemned Israel, accusing it of deliberately killing Palestinian mothers and warned that the it would "drown in the blood it sheds." Speaking to thousands of supporters during a rally in Istanbul ahead of the 10 August election, Reuters reported him as saying: "Just like Hitler, who sought to establish a race free of all faults, Israel is chasing after the same target." "They kill women so that they will not give birth to Palestinians; they kill babies so that they won't grow up; they kill men so they can't defend their country ... They will drown in the blood they shed," he said. AP Recep Tayyip Erdogan's most controversial quotes The Turkish President's craziest quotes Amid the worst protests in Turkey for years which had spread across dozens of cities last June, Erdogan accused demonstrators of being "arm-in-arm with terrorism," according to Reuters. A demonstration to halt construction in a park in an Istanbul square grew into mass protests against a heavy-handed police crackdown and what opponents called Erdogan's authoritarian policies. "This is a protest organized by extremist elements," Erdogan said before departing on a trip to North Africa. "We will not give away anything to those who live arm-in-arm with terrorism," he said. Sascha Schuermann/Getty Images Recep Tayyip Erdogan's most controversial quotes The Turkish President's craziest quotes In March 2014, Erdogan accused a 15-year-old boy who died from injuries sustained in last year's anti-government protests of being linked to terrorism. Berkin Elvan, who became a symbol of anti-government protests, had gone to pick up bread when he was hit with a teargas canister - sending him into a nine-month coma before he passed away. In a speech broadcast on state TV, Erdogan said of Berkin: "This kid with steel marbles in his pockets, with a slingshot in his hand, his face covered with a scarf, who had been taken up into terror organisations, was unfortunately subjected to pepper gas. How could the police determine how old that person was who had a scarf on his face and was hurling steel marbles with a slingshot in his hand? ADEM ALTAN/AFP/Getty Images "Erdogan is definitely a president with a small tail," adds the comedian, in a line where "tail" is understood in German to refer to another part of the male anatomy. Ms Merkel has recently helped broker a deal with Mr Erdogan that for every refugee returned from Greece back to Turkey, one will be admitted into the EU from Turkey's refugee camps. Additional reporting by agencies For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The French President Francois Hollande has sent a warning shot across the bows of his ambitious young protege and economy minister, Emmanuel Macron. Questioned about speculation that Mr Macron might run for the French presidency next year, Mr Hollande, said: He knows what he owes me. It is a question of personal and political loyalty. The President was speaking the week after Mr Macron, 38, launched his own political movement and on the day that he appeared in presidential mode with his wife and family in the glossy pages of Paris Match magazine. Mr Hollande said he had no problems with Mr Macrons political manouevres so long as he remained in my team and under my authority. The youthful economy minister, speaking during a visit to London, once again denied that he had any immediate presidential ambitions. He was asked about his decision to appear in a picture spread in the magazine with his wife Brigitte, who is 19 years his senior, and one of his seven step-grandchildren. He said that this was a piece of stupidity which wont happen again. President Hollande looked irritated when questioned about Mr Macrons ambitions during a two-hour television debate with journalists and members of the public on Thursday night. The debate was billed as Mr Hollandes last chance to turn around disastrous public opinion polls before the presidential election in 12 months time. The president gave a pugnacious performance in which he suggested that he and his government were being unfairly denied credit for their achievements in the last four years. Things are better in France. There is more growth, there are fewer debts and fewer taxes. Competitiveness is up, he said. In international affairs, Mr Hollande said, France had played an exemplary role in the attempts to defeat Isis and end the civil war in Syria. Opinion polls in recent days suggested that 89 per cent of French voters were dissatisfied with Mr Hollandes presidency and 75 per cent thought he should not bother to run again. The poor viewing figures for Thursday nights TV debate only 3,474,000 viewers compared 7,900,000 for a similar programme in 2014 suggest that many French people have written off the President. He told one questioner that he would not decide whether to run before the end of the year but his combatative mood suggested that he has not yet given up hope. French political commentatorss believe that there is no chance of Mr Macron defying Mr Hollande but that he is ready to challenge the Prime Minister, Manuel Valls, for the centre-left nomination if the President decides not to run. The reforming young economy minister, previously an adviser to the president, is currently by far the most popular member of the government. During Thursday nights TV debate, a group of 300 young left-wing protesters fought with riot police and smashed cars and bus shelters in central Paris after being turned back from the Elysee Palace. The group had broken away from the rolling, nocturnal demonstration called Nuit Debout (rise up at night), which claims to be a citizens forum which is trying to restore genuine democracy. 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 }} She was called, rather cruelly, by one French journalist, the girl in the iron mask. Laurence Chirac, 58, the hidden elder daughter of the former French president, Jacques Chirac, has died after suffering from acute depression and anorexia for more than four decades. Ms Chirac, a brilliant student as a girl, lived most of her life in seclusion in a cottage in the grounds of the Chiracs chateau in Correze in south west France. Her father once described her illness as the greatest tragedy of my life. Her mother, Bernadette Chirac, blamed her daughters anorexia and suicidal impulses on a bout of meningitis contracted during a family holiday in Corsica in 1973. In a frank book of interviews published just before her husbands second successful presidential election in 2002, Bernadette Chirac also implied that Laurence had been badly affected by Jacques frequent absences from the family in his early political career. In 2007, after he left the Elysee Palace, Jacques Chirac made a similar confession. He told the journalist and author Pierre Pean: Maybe I should have done more for Laurence, psychologically speaking. 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 The comparison with the man in the iron mask the imprisoned twin or illegitimate brother of King Louis XIV in the late 17th century is, however, unfair. Laurence Chirac was rarely seen in public during her fathers 12 years in the French presidency. In 1995, when Jacques Chirac was sworn in as President for the first time, his elder daughter was seen at the Elysee Palace hiding behind a pillar. She seldom appeared in family photographs, although she was included in a portrait for Paris Match for her fathers 80th birthday in 2012. Nonetheless, both Jacques and Bernadette Chirac visited her regularly in hospital or in her sheltered home in the ground of the Chateau de Bity. As Prime Minister in the mid-1970s, soon after she fell ill, Jacques Chirac would often eat two lunches an official one and then one alone with his ailing daughter. Laurence Chirac died after a heart attack in Paris on Thursday. She is survived by her mother and her father, 83, who is suffering from a form of Alzheiners disease and is now rarely seen in public. She is also survived by her sister, Claude, 54, who runs her fathers political and charitable foundation. According to French media reports today, Laurence Chirac made 15 suicide attempts. In 1990, when her parents and sister were on holiday in Thailand, Laurence threw herself from the fourth floor window of the familys Paris apartment. She suffered serious injuries to her pelvis, legs and skull. She recovered but, according to the website of the news magazine Le Point, made 14 further attempts to take her own life. Despite her illness, Laurence Chirac began medical studies in the late 1970s. She had been a brilliant student as a girl and succeeded for a while in passing medical exams despite her acute anorexia. She was, however, forced eventually to give up her studies and spend long periods in a clinic. From the late 1980s, her mother Bernadette campaigned to raise money for research into anorexia then a little understood affliction in France. As French First Lady in 2004, she used her influence to help create a specialised clinic for anorexics the Maison de Solenn, named after that daughter of the former news anchor Patrick Poivre dArvor, who committed suicide in 1995 at the age of 19. 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 detention centre for asylum seekers in Greece is being urgently spruced up ahead of a visit by the Pope as thousands of people remain trapped inside, waiting to find out if they will be sent back to Turkey. Workers were dispatched to whitewash the wall surrounding Moria, a former refugee camp on the island of Lesbos, while others painted fences, cleared litter and moved stray tents. The last-minute efforts on Friday came ahead of Pope Francis arrival tomorrow with a delegation of Catholic and Orthodox leaders. Sacha Myers, who is working inside Moria with Save the Children, told The Independent that the now very white wall was not a priority for the families living inside Moria. We hope the improvements continue but they dont change the fact that we have still got thousands of people locked inside this detention centre with no idea how long they were be here, she said. The camp was built to hold 2,000 people and now there are 2,900. Families are living on top of each other, there is absolutely no privacy. Were seeing a real deterioration in conditions. Ms Myers, a communications and media manager for the charity, said she had met Iraqi and Syrian mothers whose babies were ill with diarrhoea and fever amid declining hygiene. The Moria detention centre on Lesbos island, Greece, on 15 April 2016. (AP) Some people are aware of the Popes visit, she added. They really want him to help them and understand their issues. Save the Children is warning that child refugees are being held in appalling conditions at the centre, where they report illness, fights and theft. Charity workers described dirty rooms without enough beds, where children are denied legal services and basic support despite concerns for their mental and physical wellbeing. High-profile visits by Angelina Jolie, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Labour MP Yvette Cooper, among others, have done little to improve the situation in Moris. It was set up last year as one of two refugee camps in Lesbos, but on 20 March the gates were locked as it was turned into a detention centre as part of the controversial EU-Turkey deal. In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Show all 12 1 /12 In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugee children at the Moria camp in Lesbos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugees queuing for food at the Kara Tepe camp in Lesbos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugees' tents at the Kara Tepe camp in Lesbos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugees at the Oxy transit camp in Lesbos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugees waiting to board ferries to the Greek mainland in Mytilene, Lebos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugees waiting to board ferries to the Greek mainland in Mytilene, Lebos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugees waiting to board ferries to the Greek mainland in Mytilene, Lebos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos The graves of drowned refugees in Mytilene, Lesbos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos A building used to house unaccompanied children at the Moria camp in Lesbos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugees queuing to register at the Moria camp in Lesbos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugees at the Moria camp in Lesbos In pictures: Refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugees arriving on smugglers' boats from Turkey in Lesbos The Pope will be joined by leaders of the Catholic and Orthodox churches as he tours Lesbos, which has seen the highest number of refugees arrive out of any island in Europe. After visiting Moria, they will have lunch with refugee representatives and make a joint declaration, before heading to the islands capital for a prayer service in memory of the many asylum seekers who have drowned attempting to reach Europe. The Vatican said the five-hour visit to Lesbos was purely humanitarian and religious in nature, not political, and wasn't meant as a criticism of the deportation programme seeing some asylum seekers sent back to Turkey. Pope Francis said he intended to express closeness and solidarity both to the refugees and to the Lesbos citizens and all the Greek people who are so generous in welcoming (refugees). The pontiff has been outspoken in calls for greater compassion and international co-operation in the refugee crisis, denouncing the globalisation of indifference during a trip to Lampedusa another migrant hotspot. Pope Francis kisses the foot of a man during the foot-washing ritual at the Castelnuovo di Porto refugees centre on Thursday 24 March, 2016 (AP) Controversy continues over the situation in Lesbos, which is now subject to the 18 March EU-Turkey deal. It stipulates that anyone arriving clandestinely on Greek islands will be returned to Turkey unless they successfully apply for asylum in the country. For every Syrian sent back, the EU will take another Syrian directly from Turkey for resettlement in Europe but other nationalities make up more than half of those arriving. In return, Turkey was granted concessions including billions of euros to deal with the more than 2.7 million Syrian refugees living there, and a speeding up of its stalled accession talks with the EU. Additional reporting by AP A chimp named Chacha escaped from his enclosure at the Yagiyama Zoological Park in Japan and ran around a neighborhood for two hours. He was shot with dart from a tranquilizer gun and fell from his perch on a telephone poll. It looked like quite a fall, but zoo officials say he is OK. NY Times: Television footage showed Chacha perched atop the pole, agitated and screaming at zoo workers below. Even after being shot by a sedative arrow in the back, he desperately tried to escape, dangling from a power line. He finally fell head down into a blanket held by a dozen workers on the ground. 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 }} Three French schoolgirls suspected of torturing a younger girl are being questioned by police, it has been reported. In an interview with Europe 1 radio, the father of the victim said the girls had stubbed out cigarettes on the 12-year-olds face and arms, according to the BBC. The victim was also apparently left with a dislocated jaw, was urinated on, and slashed with a knife. It is also alleged that the gang, from south-eastern Paris suburb Creteil, extorted money from the victim and tortured her after she had gone to steal from a grocers. The girls father said: Its very complicated she kept silent about it, and finally she told us I feared causing problems for you. According to Le Parisien, the alleged attackers are aged between 13 and 15. The girls mother, quoted in the newspaper, said that she had found her daughter bleeding and shaken in the street on Tuesday and that this is when she discovered what the schoolgirls had subjected her to since December. The girls accused of the wrongdoing are now in custody, Le Parisien reports. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Breaking News email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} Turkish border forces have been accused of using live bullets to drive away refugees fleeing the latest round of violence between Isis forces and opposition groups in war-ravaged Syria. Human Rights Watch, who made the claim, has called on Turkey to halt the shooting at Syrian civilians, adding that fresh fighting between Isis and armed opposition groups in northern Aleppo has resulted in the displacement of 30,000 people in just 48 hours. The human rights advocacy group, citing international aid workers and heads of displaced person camps near the Turkish border, adds that three of the refugee camps are now deserted as a result of the fighting. Recommended Read more A tale of two refugee camps on Lesbos As civilians flee Isis fighters, Turkey is responding with live ammunition instead of compassion, said Gerry Simpson, senior refugee researcher at Human Rights Watch. The whole world is talking about fighting ISIS, and yet those most at risk of becoming victims of its horrific abuses are trapped on the wrong side of a concrete wall. One Ikdah camp resident said to HRW: We left the camp but headed north through olive groves towards the Turkish border. We were about 2,000 people. As we approached the border wall we saw Turkish soldiers on a hill behind the wall and they just started shooting at us. They shot at our feet and everyone just turned round and ran in all directions. I took my family and we walked to another [displaced persons] camp nearby, called al-Rayan. Were afraid now because Isis is close to this camp too. But where can we go. Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Show all 11 1 /11 Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Turkey's two million Syrian refugees There are already over 2.5 million Syrian refugees in Turkey, but their current camps can only hold 200,000 people ADEM ALTAN/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Turkish citizens protest a new deal, also criticised by human rights activists, which will see refugees who arrived in Greece after March 20 be sent back to Turkey AP Photo/Emre Tazegu Turkey's two million Syrian refugees An estimated 80% of Syrian refugee children already in Turkey are unable to attend school BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Refugee children beg for water near the Turkey-Syria border. Turkey has been accused of illegally deporting asylum-seekers back to Syria BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees In Turkey, no-one from outside Europe is legally recognised as a refugee, meaning the 2016 deportations may not meet international legal standards for protecting vulnerable people BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees A refugee child cries as she is searched by police at the Syria-Turkey border, where 16 refugees (including three children) have been shot dead in the last four months BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Many refugees are living rough on the streets of cities such as Istanbul or Ankara (pictured) ADEM ALTAN/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Turkish soldiers use water cannon on Syrian refugees BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Syrian refugees shelter from rain in the streets of Istanbul BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees A derelict building housing Syrian refugees in Istanbul Carl Court/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Turkey houses around half of all the refugees who have currently fled Syria Carl Court/Getty Images According a monitor of the region, speaking to AFP news agency, the city of Aleppo is key to all sides fighting in Syrias five-year civil war and holds the key to war and peace. The once flourishing city has been divided into zones held by the regime in the west, and opposition areas in the east, since a rebel offensive in 2012. Raising concerns for the durability of the ceasefire, jihadists from the Islamic State group and the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Al-Nusra Front, the regime and loyalist militia, Kurdish fighters and rebels are now all battling each other on several fronts in the province. Turkeys closed border is forcing Syrian men, women, and children to dig ditches and hide to escape the horrors of war, Mr Simpson added. Turkeys attempt at creating a so-called safe zone is a terrible joke for civilians cowering underground and desperate to escape Syria. The violence at the Turkey-Syria border is terrible proof of whats wrong with the EU-Turkey deal... EU countries and Turkey should be working together to provide genuinely safe havens for Syrian refugees, not slamming doors shut in rapid succession. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for weekly expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the Simon Calders Travel email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} What do Genoa, Eindhoven and Nuremburg have in common, besides being agreeable cities that are also important business centres? They are destinations previously served from London by full-service airlines, such as British Airways, KLM and CityJet, but which are now the sole preserve of budget carriers. For business travellers heading for these locations and seeking a non-stop flight, there is no choice but to use Ryanair. Its a similar story to many other business cities, now served solely by low-costs such as easyJet or Germanwings - the Lufthansa offshoot currently being transformed into Eurowings. The leading budget airlines are making a play for business travellers. But their one size fits all philosophy means you could be sitting less comfortably than you wish. With the average passenger getting taller and broader, not everyone fits their one size. The only legal stipulation about passenger seating is how easily it allows you to escape: a plane should be capable of evacuation in 90 seconds with only half the emergency exits in use. Every airline sets its own dimensions on seat pitch - the distance between the front of your seat and the front of the one ahead - and the width of seats. These can vary between aircraft types and even differ by row on the same plane, making specific comparisons tricky. But a US Senator, Chuck Schumer, says the average seat pitch has reduced from 35 to 31 inches since the mid-1970s, representing a loss of legroom of one inch per decade. Widthways, the average seat has shrunk from 18 to 17 inches, even though the average rear has widened. From 12 May, easyJets Gatwick fleet will start getting planes with six extra seats - without any change in the external dimensions. Similarly, Ryanairs new generation of 737 jets, which start flying in 2019, will be exactly the same size as now, but with eight extra seats. Both airlines say that the amount of personal space for each passenger will not be affected: they are doing clever things to free up space. As even infrequent flyers will testify, though, flying in the cheap seats feels more crowded than ever. Load factors for budget airlines are higher than they have ever been; for easyJet and Ryanair, 90 per cent-plus is the norm - which means there are only a dozen or so empty seats on a typical flight. Good for the environment, bad for personal space. Go back a decade or two, and 70 per cent was the norm - adding up to 40 or 50 spare seats. Airlines maintain that they are meeting the demands of the travelling public, and if passengers want a bit more space they can pay for it - and it comes wrapped into their business fares. Buy one of Ryanairs Business Plus fares, and you can book a seat in the front row at no extra cost, with plenty of legroom (more so in 1B and 1C than the others) - as well as a 20kg case checked in for no additional charge. These advantages depend on the good seats not already having been booked - and on you sticking to the original flight. Switch at short notice, as you are entitled to do on business fares, and you may find yourself stuck in an ordinary seat. Is it the fault of money-grabbing airlines? No, we passengers are to blame. Not enough business travellers patronised British Airways, KLM and CityJet to sustain legacy services to key business destinations. And passengers are apparently not so alarmed by shrinking space that they reward efforts to increase it. Some years ago, American Airlines made a tremendous play of ripping out several rows of economy seats from each aircraft, to grant an economy seat pitch of 36 inches - far better than most airlines. I had the pleasure of flying on a couple of those planes and it was indeed refreshingly comfortable. But not enough people felt the extra space was worth a significant premium on fares. Average passenger numbers on each flight fell, as expected, but yields (the average fare per passenger) fail to rise commensurately. The seats soon went back in. So for the tall/wide/comfort-focused business traveller who cannot abide budget airlines, what is the alternative? You could try a plane-train arrangement, using a legacy carrier to an airport with good rail connections. But given the scope for mis-connects and the unjoined-up nature of air-train links, you might decide simply to grin and bear it. Or, if you prefer, scowl and bear it. Up to the minute: the business travel news you need in 180 words Blue yonder After Alaska Airlines takeover of Virgin America, JetBlue could become the sole premium low-cost airline in the US. The carrier is rolling out its Mint product, involving Airbus A321 jets kitted out with flat beds for business passengers, from its Boston base. From the autumn, there will be three flights a day each way to and from Los Angeles, including an overnight eastbound departure. jetblue.com Turkish alert The US has ordered the departure of family members of American government civilian workers in Izmir, and restricted official travel to Turkey to mission-critical travel only. It is telling business and leisure visitors to the country: Exercise heightened vigilance and caution when visiting public access areas, especially those heavily frequented by tourists, and advising them to Stay at hotels with identifiable security measures in place. travel.state.gov Humber number SunAir, the Scandinavian franchise partner of British Airways, is launching services this week from Humberside airport to both Aalborg and Billund in Denmark. The Friday and Sunday flights take 80-90 minutes aboard a Dornier 328 aircraft. sunair.com 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 }} Killing a poacher for the first time was traumatic for all involved, says Joseph Okouyi, senior wildlife warden at Minkebe national park. My men returned fire and hit the poacher, killing him instantly. They didnt know what to do, he says. In the rush to escape they failed to bury the body, an omission that proved unsettling in the week that followed. Twelve days later, fearing a bad omen, Mr Okouyi and his men ventured back into the forest in north-east Gabon to retrieve the corpse. The journey was arduous, and the smell, when they got there, even worse, but it was a relief to do the right thing. We had to return the body to his family, says Mr Okouyi. He is a human. He needs a good sleep. Minkebe national park is the front line in Gabons escalating war with poachers. Bordered by Cameroon to the north and Congo to the east, the Belgium-sized expanse of pristine rainforest is an easy target for central African gangs looking to make a quick buck from Africas white gold. Gabon has around 40,000 forest elephants roughly half the worlds population a large proportion of which live in Minkebe. But what was once a haven for the sub-species has, for 15 years, been a site of mass slaughter. From 2002 to 2011, poachers ran amok in the park. Beyond the reach of the authorities, a camp of 7,000 people trading ivory, gold, prostitutes and drugs sprung up amid soaring gold and ivory prices, the latter reaching a high of $240 a kilo. By the time Gabonese paratroopers razed the camp in 2011, over 10,000 of Minkebes elephants were dead. A permanent battalion of 100 eco-guards and soldiers now patrol Minkebe, but poachers have returned, crossing from Cameroon in smaller groups of 10 to 50. For six months clashes have increased in frequency and intensity as hunters embraced a new tactic: shooting at eco-guards on sight. A short timeline of elephant poaching Show all 10 1 /10 A short timeline of elephant poaching A short timeline of elephant poaching 1880s.jpg Robert H. Milligan, New York Public Library A short timeline of elephant poaching 1910.jpg Creative commons A short timeline of elephant poaching 1979.jpg Surreal Name Given, Flickr A short timeline of elephant poaching 1980s.jpg Scotch Macaskill A short timeline of elephant poaching actual elephant forensic.jpg Space for Giants A short timeline of elephant poaching 1990s.jpg Space for Giants A short timeline of elephant poaching 1999.jpg Vidhi Doshi A short timeline of elephant poaching Ivory elephants.jpeg Space for Giants A short timeline of elephant poaching elephantfence.jpg Space for Giants A short timeline of elephant poaching Elephant dust (1)_1.jpeg Space for Giants Its worse than ever, says Professor Lee White, the British-born director of Gabons national parks agency (ANPN). In the past, poachers would drop their weapons and run. But recently theyve been shooting at my men at the first opportunity. The escalation is driven partly by improvements in the ranger force. With training from British and US armies, ANPN guards have never been so effective at tracking and apprehending poachers. But its also down to pressure piled on hunters, usually poor members of the persecuted baka pygmy minority, by ruthless and brutal paymasters operating out of a military base in Djoum, just over the Cameroon border. People we arrest quite openly tell their story, says White. They were picked up in southern Cameroon, and in two thirds of cases were either employed or forced by the Cameroon military to join a poaching gang and head into the forest. Professor Lee White, left, with President Bongo Ondimba, centre, with and ministers of Interior and Mines in Minkebe (Mike Fay) Interrogations of arrested poachers revealed many face severe punishment beatings, possibly worse upon returning to Cameroon empty handed. White says: Around six months ago the risk of being arrested, having guns and ivory confiscated and eventually being deported back to into the clutches of the poaching gangs in Cameroon started to outweigh the risks of shooting at my men. Poor front line poachers are mere cannon fodder, says White, and see little of the huge profits ivory can bring. Meanwhile, entire streets and houses in Djoum are built with money from Minkebe gold and ivory. Around 70 per cent of Minkebe's ivory passes through Cameroon, on an established the trafficking route that ends with hauls being shipped to the far east, where ivory can fetch up to $2,000 per kg. As long as the rewards from ivory remain so high, conservationists will continue to face aggressive tactics from poachers on the front line. Last November a soldier with an eco-guard patrol was shot in the shin by a poacher armed with a Kalashnikov. The bullet exploded his bone and he had to travel three days through the forest to reach an area where a helicopter could get him out. Minkebes remote location is one of the greatest challenges for ANPN staff. Intensive logging right up to the Gabonese border means Cameroonian poachers have easy access to northern regions of the park, while Prof Whites men must hike or travel by boat for four days. The helicopter is expensive, and must be used sparingly. A forest elephant in Gabon. Forest elephants are known their long, straight tusks (Ruth Starkey) Despite these challenges, Gabon is committed to protecting its elephants. Since succeeding his father in 2009, President Ali Bongo has prioritised the modernisation of Gabons national parks. When Prof White took over ANPN the same year, it had no vehicles and just 60 staff controlling 13 national parks and three million hectares. It now employs 700 and has a budget of almost $20 million, which pays for military training, weapons and vehicles. The improvements have been a life-line for the forest elephant, whose hard, straight tusks are prized by consumers and carvers in the Far East. The subspecies faces an especially perilous future because of the lawless and war torn regions in which it roams; densely forested parts of the Congo basin, where Kalashnikovs change hands for fistfuls of dollars. Scientists say poachers slaughtered two thirds of forest elephants in just over a decade. To further emphasise his commitment to reversing this trend, President Bongo last year signed up to the Giants Club, the elephant protection initiative backed by the Evening Standard. On April 29-30, he will join fellow African heads of state, business leaders and conservationists at the inaugural Giants Club Summit to drive protection measures and work out a co-operative framework to deal with the poaching crisis. If the situation in Gabon worsens, Mr Okouyi worries he will soon be forced to bury one of his own men. If we carry on this way, I do fear one of our men will be killed. Take the incident in November if the bullet hit him in the chest, he definitely would have died. On 29-30 of this month African heads of state, business leaders and conservationists will meet in Kenya at the inaugural Giants Club Summit to drive front-line protection measures and work out a co-operative frame-work for saving Africa's elephants. The Kenyan government will follow the summit by burning 105 tonnes of ivory, the largest ever amount to be burned in one go. To find out more about The Giants Club Summit go to: spaceforgiants.org/giantsclub/summit Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice Thanks for signing up to the View from Westminster email {{ #verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ ^verifyErrors }}Something went wrong. Please try again later{{ /verifyErrors }} The reverberations created by the release last week of the Panama Papers continue unabated. Today the Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, along with his counterparts in Germany, Italy, France and Spain announced that the nations were to work together to strike a hammer blow against tax evasion. New regulations will enable tax and law enforcement agencies in the five countries to share details about the ultimate owners of shell companies, and to do so in a timely fashion. Such measures are welcome, although it may be wondered why co-operation with some of our closest European allies was not at this level already. Osborne has also contacted finance ministers of the other G20 countries urging that they join the data-sharing efforts: their responses will be closely monitored. Indeed, for all that the steps taken by Europes big five are a helpful sign of action, for an information exchange to have real clout it is American involvement that is most keenly needed. Indeed, for all the focus in the last fortnight on the role of tax havens in British Overseas Territories (BOTs) and Crown Dependencies, it is notable that it is America which is increasingly the destination of choice for offshore investors, with states including South Dakota and Wyoming joining the long-renowned Delaware in offering low levels of tax and high levels of secrecy for discerning clients. Trust money is flowing in greater volumes than ever out of traditional hotspots like Switzerland and Bermuda to the USAs more discreet territories. Whether there will be much appetite among Americas political class to join European efforts to clamp down on the tax dodgers remains to be seen therefore. Moreover, the moves towards greater transparency dont extend to those BOTs which have come under scrutiny recently. It is a weakness for Osborne, and his European partners are likely to increase the pressure for reform in those territories once the current celebration of today's announcement passes. For all that the Chancellor will disclaim responsibility, Britains position vis-a-vis places such as the Cayman and British Virgin Islands is undeniably problematic. On the other hand, the UK Government can at least point to the fact that it has committed to public registers of beneficial ownership, unlike Germany et al. That is a model others should follow and for which Osborne and the Prime Minister deserve some credit. One important feature of the new transparency rules is that they remind us that the Panama Papers revealed more than simply some embarrassing facts about David Camerons family finances. That he fell so squarely into the spotlight last week was largely a consequence of his poor handling of the revelations. The danger was that the furore around him might distract attention from the wider problems which the Mossack Fonseca documents showed up primarily the use of secret, shell companies to shuffle vast sums of ill-gotten gains away from prying eyes. Tax evasion is part of that equation; the other part is laundering the proceeds of corruption and other criminality. Angel Gurria, secretary general of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development made a good point in response to today's initiative when he highlighted the need to crack down on the professional enablers who make tax dodging possible. He is absolutely right. Attention rightly focusses on those who are themselves the dodgers, yet evasion of the dues they owe is made feasible by lawyers, accountants and other financial experts who at best turn a blind eye to suspicious activity. Many of those individuals themselves benefit from living and working in low- or no-tax locations. Their own significant wealth is dependent on the maintenance of secrecy and, ultimately, of the status quo. This much is clear then: the work of Britain and its European allies is a good start. But much more remains still to do if the tax evasion and money laundering which feeds global wealth inequality is to be brought to an end. 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 }} Kate and William have spent the past week on a Royal tour of India and Bhutan, a trip that has cost taxpayers many thousands of pounds. You might ask what they are achieving, apart from a PR exercise for the Monarchy. The Foreign Office claims their trip to Bhutan is important to support a new democracy, headed by a young King and Queen. So it was a chance to meet their counterparts, practise archery and exchange small talk. As for raising pressing political and economic matters in India, I doubt that Port Talbot workers were very hopeful Prince William would be able to achieve much in an informal lunch chat with the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi. The Chairman of Tata Steel declined to attend a charity gala at the Dukes hotel at the start of the tour, citing travel commitments. The pair have spent their time touring charity projects, meeting conservationists and homeless kids and at each event, the Duchess (supported by a team of stylists, hairdressers, dressers and PAs) has dressed in a manner that ranges from the demure to the plain dowdy. Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Show all 32 1 /32 Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, paint an elephant statue at Kaziranga Discovery Park in Panbari village, in Kaziranga, some 250 km from Guwahati, the capital of the north-eastern state of Assam Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Britain's Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, feeds a baby elephant at the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) at Panbari reserve forest in Kaziranga in the northeastern state of Assam, during the royal visit in India Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Prince William and Duchess of Cambridge, meet a rhino calf at the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC) at Panbari reserve forest in Kaziranga in the northeastern state of Assam Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Catherine and Prince William take a Game drive at Kaziranga National Park at Kaziranga National Park in Guwahati Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William visit a contact centre run by the charity Salaam Baalak, which provides emergency help and long term support to homeless children at New Delhi railway station Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William, Duke of Cambridge meet a young dancer as they watch dancing by the fireside during a Bihu Festival Celebration at Diphlu River Lodge Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge meet Prime Minister of India Narenda Mod in New Delhi's Hyderabad House during day three of the royal tour to India and Bhutan Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Catherine and William visited the Banganga Water Tank. They were given a traditional welcome at Bangana Water Tank and met representatives from SMILE, an organisation working in an economically deprived urban area to support local enterprise Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Duchess Of Cambridge enjoys a game of cricket during a visit to meet children from Magic Bus, Childline and Doorstep, at Mumbai's iconic recreation ground, the Oval Maidan Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Prince William and Catherine Duchess of Cambridge at India Gate in New Delhi Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Prince William and his wife Catherine take part in an event at the Gandhi Smriti, a museum dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, in New Delhi Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Prince William and Duchess of Cambridge meet young entrepreneurs during a visit to Mumbai Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge prepare to lay a wreath at the Inida Gate in New Delhi Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge remove their shoes at Gandhi Smriti in New Dehli, India before paying their respects at the Mahatma Gandhi memorial Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India The Duke and Duchess toured the museum housed in the Old Birla House and paid their respects at the place where Mahatma Gandhi's life ended on 30 January 1948 Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William pose for a picture at India Gate Memorial Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Prince William and Catherine pay their respects at the place where Mahatma Gandhi's life ended on 30 January 1948, at Gandhi Smriti, the Old Birla House museum Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge poses with local school children as they tour Old Birla Hous in Gandhi Smriti in New Dehli Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India The Duke Duchess of Cambridge meet children from local charities Magic Bus, Childline and Doorstep, and join game of cricketwith boys from the Dilip Vengsarkar Academyat the Oval Maidan recreation ground Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are garlanded as they arrive at the Banganga Water Tank in Mumbai Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Catherine, Duchess Of Cambridge plays football during a visit to meet children from Magic Bus, Childline and Doorstep Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge react after playing football during a visit to the Banganga Water Tank in Mumbai Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Duchess of Cambridge and Prince William play football games during a visit to the Banganga Water tank, where they met representatives of SMILE Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at a Bollywood Charity Gala hosted by the British High Commission and the British Asian Trust at the Taj Mahal Palace hotel in Mumbai Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrives for a Bollywood Inspired Charity Gala at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India Prince William and Duchess of Cambridge speak with Boman Kohinoor during a meeting in Mumbai Prince William and Kate Middletons visit to India The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge stand after laying a wreath on the martyrs memorial at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai Surely the main point of the couples trip (apart from the endless photo-ops) was to fly the flag for Britain, to drum up visitors, promote our exports and encourage investment? In her over-anxious effort not to offend anyone, the Duchess ended up looking decidedly dreary. Wearing a printed cotton frock (which to me looked no different from those made by workers on low wages in the Third World) and high street earrings (ditto), what message was she trying to send out? Royals visit Bhutan monastery Even clothes by cutting edge designers like McQueen were altered beyond recognition, turned into something more suitable for the brides mother. My disappointed Indian friends think Kate should have worn high fashion, not high street, and cant understand why she looks so prim and proper. Attending a wedding in Mumbai a few years ago, I stayed at the same hotel as the Royal couple, and went to some swish parties. The Indian women of all ages looked extremely glamorous, putting us Brits to shame. As for Kate covering her flesh this isnt a predominately Muslim country (79 per cent are Hindu) and sari-wearing Indian women frequently reveal their bare midriffs. The British fashion industry inspires the rest of the world and is a key part of our economy, but whoever is advising the Duchess of Cambridge should be sacked. The British Monarchy has worked its usual magic, turning a vibrant commoner into an underweight thirty-something with no pizazz. Princess Diana had her shortcomings, but she understood perfectly that the public expected glamour at all times and she never let them down, promoting British designers brilliantly. Kate has turned into the Duchess of Drab. 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 }} Had the press reported John Whittingdales relationship, it would not have been in the public interest. As elements of the press, though, have form over publishing salacious material come what may, it is in the public interest to know why they did not publish and that requires us to know what they did not publish. Paradoxically, it is that which is not in the public interest to publish, may need to be published. Peter Cave, London Lack of workers' rights? The EU's to blame Jeremy Corbyn warns there could be a "bonfire" of workers' rights if the UK votes to leave the EU in June. Surely it is the EU which is causing a "bonfire" to British workers' jobs, conditions, pay and working hours by allowing UK businesses to recruit very cheap labour from EU countries. Emily Stevens, Brighton, East Sussex Cameron's wrongheaded view on farming and the EU Cameron has really taken the biscuit this time by claiming farmers will lose out big time if we leave EU. I remember clearly our farm subsidy policy before we joined the European Economic Community (EEC). It not only ensured farmers got good prices but ensured cheap food for all. Immediately after we joined the EEC our food costs rose and we had wine lakes and beef, apple, and butter mountains all paid for by consumers. Yet Cameron claims Britain will no longer produce as much food if we leave EU. What would he be doing ? Watching our farmers sit idly by. Eric R. S. Davidson, Isengard, Banffshire Crackdown on corporate bosses Two of the default arguments put forward by those defending the massive salaries some corporate bosses pay themselves is that (a) theyre only paying themselves the going rate for the job and (b) if they didnt get it they would hawk their indispensable genius abroad. Even if this bizarre defence had a wisp of logic, it in no way negates what your leader describes as absurd, obscene, and unfair. But of course the fat cat bankers and their counterparts in the Corporate Club have always known what the public thinks about them. But they seem to imagine that their power, buttressed by their boardroom cronies, gives them a kind of diplomatic immunity. Perhaps the revolt by the BP shareholders might be the first short step towards dragging them into the real world. Donald Zec 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 }} Manuel Valls, the French Prime Minister (above), would like to extend the ban on Islamic headscarves in French schools to universities, we reported on Wednesday. He made the comment "in a lengthy interview with the centre-left newspaper Liberation", we said. Some pedants hold that "lengthy" means "overlong". I would not dream of being so pernickety. My objection is simpler: that "lengthy" is itself overlong. If the duration of the interview was relevant, we could have just called it "long". As it was, we should have dropped the adjective altogether. Forgo forego: We misspelt forgo twice in our reports of Ted Cruz's epic struggle to deny Donald Trump the Republican nomination on Monday. Some observers thought Cruz might moderate some of the positions he has adopted in order to try to win more support from the party's establishment. We asked: Is he prepared, for instance, to forego his claim that there is 'zero recorded warming' of the planet? (It was, incidentally, a question to which the answer was no.) We also reported on the unusual decision by the Republican Party in Colorado to allow party activists rather than the wider electorate to choose the delegates to the national convention who will in turn choose the party's candidate. With Trump rampaging like a wounded bull ("it's a crooked deal"), we noted mildly that "questions will be raised about the decision of the Colorado Republicans to forego ordinary caucus or primary voting". For- without an "e" meant without (and similar things) in Old English, so forgo means to go without. Forego, on the other hand, means to go before, and has fallen out of use except in the past tense as "foregone". It may take forever: My eccentric campaign to have "for ever" as two words is no more successful now than when I launched it a couple of years ago. This week in The Independent, the computer search tells me I lost five-nil. We could have written: "angry gun-toting Bats can be consigned for ever to that special corner of comic book movie hell"; "Apple's App Store, which changed mobile technology for ever"; "just because you take a photo in the Snapchat app doesn't mean it has to disappear for ever"; "a huge new bot platform that could change the future of the internet for ever"; and "the good times may not last for ever". But in each case we didn't. Only on Sunday, when we quoted Scarlett Johansson saying, Long, long ago, I had someone in my life who was forever unavailable", when it was an adverb, did it have to be one word. We are not Germans: why use a compound word when two short ones will do? All together now: Sometimes, though, a compound word has come to mean something different from the same words used separately. On Wednesday, we reported extracts from a speech on the European Union that Jeremy Corbyn was going to deliver the next day. We said that he was going to argue that "reforming the organisation from within is better than leaving all together". The word "altogether" is formed from all and together, but it means completely, whereas all together could mean everyone together. We made it look as if the Labour leader were arguing against several countries leaving the EU at the same time. 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 }} Prurient interest in the intimate details of other people's lives isnt confined to the tabloid press. We all like a bit of smut and innuendo, dont we? A week ago, I put down the Daily Telegraph and felt slightly nauseous. To be blunt, I was disgusted with myself for bothering to spend half an hour reading Charles Moores scoop revealing that the Archbishop of Canterbury was not of Jewish extraction, and did not have a lying alcoholic and conman for a dad, but was the product of a one-night stand between his mother and Winston Churchills private secretary. This titbit was billed as the affair that shook the establishment; I disagree. Charles Moore and Justin Welby are the same age, were both at Eton and both attended Trinity College, Cambridge. Whereas Moore had a happy childhood, Welby was shy and lonely, according to his contemporary. Charles Moore writes that he had heard rumours about Welbys lineage from several sources, and engineered a private meeting. Welby then offered to take a DNA test, which proved the rumour was true. I dont care particularly who the Archbishops dad was - and neither will the vast majority of his flock. This journalistic stunt wont change history but it illustrates how - at every social level - Brits love gossip and secrets, especially when they're dressed up as being historically significant. Charles Moore renounced the Anglican Church when it voted to admit women priests, and embraced Catholicism. Moore has written that gay marriage is a fad, like asbestoscommunism and high-rise buildingsanyone who opposes it will look like the people who opposed the slave trade. Worse, hes claimed that traditional views of Christianity are being drowned out by a form of gay rights sharia. You may not agree with gay marriage, but this is inflammatory language - Margaret Thatchers biographer reflects a retrogressive, narrow-minded view of the world while opinion polls regularly demonstrate that the British public are far more tolerant when it comes to gay rights. Justin Welby, on the other hand, was brought up by an alcoholic mother and her hard-drinking husband, and knew about emotional deprivation and anxiety from the outset. The family was forced to move continuously and his school fees were waived for two years. All this makes me admire the Archbishop, even though I despair of the Church of England and its feeble attempts to embrace right-wing believers in an attempt to shore up their declining membership. Recommended Read more PFI was an expensive folly that crippled our public services Moores description of how the Archbishop took the DNA test by brushing swabs around his mouth was creepy - surely the person who emerges from this story as brave and modern is Welby, not his interrogator. And what about the impact on his 86-year-old mother, forced to put out a statement detailing the fact that her son was conceived after a drunken one-night stand with a womanising chap who happened to be Churchills Private Secretary? Jane Welby has led an exemplary life, in recovery since 1968, so why should she have to justify her actions to the public? Worse, what about the impact on Welbys children, especially as one of his daughters has written about her own battles with depression on the same Telegraph website - an article which has been liked by millions of readers? I dont suppose Moore gave her a second thought. Whittingdale avoids questions Charles Moores nasty little scoop - which he claimed was important to correct Welbys biography - proved beyond any doubt that shameless prying into the private lives of public figures isnt the prerogative of reality TV or the tabloid press. This week, BBCs Newsnight decided to run a story (claiming it was in the public interest) about the Culture Secretary John Whittingdales former girlfriend. Before he occupied his present post and was a backbench MP, Whittingdale (a divorced, unattached middle-aged chap seeking a bit of company) met a woman on a dating website and they saw each other for a few months. Now we know she was a sex worker - to be precise, a professional dominatrix. So what? There already exists a Register of Members' Outside Interests - do the hypocrites want that to include the names of every person a Minister has ever shagged, in case they can be blackmailed? By running the Whittingdale story as if it was a piece of major news, the BBC is no better than Moore, or the National Enquirer. 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 }} As the EU referendum campaign began formally on Friday, we might have expected the Out camp to have raised one of its key themes: getting back control of our laws or our borders, perhaps, or how we would survive and prosper economically outside the EU? Instead, Vote Leave campaigned on the NHS, even though it has very little to do with the EU at all. Stretching their own argument to breaking point, the Outers claimed that money could be diverted to our cash-starved NHS if we no longer had to send 350m a week to Brussels. They even appeared to blame this weeks poor accident and emergency performance statistics on spending money instead on EU bureaucrats. Vote Leave's misleading figures imply we pay 18bn a year into the EU. In fact, taking account of what we get back reduces it to 10bn. If we vote to leave in June, then any government would be under strong pressure to use the savings on matters now funded by the EU such as payments to farmers, aid to poor regions and scientific research. It is nonsense to suggest that Brexit would be a magic wand for the NHS. Yet there is method in the Out camps madness. It is happy to have any kind of row about the EU and money, even if its own figures are wrong, because it reminds voters that EU membership comes with a price tag. Never mind the quality; just talk about the money. That is why Vote Leave is delighted by the row over the 9m cost of sending a government leaflet about the referendum to every household. We shouldnt be surprised by its approach. The two officials who run Vote Leave, Matthew Elliott and Dominic Cummings, used exactly the same tactic in referendums in which they opposed reform of the voting system and a North East regional assembly respectively. They talked up the cost of the proposed change -- and won both contests. Although Elliott also ran the Taxpayers Alliance, which backed radical reform of the NHS and a shift to an insurance-based system, he now seems to be a passionate defender of our health services public funding. Other Outers, such as Boris Johnson, Nigel Farage and Daniel Hannan, have also questioned the NHS in its current form. Why are the Outers suddenly wearing "I love the NHS" badges? Because it gives them a chance to reach out beyond their core support to floating voters among NHS workers and relatively well-off people who care about the health service. What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Show all 5 1 /5 What's the European Parliament ever done for us? What's the European Parliament ever done for us? A cap on the amount of hours an employer can make you work The Working Time directive provides legal standards to ensure the health and safety of employees in Europe. Among the many rules are a working week of a maximum 48 hours, including overtime, a daily rest period of 11 hours in every 24, a break if a person works for six hours or more, and one day off in every seven. It also includes provisions for paid annual leave of at least four weeks every year Getty Images What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Helping the people of Britain to avoid smoking In 2014 MEPs passed the Tobacco Products Directive strengthening existing rules on the manufacture, production and presentation of tobacco products. This includes things like reduced branding, restrictions on products containing flavoured tobacco, health warnings on cigarette packets and provisions for e-cigarettes to ensure they are safe What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Helping you to make the right choices with your food Thanks to the European Parliament, UK consumers have access to more information than ever about their food and drink. This includes amount of fat, and how much of it is saturated, carbohydrates, sugars, protein and so on. It also includes portion sizes and guideline daily amount information so people can make informed choices about their diet. All facts must be clear and easy to understand What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Two year guarantees and 14-day returns policy for all products Consumers across the EU have access to a number of rights, from things which are potentially very useful, to things which used to be annoying. For example, shoppers in the UK receive a two-year guarantee on all products, and a 14-day period to change their minds and return a purchase, these things are useful www.PeopleImages.com-licence restrictions apply What's the European Parliament ever done for us? Keeping your air nice and fresh (and safe) Believe it or not, although the situation is improving, some areas of the UK have appalling air quality. A report by the Royal College of Physicians released on 23 February says 40,000 deaths are caused by outdoor air pollution in the UK every year. Air pollution is linked to a number of illnesses and conditions, from Asthma to diabetes and dementia. The report estimates the costs to British business and the health service add up to 20 billion every year It also hands the Outers the opportunity to raise their most potent issue - immigration - without appearing to do so. Heres Priti Patel, the Employment Minister, supposedly talking about health: It is becoming clear that our membership of the EU is putting the NHS under threat. Every week we send 350m to Brussels - thats money that could be better invested in helping patients who rely on our NHS. What we get back from the EU is a city the size of Newcastle (population 288,000) of new immigrants to the UK every year. Current levels of migration are causing unsustainable pressures on our public services and we can see that the NHS is creaking under the strain. And the Outers accuse the In camp of running Project Fear. True, there is one issue where the EU might impinge on health. There are genuine fears that the EUs planned trade deal with the US TTIP - could allow private health companies to provide services now run by the NHS. The European Commission and the British Government insists that guarantees are in place to prevent that. But David Owen, the former Foreign Secretary who left Labour to form the Social Democratic Party in 1981 partly because Labour was then anti-EU, is now campaigning for an Out vote. He cites a threat to the NHS from TTIP and EU single market rules promoting competition. Jeremy Corbyn, who has changed places with Lord Owen since the 1975 referendum, is worried that TTIP could lead to privatisation but in his long overdue intervention in the referendum on Thursday, he argued that it would be much better to campaign for EU reform from inside rather than hand control to the free market enthusiasts in the Leave campaign. PM on Corbyn and the EU In this game of playground politics, Outers claim that Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary, started the squabble over the NHS. He warned last month that the economic shock of leaving the EU would inevitably leave less money for public services like the NHS. That was stretching it a bit, but Hunt also had a more relevant argument. He warned that some of the 100,000 skilled EU workers who work in health and social care might leave Britain if we quit because of doubts over their visas and residence permits. The Tory-dominated Vote Leaves response to Hunt was revealing: it blamed the NHS cash crisis on Hunt and David Cameron. Now it hopes the spotlight on the Prime Minister's family wealth will damage him further. Every five points off his trust rating is worth one point to us in the In/Out battle, smiled one leading Outer. Both sides should stick to the real questions rather than bombard voters with misleading propaganda on everything under the sun. Very big issues are at stake in this referendum, but the NHS is not one of them. IPUT chief executive Niall Gaffney, centre, with Savils chairman Roland OConnell and IDA CEO Martin Shanahan at the launch of 7 Hanover Quay in Dublin last year John Mulcahy, pictured on right, with his then boss, Nama chief Brendan McDonagh, outside Leinster House NAMA's former head of portfolio management is to take over the chairmanship of the biggest unlisted property vehicle in the country. John Mulcahy was yesterday named chairman designate at IPUT. He will take over from Frank Close, who will step down later this year. Mr Mulcahy led Jones Lang LaSalle's Irish business before joining Nama in 2009. He retired from that position in 2014 before joining IPUT six months later. That move raised eyebrows and led Finance Minister Michael Noonan to declare there was "no conflict of interest" in Mr Mulcahy moving back to the private sector. In his Nama role he was the key decision maker in deciding when the state bad bank should sell its loans and property. Now, as chairman of IPUT's investment committee, he is a key voice in advising the fund's management team on possible purchases. Mr Mulcahy's appointment was announced at the investment fund's AGM in Dublin. At the meeting, current chairman Mr Close told investors the firm had agreed terms for a 150m loan from US bank Wells Fargo to fund the refurbishment or rebuilding of several buildings IPUT owns in central Dublin. The fund is redeveloping office blocks at 47-49 St Stephen's Green and 10 Molesworth Street in Dublin 2. In a statement, the fund, which is led by chief executive Niall Gaffney, said it took in 85.8m in rent last year -helping it boost the net asset value (NAV) of its portfolio by 5.01pc. NAV is a key measure of the health of any property investor. The "fair value" of its portfolio increased 251m, driven mostly by its Dublin property book. IPUT's portfolio is almost entirely based in Dublin. It owns a string of office blocks including Riverside 2 on the south quays and the headquarters of law firm A&L Goodbody at 25-28 North Wall Quay. Addressing shareholders, Mr Close said, "IPUT recorded a total property return of 25.3pc for 2015 with both core and active portfolios contributing to this performance. "This allowed the Fund to distribute 79.2 m in dividends to our shareholders, an increase of almost 19m on 2014," he added. "The first four months of 2016 has seen continued momentum. We are continuing to look at acquisitions in key locations. While there is always some level of uncertainty, we foresee another year of satisfactory growth in 2016 as the commercial property market continues to grow on the back of higher rental values and increased occupier demand." Shares in the unlisted property vehicle were trading at 1,001.57 - the most recent price available. Green leaders and innovators across construction, manufacturing, retail and other sectors have been honoured for their work in helping make the shift towards a more sustainable economy. The 8th Green Business awards, of which the Irish Independent is media partner, last night awarded Ecocem's Conor O'Riain its 'Green Leader of the Year' award for his work in helping to promote use of eco-friendly cement. Acting Environment Minister Alan Kelly was among almost 500 guests at the event in Dublin. The awards provide the platform for large, medium and small organisations to demonstrate the highest achievements in green operations, with more than 100 companies submitting entries. Other winners included An Post, Dawn Meats, IKEA, Dairygold, AIB, Croke Park Stadium, Astellas Ireland and the BAM Civil/Wayss & Freytag joint venture for construction of the 4.9km Corrib tunnel under Sruwaddacon Bay in Mayo. You may be asking yourselves if there's a compelling reason for another Jungle Book movie, given the winning and definitive nature of Disney's 1967 animated version, but if so you'd be wasting your time. This new cgi live action mishmash will be followed just two years' hence by another Jungle Book, a Warner Brothers motion-capture production directed by Andy Serkis. That's a whole lot of Kipling, and it should be pointed out that this film is not quite as cuddly or toddler-friendly as the Disney original. So why make it? To retell a classic tale using recent advances in Cgi, the studio executives might tell us, and cast new light on Rudyard Kipling's Raj legends, but cashing in on a well-known story is surely closer to the mark. It's so well known, in fact, that it must have been hard to dream up a new way of telling it, and at least this Jungle Book has made a genuine effort to do so. In returning to the darker elements of the source material, which after all was originally written for Kipling's sickly daughter who died at the age of just six, director Jon Favreau and writer Justin Marks have created a grimmer and more grown-up adventure in which jazz music and broad humour no longer have a place. Newcomer Neel Sethi is Mowgli, a child abandoned in the dense jungles of north-eastern India who's raised by a wolf pack and watched over by the kindly panther, Bagheera. He bonds with his adoptive mother and grows up thinking of himself as a wolf, but during a seasonal truce at which predators and prey meet to drink in peace at a traditional watering hole, Mowgli's presence is detected by the jungle bully, a tiger called Shere Khan. Feared by all species, Shere Khan has a bad temper, a terrible personality and dictatorial tendencies. It's his way or the highway, and when he decides that the man cub's presence can no longer be tolerated in the jungle, Mowgli is forced to go on the run. Bagheera sensibly reasons that Mowgli's best chances of survival entail returning to his own kind at a village bordering the jungle, but the boy can't bear this idea, and runs off alone. After surviving an encounter with a treacherous python called Kaa (voiced with mellifluous seductiveness by Scarlett Johansson), Mowgli's life is changed forever when he makes the acquaintance of a tuneful and criminally lazy bear. Bill Murray provides the voice of Baloo, and does a charming job, supported by a strong voice cast including Ben Kingsley (Bagheera), Idris Elba (Shere Kahn), the late Garry Shandling (Ikki, a neurotic porcupine) and Christopher Walken, who plays the giant monkey king, Louie. The skill with which these anthropomorphised, talking animals are rendered is impressive, and the real boy and the animated creatures are blended with such skill that you stop noticing the joins. The scene in Louie's crumbling palace is particularly well animated, as well as a crucial battle sequence at the end, and the film's sense of adventure is enhanced by pared-back storytelling and great momentum in the direction. There's a real darkness to Jon Favreau's film that's in marked contrast to previous versions, but there's also, Bill Murray excepted, a fatal lack of charm. The jungle in this movie is scary, full of hidden dangers, and if I was Mowgli I'd be heading for the bright lights and cheering curries of that village. The songs made famous by the 1967 Disney version are too embedded in our collective conscious to be entirely ignored, so Mr Murray gives us a rather half-hearted version of Bare Necessities, while Christopher Walken's I Wanna be Like You has perhaps wisely been shorn of its dubious racist undertones. Read More It's all very nicely done, but just a little bit joyless, and as I mentioned earlier, excludes younger children from the party by virtue of its intermittent grimness. Read More The Jungle Book (PG, 105mins). Matt LeBlanc shared a picture of him filming for the upcoming series with rapper Tinie Tempah (BBC/PA) Matt LeBlanc with a new Rolls-Royce Dawn, during filming for the new series of Top Gear Matt LeBlanc has taken the wheel of the new Rolls-Royce Dawn and put it through its paces around Ireland's Ring of Kerry. Viewers of BBC Two's new series of Top Gear will see the former Friends star driving around Co Kerry's scenic route in the luxurious convertible (or drophead). The name Dawn was previously given to just 28 drophead models between 1950 and 1954. Fine Gael politician Brendan Griffin praised the show's Irish adventures earlier this week, saying he was "delighted". Expand Close Matt LeBlanc filming Top Gear in Kerry. PIC: BBC Pictures / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Matt LeBlanc filming Top Gear in Kerry. PIC: BBC Pictures He revealed he had contacted the popular motoring show two years ago to invite them to film in Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way. "I believed that the landscape, the roads and the people would be a perfect fit for the programme," he said. Expand Close Matt LeBlanc filming Top Gear in Kerry. PIC: BBC Pictures / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Matt LeBlanc filming Top Gear in Kerry. PIC: BBC Pictures He added that a visit would expose the area to a "whole new audience and will present a massive opportunity for tourism". One lucky fan has already snapped a selfie with Matt LeBlanc in Killarney ahead of Top Gear filming this weekend. Expand Close Louise O'Donoghue and Matt LeBlanc PIC: Kerry's Full Breakfast, Facebook / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Louise O'Donoghue and Matt LeBlanc PIC: Kerry's Full Breakfast, Facebook Louise O'Donoghue sent her selfie and a pic of his autograph to Kerry's Full Breakfast on Radio Kerry. She bumped into new Top Gear presenter Matt in The Killarney Oaks Hotel on Thursday night. Expand Close Matt LeBlanc's autograph. PIC: Kerry's Full Breakfast, Facebook / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Matt LeBlanc's autograph. PIC: Kerry's Full Breakfast, Facebook Speaking to Ray D'Arcy on his RTE Radio One show, Louise said she was an "obsessed" Friends fan. "I was going in [to The Killarney Oaks] for a pint after work and he was there," she said. Looks like an awesome drive. https://t.co/zuKbBP04Lv Matt LeBlanc (@Matt_LeBlanc) April 14, 2016 Video of the Day "He was sitting behind me and I started freaking out. I went up to the bodyguard. Nobody was going up to him, so I went up and asked if it was okay if I got an autograph and a picture, if he didn't mind. "He was having dinner but after I got an autograph, hug and pictures. I was so happy. I was like a little girl!" LeBlanc, fellow host Chris Evans, and the Top Gear crew are in the Kingdom this weekend to film two segments for the upcoming new series. Speaking on his BBC radio show on Wednesday, Evans revealed they would be hitting Dingle and Killorglin. "Matt and I are going to Ireland on Friday to make a couple of Top Gear films that will be combined. We're thinking of going to the Dingle area," he said. Evans spoke to his newsreader, who is of Irish stock, about where to visit and asked her about Dingle. She said, "It's beautiful, wonderful food, lovely pubs". "We won't have time for any of that!" he replied, "Technically we'll be working. We'll try and eke out some time for a bit of socialising." Evans also mentioned visiting the neighbouring village of Killorglin and asked about driving further south along the coast. "We don't want to go inland, we want to go on the coast road. It's better for shots," he said. Netflix confirmed that the new series will be streamed internationally and it will premiere on BBC One in May. 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. Three Irish college students are currently winging their way around Europe - with no phones, cards or cash - as part of a survival challenge. Conor Bradshaw (20), Katie Mannion (21), and Gareth Jordan (20), otherwise known as the Paddys in Paris, are competing in the Red Bull Can You Make It? Challenge. The adventurous trio left Ireland on Monday, and their challenge is to travel from Barcelona to Paris, using only Red Bull cans as their currency. "Over the next 7 days we are uncontactable - with no phones, cards or cash. We will be racing through European cities using RedBull as our only means of currency for food, travel and accommodation as we aim for our final destination Paris, Katie said in her last Facebook post before departure. Yesterday, they traded two crates of Red Bull for three bus tickets to Geneva, Switzerland at Molly Malone's pub in Bordeaux. The team also tucked into meals of burger and chips, after 48 hours of eating raisins and rice cakes. So far, they've posted videos about their experiences making wine at a Bordeaux vineyard, and from the bull ring in Pamplona, Spain. They have talked their way out of paying a motorway toll fee while driving to San Sebastian, and they have driven 700 kilometres across Spain in a nine seater van with two German teams participating in the same challenge. The Irish team are competing with 165 other international groups that were chosen from a total of 3,000 applicants. A judge ordered a 12-week old baby be placed in emergency foster care after an allegation that he was travelling in a car with his parents who were both intoxicated. Limerick District Court heard the infant was at "significant risk" in his parents' care. Sergeant Gary Thompson, Newcastle West Garda Station, told the court that when he arrived at the scene he found the baby's mother and father were both drunk. "Both mum and dad were extremely intoxicated," Sgt Thompson said. "There was a strong smell of alcohol on them both. They both had glazed eyes, and they were behaving in an erratic and unreasonable manner." Sgt Thompson said he also smelled cannabis on the boy's parents. Giving evidence, the mother admitted she had a "drink problem", but denied taking drugs. She admitted consuming "two glasses of wine" last Wednesday after remaining sober for five months previously. "I had a slip," she told the court. Social services became aware of potential issues last November, after the mother, who was seven months pregnant, allegedly presented at hospital with raised alcohol levels in her blood. Una Kissane, a social worker with Tusla, told the court there was a "serious risk" to the baby if he was allowed stay in his parents' care. "The only place for (baby) is in general foster care, in order to ensure his safety," she added. Sgt Thompson said gardai were forced to take the mother into custody last night, as she was "a danger to herself and others". Judge O'Leary granted the emergency care order for eight days, finding there was an "immediate risk to the child". A man whose leg was amputated after he was struck by a car taking part in an international rally event has secured 564,000 damages. The award to Blaine Murphy was made after the Court of Appeal rejected as "perverse" a High Court judge's finding he was primarily liable. The appeal court increased by almost 364,000 the High Court's award of some 199,000 compensation to Mr Murphy, now aged 30, of Cashelmara, Knocknacarra, Galway. He had appealed the High Court's finding of 66.66pc contributory negligence against him, which had cut his award for injuries suffered as a 19-year-old spectator at the 2005 Galway International Motor Rally. He sued County Galway Motor Club Ltd, which organised and managed the rally under the auspices of Irish Motorsport Federation Ltd (Motor Sport Ireland), and Motor Sport Ireland Safety Team, which provided safety services for the rally. Devastating The appeal court found the three defendants 75pc liable with 25pc contributory negligence on his behalf. Ms Justice Mary Irvine said he had suffered "devastating" injuries at the young age of 19. The judge, with whom Mr Justice Michael Peart and Mr Justice Paul McDermott agreed, found the greater degree of responsibility lay "by far" with the experts, the three defendants. She could not but think of fathers kicking ball with their children or teaching them to swim and that Mr Murphy "will likely be denied all of this and so much more". The judge found the High Court erred in how it awarded sums under various headings, including awarding a "wholly inadequate" 100,000 general damages for future pain and suffering. That sum was increased to 175,000. She increased the sum for future loss of earnings from 229,602 to 280,815. A 16-year-old Dublin boy, who knocked a garda over while speeding on a stolen motorbike, has been given a three-month custodial sentence. The boy admitted driving a stolen motorbike, not having a licence or insurance, escape from lawful custody, dangerous driving as well as a hit-and-run charge in connection with the incident in south Dublin on October 25, 2014. During a pursuit, the teenager had been riding the stolen moped at Mount Tallant Avenue when he knocked over Garda Oliver Farrell who was on foot, the Dublin Children's Court heard. Judge John O'Connor was furnished with a probation report on the youth which showed the teenager has recently tested positive for cocaine use as well as other substances. The teenager had been given numerous chances to work with the Probation Service and avoid detention. However, he failed to co-operate with agencies trying to help him. Judge O'Connor imposed a six-month detention-supervision order . The teenager will have to serve a three month sentence in a detention centre followed by three months probation. Judge O'Connor has said the teenager was out of control, taking killer drugs and putting his life at risk. Earlier Judge O'Connor said all this was having an effect on the teen's mother who said her son, will not allow me to be his parent. Earlier, Gda Farrell said he attempted to stop the teenager but the boy drove at him and he had to take evasive action. The garda was struck to his right side and the teenager carried on driving. There were numerous incidents of dangerous driving and failing to stop before the teenager crashed into the back of a patrol car at Harold's Cross Road. Following his arrest he managed to get out of the garda car and briefly escape before he was recaptured. Judge O'Connor noted the boy had no prior criminal convictions. A welfare report had shown the teen was becoming far more challenging and he is at a high risk of re-offending. Earlier counsel for the boy said the he wanted to complete continue his education and to complete the Leaving Certificate. However, it was conceded the teenager's behaviour had become an issue in his educational course and the boy has had anger-management difficulties. A convicted killer who robbed a post office while armed with an axe has been sentenced to four years, with the final 18 months suspended. Kenneth Wilson (46) of Deansrath Road, Clondalkin, Dublin has 18 previous convictions including manslaughter, armed robbery and a charge of possession of firearms for which he was sentenced to ten years. In 1999 he was jailed for five years for his role in the killing of Patrick Joseph Craig, a father of six, in 1992. Wilson was one of two masked men who burst into Mr Craig's home and shot him as he lay in bed. The court heard Wilson did not intend to cause serious harm and was under the influence of his co-accused at the time. Mr Justice Paul Carney called it a a brutal and vicious assassination." Dublin Circuit Criminal Court previously heard that in November 2012, Wilson and two other men entered the Bawnogue Post Office, Clondalkin. Wilson was armed with an axe while the other men had a crowbar and imitation handgun. The men began to break down the security glass with their weapons while two staff members, including Louise Thunder, who was four months pregnant, locked themselves in the bathroom. The men took over 7,000 from the registers before fleeing in a blue BMW. The car was spotted near Deansrath Lawns with Wilson running away from it. When he saw gardai he slowed to a walk and went into a house. Gardai followed him in and found him sitting on a stool and out of breath. Wilson claimed he had been there all morning and that he had just let a man in who climbed over the back wall. He was arrested and interviewed ten times but refused to make admissions. Only a small amount of the money was recovered. Wilson later pleaded guilty to robbery at Bawnogue Post Office on November 28, 2012. In a short victim impact report, Ms Thunder said she feared she might lose her unborn child because of the trauma. Defence counsel Padraig Dwyer SC previously told Judge Sarah Berkeley that Wilson sees this as the last of his offending behaviour. He said he was now looking for work and that he was at a low risk of re-offending. Sentencing Wilson today, Judge Berkeley noted he had not re-offended since the incident. He has done his best to be a law-abiding citizen for the last four years, she said. She sentenced Wilson to four years' imprisonment, but suspended the last 18 months. Jude Miley with his mum and dad Anne Louise and Greville from Dundrum in Dublin Photo: Ronan Lang/Feature File A father whose young son is profoundly brain damaged following an operation at Crumlin Children's Hospital has told the High Court the family were never given any hope for the boy. Jude Miley was just six months old when a suture used in an operation to release his diaphragm and help his breathing remained untrimmed, causing damage to the heart muscle. Two days later, the baby had a heart attack and was rushed to theatre for emergency surgery which saved his life. His parents, Anne Louise and Greville Miley, were told Jude had suffered irreversible damage and an MRI scan days later showed he had widespread damage to the brain. In proceedings brought on behalf of the child, now aged four, the hospital has admitted liability and the case is before the High Court to assess damages. Greville Miley, who cares full time for his son, told the court on Friday he and his wife were told by doctors in Ireland that Jude was not going to recover because of the damage to brain. Using their own funds, and money from a trust fund set up by friends, they brought Jude to the US where there was "an enthusiastic ethos" to his son's recovery. While doctors here suggested PEG feeding for his son, doctors in the US had dealt with feeding properly by using new therapies, leading to his son eventually being able to eat certain foods. Jude also took his first steps walking unaided at a clinic in the US, he said. Doctors here could advise but could never give practical examples because anyone here with his son's level of brain damage or less was "still lying in a bed, still in a wheelchair, not walking and not talking". Mr Miley was giving evidence in the action on behalf of Jude, of Holywell, Upper Kilmacud Road, Dundrum, Dublin, against Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Dublin. Jude was born on July 16, 2011, and, by January the following year, a condition regarding the contour of his diaphragm was diagnosed. Necessary surgery was carried out on January 24, 2012, which, it was alleged, was below the standard of care. It was claimed a suture was placed in the wrong place damaging the heart resulting in the baby deteriorating culminating in the child suffering a cardiac arrest on January 26, 2012. It was alleged there was failure to use the correct suture or a suture had been placed to protrude in such a way as to abrade the baby's heart muscle. Other claims included alleged failure to take into account and act appropriately upon the baby's parents concern post operatively regarding Jude's condition. Liability was admitted last year. Mr Justice Anthony Barr has already approved a 1.8m settlement under accommodation and loss of earnings headings and now has to assess damages under other headings, including future care. The case continues next week. Garda Jimell Henry appeared in court charged with seven counts of illegally disclosing information and with possessing cocaine. Photo: James Connolly A garda has appeared in court charged with seven counts of illegally disclosing information contrary to the Garda Siochana Act and a separate charge of possessing cocaine. Gda Jimell Henry (34), Cairns Hill, Sligo, appeared at Sligo District Court. Gda Det Insp Jim Delaney told Judge Kevin Kilrane that he put the charges to Gda Henry at Sligo Garda Station at 10.20am yesterday after arresting her at her home earlier. He said Gda Henry had said 'no reply' to each of the eight charges. The witness also said that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had directed that the case be heard on indictment before the Circuit Court. Ms Henry faced seven counts of disclosing information obtained during the course of her duties as a member of An Garda Siochana knowing that the disclosure of that information was likely to have a harmful effect. All the charges relate to alleged offences on dates in December, 2014 and January 2015. The alleged disclosures are alleged to have taken place at 6.07am on December 16, 2014 in Dublin; at 10.41pm on January 14, 2015 in Mullingar; at 5.32pm on December 27, 2014 in County Sligo; at 10.40pm on January 14, 2015 in Mullingar; at 8.22am on January 13, 2015, in Dublin; at 7.58am on January 13, 2015 in Dublin, and on December 31, 2014, at 8.01pm in Dublin. The charges relate to alleged breaches of Section 62 of the Garda Siochana Act 2005. Gda Henry was also charged with the unlawful possession of cocaine on January 16, 2015 at Tullymagracken North, Sligo. Det Insp Delaney said gardai consented to bail subject to a number of conditions. He asked that she surrender her passport, remain in the jurisdiction, does not contact any witnesses in the case and sign on once weekly at her local garda station. He also asked for an independent surety of 10,000 "due to the gravity of the charges". The case was adjourned for an hour to allow for Gda Henry's passport to be retrieved from her home and for her father Kevin Henry to provide evidence of the surety. When the case resumed, Judge Kevin Kilrane released Gda Henry on bail. He issued a court order that the amount of money in Kevin Henry's bank account should not fall below 10,000. He also ordered Gda Henry to sign on at Sligo Garda Station each Friday between 9am and 9pm. The judge said Gda Henry should not make contact with witnesses known to her or witnesses she ought to know were involved in the case. Defence solicitor Gerry McGovern asked for legal aid. He said his client did have a salary but this had now been reduced to 185 per week. Judge Kilrane granted the application. Gda Henry was released on bail to appear again at Sligo District Court on May 12 for the serving of the book of evidence. Gda Henry, dressed in black leggings, brown boots and a blue and white top, and carrying a brown hooded coat, left the court with her father. THE inquest into the death of a Dublin man violently killed by his flatmate will be a very delicate case for all involved, a court hearing heard. The family of Tom OGorman (39), who was killed by his tenant Saverio Bellante, from Italy are seeking a full ventilation of the manner of his death through the inquest process. Expand Close Saverio Bellante admitted killing Mr OGorman / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Saverio Bellante admitted killing Mr OGorman Mr OGorman, a journalist and researcher at the Iona Institute, died as a result of blunt force trauma to the head and stab wounds to the chest at his home in Beech Park Avenue, Castleknock, Dublin 15 in January 2014. Acting for the family at Dublin Coroners Court barrister Aisling Mulligan said she had made submissions in relation to the scope of material to be examined at the inquest hearing. The extent to which the inquest will be opened will need to be quite broad, Ms Mulligan said. The inquest into his death was opened on March 26 2014 and adjourned to allow for an investigation and subsequent trial at the Central Criminal Court. Last February, the family applied for a full inquest to be held through their legal team.The OGorman family were not present in court for this latest short hearing but were aware of the proceedings, Ms Mulligan told Coroner Dr Brian Farrell. They have grave concerns about Mr Bellantes psychiatric treatment and the dangers attached to it in the lead up to the killing. The family feel this was not fully ventilated at Mr Bellantes trial. Preparation is underway for the material format of the hearing, including what witnesses will be called. Its a very delicate case for all purposes and for family and the people involved, Ms Mulligan said. Mr Bellante he was found not guilty by reason of insanity at the Central Criminal Court but large elements of the case were not ventilated because of the type of case that was run, Ms Mulligan said. The OGorman family hope to have the full circumstances of Mr Bellantes psychiatric treatment and its connection to the killing of Mr OGorman aired in court. Additional submissions will be made to the Coroners office in the coming weeks and the inquest was adjourned for further mention until May 13. An American man prosecuted over the emergency diversion of an aircraft has been found not guilty. Jeremiah Mathis Thede, 42, was accused of acting in a manner likely to negligently endanger an aircraft. Jurors took less than an hour to find the Californian innocent. The United Airlines flight from Rome to Chicago in June last year landed in Belfast after crew became concerned. Afterwards Mr Thede's solicitor Patrick Madden said: "The prosecution case and the decision to divert the flight was all based on information which is inaccurate from the cabin crew, it was based on speculation, misunderstanding and misinterpretation. "In fact there was simply no credible evidence in this case to suggest that Mr Thede had acted in any way to endanger this flight." The Californian denied being aggressive towards cabin crew after they refused him pre-flight crackers. His barrister said airline witnesses during his Antrim Crown Court trial had contradicted each other and added they had over-reacted to a series of relatively minor events. The service diverted to Belfast after staff became worried and claimed they had been approached by passengers - some even moving children away from the agitated accused. None of the fellow travellers have given evidence. Thede, 42, was on an 11-hour flight on June 20 last year. The accused, from Berkeley near San Francisco, has previously described how he was down to his last dollars following a long European trip and problems with a credit card and had eaten only an apple during five hours waiting at Rome airport for the delayed flight home. He has said he requested crackers immediately upon boarding, then repeatedly during the flight, because he was hungry. Unable to sleep, he proceeded to repeatedly go to the bathroom and search through his luggage while organising contacts from his long European trip. Flight attendants claimed he left his meal tray obstructing the aisle and alleged that his behaviour was odd. Thede's barrister Aaron Thompson quipped that the whole trial was a bit crackers. Before sending them away, Judge Desmond Marrinan had told jurors it would be a fatal flaw to just take the crew's word for it and counselled the panel to avoid rumour or speculation. He said the key issues had included Thede's alleged failure to obey United staff and whether passengers were likely to take matters into their own hands - which may have led to trouble or fighting. A relief pilot disturbed from his sleep to deal with the incident earlier told the trial Thede was unpredictable and his behaviour was odd. The judge said: "He formed the view that the defendant was unwilling to obey instructions." Mr Madden said his client was delighted and relieved at the verdict delivered by the jury of seven men and four women in half an hour. He will now return to the US. He said they would consider legal proceedings against the airline. "United Airlines should reflect on this case. They should also consider how they handle complaints from passengers in future." A Dublin man found in possession of over 72,000 of cocaine has avoided jail after a judge found he was vulnerable and probably targeted by drug dealers. Raymond Creighton (26) of Poddle Green, Kimmage, Dublin pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possessing 1.03 kg of cocaine worth 72,100 at Cashel Road, Crumlin on February 5, 2015. He has two minor public order convictions from 2011. The court previously heard Creighton told gardai that he had been standing on the side of the road waiting on a friend when two people he knew pulled up in a car and started slagging him. He said he agreed to hold drugs for them and thought he might have gotten 100 or a bit of hash for the job. Garda Triona Gallagher told the court that Creighton said he hadn't expected the drugs to be worth so much. Gda Gallagher agreed with Seamus Clarke BL, defending, that Creighton was a vulnerable and soft man who had been shocked at the drugs' value. Gardai raided a house in Cashel Street, belonging to a friend of Creighton's. A rucksack of cocaine and a weighing scales were found in the house owner's bedroom, but Creighton immediately admitted he had put them there. He said he owed the two people in the car up to 200 for a drugs debt. Sentencing Creighton today, Judge Sarah Berkeley said there were a number of exceptional circumstances in Creighton's case. She said he was not known to be involved in the drug scene, that he immediately admitted to possessing the drugs and co-operated with gardai to a high degree. He appears somewhat vulnerable and could be targeted by drug dealers, Judge Berkeley said, adding Creighton had learnt a serious lesson. While a custodial sentence would have a significant deterrent, I have to consider how a lengthy prison sentence would affect a young man like the accused, said Judge Berkeley before imposing a four year sentence and suspending it entirely. A man who took part in imprisoning, stripping and beating a married man because he wanted to teach him a moral lesson for entering his girlfriend's bedroom has been jailed for six months. In Dublin Circuit Criminal Court today, Judge Sarah Berkeley sentenced Lucky Shaka (24) to two years' imprisonment, but suspended the final 18 months. Shaka, along with his girlfriend Sonia Odusanya (21) with addresses at Thornfield Square, Clondalkin, Dublin pleaded guilty to falsely imprisoning Innocent Wilson at a flat in Thornfield Square on April 12, 2014. The court previously heard Mr Wilson believed Odusanya was his girlfriend but that she saw him as just a friend. As a result of this she and two others decided to teach him a lesson. She lured him to her flat before Shaka and another man showed up and began assaulting the victim. They told him they were going to take pictures and a video of him naked and put them up on the internet and on Youtube in order to humiliate him. Mr Wilson managed to escape out a window but the men captured him again and dragged him back while beating him up. At this point another man saw the commotion and asked what was going on. He was informed that Mr Wilson was trying to have sex with Odusanya. He helped the others bring Mr Wilson back to the flat and took part in stripping him. Odusanya told gardai after her arrest that this wouldn't have happened if Innocent hadn't tried to have sex with me. She received a suspended two year sentence last month. Judge Sarah Berkeley said that the reasoning of the accused was they were dealing with morally reprehensible behaviour by assaulting and imprisoning him. She described Shaka as the most culpable of the three. Pieter LeVert BL, defending Shaka, agreed that they wanted to teach him a lesson because he was married. A local authority has agreed to quash planning approval for a bathing changing area at the home of a neighbour of film-maker Neil Jordan, the High Court heard. Mr Jordan and his wife Brenda Rawn objected to the flat-roofed shelter/changing area in the rear of their neighbour Robin Power's home at Sorrento Terrace, Dalkey, Co Dublin. Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council last August decided the development required planning permission, and a retention application was lodged. In November, the council approved the application. Mr Jordan and his wife objected - as did Ian Lumley of An Taisce, who said the development was injurious to the architectural composition of Sorrento Terrace. Mr Jordan and Ms Rawn appealed to An Bord Pleanala. Consultants for Mr Jordan and Ms Rawn said there had been a fundamental failure by the neighbour to abide by established rules and guidance for the development of Sorrento Terrace. They also brought High Court judicial review proceedings seeking to quash the council's decision. Their counsel Michael O'Donnell yesterday told Mr Justice Paul McDermott that the council had consented to an order quashing its decision. It agreed to have the matter remitted back to the council on grounds that it failed to notify three prescribed bodies of the matter. Counsel said the local authority was also consenting to paying his clients' costs. The judge said he would make the order sought. An application for the costs of a notice party in the case, Mr Power's consultants Elark, trading as Alternative Building Solutions, was withdrawn. A nurse allegedly withdrew large sums of money using an ATM card belonging to a terminally ill nursing home resident. The registered nurse is facing allegations of professional misconduct and non-compliance with the code of professional conduct at a fitness to practise inquiry. It is alleged that nurse Elizabeth Yvonne Williamson (nee Claffey), while working at the Bloomfield Care Centre in Rathfarnham, Dublin, used an ATM card belonging to a resident, referred to as KD, without his consent to withdraw large sums of money. Ms Williamson allegedly made withdrawals between October 2011 and May 2012. Ms Williamson allegedly withdrew approximately 5,300 at various times between October 10, 2011 and May 8, 2012. It is further alleged that Ms Williamson used the elderly resident's ATM card on April 6, 2012 at an Asda shop in Northern Ireland, making a purchase of more than 250. A hearing yesterday took place at the Nursing and Midwifery Board's headquarters in Blackrock, Co Dublin. The inquiry heard that KD, who is now deceased, was a "vulnerable, frail and elderly man receiving palliative care". KD, who suffered terminal cancer, was placed at Bloomfield Centre after alleged behavioural issues at another facility. Phillip Farrelly told the inquiry he knew KD for many years, as they both had been long-term residents in the Howth area. Mr Farrelly said that during one visit to Bloomfield, KD told him that one of the nurses had used his bank card and PIN code to make purchases for him. "I felt upset by this," Mr Farrelly told the inquiry. "KD was in his 70s. I felt there was only one [way] this was going and that was disappointment for KD." In a letter written to the Nursing Board's Preliminary Proceedings Committee prior to the inquiry, Ms Williamson argued that all the withdrawals she made using KD's card were made with his knowledge and at his request. The matter of came to light in October 2012 after KD wrote to his bank regarding potential theft from his account. After a garda investigation into the matter, Ms Williamson repaid KD 6,000 and wrote a letter of apology to him, the inquiry heard. More than 10 witnesses are expected to give evidence today. Two Dublin men appearing at an out-of-hours sitting of the Special Criminal Court this evening have been charged with possession of 150kg of explosives. The men were also charged with IRA membership. John Brock (43) and John Roche (52) were arrested this afternoon by members of the Special Detective Unit as part of ongoing investigations into dissident republican activity. Mr Brock, with an address at Cushlawn Park, Tallaght, Dublin 24, and Mr Roche, with an address at Bridgefoot St, Dublin 8, were both charged with possession of 57kg of homemade explosives, consisting of ammonium nitrate fuel mix, and thirty-eight 2.5kg rolls of Kemegel industrial explosives at Naas Rd, Dublin 12, on April 13th, 2016. Both men were also charged with membership of an unlawful organisation, styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, on the same date. Detective Garda Dermot Bolger, of the Special Detective Unit, told State Solicitor Michael O'Donovan that he arrested Mr Brock under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act at 3.15pm today on St Ronan's Avenue, Clondalkin. He said he explained to Mr Brock the reason for his arrest in ordinary language and cautioned him. Mr Brock made no reply, the court heard. The detective garda detained Mr Roche in Ronanstown garda station before transporting him to the Special Criminal Court, where he showed the charged man a copy of the original charge sheet, to which Mr Brock again made no reply, the court heard. Detective Garda Deirdre Ryan, also of the Special Detective Unit, told the court that she arrested Mr Roche this afternoon at Rossmore Avenue, Ballyfermot. She explained to Mr Roche the reason for his arrest in ordinary language and cautioned him, to which Mr Roche made no reply, the court heard. The detective garda said that she then detained Mr Roche in Ballyfermot garda station before transporting him to the Special Criminal Court, where she showed the charged man a copy of the original charge sheet. Again, Mr Roche made no reply, the court heard. When the registrar read the charges to the men, neither of them stood up. Presiding judge Mr Justice Paul Butler, sitting with Judge Alison Lindsay and Judge Martin Nolan, remanded both Mr Brock and Mr Roche in custody until next Thursday morning, April 21, when bail applications are expected to be made. Michael OLeary clowns around with outgoing Senator Sean Barrett after the Ryanair chief executive spoke at Trinity College about the Brexit referendum. Photo: Tom Burke A British vote to quit the EU would not mean a return of the North-South border in Ireland, Northern Ireland Secretary Theresa Villiers has said. Ms Villiers, a strong advocate for Britain quitting the EU, has accused the "Stay" camp of "scaremongering." In her first major speech on the June 23 EU referendum vote, Ms Villiers said the British-Irish common travel area long pre-dated the European Union's existence. The speech came as the Acting Cabinet devoted a great deal of time at its meeting yesterday to the Brexit issue with a report from Foreign Affairs Minister Charlie Flanagan. At the same time the British Ambassador in Dublin, Dominick Chilcott, urged the 130,000 British people living in Ireland to register for a vote in the referendum. Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary appealed to Irish people living in Britain to mobilise in favour of EU membership. He believed most British people favoured EU membership but the referendum could be a mid-term backlash against Prime Minister David Cameron. Ms Villiers denounced comments from some quarters that so-called "Brexit" could undermine the Northern Ireland peace process as "scaremongering of the worst possible kind". Ms Villiers said Ireland's Ambassador in London, Dan Mulhall, had pointedly refused to endorse the idea that Brexit could unravel the peace process in evidence he gave to the British parliament's Northern Ireland committee. She argued that the "Common Travel Area" between Ireland and Britain would outlast the EU. The unique status of Irish citizens in Britain would also persist into the future. Ms Villiers said the reinstatement of a "hard border" in Northern Ireland would not be required as the United Kingdom could use existing laws to deal with illegal entry of immigrants and also prevent illegal working in the UK. Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan said he knew Ms Villiers opposed Britain's EU membership. But he said the Irish Government wanted Britain to stay in the EU which continues to support peace and prosperity in the North with generous funds. "North-South cooperation is far easier when both jurisdictions are within the EU," Mr Flanagan said. Independent Michael Healy Rae and Fianna Fail TD Dara Calleary at Leinster House ahead of the Dail vote for Taoiseach. Photo: Laura Hutton/Collins Photo Agency Enda Kenny's prospects of being re-elected Taoiseach now hinges on Fine Gael and Fianna Fail doing a deal on water charges. The future of Irish Water remains the most significant impediment to the formation of a Fine Gael-led minority government, according to senior figures in both parties. Mr Kenny's decision to hold a parliamentary vote on retaining Irish Water has infuriated Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin. Mr Martin is also expected to tell Mr Kenny that Fianna Fail will not facilitate a Fine Gael government if he does not win the support of at least eight Independent TDs. Fianna Fail needs Fine Gael and Independents to have a combined 58 seats in a future government to allow Mr Martin's party abstain from certain votes. For the first time in weeks, Mr Martin yesterday dug his heels in on the issue of water charges after he abandoned his plans to become the Taoiseach. Fianna Fail last night conceded that the next government is likely to be a Fine Gael-led minority administration after Mr Martin's ultimatum to Independents backfired. Mr Martin picked up no additional votes - in contrast to Mr Kenny who received a boost after securing the support of Dublin South West TD Katherine Zappone. The two party leaders were scheduled to meet last night to discuss how to get talks aimed at forming a minority government back on track. But in a significant development, Mr Martin was instructed by his own TDs to refuse to put any deal on a minority government in writing. At the Fianna Fail parliamentary party meeting, backbenchers pointed to the 'Tallaght Strategy' - an agreement struck in 1987 which worked on a case-by-case basis. But a senior Fine Gael negotiator told the Irish Independent the party is pushing for guarantees for support for a period of at least three years. The issue is likely to come to a head when the two teams reconvene. The same source admitted the gap between the two parties on water could "make or break" negotiations. After yesterday's vote, Mr Martin accused Fine Gael of acting in an "unhelpful and provocative" manner after the party passed a motion this week reaffirming its commitment to a national utility. Despite admitting that the future of water is "not the single most important issue facing our country", Mr Martin indicated that his party's desire to suspend charges remains. And he demanded an investigation into the money spent by Irish Water on a "post-election lobbying campaign" designed to prevent its abolition. Fine Gael wants to maintain charges and the public utility - while Fianna Fail is adamant charges must be suspended and Irish Water replaced with a slimmed-down body. As expected, yesterday's vote for Taoiseach - proved inconclusive. Mr Kenny did secure the support of Ms Zappone as 14 other Independent TDs opted to abstain from the vote and withdraw from the talks. In a further boost for Mr Kenny, there were indications last night that Labour is moving to support the Fine Gael leader at a future vote for Taoiseach. A source said if Fine Gael agreed to certain demands "important to us a party", Labour's seven TDs may lend their support to Mr Kenny. "We have a policy platform that we want implemented. We will discuss our next move but everything is on the table," said the source. After the vote, Mr Kenny extended an invitation to Mr Martin to reopen talks between the two main parties on forming a government - just hours after talks between the two parties' negotiation teams broke down. Mr Martin addressed his own TDs on two occasions yesterday as questions were raised internally over his decision to issue the ultimatum to Independents. Fianna Fail negotiator Charlie McConalogue admitted last night Mr Martin's defeat meant the party is giving up on leading a minority government. The Irish Independent has learned that a claim by Fine Gael during the negotiations - that the party was on the cusp of securing the support of six Independents - prompted Mr Martin's gamble. A senior Fianna Fail source said the claim "contradicted strongly" what Mr Martin was being told privately by Independents about their voting intentions. Taoiseach Enda Kenny will have to give Independents five ministerial roles if he listens to TD Finnian McGrath. The Independent Alliance deputy said Mr Kenny will need to give Independents at least a third of all ministries in a minority government on RTEs Sean ORourke programme this morning. Mr McGrath agreed that would be at least five positions as a Fine Gael minority looks like the only option for a new government after third failed attempt to elect a Taoiseach yesterday. The Dublin North-Central TD said Independents would meet to discuss what areas they would seek in their discussions with Mr Kennys party. [To enter Government] wed look to get firstly an implementation of Independent Alliance policies, secondly guarantee of three budgets, ideally I'd like to see five. And third full parity of esteem, he said. Fianna Fails Barry Cowen joined Mr McGrath and said his party would look to agree three budgets in their talks to facilitate a Fine Gael minority. That may be possible. Something we will explore and something we will seek to agree with Fine Gael in our discussions, Mr Cowen said. But as I said to you earlier, were going into it with an open mind. People dont want to see another election. A former stripogram boss is to take on senior political figures like Sinn Fein's Caral Ni Cuilin and the DUP's Nelson McCausland in the Assembly election for Stormont next month. Geoff Dowey (60), who ran a stable of RUC-uniformed strippers, is a candidate in the hotly-contested North Belfast constituency. The Newtownabbey man has formed his own political party, Northern Ireland First, with a manifesto calling for the liberalisation of drugs and prostitution laws in Northern Ireland. The manifesto calls for cannabis to be legalised and says that our prostitution laws target men - making them discriminatory. Standing as a candidate in the Stormont election marks a new departure for Mr Dowey, who previously ran stripogram agency Angel Promotions and the Erotic Ireland website, Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph last night, Mr Dowey said his campaign was only just beginning. "I'm looking forward to having a few frank discussions with DUP candidates about their stance on gay marriages," he said The former porn king said he had entered political life because he was "fed up" with political culture in the province. "I am doing this because I am - like a lot of people - totally fed up with the conflict politics of Northern Ireland," he said. "It's like kids falling out in a schoolyard. "While we're fighting among ourselves we're missing he big picture." And his racy past is no barrier to winning the support of voters, he claimed. "Young adults I've spoken to have said they'd rather vote for a former porn king than the bunch we have running the country at the moment," he said. Realistically, he accepts that his risque past will lose him votes among sections of the electorate. But, in other quarters, he reckons his chequered history will do him no harm at the polls. "People realise this was a business run by a chap who went up against the general feeling in Northern Ireland with the RUC strippers and the punishment beating strippers - and brought a little bit of humour to life," he argued. Asked whether his porn career was now behind him, Mr Dowey said: "Who knows what's round the corner? "I haven't ruled out anything. The adult industry has always been there. It's a legitimate business. "When we accepted the European Bill of Rights it gave everyone the right to watch porn on TV. So you can blame the Europeans for me, I'm afraid." But, with only five members in his new party, Mr Dowey has quite a mountain to climb . A council has told a distraught family that its pest control service is too busy to deal with a swarm of rats which has infested their home. The young family, including primary school-age children, have witnessed large rodents scurrying through their kitchen, living room and upstairs bathroom. A total of 18 rats have been caught and killed in just three days at their terraced home on Edinburgh Street, off the Lisburn Road in south Belfast. Despite their landlord's efforts to tackle the infestation with traps and poison, the rats keep coming back to the family house. The City Council said there is a long backlog for pest control, and the family, who reported the case on Tuesday, was advised that it could be two weeks before they are dealt with. A spokeswoman said: "We are committed to responding as soon as possible but as there is a huge demand on our free pest control service, the caller was advised that it can take up to 10 to 14 days. "An appointment was scheduled at the beginning of next week - well within the advised timeline - and advice offered on action that could be taken in the interim. "It should be pointed out that the Council has no statutory responsibility for dealing with rats. "However, in the 12 months to the end of March 2016, we dealt with more than 2,700 requests for service and baited more than 12,200 manholes." It is thought that the rats are invading the property through a hole over a sewer in an alleyway to the back of the house. The landlord said his efforts to explain the situation to the local authority fell on "deaf ears". Read More "The council told me it would be 10 days before someone could come out and look at it," he said. "But that's not satisfactory, particularly as it's a family with three young kids and the rats are running through the house. "The council told me that I would need to get a private firm. My man is doing what he can do with traps, but the problem is outside the house. "I can't stand by and let this happen to my tenants. I couldn't deal with this on my own and I'm asking public authorities to deal with that problem and that's the response I got. This is falling on deaf ears. "The tenants have lived at the property for two years. They first noticed the problem this time last year, and the maintenance man came out and dealt with it. But that was four or five rats. "We then got the call on Friday evening about the new rats and we set up the traps and came back on the Sunday." Some 10 rats had to be killed after being found in the traps. The following day, the tenants found two more running through their living room. Residents in the area said they had complained to the council several times about the infestation but that no action had been taken to resolve the issue. An elderly woman said she spotted rats running up and down the street, while others claimed that the bins had not been emptied for a number of weeks. Johnny McCluskey, who works in building maintenance, said that the incident was the worst case he had dealt with. "I personally caught 16 rats after I set the traps on Friday, and I came back on the Sunday and I killed 10," he said. "I have never come across anything on this scale in my life." Marian Buckley holds a photo of her daughter Karen while her husband John gives a statement. Picture: Mark Condren The grief-stricken father of student Karen Buckley has penned an uplifting poem to mark the first anniversary of her murder. Occupational therapy student Karen was brutally beaten to death with a spanner in Glasgow on April 12, 2015, by Alexander Pacteau. Read More A special memorial mass is due to take place in Co Cork this evening and ahead of the ceremony her heartbroken father John has written a verse. Expand Close Tragic Karen Buckley. Photo: Crown Office/PA Wire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Tragic Karen Buckley. Photo: Crown Office/PA Wire The piece was published on Facebook by Karens close friend Julie Malone who also paid tribute to the murdered woman. Ms Malone said that a year ago today a light went out in their lives. A light that shone so bright that it's still hard to believe it's gone. I still miss you everyday Karen. Miss how you could make anyone feel welcomed, important, special and loved on entering a room. I miss your little laugh, your funny sayings and how you pronounced certain words. I miss being able to pick you up in a bear hug. I miss your hugs more. Grief is a tough and on ongoing journey which everyone who knew you is on,at different points, going different speeds. I don't think the journey has a destination but everyday gets a little bit easier. You had an amazing short life, you travelled, had great friends and achieved everything you set your mind to, you were so determined. I know you are looking down on us with your cheesy smile helping us on our journeys, keeping us safe, helping to heal broken hearts and only a prayer away. Tonights mass, led by Fr Joe OKeeffe, will begin at 7.30pm at the Church of St. Michael the Archangel, in Analeentha, Mourneabbey. A special memorial service was also held in Glasgow to mark the first anniversary of her death on Tuesday, when Karen's Glasgow Caledonian University friends and classmates paid tribute to her. Read More Pacteau was jailed for 23 years for murdering Karen. Expand Close Murderer Alexander Pacteau / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Murderer Alexander Pacteau John Buckley's Poem Hope THE spirit comes, it is within The light shines through and out again, Bells will chime, cracks will heal, For hope abounds to turn the wheel, So with hope and Love Divine, We climb big mountains all the time, Angels guard us, as we pass nearby, The golden gates of Heaven, An open heart, will hold the key, When turned unfolds the prize to be, The prize is love and hope shines through, Divine and pure and all for you. Forensic officers remove a wheelie bin on Sherriff Street in which it is believed a weapon was thrown. A man was shot outside Noctors pub on the junction of Sheriff Street and Oriel Street near Connolly Station in Dublin. Photo: Damien Eagers This is the innocent dad-of-three who was shot dead in a botched revenge hit by the Kinahan gang yesterday. Father-of-three Martin ORourke (24) was shot twice in the face on Sheriff Street in broad daylight. He was shot dead by a reckless hitman who unleashed a hail of gunfire in broad daylight as he tried to assassinate a close associate of the Hutch mob. This morning he was described as a harmless lovable young fellow by Father Peter McVerry. Speaking on Morning Ireland, the homeless campaigner said he knew Martin ORourke "very well". Martin had a drug problem, which he was trying to address. He was trying to become drug free. A couple of years ago, he became drug-free. I brought him to a drug treatment centre in an effort to get drug free in Athlone but unfortunately he relapsed back into drug use. Father McVerry described the shooting as a total tragedy for him, his family and his friends. The fourth feud-related murder this year is believed to have been orchestrated by the Kinahan gang, and claimed the life of a 24-year-old bystander. Gardai believe that north inner city criminal Keith Murtagh (32) was meant to be the actual target of yesterday's savage fatal shooting but Martin O' Rourke was shot at least twice in the face instead. Read More Mr O' Rourke had been living in sheltered accommodation for homeless people in the Halston Street area of the capital's northside. He had a history with drugs, but had no involvement in the bitter gang war that has now claimed five lives. Read More It also comes just days after it emerged garda overtime - sanctioned in the wake of the gangland attack at the Regency Hotel last February - has been stopped, despite feud tensions running high. Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald is now under mounting pressure to release another round of emergency funding to combat gang violence. The latest incident unfolded close to Noctor's pub, in Sheriff Street in Dublin's north inner city, at around 12.25pm. Read More It is understood that Mr O'Rourke was in the Sheriff Street area to buy drugs. The gunman ran towards Keith Murtagh - but in the confusion he shot up to six times, causing Mr O'Rourke fatal injuries. The killer then left the scene on a bicycle and dumped the small black handgun in a bin on Sheriff Street Lower. Gardai located the weapon within minutes of the murder. They have identified a chief suspect and it is believed he has worked as a 'gun for hire' for the Kinahan cartel. He has previously been arrested by gardai investigating the slaying of Michael 'Mad Mickey' Devoy (41) in 2014. Sources say the hitman is just one of a network of young thugs who are prepared to kill for money for the Kinahans. It is understood that a friend of the intended victim contacted gardai asking for an escort out of the area, and he was in hiding last night. Murtagh is extremely well-known to gardai because of his involvement in crime and he is very close to jailed killer Derek 'Del Boy' Hutch. Both Murtagh and Hutch were involved in a botched cash-in-transit robbery in Lucan in May, 2009, in which Murtagh was shot by gardai and seriously wounded, while fellow criminal Gareth Molloy (27) was shot dead. In July, 2010, Murtagh, of Mariner's Port, Sheriff Street Lower, Dublin, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery and possession of a weapon with intent to endanger life at Foxboro Road, Lucan, on May 15, 2009, and was jailed for eight years. Yesterday's killing in broad daylight happened less than 50 metres away from Sheriff Youth Centre, where children were about to arrive. Superintendent Kevin Gralton said: "An innocent bystander getting shot, if that is the case, of course it's a low." Chairperson of the Dublin City joint policing committee, Daithi de Roiste, called for more resources and a long-term plan. "We seem to have a government by press release and until we start pumping resources in, this lawlessness is going to exist on the streets of our city. "We have criminal gangs operating above the law and nobody can seem to get it under control." Chairperson of the Policing Authority Josephine Feehily said this week that gardai had been "very successful" recently in the fight against gang crime. However, Mr de Roiste questioned her statements. "If anybody thinks they are doing such a good job why are there people being shot every other week? It's an absolute disgrace that this is allowed to happen in our city." A spokesman for the Department of Justice did not respond when asked if extra funding would be made available. "The Government moved decisively to strengthen the resources available to gardai to deal with the serious armed crime through a special ring-fenced additional allocation of 5m, as well as steps to establish a dedicated Armed Support Unit in Dublin," he said. Gardai discover a quantity of explosives found in a car stopped at the junction of the Long Mile road and the Naas Road Gardai discover a quantity of explosives found in a car stopped at the junction of the Long Mile road and the Naas Road Gardai at the scene where a quantity of explosives was found in a car at the Long Mile Road in Dublin. Photo: Arthur Carron Gardai discover a quantity of explosives found in a car stopped at the junction of the Long Mile road and the Naas Road Gardai are becoming increasingly concerned that the 'New IRA' terror group are planning a "spectacular bomb attack" to mark the centenary of the Easter Rising this month. The fears come after a massive garda operation on Wednesday night which led to the discovery of a large haul of explosives in a car. Armed officers from the Emergency Response Unit stopped the vehicle just before the Long Mile Road junction at around 7pm. Two Tallaght men were arrested at the scene after being subdued by armed gardai and forced to lie on the ground. Senior sources have revealed that gardai and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) are "extremely worried" that the 'New IRA' will carry out a bomb attack in either Northern Ireland or the mainland UK to mark the Rising anniversary on Sunday, April 24. "This organisation seems to be getting stronger all the time, but this week's garda operation shows that the Special Detective Unit are on top of these individuals in terms of surveillance," a source said. "There is little doubt that the seizure of explosives has helped save lives. However, there are still major concerns about this organisation's capabilities ahead of events later this month, and garda operations will continue," a source said last night. Dangerous "This terrorist organisation seems to have a point to prove and that is a very dangerous state-of-play," the source added. The Herald can reveal that one of the arrested men is a 42-year-old man who is one of the country's most prominent dissident republicans. He has previously been cleared of IRA membership charges, and was heavily involved with the Continuity IRA. The suspect previously served a lengthy sentence for possession of firearms, and it is suspected that some of his associates were involved in the murder of veteran criminal Eamon Kelly in December 2012. It is now suspected the arrested man is involved with the 'New IRA', the organisation which claimed responsibility for the van bomb attack that led to the murder of prison officer Adrian Ismay in Belfast last month. In the aftermath of that incident, the PSNI warned that dissident republicans are intent on killing security force members to mark the upcoming centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising. PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Martin said while the terror threat level in the North has been categorised as "severe" for a number of years he was now describing it as "the upper end of severe". "I believe there are people within dissident republican groupings who want to mark this centenary by killing police officers, prison officers and soldiers," he said. Earlier this week, the Herald revealed that gardai made two "highly significant" arrests and seized 10,000 in cash as part of a major surveillance operation against 'The New IRA' last Friday in Co Louth. Forensic officers remove an object from a wheelie bin on Sherriff Street, a man was shot outside Noctors pub on the junction of Sheriff Street and Oriel Street near Connolly Station in Dublin Homeless charity campaigner Father Peter McVerry has described the man who was shot dead yesterday in the latest gangland attack in the city as a harmless lovable young fellow. Father-of-three Martin ORourke was shot twice in the face on Sheriff Street in broad daylight yesterday. Gardai believe the dad-of-three was an innocent bystander in a botched revenge hit by the Kinahan gang in the latest murder in the Hutch-Kinahan feud. Speaking on Morning Ireland, the homeless campaigner said he knew Martin ORourke "very well". Martin had a drug problem, which he was trying to address. He was trying to become drug free. A couple of years ago, he became drug-free. I brought him down to I brought him to a drug treatment centre in an effort to get drug free in Athlone but unfortunately he relapsed back into drug use. Father McVerry described the shooting as a total tragedy for him, his family and his friends. The homeless campaigner said the current feud between the Hutch and Kinahan gangs was extremely dangerous because its gotten so personal. He said: Its not about money, its not about territory and there doesnt seem to be anyway of stopping it. Father McVerry said the only way to defeat gang culture was for people to give evidence against them. That was what destroyed the Dundon-McCarthy gang in Limerick. But it comes at a terrible price because people die. People who give evidence face serious threats to their lives and their families. He argued that the gardai cant be held responsible for stopping every murder. The garda cant be on every street all the time. They dont have the resources. Their hands are tied. They have had some success in intercepting weapons and stopping some killings, but it is a case of just delaying the inevitable. These gangs arent going to stop because one or two of their members get arrested. Yes, the gardai presence is a help but you cant have gardai on every street corner. Forensic officers remove an object from a wheelie bin on Sherriff Street, a man was shot outside Noctors pub on the junction of Sheriff Street and Oriel Street near Connolly Station in Dublin Gardai have identified a chief suspect for yesterday's shocking gangland murder and the Herald has learnt that he has worked as a 'gun for hire' for the Kinahan cartel in the past. A manhunt was underway for the north-inner-city criminal last night after he was caught on CCTV having brutally killed a low-level criminal - named locally as Martin O'Rourke (24), who was not his intended target. Expand Close Greg Lynch / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Greg Lynch Senior cartel members 'Fat' Freddie Thompson and Liam Byrne remained in the capital last night, but it is understood that crime kingpin Daniel Kinahan is in the UK. Cartel head Christy Kinahan is believed to be residing in Dubai. None of these gangsters is suspected of direct involvement in yesterday's shooting. However, sources said that gardai are in "no doubt" that the cartel are behind yesterday's brutal murder of Mr O'Rourke. The 25-year-old criminal who is the chief suspect for yesterday's murder has been arrested twice by Tallaght gardai investigating the slaying of Michael 'Mad Mickey' Devoy (41) in January, 2014. 'Mad Mickey' was murdered shortly after his release from Portlaoise Prison, and the main theory is that he was shot dead because he was the gunman for a botched murder attempt on heroin trafficker and cartel figure Greg Lynch three months earlier outside a northside pub. Lynch was shot in the face, after a gunman opened fire on a crowd attending a 21st birthday party in Hanlon's pub on North Circular Road, but survived the reckless gun attack in which three innocent women also received gunshot injuries to their legs. Expand Close Murder victim David Byrne / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Murder victim David Byrne Gardai believe the north- inner-city criminal, who was being hunted last night, also murdered Devoy on behalf of the cartel. The body of Devoy was riddled with bullets before it was discovered on the side of the road in Bohernabreena, Tallaght on the night of January 18, 2014. A senior source told the Herald: "This 'gun for hire' is a heavy hitter in terms of organised crime and has close links to a number of gangs, including the Christy Kinahan cartel. Provos "He is involved in extortion, debt collection and is associated with Provos in the north inner city." Sources say the young criminal is just one of a network of young thugs who are prepared to kill for money for the Kinahan cartel. It is not clear whether he will now be under threat himself after he shot the wrong man yesterday, instead of intended target Keith Murtagh (32). The cartel have now been involved in four out of the five murders linked to the deadly feud with associates of Gary Hutch, which kicked-off when Hutch was shot dead in Spain last September. Cartel l David Byrne, who was shot dead in the Regency Hotel gun attack, is the only cartel member who has been killed so far. Gardai have mounted a large number of operations against the Kinahan cartel since the Regency Hotel attack. Earlier this week, they seized 11 English-registered luxury vehicles in the latest raids targeting the cartel. Detectives from the Criminal Assets Bureau, who were backed up by Revenue investigators, were involved in the search operation at a premises in west Dublin on Tuesday. It is understood that gardai took the vehicles because of alleged Revenue-related offences. The raids were linked to an operation last month in which around 1m worth of property and 100,000 in cash was seized when gardai raided 12 homes and six businesses in a series of dawn searches. Last Friday, officers raided the homes of notorious heroin trafficker Greg Lynch and his father Gerard 'Bra' Brady, as well as an unoccupied property in the Oliver Bond flats complex -the family home of cartel figure Daniel Kinahan where he was brought up - as part of their ongoing investigations. President Michael D Higgins believes prejudice against the Muslim community is fuelled by a lack of understanding of the Middle East. Mr Higgins called on Irish people to engage with Islamic culture at the opening of an exhibition featuring one of the most valuable Korans in the world at the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin. The Koran was created by calligrapher Ruzbihan Muhammad al-Tab'I al-Shirazi in Iran in the mid 16th century. It is believed only five Korans signed by Ruzbihan have survived, and historians consider this to be one of his masterpieces. Mr Higgins said the increasing number of visitors to the library will gain a "deeper understanding" of different cultures across the world. "For Irish and European audiences, the opportunity to encounter Islamic and Persian culture directly is all the more important, in a context where Islamophobia and other insidious forms of prejudice against Muslims are rampant throughout Europe," said Mr Higgins. "Such prejudice is often fuelled by an ignorance of the politics and history of the Middle East, a blindness to the many ways in which our Muslim citizens and residents enrich European life, and a misrepresentation of the tenets of the Islamic faith itself." Mr Higgins said the advocates of a "distorted and hateful" version of Islam are "persecuting those of other persuasions" with the view to destroy the cultural trace of previous generations. He said: "That the epicentre of such devastation, which reaches out to Africa, Asia, and even to the heart of our European cities, should affect one of the cradles of civilisation, the holy lands of Iraq and Syria, is particularly tragic." The Public Service Executive Union (PSEU) president Maria Ryan discussed the possible formation of a mega union involving the PSEU, IMPACT and the Civil Public and Services Union (CPSU). Photo: PA Mid-ranking civil servants are to lodge a claim for additional annual leave - in part to compensate them for increased competition for promotion. The Public Service Executive Union (PSEU) president Maria Ryan hit out at the opening of recruitment to members of the public as a "slap in the face" for its members. It will be seeking additional time off for members at executive officer level, who currently receive between 21 and 25 days' annual leave. She also told its annual conference that civil servants would not wait until 2018 for a further pay restoration if the economy continues to grow. She discussed the possible formation of a mega union involving the PSEU, IMPACT and the Civil Public and Services Union (CPSU). Ms Ryan said members had suffered numerous cuts and substantial worsening of conditions since 2009 - describing the increases in working hours as "a particularly bitter pill to swallow". Redress She said the Landsdowne Road Agreement was a start to unwinding these impositions, but called for the unwinding of FEMPI legislation to be accelerated. "Our message is crystal clear. If this country's economy continues to grow at the healthy rate that we are witnessing currently, it is not sustainable to maintain the imposition of emergency legislation and the pace at which the unfair impositions on public servants are lifted will have to be accelerated. "Against a background of growth of 7pc-8pc, public servants cannot be expected to wait until 2018 to get some redress to this," she said. She acknowledged that external factors including a possible Brexit and the delay in forming a government could adversely impact on growth. However, she added: "Public servants were dumped on when the economy and public finances were in trouble and we are entitled to expect to see the benefits of the recovery, sooner rather than later." To applause she told delegates the union would resist attempts to have pay determined by outside bodies rather than collective bargaining. Eddie Hutch (58) was shot dead at his home in Dublins north inner city on the night of February 8 The murder of Gary Hutch (34) at 11.30am on September 24 was the first slaying of the feud Yesterday's murder was the fifth killing the feud - but who are the victims Gary Hutch September 24 The murder of Gary Hutch (34) at 11.30am on September 24 last was the first slaying of the feud and it kicked off the gang warfare that has now claimed five lives. Hutch was chased around a swimming pool in a private apartment complex by a gunman in a balaclava before he was gunned down at the Angel de Miraflores complex, near Marbella. It is understood that the reason for his murder is that his former associates had suspected that Gary was a garda informer. It later emerged that Garys uncle Gerry The Monk Hutch had organised the payment of 200,000 to the Kinahan cartel to spare his life and allow him to retire. David Byrne February 5 Expand Close Murder victim David Byrne / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Murder victim David Byrne David Byrne (34) became the second victim of the feud when he was shot dead in the Regency Hotel gun attack on February 5. His murder and the non-fatal shooting of two of his pals was believed to be revenge for the Gary Hutch murder five months earlier. Five killers stormed the hotel including one disguised as a woman and three as gardai, armed with AK-47s. Gardai believe that cartel boss Daniel Kinahan was the primary target of the assassination team but he escaped unharmed, so his associates were then targeted. Eddie Hutch February 8 Expand Close Eddie Hutch (58) was shot dead at his home in Dublins north inner city on the night of February 8 / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Eddie Hutch (58) was shot dead at his home in Dublins north inner city on the night of February 8 Eddie Hutch (58) was shot dead at his home in Dublins north inner city on the night of February 8. He was murdered in a revenge attack for the Regency Hotel shooting where gangster David Byrne was shot dead three days earlier. Considered to be a soft target, Eddie (above) was targeted because he was a brother of Gerry The Monk Hutch. Immediately after the murder, the four-man murder team escaped from Hutchs home at Poplar Row in a silver S-series 06 BMW car which was abandoned at St Patricks Parade. The four killers ran from the BMW to a Toyota Landcruiser and sped from the scene. Noel Duggan March 23 Expand Close Noel 'Kingsize' Duggan / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Noel 'Kingsize' Duggan Gardai believe the Kinahan cartel are responsible for the murder of Noel Kingsize Duggan (55) at 5.45pm on March 23 in Ratoath, Co Meath. Notorious cigarette smuggler Kingsize knew his life was under threat because of his long friendship with Gerry The Monk Hutch. He was shot a number of times in his car at his home in The Old Mill housing estate in Ratoath. A man in dark clothing was seen fleeing the scene and ran to a dark-coloured BMW on Fairyhouse Road before the car sped a short distance away and was then burnt out. Martin O'Rourke 12.25pm yesterday Expand Close Forensic officers remove an object from a wheelie bin on Sherriff Street, a man was shot outside Noctors pub on the junction of Sheriff Street and Oriel Street near Connolly Station in Dublin / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Forensic officers remove an object from a wheelie bin on Sherriff Street, a man was shot outside Noctors pub on the junction of Sheriff Street and Oriel Street near Connolly Station in Dublin Martin ORourke, in his mid 20s, was shot dead at around 12.30pm yesterday in Sheriff Street in the north inner city in a case of mistaken identity. Gardai believe the intended target was Hutch gang associate Keith Murtagh (32), who was in the area at the time of the murder. Murtagh was previously jailed for his role in a botched cash-in-transit robbery and was not injured in yesterdays shooting. The gunman fired at least six shots before escaping on a bicycle which he abandoned nearby. He was dressed in black, had a scarf covering his face and is described as being of strong build. The victim was taken to the Mater Hospital but pronounced dead there an hour later. Gardai at the scene on Sheriff Street. Photo: RollingNews.ie Australian tourists have been warned about travelling to Ireland because of "tensions" linked to the 1916 centenary, as well as petty crime here. However, tourism bosses have rejected the suggestion that visitors are at risk whilst on holidays here. Australia's Foreign Affairs department updated its travel advice on Ireland ahead of the anniversary of the Easter Rising. It said people should exercise "common sense" and be on alert for "suspicious behaviour". "Tensions between dissident republicans and unionists have increased in the lead up to the centenary of the Easter Rising (24-29 April)," the warning states. "You should avoid all protests and demonstrations, including those associated with Northern Ireland, as they may turn violent," the advice continues. Separately, Australian travellers were warned that car theft and break-ins are increasing, especially in Dublin and tourist locations. Credit card and ATM scams are becoming more common, it says. But Failte Ireland pointed to its most recent visitor attitudes survey which revealed that 92pc of tourists list safety and security as one of their top reasons for visiting Ireland. A spokesman said the warning from Australian authorities does not reflect what visitors feel on the ground. "The Australian advice flies in the face of what we know and what visitors have told us about security." Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism also maintained Ireland is a safe country for tourists to visit. "When compared to the number of tourists entering the country, Ireland is a very safe destination and the rate of crime against tourists is quite low," a spokesman told the Irish Independent. Over 1,000 Tesco staff have overwhelmingly backed industrial action if the company cuts long-serving workers earnings by up to 35pc. Mandate announced the ballot result after the supermarket chain announced plans to move the workers onto a new contract. It said 99pc voted in favour of industrial action, up to strike action, and there was an 85pc turnout. Tesco initially gave an ultimatum to move staff who started working for it before 1996 onto the new contract by April 18 but has deferred this until May 16. Mandate will now begin a ballot of its 12,000 members at the chain, in support of the long-serving staff. Assistant General Secretary, Gerry Light, said notice will be served on the supermarket chain that staff will immediately place pickets on stores if it imposes the changes without agreement. This could lead to store closures. Mandate has claimed that Tesco refused to attend talks at the Workplace Relations Commission, although Tesco claims discussions had adjourned. This industrial action is not the result of a pay claim, said Mr Light. This is the most successful retailer in the country saying that people on 14 an hour are too expensive and trying to cut their wages by up to 35pc. Thats deplorable. Tesco said it was disappointed with the result of the Mandate ballot. We have proposed a generous compensation offer including a voluntary redundancy scheme at 5 weeks per year of service uncapped and compensation of 2.5 times annual loss of earnings for colleagues moving to our main contract, it said in a statement. We are proposing to move these colleagues to our main contract, which already covers the vast majority of our workforce, as the pre-1996 contract means we have too many colleagues working during the early quieter times of the week and not enough during the busiest. Director of Corporate Affairs, Christine Heffernan, said the pre-1996 contracts are not fit for purpose due to changing opening hours and the growth in online shopping. She said the old contracts were agreed at a time when stores did not open at weekends or for late nights. Despite the ballot result, there is some hope that the row can be resolved. Mandate said Tesco has accepted an invitation to attend the Workplace Relations Commission for a conciliation conference. It said it is "cautiously welcoming" Tescos commitment to attend talks, but it must be with the intention to "genuinely engage". It seems the company was waiting for the result of the ballot before they agreed to engage, but better late than never," said Mr Light. Tesco said it has written to the WRC "to confirm that we remain open to constructive discussions". Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams has defended his opposition to new anti-terrorism laws which were approved by the European Parliament in the wake of the horrific attacks in Paris and Brussels. Mr Adams insisted he is not concerned about possible public backlash from his stance on opposing the sharing of passenger name records among European Union member states as part of an attempt to combat terrorism. "Maybe this measure you asked me about can have an effect but we are not convinced," Mr Adams said. However, acting Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald insisted the new anti-terror laws were essential in fighting against the growing threat from jihadi terrorists. Ms Fitzgerald's comments came as agreement was reached in Strasbourg yesterday on the sharing of passenger records by 461 to 179 votes, after five years of debate on the issue. Sinn Fein has adamantly opposed the sharing of name records and voted against the introduction of the EU directive on several occasions. "Every state has the right and the duty to protect their citizens. We are not convinced this measure will enhance security for citizens or for states," Mr Adams said. "We had bombings there recently and it has been revealed since that agencies involved knew who the perpetrators were and where they were moving and they weren't able to stop them," he added. After the vote, Sinn Fein MEP Martina Anderson said the EU directive "undermines civil rights" and will not protect citizens from future terror attacks. However, Ms Fitzgerald insisted last night that sharing of passenger information was a very important element in identifying terrorists before they strike. "The recent terrorist atrocities in Paris and Brussels and the ongoing concern about the threat from foreign fighters emphasise clearly the need for coordinated and targeted action among the Member States of the EU," she said. The European Parliament also passed new data protection rules yesterday which were approved. Acting Minister for European Affairs and Data Protection Dara Murphy said the new directive would protect personal data and ensure information was used to improve society for EU citizens. "I believe we have struck a good balance with these new rules, with strong protections for individuals' personal data, based on the key principles of data protection," Mr Murphy said. A Unicef survey which delved into inequality, in which Ireland was listed seventh Denmark is the best country to raise children according to data published by International childrens rights organisation Unicef. The Scandinavian country is closely followed by Finland, Norway and Switzerland while Ireland places seventh on a list which measured levels of child inequality between rich and poor families internationally. The organisations Fairness for Children report delved into inequalities in income, education, health and life satisfaction between children in different countries around the world. While Ireland ranked seventh on the list, our UK neighbours fell in joint fourteenth place with Germany, Greece and Hungary. In a list which ranked inequality in education, Ireland was listed in ninth place out of 37 countries, for proficiency in maths, reading and science. However, despite ranking high in education, Ireland lags behind the UK in twentieth place when it comes to the gap between rich and poor families when it comes to healthcare. Expand Close A Unicef survey which delved into inequality, in which Ireland was listed seventh / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A Unicef survey which delved into inequality, in which Ireland was listed seventh The smallest gaps between rich and poor children receiving similar standards of care presented in Austria, Germany and Switzerland which ranked highest on the list. Ireland ranked thirteenth on a list measuring life satisfaction, where children were asked to rank the quality of their lives on a scale of one to ten while the country currently has the fourth worst income inequality in the EU, with an income gap of over 76pc. Despite the postives of the research, it was revealed that almost a third of all Irish children live in deprived households. Peter Power, Executive Director of UNICEF Ireland, said: "100 years ago this month, the Proclamation proclaimed to cherish all Irish children equally." "This report demonstrates that as a demographic group Irish children are falling behind other sections of society." Writing in the Irish Independent, Mr Power added: "The message is stark: as inequality increases, wealthy nations of the world are failing their most vulnerable children," he said. "Those with the least ability to narrow the gaps are being allowed to fall furthest behind." Pope Francis issued his most important document to date last week. In it, he completely rejects using the teachings of the Church as a stick to beat people with, but he still wants those teachings presented in full. Photo: AFP Photo The very first Christians lived in a world that was alien to their values. One way in which it was alien was in its attitude to divorce. Both Jewish society, from which the first Christians emerged, and the Roman society in which Christianity took root, allowed divorce and remarriage. Men in particular could discard an unwanted wife very easily. Christianity took a very strict view. Following the words of Christ, marriage was to be permanent and indissoluble. Some Christians allowed for some exceptions to this rule, but Christianity has never been lenient about divorce. The early Christians could easily have accommodated themselves and their nascent Church to the mores they saw around them with respect to divorce. They could have concluded that they would make no progress in converting people to Christianity unless they adapted Christ's teaching. But they didn't do this. Instead, they adapted the culture. This arose from self-confidence. They believed in what they were doing. The Church today does not have this strong self-confidence. It doubts itself. I am not just referring here to the Catholic Church, but to Christianity more broadly. Like the early Christians, the Church today finds itself in a society that readily accepts divorce, but unlike those early Christians it has lost faith in its ability to convert society to its view. It doubts this view itself. It is worried it is losing people because of the growing disconnect between how we live now and what Christianity teaches. Various branches of Christianity have approached this problem in different ways. The liberal Churches have adapted. This goes to the extremes of the Lutherans in Sweden where a senior Lutheran bishop has said he favours abortion rights. Divorce has long since been accepted. This has not brought Swedes back to church. All it has done is drive away the orthodox faithful who have not been replaced. The Catholic Church has taken the view that it must hold fast to what it believes are eternal truths and the teachings handed down by Christ. To do otherwise would be a huge act of infidelity, and even on pragmatic terms would not work given the massive failure of the liberal Protestant approach. Under Pope Francis, the Catholic Church continues to teach what it has always believed to be true on all the important issues. Last week saw the release of a new papal document called 'Amoris Laetitia' ('The Joy of Love'). It is the most important document of his papacy to date. Abortion, in the eyes of the Church, is as categorically wrong as it ever was. About gay marriage, the Pope says: "There are absolutely no grounds for considering homosexual unions to be in any way similar or even remotely analogous to God's plan for marriage and family". Surrogacy is "the exploitation and commercialisation of the female body". Gender ideology denies "the difference and reciprocity in nature of a man and a woman and envisages a society without sexual differences, thereby eliminating the anthropological basis of the family." And so on. So where is the friendly, smiling, accommodating Pope Francis in this? He is still very much there. Pope Francis was never going to change the fundamental teachings of Catholicism. As he has said, 'I am a son of the Church'. What he has an absolute horror of, however, is a type of Christianity that uses the teachings of the Church simply as an opportunity to judge and condemn people. This is the Christianity that will say to the cohabiting couple, 'I condemn you. Go away until you mend your ways'. Likewise, with the person who is divorced and remarried, or who has had a child outside of marriage. Quite apart from the scandals, it is the harsh and authoritarian presentation of its teachings that has alienated untold numbers of people from the Church. Francis is therefore telling the Church and its pastors to adopt a wholly different approach. The cohabiting couple should not be condemned and sent away. Nor should the person who is divorced and remarried. Nor should the woman who has had a child outside of marriage. Instead the Church should look first for the good in the lives of people. The cohabiting couple, for example, might have a very strong, loving relationship, better than what many married couples have. There is a key passage in 'Amoris Laetitia' that really sums up his whole pastoral outlook. Referring to "irregular situations", Pope Francis says: "There are two ways of thinking which occur throughout the Church's history: casting off and reinstating. The Church's way, from the time of the Council of Jerusalem [in the first century] has always been the way of Jesus, the way of mercy and reinstatement [in the Church]." He says: "No one can be condemned forever, because that is not the logic of the Gospel." Here he has in mind in particular the divorced and remarried. But elsewhere he states: "In order to avoid all misunderstanding, I would point out that in no way must the Church desist from proposing the full ideal of marriage, God's plan in all its grandeur." He says: "A lukewarm attitude, any kind of relativism, or an undue reticence in proposing that ideal, would be a lack of fidelity to the Gospel and also of love on the part of the Church for young people themselves". Within the Church, as in society, conservatives are concerned to uphold certain moral standards, and this can easily harden into the sort of harsh authoritarianism that the Pope rightly condemns. But liberalism easily becomes the opposite error. A liberal pastor who meets a cohabiting couple certainly won't condemn them, but he might very well never encourage them to marry either if they seem happy as they are. He might adopt an 'I'm ok, you're ok' approach. This kind of error is much more prevalent in the Church today, in the West at least, than the opposite error. In fact, any priest who believes Pope Francis has effectively given him permission to play down the Church's teachings on marriage and the family has simply not been listening to what he is really saying. Pope Francis does not want the Church's teachings to be used as a stick to beat people with, but he does want them to be offered to people in their fullness, and for people to be encouraged, bit by bit if need be, to live them out in their fullness. Anything else betrays what Pope Francis is really driving at. Cynicism about politics is terrible; something which I deplore whenever I encounter it. I believe in politics, its power to influence change and make life better for people. I believe in our democratic institutions, our Constitution and our capacity as a civilised population to manage our own affairs through the vehicle of an elected parliament and government. I had the privilege to serve as a TD for 15 years and know absolutely that elected politicians, in all their diversity, can through collective action and decision-making do really important things for society. Whether it is by legislation, debate, enforcement and implementation of policies or through diplomacy, national interests can be nurtured and protected from injury or sabotage through politics. But the behaviour of our elected politicians since the election seven weeks ago is doing real damage to the profession of politics and the integrity of our democratic institutions. While not cynical, I am dismayed at the poor level of competence being displayed. It is an insult to the electorate. As we mark the centenary of our independent State, one cannot but feel a level of pride at the strides made in our country's economic and social development, transiting as we have from backward, inward-looking nationalism to a modern, progressive and pluralist society. Even taking into account the economic crash from which we struggle to emerge, as a country we are holding our own and performing better than most in similar adversity. We have survived the ignominy of an IMF/ECB bailout thanks to the tolerance and good sense of our population, who in the main accepted necessary and painful fiscal adjustments in public spending. To quote the late Brian Lenihan, "We have turned a corner". Our recent experience has a lot in common with other heavily indebted European countries. Politics has not been unstirred by these global catastrophic events. Inevitably harsh cuts and national penury has been accompanied by unemployment, emotional distress, personal indebtedness, emigration and a growing disenchantment with establishment political parties. In countries like Spain and Greece, there has been a shift to the protest-driven and populist parties of the far left as represented by Podemus and Syriza. In Ireland, the fracturing of the vote includes an electoral preference for Independents as well as the flight to the far left, a heady mix which has delivered an inconclusive election result and the current stalemate. But even as so many flee in anger to the politics of protest, most people essentially cling to the moderate middle ground by plumping for one of the two conservative parties - Fianna Fail or Fine Gael. From day one, this suggested that those two big parties should form a grand coalition; a novel but not entirely outrageous prospect. Or so it seemed. In other countries, it would have been the obvious next step. But seven weeks have passed, during which almost every other possibility has received consideration. So anathema is the prospect of such an alliance to both parties, that scant consideration has been given to it. A belated and strategic offer last week by Fine Gael to form a coalition based on full equal partnership with Fianna Fail was acrimoniously rejected. This week's offering was for both parties to work out how either would support a minority government headed up by one of them. Fly fishing comes to mind. People cannot believe the length of time it has taken to reach what the Taoiseach curiously termed a "brave and bold" move. It was neither of those things. Time passes slowly in the environs of Leinster House. TV political correspondents repeat themselves; journalists struggle to file copy, such is the paucity of progress. I was out of the country for 10 days and missed nothing. The paralysis and lack of creativity emanating from the main parties is staggering. Micheal Martin's surprise ultimatum to the Independents on the eve of yesterday's vote at least broke the slumber. Labour is still licking its wounds amid an unseemly leadership wrangle. Do they not grasp that Labour could be the "meat in the sandwich" in any such arrangement? Why are they so wedded to defeatism and opposition? Look what the PDs achieved with between four and eight seats over two governments? After a disastrous election in 1997, the party was reduced from 10 to four seats. Yet we had the numbers to form a stable government which lasted for five years. The Labour Party, rather than languishing on the opposition benches with Sinn Fein, the loony Left and a clatter of Independents, could be demonstrating its competence supporting or participating in a minority Fine Gael government. Just because you take an electoral mugging does not mean you are down and out. Enda Kenny has been uncharacteristically lethargic. True, he moved earlier to reach out to like-minded parties to support him as Taoiseach but has failed to secure that support. Micheal Martin, too, has disappointed; being pompously evasive as though he had a better hand. There has been no statesmanlike contribution from either man. Perhaps the worst side-effect of this big-party paralysis is the opening it provides for the Independents to hog the airwaves with homespun and folksy theories of how to run a country. Some have notions of ministerial office. Already there are signs of the disastrous incoherence and instability that any reliance on Independents would involve. Independent TD John Halligan has called off any further discussions with Fine Gael or Fianna Fail unless he gets commitments about cardiac care in his constituency. Where does it end? Independents are, by their nature, eccentrics and wedded to their locality. No serious government should rely on them and expect to last a full term, particularly in the current climate. It was difficult enough in 1997-2002, when we had plenty of money to keep them happy. But in a stressed political context, stitching them in would be a white-knuckle ride for government whips. Meanwhile, as the tiresome pirouetting on the plinth continues, TDs seem oblivious to the gobsmacked reaction of the public. Credibility is draining away; people shake their heads, resigned to another unnecessary election. Our hapless politicians are sailing along, blind to looming shocks ahead - such as a possible Brexit in June, smouldering industrial unrest from all quarters and rising homelessness. Politics is being debased. Who says you never hear any good news? The exposure of the Panama Papers to the daylight was terrific news. And it could get better. Through these last weeks, I have lived in a permanent state of excitement. It derives less from the story itself than from its origins. All through my own life, and those of other old hands in the trade, we have had to put up with countless obstacles, from lack of money to out-of-date laws which hindered the practice of journalism. The people who have investigated the Panama Papers have not changed everything, but they have opened up the possibility, or rather probability, of radical change. The investigation was launched by an international consortium headed by an Irishman, Gerard Ryle, and supported by an excellent German newspaper, 'Suddeutsche Zietung'. All the organisers knew what they faced, including late-night work, long delays and very likely, colossal expenses. They have produced a result that deserves the term revolutionary, in its achievements and in its potential. As the trade knows very well, and greatly to its cost, both the print and broadcasting media have put up with far too much for far too long. The solution, very properly, has emerged from within the profession. Now we can hope, and with some confidence, for the transparency and the other benign developments that will follow if we continue on the right road, on the one hand, asserting the freedom of the press, and on the other hand, attacking the secrecy and outright corruption that characterise the world financial scene. Over recent decades, the system has grown murkier and murkier, to the point where the role of offshore tax havens has seemed to become a permanent feature maintained by the participants, big and small, in the markets. All around the world, supposedly sovereign governments tamely adopt practices dictated by those more powerful than themselves. Now, we must set about cleaning the Augean Stables that have resulted. The extent of the malpractices have not yet been revealed with anything approaching accuracy, but the clues multiply. To take the Panama Papers alone, we read they number more than 100 million documents. The names on the list include several 'world leaders'" and celebrities of numerous kinds. Of these, the name of the North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un was possibly the most predictable. But a greater number would have fallen into the category - now happily in danger of abolition - of 'squeaky clean'. Of these, the most startling must be the family of David Cameron (right). A few years ago, he lost a campaign against tax evasion and "aggressive" tax avoidance. Now his family stands accused of such practices. I find it very hard to believe that the British Prime Minister did anything wrong, to say nothing of anything illegal. But the mere fact that the accusation could arise has told us more than we had ever guessed about the way the world is run. In Ireland, we have a special kind of insight into this area. In the aftermath of the financial crash, European governments, especially those of Ireland and Greece, felt the heavy hands of the real holders of power like the ECB and the IMF. These grew a little lighter with the 'monetary easing' introduced by Mario Draghi, but the legacy remains. Doubtless, you remember Yanis Varoufakis from that period. For a while, he must have been the most unpopular man in the world. He was condemned almost daily and usually quite unfairly for taking a different view from that held by the Great Ones of the Earth. But as finance minister of Greece, he gained a respect which in my view, he thoroughly deserved. Since then, he has not lost his wit or his sharp tongue. Lately, he has come up with an interesting idea. He blames the international decision (back in the 1920s, if my memory serves me right) to abandon the system of fixed exchange rates and let the chips fall where they might. Now we know where the chips fell. A depressing piece of information. An interesting idea, and not the only one in the fertile Greek mind. We have to ask ourselves if perhaps he was right then and is right now. Irish people, and other people familiar with Irish affairs, might usefully ask themselves some tough questions. He views Ireland as sharply and as aptly as he views his own country. We might very well end up agreeing with him when he calls our own country a "model prisoner". Not too harsh, perhaps when you take into account our eagerness to comply with the demands of our masters. Clearly the time has come for a completely new system, led by Gerard Ryle and marked by total transparency and stripped legality. That will not happen any time soon. But unless it does happen, the world will remain divided between rich and poor, a system with built-in unfairness and built-in secrecy. All these developments have occurred at a time when we face enormous threats, domestic and foreign. We are badly prepared to meet all or any of them. A month ago, you and I would have said that surely we can rely on the new Dail. No longer. Instead, we wonder what kind of government the new (and old) deputies will give us. Or whether they want one at all. Another audacious, reckless daylight assassination and an innocent victim lies dead. It is a stark reminder that the feud between the country's two most notorious crime gangs is far from over. Yesterday afternoon, the acolytes of the Kinahan crime cartel were sent out to murder someone with close connections to the Hutch family but instead got the wrong man. The victim, who is in his 20s, was gunned down close to Noctor's Pub on Sheriff Street while the intended target got away. So far, all the incidents that have occurred in this horrendous feud have been heavily symbolic and organised in a way to be as dramatic as possible. But it was only a matter of time before someone with no connection to the feud was caught in the crossfire. The spiral into madness began when a five-man hit team stormed the Regency Hotel two months ago. They were seeking revenge for the murder of Gary Hutch, the nephew of Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch who is also being targeted by the mob. That was followed by the murder of the Monk's older brother, Eddie Hutch senior, three days later in the heart of the north inner city, which is considered the family's stronghold. Then the cartel went after the Monk's best friend and lifelong associate, Noel Duggan, when they gunned him down outside his home in Ratoath last month. The latest attempt to notch up another score in this diabolical gangland game sent a chilling message to Hutch: the mob are not going to quit until they have killed him and wiped out most of his associates in the process. Yesterday's attack took place in the heart of Hutch territory. The fact that it was perceived as a potential flashpoint and thus heavily patrolled by armed gardai did not deter the audacious killers. They have shown they have absolutely no fear of the gardai whatsoever - and are taking full advantage of the way our police force has been emasculated, under-resourced and poorly led. The gangsters were probably further emboldened when they heard the unprecedented words of criticism cast in the direction of Garda Commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan by her middle-ranking managers at the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI) conference earlier this week. The criminal underworld do not have to be told these days that the garda organisation is in a state of crisis. When the most unprecedented gang war broke out with the Regency attack, it was a wake-up call for the Commissioner and her master Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald. In a blaze of publicity they tripped over each other to announce extra resources, armed units and jointly declared war on the mobs. So far, the counter-offensive has made inroads into the Hutch gang, and the Kinahan side are also under pressure. But quietly, behind the scenes, the overtime budget has been reduced and phased out over recent weeks. And as soon as that happened, the killers were back on the street in broad daylight - again demonstrating their sense of invincibility. Hairdressers from salons all over Ireland went head to head at the L'Oreal Colour Trophy 2016 semi final event in the O'Reilly Hall in UCD recently. Each competitor was vying for a place in the final, which will take place in Dublin's Convention Centre on Monday June 20th. This year's award categories include the L'Oreal Men's Image Award, the 'star award' and the highly coveted L'Oreal Colour Trophy. Louth was well represented at the awards with Catherine McElligott and the team from The Hair Shop on Francis Street in Dundalk reaching the final of the L'Oreal Colour Trophy. She will go on to compete against some of the country's top stylists at the grand final in June. Eleanor Dowdall from the same salon has also earned herself a place in the final in the Star Award category of the awards. Leona Collins and the team from Leona Collins Professional in Drogheda are also through to the final of the L'Oreal Colour Trophy and will compete in June. The L'Oreal Colour Trophy, the industry's fashion focussed, trend led event celebrates its special 50th Anniversary this year. The awards, which honour the brightest hairdressing talents across the country, involves the biggest icons in the industry and showcases all that is loved about hair colour, trends and fashion. The spectacular event, which will feature exclusive shows from Peter Mark and Zeba hair salons - will showcase the best of emerging and established Irish hairdressers, while featuring the elite of International industry judges and show teams at a gala black tie dinner. The L'Oreal Colour Trophy is the most sought after award in the Irish hairdressing industry entrants were invited to create a well-executed, inspirational on trend colour on their model. This is then complimented by a beautiful style, finish and total look, taking inspiration from current and upcoming trends. The judging panel at all stages of the competition features some of the highest profiled names in the international hairdressing industry including Jack Howard (Paul Edmonds), Adam Reed (Percy & Reed), Alan Edwards, Siobhan Jones (Headmasters), Andrew Mulvenna and Tina Farey (Rush). For the first time ever the L'Oreal Colour Trophy winner will get the opportunity to compete on a global scale at the L'Oreal Professionnel Business Forum in Lisbon in October. Tickets for this year's final are now available and cost 200 each. For more information visit, www.lorealcolourtrophy.ie This year L'Oreal Colour Trophy ROI celebrates it's 49th year, making it the longest running hairdressing event in the world. Find out more and get involved now. A man wanted for questioning over a double murder in Ravensdale almost four years ago has opposed his extradition from Spain after he was arrested in connection with the 2012 killings of two Dublin men. Jason O'Driscoll (32), who is from Dublin but who is also believed to have an address in the North, appeared at a closed door extradition hearing on Thursday in Madrid after he was detained on foot of a European arrest warrant at Alicante airport on Tuesday last week. O'Driscoll was detained in connection with the murders of Anthony Burnett (32), and Joseph Redmond (25) after he had flown to Spain from Northern Ireland. The pair, from Ballybough in Dublin's north inner city, were found in the front seats of a burning car close to Ravensdale Forest in March 2012 in a shocking double murder that stunned North Louth. It is believed they had been tortured and shot in the head before the vehicle was set alight. The fire was noticed by a passer-by in the early hours of the morning and members of Dundalk Fire Service attended the scene. O'Driscoll opposed his extradition to Ireland at the closed-door sitting and was remanded to a local prison pending a new hearing at which a judge will decide whether to send him back here or not. Ireland now has around 40 days to present a formal request for his extradition. A source at the Audiencia Nacional, the Madrid court where O'Driscoll appeared in front of Judge Jose de Mata, told the Irish Sun: 'He opposed extradition and the judge ordered his unconditional remand in prison'. Spanish officers were waiting for him after a tip-off as he got off the EasyJet flight from Belfast on Tuesday afternoon. A spokesperson for the Spanish authorities said: 'A security operation was put in place with absolute discretion, making sure that the other passengers hardly realised what was happening and there wasn't a delay in them leaving the plane'. It is believed the victims, who had previous convictions for offences in the Dublin area, were lured to the border to meet members of a gang. A car used in the murders is believed to have been stolen in Lisburn. The Mystic Celt restaurant is gearing up for their annual fundraiser, which this year will be in memory of their dear friend, the late Jonathan 'Johnny' Doyle. The benefit night has already received huge levels of support. All the monies raised on Thursday, April 14, will go to the Oncology Day Centre in St Vincent's Hospital. The event is already completely sold out so Chef Paul Smith is looking for people to either donate money or purchase some raffle tickets so the fundraising target of 10,000 can be reached. Johnny achieved so much in his short life, only starting Potter's Farm after he was diagnosed with cancer, sadly passing away a year later. He, along with his wife Amy, won 'Best Artisan Award' in the Wicklow Chamber 2015 awards and organised a real 'Farm to Fork' experience with the Mystic Celt. He took chef Paul Smith out to his farm to pick out a prime heifer, 'Black Bess', and then the two of then headed to Farrelly's Butchers. Johnny and Paul regularly checked the hanging of this beauty and then four weeks later the pair, along with the butcher, were dining on some of the best beef you could find. The music on the benefit night will be provided by Feedback and guests. Everyone working and playing on the night are giving their services free of charge and all the raffle prizes have been donated. 'Every penny that is spent on the night goes to the benefit with much of the ingredients donated as well,' said Paul. He also thanks Suzie Cahn, Dan Whelan, Wicklow Farmhouse Cheese, Richard and Natasha, Colin O'Brien, Derek Dunnes, Woodroofes, Farrelly's' Butchers and Healy's mini mart. It will be all hands on deck as the Native Woodland Trust prepares for its last planting day of the season at its site in Laragh. Volunteers are being invited to come along to the planting day on Saturday, April 16, from 11am to 1 pm, when the trust will be hoping to get as many trees planted as possible to create a native woodland. Volunteers do not need to have any previous experience as they will be shown what to do. The event is weather-dependent and there is a short, steep slope to get to the site, meaning it many not be suitable for everyone. While the trust will provide the tools, participants are advised to wear weather appropriate footwear and clothing. They should also bring along a drink and a snack. The group will meet at 11 a.m. at Trooperstown Forest car park (a map is available at www.nativewoodlandtrust.ie). For further details, contact Rebecca on (087) 9619083 or rebecca.doyle@nativewoodlandtrust.ie. The Native Woodland Trust is an environmental charity dedicated to the protection of Ireland's rare native and ancient woodland. The trust achieves this by setting up woodland reserves around the country, such as the Laragh reserve, which allow the Trust to protect existing woodland as well as plant new native woodland for the future. It also runs educational and fun events for members and the public to encourage more people to use their local woodlands. The community of Blessington will join together to commemorate the events of 1916 for the upcoming Blessington and Lakeside 1916 Festival which runs from Sunday, April 17, until the following Sunday, April 24. An array of musical, drama and film events, many of which are free to attend, have been scheduled to take place throughout the week. The festival will open with a youth orchestra concert in Our Lady's Church, Blessington at 2 pm featuring the Kilbride Band and a youth orchestra from Galway who will play traditional Irish tunes. Tickets are 10 at the door. Also, on opening night, the Tramway Theatre will play host to a seminar on 1916 which will explore the role of Women in 1916, look at the history of the Irish working class and consider Patrick Pearse's revolutionary theories on education. From Tuesday, April 19, there will be various screenings of the film 'A Terrible Beauty', 90-minute feature docudrama, which takes a unique look at the events of Easter Week 1916 in Dublin. On Friday, April 22, a Patrick Kavanagh Presentation on a local 1916 hero will take place at the Tramway Theatre from 7.30 p.m. while on Saturday, April 23 'Paul Twyning', a comedy in three acts by George Shiels will be presented at Kilbride Community Centre. Tickets cost 10 in support of the 1916 festival. Festivities will come to a close with a spectacular open air event on Sunday 24 with a parade along Blessington Main Street through to the Town Square, assembling at Blessington Mart at 1.30 p.m. The parade will feature local residents, community and youth groups. On arrival, there will be an outdoor concert featuring local performers and musicians. For further information on any of the planned events, please contact Eoghan O Neill on (087) 3882364 or Paul Tyrrell on (087) 9667886. The film industry in Wicklow is estimated to be worth 70 million annually - mainly based on the filming of Vikings at Ashford Studios and Penny Dreadful at Ardmore. Speaking at a presentation to the elected members of Wicklow County Council, Christine Flood, Senior Executive Officers of the County Wicklow Economic Think Tank, outlined a report on the economic development of the county. The Think Tank is a collaboration between local businesses, Wicklow County Council and Wicklow Local Enterprise Office. Priority areas include brand Wicklow, communications and marketing, film retail, industry and infrastructure and tourism. The council has already passed a 100 per cent reduction in development contributions for film studio infrastructure. A site has also been identified at Wicklow County Campus for the development of a film industry hub. There are also opportunities for the development of a part of Clermont house and courtyard as part of the hub. Retail wise there are plans to develop a new Florentine Centre in Bray which will consist of two anchor stores of 3,000 and 900 square metres each, four retail units of 700 square metres each, four 500 square metres restaurants, a six screen multiplex cinema and underground parking. Ms Flood also explained how developing a fresh and engaging brand for Wicklow would help promote the whole county. 'It encapsulates what Wicklow has to offer businesses, potential investors and tourists and residents. 'The communications and marketing group are working with the agency appointed to develop the brand and web portal. The new brand will be launched in April.' The web portal www.wicklow.ie is to be redeveloped so that it provides relevant and targeted information to businesses, potential investors and residents. It will be integrated with social media and will be designed to be mobile phone friendly. The portal design has already been completed. A focus will also be placed on communications with the business community. The council's Chief Executive Bryan Doyle will meet leading employers twice per year. A ratepayers contacts database will be created and also under development will be a guide about doing business in Wicklow, as well as promotional videos and an interactive map. A maritime business development group was also established to carry out a baseline study of the four harbours in the county. Wicklow Sub Group has been working on proposals for Wicklow Port and have made presentations to Enterprise Ireland. Grant opportunities are also being investigated. County Wicklow's connectivity to east coast ports, motorway and rail infrastructure should make it attractive for maritime business, while also providing plenty of tourism opportunities. A mass grave containing up to 100 deer carcasses at Luggala Estate is under investigation. The gruesome discovery was made by a local man out walking who came across a pit which held a large number of recent and decomposed sika deer carcasses. Wicklow County Council, the Gardai and the National Parks and Wildlife Service are all investigating the find. Wicklow County Council received a telephone complaint on Monday, April 4, which was followed up by an email complaint on Tuesday, April 5. The matter was immediately referred to Wicklow County Council's Environmental Warden, who carried out an inspection of the site on Tuesday, April 5. The Environmental Warden advised the Estate Manager about the situation and a clean-up and removal of the carcasses was organised. The well-know country estate is located beside Wicklow National Park. There are also fears that the mass grave could be located near to a local water source. A spokesperson for the Wild Deer Association of Ireland said the find totally goes against best deer management practises. 'We strongly condemn this incident, to hunt deer in such a wantonly and wasteful manner is a crime against wildlife. This incident is contrary to traditional and best practice deer management where venison is a highly sought after and prized meat by hunters. 'In the absence of a natural predator, it falls on man to manage deer numbers, reducing negative impacts on the wider ecosystem, at all times this should be undertaken with regard for animal welfare.' The group also claims that misleading statements which have been made about Wicklow deer and the spread of TB has resulted in the vilification of wild deer in the county. Deer are a protected species under the Wildlife Act. According to a statement released by Wicklow County Council, 'the matter will be reviewed again over coming days by the Waste Management Section of the council and if further action is required it will be determined at that time.' A trial date has been set for a former Anglo Irish Bank official after the Court of Appeal quashed his conviction for conspiring to conceal or alter bank accounts being sought by Revenue. Former Chief Operations Officer Tiarnan O'Mahoney (57) of Glen Pines, Enniskerry, Co Wicklow, had been jailed for three years by Judge Patrick McCartan in July 2015. He was convicted by a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court jury that same month after he pleaded not guilty to seven charges. The charges alleged that in 2003 and 2004 they conspired to hide or omit accounts, connected to Sean FitzPatrick from Anglo's Core Banking System (CBS) or from documentation provided to Revenue, who were conducting an investigation into bogus non-resident accounts which may have been liable for Deposit Interest Retention Tax (DIRT). Yesterday (Tuesday) the Court of Appeal remanded Mr O'Mahoney to appear before Judge Melanie Greally for a new trial date to be set. His defence counsel Brendan Grehan SC indicated that his client was anxious for the case to get on as soon as possible. He said it is a matter associated with a number of other 'Anglo' cases and, as such, should be run consecutively to other such trials rather than being conducted at the same time. Mr Grehan suggested that, having considered this, a date could be set either this coming October or November or October 2017. Dominic McGinn SC, prosecuting, indicated that one such trial was due to commence this coming May and 'may spill over into the autumn sitting'. He said it was the State's preference to have the case listed for October 2017. Judge Greally noted that the case was expected to last six weeks. She said she would fix a date for this coming October and another date for this July to ascertain if the other trial would overlap. She also set down a provisional date in October 2017 should Mr O'Mahoney's trial not be ready to proceed later this year. Mr O'Mahoney was remanded on continuing bail until July 22, next and a trial date of October 24, 2016 was fixed. A provisional trial date of October 9, 2017 was also set down. Judge Greally said considering the fact that Mr O'Mahoney had appeared at all court dates there was no need for any signing on condition. She ordered that Mr O'Mahoney should notify the gardai of any intention to travel outside of Ireland or the UK. Irish Water has submitted a planning application seeking to construct a new treatment plant at the Vartry Reservoir in Roundwood. Permission is being sought from Wicklow County Council to construct the new plant at the site of the existing plant. The Vartry provides water to more than 200,000 people across Co Wicklow and South Dublin. Altogether, upgrade works at the Vartry will cost in the region of 200 million. Irish Water regard the Vartry Scheme as a priority project. Geoff O'Sullivan, Project Manager with Irish Water, said: 'We are pleased to submit this planning application as an important step in securing the drinking water to the Vartry Water Supply area of North Wicklow and South Dublin. 'The scheme has had no major upgrade since it was built over 150 years ago and is now in need of urgent investment. 'Irish Water will invest up to 200 million in the upgrade which is seen as a priority project.' The construction of the new water treatment plant is a key element of the Vartry Water Supply Upgrade Project. Upgrade works includes the construction of a 4km pipeline and pumping station to secure the transfer of treated water from Vartry to Callowhill, the decommissioning of the existing water treatment plant and existing tunnel to allow for remediation works to be carried out. Ageing pipes and fittings within the dam of the reservoir will also be replaced and improvements to the Vartry dam spillway will be carried out. This will also allow for more intense rainfall events to ensure public safety. An energy recovery system for the water transfer pipeline system is planned at Callowhill. Although no additional water will be abstracted from the reservoir, the upgrade works will also enable the extension of the water supply network from Vartry to areas of mid-Wicklow, including Rathdrum, Aughrim, Avoca, Ballinaclash, Roundwood, Laragh, Annamoe, Redcross, Conary and Glenealy. These areas are currently served by water sources which have been identified by the Environmental Protection Agency as being at risk of failure to meet the current drinking water regulations. The Vartry plant was originally constructed in the 1860s and involved the building of two reservoirs and a water treatment plant, a four kilometre long tunnel under Callowhill and 60 kilometres of trunk main to deliver water to the supply area. Please note this competition has now closed. Thanks to all who entered! Discover the hidden beauty of Irelands Lakelands this May Bank Holiday. We're delighted to be offering our readers the chance to win one of two amazing getaways to enjoy the heart of Ireland over the May Bank Holiday AND be part of Discover Irelands latest promotional campaign! You'll need to be available for the 30th, 1st and 2nd of May to enjoy your prize. Ireland's Lakelands are an undiscovered jewel. Punctuated by clear flowing rivers, expansive lakes, lush, scenic countryside and colourful towns, its the perfect playground for adventure and activity on and off the water. Those who know the magic of Irelands Lakelands and waterways keep it as a closely guarded secret, those who dont, have an inspirational experience to enjoy. Try your hand at the short quiz below, fill in your details and you'll be entered into the draw to win one of two bank holiday weekend breaks! Prize 1: The Lakelands abounds in beautiful trails for walking and cycling as well as every type of water activity imaginable from kayaking to canoeing, paddle boarding to pier jumping. Enjoy thrilling adventure on and off the water in the stunning surrounds of Lough Derg. The prize includes: 3 nights self-catering accommodation in the rural setting of Fuchsia Lane Farm Cottages Experience the thrill of mountain biking at Bike Park Ireland Enjoy watersports on Lough Derg with Watermark Ski Club Dinner in local restaurants on two evenings Prize 2: The roots of Irish Christianity can be traced to the Lakelands region with the peace and tranquillity of the lakes enabling a millennia of faith and retreat. Be your own captain and cruise through centuries of history and culture, experiencing the history of high kings, fallen warriors and ancient monks that still lingers in the air as you explore the cultural richness of the Lakelands region. The prize includes: Captain your own cruiser on a 3 night cruising break for 4 people with Locaboat Holidays Guided tour of Athlone Castle Sculpt your own piece of bog oak at Celtic Roots Studio Tour of monastic settlement of Clonmacnoise Dinner included on one evening Just fill out your details at the end of the quiz, and you'll be entered into the draw to win. One Show presenter Alex Jones has told a conference on fertility that she did not realise she might have problems having a family in her late 30s. The 39-year-old said that until she married her husband Charlie Thompson in December last year, she had not realised the potential complications in fertility associated with her age. The BBC host was speaking at a conference with leading fertility experts, who said young adults were putting their future chances of parenthood at risk by a lack of knowledge about their fertility. Jones said she and her husband have not yet started trying for a baby "in earnest" but it had taken a while for the reality of her age to sink in. "For me the penny didn't drop. I thought, I've just met this boy, I've got this lovely job, that I absolutely, to this day, adore, although it's not more important than a family - I'd like to be really clear about that," she said. The remarks came during the Fertility Health Summit which has heard that young women's desire for a career is one of the main factors in delaying pregnancy. Jones complained she has been labelled a "career girl" and added: "I just happen to have a career and, while you're waiting for a family, why wouldn't you try your best and do the job to the best of your advantage?" Speaking at the conference at the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, in London, which was convened by the British Fertility Society and the college's Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, Jones said there was a lack of information available to young women. She said the topic was "a bit of a murky pond" and criticised the lack of action taken by those in the NHS to ask about family planning, and educate patients about IVF and fertility. She added that some doctors were too embarrassed to ask questions about sex: "You have to have those honest conversations in order to establish where people are. Video of the Day "(My husband and I) haven't started trying in earnest, so we don't know." The Welsh host also criticised the IVF "postcode lottery" saying it was "unfair" that in her hometown of Carmarthenshire, south Wales, people got multiple attempts at IVF on the NHS, while in her current home in West London, people were rarely given any. The Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Choir has signed a deal with Decca Records The NHS Choir has signed a deal with the same record label as Justin Bieber. The Lewisham and Greenwich NHS choir won the battle for the Christmas number one against the Canadian pop star last year after he urged his fans to support them. He called on his fans to "do the right thing" and help the charity single get to the top spot, saying that "for one week it's okay not to be number one". Following the success of their song A Bridge Over You, they have been signed to Decca Records who will release their debut album titled Something Inside So Strong. Choir co-ordinator Caroline Smith, who works as a children's physiotherapist, said: "I'm delighted to be able to represent and support the NHS with such a special album. "When everyone comes together in the choir it's really powerful, I've never experienced anything quite like it." Decca is a part of Universal Music which represents big-name artists such as Bieber, Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar and more. The choir is made up of around 30 members of staff from across the NHS workforce. The album is due for release in May and is described as being "a collection of uplifting classics from those at the heart of the NHS". It will also be a celebration to mark the 70th anniversary of the passing of the NHS Act of July 1946. Royalties will be paid into the Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust and will be used to provide services that "enhance patient experience or staff working lives". There is no mention of a cover of a Bieber song, but the track list does include popular songs such as Bill Withers's Lean On Me , Ed Sheeran's Thinking Out Loud and Carole King's You've Got a Friend. Matt LeBlanc with a new Rolls-Royce Dawn, during filming for the new series of Top Gear For use in UK, Ireland or Benelux countries only Undated BBC handout photo of Matt LeBlanc driving a new Rolls-Royce Dawn around Ireland's Ring of Kerry, during filming for the new series of Top Gear which will return in May. Matt LeBlanc driving a new Rolls-Royce Dawn around Ireland's Ring of Kerry (BBC/PA) Matt LeBlanc has taken the wheel of the new Rolls-Royce Dawn and put it through its paces around Ireland's Ring of Kerry. Viewers of BBC Two's new series of Top Gear will see the former Friends star driving around Co Kerry's scenic route in the luxurious convertible (or drophead). The name Dawn was previously given to just 28 drophead models between 1950 and 1954. Fine Gael politician Brendan Griffin praised the show's Irish adventures earlier this week, saying he was "delighted". He revealed he had contacted the popular motoring show two years ago to invite them to film in Kerry and the Wild Atlantic Way. "I believed that the landscape, the roads and the people would be a perfect fit for the programme," he said. He added that a visit would expose the area to a "whole new audience and will present a massive opportunity for tourism". Another favourable "boost" was received last year with the news that blockbuster Star Wars had filmed scenes on the Skellig Islands. Mr Griffin said: "Major programmes and films such as Star Wars' visit to the Skelligs, and now Top Gear's trip to Kerry, draw attention to the area and their importance cannot be underestimated. "This is a free showcase for our spectacular county and culture." LeBlanc and Top Gear co-host Chris Evans dismissed rumours of a rift. The presenters were reported to have fallen out over a stunt filmed at the Cenotaph war memorial for the revamped BBC series. Video of the Day Writing on Twitter, the US star said: "I'm at war with @achrisevans? That's funny, I thought we were pals." Evans, 50, also laughed off the report. "Just been on the phone to @Matt_LeBlanc to confirm we are 'at war' as reported in The Sun today. He says, 'sure, whatever..' Why I oughta !" he tweeted. The new series of Top Gear will return in May. Welcome. to this spring/summer edition of Line Out. It's my first time editing the magazine, and as a rugby fan I've had an absolute ball creating this issue for Irish Independent readers. It has a bit of a travel theme coming in to the summer months - from clothes to pack for your holidays to the best grooming items for getaways, gadgets for travelling and a look at the destination sure to be on any rugby fan's wish list for the winter, Chicago. Ahead of Ireland's game against the All Blacks in November, Pol O'Conghaile has the top tips for anyone planning to head Stateside to support the boys in green. Foodies will also love our Friday night "fakeaway" special - performance nutritionist Daniel Davey of Food Flicker has prepared some tasty and healthy twists on your favourite take out food that are easily copied at home. Mike Ross is back with all the best techy recommendations, and our fashion team have dissected all the trends for the coming season throughout the edition. All that plus chats with our cover star Fergus McFadden, Tommy Bowe and Dan Carter, there's lots to love in Line Out. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed putting it together. Vicki Notaro, Editor (@vickinotaro) Leslie Van Houten listens during her parole hearing in Corona,California, in this file pool photo taken June 28, 2002 Leslie Van Houten, a former follower of Charles Manson, was recommended for parole on Thursday, officials said. The full Board of Parole Hearings will review the decision during the next four months, then could send the case to California Gov. Jerry Brown, according to corrections spokesman Luis Patino. Brown will have 30 days to decide whether to approve or deny the recommendation. Van Houten and others were convicted for the 1969 murders of supermarket executive Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary. Van Houten was sentenced to death in 1971 but one year later the death penalty was overturned. Her first conviction was overturned, too, because her lawyer died before that trial ended. She was tried twice more (one ended in a hung jury) and in 1978 was sentenced to life in prison. In 1994, Van Houten described her part in the killings in a prison interview with CNN's Larry King. "I went in and Mrs. LaBianca was laying on the floor and I stabbed her," said Van Houten, who was 19 at the time of the murders. "In the lower back, around 16 times." Van Houten reportedly has apologized to the LaBianca family. She was not directly involved in the killings of five people at the home of film director Roman Polanski, near Hollywood. Protesters outside the Convention Center prior to Republican US presidential candidate Donald Trump speaking at a campaign rally in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Donald Trump campaign aides were meeting in Washington with congressional supporters last night in a desperate attempt to improve relations with the Republican Party. The meeting was called as groups opposing his lightning-rod presidential run planned demonstrations at his appearances in New York state. About a half dozen Congress members who have endorsed Trump met near the US Capitol, where the campaign told them they believed the Republican front-runner can secure enough delegates to win the nomination ahead of the party's July 18-21 convention. MoveOn.org and other progressive groups, meanwhile, were calling for thousands of demonstrators who oppose Mr Trump's positions on immigration and other issues to descend on a state party gala in New York City and a fundraiser in the Long Island town of Patchogue, a suburb that is home to a large Latino population. The Capitol Hill meeting came as the anti-establishment Trump was trying to broaden his appeal in order to secure party support and win the Republican nomination to run in the November election. Mr Trump announced this week that he had hired Rick Wiley as his national political director. Mr Wiley, a longtime Republican strategist, was the campaign manager for Scott Walker, the Wisconsin governor who dropped out of the presidential race last autumn. One source said a series of policy speeches that Mr Trump was preparing to deliver might come up in the Washington meeting. Mr Trump himself was not attending, but senior adviser Ed Brookover did. US Representative Chris Collins of New York said the campaign told those at the meeting that they saw a path to securing 1,265 delegates - 1,237 delegates are needed to win the nomination. Emerging from the meeting, Mr Brookover said it was a "back-of-the-envelope" calculation. New York billionaire Trump is still seeking converts to his cause. Many Congress members had backed other Republican presidential candidates who have since abandoned the race. Trump himself is engaged in a war of words with the Republican National Committee and its chairman, Reince Priebus, over party rules that, for example, allowed party regulars in Colorado to choose a slate of delegates to send to the party's nominating convention without Republicans in the state actually voting. All the Colorado delegates went to US Senator Ted Cruz of Texas, who is trying to stop Trump from gaining the 1,237-delegate majority needed to win the nomination on the first ballot at the convention in Cleveland in July. Failure to win the first ballot would open the way to a contested convention at which Cruz, Ohio Governor John Kasich or an 11th-hour dark horse could theoretically win a second or subsequent ballot and become the party's nominee. Going into New York's primary election on Tuesday, Trump holds a wide lead in opinion polls. He has been campaigning intensely in his home state. Later last night, Mr Trump was to address a fund-raising event in Patchogue, the site of the fatal stabbing of Ecuadorean immigrant Marcelo Lucero in 2008 by a teenager who was part of a gang of white youths who targeted Latinos in the area. The fundraiser's venue is near where Lucero was attacked, and immigrant advocates have planned protests there. Suffolk County Police Commissioner Timothy Sini said several different demonstrations coinciding with the event were expected. Meanwhile, in the Democratic camp, presidential contenders Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton joined striking Verizon workers' picket lines on Wednesday after Sanders was endorsed by New York City transit workers in his fight for union support that has largely gone to Clinton. Sanders addressed hundreds of striking workers in Brooklyn as "brothers and sisters" and thanked them for their courage in standing up to what he characterised as corporate greed by the mammoth communications company. Employees cheered as Sanders, who was born in Brooklyn, criticised Verizon Communications for wanting to take away health benefits, outsource jobs and avoid federal income taxes, calling it "just another major American corporation trying to destroy the lives of working Americans." "Today I became a Bernie supporter. Basically just having his presence and knowing that he acknowledges the working class matters," said technician Kerryann Reid (36), who said she had worked for Verizon for 15 years. On Wednesday afternoon, several dozen workers picketing a Verizon store in Manhattan cheered as Clinton arrived to show her support. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un looks at a rocket warhead tip after a simulated test of atmospheric re-entry of a ballistic missile, at an unidentified location in this undated file photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in Pyongyang on March 15. Reuters/KCNA/Files North Korea attempted and failed to launch what experts believe was an intermediate-range ballistic missile on Friday in defiance of U.N. sanctions and in an embarrassing setback for leader Kim Jong Un, drawing criticism from major ally China. The failed launch, as the reclusive country celebrates the "Day of the Sun" on the birthday of Kim's grandfather, follows the North's fourth nuclear test in January and a long-range rocket launch in February, which led to new U.N. sanctions. But the North has nevertheless pushed ahead with its missile program, supervised by Kim, in breach of U.N. Security Council resolutions. The U.S.-based 38 North website, which specializes in North Korea, said there has been activity at the country's nuclear site based on satellite imagery and on Wednesday said the possibility of a fifth nuclear test "could not be ruled out". China, North Korea's most important economic and diplomatic backer, has been angered by Pyongyang's nuclear tests and rocket launches in the face of U.N. sanctions that China has also backed. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said the U.N. Security Council was clear on North Korean rocket launches. "At present, the situation on the peninsula is complex and sensitive," he told reporters. "We hope all parties can strictly respect the decisions of the Security Council and avoid taking any steps that could further worsen tensions." Chinese state media was more direct. "The firing of a mid-range ballistic missile on Friday by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), though failed, marks the latest in a string of saber-rattling that, if unchecked, will lead the country to nowhere," China's official Xinhua news agency said in an English language ommentary. "...Nuclear weapons will not make Pyongyang safer. On the contrary, its costly military endeavors will keep on suffocating its economy." Friday is the anniversary of North Korean founding president Kim Il Sung's birthday which is widely celebrated. In 2012, it was marked by a long-range rocket launch attempt which also failed. The U.S. Defense Department said in a statement the launch at 5.33am Korea time (8.33pm GMT Thursday) was detected and tracked by the U.S. Strategic Command which also assessed it had failed. "We call again on North Korea to refrain from actions and rhetoric that further raise tensions in the region and focus instead on taking concrete steps toward fulfilling its international commitments and obligations," a U.S. State Department official said. It was likely a Musudan, South Korea's Yonhap news agency said, an intermediate-range ballistic missile with a design range of more than 3,000 km (1,800 miles) that can be fired from a road mobile launcher but which has never been flight-tested. The United States, which has 28,000 troops stationed in South Korea, said on Thursday it was aware of reports that North Korea was preparing to test intermediate-range missiles and was closely monitoring the Korean peninsula. "Timing wise, today's missile was a cannon salute on the Day of the Sun, leading up to the party congress, but now that it has failed, it is an embarrassment," said Chang Gwang-il, a retired South Korean army general. The North is scheduled to hold its ruling party congress in early May, the first such meeting in 36 years. The North could not completely ignore the sanctions, but considered it the right time to attempt a missile launch to send a message to the world "we don't surrender to sanctions", Chang said. Some experts had said North Korea may choose to test-fire the Musudan as it tries to build an intercontinental ballistic missile designed to put the mainland United States within range. North Korea, which regularly threatens to destroy South Korea and the United States, often fires missiles during periods of tension in the region or when it comes under pressure to curb its defiance and abandon its weapons programs. The North and rich, democratic South are technically still at war since their 1950-53 conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty. Former Liberal Democrat MP John Hemming, who says judges must lift a ban which is preventing a tabloid newspaper from reporting on a ''well-known'' man's ''extramarital activities'' Tabloid newspaper editors have asked judges to lift a ban which is preventing them from reporting on a ''well-known'' man's ''extramarital activities''. The Sun On Sunday wanted to publish an "account" of the man's ''sexual exploits'' with others. The man took legal action and earlier this year two Court of Appeal judges imposed an injunction - preventing the newspaper from identifying the man in an article. Read More Lawyers for News Group Newspapers, publishers of The Sun On Sunday, asked three Court of Appeal judges to lift the ban at a hearing in London on Friday. Abdeslam (left in picture) was caught on CCTV at a petrol station while fleeing back to Belgium Germany's domestic intelligence agency denied yesterday its head had told German lawmakers a prime suspect in the Paris attacks had documents about the Juelich German nuclear research centre. The Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND) media group had cited sources in a parliamentary committee as saying BfV intelligence agency chief Hans-Georg Maassen had told the committee in March about the documents on Juelich. "This is not right," a BfV spokeswoman said. "We have no information about this. Our president Maassen never talked to any members of parliament." The media group had reported that printouts of articles from the internet and photos of Juelich chairman Wolfgang Marquardt had been found in the apartment of Salah Abdeslam in the Molenbeek area of Brussels. Abdeslam, who born and raised in Belgium to Moroccan-born parents, was arrested on March 18 in the Belgian capital and four days later, suicide bombers killed 32 people in Brussels airport and in a metro train station. The 26-year-old is now in Bruges prison awaiting extradition to France over his suspected involvement in the November 13 shooting attacks in Paris. Concerns that Islamist militants are turning their attention to the nuclear industry's weak spots have risen since the Brussels attack. Juelich is near the Belgian border and atomic waste is stored there. The nuclear centre said in a statement that there was no indication of any danger and that it was in contact with security authorities and nuclear supervisors. RND reported that Maassen had informed the committee in charge of monitoring German intelligence agencies whose meetings are confidential. A nun who has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, fleeing the scene and failing to report the accident said she can't remember anything about her arrest. Philadelphia nun Sister Kimberly Miller (41) said she blacked out for four hours during the November crash, but claims the blackout was caused by insomnia drug Ambien. At first I thought it was a dream because I had handcuffs on, she testified in Washington Township Court at a six-hour trial this week. I was in my habit. Im a nun. I dont understand how I got to New Jersey. I couldnt figure out where all the time went, she added. Police claimed Miller was driving erratically in the early morning hours of November 15, before she backed into the doors of a car repair shop. They reported the nun to have failed a field sobriety test at the scene and said her blood alcohol concentration was twice the legal limit of 0.08 percent. She was later charged with DUI. The arrest was captured on dashcam video which shows a disorientated Miller walk around the front of her car. Miller told the court she has a history of sleepwalking as well as a painful arthritic condition that she takes medicine for. She said she often drinks wine to help her sleep. She told the court she went to an event at a children's bookstore, before going back to her convent where she put on her night clothes, drank a glass of wine, took an Ambien and went to sleep. She claims the next thing she remembers was being at a police station in New Jersey and speaking to a police officer. I asked him where I was, Miller told the court. I asked him how I got there. I asked him what time it was. Witnesses and officers testified Miller's speech was slurred, her eyes were droopy and they smelled alcohol when they stopped her car. Students at the little Flower Catholic High School for Girls in Philadelphia where she teaches has launched an online petition to keep her job. It has over 2,000 signatures so far. CCTV still issued by the Metropolitan Police of a black Ford Ka moments after it knocked a woman over when it failed to stop at a pedestrian crossing on Siviter Way in Dagenham, East London on April 14 last year. Photo: Metropolitan Police/PA Wire CCTV stills issued by the Metropolitan Police of the moment a woman was knocked over (clockwise, from top left) when a car failed to stop at a pedestrian crossing on Siviter Way in Dagenham, East London. Photo: Metropolitan Police/PA Wire Shocking CCTV footage has been released which shows a woman being knocked over when a car failed to stop at a pedestrian crossing. The black Ford Ka drove off after the collision and footage has been released by the Metropolitan Police as part of an appeal to identify the driver. The car's windscreen was damaged and the vehicle was later found to have been scrapped. The woman, who was 25 at the time, suffered a fractured collar bone and skull. She has had two operations and is still recovering following the crash on April 14 2014 in Siviter Way in Dagenham, east London. Detective Constable Liz Carrey, from Barking and Dagenham CID, said: "Police have conducted extensive inquiries to trace who was responsible for this collision. "This has been a life-changing experience for the victim, both physically and mentally. The victim was seriously injured and she would like some closure to help her come to terms with the incident. "We know the car has been scrapped, but someone may have seen it damaged or the driver of the car may even have spoken about what happened. I would ask anyone who has information to search their conscience and contact police." A man and woman, both 39, were summonsed to appear at Barkingside Magistrates' Court on November 18 2014 but the date was set aside and they were told to await further instruction. The toddler was eventually found nearly three miles away and over an hour later in Gosforth, north Newcastle, by a police officer. Two teenage girls have been arrested on suspicion of kidnapping a three-year-old girl in Newcastle. The toddler disappeared from a Primark in the city centre at around 5pm on Wednesday evening. It triggered a city-wide search after officers found she had left the store with two teenage girls she did not know, leaving her mother "incredibly" distressed. Police trawled through CCTV from Newcastle City Council, local shops, Newcastle University, bus companies, the metro and their own cameras in search of the girl. She was eventually found nearly three miles away and over an hour later in Gosforth, north Newcastle, by a police officer. The alleged kidnappers, aged 13 and 14, were arrested on suspicion of child abduction and taken for questioning. Chief Inspector Dave Gould said: "Thankfully the child was quickly located by officers and then reunited with her mother. This has been an incredibly distressing time for the girl's family and specialist officers are working with and supporting the family. "We mobilised all available local police resources to make sure the girl was found as quickly as possible and also included assistance from the public, and many of our partner agencies including Newcastle local authority and university as well as staff from retail premises, bus companies, train station and metro system. "I would like to thank all of those involved for their help in finding this little girl and helping reunite her with her mother. Jeremy Corbyn wants a level playing field on pay and conditions for solve the migration issues within the EU. Photo: PA Jeremy Corbyn insisted there was "nothing half-hearted" about Labour's pro-EU campaign as he made his first major speech of the Brexit referendum battle. The left-winger - who voted Out in the 1975 referendum and has expressed Eurosceptic views over subsequent decades - has been accused of making only a lukewarm contribution to the Remain argument so far. But he said it was clear that the party was "overwhelmingly convinced" that being part of the bloc was in the best interests of the country on issues such as workers' rights and the environment. There remained serious "shortcomings" that needed to be addressed by Brussels, such as the proposed trade deal with the US which gave "huge cause for concern" about the potential for privatisation of public services, he warned. All of those could be better dealt with, however, by remaining in the EU "warts and all" rather than by pulling out and leaving the country at the mercy of the Conservatives, he argued. "We have had a very big debate within the party and within the trade unions. Overwhelmingly, the Labour Party and the trade unions have come to the view that they want to campaign for a social, just Europe to protect the workers' rights that we've got, to extend them and extend that degree of justice. "That is the position we have reached. That is the position that has been adopted by the party. That is the party that I lead and that is the position I am putting forward." He went on: "There is nothing half-hearted about what we are doing, there is nothing half- hearted about our campaign, there is nothing half-hearted about our alliances. "I have attended a number of meetings of the Party of European Socialists. I have had lengthy conversations with prime ministers and party leaders all across Europe on the social justice case, the environmental case, the issues of climate change, trade and steel and all those issues. "I have made numerous speeches on all these subjects. There is nothing half-hearted about what we are doing." Mr Corbyn also said that the EU should consider introducing an EU-wide minimum wage to reduce the incentive for people to immigrate to Britain. The Labour leader yesterday made his first speech of the EU referendum campaign, arguing that there was a "strong socialist case" for staying in the bloc. But he accepted that there were concerns about the impact of migration on the UK - and said changes to wage laws could help reduce perceived pressures. He said an EU-wide minimum wage could be tied to the cost of living in each EU member state, which would provide a "level playing field" for British workers. "I don't think too many [migrants] have come, I think the issue has to be of wages and regulations," he said when asked. "There has to be a case for a minimum wage tied to the cost of living across the continent. "There is nothing wrong with people wanting to migrate to work around the continent, but there has to be a level playing field on pay and conditions." Such a proposal would likely not see the same cash minimum wage across all countries - but instead see the wages match as a proportion of the cost of living. Mr Corbyn's call comes a day after a report from the Migration Observatory suggested that higher wages was the main reason people from other EU states came to Britain - with very little evidence that the welfare system was a pull factor. The report says the eurozone crisis has also led to six countries - Poland, Romania, Spain, Italy, Hungary and Portugal - accounting for 80pc of the increase in EU migrants living in Britain in recent years. Britain will vote in a referendum on whether to remain in the European Union on 23 June this year. A Syrian government delegation has arrived in Geneva to join a new round of UN-mediated peace talks with an umbrella opposition group that seeks to find a resolution to the country's five-year civil war. The arrival of the Damascus team, led by Syria's UN ambassador Bashar Ja'afari, comes amid escalating fighting between government forces and insurgents in northern Aleppo which has killed 34 fighters on both sides over 24 hours. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said of those killed, 14 were pro-government fighters and 20 were militants, including members of Syria's al Qaida affiliate known as the Nusra Front. The al Qaida branch and its more powerful rival, Islamic State, are not part of a ceasefire that came into effect at the end of February. The US and Russian-backed truce has held in most of Syria, except in the north, where it has practically collapsed. The Nusra Front is deeply rooted in the areas in northern Syria controlled by opposition forces, complicating oversight of the truce. IS militants have clashed with rival insurgents and pro-government forces in Aleppo, making a wide advance on opposition-held territory along the Turkish border, the Observatory said. New York-based Human Rights Watch said Turkish border guards fired on hundreds of Syrian civilians fleeing the IS onslaught on Thursday and heading for a wall at the border. The rights group urged Ankara to allow thousands of Syrians fleeing to cross into Turkey to seek protection. "As civilians flee Isis fighters, Turkey is responding with live ammunition instead of compassion," said Gerry Simpson, senior refugee researcher at Human Rights Watch. "The whole world is talking about fighting Isis, and yet those most at risk of becoming victims of its horrific abuses are trapped on the wrong side of a concrete wall," he added. Turkish officials said they were aware of the report but had no immediate response. There was no information whether any of the civilians were hurt in the shooting. The latest IS advance has displaced 30,000 civilians north of Syria's largest city, Aleppo, the provincial capital. The Syrian opposition High Negotiations Committee, which is negotiating in Geneva, has accused the Syrian government of more than 2,000 breaches of the ceasefire in deadly attacks on opposition areas. UN special envoy Steffan De Mistura has said he hopes for a substantive round of "proximity talks" on a transitional government to end the war. The two sides do not actually talk to each other in Geneva but the UN envoy shuttles between them. The most obvious public difference between the two sides revolves around the fate of President Bashar Assad. Opposition representatives have insisted that Assad be removed from power as part of any peace deal, while government officials have declared him to be a red line. This round of talks began on Wednesday but the government said it was delayed because of parliamentary elections that were held this week in government-controlled areas of Syria. The opposition has dismissed the balloting as a sham and said it could further undermine the peace talks. Norman Davis SHARE We are living in the world of the oppressed and depressed. Now mind you I am not talking about the people in the streets. Not drug dealers, hustlers, gamers. Not the homeless. I'm talking about the toe-tapping, tambourine playing, singing, shouting and dancing church folks. It appears that going to God's house is one of the most dreadful and lowest times of the week. The praise and worship leaders have to transform themselves into dentists, because getting the congregation to worship is sometimes as hard as pulling teeth. Going to church for many has become only an item to check off on a to-do list. It has become as commonplace to them as remembering to pick up the clothes from the cleaners. Now that's really exciting, getting that clear plastic bag that is really too long for the dress or too short for the suit and has a warning printed on it that it can suffocate a small child. Sadly enough most churchgoing people don't share the same sentiment as David in the Bible. He said, "I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord." Psalm 122:1. Many might not say it, but the nonparticipation in worship makes me think that they were mad while they were in the house of the Lord. Some would probably feel they had a good reason for that attitude. "I don't like the way the choir sang, or the way Sister Cat whines when she reads the announcements. I don't appreciate having to stand up so many times and say Hallelujah. I'm tired of slapping people high-fives." If you are able to go church, if you are able to hear the choir sing, to see the church announcement bulletin, you should be glad. If you are blessed to stand up, you should be glad. If you have arms and hands to stretch out, then there is no reason for you not to be glad. Multitudes of people around the world are lying in hospital beds, and countless more are totally incapacitated without arms, hands and feet. They would be glad if they could go into the house of the Lord. So my advice to you is to, while you are yet able, "Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing." (Psalm 100:2.) Don't complain, but "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord." (Psalm 100:1.) God further said "no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly." (Psalm 84:11.) Such a loving God is the only one "who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases." (Psalm 103:1.) Truly now, child of God, I ask you, why are you not glad? To you who are not yet glad, let me help you with that. You too cannot only be glad, but you can receive joy unlimited. Bow your head, acknowledge that you are a sinner. Ask Jesus to forgive you and come into your heart right now, and you won't be glad by yourself. The word of God says in Luke 15:7, "Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth." I also rejoice with you and thank God that you are now saved by grace. Be glad! Norman Davis serves as an elder for High Calling Ministries International in Anderson and is a former contributing writer to a Christian publication based in New Jersey. By Nikie Mayo of the Independent Mail History will remember them as the "Clemson Five." Five students, who were at the forefront of a peaceful protest about improving racial inclusion at Clemson University, were arrested Thursday and charged with trespassing after they refused to leave Sikes Hall. Those arrested were: D.J. Smith, Me'Khayla Williams, Rae-Nessha White, J. Ian Anderson, and Adrian "A.D." Carson. Four of them are between the ages of 20 and 22. Carson is 36. Those five students and dozens of others had participated in an all-night sit-in at Sikes Hall, which houses the offices of key university officials, including President Jim Clements. Led by Smith, the students said Thursday that they would not leave the building until they felt university officials heeded their demands. They called for more diversity on campus, more funding for groups made up of minority students and changes in the names of "offensively named" buildings such as Tillman Hall. The hall is named for Benjamin Tillman, who was a self-described racist. Even as they emerged from the building with tickets outlining their charges, those five and others said they planned another night of camping out at Sikes Hall. Before the arrests, Almeda Jacks, the university's vice president for student affairs, and the school's Chief of Staff Max Allen, spoke with students and urged them to leave the building late Thursday afternoon. "Our mode right now is we've got to get back to normal business," Allen said, talking about how the administration building had been overtaken by students since Wednesday. Jacks said she cared about the students and told them they had until 5:30 p.m. to get their belongings and get out of Sikes. "If you don't, I hate to say this, but you could be arrested," she said. Jacks went on to talk about how the students could face separate discipline from the university. "We want you to graduate," she said. Many of the students left the building at that point, but stayed outside to show support for the five who refused to go. Student Sherman Jones led a crowd of hundreds in a chant: "We are the Clemson Five. The Clemson Five are us." Before the arrests, Clements released a detailed statement outlining the university's efforts to create a better experience for minority students. He said, in part, that the administration had allocated more than $100,000 per year for travel and special events involving minority students or student organizations whose primary constituencies are underrepresented groups. He talked about the importance of having a multicultural center and said the school has stepped up efforts to recruit minorities. "Since 2013, we have seen an increase of nearly 13 percent in our African-American undergraduate enrollment and an increase of nearly 31 percent in Hispanic undergraduate enrollment," Clements wrote. "In the graduate school, we have seen African- American enrollment increased more than 7 percent and Hispanic enrollment more than 36 percent. From Fall 15 to Fall 16, we are up 30 percent in African American enrollments and 16 percent overall." The students involved in the protests, including many who did not stay inside to get arrested, said Clements' statement is not enough. "There's a lot of talk here about the Clemson family," said Roslie Shumate, a junior from Greenville. "But many, many times, we are not made to feel like we are part of the family." Follow Nikie Mayo on Twitter @NikieMayo Clemson sophomore Rohan Willis (center) listens to his peers speak on racial issues at Clemson during a protest march meant to bring attention to equality issues present at Clemson University on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 in Clemson. By Mike Eads of the Independent Mail CLEMSON A student march at Clemson University led to a sit-in Wednesday, drawing attention to ongoing racial problems on campus. Approximately 50 students and a handful of faculty supporters filled the lobby of Sikes Hall, home of the offices of President Jim Clements, Provost Bob Jones and other top Clemson administrators. The students brought food, blankets, laptops and everything else they needed to ride out the night. The sit-in began after a lunchtime campus march to demand more action from the university to improve the campus climate for minority students. The march ended with a peaceful demonstration on the steps of Sikes Hall just before 1 p.m., after which some of the participants walked into the building's lobby and declared a sit-in. By 4:15 p.m., Clements was meeting with protesters for the second time in four hours. He was flanked by Jones, Student Affairs vice president Almeda Jacks and interim Chief Diversity Officer Max Allen, all of whom talked with various protesters. Senior D.J. Smith and other organizers said the purpose was to restate the goals presented to Clemson administrators in early 2015, when around 100 students marched across campus to demand better recruitment of minority students and faculty, a population mix on campus that mirrors South Carolina, removal of Benjamin Tillman's name from the Old Main Building overlooking Bowman Field, increased spending on diversity programming and more. Smith said abusive behavior toward minorities on social media outlets such as Yik Yak and Facebook, as well as incidents like one Monday when bananas were hung next to an African-American history banner on campus, spurred the students into action. "Some of these issues keep arising, and that's what led to the sit-in," said Smith, who is a psychology major and graduate of D.W. Daniel High School. Several faculty members turned out over the course of the day to visit with the students, including new Faculty Senate President Mary Beth Kurz. "We want to figure out how to support the students," she said. The tone remained civil throughout the day. Interim Dean of Students Chris Miller met with the students while Clements, Jones and Allen sat in on the quarterly meeting of the university trustees, which happened at the Madren Conference Center. Clements, Jones and Allen joined Miller at Sikes Hall after that meeting ended. Jones and Jacks worked out a deal with the protesters: any students who wanted to stay overnight in the lobby could, but the building would be locked up, and campus police would be stationed near the exits. No students were allowed to enter overnight. The lockdown is normal procedure, Jacks said. Student records and other sensitive data are housed there, and the building is restricted to a handful of university employees outside business hours. The organizers agreed to Jacks' terms, and the lockout began at 5:30 p.m. Neither side would speculate as to next steps, or how the sit-in would be resolved, but each commended the other for the constructive tone. Smith said the sit-in was part of a National Day of Action taking place at schools across the United States. The effort, coordinated by the Black Liberation Collective, was meant to draw attention to student debt problems and racial issues. Clements admitted to marchers earlier in the day that the campus culture isn't perfect, and he doesn't have all the answers to the banana incident Monday or other lingering race and diversity issues. "You were hurt, and I was hurt," he said on Monday about the incident. "It's sad and sickening those things happen at Clemson or anywhere. There are a lot of things we're doing and more things we need to do, but we're chipping away." Clements launched several new diversity initiatives last fall including reorganizing the Gantt Multicultural Center, conducting national searches for a new chief diversity officer and stepped-up recruitment of minority students and faculty. The university president drew criticism Tuesday for missing a public meeting at the Hendrix Student Center to address the banana incident. He showed up for the march Wednesday with several of his senior administrators in tow and took questions for 15 minutes, breaking off from the quarterly trustee's meeting. Several students asked him variations of the same question: Why do things like Monday's incident keep happening? Clements didn't offer any quick solutions, but did say that everyone administrators, students, staff and faculty must keep working the problems. "I don't have all the answers, but I'm sitting with a bunch of smart people to help with those answers," Clements said. Follow Michael Eads on Twitter @MikeEads_AIM SHARE By Independent Mail Want to enjoy some good barbecue, live music and a good game of cornhole while helping those in need? The Golden Harvest Food Bank will present the Electric City Throwdown 6-9 p.m. Tuesday at The Smokin' Pig in Sandy Springs. Headlining the concert is The Eric Scott Band, a country-rock band from Anderson. The Throwdown will also feature a tug-of-war competition and cornhole tournament. "We are so excited to host the Electric City Throwndown," said Nirmala Bruce, Golden Harvest's upstate development officer. "It will be a great evening for the community to come together, have some fun (and) all for a great cause." The event is a benefit concert and barbecue to raise funds for Golden Harvest and awareness about the one in seven people in Anderson and Pickens counties who struggle with hunger, said food bank spokeswoman Ashley Siler in a news release. The Golden Harvest Food Bank serves the hungry in a 30-county area in eastern Georgia and western South Carolina. It operates distribution centers in Anderson, Aiken and Augusta, Georgia. The food bank provides low-cost food for area soup kitchens and other charities which distribute food directly to those in need. In Georgia and South Carolina, Golden Harvest serves more than 300 agencies and food pantries. In 2015, the food bank distributed more than 17.2 million pounds of grocery products to those charities. Tickets for the concert and barbecue are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. Tickets include a dinner plate and non-alcoholic beverage from The Smokin' Pig. SHARE By Ray Chandler, Special to Independent Mail Several years ago Oconee County Sheriff Mike Crenshaw worked with a drug addict wanting help to a center in Anderson, the sheriff told a group of community and business leaders at the monthly Oconee Alliance business forum on Thursday. "He dried out, but then he went right back to doing what he was doing," Crenshaw said. Contrast that with a more recent case, from 2012, when Crenshaw encountered a former addict he well knew who had been helped through a ministry-based rehabilitation program. "He had a job, he was working, and he was looking after his family," Crenshaw said. "A year earlier he had been crawling through windows where elderly people lived, trying to steal prescription drugs." The situations were among the things that convinced Crenshaw to try to find a rehab program that could be a key part of the anti-drug program he has initiated since taking office. Crenshaw and Ashley Williams, coordinator of Christ Central Ministries, spoke in a presentation that involved the vision for the Central Christ Ministries resource center that officials plan to install in the former Oconee County Detention Center. "This is part of our vision to build partnerships to help the community," Crenshaw said. "This program has the potential to be a model that could spread across the country. I've always felt that you had to incorporate (drug) prevention and treatment along with enforcement." Williams, who started the Oconee chapter of Christ Central Ministries in Seneca seven years ago, said the resource center will enable a major expansion of the ministry's mission. "The jail population continues to swell, and 68 percent of inmates have a drug abuse problem," he said. "We want to stop the revolving door, and help them get back on their feet and be sustainable." The program offers "a guardrail against homelessness and addiction," Williams said. The planned center will have a 36-bed emergency shelter and an expanded GED program. Williams said, Christ Central already has helped more than 100 people get their high school diplomas through their GED program. The new center should see that number grow. In the past, Christ Central has had to send addicts seeking help to facilities in Columbia or Travelers Rest. "With this facility we'll be able to have a recovery program right here in Oconee County," Williams said. Christ Central officials said besides people battling alcohol or drug addictions and those seeking basic education and job skills, prospective clients of the center will be inmates of the county jail transitioning to freedom or people facing economic hardship. The shelter will also be available to victims of abuse or victims of loss of homes from fire. Funding the conversion of the former jail to the ministries needs will be the ministry's responsibility. The final lease agreement between the ministry and the county is expected to be completed by the end of May, and the ministry plans to begin work on the emergency shelter portion of the conversion shortly after that, Crenshaw said. Some volunteer work on the conversion will begin earlier. Beginning April 22 the ministry will host community work days the second and fourth Fridays and Saturdays of each month. Visit ccmoconee.org to find out more about getting involved. SHARE Oconee County Associate Probate Judge Karen W. Lee has been appointed to replace suspended Probate Judge Kenny Johns. Responding to a clarification request from Lee, South Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Costa Pleicones issued an order that gives Lee "all powers previously vested" with Johns. Pleicones signed an order Tuesday placing Johns on interim suspension. The reasons for his suspension have not been made public. Johns, 49, is a former Walhalla City Councilman who was elected as Oconee County's probate judge in 2010. He was serving his second term in the post. Mount Pleasant Fire and Rescue member Arthur Kluttz was among this years United Way local Governors Award medallion winners. The Medallion Awards are North Carolinas highest honor for volunteerism only 20 are given across the state, according to a press release. Kluttz has contributed, in many ways, to Mount Pleasant Fire and Rescue for more than 74 years. Starting as a member in 1974, he was appointed as fire chief 22 years later. Even after retiring in 1991, he still attends every fire meeting faithfully. Over the course of those strong and dedicated 74 years, Kluttz was named Cabarrus County Firefighter of the Year (1971 and 1982), Mount Pleasant Firefighter of the Year (1982 and 1992), led construction for the new fire station (1974), and served on the town board of directors (1957). Even after experiencing two life-changing setbacks in recent years, he earned the title of firefighter of the Year in 2014 from the NC State Grange and Saint John Grange of Cabarrus County. He is a man of little words, but anyone you ask will agree that he is the pillar that holds up Cabarrus County. Outside of the firefighter work, he owns Miller Lumber Company and still manages it at the age of 91. United Way announced the local Governors Award winners today, including three honorees who won Medallion Awards The other Governors Award winners honored during an appreciation breakfast at Village Tavern in Charlotte were: Elaine Allman and Fredricka Savage, for volunteer work with Iredell County Animal Services. Jane Dennis, Girl Scouts Hornets Nest Council. Jesse Milliken, Union County Community Shelter. Tony Canupp, for volunteer work with Barringer Academic Center. Richard Ridley, for volunteer work with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. Sardis Presbyterian Church, for volunteer work with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, Rama Road Elementary School. Geoffrey Scantlebury, for volunteer work with Central Piedmont Community College- Continuing Education. Bruce Taylor, for volunteer work with United Way of Central Carolinas. Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts opened the event and honored each of the winners. The awards coincided with National Volunteer Week, April 10-16. To conclude the week, United Way and the Charlotte Knights are honoring all of the Governors Award winners during the Knights season-opening homestand. Each winner received a Knights prize pack during the awards event, and on Sunday prior to the game, the winners will be recognized on the field and enjoy seats in the Duke Energy MVP section. United Way is the local administrator of the Governors Awards, which are overseen by the North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service. Hands On Charlotte and Share Charlotte also help organize and promote the annual awards. In addition to the Governors Awards, United Way of Central Carolinas also recently announced it has met its $22 million goal, with the help of donors, Charlottes corporate community and the Carolina Panthers. Infosys, IT bellwether and one of India's largest software companies, reported consolidated net profit of Rs. 3,597 crore for the quarter ended March 31, 2016, registering growth of 3.81% qoq and 16.14% yoy. The companys revenue stood at Rs. 16,550 crore, clocking growth of 4.07% qoq and 23.41% yoy. For the year ended March 31, 2016, the company reported consolidated net profit of Rs. 13,491 crore, up by 9.42% yoy. It's consolidated revenue for the current period stood at Rs. 62,441 crore, registering growth of 17.11% yoy. On standalone basis, the company reported net profit of Rs. 3,399 crore for the quarter ended March 31, 2016, registering growth of 6.79% qoq and 12.4% yoy. Its revenue stood at Rs. 14,158 crore, clocking growth of 4.39% qoq and 18.72% yoy. For the year ended March 31, 2016, the company reported standalone net profit of Rs. 15,785 crore, up by 29.77% yoy. It's standalone revenue for the current period stood at Rs. 53,983 crore, registering growth of 14.13% yoy. Rationale: Infosys posted a robust set of numbers that largely met IIFL estimates in a seasonally weak quarter. Further, the company also has pleasantly surprised the street with a stellar revenue forecast. The company estimates revenue growth of 11.8-13.8% in actual currency terms for the 2016-17 fiscal and by 11.5-13.5% in constant currency terms. The company delivered a healthy 1.9% qoq dollar revenue growth during Q4 FY16 in constant currency (CC) terms. The growth was volumeled as the billed man hours grew 2.4% qoq; onsite (2.7% qoq) efforts growth higher than offshore (2.3% qoq). The consistent strong traction in volumes was the key highlight and for the full year FY16, volume growth stood at robust 14.5% which was the highest in five years (preceding four years average at ~10%). Realization in CC terms declined by 0.9% qoq during Q4 FY16 and 1.1% yoy in FY16 mainly reflecting the pricing pressure in commoditized services. The pursued strategy of renewing existing service lines through automation and innovation and introducing new capabilities such as design thinking to deepen customer engagement has started to bear fruit. Result Highlights: (Rs. in crore) Reported Results IIFL Estimates Variance (%) Consolidated Revenue 16550 16601.9 [0.31] Consolidated Net Profit 3597 3555.43 1.17 Consolidated EPS for the quarter stood at Rs. 15.74.Bloomberg estimated the companys consolidated net profit at Rs. 3514.55 crore.Infosys at its meeting held on April 15, 2016, inter alia, has recommended a final dividend of Rs. 14.25 per equity share for the financial year ended March 31, 2016.Infosys Ltd ended at Rs. 1172.05, down by 10.25 points or 0.87% from its previous closing of Rs. 1182.3 on the BSE.The scrip opened at Rs. 1194 and touched a high and low of Rs. 1195 and Rs. 1166.5 respectively. A total of 7057525(NSE+BSE) shares were traded on the counter. The current market cap of the company is Rs. 269213.4 crore.The BSE group 'A' stock of face value Rs. 5 touched a 52 week high of Rs. 1249.9 on 04-Apr-2016 and a 52 week low of Rs. 932.55 on 10-Jul-2015. Last one week high and low of the scrip stood at Rs. 1214.85 and Rs. 1151.4 respectively.The promoters holding in the company stood at 13.07 % while Institutions and Non-Institutions held 57.18 % and 12.48 % respectively.The stock traded below its 50 DMA. Today, Indian banks are embracing the social media platform in a big way. They are not only using the social media platform to promote their products, but are also using this space to promote their events, let their customers know about the latest developments at the bank and announcing the bank progress. Social networking sites are also used, in a big way, to resolve customer queries, customer grievances, for customer satisfaction, improve branding, analysing customer needs, and offering facilities like real-time banking and money transfers.Most of the banks today have advertised heavily on Facebook and have managed to gain a huge fan base, along with decent amount of interaction on the Facebook platform. Competition within banks has intensified. Banks are helping in resolving customer queries, customer grievances and satisfying customers. Axis Bank, on its page, says the customer query would be responded to within an hour of posting it, while ICICI Banks says that the bank would reply to the queries within a few hours.Going by the numbers, today, leading private sector entity, ICICI Bank, has a large fan base of over 47 lakh fans, as against 35 lakh fans, in May 2015. Axis Bank has almost 32 lakh fans today, as against 30 lakh fans last year, in the same period. The countrys largest bank, State Bank of India, too, has seen a rapid rise in its fan base on the Facebook platform in the last one year. Interestingly, the banks fan base has more than doubled in the last one year. The bank has 52 lakh fans today, as against 24 lakh fans same time last year.SBI carries different tabs on its home page, such as a live webcast of press and analysts meet, along with other tabs like SBI Quick, SBI offers, photos, videos, corporate website link, SBI ATM Locator, SBI Branch Locator, Tools & Calculators, YouTube, Savings Account and SBI Mingle. Similarly, ICICI Bank, too, has some interesting features like Expression App, EMI Personality Quiz, Photos, Videos, Charge In, Bank on-the-go, Testimonials on 24x7 branches, Personality Quiz, Customer Care numbers, Product Suite, 1 Minute Challenge, milestones, events held and Fan of the month.Banks not only promote themselves through the Facebook channel but on Twitter as well. The countrys largest bank, SBI, has 569k followers on the twitter handle @TheOfficialSBI. It provides daily updates on the banks products, services, initiatives and tips from experts. Similarly, by starting a twitter started in November 2011, ICICI Bank has 87.4k followers on the twitter platform, @ICICIBank. Recent developments, product offerings, offers, campaigns and financial education is given out through this twitter handle. It has a separate handle for service queries for customers, @ICICIBank_Care.Smartphones have indeed led to an increase in the use of social media sites. The value of transactions on the mobile device has seen a phenomenal increase, thanks to the rise in the number of smartphones in the country. Mobile banking has seen a rapid increase in recent times, with more and more retail customers coming forward to transact on the mobile phone. Banks also find it easier to tap Gen Y on social media sites today than at bank branches. In order to keep pace with these changes, Indian banks are increasingly coming up with technology innovation with the help of mobile, analytics and social media, to suit their customer needs and serve them more efficiently. Youngsters find it more convenient to transact on their smartphones than visit a bank. According to data from RBI, the value of mobile banking transactions touched Rs 49,029 crore in December 2015.In a recent development, ten of the country's biggest banks, along with the Reserve Bank of India have launched a Unified Payments Interface (UPI), an app that will reduce the cost and time taken for making simple payments.Indian banks have also launched a banking service by which you can transfer funds using the social media platform. This means you can send money to anyone with a bank account, if you know the other persons mobile number or email address, or if the person is your friend on Facebook or a follower on the Twitter platform. For instance, ICICI Bank came up with a mobile banking service called Pockets, aimed at the youth. Anyone, need not be a customer of the bank, can easily download the e-wallet from Google Playstore, fund it from any bank account in the country and start transacting immediately. The wallet allows users to instantly send money to any email id, mobile number, friends on Facebook and bank account. The users can pay bills, recharge mobiles, book movie tickets, order food and send gifts using this e-wallet. Users can choose to add a zero-balance savings account to the wallet, which will allow them to earn interest on their idle money. For each transaction, there is a unique dynamically generated OTP (One Time Password) that is sent to the senders mobile number, registered with ICICI Bank, to verify that the transaction is initiated by you.Axis Bank too unveiled Ping Pay, a unique multi-social payment solution to enable customers, specially the youth and smart phone users, to transfer money and mobile recharge, person-to-person, including to non-Axis Bank account holders, using social and messaging channels like WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, email and phone contact lists. The person-to-person fund transfers through Ping Pay would happen via NPCIs Immediate Payment Service (IMPS) and currently the transaction limit is at Rs 50,000 per day. Infosys Ltd ended at Rs. 1172.05, down by Rs. 10.25 or 0.87% from its previous closing of Rs. 1182.3 on the BSE. The scrip opened at Rs. 1194 and touched a high and low of Rs. 1195 and Rs. 1166.5 respectively. A total of 7057525(NSE+BSE) shares were traded on the counter. The current market cap of the company is Rs. 269213.4 crore. The BSE group 'A' stock of face value Rs. 5 touched a 52 week high of Rs. 1249.9 on 04-Apr-2016 and a 52 week low of Rs. 932.55 on 10-Jul-2015. Last one week high and low of the scrip stood at Rs. 1214.85 and Rs. 1151.4 respectively. The promoters holding in the company stood at 13.07 % while Institutions and Non-Institutions held 57.18 % and 12.48 % respectively. Infosys Ltd has announced that the Board of Directors of the Company at its meeting held on April 15, 2016, inter alia, has recommended a final dividend of Rs. 14.25 per equity share for the financial year ended March 31, 2016.Stock view: Atul Gupta, an IT advisor, and partner at KPMG India, attended an interview with Business Today where he revealed details about the cyber Kare app.He stated that the app was developed to help the company's senior management in carrying out a self-assessment of their company's cyber security risk exposure. Gupta stated that the developers made the app for mobile devices to make it easily accessible. Since it is a mobile app, it can also be used at any time and at any location. He also stated that there is a lot of risk in cyber and the app is designed to showcase various components which facilitate organization exposure.The app also has an offline mode which means user assessment data is stored on their mobile phones. According to Gupta, the app allows the management to keep a close watch on cuber risk from a strategic view point. The IT advisor stated that the idea behind the app was inspired by the identification that cyber security was a risk hotbed for organizations, and it was evaluated as a business risk. He added that the senior management had a growing need for more awareness about risk exposure. The management also carries out regular evaluations to identify the level of preparedness in dealing with cyber threats.Gupta stated that the toolkit analyzes cyber exposure by considering macro factors such as business channels, the nature of the business and the industry. He also stated that the app was created to give the senior management a viewpoint of the firm's exposure to the cyber risk. The app has also been developed in a way that feedback is given by business leaders without necessarily involving inputs from IT and tech security.Gupta also revealed that the app also offers recommendations about how the firm can lower its cyber security exposure through key actions. It also suggests how the company can strengthen itself against potential risks. The recommendations are therefore guidelines on how the company can boost its cyber security structure. John Ramsay, the CEO of Syngenta was in an ET Now interview where he stated that his company has been in constructive talks with the government.Mr. Ramsay stated that he was encouraged by the statements that were made in the budget, and they are a clear indicator that there is significant recognition of Agriculture. He also stated that it is also an indicator of what should be done for his company to be able to support small-scale farming in India.The CEO added that weather cycles are a common factor and for that reason, smallholder farmers require security through initiatives such as crop insurance. This will keep farmers assured that they will sell their crops at good prices. He also believes that the firm can play a big role to the farmers because it can provide technological and educative support. This will help farmers yield more profits. Bringing technology to the market is, therefore, an important factor, and the CEO revealed that the firm has been working closely with the national and state governments on some policies that can foster improvement.The executive believes that there is a lot of potential in the country's agricultural sector, and there can be more produce if farming is carried out in a sustainable way. He, however, pointed out that it is important not to be carried away by technology as far as GM seeds in India are concerned. He stated that GM is just one of the technologies involved in the industry. Instead, the focus should be diverted to understanding that a farmer has various challenges including different growing conditions and pests. Farmers, therefore, rely on different technologies to overcome these challenges. General education and insurance support can be of great help.Mr. Ramsay revealed that the Agricultural sector can grow at 5% per annum, but it has the potential to grow at a higher rate. He also believes that a proper subsidy system would be of great help to farmers. newsfeed.mu Remember the scenic song from Shahrukh Khan-Kajol starrer Dilwale, 'Gerua'? Yes, the same one which was shot at the exotic locales of Iceland and looked gorgeous on the big screen! Looking at the popularity it has got after 'Gerua' was shot there, Iceland now wants to attract niche Indian travellers. There has been an interest among Indians to visit Iceland after the picturisation of the song Gerua from movie Dilwale in Iceland. The locales of Iceland were beautifully captured in the song. We want to leverage on this interest and increase the number of tourist arrivals from India, Ambassador of Iceland to India Thorir Ibsen said in Mumbai. He also added that he'd like to have more Bollywood filmmakers to come and shoot in his country. Iceland also has 'Promote Iceland', a body which promotes Iceland as a tourist destination. It even conducted its maiden roadshow in Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai to reach out to Indian travellers. The strategy of Promote Iceland is to target the premium travellers from India as Iceland is not for budget tourists. We have not been very active in the Indian market in the past. But now we think that Iceland has gained interest in India and we want to build on the momentum through our maiden roadshows. The roadshow was a platform for us to meet the travel trade and understand the requirements of Indian travellers, Promote Iceland Manager Trade Delegations, Thorleifur Thor Jonsson said. dna Nana Patekar is one actor who has closely been working towards helping the Mahrashtra drought victims and their families, and without making a noise about it. In fact, you might already know that he, along with his friend Makarand Anaspure, has started NAAM foundation, an NGO working towards this cause. Time and again Nana has come to the forefront to talk about this issue, and once again he spoke about it and made total sense. Talking about the plight of the farmers from drought prone areas, he said, "A massive migration is taking place to cities. And I want to tell everyone: if someone knocks at your car window, don't treat them like beggars. They are farmers.They are helpless. They need food, water and access to toilets. Let's take responsibility for one person each. It's not hard." He also spoke about the High Court's order of shifting IPL matches that were scheduled to be played in Mumbai this year. He said, "Wouldn't they have to water the grounds even if there are no IPL matches? But it's an emotional issue. How can we celebrate when people are dying?" Well, that's a pretty valid point right there. indianexpress He added that we, as people, and our politicians have 'failed'. "People are concerned. But they haven't seen it first-hand. They must come here (Marathwada). People must question the system. It is a crime to be silent. Are we blind that we cannot see people are dying? If they are not our people whose are they then?" he added. Nana also had something to say about the Pratyusha Banerjee suicide case. He slammed the media for focusing on her case, "It is sad that Pratyusha (Banerjee) committed suicide. But does it have to be on Page 1 every day? Who is interested in how many times Indrani (Mukerjea) married? I detest reading newspapers." indya101 Randeep Hooda has time and again spoken on issues concerning his home state Haryana. Whether it's the Jat reservation row or renaming Gurgaon to Gurugram, he has always made valid points about major news items that most celebrities avoid speaking about. But this time, he has something more relevant to add. Randeep, whose upcoming film Laal Rang is set in Haryana, hopes that the movie will give the locals a reason to celebrate as the state has been depicted in the right light. However, the actor, who prides himself on being a Haryanvi, is upset that Bollywood's portrayal of the region has been misleading so far. mid-day "I have a grudge against some filmmakers who have shown the state in a bad light. It's not only about khap panchayat, honour killings and female infanticide. It's an interesting place but somehow, we choose to highlight the negative aspects. Bollywood associates it with crime. In the wake of the riots and everything that happened there, I hope our film will give the people of Haryana a sense of identity and the songs will give them a reason to celebrate." Randeep who played a Haryanvi in Imtiaz Ali's Highway is referred to as Bollywood's dark horse who has time and again proved he is equally good on camera, as he is off screen too. Watch out for his Sarbjit! tumblr If you haven't yet secured your car with high-end anti-theft devices, now is a good time to do it. A vehicle was stolen every 13 minutes in the capital in the first three months of the year, marking a sharp 44% rise over the same period last year. Only around 4% of these cars are recovered. Delhi saw 9,714 vehicle thefts in the the first quarter of 2016, up from 6,724 in the first three months of last year. By April 13, the number had crossed 11,000, according to police figures. Investigators blame the spurt on the creation of an app to register vehicle thefts, which has taken the pressure off local police stations to prevent and solve these cases. Car-theft investigations have virtually come to a standstill as no particular thana is held responsible any longer for unsolved cases. The app automatically gives the user an untraced report after 21 days. For the app, introduced by the previous police chief, an e-police station was created and it became the `central agency' for handling vehicle thefts. The lax policing situation in the capital has led to it attracting car thieves from outside, according to police sources. The Meerut (Sotiganj) gangs are said to have devised a new way to crack open new electronic locks of high-end cars as well. cdn.rideapart The app needs to be done away with or at least tweaked, the sources said, so that the responsibility for thefts goes back to the police. Investigators accept the situation is grim. Lack of deterrence has emboldened thieves so much that they are using techniques and gadgets to override the modern anti-theft systems. Not only do they carry duplicate electronic keys but can also neutralise engine control modules (on-board computers) in fuel-injected vehicles in a few minutes. "In 1990, a vehicle was stolen in New York City every 3.5 minutes, but new anti-theft technologies and a police crackdown ensured a 95% fall in vehicle thefts by 2013. Now, a vehicle is stolen in NYC once every 72 minutes. In Delhi, the focus is on doing away with probe," a senior cop said. Motor vehicle theft makes up a fifth of all IPC crimes reported in Delhi and it is getting better organised by the day . wikimedia All that thieves need is a window of 3 hours to dispose off a stolen vehicle, sources said. Late at night, they can cross over into Haryana or UP from any place in Delhi within half an hour. Then, getting the vehicle to a salvage yard in places such as Meerut takes only about an hour more. Using deft hands and machines, the yards take apart a car in no time, and the chances of it being traced thereafter are practically nil. While many of the stolen vehicles are dismantled for parts, some are sold in Nepal, the northeast, and also Bihar and West Bengal. indianexpress Till 2014, five-six gangs from Sotiganj in Meerut, and other areas in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana, were active in Delhi, operating in twos and threes. Today, the thieves travel in sedans in groups of six-seven. They are armed to the teeth and take away two-three vehicles at a go. The outlying police districts that share borders with neighbouring states have higher vehicle theft rates, with the maximum cases reported from east and northeast districts of UP . While the theft rate has shot up, the recovery rate remains abysmal. On average, if 100 vehicles are stolen, only four are traced. Last year, 22,223 vehicles were stolen in Delhi and 6,019 of these were cars. At the end of the year, 2,322 were found. In 2013, the number of stolen vehicles was 26,330. It was 24,231 in 2012, and 26,729 in 2011. A 24-year-old imaginative housewife, who aspired to wear the pants in the family and earn the respect of her in-laws, landed in the police net after her script went awry. Priyanka Patel, a resident of Halimni Khadki in Shahpur, did not want her husband to be controlling her. She also wanted to send across a message to the spouse, an employee with a private firm, that she was as capable as him. The couple apparently even had a tiff earlier over his remark about male dominance being the order of the day. So, she resorted to a Bollywood-style con job and got herself a Railway Protection Force uniform stitched when she went to her hometown in Madhya Pradesh. ahmedabadmirror Ten days ago, Priyanka told her husband and in-laws that she was no longer a housewife and that she had been recruited as an RPF constable. She also asked her husband to drop her to Kalupur railway station every morning for duty, which he did unfailingly. She would go back home by herself in the evening. The in-laws had no reason to disbelieve her because she also had a uniform ready. On Wednesday, too, Sanjay dropped Priyanka to the railway station. In the evening, when she was returning home, she bumped into two police constables Shivkumari and Urmila. panoramio They told Priyanka they had never seen her before and began chatting with her. When they asked her where she had undergone her training, she was flustered and at a loss for words. Sensing something fishy, the two women constables grilled her further and a nervous Priyanka spilled the beans. She told them that she was a housewife and was posing as a cop only to create a good image of herself in her husband's family. During investigation, the railway police found that for the past 10 days, she had been taking a train to Maninagar from Kalupur railway station. At Maninagar, she would spend time with other women constables. indiarailinfo The police checked the CCTV footage at both railway stations, but she was not found to be indulging in any criminal activity. Senior Inspector H C Rathwa said, "It was a race for superiority between the husband and the wife. There is no other offence against her except that she had impersonated a public servant. She has been booked her under Sections 170 and 171 of the IPC. The cops produced her in the court where she was granted bail." When Mirror contacted Priyanka, her husband answered the call and said that it was a small issue between the couple which has now been sorted. Marshal of Air Force Arjan Singh, who turned 97 on Thursday, was felicitated with a rare honour in his name. To commemorate the nation's oldest serving soldier and the only living General with a five-star rank, the Air Force base at Panagarh in West Bengal will now be known with a different name - Air Force Station Arjan Singh. veethi The station was renamed in Arjan Singh's name on 14th April by Chief of Air Staff Arup Raha. The veteran soldier is famous for commanding the Indian Air Force in the India-Pakistan War of 1965. The event that was held in Delhi saw former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Army Chief General Dalbir Singh, and others in attendance, reports NDTV. PTI The Air Force Station Arjan Singh will house the US-made C-130J military transport aircraft, capable of carrying out special operations, and be flying with the newly raised Mountain Strike Corps aimed at fighting threats from China. The second phase of the odd-even traffic restriction for fifteen days was rolled out on Friday. The government has decided to deploy 120 challan teams compared with 110 in the first trial period in January. There will also be around 1,000 more volunteers than the 4,300 put on the ground last time to spread awareness and cajole Delhiites into following the rule. Odd even starts today. Lets all join hands and resolve to make it a success. Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 15, 2016 On the first day, the traffic was comparatively less mainly because of a lot of offices remaining shut due to Navami. The real test of the scheme will be on Monday, as the scheme is not applicable on Sundays. Transport minister Gopal Rai said the Delhi government will be ramping up its enforcement to help people follow the rule. I believe people in Delhi will follow odd-even today, all need to think positively: Transport Minister Gopal Rai pic.twitter.com/qZUutiN9Cl ANI (@ANI_news) April 15, 2016 A lot of residents also expressed their support to the scheme. I think its a wonderful initiative,one of its kind tried out in country: Delhi resident on #OddEven scheme in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/MlFVPcd3rF ANI (@ANI_news) April 15, 2016 The #OddEven round 2 starts from today in Delhi. Read before stepping out. pic.twitter.com/buj4pfOUPc (@ashu3page) April 15, 2016 Odd even rule in Delhi, travel time cut by half, brilliant Sharath Sreenivasan (@sharathsr13) April 15, 2016 Odd even was first introduced by the Aam Aadmi Party government in January with an aim to control the alarming air pollution in the national capital. The scheme starts on Friday, April 15 and will end on April 30. The restrictions will be enforced from 8am to 8pm Monday through Saturday. BCCL However, unlike the first phase in January the government has a big problem ahead of it this time around - school children. While schools were closed during the first phase, the government itself has admitted that they failed to find a solution to the problem of how children will be picked up in cars after school. Moreover, even though the scheme was introduced to control pollution, by the government's own admission, pollution did not come down during the period, but it helped in easing the traffic. And just like in the first phase, women commuters are exempt from odd even this time around too. PTI To make public transport more accessible, both DTC and Delhi Metro have increased the frequency of their services. According to reports, the Kejriwal government will consider odd-even for 15 days every month if the second phase is a success. All it took for 54-year-old Tim Mahoney of Kentucky to travel more than 12,000 km -- at his own expense -- to deliver a prosthetic limb for the injured police horse Shaktiman in Dehradun was a Facebook post seeking help. TOI The 14-year-old horse's left hind leg had to be amputated after it was allegedly attacked by BJP workers near the assembly on March 14 in an incident that triggered nationwide outrage. Mussoorie MLA Ganesh Joshi, who led the workers and was arrested for the cruelty, has claimed he was not involved in the attack. Around this time, artificial limb expert Jamie Vaughan, who was treating Shaktiman, posted on Facebook that the leg would have to be couriered from Virginia and would take 8 to 10 days to reach Dehradun. She asked if anyone travelling to India would be willing to carry the leg along. Mahoney, who once worked for Bank of America and retired in 2015, chanced upon the post and felt an instant connect. hindustantimes The distance was vast, the trip was not going to be light on the pocket, and Mahoney had never met Vaughan. But he decided to undertake the journey with the sole purpose of delivering the leg for an animal in pain. "I saw the post and took the decision to deliver the artificial leg to Dehradun," Mahoney told TOI on Wednesday. He first flew to Virginia, collected the prosthetic leg from the manufacturing centre and then took a flight to New York. He reached New Delhi on April 8 and arrived in Dehradun the next day. Shaktiman was fitted with the artificial leg the same evening. While Mahoney has visited India on six occasions for professional reasons, this is his first personal visit to India and his first ever to the hill state. eprahaar "I am in love with this great country. Each visit was a memorable one and perhaps it was the love for animals and for this country, its people and culture that led me to bring the prosthetic leg," he said. Asked if the journey was worth it, Mahoney smiled and said, "Shaktiman is a beautiful horse. After seeing it I realized it was worth the effort. I will fly back to the US, where my wife and I intend to open an animal rescue centre." Every morning, Asma clears the floor of a revered tree barely 25 meters from her home while her relative Qurban Ali watches over it. Thereafter, Hindus in the vicinity offer prayers to the tree over health issues. Represenatational image/oneindia Devotees believe that the divine tree can boost intelligence level, end financial woes and enable a worshipper to master his skills. The tree, known as Ramrama, is the latest addition to the symbols of communal amity in Ayodhya, the land of Rama. "It was discovered about a decade ago and is called Ramrama because the name of Lord Rama is naturally engraved on it. Muslim families nearby take care of it, keep the premises clean and ensure that no one harms it as it is revered by Hindus," said Rajendra Prasad Majhi, a devotee who visits the place every morning. The tree was discovered by Pandit Arjun Prasad Bihari, who worked at a local publishing house, in 2005. "I had read about it in Vishnu Purana but never knew it existed. While reading a story in a special edition of Kalyan (a publication of Gita Press), I read that the tree was in a place called Ashokvan in Ayodhya which compelled me to search for it. References of Ashokvan took me to Takpura where I found it," Bihari told TOI. Represenatational image/astropeep The tree is being promoted by local organisations working to develop Ayodhya's tourism potential. Sri Saryu Avadh Balak Sewa Samiti member Ashish Mishra said, "There is so much to Ayodhya than the dispute. There are over 7,000 temples and stories of faith every ten yards but the richness of the culture is yet to attract tourists. Ramaram is being promoted as the 'tree of life' by local tourist guides." Mahant Girishpati Tripathi of Tewari Mandir is not surprised by the uniqueness of the tree. "All religious literature on Ayodhya says that Ram exists in every particle on this earth. The tree is a 'pratyaksha' (perceptible) specimen of the same," he said, adding that the uniqueness intrigues visitors. Hindus and Muslims in the area also organise fair and wrestling competitions around the tree before Shardiya Navaratra every year. Represenatational image/newindianexpress Though the botanical name of the tree is not known, seers claim that it finds mention in religious texts particularly in Vishnu Puran. According to Pandit Arjun Prasad Bihari, "Shlok number 28 on page number six of the sixth chapter in Vishnu Puran talks about the Ramaram tree. It says that Ramaram was the son of sage Kashyap and Ilaya (one of his 13 wives)." Different Hindu Puranas keep Kashyap at the centre of the story of creation. These stories say that humans, animals, fishes, birds and plants are his children. Anger is a healthy emotional response that every human experiences but how we deal with it is what defines what it becomes, healthy or unhealthy. Anyone who is always angry can relate to the fact that it could negatively affect all aspects of their lives. But did you know that heart attacks, strokes, sleep disturbances, mood issues, and anxiety , and so on could be a product of anger? Well yes! It comes in the form of Internalized anger which is bottled up and not expressed and externalized anger which is expressed in a disrespectful, aggressive, and sometimes even dangerous manner. Some of you may well already know that anger could have a negative effect on your health but some of you might not, but so we are all clear, INFORMATION NIGERIA highlights 6 signs your anger is killing you An angry outburst puts your heart at great risk: According to experts, most physically damaging is angers effect on your cardiac health. In the two hours after an angry outburst, the chance of having a heart attack doubles. Repressed anger where you express it indirectly or go to great lengths to control it, is associated with heart disease. Anger ups your stroke risk. If youre prone to lashing out, beware. One study found there are three times higher risk of having a stroke from a blood clot to the brain or bleeding within the brain during the two hours after an angry outburst. It weakens your immune system. If youre mad all the time, you just might find yourself feeling sick more often. In one study, Harvard University scientists found that in healthy people, simply recalling an angry experience from their past caused a six-hour dip in levels of the antibody immunoglobulin A, the cells first line of defense against infection. Anger problem can make your anxiety worse. If you worry a lot, its important to note that anxiety and anger can go hand-in-hand. In a 2012 study published in the journal Cognitive Behavior Therapy, researchers found that anger can exacerbate symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), a condition characterized by an excessive and uncontrollable worry that interferes with a persons daily life. Anger is also linked to depression. Numerous studies have linked depression with aggression and angry outbursts, especially in men. In depression, passive anger where you ruminate about it but never take action is common, says Aiken. His No. 1 piece of advice for someone struggling with depression mixed with anger is to get busy and stop thinking so much. Hostility can hurt your lungs: A group of Harvard University scientists studied 670 men over eight years using a hostility scale scoring method to measure anger levels and assessed any changes in the mens lung function. The men with the highest hostility ratings had significantly worse lung capacity, which increased their risk of respiratory problems. The researchers theorized that an uptick in stress hormones, which are associated with feelings of anger, creates inflammation in the airways. So guys, get a grip of your anger before for your healths sake!!! Khaled Zerkani has been given 15 years in jail by a Belgian appeal court for recruiting Islamists, including some of the Paris and Brussels attackers. He was jailed last July for 12 years but prosecutors called for a longer sentence, arguing he had corrupted entire communities of youth. Among his recruits were Paris attackers Abdelhamid Abaaoud and Chakib Akrouh, and Brussels bomber Najim Laachraoui. Zerkanis fellow recruiter Fatima Aberkane was also given 15 years. Based in the Brussels area of Molenbeek, Zerkani was seen as guru of a network that from 2012 to 2014 recruited jihadists to fight in Syria. When police dismantled the network and put 32 people on trial, at least half of them were tried in absentia because they had travelled to Syria and some of them had died there. According to court files Khalid Zerkani would not only preach to would-be jihadists but would put them in touch with smugglers in Turkey who would transport them into Syria, and would dole out stolen gifts to them earning himself the nickname Papa Noel Santa Claus. In February, federal prosecutor Bernard Michel told the Brussels court of appeal that Zerkani was the biggest recruiter of candidates for jihad that Belgium had known. He also had direct mobile contact with so-called Islamic State, he said. Thirty-two people were killed in the 22 March bomb attacks on Brussels airport and Maelbeek metro station, four days after Paris attacks suspect Salah Abdeslam was caught near his home in Molenbeek. He had been on the run for four months. BBC. Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has disclosed that when it comes to money matters, President Muhammadu Buhari is very strict. Osinbajo made this disclosure yesterday at the Old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja during the presentation of The Essentials of Beauty Therapy, a book written by the wife of the president, Hajiya Aisha Buhari. The vice president told the author not to expect large donations from him and the president as they were still on half salaries. Osinbajo, who noted that he represented Buhari at the event, said he (the vice president) was pleased to be associated with the presentation of the book. The president and I are on half salaries. The president is very strict on money issues. So, dont expect me to make a large donation, he said. The vice president noted that the day coincided with the commemoration of the second anniversary of the abduction of over 200 Chibok girls, assuring that they were still alive and would be rescued. Mr. Osinbajo, who was the special guest of honour at the event, stated that if Mrs Buhari had not gotten education, she would not have had the opportunity to impact on others. In her remarks, the wife of the president said the proceeds from the launch would be used to cater for victims of insurgency and mal-nourished children in internally displaced persons camps across the country. Earlier, chairman of the occasion and former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by his wife, Senator Oluremi, commended support for victims of insurgency. He also lauded Mrs Buhari for her effort and urged generous donations, noting that the proceeds from the book launch would go towards the rebuilding of the northeast. The book, reviewed by Dr Vivian Oputa, is designed as a workbook for the students, practitioners, tutors and provides information relevant to their specific needs in simple-to-understand language. Contents are based around the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) Vocational Enterprise Institutions, National Innovation Diploma in Cosmetology and Beauty Therapy international syllabus. The colorful event, which had Senator Daisy Danjuma as chief launcher, was attended by wife of the Vice President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir David Lawal; Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita; Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello, who represented the 36 state governors; Emir of Birnin Gwari, Mallam Zubairu Jibril Mai Gwari II; Pastor Tunde Bakare, former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke, ministers, among others. President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his working visit to China, which has yielded additional investments in Nigeria exceeding $6 billion. The president was of the belief that the several agreements concluded with the Chinese during the visit will have a huge and positive impact on key sectors of the Nigerian economy including power, solid minerals, agriculture, housing and rail transportation. According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, North South Power Company Limited and Sinohydro Corporation Limited signed an agreement valued at $478,657,941.28 for the construction of 300 Mega Watts solar power in Shiriro, Niger State. In the solid minerals sector, Granite and Marble Nigeria Limited and Shanghai Shibang signed an agreement valued at $55 million for the construction and equipping of granite mining plant in Nigeria. A total of $1 billion is to be invested in the development of a greenfield expressway for Abuja-Ibadan-Lagos under an agreement reached by the Infrastructure Bank and Sinohydro Corporation Limited. For the housing sector, both companies also sealed a $250 million deal to develop an ultra-modern 27-storey high rise complex and a $2.5 billion agreement for the development of the Lagos Metro Rail Transit Red Line project. Other agreements announced and signed during the visit include a $1 billion for the establishment of a Hi-tech industrial park in Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone in Igbesa, Ogun State. Furthermore, the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone and CNG (Nigeria) Investment Limited also signed an agreement valued at $200 million for the construction of two 500MT/day float gas facilities. An agreement valued at $363 million for the establishment of a comprehensive farm and downstream industrial park in Kogi state was also announced at the Nigeria-China business forum. Other agreements undergoing negotiations include a $500 million project for the provision of television broadcast equipment and a $25 million facility for production of pre-paid smart meters between Mojec International Limited and Microstar Company Limited. About 100 Nigerian businesses and 300 Chinese firms participated in the Nigeria-China business forum which took place a day after President Buhari began his visit to China. A Federal High Court in Abuja has again refused to grant the fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by embattled Senate President Bukola Saraki seeking to stop his ongoing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT. Delivering judgment on the matter on Friday, Justice Abdul Kafarati dismissed the application for lack of merit and constituting an abuse of court process. The judge held that the reliefs prayed for by Saraki are not cognisable under Chapter 4 of the 1999 Constitution, which lists the fundamental rights of citizens. Saraki had for the umpteenth time through his counsel Ajibola Oluyede, filed the application challenging the trial at the CCT for falling short of Article 3 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights and Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution. The Senate president prayed the court to nullify the charges brought against him on alleged false assets declaration while he was Kwara State Governor between 2003 and 2011 on the grounds that they constituted breach of his fundamental rights. Saraki argued that the prosecution wants to achieve the political objective of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to remove him as Senate president. He, therefore, prayed the court to restrain all the federal agencies involved in his prosecution for denying him fair hearing as enshrined in the Constitution. They are: the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF); the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC); Inspector General of Police (IGP); Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB); Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) and its chairman Justice Danladi Umar; Ataedze Adza; the CCB boss Sam Baba; and the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Mohammed Diri. But the judge ruled that the application constitutes an interference with the statutory functions of the agencies, maintaining that the CCT is competent to conduct the trial. He upheld the objection by counsel to EFCC, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN) and ICPC, Suleiman Abdulkarim that the issue of political objective in the prosecution is a sentimental claim that has no basis in law. There are Criminal procedure laws that put in place the method of protecting the accused, the judge added, noting that the trial cannot be regarded as an infringement of Mr. Sarakis right. Since the same appeal by the applicant was dismissed by the Court of Appeal, Mr. Kafarati stated, it is inappropriate for the applicant to approach the Federal High Court seeking similar redress. If the court grants the application, there will be conflict with the ruling of the appellate Court I do not see the need to go to the merit of the case, the judge ruled. In his reaction to the ruling, counsel to Saraki, Mr. Oluyede, said they would appeal the verdict at the Appeal Court. Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has taken his disagreement with President Muhammadu Buhari to the Chinese Government, urging the Asian country not to grant the $2 billion loan being sought by the federal government of Nigeria. In a letter dated April 12, 2016, Fayose said that as a major stakeholder in the Nigerian project, it would be unwise for the country to take additional external loan considering the fact that 25 per cent of the national annual budget is being used to service debts. He argued that the negative impact of servicing any additional foreign loan on the economy would be better imagined than experienced. The letter with reference number EK/GOV/28/10, was addressed to President Xi Jinping of China and delivered by Chief of Staff to the governor, Barrister Dipo Anisulowo in Abuja on Thursday, through the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Gu Xiaojie. Anisulowo, who was accompanied by Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon Segun Adewumi, Chairman House Committee on Information, Gboyega Aribisogan, Chairman House Committee on Health, Dr Samuel Omotosho and Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Communications and New Media, Lere Olayinka, said Governor Fayose, who is currently in China, will also deliver a copy of the letter directly to the Chinese President. The letter read in part: I write as one of the major stakeholders in the project Nigeria, and a governor of one of the federating units making up Nigeria, to draw your attention to report that the Federal Government of Nigeria is on the verge of obtaining a $2 billion loan from the Export-Import Bank of China. This $2 billion loan is part of the N1.84 trillion the Federal Government of Nigeria has proposed to borrow to finance the 2016 budget, which is yet to be signed by the President, Mohammadu Buhari owing to unending controversies between the Executive and Legislative arms of government. According to reports, Nigeria desires to raise about $5 billion abroad to cover part of its 2016 budget deficit. This is projected to hit N3 trillion ($15 billion) due to heavy infrastructure spending at a time when the slump in global oil prices has slashed the countrys export revenues. While conceding that all nations, especially developing ones need support to be able to grow because no nation is an island, I am constrained to inform you that if the future of Nigeria must be protected, the country does not need any loan at this time. The government of China should be mindful of the fact that Nigerians, irrespective of their political and religious affiliations are totally opposed to increment of the countrys debt burden, which is already being serviced with 25 per cent of the Federal Government annual budget. It will interest the government of China to know that some of the projects for which the loan is being sought are not captured in the controversial 2016 budget, which has been sent to the President by the National Assembly for his assent. For instance, the Lagos Calabar Rail project was not included in the budget proposal the President presented to the National Assembly and it was not included in the Appropriation Bill passed by the National Assembly. Most importantly, Nigeria is presently servicing debt with about 25 per cent of its annual budget and what will happen to the economy in 2017, when the country will begin to service the additional debt to be incurred this year is better imagined than experienced. The Chinese government must also be aware that some western nations approached by the Federal Government for loan diplomatically and cleverly declined. This must have been informed by the suspicion in the present governments capacity to salvage the nations economy as well as the sincerity in the fight against corruption. More so that Nigerias Foreign Reserve, which is the only guarantee for foreign loan has declined to a very uncomfortable level. Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State yesterday led a federal government delegation to Chibok, the community where over 200 schoolgirls were abducted two years ago by Boko Haram. The delegation, which included Ministers of Environment Amina Mohammed; State for Power, Works and Housing, Mustapha Baba Shehuri; State for Budget and National Planning, Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed and Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Social Investments, Maryam Uwais, interacted with parents of the abducted girls. Others who visited Chibok on the second year anniversary of the abduction included Senate Majority Leader, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume; Senator Binta Masi Garba from Adamawa State, a founding member of the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) Group, Hadiza Bala Usman, and state government officials. The visitors, who traveled by road from Maiduguri, the state capital to Chibok, a journey of about three and a half hours and returned by evening, under heavy security, were greeted by the horrible sights of Boko Harams destruction in communities along Maiduguri-Damboa road. The leader of an association of parents of the remaining 219 Chibok girls still held captive by Boko Haram, Mr. Yakubu Nkeki, read an emotional poetry written by the parents to express how much they miss their daughters, and hoping for their return. We dont know whether you are dead or alive, whether you have eaten or not, whether you are forced to do things you wouldnt want to do or not but we miss you and pray for you the note says as parents wept profusely. The parents expressed concerns on the silence on the report of a Presidential fact-finding committee set up former President Goodluck Jonathan to establish facts surrounding the abduction of their children. The parents demanded that the committees report be made public so that they will know if anyone has questions to answer. The committee submitted its report in 2014 but has not been made public. In his remarks, Governor Shettima said his administration shared the pains of the Chibok parents and was working hard with the Federal Government for the release of the girls. Leader of the federal delegation and Environment Minister, Ms. Mohammed said President Buhari sent them to Chibok to show the extent of his affection for the traumatized parents. It is with heavy heart that we visit today. We visit today because it is not for want of efforts that your children, our children have not been found. We had prayed that we will bring good news to you now, but the only news that we are bringing to you is our continuous commitment to bring back those daughters to their families and their communities, she said. Ms. Muhammad said that government would continue to liaise with the military and its allies in the international community towards finding the girls. He wants your daughters back and he wants all other captives back, he wants to end this insurgency and he is doing everything to achieve these important objectives that top his priorities since assumption of office, the Minister said. Senator Masi corroborated the remarks by Shettima and Mohammed just as she quoted from the Bible. Masi, who hails from Michika in Adamawa State, said: Insurgents have no regards for religion, they attack anyone no matter your religion. A founding member of the BBOG group, Aisha Usman, broke down in tears when it was her time to address the parents. I know exactly how you feel, she said and could not continue. Mrs Uwais, also a founding member of the BBOG, called on the parents to remain strong, assuring that government was doing everything within its powers to rescue their daughters and others still being held captive by Boko Haram. The Minister later announced governments donation of a truck of food items, clothing and money to the mothers of the missing girls. Apparently not done with spilling the beans on how the June 21, 2014 governorship election in Ekiti State was allegedly manipulated in favour of Governor Ayo Fayose, Dr. Tope Aluko, has again opened up on how the plot was perfected inside a hotel barely a week before the poll. Aluko, who was Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state at the time of the election, alleged that sensitive materials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), such as ballot papers and result sheets, were delivered to PDP chieftains to allow for the manipulation of the poll long before the first ballot was cast. The former PDP scribe made these fresh allegations while speaking on a special interview programme on Wednesday on ADABA 88. 9 FM, Akure. He claimed that the electoral materials were delivered through Akure Airport, Ondo State and taken to a hotel owned by Fayoses Chief of Staff, Dipo Anisulowo in Are-Ekiti, where the alleged manipulation was carried out. He said ballot papers were thumb-printed and result sheets filled by PDP members, which gave the party undue advantage. Mr. Aluko also alleged that Department of State Services (DSS) operatives led by an unnamed female officer, stormed the said hotel owned by Anisulowo and arrested PDP chieftains engaged in the illegal act but they were released within three hours because according to him we (PDP) were in government at that time. The whistleblower further claimed that a lorry conveying some of the electoral materials was intercepted by soldiers led by the recently retired Brig.-Gen. Aliyu Momoh but again, they were released following orders from above. According to him, the Fayose administration received the refund of the N5.2 billion spent on Ado-Ifaki highway by the Kayode Fayemi administration but that the governor initially denied until it was confirmed by former President Goodluck Jonathan during the PDP presidential campaign rally. He also alleged that the money was diverted to the Ado-Ekiti flyover, following the outcry generated. Aluko said: Ask him (Fayose) why did (former Works Commissioner) Kayode Oso flee? Finance Commissioner Toyin Ojo told DSS interrogators about the states finances, including the N5.2 billion refunded on the Ado-Ifaki Road carried out by Fayemi. You will recall that the governor denied receiving the refund but Ojos revelation made him (Fayose) divert the money for the flyover. Responding to questions on the threat by the Ekiti Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Owoseni Ajayi to prosecute him, Mr. Aluko said Ajayi is also liable for prosecution for his alleged role in an attack on a court. He said: I pity Owoseni Ajayi who is saying that I should be prosecuted because he (Ajayi) was the one who disrupted the delivery of a ruling by Justice Olusegun Ogunyemi. Owoseni told Fayose on phone that should the judge deliver the ruling on the perjury case, it would go against him and his planned swearing-in would be in jeopardy. Aluko also denied that his disagreement with the governor stemmed from Fayose reneging on a gentlemans agreement to make him Chief of Staff. According to him, I am not doing this because I was denied appointment. I discovered that this man has no plans for Ekiti and I went to him that Oga, its almost a year in office now and we have not done anything for the people. Fayose replied me by saying dont worry, Ekiti people are easy to deceive because by the time you buy them ponmo (cow skin) and booli (roasted plantain), you have stolen their hearts. It was there that our crisis started. The issue of Chief of Staff was secondary. Fayose derailed from our blueprint for the development of Ekiti. He cancelled the monthly allowances for the aged. He imposed taxes on primary school pupils, among his other anti-people policies but when I reminded him, he told me that Ekiti people are gullible. I need the prayer of Nigerians so that I will not fall prey to the evil machinations of those planning to kill me by all means because of the truth I told Nigerians. Federal police may have been involved in the abduction and murder of 43 students in Guerrero state two years ago, Mexico has said for the first time. The admission comes after its national human rights commission found a witness who came forward with evidence. The witness reported that two federal police and a third municipal police force were present when the students were taken off a bus and may have even participated in their disappearance, Jose Larrieta Carrasco, the commission member leading the case, said. Thursdays announcement added a new twist to a probe that has come under fire from international human rights groups and independent investigators. The attorney general said the students had been taken by the corrupt officers and given to a drug cartel, who killed them and dumped their bodies, adding that the announcement would deepen this line of investigation. International investigators say there is no evidence to support this. A federal police statement said the allegations were not new and that all officers present in the region that night gave statements, but that for the moment no wrongdoing was found against any agents. Prosecutors have already charged municipal police officers in connection with the mass abduction in Iguala, a city in Guerrero, on September 26-27, 2014. The bus was one of five that around 100 students had seized that night to use for a future protest. Iguala police officers opened fire on the buses before the students disappeared. The commission said the police fired on the tyres of the bus that stopped near the courthouse, prompting the students to toss rocks at the police. Aljazeera. Punch The immediate past Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, on Thursday said lack of political will to save oil revenue under former President Goodluck Jonathan was responsible for the challenges facing the country presently. Vanguard ENUGUSeveral people were injured while two houses were burnt at Alor Uno in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State following crises between the Ejuona people and their Ugbene neighbours over which of them were the aborigines or slaves. Thisday Following the broadcast of the proof of life video showing 15 of the abducted Chibok girls by US cable news network, CNN on Wednesday, THISDAY has confirmed that the 219 girls who were kidnapped from their secondary school in Chibok, Borno State, exactly two years ago have been broken up into groups and are being offered by different Boko Haram cells to federal government negotiators in exchange for huge sums of money. The Sun (NAN) The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has assured Nigerians that President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to fulfilling his campaign promises to the people Daily Times President Muhammadu Buhari has given assurance that his administration would give priority to building and developing resilient and viable cities. Guardian Nigeria loses about $14 billion to disputes between farmers and pastoralists in the Middle Belt region, according to new DFID funded research by the global humanitarian organisation, Mercy Corps. National Mirror Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, yesterday said Boko Haram terrorists are taking advantage of the recent pastoralist/ sedentary farmers conflict to further their dastardly agenda. Leadership The Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has explained that the federal government is negotiating with MTN Nigeria Ltd over the N1.04trn fine to show that it has no intention of penalising the telecommunications giant out of business Tribune For the first time in the United Nations 70-year history, candidates have taken part in public questioning by foreign delegates. Representatives from the 193 member states were eager at Thursdays session to know their stance on pressing issues, including the refugee crisis, the future of peacekeeping missions, gender equality, the economic impact of sanctions, peace talks in the Middle East, and implementing the ambitious 2030 Agenda. The world is changing rapidly as it faces a surge of transnational conflicts, poverty and inequality, the largest refugee crisis since World War II, and dwindling resources in the least developed countries. One person the leader of the UN is supposed to represent the interests of all seven billion people on our planet. But with a torrent of crises spanning the globe and calls for an overhaul of the UN getting louder amid several scandals, it will not be an easy job. Nine people think they are up to the task and want to succeed Ban Ki-moon as secretary-general, whose second five-year term ends on December 31. For the most difficult job in the world we now have the most difficult job interview of the world, said Mogens Lykketoft, the president of the General Assembly. Over the course of three days from April 12-14, each candidate was given two hours each to speak in front of a crowded General Assembly. People from 70 countries also submitted more than 1,000 questions on social media under #UNSGcandidates. We are sailing into uncharted waters here, Lykketoft said. The televised debate is meant to make the selection more transparent, inclusive and unbiased. This public scrutiny is also intended to hold the future leader accountable to promises made during the candidacy. The change ends the UN member states long-felt frustration that the five permanent members of the Security Council the US, Britain, France, China and Russia held sole power over selecting the secretary-general, which they did behind closed doors until today. Aljazeera. The senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, yesterday affirmed that the 219 schoolgirls abducted in Chibok, Borno State two years ago by Boko Haram insurgents are alive. He said the recent video of some of the girls released by a Boko Haram source on the commemoration of the second anniversary of the abduction, showed the veracity of their parents claims. Sani, who spoke on CNN, said negotiations with Boko Haram for the release of the girls remained frozen, given the military campaign against the insurgents. He, however, advised government to treat any offer of negotiation with caution to avoid the pitfalls which prevented the previous administration from securing the release of the girls. He said: Negotiation at this stage has been frozen, because of the military campaign emphasised by the government. And I believe there is a need to explore the option of negotiation to ensure that the girls are brought back home alive. In the last three to four credible negotiations with the group (Boko Haram) on the issue of the girls, they were emphasising on the need to release their members that have been in detention for years. The issue of ransom came very late. What is important is to get these girls out. There are three ways to which we can get them out. One is to negotiate. And secondly is to use force, but the use of force comes with implication and consequences. Thirdly, it is to use force and continue to open the door of negotiation. I believe the third option is very much needed. We need to continue to use force to show it clearly to the insurgents that they cant win militarily and also to open the door for negotiation, which will make it possible for the girls to be brought back home alive. On how the government can recognise the credibility of Boko Haram negotiators, Sani, who once led an initiative involving former President Olusegun Obasanjo to negotiate, said: We should be very careful at this time. But, the fact that we can get such a very credible video from some sources; it shows that those sources are elements that need to be used to achieve the goal of getting these girls out I believe Nigeria should take this opportunity. The last government fell into the hands of many scammers, but I believe with such a very credible video, there is hope that these girls are alive. And the sources that provided the video should be used to get the girls out. The rights activist also lauded President Muhammadu Buhari, saying he has confronted insurgency with a decisive action. According to him, the present administration had made significant progress in ending the problem even though more still needed to be done in routing the insurgents. Sani also urged government not to abandon the path of negotiation even as he hailed the #BringBackOurGirls campaigners for keeping the abduction on the front burner. On the night of 1415 April 2014, 276, female students were kidnapped from the Government Secondary School in the town of Chibok in Borno State, Nigeria Responsibility for the kidnappings was claimed by Boko Haram, an extremist and terrorist organization based in northeastern Nigeria. 57 of the schoolgirls managed to escape over the next few months and some have described their capture in appearances at international human rights conferences. On that night of 1415 April 2014, a group of militants attacked the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Nigeria. They broke into the school, pretending to be guards, telling the girls to get out and come with them. A large number of students were taken away in trucks, possibly into the Konduga area of the Sambisa Forest where Boko Haram were known to have their fortified camps. Houses in Chibok were also burned down in the incident. The school had been closed for four weeks prior to the attack due to the deteriorating security situation, but students from multiple schools had been called in to take final exams in physics. After Juniper Networks discovered unauthorized code in its networking gear late last year, the company's developers launched an internal code review for its other networking product lines. As a result of the effort, Juniper found and patched a number of security vulnerabilities in Junos OS, the FreeBSD-based operating system used in Juniper's routing, switching, and security devices, that could lead to privilege escalation, denial-of-service, and spoofing attacks. The good news is Juniper didn't uncover any vulnerabilities that were already being exploited. More good news: The patches are available and should be applied. Juniper Networks launched an investigation into all of its products late last year after discovering unauthorized code in its ScreenOS software, which is used in NetScreen firewall, VPN, and other traffic-shaping technology. The unauthorized code let attackers remotely gain administrator access to affected devices via SSH and telnet, as well as to decrypt VPN traffic passing through the network appliance. Security experts concluded that multiple nation-state groups, including the NSA, had most likely taken advantage of the weakness in ScreenOS encryption and had been able to decrypt and monitor Juniper traffic in the United States and around the world. The big question back then was whether other Juniper gear had been similarly compromised. The answer so far seems to be no. Issues fixed in Junos OS Juniper's internal product security testing team found multiple escalation-of-privilege flaws in Junos OS. Attackers can exploit certain combinations of Junos OS command-line commands and arguments to gain root access (CVE-2016-1271) to the operating system, according to the Juniper Networks SIRT (Security Incident Response Team). The vulnerability, which has a common vulnerability scoring system (CVSS) value of 7.8 and is rated as high severity, would let attackers achieve elevated privileges and gain complete control of the device, the advisory warned. Fixes are available in the following versions: Junos OS 12.1X46-D45, 12.1X47-D30, 12.3R11, 12.3X48-D25, 13.2R8, 13.3R7, 14.1R6, 14.2R4, 15.1R1, 15.1F2, 15.1X49-D15, and all subsequent releases. "No other Juniper Networks products or platforms are affected by these issues," the advisory said. As a workaround, administrators can also use access lists or firewall filters to limit access to the router's CLI only from trusted hosts or from "highly trusted" administrators. Juniper said these vulnerabilities are currently not being exploited in the wild. Juniper also fixed a BGP processing bug that could crash the RPD daemon in any product or platform running Junos OS with family BGP-based L2VPN or VPLS (CVE-2016-1270). Upon receipt of a specially crafted BGP "family l2vpn" update message, the RPD daemon would crash and restart. With enough volume, this attack could lead to an extended denial-of-service attack. The good news is that the vulnerability can't easily be exploited because it's configuration-specific, as well as the fact the attack vector can be triggered only from inside the customer network. Finally, Juniper closed 11 security vulnerabilities in the cURL and libcurl libraries, which are related to the ability to download updates or import data into Junos devices. Of the 11, only three have a CVSS score of higher than 5.5. The fixes are in Libcurl and cURL versions 7.42.1. The denial-of-service flaw in hostname processing is the most severe, with a CVSS score of 9, as remote attackers could use a zero-length host name (http://:80, for example) to cause an out-of-bounds read or write error and crash the system. The other denial-of-service bug in cookie sanitization (CVE-2015-3145) could let remote attackers cause an out-of-bounds read or write error with a cookie path containing only a double-quote character. The final bug in libcurl's DarwinSSL implementation would allow man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers via a specially crafted TLS certificate. The ongoing ScreenOS saga Juniper recently updated ScreenOS to swap out controversial random-number-generator components for a more modern and superior method. Experts believe nation-state snoops were able to spy on digital communications because ScreenOS had used DUAL_EC_DRBG and ANSI X9.31 random-number-generator components, which are considered flawed. ScreenOS now uses HMAC-DRBG, "the same random-number-generation technology currently employed across (its) broad portfolio of Junes OS products," Juniper said in a brief bulletin posted last week. That latest version, ScreenOS 6.3.0r22, contains the changed code. Juniper Networks has been quiet about its reasons for using DUAL_EC in the first place, but it's a good sign that the company has changed how ScreenOS handles encryption. In case administrators missed it, devices running ScreenOS was also susceptible to the DROWN attack, as it supported the long-deprecated SSLv2 protocol. The vulnerability was fixed in ScreenOS 6.3.0r19. Administrators could also disable SSLv2 and SSLv3 manually via the "unset ssl ssl3" CLI command. There's no such thing as bug-free software, so Juniper's code review is welcome. There may be no other signs that anyone else has backdoored the company's networking gear, but nation-state spooks aren't the only malicious actors to worry about. Prioritize and apply those patches before someone exploits those flaws. Lean Hogs Weekly Forecast Kolhanov.com - 7 minutes ago The uptrend may be expected to continue, while market is trading above support level 89.150, which will be followed by reaching resistance level 93.025. Feeder Cattle Weekly Forecast Kolhanov.com - 8 minutes ago The uptrend may be expected to continue, while market is trading above support level 178.550, which will be followed by reaching resistance level 183.550 and 188.250. Live Cattle Weekly Forecast Kolhanov.com - 9 minutes ago The uptrend may be expected to continue, while market is trading above support level 151.775, which will be followed by reaching resistance level 156.475. Soybean Oil Weekly Forecast Kolhanov.com - 10 minutes ago The downtrend may be expected to continue, while market is trading below resistance level 73.75, which will be followed by reaching support level 68.16 and if it keeps on moving down below that level,... 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Natural gas Weekly Forecast Kolhanov.com - 16 minutes ago The downtrend may be expected to continue in case the market drops below support level 4.980, which will be followed by reaching support level 4.459 and 3.876 By Kay Miller Temple People store stuff, and lots of it. Stuff has value, whether it be based on cost, functionality or sentimentality. But the real value of stuff becomes fully apparent when that stuff is lost, damaged or destroyed. Though a self-storage operator isnt responsible for damage to tenants stored goods, bad things can happen at a facility, including natural disasters and accidents. Operators brace themselves for loss by actively managing risk through various measures. They can also help tenants understand and manage their own individual risk. There are two options for customers to protect their stuff in storage: tenant insurance and tenant-protection plans. Both can bring in extra facility revenue, but the latter does impact owner risk. Because these products are sometimes influenced by state regulations, experts say its important to understand the particulars of each. Most self-storage operators are familiar with tenant insurance but may have questions about protection plans. Heres an overview. History The ability to manage the risk associated with storing goods has changed over the industry's history. In the early years, operators relied on a "release of liability" provision in their rental agreement, which stated stored property wasnt the facility owner's responsibility. Then came a tenant-insurance product. At first, customers mailed their premiums directly to the insurance company, with no involvement from the facility operator. But in the 1980s, when self-storage management software became a standard business tool, something new happened: Facility owners became directly involved with offering insurance. These transactions were focused on tenant convenience, says Ted Dobbs, protection sales leader with Phoenix-based Deans & Homer. Insurance products were offered, premiums were collected and sent to the insurer, and a commission was passed to the facility. Later, this involvement was determined by certain government bodies to be an insurance transaction requiring a license and subject to oversight by state insurance regulatory agencies. Since then, assisting tenants with protection has become a "good news/bad news" situation, according to Dobbs, whose company has more than 35 years of experience insuring the self-storage industry. At the time of this writing, 16 states have enacted some form of law to allow a limited license for managers or facility owners to offer pay-with-rent insurance. This is good news for operators in those 16 states, Dobbs says, but its a problem for operators in the other 34 states and the District of Columbia. As an alternative to traditional tenant insurance, tenant-protection plans emerged in 2002. The Basics One philosophy behind the protection plan is risk sharing. Due to its flexibilityand with companies offering different productstheres no strict, standard, one-size-fits-all definition of a protection plan. So perhaps understanding what a protection plan is begins with understanding what its not. "The protection agreement is not insurance, it is not a warranty, and does not require the owner/operator to have an insurance license," Dobbs says. "The agreement is part of the rental agreement and is simply the transfer of some limited liability for loss or damage to stored property back from the tenant to the owner in exchange for additional rent. The facility owner may retain all of the potential liability created by this agreement, or they may transfer part of or all of that risk to an insurance company by purchasing a separate policy of contractual liability insurance." Matt Schaller, vice president of sales and client services at Tenant Property Protection, says protection plans involve an action called contractual risk transfer. "An agreement to indemnify another is not insurance and has nothing to do with insurance," Schaller says. "This point cannot be overemphasized. Indemnification is the contractual promise of one party to make the other party whole after a loss or occurrence. Since the process of indemnification is not insurance, protection plans do not fall under the licensing laws of the states." Protection plans can have a $0 deductible along with a purchase-value coverage as opposed to actual-cash-value coverage often found in tenant insurance. In addition, traditional insurance often has an "other insurance" clause usually not found with protection plans, according to Schaller. "This clause can severely penalize and reduce the loss payment to a storage tenant if they have a homeowner's, renter's or business owner's policy in place at the same time, he says. Protection plans offer much more flexibility in operation and program design." Pros and Cons Making a decision about a protection plan involves looking at the pros and cons from the perspective of the tenant and the self-storage business. Tenants can purchase a protection plan for their goods directly from their storage facility, which is convenient. This does, however, increase the risk for the business, prompting some operators to purchase another insurance product to lessen risk. Theres also the potential for a tenant to be unhappy with the outcome of his claim as settled by the facility. Another issue is protection products are often still viewed as insurance. Some insurers in the industry have said that no matter how you label the product, it could still be scrutinized by state regulatory agencies. But there are also many positives to offering a protection plan, for both tenants and operators, according to Joseph Torrisi, executive vice president of insurance services for On the Move Inc. Offering such a product can actually enhance the customer experience. "The relationship and the sharing of risk are agreed upon between the tenant and the facility, not a third-party insurance carrier that has no interest in the facility's reputation or relationship with the tenant," Torrisi says. Flexibility with pricing is an additional plus. "Prices charged to tenants for protection plans are set by the facility, or essentially the free market," Torrisi says. "We have facilities that are offering products at no additional charge, giving the facility a competitive edge in the marketplace." Theres also a benefit to having a facility insured by one policy as opposed to hundreds of individual tenant-insurance policies. In addition, theres the increased facility revenue obtained from charging for the coverage. "Operators not only benefit from the income opportunity, the revenue is also counted as additional rent, adding tremendous value to the portfolio," Torrisi says. When considering a protection plan, its important to understand what it is and isnt, as well as what it can and cant do. This knowledge is an essential step in limiting your business liability and offering customers peace of mind. Kay Miller Temple has spent 30 years in health careand recently received a Master's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Walter Cronkite School at Arizona State University. To read more articles by Kay, visit www.insideselfstorage.com. Valet self-storage operator Clutter has raised $20 million in a Series B round of investment to help fund expansion to new markets. The round was provided by Sequoia Capital, a Menlo Park, Calif., venture-capital firm, which also led a $9 million infusion for the company last October. Clutter previously announced its intent to add seven more metropolitan markets this year, including Boston and Houston. "Clutter's strong use of technology enables them to provide a step-function better storage experience at price parity with the incumbents in this $30 billion market," Omar Hamoui, a partner at Sequoia, said in a press release. "[The Clutter team has] surpassed all our expectations, and we're excited to double down on our support for their efforts to build a transformative company." Clutter has grown nearly five times since Sequoias investment six months ago, now employing a staff of 175 across its service markets, the release stated. Hamoui believes the valet-storage operators business model and customer-payment structure bode well for the long term. This is more of a high-value subscription business than a one-off purchase," he told the "Los Angeles Times. "The revenue is fairly regular and recurring." Clutter has now raised $32.3 million in capital investment. "To have had Sequoia, an investor in Google, Apple, YouTube and other landmark companies, lead both of our rounds is a true testament to their belief in not only the team that we've created, but the market opportunity ahead of us," Brian Thomas, co-founder and CEO of Clutter, said in the release. "Sequoia's world-class guidance and resources will allow us to continue our vision of making the world more convenient." The latest investment came from Sequoias Growth Fund as opposed to its Venture Fund, which provided the first infusion. The last company to receive investments from both funds was WhatsApp, a cross-platform mobile-messaging app, which was acquired in 2014 by Facebook for about $22 billion, the source reported. Similar to other valet-style storage operators, Clutter offers by-the-bin storage targeted at urban residents who dont have adequate home storage. The Los Angeles-based company uses an online platform that allows customers to schedule free item pickup, maintain an image catalog of stored bins and bulky items, and schedule delivery of items to their home. The company launched in 2013 and offers service in Northern and Southern California, New Jersey and New York. With an impressive career that spans banking and politics, the wife of the U.S. presidential hopeful is a fundraising force in his campaign. Heidi Cruz may be standing by her man during the race for the Republican presidential nomination, but shes turned the stereotype of the conservative, churchgoing couple on its head. A working mom and a power broker in her own right, investment banker Cruz is more Hillary Clinton than Laura Bush. By using her Wall Street connections to help husband Ted Cruz finance his Oval Office run, though, the Goldman Sachs Group managing director has given ammunition to critics of moneys influence on U.S. politics. Ted loves the business Im in, Cruz said during a 2011 panel discussion on women in finance at Claremont McKenna College in her native California, where she earned a BA in economics and international relations in 1994. No doubt. Tax returns released by the Cruz campaign in late February show that the couple earned $1.2 million in 2014 significantly more than Teds $174,000 salary as a U.S. senator for Texas. Meanwhile, Ted has gathered almost $120 million in political donations, making him the financial front-runner among Republican candidates, more than $80 million ahead of Donald Trump. Theres no telling how much Heidi pulled in herself, but shes regarded as the secret to Teds fundraising success. Cruz, 43, has always been an overachiever. The daughter of Seventh-day Adventist missionaries, she earned a master of European business degree from the Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management and an MBA from Harvard Business School before turning 30. Her first job out of college was as an investment banker at J.P. Morgan & Co. in New York, where she focused on international structured finance and Latin American mergers and acquisitions. Cruz then took a detour into politics by decamping to Austin, Texas, to join then-governor George W. Bushs 2000 presidential election campaign as an economic adviser. There she met her future husband, an attorney who also served on the Bush team. Cruz went on to spend four years in Washington, working as a special policy assistant to Robert Zoellick, then chief U.S. international trade negotiator, before becoming director of the U.S. Department of the Treasurys Latin America desk and adviser to National Security Council head Condoleezza Rice. In 2004 she took a position with Merrill Lynch & Co. in Houston as an energy investment banker to be closer to Ted, who had recently been appointed solicitor general of Texas. The following year she moved to Goldman Sachs, where she now heads the firms Southwest private wealth division. Although Cruz is on an unpaid leave of absence from Goldman, she and Ted have been dogged by criticism for their ties to the financial industry. One of the biggest knocks against the couple is that they took out a margin loan from Goldman and a private line of credit from Citibank, both between $250,000 and $500,000, to fund Teds 2012 Senate bid. The fact that the Cruzes didnt correctly disclose the Goldman loan to the Federal Election Commission has made them a bigger target for advocates of caps on campaign spending. For his part, GOP rival Trump never misses an opportunity to cast Ted Cruz as beholden to lobbyists and special interests. Though shes worked as an investment professional for more than a decade, Heidi Cruz still talks like a politician. The job that I have at that firm is, in many ways, in my view, the heart of helping people who have achieved the American dream, she said of her Goldman post in a recent interview with CNN. I have no doubt that she might really interpret the work that shes doing in that way, says R. Marie Griffith, director of the John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics at Washington University in St. Louis. So far in the campaign, the Cruzes have come to represent Wall Street as much as Washington and the front pew at church. People in my field are a little bewildered right now because it seems like religion matters less in this election than its mattered in a long time, Griffith says. New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli takes nothing for granted. Since 2007, when the New York State legislature appointed him, DiNapoli has shown a progressive bent by striving to restore a higher level of ethics and transparency to his office. This push stems from recent scandals, he says. DiNapolis predecessor, Alan Hevesi, resigned as part of a plea deal after being accused of misusing state employees to care for his ill wife and was later imprisoned for corruption. Because of the circumstances under which he came into office, DiNapoli has had to earn the publics trust. His efforts have paid off: He was elected twice, in 2010 and 2014. He may be one of the most unique politicians that weve seen in New York State history, says veteran political consultant Hank Sheinkopf, whose past clients include Mike Bloomberg, Bill Clinton and former New York governor Eliot Spitzer. Hes perfectly satisfied to be where he is and to get up and do this job every day. Soon after being sworn in, DiNapoli launched a series of reforms at the New York State Common Retirement Fund, including the creation of an aggressive Pension Fund Task Force. Among his other changes to date: a ban on so-called pay-to-play practices that prohibits the fund from working with investment advisers who have donated to the state comptroller or a candidate for the post, more third-party oversight and monthly reporting of investment transactions. A big part of what were known for is managing the third-largest public pension fund in the nation, which weve been doing under difficult circumstances, DiNapoli, 62, tells Institutional Investor. New York State Common has grown to $189.4 billion from $156.6 billion in 2007, having hit a low of $100.9 billion in 2009. In New York State and elsewhere, public pension funds have come under attack in recent years. For example, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie has cut payments to his states underfunded pension system and argued that it should become a hybrid of a defined benefit and a defined contribution plan. U.S. public pensions are only 80 percent funded, according to the Lexington, Kentuckybased Council of State Governments. DiNapoli, who holds a masters degree in human resources management from the New School and served as a member of the New York State Assembly from 1987 through 2007, has spoken up for defined benefit pensions and their cost-effectiveness. Hes also worked toward integrating environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into New York State Commons investment strategy. In December the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) announced a $5 billion commitment to sustainable investments, the first of which is the creation of a $2 billion index that will exclude or reduce allocations to coal-mining companies and other businesses with a big carbon footprint. Besides being the funds sole fiduciary, DiNapoli and his office publish audits of state agencies, public authorities and local governments, and reports on issues that affect New Yorkers. The OSC recently challenged the Metropolitan Transportation Authoritys subway delay statistics as misleading and released its latest annual report on Wall Street bonuses, which have declined since 2013. Both the state and city budgets depend heavily on the securities industry, and lower profits could mean fewer industry jobs and less tax revenue, DiNapoli wrote in a March 7 statement on this years Wall Street report. The veteran politician developed a zeal for social improvement early in life. There was that cauldron of activism and engagement that had a big impact on me in my formative years, DiNapoli recalls of the 1960s and 70s, citing the womens and civil rights movements. At age 18 he became a trustee of the Mineola Board of Education on his native Long Island, an achievement that made him New York States youngest elected official at the time. DiNapoli, whos running for reelection in 2018, has no plans to slow down. In an era where, postGreat Recession, people care about finances both personal and at the state level, I think the work of this office is more relevant in these tough times than ever, he says. Toyota is set to team up with Microsoft and global insurance company Aioi Nissay to launch a usage based insurance product in the United States.The three companies will come together in a joint-venture which will see them use their expertise to launch in the ever-expanding market, according to Nikkei Asian Review.Aioi Nissay, a unit of international insurance group MS&AD, will take a 50% stake in the business with Toyota taking 45% and Microsoft the remaining 5% as the business looks to launch by May 2017.According to Nikkei Asian Review, the JV will aim for approximately 450 ,000 policies by 2020 and an insurance income of $55 million as insurers across America will be offered model insurance plans and pricing data for an 8% fee.The rumoured insurance business follows closer ties between Toyota and Microsoft as the two businesses will work together on connected cars.Toyota announced this week that they will launch Toyota Connected to serve as a data hub for the business and Microsoft will provide cloud solutions for the enterprise.Weve all been talking about big data for a long time, but we are at a unique point in history where the technology is catching up with what we hope to achieve by delivering new services and capabilities into the vehicle, said Zack Hicks, president and chief executive officer of Toyota Connected.Well be able to bring you services that make your life easier, and push the technology into the background and give you those things you really want, which isnt a blaring screen, its really letting people know that youre running late for a meeting.Kurt DelBene, Microsofts executive vice president of corporate strategy and planning, said that the two businesses will work closely on the future of the automotive industry.The automotive industry is undergoing a massive transformation as drivers increasingly see their cars as mobile devices that extend their digital lifestyle, DelBene said.That means people now care as much about their cars computing power as its horsepower. So were working closely with carmakers, including this deep partnership with Toyota, to make automobiles more intelligent with sensors, screens, connectivity and vast networks of data that will help improve the whole driving experience.Leading law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has announced that they have hired a senior partner from DLA Piper.Samantha Kelly has joined the business in Sydney following her time as a senior insurance partner at DLA Piper and its predecessor DLA Phillips Fox.Kellys experience is in the defence of general liability and casualty claims, product liability, environmental liability and defamation and she follows Jacques Jacobs who switched from DLA Piper to Norton Rose Fulbright last month. Wayne Spanner, Norton Rose Fulbright managing partner in Australia, said that the recent additions to the insurance team highlight the quality of the practice.The addition of someone with Samanthas experience and capability caps off a series of quality appointments to our national insurance team, Spanner said.We are proud of the track record we have gained in advising international and domestic insurers, and look forward to continuing to help those clients with the addition of Samanthas skills in class actions, general litigation and commissions of inquiry.Kelly said that the move comes as the law firm looks to lead the way in environmental liability.I am pleased to be joining a global law firm that has made a significant investment in the provision of international insurance advice, especially in contentious matters and those involving environmental liability.I look forward to working alongside the Australian insurance partners and the other high quality insurance teams in the UK, the US and around the world.The likelihood of a La Nina climate event developing before the end of 2016 is now at 50%, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has said.La Nina, often associated with above-average winter to spring rainfall over northern, central and eastern Australia, could follow hot on the heels of El Nino the effects of which is still being felt albeit in a weakened form.While the 201516 El Nino remains at weak to moderate levels, recent changes in the tropical Pacific Ocean and atmosphere, combined with current climate model outlooks, suggest the likelihood of La Nina in 2016 has increased to around 50%, the BOM said in a statement.As a result, the Bureau's ENSO Outlook status has moved to La Nina WATCH.The BOM said that while long-term forecasts may lack accuracy at this stage, more than 60% of models surveyed show that La Nina is now likely.International climate models suggest El Nino will continue to weaken during the southern autumn, returning to neutral levels by mid-2016, the statement continues.By spring, five of the eight surveyed models suggest La Nina is likely, with three neutral.ENSO forecasts made at this time of year tend to have lower accuracy than at other times, with a clearer picture to emerge over the coming months.The likelihood of La Nina is not the only thing to watch, the BOM said, as warming temperatures could also lead to more rain over the winter months.Australia's climate is also being influenced by record warm temperatures in the Indian Ocean, the statement continued.The warmth in the Indian Ocean will likely provide extra moisture for rain systems as they cross Australia during the southern autumn. A Potomac, Maryland, physician who owned and operated a pain management clinic has been sentenced to 9 years in prison for a $3 million health care fraud scheme. Sixty-year-old Paramjit Singh Ajrawat was also ordered to forfeit and pay restitution of $3 million at sentencing on April 11 in federal court in Greenbelt, Maryland. The U.S. Attorneys Office said in a news release that Paramjit Ajrawat and his wife, Dr. Sukhveen Kaur Ajrawat, owned and operated Washington Pain Management Center in Greenbelt. Prosecutors say the Ajrawats filed claims for procedures that were not performed to Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE and other federal health benefit programs. They were convicted in September of numerous offenses, including health care and wire fraud, obstruction of justice, and aggravated identity theft. Prosecutors say Sukhveen Ajrawat died in February. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Fraud Maryland The maker of the assault rifle used in the 2012 massacre of more than two dozen students and teachers must face a lawsuit by victims families accusing Bushmaster Firearms International LLC of wrongfully selling the weapon to civilians. Connecticut State Judge Barbara Bellis on Thursday rejected Bushmasters argument that a 2005 federal law shields gunmakers. The families claim Bushmaster, maker of the AR-15 rifle used by Adam Lanza in the attack at the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, was specifically engineered for the U.S. military to kill in combat and is being wrongfully sold to civilians to make a profit. Bushmaster is a unit of Cerberus Capital Management LPs Remington Arms Co. The ruling didnt address the merits of the plaintiffs claims, focusing instead on whether the court had jurisdiction over the subject matter in the complaint, given federal and state laws. The ruling does allow the case to move forward, which the lawyers say is a victory in such a case. The decision marks a huge victory for the Sandy Hook families in their effort to hold gun companies responsible for the Sandy Hook massacre, their law firm, Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder PC, said in a statement. Josh Koskoff, one of the lawyers, said the families look forward to continuing their fight in court. Jessica Kallum, a spokesman for Madison, North Carolina-based Remington, didnt immediately reply to a message seeking comment on the ruling. National Debate The attack reignited the national debate overt gun violence and spurred calls for lawmakers to strengthen firearm-control laws, such as expanded background checks on buyers, a ban on civilian sales of military-style rifles and a limit on the ammunition capacity of magazines. Those efforts have mostly failed, leading President Barack Obama to seek change through executive action, though such measures are minor by comparison. The ruling came hours before Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, the two Democratic presidential hopefuls, were to face each other at a debate in Brooklyn. Clinton has repeatedly criticized Sanders over his support for laws protecting gunmakers from liability, and she pressed him on the issue at a debate in January. That debate took place across the street from the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, where nine people were shot and killed last year by a white supremacist. Sanders, the junior senator from Vermont, voted for the 2005 law, called the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, or PLCAA. In January he attempted to neutralize one of Clintons attacks against him by issuing a press release backing legislation that would weaken the 11-year-old law. Days before, Clinton called Sanders a pretty reliable vote for the gun lobby. Protects Gunmakers In moving to dismiss the case, Bushmaster argued it was shielded by the act, which protects gun makers and dealers from liability when crimes are committed with their products, with six exceptions. The families argued two exceptions applied to the case. Lanza, 20, shot and killed his 52-year-old mother, Nancy, before going to the school he once attended and killing 20 children and six adults. Lanza killed himself after the massacre with a Glock pistol. The suit was filed by one survivor and the families of four adults and five children who died. The rifle used in the killings was legally purchased by Nancy Lanza. In the house she shared with her sons, troopers found boxes of ammunition for the shooters weapons and for a 303 British rifle, .45 caliber handguns, a .40 caliber Smith & Wesson, a 5.56 mm Winchester weapon, a box for battle-tested vest accessories, a cache of knives and three Samurai swords, according to police records. According to the complaint, the size and firepower of the rifle used by Lanza are liabilities in home defense, and there is one tragically predictable civilian activity in which it succeeds mass shootings. Related: Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. Topics Lawsuits Legislation Gun Liability A Connecticut insurance agent authorities say defrauded a specialty lender, insurance carriers, the city of Hartford and the state of Connecticut out of more than $2 million to fund a lavish lifestyle has been sentenced to more than six years in prison. Earl OGarro, an owner of Hartford-based Hybrid Insurance Agency LLC, was sentenced on April 13 in federal court to six years and four months behind bars, followed by three years of probation. The 33-year-old OGarro was convicted in December of two counts of wire fraud and one count of mail fraud. Prosecutors say among his offenses, OGarro secured a $500,000 loan from the state, which he then used to pay for a condominium in the Dominican Republic and private school tuition for his children. His prison term starts May 13. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Fraud Connecticut ING Groep NV sold its remaining stake in NN Group NV at a loss as the Dutch bank completed its drawn-out exit from the insurance business. The bank sold 45.7 million shares, representing a 14.1 percent stake, for about 1.4 billion euros ($1.6 billion), or 30.15 euros a share, ING said Thursday in a statement. The deal is expected to result in a net loss at settlement to the bank of about 100 million euros in the second quarter, reflecting the difference in market value on the day of a previous share sale in January and the transaction price. ING shares were 0.8 percent lower at 10.96 euros, while NN was down 2.5 percent as of 11:30 p.m. in Amsterdam. ING sold NN shares in an initial public offering in July 2014 as part of a restructuring imposed by European regulators following the banks 10-billion-euro bailout in 2008. The bank had follow-on offerings in February, May and September of 2015 as well as in January this year, ING said in the statement. This marks the final step in INGs repositioning as a leading European bank, Chief Executive Officer Ralph Hamers said in the statement. This transaction completes our restructuring and the divestment of our insurance and investment management activities. Credit Suisse Group AG, JPMorgan Chase & Co., UBS Group AG and ING managed the share sale. The Dutch bank continues to hold warrants for about 35 million shares in NN Group at an exercise price of 40 euros per share, according to the statement. We expect ING to reserve the full first-quarter profits for future dividends; the profits will not accrue as capital, said JanWillem Knoll, an analyst at ABN Amro Group NV with a buy rating on the stock. We dont believe ING to have excess capital currently, as it does need a management buffer on top of its fully loaded capital requirement. Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. Topics Carriers The founder of cyber-security firm Kaspersky Lab expects more attacks on financial targets after hackers recently stole funds from Bangladeshs central bank and moved the Russian rubles exchange rate. Criminal innovations that we see in some parts of the world become massive because criminals communicate and spread techniques around the world, Eugene Kaspersky said in an interview with Bloomberg TV Thursday. The most professional cyber-criminals are looking for new types of victims stock exchanges, for example. Attacks of this kind are akin to cyber-terrorism, Kaspersky said. Technology that cracks banks safety systems is available for purchase, and its possible that some individuals hire professionals to hack financial systems to paralyze them, rather than to profit from the attack, he said. Global losses from hacking and undesired spamming exceed $100 billion a year, according to Kaspersky Lab. Some advanced attacks, such as using malware to make ATMs distribute all their cash, were designed by Russian-speaking hackers, but have spread to the U.S., Europe and Asia, the company said. Related: Copyright 2022 Bloomberg. Topics Cyber Medical marijuana will be legalized in Ohio by summer, state representatives pledged, calling their legislative effort more responsible and comprehensive than any ballot proposal. The Ohio legislation comes as the national Marijuana Policy Project pursues a medical marijuana issue for the states fall ballot. Polling during a more sweeping ballot campaign that failed last year made clear to the Republican-controlled state Legislature that the issue wasnt going away. House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger, a Clarksville Republican, said it would be irresponsible for those pursuing ballot campaigns to proceed rather than joining the legislative effort. This is the peoples House and were responding to the good citizens of the state of Ohio that had expressed interest in medical marijuana and its purposes, Rosenberger said. But we need to ensure that were doing it the right way. Marijuana Policy Project spokesman Mason Tvert said he was surprised that a top state political leader would ask voters to give up their constitutional right to bring forward a ballot issue. Ultimately, we think it would be irresponsible for us to abandon our initiative plans based on the Legislature saying it intends to do something it may never end up doing, he said. Patients and families and activists have been begging the Legislature to take action on this issue for years and years. The House bill, expected this week, would allow licensed doctors to prescribe edibles, patches, plant material and oils. State Rep. Kirk Schuring, a Canton Republican who chaired a medical marijuana task force, said it will prohibit home growing which he says is too hard to control. The House leaders set an aggressive schedule for the legislation. It would clear the House this month, the Senate next month, reach Republican Gov. John Kasich by May 31 and become law by Aug. 31. A nine-member Medical Marijuana Control Commission would be appointed within 30 days of the law taking effect and take about a year to write rules for the program. Dispensaries could be up and running in under two years, Schuring said. Republican Senate President Keith Faber was quick to rein in the Houses predictions, saying its impossible to say at this point what the final product will look like or even if well have a final product. The control commission would represent medicine, law enforcement, employers, labor, pharmacists, the general public, the pro-medical marijuana movement, alcohol and drug addiction services and mental health. The bill also would urge Ohio universities and hospitals to conduct medical marijuana research, Schuring said. Doctors certified by the commission to prescribe medical marijuana would have to regularly report on cases where it is recommended, including the conditions it was used to treat, the form prescribed and why it was picked over more conventional medicines. The Ohio State Medical Association, the states largest physician-led group, expressed opposition to the House plan. It said there is already a process in place for conducting clinical research of potentially beneficial medications and for bringing medicine to patients. Ian James, who led last years Issue 3 marijuana legalization effort, called the House proposal historic. Weve never had in the states history a time when the Statehouse has so thoroughly vetted medical marijuana, considered its positives, its negatives and brought so many people together, he said. The devil is always in the details, but this is encouraging. Schuring said the bill will also take steps to protect local communities, employers and financial institutions. Communities will be able to opt out of hosting dispensaries, businesses seeking drug-free environments will be protected from medical marijuana use at work and banks will have safe harbor to invest in marijuana-related businesses without facing federal penalties. Ohio would also call on the federal government to reduce the classification of marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule II narcotic under the plan. Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Legislation Cannabis Ohio Spending on medicines increased by double digits for a second year in 2015 and reached $425 billion based on invoice prices. After adjusting for rebates and other price concessions by manufacturers, net spending was $310 billion, up 8.5 percent over 2014 levels, according to a healthcare industry research report. The surge of new medicines remained strong and the use of recently launched brands remained at historically high levels, while the savings from brands facing generic competition were relatively low, according the report, Medicines Use and Spending in the U.S.: A Review of 2015 and Outlook to 2020, from the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics. The findings reflect a market where drug manufacturers are accepting lower prices on well-established drugs while gaining increasing revenues on newer specialty and innovative drugs. Specialty drug spending reached $121 billion on a net basis, up more than 15 percent from 2014. The studys outlook for medicine spending through 2020 is for mid-single digit growth, driven by innovative treatments and offset by brands facing generic competition. The report forecasts that U.S. spending on medicines on a net price basis will reach $370-400 billion in 2020, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 4 to 7 percent. This growth will reflect increased spending on innovative medicines, offset by lower spending on brands that will lose market exclusivity over the next five years. The average patient with a commercial plan paid $44 per prescription last year. The average patient cost for brand prescriptions filled through a commercial plan has increased more than 25 percent since 2010, reaching $44 per prescription last year. according to the report from the New Jersey research institute. The report says that a number of additional innovative medicines should become available for patients over the next five years as the late-phase pipeline currently holds 2,320 novel products. Healthcare Delivery The study found that longer-term trends continued to play out last year, driven by the Affordable Care Act and rising overall healthcare costs. Increasingly, healthcare is being delivered by different types of healthcare professionals and from different facilities, while patients face higher out-of-pocket costs and barriers to access. The invoice prices for branded medicines rose 12.4 percent in 2015, compared with 14.3 percent in the prior year. The study says that heightened competition among manufacturers, along with more aggressive efforts by health plans and pharmacy benefit managers to limit price growth, resulted in concessions that reduced price increases on an estimated net basis to 2.8 percent, significantly lower than in prior years. The challenge of balancing access and the cost of care in an era of innovative but more expensive treatments continues as a theme across our healthcare system, said Murray Aitken, IMS Health senior vice president and executive director of the IMS Institute for Healthcare Informatics. The level of price concessions achieved in 2015 points to a shift in market dynamics as manufacturers accept lower price increases on existing products. At the same time, spending on new brands continued at near-historic levels. The reports findings include the following: Growth in specialty drugs. Spending on specialty medicines has nearly doubled in the past five years, contributing more than two-thirds of overall medicine spending growth between 2010 and 2015. Increased specialty spending was driven primarily by treatments for hepatitis, autoimmune diseases and oncology, which accounted for $19.3 billion in incremental spending. Overall, 2015 saw a 21.5 percent spending increase for specialty medicines to $150.8 billion on an invoice price basis. Spending on specialty medicines has nearly doubled in the past five years, contributing more than two-thirds of overall medicine spending growth between 2010 and 2015. Increased specialty spending was driven primarily by treatments for hepatitis, autoimmune diseases and oncology, which accounted for $19.3 billion in incremental spending. Overall, 2015 saw a 21.5 percent spending increase for specialty medicines to $150.8 billion on an invoice price basis. Transformative new medicines. A total of 43 New Active Substances (NASs) was launched in 2015, a third of those receiving orphan drug designations from the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). An additional 30 brands were launched last year, bringing new combination therapies, alternative dosing and treatment administration options to patients. Among the 2015 NAS launches were notable advances in precision medicines, rare disease therapeutics and chronic disease medicines that could benefit large populations. A total of 43 New Active Substances (NASs) was launched in 2015, a third of those receiving orphan drug designations from the Federal Drug Administration (FDA). An additional 30 brands were launched last year, bringing new combination therapies, alternative dosing and treatment administration options to patients. Among the 2015 NAS launches were notable advances in precision medicines, rare disease therapeutics and chronic disease medicines that could benefit large populations. Prescription volume growth. Total prescriptions dispensed in 2015 reached 4.4 billion, up 1 percent year over year. Demand was higher in some therapy areas such as antidepressants and anti-diabetes, each of which increased about 10 percent in 2015. Among those therapy areas that declined, narcotic drugs saw a 16.6 percent drop in the number of prescriptions dispensed. Provisions under the Affordable Care Act for coverage to the uninsured through Medicaid expansion and Health Exchange Plans (HIX) have been the leading drivers of retail prescription growth in the past two years. At the same time, growth in Medicare Part D subscriptions has slowed, and the number of retail prescriptions filled through commercial plans (excluding HIX) and for cash have declined. Total prescriptions dispensed in 2015 reached 4.4 billion, up 1 percent year over year. Demand was higher in some therapy areas such as antidepressants and anti-diabetes, each of which increased about 10 percent in 2015. Among those therapy areas that declined, narcotic drugs saw a 16.6 percent drop in the number of prescriptions dispensed. Provisions under the Affordable Care Act for coverage to the uninsured through Medicaid expansion and Health Exchange Plans (HIX) have been the leading drivers of retail prescription growth in the past two years. At the same time, growth in Medicare Part D subscriptions has slowed, and the number of retail prescriptions filled through commercial plans (excluding HIX) and for cash have declined. Patient cost exposure. The average patient cost exposure for brand prescriptions filled through a commercial plan has increased more than 25 percent since 2010, reaching $44 per prescription last year. The increased prevalence of health plans with pharmacy deductibles, co-payments and co-insurance is contributing to the rise. In response, brand manufacturers are steadily increasing their use of mechanisms such as coupons or vouchers to help patients offset these expenses. Within the diabetes market, for example, coupons are being used by patients in commercial plans to reduce their costs. Of those diabetes patients facing $50 or more per prescription, about half were able to reduce their out-of-pocket cost to zero in 2015. The average patient cost exposure for generics has remained at approximately $8 per prescription since 2010. The average patient cost exposure for brand prescriptions filled through a commercial plan has increased more than 25 percent since 2010, reaching $44 per prescription last year. The increased prevalence of health plans with pharmacy deductibles, co-payments and co-insurance is contributing to the rise. In response, brand manufacturers are steadily increasing their use of mechanisms such as coupons or vouchers to help patients offset these expenses. Within the diabetes market, for example, coupons are being used by patients in commercial plans to reduce their costs. Of those diabetes patients facing $50 or more per prescription, about half were able to reduce their out-of-pocket cost to zero in 2015. The average patient cost exposure for generics has remained at approximately $8 per prescription since 2010. Healthcare delivery changes. Over the past five years, Integrated Delivery Networks (IDNs) have expanded their affiliations with healthcare professionals (HCPs) in an effort to increase negotiating power with insurers, leverage economies of scale and drive pay-for-performance initiatives. More than 54 percent of all HCPs nationally now are affiliated with IDNs. Newer facility types addressing patient access and convenience, such as urgent care centers and pharmacy in-store clinics, have grown by 115 percent in the past five years, and are part of an increasingly diverse set of healthcare facilities. The number of prescriptions written by nurse practitioners and physician assistants more than doubled over the past 5 years, reaching 676 million prescriptions in 2015. Topics USA Excess Surplus Medical Professional Liability Manufacturing Drugs Rep. Mike Conaway (R-Texas), chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture, is the Gerald Solomon-Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big I) Legislator of the Year for 2015, the association reported. Chairman Conaway was instrumental in ensuring that the Federal Crop Insurance Program (FCIP) was not harmed during the 2014 Farm Bill negotiations, and led the charge to reverse $3 billion in program cuts included in the 2015 Bipartisan Budget Agreement. The combination of these cuts, coupled with the $12 billion in cuts to the program over the past eight years, would have devastated the crop program and its agent distribution force. In his acceptance remarks, Rep. Conaway discussed how he negotiated the reversal of budget cuts that ultimately preserved the efficacy of the FCIP. He also graciously thanked his colleagues, staff and the Big I agents who worked with him on the effort. Breaking down last years budget deal was a big issue and it was bipartisan, said Rep. Conaway. There were bipartisan efforts on all sides. Rep. Conaway also said that the FCIP discussion gave us the opportunity to tell the world why crop insurance is so important and to walk them through the history of the cuts. The Big I fought alongside Rep. Conaway and launched a nationwide grassroots campaign against reopening the Farm Bill to cut crop insurance. The chairman noted that launching grassroots and explaining the program to members of Congress helps lay the groundwork for future farm bills and legislation. Serving his sixth term in the House, Rep. Conaway represents the 29 counties that comprise the Lone Star States 11th congressional district, which includes the cities of Midland, Odessa and San Angelo. In addition to leading the Agriculture Committee, he serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. He also holds a leadership position as Deputy Republican Whip. A native Texan, he grew up in Odessa and earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting from Texas A & M University-Commerce. Rep. Conaway also served in the U.S. Army. The Legislator of the Year Award is bestowed annually by the Big I upon a member of Congress who has provided outstanding leadership on insurance issues. It is named as a tribute to the late Congressman Gerald Solomon (R-New York), the former House Rules Committee chairman and Big I member who championed independent agent and broker legislative concerns during his 20 years in Congress. Source: IIABA Topics Agencies Texas Agribusiness Politics The Florida Surplus Lines Office (FLSLO) has announced that Florida has made the decision to withdraw from the Nonadmitted Insurance Multi-State Agreement (NIMA), effective June 1, 2016. The decision marks the second state to leave the Agreement, with Louisiana previously leaving last October. FSLSO made the announcement via a bulletin dated April 13 to provide guidance regarding the filing of multistate surplus lines policies where Florida is the home state of the insured. All multistate policies issued or renewed on or after June 1, 2016, and any subsequent endorsements to those policies, for which Florida is the home state will now be filed with FSLSO and not through the Surplus Lines Clearinghouse. All Florida home state new and renewal policies with an effective date prior to June 1, 2016, as well as any endorsements to new and renewal policies effective prior to June 1, 2016, will be filed with the Surplus Lines Clearinghouse through May 31, 2017. Pursuant to F.S.626.932, Florida will continue to tax premium exposures for multistate policies at the rate of the state in which the risk or exposure is located. Business rules for calculating the correct fees are programmed into FSLSOs management systems. No changes need be made for SLIP or XML batch filing, however, you may need to contact your agencys information technology vendor or staff regarding revisions to your agency management system that may be necessary. However, FLSLO is still contracted with NIMA to serve as the Surplus Lines Clearinghouse provider, so other states filings are not affected by the State of Floridas withdrawal from NIMA. In a statement to Insurance Journal on April 15, the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) said as a member since 2011, Florida was fully committed along with the other member states to the benefits envisioned by the multistate agreement, to include the reporting, payment, collection and allocation of premium taxes for non-admitted insurance. However, despite the achievement of these benefits, nationwide participation in NIMA, especially among large states, did not occur as expected and lead to the decision to withdraw. Florida will continue to use the Clearinghouse services on a single-state only basis via an independent contract separate from the NIMA arrangement. We appreciate the efforts and participation of all the other NIMA member states in this joint venture and look forward to the continued relationship with the FSLSO, OIR said. NIMA, Inc. was established in 2011 and is governed by NIMA. Members now just include South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming and Puerto Rico. Tennessee is an Associate Member of NIMA, Inc. The Agreement provides a mechanism to report, collect, allocate and distribute surplus lines tax revenues consistent with the Non-admitted and Reinsurance Reform Act of 2010 (NRRA). The NRRA is part of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act passed in 2010 and allows only the home state of the insured to require premium tax payments for non-admitted insurance in the absence of an agreement among states. Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty, who served as an officer for NIMA, told Insurance Journal last fall that he was disappointed there hadnt been more participation in NIMA, especially since the agreement had been successful in generating additional revenue for the states participating. The detractors of NIMA have been successful at making the case that you just make more money if you keep it at home, McCarty said. I think many of the facts and statements they have made have been misleading. (Hear podcast) The National Association of Professional Surplus Lines Offices (NAPSLO) praised Floridas decision, saying a top state legislative priority for the group remains achieving uniformity among all states on the regulation and taxation of surplus lines premium. NAPSLO continues to advocate that home state taxation, where surplus lines taxes are calculated at the home states tax rate on 100 percent of the premium and retained 100 percent by the home state, is the only viable and uniform national solution, NAPSLO said in a statement. With Floridas withdrawal from NIMA, the reality of this uniformity envisioned by, and made possible with, [NRRA] is one huge step closer. We applaud Floridas decision to effectuate this change. Florida is the second of the six NIMA jurisdictions to withdraw from the tax-sharing agreement since it became operational in July 2012, with Louisiana withdrawing from NIMA last October. Floridas announcement leaves only Puerto Rico, South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming as full members of NIMA, along with Tennessee participating as an associate member. During associate membership in NIMA, states can utilize the Clearinghouse reporting platform, the Surplus Lines Automation Suite (SLAS), for a free trial period to allow for the reporting of single and multistate policy information without sharing tax revenue. Additionally, the Clearinghouse transaction fee is waived for associate members. This announcement does not impact the remaining NIMA states filing procedures. Related: Topics Florida Excess Surplus Five defendants have been arraigned in California for committing over $635,000 in tax and insurance fraud and failing to pay employees prevailing wage on public works contracts, the California Department of Industrial Relations reported. Babak Brian Abghari, 36, Newport Coast, Homayoun Harry Abghari, 57, Huntington Beach, Julio Roberto Alvarado, 47, San Pedro, Cody Lawson, 34, Long Beach, Phyllis Martinez, 51, Anaheim, are each charged with eight felony counts of taking and receiving a portion of a workers wage on a public work, 56 felony counts of recording a false or forged instrument, six felony counts of making a false statement to discourage an injured worker from claiming benefits, and seven felony counts of willful failure to pay taxes, with sentencing enhancement allegations for property loss over $200,000. Babak Aghari and Homayoun Aghari are also charged with three felony counts of misrepresenting facts to a workers compensation insurance company. If convicted, the defendants face a maximum sentence of 49 years and six months in state prison. The defendants are scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on May 12, 2016, at 8:30 a.m. in Department C-55, Central Justice Center, Santa Ana. Houmayoun Abghari and Babak Abghari are accused of owning and operating PCN3, a general contracting company that mainly conducts public works projects. Between Jan. 1, 2000, and March 30, 2015, the defendants are accused of fraudulently paying PCN3s employees less than the prevailing wage in cash, and keeping the extra money owed to their employees. The defendants are accused of shorting the victims hours on certified payroll reports and/or requiring their victims to give cash back. Martinez is accused of working as an office clerk at PCN3 and knowingly signing fraudulent certified payroll records under penalty of perjury. Lawson is accused of working as a superintendent and Alvarado is accused of working as a foreman for PCN3 on public works projects. Lawson and Alvarado are accused of not paying employment taxes. Lawson and Alvarado are accused of giving paychecks or cash to victims for their work on the projects. On several occasions the defendants are accused of telling the victims to get a fictitious business license and paying them less than the prevailing wage for sub-contracting work they performed. Houmayoun Abghari and Babak Abghari are accused of discouraging the victims from filing for workers compensation benefits after being injured on the work. Houmayoun Abghari and Babak Abghari are accused of knowingly filing false tax returns in which they understated the pay and amount of hours that their employees received. One of the victims contacted the International Brotherhood of Iron Workers, who notified the Orange County District Attorneys Office (OCDA). The OCDA and the Department of Industrial Relations and Labor Commissioners Office investigated this case. Prevailing wage laws are on the books to ensure skilled workers on public construction contracts are paid fairly, and employers who skirt these laws with wage theft are committing crimes, said California Labor Commissioner Julie A. Su. My office is proud to work with the Orange County District Attorneys Office on our common goals of bringing scofflaws to justice and ensuring a level playing field for legitimate businesses in the State. Deputy District Attorney Donde McCament of the Insurance Fraud Unit is prosecuting this case. Source: California Department of Industrial Relations Topics California Workers' Compensation Fraud Noi siamo fiduciosi del fatto che la Clinton comprenda il ruolo degli Stati Uniti nel mondo, non abbiamo dubbi che lei affrontera in modo assiduo i problemi che il nostro Paese deve affrontare, e lei ha dimostrato la sua disposizione allanalisi ed al duro impegno. E un estratto delleditoriale con cui il magazine The Atlantic ha palesato il suo appoggio alla candidata democratica alle elezioni presidenziali, Hillary Clinton. Il magazine ha deciso di dare il suo endorsment alla Clinton definendola uno dei candidati piu preparati di sempre e, inoltre, ha bollato Donald Trump come demagogo, xenofobo, sessista, uno che non sa niente ed e un bugiardo, specificandolo che lo considera il candidato piu dichiaratamente non qualificato nei 227 anni della storia della presidenza americana e che sarebbe una minaccia esistenziale per la Repubblica. Fondata nel 1857, la prestigiosa e storica rivista solo in altre due occasioni si era apertamente schierata a favore di un candidato alla Casa Bianca: nel 1860 con Abraham Lincoln e nel 1964 con Lyndon B. Johnson. A sottolineare limportanza e leccezionalita della decisione e il direttore di The Atlantic, Scott Stossel, che paragona la scelta di sostenere la Clinton a quella fatta nel 1964 a favore di Johnson che si scontrava con il repubblicano Barry Goldwater. Many investors, like the economy in general, have been in recovery mode since the crash of 2008. As the economy seems to be on the upswing, even those looking to get back into the investing game may do so with considerable trepidation. While there is a certain amount of risk inherent in every type of investment, wary investors are looking for ways to protect their portfolios from the ravages of the next financial crisis, whenever it may occur. Mutual funds, in particular, offer a number of ways to invest while limiting your exposure to the economic turmoil in the United States. From investing in foreign bonds and U.S. government bonds to taking advantage of overseas stock opportunities and ultra-short-term debt products, there are eight key strategies you can employ to mitigate your risk and protect your mutual fund investments from the next crash. Choose Bond Funds Bonds are traditionally considered one of the safer investment vehicles because they provide returns of principal and guaranteed interest payments each year. When it comes to protecting your mutual fund investment from economic unrest, government-issued bonds are even safer than corporate bonds. Though the markets may crash and the economy may take a dive, the likelihood of the U.S. government declaring bankruptcy and defaulting on its obligations to bondholders is low. Similarly, investing in bond funds that specialize in debt issued by highly stable foreign governments can help mitigate the risk of an American crash. Though the U.S. economy undoubtedly affects those of other nations, the impact of an American crash is unlikely to make most large first-world countries insolvent. Stay away from bond funds that invest in riskier countries, such as Greece, since they bring a degree of risk that could be avoided by simply "buying local." To protect against the risk of inflation as interest rates rise, you can invest in inflation-protected funds that invest in domestic and foreign bonds with coupon rates that change with inflation. Get Foreign Exposure In addition to foreign bonds, funds that invest in highly rated foreign corporate stocks are also a good way to limit your risk in a volatile market. Again, though an American crisis can, and did, have far-reaching effects, stable, well-governed foreign corporations are unlikely to suffer too badly if the U.S. markets take a dive. In fact, some foreign stocks may actually gain value if the market crashes and its U.S. competitors take a serious hit. Avoid Leveraged Funds One of the key drivers of the 2008 crisis was the misuse of leverage by the financial industry. While leverage can be an excellent mechanism that allows funds to generate accelerated profits, it also significantly increases a fund's risk. Mutual funds are highly restricted with regard to the amount of leverage they can use. In fact, the maximum amount of money a fund can borrow is 33% of its total portfolio value. Though this is much lower than the leverage used by most hedge funds, for example, it still increases the likelihood of the fund becoming insolvent in the event of a market downturn. If you are looking to eliminate unnecessary risk, steer clear of leverage funds and other debt-fueled products. Reduce Risk Money market funds are widely considered some of the most stable mutual funds around. Because these funds invest only in ultra-short-term debt issued by the U.S. government or very highly rated corporations, the risk of default is incredibly low. Of course, minimal risk typically means limited returns, so money market funds are not built for serious wealth creation. However, they can be a low-risk resource for those looking to hedge against a potential crisis. Consider Noncyclical Funds Although the stock market is often painted as one of the riskiest places to put your money, protecting your mutual funds from economic turmoil does not have to mean avoiding stocks altogether. There are several stocks, called noncyclical stocks, that tend to remain relatively stable during a bear market because the issuing companies provide goods and services that people need regardless of the economy. The utility sector is an excellent example of a noncyclical industry because people need to have electricity, gas, and water no matter how the economy is doing. Alcohol and tobacco, though certainly not necessities, also remain strong during a down market because consumers are willing to spend money on these items even when funds are tight. Use Alternative Funds The aftermath of the 2008 crisis had investors looking for a new way to invest that did not require returns to be so closely correlated to the health of the market. New mutual funds have been developed, named alternative funds, that utilize investment strategies normally reserved for hedge funds, such as arbitrage investing. Although some strategies, such as the use of leverage or illiquid securities, are not built for portfolio protection, these funds will allow investors to mitigate risk by taking long and short positions in stocks and derivative securities. When the market tanks, these funds allow shareholders to benefit from the downturn by betting on the success and failure of different assets. Spread the Risk One of the chief benefits of mutual fund investing is it automatically provides a significant degree of diversification. However, to protect your fund investments from the next financial crisis, diversify further by investing in different types of funds, such as the ones mentioned above, to spread your risk around. Stick It Out One of the primary reasons investors lost so much during the financial crisis was that gripped by panic, everyone liquidated their investments at once, creating additional strain on the financial system. Those who rode out the storm and left investments in place generally recovered what was lost over time. If you are inclined toward a more short-term investing strategy, a crisis can actually provide a lot of opportunity for profit but at considerable risk. However, most mutual funds are designed to be long-term investments, so go ahead and hold on to them for the long haul. Even if the next financial crisis hits next year, the likelihood the U.S. economy will be forever devastated is low. Every economy has ups and downs, some big and some small, but the overall performance of the U.S. markets over time has been bullish. The most important thing you can do to shield your mutual funds from the ravages of an economic freefall is to take a deep breath and wait for the storm to pass. In ending its ban on female drivers, the Saudi Arabian government has implemented a change that many believe will lead to significant positive impacts on the kingdom's economy. The end of the ban, effective June 24, 2018, is a part of the kingdom's Vision 2030 program of reform. The goals of Vision 2030 are: "To rise from our current position of 25 to the top 10 countries on the Global Competitiveness Index; to increase foreign direct investment from 3.8% to the international level of 5.7% of GDP; and to increase the private sector's contribution from 40% to 65% of GDP." The Vision aims to make Saudi Arabia a "vibrant society, a thriving economy and an ambitious nation that is effectively governed and responsibly enabled." (See also: The Kingdom Is Coming to Emerging Markets.) Other aspects of Vision 2030 are focused on human rights. It states, "Together we will continue building a better country, fulfilling our dream of prosperity and unlocking the talent, potential, and dedication of our young men and women." While not a direct contributor to output, with the introduction of women drivers, the economy saw an immediate uptick, as measured by the Tadawul All Share Index (TASI), a broad-based index of Saudi companies, as investors anticipated more women entering the workforce. It seems that investors anticipate that allowing women to get behind the wheel will have a meaningful economic impact by encouraging Saudi women to explore employment opportunities without having to rely on others to get them there. As of 2017, according to the World Bank, only 22% of Saudi women participated in the workforce, compared with 79% of men. The total population of Saudi Arabia is 33.60 million as of July 28, 2018, based on the latest United Nations estimates, and its growing, as is the number of women ready and able to drive and work. Saudi women are finally encouraged to explore new roles in economic and commercial landscapes. In fact, a survey by Kantar TNS, a research agency, showed that 82% of Saudi women plan to obtain a driver's license. The Importance of Mobility According to the McKinsey Global Institute, if women were to participate in the economy on par with men, their contribution would add $28 trillion, or 26%, to the global economy in 2025. As an example, after decades of steady gains, women's labor force participation in the United States peaked in 2000, an important turning point, as rising participation fueled household income and economic growth, according to the Brookings Institute. Furthermore, it helped offset a declining prime-age male labor force participation. Declining prime-age women's participation since then has weakened growth, exacerbating the labor force participation decline stemming from an aging population. With fewer workers contributing to the economy, economic growth and improvement in living standards have been weaker than they otherwise would have been. However, the demographics of Saudi Arabia differ in that an aging economy is not currently a concern: the median age in the country is 30.2 years. Until now, weak foreign direct investment (FDI) has limited productivity in the region, but this move forward should spark investment interest from many global regions, bringing with it the adoption of new technologies and business models. By now, Saudi Arabia has become one of the hottest emerging markets for global investors. (For additional reading, check out: How to Invest in the Saudi Arabia Stock Exchange.) Allowing women to drive represents a decline in the hard-line extremist rule and influence. In the early 1980s, efforts toward social reform came to a halt with the emergence of the religious Sahwa movement in the kingdom. But now, Saudi Arabia is seeing a reform of social culture. In fact, soon after the ban was lifted, a team of Saudi female doctors at a government-run hospital in Khobar, in the east, launched an ambulance service with an all-female staff to serve women and grant them more privacy. Another sector in the kingdom attracting women is hospitality. Accor SA (AC.PA) includes females in its hotel management training program, and the "Young Hotelier of the Year" award at the well-respected Hotelier Middle East awards ceremony went to a Saudi Arabian woman. The Bottom Line The movement allows for more freedom of choice and a broader participation in change and development. So how can investors jump in for the ride? Firstly, insurance companies such as AXA Cooperative Insurance Company (8250.SR) will benefit. AXA had 11% of the auto insurance market in the kingdom in 2017, up from 9% in 2016. Furthermore, auto producers, such as Toyota Motor Corporation (TM) and Hyundai Motor Company (HYMTF), sell the most number of cars in Saudi Arabia, and their sales figures should see dramatic improvement. The finance and banking and industries will also be a draw for women, as these institutions will able to expand without having to go overseas for talent. The oil giant, Saudi Aramco, recently opened its own driving school for women, accommodating nearly 3,600 student drivers made up of employees and their relatives. The company's highly anticipated IPO is slated for 2019, and this move should only help its valuation. (See also: What Is Saudi Aramco Really Worth?) Finally, women in Saudi Arabia, for the first time, are working at airports, hotels, restaurants and retail stores. The Social Development Bank has proposed granting women low-interest loans to purchase private taxi cars to work with Uber, another highly anticipated IPO. Until then, a broad blend of Saudi multi-cap stocks can be found in the iShares MSCI Saudi Arabia ETF (KSA). Nicolellis range bars were developed in the mid-1990s by Vicente Nicolellis, a Brazilian trader and broker who spent over a decade running a trading desk in Sao Paulo. The local markets at the time were very volatile, and Nicolellis became interested in developing a way to use the volatility to his advantage. He believed price movement was paramount to understanding (and making profits from) volatility. So, Nicolellis developed the idea of range bars, which consider only price, thereby eliminating time from the equation. Key Takeaways Range-bar charts are different from time-based charts because each new bar in a range bar is based on price movement rather than units of time, like minutes, hours, days, or weeks. Brazilian trader Vicente Nicolellis created range-bar charts in the mid-1990s in order to better understand the volatile markets at that time. In volatile markets, many bars will print on a range bar chart, but range bars will be fewer in slow markets. The ideal settings for range-bar charts depend on the security, price, and amount of volatility. Calculating Range Bars Nicolellis found that bars based on price only, and not time or other data, provided a new way of viewing and utilizing volatility of financial markets. Most traders and investors are familiar with bar charts based on time. For instance, a 30-minute chart shows the price activity for each 30-minute time period during a trading day and each bar on a daily chart shows the activity for one trading day. Time-based charts will always print the same number of bars during each trading session, trading week, or trading year, regardless of volatility, volume, or any other factor. Range bar charts, on the other hand, can have any number of bars printing during a trading session: during times of higher volatility, more bars will appear on the chart, but during periods of lower volatility, fewer bars will print. The number of range bars created during a trading session will also depend on the instrument being charted and the specified price movement for each range bar. Three rules of range bars: Each range bar must have a high/low range that equals the specified range. Each range bar must open outside the high/low range of the previous bar. Each range bar must close at either its high or its low. Settings for Range Bars Specifying the degree of price movement for creating a range bar is not a one-size-fits-all process. Different trading instruments move in a variety of ways. For example, a higher-priced stock such as Google (GOOG) might have a daily range of $20 or $30; a lower-priced stock, such as Blackberry Limited (BB) might move only a fraction of that in a typical day. Blackberry Limited is the company previously known as Research In Motion (it is named as such in the charts below). It is common for higher-priced trading instruments to experience greater average daily price ranges. The chart below shows both Google and Blackberry with 10-cent range bars. One-half of the trading session (9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. EST) for Google can barely be compressed to fit on one screen since it has a much greater daily range than Blackberry, and therefore many more 10 cent range bars are created. These charts compare two trading instruments' daily activity shown with 10-cent range bars. Notice how the Google chart has many more 10-cent range bars than Blackberry. This is due to the fact the Google typically trades in a greater range. Only half of the trading session for Google could be squeezed into the upper chart; the entire trading session for Blackberry appears in the bottom chart. Image by Sabrina Jiang Investopedia 2021 Google and Blackberry provide an example for two stocks that trade at very different prices (one high and one low), resulting in distinct average daily price ranges. It should be noted that, while it is generally true that high-priced trading instruments can have a greater average daily price range than those that are lower priced, instruments that trade at roughly the same price can have very different levels of volatility, as well. While we could apply the same range-bar settings across the board, it is more helpful to determine an appropriate range setting for each trading instrument. One method for establishing suitable settings is to consider the trading instrument's average daily range. This can be accomplished through observation or by utilizing indicators such as average true range (ATR) on a daily chart interval. Once the average daily range has been determined, a percentage of that range could be used to establish the desired price range for a range bar chart. Another consideration is the trader's style. Short-term traders may be more interested in looking at smaller price movements and, therefore, may be inclined to have a smaller range-bar setting. Longer-term traders and investors may require range bar settings that are based on larger price moves. For example, an intraday trader may watch a 10-cent (.01) range bar on McGraw-Hill Companies (MHP). This would allow the short-term trader to watch for significant price moves that occur during one trading session. Conversely, an investor might want one dollar (1.0) range-bar setting for the same stock, which would help reveal price movements that would be significant to the longer-term style of trading and investing. Trading with Range Bars Range bars can help traders view price in a "consolidated" form. Much of the noise that occurs when prices bounce back and forth between a narrow range can be reduced to a single bar or two. This is because a new bar will not print until the full specified price range has been fulfilled, and helps traders distinguish what is actually happening to price. Because range-bar charts eliminate much of the noise, they are very useful charts on which to draw trendlines. Areas of support and resistance can be emphasized through the application of horizontal trendlines; trending periods can be highlighted through the use of up-trendlines and down-trendlines. For example, the chart below shows trendlines applied to a .001 range bar chart of the euro vs. U.S. dollar (EUR/USD) forex pair. The horizontal trendlines easily depict trading ranges, and price moves that break through these areas are often powerful. Typically, the more times price bounces back and forth between the range, the more powerful the move may be once price breaks through. This is considered true for touches along up-trendlines and down-trendlines: the more times price touches the same trendline, the greater the potential move once price breaks through. Image by Sabrina Jiang Investopedia 2021 The chart below illustrates a price channel drawn as two parallel down-trendlines on a range-bar chart of Google. We have used a one range bar here, where each bar equals $1 of price movement and which does a better job of eliminating the "extra" price movements that were seen in the first chart using a 10-cent range-bar setting. Since some of the consolidating price movement is eliminated by using a larger range bar setting, traders may be able to more readily spot changes in price activity. Trendlines are a natural fit to range-bar charts; with less noise, trends may be easier to detect. This 1 Range-bar chart of Google illustrates a price channel created by drawing parallel down-trendlines. The move to the upside was substantial once price broke above the channel. Image by Sabrina Jiang Investopedia 2021 Interpreting Volatility with Range Bars Volatility refers to the degree of price movement in a trading instrument. As markets trade in a narrow range, fewer range bars will print, reflecting decreased volatility. As price begins to break out of a trading range with an increase in volatility, more range bars will print. In order for range bars to become meaningful as a measure of volatility, a trader must spend time observing a particular trading instrument with a specific range-bar setting applied. Through observation, a trader can notice the subtle changes in the timing of the bars and the frequency in which they print. The faster the bars print, the greater the price volatility; the slower the bars print, the lower the price volatility. Periods of increased volatility often signify trading opportunities as a new trend may be starting. The Bottom Line While not a technical indicator, range bars can be used to identify trends and to interpret volatility. Since range bars take only price into consideration, and not time or other factors, they provide traders with a unique view of price activity. Spending time observing range bars in action is the best way to establish the most useful settings for a particular trading instrument and trading style, and to determine how to effectively apply them to a trading system. In June 2015, Gene Munster, a senior research analyst at Piper Jaffray, argued that Facebook Inc. (now Meta) had a 45% upside potential. The tech company was then trading just above $90, meaning Munster thought the stock could get as high as $130. He was righteventually. FB reached $130 in January 2017 and then kept climbing, topping $200 in July 2018. It hit the brakes immediately after that when the company released earnings that included a disappointing outlook for future growth. That had to happen sooner or later. In 2018, Facebook had about 2.3 billion users worldwide. Thats almost a third of the worlds population, and more than half of those who have internet access. It is an impressive figure, but there is a point of saturation. Eventually, Facebook will stop adding users and users will stop increasing the time they spend on its sites. There are other challenges that could not possibly have been anticipated in 2015. The biggest among them in 2018 was the firestorm caused by the continuing revelations that Facebook and other social media sites are the primary platforms used by foreign political operators to spread false information in hopes of swaying the opinions and votes of millions of Americans. Let's examine some of the risks that exist for investors interested in Meta and Facebook, its best-known operation. 46 The number of minutes per day that, in 2015, Facebook (now Meta) CEO Mark Zuckerberg claimed that people were spending on average on Facebook, Messenger, and Instagram (which FB acquired in 2012). It was up to 68 minutes in 2018, according to Statista.com. Dependence on Ad Revenue According to the company's financial statements in 2015, Facebook (now Meta) received approximately 90% of its revenue from advertising. That figure had grown to 98% by 2017, according to Statista.com. To put this in perspective, Apple, Inc. has been trying desperately to introduce revenue streams outside of the iPhone, and Facebook is far more reliant on advertising than Apple is on the iPhone. Since Facebook is so reliant on ad revenue, its fundamentals are not that different from cable or satellite firms. Apply a few telecommunications metrics and a funny pattern emerges. The company's average revenue per user (ARPU) in Q2 2015 increased by almost a quarter at 23%, despite total ad purchases declining by more than half at 55%. This is possible only because the cost of advertising on Facebook rose by 219%. Ostensibly, this means some ad users are getting fantastic results on Facebook but most are not, and this only further concentrates the company's lack of revenue diversification. As of Q2 of 2022, ARPU had reached approximately $10 per user, worldwide. Advertising has been very good to FB so far, but a company relying on one revenue source is not any different from an investor relying on one really strong security. It is better, or at least less risky, if the company has a diversified money stream in case advertising dollars dip. Virtual Reality Unrealized Seemingly every tech giant has been throwing serious money at virtual reality. Meta's purchase of Oculus, which went for a reported $2 billion, may turn out to be a winner. Or not. Oculus tops a list of the most promising virtual reality initiatives of 2017, according to Datamation. The following two are Google and Microsoft. As of late 2018, all are making progress in developing games and practical applications using virtual reality, but no clear winner can be declared. Social Media Competition Meta has shown a propensity to mimic or buy out competitors. In 2012, the company spent $1 billion on Instagram. It made a far less lucrative purchase in 2014, buying the little-known WhatsApp for $19 billion. Those buys made strategic sense. Those apps could have drawn users away from Facebook. In the tech sector, however, rival apps come thick and fast. Meta cannot buy all of them, and one of them might catch fire. This is illustrated by Snapchat, a company Meta tried and failed to buy for $3 billion. As of 2018, Snapchat had 188 million users, but that was down a bit from its peak of 191 million and its stock got hit badly for the loss. It is hard to imagine Facebook going the way of MySpace, the once-dominant social site that is now a footnote in Internet history. Facebook's 1.97 billion user base as of Q2 2022 dwarfs the MySpace peak of 75 million, and Facebook has much better cash flow, generating $4.45 billion in free cash flows. But MySpace illustrates how quickly consumer tastes change. Facebook is entering its second generation of usersand younger Americans use Snapchat and Twitter as frequently as they use Facebook. Google and Apple, two players with longer track records, are challenging Facebook in the app install market, too. Market Risks Of course, the biggest risk to any stock is probably systematic, not specific. There is not much any company could have done in the buildup to the 2007-2008 stock market crash, especially one tied to housing or finance. The Nasdaq lost more than 75% of its value during the dot-com crisis, and it is difficult to predict if or when another free fall is coming. Regulatory Risk There is also the chance of regulatory risk. Facebook uses what is still a relatively new technology, and social media is a relatively unregulated market. Since American industries tend to become more regulated over time, it seems likely Uncle Sam will increasingly have his fingerprints on social media companies. Poll any investor and ask if regulations are good or bad and the likeliest response is "bad." And thats where the political firestorm over misuse of Facebook by political operators enters the picture. Facebook, accidentally or on purpose, allowed the political data firm Cambridge Analytica to harvest the data of millions of its users, and that data made its way into the hands of foreign political operators during the 2016 U.S. elections. One way or another, political operators used Facebook and other social media platforms to spread false information throughout the election season. Meta is addressing these problems, but the government may decide it wants to as well. The Bottom Line If the economy suffers or if funding dries up for new startup technologies, the ceiling for FB will almost certainly take a hit. Meta has mimicked the Google model of aggressive integration, but that strategy depends on an active technology sector with new ways to reach or add value to consumers. Meta has solid fundamentals and an enviable position in the social media sub-sector. However, there is no obvious route for the company to grow its valuation or reach huge new audiences. If the tech economy does not go the way Meta hopes, investors may be holding a stagnant stock. Investopedia does not provide tax, investment, or financial services and advice. The information is presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Investors should consider engaging a qualified financial and/or tax professional to determine a suitable investment strategy. 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. Obtaining permanent residency statusor gaining citizenship in a foreign countymay seem like a good idea for those who no longer want to live in the country where they were born or whose passport they hold. But some nations make that transition especially difficult unless you marry a citizen of that country (or, in some cases, if you have ancestors who were citizens). In addition to marriage and ancestry, countries with high barriers to attaining citizen status may have special residency or citizenship tracks for people who fit certain categories, such as being a highly skilled professional or investing substantially in a business enterprise. But these situations don't apply to the vast majority of prospective citizens. Austria, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, and the United States are five nations that make it especially difficult for foreigners to establish permanent residency or obtain citizenship. Key Takeaways For those individuals who no longer want to live in the country where they were born, obtaining permanent residency status or gaining citizenship in a foreign county may be a desirable option. In addition to marriage and ancestry, countries with high barriers to attaining citizen status may have special residency or citizenship tracks for certain people, especially highly skilled professionals or investors. Austria, Germany, Japan, Switzerland, and the United States are five nations that make it especially difficult for foreigners to establish permanent residency or obtain citizenship. Austria Many countries in the European Union have tough immigration laws. However, Austria seems to have one of the longest processes to become a citizen. Anyone who is not a citizen of a European Union country, and is staying longer than six months, must have a residence permit before entering Austria. People who plan to stay longer than 24 months must also sign an Integration Agreement, a process designed to enhance their German-language skills and ability "to participate in the social, economic, and cultural life in Austria." Permanent residents must live in the country continuously for a period of 10 years before being eligible to apply for citizenship. If approved, applicants must renounce any other citizenship. Germany Obtaining permanent residency in Germany is difficult unless you are a citizen of another European Union country. Foreign nationals living in Germany must demonstrate competency in the German language, and knowledge of the political system and society, in order to gain German citizenship. Applicants must also demonstrate that they have the ability to earn a living and have contributed to the national pension plan. They must also have proof of suitable accommodation. To become a citizen, applicants must have lived in the country at least eight years (the number is seven if applicants have passed a competency test) and renounce citizenship in any other country. Japan It takes longer to be granted a permanent resident visa in Japan than to become a citizen. Those who want to become a citizen of Japan must have lived in the country for five years, receive permission from the Justice Minister, and complete a large amount of paperwork (which may or may not include questions involving the personal lives of applicants). The process, according to the Japanese Ministry, can take six to 12 months, although those who have gone through it have reported that it can take years. If approved, applicants must be ready to renounce citizenship in other countries. Switzerland To obtain a settlementor a permanent residence visa, unless you are an EU citizenyou must have lived in the country for five or 10 years. If you qualify for permanent residence by the length of time you have lived in the country, you also qualify to apply for citizenship. However, this is not guaranteed; applicants for citizenship must also prove they have been assimilated into Swiss society and do not pose a threat to security. What's more, all cantons and municipalities have their own rules about granting citizenship. Switzerland permits dual citizenship. United States While the United States was founded mostly by immigrants, the process for achieving permanent residency and citizenship has become increasingly more complicated since the early 2000s and the so-called "war on terrorism." Unless a person is coming to the U.S. through a family member or an approved job, it is very difficult to establish permanent residency (sometimes known as receiving a green card). There are special categories for those seeking refugee or asylum status, and a lottery for others who wish to apply. Those who have had permanent residency status for five years can begin the process of applying for citizenship by filling out the application and taking a test, which includes knowledge of the history and the government, and of the English language. Before becoming a citizen, people must swear an oath to the Constitution. The United States permits dual citizenship. What Are the Easiest Countries to Become a Citizen? Among the countries that make becoming a citizen the easiest are Ireland, Canada, Mexico, Peru, Paraguay, Uruguay, and the Dominican Republic. What Countries Allow Dual Citizenship? As of 2022, more than 60 countries allow dual citizenship. Among the largest of these countries are the United States, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Brazil. Russia, Mexico, the Philippines, and Egypt. How Many Citizenships Can a Person Hold? There is no limit on the number of citizenships a person can theoretically obtain, assuming that each country allows dual citizenship. Moreover, the individual would have to conform to each country's residency rules (if any) to maintain citizenship in each place. The Bottom Line Moving from a temporary visa to permanent resident statusor citizenshipis particularly difficult in some countries. A moving average is an indicator derived from the average price of a security over a specified period of time and is applied to charts to follow market trends as securities move up and down. In addition, support and resistance levels (where the price of a security reversed its upward or downward trend in the past) can sometimes be established by monitoring moving averages over time; these points are then used to make buy or sell decisions. However, moving averages are rarely effective as standalone tools because of at least seven disadvantages. Key Takeaways A moving average is a technical charting indicator based on averages of past price movements. Common moving average time frames include 20, 50, and 200 days. Moving averages are used to identify trends and potential support/resistance areas. Like most forms of technical analysis, moving averages are based on past price moves and do not forecast the future. Moving Average Disadvantages Moving averages are available with many charting applications and offer a quick, easy way to see trends in a stock, commodity, or market. Common time frames for moving averages include 20, 50, and 200-day moving averages. Technical analysts also use moving averages to identify potential changes in trend. For example, a "death cross" pattern happens after a stock has moved higher, begins to move lower, and the 50-day moving average crosses over the 200-day. While moving averages are widely used by investors and traders alike, the indicators are far from perfect: Moving averages draw trends from past price information only. Like any type of technical analysis tool, chart indicators don't take into account changes in fundamental factors that may affect a security's future performance, such as new competitors, higher or lower demand for products in the industry, and changes in the managerial structure of the company. Ideally, a moving average will show a consistent change in the price of a security over time. However, since every asset has unique price histories and levels of volatility, there are no uniform rules that can be applied across all markets. Moving averages can be spread out over any time period and this can be problematic because the general trend can be different depending on the time period used. For example, what appears to be an uptrend using a 50-day moving average might be part of countermove in a downtrend that is reflected in the 200-day moving average. An ongoing debate is whether or not more emphasis should be placed on the most recent days in the time period (such as with exponential moving averages). Many feel that recent data better reflect the direction the security is moving, while others feel that giving some days more weight than others incorrectly biases the trend. Some investors argue that moving averages (and other forms of technical analysis) are meaningless and do not predict market behavior. They say that the market has no memory and that the past is not an indicator of the future. Securities often show a cyclical pattern of behavior that is not captured by moving averages. That is, if a market is bouncing up and down a lot, moving averages are not likely to capture any meaningful trends. The purpose of any trend is to predict where the price of a security will be in the future. However, if a security is not trending in either direction, it doesn't provide an opportunity to profit from either buying or short selling. The Bottom Line Many traders and investors rely on moving averages to identify trends and support/resistance levels, but for an indicator to be effective, its function must be understood: when to use it and when not to use it. The perils discussed herein indicate when moving averages may not be effective tools, such as when used with volatile securities, and how they may overlook certain important statistical information, such as cyclical patterns. Given the drawbacks, moving averages may be a tool best used in conjunction with other indicators and analytical methods. In the end, personal experience will be the ultimate indicator of how effective moving averages truly are for your portfolio. Investopedia does not provide tax, investment, or financial services and advice. The information is presented without consideration of the investment objectives, risk tolerance, or financial circumstances of any specific investor and might not be suitable for all investors. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. In a democracy like the United States, anybody can run for office and become elected to positions in the federal government, such as to the Senate. However, it takes time, money, and connections to run a successful campaign. Indeed, even if an ordinary citizen has ambitions to run for office, if they need to work to put food on the table, a few months on the campaign trail is just not a viable option. It is no surprise then, that most current senators (and many in the house of representatives) are multi-millionaires. In an effort to be transparent and prevent conflicts of interest, the Ethics in Government Act requires many elected officials to file an annual financial disclosure statement that reveals their assets, investments, and businesses interests. Senators are one of the groups of people who must make this disclosure. Their statements are made available to the public and can give a good idea of the financial position of their filers. Here, we take a list at the ten wealthiest senators as of of the 116th congress in 2020 (disclosures about the current 177th Congress are not yet publicly available). Key Takeaways U.S. Senators are required to disclose their financial assets each year. The salary for a U.S. senator as of 2022 is $174,000 per year. Most U.S. senators today are millionaires, and most of them made their fortunes before entering politics. There are three mega-millionaires in the U.S. Senate: Mitt Romney of Utah, Rick Scott of Florida, and Mark Warner of Virginia. Here we look at the top 10 wealthiest U.S. senators. Understanding Congressional Wealth All senators have a government-paid salary which, as of 2021, is $174,000 a year. However, many senators make much more from other sources and have a high net worth. Many of them started their careers in business and made the bulk of their fortunes before joining the political world. On top of that, senators are high-profile people with a lot of power, and through that, they have access to various business opportunities and to other important people, which allows them to further increase their wealth through investments. The top 10 wealthiest below all are estimates of their personal wealth. Their positions on the list vary from time to time as well, as each senator listed gains or loses a few million dollars here and there. From 1789-1815, U.S. senators were paid $6 per day. Sourc: OpenSecrets.org. 1. Sen. Rick Scott (R - Florida) The former governor of Florida was elected to the Senate in 2019. Sen. Rick Scott of Florida started his career in business, which is where he made the bulk of his wealth. He created one of the largest hospital networks, the Columbia Hospital Corporation. Scott has an estimated net worth of more than $300 million as of 2022. 2. Sen. Mark Warner (D - Virginia) Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia is one of the wealthiest members of the U.S. Senate and in fact of the entire Congress. As of the latest information, from 2018, his net worth is approximately $215 million. Born in 1954, Warner grew up in a middle-class family. From as early as his college years, Sen. Warner had political aspirations. At one point during his time as a political science student, he even suggested to his parents that he would one day become president. The bulk of Warners wealth came from Columbia Capital, a venture capital firm he founded shortly after graduating from law school. Under his direction, the firm made several successful early investments in companies in the telecommunication industry, including XM Satellite Radio and Nextel Communications. 3. Sen. Mitt Romney (R - Utah ) Sen. Romney needs no introduction, having been the unsuccessful Republican candidate for the presidency in 2012. The U.S. senator for Utah is the third-wealthiest senator, with a net worth estimated at $175 million. Like most of the wealthiest senators, Romney made his fortune in business before he got started in politics. He co-founded and ran the private investment firm, Bain Capital. 4. Mike Braun (R - Indiana) A former Indiana representative in the House, Mike Braun is now the state's junior senator. Worth an estimated $137 million, Braun earned his millions as the CEO of Meyer Distributing, a maker of truck parts and equipment. Today, he is one of the wealthiest, and also most politically conservative senators. 5. Sen. John Hoeven (R - North Dakota) Sen. John Hoeven has served as the senior U.S. senator from North Dakota since 2011. Before that, he was the states governor for 10 years. Hoeven's net worth has been estimated at $47 million. Sen. Hoeven worked in banking before he started his political career, and served as the CEO of First Western Bank and the Bank of North Dakota. Sen. Hoeven remains an owner of First Western Bank and sits on its board of directors. 6. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D - California) Californias Sen. Dianne Feinsteins estimated net worth was estimated at $88 million. Blum Capital, a private equity firm founded in 1975 by her husband, Richard Blum, is the source for most of that wealth. 7. Sen. Ron Johnson (R - Wisconsin) Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson started out in the late '70s as an accountant at PACUR, a Wisconsin-based polyester and plastics manufacturing company owned by his brother-in-law. He moved up through the ranks, and became the company's CEO by the mid-'80s. Sen. Johnson has an estimated net worth of $78 million. 8. Sen. James E. Risch (R - Idaho) James Risch has been the junior senator from Idaho since 2009. He was previously the state's governor. He has an estimated net worth of $42 million, much of it in farm and ranch land in Idaho. 9. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R - Kentucky) Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, currently the minority leader of the U.S. Senate, has an estimated net worth of $34 million as of 2018. McConnell has been a senator since 1984. The bulk of his wealth comes from a gift his father bestowed on him in 2008. He and his wife, Elaine Chao, also reported a gift of between $5 million and $25 million from her family in his 2008 disclosure. Chao, who is an economist, was a cabinet secretary in the administrations of George W. Bush and Donald J. Trump. Most of McConnell's wealth is reported to be held in a Vanguard 500 Index fund. 10. Steve Daines (R - Montana) Steve Daines of Montana is estimated to be worth $33 million, rounding out the top 10 wealthiest senators of the 116th Congress. Before becoming a politician, Daines was an executive at Proctor & Gamble, before becoming an executive vice president at cloud services startup RightNow Technologies in 2000. That company went public in 2004, and was acquired by Oracle in 2012, a windfall for Daines. That year, Daines first ran for office. Many citizens and analysts believe that Congress is out of touch with the needs of the average American citizen because of the sizable wealth of many of its members. Who Is the Richest U.S. Senator? In the 116th Congress, public disclosures had Florida's Rick Scott in first place with a net worth of around $300 million. Kelly Loeffler, who served between 2020-2021 as a Republican senator from Georgia was estimated to have been worth $500 million at the time. What Is a U.S. Senator's Salary? The salary of a U.S. senator is $174,000 per year as of 2022. Who Is the Poorest U.S. Senator? According to the latest figures available, Senator Debbie Stabenow, a Michigan Democrat, is the poorest U.S. senator. Her net worth was estimated at $32,500. Do U.S. Senators Make a Lot of Money? The salary of a U.S. senator is a respectable $174,000 per annum, but many senators make much more money through other investments, the use of their high-profile status to make connections, and various business dealings. The Bottom Line Despite being a democracy, it takes time, money, connections, and clout to become elected to the U.S. senate. It's no surprise, then, that nearly all of the senators today in Washington are millionaires. Most of them earned their money prior to becoming politicians, as businessmen, financiers, and entrepreneurs. 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 Textron Systems has been contracted to provide new tactical vehicles to Iraq, as the country continues to battle the Islamic State, as well as Colombia, through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program. According to a recent report, service officials have contracted Louisiana-based defense firm Textron Systems Marine & Land Systems to build 60 new Commando Select armored personnel carriers for Baghdad. All of the vehicles will be outfitted with dual turret armed with a 40mm grenade launcher and a 50 caliber heavy machine gun. Of the 60 vehicles headed to Baghdad, four will also be equipped with a command and control systems, according to the notice. Textron will also provide the same number and variants of the armored personnel carrier to the Colombian military. The contract carries a total value of $65.9 million. Program officials at U.S. Army Contracting Command in Michigan will oversee the program. The vehicles will be assembled at Textron's facility in Slidell, La. The deal comes at time when Iraqi forces are waging a pitched battle against Islamic State militants near Mosul. IS fighters overran the country's second-largest city in 2014 after Iraqi military and police forces fled in the face of the assault. Local forces abandoned millions of dollars worth of weapons and equipment sold to the Iraqi military by the United States during their hasty retreat. Iraqi forces, backed by American and coalition warplanes, are currently in the midst of a counterassault to retake the city. | Soruce: UPI | By S.Seal According to the commander in charge, an Iraqi army offensive touted as the first phase of a campaign to recapture the northern city of Mosul from Islamic State has been paused until more forces arrive to hold ground. Almost three weeks into the operation, Iraqi forces have retaken just three villages from Islamic State in the Makhmour area, which is set to be a key staging ground for a future assault on Mosul, around 60 km (40 miles) further north. The faltering start has cast renewed doubt on the capabilities of the Iraqi army, which partially collapsed when Islamic State militants took around a third of the country in 2014. Major General Najm Abdullah al-Jubbouri, who is in charge of the offensive, said that Iraqi forces were now waiting for the arrival of federal police units and additional local tribal fighters to hold territory after it is retaken. That would free up his forces to go on the offensive against the insurgents, Jubbouri said in a statement, dismissing what he described as efforts to disparage the army. He also stated, "We do not want to use all our units to hold territory." The initial target of the latest offensive was Qayara -- an Islamic State hub on the western bank of the Tigris River -- but Iraqi forces have so far failed to recapture the hilltop village of Nasr on the eastern side. In the statement, Jubbouri said the militants had dug a network of tunnels beneath Nasr and prepared suicide bombers and a fleet of vehicles rigged with explosives, some of which contain weaponries chlorine, a chemical weapon Islamic State has used before in northern Iraq. U.S. Army Major Jon-Paul Depreo, operations officer for the international coalition fighting Islamic State in Iraq and neighboring Syria, said at the weekend the insurgents were determined not to lose Nasr because of its strategic position on high ground. Depreo also said difficult terrain meant it was not possible to deploy a large number of forces there against the militants, who are more familiar with the area. Depreo told, "These (Iraqi army) forces aren't from that area necessarily, so they're learning the area." The coalition, led by the United States, has trained thousands of Iraqi police and soldiers in preparation for the operation to retake Mosul -- by far the largest city in Islamic State's self-proclaimed caliphate. Depreo said the fighting was only one part of the challenge. "There's going to be a lot of fighting but there's also going to be a lot of logistical infrastructure that needs to follow and be established." Shi'ite militias and Kurdish peshmerga have played a major role in the fight against the ultra-hardliner Sunni militants elsewhere in Iraq, but with Mosul the plan is for the army to take the lead to avoid inflaming ethnic and sectarian sensitivities in the mainly Sunni Arab city. The army won its first major victory over the insurgents last December in Ramadi and aims to retake Mosul this year, but Iraqi officials privately question whether that is possible. "It's a tough fight," Depreo said of the offensive in Makhmour, describing it as a "shaping operation" for the bigger battle ahead, adding: "We have a lot of work to do before we take control of Mosul again." | Soruce: Reuters | By S.Seal In 2010 the former Iraqi Minister of Oil Hussain Shahristani, also known as a teacher, was invited to the parliament to speak about the petroleum product shortages in the country. Due to 70% utilization of the country, the refineries are not meeting the domestic demands. Shahristani left the parliament with flying colors after announcing the Ministry is working to build four refineries at the same time. The plan came about in such a way that no one quite knew on what basis the sites were selected or the feasibility studies behind them. Feasibility studies and front-end engineering and design were done later at a cost of $226 million without ever looking critically at the locations selected by the Ministry. Failing to find willing private investors, the Ministry decided in January 2014 to sign a contract with engineering contractors to build the 140,000 barrels a day Karbala refinery financed from its own budget. This refinery was planned in the late 1980s in a different location between two major power stations north of Hilla province and where millions were spent on preparing the site and installing facilities. The move to Karbala remains unexplained. The contract was signed for $6.5 billion, much higher than comparative projects in the region such as Al Zour in Kuwait and the Yanbu and Jubail refineries in Saudi Arabia where the investment costs per daily barrel refined averages about $24,000 while for Karbala it stands at more than $46,000. Completion is expected in 2018 or 2019 and luckily some construction is visible on site. In 2013, the government signed a memorandum in the presence of the Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki and the Minister of Oil Kareem Luaibi, (more recently known as Mister M), to build the 150,000 barrels a day Maissan refinery with a Swiss company by the name of Satarem, which undertook to invest $6.5 billion, again much higher than what the refinery should cost. The warnings were immediate that Satarem is a questionable company. Its chairman, who owns a satellite channel in Lebanon, said on television that it was the first time he was meeting the oil minister, which implied the limited role, if any, of the ministry in this deal. Satarem turned out to be just a postal address in Switzerland. Muthanna Kubba, an Iraqi living in the same city where the company is registered, conducted a thorough investigation and informed Iraq accordingly about its status, activity and inexperience in refining. Other analysts chipped in and parliamentarians, including the Parliament Integrity Commission, were equally apprehensive to the extent that some thought the deal is scuttled. However, the Maissan International Refinery Company (MIRC) was established by the investor but could show no evidence of a financing bank or a construction contract. There were allegations that the refinery site may have been turned over to MIRC officially even though it became known than the CEO of Satarem, Jerome Friler, had been convicted for previous business dealings. But bad ideas die hard and the Ministry of Oil decided last February to go ahead with the project with this legally bankrupt company and a Chinese entity by the name of Wahan. The only company I could find by that name (Wahan Global Enterprises Limited) was incorporated in 2004 and dissolved by deregistration in 2011. If this is the case, then we are in another phase of carelessness or utter misconduct by the Ministry. The Ministry of Oil insists on concluding this shady deal with a company that has no background in refining nor has it concluded its own feasibility study of the project. The consequence will be a further damage to Iraqs refining program sooner or later. Ahmad Mousa Jiad of Iraq Business News said: The Ministry should not take advantage of the fiscal and political crisis in the country to conclude a scandalous deal under the pretext of foreign investor and by using a deceptive non-economic argument by saying this refinery will not cost the government anything. For this, he was attacked personally and unjustly by one Ministry consultant. Many Iraqi experts are finding it extremely difficult to have their opinion heard, but for the love of the country and industry cannot give up. At a time when corruption allegations are hitting two previous ministers, it will be only a matter of time for more to be disclosed, especially about this shady deal. But what is $6.5 billion between friends when reports suggest that some $400 billion of Iraq money may have been lost through corruption? And what can people like me say when Iraq last year imported ornamental flora from Iran to the tune of $175 million? | Soruce: Gulf News | By S.Seal Iraq is reportedly planning for importing cooking oil from Egypt, as revealed by Iraqi trade ministry on last Sunday. As Baghdad wants to reduce its reliance over Turkish products, it has significantly come up with this decision. A trade delegation, sent by Iraqi government, is holding talks in Cairo on buying cooking oil for the monthly food ration. On the month of December, trade ministry of Iraq stated that it has planned for reducing government imports of cooking oil from Turkey. Baghdad strongly objects a move of deployment of Turkish troops in northern Iraq, while Ankara says that it is a decision to fight Islamic State militants. | Soruce: Trust | By S.Seal On March 20th, 2016, Iraq has exported its first gas condensate from the port at Khor al-Zubair to Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Hamed Zubai, undersecretary at the Iraqi Ministry of Oil, reported that the Iraqi Oil Marketing Co. had arranged for the 10,000-cubic-meter consignment, and the Basrah Gas Co. had successfully exported the shipment. Zubai said, Due to surplus exceeding local consumption, gas condensate exports will continue. In addition, the ministry seeks to export other types of associated gas-processing products. He also added, Exporting condensate opens the door for the state to secure added financial returns, driven by the fact that the global price per ton is around $350. Whereas natural gas refers to gaseous hydrocarbons that accumulate in porous sedimentary rocks and consist mainly of methane, gas condensate refers to a natural gas liquid recovered from gas wells that consists mainly of pentane. Iraq is one of the worlds richest countries when it comes to natural gas. Citing the Oil & Gas Journal, the US Energy Information Agency (EIA) reported that as of January 2015, Iraq had reserve of gas of about 112 trillion cubic feet, ranking it 12th globally in total volume of reserves. The EIA estimates that about three-quarters of Iraq's natural gas resources are of the associated type, meaning that they are located deep underground and mixed with oil. In contrast, neighboring Iran and Qatar do not have associated gas, which is mixed with petroleum. Associated gas puts constraints on actual production, first, because increasing production is associated with increased oil production. Secondly, separating the gas from crude oil requires special techniques and facilities. Lack of infrastructure is always a concern or Iraq. The country is already down ridden with economic crisis. At this point, infrastructural reforms cannot be considered as a viable idea. In an extended report on Iraq's natural resources sector, the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimated that in 2011 Iraq burned 12 billion out of the total 20 billion cubic meters of gas produced. According to the World Bank, Iraq ranked fourth among countries that burn off the most gas. In addition to the estimated loss of $5 million a day as a result of burning associated gas, along with environmental damages, the practice hinders gas-powered energy production in a country that suffers from power supply shortages. As a result, political, social and financial problems are escalating in the country. Royal Dutch Shell, which has investments in southern Iraqi oil and gas projects, estimated in 2013 that converting wasted gas to electricity would generate 4.5 gigawatts of electric power or enough to cover the needs of about 3 million homes. This has pressed government officials to change their approach to the exploitation of their countrys natural resources. In this regard, Oil Minister of Iraq announced, In the first licensing round, companies were not compelled to extract associated gas. But starting with the second round of licensing, provisions have been added to compel contractors to extract said gas. He also said, In 2015, we achieved an exploitation ratio of 50% of the 3 billion cubic feet of associated natural gas extracted daily. Free gas production rose from a maximum of 600 billion cubic feet per day in 2013-2014 to a maximum of 1.1 trillion cubic feet per day in recent months. In addition, during the same period, liquid gas production increased from a maximum 4,300 tons per day to 5,000 tons per day in recent months. In that context, the Basrah Gas project, launched in 2011 by the Iraqi government in partnership with Royal Dutch Shell and Japans Mitsubishi, began operations in 2013. It is one of the largest associated gas extraction and processing projects in the world, representing the cornerstone of Iraq's effort to exploit its gas resources more efficiently. Iraq's first shipment of gas condensate indeed represents progress toward better exploiting the country's gas resources. Expanding that effort, particularly if export-ready volumes are increased in the future, will open new revenue streams that the government sorely needs in light of falling oil prices, rising deficits and reliance on foreign loans. Increasing Iraq's gas production requires a similar increase in oil production, and the feasibility of the latter cannot be accurately determined. Moreover, the unreliable security situation in northern and western Iraq has seriously hindered efforts to complete the development of free gas fields there, such as at the Akaz gas field in Anbar and the Mansuriya field in Diyala. Still, the responsibility for drafting an effective, sustainable and more transparent energy policy rests squarely on the shoulders of Iraqi officials. Gas exportation, despite the associated potential gains, may not always be the best solution, particularly if the sector can be exploited locally to diversify the economy and address the growing need for electric power. | Soruce: Al Monitor | By S.Seal Airport security has changed quite drastically over the last few years.. Last week, American Science and Engineering Inc. announced that it landed a five-year contract with Al Najaf International Airport in Iraq to provide its scanning technology. However, financial terms are not disclosed yet. Joe Reiss, AS&E's vice president of product management and marketing, told The Sun that the deal is significant because it "validates our value proposition for providing a combination of detection technologies." Reiss said airport security has traditionally been about "checkpoints," or screening the baggage of would-be passengers, and not about the airport itself as a facility. Under the contract, AS&E will provide one of its hulking Z Portal cargo screening systems, which will be used to scan vehicles as they enter the airport property. It offers multi-view, drive-through screening for left, right, and top-down imaging of cars, vans, trucks and their cargo. "Our Z Portal has been used extensively for border security and high-threat facility applications," Reiss said. "Well, now airports are now considered high-threat facilities." The company would also offer several of its Gemini parcel-inspection systems, which will be used to scan baggage both outside and inside the airport. Reiss said, "As a business, we've had a good amount of gear deployed with the military and so on." "This allows us to increase our commercial presence." Najaf is a city of about 1 million people that's about 100 miles south of Iraq's capital, Baghdad. In a statement, Sheikh Faed Al-Shimary, director general of the Najaf Airport Authority, said, "Passengers and freight forwarders are increasingly turning to Najaf Airport for their international air travel and shipping requirements." It added, "We chose AS&E's comprehensive detection solutions because they provide rapid inspection of vehicles and carry-on luggage in a high-security and high-traffic environment while ensuring the flow of passengers and commerce -- and because it is well-known in our region for delivering exceptional, responsive customer service." AS&E is headquartered at 829 Middlesex Turnpike, where the majority of its 300 or so employees work. It reported fiscal 2015 revenues of $126.8 million. Shares closed Friday at $27.20, up 5 cents. | Soruce: Lowell Sun | By S.Seal The crowd at City Hall in Boston last night had gathered for the annual Irish Emigrant awards, annually given to New England Irish heroes. The Guinness and good cheer flowed as the Irish gathered to toast their local heroes. The venue was packed. Earlier in the day, Irish Emigrant, run by Connell Gallagher, a sister paper of Irish Voice, met with Mayor Marty Walsh, to award him with his special badge of honor a Waterford crystal shamrock. A politician who struggled with alcohol abuse and overcame it and fought cancer off as a young man, Walsh is everything that NYs Bill De Blasio is not approachable, humble, a working mans mayor. He embodies the lunch-pail-guy, populist approach of a La Guardia or a Huey Long. Walsh has huge positive ratings and a great future. Walsh, son of Irish immigrants, needs no briefing on Irish issues. He is on top of his Irish stuff perhaps more than any politician in America. On his way to meeting with Bill Clinton before the debate, he instanced the banning of Gerry Adams and the deportation of Malachy McAllister as issues he wanted to discuss. The second honorees also have an incredible story. The Barley House Wolves are New Hampshires first American-born hurling club. The Wolves were originally formed in 2006 by combat veterans from the New Hampshire Army National Guard as a way to stay connected as they adjusted to life post combat. They had seen hurling on the TV screen at Shannon en route to Iraq and had decided to use it as their bonding method. Today, the Barley House Wolves are represented by N.H. veterans & active service members from all branches of the military, along with members of local law enforcement, fire rescue service, and civilians who have come to love the Irish sport. Recently they defeated the Wexford club in Boston to make an incredible breakthrough. They were saluted in fine style when they accepted their awards. Melinda Thompson ( whose grandfather was a Grady from Ireland) is an authentic American hero who saved a young Irish woman from a dreadful fate of life in prison. Aisling Brady McCarthy was falsely accused of killing a one-year-old baby girl. Prosecutors had thrown every trick in the book at her: refusing her bail, withholding evidence, leading damaging medical findings without proper evidence. The case of the Boston nanny was a sensational one covered widely in the world's media. Into the maelstrom stepped Thompson, wearing her trademark black outfit, looking like an avenging angel. I remember a priest who had 30 years' experience of visiting prisoners and who had met McCarthy telling me that without any doubt the girl was innocent. Melinda Thompson won a huge victory. She offered her services pro bono, then proceeded to tear the prosecution's case to shreds and win Aisling her freedom. It was a victory hailed and welcomed nowhere more than in Boston's Irish community which had stood with the Brady family. Her victory was reminiscent of the Oscar winning movie Spotlight, also based in Boston, where the truth of clerical child abuse was eventually ferreted out by dogged reporters. Melinda did the same with the Aisling Brady McCarthy case. The final honoree was one of the great givers in the Irish community, the unofficial mayor of West Roxbury, Richie Gormley. Richie is so popular that he ran away with an unofficial poll of locals, and some from all over the world. To confuse matters jokester Ritchie ordered a set of mayoral chains from Ireland and marched in the Pat's parade with them. The late former mayor Tom Menino put it best., "What can you say about Richie Gormley except that he is very quietly one of the most generous people around. Its fitting that he would receive such an honor because he has helped so many people in West Roxbury and many of them dont even know it. Hes a great guy." Quite a night for Boston Irish and those receiving the honors. The goodness in the Irish community there still runs very strong. Last week as we passed the 40th day since the general election and still a government had not been formed, one of the left wing deputies in the Dail pointed out in a speech that Jesus only had to wander in the desert for 40 days and nights before something happened. Here in Ireland last week, 40 days after the general election, we were still wandering in the political darkness with not an angel in sight. On Wednesday of last week, for the second time since the election, the Dail voted and failed to elect a new taoiseach. Thanks to the general election result which produced a near stalemate between the two main parties as well as a large number of clueless independents, neither of the main party leaders could get a majority in the Dail to be the next taoiseach. The obvious solution was some kind of super coalition between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, but Fianna Fail refused to even consider the possibility. To the general disgust of the public, the leaders of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail at that stage last week had not even met to try to work out a solution. That has now changed, and serious negotiations are underway between the two sides aimed at forming a minority government. Whether this will be led by Fine Gael or Fianna Fail is unclear at the time of writing, although Enda Kenny still has his nose in front. The crucial requirement to make this work is that the main party not in power will give an undertaking to support the minority government on a range of basic issues. Before the independents will vote to back a minority government they want an assurance that, whoever is in the driving seat, the new administration will last for two to three years. The Dail meets again on Thursday of this week when another vote for taoiseach is due, but it is still unclear whether a deal can be hammered out in time. The only game in town now is the formation of a minority government, and any possibility of a super coalition between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail has been abandoned. We will come to the reasons for that in a moment, but the first thing to be said is that this is a lost opportunity of great significance because to describe such a development as historic is not an exaggeration. Bringing Fine Gael and Fianna Fail together in a government would clearly mark the beginning of the end of the Civil War divide in Irish politics. In the year of the centenary of the 1916 Rising it would be especially appropriate, marking the beginning of a new modern era and the end of the politics of the past. It would, of course, be an enormous step for either of the two main parties to take, even though at this stage there is a very little difference between them in ideology or policy. Both are centrist, free market parties, and the historic divide between them on the North has not been relevant for decades. Even so, the idea of them catching up with history and coming together still seems far-fetched to some people. That is why, when Fine Gael leader Kenny and Fianna Fail leader Micheal Martin did finally have a meeting last week after the failed vote in the Dail, what Kenny came up with was something of a shock. What caught everyone by surprise was the extent of the offer which he was willing to make. The offer to Fianna Fail was an invitation to join in a full partnership government with an equal sharing of ministers and even the possibility of giving Martin equal time as taoiseach. Clearly this partnership government went far beyond the usual coalition model. No one expected that Kenny would go that far, since he still leads the largest party in the Dail. Fianna Fail accused him of playing political games. But the fact is the offer was made. Kenny is a man with an eye on his legacy and his place in history. Martin, you would think, would have been delighted with the offer and would have grabbed it with both hands. But Fianna Fail, in spite of all the guff they spout about being the party that truly represents the interests of the Irish people, is more focused on what is good for the party than what is good for the country. Their main problem is that if they joined with Fine Gael in a super-coalition government it would leave Sinn Fein as the main opposition party in the Dail. In that situation, with dif cult decisions ahead, Sinn Fein would be able to play the populist game and eat away at Fianna Fails traditional support. Although the situation is different here, what the Shinners did to the SDLP in the North sends shivers down Fianna Fail spines. The second reason for the Fianna Fail refusal is naked opportunism. They are playing a slightly longer game, believing that if they stay in opposition and support a minority Fine Gael-led government, they can pull the plug on it in a couple of years on a populist issue and then become the largest party after the next election. Its all about power, you see, not about whats best for the country. Given that Fianna Fail is the party that wrecked the country and has come back from the dead only because of national anger over the austerity program that was forced on the country, their behavior is nauseating. Listening to Martin talking about a fairer way of dealing with the economic crisis, you would never think he was a minister in the government that caused it. Martin has been arguing this week that reducing the debate to one about ending Civil War politics is misleading because he says their differences with Fine Gael are substantial. Few people agree with that, and most people regard what Fianna Fail are doing as cynical and opportunistic. And nothing exemplifies that better than Fianna Fails shameless use of the water charges issue to curry favor with the voters. Under pressure from the EU, it was the last Fianna Fail government which agreed that water had to be metered and charged for, like happens in all other European countries. But once they were in opposition they reversed their position so they could exploit the widespread resistance to the new charges. They have been playing this game for years. It was to win an election in the 1970s that a Fianna Fail government abolished the rates (local taxes) that used to pay for water services. And it was successive Fianna Fail governments that then starved local councils of the central funds they were supposed to get to maintain water services. The decades of neglect and the fragmentation of services across the 32 local authorities left our water and sewage systems in a shameful state, with inadequate supply of fresh water and pollution in rivers and lakes. The only sensible solution was a national water utility and water charges to pay for urgently needed investment. The fact that Kennys government made a mess of winning public acceptance for the Irish Water utility does not negate the fact that it is absolutely necessary for the future of the country. Fianna Fail knows this, but they exploited the situation in a deeply cynical manner and said the abolition of Irish Water was a red line issue for them, piling up votes as a result in the election. Water is just one of a number of difficult problems that have to be dealt with by whoever forms the next government. How do we know Fianna Fail wont exploit them as well to continue its populist vote building? Given that they were almost wiped out in the 2011 election because of the crash they caused, there was some hope that maybe Fianna Fail had learned its lesson, that the partys culture of political strokes and backhanders and irresponsible vote buying might have come to an end. But the way they are behaving now shows this is not the case. In particular, the way that they have dismissed out of hand the idea of ending Civil War politics by joining Fine Gael in a government capable of making the hard decisions that will be needed in the years ahead shows that they are still the same old Fianna Fail. De Valera, the original slippery merchant, would be proud of them. On August 28, 1922, the funeral for Michael Collins was held in Dublin. A century later, the revolutionary's relative has shared the mass card used that day. A relative of Michael Collins has shared an image of the mass card from the Irish revolutionary hero's 1922 funeral. In 2016, as the centenary of the Easter Rising was being commemorated in Ireland, Michael Collins's grand-nephew Declan McGuill shared images of the mass card that was used in Collins's funeral. McGuill told JOE.ie: We are related to Michael Collins through our great-grandmother, Margaret Collins-ODriscoll, who was his sister. Our grandfather, Joseph McGuill, of Bridge Street, Dundalk, was married to her daughter (and Michael Collins niece) Mary Collins-ODriscoll, Their son and the only child surviving to adulthood was our Dad, Sean McGuill (also of Dundalk). Michael Collins is, therefore, our great uncle." My mother informs me that the memorial card we have would really only have been given to family (and perhaps extended family) members so it obviously holds a very special place in our familys archives. Who is Michael Collins? The British sent Collins to a prison camp in Frongoch in Wales for his role in the 1916 Easter Rising, which McGuill and his relatives planned to visit to commemorate their hero ancestor. Collins emerged out of Frongoch as one of the new leaders of the independence movement. He became Director of Intelligence for the Irish Republican Army during the War of Independence and organized a special assassination unit called The Squad expressly to kill British agents and informers. When talks to end the War of Independence were arranged for October 1921, Michael Collins was one of the delegates who traveled to England to negotiate with the British government. A truce had been established in July 1921 to allow the two sides to meet for the talks that eventually led to the Anglo-Irish Treaty, which saw the establishment of the Irish Free State and the partition of Ireland into North and South. A prominent advocate for the Anglo-Irish Treaty, Collins was one of the main political figures on the Pro-Treaty side of the Irish Civil War that followed the Treatys implementation. Unfortunately, Collins was killed in an ambush in August 1922. His death came in his native Cork, at the hands of those who had fought alongside him in the War of Independence. Traveling in a convoy through Beal na mBlath, Co. Cork, Collins was convinced that they wont shoot me in my own county. The convoy was ambushed by anti-Treaty forces, however, and Collins received a single gunshot wound to the head that killed him instantly. He is believed to have been shot by fellow Corkman Dennis Sonny ONeill, a former member of the Royal Irish Constabulary who had fought for the British Army during World War I. ONeill joined the IRA in 1918 and joined the anti-Treaty side during the Civil War. Michael Collins's funeral Thousands of people lined Sackville St (modern-day OConnell St) in Dublins city center for Collins funeral in August 1922 to pay tribute to The Big Fellow, a hero in the fight for Irish independence and a man who worked hard for the benefit of Ireland in the establishment of the Irish Free State. Some 500,000 people, almost a fifth of the population of the country at the time, gathered for his funeral ceremony in Dublins Pro Cathedral. H/T: Joe.ie * Originally published in 2016. Updated in August 2021. On June 29, 1916, Sir Roger Casement was found guilty of treason for his role in the Easter Rising and was sentenced to death by hanging. Casement was the most prominent and intriguing figure involved in the Easter Rising. During three critical months in 1916, he kept the story of the Irish rebellion alive and came to personify the Rising and its portrayal in America. Read more On This Day: 1916 Easter Rising leader Roger Casement is born As the first reports of the insurrection made their way across the Atlantic and appeared on April 25, 1916 (a day after Easter Monday, the day the Rising started), Sir Roger was the primary focus of attention. A headline on the front page of The Washington Post announced: Capture Sir Roger in Irish Filibuster. A smaller headline underneath ominously speculated: Predict Death for Knight. On April 29, the Saturday of the rebels' surrender, The New York Times published 18yes, 18separate articles of varying length and approach about the Rising. An editorial and an essay of commentary concentrate directly on Casement. Several news reports about Casements capture include the judgment he is mentally unbalanced. His psychological state receives examination so often someone today is forced to wonder why journalists kept raising the topic. Were British authorities whispering questions about Casement to make people wonder about him? Was the larger intention to sully the cause of Irish nationalism he championed? Casements humanitarian work in Africa and South America for the British Foreign Service earned him a knighthood and prominence in the U.S. His elite status and confrontational stance against Britain proved irresistible to American editors. For instance, the day after the surrender, The Boston Globe published a lengthy Sunday profile, Sir Roger Casements Astounding Career, and on May 14 The Washington Post ran an essay by Casement under the headline England Seeking U.S. Aid to Dominate All Europe, Says Sir Roger Casement. On June 4, The Washington Post ran a mock conversation, offering a debate about Casements sanity. Headlined, Madmen Make History: Sir Roger Casement Would Have Been Immortal If He Had Succeeded, one of the fictional speaker's notes, If America had not had at all times a sufficient supply of madmen on hand, it would not have become America. All the press attention towards Casement is critical to assess because he served at this historic moment as a human lightning rod for attracting American interest in the struggle for Irish independence. The post-Rising executions of 14 rebels at Kilmainham Gaol took place between May 3-12. Casements trial in London didnt begin until June 26, and, unlike the Dublin court-martials, the proceedings involving Sir Roger were public and extensively covered. Read more On This Day: Last of the Easter Rising rebels was executed in Britain When someone tries to understand him in relation to the Rising, almost everything about Casement proves unique and complicated. Hes arrested prior to the insurrection ostensibly on a mission to keep it from happening. Hes taken to London for his trial. Hes charged with treason for his actions in Germany rather than his involvement in the Rising. Hes sentenced to hang instead of being shotand his appeal results in even more attention. Each particular about him is distinctive, yet in the eyes of Americans, he was lumped together with other rebels. That he was arriving in Ireland along with a shipment of German arms underscored the perception that Casement occupied a place as a ringleader at the center of revolutionary activitieseven though the reality was different. Theres a certain irony that American dollars bankrolled Casements nationalistic dreams. Prior to his arrival in New York on July 20, 1914he stayed until October 15 that yearhis opinions about the U.S. wouldnt evoke Yankee endearment. I dont like the U.S.A., he wrote to a cousin in 1914. The more I see of it the less I like it. The people are ignorant and unthinking and easily led by anything they read in their rotten papers. Despite these views, he understood the importance of the U.S. as an emerging world power. In early 1912, he met with President William Howard Taft in Washington, an indication of Casements clout, as well as recognition by the British of Americas place in the global community. Later, Casement began to see the Irish-American community as having the wherewithal to support the effort to achieve independence for Ireland. From Casements arrival in New York until his death, he was subsidized by American dollars. For three monthsas the Great War beganhe toured the U.S., raising funds to buy arms for the Irish Volunteers. Casement worked with members of Clan na Gael, the secretive American organization with direct ties to the Irish Republican Brotherhood (IRB), and particularly with Clan leader, John Devoy. Both Casement and Devoy shared such boiling-point hatred of the British they conspired with Germany for assistancea case of the enemy of my enemy becomes my friend. Clan na Gael coffers supported Casements controversial trip to Germany, which began in October of 1914 and continued until his ill-fated return to Ireland prior to the Rising. At dinner on April 10, 1916, the night before he left Germany, Casement told a friend: I feel that I am going to my end, but at least it is for Ireland! During the summer of 1916, Casements fate was a prime topic not only for the American press but also among government officials in Washington. The coverage of Casementhis capture, trial, appeal, and executionkept him and his cause on Americans minds, and that attention, in turn, exerted pressure on the U.S. government. Members of the House and Senate sought to help Casement by contacting President Woodrow Wilson. How the White House handled the case reveals a deliberate, if not strategic, duplicity thats representative of the 28th presidents approach to Ireland and to Irish America. Politically motivated lip service and feigned sincerity mask the policy reality of Wilsons reluctance to get involved in what he considered an internal matter for the British. A revealing gauge of American public opinion comes in reports of Cecil Spring-Rice, the U.K.s ambassador in Washington. In his dispatches, Spring Rice keeps returning to the U.S. reaction to the events in Ireland, particularly their impact on Irish Americans. His observations gleaned from the press and staff reports, provide evidence of the change in American opinionfrom questioning the Rising to favoring its objectiveas it evolved. Many of his unpublished dispatches are in the British National Archives at Kew, and those during this period amplify his judgments about the Rising and the executions, including Casements. One particular message stands out. In a coded telegram dated August 1, Spring Rice reports he made an informal verbal agreement with Michael Francis Doyle, Casements U.S. lawyer, that neither would say anything about Casements scheduled hanging two days later. His last sentence refers to Doyle and provokes puzzlement: He tells me privately that Clan Nagael [sic] want Casement executed. When so many American politicians and groups were working to save Casement, why Clan na Gael didnt mind imposing the death sentence remains a mystery. Despite thinking Casement should not become a martyr, Spring Rice circulated extracts from what are known as Casements black diaries, documenting multiple homosexual encounters. Its now clear that Spring Rice deliberately wanted to blacken Casements name. Roger Casement is one of the most tragic figures in Irish history, Devoy observed in his memoir, "Recollections of an Irish Rebel." Beyond that judgment, Casements human complexity and distinctiveness are as compelling now as they were a century ago. *Robert Schmuhl is the Walter H. Annenberg-Edmund P. Joyce Chair in American Studies and Journalism at the University of Notre Dame and the author of "Irelands Exiled Children: America and the Easter Rising" (Oxford University Press). This article is abridged from his essay, Roger Casement and America, which appears in the April 2016 issue of Breac: A Digital Journal of Irish Studies. *This article was originally published here in 2015. IrishCentral History Love Irish history? Share your favorite stories with other history buffs in the IrishCentral History Facebook group. Social Justice Ireland has said a lack of investment in services here is putting our economic recovery at risk. The organisation said the focus of the next programme for Government needed to be on spending on infrastructure and services in areas such as housing, health, child care, and rural broadband and education. Update 10.05pmFianna Fail has agreed to reconvene talks with Fine Gael on the formation of a minority Government. In a statement tonight a spokesperson Fianna Fail commented: "Tonight's meeting of the Fianna Fail Parliamentary Party agreed that its negotiating team will reconvene talks with Fine Gael with a view to facilitating the establishment of a Fine Gael-led minority Government." I can see where he is coming from, because anybody in the city or its hinterland would have to be painfully aware that the hospital is struggling to deliver general health services, not to mention cardiac services. However, it struck me that every Independent TD interested in lending support to either of the two major parties in a minority government would most likely be on their own local radio stations asserting that some service or other for their area would be a red-line issue. The unfortunate reality is that all of these red-line issues around the country, as worthy as they might be, will add up to a lot of money. In an era of scant resources, which we are still very definitely living through, there will not be enough money to go around to address all of the issues that local politicians around the country hold dear to their hearts. Consequently, one wonders how it will be possible, or indeed affordable, to create anything resembling a stable and sensible government. In the midst of all of the political horseplay and demands, which will be an essential element of any support for a minority government by the many diverse independents, there is a bigger global story. That story is the still-precarious nature of the global economy, which was highlighted again this week in stark fashion. In Washington this week, the IMF published its latest update on the global economy. The revised forecast makes for salutary reading and should act as a stark reminder that whatever programme for government is eventually agreed in this country, the fragile external environment will have a strong bearing on the ability to deliver it. The reality is that Ireland is a very small and very open economy that is totally exposed to the vagaries of the global economic cycle. We discovered that to our extreme cost from 2008 onwards, and we could well discover it again over the next couple of years. We need to behave prudently. The IMF is now predicting global growth of just 3.2% this year and 3.7% in 2017. This compares to growth forecasts of 3.4% and 3.8% in January. It is hard to argue with this growth downgrade. The IMFs managing director, Christine Lagarde, summed up the latest musings of the IMF with the statement that the global recovery is too slow, too fragile, with the risk that persistent low growth can have damaging effects on the social and political fabric of many countries. The reference to the political fabric should resonate. Global politics at the moment are quite scary. We have the emergence of forces such as Donald Trump in the US, Ukip in the UK, and Le Pen in France, difficulties in forming a government in Spain, and of course the bizarre manner in which the Irish electorate voted in February. You know things are wrong when China is one of the few countries with any semblance of political stability. The IMF highlights a number of key global risk factors. These include a return of financial turmoil due perhaps to further weakness in emerging market currencies, and a sharp decline in capital inflows; a protracted period of low oil prices could further destabilise the outlook for oil-exporting nations. Last week, Africas second-biggest oil exporter, Angola, said it would apply for an IMF loan to get it through the difficulties caused by low oil prices. There are risks from a slowdown in China, and non-economic shocks related to geopolitical conflicts political discord, terrorism, refugee flows, or global epidemics. The IMF also made strong comments about the negative impact Brexit would have on the UK and global economies. The analysis looks pretty realistic at the moment. As we seek to negotiate a government in this country, our political masters and political populists should bear in mind the potentially dangerous global economic backdrop. Speaking as staff moved into the companys new Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) base, in One Albert Quay, Malwarebytes founder and chief executive Marcin Kleczynski said he hoped the company would need more office space by the end of next year, such has been its recent growth. The firm, founded by Mr Kleczynski when he was a teenager after he accidentally infected his familys computer with malware while downloading a game, has grown rapidly and now protects 250m computers worldwide. Its sales growth in 2015 topped 100%, while the final quarter of last year was the 31st quarter in which Malwarebytes generated positive cash flow. In March, 2015, Malwarebytes announced 50 roles in Cork and hopes to have filled its 80-person capacity office by the end of next year. Were going to try to keep ahead of schedule [on recruitment] as far as we can, but should there be any shift in security spending whether it goes up or down well adjust to that, said Mr Kleczynski. But Im hoping, by the end of next year, were looking for a new office, potentially, or expanding this one. So thats 80 people by the end of next year. I think thats optimistic, but certainly achievable. Staff based in Malwarebytes Cork office perform a range of functions, the largest of which is sales. Sales and support engineers are also employed at the city centre office, and while the companys main engineering hub is based in Clearwater, Florida, in the US, and though there is no immediate plan to develop Cork as an engineering base, it may happen in the future. Because of the cutthroat nature of competing for engineering talent in the San Francisco Bay area, Malwarebytes has given up trying to hire engineers at its Santa Clara office, while it is close to exhausting the talent pool around its Florida base, too. In Santa Clara, it is cutthroat to try and hire engineers, said Mr Kleczynski. I have given up I have given up trying to hire skilled engineers in the Bay Area. Its very difficult to find. We find we have much higher success in [Malwarebytes other bases] than in Santa Clara Honestly, I prefer to hire engineers elsewhere. As a result, there is potential to add engineering roles in Cork, with the likelihood that projects would be moved to its EMEA office from the US. He added that the Cork office was very important to the company, while Anthony OMara, Malwarebytes EMEA vice president, said the cluster of security and enterprise technology companies in the city was a major draw. Mr OLeary, speaking in Trinity College Dublin, where he was endorsing Sean Barretts re-election to the Upper House, said the Dublin Airport Authority should pay the excess. A 2014 report put the cost of developing the second parallel runway at 250m but last weeks announcement about the planned development put the price tag at 320m. Mr OLeary described the cost increase as nonsense and without justification. A second runway is a good idea and hopefully we will need it, he told the Irish Examiner. It was approved by the aviation commission in 2014 at a cost of 243m. So we are somewhat taken aback that it has spiralled by 30% to 320m within 12 months without a sod being turned We have a meeting with the Dublin Airport Authority to find out what the other 70m is for. If the regulated cost of the project is 250m then we will fully support it. We are not paying for another round of DAA badly designed gold-plated, badly located facilities. Mr OLeary said there is no justification for the IAA wanting to add another control tower. You only need one tower, he said. They have come up with some nonsense if they dont build one that is 300m taller then they wont be able to see the first 10 yards of one end of the runway. Ive asked them what do you do at night or in bad weather, and they say they use radar. So my attitude is put up a few video screens and away you go. It is this sort of wasteful expenditure, much beloved of the quangos of this country, and we cant afford this sort of nonsense. Look at the damage the 10 travel tax did here for six years. Mr OLeary said Ryanair supports the runway but only at a cost of 250m. We dont want a rerun of Terminal 2, which is a shambles, he said. Massively over-costed and functionally useless. Aircraft coming in the morning, there is nowhere for them to park because they blew all the money building two terminals up the front for shopping and they dont have enough money for parking stands. France, working closely with Italy, Germany, and Spain, wants G20 nations to make it impossible for people to hide behind trusts or foundations to avoid paying tax or reporting assets. Britain which also resisted such a move in 2013 is continuing to oppose full disclosure. A clash would come at a particularly politically sensitive time for UK prime minister David Cameron, who has been forced to justify his familys tax affairs to parliament and the press after leaked documents showed his father based his fund offshore. The Panama leaks which led to Mr Cameron and Mr Osborne taking the unprecedented step of releasing their tax statements will make it more awkward for Britain to claim it is at the centre of a push to improve tax transparency on a global level. Panama has breathed new life into the tax evasion crackdown, its accelerated the process, French finance minister Michel Sapin said while en route to Washington for the talks. What has become clear is that we need complete cross-border transparency and international tools to deal with the problem. A UK official, who asked not to be named, suggested Britain would continue to resist Frances push for full disclosure of beneficiaries of trusts since they are a commonly used vehicle under British law for example when making provisions for children. The official argued a comprehensive crackdown would detract the focus from outfits set up specifically to avoid tax. The UK government is in the centre of the debate about tax avoidance with a network of overseas territories like the Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands that offer shelter to the assets of the wealthy. Mr Cameron said this week he aims to force those jurisdictions to disclose the real owners of companies registered there. * Bloomberg Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Ltd is to cut 2c/l off its milk price, which means it will pay 22c/l including Vat for March milk. The companys suppliers will receive 24c/l, but this figure will include an exceptional Ornua bonus and a co-op top up, which Mr OLeary says is effectively the farmers own money. Ornua announced on Tuesday that it will suspend its 0.14c/l levy on dairy farmers until the Ornua purchase price index returns to a level equivalent to 30.5c/l incl Vat. Glanbia announced its 2c per litre price cut yesterday. This latest price cut is a huge hit on Glanbia suppliers, at a time when they are already under massive financial pressure, said Mr OLeary. The 22c/l Glanbia Ingredients Ireland milk price is 1.7c/l less than with what they were receiving from Ornua for March based on the PPI, namely 23.7c/l including Vat. Glanbia Ingredients Ireland should aim to return that price to farmers before any top-ups. ICMSA dairy committee chairman Gerald Quain said that the Ornua purchase price index only fell 1.2% points, equivalent to 0.3c/l. As a global brand, Glanbia should pay a top rather than a bottom price, he said. Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Ltd have invested in scale over the last number of years and actively encouraged their suppliers to do the same and it is absolutely imperative that their suppliers are not put to the wire for merely following Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Ltds lead and trying to improve their businesses, said Mr Quain. The farmer groups also criticised Lakeland for cutting 1c/l on its core price for March milk, down to 24.5c/l from the 25.5c/l in February. Compliance manager with the Irish Mortgage Brokers Association, Karl Deeter, said instead there should be greater trust in the ability of planners and the local authority. He said a third party right to object to An Bord Pleanala, after the local authority has made up its mind, did not exist in many countries as the planning departments and local authority are expected to make the correct decision. The role of the planner as a planning professional needs to be strengthened so we are not getting caught up in An Bord Pleanala objections to projects, as its hugely costly and causes projects to come in behind time, he said. "First stage objecting and observations are fine but if planners subsequently make a decision, then there should be a very high bar set before any unattached third parties can refer a matter to An Bord Pleanala. High fees would also help this as would a block on petition objections such as happened at the Moore Street development". Mr Deeter also argued a new land tax should be introduced for all land, not just land in urban areas. In cities, in particular, there are a lot of people holding onto land and to buildings in the expectation of rising prices; there is an expectation that you can just sit on it and that is causing serious problems in terms of housing supply in this country, he claimed. If landowners want to sit on it, let it be taxed. He also said agricultural land should not be excluded from such a tax. Land is an asset that generates grants if not income. Farmers cant have it both ways: They get their grants and CAP payments for this asset so why shouldnt they pay tax? Rates are paid on commercial buildings so why shouldnt they be paying an annual tax? In his speech to the annual gathering of planners in Athlone, he was also vocal in his condemnation of modular housing plans in Dublin. Heads should roll over this. People who were involved in planning this project have serious questions to answer. These emergency houses were costing 100,000 each, then 140,000 and now 240,000. They dont make sense any longer if you can buy a house down the street for 70,000 less. Why and how did they get it so wrong? he said. Meanwhile, the president of the Irish Planning Institute, Deirdre Fallon, has called for the establishment of the Office of the Planning Regulator to be expedited and to have more teeth as originally proposed in the Mahon Tribunal report. Under the bill published, the regulator can make recommendations on an application but the final decision goes back to the minister. We believe the offices recommendations should be binding as the Mahon report conclusions suggested, she said. Meanwhile the bill, which allowed for the establishment of the office, still has not got to committee stage, despite having been published a year and a half ago. Ms Fallon said there are housing developments with planning permission but are not being built as the necessary infrastructure, such as roads, had not been provided and developers still cannot access finance. She called for a new central fund to help kickstart such projects and also for a minister for housing and planning. She also suggested a free planning information advisory service be put in place. Patrick McArdle, aged 47, appeared at Dublin District Court, charged with careless driving causing death to Slawomir Korytowski on July 3, 2015, at North Wall Quay. The Lithuanian national, who was in his 30s, died instantly after his motorbike collided with the truck. Garda Sergeant Karl Murray told Judge John Lindsay that the accused met gardai at Store St station, by arrangement, yesterday morning. The DPP has directed that Mr McArdle, of Forest Park, Drumintee, Co Armagh, must face trial on indictment. This means the case will go forward to the Circuit Court, after the book of evidence has been completed. The Sinn Fein leader said serious issues such as child poverty and homelessness need to be addressed, instead of just inconclusive votes for a taoiseach. However, his criticism came as Sinn Fein again failed to nominate or support a candidate for taoiseach the primary role of TDs since the general election seven weeks ago. Public patience is wearing very thin with both Fine Gael and Fianna Fail. They need to get real and come up with an agreement for a government soon. I dont believe these have been serious negotiations. No one ever really believed that Fianna Fail could win support for a Fianna Fail-led minority government. Its all been part of the charade and the two large conservative parties trying to outmanoeuvre one another. According to the Health Information and Quality Authoritys (Hiqa) 2015 overview report of nursing home inspections in 2015, some 424 notifications of allegations of abuse were received, compared to 357 in 2014 an increase of almost 19%. Some 967 notifications of an unexpected death of any resident were received up from 625 in 2014. Hiqa received 4,155 reports of an injury to a resident that required medical and/or hospital treatment in 2015. However, it stressed there is evidence of over-reporting by centres, as just 54% required hospital treatment, while 95% of these were rated as of minor/moderate risk. There were 137 reports of unexplained absence of a resident from a nursing home, up from 122 in 2014. There is a total of 577 centres providing 30,106 residential beds here. A total of 411 nursing home inspections were carried out last year in 343 registered residential centres across the country, with almost half of all inspections being unannounced. Some 59% of all registered centres received an inspection in 2015. Of the centres that received an inspection, 84% received one inspection, 13% received two inspections, and 3% received three or more inspections. The chief inspector with Hiqa, Mary Dunnion, said good levels of compliance with regulations relating healthcare, food, and nutrition and end-of-life care were found in the centres inspected. The provision of high-quality, safe service is found in centres where managers, providers, and persons in charge continually look for innovative ways to improve the evolving needs, preferences and rights of individual residents, she said. However, head of advocacy and communications at Age Action Ireland, Justin Moran, expressed concern at the substantial rise in reports of abuse in nursing homes. It is essential that all of these cases are reported to the HSEs elder abuse caseworkers and properly investigated. We need a proactive approach to tackling elder abuse with more training for care staff and ensuring residents know how to report cases of suspected abuse, said Mr Moran. He also questioned why so many people are in nursing homes in the first place. Many older people need quality nursing home care, but thousands could be at home with their families and in their communities if the proper supports were provided, said Mr Moran. Thats what they want. Its what the Governments National Positive Ageing Strategy promises. And its better value for money. The next government must prioritise investment in services that enable older people to stay home as long as possible and introduce a statutory right to community care. In a statement, Nursing Homes Ireland said the report highlighted high standards of care right across the nursing home sector which provides reassurance for residents, their relatives and friends and wider public. It is important to note the report focusses on areas requiring improvement and it states numerous specific examples of good practice in nursing home care are not documented within it, but published within individual inspection reports, said a statement. It does provide an analysis of good practice, further endorsing high-quality care that is provided by dedicated, committed, and caring management and staff within nursing homes. Nursing Homes Ireland also highlighted the critical issue of adequate staffing levels in the sector and said it had recently engaged directly with Hiqa on the issue. The attack is being linked to the feud between the Kinahan crime cartel and the Hutch gang, which has claimed five lives, including four in Dublin in 10 weeks. Yesterdays target, a senior Hutch figure, is thought to have left a pub onto Lower Sheriff St in Dublins north inner city, at the same time as a homeless man was passing. It is thought both men ran for cover when a gunman approached and that the victim may have ended up stuck between the gunman and his intended target. Gardai said up to six shots were fired, at least two hitting the victim, who suffered fatal head injuries. The gunman escaped on a bicycle down Sheriff St. The victim was named locally as Martin ORourke, aged 24. He was described as having a chaotic lifestyle, blighted by drugs, drink, homelessness, and low-level criminality. He was a father and had an address in the Bridewell area, but was in and out of emergency accommodation and drug-addiction services. Gardai made quick progress and discovered a handgun, the suspected murder weapon, dumped into a wheelie bin nearby. The gunman also abandoned his bicycle and fled on foot. He is described as being of strong build and wore black clothing and possibly had a scarf over his face. Superintendent Kevin Gralton of Store Street Garda Station stressed that the investigation was in its infancy and said it was too early to confirm various reports. He appealed to anyone who witnessed the shooting or saw the man on the bicycle to contact gardai. The intended target, aged 32, is a convicted armed robber and is suspected by the Kinahan cartel of taking part in the Regency Hotel assault on February 4, in which Kinahan lieutenant David Byrne was shot dead. That was a revenge attack for the shooting dead by the Kinahan gang of Gary Hutch last September in Spain. Three days after the Regency attack, Edward Hutch brother of Gerard The Monk Hutch was shot dead in Hutch heartland in the north inner city. Last month, Noel Duggan, a criminal associate of The Monk, was shot dead in Ratoath, Co Meath, again at the suspected hands of the Kinahan cartel. The Kinahan gang have killed four people. They will keep going, at least until they get all the Regency crew, said a senior source. He feared more innocent lives could be lost and suspected the Hutch gang will carefully plan a revenge attack. Senior members of both sides are in Dublin, according to Garda reports. Michael Collins, aged 34, of Upper Kilmona, Grenagh, Co Cork, had pleaded not guilty to the murder of Packie Hogan, aged 42, at Glen Rd, Ballinaraha, Blarney, Co Cork, on February 10, 2011. Collins also denied possession of a rifle and possession of ammunition with intent to endanger life on the same occasion. A number of county councillors are also bitterly disappointed they were not informed by Cork County Council officials of talks, with waste management operator, Indaver, about the plan. The anger locally, and among public representatives, came after Indaver and council officials admitted to the Irish Examiner that discussions were continuing about burying the ash at the Bottlehill landfill, 20km north of Cork City. Bottlehill Environmental Alliance spokesman, John ORiordan, said that local families were horrified at the disclosure, claiming a former county manager had given assurances to householders, in the mid-2000s, that incinerator ash would never be buried at the site. Mr ORiordan said the local authority had a huge millstone around its neck, after spending 48m on the landfill site, which had been due to open in 2010, but which mothballed after a surplus of landfill nationally made it uneconomic. Locals were concerned, he said, that ash could be gouged out of the ground by floods. This new proposal worries us, because of the elevation of the site and its number of aquifers. A lot of water comes off it and we were hit by 70mm of rain in less than 20 hours last Sunday. Our fears are enhanced by the likelihood of more and more severe rainfall events, said Mr ORiordan. The revelation comes as a Bord Pleanala oral hearing is due to commence in Carrigaline, next Tuesday. Indaver is making a third attempt to secure planning for a 160m incinerator plant in Ringaskiddy, with a chimney stack reportedly the size of an eight-storey building. Councillor Seamus McGrath said the talks between the council and Indaver were a serious error of judgment. Seamus McGrath Under the Strategic Infrastructure Planning system, the council is obliged to submit an independent assessment of the proposal (to Bord Pleanala for the Indaver oral hearing). In my view, it is inappropriate for the council to have been engaging with Indaver on this issue, prior to fulfilling its role in the planning process. I want to be clear. I am not for a second suggesting the councils report would be influenced, as I know that would not happen, given the professionalism of the officials. However, the perception of this is all wrong. The FF council leader said he would be calling on senior officials to make a statement on the full extent of their engagement with Indaver. Councillor Marcia DAlton (Ind), an environmental engineer, said even if officials did not want to release commercially sensitive information, they could at least have briefed councillors about the nature of activities being proposed for the Bottlehill site. Councillor Ger Keohane (Ind) claimed he had asked, on a number of occasions, about plans for Bottlehill and had not gotten a reply. As councillors, we should have been entitled to know officials were in discussions with Indaver. At Ennis Circuit Court, Judge Gerald Keys imposed the four-year term, suspending the final 14 months, on Dean OConnor, aged 24, of Ferndale, Ennis Rd, Limerick. Mr OConnor was on bail at the time of the offence and Judge Keys described Mr OConnors well-planned operation to falsely imprison, assault and steal from PJ Looney at his isolated home near the west Clare village of Kilmihil in August 2014 as a cowardly act. Judge Keys said: Attacks of this kind are not uncommon and persons who reside in rural areas must be able to feel safe and secure in their homes. I regard these type of offences as serious. The judge said that the motive in Mr OConnors crime was financial to rob Mr Looney. He said: After assaulting Mr Looney, you then proceeded to tie up his arms and legs. In the case, Mr OConnor and his accomplice, who has never been apprehended, were disturbed by a neighbour and brother-in-law of Mr Looney, Tom OSullivan who, alarmed at seeing two strangers in the area, drove his tractor up Mr Looneys avenue. The accomplice and OConnor, who has 28 previous convictions, fled and Mr OSullivan described in court as a man of considerable courage was able to free Mr Looney and raise the alarm. In his victim impact statement, Mr Looney said: I remember when I was being attacked, I was so scared I could have been killed when they tied me up. I had injuries to my face and I was badly bruised. Mr Looney said: I live on my own and ever since the break-in, every time I hear strange noises on the side of my house I always remember the attack on me and I get worried and stressed for a minute until I know I am safe. Mr Looney was described in court as a very, very small farmer and a man of limited means. In the case, Mr OConnor pleaded guilty to false imprisonment, burglary and assault of Mr Looney on August 10, 2014, at Shyan West, Kilmihil. OConnor and his accomplice rendered Mr Looney completely immobile after tying him up with the cable wires. Detective Garda Donal Corkery said that after Mr OSullivan disturbed the robbery, gardai were on the scene pretty quickly and a holdall bag containing a can of petrol and cable ties were found near the home. Mr OConnor was arrested the following month by gardai where he made admissions. OConnors 28 previous convictions include four for theft; two for burglary and one for assault. Counsel for Mr OConnor, Pat Whyms BL told the court: My client is absolutely appalled at his own behaviour and apologises profusely through me to the victim. He said: He is very disappointed and disgusted with himself that he was involved in an attack on an elderly man. He said that in talks with a psychiatrist to draw up a report on Mr OConnor, Mr OConnor expressed his horror at his own behaviour and said that couldve been my grandfather, the poor man. Mr Whyms said Mr OConnor had lapsed into criminality because of drug use and has gone off the rails. Senior Fianna Fail sources have told the Irish Examiner todays vote will be the last opportunity for them to vote for Mr Martin and to support a Fianna Fail-led minority government. The sources have said that should the Independents not do so, the party will concede and begin talks to facilitate a Fine Gael minority government headed by Enda Kenny. The high-risk move by Mr Martin follows a series of engagements by Fianna Fail with Independent TDs. One source said it was time for Independents to call Fine Gaels bluff. The source also said it was unreasonable that Fine Gael would not support a Fianna Fail-led minority government. Talks between Fianna Fail and Fine Gael on the formation of a government ended abruptly. A Fine Gael source said the partys negotiators were frustrated and disappointed at what they said was the unwillingness of Fianna Fail to engage on policy matters. Mr Kenny told his party the Dail will still make another attempt at electing a Taoiseach today, a vote expected to produce no result. Enda Kenny Fine Gael sources said talks with Fianna Fail broke off after a reluctance by Mr Martins side to discuss policies for a minority government. Fianna Fail, on the other hand, said that Mr Kennys negotiators were refusing to explain how many Independent TDs Fine Gael can rely on. However, in an extraordinary move, Mr Martin also personally contacted Independents in an appeal to vote for him as Taoiseach and therefore support a Fianna Fail government. Party sources confirmed the phone calls came amid concern that Independents are refusing to get off the fence. Party sources also said that if there is no movement to support Mr Martin today, that he will allow Fine Gael form a minority government under Mr Kenny. Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney held separate talks with the Independent Alliance urging them to support Mr Kennys bid for power. Two members of the separate Rural Independent group of five TDs held a clear-the-air meeting over pints in McGrattans pub on Tuesday night over fears the group is about to split. Fullsize Skellig Michael replica beehive huts and a temporary roadway, along with the resurfacing of an existing pathway to facilitate the filming of Star Wars: Episode VIII are being built on the headland at Ceann Sibeal near Ballyferriter. A significant slice of the headland is being taken up by the film set in what is an area of special protection for a bird species. Helicopters will also be operating near the cliff face during the breeding season. Permits for a project to begin filming on privately-owned land on Ceann Sibeal on the mainland on the Dingle peninsula had been granted by the Department of Arts, Heritage, and the Gaeltacht, after the promoters followed established processes through the National Parks and Wildlife Service, the council said. The headland is considered one of the best areas for the cliff nesting Chough in the country. Regarded as a member of the crown family, Choughs have iridescent black plumage and striking red beak and legs. Ireland has the most westerly population of the cliff nesting choughs in Europe, and the Dingle peninsula, with 119 breeding pairs, is a stronghold. Skellig Michael The short film shoot next month on the cliff edges, mostly in the western half of Ceann Sibeal, will take place during the breeding season, but will not adversely interfere with them, according to an ecological assessment for the department. To limit interference, crew and personnel movement will be capped at peak numbers of 100 people in the designated conservation area and restricted to the replica village or its base. The filming, over a week- long period, is to be strictly controlled with camera helicopters flying at a minimum distance of 100m from the headland in the vicinity of the beehive huts and restricted to three days. Filming is to take place during daylight and at sunset on occasion, according to the criteria laid down by the Department of Arts, Heritage, and the Gaeltacht. Department representatives will be on site. Further protection measures will be applied if adverse reactions by the breeding birds are observed. Two kilometres of temporary trackway are being laid, and a number of full-sized replica beehive huts constructed on the cliff edge in works that began some weeks ago. The site is under tight security. Of 93 pharmacies visited in the exercise last December, 46% sold products containing domperidone, most often seen in Ireland in the form of Motilium, despite being told the purchase was for a patient who was on heart tablets. The figure was better than a year earlier, when 50 pharmacies were visited and 78% of them wrongly sold the drug but the Pharmacy Regulator has expressed concern at the continuing high level of breaches. Medical authorities worldwide imposed restrictions on the sale of domperidone in 2014 following concerns that it had caused deaths in people with heart problems. The drug is used to relieve nausea and vomiting and is helpful for people left feeling ill by strong medications taken for other complaints. Patient information leaflets now specifically state, however, that the drug should not be taken by anyone on medication for heart conditions or high blood pressure. One of the three warnings now carried on the patient leaflet states: Domperidone may be associated with an increased risk of heart rhythm disorder and cardiac arrest. It says the risk may be higher in people over 60 years old or in those taking doses higher than the recommended limit of 30mg per day which usually means one tablet three times a day. In some countries, the drug is now available by prescription only, and in Ireland it is meant to be stored behind the counter so customers must engage with a staff member while buying it. Problems highlighted by the mystery shopper exercise were the failure of some pharmacies to remove the drug from the general shop floor and the failure of others to ask any questions of the person requesting the drug. Where questions were asked, the mystery shopper said the drug was for their partner who was over 60, suffering bloating and nausea and on heart tablets. The Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, the professions regulator, said: On the basis of this scenario, domperidone is not a suitable medicine for this patient and a sale should not be carried out. However, out of the 93 pharmacies tested, 43 either sold the drug without questioning the shopper or sold it despite the details provided to them. The regulator said: The results of the test purchase exercise continue to be of concern to the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland when non-prescription domperidone-containing products are sold contrary to the marketing authorisation for domperidone and Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland guidance. The regulator is contacting all the pharmacies involved and is to carry further mystery shopper exercises to check if compliance rates are improving. Mr Jordan and his wife Brenda Rawn objected to the enclosed flat roofed shelter/changing area in the rear of their neighbour Robin Powers home at Sorrento Terrace, Dalkey, Co Dublin. The shelter is 11sq m and 3m in height. Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Co Council last August decided the development required planning permission and a retention application was lodged. In November, the council approved the application. Mr Jordan and his wife objected, as did Ian Lumley of An Taisce, who said the development was injurious to the architectural composition of Sorrento Terrace. Mr Jordan and Ms Rawn appealed to An Bord Pleanala. They also brought High Court judicial review proceedings seeking to quash the council decision. Their counsel Michael ODonnell told Mr Justice Paul McDermott the council had consented to an order quashing its decision. It agreed to have the matter remitted back to it on the grounds that it failed to notify three prescribed bodies of the matter. Mr ODonnell said the council was also consenting to paying his clients costs. The judge said he would make the order sought. An application for the costs of a notice party in the case, Mr Powers consultants Elark, trading as Alternative Building Solutions, was withdrawn. Staging a protest outside Social Protection Minister Joan Burtons office, the Irish Postmasters Union (IPU) said her refusal to reverse the policy will sound the death knell for branches country-wide. Ned OHara, IPU general secretary, said welfare payments make up to 30% of all post office business or as much as half of its overall business when you include related transactions. Taking this work away from the network will close post offices all across the country, he said. The IPU said the Department of Social Protection is issuing letters to casual and part-time workers who receive benefits, asking for their bank details for future payments. There is no reference to the post office or that people could continue using the post office if they choose, the union said. Irish Postmasters Union general secretary Ned OHara, left, with IPU officers at a protest at the Department of Social Protection. The postmasters claim welfare recipients are being led to believe they have no choice and are being forced to use banks, where they face charges to collect their payments. Mr OHara said Ms Burton is refusing to withdraw the letters after both sides met this week. We cant understand why the minister is applying this policy when there is strong public support for post offices, he added. The IPU collected half a million signatures before the election calling on the Government to support the network. The Department of Social Protection confirmed it was offering recipients the choice of getting payments directly into a bank account, as part of a national plan to phase out cheques. In line with the national payments plan, the Department of Social Protection is seeking to reduce cheque usage in the economy, said a spokeswoman. Casual workers have to date been paid by cheque, which they can lodge direct to their accounts or negotiate at bank or post office counters. The majority of the departments customers who are paid by cheque choose to lodge them direct to their bank accounts. The department is now offering these customers the option of being paid direct to their bank accounts. The spokeswoman said cheque payments are not issued through the post office and as such do not reduce the number of existing cash payments made through post offices under the contract between the Department of Social Protection and An Post. Roy ODriscolls partner, Jenna Lane, told an inquest yesterday that she was so worried she sought a meeting with the governor of Cork Prison to discuss her concerns. And it emerged that Mr ODriscoll, 25, from Summerhill, in Mallow, Co Cork, had been transferred from Portlaoise Prison just days earlier where a senior nurse staff member deemed him to be at unprecedented risk of suicide to Cork Prison, without consultation with Portlaoise medical staff. Mr ODriscoll, who was serving a seven-year jail term for assault, was found dead in his cell in Cork Prisons D-unit just days later, on May 10, 2013. Ms Lane told Cork City Coroners court that when she last visited her partner in Portlaoise on April 27, 2013, he was his usual self. But she said when she next visited him at Cork Prison on May 5, the change in him was incredible. Roy had his head in his hands on the table. He was wearing prison clothes, he was unshaven, unwashed, and his hair was untidy, she said. His nails had been eaten off almost completely and the skin around the tops of his fingers was bleeding. He wasnt the usual Roy. Id never seen him in such a condition. He was confused, in and out of conversation, and what conversation there was, was confused. She told the chief prison officer she wanted him checked. She said she spoke to Roys father, James, later, and he expressed his concerns to the governor. Earlier, the inquest was told that concerns for Mr ODriscolls mental health were mounting in Portlaoise from early April. An anonymous note had been passed under his cell door complaining about his personal hygiene, and another note had urged him to kill himself. He felt he was being bullied by other inmates, he became withdrawn, refused to do his landing cleaning work, and refused to leave his cell. Amid concerns he was suffering from a possible depressive illness, he was placed on an at-risk supervision routine, and checked by prison staff every 15 minutes while locked in his cell. The prisons senior nurse manager, Karl Shelly, said by April 30, the medical team agreed Mr ODriscoll was at heightened risk of suicide. Mr Shelly said he hadnt ever seen anybody with this level of risk it was an unprecedented level of risk, he said. Chief officer of Portlaoise Prison at the time, Paddy Brennan, who has since retired, said prison officers have no access to an inmates medical records, and didnt know why Mr ODriscoll was under special supervision. Mr ODriscoll was disciplined after starting a fight with another inmate on April 29, 2013, and sought a transfer to Cork Prison, arriving on May 1 2013. Mr Shelly said medical staff at Portlaoise found out about the transfer afterwards. He told city coroner, Dr Myra Cullinane, that had he known about the transfer, he would have advised against it. While transfer decisions are a matter for governors, he said the Irish Prison Service (IPS) has transfer protocols which allow a red-flag to be raised in specific medical or mental health cases. But Ultan Moran, the operational governor of Portlaoise, noted from a management point of view that despite their concerns for Mr ODriscoll, the medical staff had not opted to place him in a safety observation cell. Cork Prison GP, Dr George OMahony, assessed Mr ODriscoll the day after his transfer to Cork, and directed he be placed under special observation in D-unit after he complained of low mood and expressing thoughts of self-harm. He said he felt Mr ODriscolls mental health issues were being aggravated by perceived pressures from other inmates. Former prison psychiatrist, Dr Eugene Morgan, assessed Mr ODriscoll on May 3 and 4 and found him confused and difficult to engage with. By May 7, he said Mr ODriscoll was expressing fleeting ideas of self-harm and was not actively suicidal, but he decided he should stay in D-unit. Mr ODriscoll was found dead in the cell on May 10. The inquest continues today. Cork Airport yesterday said it expects the airlines decision to introduce winter services to Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and Malaga to add about 50,000 extra passengers from the region. We are pleased to launch our Cork winter 2016 schedule, which includes three new winter services to Gran Canaria, Malaga, and Tenerife, with nine routes in total including a four times daily service to London, which will deliver 850,000 annual customers and support 640 jobs at Cork Airport, said Ryanairs chief marketing officer, Kenny Jacobs. The announcement was welcomed by Cork Airport. This is fantastic news for our customers from the region, said Niall MacCarthy, managing director at Cork Airport. Ryanair, our second biggest customer, is expected to carry 850,000 passengers this year, an increase of 50,000 on last year. So far this year, Cork Airport has seen a significant increase in our passenger numbers, up by over 10%, making us Irelands fastest growing airport. Weve had a fantastic start to the year and weve already welcomed nine new routes as well as new airline partners, he said. The winter services from Cork Airport will see weekly flights to Gran Canaria and Tenerife and a twice-weekly service to Malaga. Routes already serviced by Ryanair for winter 2016 include Lanzarote, Gdansk, Liverpool, London Stansted, London Gatwick, and Wroclaw. The new services will increase the number of weekly Ryanair flights this coming winter from Cork to over 40, an increase of 11%. The company said it is releasing 100,000 seats for sale across its European network from 19.99 to celebrate the launch of the new Cork winter schedule. The fares will be available on ryanair.com until next Monday. The boy admitted driving a stolen motorbike, not having a licence or insurance, escape from lawful custody, dangerous driving as well as a hit-and-run charge in connection with the incident in south Dublin on October 25, 2014. During a pursuit, the boy had been riding the stolen moped at Mount Tallant Ave when he knocked over Garda Oliver Farrell who was on foot, the Dublin Childrens Court heard. Judge John OConnor was furnished with a probation report which showed the teenager has recently tested positive for cocaine use as well as other substances. The boy had been given numerous chances to work with the Probation Service and avoid detention. However, he failed to co-operate with agencies trying to help him. Judge OConnor imposed a six-month detention-supervision order. The boy will have to serve a three-month sentence in a detention centre followed by three months probation. The judge has said the teenager was out of control, taking killer drugs and putting his life at risk. Earlier Judge OConnor said all this was having an effect on the boys mother who said her son, will not allow me to be his parent. Earlier, Garda Farrell said he attempted to stop the teenager but the boy drove at him and he had to take evasive action. The garda was struck to his right side and the boy carried on driving. There were numerous incidents of dangerous driving and failing to stop before the teenager crashed into the back of a patrol car at Harolds Cross Rd. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say there is an established link between pregnant women catching zika and their babies developing microcephaly, as well as other neurological abnormalities. Thomas Frieden of the CDC said: There is no longer any doubt that Zika causes microcephaly. Never before in history has there been a situation where a bite from a mosquito can result in a devastating malformation. Experts in Brazil have uncovered evidence of extremely severe brain damage in babies. They have mapped out the largest set of brain scans of children suffering from microcephaly, which was presumably caused by mothers being infected with the virus while pregnant. They examined 23 youngsters and found severe cerebral damage, which indicates a poor prognosis for neurological function. Since October, there has been a significant increase in the number of cases of microcephaly among babies born in Brazil, and scientists have linked the condition with the virus. In February, the World Health Organization (WHO) said the link between microcephaly found in babies born to infected mothers should be considered a public health emergency of international concern. The study, published in the British Medical Journal, describes a range of brain abnormalities found in babies with microcephaly and born in the Brazilian state of Pernambuco between July and December last year. All but one of the babies were born to mothers who had a rash during pregnancy, consistent with a zika infection. Other infectious causes of microcephaly, such as toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus, rubella, syphilis and HIV, were ruled out. The team, led by Maria de Fatima Vasco Aragao, analysed the types of abnormalities and lesions shown in MRI and CT brain scans of the children. The scans revealed that the majority of babies had severe brain damage. This study shows the largest, and most detailed, case series of neuro-imaging findings in children with microcephaly and presumed, Zika virus-related infection, to date, the authors wrote. We have described the imaging [CT and MRI] findings in a series of children with presumed Zika virus-related congenital infection, which, in most of the cases, show severe cerebral damage. The brain damage caused by Zika virus infection in these children was extremely severe, indicating a poor prognosis for neurological function. Researchers noted brain calcifications calcium build-up in the brain and other problems, including malformations of cortical development, decreased brain volume, and ventriculomegaly (enlarged brain cavities). POSTMASTERS protested at the Department of Social Protection yesterday over the latest in an ongoing series of attempts by the department to take business away from post offices and hand it to the banks. The position of postmasters is simple we regard the post office network as a national asset entrusted by the people to the Government to manage on its behalf. It is important to understand that Irelands 1,100 postmasters are sub-contractors to An Post and cannot decide on which social, financial or citizen services they provide. These decisions are the gift of government and then commissioned through An Post or other arms of government. That is why the IPU believes that the future of the post office network is a political decision and not for exclusive definition by market or consumer trends. Citizens can voice their opinions and Government policy should reflect the overwhelming will of the people. The position which we believe acting Tanasite Joan Burtons department has taken in recent years is an open market view: That society is ever-increasingly moving towards use of electronic funds transfer (EFT) and that government transactions should follow suit. Irish Postmasters Union general secretary Ned OHara, left, with IPU officers at a protest at the Department of Social Protection. However, is the decision that simple and it is in our social interest to hand the future of our post offices over to an open economy logic? Postmasters do not think so. Yesterdays protest was triggered by a recent letter which the Department of Social Protection sent to casual and part-time workers, seeking their bank details for future payment. The letter made no reference to using the post office, or that people could continue using the post office if they choose. On receipt of this letter our customers believed they had no choice and were being forced to the banks, where they are faced with bank charges in order to collect their payments. However, of course the post office remains available even though the department intentionally failed to mention this. Social protection transactions account for 30% of all post office business and an estimated 50% including spin-off transactions. Taking this work away from the network will close post offices across the country. We are not scaremongering, sit down with any postmaster, do the sums and our point will be borne out. Last Tuesday, we met with Ms Burton to highlight the issue and at the meeting she refused to withdraw the letters and to cease the transfer of post office business to the banks. However, there are a number of important political and social issues to consider. First of all there is very strong public support for post offices. The IPU recently collected 500,000 public signatures calling on the Government to support the network. So, we can fairly deduce that the public want the post office network to remain and consider it to be a meaningful and valuable part of our society. Secondly, the need for more locally based services and greater regard for communities were central issues during the recent general election campaign. The post office is a core piece of infrastructure that can help to deliver on this. Surely any new Government that may emerge should listen to what voters raised at election time. Members of the Irish Postmasters Union who staged a protest at the Department of Social Protection. Picture: Conor Healy Thirdly, we in effect as taxpayers own the post office network. An Post is 100% owned by the State, which sub-contract postmasters to run the local offices. Why therefore would the Government not encourage as much business as possible through its own Network rather than handing this gratis over to private commercial banks? Furthermore, we currently have in place a Department of Communications-led, An Post and IPU-supported working group, chaired by Bobby Kerr, to develop a five year strategy to grow and diversify post office services, including new epayment choices. How can it be that a Department of Communications-led group is working to develop post offices, while the Department of Social Protection is sending letters that will shut them down? Also a great many people continue to like using the post office. It creates social interaction and people can avail of multiple other services in one swoop. Customers also tend to do their other business while in the town, village or urban centre so we help to put cash into the local economy around us. And though hard to quantify, there is the wide acknowledgement of social and community value of post offices. It is a shared public space which brings people together, a source of citizens information and an unspoken community watch system for older or vulnerable people. In fact there are many opportunities that the post office network offers to address issues in our society. Post offices can be expanded into more meaningful front offices for government services, can support greater access to health and transport services in rural areas and can provide a greater number of essential commercial services. We would have thought that 500,000 signatures presented to the Government last November, and the overwhelming demand for better local access that came up at general election time would have provided a very clear message on what the public wants for their post offices. If we want to support communities, local economies and have accessible services as it seems clear that people do post offices can play a key role. However, for this to happen we have to recognise the value of post offices to the countrys social and economic infrastructure. This means using the network and the leadership required needs to come from Government. It to highlight all of these issues that led us to protest at the Department of Social Protection. We hope that the next Government will listen to what half a million signatories, voters and postmasters have said. For more information see www.communityandpostoffice.ie Ned OHara is General Secretary of the Irish Postmasters Union. GOD be with the days when all an Independent TD had to worry about was a list of goodies in order to secure their vote. These days the poor crayters are buckling under the weight of the expectation of a nation. So it seemed yesterday ahead of the latest farcical vote to elect a leader of the country. While Enda Kenny and Micheal Martin were the two candidates, the real power resided with the 15 independents who have been shuttling between talks and broadcast studios for weeks now. From early on, the independents were on the airwaves wrestling fiercely with their consciences. In the case of the Healy-Raes, there was two voices for one conscience, but dont rule out a split there yet. Theres a long road to run. Martin had put it up to the Independents with the ultimatum that this would be the last chance they will ever get to vote for him as Taoiseach. How could anybody with a pulse pass up on such an offer? The Indos were in a tizzy. Now they knew how it felt to carry a nation on ones shoulders. Now they could feel Bonos pain. It was as if he was there with them, guiding them towards their destiny with three chords and the truth. As the clock ticked towards a reconvening of the Dail, there was only one thing for it. A meeting. So it came to pass that just as the country sat down to either eat dinner or grab lunch, the Rural Five broke bread with the Independent Alliance. They emerged sometime later with a document that bore the signature of 14 Independents, good and true. The sight of scribbled signatures at the bottom of the page brought to mind another great document, the Anglo Irish Treaty, which also bore the name of a Michael Collins from West Cork. Independent Michael Lowry pictured at Leinster House ahead of the Dail vote for taoiseach. But here were the Independents bookending Civil War politics with their declaration that they intended to remain seated on the fence until the latest vote for Taoiseach had passed. We are stepping back from the talks on the formation of a new government with both parties until they agree a reciprocal agreement that they will give mutual support to each other, in the event of either party leader becoming Taoiseach in a minority government, the document read. And with that, Micheal Martins hope of pulling down the top job was handed a death warrant. That momentous decision took any mystery out of the vote to come in the afternoon. With the independents all hanging back, it was inevitable that Kenny would garner more votes for Taoiseach and relegate Martin to a supporting role in the next government. The usual shenanigans had to be endured once the House opened for business. Gerry Adams was quick out of the blocks, pleading that those who want to be nominated [for taoiseach] go off and discuss policy matters which have not been discussed. He suggested that the election of a taoiseach be put off until the two lands sorted themselves out. That was the first of three occasions in which Adams rose to speak before the vote itself. He is quite obviously agitated that he will not be assuming the role of Leader of the Opposition, as would be his expectation if Micheal and Enda had come together to govern. The nomination itself ran along the same lines as last weeks farrago. Fine Gaels Noel Rock proposed, and used the occasion to blow kisses at the Independents, lauding them for their selfless duty to the flag. On the other side, Lisa Chambers gave a comparatively lengthy speech, informing the rapt audience that Micheal is still making every effort to form a Fianna Fail minority government. Straight faces were maintained for that excursion into fantasy and one wondered were the newest TDs handed the silliest lines to parrot for the occasion. It was two hours before the whole matter was down and dusted. Kennys nomination went down in flames by a vote of 52-77, Martin by 43-91. Afterwards the slow train got back on track. As far as Fianna Fail was concerned, the talks had arrived at a point where policy had to be discussed. That could only occur once it was clear which party was going to govern and which was going to oppose, or at least sort-of oppose. The numbers had dictated that it was unlikely that Martin would overtake Kenny in a vote, but the Fianna Fail leader wanted that confirmed. So he put it up to the independents vote for the man who lost the election (Enda) or vote for the man who thinks he won the election (his good self). That was all yesterday was about. Now they can return to the talks about talks and keep talking until they talk their way past the talks about talks all the way into simply talks. Following the vote, Kenny rose to tell the House that it was incumbent on all involved to intensify efforts to form a government. I hope everybody who has accepted the responsibility about doing something about this will face up to the responsibility. Martin responded, saying there was much progress but more to do. If you want to find a way to make the new situation work then we continue to be willing and flexible, he said. They dont have much time. The Dail reconvenes next Wednesday. If Kenny is not elected Taoiseach on that day, the chances of another election go through the roof. Between now and then, the talkers will have to sort out the major policy issues and agree to a framework in which Martins party will not bring down the government. In this process, time is finally the enemy. The Labour leader who voted Out in the 1975 referendum and has expressed Eurosceptic views over subsequent decades has been accused of making only a lukewarm contribution to the Remain argument so far. However, he said it was clear that his party was overwhelmingly convinced that being part of the EU was in the best interests of the country on issues such as workers rights and the environment. There remained serious shortcomings that needed to be addressed by Brussels, such as the proposed trade deal with the US which gave huge cause for concern about the potential for privatisation of public services, he warned. All of these issues could be better dealt with, however, by remaining in the EU warts and all rather than by pulling out and leaving the country at the mercy of the Conservatives, he argued. We have had a very big debate within the party and within the trade unions, he said. Overwhelmingly, the Labour Party and the trade unions have come to the view that they want to campaign for a social, just Europe to protect the workers rights that weve got, to extend them and extend that degree of justice. That is the position we have reached. That is the position that has been adopted by the party. That is the party that I lead and that is the position I am putting forward. There is nothing half-hearted about what we are doing, there is nothing half-hearted about our campaign, there is nothing half-hearted about our alliances. I have attended a number of meetings of the Party of European Socialists, I have had lengthy conversations with prime ministers and party leaders all across Europe on the social justice case, the environmental case, the issues of climate change, trade, and steel and all those issues. I have made numerous speeches on all these subjects. There is nothing half-hearted about what we are doing. Mr Corbyn said he did not believe too many EU nationals had come to live and work in Britain and said higher wages, not curbs on free movement, were the key to immigration questions. I dont think too many have come. I think the issue has to be of wages and regulations, he said. Asked whether British prime minister David Cameron welcomed Mr Corbyns intervention, the Tory leaders official spokeswoman said: What we are increasingly seeing as we get closer to the vote on June 23 is a number of people from different backgrounds coming out and setting out why it is in the interests of the UK to remain in the European Union. The prime minister thinks it is important people hear those arguments, because we will be stronger, safer and better off if Britain remains in the EU. He kept them in his apartment, in the Molenbeek area of Brussels, German newspapers have reported. Juelich is near the Belgian border and atomic waste is stored there. The centre said in a statement there was no indication of any danger and that it was in contact with security authorities and nuclear supervisors. The law on retaining and sharing passenger name records had been stalled for years because of opposition within the European Parliament to the blanket collection of such data. Islamist militant attacks in Paris last year and in Brussels last month spurred France and other governments to call for the swift adoption of passenger name records laws to improve security against terrorism. The girl disappeared from Primark in Northumberland St on Wednesday at around 5pm. Northumbria Police said the teenagers and the girl were complete strangers. The girls disappearance sparked a city-wide search after officers found she had left the store with the two older girls, leaving her mother incredibly distressed. Police trawled through CCTV from Newcastle City Council, shops, Newcastle University, bus companies, the Metro and their own cameras in search of the child. She was eventually found nearly three miles (4.8km) away and over an hour later in Gosforth, north Newcastle, by a police officer. The alleged kidnappers, aged 13 and 14, were arrested on suspicion of child abduction and taken in for questioning. A force spokesman said yesterday they were still in custody. He would not comment on any apparent motive. Chief Inspector Dave Gould said: Thankfully the child was quickly located by officers and then reunited with her mother. This has been an incredibly distressing time for the girls family and specialist officers are working with and supporting the family. We mobilised all available local police resources to make sure the girl was found as quickly as possible and also included assistance from the public, and many of our partner agencies including Newcastle local authority and university as well as staff from retail premises, bus companies, train station, and Metro system. I would like to thank all of those involved for their help in finding this little girl and helping reunite her with her mother. Our inquiries will now continue to establish the circumstances of what happened and speaking to the two teenage girls in custody regarding the incident. A spokeswoman for Primark said they are co-operating with the police on the investigation. Mr Sanders campaign said his rally in Manhattans Washington Square Park brought out 27,000 people, one of the largest gatherings in support of the 74-year-old democratic socialist, who has galvanized Democrats and independents alike with his calls for reforms to corporate America and remedies for income inequality. When I look at an unbelievable crowd like this I believe were going to win here in New York, Mr Sanders declared in front of the iconic Washington Square Arch in the citys Greenwich Village neighbourhood. Ms Clinton attracted a smaller but still enthusiastic crowd of 1,300 people at a Bronx community centre, where she made no mention of Mr Sanders but focused instead on Republican rivals Donald Trump and Ted Cruz. Mr Trump wants to set Americans against each other, she said. He wants us to build walls. I want us to build bridges. Referencing Mr Cruzs earlier criticism of New York values, Ms Clinton said: I think New York values are at the core of American values. Mr Sanders did not return the favour, mentioning Ms Clinton by name throughout his speech. He noted that she had the support of super PACs and had voted in favour of the Iraq War, drawing boos from the crowd. A beautiful sea of blue! #BrooklynDebate pic.twitter.com/Wp1R2kgB3r Hillary for New York (@HillaryForNY) April 14, 2016 Foreshadowing a likely issue in last nights debate, Mr Sanders urged Ms Clinton to back an expansion of social security benefits, a major cause among liberals. I am still waiting for her response, Mr Sanders said. The rallies set the stage for a high-stakes Brooklyn debate last night and capped a day in which both candidates courted organised labour. Mr Sanders picked up support from the local transit workers union and walked a picket line with striking Verizon workers a small army of backers who could pass out leaflets in subways in the days ahead. Ms Clinton also walked a picket line in solidarity with the Verizon workers and addressed the National Action Network, led by the Rev Al Sharpton, giving her a visible platform for the citys black community. There, she stressed her differences with Mr Sanders on gun laws, calling gun violence a national emergency. New York City offers by far the largest bloc of votes in next Tuesdays primary, and campaign officials estimate it could account for about 70% of the state vote. In 2008, when Ms Clinton duelled with then-Illinois Senator Barack Obama in the states primary, more than half of the vote came from the citys five boroughs. Polls have shown Ms Clinton with a lead against Mr Sanders, putting pressure on him to overcome the former secretary of states edge. Ms Clinton holds a lead of about 250 pledged delegates in the chase for the nomination, an advantage Mr Sanders is trying to chip away in upcoming primaries in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and beyond. Mr Sanders sought to lower expectations, saying this is a tough race for us given Ms Clintons tenure representing New York in the Senate. He also noted that the primary does not allow independents to participate or feature same-day registration. However, he added defiantly: I think weve got a surprise for the establishment. As Ms Clinton dug into campaigning in her adopted home state, Mr Sanders prepared to fly to Rome for a 10-minute speaking slot today at a Vatican conference on social and economic trends. He was expected to head overseas after the pair finished their debate last night. His comments in Rome would dovetail with his campaign push for economic equality. What Im planning to say is that it is not acceptable from a moral perspective, from an economic perspective or from an environmental perspective, that so few have so much and that greed is running as rampant as it is throughout the entire planet, said Mr Sanders. The 5 Essential Traits of Digital Innovators The PC market has been slowing down for years. Updated numbers are in from Gartner and IDC and they are not good. Gartner found that PC shipments totaled 64.8 million, which was a steep 9.6 percent decline from the first quarter of last year. IDC brought more of the same type of news: It found that PC shipments sunk 11.5 percent compared to the year-ago quarter. The news is not a one-time thing. The InformationWeek story on the results said that the quarter represented the sixth straight in which things went south. Gartners numbers also represented a milestone: It was the first time since 2007 that the firm estimated sales of less than 65 million units. Mozilla Browsing for New Browser Computerworld reports that Mozilla is working on its next-generation Firefox browser. The thinking now is that what comes next will be quite different from the current version. The article cites something Mark Mayo, the head of the companys cloud services engineer team, said in an article he wrote for Medium: that things change and the old processes may no longer work. The bottom line is that Tofino, the name the research is going under, may replace the technology Firefox now uses. Next MoCA Standard Released The Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) has released the next version of its standard, MoCA 2.5. MoCA is a standard for carriage of data over coaxial cable. The new version, according to TechHive, runs at a maximum of 2.5 Gigabits per second (Gbps). This more than doubles the previous version, MoCA 2.0, which runs at 1 Gbps. MoCA 2.5 also adds push-button setup protocol, improved security, and features aimed at allowing MoCA to work efficiently with earlier MoCA versions. AT&T Makes Better Labor News than Verizon AT&T is faring better than Verizon, whose employees continue to be on strike. AT&T, according to WirelessWeek, has struck a deal with the Communications Workers of America (CAA) covering 9,400 employees who work on mobility technology in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Texas. The deal was reached on Feb. 28 and will be retroactive to the previous day. The announcement of the voting results was made this week. IBM Watson, University of Illinois Launching Research Center IBM Watson, the distributed natural speech processing platform, makes announcements on a regular basis. That likely will keep going, judging from the latest piece of news: Big Blue and the University of Illinois are launching a research center that is aimed at helping a machine do something extremely close to real thinking. The Center for Cognitive Computing Systems Research (C3SR) will be in the schools College of Engineering, according to ZDNet. The goal is to make the system truly cognitive: Set to open this summer, C3SR will work to build integrated cognitive computing systems modeled on IBMs Watson technology. The systems will ingest reams of data pertaining to college curriculum, including videos, lecture notes, homework, and textbooks. After reasoning through the vast datasets, the systems will eventually attempt to pass a college level exam. IBMs OpenPower technology will be used. Any hardware designs and cognitive algorithms that are created will be released to the open source community. Carl Weinschenk covers telecom for IT Business Edge. He writes about wireless technology, disaster recovery/business continuity, cellular services, the Internet of Things, machine-to-machine communications and other emerging technologies and platforms. He also covers net neutrality and related regulatory issues. Weinschenk has written about the phone companies, cable operators and related companies for decades and is senior editor of Broadband Technology Report. He can be reached at [email protected] and via twitter at @DailyMusicBrk. Microsoft is suing the US Government to protect its users privacy. This high-profile suit puts it in the drivers seat as the plaintiff not the defendant as was the case with FBI and Apple. It has sued the US government, arguing that secret warrants to search people's email violate constitutional rights of Americans. Note that this lawsuit can only be served in America due to its constitutional rights system. Microsoft says its customers have a right to know when the government obtains a warrant to read their emails, and because Microsoft must have a right to tell them according to the federal court filing in Seattle. The lawsuit states that a requirement to keep silent on warrants for data - based on a presumption that tipping people off might hamper investigations - violates constitutional protection of free speech and safeguards against unreasonable searches. In the past 18 months, federal courts have issued nearly 2,600 secrecy orders gagging Microsoft from saying anything about warrants and other legal actions targeting customers data, according to the filing. "We believe that with rare exceptions consumers and businesses have a right to know when the government accesses their emails or records," Microsoft chief legal officer Brad Smith said in a blog post. It warrants a thorough read. "Yet it's becoming routine for the US government to issue orders that require email providers to keep these types of legal demands secret. We believe that this goes too far, and we are asking the courts to address the situation. Internet giants have complained that these types of secret search warrants erode trust in US technology companies while trampling on the rights of citizens and businesses, he said. The situation has become more urgent as computing and data storage services shift from software packages loaded onto individual computers to servers running in the Internet cloud. "Today, individuals increasingly keep their emails and documents on remote servers in data centres - in short, in the cloud. But the transition to the cloud does not alter people's expectations of privacy and should not alter the fundamental constitutional requirement that the government must - with few exceptions - give notice when it searches and seizes private information or communications, he said. Microsoft's legal challenge follows a high-stakes battle over FBI demands for access to an iPhone used by a gunman in a December 2 rampage that left 14 dead in San Bernardino, California. The government wanted Apple to create a new tool to bypass the smartphone's security systems, but the company refused. Although that showdown ended with investigators saying they had extracted the data from the iPhone on their own, the Justice Department reignited the battle last week in a separate case involving someone accused of trafficking in methamphetamines. Apple argued that the government is overstepping its authority and is intent on establishing a troubling legal precedent, contending that lawmakers should decide the degree to which third parties can be compelled to work for the government. The sale of 47.7% of its shares in Autohome will leave Telstra retaining just a 6.5% stake in the business. The sell-down of most of its stake in Autohome doesnt seem, however, to have dimmed the big telcos interest in the Asia market, with CEO Andy Penn saying that the region remains one of the key elements of Telstras growth strategy. Telstra bought its 55% stake in Autohome in 2008 and according to Telstras announcement late on Friday, the sale price of US$29.55 per share reflects a premium of 12.7% to Autohomes volume weighted average price over the past 60 days. But, chief executive Andy Penn says it is now the right time to realise significant value for Telstra shareholders from the sale, referencing the telcos role in Autoholmes rapid growth since 2008.Autohome has played an important role in building our presence in the Chinese technology sector and we look forward to working with Ping An and Autohome management as a minority investor in the next stage of the companys evolution.As one of the largest financial services companies in Asia with a nationwide presence and customer base in China, Ping An will be a strong partner for Autohome.For the next phase of the companys development, as Autohome moves away from being purely online to operating an offline sales platform in China, it will benefit from a strategic investor in Ping An which has expertise in car insurance and financing.The sale transaction for approximately A$2.1 billion is expected to be completed in the second half of FY16, with the final amount subject to a number of adjustments, including foreign exchange rates and the value of Telstras retained stake in Autohome. Completion is also subject to any required Chinese regulatory approvals and Autohome Board approval.Penn said Autohome had been an excellent investment for Telstra and demonstrates the opportunities that exist in the Asia-Pacific region.We continue to grow our enterprise services businesses in the region with strong consolidation opportunities in our Pacnet business, joint venture in Indonesia and the exploration of future growth opportunities.In terms of proceeds from the sale, we remain committed to our capital management strategy. We will take a balanced approach in considering the use of these funds, which includes potential capital management options. Microsoft today asked a federal court to invalidate part of a 1986 law that it alleged has been abused by the government when authorities demand the company hand over customers' data, including documents, emails and other information stored in the cloud. In a lawsuit targeting the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Attorney General Loretta Lynch, Microsoft asked for a judgment that would declare unconstitutional a section of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act (ECPA), a 30-year-old law that government agencies increasingly cite when forcing email, Internet and cloud storage service providers to hand over data to aid criminal investigations. Microsoft didn't object to the ECPA as a whole, but to what it said had become the routine issuing of gag orders alongside the demands for data. "We believe that with rare exceptions consumers and businesses have a right to know when the government accesses their emails or records," said Brad Smith, Microsoft's chief legal officer, in a long post to a company blog Thursday. "Yet it's becoming routine for the U.S. government to issue orders that require email providers to keep these types of legal demands secret." "This is a very aggressive move on Microsoft's part," said Michael Carroll, a professor of law and director of the Program on Information Justice and Intellectual Property at the American University Washington College of Law, in Washington, D.C. "They're essentially saying, 'I want to violate the gag orders, but I don't want to be sued for doing that.' So they're disputing the constitutionality of the gag orders." Microsoft ticked off statistics to make its point that secrecy had become habitual: In the last 18 months, the Redmond, Wash. company received 5,624 federal demands for customer information or data. Of those, 2,576, or 48%, were tagged with secrecy orders that prevented Microsoft from telling customers that it had been compelled to hand over their information. About 68% of the gag orders -- 1,752 to be exact -- had no end date. "This means that we effectively are prohibited forever from telling our customers that the government has obtained their data," Smith said. In the complaint filed with a Seattle federal court, Microsoft said that was unacceptable. "There may be exceptional circumstances when the government's interest in investigating criminal conduct justifies an order temporarily barring a provider from notifying a customer that the government has obtained the customer's private communications and data," the complaint read. "But Section 2705(b) [of the ECPA] sweeps too broadly." Microsoft asked the court to strike the section on the grounds that it violates both the First and Fourth Amendments to the Constitution. "I think this is a smart strategy," Chris Calabrese, vice president of policy at the Center for Democracy and Technology, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group, said of Microsoft's lawsuit. "This is important for the courts, and judges, to work out because in a lot of ways, what we need is some clarification on the secrecy [aspects of the orders]." Calling the ECPA "antiquated," Microsoft hammered on the impact of data demands and gag orders on cloud-based services, the fastest-growing part of its business. "The government ... has exploited the transition to cloud computing as a means of expanding its power to conduct secret investigations," Microsoft's lawyers asserted. "As individuals and business have moved their most sensitive information to the cloud, the government has increasingly adopted the tactic of obtaining the private digital documents of cloud customers not from the customers themselves, but through legal process directed at online cloud providers like Microsoft." "Microsoft was like the frog in boiling water," said Jim Dempsey, executive director of the Berkeley Center for Law & Technology at the University of California Berkeley School of Law. "[The gag orders] just got to be too routine. They saw it in individual cases, then in dozens, then hundreds, then thousands. They reached a breaking point, much like Apple did with unlocking orders." In effect, what Microsoft said in its complaint is that the law has been grossly misused by the government, either through policy or practice. "Microsoft is arguing that this is a systemic problem, and gotten to the point where gag orders are issued on a blanket basis. It's interesting that they've taken the declaratory route, which is almost like a class action. This is a systemic problem [Microsoft argued], and it deserves a systemic solution," Dempsey said. DOJ spokeswoman Emily Pierce declined to comment on the Microsoft complaint, saying, "We are reviewing the filing." As a subscriber, you are shown 80% less display advertising when reading our articles. Those ads you do see are predominantly from local businesses promoting local services. These adverts enable local businesses to get in front of their target audience the local community. It is important that we continue to promote these adverts as our local businesses need as much support as possible during these challenging times. Close Everybody needs the appropriate amount of time to rest. In today's working industry, people have become more conscious about their health - especially, when it comes to sleep. Which is why companies like Google, Zappos, Ben & Jerry's, and The Huffington Post have nap rooms in their office sites. These are just some of the companies that recognize that a handful of sleep can mean a boost in productivity. According to The Huffington Post, stress and being overworked are noticed. Which is why these companies and more have been devoting their time and effort to make sure their workers get their much needed rest and work-life balance, as told by the New York Times. Organizations like McKinsey's have been investing and encouraging health and wellness programs in companies. The organization focused on ways to improve employee's sleeping such as installing nap rooms for a quick power nap. But the notion of this kind of program is still new to the working world. "We still view sleep as something that interferes with work," said Els van der Helm, a sleep specialist at McKinsey who co-authored the report. Nap rooms, for example, "aren't always used very much, or there's still a taboo in using them," she told The Huffington Post. The Huffington Post article emphasizes on how companies can begin promoting wellness. It goes on to say that it should start from the top. Experts say that the focus on sleep should start from senior leadership, like Apple and Netflix executives did. The importance of work-life balance is crucial for workers as it also translates to support for employees. "CEOs and top execs have to set an example and not send emails at 3 in the morning," describes Josh Bersin, a talent researcher. "If you don't have rules around this, it's just insane." BlackRock announced on Thursday that it will cut 400 jobs and will undertake a $76 million restructuring charge after the company posted a 20 percent loss in first-quarter profit in the face of a dramatic setback in financial markets. The company's investment performance faltered and its net inflows last quarter, even if they are still in the tens of billions of dollars, dropped in reaction to the U.S. market's difficult start to the year. "We did have a tough quarter," Larry Fink, Chief Executive Officer of BlackRock told Reuters. "The entire industry had a tough quarter in active management and we were no different," he added. At the start of 2016, U.S. stocks, energy and corporate bonds all dropped sharply and were only able to regain their footing in February. Fink also said that the restructuring that BlackRock will undertake will enable the company to concentrate more on other growth areas, including sustainable investment. As the world's largest asset manager announced its lower first-quarter earnings, it has taken charge of $76 million to "simplify" its operations which means job cuts as well. The CEO also said that the company will also be hiring personnel for its exchange-traded funds and alternate business which includes investments in technology and hedge funds. Fink warned in a comprehensive interview that the U.S. is coming into "an uncertain earnings environment." Investors took the company's disappointing investment performance in stride. They initially sold shares and then bidding them up by 1.7 percent to $354.32 by midafternoon. The earnings shortfall was attributed by Fink to lower fees collected on what is called "active" investments, which include several mutual funds and hedge funds wherewith managers assess financial markets and companies, making bets as to how they will perform in the future. "The biggest challenge for them currently is the continuing effort to revamp and improve their actively managed strategies," said Daniel Culloton, a Morningstar analyst. Delta Air Lines announced on Thursday that demand for U.S. travel remains steady and domestic fares are beginning to increase for the first time in a year, relieving the concerns of investors and boosting airlines stocks on the same day. Shares of the airline company rose 1 percent, while American Airlines Group Inc and United Continental Holdings Inc also climbed up, at 3 percent and 2 percent respectively. Delta said that the airlines' financial measure - revenue divided by all the planes seats and the total miles flown by them - will stop dropping this year. That means the previous month-long decline that airlines are currently experiencing will stop. This is due to strong bookings and the easing of currency pressures regarding international flights. In areas where the demand is weak, the airline company said it will cut its service, if needed. It appears that Delta Air Lines efforts in revenue recovery are paying off. A January 2016 report indicated that of the three largest air carriers in the United States, Delta is the most pro-active in terms of achieving targeted capacity cuts to support its revenue recovery. Unit revenues in American Airlines, United Continental and Delta Air lines declined in 2015 due to the combination of shrinking fuel surcharges on certain international routes, a strong dollar, and the increasing low-cost competition in the United States. The airline company is hoping that the situation will change for the better. Glen Hauenstein, Delta's incoming president advised in a conference call on Thursday that the turnaround in passenger unit revenue will be a couple of months later in 2016 than previously forecasted. And Wall Street also thinks the same way. A recent survey conducted by Hunter Keay, a Wolfe Research analyst shows that one third of airline investors surveyed believed that Delta would not be able to hit its revenue goal this year. WASHINGTON There is a consensus that aggression by one nation against another is a serious matter, but there is no comparable consensus about what constitutes aggression. Waging aggressive war was one charge against Nazi leaders at the 1946 Nuremberg war crimes trials, but 70 years later it is unclear that aggression, properly understood, must involve war, as commonly understood. Or that war, in todays context of novel destructive capabilities, must involve the use of armed force, which the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court says is constitutive of an act of aggression. Cyberskills can serve espionage the surreptitious acquisition of information which is older than nations and not an act of war. Relatively elementary cyberattacks against an enemys command-and-control capabilities during war was a facet of U.S. efforts in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, in the Balkans in 1999 and against insurgents hacking their emails during the surge in Iraq. In 2007, Israels cyberwarfare unit disrupted Syrian radar as Israeli jets destroyed an unfinished nuclear reactor in Syria. But how should we categorize cyberskills employed not to acquire information, and not to supplement military force, but to damage another nations physical infrastructure? In World War II, the United States and its allies sent fleets of bombers over Germany to destroy important elements of its physical infrastructure steel mills, ball bearing plants, etc. Bombers were, however, unnecessary when the United States and Israel wanted to destroy some centrifuges crucial to Irans nuclear weapons program. They used the Stuxnet computer worm to accelerate or slow processes at Irans Natanz uranium-enrichment facility, damaging or even fragmenting centrifuges necessary for producing weapons-grade material. According to Slate magazine columnist Fred Kaplan, by early 2010, approximately 2,000 of 8,700 were damaged beyond repair, and even after the Iranians later learned what was happening, another 1,000 of the then-remaining 5,000 were taken out of commission. For fascinating details on the episodes mentioned above, and to understand how deeply we have drifted into legally and politically uncharted waters, read Kaplans new book, Dark Territory: The Secret History of Cyber War. Three of its lessons are that cyberwar resembles war, much of it is very secret and everything essential to the functioning of modern society is vulnerable. The things controlled by or through computers include not just military assets (command-and-control systems, the guidance mechanisms of smart munitions, etc.) but also hospitals, electric power grids, water works, the valves of dams and the financial transactions of banks. And, Kaplan notes, unlike nuclear weapons or the ballistic missiles to deliver them, cyberweapons do not require large-scale industrial projects or concentrations of scientists with scarce skills. All that is needed to paralyze a complex society and panic its population is a roomful of computers and a small corps of people trained to use them. Clearly the United States needs a cyberdeterrent capacity the ability to do unto adversaries anything they might try to do unto us. One problem, however, is that it can be difficult to prove the source of a cyberattack, such as that which Vladimir Putin did not acknowledge launching, but almost certainly did launch, in 2007 to punish Estonia for annoying Russia. To appreciate how computer keystrokes can do damage comparable to a sustained air campaign using high explosives, consider what happened in 1995 in the private sector. Barings, founded in 1762, was Britains oldest merchant bank, having weathered the Napoleonic wars and two world wars, and its clients included Queen Elizabeth. One of its young traders, Nick Leeson, in the banks Singapore office, was so skillful at navigating the derivatives markets that at one point he produced 10 percent of the banks profits. Inadequately supervised, he created a secret Barings account from which he made risky bets, including a huge one on Japans stock market rising. He did not, however, anticipate the Kobe earthquake. Japans stock market plunged, causing enormous losses in Leesons account that Barings could not cover. The bank quickly collapsed and was bought by a Dutch company for one British pound. If one rogue traders recklessness, motivated by mere avarice, can quietly and quickly annihilate a venerable institution, imagine what havoc can be wrought by battalions of militarized cyberwarriors implacably implementing a nations destructive agenda. It is long past time for urgent public discussion of the many new meanings that can be given to Shakespeares Cry Havoc! and let slip the dogs of war. North Carolina is finding its way home through a rebound of the downtowns in which many of us were raised. Theyre cozy and cool, reconnecting us with the old-school chords of community. And theyre good for business. We write a lot in this space about Winston-Salems downtown revitalization. But its worth noting that many other downtowns are springing back as well. Our legislature should do all it can to encourage this, including the full restoration of all state historic preservation tax credits. The latest downtown rebound in area news is Mocksville, the Davie County seat. People are coming to shop, eat and hang out. At night, there is often nowhere to park in downtown, which is unheard of, Marjorie Foster, one of the owners of Fosters Jewelers, recently told Lisa ODonnell for Journal West. Fosters is a downtown bedrock, dating to the time when Harry Truman was president and people poured into the towns department stores and five-and-dimes. But a few decades ago, Walmart built a store on U.S. 601, and bit by bit, commerce and customers followed, leaving downtown in the doldrums, ODonnell reported. Just as in so many towns nationwide, the big chill set in. Just as other towns, Mocksville lost a bit of its community feel. Now, just in time for spring and with summer on the way, that big chill is finally thawing. Entrepreneurs, riding on Davies economic comeback, are refurbishing old buildings. One of those, New Jersey transplant Dan Reynolds, renovated a vacant store and started OCallahans, an Irish pub with an ambitious menu that included shepherds pie, bangers and mash and imported beer, Journal West reported. He added a back porch for live music and organized such events as a St. Patricks Day celebration that drew hundreds of revelers. In the process, OCallahans created a buzz, and prospective business owners took note. In April, The Factory coffeehouse will open at 128 N. Main St. at the former site of Scarletts Unique Boutique, which sells homemade gifts and is moving about 50 yards away to 185 N. Main St., a downtown landmark that once housed a gas station. The rebound also includes Honor Darling, a clothing boutique, and Restaurant 101, right beside OCallahans. And theres Four Oaks, a tavern thats also being transformed into an events center. The town provides support with facade grants, festivals and parades. Its also working on a master plan for down- town development. Clifton Lawson, a local graphic designer who is one of the owners of The Factory, lived for a while in Franklin, Tenn., a burg with a thriving downtown. Thats the way things are going with our downtown area, and I want to be a part of it, he told Journal West. Hes not alone. Bring on the fun, downtown Mocksville. We look forward to reading similar success stories from across the state. Its time we all came home to our downtowns. 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. A proposed $55 million 27-story apartment tower for Milwaukee's east side has been rejected by the Common Council. The council on Tuesday voted 10-5 to support the project, falling two votes short of the supermajority needed for approval. The zoning change needed 12 votes because a protest petition was signed by enough adjacent property owners, said Ald. Ashanti Hamilton, council president. The opponents were Ald. Robert Bauman, whose district includes the site, along with aldermen Cavalier Johnson, Mark Borkowski, Jose Perez and Tony Zielinski. The exterior of the Hotel Metro on the corner of Milwaukee and Mason St. Credit: Journal Sentinel files MKE Diner News and notes on the restaurant scene from dining critic Carol Deptolla SHARE By of the The rumors that have been swirling for months are true: French restaurant Pastiche Bistro in Bay View is moving into the Hotel Metro downtown. For Pastiche founder Michael Engel, it's a little like coming full circle. He was the chef at Hotel Metro's restaurant when it opened in 1998 and was there until 2000. "I love that place," he said. "It's so much a part of who I am." Engel said in December that the Bay View restaurant would move downtown. He did not reveal a location at the time and declined to confirm in January that the location would be Hotel Metro. Pastiche will remain open until the end of August at the Bay View location, 3001 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. Engel said the hotel restaurant will continue to operate with its current menus until then. Starting Sept. 1, the restaurant will become Pastiche at the Metro, and the menu will switch to Pastiche's traditional menu, Engel said. Rachael Karr, his business partner in Pastiche since December, will be the head chef at Metro. She began working for Engel nine years ago. "She finishes my thoughts; she does what I do," Engel said. The dining room will be redecorated, he said, and the kitchen also will be updated. He's hoping the restaurant will be restored to resemble its appearance in 1998. Pastiche not only will operate the restaurant, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner to serve hotel guests, but also prepare the food for weddings and other banquets and for Zen on Seven, the rooftop deck and event space. Karr said the plan for the menu at Metro, 411 E. Mason St., is be more like a Parisian bistro's similar to the current menu but revised a bit for downtown, she said. In February, Pastiche opened a second location in Brown Deer, in what had been the River Lane Inn. By of the Prominent politicians are being asked all the time to pose for selfies with adoring supporters, especially in Vegas. Most of the time, such pictures are politically harmless. But you have to be careful. Last weekend, U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson learned this lesson when he agreed to pose for a quick photo with politician and businessman Wayne Allyn Root Root is a self-described "conservative media dynamo" and "capitalist evangelist." He is also a regular crackpot, having peddled suggestions that President Barack Obama is a "mentally ill psychopath" sent to America "to destroy the country" and that U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Roberts was blackmailed into supporting Obamacare. On Sunday, Root posted a picture on Twitter of him hanging out with Wisconsin's first-term Republican senator at the Republican Jewish Coalition. "Good man!" Root wrote on his tweet. Spent time with U.S. Senator Ron Johnson, R-Wisconsin at Republican Jewish Coalition event in Vegas today. Good man! pic.twitter.com/2iDUo70t0b Wayne Allyn Root (@WayneRoot) April 10, 2016 The grip-and-grin post prompted Wisconsin Democrats to start spinning tales about possible connections between Johnson and Root. "It's no surprise that Sen. Johnson decided to spend his weekend in Las Vegas hobnobbing with huge political donors and conspiracy theorists," said Brandon Weathersby, spokesman for the Dems. But there's no conspiracy here. Reached in Nevada, Root said he and Johnson had never met before this weekend, when they had little more than a quick exchange. "He doesn't know me from Adam," said Root, a big supporter of GOP frontrunner Donald Trump. Root said Johnson appeared as though he had no idea who Root was. Root said he likes to take pictures of himself posing with prominent Republicans, including nearly all of the GOP presidential candidates over the past 20 years. He did acknowledge, however, that he failed to get a snapshot of Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker during his short-lived presidential campaign last year. As for his chat with Johnson, Root said the state's senior senator told him that he plans to support the GOP presidential nominee. Johnson didn't disclose how he voted in the state's April primary. What Root said he doesn't understand, he said, was why anyone would consider the Nevada businessman -- who was the Libertarian vice presidential candidate in 2008 -- to be "radioactive." Could it be that Root once called Obama an "arrogant, egomaniacal sociopath"? Or that he suggested that the president has the "mindset of a mentally ill psychopath despot of a third world nation"? Or that the president is a "real, live Manchurian candidate"? Or that he believes the president was sent to the U.S. by unknown forces -- perhaps communists or the Bilderberg Group -- "to destroy this country"? Or that the "socialist cabal" in the Obama administration is blackmailing key Republicans in the House and Senate and members of the U.S. Supreme Court? Root didn't shy from any of it, especially the idea that Obama has mental issues. "There's something wrong with the man," Root said. "Either you agree that the president is mentally unstable or he's a bad guy." There you go. As for Wisconsin Republicans, they responded to Root's tweet by pointing to a year-old Twitter post in which Democratic challenger Russ Feingold posed with a former staffer, Michael Wilder, who resigned eight months later from Sen. Chris Larson's campaign for Milwaukee County exec. When he stepped down, Wilder was under investigation for his relationship with an local teen. Milwaukee County prosecutors eventually dropped the case. Good to see former staffer, Mike Wilder at Mr. Perkins in Milwaukee this afternoon. #Russ4WI pic.twitter.com/lLNJFYVeFP Russ Feingold (@russfeingold) May 15, 2015 SHARE By of the Frontier Airlines on Friday began new nonstop service from Milwaukee to Atlanta, as part of an expansion for the airline in 42 markets throughout the United States. The airline also began nonstop service between Milwaukee and Dallas this week. It plans to add service between Milwaukee and Philadelphia this year. Frontier announced the new Milwaukee service in January. The new service comes amid an overall trend of increasing passenger numbers at Milwaukee's Mitchell International Airport this year. Frontier's nonstop service between Mitchell and Dallas will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays, while the Milwaukee-to-Atlanta service will operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The airline will be competing with Southwest and Delta on the Milwaukee-Atlanta route. On the Milwaukee-Dallas route, Frontier will compete with American to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Southwest, which flies to Dallas Love Field. The additional competition on the routes will almost certainly usher in a period of lower airfares on the routes as American, Southwest and Delta move to match Frontier's fares, airline industry watchers have said. Privately held Frontier has been shifting to an ultra-low-cost carrier model that offers low base fares but adds fees for many services. Commenting about the airline's expansion of services Friday, Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele encouraged area residents to take advantage of the flights to and from the hometown airport. "The best way to recruit more service to Milwaukee is to support our local airport," Abele said. "Starting your trip from MKE sends a clear message to airlines that we have the demand to support even more service. This is important because each large aircraft flight generates $19 million in annual economic benefit to the Milwaukee region." The airline is also reportedly considering an initial public offering of stock. Frontier, owned by Phoenix-based private equity firm Indigo Partners, is working with Barclays Plc, Deutsche Bank AG and JPMorgan Chase & Co. on the IPO, Bloomberg News reported in March, citing anonymous sources. Citigroup Inc. also will reportedly be working on the IPO. The carrier began talks with banks in December about going public. Denver-based Frontier announced in June that it will almost double the size of its fleet over the next five years to 101 aircraft from 56. Frontier controls 6.16% of the market at Mitchell. Together, Southwest and Delta control about 75% of the market share in Milwaukee. Southwest is the overall market share leader with just under half the market at Mitchell. Frontier, as it stands today, is far different from the airline that served Milwaukee as the successor to Midwest Airlines, which was based in Oak Creek and for years was the dominant carrier at Mitchell. Midwest was purchased in 2009 by Republic Airways Holdings Inc., which also bought Frontier and combined the two carriers under the Frontier name. Frontier's operations in Milwaukee were greatly scaled back in 2011 and 2012. In 2013, Frontier was sold to airline executive William Franke and his Indigo Partners firm. Franke is a pioneer of the low-fare, high-fee model that is being used across the airline industry. James Ridge portrays the title figure in Richard III during American Players Theatres 2012 production in Spring Green. Dale Gutzman calls Richards demise one of the grandest deaths in Shakespeare. Credit: Carissa Dixon SHARE As Hamlet, Matt Schwader had a few words for poor Yorick in American Players Theatres 2013 production. Carissa Dixon Deborah Staples plays the famous death of Cleopatra in an Illinois Shakespeare production. Illinois Shakespeare Festival By of the Shakespeare really knew how to hurt a guy or gal. Stab him, a la Mercutio and Tybalt. Stab him with a poisoned blade, like Hamlet and Laertes. Stab him through a curtain: poor Polonius. He smothered Desdemona. Hung Cordelia. Fed Portia hot coals. Introduced Cleopatra to an asp. Let's not even talk about what happened to those two guys in "Titus Andronicus." The Bard still has flour on his hands from that. On April 23, the theater world marks the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death, celebrating the leading playwright in the English language. An unending stream of productions, books and scholarship attest to his genius. But as we celebrate his greatness at dramatizing the many facets of human life, let's not forget how well, and how often, Shakespeare depicted the end of lives. "Death is a major part of everything that Shakespeare ever wrote," said Dale Gutzman, who has directed dozens of Shakespeare productions. As Bill Bryson notes in his Eminent Lives biography of the master, deaths outnumbered births each year in London during Shakespeare's lifetime (it was migration that swelled the city's population). "For Shakespeare, death often meant finding a kind of...authenticity in what we've gone through," Gutzman said. A character's death may be tragic, it may be horrible, but if that character dies facing his fate directly, that would be a good death, Gutzman said. He cited the words of Macbeth before his final battle: "At least we'll die with harness on our back." Hmm, that kind of warrior talk sounds a lot like "today is a good day to die." It's no wonder that Chancellor Gorkon, in "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country," declared that "you've not experienced Shakespeare until you have read him in the original Klingon." Some have to die Just counting the deceased in Shakespeare can make a knave weak. In May, the cheeky Spymonkey troupe in England will begin performing a show called "The Complete Deaths," packing 74 deaths from 37 Shakespeare plays into an evening of theater. Still, death simply happens to characters, while others face their demise consciously, or even choose it. In "Romeo and Juliet," Tybalt is killed unexpectedly. The actor needs to perform as if he were going to live forever, said director Leda Hoffmann. But because Romeo and Juliet choose to die, that requires different internal preparation, she pointed out. Drawing on the thinking of theater artist-theorist Konstantin Stanislavsky and playwright Anton Chekhov, Hoffmann works with actors to discern their characters' motivation. In this way of working, she said, if a character has a goal and that goal is accomplished or forever unable to be accomplished, then the character must die or at least cease to exist in the play. Romeo's objective, she said, is to find true love. Believing that his true love is dead, and that no possibility of true love exists anywhere else in the world, he has to die. In addition to accessing a character's emotion and motivations, actors and directors think in detail about what the audience will see and hear. In staging a death scene, theater and opera director Paula Suozzi considers how much a character has to talk, where and what kind of injuries she has sustained, and the likely response of characters around the dying person. "Before modern medicine, the superstition around death was quite intense," she said. She appreciates the expertise of fight choreographers, who can explain specifically what kind of death would flow from an injury. Actors portraying a dying character need to play the action without pitying themselves. Then the audience responds with sympathy, she said. Theater may be make-believe, but that doesn't mean it's not dangerous. "I think about safety and how we can effectively and safely get actors into a position (to die) without putting anyone in physical risk," said fight choreographer Andrew Joseph Perez, who acted in Next Act Theatre's recent production of "Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992." Next to safety, Perez emphasizes effectively selling the scene and the play. He began working on stage combat in high school, when he took fencing lessons before auditioning to play Inigo Montoya in a production of "The Princess Bride." He was given a different role, but the director also asked Perez to help choreograph the fighting. That combination of safety and stage realism can take some pains to achieve, as Perez discovered when a director asked him to stage a "Lear" fight scene between Regan and Goneril, with one woman breaking a wineglass and shoving the broken shards down the other's throat. Even using sugar glass (breakaway fake bottles), that would be unsafe, not to mention prohibitively expensive, he said. (He worked out a combination of strangling and poisoning that seemed to make everyone happy.) Dying for fun and profit For an actor, playing dead can be fun. "Show me a death scene I didn't like," said Deborah Staples, whose Shakespearean deaths include Cleopatra, Gertrude, Desdemona, Regan and Goneril. She's preparing to play one of the Bard's greatest terminations this summer, when she will portray Hamlet at the Illinois Shakespeare Festival. Sometimes, Staples noted in a follow-up email, everything comes together perfectly, as it did one night when she played Emilia in Mark Clements' production of "Othello" at the Milwaukee Repertory Theater. She "timed the gel cap of blood in my mouth perfectly with saliva and words, so that the blood spurt out of my mouth and dripped down my face on the last word I spoke." Staples has found being dead onstage restful and regenerating: "It brings an incredible closure to the experience, and you are forced then to methodically make your body rest because you don't want to be heaving." Perez, whose deaths as an actor have included Romeo, approaches dying onstage the same way he approaches fight choreography. He considers the physics of it: How would a body move after being hit that way? In one of his Romeos, on a huge stage set, he had to fall down stairs and land in a good position while ensuring the knife was accessible to Juliet. Beyond that, he tries to be real in the moment. "I have yet to encounter a death where there wasn't some element of surprise (for the dying person)," he said. In 2014, Gutzman and fellow sexagenarian Marilyn White played the leads in an unusual production of "Romeo and Juliet" set among retired actors in a nursing home. He found playing the dying Romeo at his age "probably the most transformative experience...as an actor in my life....My whole life was kind of relived many times during the rehearsals of that show." No discussion of death in Shakespeare would be complete without a grim nod at the gory "Titus Andronicus," whose 14 terminations include beheadings, hangings and two guys baked into a pie, then fed to their mother. That sounds icky today, but Gutzman notes that revenge tragedies were popular in Shakespeare's day, and "Titus" was considered one of his greatest hits when he was alive. Looking past its cruelty, Gutzman sees the seeds of "Lear," "Hamlet" and other plays in it. And for those who find its scenes of cutting off hands and cutting out tongues preposterous, Gutzman points to what Boko Haram terrorists are doing in Africa. Shakespeare's best deaths In Gutzman's mind, Richard III has one of the grandest deaths in Shakespeare: surrounded by the enemy, standing everybody off. Macbeth, too, fully faces his fate. The audience rises to those moments "that transcend our mundane lives and make somebody a superhero, even if they're a supervillain," he said. Suozzi relishes the Hal-Hotspur fight in "Henry IV Part I," in which Hal kills his familiar foe, then praises the dead Hotspur's nobility of spirit. "That's a particularly poignant one. It comes after a good swordfight I'm a sucker for a good swordfight," she said. Hoffmann ponders the mystery of the Fool in "King Lear," who disappears after Act 3. "He doesn't die on stage, maybe he doesn't even die," she said. She saw a Royal Shakespeare Company production, drawing from a cryptic line in the text, that hanged the Fool at intermission. In her staging at Alchemist Theatre, Hoffmann had David Flores, as the Fool, fall asleep onstage and never wake up. Shakespeare's tragedies suggest how well he understood "all that lives must die," as Gertrude says early in "Hamlet." But he also knew the value of a timely resurrection. As Hermione in "The Winter's Tale" at American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Staples played the statue of a wronged woman who miraculously returns to life. "Pure magic," she wrote. Jocelyn Ridgely portrays a woman who becomes a moral force in The Plough and the Stars. Credit: Pear Photography SHARE By , One hundred years ago this month, the brutally suppressed Easter Rising became the opening salvo in the fight for a free Ireland. Right on cue, Milwaukee Irish Arts is among the theaters including Dublin's Abbey Theatre marking the anniversary with productions of Sean O'Casey's "The Plough and the Stars." It's the right choice, but not an obvious one: "Plough" doesn't commemorate but castigate, taking on Irish mythology about revolutionary martyrs and focusing instead on the everyday poor who were less interested in making history than surviving it. When it opened at the Abbey in 1926, surviving relatives of those revolutionary dead walked out. A group of armed republicans tried kidnapping an actor to stop the play; a riot ensued. O'Casey openly wondered in the press whether the increasingly conservative Irish Republic was "determined to make of Ireland the terrible place of a land fit only for heroes to live in." Set in one of the Irish slums that took a pounding from British guns during the Rising, the first two of the four acts of "Plough" presented under Bo Johnson's direction over 140 minutes, with one intermission and Irish folk music during set changes play as comedy. Blustering men like Peter (Robert W.C. Kennedy), the Marx-infatuated Covey (Eamonn DeCogain), Fluther (Dylan Bolin) and Jack (David Rothrock) argue about politics and play at revolution, much like the students before taking to the barricades in "Les Miz." Excepting the colorful Kennedy a stage veteran adept at accommodating his performance to the cavernous onetime church that Irish Arts calls home this workmanlike quartet doesn't achieve the textured individuality O'Casey allows them. Which is OK, because in this as in so much of O'Casey's work, it's the women who are strongest and most compelling, as they struggle to preserve what little they have while history comes calling, stealing their men and destroying their lives. O'Casey's sisterhood ranges from little Mollser (Rose Callahan) a consumptive child asking whether any of the rebels have "a titther o' sense" all the way to Bessie, a drunken curmudgeon who, in Jocelyn Ridgely's expert hands, credibly morphs from a caricature into a moral force. Before getting there, she'll repeatedly tangle with Mrs. Gogan (a fun, broadly comic Linnea Koeppel) until the two realize that they're more alike than different, right down to the taunts they both hurl at rebels in love with themselves and their own rhetoric. We get a variation on this theme in a fine performance from Liz Shipe as Rosie, a prostitute who decries the rebels' vaunted freedom as less worthy than a lottery win. Witnessing the losses endured by these women including Jack's wife, Nora (Maggie McGwin) one can see her point. IF YOU GO "The Plough and the Stars" continues through Monday at the Irish Cultural & Heritage Center, 2133 W. Wisconsin Ave. For info, visit milirisharts.wordpress.com/. Read more about this production atTapMilwaukee.com. TAKEAWAYS What Are We Fighting For? (Part I): In a long, excellent essay on the Easter Rising in the March 31 issue of the London Review of Books, Irish writer Colm Toibin quotes historian David Fitzpatrick, who suggests that the rebels deliberately seized the particular Dublin buildings they occupied because those buildings were near densely populated slums like the one presented in O'Casey's play. Doing so ensured that British reprisals would be especially bloody and thereby potentially provoke greater outrage. So much for all that rhetoric about fighting for the Irish people. What Are We Fighting For? (Part II): O'Casey takes his deadliest aim at all this hot air in Act II, as a silhouetted figure intermittently proclaims from the speeches given during the Rising by one of its soon-to-be-executed leaders, Patrick Pearse. Befitting this figure's shadowy presence on stage, those speeches are filled with empty cant about dying for Ireland; meanwhile, the flesh-and-blood figure of Rosie stands before us, very much alive as she complains to a bartender (Nate Press) that business is down because the men are "all thinkin' of higher things than a girl's garthers." It's Rosie, here, who wins our sympathy and respect; O'Casey ensures we're suspicious of any would-be saint and the purpose of any would-be revolution humorlessly and self-righteously denying the pleasures of the here and now. Jack and Nora: O'Casey most fully illustrates the tension between everyday life and abstract ideals through the marriage of Rothrock's Jack and McGwin's Nora, whose loving relationship literally gets interrupted by history's knock, when one of Jack's comrades (Kevin Callahan) comes to the door. As he's done many times on stage, Rothrock embodies a naturally passive character who must half convince himself to take on an official persona that his best, more private self rejects; here, it's clear he'd rather stay with Nora even as he nevertheless plays his expected role on the world's stage. Feeling abandoned, Nora falls apart, morphing from sassy and coquettish to a woman out of her mind. It's a dauntingly challenging transition for any actor as is the huge tonal shift from comedy to tragedy that takes places as this play hurtles toward its conclusion. McGwin fares better during the early scenes' comedy, but it's one of her lines from the second half of the show that most sticks with me. Responding to Jack's rhetorical question about whether she wants him to be untrue to his comrades, Nora responds, "I'm your dearest comrade." Rothrock makes clear that Jack knows Nora is right. Then he walks out the door, leaving her behind. Mother Courage: Brecht's great "Mother Courage" still hadn't been written when "Plough" debuted, but it's the play that was most on my mind while watching some of the scenes in "Plough" that set Irish audiences on edge in 1926. Rosie's focus on making a living rather than winning a revolution or a delicious scene in which Bessie and Mrs. Gogan use the uprising as an invitation to do some looting skips the men's starry rhetoric for the earthy world of the plough, in which what matters most is how and whether the tumult in the streets affects one's material well-being and whether one is doing the little things more likely to yield a bountiful future. The Covey may go on longest about Marx and materialism, but it's the women who best practice what he preaches, focusing on grabbing hold of the material goods they need to survive and making common cause in the process. Who are the real cynics, here? The women in this play trying to feed and clothe themselves and their loved ones? Or would-be revolutionaries launching an uprising that was premature and poorly planned, invoking abstractions like "the people" without fully thinking through the cost to actual persons? Acting Irish International Theatre Festival: Can't see "Plough" during this short run? Never fear: Late May brings a reprieve in the form of a reprise, when this same production opens the five-day Acting Irish International Theatre Festival, during which nine theater companies from Canada, Ireland and the United States will perform Irish plays at Next Act Theatre (including a performance of O'Casey's "Shadow of a Gunman," which joins "Plough" and "Juno and the Paycock" to form his Dublin trilogy). For festival schedule info, visit milirisharts.wordpress.com/aiitf-2016/. For tickets, visit nextact.org/rental-events/aiitf-2016/. By , London calling. If you read that phrase and thought of high tea, royalty and Big Ben, skip to my next recommendation. If you hummed the opening lines of a Clash song, read on for I've the perfect book for you Elizabeth Hand's"Hard Light" (Minotaur). Sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll drive Hand's latest novel, a crime story seeped in regret and obsession, and tinted with scenes of dark brilliance. Cass Neary is a photographer. Tall, blonde, always broke, usually drunk, she's been an "accessory to more than one murder." She's off the grid and off the beaten path. She's the "last punk standing." A "teenage refugee who jump started the punk scene" in New York in the late '70s where she and her Konica camera had 15 minutes of fame. She's Patti Smith or better yet she's "Gloria" (only taller). In "Hard Light," she flees Reykjavik, Iceland, for London to rendezvous with Quinn, the love of her life, and a man who makes her feel "off-balance from a toxic cocktail of impossible yearning, lust, and apprehension." While waiting for Quinn, Cass crashes a London gangster's party (as in the Krays not N.W.A.) where she recognizes a William Mortensen print on the wall. Ansel Adams once called Mortensen the "the anti-Christ" because of the way he manipulated eroticism and perception in his images. Cass calls him "the patron saint of Photoshop and Instagram" even though she doesn't own a cellphone. Like the earlier books in this series (although this one can be read as a stand-alone), Hand's plot shifts to unexpected places and eccentric people. In this case a Marianne Faithfull character, the black market for stolen antiquities, an Interpol investigation and murder. I loved everything about this book, especially the history of punk music and new wave photography the author shot through the narrative as well as working into the back stories of her characters. Like Tamsin Gregollan, a "statuesque red-head," who claims she was "deflowered by Salvador Dali," that she punched "Eric Clapton for being mean to Patti Boyd," and met her husband at Cotchford Farm just days before "Brian Jones drowned in the swimming pool there." Since I did my due diligence to discover who's real and who's fictional in this novel it's a heady mix I might as well share that this same farm in the English countryside was also where A.A. Milne created Winnie the Pooh. Seriously. Reading this novel was like listening to Lou Reed, The Ramones and Blondie... on vinyl. It's close to pitch-perfect. The other book that sang out to me this month, was Lyndsay Faye's"Jane Steele" (Putnam), a smart satirical gothic romance that plays as much to Charlotte Bronte's fans as Edgar Allan Poe's. Set in 19th-century England, the main character, Jane Steele, has lived "a life of infamy" and in these pages she has penned her autobiography, inspired to do so while reading "Jane Eyre." Jane Steele is the other Jane's twisted doppelganger, a whiskey-drinking woman who takes pleasure in murdering those who have tortured her and denied her rights to a hearth and home. Is Jane Steele the rightful heir to a fortune? Is she the lady of the manor? To say more, would be a sin of extraordinary proportions. Instead let me humbly share that there's no madwoman in this mansion's attic, but there's more than enough crazy to go around, including dark deeds in the cellar. Jane Steele falls in love with Mr. Thornfield and "wrestles" with how to "force it to flourish," using "tactics that would have positively curled Miss Eyre's hair." Flushed with humour and humors, this novel is a hoot. I laughed not only at Jane's audacity as a character "No weeping," she reminds herself during a crisis, "thinking is better than weeping" but also the author's accomplishments skillfully mashing up a modern serial killer novel with a 19th-century novel of manners. The notion of such a thing isn't making you lightheaded, is it? "Bugger swooning," Jane Steele would say. Carole E. Barrowman is a professor of English at Alverno College and co-author of three "Hollow Earth" novels, including the recently published "The Book of Beasts." CONVERSATION WITH CAROLE Carole E. Barrowman will lead a conversation with novelist Jessica Knoll ("Luckiest Girl Alive") at 7 p.m. April 19 at Boswell Book Company, 2559 N. Downer Ave. Sturgill Simpson, pictured here at the Eaux Claires music festival in Eau Claire County last summer, released a new album Friday, A Sailors Guide to Earth. Credit: Jeffrey Phelps SHARE Frightened Rabbit Painting of a Panic Attack Atlantic Records The magnetic quality of Scott Hutchison's voice is not how its burr marks him (and, by association, the rest of his band) as Scottish. Instead, the magnetism emanates from his rasp and quaver, which generate an uneasiness that splashes the stain of reality onto the careful artistry of his band's music. For its fifth long-player, Frightened Rabbit travels to Brooklyn to get recorded by another indie-rock artisan, the National's Aaron Dessner. He twiddles with and tweaks these songs, gently, until "Woke Up Hurting" could be a Thompson Twins dance-floor hangover and "An Otherwise Disappointing Life" rewires R.E.M.'s midtempo material into a mellower yearning. Hutchison's response to the alterations is often self-lacerating and honest poetry, such as the semi-martial depression of "Blood Under the Bridge" and the folk elegy of "Die Like a Rich Boy." Yet he and Frightened Rabbit also respond with hope and scaled-back Coldplay uplift, the brighter and lovelier colors brushed over this canvas. Frightened Rabbit performs April 28 at the Pabst Theater, 144 E. Wells St. Jon M. Gilbertson, Special to the Journal Sentinel Sturgill Simpson A Sailor's Guide to Earth Atlantic Records After plumbing the depths of classic Nashville sounds on his first album, "High Top Mountain," and exploring his own psyche on 2014's "Metamodern Sounds in Country Music," Sturgill Simpson was hailed by critics as a savior of country music. As the Kentucky native releases his third album, "A Sailor's Guide to Earth," it turns out the scope of those plaudits was way too narrow. The stunning, personal disc is framed as a cohesive dispatch from a sailor to his family back home. In actuality, it's an introspective missive from the artist to his first son, who arrived just as the cries of stardom were pulling him farther onto the road. The vibrant album features varied sonic landscapes that bound from rich symphonic strings to classic horn-driven soul. Simpson explores hard-won life wisdom with his son, from the existential love-filled lullaby of "Breakers" to the world exploration of "Brace for Impact (Live a Little)." Along the way, Simpson gains broad new perspective of his own. In his pangs of uncertainty, tears over the inevitability of life's changes and overriding belief in the power of love which will be felt palpably by any parent experiencing this powerful album Simpson draws on music to help save us all. Sturgill Simpson performs June 4 at the Riverside Theater, 116 W. Wisconsin Ave. Erik Ernst,Special to the Journal Sentinel Black Mountain IV Jagjaguwar Records The music of the 1970s seems to be a bottomless fountain of inspiration for homage, parody, deconstruction and, in the case of rock band Black Mountain, a special cosmic feeling. On its fourth non-soundtrack album, the Canadian five-piece sounds higher on that feeling than it could ever get on the favorite drugs of that particular decade. Still, the longer tracks such as the bookending "Mothers of the Sun" and "Space to Bakersfield," each running eight to nine minutes live in a cloud of marijuana dynamics, and fascinate via slow-motion shifts rather than face-melting jams. One of those tracks, "(Over and Over) The Chain," takes three minutes just to blink itself fully awake. Individual elements shove against overarching somnolence: Jeremy Schmidt's keyboards, which never merely ape their Floyd-to-Bowie precedents, and especially Amber Webber's voice, more womanly will than feminine wiles. Whenever the cosmic feeling starts to wane, Black Mountain's individual elements usually clarify its collective third eye. Black Mountain performs May 10 at Cactus Club, 2496 S. Wentworth Ave. Jon M. Gilbertson Elephant Revival Petals Itz Evolving Records There is a calm that permeates the track list of Colorado-based Elephant Revival's fourth album, "Petals." Don't let the acoustic tranquility be mistaken for simplicity, though. The quintet softly layers a syncopated bounce of picked and bowed strings that build to the bellow of rich cellos along the sweet lilt of Bonnie Paine's voice in the jazzy swing of the opening "Hello You Who." The title track hums and jumps in a playful chorus, while "Raindrops" replicates a serene atmosphere that beckons for the listener to contemplate and reflect as the sonic swirl flows across an ethereal path. In "Home in Your Heart," the group finds a groove in bluegrass and folk influences paired with the warmth of the people closest to us. It's a rich, welcoming place to be, and one Elephant Revival has carefully crafted with deceptive ease. Elephant Revival performs May 11 at Turner Hall Ballroom, 1040 N. 4th St. Erik Ernst SHARE By of the Waukesha A 23-year-old woman found drugged and nearly naked in a Brookfield motel last fall told police she had been forced into prostitution by two men she met while staying at a Waukesha shelter. Juan A. Williams Jr., 30, of Waukesha and Rodney D. Cleary, 26, of Milwaukee are charged with human trafficking, a felony punishable by up to 25 years of prison and supervision. According to the criminal complaint: Police found the woman at a Motel 6 on Oct. 31. The complaint doesn't indicate why officers entered the room where they found the woman, shaken and terrified, with a naked man. She told police she had been drugged and sexually assaulted in the room, and she feared she would be seen by other men she knew were at the motel. She explained she expected to be photographed and have her pictures posted on a website frequently used by pimps to promote prostitution. She was taken to a hospital where Williams' DNA was collected from her body. The victim told police she met Williams and Cleary in August, through another resident of the Women's Center in downtown Waukesha. She said they offered to help her get back on her feet with money and a place to stay. Over the next two months, she told police, she had prostitution dates with about 30 men at a variety of locations around Waukesha, including the parking lots of the city library, the Hope Center and a Dollar Store. She said Williams and Cleary kept all the money and controlled her by physical violence and drugs. Investigators found that ads featuring seminude photos of the woman had been posted on the prostitution website by someone using the email address rodneycleary14@gmail.com. Steve Hiniker, executive director of 1000 Friends of Wisconsin, at a news conference Friday said an expanded freeway wont solve rush-hour congestion. Credit: Michael Sears SHARE By of the Activists representing 25 local and statewide organizations delivered 3,400 petition signatures to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Friday, calling for the agency to scrap plans to expand the I-94 east-west freeway between 16th and 70th streets in Milwaukee. Instead, the Coalition for More Responsible Transportation is urging the agency to repair the six-lane highway and use savings to improve transit service and repair local roads. "We don't want the highway, we don't need it and we definitely can't afford it," said Elizabeth Ward, conservation programs coordinator with the Sierra Club-John Muir Chapter. Near the Marquette Interchange, the activists made their case against the freeway expansion on the last day of public comments on the project's final environmental impact statement. Under the preferred option, the highway would be expanded from six to eight lanes at an estimated cost of $850 million. The project would also eliminate closely spaced interchanges and left-side exit and entrance ramps. Construction could begin in 2019. "It's clear that the efficiency and safety in that area is in need of being upgraded," said Michael Pyritz, a spokesman for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. Steve Hiniker, executive director of Madison-based 1000 Friends of Wisconsin, a land-use organization, said an expanded freeway won't solve rush-hour congestion. "We know this from other projects across the state and the country," he said. "We know that every time a highway is expanded, traffic simply fills in and makes it congested again. Why? Because cities attract traffic." Lester Williams of Milwaukee Inner-City Congregations Allied for Hope said: "We need more jobs, more help in our community, as opposed to a freeway, a road." Dennis Grzezinski, an attorney for Midwest Environmental Advocates, said the added lanes will cause safety issues and aren't needed. Under the expansion plan, for the short stretch west of the Stadium Interchange, the department has proposed converting the outside shoulder to a fourth lane in each direction. Through an area bordered by four cemeteries, lane widths would narrow to 11 feet, rather than the standard 12 feet. "They really need to go back to the drawing board," Grzezinski said. Grzezinski said the agency rejected the coalition's proposal to repair six lanes and dramatically expand transit north and south of the freeway. He said billions of dollars are being spent on expanding the interstate system in the region while "the support for transit has been fading away," harming those without cars or driver's licenses. "This is a matter of not just this disparity but it's a matter of racial, social and economic segregation and discrimination," he said. "Overwhelmingly, who are the folks who don't have cars, don't have licenses, don't have the choice to get in their car and drive on the multibillion dollar freeways? It's people of color, minorities and the disabled. There are civil rights problems with what the agencies are doing and they are not facing up to it." SHARE IRS must change I found Catherine Rampell's column of April 12 about the Internal Revenue Service almost completely wrong ("Abolishing IRS rewards tax cheats," Opinions, April 12). She says the remedy to the IRS mess is to give the bureaucrats more money, not abolish it. Actually, she is misrepresenting the case for abolishing an out of control, undemocratic agency. We do need a tax collecting agency, but it has got to change. She is right about one thing: the tax code is a mess. But throwing more money at the bureaucrats is not going to solve that issue. Rampell is right about another thing: there is "lingering rage over the IRS's 2013 scandal, when it improperly targeted for review conservative group applying for federal tax exempt status." Improperly? More like criminally. And partisan. It is the blatant, pervasive and protracted partisanship on the part of the leftist Democrat bureaucrats that is contributing to the call for abolition of the IRS. These rogue liberal bureaucrats dominate the culture in the federal and state bureaucracies and are a serious threat to the constitutional well-being of our country. Of course, not all government employees abuse their power. But, it does not take a lot of bad apples to wreak havoc on this country's social and political climate. The conservative groups are still waiting for equal treatment under the law. The guilty parties are still on the job: not one has been fired. If the IRS would spend more time answering their mail and less time waging war on those they deem politically incorrect, it might not have suffered budget cuts. Maybe abolishing the IRS is not such a bad idea. But a better solution would be to reform the civil service so that unelected, overly protected bureaucrats are held strictly accountable for their illegal activities. They must not abuse their power. They must treat all citizens equally and honestly in strict accordance with the law, regardless of politics. Leon Cline Greenfield Who pays taxes Stockholm syndrome is the emotional attachment of a hostage to his or her captor. A corollary posits that hostages will turn on each other before they turn on their captor. Blogger Jay Miller and Washington Post columnist Catherine Rampell illustrate the latter proposition ("Simplify nation's tax laws" and "Abolishing IRS rewards tax cheats," Editorial, April 12). Miller, who chides "wealthy individuals setting up trusts...to escape the reach of the IRS" uncritically cites the claim of prominent politicos that "companies are exploiting loopholes in the tax laws at the expense of ordinary citizens." Rampell vilifies "megacorporations that can afford armies of accountants and tax attorneys to grind down what they owe Uncle Sam" making "life more painful for law-abiding taxpayers." Miller and Rampell invoke the ever-popular shifting-the-burden argument to pit taxpayer against taxpayer, ignoring the inconvenient fact that, according to the IRS Statistics of Income program, the top half of taxpayers pay more than 97% of all income taxes collected. They also give a pass to the millions of "ordinary citizens" whose specific aim is to minimize their personal tax burden through mortgages, IRAs, 401(k)s, annuities, etc., thus shifting that burden to others. Corporations and the affluent are fun and easy targets for pundits. We shan't hold our breath awaiting Miller's and Rampell's mass indictments of the bottom half of taxpayers who pay little or no tax at all. David H. Doro New Berlin Larson was essentially right Sometimes, PolitiFact struggles with matters of degree. The April 11 evaluation of a claim by state Sen. Chris Larson is a good example ("Larson's vote spending claim misfires.)" Larson said that in the recent campaign for county executive, Chris Abele spent $42 for each vote he got, while Larson himself only spent $2. In other words, Abele spent 21 times as much per vote. PolitiFact rates this as False. It has arrived at $26 and $1.70 per vote, respectively, for Abele and Larson. Using these amounts then, Abele spent 15 times as much per vote. Yes, 15 times as much is not 21 times as much, but does that really push Larson's statement all the way to False? His point was that he was far outspent, and the numbers bear him out. This seems like a case of Mostly True. Howard Hoffman Milwaukee SHARE By of the Madison A Dane County judge issued a decision Friday blocking Wisconsin officials from enforcing a law barring labor contracts that require workers to pay union fees. The order by Dane County Circuit Judge C. William Foust comes a week after he ruled the measure, known by advocates as a right-to-work law, violated the state constitution. GOP Attorney General Brad Schimel has promised to appeal, but he couldn't do that until Foust entered Friday's order. Schimel had said he wanted Foust to put his ruling on hold while he pursues an appeal. Foust didn't do that, but wrote in Friday's ruling he would hear Schimel out on that point when he files a motion for a stay. But Foust also made clear he believes the unions are being deprived of an important right under the new labor law, known as 2015 Act 1. "The right of the union to be paid for the work it performs is not trivial," Foust wrote. "Act 1 makes it a crime for the union to require someone to pay for the services he or she receives from the union. Enjoining the attorney general and the state from pursuing criminal prosecutions is appropriate relief." In a statement, Schimel said he would ask Foust on Monday to stay his ruling while he pursues an appeal. "I am confident the law ultimately will be upheld and Wisconsin will remain a right-to-work state," Schimel said in his statement. The case is ultimately expected to be decided by the state Supreme Court, which is controlled 5-2 by conservatives. Fred Perillo, a lawyer for the unions challenging the law, praised Friday's order as a well-reasoned decision that champions the idea that the government can't take property without compensation. "It is the type of decision that should appeal to conservatives on the court," he said. Wisconsin is one of 26 states with right-to-work laws, which bar businesses and unions from signing labor deals that require workers to pay union fees. The laws in all the other states have withstood legal challenges. Supporters of the law say people shouldn't have to pay fees if they choose not to join a union. Unions are required to represent all employees in a work unit, and they say they should be able to collect fees from everyone who benefits from the higher wages and job protections they provide. Gov. Scott Walker and his fellow Republicans in the Legislature approved the law last year. The Wisconsin State AFL-CIO, Machinists Local Lodge 1061 and United Steelworkers District 2 sued soon afterward. Foust's ruling last week concluded the law violates the state constitution's prohibition on taking property without fair compensation. That's because the law interferes with the unions' ability to generate revenue from all the workers it protects, Foust found. In 2014, the Little Plover River a Class 1 trout stream near Stevens Point fell below minimum water levels set by the Department of Natural Resources. Irrigation in the region is one reason flows dry up in the summer. Credit: Jim Gifford SHARE By of the A long-awaited study that examines how irrigation is affecting the closely watched Little Plover River in central Wisconsin could help prevent the river from running dry again. The results of the state-funded research also may provide clues on how large-scale groundwater withdrawals are affecting streams, rivers and lakes elsewhere, according to scientists. Groundwater issues have become increasingly contentious in Wisconsin, especially in the 1.75 million-acre Central Sands region home to a large potato and vegetable growing industry. The region relies on more than 3,000 high-capacity wells to grow crops. The Little Plover, a Class 1 trout stream, flows for about 6 miles near Stevens Point before it enters the Wisconsin River. But more than its reputation for fishing, the river is infamously known for stretches that run dry, as they did in 2005 and 2009. The culprit? For years, scientists have said irrigation of potato and vegetable crops has had a major effect on the river. Wisconsin is the No. 3 producer of potatoes in the country, and much of the crop is centered around Stevens Point. But agricultural interests have long insisted that other factors are often overlooked, such as climatic factors such as drought and growing urbanization where roads, parking lots, homes and businesses keep rain from soaking into the ground. Industry official Tamas Houlihan emphasized that the Little Plover looks healthy today. "I just walked it," said Houlihan, executive director of the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association. "It hasn't gone dry since 2009." But officials said water flows frequently fall below the minimum levels set by the Department of Natural Resources. For example, last summer the river was below acceptable levels about 50% of the time. By tapping independent experts who consulted with environmental groups and the potato and vegetable industry, DNR officials hoped the $230,000 study would move the debate beyond years of finger-pointing. "We thought the study would be a tool that would help advance the discussion," said Larry Lynch, a hydrogeologist at the DNR. "It's easy to point fingers," said Sen. Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point.) "We need to get people to the table to come up with solutions that meets everyone's needs." Earlier this week, the results of the study by the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey and the U.S. Geological Survey clearly pointed to farming's outsized effect on the Little Plover. State hydrogeologist Kenneth Bradbury and his federal colleague, Michael Fienen, concluded: The ecology of the river is closely linked to groundwater, making the Little Plover vulnerable to groundwater pumping. About 80% of all of the water used in the river basin comes from irrigation. Not only do wells matter to the health of the river, but their location is critical. For example, removing about 15 wells closest to the river would substantially increase water flow in the Little Plover in an average year. As the water table drops, the top few feet used by streams and lakes are depleted, but farmers' wells still may have plenty of water. The results were discussed on Tuesday at a meeting in Stevens Point, drawing an audience of more than 300. The DNR announced plans for the study in January 2014. For years, advocates of the Little Plover have been demanding the DNR do something about the river, which American Rivers, a conservation group, named one of the nation's 10 most endangered in 2013. The DNR also has been under growing pressure from environmentalists and property owners in the Central Sands, where residents see a correlation between shrinking lakes and rivers and the number of pumps spraying long arcs of water on the landscape. "People are really hungry to know what is going on in the ground in the Central Sands," said Denny Caneff, executive director of the River Alliance of Wisconsin. His group had hoped the DNR would have examined another area other than the Little Plover, which has been studied extensively. "It's another way of delaying action," Caneff said. But the DNR's Lynch said the study can be used in places other than the Little Plover. The underlying technology computer modeling can predict the effect on water resources of streams and lakes when farmers make changes in their irrigation practices, or crop selections. The modeling will be used by growers, environmental groups, consultants and regulators to produce "what-if" scenarios, Lynch said. "We wanted a tool that can be used in many places in Wisconsin," he said. Until now, the lion's share of the work on the Little Plover has come from George Kraft, director of the Center for Watershed Science and Education at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. He has investigated groundwater issues for years on the Little Plover and elsewhere in the Central Sands, often angering agriculture with his conclusions that irrigation at current levels is harming water resources. "I'm feeling a little better," Kraft said, referring to the study's findings. "My reputation has been kicked around a little." Bradbury said his work "did not refute the work of Dr. Kraft if anything, it built on that work." Example: Both came up with the same estimate of how much groundwater pumping is taking from the river. Houlihan, of the potato and vegetable growers, said his group views the modeling as a tool to help farmers manage water resources. But he said growers are already trying to conserve water by crop selection (snap beans require less than half as much water as potatoes, for example) and using irrigation equipment that is more efficient. "Absolutely, there is an effect" irrigation has on streams and lakes, he said. "I'm not trying to minimize that there isn't an issue." But he has criticisms about the study. One, he said, it hasn't gone through the peer-review process. "It's not appropriate to release information on a study before it's completed," he said. "I wish they would have waited." (Bradbury said the work has been reviewed and comments are going into the final study. He said he did not expect major changes in the report.) Two, Houlihan said, the modeling relies too heavily on shutting down wells. "Once they get results, there will be a push to shut down pumps," he said. "Our growers are afraid of this." SHARE By of the A case deciding whether lead poisoning victims could sue paint companies was sent to the Court of Appeals after the Wisconsin Supreme Court deadlocked in the decision released Friday. Justice Rebecca Bradley recused herself from the long-running case early on, and did not participate in the ruling. Lawyers argued the case to the court earlier this month. The court in 2005 ruled that victims in such cases could hold various makers of lead paint liable based on their shares of the market at the time, a doctrine called the risk contribution theory. The Legislature passed a law in 2011 blocking such suits, and in 2013 tried to make it retroactive, which would eliminate the already-filed claims of Yasmine Clark and 171 other plaintiffs who had sued after the 2005 ruling and before the 2011 law. A Milwaukee circuit judge in 2014 found that Clark had a vested right to her claim, which was legal at the time she filed it in 2006. The defendant companies, and the state, say the 2005 case was only "speculative," and that Clark never had a "settled expectation" of being allowed to sue under risk contribution theory. That 2005 case, Thomas vs. Mallett, was written by then-Justice Louis Butler, who was later defeated for re-election, based partly on a backlash by business interests against the ruling. The plaintiff in that case ultimately lost his case when it finally got to a jury. Under risk contribution theory, a plaintiff doesn't have to prove a particular manufacturer caused the injury, only that a manufacturer made or marketed white lead carbonate pigment at the time a house where the plaintiff lived existed. Then it becomes the company's burden to prove it either didn't, or that its products were not used in the region where the house was located. Lead carbonate makers say risk contribution theory is arbitrary and irrational because it eliminates the requirement that a plaintiff prove a defendant caused the injury and second, that the theory changes the rule of liability after the conduct at issue. "The Supreme Court's ruling returns this case to the Court of Appeals, where the issues will be argued and decided," Tony Dias, attorney for Sherwin-Williams, said in a prepared statement. "We look forward to that opportunity. Our position remains the same, that the law should be upheld." Madeline Kennedy of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report Live: Packers-Commanders live game blog with Tom Silverstein Tom Silverstein will provide updates and analysis as the Packers take on the Washington Commanders at FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland. Anissa Weier (left) is brought into a Waukesha County courtroom for a bail modification hearing on Friday. The request was denied. Morgan Geyser (right) also attends the hearing. The girls are charged with stabbing a classmate in 2014 to please Slender Man, a fictional character. Credit: Charles Auer By of the Waukesha Two girls charged in the Slender Man stabbing case lost motions to reduce their $500,000 bail and live with family under strict monitoring until their trial. Waukesha County Circuit Judge Michael Bohren noted the serious penalties the girls face if convicted as adults up to 45 years in prison in suggesting they might still be flight risks if released from jail, despite their ages. Morgan Geyser, 13, and Anissa Weier, 14, were 12 when they were arrested in May 2014 after their sixth-grade classmate was found at the edge of some woods, bleeding from 19 stab wounds. The girls told police they plotted the attack to please Slender Man, a fictional internet character. Geyser's lawyers presented several witnesses who testified about the dramatic changes she has undergone since treatment, including medication, of her early onset schizophrenia, and plans for her to live with her grandfather, a retired police chief, in Manitowoc County. She also would remain under the supervision of social workers monitoring the civil commitment order that sent her to Winnebago Mental Health Institute in December, as well as GPS monitoring, said her attorney, Anthony Cotton. "Unlike the co-defendant," he said, "Morgan's entry point to this crime was her psychotic condition," which was unidentified and untreated at the time of the attack. "She's a different person now," Cotton said. After beginning medication at Winnebago, Geyser stopped hearing voices from Harry Potter characters, and other delusions, and began showing appropriate emotions such as remorse, according to testimony of a social worker and a psychologist. She was even named patient of the month before doctors deemed her stabilized and ready to return to the community. Bohren acknowledged and lauded the significant progress Geyser had made, but said in the end it was still too risky to have her in the community, since if she went off the medication she could become dangerous. Weier's attorneys also suggested that electronic monitoring and house arrest would be sufficient protection of the public, while allowing a 14-year-old girl access to the outdoors and her family. Assistant District Attorney Kevin Osborne noted that both girls did try to flee the area after the original crime, and questioned the ability of Weier's family to monitor her situation, since they didn't notice the months of planning the girls said went into the crime. Bohren did agree to allow Weier an extra three hours to meet with social workers during trips to Waukesha every other week. The girls will return to the Washington County Juvenile Detention Center in West Bend. Their appeals of Bohren's earlier decision not to transfer their cases to juvenile court remain pending. Reddit Email 0 Shares Mazin Sahib | Baghdad | (Niqash.org) | Leading Sunni Muslim politicians have opened an office in Washington to represent Sunni interests. Theres talk of an autonomous Sunni region again as a result. But other Sunni MPs say its all nonsense. In Dhuluiya victims of the IS group demanded that families associated with IS fighters leave the area. On Iraqi social media, one often sees slogans such as We Want A Sunni region or read about people discussing the Sunni region as if it already exists. Some locals are even saying that the fact that senior Sunni Muslim politicians have opened an office to represent Sunni Muslim interests in Washington is a preparation for the Sunni region-to-be. And there are other indications that the countrys Sunnis are planning a region of their own. A paper presented by the largest Sunni Islamist political party in the country, the Iraqi Islamic Party, acknowledges the rights of Iraqs Sunnis to form their own region as long as it is all done within the countrys constitutional and legal framework, the paper said. The partys paper also said that the party supported national reconciliation and reform, as long as there is clear plan for this and that its not subject to too many delays and compromises. Another signal was given by senior Sunni politicians, Atheel al-Nujaifi, the former governor of the Ninawa province, and Rafi al-Issawi, the countrys former Minister of Finance. In a statement al-Nujaifi confirmed that the Sunni politicians were setting up a body to represent Iraqs Sunni interests in Washington. It was created to convey the suffering and oppression of Sunnis in Iraq to the international community, al-Nujaifis statement said, before adding that, contrary to popular rumour, the US has not made military bases in any would-be Sunni Muslim region a condition of their support for any such project. However despite the grandiose claims, the idea doesnt have any support on the ground, another Sunni politician, Zuhair al-Chalabi, the former head of Mosuls reconstruction committee, told NIQASH. The land that is being talked about is actually occupied by the Islamic State group right now, al-Chalabi said. Those who are calling for a Sunni region are just being stubborn. This idea is motivated by political interests and its not coming from Sunni leaders who have true popular support. Although the idea has become more popular since the security crisis sparked by the extremist Islamic State, or IS, group, it isnt practical on either a political or economic level, al-Chalabi added. Turning the country into regions based on ethnic or sectarian lines will divide the country and put Iraqi identity back thousands of years, argues Hani Ibrahim Ashur, a local political consultant. The politicians think they will be able to expand their interest in the whole region and thats why they like the idea, he says dismissively. The Iraqiya bloc, which used to be the largest opposition bloc in the country, has always been against the creation of regions like this, says Karima al-Jiwari, an Iraqiya MP. Anyone who wants to divide Iraq is not an Iraqi, al-Jiwari says. Anyone who promotes the idea of division is being paid to do so. The worst thing is that it is the weakness of the government thats taking Iraq to these lows. Some morally bankrupt politicians are promoting the idea of creating regions along sectarian lines and this is very dangerous, argues Abbas al-Bayati, a Turkmen MP, who is also a member of the Committee on Foreign Relations in the Iraqi Parliament. Its dangerous because there are different kinds of Iraqis in all the different areas. Al-Bayati believes the placement of any Sunni Muslim region would also be wrong most people talk about centring it in Mosul without even considering the Anbar province. Additionally if a Sunni region was created, it would just become the next pawn in the Middle Easts wider, ongoing Sunni-versus-Shiite conflict. Some locals, including al-Bayati, also suspect that the US is keen on the idea of a Sunni Muslim region in Iraq. Local political consultant, Amir al-Saadi, agrees, saying that the US continues to support this project. However al-Saadi isnt sure its really the best idea. If the Sunni people are to rely on the resources in the region they would have, this would not improve the conditions of their lives. Additionally, looking at the Kurdish experience in Iraq, with the political crises and the economic crisis, and you have the best proof of the difficulty in creating a new region inside Iraq. Via Niqash.org - Related video added by Juan Cole: Integrity UK: Iraqi Sunni Endowments Chief praises Anbar peoples resistance against terrorism Reddit Email 34 Shares By Juan Cole | (Informed Comment) | The Democratic debate in Brooklyn last night took an unusual turn when a grumpy old Jewish American upbraided a slightly younger Illinois Methodist for not respecting the dignity of the Palestinian people. BLITZER [Used to work for the American Israel Public Affairs Committee lobby] : . . . Senator, lets talk about the U.S. relationship with Israel. Senator Sanders, you maintained that Israels response in Gaza in 2014 was, quote, disproportionate and led to the unnecessary loss of innocent life. (APPLAUSE) What do you say to those who believe that Israel has a right to defend itself as it sees fit? SANDERS [former kubbutznik, i.e. left wing Zionist annoyed by the rise of the far right wing Likud Party]: Well, as somebody who spent many months of my life when I was a kid in Israel, who has family in Israel, of course Israel has a right not only to defend themselves, but to live in peace and security without fear of terrorist attack. That is not a debate. (APPLAUSE) But but what you just read, yeah, I do believe that. Israel was subjected to terrorist attacks, has every right in the world to destroy terrorism. But we had in the Gaza area not a very large area some 10,000 civilians who were wounded and some 1,500 who were killed. AUDIENCE MEMBER: Free Palestine! SANDERS: Now, if youre asking not just me, but countries all over the world was that a disproportionate attack, the answer is that I believe it was, and let me say something else. (APPLAUSE) (CHEERING) SANDERS: And, let me say something else. As somebody who is 100% pro-Israel, in the long run and this is not going to be easy, God only knows, but in the long run if we are ever going to bring peace to that region which has seen so much hatred and so much war, we are going to have to treat the Palestinian people with respect and dignity. (APPLAUSE) (CHEERING) SANDERS: So what is not to say to say that right now in Gaza, right now in Gaza unemployment is s somewhere around 40%. You got a log of that area continues, it hasnt been built, decimated, houses decimated health care decimated, schools decimated. I believe the United States and the rest of the world have got to work together to help the Palestinian people. That does not make me anti-Israel. That paves the way, I think BLITZER: Thank you, Senator SANDERS: to an approach that works in the Middle East. The Israeli propaganda line is that the Palestinians are natural, intrinsic terrorists who are always attacking Israelis out of blind hatred for Jews and who casually deploy terrorism on a mass scale and refuse to recognize the inexorability and naturalness of several million European and North African and other Jews living in Palestine. Perhaps Sen. Sanders would not agree with what I am going to say. But this narrative ignores that in 1800 there were virtually no Jews in Palestine. It ignores that the Jewish settlers in British Mandate Palestine derailed British plans for a Palestinian state by 1949 (as put forward in the 1939 White Paper), in accordance with all the other Class A Mandates established at and after the Versailles Peace Conference that ended World War I. That is, the French Mandate of Syria became Syria and Syrians have Syrian citizenship, the British Mandate of Iraq became Iraq and Iraqis have Iraqi citizenship. Even Class B Mandates became independent countries and their inhabitants became citizens Tanganyika became Tanzania and Zanzibar, Ruanda-Urundi became Rwanda and Burundi. Why did not the Mandate of Palestine result in a state of Palestine in which the Palestinians were citizens? It was because the Jewish settlers let in by British Mandate authorities over the objections of the native Palestinians (whose families had lived there since time immemorial) who conducted an ethnic cleansing campaign in 1947-1948 and expelled 720,000 Palestinians out of 1.2 million, then declared Israel and locked the refugees out. Many of those refugees were forced to crowd into refugee camps in the Gaza Strip, where they still huddle, penniless and displaced and besieged permanently by the Israelis. The simple-minded Zionist talking point that the British split their Mandate into Palestine and Jordan, and that Jordan is Palestine, is historically laughable and does not answer the question of why the Palestinians dont have a state of their own and why over 5 million of them are stateless, lacking the rights of citizenship in any state. French Syria was also split into Syria and Lebanon, and everybody got citizenship; this is also true of Ruanda-Urundi, which was split. Part of what Sen. Sanders likely means by Palestinian dignity is that you cant have dignity as a human being in the modern world if you dont have the right of citizenship in a state. Palestinians are deprived of that dignity. There are likely only about 12 million stateless people in the world, and Palestinians are the largest single such group. Not only do Palestinians not have a state and not only are they therefore left without the basic human rights that come with citizenship, they labor under Israeli military occupation Israel is actively depriving the Palestinians of the right to be citizens of a state. Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu actually ran on this platform in the last election in Israel, and won on it. Sen. Hillary Clinton [whose campaign in part is being funded by billionaire cartoonist Haim Saban, a virulent opponent of Palestinian rights and investor in squatter settlements in the West Bank] responded that Israel withdrew from Gaza (which it occupied in 1967) in 2005, but then was subjected to thousands of rocket attacks, and had no choice but to attack Gaza. She also alleged that Hamas uses human shields and that therefore Israelis have no choice but to kill women and children. Neither of these allegations is true. Even if they were, youre not allowed deliberately to kill women and children and innocent non-combatants in order to get at the enemy. Israel did not actually withdraw from Gaza. It retains 1/3 of Gaza land as a buffer zone, and routinely shoots Palestinian farmers who own that land and try to farm it. It denies Gaza an airport and a seaport. It even routinely shoots Gaza fishermen. It controls the major checkpoint. It coerces Egypt (with a standing threat of violence) into policing the Rafah checkpoint on the Sinai. It keeps Gaza Palestinians in a large outdoor concentration camp. In a particularly evil and creepy move, the Israeli military even set a calorie limit for Palestinians, including Palestinian children, in Gaza (a limit it has been embarrassed into lifting). Gaza is still occupied, and the UN recognizes Israel as the occupying authority, which lays all the obligations of the Geneva Convention of 1949 on the Israeli state with regard to nurturing the welfare of the people living under its occupation. Sen. Sanders statistics give a good indication of whether Israel is fulfilling its duties under the Geneva Conventions (Conventions that were intended to forestall any more Axis-like aggression and war crimes). As for configuring the nearly two million people in Gaza, half of them children, as terrorists, usually this discourse is just a form of racism. And although small chemistry-experiment rockets fired from Gaza (often not by Hamas) occasionally do property damage or inflict human casualties, saying that there are thousands of them gives a propagandistic impression. All but a handful land uselessly in the desert. All life is precious, but in 2005-2008 in the lead-up to the 2008-09 Israeli assault on Gaza, rockets killed 11 Israelis; in the same period, Israel killed 1,250 Palestinians in Gaza, including 222 children. Oh, and those towns on which the rockets sometimes manage to fall? They are the home towns of the Palestinians displaced to wretched huts in Gaza, to which they could walk home in an hour or a few hours if they were allowed to. The biggest problem is actually the future of the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Are you going to keep them under Occupation forever? Are you going to push them into the Mediterranean and give Europe millions more refugees? Notice how @HillaryClinton says Palestinian "autonomy" not independence-she's echoing Bibi Peter Beinart (@PeterBeinart) April 15, 2016 It has been clear for some years that the far-right Likud governments policies are unacceptable to most Americans, including to most Jewish Americans. Our political class and the AIPAC lobbyists have tried to obscure this truth just as they obscure climate change. In response to Sen. Sanderss comments, Jewish Voice for Peace issued this statement: Rebecca Vilkomerson, Executive Director of Jewish Voice for Peace: It was heartening to hear the beginning of a much needed conversation about Israels disproportionate use of force against Palestinians in Gaza during the Democratic debate tonight. Today showed that the movement for Palestinian rights is shifting the discourse at the highest political levels. However, there is still a long way to go before we see our political leaders take courageous steps not just to recognize the humanity of Palestinians but to take action to secure their rights. What Sen. Sanders is saying is that the status quo is not sustainable. Sen. Sanders is right. - Related video added by Juan Cole: The Young Turks: CNN New York Democratic Debate | The Biggest Loser Was Reddit Email 0 Shares by Neda Simaika and Raihan Faroqui | (informed Comment) | The award-winning author and professor of English at Brooklyn College (CUNY), Moustafa Bayoumi, discusses the fight to protect American values for all people (including Muslim Americans), a healthy dose of imagination, and the Netflix original series, Master of None. Q. In your recent book, This Muslim American Life, you write, I became a citizen because I believe the fight for preserving the rights of the people of the United States, not only other citizens, is worthwhile. And I can do that more effectively as a citizen of the country where I live. In that fight, lies the defense of American values of tolerance and respect. Hows that fight going? This Muslim American Life Its forever an incomplete project. Im certainly not the only one whos involved in this fight, and the battles are there every single day, especially during presidential election years. I think we always have to be clear-eyed about that and know the kind of confrontations that are in front of us. But at the same time, I feel confident because the battles that many people within Muslim-American communities in this country are waging are oriented precisely around the values that I, and many others, cherish deeplyvalues such as equality and justice for all. Those are the things that were fighting for and well have to keep fighting for. Q. Its an unlikely pastime for a tenured English professor. Though it does seem the civil rights struggle of Muslim-Americans (and many minorities, for that matter) is the stuff of novels, and your essays do appeal to a human sensibility, rather than a political one. Why should non-Muslims read your books? One thing that fundamentally interests me is the way that people, and communities, have become political pariahs in this country. In tracing how that happens, we can often uncover how power itself operates in our society. Who has the power to declare a community suspicious? What resources are expended to patrol that suspicion? If its the Muslim-American community or the Arab-American community today, who knows who it will be tomorrow? Thats one of the reasons why, since 9/11, the Japanese-American community on the West coast has been very active in advocating for Arab-American and Muslim-American rights and issues, because they see some parallels between what happened to them and whats happening to Muslim-American communities in this country. And in that recognition lies something very profound, namely that these fights are not really about our identities but about our collective politics. These are struggles over what kind of society we want to live in. We should all care about the health of our collective society. Q. What are your thoughts on coalition building? Is yours a call for groups to come together? Yes, completely! We are living in a time where theres a lot of opportunity for thinking about the relationship between domestic marginalization and international marginalization. This is extremely important. What we need to cultivate is an imagination that exceeds both the boundaries of the nation-state and the limitations of party politics. We need to be able to imagine new kinds of politics. In recent years, we have seen many iterations of a kind of grassroots organizing that really seeks to connect local and global politics. Whether thats happening in Ferguson, Missouri or on the West Bank, its all extremely interesting and important. And I think these movements also indicate the possibilities of another kind of society slowly emerging, another kind of collective that could not only challenge the status-quo but could rethink what a more just, more equitable planet would actually look like. Q. Your message can seem uplifting at times. At one point in This Muslim American Life, you express hopes that How Does It Feel to Be a Problem one day becomes a book about history. What will it take to get there? Despite how it may sound, Im not a believer in the uplifting message. Nor am I really quite an optimist either. Its more that I dont want to be defeated by the pessimism of this age. I dont think pessimism is an option, so I refuse it. Of course, there are countless ways to be beaten down by the political system today, which is as overwhelming as it is powerful. But there will always be alternatives, and our work is to come up with those alternatives in rich and creative ways. If those alternatives end up sounding optimistic, so be it. The tone is probably a result of me trying to water the imaginations of people who are reading my work, to let them know that other ways of living and thinking and being and cooperating are possible. Q. Meanwhile, the ascent of Trump and his kind has been unbelievable. Isnt the phenomenon also forcing Muslim Americans to become more politically active to survive, giving youth a chance to reclaim the narrative? And you accuse me of being an optimist! But I think you are right. We should not be afraid of Trump and what he represents. If we do, well just play right into his (small) hands. Lets look at what faces us squarely, lets mobilize, and lets fight right back. We have to do that for the good of the nation, for the good of where we live. There are forces in this country that really want to push a clash-of-civilizations narrative. I reject the idea of the clash of civilizations categorically. Its bogus and doesnt exist. But the problem is that if you push the clash-of-civilizations thesis hard, it can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. We have a responsibility not to let that happen. So I think there is an opportunity here to reject the rhetoric thats emanating from the likes of Donald Trump and instead to come together and discover who else is with us. I suspect what we will find is a huge, friendly, and diverse group of people. Q. Humor and satire are refreshing in such an otherwise difficult conversation concerning issues youd sometimes rather avoid. Your writing humorously frames certain issues in a way that you want to read, and read more. And you also praise Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert for their contributions. What do you see as the role of humor and satire in this conversation? Humor is crucial. With humor, the criticism can often be more scathing, more honest. One doesnt have to soften the blow. We suffer from some of the most debilitating representations around today, and so I use humor to offer a big F-you to this representational logic whenever I can. I feel its more effective to get people laughing about the absurdity of representation than it is to lecture at them like a boring professor. (Being a boring professor is my day job. I dont need to subject my readers to that.) With humor too, its often easier for readers to see the world from the perspective of the marginalized. You can always tell people what life is like for you, but its better to show them. And satire can make that experience even more pointed. Q. So maybe there just need to be more Muslim-American comedians. Even Aziz Ansari, with his new show Master of None on Netflix and his stand-up comedy, has not only given first-generation Indian-Americans limelight, but immigrant life in general. Absolutely! I think there definitely need to be a lot more Muslim Americans involved in the culture industry in general. Not just in front of the camera, but also behind the camera. Not just acting but also writing. And producing, being involved on many different levels. You know, there was a recent study about publishing that found that the publishing industry is still 89% white. The countrys not 89% white. We cant just complain that were being misrepresented. We have to take charge of those representations at the same time. I think the Aziz Ansaris show is very interesting on several levels. Its excellent to see him represent brown-ness, immigrant-kid-ness, and Indian-ness with more complexity that we are used to in popular culture. But its also interesting that theres no discussion of religion at all in the show. Its as if hes running away from his Muslim-ness Q. He admits that hes not an observant person. Maybe if he were more observant or outwardly claimed religion, the show may not have been as successful. That certainly could be. But whats interesting to me is that the show wont touch anything that has to do with Islam. I frankly dont care how observant people are. What matters is how others see you, and Muslim has become recognizable as an identity today. In this way, its approximating Jewishness. It doesnt matter how observant you are to Jewish-ness; you belong to that category because that category exists. In fact, I think its even necessary that we have different representations of observance and religiosity within Muslim communities. For one thing, thats simply accurate. There are many different ways to be Muslim and Muslims themselves have varied attachments to observance and piety. Thats how we live our lives. Most representations, though, tend to offer the very religious person on one hand and the very secular person on the other, often following a Good Muslim/Bad Muslim logic (or Bad Muslim/Good Muslim, in this case). But thats simplistic and dangerous. Richer portrayals of Muslim life and Muslim-American life could go a long way in expanding our imaginations of how can we live together well, both in this country and on this planet. Reddit Email 7 Shares TeleSur In a rare move by Washington, the 2016 U.S. report on human rights said Israel unlawfully killed over 70 Palestinians and tries minors in military courts. The United States accused Israeli Defense Forces of excessive use of force in the Palestinian territories, and arbitrary arrest and associated torture and abuse, often with impunity, as part of the U.S. State Department annual report. The report, released Wednesday, said of 149 Palestinians killed in 2015 by Israeli security forces in the West Bank only 77 were in the course of attacking Israelis. There were numerous reports of the ISF (Israel security forces) killing Palestinians during riots, demonstrations, at checkpoints, and during routine operations; in some cases they did not pose a threat to life, the report read. The new report is a rarely seen before criticism from the U.S. administration against Israel, Washingtons key and most important ally in the Middle East. Israeli media downplayed the report and attempted to counter it with known Israeli figures, which tend to be biased. As of Nov. 15, there were 6,828 were Palestinian prisoners or detainees from the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza in Israeli facilities including 264 Palestinian minors, the U.S. State Department said. It added that most of those Palestinians imprisoned in Israel face discrimination, harsh conditions and torture. These prisoners often faced harsher conditions than those of the general prison population, including increased incidence of administrative detention, restricted family visits, ineligibility for temporary furloughs, and solitary confinement. The report also touched on the fact that in August the (Israeli) Knesset passed a law authorizing force-feeding of hunger-striking prisoners. The report highlighted how Israeli authorities prosecute Palestinian minors under the Israeli military law which denies many of the rights Israeli law would grant them. Meanwhile, the report also slammed Tel Aviv over the governments systematic discrimination against Arab citizens. The most significant human rights problems were institutional and societal discrimination against Arab citizens of Israel, many of whom self-identify as Palestinian, including the Bedouin, in particular in access to equal education and employment opportunities; institutional and societal discrimination against Ethiopian Israelis and women; and the treatment of refugees, asylum seekers, and irregular migrants, the report said. It also included alleged terror attacks against Israeli civilians by Palestinians as significant human rights problems in Israel and the Palestinian-occupied lands. Killing of Palestinian Children The U.S. report coincided with the release of another report by the Swiss-based NGO Defense For Children International Palestine, which exposed Israeli unlawful treatment of Palestinian children, including killings, detention and unfair trials. The report, called No Way to Treat a Child, was published Thursday and is based on testimonies from 429 children who were detained at some point by Israeli forces between January 2012 and December 2015. Interrogators used position abuse, threats, and isolation to coerce confessions from some of these children, the organization said in its report. DCIP documented 66 children held in solitary confinement, for an average period of 13 days, during the reporting period More than 90 percent of children held in solitary confinement provided a confession. The news comes at a time of heightened tension between Israel and Palestinians as clashes continue in the West Bank, East Jerusalem. According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, more than 160 Palestinians have been killed and hundreds others injured since unrest broke out on Oct.1. The clashes were sparked by successive incursions by hard-line Israeli groups into Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, the third-holiest site in Islam. Via TeleSur - Related video added by Juan Cole: RT: Israeli forces abuse detained Palestinian minors HRW VAL-D'OR, QUEBEC--(Marketwired - April 15, 2016) - Abitibi Royalties Inc. (TSX VENTURE:RZZ) ("Abitibi Royalties" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Ivars Azis (the "Claim Holder") to acquire a 2% net smelter royalty ("NSR") on additional mineral claims, located approximately 3.5 kilometres east of Metanor Resources Inc., Bachelor mine in Quebec (Fig 1). This NSR agreement builds on an earlier royalty acquired around the Bachelor mine in 2015 and is the 12th royalty purchased near an existing mine since the "Royalty Search" was launched on June 9th, 2015. In exchange for the 2% NSR, Abitibi Royalties will pay approximately CDN$3,775. In addition, Abitibi Royalties has agreed to pay the Claim Holder approximately CDN$3,775 in exchange for the right to receive 15% of total proceeds should the property be sold. The cash consideration will be paid by Abitibi Royalties from its cash flow. The new package of claims (Fig 1.) also consists of one claim (the "Additional Claim") that was added to the original claim package after the Company's press release dated July 6, 2015. For the Additional Claim, the Company agreed to pay the Claim Holder an amount equal to the next annual claim maintenance fees, estimated at approximately CDN$1,250 at the time of signing the original NSR agreement, and CDN$1,000 for the right to receive 15% of the total proceeds should the Additional Claim be sold. The Claim Holder is actively searching for a joint venture partner in order to explore the mineral claims east of the Bachelor mine. To contact Ivars Azis, please visit www.tamarackgold.com or call 416.303.6684. Since launching the Royalty Search on June 9th, 2015, 12 royalties near existing mining operations have been acquired, which include royalties surrounding or near Agnico Eagle and Yamana's Canadian Malartic mine in Quebec, Agnico Eagle's Lapa mine in Quebec, Alamos Gold's Young-Davidson mine in Ontario, Eldorado's Efemcukuru mine in Turkey, Goldcorp's Red Lake mine in Ontario, Hudbay's 777 mine in Manitoba, Metanor Resources Bachelor mine in Quebec and New Gold's Rainy River mine in Ontario. A list of these royalties can be found here. The Royalty Search (www.abitibiroyalties.com) is an easy to use website that allows mining companies and prospectors a quick way of accessing capital in this difficult commodities market. Abitibi Royalties is offering to pay the annual claim fees/taxes related to: 1) Existing mineral properties or 2) Staking of new mineral properties In return for paying these fees, Abitibi Royalties would be granted a NSR on the property. To date, approximately 95 properties have been submitted through the website and 12 agreements have been finalized. Share Repurchase Program Since receiving approval to begin the Company's Normal Course Issuer Bid ("NCIB") on October 6th, 2015, Abitibi Royalties has repurchased approximately 72,700 common shares of the Company at an approximate average price of CDN$3.13 per share. The NCIB allows the Company to purchase up to 546,300 common shares (representing 5% of the Company's total issued and outstanding common shares as of September 21st, 2015) over a period of 12 months. The NCIB will expire no later than October 5th, 2016. Update on Cash Flows Since last reported on March 17th the Company's total cash flow in 2016 has increased to approximately CDN$625,000 from CDN$530,000 due to additional investment income. On January 13th, 2016, the Company announced it had adopted a policy to sell covered call options on up to 25% of its shares held in Agnico Eagle and Yamana each quarter. The table below outlines the call options that have been sold to date, including call options before the policy took effect. Since August 2015, approximately CDN$645,000 in covered call income has been generated. The current market value of the shares, plus the Company's last reported cash balance (September 30, 2015) is approximately CDN$43.5 million. The Company is debt free. Table 1. Agnico Eagle Shares Option Expiry Percentage of Price $ (USD) Date Shares Owned 40 65,100 Jan. 20, 2017 14.7 45 43,600 Jan. 20, 2017 9.8 50 31,000 Jan. 20, 2017 7.0 55 27,800 Jan. 20, 2017 6.3 Total 167,500 - 37.7 Table 2. Yamana Shares Option Expiry Percentage of Price $(USD) Date Shares Owned 4.5 2,000 Jan. 20, 2017 0.1 5 97,900 Jan. 20, 2017 2.8 5 200,100 Jan. 19, 2018 5.6 5.5 19,700 Jan. 20, 2017 0.6 7 925,900 Jan. 20, 2017 26.1 10 64,200 Jan. 20, 2017 1.8 12 21,800 Jan. 20, 2017 0.6 Total 1,331,600 - 37.5 About Abitibi Royalties Abitibi Royalties holds a 3% NSR on the Odyssey North discovery, Jeffrey Zone and the eastern portion of the Barnat Extension and a 2% NSR on portions of the Gouldie and Charlie zones all at the Canadian Malartic mine near Val-d'Or, Quebec. In addition, the Company is building a portfolio of royalties on early stage properties near producing mines and it holds 100% title to the Luc Bourdon and Bourdon West Prospects in the Ring of Fire, Ontario. The Company owns 3,549,695 shares of Yamana Gold and 444,197 shares of Agnico Eagle Mines. Golden Valley Mines and Rob McEwen hold approximately 51.4% and 8.7% interest in Abitibi Royalties, respectively. Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed "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 the Company 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 realities may differ materially from those in forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. 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. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) [advocacy website] on Thursday asked a federal judge to issue an injunction pending the outcome of a lawsuit filed in February [complaint; press release]. The ACLU is attempting to block [ACLU case statement] a Kansas state law that requires individuals to prove American citizenship when they are registering to vote while applying for a drivers license. The Kansas law took effect January 1, 2013 and was passed [Reuters report] in an attempt to deter voter fraud. The ACLU claims that Kansas is violating the Motor-Votor Law of 1993 [DOJ backgrounder] by demanding additional proof of citizenship. The ACLU is concerned that as many as 20,000 people, namely young people and minorities, are prevented from registering to vote because they do not have the means to comply with this law. The lawsuit, which names Kansas Secretary of State Kris Kobash as a defendant, is set for trial in 2017. Voting rights have been a contentious issue in the US recently. Last month an Ohio judge granted an emergency order [JURIST report] allowing 17-year-olds who will turn 18 by the November election to vote in the recent Ohio primary. Also last month the Fifth Circuit agreed to reconsider [JURIST report] Texas voter ID law before the entire court. Last May the New Hampshire Supreme Court struck down [JURIST report] a 2012 law requiring voters to be state residents, not just domiciled in the state. Last March Oregon Governor Kate Brown signed a new law [JURIST report] that made Oregon the first state in the nation to institute automatic voter registration. In November 2014 a federal appeals court rejected [JURIST report] a Kansas rule that required prospective voters to show proof-of-citizenship documents before registering using a federal voter registration form. [JURIST] Connecticut Superior Court [official website] Judge Barbara Bellis on Thursday denied a motion to dismiss [opinion, PDF] raised by three gun companies who are being sued by families affected by the 2012 Sandy Hook massacre. The ten families filed [JURIST report] the civil action against the companies for manufacturing, distributing, and selling Bushmaster semi-automatic AR-15 rifles, the weapon used by the Sandy Hook shooter. Defendants Remington Arms, Camfour, and Riverview Guns Sales [official websites] attempted to dismiss the case last December by claiming that the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) [text, PDF] grants them immunity from civil liability cases. However, Bellis allowed the case to proceed upon consideration of the families legal claim that the gun companies may have negligently promoted a weapon too dangerous for civilian use. The opposing parties plan to meet next Tuesday and proceed with the matter. Since the December 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, the Connecticut legislature has tightened gun laws while the families of victims have called for gun control. In October, the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld [JURIST report] Connecticut and New Yorks gun control legislation that bans semiautomatic weapons and high-capacity magazines. A judge for the US District Court for the District of Connecticut in January 2014 upheld [ruling, PDF] the constitutionality of the states new gun control law [text, PDF], while still acknowledging the Second Amendment rights of gun owners. The new law, enacted in response to the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in December 2012 expanded a previous ban [JURIST report] on assault weapons and introduced a prohibition on high-capacity ammunition magazines. Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam [official website] vetoed [statement] a controversial bill on Friday that would have made the Bible the states official book. Haslam stated that the bill violates the Establishment Clause of the U.S. Constitution as well as Article 1, Section 3 of the Tennessee Constitution which states that no preference shall be given by law to any religious establishment or mode of worship. The bill passed through the Senate and barely passed through the House last year. The legislature may still override the veto rather easily, as it would require the same number of votes it took to originally pass the bill through the House and Senate. Throughout the country religion continues to raise controversial First Amendment questions. Earlier this week, a California federal judge required Los Angeles County to remove [JURIST report] a Latin cross from the county seal. In November a judge for the US District Court for the Western District of Arkansas [official website] ruled that a nativity scene on Baxter County Courthouse grounds violated the First Amendment [JURIST report]. In September the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit [official website] ruled that a six-foot-tall statue of Jesus may remain [JURIST report] on US Forest Service land. Last May the Ninth Circuit upheld [JURIST report] a Santa Monica city ordinance prohibiting unattended exhibits, including Nativity scenes, in Palisades Park. FILE - In this Monday, Jan. 11, 2016, file photo, Spain's Princess Cristina arrives at a makeshift courtroom for a corruption trial, in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. A Spanish police official says the leader of the anti-corruption group that brought criminal tax fraud charges against Princess Cristina has been arrested by financial crimes officers. The official says Manos Limpias (Clean Hands) chief Miguel Bernad was detained at his Madrid home on Friday April 15, 2016. The group has pursued criminal tax fraud charges punishable by up to eight years in prison against Cristina, the sister of King Felipe VI, after prosecutors declined to do so, saying Cristina should face an administrative fine at most. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti, File) Luc Fortin blows a kiss to his family during a swearing in ceremony Thursday, January 28, 2016 at the legislature in Quebec City. Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard has lost another cabinet minister due to health reasons. Couillard says Culture Minister Luc Fortin has been told by his doctors to go on leave for an undetermined period. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot A police officer stands guard as a convoy thought to be containing attacks suspects arrives outside the federal court building in Brussels on Thursday, April 14, 2016. Suspects from the Brussels and Paris attacks appeared in court Thursday for a court hearing to decide whether or not to extend their detention. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) 1 of 9 Nasa releases changing landscape of Earth From volcanoes in Iceland to wildfires in California, Nasa has made nearly three million images of Earth's thermal emissions available to the public for free. The stunning images were captured by Japan's Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Readiometer (Aster) instrument onboard the Terra spacecraft. Together, the database has been described as a 'multimodal version of Google Earth' allowing anyone to have a look at a region's environmental changes in incredible detail. Read More... Recently, David Cameron presented to the British public his White Paper on whether the UK should remain in the EU, in preparation for the June referendum. For those who are unfamiliar with the referendum, its intended to resolve the degree to which the UK caves to an unelected uber-government in Brussels, in trade for purported benefits of an all-Europe trade partnership, or whether it chooses independence going through the hard work of creating individual agreements with EU countries, but gaining the ability to unilaterally make its own decisions regarding such weighty issues as migration, borderlessness, human rights, etc. The migration issue is a major one. After much hand-wringing between the UK Government and the EU, a settlement has been arrived at that Brussels says it wont budge on. In order to retain the UK in the EU, it will grant a seven year holiday on full-access to in-work benefits by newly-arrived migrants. In his White Paper, Mister Cameron presents this emergency brake as a major concession that he has achieved with the EU. However, what this concession really means is that the UK will bear the blows from a smaller cudgel for the next seven years, after which, the larger cudgel will be employed on a permanent basis. He seems a bit baffled that British citizens are not impressed at his achievement, and its this character flaw that separates him (along with other political leaders) from the British people he truly doesnt get why the populace is not pleased to be temporarily beaten with the lesser cudgel for a limited period, followed by the permanent use of the larger cudgel. To the average citizen, this should be easy to understand, yet this character flaw is the norm amongst not only British politicians, but virtually all career politicians, everywhere. In my years of working closely with government leaders (and would-be leaders) from my own country and internationally, Ive learned over time that theres a mind-set thats common to those who have made politics their lifes work. They think fundamentally differently from businesspeople, who learn to make things work both practically and economically over an extended period. They must do so, or go out of business. Political leaders, however, dont have this restriction. For them, the job is not one of being profitable and effective in satisfying the public with a good or service. For them, profitability is irrelevant. Further, they need not satisfy the public; they need merely to succeed in imposing their programmes onto the public. Politicians approach life from an entirely different viewpoint from businesspeople and businesspeople almost invariably fail to understand this. Although a former businessman who has entered public life may be able to place a foot in each camp successfully, those who enter politics early on, or those who have an initial career in the Civil Service, but later switch to politics, lack the fundamental understanding of the workings of economics and the free market. They dont so much seek to undermine the free market as much as they simply dont recognize its relevance. (This, understandably, is a fact that businessmen find hard to acknowledge or adapt to, when dealing with political leaders.) Career politicians assume that the nature of leadership is to burden the populace with legislation and taxation. They truly dont understand the concept of limited government. Its an absurd anomaly to them, so the question is therefore only the manner in which they burden the populace. Lessening the burden is simply not an issue. Whilst they understand that voters wish to be told that the burden will be diminished, its not by any means the intent of leaders to do so. In a politicians mind, the purpose of the existence of the populace is to fill the trough for the leaders. And, of course, the fuller, the better. In working for, with and (often) against political leaders on issues, Ive found this to be almost universally true, regardless of which country they represent. Indeed, Ive rarely been successful when appealing to any leader to drop a proposal because it might not in the interest of the populace. I have, however, often been successful in getting a leader to drop a proposal when Ive advised him that it may be used by the opposition to cost him votes in the next election. Again, the only exceptions to this have been those who were not career politicians. Regardless of whether I was dealing with my own countrys leaders, British Parliamentarians, or US Congressmen, virtually all of them have been career politicians and have, by definition, regarded their own position of power to be the primary concern. The UK has had career politicians since time immemorial; the US had its first presidential career politician as early as 1825, in John Quincy Adams. In my own country, career politicians are not quite as common as in the US and UK. Consequently, we enjoy a somewhat more enlightened perception amongst our political leaders than the US and UK. Many come from the private sector and successfully return to it after they leave office. (Its also true that career politicians Ive known that have been ousted typically have had a difficult time obtaining and retaining employment after leaving office, as they simply dont understand business or real life.) This suggests that there should be term limits for politicians; that no one should serve in political office for more than a given number of terms. (Two? Three? Four?) This would certainly serve to keep the mix more healthy. The likelihood of this coming about? Dont hold your breath. No politician is going to vote to limit the amount of time he will be able to use the system to his own ends. So, then, what about that UK referendum? The purpose of this article is to offer insights into the thought process of career politicians, to assist the reader in predicting how his political leaders will act in any given situation, so it began with an example that of the UK Governments settlement with the EU with regard to the upcoming referendum as to whether to remain in the EU. However, an associate has asked that I additionally offer an assessment as to how I feel the EU question is likely to be resolved following the referendum in June, given the true nature of political leaders. So, lets have a look at that. Certainly, theyve already revealed their objective. Mister Camerons White Paper goes on at length (39 pages of encouragement) to recommend remaining in the Union. He describes it as the best of both worlds influencing the decisions that affect us, in the driving seat of the worlds biggest market, yet, we will be out of the parts of Europe that do not work for us. Mister Cameron also offers a warning as to what will become of Britain, should she leave the EU. Leaving Europe would threaten our economic and national security at a time of uncertainty a leap in the dark. Of particular interest is his repeated reminder that, The central element of the deal that the Government has secured is an International Law Decision and cannot be amended or revoked unless all member States, including the UK agreethe International Law Decision is legally-binding and irreversible. Mister Cameron goes on at length to describe the protection that this allows the UK, as it would mean that the EU could not unilaterally apply greater demands on the UK without unanimous approval by all EU nations, including the UK. What he does not say, however, is that this agreement is reciprocal, which means that, although the UK may opt out of the EU now, the settlement presently under review requires that, should the UK choose to remain in the EU, it cannot in future make a Brexit unless all the 28 Member States agree unanimously. From that day forward, the UK will be on-board the EU train, even if it heads off an economic cliff. (Oh-oh.) Mister Cameron closes with the comment, It offers us certainty. We are stronger, safer and better off in the EU, compared to years of disruption and the uncertainty of leaving for an unknown destination outside. The reader is left with the scary image of the UK being outside in the cold, poorly-clothed and with nothing to eat. Of course, this image is an inaccurate one, as, EU or no EU, individual European States will still seek trade with Britain, as its vital to the EU economy an economy thats presently nearing collapse. So, to put the situation more simply, the EU train is approaching an economic cliff. Its made a final stop, prior to resuming travel, in order for British passengers to get off, if they so choose. In order to keep them on board, theyve offered a few concessions offering to make the seating a bit more comfy. However, once the UK has agreed to resume travel, theyll be strapped into their seats with no further opportunity to exit the train, even as it heads inexorably toward the cliff. Although a Brexit now would cause more immediate pain than to stay in, in the long run, all things being equal, Britain would be the first to escape the doomed train, and the first to recover, following the crash. So, thats it, then Britons need to vote in favour of the Brexit? Well, actually, in spite of all the above, not necessarily. And thats because, all things are not equal. Theres a rather large fly in the ointment and thats that that the process of withdrawal is rigged in favour of the EU. They have the option of prolonging the Brexit, so that it might take as long as a decade or more to negotiate. During that time, the EU would be free to carry on passing new legislation that was unfavourable to the UK. Would they do so? Unquestionably, yes. They would make an example of Britain, doing all in their power to demonstrate what happens to defectors. They would do this, even to the detriment of other Member-States. (Remember, this is not about progress, its about power. Brussels has positioned itself for more power and the deck has been rigged to assure that they get it.) The upshot is that, if Britain could withdraw from the EU quickly, it would be in for a rough road initially, but, ultimately, would be recovering, just as the EU was collapsing. It would therefore emerge as a healthier economy, with the advantage with regard to future negotiations. But that will not occur. The EU will prolong the Brexit and make it as painful for the British people as possible. We cannot know how vindictive the EU might be, or even can be. Consequently, there can be no clear answer as to whether its best to exit now, or stay on board and hope for the best. Either way, it will be very painful for the UK. What we cant know is which choice will be worse. Certainly, the EU will ultimately collapse and all bets will then be off. There will be a re-shuffle of the European deck and entirely new agreements to be considered. Armed with our understanding as to the nature of career politicians, we can anticipate that what were likely to witness will be the EU and the UK Government working in concert to expand their mutual power, whilst Britain, as a nation, pays the price. Jeff Thomas email: jeff.thomas1066@gmail.com (Kitco News) - Gold prices are modestly higher in early U.S. trading Friday, on a corrective, bargain-hunting bounce from the strong selling pressure seen the past two days. A weaker U.S. dollar index on this day is also working in favor of the precious metals bulls. June Comex gold was last up $4.50 at $1,231.10 an ounce. May Comex silver was last down $0.003 at $16.17 an ounce. World stock markets were mostly steady to weaker Friday. U.S. stock indexes are pointed toward slightly lower openings. Still, most world stock markets had a good week as risk appetite in the world marketplace is presently on the upswing. Thats good for stocks and bad for safe-haven assets like gold and U.S. Treasuries. In overnight news, Chinas first-quarter gross domestic product grew at a 6.7% rate, year-on-year. The number was in line with market expectations, but was the slowest growth rate in seven years for the worlds second-largest economy. Also, other economic data released was upbeat, including figures on retail sales, industrial production and home sales. World markets took the Chinese economic data in stride and had little reaction. Economic data coming out of the European Union showed the Euro zones trade surplus decreased in February as imports rose more rapidly than exports. Exports were up 0.7% and imports were up 2.6% in February. Also, European Central Bank economists lowered their Euro zone economic growth forecast for 2016 to 1.4%, from an estimate of 1.7% growth in December. The key outside markets see the U.S. dollar index slightly lower in early U.S. trading. Earlier this week the index fell to an eight-month low, before seeing a corrective bounce at mid-week. Meantime, Nymex crude oil futures prices are lower and trading just above $40.00 a barrel. This weekend a major world oil producers meeting is being held in Doha, Qatar. Oil production limits will be discussed. Participants include Saudi Arabia, Russia and Venezuela. Most energy market watchers do not expect the meeting to yield any significant results. U.S. economic data due for release Friday includes the Empire State manufacturing survey, industrial production and capacity utilization, the University of Michigan consumer sentiment survey, and Treasury international capital data. IMF, World Bank and finance officials from major nations will meet today through Sunday. (Note: Follow me on Twitter--@jimwyckoff--for breaking market news.) Wyckoffs Daily Risk Rating: 2.5 (Trader and investor market risk aversion is not elevated today.) (Wyckoffs Daily Risk Rating is your way to quickly gauge investor risk appetite in the world market place each day. Each day I assess the risk-on or risk-off trader mentality in the market place with a numerical reading of 1 to 5, with 1 being least risk-averse (most risk-on) and 5 being the most risk-averse (risk-off). Technically, June gold futures bulls still have the overall near-term technical advantage, but they have faded and needed to show power soon. Bulls next upside near-term price breakout objective is to produce a close above solid technical resistance at this weeks high of $1,264.70. Bears' next near-term downside price breakout objective is closing prices below solid technical support at the $1,220.00. First resistance is seen at $1,240.00 and then at Thursdays high of $1,245.90. First support is seen at this weeks low of $1,225.40 and then at $1,220.00. Wyckoffs Market Rating: 6.0 May silver bulls have the overall near-term technical advantage. Silver bulls next upside price breakout objective is closing futures prices above solid technical resistance at the October high of $16.372 an ounce. The next downside price breakout objective for the bears is closing prices below solid support at $15.20. First resistance is at $16.372 and then at $16.50. Next support is seen at Thursdays low of $15.925 and then at $15.80. Wyckoff's Market Rating: 6.0. By Jim Wyckoff, contributing to Kitco News; jwyckoff@kitco.com Follow @KitcoNewsNOW Editors note: If youd like to sign up for our free weekly newsletter, click here! (Kitco News) - So those concerns about a potential hard landing in China have been snuffed out-- the numbers came in showing that the Chinese economy expanded at a rate of 6.7% in the first quarter, down marginally from 6.8% growth in the previous quarter. This could mean good news for gold, as Kira Brecht says in her Kitco commentary today, Healthier consumers earn more and can save more in their favored wealth preservation vehicle, which is gold. In other news this week, Deutsche Bank has reached settlements in lawsuits over allegations it manipulated gold and silver prices. According to the letters, the German bank also agreed to help the plaintiffs pursue similar claims against other banks as part of the settlements. Translation: Deutsche Bank basically said they rigged precious metals prices and now will also expose the other banks involved. Rosa Abrantes-Metz, an economist for plaintiffs for both cases told Kitco News exclusively in an email that, I think this settlement may lead to more settlements with other banks. [T]he structure of these fixings and the empirical evidence were very telling in supporting collusion and manipulation. If we in fact learn that actually was the case, I would be the least surprised person out there! Lets talk politics, GOP candidate Ted Cruz compared the accommodative policies of the Fed to "playing games with money" and said they are an ineffective way to "juice the system." In an interview with CNBC on Friday, Cruz went on to say that such actions create bubbles, and that a crash will be coming. While former Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan said Thursday that "Monetary policy has done everything it can unless you want to put additional QEs on. They're not helping that much in the sense that ultimately determines whether or not you're getting an effect from the QEs, he said during an interview on CNBC's "Squawk Alley." With the U.S. elections seven months away, it is important for investors to start considering how each presidential candidate could potentially affect their portfolio, particularly their gold investments. Kitco News has launched a new series Gold-Ocracy that asks veteran industry experts how they think Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Ted Cruz, John Kasich, and of course, Donald Trump could affect the global economy. This Friday, reporter, Sarah Benali interviews legendary investor Doug Casey on the topic so be sure to check out his thoughts. Next Tuesday are the New York primaries New York Values? Fuhgeddaboudit! Happy Weekend By Daniela Cambone of Kitco News; dcambone@kitco.com Follow @DanielaCambone Ed Gonda is a Level 1 sex offender living on Bainbridge Island. Heas served the time for his crime, and now has a family. But the requirement that he register with the state alerted his neighbors to his crime, making it difficult for him and his family to move on from his criminal past. (LARRY STEAGALL | KITSAP SUN) SHARE By Josh Farley of the Kitsap Sun Ed Gonda and his family moved to Bainbridge Island upon hearing it was a pastoral laid back, forgiving kind of place. After finding a rental, he and his wife enrolled their daughter in school. As Christians, they found a local church they liked. They made friends with neighbors and island residents. But eventually, word got out. Gonda had a criminal past. And not for burglary or drug possession, but for a sex offense. The news traveled fast, and people who they thought they knew well acted swiftly. His daughter could no longer play with friends down the street, he said. The church pews around them were vacant on Sundays. They more or less stopped going out anywhere on the island. Were treated like were diseased, his wife said. Having a daughter, Gonda can empathize with islanders. He would never want a pedophile around her, and he has family members who were the victims of sexual abuse. Gonda didnt go to prison for being a pedophile. In 1995, when he was in his early 30s, he had a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl he lived with at the time. Gonda pleaded guilty to his charges and did about four years in state prison. He participated in and paid more than $10,000 for sex-offender treatment. He has committed no new crimes since he got out of prison about a decade ago, according to a check of his criminal history. As sex offenders go, he is considered a Level 1 by law enforcement, the level least likely to re-offend. He said that just to be safe, he avoids places where teens close to his victims age congregate. I admit, I was wrong, Gonda said. But Ive changed. Why are people still looking at me for something I did 15 years ago? Law enforcement makes a determination of how likely a sex offender is to re-offend and rates them on a scale of 1 to 3. But the public often fails to see any nuance. People look at them in a bucket, said Bainbridge Island Police Commander Sue Shultz. They say Any kind of sex offender is a sex offender, and always will be a sex offender. The registration of sex offenders was one of three components of the Community Protection Act of 1990, passed in the wake of two tragic and brutal killings. Its a popular measure with the public, and the Legislature has strengthened and spent more money on the laws surrounding sex offenses. Lawmakers have also bolstered penalties for failing to register as a sex offender. The subject of debate is who is included in the registries, who is not and how often should they be checked on. Shultz said that twice a year, Bainbridge officers very discreetly check on the islands sex offenders to ensure theyre living at their registered address and that they havent made any significant changes in appearance that would necessitate a new photo being put on file. Level 3 sex offenders though Bainbridge doesnt currently have any are checked on every three months. Random attacks by sex offenders are rare. Shultz and other officials point out that more than 90 percent of sexual abuse cases occur between a victim and someone they thought they could trust. Outside of two incidents of non-sexual criminal activity, none of the 11 Level 1 sex offenders on Bainbridge Island have been reported to police for even an allegation of sexual abuse, Shultz said. That doesnt mean it cant happen, but she encourages residents to put it into perspective. So far, the legislative decree for the registry has been to err on the side of caution. While extremely rare, recent horrifying crimes committed by sex offenders have galvanized lawmakers to act. Kitsap County Prosecutor Russ Hauge uses the analogy of an airplane crash. It doesnt happen very often, he said. But when it does, its a tragedy. Hauge chaired a task force convened by Gov. Chris Gregoire in the wake of the killing of Zina Linnik, a 12-year-old girl abducted and murdered by Terapon Adhahn, a Level 1 sex offender. A result of that task force was the creation of a sex-offender policy board that reports to the governor, and the creation of a pot of grant money awarded to local law enforcement to make face-to-face contact with every sex offender in the state. Nobody knows how much of a safety factor it adds, Hauge said. But a murder of a young girl damages the community in an incalculable way. Victims advocates, who see the impacts sex offenses have on victims, have a hard time finding any sympathy for the registrants, said Lucy Berliner, a longtime advocate and head of the Harborview Center for Sexual Assault and Traumatic Stress. The only consequence I can see of registration is the inconvenience for the sex offender, she said. Aside from law-enforcement monitoring costs, registration also creates an entirely new class of crime: failing to register. All sex offenders have 72 hours to register with their local sheriffs office any time they move to a new permanent residence. The crime carries a maximum of five years in prison, and if the offenders failed to register twice before, up to 10 years in prison. Not counting the states 37 county jails, there are more than 300 inmates serving time for failing to register in the states prison system, at a cost of more than $1 million a year. The cases take up law enforcements time and resources. Trina Washburn, Kitsap County Detectives Support Specialist, has five file cabinets of active county sex-offender registration cases. Registration, as one might imagine, isnt popular with offenders. Its often the worst part of a criminal sentence. Ive had attorneys tell me, My guy will do twice the amount of time in custody as long as they dont have to register, said Kevin Hull, Kitsap County deputy prosecutor and head of the offices special assault unit. That tells me that there is some value to it. Registration, however, is not negotiable, Hull said. If we can prove a sex crime, then were going to prove a sex crime, he said. There are more than 20,000 registered sex offenders in the state, with almost 800 in Kitsap. Of those, there are 44 Level 3 offenders, 148 Level 2s and almost 600 Level 1 sex offenders. The registration period 10 years for lesser sex crimes, 15 years for midrange sex offenses and life for the most serious also starts over anytime the offender commits a new crime. Registrations effect can be two-fold: law enforcement keeps an eye on an offender for many years after a conviction, and for some cases, a lifetime. Conversely, it also has a deterrent effect on an offender, because, as David Boerner, a longtime Seattle University law professor and one of the architects of the act that created registration, points out, They know who I am and where I am. A WHOLE NEW WORLD OF JUVENILE SEX OFFENDERS Thomas Weaver, a Bremerton defense attorney who handles sex cases, questions the indiscriminate nature of a sex offender registry. While lower-level sex offenders might not have their pictures in the paper like Level 3 offenders do, theyre still on the list, he said. Currently, Weaver has a case in which the 19-year-old defendant is charged with having a sexual relationship with a 15-year-old girl. The defendant is permitted to have sex with a teen if hes no more than 48 months older than the teen but in this case, hes 54 months older. A conviction would require the defendant to register for a decade. (The need for registration), I think, is to provide notification to the community of a potential danger, he said. I dont see how, in the case of a 19-year-old having sex with a 15-year-old girl, the community needs to be notified every time he moves. Sexting, where teens send lewd photos to each other over mobile phones, may seem to some just an immature teenage mistake. Under the law, however, it can be considered Dealing in depictions of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct a class B felony requiring 15 years of sex offender registration for those convicted of it. Weaver said he also regularly gets what he calls playing doctor cases that involve siblings. Typically, an older brother, at least three years older than his sister, has touched her private parts. Such a conviction, if the girl is under 12, is a class A felony which, barring an appeal from the defendant, means a lifetime of sex offender registration. Theyre still coming to understand sexuality, Weaver said. What were saying as a society is youre supposed to have the sexual maturity of an adult when youre pubescent or even prepubescent. Those convictions are adding up. Were creating a whole world of juvenile sex offenders, Weaver said. State Rep. Jan Angel, R-Port Orchard, is for harsh sentences for sex crimes and for monitoring of offenders, such as GPS anklets. But she said shes heard from constituents that in some cases involving young adults, the rigidity of the law can interfere with an offenders ability to move on in life. Things happen, theyre young, she said. Should they be tied with this for the rest of their lives when they become upstanding adults? State Rep. Sherry Appleton, D-Poulsbo, a member of the Houses public safety and emergency preparedness committee, is crafting legislation that would help certain juveniles who are not predatory offenders opt out of registration. A lot of these kids get into trouble and now theyre labeled as sex offenders for life, she said. Then they have no life, they cant get into the military, they cant get a job, cant get an apartment. We have to have a way to get them off these registries. Sex offenders can petition the courts to end their requirement. Theyre eligible after at least 10 years of registering two years in juvenile cases. But even if theyve completed sex offender treatment and kept their nose clean since they were released from incarceration, the time and money to go through the process may still end with a judge hesitant to grant the request, Weaver said. THE REGISTRYS LIMITS Weaver does wonder about a slippery slope in registration. For example, why not enact a burglary offender registration to notify the public when such convicts are released, he wonders. A kidnapping registry was created in the wake of Washingtons sex offender registry, he said. Nevada has a registry for convicts of many different crimes. And there have also been calls in some states for a registry of arson offenders, a crime that also often involves an underlying psychological component. Where to draw the line? As a sex offender, Ed Gonda can understand why people would be afraid of Level 2 and Level 3 sex offenders. His familys few options of places to live are apartments and houses that accommodate sex offenders. But he doesnt want to go to those places out of fear for his wife and daughter. Other landlords, however, wont rent to him because of his status. So where can we live? he wonders. While in prison, he changed his name. He still feels blessed to have found a family and for the neighbors on Bainbridge Island that do accept him. God gave me a family, a wife and a new start, he said. I just wish someone would give us a chance. SHARE By Tristan Baurick of the Kitsap Sun An unprecedented full-season salmon fishing closure looks likely for Puget Sound. Negotiations between state and tribal fishery managers broke down this week over proposed annual allowances for recreational and nontribal commercial salmon fishing. With no agreement reached, state Department of Fish and Wildlife officials are warning anglers that salmon fishing could come to a halt in two weeks. "We realize that closing salmon fishing in Puget Sound for the foreseeable future is not only disappointing but is detrimental to many communities across the region," Fish and Wildlife Director Jim Unsworth said in a statement Friday. The breakdown occurred Thursday at the Public Fishery Management Council's annual meeting in Vancouver, Wash. The meeting is where the state's salmon fishing seasons are adopted and then sent off for approval by federal regulators. This marks the first time an agreement wasn't reached since the state and tribes began working as fishery co-managers 30 years ago. Tribes say Fish and Wildlife's proposals for recreational and commercial fishing would not adequately protect threatened salmon species. "Unfortunately, the political leadership with (Fish and Wildlife) did not provide a fisheries package that met the conservation needs of stocks of concern," Lorraine Loomis, chairwoman of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, said in a statement. "We have argued on the side of conservation and caution this year, and for the tribes that means closing fisheries," she added. Tribes promised to "greatly restrict" their fishing of coho salmon in the sound. It was a bad year for salmon last year, and this year is expected to be worse. Just under 260,000 coho are predicted to return to the sound this year. That's about one-third the size of last year's run. There will still be salmon fishing opportunities in the ocean and Columbia River this year. Fish and Wildlife could seek a federal permit separate from the tribes but that route doesn't look promising. There's probably not enough time to obtain a permit from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration before the summer fishing season, said Ron Warren, head of Fish and Wildlife's fishing program. "We knew setting salmon-fishing seasons would be challenging this year due to the poor forecast for coho," he said. "Our staff worked really hard to put forward a set of proposed fisheries that met agreed-to conservation goals. Unfortunately, we were not able to reach an agreement." The areas of the sound currently are open to salmon fishing including marine areas 5, 11, 12 and 13 will close to fishing May 1 unless an agreement is reached. SHARE By Rob Woutat Several steps have been proposed for ameliorating the problem of over crowding Washington's state prisons. Some argue for building another prison, others for sending our prisoners to other states, others for allowing judges to give shorter sentences to first-time, nonviolent offenders. We Americans are so eager to imprison felons that we imprison more people per capita than any other country on earth. While we don't hack off peoples' hands for theft, stone women to death for adultery, or imprison them for "crimes against the state" when they speak against the government, we're unusually quick to lock people up as a solution to the problem of crime. But we also know that jails and prisons are trade schools for criminal enterprise, that people who go there, like people who go to prep schools and Ivy League colleges, learn skills from one another and make associations that benefit them when they "graduate." If you doubt this, you're probably unfamiliar with our high rates of recidivism and their causes. The National Institute of Justice reports this highly pertinent fact: An inmate's criminal history before incarceration is a reliable indicator of whether he will reoffend within three years of his release. Fifty-six percent of the offenders sampled did not reoffend within the next three years. (Forty percent did reoffend, as predicted from their earlier criminal history. Four percent increased their crime rate after release, having learned new skills from other inmates or found an increased antipathy toward the social order on the outside.) If you were suddenly released from prison no better equipped for a law-abiding life than you were before, maybe even better equipped for the criminal life than you were before, do you doubt that you would return to the neighborhood that was familiar to you, to the people you knew, to the habits you formed over years? To not do that would almost defy human nature. So the question then becomes, how can we strengthen the chances for that 56 percent who are less likely to find themselves in prison again? It's a sad fact that many Americans, preferring the punitive element rather than the restorative one, believe that whatever the crime, incarceration should be as miserable as we can make it. To do anything else, according to this school of thought, is to be "soft on crime," and to some policymakers, that's a political death wish. But by segregating inmates according to the level of danger they pose to prison staff and other prisoners, our penal institutions acknowledge that not all prisoners are the same. So if recidivism is to some extent predictable, as the National Institute of Justice learned, it seems unwise not to take advantage of the fact by doing two things: First, get nonviolent, first-offense inmates out of prisons as soon as practicable by offering a chance for early release for those who have become equipped with the knowledge and skill to hold whatever kind of employment they're suited for. Prisons provide job training already, but more varied kinds of opportunities are needed. Most if not all provide the opportunity to earn a GED certificate, but that's hardly enough these days to earn much more than minimum wage. We will do society a much greater service if we provide nonviolent inmates the ability to also handle jobs that require the higher-level skills our communities currently need. The second step is to recognize that job training by itself isn't enough to make former inmates productive, taxpaying citizens. Giving them new clothes and a few dollars, then releasing them to the world without jobs and other forms of positive support is for some inmates an invitation to offend again. A job placement service would help complete the process of restoring qualified inmates to full citizenship. "Coddling criminals!" you say? Cognitive-behavioral programs in prisons can reduce recidivism by an average of 6.3 percent, and a RAND study showed that prisoners who participate in education programs are 43-percent less at risk of returning to prison after release. Every dollar spent on these programs turned into $4 to $5 of savings for taxpayers. If we can reduce the prison population and lessen the tax burden it puts on society by turning prisoners into taxpayers, the choice seems pretty obvious. Doug Sellman writes: The days of cannabis prohibition in New Zealand appear to be coming to an end. Peter Dunne is reflecting a change in public attitudes towards cannabis that is gathering momentum. The brave admissions by Helen Kelly and others about their illegal use of cannabis for medical purposes has helped reignite public discussion about cannabis law in general. Drugs, including alcohol, are here to stay our job is to get better at managing them as a society. Declaring war is a failed strategy, which needs to be replaced by scientifically based harm-reduction approaches. I agree with this. Excessive harm is caused at both ends of the continuum, where big business flourishes, one within the law and the other outside of it. Both share the goal of profit maximisation from supplying and selling as much of their drug as possible. Sellman is basically comparing alcohol companies to illegal drug gangs. Behind the scenes, however, alcohol corporates target new young customers, avoid paying tax, schmooze politicians, and attempt to denigrate those who point out their devious tactics. The organised criminal cannabis suppliers also flagrantly target the young and avoid paying tax, but they dont try to pretend they are anything but gangsters making money out of drug dealing. So alcohol corporates are gangsters! Leaving recreational drugs in the hands of big business, without very strong regulation, is a recipe for harm maximisation. We do have very strong regulation around alcohol. Almost every aspect of the industry is regulated. Lobbying of our parliamentarians may already be under way by business leaders salivating at the new fortunes they anticipate reaping. This is especially so since the dramatic changes in the United States where four states now have laws allowing private businesses to supply and sell cannabis. There are alternatives to a private business model, one of which is the establishment of state-owned enterprises. Government monopolies of retail sales of alcohol exist in Scandinavia and are documented as a highly effective harm reduction intervention for alcohol . Sellman wants the state to take over the alcohol industry. Every pub, hotel and bottle store in NZ must be owned by the Government. I cant think of anything more dreadful. Share this: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Reddit WhatsApp More Pinterest Print Tumblr OMSA has dismissed two complaints against Whale Oil by a Joshua James. What is interesting is the complainant lied over the details of his complaint, and when asked by a Whale Oil staff member for details of what comments he was upset by, refused to tell him. Instead he complained to OMSA (again refusing to give details). What this means is this left activist is trying to use the OMSA complaints process to damage a blog he doesnt like. It had nothing to do with the substance just an attempt at censorship. Its activist like Mr James that makes bloggers cautious of joining a complaints body. The concern that people will try and use it against you as a weapon. This may be why only three blogs have joined so far Kiwiblog and Whale Oil for OMSA and Pundit for The Press Council. One solution Id propose is limiting the number of complaints an individual can make in a year. Share this: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Reddit WhatsApp More Pinterest Print Tumblr Shenandoah, IA (51601) Today Partly cloudy and windy. High near 85F. Winds S at 25 to 35 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.. Tonight Windy. Partly cloudy skies giving way to showers overnight. Low 57F. Winds SSW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of rain 30%. Higher wind gusts possible. The story of the Tuskegee Airmen is told in the free mobile exhibit and film "Rise Above." "Rise Above" is at the Smoky Mountain Air Show and two other East Tennessee locations. SHARE By Amy McRary of the Knoxville News Sentinel A mobile theater rolls into East Tennessee this weekend telling the story of the Tuskegee Airmen in a you-are-there narrative. The "Rise Above" traveling exhibit is at the Smoky Mountain Air Show at the McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in Alcoa Saturday and Sunday, at Green McAdoo Cultural Center in Clinton April 19-20 and at the American Museum of Science and Energy in Oak Ridge April 22-23. "Rise Above" tells the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, America's first black military pilots and their support personnel. Admission is free to "Rise Above." Before 1940 African Americans were banned from flying in the United States military. The all African-American Tuskegee Airmen squadron was formed in Tuskegee, Ala., in 1941. They were part of the Army Air Corps World War II program to train African Americans to fly and maintain combat aircraft. The airmen included pilots, navigators, bombardiers, instructors, maintenance and support staff. They not only fought for their country but stood against segregation and prejudice, helping lead to integration of the U.S. military. A total of 996 pilots and more than 14,000 support personnel were part of the Tuskegee Airmen. Four hundred-fifty pilots were sent overseas. Sixty-six were killed in action; 32 were prisoners of war. The traveling tribute is presented by the Commemorative Air Force's Red Tail Squadron, a volunteer nonprofit that tells the airmen's story. Also at the air show as part of the Tuskegee tribute will be the CAF Dixie Wing's P-51D Mustang "Red Nose" airplane, a plane used in World War II. Tuskegee Airman Lt. Col. George Hardy will also be at the air show. Hardy began his Tuskegee Airman training at the Tuskegee Army Air Field in 1943 and graduated as a pilot the next year. During World War II he flew 21 combat missions over Germany. His military service also included 70 combat missions in 1970 and 1971 in Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The free "Rise Above" exhibit is a 53-foot rolling movie theater that shows the short film "Rise Above" on a 160-degree panoramic screen. The sides of the modified trailer of the truck expand to create stadium seating to seat 30 people at a time. The film aims to give viewers the feeling of being in a cockpit above the clouds in a P-51C Mustang. That plane was the Tuskegee Airmen's signature aircraft. "It's an exciting way to show this important part of history," said spokesperson Darcy Castro. "It's an important piece of history and also a very inspirational piece of history. We are talking not only about the pilots but their ground support and personnel, all of the people in the program. They all played a pivotal role. They really helped pave the way for the Civil rights movement of the 1960s and they definitely led to the integration of the Armed Forces." After the air show, "Rise Above" goes to Green McAdoo, 101 School St., Clinton, April 19-20. The cultural center is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; admission is free. On April 22-23, the exhibit parks outside AMSE, 300 S. Tulane Ave., Oak Ridge. The museum is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. AMSE admission is $5 adults, $4 for ages 65 and older, $3 for ages 6-17. Admission to the "Rise Above" exhibit is free in all locations. By Jamie Satterfield of the Knoxville News Sentinel Knox County prosecutors will continue to use a gang enhancement sentencing law despite an appellate court ruling striking it down as unconstitutional, and at least one judge is willing to let them. Deputy District Attorney General Kyle Hixson said Thursday that Knox County prosecutors will neither dismiss current charges seeking to apply the gang enhancement law nor stop filing them. The decision comes after the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals struck down the law, which boosts penalties for crimes committed by gang members, as unconstitutional last week, ruling the law was so poorly drafted it provided no connection between the crimes committed and the activities of a gang. PDF: Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals' ruling The law was designed to punish more severely violent crimes committed by gang members on behalf of or in furtherance of a gang. But a three-judge panel of the appellate court ruled the law's definition of a gang member is so broad it could encompass even fraternity members and that the law allows boosted penalties for crimes unrelated to gang activity. The Tennessee Attorney General's office is considering whether to ask the state Supreme Court to review the ruling. Until the attorney general files a petition for a review by the high court and the Supreme Court agrees to hear it, the appellate court ruling is not legally binding for any case other than the one at issue in the opinion. That case was prosecuted in Knox County and the trial overseen by Criminal Court Judge Bob McGee. Hixson said because the decision is not yet considered the law of the state but rather the law of the case, District Attorney General Charme Allen believes her office should continue to apply the gang enhancement law until the issue is settled. "If we dismissed (gang enhancement charges) now and the decision is then reversed by the Tennessee Supreme Court, then we have lost (the ability to prosecute) those," Hixson said. "We are not flouting (the appellate court's) opinion. We're just preserving our rights." If the Supreme Court upholds the decision or the attorney general decides to let the ruling stand without a challenge, any case in which the gang enhancement law is used in the interim will then be struck down, requiring a new sentencing hearing. Any underlying conviction will stand, though. That's because under the law, prosecutors first must convince a jury a gang member committed a crime. Then, a second mini-trial is held before the same jury to determine whether the defendant is indeed a gang member under the law and whether the crime qualifies under the law as gang-related. If the jury chooses to impose the gang enhancement, the defendant's penalty range is boosted by one level on the sentencing scale. Knox County Criminal Court Judge Steve Sword said Thursday he intends to allow prosecutions under the gang enhancement law to continue pending a final resolution. He already has held the law constitutional and believes the appellate court was in error. "You are receiving constant benefits of being a gang member" even if the underlying crime was not committed on behalf of the gang or in furtherance of gang activities, Sword said. "I think the Court of Criminal Appeals is defining (gang-related crimes) too narrowly," he said. Like Hixson, Sword noted if he's wrong, the cases affected by his decision will not require new trials but rather new sentencing hearings, so the fallout would be limited. Knox County prosecutors are already facing as many as 60 new sentencing hearings if the decision is allowed to stand. Knox County Criminal Court Judge Scott Green said Thursday he has not yet decided how to handle gang enhancement cases in the time between last week's decision and a possible Supreme Court review. McGee could not be immediately reached for comment. According to state records, few of Tennessee's other jurisdictions use the gang enhancement law to boost penalties and instead more often use it as a bargaining chip in plea negotiations. Allen's office, on the other hand, makes prodigious use of the law. SHARE When people dine at one of more than 20 participating restaurants on Tuesday, 15 percent of their purchases will go toward caring for homeless animals in Tennessee. The Humane Society of the Tennessee Valley is organizing "Paws on the Table," a new event in which Knoxville businesses will join forces with the nonprofit group to further the goal of ending the euthanasia of adoptable animals. The humane society, a Knoxville organization chartered in 1885, aims to save the lives of animals in need by promoting three primary actions: adopt, spay, keep. To achieve this goal, the society runs an adoption center that takes in homeless animals from 20 surrounding counties and spays, neuters, deworms and vaccinates the animals before putting them up for adoption. The center does charge an adoption fee, said spokeswoman Amber Mullins, but the fee only covers about half the costs of rescuing and rehabilitating the animals. The organization depends on private donations, grant money and fundraisers like "Paws on the Table" to pay for the rest of the costs, Mullins said. The group also runs a low-cost spay and neuter clinic, offers behavioral training to encourage animal owners to keep their pets and serves as a community resource center. "This is our first year for Paws on the Table, and we have already seen a wonderful show of camaraderie among Knoxville businesses as they have joined to support (the society's) vision of a no-kill Tennessee by 2025," said employee Katie Crossen. Many of the restaurants participating in "Paws on the Table" have dog-friendly patios for those who wish to enjoy a meal with their animals. Interested diners can find a list of participating restaurants by visiting HSTV's website at HumaneSocietyTennessee.com. In this April 13, 2016 photo, Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam talks with reporters in Nashville, Tenn. Haslam vetoed a bill that would make the Holy Bible the official book of Tennessee on Thursday, April 14, 2016. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey) By Richard Locker of the Knoxville News Sentinel NASHVILLE Gov. Bill Haslam's veto of the bill designating the Bible as the official state book of Tennessee was only the fourth of his five years, three months in office. Haslam is following a tradition among Tennessee governors of wielding his veto pen sparingly. Generally, that's because governors work closely with the legislature and because it takes only the same majority vote of the House and Senate to override a veto that it takes to approve a bill in the first place. Most state constitutions require a two-thirds vote to override a veto. Haslam specifically has rarely exercised his veto authority because he's a Republican who has served with a Republican legislative majority during his entire tenure, and a GOP supermajority for the last four years. Haslam's three previous vetoes: In 2012, a bill that would have outlawed Vanderbilt University's "all-comers" policy, which required all student organizations receiving university funding to be open to all Vanderbilt students a policy that angered some many conservatives. But the governor noted that Vanderbilt is a private university and the state should not interfere with its internal operations as long as they are otherwise. In 2013, the "Ag-Gag" bill, which would have required anyone who records by photograph, digital image, video or similar medium "for the purposes of documenting" abuse of livestock to turn over the the unedited recordings to local law enforcement within 48 hours or face a criminal charge. Animal protection groups call the bill an effort to prevent the kind of undercover documentation of animal abuse that made national headlines when the Humane Society of the United States released videos of beatings and other abusive practices against horses at a Fayette County trainer's stables in 2011. The state attorney general called the bill "constitutionally suspect." In 2014, a bill Thursday that its sponsor said was aimed at preventing "flash mobs"that vandalize property in Tennessee and increasing the penalty for polluting retail products. But Haslam said that a legal review found the bill had the unintended consequence of reducing criminal penalties for some types of polluting in Tennessee, including illegal dumping in rural areas. The Legislature did not attempt to override any of the three. The last time the Legislature overrode a gubernatorial veto was in 2010 when a Republican majority overrode Democratic Gov. Phil Bredesen's veto of a bill that allows people with handgun carry permits to take their weapons into businesses selling alcoholic beverages. It was the second time lawmakers overrode a Bredesen veto of a "guns in bars" bill. He vetoed it first in 2009 but after lawmakers overrode it, the law was voided by a Nashville judge. Legislators returned the following year and passed a new version tailored to meet the judge's ruling. SHARE On Sept. 25, 1780, 900 patriots assembled at Sycamore Shoals in what is now Elizabethton, Tennessee, organized themselves, and the next day started their trek across the Appalachian Mountains to Kings Mountain, South Carolina. There on Oct. 7, 1780, this force of patriots met a force of 1,000 British regulars. This force of patriots, many from this section of the country, soundly defeated a far superior, better trained and equipped force of British regulars. This resounding defeat stopped Charles Cornwallis' invasion of North Carolina and what is now Tennessee. This in effect was the beginning of the end of the Revolutionary War. This small band of patriots had been ordered by the British to lay down their weapons. Fortunately for us, they refused to do so. This militia of farmers, shopkeepers, merchants and ordinary citizens used their own weapons, many of which were inferior to those of the British regulars. They were, in fact, not "well regulated" until they met at Sycamore Shoals and organized themselves for battle. If there is any doubt about the meaning of and the reason for the Second Amendment to our Constitution, this should answer your question. William D. Guinn, Knoxville By Choi Sung-jin The United States has been stepping up its pressure to tear down what it sees as nontariff barriers in Korea, reports said Friday. Meeting Korean reporters at the U.S. embassy in Seoul, a U.S. official said: "Some U.S. businesses operating in Korea are experiencing difficulties because of unreasonable regulations that are not found elsewhere in the world." The official warned that if this situation continues, it could "adversely affect the Korean government's efforts to join the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement." He cited five issues as examples of Seoul setting up nontariff trade barriers: mandatory reporting of aircraft maintenance and safety checkups; notification of reparation records before delivery of new vehicles; regulations on automobile seats; obligatory registration of electronic payment businesses, and rules on cloud computing equipment. The U.S. official also expressed dissatisfaction with the Korean government's plan to open the domestic legal services market that passed the National Assembly in February. "Unlike the purpose of the Korea-U.S. free trade agreement, the Justice Ministry's bill that restricts the advances by U.S. law firms won the parliament's approval without any changes," he said. "That gives the impression to Washington that Seoul is not implementing the accord faithfully." Commenting on Donald Trump's recent remark that Korean companies are one-sidedly benefitting from the Korea-U.S. FTA, the official said the Republican candidate said so "because U.S. businesses operating in Korea are experiencing so much difficulties." The official's complaint came amid increasingly louder U.S. disgruntlement over the widening trade deficit with Korea, from $13.2 billion in 2011 to $28.3 billion last year. U.S. Senate Financial Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch, in a recent letter to the Korean ambassador to the U.S., Ahn Ho-young, said: "For Korea to join the TPP, it should first implement the bilateral FTA fully." In October, the U.S. Congressional Research Service also issued a report that said the level of Korea's implementation of the FTA can affect its accession to the TPP. Equally burdensome is that the U.S. discussion to rectify the trade imbalance is linked to Washington's designation of currency-manipulating countries. Korea is one of the countries, along with Japan, China and Taiwan, whose surplus in trade with the U.S. has been increasing. The U.S. Treasury Department will announce the list of currency manipulators soon. An official at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy attempted to play down the U.S. official's remark. "We think these are part of trade disputes that can occur anytime," he said. "The government will continue to discuss these matters with the Office of U.S. Trade Representative." General Electric (GE) CEO Jeff Immelt said Friday the company has not been affiliated with any tax havens to evade its financial duties, in answer to the rising allegations that the company stashed a large amount of cash overseas. "We are completely about transparency. We pay taxes," Immelt said during a press conference held in Seoul. The CEO added the company has no affiliations with tax havens, including Panama. The remark came as U.S. charity group Oxfam earlier claimed GE has stashed US$119 billion overseas. "We have cash outside the United States, because we do business outside," Immelt said. "But we don't use any tax haven, and we have a great track record in paying taxes," he said, dismissing the allegations as "wrong." Immelt was in South Korea to mark the 40th anniversary of the company's presence in the country. During the visit, Immelt said the company aims to continue to broaden its presence in South Korea, adding that the country is a good "testbed" for global companies. "I believe Korea is one of the world's best testbeds. It is a great place to try ideas. Although the market is not so big compared to China, it is sophisticated," Immelt said. "CEOs in Korea are willing to do things in scale quickly. So they don't mind moving quickly to do big things," Immelt added, highlighting the country boasts a quality business environment. While Immelt did not elaborate on the business officials he met during his trip to South Korea, the Kumho Asiana Group said earlier that its head Park Sam-koo met him on Thursday, apparently to discuss forging possible business partnerships. GE also said it is interested in participating in South Korea's KFX project, which aims to build F-16 class fighter jets to replace the Air Force's aging fleet of F-4 and F-5 fighter planes. "We always had a strong military presence in Korea. We always worked effectively with the Korean air force and navy. We had a solid performance," Immelt said. "The notion of an indigenous fighter appears to be well-supported. We want to be a good competitor on this." (Yonhap) By Nam Hyun-woo Six securities firms have been designated as specializing in investing in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the Financial Services Commission (FSC) announced Friday. The FSC said that it has named IBK Securities, Yuanta Securities Korea, Eugene Investment & Securities, KB Investment & Securities, Korea Asset Investment & Securities and Kiwoom Securities as SME-specialized investors after assessing 13 firms that applied for the designation. Those selected companies will be subject to financial support from state-run institutions after investing in SMEs for two years. If they fail to pass a mid-term assessment after a year, they will lose the right to the support. K-Growth, which organizes venture capital for promising SMEs, will lower its assessment standards in selecting SME merger and acquisition (M&A) funds operator for those six companies. Korea Development Bank will organize funds operated by the companies. The FSC believes this will expand opportunities to finance SMEs through the capital market and those companies will earn experience in managing funds related to SMEs. However, controversy stirred over the inclusion of KB Investment & Securities among the companies, which are mostly small and medium-sized securities firms. Earlier this month, KB Financial Group won its bid to buy a controlling stake in Hyundai Securities at 1.3 trillion won. Once KB Investment & Securities merges with Hyundai, it will become a mega-sized security firm with capital that will surpass 3.8 trillion won. The FSC said that KB Investment & Securities will lose its right to specialize and invest in small and medium sized firms if it merges with Hyundai Securities. If the merger takes place within the next year, KTB Investment & Securities, who scored seventh-highest in the FSC's assessment, will take its place. By Yoon Ja-young Moody's Investors Service has drawn criticism for its negative report about the South Korean opposition bloc's victory in the April 13 general election. "The Saenuri Party's loss of its parliamentary majority in Korea's legislative elections is likely to make it harder to pass structural reforms, and that would be credit negative," said Steffen Dyck, vice president and senior credit officer of the sovereign risk group at Moody's. "Even before the elections, Korea's parliament was frequently mired in deadlock. Earlier this year, opposition lawmakers conducted a lengthy filibuster in an attempt to prevent the passage of an anti-terror bill. If legislative delays worsen ahead of Korea's next presidential election, due in December 2017, it would reduce the government's effectiveness." He expected the victory of the opposition bloc to hinder passage of the labor reform bills. "President Park Geun-hye has proposed labor reforms that could help to invigorate Korea's economy. But the plans, which would reduce protections for older workers, have met with strong political opposition. Without a parliamentary majority, the chance of their passage is even slimmer than before." In response, some government officials said that the ratings agency was "overreacting" to the outcome of the election. "I think the ratings agency was too quick and went too far in stating that the opposition's victory negatively affects the sovereign credit rating," a senior government official said. "It's like the agency is talking about South Korea as an underdeveloped nation." He said that even if the opposition bloc won the election, they could negotiate with the ruling party and produce policies good for the nation's economy in the medium to long term. He said the agency's report on possible ratings cuts following the opposition's victory could send a misleading message to foreign investors. "The ratings agency should have been more cautious about releasing such a report," the official said. He also said the Ministry of Strategy and Finance should protest the ratings agency for making such a report. Some analysts also said that the opposition's win does not necessarily mean the end of the labor or economic reform drive. Ha Joon-kyung, a professor of economics at Hanyang University, said, "After the Asian financial crisis, Korea is kind of always concerned of foreign investors withdrawing their money. It is overly sensitive. Though the opposition bloc will be the majority, it doesn't mean there will be a revolution. They share the same values regarding economic soundness. Their economic philosophy is not totally different." He said it is necessary to be open to many options and induce the National Assembly to play its role and lead the economy to improvement. He said politicians shouldn't use ratings agencies in a way that is favorable to them. "Just like analysts at securities firms make a comment, either positive or negative, when governance structure changes at a business, global credit ratings agencies mention how political changes would affect government bond investments." He said sovereign credit ratings agencies can prefer some economic policies for better sovereign ratings. For instance, Moody's comment shows that labor reform may help improve Korea's credit rating. Even so, it doesn't mean a country's economic policy should head in that direction, Professor Ha stressed. "The sovereign credit rating basically reflects the country's capability to pay back loans, while a country's economic policy aims at better lives for its people." A scene from "Descendants of the Sun" / Courtesy of KBS By Ko Dong-hwan The curtain has fallen on the mega-hit TV drama "Descendants of the Sun," which aired its finale Thursday, saddening fans who are already missing stars Song Joong-ki and Song Hye-kyo. But while it may have become the latest hallyu (Korean wave) blockbuster, it has also drawn criticism for its unconvincing plot and scenes with excessive product placement (PPL) advertisements. The lead characters were depicted as superhumans who could stand up as if nothing had happened, even after being shot several times. Elements of the far-fetched plot were seen in the last episode, when Korean special forces captain Yoo Si-jin (Song Joong-ki), the male lead, and Sergeant Major Seo Dae-young (Jin Goo) returned to their romantic partners, who thought their lovers were killed in action a year ago. Netizens lampooned the rendezvous, citing the drama's unrealistic storyline and dubbing the male lead's return a "Phoenix's resurrection." "The drama's hilarious rendezvous scenes wouldn't be tolerated if it weren't for Song Joong-ki," one netizen said. Excessive product placement also wore on viewers throughout the 16-part drama. Putting aside the business logic that such placement may offset the 13 billion won ($11 million) production cost, it was still inappropriate for the romance-drama set amid a fictitious war to lay bare the producers' business intent by deliberately showing the products, ranging from kitchenware, sandwiches and a franchise cafe, to almonds and a chocolate bar. The biggest backlash came in the 13th episode on April 6, in which Seo Dae-young, while driving a Hyundai Motor luxury Genesis sedan with Yoon Myung-joo beside him, takes his hands off the steering wheel to embrace and kiss her. The sedan drives autonomously while the two kiss. Netizens said they felt uncomfortable watching the scene and it seemed dangerous. "Descendants of the Sun" did not escape the traditional frame of hallyu dramas, ending with romance between the leading characters. SBS's "My Love from the Star" (2013-2014), the previous hallyu blockbuster in China, also received poor reviews of its synopsis and entirely owes its success to the two leading actors, Kim Soo-hyun and Jun Ji-hyun, according to media reports. American scholar Robert Fouser "Conditions for Citizenship in the Future: A Manual of Democracy for Koreans" is Robert Fouser's first book written in Korean. Robert Fouser's "Seochon-holic" By Jon Dunbar American scholar Robert Fouser just published his first Korean-language book. Only weeks later, he is also publishing his second. The well-known figure in Korean language education and architectural preservation has returned to Korea for a couple months for the publication of his two new books, titled "Conditions for Citizenship in the Future: A Manual of Democracy for Koreans" with Sejong Books and "Seochon-holic" under Sallim Books. "The first 20 pages or so (writing) in Korean were very difficult, but it started to flow after that," Fouser told The Korea Times in an interview. "The biggest difference I found was I spend more time thinking about writing style when I write in English, but in Korean I focus on getting my thoughts on paper clearly. I have a pretty clear idea of what 'good English' is, but less of a clear idea of what 'good Korean' is, so I just wrote focusing on content." The former associate professor of Korean language education at Seoul National University left Korea in August 2014, moving to his hometown of Ann Arbor, Michigan. However, Korea hasn't left his thoughts. "Conditions for Citizenship in the Future: A Manual of Democracy for Koreans" came out March 28, quickly scaling Kyobo's book charts to enter the top 10 in the politics/social science category, climbing up to No. 7. It's a personal essay on democracy in Korea with a speculative eye to the future. For the book, Fouser said, "I focus on my stance on exposing who I am and my 30-year relationship with Korea in the first half and then explaining my thoughts about Korea in the second half." In the book, he identifies the main problem Korea faces as domination at the hands of an elite he labels "Gangnam." "Everybody wants to join this elite because life is secure once inside, but an elite is an elite, so only a few can get in and those who are already in need to use their capital, social and monetary, to stay in. This makes for a lot of stressed and unhappy people, which explains that 'Hell Joseon' phenomenon." "Hell Joseon" is a self-deprecating term used by disaffected youths these days to describe dissatisfaction with life here. But Fouser said he is optimistic the young generation that was raised in Korea's post-1987 democratic era will create a more open society. His second book, "Seochon-holic," hits shelves later this month. It's a collection of essays touching on Fouser's encounters with the rapidly disappearing "hanok" (Korean traditional building) in neighborhoods, as well as language learning and teaching, living in a hanok in Hyehwa-dong in the late '80s "Since about 2010, many Koreans have started to take an interest in older areas of cities, partly because of the rampant redevelopment that took place in the 2000s," Fouser explained. "To younger Koreans, old neighborhoods with winding alleys are exotic." During his visit here, he has been documenting the ongoing urban renewal process that uproots old neighborhoods, paying close attention to construction progress at Donuimun New Town in Gyonam-dong, northwestern Seoul, where many hanok were demolished. His pictures of the area before demolition are being exhibited at a gallery in Kyoto, Japan. He has turned his attention to Okbaraji Alley, a historic old area near Seodaemun Prison that is currently being demolished. Song Hye-kyo, right, and Prof. Seo Kyoung-duk / Courtesy of Facebook By Ko Dong-hwan Actress Song Hye-kyo, the female lead in TV drama "Descendants of the Sun" that ended Thursday, has continued highlighting overseas Korea's history under Japanese colonial rule during World War II. Prof. Seo Kyoung-duk from Sungshin Women's University, well known for promoting Korean interests abroad, said on Facebook Friday he and Song had donated brochures about Korea's independence movement campaign during the period to the museum at the site of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea in the Chinese city of Changsha. The donation commemorated the anniversary of the government-in-exile's establishment on April 13. Prof. Seo Kyoung-duk planned and made the brochures, above, and Song funded the campaign. "I planned and made the brochures and Song sponsored them," Prof. Seo said on Facebook. "We have been the best double team working together on promoting our country's history for years, providing brochures to the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Museum of Fine Art Boston and one in Toronto. We hope our effort goes out especially to those who didn't know about Korea and the Korean language." On Tuesday, Song rejected a modeling offer from Japan's Mitsubishi Motors because the Mitsubishi Group is involved in a lawsuit over alleged use of Korean forced labor during Japan's occupation in World War II. Seo left a comment on Facebook the same day, referring to a conversation he had had with the actress, who has been interested in social and historical issues. Song said: "Mitsubishi hasn't taken responsibility for their past actions yet, right? That means I am not going to be modeling for them." By Choi Sung-jin Major Asian media outlets wired the news of parliamentary elections in Korea Wednesday, which turned the governing party into a minority group for the first time in 16 years. Commenting on the ruling camp's loss of its largest-party status, foreign news agencies made a common analysis that the prolonged business slump of the past eight years under the governance of two conservative administrations has disappointed voters, forcing them to shift their support to the political opposition. There were subtle differences between Japanese and Chinese media, however, about the effects the election results will have on Seoul's diplomatic policy. The Nihon Keizai Shimbun expressed concerns that President Park Geun-hye's "diplomacy of principles" would meet a massive headwind, which might pose obstacles to the implementation of a bilateral agreement to resolve the wartime sexual slavery issue, as well as President Park's hard-line stance against North Korea. "The election results will inevitably reduce the political influence of President Park for about two years, until the end of her tenure," the Japanese financial daily said. "The President is stressing that Seoul would carry out the comfort-woman' agreement reached late last year in disregard of the election outcome, but her opponents' influence will become far stronger than before." The newspaper predicted the policy drive of Korea's governing party will sharply weaken. The right-wing Sankei Shimbun said the parliamentary election was a referendum of President Park's first three years in office, as well as the skirmish for the presidential election next year. "Because of the crushing defeat, the Park administration will not be able to maintain its influence toward the end of its tenure," it said. The Chunichi Shimbun analyzed that the Saenuri, which had appeared to enjoy advantages because of splits in the opposition camp, not just suffered a total rout in Seoul and surrounding Gyeonggi Province, but also took a drubbing in its traditional support base of the Gyeongsang provinces. "The Park administration will experience difficulties in managing state affairs in the next two years," it said. Analyzing the causes of the ruling party's defeat, Nihon Keizai also said: "The internal feud over candidate nomination dismayed supporters," adding that low economic growth during eight years of conservative rule also affected the vote adversely. Sankei agreed. "Confrontation between pro-Park and anti-Park factions within the Saenuri rose to the surface," it said. "Voters made a stern judgment over the pro-Park group bent on strengthening factional power." China's Xinhua News Agency forecast President Park will experience difficulties pushing ahead with her economic reforms because of her party's failure to win a majority of seats. "Aside from independent members, the opposition camp emerged as the majority force by winning 167 seats in total," the state news agency said. "Saenuri failed to carry even a third of precincts in the Seoul metropolitan area, and lost 17 out of 65 electorates in its strong ground of the Gyeongsang region." The South China Morning Post said popular discontent with economic policies overwhelmed national security issues, including North Korea's nuclear provocations, in this election, noting that Korean politics has a structure in which conservative parties benefit if inter-Korean tension rises. "Prior to the election, political watchers had expected voters would cast their ballots to President Park's conservative party to buttress her economic reforms, but the forecast went wide of the mark from exit polls," it said. "The election result is expected not only to put a brake on President Park's economic reform plans but also to exert great influence on next year's presidential election." The Hong Kong-based English daily also described in detail how the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea ushered in Professor Kim Jong-in, economic adviser to Park in the 2012 election, and how it "absorbed the supporters of the Saenuri Party successfully." Noting that people's criticism of Park's economic policies in this election prevailed over North Korea's nuclear test and missile launch, SCMP said: "In Korea, household debt is snowballing and youth unemployment is soaring to a record-high level." No South Korean victims have been reported so far in a deadly earthquake that struck southern Japan, a South Korean official said Friday. The 6.4-magnitude temblor hit Kumamoto Prefecture and the surrounding areas on the island of Kyushu at around 9:26 p.m., Thursday, leaving at least nine people dead and hundreds injured. "We have not received any reports yet of South Koreans being harmed in the earthquake," Park Ki-jun, deputy chief of the South Korean consulate general in Fukuoka, told Yonhap News Agency by phone. An emergency task force has been set up at the consulate general to determine whether any Koreans were among the victims. Late Thursday, the consulate general assisted some 50 South Korean tourists who were taking cover at a parking lot outside a Kumamoto hotel. In Seoul, the government said it has sent text messages to South Korean tourists and residents in the quake-affected areas, urging them to stay safe. (Yonhap) 'For me, it was all about getting rid of the wrong answer,' says one By Jung Min-ho Faced with the worst job market and frustrated with a bunch of old politicians who hardly represent the people's wishes and needs, Korea's young voters were right to be angry. Many people in their 20s and 30s, the generation that is usually considered indifferent to politics, cast their ballots this time in Wednesday's general election in which the ruling Saenuri Party lost its parliamentary majority. According to the National Election Commission, voter turnout in the election reached 58 percent, marking the highest percentage of eligible voters casting ballots for a general election in 12 years. The high turnout was mainly attributable to increased voting by those in their 20s and 30s. The commission did not reveal the details of the results by age. However, according to exit polls conducted by KBS, the turnout of people in their 20s was 49.4 percent, a major leap from the 36.2 percent in the general election of 2012. That of thirtysomethings was 49.5 percent, up from 43.3 percent. On the other hand, the turnout of voters in their 50s and 60s changed very little. Many say they headed to the polling stations to express their anger, largely aimed at the ruling party and the government behind it. "For me, this election was all about getting rid of the wrong answer: the Saenuri Party," said a 30-year-old man surnamed Kim. "Frankly, I can't even remember the politician I voted for. I just voted against the ruling party. "The current president is from that party and it has the most seats at the National Assembly. But it has never delivered many of the things it promised to young people. No more excuses. I'm done with it." Kim said he is not a big fan of the opposition parties, either. "But at least I don't have many reasons to hate them yet," he said. A 23-year-old Seoul resident, surnamed Park, said the main reason she voted for a candidate from the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea (MPK) was the party's pledges to create jobs and help jobseekers. "I think many of my peers share frustrations about the job market. The candidate of my district, who is now a lawmaker-elect, seemed to care about the issue," Park said. "I don't like the MPK, but I wanted to see change." The stronger-than-expected voice of young voters is expected to push policymakers to reflect their needs in the upcoming National Assembly, which will begin its four-year term on May 30. Job creation is the most serious issue for many of them. According to Statistics Korea, Friday, the unemployment rate for people aged 15 to 29 was 11.8 percent last month, the highest youth unemployment rate for March since the agency started collecting related data in 1999. The issue stretches beyond just the number of jobs; many of those who are employed worry about job stability. Surveys show that an increasing number of workers in their 20s end up with low job security, which many believe is the chief cause of the nation's declining marriage rate as well as low birthrate. GGGI director general Yvo de Boer By Kim Se-jeong The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), established in 2012 under former President Lee Myung-bak, was a symbol of Korea's low carbon, green growth drive. During his presidency, Lee showed international leadership by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and directed the domestic economy on to a green path. However, since President Park Geun-hye was elected in 2013, green growth has become an old-fashioned topic and Korea's international green leadership has disappeared as well. The GGGI remains committed to its mandate to transfer knowledge about sustainable ways of green growth from the developed world to the developing world. "Korea should feel proud of what it has done for green growth," Yvo de Boer, the organization's director general, said during an interview with The Korea Times. He hoped that the upcoming international event on Jeju Island in September will remind Korea of its commitment to sustainable growth. GGGI is inviting all its partners to Jeju Island for the Global Green Growth Week to share their experiences. "What we want to do is bring together a number of topics that are related to green growth," said de Boer. The institute is inviting private sector and international financial institution representatives to discuss financing green business projects. Government representatives from Asia will talk about challenges in transforming energy sources from fossil fuels to renewable ones. Companies will also showcase their green technologies. He is encouraging Korean companies to participate. "The global economy is moving in a different direction. More companies see renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainability as opportunities to develop their businesses." Companies such as LG and Hanwha are leading the private sector in Korea with battery storage technology and solar power panels, but he said there is a new trove of opportunities for other Korean companies to venture into. De Boer said he is proud to host the event on Jeju Island, which aims to be carbon free by 2030. "Jeju is committed to green growth. It is a good example of a province that is seeking to go green as a core engine of its growth," he said. De Boer hopes to see Korea make green growth commitment again. "My sense is that in Korea there's much fear in making this leap to the future," he said. "Korea's resource is brains of the people. Korea is perfectly positioned to capitalize on what will drive future economic growth, instead of hanging on to what drove economic growth in the past." GGGI is currently running 34 projects in 24 countries. The international organization is advising the United Arab Emirates on ways to diversify its oil-dominant economy and reduce its reliance on oil for electricity. In Indonesia, the GGGI is helping the national government realize that biomass is a viable source of energy, replacing coals and trees. Saenuri Party's defeat expected to derail talks By Jun Ji-hye The ruling Saenuri Party's defeat in the general election may put the brakes on Seoul and Washington's talks about the deployment of a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery here, analysts said, Friday. The opposition bloc has taken a negative stance on the deployment of the anti-missile system, arguing that it will worsen the nation's relations with China as well as cause potential safety, health and environmental risks. Since the North's Feb. 7 launch of a long-range rocket, the Park Geun-hye government and the ruling party have pushed for THAAD deployment here, citing that it will help enhance national security amid growing missile threats from North Korea. Now that the ruling party lost its majority in the National Assembly, its push for THAAD may lose steam, according to the analysts. "As the governing party lost in the 20th general election, some issues over which the ruling and opposition parties have been disputing will emerge again as the subject of political debates," said Choi Chang-ryul, a professor of political science at Yongin University. "Deployment of a THAAD battery will be one of those issues, and this can put the brakes on the ongoing talks about its deployment with the U.S." Sean King, an East Asia specialist with Park Strategies in New York, also said, "South Korea's various liberal forces are less open to stationing America's THAAD on ROK territory, which China abhors." China is strongly opposed to THAAD deployment in Korea out of concerns that the system's AN/TPY-2 radar system could snoop on its military activities and missile capabilities. Concern has also been raised regarding possible health and environmental hazards from radio waves emitted by its radar, as Seoul and Washington began their working-level talks, March 4, to iron out details of the deployment such as possible location. Even if the allies decide to deploy the missile defense system on the peninsula, the government will still face a number of obstacles leading up to the actual deployment due to possible conflicts in the National Assembly regarding budget matters, experts added. The 20th National Assembly whose term will begin on May 30 will have 171 liberal lawmakers from three opposition parties out of 300 in total. They will be likely to bring up the issue of THAAD deployment during a parliamentary session regarding how the allies will share its deployment cost. A possible consequence of the general election on THAAD deployment was handled as an issue during a U.S. House Armed Services Committee hearing, Thursday. Brian McKeon, principal deputy under the secretary of defense, told the session that the Saenuri Party lost its parliamentary majority, but the result is not expected to affect Seoul's position on the issue. "I don't think this changes things for President Park and her approach to the deployment," McKeon told the hearing. "So I think we're optimistic that we will get to a decision. I just don't have a timeline for you." McKeon said that there have been some meetings out in Korea considering the siting and the funding issues since the allies began their discussion. Regarding China's opposition, McKeon added, "We have a firm view as expressed previously this is about protecting our deployed forces and our Korean partners and has nothing to do with China or China's deterrent and they shouldn't worry about it." Vice Adm. James Syring, head of the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, also told the hearing that THAAD "can provide fantastic coverage capability for not only our allies, but also for our U.S. deployed forces." "I'm confident in the design of the system and its intercept record," he said, "and if the decision were to be made, I stand by it as the right solution." Follow Jun Ji-hye on Twitter @TheKopJihye By Jun Ji-hye North Korea attempted to fire what is presumed to be a Musudan intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) early Friday from its east coast, but the launch appears to have failed, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). It was the authoritarian state's first test launch of a Musudan missile, thought to have a range of some 3,000 to 4,000 kilometers, far enough to reach Guam, home to U.S. naval and air bases. "North Korea tried to launch a missile from the East Sea area at about 5:30 a.m., but it is presumed to have failed," the JCS said. Military authorities in South Korea and the United States refused to clarify what kind of missile was launched, but sources noted it was thought to be the Musudan, also known as the BM-25. The latest launch was on the 104th anniversary of the birth of North Korean founder Kim Il-sung the grandfather of current leader Kim Jong-un. Pyongyang has marked the national holiday in the past with elaborate military events. A few seconds after it was fired from the launcher, the missile deviated from its "normal" trajectory, the JCS said, noting that South Korea and the U.S. concluded the launch had failed after a joint assessment. It is presumed the missile exploded during its booster phase before fixing its angle and entering orbit. On April 13, CNN reported that U.S. intelligence satellites had spotted signs the North might be preparing for the unprecedented launch of a mobile ballistic missile, which could potentially hit parts of the U.S. Quoting two U.S. officials, CNN said: "If the regime proceeds with a launch, the latest assessments are the most likely scenario is the launch of the so-called Musudan missile." In previous weeks, the South Korean military detected the repressive state deploying two Musudan missiles near the east coast city of Wonsan for a potential launch. The military is preparing for the possibility the North could carry out additional provocations at any time, officials said. A series of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions prohibit North Korea from launching ballistic missiles. But the repressive state has continued to take provocative actions even after the UNSC adopted a harsher sanctions resolution against the regime in early March, in response to its fourth nuclear test in January and the long-range rocket launch in February. Since the new resolution, the North has protested with the firing of short and mid-range missiles and its new 300-millimeter multiple-rocket launcher, heightening military tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Follow Jun Ji-hye on Twitter @TheKopJihye Bereaved family members of the Sewol ferry disaster victims look around Paengmok Harbor on Jindo, South Jeolla Province, the nearest port to the sinking, Friday, a day before the disaster's second anniversary. Two years after the sinking, the families say not much has been done to find the exact cause of the accident. / Korea Times photo by Seo Jae-hoon By Kim Bo-eun Two years after the Sewol ferry disaster, people remain divided over how to cope with the nation's deadliest peacetime maritime tragedy. Not much has been determined about the exact cause of the sinking, with the Special Investigation Commission's investigation still ongoing. The disaster of the sinking ferry which killed more than 300 passengers mostly Danwon High School students on a school trip has become a political issue as bereaved family members and civic groups, as well as opposition parties, continue to demand that the government take responsibility for its poor capacity to deal with the accident. The political stalemate has caused "Sewol fatigue" for a growing number of citizens, who say it is time to put the incident to bed and move on. There are numerous online postings critical of the bereaved family members who have been staging a sit-in at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul. Postings read: "Now stop it. I'm sick of it," "Come on, it was only an accident," or "You should not take advantage of your children's death." But rather than criticism, a larger number of people show indifference to the incident which to many is fading into oblivion. However, the families and civic groups supporting the victims' families say little has changed since the tragedy occurred, with the truth about the disaster still a mystery and the government still avoiding responsibility. Unresolved issues For bereaved family members, remarks about having to move on are too painful for them to accept. Time has not healed their grieving, as they still have not received a convincing explanation for why the accident occurred. "I wish the month of April did not exist. I wish there were no cherry blossoms," Ms. Park, who lost her high school daughter, told The Korea Times days ahead of the disaster's second anniversary. "I do not want monetary compensation. All I want to know is what caused the death of my daughter and the other victims," she said. Parents of the Danwon High School victims take turns coming to Gwanghwamun Square from their hometown in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province, for the sit-in protest that has been held since a few days after the disaster occurred. What they want is "the exact truth" about the incident why the ferry sank, why the passengers were not rescued and how the poorly managed ferry had been operated. Going through time from inadequate rescue operations to post-accident issues, they have lost trust in the government, and the special act on investigating the Sewol disaster is not enough to discover the truth. The Coalition 4.16 on the Sewol Ferry Disaster, a civic group, continues to collect signatures for revisions to the act, so that the current special commission can get law enforcement rights and adequate time for a proper investigation. The commission's investigation period is set to finish in June, while the salvaging of the ferry will begin next month and it will be hoisted out of the water by the end of July, according to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries. "We collected 60,000 signatures and petitioned for a revision to the act in February, but it was not passed in the provisional session of the National Assembly," a 4.16 Coalition official said. "We will continue to collect signatures." The government has failed to respond to these demands, and public support is waning, but for bereaved family members, this is their only hope. "Honestly, those who have not been through this cannot know how we feel," Park said. "We will continue to do what we can to discover what caused the disaster." The Sewol tragedy killed 304 passengers as it sank off the coast of Jindo, an island of South Jeolla Province, en route to Jeju Island from Incheon. Nine bodies still remain unaccounted for. The government was in hot water for its belated and inadequate response to the accident, which critics say resulted in the failure to save lives during critical timing of the sinking. Prison sentences have been handed out to the captain of the ferry, crew members, the head of the ferry operator Chonghaejin Marine, the son of the late owner of Chonghaejin as well as a maritime police official, but other government officials responsible for the accident and the inadequate response remain unpunished. Police believe a woman found dead on Jeju Island this week is from China or Southeast Asia after they examined the body of the homicide victim, they said Friday. The dead woman is most likely in her 30s and was discovered near a barley field in the city of Seogwipo on South Korea's largest island of Jeju on Wednesday. When a man gathering bracken found her body, it was partially covered by grass and soil and badly decomposed. The Seogwipo Police Station began to distribute leaflets to ask the public for any leads to identify the victim. In the leaflets, the police give a description of the woman. She was 163 centimeters tall, had curly blonde hair, and wore a striped sweater, a blue skirt and black leggings that are sold in Chinese shopping malls. She wore black semi-boots with the words "Design By Korea" on the sole, it said. The police, who do not discount the possibility that the victim is a South Korean, are working to identify her by her fingerprints, but no South Korean has yet to match them. Investigators have also sent DNA samples taken from her body to the National Institute for Scientific Investigation to see if she was sexually assaulted. The results of an autopsy conducted the previous day showed that the victim sustained a total of six wounds to the neck and chest, which were all made with a sharp weapon. As the body was badly decomposed, the police have failed to determine when she was killed. But they believe she has been dead for less than four months, because the owner of the barley field did not see the body when he planted barley seeds in the field between December and January. (Yonhap) By Kim Rahn Oxy Reckitt Benckiser, one of the manufacturers of humidifier disinfectants that allegedly killed more than 100 people here, is under suspicion of fabricating toxicity test results and attempting to cover up other evidence. Amid such suspicions, the prosecution's investigation of the scandal is focusing on the British company among other manufacturers. Prosecutors plan to summon former and incumbent officials of Oxy Reckitt Benckiser next week and take legal action against those responsible. In August 2011, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) announced that harmful chemicals in the disinfectants were suspected of causing death by lung failure. After the announcement, Oxy Reckitt Benckiser allegedly sought its own test through a research institution to refute the KCDC's findings. As its own test also showed a link between the company's products and lung failure, the company allegedly concealed the test results, according to the prosecution. Prosecutors seized the original test data during a raid of the company in February. It is also alleged that the manufacturer attempted to run other tests favorable to it by providing limited data on its products to research teams at Seoul National University (SNU) and Hoseo University. Oxy Reckitt Benckiser also allegedly deleted customer complaints about breathing difficulties and possible side effects because of its products from its website before the prosecution started its investigation. The prosecution restored most of the deleted content. "We are looking into whether the company systemically moved to hide evidence of the harmfulness of the products," a prosecutor said. "If confirmed, those responsible will face charges of destruction of evidence." Another suspicion is that the company restructured itself to avoid civil or criminal responsibility for the scandal. In December 2011 when the scandal was growing, Oxy Reckitt Benckiser changed its corporate entity from a stock company to a limited liability company, registering as a new organization although the company name, assets and employees did not change. According to the law, the new entity will avoid any legal responsibility, such as the obligation to pay compensation, even if its products are found to be the cause of the deaths. Company officials as individuals will still face charges if they are found responsible. The disinfectants have killed 143 people so far, according to the government. Civic groups claim 103 of them used Oxy Reckitt Benckiser's products. North Korea threatened Friday to take actions against the United States as Washington's condemnation of the North's human rights situation points to its hostility toward Pyongyang. North Korea continues to control political activity and ban or limit political opposition while maintaining a network of political prison camps, the U.S. State Department said in its annual human rights report on Wednesday. The North called the U.S. move to slam its human rights conditions sinister acts to disgrace the communist country and overthrow the North. "There are no such things as prison camps, summary execution or human trafficking in North Korea. Everything mentioned in the report is a big lie," a foreign ministry spokesman was quoted as saying by the Korean Central News Agency. The North threatened to take actions to make the U.S. bitterly repent what it did, without elaborating on what measures it will take, it showed. North Korea has long been labeled as one of the worst human rights violators in the world. Pyongyang has bristled at such criticism, calling it a U.S.-led attempt to topple its regime. The communist regime does not tolerate dissent, holds hundreds of thousands of people in political prison camps and keeps tight control over outside information. In December, the U.N. General Assembly adopted a resolution for the second consecutive year that calls for referring the North to the International Criminal Court for human rights violations. (Yonhap) Actor Song Joong-ki and actress Song Hye-kyo in the popular TV series "Descendants of the Sun," the final episode of which aired on Thursday / Korea Times photo file By Kang Hyun-kyung Skin care products, fashion and food are three of the many industries that saw increased revenues due, in part, to the success of Korean dramas overseas. The popular TV series "Descendants of the Sun," which aired its final episode on KBS on Thursday, may boost yet another industry medical services. Kim Su-wan, a professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, said Korean hospitals will be one of the beneficiaries of the stunning success of the drama all across Asia. "The success of Descendants of the Sun' came amid a wave of positive assessments about medical services in Korea from foreign patients, and thus, is likely to have a positive impact on the reputation of Korean hospitals," she said. Plenty of papers show a positive relationship between hallyu or the Korean Wave and tourism, made-in-Korea products and the number of foreign students pursuing Korean studies. The TV series describes the battlefield romance between the captain of the special forces unit dispatched to the fictional war-torn country Uruk and the female surgeon in charge of the medical corps there. Chinese and Southeast Asian fans were drawn to the series and watched it in real time via the Chinese video streaming website iQiyi and on other similar websites. With millions of viewers throughout Asia, the drama's popularity has surpassed that of another popular Korean drama, "My Love from the Star," which aired on SBS from December 2013 to February 2014. Kim Su-wan, a professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, at the front gate of Deoksugung Palace in central Seoul on April 10 / Korea Times "Citizens of other countries, particularly those from the Middle East, rely on word of mouth from their fellow countrymen when they make key decisions, including their selection of overseas hospitals," Professor Kim said. "Descendants of the Sun has attracted many Middle Eastern fans. Also, many patients have had a positive experience with the medical services they received here and go back home and tell their friends about it. These elements all help enhance the image of Korean hospitals." Professor Kim spearheaded the survey of 327 Middle Eastern medical tourists from July 2014 to September 2015 to assess their satisfaction level with Korean hospital services and to identify possible policy implications from the results of the survey. Pollsters interviewed tourists at Incheon International Airport on their way back home, asking them about their medical treatment and other related services they received in Korean hospitals. Over 85 percent of the patients said the medical services they received here were fine and that they would recommend Korean hospitals to their friends and family should they seek treatment overseas. However, the patients said they had difficulty communicating with Koreans, as Arabic language services were not as good as they had expected. Taxi service was another source of the patients' complaints. Professor Kim called on policymakers to take these issues seriously. "Policymakers often say that to attract more foreign patients we need this or that. I think it is a bad idea to consider foreign patients as a target to attract or increase," she said. "What's underneath their complaints about language services is something related to our cross-cultural understanding. Hospitals and those who are engaged in medical tourism have to work on this." She said medical tourism has a positive spillover on overall tourism and shopping because the patients are accompanied by their families, relatives or friends, who go sightseeing or shopping while the patients receive medical treatment. "The increase of inbound medical tourists has created jobs. Several agencies now provide organized trips and shopping center tours for foreigners," said Kim. She will present her survey findings during a conference hosted by the Japanese Association of Middle Eastern Studies in May. A 2014 Korea Tourism Organization report found a rapid increase of foreign patients in Korean hospitals in recent years, from some 81,000 in 2010 to nearly 270,000, representing 191 countries. "Some 15,000 jobs will be created if foreign patients reach 300,000 or more," it said. Medical tourism is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. In 2005, 19 million people flew to other countries for medical treatment, and this number rose to over 53 million in 2012. According to a 2013 Medical Tourism Association report, Asia is the No. 1 region for medical tourists, with a 38 percent market share, followed by North America and Latin America. Thailand is the world's No. 1 country for foreign patients who seek quality affordable medical services, accommodating 2.2 million foreign patients in 2011. In the past decade, Professor Kim said, there has been a noticeable trend in popular medical tourism destinations, particularly for Middle Eastern patients. "The United States was popular with those patients before the September 11 terrorist attacks. After that calamity, however, an increasing number of Middle Eastern patients have changed their destinations because tightened immigration rules made it difficult for Muslim patients to enter the United States," she said. Southeast Asian countries, such as Singapore and Thailand, have since become popular. "Some are turning their attention to Korea, as patients who experienced Korean medical services speak positively about the hospitals here," she said. Kim is optimistic about the outlook for medical tourism in Korea in the near future. In addition to its quality services at relatively lower prices, she said medical tourism is benefitting from hallyu. Hallyu has promoted many trendy and amazing destinations in the country, which medical tourists are eager to discover, she said. The overseas success of Korean TV series has also boosted the sales of many beauty products. Korean cosmetic giant Amore-Pacific, for example, has posted increased overseas earnings, particularly in China, after the stunning success of Korean dramas there. Since 2011, the overseas revenues of its brand Mamond have surpassed its domestic revenues. The cosmetics company stepped up its hallyu marketing in China by hiring actress Park Shin-hye of the popular TV series "The Heirs" as its model. The drama, which aired on SBS in 2013, is one of many that starred A-list Korean actresses and that have captivated Chinese fans and helped increase their interest in Korean skin care products and skin services. Last week, President Park Geun-hye mentioned Korean cuisine and fashion as other industries that have benefited from hallyu. During her speech on April 11 at the opening of the Korean cuisine center, where visitors can enjoy a variety of Korean foods, she said that Descendants of the Sun sets an example of a win-win partnership between the content of hallyu and manufacturing. Park said the drama has been globally successful and would have a positive impact on exports of Korean foods, fashion and skin care products. Actor Song Joong-ki, who played the male lead of the drama, also attended the opening event. He was recently appointed a goodwill ambassador by the KTO. By Maija Rhee Devine In jest, a friend remarked, "You can never apologize enough to a Korean." While one may laugh it off, the opinion seems to fit the apology some former Korean comfort women and their advocacy groups demand from Japan for crimes against Koreans committed during WWII. Since 1991, when Kim Hak-soon became Korea's first former comfort woman to break the silence she and Korean society had kept for 46 years, Japanese officials delivered apologies (sah-gwa, a regret for less than the gravest offenses) several times beginning with Prime Minister Miyazawa Kiichi in 1992, and most recently Shinzo Abe in December 2015. None of these "regrets," however, has calmed the comfort women's most vocal advocates, including the Korean Council for the Women Drafted for Military Sexual Slavery by Japan. According to them, apologies lack sincerity when not bolstered by what they term "legal" responsibility and compensation from Japanese government's appropriated funds. So far, only privately raised, humanitarian "sympathy" money Peace Funds for Asian Women, matched by Japanese non-legislated government funds has been offered. Abe's agreement to pay $8.3 million, accepted by S. Korean President Park Geun-hye in 2015, also did not fit the Korean activists' definition of "legal" responsibility. These hardliners equate comfort women and WWII Holocaust victims and insist that Japan's apologies match what German Chancellor Willy Brandt offered in 1970 in Poland at a commemoration of Jewish victims of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising. Brandt knelt in silence, which was interpreted as asking for "forgiveness" (sah-joe for the gravest sins) for Germany's crimes against humanity committed during WWII. Smashing the views the Korean activists propagated for decades, a few Korean scholars now hold their own countrymen culpable for the part they played in the implementation of the Japanese comfort women system, and they urge that Korea apologize to their comfort women. By depriving women and girls of basic human rights for centuries, Korea primed their women, the scholars say, to become exceptionally vulnerable targets of abduction, deceitful coercion or destitution-driven consent to work as sex workers. Korea also produced thousands who aided the implementation of the comfort women system. And, after the return of their comfort women, Korea slammed shut the gates of its society, leaving them shivering in the cold without food, housing, medical assistance or compassion for what they endured. Noting Korea's responsibility is Professor Park Yuha of Sejong University, an author recently ordered by a Korean court to pay $8,262 to each of the nine former Korean comfort women for defaming them in her book by, for one, grouping them with some Korean women who, perhaps destitution-driven, willingly sought employment as sex workers. While disagreeing with Park, some former Korean comfort women and their spokespersons do acknowledge a measure of Korea's culpability and, according to Park, they sued the Korean government for $300 million claiming that to be their share of the $800 million Korea received as war reparations from Japan in 1965. Some Korean academics stress that Korea's overdue apology to their own women must be given immediately. However, Professor Bong Gwan-jun of KAIST argues, "We must make Japan apologize and compensate again before we admit our responsibility." Yet another apology from Japan before Korea does right by its own women? Jun's word "again" resonates with the jest about no apology to a Korean being good enough. Attempting to blowtorch out of Japan a Willy-Brandt-on-the-knees-style begging for forgiveness, matched by "legal" funds, may never happen. Meanwhile, the surviving 44 comfort women of the 238 who registered in S. Korea and the non-registered survivors, in their 90s, may die with han, hearts beaten to pulp. Maija Rhee Devine authored an autobiographical novel about Korea, The Voices of Heaven. Her works-in-progress are a nonfiction book about former Korean comfort women and a novel, Journals of Comfort Women. North Korea continues to control political activity and ban or limit political opposition, while maintaining a network of political prison camps, the U.S. State Department said in its annual human rights report Wednesday. But the Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2015 was markedly muted and dry, compared with previous ones, about the North, and did not use expressions like "deplorable," "grim" or "among the worst in the world" to portray the situation. It was unclear if it reflects a lack of U.S. interest in the issue or it was an intended restraint at a time when a American college student has been held in the communist nation after being sentenced to 15 years of hard labor for stealing a propaganda sign. "Historically authoritarian regimes like the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Cuba, China, Iran, Sudan, and Uzbekistan continued to control political activity and ban or limit political opposition," the report said in the introduction. "The most recent national elections, held in March 2014, were neither free nor fair," the report said. "The government operated a network of political prison camps in which conditions were often harsh, life threatening, and included forced and compulsory labor." The rest was largely the same as the 2014 report, including an account that the North subjected citizens to rigid controls over many aspects of their lives, including denial of the freedoms of speech, press, assembly, association, religion, movement, and worker rights. Pyongyang has long been labeled as one of the worst human rights violators. The communist regime does not tolerate dissent, holds hundreds of thousands of people in political prison camps and keeps tight control over outside information. But the North has bristled at such criticism, calling it a U.S.-led attempt to topple its regime. The North's human rights problem has drawn renewed international attention thanks to the 2014 U.N. Commission of Inquiry report that concluded that Pyongyang commits "widespread, systematic and gross" violations of human rights, and the International Criminal Court should handle the problem as "crimes against humanity." The landmark report led to the U.N. General Assembly adopting a historic resolution later that year calling for referring the North to ICC and the U.N. Security Council discussing the issue for the first time. A similar General Assembly resolution was again adopted last year with calls for ICC referral. (Yonhap) Rep. Woo Sang-ho Rep. Bae Deok-kwang By Yoon Sung-won Discussions over cutting the basic charge for mobile services are expected to pick up speed at the National Assembly following Wednesday's general election. Lawmaker-elect Woo Sang-ho of the Minjoo Party of Korea (MPK) has pledged to prioritize a bill to abolish the charge. "The bill to abolish mobile service basic rates failed to pass the standing committee (at the 19th National Assembly) due to the opposition of the government ruling party," according to Woo, Friday. "Once I reenter the 20th National Assembly, I will certainly propose the bill, above all." Woo secured his seat in the Seodaemun-A constituency in Seoul. In April last year, Woo and 14 other opposition lawmakers proposed a bill to revise the Telecommunications Business Act so the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning could prohibit telecom companies from collecting basic charges as a part of the mobile service fees. The three telecom companies SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus say they need to collect a monthly basic charge of around 10,000 won from each subscriber to support their massive investments in nationwide networks. But their argument became less persuasive after Korea Post, the state-run postal service agency, rolled out budget mobile services without basic charges. Expectations are that Woo will push to gather forces within his party to propose the bill after the new Assembly convenes on May 30. The ruling party has made a similar move. Lawmaker-elect Bae Deok-kwang of Saenuri Party, who won his seat in the Haeundae-B constituency, said he will push to reduce the basic rate. "Telecom expense is one of the three burdens on the people, alongside housing and education expenses," Bae said. "I will do my utmost to lessen the burden of telecom expenses in the 20th National Assembly." During the 19th Assembly, Bae suggested halving the current rate to between 4,000 and 5,000 won. He said telecom companies should only be allowed to collect the basic rate within three years of any massive new investment. But Bae did not propose a bill then. 110406 Public Servant Minister Welcomes New Bougainville Affairs Minister Hon Joe. Lera By Joe Elijah A low key reception led by the Public Servant Minister Hon Raymond Masono, to welcome the New Bougainville Affairs Minister Hon Joe Lera was held at the Buka airport over the weekend. On arrival at the Buka airport, the Regional Member cum Minister for Bougainville Affairs was accompanied by the Member for North Bougainville Hon Lauta Atoi and ABG Mi8nister for Mining Hon Robin Wilson. Upon arrival the ABG Public Servant Minister, Hon Raymond Masono went straight in to a press conference where he wasted no time in asking the New Minister for Bougainville Affairs, many questions on outstanding issues between the two Governments. Minister Masono in congratulating, Mr. Lera on his new role as the Bougainville Affairs Minister said he will work very closely with the Minister in the remaining months of his tem to address these outstanding sensitive issues like the new mining act of 2015, referendum and many others before the next National Election in 2017. Hon Masono added that, it is only then the new Minister for Bougainville Affairs listen to the ABGs recommendations on some of its sensitive issues, to make both Governments well informed and to create a sound Political and Social working relationship. Minister Masono was pleased with the term MIDDLEMAN used by Minister Lera to bring both Governments together in order to create a better and workable communication system. Ends 120416 Congratulatory notes still flowing for the Minister for the Bougainville Affairs By Joe Elijah While congratulatory messages are still flowing for the New Minister for Bougainville Affairs Hon Joe Lera, an ABG Ministerial Committee is planning to pay a visit to the Prime Minister Hon Peter Oniel this week. In a press statement upon the arrival of the Minister for Bougainville Affairs, Hon Joe Lera, he thought he made it clear to the Public Servant Minister, representing the President Hon Dr. Chief John Momis, that he wanted to set things straight, by first sitting down with the ABG Ministerial team and discuss their queries, before he can make an appointment for the ABG Team to travel to Port Moresby, to meet with the Prime Minister himself and his Cabinet. Hon Lera added that he wants to be the middleman between the ABG and the National Government, to address any queries as in the past many ministerial committees have travelled to Port Moresby, and have come back frustrated, because what they may have gone for was not entertained causing friction between the two Governments. Let me first sit with the ABG Ministerial Committee and find out what they want, so that I can personally take it up to the Prime Minister myself, a thing which never happened before. He said. During this week ABG plans to send a Ministerial Team to meet with the Prime Minister, Hon Lera added that it will be a waste of resources, money and their time, because the Prime Minister will in the end, send them back to him for Protocol wise, to address their queries before ABGs query can be fully addressed at the National level. Hon Lera is now calling on both Governments to come straight and not break protocol as he is the legitimate Minister responsible for Bougainville Affairs, Hon Lera wants to make sure his office plays its roles and objective in addressing many Bougainville sensitive issues, and only then both Governments listen to him, their problems, queries and other matters will be addressed in full. End Leslie Van Houten was the youngest of the women who helped commit murders in Los Angeles at the direction of Charles Manson in August 1969. She has been in prison for 46 years the original death sentences for Manson followers were vacated when California's capital punishment law was ruled unconstitutional and for the first time, a two-member parole panel has declared her "suitable for parole." Van Houten had been turned down for parole 19 times previously. Before parole is granted, the decision has to be reviewed by the state's full parole board and Gov. Brown would have the chance to block Van Houten's release. Van Houten was not involved in the most notorious Manson Family crimes the killings of pregnant actress Sharon Tate and four others at her Benedict Canyon home during a heat wave in the summer of 1969. The following night, Van Houten accompanied Manson and other family members to a Los Feliz home and took part in the killings of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca, Van Houten stabbed Rosemary LaBianca in the back numerous times, and talked about the crimes at her parole hearing Thursday at the women's prison in Chino. From today's AP story: On Thursday, Van Houten described in graphic detail for the panel how she helped secure a pillow over the head of Rosemary La Bianca with a lamp cord and hold her down while another member of the "Manson family" began stabbing the woman in her home. Van Houten said she had looked off into the distance until another Manson follower told her to do something and she joined in the stabbing. "I don't let myself off the hook. I don't find parts in any of this that makes me feel the slightest bit good about myself," she told the panel. Manson had departed the LaBianca home before the murders were carried out and stopped for a milk shake at a Denny's in Sylmar, where he left the victims' wallets, hoping apparently that African Americans would be blamed for the killings. Manson left the actual killers to hitchhike across the Valley to the Manson Family encampment at the Spahn Movie Ranch in the hills above Chatsworth. Cory LaBianca, who was 21 when her father and stepmother were murdered, said she was disappointed in the move to release Van Houten. District Attorney Jackie Lacey also opposes parole for Van Houten. The parole panel cited Van Houten's record as a model prisonerduring the entire time she has been in prison. "Your behavior in prison speaks for itself. Forty-six years and not a single serious rule violation," Commissioner Ali Zarrinnam told Van Houten Thursday. The Manson followers are the longest serving females in the California prison system. Patricia Krenwinkel has the most time; Susan Atkins died in prison in 2009. Van Houten's original conviction was overturned on appeal. She was retried twice and convicted in 1978 of two counts of murder and conspiracy. She was 19 at the time of the crimes. Van Houten, right, with Krenwinkel and Atkins during their trial. Susan Rubio, an elected member of the City Council in Baldwin Park, is also the wife of state Assemblyman Roger Hernandez, a Democrat from West Covina who is running for Congress. On Wednesday, a judge issued a temporary restraining order telling Hernandez to stay 100 yards away from his estranged wife. They are in the midst of divorce proceedings, and Rubio has accused the assemblyman of numerous instances of domestic violence. According to the coverage in the Daily News, Rubio and Hernandez have had a stormy relationship and he has faced allegations before. He declined to comment for the story, the paper reports. Hernandez is currently running against Rep. Grace Napolitano, and Rubio's sister, Blanca, is running for Hernandez's seat in the Assembly. From the Daily News: The assemblyman and former West Covina mayor and councilman has been accused of domestic violence in the past though charges have never been filed against him. In 2012, a former girlfriend accused Hernandez of striking her with a belt and slamming her against a wall during an argument. The woman later obtained a protective order, which is similar to a restraining order, after an argument at a West Covina restaurant. When a council colleague and other local elected officials demanded the assemblyman step down in light of the allegations, Susan and her sister Blanca, a Baldwin Park school board member, stood by his side. The couple married in June 2013. Hernandez filed for divorce a year and a half later. During their marriage, Hernandez accused Rubio of having an affair on multiple occasions and in two cases punched or socked her in the chest when he confronted her with his suspicions, according to her written declaration. He also broke several of her personal belongings, including her car windshield and two cell phones in a fit of anger. On the night of July 6, 2014, Rubio went to the hospital for an examination after Hernandez allegedly grabbed her out of bed and she fell to the floor, according to the documents. When writer Ken Ilgunas set out to walk the 1,700-mile proposed route of the Keystone XL pipeline and talk to the people he met there, he expected challenging debates about climate change, energy security and national sovereignty. In researching his new book, Trespassing Across America: One Mans Epic, Never-Done-Before (and Sort of Illegal) Hike Across the Heartland, he expected to experience the wisdom of the people and decipher the pipes symbolic meaning. He expected enlightenment. Instead, he found a country we wish were just a caricature: an America that does not actually value debate, or enlightenment, or wisdom at all. Advertisement Its a reality so empty its hard to know what to make of it. The point of Ilgunas walk is to meet real, unmediated humans. But hes confronted daily with a kind of hypermediated discourse that has obliterated the idea of empirical facts and replaced dialogue with a war of ideas between medieval walled villages, where data brought by outsiders are not just rejected but are ignored as if they never existed. In this regard, there was no happy ending, said Ilgunas, 32, speaking via Skype from Costa Rica, where he was traveling once again. I was very disillusioned with just how fixed in their beliefs people were. I was frustrated by the lost art of conversation. I was going into [this trip] with my own prejudices, but I wanted to open myself to learning as much as I could and developing a more nuanced opinion about climate change and the pipeline. And in the end, honestly, I just became more opposed to it. Make no mistake: Ilgunas met nice people, generous people, good people. He just couldnt talk politics with them. This is interesting because Ilgunas, though personally opposed to the pipeline, is not an environmental polemicist. He works somewhere between the modes of Henry David Thoreau and Paul Theroux he lives deliberately and reflects on what that means, traveling to places such as the Alaskan bus where Into the Wild subject Chris McCandless lived and died, hitchhiking across the country, or walking his old hometown of Wheatfield, N.Y., to record how it was paved by suburbs. His 2013 book, Walden on Wheels, was a well-received account of getting his masters degree at Duke University while living out of a van in order to beat student loan debt. This approach affords a welcome opportunity to see a complex subject like suburban sprawl or student debt or global oil infrastructure with fresh eyes. Yet, in Trespassing Across America, Ilgunas quickly finds his basic project shut down. Arriving in September 2012 at Fort McMurray, Canada, he hires a plane to fly him high above the vast peanut-butter-like tar sands deposits that are to be diluted and pushed through the Keystone XL pipeline, and he questions how mile after countless mile of hideous destruction could be happening in relatively eco-friendly Canada, writing, this seemed like the work of some deranged Third World tyrant bent on industrializing his nation at any cost. He doesnt know it at this start of the journey, but that remove, flying high above the bitumen, is about as close as he will get to the subject itself. The locals he meets in the Alberta province talk about jobs, jobs, jobs; the oil work is brutal, dehumanizing, incredibly lucrative (truck drivers making $4,000 per week), and the best thing to ever happen to men who need to feed their families. The warnings start. If you start talking to people out here about the environment, says a man named Alan, theyll punch you. Theyll get violent. Ilgunas takes this to heart and keeps his head down and right away this becomes a different book. Backpacking through the vast, empty prairies of Alberta and Saskatchewan, he sees few people, is chased by a bull moose, and deals with his fear of cows. He writes nicely about its natural history and the beauty of this empty quarter, scribbling in his notebook, I was walking amid a hidden wonder of the world. The Sand Hills are steep furry pyramids of grass that glowed pink red in the dusk light. They are round, bulbous gumdrops, geographic Napoleon hats. Right away, he experiences a generosity that is real and frustrating. When he raps on doors asking to refill his water bottles, people invite him in, give him a room or an empty RV or the floor of a church to sleep on. Even the ones who loudly proclaim their support for the pipeline say its OK to go on trespassing across their land. Drunk workmen in a bar who tease him about being a writer and eye his journey with dark suspicion end up giving him money. People stop their cars to feed him. To travel alone is to force yourself to depend on others, he writes. It is to fall in love with mankind. But even the kindness of strangers couldnt deliver the depoliticized human discussion about the pipeline that he sought, the open questioning, the reasoned dinner-table hashing out of basic truths. He is a reluctant interrogator, constantly backing away from encounters that might prove too hot. I knew if I said, Im this treehugging liberal from New York and Im walking this pipeline to oppose it, there would have been no conversation whatsoever, and I wouldnt have got their perspective, said Ilgunas. So I had to kind of talk with them artfully. Which unfortunately means no real talking. Ilgunas walks into a face-full of what one strongly suspects is regurgitated Fox News and Rush Limbaugh, and for reasons of either politeness or fear he cant break through. Finally, in the middle of the book, he is invited to lunch by Stan, a pro-pipeline guy who thinks climate change is fake but who says he hopes the backpacking stranger can help him understand differently. When he asks Ilgunas, Dont you believe environmentalism is all about power? voicing a conservative belief that climate change is a plot to increase government control Ilgunas shuts down. From the phrasing of this one question, I gathered that any sort of mutual understanding was impossible. Why? That is where the discussion starts. What we want from a book like this is something like the messy integration of human imagination and petrol captured in Rick Bass Oil Notes (Bass is a petroleum engineer by trade); a thirsty humans take on the vast manipulation of rivers in Joan Didions essay Holy Water; the humanity found in the perambulations of Thoreau, John Muir, Edward Abbey, Peter Matthiessen; the raw discovery, exposure and anger in William DeBuys The Last Unicorn. We need him to transcend the confrontation. Such discussions are rare in the country, but they are happening. Breakthrough local initiatives like the Blackfoot Challenge in Montana have been making great strides by putting farmers, environmentalists and government agents at one table and doing the hard work of talking to one another. And it is hard work. Maybe thats not possible for a man whos just passing through and has to camp somewhere in plain sight for cops and others to constantly hassle him. But I cant help but feel he should have stayed an extra day when insight was within reach. Instead, near the end of the book he admits he hasnt had a single good intellectual conversation on the nearly five-month trip and lets loose a rant: Not one person I encountered has said anything even halfway intelligent when denying global warming. They saw themselves as too freewilled and independent to be duped into accepting something that an accomplished and well-trained scientist says is true. But it is a false enlightenment to accept only those ideas that align with ones worldview and reject those that dont. Instead of dialogue, he was finally appropriated as a symbol of resistance. As he approached the pipes terminus at the Valero Refinery in Port Arthur, Texas, in February 2013, other pipeline protesters walked with him, interviewed him, stopped for selfies and whisked him off to Washington, D.C., to speak to throngs of climate change activists who considered him a hero. But he feels sheepish, acknowledging that even as he brought new attention to the pipeline, he hadnt changed many minds on the ground. Still, he felt good about the experience. Unlike the hitchhiking and birch-bark canoe adventures he recounts in Walden on Wheels, Ilgunas said, I feel like those are accomplishments that are pretty hollow because theyre affecting no one but myself. And I was striving for something more with the Keystone XL trip; I had more than myself in mind. I did really love my life every day on that journey, he added. Even though I was exposed to indifference and was often disillusioned and was chased by dogs, I did feel that I was in the right place at the right time in my life. Ilgunas declared to the CBC at the outset that he was out for a good walk. The frustration he found along the way reveals that its going to take a singular event or talent to get people to really talk to one another about climate change. Maybe walking, no matter how good, isnt quite enough. Kuipers is a writer in Los Angeles and is the author of Operation Bite Back: Rod Coronados War to Save American Wilderness. Like most of us, Larry Maizlish seldom scrutinizes the pages of fine print that accompany his credit cards. The other day, however, he decided to give it a go for his Lexus Pursuits Visa card, which offers points for vehicle repairs. I had the time, Maizlish, 53, told me. My eyes were feeling good. That was fortunate because he had to dig deep to come across a nasty little stink bomb planted by the cards issuer, Comenity Capital Bank. Advertisement About halfway through the pages of legalese, after the usual boilerplate about Comenity being able to change the terms of the contract any time it pleases, so there, Maizlish found this: You grant us a security interest in all goods you purchase through the use of the account, now or at any time in the future and in all proceeds of such goods. Thats a fancy way of saying that Comenity reserves the right to send guys to your home and take any stuff youve purchased with your card if you dont pay your bills. And if youve maybe sold the stuff on EBay, theyll take the cash you earned. Call it the Sopranos clause. I wouldnt have even known it was there if I didnt make the effort to read the whole thing, Long Beach resident Maizlish said. Its kind of hard to believe. Hard to believe because credit cards traditionally have represented whats known as unsecured debt, meaning no collateral is required to receive the loan. If a borrower fails to make payments, the lender has few choices except to negotiate a settlement for less money or file a lawsuit. Secured debt, on the other hand, is guaranteed by collateral. Car and home loans are the most common forms of secured debt. Miss your payments and adios wheels, sayonara house. Comenity is securing its credit-card loans with all the goodies cardholders put on plastic. This kind of thing fell out of favor among many card issuers in the 1990s, after Sears paid $273 million in refunds to customers to settle charges that it used a security interest provision to unfairly muscle people into making payments. Comenity, however, has stuck with the practice. The company is a leading issuer of store cards, including for retailers Ann Taylor, J. Crew and Pottery Barn. Ive never heard of anything actually being repossessed, said Linda Sherry, director of national priorities for the advocacy group Consumer Action. But these cards make it clear they can do it if they want. Think of it as leverage. Some people might think they can get away with not paying their credit-card bills, unfazed by the prospect of having their credit score go down the toilet. But those same people likely will sit up and take notice if faced with the explicit threat of losing their flat-screen TV or washing machine or refrigerator. That doesnt mean the store or bank is actually going to do it, said Douglas Crowder, a Los Angeles lawyer specializing in consumer debt issues. Its all about the threat factor. Theyd really send repo guys to a cardholders home? If it was a large enough purchase, it might be worth their while, Crowder replied. For anything with a resale value of less than $2,000, say, its hard to imagine theyd go to the trouble and expense. A Comenity spokesman, Larry Meltzer, declined to address whether the bank would dispatch repo men to cardholders homes. He said only that the security interest clause in the terms of Comenitys credit card agreements is designed to preserve rights it may have under applicable laws. Bankruptcy is a key consideration. Under most Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings, much of a consumers outstanding debt can be erased. During bankruptcy proceedings, consumers are asked if they want to reaffirm their secured debt. In other words, will they commit to keep paying off their car or home loan so they wont lose the property? Credit cards with security interest provisions are a way for these lenders to get on the list of reaffirmed loans, said Chi Chi Wu, a staff attorney at the National Consumer Law Center. Reaffirm our debt or lose your TV. Its a way to scare you into staying on the hook. Thats not to say these are idle threats. While the chances of a store or bank trying to repossess an electronic device or appliance seem low, it can happen. So dont just dismiss any such warnings as bluffs. Still, you do have rights. Section 9609 of the California Commercial Code says collateral only may be collected by a creditor without breach of the peace. So obviously no rough stuff is allowed. Repo men cant enter your home without permission. If you slam the door in their faces, the creditors sole alternative is to turn to the courts. Its willingness to do so will depend on the value of the item cheaper goods simply wont justify the legal costs. But pricier items, and not just diamond rings, might be sufficient to get lawyers involved. People are purchasing a lot of very expensive appliances for their homes $5,000 stoves, $7,500 refrigerators and theyre putting them on plastic, Sherry observed. If you bought a bunch of appliances together, the store is going to want them back if you dont pay your bills. To find out if your credit card contract has a security interest provision, try looking it up in a database of card agreements maintained by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. If you have a store card, you can also search Comenitys own site to see if its one of theirs. Maizlish, with that Comenity-issued Lexus Pursuits card, said he used his plastic for some recent home improvements. I guess if I dont pay my bills, they can come and rip out my windows or take out the rear patio, he said. He doesnt think this would ever happen. But just to be safe, hes contacting Comenity and seeking written clarification of the companys intentions. If they wont provide it, Maizlish said, theres no reason to keep using this card. Theres no shortage of other credit cards out there. David Lazarus column runs Tuesdays and Fridays. He also can be seen daily on KTLA-TV Channel 5 and followed on Twitter @Davidlaz. Send your tips or feedback to david.lazarus@latimes.com. It sounds as if President Obama lately has been listening to Bernie Sanders tough talk on business. From expanding overtime rules for employers to imposing stricter corporate tax regulations and fiduciary responsibilities on stockbrokers, Obama is using his executive power to demand greater accountability and contributions from American firms. Whether the policies are being pushed by Sanders anti-business campaign rhetoric, as some believe, or represent the culmination of years of getting nowhere with recalcitrant congressional Republicans, Obamas harder line on corporate interests has been met with howls from business chiefs and may mark a kind of makeover of the presidents legacy. See the most-read stories this hour >> In Obamas first term, with the nation reeling from the financial crisis and the public fuming at government bailouts of big banks, some in the Democratic Party shook their heads at what they regarded as the presidents failure to match his tough talk on Wall Street and corporate excess with equally strong action. Although Obama pushed through the sweeping Dodd-Frank overhaul of financial regulations, legislative compromises and long delays in following up with regulations blunted its impact. Obama hasnt exactly dropped the gloves since then, but the recent regulations unveiled by the White House with more to come, analysts say reflect a sense of urgency in the waning months of his administration. They come as the 2016 presidential candidates and ordinary Americans voice frustrations that the U.S. economy remains stacked in favor of corporations and the well-to-do. This is an administration under attack from the left for not being sufficiently anti-business, said Robert J. Shapiro, an economic advisor to former President Clinton and chairman of consulting firm Sonecon Inc. There is a real consensus across the Democratic Party that you have to go after aspects of inequality and aspects of corporate abuse. (Associated Press) Obama gets tough on businesses Corporate inversions: Makes it harder for companies to avoid U.S. taxes by moving headquarters abroad Retirement savings: Requires investment advisers to put clients' interests first Overtime: Extends overtime benefits to an estimated 5 million people Climate change: Sets state-by-state targets for reducing greenhouse gases from power plants Bruce Josten, the top lobbyist at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said, Theyve made it perfectly clear theyre going to try to push out as many of these regs as they can, as fast as they can. The sheer amount of new regulations, he argued, is driving the business community crazy. Josten accused Obama of helping make business-bashing acceptable in political discourse, as demonstrated in the presidential campaign, with his own sharp rhetoric. In highlighting this months new rules to rein in corporate inversions the most significant of the recent administration actions Obama called it an insidious tax loophole that multinationals have been irresponsibly exploiting at the expense of U.S. workers. It sticks the rest of us with the tab, the president said. And it makes hardworking Americans feel like the deck is stacked against them. See more of our top stories on Facebook >> The corporate inversion regulations are aimed at stopping firms from moving their headquarters overseas to avoid U.S. taxes, often by merging with smaller companies in lower-tax countries. Two earlier sets of Treasury rules on inversions, in 2014 and last year, were seen as weak and had little effect, but this third round was much more expansive with the potential for eliminating tens of billions of dollars of tax reductions by multinationals. Just two days after the new rules were issued, the New York-based pharmaceutical giant Pfizer nixed its $150 billion merger deal with Allergan, a former Irvine-based company one-twelfth of Pfizer's size that came to be headquartered in Ireland after multiple transactions. Allergan's chief executive, Brent Saunders, called the Obama administrations action capricious and complained it had taken aim at the Pfizer-Allergan deal. Treasury officials denied that they had targeted any specific transaction. But the new regulations extended far further than most initially believed. The tax rules not only make it harder for deals like Pfizer-Allergan, involving what Treasury called serial inverters, but also limit a much more widely used practice in which multinational firms make loans or shift finances between affiliates to strip out earnings in higher-tax countries or take advantage of tax breaks such as interest deductions. Theres a sense [the rule on earnings stripping] is not just targeted at abusive situations, but rather ordinary inter-company transactions that have been blessed for decades, said Lee Morlock, an international tax partner at Mayer Browns law offices in Chicago. He and other tax experts said multinational firms would now have to take a second look at any planned transactions involving inter-company debt and equity. SIGN UP for the free California Inc. business newsletter >> Its a little bit of a blunt instrument, said Eric Toder, co-director of the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center at the Urban Institute, who like others was surprised by the Treasury action. It is somewhat of a departure in policy. Companies have been using earnings stripping more aggressively over the years as the economy has become more global and tax planners have gotten more sophisticated in employing such techniques, said Kimberly Clausing, an economics professor at Reed College who has written extensively on the subject. Clausing estimated that earnings stripping accounts for at least 30% of the more than $100 billion in corporate tax revenue lost annually by the U.S. government because of overall profit-shifting maneuvers. Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew, in announcing the inversion regulations, did not rule out taking other steps on the issue in the final months of the Obama administration. Although Obama and others agree that overall corporate tax reform is needed the U.S. business tax rate is the highest among advanced economies there is almost zero chance of any legislation this year, and many doubt it could happen even in the next three years. Earlier this month, the Obama administration also issued regulations aimed at protecting retirement savers from being hurt by conflicts of interest and some other agents who sell stocks, bonds and other investments. While consumer groups and Democratic lawmakers cheered the rules, the financial industry, GOP leaders and other critics argued that they would drive up the cost of investments for average investors. The administrations proposed change in overtime, meanwhile, would more than double the threshold for white-collar workers exempted from overtime pay, to $50,440 from the current amount of $23,660. The White House also is expected to issue more health and safety, and environmental regulations affecting corporations. Jared Bernstein, chief economist for Vice President Joe Biden during Obamas first term, disputed that the administration had suddenly cranked up its efforts to get tough on businesses. He noted that some of the policies issued, such as the overtime rule, had been in the works for some time, before the political campaigns began. At the same time, he acknowledged that the administration had not done enough to bring Wall Street to heel, particularly in the White Houses reluctance to criminally prosecute those who had clearly engaged in financial misbehavior before the Great Recession. Nor could Bernstein account for why the Obama administration didnt issue the tougher inversion rules earlier when it had the chance. Many of us were scratching our heads why the first two efforts on tax inversion didnt have sharp teeth, said Bernstein, who is a senior fellow at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. If Obama was too soft on business, part of that can be explained by the top advisors who surrounded him earlier, said Dean Baker, co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research. They include former chiefs of staff Rahm Emanuel and William M. Daley, who are seen as centrist and business-oriented, as well as confidants like former Treasury Secretary Timothy F. Geithner, who some saw as sympathetic to the financial industry during his tenure and now serves as president of Warburg Pincus, a Wall Street private equity firm. I think part of the story [of Obamas stronger hand with businesses] is that some of the people pushing him toward the center are gone, Baker said. Still, like many Democrats, he said what ultimately has pushed Obama to implement stiffer regulations on businesses was the realization, however slowly, that his efforts to compromise and get changes through legislation would never happen in the current partisan climate in Congress. Geoff Garin, a Democratic strategist and president of Hart Research Associates, argued that history would show that Obama struck a healthy balance in his dealings with businesses. Its hard to argue hes anti-corporations in as much as hes invested a lot of political capital negotiating the Trans-Pacific Partnership, he said, referring to the pending Pacific Rim free trade deal that many Democrats have bitterly opposed. Its clear that people like Bernie Sanders would like Obama to be a lot tougher on corporations, but the thing about Obama is hes not knee-jerk pro-business or knee-jerk anti-business. ALSO In sophisticated shell game, thieves hit Central Valley nut growers Firms overcharged Californians $1.1 billion during energy crisis, judge says Number of deadly infections from dirty scopes is far higher than previously estimated San Francisco is urging some 37,000 Uber and Lyft drivers to register themselves as businesses adding red tape that could hurt ride-hailing companies bid to grow their workforce, but also helping affirm that those drivers are independent contractors, not employees. City Treasurer Jose Cisneros said Friday his office had mailed notices to 37,018 people identified as drivers for transportation network companies. A spokeswoman for Cisneros said that because of taxpayer confidentiality laws, the office of the treasurer and tax collector could not discuss how it obtained the drivers data, only that it follows nearly two years of enforcement work, including multiple requests for information and subpoenas to get sufficient data about business operations from TNCs domiciled in San Francisco. Advertisement Join the conversation on Facebook >> I take seriously my obligation to fairly implement San Franciscos business registration requirements, Cisneros said in a prepared statement. I urge all the people receiving this notice, and all unregistered businesses operating in San Francisco, to take prompt action to come into compliance immediately. Drivers who receive the notice will have to either register as a business or let the city know they no longer drive for a ride-hailing company within 30 days, or face a penalty. Registration costs $91 a year and can be done online. For drivers who have been working for multiple years but havent registered as a business, fees will be calculated automatically based on their start date and will include penalties and interest. If all drivers who were sent the letter registered as a business, it would generate $3.37 million a year for the city. The registration requirement will hit drivers hardest, although if it deters them from driving for ride-hailing companies, then Uber and Lyft, which have been in an ongoing recruitment race as they expand, also will feel the effects. We have serious concerns with the citys plan to collect and display Lyft drivers personal information in a publicly available database, a spokeswoman for Lyft said. People in San Francisco, who are choosing to drive with Lyft to help make ends meet, shouldnt have to compromise their privacy in order to share a ride. A spokeswoman for Uber said the company partners with entrepreneurial drivers and, as independent contractors, they are responsible for following appropriate local requirements. The silver lining for the ride-hailing industry is that the treasurers move helps reaffirm the companies position: Drivers should be treated as independent contractors, not as employees. Both Uber and Lyft have been tied up in class-action lawsuits filed by drivers seeking to be classified as employees. Business permit requirements differ from city to city. In San Jose, Uber and Lyft drivers have long had to register their business and hold a Tax Registration Certification as a condition of operating at San Jose International Airport. The Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collectors website does not specify whether drivers for ride-hailing companies need to register for a business license. The office for the treasurer did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Twitter: @traceylien ALSO Ousted American Apparel founder plans next act California minimum wage hike hits L.A. apparel industry: The exodus has begun California adds 4,200 jobs, while unemployment drops to 5.4%, the lowest in 9 years Bernard Labadie, the Canadian conductor who had become the frequent go-to guy for 18th century music at Walt Disney Concert Hall and elsewhere in this region, returned Wednesday night with his Quebec-based chamber orchestra, Les Violons du Roy, kicking off a short North American tour. For that alone, he and we were grateful, as Labadie has had to overcome stage 4 lymphoma during the last two years. He is not out of the woods yet; these days, he conducts seated without a baton to conserve his depleted energy. But otherwise, Labadie was pretty much his old musical self in front of this hybrid group that combines period-performance techniques with modern instruments. One of the deviations from the hard-core, period-performance party line was the presence of transcriptions on the Disney Hall program. In a short talk after intermission, Labadie said they were very much a part of period-performance tradition back in the day. (These guys didnt care about authenticity, he said.) With that in mind, Labadie made his own transcription of J.S. Bachs Passacaglia and Fugue in C Minor, originally written for organ yet made famous in the 20th century by massive, wonderful Technicolor arrangements for symphony orchestra by Leopold Stokowski and Eugene Ormandy. Advertisement Of course, Labadies version was nothing like those big-thinking showpieces. Instead, it illuminated the polyphonic aspects of the piece, far more so than the symphonic transcriptions or even the organ original. The repeating underlying passacaglia theme was set forth by harpsichord, cello and bass; there were duets, a pizzicato episode, violins questioning and answering each other, a lot of dynamic contrasts. It sounded like a lively, long-lost Brandenburg concerto -- and it was the best thing on the program. The other unusual twist on the program was that each of the three remaining pieces -- all standard fare from Bach and Handel -- was preceded by a meditative prelude. Another Labadie transcription -- this time, a rather dreary one of the Gravement movement from the Organ Fantasia in G, BWV 572 -- led into the Suite No. 1 from Handels Water Music, which gradually came together with increasing spirit and careful dynamic shadings. As a preface to Bachs Keyboard Concerto in F Minor, BWV 1056, pianist Alexandre Tharaud played the Aria from the Pastorale in F, BWV 590, and preceded the Keyboard Concerto in D Minor, BWV 1052, with the Adagio from a Bach solo keyboard concerto (BWV 974) based on an Alessandro Marcello oboe concerto and arranged by Tharaud. As played on a defiantly anachronistic Yamaha grand piano, both short meditations seemed to anticipate Chopins preludes. Tharaud pretty much continued in that poetic vein in both concertos -- very legato, delicate, genteel, heavy on the pedal, clashing with the sharper-etched manner of Labadie and Les Violons du Roy. For me, these concertos needed a lot more rhythmic definition, swing and drive than what Tharauds concept could accommodate. Labadie resurfaces here next in December when he returns to the Los Angeles Philharmonic with Handels Messiah. Sandra Oh left Greys Anatomy two years ago to pursue new adventures and an old love theater. The actress, 44, had spent 10 seasons on the ABC drama, winning Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild awards and earning five Emmy nominations for her portrayal of hard-driving heart surgeon Cristina Yang. Since hanging up her scrubs, the self-described Korean Canadian Los Angeleno has focused on stage and screen projects that, she says, reflect her super-indie roots and desire to help voices that havent been heard get heard. This weekend, Oh begins a two-week run in the world premiere of Julia Chos Office Hour at South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa. She plays a writing professor who reaches out to a student others see as strange and scary with unexpected results. Advertisement Tell us about Office Hour. Its hard to talk about without giving away all the reveals. There are so many layers. At the outset, its about a conversation between a professor named Gina and a student named Dennis. Inside that conversation, so much more is going on. One interesting thing is the suggestion that there are multiple realities. It will jar you out of your own point of view or make you realize you came in with a very specific point of view. It also opens up something great the idea of uncertainty. Raymond Lee and Sandra Oh in South Coast Repertorys 2016 world premiere of Office Hour by Julia Cho. (Ben Horak / South Coast Repertory) Cho has said she was inspired to write Office Hour by the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting in part because the gunman also was of Korean ancestry. Although the play explores campus violence, it sounds like the core issues are race, culture and alienation. Dennis represents so much of the shadow side of all of us. The parts that are ignored, wounded, angry. Ginas task is to make contact with him, to make a connection with that part of Dennis. Hopefully, its also a chance for all of us to make a connection with that part of ourselves. What does this play mean to you? I find that this is a deeply Asian American play. I feel extremely connected to it through my own cultural experience. By that I mean there are subjects that we dont talk about in our community and that I dont think the community at large is aware of. Dennis feels unseen, ignored, misunderstood. Somehow, that leads into an experience I think a lot of young people have and an experience a lot of people who feel that way in terms of the larger society have. Of course, Dennis is also a very troubled character. As an actor, it is rare to have this kind of rich material to draw upon. Julias writing has such a beautiful, lyrical quality. The emotional lives of her characters have a real poignancy. I hope this play will resonate with everyone. You are best known for roles on television (Greys Anatomy, Arliss) and in movies (Sideways, Under the Tuscan Sun). People may not realize that youve been performing onstage since you were a kid. I was born in a suburb of Ottawa and started acting in plays when I was 10. I attended the National Theatre School of Canada and started working in TV and film. Until Greys Anatomy, I was able to find time to keep doing plays such as Diana Sons Stop Kiss in New York and [Federico Garcia] Lorcas The House of Bernarda Alba at the Taper. You seem to be drawn to material with social and political themes. Its not that I do a play specifically because of its social aspect, but there must be an element of that because those are the choices I make. Ive picked roles mostly because they are great parts in beautiful plays that hope to both entertain and tell stories that are not usually told. The chance to tell such stories was one reason you left Greys Anatomy. I felt I had done my job. I had explored everything that I could with my character. I loved the camaraderie of that show. So the motivation to go was creative. I am so grateful that [series creator] Shonda Rhimes understood that I needed to make that choice. After I left, I did Ariel Dorfmans play Death and the Maiden in Chicago, and it felt great to be thrown into the deep end and remember that I could swim. I also helped a wonderful animator produce her film Window Horses [with a voice cast that includes Oh, Ellen Page and Shohreh Aghdashloo] about a young Chinese-Iranian-Canadian woman who is a poet. And I shot a micro-indie called Catfight. In my work choices lately, I want to be moved, to feel I really have to do this. What moves you? A lot of peoples focus is on the struggle to not be seen as other. But I am at the stage in my life where I want to tell stories from an Asian American perspective. The reason why is that its not generic. For example, anyone can do Office Hour. The only thing that is fairly specific is that the professor and student be of the same race or culture. There is a level of specificity I can bring to this play from my own cultural experience. I want to explain my cultures experience. I didnt think this way 15 years ago. Back then, I just had to be accepted as the same. I dont want to be that anymore. Its not like I want to play the other. I want to play us. Youve expressed interest in returning to Greys Anatomy for its eventual series finale. Rumor has it you may appear on the show even sooner. I love that there are rumors. Whats next for you? Im going to do the Sundance playwrights lab to workshop Hansol Jungs Wild Goose Dreams, where I play a North Korean defector. I want to do more theater, including more theater in L.A. calendar@latimes.com Playwright Suzan-Lori Parks is far too independent an artist to feel comfortable in the role of African American spokesperson. But she didnt hold back when asked for her thoughts about the controversy over Hollywoods diversity problem that came to a head with another overwhelmingly white edition of the Academy Awards. At lunch at the trendy Bowery Hotel not far from the Public Theater, where her heralded drama Father Comes Home From the Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3) had its 2014 world premiere (the play opens Sunday at the Mark Taper Forum), she complimented Chris Rock on the job he did hosting the Oscars. But to the question he posed in his opening monologue Is Hollywood racist? Parks had a no-nonsense answer. Advertisement Yeah, and so is America, she said. Hollywood is only as interesting as the rest of the country. Hollywood thinks, Were separate, were cool, were gorgeous, were glamorous, we walk on red carpets all day. Guess what? Youre all just as kookaburra as the rest of us. What interests her is the way the movie business reflects the nation. Hollywood doesnt particularly value the contributions of women, she said. Interesting that neither does the rest of the country on any given day. Hollywood enjoys and seems to encourage crazy violence. Gosh, thats happening in the rest of the country too. Parks is glad theres a conversation happening around these issues but doesnt see this as grounds for congratulations. I was at the University of Utah recently giving a lecture and sitting down with an awesome group of faculty, she recalled. One of them was saying, This country should be better than that, just like we say, Hollywood should be better than that. Yo, yo, yo, lets get real. Hollywood is exactly what it is and should not get a pat on the back for looking at itself or laughing at Chris Rocks jokes. A dramatist who enjoys caricaturing cultural attitudes in her work, she went on an improvisatory riff: Diversity and inclusion are such a pain and Im a good person when I do it and Im so annoyed I have to include more roles for women and black people. Oh poor me. Im just so trodden upon! This wasnt a subject that Parks, a charmingly sociable playwright, came to discuss. But confronting the world in all its shameless contradictions is her hallmark. She has a writers compassionate gaze, but her mode of being is theatrical. She is every inch a dramatist a point that was underscored when the sound of something crashing into the window right next to our corner table provoked an impromptu vignette. Sounds like someone fell off a ledge, Parks said, leaning over to see what was going on. Hello, do we need to help you? she shouted, giggling in disbelief. The tinted window preserved the mystery, but could someone really have fallen onto the new pristine Bowery, a destination these days not for bums but millennial dandies? Im making the most dramatic choice, she replied. There would be people screaming if that had happened. No, theyre doing construction. Back to our beautiful food, as Parks joyfully christened it, and to the real subject of our meeting, her even more beautiful career. Since she burst onto the scene with Imperceptible Mutabilities in the Third Kingdom in the late 1980s, this Army brat who was born in Kentucky, attended school in Germany and graduated from Mount Holyoke College in 1985, has created a body of work that has made her one of the most decorated playwrights of her generation. Parks, a preternaturally youthful 52, has won nearly everything. The Herb Alpert Award, multiple Obies, the Pulitzer Prize for Topdog/Underdog (she was the first African American woman to win a Pulitzer for drama), a MacArthur genius grant and, most recently, the Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize. This last award was particularly meaningful to her not only because it came with $300,000 but because it cuts across artistic disciplines, something she has striven to do in her work, which bridges poetry and music in drama. A finalist last year for the Pulitzer Prize, Father Comes Home From the Wars (Parts 1, 2 & 3) has added to her trove. The play received the $100,000 Edward M. Kennedy Prize for Drama Inspired by American History. Representing a swerve for Parks into episodic long-form storytelling, this is the first installment in a Civil War drama that she now believes will have 12 parts divided into four separate plays. Hero, the protagonist, is a slave who is persuaded to fight for the Confederacy on the promise that if he joins his master in battle he will win his liberty. Parks takes up a classic subject of drama freedom exploring it not just as an existential conundrum a la Sophocles but as a traumatic historical condition. Oskar Eustis, the artistic director of the Public Theater, where Parks has been in residence as the master writer chair, told me that he considers this the best play she has ever written. Parks smiled when she heard this but said she leaves those calculations to others. Some artists grow cautious when being taped for an on-the-record conversation, but Parks hardly seemed to notice the micro-recorder next to the attention-stealing breadbasket. (Here we go, she said. Dont eat the bread, eat the bread, dont eat the bread, eat the bread.) She asked me about my life in Los Angeles (we met as judges on the Obie Awards in the late 1990s) and updated me on her divorce, her young son and her recent engagement to a guy she met on an Internet dating site. Parks plays reflect the spontaneous, direct and utterly infectious energy of their creator. Her early works Imperceptible Mutabilities, The Death of the Last Black Man in the Whole Entire World and The America Play were marked by a dreamlike fluidity that brought to mind the great Adrienne Kennedy. But the verbal inventiveness, a melange of jazz, Beckett and spoken word, was purely Parks own. The three dramas that followed this period Venus, In the Blood and one with an unprintable title that, like In the Blood, was loosely inspired by Nathaniel Hawthornes The Scarlet Letter had narratives that were more readily graspable. These plays, produced at the Public Theater under George C. Wolfes leadership, had some complaining that Parks was losing her avant-garde edge, that she was becoming more accessible and, good heavens, institutional. Im not sure what that was about, Parks reflected. I guess it was some fear that I was leaving this little world downtown, where youre real. What is that even? The success of Topdog/Underdog, Parks 2001 play about a pair of brothers named Booth and Lincoln whose sibling dynamic takes on a syncopated historical rhythm, was both exhilarating and disorienting. She wrote the play in three days (it came very quickly, the way a lot of things do when theyve been brewing for years), and it was an immediate sensation. George C. Wolfe directed it downtown with Don Cheadle and Jeffrey Wright, she said. And then we had Mos Def and Jeffrey Wright uptown, with George C. directing. The play opened on Broadway on a Sunday and won the Pulitzer on a Monday. It was like, Oh, man! Success of this magnitude isnt easy to follow, but Parks, who was living in Los Angeles at the time, a stones throw from the beach in Venice, had one advantage: She wasnt interested in repeating herself. She taught at the California Institute of the Arts, she wrote a novel (Getting Mothers Body), and she worked on the TV adaptation of Zora Neale Hurstons Their Eyes Were Watching God for Oprah Winfrey. Her next theatrical project, however, surprised everyone. Parks committed to writing a play a day for a year. The producing vision for 365 Days/365 Plays was equally outlandish: a grass-roots theater festival involving scores of theater folk nationwide. I started writing in November, the year I won the Pulitzer, she said. I didnt know it then, but looking back it was my way of saying thank you to the art form..... I will bow to you every single day and offer the little thing that I have in my mind to you. It was devotional. From a certain vantage, it may have seemed as if Topdog/Underdog had knocked this gifted dramatist off course. 365 Days/365 Plays was more notable for its communal goodwill than for its artistic impact. Getting Mothers Body received mixed reviews. The book she wrote for a Ray Charles jukebox musical, which opened at the Pasadena Playhouse in 2007 and is still vying for Broadway, could easily be mistaken for commercial work-for-hire. And her rewrite of the book for Porgy and Bess ignited controversy when Stephen Sondheim criticized the creative teams presumption. (The production, though polarizing, went on to win the Tony for best musical revival.) Parks wasnt concerned if some saw her as artistically adrift. There are people clamoring for me to be something. But for an artist, the biggest person you have to answer to, aside from your mom or your dad (Oh, I hope they like it!), is yourself. Im tuned into the world, but when it comes to expectations, who do I answer to? I answer to myself. This is a philosophy she tries to instill in her students at New York University and in those writers who join her for Watch Me Work, the live-streaming workshop she conducts at the Public. Im always saying, Listen to that small voice within, she said. Thats where your writers voice is. This doesnt stop people from offering Parks their two cents. I still get it today, she said. There are people who need to tell me when they meet me that Topdog/Underdog wasnt such a good play. You know, its not really your best play, theyll say. As if they think Im going to take my name off the cover because they dont like it. In an early essay, An Equation for Black People Onstage, Parks raised a few provocative questions: Can a White person be present onstage and not be an oppressor? Can a Black person be onstage and be other than oppressed? For the Black writer, are there Dramas other than race dramas? Does Black life consist of issues other than race issues? In Parks view, There is no such thing as THE Black Experience. Her mission: to explore The-Drama-of-the-Black-Person-as-an-Integral-Facet-of-the-Universe. Shes not discounting the importance of racial concerns. Theyre big, important issues, she acknowledged. But there are questions of the human condition Who am I? What am I doing here? These are issues that everybody asks regardless of their race or gender or upbringing or social status or whatever. As people of African descent, we should remind ourselves that were not merely supposed to be addressing questions of race relations. I say race relations in a funny little voice because, gosh, the white man is standing on my neck again. The plays like that are very important and at a certain point they begin to serve the needs of white narcissism. Parks, who studied with writer James Baldwin in college, flatly rejects the idea that black characters need to be seen always in relationship to white characters. Drama for her has its roots in what she calls the mythic or epic experience. Once we recognize that we exist within this context, we can see the connections between our lives and the folks in Ramayana or the Mahabharata or The Odyssey or The Oresteia or the epic works of Horton Foote or those 10 great plays of August Wilson or any of the works that chart that ginormous wave of human experience, she said. Even though they differ widely in style and scope, all of my plays recognize that were part of this huge wave. Music is a crucial element. For Parks, lyric is what arises when characters are pressed on all sides. Thats when the wine flows out of them, she said. Parks wrote the songs for Father Comes Home From the Wars and even performed them onstage with her guitar in an early workshop production at the Public that was directed by Jo Bonney, who staged the New York premiere and is helming the Taper production. These are not elaborate songs, she stressed. Were not talking Mozart or the Gershwins. But songwriting has become an integral part of her creative life. I love to play out, she exclaimed. In its exploration of history through a contemporary theatrical filter, Father Comes Home From the Wars represents a pure distillation of the Parks aesthetic. She owns her style here with an agile grace. I appreciate that you recognize that because thats the subject of the whole play, she said. What do you do if youre allowed to own yourself? How can you own yourself even before freedom comes? And after freedom comes, what is the best use of yourself? Freedom, a birthright, never gets easier not even for a master playwright. One would think you develop these muscles of craft and then you can sit down and repeat yourself, she said. But what Ive discovered is that youre onto the next level, like in a video game. When she gets stuck, she calls on her ancestors. We are tough, she said in her sunshiny way. Not getting nominated for an Oscar isnt going to stop us from working. Lack of opportunities, obvious inequities, unfairness, evil, hatred, lies are not going to make us want to stay home and quit. Whether youre black or white, you can look at your heritage and find someone there who endured. You call on them, and you keep on going. Susan Sarandon has always marched to the beat of her own drum. She openly smokes weed. Last year, at almost 70 years old, she attended Burning Man -- a psychedelic gathering in the Nevada desert filled with art, sex and drugs. And she has never been shy about sharing her political views, recently spending a majority of her time stumping for Bernie Sanders campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. Even so, the 69-year-old made headlines last month when she got into a heated political feud with fellow actress Debra Messing on Twitter. OK, so first, a primer: On March 28, Sarandon went on MSNBCs All In with Chris Hayes to talk about her support for Sanders. Hayes asked if she would vote for Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton should Sanders lose the nomination, and she replied she was going to see what happens. Hayes expressed surprise, but Sarandon just replied with a shrug: Some people feel Donald Trump will bring the revolution immediately. Even though she never actually said shed vote for Trump over Clinton, that was the story that emerged from the interview. It was a sentiment that made many people on Twitter extremely mad, including Clinton supporter Messing, who tweeted this: Advertisement Susan Sarandon muses tht Trump prezcy wud b better 4 the country thn Hillary.Wonder if she'd say that if she were poor,gay,Muslim or immgrnt Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) March 30, 2016 What followed was a passionate back-and-forth between Sarandon and Messing that went on for days. Messing even got another actress, Kathy Najimy, in on the action: @SusanSarandon U & I have marchd togethr in pro choice & pro lgbt marches on washington. how, w/ any conscience evn hint tht Ud vote 4 trump kathy najimy (@kathynajimy) March 31, 2016 So why did Sarandon engage Messing on Twitter? At first, I engaged with her because I felt like if I said I didnt say that, just read it, it would have stopped, Sarandon told The Times in Las Vegas this week, where she was in town to accept CinemaCons Icon Award. I dont want to guess why she kept at it and brought other people into it. If somebody ultimately doesnt get it, theres no point in continuing to talk to them. At a certain point, I stopped, because that was clear. Sarandon said she has never met Messing in person, and that the two have not communicated outside of Twitter since their recent spat. She said she blames the whole thing on the outlets that picked up her MSNBC remarks and put misleading headlines on them. Some people [on Twitter] said, She didnt say that. Is that libel? Can she sue? Sarandon continued. But if people want to get themselves all twisted up and they get out on a limb, theres nothing you can do. As for Messing? I answered her on Twitter, and I felt that that was enough, Sarandon said. When it started evolving into a life of its own, there was no point. Follow @AmyKinLA on Twitter for the latest Hollywood news With Confirmation airing on HBO this weekend, the landmark 1991 Clarence Thomas confirmation hearings, in which attorney Anita Hill accused her former supervisor Thomas of sexual harassment, is once again a topic of discussion. This article was originally published in the Los Angeles Times on Oct. 21, 1991. Sheila James Kuehl, Abby J. Leibman and Jenifer McKenna are managing directors of the California Womens Law Center, a statewide policy center that supports the legal rights and interests of women and girls. To listen to the rhetoric of U.S. senators supporting the confirmation of Judge (now Supreme Court Justice) Clarence Thomas, sexual harassment in the workplace is terrible -- serious and devastating in its effects on women. Yet these same senators, in their cross-examination of Anita Faye Hill, just as piously spouted every ridiculous male stereotype about women and every male vision of female malevolence or incredibility. Gov. Pete Wilson also made pious general denouncements of sexual harassment, then last week vetoed a bill that would have given a victim of sexual harassment a remedy, short of going to court, for the actual harm she had suffered, as well as punishing the employers illegal behavior. His stated reason? Bad for business. As though it would be better for a business to have to defend itself in court (where a harassment victim can recover civil damages) instead of more informally to a state commission. Advertisement The governors veto and the Senates confirmation of Thomas sent a clear message to working women that womens experiences will always be belittled if they contravene male myths about women. Its as though you were not only allowed to punch me in the stomach every day at work, but that the legal definition of my pain is your opinion about whether I suffered or not. Your statement, as my boss, that it didnt hurt would be the legal standard for my claim. Worse yet, if you were a male, you would be judging my pain by whether or not such a blow would have hurt a healthy male. But the law, at least in California and the other Western states, recognizes the inequity of such a standard and the clear prejudice behind it. The focus is not on perceptions, which may differ, but on harm, which is actually suffered by a worker. It recognizes that a female worker may suffer harm not understood by a male employer. Since a Supreme Court ruling in 1986, sexual harassment has been defined nationally as verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that affects the working conditions of an employee -- hiring, promotion, firing or evaluation--or creates a hostile or intimidating work environment. Such behavior is action-able (though not criminal), even if not meant as harassing behavior, and even if the behavior is only generally aimed at all women and not at the particular woman complaining. But under this environmental harassment standard, guilt depends on who is experiencing the harm. Behavior that men shrug off may be physically harmful and deeply disturbing to women. Clearly, so long as men were allowed to define what constituted a hostile environment (that which would intimidate a reasonable man), women were expected to put up with normal obnoxious male behavior as part of their working conditions. The law went another step in January when the federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, covering the Western states, held that the standard for harassment must be the perspective of the reasonable woman, saying that a sex-blind reasonable person standard tends to be male-biased and tends to systematically ignore the experiences of women. The court recognized what women have always known, that because women are disproportionately victims of rape and sexual assault, women have a stronger incentive to be concerned with sexual behavior. . . . Men, who are rarely victims of sexual assault, may view sexual conduct in a vacuum without a full appreciation of the social setting or the underlying threat of violence that a woman may perceive. This is the appropriate standard, reflecting the old adage that the public generally believes to be the law: Your right to swing your arm ends where my nose begins. The rest of the federal appeals courts should follow suit. Beyond legal definition, supervisors and workers alike realize that sexual harassment, like rape, is about nothing but power. If we truly want equality in the workplace, we must recognize illegitimate uses of power for what they are--unequal burdens placed on women to keep them from advancing, or competently doing their job. Although inspired by actual events surrounding the 1973 Chilean military coup, Colonia cant help but feel like a political thriller that has been effectively stripped of most of those pesky politics. The end product is a standard-issue cult drama that nevertheless has its gripping moments thanks mainly to the presence of Emma Watson, who brings an intelligence and fierce determination to her portrayal of an airline attendant whose layover in Santiago de Chile turns out to be anything but brief. When her pro-Allende German activist boyfriend, Daniel (Daniel Bruhl), is apprehended and tortured by Augusto Pinochets secret police, Watsons Lena manages to infiltrate the Colonia Dignidad, the compound holding him, which is fronted by a religious cult presided over by a monstrous ex-Nazi named Paul Schafer (Michael Nyqvist). Advertisement Schafer and the Colonia Dignidad did, in fact, play a real-life role during Pinochets reign of terror, but director Florian Gallenberger and screenwriter Torsten Wenzel, obviously aiming for an Argo vibe, fail to persuasively weave those elements into the well-worn woman-in-peril tapestry. Although there was a more substantial story to be told here, Watson, with her razor-sharp Hermione Granger conviction very much intact, gives us reason to care about her characters predicament even as the dramatics that put her there prove considerably less convincing. ------------ Colonia Not rated. Running time: 1 hour, 50 minutes. Playing: Laemmle NoHo 7, North Hollywood. A half-dozen fascinating stories intertwine in the documentary The First Monday in May, a film that suffers from the diffusion although director Andrew Rossi mostly stands accused of being overly attuned to his subjects rich possibilities. In a broad sense, The First Monday in May is about the Metropolitan Museum of Arts popular 2015 exhibit China: Through the Looking Glass, a collection of fashion designs inspired by Chinese culture. The best-attended fashion-related event at the Met since Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, Looking Glass helped settle some of the controversy over whether designing clothes is just decorative art. But the show also sparked new controversies, which Rossi engages thoughtfully. Many of the featured designers were inspired by Orientalist stereotypes. Does displaying those works tell a story that shouldnt be ignored, or does it also exploit the exotic trappings of the Far East? Advertisement As with Rossis acclaimed documentary Page One: Inside the New York Times, First Monday covers too much ground, here weaving in the involvement of Vogue editor Anna Wintour and the complex planning behind the celebrity-studded opening gala. That said, the famous faces give the movie a touch of glamour, which helps enhance curator Andrew Boltons vision. Debates about how best to represent both fashion and China with the likes of Baz Luhrmann and Wong Kar-wai weighing in are provocative and useful. But Rihanna walking the red carpet in an Asian-inspired ensemble is fine art in motion. ------------ The First Monday in May. MPAA rating: PG-13, for brief strong language. Running time: 1 hour, 32 minutes. Playing: The Landmark, West Los Angeles. Francofonia revolves around a fascinating historical footnote, the kind of improbable alliance that many a screenwriter would eagerly turn into a period drama. In Nazi -occupied Paris, a German officer and the director of the Louvre joined forces to protect the museums holdings from expatriation to Germany. Luckily, Alexander Sokurov got there first with his new cinematic essay, an artful construction of archival material and new footage thats expertly made to look old. It naturally recalls Russian Ark, the masterful 2002 feature he shot in one sinuous, unbroken take at the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. The new film doesnt match the earlier works thrilling poetic force, but the two pictures share a deep appreciation of the inseparability of art and history. SIGN UP for the free Gold Standard newsletter >> Advertisement This time around, granted after-hours access to the Louvre, the Russian filmmaker ruminates on who we would be without our museums. The elegantly crafted film can be silly or frustratingly enigmatic, and it takes a while for it to fully engage. Sokurov begins by evoking Chekhov, then intercuts scenes of himself editing his footage and video-chatting with the captain of a symbolically storm-tossed ship, before focusing on the films paired heroes. Jacques Jaujard (Louis-Do de Lencquesaing) and Count Franziskus Wolff-Metternich (Benjamin Utzerath) are both in their mid-40s when Hitler arrives in Paris. There are no big emotional moments or revealing exchanges in the enactments of imagined scenes between these art historians. Their shared commitment to preserving cultural heritage plays out between the lines, and in Wolff-Metternichs evasion of orders from Berlin. Delving into the uneasy relationship between art and war, Sokurov observes that most countries national collections are built in part from the spoils of war. Napoleon Bonaparte himself leads the viewer through the galleries of the Louvre, and in a running joke that doesnt quite work, hes accompanied by Marianne, the symbol of republican France. Francofonia is a love letter to France and the Louvre, but its also a harrowing reminder that not all cultures have been held in such high esteem. On the Eastern Front, Leningrad met a very different fate than did Paris. Sokurovs open-ended Eurocentric meditation is, above all, a stunning visual achievement. The fluency with which he combines the pixels, ghosts and artifacts is extraordinary, and his deft use of drone footage is a lesson to many gadget-happy filmmakers. When the director speaks of artwork lost at sea as the result of warfare, he connects his museum prowl to the movies fictional ship captain and, by implication, to recent years wholesale destruction of ancient treasures in Syria and elsewhere. That point is brought home powerfully when he turns his lens on a 9,000-year-old sculpture. calendar@latimes.com Like a sleek novella amid dime-store paperbacks, Jean-Luc Godards 1964 movie Une Femme Mariee (A Married Woman) is the French filmmakers coolly intellectual, artistic dissection of modern bourgeois life that gets overlooked in his prolific 60s output, coming as it does between the gangster verve of Band of Outsiders and the jagged sci-fi noir of Alphaville. And yet it remains a thoughtful, probing exercise in erotic stagnation no less engaging for lacking pulpiness. As a digitally restored version makes its way into theaters, and onto Blu-ray next month, its neglected status will hopefully improve. Godards subject is the percolating dissatisfaction of Charlotte (Macha Meril), a beautiful woman married to the attentive and jealous Pierre (Philippe Leroy) yet driven to meet an actor named Robert (Bernard Noel) in hotel rooms. Godard wastes no time making his point about sex turned presentational and mechanical: The fragmented opening assemblage of fade-outs and fade-ins is of hands, legs, faces and lips in modes of caress, but displayed like close-ups of posed mannequins. Charlotte and Robert are ostensibly together, their bodies act it out, but her mind asking questions, worriedly assessing her schedule is elsewhere. As Charlotte continues her day, which involves picking up Pierre at the airport from his trip with a colleague to the Auschwitz trials in Frankfurt and preparing for a hosted dinner, Godard is nothing if not upfront about mixing personal turmoil and world upheaval and stretches out his thoughts on the movies true culprit: consumer culture, a readily available parade of visuals and text dictating how lives are to be lived, and enjoyed. Advertisement Characters routinely push products and remedies on each other (Charlottes obsession being bust enhancement), and defend their economic status or philosophical beliefs like practiced salespeople. In a brilliantly stylish, modernist sequence at a pool, a melancholic Charlotte flipping through an undergarment catalog overhears two sexually naive teenage girls discuss an upcoming rendezvous with a boy, while her imagined interjections of forlorn advice become ghostlike subtitles in the center of the frame. Her desire to communicate is literally stifled. During a montage of magazine ads, Godard lays over a Sylvie Vartan pop song, the refrain of which When the film is sad, it makes me cry speaks directly to a noted provocateurs then-evolving feelings about cinema as both pleasure art and manipulation tool. SIGN UP for the free Indie Focus movies newsletter >> Though A Married Woman is Godard at his most considered and theme-savvy, its also loosely comedic and emotional in ways his other movies arent (and arent meant to be). Charlotte is a palpably lonely figure, exquisitely trapped by romantic convention and the call of marketing forces swirling around her. The overall effect is of a character study, a polished critique and considering Godards folding-in-on-itself schemes its own cinematic ad of sorts for the art film of its day. Yet it feels connected to our current media-saturated, reflection-less world too. When Charlotte says she prefers the present to the past, its because theres no time to think. calendar@latimes.com ------------ A Married Woman (Une Femme Mariee) In French with English subtitles Running time: 1 hour, 35 minutes Not rated Playing: Landmark NuArt, West Los Angeles, one week only Swedes Erik Torstensson and Jens Grede shook up the saturated denim industry in 2012 when they started their label Frame, but one pair of $200 skinny stretch jeans called Le Skinny de Jeanne changed everything for their young brand. The style was worn by models Miranda Kerr, Karlie Kloss, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and other fashion influencers who helped turn the Los Angeles-made Frame into a thriving multimillion-dollar fashion business selling denim and ready-to-wear pieces for men and women. Frames first brick-and-mortar store is located on Melrose Place in Los Angeles. (Ivan Kashinsky / For the Times) Advertisement And on Thursday, the label, which has its headquarters in Culver City, opened its first brick-and-mortar store on Melrose Place in Los Angeles. In addition to Frame, Grede and Torstensson have a stable of a dozen separate fashion and creative companies, including operations specializing in public relations, art direction, talent brokering and brand management, all of which fall under their umbrella company, Saturday Group. Through Frame, the duo has created elevated wardrobe essentials that are synonymous with the model-off-duty aesthetic and sold at more than 650 retailers worldwide. On a March visit to L.A., Torstensson and Grede, who live in London, sat down to talk about their brand. The two agreed the road to Frames success was more organic and unassuming than it was a drive to create the next great denim company, though thats exactly what happened. When we started, there was no master plan, Torstensson says. We just started with skinny jeans in the perfect blue. That was the idea in the beginning, but there was also a bigger idea. We want to provide chic essentials for women around the world and now men as well. So, when we thought about the brand and the woman and how she lived and who she is, it was always to have a full wardrobe in mind. The idea of the Frame lifestyle was kind of there from Day 1. This lifestyle, while rooted in denim, has been rounded out during the last four years to include cashmere sweaters, T-shirts, leather and suede jackets and silk blouses, all with Frames French-cool-meets-California-ease aesthetic. We definitely have a European, maybe more French, point of view, says Grede, But then, we channel it through a California ease of dress. Its in the contrast where it becomes interesting. Blending European and American style tastes appears to come easily to Grede and Torstensson. They are often jet-setting to and from project locations and their offices in London, New York and Los Angeles, and at least once a month, they travel to their Culver City office and to downtown L.A., where the denim is made, for fittings and design and production meetings. This is the home of the brand, says Grede. We produce our denim here because the best people in denim live in Los Angeles. According to Grede and Torstensson, opening their first store in Los Angeles was a no-brainer, and the new space on Melrose Place was designed to reflect the SoCal landscape surrounding it. When you do a store, you should do it close to where you are so you can oversee it and develop it and learn from it, says Grede. L.A. just seemed like the most natural place. I dont think we even considered anything else. Architect and fellow Swede Christian Hallerod designed the Melrose Place store. The 1,550-square-foot spaces overall look is a mix of California woodwork and natural light, thanks to large windows, blended with a scaled-back Swedish aesthetic. It has a Big Sur influence with a lot of wood, natural materials and nice big windows as we wanted the light to speak for itself, says Torstensson about the inspiration for the store. Its a mix. Everything should always be a mix between London and L.A., like it says on the [Frame] label. Grede says that in addition to carrying the labels full range of goods, the store will be a testing ground for new products, styles and cuts exclusive to L.A. This will be our platform and place to experiment and have that conversation with our customer, he says. Thats what were most excited about to try new and unexpected things. Louise Redpath, marketing manager, opens the doors in the new Frame store on Melrose Place a few days before it welcomes the public. (Ivan Kashinsky / For the Times) The duo says they are planning to open a store in New York by this summer and they eventually would like to open a second L.A.-area store, this time on the Westside. With their robust celebrity following and Grede and Torstenssons ability to add a cool factor to their line, having the second L.A. store might be perfect for their fans and customers. We would love to do a store on the Westside, Venice or even Brentwood, if the right space came up, says Grede. I think [Los Angeles] is like two different cities on each side of the 405. image@latimes.com Enrique Olvera doesnt believe in Mexican food. The 40-year-old chef behind Pujol in Mexico City and Cosme in New York cites the difference between Texas barbecue and California cuisine to prove his point. Nationality in general is a stupid discussion, he says. There is a Mexican cuisine that is from Los Angeles, just like there is a Mexican cuisine that is from Oaxaca. Olvera is Mexicos most famous culinary star. His flagship, Pujol, is currently ranked No. 16 on San Pellegrinos influential list of the worlds 50 best restaurants. With seven concepts stretched across North America six in Mexico and one in Manhattan hes rarely in one place long enough to settle into a routine. On a recent night he was behind the stoves at Providence (Michael Cimarustis fine-dining sanctuary, ranked No. 1 on Jonathan Golds list of 101 Best Restaurants three years in a row), serving Maine lobster with charred seaweed mole and fiddlehead ferns as part of the restaurants 10th anniversary guest chef dinner. Another morning finds him making an ad hoc taco tour of L.A. Hes on a Culver City sidewalk waiting for his order from Wes Avilas roving truck, Guerrilla Tacos. Advertisement This dichotomy of high and low is a familiar place for Olvera, who ushered in a new era of Mexican cooking at Pujol one that blends the technique and precision of fine dining with the flavor and soul of street food. Guerrilla Tacos sweet potato taco with almond chile, feta cheese, fried corn and scallions. This vegetarian taco is a signature of the roving trucks chef, Wes Avila. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) Enrique! Avila calls from the truck, delivering his signature vegetarian taco, piled high with roasted sweet potato, feta cheese, fried corn and scallions. A few minutes later, a dish of surf clams emerges from the trucks window. The clams, slivered into long strips and served in their own palm-sized shell, are dressed with a Vietnamese-style noc nam, or dipping sauce, and scented with yuzu, a citrus most often associated with Japan and Korea. Avila, who worked for Alain Ducasse in Paris and later Gary Menes at Le Comptoir in Los Angeles, brings his fine-dining training to the street, whereas Olvera brings the energy of the street into the dining room. Both are deeply imbued in the flavors of their own community, which for Avila is the melting pot of Los Angeles, and for Olvera is the mercados of his hometown, Mexico City. Tacos are cultural expression, Olvera says. And in L.A. theres that approach of, Screw it as long as its delicious, who cares what kind of cuisine it is? An order of clams from Guerrilla Tacos. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) Olvera, who in addition to his work as a chef organizes the annual Mesamerica conference, a multi-day gastronomic summit in Mexico, likes to talk about authenticity, which he defines as who you are, not where youre from. I dont have a mariachi hat, says Olvera, dressed in white Italian leather sneakers, dark denim and a black windbreaker. I dont play Alejandro Fernandez in my car. Im extremely Mexican, but there is nothing Mexican about me. Half an hour later, he inverts a bottle of Tapatio over an octopus coctel outside Mariscos Jalisco, Raul Ortegas seafood truck that has been parked on East Olympic Boulevard for over a decade. It can never be too spicy, he says. Instead of the familiar tacos dorados filled with potato and topped with green salsa Olvera is accustomed to in Mexico City, the tacos dorados at Mariscos Jalisco are crisp yet pliable corn tortillas stuffed with shrimp and decorated with a rough dice of tomato salsa and delicate slab of avocado. Thats the beautiful thing about food, he says lifting his paper plate, its yours. It doesnt belong to the culture, it belongs to you. The seared bluefin tuna taco, right, and the sweet potato taco by Guerrilla Tacos. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) Back in the car, inching toward Mexicali Taco & Co. on the 101 Freeway, Olvera compares the sprawling yet comparatively sparse street food scene in Los Angeles with Mexico Citys vast web of esquites and al pastor. In Mexico, I miss diversity, he says. Here you find people from everywhere with many different interests. In a way, Los Angeles is like a spice route now a lot of people from many places. The cliche is that all of Los Angeles is Hollywood, a city of shallow roots and perpetual reinvention, but the food in Los Angeles has deep roots that spread laterally, borrowing ingredients and tinkering with existing formulas. Korean bulgogi tacos, vegan ramen and sushi burritos have come to exemplify a cuisine that cant be pinned down. I love the way that you guys are playing around with your food, Olvera says. A pastor taco at Mexicali Taco & Co. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times) At Mexicali a taco al pastor and a vampiro the griddled Sonoran specialty that welds carne asada and flour tortillas together with melted cheese arrive and Olvera dives into the pastor, a familiar taste from the streets of Mexico City where the combination of spit-roasted pork and sliced pineapple is a sidewalk staple. Whereas cochinita pibil belongs to the Yucatan, tlayudas to Oaxaca and chilpachole to Veracruz, Olvera says that everyone tries to claim al pastor as their own. Food historians attribute the spit-roasted meat to Lebanese immigrants from Puebla who adapted lamb shwarma into pork-filled tacos arabes in the early 20th century. The addition of pineapple, which Olvera credits to Mexico City, has since been exported to taquerias across North America, including this one Mexicali which sits on a nondescript block of Figueroa Street on the outskirts of L.A.'s Chinatown and is named after a border town home to La Chinesca, the largest Chinatown in Mexico. Like people, food wanders. And in a city like Los Angeles, the pleasure of eating lies in the uncertainty of whats next. For Olvera, the Philippines is next, where hell wander the spice route that gave Mexico mangoes, cilantro and tamarind. After that, hes off to Japan before returning home to Mexico, a trail of paper and ceramic plates in his wake. food@latimes.com Editors note: On Aug. 22, the California Supreme Court voted to uphold the April decision, and let teacher tenure laws stand. You can read more about the August ruling here. California will be able to keep its teacher tenure and seniority laws, at least for now, because theyre constitutional. Thats what a California appellate court said in its ruling Thursday, overturning a lower courts decision in the case Vergara vs. California. So what is this case, and what does it mean for teachers in California and across the country? What is the Vergara case? Beatriz Vergara is a Latina teenager from Pacoima who attended Los Angeles Unified School District. She, along with eight other families, sued the state of California in 2012 in a case called Vergara vs. California. (Later on, the judge added the California Teachers Assn. as a defendant, at the union's request.) The plaintiffs targeted the state laws behind the process through which teachers earn tenure after their first two years on the job, and a policy called "last in, first out" that laid off teachers based on reverse order of seniority instead of performance. They argued those laws were unconstitutional because they ultimately translated into a disproportionate amount of ineffective teachers working in schools that served primarily poor black and Latino students. During her testimony, Vergara said that her history teacher called her stupid. See the most-read stories this hour >> She and the other plaintiffs are backed by Students Matter, a Silicon Valley nonprofit founded by tech entrepreneur Dave Welch. In 2014, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Rolf Treu ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, saying that tenure and layoff statutes in California are unconstitutional. The state appealed, and because the judge decided to stay the ruling pending the resolution of appeals, teachers didn't see any changes to the way they received tenure or layoff notices. Earlier this year, a three-judge panel of the 2nd District Court of Appeal heard arguments from both sides about whether to reverse that decision. What happened in Thursday's ruling? On Thursday, that appellate court ruled that the judge got the ruling wrong, and that the statutes are not unconstitutional. Any potential harm done by the tenure process didn't occur because of the laws themselves, the court said. Rather, the ruling stated, the evidence presented by the plaintiffs showed that staffing decisions are made by district administrators. Therefore, the court concluded, there isn't enough proof to rule that the statutes themselves are making education worse for poor black and Latino students. If the lawsuit had targeted implementation, the court wrote, the ruling might have come out differently. https://twitter.com/Joy_Resmovits/status/720738379416010753 What's next in California? The plaintiffs say they will appeal the decision to the California Supreme Court. They dispute the core tenet of the ruling: that administrators, not the laws, hurt disadvantaged students. https://twitter.com/LATeducation/status/720744924426018816 So it's still possible that teacher tenure could be overturned. But that's unlikely given the strong language shutting down the Vergara argument in the appellate court decision, said Stuart Biegel, a UCLA education and law professor. "The court's job is merely to determine whether the statutes are constitutional, not if they are 'a good idea,'" presiding Justice Roger Boren wrote in the 3-0 opinion. https://twitter.com/Joy_Resmovits/status/720739903584083968 That said, state lawmakers might not touch the topic until the case is fully resolved, which may take a few more rounds. The case itself and the attention it has drawn might also help local advocates pressure local districts to regulate the way they hire, assign and fire teachers. For example, unions negotiate so that older teachers in many districts are allowed first dibs on their preferred schools, which often puts experienced teachers in high-income neighborhoods, and introduces younger teachers and more turnover to low-income schools that serve mostly minority kids, said Katharine Strunk, a USC education and policy professor. Even Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers union, said Thursday that elements of California's teacher tenure need fixing. Interested in the stories shaping California? Sign up for the free Essential California newsletter >> How does the ruling affect teacher tenure in other places? If the 2014 California ruling had held -- or if it does hold in a higher court -- Vergara would deal a huge blow to teacher tenure, and it might have made it easier to undermine the practice in other states. New York and Minnesota have ongoing lawsuits similar to Vergara. Now, though, judges could point to the California appellate ruling as a reason to deny the plaintiffs in those cases too, said Mark Paige, a public policy professor at the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth. Even if the other cases do fall through, the Vergara case drew national attention because of the core issues at stake, the powerful forces competing and the outcome of the trial. note to copy: the following three grafs are taken from our earlier story (and are from sonali's reporting): https://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-court-rejects-bid-to-end-teacher-tenure-in-california-marking-huge-win-for-unions-20160414-story.html They wanted the knockout punch, and had they gotten that through sort of a systemwide strike-down, then the dominoes could have fallen in Minnesota and in New York, Paige said. But had they gone with a focus it probably wouldnt have served the objective of striking down tenure entirely. This case has brought much-needed attention to the way that state teacher tenure and layoff policies, paired with local agreements between teachers unions and school districts, cause high-needs students to get stuck with inexperienced teachers and high turnover of those teachers, Strunk said. Even if a higher court maintains Thursday's decision, Strunk said, were seeing a lot of pressure on state legislatures to do something. Reach Sonali Kohli at Sonali.Kohli@latimes.com or on Twitter @Sonali_Kohli. ALSO: This school is opening the first gender-neutral bathroom in Los Angeles Unified New Vergara ruling makes clear it's Legislature's job to fix laws protecting bad teachers UC Davis spends $175,000 to sanitize its online image after ugly pepper spray episode Neighborhoods in the San Fernando Valley, Hollywood and the Westside will feel the biggest impact from Los Angeles new law requiring the retrofitting of wood-frame apartment buildings to better withstand a major earthquake, according to a Times data analysis. City inspectors spent about two years developing a list of 13,500 so-called soft-story buildings that will probably need seismic strengthening. These apartments, which feature flimsy first floors that often serve as parking spaces, became popular after World War II as Los Angeles was spreading north into the Valley and west toward the ocean. But theyve also proved to be vulnerable to violent shaking. Buildings collapsed in the 1989 Loma Prieta and the 1994 Northridge earthquakes, including one apartment building where 16 people died. Advertisement Los Angeles building officials sifted through tens of thousands of city records and walked block-to-block to identify these structures. Owners of each building have been put on notice, and a number of them have already begun the retrofitting process. The retrofits can cost as much as $130,000, which has sparked concerns from owners and residents feeling the pressure of rising rents and a housing crunch. Some property owner groups were opposed to the public release of this data, citing concerns that the list isnt perfect and that further inspection will show some of the buildings might not need retrofitting. But seismic safety experts said this preliminary list marks a milestone in providing the public with important safety information about where they choose to live. This is a critical first step. Fundamentally, you cant fix the buildings if you dont know which buildings need to be fixed, said seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones, who served as Mayor Eric Garcettis earthquake safety advisor in 2014 and helped shepherd the citys retrofit efforts into law. I think the process of creating these records is helping the city come to grips with what is necessary to really do this. Renter rights advocates also supported making the list of buildings public. Tenants should know, if theyre renting an apartment, how safe those apartments are, said Larry Gross, executive director of the Coalition for Economic Survival. SEARCH THE DATABASE: Will your L.A. apartment need a seismic retrofit? Three decades ago, Los Angeles similarly required retrofitting of 8,000 un-reinforced brick buildings that were at risk of collapsing in a major earthquake. Those addresses were also made public, sparking outcry from many property owners. Today, almost all the buildings have been strengthened or demolished. No one died from brick-building damage in the Northridge quake. These brick buildings populate the more historic parts of the city, including downtown, and were a common form of construction through the early 1930s. Soft-story apartments became popular in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s and are found in areas that experienced rapid development during that era. In the Northridge area today, soft-story buildings still make up a significant part of the residential landscape. More than 3,200 buildings on the list home to at least 75,000 units are in the San Fernando Valley, according to The Times analysis of the list obtained through a California Public Records Act request. The analysis identified at least 55 large buildings with 100 or more units. More than half of those are in the Valley, west of the 405 Freeway. Many soft-story buildings are also in Hollywood, around Koreatown and in certain Westside neighborhoods such as Palms, Mar Vista, West L.A. and Venice. All told, more than half of the 13,500 buildings were in the Valley or the Westside, according to the analysis. On six blocks of Mentone Avenue in Palms, for example, there are more than 90 addresses listed in the citys inventory. Similar patterns emerged in other residential clusters nearby. I drove down Palms Boulevard, and I was just blown away, Jones said. Its just apartment after apartment after apartment. Racial slurs and harassment by another tenant can amount to discrimination under fair-housing laws. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times) The soft-story design was praised as an affordable and efficient way of providing parking and multiple housing units on a relatively small lot, said Alan Hess, an architect and historian who specializes in California modern architecture. Accommodating a population boom and the blossoming car-centric culture, these buildings sprang up both in undeveloped spaces in the city and more suburban areas. They were definitely meant to be mass housing with a lot of the amenities that people expected in the 1950s and 1960s coming from California. There are decks, there are balconies, there are accessibility to the automobile parking their car right under their unit basically, Hess said. In that sense, they were well-designed for the purpose. They met the need and they were extremely popular both with renters as well as with builders, who could build them pretty easily and cheaply. Also known as dingbats, these buildings were considered modern and are an iconic snapshot of a very particular time in Los Angeles, Hess said. Many today are beloved for their charming retro feel. The design phased out in the 1970s and 80s replaced by taller multi-unit buildings that provided even more housing on a smaller piece of land. It wasnt an awareness of its seismic vulnerability that stopped the expansion of dingbats. It was more to do with the price of land, Hess said. You see patterns, especially in places like Palms. You go down the street, and there will be these small bungalows, individual houses from the 20s, and then next to it would be a row of dingbats, and obviously, a bungalow was torn down for the dingbat. And you go a little bit further, and then youll see, from the 70s or 80s, a multi-story apartment house on several pieces of property where a couple of dingbats were obviously torn down to build these higher, denser housing units. You see the whole pattern, the evolution of the apartment in Los Angeles. Retrofitting the soft-story buildings is important not just for safety reasons, seismic experts said. The apartments represent an important part of L.A.'s affording housing stock, and losing them after a quake would be devastating for a city trying to recover. Jones noted that the Northridge quake alone damaged about 49,000 apartment units, two-thirds of which were in soft-story buildings. Last month, building owners received courtesy notices outlining the new retrofit law: Beginning in May, the official order to comply will be mailed on a rolling basis. Owners of the citys largest apartment buildings, with 16 or more units, will receive the first wave of orders. The next wave will include soft-story buildings that have three or more floors, followed by any remaining buildings on the list. Owners have two years, from the date they receive the compliance order, to either submit proof that the building doesnt need retrofitting or plans for retrofit or demolition. Within 3.5 years of receiving the order, owners must obtain their retrofit permits. The entire retrofit must be completed within seven years of receiving the order, officials said. With the law now in motion, property owner groups have been hosting workshops to help owners navigate the retrofit process. Structural engineers have been putting together webinars and FAQs, and the city hosted a seismic retrofit resource fair last week to answer questions about contractors and financing. The question of how to fund these costly retrofits remains a major concern, said Jim Clarke, who represents the property owner group Apartment Assn. of Greater Los Angeles. The law requires owners to front the retrofit costs, which can range from $60,000 to $130,000 possibly even more for larger buildings. The city recently agreed to allow owners to pass on half the costs to tenants through a rent increase of up to $38 more per month. Lawmakers are also looking into other financial aid options such as tax breaks and repaying a loan through property taxes. Clarke called on lawmakers to aggressively continue efforts to secure financial aid, which is crucial to getting these 13,500 buildings retrofitted. Many of the owners are older mom and pop landlords who invested their retirement in one building, live in one of the units, rely on the rent as income and cannot easily afford a costly retrofit, he said. The passage of the law and the release of the list are just the beginning, Clarke said. Its not over, people. We need to focus on completing this task, and part of it is finding ways to pay for these projects. rosanna.xia@latimes.com jon.schleuss@latimes.com ALSO How a plan to create a much-needed park in Koreatown withered Uber and Lyft have devastated L.A.'s taxi industry, city records show Magnitude 7.1 earthquake hits southern Japan; some reported trapped Rules proposed Friday to regulate Airbnb and other vacation-rental websites in Los Angeles could set the stage for a political showdown, with the city seeking information from the companies in order to track down illegal rentals. The plan would empower Los Angeles to fine the online platformsand the hosts if they advertised rentals that defied restrictions on where and how often rooms or entire homes could be used for short stays. The websites also could be fined if they failed to hand over addresses and other information to the city. Airbnb and other companies have been reluctant to share data, including how long travelers had stayed and the price they paid, arguing that doing so would trample on hosts privacy rights. Advertisement The proposed law takes a step backward, putting consumer privacy at great risk by requiring online platforms to give the government unfettered access to confidential user data without any idea of how that information would be used, Airbnb spokeswoman Alison Schumer said in a statement. But critics contend that requiring the websites to help find and halt illegal rentals is a crucial step in stopping scofflaws. City Councilman Mike Bonin said that if the companies dont hand over information, were shooting blind. Were not asking for a ton of deep, personal private information, Bonin said. What units are being rented? How often? The law would allow short-term rentals in Los Angeles but impose several restrictions: People would be able to rent out only their primary residence, defined as the place they live at least six months out of the year. Hosts could rent out only that home, or a room within it, for up to 90 days annually. They would be barred from offering apartments that fall under rent stabilization or affordable-housing covenants, and would have to pay the same kind of lodging taxes as hotels, which would go into a city fund for affordable housing. The plan drew praise Friday from housing and labor advocates worried about how the rise of such rentals has affected housing availability. Roy Samaan, a research and policy analyst with the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy, called the proposal a great step forward. It allows legitimate home-sharing without displacing rent-controlled tenants, Samaan said. But the Los Angeles Short Term Rental Alliance which includes hosts who use Airbnb, HomeAway and other platforms called the plan overreaching and misguided, saying it would hurt residents who rely on renting out a second home to support their families. Bryce Fujii, an Airbnb host who lives in Canoga Park, said it would be stifling to be able to share his home for only up to three months of the year. Renting out a private bedroom has connected Fujii to global travelers and helped him make his mortgage payments, he said. If L.A. passes the law, its probably the nail in the coffin, Fujii said. I will be looking to leave California. The plan was released after a string of heated public hearings packed with rental hosts, housing advocates and neighborhood activists. As it stands, short-term rentals are illegal in many residential areas of the city, according to a planning department memo. But Los Angeles has struggled to enforce those rules as Airbnb, VRBO and other websites explode in popularity, especially in tourist hot spots such as Venice and Hollywood. Fans say such night-to-night rentals provide an economic lifeline to strapped Angelenos and a way to share a slice of their lives. Criticsincluding housing activists and hotel worker unions complain they have disrupted neighborhoods and pulled needed housing off the market. However, those critics largely have focused their ire on commercial operators renting out a string of homes or apartments nonstop, not people offering up a spare bedroom from time to time. Bonin said the proposal targets those de facto hotels while allowing genuine home-sharing. Several other big cities, including San Francisco and Portland, Ore., already have regulations. Bonin and city planning officials said they had sought to learn from those efforts to make L.A.s rules as easy as possible to enforce. The proposal hinges on a registration system: Hosts would be given an official number that would have to be displayed in online listings. If they failed to do so, they could be fined and so could the websites they use. Hosts would be charged at least $200 daily for advertising a rental that lacked a registration number or otherwise broke the rules, while the websites would face fines of $500 a day. Other violations could trigger stiffer fines: Hosts who rented out a room or home beyond the number of days allowed could be docked $2,000 per day. The websites, in turn, could be penalized $1,000 per day for refusing to turn over addresses of rentals that failed to register with the city. Rental websites say they want to crack down on illegal hotels, city planner Matt Glesne said. Were putting the ball in their court a little bit and saying, How can we work together? Angelenos will be able to weigh in on the proposed rules at a May hearing; the city planning commission will take up the proposal in June. If approved, the law would then have to be vetted by the City Council. Follow @latimesemily for whats happening at Los Angeles City Hall Interested in the stories shaping California? Sign up for the free Essential California newsletter >> ALSO L.A. releases addresses of 13,500 apartments and condos likely to need earthquake retrofitting L.A. council votes to refrain from doing business with North Carolina and Mississippi We still suffer from Manson murders, victims daughter says in opposing Van Houten parole Cory LaBianca acknowledges that one of the Manson family members who was convicted of killing her father and stepmother in 1969 has done some good things during her decades behind bars. Its what Leslie Van Houten did before ending up prison -- joining in the grisly slaying at the couples Los Feliz home -- that should determine whether she should be freed, LaBianca says. At one point choking up, LaBianca told The Times she was disappointed that a California review board on Thursday recommended parole for the 66-year-old convicted murderer. Advertisement 1 / 6 The five victims slain the night of Aug. 9, 1969 at the Benedict Canyon Estate of Roman Polanski. From left, Voityck Frykowski, Sharon Tate, Stephen Parent, Jay Sebring, and Abigail Folger. The next night, it happened again. Rosemary and Leno LaBianca, a wealthy couple who lived across town, were stabbed to death in their home. (Associated Press) 2 / 6 Charles Manson is led back to his cell after court appearance in 1970. (Bill Murphy / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 6 Four young female members of the Charles Manson family kneel outside the Los Angeles Hall of Justice on March 29, 1971, with their heads shaved. The women kept a vigil at the building throughout the long trial in which Manson and three others were convicted of murdering actress Sharon Tate and six others. (Wally Fong / Associated Press) 4 / 6 Charles Manson is escorted to court for preliminary hearing in 1969. (Bill Murphy / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 6 Charles Manson receives the news that he was denied parole in 1997, for the ninth time in March, 1997. (Eric Risberg / Associated Press) 6 / 6 Charles Mansion in the high security area of the Corcoran State Prison in 1998. (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times) I very much disagree with the ruling, she said in a rare telephone interview. We all need to be held responsible for our behavior. The least we can do, for someone who commits a crime against another human being, is to keep them in jail. LaBianca did not attend the parole hearing, held at the California Institution for Women in Chino, but her cousin attended. Her son listened via telephone, she said. At one point, she said, he couldnt bear to hear the detailed account of the slayings. He started crying. My son is 41 years old, LaBianca said. He stood, crying, and told the [parole] commissioner, I cant listen to this. Over the years, members of her family have attended parole hearings but for the most part, she said, they chose to remain in the background. When her mother and the ex-wife of Leno LaBianca, Alice LaBianca, chose to speak out in 1998 against Van Houtens parole, it was considered a rare public statement. On Thursday, as news set in that the board, after 19 prior denials, recommended parole for Van Houten, Cory LaBianca said she would ask Gov. Jerry Brown to block her release. The ruling will be reviewed by the parole boards legal team. If upheld, it will be forwarded to Brown, who could decide against Van Houtens release. A spokesman for the governor said it would be premature for his office to comment. Van Houtens attorney, Rich Pfeiffer, has said his client was long overdue for release, listing her accomplishments behind bars: earning bachelors and masters degrees, running self-help groups and facilitating victim-offender reconciliation sessions. According to comments carried by the Associated Press, Commissioner Ali Zarrinnam told Van Houten: Your behavior in prison speaks for itself. Forty-six years and not a single serious rule violation. Pfeiffer said that commissioners were impressed by how his client had spent her time in prison. A lot of people who oppose parole dont know anything about Leslies conduct. Her role was bad. Everyones was. But they dont know what shes done since then and all of the good shes done, Pfeiffer said. To LaBianca, however, the accomplishments are eclipsed by the horror of what happened on Aug. 10, 1969. Then 19, Van Houten and others stormed into the home of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca. As Charles Tex Watson stabbed Leno, Van Houten and another woman held down Rosemary. After Watson stabbed her with a bayonet, he handed a knife to Van Houten. She testified to stabbing Rosemary in the back at least 14 more times. And I took one of the knives, and Patricia had one a knife, and we started stabbing and cutting up the lady, Van Houten testified in 1971. (Patricia Krenwinkle was a co-defendant and family member). The blood of the victims was used to scrawl messages on the walls, as had been done at the Benedict Canyon home where, on the previous day, Manson family members killed actress Sharon Tate and four others. Maybe Leslie Van Houten has been a model prisoner, Cory LaBianca said. But you know what, we still suffer our loss. He didnt get to live his, and Ill live it for him, she said of her dad. And Im proud of that. But the killings enter the mundane in unexpected, haunting ways. Recently, her grandson asked about her father, wondering how he died. How do you answer that to a 6-year-old? LaBianca said, sighing. It doesnt end. This doesnt end. Do you think Leslie Van Houten should get parole? Tell us on Facebook >> For breaking news in California, follow @MattHjourno ALSO Garcetti talks up economic recovery in 2016 State of City speech UC Davis defends paying to remove pepper-spray references from Internet In a win for unions, appeals court reverses ruling that threw out teacher tenure in California In the wake of controversial North Carolina and Mississippi laws that critics say discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, the Los Angeles City Council voted Friday to refrain from conducting business with the two states. City Council members voted 12 to 0 to stop doing business with the states, including participating in any conventions or other business that requires city resources. Councilman Mike Bonin, who wrote the resolution, said the laws in North Carolina and Mississippi would create a climate of intolerance and a climate of violence in those two states. Join the conversation on Facebook >> Advertisement I can guarantee you in these two states that hate crimes are going to increase and people are going to be beaten, said Bonin, who is gay and represents coastal neighborhoods from Westchester to Pacific Palisades. And I can guarantee in these two states that young kids struggling with their identity are going to be bullied and some of them will ponder suicide. Thats not what Los Angeles stands for. Bonin spokesman David Graham-Caso said the councils resolution is functionally a travel boycott. It is not our intent for the city to stop purchasing goods from private, equality-minded companies, he said in an email. I can guarantee you in these two states that hate crimes are going to increase and people are going to be beaten. Mike Bonin, L.A. city councilman Republican North Carolina lawmakers passed a law last month limiting legal protections for LGBT people at hotels, shops and restaurants. Also restricted were the bathrooms and locker rooms that transgender people can use. Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant signed a law this month that allows government employees to refuse to issue marriage licenses or perform marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples and that allows businesses and faith-based groups to deny housing, jobs and adoption and foster-care services to people based on their sexual orientation. L.A joined other places and companies calling for boycotts or other actions in response to North Carolina and Mississippis laws. Earlier this month, Bruce Springsteen canceled a concert in Greensboro, N.C., citing passage of the new law. L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti expressed his support for the council vote. In recent weeks, we have seen both of these states pass legislation that betrays the basic rights to equal protection and self-expression that all Americans are guaranteed by the Constitution, he said in a statement. These bills are thinly veiled as actions to preserve religious freedom or protect against sexual violence, but will instead promote intolerance and discrimination against the LGBT community. Bonin proposed ceasing business with North Carolina until it repeals its law and amended the resolution Friday to also include Mississippi, until that state repeals House Bill 1523. In the resolution, Bonin cited some of North Carolinas bill, which includes legally barring North Carolinians from any bathroom or locker room that does not match the gender assigned on their birth certificate. On Tuesday, North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory announced he had signed an executive order intended to affirm and improve the states commitment to privacy and equality. The executive order would expand the states equal-opportunity employment policy to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. But critics dismissed the executive order, arguing that the governor was not making any significant changes. In May 2010, L.A. was part of a wave of cities that voted to boycott Arizona after lawmakers there passed a law targeting immigrants in the country illegally. City Hall staffers were ordered to review contracts with Arizona companies for possible termination and official travel to the state was supposed to be suspended. But in the aftermath of L.A.s vote, the city still did business with Arizona, with the L.A. City Council granting several exceptions, including to approve contracts to buy Taser guns made in Arizona and red-light traffic cameras. Some critics said the councils decision was ultimately more symbolic than anything else. Twitter: @brittny_mejia and @davidzahniser Times special correspondent Jenny Jarvie in Atlanta contributed to this article. ALSO California minimum wage hike hits L.A. apparel industry: The exodus has begun L.A. plan would demand Airbnb hand over information so city can track down illegal rentals L.A. releases addresses of 13,500 apartments and condos likely to need earthquake retrofitting Mayor Eric Garcetti sought to draw attention to Los Angeles march toward economic recovery during his annual State of the City speech Thursday, celebrating declining unemployment even as he acknowledged that many Angelenos including tens of thousands who sleep on the streets each night have missed out on the benefits of rebounding jobs and real-estate development. In the speech, delivered at the Harbor City headquarters of an LED lighting manufacturer, Garcetti struck a delicate balance: claiming credit for the citys improving economy while addressing other important measures of civic health, such as violent crime and homelessness, that have grown worse on his watch. Unlike his first two State of the City speeches, Garcettis address Thursday did not feature announcements of significant new mayoral initiatives. However, he did say he would be helping to drum up financial support for a program offering Los Angeles Unified School District students a free year of community college. Advertisement School officials had not previously announced the program, which resembles President Obamas proposal in his 2015 State of the Union address to offer two free years of community college for all U.S. students. Los Angeles Community College District board President Scott Svonkin said Garcetti had agreed to raise $1.5 million toward the program, splitting its initial $3 million cost with the district. In its broad framing around policies meant to encourage prosperity, the speech seemed calculated to tap into the concerns over income inequality that have come to dominate politics at both the local and national level in 2016. On that front, Garcetti pointed to one of his administrations signal legislative achievements: The passage last summer of a $15 citywide minimum wage, which he called the largest anti-poverty measure in our citys history. But Garcettis economic message wasnt purely populist. Indeed, it was obviously intended to appeal to an audience other than the progressive Democrats who have advocated for low-wage workers: the business owners and developers who have helped fuel L.A.s revival and have long complained of bureaucratic obstacles at City Hall. Garcetti said tax reductions and holidays enacted by his administration had resulted in $160 million in savings for businesses. When I raised my hand to become your mayor, I described City Hall as a place where jobs came to die, he said. Three years later, he added, City Hall is widening the circle of opportunity and were seeing those benefits ripple across every corner of our city. To illustrate that success, Garcetti cited jobs data, asserting that the city was not simply being buoyed by the nations broader economic recovery. He noted that unemployment in L.A. dropped more steeply last year than in California and the U.S. as a whole. Some may say that this is just coincidental, that were riding a national wave. But thats not what the numbers say, he said. In Los Angeles, were not riding the wave. Were creating one. A somewhat different picture emerges from a more thorough review of the numbers themselves. In February, when the citys most recent jobs data was published by the UCLA Anderson School of Management, L.A.s unemployment rate was 5.8%. That was higher than both the states 5.5% unemployment rate and the U.S. unemployment rate of 4.9%. Since Garcetti assumed office in June 2013, L.A.s economy has added 109,000 jobs, a 6% increase. The number of jobs in California increased 5.8% over the same period. Raphael Sonenshein, executive director of the Pat Brown Institute for Public Affairs at Cal State L.A., said its standard practice for mayors to take credit or reap blame based on their cities economic fortunes. When things go badly, no matter how much they explain that mayors dont control the economy, they really do get punished for it, Sonenshein said. When things are going decently, its reasonable to take a reasonable amount of credit. Toward the end of his speech, Garcetti also looked ahead to a series of contentious November ballot measures in which he and other elected officials will ask voters to approve billions in funding to expand public transportation and house the homeless. Garcetti said the budget he is scheduled to release next week includes $138 million to reduce homelessness, a figure in excess of the $100 million the City Council pledged last year but that has so far failed to materialize. It is unclear whether the council will approve the mayors suggested spending level. peter.jamison@latimes.com | @petejamison emily.alpert@latimes.com See more of our top stories on Facebook >> ALSO Board recommends parole for Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten; victims daughter outraged In a win for unions, appeals court reverses ruling that threw out teacher tenure in California High-tech nut bandits cost Central Valley packers millions last year A Los Angeles judge on Friday drastically lowered the bail for several defendants charged in a $150-million fraud case that prosecutors have described as one of the largest insurance scams in California history. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Kathleen Kennedy reduced bail to $1.635 million from as high as $21.5 million after dismissing aggravated mayhem charges in the case. The charges carried a potential life sentence. Prosecutors argued that the aggravated mayhem counts were justified, saying that the scheme resulted in dozens of patients suffering serious scars after a physicians assistant not Dr. Munir Uwaydah, the certified surgeon patients believed would conduct the procedure performed surgeries on them. Advertisement One woman testified to grand jurors that she was in excruciating pain after her shoulder surgery and later learned that whomever performed her procedure had accidentally left 24 inches of gauze beneath her skin. But the judge disagreed with the prosecutions argument. I just dont find evidence of specific intent to permanently disfigure, Kennedy said at a court hearing Friday. See more of our top stories on Facebook >> A district attorneys spokeswoman said the office is reviewing Kennedys decision. The remaining charges, which are laid out in two indictments, include accusations of conspiracy, insurance fraud and capping, which entails illegal patient referrals, as well as other crimes. One of the defendants in the case, Kelly Soo Park, was acquitted three years ago of murdering 21-year-old model Juliana Redding at her apartment in 2008. Prosecutors earlier said that Uwaydah gave payments totaling six figures to Park and her family before the slaying and before Parks arrest on the murder charge. Parks attorney, Mark Kassabian, told Kennedy on Friday that his client whose bail was previously set at $10 million is prepared to post bail. Uwaydah, the accused ringleader who prosecutors initially said had been arrested in Germany, remains at large. For more news from the Los Angeles County criminal courts, follow @marisagerber ALSO Video of motorcycle stunts along 101 Freeway sparks CHP investigation L.A. plan would demand Airbnb hand over information so city can track down illegal rentals L.A. council votes to stop doing business with North Carolina and Mississippi over LGBT laws On a shady downtown sidewalk, antiabortion activists were preparing for their lunchtime protest. Members of Students for Life gathered outside Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris office. Her sin on this day? Her investigation of the antiabortion activist who created an elaborate ruse to expose Planned Parenthoods perfectly legal practice of providing fetal tissue for medical research. Can I get an abortion victim? asked a middle-aged woman who was positioning giant photos of bloody fetal tissue near the microphone stand for maximum visual impact. Last week, as my colleague Paige St. John first reported, investigators from Harris office searched David Daleidens Huntington Beach apartment seizing computers, hard drives and California IDs issued under the aliases that he and an associate used to gain access to meetings of the National Abortion Federation and surreptitiously film Planned Parenthood doctors discussing how they procure fetal tissue. Advertisement Daleiden and his allies claim that he is a citizen journalist whose 1st Amendment rights were violated by the attorney generals raid. The National Abortion Federation and Planned Parenthood, both of which are suing him, claim he perpetrated a fraud. Sensing an opportunity to create a political martyr out of Daleiden, and raise some cash, antiabortion organizations including mainstream ones like the Susan B. Anthony List and radical ones like the Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust urged like-minded activists to show up here Wednesday to demand that Harris resign. California Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris vowed to investigate whether antiabortion activist David Daleiden broke any laws in filming Planned Parenthood officials discussing how they procure fetal tissue. (Nick Ut / Associated Press) (Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust also has launched a chilling effort called the Irregulars. In August, founder Jeff White, a former Operation Rescue leader, wrote: We are declaring war on Planned Parenthood. We are soldiers or warriors that employ irregular military tactics harassing, pursuing and sabotaging Planned Parenthoods evil plans at every turn. He urged young people to come to California because this is where Planned Parenthood is strongest. The post was removed but was provided to me by the Feminist Majority Foundation, which monitors groups like his.) Harris has accepted money from Planned Parenthood. On her Senate campaign website, she asks voters to sign a petition in support of the organization. That, abortion foes say, makes her unfit to investigate Daleiden. Hardly. Public officials are not prohibited from doing their jobs because they get money from a business, or a nonprofit, or some other kind of organization, said Loyola Law School professor Jessica Levinson, vice president of the Los Angeles Ethics Commission. This is how the political world goes round. Officials get contributions and sometimes they take action in a way that affects their contributors. Public officials are not prohibited from doing their jobs because they get money from a business, or a nonprofit, or some other kind of organization. Loyola Law School professor Jessica Levinson, vice president of the Los Angeles Ethics Commission When I asked Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life, why it was OK for Republican attorneys general to accept money from antiabortion organizations, then try to outlaw abortion (Michigan, Kansas and Texas come to mind), she changed the subject. The question is, why was taxpayer money wasted on 11 agents raiding a one-bedroom apartment when David was already cooperating with the investigation? she said. And why wasnt there an investigation of Planned Parenthood? I would be happy to investigate everybody. Lets figure out what actually happened. But of course, we know what actually happened. Daleiden set out to prove that Planned Parenthood breaks the law. A dozen state investigations have found no wrongdoing. A Texas grand jury impaneled to investigate Planned Parenthood ended up indicting Daleiden on charges of trying to buy fetal tissue and using a fake California drivers license. Hawkins tried to explain that away: If you look at the Texas situation, you have a politically motivated, pro-abortion assistant DA. But the assistant district attorneys boss was not pro-abortion. And she was in charge. Anyone who pays attention knows that I am pro-life, said Harris County Dist. Atty. Devon Anderson. I believe abortion is wrong. But my personal belief does not relieve me of my obligation to follow the law. I guess you could say the same about our own attorney general. :: Maybe it was too close to finals. Only about 30 students showed up for the low-key event. Most arrived by bus from Washington and Oregon. Kamala Harris is supposed to be the person we trust to go after criminals, but instead she targets an innocent, law-abiding citizen, said Veronica Fealy, founder of the Bay Area antiabortion group Shield for the Unborn. A gray-haired man across the street nearly drowned out her amplified voice, screaming: Choice! Choice! Choice! It wasnt as exciting as a Donald Trump rally, but it jolted me awake. Back in July, after Daleidens videos hit the Internet, Harris vowed to investigate whether he had broken any laws when he created fake IDs and registered fake companies with the state. Last month, I wondered in print why it was taking her so long to wrap it up. Ten days later, her investigators raided Daleidens home. I thought it was kind of a cool coincidence. Antiabortion news sites claimed I had goaded Harris into action. On LifeNews.com, Operation Rescues Cheryl Sullenger wrote, There is evidence that Abcarian was acting as a surrogate for an impatient Planned Parenthood. She described me as a so-called journalist. Well then. I guess I would call her a so-called pro-lifer. After all, she served about two years in federal prison in connection with the failed 1987 firebombing of a San Diego abortion clinic. I would love to think I am powerful enough to command the attorney general to do my bidding. But Im pretty sure she was just doing her job. robin.abcarian@latimes.com Twitter: @AbcarianLAT ALSO Where does Kamala Harris stand on Planned Parenthood videos? State attorney general seizes videos behind Planned Parenthood sting Kamala Harris support for Planned Parenthood draws fire after raid on anti-abortion activist Opening a new chapter in a high-profile stamp-world mystery, a valuable inverted Jenny stamp has surfaced six decades after it was stolen at a collectors convention. The stamp one of the worlds most famous pieces of postage was among four of its kind taken at a 1955 collectors convention. While two were recovered more than 30 years ago, there had been no sign of the others until this one was submitted to a New York auction house this month and authenticated. Its one of the most notorious crimes in philatelic history, and theres a piece of the puzzle now thats in place, said Scott English, the administrator of the American Philatelic Research Library, which owns the stamp and is working with auctioneer Spink USA and federal authorities to recover it. Advertisement The would-be consigner, a man in his 20s who lives in Britain, said hed inherited the stamp from his grandfather and knew little about it, said George Eveleth, head of Spink USAs philatelic department. He said authorities had told the auctioneers not to release the name of the consigner. While its unclear whether the man can shed any light on the long-cold trail to the thieves, the stamp was accompanied by an intriguing item: a 1965 letter about a monetary loan from a noted stamp dealer to a well-known auctioneer, both now dead, Eveleth said. The letter isnt necessarily connected to this stamp, however. Still, the Bellefonte, Pa.-based philatelic library hopes the stamps discovery could lead to new clues. Were going to remain optimistic, English said. Because, think about it: Here we are, 61 years later, and a stamp has appeared. Worth 24 cents when issued in 1918, inverted Jenny stamps fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars today. While other stamps are rarer, the Jenny is one of few that is readily recognized even by noncollectors, Eveleth said. It made its way into popular culture in movies such as 1985s Brewsters Millions, in which Richard Pryors character uses one to mail a postcard, and television shows including The Simpsons, in which Homer Simpson finds but disregards a sheet of them at a flea market. The U.S. Postal Service issued a commemorative inverted Jenny stamp in 2013. The original was made to celebrate the launch of U.S. air mail. Some were printed with the Curtiss JN-4H Jenny biplane inverted, and a savvy customer bought a 100-stamp sheet before anyone realized the error. Over the years, they were separated, coveted, counterfeited and narrowly saved from the blitzkrieg of London in World War II and from a flood in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. A block of four was on loan to the American Philatelic Society when stolen from a display case at its 1955 convention in Norfolk, Va. The lender, who died in 1980, gave her rights to the stolen stamps to the society, which shares some ties with the American Philatelic Research Library. Two of the Jenny stamps were recovered in the 1970s and 80s from different Chicago stamp connoisseurs, who said theyd bought the stamps from people who had since died or whose names they didnt know, according to a 2014 article in American Philatelist, the societys journal. ALSO Seattle residents dont want trash cops looking in their garbage Activists are asking the U.S. for a stamp honoring Japanese American soldiers during WWII Couple builds life, love and a business out of a stamp collection Shawn Bagley thought he knew what he was getting into when he was elected to become one of Californias so-called superdelegates to the Democratic National Convention, and energetic debate with other activists was part of it. What Bagley had not anticipated was being jolted out of bed by a 2 a.m. phone call from an angry Bernie Sanders supporter. The caller accused Bagley, a retired produce broker from Salinas, of stealing democracy from the citizenry. Why is Bernie Sanders letting these people loose on us? said Bagley, a Hillary Clinton backer who says he was branded corrupt, immoral and thickheaded over the course of some 200 social media posts and phone calls from Sanders fans. He lost my vote at 2 a.m. Advertisement Sanders supporters are known to be a spirited bunch. But as their frustration mounts over their candidates failure to significantly cut into Clintons lead, no small number of them are lashing out in ways that are not particularly helpful to his campaign. Election 2016 | Live coverage on Trail Guide | Track the delegate race | Sign up for the newsletter There is the activist in Chicago who unleashed a movement to harass superdelegates backing Clinton, with an online hit list complete with delegate phone numbers and some home addresses. There are the online trolls who have come to be known as Bernie bros, who attack journalists, politicians and fellow voters they perceive to be pro-Clinton with misogynistic, often vulgar attacks. There are the campaign surrogates -- some of them high-profile -- who use language the campaign finds itself having to walk back. On Thursday, Sanders apologized for comments made by Paul Song, chairman of the progressive California group Courage Campaign, during Sanders huge rally the night before in New Yorks Washington Square Park. Song railed against corporate Democratic whores, saying the party establishment was beholden to the pharmaceutical industry. The Clinton campaign demanded Sanders disavow Songs words, which it did. Song himself also apologized, saying the comment was not directed at Clinton. The hostility from some Sanders backers reflects a very different tone than what supporters projected a year ago at Sanders first large rally in Vermont, a lakeside park affair that resembled a peace festival. It comes as Sanders, the underdog candidate who trails in the delegate count despite a string of electoral wins in recent weeks, has stepped up his attacks on a political system he says is rigged for Clinton and a corporate media he says wants him to lose. His increasingly hostile tone can be a combustible mix with a group of supporters who, in many cases, are new to the mechanics of party politics, delegate lobbying and campaign messaging. As a campaign so heavily focused online, it is especially vulnerable to the Internets darker impulses. People on the Internet can be jerks, said Neil Sroka, spokesman for Democracy for America, a large grass-roots advocacy group supporting Sanders. I dont think that is news to anyone who has spent time reading comment sections in the average newspaper. When you have a strong online presence, you are going to have all the good and the bad that comes with it. What do you think this kind of behavior? Tell us on Facebook >> Sroka says the Sanders campaign is hardly condoning the behavior, pointing to occasions where staffers and the candidate himself have scolded supporters for inappropriate remarks. But others complain the campaign too often looks the other way, particularly in the case of antagonism toward the superdelegates who have pledged to support Clinton at the convention in Philadelphia in July. These people are worried someone is going to come to their house, said Bob Mulholland, a Democratic political operative in California who supports Clinton and recently wrote an open letter to the Sanders campaign accusing it of fanning the flames of harassment. They have been put on a hit list. Mulholland is talking about a database of superdelegates published online by activist Spencer Thayer, who originally called it the Superdelegate Hitlist and included a graphic of a donkey in cross hairs. Thayer has since toned it down, changing his sites name to Superdelegate List. But he makes no apologies for collecting and publishing the personal information of the delegates, many of whom are just regular people like Bagley. Its uncharted territory for Democrats. The last time the votes of superdelegates mattered in a convention was in 1980, and the technology did not exist to quickly find and broadcast the personal information of these delegates to anyone who might begrudge them. Some Sanders supporters point out, however, that activists sympathetic to Clinton tested the waters for a similar, unsanctioned superdelegate lobbying effort on her behalf in 2008. Even so, the Sanders campaign has struggled for months with loutish behavior online that extends beyond a few jerks. Most any woman who has said anything critical about Bernie or positive about Hillary on social media has been subject to Bernie bro harassment, said Laura Olin, who advised the 2012 Obama campaign on social media. A frequent target is Joan Walsh, a national affairs correspondent for the Nation, who is supporting Clinton for president, though the magazine has endorsed Sanders. They never stop, and you wind up on Twitter trying to convince a BernieBro that BernieBros exist -- and even as hes being Exhibit A, hes calling you a whore, $hill, sellout and on and on, she said in a direct message on Twitter. Jill Filipovic, a freelance journalist and attorney who often writes positively about Sanders, said that when she criticizes him, she is subjected to a mass dogpiling of tweets sort of treating you like youre a dumb girl. The degree to which any criticism of this candidate is met with this complete brick wall of rage -- its like criticizing Jesus, she said. Its truly bizarre. She gets attacked by Clinton supporters, too, but not on the same scale, she said. I do think its gotten worse as the campaign has gotten more heated, Filipovic said. Most of the sexist slurs directed at Clinton on social media -- such as hag, shrill, and other words too crude to print -- have come from Donald Trump supporters, according to a study by a pair of Dutch researchers published in the Washington Post in February. But 14.7% of those slurs came from Sanders supporters, and mostly from men, according to the study. Some women who support Sanders, though, say theyve endured boorish behavior from supporters of all the presidential campaigns. They also say the term Bernie bro itself diminishes the legions of feminists working for Sanders, who they argue has the best agenda for women. The term, said Sarah Leonard, a senior editor at the Nation, implies the more progressive candidate draws his support mainly from men, and therefore his presence in the race is the force of misogyny. Like other Sanders supporters, Leonard bristles at all the hostile behavior that has emerged. But she says she sees where it is coming from: The stakes are high for the left, with the candidate vying to be the first female president running against the candidate vying to be the first socialist president. It makes people on the left very protective of Bernie Sanders, Leonard said, and they can be overly aggressive. Halper reported from New York and Pearce from Los Angeles. Twitter: @evanhalper, @mattdpearce ALSO: A Sanders supporters Democratic whores insult just exposed the partys risk of splitting Hillary Clinton fights to secure black vote in New York in face of recent racial missteps Republicans unintentionally prompted this push to help 8 million immigrants become citizens The men and women who make up one of Bernie Sanders best political assets in New York are doing just about everything to help him except one: vote. The Working Families Party, a nearly two-decade-old political force in the Empire State, has sprung into action on behalf of Sanders, the independent-turned-Democratic presidential hopeful. But only registered Democrats can vote in Tuesdays primary, shutting out the nearly 50,000 Working Families members. Though their ranks are minuscule compared with the states 5.8 million Democrats, Sanders inability to count on support at the polls from them or others outside the Democratic Party underscores the reality that a core source of his strength throughout the nomination battle, independent liberals, cant vote for him in dozens of states, including New York. Advertisement In this unexpectedly drawn-out Democratic primary in which delegates are awarded proportionally, a few thousand votes here or there could help Sanders snatch a handful of delegates from front-runner Hillary Clinton. Sanders campaign has said its current strategy to win the nomination is to come within striking distance of Clinton in pledged delegates and persuade the so-called superdelegates, party leaders and elected officials who can back the candidate of their choosing and who largely support Clinton, to switch allegiances. Election 2016 | Live coverage on Trail Guide | Track the delegate race | Sign up for the newsletter The urgency of Sanders challenge was apparent Wednesday evening at a rally in downtown Manhattan where the senator from Vermont drew 27,000 supporters, the latest in a string of yuge rallies scheduled in the run-up to New Yorks most consequential Democratic presidential primary in decades. One of the first speakers reminded the audience that New Yorks primary was closed to all but registered Democrats, prompting boos across Washington Square Park. Sanders himself raised the issue at the conclusion of his more than hourlong speech, acknowledging a tough race for us. We have a system here in New York where independents cant get involved in the Democratic primary, where young people who have not previously registered and want to register today cant do it, Sanders said from the foot of parks signature arch, the Empire State Building gleaming in blue and green behind him. Still, Sanders predicted a surprise for the establishment. If we have a large voter turnout on Tuesday, we are going to win this thing, he said, echoing predictions hes made in other states. Johanna Weiss of Brooklyn, who arrived at the Sanders rally more than six hours before he took the stage, said she switched her registration to the Democratic Party just before the October deadline. She said she only learned about the need to do so because of her engagement with the Sanders campaign online through social media. I was very active with the campaign on Facebook, so I was lucky enough to have stuff coming up in my feed all the time. And Im always reminding family members get out there, switch if you need to switch, she said. Back in the fall and the late summer, a lot of people didnt know who Bernie Sanders was, she said, adding that media coverage of his candidacy only became widespread after similar voter deadlines had passed. I still dont necessarily consider myself a Democrat, she added, saying shed vote for Green Party candidate Jill Stein in November if Sanders isnt the Democratic nominee. I still have some qualms with the Democratic establishment. Hurley Graham of Queens, who also attended the rally and is registered as a Libertarian, said that by the time he learned he had to switch parties to participate in the Democratic primary, it was too late. It certainly is a handicap for a lot of voters, he said, blaming Democratic leaders in New York who overwhelmingly support Clinton, a state resident for the last 16 years. Whatever theyre going to do to handicap [Sanders], theyll do. On Thursday, dozens of voters at City Hall protested the states closed primary system, which one speaker called the largest act of voter suppression in the state of New York. Taxpayers should not fund such elections in which millions of voters are ineligible to participate, said John Opdycke, president of the group Open Primaries. Jackie Salit, president of IndependentVoting.org and campaign manager for former New York Mayor Michael R. Bloombergs campaigns related to the Independence Party, held up a full-page newspaper ad from the state Board of Elections that noted that Tuesdays primaries were open only to registered Democrats and Republicans, but said no similar voter education effort was made ahead of registration deadlines months before. She said shes glad Sanders is speaking out about the issue now. I would like him to be more vocal, not just about the consequences in any particular race but about the systemic problems that exist and that do affect a major portion of the constituency that is drawn to him, she said. To conduct voter suppression against people on the basis of their identity is both shameful and illegal. To conduct voter suppression against people on the basis of political choices that theyre making, i.e., to be independent and not be affiliated with a party, is just straight up un-American. The Clinton campaign has said she has performed best in elections in which the greatest number of voters participate, not Sanders. Clinton won 17 of the first 21 states where turnout exceeded 7% of eligible voters, campaign manager Robbie Mook wrote in a memo on the eve of last weeks Wisconsin primary. Clinton won open primaries in Ohio, Illinois and Missouri but lost them in Michigan and Wisconsin, among others. Whether a presidential nominating contest is open or closed varies by state and by party. In California, for example, only registered Republicans can participate in the GOP presidential primary. Unaffiliated voters can cast ballots in the Democratic primary, but members of the Green or Libertarian parties, for instance, may not. But all voters will be able to vote in congressional and other down-ballot races under Californias top-two system. New York Assemblyman Fred Thiele, the Assemblys only independent lawmaker, has introduced legislation to implement the same system in New York. New York state has some of the most archaic voter laws in the entire country, he said. If you want to vote in New York, you really have to want to; and even if you want to vote, sometimes they wont let you. The Working Families Party has joined with independent unions who also back Sanders to hold rallies throughout the state, register new voters (who had until a few weeks ago to sign up) and knock on doors, said Bill Lipton, the partys state director. Tens of thousands of people have shown up to these rallies, which is indicative of huge momentum, he said. The volunteer energy from young people especially is like nothing Ive ever seen before. And even if its members cant support Sanders, he said, the Working Families endorsement is an important signal to progressive Democrats. Were the Good Housekeeping seal of approval for progressives, he said. Twitter: @mikememoli ALSO: A Sanders supporters Democratic whores insult just exposed the partys risk of splitting Hillary Clinton fights to secure black vote in New York in face of recent racial missteps Republicans unintentionally prompted this push to help 8 million immigrants become citizens Bernie Sanders will launch first California TV ads, making contrast with Hillary Clinton over fundraising As Hillary Clinton travels to California for a pair of high-dollar fundraisers with film star George Clooney, Bernie Sanders will launch his first paid television advertising in the state with a message highlighting what his presidential campaign sees as a key contrast. The new 30-second spot is called "$27, a number that has become as closely identified with Sanders as 47% was in a negative way for Republican nominee Mitt Romney four years ago. It represents the average contribution that Sanders supporters have given to his campaign. A flood of small donations has given him the resources to compete through the June 7 California primary and its expensive collection of television markets. I think its the best $27 you can spend, one voter says in the ad. The spot will debut on KGO-TV in San Francisco on Friday evening and on KCBS in Los Angeles on Saturday night, timed deliberately to coincide with Clintons major fundraisers with Clooney in both cities. The events have minimum asking prices in the tens of thousands of dollars. Its a very powerful statement about what Bernies campaign is about, Tad Devine, the campaigns chief strategist, told the Los Angeles Times. Hes trying to create a political revolution in America, not just by talking about these issues, but by acting on them. Devine said the spot will ultimately air in greater rotation in California and other states that will vote after New Yorks primary on Tuesday. He said the availability of early voting in California makes it important to go up with advertising there even more than a month before the primary. Hes made a decision that hes not going to be part of a corrupt system that relies on enormous contributions to super PACs, Devine said. He thinks its the reason that we have gridlock in Washington, the reason we cant take on some of the biggest problems of our time, including immigration reform, clean energy and college affordability. Sanders has made Clintons use of super PAC contributions a key part of his message, hammering at the point during a debate Thursday night in Brooklyn. Clinton called it a phony attack, and one not only directed at her but against President Obama, who also relied on a super PAC in his two presidential campaigns. Devine said Clintons defense overlooks the ways in which technology particularly the use of smartphones has made it easier than ever to raise small-dollar donations to sustain a presidential campaign. If President Obama were running for president for the first time today in 2016, with the means that we have today to raise the kind of money that Bernie Sanders has demonstrated can be raised, I think he would have had the opportunity to make a decision about whether to participate in the super PAC system or run outside of it, he said. I would give him the benefit of the doubt and say he may have decided differently than Hillary Clinton did. Not every weakness in Californias public schools is tantamount to an assault on the state Constitution. After a problematic lower-court ruling struck down various job protections for California teachers, an appeals court rendered a more sensible conclusion Thursday: the states current seniority and tenure laws arent optimal, but they fall short of being unconstitutional. At issue in the case of Vergara vs. California were laws that lay out a long and tortuous procedure for teachers to appeal a firing, require that less experienced teachers almost always be let go first when districts carry out layoffs and give principals only 18 months to decide whether a new teacher deserves tenure. These laws go too far. Bad teachers are a stain on schools; parents will go to almost any lengths to avoid the worst of them. Students lose learning time and, perhaps worse, their interest in school under the weakest and least motivated instructors. Advertisement The laws should be changed, but it is not the courts job to intervene in every poorly crafted or outdated statute. The question was whether these protections so harmed education and discriminated against the black and Latino students who often come from low-income families and attend schools with fewer resources that they violated constitutional guarantees of equal treatment and a free and high-quality education. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Rolf Treu decided that they did, despite evidence that truly awful teachers make up a tiny percentage (perhaps 1% to 3%) of the overall teaching force. In addition, as the appeals panel noted, theres little proof that the weakest teachers are disproportionately assigned to schools with large numbers of black and Latino students. Even if thats so, that problem isnt caused by state law, but by union contracts in each district that give more experienced teachers first shot at job openings at other schools, instead of assigning teachers where theyre most needed. What happens next? Probably nothing very good. The school reform-minded plaintiffs vow to appeal. With the pressure of a lawsuit off its neck, the Legislature, which has been far too solicitous of the wishes of the California Teachers Assn., is less likely to pass AB 934, a reasonable legislative fix to the laws in question that would still protect teachers from capricious and vindictive firings. Worse, the battle lines between reformers and union-allied groups become even more deeply etched. This state has real problems to work on in its schools, especially the lack of counselors and the looming teacher shortage. If California cant draw more enthusiastic and well-trained new teachers to fill openings in classrooms, education will suffer mightily especially for disadvantaged students. This is the big issue that both sides should get to work on resolving. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook Its not exactly news that some states, citing a largely imaginary threat of voter fraud, have imposed unnecessary burdens on those who want to participate in democracys most important activity. Now we learn that the states trying to make voting harder have an ally at the federal agency designed to make voting easier. Brian D. Newby, the executive director of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, has agreed to requests by Kansas, Georgia and Alabama that the versions of a federal voter registration form used in their states be altered to require proof of U.S. citizenship. Such forms are available at state and local government offices, including DMVs thus the term motor voter and allow citizens to register to vote by mailing in the form. As with demands that voters produce government-issued photo IDs on Election Day, the proof-of-citizenship requirement for voter registration is justified by its proponents on the grounds of preventing fraud. But it is extremely rare for non-citizens to seek to register, just as impersonation of voters at the polls is rare. Besides, the standard form requires registrants to affirm, under penalty of perjury, that they are U.S. citizens. Advertisement Weighed against the virtually non-existent problem of fraudulent registration is the fact that a proof-of-citizenship requirement excludes potential voters who dont possess such documentation, a group in which poor Americans (and probably racial minorities) are overrepresented. It also discourages registration by others such as college students seeking to vote where they attend school who might find it time-consuming to lay hands on a birth certificate or passport. In Kansas, according to a study by the Wichita Eagle, more than 40% of people on a list of suspended voters those who attempted to register but didnt meet all of the requirements were under 30. In 2013, the Supreme Court ruled that Arizona on its own couldnt require proof of citizenship for voters in federal elections and had to accept and use the registration form issued by the EAC. The court left open the possibility that states could petition the agency to make changes. But here it was Newby, acting alone, who agreed to the requests from state officials to add the requirement for proof of citizenship, a proposal the commission rightly had rejected in the past. The League of Women Voters and other groups are challenging Newbys action in court, arguing that he exceeded his authority and departed from long-standing commission policy that proof of citizenship wasnt necessary to determine the eligibility of a voter-registration application. We hope they prevail, but the move to require proof of citizenship also calls for action by Congress. Under the Constitution, Congress can override state decisions about the time, places and manner of elections for the U.S. House and Senate and also can pass legislation to enforce the 15th Amendments ban on racial discrimination in voting. Even if the courts stymie this latest exercise in voter suppression, Congress should revisit the issue and make it clear that the promise of motor voter that registering to vote would be no harder than necessary remains the law of the land. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook Social conservatives in North Carolina used a familiar playbook when they helped pass a draconian law restricting which restrooms transgender people can use. The tactic was fear: They whipped up anxieties about modesty and vulnerability in public restrooms until they created full-fledged bathroom panic over victimization by sexual predators. This week, with banks, businesses and Bruce Springsteen announcing boycotts to protest the discriminatory law, North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory announced half-measures to try to dampen the backlash, but he did nothing to alter the deception inherent in bathroom panic. The North Carolina law, House Bill 2, took aim at an ordinance that was about to go into effect in Charlotte, N.C. The Charlotte City Council had voted to prohibit discrimination against gay and transgender people in public accommodations and by government contractors, expanding an existing law that protected other minorities. In response, the state legislature invalidated the ordinance and seized the opportunity to target transgender people using the crudest and most baseless of fears: No men in womens bathrooms. When McCrory signed HB2 into law, he claimed he was protecting the basic expectation of privacy in the most personal of settings and acting to stop a radical breach of trust and security. Peter Sprigg of the conservative Family Research Council defended the need to force transgender people into restrooms aligned with their birth gender by citing legitimate fears that people have about their safety. Yet hundreds of similar nondiscrimination measures are in place across America, and law enforcement officials have reported no surge in bathroom victimization as a result. Advertisement Sprigg and company borrowed their playbook from a successful effort in Houston last year. With a ballot measure, voters there repealed a nondiscrimination ordinance after a campaign that included an ominous television ad showing a man in a dress following a little girl into a bathroom stall. As the New York Times reported, the ballot measure fight was turned from one about equal rights to one about protecting women and girls from sexual predators. The anti-discrimination ordinance lost, 61% to 39%. Fear mongering against gays and transgender people is a time-tested strategy, despite plenty of evidence that there is nothing to fear but fear itself. Such fear mongering against gays and transgender people is a time-tested strategy, despite plenty of evidence that there is nothing to fear but fear itself. In the battle for marriage equality, the nation was told time and again that marriage itself, along with the American family, would be imperiled if same-sex couples were allowed to marry. Freedom will be taken away, said one infamous 2009 ad titled Gathering Storm. Religion would be destroyed because the clergy would be forced to conduct same-sex weddings, no matter their convictions. Yet none of these doomsday scenarios has come to pass. The particular terrors that fueled the campaigns in Houston and North Carolina have an even longer history. In the debate over dont ask, dont tell, opponents of openly gay service spent decades fanning the flames of anxiety about straight recruits sharing quarters sharing showers! with known gays and lesbians. At one point, senators held congressional hearings in the bowels of a nuclear submarine to infuse the news cycle with frightening images of the compromised privacy of military life. The message was clear: In such conditions, gay people were not to be trusted, unit cohesion could not be maintained and an inclusive policy would be a clear and present danger to the United States. Again, none of this was true, as a wealth of research before and after dont ask, dont tell concluded (some of it was buried by those opposed to change). A 2003 Palm Center study found that the experience of military and paramilitary organizations that lifted their gay bans showed that cohesion, morale, recruitment, retention and privacy will be preserved or even enhanced by ending policies that required gay people to lie about their identities or stay out of uniform. Other scholars noted that, all across the globe, people in various contexts that might seem erotic (especially when social conservatives insisted on eroticizing them) in fact developed an etiquette of disregard. In doctors offices, in military barracks, in locker rooms and restrooms, most people simply finished their business and ignored those around them. Those who had predicted disaster were spectacularly wrong. But no amount of evidence seems capable of stopping the fear strategy. The Rand Corp. has completed a new study on transgender military service concluding, unsurprisingly, that ending discrimination against transgender troops will not harm military readiness. The Pentagon has neither released the study nor met its own deadline for reviewing the policy. Sen. James M. Inhofe (R-Okla.), who wrongly predicted that openly gay military service would complicate things and make it very difficult for us to take care of the troops, is now opposing service by transgender troops because guess what he cant understand which bathrooms they would use. And Elaine Donnelly, president of the Center for Military Readiness, who had earlier wrongly predicted that openly gay troops would drive away one-quarter of the military, is now predicting that transgender service will increase sexual assaults. Voters should see these kinds of fear-based charges for what they are a cynical, angry and wildly inaccurate response to LGBT people gaining equal rights. In the barracks and at the marriage altar and in the bathroom, equality for sexual minorities does not cause harm to others. Nathaniel Frank is the director of the What We Know Project at Columbia Law School. He is completing a book on the history of the marriage equality fight. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook This tax day, hope for a more powerful Internal Revenue Service. For decades, one of Americas two major parties has done everything in its power to cut taxes, especially on the wealthiest, and to demonize the agency in charge of collecting them. (Hint: its not the Democrats). In the face of this assault, the rest of the countrys political class has largely gone along, or gone silent. Precious few have enthusiastically defended what Alexander Hamilton called the vital principle of the body politica robust power to collect the money necessary to achieve the nations common goals. Advertisement If the American revolution was about rejecting taxation without representation, the American constitution was about enabling taxation with representation. The notables who gathered in Philadelphia in 1787 made sure the federal government would have the power to tax that it had lacked under the disastrous Articles of Confederation. To Hamilton, taxation was an indispensable ingredient in every constitution without which government must sink into a fatal atrophy. In embracing an expansive federal taxing power, he echoed Adam Smiths Wealth of Nations, which described taxes as a badge, not of slavery, but of liberty. No one relishes paying taxes, of course. Nevertheless, as the sociologist Vanessa Williamson has shown, most Americans understand that taxation is the price of a civilized societywhich is remarkable given the reigning rhetoric. When pollsters ask Americans how they feel about our tax system, most dont question its legitimacy or kvetch that their rate isnt fair. Instead, they complain that its too favorable toward the rich and overly complex. They also say its frustrating to deal with beleaguered IRS employees. In other words, the most common grievances come from having too hamstrung an IRS, rather than the opposite. Lets begin with the leading complaint: that the rich get special treatment. The IRS estimates that around one in six tax dollars go unpaida loss that likely exceeds a half trillion dollars a year. Since most American have their taxes deducted from their wages, theres no mystery as to the main source of this tax gap: Its the tax evasion of the affluent that leads to the big revenue losses. Yet audits have been falling for decades. Under Ronald Reagans IRS, one out of every 50 individual returns was audited. By the mid-1990s, the ratio was around one in 66. After hostile GOP hearings and legislation, it fell to less than one in 100. And thats despite the fact that every $1 spent on IRS enforcement yields $6 in recovered taxes. Given the complexity of our code, the IRS does pretty well... Its bad reputation stems mostly from false accusations--and the misguided reforms that have followed them. Some may wonder, doesnt the IRS deserve this treatment? Isnt it terribly managed? Actually, no. Given the complexity of our code, the IRS does pretty well, collecting more than $3 trillion at a direct cost of around $11 billion. Its bad reputation stems mostly from false accusationsand the misguided reforms that have followed them. Consider the aforementioned GOP onslaught in the late 1990s. All the most serious chargesarmed raids by tax collectors, unjustified subpoenas, aggressive collection of taxes people didnt actually owewere later proved false. But not before a new federal law upended the IRS, requiring the agency to jump through more procedural hoops with fewer resources. In the next 15 years, the agency would lose 24,000 employees. More recent charges against the agency have been only slightly more grounded. In 2013, for example, the inspector general of the IRS alleged that lower-level staff had applied special scrutiny to conservative political groups seeking tax-exempt statusan allegation Republicans seized on to once again slash the IRS budget. As subsequent investigations showed, what was portrayed as a partisan power play turned out to be an ill-conceived screening process developed by a short-staffed IRS grappling with ambiguous law. Thanks to the new budget cuts, however, the IRS sunk into even greater chaos, with the share of Americans saying it did an excellent or good job plummeting from 44% in 2011 to 27% in 2013. Not incidentally, the IRS also essentially gave up policing the increasing number of nonprofits of borderline legality that are flooding American politics with big money. Republicans have perfected the self-fulfilling critique: Say that the IRS is broken, break it more, repeat. How do we end this vicious cycle? Simplifying the tax code would help a great deal. Yet merely giving the IRS an adequate budget, sufficient staffing and updated technology would go a long way. So too would empowering the agency to collect unpaid taxes from those whose outlaw behaviorhowever lawyered up or genteelis most costly to the nations finances. Remember that $6 for every $1 spent on better tax enforcement? Targeted efforts that focus on high-income taxpayers produce more than $47 for every $1 spent. The tide wont turn, however, until those who believe in a well-functioning IRS get out of their foxholes. As the Founders insisted, government doesnt work if it lacks sufficient authority to pursue citizens common goals. Politicians who demonize the IRS should be treated not as champions of liberty but as enablers of dysfunction. Jacob S. Hacker and Paul Pierson are the authors of American Amnesia: How the War on Government Led Us to Forget What Made America Prosper. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook Islamic States Islamist utopia has taken hold of the imagination of small Sunni communities almost everywhere, including in Brussels, where suicide bombers killed 32 people last month. Its worldview, Salafi jihadism, is perhaps the most powerful weapon in its deadly arsenal. A traveling and expanding ideology, Salafi jihadism, or religious totalitarianism, has evolved into an influential social movement with a repertoire of ideas, iconic leaders, far-flung supporters, networks of recruiters and theorist enablers who provide members with theological sustenance. Regardless of what happens to Islamic State, Salafi jihadism is here to stay and will likely gain more converts in politically polarized Arab and Muslim societies. Advertisement Regardless of what happens to Islamic State, Salafi jihadism is here to stay and will likely gain more converts in politically polarized Arab and Muslim societies. The challenge is to shine light on this growing ideology and make sense of it. Islamic State leader Abu Bakr Baghdadi and his inner circle rely particularly on three Salafi jihadist manifestoes to justify what they do. The most well-known is The Management of Savagery. Circulated in PDF format under the pseudonym Abu Bakr Najji in the early 2000s, the manifesto provides a strategic road map of how to create an Islamic caliphate. The second book is Introduction to the Jurisprudence of Jihad by Abu Abdullah Muhajjer, which calls on Salafi jihadists to do whatever it takes to establish a purely unified Islamic state. The final book is The Essentials of Making Ready (for Jihad) by Sayyid Imam Sharif, aka Abdel-Qader Ibn Abdel-Aziz or Dr. Fadl. This massive work focuses on the theological and practical meanings of jihad in Islam, and it has become a central text in jihadist training. Fadl admitted that he wrote the book in the late 1980s as a manual for training camps of what subsequently became known as Al Qaeda. The three manifestoes represent the most extreme thinking within the Salafi jihadist movement and the degeneration of this ideology into Fiqh Damaa (the jurisprudence of blood). Despite differences, there are common conceptual threads. First, the three authors call for all-out war and advocate performing offensive jihad as opposed to only defensive jihad in order to bleed the kuffar (infidels), or the enemies of Islam, thus creating chaos and fear. Second, although this total war should target both the near enemy (Muslim rulers) and the far enemy (the U.S. and its European allies), they prioritize the fight against tyrannical Muslim rulers who do not apply sharia (Koranic law). Finally, all three call on the movements planners to kill with impunity, to observe no limits and follow in the footsteps of the prophets companions, who, in their opinion, brutally punished dissenters and rivals. They cite selective cases of early Islamic history to prove their claim that excessive violence produces the desired effect: submission. According to their logic, viciousness is the secret to success, while softheartedness is a recipe for failure. They also argue that the ends reclaiming Islams golden age and establishing the Islamic state justify the means: savagery. Although all three Salafi jihadist theorists advocate offensive jihad rather than defensive jihad, Najji explicitly makes the case for all-out war. He offers an expansive plan with three stages in which violence escalates qualitatively and strategically rather than in an ad hoc and random way. In the first stage, Nikayawal-Tamkeen (vexation and empowerment), Salafi jihadists break the will of the enemy by carrying out attacks against vital economic and strategic targets such as oil facilities and the tourism infrastructure. As security forces rush in to protect these targets, the state weakens and its powers wither away, a condition conducive to savagery and chaos. Salafi jihadists can take advantage of this security vacuum, notes Najji, by launching an all-out battle on the thinly dispersed security forces. Once the rulers are overthrown, a second phase commences, Idrarat Tawhush (the administration or management of savagery), and the third and final stage, Shawkat Tamkeen (empowerment), sees the establishment of an Islamic state. This Islamic state, Najji explains, should be ruled by a single leader who can then unify diffuse and scattered groups in a caliphate. Not surprisingly, Najji emphasizes the significance of the media and propaganda as an ideological tool to mobilize and recruit the Muslim masses to the side of Salafi jihadists during the first and second stages of the long war, and then to control them and pacify them during the final stage. All three authors argue that Salafi jihadists must hasten social and institutional disintegration of the state system, induce mayhem and be prepared to manage this cataclysm. The goal is to kill and terrorize not for the sake of killing or terrorism but for a higher moral purpose: cultural cleansing and the imposition of Gods laws on infidels. For example, Najji points out that the worst chaotic condition is by far preferable to stability under the system of apostasy, thus turning the received wisdom of the mainstream religious establishment on its head. He depicts Salafi jihadists as the vanguard best equipped to trigger an apocalypse, an end to the world as we know it and a religious rebirth. We must drag all the people to battle and bring the temple down on the heads of everyone, Najji states. Even if the whole umma [the global Muslim community] perishes, they would all be martyrs, he adds, justifying the death of millions of Muslims. As to their favorite methods of violence, the three authors have a preference for beheading and burning, which they see as effective in instilling fear and deterring others from resisting. The three manifestoes provide a glimpse into Islamic States worldview, one characterized by a perpetual war against real and imagined enemies. According to this ideology, stability can only be attained when enemies are either subjugated or forced to recognize the groups sacred mandate. Islamic States absolutist ideology is a doubled-edged sword. On the one hand, it has cemented the ties that bind among Islamic State combatants. On the other, it has blinded the group to the complex realities of governance at home and international relations abroad. Ideological fanaticism has led Baghdadi and his associates to monstrously miscalculate by turning the entire world against it, including the clerical Muslim establishment. The groups religious ideology is important inasmuch as it allows it to exploit a poisonous environment, and to offer an alternative model (the Islamic State) to secular political authoritarianism. But in the final analysis, Islamic State is a product of the breakdown of Middle Eastern institutions and geostrategic regional and global rivalries. Syrians and Iraqis would not have embraced Islamic States Islamist worldview if their legitimate grievances had been addressed. While ideas are the first line of defense against Islamic State and other Salafi jihadists, the key to delegitimizing this transnational ideology will depend on the reconstruction of the political process and genuine political reconciliation among warring ethnic and religious communities, a complex and difficult process that will take years to materialize. Fawaz A. Gerges is professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics and author of ISIS: A History. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook Its 2005. After Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day OConnor announces that she plans to resign. President George W. Bush tells the press that anyone he nominates to succeed OConnor will make it crystal clear that he or she will vote to overturn Roe vs. Wade. Imagine the howls of outrage. Its hard to believe even a single Democratic senator would vote for a nominee who made such a promise in exchange for a seat on the Supreme Court. Even some Republican senators might balk at confirming a judge who promised to vote a certain way. You would hear a lot of senators quoting this statement by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg at her confirmation hearings in 1993: Advertisement It would be wrong for me to say or preview in this legislative chamber how I would cast my vote on questions the Supreme Court may be called upon to decide. A judge sworn to decide impartially can offer no forecasts, no hints, for that would show not only disregard for the specifics of the particular case, it would display disdain for the entire judicial process. Subsequent nominees appointed by presidents of both parties have generally hewed to Ginsburgs policy of no forecasts, no hints. And presidents havent attempted to secure such promises. Enter Bernie Sanders. At Thursdays debate with Hillary Clinton in Brooklyn, N.Y., Sanders reiterated his longstanding view that he would demand not a hint or a promise but a public commitment that any Supreme Court nominee would vote to overturn a precedent Sanders doesnt like. Sanders was asked if he would ask President Obama to withdraw his nomination of Judge Merrick Garland if Sanders won the election. Sanders answered yes and added this: I think that we need a Supreme Court justice who will make it crystal clear, and this nominee has not yet done that, crystal clear that he or she will vote to overturn Citizens United and make sure that American democracy is not undermined. Whoa. This statement is shocking less because Sanders would be asking a nominee to behave unethically than for what it shows about Sanders understanding of politics. A Supreme Court nominee who promised to vote a certain way would almost certainly be unconfirmable and probably would be rated unqualified by the American Bar Assn. In the unlikely event that such a nominee were confirmed, he or she would (rightly) be pressed not to participate in any case that might put Citizens United in jeopardy. To be fair, Hillary Clinton flirted with the idea of a litmus test -- actually two litmus tests -- in the debate. She said: You know, there is no doubt that the only people that I would ever appoint to the Supreme Court are people who believe that Roe vs. Wade is settled law and Citizens United needs to be overturned. But Clinton didnt say she would require a public promise from a nominee that he or she would vote to reaffirm Roe vs. Wade or overrule Citizens United. Also, in describing Roe as settled law, she acknowledged that a nominee could say that Roe was settled law without promising never to consider arguments that it ought to be overruled or revised. Thats essentially what Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. said at his confirmation hearings under dogged questioning from the late Sen. Arlen Specter. A prospective Supreme Court nominee might be willing to say whether he or she believed the same about Citizens United (a much more recent decision than Roe vs. Wade and arguably less settled as a precedent). But a public promise to overturn it? No lawyer in his or her right mind would make such a commitment to a president or to the Senate. Sanders defenders will say that he is just being honest about having a litmus test for Supreme Court nominees, whereas other candidates (and presidents) are just as determined to apply such a test but dissemble about doing so. Sorry, but theres a big difference between choosing a nominee you suspect might share your views about Roe vs. Wade or Citizens United and demanding a promise that the nominee would vote to reverse a ruling. The latter approach is not just politically stupid; it undermines the independence of the judiciary. Someone as experienced in politics as Sanders should know the difference. Twitter: @MichaelMcGough3 Thursday nights Democratic debate in Brooklyn between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders got a bit contentious, but fell far short of the nasty exchanges between Hillary supporters and Bernie backers that have been firing up social media for months. I did not have to dip very far into my Facebook news scroll to find some unflattering comments about Sanders and his supporters. Heres one: I have officially had it with Bernie Babies, as I stated yesterday, and now Ive lost all respect Ive ever had for Bernie Sanders. He is a fraud. A typical idealistic demagogue. Disgusting old man. And another: I think people are finally getting tired of Bernies bitter, angry, intolerant old self. I hope Hillary smokes him from here on out. The old Socialist pimp needs to be shut down permanently. Advertisement Under a graphic listing Sanders alleged faults (rude, arrogant, angry white man) someone wrote, Add hypocrite. I am so OVER this SOB. This vituperation sometimes spills into public view. Observing coverage of Wednesday nights big Sanders rally in Manhattan, one prominent Clinton supporter tweeted: Hate rally in Washington Square -- are they passing out armbands? This over-the-top disdain among Clintons militants is easily matched by the insults coming from Sanders troops. Sanders had to disavow the comments of one campaign surrogate who appeared to suggest Clinton is a corporate whore. On Facebook, Sanders partisans were not as quick to reject that characterization. Calling her a whore is an insult to whores. wrote one person. Another said, Even honest people, like Bernie, sometimes need to disavow the truth for damage control. Responding to Clintons performance in the debate, one young woman commenting on the Bernie Believers Facebook page said, Shes so irritating! ASIDE from the fact that shes a warmongering liar and a war criminal. Another wrote, I was trying not scream at the TV and prevent myself from actually hearing everything she said. And I failed. The meanest remarks from the Sanders side are often attributed to Bernie Bros, young men who rove the Internet, eager to flame Clinton supporters and throw misogynistic darts at the candidate herself. Sanders has been forced to put distance between himself and these particularly aggressive advocates. We have many hundreds of thousands of supporters, and some of them have gone over the edge, the Vermont senator told Ebony magazine. I apologize for that. Vitriol is not new to politics, and it may be that, like the abundant viciousness on the political right, this dueling invective on the left is merely being amplified by the megaphone of social media. Awful and harsh as the language is, it may not indicate that there is an unbridgeable split among Democrats. Few, if any, Clinton supporters say they would not vote for Sanders were he to become the nominee, even if they hate the prospect. I would have to vote for the SOB to save us from GOP control, wrote one Sanders critic, begrudgingly, but it would be a vote against sane gun laws and a vote for megalomaniacal, imbecilic rule. It is not uncommon, though, to hear Sanders most fervent backers insist that they could never vote for Clinton. One of their social media manifestos reads, Were not democrats, were not republican, we are Berniecrats. We will not vote for anyone but Bernie, even if that means we write him in. Judging from their Facebook posts, many of these folks loathe the Democratic Party nearly as much as they despise Republicans. In their eyes, Hillary Clinton is a phony, a vote stealer, a shill for corporate interests and a neoconservative imperialist. They are convinced that she would be as awful as Donald Trump or Ted Cruz if she were elected president, so they see no point in giving her their vote. It is hard to know how widespread this affliction of political myopia may be among Democrat-leaning voters. Still, when November comes, I suspect most of those who are now feeling the Bern will soberly contemplate issues such as climate change, Supreme Court nominees, immigration and same-sex marriage. If their 74-year-old champion is not on the ballot, they will hold their noses and cast their ballots for the woman who beat him because they realize they could do so much worse. Sen. Bernie Sanders was anxious to land some tough blows during a debate against Hillary Clinton in his native Brooklyn on Thursday night as he strove for an upset victory over a front-runner whose roots in the crucial electoral state also run deep, but Hillary Clinton came to the matchup prepared. Their intense sparring underscored the unwillingness of either candidate to yield an inch, even at a time Clinton has pulled far ahead of Sanders in convention delegates. Many seasoned strategists have declared her risk of losing to be almost nil, but Clinton nonetheless cannot afford a setback in New York, the biggest prize in the Democratic contest to date. A victory here, where polls have consistently shown her well ahead, would put her on a path toward cruising to the nomination, but a loss would generate a fresh round of second-guessing about her abilities as a candidate. Advertisement So the two clashed repeatedly during the debate, held at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, amplifying the heated rhetoric they had aimed at each other in the days leading up to the contest some of the most bitter of the campaign to date. Early in the debate, Sanders suggested he regretted saying earlier this month that Clinton was not qualified to be president, but almost immediately, he went on to question her fitness. I do question her judgment, Sanders said. I question a judgment which voted for the war in Iraq, the worst foreign policy blunder in the history of this country, voted for virtually every disastrous trade agreement which cost us millions of decent-paying jobs. And I question her judgment about running super PACs, which are collecting tens of millions of dollars from special interests, including $15million from Wall Street. Clinton hit back, once again bringing up Sanders struggle to respond to questions about his proposals during an interview earlier this month by the editorial board of the New York Daily News. The Vermont senator had bungled his effort to explain how he would carry out his plan to break up big banks and bobbled other questions about his policy vision. Ive been called a lot of things in my life, Clinton said of Sanders unqualified comment. That was a first. Talk about judgment, she said. On even his core issue, breaking up the banks, when asked, he could not explain how that would be done, and when asked about a number of foreign policy issues, he could not answer about Afghanistan, about Israel, about counter-terrorism, except to say if hed had some paper in front of him, maybe he could. As Clinton has often done in the race, she used President Obama as a shield against Sanders implications of untoward influence from campaign donors. Make no mistake about it: This is not just an attack on me; its an attack on President Obama, she said, noting Obama had also benefited from a super PAC in his campaigns but had still enacted new regulations on Wall Street. Sanders repeatedly returned to the financial help Clinton had received from the industry, scornfully suggesting that while he was drafting legislation to break up big banks in the Senate, Secretary Clinton was busy giving speeches to Goldman Sachs for $225,000 a speech. Clinton sought to deflect Sanders repeated demand that she release transcripts of such speeches by questioning why Sanders had not yet released his tax returns, something she said was a more conventional act of disclosure for presidential hopefuls. Sanders said he would release the first of several years of tax returns Friday. Asked why he was not releasing more than one year of taxes, he turned to his wife, who was sitting in the audience. Jane does our taxes, he explained as his wife chuckled along from the audience. Weve been a little bit busy; youll excuse us. Since the Democratic candidates last debated more than a month ago in Florida, Clinton has scored victories in key states including Florida, Ohio, Missouri and Arizona, only to see Sanders begin his own winning streak, largely in rural-state caucuses but also in Wisconsins primary on April 5. New York, which will award 291 delegates proportionally Tuesday, offers Clinton her latest, best chance to put the nomination out of Sanders reach if not mathematically, at least in the eyes of many Democratic voters and leaders. Polls by several organizations show her leading the race by around 12 percentage points, buoyed by 2-1 leads from key voting blocs among the states Democrats, particularly African Americans and Jews. Those two groups together are likely to make up more than a third of the Democratic primary electorate. The candidates engaged in several testy exchanges on issues of concern to those groups. Sanders, who is Jewish, stood by earlier descriptions of Israels response to terrorism in the Gaza Strip as disproportionate remarks that had riled some pro-Israel advocates. He was critical of a 2014 assault by Israel that killed and wounded thousands of Palestinians in Gaza, and said the U.S. needed to be more evenhanded in its approach to the conflict. Clinton expressed regret for civilian casualties but said Israel did not invite rockets raining down on their towns and villages, adding, I dont know how you run a country when you are under constant threat. Both candidates have stumbled in the state in their outreach to black voters. Clintons deep ties with African American activists have been particularly strained at times by her support for anti-crime legislation her husband championed while in the White House, some of the provisions of which she now says were overly harsh. Her past support for that law got more unwelcome attention when former President Clinton got into a shouting match last week with Black Lives Matters protesters in Pennsylvania, during which he defended his wifes use of the term super predator two decades ago in talking about some youthful criminals. It was a racist term, and everybody knew it was a racist term, Sanders said during the debate. Hillary Clinton again expressed her regret for supporting the 1994 crime law and talked of the need for white people to recognize that there is systemic racism in the justice system. I am sorry for the consequences that were unintended and have had a very unfortunate impact on peoples lives, she said, referring to the 1994 anti-crime bill. The very first speech I gave in this campaign was about what I would do to reform the criminal justice system and to end the over-mass incarceration. Clinton embraced New Yorks recent decision to begin phasing in a minimum wage of $15 an hour, but, pressed by Sanders and CNN moderators, acknowledged she has only proposed a nationwide minimum wage of $12. If legislation for a national $15 wage came to her desk as president, she would sign it, she said. Clinton was the aggressor when the conversation turned to gun control. The debate took place hours after a Connecticut judge issued a key ruling in favor of families of victims of the Sandy Hook shooting in their lawsuit against the manufacturer of a rifle used in the killings. Sanders opposition to holding firearms manufacturers liable, which he repeated in his interview with the Daily News editorial board, has become a political liability for the Vermonter in New York City, where Democratic voters are overwhelmingly in support of gun control. At the debate, he said of the Sandy Hook families, They have the right to sue, and I support them and anyone else who wants the right to sue. The Daily News skewered him and gave Clinton a fresh line of attack on an issue on which she has been pounding Sanders since early in the race. Gun control is one of the few policy areas on which Clinton has been able to position herself to the left of her socialist opponent, who represents a state where a large proportion of voters place a high value on hunting and gun ownership. Sanders, Clinton said, has been largely a very reliable supporter of the NRA while in Congress. Both candidates can claim home-state connections: Sanders was born and raised in Brooklyn, and Clinton represented the state in the U.S. Senate, owns a home in Chappaqua and has based her campaign here. Clinton entered the New York contest as the heavy favorite, with endorsements from leading Democrats including Gov. Andrew Cuomo, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and most of the states congressional delegation. The state has a demographic profile similar to places where she has scored decisive wins a large share of black and Latino voters. Sanders enjoys strong grass-roots support and the backing of the New York Working Families Party, a progressive force in state politics. But because only registered Democrats are eligible to vote Tuesday, some of his most ardent supporters cant cast ballots for him. Times staff writers Cathleen Decker and Chris Megerian contributed to this report. Follow @mikememoli and @evanhalper for more 2016 campaign news. ALSO CAMPAIGN SHOCKER! New York tabloids still have influence in presidential race Florida prosecutor drops battery charge against Donald Trumps campaign manager Republicans unintentionally prompted this push to help 8 million immigrants become citizens Bernie Sanders fares poorly against Hillary Clinton with fellow Jews, polls indicate Sen. Bernie Sanders has gone further than any other Jewish candidate in a presidential campaign, but hes not garnering much support from Jewish voters, polls indicate. The Vermont senators standing among Jews has been much speculated about since his campaign started to take off late last year. But until recently, the Democratic campaign has taken place in states with too few Jewish voters to measure or to really matter. In Florida, for example, which has one of the countrys largest Jewish populations, Jews made up only 4% of the Democratic primary turnout too small for exit polls to analyze. Now that the campaign has moved to New York, however, which has the nations largest Jewish population, the numbers are in, and theyre not favorable. That shouldnt be terribly surprising. Both Hillary Clinton and former president Bill Clinton have long been popular among Jewish voters, and while American Jews tend to be liberal, theyre more often regular Democrats than the sorts of independents most drawn to Sanders. On the other side, Sanders is not actively engaged in Jewish life. He has also been critical of Israel, although he lived briefly as a young man on a secular, socialist kibbutz. When asked about his faith, his responses have reflected a generalized commitment to liberal concepts of social justice as opposed to any specific link to Jewish ideals of equality. None of that is unique to Sanders, of course a large percentage of American Jews lead largely secular lives, and many are critical of Israel but it may have dampened any connection that large numbers of Jewish voters might have felt toward him. The best evidence so far comes from two recent polls of New York voters. The Sienna College Poll, which has a long track record of surveying New York voters, found Clinton leading Sanders among Jewish voters 60%-38%. Thats almost as large as her lead among black voters, the poll found. Overall, she led 52%-42%, the poll found. African Americans make up about 20% of the expected turnout for the Democratic primary, the poll projected. Jews make up just over 10%. The NBC/Wall St. Journal/Marist poll found roughly the same breakdown, Clinton leading among Jews 65%-32%, part of an overall lead of 57%-40%. That poll pegged Jewish voters as likely to make up 16% of the electorate for the primary. The Sienna poll also indicates that Sanders poor showing among New Yorks Jewish voters is not a reaction to recent campaign controversies. During an interview with the editorial board of the New York Daily News on April 1, Sanders significantly exaggerated the death toll of Arab civilians in the last fighting between Israel and Palestinians in Gaza. Several Jewish groups sharply criticized him afterward. But the poll, which was taken April 6-11, showed Sanders doing somewhat better than a survey Sienna had taken at the end of February in which he got support of 27% of Jewish voters. The Sienna poll, conducted by telephone using cellphones and landlines, surveyed 538 likely Democratic primary voters and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.5 percentage points for the full sample. The Marist poll was conducted April 10-13 and also has a margin of error of +/- 4.5 points. A California assemblyman seeking a congressional seat has been ordered to stay away from his estranged wife, a Baldwin Park City Council member, after she said he violently abused her during their marriage. Los Angeles County Superior Court Commissioner Alan Friedenthal granted a temporary restraining order Wednesday that requires Assemblyman Roger Hernandez (D-West Covina) to have no contact with Councilwoman Susan Rubio, whom he is divorcing. Hernandez, who has served in the California Assembly since 2010, is challenging Rep. Grace Napolitano (D-Norwalk) for her 32nd Congressional District seat. Advertisement Married in June 2013, Hernandez and Rubio began divorce proceedings in 2014. Rubio alleges in a declaration seeking the order that during the marriage, Hernandez engaged in pushing, shoving, hitting and choking her. Rubio said that after an April 5 divorce hearing, an enraged Hernandez came aggressively toward her and began shouting in her face. I was frozen and not able to react, she stated, noting that her attorney blocked the assemblyman from moving closer. Rubio said the act was extremely frightening and gave her flashbacks of the violence during her marriage, so she decided to seek the restraining order, according to court documents. Rubio said in her declaration that she was physically attacked, assaulted, battered, and suffered injuries. She attached several photos, including one of a bruised and scratched left arm. She also accused Hernandez of damaging numerous items of personal property in his violent and out-of-control anger. See more of our top stories on Facebook >> Hernandez attorney Steve G. Fox told The Times that he and his client have not seen the restraining order. Its all trumped up, Fox said Thursday. This is smoke and mirrors. Fox said he told Hernandez to talk to his wife after a court hearing in which she asked for a new attorney. There was no incident at any time. I was right there. My client didnt do anything to create a disturbance, Fox said. Rubio did not return calls on Thursday seeking comment. In her declaration for the court order, Rubio cited several domestic violence incidents during their marriage. In December 2013, she said, Hernandez slammed his elbow into the right side of her head as they were eating in an In-N-Out Burger parking lot. When she lost her phone on the beach in Santa Monica on New Years Day 2014, she said, Hernandez accused of her losing it so he would not see messages from her lovers. Rubio said that after the couple returned home, Hernandez grabbed me by the neck and began choking me and then knocked her to the floor. Rubio said that Hernandez was violent again in July 2014. [Hernandez] grabbed me out of bed by the arm, and I fell on to the floor on my back, Rubio said in her declaration. Hernandez then took her phone battery to prevent her from calling the police, Rubio said. Eventually, Rubios sister arrived, and Hernandez was forced to let his wife go to the hospital, Rubio stated. To protect the Petitioner I lied and told the hospital staff that I likely injured my back while working out I had suffered deep bone bruising, Rubio said. In her statement, Rubio said that she did not previously seek a restraining order because of fear of retaliation and because she and her estranged husband are elected officials. Rubio also noted in her declaration that Hernandez previously has been accused of violence against women, including by a former campaign manager and a former girlfriend. Hernandezs former girlfriend, Carolina Taillon, obtained a restraining order in October 2012 after indicating she had been attacked by the politician. Under the order issued Wednesday, the assemblyman is required to stay 100 yards away from Rubio, her home, her workplace and her vehicle. The order remains in effect until a May 4 hearing before their divorce court judge. In an email sent Thursday evening, Hernandez responded to news of the restraining order. My wife and I are nearing the completion of a 16 month divorce case, he wrote. And despite all of the tensions that arise in any difficult situation and negotiation, at no time prior to today has there ever been a suggestion that she would need a restraining order. In fact, just minutes before this alleged incident, we were both in front of a judge with our lawyers and this issue was never raised. richard.winton@latimes.com Follow @LACrimes on Twitter ALSO Assemblyman challenging fellow Democrat Rep. Grace Napolitano in San Gabriel Valley Ethics agency drops case against Assemblyman Roger Hernandez citing death of witness Updates from Sacramento Unless all the polls are dramatically wrong -- something thats seldom the case, despite everyones memories of Michigan -- Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump will claim big victories on Tuesday. But the events of this last week have made clear that their celebrations will be muted. Clinton still faces weeks of battling with Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who has the money and ardent supporters to continue running even if his chances of winning the nomination grow faint. And on the Republican side, Trump has realized how badly his campaign has been outmaneuvered by Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and how little room for error he has in the campaigns remaining weeks. Advertisement Good afternoon, Im David Lauter, Washington bureau chief. Welcome to the Friday edition of our Essential Politics newsletter, in which we look at the events of the week in the presidential campaign and highlight some particularly insightful stories. THE BRAWL IN NEW YORK In advance of Tuesdays primary, Clinton has held onto a lead of roughly a dozen points in New York, give or take a few, depending on the poll. Her lead is based on strong support from African Americans and another key constituency in New York, Jewish voters. As Mike Memoli reported, Sanders faces another big problem in the state: Many of his most fervent supporters cant vote for him because theyre not registered Democrats. Sanders will face that same problem in most of the states that vote the week after New York -- all but one limit their primaries to registered Democrats. Assuming Clinton wins the nomination, one of the demands the Sanders camp makes in exchange for his support could be a renewed push to end closed primaries. Sanders wife, Jane, seemed to hint at that in a recent interview. Proposals to change the rules for future contests tend to be easy for nominees to agree to because, by nature, those changes will not affect them. For now, though, the campaign continues. As Thursday nights debate showed, the two candidates are heartily sick of each other, and their mutual attacks are growing increasingly heated. History shows that parties almost always heal after such fights -- the battle was much fiercer eight years ago, after all. Still, the intensity troubles many Democrats who would like to see the party start unifying to take on the Republicans this fall. Check out David Horseys sketches of the partisans. Both sides have engaged in some nasty rhetoric, but its not equally distributed. As Evan Halper and Matt Pearce reported, the Sanders campaign repeatedly has had to apologize for or explain away harassment, misogyny and other misconduct by some of Sanders backers, particularly on social media. Tuesday night, well bring you all the results and analysis of the primary on Trail Guide and on our Politics page. And as the race unfolds, keep watch on the delegates in both parties with our Delegate Tracker, which shows where each candidate stands and where each has won support. A KEY WEEK FOR TRUMP On the Republican side, the key thing to watch is not who wins New York, but how big Trumps delegate haul will be. New York sends 95 delegates to the Republican convention, the fourth-largest delegation behind California, Texas and Florida. Unlike the Democrats, who distribute their delegates in all states proportionately to each candidates vote, the GOP in New York has a complicated rule: If a candidate wins more than 50% of the statewide vote, he gets all 11 of the states at-large delegates. Otherwise, delegates go to any candidate who gets at least 20%. Winning 50% in any congressional district gets a candidate all three of that districts delegates. On the district level, too, if no candidate gets 50%, delegates go to any candidate who gets more than 20%. Most recent polls show Trump just above the 50% mark statewide, with Ohio Gov. John Kasich in second and Cruz in third. But both Kasich and Cruz are targeting a handful of congressional districts, including some urban districts that have few Republican voters, hoping to maximize their delegate counts. For Trump, every delegate matters. Hes currently just barely on track to win the 1,237 delegates he would need for a first-ballot majority at the convention in Cleveland in July. And he knows that if he fails on the first ballot, he will have a very difficult time winning on a subsequent one. As Melanie Mason and Mark Z. Barabak reported, in one state after another, Cruz has managed to outmaneuver Trump and get his own loyalists elected as convention delegates, even in states in which they are bound to vote for Trump in the initial vote. On a second or subsequent ballot, those delegates would be free to abandon Trump and back Cruz. In the last week, Trump has beefed up his staff with some experienced Republican operatives in a belated effort to fix serious weaknesses in his delegate operation, but hes awakened very late to the problem. His defeats in state-by-state delegate contests have generated many heated complaints from Trump and his allies. But as Michael Finnegan explained, the popular vote has never entirely determined who wins party nominations. Meantime, as our colleague Stephen Battaglio reported, the prospect of Trump becoming the nominee is making executives from television stations in swing states worry. Their profit projections depend heavily on spending by candidates in election years, and based on what hes done in the primaries, they fear Trump might not drop as much money on ads as they had expected to get from the GOP nominee. SOME OTHER STORIES OF NOTE Citizenship applications are on the rise. Trump is part of the reason why. But, as Kate Linthicum discovered, Republicans inadvertently helped fuel the drive to get more immigrants to naturalize when they successfully went to court to block President Obamas plan to limit deportations. Read her article to find out how that happened. Cathleen Decker had two sharp analytical pieces from New York that are well worth a look. One examined how much candidates on both sides live within their own ideological bubbles. The other looked at the scramble by the candidates for bragging rights on who is the real New Yorker. And, speaking of the real New York, Halper took a look at the surprising vibrancy of the citys tabloid newspapers, which have driven the campaign debate over the last two weeks. By contrast, Decker noted, Californias politics, unlike New Yorks, mostly unfold on TV. WHAT WERE READING The 1994 crime bill that President Bill Clinton signed into law has become the subject of a lot of talk during this campaign year. But as Ron Brownstein notes in the Atlantic, much of that discussion has been historically inaccurate. The historical record doesnt support the lefts now-common assertion that the crime bill was primarily a politically motivated concession by Clinton to white racial backlash, Brownstein writes. In some ways the bill unquestionably misfired. But on the whole it did more to advance, than impede, the ongoing revival of Americas largest cities. And in the Cook Political Report, Amy Walter looks at how the anti-Trump forces in the GOP may be winning the delegate race, but losing the PR war. If Republicans think that denying Trump the nomination will solve their problems, they forget that the guy is neither a magnanimous winner nor a gracious loser, she writes. Forget about Trump running as an independent in the fall. He wont have the organization or time to get on the ballot in most states. But, hes got something more important than ballot access: Twitter and TV. He will be happy to continue his campaign against the GOP via social media. IF YOU LIKE THIS NEWSLETTER, TELL YOUR FRIENDS TO SIGN UP That wraps up this week. My colleague Christina Bellantoni will be back Monday with the weekday edition of Essential Politics. Until then, keep track of all the developments in the 2016 campaign with our Trail Guide at our politics page and on Twitter at latimespolitics. Send your comments, suggestions and news tips to politics@latimes.com. Were there: Lt. Gov. Newsom says he has enough signatures for gun control initiative Citing the failure of the state Legislature to act, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom said Thursday that he has collected 600,000 signatures of California voters to qualify a gun control initiative for the November ballot. Were there. This is going to be on the November ballot, Newsom said Thursday. Over 600,000 registered voters want to take some bold action on gun safety. Newsoms campaign plans to begin delivering signatures tomorrow to county clerks for verification. If at least 365,880 signatures are found to be valid, the measure will qualify for the ballot. Newsom said most of the proposals in the initiative have one thing in common, that over the past number of years they have suffered the fate of either being watered down or rejected by the Legislature. Were hopeful and confident that the voters of California will overwhelmingly support the initiative. The broad measure would require background checks for purchasers of ammunition; ban possession of ammunition magazine clips holding more than 10 rounds; provide a process for felons and other disqualified persons to relinquish firearms and require owners to report when their guns are lost or stolen. The initiative would also address an issue caused by the previous adoption of Proposition 47, which made thefts of guns worth less than $1,000 a misdemeanor. The ballot measure would make all gun thefts a felony. Last week, Senate President Pro Tem Kevin De Leon (D-Los Angeles) said key provisions of the initiative, including the ban on large-capacity magazines, are addressed by legislation this year, but that bills could be harmed by the initiative going forward. A campaign committee including gun groups and law enforcement is being formed to defeat the initiative, according to one member, Sam Paredes, executive director of Gun Owners of California. He noted that the measure has already been opposed by the California State Sheriffs Assn., which said it would put restrictions on law-abiding people without taking guns from criminals. its an initiative that carries multiple proposals that were either killed by the Legislature as not workable or vetoed by the governor, Paredes said. Newsom has collected failed policy issues from the Legislature and put them up as an initiative. Its going to be a massive effort to defeat him. Paredes said the initiative is a cynical attempt by Newsom to gain higher office. We know hes doing this to pump himself up for his gubernatorial run, Paredes said. Newsom said his campaign for governor is secondary to his effort to enact gun safety laws. He said he has been active in the gun safety movement going back 15 years when he was mayor of San Francisco and a founding member of the group Mayors Against Guns. The National Rifle Assn. was so upset, they protested at his wedding in Montana, he said. I expect a good challenge from them, Newsom said of the NRA. They have been very aggressive to date. But we are very enthusiastic to be getting to this next phase. He cited internal polls indicating more than 70% of California voters support the initiative, and a Field poll that found greater support for provisions of the measure, including the ban on high-capacity ammunition magazines. A Laguna Beach resident running for U.S. Senate wants voters to know that he is an independent and claims the California Secretary of States office deprived him of that opportunity. Paul Merritt, who ran for the Laguna Beach City Council two years ago, recently filed a petition in U.S. federal court in Santa Ana asking a judge to require Secretary of State Alex Padilla to designate Merritt as an independent on ballots for Californias June 7 primary. Merritt is one of 34 candidates vying to fill the seat currently held by Sen. Barbara Boxer. She and Sen. Dianne Feinstein have long served as Californias representatives in the U.S. Congress. Advertisement Merritt, 65, objects to the no party preference label attached to his name on the states certified list of candidates, made public on April 1. Other candidates also have the no party preference label. Merritt said in an email that Padillas office registered and certified him as an independent candidate, but without notice or hearing and against my written objection removed the word from the ballot. I learned the that [the Secretary of State] also went into my personal statement to the voters and rewrote my approved statement ... striking the words I wrote ... registered independent voter. As of Thursday morning, Padillas office had not returned calls seeking comment. No politician in their right mind would put no next to their name, said Merritt, a self-employed trust administrator focused on real estate and stocks, said in a follow-up interview. I find it offensive. No party preference signals, Gee, this guy is wishy-washy, this guy cant pick a party. Its not that we didnt pick a party. We dont want to be a part of any party. Merritt said he called the Orange County Registrar of Voters in late March asking if there had been any objections to his personal statement. He said he was told there were none but discovered the alleged omission after reading a copy of the state voter guide. The top two candidates in Californias primary, regardless of their party affiliation, advance to the general election under the states voter-approved election system. The field includes state Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris and Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Santa Ana), both Democrats, and Republicans Duf Sundheim and Tom Del Beccaro, two former state GOP chairmen. Merritt, an advocate of border security and environmental protection, is hoping to make inroads in a state with strong democratic strongholds. Counties begin mailing vote-by-mail ballots on May 9, according to the Secretary of States website. Her website looked professional, and she was described as an A-1 guide a travel and fashion blogger who was also a local celebrity, actress and model. So we hired her to take us on a shopping excursion when our ship sailed into port near Bangkok, Thailand. It would have been easier to go on one of the ships Bangkok excursions, but the three of us had visited the city before, explored the usual tourist spots and were looking for a little retail therapy for a change of pace. Tracey seemed a natural choice: She promised to take us to the most popular markets and also hidden markets. Everything from little souvenirs to traditional tailors. Well help you negotiate the best price. It was a mistake. Tracey walked about 10 paces ahead of us all day, took us to shops that werent interesting and avoided our requests by saying everything we wanted to see was too far away. Advertisement All of these things were simply annoyances we would have written off, except she also took us to a restaurant we would remember forever. And not in a happy way. The food was killer almost literally. One member of our group was sick for days. Many experienced cruisers steer clear of their ships excursions because of cost and crowded conditions, but our experience illustrates one of the downsides to booking your own port tours. So whats a cruiser to do? Book with the ship and pay more, or take your chances with the Internet or lines of taxi drivers waiting near the gangway when you leave the ship? Frequent cruiser Cordula Schneider often chooses her ships excursions. Im by myself, Schneider said. Im not comfortable going it alone. Thinking about fighting off a bunch of cab drivers or 20 to 25 tuk-tuk [pedicab] operators by myself is terrible. Another good reason to take a ships tour: Its smart to take one at the very beginning of a cruise, said Allyn Shulman, another frequent cruiser. You want to meet people, and its an ideal way. Colleen McDaniel, managing editor of CruiseCritic.com, offers more reasons to book with the ship. The biggest benefit is that the tour operators have been vetted by the line and are considered trusted partners, she said. Additionally, ships will always wait in port until all passengers taking cruise line-sponsored tours have returned; if for any reason your group is delayed returning to the ship, you wont be left behind, which isnt something guaranteed to passengers who have booked excursions through a third-party provider. Still, you can save money by going it alone or sharing expenses with fellow travelers. I recently booked a daylong excursion to a beach club for $79; it consisted of a 15-minute bus ride, a day in a lounge chair overlooking a pretty shoreline, a draft beer and a bus ride back. Four friends on the ship shared a cab to the same location for $3 each and got in free. McDaniel acknowledges there are advantages to going it alone or sharing with friends. You can comparison shop and look for alternative tour options, she said. You can end up with more private time with a guide, or tours that involve smaller groups. Bob Levinstein, chief executive of CruiseCompete.com, often advises against ship excursions. They are more expensive and you get a less-intimate, more crowded, more commercial experience, he said. Besides, he added, most of the best excursions sell out immediately. His solution is to book through an independent consolidator such as those listed on his website (www.lat.ms/shoreexcursions). He also suggests checking port reviews on AllThingsCruise.com and discussion sites such as CruiseAddicts.com. McDaniel suggests using the Roll Calls (www.cruisecritic.com/rollcalls) segment on her website to meet other travelers on your upcoming sailing and organize independent tours together. So whats the bottom line? Should you book ships excursions or outside tours? It all depends on you and the situation. Be aware of your personal comfort level, McDaniel said. Take that into account when booking your excursions, whether youre looking for the convenience and assurance of a ship-sponsored tour, or the flexibility and customization of an independent excursion. travel@latimes.com :: Cruise tip of the week: do-it-yourself laundry Worried about washing your clothes after a visit to a steamy port? Dry-cleaning services are often available aboard ships, but so are do-it-yourself laundry facilities and ironing boards. Among the cruise lines offering launderettes are Carnival, Crystal, Cunard, Disney and Princes A record-setting floorless dive coaster coming this summer to Ohios Cedar Point amusement park will plummet down a pair of 90-degree drops before navigating a series of loops inspired by fighter jet maneuvers. Set to debut on May 7, the 3,400-foot-long Valravn roller coaster built by Swiss-based Bolliger & Mabillard will back up to the Cedar Point marina along a spit of land stretching into Lake Erie. Located next to the 1964 Blue Streak, the parks oldest coaster, Valravn replaces the Good Time theater and Autopia-like Turnpike Cars and forces the relocation of the Dodgem bumper cars and Scrambler-like Calypso ride. Valravn will zip back and forth across a midway that cuts underneath the new coaster. Advertisement You are totally engulfed by the action of this ride, said Rob Decker, who worked with the ride maker to design Valravn. The whole visual is intoxicating. Everyone walking around it is going to get energized just by the sheer physical energy of the ride powering around these big, majestic turns. Decker, who is responsible for planning and design for Cedar Fair, the parent company of Cedar Point, has worked on 38 coasters in his 27-year career from Fury 325 at Carowinds to Leviathan at Canadas Wonderland to Intimidator 305 at Kings Dominion. What sets Valravn apart from other Cedar Point coasters is the rides massive structure. To support its wide trains, the track rails are spaced 6 feet apart compared with the 3- to 4-feet-wide tracks of most coasters. In terms of its stoutness, it stands out, Decker said. Theres nothing else like it at Cedar Point. Theres no other structure thats that big. The dive coaster remains a relatively rare beast in the United States, with versions of the ride found at Busch Gardens Williamsburg (Griffon) and Busch Gardens Tampa (Sheikra). Like all floorless dive coasters, Valravn will dangle riders over a precipice for a few heart-pounding seconds before the train descends straight down a vertical drop. The new ride lays claim to 10 world records, including the tallest, fastest and longest dive coaster. Cedar Point has a dominating roller coaster history, Decker said. We really have to challenge ourselves when we develop rides for Cedar Point. The Valravn experience begins before riders even sit down in the three-row trains with eight seats across. Do you want to be in the front row because its all visceral or the back row because the dynamic is that much more intense? Decker said. Then its do you sit over the rail or way out on the wing? If youre a daring person, youre going to be out on the edge. The train ascends the 47-degree lift hill, tipping riders back so theyre gazing at the sky. Off to the left is the tranquility of Sandusky Bay and to the right is the craziness of Cedar Points 70-plus rides. Theres no going back at this point, Decker said. Theres no one thats going to save you. In reality, of course, youre perfectly safe. Valravn begins with its marquee element: a 90-degree drop. After climbing to the top of the lift hill, the train hangs for four seconds over the first drop. The trains tiered seats offer every rider an unobstructed view of the ground below. Youre pointing downward, but the train doesnt drop, Decker said. It just freezes in place. For anyone with height problems, this is going to be sheer terror. Then the brakes release and the train hurtles down a 214-foot vertical descent at 75 mph. You have this feeling of almost coming apart from the ride because youre in free-fall, Decker said. Your stomach is going to leave your body on this one. At the bottom of the first drop, G forces push riders down into their seats as the track makes a 90-degree transition at the very last moment. You almost glance right off the ground, Decker said. The first drop leads directly into a 165-foot-tall Immelmann element, a fighter jet-like maneuver that takes riders through a half loop and half roll that reverses the trains direction. Youre getting all these physical sensations, all in the matter of maybe 10 seconds, Decker said. Its out of control in the free-fall, and then the ride grabs hold of you and holds on tight before it releases you again. Youre freaking out. Youre not sure what to expect next. After a brief mid-course brake run, Valravn rolls directly into a second 125-foot vertical drop this time without stopping at the top. Youre expecting it might stop or hesitate, Decker said. But its just going to roll through and take you right over the edge. After a dive loop and a 270-degree corkscrew-like roll, Valravn navigates an airtime hill designed to disperse the last of the trains energy before heading back into the station. Now its time to breath, Decker said. Youre going to exhale if youve held your breath or catch your first breath. After 2 1/2 minutes of maneuvering this way, that way, up, down and over, you come back into the station hooting and hollering. The excitement just kind of builds anticipation for the next riders. Valravn derives its name from the supernatural predatory birds of Danish folklore who increase their power by consuming slain knights killed in battle. Cedar Point proclaims Valravn its 18th coaster, although Roller Coaster Database sets the number at 17. The discrepancy lies with Pipe Scream, a Zamperla DiskO that Cedar Point calls a coaster and RCDB classifies as a flat ride. In either case, Valravn moves Cedar Point ahead of Canadas Wonderland into sole possession of second place in the chase for the coveted title of Roller Coaster Capital of the World. Much to the dismay of Cedar Point fans, the Sandusky park remains stubbornly behind Six Flags Magic Mountains 19 coasters, regardless of creative mathematics. For now, Cedar Point will have to make do with the title of Roller Coaster Runner-Up of the World. IN THE LOOP: Sign up for our weekly theme parks newsletter MORE 32 best new theme park additions of 2016 8 unanswered questions about Disneylands Star Wars Land Disneyland 2055: What the future may hold for the original Disney park Hey, Harry Potter fans, heres an exclusive sneak peek at Universals Wizarding World Everything you need to know about Shanghai Disneyland 21 creepiest abandoned amusement parks > Sign-up for our weekly In the Loop theme park newsletter > Follow the Los Angeles Times Funland theme park blog on Twitter, Facebook, Google+ and Instagram Chinas Communist Party has long preached resistance to Western values, such as democracy and freedom of speech. Now, according to a Chinese military newspaper, these values are infiltrating China via an unlikely Trojan horse: the Disney animated movie Zootopia. The Peoples Liberation Army Daily recently branded the cartoon a computer-animated buddy-cop film set in a city populated by animals an instrument of American propaganda. The film has earned more than $230 million in China, ranking it among Disneys top-grossing films in the worlds second-largest market. Advertisement Hollywood has long been an effective propaganda machine it has a deep understanding of the U.S.s [political] strategies said the commentary, written by Wang Chuanbao, a professor at the military-backed Nanjing Institute of Politics. Many Hollywood blockbusters will carefully select a topic or theme, and spare no efforts to promote Americas values and its global strategy. The commentary claimed that the filmmakers intended to telegraph subtle messages about the American Dream via the role reversal of its animal characters the film is about a rabbit and a fox attempting to track down predators who have gone missing. The culprit is a diminutive sheep. If one thinks carefully about it, if a rabbit can strike back, are there any American Dreams ordinary people cannot realize? it said. In cruel reality, it is always wolves that eat lambs, not lambs that eat wolves.... Hollywood easily reversed a thing so simple that even kids know it, and thus attracted a huge audience. The commentary was headlined, How can a sheep be turned into a crazy scapegoat? If one thinks carefully about it, if a rabbit can strike back, are there any American Dreams ordinary people cannot realize? commentary written by Wang Chuanbao, professor at military-backed Nanjing Institute of Politics In recent years, President Xi Jinping has overseen a sweeping ideological campaign to restore legitimacy to the Communist Party, partially by keeping Western influence at bay. In January 2015, education officials banned textbooks deemed to endorse Western values in university classrooms. Last month, Chinas Civil Affairs Ministry banned foreign names for places such as roads, bridges, buildings, and residential compounds, explaining that they are not a true reflection of the history and culture of this vast nation, according to the official New China News Agency. In March of last year, the Global Times, a nationalistic state-run tabloid, blamed Western values for sparking the 2014 Ukrainian revolution and the Arab spring, and called them a ticket to hell that can only bring disaster to China. The Peoples Liberation Army Daily commentary also called American video games such as Call of Duty 8 and Battlefield 4 a propaganda vehicle, as they make the U.S. military appear sleek and sophisticated, while countries America would like to contain Cuba, Russia, China are portrayed as backward and crude. Comparing to [other] cartoons and video games, Zootopia is more subtle, it said. It has no obvious hostile propaganda, no deliberate distortions, which makes it easier to lose ones vigilance, the commentary said. What would you say in response? Tell us on Facebook >> Chinese Internet users widely lambasted the commentary; many noted that until Chinas film industry truly stacks up to Hollywood, their viewing habits wont change. What else is there for us to watch if we are not allowed to watch Zootopia your brain-damaged Chinese cartoons? wrote one user of Sina Weibo, Chinas Twitter equivalent. Because the box office is high and everyone likes it, they are jealous, said another. Why cant you reflect on what you can do [yourselves]? Why do we all like foreign programs? Nicole Liu of The Times Beijing bureau contributed to this report. Follow @JRKaiman on Twitter for news from Asia ALSO Taiwan accuses China of abducting its citizens Nine dead and hundreds injured as quake strikes southern Japan Judge rules against gay couple in Chinas first-ever same-sex marriage case Army troops and other rescuers rushed Saturday to save scores of trapped residents after a pair of strong earthquakes in southwestern Japan killed at least 32 people, injured about 1,500 and left hundreds of thousands without electricity or water. Rainfall was forecast to start pounding the area soon, threatening to further complicate the relief operation and set off more mudslides in isolated rural towns, where people were waiting to be rescued from collapsed homes. Kumamoto prefectural official Riho Tajima said the death toll stood at 22 from the magnitude-7.3 quake that shook the Kumamoto region on the southwestern island of Kyushu early Saturday. On Thursday night, Kyushu was hit by a magnitude-6.5 quake that left 10 dead. Advertisement 1 / 17 Evacuated residents wait at a park in Kumamoto city April 16 after another strong earthquake shook Japan. (Kazuhiro Nogi / AFP/Getty Images) 2 / 17 Rescue workers take care of an elderly woman in Mashiki, Kumamoto, Japan. (Taro Karibe / Getty Images) 3 / 17 Medical staff prepare to evacuate patients from the hospital in Kumamoto City over fears it could collapse as a wave of aftershocks shook the area. (Kazuhiro Nogi / AFP/Getty Images) 4 / 17 A patient is evacuated by emergency staff from an hospital in Kumamoto City over fears it could collapse as a wave of aftershocks shook the area. (Kazuhiro Nogi / AFP/Getty Images) 5 / 17 A road damaged by the April 16 earthquake in Mashiki, Kumamoto, Japan. (Taro Karibe / Getty Images) 6 / 17 People get up right after the April 16 earthquake at the evacuation center at the Mashiki Town Gymnasium in Mashiki, Kumamoto, Japan. (Taro Karibe / Getty Images) 7 / 17 A rescue worker carries an 8-month-old baby girl after she was pulled from the rubble after Thursdays earthquake near Mashiki, Japan. Rescuers were scrambling to find survivors after the powerful earthquake in southern Japan left at least nine people dead and hundreds injured. (AFP/Getty Images) 8 / 17 Police rescue team members search through damaged houses to check for survivors in southern Japan after Thursdays magnitude 6.2 earthquake. (Koji Ueda / Associated Press) 9 / 17 An aerial view shows the damaged Kyushu highway in the city of Mashiki in southern Japan after Thursdays magnitude 6.2 earthquake. (Jiji Press / AFP/Getty Images) 10 / 17 A general view shows a collapsed wall next to houses in southern Japan after Thursdays magnitude 6.2 earthquake. (Kazuhiro Nogi / AFP/Getty Images) 11 / 17 Taketoshi Nagano surveys his damaged house after a 6.2 earthquake hit near Mashiki, Japan, on Thursday. (Taro Karibe / Getty Images) 12 / 17 Members of the Japan Self-Defense Forces make rice balls at an evacuation center Friday, a day after the 6.2 earthquake hit near Mashiki, Japan. (Masterpress / Getty Images) 13 / 17 A man walks on a street covered with rubble in the Japanese town of Mashiki. A 6.2 earthquake hit Japans southwestern island of Kyushu on Thursday, collapsing homes and sparking fires. (Kazuhiro Nogi / AFP/Getty Images) 14 / 17 A man with a child walks past houses destroyed by Thursdays earthquake in Mashiki, Japan. (Naoya Osato / Associated Press) 15 / 17 A motorcyclist drives on a road badly damaged by Thursdays earthquake in southern Japan. (Kimimasa Mayama / EPA) 16 / 17 A resident carrying a dog walks by houses damaged by Thursdays 6.2 earthquake in southern Japan. (Naoya Osato / Associated Press) 17 / 17 A resident walks by a collapsed house in southern Japan. Aftershocks rattled communities as businesses and residents got a fuller look Friday at the widespread damage from Thursdays 6.2 earthquake. (Koji Ueda / Associated Press) Japanese media reported that nearly 200,000 homes were without electricity, and that drinking water systems had also failed in the area. TV video showed people huddled in blankets, sitting or lying down shoulder-to-shoulder on the floors of evacuation centers. An estimated 400,000 households were without running water. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said that 1,500 people had been injured in the quakes. Tajima said that 184 people were injured seriously, and that more than 91,000 people had been evacuated from their homes. More than 200 homes and other buildings were either destroyed or damaged, she said. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed concern about secondary disasters as forecasters predicted rain and strong winds later in the day. With the soil already loosened by the quakes, rainfall can set off mudslides. Daytime today is the big test for rescue efforts, Abe said. Landslides have already cut off roads and destroyed bridges, slowing down rescuers. Police received reports of 97 cases of people trapped or buried under collapsed buildings, while 10 people were caught in landslides in three municipalities in the prefecture, Japans Kyodo News agency reported. TV video showed a collapsed student dormitory at Aso citys Tokai University that was originally two floors, but now looked like a single-story building. A witness said he heard a cry for help from the rubble. Two students were reported to have died there. In the town of Mashiki, where people were trapped beneath the rubble for hours, an unconscious 93-year-old woman, Yumiko Yamauchi, was dragged out from the debris of her home and taken by ambulance to a hospital. Her son-in-law Tatsuhiko Sakata said she had refused to move to shelter with him after the first quake Thursday. When I came to see her last night, I was asking her: `Mother? Im here! Do you remember me? Do you remember my face? She replied with a huge smile filled with joy. A kind of smile that I would never forget. And that was the last I saw of her, Sakata said. Among the other casualties, according to the Kumamoto prefectural government, were a 69-year-old man who died of head injuries and a 28-year-old woman who suffocated. The area has been rocked by aftershocks, including the strongest with a magnitude of 5.4 Saturday morning. The Japan Meteorological Agency said that the magnitude-7.3 quake early Saturday may have been the main one, with one from Thursday night a precursor. The quakes epicenters have been relatively shallow about 6 miles and close to the surface, resulting in more severe shaking and damage. National broadcaster NHK said as many as eight quakes were being felt an hour in the area. One massive landslide tore open a mountainside in Kumamotos Minamiaso village all the way from the top to a highway below. Another gnawed at a highway, collapsing a house that fell down a ravine and smashed at the bottom. In another part of the village, houses were left hanging precariously at the edge of a huge hole cut open in the earth. Suga, the chief Cabinet secretary, told reporters that the number of troops in the area was being raised to 20,000, while additional police and firefighters were also on the way. He pleaded with people not to panic. Please lets help each other and stay calm, he said in a nationally televised news conference. At a hot springs resort, dozens of people trapped were picked up by military helicopters, Asahi TV reported. Kyushu islands Mount Aso, the largest active volcano in Japan, erupted for the first time in a month, sending smoke rising about 328 feet into the air, but no damage was reported. It was not immediately clear whether there was a link between the quakes and the eruption. The 1,592-meter 5,223-foot-high mountain is about a 1 1/2-hour drive from the epicenter. The historic Aso Shrine, a picturesque complex near the volcano, was seriously damaged, with a number of buildings with curved tiled roofs flattened on the ground like lopsided fans. A towering gate, known as the cherry blossom gate because of its grandeur, especially during spring, collapsed. The Nuclear Regulation Authority reported no abnormalities at Kyushus Sendai nuclear plant. ALSO UC Berkeley provost resigns after criticism Coachella promoters look to book Dylan, Stones, McCartney and Young for mega-concert California minimum wage hike hits L.A. apparel industry: The exodus has begun Two years ago, Kwon Oh-hyun was living a life of rhythm and harmony, working as a singer-songwriter. He spent weekdays composing music that he sold to production studios; on weekends he performed rousing rock songs live at venues around South Korea. Then, on April 16, 2014, the Sewol ferry sank off the countrys south coast, resulting in more than 300 deaths. Kwons younger brother, Kwon Oh-cheon, was among the many high school students who perished. Advertisement Kwon no longer sings the same kinds of songs. Before my brothers death, I was really into upbeat music, the 28-year-old Kwon said. But after that, I could only write or perform sad songs. The Sewol disaster remains a painful subject in South Korea, and victims families are still fighting for an investigation that will determine and explain exactly what happened. The ferry had been en route from Incheon on the countrys northwestern coast to the resort island of Jeju when it sank. Relatives and friends of the victims wont forget the sordid details that emerged about the ferry and the company that ran it. Instead of working to evacuate the sinking ferry, the captain and crew fled on the first rescue ship that came to the scene, and some crewmembers sipped beer while waiting to be rescued. The owner of Cheonghaejin Marine, the company that owned the Sewol, ignored orders to appear for questioning; later, his body was found decomposing in a plum orchard, surrounded by empty liquor bottles. As the details trickled out, South Korean society united in rage and sorrow, but as the emotional duress dragged on, the sinking became politicized. Right-wing civic groups have accused the victims families of milking the spotlight and trying to use the sinking as a pretext to wrest compensation from the government. Though the ferrys captain and senior crew members were sentenced to prison terms in a 2014 trial, a group of bereaved families and politicians have continued seeking answers to questions such as how the ferry got permission to leave port dangerously overloaded and why the Coast Guard failed to rescue more passengers. About 170 of the more than 470 people aboard the vessel were rescued. The victims families have maintained that they wont give up until the complete truth about the sinking has been found, while right-wing groups urge them to give up and go home, arguing that further investigation is a waste of government time and money. An ad hoc fact-finding committee organized by the government and outside experts from fields including maritime safety has taken statements from the ferrys crew and Cheonghaejin Marine staff. In June, the committee is scheduled to put forth a bill in parliament mandating further investigation into how the ferry sank. In the meantime, filmmaker Kim Dong-bin timed the release of his documentary Upside Down to coincide with the sinkings second anniversary. The film tells the story of four high school students who died in the sinking, through interviews with their fathers. Kim said he was motivated to make the film in part by how the Sewol has become a divisive subject in South Korea. There is this negative stigma surrounding the Sewol. Unless they feel it on their skin, I find it hard to motivate people to care about the tragedy, Kim wrote in an email. Kwon is among those who have no trouble caring. He still thinks of the morning he heard the Sewol was in distress, knowing that Kwon Oh-cheon and his classmates were aboard on a school trip to a holiday island. Kwon rushed to the scene, arriving in time to identify his brothers body when divers recovered the teenager from the ferrys hull, the second confirmed casualty. In the months after the sinking, Kwon would vomit after eating anything, even sometimes after drinking water, and lost more than 50 pounds over a period of six months. Doctors told Kwon he had a form of bulimia caused by guilt over being alive and able to enjoy food, while his brother was dead. He was encouraged to attend regular counseling, but declined, saying he would rather his wounds remained raw. The pain I feel over my brothers death is my last connection to him, Kwon said. If I lose this anguish, I will have fully lost him. Kwon and others maintain a sit-in site in Gwanghwamun Square in the center of the South Korean capital, where they have set up temporary housing and hung sparsely worded, emotional messages, including, Together to the end and Lets reveal the truth of the Sewol. They take shifts staying round-the-clock at the site, passing out pamphlets with information on the sinking. On a hazy, early spring evening, as the city buzzed with families out to see blooming cherry blossoms, the families and their supporters held a concert in Gwanghwamun Square, singing songs and drawing pictures in honor of those who died. Kim Min-soo, a 23-year-old college senior who felt sympathy for those who lost loved ones, knelt on the concrete, using pastels to draw a picture of the Sewol ferry on top of tall blue waves. An accompanying message read: We wont forget. Borowiec is a special correspondent. Germanys government cleared a path Friday for the possible prosecution of a popular TV comedian for reading a poem on air satirizing Turkeys president, despite concerns that legal action would be an attack on free speech. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said the decision was not a verdict on comedian Jan Boehmermanns guilt or innocence. She also announced that her government would abolish its obscure law that permits the prosecution of anyone in Germany who criticizes foreign leaders. The Turkish government requested that criminal proceedings be brought against Jan Boehmermann over the poem, which suggested that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan engaged in sexual acts with goats. Advertisement Merkel said the German government had no choice but to allow the possible prosecution under the rarely enforced criminal code written in 1953. Its not up the government, in a state based on the rule of law, but rather up to state prosecutors and courts to weigh press and artistic freedom against basic personal rights, she said. The decision was neither a pre-judgment against the person involved nor an intervention for a decision on the boundaries of free speech and a free press but rather it is simply the case that state prosecutors and courts will have the final word. Critics said Merkel, who grew up in Communist East Germany and had long been a champion for free speech and democratic freedoms, had caved in to pressure from Ankara because she needs Turkeys support for resolving the refugee crisis. Her backers said free speech has limits and doesnt protect Germans from insulting foreign leaders. In Turkey, analysts expressed concern that Erdogan would use Germanys decision to further clamp down on domestic dissent. See more of our top stories on Facebook >> Since Erdogans ascent to the presidency in August 2014, nearly 2,000 cases have been opened against Turkish citizens for insulting the president. Among those investigated are journalists, politicians, a beauty queen and children. Erdogan and the AKP will use Merkels decision quite happily; they will be relishing it, said Cengiz Aktar, a political scientist and senior scholar at the Istanbul Policy Institute, a think tank. Now they can say, look Germany is a democratic country and they allow prosecution for insulting the presidency. Merkel has given him a golden gift. Merkel and other European Union officials are due in Turkey on April 23, to visit refugees in the southeastern city of Gaziantep, near the Syrian frontier. That city and its environs host vast numbers of Syrians, displaced during six years of war. Germanys center-left Social Democrats (SPD), who are the junior partners in Merkels grand coalition government, were firmly against the decision on the Boehmermann issue, but were overruled, said Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Its our view that the prosecution shouldnt have been authorized, he said. It wasnt the first time Boehmermann had tried to get under Erdogans skin. On March 22, he sang a song lampooning the Turkish leader as a thin-skinned authoritarian who trounces civil liberties. Turkeys Foreign Ministry summoned the German ambassador for a meeting over the song, but the envoy maintained that freedom of expression is treasured in Germany, where memories of the countrys Nazi past are never far from the surface. NEWSLETTER: Get the days top headlines from Times Editor Davan Maharaj >> Boehmermann, whose show was canceled this week, and his family have been under police protection in Cologne, authorities said. Before reading his poem, he acknowledged he was testing the boundaries of satire. In the poem, he also accused Erdogan of repressing minorities, kicking Kurds and slapping Christians. He did not have any comment on Merkels decision. Prosecutors have already been exploring whether the comedian broke the law. If convicted, he could face up to three years in prison or even up to five years if the court rules the insults to be slanderous. Legal analysts said that it was more likely he would face a fine if convicted. Special correspondents Kirschbaum reported from Berlin and Johnson from Ankara, Turkey. ALSO Belgian transport minister resigns after airport security criticized Bernie Sanders interrupts campaign for trip to Vatican but doesnt meet Pope Francis Popes visit to Greek island of refugees will be rich on symbolism as churches show unity Pope Francis will visit the Greek island of Lesbos, the epicenter of Europes refugee crisis, to illustrate Christian unity and concern over the unending turmoil in the Middle East that has sparked the biggest exodus of refugees -- Christian and Muslim -- since World War II. Francis will make a brief visit Saturday to the Aegean island that has received many of the million people fleeing war and poverty in the Middle East and Africa. He will be joined by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the head of the Orthodox Church based in Istanbul; Ieronymos, the archbishop of Athens and All Greece; and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. The visit is a rare show of accord between the Catholic and Orthodox churches, which have been divided since the Great Schism of 1054. Advertisement The visit is rich in symbolism. Francis will set foot on an island that is not just a modern byword for the refugee crisis, but one that hosted Paul the Apostle on a visit in 58 A.D. and was overrun by desperate ethnic Greek refugees fleeing persecution in Turkey in 1922, the precursor to a formal population exchange that was one of the largest movements of people in history at the time. 1 / 6 Migrants gather at the Moria refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesbos. Pope Francis will be visiting the camp on Saturday. (Louisa Gouliamaki / AFP/Getty Images) 2 / 6 Refugees and migrants can be seen on a beach behind a cross in a camp serving as a detention center on the Greek island of Lesbos. Human Rights Watch reports that none of the detainees had proper access to healthcare, sanitation facilities or legal aid. (Petros Giannakouris / Associated Press) 3 / 6 Pakistani migrants play cricket near a refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesbos. On Saturday, Pope Francis will be visiting the island, which has become the epicenter of Europes refugee crisis. (Milos Bicanski / Getty Images) 4 / 6 A Pakistani migrant does his laundry near a refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesbos. Pope Francis will be visiting the island on Saturday, along with Orthodox church leaders and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. (Milos Bicanski / Getty Images) 5 / 6 A man looks through a gate at the Moria refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesbos. (Milos Bicanski / Getty Images) 6 / 6 People line up at the Moria refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesbos. The refugees hope that Greeces northern borders will reopen to allow them to move to wealthier countries such as Germany and Sweden. (Milos Bicanski / Getty Images) Lesbos is also now the focal point of a controversial deal between the European Union and Turkey, criticized by human rights groups, designed to deter any more people from making the narrow crossing from the Turkish coast to the Greek islands, the porous frontier of the European Union. Francis will visit the Moria refugee camp first, a registration center hurriedly converted into a detention center for about 2,500 refugees and migrants under a March 18 deal. Since midnight on March 20, any migrant or refugee arriving on Greek islands is detained and subject to a fast-track asylum evaluation process and returned to Turkey if not approved. In visits to Lesbos and neighboring island Chios earlier this month, Human Rights Watch found that the camps housed women with young children, pregnant women, unaccompanied children, elderly men and women, and people with physical and psychosocial disabilities. None of the detainees had proper access to healthcare, sanitation facilities or legal aid, Human Rights Watch said. The Moria facility on Lesbos is surrounded by a three-layer fence topped with barbed-wire. About 150 children kept at the center will be gathered at the barricades. The pontiff and the Orthodox leaders will individually greet about 250 asylum seekers at the camp before they speak and sign a joint declaration. The three men will also hold a memorial and brief prayer at the port of Mytilene for those who have perished trying to make the crossing to Greece. Francis first trip outside Rome on his accession to the papacy in 2013 was to the Italian island of Lampedusa to commemorate thousands of migrants dying in the crossing from North Africa. Last month on Holy Thursday, Francis washed the feet of migrants in a center for asylum seekers outside Rome, calling them children of the same God. Since 2015, some 4,400 people have died in the Mediterranean, according to U.N. refugee agency figures. From last year to March 20, Greek authorities reported 580 people dead or missing on the route from Turkey to Greece. The United Nations said in September that an average of two children died a day attempting the crossing. Three children will present the religious leaders with laurel wreaths that will be thrown into the sea as a memorial. The refugee crisis and the persecution of Christian communities in the Middle East have helped spur closer ties between the two churches. Francis and Patriarch Kyrill II of Moscow, the head of the most populous Orthodox church, met in Cuba in February, the first such meeting in history. Their joint statement began by saying their gaze must firstly turn to those regions of the world where Christians are victims of persecution -- the Middle East and North Africa. They called upon the international community to act urgently to prevent the further expulsion of Christians from the Middle East, seek an end to violence and terrorism and work toward a swift return to civil peace, enabling refugees to return to their homes, wounds to be healed and the souls of the slain innocent to rest in peace. While not a formal visit, Francis visit to Lesbos is only the second time a pope has visited Greek territory since the Great Schism. Pope John Paul II visited Greece in 2001, the first time in 1,291 years, amid protests from the Orthodox faithful. Francis visit comes on the cusp of Orthodox Easter, the most important religious holiday in the Orthodox calendar. The church split in 1054 into a Roman Catholic Church based in the Vatican and an Orthodox Church based in what was then called Constantinople, now modern-day Istanbul. Francis is the spiritual leader of a billion Catholics; Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is spiritual leader of about 300 million Orthodox believers. Bartholomew, an ethnic Greek with Turkish citizenship, was the first ecumenical patriarch to attend a papal inauguration since the schism and has greeted Francis, the son and grandson of Italian immigrants to Argentina, at the Patriarchate in Istanbul. The religious leaders will be joined by a strictly secular leader -- Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras, a self-described atheist who refused the traditional religious ceremony when he took his oath of office. Despite the differences, all are focused on the refugee crisis and Europes reaction to dealing with it. Vatican spokesman Father Federico Lombardi said the visit will have a humanitarian and ecumenical perspective. It does not directly touch on political positions, or other such things, but their focus is fundamentally humanitarian, experienced in an ecumenical key, he said. For the Greeks, the visit is an opportunity to highlight to the world that more than 50,000 refugees are still stranded in the country, which is still struggling with financial problems that have entailed three rescues in six years. The migrants and refugees, who are expected to be relocated in the thousands to other countries, are still gripped by hopes that borders in the north of the country will reopen to allow them to move to wealthier countries such as Germany and Sweden. In Idomeni, the Greek border town with Macedonia where 10,000 people are camped out waiting for the border to reopen, clashes between migrants and Macedonian police were reported just days before Francis visit, the second time in a week after Macedonian police used tear gas to disperse a group trying to break down a fence, prompting official Greek complaints. In Piraeus, the countrys main port, authorities have struggled to persuade migrants and refugees camped on piers that they should move to alternative accommodations. As of Friday morning, there were still 3,770 people living in tents in Piraeus, according to Greek government figures. Our country is in a very difficult situation, Ieronymos, the Athens archbishop, said Tuesday. We are raising fences and preventing refugees from going to those countries which, indeed, are responsible for this situation. Petrakis is a special correspondent. A North Korea missile launch meant to celebrate its founders birthday has apparently failed, South Korean and U.S. officials said Friday, an embarrassing setback in what was reportedly the inaugural test of a new, powerful mid-range missile. The U.S. and South Korean officials provided few details, including the type of missile. But South Koreas Yonhap news agency carried an unsourced report that a Musudan missile, which could one day be capable of reaching far-off U.S. military bases in Asia and the Pacific, exploded in the air a few seconds after liftoff. Despite the failure, the North has another Musudan loaded on a mobile launcher and Pyongyang will likely fire it, according to South Korean and U.S. authorities, Yonhap reported. Advertisement The launch comes as the two Koreas trade threats amid Pyongyangs anger over annual South Korean-U.S. military drills that North Korea calls a rehearsal for an invasion. The North has recently fired a slew of missiles and artillery shells into the sea in an apparent protest against the drills. The surge in belligerent rhetoric and nuclear and missile activity in the North may also be linked to leader Kim Jong Uns preparations for a major ruling party meeting next month that analysts believe he will use to further solidify his autocratic rule. Some believe that Kim may try to use the countrys claims of recent nuclear and missile success as a way to turn domestic focus toward tackling the countrys abysmal economy. A senior U.S. defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity because the official wasnt authorized to comment publicly, said the U.S. Strategic Command systems have detected and tracked what officials assessed as a failed North Korean missile launch. We strongly condemn North Koreas missile test in violation of U.N. Security Council Resolutions, which explicitly prohibit North Koreas use of ballistic missile technology, the official said. The North American Aerospace Defense Command said the missile launched from North Korea did not pose a threat to North America. The Souths Defense Ministry said it wasnt immediately known whether the missile fired from an eastern costal area Friday morning was a short-range or mid-range missile. The ministry refused to say why it believes the North Korean launch appeared to be a failure. The Norths launch came amid speculation in the South that its rival was preparing to test a medium-range missile with a range of 3,500 kilometers (2,180 miles) enough to reach U.S. military installments in Japan and Guam. Foreign experts have nicknamed the missile Musudan after the village in the northeast where North Korea has a launchpad. North Korea has never flight-tested a Musudan, though it unveiled the missile during a 2010 military parade. South Korean defense officials said North Korea has deployed Musudan missiles since 2007. Friday is the birthday anniversary of the late Kim Il Sung, the current leaders grandfather and the nations founder. North Korea has occasionally used such celebrations to stage nuclear or missile tests that outsiders consider provocations. In the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, citizens in formal clothing lined up to bow deeply before huge statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, his son and the father of Kim Jong Un, and laid brightly colored flowers at the statues feet. North Korea has unnerved the international community this year with an escalating campaign of belligerence. This includes a nuclear test in January, its fourth, and a long-range rocket launch in February, as well as nuclear threats against the United States and Seoul. There is debate among analysts about the exact state of the Norths nuclear capabilities many believe Pyongyang has a handful of crude nuclear bombs but each nuclear and missile test pushes them farther along in their goal of a nuclear-armed arsenal of long-range missiles. ALSO U.S. report paints bleak picture of human rights around the globe Theres no doubt now that Zika virus causes rare birth defects, CDC says President Obama visits CIA headquarters as U.S. steps up attacks against Islamic State Stanley Park, which wraps around Vancouvers Coal Harbor like a warm hug, is one of the most scenic and peaceful spots in Canada. Until 9 oclock. If you were standing right here when the gun goes off, says David John Waine, you wouldnt hear for a week. Waine is referring to the 19th century cannon he has tended for 22 years. For Waine and other locals, the angry retort is strangely comforting. Advertisement When it doesnt go off, we certainly hear about it, says Brian Quinn, Vancouvers manager of parks operations. It is part of what Vancouver is. Its certainly older than Vancouver: The gun, which is aimed at the bay-side convention center, was cast more than half a century before the city began to take shape. And it has been firing on Vancouver since 1898, 12 years after the first mayor took office. Over the years its been stolen, vandalized, even struck by lightning. One year it nearly sank an unarmed fuel barge. But its fallen silent for an extended period just once, during World War II, when the city feared residents might mistake the cannons roar for a Japanese attack. As for how and why the cannon wound up at Brockton Point, no one is sure, says Sarah Kirby-Yung, chairwoman of the Vancouver park board. There are different stories, but I dont think there is a definitive history that says exactly what it was, she says. The most-accepted tale claims the cannon, gifted to Canada by the British government in 1856, was one of three naval guns brought around Cape Horn to British Columbia. The other two were mounted as decorative pieces in front of the legislative building in Victoria before being melted down in 1940. The Stanley Park gun escaped that fiery fate because it had proved an invaluable aid for sailors, first to mark the 6 p.m. curfew for salmon fishermen, then to help mariners set their chronometers vital information for skippers navigating the tides separating the harbor from English Bay. Before the cannon, a lighthouse keeper would light a stick of dynamite attached to a fishing line and cast it over the water each night. The sound of the dynamite could be faint, however, especially on windy or stormy nights. Cannon blasts provided a more efficient, not to mention safer, way of marking time. Ships chronometers eventually improved to the point at which a nightly recalibration wasnt needed. And thats when parents stepped in, using the 9 oclock gun to mark summer curfews. When I was younger, after the gun went off, I had 10 minutes to get home, Waine remembers. Cellphones call kids home now. Yet Vancouver still fires its cannon. It serves more than timekeeping, Kirby-Yung says. I think it serves a message of tradition. Theres very few things that have been happening in any city since 1898. The tradition isnt unique to Vancouver, though. If anything, the Canadians came late to the party. Cape Town, South Africa, has been shooting off its noon gun since 1806, and Hong Kongs noonday cannons first began firing in the 1860s, about the time a similar tradition took hold in Edinburgh, Scotland. Even the Gric cannon in Zagreb, Croatia, is older, having first been used as a timekeeping device in 1877. But the Stanley Park gun has a rich history. It was forged outside London in 1816 during the reign of King George III, whose crest graces the barrel. According to the late historian Chuck Davis, theres no evidence it was fired in anger, but the cannon was deployed to protect coal miners from restless native tribes and later in a saber-rattling showdown with the U.S. over placement of the international border. The gun was then retired from military duty and placed in Stanley Park, where it is now under of the care of Waine. With his white beard and mustache and a shock of unruly shoulder-length white hair, the 61-year-old Waine looks a little like a cross between Santa Claus and Jerry Garcia, with prescription glasses. But his penchant for dressing all in black often gets him mistaken for another celebrity. People ask me if Im Kenny Rogers, he says. On a recent Saturday morning, Waine parks his aging white Dodge pickup near a bike path running behind the cannon and grabs a paper sack containing a pound and a half of gunpowder. After placing the sack in the cannons barrel, he shoves it into position with a wooden rammer and drops one end of an electronic match into the gunpowder. He attaches the other end of the foot-long match to a timer. But Waine, who signs his emails Keeper of the 9 OClock Gun, is more than just the cannons volunteer caretaker. Hes also the guns unofficial spokesman, biggest fan and chief storyteller, rattling off tales with a well-practiced cadence. Theres the one about the boy who jammed a fist-size stone into the muzzle. When the gun fired, the rock shot across the harbor and struck an Esso fuel platform. The barge was moved slightly to one side after that incident. Or the time the gun was stolen by engineering students from the University of British Columbia a considerable feat of engineering given that the gun weighs 1,500 pounds. Upon its return, the gun was encased in a stone and metal cage for its protection as well as that of unsuspecting fuel barges. But that didnt deter another group of UBC students, who broke into the cage eight years ago and painted the gun red. Waines favorite story is another from his youth. Back then local boys would take their dates on a carefully timed romantic walk along the waterfront. The gun goes off and your date jumps into your arms, Waine says with a chuckle. Ive seen it happen. It wont happen anymore. Now a red warning light flashes and an alarm buzzes for 10 seconds before the gun discharges. That hasnt totally eliminated the element of surprise, though, because the alarm cant be heard in the restaurants and tourist hotels lining the other side of the harbor. But the cannon can be, and its blast can be unnerving in the era of terrorist bombings. And for that, Quinn, the manager of park operations, apologizes. Ive never considered that, he says. Nor, he says, has anyone considered silencing the gun. ALSO Uber and Lyft have devastated L.A.'s taxi industry, city records show Board recommends parole for Charles Manson follower Leslie Van Houten; victims daughter outraged In a win for unions, appeals court reverses ruling that threw out teacher tenure in California Word that the Zika epidemic has begun to recede in Colombia was overshadowed this week by news that the country, one of the hardest hit by the virus, has reported its first known cases of microcephaly, a birth defect featuring smaller than normal heads in newborns. The Colombian health ministry confirmed on Friday a dramatic drop in new cases of Zika, a virus that can cause fetal birth defects if pregnant women are infected. The virus, which has infected 64,839 Colombians since September, is also associated with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a type of paralysis. Suspected new Zika cases reported during the first week in April totaled 2,022 -- one-third as many as at the height of the epidemic in early February. Colombian officials now predict that the epidemic should end by late June. They also lowered their projection of expected cases to 220,000 from the previous 600,000. Advertisement But health vice minister Fernando Ruiz Gomez also told reporters Thursday that two cases of microcephaly have been confirmed and that the number will soon rise. Based on the incidence of the birth defect in past Zika outbreaks in other countries, Colombia will see 95 to 300 microcephalic babies born through September, Ruiz said. We could be entering a phase of increases in cases of microcephalia, Ruiz said. He declined to identify the cities where the two affected babies were born, saying only they are in the states of North Santander in northeastern Colombia and Cundinamarca in central Colombia. Although overshadowed by the scope of the epidemic in Brazil, where hundreds of microcephalic births have been reported, this tropical country has also been hit hard by the virus. The carrier mosquito Aedes aegypti can thrive anywhere below an altitude of 7,000 feet, which is home to 70% of the Colombian population. The World Health Organization has declared an emergency health crisis in Colombia due to the Zika epidemic. This week the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed a direct link between Zika and microcephaly. Ruiz emphasized that microcephalia occurs only in a small subset of pregnant women infected with Zika. Of the total 11,776 pregnant Colombian women diagnosed with Zika since September, 2,756 of them have now given birth to apparently healthy babies. Total Guillain-Barre syndrome cases so stand at 277, a figure that could rise to 380 by June, said ministry epidemiologist Claudia Cuellar. Although the disease usually causes only short-term symptoms including partial paralysis, some patients are left with lasting muscle damage. Dr. Marta Ospina, the director of Colombias National Institute of Health, cautioned that microcephaly is not the only neurological effect that Zika could have on newborns. Encephalitis and learning disabilities are other possible effects on victims. Special correspondent Kraul is based in Bogota. MORE ON THE ZIKA VIRUS Five ways scientists are going after the Zika virus Even in peak mosquito season, Zika risk is low in California 10 ways to keep yourself safe from Zika, now definitively linked to birth defects Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders have thrown pleasantries out the window. The election season's ninth Democratic presidential debate took place in Brooklyn on Thursday night, in a state with 291 delegates at stake next week. Clinton needs a win to cool Sanders' surge; counting the Wyoming primary, Sanders has won seven consecutive contests dating back to March 22. Sanders needs most, if not all, New York's delegates to keep pace with Clinton. He trails by the former Secretary of State by 658 delegates three months from the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, one Sanders hopes to contest. Thursday's CNN debate was a contentious affair. Months of campaign stops and repeated policy stances are beginning to wear on the candidates, and it showed throughout the night. Sanders' wry sense of humor clashed with Clinton's pragmatism. Clinton ducked questions about Wall Street speeches. Sanders mixed sarcasm with substance, losing a few votes among those opposing his views on Israel and an ongoing lawsuit of gun manufacturers by Sandy Hook parents. Neither can afford to lose Tuesday primary. The Brooklyn debate, the final scheduled Democratic debate, proved as much. Wall Street Speeches and Tax Returns CNN moderators tagged Clinton over her refusal to release Goldman Sachs speech transcripts. Dana Bash repeatedly asked the former Clinton about her unwillingness to do so, reiterating that Democratic voters want transparency. Clinton redirected Bash's question to candidates' tax returns. "There is a long-standing expectation that everybody running release their tax returns," Clinton said. "I've released 30 years of tax returns. And I think every candidate, including Senator Sanders and Donald Trump, should do the same." Sanders said he would release 2014 tax returns on Friday and mocked Clinton's assertion that she fought big banks while serving as New York senator. "Senator Clinton called them out, oh my goodness. They must have been really crushed by this," Sanders said to applause. "Was that before or after you received huge sums of money by giving speaking engagements behind closed doors? They must've been really upset." In his own words, Sanders said his returns won't be exciting because he didn't give Wall Street speeches and remains "one of the poorer members" of the Senate. Hillary Clinton: When everybody releases their speech transcripts, I'll do it too #DemDebate https://t.co/yDhqXCFtt1 https://t.co/35an1lrzk7 CNN Politics (@CNNPolitics) April 15, 2016 Sanders Calls Violence in Israel 'Disproportionate' Asked about the 2014 Israel-Gaza war that left thousands dead on the Gaza Strip, Sanders called Israel's response "disproportionate" and led to "the unnecessary loss of innocent life." "The question is not does Israel have a right to respond, nor does Israel have a right to go after terrorist and destroy terrorism. That's not the debate. Was their response disproportionate?" Sanders asked. "I believe it was." Sanders said he is "100 percent pro-Israel" but believes Palestinian people should be treated with respect and dignity, comments that may not sit well with pro-Israel advocates. Clinton didn't press Sanders for a direct answer, instead referencing to peace talks with Middle Eastern leaders like Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. "I have been there with Israeli officials going back more than 25 years that they do not seek this kind of attacks," Clinton said. "They do not invite the rockets raining down on their towns and villages." Sanders: Israel has a right to defend itself but calls Gaza op disproportionate https://t.co/ev4IeNYpwm #DemDebate https://t.co/SWSMkqTKaw CNN (@CNN) April 15, 2016 Memorable Quotes "We are going to have to say that Netanyahu is not right all the time" - Sanders, on the Israeli prime minister. "Describing the problem is a lot easier than trying to solve it," - Clinton defending her role in the Israel-Palestinian conflict as secretary of state. "If you're both screaming at each other, the viewers won't be able to hear either of you," - CNN moderator Wolf Blitzer. "I've been called a lot of things, and that was a first," - Clinton, after Sanders called her "unqualified." "We've had eight debates before, this is our ninth. We've not had one question about a woman's right to make her own decisions about reproductive health care, not one question," - Clinton. "Public colleges and universities tuition fee? Damn right," - Sanders. "We've heard a lot from Senator Sanders about the greed and recklessness of Wall Street, and I agree. We've got to hold Wall Street accountable. We'll, what about the greed and recklessness of gun manufacturers and dealers in America?" - Clinton, on Sanders' gun policy record in Vermont. "I am sure a lot of people are very surprised to learn that you supported raising the minimum wage to $15 bucks an hour," - Sanders, citing Clinton's initial disapproval of the measure. Pro-immigration forces are planning rallies in such major cities as Washington, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Houston and Denver to mark the Supreme Court formally hearing arguments in President Obama's immigration executive action case. In all, some 20 demonstrations are planned across the country on Monday, April 18, all aimed at expressing support for the Obama administration's executive actions, which could save as many as four million undocumented immigrants from deportation. As part of the D.C. demonstration, Grammy-award winning band La Santa Cecilia is scheduled to hold a live concert in front of the court building. Organizers have stated labor unions, undocumented workers and families and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg are also slated to be on hand. Oral Arguments set to Commence on April 18 Oral arguments on the long festering issue are slated to begin on Monday, with the legality of the program known as DAPA sitting at the forefront of all the intense litigation. "It hits close to home," said Jose "Pepe" Carlos, a DREAMer and band member. "I was undocumented for 25 years, it's really unjust and unfair that we're not given the credit we deserve as Latino Americano immigrants." Carlos said he is no longer undocumented, but indicates his parents still are and he worries if DAPA is struck down by the Supreme Court, their right to remain in the U.S. could be thrown into jeopardy. "Hopefully it goes through because it's not just my parents but a whole generation of parents who are going to benefit," he said. Republicans take Hardline Stance on Immigration Indeed, the stakes are high and the political battle lines have been drawn. The Republican led House of Representatives recently filed a brief with the court and will be granted time to address the justices during the oral arguments phase of the proceedings, where they will express their stern opposition to the president's actions. Beyond that, Republican presidential front-runners Donald Trump and Ted Cruz have both expressed plans to carry out mass deportations if either of them is elected as Obama's successor. Trump has also vowed that he will build a massive wall along the Mexican border that will further keep out immigrants. A recent Pew Research study found that more than 27 million Latinos will be eligible to vote this election season and a recent Washington Post-Univision national poll found that four in every five Hispanic voters now has a negative image of Trump and if the election was held today he would lose the Latino vote to Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton by a 73 percent to 16 percent margin. "We want to send a message that this is very personal for our community," said Rocio Saenz, SEIU International executive vice president. "We are in the moment where we are going to have to make a decision on what type of country we'll have." The suspect behind the recent EgyptAir hijacking incident is requesting political asylum in Cyprus. 56-year-old Seif Eddin Mustafa claimed he is afraid of how the Egyptian authorities might treat him due to his political beliefs, officials revealed. Cyprus' Interior Minister Socrates Socrates Hasikos told The Associated Press that they are reviewing Mustafa's request for asylum. He also confirmed receipt of a request by Egyptian authorities for Mustafa's extradition. According to Mustafa's lawyer, Robertos Vrahimis, the EgyptAir hijacker fears he might suffer unpleasant treatment from Egyptian authorities. However, Cyprus Justice Minister Ionas Nicolaou said Egyptian authorities have given written assurances that Seif Eddin Mustafa will be punished with death penalty and that his case will undergo a fair trial. Vrahimis added that he has not had further discussion with Mustafa due to an issue with the Cyprus Central Prisons over the employment of an Arabic-speaking translator. Only a translator approved by prison authorities will be permitted entry, which Vrahimis contend would violate attorney-client privilege. Business Standard reported that a court hearing on extradition proceedings is scheduled for April 22. Denial of the asylum request would effectively extradite Mustafa. According to CNN, Mustafa seized control of an EgyptAir plane on March 29 that was headed to Cairo from Alexandra, Egypt. Mustafa diverted the plane to Cyprus, where he was later captured. Mustafa admitted to the EgyptAir hijacking, claiming that he only wanted to talk to his estranged ex-wife, who was onboard the plane. Authorities described Mustafa as "psychologically unstable" at the time of the incident. Although he threated to blow up the plane with a fake suicide belt, the suspect denied any terrorism-relative motive. Airbus 320 was carrying 70 people, including 55 passengers and 15 crew members. This is not Mustafa's first run-in with the law. He has a criminal record for forgery, burglary, drug dealing and impersonation. A lawsuit was filed against Carnival Corporation and Fathom Travel for alleged discrimination in their Cuban cruise. The lawsuit details that two Cuban-Americans were declined of reservations over their Cuban birth. According to Cruise Law News, the lawsuit said that the cruise lines violated the civil rights of two Cuban-American passengers by denying their reservations on the Adonia just because they were born in Cuba. The lawsuit filed by law firms of Koyzan, Tropin and Throckmorton and Robert Rodriguez seeks a class action certification. Travel Weekly reported that Amparo Sanchez and Francisco Marty were the ones deprived of their civil right outlined in Civil Rights Act of 1964 by discriminating on the basis of national origin. The suit said that Sanchez and Marty contacted Carnival separately to reserve a Fathom cruise and because of their 'heavy accent,' they were asked about their national origin. This led to them not being able to travel in the Fathom due to their country of origin. Carnival Corp. which owns the Fathom brand said "It is our hope and intention that everyone can travel and we will continue to pursue a change in the regulation that puts cruising on the same footing as aircraft travel is today in Cuba." Meanwhile, USA Today wrote that Robert Rodriguez, one of the lawyers of the plaintiff, said he was shocked when his clients explained that they were told by a booking agent that they couldn't purchase the trip since they are Cuabans. Rodriguez said "The more I started researching this, the more I became upset. I was surprised and let down." However, Carnival said it was forced into the decision by the government of Cuban which prohibits people born in Cuba to return to the island by sea but not by air. The suit names Carnival Corp and Fathom Travel Limited Corp as defendants. It seeks a judgment based on the defendants' conduct and asks for a jury trial. Apr 15, 2016, 12:08pm ET GM recalling 1M trucks over seatbelt fault GM is recalling a larger number of its full-size pickups. General Motors is recalling close to one-million full-size pickup trucks in the United States to repair a seatbelt issue. The recall covers Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 1500 models from the 2014 and 2015 model years. According to GM, trucks included in the recall were equipped with flexible steel cables that connect the seat belts to the vehicle; over time those cables can fatigue and eventually separate, causing the seatbelt to fail. GM discovered the defect through warranty data. The automaker says it isn't aware of any crashes or injuries linked to the recall. In all the recall covers 895,232 trucks. Of those, about 3,000 are still on dealer lots. GM has ordered a stop-sale on those vehicles until the issue is resolved. GM plans to remedy the defect by having dealers enlarge the side shield opening and by installing a pusher bracket on the tensioner. If necessary, dealers will replace the tensioner entirely. In addition to the vehicles being recalled in the U.S., GM is also recalling Silverado and Sierra models in Canada, Mexico, Latin America and the Middle East. With those vehicles include, the worldwide recall stands at 1,037,982 units. Allentown police Thursday night were investigating two male gunshot victims and a multi-vehicle crash that followed an attempted robbery. Police believe both victims were wounded in the same incident, and both were conscious and alert despite their injuries, Assistant Chief Glen Dorney said. The incident unfolded about 7 p.m., beginning with the attempted robbery of a male's Hoverboard on Pioneer Street at West Tilghman Street, less than a block west of the busy North Seventh and West Tilghman streets intersection, Dorney said. "Somehow during that interaction, there were shots fired," he said. A white vehicle seen leaving that scene crashed a few blocks to the northeast, at North Sixth and West Washington streets. Two occupants fled the crash, but a third male was found in the backseat with two gunshot wounds, Dorney said. "He was shot in the head," the assistant chief said, adding that the male was conscious, alert and stable: "Sounds like non-life-threatening." While dealing with the crash, police learned a male shot in the head had just walked in to Lehigh Valley Hospital at North 17th and West Chew streets. Dorney described that victim's condition, at least initially, as "walking, talking, conscious and alert." That victim claimed not to have known who shot him. Investigators believe he was one of the two who had fled the crash. "We are investigating as if it was related to this" attempted robbery, shooting and crash incident, Dorney said. Police did not immediately have a description or further information to release on the third person who had fled the crash. Nor did police immediately recover any firearms in the probe. Police closed off the areas around the robbery and shooting and the crash during the ongoing investigation. "Sounds like have a pretty extensive scene," Dorney said. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. UPDATE: Violent robbery suspect ordered held on additional $200k bail David Bermudez has been charged in recent years with biting off part of a woman's ear during a domestic dispute and helping beat a man unconscious during an armed home invasion. Friday morning, authorities plan to add more charges to his record, Bethlehem Township police report. Bermudez, 37, formerly of Bethlehem, is scheduled to be arraigned by video at 11 a.m. before District Judge Patricia Broscius on charges stemming from the Sept. 5, 2012, armed robbery of a gas station in Bethlehem Township and a similar crime four days later at a 7-Eleven in Allentown, township police Sgt. Rick Blake said Thursday. The specific counts have yet to be made public. A car allegedly connects the robberies. Bermudez was one of two men wearing masks and carrying guns who at 10:44 that night in September 2012 entered Rudy's Gulf at 2900 Easton Ave. in the township, Blake said. David Bermudez (Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com) Juan Fernandez, who is believed to be the second man in the station with Bermudez, committed suicide in 2014, authorities said. Fernandez also was part of the Lower Saucon Township home invasion for which Bermudez is being held in Northampton County Prison, authorities said. Bermudez's wife, Jessica Liz Ruiz, was charged March 28 with robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery, court papers say. She was released on $5,000 unsecured bail, court papers say. She remained in the car during the Bethlehem Township robbery but wouldn't let the driver leave, police said. The driver hasn't been named. Marianne Padilla Diaz, 22, formerly of Bethlehem, was arrested Tuesday by the Comandancia de la Policia Estatal de Guayama in Guayama, Puerto Rico, Blake said. Padilla Diaz, who was the clerk in the gas station and was also having a relationship with Bermudez, faces extradition on felony counts of robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery, and misdemeanor theft and conspiracy to commit theft. The Allentown convenience store followed Sept. 9, 2012, at 1801 S. Fourth St. Both robberies came before the Northampton County Investigative Grand Jury and the Lehigh County District Attorney's Office agreed to both cases being tried in Northampton County, Blake said. Bermudez remains in Northampton County Prison in lieu of bail from the home invasion charges. Tony Rhodin may be reached at arhodin@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyRhodin. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. Miguelangel Tsiounis Miguelangel Tsiounis (Courtesy photo) A Northampton County judge will decide next month whether to grant house arrest for a wheelchair-bound habitual drunken driver. Miguelangel Tsiounis was on parole for his second drunken driving conviction when he allegedly drove drunk Oct. 23, 2015 in Freemansburg. The 30-year-old Bethlehem Township man was sentenced to 90 days to five years in prison for the second offense, but spent his sentence on house arrest due to his condition. Defense attorney James Burke is looking for house arrest again because Northampton County Prison is ill-equipped to care for him due to his paralysis. Tsiounis suffered a spinal injury on Aug. 27, 2005, due to a fall. "Because of health reasons, we're asking for house arrest, which I think is more than reasonable," Burke said Thursday. Tsiounis drives with the aid of a hand-operable car. He pleaded guilty to his third DUI offense Thursday in front of Northampton County Senior Judge Leonard Zito. His sentencing is in May, Burke said. The Express-Times archives say Tsiounis drove drunk, crashed into a parked snowplow and punched a paramedic in 2009. It's unclear how the 2009 case was resolved. It's not listed in an online criminal docket. His second offense was Jan. 5, 2013, in Bethlehem. Tsiounis was first charged in 2005 for underage drinking, speeding, driving without a license and drunken driving in Bethlehem Township. The district attorney's office agreed to throw out the charges, however, because Tsiounis would lose medical assistance to treat his spinal cord injury if he had charges pending against him. He injured his spine less than two months after he was charged in 2005. Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook. DA lays out 3 initiatives to combat Lehigh Valley heroin 'epidemic' Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli, left, holds a news conference Thursday, April 14, 2016 outlining a plan to combat a growing heroin epidemic in Pennsylvania. He is joined by state Rep. Dan McNeil, D-Lehigh. (Pamela Sroka Holzmann | For lehighvalleylive.com) In a packed room of 200 people during a forum earlier this year in Whitehall Township, Northampton County District Attorney John Morganelli said everyone raised their hand when asked if they knew a person with a drug or alcohol addiction. Some, he said, wore T-shirts with photographs of loved ones and the dates of death from heroin overdoses. And then, audience members expressed frustration with law enforcement for failing to get dealers off the streets, physicians for prescribing addictive painkillers and the system for making it difficult for families to afford treatment for loved ones who are addicted. During a news conference Thursday at the Northampton County Courthouse, Morganelli said he agrees with Lehigh County District Attorney Jim Martin that despite their best efforts, law enforcement officials "cannot prosecute the problem away." "We'll never win the war on drugs as long as billions of dollars are being made in the drug trade," Morganelli said. "Drugs and overdoses are killing an awful lot of people. There are a lot of wasted lives." Morganelli said strategies have not been changed targeting drugs and the increasing heroin epidemic since U.S. President Richard Nixon was in office and stated, "We have been losing the war on drugs." "Along the way, we have also lost a lot of good folks who found themselves trapped in addiction," Morganelli said. Morganelli was joined at Thursday's announcement by Pennsylvania state Rep. Dan McNeill, D-Lehigh, who organized the February forum in Whitehall and a second program last month. The district attorney laid out initiatives to attack the problem. Morganelli, a Democrat from Bethlehem, is seeking the Democratic nomination for state attorney general in the April 26 primary election. If elected, Morganelli said he would focus on these areas: Attack the source of the "poison" focusing on transnational crime organizations. Step up education and distribution of resources to save lives of those at risk. Step up law enforcement and funding for county drug task forces across the state with more authority for county sheriffs. Morganelli held news conferences earlier this year on overdose deaths in Forks Township and Bethlehem Township that led to charges. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, deaths from drug overdoses have risen steadily over the past two decades and currently outnumber deaths from car accidents. Pennsylvania went from being placed 14 to 7 nationally in states with drug overdose deaths, Morganelli said. Morganelli said in late February that he would use whatever tools are available to curb what he called an epidemic of overdoses. McNeill echoed the district attorney on Thursday, calling the heroin addiction more than just an epidemic, but a "sickness" that is increasingly getting out of hand. McNeill said what used to be a small amount of marijuana being passed around at a party has turned into needles spread out on a table. While naxolone is a wonderful tool, it's not prevention, he said. "I think this is going to grow to a lot of people," he said. "This epidemic has to be stopped and the drug dealers got to go." Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. The council has granted permission to a 49-house expansion to Radharc Na Sleibhe in Mountrath, despite numerous objections from residents who fear the new development will increase the problem of antisocial behaviour in the unfinished estate. Levelcraft Limited, who bought the partially completed phase 1 estate back in 2014, have been given the greenlight to construct a 49-unit housing development, consisting of 37 two-storey semi-detached houses, four two-storey detached houses, and eight two-storey townhouses. The proposed development will be accessed from the existing Radharc na Sleibhe estate and will also include estate roads, footpaths, a public open space, amenity areas, foul and surface water drainage, landscaping and all associated infrastructure works and services on a site of 1.704ha. Submissions against the plans were made by residents of the Shannon Road, Mr James and Ms Laura Scully, Mr Brendan Carroll, Ms Mary Curran, and Ms Denise and Ms Mary Carroll. They claimed that there is a lot of antisocial problems in the area caused by the adjoining housing development, which remains unfinished with regards to lighting, pedestrian crossings, cycle lanes, stop signs, speed limits, road markings etc. An extension of this development will only aggravate any existing problems that are ongoing, said the residents, going on to claim that a further 49 houses would put more pressure on the mains public water. Despite these submissions, Laois County Council has now granted conditional permission to Levelcraft. Regarding the issue of water and the public mains, Jason Redmond and Associates, acting on behalf of Levelcraft, said that a wastewater connection is feasible for the new development without an infrastructure upgrade by Irish Water. It also appears that there is adequate spare treatment capacity for the increased load from this development. The site was partially developed by Newell Construction Ltd, but KPMG were appointed receivers in June 2012. Phase 1, comprising 19 units, was partially complete and in a very poor state of repair at that time. Levelcraft Limited, with company directors, Lynus and Patricia Breen, purchased the remaining unfinished units in 2014 and completed units, roads, drainage, services, and boundary walls. any exotic tongues were spoken - and many local tongues treated to an array of tantalising foods - when the Portlaoise Further Education Centre held its festival of languages recently, as part of an international initiative challenging racism. The festival, hosted in the centre over two days in March, displayed more than 20 languages spoken in the local community by participants studying in the FEC. Members of the public were invited to see an amazing visual display of languages and to sample some typical food from different cultures. They were also treated to personal testimonies from some of the new arrivals to our country. This educational and cultural event was organised by Deirdre Brennan, ESOL co-ordinator, who hoped the event would celebrate the rich diversity in Portlaoise and promote intercultural dialogue. Diversity - it enriches our culture, our societies, it makes our economies. It drives us to think broader and to respect our differences. Diversity has the power to make society better. These are some of the reasons why Portlaoise Further Education Centre held a number of events to mark Action Week Against Racism, explained Ms Brennan. Also over the two days, March 14 and 15, members of the Syrian community who attend the centre in Portlaoise held culture information sessions to demonstrate the other side of Syria'. They wanted the people of Portlaoise to know their Syria, a sharp contrast to the images in the media of war and destruction. The event was an opportunity to sample the rich culture and heritage of their home, and the sessions were very well received and proved a real eye opener for many. Organised to tie in with the European-wide Action Week Against Racism, March 12 to 21, the local festival was a positive way to celebrate strength in diversity, and to highlight the changing multicultural landscape of modern Ireland. Present at the festival was Mr John Lannon, chairperson of Doras Luimni, an independent, non-profit, non-governmental organisation working to support and promote the rights of all migrants living in Limerick and the wider Mid-West region. The name of the organisation, derived from the Irish word for door, indicates its ideal to be seen as an open door welcoming new communities. Well, well. Only three by-elections tonight and weve won two of them One was a solid hold in Taunton Deane, where we lost the parliamentary seat last May. Taunton Halcon (Taunton Deane) vote result: LDEM: 389 CON: 222 LAB: 133 UKIP: 118 GRN: 42 Britain Elects (@britainelects) April 14, 2016 Taunton Halcon (Taunton Deane) result: LDEM: 43.0% (+2.7) CON: 24.6% (-11.0) LAB: 14.7% (+14.7) UKIP: 13.1% (+13.1) GRN: 4.6% (-19.5) Britain Elects (@britainelects) April 14, 2016 Our vote went up despite the presence of a Labour candidate, The Greens have really fallen out of favour. But better news was to come. We gained a seat in Cornwall. Wadebridge West (Cornwall) vote result: LDEM: 604 CON: 356 LAB: 222 IND: 111 GRN: 95 Britain Elects (@britainelects) April 14, 2016 Wadebridge West (Cornwall) result: LDEM: 43.5% (+19.2) CON: 25.6% (-39.9) LAB: 16.0% (+5.8) IND: 8.0% (+8.0) GRN: 6.8% (+6.8) Britain Elects (@britainelects) April 14, 2016 The Tories really tanked. There must be a story around why they lost almost 40% of their vote. That was in the seat held by Dan Rogerson till May. This certainly shows that the Liberal Democrats are still alive kicking and wining in the West Country. Congratulations to our new Councillors Chris Booth and Karen McHugh and their campaign teams. We didnt manage the treble though the final by-election, also in Cornwall, saw a Conservative hold. But only just. We missed out by just 60 votes with another strong increase. Menheniot (Cornwall) result: CON: 40.5% (+2.5) LDEM: 35.9% (+11.6) UKIP: 13.5% (-17.7) LAB: 5.1% (+5.1) GRN: 5.0% (-1.5) Britain Elects (@britainelects) April 14, 2016 * Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings Last month I accompanied Tim Farron on a visit to a British Red Cross centre in Gravesend, Kent to learn about the projects they run for unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASCs). Home to the British end of the Channel Tunnel, Kent has always had a high proportion of UASCs, but 2015 brought an unprecedented number, with over 1000 new children entering into the care of the Local Authority. During our visit we met young people from Sudan and Eritrea who spoke about their experiences both in transit and since theyve arrived in the UK. In many ways it was similar to the visit I took with Tim and Catherine Bearder to Cologne in February, but there were also startling differences, and the starkest difference was in access to language courses and education. In Cologne, language was the absolute priority. The Deputy Mayor, Andreas Wolter explained to us that they had learnt lessons from the 1970s when little attempt was made to integrate the influx of Turkish people to Germany, leaving what he described as dual societies, with little effort to teach German to first generation Turks. Now, with the new refugees from Syria and beyond, they were investing in German classes for everyone as soon as possible after arrival. We met Syrian teenagers who had been in Germany for a few months and happily introduced themselves in German- name, age, where they were from and what career they were planning to pursue. The contrast in Kent was bleak. Only two of the seven kids we met were having English lessons, and they all needed translators for more than the absolute basics, despite some of them having been in the UK for more than six months. Access to ESOL level one- the standardised entry level English as a second language course- is almost impossible for them. None of the colleges in Kent offer it anymore, and the college in Lewisham they used to travel to had recently stopped the course. All the young people were adamant that they wanted to go to school. They want to learn English, get an education and get a job. Both experiences have provided Tim and our team with incomparable insight of the challenges to integration, of safeguarding for the vulnerable, and the clear value of getting it right. Yesterday, Tim launched a blueprint which answers some of the challenges of implementing the campaign to resettle over 3,000 unaccompanied refugee children from within Europe, with input from experts across the sector and local government officials. Anyone who is paying attention will realise that the refugee crisis isnt going away, and my colleagues and I will continue to support Tim in pushing the UK government to stand up for the rights of those fleeing conflict and persecution, both at home or abroad. Earlier this week Tim also visited the border between Greece and Macedonia with my colleague Vinous, who will to follow this up with a piece on the experience out there in the next few days. * Fionna Tod is the Parliamentary Adviser on Foreign Affairs, Defence and International Development Willie Rennie will today unveil the partys bold, positive and progressive plans to make Scotland the best again as he launches the Scottish Liberal Democrat manifesto. He will set out ambitious proposals for a transformational investment in education, a step-change in mental health services, the protection of our environment and guaranteeing Scots civil liberties. Speaking ahead of the launch, Willie said: Scottish Liberal Democrats offer an ambitious, positive and uplifting programme for Scotland. The Liberal Democrats are back to our best. Scotland should be the best again too. Our programme for Scotland is ambitious and progressive. We are offering the biggest investment in education since devolution, new plans for mental health services, new laws to guarantee our civil liberties and new investment so we can exceed our climate change targets. To embed these proposals in government policy over the next five years we need more Liberal Democrat MSPs in Parliament. And thanks to the combination of our bold and optimistic proposals and our record of action in Holyrood over the last five years, the party is set to grow again at this election. Voters can count on Liberal Democrats to devote the next five years to making Scotland the best again. Its all happening in a couple of hours time at a childrens soft play centre. Its jungle themed, presumably to ensure that there are no embarrassing pictures of pigs * Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings ImaBiotech's Multimaging technology accelerates drug pharmacokinetic, pharmacology, toxicology, and formulation evaluation. Multimaging allows for the combination and overlay of different image files acquired from different imaging techniques (quantitative MALDI imaging, staining, and immune-staining) to provide confidence in the data sets. This platform has the advantage to quantitatively study the distribution of analytes at a cellular level. It can be used from drug discovery through clinical development, resulting in a better and faster drug selection. Berkeley Lab's OpenMSI software leverages Big Data resources to provide the most advanced web-based tool for analyzing, visualizing, managing and sharing MSI data in real time to enable advanced biotechnology solutions such as improved disease diagnostics or more effective therapeutics. This innovative approach provides a global structure for all types of MSI images and data files to be instantaneously and securely shared over a cloud-based system, with access anywhere around the world. Our license agreement with Berkeley Lab strengthens ImaBiotech's leadership in quantitative MSI analysis, said Jonathan Stauber, Chief Executive Officer of ImaBiotech. Thanks to this license agreement, ImaBiotech will continue to improve and develop new services to support our customers' needs. We are very proud to sign a license agreement with one of the most prestigious research laboratories in the world. Lab-industry partnerships, such as ImaBiotech's licensing of Berkeley Lab's OpenMSI software, are vital to transitioning new innovations into the marketplace, said Elsie Quaite-Randall, Berkeley Lab's Chief Technology Transfer Officer. ImaBiotech's foundation in MSI research and its multi-million dollar investment in bioanalysis equipment indicate that OpenMSI intellectual property can be quickly and naturally integrated into the company's evaluation services and platform. A YOUNG father switched labels on meat products in Tesco claiming that he couldnt afford food for his family. Limerick District Court heard that John Hanley, 24, with an address at Bawny Bridge, Dock Road, pleaded guilty to a charge of theft at Tescos in the Crescent Shopping Centre on March 18 last. The defendant put a 4 label on meat products that had a value of 26, with the centre incurring a loss of 22, Judge Mary Larkin heard. Inspector Donal Cronin, Henry Street garda station, told the court that perhaps his plan was over ambitious and he was observed switching the labels by staff. He has 74 previous convictions, including a history of theft offences, as well as handling stolen property and burglary. The offences began in November 2009 at Blanchardstown court and in Smithfield. His defence told the court that he is not on social welfare and has a young family. He has an eight-month old baby and was trying to feed his family. He had no money at the time, said his defence. He moved to Limerick a year ago, recently married and has one baby. Why doesnt he look for a job? asked Judge Larkin. Hes not trying to support his family by going to Tesco robbing. His defence interjected to say that it wasnt a large sum. Thats not the point. He brought a child into the world, replied the judge. She imposed a one-month prison sentence suspended for 24 months on his own good behaviour. He was also ordered to enter a Section 99 bond to attend the probation services to undergo training. If he doesnt engage hell end up back here again, she warned. PRO surfer Jamie OBrien paid a visit to Limerick this week, taking in the standing wave at the Curragower Falls while he was here. The former Pipeline Masters winner, who hails from Hawaii, is the star of his own You Tube show, produced with Red Bull, called Who is JOB and is in Ireland on a ten-day trip shooting an episode for the show, which regularly draws viewers in the hundreds of thousands, if not millions, online. While he has been filming scenes at the Cliffs of Moher and other Irish surf spots, a lull in swell conditions brought him to Limerick, courtesy of a video posted online by UL student Paul Deering, which the Limerick Leader reported on in 2014. They came in on Tuesday and surfed the river wave, explained Paul, a second year physiotherapy student who regularly surfs the river wave. They had a full crew of people with them, another few really good surfers as well, good camera equipment and drones, everything. They came to Limerick specially for the wave. Jamie has some ancestry in Limerick as well. They surfed the wave for about four hours, even though it wasn't really working - and he was still able to surf it. The tourism potential for it is absolutely massive; even on the day there was about 20 or 30 people watching the wave from the Curragower. He was completely stoked that he got to surf it and hopefully he will be back. This is going to put the river wave on the world map when the web series goes out. This wave is unique in Ireland, definitely the only one of its kind and one of just a few in the world, added Paul. There is a wave in Munich that is a massive tourist attraction, people travel from all over to go to it. This wave is unique in Ireland, definitely the only one of its kind and one of just a few in the world. It is the fact that it is easy to catch when it gets going and it is so rippable, it would be an attraction for any pro-surfer to come and hit it up, he added. A THREE month baby boy has been placed in the care of the State after gardai removed the infant from his parents amid concerns for his safety and wellbeing. The child, who was born in January, was taken to University Hospital Limerick on Wednesday night after gardai from four different garda stations attended a hostile disturbance in a village in County Limerick. Sgt Gearoid Thompson told Limerick District Court gardai initially responded to reports of two people driving under the influence with a child in the rear seat. He said several arguments had erupted between and that a large number of people had gathered at the scene when he and several colleagues arrived. It was a very fractious and high tensioned environment, he said. Sgt Thompson told the court that having spoken to the infants parents, he believed they were extremely intoxicated. He said they were argumentative and unreasonable and that they were behaving in an irrational manner. He added that there was a smell of cannabis emanating from them. Judge Marian OLeary was told that given what had unfolded gardai became concerned for the safety of the child but that efforts to ensure he was cared for by relatives of his parents on the night proved unsuccessful. Sgt Thompson said he subsequently invoked Section 12 of the Childcare Act and removed the baby from his parents. The babys mother, who has two other children, was arrested and detained at a garda station in County Limerick where she slept for the night before being released shortly after 7am yesterday. Senior Social Worker, Una Kissane, told the court she became aware of the situation after she picked up a voicemail which had been left on her phone by Sgt Thompson in the early hours of Thursday morning. She said she believes the childs mother is a chronic alcoholic and she told the court that TUSLA first became involved last November when the mother presented at a pre-natal examination with serious levels of alcohol in her system. While the Child and Family Agency has been working with the family since the baby was born, Judge Marian OLeary was told the various care plans have not worked out and that there is an immediate and serious risk to his safety, Ms Kissane said TUSLA has made two separate applications for an interim care order over the past fortnight on foot of a number of anonymous complaints relating to the drinking of the childs parents. However, the applications were refused as the presiding judge was of the view the evidence presented in court was not sufficient. Yesterday, the babys mother insisted she was not drunk on Wednesday night and she told the court her baby is thriving and well cared for. She accepted she has a drink problem and had slipped on Wednesday night when she drank two glasses of wine. I dont accept I was highly intoxicated, she said. Solicitor Muiris Gavin, representing TUSLA, rejected her assertion and put it to the woman that she has chronic difficulties with alcohol and is not capable of caring for her son until she addresses her addiction problems. Granting an Emergency Care Order, Judge OLeary said having heard the evidence, she was satisfied, as a fact that there was an immediate and serious risk to the safety of the infant. The order remains in place until the end of next week. PERMANENT TSB sent two letters to a County Limerick couple asking for the sum of one cent which was outstanding on their mortgage to be paid today. The letters given to the Limerick Leader state that the arrears amount is 0.01. The bank writes: We trust you will make this payment today and adds: If youre worried about your mortgage repayments, talk to us. The home owner, who did not wish to be identified, said it was absolutely ridiculous. When I opened the letter I couldnt believe my eyes. I had to show it to my husband and ask him, Does that actually say one cent? We were laughing because they would hardly accept one cent at the counter if you went in or if you tried to pay it over the phone. It makes no sense, or cents! We got a second letter then - two letters looking for one cent in the space of a week. I mean the cost of one stamp is 70 cents, said the woman, who resides in East Limerick. She says she cannot understand what the anomaly is as the money is taken by direct debit. I havent done anything about paying it yet. I dont know how Im going to pay one cent unless I get time off work to actually go down and pay it. I dont think they would take it off a card as it is too small. I showed it to my work colleagues, they said this is unbelievable and should be highlighted, she said. Limerick solicitor Ger ONeill, based at Glentworth Street, represents a number of clients facing home repossessions and has been a vocal critic of some banks very aggressive and threatening manner towards clients. This just demonstrates the uncaring attitude of banks to their customers. This is so stupid. It shows the red tape that goes on. They are not dealing with people, they are dealing with accounts and they have got to start dealing with people, said Mr ONeill. He gives an example of one of his clients in mortgage arrears, who is under extreme stress and has been suicidal. I have written to them, telling them dont write to her at home you could put this lady over the edge. I will get a written authority from her and please address everything to me. The next thing is she gets a letter at home saying, We will now be dealing with your solicitor. She is panicking when she sees a letter coming in from the bank. Then a month later she gets the automatic letter with your account is in arrears etc - the same thing again. I talked to who I was dealing with, who promised not to do that, and they dont know anything about it because it is automatically coming out. It is dreadful. I think what happens is if you are behind, the system triggers it and it doesnt matter what the figure is - whether it is one cent or five thousand or 55 thousand. I dont think the system seems to recognise the difference, said Mr ONeill. Another of his clients was threatened with a receiver because he missed a mortgage payment but only had 5,000 to pay off on a property worth hundreds of thousands of euro. I mean the mind boggles. He might have missed a month or something but the house was worth a couple of hundred thousand. The repayments werent even that big. I think in the end he organised to pay the whole amount off. And he would have been a customer for over 20 years and would have paid off a couple of hundred grand then suddenly you get threatened that a receiver will be appointed... said Mr ONeill. Unless they start realising they are dealing with people then there is going to be no change, he concluded. A WOMAN who was dismissed by a city bar a day after her solicitor intended to file a claim with the injuries board has been awarded 5,000 by the Labour Court. Russells Bar, Fr Russell Road, appealed the Rights Commissioner's decision, on August 18, 2015, to award employee Teresa Renia Czapiewksa 5,000 compensation, and the decision was upheld at a hearing on March 2. On February 14, 2014, the claimant suffered an injury and was then uncertified unfit for work. On June 4, 2014, Ms Czapiewksas solicitor wrote to the employer, setting out a range of matters in relation to health and safety in the workplace. The letter also confirmed that the claimant intended to a file a claim with the injuries board. The next day, the court heard, Ms Czapiewksa received a letter of dismissal from Russells Bar. Ms Czapiewksa contended that her dismissal was a direct retaliation to her letter from the previous day. She therefore contended that this was in contravention of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005. It was noted at the Labour Court that Section 27(3) of the Act states that an employer shall not penalise or threaten penalisation against an employee for...making a complaint or representation to his or her safety, health and welfare at work. The respondent contended that the dismissal arose from the implications of a downturn in the business. The respondent asserted that the letter on June 4 had not been received at the time of dismissal and that, therefore, the penalisation had not taken place. During the case, the respondent stated that the decision to terminate the employment was made in May 2014, and that other employees had been dismissed in late May. The Court takes account of the fact that the claimant had been absent from the respondents workplace since February 2014 and had, as of June 5, 2014, given no date of return. The Court, on the balance of probability, finds that the respondents decision to terminate the employment of the claimant was taken on June 5, and that this decision followed receipt by the respondent of the claimants letter of June. The Court, therefore, must hold that the letter of June 4, was the operative reason for the dismissal of the claimant and that her complaint of penalisation has been made out, the Labour Court heard. In its determination, the Labour Court found that Ms Czapiewksa was penalised within the meaning of the legislation, and that the appropriate redress was an award of compensation. The Court measures the amount of compensation, which is just and equitable, having regard to the circumstance of the case at 5,000, the Labour Court concluded. THE FAMILY of the late Tiffer Morris who died in a tragic carbon monoxide poisoning accident, are hoping that the bittersweet story of their Aintree Grand National success will alert people to the dangers of the silent killer carbon monoxide. An estimated 600 million people worldwide tuned in on Saturday to see the Mouse Morris-trained Rule the World seal a sensational victory in this years Aintree showpiece. The heartwarming scenes as he crossed the finish line were tinged with sadness as thoughts turned to the one person the Morris family dearly wished was with them, their late son and brother, Tiffer. While we are trying to enjoy and celebrate it, it is very hard that he isnt here with us. Its kind of bittersweet almost, said Tiffers older brother Jamie this Monday while en route to the home of Rule the World owner, Michael OLeary, to drop off the winning trophy. I know Tiffer is looking down. He would have been so proud to be there. Jamie, his father Mouse, mother Shanny, and her husband, Bruree-based trainer Enda Bolger, are hoping that the huge media attention which has surrounded the Aintree win will make people more aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and encourage them to buy carbon monoxide alarms. Christopher Tiffer Morris, 30, lost his life while in Argentina, on May 31 last. It is understood that a combination of carbon monoxide, and lack of ventilation in the apartment where he was staying, resulted in the deaths of both Tiffer and his friend, Munra Borghi. The carbon monoxide was emitted from a faulty flue coming from the gas water heater. This gas water heater was situated in the kitchen, three rooms away from the bathroom where Munra was found in the shower and three rooms away from the bedroom where Tiffer was found. People have no comprehension how incredibly dangerous carbon monoxide is, said Shanny this week. She explained that Munra must have died within seconds of having stepped into the shower. Munra's girlfriend had been alone in the apartment the afternoon previous and had been feeling unwell. Her symptoms were nausea and headache. She attended a doctor but it was not realised that this was early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. Others signs can be feeling like the onset of flu or feeling sleepy. Carbon monoxide poisoning is called 'the silent killer' because it has no smell, taste or colour. It is a gas released by the incomplete combustion of fossil fuels such as natural gas, bottled gas, petrol, diesel, oil, paraffin, bio-fuels and even wood or coal on an open fire. In 2011 a father and his two children died in their sitting room, resulting from the chimney flu becoming blocked because of a crisp bag that had been thrown onto the fire, Shanny explained. According to Jamie, who, along with Tiffer received his secondary school education at Glenstal Abbey in Murroe, the last year has just been a complete emotional roller coaster. It has been very tough all round for the family. Having wins like this helps to pick us up. There is never a minute Tiffer is out of our minds. Sometimes you have to try and put it to the back of your head just to get through your day. All you want to do is to think about him and remember the memories but its so painful and so incredibly tough, that its a struggle to get through the day unless you try to think of other things for a little bit. I think the biggest thing I realised since Tiffer died is that there was also another young man from Glenstal, who was in school the same time as us, Padraig Hughes who died in 2008 from carbon monoxide poisoning leaking from a faulty flue from the boiler room below his bedroom at home. Thats one per cent of Glenstal who died from carbon monoxide poisoning which is unbelievable, said Jamie. The key thing is to push people to get CO alarms, and if travelling, to pack a portable alarm, which we never realised you could get. Tiffer was very organised about what he packed for South America, if he/we knew that portable carbon monoxide detectors were available, he would definitely have packed one. Shanny stressed her need to prevent this tragedy happening to any other family, as the pain, nearly a year later, she said, is still too hard to bear. There is nothing we can do to bring Tiffer or Munra back, but our need is to stress the importance of installing carbon monoxide detectors in homes and workplaces, particularly in rooms where there are fires, kitchen stoves or gas heaters but also in bedrooms as the poison can travel. CO detectors can be bought in most hardware shops for as little as 20. Portable CO detectors are available on-line, and are a must for anyone travelling. PhoneWatch Ireland provide 24 hour monitored CO detectors and, to my knowledge, are the only alarm company in Ireland to do so, she said. The Morris family have enjoyed a remarkable few weeks with victories in both the Irish National and Saturdays showcase race at Aintree. Having trained Rogue Angel to victory on Easter Monday at Fairyhouse, an emotional Mouse Morris admitted he had his own guardian angel to thank for Saturdays success. Mouse Morris Emotional After Win VIDEO: An emotional Mouse Morris dedicates his Irish Grand National win to his late son. Posted by RTE Sport on Monday, 28 March 2016 Just after the Irish Grand National, Dad turned to me and said, I was asking your brother for a bit of help today, said Jamie, and just before the English National he said, It would be unfair to ask your brother to work overtime!. As it turns out, my brother is not as lazy as we thought he was, smiled Jamie. Jamie is taking part in a charity race for the Kidney Research Foundation at Punchestown on April 30 and he wants to use the occasion to highlight the importance of carbon monoxide detectors. Meanwhile, there were a lot of happy Limerick punters on Saturday when the JP McManus - owned and Enda Bolger-trained Gilgamboa put in a tremendous display to finish fourth in the National. The eight-year-old was one of the least experienced horses in the field, having had just nine previous starts over fences. The horse is in good form, he came out of it well and Im still on cloud nine, said Enda. He ran a great race and he's something to look forward to for next season. I was chuffed to bits with how he ran and Robbie (Power) gave him a lovely ride. He'll be going to Martinstown for his summer holidays now. Hes going to be a fine horse for the future. THE Department of Education has confirmed that the University of Limerick did not seek prior written approval in relation to an additional 150,000 severance payment to a staff member, following on from two earlier payments amounting to more than 450,000 which were recently questioned by the Comptroller & Auditor General. Following these payments, which were revealed last week by the Limerick Leader, the department also confirmed to this newspaper that it was not made aware of a further two severance packages, amounting to nearly 60,000 each, offered to two employees who have now been suspended from the Universitys finance department for nearly a year. The department told the Leader that it was only informed of the 150,000 severance package, made in 2014, subsequent to it being paid. A report published by the C&AG last week outlined that the Department of Education and Skills has sought assurances from UL identified as Body D in that report that it now clearly understands that severance payments should not be made without prior written sanction from the Department, and that the necessary sanction should be obtained prior to making such payments in the future. However, another, more recent set of consolidated financial accounts for the University of Limerick, for the period ending September 2014, were laid before the C&AG this January, after being approved by the Governing Authority in June 2015. Those accounts show that a severance payment of 150,000 was made to a staff member, who has not been identified. A number of queries were put to UL this week, after this latest payment came to light, including whether UL sought approval from the Department, or the Minister for Education in relation to this payment, which it is obliged to do. UL declined to comment on this, and other severance packages, saying only: The university does not comment on individual employment cases. The amounts in respect of the two suspended employees were for 59,988 and 58,570.10. That document, which was produced by Arthur Cox solicitors in Dublin, has already been published by this newspaper. Both employees refused to sign it. In a statement this Wednesday, the Department said it was not aware of any details of a proposed severance agreement. As the Department did not have sight of any proposed severance agreement that may have been offered to employees of the universitys finance department around 2015 we are not in a position to comment on any alleged terms of that proposed agreement. In a recent value for money report, the C&AG identified two severance packages offered by UL between 2011-2013 totalling over 450,000. Sanction had not been received by the Department for these payments, and they also found that they included some confidentiality clauses which were not appropriate. In a brief statement to the Limerick Leader last week, UL confirmed that it made severance payments in 2012 as outlined in C&AG report. These payments were disclosed in our financial statements at that time, it said. A footnote in ULs consolidated financial accounts, for the year ending September 2012, states that wages and salaries include severance payments of 220,331 and 231,506 respectively to two staff, amounting to a total of 451,837. While the accounts appear on the C&AGs website, these consolidated statements are not on ULs own website. The UL spokesperson said last week: It should be noted that confidentiality clauses in 2012 predated protected disclosure legislation and that since the introduction of the legislation, it is a statutory right, under the act to make a disclosure and this cannot be prevented by any confidentiality clauses." Fianna Fail deputy Willie ODea said the reply by UL in respect of the Protected Disclosure legislation appeared disingenuous, particularly as the Act was introduced in 2014, and as a severance package offered in April 2015 stipulated that the employee withdraw her complaint under the Protected Disclosures Act. These are legitimate questions that are being asked, and they will be answered, Mr ODea said. We are all very proud of the university in Limerick, having fought so hard for it to gain university status, and its a matter of great regret that the university has become embroiled in controversies like this. Its one of the key institutions in Limerick. Its incomprehensible that after the HEA/Mazars report that nothing has happened. That report was commissioned at the taxpayers expense, and the employees should be reinstated immediately. The Limerick Leader has made persisted attempts over the past week to contact the then Minister for Education Jan OSullivan to confirm whether she has been made aware of any of these payments, but she has not been available to answer the queries. THE official screening of the National City of Culture Film Limerick trilogy will take place at the Limerick Film Festival, at LIT Millennium Theatre, this Friday night. At 8pm, the festival will showcase three short films, which were filmed, produced and edited over the past two years by a multitude of local talent. The Limerick City of Culture initiative partnered with the local Behind the Scenes film group, which also received assistance from Screen Training Ireland. The trilogy was led by Film Limerick project manager, Ronan Cassidy, and acclaimed writer and director, Gerry Stembridge, who mentored six first-time directors and writers throughout the project. The three short films to be screened include romantic-comedy Date:Time, written by Philip Shanahan and directed by Paul Corey; comedy The Apparel, written by Daniel Mooney and directed by Peter Delaney; and drama Day Off, written by Peter McNamara and directed by Stephen Hall. Stephen Hall will be heading to Short Film Corner at Cannes Film Festival next month, with his film Safe. Filmmaker Peter McNamara is currently finishing off his latest film, Narcan, which he shot in New York, in 2015. Before the project commenced, Mr Stembridge chose the six young filmmakers, and worked with the writers on developing the script. The mentor worked with the directors on casting to secure the best available local talent for each of the three films. He also oversaw the filming and mentored the directors on set and ensured that the links between the stories were taken care of, so that the final product would stand up as a single entity, explained project manager, Ronan Cassidy. Speaking about the project during the final filming phase, Mr Stembridge said that the trilogy was about representing a modern Limerick. People who walk in Limerick and go out to pubs and restaurants in Limerick, they never talk about what it feels like to live in Limerick. And a film can create that feeling, and theres all different moods and all different atmospheres of different parts of the city, and film is the best thing to capture that because its a visual medium. He added that people will enjoy the three short films visual impact of Limerick, saying that people will know what the place looks like and feels like. Speaking ahead of the big night, Mr Cassidy said the team is looking forward to showing it to the local public for the first time. We are excited and we are nervous, as it will be the first time we will get a public reaction. The reaction that we have got so far has been very, very positive. The whole reason why this was set up in the first place was to give local filmmakers a lift and a bit of boost in the career, and I think it has paid off. There are a few people doing really, really well, and I think this scheme has really, really helped. I have not seen this buzz around Limerick film in a really, really long time, he enthused. The three films are expected to be screened on RTE in the future. A date has yet to be confirmed, he added. The screening at LIT is a free event, and there will be a demonstration on how each community film project came together. 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. Find not too frequent updates from the Livesay family here The element gold is a pirate's booty and an ingredient in microcircuits. It's been used to make jewelry since at least 4000 B.C. and to treat cancer only in recent decades. It's in the pot at the end of the rainbow and in the coating on astronaut visors. Gold is an element that bridges old and new and myth and science seamlessly. Properties of gold Gold, the 79th element on the Periodic Table of the Elements, is one of the more recognizable of the bunch. It is malleable and shiny, making it a good metalworking material. Chemically speaking, gold is a transition metal. Transition metals are unique, because they can bond with other elements using not just their outermost shell of electrons (the negatively charged particles that whirl around the nucleus of an atom), but also the outermost two shells. This happens because the large number of electrons in transition metals interferes with the usual orderly sorting of electrons into shells around the nucleus. (Image credit: blueringmedia/Getty Images) (opens in new tab) Atomic Number (number of protons in the nucleus): 79 Atomic Symbol (on the Periodic Table of Elements): Au Atomic Weight (average mass of the atom): 196.9665 Density: 19.3 grams per cubic centimeter Phase at Room Temperature: Solid Melting Point: 1,947.7 degrees Fahrenheit (1,064.18 degrees C) Boiling Point: 5,162 degrees F (2,850 degrees C) Number of isotopes (atoms of the same element with a different number of neutrons): Between 18 and 59, depending on where the line for an isotope is drawn. Many artificially created gold isotopes are stable for microseconds or milliseconds before decaying into other elements. One stable isotope. Most common isotopes: Au-197, which makes up 100 percent of naturally occurring gold. How is gold formed? Gold, and other elements heavier than iron, are formed just before stars explode into supernovae. (Image credit: Getty Images) Gold represents a tiny fraction of the elements in the known universe. The reason for its rarity is owed to the incomprehensible amount of energy needed for its formation. Gold is formed in stars, but only in those that are exploding in giant supernovas (opens in new tab), or incredibly dense ones that have come together in monstrously powerful collisions, according to the journal PNAS (opens in new tab) . Stars, such as our sun, generate energy through the power of fusion , where smaller elements are fused, or combined, together into heavier elements. To start with, a star may be mostly hydrogen , the smallest element. The process of fusion under immense pressure and heat in the star's core will generate helium . When hydrogen runs low and the star begins to reach the next phase of its life cycle, it will fuse helium into the next heavier element, and so on. This process continues until the element of iron, where the balance suddenly shifts. Because fusing iron does not create energy, it consumes it, according to the University of Oregon (opens in new tab). With no means of generating internal energy to counteract its own immense pressure and gravity , the star begins to collapse onto itself. If the star is large enough the result is a supernova a massive star explosion, according to NASA (opens in new tab). Heavier elements are formed during the incredible energy generated during this process, including gold. Related: How can a star be older than the universe? Gold throughout history From Eastern Europe to the Middle East to the tombs of Egyptian Pharaohs, gold appears throughout the ancient world. Five thousand years ago, the massive Nile River was the key to the ancient Egyptian empire, according to the Australian government (opens in new tab). Its water allowed a bounty of crops to be grown along its edge, keeping its citizens, and its armies, well fed. But there was also a shiny yellow metal that came running down the river, the element of gold. The Egyptians eagerly took this visually appealing treasure and found that because it was naturally pure and malleable, it required little refinement to be turned into mesmerizing decorations. Gold as a decoration didn't stop at ancient Egypt: A Stone Age woman found buried outside of London wore a strand of gold around her neck; Celts in the third century B.C. wore gold dental implants; a Chinese king who died in 128 B.C. was buried with gold-gilded chariots and thousands of other precious objects. Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamuns Funerary mask was made of gold and has endured for thousands of years. (Image credit: Getty Images) Gold swiftly came to be a symbol, and unit, of wealth, and it has maintained this allure through time and around the globe. Several millennia after the Egyptian pharaohs and their tombs of gold, the Aztec Empire's gold riches were plundered by the Conquistadors who sought the valuable metal for their own. Later still, workers flocked to Western coast of the United States to take part in the California "gold rush", seeking their own fortunes, according to National Geographic (opens in new tab). Therefore gold has driven humans to diplomacy, mass migrations, and even acts of genocide. Without this metal, our history would be quite different. Related: Tenochtitlan: History of Aztec capital Gold also plays a strong role in Australian history. In the late 19th century, so many flocked to the country to take part in its booming gold rush that the population of Australia tripled. Owing to its pervasive deposits, the country is still mined for the metal today, according to the Australian government. However, one company, named Evolution Mining, found a different treasure in their hunt for gold. When drilling into the Australian outback's surface in search of gold deposits, the miners instead unearthed sheets of stone that resembled "shatter cones," which form on the outer rims of impact craters. They followed this finding with advanced mapping techniques that allowed the team to confirm the uncovering of a 3.1-mile-wide (5 kilometers) meteorite crater, a finding even more rare than a lode of gold, according to Forbes (opens in new tab). What is a karat of gold? Most gold jewelry isnt made of pure gold. The amount of gold in a necklace or ring is measured on the karat scale. Pure gold is 24 karats. Bars of gold kept in Fort Knox and elsewhere around the world are considered to be 99.95 percent pure, 24-karat gold. As metals are added to gold during jewelry-making, the gold becomes less fine and the number of karats drops. For example, 12 karat gold contains 50% gold and 50% alloys by weight. The word karat comes from the carob seed. In ancient Asian bazaars, the seeds were used to balance scales that measured the weight of gold. How much gold is in Fort Knox? The Federal Bullion Depository at Fort Knox in Kentucky holds part of the U.S. reserve of gold. (Image credit: Bettmann/Getty Images) (opens in new tab) To keep up with the country's mounting gold reserves, the United States Bullion Depository opened at the Fort Knox U.S. Army Garrison in Kentucky in 1937. The first shipment of gold arrived from Philadelphia in trains surrounded by military troops. Fort Knox is framed in steel with walls of concrete. Despite the defense of a 20-ton steel door, a dirty rumor in the 1970s suggested that the gold in Fort Knox was gone. To quell people's fears, the director of the United States Mint guided congress people and journalists through one room of the vault, and its 8-foot-tall stacks of 36,236 bars of gold. The depository holds about half of U.S. Treasury's stored gold, according to the U.S. Mint (opens in new tab). Each bar weighs 400 troy ounces (about 27.5 pounds), according to the U. S. Department of Treasury. One troy ounce equals about 1.1 avoirdupois ounces. The entire stockpile, as of 2021, weighs 147.3 million troy ounces, which is worth about $130 billion at today's prices. Fort Knox held a record amount of gold on Dec. 31, 1941, reaching a whopping 649.6 million ounces, the U.S. Mint reported. Other important artifacts have also "seen" the insides of Fort Knox. For instance, during WWII, the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights were sealed inside for protection, being returned in 1944 to Washington, D.C. Other items stored there at some point in history, according to the U.S. Mint include: the Magna Carta; the crown, sword, scepter, orb and cape of St. Stephen, the King of Hungary. What is fool's gold? Pyrite, the inferior mineral nicknamed fool's gold, only mimics gold in looks. Pyrite is more common, harder, and more brittle than gold. When crushed into powder, it looks greenish-black, whereas real gold powder is yellow. Pyrite contains sulfur and iron. During World War II, it was mined to produce sulfuric acid, an industrial chemical. Today, it is used in car batteries, appliances, jewelry and machinery. Although fool's gold can be a disappointing find, it is often discovered near sources of copper and real gold. So perhaps, miner who stops digging once they have a piece of pyrite in hand is the real fool. Fun facts about gold Two-thirds of the world's gold is mined in South Africa, according to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Seventy-eight percent of the world's yearly supply of gold is used in jewelry, according to the AMNH. The rest goes to electronics and dental and medical uses. The atomic symbol of gold, Au, comes from the Latin word for gold, aurum. Astronaut helmets were equipped with a visor coated with a thin layer of gold. The gold blocks harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun. The world's largest gold crystal is the size of a golf ball and comes from Venezuela. The 7.7-ounce (217.78 grams) crystal is worth about $1.5 million. Earthquakes can create gold: A 2013 study in the journal Nature Geoscience found that during earthquakes, water in faults and fractures vaporizes, leaving gold behind. The first purely gold coins were manufactured in the Asia Minor kingdom of Lydia in 560 B.C., according to the National Mining Association. Gold has a number of artificial, unstable isotopes (the exact number depends on the scientist you consult), but occurs naturally only as Au-197. You can eat gold if you really want to. Gourmet shops sell edible gold leaf and flakes that add glitter to everything from pastries to vodka to olive oil. Don't fear for your stomach: The gold isn't digested and just passes right through, according to Edible Gold, a company that sells gold leaf. How is gold used? Gold is also used in medicine. The radioactive gold isotope Au-198 can be injected directly into the site of a tumor, where its radiation can destroy tumor cells without much spillover to the rest of the body. In 2012, researchers reported in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that they could link nanoparticles of Au-198 with a compound found in tea leaves to treat prostate cancer. The tea compound is attracted to the tumor cells, keeping the nanoparticles glued to the right spot for several weeks while the radiation treatment occurs. (The method has yet to be tested on humans.) In some cases, gold nanoparticles are the only way a drug can work. The anti-cancer drug TNF-alpha kills cancer very effectively. Unfortunately, it's also incredibly toxic to healthy cells. However, clinical trials now underway have found that linking TNF-alpha drugs to gold nanoparticles can successfully treat tumors, because the drugs hit their targets directly, according to Benchmarks, an online publication of the National Cancer Institute. There's just one problem with humanity's continued love affair with gold: Getting it out of the ground. About 83% of the 2,700 tons of gold mined each year is extracted using a process called gold cyanidation, said Zhichang Liu, a postdoctoral researcher in chemistry at Northwestern University in Illinois. This process uses cyanide to leach gold out of the rock that holds it. Unfortunately, cyanide is toxic, and the process is anything but environmentally friendly. There could be hope for lovers of gold baubles (and electronic circuits and nanomedicine), however. In 2013 Liu and his colleagues reported in the journal Nature Communications (opens in new tab) that they'd stumbled upon a way to extract gold from ore with benign starch rather than toxic cyanide. "Actually, we found this method by accident," Liu told Live Science. While trying to fabricate a porous material, the researchers mixed a starch called alpha-Cyclodextrin with gold salts (charged molecules of gold). To their surprise, the gold precipitated out of the solution rapidly. The team has since patented the method, which easily extracts gold at more than 97% purity in one step, Liu said. They're now working with investors to scale up the process. "Hopefully, we can find a nice, green way to replace the cyanidation process," Liu said. If someone is facing a health emergency or terminal illness, it can be difficult to know the right thing to say. Do you tell them everything will be OK? Change the subject? Share the story of your Aunt Sally, who died of cancer 10 years ago? The best response is something along the lines of, "I'm so sorry to hear the news. I'll be here to support you in any way I can," sociologists told Live Science. But you'd be smart to tweak this message on a person-by-person basis. "There are no easy answers to what you should say or what you should do," said Amanda Gengler, an assistant professor of sociology at Wake Forest University in North Carolina. [7 Ways to Recognize Depression in 20-Somethings] If the person is a close friend, family member or even an acquaintance, contact them as you normally would, by phone or email, for instance, the experts said. "The best advice I can give is to offer to help in concrete ways," Gengler told Live Science. Often, people will say they can help, but the sick person has no idea what they are willing to do. It's easier for someone to take you up on a specific offer to babysit, drive them to treatment, or deliver groceries or meals, she said. Sometimes, the sick person might just want to binge-watch Netflix for 3 hours with you. "Ask if they want company, or if they would rather have some time alone," Gengler said. While it's good to reach out, be mindful that the person might be receiving dozens of well wishes, and that it's hard to respond to all of them. Don't expect an immediate, or even any, response. "If the person reaches out, great," Gengler told Live Science. "And if not, don't get angry about it. Don't make this about you." There are many reasons a sick person might not answer. They might feel too sick or tired. Also, while it's nice to get sympathetic messages from friends, it also can be emotionally exhausting. Countless somber reactions can emphasize the gravity of the situation, Gengler said. "There's no easy solution to this, because the answer would obviously not be for other people to be flippant about an extremely catastrophic situation that someone is facing," she said. But there is a way to take off the pressure. If you're emailing, you can include, "You don't have to answer this, but I'm here if you need me," said Deborah Carr, a professor of sociology at Rutgers University in New Jersey. What NOT to do If you learn that a friend is sick, don't evade them, Carr advised. "In general, people avoid circumstances that make them uncomfortable," she said. "We're so worried that we're going to do the wrong thing or say the wrong thing, and so people often go underground." But that's problematic, Carr said. "The most important factor that helps people deal with any problem, from terminal illness to divorce, is social support," she said. "It's really important that people are there just simply showing up can be really powerful." [5 Ways to Foster Self-Compassion in Your Child] After reaching out, don't minimize their situation by saying, "Look on the bright side: At least it's not X," or "Don't worry; it will be all right," the sociologists said. Also, don't try to one-up them by talking about someone who is worse off, they added. "You don't want to invalidate their concern that's going to shut the conversation down," said Linda Francis, an associate professor of sociology at Cleveland State University. "Because, quite possibly, everything isn't going to be all right. Any kind of forced or false cheerfulness is going to make the speaker feel better; it's not going to make the sufferer feel better." Instead, you can validate their situation by saying, "I'm so sorry; how awful," Francis said. Then again, it's hard to know how someone will react. One mother at a Ronald McDonald House whom Gengler interviewed disliked it when people said, "I don't know how you do it," Gengler recalled. "She thought, 'I'm a mom; you're a mom of course you do whatever you can to save your kids.'" After expressing concern and support, you can ask general questions, such as "How are you doing this week?" This allows the other person to take control of the conversation and share as much or as little as they want. In addition, don't give unsolicited advice, the experts said. "It's OK to be encouraging, as long as you're not being unrealistic," Francis said. "The important thing is just to express your concern." Follow Laura Geggel on Twitter @LauraGeggel. Follow Live Science @livescience, Facebook & Google+. Original article on Live Science. Land subsidence and sea level rise are worsening flooding in Annapolis, Md., and elsewhere along the East Coast. The 5,000 North Carolinians who call Hyde County home live in a region several hundred miles long where coastal residents are coping with severe changes that few other Americans have yet to endure. Geological changes along the East Coast are causing land to sink along the seaboard. That's exacerbating the flood-inducing effects of sea level rise, which has been occurring faster in the western Atlantic Ocean than elsewhere in recent years. New research using GPS and prehistoric data has shown that nearly the entire coast is affected, from Massachusetts to Florida and parts of Maine. The study, published this month in Geophysical Research Letters, outlines a hot spot from Delaware and Maryland into northern North Carolina where the effects of groundwater pumping are compounding the sinking effects of natural processes. Problems associated with sea level rise in that hot spot have been in some places three times as severe as elsewhere. "The citizens of Hyde County have dealt with flooding issues since the incorporation of Hyde County in 1712," said Kris Noble, the county's planning and economic development director. "It's just one of the things we deal with." On average, climate change is causing seas to rise globally by more than an inch per decade. That rate is increasing as rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap more heat, melting ice and expanding ocean waters. Seas are projected to rise by several feet this century perhaps twice that much if the collapse of parts of the Antarctic ice sheet worsens. Ocean circulation changes linked to global warming and other factors have been causing seas to rise much faster than that along the sinking mid-Atlantic coastline more than 3.5 inches per decade from 2002 to 2014 north of Cape Hatteras in North Carolina, a recent study showed. Antarctica at Risk of Runaway Melting, Scientists Discover Study Reveals Stunning Acceleration of Sea Level Rise Sea Level Rise Making Floods Routine for Coastal Cities The relatively fast rate of rise in sea levels along the East Coast may have been a blip for now. The rate of rise recorded so far this century may become the norm during the decades ahead. "Undoubtedly, these are the rates we're heading towards," said Simon Engelhart, a University of Rhode Island geoscientist. Engelhart drew on data from prehistoric studies and worked with two University of South Florida, Tampa scientists to combine it with more modern GPS data to pinpoint the rates at which parts of the Eastern seaboard have been sinking. Their study revealed that Hyde County a sprawling but sparsely populated farming and wilderness municipality north of the Pamlico River is among the region's fastest-sinking areas, subsiding at a little more than an inch per decade. Taken together, that suggests the sea has been rising along the county's shorelines recently at a pace greater than 4.5 inches per decade a globally extraordinary rate. Similar effects are playing out in places that include Sandy Hook in New Jersey and Norfolk in Virginia, the analysis shows. Gloucester Point, Va., which is home to the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, was also found to be sinking at a similar rate. Scientists there have been "noticing impacts," said Carl Hershner, a wetlands expert who has worked at the institute since 1971. "Flooding in our boat basin is one piece of evidence." An inventory of wetlands and shorelines is being developed by the institute that may help reveal the impacts of subsidence and sea level rise locally. "There's rather compelling evidence of marshes losing area," Hershner said. The main cause of East Coast subsidence is natural the providential loss of an ice sheet. Some 15,000 years ago, toward the end of an ice age, the Laurentide Ice Sheet stretched over most of Canada and down to modern-day New England and the Midwest. Its heavy ice compressed the earth beneath it, causing surrounding land to curl upward. Since the ice sheet melted, the land beneath it has been springing back up. Like a see-saw, that's causing areas south of the former ice sheet to sink back down, including Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina. The data suggests that some land in coastal Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts, on the other hand, is rising slightly, although not quickly enough to keep up with the global rate of sea level rise. The study shows that subsidence is occurring twice as fast now than in centuries past in a hot spot from Fredericksburg, Va. south to Charleston, which the scientists mostly blame on groundwater pumping. "If you draw down your aquifer, the land above the aquifer kind of collapses," said Timothy Dixon, a University of South Florida professor who helped produce the study. "If that happens to be on the coast, that can also increase your flood potential." In areas south of Virginia, groundwater levels appear to have been recovering this decade as well pumping has been reduced, slowing the subsidence problem. Virginia says it's working on the problem. "In most places, you wouldn't notice it; it wouldn't matter," said Jack Eggleston, a U.S. Geological Survey scientists who has researched the effects of groundwater pumping on the region's topography. "But in terms of practical effects and practical problems, it does matter when you're right on the shoreline." The compounding problems of land subsidence and sea-level rise have been pronounced in states where legislatures led by conservative majorities have been reluctant to discuss sea level rise and have been dismissive of the science behind climate change. The Tar Heel State's legislature drew criticism from climate scientists and others in 2012 over a new law that barred state officials from basing regulations on sea-level rise projections until mid-2016. "There's a strong level of denial about the existence of the problem," said Pricey Harrison, a Democrat in the North Carolina assembly who opposed the bill. "You can't talk about climate change, you can't talk about sustainability if you want any legislation to move." To help win support for the bill from Democrats, it was amended to require the state to refine sea level rise projections that were first published in 2010. After lawmakers approved the legislation, then-Gov. Bev Perdue, a Democrat, allowed it to become law without her signature. The refined sea level rise projections were finalized and published by an independent science panel last month, warning of heavy impacts on coastal communities. The science panel report concluded that tides could rise by 6 to 11 inches over 30 years in northern parts of the state if greenhouse gas pollution rates continue, or an inch less than that if they're substantially reined in. The estimate included projections for land subsidence and rising seas. In the state's southeast, the panel projected a rise of 4 to 9 inches. Even without future warming, high tide flooding is already getting worse along the East and Gulf coasts, where subsidence and erosion are rife. The problems become most plainly clear during king tides. "We can have up to 4-foot tides," said Christine Voss, a University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill ecologist involved with a project that's documenting the effects of king tides. "People are noticing that these flooding events are occurring more frequently, and perhaps with greater depth of inundation." Although the state is barred from basing any regulations on the new projections before the summer, the estimates are available for counties and local cities, which are not directly affected by the 2012 law. During the decades ahead, those local planners will be grappling with the profound global crisis of sea-level rise along with natural and human-caused factors that intensify its damages. By late century, global sea level rise could be so rapid as to make the local effects of subsidence seem trivial, particularly if current pollution levels continue, which recent research has shown could trigger runaway melting in Antarctica. "Rates of local subsidence may be important now," said Andrew Ashton, a Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution scientist who researches changes in coastal environments. "But they'd be swamped by sea level rise for most projections by mid-century." The challenges that lie ahead threaten to swamp towns, farms and wilderness areas, and to do so more quickly along the Eastern seaboard than in other regions. For most of the coastline, adapting to the rapid changes ahead may require expensive projects private and public works that construct or improve coastline defenses, such as seawalls, marshes and oyster beds, or that relocate homes and infrastructure out of harms way. For some communities, that will mean confronting problems that had nary been imagined. For others, it may involve finding news ways to cope with old threats. "We're very active and very conscious about our water and where it pumps to, where it drains to," said Noble, of Hyde County. "It's just a way of life here." You May Also Like: Greenland's Melt Season Started Nearly Two Months Early The Suit Against the Clean Power Plan, Explained Carbon Pollution Seen As Key Driver of Sea Level Rise Originally published on Climate Central. Much of the recent progress in AI research has been courtesy of an approach known as deep learning. Artificial intelligence has had its share of ups and downs recently. In what was widely seen as a key milestone for artificial intelligence (AI) researchers, one system beat a former world champion at a mind-bendingly intricate board game. But then, just a week later, a "chatbot" that was designed to learn from its interactions with humans on Twitter had a highly public racist meltdown on the social networking site. How did this happen, and what does it mean for the dynamic field of AI? In early March, a Google-made artificial intelligence system beat former world champ Lee Sedol four matches to one at an ancient Chinese game, called Go, that is considered more complex than chess, which was previously used as a benchmark to assess progress in machine intelligence. Before the Google AI's triumph, most experts thought it would be decades before a machine could beat a top-ranked human at Go. [Super-Intelligent Machines: 7 Robotic Futures] But fresh off the heels of this win, Microsoft unveiled an AI system on Twitter called Tay that was designed to mimic a 19-year-old American girl. Twitter users could tweet at Tay, and Microsoft said the AI system would learn from these interactions and eventually become better at communicating with humans. The company was forced to pull the plug on the experiment just 16 hours later, after the chatbot started spouting racist, misogynistic and sexually explicit messages. The company apologized profusely (opens in new tab), blaming a "coordinated attack" on "vulnerabilities" and "technical exploits." Despite Microsoft's use of language that seemed to suggest the system fell victim to hackers, AI expert Bart Selman, a professor of computer science at Cornell University, said the so-called "vulnerability" was that Tay appeared to repeat phrases tweeted at it without any kind of filter. Unsurprisingly, the "lolz" to be had from getting the chatbot to repeat inflammatory phrases were too much for some to resist. Selman said he is amazed Microsoft didn't build in sufficient safeguards to prevent such an eventuality, but he told Live Science the incident highlights one of modern AI's major weak points: language comprehension. Teaching AI AI is very good at parsing text that is, unraveling the grammatical patterns that underpin language Selman said, which allows chatbots like Tay to create human-sounding sentences. It's also what powers Google's and Skype's impressive translation services. "But that's a different thing from understanding semantics the meaning of sentences," he added. Many of the recent advances in AI technology have been thanks to an approach called deep learning, which at some level mimics the way layers of neurons behave in the brain. Given huge swathes of data, it is very good at finding patterns, which is why many of its greatest successes have been in perceptual tasks like image or speech recognition. [A Brief History of Artificial Intelligence] While traditional approaches to machine learning needed to be told what to look for in order to "learn," one of the main advantages of deep learning is that these systems have "automatic feature discovery," according to Shimon Whiteson, an associate professor in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Oxford. The first layer of the network is optimized to look for very basic features in the data, for instance the edge of objects in an image. This output is then fed to the next layer, which scans for more complex configurations, say squares or circles. This process is repeated up the layers with each one looking for increasingly elaborate features so that by the time the system reaches the higher levels, it is able to use the structures detected by lower layers to identify things like a car or a bicycle. "With deep learning, you can just feed raw data into some big neural network, which is then trained end-to-end," Whiteson told Live Science. Big payoffs This has led to some superhuman capabilities. Selman said deep-learning systems have been shown to outperform medical specialists at diagnosing disease from MRI scans. Combining the approach with so-called reinforcement learning, in which machines use reward signals to hone in on an optimal strategy, has also been successful with tasks where it is possible to build accurate virtual simulations, said Kaheer Suleman, chief technology officer and co-founder of Canadian AI startup Maluuba. Google's AI system, dubbed AlphaGo, became an expert by playing itself millions of times and using this combination of methods to sharpen its skills and develop strategies. "The big challenge for AI is in domains where there is no massive collection of labeled data, or where the environment cannot be simulated well," Suleman said. "Language is a great example of such a domain. The internet contains endless text, but nowhere is its "meaning" labeled in some machine-digestible form." Maluuba is developing algorithms that can read text and answer questions about it, but Suleman said there are several features of language that make this particularly difficult. For one, language is hugely complex meaning is spread across multiple levels, from words to phrases to sentences. These can be combined in an infinite number of ways and every human uses language differently. And all language is abstract; words are simply symbols for things in a real world that a machine often can't experience. "From the perspective of machine learning, the learned system is only as good as the data you provide it," Whiteson said. Without access to the lifetime of data on the physical world and the wealth of social interactions that a human has accumulated, its little surprise Tay didn't understand what, for instance, the Holocaust is, let alone why it's inappropriate to deny it. Looking ahead Despite these challenges, Maluuba posted a paper last month to arXiv, an online repository for preprint research papers, describing how its system was able to answer multiple-choice questions about unfamiliar text with more than 70 percent accuracy, outperforming other neural network approaches by 15 percent, and even outdoing hand-coded approaches. Maluuba's approach combined deep learning with neural network structures, engineered to interact with each other in a way that interactions result in a rudimentary form of reasoning. The company is also working on spoken dialogue systems that can learn to engage in natural conversations with humans. Selman said language-focused AI can be surprisingly powerful for applications where the subject matter is fairly restricted. For instance, technical helplines are things he predicts could soon be automated (and some already are, to a degree), as could relatively senior administrative jobs that boil down to routine interactions like updating spreadsheets and sending out formulaic emails. "Weaknesses are exposed in these uncontrolled, very open-ended settings, which involve multiple aspects of human intelligence but also really understanding other people," Selman said. But progress is certainly being made on this front, Whiteson said, with Google's self-driving car being a prime example. Sharing the street with humans requires the machine to understand more than just the rules of the road it also needs to be able to follow unstated social norms and navigate ethical dilemmas when avoiding collisions, he added. And as advances in AI and robotics result in increasing numbers of machines being used in the real world, the ability to interact with humans is no longer some lofty goal for sci-fi aficionados. Researchers are now searching for new approaches that could help machines not only perceive, but also understand the world around them. "Deep learning is great, but it's not a silver bullet," Whiteson said. "There are a lot things still missing. And so a natural next step that people are working on is how can we add things to deep learning so that it can do even more." "Now all of these thorny questions about what it is we want machines to do and how do we make sure they do it are becoming of practical importance so people are starting to focus on them a lot more now. Follow Live Science @livescience, Facebook & Google+. Original article on Live Science. Some say it looks like cottage cheese. Others liken it to an orange peel. But regardless of what you call cellulite, chances are, you have some on your body. But what's actually going on beneath the skin to give it that dimply, puckered appearance? Basically, cellulite is fat found just beneath the surface of the skin that's bulging out through a web of connective tissue, said Dr. Michele Green, a dermatologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. Related: 7 plastic surgery myths revealed When you're young, that connective tissue, made up largely of a protein called collagen, holds the fat in, but as you age, the fat begins to stick out through the tissue, Green told Live Science. That causes a dimpled, lumpy appearance on the skin, she said. One way to picture what's going on is to think of a net that's holding your fat. If the fibers of the net are too loose or too tight, the fat can poke out through the holes. But what ultimately causes cellulite to appear as people age isn't really known, Green said. Exactly when it shows up, and how visible it is, are thought to be influenced by hormones and genetics, Green said. Perhaps because of hormonal factors, men don't get as much cellulite as women do (though some men do get cellulite), she said. And yes, although cellulite is fat, its appearance actually has nothing to do with weight, she said. Age is another factor. Cellulite starts to appear after puberty, and generally gets worse after that, Green said. Unfortunately, there's nothing a person can do to avoid it, she said. And despite a massive industry dedicated to banishing cellulite, or at least reducing its appearance, your cellulite is here to stay. "Once it's there, it's there," Green said. Even procedures such as liposuction, which literally removes fat from the body, can't get rid of cellulite, Green said. (According to the National Library of Medicine, liposuction may actually make cellulite look worse.) [Body Enhancement Nightmares: Top 10 Crimes Against Nature] Certain procedures may be able to reduce the appearance of cellulite, but only temporarily, Green said. It's similar to how someone might deal with a wrinkle, she said. For example, getting a filler injected into a wrinkle will puff up the area, making the wrinkle less visible, but it's not permanent, she said. Originally published on Live Science. As slide continues at world's number 2 container port, Shanghai's throughput also slips 1.6% compared with the first three months of 2015 The Port of Singapore, the worlds second-busiest container port, handled 2.52m teu last month, almost 8% down from the 2.74m teu in March 2015, posting its third consecutive year-on-year decline for 2016. The port, however moved 5.6% more containers in March than the previous month's 2.38m teu, initial data from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore showed. For the first three months of 2016, the island city-states port moved 9.0% fewer containers at 7.39m teu compared with 8.12m teu in the same three-month period last year. From January 15 this year the MPA granted a 10% concession on port dues for container vessels calling at the port of Singapore and carrying out cargo works with a port stay of not more than five days. The concession, which will be in place for a year, is on top of existing concessions such as the Green Port Programme incentives and the 20% concession first introduced in 1996. The rival port of Shanghai handled 3m teu of containers in March, up 16% from the previous month and 2.1% more than the same month a year earlier, according to data from the Shanghai International Port Group. A total of 8.5m teu was moved in the first quarter of 2016, down 1.6% from the first three months of 2015, SIPG said. In 2015, Shanghais container throughput rose 3.5% to 36.5m teu, putting it ahead of Singapore, which handled 30.9m teu, a contraction of 8.7% from a year earlier. First published on www.lloydslist.com Acting Librarian of Congress David Mao has appointed Juan Felipe Herrera to serve a second term as the 21st Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry. In his first term as Laureate, Juan Felipe Herrera traveled the country championing poetry; he also launched an ambitious project on the Librarys website, said Mao, who announced the appointment this evening at Herreras end-of the-term lecture at the Library of Congress. We look forward to seeing what Herrera will accomplish in his second term, and we know he will continue to inspire and educate with his warmth, enthusiasm, and creative genius. On being appointed to serve a second term, Herrera, who is the first Hispanic poet to serve in the position, said, Deep gratitude and great joy, and many thank-yous to the Library. I look forward to continuing my first years momentum and sharing the inspiration tsunami given to me in every community that I visit throughout the U.S.A. as Laureate. Herreras second term will begin Sept. 1. He will follow previous multiyear laureates such as Natasha Trethewey, Kay Ryan, Ted Kooser, and Billy Collins and develop a second-term project. Details about his second-term project will be announced in late summer. Herreras historic first term was noteworthy for his online project, La Casa de Colores," which is comprised of two initiatives: La Familia, a submission-based epic poem asking for the participation of the general public, and El Jardin, a series chronicling his experiences exploring and interacting with the Librarys resources and collections. The author of 30 books of poetry, novels for young adults and collections for children, Herreras most recent work is Portraits of Hispanic American Heroes (2014), a picture book showcasing inspiring Hispanic- and Latino-Americans, and Notes on the Assemblage (2015), a volume of poems. Herrera was born in Fowler, California in 1948. As the son of migrant farm workers, Herrera moved around often, living in tents and trailers along the road in southern California, and attended school in a variety of small towns from San Francisco to San Diego. In 1972 he graduated from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a Bachelors degree in Social Anthropology. He then attended Stanford University, where he received a Masters degree in Social Anthropology, and in 1990 received a Masters of Fine Arts degree at the University of Iowa Writers Workshop. Herrera has written over a dozen poetry collections, including Half the World in Light: New and Selected Poems (2008), which received the National Book Critics Circle Award and the International Latino Book Award. He is also a celebrated young adult and childrens book author, whose honors include the Americas Award for both Cinnamon Girl: Letters Found Inside a Cereal Box (2005) and Crashboomlove: A Novel in Verse (1999), as well as the Independent Publisher Book Award for Featherless / Desplumado (2005), the Ezra Jack Keats Award for Calling the Doves (1995) and the Pura Belpre Author Honor Award for both Portraits of Hispanic American Heroes and Laughing Out Loud, I Fly (1990). For his poetry Herrera has received two Latino Hall of Fame Poetry Awards, a PEN USA National Poetry Award, the PEN Oakland / Josephine Miles Award, a PEN / Beyond Margins Award, and fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Bread Loaf Writers Conference, and the Stanford University Chicano Fellows. He is a recent recipient of an honorary doctorate from Skidmore College. Herrera has served as the Chair of the Chicano and Latin American Studies Department at California State University, Fresno and held the Tomas Rivera Endowed Chair in the Creative Writing Department at the University of California, Riverside, where he taught until retiring in 2015. He is currently a visiting professor in the Department of American Ethnic Studies at the University of Washington-Seattle. Elected a Chancellor for the Academy of American Poets in 2011, he served as the Poet Laureate of California from 2012-2015. The Library of Congress Poetry and Literature Center is the home of the Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry, a position that has existed since 1936, when Archer M. Huntington endowed the Chair of Poetry at the Library. Since then, many of the nations most eminent poets have served as Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress and, after the passage of Public Law 99-194 (Dec. 20, 1985), as Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry. The Poet Laureate suggests authors to read in the Librarys literary series and plans other special events during the literary season. For more information, visit loc.gov/poetry/. The Library of Congress, the largest library in the world, holds more than 162 million items in various languages, disciplines and formats. The Library serves the U.S. Congress and the nation both on-site in its reading rooms on Capitol Hill and through its award-winning website at loc.gov. Local News, Business & Finance, Press Releases By Phil Andrews Published: April 15 2016 The business downturn in local communities over the last couple of years is getting a significant boost through such programs as Small Business Saturday. Freeport, NY - March 15th, 2016 - Small Business Saturday is being touted across Towns, Counties, and States across America. One regional chamber of Commerce in NY State Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. recently installed its Suffolk County Director Kimberly Grant-Bynoe and hung a large banner as a photo backdrop at her installation. In addition, the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce provided over 100 attendees Shop Small shopping bags (American Express Sponsor) to promote Small Business Saturdays. Everyone from the President of the United States Barack Obama, State and Local Officials and Chambers of Commerce across America are recognizing the need to rebuild small businesses in local communities. The Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. has decided to add small business Saturday to its annual plan to promote shop small in New York State. Small business is the backbone of the local economy, and when local communities thrive it raises the quality of life for all those who live in those communities. It is our goal annually to identify small business owners in our region every year on Small Business Saturday and promote Shop Small through supporting their local business establishments. Phil Andrews, President - Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. Advocacy is an important component to various types of business organizations such as the US Black Chambers, Inc. and its member chamber Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. The business downturn in local communities over the last couple of years is getting a significant boost through such programs as Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday was celebrated on November 28, 2015 in Counties, Towns, Cities, and State across America. Our chamber hopes that Small Business Saturday grows beyond a fad throughout America. Shop Small is a key concept that helps builds America and puts local communities back to work in a very substantial manner. President Barack Obama stated Small businesses are the engines of our economy. From the pop-up shops in our town squares to the family-owned restaurants that bring our neighborhoods to life, they are what keep America going. They provide the jobs, create the products, and develop the services that drive our Nation forward. That is why my Administration has made it a priority to ensure small business owners have the tools, resources, and expertise they need to succeed. Phil Andrews is the President of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce, Inc. located online at www.liaacc.org. You can also keep up with Phil Andrews & LIAACC by following along on Twitter. Crime, Press Releases By Long Island News & PR Published: April 15 2016 The First Squad reports the details of a Robbery which occurred on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at 9:19 p.m. in Baldwin. Baldwin, NY - April 15th, 2016 - The First Squad reports the details of a Robbery which occurred on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at 9:19 p.m. in Baldwin. According to detectives, as four employees (2 males ages 23, 19 and 2 females ages 32, 25) were closing the United Deli located at 590 West Seaman Avenue they were forced back inside by two subjects. Subject 1 armed with a black handgun demanded the male victim, 23, to open the register. The victim complied and placed an undisclosed amount of US currency and a Dell laptop into the subjects backpack. The subjects fled scene southbound on Pine Street. No injuries are reported at this time. Subject 1 is described as male black, mid 20s wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, mask, and gloves. Subject 2 is described as black, thin build, mid 20s wearing pink striped pants, dark hooded sweatshirt, mask, gloves and a blue backpack. Detectives ask anyone with information about this crime to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous. 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 The Taliban destroyed an Afghan National Army helicopter as it landed on a remote Army base in the northeastern province of Kunar late last month. The Afghan government previously claimed the helicopter was damaged in an emergency landing, but the Taliban recorded the attack on video. The dramatic video was produced by Al Emera, an official propaganda outlet of the Taliban, and released today by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Muhajid. The Taliban claimed the helicopter, an Mi-8 Hip transport, was destroyed by an IED, or improvised explosive device, as it landed on a hilltop outpost in the Nari district in Kunar on March 24. According to the Taliban, 21 Afghan Army commandos were killed in the attack. The number of Afghan soldiers killed in the blast has not been confirmed. The video is narrated by Taliban fighters who recorded the attack. As helicopter landed at the small base, several soldiers were close by watching the aircraft land. Within 30 seconds after landing, a massive blast toppled the aircraft, and completely destroyed it. There is little chance anyone onboard survived the blast. The fate of the soldiers who were watching the landing is unknown. The blast was likely caused by a bomb that was placed underneath the aircraft, as the explosion appeared to originate from under the helicopter. The placement of the IED, which was on the helicopter landing pad inside the base, would indicate security is extremely weak on the outpost, or the Taliban placed soldiers inside who planted the bomb. Additionally, the Taliban team that recorded the video and likely detonated the bomb was close to the base, indicating that Afghan troops are not patrolling the perimeter. The Afghan government denied initial claims that the helicopter was destroyed by the Taliban. On March 29, Kunar Governor Wahidulllah Kalimzai told Pajhwok Afghan News that the helicopter landed at the outpost due to some technical fault. The helicopter was carrying logistics for security posts and made an emergency landing on a military base after developing some technical fault, he said, according to Pajhwok. He also claimed that the air crew was not injured in the so-called emergency landing. Such reports are usually difficult to confirm as the incidents often occur in remote areas. However, both the US and Afghan militaries have a spotty track record when reporting on such incidents. For instance, on Dec. 17, 2013, a US Blackhawk helicopter went down in Zabul province, killing six US soldiers. The Taliban claimed it shot down the Blackhawk. But the US military discounted the Talibans claim and said in a press release that initial reporting indicates there was no enemy activity in the area at the time of the crash. Three weeks later, the US military told the families of the soldiers killed that enemy action caused the crash and loss of life. The exact cause of the destruction of the Blackhawk has not been disclosed, but like the Afghan National Army helicopter that was attacked in Kunar, the cause may have been an IED planted by the Taliban. Three US military officials told CNN that the Taliban has been deemed responsible either by shooting the helicopter or if the low-flying aircraft set off a bomb hidden on the ground. In the past, the Taliban has shot down several US helicopters using RPGs, or rocket-propelled grenades. The most newsworthy strike took place in August 2011 in the Tangi Valley in Wardak province. Taliban RPGs struck a US Army Chinook that was involved in a raid to capture a senior Taliban commander. That attack resulted in the deaths of 38 US and Afghan troops, including 17 Navy SEALs from SEAL Team 6, the unit that killed al Qaedas founder and first emir, Osama bin Laden. Jihadists in Afghanistan have also advertised the testing of what they described as an anti-helicopter fragmentation mine that is designed to take out US Army Apache attack helicopters. In July 2013, the Islamic Jihad Union, the al Qaeda-linked offshoot of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, displayed one such weapon in a video about its operations in Paktika province. It is unclear if such a device has been successfully deployed against US aor Afghan military helicopters. Images from the blast that destroyed the Afghan National Army helicopter in Kunar: 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. Luton is a large town, borough and unitary authority area of Bedfordshire. Luton and its near neighbours, Dunstable and Houghton Regis, form the Luton/Dunstable Urban Area with a population of about 258,000. Luton is home to Championship team Luton Town Football Club, London Luton Airport and The University of Bedfordshire. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter. For all the latest news from Luton sign up to our newsletter here. The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Unveils $40K/night Abu Dhabi Suite The suite spans between the UAE capital's Nation Towers on the 48th and 49th floors.The journey, exclusively for 50 diners on the last Friday of each month, commences in the hotel's grand Reception Hall where guests are met by one of the hotel's butlers who will escort them to the Abu Dhabi Suite's private elevator.Upon arrival at the Abu Dhabi Suite, guests will be free to explore the 1,120 square metre suite, which retails at AED150,000++ per night.Journeying through the suite, guests will discover exquisite culinary delights in each room; from a cinema full of candy, a dedicated cheese and dessert room, a caviar ice-bar, an oyster room, roaming chef stations and of course, a private bar equipped with the hotel's top mixologists.For a break between tasting, guests can sojourn to the suite's private spa for shoulder massages by therapists from the hotel's Remede Spa and for the ladies, manicures by the hotel's Sisters Beauty Lounge.Brunch in the Clouds is exclusively for adults over 21 years and is available at AED400++ per person or AED650++ with bubbly per person.Mr Moustafa Sakr, General Manager of The St. Regis Abu Dhabi says: "Since opening, there has been a lot of curiosity about the suite. Brunch in the Clouds allows us to engage more with our local community and to let them see the suite for themselves. We also want to highlight the hotel's genuine unassuming service and the culinary skill of our chefs. We see this as a powerful opportunity for people to really understand our passion for luxury and for hospitality."The first Brunch in the Clouds will take place on Friday 29 April, followed by subsequent brunches on Friday 27 May, Friday 29 July and Friday 26 August (Brunch in the Clouds will not take place in June due to Ramadan).Reservations may be made by emailing restaurants.abudhabi@stregis.com.Visit website: Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2016 > Ambedkar, the Architect of Damodar Valley Corporation April 14, 2015 marks Babasaheb Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkars 125th birth anniversary. The following article is being published on that occasion. Sometime in April 2003 a Bengali engineer of the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC), posted somewhere near the Jharkhand-West Bengal border, met me at Patna with the request to address a seminar to mark the Ambedkar birth anni-versary celebrations organised by their employees association. I enquired from him if he could relate the leader anyway with the Damodar Valley Corporation, the first ever river valley project of India. He was unaware of it but he told me that Dr Meghnad Saha, the eminent physicist, is remembered in his organisation for planning the river valley project. Ambedkar is not recalled for any role in this respect. To put it very mildly, this is simply the result of intellec-tual profligacy, leading to complete black-out of information about his great foresight and leadership for the pioneering river valley project. Last November (2015), I met the DVC Chair-man, Andrew W.K. Langstieh, at his head-quarters at Kolkata to gather information if the Corporation has any archival materials throwing light on the role Dr B.R. Ambedkar played in the establishment of the river valley project for water management in the country. The Corporations librarian, after due search, informed me that no such material was available there. Dr Ambedkar is not known to the employees. This sounds like the case where the children are unaware of their father! Wavell and Ambedkar Crossed Swords over DVC As a member of the Viceroys Executive Council, Dr B.R. Ambedkar held charge of Labour and Public Works. In present-day parlance, he was the Minister for Labour and Public Works of the Union of India. In that capacity Ambedkar was actually the architect of the Damodar Valley Corporation which was the first river valley project in India. Following successful implemen-tation of the DVC, independent India embarked upon a massive programme for implementation of multipurpose river valley projects all over India in the Five-Year Plans for economic development. Lord Wavell was the Viceroy of India when the first river valley project was taken up for formulation. The Viceroy had in mind a British engineer for the top slot of the upcoming venture. The veteran journalist of yesteryear, Durga Das, focused on an epic clash of the two titansViceroy Wavell and the member of his Executive Council, Ambedkarwere arrayed against each other over the issue: A chief engineer was needed to head the commission to draw up plans for flood control in the Damodar Valley Corporation in Bihar. Wavell favoured the choice of a British expert who had been adviser on the Aswan Dam project in Egypt. Ambedkar, however, wanted an American who had experience of the development undertaken by the Tennessee Valley Authority. He argued in support of his demand that Britain had no big rivers and its engineers lacked experience in building big dams.1 The Viceroy was the supreme authority repre-senting the British Empire in India, extending from the Khyber Pass to Burma and the Himalayas to Kanyakumari, embracing Pakistan and Bangladesh and Burma of the present-day. India was far larger than the truncated India today. Under the colonial dispensation the Viceroy enjoyed unrivalled power and authority over the subcontinent and hardly anybody was expected to challenge that Supreme Paramount authority; any such challenge was tantamount to indelible audacity. Can we imagine that a Cabinet colleague in independent India takes a position on any issue of public interest and crosses swords with the Prime Minister or, for that matter, a State Minister with his Chief Minister as Ambedkar did with the Viceroy of India? If anyone at all does, he does not survive as a Minister thereafter even for a minute. But anybody who stands up and presses for ideas different from the Paramount must be a man of indomitable courage and commitment for public cause. As a matter of fact, Ambedkar responded to the call of his inner conscience and humbled the supreme authority of the Empire in India. He could do it because he did not espouse his personal agenda in self-service. What he did was in the best interest of the country. Commenting on his indomitable spirit and moral courage, Durga Das again noted: Ambedkar was perhaps the most erudite member of the Executive Council and was a powerful speaker. He was a nationalist to the core.....Once an Indian colleague proposed a Bill to apply economic sanctions against South Africa because of maltreatment of Indian settlers in that country. The European members opposed the measure. Ambedkar thundered the table in anger and said Indias self-respect was at stake. His spirited intervention proved decisive and the Council approved the Bill.2 Nevertheless, Arun Shourie in 1997 had launched a tirade against Ambedkar in his work, Worshipping False Gods. He presented Ambedkar as the loyal Minister3 of the Empire to the glee of many loaded with malice against the Executive Member. Ambedkars only objective in the case of the DVC was that an American engineer with working experience in the Tennessee Valley Authority would be befitting for the assignment in the interest of eastern India where the Damodar was the river of sorrows for Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand. In the downstream, the ferocity of the Damodar inflicted untold miseries on millions of villagers in Bengal for year after year over decades and perhaps centuries. Devastating floods of Damo-dar having inflicted widespread damages without parallel in 1823, 1848, 1856, 1859, 1863, 1882, 1890, 1898, 1901, 1905, 1907, 1913, 1816, 1923, 1935, and 1843 are on record. He did not fight with Wavell for setting up a river valley project in his home Bombay Presidency as is the norm these days. His difference with the Governor-General was based on principle. We can imagine the scene in the Executive Councils meeting inside the Cabinet Chamber. The Viceroy wanted a British engineer for the DVC. Ambedkar stood up to veto the Paramounts proposal. Not only did he oppose it, but successfully torpedoed the move also. Imagine as well the carping and conspiratorial Anglo-Indian press reporting the event next day for their powerful dailies. The tone and tenor of their despatches were all but venomous. They did not conceal their disdain in hurling insinuation at the Viceroy for his failure to tame a native member of his Council. The Anglo-Indians were joined by the well-heeled loyal Indians, a powerful and privileged class, in hurling abuses in the vilification campaign against Ambedkar. How come Ambedkar was still not dismissed from the Executive Council? Were the colonialists so generous and accommodative of a rebel in their ranks at the higher echelons of adminis-tration? His courage was fired by his unmixed patriotism that had trounced them not once but twice. He risked his position in the Executive Council with studied nonchalance and calcu-lated objective. In the given circumstances, Dr Ambedkar unleashed an earthquake in the Executive Councils Cabinet meetings. The alien ruling class, together with the Anglo-Indian community, was scarcely accustomed to pocket it. Shourie is a motivated author who lacked honesty about Ambedkar. Ambedkars Vision for National Water Policy His historical role as the Minister of Public Works in creating the Damodar Valley Corpo-ration is all but forgotten. Or has he been swept under the carpet beyond public eyes? We recall his mission and put his vision in the correct perspective. Dr Ambedkar visited Calcutta at least twice besides Patna. In Calcutta he addressed meetings in January and September 1945 at Rotunda, Writers Buildings to initiate the groundwork for the DVC project. According to him, My purpose is to tell you that the Government of India is very much alive to the disadvantages arising from the state of affairs and wishes to take steps to evolve a policy which will utilise the water resources to the purpose which they are made to serve in other countries.4 Dr Ambedkar wanted the DVC to be a multi-purpose river valley project for utilisation of enormous water resources for comprehensive development of the country. The project is a welcome one to the Government of India. It very clearly shows a fine prospect of the control of the river, a prospect of controlling floods, of securing a fine area for perennial irrigation with resultant insurance against famine and a much needed supply of power. I am sure it will be more than welcome to the governments of Bengal and Bihar, if they realise what the project will mean to them and their people.5 The objectives of the project were outlined in the following terms: 1. An aggregate controlled reservoir capacity of about 4,700,000 acre-feed; 2. Sufficient water for perennial irrigation of about 760,000 acres, besides water navigation purposes; 3. Electrical energy amounting to 300,000 kilowatts, and it would promote directly the welfare of five million people and indirectly of many more millions.6 The model Ambedkar had in mind was the best known river valley project in the world. It was the Tennessee Valley Scheme in the United States of America. While addressing a meeting on January 3, 1945, the visionary articulated the objectives as follows: The Government has very much in its mind the Tennessee Valley Scheme operating in the United States. They (technical experts) are studying the Scheme and feel that something along that line can be done in India if the Provinces offer their cooperation and agree to override provincial barriers which has held up so much of their progress and their prosperity.7 Ambedkar spelled out further steps in the direction taken by the government. As a preliminary step for securing the best use of the water resources of the country, the Government of India have created a central organisationcalled the Central Technical Power Board, and are contemplating to create another to be called the Central waterways, Irrigation and Navigation Commission.8 The objectives of these two organisations, clarified the Executive Member, is to advise the Provinces on how their water resources can be utilised and how a project can be made to serve purposes other than their irrigation. The Damodar river is the first project along this line. It will be a multipurpose project. It will have the object of not only preventing floods in the Damodar river but also have the object of irrigation, navigation and the production of electricity. Here he declared that the authority which will be in charge of this project after it is completed, will be more or less modelled, as far as may be possible, on the Tennessee valley Authority.9 There is only one thing, which the Government of India expects from the Provinces to do. It expects the Provinces to bear in mind the absolute necessity of ensuring that the benefits of the project get ultimately right down to the grassroots, i.e., everyone living in the Valley and some of those in the vicinity. This, in my view, is essential, and it is for this reason that we want the establishment of some agency early enough so that that agency can set about planning at once in which its essential and ultimate object can be secured.10 Tracing out the constitutional difficulty as he anticipated, he spoke out his mind in no ambiguous terms: Irrigation has been the only objective of our waterways policy. Further, we have not taken sufficient account of that fact that there is no difference between railways and waterways, and if railways cannot be subjected to provincial boundaries, neither can waterways at any rate those that flow from province to province.11 The disadvantages of this error are many and obvious. To give one illustration, a province needs electricity and wishes to utilises its water resources for the purpose but cannot do so because the point at which water dam lies in another province, which being agricultural does not need electricity and has no interest in it or money to finance the project, and would not allow the needy province to use the site. Complain as much as we like, a province can take unfriendly attitude and justify it in the name of Provincial autonomy.12 Dr Ambedkar sounds absolutely prophetic if we consider the internecine disputes over the Kauvery river running through Tamilnadu and Karnataka. Both the States are at daggers drawn over its water resources. Clarifying the Central Governments position, Ambedkar said in the second meeting at Calcutta: The Damodar Valley Project is a matter of grave urgency, and it would be criminal folly not to come to an early decision, without which it is not possible for us to proceed further in the matter. I, therefore, hope and trust that, with your cooperation, we should be able today to return with our decisions fully and firmly made. 13 Continuing further he said: Let me tell you that the Government of India is very keen, very earnest, and is prepared to play its full part in carrying through its project.14 He committed the Government of Indias resources for the project. The Government of India is prepared to assume direct responsibility for securing staff and organisation necessary to carry out all further preliminary investigations in such manner as will facilitate and expedite construction with assistance as the two Provinces can render without serious detriment to their post-war development works. The Government, however, realise the shortage of engineering manpower in Bengal and will endeavour to find the necessary staff by drawing upon services, if found available, of a military unit and its equipment to assist the preliminary investigation. This will avoid drawing on the strained resources of the province at a large extent that is necessary and will secure a most rapid supply of equipment.15 There is an element of irony in the authorship of the first river valley project falling into the hands of Ambedkar. He not only laid the foun-dation of the prestigious project but also he inaugurated the National Water Policy. The same man, when a student in school, used to be denied access to the water source or taps for drinking water. His untouchability stood against him driking water from the common source. And yet he was the architect of the National Water Policy, no matter even though the vast DVC and the countrymen have forgotten that historical fact. Footnotes 1. Durga Das, India-From Curzon to Nehru and After, Collins, London, 1969, p. 236. 2. Ibid 3. Arun Shourie, Worshipping False Gods, HarperCollins Publishers India, 1997, p. 100. 4. Dr B.R. Ambedkar Writings and Speeches, vol. 10, Bombay, 1991, p. 286. 5. Ibid. 6. Dr B.R. Ambedkar Writings and Speeches, vol. 10, Bombay, 1991, p. 286. 7. Ibid. 8. Ibid. 9. Ibid, pp. 222-223. 10. Ibid. p. 288. 11. Ibid. p. 221. 12. Ibid. 221. 13. Ibid. p. 287. 14. Ibid. p. 287 15. Ibid. p. 287. Dr A.K. Biswas is a retired IAS officer and a former Vice-Chancellor, B.R. Ambedkar University, Muzaffarpur (Bihar) Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2016 > Myanmar: New Parliament, Sui Kyi and the Rohingyas by Aparupa Bhattacherjee Despite the opposition from those parliamen-tarains closer to the Establishment, the new parliament in Myanmar has passed a bill providing a new position for Suu Kyi. With the NLD majority within the parliament taking a conscious decision not to upset the existing power structure that prohibits Suu Kyi from becoming the President, the move by the National League for Democracy (NLD) is a compromise and acceptance of the reality. This really augurs well for the democratic transition of Myanmar, as the country cannot afford a hostile approach from the elected members and the Establishment. But the crucial question is: would the parliament also pursue such a strategy of compromise and address one of the most crucial questions that would help or mar the democratic transition processthat is, the one related to the Rohingyas? Will the New Parliament address the Rohingya Issue? Of course, the Rohingya question is not the only issue facing the democratic transition of Myanmar; there are numerous other ethnic divides, militant groups and peace initiatives that the new government and Suu Kyi has to address. But the Rohingya question demands special parliamentary attention for two sensitive reasons. First, unlike the other ethnic groups, the Rohingyas have a large disadvantage: they are not considered to be Myanmarese in the first place and not a part of the process of the Constitution and parliment. Other groups do have issues and faultlines, but the larger Myanmarese nation and parliament accept them as citizens. Rohingyas are not considered as Myanmarese citizens and have no locus standi in any parliamentary discussion. Second, there is no group or section within Myanmar that could project the views of the Rohingya community. The Rohingyas have neither a militia, as most of the other ethnic groups have, that forces the state to respond, nor do they have a political voice within Myanmar. On the other hand, though divided over numerous faultlines, the Myanmar nation is united in terms of their opposition towards the Rohingyas. And that makes this section different from the other ethnic groups and political processes. Neither are the Rohinyags considered as an ethnic group, nor is there a political process. So an unfortunate answer for this questionwhether the new Parliament would address the Rohingya issue would be in the negative. No, the new Parliament is unlikely to address the Rohingya issue. First, if one has to go through the NLDs electoral campaign, it remained silent on the Rohingya issue. Perhaps, winning the elections and entering the parliament was the primary objective than talking about national reconci-liation. Though the NLD did speak about political and ethnic reconciliation, it remained silent on the Rohingya issue. Second, the majority in Myanmar do not want even to talk about the issue; they are convinced that the Rohigyas are in fact Bengalis and have no place inside the country. With such a maximalist view, the NLD consciously kept a low profile on the issue. After winning the elections and having taken control of the parliament, the NLD is not likely to speak up. There are larger issues, starting from finding a prominent role for Suu Kyi within the parliament and addressing the national reconciliation processes with different groups. The Establishment is another issue that needs to be appeased for the NLD. Projecting the Rohingya issue is not likely to get any positive response from the Establishment; hence the NLD will avoid speaking on the subject and look into other issues that it considers vital for its survival and further expansion. Outside the NLD, none of the other parties is likely to bring up this issue inside the parliament. Nor will the regional parties from the Rakhine region, for example, the Arakan National Party, raise this issue with a positive approach. Will Suu Kyi address the Rohingya Issue? If the NLD is unlikely to make it an issue and the parliament unlikely to debate it, the other option is Suu Kyi, the Noble Laureate. Unfortu-nately, her position has also been not so convincing. A new book (The Lady and the Generals by Peter Popham) claims that she was unhappy with the questions in a BBC interview on the Rohingyas and apparently lost her temper with the interviewer. Worse, the book reports that she commented off-air after the BBC Today programme: No-one told me that I was going to be interviewed by a Muslim. With Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy on the driving seat today, the larger question is: would the Noble Laureate remain silent on the crucial Rohingya issue that is hurting Myanmars international image? In Myanmar today, there is so much of hope with the ongoing democratic transition, especially with the NLD taking over power since last month. Although Suu Kyi is barred from becoming the President, Htin Kyaw, her close confidant, has been chosen for the post; hence it could be speculated that the real power will be in her own hands. This is a crucial phase for not only Myanmars political reforms and democratic transition, but also for its larger national reconciliation process with numerous ethnic groups. There is an ongoing peace process and efforts towards a National Ceasefire Agree-ment with all the ethnic armed forces is the next step. However, this process unfortunately does not include the radical violence against the Myanmarese Muslims, especially the Rohingyas in the Arakan State. Ethnic solidarity and integration had been given prominence by the NLD in all its pre-election campaigns. Suu Kyi has always stressed on National Reconciliation but, unfortunately, this has not been transformed into action. The newly formed NLD Cabinet seems to consist primarily of the Burmans with only one member from an ethnic minority. On the Rohingyas, she avoids and refuses to state anything when questioned about the problem. When pressed on the Rohingya issue during the above BBC interview, she was reported to have commented: I think there are many, many Buddhists who have also left the country for various reasons. This is a result of our sufferings under a dictatorial regime. The Rohingya crisis has attracted the attention of the international media and leaders. Why does Aung San Suu Kyi refuse to voice her opinion about the crisis that has compelled the entire world to sympathise with the Rohingyas? Why is Suu Kyi Silent on the Rohingyas? To appease her vote-bank? Many interpret her silence on the Rohingyas as a part of electoral politics to appease her vote-bank, a majority of whom are Buddhists. Myanmar is approxi-mately 96 per cent Buddhist and four per cent Muslim. It seems Suu Kyi has chosen the heavier side preferring to retain their support rather being concerned about the plight of the four per cent. Suu Kyi is worried about taking up the cause of minority Rohingyas largely because of the majority narrative in Myanmar in the last few years. Emergence of radical groups and a violent majoritarian narrative on religious grounds has shifted the larger national political discourse. She is cautious perhaps of this larger majori-tarian Myanmarese discourse. Though the Rakhine Buddhist and Rohingya rift has been in existence since the 1990s, post-2012 it took a serious and violent turn. The 969 radical Buddhist movement was led by Ma Ba Tha (Association to Protect Race and Religion), and one of the most controversial monks of Asia, Asin Wirathu. This group and the monk openly engage in anti-Islamic propaganda and preach hatred throughout Myanmar. Their openness indicates the support of the ruling elites; to an extent it might be orchestrated by the Tatmadaw elites as well. Subsequently, it also led to the rise of Burmese nationalism with the use of Buddhism. Today any support for the Rohingyas in Myanmar is considered equivalent to anti-Buddhism and, therefore, anti-national. Perhaps this majoritarian politics is forcing Suu Kyi to remain silent. Is Suu Kyi Islamophobic? This is a new question that is likely to haunt Suu Kyi after the revelation of her BBC interview mentioned above. Mishal Husain, according to reports during her interview, repeatedly asked her to denounce the violence against the Muslims in Myanmar whereas Suu Kyi continued to retain her stand that not only the Muslims, several Buddhists have also suffered. Worse was Suu Kyis comment about being interviewed by a Muslim. This statement has not only resulted in numerous international supporters of Suu Kyi being disheartened, but also compels one to raise another question: does she also have misgivings about the Muslims similar to many of her countrymen and women? If yes, it will be surprising, given the fact that Suu Kyi has grown up in a multicultural atmosphere and her values are perceived to be multicultural. Aung San Suu Kyi, who had been partly educated in India, is quoted to be a follower of Gandhian philosophy which upholds tolerance as its principal value. Both her later education and life in Britain have been in a multicultural environment before she returned to Myanmar in 1988. Furthermore, she has been bestowed with popular awards such as the Noble Peace Prize and the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. Hence, the above statement from Suu Kyi is not only shocking but upsetting as well. Is her concern for Rohingyas genuine? There is a different reason for her silence on the Rohingyas. As mentioned by Suu Kyi time and again, if she takes a stand on behalf of the Rohingyas it will make the situation worse for them. The fear here isit will further infuriate the anger of the Rakhine Buddhists against the Rohingyas. To some extent she is correct. Increasing international focus on the Rohingya suffering has made the Rakhine Buddhists agitated, further deepening the existing rift between the two communities. The anger was evident when Buddhist mobs attacked several international Nongovernmental Organisations including several doctors from Medecins San Frontieres (MSF). Some attacks have also hampered the much-needed aid being delivered to the Rohingyas. But silence is definitely not a solution to this problem. Given the present situation, the Rohingya crisis has crossed the national boundaries of Myanmar and is perceived as a problem by both South-East and South Asia. It is high time that Suu Kyi breaks her silence on the Rohingyas. With the NLD in power, the parliament should have a reasonable debate on the Rohingyas. Such an approach will also reduce international tensions and pressure on the Rohingya issue and provide more space and time for the new government. In the long run. Such an approach will also help consolidate Myanmars democratic transition. Aparupa Bhattacherjee is an independent researcher and focuses on South-East Asian politics, especially Myanmar, Thailand and Malaysia. Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2016 > Fall of a State that was once a World Model; Kerala VIPs face the Fury of a (...) IMPRESSIONS For the first time in history a woman of colourful reputation, backed by a jail term, has become the fulcrum of power in the State, holding the Chief Minister, several Ministers, MLAs and police bosses to ransom. To understand the enormity of this achievement, we must remember that the present Chief Minister, Oommen Chandy, is the shrewdest political manipulator Kerala has ever seen. He plotted the ouster of the influential K. Karuna-karan and of the popular A.K. Antony from chief ministership, thus clearing the way to his own rise to the top. He also subdued his alliance partners, K.M. Mani and Kunjalikutty, masters of machinations in their own right, the moment they showed signs of asserting themselves. Such a genius of intrigue being upstaged by a charming cheat? But Sarita Nair is no ordinary woman. A B.Com graduate and mother of two, she dances and a film or two featuring her are in the works. She began life with a bank job which she used to take loan-seekers for a ride. Articulate, intelligent and bold to a fault, she seems ready for a fight whoever the adversary. She was made for politics. But she went into business. With a partner (now in jail for, among other things, killing his wife), she floated a company to provide solar energy to all kinds of enterprises. Finding shortcuts through political influence was the preferred modus operandi of the company. Chief Minister Chandy was one of her early contacts and she used the link to line up some big deals. When the bubble burst she said vast sums of money were paid to VIPs while some VIPs tried to exploit her as a woman. In the initial stages Sarita never made any charges against Oommen Chandy himself. But he must have been rattled within. He made two uncharacteristic mistakes. The first was to say that he did not know Sarita Nair and never met her. In no time photographs appeared on screens and in newspapers showing Sarita whispering things into the ears of the Chief Minister. Subsequently Chandy said he might have seen her two or three times. Against published and telecast evidence, the Chief Minister sounded like telling untruths. In the eyes of the public, he lost. His second mistake was another untruth. Commentators started saying that Chandy was reaping what he had sowed when he used the ISRO spy case of 1994 against K. Karunakaran. Chandy challenged the media to cite a single instance of his attacking Karunakaran over the ISRO case. In no time, the channels showed a young Oommen Chandy softly but in strong words saying that the ISRO case had so badly damaged Karunakarans and the Congress reputation that his continuance in office would be fatal for the party. When the news-clip was brought to his attention, he smiled and brazened it out by denying any link between then and now. In the eyes of the public, he lost heavily. Sarita Nair, having initially protected the Chief Minister, later turned against him because, she said, there was no sign of his returning to her, as promised, the money she had paid to his nominees at various times. Indicating that there was some truth in her claims, a couple of the Chief Ministers close personal aides had to abruptly leave their jobs in the early stages of the scandal. Now, openly and directly, Sarita said she had paid a bribe of Rs 1.9 crore to the Chief Ministers personal representative in Delhi. Denials by party spokesmen filled the air. Then, before a jungle of television cameras, raising her finger as well as her voice, Sarita challenged the Chief Minister (without mentioning his name) to file an FIR against her. People were stunned. In the last week or so the master tactician in Oommen Chandy seems to have recovered. Vigilance and police reports have come out exposing conspirators behind Sarita Nair. The needle of suspicion points to government leaders, primarily because some of the Ministers are known for corruption. But counter-disclosures help fill the air with confusion, giving the Chandy group some breathing space. The real tragedy is Keralas. Till a decade ago the Kerala model was internationally lauded for its achievements in the social sector. The States educational advancement and village-covering health services were the envy of others. All that is gone. Now money rules. Perhaps Kerala will fare better if Sarita Nair becomes the next Chief Minister. It certainly will not fare worse. Home > Archives (2006 on) > 2016 > Evolution of Political Corruption From N.C.s Writings In just about a years time, we shall be celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the countrys independence when power was transferred from the unwilling hands of the British rulers to the leaders of our freedom struggle. And it is exactly fifty years now that in the last general election under colonial rule, in 1946, the leader of the Indian National Congress toured the length and breadth of this vast land promising the public that once the power was transferred, he and his party would hang every black-marketeer from the next lamp post. Fifty years have passed and today the leader of the very same Congress party is facing charges of cheating and large-scale corruption before the court of a Delhi Magistrate. And he still has not given up the august post of the President of the party that was at the vanguard of our countrys freedom struggle. Not only is this a solitary case of shocking misdemeanour on the part of a political leader who was until three months ago the Prime Minister of this great country. A whole array of political personalitiesformer Ministers and other leaders including the Presidents of two largest Opposition partiesface arraignment before the law court on charges of having been involved in mega-size hawala transactions. The rich harvest of political big-wigs who have figured in the Jain hawala diary reads like a VIP court circular. Nowadays as the lid is being removed from the cesspool of corruption in public life, one is at a loss to make out how the malaise has overtaken our body politic in these five decades since independence. The quantum of black money in circulation and how to deal with it have been discussed from time to time by economists from Kaldor downward, but no succinct analysis has so far been made by our pundits in sociology or political science or by the media seniors how this degeneration has come about, its history, its magnitude stage by stage, and what it really means for our democracy and its future. Individual monographs have come out from time to time such as the one on the ramifications of the Birla House by a journalist from Calcutta in the fifties, while the late D.R. Mankekar brought out a gallery of guilty men in the sixties. In the old days, the peponderating influence of the Birlas over the Congress leadership was widely known. That was more in the nature of an open liaison between the top leadership of the national movement and one of the nationalist-minded business houses who despite the frowns of the Raj stood by Gandhiji, who ironically breathed his last within the precincts of the Birla House. When independence came, the Congress leadership was particularly keen on jealously guarding its own image before the public as leaders who could not be corrupted even if the new situation required a continuous demand for financial help for the party. The multifarious activities in which the Congress and other political parties were engaged required a good amount of funds flowing in regularly. Many of these activities became part of the new governments agenda but the parties required big money to fight elections, the Congress being the largest of them had a bigger budget. If the political parties needed funds, the business community needed government support and patronage. Thus was provided an opening for fresh opportunities for acquiring funds which the ruling parties, particularly the Congress, could thrive on. At the same time, the Congress leadership of those early years after independence, was alert about the need to retain their image of being averse to all the means of securing unearned money from the business community. As a result, an interesting division of labour was maintained by the first generation of leaders, from 1947 to 1969, that is, upto the time of the Congress split. By this arrangement, leaders like Nehru, Sardar Patel, Pant and others who could sway the public politically, preserved their image as being above corrupt or underhand dealings, while others like S.K. Patil or Atulya Ghosh were expected to do the dirty job. And fund collection for some consideration was certainly one of them. This came out very sharply in the Mundhra scandal, over which T.T. Krishnamachari resigned because he had winked at the LIC giving him a loan which he would not have otherwise got. Mundhra did pay a good amount as quid pro quo to a senior Congress leader who was never mentioned in all the preceedings; instead, TTK took the onus upon himself for having done something irregular. The reason why the name of the actual recipient of the Mudhra bribe was held back was that the Congress party leadership was anxious that its own image before the public must not be smudged, as these top leaders were the main vote-catchers for the Congress party. This neat division of labour within the Congress leadership, however, collapsed with the Congress split in 1969. When Indira Gandhi assumed the leadership of the Congress, she did not bother about that delicate division of labour; instead, she herself approached the business magnates and funds came from them direct to her, or through her trusted henchmen like Rajni Patel and others who were her underlings. By this arrangement, the resources of the Congress were concentrated only in Indira Gandhis hands who became the omnipotent dispenser of all favours and concessions while the business world too could exercise more direct influence on the government through her and her retinues. Secondly, it was not a deal between the government and the corporate sector as a collective, but one between the head of the government and specific elements of the business world whom she would favour. In the bargain, the distinction between party fund and the leaders coffers was blurred, and individual businessmen or houses became the favourites of the establishment. This had its impact on the shape of politics. Instead of the party holding the purse-strings, the leader became the sole dispenser of all funds, and through it came his or her power. Thus the leaders family and favourites became all powerful. The unwholesome rise of Sanjay Gandhi as an extra-constitutional authority could be ascribed in a large measure to this new development. The early days of Maruti and the mafia that grew around it bear eloquent testimony to this. The hereditary dispensation enjoyed by Indira Gandhis progenies can certainly be ascribed to this new style of political financing. Another stage was reached in the eighties, that is, when Indira returned to power after the devastation she had brought upon herself during the Emergency. This time a new style was followed for clearing the target for raising funds. So long the traditional style of the Congress fund collection for the election was to approach the business houses on the eve of the election campaign. However, in 1984-85 this seasonal drive for funds was far less conspicuous. Under the new style of fund collection, the leader in authority turned more to mega-purchases on government account, and would charge a cutback on such purchases. For obvious reasons, this involved dealing with foreign companies, particularly in the field of defence. This way came the kickback from the German submarine deal (which is yet to be unearthed) and after this came the Bofors scandal under Rajiv Gandhi. Such deals are transconti-nental by nature, and despite exposures, and the establishment of the fact of kickback money having been given to individual operators, nobody has been punished, as the matter is supposed to be still under investigation. The importance of the Bofors scandal in the evolution of political corruption in our country needs to be understood in all its implications. First, it directly involved the Prime Minister, as the needle of suspicion has been definitely pointed at some of his cronies and members of his family. Secondly, it involved arms supply. Although the Bofors gun is widely established, the fact that kickbacks from a foreign arms company could have major political repercussions contributed to a large extent to the ruling Congress party having lost the elections in 1989. Thirdly, it opened up tremendous possibilities for foreign companies intervening in our politics through the sordid channel of bribery and kickbacks. The fact that even to this day the Bofors scandal has not been fully unearthed enhances the danger of foreign firms intervening in our politics. It is important to note that just in this period, agents of big foreign interests have become conspicuous in our politics. To comprehend this, one has only to recall the enormous clout that the Italian giant, Snam Progettis local agent could wield in the Rajiv establishment in the eighties. What role Quattrocchi has played in the inner recesses of the Rajiv establishment is yet to be assessed, but nobody doubts that it is of far-reaching consequence. It is precisely in this background that one has to take into account a phenomenon like Chandraswami. Despite several warnings, Narasimha Rao did maintain close relations with him. This could be seen not only in the recent disclosures about Chandraswamis misdoings, but in the fact that he kept close to Narasimha Rao, despite the gentle warnings that the then Prime Minister received from friends and well-wishers. And Chandraswamis circle of devotees is a very extensive onecomprising not only Narasimha Rao but former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar, and even T.N. Seshan, the Chief Election Commissioner, who has been talking about our countrymen having lost their character. It is not enough to say that Chandraswami dabbles in politics: within the network of his shady activities on an international scale, one finds Adnan Khasoggi, the Sultan of Brunei and Tiny Rowlandsa worldwide mafia involved in a variety of excursions from high finance to arms sales and one would not be surprised to find it having been involved in drug trafficking. The infamous St Kitts cook-up to frame V.P. Singhs son, which was designed by Chandraswami during Rajiv Gandhis term, in which Narasimha Rao was involved, brought out the type of dangerous politics that was being pursued behind the facade of the so-called godman. It is after years of notorietywhen he got protection and immunity from his political patronsChandraswami is now finding himself in difficulty before the law court, and he would have no hesitation today implicating his VIP political patrons. It is not in the least surprising that in the very period in which Chandraswamis antecedents are coming to light, the country has learnt a lot also from the Jain hawala deal which has taken a heavy toll of politicians. What needs to be stressed is that the exposure of these rackets of Jains and Chandraswamis and their tribe tells us that not only were big money deals involved, but these are into-related with harbouring terrorists and underworld characters who could be a threat to our security. The fact that persons occupying high offices in our democracy have not hesitated to make use of these shady characters makes it clear not only that they themselves have been wallowing in corruption but also that they allow the countrys security to be endangered through such contacts. Corruption is not just a moral issue but equally involves a threat to the countrys interest and security. What is disturbing is that the allegations of corruption have ceased to be a matter of disgrace in public life. Hence, one sees the Congress leaders have yet to insist that they could not afford to have as their leader one who is facing charges of corruption in the company of the disreputable Chandraswami and that a hawala-tainted politician could sneak back into the present government as a full-fledged Cabinet Minister. What is yet to be realised by our political leaders is that in the public eye, corruption is looked down upon and anybody tarred with it carries no authority whatsoever in the judgement of the common public. Politicians may look at corruption as a manageable private affair but the wider public, getting more and more awakened, regards corruption of Chandraswami and the hawala dimension as an undoubted curse to be purged out of our politics. (Mainstream, July 20, 1996) India must put quality control at the centre of its policies on IP filing if it doesnt want to deal with a mess of its own making later Marie Claire newsletter Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox! Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Thank you for signing up to . You will receive a verification email shortly. There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again. By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions (opens in new tab) and Privacy Policy (opens in new tab) and are aged 16 or over. Ryan Gosling once again proves he's a complete hero by defending girlfriend Eva Mendes Our crush on Ryan Gosling is getting ridiculous. Not content with breaking up street fights in New York, saving the lives of journalists, supporting feminism and being a totally dashing, the talented actor has now proved he's the perfect boyfriend by defending girlfriend Eva Mendes. RYAN GOSLING'S HOTTEST LOOKS (opens in new tab) The couple were walking through the Bowery Hotel in New York before the premiere of their new movie The Place Beyond The Pines when a fashion photographer yelled: 'Hey, baby' at Eva across the room. This did not please Gosling who reportedly got extremely annoyed with the man in question. 'Ryan completely flipped out, and it got heated,' said an eyewitness who spoke to The New York Post. 'Ryan got in the guys face and said, "Who are you calling baby?" Eva had to jump in and calm everyone down before it came to fisticuffs. Ryan then made nice and shook the guys hand.' Now, we're sure Eva Mendes can fight her own battles, but you've got love the Gosling for defending his lady's honour. Swoon. Got a tablet? You can now download marie claire magazine straight to your iPad (opens in new tab), Kindle (just search the store for marie claire magazine'), Nook (opens in new tab) or Google Nexus (opens in new tab). RYAN GOSLING HELPLINE SET UP FOR DISTRESSED FANS HEY GIRL! RYAN GOSLING THE FEMINIST RYAN GOSLING BREAKS UP STREET FIGHT IN NYC Marie Claire newsletter Celebrity news, beauty, fashion advice, and fascinating features, delivered straight to your inbox! Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Thank you for signing up to . You will receive a verification email shortly. There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again. By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions (opens in new tab) and Privacy Policy (opens in new tab) and are aged 16 or over. Across the globe, making a toast ahead of drinking alcohol is the done thing. In the Netherlands they say proost, the Czech say na zdravi, in France its sante, the Italians say cin cin or salute and the Finnish raise a glass to kippis. Its customary to say cheers before sipping your wine at dinner or downing a shot of tequila in the bar on a Friday night. But have you ever wondered why exactly it is we say cheers? Across the globe, making a toast ahead of drinking alcohol is the done thing. In the Netherlands they say proost, the Czech say na zdravi, in France its sante, the Italians say cin cin or salute and the Finnish raise a glass to kippis. All in all were wishing each other well, cheersing to good health or simply expressing our joy at being together. According to Mental Floss, it is widely understood that the custom of toasting originated with the ancient Greeks and Romans who gave offerings to the gods during ceremonial banquets. Wine was poured, glasses were raised and those present would announce respect to the dead and to the health of the living. Thats where the English cheers which means have good cheer is said to have come from. But why do we call it a toast? Theres no bread. Theres no toaster. Well, actually there once was. The phrase to toast literally comes from the practice of adding a bit of toasted bread to your drink. One of the first accounts of this custom can be found in the Shakespeare play The Merry Wives of Windsor: Go getch me a quart of sack put a toast int. The quality of wine in the Elizabethan era was so poor, drinkers often popped a bit of toast in it to add flavour. Yum. Austal has welcomed the Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman (CRNO), Rear-Admiral (RADM) Abdullah bin Khamis bin Abdullah Al Raisi to the companys Australian shipyard in Henderson, Western Australia, to officially name two 72 meter High Speed Support Vessels (HSSVs) designed and built by Austal for the Royal Navy of Oman (RNO). In a formal ceremony, RADM Abdullah bin Khamis bin Abdullah Al Raisi named the ships RNOV AL MUBSHIR (S11) and RNOV AL NAASIR (S12). The first vessel RNOV AL MUBSHIR (S11) is on schedule for delivery in the first half of 2016; whilst the second vessel RNOV AL NAASIR was launched this month and shall be delivered following further fitout, sea trials and acceptance in the second half of 2016. Speaking at the ceremony, RADM Abdullah bin Khamis bin Abdullah Al Raisi remarked, The High Speed Support Vessel is an important new addition to the Royal Navy of Oman fleet and a continuation of a modernization process that is reinforcing Omans naval capabilities and supporting the Sultan Armed Forces (SAF). The HSSV will help us fulfil our national mission to protect Omani waters and meet other joint operational support requirements, including search and rescue and humanitarian and disaster relief. Austal is to be congratulated on a successful build program and we look forward to deploying both the AL MUBSHIR and AL NAASIR in 2016. Austal commenced construction of the two HSSVs in August 2014, following the award of the $124.9million contract from the RNO in March 2014. The unique first-of-class naval vessels are an evolution of the proven Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) platform, developed for the United States Navy by Austal, now operating around the world with U.S. Military Sealift Command. The innovative design offers high speed performance, multiple-mission capability and operational flexibility and demonstrates Austals industry-leading ability to develop unique, customized naval solutions based on proven designs, for export markets. The 38 knot, all-aluminum HSSV offers exceptional speed, maneuverability and carrying capacity (for up to 260 embarked troops and equipment and vehicles) for a range of military operations and logistics support roles. Featuring a shallow draft of 3 meters, a 900sqm vehicle deck, 395 metric ton carrying capacity and medium-lift aviation capability (for a NH-90 helicopter), the HSSV provides support for both open ocean and coastal missions. Newly-appointed Austal Chief Executive Officer, David Singleton congratulated RADM Abdullah bin Khamis bin Abdullah Al Raisi on the RNOs strategic investment in the innovative HSSV platform - and confirmed that Austal shall provide in-service support to the RNO and the two HSSVs through the companys Middle East Service Centre in Muscat, Oman. Singleton added, The naming of these two high speed support vessels further demonstrates Austals proven capability to design, construct and support large, multiple-vessel defense programs - a position we are justifiably proud of, as we prepare to participate in the Commonwealths Competitive Evaluation Process to build Australias Offshore Patrol Vessel and Future Frigate programs for the Royal Australian Navy. 1912 - The scout cruisers USS Chester (CL 1) and USS Salem (CL 3) sail from Massachusetts to assist RMS Titanic survivors, and escort RMS Carpathia, which carried the survivors of the Titanic, to New York. 1914 - USS New York (BB 34) is commissioned. 1918 - First Marine Aviation Force, under the command of Capt. Alfred A. Cunningham, USMC, is formed at Marine Flying Field, Miami, Fla. 1943 - USS Yorktown (CV 10) is commissioned. 1945 - USS Frost (DE 144) and USS Stanton (DE 247) join to attack and sink German submarine U 880 and then German sub U 1235, north of the Azores. 1961 - The first nuclear-powered frigate, USS Bainbridge (DLGN-25), is launched at Quincy, Mass. 1962 - USS Princeton (LPH 5) brings the first advisory unit to Vietnam and the Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron (HMM) 362 SocTrang, Mekong Delta, South Vietnam. 1986 - Operation El Dorado Canyon begins. Navy aircraft from USS America (CV-66) and USS Coral Sea (CV-43) attack Libya. (Source: Naval History and Heritage Command, Communication and Outreach Division) EU Transport and Environment Ministers meet April 14-15 in Amsterdam for an informal joint Council meeting under the Dutch EU Presidency. The agenda features a discussion on how Member States could make a positive and constructive contribution to achieve an international framework of CO2 reduction commitments. We fully support the initiative of the Dutch Presidency, said ECSA President Niels Smedegaard, The shipping industry endorses the Paris agreement on climate change and we are committed to ambitious CO2 emission reductions across the world merchant fleet." Smedegaard added, "With the shipping industrys support, Member States of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) will be able to develop meaningful CO2 reduction commitments for the international shipping sector as a whole that are both ambitious and realistic. The informal Council meeting is held ahead of the 69th session of the IMOs Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) session, which takes place next week in London. MEPC will feature a discussion on a global data collection system that will provide information on the emissions from maritime shipping on an annual basis. We believe that this system should have mandatory application, said ECSA Secretary General Patrick Verhoeven, A decision in IMO should come forward in 2016 so that ships can provide the required data as soon as possible. ECSA also supports the proposal of its international partner ICS (International Chamber of Shipping) for IMO Member States to adopt an Intended IMO Determined Contribution. This would make IMO Member States and the shipping industry answerable to the international community, in the same way that governments committed to Intended National Determined Contributions (INDCs). The adoption of an Intended IMO Determined Contribution would also make it clear that the reduction of the sectors CO2 emissions is being addressed robustly by IMO Member States. The development of an Intended IMO Determined Contribution should be part of a clear work plan and timetable, to be elaborated as of this year, concluded Patrick Verhoeven. The Australian Government today tabled its response to the Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade References Committee report, Inquiry into firefighting foam contamination Part A - RAAF Base Williamtown. As part of its response, the Australian Government has announced the continuation of the existing financial assistance package to fishers and businesses affected by the NSW Government's precautionary closures of the Tilligerry Creek and Fullerton Cove fisheries beyond 30 June 2016 and will also introduce a new Business Transition Payment. Defence continues to work closely with NSW Government and other Commonwealth agencies to further investigate the nature and extent of the legacy PFOS/PFOA issue at RAAF Base Williamtown. Defence is carrying out detailed environmental investigations at Williamtown, which includes the development of a human health risk assessment. This human health risk assessment is due to be completed by the end of July. In the interim, the Australian Government will continue to provide support to assist with the financial hardship experienced by individuals and businesses as a result of the NSW Government's decision. The Australian Government will continue to provide an Income Recovery Subsidy to individuals who have experienced a loss of income as a result of closure of the fisheries. These payments will continue for a period of eight weeks after 30 June 2016, which is when the NSW Government is due to make a decision on the current bans. On 1 July 2016, the Australian Government will also provide the ability for fishing businesses affected by the closures to claim a further Business Hardship Payment of up to $20,000. In addition to the Business Hardship Payment, the Australian Government will be implementing a Business Transition Payment of up to $25,000 to assist businesses pursue alternative sources of income if the NSW Government delays its decision to reopen these fisheries beyond 30 June 2016. Marines with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Forces Reserve participated in exercise Arctic Eagle at Camp Grayling, Michigan, from April 4-14, 2016. More than 300 Reserve Marines joined the 81st Troop Command of the Indiana National Guard and the Danish Home Guard to serve as the Task Force Protection team during the exercise. The Task Force Protection team worked together to prepare offensively and defensively for possible national crises in arctic regions across the world. The purpose of the training is to exercise the Marine Forces Reserves ability to plug into a defense support to civil authorities mission in times of extreme crisis inside the United States, said Lt. Col. Michael D. McCarthy, commanding officer of 3rd Bn., 25th Marine Reg. With an augment of the Danish Home Guard, the Marines were able to key in on the benefits of a multinational exercise while leveraging local resources available in the United States. This gives us the opportunity to exchange tactics, techniques and procedures with the Danish Home Guard, McCarthy said. It gives the younger Marines an opportunity to do things theyve never done before like meet foreign countries and exchange culture. The Reserve Marines, as a part of the joint bilateral task force, learned from the Danish Home Guard and conducted simulated military scenarios similar to situations they could face in cold regions. The Marines will be tasked to provide critical infrastructure defense of a pipeline in Alaska, McCarthy said. The Marines will augment the Army and the Danish Home Guard as they are called upon to protect a pipeline under terrorist threat. During the two weeks, the Marines encountered the advantages and disadvantages of working with a foreign military. My team had to overcome a slight language barrier, said Cpl. Benjamin A. McClure, team leader for Co. I, 3/25. All and all, the experience was great with the Danes for me and the other Marines. In addition to the communication barrier, the Danes had to learn the Marines methods before conducting live-fire drills. Tactically, the Danish were different in the way they chose to advance, McClure said. They do things a little differently and a little bit slower. Overall, our tactics became very similar to the Danish Home Guard. Sgt. Frederik Muller, a team leader in the Danish Home Guard, explained that the training has given the Danes opportunities to learn about the US military. We learned from your Army instructors and your Marine instructors, Muller said. We do it a little different from you guys, and you guys do it a little different from us, so we share information and get better. The Task Force Protection team experienced the full training by balancing the cold weather conditions and protecting the simulated pipeline. The exercise moved from Camp Grayling to the Combined Arms and Collective Training Facility 30 miles away to finish their training with simulated urban terrain combat. The exercise increased the knowledge of the Marines, Danes, and soldiers on how to respond to national threats while also being pushed physically in constant snow and below freezing temperatures. Marines are the nations 911 responders. They handle some of the harshest and worst situations you can think of, but they are not just tough. The Marines of 7th Engineer Support Battalion proved that they also have a soft side when they made a special boys wish of becoming a Marine come true. Nathan Aldaco was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome at a young age. Since the discovery of this rare congenital heart defect in which the left heart is severely underdeveloped, he has received various surgeries, and has not only learned to survive with this disease but also thrive with the support of his family. Earlier in the year, Nathan and his family were contacted by the Make-a-Wish Foundation, and given the opportunity for the young boy to give the foundation a list of things he would like to do. Due to the content on that list, the request was forwarded to the Marines of 1st Marine Logistics Group. Among the items on the list from the young boys imagination were simply to watch Marines train, ride in large military vehicles, train with Marines, be a part of a medal ceremony, and have a full camouflage uniform; wishes the leaders of 7th ESB knew they wanted to fulfill. Its a true honor to do this for Nathan, said 1st Lt. Ernesto Gaudio, 2nd platoon commander, Bravo Company, 7th ESB, 1st MLG. We wanted to make him feel like he was a part of the Marine family. We are in service to the United States of America and Nathan is a citizen of the United States. We were just making his wish come true. With the planning and coordination complete, Nathan would have his day in the life of a Marine. Upon changing into his very own combat uniform, a day began that no one would easily forget. Its been amazing, said Nathans mother, Rebecca Aldaco. It was more than what I expected to do. He will cherish this forever. I think the whole family is having a good time and we are all enjoying it. His mother, father, brothers and sister dressed in flak jackets and Kevlar helmets to prepare for an afternoon with Explosive Ordnance Disposal Marines. Nathan accompanied the team to the EOD compound where they walked him through the various explosive devices theyve disarmed. Soon after, Nathan mounted up in a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle to go through a demolition range where the team demonstrated the capabilities of their EOD robots and detonated TNT, C4, dynamite and blasting caps. The bombs were cool, said Nathan. I like working with the robots. It was fun controlling them and picking stuff up with them. During his visit with the EOD team, Nathan and his family shared a special lunch eating meals ready to eat, or MREs, that is the typical food provided to Marines in the field. When asked if he liked the food he just laughed and said it wasnt too terrible. The time came to let Nathan ride in some of the biggest vehicles found within MLG; but before he started driving he was presented with his very own hard hat that the Marines all signed. He controlled the D7 dozer and the excavatorin which he dug a pit, built a berm, and broke several large tree trunks. He can take any of our jobs with the way he is driving our trucks, voiced several of the heavy equipment operators with 7th ESB. After prying Nathan from the excavator, the young boy had an opportunity to learn about the various weapons on which these Marines train. While the day was nearly complete, there was still another wish that needed to be checked off of the young boys list; to be a part of an award ceremony. Nathan was beaming as he was awarded the Master EOD badge by Col. Jaime O. Collazo, the 1st MLG chief of staff. The Master EOD badge is issued after 715 years of service in a senior supervisory position in the community, and is the highest badge an EOD Marine can receive. Emotions were high as Nathan saluted the colonel before marching off. Several Marines had tears in their eyes as they congratulated him. It was a great opportunity, said Gaudio. First of all it was good for Nathan. I hope it was also good for the Marines. I think it touched a lot our hearts. I will certainly never forget today or Nathan and his family. I got emotional at the end but, hey, we are human beings. We are Marines but we are human. When all was said and done, Nathans mother had a message for Nathan. I want Nathan to know that we love him and that we are here for him. We support him and Im thankful to God for this experience as a family and that we are here as a family together to enjoy this time with him. I am just so grateful to all the Marines that did this for us. More Media Throughout the year, military families make many sacrifices, from moving to not seeing loved ones during deployments. The military child of the year award, in conjunction with the month of the military child, honors children like Christian Fagala who made exceptional contributions to their community and society in the midst of their familys sacrifices. Christian, who is the 9-years-old and son of Diana Fagala and Marine Capt. Justin Fagala, was the Marine Corps recipient of the award during the 2016 Military Child of the Year Award ceremony April 14, at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Arlington. I am receiving an award for being the Military Child of the Year for the Marine Corps for all the things I have done [like] helping the homeless and cancer walks to donate for research, said Christian. Christian faced many challenges at a young age, the biggest one was being diagnosed with cancer at the age of two. This also affected other aspects of his life such as learning because of the effects of chemotherapy. These challenges did not deter Christian, as he faced them head on and made it his mission to make a difference for those who are dealing with similar struggles. Some of Fagalas accomplishments in his mission include speaking on behalf of childhood cancer programs and raising more than $20,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and CureSearch through walks and other charity events. When I was 4 I saw a sign on the wall that said Cancer Walks and I wanted to go and Ive been doing it ever since, said Christian. Thats how I got my personality for helping people. In addition to contributions to the cancer efforts, Christian has dedicated more than 100 hours to the homeless outreach. For these and other selfless acts, Christian joined five other children to represent the U.S. military services to be the recipients of the Military Child of the Year Award from Operation Homefront. I feel honored and excited because there are many other children who have done great and I was chosen out of 500 others, said Christian. Operation Homefront was established in 2002 to aid military families in anyway they could so they have a strong and stable lifestyle. The Military Child of the Year Award is one of the many ways that Operation Homefront helps and honors military families. I grew up in a military family and I know what they do to help their loved ones serve, said John I. Pray, Jr., the CEO of Operation Homefront. My family did a marvelous job of helping me serve this great nation. Our families serve along side us wherever we go and we make sure there is an organization that focuses on them. The recipients of the award had the opportunity to tour places such as the National Museum of American History before attending the award ceremony. Marine Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, Jr., the 19th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and other senior military representatives also attended the ceremony to present and congratulate the children. They dont help families get through the sacrifices or deal with the challenges of military lifestyles, they help families thrive in that environment, said Dunford. When we see this evenings award recipients we wont see people who have survived the military lifestyle, well see people who have challenges in their own lives that actually go far beyond the challenges they are confronted in a military lifestyle and were going to see young people that have thrived. You cant put a price tag on what that means to us. Christian is setting his sights on raising $30,000 to cancer research and aspires to follow in his fathers footsteps by becoming a Marine in the future to give back to the community that helped him in his time of need. When you start thinking about Christian, he is a perfect representative, said Pray. Marines are expeditionary and he has that expeditionary spirit, and he is a true Marine at heart. His parents have a marvelous impact on him and guided his life and he reflects all those values that we hold dear in this nation. The UK had a hugely successful 30-year bond auction this week, and ordinarily that would not be news. But people have been worried about demand for gilts, believing the high current account deficit and looming specter of "Brexit" will scare off investors and drive yields skyward, imperiling Her Majesty's finances. Compounding matters, two big European banks resigned as primary dealers in recent months, blaming regulatory barriers. After an auction for 4 billion worth of five-year gilts just barely went off on January 20, most presumed a failed sale (when the full offering isn't sold) was only a matter of time. Since that auction, the current account deficit has risen to record highs, and Brexit fears have hit fever pitch. On January 20, Prime Minister David Cameron hadn't finished renegotiating Britain's EU membership terms with his fellow EU leaders. Since then, he has wrapped up talks and scheduled the vote (for June 23), warnings of economic doom should the UK leave have hit headlines daily, and polls have narrowed considerably. If you follow the popular narrative, this should have further eroded gilt demand. Yet it hasn't. As the very messy chart in Exhibit 1 shows, demand bounced back. Bid-to-cover ratios-the amount of bids relative to the amount of bonds on offer-are back where they've been for most of this bull market. And in line with the 2002-2007 bull market. That dismal January auction looks more and more like an outlier. Exhibit 1: A Messy Chart of UK Gilt Demand Source: UK Debt Management Office, as of 4/14/2016. Excludes index-linked gilts. Importantly, it didn't take significantly higher yields to boost demand. Actually, yields were mostly lower at those more successful auctions. On January 20, those five-year gilts the Treasury could barely sell (the bid-to-cover ratio was just 1.07) yielded 1.1%. On March 2, a similarly sized lot of five-year gilts attracted a 1.54 bid-to-cover ratio, yet yields were lower-0.86%. April 5's five-year gilt auction saw demand of 2.01 times the amount offered, with yields even lower at 0.80%. Longer-term auctions have witnessed a similar trend, as Exhibit 2 shows. If the current account deficit and Brexit potential made UK bonds significantly riskier, Exhibit 2 would not exist. Exhibit 2: A Less Messy Table of UK Gilt Demand Source: UK Debt Management Office, as of 4/14/2016. Excludes index-linked gilts. Now, some will likely argue the recent improvement stems from some changes the UK's Debt Management Office made to the auction process in an effort to boost demand, and it's a fair point-but don't overstate it. One, the changes were implemented in early April, and demand had rebounded by February. Two, the changes aren't all that significant. Banks were told to boost their minimum bids from 2% of the rolling six-month average of gilts sold at auction to 5%. But that higher bid is for pricing purposes only. They didn't have to actually raise the amount they bought. As DMO head Robert Stheeman explained: "We have introduced the expectation that banks should bid for a minimum of 5 per cent because we want them to participate more fully in the overall price formation process. But the minimum we expect them to successfully bid on is still 2 per cent. We want to see what prices they would be comfortable owning 5 per cent at." And it turns out they are comfortable owning 5% at higher prices and lower yields. Which, again, speaks volumes about how markets perceive the UK's creditworthiness. BrExit - Ne Pleurex Pas, MiLord! - de Gaulle was Right EU is NOT For Britain It's over 50 years on from when Britain's first attempts under Harold Mcmillion to join the then Common Market was refused TWICE by the French, the first in 1963 at a a summit in Paris where at the very last minute de Gaulle literally sang "Ne Pleurex Pas, MiLord!", leaving a tearful Harold Macmillan to fly back home in disgrace. To compound Britians humiliation and betrayal by France not even 20 years on from when Britain saved France from permanently becoming a province of a Greater Germany. A self obsessed Charles de Gaulle still bitter at by mostly being sidelined and humoured by Britain during the second world war, made his infamous speech to ram home the message for Britain to effectively get stuffed! "England in effect is insular, she is maritime, she is linked through her exchanges, her markets, her supply lines to the most diverse and often the most distant countries; she pursues essentially industrial and commercial activities, and only slight agricultural ones. She has in all her doings very marked and very original habits and traditions" Rambling on ... "It is very possible that Britains own evolution, and the evolution of the universe, might bring the English little by little towards the Continent, whatever delays the achievement might demand, and for my part, that is what I readily believe, and that is why in my opinion, it will in any case have been a great honour for the British Prime Minister, for my friend Harold Macmillan, and for his Government, to have discerned in good time, to have had enough political courage to have proclaimed it, and to have led their country the first steps down the path which one day, perhaps will lead it to moor alongside the Continent." And again Charles de Gaulle vetoed Britain's entry in 1967, where it was only AFTER de Gaulle's death that Britain was finally let into the club in 1973, by which time it was too late, the damage had been done as the machinery for the trend towards monetary and political union had been firmly put into place and thus the British electorate were lied to in 1975 that they had joined a Common Market, when the truth at the time and even more so today is that the primary purpose for the existence of the European Union is to march towards FULL Political Union, a Federal Europe not too dissimilar to that of the United States. Perhaps the people of Britain in 1975 should have paid greater attention to what de Gaulle had stated a decade earlier, for when's all said and done, whilst Britain's political elite are happy to give up sovereignty to a Federal Europe in exchange for cushy jobs on Brussels payroll. However, the people of Britain never wanted to then nor now to be part of a federal europe, and so now have this one final chance to extricate them from a trend towards political union which effectively means coming under German economic and political rule, that which Britain had fought two costly wars to prevent. For more on why this is Britain's very last chance for Freedom see - https://youtu.be/MF3QLhoxkwQ Also see my facts check of the Conservative Governments propaganda leaflet. https://youtu.be/_AaU3ZgRkeU Ensure you are subscribed to my always free newsletter (only requirement is an email address) for new analysis and forecasts including for the following : US Dollar Trend Forecast UK Housing Market Trend Forecasts US Stock Market Forecasts US House Prices Detailed Multi-Year Trend Forecast Gold and Silver Price Forecast By Nadeem Walayat http://www.marketoracle.co.uk Copyright 2005-2016 Marketoracle.co.uk (Market Oracle Ltd). All rights reserved. Nadeem Walayat has over 25 years experience of trading derivatives, portfolio management and analysing the financial markets, including one of few who both anticipated and Beat the 1987 Crash. Nadeem's forward looking analysis focuses on UK inflation, economy, interest rates and housing market. He is the author of five ebook's in the The Inflation Mega-Trend and Stocks Stealth Bull Market series that can be downloaded for Free. Nadeem is the Editor of The Market Oracle, a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication that presents in-depth analysis from over 1000 experienced analysts on a range of views of the probable direction of the financial markets, thus enabling our readers to arrive at an informed opinion on future market direction. http://www.marketoracle.co.uk 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 trading losses you may incur as a result of this analysis. Individuals should consult with their personal financial advisors before engaging in any trading activities. Nadeem Walayat Archive 2005-2019 http://www.MarketOracle.co.uk - The Market Oracle is a FREE Daily Financial Markets Analysis & Forecasting online publication. Comments Yuriy 17 Apr 16, 15:46 Brexit then scotexit? there is some clear signs of separation virus rampaging through United Kingdom. Yet another sign of things to come if british people to open Brexit pandora box - Scots and then shortly Welsh might run to the continent. What a charade! Nadeem_Walayat 18 Apr 16, 07:52 UK Brexit Cost The UK subsidises the Scots and Welsh to the tune of about 14 billion a year. Whilst at the same time England subsidises the EU to the tune of about 10 billion a year. The cost of a ScotExit would be high for England but catastrophic for Scotland. Whilst the cost of BrExit would be between 2% and 5% of GDP. Yuriy 19 Apr 16, 09:23 Ireland exit - fine If we to agree with your statement for 14bn Scottish subsidy, despite its substantial energy reserves, Ireland should have been bankrupt many times over since its exit because Ireland was inherently poorer than Scotland. However, what we have witnessed is quite the opposite for irish. Therefore this plays against your opinion about Scotland. Nadeem_Walayat 20 Apr 16, 07:14 Ireland ? Ireland went through over 50 years of turmoil to get to its current state, including having to be bailed out by Britain barely 8 years ago ! The fundemental issue your forgetting is that the euro-zone is UNSUSTAINABLE, and when it collapses so will the European Union, so it is better for Britain to EXIT now theen reap the whirlwind... A speaker at a Martinsville symposium on fair and impartial policing is seeking to eliminate racial profiling and biased policing. Dr. Scott Cunningham, Chief of Police in Kernersville, North Carolina, came to the city to present information with the Martinsville Police Department, the Danville Police Department, and members of the community. With thirty-six years in law enforcement and a decade of chiefdom under his belt, Cunningham decided nine months ago to begin training other departments in the practice of not profiling others based on personal bias brought about by stereotypes. Cunningham raved over those who attended the three-day lecture and interaction at the New College Institute, calling each participant a "proactive citizen." Cunningham led a conversation about the terms "racial profiling" and "biased policing." He asked both law enforcement and community members what the phrases meant to them. After discussing the significance of both sets of words, Cunningham delved into the science of bias. He explained that both stereotypes and biases are found in all humans. "All of us have knowledge of stereotypes. And because of that knowledge of stereotypes, that influences my perception. If I dont do anything about that, if I leave that unchecked, then that perception, that knowledge of the stereotype, could impact what I do, how I behave, and the decisions I make. As an officer, thats critically devastating to have my decisions impacted by some type of a stereotype or a bias," Cunningham said. He stated that people expect police officers to act fairly, impartially, legally, and professionally. In order to meet the communitys expectations, officers must have knowledge on how to stop stereotypical thoughts as soon as they start to enter their minds. However, Cunningham says that officers should have the same expectations for community members. One way that Cunningham suggests that officers and community members foster a relationship with one another is through contact theory. With annual events like National Night Out, police departments invite members of the community to interact with law enforcement officers in a positive environment. Events actively involving both police and community members help each group see the other as regular people. Cunningham noted that both departments, Martinsville and Danville, already had successful events promoting community and police partnership in place. "A big part of what we learned was community policing: engaging with our citizens, building relationships with our citizens, getting to know our citizens better. So it really was perfect training for us. It really enhanced and supported much of what weve been trying to do, much of what weve been working on," said Martinsville Police Chief Sean Dunn. Concerning the training his department received, Danville Police Chief Philip Broadfoot said it was "an eye-opener." He continued, "What this training really brought out is that the implicit biases that we all have based on our upbringing, our education, our church affiliation, our jobs, all of those kinds of things affect us in everything that we do and our relationships." Cunningham said that the first step in improving relationships between law enforcement and community members is understanding that everyone has bias, and that no one is exempt from having stereotypical views of others. When a person accepts that biases and stereotypes are human nature, he or she can work to correct his or her preconceptions. "Bias can be in any of us," Martinsville citizen Lane Shively said. "People should look at individuals for who they are, not necessarily by the color of their skin or their clothing. Dont group them into certain groups: female, male, or religious groups. People need to analyze others individually." Cunningham said that over the course of three days, both departments and community members had a "very good process" and a "great discussion." With mosquito season looming, state officials are on high alert to respond to new cases of the Zika virus and prepare Virginia for a rapid response to a potential outbreak. Gov. Terry McAuliffe called for the creation of a Zika Task Force in February, and on Thursday the group met to discuss the ongoing creation of a Zika Action Plan for the commonwealth. So far, 11 Virginians have been infected with Zika, which is spread through mosquitoes and sexual activity. All those cases were related to the patients travels outside the United States. There have not yet been any cases of a Virginia resident contracting Zika from a local mosquito. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed Wednesday that Zika can cause the birth defect microcephaly, which results in an unusually small skull and other brain defects should the mother become infected while pregnant. The task force consists of members from various state departments who are working with a CDC template to develop an action plan specifically for Virginia. The expectation is we will be dealing with Zika here in the commonwealth, not just from travelers, so we have an obligation to be as prepared as possible and to provide good education, good advice and good guidance, said Dr. Marissa Levine, commissioner of the Virginia Department of Health. The action plan is divided into four phases, the first of which will begin with the start of mosquito season on May 1. The plan for that phase includes disrupting mosquito breeding grounds and rapidly following up on suspected cases of Zika. The second phase will begin once a confirmed local transmission has occurred; the third involves widespread local transmissions and the fourth is triggered when there are local transmissions in multiple jurisdictions. Task force members are working on creating action plans for each of the phases. According to the CDCs template, steps for the third and fourth phases include determining geographic boundaries, implementing ground and aerial mosquito spraying and developing intervention plans for pregnant women, the most high-risk population. Steps have already been taken to combat Zika through education, an especially critical part of the preparation stage, Levine pointed out. The task force has started using social media, for example, to spread awareness of what the average resident can do to prevent a Zika outbreak. If you are traveling to a Zika area, one of the things you can do for your neighbors, your family, and the rest of the community is use repellent, because you could be the one bringing it back locally, Levine said. Our mosquitoes right now dont have [Zika]. The two types of mosquito in Virginia that could carry Zika do not breed in large bodies of water, she continued, so in addition to using repellent residents should dump containers of water on their property so they cannot breed. Practicing safe sex is also an important way to prevent the virus spread, especially for those who have recently traveled to a Zika area. The task force is working to ensure resources are available to women and their families, first to try to prevent birth defects from a Zika infection and to ensure they can cope with a birth defect like microcephaly. Jeffrey Stern, the Virginia Department of Emergency Managements state coordinator, pointed out that Zika is a long-term issue that is not going away at the end of mosquito season. Rather, it is a disease associated with globalization, which at one point would have stayed in its area of origin but now affects Virginia because of increased global traveling. The 2016 Summer Olympics in Brazil, he added, will mean even more people will travel to areas with widespread Zika outbreaks. We expect not just our athletes but tens of thousands of Americans to journey down, he said. This is part of the emergent stream of global diseases that we will continue to face. Zika has swept through Latin America and the Caribbean in the past few months. Usually it causes just a mild illness, but in the past year it has infected thousands of pregnant women, especially in Brazil. On Tuesday, Brazils Health Ministry said that it has confirmed 1,113 cases of microcephaly since October. 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Please let us know if you have any queries or concerns whatsoever about the way in which your data is being processed by emailing the Data Protection Manager at webmaster@marxist.com Brewer Young.jpg LONGMEADOW -- Work continues on the Brewer-Young Mansion at 734 Longmeadow St. in Longmeadow. ((DAVE ROBACK / THE REPUBLICAN)) LONGMEADOW -- The landmark Brewer-Young Mansion is getting $90,000 in repairs to its stately, but failing, front portico. Stephen J. Crane, Longmeadow town manager, said Friday that he expects work to continue for a few more months. The town, Crane said, pressured building owner JPMorgan Chase & Co. into repairing the front facade instead of simply adding new shoring and braces top those that were already there. Crane provided the $90,000 cost estimate and said he expects work to continue for a couple of months. A bank spokesperson didn't return calls for comment Friday. The bank has said its plan is to ready the mansion for sale. The town building office said Monson contractor Gary J. Allard is doing the work. The scope, as described in the permit, includes structural repairs or replacement the columns and their foundations. Crane has said structure of the home itself is in good shape. It was the portico that was immediately concerning to the town and preservationists. Mortage Lender J.P. Morgan Chase foreclosed on former owner Shahkar M. Fatemni and the mansion in 2014. But the bank was unable to get Fatemni to leave without a eviction order from Western Housing Court in Springfield which it obtained in October. The bank had sheriff's deputies enforce the eviction order. Last month, a Longmeadow police canine unit discovered a Hartford man inside the building after neighbors reported suspicious activity. Built in 1885, the 10,907-square-foot colonial revival has 11 bedrooms, and 7 bathrooms. It sits on 1.8 acres of land, remnants of what was once extensive grounds much of which was lost to the construction of Interstate 91. The Brewer-Young mansion boasts a living room-ballroom, marble floors in the front foyer, leather embossed wallpaper on the first floor, as well as Egyptian-themed murals. Its glassed-in conservatory was based on the Crystal Palace from the London Great Exhibition of 1851. The Rev. Samuel Wolcott, composer of more than 200 Christian hymns, was the first to live in the home. Edward Brewer bought it in 1901. Ida Young, widow of W.F.Young and herself the co-inventor of the Absorbine and Absorbine Jr., liniments, bought the home in 1921. Ida Young died in 1960 at the age of 95 but the home stayed in the family into the 1990s and changed hands again after that. Fatemni bought the mansion in 2000. Restore.jpg WESTFIELD -- Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity's ReStore in Westfield will be celebrating it's one year anniversary on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at the store at 301 East Main Street in Westfield. As part of the celebration there will be a DJ playing music, food for customers to enjoy, and merchandise specials all day! Most activities will take place between 12 noon and 3 pm. In conjunction with the anniversary event, the Habitat ReStore will also be launching its new website: www.ReStoreWestfield.com. The Habitat ReStore opened on April 17, 2015, and has quickly become a go-to destination for the Do-it-Yourself handyman, the person searching for a special "treasure piece", and those seeking to do home improvements on a limited budget. The ReStore is open to the public for shopping Wednesday through Saturday from 9am to 6pm. Donations can be dropped off at the store Tuesdays through Saturdays between 10am and 5pm. "We have had a very successful first year of operation, and we could not thank the Westfield community for being so welcoming," says Bill Zagorski, the ReStore Manager for Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity. "We are looking forward to our second year, as well as years to come, when we will have an even larger impact as the money raised in the store will be used to build homes in partnership with families right here in Hampden County." "It's hard to believe that just a year ago, Habitat's ReStore Westfield opened its doors." Said Jennifer Schimmel, Executive Director. "We're so grateful to the community welcoming us with open arms to helping us continue to serve." MassLive Media, a new standalone digital marketing solutions company, launches today. MassLive Media, which will operate in conjunction with MassLive.com, offers a full suite of digital solutions including behavioral audience targeting, video executions, search engine marketing, social media advertising and more. "We're here to help your business achieve its sales and marketing initiatives thanks to a unique blend of audience data, innovative digital presentation and social media integration," said Sally Azar, Marketing Manager of MassLive Media. MassLive Media leverages the audience reach of MassLive.com - the third-largest news & information site in Massachusetts with over 3.5 million monthly unique visitors - and combines that with a team of digital marketing experts offering dynamic, cutting-edge advertising solutions that can scale from local community businesses to regional and international powerhouses. "Digital media is a dynamic industry that requires our team at MassLive to constantly stay ahead of the curve in our knowledge of all things digital," said MassLive President Allison Werder. "We hone these skills every day for our website, social and mobile outreach. Through MassLive Media we apply and expand this digital expertise to our marketing partnerships with local, regional and national clients." The combination of MassLive's unique first party data and third party data from a reputable network of national affiliates enables MassLive Media to pinpoint messages to a specific set of customers based on behaviors and affinities unique to that reader. This provides effective, measurable sales and marketing solutions for clients. MassLive Media, in association with , is one of just 31 Google Premier SMB Partners nationwide, and can offer clients the privilege of direct access to Google. These benefits include executive, technical, sales, marketing, account and partner management support from one of the leading technology companies in the world. Advance Digital, part of Advance Local, has also been named a Microsoft Partner of the Year three years in a row for their digital advertising services. Learn more about how MassLive Media can help your business activate your ideal customer at www.masslivemedia.com. To schedule a personal consultation contact Azar at sazar@masslive.com or via phone at 413-731-2479. MassLive and MassLive Media are a part of Advance Local, one of the largest media groups in the U.S. reaching more than 70 million consumers through its 12 local news and information websites, which rank #1 among local media in their respective markets, and more than 30 newspapers. Our affiliated websites and newspapers are well known for their award-winning journalism. Advance Local is part of Advance Publications, along with Conde Nast and American City Business Journals. dining.JPG (AP) Along with their efforts to promote the $15 minimum wage, local activists have also been going after restaurant operators in Western Massachusetts, accusing them of endemic "wage theft." Wage theft is, of course, the practice of not paying out the wages or other benefits to which an employee is entitled based on either the amount of time worked or the applicable law involved. In the restaurant industry, operators are often accused of not paying overtime, requiring employees to work "off the clock," or making illegal deductions in pay. Holding a waitress financially responsible for customers who skip out without paying, for instance, can fit this definition of "wage theft," as can docking employees for breaking dishes or dropping meals. Requiring an employee to "work off the clock" if they don't finish their work within a scheduled shift is wage theft, as is paying a tipped wage rate when a waiter is assigned side work that doesn't involve serving customers. Of course, wage theft is not unique to the restaurant industry either here in the Pioneer Valley or nationwide. Companies throughout the economy are regularly caught flouting labor laws, failing to pay overtime, underreporting hours worked, and requiring work off the clock. The motivations for wage theft are many. Greed is certainly one, and ignorance of the law can be another. Conservative, "small-government" politicians have starved enforcement agencies of the resources they need to protect workers, while the growing "gig" economy, in which the traditional employer-employee relationship has been replaced by a tangled legal web of contractor-worker arrangements, has also promoted situations in which employees end up getting shortchanged. There may be some in the restaurant business who are guilty of wage theft, but the majority of operators, it's fair to say, make every effort to treat employees with respect. Hugh Robert is a faculty member in Holyoke Community College's hospitality and culinary arts program and has over 40 years of restaurant and educational experience. Please send items of interest to Off the Menu at the Republican, P.O. Box 1329, Springfield, MA 01101; Robert can also be reached at OffTheMenuGuy@aol.com We have three great job openings http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=0019JB9kBRil_6OwsGyrV2rVJSi2k-AMUUoPjJpGjPUPcToeeCNnegrht_IIw4E4dgBUU4HcC6lu6BAPucCZiMxqxQS4sLh1jiBskaiNJMkUf0KBeOy6BQuAsyIEwgdnCBYA1Wnvu0Ewr1oMRWStPa_HN_i37o9sWqyEEkdugoc4xcIk_myjLcO-NMcPrXB8WHOxqOelRh1wqCjjOdNddfSCcjx1WQFfWXXub4wgmWZsaFiAJEKtWVMPA==&c=Hhx8tvpJw_Y0V-61M7wWODVfueqqFjtIlFh-8V_5BLSRi91P9Zkadw==&ch=_LsMJhxJEz7d-T6LEAV14aVSevy0N3mrZoJZZ3tO6RlglW1Wrc6X6Q== at the Great Falls Development Authority. Please pass the word to help us find some amazing new team members! Loan Portfolio Manager Exceptional professional sought for new position to support the growth of our business and real estate lending efforts. Join our dedicated, passionate, fun, fast-paced, results-driven economic development team. Help us grow and diversify the Great Falls regional economy and support the creation of higher wage jobs. Duties include loan servicing, reporting to a variety of funding sources, maintaining our loan portfolio management system, and responding to client and partner inquiries. Requires the ability to maintain accurate records, timely submission of reports, and strong computer and communication skills. Must be detail oriented and organized with the ability to be flexible to help achieve our overall team mission. Lending, finance, government grant management and/or accounting experience helpful. Salary range $30,000-45,000 with excellent benefits, professional development and growth opportunities, and flexible work environment. Work with a great team, help us move Great Falls Forward, and make a difference in peoples lives! EOE. Cover letter and resume to Brett Doney, President, [email protected]. Open until we find a great candidate! Business Development Leader Exceptional self-motivated professional sought to join our dedicated, passionate, fun, fast-paced, results-driven economic development team. Help us grow and diversify the Great Falls regional economy and support the creation of higher wage jobs. Help existing businesses to expand and attract new business investment to the region through market research, cold-calling, networking, building relationships, project advocacy and client service. Candidate must have demonstrated excellence in business development and/or economic development, and excellent marketing writing, presentation and communication skills. Requires social media, web content, proposal writing, and database management skills. Position involves extensive travel in region, U.S. and Canada. Salary range $45,000-60,000 with excellent benefits, professional development and growth opportunities, and flexible work environment. Work with a great team, help us move Great Falls Forward, and make a difference in peoples lives! EOE. Cover letter and resume to Brett Doney, President, [email protected]. Open until we find a great candidate! Loan Officer Exceptional professional sought for Loan Officer position to support the growth of our commercial gap and bridge financing efforts. Join our fun, creative, fast-paced, results-driven economic development team focused on growing and diversifying the Great Falls regional economy and supporting the creation of higher-wage jobs. Duties include business development with clients and bank partners, deal structuring, underwriting, and portfolio risk management. Requires the ability to work with a diverse clientele, banks, and partners to structure often complex financing for businesses, real estate projects and non-profits. Prefer candidates with SBA 504 loan underwriting experience. Minimum 3 years of experience in commercial lending, economic development or the CDFI industry, and BA or equivalent additional experience. Salary range $50,000-70,000 with excellent benefits, flexible work environment, professional development and growth opportunities. Work with a great team, help us move Great Falls Forward, and make a difference in peoples lives! Send letter and resume to Brett Doney at [email protected]. EOE. Open until we find a great candidate! Brett Doney President & CEO [email protected] http://www.GFdevelopment.org 1-406-750-2119 Economic Growth, Diversification and High Wage Jobs Montanas first Accredited Economic Development Organization. We provide SBA 504 Real Advantage loans statewide. GFDA and High Plains Financial are Equal Opportunity Lenders. 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. A team from the Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International in Kyoto, Japan and Brown University may have discovered a way of diagnosing autism spectrum disorder using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans. The technique relies on software that analyzes functional connections between regions of the brain to decide whether someone is autistic. To build the software, the researchers compiled a map of connections between different parts of the brain that measured in the thousands for each brain scanned. Lots of people participated in the scans allowing for the team to narrow down which connections seem to be more or less common in those with autism. They were able to identify 16 specific interregional connections that seem to be the markers for autism. In a study involving 181 adults in the U.S. and Japan with and without a diagnosis of autism, their classifier was able to diagnose with an accuracy of 85% for the Japanese and 75% for Americans. From the study abstract in Nature Communications: The classifier achieves high accuracy for a Japanese discovery cohort and demonstrates a remarkable degree of generalization for two independent validation cohorts in the USA and Japan. The developed ASD classifier does not distinguish individuals with major depressive disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder from their controls but moderately distinguishes patients with schizophrenia from their controls. The results leave open the viable possibility of exploring neuroimaging-based dimensions quantifying the multiple-disorder spectrum. Study in Nature Communications: A small number of abnormal brain connections predicts adult autism spectrum disorder More from Brown U by Wendy Davis , Staff Writer @wendyndavis, April 14, 2016 In the last 18 months, judges across the country have issued 2,600 orders requiring Microsoft to secretly turn over its customers' emails. Today, Microsoft challenged that practice. The company says in a new lawsuit that the gag orders -- many of which last indefinitely -- are unconstitutional. "These lengthy and even permanent secrecy orders violate the Fourth Amendment, which gives people and businesses the right to know if the government searches or seizes their property," Microsoft President Brad Smith says in a new blog post. "They also violate the First Amendment, which guarantees our right to talk to customers about how government action is affecting their data." The company's complaint, filed in federal court in Seattle, asserts that the government "has exploited the transition to cloud computing as a means of expanding its power to conduct secret investigations." Microsoft notes that the ability to conduct secret investigations was more limited when files were kept in offices -- where agents couldn't very well rifle through papers without attracting attention. "As individuals and business have moved their most sensitive information to the cloud, the government has increasingly adopted the tactic of obtaining the private digital documents of cloud customers not from the customers themselves, but through legal process directed at online cloud providers like Microsoft," the company says in its complaint. The government can make those demands thanks to the Electronic Communications Privacy Act -- a 1986 law that authorizes secret orders to obtain digital communications. The law sets out a variety of factors that will justify gag orders, ranging from the possibility that targets will intimidate witnesses to the possibility that evidence will be destroyed. The company's lawsuit comes as Congress is considering updating ECPA to give consumers more rights. One proposal that's garnered much attention would require the authorities to obtain search warrants for all emails. Currently, the law doesn't require search warrants for emails older than six months. Instead, when messages have been in storage longer than 180 days, they can be obtained with a subpoena -- which is easier to get than a search warrant. (Judges can only issue search warrants if the authorities show they have probable cause to believe that a search will uncover evidence of a crime. But judges can sign subpoenas for any information that's relevant to a pending matter.) Lawmakers also are considering revising ECPA's secrecy provisions by allowing email providers to notify their customers about demands for email -- but only after 180 days have passed. It's worth noting that even a 6-month gag order may pose some of the same concerns that Microsoft has identified. That reform bill is expected to face significant obstacles in the Senate. Of course, judges don't have to wait for a change in law, given that they currently have the power to declare the gag orders unconstitutional. Microsoft is urging the court to do so. "The governments use of legal process directed at cloud providers such as Microsoft, when combined with accompanying secrecy orders, amounts to a substantial expansion of law enforcements ability to engage in secret search and seizure activity, adversely affecting both Microsofts right to communicate with its customers and the customers privacy interests -- simply because customers have moved their information to the cloud," the company says. by Barbara Lippert , Featured Columnist, April 14, 2016 Its always heartening to dig up some historical pop cultural artifact, not only to try to understand its significance at the time, but also to see what it has to say about our lives today. Or at least thats my official journalistic excuse for devoting a column to the topic of Cokes Hilltop, the now 45-year-old, syrupy, award-winning, monster hit from McCann-Erickson. Youll recall that the spot, famously shot on a mountaintop in Italy, gathered young people from all over the world dressed in their native costumes -- think Japanese obis and African dashikis -- to belt out (actually, to lip-sync) the jingle Id Like to Teach the World to Sing. Wildly cinematic and sophisticated, it was a big production (with complex helicopter shots!) that represented a major change from the rest of the prosaic, formulaic problem/solution-based advertising that clients returned to in the 1970s, in which someones life would transform immediately by buying/drinking/using this thing. Rather, Coke was selling emotion: happiness, unity, positivity. The song was for the Real Thing, with clear-eyed people of the future, blacks standing next to whites (a reason some Coke bottlers didn't want to show it at the time), mouthing lyrics that included buying the world a home and furnishing it with love/with apple trees and honey bees and snow-white turtle doves. (This while President Nixon had just re-escalated the Vietnam War, invaded Cambodia, and formed the White House Plumbers Unit). It immediately became an enormous hit single by the New Seekers that dominated AM radio for years. OK, Im working my way to the actual news peg here. Recently, on Coca-Colas corporate blog, Unbottled, Sarah Traverso, group director of multimedia production for Coca-Cola North America, revealed that she had had the honor of color-correcting and remastering the original 1971 spot for 4K television (and rerelease on You Tube.) The original 35mm footage on which the commercial was filmed sits in a vault in the Library of Congress, where American culture is preserved, she wrote. So what was I doing with the original footage almost 45 years later? In layman terms, I was preserving an iconic gem for a new generation. Traverso never mentions another airing of the spot that shot it to the stratosphere fame-wise. Thats when, last May, Hilltop was unexpectedly used as the shockingly blissful, upbeat (and, some thought, madly cynical and disappointing) ending for seven seasons of Mad Men. Traverso's piece got wide pickup, because the Coke spot is a national treasure and favorite, yes, but also because well never get real closure (aka, The Real Thing) on Mad Men. By the way, as appended to Dons meditational moment in full-lotus position, the footage that Weiner and group used for the finale actually looks as good or better than the newly remastered one. And OK, the ending still rankles me. Was this "MM" showrunner Matt Weiner's sardonic answer to all of the viewers so invested in his show? Something like, You might have thought 'Mad Men' was about the death of the American dream and the rise of chaos culture and whatever else youve read into it all these seasons. Nope. In the end, its just about advertising. So heres an ad. But thats not exactly how the story ends. I stalked Weiner through three New York City appearances after the finale, and he seemed hurt and angry that people even questioned it. Weiner really believed in the ad, and defended the choice by saying, "In the abstract, I did think, why not end this show with the greatest commercial ever made? Weiner also told audiences at the time that hed thought the ad was the definition of pure and beautiful, and that there isnt enough empathy in the world. Talking about how disturbing he found the cynicism, he said: The people who find that ad corny, they're probably experiencing a lot of life that way, and they're missing out on something." He added: Unless your heart is made of ice, its hard not to react to faces that pure. Interestingly, the only time that actual advertising was used in "Mad Men" was in the pilot (Its toasted for Lucky Strike) and the finale, when we all thought Don was toast, and Bill Backers famous ad came to the rescue. (Backer is still alive and kicking and living on his horse farm in Virginia, by the way.) Something else occurred to me. In the end, "Mad Men" was all about finding home. That fed into the whole nostalgia "MM" meme: the pain that makes you want to go home, where you are loved. Come home. Were all worried about you. McCann will take you back, Peggy says to Don when he calls her from Esalen, at his most distraught, just before his yoga conversion. With that ping, Don realizes that he is not loved as Dick: only beaten-up, and homeless. As much as he made it hard for himself, he was loved in advertising, and could make a home there. So we are to believe that, ironically, advertising was the solution to his problems. He could go back to New York, be there for his (motherless) kids, win awards, and perhaps even furnish a home with love. And that is perhaps a more convincing image to carry than the contemporary reality of The Real Thing: a liquid combo of sugar water, caffeine and color dye not much loved by millennials. Still, the polishing of the spot is obviously an easy, inexpensive way to generate excellent buzz for the mother brand, while reconnecting it to the baby boomers who loved "Mad Men." Does it still have some meaning in this context? The Real Thing was once a thing, and that counts for something. by Richard Whitman , Columnist, April 14, 2016 Perhaps you've heard. CNBC has launched an in-house advertising agency, part of the international re-launch of its sales team and content studio. The new entity is called Catalyst. According to CNBC, Catalyst will be positioned as the "rights-holder to the world's most powerful audience." The goal is to "offer a team who will work with clients to fully exploit CNBC's unrivaled access to the global business and investor community." The Catalyst concept was devised under the leadership of Max Raven, who joined CNBC as senior vice president in summer 2015. The agency will provide services within a neatly packaged -- what else -- acronym. The offering will be described as ABCDE, which stands for Audience, Brand Consultancy, Content, Data and Events & Experiences. Of the new offering, Raven said: "Advertising platforms have multiplied to the extent that you can talk to an audience in a thousand different ways. But engaging that audience -- creating a two-way dialogue that moves the needle -- is a much more specialist art. Catalyst will help clients practice that art, so they spark the desired reaction with our affluent business and investor audience." Right. That's totally new. Expanding on Raven's rather nondescript description, KC Sullivan, President and MD of CNBC International added: "As a business, we've started a journey to strengthen and refine our brand positioning. We have a pipeline of initiatives planned to ensure that CNBC is differentiated in the ever-expanding media landscape. Today's launch is the first manifestation of that process." They have a pipeline. And a manifesto. To tackle the ever-expanding media landscape. Did you get all that? I mean really. It's sort of like a cable TV station hiring a couple of people to create ads for local car dealers. Oh wait. by Jorge Aguilar , April 15, 2016 With President Obamas recent visit to Cubathe first by a sitting U.S. president in 88 yearsand commercial flights between the United States and Cuba resuming, the island nation can take advantage of improved diplomatic relations to invest in its country as a destination brand. But how does a country with a controversial political history improve its image for Western tourists? Cuba can follow the lead of countries like Russia and China, which have adopted their own forms of strategic branding campaigns to separate them from their political histories and focus on their allure as tourist destinations. Separating Cuba the country from Cuba the government Cuba is a unique cultural commodityvisiting is like stepping into the past. While Western tourists may disagree with the countrys political stance, its possible for them to embrace its people and culture regardless. Eastern European countries like Russia have accomplished this by positioning themselves as inexpensive, interesting destinations: Russias affordable accoutrements, storied history, and strong culture create intrigue for tourists. China, meanwhile, encourages tourism through grand attractions like the Great Wall, as well as through delicious food and a heritage that brings together old and new. For Russia and China, their identities as tourist destinations exist regardless of who is in power. advertisement advertisement As Cuba looks to accomplish a similar feat, it should consider promoting itself by portraying the real faces of its people. When tourists are familiar with the residents of the island nation, Cuba becomes humanized and personalized. The country then has the potential to develop into a sort of romantic brand: Steeped in mystique, Cuba is a location suddenly available for the Western world to see. The food, the people, the music, the islands natural beautyall of these things can help create a legacy and identity for Cuba beyond the Castro regime and its turbulent history with the United States. Branding Cuba as a historical destination to visit before it changes Cuba does not have to limit itself to an identity as a romantic getaway, however. It can subtly position itself as an evolving brand, a country in transition. As cruise lines, hotel chains, and even Airbnb stake early claims, now is the time for Cuba to capitalize on its historical appeal, before its old-world charm is replaced by modern-day brands like Starbucks. Furthermore, Western consumersmillennials, in particular tend to prefer brands that are authentic and true to their principles. Cuba can take advantage of this, using its heritage and culture to resonate more strongly and maintain its authenticity. China and Russia already do this, and it works. They leverage their pasts by encouraging historical tourism through government-sponsored parades and tours of socialist landmarks. Westerners who are curious about life under different political regimes receive a glimpse of life and society that is very different from what theyre accustomed to. Cuba can do something similar, encouraging tourism to foster cultural awareness through a hands-on approach to history. As a country in the midst of defining its character, Cuba has dual paths to explore in determining its identity. On the surface, the island holds incredible allure and appealit is the country of Hemingways memory, preserved in amber, rife with vintage cars, historical charm, stunning scenery, and appealing affordability. But as it enters the forefront of the tourism market and begins to modernize, Cuba should maintain a well-honed focus on its people, culture, and heritage, as these elements will ultimately be keys in helping it gain a foothold as a long-term tourist destination for the West. by Philip Rosenstein , Staff Writer, April 15, 2016 If you were waiting for an impassioned presidential debate that addresses the concrete issues we face in the 21st century, last nights Democratic CNN debate was the one to watch. CNN moderators Wolf Blitzer, Dana Bash and NY 1's Errol Lewis posed precise and varied questions to Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, touching on matters ranging from the Mideast to gun and energy policy. The question of judgement was also hotly debated. The tone of the Democratic nominating contest has changed as of late; last night was a clear reiteration of the growing aversion between the two candidates. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders has picked up seven of the last eight primaries and caucuses. A strong win for Clinton in New York would effectively push back against the momentum his campaign has generated over the past few weeks. advertisement advertisement Hillary Clinton took heat, again, for her decision not to release her paid speeches. Quickly, though, she hit Sanders on his interview with the New York Daily News, in which he rejected the idea of supporting Sandy Hook parents suing AR-15 advertisers. Sanders seemed unprepared or unable to successfully rebut Clintons attack. One of the most significant moments of the night came during a discussion of foreign policy and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Bernie Sanders, the first Jewish candidate to win any delegates for a major political partys nomination, made a powerful case against Israeli policy in the region. As somebody who is 100% pro-Israel, Sanders began, in the long run, if we are ever going to bring peace to that region we are going to have to treat the Palestinian people with respect and dignity. Sanders made a point of attacking Clinton on her unwillingness to accept that Israeli response to Palestinian aggression has been disproportionate. He also singled out her speech at AIPAC, which said very little about the plight of the Palestinians. Missing a potentially injurious attack on Sanders, Clinton failed to mention that Sanders did not attend AIPAC. CNN's Van Jones noted after the debate that the position Sanders takes on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, as a presidential candidate, has never been espoused by someone at his level. Whether his opinion offends or is commendable, a new discussion is opening up in the highest ranks of the American political class. Differences between the candidates, where they exist, are stark. Democratic voters are split along age and race demographic lines. Considering the civil war food fight going on in the GOP, however, Sanders seemed confident post-debate, saying he doesnt know of any Democrats who would desert the party for a GOP nominee. In general terms, Clinton believes that Sanders is great at finding problems, but inept at actually solving them. Sanders blames Clinton for taking a slow and sedate approach to the immediate issues facing our nation. He is convinced we need a political revolution to get on the right track. Long will also work to accelerate revenue diversification and will oversee the company's Fortune events. Her appointment is effective immediately. She will be relocating to New York from Los Angeles. Evelyn Webster, EVP of Time Inc., wrote in a company memo that the previous publisher of Fortune and Money, Eric Danetz, is leaving the role to make room for Long, but is considering positions inside and outside of Time Inc., according to Folio. Long stated that she will work to rethink and reimagine Times purpose and place to reach significant and lasting returns. She was named publisher of Time in 2015, after group publisher Jed Hartman left that position to become chief revenue officer of The Washington Post. She also launched Times in-house creative studio, Stitch, and led a revenue expansion of its Time 100 Gala. Recently, Long was instrumental in launching Time Inc.s new millennial women-focused site Motto in February. Jorg Stratmann was also promoted Tuesday and will serve under Long as associate publisher. Prior to serving as publisher, Long was previously Time executive director of the West Coast, and has held leadership positions in its Washington DC, Los Angeles and San Francisco offices. Snyder told staff Thursday that he will leave the politics and culture magazine after the June issue. New ownership often has new visions, and I think it makes sense, is typical, for there to be a change in editorial leadership, Snyder told The Huffington Post. And thats all that happened. Snyder, a former editor at Gawker, who worked at Bloomberg and The Atlantic, has no immediate plans. "Everyone understood that it made sense for me to step aside and to let new editorial leadership come on," Snyder told CNN Money. The magazine has been keeping mum on whether it has started the search for Snyders successor or if it already has someone in mind. A spokesperson for The New Republic told Publishers Daily they did not have any additional details at this time. Hamilton Fish, the former publisher of The Nation who McCormack brought to New Republic as publisher and editorial director in February, will likely take over EIC duties for at least a while, according to Talking New Media. In a statement to staff, Snyder wrote: We published some damn fine work, sometimes under difficult circumstances. Every single day, your indomitable talent and work ethic has humbled me. Snyder was appointed editor-in-chief of New Republic in December 2014, around the same time the publication celebrated its centennial and its top editors, dozens of staffers and contributing editors quit following disputes about the publications direction with Hughes and CEO Guy Vidra. Hughes wanted to transition the magazine into a digital-focused media operation, but he had difficulty transforming the old and traditional publication, after reportedly investing more than $20 million in the endeavor. The magazine cut the number of issues in half to 10 a year and moved its headquarters from its home in Washington, D.C. to New York. Hughes announced in January that he wanted to sell the magazine and found McCormack, an Oregonian publishing executive and Democratic political donor, to take over the reigns. In February, the Web site had 2.7 million visitors, its highest total since November 2014. by Wendy Davis , Staff Writer @wendyndavis, April 15, 2016 Charter has promised that it won't impose data caps on broadband customers for at least three years, if regulators approve the company's proposed merger with Time Warner Cable and Bright House Network. But that commitment obviously won't mean much in the long run if the company begins imposing data caps as soon as the three-year period expires. This week, Roku made that point in a conversation with Federal Communications Commission officials. The company says in a regulatory filing that it "described the importance of Charter not imposing data caps on broadband customers" during the conversation. "As Roku explained, as more consumers adopt, or seek to adopt, streaming as their primary method of viewing video content on the television, data caps will have a more significant impact in 3-7 years after the transaction," the filing states. Roku -- one of several services used by cord-cutters to stream online video -- also pressed the FCC to guarantee that in the future Charter will not devise broadband billing schemes that favor its own video services. Roku's letter comes at a time when other broadband providers are experimenting with data caps, along with exemptions to them. Comcast, for instance, recently rolled out Stream, a $15-a-month offering for broadband-only subscribers. People who purchase Stream can watch a roster of TV programs, which are delivered over broadband connections. All material accessed through Stream is exempt from Comcast's 300 GB-per-month data caps -- which have been rolled out to 15% of the company's customers. Consumer advocates are asking the FCC to investigate whether Comcast is skirting net neutrality principles by giving consumers an incentive to use Stream instead of rival online video services, like Amazon Prime or Netflix. (Comcast says Stream is a "cable service," and not an Internet offering. But consumer advocates say the company is playing a "regulatory shell game.") Verizon also is exempting data from its own video service, go90. And AT&T is cracking down on cord-cutters by charging them higher prices for unlimited broadband data. As of May 23, cord-cutters will have to pay an extra $30 a month for unlimited wireline data. People without pay-TV subscriptions who don't sign up for unlimited data will be charged an extra $10 for each 50 GB they consume over their monthly caps -- which range from 150 GB to 1 TB. Roku isn't the only one to raise concerns about Charter's potential to thwart over-the-top services. Dish says the deal would leave Charter in a position to undermine Sling TV, while HBO says Charter could hinder the stand-alone streaming service HBO Now. Netflix, on the other hand, says it supports Charter's merger plans. Regulators in New York and New Jersey have already approved Charter's merger plans. The FCC and Department of Justice haven't yet signed off on the deal. Health officials in the US have concluded that the Zika virus causes microcephaly and other severe brain defects in babies. Share on Pinterest Zika virus is transmitted via the bite of the same mosquito that spreads dengue and chikungunya. Scientists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) came to this view after carrying out a careful review of the evidence. Reporting their findings in the New England Journal of Medicine, they note: On the basis of this review, we conclude that a causal relationship exists between prenatal Zika virus infection and microcephaly and other serious brain anomalies. Dr. Tom Frieden, director of the CDC, says the study marks a turning point in the Zika outbreak, and that it is now clear that the virus causes microcephaly. The CDC say the study confirms what mounting evidence has been pointing to, and they reassert earlier guidance to pregnant women and their partners, that they should avoid becoming infected with Zika. They also urge health care professionals to pass on this message to their patients. Zika virus is transmitted via the bite of the same Aedes mosquito that spreads dengue and chikungunya; it can also be passed on through sexual contact. In many people, the infection causes no symptoms, while others may experience a mild illness, with raised temperature, rash, joint pain or conjunctivitis (itchy or sore eyes). In October 2015, the Brazilian Ministry of Health reported an unusual surge in cases of microcephaly in newborns following a Zika virus outbreak in the northeastern states. Since then, the spread of the virus to other parts South America and beyond, plus mounting evidence of a link to birth defects, caused the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare in February this year that the Zika virus is a global Public Health Emergency. No cases of local transmission in mainland US At present, Zika virus is thought to be spreading by local transmission that is, mosquito populations are infected with Zika virus and can transmit it to humans in the Caribbean, Central and South America, the Pacific Islands, Vietnam, the Philippines and Cape Verde. However, earlier this year, an international team of researchers suggested that the virus also has the potential to spread to parts of the US. According to the latest figures from the CDC (as of April 13), the US has had no cases of locally acquired Zika virus and 358 cases of travel-associated infection that is, where infection took place in a country with local transmission and the traveler returned to the US with the virus. While nearly every state has reported cases of travel-related Zika infection, more than half are in the four states of: Florida (84 cases), New York (57), California (29) and Texas (27). Thirty-one of the cases relate to pregnant women and seven were thought to be sexually transmitted. In US territories, so far 471 cases of locally acquired Zika infection have been reported, and three travel-associated cases. The vast majority of cases are in Puerto Rico (445 cases), with the remainder in American Samoa (three) and US Virgin Islands (three). Fifty-eight of the cases relate to pregnant women. One in 5,000 babies is born missing a small amount of genetic material from the tip of chromosome 1, a region called 1p36. Missing genes in the 1p36 region is a relatively common cause of intellectual disability. These children may also have delayed development, seizures, heart and kidney defects, and problems with vision and hearing. The number and severity of these medical conditions varies greatly among children with 1p36 deletions. Scientists think that one reason for this variability is that the genes that are missing from the 1p36 region are not the same in each individual. Knowing which genes are actually involved in the development of this syndrome would help physicians predict the type of medical conditions a child with a 1p36 deletion might encounter and would make it easier to create individualized care plans for these patients. In a paper published in the American Journal of Human Genetics, a multidisciplinary team including Baylor College of Medicine researchers has determined that mutations in one gene, RERE, can cause many of the features associated with 1p36 deletions. "This discovery is important for the parents of the children with this syndrome because it answers one of their most pressing questions, what are the problems that my child is likely to have?" said Dr. Daryl A. Scott, associate professor of molecular and human genetics and molecular physiology and biophysics at Baylor and one of the two senior authors of this report. Scott worked closely with Dr. Elliot H. Sherr, the other senior author of the paper, Sherr's team from the department of neurology at the University of California, San Francisco, and other physicians and scientists from around the world to identify 10 patients with mutations in RERE, which is located in the 1p36 region. These patients had medical problems that were very similar to those of patients in which dozens of 1p36 genes are deleted. "We are the first to provide evidence that RERE mutations alone can cause developmental problems typical of 1p36 deletions. RERE is important in early development," said Scott. This discovery is the culmination of 10 years of research in mice and other animal models. Scott and colleagues demonstrated that, in mice, Rere mutations alone result in the animals having many of the characteristics observed in patients with 1p36 deletion syndrome. However, it was impossible to prove that RERE could play the same role in humans. "One of the big surprises of our paper is that just one gene can cause many of the problems observed when the tip of chromosome 1 is deleted," said Scott. "We anticipate that this finding will be of particular interest to the parents in the 1p36 Deletion Support & Awareness group." In addition, the research is a boon to families of children with RERE mutations, who know for the first time the reason their children share this group of developmental disabilities. "Just having an answer can be hugely beneficial for families," said Sherr, a practicing neurologist who works closely with these patients and their families. "Of course, getting a genetic answer is just the first step, but for the longest time we didn't even have that much. It gives these families hope that we can move forward." Sherr is also with the department of pediatrics at UCSF. The next step in Scott's research will be to focus on the role of RERE in the development of the brain, heart, eye and other organs. Many doctors and scientists think they could improve the diagnosis and understanding of autism spectrum disorders if they had reliable means to identify specific abnormalities in the brain. Such "biomarkers" have proven elusive, often because methods that show promise with one group of patients fail when applied to another. In a new study in Nature Communications, however, scientists report a new degree of success. Their proposed biomarker worked with a comparably high degree of accuracy in assessing two diverse sets of adults. Share on Pinterest A map of the brain connections that proved useful in distinguishing patients diagnosed with autism from people without an autism diagnosis. Credit: Nature Communications The technology, principally developed at the Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International in Kyoto, Japan, with the major contributions from three co-authors at Brown University, is a computer algorithm called a "classifier" because it can classify sets of subjects -- those with an autism spectrum disorder and those without -- based on functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) brain scans. By analyzing thousands of connections of brain network connectivity in scores of people with and without autism, the software found 16 key interregional functional connections that allowed it to tell, with high accuracy, who had been traditionally diagnosed with autism and who had not. The team developed the classifier with 181 adult volunteers at three sites in Japan and then applied it in a group of 88 American adults at seven sites. All the study volunteers with autism diagnoses had no intellectual disability. "It is the first study to [successfully] apply a classifier to a totally different cohort," said co-corresponding author Yuka Sasaki, a research associate professor of cognitive, linguistic and psychological sciences at Brown. "There have been numerous attempts before. We finally overcame the problem." The classifier, which blends two machine-learning algorithms, worked well in each population, averaging 85 percent accuracy among the Japanese volunteers and 75 percent accuracy among the Americans. The researchers calculated that the probability of seeing this degree of cross-population performance purely by chance was 1.4 in a million. "These results indicate that although we developed a highly reliable classifier using the training data only in Japan, it is sufficiently universal to classify [autism] in the U.S.A. validation cohort," wrote the team of clinicians and basic researchers led by Mitsuo Kawato of ATR. Further validation In another way of validating the classifier, the researchers asked whether the differences it notes in the 16 connections were predictive not only of whether a person had an autism diagnosis at all, but whether they relate to performance on the main diagnostic method currently available to clinicians, the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule. ADOS is based not on markers of biology or physiology, but instead on a doctor's interviews and observations of behavior. The classifier was able to predict scores on the ADOS communications component with a statistically significant correlation of 0.44. The correlation suggests that the 16 connections identified by the classifier relate to attributes of importance in ADOS. When the researchers examined where these 16 connections are and what brain networks they affect, they found that 41 percent of the specific brain regions in which the 16 connections reside belonged within the cingulo-opercular network, which matters to brain functions such as conceiving of other people, face processing and emotional processing. Difficulties with such social and emotional perception tasks are important symptoms in autism spectrum disorders. Finally, the team looked to see whether the classifier appropriately reflects the similarities and differences between autism spectrum disorders and other psychiatric conditions. Autism, for example, is known to share some similarities with schizophrenia but not with depression or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, as indicated by a previous genome study. Applied to patients with each of these other disorders compared to similar people without the conditions, the classifier showed moderate but statistically significant accuracy in distinguishing schizophrenia patients, but not depression or ADHD patients. Eventual clinical usefulness? The MRI scans required to gather the data were simple, Sasaki said. Subjects only needed to spend about 10 minutes in the machine and didn't have to perform any special tasks. They just had to stay still and rest. Despite that simplicity and even though the classifier performed unprecedentedly well as a matter of research, Sasaki said, it is not yet ready to be a clinical tool. While the future may bring that development, refinements will be necessary first. "The accuracy level needs to be much higher," Sasaki said. "Eighty percent accuracy may not be useful in the real world." It's also not clear how it would work among children, as the volunteers in this study were all adults. But if the classifier's accuracy can be improved further, the researchers hope that it can be used not only as a physiology-based diagnostic tool but also for monitoring treatment. Doctors perhaps will be able to use the tool someday to monitor whether therapies produce changes in brain connectivity, Sasaki said. New research published in the Journal of Urology challenges widely accepted beliefs Few data are available concerning the consequences of neonatal circumcision on penile sensitivity in adults. New research reported in the Journal of Urology indicates that there are no differences in penile sensitivity for a variety of stimulus types and penile sites between circumcised and intact men. Additionally, this study challenges past research suggesting that the foreskin is the most sensitive and, in turn, most sexually relevant, part of the adult penis. When the American Academy of Pediatrics and Canadian Pediatric Society recently revised their policies concerning routine neonatal circumcision, public interest was reignited in this long-running debate. Focusing on health outcomes, particularly protection against sexually transmitted infections, rather than penile sensitivity, the American policy statement supports routine circumcision of newborn males, while the Canadian policy does not. Investigators examined two hypotheses that might support decreased penile sensitivity: whether the exposed glans penis of circumcised men is less sensitive than that of intact men (where keratinization is hypothesized to take place), and if the highly innervated foreskin is more sensitive than other sites of the penis. "We directly tested whether circumcision is associated with a reduction in penile sensitivity by testing tactile detection, pain, warmth detection, and heat pain thresholds at multiple sites on the penis between groups of healthy (neonatally) circumcised and intact men," explained lead author Jennifer Bossio, PhD candidate in Clinical Psychology of the Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Ontario, Canada (working with Dr. Caroline Pukall, PhD, and Dr. Stephen Steele, MD). "This study indicates that neonatal circumcision is not associated with changes in penile sensitivity and provides preliminary evidence to suggest that the foreskin is not the most sensitive part of the penis." Sixty-two men between the ages of 18 and 37 (30 circumcised, 32 intact) participated in the study. Quantitative sensory testing (QST) protocols assessed touch and pain thresholds and warmth detection and heat pain thresholds at a control site (forearm) and three to four penile sites (glans penis, midline shaft, proximal to midline shaft, and foreskin, if present). The authors reported that the pain, warmth detection, and heat pain stimuli likely activate nerve fibers more relevant to sexual pleasure than touch thresholds, which has been the focus of previous research. Although in a previous study lower tactile thresholds were noted at the glans penis in circumcised men, the current investigation found no between-group differences in sensitivity across four stimulation types, lending no support to the widely accepted, but largely untested, keratinization hypothesis. The investigators also found that the foreskin had similar sensitivity as the control site on the forearm for any stimulus type tested. Given that other genital sites (e.g., glans penis, midline shaft) were more sensitive to pain stimuli than the forearm, removing the highly innervated foreskin does not appear to remove the most sensitive part of the penis. Sexual function was assessed via the International Index of Erectile Functioning (IIEF), a 15-item measure of men's sexual functioning over the past four weeks across the five domains of erectile function: intercourse satisfaction, orgasmic function, sexual desire, and overall satisfaction. No differences between the groups were observed on any of these measures, suggesting that sexual functioning may not differ across circumcision status. "Methodology and results from this study build on previous research and imply that if sexual functioning is related to circumcision status, this relationship is not likely the result of decreased penile sensitivity stemming from neonatal circumcision," observed Ms. Bossio. Nationwide study of 2.3 million Israeli adolescents examined from 1967 through 2010 finds association between elevated BMI in late adolescence and subsequent cardiovascular mortality in midlife. Overweight and obesity in adolescents have increased substantially in recent decades, and currently affect a third of the adolescent population in some developed countries. This is an important public health concern because obesity early in life is considered to be a risk factor for death from cardiovascular disease and from all causes in adulthood. Some studies suggest that an elevated body-mass index is associated with an increased risk of death from cardiovascular causes. However, a determination of the BMI threshold that is associated with increased risk of fatality remains uncertain. (BMI is a calculation of a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in meters, to quantify body mass and enable categorization as underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese.) In light of the worldwide increase in childhood obesity, Prof. Jeremy Kark from the Hebrew University-Hadassah Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, in the Hebrew University of Jerusalem's Faculty of Medicine, together with Dr. Gilad Twig of the Sheba Medical Center, and Dr. Hagai Levine of the Braun School and other colleagues in Israel, set out to determine the association between body-mass index (BMI) in late adolescence and death from cardiovascular causes in adulthood. Their study, which appears in the New England Journal of Medicine, was based on a national database of 2.3 million Israeli 17 year olds in whom height and weight were measured between 1967 and 2010. The researchers assessed the association between BMI in late adolescence and death from coronary heart disease, stroke, and sudden death in adulthood by mid-2011. During 42,297,007 person-years of follow-up, 2918 of 32,127 deaths (9.1%) were from cardiovascular causes, including 1497 from coronary heart disease, 528 from stroke, and 893 from sudden death. The results showed an increase in the risk of cardiovascular death in the group that was considered within the "accepted normal" range of BMI, in the 50th to 74th percentiles, and of death from coronary heart disease at BMI values above 20. The researchers concluded that even BMI considered "normal" during adolescence was associated with a graded increase in cardiovascular and all-cause mortality during the 40 years of follow-up. This included increased rates of death from coronary heart disease, stroke, and total cardiovascular causes among participants. As BMI scores increased into the 75th to 84th percentiles, adolescent obesity was associated with elevated risk of death from coronary heart disease, stroke, sudden death from unknown causes, and death from total cardiovascular causes, as well as death from non-cardiovascular causes and death from all causes. Participants also had an increased risk of sudden death. The rates of death per person-year were generally lowest in the group that had BMI values during adolescence in the 25th to 49th percentiles, although higher rates were observed among those below the 5th percentile. How might adolescent BMI influence cardiovascular outcomes in adulthood? The researchers considered two possible pathways. First, obesity may be harmful during adolescence, since it has been associated with unfavorable metabolic abnormalities through risk factors such as unfavorable plasma lipid or lipoprotein levels, increased blood pressure, impaired glucose metabolism, insulin resistance, and formation of coronary and aortic atherosclerotic plaques. Furthermore, the timing of exposure to obesity during a person's lifetime may play an important role. Second, BMI tends to "track' along the life course so that overweight adolescents tend to become overweight or obese adults, and overweight or obesity in adulthood affects the risk of cardiovascular disease. "Our findings appear to provide a link between the trends in adolescent overweight during the past decades and coronary mortality in midlife," said the paper's senior author, Prof. Jeremy Kark of the Hebrew University-Hadassah Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine. "The continuing increase in adolescent BMI, and the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents, may account for a substantial and growing future burden of cardiovascular disease, particularly coronary heart disease." Advertisement The new study aimed to determine the BMI threshold that is linked to increased risk of early death. BMI is a calculation of a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of their height in meters. The result quantifies a person as being underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese.Researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem assessed the BMI of 2.3 million Israeli 17-year-olds from 1967 to 2010. The researchers studied the link between BMI in late adolescence and death from heart disease, stroke and sudden death in adulthood by mid-2011.The researchers noted 2,918 of 32,127 deaths (9.1%) were from cardiovascular causes, including 1,497 from coronary heart disease, 528 from stroke and 893 from sudden death.The findings of the study showed a rise in the risk of cardiovascular death in the group that was considered within the 'accepted normal' range of BMI. The increased risk of death from coronary heart disease was found in those with BMI values above 20.Adolescents with a BMI that was considered 'normal' between the range of 18.5 to 24.9 were at an increased risk of early cardiovascular and all-cause mortality during the 40 years follow-up. The higher the BMI, adolescent obesity was linked with an even greater risk of early death.The researchers gave two explanations for how adolescent BMI influences cardiovascular outcomes in adults.Firstly, overweight and obesity during teenage years are harmful because it is linked with unfavorable metabolic conditions, including high blood pressure, impaired ability to break down glucose, insulin resistance and the formation of plaques in key blood vessels.Secondly, BMI tends to 'track' along the life course so that overweight teenagers tend to become overweight adults.Professor Jeremy Kark of the Hebrew University, said, "Our findings appear to provide a link between the trends in adolescent overweight during the past decades and coronary mortality in midlife.""The continuing increase in adolescent BMI, and the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents may account for a substantial and growing future burden of cardiovascular disease, particularly coronary heart disease."Their study appears in theSource: Medindia With the Syrian war approaching its sixth year, the Saudi government daily Al-Iqtisadiyya published a scathing editorial against the Syrian regime, comparing Bashar Al-Assad to Adolf Hitler. The daily stated that Assad was in fact worse than Hitler, since the latter never butchered and deported his own people. It also slammed the international community, and especially the U.S., for failing to act against the Syrian regime even after it attacked its own citizens with chemical weapons. The editorial claimed that "President's Obama's passivity is outrageous" and that Assad has become a mark of shame upon the brow of the entire world. The following are excerpts:[1] Bashar Al-Assad (Image: English.alarabiya.net) "It is difficult to decide what punishment the arch-butcher of Syria, Bashar Al-Assad, should rightly receive for the crimes he has perpetrated against his people and against the international community. Some even hold the international community itself accountable for its horrible failure to act against this arch-butcher, whose like has not been seen since the fall of Nazi Germany under the rule of Adolf Hitler. This is not surprising, when the U.N. itself confirms that the number of fatalities in Assad's war against the Syrians, and that the number of refugees and displaced persons, is larger than anything that has been seen since the Second World War. It should be noted that [even] the criminal Hitler did not kill the Germans, deport them or turn them into displaced persons. On the contrary, he started his stupid war because he regarded the German people unique and noble. "Assad has become a mark of shame [upon the brow] of the entire world since the very first day of the sweeping popular revolution against him. Why? Because the world, and particularly the superpowers, left the defenseless Syrian people to their fate in the face of a regime that scorns humaneness, [a regime that] has proved that it is willing to sign a pact with the devil in order to spend one more day clinging to the power that it does not deserve. The world deliberately disclaimed any ability to do anything to help what was left of the Syrian people. Though in the course of the Syrian war, there were several opportunities to intervene and seal the fate of this murderous, sectarian and barbaric regime, [the world], and especially the U.S., rushed to miss [these opportunities], for instance when it was proved that [the regime] had used chemical weapons against civilians, women and children, in the Ghouta of Damascus [in August 2013]. "Assad found his path clear, especially thanks to the aid of every kind [that he has received] from the Iranian regime since the start of the events in Syria and to this day. [The Iranian regime] dreams of taking over yet another Arab country after it has managed to take over the national decision-making positions in Iraq and in Lebanon.[2] Later, Russia [also] joined [Assad's helpers], finding the arena open to it, empty of any [rival] international superpower. It took advantage of the outrageous passivity of American President Barack Obama on this issue. Nobody wants to become entangled in a war of any kind, but [in this case] there is no choice, because the crimes perpetrated by Assad and his allies obligate the international community to intervene, not only in order to defend the Syrian people but in order to defend humanity [at large]. Since the beginning, the issue was not [merely] a local one, and everyone knows this. "There is not a single weapon that arch-butcher of Syria has not used against the Syrians, on land, in the sea and in the air. He has used chemical weapons, barrel bombs, starvation, siege, executions, torture, expulsion and ethnic cleansing. He has turned half the Syrian people into huge bands of refugees and displaced persons, and has killed, wounded and crippled a quarter of [the Syrian people]. He has caused hundreds of billions of dollars' worth of damage, not only in Syria but also in the neighboring countries, and in most European countries as well. Syrian refugees have reached even Malaysia, China and Sudan! In the face of these crimes, what punishment [does Assad deserve]? Execution, which he surely deserves, is not enough, in the opinion of any Syrian who was tortured, expelled, deported, starved, arrested or held under siege. "Even so, the only solution left [for the Syrian crisis] is to end this barbaric sectarian Alawite regime, which is supported by the governments of heretic countries and by gangs of mercenaries..." Endnotes: The following are some of this week's reports from the MEMRI Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM) Project, which translates and analyzes content from sources monitored around the clock, among them the most important jihadi websites and blogs. (To view these reports in full, you must be a paying member of the JTTM; for membership information, send an email to [email protected] with "Membership" in the subject line.) Note to media and government: For a full copy of these reports, send an email with the title of the report in the subject line to [email protected]. Please include your name, title, and organization in your email. EXCLUSIVE: Al-Shabab Video Documents The Raid On Kenyan Forces At El-Adde Base On April 9, 2016, the Somalia-based jihad organization Al-Shabab Al-Mujahideen released a 48-minute video titled "The Sheikh Abu-Yahya Al-Libi Raid," documenting the organization's attack in mid-January this year on an AMISOM base in the town of Al-Adde in northern Somalia. The video, produced by the organization's media wing Al-Kataeb, and released on the Twitter page of Al-Shabab's news agency Al-Shahada and elsewhere, shows the capturing of the base from the Kenyan army units stationed there. EXCLUSIVE: Report: Memo Reveals Tension Between ISIS Leadership And Military Commander Al-Shishani Shortly Before His Death In U.S. Airstrike On April 8, 2016, the London-based Saudi daily Al-Sharq Al-Awsat published a photocopy of a memo that allegedly details a meeting between two key Islamic State (ISIS) figures in Libya. The memo includes excerpts of what appears to be a recorded conversation between the two men, who are identified as Muhammad Al-Madhouni, ISIS's leader in Libya, and Abu Omar Al-Qahtani, a prominent ISIS leader in the city of Sirte, EXCLUSIVE: The Double Life Of An English-Speaking Female ISIS Supporter - Promoting ISIS Online, Hiding Beliefs From Family An English-speaking woman, on Facebook, is a very vocal supporter of the Islamic State (ISIS) online, while at the same time expressing her struggle to hide her allegiance to the group from her family. She appears to be a university student of Pakistani origin, stating on her profile that she attends Western Sydney University, and seems to divide her time between Australia and Mauritius. On Facebook, she has expressed her desire to immigrate to Syria, and she shares ISIS propaganda on her account. EXCLUSIVE: AQAP Commander Sa'd Al-Awlaqi Downplays Effectiveness Of U.S. Airstrikes In Yemen, Claims They Increase Recruitment On April 6, 2016, Al-Masra, a weekly newspaper affiliated with Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), published an interview with Sa'd Al-Awlaqi, one of the group's commanders. In the interview, Al-Awlaqi tackled many issues related to the war in Yemen, the effectiveness of U.S. air strikes, and AQAP's current and future strategy. EXCLUSIVE: Mexican ISIS Supporter Tweets Support For The Caliphate; Plans For An Islamic State In Mexico And Latin America A Twitter user, who claims to be a Mexican ISIS supporter, tweets his support for the Islamic State, and expresses his desires that it expand to Mexico and Latin America. He also frequently discusses the Muslim population in Chiapas, Mexico. EXCLUSIVE: ISIS: Sinai Will Become An Arena For War Against Egypt, Israel, Coalition Countries The latest issue of Al-Naba, the weekly of the Islamic State (ISIS), features an article titled "Camp David in the Caliphate Era," which boasts that ISIS' military successes in Sinai have brought about the collapse of the Camp David Accords. EXCLUSIVE: Two ISIS-Linked Groups In Southern Syria Join Ranks On April 12, 2016, Harakat Al-Muthanna, a jihad group that operates in southern Syria and is known for its ties to the Islamic State (ISIS), announced that it had joined Liwa Shuhada' Al-Yarmouk (the Yarmouk Martyrs' Brigade), another ISIS affiliate operating in the region. French ISIS Media Operatives' Ongoing Online Campaign Calls For Lone Wolf Attacks, Threatens UK On April 5, 2016, the An-Nur Media Group, which publishes official Islamic State (ISIS) material in French on Twitter, launched a media campaign calling for supporters to participate in the media battle and disseminate ISIS productions and documents. ISIS German-Language Blog Disseminates ISIS Productions And Content - And Recruitment Information The "Baqiyya Bleibt Bestehen! (Baqiya - will remain!)" website distributes official Islamic State (ISIS) content exclusively in German, and serves as a nexus for recruiting potential ISIS supporters and fighters. It is hosted on the U.S.-based platform Wordpress.com, and was launched on April 20, 2015. ISIS Claims It Tried To Assassinate A Syrian Journalist On Turkish Soil On April 11, 2016, the Islamic State (ISIS), via its A'maq media agency claimed responsibility for the April 10 attempt to assassinate the Syrian journalist Zahir Al-Shirqat, in the Turkish city of Gaziantep on. The local Turkish media reports that Al-Shirqat is hospitalized in critical condition. ISIS Releases Images Of Military Training Camp In Libya Named After Its Slain Leader The Islamic State (ISIS) has released a series of images documenting training in one of its camps in Barqa province in eastern Libya. The camp is named after ISIS's former "governor" in Libya, Abu Al-Mughira Al-Qahtani, who was killed in a U.S. airstrike last November. It shows fighters receiving physical and military training, and instruction in first aid. Jabhat Al-Nusra Releases Video Interview With Captured Hizbullah Fighter On April 13, 2016, Al-Manara Al-Baida, the official media wing of Jabhat Al-Nusra (JN), Al-Qaeda's branch in Syria, released a video featuring an interview with Muhammad Yassin, a wounded Hizbullah fighter captured by JN in Al-Eis, south of Aleppo. In the short video, three minutes and 25 seconds in length, Yassin stated that he was born in 1990, is from the Lebanese village of Majdel Silim, joined Hizbullah in 2010, and was trained to be a fighter. Jabhat Al-Nusra In Southern Damascus: We Kill Dozens Of ISIS Fighters Every Day On April 11, 2016, Jabhat Al-Nusra supporter Abu 'Abd Al-Malek Al-Shami tweeted an internal communique written by Jabhat Al-Nusra (JN) in Southern Damascus. The communique, which is titled "Hear from us and not from others talking about us" stresses that JN members in Southern Damascus are an inseparable part of the organization, and issue threats to the Islamic State (ISIS). Video By Ansar Al-Shari'a In Libya Calls For Recruits Of All Backgrounds And Skills To Join Jihad On April 11, 2016, the militant group Ansar Al-Shari'a in Libya (ASL) released a recruitment video calling on Muslims, particularly Libyans, of all backgrounds and skill sets to join the jihad. Titled "Go Forth, Whether Light or Heavy," the video emphasizes Muslims' obligation to wage jihad by fighting their enemies, and notes the various forms of support besides actual fighting on the battlefield that Muslims can provide to help the mujahideen and jihad. Video Glorifies Uyghur TIP Fighters Killed In Syria On April 8, 2016, the Sawt Al-Islam (Voice of Islam) media company, associated with the jihad group Turkestan Islamic Party (TIP), published the 17thinstallment in a series of videos titled "Those Who Love Paradise," honoring TIP fighters killed in battle in Syria. TIP's Uyghur fighters are operating in Syria alongside Jabhat Al-Nusra, mainly in the mountainous north-eastern part of the country. Issue 14 Of ISIS Magazine Dabiq: 'Paris Was A Warning; Brussels Was A Reminder' On April 13, 2016, the Islamic State (ISIS) published the 14th issue of its English-language magazine Dabiq. The issue, released by ISIS's media company Al-Hayat, celebrates the March 22, 2016 Brussels terror attacks and praises its perpetrators. The issue's Foreword justifies the Brussels attacks and promises more attacks to come. The opening article, titled "Knights of the Shahada In Belgium," eulogizes four ISIS terrorists, three of whom were involved in the Brussels attacks. In Issue 14 Of Dabiq Magazine, ISIS Calls Upon Its Supporters In The West To Kill Muslim Leaders In an article the 14th issue of its English-language magazine Dabiq, the Islamic State (ISIS) called upon its supporters living in Western countries to kill Muslim leaders it deems to be apostates. The article mentions a list of Muslim clerics living in the U.S., the U.K., Australia, and Canada as appropriate targets, and labels them apostates in light of their opposition to ISIS or their alleged support of the Western governments' efforts to combat it. It also marks a list of American Muslim Congressmen and political figures as well as British parliamentarians as targets for killing. In Issue 14 Of ISIS Magazine Dabiq, Article By British Journalist John Cantlie Attacks U.S., U.K. Policy Against Negotiation With Terrorists, Blames Them For Death Of Their Citizens Issue 14 of the Islamic State's (ISIS) English-language magazine Dabiq, released online on April 13, featured an article by British journalist John Cantlie, who is imprisoned by the group, in which he attacks the U.S. and U.K. policy against negotiating with terrorists. Cantlie accuses the countries of being responsible for the death of their citizens by the Islamic State in 2014. In Issue 14 Of ISIS Magazine Dabiq, Emir Of ISIS In Bangladesh Says: 'We Believe Shari'a In... [Bangladesh] Won't Be Achieved Until The Local Hindus Are Targeted In Mass Numbers' Issue 14 of ISIS's English-language magazine Dabiq features a long interview with Sheikh Abu Ibrahim Al-Hanif, the emir of the Islamic State in Bengal, or Bangladesh. Details about Al-Hanif are not known and the name appears to be an assumed name, as is the common practice among jihadis. Issue 14 Of ISIS Magazine 'Dabiq' Pays Tribute To Bangladeshi Jihadi Radicalized By Anwar Al-Awlaki Who Forged Documents To Enter Syria Issue 14 of the Islamic State (ISIS)s English-language magazine Dabiq pays tribute to a Bangladeshi jihadi, identified as Abu Jandal Al-Bangali, who grew up in Dhaka and later migrated to Syria to join ISIS, and who died fighting in Syria. Abu Jandal Al-Bangali may be an assumed name. The two-page article devoted to him notes that he "came from an affluent family with deep connections in the Bengali military" and that his father was a murtad [apostate] officer of the taghut forces." According to the article, Abu Jandal's father died in the 2009 Bangladeshi border guards mutiny; Abu Jandal is reported to have said, "My father died for the sake of taghut, but I wish to die for the sake of Allah alone." Pro-ISIS Hacking Group 'United Cyber Caliphate' Targets Australian Websites On April 14, 2016, the United Cyber Caliphate, formerly known as the Caliphate Cyber Army, announced on Telegram that Australia was the next target for their cyber-attacks. Following this announcement the group posted a list of Australian websites that the group hacked. Radical Bangladeshi Group Hefazat-e-Islam Warns: 'We Will Declare Jihad From Chittagong If Islam Is Dropped As The State Religion' On March 25, Bangladesh's Islamist organization Hefazat-e-Islam (Defense of Islam) organized a public rally in Chittagong city to protest a move to drop Islam from the country's constitution. Several religious organizations, including Jamaat-e-Islami Bangladesh, called for strikes to oppose the move. A 28-year-old petition seeking to remove Islam as the state religion had been pending in the High Court. However, on March 28, the High Court rejected the petition saying the group that had filed the petition in 1988 had no legitimacy. Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias will be in Luxembourg on Monday, 18 April, to attend a meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council (FAC). The FAC agenda includes the initiatives the European Union has taken on the issue of returns, and Mr. Kotzias will present Greeces positions to his counterparts, and the discussion will also cover the EUs relations with third states as regards the halting of refugee flows from Turkey and the provision of financial assistance to countries neighbouring on Syria. Management of the migration/refugee crisis and the positions of the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) will be the subject of discussion at the working luncheon of the EU member-state Foreign Ministers. with Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, in attendance. The FAC will also look at the Eastern Partnership, in light of the results of the Netherlands referendum on the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement and the flaring of tensions in Nagorno-Karabakh. Finally, the Foreign Ministers will have a joint working dinner with the Defence Ministers, during which there will be a discussion of the political situation in Libya and the potential for EU assistance. On Tuesday, 19 April, Mr. Kotzias will travel to Paris, where he will participate in a working dinner with the French Secretary of State for European Affairs, Harlem Desir. On Wednesday, 20 April, he will meet at the Quai dOrsay with French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault. The Alternate Foreign Minister for European Affairs, Nikos Xydakis, stated in Berlin today that Germany acknowledges that Greece is surpassing itself on the refugee issue, while at the same time participating in the resolution of the crisis, supporting the joint European effort and accommodating thousands of refugees. Mr. Xydakis had successive meetings today with the German Minister of State for Europe, Michael Roth, and State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of the Interior Emily Haber. During the meetings, the collocutors focused on the refugee/migration crisis. References were made to the Greek programme for reforms and consolidation of the Greek economy, and a review was carried out of the course of bilateral relations. In particular with regard to the refugee/migration crisis, Messrs. Xydakis and Roth agreed on the European nature of the issue and the need for Europe to rise to the occasion, giving precedence to solidarity. Mr. Roth highlighted Germanys will to contribute, acknowledging that Greece cannot be left to bear the burden on its own. Mr. Xydakis underscored that Greece, in its effort to meet the huge challenge of the refugee crisis particularly in the midst of a negative economic state of affairs like that of the past six years very much appreciates the support and understanding of its partners and is pursuing joint solutions, in accordance with the logic of burden-sharing and solidarity among the member states of the European Union. He also highlighted Germanys positive response and noted the need for more experts to be sent to support the asylum processes, so as to improve the functioning of the plan for relocation of refugees from Greece to countries of the EU. Messrs. Xydakis and Roth agreed that the implementation of the agreement provides an opportunity to deal with the trafficking networks through the creation of a safe route of access for refugees to Europe, via the relocation mechanism, directly from Turkey. The refugee and migration issue was also the focus of Mr. Xydakis meeting with Ms. Haber, who highlighted the reduction of flows into Greece that has been seen of late and expressed cautious optimism regarding developments in the refugee issue in the near future. The collocutors focused on the means necessary for the implementation of the EU-Turkey agreement. Ms. Haber noted that Germany is already helping with specialized personnel who are in Greece, while a mission of additional experts is being planned for the coming time. Mr. Xydakis has scheduled a number of interviews with the German news media during his three-day stay in Berlin, with the aim of informing German public opinion with regard to Greeces positions. Mr. Xydakis will conclude his visit on Sunday, 17 April, with the ceremony for the unveiling the commemorative plaque in honor of the Greek men and women held at Ravensbruck concentration camp between 1943 and 1945. On the initiative of Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias, a Meeting is being held in Thessaloniki, on 21 and 22 April, between the Foreign and Interior Ministers of Greece, Albania, Bulgaria and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The Thessaloniki Meeting is aimed at strengthening dialogue and broadening the prospects for further cross-border cooperation on coordination and handling of common challenges, such as the refugee and migration crisis. Specifically, on Thursday, 21 April, a meeting will take place between the Foreign Ministers of the four participating states, and on Friday, 22 April, there will be talks between the Ministers of Interior and a joint meeting of the Foreign and Interior Ministers. The quadrilateral Meeting will be followed by a press conference. Not for long. Chacha, the male chimp, was on the loose nearly two hours Thursday after it disappeared from the Yagiyama Zoological Park in Sendai, the city that's hosting finance ministers from the Group of Seven industrialized nations in May. TV footage showed Chacha perched atop the pole, agitated and screaming at zoo workers below. Even after being hit by a sedative arrow in the back, Chacha desperately tried to escape, dangling from a power line. He finally gave up and fell head down into a blanket held by a dozen workers on the ground. It's not immediately clear if he survived. Zoo officials are investigating how he escaped. The Republican governor signed the bill into law Wednesday and says it will help "support the needs of Michigan's growing senior population." GOP Sen. Margaret O'Brien sponsored the measure, which also requires hospitals to ensure that caregivers understand treatment instructions. The bill was approved 70-38 in the House and 27-9 in the Senate last month. Many Democrats opposed it because plaintiffs' attorneys and others worry it could inadvertently strip family members' ability to be paid for their services under Michigan's auto insurance law. The bill's supporters say those concerns are unfounded. A preview Wednesday showed off the $30 million Polk Penguin Conservation Center, which features an underwater gallery and two acrylic tunnels where visitors can watch four species of penguins swim above, around and below them. Zoo officials say it's designed to simulate the penguins' native habitat, including optimal air and water temperatures. Zoo CEO Ron Kagan, who made multiple research trips to Antarctica, says the penguins can "do the polar plunge" in the 25-foot-deep aquatic area. "This is so new, they're still learning this new environment," Kagan said in an interview. "They've never been able to dive this kind of depth. They've never had this kind of opportunity for ice and snow." Sixty-nine penguins gentoos, macaronis and rockhoppers have marched over to their new home, which opens to the public on Monday. Fourteen king penguins will arrive in a bit. The 33,000-square-foot Polk Center is situated on two acres. In addition to the 326,000-gallon swimming pool, the new inhabitants also have the option of spending time chilling in their spacious above-ground abode that includes expansive windows that allow visitors to see in and the penguins to see out. The environment is intended to encourage the same kind of behavior as in the wild, from leaping in and out of the water to nesting and rearing young. "We've had penguins at the Detroit Zoo for many years, so we know how to feed penguins and keep them healthy," said Scott Carter, the zoo's chief life sciences officer. "What we wanted to make sure we could do here was make sure that we could create an environment in which penguins could really be happy, in which penguins could thrive." The center's design, inspired by the harsh climate of Antarctica, features an exterior that resembles a towering iceberg with a crevasse and waterfall. It's "the biggest project that the Detroit Zoo has ever undertaken" Kagan said. A $10 million donation from the Polk Family Fund is the largest gift in the zoo's 88-year history. The center is free with Detroit Zoo admission, but requires timed-entry passes that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Saginaw News reports the seven Beirut-based members of Lebanon's Internal Security Forces arrived Wednesday in Saginaw and are there through Thursday. They heard from Saginaw police Chief Bob Ruth and state police Lt. Marvin Jenkins about community-based policing efforts and rode along with officers. They earlier visited Detroit for a three-day informational and training session with Detroit police and U.S. officials focusing on community policing. And they also visited police in the Detroit suburb of Dearborn, which is home to thousands who trace their roots to Lebanon and the Middle East. The members of the Internal Security Forces are working on a pilot community police station in Beirut. The court is weighing the fate of Obama administration programs that could shield roughly 4 million people from deportation and grant them the legal right to hold a job. Among them is Teresa Garcia of suburban Seattle, who has spent 14 years in the United States illegally after staying beyond the expiration of her tourist visa in 2002. She's already gotten much of what she wanted when she chose not to return to her native Mexico. Her two sons are benefiting from an earlier effort that applies to people who were brought here illegally as children. Garcia's 11-year-old daughter is an American citizen. "That's why I come, for the opportunity for the children and because it is much safer here," the 45-year-old Garcia said in an interview with The Associated Press. Now, she would like the same for herself and her husband, a trained accountant who works construction jobs. Neither can work legally. "To have a Social Security number, that means for me to have a better future. When I say better future, we are struggling with the little amount of money my husband is getting for the whole family. It makes for stress every day. We struggle to pay for everything," Garcia said. The programs announced by President Barack Obama in November 2014 would apply to parents whose children are citizens or are living in the country legally. Eligibility also would be expanded for the president's 2012 effort that helped Garcia's sons. More than 700,000 people have taken advantage of that earlier program, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. The new program for parents and the expanded program for children could reach as many as 4 million people, according to the nonpartisan Migration Policy Institute. Texas and 25 other states sued to block the new initiatives soon after they were announced, and lower courts have ruled in their favor. The programs have never taken effect. The states, joined by congressional Republicans, argue that Obama doesn't have the power to effectively change immigration law. When he announced the measures 17 months ago, Obama said he was acting under his own authority because Congress had failed to overhaul the immigration system. The Senate had passed legislation on a bipartisan vote, but House Republicans refused to put the matter to a vote. "Fundamentally, we don't think the president has the statutory or constitutional authority to issue these executive actions," said Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. House Republicans told the court that Obama is claiming the power "to decree that millions of individuals may live, work and receive benefits in this country even though federal statutes plainly prohibit them from doing so." The administration and immigration advocates say the immigration orders are neither unprecedented nor even unusual. Rather, they say, Obama's programs build on past efforts by Democratic and Republican administrations to use discretion in deciding whom to deport. The court's last major immigration decision, the 2012 case Arizona v. U.S., lends some support to this view. "A principal feature of the removal system is the broad discretion exercised by immigration officials. Federal officials, as an initial matter, must decide whether it makes sense to pursue removal at all," wrote Justice Anthony Kennedy. "Discretion in the enforcement of immigration law embraces immediate human concerns. Unauthorized workers trying to support their families, for example, likely pose less danger than alien smugglers or aliens who commit a serious crime." The administration and its supporters said the challenged programs do not offer blanket protection, but depend on case-by-case reviews. The protection from deportation also would be temporary, for three years. "It's not permanent status, not a green card, not a path to citizenship. It doesn't get you a ticket into a voting booth. At best, it's a tolerated presence," said Angela Maria Kelley, an immigration expert at the Center for American Progress. The programs also could be revoked by the next president, as the Republican contenders have promised. That might leave people who have provided the government with information about themselves in greater peril of being deported. Immigration advocates acknowledged that some people might not be willing to raise their hands until they know the outcome of the election. The Supreme Court case might not even address the issue of executive authority if the justices determine that Texas and the other states don't have the right to challenge it in federal court. Such a resolution, which could attract support from both liberal and conservative justices, could enable the court to sidestep the potentially divisive details over immigration and avoid a 4-4 tie following Justice Antonin Scalia's death in February. A decision in favor of the administration would allow the programs to take effect in the waning months of Obama's presidency. A loss or even a tie vote would block them for the foreseeable future. Garcia said she is eager to apply for the relief Obama offers if it's made available. Garcia said she volunteers in the local schools teaching Spanish to children, providing translation for interactions between parents and the schools and working on the school district's strategic planning effort. But she has had to turn down offers of a paying job with the school system. Armed with the Social Security number she so desires, Garcia said, "I would work starting right now." A decision in U.S. v. Texas, 15-674, is expected by late June. Retired Military Officials Are Finding High-Paying Jobs With the Saudi Government and Can Make up up to 7-Figure Salaries Working for Other Foreign Governments Retired U.S. military personnel cannot receive consulting fees or jobs from foreign governments without expressed approval... A-29 Super Tucano attack aircraft manned by Afghan pilots trained in the U.S. have conducted the first close air support missions by fixed-wing aircraft ever flown for the fledgling Afghan Air Force, a U.S. military spokesman in Kabul said Thursday. They are beginning to take their first strikes, guided to targets by Afghan forward air controllers on the ground, Army Brig. Gen. Charles Cleveland said in a video briefing from Kabul to the Pentagon. Cleveland did not say where or when the first A-29 strikes took place or describe the effectiveness of the missions, but U.S. and Afghan officials previously had said that combat missions by the turboprop aircraft were expected to begin in April. Four of the A-29s arrived in Afghanistan in January and another four have since flown in to a military airfield near Hamid Karzai International Airport outside Kabul, according to Cleveland, the new deputy chief of staff for communications for the U.S. and NATO Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan. A U.S.-funded $427 million contract calls for a total of 20 A-29s to be delivered to Afghanistan by 2018. Eight Afghan Air Force pilots completed training late last year on the A-29s with U.S. pilots from the 81st Fighter Squadron at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia. The A-29s, which were designed for close air support, carry a 20mm cannon below the fuselage, one 12.7mm machine gun under each wing and can also fire 70mm rockets and launch precision-guided bombs. The A-29s began arriving in Afghanistan nearly five years after the Brazilian firm Embraer, and its U.S. partner Sierra Nevada Corp., won a Light Air Support competition with the A-29 against the Hawker Beechcraft AT-6B Texan II, leading to contract disputes and delays in the program. Last month, the A-29s working with Afghan tactical air controllers conducted live-fire training exercises outside Kabul. At a following ceremony called the Rebirth of the Afghan Air Force, Maj. Gen. Wahab Wardak, commander of the Afghan Air Force, said he expected the A-29s to begin conducting airstrikes in April. Although Cleveland did not say where the first A-29 strikes were carried out, Afghan Defense Minister Masoom Stanikzai said last month that the aircraft would likely be used first in southwestern Helmand province, where the Afghan National Security Forces have been struggling to contain the Taliban in the region that is the center of Afghanistans opium trade. Helmand is not a rosy picture now, said Cleveland. Even so, he contradicted news reports that the provincial capital of Lashkar Gah, former headquarters of British forces in the region, was about to fall. In February, 500 troops from the Armys 10th Mountain Division were sent to Helmand as force protection for U.S. Special Operations troops advising and assisting the Afghans. Cleveland said that the Afghan forces, backed by nearly daily U.S. airstrikes, were making progress against newly-emergent Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, or ISIS, allied Afghan insurgents in eastern Nangarhar province. "We do think that they are being contained more than they probably were last fall," he said, but "we do think that they still pose a real threat. And based on their past performance, theyve got the ability to catch fire very quickly. So we do want to continue to have constant pressure on them." --Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. A National Guard soldier in California expressed disbelief after she found the American flag outside her home ripped from its spot along with its flagpole bracket. Christina Sudtell, a specialist who lives in Folsom, said in a Facebook post, This especially hits me hard because Im a soldier, and this flag represents all I stand for. Lisa Bowden, who lives in the neighborhood and has a flag outside her home, told Fox 40 that her boyfriend recently shipped off to Army basic training in Georgia and it would be heartbreaking for him if something happened to their flag. Sudtell has since removed the posting from her Facebook page. U.S. Army leaders are scheduled to issue their formal plan today for dealing with recommendations from a highly-publicized National Commission on the Future of the Army report. The report, ordered by Congress, features 63 recommendations on key areas such as modernization and investment, force structure, readiness and end-strength. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Mark Milley told Congress recently that the Army plans to submit an April 15 report to Defense Secretary Ashton Carter that details the services plans for each of the recommendations. The Army has done a very rigorous study of the 63 recommendations, Milley told lawmakers recently. Right now, more or less, about 50 or so we think are achievable with relatively little or no cost or we started doing them, Milley said at an April 7 hearing before the Senate Armed Service Committee. The remaining recommendations will incur some or significant cost in terms of dollars on the Army if it chooses to follow them, Milley said, referring the reports recommendations that deal with aviation assets. The Commission was specifically directed to address the proposal to transfer all Apache attack helicopters (AH-64s) from the Army National Guard to the Regular Army as one part of the Armys broader Aviation Restructure Initiative (ARI), according to the commission report. The Commission concluded that the ARI is a well-crafted plan that holds down costs while maintaining a reasonable level of wartime capacity in the Apache fleet. The National Guard Bureau has proposed an alternative of keeping 11 Apaches in the Guard, the report states. This alternative would add between about $90 million and $175 million a year to the aviation operating costs, the commission maintains. The NGB Alternative would also involve between $220 million and $420 million in one-time costs to provide an additional eleven Apache helicopters. The range depends on whether the additional eleven Apaches are new or remanufactured aircraft, the report states. The commission found, however, that ARI results in a lack of strategic depth, providing for no wartime surge capability in the Army National Guard. After extensive analysis, and numerous discussions with proponents of various plans, the commission recommends that the Army maintain twenty-four manned Apache battalions twenty in the Regular Army and four in the Army National Guard, the report states. All the active Army battalions would be equipped with twenty-four aircraft. The four Army National Guard battalions would be equipped with eighteen aircraft, the commission recommends. To hold down costs, Option Three assumes that only two Black Hawk battalions are added to the Army National Guard (compared with four under the ARI). This approach, which is also used by the NGB Alternative, would result in a reduction in operational Black Hawk aircraft by about 3 percent, the report states. Under the commissions option, the Army would commit to use the Army National Guard battalions regularlymobilizing them and deploying them in peacetime. The report also makes other recommendations concerning Army aviation. The Army faces significant shortfalls. Army aviation represents a key example, the report states. Today, some aviation assets cannot meet expected wartime capacity requirements." The Army should retain eleven combat aviation brigades in the regular Army and maintain a forward-stationed combat aviation brigade in Korea, the commission recommends. Currently, the Army plans reduce its combat aviation brigades from 11 to 10 CABs. So far, Milley has only named one recommendation that the Army will not consider. It involves cutting two infantry brigade combat teams in the active Army to provide manpower spaces that could be used to decrease higher priority risks. The general has testified that infantry brigades are a key part of the Army's "foxhole strength that the Army is unwilling to reduce. Milley also testified that the aviation recommendations make strategic and operational sense, but they will be very expensive to execute without additional money from Congress. The report also recommends that the Army should increase Armored Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) capacity based on the current and projected threat environment. Risk may be acceptable without additional ABCT structure if the Army stations an ABCT in Europe. The Army has already set up a rotation plan to ensure that it has one ABCT in Europe at all times. --Matthew Cox can be reached at matthew.cox@military.com. Since 1775, the U.S. Marine Corps has prided itself on being "The Few" and "The Proud." But while the Corps takes pride in doing more with less, senior Marine officers are warning that the Corps' aviation service is being stretched to the breaking point. Today, the vast majority of Marine Corps aircraft can't fly. The reasons behind the grounding of these aircraft include the toll of long wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the fight against ISIS and budget cuts precluding the purchase of the parts needed to fix an aging fleet, according to dozens of Marines interviewed by Fox News at two air stations in the Carolinas this week. Out of 276 F/A-18 Hornet strike fighters in the Marine Corps inventory, only about 30% are ready to fly, according to statistics provided by the Corps. Similarly, only 42 of 147 heavy-lift CH-53E Super Stallion helicopters are airworthy. U.S. military spending has dropped from $691 billion in 2010 to $560 billion in 2015. The cuts came just as the planes were returning from 15 years of war, suffering from overuse and extreme wear and tear. Many highly trained mechanics in the aviation depots left for jobs in the private sector. "Quite honestly, it is coming on the backs of our young Marines," Lt. Col. Matthew "Pablo" Brown, commanding officer of VMFA(AW)-533, a Hornet squadron based at Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort in South Carolina. "They can do it, and they are doing it but it is certainly not easy." Brown's squadron is due to deploy to the Middle East in the coming days. Lack of funds has forced the Marines to go outside the normal supply chain to procure desperately needed parts. Cannibalization, or taking parts from one multi-million dollar aircraft to get other multi-million dollar aicraft airborne, has become the norm. To get one Hornet flying again, Marines at Beaufort stripped a landing gear door off a mothballed museum jet. The door, found on the flight deck of the World War II-era USS Yorktown, was last manufactured over a decade ago. "Imagine taking a 1995 Cadillac and trying to make it a Ferrari," Sgt. Argentry Uebelhoer said days before embarking on his third deployment. "You're trying to make it faster, more efficient, but it's still an old airframe [and] the aircraft is constantly breaking." Maintaining the high-performance Hornets is a challenge with 30,000 fewer Marines, part of a downsizing that has been ongoing since 2010. "We don't have enough of them to do the added work efficiently. We are making it a lot harder on the young marines who are fixing our aircraft," said Maj. Michael Malone of Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 31. Sometimes it takes the Marines 18 months to get parts for early model F-18 jets whose production was halted in 2001. "We are an operational squadron. We are supposed to be flying jets, not building them," said Lt. Col. Harry Thomas, Commanding Officer of VMFA-312, a Marine Corps F/A-18 squadron based at Beaufort. The cuts include those made by the Obama administration as well as the sequestration cutbacks agreed to by Congress. Lt. Col Thomas, call sign "Crash," deployed to the Pacific with 10 jets last year. Only seven made it. A fuel leak caused his F/A-18 to catch fire in Guam. Instead of ejecting, he landed safely, saving taxpayers $29 million. Thomas has deployed eight times in all, including six to Iraq and Afghanistan. Right now only two of his 14 Hornets can fly. His Marines deploy in three months. "We are supposed to be doing the type of maintenance like you would take your car to Jiffy Lube for replacing fluids, doing minor inspections, changing tires, things of that nature, not building airplanes from the ground up," he added. The aircraft shortage means pilots spend less time in the air. "This last 30 days our average flight time per pilot was just over 4 hours," said Thomas. Ten years ago, Marine Corps pilots averaged between 25 and 30 hours in the air each month, according to one pilot. "This is the worst I've seen it," he added. Another pilot who asked to remain nameless told Fox News that Chinese and Russian pilots fly more hours each month than Marine Corps pilots. Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornets are supposed to have a shelf life of 6,000 hours, but they are being refurbished to extend the life to 8,000. There is talk that some aircraft might be pushed to 10,000 hours while the Marine Corps waits for the 5th-generation Joint Strike Fighter, which is slated to replace the F-18, but has been plagued by cost overruns. "Our aviation readiness is really my No. 1 concern," Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Robert Neller told Congress last month. "We don't have enough airplanes that we would call 'ready basic aircraft." Col. Sean Salene oversees nine helicopter squadrons at Marine Corps Air Station New River in North Carolina. "Unlike previous wars, we did not have a period of time afterwards where we did not have tasking," said Col. Salene. "There was no time to catch our breath." Maj. Matt Gruba, executive officer of HMH-461, a Super Stallion squadron at New River took Fox News reporters inside one of the large helicopters, which has sent thousands of fully loaded Marines into combat over the past three decades. Inside, hundreds of small wires cover every surface of the helicopter except the hard non-skid deck. It's up to the Marine maintainers to inspect each one. One failure could be catastrophic, as happened in 2014 when a Navy MH-53E Sea Dragon crashed off the coast of Virginia after a fire engulfed the aircraft due to faulty fuel lines. "It would be easy to miss some small minute detail, some small amount of wear [which] could potentially, eventually cause a fire," Gruba said Lt. Gen. Jon M. "Dog" Davis is the Marine Corps' deputy commandant for aviation, tasked with getting his aircraft back in the air. Davis ordered the Corps to refurbish all of the old CH-53E helicopters to their pre-war condition, including fixing the chafing wires and jerryrigged fuel lines that were repaired in theater. "The biggest thing is right now after 15 years of hard service, of hard fighting and deploying around the world, is we don't have enough airplanes on the flight line," Davis said. The cuts have not sat well within the military leadership. Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates told Fox News' Bret Baier in a recent interview that he felt betrayed when told to cut billions from the budget after having already done so. "I guess I'd have to say I felt double-crossed. After all those years in Washington, I was naive," he said. And last week, the Army's top officer, Gen. Mark Milley, said cuts could mean more American troops could lose their lives. "If one or more possible unforeseen contingencies happen, then the United States Army currently risks not having ready forces available to provide flexible options to our national leadership. ... And most importantly, we risk incurring significantly increased U.S. casualties," Milley testified last week on Capitol Hill. Lucas Tomlinson is the Pentagon and State Department producer for Fox News Channel. You can follow him on Twitter: @LucasFoxNews Jennifer Griffin currently serves as a national security correspondent for FOX News Channel . She joined FNC in October 1999 as a Jerusalem-based correspondent. You can follow her on Twitter at @JenGriffinFNC. Related Video: The deployment of Marine EA-6B Prowler jammer planes to Turkey came amid growing concerns about the potential anti-aircraft threat from ISIS and other militant groups in Syria. The Islamic State of Iraq and Syria claimed Thursday that its "air defense" fighters had downed a Syrian government warplane in the southern Syrian province of Suwayda. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a monitoring group based in London, said the pilot safely ejected and was not captured. Last week, Syria's military reported that one of its warplanes had been shot down by a missile allegedly fired by the Al-Qaeda affiliated Al Nusra Front. The captured pilot was later shown in an Al Nusra propaganda video and identified as Col. Khaled Saeed. The U.S. has yet to lose a pilot since the air campaign against ISIS in Iraq and Syria began in Augsst 2014 but the U.S. has also denied repeated requests from militia groups it supports in Syria for shoulder-fired missiles, or "manpads." In a video briefing to the Pentagon on Wednesday, Army Col. Steve Warren, a spokesman for combined Joint task force-Operation Inherent Resolve, said that the U.S. only supplies ammunition and small arms to the groups it supports in Syria and has rejected requests for shoulder-fired missiles to counter Syrian and Russian air attacks. However, several news outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, have reported that the CIA was lobbying to provide the U.S.-backed rebel groups in Syria with more advanced weaponry, including shoulder-fired missiles, for use against the Russian-backed regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad if the current "cessation of hostilities" talks in Geneva fail. The four-seat Northrop Grumman EA-6B Prowler, the electronics warfare version of the old A-6 Intruder, was designed to jam enemy radars but has been used in Iraq to disrupt enemy communications and counter improvised explosive devices. The Navy retired its Prowlers last year in favor of the EA-18G Growler, the electronics warfare version of the FA-18 Super Hornet, but the Marine Corps expects to continue flying the Prowlers through 2019. The Marine Prowlers from U.S European Command arrived at the Incuirlik airbase in Turkey on Wednesday, the command said in a statement. Using another acronym for ISIS, the command said that the Prowlers from Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 4 (VMAQ-4) would "support electronic attack requirements associated with ongoing counter-ISIL operations in support of Operation Inherent Resolve." The command didn't say how many of the aircraft deployed but a Prowler squadron usually numbers six aircraft. The deployment was expected to last through September. -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. Same-sex spouses will now be able to accompany U.S. service members on overseas tours to South Korea, according to Defense Department documents. The paperwork was obtained and released by the American Military Partners Association, a Washington, D.C.-based organization that advocates on behalf of gay military families. "A huge burden has been lifted off of the shoulders of so many of our military families," Ashley Broadway-Mack, president of the association, said in a press release. "This is incredibly welcome news for so many service members and their families who now don't have to go through extraordinary lengths to stay together." Although gay spouses became eligible for U.S. military benefits in 2013, they're often still not permitted to join the family members at overseas duty stations due to restrictive status of forces agreements with the host countries. Because many countries don't recognize same-sex marriage -- a hot-button political and religious issue around the world -- they don't allow American same-sex dependents as part of their agreements. South Korea, which hosts about 30,000 American troops, had been the last major U.S. host country to deny the special visa used by command-sponsored dependents overseas that allows them to stay continuously in the country. Typically family members who follow a service member to a host country without command sponsorship are unable to use base services, including the commissary and Exchange. However, because of a 2013 decision by U.S. Forces Korea, gay military families who chose to go to South Korea could still use base facilities. But without South Korea's buy-in, stateside officials could not grant to those families sponsorship and the perks that come with it, like travel funding, housing and special vias. Germany began granting sponsorship in August of last year, while Italy changed its rules in July of 2014. The majority of the nations that continue to prohibit command sponsorship of gay U.S. military families are locations where homosexuality is illegal, such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia. -- Amy Bushatz can be reached at amy.bushatz@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @amy.bushatz. Senate lawmakers on Thursday once again signaled to the Veterans Affairs Department they want VA doctors able to talk to patients about use of medical marijuana. By a 20-10 bipartisan vote, the Senate Appropriations Committee passed an amendment to the military construction and veterans legislation allowing agency doctors to make recommendations to vets on the use of medical marijuana -- something they can't do now even in states where cannabis prescriptions are legal. "We should be doing everything we can to make life easier for our veterans," Sen. Jeff Merkley, a Democrat from Oregon, said in a statement. "Prohibiting VA doctors from talking to their patients about medical marijuana just doesn't make sense. The VA shouldn't be taking legal treatment options off the table for veterans." Medical marijuana is being prescribed in some states for symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, even though its effectiveness remains questionable. The legislative amendment was sponsored by Merkley and Sen. Steve Daines, a Republican from Montana, who successfully got the same amendment through the committee in November, only to see it stripped from the bill by House lawmakers a month later. The latest language still has to be considered by the full Senate and then be sent once more to the House for approval. The VA won't comment on the lawmakers' actions on medical marijuana, but its website quotes a report by Marcel Bonn-Miller of the National Center for PTSD at the VA Medical Center in Palo Alto, California, and Glenna Rousseau of the VA Medical Center in White River Junction, Vermont, dismissing marijuana as useful in treating veterans. "Controlled studies have not been conducted to evaluate the safety or effectiveness of medical marijuana for PTSD," the report states. "Thus, there is no evidence at this time that marijuana is an effective treatment for PTSD. In fact, research suggests that marijuana can be harmful to individuals with PTSD." The federal government in 2014 approved a study on medical marijuana to be conducted by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies, a California-based nonprofit research center. But the research hasn't yet been completed. -- Bryant Jordan can be reached at bryant.jordan@military.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BryantJordan. The head of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America is criticizing President Barack Obama for his unwillingness to oppose planned cuts to the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Paul Rieckhoff, founder and chief executive officer of the organization, known as IAVA, on Thursday called on all lawmakers and the president to say where they stood on House legislation that will cut in half the housing allowance for students attending college on a parent's GI Bill. The move could mean a loss of anywhere from a few hundred dollars to upwards of $2,000 a month, depending on where the child attends school. "This is extremely disappointing to hear from our commander in chief," Rieckhoff told Military.com on Friday. "You cannot be neutral on a moving train. We need him to stand strong. He stood with us when we passed the GI Bill in 2008. We need him to stand with us now in defending it. "This is a no-brainer for the President," he added. In response to Military.com's request for the president's position on the proposed cut, White House spokeswoman Ruvin Hallie said, "We'll decline to comment on this." Rieckhoff and representatives from other veterans groups rallied on Capitol Hill with half a dozen Democrat lawmakers who already have pledged to fight the cut, among them Reps. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii and Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, all of whom are Iraq War veterans. The cuts in the housing allowance are being used to fund other veterans programs, including improvements to postnatal care for female veterans, expanded K-9 therapy for veterans suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder, the reauthorization of the VA work-study program and removal of the cap on VA home loan guarantees. But critics, including lawmakers at the event, slammed the move, saying it amounts "robbing Peter to pay Paul." None of the speakers oppose the new or expanded programs, but believe Congress should come up with the money from elsewhere. Rieckhoff said that Obama, as the grandson of a World War II veteran, knows the importance of the GI Bill. "He's always been an ally and we hope he'll be an ally again" on this, he said. -- Bryant Jordan can be reached at Bryant.jordan@military.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BryantJordan. Giants reliever Sergio Romo will be placed on the 15-day DL after being diagnosed with a flexor strain in his right elbow, Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle was among those to report on Twitter. Romo will not even resume throwing for two weeks, at which time hell be reevaluated before being cleared, so hell almost certainly be out longer than the minimum. Romo had been generating typically strong results in his first several outings, but there were some warnings signs. His swinging strike rate is down quite a bit, and Romo has only recorded one strikeout in four appearances. Of greater concern, he has lost around 1.5 to 2 miles per hour on all of his offerings as against his 2015 average velocities. Its not clear at this point how long of an absence is to be expected, but as Alex Pavlovic of CSNBayArea.com notes, a similar malady cost righty Matt Cain a full three months last season. Of course, Cain had to rebuild his pitch count in a way that Romo wont need to, but that experience shows the potential that this kind of injury has. Fellow reliever Carson Smith of the Red Sox is still working back from his own version of the impairment suffered over three weeks ago. San Francisco will surely also try to avoid risking further injury by rushing a return. Certainly, its far from uncharted territory, and there are clear risks. Doug Fister suffered a velocity decline after his return from a flexor strain last year, while Cliff Lee was shelved for the year in 2014 after he suffered a flexor tear upon his return from a two-month DL stint for a strain. It appears that Cory Gearrin will move up the depth charts into a more prominent set-up role in Romos stead. Of course, the club can also turn to high-powered righty Hunter Strickland in front of closer Santiago Casilla, so theres sufficient depth on hand for the time being. Its not yet clear which minor leaguer will be summoned to occupy Romos active roster spot, but San Francisco appears to be weighing a variety of options. Nothing is more frustrating than looking back at the past and seeing what should have been obvious at the time. Except maybe when companies talk as though the past did not happen at all. Nicolas Negroponte explained to us in the 1980s that TV and voice were going to switch as a result of technology. We were going to get our TV on wired connections and voice was going to become wireless. Today, there is the effort to have everything be wireless. It sounds good, except the reality is that wireless has not found a pricing model that makes it capable of carrying all the traffic. A recent article in the Detroit News pointed out that in 2014, the U.S. wireless industry posted its first decline in revenue, even though the data service subscription grew. In the article the claim is made that wireless is ready for video, and they point to AT&Ts acquisition of DirecTV as comparable to other carriers video solutions. However, what they fail to realize is how different the AT&T deal is from the other players. While Verizons purchase of AOL and perhaps Yahoo puts it into the content business, it does not come with an alternate delivery service (i.e.; satellite). Wireless efforts to find alternative backhaul services and expand to small cells, and to shift the burden to alternate networks shows that wireless cannot manage the consumption economically yet. I have been making the point to some friends that are gung ho for NFV that if there is no connection to the services, the deployment is not going to solve the bandwidth management problem. Seamus Hourihan used to try to explain that we are in age of session management. While that is true for the IP side of the connection, we are still managing bandwidth strategies. Someday the communications path will truly be virtualized. For today, we are still in flux. That leaves opportunities for Ingenu, LoRa, SigFox and Wi-Fi. Existing carriers are looking for solutions and are not beyond partnering with alternatives. Eventually normalization will be found and many strategies will be abandoned. If anyone lived through the 1996 boom, they will recognize the cycle. Reports say the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has hauled the organiser of the spiritual contest between Bishop Daniel Obinim and a fetish priest by name Okomfo Yaw Appiah before a Kumasi High Court for not seeking permission to use the Jubilee Park for the event. It has not been proven whether or not the organiser, Bawuah Abesiriwa, a radio presenter of Boss FM, actually sought permission to use the park but reports say that is why the KMA is dragging him to court. On Monday evening, Bawuah Abesiriwa hosted Bishop Obinim and Okomfo Appiah on Boss FM in Kumasi. The two, after several minutes of arguing and bragging on who had more power, agreed to meet Tuesday noon for the spiritual contest. Obinim ordered the 41-year-old fetish priest to come along with a coffin because he won't leave the event grounds alive. The fetish priest also asked the man of God to do as he had ordered. Among the terms of the contest was that the loser would be buried in a coffin. . The so-called spiritual father of Bishop Obinim, Okomfo Yaw Appiah, warned 'his spiritual son' to be wary of his utterances and mannerisms. Bishop Obinim was heard on a tape recording, a couple of days ago, throwing a challenge to the priest to meet him at a place they would both exhibit their spiritual prowess to the awe of a large crowd. Per the rules of the 'contest', Obinim and Nana Appiah were to lie in the coffin for 30 minutes, in addition to other rituals that would be performed, to determine the one who would survive and who was superior. Obinim told the crowd that he was daring the priest to show up in the coming days or he would be compelled to storm his (priest's) residence to prove a point. But in a radio interview later, Okomfo Nana Appiah said he was prevented by the police from showing up at the grounds because the contest could be 'bloody'. He told ghanacrusader.com: I am not afraid of Obinim and I am ready to face him anytime and expose him. Source: GhanaCrusader 15.04.2016 LISTEN Listening to radio in Ghana before the days of privatisation and commercialization of the Ghanaian airwaves was to some extent awesome, due to the standard-style of radio presenting or presentation by the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation. Even though the airwaves were arguably good, decent, smooth and iconic by all international standards, it was a bit monopolised by the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation henceforth the liberalisation of the airwaves brought freedom and happiness to all radio enthusiasts. The liberalisation of the airwaves brought in its wake, some fresh air about how different and diverse radio presentation can be. The likes of, in no particular order Joy FM, GROOVE FM, CHOICE FM in Accra as well as LUV FM, OTEC FM and KAPITAL FM in Kumasi showed expertly how radio should be tailored towards it potential audience or listeners, whereby making radio presentation and listenership an art form. Suddenly other stations started popping up, but instead of researching to come up with thought provoking and compelling ways to present their shows, most decided to copy the other established stations art form, thereby making radio listening in Ghana very cumbersome and samey. Although the airwaves are still choked with radio stations doing the same thing at the same time, however it now behoves on the individual presenter or host, to fine-tune their art of radio presenting or presentation to refresh the quality of delivery to listeners. A case in point, Chauffeur PB to the rescue: is how Prince Benjamin of Class FM does his radio-links during his show-the Class-Drive. He does it so effortlessly so that segueing to another song becomes ordinary service. And that is the medium through which all sorts of music or songs could be played, irrespective of the pitch or tempo. This art is unlike a typical DJ who would miss all sorts of songs due to the songs tempo thereby marginalising certain music with certain tempos, all to the detriment and cost of a given artiste. The Minister for Petroleum says a technical investigation of the condition of the turret bearing on the FPSO Kwame Nkrumah confirms that the bearing has been seriously damaged. Emmanuel Armah Kofi Buah says Jubilee Fields lead partners, Tullow Oil, has assured the government that oil production and gas export can continue but under revised operating and off-take procedures. The turret bearing is no longer able to rotate as originally designed. The Minister spoke with Joy Business after a visit to the FPSO Kwame Nkrumah to understand the extent of the problem. The Petroleum minister explained that production from the FPSO is expected to will re-start by April 23. A root cause analysis is ongoing and a project team is assessing to find a long-term solution to the operational problems on the FPSO. The country Manager for Tullow Ghana Mr Charlse Darko said, the FPSO Kwame Nkrumah has now been placed on "heading control" through the use of tugs which minimise vessel movement around the bearing. He added that, new operating procedures, including the use of a dynamically-positioned shuttle tanker (capacity of 250,000 barrels of oil) and a storage tanker (capacity of 1 million barrels of oil), are being implemented to assure safe production and off-take operations. According to Mr Darko, although all necessary equipment for the new operating procedures, including the two tankers, are in place, it is important that additional time and due care is taken to implement new procedures and receive required approvals. Darko said, safety and protecting the environment remain Tullows key priorities. Tullow currently estimates that production from the FPSO will re-start in approximately two weeks time and will also take time to ramp-up. Tullows production guidance will be re-issued once the new operating arrangements have stabilised. 15.04.2016 LISTEN Deputy Managing Director of Activa International Insurance, Mr. Solomon Lartey, has said that Activa would continue to make available to Ghanaian businesses those same world class insurance services and products that companies in the United States of America, Europe, Canada or in any advanced country would enjoy. Mr. Lartey said this when he delivered a brief speech at the launch of the 5th AGI Ghana Industry Awards held at the Labadi Beach Hotel, Accra on Tuesday, 12th April, 2016. He said, Activa, which is the major sponsor of the upcoming AGI Awards, has for the past couple of years, opted to support the Association of Ghana Industries awards for two reasons: 1 What we are and 2 What the Ghanaian industrial sector needs (in terms of risk management and insurance security). Activa International Insurance is a member of the Pan African Insurance Group Group Activa; the originator of the Globus Network through which we are able to provide tailor-made insurance solutions to various industry players in over 40 African countries. This means that we bridge Legal, Linguistic, Monetary and Cultural barriers, which are essential ingredients in doing business globally, Mr. Lartey added. Activa is rated in the A category by Messrs Global Credit Rating of South Africa and is the insurance company of the year, 2014 (AGI). Activa International Insurance provides expert and world class client service backed by the best international financial security such as Munich Re, Swiss Re, Lloyds, Africa Re and Ghana Re among others. By virtue of its membership of the Globus Network, Activa is able to offer dedicated access to quality and reliable insurance services in over 40 African countries. Activas service is delivered by modern, dynamic, knowledge-based and efficient management systems backed by the state of the art information technology (IT) systems. We cross geographical and linguistic boundaries and have representation in 40 African countries spanning English, French, Arabic and Portuguese speaking Africa. We bring world class expertise and service delivery to the door-steps of local blue-chip and SME businesses in Ghana, Mr. Solomon Lartey explained. Under the theme: Growing Local Industry for Export Development and Job Creation, this years AGI Ghana Industry Awards was officially launched by Hon. Rashid Pelpuo, Minister of state in charge of Public-Private Partnership, and attended by AGI President, Mr. James Asare-Adjei, CEO of the AGI Mr. Seth Twum Akwaboa and captains of businesses in Ghana. President John Mahama has expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of secrecy among security agencies in the country following leakage of an internal memo from National Security confirming a planned terrorist attack on Ghana. Even though the President urged Ghanaians not to panic over the terror alert leaked to the media, he was unhappy with certain details contained in the memo. Speaking on GBC Sunrise FM in Koforidua, the Eastern Region capital on Thursday as part of his accounting to the people tour, he said it was unnecessary for the alert to be leaked to the media by the security agencies. I think that we must deal with this without creating panic amongst our people and that is why the stories we saw in the papers on Thursday are most unfortunate, the President said. The leaked security document reveals a Malian terrorist said to be the brain behind the attack on the Grand Bassam resort in Ivory Coast, during interrogation by Ivorian security officials, allegedly confessed that there was a planned to attack Ghana and Togo. Following that information, Ghana was put on a high alert. The suspected Malian terrorist was arrested after the attack on the Grand Bassam Hotel. However, President Mahama, who is unhappy about the alert leakage, assured that the nation's security agencies were well placed to deal with any form of threat. "We are preparing for any such eventuality but we need the alertness of the public; the public needs to be more alert today than before, if you see any strange person, any strange movement, you just need to report to the security services," President Mahama entreated. African leaders and development partners have agreed on a common approach for accelerating the provision of unique identification to millions of people in Africa as a means to foster more inclusive economies and greater regional integration. At a high-level meeting during the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings, representatives from the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, the East African Community, African Ministers of Finance, development partners and the World Bank Group committed to join efforts in providing identification to millions of people across Africa through a more integrated and regional approach. African Union Commission Deputy Chairperson H.E Mr. Erastus Mwencha noted that people have a right to legal identity and recognition which are essential prerequisites for decent work, livelihoods and well-being. Those issues are at the core of Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals, he said. However, H.E Mr. Mwencha emphasized on the need for enhanced access to technology, resources, as well as advocacy and capacity for the attainment of this project. The World Bank committed to work with countries in collaboration with the African Union and the Regional Economic Communities (RECs), to develop a set of harmonized standards to support inter-operability between national identification systems and mutual recognition of identification documents. World Bank Vice President for Africa Makhtar Diop underlined that Identification provides a foundation for other rights and gives a voice to the voiceless. He added, It is indispensable for ensuring access to education, financial services, and health and social benefits. The leaders observed that identification, whether through civil registries or other national identification systems, can foster inclusion and access to essential services such as health care and education, financial services, and safety net programs. It can enable a more efficient administration of public services, transparent decisions and improved governance. Identification also allows for more accurate measurement of development progress in areas such as reduction of maternal and infant mortality and ending epidemics. Globally, an estimated 1.5 billion people are unable to prove their official identity. This includes almost 170 million children under the age of five years. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest percentage of its population (around 37%) without a form of legal identification, as well as the highest rate of unregistered births (43% of 0-4 age group). ID4D initiative In 2014 the World Bank Group launched the Identification for Development (ID4D) initiative to support progress towards identification systems using the latest technological solutions. The ID4D agenda supports the achievement of the World Bank's two overarching goals ending extreme poverty by 2030 and promoting shared prosperity. The ID4D program has already completed country assessments in about a third of African countries and is engaging with client countries on advancing the effort and implementing integrated and inter-operable solutions. It is also developing regional partnerships to accelerate the agenda. Back from a fact-finding mission in Burundi, conducted in March 2016, FIDH and ITEKA condemn serious human rights violations in Burundi, mainly perpetrated by defence and security forces, against a background of ethnic and genocidal ideology. The ongoing crimes could already be qualified as crimes against humanity and there are now signs that the crisis could lead to acts of genocide. This crisis demands a strong response from the UN, notably through the deployment of a UN police and an international commission of inquiry to prevent mass atrocities. Since April 2015, 700 people have allegedly been killed, 4,300 have been arbitrarily detained, and several hundred people (800 according to some sources) have been forcily disappeared. Hundreds of other people have been tortured and dozens of women have been sexually assaulted. As a result of the conflict in Burundi, more than 250,000 Burundians have already fled the country. While the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon is set to submit options for the deployment of UN elements by 15 April, FIDH and ITEKA, call upon the international community, including the UN Security Council, to deploy an international police task force of at least 500 police officers with the objective of protecting civilians, stopping ongoing lethal violence, and preventing further armed clashes. FIDH and Iteka believe that if these trends continue, the African Union or the United Nations must send a peacekeeping force to end the violence and the repression of an increasingly genocidal nature. Array The South Sudanese government must end arbitrary detentions by the intelligence agency under which dozens of men are being held in squalid conditions without charge or trial sometimes for months on end, said Amnesty International days before opposition leader Riek Machar is due to return to the capital Juba as part of a peace deal requiring the parties to the conflict to form a national unity government. Amnesty International has compiled a list of 35 men arbitrarily detained by the National Security Service (NSS) at its headquarters in the Jebel neighbourhood of Juba. Some of the detainees have been held for close to two years, without access to lawyers and with very limited access to their families and the outside world. The list, published as part of a briefing Denied protection of the law: National Security Service detention in Juba, South Sudan, includes a former state governor, a 65-year-old university professor, a Ugandan aid worker and a journalist employed by UN-run Radio Miraya. These detainees lack access to adequate food, medical care and sanitary facilities. NSS have also beaten detainees, particularly in the days following their initial arrest, said Sarah Jackson, Amnesty International's Deputy Regional Director for East Africa, the Horn and the Great Lakes. Regardless of whether the unity government comes to pass, the authorities must ensure an end to these dark days of prolonged arbitrary detentions that violate both the South Sudanese Transitional Constitution and international law. Amnesty International believes there are other detainees in the NSS headquarters and that these 35 men represent only a small fraction of those currently under arbitrary detention due to their perceived political leanings. These detainees and others held without charge must immediately be released, or charged with a recognizable offence before a competent civilian court, said Sarah Jackson. The government should also initiate prompt, effective and impartial investigations into NSS detention practices and limit the agency's activities to intelligence gathering and analysis. 15.04.2016 LISTEN I have not had such a quiet moment, peaceful and serene atmosphere to watch for some time now in Accra but I experienced that on Easter Thursday morning as I sat on my veranda in Twenedurase up on the Kwahu scarp. I had left Accra on Wednesday to my hometown to prepare to receive some visitors and therefore I was alone as other siblings and relations who normally join the family celebrations had not arrived. As I drove up on the snaky mountain road taking turns carefully to Twenedurase, I started sweating because the weather was too warm contrary to my expectations even though there had been some rains prior to my arrival. Luckily, the good LORD blessed us with a heavy downpour of rain on Wednesday evening and the weather on Thursday morning especially, the cold breeze, the fog, the sounds of early morning birds and other earthly creatures was so beautiful. In that quiet moment my mind drifted to the history of the crucifixion of our LORD JESUS CHIRST and reflecting on the humiliation, insults, beating, false accusations etc. he suffered at the hands of the very people he came to save, it became very clear that to be a leader and for that matter a GOOD LEADER, the suffering of our LORD JESUS CHRIST should serve as a great reminder. In my last piece on Independence without selfless leadership my former boss General Edwin Sam, called me and said Joe, that was a good piece but I have never known you to be a preacher. Yes, I have never preached in the pulpit before but poor leadership, the bane of the suffering of our people has made me a preacher. Then I started wondering why some little minds hate NANA ADDO DANKWA AKUFO ADDO with such a passion that they have been trying desperately to criminalise or bastardise the name no matter how crudely they execute that mischief. They have accused him of so many bad things and all have fallen flat. Clutching onto straws, they are desperately saying that the man is violent'' and this will also not work. The mention of the name simply sends shock waves through their spinal cords which affect their mental faculties leading to failure of their destructive plans because they lack intelligence, foresight and professionalism. The accusation that Nana is DESPERATELY bent on becoming the President of Ghana is so infantile and akin to the kettle calling the pot black. The deliberations at the Supreme Court trial on 2012 elections revealed who desperately hung on to the Presidency by rigging the polls. Prof Wole Soyinka said I despise that species of humanity whose stock-in-trade is to concoct lies simply to score a point, win an argument, puff up his or her own ego, denigrate or attempt to destroy a fellow being. However, even within such deplorable species, a special pit of universal opprobrium is surely reserved for those who even lack the courage of their own lies, but must foist them on others. The arrest, detention, prosecution and deportation of the three South African ex-Police Officers for endangering the national security demonstrated how naive and jittery some people are concerning matters of national security. National Security has become a contentious issue in the country of late because of recent terrorist attacks in some neighbouring countries, and of course, the compassion forced on us to smuggle two known terrorists from the US in mysterious circumstances as special guests to this country. The handling of National security issues in developed countries is so professional that it is devoid of trivialities, mediocrity, propaganda and politics. Unfortunately in Ghana the arena is dominated by experts whose credentials and experiences are difficult to establish. The three main reasons undermining the management of national security are that firstly, every issue is politicised. Secondly, understanding of the concept of national security is misplaced and thirdly, the myopic view of national security as exclusive preserve of the state security apparatus of Ghana Armed Forces, BNI, Police, Immigration and Fire Service and consequently the solutions to problems of national security is approached and executed militarily with trepidation in Gestapo style. National security is a concept that a government, along with its parliaments or legislative bodies, protects the state and its citizens against all kinds of national crises through a variety of power projections, such as political power, diplomacy, economic power, military might, and so on. The concept developed mostly in the United States after World War II. Initially focusing on military might, it now encompasses a broad range of facets, all of which impinge on the non-military or economic security of the nation and the values espoused by the national society. Accordingly, in order to possess national security, a nation needs to possess economic security, energy security, environmental security, etc. Security threats involve not only conventional foes such as other nation-states but also non-state actors such as violent non-state actors, narcotic cartels, multinational corporations and non-governmental organisations. Some authorities include natural disasters and events causing severe environmental damage in this category. Measures taken to ensure national security therefore include the use of diplomacy to rally allies and isolate threats, development of economic power to facilitate or compel cooperation, maintenance of effective armed forces, development of energy security, establishment of emergency preparedness measures (including anti-terrorism legislation), ensure the resilience of critical infrastructure, use intelligence services to detect and defeat or avoid threats and espionage, and to protect classified information using counter intelligence services to protect the nation from internal threats. When modern social scientists talk of the concept, they generally mean the ability of a nation to protect its internal values from external threats. . Ghana's national security threats therefore include massive unemployment, morale degeneration of the youth, illiteracy, corruption, DUMSOR, proliferation of small arms, government's excessive borrowing, narcotic trade, collapse of the national health insurance scheme, unavailability of national identification cards, poverty, migration of our educated youth to foreign lands etc. The IMF's announcement that Ghana is BROKE is a very serious THREAT to our national security. From these, it should be obvious to the ordinary Ghanaian that solutions to national security are so complex and go beyond the arrest and detention of innocent people on flimsy charges. In developed countries when activities of citizens and other nationals are suspected to undermine the national security, they are monitored, investigated secretly and then arrests are made when the suspicions are confirmed to avoid embarrassments as we have experienced recently. The charge of the three ex-South African Police officers under the pretext of endangering our national security and their subsequent deportation were very embarrassing and a dent on our democratic credentials. The trial was not allowed to continue for two reasons among others. Firstly, the secrets of STL operations which involved the collation and rigging of 2012 elections for the NDC could have been exposed badly to the embarrassment of the Government. Secondly, the repercussions from South Africa belatedly dawned on the authorities and they developed cold feet to prosecute the South Africans. If the Government had a case, the South Africans should have been prosecuted and not deported. In Ghana most of the issues we refer to as threats to national security are purely Police responsibilities and examples are the investigations into JB's murder, the arrests of the three South Africans, Pakistanis and recently the Managing Director of Granite and Marbles. National security matters are not panic driven and recent actions are nothing short of harassment and intimidation of innocent citizens and as usual Ghanaians are looking on. The arrest of the South Africans was politically hyped because it involved the training of security personnel of Nana Addo and his Vice and therefore enough to classify it as a threat to national security. Some of the so called experts jumped into the fray to accuse NPP of wrong doing overlooking the fact that other Security Companies in this country do import professionals from other countries to train their personnel. If Ghanaians can be forced to live with known international terrorists, why can't we live with our brothers from South Africa? Recent events in our country do suggest a deliberate attempt to divert attention from serious national issues such as the review of the Voter Register, national strikes by state institutions, the empty coffers of the State, unemployment, excessive taxation and many others. The politicisation of national security issues and the unprofessional manner in which some matters are being handled must be the concern of all Ghanaians. The security institutions must not be politicised but must be encouraged to work independently, guard their mandates jealously and resist usurpation of their responsibilities by other security institutions who seem to be under the spell of greedy bastards. The world suffers a lot not because of the VIOLENCE of bad people but because of the SILENCE of good people (Napoleon). By Brig-Gen J. Odei It has emerged that the design the Electoral Commission (EC) intends to use as its new logo is that of an educational and career counselling centre in Turkey. The Turkish institute may be smiling all the way to the bank if the EC goes ahead to outdoor the 'stolen' logo, since the owner may sue for theft of intellectual property. The yet-to-be-launched logo, which activist Kinna Likimani says looks like children going to play basket ball, came to light on Tuesday when the EC organised a workshop for journalists on election reportage in Accra. It is meant to replace the original logo of the Commission, which is made up of the national insignia the coat of arms and a hand casting a ballot. A day after the story about the logo broke, Manasseh Azure Awuni of Joy FM posted a picture of the centre with the name and same logo as that which the EC wants to outdoor, saying, This is an educational and career counselling centre in Ankara, Turkey. Check the Turkey's Logo: Plagiarism The only difference in the EC-plagiarised logo, which a huge sum of money has allegedly been spent on, is the colour variations. The EC is yet to disclose how the logo was selected and how much was paid for the creative concept and who was the brain behind the design. The logo, which does not depict anything of Ghanaian heritage or anything which has to do with the EC, has so far come under criticisms but the EC is yet to come out to defend its decision. Mrs Opoku-Amankwaa, Deputy Chairperson of the EC in-charge of Finance and Administration, who addressed the media during the press conference, claimed that the logo went through a lot of processes and considerations before eventually being accepted. Some have also said the EC's decision to change its existing logo is to provide an opportunity for some individuals or group of persons to fleece the nation like it happened in the infamous Metro Mass bus branding saga which made actress and known supporter of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Selassie Ibrahim, take a huge sum of money. But the explanation given by Mrs Opoku-Amankwaa to the effect that the new logo was part of the process to rebrand the Commission and that it would be launched sometime this month was what gave people like Likimani, the blogger, cause to worry and subsequently stoked a debate over the propriety of the decision. . Issues But branding expert Nii Odartey Hutton-Mills insists the Electoral Commission could have opted for a more meaningful logo than what it is planning to launch. The controversial design, he said, looks like a group of people who are happy. In his estimation, the new design would have been a starting point for any firm and that it wouldn't be an end product. In a television interview, Mr Hutton-Mills, who is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Bold Advertising, expressed frustration as to what the EC aimed to achieve with a change in logo since you can do rebranding by changing colour. Some opposition political parties have seen the new logo as a waste of time. According to them, rather than addressing issues relevant to the November 2016 polls, the EC is interested in unnecessary things such as its logo. Speaking to Joy Fm, General Secretary of the People's National Congress (PNC), Atik Mohammed, said the EC should not compare itself to a corporate institution which is bothered about its logo and how to change it from time to time. Rather, he said, The Commission should be interested in its image in the public and how it is going to address the dwindling confidence of Ghanaians in its activities. Merely changing logo has no prospect, he said, adding that the change in the EC's logo rather makes its image in the public worse. Mockery Director of Elections of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Martin Adjei-Mensah Korsah, made mockery of the issue when it came up for discussion on Accra-based Oman FM's 'National Agenda' morning show programme. He could not fathom why the EC would focus on such trivialities when it had not been able to resolve the standoff over how to clean the existing electoral roll ahead of the November general election. Policy Advisor of the Progressive People's Party (PPP), Kofi Asamoah Siaw, said the controversy surrounding the EC's new logo had come about because the new design doesn't pass for excellent. He said many people have accused the Commission of plagiarism, adding that it could have avoided that if it had given the design of the logo to junior high school (JHS) students. By Charles Takyi-Boadu Nana Kwadwo Twum, Kontihene of Sefwi Bekwai Traditional Area exchanging pleasantries with Akufo-Addo Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has assured Ghanaians that a New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration under his leadership will fashion out well thought-out and thorough solutions to the myriad problems confronting the country. Against the backdrop of an economy in tatters, declining agricultural and manufacturing sectors, coupled with the inability of Ghanaian youth to find jobs, rising cost of living, widespread and rampant corruption and a collapsed National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the 2016 presidential candidate of the NPP has urged Ghanaians not to lose hope in the ability of the country to offer its citizens a decent living. We in the NPP have the solutions to the problems of our country. We will harness the abundant human and natural resources of our nation to put Ghana onto a much better pedestal than she is at the moment, so we can generate wealth for all Ghanaians and jobs for the teeming masses of unemployed youth, he said. Nana Akufo-Addo made this known when he paid a courtesy call on the chief of Anhwiaso in the Western Region, Ogye Ahohuo Yaw Gyebi II, enroute to the final funeral rites of Odeneho Gyapong Ababio II, Omanhene of the Sefwi Bekwai Traditional Area and former President of the National House of Chiefs. He continued, I am therefore appealing to you to have confidence in me and repose your trust in the NPP. If you give me the opportunity to serve this nation, I assure you that I will not disappoint you. We are coming to work for the prosperity of our country, and not to line our pockets with the wealth of our nation. Tribute to Odeneho Ababio . Whilst at the palace of the chief of Anhwiaso, Nana Akufo-Addo paid glowing tribute to the late Odeneho Gyapong Ababio II, the reason for his presence in the Bibiani/Anhwiaso/Bekwai constituency. He maintained that the late chief would be remembered as a stalwart in the annals of Ghana's history. He made a significant contribution to the development of our country. He was President of the National House of Chiefs, member of the Council of State under President Kufuor and former Chairman of the Cocoa Marketing Board (Cocobod). He was also my good friend, the NPP flagbearer recalled. With the final funeral rites for the late chief taking place on Friday, April 15 the same day as the funeral for the late JB Danquah-Adu, the slain MP for Abuakwa North in the Eastern Region Nana Akufo-Addo stated, I therefore, decided to come here today, together with the leadership of the NPP, to pay our last respects to Odeneho. With some six months to the holding of this year's elections, Nana Akufo-Addo thanked the chiefs and people of Anhwiaso for their continued support for the NPP and further encouraged them to vote massively for him in the presidential election, and for Kingsley Aboagye Gyedu in the parliamentary poll. Ogye Ahohuo Yaw Gyebi II thanked Nana Akufo-Addo for his visit and prayed, God grant you your heart's desire. The massive crowd you see gathered here this morning, including the chiefs, is because of the love they have for you. He expressed his condolences to the NPP on the demise of the party's former Chairman, Jake Otanka Obetsebi Lamptey, and the late JB Danquah-Adu. The traditional ruler lamented the poor condition of roads in the town, and appealed to Nana Akufo-Addo to remember us when the people of Ghana entrust you with their mandate. Nana Addo was accompanied by the MP for Bibiani/Anhwiaso/Bekwai, Kingsley Aboagye Gyedu; MP for Kwadaso, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto and the parliamentary candidate for Sefwi Wiawso, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie. By D.I. Laary,GNA Accra , April 14, GNA - The AI Oil continues to offer the lowest ex-pump prices, selling a litre of petrol at GHa3.2700 and GHa3.2300 for diesel, in the latest fuel prices ranking released by Energy Ghana. The local oil retail company topped the list of 24 in the previous ranking in March, quoting a litre of petrol at GHa3.2300 and GHa3.1000 for diesel. It displaced conglomerates such as TOTAL, SHELL, ENGEN, and GOIL who were among the list of companies charging the highest prices. The April chart released to the Ghana News Agency ranked 17 oil marketing companies with MAXXON and ENGEN quoting the highest price for both products [petrol and diesel], selling a litre of petrol for GHa3.5200 and diesel, GHa3.4100. The chart also showed that TOTAL, SHELL, MODEX and GOIL are quoting the same price for petrol, which is being sold at GHa4.4700 and diesel, GHa3.3300. Competition in Ghana's fuel sector intensified after the government deregularised the oil industry last year. Ghana passed an oil price liberalisation law in 2005 enabling industry players, bulk distribution and marketing companies to come on board in the importation and sale of petroleum products. The policy obliges both importers and dealers to fix their prices in accordance with demand and supply forces. Energy Ghana, a subsidiary of Energy Media Group, unveiled fuel app in the beginning of the year, which enables consumers to compare fuel prices charged by different supplies amid growing competition in the industry. The Gh Fuel Prices app ranks oil firms according to their pricing structures and updates users on the cost of diesel and petrol on a regular basis. "The app gives fuel consumers a good deal at the most economic prices and enabled them have value for their money while encouraging tough competition," Henry Teinor, the Energy Media Group chief executive officer had said. "It provides oil and gas pricing information to consumers by offering comprehensive information to oil users to make informed choices and boost fair price war in the Ghanaian oil market.' GNA 15.04.2016 LISTEN Accra, April 14, GNA - Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, has charged young professionals in the country to use the knowledge they have acquired to solve problems. He said as professionals they have had long periods of training, which prepared them for the leadership task of the nation. Vice President Amissah-Arthur gave the task when he launched the 'Young Professional (YP) for John Mahama and Amissah-Arthur 2016' at the University of Professional Studies (UPSA), Legon. The YP for John Mahama and Amissah-Arthur 2016 is a group formed by young professionals to canvas for votes for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) on tertiary campuses and communities across the country. Vice President Amissah-Arthur also asked the young professionals to be confident and take away any form of fear among them in order to succeed. He said as leaders they must be able to identify problems and send feedback to the government on the impact of national policy. He said this year's election decision on November 7 by Ghanaians would be based on the test of leadership, corruption, economic management and security of the state. Vice President Amissah-Arthur also stated that the NDC is the only political party, which does not look at once background, religion and ethnicity to be given the platform to excel. He said the NDC as a social democratic party has a principle to create opportunities and making it inclusive for all citizens. He urged the youth not be distracted by things they hear from the opposition but work for the victory of the party in the 2016 elections. Vice President Amissah-Arthur said the development that has taken place under the various NDC governments over the past 25 years has led to improvements in the living standard of the people, leading to the decline of poverty. He said the country has made major gains in health, access to health and education, and the service sector has become the largest sector in the economy. According to Vice President Amissah-Arthur the first of term President Mahama's tenure was to development infrastructure while the second term would be to create jobs. He said even in the first term a significant amount of jobs has been created and many facilities have been supported to create jobs such as GYEEDA and MASLOG. Ms Lawrencia Abena Wurah, Founder of Young Professional stated that the objective for forming the group is to engage YP out there who for one reason or the other have not been able to publicly declare their support for the NDC but have at all times voted for the party. She said NDC remains the true definition of a party for the masses where the youth are given the space and platform to excel. She stated that President Mahama has worked diligently to transform the country and that the YP would work very hard to ensure victory in 2016. Mr Edudzie Tamakloe, Greater Accra Youth Organiser of the NDC stated that the YP has a critical role to play in ensuring victory for the party this year's elections. He urged the YP to avail themselves to the party as polling agents for the NDC in the November 7, elections. Later, Vice President Amissah-Arthur presented a Nissan Navarra pickup to the group to help them run their activities. GNA By Kodjo Adams, GNA Accra, April 14, GNA - Professor Mandi Rukuni, Director Barefoot Education for Afrika Trust (BEAT), an NGO has commended African governments for instituting agricultural policies but urged them to be proactive in implementing the policies. He said it is imperative for African governments to have in place proper mechanisms that would ensure that agricultural policies are implemented in an efficient and effective manner. Speaking at meeting in Accra on strengthening agricultural policy practice in Africa, Prof Rukuni said there is the need to develop strategies for strengthening policy practice by first publishing the patterns and trends. He explained that policy practice required institutional capacity and effectiveness to coordinate, advocate, formulate, implement, follow up, review and continually update policies of national interest. Prof Rukuni said BEAT with support from The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) since 2014 has helped to Strengthen Agricultural Policy Practice in Africa (SAPPA) initiative. He explained that BEAT is currently completing the piloting of SAPPA as a country self-assessment tool for agricultural policy practice in three countries: Ghana, Mozambique and Tanzania. Prof Rukuni noted that BEAT and AGRA recognised that there has been an enduring absence of Africa-led policy initiatives since many African agricultural policies are not implemented. He explained that the emphasis on policy practice is to address policy formulation and implementation, saying the long-term goal of SAPPA initiative is to create an enabling environment that supports smallholder farmers to increase productivity, profitability and social welfare. The Professor said it is incumbent on African governments to build greater commitment towards policy implementation and strengthen agricultural policy practice, reduce cost of implementation and increase confidence to implement policies using existing resources. He called for self-assessment by countries instead of waiting to be assessed by others or relying on international rating agencies and give priority to policies that could be implemented with existing knowledge and resources. He urged governments to engagement farmers, producers, entrepreneurs at different points of policy implementation. Dr George Owusu Essegbey, Director for Council for Scientific and Industrial Research/Science and Technology Policy Research Institute CSIR-STEPRI, sharing the experiences of Ghana's quest in strengthening policy practice, said the country has many policies but are weak in formulation, which needed attention. Dr Essegbey called on Ghana to strengthen and build capacity of respective institutions to effectively implement the policies and other related action plans to sustain Africa's agriculture. Dr Agnes Kalibata, President of AGRA, said agriculture is the most important sector in sub-Saharan Africa and that there is the need to put in place effective regulatory policies to improve the agriculture sector. She said there is urgent need for the African Union and the National governments through the Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme aligned with national strategies to roll out policies to reduce climate change. GNA By Nana Osei Kyeretwie, GNA Sunyani, April 14, GNA - The Maternal Child Health (MCH) focal person of World Health Organisation (WHO), Ghana, Dr. Roseline Doe, on Thursday stated that women and children were the most affected by health care inequities and inadequacies. Dr. Doe made the statement when speaking on the topic 'Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health in the Africa Contest' at the opening of the 2015 Family Health Division (FHD) of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) annual review meeting in Sunyani. The four-day national meeting on the theme, 'Integrating Services for Better Outcomes' was attended by about 120 participants that comprised staff of the Division, Regional Public Health Nurses, Regional Health Promotion Officers, Regional Nutrition Officers and Deputy Regional Directors in-charge of Public Health. Other participants were Regional Directors of Health Services, representatives of the National Population Council, Ghana Education Service, the Department for International Development of the United Kingdom and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Systems for Health. It was to assess the Division's performance for 2015, share best practices, set new targets and strategise to achieve them in 2016 and beyond. Dr. Doe said, world-designed Universal Health Coverage (UHC) programmes must therefore have basic essential service packages that provided core reproductive, maternal and child health services. She said, services provided in the context of UHC that were integrated and went right down to the community level enhanced utilisation and promote better outcomes. This she explained required deliberate policy decisions to involve all relevant stakeholders in both private and public sectors, adding that, all sectors including health, education, transport and environment must be brought on board. 'There is the need for political commitment, she said and stressed that governments must prioritise health care for women, children and adolescents and must be willing to spend money on healthcare'. Dr. Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director of FHD said quality of maternal death audit remained poor because 2015 was 77.6 percent, representing a slight reduction of 3.1 percent of 80.7 percent recorded in 2014. Dr. Kuma-Aboagye said maternal and perinatal death audited trainings were ongoing in some regions with support from partners like USAID Systems for Health. He advised service providers to use the lessons learnt as guidance to improve on quality of maternal and newborn care to prevent avoidable maternal and newborn deaths. Dr. Kuma-Aboagye mentioned the launch of the maiden edition of adolescent health advocacy week under the theme 'Adolescent Pregnancy, a Shared Responsibility' at Techiman in the Brong-Ahafo Region as one of the achievements of the Division. He said the objective was to sentisise the general public on adolescent health issues in general and specifically on the increased adolescent pregnancies with Volta and Brong-Ahafo Regions topping the list with 22.1 per cent and 21.3 per cent respectively in the country. GNA Accra, April 14, GNA - Ms Vickie Bright, a lawyer and member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has expressed dissatisfaction with the silence of the party regarding appeals to sanction Ahmed Arthur, the parliamentary candidate for Okai Koi South. She said so far she has sent five petitions asking the party to disqualify Mr Arthur as the party's parliamentary candidate for Election 2016 due to a number of irregularities she brought against the contender. In her latest petition she said: 'I've sent several petitions to the party and none has been responded to. This is a great discourtesy to a significant and loyal party member and a clear reflection of deep-rooted bias.' 'There is clearly a prevailing culture of favouritism in the party. My latest petition sent on April 7, 2016 is still awaiting a response.' She said the petition was triggered by the party's attitude towards Ablekuma West and Manhyia North in direct contrast to her treatment. This is in spite of the fact that in the national elections committee of the party had declared the album to be seriously flawed and cannot be relied on. Ms Bright said personal grudges and small mindedness on the part of certain individuals filled with their own personal agenda are clearly at play in the case. 'In Ablekuma South there was an issue of a bogus register, yet the party has chosen not to act or implement clear decisions, which have been made to resolve the problems in my constituency. The people who Ahmed Arthur removed from the voter register are presently in court with the party and himself.' Ms Bright is calling for the immediate suspension of Arthur from the NPP and the enforcement of the findings of the Ambrose Derry Report, which was subsequently adopted and ratified by the National Executive Council and a declaration that the vetting of Arthur as a Parliamentary Aspirant is null and void. In a writ of summons filed on her behalf by her counsel, at an Accra High Court Thaddeus Sory, she said the constituency primary was also conducted in gross violation of NPP rules. The plaintiff averred that on May 23, 2011, Madam Vivian Addae, then Constituency Chairman, petitioned that Ahmed made false declarations in his nomination forms to enable him contest the 2012 primary, adding that he had completed short courses in Public Relations, Management and Journalism at the Ghana Institute of Journalism. The petition was sent to the party's General Secretary, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo, Flag bearer, Chairman of the Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Director of Elections and Research and C.K Tedam, (Esquire), Chairman National Council of Elders. She said it does not bode well and truly ought not to be left unpunished by the current leadership the disrepute in the constituency, which is likely to cause deeper voter apathy, adding 'no doubt such mishaps shall affect its fortunes and place the NPP in jeopardy'. The petition said: 'Presently as I write, our majority in the elections has consistently dropped from more than 20,000 a few years back to just around 9,000 in the 2012 elections. Ironically the voter population in the same period has grown exponentially.' She called for robust action from the NPP hierarchy, adding:' With utmost respect the party must take swift remedial action now'. 'Clearly, our party is either on the expected path to victory or on the brink of self-immolation. Its destiny is in its own hands, as we target victory in 2016 but that calls for positive action and cleansing of dead wood. 'Changing our fortunes going forward is manifestly a matter of course, to maintain credible support nationwide enjoins far greater robustness of action; particularly from its elected leaders. The suit at the high court said: "An investigative steering committee set up on June 6, 2011, found that Mr Ahmed, the first defendant, made a false declaration in paragraph 12 of his nomination form, dated March 2, 2011, and was accordingly disqualified. On June 29, 2011, the committee's decision was endorsed by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the NPP, which decided a re-run of the primary. The plaintiff said in a bizarre twist, however, the then National Chairman of the NPP wrote to the party's regional chairman to inform him that the defendant had decided to appeal his disqualification. In a letter dated September 28, 2011, the NPP's General Secretary wrote to inform NEC that it had upheld Ahmed's appeal with the effect that he was the parliamentary candidate. This, the plaintiff said, was a violation of NPP's eligibility rules and usurped NEC powers. Ms Bright said Ahmed was also allowed to contest the 2016 parliamentary elections, although he admitted his false declaration set out in his nomination forms. She said prior to the 2016 primary, some constituents commenced legal proceedings to restraint the conduct of the election. Ms Bright said despite the dependency of the application for an order of interlocutory injunction, which was given widespread publicity, many were of the view that the primary would not be held on July 25, 2015. She said, be that as it may, the application for interlocutory injunction was dismissed, but rather bizarrely on Saturday, August 1, 2015, the General Secretary of the NPP signed a release, declaring that the contest should take place on Sunday August 2, 2015. Ms Bright said the move was clearly arbitrary, unlawful and usurpation of the mandate of the Parliamentary Elections Committee (PEC) of the constituency, governing the conduct of the contest. She said the voters register used for the election was not the one certified by PEC and submitted to the Electoral Commission. GNA Joyce Danso, GNA Accra April 14, GNA - The Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Charlotte Osei, on Thursday, appeared before the Supreme Court in a case in which the Electoral Commission (EC) is being challenged over the validity of the current Voters' Register. Mrs. Osei was accompanied by Mrs. Georgina Opoku Amankwa, a Deputy Commissioner, and other officers of the Commission. Her appearance is in connection with the case in which Abu Ramadan, a former Youth Organiser of the People's National Convention and Mr Evans Nimako, have sued the EC over the validity of the current Voters' Register. However, the Supreme Court called the parties in the suit into chambers. Shortly after the parties had met, the Journalists who were there to cover the proceedings were told that the matter had been adjourned to April 21 because one of the seven-member panel was indisposed. The plaintiffs are invoking the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court to declare the Register null and void. They are also requesting for an order, which would set aside the 2012 Voters' Register and also to compel the EC to compile fresh voters' register before any fresh election would be conducted. According to the plaintiffs, the current register contained names of unqualified persons, which was inconsistent with the Constitution. GNA Accra, April 14, GNA - Rev Fitzgerald Odonkor, the Chief Executive Officer of Capital Bank, has advised young graduates to refrain from shortcuts in life but rather pursue their vision thoroughly to achieve excellence in life. Speaking on the topic, 'Excellence in ministry and vocation', Rev Odonkor said 'anytime someone comes to tell you that there are three steps to success then you should know that you are jumping into the deep blue sea because even though God could have created the world in half a day, He took six days to create the world and rested on the seventh day. So God Himself is a worker'. 'Anything which is valuable in life, you need to work hard for it, because there are no shortcuts to excellence. Anytime you get money very quickly without having worked for it, it will go away as quickly as it came', the astute banker and man of God said at a conference for young graduates and undergraduates with the theme; 'After school what next?'. Sharing some life experiences, he said certain principles have over the years helped him to achieve success. 'One of them is the fact that I have always tried to be guided by excellence in whatever I do. I will recommend to you that in whatever you do you should be guided by excellence. Whatever you do, you must do it onto the Lord. And one of the ways you can achieve excellence is not to do anything halfheartedly but to do it thoroughly.' He said there was no ideal set of circumstances for one to operate but individuals must exhibit commitment despite the circumstances they find themselves in order to succeed. Quoting Ephesians 3:12, the CEO of Capital Bank said, it is important for one to exhibit excellence in the ministry of God and in his or her vocation. 'It is important for you to identify your call because in this world whatever you do people will criticize you. If people are not criticizing you, you are probably doing something wrong'. According to him, challenges make life interesting, saying 'throughout my adult life, I have had to combine ministry with corporate work and at every stage there have been challenges.' Rev Odonkor challenged all and sundry to accept change saying change brings growth. 'Whenever there is time for change you must embrace change because change is a manifestation of growth. If you don't grow you will be stagnant and finally you will die and become irrelevant. But we must all be relevant in our lives, in our generations and in our time so that we will be able to fulfill the call of God upon our lives.' He again advised young graduates to be mindful of the choices they make in life, adding 'don't follow people, follow what God is telling you'. Rev Odonkor spearheaded the rebranding of First Capital PlusBank to Capital Bank in December last year and so far, the bank has launched the unique savings campaign promotion dubbed, the 'V-Man' aimed at encouraging a savings culture and by giving free money vouchers to be used as deposits to open accounts. It is also presently deploying state-of-the-art automated teller machines (ATMS) across the country configured to allow cash deposits, interbank transfers amongst others. The bank's vision is to become the local bank of excellence for African markets, providing the standard of measure for stakeholder return. GNA By Francis Ameyibor, GNA Accra, April 14, GNA - Engen Ghana Limited has donated educational materials valued at GH30,000.00 to the Ministry of Defence to revamp educational institutions under the military. The items include: 3,000 exercise books; 19,300 A4 sized laminated periodic tables; and 1,900 A3 sized laminated periodic tables. Mr Henry Akwaboah, the Managing Director of Engen Ghana, who presented the items, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview that the donation was the Oil Marketing Company's contribution towards the general development of the country. He said access to education was a human right and it could not be taken for granted; hence the need for the corporate world to support public educational institutions. He expressed concern that across the world there were hundreds of children and youth who were being denied not only a right, but a fair chance of getting a decent job, escaping poverty, supporting their families, and developing their communities. Mr Akwaboah called for stronger collaboration between the educational institutions and the corporate world. 'Over the years, governments and their partners have shown that political will and concerted efforts can deliver tremendous results - including halving the number of children and adolescents who are out of school'. He said in spite of the economic challenges, parents must not stop providing enabling conditions for their children's education. He said Engen Ghana, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility mandate would continue to invest in the Ghanaian economy through social interventions. Mr Akwaboah urged the Government to continue to work with parent and teacher associations, as well as the private sector and civil-society organisations, to find the best and most constructive ways to improve the quality of education. Mr Gilbert Ken Adjei, the Deputy Minister of Defence (MOD), who received the items, commended Engen Ghana for the gesture towards improving educational institutions under the Defence Ministry. He said the MOD would continue to focus on its key mandate of formulating, and managing the implementation of policies aimed at safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation, and ensuring the protection of life and property. He said over the years, MOD had evolved and transformed itself to its current status of excellence with regard to the performance of its functions. The MOD's mandate is to formulate and implement policies for the defence of the nation through the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF). GNA By Samira Larbie/ Celestine Tsievor Accra, April 14, GNA - The Women in Law and Development in Africa (WiLDAF), has inaugurated an empowerment club for girls to discuss their adolescent challenges and prevent violence meted out to them. The initiative sponsored by Crossroads International and TT Brothers Company Limited and outdoored at the St Barnabas Anglican School in Accra, seeks to empower the girls with knowledge on Children's rights, Domestic Violence, Gender Based Violence, peer counseling and human anatomy with focus on sexual abuses. Mrs Melody Darkeh, Acting National Programmes Coordinator of WiLDAF, who addressed the ceremony, said sexual abuse and violence in Ghanaian schools are increasing while abuses of children including defilement cases and child marriage had dominated the media over the years. The club would therefore facilitate discussions on adolescent sexual reproductive health, healthy relationships, life and leadership skills to help them fight against gender based violence in schools and communities, she added Statistics from the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit of the Ghana Police Service showed that an alarming total of 1,296 girls in the country were defiled, while 335 other women were raped in 2014, she added. Mrs Darkeh noted that the girls are now able to engage the media on their own, adding that currently one of the girl's club had been given a slot to discuss issues concerning boys and girls every week. Mrs Catherine Mikado, Director In-Charge of the Girls Unit at the Ghana Education Service said matters concerning girls should not be down played and asked parents to come up with new ideas to help train their children especially the girl- child. This is not to say boys are not important but rather both should be given equal opportunities to enable girls get educated to the highest levels just like boys to be culturally, economically and politically empowered. Mrs Milikado urged parents to entreat their girls to achieve their dreams by giving them proper education and encouragement and allow the club to impact them positively. Ms Eva Lokko, Chief Executive Officer of Totally Youth and the PPP Parliamentary Aspirant for the Korle Klottey said women should unite and help develop the nation. Ms Lokko expressed regret that early childhood marriage had brought about poverty because it deprives the girl- child of the needed education to enable her impact on society and asked stakeholders to ensure that perpetrators are dealt with. Mr Godwin Mensah, Deputy Coordinator for Social Welfare Department said it is the right of children to have good education, good health as well as shelter and urged parents to be responsible and provide those necessities for their children. The club has branches in Wegbe Kpalime in the Volta Region, Nkran Nkresi and Kyinaso in the Central Region, Osu Presbyterian Preparatory and LEKMA 10 & 12 Basic School in the Greater Accra Region. GNA 15.04.2016 LISTEN By Hafsa Obeng, GNA Accra, April 14, GNA - Three people were on Thursday sentenced to serve 25 years each for robbing one Patrick Addai Koranteng at New Weija. Jerry Danquah, a Driver; Isaac Donkor, a Cane Weaver; and David Asare, a Trader; were charged with conspiracy to commit crime and robbery of one Toyota Hilux, worth GH120,000.00, one HP Laptop, worth GH5,000.00, one Apple iPod, worth GH3,000.00, and one Samsung Galaxy phone worth GH 1,000.00. They also robbed Charles Hagan, the complainant of an external hard drive worth GHC 400.00, four wrist watches worth GHC 6,500, one computer mouse worth GH100.00, one Samsung remote worth GH30.00, two necklaces worth GH500.00 and a pack of coins amounting to GH100.00. The three pleaded not guilty to both charges but were found guilty after full trial by the court presided over by Mr Aboagye Tanoh. Earlier the prosecutor, Police Chief Inspector Edward Afful told the court that the complainant is an Engineer working with Shell Ghana Limited and resides at New Botianor, while the convicts reside in the Sikkens area near old Fadaman. He said on September 19, 2015 four armed men attacked and robbed the complainant of his V8 Landcruiser in his house at Attah Moses down in New Weija. He said on October 4, 2015 at about 0200 hours the complainant was asleep when he heard a loud sound at the corridor leading to his bedroom, he woke up and realized that some people were breaking into his bedroom. He told the court that unknown to the complainant, the convicts had already scaled over his fence wall after cutting through the barbed wires on the fence wall. He said the armed men also broke the exit door and entered the house through the kitchen and broke the burglar proof behind his bedroom. The prosecution said even though the complainant gave them an amount of GH600.00 on demand, they subjected him to beatings, tied him up with his own flying tie and succeeded in robbing the above listed items. He said luck, however, eluded them as the vehicle had a tracking device on it. Police Chief Inspector Afful said the complainant managed and called his company after the police patrol team from Weija arrived on the scene. He said the vehicle was tracked and with the assistance of police communications, the three convicts were intercepted on board the vehicle at Tsopoli barrier on the Tema-Sogakope highway. He said they were arrested and all the items stolen from the complainant's house were retrieved in the vehicle and were sent to Tema and later Weija. The prosecution said at the Weija police station, the complainant easily identified them as the people who evaded his premises as they were not masked at the time of the incident. On interrogation, they all admitted the offences and also claimed to be responsible for the earlier robberies and led the police to Denu in the Volta Region where the complainant's V8 Landcruiser was retrieved. GNA A.B. Kafui Kanyi, GNA Ho, April 07, GNA - A team of investors on the ECO Project working on the installation of the first mini hydro dams in the country say project would transform the region's local economy. The installation, the first of nine in the Volta region said the at nine sites in the Volta region said the Urs rpt Urs Plank, Leader of the team of investors from Italy and Switzerland told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the supply of sustainable energy through the dams would create jobs. A mini hydro is a type of hydroelectric power unit that could produce 5 kw to 100 kw of electricity using natural flow of water. The installations could provide power to small communities. Mr Plank said the aim was to supply uninterrupted power to small scale industries in the countryside to sustain those ventures. 'Our civil, geological and environmental engineers are satisfied with identified locations and happy to help improve the living conditions of people in the catchment areas with the provision of sustainable energy source,' he stated. Ms Lisa D' Andrea, Executive Director, Lighting and Construction Africa Company Limited, which has license from the Energy Commission for the project said chiefs and beneficiary communities were anxious and 'cannot wait for the project'. Togbe Afede XIV, President of Volta Region House of Chiefs at the first meeting of the House in the year informed chiefs about the project and called for support from them. He said Dodi Papase, Wli Waterfalls, Tsatsadu Waterfalls, Hohoe and Afife among others were identified as sites for the dams. Togbe Afede said if successful, the project would be first in the country, with huge socio-economic opportunities for people in the region. GNA The operators of the Jubilee Field have described the extent of damage to the turret bearing of the FPSO Kwame Nkrumah as critical, adding, however, that it will be resolved within schedule for full operation and export of gas to power the thermal units. The lead operator, Tullow Oil, at the beginning of this month, said they expected to complete the planned maintenance of the FPSO Kwame Nkrumah by April 5, 2016. The measures in place for production from the FPSO will re-start in approximately two weeks' time and production will gradually ramp up as it prepares to re-issue production guidance once the new operating arrangements are stabilised. Speaking to journalists after a tour of the FPSO Kwame Nkrumah and the Atuabo Gas plant operated by Ghana Gas, the Minister of Petroleum, Mr Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, said the damage to the bearing was extensive. He said the government was aware of the exigency of the situation not only in terms of revenue but also power and would work closely with the partners to resolve the problem as expected. He said a technical investigation of the condition of the turret bearing on the FPSO Kwame Nkrumah had confirmed that the bearing had been damaged and was no longer able to rotate as originally designed. The turret bearing system is based on special rollers which can accommodate large coupling tolerances and relative deformations of load transmitting structures, while ensuring a passive (low friction) rotation and easy maintenance during the FPSO's operating life. Turret bearing The turret connects the flexible pipeline fluid transfer system which helps in pumping the unprocessed oil to the FPSO for processing the export of the associated gas to the shore. Mr Buah said to ensure safety of the facility, the operators agreed that the platform be shut down for experts to carry out a root cause analysis, which was currently being done by the project team for a long-term remediation option. Tullow Oil has indicated that initial feasibility studies by the team had confirmed that the bearing issue could be fully resolved. Effects of the shutdown The shutdown of the FPSO and the non-export of gas to the shore have resulted in the Volta River Authority (VRA) returning to light crude oil and a loss of 250 megawatts (MW) from the AMERI Plant which burns on gas. Currently, all the generating units, which hitherto run on 100 per cent gas from Atuabo, have been successfully switched to light crude. In Tema, several of the units which run on gas are currently off. Sunon Asogli has several of its units off due to the drop in gas flow from Nigeria. The FPSO is currently been placed on "heading control" through the use of tugs, which minimises vessel movement around the bearing. The Chief Executive Officer of Tullow, Mr Charles Darko, said for now its new operating procedures, including the use of a dynamically positioned shuttle tanker (capacity of 250,000 barrels of oil) and a storage tanker (capacity of one million barrels of oil), were being implemented to assure safe production and off-take operations. No cost yet The Chief Operating Officer of the partners, Mr Paul McDade, said, 'We are focused on resolving this issue with the bearing on the FPSO Kwame Nkrumah in a timely and safe manner. We have appointed a highly experienced project team to work on a permanent solution, while our operations team continue to ensure we have in place safe and sustainable arrangements for production from the field.' Given the ability to continue production, he said, the partners subscribed to the appropriate insurance policies and did not expect that the issue would have a material impact on revenue. Follow us on Twitter--> A Cameroonian Catholic priest resident in Ghana, Reverend Father Yves-Lucien Evaga Njana, has been dragged to the Family and Juvenile Court in Accra for having a child with a 24-year-old Ghanaian lady and failing to live up to his responsibilities as a father. Rev. Fr Njana is the Director of the Biblical Centre for Africa and Madagascar (BICAM) situated at the Airport Residential Area in Accra. The lady, Josephine Ganyoame, is asking the court for an order for the priest to subject himself to a paternity test to determine the father of the child. She is also requesting the court to make an order that the irresponsibility of the priest breaches the child's right to a name, basic necessities of life, welfare, social protection and care guaranteed under the Children's Act. Ms Ganyoame is also praying the court for custody of the child with reasonable access to the priest. Compensation She is also asking for a monthly maintenance of GHc600 and GHc50,000 as compensation for the emotional stress she had been put through by the priest. In an affidavit in support of her action, Ms Ganyoame averred that around the first week of October 2014, she was nearly knocked down by a vehicle being driven by the priest at East Legon. After the incident, she claimed that through apologies rendered by the priest, they became friends and he introduced himself as Andy who worked with a non-governmental organisation. Subsequently, she said, when he got to know that she was a senior high school graduate preparing to enter the university, he promised to assist her financially and pay for her admission to the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA). Sexual harassment But contrary to her expectation, she claimed, the priest started harassing her sexually and finally succeeded in going to bed with her on three occasions within three weeks. In early November 2014, she suspected that she was pregnant and when she told him, he asked her to abort the pregnancy if it was confirmed to be so, but she refused, to his dislike. Subsequently, she said, when it was confirmed that she was pregnant, he took her to a clinic at East Legon for an abortion but she refused for fear that she might lose her life. After resisting subtle efforts to get her to abort the baby, she said, the priest arranged a meeting between them and two others, during which she was asked how much she needed to take care of herself. Finally, she was given GH20,000, out of which she rented an apartment and bought a piece of land near Afienya. Refusal to take up responsibility But after delivery, she said, the priest failed to take responsibility for her and the baby and when she reported the matter to the police and the priest was invited, he claimed he was living in Ghana and, therefore, had diplomatic immunity and could not be arrested. About two months later, Ms Ganyoame claimed, the priest called for a meeting involving her family, during which he threatened that if they did not stop following up on the matter, he would deal with the police and his brother, Mawuli Ganyoame. A week later, she alleged, her brother died mysteriously in a road accident and subsequently the police and her family stopped following up on the issue. She averred that till date the baby had not been named and did not have a surname, which was in violation of the Children's Act. Diplomatic immunity Mr Francis Xavier Sosu, counsel for Ms Ganyoame, told the Daily Graphic that they preferred a criminal case against the priest but because of his diplomatic immunity, they had to resort to the civil court. He said because of the priest's diplomatic status, his prolonged stay in Ghana was not guaranteed and, therefore, the proper maintenance of the child had to be ensured. The court has slated April 20, 2016 for hearing. Follow us on Twitter--> 15.04.2016 LISTEN Leadership on the continent of Africa has been a questionable one. Many believe Africa leaders have failed us in many ways. Their leadership styles and skills have not been able to produce the kind of results needed in the lives of their citizens. This is largely due to the fact that these leaders see their citizens as unconcerned and not demanding for what is due them as followers. They watched their leaders do whatever deems fit for them and they just watch on. As these beliefs stand true, perhaps it could also be that the citizenry themselves had contributed to the nature of leaders who rule them. Worship of leaders has been the order of the day on the continent of Africa. Leaders are not known to be serving their people but rather are worshipped: given undue praises and ovations, offered high places in ceremonies and accorded with accolades. They even brand themselves in these accolades as the mark of good leadership. Ghana is no exception. Our leaders are worship like gods and given all sought of praise even in their incompetence. Followers see nothing wrong with their leaders who are leading them in the path of hardship, poverty, misery and suffering. They even tend to be okay and want more of such leadership. This is a sharp contrast between leadership and followership. This is obvious as the president is feared by many, over protected and given first class reception in all situations. People even fear to tell their minds to the president for being intimidated. We pretend to say all is well whereas the reality shows a different picture. In their incompetence, they are still accorded the best of all time leadership instead of proper accountability. We see party members of a ruling government showering praises on its government whilst in reality things are in bad state and government continue to creating, looting and sharing of our scarce resources. After winning elections and exalted to high positions, they forget they are to serve. They rather tend to assume the aura of deities and woe unto any citizen who crisscross them or demand his or her share of equity. They will dispatch BNI and Police to get you to be taught a lesson and molested. Order from above is the only signage in our democratic governance. The arms of government are a failure. Only the executive is powerful, the court just exists not working and the legislature toothless dog. The executive is now the Antoa of Ghana. They enjoyed ordering people around instead of working tirelessly to uplift the standard of living of the citizens. It is sad we have allowed this to be rooted in our democratic system destroying our common destiny. Elsewhere in the world, the picture is so different. They serve their own people as they would their families. The ordinary man has no say in a government he or she voted into power. This is pathetic and extremely melancholic. The ordinary man is being treated with disdain and gross disrespect. A person can work for three years and paid only three months salary. How? Which country citizens in the world would allow this? They decide to pay themselves ex-gratia and other allowances and citizens have no right to demand for better life. Time will not permit me to outline numerous inequalities that have swallowed our system. Until we come to terms with the fact that leaders are elected to serve, lead, guide and help distribute our resources, but rather worship them as dame gods, we will continue to suffer and wallow in misery. If we the citizens dont change the gear and demand for good leadership and equity, we will continue to be under mercy of these cunning politicians who will stop at nothing to come to power to be worshipped. Ghanas woes are indeed attributed to these political deities who would rather enjoy the worship of their citizens instead of truly working for them. It is sad Ghana is still as it is and nothing transformational is taken place in the lives of its citizens. The rich continue to be rich and the poor continue to be poor. It is indeed pathetic. Our natural right has been trampled upon and better life has eluded many. God save our homeland Ghana. Isaac Ofori (Tutor, Fettehman SHS, Gomoa Fetteh) [email protected] 15.04.2016 LISTEN The Zongo Movement for Change (ZOMOC) has learnt with grave shock, comments attributed to Mr Eric Opoku, Brong Ahafo Regional Minister and Member of Parliament for Asunafo South. The Minister is reported by the media to have shockingly claimed during a meeting with NDC officials in Acherensua in the Asunafo South Constituency that all Muslims who support the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are not true Muslims because, according to him, the Quran advises true Muslims to stay away from the elephant, which is the emblem of the New Patriotic Party (NPP). The Minister also roped in Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice Presidential Candidate of New Patriotic Party (NPP), questioning and ridiculing his Isamic faith due to his association with the NPP. ZOMOC is scandalized by the blasphemous, divisive and insulting comments by no less a person than a minister of state and a member of parliament, who is also the Chairman of the Brong Ahafo Regional Security Council (REGSEC). We are baffled how a minister of state of a democratic, circular state like ours will exhibit such crass ignorance and gross disrespect to Muslims by misinterpreting the Holy Quran to achieve political expediency. His deliberate act to rope in the Dr Mahamudu Bawumia The particular chapter in the Holy Quran (Surah Al Fil) which the minister referred to, does not say what the minister sacrilegiously claimed. The Chapter does not ask Muslims to stay away from elephants as the minister claimed. The minister ought to go and learn, and understand Surah Al Fil and its antecedents. With regards to who is a true Muslim, only the Almighty Allah can judge, and it is He alone who knows who is a true Muslim. It is not within the remit of Mr Eric Opoku to determine who is a true Muslim. Muslims cherish and hold the Holy Quran in highest esteem. Misinterpreting the Holy Quran is unquestionably a great sacrilege and we demand the resignation of Mr Eric Opoku, or his dismissal by President John Mahama for such gross disrespect . We also demand an unconditional retraction by Mr Eric Opoku for his sacrilegious misinterpretation of the Holy Quran, and an apology for questioning and disrespecting the faith of Muslim sympathizers of the NPP. Furthermore, we call on fellow Muslims in the National Democratic Congress to condemn this blasphemous misinterpretation of the Holy Quran by the Minister. There are thousands of Muslim NPP sympathizers in the country, and in the Brong Ahafo Region, where the Minister sits as the REGSEC Chairman. By his position as REGSEC chairman, the Minister should be the number one advocate of peace and unity in the region, regardless of one's political and religious affiliations. When a minister and a REGSEC Chairman, irresponsibly abandons these noble responsibilities and rather dabbles in religious extremism for political benefits, it is clearly a recipe for chaos, particularly in an election year. ZOMOC, as advocates of peace and unity calls on NPP Muslim sympathizers who have been irked by the Ministers comments and are expressing their anger on social media in the midst of this extreme provocation to remain calm. As Ghana gears up for the general elections in November, ZOMOC urges all political commentators to eschew unguarded, inflammatory comments which could ruin the peace we enjoy as a country. We also respectfully urge the National Peace Council to take note of such unwarranted religious attacks in our politics and call perpetrators to order. ABOUT ZOMOC ZOMOC is a movement which is aimed at mobilizing support for political change to ensure genuine development in Ghana and zongos in particular. Its membership is drawn from various zongos across the country, particularly the youth. SIGNED: 1. Mohammed Hashir Issah (Operations Director) - 0505576123 2. Khalid Abdul-Qadir Mainasara (Member Publicity Committee) - 0556793087 An Islamic scholar Sheikh Mohammed Danyawo Sharubutu has taken issues with the Brong Ahafo Regional Minister Eric Opoku and other politicians who according to him employ political chicanery and propganda to prosecute their agenda. He was reacting to the minister's description of Muslims in the NPP as not being proper members of the faith. The political chicanery and propaganda ploy deployed by some Ghanaian politicians is a matter of great and discordant concern which when left unaddressed constitutes an act of blasphemy he said. The minister's remarks made in the name of politics, he noted, is a matter of great concern and constitutes blasphemy. The Brong Ahafo Regional Minister stated that, ''Any Muslim that aligns himself with the opposition NPP is not a true Muslim because the Quran advises Muslims to stay away from elephants, of which the animal in question represents the emblem of the Opposition Party''. He described the remark as fallacious and gimmick. This depicts an absolute disrespect to Islam for a non- Muslim without an intensive surveillance into the well formulated semantics of the Holy Quran to interpret the contextual nature of this Holy Book devoid of circumspection. The name 'Elephant' was only used in the context as an adjective describing the Army of Abraha Al-Ashram, and what they rode on, he explained adding although, the meat of elephants is prohibited to be consumed by Muslims based on this Hadith from ''Abdullah Ibn Abbas (Allah be pleased with him) stating that, the Messenger of Allah (Peace and Blessings be upon him) prohibited the comsumption of all fanged beasts of prey and all birds having talons''.[Sahih Muslim page 1534]. This Hadith only prohibits the meat and not other permissable relations with those animals if deemed fit. Moreover, nowhere across the confines of Islam, are Muslims commanded to abstain completely from Elephants as well as Elephant Tagged Entities as proclaimed by the Minister, he said. . The usage of the pronoun [ ''HUM'' INARABIC, meaning ''THEM'' ] in almost all the verses clearly indicates that the destruction and anger of Allah was only on the Ka'aba Attackers and not the elephants, he went on adding this is because ''HUM'' is used in Arabic context ONLY for HUMANS and not animals or non living things. Animals, non living things and the feminine gender use ''HAA'' as plural pronouns respectively. The NPP's Emblem of Elephant came about through a conglomerated choice and not to disrespect Allah's supremacy, he stressed. He challenged the Minister to vindicate his assertions regarding this sensitive issue. Eric Opoku, he said, should focus on politics which, according to him, he is more inclined and avoid such issues which can affect inter-faith relationship negatively. The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) has commended the initiative of Ministry of Trade & Industry to ban the importation of cement into the country. It said the ban will protect the local industry which has excess capacity to produce cement. In March, this year the Ministry of Trade & Industry proposed to impose a ceiling on the annual importation of cement into Ghana through a legislative instrument. In this regard, importers of bagged cement shall be issued permits to avoid chaos in the sector. The sector minister Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, who announced the decision to restrict imports in a statement, instructed all cement importers in the country to apply for permits. However, companies legitimately licensed under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme were exempt from applying for permits. The directive is also expected to ensure that the cement that are imported into the country are of standard quality to protect the construction industry. . James Asare-Adjei, President of the AGI told BUSINESS GUIDE that any initiative to protect the local industry is good and should be supported. If the local industry is producing cement in excess of one million tons, then why should we allow people to import? The problem we have in this country is that the economy is over liberalized which is killing the local industries, he said. Mr. Asare-Adjei said the ban should not be limited to cement alone but other products that the local industries are capable of producing in excess. He said the ban would also protect the local manufacturing companies and create more employment for the people. Analysts say Africa's leading cement manufacturer, Dangote Company and other cement importers will face challenges in Ghana, following plans by the government to restrict cement imports into the country. The country currently imports over one million tonnes of cement per annum. This, according to the minister, had created a glut in the industry. By Cephas Larbi [email protected] Former President John Agyekum Kufour has called on government to put in place strategies that will help local businesses to grow and encourage more locals to operate their own businesses. Mr Kufour said this in a meeting he held with the National Executives of the National Association of Garages (NAG) at his residence in Accra lately. He explained that it was the duty of government to help the private sector so it can mobilize taxes. The former President also lauded the chairman of Jospong Group of Companies, Dr Adjepong, for further strengthening the capacity of the mechanics by promising a sponsorship package and an international exchange programme with known garages worldwide. Chairman of NAG, Nana Opoku, expressed the group's appreciation to the former president, Dr. Adjepong of Jospong Group, Alan Kyeremanten and S.K Boafo, former Minister in charge of Chieftaincy, for the respective roles they played to help get the site ready for establishment of the National Garage Training Centre. He said that they intend to become leaders in the assembling, servicing and production of spare parts for various brands of automobiles. Nana Opoku, who presented a citation to the former president on behalf of the members, prayed for more government support in cash and kind to help open them up to international markets. He re-emphasized his earlier call for people to enroll with the National Garage Training Centre for better apprenticeship training. By Solomon Ofori The political season(2nd semester) of the University of Ghana-Accra City campus is here once again.The annual ritual of electing new executives for the Students Representative Council (SRC) has for this time around been not only competitive but also strategic especially in the wake of the widely suggested view that the victory of an SRC Presidential aspirant is dependent on the choice of a running mate. It is in this spirit that Team Bondah-the campaign team of Isaac Bondah,an SRC Presidential hopeful unveiled their running mate for the 28th April SRC elections. This program was held yesterday,13th April 2016 in the SRC Conference room/JCR of the Accra City campus of the University of Ghana.In a colourful manner,cheering sympathisers and supporters of Bondah as well as the general student body thronged the JCR in Team Bondah's paraphernalia to support the unveiling of the running mate of their candidate. This outdooring was characterized by a considerable level of political suspense as the students, even in few hours to the program were not sure who exactly was going to be outdoored as the running mate of Mr.Bondah.Many,were the guesses.Mr Richard Boateng-the Head of the SRC Publicity committee among other names had been speculated but time was going to be the ultimate decider of who gets to run alongside Mr Bondah. Gracing the occasion were Secretary hopefuls, Mr Abdul Razak Rashad and Desmond "Papa Nii" Lamptey,WOCOM aspirants-Miss Memuna Kabuki Ibrahim and Rose Adjei Darkwah.Mr Khalid, who is running for SRC Treasurer was also present.Mr Emmanuel Abeka,Bondah's opponent however was missing even though he was found around before the program.In a typical "Anita Erskine and Kafui Dey"manner,Miss Kelly and Mr Nicholson treated the audience to an interesting and lively show as emcees for the day. Blowing the minds of the students, was the Director of Campaign Operations for Team Bondah, Mr Eric Nana Agyemang who took to stage, and gave 200 reasons why one should support Isaac Bondah for the SRC Presidency. After series of ground testimonies and endorsements of Bondah, musical interludes,political chants and a historical narration of the SRC and short speech by Mr Isaac Bondah,it was now time for the most awaited running mate to be outdoored. In a majestic manner, sandwiched by ladies,with a corporate look walked in this man. The man we have been waiting for! His presence needed no introduction as his name had become a household name especially in the circles of the University of Ghana Association of Psychology Students (UNIGAPS) and also the University Christian Fellowship (UCF). Mr Bright Nuamah,a level 300 Psychology and Information Studies also the Organizer of UNIGAPS was eventually settled on to run with Mr Isaac Bondah after the profiling several student personalities. This pair,many students argue is the best to take the City forward especially in such a defining moment like this. In a brief manner,the campaign manager, Mr Kenneth Brown admonished the team to go all out and sell the personalities of our candidates to be able to not only win the election but win convincingly. Team Bondah also took advantage of the occasion to celebrate its Communications Director,Miss Juliet Naa Ashorkor Nortey who was celebrating her birthday that day. Unprecedented has been the tag awarded this program by even the critics who doubted the success of such a novelty.In the coming days, Team Bondah looks forward to selling its policies when the ban on campaign gets lifted. The Vulnerable Twenty (V20) Group of Ministers of Finance met in Washington to collectively address economic and financial responses to climate change as a rapidly growing threat to growth and prosperity. The V20called for an economic and financial revolution compliant with the new 1.5 degrees Celsius and global adaptation goals as enshrined in the UN Paris Agreement reached in December 2015 that was strongly welcomed by the Group. The V20 Chair, Cesar Purisima, Secretary of Finance of the Philippines, said: Our group has now grown to 43 vulnerable, developing countries--simply no longer accepting putting economic growth, and even the lives and livelihoods of our populations at severe risk, amid the slow pace of progress in climate finance mobilization, especially from bigger and richer countries further along in development. We see the financial system as a weapon to fight climate change with tremendous potential. So we are working hard to be pioneers in concrete and innovative economic and fiscal responses to climate change. Our voice and effort has been strengthened here in Washington and we are going to keep pushing other economies, the G7 and the G20 to follow our lead. Its a fight for our survival. Secretary Purisima was speaking at the V20 Ministerial Dialogue held in conjunction with the 2016 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group. We welcome the new World Bank Climate Change Action Plan and are requesting additional concessional finance in the context of debt sustainability to help realize our ambitions and scale up our own contribution. We are encouraged by the progress we've made on climate accounting, risk pooling mechanisms, carbon pricing, and expanding financial access. We likewise expect developed countries to make good on their climate finance mobilization commitments, he added. The V20 gathering released a Ministerial Communique calling climate change a weight on the global recovery arguing that strengthened climate responses would restore robust, sustained and balanced growth while highlighting the clear compatibility of economic and climate change policies. The communique also urged the G7 and G20 to undertake urgent efforts to realign development strategies and emission commitments with the new international target of limiting the rise in global temperatures to not more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The V20 ministerial recognized new members with the expanded Group now spanning 43 economies systemically vulnerable to climate change and representing a combined population of more than one billion. Speaking as an incoming V20 member, John Silk, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Marshall Islands, said: The Marshall Islands is honoured to join the V20. The world needs ambitious action by all countries if we are to decarbonise globally and keep the window open for the 1.5 degree limit needed by vulnerable countries like mine to survive. The V20 is devising solutions to ramp up action. We need climate finance flows to make clean energy available to all. The V20 body approved implementation plans to advance its effort to mobilize unprecedented levels of finance from all sources including pioneering innovation in climate financeand fiscal measures to support local actions to the limits of the capabilities of the Groups members.Decisions included a vision to implement carbon pricing regimes within the decade and calls for a Financial Transaction Tax to meetthe urgent finance mobilization needs of climate action. The bodyalso moved to create a platform for collaboration with business acknowledging the significant role of the private sector for achieving transformational change. It additionally established three Focus Groups of V20 members to specifically address the embedding of climate change costs in public and private accounting, to increase advocacy to promote V20 priorities in the international financial system, and to further work towards the creation of a V20 Risk Pooling Mechanism. The V20 was founded in October 2015 at Lima, Peru as a dedicated cooperation group of the Ministers of Finance of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF), a sister-initiative. Currently chaired by the Philippines, the V20 originally consisted of 20 developing countries from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America and the Pacific. The Washington, DC ministerial served to recognize the 23 new members that joined the CVF in 2015 as incoming members in the V20 initiative. File Photo 15.04.2016 LISTEN Ladies and gentlemen of the media, we have invited you here to set the records straight on the press statement held by the NPP concerning developmental projects in the Volta Region. His Excellency President Mahama visited the chiefs and the people of Anlo and made a frantic statement that the Volta Region is not only a World Bank but the NDC IMF. This pronouncement by the president is a statement of fact, political parties all over the world have their strongholds. The Republicans and the Democrats of the United States also have their strongholds yet the USA is regarded as one of the advanced Democracies in the world. The NDC and the NPP have their strongholds being Volta and Ashanti Region hence the president regarding Volta Region as the NDCs World Bank is a statement of fact and have no tribal undertone as alluded to by the NPP. We as a political party are not surprised by the NPP, treating of the president speech as being tribal, because they want to erase from the minds of Ghanaians the tribal comments they have made in the past and continuous to make. They think Ghanaians are so gullible like them, the people of Ghana will not forget the following comments made by NPP bigwigs against the people of Ghana and the Volta Region specifically; Kennedy Agyapong the member of parliament for Assin North and an advisor to Nana Addo is on record to have said Ewes and Gas should be killed and till date Nana Addo have not condemn such an ethnocentric and tribal comment from him. An NPP top executive is on record to have said there are no Human Beings in Hohoe, meaning the area should be rendered a ghost town. Dead bodies should be dumped in the Volta Region as allegedly said by Attah Akyea an NPP member of parliament. Hon Osarfo Marfo is on record to have said, the Regions with less resources have no right to govern this nation among others. The people of Ghana will not forget such vexatious tribal and ethnocentric comments from the NPP, realizing that these comments are costing them politically they are desperately looking for any small opportunity to equalize hence referring to the presidents reference to Volta Region as NDCs IMF as being tribal. The president during his speech said the NPP have done nothing for Volta Region. What the president means by that is when you compare the projects of the NPP and that of the NDC in the Volta Region that of the NDC far outweighs the NPP. The NPP in their usual nature took the presidents call that they have done nothing on the face value and hastily rushed to organize a press statement. Per their press statement, they have indeed proven the president is right when they have listed the number of projects the NPP did in the Volta region. WATER SUPPLY According to the NPP more than 15 towns and villages received water extension schemes.If this is what the NPP have done in the area of water provision for their eight years in government for the people of the Southern Volta, then this is extremely insignificant compared to the NDC records in area of water provision for the good people of the region. The NPP claimed they supplied water to Xipeand Aflao Tokor trying to deceive the public as if water was supplied to these communities, A cross check of these information reveals that these were just structures provided to harvest rain for a school at Xipe and an EP school at Aflao and not for the entire community as they have made us believe. It is regrettable to say the least that smaller water project at Dzodze and Penyi was done by NPP. In early 2000, the government of Ghana received a grant of 1.3 million Euro and 880,000 Euro for the supply of smaller water scheme for Dzodze and Penyi respectively. The two communities established boards and had a lot of training programme purposely to manage the water. The current vice chairman of NPP S.M Amable knew about this. The Anlo constituency alone under Hon. Clement KofiHomado as its MP extended water to more than fourty (40) towns and villages which beats the entire NPP record when it comes to water extension. The Ohawu irrigation scheme- The rehabilitation of the Ohawu irrigation was initially done under the NPP but because of their poor negotiating skills, they left the project to rot when they were still in power just because Ohawu and Kporkuve wants the project to be named after their various towns. Their lack of negotiating skills made the people of Ghana not to have value for money under such a project hence another rehabilitation was done by the NDC to revive the irrigation scheme and the disagreement in the name of the project has been settled and it is now called Ohawu irrigation project. ROAD PROJECTS (NPPs LIES EXPOSED AGAIN) The NPP on page 3 and 4 of their press statement claimed they have constructed the following roads in the Volta region: Sogakope to Adidome roads Dzodze toAkanu roads Abor to Anyako roads Abor, Ohawu roads Anloga town roads Dzodze town roads Kpando Dambai road The roads mentioned above by the NPP that they have constructed in the Volta Region are either blatant lies or half-truth in other to lure the innocent masses to vote for them come November but truth always prevail over lies. Dzodze to Akanu road, these contract was awarded in 2010 so how come the NPP claim they construct this road. Abor to Anyako roads was done by the NDC and completed in the year 2012. This has exposed the NPP once again. Abor, Ohawu to Xevi which is a 27km road called (VR5) was awarded to a contractor by name First Sky at a cost of $ 4,913,868. Awalavi to Dekporya which is a 22km roads called (VR6) was awarded to a contractor by name China Jiangsu Xintianda (XTD) at a cost of $ 3,830,519.27. All these contractors received their contract award letters in the year 2010 so how come the NPP is claiming they construct these roads. The NPP is the father of all lies in Ghana and their lies have been exposed again and again. The Anloga roads was constructed under president Rawlings, this road was done by W.F in the early 1990s linking three (3) constituencies and begins from Dabala through Srogbe Whuti Anloga all the way to Keta. The NPP should have consulted their own past MCE for Keta, the then Mr. Edward Kofi Ahaibor who is currently farming at Anloga Quarters, he would have informed them about the roads in Anloga from Diversion to the EP basic school linking the police station, was done by one Mr. Zanu and not the NPP. DZODZE TOWN ROADS- the claim by the NPP that they build Dzodze town roads cannot be the truth. The dzodze town roads are in two phases, phase one was done under Hon. Modestus Ahiable who was then the Volta Regional Minister under the NDC. The roads from market to Fiagbedu, Fiagbedu to magistrate court and Afetefe to hospital small gate which was phase I was done by the NDC and the phase II was done under the NPP. When you go to Dzodze right now, the phase I which was done several years before the phase II is still intact and the phase II have developed pot holes all over with the side bridges even curved in. The NPP should learn to give credit where credit is due. SOGAKOPE ADIDOME ROAD: the NPP has never constructed the Sogakope Adidome roads, what they did was from Bengo to Kpedzeglo. The NDC has constructed Sogakope to Bengo which was completed in 2014 and from Kpedzeglo to Marfi Kumasi- Adaklu all the way to Ho linking four districts South Tongu, Central Tongu, Adaklu and Ho Municipal Assembly. KPANDO DAMBAI ROAD: The claim by the NPP concerning the Kpando Dambai roads is not the complete truth. These stretch of road is in three phases. The phase I was done by the NDC which starts from Kpando and ends at Kwamekrom. The NPP did the phase II which starts from Kwamekrom and ends at Kabosu. The third phase starts from Kabosu to Dambai and this stretch was done by the NDC which was completed in November 2015. KETA SEA DEFENCE PROJECT President Kuffour claimed the NDC squandered money meant for the Keta Sea Defense project and he have to find money to do the project. President Kuffour must answer these questions. Who squandered the money meant for the Keta Sea Defense project as he alluded to? President Kuffor must name them because it is the tax payers money which are being used to pay the loan meant for the project. Volta Region was the target of president Kuffour and the NPP to destroy the NDC. It is under their reign that they imprisoned big shots from the region on trump up charges namely Hon Dan Agbodakpi, Mr. Tsatsu Tsikata and Mr.Victor Selomey, so how come the NPP did not prosecute those who have squandered the money meant for the Keta Sea Defense Project. President Kuffour said they went to look for another money for the Keta Sea Defense project. How much have they gone for? Ghanaians must know. What is the source of their money for the Keta Sea Defense project? Is it the same EXIM Bank U.S.A What is the name of the contractor that did the work or it is the same contractor? President Kuffour must provide Ghanaians with answers. Available documents at the Ministry of Works and Housing and the Keta Municipality reveals that the money for the project was sourced under President Rawlings from the EXIM Bank USA and the name of the company is MLS Great Lakes Dredge & Docks company of U.S.A in association with W.F. Baird & Associates. If president Kuffour has anything to the contrary we dare him to prove it. HO POLYTECHNIC President Kuffours claim that he built Ho polytechnic amount to re-writing the history of the school. His government undertook some developmental projects in the school which is the Ho poly auditorium and the Asorgli hostel project. This projects are all GETFUND project which is an NDC initiative. If building of auditorium and a hostel amounts to building of a polytechnic, then Volta Region has a lot of polytechnics because the Region is dotted with auditoriums and hostels. Ho polytechnic was first established as a Technical Institute in 1968. It was upgraded to a non-tertiary polytechnic in 1986 and finally upgraded to a fully-fledged tertiary institution in 1993. President Kuffour was president from 2001 to 2008 so how could he have built Ho Polytechnic. President Kuffour is an elderly state man of this country and Ghanaians want to adore him as such. THE MOBILISED RESOURCES NDC HANDED OVER TO NPP UNDER THE ROAD SECTOR The NDC government mobilized resources for the construction of the following roads in the Volta Region between 2001-2004 before we lost power and handed it over to the NPP. Tema to Sogakope road, the source of funding is from KFW from Germany at a cost of DM 76 million Dzodze- Noefe road, the source of funding is the African Development Bank at cost of UA 12.68 million Akatsi to Aflao from the ECOWAS fund at a cost of UA 4.802 million Sogakope- Akatsi roads source of fund from KFW at a cost of UA 12.782 million The NPP should learn to give credit where credit is due or have they gone for different source of funds for these projects? If they have they should provide the source of funds and the amount of money they have taken. All these projects, it was the NDC that sourced for the money before they left power. LIST OF SOME FEW PROJECTS BY THE NDC IN THE VOLTA REGION ROADS Abor junction Ohawu to Xevi road (27km) Awalavi to Dekporya (22km) Sogakope to Bendo, Kpedzeglo to Marfi Kumasi, Adaklu to Ho linking four districts which are south Tongu, Central Tongu, Adaklu and Ho central. Dabala to Anloga through to Keta road which links three constituencies namely South Tongu, Anlo and Keta constituencies. Dzodze town roads phase I Dzodze to Akanu road Adutor roads linking South Tong and Anlo constituency Atorkor, Dzita to Anyanui roads linking more than five (5) towns in the Anlo constituency Akatsi to Aflao road Teshie to beat 9 pedestrain border Atorkukorpe to lowcost road Ewotsige road to border Pepesu to Nkwanta road Ahamansu junction to Ampeyo, Pampamwei to Dapa junction Papase to Kpomkpa roads Abuabu Asubuaye through Tintianyor to Papase junction Kpando to Kwamekrom Kabosu to Dambai road Battor Dove road Dove to Mepe road Sege Aveyime road Torgorme Fodzoku to Juapong Dam road Logba Vuita through all Leklebi towns to Leklebi Darfo Ve Golokuati through Teikrom to Fodome Ve junction through Ve-dome to Leklebi Fiafe Old district Asembly to market lane in Hohoe Asikuma to Adzokoe roads Kpando to Kudzra road Anfoega to Kpando technical. Have to Kpando roads There are lot of completed roads which are not mentioned in the list above and a lot more are ongoing at various stages spread across the region. EDUCATION Under President Mahama, Volta Region now have University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) which is located in Ho with satellite campuses to be located in Hohoe and Keta. The satellite school of pharmacy which is to be located in Keta is starting the enrollment of students this September 2016. This singular important project surpass all projects done by the NPP in the Volta Region because the human resource of every nation plays a critical role in the development of that nation. Fibre optic cables have been laid by the NDC government from Ho all the way to Volta North through to Bawku. This project is to improve the future outlook of education and business within the region. Under the NDC government fifteen (15) districts namely Krachi Nchumuru, Biakoye, Nkwanta south, Akatsi south and North Tongu etc are getting new community SHS which are at various stages, with some completed. This project is providing some means of income to the people of the Region and when completed will also give permanent employment to the people of the Region and Ghana as a whole. Under President Mahama a campus from start to finish have been built for the nursing and midwifery school located at Vodza in the Keta Municipality. Under the NDC lots of infrastructure development at the basic, JHS and SHS have taken place in the region. These are class room blocks, dining halls, teachers bungalow, teachers common room, boys and girls hostels, and libraries etc which are all dotted over the twenty five (25) districts in the Volta Region. The number of schools benefiting from school feeding program have increased significantly. When NPP was in power in some districts there were less than two schools benefiting from such a scheme but currently under the NDC we have increased it from over 83 schools under the NPP to 407 schools with 126,590 beneficiaries under the NDC as at June 2015. Most of the district hospital and the regional hospital in the Volta region was built by the NDC, the NPP scores zero when we come to this area. The NPP claim they brought NHIS and the NDC have collapse it. This assertion by the NPP can never be true because the total enrollment under the scheme have improved. The outpatient utilization stands at 29.6 million in the year 2014 as compared to over 9 million in the year 2008. The question is if NHIS is collapsing, why are people still patronizing the facility. Even if the NPP brings health insurance, how will the people of the region have access to health care if there are no hospitals in the region? WATER The NPP cannot boast of any water treatment plant they have built in the region. Under the NDC government three constituencies namely South Tongu, Anlo and Keta are drinking treated water from Agordormie which have been extended to several communities. The NDC government have built a multi-million water processing plant at Adidome in the Central Tongu district. This is meant to serve over 2000 communities in five districts namely North Tongu, Central Tongu, Adaklu, Agortime Ziope and Ho west. Tongor Kpalime water supply project phase I completed to supply communities in south Dayi with treated water. The region also have a lot of bore holes constructed in the region to provide good drinking water to the people. OTHER PROJECTS The region under president Mahama have some significant projects which are either completed or ongoing among them are: The Volta aerodrome popularly called the Ho airport is under construction and will be completed in 2017. Dzita Anyanui (Akplorwutorkor) Sea defense wall have been constructed in the Keta municipality. Sea defense wall currently under construction covering part of the coastline of Keta and Ketu south municipality. Irrigation dam currently under construction at Segbe Border in the Ketu south municipality is going to boost rice and vegetable production in the region. Shopping mall near completion in Anloga within the Keta municipality. Ho central market is under construction with stores, clinic, creche and a fire service post. Construction of a modern abattoir located at Sokode within the Ho municipality. Construction of district assembly office complex which is near completion in North Tongu, Afadzato south etc. Enhanced community information communication Centres located at Keta, Tegbi, North Tongu, ketu north, Agortime Ziope etc. Ladies and gentlemen, the NPP claimed it was during their tenure that the Ketu south was converted to a municipality. This again is another untruth, you would recall during the time of Prof. Mills that there was demonstrations for Aflao to be given a municipality. It was during that time in 2012 that Prof Mills elevated Ketu South district to the status of a municipality. President Mahama has indeed exposed the NPP with his call, this is to let the good people of the Volta region know that the only political party that can give the region any meaningful development to is the NDC party. The parliament of Ghana has recently approved a Swiss company to start the Keta oil exploration. This act shows the commitment of the president towards the development of the region and there are a lot more developments taking place in the various districts across the region that this press statement alone cannot cover. The NPP claimed they were mentioning projects they have done in the southern Volta but went to talk about projects in the northern Volta, this only shows that the NPP does not have much to say when it comes to development in the Volta region. The NDC government under President Mahama will construct a water treatment plant at Sogakope which will supply water along the southern coast all the way to Togo and that will resolve the water problems in these areas including Anyako in the Keta municipality. The government is also committed to implementing the Southern Volta basin development plan which is going to revolutionize agriculture in the region as well as serve as a food basket for the people of Ghana and also provide means of employment for our youths. President Mahama is leaving nothing to chance to make sure the eastern corridor road is completed to open up the region for business opportunities. Looking at the massive development taking place in the region we believe the people of the Volta region will Vote massively for President Mahama and we are going to achieve the GAP ONE MILLION target we have set for ourselves. Signed Hon. Gyapong Kudjoe Regional Chairman Kafui Agbleze - Regional communication officer Simon Amegashie Viglo Regional secretary Hon Henry Ametefe - regional organiser Chester Ben Ati - Dep. regional communication officer God Bless Ghana God Bless NDC Eye Zu Eye za Three people were on Thursday sentenced to serve 25 years each for robbing one Patrick Addai Koranteng at New Weija. Jerry Danquah, a Driver; Isaac Donkor, a Cane Weaver; and David Asare, a Trader; were charged with conspiracy to commit crime and robbery of one Toyota Hilux, worth 120,000.00, one HP Laptop, worth 5,000.00, one Apple iPod, worth 3,000.00, and one Samsung Galaxy phone worth 1,000.00. They also robbed Charles Hagan, the complainant of an external hard drive worth 400.00, four wrist watches worth 6,500, one computer mouse worth 100.00, one Samsung remote worth 30.00, two necklaces worth 500.00 and a pack of coins amounting to 100.00. The three pleaded not guilty to both charges but were found guilty after the full trial by the court presided over by Mr. Aboagye Tanoh. Earlier the prosecutor, Police Chief Inspector Edward Afful told the court that the complainant is an Engineer working with Shell Ghana Limited and resides at New Botianor while the convicts reside in the Sikkens area near old Fadaman. He said on September 19, 2015, four armed men attacked and robbed the complainant of his V8 Landcruiser in his house at Attah Moses down in New Weija. He said on October 4, 2015, at about 0200 hours the complainant was asleep when he heard a loud sound in the corridor leading to his bedroom, he woke up and realized that some people were breaking into his bedroom. He told the court that unknown to the complainant, the convicts had already scaled over his fence wall after cutting through the barbed wires on the fence wall. He said the armed men also broke the exit door and entered the house through the kitchen and broke the burglar proof behind his bedroom. The prosecution said even though the complainant gave them an amount of 600.00 on demand, they subjected him to beatings, tied him up with his own flying tie and succeeded in robbing the above-listed items. He said luck, however, eluded them as the vehicle had a tracking device on it. Police Chief Inspector Afful said the complainant managed and called his company after the police patrol team from Weija arrived on the scene. He said the vehicle was tracked and with the assistance of police communications, the three convicts have intercepted on board the vehicle at Tsopoli barrier on the Tema-Sogakope highway. He said they were arrested and all the items stolen from the complainants house were retrieved in the vehicle and were sent to Tema and later Weija. The prosecution said at the Weija police station, the complainant easily identified them as the people who evaded his premises as they were not masked at the time of the incident. On interrogation, they all admitted the offences and also claimed to be responsible for the earlier robberies and led the police to Denu in the Volta Region where the complainants V8 Landcruiser was retrieved. 15.04.2016 LISTEN By Kwamina Tandoh, GNA Mr. Francois Pujolas, the French Ambassador to Ghana, has said France is committed to strengthening its bilateral relations with Ghana. He said France would continue to strengthen the long-standing ties between the two countries not only in the area of politics but also in the area of the economy. Mr. Pujolas said this during a courtesy call on Mr Nii Laryea Afotey-Agbo, the Greater Accra Regional Minister. Mr. Pujolas said France considers Ghana as a top priority because of its ability to consolidate its democratic gains, which had created the needed atmosphere for investment opportunities to thrive.Highlighting some developmental projects embarked by the French Government in Ghana, Mr Pujolas, said France has financed the construction of road networks and traffic lights at Awoshie-Pokuase, adding that education on road regulations would be intensified across the country. Mr. Pujolas said the Ghana Association of Microfinance Companies has also benefited from a grant of 1.5million from Agence Francaise de Development towards the Association's Capacity Improvement Project to provide technical assistance to its members. The Ambassador said in September, the French Government would organise a conference to discuss sustainable developments projects in cities to enhance development. Mr. Pujolas said France would continue to finance development projects that fell in line with its objectives to improve the lot of the people. Mr. Afotey-Agbo said Ghana appreciates the role of the French Government to its development and economic growth. He appealed to France to continue to support the country to make life comfortable for the people. 15.04.2016 LISTEN President John Dramani Mahama was reported in the Ghanaian media yesterday to have pummeled the National Security Council for what he described as the unfortunate release of a terror alert in the country. According to the report, President Mahama took the opportunity to urge Ghanaians not to panic over the alert, saying it was unnecessary for the security agencies to allow such delicate information to leak into the public domain. In an interview with GBC's Sunrise FM, Thursday, President Mahama posited; I think that we must deal with this without creating panic amongst our people and that is why the stories we read in the papers today are most unfortunate. Continuing, he assured Ghanaians that the nation's security agencies were well placed to deal with any form of threat and urged the people to be alert and report any form of suspicious behaviour to the security agencies. We are preparing for any such eventuality but we need the alertness of the publicThe public needs to be more alert today than before, if you see any strange person, any strange movement, you just need to report to the security services, President Mahama stressed. To assuage the fears, which is fast gripping the people, the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), explained that the latest terror alert statement emphasizing potential attacks on Ghana by terrorists, was not intended for the public. Francis Palmdeti, a spokesperson of the GIS said the alert was meant for the internal use of personnel of the various security agencies. Indeed, the alert, which leaked into the media, has confirmed that terrorists are planning an attack on Ghana apparently to defuse the notion that only francophone countries were susceptible to terrorist attacks. Portions of the leaked document read: Intelligence gathered by the National Security Council (NSCS), indicates a possible terrorist attack on the country is real. The alert, further stated that terrorists enter a country by concealing their explosives and other weapons. They enter through approved and unapproved entry points. In the Ivorian attacks, they reportedly entered from Mali using a Nigerean register 44 vehicle. They reportedly concealed their weapons and grenade in the vehicles compartment for spare tyres, padded with cushions and bubble wraps to keep them stable and to prevent noise. Mr. Palmdeti told Starr FM's Nii Arday Clegg Thursday that the Immigration Service is unhappy about the way the alert has been handled by the media. I'm not here to confirm or deny what is supposed to be in that alert. I was told it started on social media and later found its way into the mainstream media. That alert is an intended memo that has not been approved for public consumption. It is essentially for the usage of the security agencies and so we are not excited about the interpretations that have been put to it, he stated. The Chronicle believes that President Mahama has hit the nail right on the head by pummeling the National Security for allowing such dainty information to leak into the media. We are of the opinion that the Presidential intervention was timely and appropriate, judging from the heightened concern the alert has generated in society. The Presidential admonition would go a long way to calm down nerves in a nervy society. The Chronicle, however, wishes to stress that as the father of the nation, it is his responsibility to ensure that anytime members of his administration put up behaviors that have the tendency to call his ability to manage the economy into question, he would act spontaneously. On a number of occasions, some of his operatives, especially, Special Aide Stan Dogbe had incurred the wrath of the Ghanaian people and had expected head of state to comment on it, but to no avail. This is why The Chronicle wishes to commend the President for chastising the National Security for the leakage of the terror alert, and also encourage him to be bold at all time to criticize members of his administration when they go wrong. 15.04.2016 LISTEN By Inusa Musah Abaidoo (Mrs.) presenting a dummy of SSNITs financial donation to Mr. Yeboah, Country Director for Creating New Beginnings 75,000 pensioners, representing fifty percent of 150,000 pensioners in the books of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) are enjoying a minimum of GHc279 of their pension earnings as at March 2016, Victoria Abaidoo (Mrs.), Acting Corporate Affairs Manager of SSNIT has said. The minimum pension earning, she said, is higher than Ghana's minimum wage. A beneficiary, Mrs. Victoria Abaidoo, took time to explain how it is calculated on the contributor's average of three years' best salary. A contributor's pension benefit is dependent on the age and number of months they pay their contributions and the average of their three years best salary. SSNIT, she stressed, therefore, replaces the lost income of workers and so if any worker wants to get their lost money back when they go on pension, they should endeavour to register with SSNIT. We have now gone automated and biometric. The Acting Corporate Affairs Manager of SSNIT said to The Chronicle on the sideline at the Pension House, where her outfit donated GHc50,000 to 'Creating New Beginnings Charitable Organisation', an autistic home at Frafra, in the Madina Municipality. SSNIT's financial contribution to the beneficiary formed part of their corporate social responsibility to the society and it was aimed at helping the managers of the autistic facility to expand. Mrs. Victoria Abaidoo explained that SSNIT is able to financially give back to support such institutions owing to the viable investments that they have over the years been engaging in, adding that profits from the investments have kept the institution running. Through such viable investments, SSNIT is able to employ and pay its workers. SSNIT, she said grows through sustaining contributions from employers who are up-to-date with the payment of their employees' contributions. The Insurance Trust, Mrs. Abaidoo said, would continue to support worthy causes and organizations, whose activities can positively affect the weak in the society. SSNIT made a similar presentation to the Ghana Blind Union. Creating New Beginnings Charitable Organization is a UK registered charitable institution that is providing a facility for autistic children in Ghana, and the Country Director for the organization, Seth Yeboah Ocran, advised parents with autistic children, including the society, to shun discriminating such children. Seth Yeboah was thankful to SSNIT for their financial support which he said would be channeled into expanding the facility in a bid to help them accommodate more autistic children. He entreated other benevolent organizations, individuals and philanthropists to emulate the gesture of SSNIT. 15.04.2016 LISTEN By Belinda Ayamgha, GNA Armah Kofi Buah, speaking at the cocktail Mr. Armah Kofi Buah, Minister of Petroleum says government is committed to the path of price deregulation in the petroleum downstream sector, so that the market could determine the prices of products. Speaking at a cocktail to celebrate the launch of Puma Energy Distribution Ghana, he noted that the deregulation process would also allow the regulatory body to deliver its core mandate of ensuring fair play in the downstream arena and also ensuring quality. He noted that the approval by Parliament of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) Amendment had cemented the path. Mr Buah said the downstream sector is brimming with opportunities; with a strong stimulated demand for petroleum products, as statistics showed that the amount of petroleum products consumed in the country annually continue to surge. This certainly provides golden opportunities for industry players and we are happy that Puma has joined the competition, he stated. He said government is also working on a Legislative Instrument on local content in the downstream sector, as has been done in the upstream sector. We think there has been real success in the upstream sector and we want to replicate that in downstream sector, he said. Mr Buah commended Puma Energy's foundation on partnerships with local communities and its shareholding structure with includes more than 50 per cent Ghanaians, describing it as more of a Ghanaian firm than a foreign entrant. He said government is convinced, in light of the company's track record, that it is a credible partner to invest in and strengthen the downstream sector. Mr. Buah challenged Puma Energy to continue to adhere to its strong health, safety and environmental records and maintain an incident free operation as they had done, to serve as yardstick in the industry Mr. Myles Bouvier-Baird, General Manager of Puma Energy Distribution Ghana, said it is a positive step to deregulate the market and let competition determine the prices. He noted that there has been significant increase in competitive activity since the deregulation of the downstream sector by government, a phenomenon which is good for the end user of the products. Mr. Bouvier-Baird said the company, aside providing petroleum products at competitive prices for Ghanaians, is also very interested in the communities they operate in. In line with this, Puma Energy would, from next month, launch its flagship Road Safety Campaign targeted at children. He said the company would partner with a non-governmental organisation to identify local schools, where they would go and educate them about the road safety. It's a really fun campaign; a fun way to educate them, and after the education, we give them a few little gifts like school bags with reflectors on them to make them a bit safer, he said. Mr. Bouvier-Baird said the company believes that through education, it could help reduce incidents around roads, especially with children. Puma Energy has been supporting the country's fuel industry for nearly 10 years through the construction and operation of the CBM import system, which is used to import crude and other oil products into the country. The Social Security National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) has presented a cheque of GH 50,000.00 to Creating New Achievable Beginnings; an Accra based NGO to assist them in building a school boarding facility and expansion of the school building to cater for admission and training of more special needs children within the Adenta Frafraha Municipality in the Greater Accra Region. The gesture according to SSNITs Customer Service Manager of Corporate Affairs Dept., Mrs. Victoria Gifty Abaidoo forms part of the companys corporate social responsibility (CSR) in giving back to the society. Director of Creating New Beginnings, Seth Yeboah Ocran receiving the donation commended SSNIT for the assistance. We are very grateful to SSNIT for quickly responding to our request for support towards the schools boarding facility project and expansion of the school classroom blocks to allow us admit more of such autism children who needed specialist training in Ghana he explained. He admonished parents whose children are living with autism disorder not to hide them in their houses but rather bring them out to school to be trained so as to become useful to the society. Mr. Seth Yeboah Ocran who also doubles as the Director of Woodfiled Minor Autism and Special Needs School called on other Corporate Organizations and well-meaning Ghanaians to come to the aid of the School in order to help it admit and train more children with special needs care in Ghana. Creating New Beginnings is a Community based Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) which has established a Woodfiled Minor Autism and Special Needs School in 2012 to provide quality special needs care for children living with autism in Ghana with the aim of assisting them to grow to be useful the society. The school currently has population of 30 children and is located in Adenta Frafraha Community within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. 15.04.2016 LISTEN From Richard Owusu-Akyaw, Kumasi cassava tubbers Right Rev. Professor Osei Sarfo Kantanka, a renowned crop scientist has attributed the poor quality of cassava in Ghana, which has led to its scarcity, to a phenomenal change in weather. The science Professor told a Chronicle enquiry about the reason for the poor quality of cassava on the Ghanaian market. He said in Ghana, when there is a switch from the dry season to the early stages of the rainy season, growth of cassava is retarded. In this circumstance, many cassava varieties shed off their leaves and become inactive and dormant, while there are others which are able to stand this change in weather, Professor Osei Sarfo Kantanka explained. He said: When cassava doesn't grow and the rains start falling, every farmer is aware there is a flash of new growth which comes with new leaves. The crop scientist told this paper that when the flash of new growth emerges the cassava mobilises the starch reserved in the tuber to produce a new flash of growth and when it does, that affects the composition of the tuber. Fufu, a local Ghanaian dish being prepared When you go for the tuber at the onset of the rainy season, the composition is not the same as that of the dry season tuber and the resultant cassava becomes affected, so when cooked, it is either too soft or too hard and cannot be used for fufu, he said. He revealed that the bad quality of cassava will happen until the weather stabilizes and until they produce their own food to be stored in the tuber, stressing it is a phenomenon widely known by farmers and chop bar operators since during this season a lot of cassava go waste. Prof. Sarfo Kantanka, who is the immediate past Bishop of the Kumasi Diocese of the Methodist Church of Ghana, told The Chronicle the ultimate aim is to plant cassava which has stable cooking qualities to withstand the weather change. According to him, this variety is not very common and that once in a while one comes across a variety which can stand the change in weather. At the moment No new variety has emerged, it is the same old one which is reacting to the change in weather, he asserted. The former genetics lecturer of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) indicated that because of the change in weather phenomenon, plant breeders always prefer varieties of maize which can withstand change in weather. The academician also equated the change in cooking cassava to soil condition which makes the temperature around the tuber uniform, adding if you can keep the soil; it also has the tendency to maintain the cooking quality. He said temperature is a contributing factor in maintaining quality. Mulching can also maintain the soil temperature, he said, adding that: If you weed to reach the soil, temperature varies than not weeding, which keeps the tubers quite cool and the quality may remain as the temperature is maintained. Following the poor quality of cassava, the price of cassava has soared, a development which has resulted in upward adjustment of the cost of fufu, a staple delicacy for majority of Ghanaians. The situation is a worry to many chop bar operators. In an interaction with Madam Serwaa, a chop bar operator at Asafo, a suburb of Kumasi, she lamented about the cost of cassava, saying a bag of cassava now costs GHc150. According to her, most of the cassava that she cooks is either too hard or too soft, which cannot be used for preparing fufu. Serwaa noted she has no option than to increase the price of fufu from GHc2.00 to GHc3.00 because cassava is now expensive. The high cost of cassava has, therefore, compelled many households to switch from their staple fufu to rice and other dishes. 15.04.2016 LISTEN From Michael Boateng, Sunyani Most Rev. Bishop Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi Most Rev. Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi, Catholic Bishop of Sunyani Diocese has admonished undergraduates to take their lectures seriously, so they can graduate with better grades, after their admission into the universities. Speaking at the 13th Matriculation and graduation ceremony at the Catholic University College at Fiapre, in Sunyani, last Saturday, he stressed that Matriculants should sit up and learn from their lecturers and professors to gain some of their experience and avoid being a fancy of academics and make good use of their time to enable them complete their courses with flying colours. He also urged them to prioritize time on what will stimulate their minds for critical thinking, good character and the ability to be critical. The Bishop, who doubles as the Episcopal Chairman of Catholic University College, advised the graduants to be hardworking and truthful at their fields of work to raise high the flag of the Catholic institution. Bishop Gyamfi further entreated the graduants to stay away from people who belittle their intelligence.When you go to the outside world, try and stay away from people who belittle your intelligence and potentialsif you stay with them too, upgrade them, he said. Bishop Kwasi Gyamfi noted that obtaining first class as undergraduates should not seem to students as a difficult task, since some past students were able to study hard for such grades. He urged them to make their parents proud by distancing themselves from third class. Dont go for third class or second classI will not even dare you to go for second class upper; go for the first class and make your parents proud, he challenged the students. He also revealed that the vision of the Catholic University College is to create a unique university college, which could bring distinctive contribution not only to the Brong-Ahafo Region alone, which is the land of its birth, but to the entire nation. The Most Rev. Gyamfi disclosed that the Catholic Church sees education as a tool for advancing knowledge in any society, bringing forth the establishment of the Catholic University. Four hundred and forty eight (448) students graduated in the school this year. 162 of them were from the faculty of Education with 155 being post graduate Diploma and 7 undergraduates. Also 188 graduated from the faculty of Public Health and Allied sciences. The Business Administration and Information, Communication and Technology faculties graduated 188 and 3 students respectively. The college has a current student population of 2,965 which is a drop of 544 from the 3,409 recorded last year. However, the college can boast of a total of 5,567 graduates since its inception. Addressing the congregation, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the college, Dr. Anthony Bonah Koomson, advised the Matriculants to be obedient in school as they had pledged to be, since the university would hold them strictly in compliance of the pledge. He urged them to be more focused and avoid disparaging remarks which could put off the goodwill of the university. Dr. Koomson observed that the university has extensively prepared the students making their graduation to be of value to their immediate society and the world at large. Professor Kofi Agyekum, the Dean of students at the school of Performing Arts at the University of Ghana, who graced the occasion, stressed on the need for the graduating students to value good morals through truthfulness, hardwork and dedication to duty, since the job market is very competitive. Entreating new students not to abuse the freedom they may be enjoying in school away from their parents, he stressed on the need for them to cut off fashion which some of them valued most than their studies and learn hard to make the investment their parents made in them worthwhile. Exercise personal freedom with circumspection because your future depends on what you do with your time today Manage your time well today if you want to be successful tomorrow, for time management is the key to success, he added. The college had been affiliated to the University of Ghana for the past 14 years. However, Professor Agyekum revealed that the University Of Ghana is in the process to acquire a charter for the Catholic University College. 15.04.2016 LISTEN By Kodjo Adams, GNA School kids being fed under the School Feeding Programme The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection is working towards increasing the beneficiaries of the Ghana School Feeding Programme to three million by the end of the 2016 to improve the nutritional status of pupils and their retention in school. Nana Oye Lithur, the sector minister, announced this in Accra at a stakeholders' meeting to discuss the quality of the food and the general improvement of the programme. She said by the 2014/2015 Academic Year, the total number of pupils on the programme had increased to more than 1.72 million beneficiaries, from the 2006/2007 population of 413,498, representing 320.6 per cent. The beneficiaries are from 5,000 public primary schools, representing 39.43 per cent of the total national population of public primary schools. Nana Oye Lithur said the Government launched the School Feeding Programme, in 2005, in response to the New Partnership for Africa's Development recommendation for the adoption of a home-grown school feeding concept. She explained that the goal of the concept was to contribute to poverty reduction and increase food security in line with the Millennium Development Goals on Hunger, Poverty and Malnutrition. Nana Oye Lithur said the first phase of the implementation took place from 2006 to 2010.However, the programme, she said was now being implemented as a social protection strategy across the 216 districts to improve school enrolment, attendance and retention. She said Cabinet approved the School Feeding Policy and Social Protection Policy in 2015 to strengthen the legal and policy framework of the programme, while a Bill for the Ghana School Feeding Agency was being drafted by the Attorney General. She said a new Caterer Contracting and Procurement Guidelines had been developed to ensure transparency and compliance with national procurement guidelines, and explained that the menu served to the pupils would be based on the three geographical regions of the forest, savannah and coastal areas. The Minister said the Government had established the Ghana Household Registry to ensure inclusion and transparency in targeting beneficiaries of the Social Protection Programme. Nana Oye Lithur said the Ministry had introduced an electronic payment system to ensure value for money, curb delays associated with previous modes of payment and inject transparency and accountability in the programme's financial system. She announced that the Government had secured funds to pay the 70 days of the first-term of 2015/2016 academic year and that the arrears would be released by the close of April, 2016. The Ministry will continue to collaborate with key stakeholders, especially the Ghana Education Service, to provide credible school enrolment data through the Education Management Information Service, she said. She said the School Feeding Programme was collaborating with the Ghana Education Service and National Health Insurance Authority to register every school going child on the School Feeding Programme free of charge and provide them with biometric ID cards. GNA 15.04.2016 LISTEN By Pascal Kafu Abotsi The Registrar of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, Mr. Harry Anthony Attipoe, has taken legal action against one of the kingmakers of Appolonia, Nii Iddrisu Mansro, a reporter at Accra-based Citi FM, Mr. Elvis Washington Agyinkuma, and Omni Media, owners of Citi FM, demanding an amount of GH5 million as damages for libel. The Registrar, who, according the statement of claim, has oversight responsibility of the Kpone Traditional Council (KTC), is also demanding an order of perpetual injunction to restrain the defendants, their servants, and agents from further publication of the said words, similar, or any words of the like effect. The plaintiff hit the legal ground running when the Citi FM reporter, who is the 2nd Defendant in the case, after he had mischievously interviewed some non-existent chiefs, came out with a jerky article, suggesting that the rulers of Kpone and Appllonia were excited about the recent transfer of the Registrar. In the article, Mr. Attipoe was accused of being the brain behind the woes of the people in the Traditional Area, and this was expressly captured in ever since he was transferred to the Greater Accra Region as Registrar, has created more harm than good to us Attipoe has really created serious confusion and messed up our lands, so now that he has been transferred, we thank God the new Registrar coming will come and clean the mess and put things in order. Described as a self-styled Regent, Nii Mansro granted an interview to Mr. Washington on the March, 21, this year. Titled Ga Chiefs Laud Transfer of Regional House of Chiefs Registrar, the article was published by the 3rd Defendant, Omni Media, on its website, which the plaintiff said contained defamatory words. While portions of the letter accused the plaintiff of corruption, others linked him to indiscriminate sale of Kpone stool lands. In the article, Nii Mansro alleged that: Mr. Harry Attipoe has been involved in giving lands to developers, whereas he (Attipoe) is not an indigene. We have evidence of land receipts with us, where Mr. Harry Attipoe has signed, with regards to the sale of Kpone land, whereas he has no right to do so. In the course of celebrating the decision to transfer of Mr. Attipoe, the 1st Defendant was quoted to have said: Nii Mansro said the decision to transfer Mr. Attipoe is a very good one worth commending, adding that Mr. Attipoes alleged involvement in [a] series of land matters has created tension within the Greater Accra Region. Again, the article contained: Citing the Appollonia chieftaincy dispute as an example, Nii Mansro said Attipoe, despite a case pending in court against the illegal enstoolment of one Nii Amobi, went ahead to ensure he was illegally gazetted, as some of the damning allegations. But a publication in the Thursday March 24, 2016 publication of The Chronicle downplayed the allegations contained in the article, as written by the 2nd Defendant. The Chronicle report revealed that some chiefs in the Kpone Traditional Area, when contacted by the papers reporter, said the earlier report was baseless and unfounded. In line with that confession, counsel for the plaintiff, A. Ossei Aidooh & Co., in the statement of claim said the words contained in the article could be contextualised naturally and ordinarily as proposing that The plaintiff is incompetent as the Regional Registrar, and is directly involved in chieftaincy and land matters in the region; the plaintiff, by his conduct, is undermining the development of the region, and his acts have harmed the region; the plaintiff is selling lands in the Kpone Traditional Area to developers for his personal benefit. The words, in the eyes of the lawyers, also suggested that The plaintiff, on his own, ensures that persons who have illegally [been] installed as chiefs are gazetted; the plaintiffs conduct has immensely contributed to the chieftaincy feud in the Kpone Traditional Area, much to the detriment of the people, and also, that the plaintiff is a dishonest and [a] selfish person who has misappropriated proceeds from the sale of the lands in Kpone. For all these, the plaintiff, who has argued that the article has circulated worldwide, is convinced that his credit and reputation both personal and public has been seriously ignored and damaged, and has been brought into public scandal, ridicule, odium and contempt, stressing that the words were written and published out of malevolence and spite towards him. 15.04.2016 LISTEN By Maame Agyeiwaa Agyei ([email protected]) Lawyers for the three accused persons who are standing trial for the hatched Koala Marketing Administrator's robbery have ended the cross-examination of the Branch Manager, Mohammed Ali Kadir. The cross-examination took two days, as both defence lawyers questioned him on the robbery incident, which happened on January 19. According to him, unlike what the defence lawyer said, supervisors are at liberty to move about, so on the day of the incident, the second accused person, Gilbert Osabutey, aka Obolo (A2), who is shop supervisor of Koala Shopping Centre, Cantonments branch, did not obtain any permission from him before stepping out. This was in response to whether he knew why the Supervisor gave him a flimsy excuse just to go out. He also denied having any idea about whatever the second accused person (the Supervisor) discussed with the prosecution witness, Lydia Horsu, who was the victim of the robbery. The court, presided over by Aboagye Tandoh, adjourned the case to today, to enable the prosecution invite their next witness. Meanwhile, the two other accomplices who perpetuated the robbery act declined to ask him further questions since they do not know the branch manager and had nothing to do with him. The accused persons are Michael Edoe Ahiataku aka Old Soldier, a private security guard; Gilbert Osabutey aka Obolo, shop supervisor and Frederick Sedro Kwame aka Fred, a private security guard. Two other accomplices Stanley Obaliko aka Mohammed Sulemana and Okoe Quarcoe, unemployed, who are still in clutches during court sitting yesterday due to injuries they sustained when a taxi driver knocked them down with his vehicle during the robbery. Meanwhile two other accomplices are still on the loose on the run and are wanted by the police. The three accused persons allegedly trailed and robbed one Lydia Horsu, a marketing administrator of Koala at Cantoments near the American Embassy. The accused persons on the January 9, 2016, at about 8am, conspired and robbed the victim of her Nokia mobile phone worth GH800, a black ladies' bag valued at GH200, a Koala ID card, invoices and GH100. Stanley Obaliko, is facing an additional charge of possessing one automatic MAB foreign pistol with number PA151674189, six live 9mm ammunition, and five empty cartridges. Sulemana and Okoe are also standing trial for intentionally and unlawfully causing grievous harm to Lydia. The three have, however, denied the charges levelled against them and are currently on remand. 15.04.2016 LISTEN We Have Solutions To Ghana's Problems Nana Addo Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has assured Ghanaians that a New Patriotic Party administration under his leadership, God-willing from January 2017, will fashion out well-thought out and thorough solutions to the myriad of problems confronting the country. Against the backdrop of an economy in tatters, declining agricultural and manufacturing sectors, coupled with the inability of Ghanaian youth to find jobs, rising cost of living, widespread and rampant corruption, and a collapsed NHIS, the 2016 presidential candidate of the NPP is urging Ghanaians not to lose hope in the ability of the country to offer its citizens a decent living. We, in the NPP, have the solutions to the problems of our country. We will harness the abundant human and natural resources of our nation to put Ghana onto a much better pedestal than she is at the moment, so we can generate wealth for all Ghanaians and jobs for the teeming masses of the unemployed youth, he said. He continued, I am, therefore, appealing to you to have confidence in me and repose your trust in the NPP. If you give me the opportunity to serve this nation, I assure you that I will not disappoint you. We are coming to work for the prosperity of our country and not to line our pockets with the wealth of our nation. Nana Akufo-Addo made this known when he paid a courtesy call on the Chief of Anhwiaso, Ogye Ahohuo Yaw Gyebi II, enroute to the final funeral rites ceremony of Odeneho Gyapong Ababio II, Omanhene of the Sefwi Bekwai Traditional Area. Tribute to Odeneho Gyapong Ababio II Whilst at the palace of the Chief of Anhwiaso, Nana Akufo-Addo paid tribute to the late Odeneho Gyapong Ababio II, the reason for his presence in the Bibiani/Anhwiaso/Bekwai constituency. Nana Akufo-Addo maintained that the late Chief will be remembered as a stalwart in the annals of Ghana's history. He made a significant contribution to the development of our country. He was President of the National House of Chiefs, a member of the Council of State under President Kufuor, and a former Chairman of the Cocoa Marketing Board (Cocobod). He was also my good friend, the NPP flagbearer noted. With the climax of the final funeral rites for the late Chief taking place on Friday, April 15, the same day as the funeral for the late J.B. Danquah Adu, former NPP MP for Abuakwa North, Nana Akufo-Addo stated that: I, therefore, decided to come here today, together with the leadership of the NPP, to pay our last respects to Odeneho. With some 6 months to the holding of this year's elections, Nana Akufo-Addo thanked the Chiefs and people of Anhwiaso for their continued support for the NPP, and further encouraged them to vote massively for him in the presidential election, and for Kingsley Aboagye Gyedu in the parliamentary elections. Ogye Ahohuo Yaw Gyebi II, on his part, thanked Nana Akufo-Addo for his visit to Anhwiaso, praying that: God grant you your heart's desire. The massive crowd you see gathered here this morning, including the Chiefs, is because of the love they have for you. He expressed his condolences to the NPP on the loss of former Chairman, Jake Otanka Obetsebi Lamptey and the late J.B. Danquah Adu. Ogye Ahohuo Yaw Gyebi II lamented the poor condition of roads in the town and appealed to Nana Akufo-Addo to remember us when the people of Ghana entrust you with their mandate. Nana Akufo-Addo was accompanied on his visit to Anhwiaso by MP for Bibiani/Anhwiaso/Bekwai, Kingsley Aboagye Gyedu; MP for Kwadaso, Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto and NPP Parliamentary candidate for Sefwi Wiawso, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie. The Media Foundation for West Africa has condemned the attack on three foreign journalists by the security agencies in Ghana. A statement issued in Accra yesterday, said the three were attacked based on a censorship policy that has been introduced. The following is the full statement. On April 10, 2016 security forces stationed at Saaman, a mining community in the Eastern Region of Ghana harassed three Danish journalists from Impact TV, a Denmark-based television station. The security forces also forcefully seized their filming equipment. The three journalists, Jorgen Ebbe Christensen, TroelsKingo, and Sandra Haugaard were in the country to record a documentary on mining and environment in Ghana. The team had complied with a recently introduced obnoxious and media censoring directive by the Information Services Department (ISD) that require journalists working for foreign media to seek authorisation before conducting any filming activity in the country. The ISD's authorisation to the Danish journalists had listed the filming of Saaman as part of what has been approved for their coverage. According to MFWA's sources, after the team finished filming and were returning, they were accosted by military personnel who had been stationed to offer security at Kibi Goldfields Limited, a local mining firm in the Saaman in the eastern region of Ghana. The security forces together with officials of the mining firm forcefully seized the equipment questioning why they had conducted filming within their mining concession. The incident was subsequently reported to the police in Koforidua, capital of the Eastern Region. The equipment was also subsequently presented to the police and is yet to be released. According to sources the mining company is insisting on accessing content on the video recording equipment before deciding whether to release it or not. The MFWA finds this development extremely worrying as it infringes on the rights of the journalists and limits the boundaries of media freedom in the country. The MFWA is equally worried about the implementation of the absurd policy by the ISD which seeks to impose direct censorship on journalists working for foreign media. A recent authorisation issued to foreign journalists by the ISD in line with the policy, lists specific areas and fields that the journalists are allowed to cover and directs the crew to operate strictly within the mandate given them. The said authorisation also required that after the filming, the journalists should ensure that copies of the video clips are made available to the Information Services Department for Conformity Reality Checkbefore the videos are aired publicly. This, the ISD said, was a directive by the National Security Council Secretariat. The directive clearly imposes direct censorship of the media and clearly contravenes provisions in Article 162(2) of Ghana's 1992 constitution, which states that: Subject to this constitution and any other law not inconsistent with this constitution, there shall be no censorship in Ghana. The ISD's policy is also at variance with Clause 4 of the same Article of the Constitution: Editors and publishers of newspapers and other institutions of the mass media shall not be subject to control or interference by Government, nor shall they be penalized or harassed for their editorial opinions and views, or the content of their publications. The MFWA condemns the attack on the Danish journalists and also calls on the ISD to withdraw the censorship policy. President John Dramani Mahama 15.04.2016 LISTEN He hasnt paid our hardworking teachers, and many other equally diligent civil servants, for more than two years. And yet, President John Dramani Mahama would have Ghanaians believe that the possibility of any terrorist attacks in the country would come from outside. This is more than simply ironic; it is patently and unpardonably absurd. Let me tell you why, my dear reader: this is the same man who recklessly and covertly negotiated an agreement with the United States foreign ministry, the State Department, to have two Saudi-born Yemeni terrorists released from the US Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, and flown to Ghana on the blindside of Speaker Edward Doe Adjaho and Mr. Fritz Baffuor, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Intelligence Committee just this past January. Now, President Mahama is telling us that operatives of the National Security Council (NSC) ought not to have leaked news of an imminent terrorist attack by one of the sub-regional affiliates of Al-Qaeda and/or ISIS to the media (See Terror Alert: No Need to Panic Mahama Starrfmonline.com / Ghanaweb.com 4/14/16). You would have thought that the President would call for a few heads to roll at the top-echelons of whichever security establishment caused such a leak. Indeed, one does not need Prophet T. B. Joshua to predict the possibility of a terrorist attack in the country in the offing; simple common sense ought to point us to such an imminent possibility. If being denied ones legitimate livelihood by those who have been feeding fat, blindly and recklessly at the expense of the hardworking Ghanaian does not constitute terrorism, I dont know what else does. And if the governments abject negligence of the Ghanaian civil and public servant is no prime recipe for a lethal backlash in the offing, I dont know what else is. Indeed, what is unfortunate is not the fact that the media should be filled with reports of an imminent terrorist attack in the country, but the fact that it has taken this incredibly long to come to the realization, even as our sages of old had observed time without number in their time, as well as our own, that if you hold a toad/frog under water unduly long, it begins to gurgle. I also dont believe that the possibility of a terrorist attack in Ghana would serve to defuse the notion that only Francophone countries are susceptible to attacks by terrorists, unless the proponent of such a bogus theory wants his/her audience to believe that Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania and Uganda are Francophone African countries. What we see here is that the dastardly activities of terrorists thrive best where there is a critical mass of radical Muslims and jihadists. In Uganda, however, that critical mass has been militant fundamentalist Christians, such as members of the so-called Lords Resistance Army, if memory serves yours truly accurately. Nearly all the countries listed above have a critical mass of radicalized Muslim jihadists. Ghana has apparently come under the radar of radicalized Islamist terrorists and jihadists because President Mahama, in unwisely introducing Messrs. Al-Dhuby and Bin-Atef into the country from Guantanamo Bay, where they had each been kept under lock-and-key for some 14 years by personnel of the US Navy intelligence apparatus, had open the floodgates of terrorist attacks on Ghanaians. Matters have also not been helped by the fact that we have also had such cynical Mahama human pit-bulls as Mr. Abraham Amaliba vehemently defend the inalienable right of judicially untried, albeit forensically sustainably certified, terrorists like Messrs. Al-Dhuby and Bin-Atef to be granted residential guest status in the country. Not surprisingly, we recently came to the horrific discovery that some 13, or so, Pakistani Muslims have been prowling our small towns and villages preaching Quranic scriptures without the express invitation of any of the countrys recognized Muslim community leaders. A government whose key operatives would virulently accuse a trio of paint-gun-toting legitimately licensed South African security trainers of endangering our national security, can definitely not be excused for being unaware of the eerie and sinister presence of these radical Pakistani jihadists. We also learn of some Yemeni nationals having been arrested and charged with possessing fake Ghanaian passports. Well, there is a tired old Akan maxim which says that If one consorts with hounds, one gets ones lips licked by hounds. President Mahama has unwisely volleyed Ghana into the orbital tracks of global terrorists and cannot refuse to accept blame squarely and fairly for the same. *Visit my blog at: kwameokoampaahoofe.wordpress.com Ghanaffairs President John Dramani Mahama 15.04.2016 LISTEN The Gomoa West District branch of the Ghana Federation of the Disabled has commended H. E John Dramani Mahama and the NDC government for assisting them financially to improve their standard of living. According to them, President John Dramani Mahama has over the years exhibited care and concern over the plight of Persons With Disabilities in the Gomoa West District. " We really appreciate the efforts of President John Dramani Mahama for his timeless support to us. We are solidly behind him and will work assiduously towards his total victory in the November 7 Presidential elections. We hereby declare our full support for President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC. The recent increase of the Disability Fund from 2% to 3% of the District Common Fund has boosted our confidence in President Mahama and the NDC government" The Persons With Disabilities made up of the physically challenged, blind and the deaf declared this support when the Gomoa West District Assembly disbursed their share of the Common Fund to persons of the Federation at Apam in the Central Region. The fund being their share of the Disability Fund was to boost their economic activities and alleviate poverty among the Disabled society. Apart from the financial support, the Assembly also supply sewing machines, network recharge and unit transfer tools to the beneficiaries . They were also given blankets and mosquito nets to reduce malaria cases in the district. The Gomoa West District Chief Executive, Hon. Theophilus Aidoo-Mensah who disbursed the fund alongside with the District Social Welfare Officer, Mr. Ben. Narl disclosed that the Assembly has been supporting the disabled persons financially to enable them feed themselves and that of their families. He states that an amount ranging from Ghc 300 to Ghc 500 was disbursed to the over 200 Persons With Disabilities in the district according to their level of deformities. " Apart from the above, the Assembly has agreed to provide artificial legs to two male amputees to boost their movement. This is not the first time, we have financed the cost of artificial legs to two people already. Even though it's costly, we would support the amputees to get them out of their present plight" The DCE continued "While thanking you for declaring your full support for H. E John Dramani Mahama, I will like individual member of the federation to be an ambassador for the NDC in your communities and campaign vigorously for President Mahama and the NDC to secure second term of office. "You have seen the brilliant performance of the NDC government. The evidence are there for all to see. This is evidence of the changing lives, transforming Ghana being carried out by President Mahama and the NDC government" The chairman of the Social sub-committee of the Gomoa West District Assembly, Mr. Cosmos Amissah commended the Assembly for its continually support for the disabled persons in the district. 15.04.2016 LISTEN By Pascal KafuAbotsi ( [email protected] ) The readiness of the police, in response to the alleged imminent terrorist attack on Ghana, cannot be gainsaid. Uniformed men, acting as supporting staff yesterday, made their presence pleasantly felt at various places of public gathering, particularly hotels and malls, following Prophet TB Joshuas prophesy last Sunday that there is a possible terrorist attack on the country. The attack, he said, would occur either on Thursday, Friday or Saturday of April this year. In the video, which has since gone viral on social media, the prophet, during a sermon in his church, was heard saying: I am seeing Thursday, Friday, and Saturday if I may say Thursday because these evil people they are very funny. Anything can just happen. You will be very shocked to see what will happen He continued: I see Thursday, Friday. Pray for these two nations Nigeria and Ghana over gathering in any way; over attack. I am seeing attack and that will be in a foreign way. The attack will come not in a local way. So please open your lips and pray for these two nations for protection. T.B Joshuas prophecy came just days after a security alert, detailing the planned attacks had been sent to all security agencies in the country. The security alert, which follows the confession of a Malian terrorist, currently under interrogation for his involvement in the Grand Bassam attacks in Cote D'Ivoire, read in part: Intelligence gathered by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) indicates a possible terrorist attack on the country is real. The terrorist was reported to have told the Ivorian security agencies that the choice of Ghana was to take away the perception that only francophone countries were being targeted. The Ivorian security agencies gathered that the terrorists mode of entry into countries with their explosives and weapons is through concealmentthey enter through approved and unapproved entry points. In the case of the Grand Bassam attack, they reportedly entered from Mali, using a Niger registered 44 vehicle. They supposedly concealed their weapons and grenade in the vehicle's compartment for a spare tyre, padded with cushions and bubbled wraps, to keep them stable and prevent noise. The statement, thus entreated all security agencies to take the information seriously, while calling for thorough profiling of all people coming from high risk countries, including Mali, Libya and Niger. Even though the Police had served notice to the Ghanaian people that there was no cause for alarm due to their adequate preparedness, the anxiety meandering through the minds and hearts of Ghanaians knew no bounds. Speculations became rife that workers and shoppers alike, had vowed to absent themselves on the three days. The Chronicle wanted to ascertain the veracity of the claim by the police and yesterday, took to town. The focus was on hotels and shopping malls, since experience had shown that they are mostly the target areas. A place where foreigners, especially, throng to shop, the Accra Mall, was the first point of call. From all indications, security situation was uncontested, as police and military personnel painstakingly checked human and vehicles entering the facility. Their vehicles were also strategically positioned in anticipation for anything sinister. The environment did not look tensed as expected; there were no signs of the announcement of an imminent terrorist attack. A relatively few people were seen around though. At the Golden Tulip Hotel, entry was almost restricted to unknown vehicles. The mundane free entry and exit dogma was breached. The gates to the facility remained securely locked, with the companys security guards glaringly accessible for checks; the premises itself, in addition to the guards, was also occupied by policemen who looked very active and alert. The Movenpick Hotel, Ghana's largest hotel, was also visited. There, a mini traffic jam was in order. And the detailed checking of vehicles patronising the place was the cause. In an environment that was relatively calm, police personnel and their armoured vehicles, with their engines running, were located at vantage points observing movements critically. The Court Complex in Accra and its surrounding areas also had a fair share of the security concern. Policemen in their vans and armoured vehicles were seen, an indication that they were ready to handle the situation. Although no instruction had been given at the places that this reporter visited, hardly could people be seen standing around talking, as used to be the case there. Even though they expressed relief over the adequate presence and concern of the security agencies, patrons of the facilities in question only prayed to God that nothing of the sort came to pass. Most of them seemed to have faith in the man of God. Meanwhile, Mr. Kwesi Pratt, editor of the Insight newspaper, on Accra-based Adom FM yesterday accused Prophet T.B of creating unnecessary tension and panic in the country. What he is saying is useless. Why doesnt God reveal any good thing to him, except evil ones? he cried out. Worried that some people had refused to go out until the supposed time for the attack had elapsed, Mr. Pratt said he did not know what the man of God expected the people to live on during the period. This man has disturbed the peace people have to enjoyhe should know that a message from God, which is prophecy, must be sacred, he charged. Saying that the prophecy was speculative, he asked why the Prophet could not foresee the death of some members of his Synagogue of all Nations Church on the Spintex Road in Accra,, during his visit some years ago, vis a vis the collapse of his church in Nigeria, which led to the death of scores of people. The United States government has revealed for the first time that it consulted Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, leader and flagbearer of the opposition New Patriotic Party before the infamous transfer of the two Guatanomo bay detainees to Ghana. The Foreign Minister and this Embassy consulted about informing other stakeholders and so we did talk to Akufo-Addo before the transfer happened, US Ambassador to Ghana Robert Jackson told some editors Friday. Ambassador Jackson added after the transfer happened we met with a variety of religious, civil societies and political leaders. I personally met with catholic bishop conference and archbishop Duncan Williams and some of his top leadershipand I think that people now understand what happened better. The opposition NPP had earlier accused government of breaching the ant-terrorism act of Ghana in accepting the two ex-Guantanamo bay prisoners in the country. The party also demanded government to make a full disclosure of the terms and considerations involved in the deal. However, speaking to senior editors of selected media houses, Ambassador Jackson reiterated that the detainees do not pose any security threat to the country. Meanwhile, to improve Ghana's capacity to handle any terror attack, the Ambassador revealed that the US is currently supporting Ghana with a joint readiness operation - named EPIC GUARDIAN. The eight-day exercise to be launched on April 26th will share intelligence and provide simulation exercises to test and increase the country's responsiveness to terror and trafficking threats. 15.04.2016 LISTEN Accra, April 14, GNA A new service, using cell phones, is to provide Ghanaians with news and information, free and on demand, in five local languages, namely English, Ewe, Ga, Hausa, and Twi. The Vodafone 321 service will be available on nearly eight million mobile devices connected to the Vodafone cellular network. The system is designed to be user friendly, even for people with limited literacy. Dialing '321' will connect the caller to a menu of topics, spoken in the language they prefer. The voice prompts lead the caller to key messages, including current news headlines provided by Ghana News Agency (GNA); Weather Forecasts; Maternal Health; Sexual Reproductive Health; Family Planning; and Water, Sanitation and Health. These key messages will also be available as text via SMS and USSD. The 3-2-1 Service was created by Human Network International (HNI), an American NGO. The Service has been active in Madagascar since 2010, and in Malawi since 2014. The launch in Ghana represents the first time HNI has partnered with a news organization. 'The 3-2-1 service clearly offers GNA the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to nation-building and socio-economic development as it brings news to locals in the language they are very much able to understand effortlessly. This is life transforming and a game-changer in the search to create a cohesive nation. As the news organization with the widest network of news gathering in the country, partnering HNI in this initiative unleashes our true potential', Bernard Otabil, the Chief Executive Officer of GNA said. Also contributing to the service are DKT International, Marie Stopes International, Grameen Foundation, Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), Ghana Health Service, and GSMA. The public service messages are created and curated by committees convened by HNI and including representation from government ministries, plus Ghanaian and international subject area experts. The launch in Ghana is the beginning of a rapid expansion of the service this year into 12 countries in Africa and Asia. By mid-2016 more than 100 million people around the world will have access to the Service, in local languages and with information aligned to national priorities. The technology behind the Service is a platform developed by a VOTO Mobile, a Ghana-based tech startup and social enterprise. The service's Nutrition information was supported by UK Aid and GSMA, a trade organization representing nearly mobile 800 operators around the world, including Vodafone Ghana. Government-validated Nutrition content is 'a pillar of the 3-2-1 Service in Ghana,' said Kai-Lik Foh, GSMA's senior market engagement manager. DKT Ghana helped to fund and develop the information on Sexual Reproductive Health and Family Planning. 'This service has the potential to reach millions of people in Ghana, with important and accurate information, without the caller having personal contact with a health provider,' said Kevin Hudson, Executive Director. 'It is an effective, sustainable and cost-effective intervention provided at national level, by health experts and telephone companies without the requirement for donor dependency.' 'These messages are clinically accurate and culturally appropriate,' said Akuba Dolphyne, Senior Technical Manager for mHealth Services at Grameen Foundation, which developed the information on pregnancy through a 'rigorous process' with Ghana Health Service and several nutrition experts from international NGOs. More topics and messages will be added on an ongoing basis. 'If our experiences in Malawi and Madagascar are any indication,' said Sarah Rogers, Program Manager for HNI, 'people in Ghana are also going to love the Service. The news and weather information will generate repeat users, and the public service information will help people improve their lives by having access to trusted information across a wide range of topics.' 'Our telecom partners, end users, and content partners all benefit,' Rogers said. 'A number of new partners are already lining up to develop content for the Service, based on the strength of our business model and the success of our work in other African countries. It's very exciting knowing the national reach that we can have with 3-2-1 and I can't wait to see how the Service continues to grow.' GNA is a leading English language newswire service to cover world politics, business and social affairs. The Agency is the foremost news agency in sub-Saharan Africa. GNA played a key role in the early days of the liberation struggle in Africa, and helped in the promotion and development of African institutions. GNA plays a very significant role in the development of the media landscape not only in Ghana, but also across the African continent. Human Network International (HNI) is a global development organization dedicated to bringing the benefits of technology to individuals and organizations in the developing world. HNI works across all sectors to promote the free flow of information between vulnerable groups and the humanitarian and development professionals dedicated to helping them. GNA 15.04.2016 LISTEN Beposo (Ash ), April 15, GNA - Sheikh Mohammed Bin Fahd Rubyan, a Saudi Muslim Clergy and philanthropist, has inaugurated and hand over the first phase of an Orphanage project, estimated at GH500,000.00 to the Beposo Muslim Community. He assured the people of mobilising the needed resources for the early completion of the second phase of the project and invited the Paramount Chief of Beposo, his wife and the sub-chiefs to join this year's Hajj to Mecca, in appreciation of their support to the project He thanked Nana Boamah Kwabi IV, the Paramount Chief of the Beposo Traditional Area, for providing land for the project, the Ghana Muslim Mission and the Saudi Government for their various contributions to the project. Sheikh Dr.Amin Bonsu, the National Chairman of the Ghana Muslim Mission, receiving the keys of the project, also thanked the Sheikh Rubyan and the Saudi Government for making immense contributions to the development projects in Ghana, especially to the Muslim Community, and asked for Allah's Blessings on all those who had sympathy and care for the poor and the needy. Nana Boamah Kwabi appealed to the sponsors of the project to attach a Technical or Vocational School to the Orphanage to enable the beneficiaries to acquire employable skills. The Omanhene, on behalf of his sub-chiefs, accepted the invitation to take part in this year's Hajj and expressed the hope that there would be no impediments. Madam Amina Akyaa, the District Director of Education, appealed to the people, especially the Muslim Community, to pay attention to girl-child education, explaining that females had proved themselves capable of competing equally with their male counterparts in all aspects of life. Alhaji Alhassan Baryeh, who chaired the function, advised those to be appointed as administrators of the facility to ensure that the welfare of the children became their topmost priority. He appealed to the sponsors of the project to provide a fence wall for the compound and a pavement block to ensure the security and the welfare of children. GNA More than 150,000 customers have so far been rewarded with call card top-ups after depositing GHa300.00 in their accounts. The top 50 depositors received Samsung LED flat screen television sets ranging from 32 inches to 42 inches and smart phones. Mr Daniel Asiedu, the Managing Director of the bank, congratulated all winners for depositing consistently adding that the rewards were to whip up their enthusiasm in saving. He said under the promotion, both existing and new customers would need to qualify for instant prizes by depositing GHa300.00 and retaining it for two weeks. Mr Asiedu said customers with more deposits would be rewarded with quality smart phones, television sets and branded adb souvenirs. He said the bank had earlier organised three mini award events in December, January and February where 10 top depositors for each month were rewarded with smart phones and adb branded souvenirs. Alhaji Mamuda Hamidu, a winner of a 40-inch LED television set, who spoke to the Ghana News Agency, commended the adb for encouraging savings through the rewards. He promised to increase his savings and encourage other people to cultivate the habit of saving with the bank. GNA 15.04.2016 LISTEN By George-Ramsey Benamba Accra, April 15, GNA - Management of the Agricultural Development Bank (adb) on Thursday presented prizes to the top 50 depositors in its ongoing 'Deposit and Win' promotion. More than 150,000 customers have so far been rewarded with call card top-ups after depositing GHa300.00 in their accounts. The top 50 depositors received Samsung LED flat screen television sets ranging from 32 inches to 42 inches and smart phones. Mr Daniel Asiedu, the Managing Director of the bank, congratulated all winners for depositing consistently adding that the rewards were to whip up their enthusiasm in saving. He said under the promotion, both existing and new customers would need to qualify for instant prizes by depositing GHa300.00 and retaining it for two weeks. Mr Asiedu said customers with more deposits would be rewarded with quality smart phones, television sets and branded adb souvenirs. He said the bank had earlier organised three mini award events in December, January and February where 10 top depositors for each month were rewarded with smart phones and adb branded souvenirs. Alhaji Mamuda Hamidu, a winner of a 40-inch LED television set, who spoke to the Ghana News Agency, commended the adb for encouraging savings through the rewards. He promised to increase his savings and encourage other people to cultivate the habit of saving with the bank. GNA By Iddi Yire and Isaac Newton Tetteh,GNA Accra, April 15, GNA - Dr Christine Evans-Klock, the United Nations Resident Co-ordinator in Ghana, has lauded the country's record of having a very active free press, impressive public access to information and the protection of fundamental freedoms. She said there could be no accountability without information and that Goal 16 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target was to ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms in accordance with national legislation and international agreements. 'On this target, I think freedom of religion and respect for diversity across religious and traditional differences is an important asset to Ghana,' Dr Evans-Klock said on Thursday in Accra during the 2016 School of Social Sciences Conference of the University of Ghana (UG). 'These assets are incredibly important for governance in achieving the fundamental Sustainable Development Agenda's objective of leaving no-one behind,' she said. The two-day conference, on the theme: 'The Social Sciences, Good Governance and Sustainable Development Goals' is under the auspices of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Konrad Adenuer Stiftung, IFS Financial Services and the Office of Research and Innovation, UG. The annual conference provides a platform for scientists to present and discuss research findings and to deliberate on issues of current national importance. Dr Evans-Klock, who is also the UNDP Resident Representative in Ghana, said the MDGs focused on the poorest segments of society, whether in least developed, developing, or middle income countries. However, Agenda 2030 of the SDGs went much further to outline a transformational agenda to leave no one behind by building on the success of the MDGs and completing unfinished business. Dr Evans-Klock said one of the clearest findings from Ghana's 2015 MDG Report was that even where national trends showed that MDGs were met or where impressive progress had been made, the success was not spread evenly across the country. She said the report was candid in showing that the three northern regions had been left behind. 'We have been proud to celebrate Ghana's success in having met the MDG to cut extreme poverty in half, that it did so significantly ahead of the 2015 target date, and that it had been the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa to meet this goal,' she said. Dr Evans-Klock said Ghana also made substantial advancement in reducing HIV prevalence, increasing access to primary education for girls and boys equally, and reducing hunger. She expressed appreciation on consultations for Ghana's long-term 40-year development plan, in which linkages were drawn between the global and the national development agenda, and where the SDGs featured prominently. She hailed President John Dramani Mahama on his appointment as co-chair of the Group of Eminent Advocates for the SDGs, along with the Prime Minister of Norway. 'This recognizes Ghana's progress in the MDGs and Ghana's contributions to the design stage of the SDGs. 'Through the role of the President of the country in this group, Ghana's progress in the SDGs will continue to be given great visibility in the Region and globally. Ghana has an opportunity to lead progress in this global development agenda,' she said. She said one of the other differences between the MDG era and the SDG now was that Ghana's status had changed from a Low-Income Country to a lower Middle Income Country; which meant that Ghana was no longer eligible for much concessionary borrowing or official development aid. 'It is going to have to finance more of the investments needed to achieve the SDGs from its own resources,' she said. Professor Charity Akotia, the Dean of the School of Social Sciences, UG, said good governance and sustainable development were inseparable and that an aggressive and sustained development agenda was necessary to transform society. Prof Samuel Agyei-Mensah, the Provost, College of Humanities, UG, said he was very happy that the SDGs contained reproductive rights which were absent in the MDGs. Mr Burkhardt Hellemenn of the Konrad Adenuer Stiftung said the Foundation was not only into good governance, but contributed to sustainable development. GNA 15.04.2016 LISTEN Accra, GHANA Beginning April 26, 2016, the governments of the United States and Ghana will launch Epic Guardian 2016, an 8-day joint readiness exercise. Epic Guardian is a regularly scheduled training exercise held in Africa and designed to increase the effectiveness of U.S. and African government entities and security forces in responding to international threats such as trafficking and terrorism. Previous exercises of Epic Guardian were held in Malawi, Cameroon, Djibouti and the Seychelles. A separate portion of Epic Guardian 2016 will involve similar coordination between the United States and Cabo Verde. The U.S. government has been working directly with the government of Ghana to plan Epic Guardian 2016. The exercise will take place primarily on Ghanaian military premises. Personnel from the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces will participate and will be joined by units from United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) and Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAFRICA). The training will involve personnel reacting to a simulated crisis and will cover a broad range of topics, including theater strategic planning, intermediate support, logistics, intelligence, and strategic communications among others. Training will consist of staff crisis action planning, deployment of forces, completion of field exercises, and redeployment of forces. International threats require international solutions, said U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Robert P. Jackson. Epic Guardian is an opportunity to strengthen our bilateral relationship and to demonstrate our long-term commitment to supporting Ghana as it works to counter international threats and ensure stability and security for Ghanaians. The training will increase Ghanas capacity in areas such as communications, logistics, intelligence gathering and analysis, crisis planning and response, and inter-operabilityall with the goal of providing for greater security and stability for Ghana and the region. The U.S. government is committed to supporting partner nations and regional allies in Africa and is proud of our robust and wide-ranging partnership with Ghana. Ghana has previously hosted many joint and multilateral exercises, including Western Accord 13 and Obangame Express 2015. Security cooperation is a vital part of the U.S.Ghana partnership, said Jackson. We thank the government of Ghana for its ongoing cooperation to help increase regional security and we will continue to work together with African partners to promote stability on the African continent. Mrs Charlotte Osei 15.04.2016 LISTEN Just put yourself in the place of Mrs Charlotte Osei, the chairperson of the National Electoral Commission and see how it feels. Since this woman was appointed she has known no peace because some people for their own political purposes have decided that they will make her as uncomfortable as possible. There is even a former First Lady who went to the extent of challenging her qualification for the job. This former First Lady claims that Auntie Charlotte is not even a Ghanaian and that her true nationality is Nigerian. The sad part of the story is that Charlotte Osei is not being attacked because she has done something wrong or that there is any real evidence of her bias for any political party. One of the main reasons for all the attacks on her is that some personalities and political parties are manufacturing excuses for their defeat in the 2016 elections even before the elections are held. In their warped minds, they think that, if they can keep the propaganda against Auntie Charlotte going then at the end of the elections, it becomes easier to blame their loss on the imagined bias of the chair of the Electoral Commission. The other reason is that they believe that the sustained attacks on Charlotte Osei would make her jittery and compel her to make mistakes which they can then capitalize upon in their demonization crusade. Now they have even come to the point when all decisions of the Electoral Commission are deliberately attributed to her in spite of the fact that she is only one of seven Commissioners. As for the propaganda on the voters register, it is laughable. The main argument of the anti-Charlotte crusaders is that the voters register is bloated and therefore we need a new one for credible elections in November. Fine, everybody agrees that the register is bloated and there is no debate on that score. We can all also agree on the fact that since the register was compiled many people whose names remain on the register have died. The problem however is how do we remove these names from the register? All the new registers we have compiled since 1992 have been bloated and it is possible that if we compile a new one today it will also be bloated. Some experts have come up with a process for cleaning the new register called validation and everybody seems to agree that it is the way to go. But the issue which has come up is when do we do the validation? Should it be after the limited registration exercise or before then? If the validation is done now what will happen after the limited registration exercise, especially if that also leads to a bloating of the register? In any case, Ghana is now doing biometric voting, which means that names on a bloated register are useless because they cannot be used to cast ballots without corresponding biometric features. Poor Auntie Charlotte, it is obvious that her detractors will continue to pounce on her whether she does good or bad. It is hoped that she will have the fortitude to hang on to the job and serve her nation in spite of these empty noises from very destructive throats. Accra (AFP) - Ghana and Togo are likely targets of possible Islamist attacks similar to those recently in Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast, a Ghanaian intelligence report has warned. "Intelligence gathered by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) indicates a possible terrorist attack on the country (Ghana) is real," it said in a report dated April 9. The threat emerged after questioning of a Malian attacker involved in the Grand-Bassam attacks last month, in which jihadists killed 19 people at the resort, 40 kilometres (25 miles) from Abidjan. Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) claimed responsibility for the attack, as well as a similar strike in the Burkinabe capital, Ouagadougou, in January that left 30 dead. "According to the report, Ghana and Togo are the next targets after the attacks in Burkina Faso and Cote d'Ivoire," according to the security alert, which was published in local media Friday. Ivory Coast is Ghana's neighbour to the west while Togo lies to the east. The choice of Ghana is "to take away the perception that only francophone countries are the targets", the NSCS added. It called for greater vigilance at borders, particularly "unapproved entry points" and the northern frontier with Burkina Faso. Screening for visitors from "high risk" countries such as Libya, Niger and Mali should be enhanced, it added. In the Ivory coast attack, the heavily armed gunmen entered from Mali in a Niger-registered 4x4 and hid their weapons in the spare tyre well, the NSCS said. Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama said on Friday that "all West African countries were at risk" of attack. "Indeed, no country is safe anywhere in the world and so we need to be alert and prepared for any such eventuality," he said. "We are preparing for any such eventuality but we need the alertness of the public; the public needs to be more alert today than before." Ghana, Togo, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger are all part of the west African regional bloc ECOWAS, whose nationals do not require visas for travel within member states. Two men who boldly entered the room of a policeman at the Central Police Barracks in Accra and made away with his property have been arraigned before an Accra Magistrate's court. Charles Oduro, 18, and Thomas Tainvia, 27, who were charged with conspiracy to commit crime, unlawful entry and stealing pleaded guilty on all three counts. They were subsequently bailed in the sum of GH300 each or in default serve one month each in prison. Presenting the facts of the case to the court, presided over by Mr James Kojo Bota, Sergeant Lois Konadu said on April 7, 2016 at 10:30p.m, the police Sergeant, Karim Braimah, who had closed from duty upon returning home shut his door to attend to nature's call. Oduro and Tainvia who were then passing by and noticed that Braimah had left the room, entered and picked his Laptop, tablet, phone, an external drive and a pen drive and bolted. Prosecutor Konadu said Oduro and Tainvia took the stolen items to Agbogbloshie to sell but luck eluded them when the person they offered to sell the items to was the wife of the late brother of Braimah, Adwoa Mansa. According to her, Adwoa Mansah called Braimah to enquire if he had lost some items. With this knowledge the culprits were arrested and the items retrieved. Follow us on Twitter--> Two people died on the spot when an abandoned palace collapsed on them after a heavy downpour at Esreso in the Bosomtwe District of Ashanti. Two others sustained injuries in the incident which occurred around 7:30pm on Thursday. The four were seeking shelter in a lotto kiosk which had been placed behind the abandoned palace. The deceased have been identified as Kwadwo Amponsah, alias Santana, 43 and Daniel Kwame Addo, 13, a pupil of Divine Preparatory JHS, while the injured are Isaac Owusu, 33 and Emmanuel. Emmanuel and Owusu were treated at the Kumasi South Hospital at Atonsu Agogo and have since been discharged. Isaac Owusu, one of the two who was injured Narrating the incident to Graphic Online, Owusu said he and the other two sought refuge in the lotto kiosk when it started raining. According to him, on entering the kiosk, they met the 13-year-old deceased, Daniel Kwame Addo in there and he explained to them that he was waiting for his father who owned the wooden structure to take money for school. Owusu said minutes after entering the kiosk, they heard a loud noise only to realise that the old palace behind the kiosk had collapsed on them. He said he started shouting for help and some young men came to their rescue. He said after removing the rubble on them they found out that the two had been crushed to death. Follow us on Twitter--> Accra, April 16, GNA - Ghana and the United States (US) would from April 26, 2016, launch a joint readiness-exercise towards strengthening the effectiveness of government entities and security forces in responding to international threats such as trafficking and terrorism. A statement from the Public Affairs Section of the US Embassy in Ghana, said the U.S. Government had been working directly with the Government of Ghana to plan the exercise, dubbed, 'Epic Guardian 2016.' Personnel from the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Armed Forces would be the participants alongside their counterparts from the United States Africa Command (USAFRICOM) and the Special Operations Command Africa (SOCAFRICA). The statement said the training would increase Ghana's capacity in areas such as Communications, Logistics, Intelligence Gathering and Analysis, Crisis Planning and Response, and Inter-Operabilityall with the goal of providing for greater security and stability for Ghana and the region. The eight-day exercise would take place primarily on Ghanaian military premises, the statement said. The training would involve personnel reacting to a simulated crisis and it would cover a broad range of topics, including theatre strategic planning, intermediate support, logistics, intelligence, and strategic communications. The training would consist of Staff Crisis Action Planning, Deployment of Forces, Completion of Field Exercises, and the Redeployment of Forces, the statement said. 'International threats require international solutions,' the statement quoted the U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Robert P. Jackson, as saying. 'Epic Guardian is an opportunity to strengthen our bilateral relationship and to demonstrate our long-term commitment to supporting Ghana as it works to counter international threats and ensure stability and security for Ghanaians.' Mr Jackson reiterated the U.S. Government's commitment to supporting partner nations and regional allies in Africa, saying America was proud of the robust and wide-ranging partnership with Ghana. Ghana has previously hosted many joint and multilateral exercises, including the Western Accord 13 and Obangame Express 2015. 'Security cooperation is a vital part of the U.S.-Ghana partnership,' said Jackson. 'We thank the Government of Ghana for its ongoing cooperation to help increase regional security and we will continue to work together with our African partners to promote stability on the African continent.' GNA By Belinda Ayamgha, GNA Accra, April. 15, GNA - Mr Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, the Minister of Youth and Sports, says the Ministry is working on a project that would mobilise the youth to work with financial institutions to expand access. Speaking at a forum for policy makers and stakeholders in Child and Youth Savings, in Accra, Mr Vanderpuye said the Ministry would meet financial institutions and youth groups to strategise on how best to make the youth accessible to the financial institutions to reach out to the unbanked. He said although the formal sector had made efforts to include the youth in the financial sector, for instance through the requirement of a bank account before accessing student loans and National Service Allowances, it excluded the out-of-school youth and those who were in the informal sector. He noted that some people's inability to sign their names and the inferiority complex associated with this prevented them from using traditional banking services. The gap between the banked and unbanked had thus allowed some non-bank financial institutions to abscond with people's monies, he said. Mr. Vanderpuye said the planned initiative would help address the problem by equipping the youth to deliver banking services to their peers and other unbanked people, especially in remote areas, where some banks did not have branches. He explained that the selected youth would be given Point-Of-Sales (POS) machines with which to collect deposits for the partner banks, thus helping to instill the culture of savings, while creating employment for the youth also. He urged financial institutions to look beyond making profits when it came to providing financial services for the youth and gave the assurance that the recommendations from the forum would be included in the Ministry's Policy Paper to the Cabinet. Mrs. Magdalene Apenteng, the Director of the Financial Services Division of the Ministry of Finance, said the institution of the National Financial Literacy Week was part of the Government's long-term financial sector policy measures to raise awareness on the range of financial services. It was also meant to make products available to the public and to help them improve their financial culture. 'It is our belief that a savings culture promotes discipline, confidence, as well as responsible citizenship,' she said, The Ministry of Finance would collaborate with all stakeholders in ensuring that all policy decisions that promoted savings among the youth were supported,' she stated. She also said the Steering Committee working on a Financial Inclusion Strategy for Ghana would appropriately target youth. Mr. Emmanuel Ashong-Katai, the Head of Policy, Research and IT at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), who shared experiences from the SEC's Child and Youth Finance Week Programme, said it was aimed at encouraging the youth to understand, have access to and regularly use a range of approved investment products under the purview of SEC. He noted that the Commission had successfully encouraged the formation of investment clubs on various tertiary and university campuses, with the one at University of Ghana being converted into a fully-fledged Mutual Fund called CM Fund, licensed by SEC. The Commission had also reached out to the youth through churches and schools, creating a market for investment products for children, which culminated in the licensing of KIDIFUND. GNA Bolgatanga, April 15, GNA - Mr Albert Abongo, the Upper East Regional Minister, said if the chronic under-nutrition in children was not addressed in good time, it would affect the country's economic productivity in future. It is estimated by health experts that between 2011 and 2020 Ghana would lose 720 million cedis through decreased productivity caused by current rates of stunted or chronic under-nutrition. The Northern, Upper East and Upper West regions are the most affected when it comes to stunting children. Mr Abongo said this in a speech read by the Deputy Regional Minister, Dr Robert Kugnab-Lam, at the launch of an Advocacy Video Documentary on Stunting, produced by the Strengthening Partnerships, Results, and Innovations in Nutrition Globally (SPRING-Ghana) project in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in Bolgatanga. Mr Abongo said available statistics showed that one out of three children in northern Ghana was stunted and many children were not growing due to inadequate nutrient intake within the first 1000 days of life. 'This affects the child's ability to grow normally both physically and mentally. When this happens the children suffer later in life in terms of school performance and economic productivity. This consequently affects our ability as a country to have productive citizens,' the Minister said. He said stunting and anaemia were the major cause of maternal and infant deaths in Ghana and called on the stakeholders, particularly the traditional and religious leaders, to join the crusade in ending malnutrition among children and women. Mr Abongo commended USAID for the project and said the Government, through its social protection schemes such as the Livelihood Empowerment Programme, was also contributing to the reduction of malnutrition among some deprived communities in the country. Dr Kofi Issah, the Upper East Regional Director of the GHS, said although the region had chalked some successes by the World Health Organisation's standards, the classification of all the nutrition indicators were still poor. Dr Issah schooled the stakeholders on health and nutrition saying the two were not the preserve of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture and urged all stakeholders, particularly family heads, to provide the nutritional needs of their families. The Deputy Chief of SPRING-Ghana, Mr Babajidi Adebisi, said even though there were nearly 800 million people who were chronically undernourished with approximately 150 under five years of age being stunted, the United Nations and other partners including the USAID could contribute to mitigate the trend. He said the SPRING-Ghana project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), had been working in the Northern and Upper East regions since 2014 focusing on anaemia reduction, infant nutrition, water, hygiene, sanitation, social and communication change behaviour. The Advocacy Video Documentary, which included stakeholders such as traditional and religious leaders, women, youth and opinion leaders, was aimed at stimulating the stakeholders to initiate actions within their respective communities towards addressing the prevalence of stunting and anemia in northern Ghana. GNA Accra, April 15, GNA - President John Dramani Mahama joined hundreds of mourners at the forecourt of the State House for the burial service of the late Joseph Boakye-Danquah Adu, Member of Parliament for Abuakwa North. The solemn occasion was also attended by Vice President Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Doe Adjaho and the Chief Justice, Mrs Justice Georgina Wood. Other important dignitaries at the function include former President Jerry John Rawlings, former President John Agyekum Kufuor, the Chief of Staff, Mr Julius Debrah and Members of Parliament. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo, Presidential Nominee of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), and his Vice Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as well as representatives of the other political parties were also at the burial service. The late Joseph Boakye-Danquah Adu was allegedly murdered on Tuesday February 5, 2016 at his home in East Legon by a 19-year-old man who is currently facing trial for robbery and murder. President Mahama and Vice President Amissah-Arthur joined hundreds of mourners to file past the body of the late Joseph Boakye-Danquah Adu to pay their last respects. The burial service also attracted hundreds of NPP supporters from across the country. Tributes were read from the family, widow, children, siblings, the NPP and Parliament. Mr Mahama Ayariga, Minister of Environment, Science and Technology, who read the for government, described the late Joseph Boakye-Danquah Adu as a gentleman, noble and selfless person who did his politics with a lot of civility. Reverend Canon John Antonio Nelson, delivering his sermon, urged politicians to be selfless in their service to the people. He also charged politicians to put their trust and hope in the living God rather rely on their own abilities. He said God is sovereign and can do anything according to his will adding that God has a reason for allowing certain things to happen to us. Rev Canon Nelson also comforted the wife of the late MP Abuakwa North, Mrs Ivy Adu to be patient, saying God is in control and that Jehovah is the husband of widows. The late Joseph Boakye-Danquah Adu (JB) was born on 2nd July, 1965 to Mr Frank Brako Adu and Beatrice Asamoaa Akyeampong. He lost his mother due to complications of childbirth, when JB was only six weeks old. And being too young to be cared for by the widowed father, JB was sent to his grandmother who raised him at Tafo, where he attended Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana International School at New Tafo. JB was the pride of his grandmother and he quickly become known as 'Kofi Tafo' to his relatives in Tafo. When JB was nine years old, he relocated to Accra where he joined his father and two brothers, Frank and George, at the Airport Residential Area. JB attended Englebert School in Airport, then moved to Garison School at Burma Camp before heading to PRESEC in 1977. After graduating from PRESEC in 1984, JB enrolled at the University of Ghana, Legon where he pursued a course in Accounting. He also a Chartered Accountant and spent many years in London working in the hospitality industry and building business relationships. When his father died in 1996, JB decided to relocate to Ghana and convinced a few of his Indian friends to establish a factory here. This is how Automotive Springs, a leader in manufacturing and supplying specialized car parts across Ghana and Africa, was born. GNA We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please click here to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, you may click here to disable notifications and hide this message. 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 Alkem Labs accused of fudging trial data by German regulator The medicines are now being reviewed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) on the recommendation of the German regulator, which inspected Alkem's Taloja plant in western India last March. you are here: business 'The countdown to bringing Vijay Mallya back has started' The government on Friday said it had suspended the diplomatic passport of embattled tycoon and lawmaker Vijay Mallya, who left the country last month amid pressure from lenders to repay about Rs 9,000 crore in debt owed by his defunct Kingfisher Airlines. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Tata Steel UK has signed an agreement to sell its long products Europe (LPE) business to Greybull Capital. The sale for a nominal consideration would be in exchange for Greybull Capital taking on the whole of the business, including assets and relevant liabilities and securing an appropriate funding package. The sale covers several UK-based assets including the Scunthorpe Steelworks, two mills in Teesside, an engineering workshop in Workington, a design consultancy in York and associated distribution facilities as well as a mill in Hayange, France. However, it remains unclear whether pension liabilities would be taken over by new owners, government of UK or remain with Tata Steel.The global steel sector is currently undergoing challenging times due to overcapacity and muted demand. As the LPE business was a loss making entity, hence, the deal, once finalised, would aid Tata Steel to augment its consolidated EBITDA. Hence we expect consolidated EBITDA to increase ~6.8% for FY17E. We have valued the domestic operations at 6.5x FY17E EV/EBITDA and overseas operations at 5x FY17E EV/EBITDA (upward revised from 4x earlier). We have arrived at a target price of | 325 and assigned a HOLD rating to the stock. For all recommendations, click here Disclaimer: The views and investment tips expressed by investment experts/broking houses/rating agencies on moneycontrol.com are their own, and not that of the website or its management. Moneycontrol.com advises users to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. Read More I had vaguely heard of him, but never knew the details. It was only after I became friends with Cycles, Trends and Forecasts editor Phil Anderson that I came to understand the true genius of Ganns work. In todays Markets and Money Im going to do something different. I want to introduce you to a legendary figure in the world of stock trading. I had vaguely heard of him, but never knew the details. It was only after I became friends with Cycles, Trends and Forecasts editor Phil Anderson that I came to understand the true genius of Ganns work. What I especially love about Gann is that he makes you work. He doesnt give much away for free. Yet if youre prepared to put in the work, you begin to see the world in a completely different way. Things become clearer. The mysterious ways of the stock market start to make sense. But not only that. You actually start to see cycles repeating. Gann was a prolific student of the Bible. He often said it was the greatest book ever written and contains the key to the future. But Gann interpreted the Bible in a completely unique way. Consider this: That which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new, under the sun. Ecclesiastes Chapter 1, Verse 9 W.D. Gann applied this to the marketplace. Specifically, he believed that the law of action and reaction means that history must repeat. In all markets. Over and over again. Markets are driven by human beings. And human beings do not change. They repeat their behaviours, cycle-after-cycle. That was the theory, anyway. How did it stack up in practise? When it comes to the teachings of Gann there are two sides. One that thinks he is far and away the greatest market oracle of all time. Nuclear physicist-turned Wall Street investment banker Asoka Selvarajah calls W.D. Gann: The greatest genius that the financial markets have ever seen His achievements in this arena in every way match those of the greatest scientists of our century or any other. Then there is the camp that believes has been overhyped over time. Or was even a fraud to begin with. Whatever the case, Gann left a track record ON-RECORD that pretty damn remarkable Heres what we DO know about William Delbert Gann He was born on a cotton farm in East Lufkin Texas on June 6, 1878. He spent his teens working in the family business as a clerk in their cotton warehouse. Somewhere around the turn of the century he started trading both stocks and commodities. We dont have records of this period, but he obviously had success because in 1908 he took his trading to Wall Street. Fairly soon after that he started his own brokerage on 18th and Broadway. From then Gann was an active trader, on and off, for 56 years. So theres a fair bit of solid track record data to go on. Ganns legend started growing almost instantly after moving to New York City. In the month of October 1909 alone, he made 286 trades in one trading session. Only 22 of these were losing trades. A 91% success rate. The press started following him closely. A journalist from the respected Ticker and Investment Digest spent time on the trading floor observing every trade Gann made over several weeks. He later wrote, I once saw him take $130, and in less that one month run it up to over $12,000. He can compound money faster than any man I ever met. Gann was in it for more than just money though. Rocket expert Wernher von Braun once observed, The natural laws of the universe are so precise that we have no difficulty building a spaceship to fly to the moon and can time the flight with the precision of a fraction of a second. Gann, too, was convinced this precision had predictive powers when applied to the markets, the political cycle, even the whole course of human history. So while he traded like a demon, he kept studying like one too Gann concluded that, having many more centuries of data to analyse, he would take his studies to England. After returning, he skipped past Wall Street and went straight to New Yorks Astor Library. He spent just under a year there. A friend of Ganns, Clarence Kirven, wrote: He is the only man I ever knew that I thought had worked as much as Mr. Thomas Edison. That hard work led Gann to the following conclusion: To make a success you must continue to study past records, because the market in the future will be a repetition of the past. If I have the data, I can tell by the study of cycles when a certain event will occur in the future. The limit of future predictions based on exact mathematical law is only restricted by lack of knowledge of correct data on past history to work from. Put simply, Gann found that there is an 18-year cycle in the economy and financial markets. Based on this cycle, he made some remarkable predictions. Gann accurately forecast the downturn of 1921. Then the recovery out of these lows He put out a forecast for 1929 in Ganns Supply and Demand Letter on the 23 November 1928. In it he predicted with precision the biggest boom of all time in 2929then the collapse into the 1932 lows. So how did Gann see this cycle when others didnt? In short, he put in the work. It was more than that, though. He saw the world differently to most other people. He used information and made connections that most other people simply do not see. In this respect, Gann is exactly like my mate Phil Anderson. Phil sees the world through the same lens that Gann viewed it. Phil has made it his lifes work to continue where W.D. Gann left off. That is, studying cycles and observing how the world repeats. Hes taking Ganns cycle theoriesas well as prior research carried out by Fred Harrisonto study if there is a Grand Cycle in the Australian economy. Hes found that there is. Hes developed a set of indicators that track the various ups and downs within this cycle, which got underway with the low in 2009/10, and should eventually peak around 2026. Phil is helping Australian investors apply this knowledge to their own portfolios in his newsletter, Cycles, Trends and Forecasts. You can learn more about it here. I mentioned earlier this week that I dont blindly follow Phils work. Im sceptical of most things. But I wouldnt recommend that you check his stuff out if I didnt think it worthwhile. At the very least, youll gain a different perspective on how to view the world. That can only make you a better investor. Greg Canavan, Money Morning For an unprecedented fifth year in a row, students in Western Piedmont Community Colleges Paralegal Program have won top honors in the statewide North Carolina Paralegal Association essay contest. This years theme was Why I Have Chosen to be a Paralegal. WPCC students won second, third and fourth place. Jill York, current Paralegal Association president, won second place for her essay. Ashley Anderson won second place and Brittany Suriel Sanchez took third. Along with their prize money, all three students have also won free registration at the North Carolina Paralegal Association conference held in March, according to a press release from WPCC. Its a great honor for the program, said Neal Bevans, program coordinator. Im very proud of our students. We really emphasize writing skills in our program and our students show that they know how to meet these high standards. I was pleasantly surprised when the Paralegal Program did something that no other program has ever done: won a top position in the essay contest for five years in a row. According to the NCPA, no program in the state, even the much larger programs, has ever matched this achievement, the release said. WPCCs paralegal program enjoys a long-standing reputation for quality instruction and the success of our students in this statewide competition demonstrates the strength of the program, said Dean of Business and Public Services Leslie McKesson. The North Carolina Paralegal Association holds its essay contest every year and it is open to all currently enrolled paralegal students. There are more than 20 public and private paralegal programs across the state. According to NCPA representative Charlotte Ward, students submitted essays from across the state. They are judged on an anonymous basis, with reviewers unaware of the students identity or which program they are affiliated with. Essays were submitted in early January and prizes were announced in February, according to the release. Western Piedmont Community Colleges Paralegal Program is recognized as a Qualified Paralegal Studies Program by the State Bar and offers an associate degree in applied science. A two-year program, the paralegal degree allows graduates the opportunity to become certified on the state level and to work with attorneys, corporations, governmental agencies and others, the release said. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the paralegal profession is projected to grow as much as 17 percent in the next ten years. Anyone interested in applying to become a student in the Paralegal Program should contact Neal Bevans at 828-448-6044 or email nbevans@wpcc.edu. Visit www.wpcc.edu/paralegal for more information. Pensions Minister Ros Altmann has dismissed concerns that the State Pension will be scrapped, saying that while reform was essential she firmly believed there will always be a State Pension and there should always be a State Pension. Speaking at a briefing in Westminster hosted by Team Spirit and the Pensions Advisory Service on Wednesday, Altmann said that while the pension system was one she had inherited rather than designed, she welcomed the introduction of a flat rate pension last week in place of the old means-tested State Pension. Earlier in the day Centre for Policy Studies research fellow Michael Johnson put to the Work and Pensions Select Committee that the State Pension should be scrapped, calling it inefficient. It is important to reform our State Pension system for the future. The State Pension revolution is needed, along with the revolution in the private pension sector with the introduction of auto-enrolment, Altmann said to the briefing, which was attended by members of the pensions industry, including former pensions minister Steve Webb, who now works for insurer Royal London. Altmann pointed out that while it had been three and a half years since auto-enrolment was introduced in October 2012 there was still much work to be done. Only 6% of employers have set up pensions so far, and minimum contributions have to quadruple over the next few years. We have a hell of a long way to go, she said. The tradition in this country is for someone else to take care of us in retirement but this is no longer the case. We are on the cusp of a retirement revolution, living fuller lives for longer, and we must encourage people not to spend all their money too quickly. Minister Calls for Industry Help with Education At the briefing, the Pensions Advisory Service revealed that one year on from the introduction of pension freedoms many people are still in the dark about what the changes mean for them and how to make the most of their options. In a report entitled Realising the Pension Revolution, the service found that: There is a distinct lack of understanding about what income people should expect to receive and what they need to receive in retirement. 73% believe the State Pension will enable them to live comfortably in retirement, with one in five citing it as their main source of income. Nearly a third admitted they do not know how much pension income they will obtain, with 31% saying they didnt know how to obtain the estimates for this. The overwhelming majority stated they see pensions as complicated. It is therefore perhaps unsurprising that nearly three times as many people see them as depressing rather than liberating. Altmann agreed that the complexity of pensions was a huge barrier to entry for so many people, and that education was key in ensuring the success of auto-enrolment and pension freedoms. If we waited to financially educate people before we launched auto-enrolment if would have pushed back the launch by more than 10 years, she said. Instead we hope to educate members along the way, and we now have an opportunity to embed financial education and planning into auto-enrolment going forward. But it will take time to educate the public on finance. The minister said that even financial education in schools was a challenge because many teachers do not understand finance and therefore cannot teach the children and called on the pensions industry to help the government change this. Weve set up systems such as the Money Advice Service to help people deal with these changes, how can we get people to get the help available to them?, he asked. I want to work with the pensions industry, on a standardised form on the cover of the Wake Up packs people receive at retirement for example. I am hopeful we can do this and that introduction will help the guidance available be a success. Local hula group inspires global connections When the pandemic ushered everyone indoors, Moorpark resident and longtime dancer Lisa Rauschenberger decided to get people back outsidesocially distanced, of course. She began to hold weekly hula lessons at... Teens face high stakes in the Oval Office A press room befitting Americas commander in chief was set up inside the Reagan Library in Simi Valley. Journalists and others gathered inside. Ladies and gentlemen, I need you all... Tigers soon to prowl in new enclosure The brand-new Bengal tiger exhibit at Americas Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College is nearly complete, and some other animals hangouts are getting a makeover, too. Mara Rodriguez, zoo development coordinator,... Midland continued to shed jobs as the Permian Basins dominant oil and gas industry continued to contract amid low commodity prices. The Texas Workforce Commission said Friday the Midland metropolitan statistical area had an unemployment rate of 4.3 percent in March, up from 4 percent in February and 3.1 percent in March 2015. Odessas unemployment rate jumped to 6.1 percent from 5.6 percent in February and is well above the 3.9 percent recorded last March. Things are beginning to flip on us, finally, said Willie Taylor, chief executive officer of Workforce Solutions Permian Basin. He said that Midlands 4.3 percent rate was the first time since about 2008 that the rate had been near or equal to the states unemployment rate. The Workforce Commission said the states unemployment was 4.3 percent in March, unchanged from February. Commission figures show Midlands nonfarm jobs count was unchanged from February to March at 90,400 jobs. From March 2015 to March 2016, Midland lost 3,700 jobs for a loss rate of 3.9 percent. The citys dominant industry segment, mining, logging and construction, which incorporates oil and gas, lost 100 jobs from February to March and has lost 2,200 jobs over the last 12 months. The second largest segment, trade, transportation and utilities, lost 200 jobs from February to March and has shed 1,000 jobs over the last year. Economic development folks are going to look at the industry composition and say, This is where we need to diversify and stabilize the economy, Taylor said. The civilian labor force actually grew by about 300 jobs from February to March but is down by about 2,100 from March 2015. The civilian work force is going down throughout the region, he said. Taylor said wages are also declining and more people are coming to the Workforce Solutions offices he oversees to file first-time unemployment claims. Taylor said there have been a number of tough months for area workers, who, unfortunately can expect a few more tough months before the job market stabilizes. Labor market data for May, June and July will be closely watched for trends, he said. Were seeing the impact of the slowdown on the tax base; it affects municipalities, schools, he said. He urged those who have lost their jobs to not sit around drawing unemployment but instead take advantage of available training opportunities. Ive talked with Midland College and Odessa College; I got more training dollars, he said. Rebecca Bell, dean of community relations and special events at Midland College, said the school has seen an increase in enrollment by students who have been laid off. Not only in our for-credit classes but short-term accelerated learning continuing education courses, she said. The college is targeting a program that will begin in August for those who are unemployed. They can complete all the necessary training for certification in five high-demand fields: fire technician, aviation maintenance-air frame, diesel technician, auto technician and computer-aided drafting technician. Bell said these are high-demand jobs with competitive salaries. Most can be completed by May 2017 with one requiring some additional summer courses. Partial tuition scholarships are also available. We are excited to have them coming to us for training opportunities. Thats what were here for, Bell said. Statewide, the unemployment rate was 4.3 percent. The Workforce Commission said total nonfarm seasonally adjusted employment fell by 12,000 jobs but Texas has added an estimated 185,000 seasonally adjusted jobs over the last year. All of the commissions MSAs saw unemployment rates move higher in March with the exception of Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, which was unchanged. Amarillo reported the states lowest unemployment at 3 percent while the highest was in McAllen-Edinburg-Mission at 7.6 percent. ** Midland unemployment January 2016 3.8 percent January 2015 2.8 percent February 2016 4 percent February 2015 3 percent March 2016 4.3 percent March 2015 3.1 percent ** Preliminary numbers for March with February numbers in parentheses: Amarillo: 3.0 (2.9) Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos: 3.1 (3.1) Lubbock: 3.3 (3.2) College Station-Bryan: 3.4 (3.3) Dallas-Plano-Irving: 3.7 (3.6) San Antonio-New Braunfels: 3.7 (3.5) Abilene: 3.8 (3.7) Sherman-Denison: 3.8 (3.7) Waco: 3.9 (3.8) Fort Worth-Arlington: 4.0 (3.8) Midland: 4.3 (4.0) Texarkana: 4.3 (4.6) Tyler: 4.3 (4.1) Killeen-Temple: 4.4 (4.2) San Angelo: 4.4 (4.3) Wichita Falls: 4.5 (4.3) El Paso: 4.8 (4.7) Victoria 4.8 (4.4) Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land: 4.9 (4.7) Laredo: 4.9 (4.7) Longview: 5.4 (5.2) Corpus Christi: 5.6 (5.3) Odessa: 6.1 (5.6) Beaumont-Port Arthur: 6.4 (6.2) Brownsville-Harlingen: 6.9 (6.8) McAllen-Edinburg-Mission: 7.6 (7.5) It appeared that midway through the fourth and final Educate Midland roll-out meeting that those in attendance were set for another bleak look at a district challenged academically like few others in Texas. But by the time the meeting ended, the audience saw that there could be a light at the end of the tunnel. The statistics havent been seen as promising at any of the three previous meetings, and Thursday night at Greater Ideals Life Center on Midlands southeast side, it was much of the same. For many in the audience, the performance of Midland ISDs African-American students were of interest. - In third-grade reading, African-Americans are passing at a 49 percent clip, which trails the MISD average (65) and state average (77). - In Algebra I, African-Americans pass at a 53 percent rate. That trails the district average (68) and state average (81). - In college preparedness, 22 percent of African-American students are prepared, while the district average is 48 percent and state average is 54 percent. There were reasons to wonder about the scope of the challenge in front of a community -- the entire community -- just like Midlanders had seen in the three previous meetings about the education initiative. Midland ISD, according to just about every academic indicator presented recently doesnt measure up. In the worst performing region in the state, Midland ISD lags. Still, when Rosiland Perkins, a former teacher of 26 years and leader of Greater Ideals impactful summer academic program, took the floor, no one was going to be allowed to feel sorry for themselves. Perkins gave a heartfelt endorsement of Educate Midland and the districts hardworking teachers. She provided a pep-talk/challenge to parents and community members that there was a light at the end of this tunnel, which symbolized an academic slump in Midland more than a decade in the making. She said that God is no longer in his right place in todays classroom. She called for Midland to stop looking at students by race, because they are all kids and God doesnt see anyone by the color of their skin. She urged a community to be positive and to be active and stop blaming each other for what isnt going as well as all Midlanders would like. Parents, let teachers know you care, Perkins said, adding that a concerned teacher will go the extra mile in a conference period or at another time to provide guidance on how a parent can make a difference with a child with work at home. Perkins said not every student has two parents or even one parent who they see every day, and that the community cant afford to give up on those kids. She said the time and resources not being spent now will come back to haunt the community if students go to jail or prison and a community ends up paying the price later on. Take the time to educate now, Perkins pleaded. Do what you can with what you have. She reminded those in attendance that too many people ask the school system to do too much. Officials with Educate Midland, which includes Perkins, have said the collective impact process will help. Collective impact, when implemented, is expected to provide a support system for the school district in areas -- and with school campuses -- that need help. Nonprofits, businesses, organizations, churches and student support groups are expected to be part of a collective impact model in Midland. Educate Midland board member Mark Palmer once used the old adage it takes a village to help describe the process. An Educate Midland leadership team meeting today might help fill in some of the blanks of what will be expected of Midlanders in their village. Ramona Bell, a native Midlander and member of the Carver class of 1967, attended Thursdays meeting and said she feels very good about the Educate Midland initiative. She said the statistics about African-American performance in the district is a big concern, but it is not a hopeless case. It is just up to us to do something about it. She said it was up to the entire community, not just one race or class of Midlander. Perkins comments before the 220 on hand brought a standing ovation from those in attendance, the lone standing ovation during the four-meeting introduction, which collectively drew around 850. We have lost our focus, said the Rev. George Bell, pastor of Greater Ideal Baptist Church. Educate Midland is the glasses for our educational system. With more than 50 percent of Texas traffic fatalities occurring in rural communities, the Texas Transportation Commission has been busy reorganizing how it determines which state highway projects receive funding, according to the chairman Tryon Lewis. The commission, which is appointed by the governor, oversees the Texas Department of Transportation. The commissioners -- a chairman and four others -- have been steadily working to ensure a fair distribution of tax money, Lewis said Wednesday at the Midland County Republican Women luncheon. I think that your trust you placed in us is well-placed, and were working every day to do something to make life better and safer, said Lewis, who was appointed to the commission in February 2015. We do project selection based on the numbers (like fatalities). Lewis said that TxDOT had grown bureaucratic and is working to move over about 200 support positions into operations staff, or positions related to engineering, building, planning and constructing highway projects. Rules were set so there is a rationale for which projects receive funding and in what order, in addition to making sure that rural areas were not neglected in favor of busy metropolitan areas, he said. I think based upon that, I feel like were going to be able to say to you that were going to prioritize things the right way, Lewis said. We pick the projects that do the best good to the people and all over the state. The Texas Legislature no longer diverts fuel tax revenue to other departments -- such as the Department of Public Safety -- and the passing of Proposition 7 led to $2.5 billion for roads. The money came as a solution to both state and federal fuel tax funding, which was inconsistent because of the dip in prices, Lewis said. During a question-and-answer session, audience members brought up their concerns about specific roads in the Permian Basin, including Highway 158 and sections of Interstate 20. Lewis said after the luncheon that he planned to contact the district engineer and review areas that audience members mentioned. One thing I wanted to do was to be able to visit with (MCRW) about what were doing. They work hard to get people in office to do the right things, so I basically wanted to do a report to them of what were doing and why, Lewis said. Second thing is to get feedback. We need to know the problems you're having. Lewis, an Odessa attorney, is a former state district judge and representative for the states 81st District. Follow Cassie on Twitter at @Cassie_Burton51 AUSTIN, Texas (AP) The Texas Supreme Court has dismissed the state's effort to overturn an Austin lesbian couple's marriage that came months before same-sex weddings were legalized nationwide. Three justices objected Friday, including Judge Don Willett, who wrote that the marriage meant Texas' then-same-sex marriage ban was "frustrated rather than followed." It has been 11 months since Queens rapper and French Montana Coke Boys member Chinx was shot dead after a show in the area. The case still remains unsolved, but police have shared some new details about how and why the murder took place, while also pleading to the public, specifically the rap community for help in this matter. Trying to gather some momentum on the case, the two detectives investigating the case shared new details about what happened that night. Clearing up what had previously been reported, it appears as though Chinx was the target of an assailant, not the victim of a random drive-by. "I wouldn't call it a setup, but was he a target? Yes," Lt. Richard Rudolph told Fox 5 News. He said that the shooting was on Main Street, not on Queens Boulevard. "When he arrives at the intersection of Queens Boulevard and Main Street that is when an unknown individual approaches the driver side of Chinx's vehicle," says Lt. Louron Hall. "We believe our shooter walked up and fired into that car," said Rudolph. They dispel any notion that Chinx was involved in any sort of major crime, but do admit that the fact he was about to make it big and make a lot of money could have been a factor in this. One of the main problems has been lack of cooperation from the public. "Nobody who knows anything about this murder, specifically, is cooperating with the police at this time," Rudolph said. Lt. Louron Hall added, "Individuals in the rap industry, we really need those people to come forward to assist us." With trust in the police at a low point right now across the country, the police's cries for help may not be received all that kindly. That sentiment would be double if the rap community as a whole took Cam'ron's strict no snitching stance.

2015 MusicTimes.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Bryan Message spoke to the media this week, allegedly revealing that Radiohead's new album would be released in June of 2016. Message is a partner in Courtyard Management, which represents the band, so this is exciting news, right? Well, he might not be the right guy to talk to when it comes to Radiohead. The next Radiohead album would be the first since 2011's The King of Limbs. According to numerous outlets, Message spoke to a reporter at an industry event about the new album, saying, "the new Radiohead album out in June will be like nothing you've ever heard (via UPROXX)." This all sounds pretty exciting, right? Well, hold on because Radiohead's management has issued a statement that says that Message isn't exactly related to the band in any way. "At an industry event in London last night Brian Message was asked about new Radiohead music," the companies official statement in response to the news stated, according to Pitchfork. "Quotes attributed to him and taken from his talk have subsequently appeared, describing him as Radiohead's manager. Brian Message is not Radiohead's manager - he is a partner in Courtyard Management but plays no operational role, and therefore any quotes from last night's event, or any supposition arising from them, should not be attributed to Radiohead's management or be seen as official quotes on behalf of the group. Radiohead are managed by Chris Hufford and Bryce Edge at Courtyard Management." Anyway, this might've been a music management partner speaking too soon and leaking information, and the company trying to cover it up. Either way, we'll have to wait for an official announcement from Radiohead. Radiohead will play a series of shows in addition to festival dates, go here for details: https://t.co/lbrOF9kmw3 pic.twitter.com/ejaiQLK61R Radiohead (@radiohead) March 14, 2016 2015 MusicTimes.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. In the third and fourth videos of their Genius series, rappers 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne discuss their project Collegrove, a collaborative effort, as well as getting extremely honest about a variety of subject matter. Amongst the topics discussed were CeeLo Green and his early days in the hip-hop group Goodie Mob. They also spoke highly of rapper OutKast and his lyrical flow. For more serious subject matter, 2 Chainz talked out his own lyrics to Genius, exposing the meaning behind the Collegrove EP song Section, where he has rap lines about selling his mother drugs. Its something that I still cannot even really comfortably talk about, 2 Chainz said. Warning: Below videos contains strong language Im gonna give you a scenario, he further said, requesting that those listening in think of a neighborhood rife with drugs where residents can simply walk up the street to cop. Imagine youre staying in this neighborhood and youre dealing with somebody in your family that you love very much having a habit that you or them cant control, he said on the show. He further said, Its stuff that n**gas will never understand or for me smiling every day releases those little pain enzymes that Ive been through coming up in section 8 and dealing with what I had to deal with. Im still not comfortable talking about this sh*t because its some f*cked up sh*t that a ton of you n**gas wouldnt even understand. 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne have been working together for some time and the release of Collegrove is the biggest project that they have yet to collaborate on. But on this one, 2 Chainz took the lead rhyme wise and the two decided to release some of their show to TIDAL, where Wayne has upwards of 3 million users. In support of Collegrove, the two also did a few shows together, including a debut of Rolls Royce Weather on Jimmy Fallon. 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 Someone should sue the President for ... Los Angeles, CA Unions scored a major victory as a California court overturned an earlier ruling that found teacher tenure unconstitutional, which is prompting cheers and jeers. As previously reported, in June of 2014, Superior Court Judge Rolf Treu ruled in favor of nine students who sued the state, arguing tenure and seniority policies make it virtually impossible to fire bad teachers. Then in September of that year, the California Teachers Association and the California Federation of Teachers, representing a combined 400,000 members, filed an appeal arguing that the June ruling was riddled with errors. At the same time Governor Jerry Brown filed his own appeal to the decision. Thursdays ruling by the Second Appellate District Court to reverse Vergara v. California brought applause from California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. He stated, All of our students deserve great teachers. Teachers are not the problem in our schools they are the answer to helping students succeed on the pathway to 21st century college and careers. He added, The Appellate Court clearly recognized that Vergara was a flawed ruling and overturned it unanimously. Now we can move forward together to recruit, train, and support talented and dedicated educators in school districts all across our great state. Disappointed by the ruling, Republican Senator Bob Huff contended, Justices who serve on the Second District Court of Appeals in Los Angeles have served up a menu of continued educational failure for our states students and parents. The decision to overturn Judge Treus ruling on teacher tenure and other areas of the education code only serves to deny our students access to great schools, great teachers and a learning experience like no other. This ruling locks many of our children into low-performing schools and denies them the highest quality education we can give them. Huff went as far as to call for an immediate appeal of the latest ruling. Assemblymember Frank Bigelow View Photos Sonora, CA Republican Assemblyman Frank Bigelow is proposing that Tuolumne be one of five counties in a pilot program creating a Jail Industry Authority. The bill, AB 2012, was approved 73-0 this week in the full California Assembly. It would allow the Board of Supervisors in the five pilot program counties to authorize the county Sheriff to create this new entity that would be tasked with transforming the county jail into productive workplaces where inmates learn skills, gain work ethic and reduce idleness. The Jail Industry Authority will not only benefit the inmates by providing them with vocational skills, but it will help our communities, says Bigelow. This legislation is critical as these types of programs provide a proven reduction in recidivism rates. The other four counties that would be in the pilot program are Los Angeles, San Joaquin, Sonoma and Ventura. The legislation states that the authority would develop and operate industrial, agricultural, or service enterprises or programs, employing prisoners in the county correctional facilities under the jurisdiction of the sheriff or county director of corrections. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. Congressman Tom McClintock View Photos Washington D.C. Congressman Tom McClintock has strong words about how to handle Puerto Ricos debt and talk of allowing it to declare bankruptcy. Congressman McClintock said The Puerto Rican economy is in a death spiral as its population flees and new investment is repulsed by crushing taxes and leftist economic policies. McClintock does not favor allowing it to file for bankruptcy and outlines exemptions to manage the situation as detailed in his new blog Redeeming an Island Paradise here. According to the Associate Press on April 5th Puerto Ricos Senate approved a measure to allow the governor to declare a fiscal emergency and declare a moratorium on debt payments. Like all U.S. states and territories, Puerto Rico cannot declare bankruptcy under federal law but states are allowed to let their cities and utilities seek bankruptcy relief, while a 1984 amendment to the nations federal bankruptcy laws may specifically exclude Puerto Rico, a territory, from doing so. Nearby, the City of Stockton declared bankruptcy in June 2012 and was able to exit bankruptcy in February 2015. Puerto Rican Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla has warned that a debt restructuring measure needs to be approved before Puerto Rico defaults on a $422 million bond payment in May but that is only part of their debt. Congressman McClintock sums up noting Puerto Rico is now more than $70 billion in debt, overwhelmed by poverty and suffering an unprecedented population exodus of citizens fleeing these policies. The CIA world factbook reports the population of Puerto Rico is 3,598,357 noting population loss began in 2005, and a net loss of 64,000 in 2014, more than double the net loss in 2010 of 26,000. The factbook also states their public debt rose to 105% of GDP in 2015, about $17,000 per person, or nearly three times the per capita debt of the State of Connecticut, the highest in the US. A legal case about Puerto Ricos bankruptcy options has been argued all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. On March 22nd arguments were heard by only seven justices due to Antonin Scalias position not being filled and because Justice Samuel Alito recused himself due to owning Puerto Rican bonds involved in the case. A decision has not been made yet, the AP reports a Supreme Court ruling that favors Puerto Rico would allow its utilities and transportation authority to go into bankruptcy restructuring about $20 billion in debt. It could also give the island more negotiating power as it deals with creditors. The House Committee on Natural Resources canceled yesterdays vote on the issue with Chairman Rob Bishop (R-UT) stating The Administration is still negotiating on provisions of the legislation, creating uncertainty regarding H.R. 4900, the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA). He said This legislation needs bipartisan support, but Members need time to understand the complexity of the issue and the ramifications of any proposed changes. It is unfair to all Members to force a vote with provisions still being negotiated. The AP reported House Speaker Paul Ryan said many lawmakers are still learning about the issue and House Republicans will have a meeting today to discuss what should be done about the territorys financial woes. For Congressman McClintocks views read his newest blog Redeeming an Island Paradise here. A spokesman for House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi said she is still examining the legislation. Pelosi had rejected the previous version, saying it would exert undue and undemocratic control over the territory. The Senate has not yet acted on the issue. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch said to the AP last week that senators are waiting to see how the House moves forward until they take it up. We love our animals whether they're our pets or ducks stuck in a storm drain. In Florida, we have soft hearts for our animals, and these stories from the past week show it from heart-warming rescues to gators eating gators. Guinea pig rescued from house fire A man and his small pet escaped serious injury in a house fire recently. A fire broke out at a home at 3300 Cross Fox Drive in Mulberry. A man received minor burns. Polk County Fire Rescue firefighter John Williams rescued a guinea pig from the smoke-filled home. Photos show the small creature receiving oxygen. The fire apparently started in the kitchen. (Polk County Fire Rescue) Clearwater firefighters rescue trapped ducklings Clearwater firefighters rescued two ducklings from an area storm drain recently. Fire and Rescue officials say the rescue took place in the 600 block of Court Street on April 6. Firefighters opened two storm drains 100 feet from each other, then used a fan in an attempt to direct the ducklings toward one opening or the other. The ducklings were then plucked to safety. (Clearwater Fire and Rescue Department) Smokey Jr. bear cub rescued from Lake wildfire at Tampa zoo A 6-pound male bear cub rescued amid a Lake County brush fire recently is "alert but very timid" and now in the care of veterinarians at Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo. The cub, named "Smokey Jr.," arrived at the zoo recently and is being housed in the outdoor area of the zoo's new veterinary hospital. It is feeding well, which is encouraging for his hopeful reintroduction to the wild, zoo officials said. Access is being restricted because of the risk of habituating it to people, they said. Firefighters with Lake County and the Florida Forest Service found the bear Thursday and contacted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. (Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo) Baby swans stolen from Lake Eola Police are searching for six baby swans that were thought to be stolen from Lake Eola Park in downtown Orlando recently. The young swans, called cygnets, are thought to be less than a week old. City Commissioner Patty Sheehan said park rangers noticed them missing Tuesday morning from their nest near the red pagoda on the east side of the park. Rangers don't think a predator got them; instead, they think someone stole them. If caught and prosecuted, thieves could face felony charges. (Twitter: @LakeEolaSwans) Gator eats smaller gator An alligator met a gruesome end earlier this week in Lakeland, and it was all caught on video. The video shows a larger alligator capturing and eating another, much smaller alligator. The video was taken at Circle B Bar Reserve by viewer Alex Figueroa, who was out on his morning walk over the weekend. A veteran zookeeper has been killed by a tiger at a South Florida zoo, officials said. Zookeeper was killed in the Malayan tiger's enclosure Tiger was 13-year-old male Officials declined to comment on whether there have been other incidents with tiger Palm Beach Zoo spokeswoman Naki Carter said Stacey Konwiser, 38, was killed Friday afternoon by a 13-year-old male tiger. West Palm Beach Police spokeswoman Lori Colombino says Konwiser was attacked in the Malayan tiger's enclosure. Colombino says the tiger was tranquilized. Media reports say guests were herded into the gift shop for a short time. Police said the tiger is in a contained area and guests were not at risk. The zoo said it will remain closed Friday. Zoo officials say Konwiser's husband was also a zookeeper there. They declined to comment on whether there had been other incidents with the tiger. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officials said they planned to investigate. Sadly this isnt the first time something like this has happened. We talked to Carney Anne Nasser, Senior Counsel for Wildlife and Regulatory Affairs. "OSHA has already acknowledged after Dawn Brancheau's death, OSHA acknowledged the inherent dangers of having direct contact with wild animals in the work place. Yet it has consistently refused to impose specific work place safety standards to keep individuals like Dawn Brancheau, like Stephanie James in the Knoxville Zoo who was crushed by an elephant, like Stacey Konwiser who was killed today. They've refused. It's really, enough is enough, she said. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Imagine youre from Minnesota or Malaysia. Youve never been to San Antonio before, but somehow you found yourself in Alamo Plaza on Thursday evening, dodging drive-by cascarones and Chick-fil-A cows grooving to YMCA, and stumbled into the raucous opening ceremonies for the 125th anniversary of Fiesta. What does Fiesta mean? asked Eka and Chandaloka, two Buddhist monks from Penang, Malaysia, who peacefully strolled out of the Alamo to be greeted by about 2,000 revelers and an Air Force rock band playing Journey hits. Fiesta means party? asked Eka, who had traveled here from Houston. That is so cool. This is good city. The people wear so many badges! Earnest and sounding just like the cop in Fargo, tour bus visitor Sandy Henrichs, from Bloomington, Minnesota, said she was on the fourth day of a five-day tour to San Antonio. Imagine my dumb luck, she said, marveling at the Carmen Miranda-like women balancing garish Fiesta hats and random sash-adorned beauty queens. Ive never heard of Fiesta. It wasnt on the itinerary. Im posting this to Facebook. Theres such a community feel here, chimed in her tour guide, Annette Carrico, from Little Elm. It has a small town feel. So were told. But for 11 days every April, San Antonio also is full of surprises, fantastic music and dance, brutal satire of pompous politicians, dressed-up dogs, day parades, night parades, film fests, charro rodeo, and rugby tournaments. Fiesta royalty, including Rey Feo LXVIII Darren Casey, rule over the festivities that annually raise money for charitable organizations. A physically and culturally sprawling celebration unlike any other in the nation, Fiesta opened with a familiar lineup of military salutes and tie cuttings. Locals were buzzing about Tuesday nights hail storm and wondering out loud if rain that is predicted for the weekend might crimp Fiestas style. At the end of the evening, fireworks lit up the clear night sky. King Antonio XCIV, R. Huntington Hunt Winton III a descendant of William B. Travis mingled through the crowd in front of the Alamo and posed for scores of cellphone photos. A TV reporter in a rainbow-colored cowboy hat led the sun-covered crowd in Viva Fiesta cheers. A kind female SAPD officer agreed to take a photo of some tourists. One, two, three, she said. OK, lets do one more. Fiesta means celebration, family and just a time to get outdoors, said Andrea Gunter from New Braunfels, who was with her husband, Drew, and 4-year-old Audrina, who was wearing a sash that said Tiny Miss San Antonio. We really like Fiesta de los Ninos. Dee Barragan held her daughter, Bianca, with one hand and cuddled her 3-month-old bulldog, Lilly Mae, festooned with a crown of flowers, with the other. Its her first Fiesta, she said, of her Winston Churchillian pooch. But oh, my Ive been coming maybe 20, 25 years. My favorite thing is NIOSA (Night In Old San Antonio) because of all the wonderful food. And just in case you, too, are from Minnesota or Malaysia, you can find nearly everything you need to know about Fiesta at fiesta-sa.org bselcraig@express-news.net This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Insect parts mixed with food, rodent feces and pooled blood inside refrigerators were among the nauseating violations included in this weeks hefty dirty list. A total of 27 eateries from the South Side to the Far West Side to Stone Oak received 14 or more demerits this week. Among the spots with the most citations includes Beijing Express at 5203 Fredericksburg Road, which received 44 demerits after an inspector saw cross contamination hazards and pooled blood inside the walk-in cooler. Meanwhile, evidence of insects was seen in five establishments, including Baitong at 6934 W. Military Drive, Bayseas at 217 W. W .White Road, Tequila Mexican Restaurant at 1059 S.E. Military Drive and Kneaders Bakery and Cafe Hardy Oak at 21639 Hardy Oak Blvd. Even worse, an inspector observed insect parts mixed with food at the Oak Hills Country Club at 5403 Fredericksburg Road, and rodent feces at Taqueria Jalisciense at 1604 Pleasanton Road. To make the Express-News' list of dirtiest restaurants, an establishment must have 14 or more demerits during a random city inspection. Get all the highlights of this week's dirtiest restaurant list in the slideshow above, or see a full lineup below. The San Antonio Express-News examines hundreds of restaurant inspections each week conducted by the San Antonio Food and Environmental Health Services division to bring you the eateries with 14 or more demerits. The demerit system is based upon the number of violations found during a regular food establishment inspection. There are three categories of demerits and each are assigned a demerit score of 5, 4 or 3 points, according to the health division. Scores and demerits listed are only representative of the state of the restaurant at the time of inspection and are surveyed at random. rsalinas@mysa.com Here is the full list of establishments on this week's list, see slideshow for information from the reports: This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Finally hit the Big B (Berlin). Target visual. Flak not quite intense. Visibility good. Lots of damage. Rail yards a mass of bomb craters. Mission lasted 7 hours. All went well. One flak hole. As a As a 20-year-old Air Force radio gunner on a B-24 bomber when I scribbled that diary note 71 years ago, I never dreamed Id be returning to Berlin decades later - this time as a tourist with my wife. Our aim: to see the citys amazing resurgence and impact on Jewish life. We were not disappointed. All I could see were puffs of smoke near what appeared to be a sea of railyard bomb craters as our 466th Bombardment Group peppered an area of the city with thousand-pound bombs from 22,000 feet up. When our train pulled into Berlin, I couldn't help wondering if this modern rail station grew out of the railyard area we had hit that March day in 1945. From Warnemundt, Germany, where our cruise ship docked It had been a dull, three-hour, 170-mile train ride to the German capital with fleeting views of green fields, farms, domestic animals and working windmills. The citys tortured East-West division wasn't immediately evident except for a portion of the Berlin Wall retained for historys sake. More than half of its buildings were leveled in World War II, but almost everywhere today shiny new structures co-exist with old landmarks. Berlin today is a pulsating city of 3.4 million, nine times the physical size of Paris, with more bridges than Venice - and a horrific past. Watching thousands of seemingly busy Germans scurry by, I was haunted by the thought that some of these people could be descendants of former enemies whose homes and lives our bombs had destroyed. A 13-hour tour included stops at an abandoned Jewish cemetery, the gravesite of Germanys Socratic philosopher Moses Mendelssohn, the gold Moorish-domed New Synagogue and a vast Holocaust Memorial virtually within the shadow of the Brandenburg Gate, the nations symbol, and its nearby Reichstag capitol building. As one whose European relatives shared the fate of 6 million Jews, it was an emotional and exhausting day but a surprisingly encouraging experience. Seeing scores of mostly serious young Germans awaiting entry and inside the huge Jewish Museum was unexpected. The odd-shaped, zinc metal-coated building with the zig-zag, narrow window lines symbolizing a fractured Star of David was designed by Daniel Libeskind, the original designated master planner of Manhattans new World Trade Center. Its strategically located adjacent to the only section of the Berlin Wall still standing and a field that was the site of Gestapo headquarters. Signs of Jewish history and culture are everywhere, said our guide, Markus, a 36-year-old city native. He pointed out streets named after prominent Jews -- Mendelssohn, Baruch Spinoza, Gustave Mahler. And to see a pedestrian near the Brandenburg Gate wearing a yamulke, the skull cap worn by ultra religious Jews, was reassuring. We entered the Jewish Museum via an adjoining 18th century Baroque building that had been a courthouse and museum. Purses were opened, contents examined, and backpacks and packages had to be left in a room near the entrance. After screening by airport-like security devices, we were led downstairs through a tunnel to the museum, a maze of broken, angular rooms with exhibits, depicting the highs and lows of Jewish life in Germany through the ages. Only a small portion deals with the Holocaust. Among the artifacts here is a hand-written note by a young man in a concentration camp, confessing his love for a girl and vowing to be with her when theyre freed. Both lives ended in a Nazi extermination camp. When a member of our group criticized the guide for racing through the exhibit and not allowing time to read and reflect, Markus snapped, It can take four days to see and digest everything here. I have only a few hours to show you whats important. Youre welcome to leave us. Take all the time you want in each section or come back later on your own. He later apologized to her. Exhibited artifacts date back 800 years. You learn Jews were accused of starting the Black Plague in the 13th century and expelled from the city and their houses burned. Upstairs theres a painting of a Catholic saint canonized after being murdered in the 13th century. Jews were blamed for the crime with antagonists claiming it was part of a ritual. An encased pair of denim blue jeans catches your eye - the 1873 brainchild and product of Bavarian-born Levi Strauss and partner Jacob Davis. Philosopher Mendelssohns glasses are displayed, noting his record of championing tolerance and civil rights and establishing a school. Also displayed is a wallet thrown from a truck carrying Jews to a forced labor camp. With it is the photo of the owner and his wife, two of the 6 million. Heart-rending, too, is a narrow, odd-shaped, room with high ceilings and dark walls and thousands of iron disks you walk over on an uneven floor. The disks represent faces of 6 million murdered Jews. Once estimated at nearly 200,000, the German capitals Jewish population was less than a few thousand when World War II ended. Since then, some 50,000 Jews have settled here, many from the former Soviet Union. Elsewhere in the city, Holocaust reminders appear on some streets as engraved plaques, identifying victims who had lived nearby. A huge Holocaust memorial is within view of the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag parliament building. Its comprised of rows of concrete casket-like pillars, 2,711 in all, covering three acres simulating a cemetery. In an area across the street is the relatively new fortress-like U.S. Embassy. Seven synagogues, Jewish pre-schools, a high school and a Yeshiva-like college operate in the city, Markus pointed out. A few kosher restaurants are in business near the restored eye-catching, gold-domed New Synagogue. The 1866 Moorish-styled edifice, ruined by rampaging Kristallnacht Nazi adherents in 1938 and then by Allied bombers, has been restored. It serves as a Jewish museum and area community center. Before boarding the train at a Spandau area station to return to our ship, I asked Markus about the status of the Nazi party. No problem at all today. It no longer exists, he said. Unlike in your country, America, weve outlawed the Nazi party in Germany. Si Liberman is the retired editor of the Asbury Park (N.J.) Sunday Press and a freelance writer. In January 2008, CalPERS made what would seem to be a no-lose investment: the purchase of a 9.9% equity interest in Silver Lake Technology Management, which serves as the fund manager, or colloquially, the general partner, for various Silver Lake private equity funds. In her early years as a star analyst, Sallie Krawchek observed, Its better to work for a Wall Street firm than invest in one. That same logic would seem to apply for CalPERS participating side-by-side with the firms founders in the management company: they would reap rewards akin to those of owner/operators rather than those of ordinary investors. Yet from the end of its fiscal year 2011 to 2012, CalPERS showed a nearly 50% drop in the market value of its stake in Silver Lake in its Annual Investment Reports in the absence of any big decline in assets under management or other bad news. By contrast, publicly traded private equity firms KKR and Blackstone showed declines only half as large in their unit prices over the same period. In early 2013, as reported by Fortunes Dan Primack, CalPERS sold approximately 30% its Silver Lake holdings back. In March 2015, Silver Lake stated in an SEC filing that CalPERS owned only 0.5% and intended to exit in the next few years, which in 2016, Silver Lake stated could be in the next few months. What happened? Industry rumors, including from insiders, suggest that CalPERS took a loss well over $100 million on a $275 million commitment. Data first supplied by CalPERS to us showed an $80 million loss even with what looks like an implausibly rich valuation of its remaining interest. After we told CalPERS that it was required to show more of the history of its investment, CalPERS provided a second set of records that was radically at odds with the first disclosure. These records showed the giant pension fund, remarkably, just breaking even, which is still poor result. As well explain in detail later, this second, less damaging data story is inconsistent with other disclosures CaLPERS had made about Silver Lake, its established practice for how it reports investments, and documents about the transaction obtained from independent parties. In other words, other information as well as CalPERS own records and established practices strongly suggest that CalPERS suffered a significant loss on this investment. CalPERS poor performance results directly from its failure to insist on protections widely recognized as necessary for minority investors. An individual knowledgable about the initial Silver Lake investment stated that it did not include a customary anti-dilution provision.1Silver Lake did indeed dilute CalPERS as it restructured the ownership of the management company. CalPERS embarrassing result is due to the fact it listened to the two most dangerous words in investing: Trust us. Just as troubling: CalPERS appears to be trying to cover up its loss. One might normally wonder whether the inconsistencies in documents that CalPERS provided in response to our Public Records Act requests were the result of incompetence in record-keeping, since the differences between the spreadsheet that depicts CalPERS breaking even and other reports made by CalPERS show numerous eight figure discrepancies. But CalPERS short explanation of its tah dah spreadsheet is that it found and attributed contingent investments to the Silver Lake parent investmentand thats contrary to how it reports its cash flows and returns from other private equity investments. Further, CalPERS also scrubbed the metadata on its records to obscure when they were created, a step which requires third-party software. Put it another way: CalPERS could have been so eager to muddy the waters regarding Silver Lake that it was willing to create the impression that its private equity information systems are so deficient that they routinely have $10 to $90 million errors on single investments. If CalPERS maintain that this is the case, which is what the public would have to believe in accepting the story in its second spreadsheet, that should send alarms ringing among beneficiaries, legislators, trustees, and California taxpayers and lead to demands for an investigation of CalPERS reporting and controls. We asked CalPERS staff about large inconsistencies in the information provided and they declined to comment. The fact that CalPERS decided to attribute cash flows in with this investment that it in other cases it has reported separately highlights another troubling issue: CalPERS increasingly has been making co-investments in private equity in addition to investing in private equity funds. Co-investments are the right to invest side by side with the general partner of the fund in a fund investment, in addition to investing through the fund. These opportunities are offered only at the discretion of the fund manager. While they allow investors like CalPERS to save management and carry fees (with the tradeoff of bearing the full brunt of portfolio company fees), these investments take place completely outside the publics view. Thus private equity investments are becoming even more opaque as the SEC has raised red flags about private equity practices and returns to public pensions funds have overwhelmingly fallen short of their own benchmarks. Finally, this incident reaffirms a pattern weve documented again and again with public pension funds. While they can be and typically are very competent investors in traded securities, they are no match for private equity firms. And rather than steer clear of private equity, they instead compound the error by putting their trust in general partners who view them as just another meal ticket. As UK-based private equity researcher Peter Morris said by e-mail, The significance of this story goes way beyond Silver Lake, private equity and CalPERS. Finance academics and regulators alike make it a core article of faith that big investors like CalPERS are sophisticated. The sorry saga of CalPERS and private equity helps to show that both academics and regulators need to change the way they think about these big investors. . Background: CalPERS Naive Approach to Taking Stakes in General Partners In publicly traded stocks, CalPERS ambitions served it well. In the 1990s, it acted as a leader in corporate governance reforms and backed its commitment up by operating as an activist investor. That strategy proved effective, not only burnishing CalPERS reputation but also improving its returns. CalPERS, as the largest single investor in private equity as of the early 2000s, again wanted to establish itself as a leader; indeed, until recently, this was an explicit policy goal. The giant pension fund saw acquiring stakes in fund management companies as a way to further that aim. But individuals familiar with how CalPERS approached these deals described a process that lacked an investment thesis, which in turn resulted in questionable investment discipline. For instance, one rationale for CalPERS to participate at the management company level could have been to earn a much higher return, or alternatively, to have a less risky investment, since most of the income at large private equity firms comes mainly from fees which are not at risk of market performance. However, CalPERS sought only modestly better results than from investing in private equity funds themselves.2 It also had no exit strategy other than assuming that its chosen firms would do a public offering or be acquired by a larger financial institution. By contrast, private equity funds have typically cashed out their investors out by year ten, and the general partners have incentives to realize profits and return at least some proceeds relatively early in the funds life. 3 Another potential benefit of CalPERS investing in general partners would have been to increase their expertise, so that they could move in the direction that Ontario Teachers has, of doing more private equity investing in-house. However, McKinsey ruled that out in a study for CalPERS in the early 2000s. In addition, CalPERS didnt ask for the sort of measure that Japanese investors who want skill transfer routinely get, such as having a set number of trainees work side by side with firm professionals. Finally, CalPERS did not obtain any voting rights. It was prohibited by law. Andrew Silton, North Carolinas former Chief Investment Officer, in a 2012 post, A bad idea: when pension plans own a piece of a money manager, set forth why he opposed this type of investment, using the State of Floridas pension fund investment in Providence Equity Partners as his example: These are the kinds of investments that create conflicts of interest and undermine confidence in pension plans. The last we thing we need is a bone-headed investment that gives critics another excuse to attack public employee pensions. Even if the investment turns out okay, this is still a bad idea. The real reason for this type of investment is that the boards and staff of pension plans like to be viewed as sophisticated players. However, the playing field is hardly level. The private equity firm is, after all, in the business of buying and selling companies. The folks on the other side of the table, even if theyre advised by an investment bankers, are completely outmatched. How can Florida objectively review the investment performance of Provident [sic] and decide whether to continue to participate in their investment products when they also own a piece of the manager? Normally, if investment performance deteriorates, a private equity investor can simply decide not to participate in any new funds. However, Florida will now face a dilemma; if they choose not to invest, they will be hurting their economic interest in the manager. If they decide to participate, they will be not be acting as good stewards of the plan. Obviously, CalPERS did not consider those to be serious concerns. The Silver Lake Investment In 2006, CalPERS had approached a short list of private equity firms that it viewed as attractive and said it would be interested in acquiring a stake in the fund management entity. CalPERS had bought a 5% stake in Carlyle in early 2001 and had considered that investment to be successful. In 2007, in three transactions, CalPERS, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, and other investors had together purchased a 28.9% interest in Apollo.4 According to a source familiar with the Silver Lake transaction, in late 2007, Silver Lake contacted CalPERS to take them up on their offer. The CalPERS staff apparently did not consider the issue of adverse selection; for example, that Silver Lake approached CalPERS at that time because it foresaw that it might face liquidity issues. CalPERS did examine the proposed valuation in light of the developing financial crisis but in the end accepted Silver Lakes assessment. CalPERS also objected to the lack of an anti-dilution provision in the proposed agreement. But Silver Lake partners Jim Davidson and Glenn Hutchins pressed CalPERS hard to agree to omit that provision, arguing that their interests were aligned. In December 2007, CalPERS board authorized an investment of up to 10% in Silver Lake. On January 3, 2008, CalPERS purchased 9.9% of Silver Lake Technology Management for $275 million, valuing the firm at $2.8 billion. As of June 30, 2011, CalPERS reported that the market value of its stake in Silver Lake was just shy of $330 million. A year later, even though the price of KKRs and Blackstones units declined by 22.2% and 24.6% respectively, CalPERS reported a market price for its Silver Lake position of $166.9 million, nearly a 50% decline.5 Later in 2012, CalPERS decided to restructure its interest in Silver Lake. CalPERS was to be diluted pari passu with the founders, so as they withdrew, CalPERS interest would be diluted massively. Silver Lake had proposed a full repurchase at a large haircut to the original $275 million price; the eventual deal was a partial buyout. Dan Primack of Fortune, using data from CalPERS Annual Investment Report, noticed that CalPERS ownership had fallen by approximately 30% and that the cause was the sale of units back to Silver Lake.6 In its March 31, 2015 Form ADV filing,Silver Lake Technology Management, LLC wrote: CalPERS previously owned 9.9% and currently owns 0.5% of Silver Lake Technology Management and is also an investor in certain Funds. The Adviser and CalPERS have an agreement pursuant to which, by a future date, the Adviser has the right to purchase CalPERSs remaining stake at a fixed price and pursuant to which CalPERS can force the Adviser to repurchase the remaining stake upon similar terms. As a result, the Adviser expects to acquire CalPERSs remaining stake within the next few years. Bear in mind there was no similar statement in Silver Lakes March 31, 2014 ADV filing, which means the buy/sell agreement was struck in the previous 12 months. CalPERS First Story: They Lost Money In early 2015, having heard reports of CalPERS loss in its Silver Lake investment, we submitted a detailed Public Records Act request for financial information about the Silver Lake investment. This is what we got back. Recall that this is an investment in a private equity fund manager, an operating business, and not in a private equity fund. Private equity funds, indeed all alternative investments, which are defined as funds, are subject only to limited disclosure under the Public Records Act. Moreover, CalPERS clearly does not regard this investment as a private equity fund, since it has never listed it in its quarterly disclosure of Private Equity Program Fund Performance Review. However, without ever giving a basis for refusing to provide anything but a portion of the information sought, CalPERS provided one quarter-end of data in the same data format they would use if the Silver Lake stake were a private equity fund: This does show an $80 million loss. But on further inspection, this looks to be understated. If you subtract cash out from cash out and remaining value you get $59.26 million. As of this date, per Silver Lakes SEC filing, CalPERS owned 0.5%. That remaining value values Silver Lake at $11.85 billion when it had assets under management of $26 billion in early 2015. How credible is that? Look at the Silver Lake figures versus the market capitalization of the publicly-traded private equity firms: This is admittedly a very crude comparison given the difference in the stock markets view of private equity firms in March 2015 versus now.7 But you dont need the refinement to get the general picture. The changes in units outstanding over the intervening period were not large for any of these firms. So if you gross up the current market caps to a March 31, 2015 price level by using the change in stock prices as an approximation, you can see that the Silver Lake $11.85 billion valuation is awfully rich given its much smaller size. And thats before you get to the fact that private, non-tradeable equity is valued at a discount to public stocks, with the rule of thumb a 20% to 40% discount. So the Silver Lake valuation should be markedly lower than public market comps. Now perhaps CalPERS remaining value is the fixed price mentioned in the Silver Lake Form ADV. But recall that the ADV specifically mentioned that the put-call arrangement was operative only at a future date. But why would Silver Lake give CalPERS such a rosy valuation? This seems even more unlikely given that: 1. If Silver Lake did nothing, CalPERS would continue to take losses and would have no recourse 2. Silver Lakes offer to buy out CalPERS in 2012 was at a large discount to both its purchase price and its recent market value estimates. Silver Lake thus previously took advantage of its bargaining leverage. Why should it change its behavior? Consider how remaining value is often treated for the few assets remaining in a private equity funds at the end of its life, the ones that have proven hard to sell. They are effectively always on sale, and its not infrequent that a general partner will maintain roughly the same valuation for several years, then take an offer at lower than the target price, explaining why it was better to get out then. The bigger point is that remaining value in CalPERS private equity reports is not market value; its a very loose concept. So it is not at all implausible that that $59.26 million is the strike price for three years or more out. Equity risk premia are generally set off the 10-year Treasury bond, but well be charitable and use the 5 year to match the time frame of the exposure better. The five year Treasury was trading at 1.40% at the end of March 2015. The equity risk premium, per a regularly performed survey of CFOs, was 4.5%. CalPERS sets a 300 basis point premium for private equity to that (which weve argued is too low). That gives you an 8.9% discount rate. That gives you a present value of $ 45.9 million. This would bring the total loss close to $100 million. Nevertheless, several experts we asked to look at the Silver Lake valuation (even allowing for the possibility of needing to discount it) found it hard to square with the 0.5% stake with the remaining value shown. As one expert said, In my experience staff spreadsheets tended to drift pretty far from accounting statements. CalPERS Second Story: They Barely Broke Even We objected to the skimpy PRA response, and argued that we disagreed strongly with CalPERS trying to claim that its investment in Silver Lake was in an alternative investment fund.8 They also sent the data below: Here are the major differences from the first spreadsheet: 1. The first one lists a commitment amount of $275 million and shows cash in of that amount as of March 31, 2015. Commitment amounts are authorized maximums in the contract signed at closing. The first spreadsheet is consistent with an equity purchase at a set date. By contrast, the second spreadsheet shows an authorized amount at the end of the first quarter of 2008 of $292.6 million, nearly $18 million more than the commitment amount. At March 31, 2015, the second spreadsheet shows an authorized amount of $294.1 million. The increases in the authorized amount are not readily explained. 2. The second spreadsheet shows cash in as of the closing date of $276.8 million which increases over time to $290.9 million as of the end of 2Q 2015. But the increases from quarter to quarter look too small to be capital calls for deals, and look too large to be the sort of other charges you might expect to see for an investment like this, say having to reimburse the cost of a special annual audit. 2. Cash out as of March 31, 2015 is $229.9 million, $94.1 million more than in the first spreadsheet. Where did all the extra money come from? From the transmittal e-mail: The spreadsheet differs from the Q1 2015 information that was sent to you on September 25, 2015 (PRA #2141). This is a result of the original report inadvertently excluding the investment structures related to Silver Lake Technology Management to which CalPERS optional commitments to various Silver Lake investments and CalPERS share of the carried interest flowed. Translation: CalPERS had some special side deals with Silver Lake that were part of the original investment and those results should be included. How credible is that position, that CalPERS has almost $100 million more of cash out of the Silver Lake investment by March 31, 2015 that it somehow forgot about? Remember, under the Public Records Act (PRA), CalPERS is supposed to send records, not special-purpose documents it made up. The wee problem is that this second spreadsheet differs from other documents that were almost certainly prepared with more care. For instance: 1. We have multiple documents from one of the parties to this transaction. They repeatedly and consistently describes the 2008 investment as a $275 million purchase 2. The second spreadsheet is not consistent with CalPERS Annual Investment Report. The unaudited Annual Investment Report (AIR) is published every year as of CalPERS fiscal year end, June 30, separate from the Comprehensive Annual Investment Report (CAFR). For year end 2012 through 2014, the Cash Out and Cah [sic] Out + Remaining Value columns in second spreadsheet tie with the AIR; the difference between Cah [sic] Out + Remaining Value minus Cash Out as of the end of the second quarter equals the market value shown for Silver Lake Technologies Management in the AIR. But not in 2010 and 2011:9 Similarly, Cash In is not consistent with Book Value in the AIR, when it should be up through the share buyback, meaning fiscal years 2010 through 2012: 3. CalPERS CAFR for fiscal year 2014 in its Schedule of Fees & Costs for Private Equity Partners (which is footnoted as being on a calendar year basis, so this schedule is confusingly for calendar year 2013), shows expenses for Silver Lake Technology Management of $3.25 million. This is presumably for the 2013 restructuring. There is only a $1,000 (yes, one thousand dollar) fee listed for the previous year and none for any earlier years. It is not clear how this charge is included in the second spreadsheet Keep in mind that the reduction in book value from fiscal year end 2012 to 2013 of $76.9 million is generally consistent with the second spreadsheet, which shows an increase in Cah [sic] In of $75.5 in the second quarter of 2013 versus first quarter, consistent with the buyback closing then. The decline in book value in the next year, of an additional $15.2 million, is presumably due to dilution. But the book value then, of $178.8 million, is roughly 2/3 of the highest book value we see, as of end of fiscal year 2010 (earlier years are not available online). Its puzzling to see the small reductions in book value after that but before the buyback. But its pretty safe to treat the fiscal year 2010 as pretty close to the book value as of the time of the investment. So if we believe the book value is accurate, that would mean CalPERS held a roughly 6.6% stake in Silver Lake as of June 30, 2014. How did it decline to 0.5% as of March 15, 2015, a mere 9 months later? The change in Cah Out for the end of fiscal year 2013 to 2014 is greater than for 2014 to 2015, so theres no fingerprints of another buyback to explain the plunge. Mind you, Silver Lakes current Form ADV does say that CalPERS did obtain additional investment rights in connection with its investment in the management firm. But the picture that this section presents is inconsistent with the tale of the second spreadsheet: CalPERS, by virtue of its stake in the General Partner of Silver Lake, has in the past received and will in the future receive the opportunity to co-invest fee-free on a blind pool basis in transactions made by the Funds over a preset time period. Such investments are added to Silver Lakes affiliates investments for purposes of calculating limits under the LPA on the General Partners ability to make co-investments. For the most recent Silver Lake Partners fund, CalPERS has exercised this right to invest a significant amount of capital on this basis. These pportunities are distinct from the individual company co-investment opportunities offered to all limited partners including CalPERS which are subject to the Advisers sole discretion, as described above. The part that is completely inconsistent with the second spreadsheet is a significant amount of capital. For CalPERS, that translates into amounts much larger than the $20 million or so shown as the cash out over and above the $275 million commitment amount for the investment in Silver Lake Technologies Management. And thats before you get to the issue we pointed out earlier, that it has not been CalPERS practice, either with its other reports on Silver Lake or its general practice for reporting on private equity funds, to lump returns on co-investments in with the returns from the fund proper.10 In other words, if the mystery additional cash flows in the second spreadsheet did indeed come from the Silver Lake Management co-investment blind pool, the amounts are so small relative to the capital that Silver Lake states was provided that they must have been cherry-picked. Andrew Silton, North Carolinas CIO, was one of several experts who spent a considerable amount of time trying to make sense of these figures. His take: My guess is that theyve taken different accounting approaches to this investment. Silver Lake has taken the view that theyve diluted CalPERS and CalPERS has not accepted that view. Meanwhile, Im guessing that the investment staff and accountants arent synced up on the investment either. The staff is estimating market values, which accounts some of the diminution in the value of the asset (we see that in the spreadsheets), and the accountants for financial reporting purposes are even further behind with respect to book value. Im betting, both staff and the accountants would like to slowly let the air out of the investment over multiple reporting periods. The figures are so far apart, I dont think they can be reconciled except by assuming each of the relevant parties is on a different page. Ouch. Also noteworthy: CalPERS scrubbed the metadata on both spreadsheets. This is not normal practice in FOIA responses generally and CalPERS PRA responses in particular. What Do We Have to Believe to Believe CalPERS New and Improved Story? CalPERS, no doubt, will attempt to dismiss the analysis above, claim that the second spreadsheet is accurate, and maintain that it got out of its Silver Lake investment whole. But to believe that, you have to believe that CalPERS is utterly incapable of keeping accurate, consistent records on one of its most important single investments in strategic terms, one that has also repeatedly commanded a considerable amount of senior staff time. As weve shown, CalPERS has numerous eight-figure inconsistencies, the largest over $94 million, on an investment of either $275 or $290.9 million. That level of disparities should sound alarm bells not just among CalPERS beneficiaries and California taxpayers, but also the legislature and Governors office. This shifting what happened with Silver Lake story raises another set of troubling questions. The fact that CalPERS found some tah dah funds that it previously missed, at the very best, says that CalPERS has large pockets of money that it accounts for nowhere until pressed. And as CalPERS makes more and more co-investments, the new vogue in private equity, the less and less the public will know about how these risky investments are doing. No matter how you look at this, CalPERS lost a significant amount of beneficiary money relative to its targets and as we have argued, probably in absolute terms, by placing unwarranted trust in a private equity partner, a failing the SEC has effectively called out across all private equity limited partners by describing how vague the limited partnership agreements are on critical points and how lax ongoing oversight is. CalPERS has compounded the damage by engaging in what looks like a coverup on top of the crime of incompetent negotiating. ____ 1. There are ways to reduce this risk, such as having a put option. But CalPERS did not seek any compensating terms. 2. CalPERS expected its improved return to come from saving paying management and carried interest fees. Oddly, it did not expect to do better by having access to all the portfolio fees that most fund managers charge. Needless to say, this view would work in favor of the private equity fund manager in valuing the stake sold to CalPERS. 3. The incentive to realize some profits relatively early comes from the fact that the use of IRR for computing fund returns has an overly-positve impact on total reported returns. This can distort behavior, since a general partner may sell a business earlier than would have been optimal if the returns were reported on a more accurate basis, such as public market equivalent. However, general partners have additional incentives to sell some business before year 4, when most firms start raising their next fund, since investors will be skeptical of reported returns for the most recent fund if no actual cash profits have been realized. 4. The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority did not get anti-dilution protection on its investment in Apollo, and knowledgeable individuals said that means that it is virtually certain that CalPERS didnt either. That precedent no doubt played into CalPERS not standing up more firmly with Silver Lake. 5. Note that the valuation of this position was prepared from time to time by outside accounting firms, and otherwise by Silver Lake. As weve noted repeatedly in our private equity reporting, the well-established practice is to understate losses in down equity markets, on the cheery view that the investors will get out only when pricing is favorable. So the plunge in market value is even more striking. 6. More precisely, the year-to-year change in reported book value was 27.8%. 7. And thats before you get to complicating factors like the fact that most of these firms have announced share repurchases: KKR of $500 million, Apollo, $250 million, and Carlyle, $200 million. And their businesses are not exactly comparable. Blackstone is a diversified alternative asset manager. KKR puts much more firm money in deals than the other players do. Apollo manages real estate and credit funds in addition to private equity funds, and both feature lower fee levels than private equity firms. 8. As one expert on FOIA said of CalPERS response, It merely lists sections of the Public Records Act. This is particularly disingenuous given that the request letter contained a lengthy discussion as to why the legal form of the investment, as well as CalPERS consistent failure to include it in any of its legally mandated disclosures of private equity investments and other alternative investments in its periodic filings meant that under the language of the statute, as confirmed by CalPERS treatment of this shareholding, it was not an alternative investment vehicle. Its also procedurally patheticnot surprisinglyin that they failed in their legal obligation to state the express provisions of the PRA that they are relying on. To claim Its exempt pursuant to 6254is to basically say that Its exempt pursuant to the PRA. 6254 is pages long and contains dozens of different exemptions, and you are left not knowing which they are claiming. 9. No, CalPERS was not using book value for remaining value as opposed to market value in 2010 and 2011. Book value is also listed in the Annual Investment Report. If you take the book value as of the Annual Investment Report for the end of FY 2011 and add it to the cash out for 2Q 2011, you get $325,168,492, nearly $10 million greater than in the second spreadsheet. This seems even harder to fathom given CalPERS claim that the Silver Lake Technologies Management had additional cashflows associated with it. Youd expect that to result in higher, not lower, market values in the event of discrepancies. 10. Although it would not apply in this case of a blind pool co-investment, which is an unusual arrangement, a big reason for reporting co-investments separately is that staff chooses which deals to invest in, so measuring staffs performance is important from a managerial perspective. SHARE The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Collier County Inc. has named Dr. Pamela J. Baker as executive director / CEO. Mark Sobiech was named president of Norris Furniture & Interiors. United Way of Collier County said Stephanie Spell is a new member of its board of directors. Spell heads the Community Engagement Department within the Collier County Sheriff's Office. Baer's Furniture announced that Jerome Baer has become president and CEO. Robert Baer continues as chairman of the board. Allan Baer moved from president to vice chairman of the board. Ronald Baer became executive vice president and will also serve as chief operations officer. Cathy Baer Haubenstock, Laurance Baer and Ira Baer each assumed senior vice president positions while Ira Baer remains CFO. Michael Baer has chosen to retire. Events The Public Relations Society of America, Gulf Coast Chapter will host a luncheon meeting on "Branding, Identifying, Finding, Funding and Capturing your Ideal Candidate" at 11:30 a.m. April 26 at the Naples Hilton, 5111 U.S. 41 N. Information: www. gulfcoastprsa.org "PR101 Be Good at Doing Good: Marketing Your Mission," will be hosted by The Florida Public Relations Association Southwest Florida Chapter at 8 a.m. May 12 at Embassy Suites. Embassy Suites, 10450 Corkscrew Road, Estero. Information: www.fpraswfl.org To submit your business news directly online, go to naplesnews.com/BIZwire or email news@naplesnews.com. A display board lists the many biographical subjects students selected for the 2016 Essay Contest sponsored by the Estero Historical Society and Estero Chamber of Commerce. Awards were presented April 13. Laura Gates/Banner Correspondent SHARE Middle school finalists display their certificates during an awards ceremony for the 2016 Essay Contest sponsored by the Estero Historical Society and Estero Chamber of Commerce. Laura gates/Banner Correspondence Carolyn Fischer recognizes Estero Chamber of Commerce and Estero Historical Society members during the 2016 Essay Contest awards ceremony at Three Oaks Middle School April 13. Laura Gates/Banner Correspondent Fourth grade finalists display their certificates during an awards ceremony for the 2016 Essay Contest sponsored by the Estero Historical Society and Estero Chamber of Commerce. Laura Gates/Banner Correspondent Royal Palm Academy student Joseph Baier reads from his "Essay of Distinction" on Carl Strickland as Carolyn Fischer, of the Estero Historical Society, listens. Laura Gates/Banner Correspondent By Laura Gates, Banner Correspondent Four Estero fourth-graders and three middle school students now boast the status of paid writers. These juvenile biographers excelled at an essay contest jointly sponsored by the Estero Historical Society and the Estero Chamber of Commerce, taking home top honors and prize money during an awards ceremony at Three Oaks Middle School Wednesday. "It's absolutely essential to have those writing skills," said Principal Mike Carson. "I am extremely proud of them." Five of the six middle school finalists came from Three Oaks, which has partnered with the Historical Society on multiple initiatives. A sixth finalist, Aryanna Aufderheide, is an Estero home school student. She chose Barron Gift Collier as the subject of her essay out of curiosity about why the neighboring county bears his name. Although Aufderheide found out about the essay contest just one week before deadline, she decided to test her writing skills and go for the prize money. "I think it's interesting when people become millionaires when they're really young," added Aufderheide, whose essay took runner-up honors. "Barron Collier became a millionaire at 26." Three Oaks eighth grader Luis Hernandez-Ulloa captured first place -- and a $150 cash award -- for his essay on Billy Bowlegs, a Seminole chief who led the final war against white settlers. "I wanted to write about someone who was not so well known in the history of Southwest Florida," he said. Runner-up Tianji "Didi" Zhang chose to research Harvey Firestone, the third member of "The Millionaire's Club," which also included Henry Ford and Thomas Edison. Although he did not maintain a residence in Southwest Florida, Firestone was a frequent visitor at the Edison-Ford estates. "He worked with Edison and Ford to store rubber and use it for good," explained Zhang, referring to the trio's research into growing American organic rubber. This was the second consecutive year the Historical Society and the Chamber have teamed up for an essay contest. Organizers specifically reached out to local fourth grade teachers this year after learning state standards for social studies include Florida history. Catherine Tumbleson, a teacher at Three Oaks Elementary, made the essay contest optional for students. The lone entry from her class, an essay on "Florida cracker" Jacob Summerlin written by Kyle King, took first place honors. "I'm very proud of him," Tumbleson said of her perseverant pupil. "He has worked hard on his writing all year long. I'm glad it paid off for him. I hope this will motivate him to keep writing." The other five finalists for fourth grade all came from Pinewoods Elementary, where the essay contest was woven into curriculum. Royal Palm Academy student Joseph Baier was recognized with the Essay of Distinction Award for his biography of Officer Carl Strickland. Strickland was the first black officer to be hired by the Naples Police Department in 1954. He served just one month before being killed. Although Baier's essay might not have been the most well researched or skillfully written, judges singled it out for its connection to current events. "It was very well written for his age and very thoughtful for the times," commented Marlene Fernandez, Historical Society archivist and essay contest judge. Baier said he selected his subject after watching news reports about racially motivated killings and attacks on police officers. "Sometimes, as a kid, I wonder what is happening in our world," he read from his essay opener. The piece went on to call Strickland a "role model" from local history for breaking down barriers, just like Rosa Parks and Jackie Robinson. Debi Montenieri presented cash awards from the Chamber of Commerce, totaling $500. She also served as one of the essay contest judges. "I enjoyed reading them," she said. "It's surprising how well these kids write and how much research they do to get really interesting facts about people that I didn't know." Montenieri will be reading more essays next month, as the Chamber also sponsors a scholarship program for college-bound seniors. Any graduating senior who attends Estero High School or lives in Estero may apply for one of three $2,500 college scholarships. The Historical Society also has a busy month ahead, with the society's annual Tea Luncheon April 23 at Shadow Wood Country Club. This year's theme is "Birds of a feather flock together." Expect to see hundreds of ladies in feathery hats, said organizer Beverly MacNellis. "One of the delights of this event is the creative hats the ladies make up with their hot glue guns," she said. "Awards are given out to the best." More information about Historical Society and Chamber of Commerce events may be found on their respective websites: esterohistoricalsociety.com and esterochamber.org. Essay contest finalists were: Fourth Grade -- Katherine Bradford Alexakis, Micah Boyce, Taylor Cheh (runner-up), Kyle King (winner), Eva Pokharel and Aevlin Yeagle (runner-up). Middle School -- Aryanna Aufderheide (runner-up), Piper DuPelle, Luis Hernandez-Ulloa (winner), Kiya Robinson, Allison Skolmutch and Tianji "Didi" Zhang (runner-up). Essay of Distinction: Joseph A. Baier. IF YOU GO Estero Historical Society Annual Tea WHEN: Noon April 23 WHERE: Shadow Wood Country Club, 22801 Oakwilde Blvd., Bonita Springs TICKETS: $45 INFORMATION: Visit esterohistoricalsociety.com or call 239-498-0678 Michael Jasinski, in front of the top kayak, and Aubrey Hunt, both 12, paddle their way back to the dock after a short kayak trip during the Earth Day Festival at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida on Saturday, April 18, 2015. Scott McIntyre/Staff SHARE More than 850 people turned out for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida's Earth Day Festival on April 18, 2015. Visitors enjoyed live animal shows, boat rides along the Gordon River, live music, crafts and more. daily news file (3) Keira Thompson pets an alligator named Dewey with the help of Alicia Greer, right, during last year's reptile show at the Earth Day Festival at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Ava Svaton, 5, shakes hands with Cycler, a Waste Management robot while Dominic DiBlasio Jr., 7, Riley Grothe, 3, and Bennett Brink, 4, wait their turn during the Conservancy of Southwest Florida's 50th Anniversary Celebration Earth Day Festival, Saturday, April 19. John M. Wissocki /Banner Correspondent. Alicia Greer shows Dewey, a two year old alligator to the crowd during a reptile show at the Earth Day Festival at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida on Saturday, April 18, 2015. Scott McIntyre/Staff Related Coverage Earth Day Events in Southwest Florida By Kristine Gill of the Naples Daily News A baby loggerhead weighing less than a pound will likely steal the spotlight Saturday at the annual Earth Day Festival at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. The daylong event aims to connect people to nature in an effort to encourage conservation and at the forefront this year is a shelled, pseudo ambassador. "She's darling," spokeswoman Catherine Bergerson said. But the tiny sea turtle has been without a name since the Conservancy brought her in March 29 through a research program at Florida Atlantic University. Taken from a Sanibel nest, the marine reptile was part of a study looking at how temperature affects the gender of sea turtle eggs. "It's hot chicks and cool dudes," Bergerson said, explaining the link. Around noon Saturday, smack dab in the middle of a day's worth of events, the Conservancy will announce the turtle's new name, the result of a public contest that closed last week. A committee will get together to decide which submission best fits the cute critter. They did the same two years ago for another female loggerhead. They named that turtle Betsy, in honor of a Bonita Springs sea turtle activist named Betsy Sandstrom who was terminally ill at the time. Click here for a list of Earth Day events in Southwest Florida On March 29, the same day the new turtle was brought in, Conservancy workers released Betsy after a two-year stay in captivity. She too was part of the FAU study on gender and was released in the Ten Thousand Islands. "It was such a truly serendipitous situation," Bergerson said of the turtle's naming. "She's living on and furthering the legacy " Saturday marks at least the 15th year the Conservancy has held an Earth Day celebration for children and families, Bergerson said. Doors open at 10 a.m. and events are scheduled until 6 p.m. Watch a puppet show, take a guided nature walk, watch student-made nature films and interact with reptiles and their caretakers. There are also activities going on most of the day including kayak rentals and live music by Bug Tussle Ramblers. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 3 to 12 and free for those 2 and younger. "For less than the cost of a movie ticket, you can have fun all day," Bergerson said. By Jacob Carpenter of the Naples Daily News A former victim's advocate accused of bilking dozens of clients at a Collier County domestic violence shelter plans to plead to a felony charge, according to court records. Rossana Lucero, who's accused of fraudulently obtaining more than $200,000 from more than 110 women at The Shelter for Abused Women & Children, is expected to plead to one of her two felony charges next month. The 53-year-old was arrested in February 2015. It's unclear whether Lucero will plead to a charge of obtaining more than $50,000 by fraud or aggravated white collar crime, and whether she will plead guilty or no contest. Both counts carry a maximum of 30 years in prison. In a letter to Collier Circuit Judge Fred Hardt, Lucero's lawyer, Chris Brown, said he and prosecutors haven't arrived at an agreed-upon punishment. As a result, Hardt will hear testimony and argument from both sides and issue a sentence. "A large amount of time and effort has gone into depositions and investigation of this case," Brown wrote in his letter. He added that the case involves "scores of victims and a large amount of restitution." Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigators said Lucero took advantage of more than 110 women in her position as a victim's advocate, primarily between 2010 and 2014. Dozens of women, many of them immigrants, told investigators that Lucero charged them for visas, permits and fees. Most women paid about $500 to $1,000 in total, though some handed over nearly $5,000. FDLE agents determined most of those charges were fraudulent and landed in Lucero's bank accounts. During a search of Lucero's office, investigators found $3,000 in blank money orders attached a client's file, as well as $7,000 in blank money orders in a briefcase. Brown declined to comment ahead of Lucero's plea, which is set for May 17. Hardt will have wide latitude in handing down a punishment. Florida sentencing guidelines call for a minimum prison sentence of about two or four years, depending on whether Lucero pleads to the fraud or white collar crime charge. Lucero, who spent nearly a decade working at the shelter, was fired from her position immediately after being confronted with the allegations. Following Lucero's arrest, the shelter's executive director, Linda Oberhaus, said the clients would be reimbursed by the nonprofit. Corey Perrine/Staff Jose Ramirez, 17, of Marco Island Academy, left, collects a straw ballot from Jason Hartgrave during a public forum Thursday at Marco Island Presbyterian Church. The Southwest Florida Citizens' Alliance hosted the first in a series of candidate forums, this one with Collier County School Board candidates. Three of six candidates John M. Brunner, Louise Penta and Lee Dixon participated in the forum. SHARE John Brunner, from left, Louise Penta and Lee Dixon talks about issues during a public forum Thursday, April 14, 2016 at Marco Island Presbyterian Church on Marco Island, Fla. The Southwest Florida Citizens' Alliance hosted the first in a series of Candidate Forums beginning with Collier County School Board Candidates. Three of six candidates showed " John M. Brunner, Louise Penta and Lee Dixon. Candidates who were not present " Erick Carter, Eugene Ungarean, and Stephanie Lucarelli. (Corey Perrine/Staff) By Melhor Leonor of the Naples Daily News Three of the six candidates running for Collier County School Board attended a conservative group's forum Thursday, opposing the role of the federal government in education and supporting public funding of charter schools. District two candidates John Brunner and Louise Penta, and District 4 candidate Lee Dixon, aligned on most of the topics raised by moderators Thursday at the forum on Marco Island, including those that have divided the board in recent months. On a question about whether the district should retain an internal auditor an issue pushed by school member Erika Donalds but rejected by the majority of the board the candidates present said it was a critical need. "With a billion dollar budget, you should absolutely be performing internal audits," Dixon said. Brunner called for an employee under the title of "Inspector General," who would evaluate the performance of district programs. Among the few issues that split candidates Thursday was the district's "Bring Your Own Device" program. BYOD, as it is popularly referred to throughout the district, allows students to bring their own electronic devices for guided use in the classroom. Penta, who said in an interview last week that cellphones lead to disciplinary issues in the classroom, said that "these devices don't belong in schools." She said teachers spend too much time monitoring what students are doing on their devices to make sure it aligns with the given directions. Brunner and Dixon both said in elementary school, there is no place for these devices. In middle and high school, use should be limited. "By high school, they need those skills," Brunner said. Missing from Thursday's debate were District 2 candidates Stephanie Lucarelli and Gene Ungarean, and District 4 candidate Erick Carter. At the end of the debate, the candidates present took opportunities to highlight the absence of some of their opponents. "He should have been here discussing these issues, letting you know where he stands," said Dixon of his only opponent, Carter. Carter said in an interview he only planned to attend "major forums" and that he looked forward to debating with Dixon then. Keith Flaugh, with the Southwest Florida Citizens Alliance, said Ungarean planned to attend but called to say he could not due to a "personal emergency." District 2 candidate Stephanie Lucarelli did not respond to a request for comment Thursday. The seats appearing on voters' ballots later this year are currently held by board members Kathleen Curatolo and Julie Sprague, who have not indicated whether they plan to run for re-election. The Collier County School Board doesn't put limits on the number of terms a school board member can serve. In Collier County, school board members must reside in the district that represents the seat they are running for at the time of filing and through their term on the board. Board members, however, are elected by voters countywide and are supposed to represent the interests of the entire school district. District 2 contains schools in North Naples, including Veterans Memorial Elementary and Barron Collier High. District 4 includes Lake Park Elementary and Naples High. The deadline to enter the school board race is June 24. School board elections will be held Aug. 30. Collier and Lee Republican Party leaders met at the Barefoot Beach Boat Club off Bonita Beach Road on Thursday, April 14, 2016, to select delegates to their party's national convention in Cleveland this summer. (Ryan Mills/Staff) SHARE By Ryan Mills of the Naples Daily News Last month more than 173,000 Lee and Collier county Republicans went to the polls to pick a candidate for president, but on Thursday evening it was six local party insiders who selected the three delegates who could help choose the GOP nominee as Southwest Florida's 19th congressional district representatives at the Cleveland convention. Normally an under-the-radar process, it is the delegate selection caucuses like the one that took place Thursday inside the Barefoot Beach Boat Club off Bonita Beach Road that could be the deciding factor in this year's unruly race between businessman Donald Trump, Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and Ohio Gov. John Kasich. The Southwest Florida delegates were chosen by six leaders of the District 19 caucus: a party chairman, and a state committeeman and committeewoman from both the Collier and Lee parties. Before the vote, 23 people who applied to be delegates had two minutes to make their case. Most were longtime grass roots activists, elected officials and local party insiders who had campaigned for Republican nominees going back decades: Romney, McCain, Reagan, the Bushes and even Barry Goldwater. Not surprisingly, two of the three slots went to the party chairs, Mike Lyster of Collier and Jonathan Martin of Lee. The third went to local attorney and longtime Lee County Republican Executive Committee member Lisa Musial. None would disclose a preference for either of the two front-runners, Trump or Cruz. "I think it's a very fair process," said Musial, who is originally from Cleveland. "It's very transparent." Trump easily won the Florida primary last month, garnering 46 percent of the 2.3 million votes cast in a split field. Cruz won only 17 percent of the Florida vote, finishing behind Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., who received 27 percent and then suspended his campaign. Thursday's caucus also selected three alternate delegates, two of whom Roz Lesser and Michael Hook are outspoken Trump supporters. The third, Jesse Purdon, who runs U.S. Rep. Curt Clawson's Collier County office, wouldn't identify a favorite. Though Trump is leading in raw votes and pledged delegates nationally, his path to winning an outright majority of delegates 1,237 by the end of the primary cycle is narrowing. With an even tougher path to victory, Cruz is attempting to block Trump at the convention by winning over delegates who would switch to him on a second ballot. It's a strategy that isn't sitting well with Trump supporters, some of whom have been accused of threatening wavering delegates. That strategy will likely be less pronounced in Florida, where state party rules bind the state's 99 delegates to Trump for the first three ballots. Lyster said he doesn't think either Trump or Cruz will wrap up the nomination before the convention. "There's going to be deals all over that convention floor, and I'm thinking not for the Florida delegation," he said. Lesser, an alternate delegate and Trump supporter who is the treasurer for the Lee County Republican Executive Committee, said she thought Thursday's process was fair and transparent. Still, she believes the deck is being stacked against her candidate nationally. "I think we're going to get railroaded," she said. A similar delegate selection process is playing out in restaurants, hotels and party headquarters across the state's 27 congressional districts. In addition to the 81 delegates selected at the district level, there will also be 18 "at large" delegates: state officeholders, top party officials and Republican National Committee members. On Saturday, Collier's caucus leaders will be at the Oliva Cigar Company in Hialeah to select delegates for Congressional District 25, which also includes portions of Broward, Hendry and Miami-Dade counties. Lee's caucus leaders helped select delegates in District 17 on March 31 at a Perkins in Bartow. Lyster said he thinks an open Republican convention is a positive for his party, but he's not happy with the tone of the campaign right now. "It's fascinating to me that if you know what the rules are, and you know you have to have 1,237 (delegates) to get the nomination, then that should be your goal," Lyster said. "So what if you got 42 percent of the vote across the country? That's not how the country is run. "I'm kind of discouraged by the way people are acting, and I think it's going to damage the country." Anne Peatross fills boxes last week at Harry Chapin Food Bank in Fort Myers. The food bank is among participants in the new Satisfy The Hunger campaign, of which the Naples Daily News is a partner. JAMIE STODDARD/DAILY NEWS STAFF SHARE Satisfy the Hunger logo. By Dave Osborn of the Naples Daily News Many think of Southwest Floridians as people who eat well yet few may realize that thousands don't receive enough food. So the Daily News and other organizations on Sunday will launch Satisfy The Hunger, a campaign to raise money to feed thousands of Collier County citizens. An ad will run in the Daily News every day through June 3, asking readers to donate at least $25, although any amount is welcome. Three other partners with the Daily News in the effort are the Community Foundation of Collier County, United Way of Collier County and Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation. All money collected will go toward feeding the hungry, said Robin Lankton, Daily News regional marketing director. RELATED LINK: Get more details on Satisfy the Hunger campaign "The Community Foundation of Collier County administers the Satisfy the Hungry Community Food Drive at no cost," Lankton said. "Therefore, 100 percent of the money collected is distributed to those in need." The newspaper will host seven events through the end of the drive, collecting items. All will be held at the Daily News, 1100 Immokalee Road, Naples, expect one that will be at participating Publix stores 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 7. The other six are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 15, "Take a Bite Out of Hunger"; and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for the following: April 22, "Baby Basics"; April 29, "Snacks for Kids"; May 13, "Spring Cleaning"; May 20, "Take Care of Yourself"; and June 3, "School's Out for Summer." Agencies that receive money must be accountable and prove they spent it on food, Lankton said. "They will have to supply a report," she said. "They will have to say how this money was spent." Collier County is home to some 42,000 "food insecure" people, said Richard LeBer, president and CEO of the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, based in Fort Myers. He defined those individuals as people who often don't know where the next meal may be coming from at some time during the year. LeBer said those people could be someone's next-door neighbor. They have jobs but not quite enough income," he explained. "They have to choose between rent, a car payment, medical needs or food." Harry Chapin Food Bank annually distributes 18.4 million pounds of food to a five-county area including Collier. And in Collier alone, the food bank provides more than 2.5 million meals. "The Satisfy the Hunger program is very important to us," LeBer said. "We just love it that all of these organizations are collaborating to raise food for the community. We will be right in the middle of the campaign, helping make sure the food people donate gets distributed by agencies in Collier County to feed hungry people." Lankton said she helped launch a similar campaign, Season of Sharing, in Sarasota in 2000. "When we were approached last year by our partners, I immediately thought of how the Daily News could help the food pantries during the lean days of summer when the shelves are barest and the needs are the greatest," Lankton said. The Daily News is honored to partner with the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation and the Community Foundation and United Way of Collier County to shed light on the issue of hunger in Collier County, said Bill Barker, the Daily News president and publisher. "In a community of enormous wealth, more than 42,000 residents do not know where their next meal is coming from, including 16,000 children who go to school hungry each day," Barker said. "We need to reach out and assist our neighbors who struggle to put food on the table, and make Collier County a healthy, more satisfying place to call home." Residents who are hungry live throughout the county, from Immokalee to Naples, LeBer said. "We all live one paycheck away from unexpected disaster," LeBer noted. SHARE Joel Goldman, Naples An old friend I join in the community's welcome to Gannett Co. Inc. as the new parent of the Naples Daily News. I came to Naples from Rochester, New York, in 1997 as a snowbird and became a permanent resident about 10 years ago. Rochester was the corporate headquarters for Gannett until 1986, when it relocated to Virginia. Gannett's founding father, Frank Gannett, lived in town where he not only was building his media empire, but was also politically active and a generous contributor to the community. The Gannett Co. gave birth to USA Today in 1982, founded by Al Neuharth, who steered it to national success. So I have been happily reading Gannett newspapers for many moons and enjoying the experience. Likewise, I look forward to my Naples Daily News and coffee each morning. In part, as a result of its acquisition by Gannett, the future for the Daily News is indeed bright. Being in a growing, upscale market is also a plus for Gannett. Gannett will, however, face the difficult issue of owning two fine publications which overlap each other (referring to the News-Press of Fort Myers). I would expect Gannett to address this issue with class and decency as Frank Gannett exhibited in his nurturing of the company. With my best wishes for continued success. SHARE Walter S. McFarland, Bonita Springs McFeatters column Ann McFeatters' column on April 9 was full of distortions and selective use of facts. Let me cover just her unemployment comments. The last seven years of economic recovery is the slowest since the Great Depression. The Labor Department unemployment figure (U-3) quoted by most of the media grossly understates the true unemployment picture. The Labor Dept U-6 number is substantially higher than the U-3 number. The U-6 number includes the U-3 figure. But U-6 also includes workers forced to take temporary jobs. It also includes those who are so discouraged that they have stopped looking for work. U-6 also includes workers grossly underemployed an engineer working at a Starbucks, for instance. There are more than 90,000,000 capable Americans who are not working and not paying income taxes. The Labor Department employment participation rate is the lowest for the past 36 years. In addition, the (non) Affordable Care Act has been a destructive element in our economy. This act has lowered the standard work week to 29 hours or less. Most new jobs for the past seven years have been part time jobs, which Ms. McFeatters forgot to include in her column. Morgan & Morgan PAs Ft. Myers office looks to raise $5,000 over the month of April to donate to the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida. The effort is led by Scott Weinstein of the offices Complex Litigation Group, whose son has epilepsy. The firms 15 attorneys and 60 support staff members are looking to raise money in two ways. First, they each pay $5 to participate in the offices casual Fridays. Theyll also be raffling off gift cards and miscellaneous items. The other way theyre raising money is by participating in the Walk the Talk for Epilepsy walk at 9 a.m. on April 17 at North Collier Regional Park. Morgan & Morgan is proud to participate in fundraising for The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida through the Walk the Talk for Epilepsy 2016, managing partner Brian Vigness said. We have firsthand knowledge of the severe challenges faced by individuals and families dealing with epilepsy. We are once again extremely honored by our employees efforts to raise money and awareness for this terrific organization. The Epilepsy Foundation of Florida is dedicated to meeting the needs of the more than 400,000 Floridians living with epilepsy and seizures across the state. The money raised provides important services to individuals living with epilepsy. Morgan & Morgan PA is Morgan & Morgan is a leading personal injury law firm dedicated to protecting the people, not the powerful. Its 300 attorneys provide legal services to clients in Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, New York, Pennsylvania, Arkansas and Alabama. For more information, contact: Laura Wood, 12800 University Drive, Suite 600, Fort Myers, FL 33907 239-433-6880 http://www.forthepeople.com/fort-myers/ Backseat Drivers: Can Logano go all the way this year? Alex Weaver, Mamba Smith, and Kim Coon discuss whether Joey Logano has an advantage with his early lock-in to the Championship 4. Toni Bright, Chief Compliance Officer, CoesterVMS (PRNewsFoto/CoesterVMS) PR NEWSWIRE CALIFORNIA PLEASANTON Ellie Mae said that Alex Hughes has joined the company as vice president of investor relations. Hughes brings to the firm nearly two decades of investor relations and financial markets experience. Prior to Ellie Mae, he served with Dolby Laboratories, Chegg Inc. and Sun Microsystems. HAWAII HONOLULU Collateral Analytics has appointed Robert Walker as senior vice president of customer retention and acquisition technologies. Walker is a veteran of the real estate data and analytics industry and joins Collateral Analytics from Lender Processing Services where he led the team that developed the Realtor Valuation Model for the National Association of Realtors. INDIANA INDIANAPOLIS Stonegate Mortgage Corp. said that Michael Bender has returned to the company and been named East regional manager. Bender has over 10 years of experience in the mortgage industry and most recently worked as regional sales director at ACH Trust, a division of Towne Mortgage. Previously, he served as business development manager at Stonegate Mortgage, as well as business development manager at ICBA Mortgage and regional manager at Genworth Home Equity. MARYLAND BETHESDA Walker & Dunlop Inc. said that Mitch Resnick had joined Walker & Dunlop Commercial Property Funding, its commercial mortgage-backed securities lending platform, as managing director. He will oversee WDCPF capital markets executions with responsibility over pricing, hedging, securitizations and investor relations. Resnick previously served at Freddie Mac as vice president of capital markets and also as a vice president at Goldman Sachs in its real estate finance group. ROCKVILLE CoesterVMS, a national appraisal management company, has hired former Iowa appraisal board regulator Toni Bright as chief compliance officer. Bright brings to the firm experience in real estate and compliance, having been in charge of multiple boards for the State of Iowa as a regulator for the last 10 years. MASSACHUSETTS BOSTON Boston Private said that Charles Nilsen has joined the company as senior vice president and national director of residential lending. Nilsen brings more than 30 years of experience in the financial industry to his new role. Prior to joining Boston Private, he served as New England regional sales manager at EverBank, and also held the roles of area manager at Wells Fargo and New England regional manager at JPMorganChase. TEXAS HOUSTON Sutherland Mortgage Services, a division of Sutherland Global Services, has named Michael Danlag as head of mortgage servicing and Kim Hoffman as head of mortgage operations. Danlag joins Sutherland after working at PHH Mortgage as vice president of loan servicing and post-closing. Hoffman was most recently chief operations officer for Morgan Stanley's residential lending unit. Are you a mortgage professional who recently changed jobs? Let us know! Send your announcement and photo (if available) to Glenn McCullom at glenn.mccullom@sourcemedia.com. While in Slovakia (15 April 2016), the Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, General Petr Pavel met with the Slovak Minister of Defence, Mr. Petr Gajdos and Chief of Defence of the Slovak Armed Forces, General Milan Maxim. The meeting with the Minister of Defence of Slovakia, Mr. Petr Gajdos was an opportunity to discuss a number of topics, including Slovak defence priorities, the implementation of the Readiness Action Plan, and long-term military adaptation. The Chairman praised Slovakia for its decision to host one of the eight NATO Force Integration Units on its territory and for its commitment to increase the national defence budget: "I welcome Slovakias pledge to increase its defence spending to 1.6% by 2020. It is vital that we invest in our security to ensure modern and effective capabilities as well as ready, mobile and responsive forces. The Chairman also commended Slovakia for its contributions to NATOs operations and missions, specifically highlighting the role Slovakia plays in Afghanistan, stating Slovak soldiers are training Afghan Security Forces in our Resolute Support Mission and you provide valuable financial support to the Afghanistan National Army Trust Fund. During his bilateral meeting with Lt General Maxim, General Pavel acknowledged Slovakias priorities and commitments to modernisation and capability development, as demonstrated by recent and planned acquisitions as well as the continued development of Special Operation Forces capabilities: "It is important to adapt to new challenges. NATO is adapting. Slovakia is adapting. This shows our resolve to stand by each other. Hypocrite in a pantsuit The Clinton campaign received far more money from the drug and medical device industries than any other presidential candidate in either party during the first six months of the campaign, according to figures compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics. She accepted $164,315 during that period. Bernie's the honest one (NaturalNews) She likes to bill herself as a, the common folk, the unwashed masses. But unlike her chief opponent, Hillary Clinton is one of the most bought-and-paid-for presidential candidates we've had in a number of election cycles.Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who is challenging Clinton for the Democrat presidential nomination , can rightfully boast that he's not owned by entire industries the way the former U.S. senator and first lady is, and that is especially true of Big Pharma.In fact, according to, the daily newspaper that covers Congress and the White House, Clinton is by far the largest recipient of drug money this election cycle.As further reported by, a national publication from Boston Globe Media Partners that launched last fall, though Clinton said during a recent interview she was proud to be an enemy of the drug companies, she is hypocritically taking huge sums of their money (by comparison, Sanders' campaign returned a $2,700 contribution from that rat fink Martin Shkreli , the now-indicted CEO of Turing Pharmaceuticals, the company that hiked prices for a life-saving drug by 4,000 percent overnight.Asreported further:That massive figure does not include third-quarter contributions, which were being filed with the Federal Election Commission at the time of the report. While the donors mostly represent individuals who are affiliated with Big Pharma, they include at least two senior executives of a company that recently imposed massive drug price increases on patients.Both Clinton and Sanders have promised to crack down on drug pricing, both for hard-to-treat diseases and medications in wide use that have been around for decades. The difference, obviously, is that Sanders is much more serious about the issue.While Clinton has already laid out a plan to attack the drug companies , she has been accepting major contributions from individuals within the pharmaceutical industry (they, too, must think she isn't serious). For instance, she has received contributions form two execs at Jazz Pharmaceuticals, which recently raised prices on a drug used to treat sleep disorders by 800 percent, from $2 a pill to $19.Both of those executives, chief executive Bruce Cozadd and Robert McKague, a senior vice president, gave Clinton the maximum individual amount of $2,700.Josh Schwerin, a Clinton spokesman, when asked whether his boss would continue to accept Big Pharma donations, said she is "committed to protecting consumers from drug companies who put profits ahead of people." So, in other words,she will.During a recent Democrat presidential debate when asked what enemies they were proudest of, Sanders and Clinton both said drug companies. But of course not all Democratic activists are buying Clinton's so-called pledge."I do think she should give it back," said Roger Hickey, co-director of Campaign for America's Future, a liberal group that seeks to convince all presidential contenders to commit to battling rising drug prices. "She should show that she's serious about cutting out the influence of the drug companies so she can be sure that her reforms will be fair."Continuing, he told, "This is one of those issues where voters want to get beyond the sound bites. The Democratic Party has a sad history of saying one thing during election years and doing another when they're in power."That said, the Sanders campaign has taken some money from people affiliated with Big Pharma $8,346 during the first months of the campaign, all from individuals, though."We don't accept pharmaceutical PAC checks. Never have. Never will. But if you work as a drug researcher or hold another job and support Bernie, we welcome your help," said campaign spokesman Michael Briggs. Benefits of homeschooling 85th percentile while the public school students [average] in the 50th percentile on nationally standardized achievement tests Can I go to court for homeschooling? (NaturalNews) Around 3% of US children are homeschooled every year for a variety of reasons, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. The most common reason for homeschooling is that the parents of the child are concerned about the environment in schools or don't feel that their children are making enough progress.This was certainly the case when Tiffany and Anthony Swearengin from Missouri decided that the school environment wasn't working well for their children and notified the school that they would be homeschooling. As reported by, the Swearengins were shocked to later receive a Notice from the chief deputy juvenile officer in Douglas Country, Missouri, stating that they would be required to appear before the Truancy Court of 44th Judicial Circuit, at the Juvenile Court Center.After causing alarm and telling the Swearengins that "the above named juvenile [would] be placed in the legal custody of the Missouri Children's Division" if the parents failed to attend the "mandatory hearing," the corrupt city officials were found to have literally just fabricated an illegal court to scare and threaten the parents into returning their revenue-generating children to the school.According to, Tiffany Swearengin was asked by Assistant Superintendent Mike Henry "if there was anything the public school could have done to keep them from withdrawing their children to homeschool, since now the school would be receiving less money from the state."No such court legally exists, and after an investigation by the Home School Legal Defense Association, the letter has been labelled as "improper intimidation and retaliation against any parent who withdraws a child from public school to lawfully homeschool."Some jurisdictions do run "informal" programs that are sometimes called a " truancy court " to encourage regular school attendance but the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) states that such programs "don't try to trick people or scare them into thinking they are in a real court. They are honest and transparent."The Swearengins are not the first parents in the US to opt out of the state-run school system in favor of homeschooling their children. According to BodyMindSoulSpirit.com, there is a multitude of reasons to homeschool your child It is thought that, by homeschooling you can teach your child to read within a few months spending just 10 15 minutes each day and using the "sounding out" technique. Meanwhile, the Common Core curriculum for mathematics has been brought into question because it's just a little bit "fuzzy" meaning that children are now struggling with basic math problems and need to use their hands for multiplication.According to the HSLDA, homeschooled students score in the "." Furthermore, homeschooled students are thought to be up to seven years ahead of public school children when it comes to reasoning skills and one year ahead academically.Quality of education aside, the food served at schools is leading to a health crisis as school lunches are mostly made up of processed foods and an increasing amount of school meals contain GMO products . While the US government continues to allow schools to poison our children with processed, sugar-laden foods that are packed full of GMO products there's yet another reason to homeschool your child.According to the lawsuit by the Home School Legal Defense Association in the case of the Swearengins, "the notice to appear in this case is not a lawfully issued notice to appear in a lawfully established court in spite of its appearance and 'mandatory' nature. The Missouri Code establishing the court system of Missouri does not establish 'truancy' courts."Homeschooling is legal as long as you abide by the laws of your home state as stated by, some states have few or no requirements, whereas others ask for portfolio reviews or standardized testing at intervals to check the progress of your child. The controversy of our food labeling system Wasting a perfect all-natural product (NaturalNews) For three generations, the Ocheesee Creamery, a tiny family-owned dairy farm located in Grand Ridge, Florida, has skimmed milk the old-fashioned way to produce the most natural cream, ice cream, whole milk and butter. For years, they have been selling the byproduct, skim milk, in its most natural form at the local farmers' markets and health food stores.While Mary Lou Wesselhoeft has always had the desire to provide her customers with the most natural products, she's now being forced to dump about 400 gallons of skim milk each day, because a judge in Florida has ruled that they can't call it skim milk because there are no synthetic vitamins added.The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs has now forced her to call the all-natural pasteurized skim milk they produce "imitation milk," or infuse it with synthetic vitamin A, which would make it anything but all-natural "I just want to tell the truth," said Mary Lou Wesselhoeft of Ocheesee Creamery. "Our skim milk was pure skim milk, and nobody was ever confused when we called it skim milk. I refuse to lie to my customers, so I have stopped selling skim milk until I am allowed to tell the truth again."How can it be possible that a perfectly natural product is forced to be labeled as imitation The dictionary definition of skim milk is simply milk with the cream removed. Even Chief Judge Robert Hinkle couldn't deny that."You know something's been removed in order to make it skim milk," Judge Hinkle said."It's hard to call this imitation milk. It came right out of the cow," Hinkle said. "Anyone who reads imitation skim milk would think it didn't come out of a cow."However, he could not rule in favor of the creamery, because this would go against the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, as well as the state laws upon which the food labeling system is based. Judge Hinkle added that most of the skim milk sold in stores has added vitamins to comply with state laws.The Department of Agriculture notes that under state and federal law, skim milk can't be sold as skim milk unless vitamins in the milk fat are replaced so that it has the same nutritional value as whole milk."Consumers have the expectation they'll get a certain amount of nutrition," Davis said. "(Ocheesee's milk) is not skim milk and that disclaimer of imitation accurately portrays that. It's either they make their product skim milk or they sell it as imitation."Mary Lou and Paul Wesselhoeft have refused to add synthetic vitamin A to their skim milk, nor will they call their natural product imitation milk.The Wesselhoefts and their attorneys note that the state is violating their First Amendment rights by forcing them to label something they say it is not. The creamery's attorney, Justin Pearson of the Institute for Justice, will not accept the decision, and plans to appeal the case to the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals."Her entire business is based on selling pure, all-natural items and that's exactly why her customers purchase dairy items from her. So the idea of being forced to label one of these all-natural dairy items as imitation is absurd," he said. "It would be disastrous to her business."While this may take months, the creamery will continue to sell other natural dairy products , such as whole milk, cheese and butter. However, they will have to disappoint at least some of their customers, since Florida has made it impossible for them to sell skim milk. They will also be forced to keep wasting thousands of gallons of all natural skim milk, thanks to absurd state rules. "Lots of discussions going on" between Costco and farmers Other efforts demonstrate company's desire to provide people with healthier options Moving on from negative issues of the past? (NaturalNews) In response to the growing desire by Americans to consume more organic foods , Costco has announced its recent effort to work with farmers to help them buy land and equipment that will enable them to grow organics. The more organics that are grown means the more organics that Costco will be able to supply its customers; Costco will be better poised to meet the growing demand for these healthier foods as a result.The move is a logical one.After all, consumer demand is unraveling at seemingly warp speeds according to the Organic Trade Association, organic food sales have soared from $11.13 billion in 2004 to $35.95 billion in 2014 a pace that the store is having difficulty keeping up with. "We cannot get enough organics to stay in business day in and day out," Costco CEO Craig Jelinek told investors at a shareholder meeting.Right now, the plan is only in the beginning stages. At the moment, Costco is working with just one partner on this effort with a plan that involves loaning money to help San Diego-based Andrew and Williamson Fresh Produce buy equipment as well as more than 1,000 acres of land inthe Mexican state of Baja California."By helping them with financing, we got access to and purchased about 145,000 cases of organicraspberries that we normally would not have access to," said Jeff Lyons, Costco's senior vice president of fresh foods.Costco has similar future plans in mind, including working with a large group that has operations in Chile and Mexico."There are lots of discussions going on," Lyons said. "The challenge for the farmer is: 'We may go down this road and what happens if something bad happens?' We have to make sure we don't get them in a position of financial trouble. We need to make sure the loans are totally secure. If it doesn't work out for them, we want to continue to buy conventional from them to make sure they're A-OK."Additionally, Costco began working with a Mexican vendor a couple of years ago in an effort to obtain wild shrimp from the Sea of Cortez. Undoubtedly, this move is a necessary one that would enable the company to break away from their role in supplying the demand for and therefore supporting slave labor and human trafficking involving shrimp caught in Southeast Asia.Costco has also taken measures to, shall we say, beef up their supply of organic ground beef; over the past year, they've contracted with organic field owners in Nebraska and purchased cattle as well so ranchers there can raise livestock that will help ensure that the company will have asufficient supply for their organic ground beef program Such initiatives may help the company distance themselves from the negative publicity they've attracted. They've been involved in a fair share of eyebrow-raising situations through the years, from their role in supporting slave-labor shrimp processing to responding too slowly about whether or not they would sell GMO salmon (they ultimately opted not to).They've also faced issues brought on by people with nothing better to do than sue others, as was the case when the family of Robert Harris, who choked and died from a piece of steak given to him as a free sample from a California Costco store, sued Costco.The fact that Costco has stepped up to the plate to work with farmers in order to meet the growing demand for organic food is certainly commendable. It demonstrates that they're paying attention to the fact that people are concerned about what's in their food supply and that they're steadily gravitating towards organic choices.On the other hand, it would have been nice if the company had worked with farmers in this manner all along without the imbalance in organic food supply and customer demand (and store profit) acting as a key motivator. But at least the initiative is in place in what will hopefully end up being a successful, ongoing farm-to-market effort. America's 'Fight For 15' fast food worker protesters are unskilled at everything except playing victims... here's how they can bully their way to $100 / hour while burning down their own communities Friday, April 15, 2016 by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger Tags: Fight for 15, crybullies, minimum wage protests (NaturalNews) We now have an economy where instead of young people going to college and learning skills that earn them decent money, they attend politically correct universities that teach crybully tactics to churn out "social justice warriors" who rely on "mob-onomics" to try to extort money out of local employers. Welcome to the "Fight for 15" crybully protests which are largely focused on fast food workers who demand $15 / hour wages for the simple reason that they need 'mo money! What's the strategy for achieving such wages... do they boost their skills and value, then professionally negotiate with employers? Nope. They shout down their opponents and battle with police, believing that they alone have a unique generational right to bully their way to "economic justice" by demanding money be transferred out of the paper thin margins of small business owners and into their own pockets (so they can buy more pot, of course, 'cuz it's legal and everything). While it sucks to earn minimum wage in America, the obvious answer to resolving a personal income deficiency is to learn more skills that hold value for prospective employers. But today's college-educated, P.C. aligned victimtards aren't interested in becoming more skilled... they're only interested in becoming more belligerent and intimidating to their employment opposition. With enough kicking and screaming, they figure, society will cave in and give them all $15 / hour. After all, kicking and screaming worked with mommy and daddy... and it even worked with their "safe space" college professors, too. So why not try it in the jobs market, too? If society rewards this kind of behavior, it will only be amplified even more Sadly, today's hyper-sensitized (and economically illiterate) political leaders will probably give in to all this temper tantrum crybully behavior. If they surrender to the "Fight for 15" demands, they will only be emboldening "social justice warriors" to threaten even more violence for even higher pay. If screaming and marching and bullying local police can earn them a $15 / hour minimum wage, then smashing out all the windows of local businesses might garner $20 / hour. And if that gets them some crybully traction, the next step obviously involves setting fire to local businesses while demanding $25 / hour. It's all for "justice," right? So there's no limit to where this goes as long as weak-spined bureaucrats keep rewarding this collective victimtard behavior with increased pay. It's kind of like a kidnap-and-ransom operation where the kidnappers cut off the toes of your family member and demand you send them a bag of money. After they get that bag of money, they start slicing off ears and thumbs because you keep paying! You're behaviorally conditioning these people to throw ever more catastrophic rage tantrums by financially rewarding them for doing so. It's sort of a reverse Pavlovian tragedy playing out in the world's largest street theater operation that's ever been pulled off. Before long, we will have enraged masses of self-righteous youth setting off pipe bombs all over town while demanding $50 / hour. It's not domestic terrorism if you're already a victim, you see. It's called "social justice," and pipe bombs are only the beginning. With enough gasoline and petroleum jelly, they can even build flamethrowers to burn down the very businesses they are attempting to extort, all while collecting government food stamps and housing subsidies because they made themselves unemployed when they destroyed the economic viability of the local economy. (Quick, somebody blame Donald Trump!) How to solve America's unemployment problem and make everybody extremely wealthy using tactical nukes As you might have guessed, this economic problem can be readily solved with government jobs programs. One group of young crybully terrorists can be hired by the federal government to run around cities, setting fire to buildings and public infrastructure. Another group can follow in their footsteps under FEMA disaster recovery grants, toting fire extinguishers and water buckets, putting out the fires and thereby creating massive economic growth at the local level. This all stems from Crybully Economics 101: The way to get paid to fix something is to first destroy it (or threaten to). The more credible the threat, the more you get paid. Such an arrangement unleashes a joyful utopia of economic opportunities for victimtards and any government willing to pander to their demands. Roving bands of hammer-wielding youth can smash out windows while another group repairs them using government subsidies. Youth gangs armed with machetes can chop down orchards and vineyards while a follow-up group plants trees to save the Earth. Particularly privileged youth groups can use eco-friendly power tools to drill large holes in freight ships docked at ports, while another group can earn a fortune running government subsidized ship salvage operations that recover the sunken treasure. (Or oil slicks, or whatever... does it really matter?) The more you follow the "Fight for 15" logic, the more you realize the ultimate economic expansion in America comes from nuking our own large cities, then hiring recently unemployed workers to rebuild them. It worked in Iraq, didn't it? Read Confessions of an Economic Hitman to learn how the war racket really operates... Sooner or later, so much of the population will have been slaughtered with radiation poisoning -- and so many cities will have been destroyed -- that the demand curve for disaster recovery labor will push minimum wages up to $100 / hour. Mission accomplished! (And don't mind the radiation... it's good for you, just like GMOs!) If only the Pentagon's nuclear arsenal were turned inward, destroying domestic targets, we would finally achieve equality and social justice, you see. As today's youth are repeatedly taught in college, in order to achieve true economic equality, you must first destroy those who are not yet as poor as yourself. When everyone is equally impoverished, that's EQUALITY. And today, that economic destruction begins with the fast food industry, which will either suffer a wave of bankruptcies under $15-an-hour wage laws or rapidly replace human workers with automation system, thereby permanently rendering human employees obsolete. Get ready for years of mob violence and crybully extortion demands Either way, we are all about to witness many years of mob violence and crybully street protests demanding money, housing, food and free mobile phones... all carried out in the name of "social justice" and blared through the loud mouths of the self-declared privileged class of professional whiners and victimtards who only halt their activities briefly to change their Pampers (or cry for mommy). Summer training camp sign-ups have been announced at MIZZOU. Hurry! They're being taught by Melissa Harris-Perry and Univ. of Missouri journobully Melissa Click. Former Breitbart reporter Michelle Fields will be giving special demonstrations on how to fake personal injuries to get other people arrested while screaming that you're the victim. Summer camp events include Mr. Big Boss shout-a-thon melee training as well as practical safety / survival courses like "How to escape the burning building you just set on fire while you were standing in it." Prizes will be given out to survivors, including vaccines with extra mercury (it makes you smarter!) and all-you-can-eat food buffets sponsored by Monsanto and Archer Daniels Midland. Get independent news alerts on natural cures, food lab tests, cannabis medicine, science, robotics, drones, privacy and more. Receive Our Free Email Newsletter Take Action: Support Natural News by linking to this article from your website Permalink to this article: https://www.naturalnews.com/053677_Zika_virus_microcephaly_CDC_science_fraud.html Embed article link: (copy HTML code below): CDC likely fabricating link between Zika virus and microcephaly cases; admits people self-immunize against Zika and that 'no single piece of evidence provides conclusive proof' Reprinting this article: Non-commercial use OK, cite NaturalNews.com with clickable link. Follow Natural News on Facebook, Twitter, Google Plus, and Pinterest Public interest groups challenge labeling restrictions A violation of First Amendment rights? Herbal molecule protects liver from alcohol damage (NaturalNews) Through a decade of research, the son of a pharmaceutical technician from Hyderabad, India, discovered a naturally occurring molecule called NTX that largely protects the liver from the adverse health effects of drinking alcohol.Harsha Chigurupati founded Chigurupati Technologies in 2006 before partnering with Bellion Vodka to create an alcoholic beverage infused with NTX, which could reduce harm to the liver by up to 93 percent, according to clinical trials Needless to say, the technology is revolutionary. But there's just one problem: The government is preventing it from reaching the masses.Because health claims on alcoholic beverages are prohibited under the U.S. Treasury's Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau the agency responsible for regulating marketing claims on alcoholic beverages, among other things Chigurupati Technologies and Bellion Vodka cannot market their product for what it is. Instead, they are forced to use extremely vague language describing the beverage as a "smarter way to drink."However, that could change, because for the first time ever, TTB's labeling restrictions are being challenged through a health claim petition backed by Chigurupati Technologies and public interest groups The Coalition for Safer Drinking and Ron Paul's Campaign for Liberty.The groups banded together for a 9:30 A.M. ET press conference Wednesday April 13 in Washington D.C. at the National Press Club to discuss their plan of action.The health claim petition , reaching around one thousand pages in length, seeks action from the TTB, specifically requesting that the developers of NTX be permitted to state the "factual health benefits" of Bellion Vodka and other functional spirits, said Linda Parry, CEO of Product Launchers, the public relations firm representing CFSD.The health claim is a precursor to a lawsuit, Parry told. If the TTB refuses to grant their request, a lawsuit will be filed in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. It remains unclear when the bureau will respond, she said, adding this is "uncharted territory for the governing body."Speakers at the event include Ian Bress, Chief Financial Officer of Bellion Vodka; Harsha Chigurupati; William Hennessy, spokesman for CFSD; Norm Singleton, President of Campaign for Liberty; and Jonathan W. Emord, an attorney with Emord & Associates, P.C. and author of the book The Rise of Tyranny Chigurupati Technologies and the public interest groups plan "to confront the TTB's use of excessive governmental regulations, cronyism and financial gain in the $1.2 trillion a year alcoholic beverages industry," according to a press release generated by CFSD.A team of PhD scientists working for Chigurupati Technologies were able to find a way "to counter the negative health effects of alcohol," the press release continues."Their work has led to the discovery of a proprietary compound, NTX , which proved in clinical testing to protect the liver from potential damage caused by moderate/social alcohol consumption and to reduce the amount of DNA damage associated with alcohol ingestion."To learn more about how NTX works and the government's war against it, click here to purchase a copy ofAdvocates for safer drinking argue that the government's ban on labeling health claims on alcoholic beverages is a violation of First Amendment rights."Despite the claims of modern 'progressive' judges, law professors, politicians, and attorneys, the First Amendment makes no distinction between commercial, political, or other types of speech," said Singleton with Campaign for Liberty."It simply says the federal government cannot restrict speech. Therefore, laws censoring speech aimed at convincing someone to purchase a certain product are just as unconstitutional as laws censoring speech aimed at convincing someone to vote for a certain candidate."As Natural News reported in recent months, Chigurupati Technologies has substantial research backing up claims that the NTX molecule, made in part from licorice root extract and sugar alcohol , shields the liver from the damaging effects of alcohol consumption."This may be the closest thing to a 'miracle cure' for liver disease, cirrhosis and liver cancer that's ever been discovered. Yet nobody in the pharmaceutical industry has ever mentioned it," Health Ranger Mike Adams wrote in February.When reached out to TTB inquiring about their restrictive labeling policies, Congressional and Public Affairs Director Tom Hogue said the "matter is currently under investigation," adding that he was unable to comment at the time of our request.We also contacted the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to see if they had any authority over labeling alcoholic beverage health claims in the Lone Star State; Marketing Practices Coordinator Mary Aiello said that responsibility lies in the hands of the federal government.In other words, individual states have no control over labeling on alcoholic beverages.Stay tuned for updates ascontinues to follow this story. http://www.naturalnews.com [PDF] Ahead of a trial in the state of Washington to determine whether the Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) intentionally violated campaign finance disclosure laws, the organization said it relied on the advice of outside counsel in forming an account with millions of dollars in contributions from the likes of Coca-Cola, Nestle and PepsiCo. The trial was postponed on April 11, so that the office of Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson could review GMAs conversations with its lawyers regarding an account that funded a campaign designed to defeat a 2013 food-labeling ballot initiative. In March, Thurston County Superior Court Judge Anne Hirsch ruled GMA violated state law by failing to register as a political committee and report its contributions from its members to defeat Initiative-522. In the fall of 2013, Washington voters rejected the ballot measure, which called for labeling of foods containing GMOs (genetically modified organisms). The trade association, which received roughly US$11 million to defeat the initiative, didnt disclose the individual contributions of its members, and in reporting its initial contribution on June 10, 2013, it listed the contributors name as Grocery Manufacturers," Hirsch noted in her March 9 opinion. Of the $14 million GMA raised from its members in solicitations for a new account, PepsiCo alone contributed nearly $3 million, while Nestle and Coca-Cola funded upwards of $2 million each, according to Fergusons office. Hirsch can impose treble" or triple damages if she determines GMA intentionally violated the law. A 1976 ballot initiative that was approved by Washington voters requires the disclosure of political campaign expenditures to the public. Fergusons team sought to prevent GMA from introducing evidence of its conversations with its lawyers, arguing the disclosure was untimely. Hirsch postponed the trial until Aug. 15, so the state could review the evidence. This attempt to introduce records at the last minute, after resisting our efforts to obtain them earlier in the process, continues GMAs pattern of trying to hide the ball from the people of Washington," Ferguson said in a statement. In response to such criticism, GMA reported notifying the state on March 30 that it was waiving the attorney-client privilege concerning relevant meetings in which its outside counsel was present. The trade association also notified the state that its outside counsel could be available for deposition, but possibly not before the April 11 trial. The state has continuously claimed a flagrant violation and an elaborate scheme, and having been unable to prove that, has deliberately tried to suppress the facts that actually disprove it," GMA said in a statement. GMA will show the Court a careful and law-abiding organization that proceeded under the guidance of lawyers, and the state wants to suppress this information." GMA Changed Strategy Following Victory in California Initiative-522 was not the first GMO-labeling ballot measure that was defeated after large sums were donated by the food industry. A campaign to defeat Californias Proposition 37 in 2012 raised $39 million, and roughly half of the funds were contributed by food manufacturers, GMA noted in its trial brief. The trade association said it only contributed about $2 million. The defeat of Californias ballot initiative came at a steep price. As Hirsch pointed out, some GMA members and staff received negative responses from the public and the supporters of the California initiative, including death threats." At a meeting on Feb. 28, 2013, GMAs board of directors voted to create an account, the Defense of Brand (DOB) account, for the express and specific purpose of shielding the contributions members made from scrutiny and to eliminate filing requirements for contributing members," Hirsch noted. Louis Finkel, GMAs executive vice president of government affairs, conceived the idea of the account before he was aware of Washingtons ballot initiative, according to GMAs trial brief. Pamela Bailey, president and CEO of the trade group, supported the plan. Noted GMA: Mr. Finkel believed that the DOB account would vest GMA with substantial funds it could employ flexibly across the nation at its own discretion; raise those funds through a predictable, semi-annual dues assessment against interested members; make GMA the lead GMO-labeling spokesperson for the grocery industry that its mission required; give members budget certainty; and permit GMA to disclose future GMA contributions as coming from GMA rather than an individual member thus, to the extent possible, avoid targeting smaller members for retaliation." The trade association denied Finkel or Bailey believed disclosures limited to GMA contributions could impact the outcome of Washingtons ballot initiative. During the Feb. 28 board meeting, GMAs outside counsel was present. William MacLeod, a partner with the law firm of Kelley, Drye & Warren, described the account as brilliant and creative" in communications with Finkel, GMA noted. Mr. MacLeod expressed no reservation about going forward with the DOB account and treating its expenditures as GMA contributions," the trade organization declared in its brief. Mr. Finkel and Ms. Bailey relied on this advice in determining that the DOB account was not a Washington political committee and could treat itself solely as a unitary contributor under Washington disclosure law." Hirsch reached a different conclusion. She found GMA violated Washingtons public campaign finance laws by failing to register as a political committee and knowingly hiding the actual source of the funds it received to oppose the GMO-labeling ballot measure. There is one, and only one, reasonable inference that can be drawn from the facts before this court: that the GMA intentionally took steps to create and then hide the true source of the funds in the DOB account from the voting public of Washington State," the judge wrote in her opinion. Bardsey Island is located two miles across Lleyn Peninsula in North Whales. This tiny island is only 2.5 kilometers long and one kilometer across. Most of the land areas consist of farmlands. It is currently owned and managed by the Bardsey Island Trust in coordination with the Natural Resources Wales because the British island is also recognized as a National Reserve. According to BBC, the island doesn't have much signs of industrialization. There are no paved roads, electricity and even modern toilet. The population on the island holds the largest sheep-to-person ratio. BBC said, "The population includes 200 grey seals, 300 sheep and just four year-round humans - making the island's sheep-to-person ratio larger than even that of New Zealand." While the largest human population recorded were 140 residents during the 19th century. Bardsey is also known as the "island of 20,000 saints." It is considered as a Holy island because of a monastery built on the island in the year 516 during the Medieval times. Since then, it has become a Christian pilgrimage site, especially during the middle ages. In a report by the Daily Mail, they said that the name "island of the 20,000 saints" originated from folklores, which say that the island was a burial site of 20,000 "saints" and religious people during the middle ages. There are also legends associated with the island, according to the same BBC report. They said, "Bardsey was sacred to Celtic druids, and that it was the real Avalon where King Arthur was buried." Other historical characters believed to be buried on the island include Welsh kings of Llyn and St. Cadfan, the saint who built a monastery on the island. The folklore also states that during the middle ages, it is believed that anyone who died on the island will not go to hell. This is why the island is considered sacred up to this day. Today, it is popular for tourists who want to witness the serenity on the island while surrounded by sheep. There is also one shop that tourists can visit when on the Holy Island. However, there's no shop attendant, only a lock box to deposit your cash. There's also fishing and bird watching on the island. There is one operational farm on the island and a private boat operator, who services people who want to go to the island. The trips are regular but weather dependent during the winter. Others might think there's not much to see in Britain's Holy island, but Richard Farmer, Chairman of the Bardsey Island Trust, said in an interview with BBC, "What Bardsey has that other islands don't have is they are wildlife islands, conservation islands." He also said that they are trying their best to keep the island as a living community. The boat operator, Collin Evans, also believes in the beauty the island has to offer. Like the other admirers of the island, he believes that deserves to be maintained and preserved, "They may be comparatively remote today, but years ago they were in the world's traffic." The Telegraph has selected New Zealand for the fourth time as the best country to visit for their Travel Awards. This selection was based on the votes of more than 75,000 readers. The Telegraph also gives 26 reasons why New Zealand has topped the chart. This includes the amazing mountainous terrain that contributes to its splendid landscapes, the long beaches with the extraordinary sunset and the popular vineyard locations like Hawke's Bay, Martinborough, Marlborough and Central Otago. In fact, the middle earth that we see in the movie "Lord Of The Rings" is taken in New Zealand. The strong ties between New Zealand and Britain were also recognized in this selection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed the first case of sexually transmitted Zika Virus in the U.S. According to the report of CDC, the first reported case of sexual transmission of Zika virus occurred in Dallas, Texas. For their protection, CDC dubbed both the patients as Patient A and Patient B. Patient A and B has been a together for 10 years. After two days of his return to Dallas from his visit to Venezuela, Patient A reported experiencing a fever, pink eye and a rash in his upper body and face. Within three days, Patient A recovered but his partner, Patient B, suddenly developed similar symptoms -- pink eye, fever and rash. Both patients admitted that they had anal sex without using condoms one day before Patient A developed any symptoms and one day after Patient A recovered. Both patients claim that they are in a monogamous relationship. According to the report from National Public Radio, the assistant of the physician who checked both patients thought of possible sexual transmission of Zika virus between the couple. The physician's assistant then collected blood samples from both patients. Urine, saliva and sperm samples were also taken from both patients after a few days. Even if the Zika virus is not detectable in either of the patients' samples, a thorough analysis showed that Patient B has been infected with Zika. Patient B never went to any known Zika virus hotspot. Researchers also ruled out the possibility of Patient B getting bitten by a mosquito. Due to the cold weather in Dallas in January, the larvae of Aedes aegypti mosquito would not survive. Mosquito traps that were laid around the home of the couple only managed to get hold of different species of mosquito that are not known to carry Zika. CDC gave their gratitude to the couple who came forward and their health care provider for reporting their case. CDC also encouraged other clinicians and public health officials to report suspected sexually transmitted cases of the Zika virus to their local health department to further understand the biology of the case. Few days ago, CDC has also confirmed that pregnant women infected with the Zika virus has higher risk of giving birth to a baby with microcephaly. The China State Council said 357 government officials are facing expulsion and major repercussions the news about the tainted vaccine scandal erupted. The Chinese government said that the illegal sale of improperly stored vaccines will cost hundreds of officials their job, as per CNN. So far, 192 criminal charges were filed, according to BBC. The illegally transported and improperly stored vaccines were allegedly sent to 59 health institutions. The Chinese community was greatly displeased with the scandal. Some argued that the government should have acted abruptly since the illegal vaccine ring had been reportedly operational in China since 2011. In another report by CNN, there are over $88 million or 570 million Yuan worth of vaccines illegally sold in China over a period of several years. Some pharmaceutical companies involved in the illegal trade were also ordered to cease operations to aid the investigations. China has been plagued by health and food issues; that's why when the news about the recent vaccine scandal broke, the Chinese community went berserk. Aside from the economic implications of losing millions of dollars to illegal trade, another pressing issue concerning this scandal is the safety of the medicines which are illegally transported and improperly stored. The World Health Organization (WHO) in China said that vaccines tend to lose their efficacy if handled incorrectly. The vaccines are intended for children. The illegal vaccine trade will not only affect the economy but bears a bigger impact on the health of children in China. With the tainted vaccine scandal looming all over the country, BBC quoted the English-language China Daily who said that parents are having reservations about the government's credibility and have even stopped their kids' vaccination. The punishment of local officials gave the impression that the culture of impunity in Chinese government can be avoided. According to Beijing News via BBC, the action of the government is a warning to certain officials that they could not hide illegal actions. The community is hopeful that by pointing out the organizer of the illegal vaccine ring and by punishing the hundreds of officials tasked to manage the countries affairs, the illegal vaccine syndicates in China will finally be put to an end. "I am allergic to myself" 28-year old Julie Reid said during her interview ABC's Tampa Bay affiliate WFTS. Reid was diagnosed to have a rare immunological condition called cholinergic urticaria three years ago causing her to change her lifestyle tremendously. Cholinergic urticaria, according to National Organization for Rare Disorders, is an immune system disorder that causes the skin to have an immediate reaction or hypersensitivity to heat, emotional stress and/or exercise. This skin condition makes Reid to break out in hives all over her body because she has become allergic to her own sweat and tears, ABC News reported. "You don't realize how much your body sweats until you become allergic to it," Reid wrote on her personal blog explaining how her condition affected how she lives her life. "I am allergic to my own sweat (and tears). Me, out of all people, someone who was so physically active every day and loved being out in the sun," Reid shared. Julie Reid, a 28-year old Florida resident was diagnosed with cholinergic urticaria causing her to allergic to her own sweat and tears. Reid has been living in Florida for eight and a half years and worked as a gymnast and dance instructor. But due to her condition, she quit her job. Enjoying the outside scenery is also impossible for her because Florida heat is too much. Simple tasks such as showering and vacuum cleaning can also make her break into hives. Depression has also struck Reid. She developed agoraphobia and has also gained more than 100 pounds. With no job, Reid has lost her source of income and her health insurance. To add up to her burdens, the government has denied her disability assistance and benefits. She has to sell her furniture just to make ends meet. Her medications and check up is not that cheap either. After three years of suffering from the rare disease. Reid is now imploring for help. For more information about Julie Reid, and how to help her, you can visit her personal website. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge trekked through blue pine forests to visit a famed Buddhist monastery in Bhutan on Friday during their weeklong tour of South Asia. Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger's Nest, clings to the side of a cliff. Once Prince William and his wife, the former Kate Middleton, reached it, they greeted monks in maroon robes and lit butter-fueled ritual lamps. They listened to a guide tell the history and legends surrounding Buddhism's most sacred monastery complex in Bhutan, built in 1692 at an altitude of 3,000 meters (10,000 feet). According to one legend, an 8th-century Buddhist master flew to the site on the back of a tigress and subdued a local demon before staying three months to meditate. It normally takes locals more than two hours to make the steep climb, but the royal couple climbing hand-in-hand were a bit faster. "The royal couple climbed very fast," Bhutan's information secretary, Kinley Dorji, told the Associated Press. Halfway up, the prince told reporters the view was "absolutely stunning." Horses were kept at the ready in case the royals became tired, but they did not use them. William's father, Prince Charles, had planned to make the same hike in 1998, but he was injured in a polo match, so instead he stopped before the ascent and painted a scenic picture in watercolor. On Thursday, the British royals met with Bhutan's popular king and queen and practiced archery, a national sport in the Himalayan country. The British royals are on a weeklong tour of India and Bhutan. They have already visited Mumbai, New Delhi and the wildlife reserve of Kaziranga National Park in the northeast Indian state of Assam, where they hoped to raise awareness of the plight of endangered rhinos and other animals threatened by poaching and habitat loss. On Saturday, they plan to return to India and visit the Taj Mahal, retracing the steps of a 1992 visit to the monument of love by William's mother, the late Princess Diana. One of the largest school districts in the Bay Area is defending its discipline policies after an NBC Bay Area investigation revealed children were being left with arrest records for what some described as just childish misbehavior at school. One of those students is Kai Segura, now 18, who as a freshman at Leland High School in San Jose, saw a muddy field and slid on it, doing somersaults as friends cheered him on. He saw the yellow tape circling the school lawn. He knew not to do it. But he saw the slippery opportunity, and as a 15-year-old, simply went for it. The stunt, captured on video, landed him with a juvenile arrest record for what he describes as an innocent lapse in judgment. The quad was blocked off with tape and my friend told me that it would be pretty cool if a freshman went mud sliding, because it was [usually] a senior thing, Kai said, speaking exclusively to NBC Bay Area about what happened three years ago. So I went mud sliding and then I was escorted off the grass by my school resource officer. Kai was caught up in what is seen by some parents as a larger issue: School administrators call police officers when theres trouble, no matter how big or small a result that can often land teens with hard-to-expunge criminal records. Critics call the policies Draconian. But at least one school district leader said what happens when the police are called is not the districts problem. I take care of discipline for the districtand if consequences go beyond that into the legal realm, thats not our purview, thats not our business, said Dane Caldwell-Holden, director of student services for the San Jose Unified School District. Last year, NBC Bay Area examined 20 of the largest school districts in the Bay Area, and discovered San Jose Unified School District ranked second in the number of students it referred to law enforcement during the 2013-2014 school year, which means school districts with even larger student populations still sent fewer students to police when compared to San Jose Unified. Referrals to law enforcement can often result in a police officer issuing a juvenile citation to a student, which is equivalent to an arrest. Despite the fact these citations leave students with a juvenile arrest record, San Jose Unified School District says what happens to students once police get involved is not their concern. Caldwell-Holden has been in his position for three years and said he has worked hard to bring down the number of suspensions and expulsions for students. However, when it comes to the use of police on school campuses, Caldwell-Holden said the district isnt responsible when students end up with criminal records, even if it is the result of minor infractions. I know what happens when I issue my own consequences, Caldwell-Holden said. I dont know what happens when police issue their consequences. San Jose Unified School District referred 203 students to police last year, down from 283 the year before. But NBC Bay Area also found that certain students are being impacted at disproportionately high rates. Hispanic students, for instance, make up 53 percent of the school district, but represent 73 percent of the students sent to police. <a href="http://data.nbcstations.com/national/KNTV/scottpham/baySchoolReferrals/" target="_blank">View an interactive on a separate page.</a> Caldwell-Holden insists the district isnt relying on police for routine disciplinary issues. We rely on the police to help us with safety and security on campus, he said. We rely on the police to advise us when somethings happened thats a matter of law and not a matter of discipline. But it would be absolutely inappropriate for us to ask the police to help discipline a student. Discipline is our purview. Yet critics argue that is exactly what is happening at many school districts in the Bay Area that employ police officers on school campuses, including San Jose Unified. Several videos taken in November 2012 by several of Kais classmates show the teen doing a series of somersaults across the muddy lawn, while being cheered on by other students. Kai was suspended for four days for his antics, but he was also given a juvenile citation. I thought it wouldnt be that big of a deal, Kai said. I didnt think I was going to be arrested or suspended for four days because of it. The citation Kai received for trespassing and disturbing the peace means he was technically arrested. Kai had to meet with a probation officer, who ruled that his actions were not severe enough to recommend criminal charges. Kai and his mom, Raylene Fedor, thought that was the end of it until they saw NBC Bay Areas investigation that revealed kids who receive juvenile citations while at school could still be left with a criminal record, even if the probation department declines to pursue charges. Fedor called the probation department and confirmed her son still has an arrest on his record, which he will now have to petition a judge to remove. Im not saying my son should not have been disciplined, Fedor said. Im upset that theyre taking it to a new level. Fedor used to be a law enforcement officer herself, serving as a reserve deputy in Minnesota for five years before her family moved to California. She has immense respect for police officers, but says officers are put in an incredibly difficult and dangerous situation when school districts do not clearly define the roles of campus law enforcement. He probably should have known better, Fedor said. There was tape across it that said, caution. But hes a child. He was [15-years-old] at the time. I dont excuse his behavior but I think we need to take it in the realm of a [15-year-old] with muddy grass and he wanted to play on it. Is that harmful? Of the 20 largest school districts NBC Bay Area reviewed, 85 percent have officers on campus. But of those districts, only 35 percent have written agreements with police to detail the role of officers. San Jose Unified contracts with the San Jose Police Department to place officers at 14 schools, but NBC Bay Area discovered there is no written policy detailing what exactly those officers should be doing on campus. NBC Bay Area also learned the San Jose Police Department only requires 30 minutes of training for officers on school campuses, even though the US Department of Justice recommends 40 hours of additional training for those officers. Fedor says that is unacceptable. If an officer is going to become a canine handler, he goes to canine handling school, she said. Or if theyre going to go into narcotics, they receive very specific training for the job that theyre going to be doing. But were sticking officers in schools with no additional tools and its not OK. Its just not OK. Haldwell-Colden says hes been happy with the officers on San Jose Unified and that its not the districts responsibility to ensure those officers are properly trained. We just contract with their officers, he said. We cant make them train their officers. Following NBC Bay Areas investigation, the San Jose Police Department now plans to have a written policy in place by next school year that will detail the responsibilities of its school-based officers. This summer, some of those officers will also get 40 hours of additional training instead of the current standard of just 30 minutes. San Jose police, however, says the district also has a role to play in the process, and says its officers generally look to school administrators to find out when it is appropriate to give a student a juvenile citation. The planned changes will come too late for Kai. His arrest could remain on his criminal record even as an adult. Now that he is 18, he can legally apply to have his record sealed. There are no guarantees, however, a juvenile court judge will rule in his favor. Kai and his mother now worry about how his arrest record might impact his future. Its difficult, Fedor said. I mean, Im a mom, I want to protect my child. I want to protect him and help him and nurture him and I want the best for him. And this is something that I cant fix. Kai had hoped to join the very police department that issued him the citation, but has since changed his mind. Its impacted me because I wanted to be an officer with San Jose and if San Jose was the one that cited me, there is no way I could go back to San Jose and apply to be an officer. ______________________________________ Watch the entire series in this NBC Bay Area investigation: Bernie Sanders issued a global call to action at the Vatican Friday to address "immoral and unsustainable" wealth inequality and poverty, using the high profile gathering to echo one of the central platforms of his presidential campaign. The Democratic senator from Vermont cited Pope Francis and St. John Paul II repeatedly during his speech to the Vatican conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of a landmark teaching document from John Paul on social and economic justice after the Cold War. Sanders arrived in Rome hours after wrapping up a debate in New York Thursday night, saying the opportunity to address the Vatican conference was too meaningful to pass up. The roughly 24-hour visit precedes Tuesday's crucial New York primary, which Sanders must do well in to maintain any viable challenge against Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton. He told the audience of priests, bishops, academics and two South American presidents that rather than a world economy that looks out for the common good, "we have been left with an economy operated for the top 1 percent, who get richer and richer as the working class, the young and the poor fall further and further behind." During a discussion later in the afternoon, Sanders was peppered with questions from academics and ecclesiastics at the conference, giving the presidential hopeful a chance to expand on his core campaign messages about the need to reform banking regulations, campaign finance rules and higher education. "We don't choose to politicize the pope," Sanders told attendees, "but his spirit and courage and the fact, if I may say so here, that his words have gone way, way, way beyond the Catholic Church." Earlier, Sanders warned that youth around the world are no longer satisfied with the status quo, which includes "corrupt and broken politics and an economy of stark inequality and injustice." "They are not satisfied with the destruction of our environment by a fossil fuel industry whose greed has put short term profits ahead of climate change and the future of our planet," he said. "They are calling out for a return to fairness; for an economy that defends the common good by ensuring that every person, rich or poor, has access to quality health care, nutrition and education." He sat next to the other main guest of honor at the Vatican: Bolivian President Evo Morales, whose is renowned for his anti-imperialist, socialist rhetoric. As he walked through Vatican City's Perugino gate, Sanders was greeted about two dozen supporters, some of whom carried signs bearing Sanders' name. The senator told reporters that he was honored to address the conference and admired Francis' message on the economy and the environment. "I know that it's taking me away from the campaign trail for a day but when I received this information it was so moving to me that it was something that I could just simply not refuse to attend," he said. Pope Francis apologized that he couldn't personally greet participants at the Vatican conference. No meeting with Sanders was expected. Sanders was accompanied on the trip by his wife, Jane Sanders, and 10 family members, including four grandchildren. The conference was organized by a Vatican advisory group comparable to a think-tank that Francis appointed to guide him on a wide range of public policy issues. Back home, Clinton holds a significant delegate lead against Sanders, but the senator has vowed to stay in the campaign until the party's July convention. His message calling for a political revolution to address wealth inequality and the influence of Wall Street on U.S. politics has galvanized many Democrats and independents. Despite being enmeshed in an increasingly bitter campaign against Clinton, Sanders aides said the trip was not aimed at appealing to Catholic voters who comprise a large share of the Democratic electorate in New York and an upcoming contest in Pennsylvania. The Vatican has been loath to get involved in electoral campaigns and usually tries to avoid any perception of partisanship involving the pope. Popes rarely travel to countries during the thick of political campaigns, knowing a papal photo opportunity with a sitting head of state could be exploited for political ends. As a result, the invitation to Sanders to address the Vatican conference raised eyebrows and allegations that the senator lobbied for the invitation. The chancellor for the pontifical academy, Bishop Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo, has said he invited Sanders because he was the only U.S. presidential candidate who showed deep interest in the teachings of Francis. Other attendees included Morales of Bolivia and President Rafael Correa of Ecuador, along with Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga of Honduras, a member of the academy, and Columbia University professor Jeffrey Sachs, an adviser to the United Nations on environmental and sustainability issues. Sachs has advised Sanders on foreign policy issues. The Rev. Matt Malone, editor of the Jesuit magazine America, said Sanders' trip was unlikely to have much of an impact on Catholic voters, noting that conferences like the one Sanders is attending "happen all the time." "I don't think that Bernie Sanders going to the Vatican is going to help Bernie with Catholics any more than Ted Cruz going to a matzo factory is going to help him with the Jewish vote," said Malone, who served as a speechwriter to former Rep. Marty Meehan, a Massachusetts Democrat. Popes rarely attend such events and do so only if the topic is of special interest and there is room in their schedule, Malone said. International crime rings targeting California's booming agriculture industry are increasingly stealing truckloads of high-value nuts, prompting authorities and the firms falling victim to ramp up efforts to break the spree costing millions. The sophisticated organizations in many cases use high-tech tactics, hacking into trucking companies to steal their identities. Armed with false shipping papers, they pose as legitimate truckers, driving off with loads of nuts such as almonds, walnuts or pistachios valued at $150,000, and some worth $500,000 each. Days later, when a shipment fails to arrive to its intended destination, the nuts may already be in another state or on a ship destined for Europe or Asia, where they fetch top dollar on the black market, authorities say. Nut thefts hit an all-time high in California last year _ with losses totaling $4.6 million from 31 reported cases, more than the three previous years combined, according to CargoNet, an alliance of cargo shipping firms and law enforcement agencies aimed at preventing losses. Losses for all four years combined reached nearly $7.6 million, the group said. "It's made my life miserable,'' said Todd Crosswell, general manager of Caro Nut Co. Caro was victimized six times last year for a total loss of $1.2 million. In each case, thieves stole cashews imported from Vietnam and Africa that were roasted, salted and packaged in Fresno. "You get hit with that kind of loss -- it hurts,'' Crosswell said. The value of nuts grown and processed in California, the nation's leading agricultural state, have soared in recent years as global demand for the health-food snack grows in places such as China and emerging economies. California produces more almonds, walnuts and pistachios than any other state, with a combined value of $9.3 billion in 2014. Almonds alone were valued at $5.9 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The high value of nuts grabbed the attention of criminal organizations, who are exploiting weaknesses in the cargo shipping industry to reap big profits, said Dan Bryant, supervisory special agent for the violent and organized crimes programs of the FBI Sacramento office. Bryant declined to identify any organizations under suspicion, citing an ongoing criminal investigation. "It's not just some teenage kids ripping off nuts,'' he said. ``These are sophisticated people.'' Local authorities also are taking action. One state lawmaker has introduced a bill to fund a statewide taskforce targeting all types of cargo thefts. And law enforcement officials and nut processors met Thursday to share information to help prevent more nut thefts. Alarmed by a spike in large-scale nut thefts, Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux last year beefed up his agriculture crimes unit from two to six detectives. In 2013, his office investigated a pistachio theft worth $189,000. No cases were reported the next year, but in 2015, six loads of almonds and pistachios were stolen at a combined loss of $1.6 million. Investigators tracked at least one load to Los Angeles and made one arrest. Boudreaux declined to name the suspect due to the ongoing investigation. "They do tend to have some overseas connections,'' said Scott Cornell, an investigator for Travelers Insurance and an expert on cargo thefts. ``Wherever they can sell it and move it, they're going to.'' Food and drinks are the most frequently stolen cargo items, Cornell said. Nuts are an easier target than other products, such as electronics, because there is no serial number and the evidence is gone once it is eaten, he said. Crosswell, of Caro Nut Co., said he's put in place new safeguards with hopes he doesn't fall victim once more, taking photographs and fingerprints of the roughly 25 truck drivers each day who pull up to the shipping docks. Despite these efforts, Crosswell said he fears the criminals will strike again. "Whoever they are, they're watching,'' Crosswell said. ``They'll try it again. They'll figure out how to beat the system. We just have to stay one step ahead of them.'' Editors note: This story was updated on April 19, 2016 and includes additional comments from the city of Chicago Law Department. The city of Chicago will not release police reports of a teenager shot 16 times because he was a juvenile. The city says state law prohibits it from releasing the normally public documents, though a Northwestern University Law professor says the city is wrong. NBC5 News, which requested the documents, has appealed the citys decision with the Illinois Attorney Generals office. Warren Robinson, 16, was shot and killed after being chased by Chicago police in July 2014, three months before the now infamous Laquan McDonald shooting. Warren Robinson was a 16-year-old kid and three days before his birthday July 5th 2014 Warren Robinson was executed by the Chicago police department, said attorney Michael Oppenheimer who represents the Robinson estate. Oppenheimer says police responded to a call of a man with a gun, dressed in a hoodie with red lettering. He said they claimed Robinson ran and hid under a car in the 8700 block of South Sangamon, and when surrounded, pointed a gun at police, who opened fire. In January NBC5 Investigates filed a Freedom of Information Act request for copies of all police reports involving Warren Robinson. Two months passed, longer than allowed by state law, with no documents. In its requests for extensions of the time to respond, indications were that the documents would be produced. Then in March the city Law Department denied our request. A Law Department spokesman said in an e-mail, The State prohibits the City from releasing law enforcement records that relate to a minor who has been investigated, arrested or taken into custody before his or her 18th birthday. But the citys take, said Northwestern University Law professor Sheila Bedi, is absolutely false. There is a binding Attorney Generals decision that says it cannot withhold information relating to a juvenile when the issue is police misconduct, Bedi said. But a city official disagreed. While the Attorney Generals Office did issue a decision on this FOIA issue in 2012, the Juvenile Court Act has since been amended to address this issue and supersedes the PAC opinion, a spokesperson wrote in an email. "While the City is prohibited from releasing these records, the email continued, the Juvenile Court Act does provide a mechanism for a requester to obtain the records. After the City denies a request for these records, the requester can seek an order from the head of the juvenile court. The judge may consider and weigh public interest and privacy factors in their release. The City has no discretion and must deny a request for these records, however, the judge does have discretion, and requesters may find relief there. While the city wouldnt release information, the Cook County Medical Examiner did. The autopsy shows Robinson was shot at least 11 times in the back and five times in the chest and arm. And the report contains a photo of a gun on the ground taken at the scene of the shooting. Pat Camden, the Fraternal Order of Police spokesman who was on the scene not long after Robinson was shot, told reporters, When police tell you to drop your gun, drop you gun and nothing is going to happen. You put an officer in fear of his life, hes going to defend himself. But Oppenheimer disputes that Robinson had a gun. No he didnt have a gun, he said. He was running from police. We have witnesses who say he was running without a weapon. Oppenheimer says no fingerprints were found on the weapon recovered at the scene. Also on the scene that July 2014 night was Robinsons legal guardian, Georgina Utendahl. He went to church, with his grandmother and me, also his sisters. Um he was a jokester, she said that night. In a recent interview she said Robinson did not belong to a gang, but had behavioral issues and had recently spent time in juvenile custody over an incident with a paintball gun. The family has filed a federal civil rights case claiming Chicago police acted recklessly. To this day I still feel like they were covering up something, she said. Now 20 months after the shooting, a spokesman for the Independent Review Police Authority says its investigation has not yet been completed. Want to meet some of your favorite actors from NBCs hit show Chicago Med? Nows your chance! Torrey DeVitto and Brian Tee will be at an event in Chicago Sunday to meet and take photos with fans. The event will be held from 1 3 p.m. at the AT&T Flagship store, located at 600 N. Michigan Ave. DeVitto stars as Dr. Natalie Manning, an emergency pediatric medicine specialist. Tee stars as Dr. Ethan Choi, a tireless yet impulsive doctor who found his calling in medicine while serving as a Naval combat doctor. He also recently starred as Hamada, the head of park security in Jurassic World. Fans planning to attend the event are encouraged to RSVP here. A school funding reform bill was approved by an Illinois Senate committee Wednesday. The bill, which calls for increasing funding by $120 million, was approved by the Senate Executive Committee in a 10-1 vote, sending it to the full Senate. That tally includes six members of the committee who voted present, tentatively approving the measure until legislators are offered information on how the states school districts will be affected. The legislation will not receive a vote on the Senate floor until these numbers are made available. Sen. Andy Manar, who introduced the legislation, said he hasnt received the numbers from the Illinois State Board. We are anxiously awaiting the details, Manar said. As soon as the state board has those, they will be distributed. I talked to them Tuesday and they said theyll get them as soon as they can. The board released figures Tuesday showing how Gov. Bruce Rauners education budget will affect school districts across the state. The plan would fully fund the general state aid to schools instead of prorating it like it's been done the past seven years with the state struggling to balance its books. The total budget for schools would be just over $10 billion for the fiscal year beginning July 1, but despite the additional support from the state, wealthy suburban school districts would see a drop in state aid. The head of the state's largest district, Chicago Public Schools, blasted the plan as continuing a "reverse Robin Hood" education policy where poorer districts lose out. He said Chicago schools where the vast majority of students are poor and minority stands to lose $74 million, and noted drops in struggling districts in East St. Louis and North Chicago. "The budget he puts forth continues to cut education funding for poor districts throughout the state of Illinois, including Chicago Public Schools, while increasing funding for wealthier districts," said CPS Chief Forrest Claypool. Under state law, districts are supposed to get a minimum amount of state money per student. Additionally, some districts get additional funds for other things, like serving high numbers of low-income students, and make up the rest with property taxes. Among other things, the bill would change districts' reliance on property taxes, taking local wealth more into account when distributing funds. The plan would give more state money to school districts with large numbers of low-income students. Manar claims funding under his new plan would be based on need. The plan would also not allow school districts to lose money during the first year of the formula change. That portion of the plan would be phased out over a four year period and would allow districts to adjust to receiving less state funding. Senate President John Cullerton has asked for revisions to the states school aid formula before lawmakers approve next years K-12 budget. Rauner has stressed the importance of passing an education budget. Although he supports changing the funding formula, he wants it done later so the process wont delay the budget. Sen. Dave Luechtefeld also fears the bill could get held up and affect a K-12 budget. In addition to this, he is not convinced that House Speaker Michael Madigan will address school funding reform this spring. Manar, who has been working to change the states funding formula for three years, plans to provide CPS with $200 million to fund the districts beleaguered pensions. Illinois currently contributes to downstate teachers retirement benefits, but not to CPS. The senators plan also looks to cut into the disparity between the states best and worst-funded schools. In the state, certain districts spend up to $30,000 on a since student, while others spend only $6,000. Three years ago, the inequity wasnt as bad as it is today, Manar said. If we dont act, we can expect in three years it will be worse. New England has officially opened its first Amazon fulfillment center is its in Windsor, five miles south of Bradley International Airport. The facility is a testament to its time: half manual labor, half mechanics. Robots do most of the heavy lifting by locating items ordered online in the 1 million square-foot facility and an employee will then make sure each order matches up before shipping it off. Each new fulfillment center has its improvements for efficiency as we go, Amazon spokesperson Aaron Toso said. From the things weve learned, we have made our robots help us use this facility more efficiently. Toso said just about every package assembled here will go to customers in New England. We want to get as close to our customers to reduce those shipping times because we dont want you to have to wait for your package, Toso said. From an economic development perspective, Gov. Dannel Malloy sees this as a big win for Connecticut. Amazon received a $3.9 million tax abatement from the town of Windsor over five years, plus tax breaks to build the facility. In exchange, Amazon brought in 800 full-time jobs and started collecting sales tax late last year. Were happy that we were actually the first location chosen in New England for a facility such as this one, Malloy said. We must be doing something right and I appreciate the relationship we have of Amazon in all regards. When asked whether the use of drones have been discussed, Toso said Amazon does not have any such plans for Connecticut. A former Hartford school administrator accused of inappropriately texting a 13-year-old girl has been arrested and newly released court documents reveal details of the sexually explicit texts he is accused of sending. According to the arrest warrant affidavit, 57-year-old Eduardo Genao, of Hamden, was the executive director for compliance for Hartford schools when he met the teen in March at an event at Bulkeley High School. First, he asked the teen to send him photos she took of the presentation and gave her his phone number, according to police, but the messages became inappropriate within days. Genao first texted the girl to thank her for the photos, police said. The teens mother, concerned that an older man was texting her daughter, began monitoring the texts and told police they went from friendly to sexually explicit. During one conversation, Genao revealed that he knew where the teen lived because of her cell phone number. On April 3, Genao sent the girl a photo from his hotel room in Atlanta and she sent a photo from a birthday party. Then, Genao asked her for something more daring, the arrest warrant application says. Then he went on to ask if shed had sexual intercourse and other sexually charged questions, according to the arrest warrant application. She revealed her grade during the text messages and Genao also sent a text saying it was dangerous for him to text her and he could get in trouble, the arrest paperwork says. During one communication, Genao asked the 13-year-old to show him her breasts and other body parts, arrest paperwork says. The teen told investigators she thought it was weird that Genao was still sending her text messages. Police said they started investigating on April 4 and he has been charged with one count of risk of injury to a minor. The NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters has reached out to Genao and his attorney for comment several times in recent weeks and they have had no comment. Glastonbury police are searching for the driver who hit a 9-year-old child on a bicycle in a crosswalk in Glastonbury on Thursday evening and fled. Police said a woman driving a tan SUV with Connecticut license plates hit the child at the intersection of Griswold Street and Milestone Drive at 5:55 p.m. and went west on Griswold Street, police said. Police said the child was not seriously injured. The vehicle might be a Chevrolet and the front bumper or fender on the drivers side should have minor damage, according to police. The driver was described as a middle-age blond woman. Anyone who witnessed the crash should call Sergey Sharov at 860-633-8301. "Who doesn't love Hartford?" presidential candidate Donald Trump said, kicking of his campaign rally in Hartford on Friday night. "We need jobs," said Trump, talking about the "devastation" of job loss and companies like GE moving out of the state. The Republican front-runner even took a stab at the state's Democratic governor, Dannel Malloy. "We lost GE!" Trump said. "I'll tell you what, if I were governor, I would not lose GE." If he were elected president, Trump would "bring companies back," he promised, discussing manufacturing in the United States. The doors of the Connecticut Convention Center opened at 4 p.m. and Trump arrived about 7 p.m., but hundreds of people started lining up earlier on Friday, some as early as 8:30 this morning. Hartford police said there were up to 7,000 people inside the venue for the rally and more than a thousand still waited on line when the doors closed. Several people were ejected from the Convention Center for protesting. "Get 'em out. Get 'em out but don't hurt 'em," Trump said while the people were being escorted out. "Those people impede on the freedom of speech." Before taking the stage, Donald Trump spoke one on one with NBC Connecticut backstage about why he says the Connecticut race matters. You look at Connecticut and theyre being devastated by all of these companies leaving. Losing General Electrics is a disaster Trump told NBC Connecticut Reporter Abbey Niezgoda. Youre losing so many companies to Mexico and other countries. Its not going to happen if Im president believe me. NBC Connecticut also asked him about the criticism from Connecticut democrats that his views dont line up with the views of voters in the state. Im very accepting and also I want to make the country great for everybody, not for anybody in particular for everybody, Trump said. At the same time we have to be vigilant. We cant let people into the country where there could be a big problem. We have enough problems. Hartford police said they have been preparing for the rally for days. There were no arrests reported on Friday night. Police warned people earlier on Friday that if they work in the city, they should leave work early to avoid the congestion. Some large companies, including Travelers, heeded the warning and advised their employees to leave at noon or work from home, and thats something other commuters are considering. At noon, the line for buses was around 100 people deep. Police said they didn't plan on shutting down any roads, but would have adjusted depending on what happens with visitors and protesters. Hartford police said they have been planning security measures all week and visitors should expect to see Secret Service, State police and Hartford police, as well a K-9s and the bomb squad. Were working hand-and-hand with the Secret Service. Theyre bringing this show to town every day all around the United States, so theyre very good at planning it and mapping out what we can expect, Deputy Police Chief Brian Foley said. With Connecticut primaries looming at the end of the month, political candidates are spending their time and money to get the attention of the state's voters while delegates are still up for grabs. Republican John Kaisch was the first candidate to make a public appearance in the Nutmeg State last Friday. As for Democratic candidates, Senator Bernie Sanders' campaign has spent $765,000 on ads for Connecticut TV stations and Hillary Clinton's spent $250,000, according to FCC filings. Its not clear if they will be visiting the state in advance of the primaries. Abbey Niezgoda contributed to this report. A deputy constable is expected to recover after undergoing several hours of surgery after he was shot four times while talking to another constable after a traffic stop in Houston, authorities said Thursday. Harris County Deputy Constable Alden Clopton was wearing a protective vest when he was shot from behind about 11:20 p.m. Wednesday, Constable May Walker said during a Thursday morning news conference. Video captures a Texas deputy constable being shot four times in the back near Houston late Wednesday night. A motive for the shooting is unknown. Asked if authorities believed the shooter was targeting law enforcement, Houston police spokesman Kese Smith told The Associated Press that both deputy constables were in uniform and had marked vehicles. "I can't see how someone can mistake them for someone other than law enforcement," Smith said. The suspect fired six shots, four of which hit Clopton, Walker said. Officials had said earlier that Clopton had a bullet lodged near his heart, plus abdominal wounds. The other shots hit the other deputy constable's car and the ground. "It was virtually an ambush is what it was," Walker said, according to the Houston Chronicle. Clopton's protective vest likely saved his life, and Walker said he faces a long recovery. Authorities were questioning a male who showed up a nearby fire station after the shooting and matched the description of the suspected shooter, Smith said. The person had not been arrested or charged, he said, but authorities also were not currently looking for anyone else. Clopton is an 11-year veteran of the force who is married and has five children, said Pamela Greenwood, spokeswoman for the Harris County precinct seven constable's office. He comes from a law enforcement family, with three brothers who are law officers. According to Smith, the shooting came after a female reserve deputy constable made a traffic stop and called Clopton to assist. The vehicle that was pulled over left and Clopton was standing outside the window of the female's vehicle when he was shot. The female deputy constable got out and shot back, but it was unknown if she hit the fleeing suspect, Smith said. The person being questioned at the fire station did not have any injuries, Smith said, adding that he didn't think the shooting was related to the traffic stop. Clopton is the second Harris County law officer to be shot from behind in an unprovoked attack in the past year. Texas prosecutors in August charged a 30-year-old man with capital murder in the killing of sheriff's Deputy Darren Goforth, who was gunned down while filling his patrol car with gas in what officials described as a "senseless and cowardly act." Associated Press writers Sarah Rankin in Chicago, Bernard McGhee in Atlanta and Diana Heidgerd in Dallas contributed to this report. The tragedy hit hard from Argyle to Denton last weekend -- a head-on collision that killed two mothers and their daughters along U.S. Highway 377. Denton police said in the moments before that crash that killed Ashley Morgan, Lorelei Cotter, Emma Shafer and Tita Shafer Saturday morning, the driver of the car that crossed the centerlines cell phone was in use. At this point, Officer Orlando Hinojosa said in a press release on the crash, cell phone usage cant be discounted as a possible factor in the crash. The news brought many on social media Friday to again question the need for tougher laws on distracted driving. It's something Denton city leaders have spent the first part of the year mulling, as well. Nearly two years ago, the city banned texting and electronic messaging while driving. At that time, the council stopped short of an all-out device ban behind the wheel. As they reviewed the ordinance in February, interest in taking the ban to that next step did resurface, though. Now, City Spokesperson Lindsey Baker said the Traffic Safety Commission has recommended a full ban be considered. So it will. On May 24, the council is scheduled to debate expanding the ordinance to include any use of a hand-held electronic device while driving. Denton would not be the first to take the step. This year alone, their fellow Denton County communities of Argyle, Little Elm and Lake Dallas have all enacted all-out device while driving bans, though most are still in a grace period. A bill is also moving through the Texas State Legislature to get some sort of distracted driving law on the books statewide. Previous attempts have failed. There is still debate among the public about whether such bans work or can be enforced. Since Dentons texting ban went into effect, police told us in December that 31 tickets had been issued for violations in about 10 months of ticketed enforcement. At the same time, Argyle reported 225 tickets in the life of their four year ban. The possibility of heavy rain and storms in the weather forecast concerns recent North Texas storm victims who are still trying to make repairs to damaged homes and vehicles. This weeks giant hail stones in Wylie added to the challenge for roofers, already scrambling to make repairs from previous damage in Collin County. Just about every home on Ronnie Richards street in Plano had problems from a March 23 hail storm and hes had many complications since trying to get repairs to the damaged drywall, roof, skylights, gutters and fence. First, the insurance adjuster has to come out and then the roofer, and they have to give estimates. Then we had to go through the mortgage company, he said. Richard said an insurance check finally arrived Friday to begin repairs from the hail damage. It just was pounding the house. Id been in the house with hail before, but Id never heard anything like that, he said. By the time I had gotten downstairs with my 2-year-old, the hail had already busted through the skylights, and it was rolling at my feet and everything, so it was pretty crazy. Heavy business at the Plano location for Service King Collision Repair on Central Expressway increased again after this weeks hail in nearby Wylie. The company has 34 North Texas shops. Its certainly a challenge. And, back to back hail storms like that, said Steve Sikes, Service King Vice-President for Business Development. We take advantage of all 34 locations when we have this, so that we can move cars to locations that werent affected. So, all of them are feeling a piece of this storm now. Sikes said insurance companies estimate 100,000 vehicles have been damaged by hail in North Texas this year. Car rental companies are struggling to provide vehicles for hail damage customers who need substitute transportation. Sikes urged owners to put vehicles in a garage if possible with more bad weather in the forecast and repair shops already jammed. We seem to have skipped a few years as it relates to having nasty weather and now [we're] getting it all in one year, Sikes said. Richard hopes the roofers will start work on his house next week before theres more damage inside. I definitely am concerned when theres storms in the forecast, he said. A California appeals court handed teacher unions a big victory Thursday by reversing a trial judge's ruling that found tenure deprived students of a good education. The 2nd District Court of Appeal said the plaintiffs failed to show tenure and other provisions of the education code were unconstitutional. "The court's job is merely to determine whether the statutes are constitutional, not if they are 'a good idea,'" presiding Justice Roger Boren wrote. A Los Angeles Superior Court judge had ruled two years ago that five provisions of the state education code -- including policies allowing teachers to receive tenure within two years and be dismissed during layoffs based on seniority -- were unconstitutional because they deprived some of the state's 6.2 million students of a quality education by keeping more senior, but less effective, teachers on the job. In a ruling that threatened to shake up public schools across the state, Judge Rolf Treu had said the evidence "shocks the conscience." But in reversing that ruling, the appellate court said state law wasn't to blame for inequities. "Although the statutes may lead to the hiring and retention of more ineffective teachers than a hypothetical alternative system would, the statutes do not address the assignment of teachers," Boren wrote. "Instead, administrators -- not the statutes -- ultimately determine where teachers within a district are assigned to teach." Vergara v. California had pitted the state and its largest teacher unions against a group of students who asked the judge to consider laws regarding teacher tenure, dismissal and seniority consideration for layoffs. A Silicon Valley-based group called Students Matter brought the lawsuit on behalf of nine students, contending the targeted laws hinder the removal of ineffective teachers and disproportionately hurt low-income and minority students. The case was closely watched and highlighted tensions between teacher unions, school leaders, lawmakers and well-funded education reform groups over whether policies like tenure and last-in-first-out keep ineffective teachers in the classroom, particularly in already low-performing schools. The lawsuit was filed by nine public school students, including Beatriz Vergara, and backed by Students Matter, a nonprofit group founded by Silicon Valley entrepreneur David Welch. Attorneys for the state and its teachers unions had argued that the case was flawed and should be overturned because no evidence was presented showing the disputed statutes are the cause of educational inequalities, saying the suit was never about helping students. A similar lawsuit was filed in New York after the Vergara decision, contending that state's teacher tenure and layoffs by seniority laws deprive students of a sound, basic education as guaranteed under the state constitution. Lawyers for New York's teachers union have asked for the case to be dismissed. Attorney Theodore Boutrous Jr. says in a statement Thursday that the 2nd District Court of Appeal's ruling is a "temporary setback" and expects to appeal the decision to the California Supreme Court. He argues that teacher tenure amounts to "egregious constitutional violations" of students. Check back for updates on this breaking news story. Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton maintains a double-digit lead over rival Bernie Sanders in New York as both candidates aggressively campaign around the state ahead of Tuesdays primary, a NBC 4 New York/Wall Street Journal/Marist poll has found. Clinton had the support of 57 percent of likely Democratic voters in the poll released Thursday, while Sanders held 40 percent. Those numbers mirror a NBCNews/Wall Street Journal/Marist Poll released Monday, in which Clinton was supported by more than half of the respondents and had a 14-point lead over the U.S. senator from Vermont. As the primary approaches, the back-and-forth of the candidates has not dramatically changed the New York contest, said Lee M. Miringoff, the director of the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion, in a statement. As with prior polls, support for the two candidates appears to run along generational lines. Sanders was up by 13 points on Clinton with voters younger than 45, while Clinton enjoyed a 38-point lead with voters older than 45. Seventy-six percent of polled voters under 30 supported Sanders. Thursdays poll, which has a 4 percent margin of error and included 591 likely voters, also found a geographic divide between the two candidates. Clinton's backers are more heavily concentrated in the New York City area, where Sanders has been campaigning recently, the poll found; she had the support of 61 percent of polled voters in New York City, 60 percent in the nearby suburbs and 49 percent in upstate New York. Meanwhile, half of the likely voters polled upstate said they planned to vote for Sanders. The Brooklyn-born politician had the support of 35 percent of likely voters in New York City and 36 percent in the suburbs. The release of the poll came hours before a Democratic debate at the Brooklyn Navy Yard's Duggal Greenhouse at 9 p.m. Sanders and Clinton have been campaigning in New York this week in advance of the primary. On Wednesday, Sanders walked a picket line with striking Verizon workers in Brooklyn, then held a huge rally in Greenwich Village's Washington Square Park. But he came under fire Thursday morning for a supporter who called some elected officials "corporate Democratic whores" for taking money from corporations. Clinton on Wednesday held rallies in the Bronx. She was criticized earlier in the week for being part of a skit at a political gala, along with New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, that made use of a stereotype about black people. On a recent weekday morning, Inspector Carlos Valdez stood nervously behind a podium as more than 200 top NYPD cops grill him about a surge in robberies and burglaries in the 40th Precinct in the Bronx. "Alright, Carlos, you know why youre up there," Chief James ONeill said. "A lot of things going on in the Four-o. Crime is definitely not headed in the right direction." Valdez defended his work, and that of the detectives from the 40th precinct, whore standing behind him. "Were up in robberies, assaults, burglaries and grand larcenies, but were also up in arrests for those index crimes," said Valdez, his voice cracking. The brass doesn't let up. "This is going on too long," snapped Commissioner Dermot Shea. "We need it fixed yesterday." This was the exchange the I-Team witnessed in an unprecedented look at Compstat, a crime-fighting innovation that helped make New York City into America's safest big city. It requires police officers to not just question suspects, but each other. Compstat, a statistical system for tracking crime, was introduced by Commissioner Bill Bratton and Jack Maple in 1994, during Brattons first stint as head of the NYPD. Twenty-two years later, Bratton is once again the city's top cop, Compstat is still in use, and crime has fallen 75 percent -- a fact Bratton calls a "New York miracle." New York had 1,946 murders in 1993, or more than a five a day. It had 352 in 2015. The system is based on tracking and stopping smaller crimes to stop bigger crimes, and to pinpoint hotspots where crimes are clustered. It has since been exported to other cities, like Philadelphia and Los Angeles, where Bratton also served as chief of police. The NYPD recently allowed the I-Team unprecedented access to one of its weekly Compstat meetings at One Police Plaza in downtown Manhattan. Television monitors displaying stats, graphs and maps line the walls, above long tables filled with high-ranking officers. At one end of the room sat the bosses, lobbing the questions, and at the other was a podium, where precinct commanders like Valdez take turns trying to answer them. Valdez was assigned to the 40th precinct several months ago to address a spike in crime. Valdez put out extra officers to streets with jumps in robberies. He also met with detectives about unsolved cases big and small from murders to burglary patterns. "Analyzing data, deploying resources and vigorous follow-up, that is Compstat," Valdez said. "In the end, crime prevention is really the goal." While the I-Team was visiting and recording his team at work in the Bronx, someone shot a 20-year-old man to death nearby right next to a playground, in the middle of the afternoon. In a separate incident several weeks ago, two police officers were fired on. Burglaries soared 400 percent in just a month. Valdez opened his case book to reveal more than 100 crimes that needed solving. At the Compstat meeting, the interrogators press Valdez for minute details of the precincts crime pattern, all the way down to how many smartphones have been reported stolen. I want to say its nine, said Valdez. How many have we obtained and put an alarm on those phones? asked Shea. Ill have to get back to you on that, answered a member of the Four-o team. ONeill told Valdez and his team they could do better. "If you have a robbery problem, everybody up at that podium needs to be tuned in. Im not sure Im hearing that." Valdez wasn't the only precinct commander to get grilled, though. Next up was Fausto Pichardo of the 43rd Precinct, also in the Bronx. Pichardo's precinct had no homicides to report -- but O'Neill was quick to point out the area had the highest volume of robberies in the city. "We took six robberies in sector Eddie," Pichardo responded. "We immediately deployed a dedicated uniformed robbery order on each single platoon." O'Neill also brought up up people who missed parole meetings. "I'm sure they're causing problems elsewhere," O'Neill said. Afterward, O'Neill and other NYPD brass work out a prescription for the precinct -- to target repeat offenders even harder. "The major takeaway is to follow through," Pichardo said. Pichardo said commanders are constantly adjusting anti-crime strategies whether or not police headquarters is calling for answers. "The problem is if we have to go in and tell them what we our plan is going to be we have already failed," he said. "We put the plan in place two weeks ago when we saw the trend was going up." But after the meeting, ONeill told the I-Team the point is not to embarrass anyone, but to ensure success. Were not looking to throw curveballs at people [we] just want to make sure their whole operation is efficient. I know Carlos will turn the Four-o around, said ONeill. Bratton, meanwhile, said the point is to hold commanders accountable. But he also praised Bronx commanders for the overall reduction in violence. We have never had a two month period beginning of a year with so few shootings, he said. O'Neill said he thinks the rigorous public interrogation that precinct commanders endure helps make a difference in crime in the city. "There is direct accountability," he said. "I think thats the genius of Compstat." Donald Trump has retained a massive lead over his two Republican rivals in the New York primary with days to go before voting, an NBC 4 New York/Wall Street Journal/Marist poll has found. Fifty-four percent of Republican voters surveyed said they were planning to vote for Trump on Tuesday, with a 29-point gulf between him and his closest rival, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, the poll found. The same percentage of voters said they were going to vote for Trump in an NBC News/Wall Street Journal/Marist poll released on Monday, which pollsters say indicates the political landscape has not changed much since candidates began campaigning heavily in the Empire State. Trump led the field regardless of region, age, gender, religion, education and income among likely Republican voters polled. Kasich has seen a slight uptick in the week leading up to the election. In Monday's poll, the Ohio governor had the support of 21 percent of surveyed voters; in Friday's poll, that number had climbed to 25 percent. Friday's poll had a 5.5-point margin of error. Cruz, who drew jeers for his comments about "New York values" earlier in the campaign and was apparently ignored at a GOP dinner in Manhattan Thursday, has the most ground to gain. Only 16 percent of voters said they supported Cruz, down from 18 percent in Monday's poll. Kasich also was the leading second choice for likely Republican voters, according to the poll. Thirty-seven percent of those surveyed said they'd probably cast a ballot for Kasich if they changed their mind, compared with 30 percent for Cruz and 14 percent for Trump. However, more than half of those polled say they're not likely to change their choice between now and Tuesday. The poll found that 64 percent of the 313 Republicans polled strongly supported their chosen candidate. Trump had the most committed support, with 70 percent of his supporters saying they will not waver in their commitment to him. The release of the poll comes after more than a week of stops and rallies for Trump, Kasich and Cruz. On Thursday, Trump made an appearance near the site of a hate-crime killing on Long Island amid protests, then flew to the New York State Republican Gala. He, Kasich and Cruz all spoke at the event. Prior to that, the three candidates had made stops throughout the Empire State, with Cruz and Kasich visiting matzo bakeries in New York City. Cruz, who was shouted at by a protester during his first stop at a restaurant in the Bronx, has made the fewest appearances in the state. On Thursday, a NBC 4 New York/Wall Street Journal/Marist showed Hillary Clinton leading Bernie Sanders among likely Democratic voters. Three men and a woman were arrested Thursday night in Birmingham, England, and one man was arrested at London's Gatwick Airport early Friday in an operation involving British, French and Belgian authorities, NBC News reported. A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police would not say specifically whether the detentions were linked to arrests in France and Belgium relating to terror attacks in both countries. A British security source, however, told NBC News the arrests were "Paris- and Brussels-related." The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the British investigation focused mainly on Mohamed Abrini, who allegedly confessed to being the so-called "Main in White" who was among the Brussels airport bombers. The five suspects were being questioned by counter-terror officials Friday. Philadelphia Police Friday identified the driver they say struck and dragged a scooter driver about 200 feet then left him for dead. Police charged Ramon Morales, 62, of Cedar Street Thursday in the Port Richmond hit-and-run that left Thomas Dunbar dead Wednesday night. Dunbar, 36, was operating a motorized scooter driver along Lehigh Avenue near Aramingo Avenue when he was struck and dragged about 200 feet, said Philadelphia Police. Medics rushed Dunbar, of Almond Street near Venango in Port Richmond, to Hahnemann Hospital, where he later died from head and torso injuries.[[375744211, C]] After striking the man, the driver of a Pontiac Aztec with New York tags drove off, witnesses told police. "After striking someone on a motor [scooter] and dragging that person about 200 feet we're certain the driver of the striking vehicle knew what he did," said Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small. Investigators found the SUV about 90 minutes later park at Cedar and Madison streets -- that about 1 mile from the scene of the crash.[[375704311, C]] Officers executed a search warrant on Morales' home and led him away in handcuffs around 3 p.m. Thursday. His lawyer Morales would make no statement. Police charged Morales with murder, homicide by vehicle and involuntary manslaughter. American Airlines said that a record number of flight passengers and staffing problems have contributed to checkpoint lines long enough to cause people to miss flights, and Philadelphia International Airport topped the list as one of the worst offenders. During this year's spring break, nearly 6,800 passengers missed flights across the United States because of TSA checkpoint delays. Philadelphia International, Seattle-Tacoma International, Los Angeles International and Miami International airports were all among the places with the worst delays and the most missed flights, an American Airlines spokesperson told NBC News. The TSA has admitted that it underestimated a surge in passengers and the impact of budget cuts, leading to the long lines. The administration is now hiring up to 200 new workers each week to try to make up the gap and correct the problem. NBC News, however, reported that American Airlines officials warned passengers that they expect delays to worsen as more people travel over the summer months. "The lines at TSA checkpoints nationwide have become unacceptable," American spokesman Ross Feinstein said in a statement. Heres a first for California: Marijuana, not in a grow house, but in a museum. The Oakland Museum of California says Altered State: Marijuana in California is the first-ever museum exhibit dedicated to the much debated drug. Usually, exhibits take about three years from idea to opening, but associate curator Sarah Seiter says the marijuana exhibit was fast tracked to about two years in hopes people could come see it before voting this November. We really want this to be a place where people can have a dialogue and have a really honest conversation about what their hopes and fears are around legalizing marijuana, Seiter said, explaining the museum is not taking a side. She says more than 100 community members have served as consultants on the exhibit in order to make sure Altered State is welcoming to all, regardless of their stance on weed. Families were actually using the space to talk to their kids about marijuana, Seiter said of an area titled Youth and Weed. Other displays include Cannabis Science, featuring live marijuana plants; Criminal Dope, highlighting the history of drug laws and arrests, and Cannabis Confessional, featuring a space where people can write their opinions anonymously. Its easy to make decisions based on myth, so hopefully we can do it in a more educated way. So I think its great, Cheryl Ziperstein, of Albany, said of the exhibit. Current polls show about more than half of Californias likely November voters support legalizing pot. William Gomez, of Rodeo, is not one of these. An exhibit like this of marijuana is telling our kids its okay to do it, which I think its not okay, Gomez said. Though he says he opposes marijuana, he would not be opposed to taking his kids to learn about the issues, as long as he tours it first. The exhibit opens to the public on Saturday. A series of virtual kidnapping schemes have been attempted in recent months in Maryland, according to a review of police reports by the News4 I-Team. A virtual kidnapping is an extortion scheme, in which a criminal demands money from a victim by phone while pretending to hold captive a victims loved one. The FBI issued warnings about a series of virtual kidnappings in New York and Texas in 2014. The recent cases in Maryland indicate the crime has spread to the Washington, D.C., region. FBI guidance on how to respond to a virtual kidnapping attempt. The execution of a virtual kidnapping scheme can be elaborate but relies on deception. An alert released by the FBI in 2014 said, (Virtual kidnappers) coerce individuals to isolate themselves from their familiesor make families believe that their loved ones are being heldall to extract a quick ransom before the scheme falls apart. In the Maryland cases reviewed by the I-Team, victims said the scheme was executed by cellphone. Each said they answered calls from unknown, unrecognized phone numbers. The victims said the callers had male voices and claimed to be in close proximity to a relative of the victim. The victims said the caller threatened to harm or kill the victims loved one if the victim didnt immediately wire thousands of dollars. Jamie York, a husband and father of two from Frederick County, said the virtual kidnapping he suffered was traumatic and almost cost him about $1,000. York said he was called on his cellphone and told his wife had been in a car accident and was being held until York paid money to cover the costs of damage and injury. He said a female voice could be heard screaming on the other end of the phone. York said, The caller told me, Ive got your wife, York said. Shes at gunpoint. You need to keep the phone to your ear. Do not call police. Get to the nearest Western Union. York said the caller was insistent he not talk to anyone else until the money was wired. Hes screaming at me, You need to hurry up, York said. Hes constantly engaging you in conversation. York did complete the money wire transfer. He said an alert store employee was able to cancel the transaction after York discovered the virtual kidnapping was a hoax. A Suitland man described a similar scheme, in an interview with the I-Team. I got a phone call out of thin air basically saying your brother has been in a serious accident, he said. The Suitland man said the caller threatened to harm his brother if money was not wired. A report last year from the Frederick County Sheriffs Office said there was a series of recent virtual kidnapping schemes in the Frederick-area. In 2015, four members of a virtual kidnapping ring were sentenced to federal prison for duping more than 124 families out of about $190,000 through bogus kidnappings in California. Federal court records indicate at least one of the victims was from Maryland. According to federal prosecutors, The ring targeted victims from Mexico and Central America that spoke primarily Spanish and were not United States citizens. Virtual kidnappers strategically prevent victims from hanging up the telephone, until money is exchanged, FBI Criminal Investigative Division Assistant Section Chief Tim Ferguson said. They try to keep individuals on the phone as long as possible, so the victim cant try to contact a family member, Ferguson said. Reported by Scott MacFarlane, produced by Rick Yarborough, and shot and edited by Jeff Piper. A 9-year-old Virginia boy who survived cancer and has raised thousands for cancer research was honored Thursday night with the Military Child of the Year award. Christian Fagala, of Quantico, Virginia, was just 2 years old when he was diagnosed with cancer and treated at Walter Reed Military Medical Center. By age four he was speaking to large audiences to raise money for childhood cancer programs. So far, he's raised $20,000 toward cancer research. Christian, whose father is a Marine, is one of six children recognized as a Military Child of the Year by Operation Homefront, an organization that supports military families. Each child receives $10,000 and a laptop. But the true meaning of the award is to recognize military children who often relocate and take on extra responsibilities for their families. An employee at a Fairfax County recreation center was charged with trying to rape a 77-year-old woman in her own home within an apartment complex for senior citizens and people with disabilities. Malcolm Reheem Hall, 28, of Centreville was arrested Thursday and charged with attempted rape, sodomy and two counts of animate object penetration, Fairfax County police announced Friday. Police said Hall walked into the victim's unlocked apartment on April 5 and sexually assaulted her. Hall is a part-time Fairfax County Park Authority employee at the Cub Run RECenter in Chantilly, police said. He began working as a custodian at the recreation center in Sept. 2015. Hall was fired from that job pending the outcome of the case. Police do not believe Hall victimized any other residents. Residents of the Forest Glen at Sully Station complex said they were unaware of the disturbing crime. The complex has two buildings on Woodmere Court in Centreville. Just inside the front door of one building is a security door residents said often was propped open during ongoing construction work. Anyone with information that can help police is asked to call Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-8477. The board of regents for the University System of Maryland has approved a tuition hike at Maryland's public colleges. System spokesman Mike Lurie says in an email that the board voted Friday to increase undergraduate tuition by 2 percent for in-state students and 3 percent for out-of-state students. It is the smallest annual increase in tuition since a freeze was lifted in 2010. Gov. Larry Hogan included the increases in his annual budget, but the board of regents, which includes 12 of the state's public universities, must still approve the proposal. Annual in-state tuition at the University of Maryland, College Park would increase $185 to $10,181. More than 20 children were hurt in a school bus crash Friday afternoon in a parking lot at RFK Stadium. A Prince George's County school bus slammed into a light pole in Lot 8 of the stadium about 2 p.m., D.C. Fire spokesman Doug Buchanan said. Twenty-two children and two adults, including the bus driver, have minor injuries and were taken to hospitals for treatment, Buchanan said. There were a total of 46 people on the bus. "It was enough to shake and rattle the bus, and that was enough to move some kids around in the bus and for us to come here and make sure everyone was OK," Buchanan said. The students attend Woodbridge Elementary School in Catonsville, Maryland. D.C. police and D.C. Fire & EMS crews were on the scene. There is no word yet on what caused the crash. "For one reason or another, the school bus driver just didn't see [the pole] or just misread the distance," Buchanan said. The students who weren't hurt were taken back to school on another bus. All of the injured students and adults left the hospital Friday night. What to Know Trooper Ezra Ganeshananda, 26, was parked on the shoulder of the Beltway when a Mercedes slammed into his car, police said. Police believe the Mercedes driver had been involved in an earlier crash, though it was not clear if he hit someone or if someone hit him. The driver, who also was hospitalized, will face criminal charges, authorities said. A Maryland State Police trooper hurt in a chain-reaction car crash on the Capital Beltway Thursday is still listed in critical condition, state police said. Trooper Ezra Ganeshananda was seriously injured after he was trapped for more than an hour in the wreckage of his cruiser following the collision. Drivers on the Capital Beltway stopped to try to rescue him but found themselves helpless. "I touched his shoulder, I'm like, 'Officer, are you OK? Are you awake?' I didn't get no response," tow truck driver Tom Herrera said. "I just got on his walkie-talkie, and I just said 'Trooper down on 495.'" "All of us came down and were trying to help the trooper, but we couldn't do anything with our bare hands," tow truck driver Chiebere Obimma said. "There was one state trooper, I don't know his name -- that man did everything possible to save the trooper. He was crying." Ganeshananda, 26, was sitting in his cruiser when it was hit twice about 2 p.m. Thursday on the Beltway (I-495). Witnesses told police a driver in a 2011 Mercedes Benz C300 sped along the left shoulder of the freeway, and then the right shoulder. The driver of the Mercedes then slammed into the trooper's car. Ganeshananda was parked on the shoulder of the Beltway north of Annapolis Road (Route 450) and was wrapping up an investigation of a single-car crash when the Mercedes slammed into his car, police said. That driver, who police identified as Prasad Yadavalli, 60, may have been involved in an earlier hit-and-run crash, police said. Investigators did not immediately know whether Yadavalli caused that crash or was the victim. Yadavalli's car slammed into the trooper's car a second time when a tow truck hit the Mercedes, trapping the trooper inside. "The only thing I heard was the impact," Obimma said. His rig was damaged in the crash. Herrera used his tow truck to move the Mercedes out of the way. Crews pried Ganeshananda out of the car. A Maryland State Police helicopter landed on the Beltway and rushed the trooper to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. "When he went into the helicopter, I was praying for him," Herrera said. Herrera said he saw the Mercedes get rear-ended earlier, and that Yadavalli had begun to drive erratically before his car hit the trooper. "The car was just out of control. He was hitting everything. I think he just was out of it," Herrera said. Yadavalli, who also was hospitalized, was not immediately available for comment. A call to his business went unanswered. He will face criminal charges, Cpl. Devaughn Parker said Thursday afternoon. "There will be charges here, coming soon," he said. "We're going to consult with the state's attorney's office to make sure all charges are appropriate." Yadavalli had not been charged as of Friday evening. Ganeshananda is a road patrol trooper who had been on the job less than a year. Fellow troopers, including his brother, were with him Thursday evening as his treatment continued. The Beltway was partially closed in Maryland for nearly four hours Thursday after the chain-reaction car crash, leaving drivers in bumper-to-bumper traffic for miles. The investigation into the crash is ongoing. Members of a small Muslim community in Culpeper Couny, Virginia, bought land where they plan to build the county's first mosque -- but the county board denied them a permit, saying the site doesn't meet requirements. A group of locals that has grown to more than 20 members seeks to create the Islamic Center of Culpeper (ICC). The group began meeting in 2011, first in a train station and then in a small home next to a member's car dealership. "It was really small and like a family, and it's still like that," member Dr. Nabeel Babar said. As the size of the group grows, members want a proper prayer space. They recently closed on a property off Rixeyville Road with an abandoned house surrounded by weeds. But on April 5 the Culpeper County Board of Supervisors denied the ICC's request for a sewage system permit. A roomful of Culpeper County residents cheered, the Culpeper Star-Exponent reported. In a 4-3 vote, the board denied the ICC a pump-and-haul permit for a septic system, in which waste is directed to a tank and then pumped out by a septic tank cleaner. Board members said they rejected the permit out of compliance with the law, the newspaper reported. But in the past 20 years, the county has rejected only 1 out of 19 similar permits in the past 20 years, the Star-Exponent reported. Member Mohammad Nawabe said he is seeking to live and worship side by side with his neighbors. "This is my right. I'm trying to protect my right too," he said. News4 reached out to the four supervisors who denied the ICC's permit request. Three supervisors responded, but only one agreed to an on-camera interview. An hour before that interview was set to occur, the supervisor canceled. Members of the ICC will press forward with their plan to create the center and may reach out to the Department of Justice. A neighbor of the abandoned house, Reggie Massie, said the construction of the mosque was OK with him. "Doesn't bother me at all. I'm open to it," he said. The owner of a herd of cattle in Bloomfield is facing 15 counts of animal cruelty charges and an additional 60 violations for state statutes not meeting disease testing requirements. The Department of Agriculture lauched an investigation after receiving a tip that Kelly Baker was not properly feeding her cattle at the Wintonbury Land Trust at 27 Duncaster Rd. Baker told NBC Connecticut, "Any allegations of animal cruelty are not only false but we find them to be beyond insulting to our endeavor to raise 100% grass fed beef in a sustainable and natural way." The agency issued a quarantine order of the entire herd after it learned that Baker had not provided the required proof of vaccines for the herd and suspected that she had not complied with having the herd vaccinated, Bloomfield Police said. Over the last six months, police and the department observed that metal feeders had been repeatedly pushed and knocked over by the cattle, which usualy indicates that the animals have not been fed, animal control officers said. Baker had been reached a number of times to ask about feed and the animals vaccinations, police said. Baker told them she had been feeding the animals more than three times a day with hay provided to her by Auer Farm. Animal control soon learned that the only agreement between Baker and Auer Farm for hay was for goats that lived on the land but not cattle. The property manager at Auer Farm told officials that in the last three weeks, Baker had "doubled" the amount of hay she had previously taken. Upon visiting, animal control officers said cattle looked too thin compared to well-fed cattle. The officer also said on several occasions feed was not in the metal grower, police said. During one of the visits, the animal control officer saw a baby calf, who they believe was only a few days old, lying on the ground with no hay and parts of the umbilical cord still attached, according to Bloomfield Police. The cattle will remain quarantined until Baker can provide the Department of Agriculture with proper vaccination and permit documents. Below is Baker's full statement: I am the farmer who has been charged with animal cruelty. Our cows are at 26 Doncaster Rd in Bloomfield. I would certainly appreciate if people knew my take on the situation. We take great pride in raising Scottish Highland cattle and provide them with the utmost care and respect. We offer our animals ample hay during the winter months and during the growing season they graze on pasture. They have a constant supply of fresh, clean water and access to shelter if they choose to use it. We raise the animals for beef; they provide us with our livelihood. Treating them humanely and respectfully is certainly a foundation of our business. We have very healthy animals. Our veteranarian rarely needs to be called but due to allegations of animal cruelty, we invited him to come out to provide his professional opinion. As anticipated, he agreed that our 2 bulls, 9 cows and 4 new calves looked to be very healthy and well within the range of what might be expected at this time of year. Any allegations of animal cruelty are not only false but we find them to be beyond insulting to our endeavor to raise 100% grass fed beef in a sustainable and natural way. We can only assume that these allegations were brought forth by a concerned but very uninformed individual. Police say a pair of youths spray-painted swastikas and profanities on the driveway and garage door of a Maine home. Scarborough police say the graffiti sprayed on April 3 didn't target the family's religious beliefs and isn't considered a hate crime. Police say the spray-painting wasn't random. Authorities did not identify the 16-year-old Windham girl and 17-year-old Old Orchard Beach boy who were charged because they're juveniles. Police say both face a felony charge of aggravated criminal mischief. Scarborough police say the pair also spray-painted graffiti on a town-owned concession building at Wiley Field. They are expected to be arraigned in a Cumberland County courtroom in late May. Police said they have captured the man who was wanted for attempted murder after firing a gun at an officer in Salem, Massachusetts, on Thursday. Authorities announced around 3:40 p.m. Friday that Jeremiah Wooden had been arrested. Salem Police said they attempted to stop Wooden, who was wanted on five outstanding warrants, on Fairfield Street near Lafayette Street at 6:15 p.m. Thursday. During a foot pursuit and struggle, Wooden removed a gun from his pocket and fired a round at an officer. He fled on foot. The gun was recovered in a nearby backyard. No officers were injured. Wooden was arrested without incident in nearby Lynn by Salem Police, Lynn Police and state police. In addition to the warrants, he faces charges including armed assault with intent to murder, assault and battery on a police officer and assault and battery with a firearm, as well as several other firearm charges. The suspect is also accused of driving without a license, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. After his arrest, Wooden was booked at the Salem Police Headquarters and transported to the Essex County Correctional Facility. Wooden is due to be arraigned Tuesday in Salem District Court. It was not immediately clear if he had an attorney. A man fired shots at officers Thursday evening in Salem, Massachusetts, according to police. The officers were trying to apprehend the suspect on Fairfield Street near Lafayette Street around 6:15. No officers were injured. The suspect fled on foot. Police are searching for him., but say he is no longer in the area. A gun was found in the area. "I knew it had to be serious when I heard the officer's voice," said a neighbor who did not want to be identified. "He said to stop." The woman says she didn't see the suspect, but she heard the shot. "I saw the officer with the gun drawn," she said. "I heard a pop, and I knew it was a gun." Police are asking people to avoid the area. Anyone with information is asked to call (978) 744-1212. 3 football teams punched their postseason tickets. Week 7 recap Tiverton, which lost to Davies on Friday night, was eliminated from postseason play. Here's where teams stand after Week 7. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Andrew Howie lives in Champaign and hides his pretentious music taste behind self-deprecating humor. If you seek radio hits, this is not the column you're looking for. Come here to find the acquired tastes, the obscure albums, the innovative and bizarre. 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). One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021 NOTICE: This Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) is intended for persons living in Australia. Immediate release tablets containing gliclazide (pronounced gli-cla-zide) Consumer Medicine Information What is in this leaflet This leaflet answers some common questions about GLYADE. It does not contain all the available information Reading this leaflet does not take the place of talking to your doctor, pharmacist, or diabetes educator. All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking GLYADE against the benefits they expect it will have for you. If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or diabetes educator. Keep this leaflet with the medicine. You may need to read it again. What GLYADE is The name of your medicine is GLYADE. GLYADE contains the active ingredient 'gliclazide'. Gliclazide belongs to a group of medicines called sulphonylureas. What GLYADE is used for GLYADE is used to control blood glucose (sugar) in patients with Type II diabetes mellitus. This type of diabetes is also known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM), or maturity-onset diabetes). Why GLYADE is used for Type II diabetes mellitus GLYADE is used when diet and exercise are not enough to control your blood glucose. GLYADE can be used alone or together with insulin or other medicines for treating diabetes. How it works Glucose is used by the body as fuel, and all people have glucose circulating in their blood. In diabetes, levels of blood glucose are higher than is needed, which is also known as hyperglycaemia. If your blood glucose is not properly controlled, you may experience hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose) or hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose). High blood glucose can lead to serious problems with our heart, circulation and/or kidneys. It is very important to control high blood glucose whether or not you feel unwell. This really helps to avoid serious long-term health problems, which can involve the heart, eyes, circulation, and/or kidneys. A section at the end of this leaflet contains advice about recognising and treating hyperglycaemia. GLYADE is used when diet and exercise are not enough to control your blood glucose properly. It lowers blood glucose by increasing the amount of insulin (a hormone that controls blood glucose levels) produced by your pancreas. As with many medicines used for the treatment of diabetes, there is a possibility that blood glucose levels may become very low during treatment with GLYADE. This is known as hypoglycaemia. A section at the end of this leaflet contains advice about recognising and treating hypoglycaemia. GLYADE is available only with a doctor's prescription. GLYADE is not addictive. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why GLYADE has been prescribed for you. Before you take GLYADE There are some people who should not take GLYADE. Please read the lists below. If you think any of these situations apply to you, or you have any questions, please consult your doctor, pharmacist, or diabetes educator. Do not take GLYADE if you are allergic to: gliclazide, or any of the other ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet. you have had an allergic reaction to any other sulphonylureas, or related medicines such as sulfa antibiotics or to thiazide diuretics (a type of "fluid" or "water" tablet). Symptoms of an allergic reaction to GLYADE or to these medicines may include skin rash, itchiness or hives, shortness of breath, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, muscle pain or tenderness or joint pain. If you are not sure if you have an allergy to GLYADE, check with your doctor. are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. GLYADE may affect your developing baby if you take it during pregnancy. Insulin is more suitable for controlling blood glucose during pregnancy. Your doctor will usually replace GLYADE with insulin while you are pregnant. are breastfeeding or plan to breast-feed. GLYADE is not recommended while you are breastfeeding. It is not known whether GLYADE passes into breast milk. you have Type 1 diabetes mellitus (also known as insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM), or juvenile-onset diabetes). you have unstable diabetes you have diabetic ketoacidosis (a problem which affects the acidity of your blood and can lead to coma - which is mainly associated with Type 1 diabetes). you have severe kidney disease you have severe liver disease you are taking an antibiotic medicine containing the active ingredient miconazole the expiry date (EXP) printed on the pack. If you take it after the expiry date has passed, it may not work as well. the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering. If it is damaged, return it to your pharmacist for disposal. If you are not sure whether you should start taking GLYADE, talk to your doctor. For children Do not give GLYADE to a child. There is no experience with the use of GLYADE in children. For older people Elderly people can generally use GLYADE safely. There are no special instructions for older people taking GLYADE. Tell your doctor straight away if: you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breast-feeding. Your doctor can discuss with you the risks and benefits involved. you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet; to any other medicines; or to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes you have an intolerance to some sugars as GLYADE contains lactose If you have a family history of or know you have the hereditary condition glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency (abnormality of red blood cells), lowering of the haemoglobin level and breakdown of red blood cells (haemolytic anaemia) can occur. you have had any of the following medical conditions: kidney disease liver disease a history of diabetic coma. adrenal, pituitary or thyroid problems heart failure you have any medical condition, or do anything, that may increase the risk of hyperglycaemia - for example: you are ill or feeling unwell (especially with fever or infection) you are injured you are having surgery. you are taking less GLYADE than prescribed you are taking less exercise than normal you are eating more carbohydrate than normal. drinking alcoholic drinks. not eating regular meals. taking more exercise than usual. If you have not told your doctor, pharmacist or diabetes educator about any of the above, tell them before you start taking GLYADE. Taking other medicines Tell your doctor, pharmacist or diabetes educator if you are taking any other medicines, including medicines you buy without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop. Taking GLYADE may change the effect of some medicines, and some medicines may affect how well GLYADE works. You may need different amounts of your medication or to take different medicines. Some medicines may lead to low blood glucose (hypoglycaemia) by increasing the blood-glucose-lowering effect of GLYADE. These include: some medicines used to treat fungal or yeast infections (miconazole which is contraindicated) alcohol other medicines used to treat diabetes (such as biguanides and insulin) some medicines used to treat high blood pressure and other heart conditions (including angiotensin receptor blocker, beta-blockers) some medicines used to treat depression and other mental illness (MAOIs) some cholesterol-lowering medicines (clofibrate) some medicines used to treat arthritis, pain and inflammation (including high dose aspirin, ibuprofen, phenylbutazone) some antibiotics (chloramphenicol; tetracyclines; long-acting sulphonamides) some medicines used to treat acid reflux and stomach ulcers Some medicines may lead to high blood glucose levels (hyperglycaemia) by weakening the blood glucose-lowering effect of GLYADE. These include: alcohol some medicines for epilepsy (danazol) some medicines used to treat depression and other mental illness (chlorpromazine) some hormones used in hormone replacement therapy and oral contraceptives (oestrogen, progesterone) St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) preparations used to treat depression some medicines for asthma (salbutamol, intravenous terbutaline). barbiturates, medicines used for sedation glucocorticoids Some medicines may lead to unstable blood glucose (low blood sugar and high blood sugar) when taken at the same time as GLYADE, especially in elderly patients. These include: A class of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones. GLYADE may change the effects of some other medicines. These include: some medicines used to prevent blood clots (warfarin) You may need different amounts of your medicine or you may need to take different medicines. Your doctor, pharmacist or diabetes educator can tell you what to do if you are taking any of these medicines. They also have a more complete list of medicines to be careful with or avoid while taking GLYADE. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure if you are taking any of these medicines. How to take GLYADE Follow all directions given to you by your doctor, pharmacist, and diabetes educator carefully. They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet. If you do not understand the instructions on the box, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help. Your doctor will tell you how many tablets to take each day. They may increase or decrease the dose, depending on your blood glucose levels. When to take it Swallow the tablets with a glass of water. GLYADE tablets can be broken in half. However they should not be crushed or chewed. Crushing or chewing the tablets may change the effectiveness of the tablet. It is important to take your GLYADE at the same time each day - usually with breakfast. Taking GLYADE with food can help to minimise the risk of hypoglycaemia. Do not skip meals while taking GLYADE. How long to take it Continue taking GLYADE for as long as your doctor recommends. Make sure you keep enough GLYADE to last over weekends and holidays. GLYADE will help control your diabetes but will not cure it. Therefore, you may have to take it for a long time. If you forget to take it If is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Otherwise, take it as you remember (with food), then go back to taking your tablets as you would normally. Missed doses can cause high blood glucose (hyperglycaemia). If you are not sure whether to skip the dose, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you have missed. If you double a dose, this may cause low blood glucose (hypoglycaemia). If you take too much (overdose) Immediately telephone your doctor, Diabetes Australia or Poisons Information Centre (telephone in Australia: 13 11 26) for advice if you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much GLYADE. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention. If you take too much GLYADE together with other medicines for diabetes or alcohol, you may experience symptoms of low blood glucose (hypoglycaemia). If not treated quickly, these symptoms may progress to loss of co-ordination, slurred speech, confusion, loss of consciousness and fitting. At the first signs of hypoglycaemia, raise your blood glucose quickly by following the instructions at the end of this leaflet. If you experience any of these symptoms, immediately get medical help. While you are taking GLYADE Things you must do If you become pregnant while you are taking GLYADE, tell your doctor. Tell all doctors, dentists, pharmacists and diabetes educators who are involved with your treatment that you are taking GLYADE. If you are about to start taking any new medicines, tell you doctor and pharmacist that you are taking GLYADE. Take GLYADE exactly as your doctor has prescribed. Otherwise you may not get the full benefits from treatment. Make sure you check your blood glucose levels regularly. This is the best way to tell if your diabetes is being controlled properly. Your doctor or diabetes educator will show you how and when to do this. Make sure that you, your friends, family and work colleagues can recognise the symptoms of hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia and know how to treat them. Instructions at the end of this leaflet can help you with this. Visit your doctor regularly so that they can check on your progress. Carefully follow your doctor's and dietician's advice on diet, drinking alcohol and exercise. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice the return of any symptoms of hyperglycaemia that you had before starting GLYADE. These may include lethargy or tiredness, headache, thirst, passing large amounts of urine and blurred vision. These may be signs that GLYADE is no longer working, even though you may have been taking it successfully for some time. Things you must not do Do not give GLYADE to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you. Do not use GLYADE to treat other complaints unless your doctor tells you to. Do not stop taking GLYADE, or change the dosage, without checking with your doctor. Do not skip meals while taking GLYADE. Things to be careful of If you drink alcohol while taking GLYADE, you may get flushing, headache, breathing difficulties, rapid heart beat, stomach pains or feel sick and vomit. Protect your skin when you are in the sun, especially between 10am and 3pm. Sulphonylureas (the group of medicines that GLYADE belongs to) may cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight than it is normally. Exposure to sunlight may cause a skin rash, itching, redness, or a severe sunburn. If outdoors, wear protective clothing and use a 30+ sunscreen. If your skin does appear to be burning, tell your doctor immediately. Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how GLYADE affects you. Also, be especially careful not to let your blood glucose levels fall too low. GLYADE may cause dizziness and drowsiness in some people. Low blood glucose levels may also slow your reaction time and affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. A section at the end of this leaflet contains advice about recognising and treating hypoglycaemia. Drinking alcohol can make this worse. If either of these occurs, do not drive, operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous. If you are travelling, it is a good idea to: wear some form of identification showing you have diabetes carry some form of sugar to treat hypoglycaemia if it occurs, for example, sugar sachets or jelly beans carry emergency food rations in case of a delay, for example, dried fruit, biscuits or muesli bars keep GLYADE readily available If you become sick with a cold, fever or flu, it is very important to continue taking GLYADE, even if you fell unable to eat your normal meal. If you have trouble eating solid food, use sugar-sweetened drinks as a carbohydrate substitute or eat small amounts of bland food. Your diabetes educator or dietician can give you a list of foods to use for sick days. Side Effects If you do not feel well while you are taking GLYADE then tell your doctor, pharmacist, or diabetes educator as soon as possible. All medicines can have side effects. Most of the time they are not serious but sometimes they can be. GLYADE helps most people with Type 2 diabetes, but it may sometimes have unwanted side effects. These can include: hyPOglycaemia and hyPERglycaemia. A section at the end of this leaflet contains advice about recognising and treating hyPOglycaemia and hyPERglycaemia runny or blocked nose, sneezing, facial pressure or pain, bronchitis, sore throat and discomfort when swallowing, upper respiratory infection, coughing, back pain, arthralgia, arthrosis, high blood pressure, chest pain, Headache, unusual weakness, Viral infection, urinary tract infection, dizziness stomach upset with symptoms like feeling sick, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation. decrease in the number of cells in the blood (e.g. platelets, red and white blood cells) which may cause paleness, prolonged bleeding, bruising, sore throat and fever have been reported. These symptoms usually vanish when the treatment is discontinued. Increase of some hepatic enzymes levels, and exceptionally a liver disease, your vision may be affected for a short time especially at the start of treatment. This effect is due to changes in blood sugar levels. Other side effects are usually mild when they occur. Do not be alarmed by this list of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them. However if you do - or if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell - you should consult your doctor or pharmacist. Other uncommon side effects have been reported and you may wish to discuss this issue with your doctor, pharmacist, or diabetes educator. If any of the signs below occur stop taking GLYADE then tell your doctor immediately or go to the Accident and Emergency department at your nearest hospital: Skin rash, redness itching and/or hives, blisters, angioedema (rapid swelling of tissues such as eyelids, face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat that may result in breathing difficulty) have been reported. Rash may progress to widespread blistering or peeling of the skin and may be the first sign of rare life threatening conditions (e.g. Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and severe hypersensitivity reactions (DRESS). Exceptionally, DRESS have been reported: initially as flu-like symptoms and a rash on the face then an extended rash with a high temperature. As for other sulphonylureas, the following adverse events have been observed: cases of severe changes in the number of blood cells and allergic inflammation of the wall of blood vessels, reduction in blood sodium (hyponatraemia), symptoms of liver impairment (e.g. jaundice) which in most cases disappeared after withdrawal of the sulfonylurea, but may lead to life-threatening liver failure in isolated cases. After taking GLYADE Storage Keep your tablets in the pack until it is time to take them. GLYADE will not keep as well outside its blister packaging. Keep them in a cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30C. Do not store medicines in the bathroom or near a sink. Do not leave them in a car or on a windowsill. Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines. Keep GLYADE tablets where children cannot reach them. A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines. Disposal If your doctor tells you to stop taking GLYADE, or the tablets have passed their expiry date, return any leftover tablets to your pharmacist for disposal. Product description What it looks like GLYADE tablets are round, white and cross-scored on one side. GLYADE tablets come in a blister strip. Each box contains 100 tablets. Ingredients Each tablet of GLYADE contains 80mg of gliclazide as the active ingredient and a number of inactive ingredients. The inactive ingredients in GLYADE tablets include lactose monohydrate, maize starch, purified talc, magnesium stearate and pregelatinised maize starch. The tablets are gluten free. Manufacturer/Distributor GLYADE is a product discovered and developed by Servier Research International. It is distributed in Australia by: Alphapharm Pty Ltd trading as Viatris Level 1, 30 The Bond 30-34 Hickson Road Millers Point NSW 2000 www.viatris.com.au GLYADE is registered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods. Australian Register Number: AUST R 70433 Recognising and treating hyPOglycaemia (very LOW blood sugar levels) Hypoglycaemia may occur during GLYADE treatment. The first signs of hypoglycaemia are usually weakness, trembling or shaking, sweating, lightheadedness, dizziness, headache or lack of concentration, irritability, tearfulness, hunger, and/ or numbness around the lips and tongue. At the first signs of hypoglycaemia take some sugar to raise your blood sugar level quickly. Do this by eating 5 to 7 jelly beans, 3 teaspoons of sugar or honey, drinking half a can of non-diet soft drink, taking 2-3 glucose tablets or a tube of glucose gel. Then take some extra carbohydrates - such as plain biscuits, fruit or milk - unless you are within 10-15 minutes of your next meal. Taking this extra carbohydrate will help to prevent a second drop in your blood glucose level. If not treated quickly, hypoglycaemia symptoms may progress to loss of co-ordination, slurred speech, confusion, fits or loss of consciousness. If hypoglycaemia symptoms do not get better straight away after taking sugar then go to the Accident and Emergency department at your nearest hospital - if necessary by calling an ambulance. Contact your doctor or diabetes educator for advice if you are concerned about hypoglycaemia. Deborah Alsina THOUGHT LEADERS SERIES ...insight from the worlds leading experts Please can you give a brief overview of the faecal immunochemical test (FIT) home screening kit for bowel cancer? FIT (faecal immunochemical test) is a screening test for bowel cancer which detects hidden traces of blood in stools. It is now used in population screening around the world including Italy, The Netherlands, France, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Slovenia, Malta, Japan, parts of Canada, and Southeast Asia. Screening Play Currently in the UK, the screening programmes in each of the devolved nations use the guaiac faecal occult blood test (gFOBt) which also detects hidden traces of blood in stools but is a less sensitive test. The UK National Screening Committee recently recommended the introduction of FIT to replace gFOBt, but this is yet to be approved in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, so we are calling for its swift introduction. However, Scotland has already agreed to introduce FIT and is working towards implementation. The NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme is designed to identify bowel cancer in people who have no symptoms. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland screening is available every two years to people aged 60 74. In Scotland it is available for those aged 50 -74. Eligible participants are sent a test in the post every two years. The current screening kit requires individuals to collect three samples of poo over two weeks. Regular screening can lead to detecting bowel cancer early when the chances of survival are high. How does the test work? Like the current gFOBt test, FIT requires patients to collect a stool sample at home but FIT requires only one sample rather than three required by gFOBt. It is easy and hygienic to post the completed test for analysis in a laboratory. FIT works by detecting tiny amounts of blood in the stool that could indicate cancer or large polyps, growths that can develop into cancer. FIT measures the level of blood in the stool and is sensitive to human haemoglobin whereas gFOBt only indicates the presence of blood. Because of this, it is more accurate than the current gFOBt. It is also a quantitative test and so, unlike the current gFOBt, the cut-off level for detecting blood in the stools can be adjusted to change the sensitivity of FIT. FIT has a relatively quick processing time between obtaining a sample and receiving a result. This turnaround time means that patients could receive rapid reassurance if their result is negative and also be referred quickly for endoscopy should their result be positive. Currently, how many of those invited actually take part in the NHS bowel cancer screening programme in the UK? What impact do you think the FIT will have on this figure? At the moment in some areas of the UK only a third of those who receive a test complete it, meaning thousands of people are missing out on the chance to detect bowel cancer early when it is easier to treat. Thats why, during Bowel Cancer Awareness Month in April we are focusing on screening. As 2016 marks the ten year anniversary of the introduction of bowel cancer screening in England, we are urging people to spread the word among their family, friends and colleagues to take the test. As FIT only requires one sample and the collection method is simpler, FIT has been shown to increase the number of people participating in the Bowel Cancer Screening Programme, particularly for previous non-responders and first-timers, as well as hard to reach groups, such as ethnic and deprived communities. Results from a recent pilot study showed that overall participation in FIT for first time invitees was 61 per cent compared with 50 per cent for the current test. One of the benefits of FIT is that because it is a quantitative test, sensitivity levels can be varied so that more cancers or their precursors, polyps, can be detected. However we know that a high sensitivity level will have a significant impact on colonoscopy services, particularly as many endoscopy units are currently struggling to cope with an increasing demand for the service. Therefore there is likely to be a staged implementation with sensitivity levels only being increased once endoscopy services can cope with the additional demand. Whilst this is pragmatic, it is essential that this does happen or it will have limited additional impact and lives will continue to be lost needlessly. How important is the early diagnosis of bowel cancer on survival chances? Genetics & Genomics eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today Early diagnosis is key because bowel cancer is treatable and curable especially if diagnosed early. In fact nearly everyone diagnosed at the earliest stage will survive bowel cancer, yet this drops significantly as the disease develops. What role does screening play in detecting bowel cancer in the earliest stages? How accurate is the FIT? Screening has a vitally important role in detecting bowel cancer early as it can detect bowel cancer before it becomes symptomatic, which can often imply later stage disease. There is a marked stage shift in those detected through screening to those detected after symptomatic presentation. A third of people (34 per cent) who are diagnosed with bowel cancer through screening are diagnosed at stage 1, the earliest and most treatable stage, compared to only six per cent of those who are diagnosed through emergency admission to hospital. One of the reasons we have been campaigning for the introduction of FIT is because of its accuracy. A FIT pilot study demonstrated a significant, two-fold increase in detection of cancers and a four-fold increase in advanced adenomas when implemented at 20 milligrams of haemoglobin per gram of faeces or 20g/g. Whilst it is unlikely that the test will be introduced at such a sensitive level, it does highlight the potential gains that are possible by implementing FIT. In contrast, the gFOBt only detects up to 50 per cent of bowel cancers in patients with no symptoms. You recently described colonoscopy services in the UK as struggling. Why do you think this is the case? There is an increasing demand for colonoscopy services due to an ageing population and roll-out of screening programmes, and its vital that these issues are resolved before they reach crisis point. Its worth noting that currently 24 per cent of bowel cancers are detected after an emergency admission when outcomes are frequently poorer. We need to change this and ensuring people can access timely diagnostic testing is part of the solution. In our report, Diagnosing bowel cancer early: right test, right time, we highlighted the increasing demand and how the lack of capacity is impacting on waiting times. Waiting for a diagnostic test can be a very stressful time and so it is important that people are not kept waiting more than six weeks. Added to this are other issues such as the difficulty in qualifying for an urgent referral and varying quality in services. It is also impacting on our ability to provide adequate surveillance screening for high risk groups, such as those with genetic conditions such as Lynch syndrome. Research has shown that services for people at high risk are at best patchy and that needs resolving quickly. The lack of capacity within our endoscopy service is a major challenge across the UK and over the last few years, there appears to have been a great deal of talk but not a lot of action in terms of resolving it. We need a national endoscopy training programme (200 non medical endoscopists is a good start but not enough) and a clear national strategy for addressing this quickly, if we are serious about saving lives from bowel cancer. Whats your vision for Bowel Cancer UK moving forwards? Last year, we announced an ambitious new agenda to become the UKs leading bowel cancer research charity, dedicated to stopping bowel cancer for good. This move into research will focus on improving access to early diagnosis, and best treatment and care, by unlocking the reasons people die, piece by piece. On World Cancer Day (4 February 2016) we launched our new 2016 research strategy and outlined a new research project bringing together 100 clinicians and scientists to identify critical gaps in current research into bowel cancer which, if addressed, we believe will help save the lives of thousands of people diagnosed with the disease. This landmark study will be the most comprehensive review of bowel cancer research ever to take place in the UK and will be chaired by Professor Richard Wilson, Clinical Director, Northern Ireland Cancer Trials Centre and Network, Queen's University Belfast and Ian Tomlinson, Professor at Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford and is being carried out in partnership with the NCRI CSG and the ACPGBI. Where can readers find more information? For more information visit bowelcanceruk.org.uk About Deborah Alsina Deborah began her career in publishing and has subsequently worked in the voluntary sector for nearly 25 years. She has worked with a broad range of organisations from academic think tanks to charities working on international human rights issues. Deborah joined Bowel Cancer UK as Director of Services and Strategy in June 2008, a year after losing her father to the disease and was appointed Chief Executive a year later. A determined advocate for earlier diagnosis and best treatment and care for all, Deborah represents the charity in numerous policy advisory committees relating to bowel cancer and also works with international partners on issues of shared concern. She is also increasingly involved in exciting new research collaborations. Frequently asked to give presentations and speeches about bowel cancer, Deborah is also proud to act as Bowel Cancer UK's lead spokesperson. Business / Companies by Staff reporter Indian giant car maker Tata International Limited has pledged to expand its business portfolio in Zimbabwe to include infrastructure development and pharmaceuticals.Tata chief finance officer Behram Sabawala said his company was looking for long term deals not "quick buck".He said Tata was confident the problems the country was facing were temporary.Distributors of Tata vehicles in the country Blackwood Hodge Zimbabwe general manager Elliot Shoniwa said Tata had huge plans.He said Tata was confident about Zimbabwe and that explains why it moved into the country at the height of economic challenges. AbbVie, a global biopharmaceutical company, today announced that 91 percent (n=20/22) of genotype 1 (GT1) chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected patients who failed previous therapy with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) achieved SVR12 with 12 weeks of ABT-493 and ABT-530 with ribavirin (RBV) in the primary intent-to-treat analysis. Additionally, 86 percent (n=19/22) of GT1 patients who received ABT-493 and ABT-530 without RBV, achieved SVR12.[i] SVR12 was achieved in 95 percent of patients with and without RBV (n=20/21, n=19/20; respectively) in a modified intent-to-treat analysis, excluding patients who did not achieve SVR for reasons other than virologic failure. Lab Diagnostics & Automation eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today The results were evaluated in the ongoing MAGELLAN-1 study of AbbVies once-daily, investigational, pan-genotypic regimen of co-formulated ABT-493 (300mg) and ABT-530 (120mg) for the retreatment of non-cirrhotic patients with GT1 chronic HCV who have failed previous therapy with DAAs. These data will be presented today at The International Liver Congress (ILC) 2016 in Barcelona, Spain. Retreatment options for those patients who have previously failed therapy are limited, and present a particular challenge for treating physicians, said Fred Poordad, M.D., vice president of academic and clinical affairs at The Texas Liver Institute in San Antonio. The high SVR rates seen in the ongoing MAGELLAN-1 study are significant as they show promise in addressing this particular clinical challenge. No patients discontinued treatment due to adverse events, and two patients experienced virologic failure, one from each arm. The most common adverse events (10 percent of patients overall; n=44) were headache (30 percent), fatigue (27 percent) and nausea (20 percent). While high virologic cure rates have been demonstrated in clinical studies with current DAA regimens, we recognize that not all patients achieve a cure, said Rob Scott, M.D., vice president, development and chief medical officer, AbbVie. Through our ongoing clinical development program, we are striving to give HCV patients a potential option for retreatment. AstraZeneca today reported new Phase I extended follow-up data on osimertinib in both first- and second-line treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), at the European Lung Cancer Conference (ELCC) 2016. Late-breaker presentations reinforced the efficacy and safety profile for osimertinib previously seen in the AURA clinical trials programme. Phase I data from the AURA trial on osimertinib investigated as first-line treatment in 60 patients (pooled 80mg and 160mg dose cohorts) with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation-positive advanced NSCLC showed an objective response rate (ORR, a measurement of tumour shrinkage) of 77% (95% confidence interval (CI): 64%-87%) and a progression-free survival (PFS) of 19.3 months, with 55% of patients remaining progression-free at 18 months (95% CI: 41%-67%).1 Median duration of response (DoR) was non-calculable (NC) (95% CI: 12.5 months to NC) at the time of data cut off, with 53% of patients continuing to respond at 18 months (95% CI: 36%-67%).1 Of the 60 first-line patients, five had tumours also harbouring the T790M mutation at diagnosis (known as de novo patients) and all five of these patients showed durable responses. The most common adverse events were rash (78% overall; 2% Grade 3), diarrhoea (73% overall; 3% Grade 3), dry skin (58% overall; 0 Grade 3) and paronychia (50% overall; 3% Grade 3). All of the Grade 3 or above events in these categories occurred at the 160mg dose. Klaus Edvardsen, Vice President, Clinical Oncology and Interim Head of Oncology, Global Medicines Development at AstraZeneca said: In a Phase I study with osimertinib as first-line therapy in EGFR-mutation positive NSCLC, we are seeing consistently durable responses. In many cases, responses continue for at least 18 months including in a small group of patients with the T790M mutation detectable at diagnosis. The ongoing Phase III FLAURA trial will further characterise the potential of osimertinib 80mg in the first-line EGFRm setting. Updated pooled results from AURA Phase II studies in 411 pre-treated patients with EGFR T790M mutation-positive NSCLC treated with osimertinib 80mg showed a median PFS of 11 months (95% CI: 9.6-12.4 months), an ORR of 66% (95% CI: 61%-71%) and a median DoR of 12.5 months (95% CI:11.1 months to NC).2 Pooled treatment-related adverse events data from the AURA Phase II studies included rash (41% overall; <1% Grade 3), diarrhoea (38% overall; <1% Grade 3), dry skin (30% overall; 0% Grade 3) and paronychia (29% overall; 0% Grade 3). Interstitial lung disease was seen in 12 patients (3% overall; 2% Grade 3), hyperglycaemia in 1 patient (<1% overall; 0 Grade 3) and QT prolongation in 14 patients (3% overall; 1% Grade 3). Osimertinib recently received accelerated approval as the first indicated treatment for patients with EGFR T790M mutation-positive metastatic NSCLC in the US, EU and Japan. The ongoing confirmatory Phase III trial, AURA3, is assessing the efficacy and safety of osimertinib versus platinum-based doublet chemotherapy in patients with EGFR T790M mutation-positive, locally advanced, or metastatic NSCLC who have progressed following prior therapy with an EGFR-TKI. AstraZeneca is also continuing studies in the adjuvant and locally-advanced/metastatic first-line EGFRm settings, in patients with and without brain metastases, in leptomeningeal disease, and in combination with other compounds. A simple but effective sensor for monitoring the respiration rate of individuals has been created. Taking advantage of the hygroscopic character of ordinary paper, scientists at Harvard University have developed an electrical sensor to detect the periodic changes of humidity by breathing in and out. As they report in the journal Angewandte Chemie, the respiration data can be transmitted to and collected by nearby smartphones or tablet computers for further processing, storage, or transmittance to practical therapists. A simple face mask carrying the sensor system and worn in hospital wards may thus save lives. A person's respiration rate often reflects their health status and physical condition. Second- to minute-long pauses in breathing characterizes sleep apnea, and breathing too fast at rest can give important prediction of cardiac arrest. Furthermore, athletes count on their breathing as an indication of fitness, favoring slow but deep breaths during exercises. How can breathing be monitored in a user-friendly, safe, and inexpensive way? Interestingly, there are few practical and cost-effective methods available to detect respiration rates, apart from simply counting the rising and falling of the chest. A team of chemists and bioengineers under guidance of George M. Whitesides have designed a low-cost monitoring system based on a paper patch that hosts the electrodes for the detection of the humidity changes in the paper fibers during respiration. The sensor is incorporated in conventional face masks used in hospitals. The scientists asked healthy individuals wearing these functionalized face masks to perform exercises at various levels and monitored the sensitivity of the sensor and the reliability of the data. In addition, they explored the conditions at rest by examining normal breath rates, pauses, and random combinations of fast, slow, shallow and deep breaths. The idea behind the system was that extra humidity by exhalation would increase the water layer on the cellulose fibers, while inhalation results in the opposite effect. "Essentially, the paper sensor transduces variations in the level of moisture of its immediate surrounding to an electrical signal," the authors say. The amplified and processed data are then transferred from data acquisition electronics to a smartphone or tablet computer running a convenient Android app to display and analyze the incoming data stream. "The system is non-invasive, and thus allows physical scientists access to physiologically relevant human data under simple IRB [Institutional Review Board] approvals," the authors state. It is the simplicity and the low cost combined with reliability that will make their paper-based electric respiration sensor highly attractive to the healthcare system. Chancellor George Osborne will today warn that resistance to antibiotics will become an even greater threat to mankind than cancer without global action. His comments will be presented in a speech at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) meeting in Washington today, 14th April 2016. Professor Colin Garner, the chief executive of Antibiotic Research UK (ANTRUK), the worlds first charity tackling bacterial antibiotic resistance, says: It is fantastic that the Chancellor will today highlight in Washington the threat of antibiotic resistance and that this may be larger than the cancer threat. Effective antibiotics underpin all modern medicine, including cancer treatments, surgery, childbirth and heart operations. We are in danger of going back to a pre-antibiotic era unless we very quickly find significant funds to find new antibiotics, as well as safeguarding our current ones. ANTRUK is working with Kevin Hollinrake, MP for Thirsk and Malton, to ask the government for funds to be given to charities such as ours. Whilst discussions have been going on over the past three years about global initiatives, we have raised sufficient funds to commence our first research project. The time for talking is over and we are looking to the UK Government to take a world leading role. The Chancellor has a fantastic opportunity to make this happen by working with UK stakeholders. Kevin Hollinrake MP for Thirsk and Malton and with a keen interest in antibiotic resistance and antibiotic drug development says: The Chancellors call today to world governments highlighting the issue of antibiotic resistance is to be welcomed. I am working with charity Antibiotic Research UK to request the UK government to provide UK solutions to the problem of antibiotic resistance by taking a world leading position. I am meeting with the Prime Minister shortly and will be asking him to provide financial assistance to those in the charity sector tacking antibiotic resistance. Lab Diagnostics & Automation eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today To meet the challenge of the rise in antibiotic resistant bacteria (superbugs), national charity Antibiotic Research UK is commissioning the first ever research programme to screen antibiotic resistance breakers against antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria. This will test whether existing therapies, already in use and being safely administered in humans, can be co-administered with antibiotics. This is the first of five projects to be carried out in the next 5 to 7 years, with the ultimate objective of developing new antibiotic therapies for use by the early 2020s to overcome superbugs. ANTRUK has ambitious goals to reverse the decline in antibiotic drug development particularly given the lack of appetite among big pharma to find new therapies. New research in laboratory animals suggests that the drug palovarotene may prevent multiple skeletal problems caused by a rare but extremely disabling genetic bone disease, and may even be a candidate for use in newborn babies with the condition. Scientists at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, who previously repurposed the drug to prevent excess bone formation in animal models of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP), have extended that research in animals carrying the exact human disease-causing mutation. In humans with FOP, an activating mutation in the ACVR1 gene triggers extraskeletal cartilage and bone formation and accumulation starting in early childhood. The extraskeletal bone occurs in muscles and other tissues where it does not belong. This pathological process, collectively called heterotopic ossification (HO), causes progressive loss of skeletal motion and hampers breathing and swallowing. Currently untreatable and painful, FOP often causes death early in adulthood. "This work represents a big step toward therapy," said co-study leader, Maurizio Pacifici, Ph.D., a developmental biologist and director of Orthopedic Research in the Division of Orthopedic Surgery at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). "The mice used in this study were engineered to carry the human mutation that causes FOP, and the drug showed powerful and comprehensive benefits for skeletal growth and function in addition to inhibiting HO. If these results translate to humans, we may be able to treat children with FOP early in life, before the disease progresses." The research appeared online March 12 in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. "This is the first study to show in the mouse model of FOP that the drug palovarotene inhibits and abates multiple musculoskeletal problems associated with FOP," said co-study leader Eileen M. Shore, Ph.D., a professor in Genetics and Orthopaedics at the Center for Research in FOP and Related Disorders in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Another co-author from Penn Medicine, Frederick S. Kaplan, M.D., is a world expert in FOP. Masahiro Iwamoto, D.D.S., Ph.D., also of CHOP, and a co-study leader with Pacifici and Shore, said, "This study has generated an unexpected and exciting finding, in that palovarotene appears to be better tolerated by mutant mice than control mice. If this finding translates to patients, the drug could be even safer for children with FOP than we previously realized." Genetics & Genomics eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today Palovarotene was originally tested in adults with emphysema. Although the drug was not then developed beyond phase 2 trials for that indication, it showed few side effects. As a retinoic acid receptor- (RAR-) agonist, palovarotene is a class of drug that selectively targets a regulatory pathway involved in cartilage formation. The extra bone that occurs in FOP appears first as cartilage before becoming fully mature bone cells. Iwamoto and Pacifici showed in 2011 that palovarotene inhibited HO in mouse models of genetic HO and injury-induced HO. The Department of Defense supported this research, given that injury-induced HO is prevalent in severely wounded soldiers. The current study extended that research by using palovarotene in a novel mouse model carrying the human mutation, ACVR1 R206H, that causes most cases of FOP. The drug had potent effects--it prevented HO, and also preserved limb motion and normal bone growth in young mutant mice. The benefits for growth were a welcome surprise, said Pacifici, because palovarotene and similar retinoid agonists can impair skeletal growth--a side effect seen in control mice. When the scientists gave palovarotene to nursing female mice, they passed along the drug's benefit to their offspring with the mutation. If the drug's benefits translate to humans, said Iwamoto, it could mean that newborn babies diagnosed with FOP could benefit from early treatment. "This is especially important, because once the extraskeletal bone forms in patients, it is permanent." A major complication of FOP it that surgeons cannot remove the excess bone tissue, because tissue damage and injury from surgery trigger even more bone formation and growth. In this study, palovarotene not only inhibited spontaneous HO, but also prevented HO when mice were experimentally injured. This is another indicator of the drug's potential benefits for humans--possibly allowing the safe removal of previously formed HO in FOP patients and preventing HO in the general population experiencing trauma or surgery. Clementia Pharmaceuticals is currently conducting phase 2 clinical trials in individuals with FOP, based on the 2011 preclinical results published by Iwamoto and Pacifici. That international study is being done at four sites, including the FOP Center at Penn Medicine, and is testing whether palovarotene is safe and effective in children and adults experiencing disease flare-ups. Source: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Scientists want to know whether taking antibiotics early in life can disrupt your immune system function lifelong. Regardless of our age, antibiotics at least temporarily wipe out many of the good gut bacteria, or microbiota, that help us digest and use food and eliminate waste. That may be particularly problematic for children because, up to about age 3, this useful group of bacteria also is helping educate their immune system about what to ignore and what to attack, said Dr. Leszek Ignatowicz, immunologist in the Center for Biotechnology and Genomic Medicine at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University. That means early antibiotic use may also have a lasting impact on the diversity of children's immune cells, specifically their T cells, that do both, potentially increasing their lifelong risk of inflammatory bowel disease, allergies and more, said Ignatowicz, principal investigator on a new $1.8 million grant from the National Institutes of Health that will help parse the impact. "There has to be that balance, and we think that in the early stage of life, balance is achieved by the microbiota dynamically educating plenty of peacekeeping regulatory cells," Ignatowicz said. The grant is enabling scientists to give commonly used, broad-spectrum antibiotics to younger and older mice, look at what that does to the diversity of the T cells in the gut, how long any impact lasts and whether the long-term result is a host of potential diseases that can result from an overactive or underperforming immune system. "We hypothesize that adult mice with a well-developed immune system will quickly rebuild their diversity as the flora rebuilds," he said. "But we propose that in younger mice, this will not occur as completely as it does in adults. That could mean that in young children, instead of millions of different bacteria in the gut, their T cells only interact with say 100,000, which will impact their diversity," Ignatowicz said. T cells have the ability to call the immune system to action or keep it nonresponsive. The healthy gut has more of the peacekeeping regulatory T cells to ensure control of the more aggressive effector cells. Ignatowicz notes this does not make the immune system centered in the gut weak, just balanced, both poised to attack invaders and ignore useful guests, like the gut microbiota. T cell education is supposed to work this way in the gut: Another type of immune cell, dendritic cells, literally holds up pieces of the bacteria mix - both from the individual and his/her environment, which essentially enables the immune system to grow accustomed to and accepting of the gut microbiota. Genetics & Genomics eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today Without a diverse microbiota, T cells may never learn to ignore these common environmental triggers, so rather than helping prevent inflammation - an early sign of attack - T cells will be more likely to promote inflammation that can result in a host of so-called autoimmune diseases, where the body essentially attacks itself, including Crohn's, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, an ample microbiota can even help convert some T cells that learned to be effectors in the thymus gland - where T cell education begins - to regulatory cells, he said. In fact, another primary aim of the new studies is to determine what percentage of the regulatory cells come directly from the thymus and how many get converted to peacekeepers in the gut. There is conflicting data, but Ignatowicz thinks most come from the thymus, a tiny gland behind the breastbone, but still have plenty to learn when they get to the gut. The fetus' gut is sterile, so microbiota begin to populate with the act of birth. In fact babies born by C-section start out with a different colony of microorganisms than those who came through the reproductive tract since there are different bacteria in the two locales. The microbiota further develop based on what touches the baby and vice versa, even kisses, as well as the bacteria on the food the baby eats and in his environment. Broad-spectrum antibiotics, which might be given for anything from a skin infection to bronchitis and tonsillitis, are notorious for wiping out the microbiota, which is why they often cause temporary diarrhea even in adults. Microbiota also quite literally take up important gut space, leaving less room for invaders, such as the feces-borne bacterium C. difficile, which is often spread by touch and in health care settings, causing diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain. In fact, taking an antibiotic is one of the more common reasons hospitalized patients get C. difficile. In a laboratory setting at least, scientists have shown mice missing their normal microbiota will even colonize with flora from the lake or soil, Ignatowicz said. While the mice live with their new flora, there are problems with an underdeveloped immune system. The objective of genetic medicine is to analyze all the genes that make up the human genome, in order to identify as many genetic diseases as possible. Indeed, each gene variation has the potential to trigger specific defects. Among all genetic conditions, diseases known as "recessive" occur only when both the father and the mother are healthy carriers of the same defective gene which can be passed down to their children. This category includes a disease that combines intellectual disability, epilepsy and hypotonia. In order to identify the cause of this disorder, researchers at the University of Geneva (UNIGE) sequenced the genomes of families presenting these symptoms, and identified the responsible gene: PIGG. In collaboration with a Japanese team, they were able to confirm its crucial role in the onset of this disease, opening the door to specialized diagnostics and prevention. Results can be read in The American Journal of Human Genetics. The human genome is composed of 20, 000 genes. As of today, 3,200 are known to cause diseases, of which 1,700 are associated with recessive diseases. In the idea of finding the cause of a specific intellectual disability with hypotonia and epileptic seizures, Periklis Makrythanasis, lead author of the study and a researcher in the Department of Genetic Medicine and Development at the UNIGE Faculty of Medicine, looked into the cases of consanguineous families presenting this disorder. Why consanguineous? Because the probability of suffering from a recessive disease is then higher, since both parents must carry the same genetic defect. There is therefore a higher chance of identifying a gene responsible for this syndrome by studying the members of an affected consanguineous family, he answered. This disease, however, does not only affect inbred groups; these populations are simply at higher risk of being affected. Genetics & Genomics eBook Compilation of the top interviews, articles, and news in the last year. Download a copy today The UNIGE researchers studied families in which several members presented these three symptoms. Using genome sequencing, they identified one gene which likely caused this intellectual disability. This gene, known as PIGG, is an important element in the protein production chain. Indeed, its role is to encode an enzyme that processes the modification of other proteins. If it dysfunctions, it prevents some of these proteins from being processed normally, and thereby causes intellectual disability, epilepsy, and hypotonia, which characterizes this syndrome. But once the gene was identified, the team still needed to confirm that it indeed caused the disease. "We entered PIGG into an international database, known as Matchmaker, in order to see if other researchers had also noticed this gene's involvement in people with similar symptoms. Luckily, Japanese and British scientists gave us a positive answer", explained Stylianos Antonarakis, head of the laboratory which conducted this study. In collaboration with researchers from the University of Osaka, led by Yoshiko Murakami, last author of this study, the scientists conducted in vitro experiments on the gene's biochemistry, which allowed them to confirm its role in provoking the disease. This discovery is significant for the research and prevention of recessive genetic diseases. Indeed potential defects in the PIGG gene can be detected by sequencing patients from consanguineous families or any family and this analysis can even be performed prenataly. "As personalized genetic diagnosis becomes possible, this disease will be identified among other people presenting the same symptoms. These results also pave the way for futur new treatment. To solve a problem, you need to identify the cause, which is what we have done here", concluded Periklis Makrythanasis. RICHMOND A letter from a rape survivor in New York to a conservative Republican senator in Virginia was the catalyst for legislation Gov. Terry McAuliffe signed into law Thursday to ensure that physical evidence in sexual assaults is properly retained and tested. Natasha Alexenko beamed as McAuliffe signed legislation sponsored by Sen. Richard Black, R-Loudoun, as well as an identical bill carried by Del. Rob Bell, R-Charlottesville, to ensure that rape kits are retained at least two years in cases when victims choose not to report the crime and tested within 60 days when they do. I was trying not to cry, she said after a bipartisan ceremony at the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Action Alliance near Willow Lawn. Alexenko, now 43 and living in Long Island, New York, was living in Newport News and working at the Mariners Museum in 2003 when she learned that the physical evidence collected when she was raped at gunpoint 10 years earlier in New York City finally had been tested. The test ultimately resulted in a DNA match in 2007 and conviction of the rapist a year later. She founded Natashas Justice Project to push for testing of physical evidence recovery kits from sexual assault cases around the country. What this does is it begins to link cases together and by linking cases together you take the serial offenders off the street, said Black, a former military prosecutor who began pushing for an audit of rape kits in Virginia after receiving a letter from Alexenko two years ago. Black, known for his conservative positions on abortion and other social issues, enlisted the help of an unlikely ally, the National Organization for Women, to introduce a bill in the waning days of the 2014 legislative session to conduct an audit that as of December had identified more than 2,900 untested physical evidence kits from Virginia rape cases dating as far back as 1988. He also found common cause with McAuliffe and Attorney General Mark Herring, both Democrats, to begin clearing the backlog of untested kits and establish standards to ensure proper handling and testing of physical evidence from sexual assaults in the future. It is a long overdue overhaul of the way we conduct investigations and handle evidence, said Herring, whose office secured a $1.4 million grant to hire a private company, Bode Cellmark Forensics, to test the kits, beginning with evidence that had been kept in cases in Virginia Beach and Fairfax County. McAuliffe, whose wife, Dorothy, served on the task force formed in 2014 to investigate the problem, included $900,000 in his pending two-year budget to allow the Department of Forensic Science to hire six DNA analysts to promptly test evidence collected in the kits in the future. The survivors of these malicious crimes are trusting in us to provide a full accounting of these cases and to bring perpetrators to justice, the governor said before signing the bills. Dana Schrad, executive director of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, said many of the kits in the backlog went untested because of budget cuts that limited the capacity of the Department of Forensic Science to handle them, not because of neglect by law enforcement. I know law enforcement is thrilled about this because they want this, Schrad said. They want the kits tested whether they have an open case or not. McAuliffe also signed a separate bill introduced by Black to allow a minor to consent to testing of physical evidence in a sexual assault, even if the parent or guardian does not. Black said the law is needed especially in cases in which the parent or guardian is a potential suspect. He also signed legislation sponsored by Del. Eileen Filler-Corn, D-Fairfax, and Sen. Barbara Favola, D-Arlington, to require the state to develop curriculum and provide training for law enforcement officers in how to respond in sexual assault cases and treat the survivors of the assault. The bill was part of Herrings legislative package, which reflected the recommendations of the Governors Campus Sexual Violence Task Force, which he chaired. The Department of Criminal Justice Services will develop the curriculum and oversee the training of law officers, including campus police at colleges and universities, prosecutors, administrators responsible for enforcing federal laws to prevent discrimination against women in higher education, and others who respond to cases of sexual assault and violence. For Black, the letter from Alexenko, dropped off at his office by a friend of hers from Virginia Beach, was a revelation. I never knew there was such a thing as an untested rape test kit, said Black, a Marine combat veteran who also served as a major in the Judge Advocate General Corps and later directed the Army criminal law division at the Pentagon. He introduced Alexenko at the ceremony and credited her for the legislation. There wouldnt have been one person in this room if it wouldnt have been for her, he said after the ceremony. We wouldnt have known about it. Business / Local by Staff Reporter Government has invited Togolese President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe to officially open the 57th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo.The exhibition runs from April 26 to 30 under the theme "Innovate -Integrate-Industrialise".Last year, Zambian president Edgar Lunga was the main man.Industry and Commerce Minister Mike Bimha is quoted saying:"The trade fair will be held under the theme Innovate, Integrate and Industrialise'."The theme fits the purpose because it recognises that the only way to grow the Zimbabwean economy is to improve the competitiveness of locally produced products through industrialising the manufacturing sector," said Bimha.Last week, ZITF board chairman, Bekithemba Nkomo, said 63 percent of local exhibitors would come from Harare, while 28 percent would come from Bulawayo. The rest would come from other cities around the country."At this year's edition, Harare based companies account for 63 percent of participation," Nkomo said. Like many of her coworkers, Felicia Johnsons favorite part of her job at Lynchburg Sheltered Industries is the paycheck. The 28-year-old is one of about 25 people with intellectual or developmental disabilities at the nonprofit facility participating in the prevocational service being phased out as the state restructures its Medicaid waiver system. I like the work, not sitting at home, said Johnson, who has worked at LSI for five years. The Medicaid waivers system uses state money to draw matching federal dollars to help support people with disabilities through a range of services. LSI staff is worried they no longer will be able to provide pay through work after the redesign goes into effect July 1. Many nonprofits are in the process of figuring out how to adapt their programs and shift with the bureaucracy. Its in flux right now, and I think a lot of providers are not sure whats going to happen. Obviously, were one of them, LSI Executive Director Cecil Kendrick said. The redesign is meant to address a backlog of more than 10,000 people waiting for waivers as well as meet the settlement Virginia made with the Department of Justice in 2012 after failing to reach standards of federal law. DBHDS Director of Community Services Heather Norton is working her way to organizations affected by waiver restructuring. She said LSI is on the list. They have to do business differently than it previously has been done, so were working with them to navigate what services are going to look like in the future, Norton said. Kendrick said his understanding is LSI will not be able to provide work and a paycheck to these individuals. LSI is trying to get certified to provide day services. Norton said the day service section will cover work-for-paycheck programs. There are some misconceptions out there for people, but there is nothing under day services that prohibits somebody from getting paid, Norton said. ARC of Central Virginia, which provides day services for people with disabilities, is in the process of adapting to meet new requirements and keep waiver money coming in. ARC Executive Director Karen Wilder is set for training through DBHDS next week. We dont have the complete regulations on how exactly its going to work for day support, so thats kind of up in the air. Were just trying to figure out how thats going to affect us, Wilder said. Each plan must meet a 2014 rule by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services requiring people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to be as integrated into communities as possible. CMS is reviewing the waiver redesign. The same shift in philosophy resulted in the DOJ agreement and plan to close the Madison Heights Central Virginia Training Center in 2020 by gradually moving residents into group homes. Many guardians for people at the center contest it works for everyone. Its all about environment. They want folks with disabilities to be out in the community and be doing things out in the community, whether its work-related or volunteer-related or just getting out do things and interact with the community, Wilder said. Kendrick said he is concerned LSI might not meet requirements for community integration, although the facility is in the industrial park off Odd Fellows Road. Most of those in the prevocational program sit in tables of three in one area of the warehouse. Across the high-ceilinged room a mix of long term employees who are disabled and those who are not convert cardboard boxes. Because we have a large congregate of people with disabilities, they view that as not necessarily totally integrated into the community like I guess working for Areva or Centra Health or even The News & Advance, Kendrick said. Johnson examined a wire hanger with her hands and straightened out a dent. She set the bottom against the table to verify it was appropriately flat. After she and others return hangers to shape so they may be fed through a machine, the hangers will return to Bedford County uniform service Cintas with which LSI contracts. Each person with a disability has a service plan with skills they need to work, such as focus or behavior issues. The people in the prevocational training program the middle tier of three have varying degrees of verbal ability. Many dont speak in sentences. The service we provide them are job supports, Kendrick said. Some individuals with disabilities, they require more supervision, different kinds of supports for them to be able to maintain employment. LSI uses a Department of Labor formula allowing pay lower than minimum wage for people with disabilities depending on the amount of work they are able to do. There are people who love coming to work here every day. They may not make a ton of money, but they enjoy coming to work. They enjoy hanging out with their friends, and that may be going away, Kendrick said. Not to say theyre going to be left out in the cold, but its not going to be the same. The United Steelworkers Union which represents employees at the Goodyear plant in Danville is conducting its own investigation of Tuesdays fatal accident at the plant. Mike Wright, the unions director or health, safety and environment, said the USW based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania immediately sent an investigator to the plant after hearing of the accident. He has been there the last couple of days, Wright said Thursday afternoon. A union official also is assisting the family of the victim, Greg Cooper, 52, of Chatham, who worked at the plant for 18 years, Wright said. We try to investigate every fatality, Wright said. We also send someone to work with the family to make sure they get the benefits they are entitled to. The union also is arranging counseling for those affected by the incident, Wright said. Of course, were all really devastated when anyone in one of our workplaces is killed, he said. The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Goodyear officials are investigating the incident. Wright said USW officials are in talks with the company and union members following the accident. There will be some intense discussions with the company about what we need to do about this, and with the members, Wright said. This will go on at the plant level and the corporate level. Tuesdays fatality was the third at the plant in eight months. Goodyear previously had a fatal incident in Danville in 2007, according to OSHA. Goodyear shut down following Tuesdays incident and employees return to work Friday. They were paid while the plant closed production. The USW tries to investigate every serious workplace incident where it has membership, Wright said. The USW the largest industrial union in North America has about 850,000 members in the United States, Canada and Aruba. The union investigated about 70 serious workplace incidents last year, Wright said. USW will investigate incidents at its workplaces that involve non-members, as well, he said. We can learn something from all these accidents, he said. Workplace hazards dont discriminate. They dont care whether or not youre a member. When someone is injured or killed, thats a point in which were all brothers and sisters. Wright declined to comment on what happened in Tuesdays accident and said the unions probe could take days or months. OSHA safety director outlines procedures in Goodyear investigation Goodyear employees are being paid during the Danville plants temporary closure following the death of a worker there Tuesday morning, said a company spokeswoman. GamesRadar+ is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Heres why you can trust us. HARD TIMES FOR GOD Anglican Bishop Claude Berkley yesterday said the church has had to scale-down its annual Family Day in an effort to save $300,000. We had to scale down on some of the functions we have planned, the Bishop told Newsday. For this year our Family Day on Corpus Christi will no longer take place at UWI. It will instead be observed in individual parishes as opposed to at a central location where there would be less cost for infrastructure and reduced overheads. He said the Church has determined it cannot afford to spend money on tents, stages, transport costs, audio equipment, and various facilities for children that would have been required at a centralised event. Last year, the event was held at Tobago. The Bishops disclosures came one day after Finance Minister Colm Imbert, in an interview with Newsday, announced he would ask civil servants to draw up guidelines to limit State sponsorship disbursed to organisations like churches and NGOs in light of the economic slump. In the Senate on Tuesday, it was disclosed that in October 2015 and November 2015, while the State was implementing fiscal restraint, at least two State enterprises were giving out financial assistance to entities such as: the Inner Circle of Jesus Christ, San Fernando; United Praise Agency, Ste Madeleine Village and the Brother Jerome Foundation, San Fernando; St Augustine Anglican Church, La Brea; Holy Name Convent, Point Fortin; St Michaels Spiritual Baptist Church, La Brea and the Anglican Church in La Brea. The Anglican Bishop yesterday said the church has already begun to see a fall in its revenues but he nonetheless backed Imberts move to regulate sponsorship. We depend on people giving donations, Berkley said. There are some investments but those are not yielding big returns these days given the climate that we are in. And now the peoples ability to donate has been affected. We must implement extra fund-raising initiatives. He said he was in support of the Minister of Finances move to limit State sponsorship. I think the Government has a responsibility to try to manage what funds are available and if that is the position we will have to seek to live with it, the Anglican Bishop said. While the churches need the financial support, we also have to exercise some core responsibility. Berkley said the Anglican Church has received support from the State from time to time. The Anglican Church was among several entities which received donations from the Peoples Partnership administration. For Christmas 2015, a series of organisations received $55 million, in a move that led then Opposition Leader Dr Keith Rowley to ask, is this a gift or is this a bribe? In terms of the impact on congregations, Berkley said the Church has had to offer more counselling, particularly to people who have lost their jobs. The people are lamenting the cost of living and the high cost of goods which is affecting them and the proposed changes that are coming, the Bishop said. Roman Catholic Archbishop Joseph Harris yesterday said the Catholic Church is bracing for the impact of the recession. It has just started, Harris said. We have not begun to see anything as yet. But he said the Church was catering for more persons turning to it. During a recession, more people go hungry people, more people need essential services and cannot get them, the Archbishop said. The Church will have to respond as best as she can. Harris welcomed Imberts move to regulate sponsorship, saying the State should not be sponsoring churches in the first place. I dont believe in a secular society the State should be helping out the Church, the Archbishop said. That is something for people to do themselves. Give back to Caesar what is Caesars and to God what is Gods. News / Africa by Staff reporter JOHANNESBURG - Officials at the Zimbabwe's embassy in Pretoria were taken to task yesterday by protesting members of a new party, Zimbabwe People First (ZPF), which was recently formed by sacked deputy president of that country, Joice Mujuru.The protesters were demanding the right to vote in Zimbabwe polls from South Africa, where they reside.Insults were hurled at the embassy's minister counsellor, Simon Chisorochengwe, who came out to receive the protesters memorandum. He was closely guarded by members of the South African Police Service.The protesters, wearing white ZPF T-shirts, became agitated when Chisorochengwe told them that Zimbabwe's Ambassador to South Africa Isaac Moyo was not available.The protesters then asked Chisorochengwe to explain what his title "minister counsellor" means.Chisorochengwe told retorted: "Take time to read the Vienna Convention."His remarks drew and angry response."This is not Vienna, you old man. We don't read Vienna Conventions, which do not help us. Just tell us what is your job in there," shouted one protester, who only identified himself as Thomas.Interim convener of the party in South Africa Lawrence Mavhaire weighed in: "This is the problem with our Zimbabwean government. We are asking you to introduce yourself and you tell us about Vienna. How is that going to help us?"As the shouting intensified Chisorochengwe retreated into the safety of high security gates of the embassy. "We will shut this embassy," shouted a protester.Before long the protesters started chanting "Chisoro must fall".When Chisorochengwe eventually returned to the high security gates, Mavhaire said he would only hand him the memorandum if he came outside the secure enclosure. He later handed the memorandum over.Mujuru was booted from both Zanu PF party and the Zimbabwe government in December 2014 at the sixth Zanu PF congress. She was sacked after a spirited attack by First Lady Grace Mugabe during her Meet the People Tour rallies who alleged Mujuru was planning to assassinate Mugabe.After keeping Zimbabweans guessing over her next move, she went on to launch the ZPF movement with other former Zanu PF heavyweights who had been ousted. Mujuru has said her ZPF party would give the vote to millions of Zimbabweans based outside the country.She also said her party would repeal the controversial Public Order and Security Act, realign the Criminal Code Codification and Reform Act, ensure the Electoral Act would fully comply with the county's constitutional provisions and requirements.Mujuru said the party would respect property rights through addressing historical compulsory acquisition by way of compensation. Church leaders tell Colm, rethink cuts National Bishop for the Pentecostal Assemblies of the West Indies (PAWI) Hazrat Ali said, when you look at the social ills of our society, people who seem to respond first and continue to really make an impression on these ills of society, are the religious organisations . And when I say religion, I dont only mean people who belong to the Christian realm. On a continual basis, the religious community continues to impact the social fabric of our society. So I believe that is something that should be rethought, because the religious community is doing a lot. Ali said that while he could understand this could be an interim decision given the economic climate and Imbert cannot please everyone, he does not advise limiting funds in the long term, given that churches are usually first responders when dealing with social ills . Sat Maharaj, Secretary General of the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha (SDMS) agreed with Alis perspective that religious organisations play a very important role in the development of society and therefore, it is essential the State continues to fund them. In Maharajs view, churches whatever denomination reach out to the community and while they receive private funding, they still depend in large part on State funds . It is my view that a large part of the funding must come from the state itself, Maharaj added . Whereas we get private donations, we still depend on a large part on state donations because we are doing the job the state cannot do. The SDMS leader did, however, take issue with the fact that only certain churches have been receiving state funding . Head of the Anjuman Sunnat ul Jamaat Association (ASJA) Yacoob Ali, inveighed against the Finance Ministers decision, saying, Anybody is free to spend their money in the way of the Lord, whatever they want to do with it, once theyre not breaching any practice in the country . If he has the reasons for not giving churches funds to do their work, he can go to Parliament and pass a law that it wouldnt be tax deductible. That is the most he can do. He can make it tax deductible, but if someone wants to give in the way of the Lord, no government has the authority to stop that.. . If they want to help a church, a mandir or a mosque, they are free to do that. Head of the Inter Religious Organisation (IRO) Harrypersad Maharaj, agreed that churches are important to society and called for Imbert to have a consultation with religious heads before taking any decisions . He went on to say that at this time, during the recession, when several persons have been laid off, and an increase in murders has been predicted, it is of the utmost importance that the State continues to financially assist religious bodies. Churches are where people turn, he said, for solace . Dillon seeks info on State witness The letter was sent by Attorney Ramdeen on Monday to Minister Dillon who said that he is yet to receive the correspondence, however he added that having read about the concerns expressed by State Witness WPC Nicole Clement, he will be seeking the necessary information from Acting Police Commissioner Stephen Williams on the matter and then will be in a better position to respond. Minister Dillon was expected to meet with the Acting Commissioner yesterday following his Cabinet meeting. Newsday understands that when the plight of WPC Clement was featured in the media on Tuesday a meeting was held between the police, the Office of the DPP and Colonel Ainsley Bishop, who are all responsible for the affairs of state witnesses. However, up until yesterday State Witness Clements situation regarding her many grouses had not been rectified, and sources revealed that she was planning to walk out of the programme now that her 48 hour ultimatum to the Minister of National Security to rectify her ills has not borne fruit. Newsday also understands that another female state witness has already walked out of the programme claiming that she could no longer felt safe. Port retirees seek higher pensions We are seeking an increase in pension which was supposed to take effect since 2013, Hernandez said. We were able to get the management of the Port Authority and the union to reach an agreement. But when the matter was sent to the UNC-led Government it was too late, they could not do anything because the election was right there. The agreement was reached in September 2015. He said documents were lodged with the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure three months ago but there is yet to be a response. Therefore, they were bringing the matter to the attention of the Office of the Prime Minister. 10-hour surgery for Las Cuevas cliff victim Antonio is expected to make a full recovery, but will have to undergo rehabilitation therapy for a period of about eight to ten months, her friend Aubrey Bre Clarke told Newsday. Initially family members had been told that the surgery would have lasted about four to six hours. Clarke, said on his online gofundme web page, that after the surgery the surgeon told them that the procedure was extremely complicated. The surgeon also said that the injuries were more severe than they first thought. She is also expected to make a full recovery with months of therapy. The damage, he said, was more severe than the X-rays done at the Port-of-Spain General Hospital (PoSGH) showed. Antonio, who suffered multiple fractures to her pelvis and sacrum, a broken right leg and right heel, was due to have another surgery done on the heel. She was also due to have two more CT scans to ensure that everything was set properly and another to ensure there was no additional damage to the chest cavity, Clarke said. Antonio already had one CT scan on arrival at the trauma hospital in Toronto. She was hospitalised at the PoSGH for two weeks, where she had none and where was informed that they could not treat her multiple fractures. After Antonio had been wheeled back to her room from surgery, Clarke said, Elissa called me over, slowly moving her finger, and when I got close I thought she was going to tell me something deep and she whispered, I feel like one of the Fantastic 4. Dillon attends regional Defence Ministers meeting Delegates also heard from Minister Dillon about the importance of building a robust defence response to new and existing threats. He said as new threats of war have moved from the battlefield to the doorsteps of citizens, and they have a responsibility to defend. The defence and security challenges, as well as the changing reality of our times require an on going assessment of instruments and mechanism of appropriate cooperation amongst States. The issues of drug trafficking, the issues of money laundering, the illegal movements of ammunition are similar throughout the hemisphere. Dillon added, As we discuss issues pertaining to the military role, environment, as we discus issues pertaining cooperation collaboration, I charge you as you do so with an underlying philosophy and that philosophy must be grounded in two words, cooperation and collaboration. 'He Had the Chance to Go in and Save the Children' News / Africa by Joan Clos Africa Renewal: What are the consequences of Africa's fast-growing urbanization, and should Africa control this phenomenon? So what you are saying is that urbanization can bring benefits? Many African governments tend to develop new megacities in order to decongest existing cities. Is this sustainable or a fire brigade solution? What kind of support does UN-Habitat provide to national governments to develop environmentally sustainable human settlements? New cities are springing up in Africa but so too are slums. What kind of policies should African governments adopt to address the proliferation of slums? Are there best practices in the world that African countries can adopt? What can we learn from Kigali or Lagos? The major event on your calendar this year is Habitat III. How significant is this event for the African continent? What outcome can African leaders expect from Habitat III? Many African countries face huge urbanization problems. Without resources, how can such countries implement policies that provide for adequate human settlement? Are there elements of the recently signed Paris agreement on climate change that illuminate the work that you do? Lastly, what is your message for Africa? Joan Clos is the Executive Director of the Nairobi-based United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). In this interview with Newton Kanhema for Africa Renewal, Dr. Clos talks about the effects of urbanization in Africa and the forthcoming Habitat III, a major UN conference on housing and sustainable urban development to be held in Quito, Ecuador, in October 2016. The following are excerpts:Joan Clos: The share of the population living in African urban areas now is about 30%, but will rise to 50% in a very short period of time. That will present several challenges in both governance and the capacity of cities or even national government to react. It's important to have a national urban policy which can be transformed into local initiatives. Urbanization is more of an opportunity than a challenge because it goes in parallel with development. If governments plan and design urbanization well, they will enjoy the benefits that urbanization brings to a society. Urbanization will be a big opportunity for Africa in the coming years.Yes. In the way and pace that African societies are going, urbanization is a consequence of development and also the driving force for accelerating this development.Megacities tend not to be sustainable but they are good evolutions for economic prosperity if they are well planned. In fact, there are many big cities around the world that are much bigger than the megacities of Africa. Tokyo, for example, has more than 35 million people, compared to some of Africa's megacities that have around 10 to 12 million people. The question is not the size but the capacity of the cities to develop, not spontaneously but in a well-designed and well-planned manner. The problem is not the emergence of megacities, but the lack of planning. The challenge is how to transform megacities so they can be productive without accumulating the problems of unplanned urbanization.We provide advice to member states on strategies that can be applied to urbanization to increase efficiency and productivity. This includes suggesting a national urban policy composed of three pillars. The first pillar is rules and regulations; this is important because urbanization is about the rule of law. The second pillar is about the quality of urban design, and the third is financial planning. Urbanization is a costly exercise which requires a lot of resources.Slums are a natural consequence of spontaneous urbanization. In that sense they should be considered a temporary outcome of development. In order to prevent the slums, we need to accelerate development. Slums should be integrated in a much better manner with proper rights to housing. You cannot fight slums in an isolated manner. What you need is an integrated policy that addresses the livelihoods of people, such as employment, income, training and human capital. Authorities need to provide affordable houses for the middle class. It's a long and difficult process; there's no radical solution.Well, there is a lot of experience in and outside the region. There are no easy and quick solutions to urbanization because it is a process of transforming a society and it requires time. What is important is to approach the question with a good strategy and a midterm and long-term vision. And this is what we providea framework of ideas that address different problems that cities face. We are helping Kigali to introduce new concepts for city extension, well-planned urbanization, quality public spaces and a balance between public spaces and buildable plots. In Lagos we have a very interesting case of a big city that, although it's mentioned as one of the mega-capitals of Africa, has the capacity to initiate policies that can generate income, sustain domestic services and transform the wealth of its habitants. Lagos is a good example of the approach other African cities should adopt.This is a very important meeting taking place in Quito, Ecuador, 20 years after Habitat II, which took place in Istanbul, Turkey. Habitat III will be a review of urbanization over the past two decades. It will also be the beginning of a process to implement agreed strategies on urbanization for the next 20 years. There is no doubt that urbanization is going to accelerate over the coming years and Africa will experience the most rapid pace in the world. I am happy that African leaders are mobilizing their governments for Habitat III, as they will be actively participating, engaging and deepening the debate on urbanization over the coming years.Habitat III would provide an important opportunity for African leaders to share experiences on transforming urbanization as a tool for development. Very often we approach urbanization as a problem of poverty, lack of services, etc., and not as an opportunity to accelerate the pace of development. Habitat III will align urbanization as a development tool with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.The issue of financing urbanization is a very complex one but economists say the wealth that urbanization generates is much more than the cost of urbanizing. The question is how to share the wealth created by urbanization among all stakeholders. One of the tricky points that need to be addressed is that urbanization is not just building buildings, but finding a balance between the art and science of building cities and building buildings.Yes, climate change is important to urbanization. This is particularly so in the developed world, where cities are a source of greenhouse gas emissions. Yet the effects of climate change are most felt in the cities that do not have sufficient infrastructure. It's a complex equation that needs to be addressed globally. It means taking measures to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases and helping cities that suffer from the consequences to adapt to new conditions. In some parts of the world cities are the main emitters of greenhouse gases and in others cities suffer the worst from climate change.Africa has a huge opportunity to address the new challenges of urbanization. It's a wave and it's a process. They should devise strategies that focus on the capacity of urbanization to generate prosperity. The big question is how to direct this process, and with which objective and vision. I urge people in Africa and their governments to take urbanization as an opportunity and as a tool for development. (Newser) "I would like to see my parents prosecuted," 20-year-old Mariah Walton tells the Guardian. "They deserve it." Walton has pulmonary hypertension, a condition that has left her permanently disabled, requiring a breathing device and possibly, soon, a heart and lung transplant. The problem could have been fixed if a congenital hole in her heart had been closed when Walton was an infant or with treatment when she was a child. But her parentsfundamentalist Mormons living off the grid in Idahopreferred to rely on prayer. Now it's too late. The Guardian has an eye-opening look at the legal protections granted to faith healers in Idahowhich are keeping Walton from getting her wishand the lives those protections cost. Idaho is one of only six states that have laws preventing the prosecution of faith healers. Without them, Walton's parents could have faced medical neglect charges. But Walton is still alive; others aren't so lucky. The Followers of Christ, a Pentecostal sect of faith healers in Idaho, is estimated to have a child mortality rate 10 times that of the rest of the state. Walton and others have been trying to pass legislation to end the protection of faith healers, but Republican legislatorsone of whom calls the Followers of Christ "very nice people"refuse to even hear a bill. They use the First Amendment to justify the existing laws and the danger they put children in. Read the full story here. (Read more faith healing stories.) (Newser) Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton continued the newly aggressive nature of the campaign right from the get-go of Thursday night's debate on CNN. The first question was about Sanders' recent questioning of Clinton's qualifications to be president, and he began nicely enough in response. "Does Secretary Clinton have the experience and intelligence to be president? Of course she does," he said. "But I do question her judgment." He then ticked off a litany of familiar complaints, including her vote in favor of the Iraq war and her embrace of big money in the campaign. "Do we really believe when a candidate says she is going to bring change to America, when she is so dependent on big money," Sanders said. Clinton fired back, immediately bringing up Sanders' much-panned interview with the New York Daily News and suggesting that he's the one lacking in the proper qualifications. "I think you need to have the judgment on Day 1 to be both president and commander in chief," she said. As for the notion that she'd be swayed be the money of special interests, she said that President Obama also took advantage of a Super PAC and thus this is an attack on him, too. (The remark drew boos.) "This is a phony attack that is designed to raise questions when there is no evidence or support to undergird the insinuations he is putting forth in these attacks," she said. (Read more Bernie Sanders 2016 stories.) (Newser) North Korea's "Day of the Sun" became the "Day of the Flop" after an attempt to mark its founder's birthday with a missile launch fizzled, according to South Korean officials. An official from South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff says the missile launch from the country's east coast early Friday deviated from a normal trajectory, the Washington Post reports. An American military official says the US also detected and tracked the failed launch, which took place on the most important day in Pyongyang's calendar, the birthday of Kim Il Sung. Officials suspect the missile was a Musudan intermediate-range missile, also known as a BM-25, which Pyongyang has displayed in military parades but never tested before. The country fired a different kind of medium-range missile into the sea last month. Even North Korea's closest ally denounced the latest launch attempt, reports Reuters. The launch, "though failed, marks the latest in a string of saber-rattling that, if unchecked, will lead the country to nowhere," China's Xinhua news agency said. "Nuclear weapons will not make Pyongyang safer. On the contrary, its costly military endeavors will keep on suffocating its economy." (Seoul is getting some vital information from a high-level defector.) (Newser) A man billed as a "perfect donor" by a sperm bank turned out to be a mentally ill felon whose lies on his donor application weren't uncovered for more than a decade, according to families who are now terrified for their children's futures. On its website, Georgia-based firm Xytex described Donor 9623 as a completely healthy man with an IQ of 160 who was working on a PhD in neuroscience engineering, the Toronto Star reports. In reality, he was college dropout Chris Aggeles, a 39-year-old man who has been diagnosed with bipolar and narcissistic personality disorders and schizophrenia and has spent time in prison for burglary. His sperm was used to create at least 36 children in Canada, the US, and the UK between 2000 and 2014. Families discovered his identity after Xytex accidentally included his name in an email and they Googled his name. Three Canadian families with children between 4 and 8 years old are now suing Xytex, and lawyer Nancy Hersh says she may also file suits for British and American families, the Guardian reports. The lawsuit, which notes that schizophrenia can be hereditary, alleges that Xytex allowed Aggeles to keep selling his sperm even after problems surfaced. Angie Collins, one of the Canadian mothers suing, tells the Star that her big problem is not with Aggeles, but with the companies that sold his sperm without checking his background. Collinsdescribed by Hersh as the "Erin Brockovich of the sperm-bank set"has devoted much of the last two years to pushing for greater oversight of the industry to make sure this never happens again. (Here is what women do want in a sperm donor.) (Newser) Republican Gov. Bill Haslam on Thursday vetoed a bill seeking to make Tennessee the first state to designate the Bible as its official book, the AP reports. Haslam, who considered entering a seminary before deciding to join the family truck-stop business after college, said in his veto message that the bill "trivializes the Bible, which I believe is a sacred text." The bill had narrowly passed both chambers of the Tennessee General Assembly after sponsors said it aimed at honoring the significance of the Bible in the state's history and economy, as opposed to a government endorsement of religion. "If we believe that the Bible is the word of God, then we shouldn't be recognizing it only as a book of historical and economic significance," Haslam said. Lawmakers passed the bill despite the state attorney general's warning that it would violate both the US and Tennessee constitutions, the latter of which states that "No preference shall ever be given, by law, to any religious establishment or mode of worship." The bill is sponsored by Sen. Steve Southerland, an ordained minister, and Rep. Jerry Sexton, a retired Baptist pastor. Both are Republicans from eastern Tennessee. Both are vowing to mount bids to override Haslam's veto next week, which would require a majority in both chambers of the Tennessee General Assembly. Earlier in the session, the Legislature approved a resolution to add the .50-caliber Barrett sniper rifle to the state's official symbols plus nine state songs, including the moonshine-themed "Rocky Top." (Ancient letters suggest the Old Testament is a lot older than previously thought.) (Newser) A high school band director in Louisiana has been arrested after authorities say he was found hiding in a 16-year-old girl's closet, reports the AP. Jeremy Conner, 30, was charged Wednesday with indecent behavior with a juvenile. Ascension Parish Sheriff's Lt. Col. Bobby Webre said detectives began investigating the incident and learned that Conner had been communicating with the girl since last year. He says Conner admitted sending inappropriate text messages to the teenager. Conner is listed on Westgate High School's website as the band instructor. Iberia Parish Schools Superintendent Dale Henderson said in a statement that Conner is currently absent without leave. More charges are possible. (Read more Louisiana stories.) (Newser) Microsoft sued the Justice Department Thursday in a case that will test broad principles of privacy in the digital age. But the root of the complaint is far more specific: Microsoft says the feds have demanded access to customer data 5,624 times in the past 18 months and 2,576 of those demands came with gag orders that prevented the company from letting people know the US was snooping, reports TechCrunch. The government says it can do so under the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, but Microsoft argues that the law, written more than 30 years ago, is outdated and, worse, unconstitutional. The government has exploited the transition to cloud computing as a means of expanding its power to conduct secret investigations," says Microsoft. What's more, 1,752 of the demands were open-ended, meaning the government can keep spying on someone for as long as it wants. Some coverage: The suit "raises a fundamental question of how easily, and secretly, the government should be able to gain access to individuals information in the cloud-computing era," observes the Wall Street Journal. The key point of the case is that it "focuses on the storage of data on remote servers, rather than locally on people's computers, which Microsoft says has provided a new opening for the government to access electronic data," reports Reuters. Engadget notes the business angle: "Sure, Microsoft's lawsuit aims to protect civil liberties, but the company says it also wants to ensure it can continue to sell products that its customers can trust." The New York Times points out the broad scope: The suit, "unlike Apples fight with the Federal Bureau of Investigation over access to a locked iPhone, is not attached to a single case. Instead, it is intended to challenge the legal process regarding secrecy orders." (Read more Microsoft stories.) (Newser) The lower chamber of Brazil's Congress has begun debate on whether to impeach President Dilma Rousseff, with the crucial vote slated for Sunday, the AP reports. The government had carried out an unsuccessful bid before the country's Supreme Court to try to halt the process, but that appeal was lost, Reuters notes. The atmosphere in the lower Chamber of Deputies was electric at the start of Friday's session, with some congressmen chanting "Dilma Out!" before proceedings began. Lawmakers backing impeachment allege Rousseff's administration violated fiscal rules. They say the government used sleight-of-hand accounting in a bid to shore up public support. However, many of those pushing for impeachment face grave accusations of corruption themselves. Rousseff's defenders insist she did nothing illegal and say similar accounting techniques were used by previous presidents. The country's attorney general called the whole procedure "Kafka-esque" and said it meant Rousseff wouldn't be able to fully defend herself, Al Jazeera reports. If 342 of the lower house's 513 legislators vote in favor of impeachment, the process moves to the Senate, which would decide whether to open a trial. If the Senate moves to impeach Rousseff, she would be swapped out with Brazil's vice president, Michel Temer, as soon as May since she would be suspended from office for up to 180 days during the trial. (Read more Brazil stories.) (Newser) Guantanamo's oldest prisoner won't soon return to Pakistan or the US as he had hoped: The Guantanamo parole board has ruled that 68-year-old Saifullah Paracha will remain in custody as "a continuing significant threat to the security of the United States." The Pakistani businessman has been in custody since 2003 over claims that he worked with alleged 9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheik Mohammed to facilitate financial transactions and develop propaganda for al-Qaeda, reports the Miami Herald. Parachawho lived in the US from 1970 to 1986was also allegedly in contact with Osama bin Laden and researched chemical and nuclear materials for the terrorist group, though he was never charged with a crime. During a hearing on March 8, Parachawhose son was convicted of trying to help an al-Qaeda operative reach the USsaid he "never worked with anybody to harm anyone," was "duped" into handling certain finances, and only tried to secure an interview with bin Laden while chairman of a TV broadcasting studio in Karachi. The board says his "refusal to take responsibility for his involvement with al-Qaeda" and "refusal to distinguish between legitimate and nefarious business contacts" made their decision clear, though Paracha's lawyer says he "cannot show 'remorse' for things he maintains he never did." The prisoner will respond to the boards concerns in a review in October, his lawyer adds, per the AP. (Read more Guantanamo Bay stories.) News / International by Staff Reporter PETA Distributes 'Huntsman' Condoms as a Way to Nip Future Generations of Animal-Slayers in the Bud Harare - In the wake of the global outrage sparked by Walter Palmer's trophy hunt in Zimbabwe - during which the American dentist shot Cecil the lion with a high-powered crossbow and left him to suffer with a steel arrow through his body for more than 40 hours - notorious trophy hunters including Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump have received packs of complimentary Huntsman Condoms, camouflage-wrapped prophylactics that boast they are "a piece of safety equipment that makes no compromises on pleasure or performance". But a new video reveals the condoms' surprising source: PETA.The animal rights group distributed the condoms, with one aim: to encourage hunters to stop reproducing."Bad parents who gun down wildlife and stick animals' heads on the wall could pass their psychopathological bloodlust on to their kids", says PETA founder Ingrid Newkirk. "If our condoms have prevented even one more wretched hunter from being born, we have saved animal lives."PETA - whose motto reads, in part, that "animals are not ours to abuse in any way" - notes that hunters kill millions of animals every year and have contributed to the extinction of species all over the world, including the Tasmanian tiger and the great auk. Like Cecil the lion, numerous animals are injured but not killed by hunters, escaping only to die slowly and painfully from blood loss and starvation.For more information, please visit PETAAsia.com or PETA Asia's Facebook page. (Newser) A man convicted four years ago in the oldest cold case ever tried was freed Friday after an Illinois judge vacated his conviction and subsequent life sentence, CNN reports. According to CBS News, 76-year-old Jack McCullough was convicted of kidnapping a 7-year-old girl, choking her, and stabbing her to death in 1957. The case was reopened in 2008, and McCullough was arrested in 2011 and convicted the following year. After an appeal by McCullough, Illinois state's attorney Richard Schmack launched a six-month investigation that found what he calls "clear and convincing evidence" that McCullough is innocent. While the judge Friday vacated McCullough's conviction, he stopped short of declaring him innocent, and a new trial will be held, the Chicago Tribune reports. McCullough, who lived in the same neighborhood as the kidnapped girl, says he was 40 miles away at an Air Force recruiting center at the time of the kidnapping. It's an alibi that passed a polygraph test in 1957 and made it impossible for him to be the culprit based on the FBI's original timeline for the kidnapping. That timeline was later changed by police, and Schmack says documentsincluding phone and Air Force recordssupporting McCullough's alibi were wrongly not allowed at his trial. A friend of the kidnapped girl picked McCullough out of a photo lineup when the case was reopened. But his was the only non-yearbook photo in the lineup, and she picked a different man out of a photo lineup 50 years earlier. That info wasn't allowed at McCullough's trial either. No physical evidence was ever found to support McCullough's conviction. (Read more wrongful conviction stories.) Being known not only as the South Korea's nation MC, Yoo Jae Suk is also considered to be a respectable generous man. Yoo Jae Suk continuously warms every heart by doing good deeds. The nation's MC gave 50 million KRW ( about 43,000 USD) to the 'House of Sharing'. It was revealed upon the updated post of the homepage of Gwangju's 'House of Sharing' on April 14 regarding the donation Yoo Jae Suk offered. He had given 30 million KRW (approximately $26,000) toward the construction of the building, 'Human Rights Center for the Comfort Women Victims of Japanese Soldiers,' and for another 20 million KRW that's about $17,000 toward the welfare of the comfort women themselves for a total of 50 million KRW, according to allkpop. One of the managers of the said charity, An Shin Kwon, expressed his heartfelt thanksgiving for Yoo Jae Suk's donation to the charity and for not forgetting the comfort women despite his hectic schedule. Stating, "Up to now, Yoo Jae Suk has donated a total of 110 million KRW (~ 95,000 USD). He must be busy with his broadcasting activities, but he does not forget to put the elderly comfort women victims first, so we are grateful toward Yoo Jae Suk." This is not the first time Yoo Jae Suk donated to a charity; in fact, he started his generous deeds last 2014 and continuously donated to a series of organizations and charity. On March 9, Table Community Welfare Foundation x Coal Briquette Bank announced that the respectable host Yoo Jae Suk even paid for 100,000 coal briquettes worth up to 50 million KRW (approximately $42,000), said allkpop. Without doubt, Yoo Jae Suk really values the essence of generosity by returning it to his community. He is best known for being an MC and comedian in various television programs e.g. Infinite Challenge, Happy Together and Running Man. On Wednesday, almost 40, 000 workers of communications giant Verizon called a strike and walked off their station in one of the biggest union strike seen in the last 5 years. A labor impasse in 2011 also took the workers to the streets involving a much larger crowd of 45, 000 people. Workers were called into collective action by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers who represent Verizon workers in jobs such as frontline customer service, network technicians, and traditional wireline phone operations. Walkout could hamper Verizon's Fios Internet, telephone and TV services and business in a number of states in the East Coast. The walkout, however, does not include wireless operation which is also the company's biggest source of revenue and profits. Verizon stated that it had already prepared for such scenario as the company already trained non-union employees to prevent unwanted service disruption. "There's no way that these 10,000 people ... can make up for 40,000 people who have decades of experience (in highly technical jobs)," CWA representative Bob Master remarked as quoted by Reuters. What are Verizon workers complaining about? In recent years, Verizon has been outsourcing 5, 000 jobs or even more to countries with lower labor cost primarily the Philippines, Mexico, and the Dominican Republican. With more low-paid non-union contractors entering the fray, the picketers fear being sidelined to unemployment. "The main thing is that it's taking good-paying jobs and taking them away from the American public," said Ken Beckett, a technical telecommunications associate and a CWA member as reported by CNN Money. Meanwhile, self-confessed socialist and Democratic presidential aspirant Bernie Sanders joined the striking works after the mass walkout. "I know your families are going to pay a price," Sanders shouted as quoted by Associated Press. "On behalf of every worker in America who is facing the same kind of pressure, thank you for what you're doing. We're going to win this thing!" A lot has been said and written about Michael Schumacher and his health. However, nothing has been confirmed conclusively about whether or not he is recovering from his ski injuries. But Sabine Kehm says that even though the legendary F1 champion is in a serious condition, he is showing signs of improvement. Schumacher met with a ski accident in French Alps in December 2013 and has since been off the radar. According to an insider, he still remains in vegetative state, unable to speak and has a team of 15 top medical staff caring for him 24x7 at his mansion in Switzerland. Not much is revealed about Michael Schumacher and his health due to a media blackout. But Sabine Kehm, his manager, recently made an announcement that Schumacher is making progress, even if it is slow, in his rehab programme. There are as many as 15 people keeping a constant watch on his condition which costs about 100,000 weekly. Even though this was a tough decision for the family, Sabine said that it is very encouraging to see that Michael is making progress. In an interview she said, "We are happy to say still he does improvement and I say this always considering the severeness of the injury he had. But of course it will take a very long time for everybody involved to fight, and we are happy to take this fight." In another interview Sabine added that we "must always keep the seriousness of his injuries in mind". An insider also added that Schumacher is unable to talk or walk and that his "progress is painfully slow. There is no miracle on the horizon." It is Professor Jean Francois Payen is leading the team of professional doctors who are conducting brain operations and other medical procedures on Schumacher. New Delhi: The second phase of the fortnight-long odd-even scheme today rolled out in Delhi with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal appealing to the people of the city to join hands and make the road-rationing plan a success. Few vehicles are expected to be on the roads for three days beginning today as it is a holiday because of Ram Navami today and Saturday and Sunday follow. The effect of the scheme will be felt on Monday as officer goers and school children step out to reach their destination. Odd even starts today. Lets all join hands and resolve to make it a success, Kejriwal tweeted. (Also Read: Odd-even scheme: Check Delhi's air quality in real time with this Twitter app!) Metro and DTC have increased their services in order to accommodate load of passengers during the scheme. The government has prepared a plan to implement Odd-even scheme with deployment of 5,000 civil defence volunteers, 400 ex-servicemen and 2,000 traffic police personnel. (Also Read: Odd-even formula: Women will continue to be exempted) Government has formed 120 teams of the enforcement wing of transport department which will prosecute those violating the odd-even rule with imposition of a fine of Rs 2,000 on errant car drivers. 2,000 officials of Delhi Traffic Police will be deployed on roads daily. The traffic department has identified 200 intersections in the city where their personnel will be deployed in teams, with their sizes depending upon the volume of traffic in those intersections. Under the scheme, odd-numbered cars are allowed to run on odd dates while even-numbered cars are allowed on even dates. (Also Read: Odd Even Formula: No school buses to be used this time) For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. London: Shah Rukh Khan unveiled a new version of his famous wax figure at Madame Tussauds here to promote Fan, which releases today. In the new version, SRKs wax statue has been dressed as Gaurav, the character of an obsessive fan from the movie. The model will be open to public viewing at the London Eye, which is a first for any wax statue. Describing the experience of playing two different roles (Gaurav Chandana and superstar Aryan Khanna) as schizophrenic, SRK, 50, said when he watched the film, he failed to relate to Gaurav. It was awkward and strange to watch the twenty-something character onscreen, he told reporters. ( Also Read: Fan Movie Review ) With Fan, SRK returns to a genre he hasnt experimented with in years. He shot to fame with Anjaam and Darr where he played obsessive characters that established him as one of the promising newcomers of the time. ( Also Read: Karan Johar seeks Shah Rukh Khan's help to watch 'Fan' first ) Gauravs bitterness towards his favourite cine idol is what makes the premise interesting in Fan, the actor said. He (Gaurav) starts getting disappointed, which turns his whole life around. So, there is a darker side where it leads to an aggressive obsession and little bit of a revenge kind of a story. Its a completely new subject, never tackled before and very, very interesting, he said. ( Also Read: Hats off singers, but spare me from singing: Shah Rukh Khan ) For all the Latest Entertainment News, Bollywood News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. United Nations: Days after China blocked its bid at the UN to ban JeM chief Masood Azhar, India slammed use of hidden veto and demanded accountability, saying the world bodys general members are never informed of the reason for not acceding to requests for sanctioning terrorists. The procedures of unanimity and anonymity of the Al Qaeda, Taliban and ISIS Sanctions Committees need to be revisited. The procedures of unanimity and anonymity result in a lack of accountability, Indias Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin told the UN Security Council in an open debate on Threats to International Peace and Security Caused by Terrorist Acts here. Against the backdrop of China last month again blocking Indias bid to ban the mastermind of the Pathankot terror attack Masood in the UN Sanctions Committee, Akbaruddin said each of the 15 members in the committee now have a veto. Without naming China, he said none except these 15 members are told of who is it that has wielded the veto in a specific instance. The general membership of the UN is never ever formally informed of how and why requests for listing terrorists are not acceded to. Counter terror mechanisms such as the Sanctions Committees that act on behalf of the international community need to build trust not engender impunity by the use of this form of a hidden veto, Akbaruddin said. After the attack on the airbase in Pathankot in January, India had in February written to the UN calling for immediate action to list the chief of the Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) under the UN Sanctions Committee. The Indian 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 had said. All were told that if there are no objections, the designation will be announced after the expiry of the deadline but just hours before the deadline, China requested the UN committee to keep on hold the designation. When asked at a briefing earlier this month as to why China had put a hold on the listing request by India against Azhar, Chinese envoy and President of the Security Council for the month Liu Jieyi had said that any listing would have to meet the requirements, stressing that it was the Council members responsibility to ensure that the criteria were followed. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Beijing: Now robots can touch and sense objects around them, thanks to the scientists who have developed a self-powered, transparent smart skin. Endowing robots and prosthetics with a human-like sense of touch could dramatically advance these technologies. Scientists have come up with various smart skins to layer onto devices. However, boosting their sensitivity has involved increasing the numbers of electrodes, depending on the size of the skin. This leads to a rise in costs. Other systems require external batteries and wires to operate, which adds to their bulk. The researchers from Peking University in China created a smart skin out of ultra-thin plastic films and just four electrodes made from silver nanowires. Other prototypes contain up to 36 electrodes. Additionally, one component harvests mechanical energy - for example, from the movement of a prosthetic hands fingers - and turns it into an electric current. Therefore, the skin would not need an external power source. Testing showed that the skin was highly sensitive. It could feel a honeybee as it flew towards and away from the device. It also demonstrated electrical stability, maintaining the same level of output over 30,000 cycles. The study was published in the journal ACS Nano. For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. News / Local by Blessing Rwizi A 41-YEAR-OLD taxi driver last week lost his car to a stranger who claimed to be a traditional healer.Manica Post reported that Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa, confirmed the incident that happened at Meikles Park last Saturday at around 8pm.He urged motorists to desist from carrying strangers.Insp Kakohwa said Ben Muzaraweti was sleeping in his Toyota Ipsum, Registration Number ABV 9079 on the day in question when he was approached by the suspect."The man claimed to be a traditional healer and hired Muzaraweti to drop him at House Number 8, Haig Close, Westlea medium-density suburb where he wanted to see one of his clients."The two agreed, but upon arrival, the self proclaimed traditional healer asked Muzaraweti if he could give him the car to drive since his passengers were used to seeing him driving a car whenever he visited them. In a bid to please his client, Muzaraweti agreed and gave the wheel to the unidentified man, who then proceeded into the gate," said Insp Kakohwa."Muzaraweti took a walk with the belief that the man was surely dealing with his clients. When he returned after 20 minutes, the stranger had vanished with his car," he said.The car has not been recovered. New York: Indian-origin researcher Professor Shree K Nayar and his team of scientists from Columbia University have developed one of a kind flexible sheet camera. One can wrap the flexible sheet camera around objects of everyday use to click pictures that cannot be captured with conventional cameras. Nayar and team designed and fabricated a flexible lens array that adapts its optical properties when the sheet camera is bent. This optical adaptation enables the sheet camera to produce high quality images over a wide range of sheet deformations. Cameras today capture the world from essentially a single point in space, said Nayar. While the camera industry has made remarkable progress in shrinking the camera to a tiny device with ever increasing imaging quality, we are exploring a radically different approach to imaging, he said. We believe there are numerous applications for cameras that are large in format but very thin and highly flexible, he added. If such an imaging system could be manufactured cheaply, like a roll of plastic or fabric, it could be wrapped around all kinds of things, from street poles to furniture, cars, and even peoples clothing, to capture wide, seamless images with unusual fields of view. The design could also lead to cameras the size of a credit card that a photographer could simply flex to control its field of view. The new flex-cam requires two technologies - a flexible detector array and a thin optical system that can project a high quality image on the array. One approach would be to attach a rigid lens with fixed focal length to each detector on the flexible array. In this case, however, bending the camera would result in gaps between the fields of views of adjacent lenses. This would cause the captured image to have missing information, or appear aliased. To solve this problem, the researchers developed an adaptive lens array made of elastic material that enables the focal length of each lens in the sheet camera to vary with the local curvature of the sheet in a way that mitigates aliasing in the captured images. This inherent optical adaptation of the lens is passive, avoiding the use of complex mechanical or electrical mechanisms to independently control each lens of the array. The researchers arrived at their passively adaptive lens array by optimising its geometry and material properties. They fabricated their prototype lens array using silicone and demonstrated its ability to produce high image quality over a wide range of deformations of the sheet camera. The adaptive lens array we have developed is an important step towards making the concept of flexible sheet cameras viable, Nayar said. For all the Latest Science News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Puducherry: Even as most political parties in this Union Territory have announced their strategy for the May 16 assembly polls, the ruling AINRC is keeping everyone guessing as it is yet to spell out its plans. The Congress-DMK combine has already reached a seat-sharing pact and AIADMK has announced candidates for all 30 seats, while the five-party Peoples Welfare Alliance has also finalised the number of seats to be contested by them. But Chief Minister N Rangasamy is yet to announce the strategy of his All India N R Congress and is on a pilgrimage for the last two weeks visiting various shrines in Tamil Nadu seeking divine blessings. He has also visited a temple dedicated to his spiritual guru Appa Pythiasamy in Salem district as he always does before taking crucial decisions. AINRC stormed to power in 2011 Assembly polls in alliance with AIADMK months after it was founded by Rangasamy, who broke away from Congress. However, the alliance did not last long as Rangasamy ditched the AIADMK and formed the government with the outside support of the lone Independent member V M C Sivakumar. AIADMK has now announced its candidates for all the 30 constituencies virtually shutting its doors on AINRC. Incidentally, AIADMK had won the recent Rajya Sabha election from the Union Territory with the support of AINRC, as Rangasamy agreed for the understanding facing a rebellion in his party then. BJP which contested the 2014 Lok Sabha election in alliance with AINRC is likely to contest the poll on its own. Congress, eyeing to capture power, is contesting in 21 seats leaving the remaining nine to DMK. The run-up to the polls also witnessed some key personalities switching their loyalties to other parties. Former Home Minister P Kannan, who had contested the polls in the past on Congress ticket, has joined the AIADMK. He has been fielded in Raj Bhavan constituency, where Congress veteran and former union minister V Narayanasamy or senior leader K Lakshmi Narayanan is likely to contest. Sivakumar, who annexed the T R Pattinam seat in Karaikal as an Independent in the 2011 polls, has also joined the AIADMK and seeks re-election from the same segment. Indore: Reserve Bank, which is looking into Panama Papers leaks among other agencies, today said no conclusion can be drawn yet whether the offshore entities of Indians in Panama are illegal. RBI Deputy Governor S S Mundra, however, said that some unverified assumptions from government indicate that entities of most of the Indians associated with the leaks were opened in Panama under RBIs Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) as per norms. It will be premature to arrive at any conclusion on the Panama Papers issue at this stage. At this moment, it will be wrong to think that all entities of Indians opened in Panama are illegal or none of these entities is not illegal, Mundra said. He said the probe into the Panama Paper leaks concerning Indian nationals has just begun. The team will gather documents and investigate how black money was sent out of the country, if it is so, to set up entities in Panama, the Deputy Governor said. He was speaking on the sidelines of an event organised by Axis Bank. The prima facie unverified assumptions from government suggest that offshore entities of most of the Indians associated with the Panama Papers leaks were opened under RBIs Liberalised Remittance Scheme as per norms. However, these assumptions are yet to be verified and probed with documents. Any conclusion can be drawn only after that, he said. Mundra said RBI is of the view that transmission of the recent cut of 25 basis points in Repo Rate will take place effectively in banking sector. Axis Bank today unveiled its computer tablet-based app for its Joint Liability Group Lending Programme. The government had announced setting up of the special multi-agency group to look into all cases of Indians setting up offshore entities in tax havens after The Indian Express published the first set of names as part of its ongoing investigation in The Panama Papers. Released by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) early this month, the Panama Papers contained names of nearly 500 Indians, including celebrities and industrialists, who allegedly had set up offshore entities in various tax havens. The probe group comprises officials from RBI, I-T Department, Financial Intelligence Unit and Foreign Tax and Tax Research. It has been set up to determine the legality of the transactions following the leaked documents of Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca. For all the Latest Business News, Economy News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. Washington: The worlds leading economies today embraced a new crackdown on tax havens and the use of shell companies to hide money, as the Panama Papers scandal claimed another victim. A draft communique from the G20 finance ministers meeting in Washington endorsed a plan that would rip away the shield of secrecy for companies and individuals stocking assets offshore behind anonymous companies, a dramatic move that could put a deep dent in tax evasion, money laundering and illicit finance. Making the beneficial owners of companies, trusts and foundations transparent is vital to protect the integrity of the international financial system, the draft G20 communique said. The move came as Spains industry minister Jose Manuel Soria resigned over allegations he had links to offshore companies. Files from the leaked document trove of Panama law firm Mossack Fonseca showed Soria was an administrator of an offshore firm in 1992. He was just the latest in a number of powerful officials, including the leaders of Russia, Iceland, Britain and Argentina, linked by the Panama Papers to offshore tax havens. Soria stepped down admitting mistakes in explaining his alleged offshore interests and the obvious harm that this situation is doing to the Spanish government, which is one of the five European powers behind the new proposal to end anonymity for the beneficial owners of shell companies. Yesterday, in the strongest reaction yet to the leaked Panama Papers, Britain, France, Germany, Italy and Spain proposed a blacklist of havens like Panama if they failed to share corporate registry data. And they proposed setting up databases of the beneficiaries of shell companies for the use of tax and other authorities around the world. In a joint statement during a meeting of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund in Washington, finance ministers of the five said: The recent extensive leaks from Panama show the critical importance of the fight against tax evasion, aggressive tax planning and money laundering. Today we deal another hammer blow against those who hide their illegal tax evasion in the dark corners of the financial system, British Finance Minister George Osborne said in a statement. Their proposal was to be weighed by the ministers of the entire G20 today, with expectations they will embrace it, even while some, including the United States, allow the creation of anonymous shell companies, trusts and foundations as part of normal business. World Bank President Jim Yong Kim said the illicit financial activities enabled by tax havens undermined the fight against poverty. For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. News / Local by Tendai Gukutikwa THE quest for spiritual healing last Tuesday landed two Angolans in court after they illegally crossed into Zimbabwe with the intention of attending a Prophetic, Healing and Deliverance Church service held in Sakubva.Manica Post reported that Costa Daniel Antonio (36) and Afonso Esteve Joao (33) were awaiting deportation back to Angola after they were found guilty of contravening immigration laws.They appeared before Mutare senior magistrate, Sekai Chiundura.Antonio and Joao were both sentenced to three months imprisonment each which were wholly suspended on condition of good behaviour.Antonio told the court that they were on their way to Prophet Walter Magaya's service held in Sakubva as they needed deliverance from epileptic demons."Your Worship, we are all epileptic and were on our way to Prophet Walter Magaya's sermon which was held in Sakubva. We had contacted the Prophet and we were to get our deliverance in this city. We erred by entering the country without valid travelling documents and beg for your forgiveness," said Antonio.Fletcher Karombe prosecuted.The State alleged that on April 4 at Forbes Border Post, the two were arrested by immigration officers after they entered and remained in Zimbabwe without passports or permits permitting them to enter and remain in Zimbabwe thereby contravening the law. News / Local by Letwin Mubonesi A 35-YEAR-OLD Mutare woman was last week arraigned before the courts on theft charges after she allegedly stole property belonging to her Australian-based employer.Manica Post reported that Loveness Chidhakwa who resides at Chikwana Village in Marange appeared before senior Mutare magistrate, Mrs Sekai Chiundura, facing theft charges as defined in Section 113 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act. Fletcher appeared for the State.It is alleged that during the month of January 2016 at Boadervale, Chidhakwa unlawfully took her employer's property without her consent and some cash amounting to $1 150.Karombe told the court that Chidhakwa was employed by Victoria Murimba as a domestic worker.Murimba travelled to Australia on December 28, 2015 leaving the accused in custody of her three children.In early January this year, Chidhakwa was given her salary and she resigned from work. She packed her things and left."Her employer came back from Australia in February and realised that Chidhakwa had stolen her dinner plates, cutlery, two suits and also went on to collect $250 from one of her employer's clients. She also stole $900 which was inside the pockets of one of the suits she had stolen," said Mr Karombe.When asked to explain why she committed the offence, Chidhakwa denied stealing her employer's property.She admitted to have collected $250 from her employer's client."I never stole anything from her. I only collected $250 from Mrs Mudede, but the money was lost before I gave it to her," she said.The matter goes for trial on April 21.Chiundura granted her $50 bail. News / Local by Nqobile Bhebhe Bulawayo City Council is bracing for a bruising fight with Local Government minister Savior Kasukuwere by resolving to defy a ministerial directive of slashing allowances.Early this year the ministry sent a directive to all local authorities to cut incidental allowances and other benefits.The directive also covered council staff and that irked MDC-T councillors.According to the order, the incidental allowances where to be chopped from $50 per day to a mere $10.Based on a confidential report obtained by Bulawayo24.com, councillors resolved to defy the order and maintain the "status quo".They said endless ministerial interference was annoying and crippling operations.Reads part of the resolution "That the recommendation of the Management committee of the Heads of Departments to reduce incidental allowance for staff from $50 to $10 in harmony with the ministerial directive, be not acceded to."Instead the status quo should prevail with regards to Staff Incidental Allowances". News / National by Stephen Jakes Zanu PF youth member Fidelis Fengu has he agrees with the notion that President Robert Mugabe must rest.On his Facebook post Fengu said it is true that Mugabe must rest."Yes its true , and I agree Gushungo needs to rest , and we need to openly discuss succession without restrictions or faction-alisation of the issue," he said."Let those who support Mnangagwa do so , and they can campaign as much as they like without insulting anyone."He said let those that support Sydney Sekeramayi or Saviour Kasukuwere or whoever do so and campaign."Can we resolve succession in unity, peace and with a deliberate focus on development of Zanu PF and Zimbabwe," he said. "The succession issue/challenge is a great chance for Gushungo to shine as a leader." Flint, Michigan city officials staged their own break in to destroy incriminating water evidence The ongoing crisis with Flint, Michigans water supply continues to unfold, much like the learning disorders and other more catastrophic effects in the children who were subject to the lead in the water. Accusations of guilt and lack of leadership abound at every level of government. As in every investigation, access to emails, agreements, documentation of who said, or did, or agreed to any action during these events are critical to the discovery of the guilty parties who endangered the residents of Flint. Stealing, withholding or shredding documents could imply guilt, though such actions are not a guarantee. But it is telling that in December of 2015, there was a break in at the Flint City Hall office where the water records were kept, as reported by Government Slaves: Mystery still surrounds an unsolved December break-in at an executive office inside City Hall where Flint water files were kept. As of Friday, March 18, there were still no suspects in the case, and officials say it may never be known what other than a TV was taken. But the citys new police chief Tim Johnson says its too suspicious that there was a break-in where important documents were kept, just as investigations began heating up and decision makers were beginning to be held accountable. It was definitely an inside job. The power cord (to the TV) wasnt even taken. The average drug user knows that youd need the power cord to be able to pawn it, Johnson said. It was somebody that had knowledge of those documents that really wanted to keep them out of the right hands, out of the hands of someone who was going to tell the real story of whats going on with Flint water. Flint Mayor Karen Weaver said documents were strewn about the room, and it is impossible to know if any of them were taken. It was April 25, 2014 when Flint, Michigan officials raised their first glass of tainted water from the Flint River. This was nearly two years after the Michigan Treasury met with Flint leaders about their water program. Michigan Public Radio provides a detailed timeline of this water crisis. There were twists and turns. Three Flint city emergency managers grappled with this issue. In October 2012, Darnell Earley was the third man hired for that job. He refused to renew the contract with Detroits offer of water. General Motors complained about the corrosive effects of chlorine. They demanded and received better water before the citizens. E coli and lead were discovered. The State of Michigan environmental regulators gave a go signal and apparently lied to the EPA about adding chemicals to protect the pipes. According to The Washington Post, this crisis is a monumental government failure on all levels and a classic conflict about price and control of resources: The catastrophic decision by Flint, Mich., to switch to a water supply that brought toxic lead into thousands of homes is routinely portrayed as part of a long-term move to a new pipeline intended to save a destitute government millions of dollars each year. The reality is much more complicated. The Detroit water system, which had supplied Flint for a half-century, fought fiercely until 2013 to keep the city as a customer. It ultimately offered rates that it claimed would cost 20 percent less than Flints share of the $600 million plan to build the pipeline from Lake Huron, according to documents, interviews and media coverage of those events. Had Flint officials stuck with Detroits water, they would not have had to rely on the Flint River as an interim water source and lead would not have leached from the citys aging pipes into the taps of some of its 100,000 residents. At a minimum, one would have to ask some pretty tough questions about whether it made sense to build new water infrastructure for a mature and declining population, Eric Scorsone, director of the Center for Local Government, Finance and Policy at Michigan State University, said Tuesday. I think the question is: What is the gain from this?' It seems as though these tough and thoughtful questions were never truly asked by any of the officials in charge. As with any toxic source that enters the body, it is critical to counter act those poisons with the cleanest food available. (Photo credit: WNEM-TV) Sources: GovtSlaves.info MichiganRadio.org WashingtonPost.com Science.NaturalNews.com FoodForensics.com Submit a correction >> Hezbollah, Iran have received advanced Russian-made air defense systems (NationalSecurity.news) Iran and a proxy group it funds, Hezbollah, have both received advanced Russia air defense systems, upping the ante for the U.S. and its allies in a war-torn Middle East that seems perpetually mired in conflict. Israeli intelligence has confirmed to the German newspaper, Bild, that Hezbollah which has repeatedly vowed to destroy Israel, as has Iran has acquired the advanced SA-17 Buk anti-aircraft system, which were initially given to the Syrian armed forces. The Times of Israel has also confirmed the report, noting that sophisticated system is a game-changer in the region and will directly threaten Israeli aircraft operating in the northern part of the country and throughout the region, the Washington Times reported. Nadav Pollack, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Studies, whose research focuses on Hezbollah, called the development interesting and said it was a big deal. Israel calls these weapons tie-breakers, Pollack said, using a Hebrew phrase similar to the English game-changer. The Buk is the system Russia-aligned rebels in Ukraine allegedly used to shoot down a Malaysian airliner over the eastern part of the country in 2014, killing all aboard. The SA-17 is capable of targeting aircraft at low-to-high altitudes and is considered to have medium range. Also, the systems are mobile, which make them harder to locate and destroy. In the past Israeli fighters have destroyed entire air-defense systems as they were being transferred to Hezbollah. The Times reported that several analysts believe those systems were also SA-17s, meaning Israel takes the threat they pose very seriously. More: The Austin, Texas-based private intelligence agency Stratfor has also said that Hezbollah forces are building fortified positions inside Syria in a bid to attack Israeli forces. The Times noted that Hezbollah has stated in the past that once the Syrian war winds down it will again turn its focus on defeating Israel. In addition to Hezbollah receiving Russian-made anti-aircraft missiles, Iran has begun to receive shipments of S-300 air defense missile systems, some of the most advanced in the world. Also a medium-range system, it is capable of engaging multiple aircraft at low-to-high altitude up to 90 miles away. The S-300 is a battle-tested system that is now in high demand by militaries around the world, though previously, UN sanctions prevented Moscow from selling them to Iran. The nuclear deal brokered by the Obama administration, however, lifted those restrictions. Russia is looking to sell as many weapons systems as possible to Iran as a way to raise hard currency in a moribund economy. Israel strongly opposes the sale of S-300s to Iran, knowing that the systems will make it much more difficult for Israeli fighters to destroy Irans nuclear weapons infrastructure. In addition to purchasing the S-300, Iran plans to license production of the Russian T-90 tank and has expressed interest in front-line Russian fighters like the SU-34. Russia is also assisting Iran in rebuilding its nuclear energy capability, the Times reported. See also: The Washington Times NationalSecurity.news is part of the USA Features Media network. Follow us on Google+. Submit a correction >> News / National by Stephen Jakes Matabeleland South senator for MDC-T Bheki Sibanda has expressed concerns over the the increasing number of immigrants from African countries to Europe when the continent is rich with resources.Speaking in parliament Sibanda said the first issue he wanted wanted to deal with is the question of migration, particularly migration from Africa."I submit that Africa is endowed with a range of natural resources that are found below the surface of the earth. It also enjoys in some areas good rainfall that should ensure that we are self sufficient in food, therefore able to sustain a variety of industries that we should generate out of our numerous resources, both mineral and agricultural," he said."It is therefore sad, that a significant amount of immigrants that include women and children suffer the consequences of crossing the Sahara in order to look for what they consider to be a better life in Europe."He said it is his sincere belief that as people develop as Africans, they should be seeking to change the direction of the trend of migration from Europe to Africa as they offer them sanctuary, because he believe that Africa is more endowed than Europe is, particularly with natural resources."It would also support our belief of avoiding or talking against neo-colonialism because I understand and I want to believe that neo-colonialism addresses our own self sufficiency; our ideological beliefs and identity as a people. Our cause is not supported when we lose the genius of our people who eventually move to Europe," he said."I therefore, urge that African governments concentrate their effort in utilising the resources that God has endowed our continent with. Secondly, that we improve our governance systems so that it is comfortable to remain in your own continent or country. Those of us who have lived as foreigners previously will testify that it is not an enjoyable situation to be a foreigner in any land. I strongly feel that we must do a lot of introspection as Africa and ensure that we create an environment that allows our children to remain within this continent."He said if Zimbabweans look at their own country and the level of migration that has taken place, estimated at above or close to 5 million, they will note that a lot of the people who are migrating are well educated; that is their investment which is leaving its natural habitat and going to improve the economies of other countries."I would like now to address the issue of the oversight role of Parliament over the Executive, which is dealt with adequately in the report. I do not have a lot of comments, but I have got questions that I think we must ask ourselves as Parliamentarians. Are we playing an effective role in our land in terms of our oversight role over the Executive? Are we not sometimes appendages of the same Executive that we should be performing oversight on? Thirdly, what does the whipping system do to our potential to exercise an oversight role on the Executive? I believe that it may compromise our role," he said."We are dependent on the financial resources that are collected and disbursed at the end of the day by the Executive. What does that do to our oversight role? Can we receive financial resources and be prepared to adequately put them to question. " In an era of mass rape by refugees, U.S. Supreme Court is about to rule stun guns and pepper spray illegal For millions of Americans who live in gun-free zones that is, cities and localities where elected officials refuse to extend to citizens their right to keep and bear arms in public lesser forms of personal defense are permitted. Many of them carry pepper spray, stun guns and other non-lethal devices in order to protect themselves from the criminal element. But in a stunning development, the U.S. Supreme Court may decide to rule on a case this summer that could outlaw such non-lethal protective devices, and at a time when murder rates and other violent crimes are rising. As reported by Off The Grid News, the case Caetano v. Massachusetts stems from a ruling by that states highest court that the Second Amendments right to bear arms does not apply to non-lethal weapons, therefore the states ban on such devices ought to stand. That case involved Jaime Caetano, a woman who was carrying a stun gun in her purse for protection from an abusive ex-boyfriend. The ruling was appealed to the Supreme Court, which has yet to determine if it will hear it, Off The Grid News reported. What makes it more likely that the nations highest court could decide to hear the case is that a different court in another state the Michigan Court of Appeals has said just the opposite, that stun guns are indeed protected by the Second Amendment. Up to this point the Supreme Court has never ruled on whether a stun gun or other non-lethal devices are covered by the Second Amendment, but in Massachusetts otherwise law-abiding citizens can be charged criminally for attempting to protect themselves using non-lethal means. The ability to possess a stun gun instead of a handgun is an important aspect of the right to keep and bear arms, Caetanos attorneys wrote in an amicus brief [PDF] to the Supreme Court. Some people have religious or ethical compunctions about killing. Other religious and philosophical traditions, such as Judaism and Catholicism, believe that defenders ought to use the least violence necessary. In their brief the attorneys also said there are instances when less-than-lethal force is warranted and even preferred. Still others might be reluctant to kill a particular potential attacker, for instance when a woman does not want to kill an abusive ex-husband because she does not want to have to explain to her children that she killed their father, even in self-defense, they wrote. Some might fear owning a gun because it might be misused by their children or by a suicidal roommate. But the Massachusetts law, they added, deprives citizens of what ought to be their personal protection choice. Some people who do own guns may prefer to own both a firearm and a stun gun, so that they can opt for a nonlethal response whenever possible, resorting to lethal force only when absolutely necessary, the brief noted. Other Left-wing states have enacted laws against owning at least one type of non-lethal weapon: Hawaii, New Jersey (where Gov. Chris Christie is running for the Republican presidential nomination), New York, and Rhode Island. The legal question asked by the brief states, Whether the Second and Fourteenth Amendments protect a right to keep and bear weapons that are less deadly (but also less common) than handguns. An opinion column in The Wall Street Journal, by Heather Mac Donald, the Thomas W. Smith fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a contributing editor of City Journal, noted that crime rates have risen substantially in major U.S. cities but that the Old Media is under-reporting the spike. An 11% one-year increase in any crime category is massive; an equivalent decrease in homicides would be greeted with high-fives by politicians and police chiefs. Yet the media have tried to repackage that 11% homicide increase as trivial, she wrote in a column published on Christmas Day. Mac Donald says the bump in crime is due to the Ferguson Effect: cops backing off from proactive policing, demoralized by the ugly vitriol directed at them since a police shooting in Ferguson, Mo., last year. Sources: TheWallStreetJournal OffTheGridNews Submit a correction >> Swedish government covered up rape crimes of refugees just like liberal U.S. cities cover up rape and murder crimes of illegals Political correctness and absurd Leftism is getting scores of Europeans mostly women hurt and putting scores more at risk. As reported by Breitbart London, a wave of sex crimes committed by thousands of younger male migrants from the Middle East and North Africa is spreading throughout the European continent, and whats more, uber-Leftist government officials in these various EU nations have been so reluctant to discuss it that they have taken to hiding the truth. For instance, the news site noted, in recent days Swedish police were accused of covering up sexual assaults and other sex-related crimes committed by migrants against Swedish women for years at a music festival. But since then, an Afghan teenager has been arrested and, in a fit of irony, the countrys liberal, pro-mass-immigration prime minister has lashed out at the double betrayal of women by police. Also, it has been noted that the Stockholm Council and the organizers of the festival identified the danger that migrant mobs were posing to women some two years ago, but said that to have spoken out would have been irresponsible. A scandal without equal In addition, the Swedish newspaper that broke the scandal may have been tipped off about the abuse some six months ago and could very well have passed on the story completely were it not for the recently reported sex attacks throughout Germany and other European countries over the New Years Eve holiday. Breitbart London noted further: Quoting sources within the force, Dagens Nyheter (DN) claimed Stockholm Police consciously avoid reporting on issues which can be tied to perpetrators of a foreign background, because they fear it may help right-wing politicians. The festival took place a month before general elections in which the anti-mass-migration party Sweden Democrats came third. It is a scandal without equal. This must be immediately investigated. Could this be something that happened at several locations in the country, but they do not bother to tell you certain things because it could play into the hands [of the Sweden Democrats party]? Bjorn Soder, one of the partys MPs, said to Expressen. In fact, reports are revealing, migrant sex gangs have been perusing the Sthlm music festival in search of girls between the ages of 12 and 17 for at least the past two summers. These are so-called refugee youths, specifically from Afghanistan. Several of the gang were arrested for sexual molestation, one leaked police memo read, indicating that they were well aware of the situation, Breitbart London reported. But as in Germany, however where local police initially released a statement claiming that the New Years Eve celebrations had passed off peacefully, the Swedish police reports about the festival were positive and made no reference to sexual assaults. That, despite the fact that 38 separate reports of rape and sexual assault were made over the course of 2014 and 2015 information only released after press reports alleged a cover-up. Indeed, in just one single night, police and security personnel had to intervene against about 90 young men who were all involved in sexual abuse, an eyewitness told Swedish media. Coming to America We should certainly have written and told people about this, no doubt. Why it did not happen I do not know, Varg Gyllander, a police press spokesperson, confessed, according to Breitbart. Just became aware of DNs data tonight. Promise that the matter will be investigated, Swedens National Police Commissioner Dan Eliasson tweeted. Prime Minister Stefan Lofven has since addressed the scandal as well, calling it a double betrayal because of the assaults not being made public and the fact that no one was prosecuted for them. A psychologist says she tipped off the DN regarding claims of groping and other forms of physical sex abuse at the festival six months ago, but the paper did not follow up on the story. Editors there have since said they were tipped off but said they could not publish any stories because police refused to confirm the assaults. Americans who think such behavior wont take place en masse in the U.S. if President Obama is allowed to import tens of thousands of migrants and refugees from some of the same countries arent being serious or paying attention. Sources: Breitbart.com NaturalNews.com Expressen.se Submit a correction >> NEW MILFORD For some time, Housatonic Probate Court Judge Martin Landgrebe has needed more space for the court than is available at Roger Sherman Town Hall in New Milford. Now, Landgrebe and Mayor David Gronbach are discussing the possibility of moving the court to 25 Church St., a town-owned building across the street from town hall. It would give the court the space it requires and the security they want, Gronbach said. Schematics had previously been drawn for moving the court to the first floor of the 25 Church St. building. I am in discussions with public works ... and the judge is in discussion with the state about what it would take to move the court. In 2014, then-mayor Pat Murphy was considering moving the court to the Richmond Citizen Center at 40 Main St., which she said would have required moving Loaves & Fishes Hospitality House out of the building, and putting Social Services into the present Loaves & Fishes space. That plan never took place. Landgrebe said at that time, he had indicated concerns to Murphy about meeting court requirements in the present space at town hall. He has a small private office, a small space for staff and paperwork, and uses the meeting room on the second floor of town hall for a hearing room. Landgrebe has been looking for more privacy for people and enhanced security. Ive had discussions with the past and present mayors about the need for privacy and appropriate space for judicial actions, Landgrebe said. Mayor Gronbach is aware of the small space that we do have and the need to have a facility that is suitable and appropriate in appearance. Landgrebe said the five towns covered by the Housatonic District Probate Court New Milford, Bridgewater, Sherman, New Fairfield and Brookfield will be involved in the process of find a suitable new location. We will also be working with the current administration to get the state involved as it will be moving computers and computerized records, Landgrebe said. Landgrebe said it is his understanding that if the 25 Church St. building is chosen, the probate court would be on the ground floor with Gallery25 now located there moved to the second floor. Vincent Russo, communications manager with the Connecticut Probate Court Administration, outlined the requirement for court space by state statute. Theres no specific template, Russo said. But the statute clearly states what a municipality must provide: a private office for the judge, a hearing/conference room, and the staff must have a private space where sensitive documents are not visible to the public. Confidentiality is key. As long as the location of the court meets statutory standards, it is up to the towns where it is located, Russo said. Usually our office will work with the towns to assure the space is correct and we can help with installations like IT. Russo said it is not unusual for a probate judge with cramped quarters to let an attorney and a client meet in his private office for discussions as Landgrebe now does. Landgrebe has been probate judge since 1999, serving three terms as probate judge for the Bridgewater-New Milford Probate Court. The court based in New Milford Town Hall became the Housatonic Probate Court in January 2011 after the state-mandated court consolidation of 117 courts to 54 courts. stuz@newstimes.com; 203-731-3352 WASHINGTON With Gov. Dannel P. Malloy looking to slash Education Cost Sharing grants statewide, officials in some Region 12 towns worry plans for the districts Agriscience STEM Academy will be affected. A request for a $29 million bond to finance construction of the Agriscience STEM center at Shepaug Valley School was referred by the House to the Committee on Finance, Revenue and Bonding in the state Legislature on April 12. Of course the bonding for the AgriSTEM center is in danger, said state Sen. Toni Boucher, R-Wilton, a member of the committee. You cant be assured of anything at this point. The only thing we are certain of at this time is the uncertainty of it all, Boucher added. Its definitely a time of crisis. The Region 12 towns of Bridgewater, Roxbury and Washington are among the 20 municipalities Malloy has proposed to end education cost-sharing. For Bridgewater, that would mean a cut of $123,000 in education funding; Roxbury, $133,000 less and Washington, a reduction of $222,000. It seems like theyre taking funding away from towns they perceive can sustain these cuts while continuing to fund inner-city schools, said Bridgewater First Selectman Curtis Read. This doesnt bode well for Agriscience STEM funding. Well see if the states in the mood to bond $29 million when its making all of these other cuts, Read said. In November, Region 12 voters approved the $39.5 million agriscience project, with the expectation the state pick up the $29 million via a bond issue and local taxpayers would fund the rest. The project would include the addition of 64,000 square feet of space to the middle-high school and upgrading another 9,500. The academy is expected to open for the 2018-19 school year. Region 12 estimates the academy will enroll 198 out-of-district and 30 in-district students once the program is up and running. For out-of-district students, the district will receive $6,823 in tuition paid by the students hometowns, in addition to the state-reimbursed $3,200 for each student in the program. Superintendent of Schools Pat Cosentino believes state bonding will come through. We are still confident that the AgSTEM program is moving forward, Cosentino said Thursday. We are extremely grateful to the Legislature, State Board of Education and the governor for their support. But Malloy made it clear Wednesday the state is shy on revenue and tough decisions will have to be made. "We have an obligation as elected officials to tackle the full scope of our challenge, Malloy said. That means we must align our spending with the revenue we actually have, not the revenue we wish we had. Our expectations need to change, the governor said. We cannot afford to fund everything we always have. If we are to do what's right for the state, if we are to put Connecticut on a better path for the long-term, then we need to make tough but necessary decisions now to adapt to our new economic reality. stuz@newstimes.com; 203-731-3352 News / National by Ellah Mukwati Public Service, Labour and Social Services Minister Prisca Mupfumira yesterday gave National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) workers a 24-hour ultimatum to return to work.Over 4 000 NRZ workers across the country have been on strike for almost two weeks, stopping operations including transport of imported wheat and drought relief maize, following the non-payment of over 15-month salary arrears.NRZ public relations manager Mr Fanuel Masikati said they approached the Labour Court and were given a show cause order, which Mupfumira issued to the workers on strike."Pending determination of this matter, I further direct that the collective job action be terminated immediately and in any case within 24 hours of the serving of this order," read part of the show cause order.Mr Masikati said they were advising all the workers to resume their duties."We are now appealing to all the workers to come back to work so that all the trains will resume their functions. We are saying the workers should come back to work because it is our only source of income," he said.The NRZ workers had said they would not end their strike until they were paid their outstanding salaries of more than a year. BROOKFIELD A year after Jane Miller was booted from the Republican Party, she must again defend her conservative credentials in order to rejoin the GOP and vote in the April 26 presidential primary. Miller was erased from the Republican rolls last April when GOP Registrar Tom Dunkerton and then-town Republican Chairman Matt Grimes used a little-known state statute to oust her from the party after an April 2015 hearing. LAKEWOOD, CO, April 15, 2016 /CNW/ - Energy Fuels Inc. (NYSE MKT: UUUU; TSX: EFR) ("Energy Fuels" or the "Company"), one of the leading producers of uranium in the U.S., is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Chalmers as Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Chalmers will join the Energy Fuels management team in July 2016 and oversee all of the Company's conventional and in situ ("ISR") uranium production operations. Mr. Chalmers brings an extensive background in both the U.S. and global uranium mining and processing industries to Energy Fuels. From 2011 to 2015, Mr. Chalmers served as Executive General Manager of Production for Paladin Energy Ltd., a uranium producer with assets in Australia and Africa, including the Langer Heinrich and Kayelekera mines, where he oversaw sustained, significant increases in production while reducing operating costs. He also possesses extensive experience in ISR uranium production, including management of the Beverley Uranium Mine owned by General Atomics (Australia), and the Highland mine owned by Cameco Corporation (USA). Mr. Chalmers has also consulted to several of the largest players in the uranium supply sector, including BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, and Marubeni, and currently serves as the Chair of the Australian Uranium Council, a position he has held since 2007. Mr. Chalmers represents a valuable addition to the Company's management team and an important element in the Company's overall management continuity and succession planning strategy. "As a recognized leader in the global uranium industry, Mark has played major roles in developing and operating several successful mining operations throughout his career", noted Stephen P. Antony, President and CEO of Energy Fuels. "He is a recognized spokesperson for the uranium and nuclear energy industries, who has created shareholder value in both the conventional and ISR uranium mining sectors, and he is one of the few individuals who has extensive experience in both extraction methods. In today's competitive uranium market, it is vitally important to lower costs of production, create synergies, and build new sources of revenue wherever possible. We are very fortunate to add him to our already outstanding management team." Mr. Birks Bovaird, Chairman of the Board for Energy Fuels, added, "After a thorough review of prospective candidates for the operations leadership role with Energy Fuels, we believe the Company's selection of Mark Chalmers confirms our commitment to managing our operations at optimum levels. At Energy Fuels, we are continuing to manage and grow our capital, including our financial, intellectual, and human assets. We expect Mark to add greatly to the executive strength we have put together to lead Energy Fuels into the future." In 2016, Energy Fuels expects to produce approximately 950,000 pounds of uranium from its two 100%-owned production facilities, the White Mesa conventional uranium mill in Utah and the Nichols Ranch ISR project in Wyoming. The Company is also continuing shaft-sinking and resource evaluation activities at its high-grade Canyon conventional mine in Arizona and permitting activities at its large-scale conventional Sheep Mountain, Roca Honda, and Bullfrog projects. Finally in early May 2016, the Company expects to complete its recently announced acquisition of Mestena Uranium and its Alta Mesa ISR project in South Texas. This acquisition is expected to increase the Company's production scalability at the lower end of its cost curve. About Energy Fuels: Energy Fuels is a leading integrated US-based uranium mining company, supplying U 3 O 8 to major nuclear utilities. Energy Fuels operates two of America's key uranium production centers, the White Mesa Mill in Utah and the Nichols Ranch Processing Facility in Wyoming. The White Mesa Mill is the only conventional uranium mill operating in the U.S. today and has a licensed capacity of over 8 million pounds of U 3 O 8 per year. The Nichols Ranch Processing Facility, acquired in the Company's acquisition of Uranerz Energy Corporation, is an in situ recovery ("ISR") production center with a licensed capacity of 2 million pounds of U 3 O 8 per year. Energy Fuels also has the largest NI 43-101 compliant uranium resource portfolio in the U.S. among producers, and uranium mining projects located in a number of Western U.S. states, including one producing ISR project, mines on standby, and mineral properties in various stages of permitting and development. The Company's common shares are listed on the NYSE MKT under the trading symbol "UUUU", and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "EFR". Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Certain information contained in this news release, including: any information relating to the Company being a leading producer of uranium;expectations regarding Mr. Chalmers future and continued employment at Energy Fuels; expectations regarding increasing production, lowering costs, achieving synergies, and creating new sources of revenue; expectations regarding Energy Fuels operational strategy; and any other statements regarding Energy Fuels' management, future expectations, beliefs, goals or prospects; constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). All statements in this news release that are not statements of historical fact (including statements containing the words "expects", "does not expect", "plans", "anticipates", "does not anticipate", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential", "scheduled", "forecast", "budget" and similar expressions) should be considered forward-looking statements. All such forward-looking statements are subject to important risk factors and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Energy Fuels' ability to control or predict. A number of important factors could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those indicated or implied by such forward-looking statements, including without limitation factors relating to: expectations regarding Mr. Chalmers future and continued employment at Energy Fuels; expectations regarding increasing production, lowering costs, achieving synergies, and creating new sources of revenue; expectations regarding Energy Fuels' management and operational strategy; and other risk factors as described in Energy Fuels' most recent annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly financial reports. Energy Fuels assumes no obligation to update the information in this communication, except as otherwise required by law. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in Energy Fuels' filings with the various securities commissions which are available online at www.sec.gov and www.sedar.com. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about the current expectations, beliefs and plans of the management of Energy Fuels relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. Readers are also cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, that speak only as of the date hereof. SOURCE Energy Fuels Inc. For further information: Investor Relations Inquiries: Energy Fuels Inc., Curtis Moore - VP - Marketing & Corporate Development, (303) 974-2140 or Toll free: (888) 864-2125, [email protected], www.energyfuels.com VANCOUVER, April 14, 2016 /CNW/ - iCo Therapeutics ("iCo" or "the Company") (TSX-V: ICO) (OTCQX: ICOTF), today reported financial results for the year ended December 31, 2015. Amounts, unless specified otherwise, are expressed in Canadian dollars and presented under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). 2015 Financial & Operational Highlights Announced the engagement of Corealis Pharma Inc. ("Corealis") a contract manufacturing organization, for the analytical development, formulation optimization and scale-up of the Oral Amphotericin B Delivery System. The preparation and regulatory filings for this program are expected to be completed in 2016, with Phase 1A study data available in 2017. Strengthened our intellectual property position around the Oral Amphotericin B asset. iCo now has eleven issued patents related to the technology. Our Israeli partner continued to progress iCo-008 in several clinical studies, including commencement of enrollment of patients into a Phase 2 ulcerative colitis study. Announced the appointment of Susan Koppy and John Meekison , iCo's Chief Financial Officer, to iCo's Board of Directors. Subsequent to the 2015 year end, it was announced that the Company was undertaking a strategic re-organization in an effort to preserve its asset base and maximize shareholder value. Summary Fiscal 2015 Results iCo incurred a total comprehensive loss of $1,724,314 for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to a total loss of $2,079,657 for the year ended 2015, representing a decrease of $355,343. The decrease in our net and comprehensive loss was principally the result of a gain in foreign exchange. Research and development expenses were $648,439 for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to $669,485 for the year ended December 31, 2014, representing a decrease of $21,046. The Research and Development expenses are now primarily related to development activities for our Oral Amphotericin B Delivery System. For the year ended December 31, 2015, general and administrative expenses were $1,563,347 compared to $1,590,444 for the year ending December 31, 2014, representing a decrease of $27,097. Foreign exchange gain for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $431,588 compared to foreign exchange loss of $14,672 for the same period in 2014, representing an increase of $446,260. The changes for the period primarily reflect fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Canadian and U.S. dollar. Liquidity and Outstanding Share Capital As at December 31, 2015, we had cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of $3,753,982 compared to $5,707,787 as at December 31, 2014. As at April 14, 2016, we had an unlimited number of authorized common shares with 84,457,713 common shares issued and outstanding. For complete financial results, please see our filings at www.sedar.com. About iCo Therapeutics iCo Therapeutics in-licenses and redefines existing drug candidates or generics by employing reformulation and delivery technologies for new or expanded use indications. The Company holds worldwide rights to an oral drug delivery platform, with Oral Amphotericin B (Amp B) as the initial platform candidate, utilizing a known anti-fungal drug to treat life-threatening infectious diseases. iCo also has worldwide rights to two drug candidates: iCo-007 is a second generation antisense drug candidate targeting C-Raf kinase and iCo-008 is a monoclonal antibody targeting eotaxin-1. With Phase 2 clinical history, Bertilimumab (iCo-008) is a candidate for the treatment of vernal or atopic keratoconjunctivitis and wet age-related macular degeneration. iCo-008 is in Phase 2 clinical studies with iCo's partner, Immune Pharmaceuticals. iCo trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "ICO" and the OTCQX under the symbol "ICOTF". For more information, visit the Company website at: www.icotherapeutics.com. No regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the content of this press release. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulatory Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release. Forward Looking Statements Certain statements included in this press release may be considered forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "goal," "seek," "believe," "project," "estimate," "expect," "strategy," "future," "likely," "may," "should," "will," and similar references to future periods. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements, and therefore these statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. All forward-looking statements are based on iCo's current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to iCo and relate to, among other things, anticipated financial performance, business prospects, strategies, regulatory developments, market acceptance and future commitments. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are based only on information currently available to iCo and speak only as of the date of this press release. Due to risks and uncertainties, including the risks and uncertainties identified by iCo in its public securities filings and on its website, actual events may differ materially from current expectations. iCo disclaims 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 required by law. SOURCE iCo Therapeutics Inc. For further information: Mr. John Meekison, CFO, iCo Therapeutics, 604-649-8778, [email protected]; Andrew Rae, CEO, iCo Therapeutics, 778-772-7775, [email protected] OTTAWA, April 14, 2016 /CNW/ - Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs, issued the following statement on the Supreme Court of Canada's CAP/Daniels decision: "I thank the Supreme Court of Canada for this historic ruling on such an important matter, bringing much needed clarity to an issue that has lingered for too long. The Government of Canada welcomes and respects this decision, which will guide our work with Indigenous peoples to advance real reconciliation and renew the relationship, based on recognition of rights, respect, and partnership. Today's decision speaks to a renewed relationship with Metis and non-Status Indians, one the Government of Canada has already been actively pursuing. There is much work to be done. We are committed to working in partnership with Metis and non-Status Indians on a nation-to-nation basis, along with other partners, to ensure we are following the court's direction in implementing this decision. Making progress will require real co-operation and genuine partnership in order to advance this important dialogue and map the way forward together. This is both the right thing to do and a key path to economic growth for all Canadians." The Supreme Court of Canada CAP/Daniels Decision This statement is also available on the Internet at www.aandc.gc.ca . You can subscribe to receive our news releases and speeches via RSS feeds or e-mail. For more information or to subscribe, visit www.aandc.gc.ca/subscriptions. CAP/Daniels Qs and As Q.1. What does the declaration that Metis and non-Status Indians are "Indians" under s. 91(24) actually mean? Are they now eligible for the same programs and services as Status Indians? The Supreme Court has declared that Metis and non-Status Indians are "Indians" for the purpose of federal Parliament's law-making jurisdiction under subsection 91(24) of the Constitution Act, 1867. We will be working in genuine partnership with Metis and non-Status Indians - based on recognition of rights, respect, and partnership - in order to meaningfully advance the work of reconciliation. The ruling does not impact on Metis and non-Status Indian eligibility for programs and services currently targeted to Status Indians. Q.2. In practical terms, what now is the difference between a Status Indian and a person who is Metis? What is a non-Status Indian? A Status Indian is a person who is registered under section 6 of the Indian Act. While there is no legal or legislative definition of "Metis," they are recognized as one of three Aboriginal Peoples under section 35 of the Constitution Act, 1982. The Supreme Court of Canada concluded in Daniels that the term "Indian" for purposes of Canada's law-making powers under section 91(24) includes all Aboriginal peoples including Metis and non-Status Indians and there is no need to delineate which mixed ancestry communities are Metis and which are non-Status Indians. It held that determining whether particular individuals or communities are non-Status Indians or Metis and therefore "Indians" under s. 91(24), is a fact-driven question to be decided on a case-by-case basis in the future. Q.3. What will this decision cost the federal government? We are studying the decision to determine next steps. We will be working in genuine partnership with Metis and non-Status Indians - based on recognition of rights, respect, and partnership - in order to meaningfully advance the work of reconciliation. Q.4. Do Metis need to form into bands like First Nations? The Supreme Court of Canada decision has no impact on band creation or band membership, which falls within the purview of the Indian Act. There is no requirement for Metis to "form into bands." Q.5. Are all individuals who self-identify as Metis entitled to rights under section 35 of the Constitution Act? Are they now entitled to federal programs and services? Not all Canadians who self-identify as Metis are section 35 rights-holders. There is a distinction between Metis self-identification and Metis Aboriginal rights. The 2003 Supreme Court of Canada decision in R. v. Powley outlines the test to prove Metis Aboriginal rights, and Metis self-identification is only one component of a broader objectively verifiable process that is required in order to meet the Powley test. SOURCE Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada For further information: please contact: Sabrina Williams, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, 819-997-0002; Media Relations, Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada, 819-953-1160 News / National by Patrick Chitumba A KWEKWE civil court has ordered Tombs Motorways Bus Company to pay a cross border trader R39,470 with interest as compensation for her property that was lost in an accident in May last year.Privilege Mashawi lost goods in the bus accident that occurred along the Zvishavane-Shurugwi road, claiming the lives of three people.Magistrate Vimbai Mutukwa ruled that Tombs Motorways Bus Company should shoulder the blame for the accident in which Mashawi lost her goods worth R39,470.The company had denied liability arguing that it was the bus conductor Christopher Mandla who had entered into an illegal deal with Mashawi for her goods to be transported from Beitbridge and not the bus company itself. It argued that Mandla was supposed to pay the compensation.However, Mutukwa ruled that Tombs Motorways must take full responsibility of the accident. She said the bus conductor was merely conducting his duties when he loaded Mashawi's goods which included televisions and beverages."The court finds that the conductor was acting within the scope of his duties when he loaded the goods on the bus. As such Tombs Motorways is ordered to pay Mashawi the amount she lost in the accident with a five percent interest."Furthermore, the bus company will foot the legal costs of the suit," ruled Mutukwa.Mashawi's lawyer Nomore Hlabano, told the court that the bus driver Willard Muchuweni was tired at the time when the accident occurred.He said Muchuweni drove the bus for nearly 700km without adequate rest from Gokwe to Beitbridge and in no time he was on his way back to Kwekwe.The lawyer also blamed Muchuweni saying as an experienced driver he should not have driven the bus with goods loaded together with passengers inside. [April 14, 2016] 2016 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk First Gasoline-powered American-made, American-brand Passenger Vehicle to Qualify for Japan Eco-Car Tax Incentive AUBURN HILLS, Mich., April 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk equipped with 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 meets fuel-efficiency and emissions guidelines for Japan's Eco-Car tax incentive First American-made, American-brand gasoline-powered vehicle to deliver such performance Part of the award-winning Pentastar engine family, 3.2-liter V-6 features fuel-saving Engine Stop-Start (ESS) technology Segment-exclusive TorqueFlite nine-speed automatic transmission is standard equipment Industry-first rear-axle disconnect technology automatically and seamlessly matches driveline mode with driving conditions Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk most capable SUV in its class with standard-equipment Jeep Active Lock 4x4 system Add another milestone to the Jeep brand's storied history: the 2016 Cherokee Trailhawk is the first gasoline-powered, American-made, American-brand passenger vehicle to qualify for Japan's Eco-Car tax incentive. When equipped with the 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6, the Cherokee Trailhawk also the most capable SUV in its class meets the fuel-efficiency and emissions-level requirements tied to the 58,000 consumer tax break. "At Jeep, we don't sacrifice operating efficiency for capability," says Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand and Global Lead Executive for International Operations FCA. "This achievement vindicates our efforts to deliver products that resonate in a highly complex industry climate." The Pentastar-powered Cherokee Trailhawk achieves a 10.3-km/L fuel-efficiency rating in Japan. The vehicle also earns a 4-Star emissions rating, which is the other requirement to qualify for Japan's Eco-Car tax incentive. The 3.2-liter Pentastar in the Cherokee Trailhawk boasts two mini-oxidation, three-way catalytic converters and four heated oxygen sensors to help reduce emissions. The 3.2-liter Pentastar shares design features with the 3.6-liter Pentastar, named three times to the prestigious list of Ward's 10 Best Engines. The smaller-displacement V-6, which is rated at 200kW (272 hp) and generates 315 Nm (239 lb.-ft.) of torque, also benefits from Engine Stop-Start (ESS) technology. A standard feature on the 3.2-liter Pentastar, ESS increases fuel economy by shutting the engine off whenever the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Meanwhile, the vehicle's radio, gauges, heating/air-conditionng system and other equipment, remain operational. The engine restarts automatically when the driver her/his foot from the vehicle's brake pedal. Further boosting the Cherokee Trailhawk's efficiency are its segment-exclusive TorqueFlite nine-speed automatic transmission and its industry-first driveline system that automatically and seamlessly matches performance settings with driving conditions. With its wide ratio spread, the TorqueFlite gearbox is designed to ensure the Pentastar V-6 operates at optimal levels at all times. Four overdrive ratios benefit highway driving while also reducing overall noise, vibration and harshness. The Cherokee Trailhawk's 4x4 system, dubbed Jeep Active Drive Lock, features a power transfer unit (PTU) and rear-drive module (RDM) that automatically engage and then disengage, depending on driving conditions. This dramatically reduces spin losses and saves fuel. The combined attributes of the 3.2-liter Pentastar, TorqueFlite transmission and Jeep Active Drive Lock 4x4 system not only deliver efficiency, they make the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk the most capable SUV in its class. Its two-speed PTU produces a 47.8:1 crawl ratio. The ruggedly stylish SUV arrives at Japan dealerships in May. The Jeep Cherokee was also listed among the 10 best cars in the 2014-2015 Japan Car of the Year of Award the first American vehicle to be so honored. The Jeep brand marks its 75th anniversary this year. The entire Jeep Cherokee lineup is produced at the Toledo Assembly Complex in Toledo, OH. About Jeep Brand Built on 75 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence. The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, Renegade, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models sold outside North America are available in both left and right-hand drive configurations and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Follow Jeep and FCA US news and video on: FCA Content On Demand (COD): www.fcacod.com Company blog: http://blog.fcanorthamerica.com Company website: www.fcanorthamerica.com Media website: http://media.fcanorthamerica.com FCA360: www.fca360.com Jeep brand: www.jeep.com Jeep blog: blog.jeep.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeep or www.facebook.com/ChryslerGroup Flickr: www.flickr.com/jeepexperience or www.flickr.com/chryslergroup Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/jeep or www.pinterest.com/FCAcorporate Instagram: www.instagram.com/jeepofficial or www.instagram.com/FiatChrysler_NA Streetfire: www.streetfire.net/uploaded/chryslervideo.htm Twitter: www.twitter.com/jeep or www.twitter.com/FiatChrysler_NA YouTube: www.youtube.com/thejeepchannel or www.youtube.com/pentastarvideo Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160413/355151 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2016-jeep-cherokee-trailhawk-first-gasoline-powered-american-made-american-brand-passenger-vehicle-to-qualify-for-japan-eco-car-tax-incentive-300251941.html SOURCE FCA US LLC [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [April 15, 2016] Benchmark Highlights Strength of Board and Commitment to Best-in-Class Corporate Governance in Letter to Shareholders ANGLETON, Texas, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Benchmark Electronics, Inc. (NYSE: BHE) today announced that it has mailed a letter to shareholders in connection with its upcoming 2016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. The full text of the letter follows: April 15, 2016 Fellow Benchmark Shareholder: On May 11, 2016, Benchmark will hold its 2016 Annual Meeting where you will be making an important decision regarding the future of your Company. We urge you to protect the value of your investment in Benchmark by voting the enclosed WHITE proxy card " FOR " your experienced and highly qualified Director nominees: David Scheible, Michael Dawson, Gayla Delly, Douglas Duncan, Kenneth Lamneck, Bernee Strom, Paul Tufano and Clay Williams. These directors bring a deep, diverse range of skills, industry and C-level experience, qualifications that are wholly absent from the alternate slate of director candidates proposed by hedge fund Engaged Capital. BENCHMARK'S BOARD IS EXPERIENCED AND INDEPENDENT, AND ITS INTERESTS ARE CLOSELY ALIGNED WITH SHAREHOLDERS Your Board and management team are focused on enhancing value for all Benchmark shareholders. We have taken and will continue to take numerous steps to strengthen the Company's performance and value-creation potential. Your Board has a demonstrated track record of execution and shareholder value creation. Your Board is composed of eight directors, all of whom are independent with the exception of Gayla Delly, Benchmark's Chief Executive Officer. Your dedicated and highly qualified directors have been closely overseeing and stand fully behind management's execution of the Company's strategic initiatives to achieve near- and long-term revenue growth and continued profitability. Benchmark's eight directors possess critical knowledge of the Company and our industry that is crucial to the ongoing oversight of the successful execution of management's strategy. Your Board has adopted stock ownership guidelines to ensure that the interests of all directors are aligned with shareholders and are committed to acting in their best interests. BENCHMARK'S BOARD IS COMMITTED TO BEST-IN-CLASS CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES Your Board is committed to robust, independent oversight, evidenced by its current profile: Three new independent directors have been added in the last five years, with one new director added and a new Chairman appointed in 2016; Average director tenure is only 6.3 years, significantly less than our peer group 1 median average tenure of 10 years; median average tenure of 10 years; All directors have significant C-level experience; Separate Chairman and CEO roles; and Two out of eight directors are women. Furthermore, your Board has recently taken actions to further strengthen corporate governance, including (subject to your approval at the 2016 Annual Meeting) its decision to amend its majority vote standard to allow for a plurality voting standard in a contested election, and instituting a policy requiring any director failing to receive a majority vote in an uncontested election to tender his or her resignation. Your Board is especially proud of its best-in-class corporate governance practice. But don't just take our word for it. With a Quickscore of 1, Benchmark falls within the top decile of companies covered by Institutional Shareholder Services. Furthermore, as part of our ongoing commitment, we engage extensively with shareholders on the topic of governance. Here are select thoughts from some of our large institutional holders expressed in meetings with management over the past several months: "That's a good Board you have there. They get it. Great oversight." Institutional Shareholder A "Great governance structure. Compensation aligned with strategy." Institutional Shareholder B "Really happy with the way the company is set up. Cleanest and best governance presentation we have seen in a while. Congratulations on your governance." Institutional Shareholder C ENGAGED CAPITAL'S NOMINEES LACK RELEVANT BUSINESS AND LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE AND ARE UNQUALIFIED TO SERVE ON YOUR BOARD In direct contrast to Benchmark's highly qualified directors, the director nominees proposed by hedge fund Engaged Capital have major deficiencies in industry expertise, functional responsibility and business experience. As we have previously noted, Benchmark has sought to work constructively with Engaged Capital. Benchmark repeatedly requested that Engaged Capital provide contact details for its proposed director candidates so that they could be included in the Company's candidate review process. Your Board strongly believes that maintaining rigorous selection criteria and conducting reasonable diligence on any Board candidate is necessary to protect the interests of all shareholders. None of Engaged Capital's nominees has any experience in electronic manufacturing services ("EMS"), none have ever served as a CFO or COO in any industry, and only one has very limited experience as an interim CEO. In addition, only one candidate has served on the board of a public company. Furthermore, Engaged Capital has repeatedly insisted that Mr. Springstubb a 32-year-old analyst whose career has largely been spent as a junior investment management professional, and who has absolutely no background in EMS specifically or even business management must serve as a director as part of any settlement of Engaged Capital's costly and distracting campaign2. Simply put, Engaged Capital's hand-picked slate of under-qualified nominees does not meet Benchmark's rigorous criteria of required industry, functional responsibility and business experience, as illustrated by the chart below prepared by the Board's independent third-party search firm. BENCHMARK NOMINEES Global Technology Manufacturer Global Industrial Manufacturer CFO Outside Board Experience Investor Relations M&A Strategy Public Markets Debt Capital Structure C- Score3 Paul Tufano x x x x x x x x x Yes Michael Dawson x x x x x x x Yes Bernee Strom x x x x x x x x Yes Clay Williams x x x x x x x x x Yes ENGAGED CAPITAL NOMINEES Global Technology Manufacturer Global Industrial Manufacturer CFO Outside Board Experience Investor Relations M&A Strategy Public Markets Debt Capital Structure C- Score Robert Gifford x No Jeffrey McCreary x x x Limited Brendan Springstubb No Given their stark, demonstrated weaknesses in skills and experience, it is difficult to see how the dissident's nominees could add any value to Benchmark's highly qualified and diverse candidates. ENGAGED CAPITAL'S ACTIVIST TRACK RECORD DOES NOT SUPPORT ITS CLAIMS THAT ITS RECOMMENDATIONS CREATE VALUE FOR ALL SHAREHOLDERS Reviewing the stock price performance for companies where activist hedge fund Engaged Capital obtained dissident representation on the Board either through settlement or a proxy contest victory4, we discovered that, there was an average 15% share price decline after Engaged Capital secured a change in board composition, as documented in the table below. Target Company Engaged Director Appointment Share Price at Appointment Closing Price 04/11/16 Returns Returns Against S&P 500 Abercrombie & Fitch & Co 19-Jun-14 $42.60 $28.10 (34.0%) (38.2%) HeartWare International 14-Mar-16 31.06 30.92 (0.5%) (1.6%) Jamba Inc 13-Jan-15 16.12 12.43 (22.9%) (23.8%) Medifast Inc 22-Jun-15 32.69 29.81 (8.8%) (5.0%) Rovi Corp 19-May-15 16.49 17.48 6.0% 10.0% TriMas Corp 25-Feb-15 24.51 17.21 (29.8%) (26.4%) Average (15.0%) (14.2%) We believe the facts with regards to Engaged Capital's track record speak for themselves. Incidentally, we do not see how examples from Glenn Welling's brief three-year stint at Relational Investors (the "prior firm" referenced in Engaged Capital's April 7 letter) have any relevance to Engaged Capital's track record. We note also that Mr. Welling was not on the board of any of the examples cited in the April 7 letter. BENCHMARK'S BOARD IS COMMITTED TO CREATING VALUE AND SERVING THE INTERESTS OF ALL BENCHMARK SHAREHOLDERS PLEASE VOTE THE WHITE PROXY CARD TODAY Benchmark is in the midst of executing on a strategic business transformation we are shifting our business portfolio towards higher-value, higher-margin end markets. These markets are characterized by longer lifecycle products and extended manufacturing contracts, with customers who have greater outsourcing needs and require higher value-added and engineering-led solutions. We believe that this transition is allowing us to effectively manage risks associated with our traditional markets, while strategically positioning us to continue our leadership as our industry evolves. Under the oversight of your Board, Benchmark is leading its peer group in this transition, and has outperformed its peers across several key financial metrics since 2011. The Benchmark Board firmly believes that Engaged Capital's inexperienced and unqualified dissident slate risks undermining the ongoing successful execution of Benchmark's strategy and ability to generate long-term shareholder value. Protect your investment in Benchmark and vote the WHITE proxy card to support the Benchmark leadership team's continued strategy to deliver shareholder value. We strongly encourage you to vote "FOR" Benchmark's eight highly qualified director nominees on the enclosed WHITE proxy card today. Whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, you have an opportunity to protect your investment in Benchmark by voting the WHITE proxy card. We urge you to vote today by telephone, by internet, or by signing and dating the enclosed WHITE proxy card and returning it in the postage-paid envelope provided. Please do not return or otherwise vote any blue proxy card sent to you by Engaged Capital even as a protest. If you have already sent back the blue card, you can still change your vote using the enclosed WHITE proxy card to support your Board's highly qualified director nominees. On behalf of your Board of Directors, we thank you for your continued support. Sincerely, David W. Scheible Chairman of the Board of Directors Gayla J. Delly President and Chief Executive Officer If you have questions or need assistance voting your shares please contact: MacKenzie Partners, Inc. 105 Madison Avenue New York, New York 10016 [email protected] Call Collect: (212) 929-5500 or Toll-Free (800) 322-2885 About Benchmark Electronics, Inc. Benchmark provides integrated manufacturing, design and engineering services to original equipment manufacturers of industrial equipment (including equipment for the aerospace and defense industries), telecommunication equipment, computers and related products for business enterprises, medical devices, and test and instrumentation products. Benchmark's global operations include facilities in seven countries, and its common shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol BHE. Forward-Looking Statements This letter contains forward-looking statements within the scope of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The words "expect," "estimate," "anticipate," "predict" and similar expressions, and the negatives thereof, often identify forward-looking statements, which are not limited to historical facts. Our forward-looking statements include, among other things: guidance for 2016; statements, express or implied, concerning future operating results or margins; the ability to generate sales, income or cash flow; the benefits of the Secure acquisition and our ability to continue share repurchases; and Benchmark's business and growth strategies and expected growth and performance. Although Benchmark believes these statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, they involve risks and uncertainties relating to our operations, markets and business environment generally. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated. All forward-looking statements included in this letter are based upon information available to Benchmark as of the date of this document, and the Company assumes no obligation to update them. Readers are advised to consult further disclosures on related subjects, particularly in Item 1A, "Risk Factors" of the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, in its other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") and in its press releases. Additional Information and Where to Find It Benchmark has filed a definitive proxy statement with the SEC with respect to the 2016 Annual Meeting and has mailed the definitive proxy statement and accompanying white proxy card to its shareholders. Benchmark shareholders are strongly encouraged to read the definitive proxy statement, the accompanying white proxy card and other documents filed with the SEC carefully in their entirety when they become available because they contain (or will contain) important information. Benchmark, its directors, executive officers and other employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Benchmark shareholders in connection with the matters to be considered at Benchmark's 2016 Annual Meeting. Information about Benchmark's directors and executive officers is available in Benchmark's definitive proxy statement for its 2016 Annual Meeting. Shareholders may obtain a free copy of the definitive proxy statement and any other documents filed by Benchmark with the SEC free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Copies also are available free of charge on Benchmark's website at www.bench.com under "Investor Relations Annual Reports" or by contacting Benchmark Investor Relations at (979) 849-6550. 1 Peer group consists of Celestica, Flextronics, Jabil, Plexus and Sanmina. 2 See for example Engaged Capital's definitive proxy statement filed March 29, 2016. 3 C-Score (Yes / No / Limited) answers the question: Is the candidate comparable in experience to the CEO, CFO and or Board Members? 4 Includes all campaigns in which Engaged Capital secured the appointment of a dissident member of a slate or mutually agreeable director by way of a settlement agreement to the board as of 04/11/16. Excludes Engaged Capital's settlement with Outerwall announced on 4/12/16 given limited timeframe to evaluate returns. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/benchmark-highlights-strength-of-board-and-commitment-to-best-in-class-corporate-governance-in-letter-to-shareholders-300252079.html SOURCE Benchmark Electronics, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [April 15, 2016] More than 66,000 Canadians have already signed up to the new basic TV package GATINEAU, QC, April 15, 2016 /CNW/ - In just five weeks, more than 66,000 Canadians have already signed up for the new basic television package, according to data collected by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC). In addition, more than 1 out of 3 of these Canadians have also taken advantage of the new packaging options by subscribing to individual channels, small packages or both. On March 1, 2016, Canada's licensed television service providers began offering a new basic package that costs no more than $25 per month. The companies also began offering either the option to pay for individual channels ("pickand-pay") or small packages of no more than 10 channels. The CRTC recently asked Access Communications, Bell, Cogeco, Eastlink, MTS, Rogers Communications SaskTel, Shaw Communications, TELUS and Videotron to provide data on the number of subscribers that have subscribed to the new basic television package. The CRTC reminds Canadians that television service providers will be required to offer full pick-and-pay starting on December 1, 2016. For more information on the new television options, please see: "Affordable basic TV package, small TV packages and pick-and-pay TV channels." 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 [April 15, 2016] Drone Service Company Sharper Shape Closes $3.25 Million in Funding From Australia and Europe PALO ALTO, Calif., April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Sharper Shape, the global market leader of automated drone-based asset inspections, has announced US$3.25 million in new funding (2.9 million) led by Straightforward Capital, a European venture capital firm with thorough experience in the energy sector. In addition to financing from Straightforward Capital, the funding includes strategic investment from partners of an Australia-based global performance improvement consulting company, Partners in Performance (PIP). With this investment, PIP is able to extend its service offering for its energy customers to include Sharper Shape's automated asset inspection and analyses. And, Sharper Shape will now have access to over 400 PIP consultants worldwide. The companies are already collaborating in the U.S. via the EEI Sharper Utility partnership. The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) and Sharper Shape are demonstrating and developing commercial services based on long-distance drone flights fo electric companies. "Sharper Shape's unique services, which combine long-distance drone survey flights and automated data analysis, will provide unprecedented efficiency gains to electricity grid operators," said Andrej Srsen, Straightforward Capital's managing director. "Sharper Shape's versatile software solution, proven for the electricity industry, scales directly to other industries such as railways, oil and gas, and wind power plants." The funding will be used to strengthen Sharper Shape's global delivery capacity and its investments in R&D. "With these investments we can take the next steps in rolling out our service globally and continue to lead the development of automated drone-based asset management," said Tero Heinonen, CEO of Sharper Shape. "This funding, combined with our innovative partnership with EEI, will accelerate commercial long-distance drone inspections for the utility industries in the U.S. and worldwide." About Sharper Shape U.S.-based drone service company Sharper Shape provides fully automated inspection and maintenance planning services for infrastructure asset owners. Our Next Eagle solution is the world's first automatic asset inspection solution utilizing UAV, which drastically reduces inspection and maintenance costs for high value assets such as power lines, pipelines, railways and more. About Straightforward Capital Straightforward Capital is a venture capital company that helps companies to unleash their growth potential. Our funds play an active role in companies' strategic planning and development. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/drone-service-company-sharper-shape-closes-325-million-in-funding-from-australia-and-europe-300252186.html SOURCE Sharper Shape [April 15, 2016] Yiwugou Attends the 2016 China International E-Commerce Expo YIWU, China, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- From April 1113, Yiwugou.com (the official website of the Yiwu Commodity Market, which is the largest commodity wholesale market in the world), attended the 2016 China International E-Commerce Expo held in Yiwu International Expo Center, together with local e-commerce leaders such as Alibaba and JD.com, as well as notable global players including Amazon and Google. The Expo, themed "E-commercialization Brings Global Opportunity", was hosted at the same time as the 2016 World E-Commerce Conference. "The focus of e-commercialization should be on integration, and credit is the key to securing global opportunities. Since its launch in October 2012, Yiwugou.com has been committed to online and offline integration," said Wang Jianjun, CEO of the Yiwugou. "Online and offline integration will emerge as one of the most dynamic economic patterns as it offers a new approach in spurring consumption and has improved on the model of commercial circulation," said Huang Hai, the former Assistant Minister of Commerce & President of China Distribution 30 Forum (G30). "E-commercialization hinges on integration rather than subverting or replacing physical stores, making it possible to build a new ecosystem for e-commerce," he noted. Yiwugou.com's pioneering in portal design and credit management: Yiwugou features a well-designed front page differing from those of traditional virtual e-commerce platforms. It showcases goods by classification just as they are in the physical stores of Yiwu Commodity Market, offering a holistic view of products in the Market and allowing buyers to experience the physical store of each supplier with its unique 360-degree panoramic display function. In comparison, products are displayed by category on the front page of regular virtual e-commerce platforms. A registered e-store experiencing credit problems on a traditional virtual e-commerce website may continue to operate on the same platform by registering a new account. In contrast, each e-shop operating on Yiwugou.com is tied to a corresponding offline physical store. In case of online credit-related problems, the wrongdoers will be held accountable and have their credit issues permanently recorded, thus laying a solid foundation for credit management of Yiwugou.com. Unique credit guarantee syste m. Last March, Yiwugou.com inaugurated the online business license, promoting the credit management system of e-commerce from enterprise certification up to national regulation. The featured "e-shop + physical store + credit guarantee system" has significantly fostered the development of both Yiwugou.com and Yiwu Commodity Market. Throughout 2015, Yiwugou.com registered a total GMV of RMB 4 billion and matchmaking trade volume of RMB 40 billion for the physical market. About Yiwugou.com Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20141215/164355LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/yiwugou-attends-the-2016-china-international-e-commerce-expo-300252088.html SOURCE Yiwugou [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] News / National by Innocent Ruwende President Mugabe has been invited to attend the historic Fort Hare University centenary celebrations whose alumni include some of the sub-continent's most famous leaders including him and the late president Nelson Mandela.Presenting his credentials at State House in Harare yesterday, newly appointed South African ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Mpakama Mbete said he was also pushing for South African president Jacob Zuma to visit Zimbabwe.President Zuma is expected to visit Zimbabwe this year in fulfilment of conditions of the Bi-National Commission established between the two countries during President Mugabe's State visit to the neighbouring country last year.The Bi-National Commission requires that the presidents meet annually to cement political and economic relations.Five other ambassadors from Singapore, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Conakry, Palestine and Ethiopia also presented their credentials.Foreign Affairs Minister Simbarashe Mumbengegwi and the permanent secretary Ambassador Joey Bimha attended the ceremony."The centenary celebrations are held all year round, but President Mugabe is most likely to attend special celebrations set for next month. We have extended the invitation and he has agreed to attend."We will also ensure that President Zuma's scheduled visit to Zimbabwe takes place and we will also engage South African companies and ask them to promote bi-lateral issues between our two countries," he said.The University of Fort Hare is home to hundreds of Zimbabwean students studying under the Presidential Scholarship Scheme.First to present his credentials was the ambassador of Ethiopia Mr Mustafe Dek Abdisalam who said he would spearhead the acceleration of trade."The relationship between our two countries dates back in our struggles for independence. We have excellent relations. My ambition is to strengthen and build on what is already there. To strengthen investment and trade," he said.Next was Palestine ambassador Mrs Taghrid Senour who said she was pleased to meet President Mugabe and was looking forward to strengthening relations between the two countries."Zimbabwe has always been supportive of Palestinians. We are grateful of the continued support and I am looking forward to strengthening our existing relations," she said.Equatorial Guinea ambassador Mr Jose Ela Ebang Mbang said he was going to reinforce the strong relations which exist between his country and Zimbabwe."We have strong ties with Zimbabwe, but we did not have an embassy in Zimbabwe. Now that we have one, we will be able to accelerate various bi-lateral arrangements," he said.Singapore ambassador Mr Chua Thai Keong who will be based in South Africa hailed strong relations between Zimbabwe and his country pledging to improve on economic relations."My immediate challenge is to build on and improve existing relations. Singapore is a unique part of Asia."It is a hub and source of investments. Through Singapore, Zimbabwe can reach out to the rest of Asia," he said.Guinea-Conakry ambassador Mr Djigui Camara who will be based in Luanda, Angola said he intends to improve existing relations."We have good relations politically. The challenge for me would be to build on the relations to include economic ties. There are a lot of issues politically which we can explore for our mutual benefit," he said. Dignitaries who on Thursday attended the public presentation of a book written by the wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, Aisha, deliberat... Dignitaries who on Thursday attended the public presentation of a book written by the wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, Aisha, deliberately refused to make their donations public.It was not clear whether their decision was based on the present administrations anti-graft posture.The prominent Nigerians converged on the old Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, for the presentation of Mrs. Buharis book, The Essentials of Beauty Therapy: A Complete Guide for Beauty Therapy.The proceeds from the presentation, the organisers said, would be sent to parents of the over 200 schoolgirls abducted from Chibok in April, 2014 and the parents of the boys abducted in Buni Yadi.Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo started the secret donation when he announced that Mrs. Buhari should not expect any big donation from him because he and the President were on half salaries.He added that he would not be able to donate big money because Buhari is very strict on money matters.The President and I are on half salaries. The President is very strict on money issues. So, dont expect me to make a large donation, he said.Osinbajo said the presentation of the book highlighted the importance of the girl-child education as he observed that if the wife of the President had not got the opportunity to go to school, she would not have been able to write the book and teach others.He said, Girl-child education is still an issue, girls not having the opportunity to go to school. If the wife of the President didnt have the opportunity to go to school, she wouldnt have had the opportunity to reach others.It emphasises the importance of education. Her desire to dedicate the proceeds of the presentation to the victims of insurgency and particularly the families of the Chibok girls is commendable.The national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who was the chairman of the occasion, also failed to announce his donation.Tinubu, who was represented by his wife, Oluremi, however, commended Mrs. Buhari for her decision to invest the proceeds in charity.On the importance of the book, the APC leader said Nigeria and Nigerians needed to begin to pay attention to beauty industry which he said was capable of generating income and employment.He also stressed the need to set up beauty and therapy schools where interested persons would be properly trained.The book presenter, Senator Daisy Danjuma, also failed to make her donation public.She however commended Mrs. Buhari for writing the book.The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, who spoke on behalf of the 36 state governors, also followed the same line.Although, he promised that state governors would make the books available to all the local government areas in the country, he did not announce how much they would pay.Others who spoke but failed to announce their donations were the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education, Dr. Musaudu Kazaure; the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Prof. Abdusalami Nasidi; and the wife of Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Zainab Bagudu.In her remarks, Mrs. Buhari said her decision to present the book now was to contribute to the support of victims of insurgency, particularly mothers and children as well as malnourished kids across the nation.She urged members of the audience to buy the book to support the girl-child education. Bayelsa State's Governor Seriake Dickson has appointed APC members into his cabinet. Bayelsa State's Governor Seriake Dickson has appointed APC members into his cabinet.The governor on Wednesday constituted a 14-member State Executive Council and made history by bringing on board chieftains of the All Progressives Congress as part of his 20 Special Advisers to consolidate on the achievements of his Restoration Government.This was the first time such gesture would be taking place in the history of Bayelsa State.The APC members who made the list are Ben Iyororokumo (Special Adviser on Inter Party Relations) and Clever Lawrence, Special Adviser (Information, Communication and Technology Development).Governor Dickson said the appointment of members of the opposition was in fulfillment of an earlier promise to run an all-inclusive government, regardless of party affiliations. According to The Cable, Boko Haram leaders are angry over the release of the video of 15 Chibok girls to the media. According to The Cable, Boko Haram leaders are angry over the release of the video of 15 Chibok girls to the media.CNN had obtained the video which, it reported, had been seen by negotiators and government officials.The American news network then showed the clip to some of the Chibok parents ahead of the second anniversary of the kidnappings on Thursday.In the video, apparently recorded in December 2015, the girls, who said they were speaking on behalf of their colleagues, expressed the desire to be reunited with their families.However, security sources told TheCable that Boko Haram leaders are said to be livid over the media leak which they consider as treachery because it was never intended for broadcast.They are reportedly accusing the government of cheating because the video was only recorded as proof of life for the negotiators.The sources said the insurgents have warned of dire consequences over the leak without going into specifics.They think the government and the media are not genuinely interested in the girls freedom, one of the security sources told TheCable.There are strong suspicions in intelligence circles that the girls have been divided into different groups among different Boko Haram divisions and the latest video is proof that they are probably in batches of 15 or less.It is thought that with the latest video, one group is only trying to negotiate using the girls in its care.Federal government officials are sceptical about negotiating with unknown elements to avoid the billion-naira industry that was created around it under the past administration.Pictures of five of the girls were reportedly shown to government officials by negotiators in January 2016 by another group of negotiators.(TheCable) The UN on Friday says the plight of 219 Chibok schoolgirls who were abducted two years ago is a major conflict that is affecting the North... The UN on Friday says the plight of 219 Chibok schoolgirls who were abducted two years ago is a major conflict that is affecting the North-Eastern communities.Fatma Samoura UN Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria said that up to 7,000 women and girls might be living in abduction and sex slavery.Humanitarian agencies are concerned that two years have passed, and still the fate of the Chibok girls and the many, many other abductees is unknown, she said.The statement quoted Samoura as saying that the abducted girls had suffered so much at the hands of their captors as they had been on forced recruitment, forced marriage, sexual slavery and rape, and have been used to carry bombs.Between 2,000 and 7,000 women and girls are living in abduction and sex slavery, said Jean Gough, Country Representative of the UN Childrens Fund, UNICEF.Women and girls, who have escaped Boko Haram have reported undergoing a systematic training programme to train them as bombers, according to UNICEF.It said that 85 per cent of the suicide attacks by women globally in 2014 were in Nigeria.In May 2015, it was reported that children had been used to perpetrate three-quarters of all suicide attacks in Nigeria since 2014.Many of the bombers had been brainwashed or coerced.As the Nigerian military recaptures territory from Boko Haram, abducted women and girls are being recovered.Over and above the horrific trauma of sexual violence these girls experienced during their captivity, many are now facing rejection by their families and communities, because of their association with Boko Haram.You are a Boko Haram wife, dont come near us, one girl reported being told.Effective rehabilitation for these women and girls is vital, as they rebuild their lives, the statement said.The UN notes that children have suffered disproportionately as a result of the conflict.The Chibok abduction was not an isolated incident.The UN says more need to be done by the Nigerian government and the international community to keep them safe from the horrors other women and girls have endured.Safe schools are a good start, but safe roads and safe homes are also needed, it says. News / Press Release by Zim PF (Zambia Chapter) Zim People First (Zambia Chapter) would like to say happy birthday to President Joice Mujuru on reaching 61 years tomorrow on 15 April.We want to pay tribute to her extraordinary resilience, dignity and strength in the face of trials that would break some of us. A mother, grandmother and above all a God fearing Christian, thank you for leading by example.Dr Joice Mujuru, we thank you for agreeing to lead us into a new Zimbabwe where everyone would be equal before the law.As Zimbabweans we are a most resilient and formidable people, but we have suffered enough. We deserve better, and real change is overdue.We will to continue to pray to God to give you strength and guidance.Happy birthday Amai, and thank you for your motherly leadership.Zim PF (Zambia Chapter)Happy birthday mother. Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has hailed the international community, especially the United States of America and the United K... Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose has hailed the international community, especially the United States of America and the United Kingdom for joining lovers of democracy in Nigeria to speak out against the All Progressives Congress (APC) government of President Buhari's use of State security apparatus to oppress opposition.He called on the British Government to investigate the allegation of the use of British foreign aid given to Nigeria to help combat Boko Haram terrorists to fund a witch-hunt against opposition politicians with a view to preventing continuous use of fund belonging to the country wrongly.Speaking through his Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media, Governor Fayose said the international community must focus attention on Nigeria under President Buhari, saying; "rights of Nigerians are now being trampled upon with impunity."In its report, the United States Department of States, accused the Nigerian police, DSS and the military of gross abuse of power which include citizens brutality, arbitrary detention,bribery among other scandals Also, the United Kingdom based Telegraph newspaper published this week that hundreds of millions of pounds of British foreign aid given to Nigeria to help combat Boko Haram terrorists was instead being used to fund a witch-hunt against opposition politicians.Governor Fayose, who is presently in Guangzhou, China to attend the 119th China Import and Export Fair otherwise known as the Canton Fair between April 14 and 19, said the United Kingdom Telegraph newspaper was right in its report that the Buharis government was using British aid money to target his political opponents, particularly through anti corruption agencies ans the Department of State Services (DSS).He said only the international community could help prevail on President Buhari to respect the rule of law and stop ruling Nigeria like a military dictator. The governor described the United States Department of States report as another vindication of his position on the Buhari-led government's abuse of the rights of Nigerians, saying; "everything I predicted about Buhari is coming to pass and the international community must assist the country to sustain democracy." Amidst criticisms of his frequent overseas trip, President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday expressed satisfaction that his just-concluded one... Amidst criticisms of his frequent overseas trip, President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday expressed satisfaction that his just-concluded one week official trip to China had yielded over $6bn additional investments for Nigeria.The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists.Shehu said the President believed that the agreements concluded with the Chinese during the visit would have a huge and positive impact on key sectors of the Nigerian economy including power, solid minerals, agriculture, housing and rail transportation.He said, In the power sector, North South Power Company Limited and Sinohydro Corporation Limited signed an agreement valued at $478,657,941.28 for the construction of 300 Mega Watts solar power in Shiroro, Niger State.In the solid minerals sector, Granite and Marble Nigeria Limited and Shanghai Shibang signed an agreement valued at $55m for the construction and equipping of granite mining plant in Nigeria.A total of $1bn is to be invested in the development of a greenfield expressway for Abuja-Ibadan-Lagos under an agreement reached by the Infrastructure Bank and Sinohydro Corporation Limited.For the housing sector, both companies also sealed a $250m deal to develop an ultra modern 27-storey high rise complex and a $2.5bn agreement for the development of the Lagos Metro Rail Transit Red Line project.According to the presidential spokesman, other agreements announced and signed during the visit included the establishment of a Hi-tech industrial park in Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone in Igbesa, Ogun State.He added that the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone and CNG (Nigeria) Investment Limited also signed an agreement valued at $200m for the construction of two 500MT/day float gas facilities.An agreement valued at $363m for the establishment of a comprehensive farm and downstream industrial park in Kogi state was also announced at the Nigeria-China business forum.Other agreements undergoing negotiations include a $500m project for the provision of television broadcast equipment and a $25m facility for production of pre-paid smart meters between Mojec International Limited and Microstar Company Limited.About 100 Nigerian businesses and 300 Chinese firms participated in the Nigeria-China business forum which took place a day after President Buhari began his visit to China, Shehu added. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it was planning to apply option A4 in electing its candidates for all coming elections, includin... The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said it was planning to apply option A4 in electing its candidates for all coming elections, including presidential candidate for 2019 general polls.It said that if approved by the membership of the party, the application of the method may begin with upcoming congresses of the party. National Publicity Secretary of the party, Chief Olisa Metuh, disclosed this when he received the former chairman of the National Patriotic Party (NPP) of Ghana, Mr Peter Manu, at the partys national secretariat on Friday in Abuja.Metuh said that the decision was part of the reforms to reposition the PDP for the 2019 general elections. He said that the system would not be restricted to presidential election as it would be applicable to others elective positions such as governorship, senatorial, house of representatives and down to the wards.He explained that with the proposed system, party members would have to queue behind the candidates of their choice. We are going to change our system to be that our presidential candidate would be voted for by all party members in the country. It would be at the ward level. We will no longer elect presidential candidate at the national convention.It will now be for every party member to vote for whoever would be our presidential candidate. Whoever would vie for our presidential ticket would have to tour the entire country before he can be elected. This is part of the reform we are coming up with. Basically, this would be the last convention where we would have people to be elected at the national convention. We are taking the party back to the Nigerian people, Metuh said. He said that the proposed reform was part of Sen. Ike Ekweremadus committees recommendations on how to reform and reposition PDP. He added that the proposed amendments had been sent to the state chapters for their inputs in line with our desire to have peoples opinion. After their inputs, the recommendation would be sent to the National Executive Committee (NEC) for approval. Earlier, Manu had said that the process of electing presidential candidate was one of the reforms his party adopted after it lost election to opposition party in Ghana in 2018.When we lost election, there was need to review and make amends and these amends led to some critical reforms in the party structure and organisation. We realised for example, that the modus operandi of how our presidential candidate was elected had a hand in why we lost the general election. There were as many as 17 presidential candidates in our 2008 contest when our incumbent president, John Kufor, was exiting and all the 17 presidential candidate were running for votes from a mere 3,500 delegates.So, it was money, money, money until the day of congress, he said. Manu said that NPP realised that the then opposition party, which was now in government, used that against his party and cast spell on us as being corrupt, that we were throwing money at the people. So, the first thing I did as the national chairman of the party was to expand the delegates system to cover the nooks and cranny of the party structure. So, the party structure was reorganized to start from the polling unit level where a five-member executive was elected. The Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in charge of Ikenne Division area of Ogun State, Patrick Onwu, who beat up a female traffic warden for... The Divisional Police Officer, DPO, in charge of Ikenne Division area of Ogun State, Patrick Onwu, who beat up a female traffic warden for flagging down his private car at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC filling station, IBB Boulevard, Abeokuta, last week has been demoted.According to PM News, the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, on Thursday ordered his demotion and immediate transfer of the DPO.Patrick Onwu, last Wednesday went wild and beat a female traffic officer, Inspector Anifat Bello to coma for allegedly stopping his private vehicle.He allegedly pounced on the traffic warden, Inspector Anifat Bello, who was discharging her official duty. President Muhammadu Buhari is under a re-newed under pressure to rescue the 219 girls kidnapped two years ago from their school in Chibo... The pressure is coming after the release of a new video showing that the girls are alive.In the video, which was released on Wednesday by the Cable News Network (CNN), 15 of the girls are shown.In Abuja, members of the Bring Back Our Girls campaign attempted to march on the Presidential Villa. They were stopped by the police.There was a protest in Lagos by women wearing red- the symbol of the campaign. They were at Alausa, the seat of the state government, demanding that the Federal Government should put in more efforts in rescuing the girls.But Buhari told the girls parents that he felt their pains and reiterated his promise to bring the girls back home.At the National Assembly, the Senate resolved to invite security chiefs to shed light on the battle to free the girls. The House of Representatives called on Buhari to rescue the girls.In the United States, the Congress said it was ready to help.A group of South Africans in Johannesburg also yesterday carried placards calling for the rescue of the girls.In Abuja, the campaigners said the proof of life video, released to the public by the CNN on Wednesday is a vindication of their position that the girls are still alive.The group said the released video is a glimmer of hope for their members and the Chibok community after many people advised them to give up and believe the girls dead.Yesterdays march also ended the day seven of the global week of action for the Chibok girls.The groups position is contained in a statement read by leader of the #BBOG strategic team, Aisha Yesufu and signed by former Minister of Education and leader #BBOG Dr. Oby Ezekwesilli.Our Federal Government, the military and the broader security team are less persuasive on the matter of our 219 Chibok girls, with the strong promise made by Mr President to rescue them as a matter of priority, we hoped that there would by now be a positive outcome on the search and rescue operation mounted for them.Our position to the proof of life video is that we see it as a glimmer of light. When we persisted in demanding for our Chibok girls, many people say to us, it is already too late, why are you persisting in demanding for these girls? The girls may already be dead and we say to them, we have no counter-factual evidence to the fact that our Chibok girls are still alive. To that extent, therefore, seeing such a video is an important cautious renewal of hope for us.We therefore have advised our Federal Government to consider that video an important tool, alongside several other leads that are being offered to use in scrutinising all information that would lead us to the whereabout of our Chibok girls and thereafter to make informed decisions as to the lowest cost, lowest risk option for rescuing our girls.We believe that the proof of life video would be a good place to start in scrutinising every possible lead that is provided our government on the whereabouts of our citizens. It should, as it escalates the rescue operation use the government-civil society roundtable to constantly provide progress reports of the operation and other related activities.Our movement will not stop reminding our President and the FG of their constitutional mandate and his personal pledge to rescue our Chibok girls. For 716 days we have advocated relentlessly and shall continue until our girls are rescued.The symbolism of our march is to reiterate that the rescue of our Chibok girls, other victims of terrorism, resolving the humanitarian crises in the Northeast, tackling of the grossly worrying problems of herders attacks on citizens as symbolised in Agatu; disclosing all military misdemeanours against civilians in their communities across the country, tackling the problem of endangered education of millions of children in Internally Displaced Persons camps nationwide, are the primary duties of government led by the federal authorities in Nigeria.The leadership of the Kibaku Area Development Association (KADA) called on the government to rebuild the burnt Chibok school, which is yet to be constructed despite the widely publicised reconstruction foundation laying ceremony by the former President Goodluck Jonathan administration.KADA said as peace gradually returns to the Northeast, government and development partners under the Safe School Initiative should fast-track the completion of the Chibok burnt school for education of the children to begin.,Abuja branch Chairman Tsambido Hosea and National Secretary Battah Ndirpaya said: After the abduction, Chibok area was attacked severally with resultant high casualties, including 11 of the parents and guardians of the abducted girls, with four killed by Boko Haram insurgents and seven due to trauma related cases.A project worth mentioning today is the Chibok burnt school, the school where the girls were abducted is yet to be constructed over one year after the widely publicised reconstruction foundation laying ceremony by the previous government. As peace gradually returns to the Northeast, we urge the government and its development partners under the Safe School Initiative (SSI) to fast track the completion of the Chibok burnt school for the education of children to commence.KADA wishes to use this opportunity to appeal to Mr President to set up special search and rescue team with a special mandate to locate and rescue the Chibok girls.The police blocked the road to the Villa and refused the group passage. Nick Hurd, British minister for international development, on Thursday said his government annually supported Nigerias development progra... Nick Hurd, British minister for international development, on Thursday said his government annually supported Nigerias development programmes with 400 million (N128.8b) on an annual basis.Hurd disclosed this to NAN in Lagos, saying the fund was meant to support the provision of basic services that would improve the lives of Nigerians.Nigeria is a very important partner to the people and government of the United Kingdom, he said.We annually invest about 400 million pounds in supporting the development of Nigeria, as well as improving the quality of life of the Nigerian people.We have been delivering basic education and health services that would help Nigerian children educationally, as well as helping Nigerians to have access to quality medical care.Hurd said he was visiting Nigeria to see for himself how UKs development support for Nigeria was working, as well as assess Nigerias current progresses.The minister, who was on his first trip to Nigeria, also announced his governments interest in making sure that Nigeria is a good place to do business.Hurd said his government was committed to making Nigeria a business destination and an investment country, which would create job opportunities for young Nigerians.We are currently working with the Nigerian government and many private organisations in doing programmes, and providing advice, looking at Nigerias laws and regulations, he said.This is with a view to making Nigeria a better place for foreigners and Nigerians to do business.We are also looking at the possibilities of making sure that Nigeria has a good government, more transparency, accountability and less corruption.The minister also restated his governments commitment to supporting Nigeria in her effort at ending the activities of Boko Haram in the north-east, through training of the Nigeria military. The United States Department of States has released yet another gory and nauseating detailed report on Nigeria, accusing the government at... The United States Department of States has released yet another gory and nauseating detailed report on Nigeria, accusing the government at all levels of injustice, brutality and inflicting pain on poor Nigerians.The report accused the Nigerian police, DSS and the military of gross abuse of power which include citizens brutality, arbitrary detention,bribery among other scandals.It also revealed that 69 percent of persons in prison across the country are awaiting trial blaming the situation on lack of judicial capacity and corruption.While explaining that the insurgency in the Northeast has rendered many hopeless, US accused the Boko haram militants of committing pogrom in which more than 20,000 people have been killed and maimed with permanent injury.The country also suffered from widespread societal unrest, including ethnic, regional, and religious violence. Other serious human rights problems included vigilante killings; prolonged pretrial detention, often in facilities with poor conditions; denial of fair public trial; executive influence on the judiciary; infringement on citizens privacy rights; and restrictions on freedoms of speech, press, assembly, and movement," the report said."There were reports during the year of official corruption; violence against women and children, including female genital mutilation/cutting; infanticide; sexual exploitation of children; trafficking in persons; early and forced marriages; discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity; discrimination based on ethnicity, regional origin, religion, and disability; forced and bonded labor; and child labour it added.The report pointed out that impunity remained widespread at all levels of government; saying although President Buharis administration began initial steps to curb corruption, authorities did not investigate or punish the majority of cases of police or military abuse. News / Regional by Saff reporter Killers of 20 000 innocent civilians during the Gukurahundi massacre must first apologise before setting up this commission. The Commission is not necessary; it is just a waste of government resources. The chief perpetrator which is the current government led by Zanu PF should accept responsibility of causing conflict before setting this Commission. The Parly should have consulted ordinary citizens, mainly victims of government-inspired conflict before appointing commissioners. The Commission should investigate conflicts that occurred before it was set particularly Gukurahundi. The imposition of a minister as an overseer of the Commission renders it partisan. Parly should start afresh at the grassroots and not present to citizens what they have already initiated. The provision on 'investigation' in the Bill is not consistent with the ideology of 'healing' 'We (Kalangas) were insulted and we are still waiting for an apology' Commissioners must be recommended by citizens not Parly or the President. The clergy or church representatives must be part of the commissioners. Current commissioners must be fired after their 5 year term because they haven't done anything tangible since 2013. Commission offices must be decentralised to districts so that they can easily be accessed by ordinary citizens. The Bill should be simplified in local languages and information disseminated to communities The provision on benefits of commissioners like housing and loans should be excluded. The Commission is a booby trap because the ruling regime will not allow a commission that can arrest it to work effectively. Commission cannot be taken seriously when citizens are still disappearing. What is its role? The Commission should set a tone which is victim-centred. Victims must speak for themselves. The commission cannot achieve anything if the perpetrator is still in power. Each community has a peculiar situation. There is need for serious engagement with grassroots communities. The Parly should not engage urbanites. People who need the Commission the most are rural citizens. The Bill should clarify where to report issues of conflict. Provision on legal representation should be scrapped off. The responsible Minister should not endorse reports "alone". Due consultation should be done. Hearing shld be held with marginalised communities that bore the brunt of the Gukurahundi genocide. The Bill should address issues to do with compensation especially for conflict victims. PLUMTREE residents have urged the Zimbabwe government, whose majority is Zanu PF to first address the Matabeleland and Midlands genocide that claimed approximately 20 000 people in the 1980s before setting up a peace commission.Approximately 500 people mobilised by Plumtree Development Trust converged in Plumtree today to contribute to the National Peace and Reconciliation Bill hearing convened by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Peace and Reconciliation.Our dedicated team collated some critical points which were articulated by the generality of the citizens during the meeting.Although our list of points is not exhaustive we believe that the following points aptly summarise recommendations made by participants.Below we publish a summary of the recommendations. Opinion / Columnist "Will you be celebrating Zimbabwe's 36th Independence Day on Monday?" asked DJ Sodza of his Zimnet Radio listeners?The quick and short answer to that for any thinking Zimbabwean has to be a NO! What is there to celebrate?18 th April 1980 was supposed to be the day every Zimbabwean became a full citizen of Zimbabwe to claim and enjoy all the freedoms, human rights and dignities denied to the blacks by the oppressive and racist white colonial government. The cold reality is that the majority of the people have been systematically denied their freedoms and basic rights by the Zanu PF government.After 36 years of trying to cash the independence cheques and getting nothing there is no doubt that the ordinary people have been cheated and given bad cheques! How can we pretend that we are a free nation when we have been denied a fair share in the nation's wealth and a voice in its governance?Last week Health Minister, David Parirenyatwa, condemned the one room maternity ward at Chiredzi General Hospital as "unsafe". The ward is overcrowded and ill equipped. The ward was built in 1967 by the white government when Chiredzi was a small outpost serving a population of a few hundred people. Today it is the referral hospital catering for the health needs of hundreds of thousands.As a referral hospital the maternity ward would have delivered hundreds of pre-mature babies each year, for example, and the majority of these babies died for the lack of something as basic as incubator! Even the big hospitals like Mpilo rarely have enough of something as basic as incubators if they have them at all, let alone backwater rural hospitals like Chiredzi.Chiredzi hospital's tragic story was in the paper side by side with the story of Mugabe's daughter, Bona, who is in Singapore to have her baby. Grace Mugabe had left the country to be on their daughter's side; Mugabe told the nation.Mugabe has been going to Singapore for his health needs for years; in 2012 he made 8 health trips each costing US$ 3 million plus!There must be a lot more than that none of our hospitals can provide a good-enough health service for our ruling elite! If the billions of dollars being squandering on Bona's baby were spent equipping just one special ward, for example, it would be comparable quality to any in Singapore. The idea of having such ward was discounted because other Zimbabwean women would have used the same ward after Bona and her baby; putting the two on par with "ordinary" Zimbabweans, unthinkable for one whose grandmother wears nothing else but Gucci designer shoes.Whilst cities and towns up and down the country have failed to supply clean running water for weeks on end at times because of lack of funds to maintain the service; Mugabe has admitted $15 billion or the nation's GDP in Marange diamond revenue alone were looted recently! So there grinding poverty in Zimbabwe not because the country is poor but because its wealth is being wasted!The people of Zimbabwe have known for years that Mugabe and his Zanu PF party are corrupt and incompetent but they have failed to remove the tyrannical regime from office because the regime blatantly rigs elections and uses wanton violence to stay in power. In the 36 years of Mugabe's tyrannical rule, over 30 000 innocent Zimbabweans have been murdered in cold blood to establish and retain this de facto one-party cum one-man dictatorship.For the masses the struggle for freedom, justice and human dignity has never stopped; on 18 April 1980 they swapped the white oppressors for black oppressors. The struggle continues!Luta continua!Celebrate? One does not celebrate the birth whilst the wife is still in labour, especial the celebration is at the behest of those who are holding back the birth for selfish gain! Opinion / Columnist Former Vice President Joice Mujuru's Zimbabwe People First (ZPF) tossed its hat into the ring with an undertaking to build the economy. It projected translating its vision through a proposed economic blue print called Blueprint to Unlock Investment and Leverage for Development (BUILD). Thus, the members of ZPF christen themselves builders.Ever since that party was launched a month ago, there is very little that show commitment to the building of the nation. It has been making outlandish allegations and frivolous demands that have nothing to do with its impaired vision of building the nation.During the weekend, ZPF attempted to lure supporters from Bulawayo by demanding the implementation of devolution. It was a cheap score really. ZPF is frantically trying to win the elusive vote of the Matabeleland region by centering its campaign on issues perceived to be of innermost concern for people from that region.A few weeks ago, ZPF has been raking reminiscence of the Gukurahundi epoch, pledging to re-look into the issue. That did not bring grist to its mill. This time around, the focus has been directed to the concept of devolution. During the constitution making process, devolution gained traction in Matabeleland region. It is against this realization that ZPF attempted to placate the people they think are disillusioned, just to score a cheap political mileage.Commenting on devolution debate then, the late Vice President Cde John Landa Nkomo said: "When it comes to devolution of power, I don't know what some people think really but some of these things come from idle minds. They never look at the implications of what they say." Indeed, a renewed call for devolution is coming from idle minds. This is not what nation builders do. Nation building entails bringing different people together, not dividing them.One wonders whether ZPF is in touch with the present reality. Their demand for the implementation of devolution at a time the nation is facing financial challenges only saves to show that ZPF is not a serious party.Government is currently seized with the importation of grain to make sure that nobody dies of hunger. Treasury is having sleepless night over salaries and bonuses of civil servants. The civil servants' wage bill currently stands at 83% of total government earning. This is not economically viable, thus there are efforts to reduce it to 53%.The implementation of devolution will work at cross purpose with government efforts to reduce civil service wage bill. Devolution will entail the creation of extra offices and their bearers. The offices will need to be equipped. Vehicles will have to be purchased and treasury will have to pay the extra workforce in the provincial councils.It is true and undisputable that section 264 and 265 of the constitution call for the devolution of powers and responsibilities. However, that constitution does not force government to implement those ideas when there is no money. A levelheaded government prioritises national needs. Even a sane family man does so and it would be strange for him to have a party when his wife is in mortuary. The current economic situation naturally relegates devolution to the peripheries.ZPF is that kind of a party which, if it miraculously gets into power, will always have its priorities wrong. Such misplaced priorities do not come as a surprise to most of the people, more so coming from a leadership that has a history of misplacing priorities. Cde John Makwasha, one of the war veterans featured on the Sunday Mail's Chronicles from the 2nd Chimurenga, said that Mr Rugare Gumbo, a ZPF elder once abandoned the liberation struggle to go for his further education."Others who went to school at the time include people like Salatiel Hamadziripi and Rugare Gumbo who told us point blank kuti imi musina kudzidza ndimi murikuenda kunodzidza pfuti kana matora nyika isusu tirikuenda kuchikoro touya tokutongai," said Cde Makwasha.Veteran Zambian politician Dr Vernoon Mwaanga also said that some Zanu PF leaders domiciled in Zambia drew the ire of Zambians after they were found eating chicken in the basket which was a popular dish among the elite in Zambia. Zambians were angered because these leaders prioritized sumptuousness instead of intensifying the struggle. Gumbo was one of those leaders that culture of misplaced priority is still haunts him today.ZPF wants government to suspend the programme of buying food for people and direct resources towards devolution. Though people voted for devolution during the constitution making process, they have not demanded its haste implementation because they are not lost to the current economic environment. It is therefore, not clear whose agenda ZPF is advancing.In any case, devolution is not the best of practice for a country such as Zimbabwe. It is a product of compromise whose inclusion in the constitution was forced by the opposition for political expediency. Its impact on socio-economic development is not guaranteed. Even President Mugabe expressed his aversion for devolution during his 88th birthday interview with ZBC in 2012."We don't want to divide the country into small pieces because it will cause disunity among our people," said President Mugabe adding that the concept only worked in big countries. Most of the countries cited by the movers of devolution as success stories are quite bigger than Zimbabwe.Some provinces are economically endowed in terms of resources and therefore these regions have an edge over others. Devolution is likely to increase regional inequalities especially when provinces are given the power to utilize the revenue from their own resources. It means devolution will benefit the rich regions. Contrary to the perception held by the advocates of devolution, the practice can compound marginalization of certain regions. This will also leads to inter-regional conflict particularly in the re-allocation of resources. Some ethnic conflicts in North Africa are rooted in this system.Devolution also limits the central government oversight and there is too much duplication of functions which eventually leads to wastage of resources. There will be also a lot of competition for local investors among provinces, leading to possible ethnic hatred.Government has since adopted decentralization in public administration, which is the best practice for a country like Zimbabwe. One does not need to be clever to see that federalism and secessionism is being disguised in devolution. Opinion / Columnist When Cephas Msipa announced his retirement from active politics, the expectation was that he would steer clear of any political shenanigans and would remain on the self-chosen terraces of a retired cadre, but his hyper-active comments in the media, particularly on matters to do with ZANU PF, are a cause for concern.For someone, who has opted to resign from politics, Msipa's derogatory comments on ZANU PF betrays a person who feigns disinterest in politics yet is desperate to remain relevant to the country's politics and get recognition as a most vocal critic of ZANU PF.It is puzzling that Msipa, a senior member of the party for a long time, now berates ZANU PF for allegedly using violent means to remain in power yet all along he was content with the party.He did not for a day, during his tenure in the party, express his displeasure to the supposed violence and neither did he cite the issue of violence in his retirement letters from active politics'.He now wants to paint a grim picture of violence in ZANU PF and expects us to believe it.The route he is taking has been trodden by other opportunistic politicians who previously sought to build their moribund careers on the back of falsehoods on ZANU PF.Activists and politicians in the opposition and in civic society groups have previously tried to play this card before but have failed.All of them are consciously playing to the gallery of western donors, who are ready to dole out funds to anyone seen as challenging the electoral mandate of ZANU PF.Opposition political parties, faced with a bleak electoral future, now regurgitate the mantra that there are irregularities in the country's electoral system in a bid to justify their back to back defeat by ZANU PF at the polls and careless comments from a supposed party elder are timeous fodder for their propaganda.The discourse of violence, which Msipa has now joined, is used to perpetuate the opposition cliche that the electoral system is unsustainable and requiring reform.It is also intended at casting ZANU PF's tenure in Government as illegitimate, having supposedly been attained through a violent campaign.This has also become the bane of those who were expelled from the party or those who excluded themselves for spurious reasons such as Msipa's excuse of retiring from active politics'.Most of them now seek to project themselves as courageous politicians who now want to confront the unassailable ZANU PF juggernaut.To be credible, they now seek to lend credence to long-held and unsubstantiated opposition claims that ZANU PF is a violent party.We have previously seen disgraced and violent politicians such as Jim Kunaka, seeking to redeem their soiled political record by blaming ZANU PF for their violent demeanor.It is all about political gamesmanship.But it is interesting that Kunaka was to be embroiled in a violent clash outside of ZANU PF, as a member of Zimbabwe People First (Zim PF).His trademark use of violence against rivals was manifest at a ZimPF rally held in Glen View recently.Violence is in Kunaka's DNA and it had nothing to do with ZANU PF as claimed.This is the point that should not be ignored.Although ZANU PF openly condemns violence, it cannot be discounted that there are undesirable elements such as Kunaka who want to spoil the name of the party.President Robert Mugabe is on record publicly condemning political violence and urging security agents to arrest those found on the wrong side of the law.As the principal of the party, the President represents the party position and for people like Msipa to claim otherwise would be misleading.By claiming that ZANU PF is a violent party, Msipa is seeking cheap political fame and that is opportunistic. Opinion / Columnist That Mugabe is a charming orator is beyond doubt and there is hardly any logic behind a conflicting argument. His speeches are often characterized by standing ovations and relentless applauds throughout. That perhaps, is a notable gift we cannot seize from him. But somehow we seem to miss the point. The standing ovations or relentless applauds are hardly an expression of the common-man. They are rather an expression of distinguished dignitaries who effortlessly fit in Africa's most affluent category. Those affluent men and women with glowing faces polished with modern ointment; lack a comprehensive understanding of the real impact of bad governance. Suffice to say, in this contemporary, charisma is not a satisfactory quality to warrant an individual suitable for presidency.Meanwhile, his supposedly moving speeches do not match the reality of things. Far from the glowing depiction he portrays to the international community, President Mugabe should take full responsibility for the supreme obliteration of the country. As a direct consequence of his controversial rule, the country's population consists of impoverished citizens who have resorted to voting with their feet towards the country's border lines. Disturbingly, Mugabe, the only Zimbabwean President since 1980, has presided over the most spectacular economic collapse in modern history. Indeed, to narrate Zimbabwe's state of affairs is a heart-throbbing assignment. With unemployment soaring at the pinnacle, and life expectancy tumbling under unacceptable levels, Mugabe gives the impression that nothing is wrong. Even in those circumstances he blatantly fabricates that Zimbabweans cheerfully vote him into power. Obviously, that is the most spectacular deception of all time. Even, in the midst of those circumstances, he is determined to cling onto power until his last breath.During public forums, Robert Mugabe prefers to shift his focus on relatable matters while, in the process, drawing vibrant laughter from affluent men oblivious of the true Zimbabwean story. For example, during the recent United Nations Conference held in Addis Ababa Ethiopia, President Mugabe demonstrated that the state of the country did not bother him. His persistent exhibition of oblivion towards Zimbabwe's economy is disturbing. Regrettably, Mugabe lives on the wrong page of history. His racial discrimination towards whites is a false reflection of the general feeling of contemporary Zimbabweans. Very easily, Mugabe and the first family could be the only racists in Zimbabwe. In fact, his recent speech in Addis Ababa only inspired the handful beneficiaries of his tyranny who are so trapped in the jaws of his dictatorship that they are capable of giggling delightfully when he farts. His focus is never on pertinent matters. For example, a dialogue on his hatred for whites cannot supersede the common obligation to advance a progressive system founded upon economic development, social progression and political inclusiveness. Secondly, it is highly hypocritical to fight for the equality of black Americans while ignoring the plea of Zimbabweans whose suffering he is solely responsible for. The recent MDCT march was a good indication that Mugabe has overstayed his welcome.On the face of it, change is the last remaining hope of the generation. No event can be more exciting than the occasion to replace a selfish government whose domination is orchestrated by one man. In the same light, Zimbabwe's independence was a struggle to remove the loathsome British invaders who occupied our land illegally and oppressed the masses. Sadly Mugabe applies the same prejudice as Zimbabwe's previous invaders. In precisely the same fashion, Zanu Pf is demonstrating equivalent subjugation under the masquerade of political sovereignty. By systematic comparison, Zanu Pf's destruction has been more devastating than that of the Smith regime. The previous invaders were brutal colonizers who constructed infrastructure while Mugabe is the purported liberator who destroyed it. Under these circumstances, an enemy who builds is better than a brother who destroys. In fact a brother who destroys is the real enemy. Suffice to say, all oppression must be condemned regardless of its appearance.However, other international counterparts declare that the suffering of Zimbabweans is our own making because our behavior is not consistent with an afflicted people. By the look of things, that assertion is somewhat incorrect because Zimbabweans are stepping up to the plate. After all, only Zimbabweans have the judicial mandate to improve the political situation in Zimbabwe. Suffice to say it is not enough to do nothing about bad governance and rely solely on divine intervention. Revolutionary parties cannot be removed by all night prayers.Surely, it cannot be the will of the people to elect a controversial despot whose controversial political record is defined by 32 years of successive gloom and anguish. The reality of the matter is that Robert Mugabe was last democratically elected in 1980. His subsequent election victories were never a reflection of the people's will. Opinion / Columnist We all know that President Mugabe is a control freak; only an "el classico" control freak would banish cabinet meetings, forcing the country to grind to a halt, unless he is there to chair the meeting for 36 years! Not content with controlling cabinet the tyrant has extend his control freak obsession to every facet of the nation's life; he wants only his voice to be heard and is incensed that anyone else should dare speak, especially when it is critical of him.When Cephas Msipa said he was retiring from active politics he never said he would give up his basic human rights and freedoms including freedom of expression. Given that he, like everyone else in Zanu PF, had been denying the opportunity to express himself freely whilst he remained in the party; the political atmosphere in Zanu PF is stifling, as we know. He might well have taken early retirement (given that some Zanu PF leaders are 92 years old and are holding on to the seat like binnacles to a rock, he is 85 and therefore a spring chicken in comparison) to get away from the stifling setting for a breath of fresh air.Cephas Msipa has said a lot of home truths about President Mugabe and the tyrannical style of leadership. Last week he said Zanu PF was a party that thrives on violence."They (Joice Mujuru and her ZimPF) have a mammoth task before them. I know Zanu PF are good at defending themselves and remaining in power. Since 1980, they (Zanu PF) have been using the same tactic," he warned."They will do everything possible to destroy their opponents. They use all sorts of dirty tactics, including violence and intimidation. They think to win an election they need to use force."The talk of Zanu PF using violence to stay in power is a political reality President Mugabe has had to resort to many times in the past but it is not something he is proud of given his obsession with portraying himself as a great statesman, Pan Africanist and liberation hero icon! Using violence has been like gashing wound in the great bull's rump from the enemy horn which the bull has been at great pain to pretend is nothing. Msipa knows the use of violence has done irreparable damage to Mugabe's pride and reputation; he deliberately bumped into the bull's rump to hear the bull issue an involuntary groan of pain."He now wants to paint a grim picture of violence in ZANU PF and expects us to believe it," wrote Gwinyai Mutongi jumping to the defence of groaning President Mugabe."The discourse of violence, which Msipa has now joined, is used to perpetuate the opposition cliche that the electoral system is unsustainable and requiring reform. It is also intended at casting ZANU PF's tenure in Government as illegitimate, having supposedly been attained through a violent campaign."Our apologist Mutongi cannot rewrite history! Even SADC and the AU could not sweep President Mugabe's use of wanton violence in 2008; they refused to endorse his electoral victory as the true reflection of the free democratic will of the people and thus would not grant him the legitimacy he craved.SADC would only restore his legitimacy on condition that he signed the GPA, agreeing to implement a raft of democratic reforms designed to end Zanu PF's culture of vote rigging and use of violence to retain political power. President Mugabe was forced to eat humble pie and signed the agreement and formed the GNU with Tsvangirai."They would make fun of us at AU," President Mugabe told the war vets meeting in Harare last week. He was recalling the GNU days. "They would tell me, that seat is not yours. Tsvangirai should be sitting there, but I persevered."How typical of him, the meeting with the war vets was called to discuss the nation's teething economic and political problems and what should be done to alleviate the war vets' suffering and the nation at large and he was talking about how the AU members had humiliated him. He had rigged the elections and "declared war" on his own people to win the elections and he was angry that the AU had not embraced him regardless.Instead of thinking and acting in the public interest and implement all the democratic reforms during the GNU Mugabe had his own selfish devious plans. He bribed Tsvangirai and his MDC friends into cooperating with him so that not even one reform was implemented. "I persevered!" he know boasts as if he expects the whole nation to applauded for landing us all back into this political and economic nightmare.It is a great pity that Tsvangirai and his MDC friends have turned out to be so breathtakingly corrupt and incompetent; they not only failed to get even one reform implemented during the GNU they are not going to get any implement before the next elections. So Zanu PF will have no problems using its vote rigging tactics including using violence.Still, because of the country's worsening economic situation, the people will be more determined than ever to remove this corrupt and oppressive Mugabe tyrannical regime and end their suffering. Mugabe will have to use even dirtier vote rigging tricks and use even more wanton violence than he used in 2008, the whole world is sick and tired of his dirty tricks and he will find that not even SADC and AU will have an excuse to grant him legitimacy.In a cruel twist of fate; President Mugabe's use of violence to win elections is now his Achilles hell. The pressure on him to win the next elections is greater than ever and, with his popularity the lowest it has ever been, he will have no choice but to use violence to win. Having used violence again to win, this time President Mugabe will be cast out with the sodomites! Former longtime north shore District Attorney Walter Reed eaves the federal courthouse after pleading not guilty to federal corruption charges in New Orleans federal court Monday, May 4, 2015.. His son, Steven Reed, also pleaded not guilty. (Photo by David Grunfeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune) Jim Stark, a spokesman for the Gulf Intracoastal Canal Association, addresses members of the Mississippi River Commission during its annual "high water" meeting in New Orleans on Friday (April 15). Vanilla cupcakes with white or chocolate icing, topped with red firetrucks! ($2) are new from Fireman Mike's Kitchen booth in the Kids Food area. Sampled the first Friday of the New Orleans Jazz Fest presented by Shell at the Fairgrounds in New Orleans, Friday April 24, 2015. (Photo by David Grunfeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune) On voting, Louisiana isn't perfect, but we're better than most 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. LOS ANGELESAward-winning sex toy manufacturer Screaming O has partnered with the Los Angeles Academy of Sex Education (LAASE) to offer a scholarship and lifetime supply of sex toys to Republican presidential hopeful Ted Cruz. The offer comes in response to Cruzs now-very-public condemnation of masturbation and sex toys, which has left the sex industry clamoring to help guide Cruz toward his own pursuit of happiness. During his time as Texas solicitor general, Cruz was instrumental in criminalizing the sale of sex toys in his state and argued against Americans right to self-love, two aspects of modern humanity that lie at the core of Screaming Os philosophy. And it became clear there was only one thing they could do to help: send Cruz back to school to learn the medical benefits of masturbationand the many ways to enjoy it. Its sad to hear Cruz miss the point about masturbation and the important role it plays in our daily lives, but theres a good chance that he never had the opportunity to learn about it, The Screaming O President Justin Ross said. So wed like to send Cruzand his wife, if shes gameto the Los Angeles Academy of Sex Ed with all the supplies they need for a crash course in self-pleasure and how pursuing that kind of happiness can improve mental, physical and emotional health faster than anything a doctor might prescribe. Scientific evidence shows that masturbation can be not only an important part of a healthy sexual lifestyle, but also be an incredibly effective way to reduce stress, release muscle tension, improve sleep, and even help reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy. And with the United States boasting one of the highest teen pregnancy rates, and reported STI cases growing at an alarming rate, its more important than ever that the countrys influential political leaders understand the facts. The Los Angeles Academy of Sex specializes in providing factually accurate sexuality information in a fun and informative way, and all are welcome, LAASE founder and lead educator Elle Chase said. We are prepared to provide Mr. Cruz with the tools and information he needs to make smarter decisions relating to the health and wellness of his constituents. And if he doesnt ultimately make it to the White House, we hope he brings his notebook back to Texas to spread the good word. Ross and Chase await Cruzs response to their offer and look forward to a response from his team. In the meantime, Chase will be teaching a free class called Mutual Masturbation: Give Yourself a Hand on May 22 at The Pleasure Chest, 7733 Santa Monica Blvd. in West Hollywood, Calif. For more information about Screaming O, click here. For more information about LAASE, click here. MONTREALThe Masseuse 10 is the newest movie to release on DVD from Mile High Media. The 10th installment of the series stars AVN Award-winning performer Aidra Fox as Sydney, a masseuse desperate to breathe life into her failing business. Produced by couples-friendly studio Sweet Sinner, The Masseuse 10 offers both sensual massage and passionate sex. Directed by James Avalon, The Masseuse 10 also features Marley Brinx, Kira Noir, Logan Pierce, Seth Gamble and James Deen. For box art and product information regarding The Masseuse 10, click here. The Masseuse is definitely one of our more erotic series, said Mile High Media Vice President Jon Blitt. The use of massage as foreplay proves to be just as effective for viewers, as it is for the performers. In The Masseuse 10, Sydney is a traditional masseuse who is quickly losing business. Its time for her to step up her game. Enter zen-master Drew, who shows her some erotic alternative therapies. For DVD sales information, contact Wilma : [email protected] or (800) 363-0133. Pictured above, Aidra Fox and Logan Pierce in The Masseuse 10. To view more photos from the movie, click here. ALEXANDRIA, VAThe Woodhull Freedom Foundation announces its workshop and seminar schedule for its seventh annual Sexual Freedom Summit. Held August 47 in Alexandria, Virginia, the Summit is the one conference focused on sexual freedom as a fundamental human right in the US. "There is simply no better place to be if you're concerned with the human right to sexual freedom," said Ricci Levy, President and CEO of Woodhull Freedom Foundation. "This year's Sexual Freedom Summit is our first to feature tracks on men's sexual pleasure and health, race and racism, disability, sex work, and social media, in addition to our always wide-ranging selection of workshops. There is really no other conference that combines this caliber of information on sexuality, with practical tips for advancing the movement and taking care of ourselves in the process." From gender expression to reproductive justice, LGBT rights to polyamory, sex work to spirituality, and much more, the Summit welcomes attendees to bring ideas and concerns to the table, all within a human rights framework. The four-day schedule of institutes and workshops, roundtable discussions and sessions cover a gamut of topics, ranging from geriatric sexuality, abuse, sex education, religion, gender identities, mental health, condom use, policy trends, intellectual and developmental disabilities, consent, sex work, and more. To view the complete list of seminars, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, click here. Woodhulls Sexual Freedom Summit offers discounts to students, active military, seniors, and those seeking AASECT Continuing Education Credits. To register, click here. Thanks to a generous grant from the Freeman Foundation, bloggers attending the Summit may apply to receive one of ten $100 scholarships. Along with the scholarship, those selected will also receive a discount on the cost of registration. Bloggers will be selected based on criteria including readership traffic and social media followership, with special consideration given to those who represent marginalized identities and communities. The deadline for applications is May 1, 2016; to apply, click here. Now in its seventh year, the focus of the Sexual Freedom Summit is the goal of the sexual freedom movement: global recognition of our fundamental human right to sexual freedom. The Summit is for everyone interested in sexual freedomfrom activists, educators, students, attorneys, and clinicians, to people who are simply curious about how to make the world a freer place for all. Returning to the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road, Alexandria, Virginia 22311, Woodhulls Sexual Freedom Summit is just five miles from Washington, DC and 4.5 miles from Washington Reagan International Airport, in the West End of historic Alexandria. The Summit has a conference rate arranged with the Hilton; to book, click here. For more information on Woodhulls Sexual Freedom Summit, visit SexualFreedomSummit.org, or follow the Summit on Twitter and on Facebook. Those following the conversation on Twitter may do so by using the hashtag #SFS16. CHICAGO, Ill. --- Northwestern University will offer annual scholarships of up to $50,000 to City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) students who are admitted as undergraduate students and transfer to Northwestern, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Northwestern University President Morton Schapiro announced today. Under the new CCC Star Scholars Initiative, Northwestern will provide financial assistance for two years for students who have completed their studies at City Colleges of Chicago and come to Northwestern. Each student will be eligible to receive a Star Scholar Award in an amount of up to $50,000 to be funded by Northwestern. I commend Northwestern for joining in the collective of Chicago colleges and universities who have stepped up to create a clear path for our students from high school to community college and on to a four-year university, Mayor Emanuel said. These institutions recognize the potential of our hardworking students, so I want to thank them for joining our effort to help break down the financial barriers to a college education and provide more ladders of opportunity to a great career and a stronger future." The partnership with City Colleges of Chicago represents the most recent initiative in Northwesterns continuing efforts to increase access to the University for students from Chicago, President Schapiro said. Northwestern University has always sought to attract the best students, both nationally and here in Chicago, and provide them with the financial support needed to obtain a Northwestern education, President Schapiro said. Through this partnership and others, we hope to make it possible for more students from low- and middle-income families and who are first-generation college students to attend Northwestern. By establishing the CCC Star Scholars Initiative, Northwestern hopes to attract outstanding City Colleges graduates who otherwise might not consider the University, President Schapiro said. Similar efforts by Northwestern over the past few years to attract Chicago Public Schools (CPS) graduates have been extremely successful. More than 100 CPS graduates are expected to enroll as freshmen at Northwestern next fall, an increase from fewer than 60 in 2010. The Universitys Good Neighbor, Great University program, which provides need-based financial aid for students from Chicago and Evanston schools, this year has 328 undergraduates receiving $2.9 million in scholarships. Northwestern also created a special program to aid CPS students in preparing for college. As announced by Mayor Emanuel and President Schapiro in 2013, the Northwestern Academy helps CPS students prepare for and gain admittance to selective colleges and universities. The Northwestern Academy helps CPS high school students who are academically talented and enrolled in the free or reduced lunch program with supplemental educational opportunities and support services at no cost to the students in order to challenge them in high school and prepare them for higher education at selective colleges and universities. Students in the inaugural class of the innovative college prep program will tour top-tier universities over spring break, a significant milestone in their journey to higher education. As part of the programs first trip to research colleges, the high school juniors some joined by their parents -- will depart from Chicago April 17; one group will head to schools in Pennsylvania, while the other will tour top Midwestern schools. A third group will explore college campuses this summer. The students are all first-generation college-bound, come from a low-income family or are part of a group traditionally underrepresented in higher education. These are the highly motivated kids who qualified for, but arent enrolled in, selective enrollment high schools. The partnership with CPS involves year-round tutoring, leadership training, confidence building, counseling, family workshops and field trips to cultural institutions such as the Steppenwolf Theatre and The Adler Planetarium. Northwestern also recently announced that it will significantly increase financial aid for its students, eliminate loans for incoming undergraduate students and provide University-funded scholarships to undocumented students who are graduates of U.S. high schools. Key initiatives include: All-grant financial aid packages. Beginning next fall, all entering first-year students who qualify for Northwestern grant assistance will be awarded aid packages without any loans. Their aid offer will include only grants, scholarships, summer earnings expectations and a work-study job opportunity. The all-grant aid package would enable students to graduate without incurring debt for their main educational expenses. Increased financial aid for undocumented students who are graduates of U.S. high schools. Beginning with next falls entering class, Northwestern will provide significantly increased financial assistance to academically qualified undocumented students who attended and graduated from a U.S. high school. Even though they have graduated from U.S. high schools, undocumented students are not eligible for federal grants and loans or State of Illinois grants. Northwestern will now provide the same University-funded scholarship assistance to qualified undocumented students that it does to U.S. citizens, using private funds to provide financial aid to support their studies. An increasing number of outstanding high school students are those who were brought to the U.S. as small children after being born in another country, President Schapiro said. Despite Congressional efforts to make college accessible and affordable to these students through the DREAM Act, this bill has not yet been enacted. Therefore, as part of its efforts to reach out to underserved communities, Northwestern will provide increased funds to enable these students to come here. Replacement of lost MAP funding. The Illinois Monetary Award Program (MAP), which provides tuition grants for low- and middle-income students, is not currently funded due to the lack of a state budget. Northwestern has assured all of its full-time undergraduate students that the University will replace the lost MAP funding with University funds this year. Approximately 500 Northwestern undergraduates receive a total of about $2.4 million in MAP grants. We continue to hope that the governor and the legislature can reach an agreement on a FY2016 budget and restore MAP funding, which supports Illinois students, President Schapiro said. In order to enable our students to continue without incurring additional costs, Northwestern will stretch its institutional resources to make up for the lost state funds. Cheaters Beware: New Mattress Can Tell You If Your Partner Sleeps With Someone Else Trending News: Think She's Cheating? Your Mattress Has Got Your Back Why Is This Important? Long Story Short Long Story Because this is the CIA way of working out if your partners cheating on you.A new Spanish designed hi-tech mattress can report to your smartphone who has been sleeping in your bed, giving suspicious partners the ultimate spy tool.Do you think your partner might be taking advantage of your trips away in order to play the field? If so, dont worry about confronting them or anything ridiculous like that because a smart mattress will go undercover to find out the truth for you. Spanish manufacturers Durmet have created a mattress that keeps a 24-hour watch on activity on your bed and feeds the data back to an app on your phone. The company promises complete confidentiality, which is crucial for this kind of detective work, and a five-year guarantee that the mattress will update you on all the goings on in your bedroom. The excellently named Lover Detection System produces a 3D map that shows which areas of the bed have the most pressure put on them in real time, which should allow you to tell whether the intruder in your bedroom is a secret lover or the dog. Durmet spokesman Jose Antonio Muinos says, quoted by the Daily Mail: We came up with the idea after we saw that Spaniards are the most unfaithful people in Europe. It is a concept that will bring peace of mind to men and women, not just during the night but also during the day while they are at work. The smart mattress will retail at around $1,700, which is a little on the pricey side for a mattress, but for anyone keen to turn their place into the Big Brother house that may well seem like a bargain. It may prompt a somewhat awkward confrontation when you confront your cheating partner with the evidence they have been fooling around but also that youve been spying on them. This is the latest in a range of hi-tech solutions designed to catch out love cheats. Controversial app mCouple arrived last year and tracks your partners phone calls, texts and emails, Skype and Facebook usage. The apps makers mSpy insisted that users must gain consent before downloading it to their partners phone. Swipe Buster, another service, finds out if your partner is cheating on Tinder. Own The Conversation : Would you buy a smartress if you thought your partner was cheating on you?: Its probably fair to say that if youre willing to enlist a spying mattress to check up on your partner the relationship isnt worth spending $1,700 on anyway.: According to Ashley Madison , Madrid has the highest rate of cheating spouses. London is second on the love rat list. Mr. Ron Holscher recently wrote a letter to the editor expressing his concerns about the interests I represent in the Legislature as your state senator. I want to thank him for providing this opportunity to respond to his observations. His letter described that Bluestem Energy, a renewable energy developer, has contracted with me, and I will receive compensation for local small renewable REA projects if projects are completed. While LB 824 has zero effect on small projects like Bluestems, both my desire to be open with my colleagues and constituents as well as Nebraska law required that I disclose this relationship with the clerk of the Legislature and Nebraska Accountability and Disclosure Commission, thereby making it public, which I did. First, I would like to clear up some inaccuracies in Mr. Holschers letter. The bill in question, LB 824, deals with large scale renewable energy export projects. It would reduce regulations to encourage more large scale development. This was never my bill. LB 824 was introduced by Sen. John McCollister. Mr. Holscher also implies that the compensation I receive would be perpetual, which it most definitely isnt. It is a project-by-project deal and each one stands on its own. Next, Mr. Holscher is certainly entitled to his opinions of my work in the Legislature. However, for the benefit of all residents in my district, what I have done as a senator has always been with the best interests of my constituents in mind. My service has, every step of the way, been dedicated to promoting agriculture, rural economic development, tax relief and making good policy decisions for the people of the 47th District and the state as a whole. I want my district to grow and flourish. The policies I have supported from the beginning have been toward this end. The fact is that the development of renewable energy production facilities can be an economic boon to rural Nebraska, for counties by way of additional revenue and to property owners in the form of tax relief. I will make no apologies for my support of renewable energy development or other opportunities for rural Nebraska. With the limited compensation provided by the Nebraska Legislature, it is necessary for most senators to have a day job, which means that each senator, unless retired, necessarily earns a living doing something else. My colleagues are farmers, doctors, bankers, insurance agents, educators and representatives of many other industries and professions. This provides us with the opportunity, with our collective experience and knowledge, to make policy for the good of the state, based on firsthand understandings of the issues on which we make laws. Most senators have their areas of expertise, and, as my record shows, my interest and experience lies in agriculture and economic development. I have recently been offered the opportunity to turn what I have been doing for the benefit of rural Nebraska into a job. I have chosen to pursue this opportunity because my time in the Legislature has come to an end. This opportunity has not changed my activity in the Legislature in any manner. Finally, Mr. Holscher has always been critical of my stance and how Ive voted on the difficult issue of Medicaid expansion. I can understand his position. But to lash out on other, unrelated issues that he has a very cursory understanding of, at best, is unfortunate but not unheard of for Mr. Holscher. I would ask anyone who feels they must challenge my integrity to get their facts straight before leveling accusations, untrue statements and aspersions aimed at my character. State Sen. Ken Schilz Ogallala All the key team changes and injury rumours heading into the weekend's Round 7 NRL Telstra Premiership games. Draw Widget - Round 7 - Cowboys vs Rabbitohs Cowboys: No changes expected with Lachlan Coote cleared to play and Javid Bowen set to retain his place, with Kane Linnett not expected to be a late inclusion from a shoulder injury. Rabbitohs: Adam Reynolds will make his return from a broken jaw in a much needed boost to the Rabbitohs. Draw Widget - Round 7 - Titans vs Dragons Titans: UPDATED: Tyrone Roberts could be a late inclusion, returning from a knee injury and is likely to replace youngster Cameron Cullen. Agnatius Paasi is likely to start with Greg Bird out through suspension. Daniel Mortimer is expected to play, but will be monitored after receiving a significant cut to his head last week. Eddy Pettybourne will come on to the bench. Dragons: UPDATE: Josh McCrone will come in for Benji Marshall who won't play due to a hamstring injury. The Dragons need to score points against the Gold Coast. Draw Widget - Round 7 - Bulldogs vs Warriors Bulldogs: No changes expected. Warriors: Tui Lolohea gets his chance in the halves after impressive performances on the wing in the opening rounds, with Jeff Robson dropped. No changes expected. Draw Widget - Round 7 - Broncos vs Knights Broncos: Darius Boyd trained after missing sessions earlier in the week and will take his place, while Corey Oates' shoulder injury is showing no signs of hampering him. Knights: David Bhana could be included on the bench with Jeremy Smith struggling with a knee injury. Draw Widget - Round 7 - Raiders vs Sharks Raiders: UPDATE: Blake Austin has been ruled out for two weeks with a hamstring injury. Josh Hodgson is likely to play despite a hand injury, while Paul Vaughan is in some doubt with an ankle injury. Sharks: Luke Lewis is out through suspension, meaning Jason Bukuya will come in. James Maloney has passed concussion tests this week and should be right to play after leaving the ground early last week. Draw Widget - Round 7 - Wests Tigers vs Storm Wests Tigers: Aaron Woods is out with an ankle injury for four weeks in a big blow to the Tigers, no changes expected at this stage despite 19 players being named on Tuesday. Storm: Will Chambers is a big loss, with the club announcing he will be out for up to 16 weeks with a fractured foot. Young Tonumaipea is in doubt with a leg injury. Draw Widget - Round 7 - Roosters vs Panthers Roosters: No changes expected. Panthers: No changes expected. Northwest Indianas steel industry provided 70,000 good-paying jobs as recently as the 1970s, but employment in the industry has dwindled to around 20,000 workers today. The Region lost around $2 billion in income over that period, but no longer relies solely on the old guard of companies like ArcelorMittal, BP, Cargill, Praxair and U.S. Steel, said Donald Babcock, NIPSCO director of economic development. Now theres a new crop of high-tech companies like MonoSol, Green Sense Farms Fronius, Urschel, Dawn Foods and Hoist Liftruck that are also investing in the Region. These companies are the future of Northwest Indiana, Babcock said at the Leadership Innovation Convening at Purdue University Northwest, in Hammond, on Thursday. We need to understand their stories and tell them more and more. We need to share them and the creativity in Northwest Indiana. Purdue Northwest and the The Society of Innovators of Ivy Tech Community College collaborated to stage a panel discussion on innovation at the Purdues Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center in Hammond. Tri-State Automations Founder and CEO Don Keller, Methodist Hospitals President and CEO Raymond Grady, Cimcor Inc. President and CEO Robert Johnson III, and LaPorte County Career and Technical Education Director Audra Peterson discussed Thinking Differently: The Fuel for Taking Flight. The hope was to inspire Northwest Indiana leaders to be more creative and innovative, so as to better compete in the global economy. There is greatness in Northwest Indiana, said OMerrial Butchee, director of the Gerald I. Lamkin Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center at Ivy Tech Community College. Keller for instance discussed how he searched for a decade for an automation company to make his contract manufacturing plant more efficient, and then started his own when he couldnt find one. He stressed the importance of salesmanship. I started seven companies and the three that failed were because they could not sell the product, he said. Johnson, whose firm provides online data security to the U.S. Army, NASA, IBM and Toshiba, said Northwest Indiana business people should not fear failure. You shouldnt be afraid to fail, but fail quickly and move on to the next thing, he said. Peterson launched the first Energy Academy in Indiana to address the silver tsunami of aging workers at NIPSCO, while Grady is working on getting Northwest Indianas first trauma center certified. ABOARD US COAST GUARD HC-130 HERCULES A United States Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules rumbled down an airstrip on Hawaii's Big Island Thursday carrying hundreds of pounds of rare and precious cargo: seven endangered Hawaiian monk seals. The young monk seals were found abandoned or malnourished late last year by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials in the uninhabited Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. They were rescued, then rehabilitated at the nonprofit Martine Mammal Center's monk seal hospital in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, where the Coast Guard picked them up Thursday for the first leg of their journey home. NOAA found six of the seal pups on the remote Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, the northernmost islands and atolls in Hawaii. The seventh seal, a yearling, was rescued from Niihau, a privately owned island in the main Hawaiian Islands. The Marine Mammal Center's monk seal hospital on Hawaii's Big Island then nursed the animals back to health. On Thursday, the seals were loaded into a U.S. Coast Guard airplane and flown from Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, to Honolulu. The Associated Press was on the flight. The seals were then taken to an Oahu NOAA facility, where they will be held until Sunday. From there, the animals will be transported by boat to the islands they were rescued from. Six of the seals will return to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, and the seventh is headed to the privately owned island of Niihau in the main Hawaiian Islands. The voyage is expected to take about a week. According to the California-based Marine Mammal Center, fewer than 1 in 5 monk seals survive their first year in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands because of threats including predation, entanglement and environmental changes. There are only about 1,200 monk seals in the world, NOAA officials said, and they all live in the main or northwest Hawaiian islands. The seals being transported Thursday were all females, said Michelle Barbieri, a NOAA veterinarian with the Monk Seal Research Program who was aboard the flight. "We focus our efforts on female seals because they're going to grow up and contribute to the population in the future," Barbieri said. While in rehabilitation, the seals were slowly nursed to a healthy weight to help increase their odds of survival. They were also taught to catch and eat fish naturally, with little human intervention, so that they could hunt for themselves when they return to the wild. Eric Roberts, a marine mammal response coordinator with the Coast Guard in Honolulu, helped bring the pups to the hospital when they were found and was there to escort them home. "At the Coast Guard, we pride ourselves on being lifesavers, and this is a unique opportunity where we can actually contribute to saving a species," Roberts said. The Marine Mammal Center has successfully released eight seals so far, and this group is their biggest recovery and release effort to date. David Scholfield, a NOAA response coordinator for the Pacific Islands, said rescuers normally transport only one or two seals at a time, making Thursday's effort "historic" and a major boost for the overall population in generations to come. The monk seal population is still declining at a rate of about 4 percent per year. Returning these animals to their home islands could have a big impact, he said. "These seven animals would have died," Scholfield said, "and so getting them back to health and having them potentially reproduce in the wild, and produce offspring, has a many magnitude effect" on the overall population. ___ Follow Caleb Jones on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CalebAP Find more of his work here: http://bigstory.ap.org/journalist/caleb-jones Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders took their battle for president to a Brooklyn stage Thursday night. In a series of fierce exchanges across a two-hour debate, they questioned each other's qualifications, and battled over issues from gun control to climate change. The Vermont senator said Clinton has not showed the the kind of judgment we need in a president, and Clinton suggested Sanders was not ready to be President on day one. The debate, co-sponsored by NY1 and CNN and staged at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, was held five days before Democrats vote in the crucial New York primary on April 19. NY1 political anchor Errol Louis was one of the panelists. The stakes were high Sanders is trying to build on momentum from a string of state caucus wins, while Clinton is seeking a haul of delegates in her adopted home state that would realistically put the nomination out of Sanders' reach. Their ninth and perhaps final debate seemed to reflect that urgency. The two Democrats began tangling from the opening question, in which Sanders was asked whether he stood by his comments last week that Clinton, a former U.S. senator and secretary of state, was not qualified to be president. Does she have the experience and intelligence to be president? Of course she does, Sanders said. But I do question her judgment. He singled out Clintons vote as a senator authorizing the war in Iraq, her support of free trade agreements, and her giving speeches to Wall Street banks at $250,000 a pop. I dont believe that that is the kind of judgment we need to be the kind of president we need, he said. Do we really feel confident about a candidate who says she is going to bring change to America when she is so dependent on big money interests? The people of New York voted for me twice to be their senatorand President Obama trusted my judgment to be secretary of state, Clinton fired back. She said Barack Obama took contributions from Wall Street when he ran for president and he still pushed through sweeping reforms. This is a phony attack, she said, that is designed to raise questions when there is no evidence to undergird the insinuations he is putting forward. Clinton said she supported the Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform act, called out Wall Street for its excesses, and was willing to speak out against some of the privileges they had. Secretary Clinton called them out. Oh my God - they must have been crushed by this, Sanders said with sarcasm. Was this before or after they gave you huge sums of money? She fought back, seizing on the Vermont senator's difficulty explaining his positions in an interview with the New York Daily News editorial board. "Breaking up the banks - he could not explain how that would be done, Clinton said. When asked about a number of foreign policy issues, he could not answer." That brought cheers from her supporters one of the many outbursts from the rowdy crowd that interrupted the candidates when they were not interrupting each other, giving the debate a distinctly New York flavor. The issue of gun control brought out another sharp exchange. Clinton lit into Sanders for voting to protect gun makers from lawsuits brought by victims of gun violence, which she called the top priority of the National Rifle Association. This is the only industry in America, the only one, that has this kind of special protection, Clinton said. We hear a lot from Sen. Sanders about greed and Wall Streetbut what about the greed and recklessness of the gun manufacturers and dealers in America? We need to make certain that we do everything we can to make sure guns do not fall in the hands of people who do not need them, Sanders said. He said he supported the legislation to protect gun shop owners who do nothing wrong in legally selling a weapon that ends up being used in a crime. In what might be a first for a Democratic debate in New York, if not nationally, Sanders stressed the rights of the Palestinians, saying the U.S. needs to have a more balanced approached in the Middle East. He stood by his previous comments that Israels response to rocket attacks by Hamas in the 2014 Gaza war were disproportionate and led to the unnecessary loss of innocent life. Of course Israel has a right not only to defend itself but also live in peace, Sanders said. But, was their response disproportionate? I believe that it was. He added, in a reference to Israels prime minister, There comes a time, when if we pursue justice and peace, we are going to have to say, Netanyahu is not right all of the time. Clinton repeatedly sidestepped whether she thought Israel acted disproportionately, although she expressed sympathy with Israel. It is a difficult positiontrying to seek peacewhen there is a terrorist group embedded in Gaza that does not want to see you exist, she said. At several points, the debate highlighted a contrast between the two Democrats on how they approach problems. Sanders portrayed Clinton as a compromiser on issues like climate change, when, he said, bold action is needed. This is a different between understanding we have a crisis of historical consequence here, and incrementalism, and little steps, that are not enough, he said. Clinton said enacting change is difficult given fierce Republican opposition in Congress. She portrayed Sanders as a big talker who accomplishes little. I dont take a back seat to your legislation that youve introduced that you havent been able to get passed, she said. With New York Democrats preparing to vote, both played up connections to the state. Sanders was born in the city; Clinton was a senator from the state for eight years. I love being in Brooklyn. This is great, she said. I grew up in Brooklyn, New York, the son of immigrants, he said. Their love of New York was a rare point of agreement, in a race that has taken a combative turn. All three Republican presidential candidates appeared at the State Republican Party's annual gala in New York City on Thursday night. Meanwhile, in an exclusive interview with NY1, Cruz kept up his attacks against New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio. Our Grace Rauh has the story. Donald Trump was back home in New York City. "It's been a lot of fun for me," the Republican presidential candidate said. "It wasn't supposed to be this way." Few predicted Trump's success in the national political arena. He has won the most Republican delegates so far, and now he is poised to win big in his home state of New York on Tuesday. "I'll take the White House," Trump said. Appearing at the state Republican Party gala Wednesday, Trump spoke at length and with surprising detail about his development projects in the city. "The concrete was poured. It was nine inches higher on one side compared to the other," he said. And he had some fun at Ted Cruz's expense "I want to talk, just for a second, about New York values," Trump said. Cruz knocked Trump for embracing so-called New York values. Trump quickly turned the attack against Cruz. "Honesty and straight talking," Trump said. "It's a work ethic, hardworking people." Later in the night, Trump picked up the endorsement of the New York Post. Trump and Cruz found common ground taking aim at de Blasio, a Democrat. In a one-on-one interview with NY1, Cruz accused the mayor of damaging the city. "The policies of Bill de Blasio have hurt New Yorkers," the Texas senator said. "They're not working." "Our mayor has to be careful, because he can blow it very quickly if he keeps going the way he's going," Trump said. As for John Kasich, he is hanging on, hoping for a contested Republican National Convention. "Do you know what will happen if we nominate people who have high negatives and cannot beat Hillary?" the Ohio governor said. "We're just not going to lose the White House. We're not just going to lose the Supreme Court.We risk losing everything from the White House to the court house to the statehouse." Kasich said he has the best shot of beating the Democratic nominee in the fall. After a testy debate on NY1 on Thursday, the Democratic presidential candidates embarked on somewhat unchartered campaign territories. Our Josh Robin explains. It was the first time in recent memory that a presidential candidate visited New York public housing. The city's housing authority is short a staggering $17 billion in major repairs, a hole that Hillary Clinton promises to address if elected. Robin: Why should people feel faith within you that you can improve things across the city? Clinton: Well, when we think about all of the people who live in NYCHA housing they're fellow New Yorkers, they're Americans.We need to be supporting better housing, and having the federal government fulfil its responsibility to NYCHA is one way to do that." Clinton says her plan marks $125 billion for affordable housing nationwide, and it boosts incentives for affordable housing development. At the Vatican, Sen. Bernie Sanders spoke more generally. "Speculation, illicit financial flows, environmental destruction, and the weakening of the rights of workers is far more severe today that it was a quarter-century ago," the Democratic presidential candidate said. Sanders didn't meet with Pope Francis. Despite a competitive stateside primary, he says he didn't want to pass up a chance to speak on income inequality at a global forum. He left shortly after Thursday night's event in Brooklyn. The debate was more of a raucous, confrontational forum, raising questions about whether the party will ultimately unify around whoever the nominee is. Clinton shrugged that off. "New Yorkers had a chance to see the contrast between myself and Senator Sanders, and I hope that people will come out and vote for me on Tuesday," Clinton said. Clinton is scheduled to campaign and raise money in California this week, including at two high-dollar events with actor George Clooney and his wife Amal. A Sanders ad greets her there, poking at her high-priced speeches. Hawaii Is Recruiting Teachers And It's Offering $50,000 A Year Trending News: There's A Job Opening In Paradise And It Pays $50,000 A Year Why Is This Important? Because taking your lunch break at the beach never gets old. Long Story Short Hawaii is hiring 1,600 teachers to fill a shortage left by retiring Baby Boomers. Long Story In a job rut? How does coconut water, mojitos and tan-lines sound? Hawaii is making a big push to hire more teachers because the ones they have are retiring. The island state is looking for 1,600 teachers and one of those could be you if you're look for a career change or new job in paradise. "Teachers are in such demand everywhere. Every school district is trying to steal from the other's district," said Barbara Krieg, assistant superintendent for the Office of Human Resources, as quoted in Hawaii News Now (as seen via Thrillist). If you've got a bachelor's degree and completed a State Approved Teacher Education Program you'll qualify to earn between $35,324 to $63,665 a year, depending on these factors. Hawaii is recruiting in mainland cities like Dallas, Chicago, New York, Newark, Portland and Los Angeles. Sure, that's not Wall Street money many teachers in the continental U.S. make more but it's not like you'll only be force-fed Spam and it's freaking Hawaii. New Jersey native Brittney Driggs, who teaches special education at Mililani High School, realizes the cost of living is higher on the island, but it's a decision you won't regret. "I know the pay isn't as good as the Mainland, but I think it's worth it," she said to Hawaii News Now. "Hawaii has one of the highest teacher turnover rates in the nation and this is more so for people that come from the Mainland," said Corey Rosenlee, president of the Hawaii State Teachers Association in the story. "They say, 'I can't live here' and they leave and we have to go back and recruit, and this cycle just continually happens." For more info and to apply, visit the Hawaii State Department of Education. Own The Conversation Ask The Big Question How close are you to the beach right now? Disrupt Your Feed Ask yourself if your job is giving you beach bum access and then re-evaluate. Drop This Fact Hawaii consumes more than seven million cans of Spam a year most in the nation. Rwanda has been so successful at fighting measles that next month it will be the first country to get donor support to move to the next stage fighting rubella too. On March 11, it will hold a nationwide three-day vaccination campaign with a combined measles-rubella vaccine, hoping to reach nearly five million children up to age 14. It will then integrate the dual vaccine into its national health service. Rwanda can do so because theyve done such a good job on measles, said Christine McNab, a spokeswoman for the Measles and Rubella Initiative. M.R.I. helped pay for previous vaccination campaigns in the country and the GAVI Alliance is helping to finance the upcoming one. Rubella, also called German measles, causes a rash that is very similar to the measles rash, making it hard for health workers to tell the difference. In the 1960s, the auto companies and their suppliers generated an estimated 300,000 jobs in the city. Now the number has shrunk to less than one-tenth of that. Detroits fate is the result of decades of job flight, said Thomas J. Sugrue, a professor of history at the University of Pennsylvania and author of a book on Detroit called The Origins of the Urban Crisis. The auto industry has been decentralizing since the 1950s, first to the suburbs, then to small-town Midwest and Sunbelt, and later elsewhere in America and overseas. The city of Detroit is now only symbolically the Motor City. And auto jobs are continuing to disappear. Last year American Axle and Manufacturing, a major supplier to General Motors, closed an 80s factory complex that as recently as 2007 had 2,200 workers. The company transferred the work to a lower-cost plant in Mexico, and now plans to demolish its Detroit site. The carmakers still have a large, visible presence in Detroit. Chrysler operates an assembly plant and three smaller factories on the east side, as well as a branch office downtown. G.M. has its corporate headquarters on the riverfront, and an assembly plant that straddles Detroit and the neighboring city of Hamtramck. Ford has no operations in the city, but some of its suppliers are there. Since the government bailed out G.M. and Chrysler in 2009, both companies have recommitted to building vehicles for the long term in Detroit. Chrysler has added two shifts at its highly profitable Jefferson North plant, and recently introduced a new version of its strong-selling Jeep Grand Cherokee sport utility vehicle. G.M. assigned the Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid and several other models to its assembly plant to keep it busy for years to come. Yet the two automakers employ fewer than 10,000 white-collar and hourly workers in the city with less than half actually residing in Detroit. SAN FRANCISCO Over the next few years, what happens to the several trillion dollars that businesses spend on technology will be decided by executives like Jeff Allen. As big business hitches its computer systems to the latest technology wave, Mr. Allen and others will have the tricky job of ensuring that old systems work with the many new systems finding their way into his company. A lot of normal companies are struggling to stitch together lots of different software from different technology providers, said Mr. Allen, a marketing vice president at Standard Register, a specialty publishing and communications company in Dayton, Ohio. Eventually, he said, he will have to choose from only three or four big suppliers. Eventually. But not right now. Corporate technology buyers are looking at a menu of new and old technologies and names both familiar and obscure. Old-guard companies like Microsoft, Oracle, Dell and Hewlett-Packard have been joined by new names like Salesforce.com, Workday and NetSuite. Google and Amazon now have corporate-computing services. And yet another group of upstarts is nipping at that newer generations heels, ready to provide easy-to-use apps like the ones consumers download to their smartphones. PARIS Economic growth in the 17 European Union states in the euro zone appears to have accelerated modestly in the third quarter from the previous three months, according to a private sector report released on Monday. Business activity in the euro zone rose this month to a 27-month high, according to a survey of the zones purchasing managers by Markit Economics, a data and analysis firm based in London. Germany, which has the largest economy in Europe, led the euro zone with strong new business and employment gains, according to the Markit survey. French purchasing managers also reported modestly improving business. The report came on the heels of the election victory of Chancellor Angela Merkel in Germany. European stock markets and the euro currency were essentially unchanged, as investors took the widely expected election outcome in stride; only the large margin of Ms. Merkels success had been unexpected. MOSCOW A Russian government-owned conglomerate announced plans on Monday to sell to two private investors just under half of the company that makes Kalashnikov assault rifles. The company, Izhevsk Machine Works, has made AK-47s, which are the worlds most distributed firearm, since shortly after World War II. And despite years of deep financial crisis, the company has been seen as a crown jewel of Russias military industrial complex. Izhevsk returned to profitability in recent years in large part because of robust sales to American civilians. The government had been searching for investors to share the burden of modernizing the sprawling machine shops and integrating the business, known as Izhmash, with other small arms makers as part of a broader overhaul of military enterprises, an important sector in the Russian economy. HONG KONG The government of Singapore announced measures on Monday that will compel companies to give priority to local residents in the job recruitment process, a move that could create more challenges for multinational firms doing business in the Southeast Asian city-state. The measures will require companies operating in Singapore to advertise vacancies to local residents for two weeks before they can apply to fill positions with overseas workers. The recruitment notices must be posted to a central job bank to be administered by a government employment agency, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Manpower. Providing better jobs and diverse opportunities to meet Singaporeans aspirations are the ultimate objectives of economic growth, Tan Chuan-Jin, the acting minister for manpower, said in the statement. What we are doing is to put in place measures to nudge employers to give Singaporeans especially our young graduates and professionals, managers and executives a fair chance at both job and development opportunities. Singapore has already taken steps this year to make it more difficult to import workers, including increasing levies on overseas hires and reducing the allowable ratio of foreign to local employees at companies in the service, manufacturing, construction and maritime sectors. HONG KONG A report by Nomura said Thursday that Chinese municipal debt, a focal point of major concern about the countrys economy, had grown at an alarming 39 percent clip in recent years. The report by Nomura estimated that the financing vehicles used by local governments to raise cash had created debts totaling at least 19 trillion renminbi, or $3.1 trillion, by the end of last year and posed a major risk to the economy. Liquidity risks are rising, said Zhang Zhiwei, chief China economist at Nomura and one of the authors of the report. He added that the banks research based on a survey of 869 of these local government financing vehicles, entities set up to borrow in various ways on behalf of the cities showed that more than half of the debt would have been at risk of default last year had local governments not supported it. The number in Nomuras report roughly matches a recent estimate by Liu Yuhui, an economist in the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, a government research organization in Beijing. BEIRUT, Lebanon Hundreds of people were allowed to leave a besieged, rebel-held suburb of Damascus, the Syrian capital, on Sunday in a rare cease-fire, according to the government and its opponents. But aid workers said they were still unable to enter the town, Moadhamiyeh, which international organizations have been trying to reach for months and where six people have reportedly died of malnutrition. Further underscoring the challenges of providing humanitarian aid in Syria, where millions are displaced and needy, seven aid workers were abducted near the town of Saraqeb in the northern province of Idlib on Saturday. Six were staff members at the International Committee of the Red Cross, aid officials said, and one was a volunteer at the Red Crosss local affiliate, the Syrian Arab Red Crescent. Officials declined to give the victims nationalities. Kidnapping is a growing problem in rebel-held areas of northern Syria, where there is infighting among rebel factions and where jihadist organizations hostile to Western aid groups and Syrian civil activists are on the rise, along with criminal gangs seeking to profit from ransom. PARIS Shares of PSA Peugeot Citroen tumbled on Monday as investors anticipated that the struggling French automaker was closing in on a deal to raise fresh capital that would dilute the value of its stock. There has been speculation since early summer that Peugeot, the second-largest European automaker after Volkswagen, was seeking a tie-up with Dongfeng Motor Group, a state-owned Chinese company with which Peugeot jointly assembles vehicles in China. Expectations were heightened by a Reuters report over the weekend that said Peugeot had drafted a plan to raise 3 billion euros, or about $4.1 billion, of new capital. According to Reuters, which did not identify its sources, Dongfeng and the French government may each inject 1.5 billion euros of capital into Peugeot in return for stakes of 20 to 30 percent each. A separate report last week from China Business News said Dongfeng was prepared to pay about $1.6 billion for 30 percent of Peugeot. Peugeots stock closed 9 percent lower in Paris on Monday as investors wagered that the shares they now held would lose much of their value if diluted by the new capital. Peugeot has a market value of just under 4 billion euros. Even after the decline Monday, the shares are up 104 percent this year because of hopes for a turnaround. LONDON For the fourth time in five years, a prestigious multimillion-dollar prize offered annually to African leaders for good government went unawarded on Monday, renewing questions about the stringency of its rules, the paucity of candidates and the state of democracy on the continent. The prize, endowed by Mo Ibrahim, a Sudan-born telecommunications billionaire, is intended to reward democratically elected African leaders who retire voluntarily at the conclusion of their mandated terms after displaying strong qualities of governance and leadership. The prize is worth $5 million over the first 10 years, followed by a stipend of at least $200,000 a year. Since its creation seven years ago, it has been awarded three times, in 2007, 2008 and 2011. Pedro de Verona Rodrigues Pires, the former president of Cape Verde, was the most recent recipient. Nelson Mandela was given an honorary award. PARIS The triumph by the far-right National Front party in a minor election in the south of France has created headlines across the country and prompted politicians and political analysts to take a hard look at the landscape, a little more than a year after the election of a socialist president, Francois Hollande. The decisive victory on Sunday in Brignoles, a small city in the Var district, by the National Front candidate appeared to be more of a defeat for the two more centrist parties the Socialists led by Mr. Hollande and the conservative Union for a Popular Movement party, or UMP than a reflection of deepening support for the far right, analysts said. Still, the National Front was energized by the victory, and the partys leader, Marine Le Pen, said it was preparing candidates to compete in many of the elections that will be held next spring. This vote shows that the French have a wish for change, that we bring solutions for the questions the French are asking, Ms. Le Pen said on television. JERUSALEM Israel urged the world powers on Monday not to ease sanctions against Iran as talks on the nuclear dispute were about to resume, arguing that now of all times was the time to keep up the pressure. It would be a historic mistake to relax the pressure on Iran now, a moment before the sanctions achieve their goal, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in the official English translation of his speech at the opening of the winter session of the Israeli Parliament. I will tell you something that goes against the accepted view easing the pressure will not strengthen moderate trends in Iran, he said. On the contrary, it will strengthen the uncompromising views of the real ruler of Iran, the Ayatollah Khamenei, and will be seen as a significant victory by him. Mr. Netanyahu was referring to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, who has the final word on Irans nuclear program. Water to the Angels is the story of one mans quest to bring water from the Sierra Nevadas to what was, in 1907, the unremarkable desert city of Los Angeles. If the topic sounds a tad dry (sorry), or familiar a la Chinatown, Standiford does his best to separate fact from fiction regarding William Mulholland, an up-from-the-bootstraps Irish immigrant who pulled off one of the greatest civil engineering feats of the 20th century. But at what cost? Hubris and gilded dreams are good subjects for Standiford, who has previously written about Henry Frick and Andrew Carnegie, among others; he artfully captures small moments while maintaining the historians broader view, though his sympathy for Mulholland is clear. Dam failures, worker deaths, protests by threatened residents like Mulhollands aqueduct, the book covers a lot of ground while moving along in episodic but dramatic fashion. As Los Angeles struggles through a fourth year of drought and companies seek to privatize water supplies, the question of whether Mulholland is a hero or a villain is timely, and shows how easily the course of history can be diverted, for better or worse. BLOOD RUNS GREEN The Murder That Transfixed Gilded Age Chicago By Gillian OBrien 303 pp. University of Chicago, $25. OBriens meticulously researched book makes the case that one mans brutal murder in 1889 Chicago (and the subsequent criminal investigation) had a ripple effect in both America and Britain on the contentious cause of Irish republicanism. Dr. Patrick Cronins attempts to achieve compromise within the secret society Clan na Gael, while shining unwelcome light on the groups methods including an abortive dynamite war put him on a collision course with a rival member, Alexander Sullivan. The result was a naked, bloodied body stuffed down a storm drain and a sensationalized trial by press played out in the court of public opinion. This is academic writing at its most accessible. OBrien, a lecturer in history at Liverpool John Moores University in England, shuns true-crime formulas in favor of wide-ranging contextualization. As such, readers expecting a more generic thriller may be overwhelmed by detail. But for those who revel in knowing the human side of often faceless political movements, this book will satisfy, particularly if they have an interest in the Irish question and the trinity of Rum, Rome and Rebellion. Uncovered by German archaeologists at the end of the 19th century, the altar reliefs are now in Berlin at the Pergamon Museum, which, currently closed for restoration, is the source for nearly a third of the 265 objects in the Met show. The sequence of high-relief panels that once lined the altar staircase depicts a mortal clash between the major Greek gods and a race of marauding giants. With its near-hysterical tone, the frieze is one of the great coups de theatre of sculptural history and a lastingly influential one. It is also physically unmovable and couldnt travel to New York. Two marvelous panels from a second, smaller frieze at the site did make the trip, though it is in a group of sculptures with no direct relationship to the altar that the life-and-death emotionalism of the Pergamons style comes through most sharply. The group makes a startling first impression: of fallen bodies strewn across the ground, as if in the wake of an execution squad that has just moved on. A marble figure of an Amazon lies dead on a patch of earth, her face slack, her limp body thrown open. Nearby is the famous sculpture, on loan from the National Archaeological Museum in Naples, of Dying Gaul, an image of a nude man, felled by wounds, making one final, futile effort to rise. James Cross Giblin, an award-winning writer of nonfiction for children, whose books ranged from topics like cutlery and why we use it, windows and why we have them, and walls and why we need them to cleareyed biographies of Hitler, Senator Joseph R. McCarthy and John Wilkes Booth, died on Sunday in Manhattan. He was 82. His death, after a short illness, was confirmed by Dianne Hess, the executive editor of Scholastic Press and a longtime friend. Mr. Giblin, who was for many years also a prominent childrens-book editor and publisher, was known most recently for his biographies for middle-grade and older readers, among them The Life and Death of Adolf Hitler (2002), which won the Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal from the American Library Association; Good Brother, Bad Brother: The Story of Edwin Booth and John Wilkes Booth (2005); and The Rise and Fall of Senator Joe McCarthy (2009). When Standard & Poors, the rating agency, revised its outlook for Bear to negative, from stable, on Aug. 3, 2007, top Bear executives scrambled to put a good spin that, too. We need to create more liquidity ASAP, said Sam Molinaro, Bears chief financial officer, in an email to Michael Minikes, another senior Bear executive, that day. But liquidity remained a major problem. Banks were ending their evergreen financing arrangements with Bear, and Mr. Friedman doubted they would be available to the firm again unless they have amnesia, he wrote. On Aug. 20, Mr. Friedman wrote that since the S.&P. report, Bear had lost $14.5 billion in existing funding and had received only $2.7 billion from new sources. He noted that another $3.1 billion n funding was already scheduled to be pulled or was at risk of leaving. He expected another $1.9 billion in borrowings to be lost in the next week or two. There was also a significant dispute with State Street Bank over the valuation of the collateral backing its $1 billion loan to Bear, and its clear that what theyd most like is to simply pull it. On Dec. 3, 2007, Mr. Friedman noted in an email to executives in the fixed-income division that the firm was starting to see some significant pullback in funding and lost close to $2 billion in cash in one day. Its getting ugly out there, he wrote. In a Dec. 15 memo to Thomas Marano, the other co-head of fixed income, Mr. Friedman said he worried that another $10 billion to $30 billion of short-term funding would be pulled if and when Moodys Investors Service downgraded the firm as he expected it would (and which it did five days later). We will also effectively be out of the derivatives business equities, rates and credit since we already have firms refusing our name and many more will refuse us then, he wrote. Either way, were dead, whether from lack of cash or lack of customers. In the same email, Mr. Friedmann worried that Bear employees would soon recognize the reality that Bear might well be out of business. Faced with a lean year for compensation and the prospect of effectively winding down the firm over the next quarter, how do they respond? he asked, rhetorically. I think we all know: Any that can find another place to work will do so. So well be alive in the way that a patient on life support is alive, hoping for a miracle. He then asked Mr. Marano why Bears executive committee had failed to understand the seriousness of the firms predicament. Beats the hell out of me, Mr. Friedman wrote. He added that Robert Upton, the treasurer, had spoken to Mr. Molinaro, the chief financial officer, a dozen times but had been rebuffed. Mr. Friedman wrote that he had spoken over and over with Steven Begleiter, the head of corporate strategy, and been told that no one believes things are that urgent. Mr. Friedman wondered if the executive committee was confusing raising new equity with having sufficient funding to run the business. Raising new capital wont fix the world around us, he concluded in the email, just three months before the firms demise. But the point that gets lost is that if we dont do it we wont be here when the world gets back to normal. In the end, Bears top executives opted not to raise new equity. And the firm was no longer around when the world got back to normal. A handful of House Democrats took to the floor of Congress on Thursday to call for an overhaul of arbitration, a private justice system for resolving disputes that is often slanted against consumers. Beginning the unusual session was Representative Hank Johnson of Georgia, a ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee. He implored Congress to strictly curtail the use of mandatory arbitration, in which judges and juries are supplanted by arbitrators who often consider the companies their clients. Joined by lawmakers from across the country, Mr. Johnson urged the passage of a bill he introduced this week that would prevent civil rights cases, like employment discrimination disputes, and other critical lawsuits from being pushed into arbitration. The impact of arbitration clauses, he noted, is especially devastating for women trying to fight gender discrimination in the workplace. Buried in the fine print of everything from consumer contracts and employee handbooks to nursing home agreements, forced arbitration clauses insulate corporations from accountability by eliminating access to the courts for untold consumers and workers, Mr. Johnson said. SAN FRANCISCO As Yahoo prepares to accept first-round bids for its core Internet business on Monday, potential buyers have found themselves facing one big problem: How do you value a company with a declining business when the company appears reluctant to share vital financial details? In meetings and phone calls with potential bidders, Yahoo executives have offered gloomy financial projections for the current year, but have refused to discuss the outlook for 2017 or answer questions about crucial aspects of the business. Some of the three dozen or so potential suitors have even questioned what is truly for sale. But several big companies are expected to place bids for Yahoo anyway, according to people briefed on the matter. Verizon Communications, which has publicly expressed interest in buying Yahoos core Internet business and merging it with its AOL division, plans to press forward with a bid, some of these people said. The Daily Mail, a British tabloid newspaper and website, said publicly that it had considered joining with potential investors, including one or more private equity firm, for a bid. And the private equity firm TPG plans to make a bid in the first round on its own, according to a person briefed on the matter. The ailing media mogul Sumner M. Redstone will not be required to sit for a deposition in the legal battle over his mental competency, a California judge ruled during a brief hearing on Thursday. Whether or not Mr. Redstone, 92, is competent is the subject of a lawsuit filed in November by Manuela Herzer, his former companion and onetime romantic partner, who challenged his mental capacity. A trial is scheduled for May 6. The effort to get Mr. Redstone to sit for a deposition could have been considered a negotiation tactic by Ms. Herzer to pressure him into a settlement. A lawyer for Ms. Herzer said during the hearing that the basis for the request was the newly stated prospect of Mr. Redstones testifying during the trial. The two sides were engaged in negotiations during the last two weeks over a settlement that would include detailed plans for Mr. Redstones health care as well as a payment for Ms. Herzer that could reach into the tens of millions of dollars, according to two people with knowledge of the discussions. As the Zika virus bears down on the United States, federal health officials are divided over a politically and ethically charged question: Should they advise American women to delay pregnancy in areas where the virus is circulating? Some infectious disease experts are arguing that avoiding conception is the only sure way to prevent the births of deformed babies, according to outside researchers who serve on various advisory panels. Womens health specialists, on the other hand, counter that the government should not tell women what to do with their bodies. Indeed, federal health officials have never advised all the women in a region of the country to stop having children. Moreover, they say, most babies conceived during Zika epidemics in Latin America have been born healthy. Several federal experts central to the discussion declined to be interviewed for this article. Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, described the internal debate as a very long conversation. From talking to Dan Empfield, who runs the forum as part of his larger triathlon-related business, I learned that triathletes view cutting a course deliberately failing to run, swim or bike the whole way, and then lying about it as the worst thing an athlete can do, far worse than doping. In their minds, what Miller was accused of doing was an affront to a sport for which many of them spend 20 or 30 hours a week training. (Triathletes, and especially those who compete in Ironman races, are very intense, I also learned.) That it seemed to have been a pattern of behavior rather than a one-off, Rosie Ruizstyle aberration made it all the worse. The other thing that stood out was that the initial investigation against Miller had been conducted not by race officials at the 2015 Ironman Canada race the first in which her results were formally called into question but by fellow athletes who believed she had cheated and were outraged that she had apparently been able to get away with it. That reflected the anger other triathletes felt about Millers apparent victory, and illustrated how hard it is to prove this kind of thing. I decided it would be interesting to piece together how the investigation got started, how the athletes gathered the evidence against Miller, and why it finally spurred the Ironman officials to disqualify her not just from that race, but from others in which her finishing times were suspect. At first, only a few people would talk to me. Residents of Squamish, the community north of Vancouver where Miller lives, feared the wrath of Miller, who has presented herself as the victim of envy and cyberbullying and who has attacked her critics in very forceful terms. But after a while, I found people willing to go on the record, both about the investigation into Miller and about the doubts theyd had about her for a long time. At every moment, the population explosion of New York rolls across the city in not-so-slow motion. Last year, nearly 1.7 million people called 911 for medical help, the most since humans started answering telephones. On average thats about one call every 20 seconds. On the evening of Feb. 25, a radio message came to 911 dispatchers from an ambulance in the Bronx: Out of service. It was the first of many such messages that night, all of them ambulances that signed off from the 911 system and returned to their stations. This was not a strike or a job action, and the people calling from the ambulances were not city employees. They were paramedics and emergency medical technicians employed by TransCare, a private company that provided ambulance coverage to large parts of the Bronx and some areas in Manhattan. TransCare had gone bankrupt. By the end of the evening, 27 TransCare ambulances had been pulled from the street. They dropped off the face of the earth, said Israel Miranda, president of the union representing the citys paramedics and emergency medical technicians, Local 2507 of District Council 37. The citys Emergency Medical Service, which is part of the Fire Department, scrambled to shift ambulances and crews from across the five boroughs, and brought in people to work overtime. In all, TransCare used to provide 81 tours a day in the city; it was teetering for months, so officials knew they needed a contingency plan. The city has muscles and nerve endings that most of us do not know exist. (Some cities and towns in Westchester County also relied on TransCare and have replaced it with other companies.) Bronx prosecutors have portrayed Mr. Lightfoot as a victim, unarmed and outnumbered when he was singled out by officers as an example during a search for weapons that had been prompted by a fight in which another inmate was slashed. But defense lawyers have countered that the officers were simply doing their jobs after Mr. Lightfoot came at them with a sharp metal object. The closely watched case has underscored the culture of violence at Rikers Island, New York Citys main jail complex, at a time when Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and other critics have called for it to be closed. A contingent of correction officers has faithfully attended the trial, with dozens of them packing the benches at times. The case has also become the first big test for the new Bronx district attorney, Darcel D. Clark, who has vowed to focus on prosecuting crimes committed at Rikers and sat prominently in the front row during opening statements. As the trial has moved forward, it has provided an unusually detailed look at the on-the-ground operations and intricate procedures of daily life at the sprawling complex with 10,000 inmates. A stream of testimony from investigators, a doctor at Rikers and even a former inmate has described an environment in which there were conflicts among inmates and with the officers charged with watching them. Prosecutors said that Mr. Lightfoot drew the attention of Mr. Perez and Gerald Vaughn, who was a captain. On their orders, five officers beat Mr. Lightfoot in a cell that was covered by a drape, away from surveillance cameras, while three other officers stood outside, prosecutors said. Exterior shots of Metropolitan Museum of Art Harold Koda interview There is the perennial debate about whether or not fashion can ever be art. LOWER THIRD Harold Koda Curator in Charge, The Costume Institute The Metropolitan Museum of Art Shots in Museum Great Hall Harold Koda (V.O) It has in some instances to do with intention. But just because its clothes, doesnt mean it cant be art. Shots of tour group gathering. Tour Guide The name of this tour is Fashion and Art Harold Koda (V.O) Fashion is laden with cultural, social, aesthetic ideaseverything that we subject the criteria of art to. Tour Guide What we do is look at the objects of artmasterpieces and highlights of our collectionfrom a very interesting viewpoint: what are the people wearing in the object of art? And more than that: what does it mean? This is something almost no one talks about, but sometimes its 60 to 70 percent of the object of art anyway. So I hope you will see fashion is not trivial. Thomas Campbell interview When I started off as a curator, art was considered to be painting, architecture, and sculpture. Anything outside of that was decorative arts, and, quite frankly, looked down oncostume and fashion being one example of that. LOWER THIRD Thomas Campbell Director, The Metropolitan Museum of Art Shots of tour stopped at Greek sculpture Tour Guide Our first object dates from Ancient Greece. The basic garment was made by one long length of linen. The flax had to be picked, it had to be spun, it had to be woven by hand, and in war the soldiers who were victorious would kill the men and capture the women as slaves to do the spinning and the weaving. So the fabric represents a great deal. Andrew Bolton interview Fashion is still considered more in the female domain than something like painting, and I think thats the reason why some people are quick to dismiss fashion as art. LOWER THIRD Andrew Bolton Curator, The Costume Institute The Metropolitan Museum of Art Tour moving on to new gallery Tour Guide So we will move on to another culture altogether, another civilization altogether. Thomas Campbell (V.O) Its our role as a center of art and culture to give fashion and costume respect and attention. Shots of Anna Wintour Costume Center Anna Wintour interview Fashion should be recognized for how it defines a time, how it can be controversial, how it can be revolutionary. LOWER THIRD Anna Wintour Trustee, The Metropolitan Museum of Art Editor in Chief, Vogue Shots of Tour Guide in medieval gallery Tour Guide So right now we are in Burgundy in France. These are courtiers in a rose garden. This is one of the earliest examples we have of cut and tailored clothing. With the growth of big, powerful courts, people began to want to outdo each other in a fashion sense. You are looking at the red carpet of the 1450s and 60s. Cross Dissolve to Met Gala red carpet Harold Koda (V.O) Fashion seems frivolous and trivial to the 19th century attitudes about fine art. Theres a kind of puritanical tradition, and we hate the notion that there might be commerce associated with anything, because somehow that makes it less pure. But as the definitions of art have become more elasticpost-Dada, post-Warholwere no longer bound by the 19th century categories of art. Anna Wintour interview In the world that we work in, you need the mixture of art and commerce. They need to exist hand in hand. Harold Koda (V.O) High fashion paired with celebrity becomes something bigger than both. Tour group looking at Madame X by John Singer Sargent Tour Guide Alright, were going to finish the tour with John Singer Sargent. This is Madame X. People wanted the artists of the day to advance themselves, and the artists of the day wanted the famous people in order to advance their career. Shots of red carpet Baz Luhrmann interview The art of what someone wears is as important and as revealing an artifact as a particular portrait painted at a particular time. LOWER THIRD Baz Luhrmann Film Director Creative Consultant for the Met Gala Tour Group at John Singer Sargent portrait Tour Guide What we dont see and what we dont know about this white duck skirt is what its saying about society. When people were in the industrial world, and they were in factories all day long, it suddenly became a status symbol to have a suntan. So this shows a complete switch in values. Andrew Bolton interview Fashion can be used to tell stories about gender, race, and identity, and challenge us to rethink what is beautiful and challenge our prejudices and our expecations. Shots of red carpet Andre Leon Talley interview Everyone aspires to go higher in life, to be better than they are, and these moments in a museum give you moments of betterment. Escapism, yes, but this could be inspiring. This could inspire someone. LOWER THIRD Andre Leon Talley Contributing Editor, Vogue Baz Luhrmann interview This is the achievement of having no delineation between what is high and low culture, what is right and wrong history. CREDITS Card 1 Directed by Andrew Rossi Edited by Andrew Coffman Card 2 Producers Fabiola Beracasa Beckman Skot Bright Music by Ian Hultquist Sofia Hultquist Card 3 Cinematography Andrew Rossi Bryan Sarkinen Alec Jarnagan, SOC Jonathan Furmanski Andrew Coffman Card 4 Assistant Camera Johnny Sousa Russell Denniston Additional Production Sound Dave LaVenture Colorist Will Cox Andrew Coffman Card 5 Met Tour Guide Kitty Benton Did Bernie Sanders successfully paint Hillary Clinton as a pawn of Wall Street? This has been his most sustained and passionate attack against Clinton, rooted in the campaign donations that she and her super PAC have received and in the handsome sums of money that she accepted for speeches to Goldman Sachs. And it dominated the first 20 minutes of the debate, turning them as fractious as any stretch of any of the candidates prior confrontations onstage. But Sanders didnt make his case with significantly more skill or force than he had in the past and he needed to, given how much his slender hopes for the Democratic nomination rest on an upset victory in the New York primary in just a few days. When the CNN anchor Dana Bash asked him to cite an example of Clintons behavior as a lawmaker and government official that demonstrated her corruption by Wall Street, he spoke in generalities, with a strained voice and halting manner that suggested considerable exhaustion after so many grueling months of campaigning. Stylistically, he lacked Clintons crispness. But Clinton nonetheless ran into trouble when Bash asked her a question that she didnt or, rather, wouldnt answer, at least not directly or coherently: Why didnt she prove definitively that there was nothing untoward in those Wall Street speeches by releasing the transcripts, as shed been pressed to do for many weeks? CANDIDATES from both parties have been talking a lot about the loss of American jobs, declining wages and the skyrocketing cost of college. But missing from the debate is the fact that there are hundreds of thousands of middle skill jobs in the United States that are or soon will be going unfilled because of a dearth of qualified workers. Employers complain that electricians, pipe fitters, advanced manufacturing machinists, brick masons and radiology technicians are scarce. More than 600,000 jobs remain open in the manufacturing sector alone. These are jobs that provide a middle-class wage without a traditional four-year college degree. American high schools once offered top-notch vocational and apprenticeship training, preparing young people for jobs like these. But over the last 70 years, our commitment to such education has waxed and waned, reflecting the countrys ambivalence about the role of school in preparing young people for employment and the value of blue-collar work itself. Progressives have argued that technical education tracks low-income and minority youths toward second-class citizenship; hence they often advocate college for all. Over the past decade or so, however, there has been a move among educators and policy makers to reinvigorate vocational education, now rebranded as career and technical education. Some schools have been extraordinarily effective; others are struggling. If we are to offer young Americans options that are readily available to their counterparts in countries like Germany, we need to figure out what makes for success. The comedian George Carlin used to say that he was a Roman Catholic until I reached the age of reason. For Carlin, that happened sometime in the eighth grade, when all his probing questions about faith were answered with, well, its a mystery. Of course, as a lifelong contrarian, Carlin also wondered if it was O.K. for a vegetarian to eat animal crackers. I thought of him while reading the latest institution-shifting document from Pope Francis, Amoris Laetitia the Joy of Love. The title sets the tone for the continuation of a quiet revolution. Note that its not called the Job of Love, the Duty of Love or the Unbearable Burden of Love. Instead, the pope implies that theres considerable fun to be had in human relationships. You can even find in its 256 pages a mention of the erotic dimension of love and the stirring of desire. Yes, sex. The pope approves of it, in many forms. And while skeptics were disappointed that the latest apostolic exhortation did not change church teachings regarding Catholics who are divorced or in same-sex marriages, the document signals the end for one particular kind of medieval millstone Catholic guilt, especially in regard to sex. Hes not talking here about the guilt that generations of clerics and their enablers should feel for the crimes of sexual abuse against the young, an institutional cancer tied to its own awful pathology. Quite a few people seem confused about the current state of the Democratic nomination race. But the essentials are simple: Hillary Clinton has a large lead in both pledged delegates and the popular vote so far. (In Democratic primaries, delegate allocation is roughly proportional to votes.) If you ask how thats possible Bernie Sanders just won seven states in a row! you need to realize that those seven states have a combined population of about 20 million. Meanwhile, Florida alone also has about 20 million people and Mrs. Clinton won it by a 30-point margin. To overtake her, Mr. Sanders would have to win the remaining contests by an average 13-point margin, a number that will almost surely go up after the New York primary, even if he does much better than current polls suggest. Thats not impossible, but its highly unlikely. So the Sanders campaign is arguing that superdelegates the people, mainly party insiders, not selected through primaries and caucuses who get to serve as delegates under Democratic nomination rules should give him the nomination even if he loses the popular vote. In case youre rubbing your eyes: Yes, not long ago many Sanders supporters were fulminating about how Hillary was going to steal the nomination by having superdelegates put her over the top despite losing the primaries. Now the Sanders strategy is to win by doing exactly that. But how can the campaign make the case that the party should defy the apparent will of its voters? By insisting that many of those voters shouldnt count. Over the past week, Mr. Sanders has declared that Mrs. Clinton leads only because she has won in the Deep South, which is a pretty conservative part of the country. The tally so far, he says, distorts reality because it contains so many Southern states. As it happens, this isnt true the calendar, which front-loaded some states very favorable to Mr. Sanders, hasnt been a big factor in the race. Also, swing-state Florida isnt the Deep South. But never mind. The big problem with this argument should be obvious. Mrs. Clinton didnt win big in the South on the strength of conservative voters; she won by getting an overwhelming majority of black voters. This puts a different spin on things, doesnt it? No one who is even passingly familiar with the history of the Chicago Police Department can claim to be surprised by a new report showing that the department is plagued by systemic racism and operates with utter disregard for the lives of the black citizens whom it batters, maims and kills. Nevertheless, this report, issued on Wednesday by a task force appointed by Mayor Rahm Emanuel, lays out with extraordinary clarity the departments long record of racial profiling, torture and killings and makes scores of recommendations that might offer Chicagoans some hope. Mayor Emanuel created the task force in December, not long after the city released a police video showing a white police officer, Jason Van Dyke, executing a black teenager named Laquan McDonald on a street on the South Side of Chicago. The video contradicted a police news release saying that the young man was killed because he had been menacing the officer. Officer Van Dyke was not charged with murder until November, more than a year after the killing. There is no reason to believe that the officer would ever have been charged had a judge not ordered the city to make the video public. The citys decision to withhold the video for 13 months even as the police presented false accounts of what had happened tapped into long-simmering rage about the injuries and deaths of other African-Americans at the hands of the police. The brutality dates back decades and includes episodes like the Police Departments execution of the Black Panther leader Fred Hampton during a raid in 1969 and the infamous midnight crew that beat and tortured black men from the 1970s to the 1990s. Besides killings, the department also has a long history of false arrests, coerced confessions and wrongful convictions. Schools out The Public School founders Maxwell Osborne and Dao-Yi Chow are the latest designers to depart from the fashion calendar; instead, theyll show womens and mens wear together in December and June, and deliver collections to retailers a month ahead of schedule. DKNY (also helmed by Osborne and Chow), however, will still be part of New York Fashion Week. Let me cover your lip kit in glitter; I can make it gold Rihanna and Kendo Brands, owned by LVMH, are partnering on a makeup collection. WWD is light on info, but reported that the luxury goods conglomerate might have shelled out as much as $10 million to seal the deal. Enter the Wu range Heres Business of Fashion on the launch of Grey, Jason Wus new day-oriented (his descriptor) line, which runs $250 to $1,395. And a Mazel Tov to the designer on his recent marriage! Love that top (top, top, top, top) Beyonces first set of Ivy Park active wear finally arrived at Topshop to not a ton of fanfare. But, as one of the stores employees told Cosmo: Its different from other Topshop collaborations like the Kendall + Kylie collection that was only here for a month. This is going to be here forever. A convicted child molestor was sentenced on Thursday to return to federal prison after failing to keep in contact with his probation officer and properly egister. Arnold C. Burk, after multiple child molestation convictions in Georgia, was found living unregistered in Apison. The failure to register landed him in federal prison for over two years. After finishing his sentence, however, Burk violated the conditions of his supervised release. He appeared before Judge Sandy Mattice. Judge Mattice explained the reasoning behind the registration of sex offenders and added, We don't really like to lock people up the rest of their lives. It's expensive. However, he made it clear that since Burk had forfeited registering, there was no option but a return to prison. Burk was sentenced to a term of 18 months. Long story short, I had nowhere to go, said Burk. If I can get back to Kentucky, you'll never see my face again. After serving this term, Burk will remain on supervised release for 15 years. Try to remember what I said about alternatives, said Judge Mattice. There are two ways to do it. In jail. Out of jail. You choose. The Salone del Mobile furniture fair, which wraps up Sunday in Milan, was the biggest yet with hundreds of exhibitors setting up all over the city. And this year, a handful of fashion brands entered the fray: some showcasing luxurious collections for the home, others unveiling fashion pieces inspired by design, and others still presenting experimental ideas not for sale. Here, some of the most interesting fashion happenings at Salone del Mobile this week. Working with young Italian designers, Tods introduced five limited edition models of its classic Leo Clamp driving shoe. Under the direction of the architect Giulio Cappellini, each designer creatively reinterpreted the style to mimic design materials such as marble, wood and ceramic. Sold online (and in Tods Via della Spiga store), proceeds from the project will go to benefit LAbilita, a Milan-based nonprofit for families with disabled children. With a stated goal of exploring the brands core philosophy of natural motion, Nike unveiled a sprawling warehouse filled with works by 10 compelling designers and furniture makers. Martino Gamper showed colorful drums (covered in Nikes Flyknit fabric) that connoted rhythm and pace and Max Lamb showcased hulking blocks of granite and aluminum, which glide atop a thin plane of compressed air, alluding to lightness and weight. He is a fortress unto himself, but a fortress under siege. The title character in Florian Zellers cold-eyed, harrowing The Father, which opened on Thursday night at the Samuel J. Friedman Theater, is often found in barricade position. He is an elegant old man, first seen dressed in stony shades of gray, seated obdurately in a gray chair, arms folded defensively. He is holding down the fort of his identity. Everything about his posture says, Trespass at your own risk. But because this man his name is Andre is played by Frank Langella, one of the most magnetic theater actors of his generation, theres no way youre going to honor his wish for privacy. Before you know it, youve walked straight into his head, and what a lonely, frightening, embattled place it is. The Father, which has already picked up a war chest of trophies for its French author and its leading men in productions in Paris and London, operates from an exceedingly ingenious premise. Its one that seems so obvious, when you think about it, that youre surprised that it hasnt been done regularly onstage. Thats presenting the world through the perspective of a mind in an advancing state of dementia, making reality as relative and unfixed as it might be in a vintage Theater of the Absurd production. So, as in a play by Eugene Ionesco or the young Edward Albee or Harold Pinter, our hero finds himself in the company of people he is told he knows intimately, but whom he does not recognize. The same is true of the locations he inhabits, which are rarely what he assumes they are. (Or arent they?) LOS ANGELES A California appeals court ruled on Thursday that the states job protections for teachers do not deprive poor and minority students of a quality education or violate their civil rights reversing a landmark lower court decision that had overturned the states teacher tenure rules. The decision put a roadblock at least temporarily in front of a national movement, financed by several philanthropists and businesspeople, to challenge entrenched protections for teachers, championed by their unions. Two years ago, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge struck down five California statutes connected with the awarding of tenure, as well as rules that govern the use of seniority to determine layoffs during budget crises. Ruling in a case brought by a group of nine high school students four of whom have since graduated the judge, Rolf Treu, said the statutes violated the students rights to an equal education under the California Constitution because they allowed poorly performing teachers to remain indefinitely in classrooms. In reversing the trial courts decision, a panel of three appeals judges wrote that if ineffective teachers are in place, the statutes themselves were not to blame because it was school and district administrators who determine where teachers within a district are assigned to teach. The laws themselves, the judges wrote, do not instruct districts in where to place teachers. Mr. Cafferata, a 21-year-old private first class, leapt out of his sleeping bag firing point-blank. For hours, armed with grenades and a rifle and wearing only socks and a light jacket, he filled the gap that casualties had left in the companys defensive line and forced the enemy to retreat. Image Mr. Cafferata Jr. in 2010. Credit... United States Marine Corps His commanding officer credited him with killing as many as 100 Communist Chinese troops, but reduced the number in the medal recommendation to 15 because he feared the actual count would not seem credible. The citation that accompanied his Medal of Honor, awarded at the White House by President Harry S. Truman on Nov. 24, 1952, vividly captured Private Cafferatas gallantry: Making a target of himself under the devastating fire from automatic weapons, rifles, grenades and mortars, he maneuvered up and down the line and delivered accurate and effective fire against the onrushing force, killing 15, wounding many more and forcing the others to withdraw so that reinforcements could move up and consolidate the position. Later that morning, during a renewed enemy onslaught, a grenade landed in a shallow entrenchment occupied by wounded Marines, the citation said. Private Cafferata rushed into the gully under heavy fire, seized the deadly missile in his right hand and hurled it free of his comrades before it detonated, it read, severing part of one finger and seriously wounding him in the right hand and arm. PHOENIX The Democratic Party and the presidential campaigns of Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders are expected to file a suit on Friday against officials in Arizona over last months chaotic primaries, when thousands of voters in the states most populous county waited up to five hours to cast ballots and countless others gave up or were barred because of errors and misinformation. The complaint, which would be filed in Federal District Court here, would seek to increase the number of polling places for the November election and to prevent the state from enforcing a law signed last month by Gov. Doug Ducey that made it a felony to deliver someone elses mail-in ballot to the polls. The law, singled out in the complaint, is among the rules enacted in Arizona and other states in recent months that could disproportionately affect minorities, older adults or people voting in their first election. The measures are being tested in the first presidential election since the Supreme Court removed the federal governments role as overseer of electoral changes by annulling a crucial provision of the Voting Rights Act in 2013. As virtually every American knows by now, the complaint says, the management of last months primary election, which was conducted with an alarmingly inadequate number of voting centers, resulted in severe, inexcusable burdens on voters countywide, as well as the ultimate disenfranchisement of untold numbers of voters who were unable or unwilling to wait in intolerably long lines to cast their ballot for their preferred presidential candidate. Senator Bernie Sanders, in the midst of a contentious battle for the Democratic nomination, says he could not refuse an invitation to visit the Vatican and talk about the world economy and social justice two issues at the core of his presidential campaign even if it meant he would be out of the country for days leading up to Tuesdays crucial primary in New York. Just hours after debating Hillary Clinton in Brooklyn, Mr. Sanders will travel to Vatican City on Friday morning to deliver a 10-minute speech at a conference hosted by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, a scholarly association that was established by Pope John Paul II in 1994. Mr. Sanders insists the visit is not a political maneuver and that he was inspired to make the trip by Pope Francis message of caring for others and combating economic inequality. Others, however, say Mr. Sanders is not only seeking to discuss issues, but is also driven by a desire to be seen as a global leader on issues of social justice. Mr. Sanders said in an interview on Thursday that he thought Francis has played an extraordinary role, and with great courage in getting the world to think more about the moral economy and how we have to deal with economic and environmental and social injustice. There was little doubt, though, that the audience of donors and activists gathered at the Grand Hyatt New York in Midtown favored Mr. Trump. Many spoke with one another as Mr. Cruz and Mr. Kasich spoke, the din so audible that some attendees sought to hush the crowd by tapping silverware against their glasses. Mr. Cruz has been dogged here by his derisive suggestion earlier in the campaign that Mr. Trump represents New York values and, while refusing to back off his characterization, has been unable to formulate an explanation for what he meant. At a debate in January he said the reference was in regard to the citys cultural liberalism, but he also pointed to the focus around money and the media in New York. Questioned in recent days about what he meant, Mr. Cruz has sought to shift attention to the policies of the states best-known Democratic politicians, like New York Citys mayor, Bill de Blasio. The dinner marked the first and last time the three Republican presidential hopefuls were to share a stage in New York before the states primary on Tuesday. Mr. Trump enjoys a wide lead in every survey of Republican primary voters here. And while both Mr. Kasich and Mr. Cruz have held rallies and media appearances in New York, neither has made an aggressive effort to actually try to defeat Mr. Trump in his home state. The two have left New York to appear at events in other primary states, in Mr. Cruzs case even going to California, and neither has aired ads targeting Mr. Trump. The two best-financed anti-Trump conservative groups have also declined to spend money against the front-runner here. The groups, Club for Growth and Our Principles, both surveyed New York Republicans, but decided it was not worth the investment when more competitive states are looming in May. Even so, Mr. Trump was loudly attacked outside the hotel, near Grand Central Terminal, as about 1,000 protesters lined the streets to denounce him. A handful even found their way into the hotel a building, as Mr. Trump noted in his remarks, he actually rebuilt in the 1970s but were ejected by the authorities before the dinner began. SANDERS: I grew up in Brooklyn, New York... (APPLAUSE) ... the son of an immigrant who came to this country from Poland at the age of 17 without a nickel in his pocket, never made a whole lot of money, but was a very proud American, because this country gave him and my mom the opportunity to send their kids to college. I believe that this country has enormous potential if we have the guts to take on the big money interests who dominate our economic and political life. And I disagree with Secretary Clinton in the belief that you can get money from Wall Street, that you can get money for a super PAC from powerful special interests, and then at the end of the day do what has to be done for the working families of this country. I just dont accept that. What I believe is that this country, if we stand together and not let the Trumps of the world divide us up, can guarantee health care to all people as a right, can have paid family and medical leave, can make public colleges and universities tuition-free, can lead the world in transforming our energy system and combatting climate change, can break up the large financial institutions, can demand that the wealthiest people in this country start paying their fair share of taxes. And we can do that when millions of people stand up, fight back, and create a government that works for all of us, not just the 1 percent. (APPLAUSE) That is what the political revolution is about. That is what this campaign is about. And with your help, were going to win here in New York. Thank you. Thank you. (APPLAUSE) BLITZER: Secretary Clinton? Secretary Clinton? CLINTON: Thank you. I am very grateful for the fact that the people of New York gave me the great honor of serving as your senator. You took a chance on me in 2000, and then you re-elected me with one of the biggest margins weve had in our state in 2006. During those years, we worked closely together. I tried to have your back, and time and time again, you had mine. We took on the challenges of 9/11 together. We got the money to rebuild New York. We came to the aid of our brave first responders, construction workers, and others who endangered their own health by helping to save lives and search for survivors. Hillary Clinton and Senator Bernie Sanders on Thursday had the most contentious debate of their primary battle, just days before Tuesdays crucial New York contest. They clashed over Israel, the minimum wage, campaign finance, tax returns and Wall Street speeches. Commentators and critics largely scored the debate as even on substance, but the Vermont senator may have lost some style points for coming across as overly angry. Whoever told Bernie to go relentlessly angry and negative gave him very, very bad advice. Hes come this far because of his inspiration. Jon Favreau, former speechwriter for President Obama Takeaway: debate was a draw: Hillary scored on guns, abortion, doing your homework. Bernie scored on min wage, Soc Security $$ in politics. Teddy Davis, senior producer for CNN There were many exchanges where Hillary seemed more knowledgeable than Bernie (for a Dem) but in the end, she came off shifty and establishment and he just didnt. He came off idealistic and change driven. Caleb Howe, conservative blogger for Red State OTTAWA A unanimous ruling released Thursday by the Supreme Court of Canada opened up a wide range of benefits and rights to about 600,000 Canadians of mixed aboriginal and European ancestry, ending a dispute that stretches back to the countrys founding. The court ruled that the federal government has the same obligation to the Metis, people of mixed Indian and European ancestry, and nonstatus Indians, those of aboriginal or mixed ancestry who are living in communities not recognized by the government, as to any other aboriginal group in Canada. The decision will allow those groups to negotiate land claims with the federal government, and individuals to receive benefits, including access to health and education programs, as well as hunting and fishing rights, long limited to other aboriginal people. Moreover, the groups leaders will no longer be excluded from talks between the government and aboriginal groups. Cheers erupted in the courts lobby as leaders from the groups descended a staircase holding copies of the Supreme Court decision above their heads. Here is the Chattanooga Business Calendar for April 16-23: Tuesday, April 19, Reality Check - Red Bank High School 7:30-11:30 a.m. Red Bank High School: 640 Morrison Springs Road Reality Check teaches 9th graders budgeting and emphasizes the connection between education and income by allowing students to role-play as heads of household while trying to provide for their families on a set budget. Community volunteers are needed to assist with this event. To volunteer for this Chattanooga Chamber career readiness program, please contact Cathy Humble at 763-4321 or chumble@chattanoogachamber.com. Tuesday, April 19, Red Bank Council Meeting 12-1 p.m. Red Bank Community Center: Tom Weathers Drive Speaker: Hamilton County Juvenile Court Judge, Rob Philyaw. Meetings cost $10. Wednesday, April 20, Hixson Council Meeting 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. North River Civic Center: 1009 Executive Dr. Speaker: Hixson Fire Marshall and Fire Chief. Meetings cost $10. Wednesday, April 20, Ooltewah/Collegedale Council Meeting 9:15-10:30 a.m. Collegedale City Hall: 4910 Swinyar Dr. No meeting cost. Speaker: Penny Hughey Thurrsday, April 21, North Hamilton County Council Meeting 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Budweiser: 200 Shearer St. Speaker: Rich Mozingo, Chattanooga Lookouts. Meetings cost $10. Thursday, April 21, Business After Hours at The Honest Pint 5-7 p.m. The Honest Pint: 35 Patten Pkwy. Business After Hours brings an average of more than 75 area business people together for networking and refreshments. The location for Business After Hours in April is The Honest Pint, co-sponsored by Tobacco Free Chattanooga and Chattanooga Hamilton County Medical Society. To RSVP for this free event, please click HERE. Friday, April 22, Destination China- Final Orientation and Interest Meeting 8-9:30 a.m. Chattanooga Chamber: 811 Broad St. Destination China: A Cultural Orientation for Businesspeople. Join the Chamber on our Destination China trip Oct. 15-24. Interested to learn more? Come to our orientation to review the Itinerary and plans over the 10- day long trip. RSVP to the meeting by calling Rachel at 763-4355 or email rtucker@chattanoogachamber.com. For more facts about cities and attractions we will visit view the event flyer HERE April 22, International Business Council Meeting 8 a.m. INCubator: 100 Cherokee Blvd Speaker: Nick Wilkinson, Deputy Administrator for Economic Development Meeting cost $10 Friday, April 22, Ribbon Cutting for The Blue Haven, Inc. 1 p.m. The Blue Haven, Inc : 1918 Union Ave. Join the Chattanooga Chamber for a ribbon cutting at The Blue Haven, Inc. CARACAS, Venezuela Colombian health officials said on Thursday that they had discovered two cases of microcephaly linked to the Zika virus, the first to be confirmed in the country since the infection began to spread there late last year. But officials said that they did not expect the birth defects to reach the scale seen in neighboring Brazil, which has had more than 1,000 cases of microcephaly, a disorder that causes infants to be born with unusually small heads. Fernando Ruiz Gomez, Colombias deputy health minister, has estimated that 95 to 300 children might be born with microcephaly and that about 380 patients will contract Guillain-Barre syndrome, an autoimmune condition that has been tied to Zika cases and causes paralysis and, in some cases, death. The total number of Zika infections is projected to reach 200,000 over the course of the outbreak, Mr. Ruiz said. Winning election to Congress is a license to steal for certain figures, said Sylvio Costa, the founder of Congresso em Foco, a watchdog group that tracks legislative corruption. In this grotesque system, the biggest thieves are those who wield the most power. Claims of misdeeds among other lawmakers do not bother some of the politicians wanting Ms. Rousseff impeached. Roberto Jefferson, a former legislator who went to prison after his conviction for his role in a vote-buying scheme, said that Mr. Cunhas talent for political double-dealing served as a strategic advantage. The bandit Im rooting for the most is Eduardo Cunha, Mr. Jefferson said. (Several lawmakers seeking to oust Ms. Rousseff, including Mr. Cunha, either declined requests for comment or did not respond.) One prominent supporter of Ms. Rousseff is Fernando Collor de Mello, the disgraced former president who resigned in 1992 over an influence-peddling scandal. He resurrected his political career as a senator, only to face charges now of taking bribes in the graft scheme around the national oil company. Mr. Collors father, Arnon de Mello, set a precedent after fatally shooting a fellow senator on the Senate floor in 1963. Arnon de Mello managed to avoid prison after a court ruled that the episode was an accident because he was aiming at another senator. As tempers flare over impeachment, some cite the example of Ivo Cassol, a senator from the Amazon. He was sentenced to more than four years in prison in 2013 by the Supreme Federal Tribunal on corruption charges related to contracts granted more than 15 years ago. (Mr. Cassol considers himself innocent in the case, a spokesman said.) Despite the ruling, Mr. Cassol remains in the Senate, keeping the high courts decision at bay with appeals. He is now delivering some of the most impassioned speeches in favor of Ms. Rousseffs impeachment, calling her government disgraceful. MANILA North Korea launched a missile early Friday apparently to mark the 104th birthday of its founding leader, Kim Il-sung, the grandfather of the current leader, Kim Jong-un. But the test was a failure, according to American and South Korean defense officials. The Pentagon confirmed, somewhat indirectly, that the test involved a ballistic missile when it called the launch a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions that explicitly prohibit North Korea from using or testing ballistic missile technology. The Defense Department said that its surveillance and radar systems detected and tracked the launch. It added that the missile launched from North Korea did not pose a threat to North America. The test occurred while Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter was in the Philippines as part of a tour of Asia. The vices of Ms. Chouinards work brought out the virtues of Mats Eks. As it was at its debut at Jacobs Pillow last summer, his Axe is sentimental and foolish, depicting a man who splits wood and a woman distraught that he isnt paying more attention to her. But at least Mr. Eks eccentric choreog-raphy gives the dancers something to do with their hard-earned skills, and PeiJu Chien-Pott made the most of it with her remarkable strength and snap. Still, her pain-racked contortions are under-motivated. Its not as though her character just found out that she had been having sex with her son. Thats the truth that Jocasta must face in Grahams enduring Night Journey (1947), which towered over the new works on Thursday. It and Cave of the Heart (1946), Grahams harrowing take on the Medea myth, were vivified by live music, played by the Mannes Orchestra. Senior dancers gave solid performances. New company members showed promise: As the Chorus in Cave, Leslie Andrea Williams was unmannered and open, powerless to prevent the horror she foresees. Thats tragic; the recent commissions made by the Graham company are just bad choices. April is the 400th anniversary of Shakespeares death. Following are a selection of events around the world marking the occasion, plus some other arts events to know about this week, from Tankwa Karoo, South Africa to Shanghai. London The Complete Walk Westminster to Tower Bridge, April 23-24 Short movies based on each of Shakespeares plays will screen outdoors on a two-and-a-half mile stretch of public space along the Thames for this event organized by Shakespeares Globe theater. Each film was shot on location, in places like Elsinore, Venice or Egypt. Screenings are free and the films will play continuously throughout the weekend. shakespearesglobe.com Shakespeare400 at the National Theater National Theater, April 19-22 Britains National Theater will mark the occasion with talks by prominent theater practitioners about Shakespeares enduring legacy. Conversations include a discussion by the actor Simon Russell Beale, who played King Lear at the National, on Shakespeare and old age. The talks are part of Shakespeare400, a London-wide series organized by Kings College. shakespeare400.org Stratford-Upon-Avon, England Anniversary Celebrations Various venues, April 23 The Royal Shakespeare Company, based in the playwrights hometown, will host several anniversary events, including outdoor acrobatics shows, a demonstration of stage gore and a late-night fireworks display. Shakespeare Live! a broadcast featuring Helen Mirren, Benedict Cumberbatch, John Lithgow and other stars will be broadcast from the RSC on British television and in cinemas worldwide. www.rsc.org.uk First things first: The pianist Cecil Taylor, one of the great American artists of the past century, is the subject of an imaginative exhibition and residency at the Whitney Museum of American Art for the next 10 days, called Open Plan. This kind of meticulous museum treatment is unusual for a musician, let alone an improvising or living one. You should go. On Thursday, the night before the opening, Mr. Taylor played a concert at the far west end of an 18,200-square-foot open rectangular space on the museums fifth floor, by windows overlooking the Hudson River. Printed on the wall behind him was a poem he wrote on Feb. 12: would I come/into this light/unbidden, it began. It goes on: to discover a whisper of gas & white a turning whisk of an unimagined plume effortlessly formed as out of an esoteric vortex It proceeds toward ideas of fragility and absence with phrases like unimaginable froth, darkened erosion, evanescence. Mr. Taylor, now 87, is best known as a pianist of profound energy, articulation, abstraction and risk, not quite categorizable but possibly relatable to Duke Ellington and, say, Olivier Messiaen. Generally, you learn about him by hearing his records or attending his concerts, though in the last five years, those have become rare. But Open Plan as a whole and definitely Thursdays sense-quickening performance, sometimes delicate and sometimes overflowing expands that definition. The scope of his work involves words and movement and certainly a kind of metaphysics. It does not end at the 88th key. Indeed, if this campaigns debates in both parties have made one persuasive argument, it is this: We should ban debate audiences. Theyre tent revivals of the converted, full of staffers and supporters whose huzzahs and boos may be heartfelt but are meaningless all the same. A debate audiences only real purpose is as a prop. It reflects the candidates like a vanity mirror, howling at the applause lines and hissing at uncomfortable arguments, cueing us how to feel. For the networks, it pumps up the excitement and drama that keep viewers coming back. Debate audiences are the laugh tracks of politics. In the middle of the din, Mr. Blitzer, CNNs Dana Bash and Errol Louis of the NY1 news channel did a good job following up and pointing out when candidates evaded answering. By this stage in the campaign, though, most of those questions and answers are familiar. Early on, Mr. Blitzer brought up Mr. Sanderss attacks on Mrs. Clintons qualifications; later, Ms. Bash raised Mrs. Clintons campaign-trail questioning of Mr. Sanderss bona fides as a Democrat. In between, it was sparring over banks, guns, the Middle East, once more and with feeling. Its not as though there are no other topics to cover. Late in the debate (and during the debate from her Twitter account), Mrs. Clinton chided the panel for not asking one question about a womans right to make her own decisions about reproductive health care. (Scoring points off the moderators is another tactic were more used to seeing at Republican debates.) HONG KONG For Chinese banks, the decision to lend to companies like Bohai Steel was for years a no-brainer. Lenders took heart from its state backing, which appeared as solid as the millions of tons of steel pipes that rolled off its production lines each year. That ironclad image is now tarnished. Plunging demand and a worsening glut in production capacity have left Bohai Steel struggling to repay as much as $30 billion in debt. Worried creditors more than 100 of them are locked in negotiations with the company and local officials. Chinas bad loans are on the rise, as companies that borrowed heavily in headier times struggle against a slowing Chinese economy. Underscoring the slowdown, China said on Friday that growth in the first three months of this year fell to 6.7 percent, a seven-year low. Growth might have been even slower, had China not revved up lending during the quarter a solution that could add to debt problems later on. The stakes are high for banks and for the Communist Party, which ultimately controls wide swaths of Chinas economy. Happy hour is coming to the initial public offerings market. Jose Cuervo, a brand of tequila that is over two centuries old, is preparing for an I.P.O., according to people with knowledge of the matter. The family-owned Mexican company is working with JPMorgan Chase and Morgan Stanley to prepare for the deal, said the people, who asked not to be named because the process is still private. The initial offering of stock could raise about $750 million, the people said. Jose Cuervo has not decided whether it will list in the United States, Britain or Mexico, one of the people said. The Beckmann family has owned Cuervo, the top-selling tequila brand, for centuries. In 1758, Jose Antonio de Cuervo y Valdes received land in modern-day Mexico from the Spanish king and started producing tequila. The billionaire Beckmann family is made up of direct descendants of the 18th century founder. Cuervo is made in the central Mexican town known as Tequila, using blue agave from the region in its production. Mitel Networks of Canada said on Friday that it had agreed to buy Polycom, a telecommunications and video conferencing equipment provider, for $1.8 billion in cash and stock. The agreement came six months after the activist hedge fund Elliott Management disclosed it had taken a 6.6 percent stake in Polycom and urged the two companies to consider a merger as part of a consolidation push in the telecom equipment sector. Elliott, a $27 billion hedge fund, owns 9.7 percent of Mitel and has a reputation for shaking up technology companies. Under the terms of the deal, Polycom investors would receive $3.12 in cash and 1.31 Mitel shares for each share of Polycom they own. The deal would value Polycom at $13.44 a share, based on Mitels closing price on Thursday. Polycom is one of the most respected brands in the world and is synonymous with the high quality and innovative conference and video capabilities that are now the norm of everyday collaboration, Richard D. McBee, Mitels chief executive, said in a news release. The combined company will have the talent and technology needed to truly deliver integrated solutions to businesses and service providers across enterprise, mobile and cloud environments. Lee Universitys Department of History will present the 10th Annual Tour of Historic Homes on North Ocoee, Centenary, and 21st streets near downtown Cleveland on Saturday, April 23. Ten years ago, the faculty and students of Lee University began presenting the tour as part of the Rediscovering Historic Cleveland initiative. Since that time, they have researched and presented to the community almost forty homes, churches, and landmark buildings. This years tour opens four more of Clevelands finest historic homes to the public: The Cowan House (620 North Ocoee). Built on the north edge of Cleveland c. 1863, this home is one of the citys few remaining examples of antebellum residential design. Built from locally-produced brick, the house once had extensive outbuildings, including a summer kitchen which is now incorporated into the home. The Webb House (1153 North Ocoee). This foursquare home was built in 1911 and features fireplaces, banisters and hardware on many of the doors. Recently restored by the West family, the two-story home also features a widows walk and original pine and oak flooring. The Still Home (263 Centenary). Built in 1922, this classic bungalow stayed within the Still family for over three decades. The home features a central shed dormer, examples of period fixtures, a restored back porch and the original iron bathtub. The Harris House (590 21st). Built as part of an early suburban subdivision that once a dairy farm, this handsome 1912 bungalow features original floors, fireplaces and wood trim. The tours will be conducted by Lee history students completing their senior year Capstone experience, which includes a public history project (the annual spring house tour and, in the fall, the Fort Hill Cemetery Tour). Students conduct interviews, research architecture and design, write the tour guidebook, and provide commentary on the homes. The opportunity to explore public history has given me a deeper appreciation for the communitys past and the importance of taking our work as historians and making it accessible to the public, said Brennan Zagami, senior history major at Lee. Tour-goers will learn about what life in Cleveland would have been like around the time of each homes construction. They will also learn about architectural styles, as well as the extent to which parts of the homes have been restored, preserved and modernized to meet the needs of todays families. Its hard to believe that the tour has already reached its ten year anniversary, said Dr. John Coats, professor of history and faculty sponsor for the tour. During that time over 3,000 guests have toured our homes. I hope that the tour, like its fall counterpart, the Fort Hill Cemetery Tour, has helped the community better connect to its history. Tickets are available on Saturday, April 23, from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at 590 21st St. The homes will be open for tours until 2 p.m. The $5 admission will support the William Snell History Scholarship at Lee University. SunEdison, which grew from making chemicals and components for solar modules to become a giant of the renewable energy business, is preparing for bankruptcy, according to a filing with regulators on Friday. The filing signaled the potential end to SunEdisons ambition to become the worlds leading renewable energy development company. And it comes after the fall of another clean energy company, Abengoa, which is going through proceedings in the United States and Spain as it seeks to avoid becoming that countrys largest corporate failure. In the end, SunEdisons fall offers a cautionary tale on the dangers of trying to grow in too many directions at once, analysts said. They got ahead of themselves, said Walter Nasdeo, managing director at Ardour Asset Management, a clean energy investor. Its a mess. LONDON With political aftershocks still being felt after the leak of the so-called Panama Papers, the European Unions five biggest economies, including Britain and Germany, have agreed to share information on company ownership to try clamping down on tax evasion. The deal, announced on Thursday in Washington, on the sidelines of the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund, followed days of controversy. Disclosures in the Panama Papers led the prime minister of Iceland, Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson, to temporarily step aside. They have also embarrassed Britains prime minister, David Cameron, whose fathers name appeared among the millions of documents leaked from the Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca, describing the use of offshore tax havens by some of the worlds richest and most powerful people. Another casualty of the leak emerged in Spain, where the minister of industry, energy and tourism, Jose Manuel Soria, quit on Friday. Join us for New York primary live updates. As the New York primary approaches, many of Senator Bernie Sanderss most energetic and enthusiastic supporters are members of the small but influential Working Families Party. They have donated money, planted signs in their yards, organized rallies and phone banks, and knocked on thousands of doors on behalf of the man who many of them view as a once-in-a-lifetime dream candidate who shares their own left-of-center values. There is just one hitch: They cannot vote for him on Tuesday. It poses a problem, to say the least, said Jim Mays, 78, a Working Families member who lives in Olivebridge, in Ulster County. He gave a resigned laugh and checked off the ways he has shown his support for Mr. Sanders, including donating small amounts of money, talking up the candidate to his friends and setting out a lawn sign in front of his house. Bernie represents the first time weve really had an idealistic, leftist candidate in this country in a long time, Mr. Mays said, adding, Ive definitely been waiting for him. We are going up the ambition scale here, he said of his next goals: reducing homelessness, improving mental health services and addressing the dirt and disorder that tarnish the quality of New Yorkers lives. The de Blasio administration wants to combine those goals with an effort to overcome the mayors image as a leader more interested in making grand pronouncements than filling potholes. It was a perception shaped by numerous missteps in Mr. de Blasios first two years in office: late arrivals to events, public comments that alienated an already skeptical police force, a feud with Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, his fellow Democrat. That image, which Mr. de Blasio has worked hard to shed, lent credibility to the notion that he could be vulnerable in the 2017 election, with potential challenges from both the right and left. But before the investigations came to light, Mr. de Blasio enjoyed rising popularity in polls, with no prominent Democrat emerging as a serious rival. Now the inquiries as well as a race-tinged joke the mayor made during a skit he performed with Mrs. Clinton on Saturday have put Mr. de Blasio back on his heels. He appears to be the type of political leader that those type of allegations accrue to, said Don Levy, director of the Siena Research Institute, which conducts political polls. A few years into his administration, his armor has taken a few hits and his accomplishments at this point just dont seem to have turned the tide on a growing narrative of his not being effective. Mr. de Blasio has said he was not immediately informed about a separate federal investigation, also by the United States attorney for the Southern District, Preet Bharara, into the New York City Housing Authority, which began turning over millions of documents last year. Likewise, the mayor said he first heard of the federal corruption investigation involving the donors, Jeremiah Reichberg and Jona S. Rechnitz, from news reports this month. The police commissioner, William J. Bratton, has said the federal authorities told him of the widening investigation in 2014. (At the time, people briefed on the matter have said, the focus was on Philip Banks III, then the highest-ranking uniformed officer, and Norman Seabrook, the head of the city correction officers union.) To the Editor: Re Democrats Set a Steely Tone in New York (front page, April 15): Both Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton stand out as informed and intelligent on the issues, and to watch them bicker and pick fights with each other in Thursday nights debate was borderline embarrassing. I would think it would be better for the Democratic Party and for the nation as a whole if the two of them had a reasoned discussion on the details of their plans if elected, noting respectfully where they differ. Perhaps they might even agree to modify an idea if one of them shows a particularly good insight into solving some of the countrys more complex problems. To see such obviously bright people demeaned by shouting at each other makes no sense. BERNARD LANGS New Providence, N.J. To the Editor: Hillary Clinton was clearly much stronger than Bernie Sanders in Thursday nights debate. Mrs. Clinton responded with great detail and substance, explaining all the work she has done and the work that needs to be done to address our societal problems, while Mr. Sanders responded with the same lines, attacking and being sarcastic with Mrs. Clinton without providing substance. But what seemed like a policy breakthrough became a political albatross. Had Ms. Merkel refused to prosecute Mr. Bohmermann, Turkey could have pulled out of the deal. She has opted for the second, bad option, sullying her own liberal virtues. Mr. Bohmermann got what he wanted; the clown has shown the powerful just how powerless they can be. But the affair also highlights the flaws of the Turkey deal itself. First, theres the calculation that bowing to the interests of the Turkish government was a fair price for tamping down the far right. But national support for the right-wing Alternative for Germany party remains strong, despite decreasing numbers of refugees. Ms. Merkel has won some respite from critics within her own party, but the deal has opened a new front, with the center left attacking her for acquiescing to Mr. Erdogans demands. Nor does it work as policy. There are still hundreds of thousands of refugees in Europe and many more on the way, and still there is no agreement on how to share the burden across the Continent. Meanwhile, human traffickers are beginning to build new routes over Libya to Italy. But what the Bohmermann affair shows most impressively is that the deal was struck for the wrong reasons at the wrong time. It was a panic reaction. Ms. Merkel was under immense political pressure; her party, the Christian Democrats, had just suffered setbacks in three state elections. Other European leaders are facing similar problems. Europe came to the table quarreling and desperate not as a partner, but as a beggar. Now Mr. Erdogan continues to treat Europe as such. Political realists love to cite game theory to justify their decisions; had they cracked open their textbooks for a refresher, they could have easily predicted this outcome. Of course, the alternative cannot be to ignore Turkey; the refugee crisis has moved the worlds conflicts to our doorsteps. Germany and Europe need Turkey. And Germany and Europe will probably have to strike more than one deal with Turkey in the future, and will have to cooperate with autocratic states on many other issues. Even the center-right Christian Democrats, who have mostly blocked Turkeys path to the European Union, even when Mr. Erdogan was still on a fairly liberal course, are finally recognizing this reality, which is for the good. But the moral of this story about being less moralistic is this: If you are divided and weak, it doesnt make sense to put on a strongman act in foreign policy. Lets hope that next time the clown not only humbles the mighty, but also enlightens them. After several days of raucous horse-trading behind closed doors, the Ukrainian Parliament on Thursday picked Volodymyr Groysman, the speaker and a close ally of President Petro Poroshenko, as the new prime minister after the resignation of Arseniy Yatsenyuk. The choice was not a surprise the bickering had been over cabinet appointments and no great leap forward. The exit of Mr. Yatsenyuk, once the darling of Ukraines Western supporters, should put an end to the infighting in Parliament between his supporters and Mr. Poroshenkos that had all but paralyzed the government. The squabbling and inaction have delayed disbursement of $1.7 billion in badly needed International Monetary Fund loans, part of a $17.5 billion bailout program that is contingent on progress in economic reforms and combating corruption. Mr. Groysman echoed the concerns of Ukraines Western supporters on Thursday when he called corruption, ineffective governance and populism no less of a threat to Ukraine than the enemy in eastern Ukraine, meaning the separatists whose Russia-backed rebellion has played a major role in destabilizing Ukraines economy and politics. It can only be hoped that Mr. Groysman means what he says and with Mr. Poroshenkos support will begin a serious offensive against the cozy links between rulers and oligarchs and the culture of corruption. A jarring regulatory action this week against five large banks was bound to bring Wall Street to the fore in the Democratic presidential debate on Thursday. Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders differ on how to handle banks that are deemed too big to fail. The complexities of bank regulation have made it hard for the candidates to express themselves clearly on Wall Street issues. Mr. Sanders, who is quite knowledgeable on the subject, nevertheless left some readers of a recent interview with The Daily News concerned that he wasnt. On Thursday, Mrs. Clinton might have left viewers with plenty questions about what shed actually do to break up the banks. The banking discussion started with a question about the news that sent a chill through the large banks this week. Federal regulators rejected special plans that large banks now have to draw up to show how they would go through bankruptcy in an orderly fashion. Early in the debate, CNNs Dana Bash noted that, if the five banks dont fix the plans, the regulators could, as a last resort, require them to break up. Ms. Bash asked Mrs. Clinton: So, as president, would you call on regulators to start the process of breaking up these banks, something that the law not only allows, but actually explicitly encourages? On the campaign trail and in Congress, Senator Bernie Sanders has frequently invoked Pope Francis, quoting his writings about the idolatry of money, sending solicitations for donations headlined Why we must listen to Pope Francis and praising the pope as a radical for speaking out with courage and brilliance about some of the most important issues facing our world. Someone was listening. On Friday, Mr. Sanders was scheduled to fly to Rome to address the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, in effect the Vaticans in-house think tank on social, economic and environmental issues. We invited the candidate who cites the pope the most in his campaign, and that is Senator Bernie Sanders, said Bishop Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo, the academys chancellor. Monsignor Sanchez Sorondo, an Argentine who is close to the pope, said that Mr. Sanderss focus on climate change and his attention to poor people on the margins of society were very analogous to that of the pope. He said that made the Vermont senator an obvious person to invite to Fridays conference, which celebrates the 25th anniversary of an encyclical by Pope John Paul II about the potential pitfalls of the market economy after the fall of the Berlin Wall. GPS Senior McKinley Self and junior Lily Everett have been recognized for excellence at recent events. Ms. Self, a four-year member of the GPS Girl Scout troop, received the Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting. Ms. Everett has followed in the footsteps of her grandmother and been named Soddy-Daisys Distinguished Young Woman, a title previously known as Junior Miss. Gold Award recipients are honored for demonstrating leadership by taking charge and effecting change locally, nationally, and worldwide. Ms. Selfs Take Action project addressed a lack of school resources in Matuga, a Ugandan village, and successfully provided school supplies and funding for school uniforms. Ms. Self has participated in numerous local community service events. According to the Girl Scout Council, the award challenges girls to change the world and represents the highest achievement. The seven-step projects solve community problems, and award recipients become eligible for college scholarships. At GPS, M. Self is a Blue Crew cheerleader, member of the Key Club, senior representative on the Honor Council, a GPS Ambassador, member of National Honor Society and on the May Court. An opportunity for scholarships was also the reason Ms. Everett entered the Distinguished Young Woman event. As the individual winner of four of the five categories considered by the judges scholarship, interview, talent, fitness, and self-expression she received $800. As the overall winner, she received $1,500 in scholarship funding. A member of the GPS contemporary dance company Terpsichord, Ms. Everetts talent portion of the contest was a 90-second dance to the Pink Panther, which was also her grandmothers talent in the 1970 Junior Miss contest. Ms. Everett will take her talent to the state contest at Lee University on July 15-16. At GPS, Ms. Everett is a Student Council representative, Key Club member, and GPS Ambassador. WASHINGTON Inside the Supreme Courts chambers on Monday, eight justices will consider whether President Obama abused the power of his office by issuing executive actions to allow millions of undocumented immigrants to work in the country legally and protect them from deportation. Regardless of how the justices answer that question, their ruling is certain to inflame the volatile immigration debate in the 2016 presidential campaign. The decision will also help determine whether Mr. Obama has a chance to redeem his legacy on immigration, or see it marred beyond repair. If he wins, then overnight he goes from the president with the most deportations to the great liberator, said Kevin Appleby, the senior director of international migration policy at the Center for Migration Studies of New York. If he loses, Im afraid historians wont give him much credit for making the effort. The ruling is not likely to come until June, a wait that will be excruciating for the White House, which has been caught between angry demands from Republicans for more border enforcement and rage among Latinos who expected more from Mr. Obama. WASHINGTON The American Psychological Association has asked the Chicago lawyer who issued a scathing report about the organizations involvement with government interrogation programs to review information that came to light after his findings were released and determine whether he should alter his conclusions. The lawyer, David Hoffman, said in his report in July that some officials at the association had collaborated with Pentagon officials during the Bush administration to keep the groups ethics policies in line with the Defense Departments interrogation policies. The associations council of representatives voted overwhelmingly in August to impose strict ethics rules banning psychologists from involvement in national security interrogations. In December, the military sharply curtailed the use of psychologists at the detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in response to the groups new stance. But current and former military psychologists have disputed the findings of Mr. Hoffmans investigation, which was conducted at the request of the groups board. A zookeeper performing a routine procedure in Palm Beach, Fla., was killed Friday by a Malayan tiger, a zoo official said. The tiger did not escape from its enclosure but had to be subdued so that officials could reach the woman, a zoo spokeswoman, Naki Carter, told The Sun-Sentinel. The zookeeper was taken by helicopter to a hospital, where she later died. No guests or visitors were ever in jeopardy, Ms. Carter told WSVN-TV. Guests were, nonetheless, told to barricade themselves at a gift shop. None were present during the attack, according to WPBF-TV. In an email, Ms. Carter identified the zookeeper as Stacey Konwiser. It was not immediately clear what she was doing at the time of the attack. In November 2011, after a police officer pepper-sprayed students who were sitting in the quad during a protest, the University of California, Davis, had to contend with an image problem as a video rapidly spread. Though media relations might have been one part of the response, university officials were also concerned with Google relations. The university paid at least $175,000 to two public relations firms to suppress the negative search results generated by its name, and the name of its chancellor, Linda P.B. Katehi, according to a report this week by The Sacramento Bee. The news has caused some California lawmakers to call for her resignation. One of the firms, Nevins & Associates, based in Maryland, said it would launch an aggressive and comprehensive online campaign to eliminate the negative search results for UC Davis and the Chancellor through strategic modifications to existing and future content and generating original content as needed, according to its contract, which was obtained by The Bee through a freedom of information request. Under the contract, signed in January 2013, more than two years after the protest, the university agreed to pay $15,000 per month for six months. BEIJING Chinas most senior uniformed military commander paid a visit in recent days to the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, the countrys Ministry of National Defense said on Friday. The commander, Gen. Fan Changlong, appears to have been the highest-ranking Peoples Liberation Army officer ever to visit the Spratly group, a sprawling collection of islands that extends close to the Philippines. Image Gen. Fan Changlong appears to have been the highest-ranking Peoples Liberation Army officer ever to visit the Spratly group. Credit... Pool photo by Ng Han Guan Although the details made public about General Fans visit were sparse, his tour appeared intended to show Chinas determination to ward off any challenges to its claims over the islands, which are also the subject of claims by the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei and Taiwan. China calls them the Nansha Islands. Taiwans government is scrambling to deal with the deportations in the midst of a political transition. Next month, President Ma Ying-jeou, who pursued closer ties with China during his eight years in office, will step down. His successor, Tsai Ing-wen, advocates more caution and public deliberation in cross-strait ties. Image Foreign Minister David Lin of Taiwan said it was unclear whether Beijing was trying to force the suspects in Malaysia to go to China, but he said the group should be returned to Taiwan. Credit... Ashley Pon/Getty Images A group of officials from Taiwan will travel to China next week to discuss the deportations, Taiwans Mainland Affairs Council said Friday. Chinas Ministry of Public Security says the Internet telephone fraud in China has grown drastically, aided by the easy availability of peoples telephone numbers and other private data. And criminals from Taiwan able to speak Mandarin Chinese, but living beyond Chinas harsh criminal justice system have often been the perpetrators, according to Chinese news reports. Telecommunications fraud syndicates led by Taiwanese crime suspects have set up operations in Southeast Asia, Africa and Oceania, said Xinhua, Chinas main state news agency. In recent years, complaints to the Chinese police about such fraud have grown from 20 percent to 30 percent annually, and over half of the losses in such cases went to gangs led by people from Taiwan, said Xinhua, citing official Chinese estimates. Last year, one such gang swindled a payment manager in a local government office in southwest China and made off with 117 million renminbi, or about $18 million, the report said. KUNDUZ, Afghanistan Taliban militants on Friday attacked several districts surrounding the northern city of Kunduz, which briefly fell to them last year. But even as Afghan officials said the security forces had successfully fought off the assault, residents expressed alarm that the insurgents were again at the citys gates. The assault on Friday was the first major push by the Taliban after the group declared that its annual offensive had officially begun this week. But in fact, insurgent attacks and battlefield gains continued at a heavy pace all through the winter. Intense fighting continued in multiple districts of Kunduz late on Friday, and a crucial highway connecting Kunduz to Takhar Province remained blocked. Military aircraft flew constantly over Kunduz city, which remained largely deserted during the day, and airstrikes were reported in the suburbs that had been the launchpads for last years insurgent takeover. Tonight will be a difficult night for Kunduz, said Amruddin Wali, a member of the provincial council. The possibility of the city falling again is there. BERLIN Turkeys president found himself in choice company when he fixed upon an obscure German law to attempt to punish a popular comic who had satirized him in crude terms. The same law, dating from 1871, had also been used to silence critics of the Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi of Iran and the Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet. Devised during an era of ruffled majesties, the law allows prosecution in Germany for insulting a foreign leader, but only with the consent of the government. It also presented Chancellor Angela Merkel with a dilemma: She could either compromise on cherished values of free speech or risk further roiling relations with a leader she needs to stem another potentially chaotic flood of refugees to Europe again this year. On Friday, Ms. Merkel gave President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey what he was seeking. She announced that prosecution of the satirist, Jan Bohmermann, could proceed even as she added that the law allowing it would be repealed. The attempt to split the difference did little to appease criticism that Ms. Merkel had blinked in the staring contest with Mr. Erdogan. We just experienced the beginning of the end of Chancellorship #Merkel, wrote another satirist, Oliver Kalkofe, on Twitter. I am ashamed by the lack of spine. MOSCOW President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia misspoke when he said that the German newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung was owned by Goldman Sachs, an American investment bank. We apologize to this publication, Dmitry S. Peskov, the presidents press secretary, said Friday, according to the Interfax news agency a rare step of contrition for the Kremlin. An aide had provided Mr. Putin with incorrect information during his annual Direct Line call-in show, Mr. Peskov said. During the national television show on Thursday, Mr. Putin said that Suddeutsche Zeitung, which first obtained the Panama Papers, was controlled by Goldman Sachs, and that the bank was part of an American plot to try to embarrass Russia through revelations about offshore accounts and shell companies. MADRID The Spanish minister of industry, energy and tourism resigned Friday morning after documents in the Panama Papers linked him to offshore investments in the Bahamas, and news reports then connected him to a company in the tax haven of Jersey. The minister, Jose Manuel Soria, a member of the acting government of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, is among the most high-profile figures to suffer politically since the release of the leaked papers, which identify companies and people suspected of using offshore bank accounts and shell companies to conceal their wealth or avoid taxes. Last week, Prime Minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson of Iceland said he was temporarily stepping aside after documents showed that he and his wife had set up a company in the British Virgin Islands in 2007. Prime Minister David Cameron of Britain has also been the subject of scrutiny after acknowledging that he and his wife had owned shares in an offshore trust, inherited from his father, that were sold before he became prime minister in 2010. The resignation of Mr. Soria, who has not been charged with wrongdoing, comes at a time of turmoil in Spanish politics, after inconclusive elections in December. Mr. Rajoys Popular Party won the most votes but lost its majority in Parliament, making it likely that new elections will be held in late June. Just seven days after it was learned two people from the besieged Hamilton County Department of Education had submitted resumes to become the interim superintendent of the worst performing metro school district in the state, both were among three finalists picked by the school board last night. Acting superintendent Kirk Kelly and Normal Park Elementary principal Jill Levine will be joined by retired Marine Col. Shaun Sadler for what appears to be nothing shy of a "goat roping" next Thursday. School Board Chairman Jonathan Welch said he hopes an interim leader can be chosen at the same time. The plan is to call a special meeting at 3:00 oclock next Thursday, allow each candidate 15 minutes to answer questions, and presumably call for a vote within the same hour. Ironically, it took my brother and I about 15 minutes to once rope a goat that had escaped its pen on our farm when we were in junior high school. The interim job isnt quite the same -- $411 million budget, 42,000 students, five of its failing schools soon to be taken over by the state, our Algebra I scores in the "bottom 10" of 161 state districts and 60 percent of our third graders unable to read at grade level. Yep, 15 minutes should do just fine, especially with the faint yet growing smell of a rat or the dreaded "good ole boy" network beginning to waft through a county school system that is hardly known for its success or integrity after the last three superintendents have er, left prematurely. After the last dismal four years under the embarrassing Rick Smith, the school board itself has fallen under scrutiny for a "marked lack of oversight." This was best evidenced in a scalding report from the Tennessee Department of Education that Smith is believed to have hidden from the board for four months before it was uncovered. That was when Smith, a 32-year HCDE employee, tucked tail resigning before 9 a.m. the next morning -- and ran. The assistant superintendent over "testing and accountability" during this time, believe it or not, was Kirk Kelly. Thats why it was so surprising a month ago when Kelly, and another alleged "good ole boy" pick, Lee McDade, were named as acting superintendents by the school board without so much as one word of public discussion. It was shocking but, wait! Three weeks later it was revealed Kelly was a candidate and hark! one week after that hes now the leading finalist. Last night Chairman Welch tasked seven other members of the school board (Joe Galloway was absent but sent in his vote) to write the names of their top three candidates after studying the resumes they had been sent. Only one name appeared on every ballot Kirk Kelly. As Al Michaels might scream into a Winter Olympics microphone, "Do you believe in miracles!" Oh, please. This could easily be happenstance. I read too many sleuth books where the hero is trying to find skeletons in closets, but it is easily recognized that Kelly is the GOBs last hope of saving the plush jobs at the Central Office. Over 22 administrators under Smith were hauling in 6-figure salaries, you see, and they all adore Kirk, who is the lone black candidate and you know has been at the central office awhile. "Want another piece of Olives birthday cake? Well talk about hazing next week .. ") Before the interim superintendents discussion, Kelly squirmed at questioning from the school board, answering questions at least seven times with the prefix, "Moving forward ", this because excuses have run out and "I dont know" is worse than " were are going to work ( or look at) that." Levine, adored at Normal Park after her school boundaries were artfully redrawn, appears quite capable but her rap is that she has little, if any, "poor school" experience and, in what is understandable after the time she has spent in the system, has her own list of favorites, and otherwise. She is thought to be a brilliant and innovative educator but now there is a strong feeling educators arent so good at running large businesses with $40-plus million budgets.. The publics choice is Sadler, a Hixson High product whose career in the military would allow him to approach the system in an unbiased and structured way. His method is to help everybody to succeed, i.e. "The whole is the equal of the sum of the parts," but the school boards noticable pushback at the Chattanooga 2.0 education initiative, could be his undoing. Sadler is so appealing to business and economy types who are financing the areas revolutionary education movement after it was discovered 65 percent of HCDE students at Chattanooga State were required to take remedial classes. Translated, Chattanooga employers cant find enough workers. Chairman Welch said Thursday no plans have been set to search for a permanent superintendent and it is believed that decision will wait until after the Aug. 4 election, where four of the nine school board members are running for re-election. As they say at the school board sometimes, "Always remember, it is our children are who are most important in this." Critics had called the restoration lamentable, and headline writers mocked the project. Hispania Nostra, a preservationist group that advocates the protection of heritage sites, called the new look a disaster. The design drew comparisons to a botched amateur restoration in 2012 of a nearly century-old fresco of Jesus crowned with thorns that has turned into a tourist attraction and economic bonanza for the town of Borja in northeastern Spain. Matrera Castle, a ninth-century fortress that is privately owned, was declared a national landmark in 1985. The original plans for its restoration were altered after the north wall collapsed in 2013 because of flooding. Mr. Quevedo Rojas said he submitted his design early this year to Architizer, a social network founded in 2009 that is a kind of Facebook for architects and that hands out awards in a range of categories. Entries were evaluated and shortlisted by 300 experts, with the finalists submitted to an online vote. RIYADH, Saudi Arabia Abdulnasser Gharem has exhibited his work in world-class museums and sold pieces at auction for hundreds of thousands of dollars, and is widely considered one of Saudi Arabias leading contemporary artists. You would never know that from his studio in the Saudi capital. Fifteen-foot walls ring the nondescript house, blocking views into the courtyard. There is no sign or name on the door, which is outfitted with a camera to prevent unwelcome visitors. Even the neighbors dont know whats here, he said with a laugh. That mix of renown abroad and discretion at home is part of life for an artist and social critic in this intensely conservative country where government control reigns and many people see contemporary art as haram, or forbidden, under the kingdoms austere interpretation of Islam. But inside the walls, Mr. Gharem, 43, has created an oasis of sorts for a group of young Saudi artists to whom he serves as role model, mentor and sometime financier. This year, he will lead about 20 of the artists on a tour sponsored by a Saudi government cultural center to showcase the countrys art in the United States, with events in Houston, Los Angeles and other cities. How did $681 million end up being deposited in the personal bank account of Malaysias prime minister, Najib Razak, last year? Not in any corrupt way, officials insist. Saudi Arabias foreign minister said on Thursday that an unspecified Saudi source had given a large sum of money as a genuine donation with no obligations attached. He joined top Malaysian leaders in waving away any suggestion of scandal. For those who have never had fortunes deposited into their personal bank accounts with no obligations attached, this may sound suspicious. Indeed, Mr. Najib has been subject to fierce international scrutiny, including a United States Justice Department investigation, as he continues to deny any wrongdoing. The Investigation In July, news reports accused Mr. Najib of putting the huge sum in his own accounts. Critics calling for him to step down charged that at least some of the money had been criminally channeled from the 1 Malaysia Development Board, a government fund set up by Mr. Najib. More recently, Swiss investigators have said it appeared that about $4 billion had been misappropriated from Malaysian state companies. CAIRO More than a thousand people gathered in downtown Cairo on Friday, chanting slogans denouncing President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and protesting his decision to transfer sovereignty of two islands in the Red Sea to Saudi Arabia. The demonstration was the largest in at least two years in Egypt. And it was the most significant public challenge to Mr. Sisi by antigovernment activists who have been all but forced into the shadows by a state crackdown on dissent. By venturing into the streets in defiance of a strictly enforced ban on political protest testing the authorities often reflexive use of force the activists appeared emboldened by recent criticism of Mr. Sisi, including from once resolute government loyalists. The downtown protest and a handful of other demonstrations were in response to Mr. Sisis decision last week to transfer sovereignty of Tiran and Sanafir, two uninhabited islands at the mouth of the Gulf of Aqaba in the Red Sea, to Saudi Arabia. The government said it was simply returning to Saudi Arabia territory that had been transferred to Egyptian control in 1950, amid concerns that Israel might seize the islands. UNITED NATIONS Think of these as the United Nations primaries. The nine men and women vying to be the next secretary general of the United Nations subjected themselves this week to an unprecedented question-and-answer session from ambassadors around the world. The candidates made their cases for why they should get the job and what they want the United Nations to be. Ultimately, only one candidate will be chosen by the all-powerful five permanent members of the Security Council. He or she (there is a strong push for a woman to take the helm for the first time in the 70-year history of the organization) will take office on Jan. 1, 2017 and will immediately face some daunting global challenges, from stopping wars, to holding peacekeepers accountable for rape, to nudging governments to tackle climate change. Over three days this week, the contenders took turns promoting their leadership skills, promising a more efficient and effective United Nations, and trying to maneuver around politically delicate questions. None of the nine dared address the specifics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. All promised zero tolerance for sexual abuse by United Nations peacekeepers. Nearly everyone spoke favorably about refugees, even as some of their home countries have reacted less than warmly toward foreigners seeking refuge. On its online form, Delta says it may elect to give you a rebate if 12 hours pass between the time you report the wayward bags and your receiving them. To start that process, Delta wants ticket numbers, baggage claim numbers and the file reference number it gives you when your bags dont show up. You should have your paperwork in order. And that rebate? If Delta grants one, youll get a voucher for future use on Delta. You know, the same airline that youre super annoyed with for having left you with just your dirty winter clothes in a warm climate with no toothpaste and an infant to clothe. (We eventually bought more clothes, and Delta reimbursed us in full. At least we werent on Spirit, which reserves the right to request that you return the things you bought.) You may forget you have that voucher, even if you are willing to fly Delta again. But youd better not forget, because it expires in a year. Delta would not disclose the percentage of passengers who end up using these vouchers. The airline does give members of its frequent flier program 2,500 frequent flier miles if they have to wait more than 20 minutes at the carousel after a domestic flight, but only if they know to ask for it via another online form and do so within three days. DISPUTING FEES WITH YOUR CARD COMPANY Having given Delta an opportunity to fix the problem only to find that I could not get my money back, I called up American Express, my credit card issuer, to dispute the baggage fee charges. The dispute process can be an incredibly powerful tool for aggrieved consumers, and you can learn more about it in my 2013 column on the topic. When I got a representative on the phone, however, she informed me that I was not allowed to dispute this fee. Why not? Because of an agreement that the airline has with American Express, she said. This seemed unfair, but Id heard similar reports from consumers over the years about other card companies. According to Molly Faust, a spokeswoman for American Express, the company doesnt have much flexibility, given how airlines set up the fees in the first place. In the so-called contract of carriage, the airlines can and do declare many fees nonrefundable. When that happens, and the service is rendered, according to Ms. Faust, American Express tries to educate cardholders about how the fee rules work and generally wont be able to get them a refund. Despite the insistence of my American Express representative on the phone, Deltas contract of carriage does not describe its baggage fees as nonrefundable, though those for United, Spirit and American do. Delta does, however, describe other fees this way. Perhaps thats why, after a lot of badgering from me, the American Express phone representative eventually filed my dispute after all. Ultimately, it was successful. Most people would not be that persistent, though. I ask parents to think just for a second what it would be like on Christmas morning if your children ran downstairs and there were all of these presents, bright and shining, big and small, but with no name tags on them, he said. Can you imagine the free-for-all that would ensue? Doing nothing and believing that your children will divide things without quarreling, he said, will not work. Its the denial that my children will never fight, theyll never quarrel, theyll just accept it, he said. That denial is a temptation for many people to not put the time and energy into carefully designating and selecting personal property. Tracy Bennett, a psychologist in California, said she had to divide the estates of two parents and a stepmother in two years without guidance from any of them. With her fathers estate, she gave up everything, even items of sentimental value, to avoid conflict with her sister, with whom she had a fraught relationship. When her stepmother died about a year after her father, mistakes made on the titles of assets in his estate led, she said, to her stepmothers family getting a house and other items that should have gone to her and her sister. By the time she got to her mother, who had to be moved into a nursing home for dementia patients, she said, she was exhausted by her do-it-yourself approach. She hired a professional conservator and used an early version of a software tool called FairSplit that allowed her and her sister to pick what they wanted in rounds, without having any personal contact. She said the conservator approached her sister, who lives in Idaho, and said that this was the best way to divide things equitably. This time, Ms. Bennett said, she got the things she wanted a few sentimental items plus kitchenware for a daughter moving into her own apartment. Her sister got more things, but that did not bother Ms. Bennett. It was a good deal for her, she said. It was a great deal for me because I didnt have to talk to someone who causes me so much emotional trauma. It was a blind, fair split. If she had known what I wanted, she would have prioritized it to spite me. The painter Carmen Herrera, who turns 101 in May, was sitting in her wheelchair on a gray day last month, waiting and watching, catlike. She was quiet for the moment, but at any time she might toss off a teasing zinger toward an old friend who was present, or a directive to her assistant to make a minute calibration to one of her hard-edge abstract paintings. Ms. Herrera, who has shoulder-length white hair and wire-rim glasses and was wearing a black cardigan sweater, held up a small, rectangular piece of painted vellum and compared it to the larger version of the same work, one done on paper, which was hanging on the wall of her large, floor-through home and studio on East 19th Street. She grunted softly. Silently assessing the diamond-shaped areas of red and blue on the canvas, Ms. Herrera was working, in her way deciding how much red, how much blue, and where the line between them would be though she was not applying paint just then. Writers, like spies, tend to have trust issues, and David Cornwell, 84, has been both a writer and a spy. Under his own name, he once worked for British intelligence. As John le Carre, he has for the past half-century written labyrinthine novels about espionage and other sorts of subterfuge and imposture, all of which suggest that in this world its best to be very, very wary. For the last 25 years, one of the things Mr. le Carre has trusted least has been television. Thats how long its been since he last allowed anyone to adapt one of his books for the small screen. But on Tuesday, April 19, a six-part mini-series based on his 1993 novel The Night Manager will have its premiere on AMC, and for a cautious operative like him thats pretty momentous. The Night Manager, which stars Tom Hiddleston as a hotel desk clerk recruited by MI6 to infiltrate the dirty business of a suave arms dealer (Hugh Laurie), is a slightly more straightforward story than the first two televised le Carres, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy (1979) and Smileys People (1982). Those mini-series, each about the length of The Night Manager, were based on a couple of his twistiest Cold War thrillers and were so successful, both commercially and artistically, that it seemed for a time that long-form television might be just the right medium for Mr. le Carres shadowy chronicles of betrayal. A man has been arrested in Texas for a burglary that happened on Jan. 25 at a Bradley County Piggly Wiggly Supermarket. Bradley County deputies responded on Jan. 25, to the store in reference to a burglary. A hole had been cut into the roof of the business in order to gain access to the main office. A large safe inside that office was removed which contained U.S. currency valued at more than $10,000. A Charleston, Tn. police officer located the stolen safe in the back of a truck that was reported stolen the same day of the burglary. While examining items left inside the truck, detectives were able to identify Christopher Lee Chambers as a suspect. Further investigation revealed that Chambers had been involved in several burglaries spanning from Texas to Tennessee with similar circumstances; a hole being cut into the roof and a safe being removed. Chambers was located and arrested in Hopkins County, Tx., for an organized crime warrant from that jurisdiction, and is being held on a $500,000 bond. Bradley County has placed a hold for Chambers in order for him to be extradited back to the Bradley County jurisdiction on warrants for burglary and theft over $10,000. Sheriff Eric Watson said, I want to thank my detectives along with the Charleston Police Department for their hard work during this investigation. Mr. Chambers actions affected communities across several states, and Im thankful he can no longer victimize any more businesses. Many times it takes a cooperative effort when dealing with criminal activity on this scale. ALIBABA The House That Jack Ma Built By Duncan Clark Illustrated. 287 pp. Ecco/HarperCollins Publishers. $27.99. The personal-computer and Internet revolution that began in the late 20th century eventually took over most of the world, but its most prominent players Amazon, Apple, eBay, Google, Microsoft were distinctly American. In the 21st century, it is not impossible to imagine an Internet revolution beginning in China. That possibility is, as with so many aspects of China, a function of scale. Alibaba, the sprawling Chinese digital marketplace, is already by some measures larger than Amazon. Its payment tool Alipay alone accounts for one-third of the $2.5 trillion global online payments market. The dizzying rise of the company is a crucial part of Chinas ascension as a global economic power, and if youve never heard of the company, rest assured that you will. When the Alibaba founder Jack Ma appeared onstage last year at a summit in Manila with Barack Obama, Obama interviewed him. We often think of successful tech C.E.O.s climbing from the nerdy ranks of tinkering programmers, like Bill Gates, but as Alibaba, Duncan Clarks engaging biography explains, Mas humble origins gave no clue to his future then again, in 1970s China, the very idea of a homegrown technology business executive was inconceivable. Born in 1964 to a photographer and a factory worker, Ma grew up a mediocre student in the city of Hangzhou. About the only thing that set Ma apart was learning English, which he would practice by speaking to tourists passing through his hometown. One of these tourists, a vacationing Australian Communist, became a generous benefactor who even helped buy a house for young Ma and his wife. Carters second mistake was authorizing American support to guerrillas fighting a Soviet-backed regime in Afghanistan, a move that eventually helped fuel the spread of radical Islam. Finally, in a misguided effort to counter views that he was too soft, Carter declared that the United States would respond with military force to any outside effort to seize Persian Gulf oil fields. This statement, subsequently enshrined as the Carter Doctrine, inaugurated Americas war for the greater Middle East, Bacevich writes. This book, Bacevichs eighth, extends his string of brutal, bracing and essential critiques of the pernicious role of reflexive militarism in American foreign policy. As in past books, Bacevich is thought-provoking, profane and fearless. Assailing generals, journalists and foreign policy experts alike, he links together more than a dozen military interventions that span 35 years and declares them a single war. Bacevich analyzes each intervention, looking for common themes from Carters late 1970s missteps to Barack Obamas widespread use of assassination by drone strike today. Washingtons penchant for intervention, Bacevich contends, is driven by more than Americas thirst for oil or the military-industrial complexs need for new enemies. In addition to these two factors, he argues that a deeply pernicious collective naivete among both Republicans and Democrats spawns interventions doomed by confusion and incoherence. The ultimate responsibility for the United States actions lies with an oblivious American public engrossed in shallow digital enthusiasms and the worship of celebrity, Bacevich writes. Americans support freedom, democracy and prosperity in other nations, he tells us, as long as they get the lions share of it. Ensuring that Americans enjoy their rightful quota (which is to say, more than their fair share) of freedom, abundance and security comes first, Bacevich says. Everything else figures as an afterthought. Bacevichs argument is heavy-handed at times, but when he writes about military strategy, he is genuinely incisive. Citing numerous examples, he convincingly argues that destructive myths about the efficacy of American military power blind policy makers, generals and voters. The use of overwhelming lethal force does not immediately cause dictators or terrorists to turn tail and run, even if thats what politicians in Washington want to believe. Rather, it often leads to resentment, chaos and resistance. WHY AMERICA MISUNDERSTANDS THE WORLD National Experience and Roots of Misperception By Paul R. Pillar 211 pp. Columbia University, $29.95. Alexis de Tocqueville, Louis Hartz, Richard Hofstadter, George Kennan, Reinhold Niebuhr and Walter Lippmann, among others, have claimed that Americans have a distinctive view of politics national and international. In his fine and courageous book, Pillar, a former senior intelligence official, agrees. Drawing on the insights of many of these luminaries, he shows how the American worldview contributes to misperceptions of other countries motives and actions and, consequently, to blunders abroad. Americans have enjoyed safety from invasion thanks to peaceful borders and vast seas. They have been blessed with abundant land and bountiful resources. Their economic success has been remarkable, their military power peerless. Consequently, they consider themselves a unique people with a providential mission to spread capitalism and liberal democracy. The original settlers promised land and chosen people narrative endures. But Americans, as Pillar shows, are stunningly ignorant of others histories, cultures, languages, grievances and anxieties and self-righteous to boot. Opposition to America is thought to connote bad faith, even blind hatred. Countries economic failures are said to reflect not crippling circumstances but a deficit in American-style diligence. Belief in democracys universality sparks nation-building campaigns, and, when they flop, anger at foreigners ineptness. Anti-American leaders (a Putin or Ahmadinejad) dont represent their citizens true sentiments or are evil. Optimistic internationalism alternates with dispirited isolationism. While Pillar illuminates several American foreign policy fumbles, he does not explain convincingly how the popular mind-set he deems so important has persisted in its essentials despite the transformations American society has undergone over two centuries. He portrays leaders as captives of a simple-minded public and only late in the book considers whether a supposedly bottom-up ideology may reflect top-down manipulation and pandering by politicians and lobbies. His claim that such machinations work only because of Americans attitudinal predispositions fails to satisfy. Was it needless death after all? Yeats asked that question in Easter 1916, his poem about the Easter Rising, the armed insurrection by Irish republicans against British rule. That event occurred 100 years ago this month, and a fleet of new and reissued books commemorates its centenary. Heres a look at some of the most noteworthy titles on this history shelf: The Irish scholar Fearghal McGarry, in a new preface to his book The Rising, says the weeklong battle must be considered as much a mythical as an historical event, as is reflected by the growing body of literature devoted to assessing the significance of its legacy. In Irelands Exiled Children, Robert Schmuhl writes about the financial and moral support offered to the rebellion by Irish refugees living in America, a place that could serve as a model for ending an empires rule the same empire from which it had freed itself. The 1916 Irish Rebellion, by the Notre Dame professor Briona Nic Dhiarmada, is a heavily illustrated companion to the film documentary of the same title, narrated by Liam Neeson and aired on PBS. Some authors got a jump on the 100-year anniversary. The acclaimed Irish historian R.F. Fosters Vivid Faces was published in 2014. In the New York Review of Books, Denis Donoghue wrote that Foster wants to restore the martyrs to the ordinariness from which they came, and to present the revolutionary generation as a generation like any other: just like the American, the French, the Russian, Paris in 1968, Berkeley, any rising you care to name. Quotable My next book wont have any kind of historical setting at all because that is real work. There is at least two solid years of research in this book. . . . I know everything about the water and sewage system of Rye! Helen Simonson, author of The Summer Before the War, in an interview with The Brooklyn Daily Eagle Seven new paperbacks to check out this week. THIEVES OF STATE: Why Corruption Threatens Global Security, by Sarah Chayes. (Norton, $16.95.) Greed, cutting across businesses, governments and military organizations, has been a consistent obstacle to establishing stable democracies in a number of countries in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and the former Soviet Union. The author, a former journalist in Afghanistan and later an adviser to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, also outlines how corrupt governments can create conditions primed for violent extremism. MAKING NICE, by Matt Sumell. (Picador, $16.) Over the course of this darkly funny debut collection, readers see Alby, an uncouth but tenderhearted antihero, turn to self-destruction to grieve his mothers death: He picks fights (especially with his own family), drinks too much and dips into his mothers stash of pain pills. But these stories show that the way out of grief is through connection with others. PUBLISHING: A Writers Memoir, by Gail Godwin. (Bloomsbury, $16.) Godwin, the author of 14 novels, reflects on nearly five decades as a writer, and the practices and preoccupations that go along with the trade. Appearances by John Irving, Kurt Vonnegut and other literary stars lend a nostalgic tone to the memoir, but the books driving force is Godwins hunger to be published. THE JAGUARS CHILDREN, by John Vaillant. (Mariner/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, $14.95.) After trying to cross the border into the United States, Hector is trapped inside a broken-down tanker truck with other migrants, abandoned by the smugglers tasked with delivering them. As hope and resources wane, Hector sends a series of text messages to a contact hes never met, describing his journey from Oaxaca to the border, and trying to ensure his story is heard. These attempts form the framework for Vaillants first novel. Catriona McPherson writes mystery stories that are both cozy and creepy, which accounts for the quirky charm of QUIET NEIGHBORS (Midnight Ink, $24.99). After bolting from her miserable marriage, a librarian named Jude Crowther heads for Wigtown, known as Scotlands Book Town, where eccentric old Lowell Glen gives her a job in his shop. Suddenly she was living in an Anne Tyler novel, Jude observes as she tackles the disorganized stock of 25,000 secondhand volumes. For a bonus, she gets to live rent-free in the gravediggers cottage of an old churchyard. Jude is soon seeking out books owned by its previous occupant, Todd Jolly, who used the endpapers as a personal journal with cryptic notes about his departed, or soon-to-be-departed, neighbors. The plot thickens nicely, with hints of murder and many delightful bookish asides, as when Jude assures us that, in organizing shelves, she knew to leave plenty room for Cs in crime and Ks in horror. Some private detectives have day jobs. Junior Bender has a night job as a professional burglar. Timothy Hallinans latest comic caper, KING MAYBE (Soho Crime, $25.95), finds the wisecracking Bender in the awkward position of taking a phone call from Jake Whelan in the middle of a delicate heist involving a rare stamp. This has-been movie producer wants Bender to break into the office of a powerful movie mogul known as King Maybe (for his notorious habit of keeping projects in a perpetual state of limbo) to confirm that the King is still hanging on to a script of his. The tricky plot is plenty funny and packed with colorful characters like Stinky Tetweiler, a high-end fence; Louie the Lost, who couldnt make it as a getaway driver; and Tasha Dawn, who isnt a zombie private eye but played one on TV. The best scene, though, is the one in which Bender breaks into the Kings mansion (like Xanadu in Citizen Kane ) and finds himself unable to break out. DESPERATE DETROIT: And Stories of Other Dire Places (Tyrus, $24.99) is a new collection from Loren D. Estleman that reads like a bunch of old yarns. That isnt exactly a bad thing, because Estleman has always favored a vintage style of hard-boiled noir. Here the assortment is more a grab bag of styles, from westerns to a vampire tale. But the best story, The Black Spot, features his trademark Detroit setting and tough-guy humor, as well as his durable antihero, the professional hit man Peter Macklin, whose assignment is to take out six targets in 10 days. This being Detroit, automotive references abound, most inventively in the image of a mobsters hair swept back on both sides like the fenders of a 1949 Mercury. John Dillinger, the Depression-era mobster who narrates You Owe Me, informs us that his favorite automobile is a sweet black Ford V-8 sedan. In State of Grace, the car that spirits away the body of a prelate who died in the bed of a prostitute is a big Buick Electra. And Hows My Driving? makes the author think of his father, who drove a truck for 20 years and proudly belonged to Jimmy Hoffas Teamsters Local 299. Tillmans abdication creates a power vacuum, which overwriting rushes to fill. Her metaphors dont merely mix. They have orgies. There had to be meaning, she writes. It hung morosely overhead. I could feel it following me, leaving a damp film on my skin when I got home. So meaning is a cloud? But a cloud that follows people? Maybe more like a stalker? Or a dog? But now it leaves a film on your skin. So its like a loyal cloudy stalker dog that leaves a film on people? O.K. Or: I got swept up in their conflicting perceptions of the moral dimensions that undergird the workings of a courtroom. How does one get swept up in perceptions? How do dimensions undergird? Then there is what can only be called, with apologies to Jack Handey, Deep Thoughts, by Laura Tillman. Do moral absolutes exist, or is the world grayer than we would generally like to acknowledge? she writes. Or she will chew on a lawyers statement and wonder whether we are composed of a mixture of qualities, good and bad. Or, evoking dorm-room, weed-suffused bull sessions: It was astonishing to see the world as a single, quivering entity, rather than a set of various concerns parsed into distinct compartments. Or, with a salute to Captain Obvious: Both religion and mental illness are deeply personal. Now, I write empty, high-minded claptrap all the time. I also delete 90 percent of what I write. About an hour ago, for instance, I cut the entire 215-word opening sequence of this review. A boss of mine once said, of an article I had drafted over several months, that I had done a terrific job of catching myself up to a conversation the world had been having without me. Now I had to delete it, and start over from where Id ended from where the world didnt yet know what it thought. Tillmans meditations on the Big Questions often read like those of someone trying to catch up to the worlds knowledge while selling that world her notes for $26. These sins of writing are easily forgiven in a nonfiction author who swashbuckles us into some unknown world. But Tillman cannot offer this, for she herself remains guiltily removed from what she chronicles. One reads about the privilege-checking that is the rage on college campuses. This may be among the first privilege-checking books. Tillman is burdened by being a privileged white person in a luckless, mostly brown border city. Upfront she declares this a story to which I had no innate right. There is some evidence that the parents murdered their children because of beliefs derived from Mexican folk-healing traditions. But Tillman, whose deference varies inversely with her interlocutors privilege, uncritically labels those traditions full of healing and hope. When interviewing Rubio, who decapitated his three children, Tillman says: I wanted to ask him questions about drugs and responsibility and the meaning of fatherhood, but it seemed cruel. That Tillman finds it easier to attribute cruelty to her own research methods than to Rubios crimes tells you she is probably a sensitive and compassionate person. But this is dangerous writing. Her nonjudgmentalism has victims: the murdered children who end up being cast in this story as the collateral damage of inevitable forces. For several years, Laurence D. Fink, chairman and chief executive of BlackRock, the money management giant, has been on a crusade, exhorting corporations to change their short-term ways. Executives should forgo tricks that reward short-term stock traders, he argues, like share buybacks purchased at high valuations. Instead, corporate managers should focus on creating value for long-term shareholders. Its an admirable argument that has won Mr. Fink wise-man status on Wall Street and accolades in the press. Hillary Clinton has echoed his ideas on the campaign trail. Certainly, as the head of BlackRock, Mr. Fink wields an outsize stick. With $4.6 trillion in assets and ownership of shares in roughly 15,000 companies, BlackRock is the worlds largest investment manager. But if Mr. Fink really wants to get the attention of company executives on stock buybacks and other corporate governance issues, why doesnt BlackRock vote more often against C.E.O. pay packages of companies that play the short-term game? I introduced my boyfriend, Ferdy, to my parents 25 years ago when he and I stayed at their home in Millbrook, N.Y. He was visiting from Bali, Indonesia, where we had met and fallen in love three years earlier. I was on break from teaching in Hong Kong, the city to which I had escaped from midlife crises of divorce and despair. When my Hong Kong contract ended, I moved back to New York, but Ferdy and I faced substantial hurdles in getting him a tourist visa. Finally, 18 months later, I was able to pick him up at Newark Liberty International Airport and we drove to my apartment in Staten Island, near the college where I was teaching. We kept each other warm in my apartment but braved winter during my time off so I could show him my city: Central Park, the Cloisters, MoMA, the Village. And we planned a weekend visit to my parents house in Millbrook. What will your friend eat? my mother asked on the phone. Whatever you make, I said. But maybe rice instead of potatoes. Send your workplace conundrums to workologist@nytimes.com, including your name and contact information (even if you want it withheld for publication). The Workologist is a guy with well-intentioned opinions, not a professional career adviser. Letters may be edited. I was hired by my present employer about three years ago, for a position that was a very good career move for me at the time. After about a year and a half, I was promoted to a higher, management-level position again, a great opportunity. Fast-forward to today, and my job has become unrecognizable. It is a family-run business, and the owners have over time pushed me into taking on responsibilities that I am not at all interested in. They take the attitude that everyone should pitch in wherever necessary. I am certainly willing to help out in a bind. But I am frustrated that the job I am doing now is completely unrelated to the skills I want to hone and the direction I want my career to go. Should I voice my frustrations, or jump ship? E.G., NEW YORK A Workologist rule of thumb: Always have an eye out for other opportunities, to avoid the challenge of starting from scratch when an I-must-jump-ship situation emerges. Hamilton County youth have a unique opportunity to participate in 4-H S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Camp. It will be held May 25-28 at the York 4-H Center in Crossville.This camp is open to youth currently in 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. The cost is $35.00. The registration deadline is Monday, May 9. For a registration packet, call UT / TSU Extension Hamilton County, 423-855-6113. 4-H S.T.E.M. Camp is made possible by a grant from National 4-H Council through funding from the Altria Group. This camp will be filled with camping activities including swimming, archery, canoeing, zip line, rifle range and more. The science, technology, engineering and math activities include: robotics, wildlife, astronomy, water, archery and more. Adult and teen leaders are also needed to attend with the camping delegation. Training and background check required. Call the Extension office for an application packet. 4-H is the youth development program of The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and Tennessee State University Cooperative Extension. This program is open to all eligible youth. Contact Nancy Rucker, Extension Agent and County Director, UT / TSU Extension Hamilton County, 423-855-6113, nrucker@tennessee.edu for more information. Its about a middle-aged American businessman, Alan Clay divorced, broke and partly estranged from his daughter who travels to Saudi Arabia in the hope that he can get back on his feet by selling a holographic telecommunication system to King Abdullah. Aside from drinking illegal moonshine and performing amateur surgery on a lump he discovers on the back of his neck, he mostly just waits for a meeting that keeps not happening. The books epigraph comes from Waiting for Godot It is not every day that we are needed and both its setting, a literal and metaphorical desert, and black humor also owe something to Beckett. Mr. Tykwer said that the minute he read the novel he knew there was a movie in it, one more upbeat and lighthearted than the book. He is a brainy, genre-tweaking German director best known to Americans for Run Lola Run (which, like a video game, restarts the same story over and over) and for collaborating with the Wachowski siblings on Cloud Atlas. I am not one of those filmmakers who read everything thats out there in hopes of making a movie, he said recently from Germany, speaking on the telephone in English that differs from a native speakers only in being about twice as fast. I love reading for itself and am always trying to protect the act of reading from my own urges to look for projects. But in the case of Hologram, he went on, its one of those mysterious things, which you cannot really explain. I immediately felt I had an instinctive film approach. Mr. Tykwer already knew Mr. Eggers, from an unsuccessful attempt to make a mini-series of What Is the What, his novelized autobiography of Valentino Achak Deng, one of the real-life Sudanese lost boys. Even though Hologram had barely been released and Mr. Eggers wanted just to enjoy the publication process for a bit, Mr. Tykwer flew to San Francisco and insisted on talking to him. Barely released in 1982 and all but unseen for over three decades, Kathleen Collinss Losing Ground is a lively movie as well as a ghostly one. Ms. Collins and her two male leads, Bill Gunn and Duane Jones, died long before the film resurfaced at Lincoln Center in early 2015 as part of a survey of independent African-American cinema produced in New York between 1968 and 1986. Now a period piece, Losing Ground (out on Blu-ray and DVD from Milestone) seems also to be an anomaly not just because Ms. Collinss only feature-length film was among the first directed by an African-American woman or because Negro is the preferred term of self-description for the middle-class professionals at the center of her film. Given its self-contained milieu, arty references and cerebral humor, Losing Ground is far closer to Eric Rohmers or Woody Allens contemporary brand of haute bourgeois comedy than to Spike Lees confrontational social satire. In 2015, A. O. Scott of The New York Times described it as a bulletin from a vital and as-yet-unexplored dimension of reality. Ms. Collins, a civil rights activist in her youth, was nearing 40 and a member of the faculty at City College in Manhattan when she began working on the film, which concerns the foundering marriage between Sara (Seret Scott), a buttoned-up philosophy professor who is introduced giving a lecture on existentialism, and Victor, an ebullient painter of abstract works played by Mr. Gunn, himself a talented filmmaker. During the course of a summer spent vacationing in a Hudson River town, their searches intertwine: Sara is seeking to understand the ecstatic experience, while Victor, a man with a roving eye, is looking to add some emotional content to his work. That neither Sara nor Victor always inspires audience sympathy adds complexity to the characters. Ms. Scott (who appeared in the Broadway cast of Ntozake Shanges For Colored girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf and has had a long career as a theater director) plays Sara as a 19th-century schoolmarm. Awkward, unfulfilled and living inside her head, she is at once patronized by and patronizing of her glib, superficially easygoing husband. Not long ago, Shailene Woodley, who, as the star of the Divergent films is a kind of living symbol of the millennial force field, was making her way around Columbia University, canvassing on behalf of Bernie Sanders. Campaigning for the Vermont senators presidential bid at a Northeastern university or any university, for that matter seems a little like walking into Peter Luger to persuade people to have the steak. Regardless of the advantages that accrue to Ivy League students, and whatever privileges might have landed them there in the first place, Columbia falls within the vast psychographic jurisdiction of Mr. Sanders, enemy of the indulged and fussed-over. On the day that Ms. Woodley, who is 25, alighted on upper Broadway, she stopped a freshman named Jessica Grubesic and asked her if she wanted to participate in a phone bank. Ms. Grubesic came to Columbia from Albuquerque, where she attended private school and where her mother and father are lawyers. My parents brought me to Naral rallies when I was, like, in first grade, she told me, referring to the abortion rights organization. In some sense her political affinities were preordained. When she was approached by Ms. Woodley, Ms. Grubesic recalled, I said, I already phone-bank. What Ms. Grubesic did not disclose is that she makes calls for someone else, or rather the woman who in this context might be considered the other presidential candidate in the Democratic field. To be 18 or 25 or in your early 30s and support Hillary Clinton can be compared to loving synthetic wool in New Zealand. It is a lonely and alienating relationship that will leave you vulnerable to accusations that you fail to appreciate the genuine, the authentic. Early in the academic year, when the notion of Hillary Clinton as the Democratic nominee seemed to be a foregone conclusion, Cian Saunders, also a freshman, sent an email blast to the Columbia University Democrats in an effort to start a pro-Clinton group. Three people wrote back saying they would like to be involved in helping to lead it. The group, in which Ms. Grubesic and another student, Caitlin Carey, play active roles, holds weekly meetings. Typically no more than a half-dozen people show up. The affection for Bernie Sanders among the young transcends even certain racial divisions. Although blacks are overwhelmingly appreciative of Mrs. Clinton, exit polls in 21 primaries and caucuses suggested that more than half of black voters ages 17 to 24 favored her opponent, according to Edison Research. Among Hispanic voters in the same age group, nearly three-quarters favored Mr. Sanders, the Edison figures indicated. At a time when taking photographs has never been easier, John Chiara shot New York City the hard way. Mr. Chiara, 44, who lives in San Francisco, built two box cameras the size of kitchen cabinets and loaded them with large sheets of photosensitive paper that produced negatives of the colors projected on it. New York is a very challenging place to photograph, because its been photographed so much, he said. It was exciting figuring out what I had to bring to it. The results are an alternate city that evokes the chaos and monumental architecture of the real thing but invites people to meditate on it rather than rush through. I wanted it to feel like a fragment of a memory, he said. Its like the visual you get when youre staring into space, trying to reconcile what you remember with what you saw. You dont get the whole thing at once. You have moments of clarity, but its elusive. The cameras each took weeks to build; the shooting took the better part of a year. With any image, he never knew quite what he had until he saw the finished print. Bright sky became pitch black; trees glowed as if lit from within. As he worked, Mr. Chiaras relationship with the city softened and warmed. Theres no better way to fall in love with a place than to sincerely photograph it, he said. The tone did change. The city images, along with concurrent pictures Mr. Chiara took in the Hudson River Valley, are on display at the Yossi Milo Gallery, 245 10th Avenue in Chelsea, until May 21. The cameras will remain in New York until Mr. Chiara next returns. Visitors to the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art can wander through Gothic to Goth: Romantic Era Fashion and Its Legacy and admire the array of costumes and accessories from the first half of the 19th century. They might marvel at the sumptuous dresses with complicated sleeves and impossibly small waists, the shawls and aprons hand-embroidered with intricate designs and the delicate jewelry woven from human hair. But, if they look carefully, visitors will see that the 200 objects on view, which include paintings, prints, decorative arts and literary works, present the fashions in an instructive context. In different sections, Gothic to Goth identifies the diverse philosophies that were prevalent in Romantic-era America and demonstrates, through artistic examples, how those values determined stylistic choices. By the final section, it is clear that trends that arose during the Romantic period continue to inspire fashion today. Im not interested in looking at a dress and saying, Oh, how pretty, Lynne Zacek Bassett, guest curator for costumes and textiles at the Wadsworth since 2007, said. I want to know why the clothing looks the way it does, and how that has echoed up to the present. The airmen and women at Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City keep a goldfish in their survival shop, where they gear up before missions. The swimmer, as they call it, is named Ashton, a reference to Ashton Kutcher in his role as a Coast Guard rescue swimmer in the widely mocked, cliche-ridden 2006 movie The Guardian and a wry acknowledgment that the Coast Guard is not always accorded the kind of respect reserved for other branches of the military. But the Coast Guard plays a vital role in protecting the nations maritime interests. Since it was absorbed into the Department of Homeland Security, combating terrorism has been added to the sprawling mission carried out by its 88,000 active-duty, reserve, civilian and auxiliary men and women serving around the world. Despite the expanded responsibilities, its budget has been buffeted; in his 2015 State of the Coast Guard Address, Adm. Paul F. Zukunft, the Coast Guard commandant, said 40 percent of the acquisition budget had been slashed over the previous four years. Im concerned that aging platforms and crumbling infrastructure continue to hinder mission success, Admiral Zukunft said. Today were seeing significant increase in demand across all of our daily activities, and it limits our ability to respond to major contingencies. Indeed, we are facing a time like none other in our nearly 225 years of service. Air Coast Guard Station Atlantic City, at the William J. Hughes Federal Aviation Administration Technical Center at the Atlantic City International Airport, is the closest air station to New York City. It was formed in 1998 when Coast Guard Air Station Brooklyn and Group Air Station Cape May, New Jersey, were merged. The squadron comprises 10 MH-65D Dolphin helicopters. Its crews are responsible for covering hundreds of miles of coastline in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia as well as interior bays and rivers such as Chesapeake Bay, the Delaware and Hudson Rivers and Long Island Sound. Two helicopters are always ready to be airborne within 30 minutes. Lt. Mark Bruno, 31, was the aircraft commander on duty on Feb. 25 when the call came in that a fishing vessel off the coast of the Rockaways was in trouble. At 4:30 a.m. his team was dispatched to New York City. The Dolphin helicopter can fly faster than 160 m.p.h., but it would still take about 45 minutes to reach the Carolina Queen. The helicopter crew members including Lt. j.g. Maggie Champlin, 32, the co-pilot; Petty Officer Second Class Kensuke Caldwell, 34, the flight mechanic; and Petty Officer Third Class Joe Glaser-Reich, 27, the rescue swimmer took off in darkness shortly before 5 a.m., knowing very little about what they might find. The art exhibition at the Long Island Museum in Stony Brook contains works that span about 80 years and they are by one artist, who is still working. That would be Mort Kunstler, 88, the subject of Mort Kunstler: The Art of Adventure. The retrospective, which includes illustrations he created for pulp adventure magazines early in his career, starts with an accomplished pencil sketch of the artists childhood bedroom in Brooklyn, which he figures he drew when he was about 8. The most recent work in the show, made last year, is a detailed oil painting, Respect of an Army, depicting Gen. Robert E. Lee surrendering at Appomattox, Va., as Union soldiers doff their hats to him. I start out as a kid with talent, Mr. Kunstler, an Oyster Bay resident, said with a wry smile as he showed a reporter around the exhibition, which also features many of his 1970s movie posters (The Poseidon Adventure, The Golden Voyage of Sinbad, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three) as well as advertisements (Solarcaine for sunburn relief). Not many warehouses come with design accolades, but one of the few remaining relics of the old Brooklyn waterfront has not one, but two distinguished architects to add some prestige. The building that takes up the block of Kent Avenue between North Third and North Fourth Streets in Williamsburg opened as a warehouse in 1915 and was designed by Cass Gilbert, who also designed the Alexander Hamilton United States Custom House and the Woolworth Building. Now, a century later, Morris Adjmi, an architect praised for adding a modern touch to historic structures, has designed plans to convert the building to condominiums. Opened originally as the Austin, Nichols and Company warehouse, the building became the epicenter of the largest grocery business in the world, according to Nina Nazionale, director of library operations at the New-York Historical Society. The warehouse was converted to rental apartments in 2010. It will be rechristened as the Austin Nichols House, with studios to three-bedroom condos priced from about $535,000 to $3 million. Sales start in about three weeks. Mr. Gilbert designed the warehouse in Egyptian Revival style, with clean, bold lines emphasized by the enormous scale and proportion of the building. The warehouse was a highly efficient packaging and distribution center of various foods, spices, coffee and eventually liquor, incorporating piers and railway tracks, according to a 2005 report by the Landmarks Preservation Commission. Although the building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is not a city landmark; the City Council reversed its designation by the preservation commission. Dont overlook condos. Investors have been snapping up condominiums to rent out amid the development boom, creating opportunities for high-end renters. A big concentration of investors can mean a surge in rentals when the building starts to close, said Marc Schaeffer, a real estate agent at Kleier Residential. You have to catch the timing right, said Mr. Schaeffer, who noticed a rise in rental listings at Carnegie Park, an amenity-laden condominium at Third and East 94th Street, and was able to get clients a $150-a-month discount on a two-year lease for a two-bedroom. Instead of paying $5,800 a month, with an expected increase of 2 percent to 5 percent the following year, his clients are paying $5,650 a month. We accomplished this by pitching our offer to similar listings in the same building and letting the owners broker know we were submitting the same offer to other apartments, he said. This worked because we were dealing with three different competing landlords. End your lease in the summer. In general, rental demand picks up from May through August, when school is out, college grads move to the city and the weather is better. So when Elisabeth Polanco, a kindergarten teacher in Washington Heights, wanted to move to the city from Rockland County, N.Y., this spring, Sherry Mazzocchi, an agent at Citi Habitats, knew what to do. By asking for a 15-month lease instead of the typical yearlong term, she reduced the rent on a three-bedroom walk-up to $2,225 a month from $2,450, with an April 4 move-in date, saving her client $3,375 over the course of the lease. Move in the dead of winter. Knowing it is harder for landlords to fill vacancies during the winter, when rental activity tends to wane, Jordan Kramer, an agent at Compass, helped Sasha Sherman and Ben Cohen knock $400 a month off a newly renovated East Village three-bedroom walk-up that was asking $6,000 in December 2014, for $4,800 in savings. The roommates, who were sharing with a third friend, initially offered $5,800 a month with a Feb. 1 move-in date. Aware that there were no other offers on the table, Mr. Kramer recommended his clients ask for another $200 off if they bumped their move up to Jan. 15. The landlord agreed. As a result, said Mr. Sherman, the sales manager for BOLD Organics, a frozen Italian foods brand based in Harlem, we got an incredible deal on a beautiful apartment. Pay your rent upfront. For those with the means to do so, paying at least six months of rent in advance can net you a discount. Last year, Jesse Klein, a salesman at Platinum Properties, was working with a college graduate and the graduates mother, with a budget of $2,700 a month. After touring a number of apartments, they visited an open house for a $2,750-a-month alcove studio in the East Village, where they found other prospective renters lined up outside to see it. My clients mother literally took out her checkbook and said to the owners broker, I will write a check now for six months rent if you can knock it down by $100 a month, Mr. Klein said. I was like, All right, this woman means business. While not every landlord would entertain such a request, Mr. Klein said, the owners broker jumped on the phone and got the landlords consent. Be creative. A landlord who wont budge on the rent may be willing to waive gym memberships, parking or other costs associated with a rental. In January, Kevin Djungu Sungu, an agent at Citi Habitats, helped a client secure a $2,550-a-month one-bedroom at a new rental building in Harlem that was originally listed for $2,650. In addition to paying the broker fee and offering a free months rent, the landlord agreed to increase free storage to one year from six months. Be respectful. I think people get the impression that they have to be some kind of animal going in and negotiating, said Adam Frisch, a principal of Sierra Residential, a brokerage firm that specializes in landlord representation. What doesnt work is to call up and say, Listen, you have to send me a lower increase or Im going to sue you. Or Youre not taking the garbage out enough; Im going to get the city to give you a violation. His advice: Stick to the facts. Remind your landlord with a note that explains that you are a tenant in good standing and always pay your rent on time. If you point this out and ask politely for a reasonable rent reduction, Mr. Frisch said, often the answer will be yes. Hazel Park, a Detroit suburb, is home to a wrestling supply shop, several family dentistry practices, and numerous Greek-American diners, but until last September, it had never seen a restaurant quite like Mabel Gray. With its artfully exposed plaster walls, perfectly mismatched vintage tableware, and a seasonal menu showcasing local ingredients and whole-animal butchery, the restaurant initially appears to have been airlifted from Brooklyn. But never mind appearances: Mabel Gray is thoroughly of, by and for Michigan. Michigan has a very distinct approach to food, said James Rigato, the restaurants chef and co-owner. Were the second-most agriculturally diverse state behind California, and the auto industry has created its own cultural influence. But because most people dont travel here, most people dont know. Visit Mabel Gray, named for the local folklore legend Alice Mabel Gray who lived in solitude on the shores of Lake Michigan and earned the nickname Diana of the Dunes, and youll be served a healthy helping of local pride. This is a place where Faygo, a Detroit-made soda pop, is on the menu, and where affable waiters will inform you that Michigan grows sugar beets 50 out of 52 weeks of the year. But Mr. Rigato lets his cooking deliver the most compelling lessons about his home states culinary riches. The influence of metro Detroits Korean population is apparent in the kimchi vinaigrette that heats up a plate of Michigan honeycrisp apples, celery and yogurt, while the black and white garlic sauces drizzled on an order of hopelessly addictive crispy fried potatoes were a nod to the areas Korean and Middle Eastern communities, respectively. Nick Wilkinson, Democratic candidate for State Senate District 10, announced Friday the senior leadership team for his campaigns finance committee, "which will work to ensure the 10th District has a champion for children, working families, and our neighborhoods." Lee Davis, partner of Davis and Hoss Law Firm, and Kincaid Mills, managing principal at Pantheon Capital Management, will be serving as co-chairs of the finance committee. Mr. Wilkinsons campaign treasurer is Z. Cartter Patten, president at The Patten Group. These leaders of our community exemplify the type of strong and dynamic campaign we will be running to make sure that the voices of the 10th district are being heard said Mr. Wilkinson. I am humbled by the swell of support I have received and encouraged by the excitement that our campaign is generating. It shows that the people of the 10th District are tired of our legislators being more concerned about unnecessary special interest issues than their own community. Working families are worried about real life issues, like whether or not they can get healthcare or a good education for their children. With the help of these three key community leaders and stakeholders, I look forward to mounting a well funded campaign focused on relevant issues facing this district and continuing our incredible momentum. Mr. Wilkinson and his finance committee leadership will release additional members to be added to a finance committee, as well as a full schedule of fundraising events throughout the district and state when available. Bio on Lee Davis: Lee Davis is the founder of Davis & Hoss, PC. Mr. Lee represents people in federal and state court in Tennessee and throughout the country. Previous to private practice, Mr. Lee was an assistant district attorney in the Hamilton County District Attorney's office. Outside of court, Mr. Lee enjoys teaching and serving on the board of several local nonprofits. He has taught courses at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and the University of Tennessee College of Law and has published articles on DNA technology and the death penalty. He is the president elect of the Chattanooga Bar Association, serves as the board chair of ArtsBuild and on the board of Siskin Institute . Bio on Kincaid Mills: Kincaid Mills is managing principal of Pantheon Capital Management, a private investment partnership based in Chattanooga. He also serves on the board of governors of River Associates Investments a Private Equity Management Company also in Chattanooga. Mr. Kincaid graduated from the University of the South at Sewanee in 1992 with a BA in American studies. Mr. Kincaid is passionate about land conservation, the outdoors and his home town, Chattanooga. He currently serves on the board of the Lyndhurst Foundation, the McKenzie Family Foundation, and the McCallie School. He chairs several charitable Endowment Investment committees including the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga. He was born and raised a Yellow Dog Democrat; his mother's family has been voting the Democratic ticket since Mr. Jefferson was in the White House. Bio on Z. Cartter Patten: Z. Cartter Patten is an entrepreneur who has over 40 years experience as a registered investment advisor working in the firm he founded in Chattanooga. Currently he serves as the president of the Patten Group. He has served as the director of two public companies and has been on many private boards. Mr. Patten has served as a board member of American Rivers and is currently a director of the American Chestnut Foundation. He is a graduate of Princeton University and holds the CFA designation granted by the CFA Institute. An article last week about airport design that prioritizes lofty architectural vision over comfort, Airports, Designed for Everyone but the Passenger, struck a chord with readers, who posted more than 400 comments in response to the piece. Among the many lamenting the awful state of airports were several comments lauding airports that get it right. Edited excerpts from their praise are below. Less Grand Architecture The less architecture the better. The Jackson Hole, Wyo., airport is basically just a flat-top barn. But there are deep-seated leather chairs with ottomans, fake fireplaces and big glass windows looking onto the mountains. There is good free Wi-Fi. Its almost as good as the local Four Seasons and probably costs much, much less than the designer airports. Its about the only airport where you get angry when they announce your flight is leaving instead of when they announce it isnt. The new Bangkok airport on the other hand has all the allegedly sophisticated exposed pipes but just looks like a German factory from the 1970s. I talked to a woman who works there. Three years in and she still gets lost. Aurther Phleger Sparks, Nev. Over time I have come to like EWR (Newark). Because the site is very constrained, there is little room for grand architecture. The changes have been incremental and usually for the better: more lanes, more dropoff levels, monorail between the terminals, train service to Manhattan and so on. To my mind these outweigh the many small absurdities that EWR inflicts on the unsuspecting traveler. Some may complain, but at least you never get the feeling that money was squandered on high-concept design while the practicalities went begging. Better times may be ahead, though. Higher wages in China and other emerging nations are now limiting the competitive advantage of those economies. And perhaps more important for Americans, as China reaches technological maturity, it is likely to shower innovations on consumers, creating a net gain for people in the United States. China is already the major producer of solar panels and electric cars, for example. It is likely to contribute important innovations in consumer drones and driverless cars and in many other fields: The Chinese government is pouring immense resources into biotechnology, including new gene editing techniques. When it comes to mobile apps, messaging and electronic payments, China is arguably ahead of America. Imagine a future in which Chinese innovations benefit Americans just as the United States benefited Europe and vice versa. This would mean more competition from China, of course, and lost jobs in some fields, but to simply focus on the negatives would be shortsighted. The reality is that innovators do not capture all or even most of the benefits they bring to the world. Once an idea emerges, its benefits begin to expand, and those benefits will surely spread to the United States. What economists call skill-based technical change may also shift in a more egalitarian direction. The advent of information technology increased the value of workers and managers who could manipulate these new talents effectively, while smart software eliminated the jobs of many travel agents and paper-filing clerks. But consider a universe in which all it takes to work with a computer is to talk to it. That could lower the wages of technicians, while opening a new world where less skilled laborers could work with information technology effectively. That new world is already emerging. Consider the Amazon Echo, a small stationary computer that responds to voice commands. It can play music, call a car service or build a shopping list. Imagine fully functional voice-activated computers created for the workplace as more people grow up with information technology at their fingertips. MIAMI BEACH Plenty of chefs have burns on their forearms, but Bun Lais battle scars did not come from hot oven racks. His were a result of an inadvertent brush with fire coral while scuba diving for ingredients off the Florida coast. The payoff was a tub filled with pointy little whelks, mottled periwinkles, a few bright orange crabs and some chitons oval mollusks that look like fossils with shells of interlocking plates. These would go on the menu at Prey, the pop-up restaurant he has been running for the last two months on the rooftop of the 1 Hotel South Beach here in Miami Beach. Mr. Lai, 46, is a chef with a mission: to create sustainable menus that make good use of ingredients usually discarded or ignored, and, when possible, to exploit destructive invasive species like lionfish, Asian carp, Chesapeake Bay blue catfish, wild Everglades seaweeds and feral pigs. Its a concept he honed at his home base, Miyas Sushi in New Haven. At a dinner last month, Mr. Lai served small bowls filled with citrus broth and those whelks, periwinkles and chitons tucked into a tangle of seaweed invasive to the Everglades. Alongside he poured sake infused with white pine needles, at once tart and sweet. Peer Review: The geobiologist Hope Jahren her memoir, Lab Girl, hits the hardcover nonfiction list at No. 7 has found a larger audience than many scientists partly through her use of social media. Jahren is prolific on Twitter, and since 2013 has maintained a lively free-range blog, Hope Jahren Sure Can Write, that is nominally about interactions between men and women and academia but is more accurately, and haphazardly, about things (as she puts it on her masthead). What sorts of things? A tribute to Leonard Nimoy, for one: Nothing less than God himself . . . could take Spock away from us. For another, a cheese recipe written in pitch-perfect lolcat dialect: Ferst-thing ur going store to buyz 1 gallun hole milk. And yes, theres plenty about sexism in science, including a scathing reply Jahren wrote after a male colleague challenged her work in an email he mistakenly sent to her instead of their department head. Why, she asked, are there any women in science at all? I keep asking myself. Is the price that I paid and keep paying worth it? I am sure that you believe that youve struggled during your career. . . . Did you ever spend a night in a Turkish police station trying to explain the concept of rape? No? Well, I did. It can really disrupt your field season, boy howdy. She ended: You didnt ask for my advice, but I am going to give you some anyway: Learn to use your email. . . . But dont be discouraged, youre way ahead of me. Youve already learned how to type out what you really think and send it out into the world. I am just now learning how to do the same. Epic: The CNN anchor Anderson Cooper and his mother, Gloria Vanderbilt, top the hardcover nonfiction list with The Rainbow Comes and Goes, an extended conversation in which Cooper asks Vanderbilt about their (extraordinary) family history and the accrued wisdom of her 92 years. Dont let the soppy, gnomic title scare you off: Vanderbilt is frank and sometimes salty, as when she confides that she faked all her orgasms until she met Howard Hughes. My mom wasnt the kind of parent you would go to for practical advice, Cooper says. What she does know about are . . . the kind of things you discover only by living an epic life. Leather Vampires: The Beast, the 14th title in J.R. Wards Black Dagger Brotherhood series, enters the hardcover fiction list at No. 2. Heres how Ward described the series to the website She Knows: Warrior vampires in black leather pants falling for females who hand their butts to them on a plate. O.K. then! Later in the interview, though, Ward identified a more conventional story, Elizabeth Lowells Summer Thunder (1983), as the most important romance novel shes ever read. Times have changed and so have heroes and heroines, but the core of what makes readers happy has remained the same, she said. Are you in love with the way they are in love? Christian Family Theater is producing their first youth musical with Annie Jr. The three performances will be held April 29 at 7 p.m., April 30 at 7 p.m. May 1 at 3 p.m. All performances will take place at Brainerd United Methodist Church, 4315 Brainerd Road, in their gymnasium located in Lundy Hall just behind the Balloon Factory on Brainerd Road. The cast consist of 34 children and youth ranging from six years to seniors in high school. Of the 34 actors, over half are making their stage debut in CFT's production of Annie Jr. "That's what we love to do" says CFT Executive Director and show Director Dale Dye. "We love working with children and introducing them to theatre. We are a training ground. Many of our student actors have later gone on to get leading roles with theater companies all around the Chattanooga area." Christian Family Theater is a 501(C)3 nonprofit theater company that not only produces youth show but also runs youth theatre classes training children in acting, dance, music and voice. "We want to help lay a foundation to allow them to have successes on stage. Our goal is not just a good performance but also building self esteem and showing children that hard work pays off" said Mr. Dye. "We want everyone to come out and support all the hard work this cast has done putting on this show." Tickets are $12 at the door. The first 100 advance tickets purchased online at www.cftchattanooga.com with the coupon code "NEWS2" will save $2 each through April 28. For group rates of 15 or more, email contact@CFTChattanooga.com. Next week the UN will host a Special Session of the General Assembly on the World Drug Problem that will include major challenges to conventional approaches to drug policy. On Friday, April 22, please join Aram Barra (Global EMPA, 2015) of Mexico Unido Contra La Delincuencia and Stephen Rolles, Senior Policy Analyst at Transform Drug Policy Foundation for an engaging roundtable discussion that will recap the outcomes of this special session, the current terrain of drug policy debates and the future of the "war on drugs," and perspectives on the path to a new Political Declaration on drugs in 2019. The lunchtime conversation, which is free and open to the public, will begin at noon. It will be held at NYU Wagner, the Puck Building, 2nd Floor, 295 Lafayette Street, New York, N.Y. RSVP is required at the event's registration page. Tennessee employers have tens of thousands of open positions for qualified applicants across the state. With Tennessees latest unemployment rate at its lowest level since June 2007, there is an abundance of job openings across the state. Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Burns Phillips said, "With the continued decline in the state's unemployment rate, workers have many opportunities available to them when looking for a job. In March, our Jobs4TN.gov web site had over 175,000 job openings across the states 95 counties. Tennessee is divided into 13 Local Workforce Development Areas (LWDA). The states metropolitan areas led the state in job openings. LWDA 9 is comprised of Davidson, Rutherford, Wilson and Trousdale counties and had the largest number of open positions in March with 53,401 jobs posted to Jobs4TN.gov. Job availability is not limited to Tennessees larger cities. LWDA 2 had more than 6,600 jobs available in March and is comprised of smaller counties in East Tennessee.LWDA 11 and 12 in West Tennessee combined had just over 8,000 jobs posted on Jobs4TN.gov Governor Bill Haslam created Jobs4TN.gov to be the place job seekers can visit and find all the tools they need to start a new career. The site offers multiple resources to Tennesseans who are searching for jobs. Today, Orange County is home to top chefs with amazing pedigrees so its hard to imagine a time when one culinary king reigned over the local food scene. Pascal Olhats, 62, brought approachable French cuisine to the area when he opened Tradition by Pascal nearly 30 years ago. The bistro, tucked in a Newport Beach strip mall, stood out in a community swimming in national chains and stuffy continental dining establishments. I dont want to put down Orange County. But it was not known as a fine dining area, the French-born chef says in La Tradition, a documentary about Olhats debuting April 23 at the Newport Beach Film Festival. The biopic was created by Irvine-based Grub Tribe, a 2-year-old production firm specializing in video portraits of Southern California chefs. After interviewing Olhats last summer for its chef series, Grub Tribe decided he deserved more screen time than their usual two-minute videos. What hes done for the Orange County culinary scene and the chefs hes trained I just thought it would be a great story, said Jeff Fliegler, the films director and a founder of Grub Tribe. The film chronicles the chefs journey, 40 years ago, from a small town in Normandy to Orange County. He worked in the kitchens of Le Meridien hotel in Newport Beach, The Pirets at South Coast Plaza and Chanteclair in Irvine. He established his first restaurant in 1988, a dynamic time for O.C.s food scene other local chefs were making their mark: Bruno Serato (Anaheim White House), Zov Karamardian (Zovs Bistro in Tustin) and Alan Greeley (Golden Truffle in Costa Mesa). Over the years, Tradition by Pascal which closed in 2012 became a culinary boot camp for some of todays finest local chefs: Florent Marneau of Marche Moderne, Greg Daniels of Haven Gastropub and Greg Moro, formerly of French 75. These professionals and legendary French chef Hubert Keller are the heart of the 69-minute film as they pay tribute to Olhats as a pioneer, risk-taker, mentor and savvy businessman. In the Orange County food scene, even the western United States, he has trained more of the chefs that we know today through his kitchen than anyone else, said Patrick Paddy Glennon, a veteran fishmonger for Superior Seafood in Los Angeles. Daniels worked for Olhats straight out of culinary school. He was a mentor to me, he said. He had a lot of success in an area that you wouldnt have expected in a little strip mall in Newport Beach. At Tradition, Olhats made pioneering moves. He introduced Orange County to the clean, olive oil-centric cooking of Southern France his most famous dish was braised and baked sea bass. He made macarons long before they became trendy. He prohibited smoking at Tradition before it was banned in the state. Pascal, I think, is pretty ahead of his time, Marneau said. Olhats is known as an affable culinary legend who donates his time and talents to countless charitable organizations. But, in one of the most humorous segments of the documentary, many of the now seasoned chefs recall a more intense Olhats in the kitchen. Pascal fired me twice, says Pascal Gimenez, of Cafe Beau Soleil in Newport Beach, with a laugh. I was a little bit crazy, I guess. Marneau said stern kitchen discipline is the norm in France. He was used to it, but some werent. The intensity would kill most people if you dont have the backbone, Marneau said. After operating several restaurants over the years, a mellower Olhats has prevailed. Hes enjoyed a long and successful career. Now, its time to give back. After you find out who you are, you teach others, he said. And Im at that stage now. Im on my favorite period of my professional life. ANAHEIM A 49-year-old man was behind bars Thursday on suspicion of robbing two Anaheim banks. Victor Estigoy of Anaheim was arrested during a traffic stop Wednesday as he left work in Santa Ana, according to Anaheim police Sgt. Daron Wyatt. Estigoy was accused of using fake pipe bombs in the holdups on July 15, 2013, at a Bank of America branch on Euclid Street and on March 25 of this year at a Chase Bank branch on Brookhurst Street, Wyatt said. Detectives traced components from the March device to Estigoy, Wyatt said, and a search of his home lead to the discovery of evidence from that robbery. He is in custody at the Anaheim Detention Facility on $100,000 bail. WASHINGTON How far theyve come. And Im not talking about the GOP, whose front-runner representing 37 percent of the Republican electorate has repudiated post-Reagan orthodoxy on trade, entitlement reform, limited government and Pax Americana (and possibly abortion, but who knows?). Im talking about the Democrats. The center-left, triangulating, New Democrat (Bill) Clintonism of the 1990s is dead. It expired of unnatural causes, buried definitively, if unceremoniously by its very creator. The final chapter occurred last week when, responding to Black Lives Matter hecklers denouncing his 1994 crime bill, Bill Clinton unleashed an impassioned defense. He accused the protesters of discounting the thousands of lives, mostly black, that were saved amid the crack epidemic of the time, because gang leaders and other bad guys got locked up. Yet the next day, the big dog came out, tail between his legs, saying he regretted the incident and almost wanted to apologize. It was a humiliating, Soviet-style recantation obviously meant to protect his wifes campaign, which depends on the African American vote to fend off Bernie Sanders. You know Bill Clinton still believes his crime bill was justified. It certainly contributed to one of the most radical declines in crime ever recorded in this country. Moreover, the Black Lives Matter charge that the 1994 law was an inherently racist engine for the mass incarceration of young black men is belied by the fact that it was backed by two-thirds of the Congressional Black Caucus, justly panicked at the time by the carnage wrought by the crack epidemic ravaging inner cities. Its one thing to argue that the law overshot and is due for revision with, for example, a relaxation of its mandatory-sentence provisions. Its quite another to claim, as does Black Lives Matter, that it was a vehicle by which a racist criminal justice system destroyed the lives of young black men. Hillary Clinton, catching up to Sanders, has essentially endorsed that view. For the man who changed the image of the Democratic Party 25 years ago by daring to challenge the reverse racism of Sister Souljah to have to bow to this new false orthodoxy, symbolizes perfectly how far the Democratic Party has traveled since the Clinton era. But the 2016 undoing of classic Clintonism hardly stops there. Take trade. Bill promoted and passed NAFTA. Although Hillary criticized NAFTA when she ran in 2007-08, as secretary of state she returned to her traditional free-trade stance, promoting and extolling the Trans-Pacific Partnership as trades gold standard. Now dross, apparently. She came out against the TPP, once again stampeded by Sanders and the partys Left, i.e., its base. She may not have sincerely changed her view, but shes boxed in to the partys new anti-trade consensus. Other pillars of her husbands internationalism were already toppled, pre-2016, by the Obama presidency, often with her active collaboration. At the core of Bill Clintons foreign policy lay the notion of America as the indispensable nation. It is today quite dispensable, indeed, a nation in retreat. Its much the same with another of Bills major achievements: welfare reform. President Obama has essentially dismantled its work requirements (with Bill Clintons acquiescence, a sign of things to come). No need for Hillary to repudiate her husbands legacy. Its been done for her. How far has the party moved left? Under Bill Clinton, it gave up on gun control after stinging defeats in the 1994 midterms. Today, Hillary Clinton delights in attacking Sanders as soft on gun control. It is nothing like her husbands party. Which is why she campaigns as Bernie lite they share the same goals, she says, but she can get things done. Hence the greatest irony of all: For the past decade and a half, the main propellant for the Hillary-for-president movement has been the rosy afterglow of Bills 1990s, the end-of-history era of peace, prosperity and balanced budgets. Want it back? Vote Hillary. Thats the tease. Yet a Hillary victory would yield a Clinton Redux animated not by Bill but by Bernie. When the Gudauskas brothers called out to the surfing community to donate unwanted boards, they thought theyd get a handful of beat-up surfboards. They were shocked when they did the tally: 205 boards were donated to be sent to an impoverished area in Jamaica to help a surf community that is just starting to sprout up. Were really thankful of the support and the surfing community coming together for another surf community. Its such a cool feeling, said Tanner Gudauskas, who orchestrated the board drive with his older brothers Pat and Dane. The San Clemente brothers spent a recent morning bubble-wrapping the boards to put in a shipping container to be sent to Jamaica. Theyre expected to arrive at the end of the month. The brothers, considered among Orange Countys best pro surfers, traveled to Jamaica in 2014 and fell in love with the people and culture. They met Jamaican local Billy Mystic Wilmott, who began riding waves on his bodyboard in the 1960s. His home, Jamnesia, is a gathering spot for young local surfers, skateboarders, musicians and artists. The brothers spent time surfing with the locals and noticed the potential some of the younger surfers had. But the boards the local surfers there used were beat up and barely usable. The brothers left the trip wondering what they could do to help. They thought up the idea of a surfboard drive and teamed with Jacks Surfboards, where surfers dropped off their unwanted boards at one of their locations around Southern California through the month of March. The Gudauskas brothers are no strangers to giving back. They regularly host Stoke-O-Rama events around the world that raise funds to help lifeguard, swimming and surfing programs. So far, theyve raised about $36,000 doing events in their hometown, Hawaii and other areas. Last year, they launched the Positive Vibe Warriors foundation, which raises money through online sales to go toward the Stoke-O-Rama fundraising efforts. The brothers are paying the shipping cost about $4,000 out of funds theyve raised through Positive Vibe Warriors foundation. Tanner Gudauskas said he was stoked by the variety of boards ranging from high-performance boards some of the best surfers on the island can use to advance their techniques to longboards that newbies can learn on. He said about 40 of the boards were just like new. Were honestly just taken aback. Of course, we felt connected to it because we love Jamaica and we saw firsthand that the surfing community could grow, he said. I think (others) took it to heart and wanted to participate. The brothers plan to meet with San Clemente lifeguards to get basic ocean safety tips to educate the youth in Jamaica on what to do in rip currents and educate them on other ocean-related dangers. Then theyll travel to Jamaica in early May to have a big beach party with the new boards. Their surf scene is growing, Tanner said. Were hoping its a really good step for the surfing community down there. For more information, go to positivevibewarriors.com. Contact the writer: lconnelly@ocregister.com SACRAMENTO A fifth state prison is still providing substandard care despite billions of dollars spent for improvements and a decade of federal oversight, Californias inspector general reported Thursday. Care at Wasco State Prison, 30 miles north of Bakersfield, remains inadequate, the inspector general said. California is attempting to regain control of the prison health care system a decade after a federal judge seized control. Under federal oversight, the state has spent $2 billion for new prison medical facilities, doubled its annual prison health care budget to nearly $1.7 billion and reduced its prison population by more than 40,000 inmates. Federal receiver J. Clark Kelso has returned medical care at two prisons to state control Folsom State Prison in June and the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad in February. But Inspector General Robert Barton has found that a third of the 15 prisons his office has inspected still provide inadequate care. Wasco is a reception center housing about 5,000 inmates. Inspectors gave Wasco a failing grade in four of 15 benchmarks and cited widespread problems with determining inmates medical problems and planning their treatment, along with poor medical record-keeping. Nurses sometimes did not recognize problems with incoming inmates or failed to properly follow up if they needed more care. In one case, nurses found during an initial health screening that an inmate had suffered a seizure a day earlier, but never sought a doctors urgent evaluation. The inmate died five days later. We will be reviewing the report issued by the inspector general and making improvements as needed, said Kelsos spokeswoman, Joyce Hayhoe. A day earlier, Barton reported that California Institution for Men is providing proper care for about 3,400 inmates in Chino, 35 miles east of Los Angeles. Of 15 benchmarks there, just one was inadequate. Eleven indicators were adequate and three proficient. The inspector general previously found that prisons in Chowchilla, Delano, Susanville and Vacaville are providing inadequate care. PLACENTIA Serenity had a full day of relaxation ahead of her. Her nails would be trimmed and her matted fur shampooed and groomed. She could even get an oatmeal bath and a massage. The 4-year-old German shepherd and 23 of her furry friends were in for a day of pampering Thursday at Pawsatively Elegant, a pet salon in Placentia that donated its services and shut down early for the special clients. Its like a whole spa day experience and probably the first of their lives, said Maria Dales, director of German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County. Im so excited. This is Extreme Makeover: Shepherd Edition. Serenity didnt always have a peaceful existence. About a week ago, she was rescued in a raid on a condemned home in Highland, a city in San Bernardino County. She was living with 37 other pups, the bulk of whom were rescued by the Newport Beach-based rescue group, which has a kennel in Yorba Linda. The county suspected that the animals were abandoned and left a notice on the residence asking for contact within 24 hours, officials said. When they didnt hear back, they seized the dogs 37 were German shepherds and one was a Chihuahua. The owner has since signed off on the seizure. The rescue was the groups largest in its 18 years. The dogs ranging 7 months to 8 years old were in bad shape. Their nails were curled over, and they had ear infections and severely matted fur. Their coats were covered in sticks, twigs and even excrement. Ive been grooming since 1988 and Ive seen some horrible neglect, especially dealing with the rescues, but never to this degree, Pawsatively Elegant owner Christine Trovato said after a couple of hours of grooming. Trovato took a liking to Casanova, one of the oldest in the bunch, who was so matted he could be mistaken for a sheep. She said he was the worst case shes seen, with claws curling all the way around his paw. He was so grateful and so sweet. I got kisses, she said. We all worked on him as a group because hes an older gentlemen and has bad hips, I think. Its going to be really hard not adopting him myself. Trovato said she was glad to offer her services, which can increase the dogs chances of getting into a home, she heard, by as much as 90 percent. Her staff of six had worked on only a handful of dogs after starting at 3 p.m., and planned to be there late into the night. One of the things Ive noticed, even the dogs that looked the worst, they felt better afterward, Trovato said. Their personality comes out. It gives them an opportunity for their new forever home to see that. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County plans to place all the dogs in suitable homes in the coming months. After four to six weeks of training, the group will hold an open house for prospective owners, Dales said. The group is also looking for foster homes. Contact the writer: jclay@ocregister.com or 714-796-6910 Top management recently changed at the Food and Drug Administration, with a new commissioner, Robert M. Califf, in the top spot. Therefore, this is a good time to review the basic principles upon which the FDA should base its decisions. The first principle is not that the FDA is in charge of American medicine but rather that patients and their physicians are in charge of their care. From that follows First, do no harm. You and your physician should not have to ask the FDA for permission to use a medication. If you have a terminal illness, you should especially not have to ask the FDA for permission to live. Unfortunately, current law says that you do. The Supreme Court has ruled that you must comply with that law. Therefore, we must change current law. The first reform at the FDA must be compassionate, early access for the terminally ill to new drugs and treatments that have cleared Phase 1 safety approval. With a large bureaucracy like the FDA, we have to be clear about the meaning of access. It does not mean a right to submit hundreds of pages of applications and wait for months to get approval. It means prompt access. Prompt means before you die. Organizations like Patients for Stem Cells and the Abigail Alliance have made a courageous effort to obtain access for patients to medical advances. The Abigail Alliance has cast light on the thousands of patients who have died while waiting for the FDA to clear use of many drugs that were eventually approved. Once safety has been addressed, the study of comparative effectiveness should not delay compassionate use of a new drug or procedure. A vain search for omniscience should certainly not delay the availability of a drug to the terminally ill. Yet comparative effectiveness review has blocked approval of drugs proven to help some patients because they do not help all patients in the same way. No drug is safe in any combination with any other drug or combination of drugs in any dosage anywhere, for every age, race or gender. The goal of the FDA should be saving lives, not publishing exhaustive research papers. Caution and careful judgment are required, but demanding absolute certainty can kill people. The FDA must neither forbid nor subsidize new drugs because they are too expensive but allow use by individuals or firms that can afford them. Anyone should be free to use their life savings to save their own life. Their experience will provide important information that will benefit everyone. It is vital to maintain an environment in which firms can make significant investments in research on new medications and treatments with the prospect of a return on that investment. The FDA must give no credence to those who would prefer that patients suffer and die rather than allow anyone to make money helping them. Envy can also kill. One certain principle that the FDA must apply: If patients have the right (as they should) to use willing physicians to help them die at the end of their lives, they must also have the right to investigational drugs that may save their lives. These and other life-saving principles must be at the foundation of the FDA and the clinical details that determine drug safety and effectiveness. In a constitutional republic based on an inalienable, individual right to life among other rights patients must have the unmitigated right to drugs that may keep them alive. Richard E. Ralston is executive director of Americans for Free Choice in Medicine, Newport Beach. A red Ferrari stolen 28 years ago from a Newport Beach car lot was recently found by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and prevented from being exported to Poland after a month-long investigation, federal officials said Thursday. The 1981 Ferrari 308 GTSi with 45,000 miles on it is the same model actor Tom Selleck drove in the classic television show Magnum P.I. Investigators took possession of the care on April 8. No one has been arrested. The Ferrari valued at $50,000 now belongs to Travelers Insurance, which paid off the original owner after the car was stolen in 1987. At the end of February, the Ferrari, which had been sold by a Los Angeles dealer to someone in Europe, was in line to be shipped out of the Los Angeles/Long Beach Seaport. An official from U.S. Customs and Border Protection noticed that the vehicles identification number was the same as another Ferrari exported to Norway in 2005. That sparked an investigation with Customs preventing the car from being exported. It was like finding a needle in a haystack, said Lee Harty, spokeswoman for Customs. Something just didnt look right. Customs, the National Insurance Crime Bureau and the California Highway Patrol began looking into the vehicles history. It turned out that the identification number on the 1981 Ferrari actually belonged to a 1982 Ferrari, which did get shipped to Norway, said Lou Koven, an official with the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Officials traced the 1981 Ferrari going to Pennsylvania. The stolen Ferrari then made its way into the hands of a Texas man, who in 2015 sold it to a dealer in Los Angeles. The dealer flipped it to a buyer in Europe. Between 1987 and 2005, the Ferraris whereabouts are unknown, Koven said. Its a mystery, he said. With the help of Ferrari representatives and Newport Beach police, investigators eventually discovered the car was stolen on July 19, 1987. It was a real connect-the-dots, Koven said. The original owner expressed interest in buying back the car, officials said. Koven said the the buyer from Poland, the L.A. dealer who sold it to him and the Texas owner likely had no idea the car was stolen. Contact the writer: 714-796-6979 or chaire@ocregister.com LAGOS, Nigeria With marches, chants and prayers, Nigerians marked Thursdays painful second anniversary of the mass abduction of the Chibok girls, still angry and frustrated the teenagers have not been found but hopeful a new video might lead to their safe return. BRING BACK OUR GIRLS NOW & ALIVE, proclaimed a banner carried by red-shirted protesters marching in the capital of Abuja, using the phrase that made the captives a worldwide cause after their kidnap from a school in the northeastern town of Chibok by Islamic extremists of the Boko Haram militant group. The fighters stormed and firebombed the Government Girls Secondary School on April 14, 2014, and seized 276 girls who were preparing for exams. Dozens escaped within hours, but 219 remain missing. Boko Haram has killed and kidnapped thousands in a campaign of violence in recent years as it seeks to establish an Islamic caliphate in Africas most populous country of 170 million people that is divided almost equally between mostly Christians in the south and Muslims in the north. It has forced young men to be its fighters and girls to be sex slaves or even suicide bombers But it was the mass kidnap in Chibok that grabbed the worlds attention. Since then, the inability of Nigerias government and military to rescue them has led, in part, to the electoral defeat of President Goodluck Jonathan. A social media campaign using the hashtag (hash)BringBackOurGirls reached to the White House, where U.S. first lady Michelle Obama tweeted in May 2014: Our prayers are with the missing Nigerian girls and their families. Its time to (hash)BringBackOurGirls. While much of the world has moved on, the girls are not forgotten in Nigeria, where there were marches Thursday in major cities. Hundreds chanted We want them back! as they demonstrated in Abuja. President Muhammadu Buhari was visiting China on Thursday, but his office issued a statement that said he understands the torment, frustration and anxiety of the parents, and will not spare any effort to ensure the safe return of the girls. Noting that thousands of people kidnapped by Boko Haram have been returned to their families, the statement added that Buhari shares the hope that the Chibok girls will ultimately be rescued and reunited with their families as well. In Chibok, some parents of the girls joined Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Borno state Gov. Kashim Shettima and other officials at the burned-out school to pray for the safe return of the victims. On Wednesday, CNN broadcast a proof of life video, believed made in December, that the government confirmed had been sent by Boko Haram in a bid to open negotiations over the Chibok girls. The video showed 15 girls, who have been identified by parents and schoolmates, wearing the Islamic hijab with one of them asking the government to keep unspecified promises. They gave the date as Christmas 2015, but it was unclear how long the government has had the video. Some of the victims have not been seen since a month after the kidnap. Chibok community leader Pogu Bitrus complained that the government had not shared the video. It is unfortunate that they knew all these things and were communicating with the abductors but had no communication with us, he said by telephone from Abuja. Residents of Chibok remain angry that their only school still has not been rebuilt, but it is not the only one. About 1,800 others also have been destroyed or closed because of the Islamic insurgency, and 1 million children are out of school, the U.N. childrens agency said this week. The name Boko Haram means Western education is sinful. In the early days that followed the Chibok attack, Jonathan at first had denied there had been a mass abduction. International pressure soon forced him to accept help from the U.S., Britain and France, which sent advisers, including hostage negotiators. U.S. and British drones located at least one group of about 80 of the girls, which was reported to Nigerias government and military, but nothing was done. Andrew Pocock, who was British high commissioner to Nigeria until his retirement last year, told The Sunday Times magazine last month that a rescue was considered to be too dangerous. You might have rescued a few, but many would have been killed, the magazine quoted him as saying. Nigerias military has cited the same fears, but that has not stopped it from attacking towns and villages where Boko Haram has held thousands of captives. The military boasted last week that soldiers have rescued 11,595 civilian hostages since Feb. 26 although none has been from Chibok. Why has the world forgotten our missing (hash)ChibokGirls, tweeted Oby Ezekwesili, one of the founders of the Bring Back Our Girls campaign. In Washington, U.S. Rep. Frederica S. Wilson held a news conference to remind the world about the plight of the girls. This is an anniversary that none of us thought that we would have to mark, because we thought by now we would have found the Chibok girls, and they would have been returned to their homes, to their parents, and we would just be fighting Boko Haram, said Wilson, a Florida Democrat. Buhari has said that it is difficult to know whom to negotiate with in Boko Haram, a fractured group with several leaders that last year swore allegiance to the Islamic State group. Previous negotiations under Jonathan failed when it was discovered that officials were talking to people who were not credible. Any negotiations also would be complicated by the fact that the girls are believed to have been broken up into smaller groups. There also have been unverified reports of some being carried across the border into Cameroon. In January, Boko Haram offered to exchange the girls for detained insurgent leaders, but lately there have been unverified reports the extremists want millions of dollars to free them. HIT, Iraq After clearing a street of Islamic State fighters, Maj. Salam Hussein began moving house to house. Rifling through drawers in living rooms and bedrooms, he pulled out a handful of papers, pamphlets and books all printed by the Islamic State group. We find this (stuff) is every house, he said using a profanity. Look, this is for children, secondary school, he said holding up an exercise book with a childs drawing of an Islamic State flag on the front cover. Maj. Hussein is with Iraqs Special Operations Forces, the countrys elite counterterrorism troops. His men are leading the fight against Islamic State in the western Iraqi town of Hit along the Euphrates river valley. While Iraqi forces say theyre now in control of most of the town, the operation has been painfully slow going. Iraqi forces were met with tens of thousands of trapped civilians, making it difficult to call in airstrikes, and fierce resistance from Islamic State fighters. Commanders on the ground say theyve killed and captured more foreign fighters and the skill of the fighters they have been up against in Hit far outweighs what they saw in the battle for Ramadi earlier this year. Hit is poised to be the most recent territorial victory for Iraqi forces battling Islamic State under close cover of coalition air support. After overrunning Iraqs second largest city of Mosul in 2014, Islamic State militants swept across northern and western Iraq, linking the groups territories in Iraq and Syria and declaring a caliphate. The group still controls large swaths of territory straddling the Syria-Iraq border. Hit was a Daesh capital, it was their capital city in Anbar, said Gen. Abdel Ghani al-Asadi, the head of Iraqs counterterrorism forces, using the Arabic acronym for Islamic State. In chatter that Iraqi forces overheard from intercepted Islamic State radio communications, Islamic State fighters were saying that this is our headquarters and we will never leave this area, said Gen. al-Asadi. While Ramadi, the provincial capital of Anbar which was retaken by government forces in February, may have been a more symbolically important victory, al-Asadi said that Hit was always considered a higher priority by Islamic State. Hit sits along a highway that connects Islamic State fighters in Iraq to the groups forces in Syria and was the last major town west of Ramadi fully under Islamic State control before the Syria border. Consolidating gains there will help pave the way for future operations further north, according to Iraqi and coalition officials. On Thursday, Iraqi forces on the southern edge of Hit moved down the street of residential blocks, calling for coalition air support before advancing just a few dozen meters at a time. A handful of Humvees provided cover as a bulldozer erected a roadblock from rubble and abandoned vehicles to prevent potential suicide car bombings. Shops along all the towns streets were shuttered. Some blocks appear to have been completely leveled by the fighting. The only civilians in the streets were groups of people fleeing, holding white flags and carrying bags of food, blankets and clothing. Toward the end, there was nothing here, no doctors for my children or my mother. We just stayed in our houses, a resident identifying himself as Abu Muhammed said as he fled through the ruined streets with his family. We just had tea and sugar left in the kitchen at the end. On the edge of another main street, an Iraqi officer freed song birds from a pet shop. If we leave them in the cages theyll just die, another officer explained. Initially Maj. Hussein and other counterterrorism commanders thought the operation to retake Hit would only take a matter of days. Now, the push is entering its seventh week. Hussein said hes dealt with the long mission by upping his intake of energy drinks; he keeps a full cooler of them in his Humvee and said he now averages more than 20 a day. Inside another abandoned home along the frontline, Maj. Hussein pulled out handfuls of clothing, long shirts and trousers in central Asian style, the strictly enforced dress code in Islamic State-ruled cities and towns. See this, its the uniform of Daesh, he said, pulling out a child-sized garment. These people wanted to create a whole new generation thats why they were focusing on the children. BRASILIA, Brazil The lower chamber of Brazils Congress on Friday began a debate on whether to impeach President Dilma Rousseff, a question that underscores deep polarization in Latin Americas largest country and most powerful economy. The crucial vote is slated for Sunday on whether to send the measure to the Senate, where an impeachment trial would take place, prompting the presidents suspension from office. The atmosphere in the lower Chamber of Deputies was electric at the start of the session, as Rousseffs critics festooned themselves with yellow and green ribbons and brandished placards reading Impeachment Now! Lawmakers backing impeachment allege Rousseffs administration violated fiscal rules, using sleight of hand accounting in a bid to shore up public support. However, many of those pushing for impeachment face grave accusations of corruption themselves. Rousseffs defenders insist she did nothing illegal, and say similar accounting techniques were used by previous presidents. Miguel Reale Junior, author of the impeachment petition, said Rousseffs maneuvering directly led to the ills plaguing the country today, such as high inflation and periodic devaluations of the Brazilian real against the U.S. dollar. Are you going to tell me that isnt a crime? Junior told the body, adding that the impeachment push was not a coup, as government supporters contend. Solicitor General Jose Eduardo Cardozo argued that lawmakers should only consider the actual accusations against Rousseff. He warned that impeachment would constitute an act of violence without precedent against democracy and the Brazilian people. Flanked by people holding signs showing the constitution being ripped apart, Cardozo insisted the whole impeachment process was an act of personal vengeance against Rousseff by the house Speaker Eduardo Cunha. Cunha, Cardozo alleged, was striking out at Rousseff for refusing to help him avoid an ethics probe into allegations he received millions in bribes from the sprawling corruption scheme in the Petrobras oil company. Violence has been committed against the democratic state, Cardozo shouted, gesticulating wildly. The drama comes as Brazil is facing problems on many fronts: the economy is expected to contract nearly 4 percent this year, the Zika virus, which causes birth defects, has become a health crisis in poor, northeastern states and the country is less than four months away from hosting the Summer Olympic Games. The extraordinary session began just hours after the Supreme Court denied a government motion to annul the impeachment proceedings. Cardozo had argued that the process had been contaminated because lawmakers were considering things that went outside the accusations, such as the countrys worst recession in decades and the Petrobras scandal. After a seven-hour session, the justices decided 8-2 early Friday that they should not be involved at this stage of the process. The pro-impeachment camp needs two-thirds of the 513 votes in the lower house, or 342 votes, to send the proceedings to the Senate for a possible trial. If the Senate agreed to take it up, Rousseff would be forced to step down until the measure was voted on. Both government and opposition forces say they have enough votes to win Sunday, but daily counts by Brazilian media suggest the opposition is much closer to victory. TOKYO North Korea tried but failed to launch an intermediate-range missile Friday, the birthday of the countrys founder, Kim Il Sung, the South Korean military said. North Korea appears to have tried a missile launch from the Sea of Japan area early morning today, but it is presumed to have failed, the Joint Chiefs of Staff said. The missile appeared to be a type called the Musudan, also known as a BM-25, the joint chiefs said. South Korean government officials warned Thursday that it had spotted a mobile launcher carrying one or two Musudan ballistic missiles near Wonsan on North Koreans east coast. The Musudan is an intermediate-range ballistic missile capable of traveling between 1,500 and 2,500 miles putting the U.S. territory of Guam within reach and of carrying a 1.3 ton nuclear warhead, according to the Nuclear Threat Initiative. North Korea has displayed the Musudan at its military parades and is believed to have supplied assembly kits for the missile to Iran, but it had never tested this model of missile before. Jeffrey Lewis, head of the East Asia program at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies in California, said that the failure would reinforce the persistent denial about North Koreas capabilities. But in fact, they will have learned a lot from this launch. Not as much as they would have learned if it had succeeded, but still something, Lewis said. The Musudan uses the same sort of engine as submarine-launched ballistic missile that North Korea tested last year but which also failed. Clearly they have a problem, but maybe next time it will work. It took them a couple of launches to get the Taepodong-2 going, he said, referring to the ballistic missile technology that has now put two North Korean satellites into orbit. In a string of increasingly ferocious threats through its state media, Kim Jong Uns regime has been vowing missile launches and nuclear attacks, often with specific threats to blow up New York, Washington and the South Korean presidential Blue House. At the same time, North Korea has been making a series of claims about technological advances, from building solid-fuel rocket engines to miniaturizing nuclear warheads. The regime recently claimed that it could send a nuclear-tipped missile to the United States mainland. Although this has not been proven, American military officials and nonproliferation experts say that North Korea is clearly working toward this goal. The Musudan test could be part of this program. At a hearing of a Senates armed services subcommittee this week, Brian McKeon, a senior Pentagon official, said that North Koreas weapons and missile programs posed a growing threat to the United States and its allies in East Asia. North Korea is seeking to develop longer-range ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons to the United States and continues efforts to bring a road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile to operational capacity, he said. Although an untested long-range missile was unlikely to be reliable, North Koreas successful satellite launches showed it was mastering the technologies that would be needed, McKeon said. Since Kim Jong Un ordered his military to conduct a fourth nuclear test in January which North Korea claimed as a hydrogen bomb explosion, although outside experts are highly skeptical of this there has been a steady stream of projectiles emanating from North Korea. In February, Kim oversaw the launch of what North Korean said was a satellite launch vehicle but which was widely viewed as part of an intercontinental ballistic missile program. Since then, there have been numerous short-range missile launches and rockets fired into the Sea of Japan. North Korea is banned by United Nations Security Council resolutions from launching ballistic missiles or carrying out nuclear tests, but it continues to do so. The international community has responded to North Koreas latest provocations with tough sanctions aimed at cutting off the states ability to procure parts and finance its weapons of mass destruction program. This push coincided with two-month-long drills between the American and South Korean militaries, during which they are practicing their response to the collapse of North Korea. The drills, which conclude at the end of this month, include computer-simulated decapitation strikes on the North Korean leadership. Amid this background of heightened tensions, North Korea has been preparing for two key events the anniversary of Kim Il Sungs birthday on April 15, and the first congress of the communist Workers Party in 36 years. Kim Il Sung, the current leaders grandfather and eternal president of North Korea, died in 1994, but his birthday continues to be celebrated as the Day of the Sun in a country that is held together by a pervasive personality cult. It is usually celebrated with great fanfare in Pyongyang, often with elaborate military events. Meanwhile, the country is in the grip of a 70 day campaign to prepare for the congress, set for early next month for the first time since 1980. Analysts expect Kim Jong Un to use the event to bolster his legitimacy. Kim, who is only 33, is not only incredibly young by Korean standards, where age is revered, but did not have the kind of long preparation and introduction his father enjoyed. Kim Il Sung publicly groomed Kim Jong Il for two decades before his death, but Kim Jong Il had announced his son as his successor only a year before his death at the end of 2011. Orange County payrolls expanded by 8,800 jobs in March, buoyed by a surge in professional, business and health-related positions, state officials reported Friday. The countys year-over-year job growth of 3.1 percent and its unemployment rate, stable at 4 percent, highlighted a region that is firing on all cylinders, said Anil Puri, dean of Cal State Fullertons Mihaylo College of Business and Economics. This is a very healthy job market for a mature economy like Orange Countys. Californias economy featured some good news, too, with the jobless rate dipping to 5.4 percent in March from 5.5 percent the month before. For the first time since the recession, California is no longer on the list of states with a significantly different unemployment rate from the nations, noted Stephen Levy, director of the Center for Continuing Study of the California Economy in Palo Alto. With U.S. joblessness at 5 percent, the gap between the state and national rates (0.4 percent) is the lowest in the past nine years, he added. Californias and the U.S. unemployment rates are seasonally adjusted; Orange Countys rate is not. State and county jobless numbers are based on a federal survey of 5,500 households. Payroll growth is determined from a survey of 58,000 California businesses. In Orange County, professional and business services accounted for nearly half of last months payroll growth. Year-over-year, the sector added 9,400 jobs for a 3.3 percent growth rate. Lawyers, computer systems designers and management, scientific and technical consultants were in demand. Construction, still recovering from a deep recession-era slump, expanded at a torrid 13.8 percent rate over the past year, adding 11,900 jobs. But it remains below what it was, Puri said. Land is expensive in Orange County. And wage growth is slow, which makes it hard for people to qualify for loans or afford rising rents. Healthcare and social assistance payrolls grew by 8,100 jobs year-over-year, a 4.7 percent jump. Economists attributed the growth to the aging population and the expansion of health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. Leisure and hospitality positions grew at a healthy 4.2 percent rate, although many of the jobs at fast-food chains and at amusement parks such as Disneyland, Orange Countys largest employer, are low-wage and part-time. The number of unemployed in Orange County dropped to 64,200 in March from 73,900 a year earlier. But that figure does not count many part-time workers who want to work full time. Bernardina Valenzuela, 63, was laid off in 2009 from a full-time, $17-an-hour job in accounts payable at an Irvine mortgage company that moved to Texas. The only job she has been able to find since then is as a part-time, $11-an-hour usher at the Honda Center in Anaheim. If it werent for the help of my sister and a friend, I couldnt make ends meet, she said. Valenzuela has applied for positions at Target, CVS, Costco and the new Great Wolf Lodge in Garden Grove. On Thursday, she was one of dozens at a Santa Ana job fair for Super King Market, which plans to hire 80 people when it moves into a former Ralphs location. The job market is difficult, she said. They say it is not my age. But I think it is. Manufacturing is the only major sector in Orange County which has seen payrolls diminish. Factory jobs dropped by 900, or 0.6 percent year-over-year. This month, American Apparel laid off more about 100 garment workers in Garden Grove, part of broad Southern California retrenchment. Statewide, manufacturing jobs are down by 0.4 percent year-over-year. Contact the writer: mroosevelt@ocregister.com; on Twitter @MargotRoosevelt Its easy for underage teenagers to go online and illegally buy the flavored liquid nicotine that fuels e-cigarettes, UC Irvine researchers say. These products are commonly sold in pre-filled cartridges and vials under the names e-liquids or e-juice. They are made of a mix of chemicals, colors, and fruity and sweet flavorings such as gummy bear, chocolate mint and watermelon, and varying levels of nicotine the addictive stimulant found naturally in tobacco. In California, and at least 48 other states, its illegal to sell e-cigarettes and products to minors. But according to a study published this week in Nicotine & Tobacco Research, most online retailers arent vetting the age of their customers. For the study, researchers at UCI and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill asked three teenagers, ages 16 and 17, to buy bottles of e-liquid online. They used their real names, addresses and Social Security numbers, but provided fake birth dates showing they were in their mid-20s. Only four of 120 vendors rejected them, and nearly one-quarter of the companies who shipped products to the teenagers were in California, including in Orange and Los Angeles counties, said the studys lead author, UCI public health researcher Dmitriy Nikitin. Three of the four vendors used age-verification software and the fourth company canceled the order after requiring the minor to upload an image of his ID, according to the study. More than a dozen of the companies marketed directly to minors by giving them free samples of e-liquids and candy and trinkets, including plastic balloon kits, bracelets and stickers. The Food and Drug Administration is expected to begin regulating e-cigarette products soon, and Nikitin said the rules should include explicit requirements to use age-verification systems, warning labels and child-resistant packaging. The internet will be the biggest challenge for regulators, said Dr. Neal Benowitz, professor of medicine at UC San Francisco. The web is a huge issue because there are thousands of products you can buy online, he said. That e-liquids are so readily available to youths is concerning not only because its illegal, but because of the potential health effects. The bottom line from my opinion and most but not all researchers is that e-cigarettes are less harmful than regular cigarettes, but theyre not harmless. And we dont know all of the harms, said Benowitz. Contact the writer: jchandler@ocregister.com and @jennakchandler on Twitter Scott Baugh, former chair of the Republican Party of Orange County, has raised $500,000 toward a future bid for the congressional seat of Rep. Dana Rohrabacher. Although Rohrabacher told the Register he hasnt ruled out a 2018 reelection bid, Baugh said he started fundraising in January because Rohrabacher told him he would step down by 2018 at the latest. Dana has said to me that he wasnt looking to run in 2018 and he was looking to leave sooner with a presidential appointment, said Baugh, who has a 20-year friendship with the incumbent. I cant self-fund so Im looking to hit the ground running. Rohrabacher, a friend and supporter of presidential candidate Ted Cruz, has said publicly that he would consider stepping down if offered a top-level post in the next administration. Otherwise, hes keeping his options open, he said Thursday. I hope Scotts planning for something else because I might not be leaving, the Republican said. Im open to what the best alternative might be. It could be running for reelection or it could be serving in the next administration. Rohrabacher, 68, is in his 14th two-year term and is expected to easily win reelection this year in the heavily GOP district, which extends from Seal Beach to Laguna Beach and reaches inland to include Costa Mesa, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo and parts of Little Saigon. Rohrabacher won 64 percent of the vote in the 2014 general election. Among Californias 53 House members, only Nancy Pelosi, D-San Francisco, has served longer than Rohrabacher. Baugh, 53, declined to say whether he would challenge Rohrabacher if the incumbent sought another term in 2018. Im not going to engage in speculation, he said. While Rohrabacher hasnt endorsed him, Baugh says the incumbent gave him his blessing to raise money and prepare to campaign. Rohrabacher didnt dispute that, but the only current exit strategy he cited was a presidential appointment. If Rohrabacher received such an appointment early in his next term, a special election would be held to fill the vacancy. The sum raised by Baugh, detailed on disclosure forms due Friday to the Federal Election Commission, sets the bar high for other prospective candidates. At least one of those possible candidates, Republican county Supervisor Michelle Steel, has shown she has the ability to both raise large sums and fund her own campaign. There are a lot of potential self-funders in this district, and Im just catching up to where they would be when they enter the race, Baugh said of his early fundraising efforts. I was overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. But with the plans of both Rohrabacher and Steel cloudy, its unclear what lies ahead in Baughs pursuit of a House seat. Neither Steel nor her husband, former state GOP Chairman Shawn Steel, returned calls for comment. Rohrabacher is good friends with the Steels. Like Baugh, GOP insider Jon Fleischman recounted Rohrabacher saying he planned to make this years run his last reelection campaign. He did not foresee seeking re-election in 2018, noting that 30 years in Congress was a long time for anyone to serve, Fleischman wrote on his conservative Flash Report website Thursday. Fleischman, a former executive director of the state GOP, is friends with Baugh and Rohrabacher and helped run Steels supervisor campaign. Baugh served in the state Assembly from 1995 to 2000, including 11/2 years as GOP leader. The lawyer and businessman was county GOP chairman from 2004 to 2014. His fundraising disclosures for the first quarter of 2016 show the vast majority of money came from Orange County residents, including many top political and business figures. They include Fleischman, state Sen. John Moorlach, former state Senate Minority Leader Dick Ackerman, Orange County Business Council CEO Lucy Dunn, developer Michael Harrah and former Irvine Co. Executive Vice President Gary Hunt. Baugh said the money was raised without holding events or fundraisers and that he is continuing to aggressively build a war chest. If he runs against the incumbent, whom hes long supported, hed need the money to overcome Rohrabachers advantage of incumbency. If he runs against Steel, hell likely need the money to keep pace. In her 2014 race for a vacant county supervisors seat, Steel raised $762,000 and lent her campaign $300,000. She dominated the four-person June election with 48 percent of the vote and beat Assemblyman Allan Mansoor in the runoff, 62 percent to 38 percent. Mansoor raised $171,000. Steels previous experience in elected office was serving on the state Board of Equalization from 2007 until she took her Board of Supervisors seat in January 2015. Republican insiders have been talking since at least 2014 about the possibility of Steel, 60, running for Congress. Baugh and Fleischman are among those whove been privy to such conversations. I know that shes expressed an interest and Danas told me because they are longtime friends, he would endorse her, Baugh said. Just because he gave me his blessing doesnt mean hell endorse me. Rohrabacher, who spoke in glowing terms about both Baugh and Steel, said hes not made plans to endorse anybody yet. I dont even know if Ill be leaving, he said. How can I endorse someone? Contact the writer: mwisckol@ocregister.com VATICAN CITY Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders issued a global call to action at the Vatican Friday to address immoral and unsustainable wealth inequality and poverty and warn of the consequences to future generations if solutions are not found. He cited Pope Francis and St. John Paul II repeatedly during his speech to the Vatican conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of a landmark teaching document from John Paul on social and economic justice after the Cold War. Sanders arrived in Rome hours after wrapping up a debate in New York Thursday night, saying the opportunity to address the Vatican conference was too meaningful to pass up. The roughly 24-hour visit precedes Tuesdays crucial New York primary, which Sanders must do well in to maintain any viable challenge against front-runner Hillary Clinton. The Vermont senator told the audience of priests, bishops, academics and two South American presidents that rather than a world economy that looks out for the common good, we have been left with an economy operated for the top 1 percent, who get richer and richer as the working class, the young and the poor fall further and further behind. Sanders warned that youth around the world are no longer satisfied with the status quo, which includes corrupt and broken politics and an economy of stark inequality and injustice. They are not satisfied with the destruction of our environment by a fossil fuel industry whose greed has put short term profits ahead of climate change and the future of our planet, he said. They are calling out for a return to fairness; for an economy that defends the common good by ensuring that every person, rich or poor, has access to quality health care, nutrition and education. He sat next to the other main guest of honor at the Vatican: Bolivian President Evo Morales, whose is renowned for his anti-imperialist, socialist rhetoric. As he walked through Vatican Citys Perugino gate, Sanders was greeted about two dozen supporters, some of whom carried signs bearing Sanders name. The senator told reporters that he was honored to address the conference and admired Francis message on the economy and the environment. I know that its taking me away from the campaign trail for a day but when I received this information it was so moving to me that it was something that I could just simply not refuse to attend, he said. Pope Francis apologized that he couldnt personally greet participants at the Vatican conference. No meeting with Sanders was expected. Sanders was accompanied on the trip by his wife, Jane Sanders, and 10 family members, including four grandchildren. His talk was titled The Urgency of a Moral Economy: Reflections on the 25th Anniversary of Centesimus Annus. The conference was organized by a Vatican advisory group comparable to a think-tank that Francis appointed to guide him on a wide range of public policy issues. Back home, Clinton holds a significant delegate lead against Sanders, but the senator has vowed to stay in the campaign until the partys July convention. His message calling for a political revolution to address wealth inequality and the influence of Wall Street on U.S. politics has galvanized many Democrats and independents. Despite being enmeshed in an increasingly bitter campaign against Clinton, Sanders aides said the trip was not aimed at appealing to Catholic voters who comprise a large share of the Democratic electorate in New York and an upcoming contest in Pennsylvania. This is not going to be a political speech, Sanders senior adviser Tad Devine said. Were not looking at this through a political lens. The Vatican has been loath to get involved in electoral campaigns and usually tries to avoid any perception of partisanship involving the pope. Popes rarely travel to countries during the thick of political campaigns, knowing a papal photo opportunity with a sitting head of state could be exploited for political ends. As a result, the invitation to Sanders to address the Vatican conference raised eyebrows and allegations that the senator lobbied for the invitation. The chancellor for the pontifical academy, Bishop Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo, has said he invited Sanders because he was the only U.S. presidential candidate who showed deep interest in the teachings of Francis. Other attendees included Morales of Bolivia and President Rafael Correa of Ecuador, along with Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez Maradiaga of Honduras, a member of the academy, and Columbia University professor Jeffrey Sachs, an adviser to the United Nations on environmental and sustainability issues. Sachs has advised Sanders on foreign policy issues. Morales met for about a half-hour Friday morning with Francis before heading into the conference. Morales raised eyebrows with an unusual gift for the pontiff: three books about the health benefits of the coca leaf, the raw ingredient for cocaine. The Rev. Matt Malone, editor of the Jesuit magazine America, said Sanders trip was unlikely to have much of an impact on Catholic voters, noting that conferences like the one Sanders is attending happen all the time. I dont think that Bernie Sanders going to the Vatican is going to help Bernie with Catholics any more than Ted Cruz going to a matzo factory is going to help him with the Jewish vote, said Malone, who served as a speechwriter to former Rep. Marty Meehan, a Massachusetts Democrat. Popes rarely attend such events and do so only if the topic is of special interest and there is room in their schedule, Malone said. Speculation about the political fate of Pakistans embattled prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, was swirling Thursday after he left the country in the middle of an unfolding scandal over his familys offshore wealth. Opposition politicians have pressed Sharif to resign after the Panama Papers document leak revealed that three of his children controlled shell companies through which they owned expensive residential properties in London. Demands have picked up for a judicial commission under the countrys chief justice to investigate any potential wrongdoing by the prime minister and his family. Sharif has rejected any allegations of money laundering, claiming that his children have legitimate business abroad, and he has signaled his willingness to establish an inquiry commission. But as the political turmoil increased, Sharif flew to London on Wednesday for cardiac medical treatment that he described as a checkup. The timing of the visit immediately prompted rumors that Sharif might not return to Pakistan until investigations were completed. In his absence, the finance minister, Ishaq Dar, is leading important Cabinet meetings this week. However, government officials said Sharif will return Sunday, and will face the crisis. Sharif, 66, an affluent businessman whose family has made its money through businesses primarily dealing in steel, returned to power in 2013 after his party won a majority in the general elections. He had been also been prime minister in the 1990s and was ousted in a military coup in 1999. Sharif has tried to assert civilian control over the government but has run into difficulties with the powerful military, which has again become ascendant in both foreign and domestic affairs in recent months and commands a deep well of public support. On Thursday, Imran Khan, the most trenchant political opponent of Sharif, also arrived in London. Khan said he was looking to hire financial investigation agencies that could look into the Sharif familys dealings. Khan has threatened to lead street protests if an investigation is not initiated by the government. Some political analysts here say that the major opposition political parties do not want the crisis to reach the point at which the military might step in. But the Panama Papers leak has undeniably lent momentum to Khan at a time when he had seemed politically weakened. He led thousands of his supporters and staged a sit-in outside the Parliament in 2014, accusing Sharif of rigging the last general elections. That effort to bring down Sharif fizzled, but Khan is taking this as a second chance. This is a godsend opportunity for us, Khan said last week, urging Pakistanis to rise against Sharif. Another mainstream political power, the Pakistan Peoples Party, has so far seemed to be weighing its options, and there has been no major joining of forces with Khan. Analysts say the party may be looking to cut a deal with Sharif. They are trying to find some kind of political agreement to deal with the current crisis, said Hasan Askari Rizvi, a prominent political analyst based in Lahore. Rizvi said Sharif is expected to return to the country soon. He is not threatened to that extent, he said. However, if all political parties join hands, then Nawaz is in real trouble. As the Zika virus bears down on the United States, federal health officials are divided over a politically and ethically charged question: Should they advise American women to delay pregnancy in areas where the virus is circulating? Some infectious disease experts are arguing that avoiding conception is the only sure way to prevent the births of deformed babies, according to outside researchers who serve on various advisory panels. Womens health specialists, on the other hand, counter that the government should not tell women what to do with their bodies. Indeed, federal health officials have never advised all the women in a region of the country to stop having children. Moreover, they say, most babies conceived during Zika epidemics in Latin America have been born healthy. Several federal experts central to the discussion declined to be interviewed for this article. Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, described the internal debate as a very long conversation. For now, we do not have a recommendation to not become pregnant, Frieden said at a Zika summit held recently at the CDCs headquarters in Atlanta. We do recommend access to contraception. On Wednesday, the agency confirmed what many experts already believed: that the mosquito-borne virus, which is usually mild in adults, can cause severe brain damage in infants. In view of the gathering evidence, health officials in some countries struck by Zika epidemics, including El Salvador and Colombia, have urged women to avoid pregnancy. Dr. Marcos Espinal, who directs the Zika response of the Pan American Health Organization, an arm of the World Health Organization, said in an interview that he thought advising women to avoid conception during an epidemics relatively brief peak months, as Colombia did, is sound advice. Yet the WHO does not follow that policy. Dr. Bruce Aylward, the agencys head of emergency response, called avoiding pregnancy a complicated decision that is different for each individual woman. Currently, the question affects Americans only in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa, where the Zika virus is circulating locally. But if the virus spreads as expected this summer, women in Hawaii and many Gulf Coast states may also be faced with tough choices. Despite the CDCs stance, Puerto Ricos health secretary, Dr. Ana Rius, has been advising women to avoid pregnancy, although she has done so in public interviews, not in a large health campaign. Women on the island may be following her advice, she said; preliminary figures indicate that there are 8 percent fewer pregnancies than there were at this time last year. For women living on those islands, the disease agencys current guidelines do not advocate delaying pregnancy, instead calling the timing of conception a deeply personal and very complex decision and suggesting that women consult their doctors for pregnancy planning. But tourists visiting the islands receive specific advice to avoid pregnancy for eight weeks after a visit, and for six months if male partners have had symptoms of Zika infection. One expert familiar with the debate, Michael T. Osterholm, director of the University of Minnesotas Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, described it as two groups describing an elephant, one looking at the head and the other at the tail. Advocates of delaying pregnancy give several reasons. First, they do not believe that even the most aggressive mosquito-control efforts can protect pregnant women 24 hours a day for nine months. No country yet has stopped dengue or chikungunya, which, like Zika, are spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, and the disease agency itself has warned that reductions of 80 to 90 percent in those mosquito populations sometimes does not reduce disease transmission. Second, no vaccine is expected to be ready for at least two years. Third, evidence is mounting that Zika outbreaks are intense but brief. In French Polynesia in 2013, the virus infected 66 percent of the population within seven months and then disappeared. Because women who recover from Zika appear to be permanently immune, experts argue that delaying conception spares them the risk of having a child with severe birth defects, along with the agonizing worry and lets them conceive safely a year later. Its a no-brainer, said Dr. Peter J. Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. They should say, Dont get pregnant watch TV for six months and you wont have a badly hurt baby. In framing the language of the guidelines, Frieden said he was guided by the perspective of Dr. Denise J. Jamieson, a medical officer in the CDCs division of reproductive health. In an interview, Jamieson described birth defects as a rare complication of Zika infection. Even during an epidemic, she said, most women will have healthy babies. Further, Jamieson said, delays would also prevent wanted pregnancies, especially in older women struggling with fertility, for example. Advice from government doctors on such personal decisions, she added, is not likely to be effective. Joe Honick I can still hear the reverberations of the Vermont Senator and Presidential campaigner Bernie Sanders as he took on the American defense industries on the floor of the Senate a couple of years ago. So stirring and passionate were his remarks that I wanted immediately to see if I could gain an interview while both he and that subject were hot. You can imagine my surprise when his office told me the Senator was moving on to other things. Perhaps I should not have been so surprised. I am hardly a newbie in the political field and have witnessed all sorts of policy changes by office seekers that were obviously influenced by powerful financial supporters or other organizational elements. But Sanders was always supposed to be different. Whether one agreed with him or not, there was nothing in the shadows to raise any suspicion. Most opponents would avoid any personal hits on Senator Sanders, mostly suggesting he was and is the sole socialist in the campaign mix, and that was enough for their concern. Sadly, in this most vulgar of campaigns in which we pretend to put forth several candidates, one of whom the nations voters will elect to the most powerful position of national leadership in the world we find Sanders descent to ordinary politician the most discouraging. Sanders has proceeded in the last few days especially in what passed for a New York debate last night only to further diminish his standing as a different public figure, an idealist whose thinking was, well, different. His charges against opponent Hillary Clinton have been that she has accepted money from powerful and wealthy elements. A little fast research, however, has revealed there is little spread between him and Clinton with respect to defense industry investment, for just one example. More crucial has been how deeply the personalized rhetoric between the two has become, as both parties get closer to nominating conventions. His opening gambits in the New York debate, not only slamming Secretary Clintons credibility but asserting questions not previously phrased as to her ability to assume the presidency, plunged the final nail into his previous standing as someone committed to good things above mere politics. Again, that brand of political hits hardly surprises, had it not included Sanders. It all boils down to what conservatives from either party cannot abide: a liberal woman President. If Hillary is in fact the candidate for the Democratic party, Senator Bernie will have a new role to play: his real self, the person partisans of both parties have known for years, the person who could not be attacked on ethics but only on sincerely held beliefs. * * * Joe Honick is President of GMA International. Kevin Roberts, director of communications for New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, is leaving his post to take a job in the private sector. His last day will be April 22. The story was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. Roberts, who was previously communications director for the New Jersey Republican State Committee, joined Christies team in 2010, first serving as deputy press secretary before becoming press secretary for Christie's 2013 re-election bid. In 2015 he was appointed communications director, a role in which he remained during the Governors unsuccessful 2016 Presidential run. Working for Governor Christie for the last six and half years has been an incredible experience. I will always be thankful for the opportunity he gave me to enter public service and serve alongside hundreds of incredibly smart and dedicated people, Roberts said in a statement. Roberts declined to divulge to the Journal the details of his forthcoming job. The Journal also reported that Roberts had initially planned to leave the governors administration after Christie's 2013 re-election, but stayed on in lieu of the Bridgegate scandal, in which members of the Governors staff allegedly colluded to create traffic jams on the George Washington Bridge as a means of retaliation against Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich, who had declined to endorse Christie in the gubernatorial election. That incident ultimately led to the indictment of deputy chief of staff Bridget Anne Kelly. As of press time, the governor's office has not named Roberts replacement. Roberts departure is only the latest in what has recently resembled a communications exodus from Christies office, whose governorship is set to expire in January, 2018. Christie's chief of staff, Regina Egea, resigned on April 7, also with unspecified plans to leave for the private sector. Egea, who was previously director of the governor's Authorities Unit, had served as the governor's chief of staff since December 2013. Amy Cradic, who has been Christie's senior policy adviser since 2012, succeeds her. Maria Comella, former deputy chief of staff for communications and one of Christies top political aides, in March announced her resignation. Comella, the longest serving member of Christies senior staff, had been with the governor since 2009, and was allegedly responsible for shaping Christies image for his 2016 presidential run. A March poll conducted by Fairleigh Dickinson University's Public Mind found that Christie's approval rating in New Jersey now stands at its lowest point since he assumed office, with 61 percent of respondents claiming they disapprove of their governor's performance. That poll was conducted a week after Christie's endorsement of Donald Trump for President. Loading... OilVoice will be with you shortly... Cant quite figure out how to potty train your puppy? Does your dog bark at every stranger or animal that comes near your house? If either of these describes your situation or you have another dog behavior problem youll want to come to attend a free dog behavior workshop happening this weekend. David Codr, who writes the Dog Gone Problems column every Wednesday on momaha.com, will present the dog behavior workshop Saturday at 1 p.m. at The Bookworm, 2510 S. 90th St. in Omaha. Codr has rehabilitated nearly 2,000 dogs around the country using dog psychology, positive reinforcement and many of the same communication methods dogs use when interacting with one another. By using these methods, Codr is able to stop most behavior problems in a single visit. Because Codr flies out of state to fix dog problems in California, as well as Nebraska, his availability is more limited than ever. These free workshops give Codr the ability to work with more people than individual in-home sessions allow. Codrs workshops are fun and informative. He uses humor and analogies so people can easily understand and relate to where their dogs are coming from. Its pretty common for dog guardians to actually reward the exact behaviors they want to stop, Codr said. Once they understand this and stop reinforcing these behaviors, change happens fast. In many cases, it takes the dogs guardian longer to adapt than it does for the dog. After the 30-minute workshop, Codr will host a question and answer session where attendees can ask questions about their own dog problems. Attendees are welcome to bring their dogs provided they are friendly with other people and dogs. If you dog isnt so great with people, Codr recommends leaving them at home. Those who are interested in attending are asked to RSPV by emailing dgpworkshops@gmail.com with their name and the number of people or dogs attending to guarantee a spot. Now Rahm Wants The Lucas Museum To Replace McCormick Place East By Sophie Lucido Johnson in News on Apr 15, 2016 5:13PM Designs for the Lucas Museum (Lucas Museum of Narrative Art) The Lucas Museum, the modernist brainchild of Star Wars mogul George Lucas, may have a last-gasp chance for finding a home in Chicago. Lucas has been trying to build his museum in Chicago for over a year, but legal battles have complicated his plan to build it on the lakefront near Soldier Field. Now, Mayor Rahm Emanuel may try to strike a compromise with the museum's opponents, offering to demolish McCormick Place East (also known as Lakeside Center) to make way for Lucas' museum, the Sun-Times reports. In addition to making room for a scaled-down museum, demolition of Lakeside Center would also create 12 acres of open park space on the lakefront. While most of the building would be demolished, underground parking and storage, as well as heating and cooling systems, would remain in place under Rahm's current plan, the Sun-Times reports. This would lower the cost to Lucas. In order to appease City Hall and keep McCormick Place substantial, Emanuel would propose expanding the convention center, which had already been rebuilt once after it burned down in 1967. Sun-Times sources cautioned that demolishing McCormick Place East would result in complications, though, including the loss of floor space used in manufacturing shows. It's also unclear how the convention center remodel would be financed, and how the Chicago Park District would make up for the lost revenue if the Lakeside Center. Originally, the Lucas Museum was slated to be built on 17 acres of lakefront space near Soldier Field. This proposal was challenged by Friends of the Parks, who filed a lawsuit contesting the legality of using the stretch of land; their lawsuit was recently supported by a federal judge. They strongly encouraged Lucas to consider building the museum at the old Michael Reese Hospital site, which the city owns after making a bid for the 2016 Summer Olympics that never came to fruition. Friends of the Park also proposed building the museum on the west side of Lake Shore Drive, on an elevated deck like the one Millennium Park is on. However, Emanuel has implied that efforts to get Lucas to consider an alternate location have so far gone poorly. He's worried that the longer Chicago waits, the more likely it is Lucas will look elsewhere for his museum, the Sun-Times previously reported. Last month, the tiny village of Tinley Park, Illinois even made an ambitious play to be the home of the new museum. A Georgia company that would make chicken for Costco is the firm scouting the Fremont area for a new poultry-processing plant. The company, calling itself Lincoln Premium Poultry, will be run by a member of a family long-connected to the business of chicken. The family business, Crider Foods, had an immigration raid a decade ago, probably a concern for area residents who have worried about the workforce of the proposed plant. Lincoln Premium Poultry executive Bill Crider told The World-Herald that immigration matters havent been an ongoing problem at Crider Foods, which makes canned chicken for Costco and other retailers, sold under the retailers own brand names. Bill Crider is working with Deloitte Consulting to scout sites for the plant. Lincoln Premium Poultry would operate the plant, which would produce raw chicken made only for Costco. Darin Buelow, a principal with Deloitte and leader of its real estate and location strategy practice, said it hasnt been determined how the business relationship between Costco and Lincoln Premium Poultry would be structured, or which company would buy the land or own the facility. The scouting for a possible site for the chicken plant had thus far been done outside of public view: Development officials refused to name the company in public meetings and refused to disclose its name to The World-Herald. State and local officials also refused to disclose the names of the companies involved. After being contacted by The World-Herald on Thursday afternoon, Crider and Deloitte confirmed that they were involved in the Fremont-area proposal. The companies said they were working on behalf of a customer they wouldnt name. Later Thursday evening, Costco and Deloitte contacted The World-Herald to say Costco was the customer. Jeff Lyons, senior vice president for fresh foods at Costco, said in a later interview that Costco likes the Fremont area for a chicken plant because of its central-U.S. location, which he said would make it easy to ship products to its far-flung stores. The site also has good proximity to sources of grain to feed the chickens, he said. Costco operates 702 warehouse stores, including one in Omaha and another under construction in Sarpy County. The proposed plant would slaughter as many as 1.6 million chickens a week and provide about a third of Costcos total fresh chicken supply. Plans for the plant, which emerged last month after Dodge County landowners got wind of it, have been controversial. A meeting of the Nickerson Village Board, which would need to rezone a parcel of land for the plant, drew a large crowd of people, many of whom spoke against a chicken facility coming to the area. Opponents spoke of smells, pollution and vehemently, at times worries about the people who would be working at the plant; illegal immigrants could be drawn to the town, they said. A decade ago, the family company behind the Fremont proposal did have a run-in with federal immigration authorities. The Crider Poultry plant in Stillmore, Georgia, operated by Bill Criders father, Billy Crider, was raided in 2006, according to accounts in multiple news media. The company lost three quarters of its 900-person workforce as a result of the raid, The Wall Street Journal reported at the time; about 125 undocumented workers were removed by authorities and sent to immigration courts; the rest scattered. After the raid, to replenish its workforce, Crider boosted its hourly pay rate and began recruiting local workers, the Journal reported. Meanwhile, the Athens Banner-Herald newspaper in Georgia reported that the Crider plant also hired workers through an arrangement with the Georgia Department of Corrections. The employees worked to pay off probation violation fines and to pay room and board at a halfway house. Bill Crider told The World-Herald that the company has never been fined related to the raid. Its not an ongoing issue for the business, Bill Crider said. Asked about Crider Poultrys immigration raid, Costcos Lyons said, I wasnt aware of that other than in passing. It wasnt anything we looked into. It was a long time ago. He praised the Crider family as good people. Anybody can run into trouble, he said. At the new plant, he said, the hiring will be scrutinized. Lyons said the plant would employ mechanical engineers and truck drivers, in addition to production line employees. Were going to try to make sure this is a place, between the two companies, where people can have a career, not just a job, he said. Deloittes Buelow said the size of the local workforce within a 60-mile radius of a proposed Dodge County site was a selling point for locating the plant in eastern Nebraska. While eastern Nebraska is the first choice, a final decision has not been made. The companies involved need to ensure that there is enough interest from chicken growers area farmers would raise tens of thousands of chickens in barns on their properties. And they have to ensure that a proposed site and plant would have the approval of local authorities. Other states also are in the running, Buelow said, though he wouldnt identify them. Costco, he said, wants to be in a location where it is wanted. Costco is super-excited about Nebraska. The World-Herald discovered that Crider was connected to the project after the newspaper saw blueprints for the project. Those blueprints indicated that the plant would be built for Lincoln Premium Poultry LLC. A company by that name was incorporated in Nebraska on Feb. 24, according to documents on file with the Secretary of States Office. The companys principal office location is listed as 1 Plant Ave. in Stillmore, Georgia also the head office for Crider Foods. The blueprints were shown to Fremont-area residents this week by a company representative and were seen by The World-Herald in a video captured by a Dodge County resident who attended a meeting. Contact the writer: 402-444-1336, barbara.soderlin@owh.com * * * More coverage of the proposed chicken plant near Fremont Nebraska should experience rapid economic growth this summer, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Bureau of Business Research said Thursday. The states Leading Economic Indicator shot up 1.92 percent last month, compared with a 0.91 percent increase in February, said economist Eric Thompson, the bureaus director. The rapid increase in the value of the leading indicator signals strong economic growth in Nebraska during the second half of 2016, Thompson said. Five of the indexs six factors, which are used to predict economic conditions six months in the future, improved during March, he said. Airline passenger counts and manufacturing hours were up. Building permits for single-family homes increased. Statewide, businesses predicted growth in sales and employment during the next six months. And for a second consecutive month, the value of the U.S. dollar dropped during March. The continuing decline boosts the competitiveness of Nebraska firms that are in the running with some non-U.S. companies for sales. The combination of a declining U.S. dollar and strong business expectations suggests strength in both the industrial and service sectors of the state economy, Thompson said. On the down side, initial claims for unemployment insurance increased slightly last month. The index is produced monthly by faculty and students in the economics department and the Bureau of Business Research in UNLs College of Business Administration. Contact the writer: 402-444-1142, janice.podsada@owh.com WASHINGTON (AP) President Barack Obama will strategize with his Middle Eastern and European counterparts on a broad range of issues during a weeklong trip to Saudi Arabia, England and Germany with efforts to rein in the Islamic State group being the common denominator in all three stops. Obama, who begins traveling next week, recently said defeating IS his No. 1 priority. He paid a rare visit to CIA headquarters this week for a national security team meeting focused on countering the group. The president is scheduled to arrive in the Saudi capital of Riyadh on Wednesday, where he will hold talks with King Salman. Obama will also attend a summit hosted by leaders of six Persian Gulf countries that are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman. The summit follows a similar gathering that Obama hosted with the Gulf leaders last year at the Camp David presidential retreat. The White House arranged last years meeting largely to reassure Gulf leaders who were unnerved by a deal the U.S. and other world powers negotiated with Iran to ease economic sanctions in exchange for limits on its nuclear program. The Iran deal is now in force, and the meeting next week will focus on defeating the Islamic State militants and al-Qaida, as well as regional security issues that include Iran. Obama will spend most of his time in England. He is scheduled to meet again with Queen Elizabeth II over lunch at Windsor Castle on April 22, a visit that coincides with her 90th birthday a day earlier. Obama will also meet with British Prime Minister David Cameron, who is campaigning for his country to continue its membership in the European Union. Britons are scheduled to vote on its EU membership in a June 23 referendum, the first vote ever by a nation on whether to leave the 28-member, post-World War II bloc. Obama is not expected announce a position on the referendum, although aides have voiced support for a strong United Kingdom as a member of the E.U. Hell make clear that this is a matter the British people themselves will decide when they head to the polls in June, Ben Rhodes, Obamas deputy national security adviser, said Thursday as he outlined the trip for reporters. Cameron has also been stung by criticism over his investment in an offshore trust run by his late father. The revelation was part of the recent dump of more than 11 million documents from a Panama law firm that is one of the leaders in setting up offshore bank accounts for the rich and powerful. Obama also plans a town hall-style, question-and-answer session with young adults, which has become a staple of his foreign trips. Additional stops were being planned for London. In Germany, the final stop on Obamas three-country trip, the president will hold talks and a news conference Sunday with Chancellor Angela Merkel. Merkels popularity has suffered after she angered Germans by allowing a massive resettlement of refugees from Syria and other war-torn countries. She recently helped broker a deal between the EU and Turkey to stem the refugee flow to Europe. Obama also plans to join Merkel to open the Hannover Messe, the worlds largest trade show for industrial technology. Before departing for Washington, Obama has scheduled a speech reviewing U.S.-European collaboration during his tenure and looking ahead to future joint efforts. Copyright 2016 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) Belgiums transport minister has resigned after a secret European Union report detailing lapses in airport security oversight was leaked in the wake of the March 22 bombings at the Brussels airport and subway. Prime Minister Charles Michel said Friday that, after talks with Transport Minister Jacqueline Galant, the minister presented her resignation to the King and the King accepted it. The confidential EU document from last year was made public by two Belgian opposition parties. It said the oversight of security measures at the nations airports was flawed and cited serious deficiencies in the way safety checks are managed. The revelations came after the attacks in Brussels killed 32 people, including 16 at the national airport. The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. Galant had said she had not seen the EU report, but Michel said a summary of this report was discussed and sent to the ministers cabinet in June 2015. No immediate replacement was named for Galant but Michel said he would do so as soon as possible. The suicide attacks in the peak morning travel period have shaken the Belgian government, police and judiciary. The Belgian parliament has set up an inquiry to look into any shortcomings in the handling of the bombings. Belgiums interior and justice ministers volunteered to step down last month, but their resignations were rejected. The government will work in perfect cooperation with the commission of inquiry so that all transparency can be ensured and to draw lessons for the future, Michel said. The security of all Belgians is a priority for this government. The EU carries out around 35 safety inspections at European airports each year. The restricted report, dated April 28, 2015, details shortcomings in the supervision of security in the Brussels Airport section that travelers enter once they have cleared security checks and around the planes themselves. The suicide bombers blew themselves up in the departure area of Belgiums main international airport, part of the facility that was not covered in the EU report. Copyright 2016 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The U.S. military has about 20 percent excess capacity in its stateside military bases, according to congressional testimony by Pete Potocheney, acting assistant secretary of defense for installations. A round of base closings would save about $2 billion annually, he said. U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, R-Neb., suggested at the hearing where Potocheney spoke that the term military infrastructure savings commission would be a more appropriate term than base closing commission. In any case, Congress is signaling a lack of interest. Workers Fighting For A Higher Minimum Wage Froze Rush-Hour Traffic In Protest By aaroncynic in News on Apr 15, 2016 4:33PM More than a thousand low wage workers descended on the Magnificent Mile Thursday evening as part of a global one-day strike demanding higher wages and union rights for those in underpaid jobs. After spending a large part of the morning and early afternoon on the North Side near Loyola Universitys campus, which included a shut down of an entrance to Lake Shore Drive, workers with the Fight For 15 movement began a second set of marches in one of the wealthiest areas of Chicago. The late afternoon protest began in the shadow of Park Tower on Chicago near Michigan Avenue where Ken GriffinCEO of Citadel LLC and Illinois wealthiest personkeeps a penthouse apartment. Citadel has owned and traded millions in McDonalds stock over the years, raking in huge profits. The group of demonstrators, made up of fast food, nursing home, warehouse, adjunct university faculty, students, airport, building maintenance and other low wage retail workers chanted and sang while well-dressed onlookers gawked at the demonstration, which featured a heavy police presence. McDonalds, McJobs, and their wages cost us all, said Angel Mitchell, a McDonalds employee. I am a working tax payer dependent on public assistance, tax dollars that would be used to fund our public schools, universities, child care centers, and home care for our seniors and the disabled. McJobs are affecting us all while the wealthy one-percent indulge in bad, unacceptable, and unethical poverty wage paying business practices. The workers first took over Michigan Avenue and then slowly snaked their way down Huron towards the Rock and Roll McDonalds, a frequent target of protests by fast food workers. On the way, they briefly stopped at a Bank of America location to chant banks got bailed out, we got sold out. The financial giant controls more than $2 billion worth of shares in the fast food chain. We cannot keep allowing McDonalds to borrow money to pay shareholders and billionaires like Ken Griffin. Instead, they should be using that money to pay us a living wage, Mitchell told a sea of demonstrators from a flatbed truck in front of the chains location on Clark Street in River North. As demonstrators marched in a large circle around the block, they were joined by a mariachi band in front of the Best Western hotel. Five people were taken into police custody after dropping a banner off the rooftop that read "McJobs Cost Us All." Dominique Bouie, a warehouse worker who manufactures McDonald's McCafe cups and makes $8.25 an hour, told the crowd that workers had to line up at 3:00 a.m. to be sorted, and even after the complex process they may not even work for the day. "We're making $8.25 standing there processing cups all night long and all day. Then they look us and tell us they can't afford to pay us $15 an hour. McDonald's is a multi-billion dollar company. Do you know what it means to tell people you can make a dollar menu or two for five and satisfy your customers but not satisfy your workers who made it possible?" Good news for commuters: Karnataka govt legalises bike taxi Bengaluru oi-Shalini Bengaluru, April 15: The Karnataka government has decided to legalise the bike taxi service in the state, a news that will give several commuters in the city more than a relief. The state transport department took the decision at a meeting held on Tuesday (April 12). Transport Commissioner Ramagowda said: "Two-wheelers though can not be considered taxis but we have recieved good feedback from the commuters since it is more affordable to other taxies. Considering that, we have decided to look forward to make it legal across the state." He, however, added that the authorities will keep a close watch on the safety part. "Bike taxis are not so as safe as car taxis. Hence, it will be mandatory for the bike-taxi aggegators to follow the safety rules and we will be keeping a watch. It will be mandatory for the bike-taxi riders to carry extra helmets for the pillion riders," he said. As per media reports, the aggegators will require legal permission from the transport authorities to ply in the city. "As of now, it has not been considered as legal but once the government sets up the new rule, then we will consider the application,"he said. Over 74 bike taxis were seized by the transport officials in March. Following that, a few of the bike-taxi operators stopped the service. But a few are still operating. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, April 15, 2016, 17:59 [IST] Jaitley statue at Kotla: Angry Bedi asks DDCA to remove his name from stands, quits membership Reforms in India being done by conviction, not compulsion: PM Narendra Modi BJP leaders pay tribute to former minister Arun Jaitley on his third death anniversary Arun Jaitley expresses Concern over Hike in H-1B and L1 Visa Fee Feature oi-Lisa By Lisa The Finance Minister Arun Jaitley is currently on official tour to Washington DC to attend the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank and other associated meetings. FM,Chair of Fed Reserve JanetYellen,@USTreasury Sec Jacob J.Lew& @RBI Governor at IndoUS Eco meeting in Washington pic.twitter.com/bqvgtU3SAz Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) April 15, 2016 He is accompanied by Dr. Raghuram Rajan, Governor RBI, Mr. Shaktikanta Das, Secretary Economic Affairs, Dr. Arvind Subramanian, Chief Economic Adviser and other officials. The Finance Minister Mr. Arun Jaitley yesterday held a bilateral meeting with United States Trade Representative Ambassador Mr Michael Froman. FM Shri @arunjaitley calls on US Trade Representative Mr.Michael Forman in Washington. pic.twitter.com/mPD4RrBEc8 Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) April 14, 2016 The Finance Minister affirmed that the sustained engagement and rapidly increasing trade and investment partnership between India and the US are key elements of the bilateral engagement between the two countries and India looks forward to strengthening and deepening this economic engagement. Joint Statement on Sixth Annual INDIA-US Economic and Financial Partnership https://t.co/rzctIM8jrq @PIB_India pic.twitter.com/SOTdwnzWfZ India in USA (@IndianEmbassyUS) April 14, 2016 Arun Jaitley emphasised: India's keenness in early conclusion of a Totalisation Agreement with the United States. (As per Industry estimates, Indian professionals have contributed more than US$ 25 billion to the US Social Security during the last decade, without being able to retrieve their contributions) India's concern over the hike in the H-1B and L1 visa fee which is discriminatory and in effect, largely targeted at Indian IT companies. Arun Jaitley on steering India towards growth: The Finance Minister while speaking on the theme of 'Steering India towards Growth ', at an event organised by 'Carnegie Endowment for International Peace' in Washington D.C. yesterday on the very first day of his US trip said that, "Indian economy is estimated to register 7.6% growth in FY 2015-16, notwithstanding contraction of global exports and two consecutive years of shortfall in monsoon." Watch FM @arunjaitley addressing the Carnegie Endowment in Washington on "India Steering toward Growth"https://t.co/8AZGWLEIvf Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) April 14, 2016 He said that amid weaker outlook across the globe, India's experience of strong economic growth, comfortable price situation, low current account deficit, and adherence to fiscal recovery path have projected it as an outpost of opportunity for global investors. FM Shri @arunjaitley addressing the gathering at Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in Washington. pic.twitter.com/z6FYKHxC7Y Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) April 14, 2016 Speaking further on the occasion, the Finance Minister emphasised on India's economic recovery and the role of various initiatives taken by the present Government in achieving it. Elaborating on the large number of initiatives taken by the Indian Government, the Finance Minister said that what distinguishes the present Government is this Government's emphasis on decisiveness, consistency in policy direction and transparency in functioning. FM Shri @arunjaitley in conversation with Mr. Ashley J.Tellis Senior Associate for South Asia at Carnegie Endowment pic.twitter.com/yc3aDX54UI Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) April 14, 2016 He also talked about reforms in taxation, Make in India programme, increase in FDI limits, expediting the process of granting clearances to new projects, steps taken for ease of doing business, rationalisation of expenditure by making petrol and diesel prices market linked and promoting financial inclusion by linking Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT) to Aadhaar. FM @arunjaitley & @USTreasury Sec Mr. Jacob J. Lew at the Indo US Eco& Financial Partnership meeting in Washington pic.twitter.com/ZClrcKvnKv Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) April 15, 2016 For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, April 15, 2016, 12:09 [IST] UP ATS nabs 8 with links to al-Qaeda and its affiliate from UP, Uttarakhand Dirty bomb: How terrorist organisations plan to use it Feature oi-Vicky By Vicky At the Nuclear Security Summit held in Washington, D.C last month., representatives from fifty-two countries pledged to improve nuclear security. This pledge was taken following the attacks at Paris and Brussels and with the threat of terrorists attempting to use the nuclear or dirty bomb looming large. There has been plenty of intelligence in the past that suggests that terrorists will attempt to either make a dirty bomb or hijack a nuclear station. There are 444 nuclear power plants which operate in 30 countries apart from 243 smaller research reactors used to produce isotopes for medical purposes and also train nuclear engineers. It is these smaller research reactors that are under threat as a terrorist who can access it could find enough material to make a dirty bomb. Ignoring the threat is not an option today: The threat is real and terrorists are looking to innovate and be more destructive. Nuclear plants are key targets for any terrorist organisation. Terrorists would either attempt a sabotage at the plant or make attempts to steal material. Attempts could also be made to send out radioactive material by hijacking the station. Groups such as the ISIS have been desperate to make the dirty bomb. They have been claiming that they have access to the dirty bomb, but security officials say that at the moment they are just creating a hype. However one cannot forever continue to ignore the messages from the ISIS treating it as hype. Special emphasis needs to be given on providing the best possible security at nuclear plants and also to the engineers who work at these plants. The engineers especially must be heavily guarded as terrorist organisations could try and abduct them in a bid to learn more about the preparation of the bomb. Further there is a good chance of terrorists making an attempt to steal material from these plants. The other possibility is that terrorists could storm a nuclear plant and hijack it. Consider this incident that took place at Sweden. Four persons entered two nuclear power plants by breaking open the gates. The four had hidden overnight on the roof, but later surrendered. These were Greenpeace activists staging a protest. It could have well bene terrorists. The point is that this exposed the security mechanism at such an important place. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, April 15, 2016, 12:21 [IST] Aircel Maxis case: Sensitive Materials in secret memo prompted SC to allow probe against ED office In Two Years More than Three Crore SC and OBC Students get Scholarships Feature oi-Lisa By Lisa In order to build an inclusive society, wherein members of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) can lead productive, safe and dignified lives with adequate support for their growth and development, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment is implementing various schemes. PM presenting the credit certificates, under various schemes to the beneficiaries from SC at Mhow #AmbedkarJayanti pic.twitter.com/PKgzs2Tiaw THAWAR CHAND GEHLOT (@TCGEHLOT) April 14, 2016 These schemes aim economic, educational and social empowerment of these target groups. Here are some measures implemented by the NDA Government for their upliftment. Numerous programmes were hosted yesterday by the government to mark the 125th birth anniversary of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar who had always supported the cause of marginalised. Measures for educational empowerment of SC: To enable Scheduled Caste students to complete their education at post matriculation or post-secondary stage, Department of Social justice and Empowerment provides financial assistance in the form of post matric scholarship. SC boys and girls studying in middle, school higher secondary schools, colleges and universities are also given assistance for hostel facilities. The Government also provides financial assistance to scheduled Caste students for pursing research studies leading to M. Phil., Ph.D. and equivalent research degree in universities, research institutions and scientific institution. Not only that selected Scheduled Caste are also given National Overseas Scholarship for pursing higher studies of Master level courses and Ph.D. programmes abroad in specified fields of study. During 2014-15 and 2015-16, Department of Social welfare and Empowerment also, disbursed scholarships worth approximately Rs.7,465 crore under the various Schemes, e.g., Pre-matric, Post-matric, National Overseas, National Fellowship and Dr. Ambedkar Post-matric Scholarship for EBC, being run for students belonging to Scheduled Castes, Other Backward Classes, Economically Backward Classes etc. The scholarships benefitted approximately 3, 30, 64,900 students. Measures for Economic empowerment: Rs. 38,832 crore has been allocated to SC Sub plan during current fiscal year to provide 100% grant to the States and UTs, as an additive to their Scheduled Castes Sub Plan (SCSP). The main objective is to give a thrust to family oriented schemes of economic development of SCs below the poverty line. Also, the Government has decided to provide financial assistance to 2.5 lakh Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Women Entrepreneurs under the Stand Up India Campaign. Some of the other measures for Economic Empowerment of these targeted groups include: Hubs are being created for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Entrepreneurs at a cost of Rs.500 crore. Under the Mudra Yojana, 3.22 crore loans have been disbursed out of which 72.89 lakh loans have been disbursed to Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe, Entrepreneurs. The Government of India and PSUs have special provision for purchasing goods from Micro and Small Scale Industries. They have been asked to purchase at least 4% from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Entrepreneurs, which will be intensively followed up. Under the Scheme of Venture Capital Fund, 36 proposals worth Rs.135.91 crore have been approved for Scheduled Caste Entrepreneurs. Rs.64.86 crore have been disbursed also. The National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation has imparted motor driving training to 250 women, working as Safai Karmacharis or their dependent, out of which 60 women have got employment. The authorised share capital of NSFDC has been increased from Rs.1000 crore to Rs.1500 crore to provide loans to SCs for taking up self-employment. First ever the National Conference of Dalit Entrepreneurs organized by the Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in New Delhi on 29th December, 2015to discuss special need of these entrepreneurs. Social Empowerment of Schedule Cast: In order to strengthen provisions to check atrocities against Schedule Cast and Schedule Tribes, amendments in the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, have been made and new Act has come into force with effect from 26th of January 2016. New provisions will play very significant role in Social Empowerment of Schedule Cast. The Parliament passed the Constitution (Scheduled Caste) Order (Amendment) Act 2015 last year by virtue of which new communities were incorporated in the list of Scheduled Castes of Haryana, Karnataka, Odisha and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and now they will also get all benefits of the schemes being run for empowerment of Scs. Celebrate Samrasta Diwas: In order to create harmony in the society and to sensitise people about the empowerment of schedule cast, the Government has decided to observe 14th April every year as 'Samrasta Diwas'. Places related to life and work of Dr. Ambedkar are being developed as memorials. Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, laid the foundation Stone for Dr. Ambedkar International Centre at 15 Janpath and Dr. Ambedkar Memorial at 26 Alipur Road, New Delhi on 20th April, 2015 and 21st March, 2016 respectively. Commemorative Postal Stamp and Coins were released on Dr. Ambedkar. The first two days of the winter session of the Parliament were dedicated to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. A Tableau on Dr. Ambedkar was displayed by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on 26th January, 2016, the Republic Day. All these measures together will certainly contribute in educational, economic and social development of SC and OBCs. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, April 15, 2016, 15:57 [IST] Indian Naval Warships pay Strategic Visit to Colombo Feature oi-Lisa By Lisa India and Sri Lanka have a close, long-standing relationship covering a wide spectrum of activities and interactions, which have strengthened over the years. The people of India and Sri Lanka have close cultural bonds and a shared vision of a democratic and pluralistic society. Indian Naval Ships Tir and Sujata, along with Indian Coast Guard Ship Varuna, comprising the first Training Squadron, are scheduled to visit Colombo, Sri Lanka today and shall stay till 19th of April as part of their Overseas Deployment during Spring Term 2016. The first training squadron: The First Training Squadron forms part of Southern Naval Command (SNC) and comprises Indian Naval Ships Tir, Shardul, Sujata, ICGS Varuna and two Sail Training Ships Sudarshini and Tarangini, all of which have been built in India. The primary aim of the Squadron is to impart sea training to Naval and Coast Guard trainees, with a 24 weeks ab-initio sea training being imparted. All the trainees are trained in Seamanship, Navigation, Ship Handling, Boat Work, Technical aspects, etc. whilst being exposed to the rigours of life at sea, so as to earn their 'sea legs'. The Southern Naval Command (SNC) is the Training Command of the Indian Navy, which provides both basic and advanced training to officers and sailors of the Indian Navy. The Indian Navy has also been providing training to personnel from friendly foreign countries for more than four decades, wherein more than 13,000 personnel from over 40 countries have been trained. The Indian Navy's focused approach for providing high quality training by constantly adapting to evolving tactics and technologies, has gained it a reputation of being one of the finest training destinations. Strategic importance of such visits: Such visits are considered important from strategic point of view also as Sri Lanka in November 2014 had allowed a Chinese submarine and a warship to its port in Colombo, despite India warning. This was considered as violation of the July 1987 accord between India and Lanka. The strategic powerplay in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) continues between China and India. After China's three warships left Colombo in January this year two frontline Indian warships including aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya had entered Colombo. While INS Vikramaditya was on a friendly visit to Colombo, Sri Lanka's President Maitripala Sirisena had gotten on board India's biggest warship and aircraft carrier. There has been a growing concern in India about China's growing naval activities in the IOR. India has lately tried to counter China's attempt to develop maritime relations with Sri Lanka and other island nations in the India Ocean and Bay of Bengal like Seychelles, Mauritius, Maldives, Bangladesh and Myanmar. Present deployment: Visits by IN and SLN ships to each other's countries as well as bilateral exercises such as SLINEX provide opportunities for extensive operational and training engagements and contribute to the maintenance of good order at sea between India and Sri Lanka. The present deployment of the Training Squadron to Colombo would further cement the close relations between the two nations and the two navies. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, April 15, 2016, 14:16 [IST] Partial Solar Eclipse 2022: City-wise timings, when and where to watch With AQI of 259, Delhi's air on day before Diwali least polluted in 7 years Marshal of IAF Arjan Singh's 97th Birthday Celebrated Feature oi-Lisa By Lisa Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh DFC turns 97 today. The Indian Air Force had planned a grand function at Akash Officers' Mess, New Delhi yesterday to celebrate the occasion. MIAF #ArjanSingh, DFC being congratulated by Ex-PM #ManmohanSingh on his 97th birthday in New Delhi today. pic.twitter.com/gn25t7JqcK AIR Defence Alerts (@AIRDefenceNews) April 14, 2016 A large number of dignitaries were in attendance which included the three Service Chiefs among others. Tweets greeting Marshal of IAF: Air Force Station Panagarh being renamed Air Force Station #ArjanSingh. pic.twitter.com/xP9enGaW90 AIR Defence Alerts (@AIRDefenceNews) April 15, 2016 With the Marshal a few months ago, at Air House. Birthday greetings for Marshal of The Air Arjan Singh pic.twitter.com/UF8JTtqTM5 Lutyens' Leopard (@Leopard212) April 15, 2016 Wishing a very happy birthday to Marshal of The Indian Air Force #ArjanSingh on his 97th birthday. @MPNaveenJindal pic.twitter.com/7I3dDSUARa VIVEK SINGHANIA (@VIVEKSINGHANIA2) April 15, 2016 Happy 97th birthday to Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh! May God bless the legend!! pic.twitter.com/ixmwEStlqf Aditi Patwardhan (@AditiIndiaFirst) April 15, 2016 The legend Marshal Arjan Singh turns 97 today. Salute Sir pic.twitter.com/G80B6KMofc Aviator Anil Chopra (@Chopsyturvey) April 15, 2016 Brings old memories of Air Marshal Arjan Singh as freq visitor at my school in 1960s https://t.co/4G62qTPHwi via @ndtv April 15, 2016 About Marshal of IAF Arjan Singh: The Marshal was born on 15 April 1919, in Lyalpur (now Faislabad, Pakistan), and completed his education at Montgomery (now Sahiwal, Pakistan). At the age of 19, he was selected to the Empire Pilot training course at RAF Cranwell. [Meet 96-year-old IAF Marshal Arjan Singh who defied odds to pay tribute to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam] His first assignment on being commissioned was to fly Westland Wapiti biplanes in the North-Western Frontier Province as a member of the No. 1 RIAF Squadron. After a brief stint with the newly formed No. 2 RIAF Squadron where the Marshal flew against the tribal forces, he later moved back to No. 1 Squadron as a Flying Officer to fly the Hawker Hurricane. Marshal of IAF Arjan Singh's achievements: He was promoted to the rank of Squadron Leader in 1944. The Marshal led the Squadron against the Japanese during the Arakan Campaign, flying Close Air Support missions during the crucial Imphal Campaign and later assisting the advance of the Allied Forces to Rangoon. For his role in successfully leading the Squadron in combat, the Marshal was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) in 1944. On 15 August 1947, he achieved the unique honour of leading a fly-past of over a hundred IAF aircraft in Delhi, over the Red Fort. After his promotion to the rank of Wing Commander, he attended the Royal Staff College at UK. Immediately after Indian independence, he commanded Ambala in the rank of Group Captain. In 1949, he was promoted to the rank of Air Commodore and took over as Air Officer Commanding of an operational command, which later came to be known as Western Air Command. Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh, had the distinction of having the longest tenure as the AOC of an Operational base, initially from 1949-1952 and then again from 1957-1961. After his promotion to the rank of Air Vice Marshal, he was appointed as the AOC-in-C of an Operational Command. Towards the end of the 1962 war, he was appointed as the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff and he became the Vice Chief of the Air Staff in 1963. He was the overall commander of the joint air training exercise "Shiksha" held between the IAF, RAF and RAAF. On 01 August 1964, in the rank of Air Marshal, the Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh took reins of the IAF, at a time when it was still rebuilding itself and was gearing up to meet new challenges. The Marshal was the first Air Chief to keep his flying currency till his CAS rank. Having flown over 60 different types of aircraft from Pre-WW-II era biplanes to the more contemporary, Gnats & Vampires, he has also flown in transport aircraft like the Super Constellation. Marshal of IAF Arjan Singh during 1965 war: The Marshal of the Air Force was the first Indian Air Chief to lead a young Indian Air Force into war. He was Chief of the Air Staff when the IAF saw action in 1965. He was hardly 44 years of age when entrusted with the responsibility of leading the Indian Air Force. In 1965, when Pakistan launched its Operation Grand Slam, with an armoured thrust targeted at the vital town of Akhnur, the Marshal led the Indian Air Force through the war with courage, determination and professional skill. He inspired the IAF to victory, despite the constraints imposed on the full-scale use of the Air Force combat power. Then Defence Minister YB Chavan wrote about him, "Air Marshal Arjan Singh is a jewel of a person, quiet efficient and firm; unexcitable but a very able leader." The Marshal was awarded the Padma Vibhushan for his astute leadership of the Air Force during the war. Subsequently in recognition of the Air Force's contribution during the war, the rank of the CAS was upgraded and Arjan Singh became the first Air Chief Marshal of the Indian Air Force. He remained a flyer to the end of his tenure in the IAF, visiting forward Bases and units and flying with the Squadrons. Marshal of IAF Arjan Singh post retirement: He retired in August 1969, thereupon accepting Ambassadorship to Switzerland. He was Lieutenant Governor of New Delhi from December 1989 to December 1990. Having been a source of inspiration to all personnel of the Armed Forces through the years, the Government of India conferred the rank of the Marshal of the Air Force upon Arjan Singh in January 2002 making him the first and the only 'Five Star' rank officer with the Indian Air Force. Marshal of IAF Arjan Singh's principles: The Marshal has strongly believed in four simple principles throughout his life. Firstly, one should be thorough in his profession; secondly, one should complete the job at hand to the satisfaction of everyone; thirdly, one must have implicit faith in his subordinates; and fourthly, one's efforts should be honest and sincere. He feels that if one adheres to these four principles, one can never go wrong. The IAF and India salutes the Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh, an iconic figure and wishes him all the best on his 97th birthday and are grateful to him for guiding and inspiring through the years. After the 'Jihad' comment, Patil now claims \"I never said it\" Bikaner Dalit girl's rape: Congress demands CBI probe India oi-PTI Jaipur, April 15: Accusing Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje of suppressing facts in the alleged rape and murder case of a minor Dalit girl, leader of Opposition Rameshwar Dudi today demanded a CBI probe into the matter. The 17-year-old girl was found dead a fortnight ago in a water tank in Bikaner where she was pursuing her BSTC (a teacher training course) in a private educational institute. Dudi alleged the government was shielding owner of the institution as he was a RSS volunteer. "Under pressure from the RSS, Raje was misleading public in this case," he said in a statement. "Her father, relatives and others have demanded CBI inquiry in this case but the government is apathetic towards the demand. It was a murder case but the government says it was suicide," he said, while reiterating the demand of CBI inquiry in this matter. Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi had also visited the aggrieved family of the girl on Wednesday in Barmer and demanded a CBI probe. The girl was found dead in a water tank on March 30. In the intervening night of March 28-29, the girl had been found in the room of physical trainer and instructor Vijendra Singh by the hostel warden. Singh was arrested after the girl was found dead. The hostel warden and principal were also arrested for not informing the police when she was found in the instructor's room. Singh was arrested for rape while the other two were put behind bars for not informing police when the minor girl was found in the room of the teacher. PTI With AQI of 259, Delhi's air on day before Diwali least polluted in 7 years Delhi auto-rickshaws, taxis warn of strike from Apr 18 India oi-IANS By Ians English New Delhi, April 15: Posing challenge to the second phase of odd-even scheme, the autorickshaw and taxi union of Delhi on Friday threatened to go on strike from Monday against the Arvind Kejriwal government's "apathy". They have set a two-day deadline before the Kejriwal government for their demands to be met. The demands include "uniform charges" for cab operators like Ola and Uber and their compliance with the Delhi government rules on fares. "Kejriwal is acting like a dictator. We had on numerous occasions, including on April 5, requested an audience with him to discuss our issues, but he didn't care to bother. He forgot that we were the people who supported and campaigned for him during elections," said Rajinder Soni, a Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh leader. Soni said while the auto and taxi drivers charge Rs 8.30 per km and Rs.14 per km respectively, cab agencies like Ola and Uber, backed by "rich business houses", charge Rs.5 to Rs.6 per km. "This is not only against the transport department's rules but threatens our livelihood. Those rich agencies just want to wipe us all out," Soni said. He added the auto-taxi unions of drivers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are backing the demand as well as the strike. "People come all way from UP and Bihar looking for earnings through auto and taxi. The apathy of Delhi government is threatening them," said a leader. IANS Did this company benefit after roping in Karnataka CM's son as director India oi-Vicky New Delhi, April 15: The opposition parties in Karnataka will have more material against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Yesterday the opposition launched an attack on the CM after it was found that a company in which his son is a director was given a plum project to set up a lab at the Bangalore Medical College. Siddaramaiah's son bags plum project in Govt hospital: Opposition draws first blood Were similar contracts bagged by this company to set up labs at the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiology in Mysore and Kalaburgi? This would mean that the company Matrix Imaging Solutions Pvt Ltd bagged three key government projects after the CM's youngest son, Dr Yathindra became its director. Both Siddaramaiah and his son have denied any wrong doing. It was a tender process and all rules were followed both have said. In another development the AICC has suggested to Siddaramaiah to advise his son to resign from the post of director. This was done to avoid the opposition to firing any fresh salvo against the Chief Minister of Karnataka. More trouble: The allegation is that this company bagged three key projects only after the CM's son became its director. Dr Yathindra joined the company as a director on September 8 2014. In the month of October 2015 this company was awarded the contract to set up a laboratory at the Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute. On November 18 2014 the tender closed to set up a lab at the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiological Sciences and Research in Mysore. The company bagged this contract. In September 2014 tenders were called to set up a lab at the November 18 2014 the tender closed to set up a lab at the Jayadeva Institute of Cardiological Sciences and Research in Kalaburgi. The tender process closed in November 2014 and the company bagged the contract. No irregularity: Dr Yathindra says that there is no irregularity. I have spoken to my advocate and he is there is no conflict of interest. I am ready to quit if there are violations he also said. Matrix on the other hand explained that there were four companies at the pre-bid stage. Matrix and HLL were short listed but the latter did not submit a demand draft on time. During the process there were objections that had been raised by several senior doctors. Firstly some questioned the need to set up a private lab when there was already a state of the art lab being in place. Moreover the other objection was whether it would be right to allow a private firm to make profit on a government land. However there were others who had overruled the objections by citing the example of the Mysore Medical College. They said that in the year 2009 the Mysore Medical College had allowed a private lab to be set up on the campus. OneIndia News Firecracker regulation: Implementation of 2005 SC verdict disappointing India oi-Vicky New Delhi, April 15: In the wake of a major accident due to fire crackers, there is a cry to ban the same. Courts have repeatedly said that a ban on firecrackers is not the solution, but regulating its use is. The Supreme Court had passed a detailed order in the year 2005 on firecrackers while directing the department of explosives to notify regulations. Firecrackers are part of the Indian tradition and has been used during various festivals. While festivities are important to many, the departments concerned have been slow in implementing the guidelines as mandated by the Supreme Court. For instance there are 40 notified firecrackers for which guidelines were needed. The Departments concerned have set guidelines for four. The Supreme Court in 2005 had directed the department of explosives to notify regulations with regard to the permitted composition of each type of firecrackers. It was also stated that the packaging must include the chemical composition. The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation in the year 2008 came up with guidelines for four categories. SC frowns upon Centre's inaction on firecrackers The PESO guidelines stated that the sulphur content must not exceed 20 per cent, the aluminium content needs to be at 23 per cent while the nitrates cannot exceed 57 per cent. The PESO is yet to come up with another set of guidelines. Further another set of guidelines that remain on paper are the ones that have been issued by the The Central Pollution Control Board. It made the states responsible for implementing these guidelines as fire safety is a state subject. These guidelines specified the that the sound levels cannot exceed the ambient air quality standards and ambient noise standards. It was also stated that firecrackers are not burst by individual households. However these guidelines are yet to see the light of the day. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, April 15, 2016, 15:23 [IST] Substandard medical gas caused serious eye injuries to dozens of patients undergoing eye surgery at Peking University Third Hospital, the hospital said on Thursday. It released a statement following media reports that 18 patients had been left blind in one eye after having surgery at the hospital in Beijing. All of the operations were carried out in June. Doctors had used a batch of a medical gas called perflutren, which is used during eye surgery as a temporary filler. Suspicions were raised about the quality of the gas, according to a report from China National Radio. In its statement, Peking University Third Hospital said the problematic batch of perflutren was applied to 59 patients, resulting in eye injuries in 45 of them. After the incident, regulatory authorities stopped the sale and use of the same batch of the product, the statement said. The gas was produced by Tianjin Jingming New Technological Development Co, the only registered supplier of the gas on the Chinese mainland. The hospital is filing a lawsuit against the company that produced the gas, the statement said. An additional 26 patients underwent eye surgery at Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University in Nantong, Jiangsu province, during June, where another batch of the same gas was used. An engineer at Tianjin Jingming, surnamed Sun, said the company and the regulatory authorities had been investigating the unexpected spike in people losing their sight after surgery during the past year. Wang Enpu, a professor specializing in eye surgery at Air Force General Hospital in Beijing, said perflutren is used as a temporary filler to puff up the hollow part of the eye during surgery. Wang said the gas helps ensure that operations go smoothly and it disappears after surgery is completed. "However, only experienced doctors are capable of properly using the gas for eye surgeries because it expands after going into the eye," he said. An alternative to the gas is silicon oil, but it has to be removed after surgery and can cause side effects, such as increased eye pressure, he said. The China Food and Drug Administration said in a report dated Jan 1 that the administration sent two teams to Peking University Third Hospital and Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University in July after receiving reports of the incidents. It ruled out irregularities during the surgeries, according to a report in ThePaper.cn. Woman, her two children mowed down by train; Suicide not ruled out Google, RailTel expand free WiFi reach, cover 9 more stations India oi-PTI New Delhi, Apr 15: Google in collaboration with RailTel, the telecom arm of the Indian Railways, has rolled out free WiFi service at 9 more stations, taking the total to 10 where it will offer high-speed Internet to an estimated 1.5 million passengers and visitors. Free WiFi by Google-RailTel took off at Mumbai Central in January this year. The new stations include Pune, Bhubaneswar and Ranchi. The formal launch in Bhubaneswar is slated for Sunday, said a senior railway ministry official. Jaipur, Ujjain and Allahabad will go live next week. "The network is now live in 10 key stations across the country and will enable about 1.5 million people to access high-speed Internet service. We are scaling up our efforts to roll out the network quickly to cover some of smaller stations where connectivity is much more limited," Google India Head of Access Project Gulzar Azad told PTI. As Internet adoption grows in India, easy and affordable access to high-speed network is the real need of the hour, he stressed. The service will be formally inaugurated by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu soon, Azad added. Starting today, users in Pune, Bhubaneswar, Bhopal, Ranchi, Raipur, Vijayawada, Kacheguda (Hyderabad), Ernakulum Jn (Kochi) and Vishakhapatnam will be able to access the network using their smartphones for free. According to Azad, about one lakh people use the service per week at the Mumbai Central station. Google and RailTel have collaborated to make WiFi network available across 100 stations to deliver high-speed Internet to 10 million Indians a day by the end of the year. Wi-Fi service launched at Mumbai Central Station The project will eventually be rolled out to cover 400 railway stations across India. "This project will be the largest publicly accessible high-speed WiFi network in the country, but our real hope is that this project will set new benchmarks in delivering a reliable and consistent network connectivity," Azad said. RailTel owns a pan-India optic fibre network exclusively on railway track. It has laid out over 45,000 kms of optic fibre network across the country, which Google looks to utilise for its WiFi. The network is built for a wide coverage and high capacity usage unlike a typical WiFi hotspot which offers connectivity in limited area. As per the plan, RailTel will be the ISP while Google will provide the wireless area network (WAN) and set up points of access at platforms. PTI Prashant Kishor claims Nitish Kumar in touch with BJP says don't be surprised if he joins hands with it again Interview: Dhananjay Kumar all set to rejoin BJP after Yeddyurappa took charge as president India oi-Shreyas Bengaluru, Apr 15: Former Chief Minister of Karnataka, B S Yeddyurappa assuming the helm of state BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) has now rendered a platform for a few leaders who had quit the party over internal differences to return to the BJP. A few tall leaders, who left the party for some reasons, namely V Dhananjay Kumar, Basavaraj Patil Yatnal, Kota Srinivasa Poojary has shown inclination to throw their hat into BJP. The OneIndia got in touch with V Dhananjay Kumar, a staunch loyalist of Yeddyurappa to learn on his political move in reaction to fresh development in the state BJP. Former Union Minister, Kumar put his appearance in a rally organised on April 14, by the BJP in Bengaluru, where Yeddyurappa delivered a key note speech after the leader held the realm of the BJP in Karnataka. "Certainly my taking part in the rally is a strong singling of joining the BJP, four time Member of Parliament, Dhananjay Kumar opened up the conversation through telephone. On being asked why this decision in the wake of new development, Kumar said he always stood with B S Yeddyurappa and his wish to continue the same swayed him to land at such decision. However on contesting assembly elections in 2018, Kumar said there are many more days to go to elections and it is not an issue to be discussed at this juncture. Kumar jogged his memory to convey that being founder members of the BJP "I and Yeddyurappa toiled to ensure sustained elevation of the party in the state. I remember, in 1983, I won the assembly election. During that year Yeddyurappa too won election. We were among 18, who emerged victories and later extended outside support to form first non-Congress government headed by Ramakrishna Hegde of Janata Party." Kumar further continued saying he left the BJP as a result of dirty politics. "But I am always a staunch supporter of Yeddyurappa." The return of Yeddyurappa has shown a new wave in the BJP and backing the leader in his endevour to bring the party back to power is a need of the hour. Kumar has cited this as a key reason to join the BJP. In 2013, the BJP lost assembly elections in Karnataka. "In my opinion, Yeddyurappa's exit from the BJP and subsequent forming of new party Karnataka Janata Party is a prime reason for the BJP's loss. Had Yeddyurappa completed his tenure and continued to lead the party, BJP would have had returned back to power. Such is the crowd pulling capacity of Yeddyurappa." Kumar said maladministration of the Congress will certainly give a handle to Yeddyurappa to convince people that only BJP can resolve the problems created by the Congress. The party has to work hard in this direction. Ironing out differences in BJP Dhananjay Kumar rightly admitted that there are internal differences inside the BJP but broadened his argument contending that internal bickering is common to all political parties as politics now has become a dirty game of power. "Power corrupts you know", Kumar rued. Yeddyurappa, now taking charge will certainly iron out differences. Those who indicate reluctance to follow instructions of top leader, will dig their own pit. "At least for their (those who have differences) self good, they will now rally behind Yeddyurappa. The leadership quality of Yeddyurappa itself neutralise internal differences, Kumar opined. Operation Kamala (Lotus) For a question on will resorting to Operation Kamala again (a process to woo non-BJP members to pull into party fold), would leave more damage than benefits to party, Kumar said operation Kamala has more benefits than loss to the BJP. "If you had observed, the leaders who joined the BJP during Yeddyurappa's tenure as Chief Minister from the JD(S) and the Congress had not fueled internal differences or organised anti-Party politics," Kumar opined. He added that it was original party members in a frantic chase of power created trouble to the party. OneIndia News JNU row: Threat letter warns to behead Kanhaiya Kumar, Police steps up his security India oi-Mukul New Delhi, April 15: The Delhi Police have tightened up the security of JNU student union president Kanhaiya Kumar and Umar Khalid after receiving a threat letter from a bus on Friday. Police also recovered a country-made pistol-made pistol from the bus, operating between an ISBT and JNU campus. The letter purportedly was written by a man who had earlier threatened the student leader Kanhaiya over Facebook. Reportedly, the letter said that Kanhaiya and Umar Khalid, who were arrested under sedition charge over a controversial event in JNU campus, will be decapitated. The weapon was recovered in a bus operating between Kashmere Gate ISBT and the JNU campus, after the driver spotted an unclaimed bag and raised an alarm. Police is trying to ascertain identity of the bag's owner and several persons have been questioned, a senior official said on Friday. The letter was purportedly written by the person who had threatened Kumar over Facebook earlier saying that men with weapons are already present inside the campus, ready to kill him any moment, the official said. Kumar doesn't get security cover inside the campus but the university authorities have clearly been instructed to inform Vasant Kunj (North) police station everytime he leaves the campus and security is provided accordingly. After the alert, the police are likely to increase his security cover and also enhance vigil around the JNU area, the official added. OneIndia News (With inputs from PTI) Jointness of armed forces must for victory: President Pranab Mukerjee India oi-IANS By Ians English Nilgris (Tamil Nadu), April 15: Victory in war can be achieved by through jointness of the three armed forces as was evident during the 1971 India-Pakistan war which led to liberation of Bangladesh, said President Pranab Mukherjee on Friday, April 15. In his address at the convocation ceremony of the 71st Staff Course at the Defence Services Staff College here, he said: "The training curriculum at this college is institutionalised, to empower jointness amongst our armed forces. The army, navy and air force are the military instruments of state power." "The history of warfare bears testimony, that ultimate victory in war will be achieved through jointness among the three services. The foremost example of excellent synergy and jointmanship exhibited in military history was during the 1971 War," he said, terming it an unprecedented "strategic military victory" by any armed forces in the world, with it culminating with the birth of a nation, on termination of the war. Mukherjee urged to students to use their learning with maturity and prudence to effectively leverage the combat power of the Indian armed forces in times of national need. "As your supreme commander, I implore you to do this with total loyalty, distinction, steadfastness and patriotic fervour," he said. He also urged the students to remain well informed in the latest military technological advancements and also scientific developments for their application in defence forces. "You should always remain well informed with the latest in military technology advancements, as well as aware of scientific developments, for their appropriate application in the armed forces. "Study the numerous perceptions of various conflicts that have been chronicled and conscientiously study the evolution of potential flashpoints and their evaluated outcomes. It is only when you seek knowledge, that you gain wisdom in life, to take coherent and timely military decisions, which directly affects the lives of the forces under your command," he advised. Expressing his delight at 35 officers from 25 friendly foreign countries also graduating from the college on Friday, Mukherjee hoped the deep bonds of friendship and camaraderie that they had forged amongst others will result in everlasting ties of brotherhood between the nations. He also complimented the students' parents and family members for supporting them in their endeavour and the commandant and his staff of the college for mentoring and nurturing them in command and staff functions to produce 'role model' staff officers and leaders. IANS BRO Recruitment 2022: Check details for 328 vacancies, last date and salary details here Kanhaiya Kumar to meet FTII Pune students India oi-PTI Pune, Apr 15: After his visit to Nagpur, JNU Students' Union president Kanhaiya Kumar will next week meet the students of FTII here who had protested against Gajendra Chauhan's appointment as the chairman of the institute. "In a day-long visit to the city (Pune), Kanhaiya will visit FTII and meet the students who were protesting against the appointment of FTII society chairman and other members," Pankaj Chavan, a convener of All India Students Federation (AISF) said here on Friday. JNU row: Threat letter warns to behead Kanhaiya Kumar, Police steps up his security Chavan said Kumar will also attend an AISF rally here during his visit on April 24. "We appeal to the police to give adequate security and make sure Nagpur-like incident (wherein a footwear was hurled at Kumar) is not replicated here," Chavan said. Kumar is out on bail after his arrest on sedition charges by the Delhi police. PTI Karnataka aims to bring back all children to schools. Will it succeed? India oi-Oneindia By Maitreyee Boruah Karnataka, April 15: In a novel attempt to provide education to all children, Karnataka is all set to start a massive campaign-Shale Kade Nanna Nade (My Walk Towards School)-from April 23 onwards. The campaign, the brainchild of the Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR), is targeted at underprivileged children who are either dropouts or have never been to schools. In order to speed up the campaign, the commission recently hosted a meeting at its office premises in Bengaluru. The meeting saw participation by members from a host of NGOs from various parts of the state working in the field of child rights and protection. The campaign will kick-start with the identification of these children from every nook and cranny of Karnataka and thereafter enroll them in schools. "Let us all come together and fulfill our dream of sending all children to schools. It is sad that education department has failed in its task to ensure education to all children in the state. Let us prove them wrong by bringing all children to schools," said Kripa Alva, chairperson of KSCPCR, presiding over the meeting on April 13. "First we need to identify and enroll children in schools to kick-start the campaign," she added. Since there is no statistics to quantify the number of children who are out of school, the campaign becomes gigantic. Child rights activists say it is not easy to identify these children. "A city like Bengaluru has a huge migrant and floating population. Moreover, we can't enroll these children in Kannada medium schools, as most of them don't speak Kannada. Once the children are admitted in schools, we need to make sure they remain in schools and don't dropout," says P Lakshapathi, executive director of Association for Promoting Social Action (APSA), an NGO. The participants at the meeting raised the issue of retention of children in schools and stressed on the need of capacity-building for the successful execution of the campaign. Most of the out of school children are identified as kids who are either from slum areas, children of poor migrants like construction workers and child labourers. "We should have proper bridge school programmes available for these children," said an activist. Bridge schools are places where school dropouts, mostly child labourers are provided education on an ad hoc basis. The idea of bridge schools is to help underprivileged children to join mainstream schools. Activists fear that lakhs of children in the state are out of schools. "If in North Bengaluru only we have around 10,000 kids who are out of schools, imagine the number of children who are out of schools from across the state. It could be in lakhs," said an activist, who didn't wish to be named. "We need proper planning and infrastructure in place to start such an ambitious plan. Otherwise it might fail midway," he added. The KSCPCR is planning to host street plays and bike rallies across the state to sensitise civil society about the importance of sending all children to schools. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, April 15, 2016, 10:15 [IST] Kerala temple fire: 1 arrested as crime branch looks for main accused India oi-Vicky New Delhi, April 15: The Crime Branch probing the Puttingal temple tragedy will have to submit its status report to the Kerala High Court in May. The Crime Branch says it is hopeful of cracking the case and putting out all the details of the investigation by then. Kerala fire tragedy: Five Puttingal officials surrender The crime branch has made another arrest in the case. This time it is the brother of fireworks contractor Krishnan Kutty. The crime branch picked up for questioning Kochumani and are grilling him for details regarding the whereabouts of his brother. It may be recalled that over 100 people died when fire broke out at the Puttingal temple in Kerala where there was a fireworks display or competition on. The police say that the display was held despite a ban. A crime branch official said that the whereabouts of Kutty is still being ascertained. He has been missing ever since the day the incident took place. We are questioning his brother for details of his whereabouts. The police say that Kochumani was present at the temple on the day the accident occured. The police want to know if the fireworks contractors had added banned chemicals to the firecrackers. They are also seeking to know who had requested them to prepare the firecrackers beyond the permissible limits. The police suspect that the contractors were told to enhance the capabilities of the firecrackers by one group which was competing with another. At the temple there is a fireworks competition that is held every year. This year around the same had been banned. OneIndia News HC seeks CBI stand on Maneka Gandhi's plea against order for probe in graft case Non-inclusion doesnt reduce my stature: Maneka Gandhi on being dropped from BJP executive committee Lumpy virus-affected cows in open leading to fast spread of infection in Rajasthan: Maneka Gandhi Maneka Gandhi to hold reginal conference here on April 18 India oi-PTI Shillong, April 15: Union Minister for Women & Child Development Maneka Gandhi will inaugurate a one-day Regional Conference with North Eastern States on Child Adoption at the State Convention Centre here next Monday, April 18. Social Welfare and Women & Child Development ministers of all NE states, including Sikkim, are expected to attend the conference. About 400 delegates are also expected to attend the conference, including the stakeholders from the State Adoption Resource Agencies (SARAs), District Child Protection Units (DCPUs), Child Welfare Committees (CWCs), Specialised Adoption Agencies (SAAs) and Child Care Institutions (CCIs) in the North Eastern States. Besides, the senior officers from the Ministry of Women & Child Development, Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) and the concerned Department of the State Governments in the region would also attend. The conference is being organised with a view to familiarize the stakeholders of adoption programme in North Eastern States about the provisions relating to adoption under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 ; and orient them about the provisions of Adoption Guidelines - 2015 as well as the online adoption process through Child Adoption Resource Information and Guidance System (CARINGS). PTI Haryana: Narrow escape for Dussehra revellers as burning effigy of Ravana falls in Yamunanagar Phase 1 of Panchayat polls in Haryana on Oct 30, Nov 2 2 killed, 1 injured in a brawl at dhaba in Haryana's Karnal Haryana govt orders to stop production of cough syrups by Maiden Pharma Murthal 'rapes': Eyewitness in case gets threat call India oi-Jagriti New Delhi, Apr 15: An eyewitness in alleged rape cases in Murthal has reportedly got threat calls for cooperating with the police. Bobby Joshi, a witness of the Jat violence in Haryana received anonymous threat calls after he gave a statement to the police in connection with the alleged gangrapes in Murthal. According to Joshi he received a call saying 'You're speaking too much, hum tumhe dekh lenge'. "I am not scared of such calls," said Joshi. "I informed police 2 days back that I had seen some boys burning vehicles and harass two women from Ludhiana," CNN-IBN quoted him as saying. Murthal 'rapes': Haryana adds gangrape section in FIR after victims file complaint "I saw the women being forced towards the farms but they somehow managed to escape. Later, I guided these women to a nearby dhaba to ensure their safety," he added. I received a call saying 'you're speaking too much, hum tumhe dekh lenge': Bobby Joshi(Murthal incident eye-witness) pic.twitter.com/ny7VauUH5R ANI (@ANI_news) April 15, 2016 I'm not scared of any threat. Another lady also saw everything that happened that day: Bobby Joshi,Eye witness pic.twitter.com/Gf49dd5duJ ANI (@ANI_news) April 15, 2016 OneIndia News Santa Claus goes down on knees in busy shopping mall to salute a World War II veteran Nation pays tribute to Major Amit Deswal martyred in operation in Manipur India oi-Shalini Imphal, April 15: The nation on Friday, April 15, paid a tearful adieu to Major Amit Deswal from Para 21, who was martyred in an encounter with the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) insurgents in Manipur's Tamenglong distrcit on Wednesday, April 13. One of the official on the condition of anonymity informed OneIndia that one militant was also killed during the combing operation undertaken by Rashtriya Rifles and Special Forces personnel. On Thursday, April 14, at around 9: 30 pm mortal remains of officer was brought from Imphal to Jorhat district in Assam in an Airfoce AN 32 aircraft of 43sqn, Johrat. Today at 6.30 am the mortal remains of the slain Major was taken back to Delhi from Jorhat. Deswal's father, Mr Ram Rishi broke down during wreath laying ceremony which was held in Imphal to pay homage to the young brave heart, who was a native of Jhajjar district in Haryana. Later, Deswal's father was seen hugging his son's collegue and breaking down. Mr Ram Rishi who also served in Indian army was the inspiration behind his son's decision of joining the Indian Army. Deswal received gunshot during the operation in his stomach and his body could not recovered because of the dense forest area and unavailability of medical aid. According to source information, Major Deswal was commissioned into the Regiment Of Artillery on June 10, 2006 and had been selected for the coveted Special Forces and was posted to Manipur in Januray. The late Major is survived by his wife and young son Aryan. Manipur CM Ibobi Singh also expressed his condolences to the bereaved father for the loss and sacrifice made by his son. Army chief Dalbir Singh Suhag also paid homage to young soldier. Here are some tweets: Army Chief Dalbir Singh pays tribute to Major Amit Deswal who was killed in encounter with ZUF militants in Manipur. pic.twitter.com/DCJva0BaRW ANI (@ANI_news) April 15, 2016 Delhi: Wreath laying ceremony of Major Amit Deswal who was killed in an encounter with ZUF militants in Manipur. pic.twitter.com/Z81SYLpi9n ANI (@ANI_news) April 15, 2016 OneIndia News A woman's body was found in a hotel room in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, ten hours after her death on April 7. Lying beside her was a new-born boy she'd delivered by herself, Nanfang Metropolis Daily reported. Local police officer Sun Yulian told the newspaper that the baby was in critical condition when she arrived at the scene after receiving a call from the hotel. Forensic tests show that the woman, 28, had given a premature birth and died of acute amniotic fluid embolism. She cut the umbilical cord by herself after delivery. A senior physician at the local hospital said the baby could have died if he hadn't been found and treated so quickly. "We didn't realize that the woman was pregnant because she was wearing very loose clothing," said the hotel owner, who went to check on the dead woman because she hadn't come out of her room for two days. The owner found the dead woman after breaking into her room. "Beside her dead body, there was a pair of scissors she used to untangle the cord," he said. "She had a cell phone which she could have used to call the police if there was any emergency." The landlord also revealed that he hadn't heard any crying during the process. A full investigation into the case is still underway. PM's visit to Kollam, a big relief: Chandy India oi-Pallavi Thiruvananthapuram, April 15: The Prime Minister's visit to the Kollam temple site where a firework accident took place just a few days ago has been received graciously by chief minister Oommen Chandy. Despite the police supremo criticizing the visit at a time when the rescue operations were going on and when the forces were tired, Chandy said that Modi's visit at the site was a big relief. Chandy said, " The PM came... that is great for people. A national leader came to Kerala and that was a big relief for Kerala people." He further added, "Their preference and help is great for Kerala. We all focus on giving the best treatment to injured people." Just a few hours after the deadly incident claimed the lives of 100 people, PM Narendra Modi visited the site with 15 specialists from Delhi. However, Kerala's Director General of Police TP said,"I did object to the idea of the Prime Minister visiting the region within 12 hours of the accident. I told them it would be better for the PM to visit the spot a day after the disaster. But the PM wanted to visit that day itself. Our entire force had been working from early morning, engaged in rescue and relief work. So much work was still left and all of them were tired because there was no provision of even drinking water. We had to make arrangements for the safety and security of Prime Minister Modi and Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi too." Union Minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy came to Modi's defence and said, "Fortunately, we have the PM who takes the call. He could have visited early in the morning, but he waited till evening, he waited for the rescue operations to be over." Close to 100 were killed and over 1000 injured after a spark ignited fireworks stored in a shed during the firework display in the temple premises. Supported by local politicians, the temple authorities had backed the display despite warnings from the authorities. OneIndia News For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Friday, April 15, 2016, 15:00 [IST] With AQI of 259, Delhi's air on day before Diwali least polluted in 7 years Political ambitions behind claims for Ambedkar's legacy, say experts India oi-IANS By Ians English New Delhi, April 15: Political parties seem to be seeking to outdo each other in claiming the legacy B. R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the constitution, but are they true to his teachings? Experts say that support for Ambedkar is driven more by political motives rather than a clear understanding of his work. Apoorvanand Jha, who teaches at Delhi University and frequently writes on Dalit issues, said that support of political parties for Ambedkar "is not inspired by his work or struggle" and no political party has been able to do justice to his legacy. "The attempt to appropriate Baba Saheb Ambedkar's legacy by political parties is obscene because this is no real love or respect for him. No political party has been able to do justice to his legacy," Jha told IANS. Ambedkar's 125th anniversary was observed on Thursday. A series of events were held by different political parties throughout the country to send a signal about their adherence to the values he espoused. Jha said no political party has carried out major social reforms and they have retained practices which perpetuate the prevalence of caste. Describing Dalits as the "new democratic class," Jha said they were the "most energised, liberal, vital, and upcoming political force". "They have become a constituency, which everyone is trying to appeal to and Baba Saheb is an icon of that constituency. Their target is not Baba Saheb but the constituency," he saids. Coomenting on the Left parties, Jha said it is pertinent for them to establish a rigrous intellectual engagement with Ambedkar before plunging into any alliance. Kancha Ilaiah, an academician, writer and activist for Dalit rights, said Ambedkar wanted to bring about a lot of change in society. "He had written about it in several books. He wanted to remove inequality, caste system and untouchability from the society," Ilaiah told IANS. Ilaiah said there was were political motives behind efforts by right-wing forces to appropriate Ambedkar's legacy and the ruling BJP was trying to co-opt him in major ways. He said if political parties and the government neglect Ambedkar, they will be seen as anti-people. "There is definitely a political motive because RSS is an organisation which wants primacy of upper caste and the Brahmins," Ilaiah contended. Badri Narayan, a professor at the Centre for the Study of Discrimination and Exclusion, School of Social Sciences, JNU, said that Dalit community was a "huge vote bank" for political parties. "Dalits are a huge vote bank in India, about 15 percent. That is why they are trying to co-opt him. The reasons are very political. In Uttar Pradesh, Dalits are about 21 percent of the population and 31 percent in Punjab," Narayan told IANS. Prakash Karat, former general secretary of the Communist Party of India-Marxist, said it was ironical that BJP was trying to appropriate Ambedkar "Ambedkar was one of the most trenchant critics of Hindutva and all forms of Hindu orthodoxy, with the whole caste system that is based on Hinduism and he rejected that. So, it is ironical that the BJP is trying to appropriate him, minus his radical democratic secular vision," Karat maintained Aam Aadmi Party AAP leader Ashutosh also accused BJP of trying to appropriate Ambedkar's legacy. "The RSS and Narendra Modi are trying to appropriate Ambedkar, but they know they can't digest his observations on Hinduism. Ambedkar is the antithesis of the RSS brand of Hinduism which is elitist and does not accommodate Dalits. The RSS icon is (Veer) Savarakar not Ambedkar," he said. The Bharatiya Janata Party's Srikant Sharma denied that his party was seeking to appropriate Ambedkar and said Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh - the ideological fountainhead of the BJP - has always believed in social harmony. "We are not trying to appropriate Ambedkar. The RSS has always believed in samajik samrasta (social harmony). It has been a tradition in RSS that whenever a worker or prachark goes out, he dines at the home of a Dalit worker," Sharma told IANS. He also accused Congress and the Left parties of not respecting his legacy. K. Raju, chairman of the Congress' scheduled caste department, said his party's association with Ambedkar has been for long. "It was this association that guided the Congress to support him in drafting each and every article of the constitution in the right spirit," he said. "We are committed to realizing his vision of aone man-one value', which has not been achieved yet," he added. IANS Woman gets 50 stitches on head, hand, leg after pet Pit bull attacks her Shocking accident caught on cam: Speedy car hits bike, kills one on the spot Caught on camera: Cop 'accidentally' fires at at mobile shop employee in Amritsar Rahul Gandhi to meet Congress leaders in Punjab tomorrow India oi-PTI Chandigarh, Apr 15: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi will meet party workers and leaders in Punjab and discuss issues related to Assembly polls next year and the party's preparedness. The meeting, organised by poll strategist Prashant Kishor's organisation Indian Political Action Committee, assumes significance as the state Congress, which faced "factionalism", wants to "put up a united face" to take on SAD-BJP alliance and emerging AAP in the polls. Rahul Gandhi demands CBI probe into Dalit girl's murder Senior Congress leaders Jagmeet Brar and Bir Davinder Singh were suspended for their outbursts against party leaders, especially Amarinder Singh. Rahul will reach Zirakpur around 11:30 am tomorrow and will hold a meeting with party workers and leaders. He will stay there till 4 pm, sources said. Almost 2,000-2,500 party members including sitting MLAs, MPs, ex-MLAs, block presidents, and other office bearers will attend the meeting, they said. Congress faced defeat in 2007 and 2012 Punjab Assembly polls and aims to wrest power in 2017. On April 9, Rahul held a meeting, to discuss political and organisational challenges in Punjab, with Congress leaders, including in-charge of party affairs in Punjab Shakeel Ahmad, state unit chief Amarinder Singh, Ambika Soni, CLP leader Charanjit Singh Channi, AICC Secretary Harish Choudhry and Prashant Kishor. Prashant Kishor, who played a key role in victories of Narendra Modi-led BJP in the general elections and JD(U)-RJD-Congress alliance in Bihar, will help Congress in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, where elections are scheduled for next year. PTI Bernie Sanders arrives in Rome to attend Vatican conference International oi-PTI Vatican City, Apr 15: Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders issued a global call to action at the Vatican on Friday to address "immoral and unsustainable" wealth inequality and poverty and warn of the consequences to future generations if solutions are not found. He cited Pope Francis and St John Paul II repeatedly during his speech to the Vatican conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of a landmark teaching document from John Paul on social and economic justice after the Cold War. Sanders hopes to meet Pope on Vatican campaign break Sanders arrived in Rome hours after yesterday night's New York debate, saying the opportunity to address the Vatican conference was too meaningful to pass up. The roughly 24-hour visit precedes Tuesday's crucial New York primary, which Sanders must do well in to maintain any viable challenge against Clinton. The Vermont senator told the audience of priests, bishops, academics and two South American presidents that rather than a world economy that looks out for the common good, "we have been left with an economy operated for the top 1 percent, who get richer and richer as the working class, the young and the poor fall further and further behind." Sanders warned that youth around the world are no longer satisfied with the status quo, which includes "corrupt and broken politics and an economy of stark inequality and injustice." "They are not satisfied with the destruction of our environment by a fossil fuel industry whose greed has put short term profits ahead of climate change and the future of our planet," he said. "They are calling out for a return to fairness; for an economy that defends the common good by ensuring that every person, rich or poor, has access to quality health care, nutrition and education." He sat next to the other main guest of honor at the Vatican: Bolivian President Evo Morales, whose is renowned for his anti-imperialist, socialist rhetoric. As he walked through Vatican City's Perugino gate, Sanders was greeted about two dozen supporters, some of whom carried signs bearing Sanders' name. The senator told reporters that he was honored to address the conference and admired Francis' message on the economy and the environment. "I know that it's taking me away from the campaign trail for a day but when I received this information it was so moving to me that it was something that I could just simply not refuse to attend," he said. Pope Francis apologized that he couldn't personally greet participants at the Vatican conference. No meeting with Sanders was expected. PTI Trumps election in 2016 was not an entertainment for many; in fact it was a trauma: Report Clinton, Sanders spar in Brooklyn debate International oi-IANS By Ians English New York, April 15: Democrat front-runner Hillary Clinton and her rival Bernie Sanders ratcheted up their attacks in a bruising, final debate in Brooklyn, New York, as he cast doubt on her judgment and she criticised his command of policy and record on guns. The debate was hosted by TV channels CNN and NY1 News on Thursday night and came only a few days before New York's critical primary on April 19. It's the first debate the two Democratic candidates have done in over a month. Sanders delivered first opening statement where he accused Clinton of "lacking the kind of judgment we need to be the kind of president we need." But he found himself on defence for not releasing his taxes and said he would do so on Friday, CNN reported. Clinton again found herself in the spotlight for her paid speeches to big banks, declining to release the transcripts when pressed by CNN moderators. But she counterpunched by referring to Sanders' trouble explaining some of his core policies in an interview with the New York Daily News. The debate was the most combative yet, with the two delivering harsh attacks that at points needed intervention from the moderators. The event, held just across the river from Wall Street, in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, quickly turned to the issue of the big banks and their perceived excesses. When asked to name a single policy decision Clinton made as senator that showed she was favouring the banks, Sanders said that when the "greed and recklessness and illegal behaviour of Wall Street" led to the financial crisis, he had called on the big banks to be broken up -- while Clinton was "busy giving speeches to Goldman Sachs." Clinton shot back saying, "He cannot come up with any example because there is no example ... It's always important -- it may be inconvenient -- but it's always important to get the facts straight." The two also displayed intense friction over gun control. Throughout the campaign, Clinton has criticized Sanders' record in Congress on gun control -- an attack she once again made forcefully on Thursday night. When asked Clinton if she was seriously blaming Vermont for New York's gun violence in a recent statement, she said "no" and Sanders started to laugh. She said this is "not a laughing matter" and said 90 people a day are killed as a result of gun violence as well as 33,000 people per year. "We need a president who will stand up against the gun lobby," Clinton said. The heated debate quickly exposed tensions on the issue of income inequality -- specifically, raising the minimum wage. Hillary Clinton accuses Bernie Sanders of playing 'games Sanders expressing surprise as Clinton voiced support for efforts to set the hourly pay rate at $15, the level he has long backed. "I don't know how you're there for the fight for 15 when you say you want a $12 minimum wage," he said. Clinton then clarified that while she does support a $12 per hour federal minimum wage, she would sign legislation raising that level to $15. The location of the debate, across the East River from Manhattan, make it a home-turf battle for both candidates. Clinton served as a New York senator for eight years and Brooklyn is the location of her campaign headquarters, while Sanders was born and raised in the borough. Polls show Clinton is likely to defeat Sanders in New York. A Quinnipiac University poll released on Tuesday found 53 percent of likely Democratic voters back her while 40 percent said they are for Sanders. IANS India, Saudi Arabia to set up expert teams to seal projects International oi-IANS By Ians English Riyadh, April 15: Inviting Saudi Arabia investors to tap the opportunities emerging from India's new hydrocarbons exploration policy, Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has agreed with the kingdom's leadership to form expert teams from the two sides to expedite specific projects. This emerged during a series of meetings here as part of Pradhan's one-day visit to the kingdom, during which he met with Vice Minister for Petroleum Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud, and Health Minister and Chairman of Aramco Khalid Al Falih, an official statement said on Friday. "Pradhan elaborated on the hydrocarbon exploration licensing policy and discovered small fields policy and invited the Saudi side to invest in Indian upstream sector. The Saudi side also provided details of investment opportunities for Indian companies in their country," the statement said. "Both sides agreed to conclude discussions regarding concrete investment proposals in a time-bound manner. They also agreed to appoint high level negotiation teams for various projects which would be periodically reviewed at minister level." Saudi Arabia has been the largest supplier of crude oil to India. The kingdom supplied about 40 million metric tonnes of crude to India in 2015-16, accounting for about 20 percent of total oil imports. India also imported 3 million metric tonnes of cooking fuel from the kingdom, or 28 percent of its needs. Officials said the meetings also came against the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit here earlier this month when the two sides discussed ways to enhancing cooperation in the oil and gas sector -- also one of the key issues brought up by the two Saudi leaderships. "Pradhan's visit was a follow up to take forward the discussions regarding various investment proposals in areas like oil, gas, petrochemicals, exploration and production. He shared the details of various investment opportunities in India in downstream and upstream sectors," the statement said. IANS Former US state secy John Kerry trying to save Iran deal by himself: Report Kerry says Navy ship could have fired on Russian planes International oi-PTI Miami, Apr 15: Under US military rules of engagement, the Navy ship that Russian military jets buzzed in the Baltic Sea this week could have opened fire, Secretary of State John Kerry said. The guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook reported that pairs of Russian Su-24 attack planes made numerous close-range passes on Monday and Tuesday. The planes appeared to be unarmed. On at least one occasion, an Su-24 came within an estimated 30 feet (9 metres) of the Cook, which was in international waters about 70 nautical miles from the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad. The Cook did not respond except to unsuccessfully query the Russian pilots by radio. In remarks to CNN Espanol, Kerry condemned the Russian actions and said that "under the rules of engagement" it "could have been a shoot-down." In all cases, a military commander has the authority to defend his or her ship, plane or other unit. The commander is expected to use his or her best judgement to determine whether the ship faces an imminent threat. White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the US has raised its concerns through its military defence representative at the US Embassy in Moscow. AP Mexico federal agents implicated in 43 students' disappearance International oi-PTI Mexico City, Apr 14: Two Mexican federal police officers allegedly participated in the disappearance of 43 students, the National Human Rights Commission said today, implicating national agents in the 2014 case for the first time. The announcement adds a new twist to an investigation that has come under fire from international human rights groups and independent investigators. The attorney general's office has charged municipal police officers in connection with the mass abduction in the southern city of Iguala on September 26-27, 2014. But the governmental rights commission said that an eyewitness saw two federal agents near Iguala's courthouse, where municipal officers had stopped a bus carrying 15 to 20 students. The commission also said another local police department, from the town of Huitzuco, had a previously unknown role in the disappearance. The bus was one of five that around 100 students had seized that night in order to use them for a future protest. Jose Larrieta Carrasco, a commission official investigating the Iguala case, said authorities should look into a "new route in the disappearance" of the students. The attorney general's office declared last year that Iguala and Cocula police officers abducted the students and delivered them to a drug cartel. The gang then killed the students, incinerated their bodies at a garbage dump in Cocula, and dropped the remains in a nearby river. But experts from the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights who conducted an independent investigation said that there was no scientific evidence that the 43 students were incinerated at the dump. AFP Nine dead in Japan quake International oi-IANS By Ians English Tokyo, April 15: At least nine people were killed and hundreds injured after a powerful quake rocked Japan late on Thursday, media reports said on Friday. The 6.5-magnitude earthquake struck at 9.26 p.m. and measured seven on Japan's seismic scale, the highest possible reading for an earthquake, marking the first time a temblor in Japan hit the peak on the scale since the devastating quake in Tohoku in 2011. The town of Mashiki, in Kumamoto prefecture, located in southern Kyushu, was where the quake hit hardest and was logged at an intensity of 7, although the Japan Meteorological Agency did not issue a tsunami warning, Xinhua reported. The quake, which was followed by 103 aftershocks according to the the weather agency as of early Friday morning some measuring in the upper six range on Japan's scale, left nine people dead. Three of the deceased were men and the four were women, officials confirmed. As many as 765 people were injured in the quake and the aftershocks, officials said, as of 5 a.m., 53 of whom are suffering with severe injuries. Some 44,400 people were forced to evacuate their homes and take shelter in 500 temporary sites in the prefecture, officials also said. Strong 6.4-magnitude earthquake hits southwestern Japan, no danger of tsunami The majority of Japan's nuclear power plants remain offline for regular safety inspections and in the wake of the earthquake-triggered tsunami in March 2011, that pummeled the Daiichi nuclear facility in Fukushima Prefecture, in Japan's northeast, leading to the worst commercial nuclear crisis in history. Japan's National Police Agency has deployed 1,084 officers from 19 local police departments to the disaster-hit regions. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe told a press briefing that the government will do everything in its power to support the victims of the quake and ensure emergency provisions such as food, water and medical assistance are on hand to those who need it. IANS Panama Papers claim new victim as Spain minister quits International oi-PTI Madrid, April 15: The worldwide Panama Papers scandal claimed a fresh political victim on Friday, April 15 as Spain's industry minister resigned over allegations he had links to offshore companies. Jose Manuel Soria said he had tendered his resignation "in light of the succession of mistakes committed along the past few days, relating to my explanations over my business activities... and considering the obvious harm that this situation is doing to the Spanish government." Soria's troubles began on Monday when Spanish online daily El Confidencial, which has had access to the Panama Papers -- millions of files leaked from law firm Mossack Fonseca -- said he was an administrator of an offshore firm in 1992. Soria called a news conference to deny any link to the company, but as the week went by, more allegations emerged from other media outlets, revealing further alleged connections to offshore havens. It is unclear as yet whether any of his alleged actions were illegal. Soria is the latest political victim of the Panama Papers leak, which revealed how the world's wealthy stashed assets in offshore companies and which the law firm blamed on a computer hack. Iceland's Prime Minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson was also forced to resign over the leaks. In his statement, Soria said politics "is an activity that must always be exemplary, also where... explanations are concerned." "When that doesn't happen, one must assume one's responsibilities," he added, in an indication that he was resigning due to how he had handled the revelations, rather than over any irregularities. The initial revelations showed that Soria's name appeared alongside his brother's as administrator of a company based in the Bahamas created through Panama-based Mossack Fonseca. He denied any links to that firm, and said he had told Spanish prosecutors to clear his name with the Panamanian authorities. But then other media revealed that Soria had links with another company based in the offshore haven of Jersey until 2002, when he was mayor of Las Palmas in Spain's Canary Islands. IANS Presidential candidate U Htin Kyaw (L) of the National League for Democracy (NLD) arrives at the Union Parliament in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, March 15, 2016. U Htin Kyaw from National League for Democracy (NLD) was elected as new president of Myanmar. (Xinhua/U Aung) After months of suspense, a democratic government took the mantle to govern Myanmar. U Htin Kyaw, a long-time aid of Aung San Suu Kyi, is the new President. In reality, Suu Kyi will remain at the real center of power. Although the existing constitution denies Suu Kyi the top post, she has been vested with key portfolios such as education, electric power, energy and foreign ministry, apart from holding the Office of the Presidency. To allow her more legroom, a constitutional amendment was made to create the position of State Advisor, effectively making her the de facto ruler. Thus, in every sense Htin Kyaw will be the rubber stamp head and Suu Kyi will act as the real face of the new government. While the government formation was billed as a most difficult exercise, it turned out to be a smooth affair. Even the military members of parliament (MP) who raised a lot of opposition to Suu Kyi becoming advisor received an unprecedented mandate that the National League for Democracy (NLD) received in the November 2015 general elections. This could be because the military members know well the challenges facing a new government. From the unprecedented mandate that the NLD received from all regions and sections of Burmese populations, it is clear that the new government carries a huge burden of expectations. Many may not understand that this resource rich country has one of the lowest (after Cambodia) per capita GDP in the Southeast Asian region. In most key human development indicators, Myanmar sits at the bottom of the pit in Southeast Asia. The country's infrastructure, be it roads, railways or waterways, are creaky and crumbling. Also, due to long years of military rule, most of its service delivery institutions are rusty and out of sync with new realities. While the country might have a youthful population and an abundant supply of labor, jobs available are few and far between. It will test the capacities of new government to transform an ossified bureaucracy with a military mentality and deliver on key premises of governance and inclusive development. Those who are following the affairs of the Myanmar political economy know well that it is one of the most unequal societies in Asia. While the country's economic profile has taken a positive turnaround, thanks largely in part to China and its Southeast Asian neighbors, most of the benefits of such high growth have been captured by the military elites and their cronies, leaving millions of people to fend for themselves. Therefore, bridging inequality and creating a future for the millions of the poor and impoverished population would be the foremost preoccupation of the new government. With AQI of 259, Delhi's air on day before Diwali least polluted in 7 years Pakistan completes O-turn, says talks with India are on International oi-IANS By Ians English Islamabad, April 15: A week after Pakistan High Commissioner Abdul Basit said "at present the peace process is suspended", Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesman Nafees Zakaria on Thursday said the door for negotiations with India was very much open. [Has Panama Papers leak affected India-Pakistan peace talks?] "Yes, dialogue is the best option," Zakaria said in response to a question whether the door was still open for negotiations between India and Pakistan at his weekly media briefing in Islamabad. "Diplomacy is for interaction and engagement between countries," he said. Asked at the Foreign Correspondents Club in New Delhi in a media interaction on April 7 about a meeting between the foreign secretaries of the two countries, Mr Basit had said, "There is no meeting scheduled for now. I think at present the peace process is suspended." Foreign secretary-level talks between the two countries scheduled for the middle of January this year were derailed following the terror attack on the Pathankot Air Force base in which seven security personnel were killed. Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad had claimed responsibility for the attack in which the six attackers were also killed. The two neighbours had agreed to start a comprehensive bilateral dialogue during a meeting between External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Sartaj Aziz, the advisor to the Pakistan prime minister on foreign affairs, in December. It came after Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif had a seemingly impromptu meeting at the Conference of Parties (CoP)-21 climate summit in Paris on November 30 last year which was followed by a meeting between the national security advisors of the two nuclear-armed neighbours in Bangkok on December 6. The neighbourly rapport got a significant boost when PM Modi made a surprising stop at Lahore on his way back to New Delhi from Kabul on Christmas Day on the occasion of his counterpart's birthday. However, the terror attack in Pathankot on January 2 strained relations between the two countries. India said it sent "actionable evidence" to Pakistani authorities against those behind the attacks. Pakistan filed an FIR in Gujranwala in February against unknown terrorists in connection with the airbase attack. It then sent a joint investigation team (JIT) to India last month to probe the attack. Basit held the press conference after the JIT's departure. In Thursday's media briefing, Zakaria said that during PM Modi's visit to Pakistan in December, it was decided that the two foreign secretaries should meet soon. "It is hoped that both sides would work out modalities for the FS level talks. We need to look ahead and not think in terms foreclosing any options. Both sides are in contact with each other. Once the modalities are worked out secretary-level talks would take place," he said. Replying to a range of questions, Zakaria said, "At our level here in the ministry, we do not give a day-to-day running commentary on official policy." As to the visit of the JIT, he said that it was evaluating the information shared by the Indian side. "It may be appropriate to allow the investigations to take its due course rather than indulge in speculations," the spokesman said. To a question about Kirpal Singh, an Indian prisoner who died in Pakistan on April 11 following what the authorities claimed was a heart attack, Mr Zakaria said that it was "not appropriate to see everything through the prism of suspicion and conspiracy". "He was kept in intensive care at the hospital but he could not survive. He was given death sentence and life imprisonment by anti-terrorism court," he said. "We have communicated this information to the Indian high commission in Islamabad," he added. IANS Youth questions Mamata on FB chat, finds remark deleted, himself blocked Kolkata oi-Shubham Kolkata, April 15: Purandar Bhat, a student of Economics who resides in Mumbai, put some questions before West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during a live Facebook session which was joined by the latter on April 13 (Wednesday). 2011 results in 56 seats going to polls on April 17" title="Assembly Polls 2016 Full Coverage; 2011 results in 56 seats going to polls on April 17" />Assembly Polls 2016 Full Coverage; 2011 results in 56 seats going to polls on April 17 Bhat logged on at sharp 8.30 pm when Banerjee's live chatting was scheduled to begin and saw a few had already put some formal questions before her. Bhat then put across 10 questions related to various burning issues in Bengal politics and expected that the CM would reply them as she was answering questions on her health, earthquake (a quake in India-Myanmar border on that evening caused minor tremors in West Bengal also), election and others with care. Bhat's comment received many 'likes' and replies and was at the top for sometime. But to his utter disappointment, Bhat saw that his comment was not only deleted after some time, even he was blocked from making further remarks on Banerjee's Facebook page. In a Facebook post, Bhat asked if Banerjee can not tolerate anybody questioning her, then what was the need for the "drama"? He said this is the same leader and his party who lecture others on intolerance and create ruckus in Parliament. Here are the 10 questions that Bhat asked the Bengal CM: 1. Why didn't you punish those police officers found guilty by the CBI in the Nandigram case? 2. Why haven't you published the Singur agreement still? 3. How many paintings have you sold in last four years? 4. Which scheme is used by you and your ministers that helps your assets multiply by 3-4 times in five years? I also want to make use of the same. 5. Who is the owner of the Sonar Tari hotel in Puri? 6. If you are receiving donation from Narada, where are the receipts? 7. How many big industries have you set up in five years? 8. You claimed to have created 68 lakh jobs. In that case, why are there so many jobless people still registered with the employment bank? 9. When will the TET (Teacher Eligibility Test) results come out? 10. Who did your MLA Iqbal refer to when he told Babi Hakim (Bengal's urban development Minister) that the MLAs of Hoogly district are plundering money? Why have you made them candidates this time again? 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. Flash Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev here on Wednesday awards the highest state order to Chinese Ambassador to Bulgaria Wei Jinghua for his contributions to the development of bilateral ties. In recent years, the two countries have exchanged visits at the highest levels, and bilateral relations enter a new phase of intensive development, Plevneliev says when he decorates Wei with the Order of the Stara Planina, First Class. Wei has contributed to the deepening of bilateral dialogue under the "16+1" cooperation, bilateral trade and export of Bulgarian products to China both increased during his diplomatic term in Bulgaria, Plevneliev says. The two countries have also signed a number of important agreements in the fields of agriculture, education, tourism, maritime transport, fight against crime, and a memorandum to promote the Belt and Road Initiative. Wei says mutual trust at the political level between the two countries has been growing steadily, and the benefits to both nations are becoming more tangible. He adds that the order is not only an honor for himself, but also a recognition of the work of the entire team of the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria. 2016 China Forex Expo Integrates Financial Knowledge with Online Performance Dynamics Published April 15, 2016 by Lee R The first investors to understand this emerging field will be best positioned to pass along the benefits to financial services clients. Tune-in for the 2016 China Forex Expo, taking place in Shenzen this weekend. The 2016 China Forex Expo is bringing together forex brokers, IBs, binary options leaders, affiliates , and investors to provide financial perspective on technology investment. The Overview Taking place on this weekend, April 16-17, 2016, the agenda is chock full of keynote speeches, networking events and panels designed to give readers a foundational perspective on the emerging field of forex, or foreign exchange, as it relates to digital products and online services. Connection to iGaming The financial viability of online enterprises such as iGaming or specific iGaming companies or features is determined by many moving parts, most of which are not visible to the passing investor or casual observer. The 2016 China Forex Expo will feature pioneers in foreign exchange who will provide insider insight into this emerging field for all who attend. Awards and Keynote Speech Highlight Day 1 The first day features an awards presentation to honor categories of excellence exemplified by forex companies and individuals over the previous year. This is followed by the keynote speech of the day, delivered by FXMT Pty Ltd Trading Operations Director Cory Vi, entitled How do Forex Trader/Dealer make money for their banks? In this so-called power-packed presentation of information, Vi will shed light on what happens in foreign exchange dealing rooms, and how to benefit from this insight in the pursuit of wealth creation. Bringing Forex to Public Investors This is just one of a variety of forex topics and speeches that will be presented at China Forex 2016, when the elusive concepts surrounding foreign exchange will be brought to light so that attendees can harness the full benefits of this emerging and vital field. About FXMT Founded by a group of professionals with over 50 years of collective experience in financial markets across Australia, UK and SE Asia across multiple asset classes from both the sell side and buy side FXMT forex service supports include the functional skills brought by these professionals include sales, trading, operations, legal and compliance. By Ifeanyi Izeze No matter how anybody wants to paint the picture, it can no longer be disputed that Nigeria now faces one of her worst periods of insecurity manifesting in violent extremism, rampant cases of kidnapping, cattle rustling, herder/ farmers violent conflicts and murderous campaign of bandits across Nigeria particularly in the Northwest. Does anybody still doubt that the body language of this government is showing that either it is complicit in the spate of massacres in the Northwest and elsewhere across the country or has no iota of idea on what to do and how to do it and do it well? Meanwhile, President Mohammadu Buhari came with a three point agenda topmost of which was ensuring security of lives and properties across the country. How he has implemented this remains at best blurred and at worst obscured. Adding to the absurd, the Nigerian Army now do more in gathering intelligence on politicians that want to scuttle the May 29th inauguration of Buharis second tenure than think of gathering intelligence on the various terrorists miscreants that have taken over the Northwest and the rest. So if a foreign country has cogent intelligence on any Nigerian politician trying to cause trouble in this country, is it the Army they would pass on such intelligence to announce to the public through press statements or the DSS, Police and/or NIA? Do we still need any convincing to know that something is happening in this government that the ordinary Nigerians are not paying attention to? When the massacre by Fulani bandits was localized in Zamfara, it was described as fallout of the activities of illegal mining mafias pillaging the abundant heavy minerals: gold, diamond and maybe Uranium in the area. The criminality gradually crept into Kaduna, Sokoto, Kebbi and now Katsina. So do we still believe the illegal mining mafia conspiracy theory by the government? If our leaders could only stop deceiving themselves by giving us these explanations that could best be described as stupid and call the spade what it really is, we will well on the road to genuine and effective solution to the problem. Now Miyetti Allah has been clearly identified by top managers of our security agencies to be responsible for the spate of killings, massacre of scores of villages, kidnappings, rape etc in the Northwest and across the country but rather than carry out mass arrest of both their leaders and the foot soldiers, our government is talking of giving them over a hundred billion to pacify them while the group is insisting on N160 billion or nothing as widely reported. You see the country we call Nigeria? The Buhari administration is on record as having paid billions in both Naira and Dollars to the terrorists/bandits in ransom and protection money over the last four years and what did it achieve? Only one thing and thats grossly strengthening the marauders and assisted their mutiny and armed banditry against the Nigerian state. No wonder they are being emboldened more and more everyday. ALSO READ: Even cows are happy with Presidents reelection Fulani herdsmen Who actually thinks for this government? Does it occur to the hollow heads manning our security agencies that the mere idea of proposing such dole has already created a problem for this country as several other groups will now spring up over night to visit our people with unprecedented mayhem that will attract and force this same government to also negotiate their own largees? Hear the President of Miyetti Allah, Muhammad Kiruwa: This is the first of its kind in the history of this country for a president of the country to direct his security aids to interact with an aggrieved party to air their views. This meeting will serve as a foundation for peace between the Fulani herdsmen and farmers, and amongst the Fulanis themselves. Without mincing words, the top command of the current national security team made up of mostly one ethnic affiliation same with the armed fulani herdsmen and bandits, have always made decisions that reflects their biasness and inclination to pamper and protect these armed bandits who ought to be dealt a heavy blow in line with the constitutional provisions. Why are the pythons not dancing and crocodiles not smiling in those areas of the Northwest? Is it not clear that either the people at the top echelon of our security apparatuses may be behind this problem or they know what the rest of us dont know? There is something the government people know that they are not telling us. How can we continue like this as a country of serious- minded people? It will be an obvious tramadol trip in self deceit for anybody including the service chiefs and those politicians that run the government to continue to delude themselves that they are safer than the rest of the people. The Daura kidnap incident is a clear case at hand except it was staged managed. Just look at: it started as a local banditry in Zamfara, gradually it crept to Sokoto, Kebbi and Kaduna up to the extent that even top military and government officials and their families can no longer go to their homes in the entire Northwest except by train to Kaduna. Is it when the criminals get to Abuja and the Presidential Villa that Buhari and his security Chiefs will know that there is a problem? Kaduna especially the southern parts is terribly decimated as villages with its peoples are wiped -off almost on daily basis and nobody including the state governor is doing anything serious and sincere to address the spate of mayhem aside organizing arrangee visits with the military top commanders to establish it was an inter-tribal conflict between the Fulanis and the indigenous people of Southern Kaduna. The Abuja Kaduna road spate of kidnapping and armed robbery, is also as a result of the activities of the illegal mining mafias of Zamfara or the inter -tribal conflict between Fulanis and the indigenous people of Southern Kaduna, abi? The situation in the Southern parts of the country is not better either as kidnapping has become the new hobby of miscreants including security officials as Port Harcourt and Benin people can boldly tell you. Frankly speaking, Fani Kayode hit the nail on the head in one of his comments as he said: Our country is now exhibiting all the basic and fundamental characteristics of a classic failed state where, in parts of the north, the Federal Government and its security forces no longer have any control and can no longer claim to exert a monopoly of violence. If this is not the case why would the Federal Government be offering Miyetti Allah and the terrorist Fulani herdsmen billions of naira to stop butchering, maiming, kidnapping and tormenting the Nigerian people and stealing their land and mineral resources. Governments are meant to fight and crush terrorists and terrorist organisations and defend their people and not beg or negotiate with them but this is the opposite of what we see today in the North. How long can we continue like this as a country? God help Nigeria! (IFEANYI IZEZE: [email protected]; 234-8033043009) Post Views: 49 By Ediale Kingsley Again, match day 2, between Ajax of Amsterdam and Tottenham Spurs ends like a movie plot, with all the suspense, drama and stunts. At the end of the first half it was Ajax that had two goals in and both legs in the final. Then Pochettinos boys needed 3 goals in the second half to snatch away a place in the final. And that they did unfashionably! Lucas Moura scored what will be the most important hat trick of his career to make it an all English final in Madrid. Now one thing is certain, it will trophy 13th for England. But how does that figure compares to other nations? Spain tops the chart, Real Madrid alone has the exact number of trophy that England can boast of even after Liverpool or Tottenham wins it. Here is the list of UCL Winners according to the number of trophies won: Madrid 13 Milan 7 Bayern Munich 5 Liverpool 5 Barcelona 5 Ajax 4 Inter Milan 3 Manchester United 3 Juventus 2 Benfica 2 Nottingham Forest 2 Porto 2 Celtic 1 Hamburg 1 Steaua Bucuresti 1 Marseille 1 Borussia Dortmund 1 Chelsea 1 Feyenoord 1 Aston Villa 1 PSV Eindhoven 1 Red Star Belgrade 1 Post Views: 39 You are here: Home Flash Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday vowed to stay tough with the West, stressing his country is not isolated internationally. Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a televised question-and-answer session in Moscow, Russia, on April 14, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua] Russia has "very friendly relations" with the overwhelming majority of countries worldwide, said Putin during his annual live Q-and-A session with the Russian public. Russia currently has good cooperation with the United States on the fight against terrorism, he said, expressing the hope that the cooperation can lead to positive results on the Syrian crisis. Putin promised trade policy reforms to offset the damage of Western sanctions, and said that the sanctions are unlikely to be lifted in the near future. He said Russia would retain counter-sanctions, urging the West to repeal the restrictions "in their own interests." Russia's relations with the West plummeted after the outbreak of the Ukrainian crisis in late 2013. Flooding has, in the last few years, wreaked havoc on the country. This year may not be different. The Federal Government has given insights into how to address the problem. It has become an annual ritual for the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA) to roll out flood forecast for the country every year. The forecast provides information that enables states and some Nigerians living in flood plains to brace up for likely flooding. The Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) was initiated in 2013 by the Federal Government following the 2012 flood disaster that wreaked havoc in the country, destroying thousands of lives and properties worth millions. Since 2013, NIHSA has continually issued flood warnings and alerts to states. The country has been at the receiving end of excess water from neighbouring countries because of River Niger which traverses about seven countries and River Benue, both passing through Nigeria. However, despite their flood forecasts and alert, the country has continuously lost lives and properties to flood every year. This is largely due to noncompliance with the flood alert and warnings of the agency as well as bad environmental practices by Nigerians. For example, in 2018, about 441,251 people were affected by flood in about 50 Local Government Areas, according to the National Emergency Management Agency. About 192 people sustained injuries as a result of the flood with a total of 108 lives lost to the disaster. With Kogi (118,199), Kebbi (94,991), Anambra (64,331) and Niger state (51,719) most people affected. This year, the agency has again issued another alert for states and Nigerians, saying that there is a probability that a total of 600 Local Government Areas will witness flooding when the rainy season begins in full. The local government include: Katsina Musawa; Kebbi Dandi, Kalgo, Koko/Besse, Suru, Aliero, Argungu, Augie, Bagudo, BirninKebbi, Bunza, Ngaski, Shanga; Niger Borgu, Agwara, Magama, Lapai, Mokwa, Shiroro, Wushishi, Bida, Edati, Gbako, Mashegu, Munya; Sokoto Sabon Birni, Tambuwal, Wurno,Yabo, Gwadabawa, Goronyo, Isa, Kware, Rabah, Shagari Bodinga, Tureta, Silame, DangeShuni, Wurno, Yabo, Wamako; Zamfara Maru, Talata-Mafara, Zurmi, Birnin-Magaji/ Kiyawa, Bakura, Bungudu Shinkafi, Gusau, KauraNamoda, Maradun; Kaduna Kauru, Soba, Chikun, Igabi, Kaduna South. Others are: Kwara Asa, Ilorin West, Oyun, Pategi; Adamawa Demsa, Fufore, Gombi, Numan, Shelleng, Yola North, Yola South; Gombe Balanga, Balanga, Dukku, Funakaye, Gombe, Kwami, Nafada; Taraba Ardo-Kola, Karim Lamido, Jalingo, Lau, Ibi; Nasarawa Keffi, NassarawaEggon, Keana, Doma, Toto, Nassarawa; Benue Tarka, Buruku, Guma, Agatu, Tarka; Delta Aniocha North, Bomadi, Ndokwa East, Ndokwa West, Oshimili North, Oshimili South, Patani, Ughelli South; Rivers Abua/Odual, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Akuku-Toru, Andoni, Asari-Toru, Bonny, Gokana, Ogu/Bolo, Okrika, Opobo/Nkoro, Port-Harcourt; Anambra Anaocha, Awka South, Dunukofia, Njikoka, Ogbaru, Orumba North, Oyi; Imo Aboh-Mbaise, Ezinihite, Ideato South, Ideato North, Ihitte/Uboma, Isiala Mbaitoli, Isu, Mbaitoli, Nkwerre, Obowo, Okigwe, Orlu, Owerri Municipal, Owerri North, Owerri West, Unuimo; Cross River Akpabuyo, Bakasi, Biase, Calabar, Ikom, Obubra, and Yalla. The agency classified the countrys flood scenarios for this year into three categories of vulnerability. The three categories of vulnerability include the highly probable flood risk areas which are to be experienced in 74 LGAs; probable flood risk areas to be experienced in 279 LGAs, and low flood risk areas to be experienced in 421 LGAs, making a total of 600 LGAs. In its 2019 Annual Flood Outlook, which was unveiled in Abuja by the Minister of Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu, on Tuesday, warned that the disaster would emanate from either excessive rainfall or release of water from countries around Rivers Niger and Benue. It said the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) are expected to experience different levels of flooding. NIHSAs Director-General, Clement Nze, who broke the news at the unveiling of the AFO report in Abuja, the nations capital, said some states may have severe flooding due to a rise in the water levels of Rivers Niger and Benue. Nze also said major cities, like Lagos, Port Harcourt, Yenagoa, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Sokoto and Ibadan, would witness urban flooding as a result of heavy rainfalls this year. He said: The three categories of vulnerability include the highly probable flood risk areas to be experienced in 74 LGAs; probable flood risk areas to be experienced in 279 LGAs, and low flood risk areas to be experienced in 421 LGAs. All the 36 states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory are expected to experience different levels of flooding. I can say that we have almost 600 local government areas in Nigeria that could be under the threat of floods in 2019, going by our predictions. No person should build structures within the flood plains. People should clean their drainages. States and local government areas are encouraged to desilt river channels and canals and construct/create a buffer (or detention basins) in their constituencies to collect run-off waters. What is left for Nigeria and stakeholders is to take very seriously our predictions to avert it (urban flooding). He stated that the predicted probable flood area coverage in 2019 is expected to be lower than that of 2018. The DG stated that river flooding was expected in the Niger, Benue, Sokoto-Rima, Anambra, Imo, Cross River, Niger Delta, Komadougu-Yobe and Ogun-Osun River Basins. Nze said coastal flooding was likely in Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Ondo and Lagos states due to the rise in sea level and tidal surge. River flooding is expected in Niger, Benue, SokotoRima, Anambra-Imo, Cross River, Niger Delta, Komadougu-Yobe and Ogun-Osun River basins, while coastal flooding is likely in Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Ondo and Lagos states due to a rise in sea level and tidal surge. Flash and urban flooding are forecasted to occur in Ibadan, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Sokoto, Kaduna, Yola, Maiduguri, Makurdi, Hadejia and other major cities due to poor drainage systems, he added. The agency said that since it began its prediction in 2013, there had been a decrease in the flood disaster. For example, the agency said that in 2013, it recorded 70 per cent success in its prediction. According to NIHSA, between 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, it recorded 63 per cent, 55 per cent, 53 per cent and 53 per cent successes, adding that its prediction in 2018 recorded 53 per cent success. It attributed the fall in the degree of manifestation of flood disaster from 2013 to 2018 to positive response measures that were put in place by the government, stakeholders and the citizens. In its recommendations, the NIHSA stated that to mitigate the impact of flooding, the country should build flood-resilient communities, adding that there was a need to close the knowledge gap around the issue of floods among the decision and policymakers and planners at the national and local levels. The agency called for improved synergy among all the government agencies whose activities were related to flooding prevention and/or mitigation, as well as the prompt sensitisation of the public on the information contained in the Annual Flood Outlook as a measure for flood early warning and flood disaster prevention. The agency also recommended the need to educate citizens to imbibe attitudinal change towards warnings for flood prevention by government agencies and desist from unethical traditional culture and beliefs. It called for the removal of refuse, weeds, water hyacinths and floats from water channels and on all avenues for river run-offs so as to allow free flow of floodwaters. According to the agency, this exercise is to be undertaken down to grassroots levels including local government areas. The agency also called for the relocation of people living along the water-ways and those that are having socio-economic activities on the flood plains, by the Federal, State and Local Governments. It encouraged States and Local Governments to desilt river channels and canals and to construct/create a buffer (or detention basins) in their respective constituencies to collects runoff waters. The agency called for the modification of settlements to withstand floods by putting up flood barriers. In his address, Adamu stated that the 2019 flood outlook was built on the achievements of the six previous forecasts by the NIHSA. He said the outcome of forecasts by NIHSA has led to a progressive reduction in the incidences of flood damage in the country through the heeding of warnings by Nigerians to the alert. He said the government must ensure the control of the flow of water to make it less destructive or totally inconsequential for socio-economic development. The minister added that the government is working with countries around Rivers Niger and Benue and Lake Chad to control the release of water from their dams. The outcome of these forecasts have been the progressive reduction in the incidences of flood damage, not necessarily as a result of reduced flooding, but as a consequence of the timely heeding of the warnings contained therein, by communities, agencies and government at various levels. It is envisioned that with adequate funding and establishment of more hydrological stations on our rivers and streams, we will be able to provide more timely and possibly, daily forecasts as well as establish flood alarm systems at high risk and vulnerable areas associated with flood and other extremes of climate. We have also been working in partnership with the riparian countries of the Rivers Niger and Benue, as well as the Lake Chad Basin, to control the releases from dams in such a way not to cause havoc in Nigeria, he added. The minister said warnings pertaining to flooding should be taken seriously, noting that such warnings could lead to catastrophic consequences if ignored. The 2019 AFO serves as an early warning to people and communities located in and near flood plains and other vulnerable areas to put in place the necessary actions that will ameliorate the adverse effects of the flood to lives and properties. Therefore, the information contained in it is for all Nigerians and must be communicated in good time in order to save lives and properties from the probable floods that may occur. Let me alert Nigerians about the dangers inherent in not taking seriously the warnings and advice in such alerts and other similar forecasts. To do so, will be tantamount to negligence, a complacency that might eventually lead to catastrophic consequences, he stated. Adamu, however, suggested that more funds should be provided to enable the ministry, and by extension, the agency intensify its campaign across the country. With adequate funding and establishment of more hydrological monitoring stations of our rivers and streams, we will be able to provide timely daily forecasts as well as establish flood alarm systems at high risk and vulnerable areas, he said. The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Comfort Ekaro, said the 2019 AFO provides accurate information on the condition and trend of flood occurrences in the country. According to her, this is required for economic and social development and for maintaining environmental quality. She said the release of the AFO would provide ample opportunity for enlightenment campaigns in the media for better preparedness on flood mitigation, control and management in flood risks location across the country. We commend NIHSA, which is the nodal agency in the area of flood forecasting and alert system for flood management in the country. Nonetheless, it is still very useful and necessary to use this platform to alert the nation on what to still expect in terms of likely flooding extent and severity notwithstanding a number of flash flooding that has already been recorded in different parts of the country due to either anthropogenic activities or high rainfall intensity of long duration, she added. The Nation Share this: Flash A UN spokesman on Thursday said China's role is critical in supporting the Syrian peace process, welcoming China's recent appointment of a special envoy for the Syrian issue. "China, as a permanent member of the Security Council, has a critical role to support the work of the UN special envoy (Staffan de Mistura) and the peace process as a whole," said Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, at a regular briefing, in answering a question about China's role on the Syrian issue. Dujarric also said the UN welcomes China's recent move to name Xie Xiaoyan as a special envoy on the Syrian issue. In appointing a special envoy for Syria on March 29, China has shown a more active role in addressing the conflict in the Middle East country. In Geneva, Switzerland, De Mistura said Wednesday that the second round of proximity talks aiming to broker a political end to the Syrian crisis has started. China holds the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council for April. Under China's leadership, the 15-member Council is expected to look at three aspects of the Syrian issue, namely the political process, use of chemical weapons and humanitarian access. Flash The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) on Thursday denied a press report that SA peacekeeping troops were left in the lurch in Darfur, Sudan. The SANDF said it was deeply concerned by the misleading and irresponsible media report, which indicated that the soldiers are waiting for a chartered aircraft to bring them home. The Johannesburg-based TimesLive quoted Pikkie Greeff, general secretary of the SA National Defence Union, as saying that the union had been inundated with calls for assistance from troops in Sudan. "They have received no word about when or how they are being airlifted, with their situation apparently becoming dire," Greeff said. The SANDF refuted Greeff's claim, saying "There is no ounce of factual truth in the article". "The article is viewed as a poor ploy to incite panic and alarm for families, friends and loved ones of the deployed men and women of the SANDF by the sources quoted in it, and should be treated with the utmost contempt it deserves," it added. The article is laden with distorted facts on general matters regarding the SANDF's deployment in Sudan, spokesperson Jaco Theunissen said. The intention of the scribe and the innuendo of Greeff's sources is in this regard highly questionable, said Theunissen. The SANDF would like to assure South Africans that members of the SANDF who are in Darfur are sound and well under the auspices of the United Nations (UN), said the spokesperson. South Africa has 850 soldiers serving in Darfur on a rotational basis as part of the joint African Union and United Nation Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), which is tasked to help quell violence in the region. Members of the SANDF were employed in Darfur in 2008. In February this year, President Jacob Zuma ordered the SANDF members to be withdrawn. This termination is effective from April 1, according to a presidential decree. "The SANDF reiterates that all planning for the withdrawal of SANDF troops and assets from Sudan is underway as determined by the relevant entities or authorities," Theunissen added. A video has emerged showing the moments after a trailer crashed into a school building in Ibadan. Local reports show that the shocking incident happened today along Ologuneru Road at Eleyele in Ibadan The school children were still in their classes when the trailer crashed into the building. They were getting ready to come out for break time when they herd a loud bang and realized what had happened. Luckily no one was hurt in the incident. Watch a video from the scene of the incident below: The Federal Government is making strident efforts to ensure that Nigeria build and launch its own satellite in the nearest future. The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu disclosed this at the official commissioning of space, seismological and other infrastructure projects at the Center for Geodesy and Geodynamics main observatory Seismic Network Center in Toro Local government Area of Bauchi state. Dr. Onu said investment in space Science technology by Nigeria was to enable the nation take a great leap and catch up with the developed world Dr Onu said that satellite will improve the quality of life of Nigerians because it will have positive impact on the environment, medicine, education, security, intelligence gathering, infrastructural development and mobile telephony for good of the country. According to Dr. Onu, the Center for Geodesy Geodynamics was established to carry out earth observation research as well as predict and monitor natural disasters not only in the country but in other parts of the world. United States and Italy, he added, depend on the data generated by the center, adding that the Center has been contributing to the pool of data not only in Nigeria but the world at last. Dr. Onu said incidents of earth tremor witnessed in several parts of the country between 2015 and 2018 had made it important for Nigeria to be well prepared to avoid future occurrence. He explained that the In-Ministerial Committee set up by the Federal Government on the mater is already studying the situation and will soon come up with its findings. No nation can plan effectively without according primacy to the occurrence of natural disasters he added. He further said that The goals and objective of the center to achieve Nigerias capability manpower and hardware development that can sufficiently address space geodesy, crustal deformation, coastal deformation, subsidence and global main sea level monitoring. ALSO READ: Buhari extends CBN governors tenure Speaking further, Dr.Onu said that Nigerian has a potential to be a leading nation but this cannot be achieved without the application of space science and technology . He described Space Agency as an important agency of the Ministry because of its potentials to make the nation great. The Minister added that National Space for Research and Development Agency (NARSDA) is influencing the national life of Nigerians in many important ways. He promised to give NARSDA all the support to enable it predict, detect, monitor and manage natural disasters in the country. Earlier, in his welcome address, the Director General of NARSDA, Prof. Seidu Mohammed said that the Seismic Network and Monitoring Center being commissioned is parts of the space-based and geophysical tools that will help Nigeria in great deal in global geodetic and geodynamical activities and monitoring, prediction of seismic activities and mitigation mechanism. Prof. Muhammed, however noted that NARSDA needed more funds to enable it acquire modern earthquake monitoring, detecting and networking equipment and establishment of more seismic stations that will be collated, with Global Positioning system (GPS) , for robust geohazards studies in Nigeria and its immediate environs. Reprinted from Smirking Chimp Kai Newkirk, one of the organizers of the march, appeared on this program and told me about its goals. Democracy Spring activists are calling on Congress to take action right now on a group of different bills that would take money out of politics once and for all. All of this is part of a massive, nonviolent campaign to save our democracy from oligarchy. The marchers are part of a movement called Democracy Spring and Democracy Awakening, and today they staged a sit-in at the Capitol building. They plan on camping out there through the end of the week. On Sunday, thousands of activists from around the country arrived right here in Washington, DC, after a 10-day long, 140-mile march from Philadelphia. The fight against corporate control over our democracy is, of course, the same fight that Bernie Sanders is fighting right now in his presidential campaign. But it's also the same fight that the founders fought more than 200 years ago when they rebelled against the British empire and created our constitutional republic. They just called it something different -- they called it the fight against "faction." James Madison, the author of the US Constitution, talked at length about the dangers of faction in "Federalist Paper Number 10." First defining faction as, "[A] number of citizens ... who are united and ... adverse to the rights of other citizens, or to the permanent and aggregate interests of the community," he then warned that, "The instability, injustice, and confusion introduced [by faction] into the public councils, have, in truth, been the mortal diseases under which popular governments have everywhere perished." Many historians have interpreted Madison's words as a warning about the dangers posed by political parties. And while that's probably partially true, it's not the whole story. A faction, as Madison understood the term, was any special interest that was "adverse [in opposition to] to the... interests of the community." This could mean a political party that cared about its own success more than the success of the republic as a whole, but it could also mean a pressure group like the shipping industry or, to pick a more modern example, the fossil fuel industry. This fear of faction was well-grounded in historical fact. Madison was a student of history, and he didn't want our fledgling republic to go down the road of ancient Rome and ancient Greece, which both collapsed after being taken over by powerful special interests. Reprinted from The Guardian Democrats have a decision to make: do they think money in politics is a corrupting force that influences the decisions made by elected officials, or not? After years railing against the Citizens United decision, which opened the floodgates to outside spending in elections, some of them appear to have done a complete reversal. The Clinton campaign has spent the last few weeks furiously pushing back at the criticism that she is influenced by the vast donations her campaign receives from backers in the oil and financial industries. Her supporters have been vigorously arguing there's no evidence of a quid pro quo. How quickly they forget. As journalist David Sirota reported earlier this week, in the 2008 Democratic primary campaign, Clinton harshly criticized then senator Obama for accepting donations from oil and gas executives -- and even cut a campaign commercial about it. The kicker? It was less money than Clinton has accepted from people working for fossil fuel companies so far this campaign season. While Clinton called the suggestion that she might be influenced by the wealthy bankers who raise money for her campaign an "artful smear" in 2016, she also had no problem hurling even stronger accusations about Obama in 2008: "Senator Obama has some questions to answer about his dealings with one of his largest contributors -- Exelon, a big nuclear power company," she said. "Apparently he cut some deals behind closed doors to protect them from full disclosure of the nuclear industry." Then there are the closed-door speeches that Clinton gave for Goldman Sachs and other big banks after she left her role as secretary of state. While she has steadfastly refused to release the transcripts, she's claimed it has never affected her position on the banks one iota. Which is fine, if that's the principled stance you want to take, but it's not one her party has had in the past. Mitt Romney was hit hard in the 2012 presidential campaign by Democrats for the speeches he gave to financial institutions. So which is it? Are politicians corrupt (or susceptible to corruption) if they are giving highly paid speeches behind closed doors to financial institutions, or not? It doesn't work both ways. Click Here to Read Whole Article If it's been awhile since you watched Hillary Clinton debate Bernie Sanders, you would have been struck by the tone evidenced in the April 14th New York event. After 8 encounters, the two Democratic candidates don't like each other. That animosity produced a contentious two-hour debate. Presentation: Recently, I asked a PR specialist to describe the four leading Presidential candidates. She said that Republicans Ted Cruz and Donald Trump are "nightmares," because they have huge presentation deficiencies that they, apparently, don't want to fix. In her opinion, Bernie Sanders seems old and angry; she noted his hunched shoulders. On the other hand, Hillary Clinton, comes across as an adult, a polished veteran of public events. In the April 14th debate, Sanders seemed to be angry at Clinton -- or perhaps "the system" -- and occasionally resorted to sarcasm. Hectoring. Clinton seemed relaxed. She made her points and responded effectively to Sanders's thrusts but also remembered to smile and, several times, chuckled. Whether by instinct or design, Sanders talked down to Clinton. Not a good strategy when you are debating the first serious female Presidential candidate. Theme: There were no surprises. Sanders believes the US economic system is rigged and most of his policy initiatives are addressed at remedying the split between the wealthy 1 percent and the rest of America. He wants to dream big and take on the biggest problems (inequity, global climate change, Wall Street") with big ideas. His strategy to accomplish this involves "a political revolution." One of my earlier criticisms of Clinton's speeches and debate performance was the absence of a dominating theme, a rejoinder to "the system is rigged." On April 14th her promise was to "knock down the barriers to opportunity." She effectively wrapped herself in the Obama Administration, indicating that her policies built upon those of Obama. Sanders has a more coherent theme. His problem is that as the debate ran on, Clinton made it appear that Sanders doesn't know how to accomplish his main objectives (such as breaking up the big banks). And, there was a suggestion that for the last seven years, Clinton has been working with Obama, while Sanders was off on the fringe of Washington politics. Issues: To CNN's credit, a wide range of issues were covered, and the moderators did a good job of asking follow-up questions. 1. Breaking up the big banks: Sanders segued from a vague explanation of how he would break up enormous Wall Street institutions to an attack on Clinton, accusing her of being a tool of Wall Street (particularly Goldman Sachs). Clinton responded by saying "there is no example" where financial contributions influenced her vote. She said the way to break up big banks is follow the procedures spelled out in the Dodd-Frank bill and to let the regulators do it. 2. Minimum Wage: Sanders effectively slammed companies, like Verizon, for low pay and for moving jobs out of state or out of the country. Both candidates are for increasing the minimum wage: Sanders would raise it to $15 immediately and Clinton would raise it to $15 gradually. 3. Guns: Clinton came out strongly for restrictive gun legislation. When she accused Sanders of doing the will of the gun lobby, Sanders laughed and Clinton quipped, "This is no laughing matter." 4. Fracking: During a series of questions about energy and the environment, Clinton and Sanders revealed basic differences about fracking. Sanders position is that global climate change is an existential crisis and, therefore, "incrementalism is not enough." Clinton pointed out that the Obama strategy was to get the nation off of coal power and move to renewables; in this context, use of natural gas (produced by fracking) was a bridge strategy. 5. Social Security: Both Clinton and Sanders would defend Social Security by lifting the income "cap." However, Clinton would explore other options. 6. Women's Rights: Towards the end of the debate, Clinton gave a strong defense of women's rights (abortion, reproductive health). Next Page 1 | 2 (Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher). Reprinted from Paul Craig Roberts Website Today (April 14) Syria held parliamentary elections at 7,000 polling stations, keeping the voting open an extra five hours to accommodate the massive turnout. All were allowed to vote, even displaced Syrians from the two provinces still terrorized by Washington and Israeli backed ISIS. Washington is angry, because Syria held elections before Washington had time to purchase its slate of politicians and organize Washington-funded NGOs to take to the streets to protest and to claim that Assad had stolen the election. Despite the massive voter turnout and extended hours for voting, the US State Department set the tone by declaring that the elections are not legitimate in Washington's eyes and do not represent "the will of the Syrian people." Washington's two-bit punk vassals in London and Paris chimed in with both claiming that the war conditions in Syria to which London and Paris have contributed mean that the idea of elections is "totally unrealistic." The New York Times lied, characteristically, that the elections, which seem to demonstrate nationwide solidarity against the Western-backed overthrow of the Syrian government, "highlight divisions and uncertainty." The Washington Post added its lies and misrepresentations to the propagandistic reporting. The Western governments are far out on a limb with their lies that the Syrian people prefer to be governed by the Washington supported terrorists who were overrunning their country and conducting with Western supplied weapons mass murder on the Syrian people until Russia put a stop to it. Now the Western liars are exposed yet again by election results, and so the liars must pretend that the election lacks validity. Contrast the reports coming from the Western conspirators against Syria with the news report by Vanessa Beeley in 21st Century Wire. Washington's propaganda onslaught against the Syrian elections is clear evidence that Washington has no commitment to the peace accord and simply used the "peace process" in order to prevent the liberation of Raqqa and Idlib from ISIS. Putin and Assad should take note that Washington still intends to overthrow the Syrian government and to install either a puppet or chaos as in Iraq and Libya. FOR YEARS, THE Supreme Court's 5-4 decision in Citizens United was depicted by Democrats as the root of all political evil. But now, the core argument embraced by the Court's conservatives to justify their ruling has taken center stage in the Democratic primary between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders -- because Clinton supporters, to defend the huge amount of corporate cash on which their candidate is relying, frequently invoke that very same reasoning. The crux of the Citizens United ruling was that a legal ban on independent corporate campaign expenditures constituted a limit on political speech without sufficient justification, and thus violated the First Amendment's free speech guarantee. A primary argument of the Obama Justice Department and Democrats generally in order to uphold that campaign finance law was that corporate expenditures are so corrupting of the political process that limits are justified even if they infringe free speech. In rejecting that view, this was the key argument of Justice Anthony Kennedy, writing for the five-judge conservative majority (emphasis added): "For the reasons explained above, we now conclude that independent expenditures, including those made by corporations, do not give rise to corruption or the appearance of corruption." Does that sound familiar? It should. That key argument of the right-wing justices in Citizens United has now become the key argument of the Clinton campaign and its media supporters to justify her personal and political receipt of millions upon millions of dollars in corporate money: "Expenditures, including those made by corporations, do not give rise to corruption or the appearance of corruption" -- at least when the candidate in question is Hillary Clinton. Indeed, the Clinton argument actually goes well beyond the Court's conservatives: In Citizens United, the right-wing justices merely denied the corrupting effect of independent expenditures (i.e., ones not coordinated with the campaign). But Clinton supporters in 2016 are denying the corrupting effect of direct campaign donations by large banks and corporations and, even worse, huge speaking fees paid to an individual politician shortly before and after that person holds massive political power. Click Here to Read Whole Article Reprinted from WSWS Billionaire Donald Trump, the frontrunner for the Republican presidential nomination, blasted the Republican National Committee and RNC Chairman Reince Priebus during campaign appearances in New York and Pennsylvania this week. Trump called the process for selecting delegates to the July 18-21 Republican National Convention a "scam" and a "dirty tricks" operation. In an interview Tuesday with the Hill, Trump said, "It's a disgrace for the party. And Reince Priebus should be ashamed of himself. He should be ashamed of himself because he knows what's going on." The outburst was in response to a series of setbacks for the Trump campaign at the hands of his main rival, Texas Senator Ted Cruz, at state and congressional district conventions of the party in a half a dozen states, most of them held last weekend. The most notable was the Colorado state convention on April 9, where Cruz won all 34 delegates and both Trump and the third remaining candidate, Ohio Governor John Kasich, won none. Colorado is one of six states or territories that has neither a primary nor a caucus, but chooses national convention delegates at a state convention. The Cruz campaign, which has much closer ties to local Republican organizations, has been able to win additional delegates in several states where Trump won the primary vote, including Virginia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia and Louisiana. In some cases, these delegates are still pledged to vote for Trump on the first ballot, but can switch their votes to Cruz on subsequent ballots if Trump fails to obtain the 1,237 delegates needed to gain a majority and secure the nomination. The Washington Post reported Wednesday, based on its canvassing of delegates selected at the congressional district and state level, that between 130 and 170 delegates were poised to switch from Trump to Cruz on a second ballot, making it essential for Trump to win a first-ballot victory. Spokesmen for the Trump campaign outdid even the candidate himself in incendiary language and hints of violence if the Republican convention fails to nominate him. Speaking on the NBC program "Meet the Press" Sunday, Trump's newly hired convention manager, Paul Manafort, accused the Cruz campaign of "Gestapo tactics" in pushing through its delegate choices at local and state conventions. A longtime Trump associate and Republican operative, Roger Stone, went further, threatening to post the room numbers of any convention delegates who were pledged to Trump but sought to support Cruz, Kasich or another nominee. Social media was filled with statements from Trump supporters threatening violence against such delegates. Trump continues to lead the contest for the Republican nomination and could still prevail on the first ballot, according to numerous media tallies, depending on the outcome of the remaining primary contests. The current estimate is 755 delegates pledged to Trump, with 545 for Cruz and only 143 for Kasich. Another 172 delegates remain pledged to Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who has suspended his campaign, and there are about 200 delegates unpledged to any candidate. Trump would need to win just over 60 percent of the 854 delegates who remain to be selected in 16 primaries on three main dates: New York on April 19; five East Coast states on April 26; and the last five states, including California and New Jersey, on June 7. Opinion polls in the six states voting April 19 and April 26 show Trump well ahead, but not by enough to assure the proportion of delegates he needs for the nomination. Kasich, who has not won a single delegate since he won his home state of Ohio on March 15, is running second in the polls in most of these states, with Cruz a poor third. Kasich is the last remaining hope of the Republican Party establishment, which sees both Trump and Cruz as erratic and extremist candidates likely to be defeated in the general election. His dismal delegate total, barely 10 percent of the total needed for nomination, is an accurate reflection of the isolation and unpopularity of the Republican leadership, even within its own party. A further sign of the disarray among congressional Republicans came with Tuesday's declaration by House Speaker Paul Ryan that he would not under any circumstances become a candidate for the presidency, even in the event of a contested or deadlocked convention. Ryan called an afternoon news conference at the Republican National Committee headquarters, where he declared, "Let me be clear. I do not want, nor will I accept, the nomination for our party." In the event that no candidate wins a first-ballot majority, he said, delegates should limit their alternatives to other candidates who ran in the primaries and caucuses. While the wrangling over delegate selection and possible convention outcomes has dominated media coverage of the Republican contest, the two leading candidates continue to move further and further to the right. Progressive Content Not Found Sometimes, authors delete their progressive content after publishing. To see if the progressive content was renamed or re-published, please click here. Venezuela Power Market 2016 Growth, Size, Generation, Outlook to 2025, Investment Trend, Industry Analysis http://goo.gl/itXf5x Venezuela Power Market Outlook to 2030 : Venezuela Power provides an detailed overview of Venezuela Power scenario.This report on Venezuela Power also includes an review of trial numbers as well as their (Venezuela Power) average enrollment in uppermost/top countries which are conducted worldwide.Venezuela Power report also covers disease clinical trials by country (G7 & E7), sponsor type, region, trial, research, review, Size status as well as end points status.Report Venezuela Power also Includes prominent drugs for in-progress trials (Note: based on number of ongoing trials and reviews).Get Sample Copy of Report Here :The report covers detailed analysis and forecast of important market dynamics of Venezuela Power industry including market drivers and restraints. It also evaluates future growth & demand opportunities for its stake holders. 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The company has initiated talks with several investment bankers to finalize a bunch of investors who are looking to invest in the company at the above said valuation.Exhilway Limited will also initiate pre-listing placement to the tune of US $10 million to finance its proposed business operations. The company will raise another US $40 million post listing.Exhilway Limited has completely revamped its private equity model where it will now assist eligible companies to take their businesses public in the lieu of equity, ranging between 5%-10%. Exhilway Limited is also looking to tie up with the global investment boutique banks for immediate entry into the many markets at once. The target markets are United States and India.Exhilway Limited will rely on both equity and cash income to build value. Exhilway Limited is targeting a revenue of US $1.5 billion in the next three years, however, at the end of seventh year the company is targeting to clock US $5 billion of revenue.Exhilway Limited has already started the process of shortlisting companies who are aspiring to be listed.Exhilway is a leading provider of financial services with an emphasis on customized solutions in the areas of financial advisory, capital markets, wealth management and alternative asset management. Our clients include institutional investors, corporates and high net worth families. These services are provided through varied delivery channels and specialized subsidiaries.Exhilway leverages insights, relationships and a culture that emphasizes a strong orientation towards excellence, to offer services to its clients. 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We are represented in all relevant tenders and project enquiries in the MENA region. As soon as the market starts up, we will be part of it, adds Scholz.Lowest running costs in the PV industryGantner Instruments has been winning over its customers with flexible products that enable the lowest running costs available in the PV industry. Thanks to the predictive analyses, the products reduce the risks for power plant owners and operators.The portfolio of Gantner Instruments Environment Solutions includes string combiner boxes, data logging and control solutions, and the independent real-time analysis platform gantner.webportal that enables reliable data acquisition, storage and control.Gantner Instruments was founded in 1982. With offices in Germany, Austria, China, France, India and the US, and more than 3 GW of installed PV monitoring, Gantner Instruments is one of the biggest independent PV monitoring companies worldwide. The PV business unit, Gantner Instruments Environment Solutions, has established itself in the PV monitoring and control business with the highest level of product accuracy and reliability. The company has access to a global PV expert network and several collaborations with leading institutes. Furthermore, it has a worldwide presence with offices in both established and upcoming PV markets, and technical experts in many geographic areas on hand to deliver local service.Gantner Instruments Environment Solutions GmbHAm Muehlgraben 808297 Zwoenitz/GermanyTel: +49 (0)37754 3351-0Fax: +49 (0)37754 3351-20eMail: office@gantner-environment.com Smart Energy driven by The Internet of Things - Smart Infrastructure Australia http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=186928 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=186928 Australian is right up with the international leadersWith a better understanding of the complexity of the transformation of the electricity industry, the words smart energy are becoming more prominent. BuddeComm believes that the term smart grids is too narrow and that eventually smart energy will become the accepted terminology, especially once the communications developments in national broadband networks and mobile broadband start to converge with smart grid developments.Smart energy signifies a system that is more integrated and scalable, which extends through the distribution system from businesses and homes, back to the sources of energy. A smarter energy system has sensors and controls embedded into its fabric. Because it is interconnected there is a two-way flow of information and energy across the network, including information on pricing. In addition it is intelligent, making use of proactive analytics and automation to transform data into insights and efficiently manage resources.This links with the telecoms development known as M2M or the internet of things (IOT). For this to happen, various functional areas within the energy ecosystem must be engaged consumers, business customers, energy providers, regulators, the utilitys own operations, smart meters, grid operations, work and asset management, communications, and the integration of distributed resources.To Download Sample Report With TOC @With energy consumption expected to grow worldwide by more than 40% over the next 25 years, demand in some parts of the world could exceed 100% in that time. This will produce an increase in competition for resources, resulting in higher costs. In an environment such as this, energy efficiency will become even more important.Quite apart from any increased demand for energy in specific markets, the move to more sustainable technologies such as electric vehicles and distributed and renewable generation, will add even more complexity to operations within the energy sector.Concerns about issues such as energy security, environmental sustainability, and economic competitiveness, are triggering a shift in energy policy, technology, and consumer focus. This, in turn, is making it necessary to move on from the traditional energy business models.As a consequence, utilities could end up in a similar situation to the companies that invested in the building of the internet infrastructure they may own the means of delivering electricity and associated services, but may not be able to take advantage of the new business opportunities that will arise. This will limit their opportunities for future growth.Another problem will surface when, due to users reducing consumption and producing energy themselves through energy-efficient strategies, the traditional pricing models become inadequate in terms of maintaining the energy infrastructure.To Enquire Regarding This Report @The potential for transformation of the energy industry to smart energy is still at a very early stage. Valuable advances have already been made in some areas, but consensus needs to be reached regarding a collective approach to inter-operability and technical standards.The report covers all of the major players and their projects, as well as the latest updates on the Smart City/Smart Grid project that will be finalised this year.Victoria remains the leader in the roll-out of the next generation of smart meters, with over 90% of the roll-out completed by early 2014.Special attention is given to the M2M or IOT developments, and the arrival of Google (Nest) in this market will shock the industry, similar to how the smartphone did to the mobile industry.ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States,Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free),Tel: +1-518-621-2074 New: Creating Piping Isometrics in PTC Creo Piping http://www.cad-schroer.com/products/m4-iso/isometrics-for-ptc-creo-piping.html?pk_campaign=pr160406_M4iso4creo http://www.cad-schroer.com/products/m4-iso/isometrics-for-ptc-creo-piping/free-trial.html?pk_campaign=pr160406_M4iso4creo With M4 ISO Isometrics for PTC Creo Piping, CAD Schroer is unveiling a new solution for the creation of pipeline isometrics, which is integrated into Creo.Cambridge, UK and Pittsford, NY 12 April 2016: M4 ISO is a software programme that has been developed specially for pipework fabrication. It facilitates the automatic creation of unscaled piping isometric drawings from Creo 3D geometric data. 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CAD Schroer emphasises close customer partnerships and supports its clients objectives through extensive consultancy, training, development, software support and maintenance services.CAD Schroer UK Ltd2nd Floor Godwin HouseCastle ParkCambridgeCB3 0HTKate Pottle Global Aerospace Composites Market 2016 Industry Trends, Research, Analysis & Review Forecast 2025 http://goo.gl/f7qDpO http://goo.gl/r1Y888 A market study based on the "Aerospace Composites Market" across the globe, recently added to the repository of QY Market research, is titled Global Aerospace Composites Market 2016. 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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 Us:Joel JohnDeerfield Beach, Florida 33442United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Web: PR Market WebEmail: sales@prmarketweb.com Defense Robotics Market: Global Industry Analysis and Forecast 2015 - 2021 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/5087 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Most of the countries utilize the defense robotic system or are in the process of acquiring or building the technology to incorporate into military programs. These robots are used in form of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned group vehicles (UGVs) and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). Unmanned group vehicles are robots that move on wheels or tracks and perform the function of sentry duties and examine the potential hostile location. Unmanned aerial vehicles are essentially remotely controlled or automated robots. The use of all these robotic system includes same purpose of replacing or supplementing human in battlefield situations. Deployment of autonomous or semi autonomous robotic system in the battle field helps in improving the military efficiency, operational performance and accuracy.Defense robotics has many advantages, the important one being performance similar to human being without danger of human casualties. Robots can endure damage done by bombs or other types of weapons that can destroy the human body. Another advantage includes various sizes of robots which enables them to fit into spaces that are not accessible for humans. Other advantages include transportation, drones and bomb disposal. The defense robotic system market across the globe is expected to show a substantial growth with a single digit increase in CAGR by the year 2019. The growth is due to the procurement of robotic vehicles for control, communication, simulation, training and other applications for military purposes.The market for defense robotics system is driven by factors such as desire to reduce the casualties in the field of operation and reduce the military spending. Development in the field of computer programming, sensing technology and material science help to create more advanced tools. Some of the factors restraining the market growth include reduced spending on defense system due to weak economic conditions, and high cost required in manufacturing of robots. Technological availability is enabling diverse applications of robots besides improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the system. Applications such as border patrolling are creating an increasing demand for UAVs and UGVs in countries such as Israel, South Korea, China and United States.Interested in report: Please follow the below the links to meet your requirements; Request for the Report Brochure:The segmentation of defense robotics market can be done on the basis of product type, application and geography. On the basis of product type, the market for defense robotics can be segmented as unmanned group vehicles (UGVs), unmanned underwater vehicle (UUVs) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). On the basis of applications, the market can be segmented as simulation, control command and security, training and others. Global defense robotics market can also be segmented based on geographical markets as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the world. North America is the most technological advanced region in defense robotic system and Asia Pacific represents a strong opportunity due to the availability of technology in countries including China, Japan and India.Some of the players in the defense robotics market include iRobot Corp., Allen-Vanguard Corporation, Honeywell Aerospace, GeckoSystems Intl. Corp., Honda Motor Co. Ltd., Bluefin Robotic Corp., AB Electrolux, Deep Ocean Engineering Inc., ECA Hytec SA, McArtney Group, Fujitsu Ltd., Toyota Motor Corp., AeroVironment, Lockheed Martin and others.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: Global Morpholine Market 2016 Industry Share, Review, Trends, Growth & Analysis 2024 http://goo.gl/V9IALC http://goo.gl/GEdDa3 A market study based on the "Morpholine Market" across the globe, recently added to the repository of QY Market research, is titled Global Morpholine Market 2016. 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The geographical segmentation of the Morpholine market has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the global market for Morpholine is determined by evaluating the various market participants, production capacity, Morpholine market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Morpholine market worldwide.Do Enquiry Before Purchasing Here :The global Morpholine market 2016 is also analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Morpholine production volume, data regarding demand and Morpholine supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, and market attractiveness analysis has been used in the research to present a comprehensive study of the market for Morpholine across the globe.About Us:PR Market Web 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 Us:Joel JohnDeerfield Beach, Florida 33442United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803Web: PR Market WebEmail: sales@prmarketweb.com Global Oxygen Therapy Devices Market to Reach US$2.8 bn by 2020 owing to Changing Patient Preferences http://bit.ly/1SNLGmC http://bit.ly/1Xx9v62 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Oxygen therapy has emerged to be one of the most potential options used for treating various respiratory diseases due to its definitive, supplementary or palliative role. The administration of supplemental oxygen has become an essential element for appropriate management of a number of disease conditions. Various benefits of oxygen therapy include increased mental stamina, improved breathing pattern, and prevention of heart failure in people with severe respiratory diseases. The growing application area of oxygen therapy across various disease conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, and respiratory distress syndrome is driving the growth of the global oxygen therapy devices market. Furthermore, long-term oxygen therapy in patients with chronic lung disease is believed to improve the quality and length of life, contributing towards the growth of oxygen therapy devices market.The oxygen therapy devices market is segmented by product type into oxygen source equipment and oxygen delivery devices. Oxygen source equipment is further sub-segmented into oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators and liquid oxygen devices. Oxygen concentrators accounted for the largest market share of the overall oxygen therapy devices market in 2013. However, liquid oxygen devices are expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period through 2014 to 2020.Factors that have contributed towards the high growth of the liquid oxygen devices are greater mobility of the device for users and their increasing application for the treatment of various respiratory disorders. Additionally, better storage capacity of liquid oxygen devices as compared to other oxygen source equipment is also expected to drive the growth of the segment.Avail a Free Sample:Similarly, the oxygen delivery devices market is further sub-segmented into simple oxygen masks, nasal cannula, Venturi masks, non-rebreather masks, bag valve masks and CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) masks. Venturi masks are estimated to grow at higher CAGR. Factors such as delivery of supplemental oxygen at a precise and fixed concentration with minimum discomfort are driving the growth of the segment. Furthermore, based on applications, the oxygen therapy devices market is segmented into chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, respiratory distress syndrome, obstructive sleep apnea, pneumonia and cystic fibrosis.The COPD segment held the largest market share in 2013 of the total oxygen therapy devices market. The segment is also expected to maintain its lead during the forecast period through 2014 to 2020. Factors that accentuated the growth of the segment are high prevalence of COPD across the globe and growing patient preference to opt for oxygen therapy as their first treatment option, thereby propelling the growth of the application of oxygen therapy in COPD treatment.Geographically, North America constituted the largest market share for the global oxygen therapy devices market in 2013. Factors that have augmented the growth of the oxygen therapy devices market in North America are increasing prevalence of life-threatening respiratory diseases and better healthcare infrastructures. Furthermore, technological developments in the field of medical devices and increasing awareness of population regarding oxygen therapy are also boosting the growth of the oxygen therapy devices market in North America.According to an article published in the National Institute of Health, oxygen therapy is believed to increase the life span of individuals affected with COPD to great extent. However, Asia Pacific is predicted to foresee the highest growth rate over the forecast period. The rationale behind such high growth has been attributed to availability of large population base, greater than ever initiatives taken by the government to promote healthcare and robust economic growth. Moreover, improving consumer awareness regarding heath issues and better disease management would also drive the growth of the oxygen therapy devices market in the next few years.At present, the global oxygen therapy devices market is consolidated in nature due to the involvement of few top organizations in this field. Many emerging medical device companies are expected to foresee great development pertaining to the oxygen therapy devices market. Some of the top companies operating in the oxygen therapy devices market are Respironics, Inc. (a Philips company), Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Limited, Teleflex Incorporated, Invacare Corporation, AirSep Corporation, CareFusion Corporation, DeVilbiss Healthcare, MAQUET Holding B.V. & Co. KG, and ResMed, Inc.Browse Full Research Report:About UsTransparency 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.Contact UsTransparency Market ResearchState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Future Trends in Human Albumin and Factor Vlll (FVIII) Market TMR http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=10238 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/human-albumin-factor-vlll-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Human albumin is a type of protein, commonly found in human blood plasma. Human albumin is normally synthesized in liver. Factor Vlll is a blood clotting protein and also known as anti-hemophilic factor (AHF). Defect in production of Factor Vlll may result in hemophilia A (genetic deficiency in clotting factor). This protein circulates in bloodstream in an inactive form. In response to the injury, factor Vlll initiates the chemical reaction that forms a blood clot. Factor Vlll are also extracted from the human plasma or engineered from mammalian cell culture by means of recombinant DNA technology and can be used to treat patients with hemophilia disease.Brochure Download:Rising incidences of hemophilia will drive the growth of the market of human albumin and factor VIII market. According to National Hemophilia Foundation, approximately one in 5,000 male in the U.S. are affected with hemophilia. In addition, strategic collaboration by key players in order to introduce novel treatment options will further drive the market growth. For example, Novo Nordisk collaborated with National Hemophilia Foundation aiming to develop novel treatment option for hemophilia disease. Thus, these types of collaboration will build healthy platform to attract new customers and hence drive the market growth. Furthermore, rising geriatric population will significantly drive the market growth of human albumin and factor VIII market.According to a report published by World Health Organization (WHO), the number of people aged 65 years and above is expected to increase from 605 million to 2 billion by 2050. Additionally, advances in factor VIII product resulted in a major increase in quality of life of patients and hence supports the growth of human albumin and factor VIII. Moreover, various other factors like rising number of people with bleeding disorders, rising use of albumin as cell culture medium ingredient and low cost therapy will further augment the growth of the market. However, stringent regulation and lack of adequate plasma supplies will restrain the growth of human albumin and factor VIII market.In addition, high cost of therapies coupled with lack of adequate treatment modalities in developing countries like Asia-Pacific will restrain the growth of this market. For example, advanced therapeutics for the treatment are only available in the developed countries like North America and Europe.Geographically, North America dominates the global human albumin and factor VIII market. Increasing use of plasma derived products in North America will drive the growth of human albumin and factor VIII market in North America. Europe is considered as the second largest market of human albumin and factor VIII market. The growth of the market in Europe is majorly driven by aging population. Rise in geriatric population will increase the risk of the people diagnosed with hemophilia which drives the growth of human albumin and factor VIII market in European market. According to Eurostat (European Commission) report published in 2013, around 17.8% of the European population were aged 65 years and above. The market of human albumin and factor VIII market in Asia-Pacific holds a strong growth as there is a rise in total number of bleeding disorder cases in this region.In addition, emerging countries like India and China are increasingly importing albumins from western countries (i.e. North America and Europe) which will ultimately drive the overall growth of this market in Asia-Pacific region.Some of the key players dominating the global human albumin and factor VIII market comprises Baxter International, Inc., Talecris Plasma Resources, Grifols, S.A., Novo Nordisk, CSL Limited and others.Browse Report with TOC:Transparency Market Research (TMR) 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 have an 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.Mr.Sudip S90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Styrenic Block Copolymer (SBCs) Market Trends, Company Share To 2020: Grand View Research, Inc. http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/styrenic-block-copolymers-sbcs-industry The global market for Styrenic Block Copolymer (SBC) is expected to reach USD 8.26 billion by 2020, according to a new study by Grand View Research, Inc. Growth of major end use industries including construction/infrastructure and footwear, especially in high growth markets of China, India and Brazil is expected to be a key factor for SBC market development. Volatile raw material prices are expected to be a key challenge for market participants over the forecast period.Styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) emerged as the leading product segment and accounted for 76.2% of total market volume in 2013. SBS was followed by HSBC (Hydrogenated Styrenic Block Copolymers) which accounted for 13.2% of total market volume in 2013. HSBC is also expected to be the fastest growing product segment, at an estimated CAGR of 5.3% from 2014 to 2020.Browse full research report on Global Styrenic Block Copolymer (SBCs) Market:Further key findings from the study suggest: The global market for SBC was 1,814.8 kilo tons in 2013 and is expected to reach 2,457.9 kilo tons by 2020, growing at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2014 to 2020. Paving and roofing applications dominated SBC demand, accounting for 36.1% of total market volume in 2013. Paving and roofing was followed by footwear which accounted for 24.6% of total market volume in the same year. However, advanced materials are expected to be the fastest growing application market for SBCs, at an estimated CAGR of 5% from 2014 to 2020. Asia Pacific continued its dominance in the global SBC market and accounted for 45.6% of total market volume in 2013 to become the largest regional SBC consumer. Asia Pacific along with being the largest market is also expected to be the fastest growing market for SBC at an estimated CAGR of 4.8% from 2014 to 2020. The global SBC market is highly concentrated, as top four companies including Sinopec, Kraton, LCY Chemical and Dynasol accounted for over 60% of total market in 2013. Some of the other companies operating in the global SBC market include LG Chemicals, TSRC and Dushanzi among some other companiesFor the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the SBC market on the basis of application and region: Global Styrenic Block Copolymers Product Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2012 - 2020) Styrene-Butadiene-Styrene (SBS) Styrene-Isoprene-Styrene (SIS) Hydrogenated Styrenic Block Copolymers (HSBC) Global Styrenic Block Copolymers Application Outlook (Volume, Kilo Tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2012 - 2020) Paving and Roofing Footwear Advanced Materials (compounding, personal care & polymer systems) Adhesives, Sealants and Coatings Others Styrenic Block Copolymers Regional Outlook (Volume, Kilo tons; Revenue, USD Million, 2012 - 2020) North America Europe Asia Pacific RoWGrand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare.Sherry JamesCorporate Sales Specialist, USAGrand View Research, IncPhone: 1-415-349-0058 Mexico: AT&T and Televisa Emerge as Viable Challengers to Telmexs Leadership in the Telecom Services Market http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=703121 http://www.researchmoz.us/mexico-att-and-televisa-emerge-as-viable-challengers-to-telmexs-leadership-in-the-telecom-services-market-report.html Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Mexico: AT&T and Televisa Emerge as Viable Challengers to Telmexs Leadership in the Telecom Services Market" to its huge collection of research reports.With revenue of US$21.5bn, or 1.9% of GDP, the telecom services market in Mexico was second only to Brazil in Latin America in 2015. Over the next five years, Pyramid Research expects Mexicos total market revenue to grow at a CAGR of 4.3% to reach $26.5bn in 2020, making it the fastest-growing market among Latin Americas largest markets. Growth will be underpinned by the entry of new players and consolidation among existing operators, which will contribute to lower prices and enhanced geographic coverage, helping to increase Mexicos currently low penetration levels. We expect mobile data, fixed broadband Internet and pay-TV to be the main drivers of top line revenue growth over the 2016-2020 period.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Key FindingsDespite the governments claims that more than $10bn has been invested in Mexicos telecom industry since the new law went into effect, the overall impact on service revenue has thus far been muted. In local currency, telecom services growth over the past two years has been relatively flat, while in US dollars, the market is down 21.0% as a result of the devaluation of the Mexican peso.Of an estimated $21.5bn in total service revenue, 46.3% came from voice services, both fixed and mobile, in 2015. Though voice remains the largest revenue generator, the service is under significant pressure given the combined impact of the elimination of long-distance tariffs, the application of asymmetric interconnection rates on America Movil, the elimination of international roaming and long-distance fees on North America-bound traffic, and rising competition, particularly from low-cost MVNOs.In 2015 we saw companies take important steps to challenge America Movil's leadership. AT&T acquired mobile operators Iusacell and Nextel, giving it 8.0% of mobile subscriptions (and 18.0% of mobile services revenue). Televisa acquired cable operators Cablecom and Telecable, bringing its broadband Internet and pay-TV market shares to 18.6% and 60.4%, respectively. With competitive pressures rising, operators have announced ambitious investment plans for 2016-2018.Pyramid Research expects M&A activity in Mexico and the US to continue in 2016, with Televisa, Movistar and AT&T all looking for assets in Mexico that can accelerate the availability of quad-play offerings as well as cross-border synergies. Potential targets include the Alestra/Axtel tie-up, Maxcom and Megacable. America Movil, for its part, may look for additional assets in the US to counter AT&Ts expansion in Mexico.Opportunities for equipment manufacturers and software providers will be plentiful in the near term. We expect the new 700MHz wholesale LTE network to represent one of the most attractive LTE equipment opportunities in Latin America in the near term, helping to explain why vendors such as Ericsson, Nokia and Huawei have expressed interest in participating in the tender. In addition to LTE deployments, operators will also be focusing on fiber-optic network buildout, SDN/NFV opportunities and the launch of IT and cloud-based services for enterprise customers.SynopsisMexico: AT&T and Televisa Emerge as Viable Challengers to Telmexs Leadership in the Telecom Services Market provides an executive-level overview of the telecommunications market in Mexico today, with detailed forecasts of key indicators up to 2020. It delivers deep quantitative and qualitative insight into the Mexican telecom market, analyzing key trends, evaluating near-term opportunities and assessing risk factors, based on proprietary data from Pyramid Researchs databases.The Country Intelligence Report provides in-depth analysis of the following:Regional context: telecom market size and trends in Mexico compared with other countries in the Latin American region.Economic, demographic and political context in Mexico.The regulatory environment and trends: a review of the regulatory setting and agenda for the next 18-24 months as well as relevant developments pertaining to national broadband plans and other infrastructure developments.A demand profile: analysis as well as historical figures and forecasts of service revenue from the fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice and mobile data segments.Service evolution: a look at changes in the breakdown of overall revenue between the fixed and mobile sectors and between voice, data and video from 2013 to 2020.The competitive landscape: an examination of key trends in competition and in the performance, revenue market shares and expected moves of service providers over the next 18-24 months.In-depth sector analysis of fixed telephony, broadband, mobile voice and mobile data services: a quantitative analysis of service adoption trends by network technology and by operator, as well as of average revenue per line/subscription and service revenue through the end of the forecast period.Main opportunities: this section details the near-term opportunities for operators, vendors and investors in the Mexican telecommunications marketReasons To BuyGain in-depth analysis of current strategies and future trends of the Mexican telecommunications market, service providers and key opportunities in a concise format, to build proactive and profitable growth strategies.Understand the factors behind ongoing and upcoming trends in the Mexican communications, fixed telephony and broadband markets, including the evolution of service provider market shares, to align product offerings and strategies to meet customers demand.Leverage the graphical information (more than 20 charts and tables in the report based on the Pyramid Research forecast products), to gain an overview of Mexicos telecom market.Analysis of key telecom players in the markets and major business strategies being adopted by them, to identify the opportunities to improve market share.Explore novel opportunities to align your product strategies and offerings to meet the requirements and succeed in the challenging telecommunications market in Mexico.Browse Detail Report With TOC @Table of ContentsExecutive summaryMarket and competitor overviewRegional contextEconomic, demographic and political contextRegulatory environmentDemand profileService evolutionCompetitive landscapeMajor market playersSegment analysisMobile servicesFixed servicesPay-TVIdentifying opportunitiesOverall market opportunitiesAbout ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.For More Information Kindly Contact:ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.us Consumer Payments Country Snapshot: Italy Industry Key Trends, Size, Growth, Shares And Forecast Research Report http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=703116 http://www.researchmoz.us/consumer-payments-country-snapshot-italy-report.html Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Consumer Payments Country Snapshot: Italy" to its huge collection of research reports.The consumer payments market in Italy is in many ways out of step with the rest of Western Europe. It has a comparatively low penetration of payment cards, although it also has the largest point of sale (POS) terminal network of any country in the region.Key FindingsDebit cards are the most popular card type by far, but cash remains the most popular payment tool in stores for most Italians.E-commerce accounts for the vast majority of online purchases by value in Italy, although m-commerce is expected to record a compound annual growth rate of 21% between 2015 and 2019.Regulatory changes have led to a rise in demand for affordable POS terminals, and the mobile POS market in particular is an area of significant opportunity for providers.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @SynopsisVerdict Financials Consumer Payments Country Snapshot: Italy examines the consumer payments market in Italy, considering payment cards, online payments, P2P payments, and newer payment technologies such as mobile wallets and contactless. This report also examines the regulations in force in the market that players must comply with and how these have changed in recent years. Analyzes the major payment card types in terms of both card holding and usage.Identifies the major competitors in card issuing and how their position in the market has changed over the last five years.Considers consumer attitudes towards prepaid cards, P2P tools, mobile payment tools, and contactless cards, and how companies in Italy are deploying these tools to meet customer needs.Explores the online payment market in Italy by merchant type and payment tool, as well as providing a five-year forecast for the development of the market.Considers the regulations affecting the payments market and how they are likely to affect both incumbents and disruptors.Browse Detail Report With TOC @Reasons To BuyUnderstand the key facts and figures in the consumer payments market in Italy.Find out what products the major competitors are launching in the market and plan your strategy accordingly.Discover consumer sentiment towards various payment tools in the Italian market and use this knowledge to inform product design.Learn about the key regulatory requirements affecting Italian payments players and any recent or upcoming changes to those requirements.Table of ContentsPROXIMITY PAYMENTSREMOTE PAYMENTSPAYMENTS INFRASTRUCTURE & REGULATIONAPPENDIXAbout ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.For More Information Kindly Contact:ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.us Refinery Catalyst Market : Global Industry Size, Growth, Share, Trends, Outlook and Forecast 2022 Brisk Insights http://www.briskinsights.com/report/global-refinery-catalyst-market-forecast-2015 http://www.briskinsights.com/category/chemical-and-material-industry http://www.briskinsights.com/ According to a recent published report, the Refinery catalyst market is expected to grow at the CAGR of 4.3% during 2015-2022 and it is estimated to be $6.12 billion by 2022. The global refinery catalyst market is segmented on the basis of type, ingredients and geography. The report on Global Refinery catalyst market forecast 2015-2022 provides detailed overview and predictive analysis of the market.There are many factors responsible for the growth of the refinery catalyst market such as the application of the refinery catalysts in petroleum refineries so that throughput from refineries could be enhanced. Also there is continuous increase in the demand of the petroleum based products due to the increasing demand of transportation fuels and, refinery catalysts have got excellent potential to fulfill the ever rising demand of these products. Environment regulations have become extremely stringent these days due to the increase in the number of issues related to the environment and this factor is in turn leading to the rise in the demand of refinery catalysts. These find major application in helping the refineries to meet the fuel standards. Increasing demand of maintenance of high octane number is also driving the market of refinery catalysts. Some of the factors acting as restraint for the market are diminishing reserves of crude oil and higher cost of production. Total cost required for the production of refinery catalyst is generally higher than that required for the production of conventional catalyst.Browse Full Report with Toc :Scope of the report1. Global Refinery catalyst market by type 2012-2022 ($ billion)1.1. Fluid Catalytic Cracking (FCC)1.2. Hydro processing Catalyst1.2.1. Hydro treating Catalyst1.2.2. Hydrocracking Catalyst1.3. Alkylation Catalyst1.3.1. Sweetening Catalyst1.3.2. Isomerization Catalyst1.3.3. Hydrodesulphurization CatalystBrowse here for all category Reports :2. Global Refinery catalyst market by ingredients 2012-2022 ($ billion)2.1. Zeolites2.1.1. Natural Zeolites2.1.2. Synthetic Zeolites2.2. Metals2.2.1. Precious Metals2.2.1.1. Platinum (PT)2.2.1.2. Palladium (PD)2.2.1.3. Gold (AU)2.2.1.4. Rhenium (RE)2.2.2. Rare Earth Metals2.2.3. Transition & Base Metals2.2.3.1. Molybdenum (MO)2.2.3.2. Tungsten (W)2.2.3.3. Cobalt (CO)2.2.3.4. Nickel (NI)2.2.4. Other Transition and Base Metals2.2.4.1. Iron (FE)2.2.4.2. Zirconium (ZR)2.2.4.3. Manganese (MN)2.2.4.4. Chromium (CR)2.2.4.5. Potassium (K)2.2.4.6. Phosphorus (P)2.2.4.7. Bismuth (BI)2.3. chemical compounds2.4. Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4) & Hydrofluoric Acid2.5. Calcium Carbonate (CACO3)3. Global Refinery Catalyst regional outlook 2012-2022 ($ billion)3.1. North America3.2. Europe3.3. Asia Pacific3.4. Middle East & Africa3.5. Central & South America3.6. Central & South AmericaContact Us :Jennifer SmithOffice 1094109 Vernon HouseFriar LaneNottinghamNG1 6DQPhone : +448081890034 (UK)Website :About Us :Brisk Insights is a global market research firm. Our insightful analysis is focused on developed and emerging markets. We identify trends and forecast markets with a view to aid businesses identify market opportunities optimize strategies.Working in a highly dynamic and multi-dimensional business makes decision making complex. Effective business decisions are a result of the synthesis of market information. Our Research and data analysis is an efficient and cost-effective way of providing robust market analysis and can yield highly valuable intelligence relating to consumers, competitors and markets.Office 1094109 Vernon HouseFriar LaneNottingham China Calcium Carbide Markets Key Trends, Size, Growth, Shares And Forecast Research Report http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=703157 http://www.researchmoz.us/calcium-carbide-markets-in-china-report.html Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Calcium Carbide Markets in China" to its huge collection of research reports.China's demand for Calcium Carbide has grown at a fast pace in the past decade. In the next decade, both production and demand will continue to grow. The Chinese economy maintains a high speed growth which has been stimulated by the consecutive increases of industrial output, imports & exports, consumer consumption and capital investment for over two decades. This new study examines China's economic trends, investment environment, industry development, supply and demand, industry capacity, industry structure, marketing channels and major industry participants. Historical data (2005, 2010 and 2015) and long-term forecasts through 2020 and 2025 are presented. Major producers in China are profiled.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The primary and secondary research is done in China in order to access up-to-date government regulations, market information and industry data. Data were collected from the Chinese government publications, Chinese language newspapers and magazines, industry associations, local governments industry bureaus, industry publications, and our in-house databases. Interviews are conducted with Chinese industry experts, university professors, and producers in China. Economic models and quantitative methods are applied in this report to project market demand and industry trends. Metric system is used and values are presented in either Yuan (RMB, current price) and/or US dollars.Our market research reports provide hard-to-find market data and analyses. Today, China has the largest market in the world. Tremendous fast-growing markets for imports and business opportunities for companies around the world. If you want to expand your business or sell your products in China, our research reports provide the insights and projections into Chinese markets necessary for you to do so.Browse Detail Report With TOC @Table of ContentI. INTRODUCTIONReport Scope and MethodologyExecutive SummaryII. BUSINESS ENVIRONMENTEconomic OutlookKey Economic IndicatorsIndustrial OutputPopulation and LaborForeign InvestmentForeign TradeFinancial and Tax RegulationsBanking System and RegulationsForeign ExchangeTaxes, Tariff and Custom DutiesIII. CALCIUM CARBIDE INDUSTRY ASSESSMENTSCalcium Carbide Industry StructureCalcium Carbide Industry Production, Capacity and DemandMajor Producer FacilityMarket Share of Key ProducersMajor Calcium Carbide ProducersMajor End-UsersTechnology DevelopmentChinas Calcium Carbide PriceIndustry Development TrendIV. CALCIUM CARBIDE PRODUCTION AND DEMANDOverviewCalcium Carbide Production and DemandCalcium Carbide OutputCalcium Carbide DemandCalcium Carbide CapacityCalcium Carbide Capacity ExpansionCalcium Carbide Import and ExportV. CALCIUM CARBIDE MARKET OUTLOOKCalcium Carbide Markets OutlookAcetylene Products MarketAcetylene Products Market OutlookCalcium Cyanamide MarketCalcium Cyanamide Markets OutlookSteelmaking MarketSteelmaking Market OutlookOther MarketOther Market OutlookAbout ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.For More Information Kindly Contact:ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.us Global Hemophilia Market Key Trends, Size, Growth, Shares And Forecast Report 2016 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=703128 http://www.researchmoz.us/global-hemophilia-market-report-2016-edition-report.html Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Hemophilia Market Report: 2016 Edition" to its huge collection of research reports.Hemophilia refers to a set of hereditary genetic disorders that impairs the body's ability to control blood clotting, which controls bleeding when a blood vessel is broken. People with hemophilia lack, either partially or completely, an essential clotting factor needed to form stable blood clots. In the absence of a treatment, uncontrolled internal bleeding can occur, causing stiffness, pain, severe joint damage and even death. Depending upon the coagulation factor deficiency, there are different types of hemophilia such as Hemophilia A, Hemophilia B, Hemophilia C, Von Willebrand disease and Hemophilia with Inhibitors.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Even though Hemophilia is rare bleeding disorder, the number of people affected by it has been increasing with time. While mild hemophilia is easy to diagnose especially in kids, when they learn to move and walk, and get large bruises from minute falls, severe hemophilia patients need to go for periodic transfusion of the respective factors so as to avoid the event of life-threatening bleeding episodes. Such a periodic transfusion is done through what is commonly known as the replacement therapy. With increasing sophistication and modernization of technology, demand for advanced treatment options increases, thereby making the entire market grow.The key factors which are anticipated to drive this market include increasing penetration of recombinant factor VIII, increasing healthcare expenditure, emerging use of treatments in low income countries and increasing diagnosis rates. Some of the noteworthy progresses of this industry include the increasing adoption of prophylaxis therapy, introduction of extended half-life products and gene therapy. However, the growth of respective industry is challenged by the high cost of treatments and high reluctance by patients to switch to new treatments/products.The report provides a comprehensive study of global hemophilia market and also major regional markets. Furthermore, market dynamics such as key trends and development; and challenges are analyzed in depth. The global hemophilia industry is highly competitive consisting of several large companies including the Shire Plc, Bayer Group, Pfizer Inc, Novo Nordisk etc. The competitive landscape of the respective market, along with the company profiles of the leading players are also discussed in detail.Browse Detail Report With TOC @Table of Content1. Overview1.1 Types of Hemophilia1.1.1 Hemophilia A1.1.2 Hemophilia B1.1.3 Hemophilia C1.1.4 Hemophilia with Inhibitors1.1.5 Von Willebrands Disease1.2 Signs and Symptoms1.3 Treatments of Hemophilia1.3.1 Replacement Therapy2. Market Analysis2.1 Global Hemophilia Market2.1.1 Global Hemophilia Prevalence2.1.2 Global Hemophilia Diagnosis and Treatment2.1.3 Global Hemophilia Market Revenue2.1.4 Global Demand for FVIII for Hemophilia A2.1.5 Global Supply Capacity of Recombinant FVIII for Hemophilia A2.1.6 Global Hemophilia A Market Revenue2.1.7 Global Hemophilia B Market Revenue2.1.8 Global Hemophilia with Inhibitors Market Revenue2.2 The US Hemophilia Market2.2.1The US Hemophilia Patients Treated per Year2.2.2 The US Hemophilia Market Revenue2.2.3 The US Hemophilia A Patients Treated per Year2.2.4 The US Hemophilia A Market Revenue2.2.5 The US Hemophilia B Patients Treated per Year2.2.6 The US Hemophilia B Market Revenue2.2.7 The US Hemophilia with Inhibitors Patients Treated per Year2.2.8 The US Hemophilia with Inhibitors Market Revenue2.2.9 The US Von Willebrand Factor Market Revenue2.3 Europe Hemophilia Market2.3.1 Europe Hemophilia Patients2.3.2 Europe Hemophilia A Patients2.3.3 Europe Hemophilia A Therapy by Severity2.3.4 Europe Hemophilia B Patients2.3.5 Europe Hemophilia B Therapy by Severity3. Market Dynamics3.1 Growth Drivers3.1.1 Increasing Penetration of Recombinant FVIII3.1.2 Increasing Healthcare Expenditures3.1.3 Emerging Use of Treatments in Low Income Countries3.1.4 Increasing Diagnosis Rate3.2 Key Trends3.2.1 Increasing adoption of Prophylaxis3.2.2 Gene Therapy3.2.3 Introduction of Extended Half-Life Products3.3 Challenges3.3.1 High Cost of Treatment3.3.2 Reluctance to Switch to New Treatments/Products4. Competitive Landscape4.1 Competition by Market Share4.1.1 Hemophilia Market Share4.1.2 Hemophilia A Market Share4.2 Competition by Financials4.2.1 Competition by Market Cap4.2.2 Competition by Profit Margin5. Company Profiles5.1 Shire PLC5.1.1 Business Overview5.1.2 Financial Overview5.1.3 Business Strategies5.2 Bayer Group5.2.1 Business Overview5.2.2 Financial Overview5.2.3 Business Strategies5.3 Novo Nordisk5.3.1 Business Overview5.3.2 Financial Overview5.3.3 Business Strategies5.4 Pfizer Inc.5.4.1 Business Overview5.4.2 Financial Overview5.4.3 Business StrategiesAbout ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.For More Information Kindly Contact:ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.us Global Excavator Market Key Trends, Size, Growth, Shares And Forecast Report 2016 http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=703222 http://www.researchmoz.us/global-excavator-market-report-2016-edition-report.html Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Excavator Market Report: 2016 Edition" to its huge collection of research reports.Excavators are one of the major segments of construction equipment industry. These are used extensively in numerous fields ranging from construction of roads, building structures to mining and extraction of gold and diamonds. There are several types of excavators present in the industry, based on their size and machinery.There are many types of excavators, out of which demand of hydraulic excavators is discussed in the report. The demand of the hydraulic excavators declined worldwide. The decrease was mainly due to the downturn in hydraulic excavator demand in China, Japan and Asia & Oceania during 2015 despite continuing steady sales expansion in North America and Europe.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The key factors driving the growth of the excavator industry are rising urbanization, growth in construction expenditure and growing economy. Some of the noteworthy trends and developments of this industry are growing demand for fuel efficient excavator, introduction of new product and usage of high efficiency hydraulic fluids. However, the expansion of global excavator industry is hindered by high maintaining cost for hydraulic excavators and strict regulatory compliance imposed on producers.The report Global Excavator Market provides an in-depth analysis of the excavator market along with a detailed study of the Chinese market. The major trends, growth drivers as well as issues being faced by the industry are being presented in this report. The four major players in the industry, Caterpillar, Komatsu, Hitachi and Kobelco are being profiled.Table of Content1. Excavator Market An Introduction1.1 Uses of Excavators1.2 Types of Excavators1.2.1 Compact Excavator1.2.2 Dragline Excavator1.2.3 Long Reach Excavator1.2.4 Hydraulic Excavator1.2.5 Power Shovel Excavator1.2.6 Suction ExcavatorBrowse Detail Report With TOC @2. Construction Equipment Market Analysis2.1 Global Construction Equipment Sales by Volume2.2 Global Construction Equipment Sales Share by Region2.2.1 Europe Construction Equipment Sales by Volume2.2.2 North America Construction Equipment Sales by Volume2.2.3 Japan Construction Equipment Sales by Volume2.2.4 China Construction Equipment Sales by Volume2.2.5 India Construction Equipment Sales by Volume3. Excavator Market Analysis3.1 Global Excavator Market by Volume3.1.1 North America Crawler Excavator Sales by Volume3.1.2 EU Crawler Excavator Sales by Volume3.1.3 EU Mini Excavator Sales by Volume4. Hydraulic Excavator Market4.1 Global Hydraulic Excavator Market by Volume4.2 Global Hydraulic Excavator Market Share by Region4.2.1 Japan Hydraulic Excavator Market by Volume4.2.2 Europe Hydraulic Excavator Market by Volume4.2.3 China Hydraulic Excavator Market by Volume4.2.4 Asia and Oceania Hydraulic Excavator Market by Volume4.2.5 North America Hydraulic Excavator Market by Volume4.3 China Excavator Market4.3.1 China Excavator Sales by Volume4.3.2 Chinas Excavator Sales (Domestic vs. Export) by Volume4.3.3 China Excavator Market Share by Size4.4.4 China Excavator Market Share by Regional Players5. Market Dynamics5.1 Growth Drivers5.1.1 Rising Urbanization5.1.2 Accelerating Economic Growth5.1.3 Increasing Construction Expenditure5.2 Key Trends5.2.1 Growing Demand for Fuel-Efficient Excavator5.2.2 Usage of High Efficiency Hydraulic Fluids5.2.3 Introduction of New Products5.3 Challenges5.3.1 High Maintenance Cost5.3.2 Stringent Regulations6. Competitive Landscape6.1 Global Construction Equipment Market6.2 China Excavator Market6.2.1 China Excavator Market Share6.2.2 Chinas Small-size Excavator Market Share6.2.3 Chinas Medium-Size Excavator Market Share6.2.4 Chinas Large-Size Excavator Market Share6.2.5 China's Excavator Market Share 0-20 Tons6.2.6 China's Excavator Market Share 20-40+ Tons6.3 North America Crawler Excavator Market6.3.1 North America Crawler Excavator Market Share6.4 Japan Excavator Market6.4.1 Japan Excavator Market Share6.5 EU Crawler Excavator Market6.5.1 EU Crawler Excavator Market Share6.5.2 EU Mini Excavator Market Share7. Company Profiles7.1 Komatsu Ltd.7.1.1 Business Overview7.1.2 Financial Overview7.1.3 Business Strategies7.2 Hitachi7.2.1 Business Overview7.2.2 Financial Overview7.2.3 Business Strategies7.3 Caterpillar Inc.7.3.1 Business Overview7.3.2 Financial Overview7.3.3 Business Strategies7.4 Kobelco7.4.1 Business Overview7.4.2 Financial Overview7.4.3 Business StrategiesAbout ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.For More Information Kindly Contact:ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.us Two world premieres for slomo.tv at NAB Show 2016 SL 6321 with 4K servers RED ARROW 4K Server www.slomo.tv www.broadcast-solutions.de www.broadcast-solutions.de RED ARROW and BlackJack FULL 4K replay and slow-motionNAB Show in Las Vegas will see the world premiere of two new FULL 4K replay and slow-motion servers. With RED ARROW and BlackJack 4K slomo.tv will show at their booth SL 6321 two new members to the product family that pushes the boundaries of replay and slow-motion servers even further. Slomo.tv products are being distributed by Broadcast Solutions. With these new products the company once again sets new standards in slow-motion servers. RED ARROW offers 4 channels recording, 4 channels search and 2 channels playback with six 4K physical video ports all in 4K 50p in a single 2RU enclosure. BlackJack 4K offers 3 IN, 3 Search and 2 OUT in 4K 50p/4K 60p in a single 4RU enclosure.RED ARROWWith a single 2RU enclosure RED ARROW is the most powerful replay and slow-motion server in the world. RED ARROW offers 4 channels recording, 4 channels search and 2 channels playback with six 4K physical video ports all in 4K 50p. It can also be used for 6-channel 4K 50p recording for non-linear editing.Due to its 4 graphical ports RED ARROW allows for 4 operators working on one machine together at the same time. For example, two operators work with configuration 662 (6 recording, 6 search and 2 replay channels), the other two with configuration 442 (4 recording, 4 search and 2 replay channels). While working on one machine, simultaneously each operator has its own display that can function as the main interface or in multiviewer mode.The system interface has a built-in multiviewer that provides monitoring of input and output signals and search through 4 channels using one standard 1920x1080 monitor. With its SSD based array RED ARROW provides for storage of 266 hours 100Mbit HD video. The built-in DMR SATA slots can accommodate nine (9) 3.5" SATA drives that can record 18 channels in ProRes 422 and 18 Proxy SD channels or 24 channels DVCPro HD with SD Proxy.The RED ARROW can be operated as a stand-alone unit and unlike others does not need any additional soft- or hardware.In 3G or HD the RED ARROW can operate with 20 channels recording and replays, while it provides 4 physical outputs! Equally when RED ARROW runs in 3G / HD mode the server offers 20 channels of 3G.Unlike competing products, that offer maximum 4 channel recording + PRV and PGM typically in 6RU, RED ARROW is a true game changer in the field of high-end servers and offers functionalities never dreamed of before.RED ARROW offers various interfaces for the integration with other production environments, for instance two 10 GbE interfaces.BlackJackWith this 3 IN, 2 OUT 4K 50p server again the manufacturer underlines its ambition to be one step ahead of the competition. With the brand new BlackJack 3G optionally 16 channels 3G can be recorded and up to 3 operators can edit 4 channels (slomo and highlights) with independent crossfade outputs or it may just work as a 5-channel 4K 50p slow-motion machine. Both varieties provide the usual comprehensive features that slomo.tv offers on all platforms. 12TB SSD - enough to record 266 hrs. HD with 100 Mbit/s are already on board. On all 12 input channels DMR is available. slomo.tv offers this unique engine with the capability to transcode all channels live during recording thus providing all content without delay to the external drives for further processing. Unique to the BlackJack 4K is its capability to search and mark clips on 3 4K 50p channels simultaneously (during continuous recording) and to deliver 2 channels 4K 50p with the possibility to fade between 2 separate signals.For viewing the recorded material BlackJack seamlessly integrates with standard FULL HD monitors for displaying the interface with built-in multiviewer so there is no need for several 4K / 4x3G SDI monitors.BlackJack supports a large set of codecs: MJPEG, ProRes 422, DVCPro HD, AVID DNxHD, XDCAM 50Mbit, MPEG2, MPEG4, H264, DVCPro50, DVCProHD, DV25, IMX and containers natively compatible with Apple Final Cut, Avid, Adobe Premiere, GVG Canopus. All slomo.tv servers are delivered with a specialised console with push-buttons, T-Bar and Jog/Shuttle (via RS-422 interface), mouse and keyboard.Please find additional information on slomo.tv products atand on the Broadcast Solutions website:Broadcast Solutions GmbH is one of Europes biggest system integrators. For more than ten years the German based company stands for innovation and engineering Made in Germany. With subsidiaries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East Broadcast Solutions plans, implements and realises projects in the areas of Outside Broadcast, Satellite Communication, Studio and MCR Broadcast Facilities, Sport Arena Multimedia Solutions as well as mobile Security and Surveillance Solutions. A further emphasis of the company is to consult our customers when it comes to workflow optimization, trainings and production consultancy. Acting as a distribution company in Europe and worldwide Broadcast Solutions represents innovative brands like slomo.tv, ProSat Solutions, Aviwest, Robycam as well as Serenity. With more than 100 employees worldwide and working as a hardware independent system integrator Broadcast Solutions offers its customers tailor-made solutions from idea to implementation and beyond. You can find more information at broadcast-solutions.de.Andreas Hoflich-Public Relations-Tel: +49 (0)6721 4008 287Mobile: +49 (0)173 8698083E-Mail: a.hoeflich@broadcast-solutions.deBroadcast Solutions GmbHAlfred-Nobel-Str. 5D-55411 Bingen am RheinGermany Global WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Market Demand, Analysis & Forecast to 2021 WTE (Waste-to-Energy) http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/global-wte-industry-2015-market-research-report-53006 http://goo.gl/s22RRN Global WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Industry 2015 Market Analysis Survey Research Growth and Forecast ReportThe report provides a basic overview of WTE (Waste-to-Energy) industry including definitions, applications and industry chain structure. Global market analysis and Chinese domestic market analysis are provided with a focus on history, developments, trends and competitive landscape of the market. A comparison between the international and Chinese situation is also offered.Global WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Industry Research Report 2015 also focuses on development policies and plans for the industry as well as a consideration of a cost structure analysis. Capacity production, market share analysis, import and export consumption and price cost production value gross margins are discussed.A key feature of this report is it focus on major industry players, providing an overview, product specification, product capacity, production price and contact information for Global Top15 companies. This enables end users to gain a comprehensive insight into the structure of the international and Chinese WTE (Waste-to-Energy) industry. Development proposals and the feasibility of new investments are also analyzed. Companies and individuals interested in the structure and value of the WTE (Waste-to-Energy) industry should consult this report for guidance and direction.Browse Full Report with TOC @Table of ContentsChapter One WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Industry Overview1.1 WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Definition(Product Picture and Specifications)1.2 WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Classification and Application1.3 WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Industry Chain Structure1.4 WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Industry Overview1.5 WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Industry History1.6 WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Industry Competitive Landscape1.7 WTE (Waste-to-Energy) Industry International and Global Development ComparisonGet Free Sample @About Us:MarketResearchStore.com 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 US:Joel JohnSuite #8138, 3422 SW 15 Street,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442United StatesToll Free: +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-386-310-3803 Growing Awareness among Consumers Responsible for Expansion of Asia Pacific Anti-aging Market http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/anti-aging-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=CR&rep_id=1754 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Transparency Market Research has published a research report about the global anti-aging market. The research report, titled Anti-aging Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2013 - 2019, has been compiled using primary and secondary research. Furthermore, the research report includes SWOT analysis to point out the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the market. Additionally, it also highlights the threat of new entrants, the threat of substitute products or services, the bargaining power of customers, the bargaining power of suppliers, and the intensity of competitive rivalry.According to the research report, the global anti-aging market was valued at US$122.3 bn in 2013 and is expected to reach US$191.7 bn by the end of 2019, registering a CAGR of 7.8% between 2013 and 2019.Read More:Products that promise reversal of aging signs that appear on the skin are known as anti-aging products. In recent times, anti-aging products have been in great demand due to the growing usage of moisturizer-based cosmoceutical products used for skin care. The ability of products available in the global anti-aging market to mask the signs of skin aging has given this market a huge impetus. Consumers across the globe are spending on these products and devices in order to retain a youthful appearance.The global anti-aging market is segmented on the basis of demographic, product, service, device, and region. The demographics that anti-aging market caters to are baby boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y. Products available in the global anti-aging market are UV absorbers, anti-wrinkle products, hair color, and anti-stretch marks products. The services offered in the global anti-aging market are anti-pigmentation therapy, breast augmentation, adult acne therapy, abdominoplasty, liposuction services, chemical peels, eyelid surgery, sclerotherapy, and hair restoration. The devices available in this market are anti-cellulite treatment devices, microderm abrasion devices, laser aesthetic devices, and radiofrequency devices. Geographically, this market is segmented into Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and Rest of the World.The research report suggests that those born between 1946 and 1964 are the largest consumers of anti-aging products and services. The statistics also pointed out that about 8,000 become part of this category every day, an addition that is expected to continue for the coming 18 years. The rising disposable income of this age group is expected to drive the anti-aging market. Furthermore, the fact that the majority of the anti-aging products and services do not require a prescription is also fueling the overall anti-aging market.Request For Custom Research:Some of the key players in the global anti-aging market are Photomedex Inc., Personal Microderm, Lumenis Ltd, Beiersdorf AG, Coty Inc., Solta Medical Inc., Cynosure Inc., Alma Lasers Ltd, and LOreal, SA. The research report provides an insightful take on the competitive landscape of the global anti-aging market. Furthermore, it also evaluates the financial overview, research and development activities, business and marketing strategies, and investment outlook of these top players in the overall anti-aging market.Key segments of the Global Anti-aging MarketGlobal Anti-aging Market by DemographicsBaby BoomersGeneration XGeneration YGlobal Anti-aging Market by ProductsUV AbsorbersAnti-Wrinkle ProductsAnti-Stretch Marks ProductsHair ColorGlobal Anti-aging Market by ServicesAnti-Pigmentation TherapyAdult Acne TherapyBreast AugmentationLiposuction ServicesAbdominoplastyChemical PeelEye-Lid SurgeryHair RestorationSclerotherapyGlobal Anti-aging Market by DevicesAnti-Cellulite Treatment DevicesMicroderm Abrasion DevicesLaser Aesthetic DevicesRadiofrequency DevicesGlobal Anti-aging Market by RegionNorth AmericaEuropeAsia PacificRest of the WorldAbout UsTransparency 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.Contact us: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: Coal Bed Methane (CBM) Market To 2020- Industry Trends, Forecast: Grand View Research, Inc. http://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/coal-bed-methane-industry Global CBM (Coal Bed Methane) market is expected to reach USD 17.31 billion by 2020, growing at a CAGR of 5.9% from 2014 to 2020. Unconventional CBM reserves, especially in coal-rich regions are increasingly gaining the spotlight as the industry strives for energy independence. Exploration and commercialization of unconventional hydrocarbon energy sources is seen as a critical step by energy agencies, to stabilize the energy supply-demand gap in the coming years. With CBM being a pure natural gas form, producers and consumers also have the opportunity to obtain much needed carbon credits and tax incentives.Browse full research report on Global Coal Bed Methane (CBM) Market:The strict framework designed for extraction by various environmental agencies coupled with the highly capital intensive process is expected to be a key challenge for industry participants over the next six years.Further Key findings from the study suggest: Global CBM production was 2,920.3 Bcf in 2013 and is expected to reach 4,667.4 Bcf by 2020, growing at a CAGR of 7% from 2014 to 2020. Power generation and industrial applications dominated CBM usage, accounting for over 64% of global volumes in 2013, with the former expected to be the fastest growing CBM market, at an estimated CAGR of 8.5% from 2014 to 2020. U.S. and Canada are the largest CBM producers, accounting for over 70% of global volume in 2013. U.S. CBM market revenues were estimated at USD 7.22 billion in 2013 and are exoected to grow at a CAGR of 5.4% from 2014 to 2020. Asia Pacific is expected to be the most dynamic regional market, with significant unexplored reserves. China, India and Indonesia are expected to lead the Asian CBM industry. The Chinese Ministry of Land and Resources has already announced plans to produce 16 billion cubic meters of coal bed methane by 2015, while Indonesia has already audited 1,000 bcf net resources and has production target of over 15,000 bcf by 2020. Key companies involved in CBM extraction include Arrow Energy, Dart Energy, Santos, PetroCHina and petronas.For the purpose of this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global CBM market on the basis of application and region: CBM Application Outlook (Volume, Bcf; Revenue, USD Billion; 2012-2020) Power Generation Industrial Residential Commercial TransportationRegional coverage of the database includes: North America U.S. Canada Europe Russia Asia-Pacific China India Australia IndonesiaGrand View Research, Inc. is a U.S. based market research and consulting company, registered in the State of California and headquartered in San Francisco. The company provides syndicated research reports, customized research reports, and consulting services. To help clients make informed business decisions, we offer market intelligence studies ensuring relevant and fact-based research across a range of industries, from technology to chemicals, materials and healthcare.Sherry JamesCorporate Sales Specialist, USAGrand View Research, Inc Global Drugs of Abuse Testing Market Set to be Dominated by On-Site Testing, Growing due to Regulatory Support http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/drugs-abuse-testing-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=1746 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ A new research report published by Transparency Market Research states that the global drugs of abuse testing market is expected to grow in the coming years due to increasing production, trade, and consumption of illegal drugs in the world. The report, titled Drugs of Abuse Testing Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2013 - 2018, is available for sale on the companys website. The industry experts have compiled a comprehensive report with the help of a SWOT analysis and Porters five forces analysis to give accurate information regarding the trends and dynamics in the global drugs of abuse testing market.According to the research report, the global drugs of abuse testing market was valued at US$2.6 bn in 2012 and is expected to be worth US$3.4 bn by 2018, growing at a CAGR of 4.80% from 2013 to 2018.Read More:The global drugs of abuse testing market is segmented on the basis of technology, location, sample, and geography. The technologies used in the drugs of abuse testing market across the globe are immunoassay and chromatography. On-site screening tests and laboratory drug tests are the two location-wise segments of the global drugs of abuse testing market. The testing is done using samples of hair, urine, saliva, and others. Geographically, this market is segmented into Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and Rest of the World.According to analysts, the primary growth driver for the global drugs of abuse testing market is the whopping production of illicit drugs, their unlawful trade, and rising consumption. As these drugs are the underlying cause of several deaths and road accidents, testing for drug abuse and overdose has become an urgent need for several organizations at national as well as local levels. All of these factors have led to a huge demand for drugs of abuse testing.These factors have prompted companies in North America and Europe to conduct drug screening tests such as pre-employment screening, abstinence monitoring, post-incident drug/alcohol screening, and random drug/alcohol screening. Government regulations supporting the screening of drug abuse at workplaces have also encouraged the drugs of abuse testing market to grow tremendously.The global drugs of abuse testing market faces certain restraints such as the legalization of certain drugs, economic instability, social inhibitions pertaining to testing illicit drugs, and the high cost of testing.Request Brochure:Some of the important players in the global drugs of abuse testing market are Thermo Fisher Scientific, LabCorp (Laboratory Corporation of America), Abbott Laboratories, Psychemedics Corporation, Sonic Healthcare, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Alere, Roche Diagnostics, Quest Diagnostic, and Randox Laboratories, and. Of these, Roche Diagnostics holds the biggest share in the global drugs of abuse testing market. The research report on the global drugs of abuse testing market gives a detailed explanation of the competitive landscape of the market and shares valuable information regarding the company profile, financial overview, research and development activities, investment outlook, and business and marketing strategies.The global drugs of abuse testing market is segmented on the basis of:Segmentation based on technologyImmunoassayChromatographySegmentation based on locationOn-site screening testLaboratory drug testSegmentation based on sampleUrineHairSalivaOthersMajor geographies analyzed under this research report are:EuropeNorth AmericaAsia-PacificRest of the WorldAbout UsTransparency 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.Contact us: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: Global Single Point Anchor Reservoir (SPAR) Market Could be Propelled by Rapid Industrialization and Growing Fuel Needs http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/single-point-anchor-reservoir.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=2559 Transparency Market Research has compiled a vast amount of data on the global industry of energy. One of the reports on this industry is Single Point Anchor Reservoir (SPAR) Market - Global Industry Analysis, Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2014 2020, wherein key segments that can provide a boost in the success rates of business strategies in the SPAR market have been analyzed.Browse Single Point Anchor Reservoir Market Report with Full TOC at :One of the biggest factors that could work to the benefit of the global SPAR market is the high rate of industrialization shown by developing economies. These economies are expected to ramp up their demand for oil and gas through a combination of improving industrial infrastructures and a growing density of population.On the other hand, the extremely high costs tied to the manufacture of SPARs are expected to hinder the markets overall growth rate. Another factor that will restrain the global SPAR market is the long time taken to manufacture these units.However, there are an increasing number of opportunities emerging from the large amount of projects that are already lined up for drilling activities in offshore reservoirs. SPARs are extremely useful in a lot of these locations, thereby creating a higher demand for them.Key segments of the global SPAR market are formed on the basis of different criteria, with product type being the most important one. According to the type, the global SPAR market can be segmented into truss SPARs, classic SPARs, and cell SPARs.For further inquiries, click here :Classic SPARs include a heavy ballast attached to the bottom of a cylindrical hull. In the case of truss SPARs, the cylindrical hull is shorter than the one in a classic SPAR, and has a truss structure attached to the bottom of this short cylinder. The bottom half of the truss holds a small square structure, which is weaker in strength than the rest of the truss. This square is filled with heavy ballasting materials.Cell SPARs hold one large cylinder in the center. It is surrounded by smaller cylinders that differ in lengths. Currently there is only one cell SPAR in operation in the global SPAR market.The deepest production platform in the world is Perdido, which is a truss SPAR, located in the Gulf of Mexico. It operates at a depth of 2,300 meters. The first SPAR that could carry out gas and oil production was installed in 1996. It was named the Neptune SPAR and was installed by Kerr McGee.The key players in the global single point anchor reservoir market are Bumi Armada Berhad, Technip S.A., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, SBM Offshore N.V., Teekay Corporation, Samsung Heavy Industries Co. Ltd., and Hyundai Heavy Industries.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) 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. TMR's experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.90 Sate Street, Suite 700 Albany, NY 12207 Market Research on Transformer Oil Market 2015 and Analysis to 2025 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1105 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/transformer-oil-market www.futuremarketinsights.com Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Transformer Oil Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2015-2025" report to their offering.In order to meet the residential, commercial and industrial energy requirements and ensure a smooth operation of power supply transformer plays an important role. During transformer operation, transformers dissipate heat which can damage the system if not controlled. In order to achieve seamless operation of transformer by preventing from heat damage the oil are used. Transformer oil is used in oil-filled and submersible transformers to maintain temperature of transformer. Application of transformer oil can also be seen in high-voltagecircuit breakers and switches. Since the oil is in constant contact with components it is therefore susceptible to chemical interaction. It is therefore essential to check for the quality of transformer oil at regular intervals since with continuous reaction the chemical composition of the oil may change and this may render it unfit for use.Request Free Report Sample@The market for transformer oil is subjected to the demands of the various end-use industries such as chemicals and automotive, and the type of transformer used. The oil used in transformers is hydrocarbon mineral oil. There are two major types of transformer oil used in the industry; naphthenic and paraffinic based. Though bio based transformer oil have gained attention due to stringent environmental issues but their usage is restricted due to limited advantage. The market of transformer oil will be driven by the expanding energy demand and growing installation of power grids in urban scenario. Due to growing population, the power grid companies needs to expand and upgrade their existing capacities causing penetration of transformers to increase which in turn fuel the market for transformer oil. The transition towards renewable sources of energy, strict environmental laws and shift towards organic oils may restraint the market of mineral based transformer oil.Asia is one of the largest consumer of transformer oils followed by North America, South America and Europe. For the forecasted years Asia-pacific transformer oil market will continue to lead in terms of consumption. The demand for transformer oil in Asia Pacific is rapidly growing for emerging markets of India and China. This demand is transformer oil is attributed to the increasing focus on rural and urban development in infrastructure. This involves a shift in focus from high capacity transformer to small and mid-segment transformers for domestic and agricultural uses. The transformer oil markets of China, India and also Brazil will dominate owing to the government initiative for the electricity accessibility to the countrys population. The demand for in the mineral based is anticipated to stabilize due to the shift towards green (bio based) alternatives. The demand for transformer oil in regions of Americas and Europe is related to high capacity industrial transformers. The demand for transformer oil in these regions is anticipated to be slower than those in Asia Pacific owing to the significant development of renewable sources of energy and reduced dependability on conventional sources of energy.Full Report Analysis@Transformer Oil Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players identified in the transformer oil market are Hydrodec Group PLC, Nynas AB, Calumet Specialty Products Partners, Valvoline,APAR Industries, Sinopec Corporation, Engen Petroleum Limited.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.Future 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: Robert Clevenger II nodded his head in apparent agreement Thursday as a Clackamas County Circuit judge told him that the "utter complete stupidity" of his could have led to his death and possibly others. Clevenger, 37, had been drinking alcohol at his home in Sandy and sometime after 8 p.m. on a Saturday fired a handgun into his lawn. The gunfire led a neighbor to call 911, which brought Sandy police officers and Clackamas County sheriff's deputies to the home in the 18900 block of Wallingford Avenue, according to a probable cause affidavit written by an officer who arrested Clevenger later that night. The affidavit describes one officer and a deputy ducking for cover behind a truck as Clevenger fired again, including several rounds into the ground between him and the officers. Neither they nor other officers at the scene returned fire, and no one was injured. Clevenger pleaded guilty Thursday to unlawful use of a weapon and was ordered to serve three years of probation. He was sentenced to 13 days in jail but received credit for the two weeks he already served and ordered to wear an alcohol monitoring device for three months and complete alcohol treatment. Additional charges of reckless endangering and second-degree disorderly conduct were dropped as part of a plea agreement. Clevenger spoke only to say "yes, ma'am" and "no, ma'am" to Judge Katherine Weber and to tell her that his father, a Portland police detective who shares his name, was disappointed to learn of his arrest. Defense attorney Sean O'Halloran said his client has been attending two to three Alcoholics Anonymous meetings a week since the shooting. Clevenger moved in with his father for two months after his release from jail and was "in effect on house arrest," O'Halloran said. It was clear that the shooting occurred because Clevenger had been "drinking and acting really stupid," said Clackamas County Deputy District Attorney Rusty Amos. After firing bullets into his lawn, Clevenger went back into his house and had reemerged with a rifle by the time police were on his property, Amos said. He fired into a bush, shot into the lawn again and then walked back inside. Although Clevenger was carrying and moving the guns around, it didn't appear that he was shooting at anything in particular, Amos said. When Clevenger answered the door for police, he had a 9 mm handgun holstered on his hip and claimed to not know anything about gunfire. Eighteen officers and deputies responded to Clevenger's home that night, said Sandy Police Officer Sam Craven, who spoke with some of the emergency responders at the scene. It appeared to the law enforcement officers behind the truck that Clevenger didn't know police were on his property when he fired. The fact that he was not shooting at the truck was another indication there was no intended target. "Just because someone is firing a gun doesn't mean we're justified to use lethal force towards them," Craven said in a phone interview on Thursday. "If he doesn't appear to be actually threatening someone or firing a gun at a person and he's not aware we're there, then we're just not justified to shoot at him." Amos recommended Clevenger serve 30 days in jail, noting that he would have been looking at a 60- or 90-day sentence had there been evidence he was targeting anyone. He said Clevenger has no prior criminal history. The defense attorney asked the judge to allow Clevenger to serve jail time on weekends, otherwise Clevenger could lose his job as a heavy machinery operator, he said. Weber said while she understood the 30-day recommendation, she was moved by a letter that Clevenger's father wrote to her and believed his time in jail left a strong impression on him. "I don't see a need to use a jail bed at this point to try to send any more of a message to you, because I fully believe you got the message," Weber said. "But if you take a single sip of alcohol, and I probably will find out about it, I will revoke your probation and I'm going to impose whatever the maximum that I can impose." She ordered the guns seized from Clevenger's home to be released to his father and said the younger Clevenger must not possess any guns, drugs or alcohol. As court adjourned, Weber wished Clevenger good luck and told him to thank his father. -- Everton Bailey Jr. ebailey@oregonian.com 503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey BART san francisco In this Oct. 22, 2013 file photo, Bay Area Rapid Transit passengers wait for a BART train to depart the Fruitvale station in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot, File) San Francisco's Bay Area Rapid Transit is putting manspreaders and other seat hogs on notice. The San Francisco Chronicle reports the transit agency approved fines of up to $500 for riders occupying more than one seat. That includes people who stretch out over multiple seats, as well as those who think their a backpack or bag deserve a seat of its own. The rule exempts riders who occupy more than one seat because of their size or a medical condition. A member of the agency's governing board proposed the rule, which was approved in a narrow 5-4 vote. Objections included concerns over whether criminalizing seat hogging was too heavy-handed. The president of the BART police officers' union told The Chronicle the rule would likely be applied most often to riders who are homeless, which he said could cause a backlash. Other agencies, including New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority, have launched poster campaigns to try to curb seat hogging, along with other transit peeves. TriMet's code prohibits lying across seats on a bus or train, putting "objects or substances" on seats that inhibits their use, or otherwise obstructing the use of seats. Violators can face a $175 fine and a ban from TriMet property. -- Elliot Njus enjus@oregonian.com 503-294-5034 @enjus LNG_warrenton.JPG The site of a proposed LNG plant in Warrenton looking towards Astoria. (Steven Nehl/The Oregonian/file) The company behind a proposed liquefied natural gas export terminal at the mouth of the Columbia River has abandoned the project, marking the death of Oregon's second such project in a matter of weeks. The Oregon LNG company had been pushing since 2012 to build the terminal in Warrenton, a small town on Oregon's north coast, but had recently encountered obstacles in the permitting process. Warrenton Mayor Mark Kujala said an Oregon LNG official told him the company's decision to withdraw from the project was "a funding decision." The news comes weeks after a city hearings officer rejected key permits for the project and after years of fervent opposition both locally and statewide. Concerns over the project's potential to harm Warrenton's fishing industry and environment had sparked protests at local meetings on the project and attracted attention from conservation groups. "It didn't have a lot of public support, I'll put it that way," Warrenton City Commissioner Henry Balensifer III said Friday. Friday's news comes a month after the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission rejected plans for a massive LNG terminal in Coos Bay, effectively killing the project. Federal regulators said backers of the Jordan Cove Energy Project had failed to demonstrate any need for the facility. Under Oregon LNG's plan, an 87-mile pipeline would have shuttled Canadian natural gas from Woodland, Wash., to the Warrenton terminal, where it would await export to Asia. But Oregon LNG lacked support from key elected officials whose votes were needed to move forward. Clatsop County commissioners voted unanimously to reject the application to build the terminal, a decision later upheld by the Land Use Board of Appeals. U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, and state Sen. Betsy Johnson, D-Scappoose, had also come out against the project. Wyden said he was "relieved" to hear the project would not move forward. "Local officials and members of the Clatsop County community raised valid concerns about this project from the very beginning," he said in a statement. "I shared the concerns that the Oregon LNG project would have had negative environmental and economic impacts, and I am relieved that local voices prevailed." The project encountered another roadblock this spring, when a city hearings officer denied land use applications after finding the terminal could harm habitat for protected salmon and affect public fishing access. As recently as late March, the company was planning to appeal the decision. Kujala said city officials had been thumbing through a 2-foot-thick stack of paperwork in anticipation of a May 4 hearing on the appeal. It's unclear what changed. Oregon LNG officials could not be reached for comment Friday afternoon. Project backers touted their $6 billion terminal plan as an opportunity for jobs and economic development in Warrenton. They expected to employ more than 2,000 people during construction while hiring 150 people full-time at the facility. The company had expected to finish the terminal in 2019, but opposition had slowed the process. If the company succeeded in appealing the city permit denial, it would have needed additional local, state and federal approval before starting construction. "They would have had a hard path ahead of them," said Brett VandenHeuvel, whose Columbia Riverkeeper was among Oregon LNG's critics. VandenHeuvel called Friday's news "a huge victory for clean water, for farmers, and for our climate." -- Kelly House The west hills have been a hub for Jewish goings-on for decades. From synagogues to schools to kosher delis, the west side is the place to find Jewish resources in Portland -- leaving east side Jews without many accessible services. But come mid-May, Northeast Portland Jews will have a community center to call their own. The Center for Jewish Life, located at 2858 N.E. Sandy Blvd., is undergoing mild renovations in preparation for its public debut next month. The center, which used to be an insurance office, is getting new carpet and furniture. Behind the project are Rabbi Chaim Wilhelm and his wife, Mushka, who moved to Northeast Portland in 2012 to connect and serve Jews in that part of town. They oversee Hebrew school and organize festivities around each holiday. So far, they've hosted gatherings in their home or rented space from a yoga studio, children's theater or other venues. "It's about building community," the rabbi said. "There are so many transplants." The Wilhelms are part of Chabad, a Hasidic movement focused on outreach. Chabad couples often move to areas with little Jewish infrastructure and start their own programs and services for Jews of all flavors -- Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, unaffiliated, atheist or otherwise. Chabad doesn't require paid membership like synagogues do, which makes their services more accessible to unaffiliated Jews. "I give Chabad a lot of credit," said David Forman, head of the board for the Jewish Federation of Greater Portland. "Here's an organization that can teach the rest of the world about outreach." The Wilhelms hope to see it become a hub for parties, book clubs, adult Hebrew language classes and more. "Chaim and his wife are very accepting and inclusive," said Doreen Binder, whose grandson attends the Wilhelms' Hebrew school. She's not religious, she said, but it means a lot to her to have a center for cultural expression. Binder is most excited about the center for the sake of her young grandson, she said. She wants him to grow up rooted in a Jewish identity, surrounded by kids and adults that share those cultural values, and she believes the new gathering space will enable that kind of community. "It's a hub, a center, a core that helps you know who you are and grow from there," she said. According to a study from the Jewish Federation, there were roughly 10,000 Jews on the east side as of 2011 -- far more than Jewish leaders had previously imagined. Considering the city's influx of transplants, that number has likely gone up. The Wilhelms aren't the only Jews working to engage the east side population. Another Chabad couple serves Reed College students and Southeast residents out of a midcentury house near the school, and one unaffiliated congregation, Shir Tikvah, meets on Northeast Irving Avenue. Independent groups meet for yoga, karaoke or game night. But the Sandy Boulevard center appears to be the first dedicated Jewish meeting area outside of a synagogue or house. The Wilhelms raised enough money to launch the center, but not enough to cover expenses long term. Rabbi Wilhelm is confident local families will contribute enough to make the center sustainable. "That is part of the Chabad model -- you step out and get things done," Wilhelm said. For information about the center, see the Chabad of Northeast Portland website. Note: No relation between Doreen Binder and the author. -- Melissa Binder mbinder@oregonian.com 503-294-7656 @binderpdx UPDATE: This post has been updated with additional statistics from 2015. Minority representation in Oregon police departments has barely budged in the past five years, an analysis by The Oregonian/OregonLive shows. The examination of state certification and census data found that across the state, municipal police departments are typically 14 percentage points whiter than the populations they serve. Suburban communities often have some of the most striking demographic mismatches. Gresham, Beaverton and Hillsboro police departments were each whiter than those cities' general populations by at least 20 percentage points, according to the data. Gresham, more than other Portland suburbs, has experienced an influx of African Americans, the group that has most vocally advocated for police accountability in recent years. The city has the second-largest African American population in Oregon, based on the 2010-2014 American Community Survey. "Especially in the last five years, the diversity in our city has changed so quickly, and we haven't been able to change so quickly," Gresham Chief Craig Junginger said. Gresham has a 12 percent minority police force and a 32 percent minority population. Police are not the only profession in which minorities are underrepresented. People of color comprise only 8.5 percent of Oregon's teachers and 14 percent of the newsroom staff at The Oregonian/OregonLive, while the state's population is 22 percent minority. Advocates say the issue is particularly pressing in the case of police. About 70 percent of African Americans in a 2013 Pew Research Center survey said police treated blacks in their communities less fairly than whites. Charles Wilson, chairman of the National Association of Black Law Enforcement Officers, said police departments are only just realizing that they need to go to untraditional places to find prospective minority applicants. He suggests hair salons and fitness centers as untapped places to recruit. "You're not recruiting for us, you're recruiting at us," Wilson said. "Right now, people tell me, 'It ain't cool to be the po-po.' That's law enforcement's fault because we're not showing people this is a viable career option." Gresham has started sending recruiters to job fairs held by community organizations such as the Urban League and the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. The department has held open houses for residents considering careers in law enforcement, sent letters to athletes at Oregon's four-year universities and enrolled employees in training sessions on how to recruit a diverse workforce. Still, success can be elusive, the chief said. "You're having every department in the whole state going after the same people," Junginger said. "We're trying to be creative, but everybody else is doing the same thing." Laurie Palmer As hard as Gresham is trying, some Gresham residents continue to perceive that police treat minority members with unwarranted suspicion. Laurie Palmer is one example. Palmer said a Gresham police vehicle in January pulled a U-turn to follow her Chevrolet Tahoe with its 22-inch rims and a vanity plate. The white officer said her tire crossed the road's center line, but she suspects the stop had more to do with her vehicle -- and her race. "That's a cultural thing," she said. "They associate rims with black people." Palmer said she later called the Department of Motor Vehicles and learned from an operator that police routinely ran database searches on her license plate. She said the operator suggested she find a different kind of vehicle. "If there were more African American officers," Palmer said, "when you were pulled over, you would at least have a running start." Community in transition How we did our analysis The Oregonian/OregonLive used employment history data collected by the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training to create annual rosters of sworn officers at each municipal police department. They provide Jan. 1 snapshots. State forms require departments to choose only one race or ethnicity for an officer -- white, Hispanic, African American, Asian, American Indian or Pacific Islander. The U.S. Census Bureau treats race differently; white and Hispanic are not mutually exclusive. For consistency in comparisons, we grouped officers and city residents into two groups: white non-Hispanic and minority. We treated officers listed in state data as blank, "unknown" or "other" as part of the minority group. The most recent American Community Survey data is from 2014, but there are large margins of error for many of the small cities that Oregon's police serve. We used 2010-2014 census data to reduce the margins of error. We compared that to the Jan. 1, 2014, police rosters. We obtained newer demographic numbers from Gresham directly. Oregon police departments give the state demographic information about newly hired officers. Unlike the census, state forms require departments to choose only one race or ethnicity for each officer -- white, Hispanic, African American, Asian, American Indian or Pacific Islander. The Oregonian/OregonLive treated blank, "unknown" or "other" races as part of a minority group. Fully 53 municipal police departments in the state had zero minority officers as of Jan. 1, 2015. That's down from 72 a decade ago. But overall minority representation hasn't grown much. Oregon's cadre of municipal sworn officers of color went from 7.3 percent of officers in 2009 to 7.9 percent in 2014; minorities in the corresponding Oregon cities went from 22.3 percent of the population to 24.6 percent in that period. Minorities were 8.7 percent of police in June 2015. Police departments better match the demographics of residents in places that are overwhelmingly white. Even majority-minority cities have very white police departments. In Milton-Freewater, a small town in northeastern Oregon, 57 percent of residents were members of a minority group compared to 6 percent of police officers. Gresham represents a community in transition. Since 2000, the city has shifted from 21 percent minority to 32 percent. Its African American population more than doubled, driven largely by gentrification in Portland's historically black neighborhoods. While community organizing has historically been concentrated in central Portland, some groups are beginning to turn their attention to the east, where many people priced out of Portland have resettled. The Urban League now staffs a small office in Rosewood. Several people involved with Don't Shoot Portland, an activist group inspired by events in Ferguson, live in Gresham. Junginger, the police chief, said recruiting a police force whose demographics reflect the community is important to building trust. "Sometimes it makes people feel more comfortable," Junginger said. "I'm not saying that a white officer can't do a good job, but it may be that the person they're going out to see may be more receptive to someone who looks like them." The department has sworn in 47 officers since 2010. Three were Hispanic, two were black, two were Asian and one was American Indian, officials said. Minority recruits often come from somewhere else. A recent black hire came from Atlanta, and a Native American officer moved from New Mexico. Hispanics remain the most underrepresented in Gresham. But the department offers extra pay to anyone who passes the FBI's Spanish exam; 10 have. Carla Piluso, Gresham's previous police chief and now a state representative, said the relatively small pool of minority candidates in Oregon makes it difficult to recruit locally. "We are a pretty lily white state," she said. "In Gresham, we were trying to be a think tank of how to bring people into the department, but it's really a statewide issue." 'If it isn't broken' Gresham officers by the numbers Total: 123 Hispanic: 6 Asian or Pacific Islander: 4 African American: 3 American Indian or Alaska Native: 2 Gresham officials defend their record working with residents of color. They note that the department has received no more than 61 complaints in any of the past three years, while its officers responded to more than 75,000 calls annually. But advocates for minority communities say an absence of complaints does not equal satisfaction, because people of color may not feel comfortable speaking up. "There are parts of the community that believe if you step forward something will be done, and they expect something to be done," said Rep. Lew Frederick, a Democrat from Portland. "There are other parts of the community who believe that if they step forward something will be done to them, or they will not be listened to at all." Gresham has chosen not to collect data on the race and ethnicity of drivers in traffic stops, information that other departments analyze for potential patterns of bias. Department spokesman Capt. Claudio Grandjean said command staff had a "spirited discussion" about pursuing the idea last year but decided not to for technical and philosophical reasons. "My thought on it was, 'If it isn't broken, don't fix it,'" said Grandjean, who is Hispanic and the department's longest-serving minority officer. "We're not Ferguson. We're not even close. We're not even Portland." But David Rogers, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon, said departments like Gresham will only gain the confidence of minority residents through greater transparency. "I think if Gresham is serious about understanding what is or isn't happening as it relates to racial disparities, they would be collecting that data," Rogers said. Silence followed a 2009 racial bias complaint from the department's first African American officer. The Portland Mercury reported at the time that the officer resigned a training department post after accusing a fellow officer of using a racial slur. Junginger has never commented on the case. The internal investigation records have been destroyed, and the department declined to release a document describing the outcome. Grandjean said the accused officer was disciplined but would not specify how. Both officers involved continue to work for the department and declined to be interviewed. Grandjean defended the department's refusal to disclose more. "How fair is it to an officer who's made some changes after having something pointed out to him that this is unacceptable five, 10, 15 years later?" Grandjean asked. Wilson, chairman of the black officers association, said incidents like the Gresham officer reported are especially common in small departments with "singletons," or lone minority officers. "Every single black officer has had to face that issue at one time or another," he said. "It's more prevalent among those of us who are singletons, lonely-only." He said all police agencies need to be more up-front with the public if they want to display accountability, something that is essential to attracting minority recruits. "We are not, as a profession, showing we can be transparent," he said. -- Carli Brosseau cbrosseau@oregonian.com 503-294-5121; @carlibrosseau 1debate.JPG Democratic Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Sen. Bernie Sanders debate during the CNN Democratic Presidential Primary Debate at the Duggal Greenhouse in the Brooklyn Navy Yard on April 14, 2016 in New York City. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) By Margaret Carlson Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders could see his flame fading during the debate with Hillary Clinton on Thursday. If he loses the New York primary on Tuesday he can soldier on, but the gallop that won him eight of the last nine contests is over. You could tie up all the superdelegates in traffic in the Holland Tunnel until the Democratic convention and Sanders still couldn't win the nomination without New York. That's probably why Sanders and Clinton rolled out all their old grievances, only louder and more insistently. There was a "no, you didn't, yes, I did" quality to the back and forth. She went after him for his lack of specificity, notably for failing to spell out his plan for breaking up the big banks. He repeatedly questioned her judgment, a big step back from his earlier blunder of saying she wasn't qualified. "Let's talk about judgment. And let us talk about the worst foreign policy blunder in the modern history of this country," he said, referring to Iraq. "I led the opposition to that war. Secretary Clinton voted for that." She had no comeback , perhaps because there is no comeback, unless you are ready to align yourself with Dick Cheney. Nor does she have one for the hundreds of thousands of dollars she accepted from Wall Street for speeches. She said she would turn over transcripts: "Let's set the same standard for everybody," she said. "When everybody does it, OK, I will do it." Sanders saw an easy pitch and swung. "I am going to release all of the transcripts of the speeches that I gave on Wall Street behind closed doors, not for $225,000, not for $2,000, not for two cents," he said. "There were no speeches." There's a presumption that banks and corporations make donations and pay big speaking fees because they get something for it, whether or not they do. No model of pure ethics, Congress banned such speeches years ago because it looked bad and sometimes was. Most of the time, Clinton seemed to know that all she had to do was to run out the clock. Her way is to nod her head as if she's only stating what anyone with half a brain would agree with, speak in her best kindergarten teacher's voice and, when exasperated, shout. Sanders' way is to shout all of the time. It wasn't always this way. Not too long ago, when he and Clinton got along, he seemed happy to pull his punches (remember the line about how sick he was of hearing about her "damn emails"). Clinton patted him on the head no matter what he said, as if he were her doddering grandfather (though he is only a few years older than she is). Several times, though, Clinton couldn't resist the urge to hit Sanders where he is already bruised. He had to see the left hook coming but still, he had no new explanation for his vote against holding gun manufacturers liable, other than to counter that he was an early and persistent opponent of assault weapons. He didn't nail her on her big mistake earlier in the week when she claimed that Vermont was responsible for most of the firearms used in crimes in New York. That statement was corrected by Vermont's governor and awarded three Pinocchios by a nonpartisan fact-checker. Sanders' one big get was showing that Clinton was fudging on how she would save Social Security. Pressed and pressed, she finally admitted that she wouldn't be raising taxes on the wealthy by raising the limit on taxable income for Social Security from $118,000 to $250,000. She prefers a "combination" of fixes. The most dramatic moment was when Sanders said that "superpredator," a term Clinton used in 1996 to describe young black criminals, was "racist," (like the word "liar," it used to be employed sparingly). The most amusing exchange was Sander's response to Clinton's claim that she called out the big banks on their mortgage practices during the financial crisis. He asked if that was "before or after" she took money from Wall Street, and then rolled his eyes. "Oh, my goodness," he chided her, "they must have been really crushed by that." It was a good moment for Sanders but not a great one. Sarcasm doesn't become him. He's an earnest, decent crusader who believes to his core that big money has corrupted the system and tilted the playing field so that the little guy can't get a leg up. The message appeals not just to young people, but also to many more who know we accept way too much as normal that isn't. It's not right that Warren Buffett paid less in taxes than his secretary did. It's not right that corporations can give as much money as they want to help politicians get elected. We just don't think anyone will do anything about it. Sanders would. It's why the light dimmed Thursday night. Margaret Carlson is a Bloomberg View columnist. For more columns from Bloomberg View, visit http://www.bloomberg.com/view. (c) 2016, Bloomberg View A few words of advice to investigators in Oregon Department of Justice's Intelligence Unit: If you see a social-media posting with the phrase "#IShotTheSheriff" attached at the end, that does not necessarily mean that the author actually shot a sheriff. Similarly, no need to sound the alarms if you come across a posting or tweet with the phrase #FightThePower. In fact, there's a tool that can help contextualize information you see on social media, where people often include phrases referencing pop culture. It's called Google. (And it's even free!) Using it can help ward off the kind of deserved criticism that the DOJ now faces as a result of an investigator misinterpreting tweets supportive of the Black Lives Matter movement by the agency's own civil rights director. Turns out, DOJ attorney Erious Johnson's posting of an image showing a man in the crosshairs of a gun wasn't a threat against law enforcement as a DOJ intelligence agent assumed. It was, rather, the logo for famed hip-hop group Public Enemy. It seems comical, at first. After all, even if investigators were unfamiliar with the logo, shouldn't the words "Public Enemy," which were printed right below the image, serve as a helpful hint? But as an outside investigator's report issued this week shows, the agent wasn't alone in his erroneous conclusions and assumptions about postings relating to Black Lives Matter. The report instead reveals the tunnel vision through which some employees of the intelligence unit -- which gathers, analyzes and shares potential threats with law enforcement agencies -- view the world. Oregonian editorials reflect the collective opinion of The Oregonian/OregonLive editorial board, which operates independently of the newsroom. are Helen Jung, Erik Lukens, Steve Moss and Len Reed. To respond to this editorial: Post your comment below, submit a , or write a . If you have questions about the opinion section, contact Erik Lukens, editorial and commentary editor, at or 503-221-8142. Lessons on how to avoid racial profiling are only the start of what this unit needs. The flap dates back to last September when DOJ employees in the intelligence unit were testing software from a vendor that can scan social-media sites for various search phrases and narrow down results by geographic area. One agent decided to look for posts in the Salem area that included the phrase #blacklivesmatter, which refers to the movement that has sprung up across the country in reaction to deaths of unarmed African Americans at the hands of police officers. The search turned up Johnson's Public Enemy post, as The Oregonian/OregonLive's Denis Theriault reported. Viewing the image, the agent mistakenly assumed that the man in the crosshairs in the logo was a police officer, an assumption that was shared by "many others" according to the report written by Stoel Rives attorney Carolyn Walker. Other postings by Johnson also triggered "concerns" by the agent that Johnson's tweets were "making all white people appear to be racist" and consisted of "all this hate stuff." The tweets, Walker notes, did not include any threats and expressed frustration over police violence against African Americans, as opposed to the reverse. The agent, however, wasn't alone in his worries. In fact, others in the intelligence unit expressed suspicion of the Black Lives Matter movement, the report shows, with one research analyst telling the investigator that "she had seen multiple news reports of police officers being shot by individuals associated with "blacklivesmatter." The agent's concerns carried up the chain and resulted in his writing a memo that was eventually shared with Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum. Credit Rosenblum for acting quickly and decisively after learning about the apparent act of racial profiling. She ordered that the searches be shut down and told Johnson personally of the incident, she said in an emailed statement to The Oregonian/OregonLive editorial board. Rosenblum also tapped Walker to investigate the incident, resulting in the $88,000 report. And she has called for additional training in cultural competency, anti-racial profiling, diversity training, and educating employees on what the law permits, she said. But too often, failures are chalked up to a need for further education. In fact, the report notes that one of the agent's supervisors "thinks that with education and training, he and other police officers within the unit may have had a different perception on what the concerning crosshairs image really was." It shouldn't take "education and training" for intelligence unit employees to not assume that #blacklivesmatter, which is ultimately about holding police accountable for their actions, is a threat. It shouldn't take "education and training" to know that you don't jump to wild conclusions without some basis in fact and research. While the report points out a lack of "cultural competency" within the criminal justice division, the DOJ should ensure that's it not just the cultural part of the equation that's missing. -- The Oregonian/OregonLive editorial board food.JPG (Beth Nakamura/Staff) By David Sarasohn Twenty years ago, coming up from California and working as a consultant for the Oregon Hunger Task Force, Patti Whitney-Wise was struck by one difference. In Sacramento, state legislators were remote figures, each representing hundreds of thousands of people, reachable only by appointment and negotiation. In Salem, legislators roamed loose in the state Capitol, available to anyone lurking to make a case. Whitney-Wise recalls her immediate conclusion: "If you play your cards right, you could get something done here." As she retires at the end of this month, as executive director of what's now called Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon, it turns out that she could. Whitney-Wise has been a vital part of a major statewide effort -- an alliance extending from the Oregon Food Bank to advocacy groups to legislators to individuals accosting legislators -- that has attacked and made some progress on an Oregon hunger problem the size of the Cascades. The time when the state first really focused on the problem, Whitney-Wise recalls, can be pinpointed. At the end of the 1990s, the U.S. Department of Agriculture started compiling and issuing state hunger rankings, based on rolling three-year averages of population surveys. The first year, 1999, the USDA ranked Oregon as the second-hungriest state in the country. The next year, Oregon was No. 1. Recalls Whitney-Wise, "That's when a lot of emphasis was put on hunger." Of course, not everybody bought the USDA's statistics. "(Gov. John) Kitzhaber and (George W.) Bush in Texas were the two governors who couldn't believe it," she says. But "those of us in the hunger community weren't surprised." Then, early in this century, in the wake of the crunching 9/11 recession, Oregon began to make some progress. The key strategy was expanding the state's participation in the nation's central anti-hunger program -- food stamps. Oregon launched a major public and private outreach effort to sign up Oregonians who qualified for food stamps but weren't enrolled. The state legislatively expanded the numbers who qualified -- and simplified the application from 25 pages to three. Rapidly, the federal food support coming into Oregon strengthened dramatically. Oregon became one of the top states in the nation in its percentage of eligible residents enrolled in the program and started getting participation bonuses from the Department of Agriculture. The benefits extended beyond the Oregonians who were getting something to eat; the efforts brought an additional $132 million a year in federal money into the state economy. (Research has also found that food stamps have the largest multiplier impact of any federal funding; recipients tend to inject the money into the economy quickly, often before lunch.) And an active advocacy effort, prominently featuring Whitney-Wise, produced a range of legislative anti-hunger efforts, including funding and expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit, investing in summer food programs, and Gov. Ted Kulongoski's Act to End Hunger, a five-year plan. Oregon improved to being only the 17th hungriest state. It was far from terrific -- it still ranked us in the top third, and nobody goes around chanting, "We're No. 17!" -- but the change was a demonstration of what effort could do. Then came the Great Recession, and the not-so-great recovery. We've come back from the depths, but hardly all the way. "It's still bad," says Whitney-Wise. "The new normal is not good. The new normal is worse than when we were No. 1." Which, at least, we're not; we're closer to No. 13. According to the USDA's last figures, released last September, Oregon was tied with several other states with 6.3 percent of its households at some point experiencing hunger -- or as the USDA daintily calls it, "very low food security." Back when Oregon was No. 1, the number was more like 5.8 percent. It's harder to be No. 1 these days. Hunger has gotten more competitive. But our prospects have certainly improved to this extent: We now know we can do something about it. "I remain hopeful, because I've seen the difference an effort can make," says Whitney-Wise. "I feel very good about the number of people, especially young people, taking up the banner and running with it." In fact, she remains, as always, indominantly cheerful, despite a career working with poverty and hunger -- and state legislators. She's moving to Minnesota to observe a new grandchild, a figure of even greater attraction than a Ways and Means co-chair, and will be honored at a May 12 dinner marking the 10th anniversary of Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon. She knows Oregon problems that remain. "We underfund our systems," she points out. "It's a beautiful state, so we think it's good enough. It's not good enough." * David Sarasohn's column appears on the first and third Sundays of the month. He blogs at davidsarasohn.com. Lars Larson leads a public contingent who've signed up to speak at City Council meeting Radio talk show host Lars Larson comments in 2009 on then-Mayor Sam Adams' legal issues in front of the Portland City Council. (Staff/2009) Northwest government: I love the Pacific Northwest, and I've lived here nearly my whole life. But boy does this place throw you some curves at times. We're critically short of housing in the region and begging builders to put up more, but politicians propose new taxes and limitations on builders. We beg our children to get higher education, and then give away more and more funding and seats in college to illegal aliens. We say we want more jobs, but in the last year I've seen Oregon and Washington say no to literally billions of dollars worth of private new development, such as a methanol plant, an oil refinery, a natural gas export facility, a coal terminal and an oil terminal. We get more rain than most places, but the government has literally thrown a man (Gary Harrington) in jail for capturing that rain. We're famous for bottling stuff like beer and wine, but give a cold shoulder to a company that wants to spend tens of millions to bottle water and create jobs. We have an unelected governor who loves the millions the state gets from gambling but says no to a proposed $26 million Coquille Indian Tribe casino in Medford. And we happily fund welfare and food stamps while more than a hundred thousand jobs go begging for workers in Oregon and Washington. Meanwhile, the folks in government want to create a new state-run pension savings plan for private sector workers, while they've run the Public Employee Retirement System $21 billion in the hole. Lars Larson Vancouver, Washington Larson hosts talk radio's "The Lars Larson Show." Archbishop of Canterbury praised after DNA testing reveals skeletons in the family closet 15 April, 2016 by Tobin Perry , | LONDON (Christian Examiner) Christian and Jewish leaders around the world are applauding Archbishop Justin Welby's response to recent news that he is the biological son of Winston Churchill's former private secretaryrather than the son of a whisky salesman. "I know that I find who I am in Jesus Christ, not in genetics, and my identity in him never changes." The Telegraph reports Welby discovered the truth about his paternity after a DNA test last month revealed he was the son of Anthony Browne, who served Churchill during his retirement. A comparison between a swab of Welby's mouth and samples of Browne's hair showed a 99.9779 percent chance that Browne was the archbishop's father. Though he says he was shocked by the discovery, it wasn't devastating news. "I know that I find who I am in Jesus Christ, not in genetics, and my identity in him never changes," said Welby, the spiritual leader of the 85-million-person global Anglican Communion. Welby also said in the statement, "Although there are elements of sadness, and even tragedy in my father's (Gavin Welby's) case, this is a story of redemption and hope from a place of tumultuous difficulty and near despair in several lives. It is a testimony to the grace and power of Christ to liberate and redeem us, grace and power which is offered to every human being." Rabbi Dr. Jonthan Romain, the minister at Maidenhead Synagogue in Berkshire, England, was among the first religious leaders to speak out in support of Welby. "The news does not affect his personal identity in any wayhe is who he has becomenor does it lessen his authority as Archbishop," Romain said. Bishop Anba Angaelos, the General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, praised the statement too, saying it indicated the "peace, love, forgiveness and resolve that we are not only all called to, but all endowed with if we but allow God's healing, reconciling and comforting presence in our lives." In Welby's original statement he told readers he realized he was not alone in experiencing family turmoil. Soon after the disclosure, his mother admitted that she had slept with Browne after drinking too much alcohol one night. The incident happened shortly before her three-year marriage to Gavin Welby, a whisky salesman and German immigrant. His mother, Jane Williams, has been a recovering alcoholic since 1968, Far from being upset with his mother at the revelation, he praised her in the statement for her commitment to sobriety and recovery thanks to her Christian faith and Alcoholics Anonymous. "My own experience is typical of many people. To find that one's father is other than imagined is not unusual," Welby wrote in the statement. "To be the child of families with great difficulties in relationships, with substance abuse or other matters, is far too normal." It isn't the first time startling family revelations have been disclosed about Welby since he took the post. Just after being named archbishop, The Telegraph reported that Gavin Welby, believed at the time to be his biological father, had been married previously to an American. He also discovered his father had a sister he never knew about. Although the marriage of Gavin Welby and Jane Williams only lasted three years, Welby lived with his father after the divorce. The news about Welby's paternity made an even bigger news splash within the tradition-bound Anglican Communion. Until the 1950s, illegitimate children could never become Anglican bishopsan historical fact that apparently his staff didn't realize. Before legal experts clarified the confusion, many worried that the revelation of Welby's biological father would invalidate all the acts of his service as bishop and archbishop, causing what some where calling a potential Anglican crisis. Despite the drama in the past week, Welby appears ready to move on asking Anglicans to pray for the many around the world suffering through real and genuine pain. Welby concluded his statement: "At the very outset of my inauguration service three years ago, Evangeline Kanagasooriam, a young member of the Canterbury Cathedral congregation, said: 'We greet you in the name of Christ. Who are you, and why do you request entry?' To which I responded: 'I am Justin, a servant of Jesus Christ, and I come as one seeking the grace of God to travel with you in His service together.' What has changed? Nothing!" Three Jefferson Middle School students are well on their way to becoming entrepreneurs. At Wednesday nights Young Entrepreneurs Academy Saunders Scholars Competition, the Ensure Robo Plus leadership team of Debasmita Kanungo, Debanshu Kanungo and Caleb Qiu was named the Outstanding Business. It feels great, said Ensure CEO Debasmita Kanungo, an eighth grade student at Jefferson. We learned group work and that you have to collaborate. Communication is very important. Wednesdays competition took place at the The Herbert D. Doan Midland County History Center as leaders from seven companies came together to share their business ideas before a group of five investors. The students had five minutes to pitch their ideas. Each company received some funding, which was awarded based on the merit of the idea and the presentation. Sponsored locally by the Midland Area Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with Northwood University, YEA! is a program that helps transform middle and high school students into real, confident entrepreneurs. Throughout the class, students develop business ideas, write business plans, conduct market research, pitch their plans to a panel of investors, and actually launch and run their own companies. These students have a passion for business. They spend seven months doing this. So, it is a big commitment, said Bill Gagliardi, formerly associate vice president of public relations at Northwood University. This is an outstanding match with Northwood University because of the focus on entrepreneurship. Gagliardi, along with Sharon Miller, served as instructors for the program that meets weekly. Each company requested a certain amount of funds from the panel of investors, who could either grant the proposed amount, decrease it or increase the amount. Ensure Robo Plus requested $681.39, but the five investors far exceeded that and granted $1,525, which was by far the largest amount of increase for any of the companies. Im really happy that all our hard work paid off, said Ensure COO Caleb Qiu, who is 13 and a seventh grade student at Jefferson Middle School. Ensure Robo Plus encourages STEM education and teaches the building and programming of robots. Each of the three principals have participated in a variety of robotics camps and competitions and will serve as instructors. We decided to start this program after we found out that many of our classmates wanted to be part of robotics. But, due to limited space of programs, they have missed the chance to learn many of the skills of robotics, said Ensure CFO Debanshu Kanungo, a 12-year-old student at Jefferson. Following a survey of science classes at Jefferson, the trio found that there was a tremendous willingness to participate in robotics and a lack of knowledge in the area. Of the 280 responses, 72 percent stated they would be willing to participate in robotics programs and 91 percent said they had not yet learned the techniques of building and programming a robot. Our target market is middle school students in Midland, Qiu said. The Ensure Robo Plus team now heads to Rochester, N.Y., on May 5-7, for the Saunders Scholars semifinals. Should they be one of six finalists in Rochester, they would advance to the 2016 National Saunders Scholars Competition in Washington, D.C., in June. Participating as investor panel judges Tuesday were: John Bartos, JS&B Associates; Donna Zalewski, ITC Holdings Corp.; Rodney Boulanger, Boulanger Energy; Chris Yurgaites, Chemical Bank; and Jim Hop, Northwood. Other students that presented: Shock Shell Phone Cases: Nathan Witt, CEO, Northeast Middle School, eighth grade. Business description: Shock Shell produces phone cases that incorporate industry-leading, high-impact foam and unique personalization. Fetch: Jacob Nelson, CEO, Midland High junior. Business description: Fetch is a new, innovative technology based personal services company designed to match consumers with freelance delivery solutions. K & H Designs: Kenady Sasse, CFO (Dow High senior) and Halle Reid, CEO (Jefferson sixth-grader). Business description: K & H Designs produces high-quality interchangeable jewelry that features earrings with magnetic charms. Culture Navigator: Jerry Zhao, CEO, Dow High freshman. Business description: Culture Navigators mission is to spread Chinese culture and produce traditional Chinese zodiac sign papercuts to tell the story and luck behind the customers birth year. Sheepy Time Boutique: Jessica Brooks, CEO, Dow High sophomore. Business description: Sheepy Time Boutique is a clothing design company that aims to provide clothing that never makes it to the back of the closet or the bottom of the drawer due to its design and comfort. Rustic Suds - Chris Ludington, CEO and Christian Weckesser, CFO, Dow High seniors. Business description: Rustic Suds sources top-market beauty and grooming products for distribution through an online subscription model. The following students were part of the YEA! class, but did not present: Olivia Kean, CEO of Kean Ceramics, and Kirk Kramer of Sonic Franchise. Do you have a plan? Where will you go? What will you do? These are three basic questions you and your family members should be able to answer right away when talk comes up about what to do if tornadic weather threatens. And if you dont have a plan, now is a good time to come up with one. While tornadoes can occur any time of the year, they are especially common during the late spring and early summer months, according to information released as part of Michigans Severe Weather Awareness Week, which is just wrapping up. On average, Michigan has 15 tornadoes a year, according to information on the Michigan State Police website. In 2015, there were 14 tornadoes across the state. The days that saw most of the tornado activity were June 22-23 (Portland, Birch Run) and Nov. 6 (the Thumb region), the state reports. The average lead time for tornadoes to develop is 10 to 15 minutes, which means people need to be ready to react quickly when a warning is issued. To be ready for a tornado, the Michigan State Police recommends people: Identify the lowest place to take cover during a tornado. If a basement does not exist, find an interior hallway away from windows, doors and outside walls. Find something sturdy such as a workbench or stairwell to get under when taking shelter in the basement or a designated spot. Conduct regular tornado drills. Make sure each household member knows where to go and what to do in the event of a tornado. Stay tuned to local media for news on changing weather conditions or approaching storms. Know the difference: A Tornado Watch means conditions exist for a tornado to develop; a Tornado Warning means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. And, be aware of the following signs that can indicate an approaching tornado: Dark, often greenish sky Large hail A large, dark low-lying cloud Loud roar, similar to a freight train Develop a 72-hour emergency supply kit with essential items such as a three-day supply of water and food, NOAA Weather Radio, important family documents and items that satisfy unique family needs. For more information, visit http://1.usa.gov/1SE4Ddr. B-52's demonstrate power projection in the Pacific The U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress bomber and crews just returned from Clark Air Base, Philippines, where they supported Exercise Balikatan 16. Exercises like BK 16 help maintain a high level of readiness, enhance military-to-military relations, and combined combat capabilities. The U.S. Pacific Command has maintained a rotational strategic bomber presence in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region for more than a decade. This presence deters potential adversaries and provides reassurance to allies and partners that the U.S. is capable to defend its national security interests in the theater. JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Active duty and Reserve Airmen came together to celebrate the Air Force Reserve's 68th birthday at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, April 14, 2016. "Celebrating our birthday is a great opportunity to recognize our diverse citizen Airmen," said Air Force Col. Dave Piffarerio, 477th Fighter Group commander. "We bring a wealth of talent, experience and perspective to missions that are crucial to our nation's defense. We cannot do that without the great support of our mission partners here at the 3rd Wing and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson." The Air Force Reserve was created as a separate component on April 14, 1948, when the Army Air Corps Reserve was transferred to the Air Force. The Air Force Reserve lineage dates back 100 years to when Reserve airpower was established in the National Defense Act of 1916. Today, more than 69,000 citizen Airmen are stationed locally in more than 66 communities throughout the United States and overseas, serving globally for every combatant command in air, space and cyberspace. The Total Force Policy of 1973 laid the foundation for the Air Force Reserve to augment, associate and partner with the active-duty Air Force. It has transformed from a force in 'reserve' for emergencies to a fully operational Reserve force and a major command of the Air Force. "Today, we are agile and experienced, with nearly 70,000 citizen Airmen stationed locally and serving globally," said Air Force Lt. Gen. James 'JJ' Jackson, Chief of the Air Force Reserve, Headquarters U.S. Air Force at Washington D.C., and Commander of the Air Force Reserve Command at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia. "Citizen Airmen have answered our nation's call in every major conflict around the globe." The Air Force Reserve mission is to provide combat-ready forces to fly, fight and win. The Air Force Reserve does this and more by offering airpower through more than 30 types of aircraft with speed, precision and lethality, and combat support through space operations and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability day in and day out. Citizen Airmen have contributed to the prevention of multiple crises and contingencies since the Persian Gulf War and continue to assist in overseas contingency operations. The 477th FG has participated alongside their active-duty partners in the 3rd Wing in every F-22 Raptor exercise and deployment, including the most recent deployment to Central Command area of responsibility, Piffarerio said. The 302nd Fighter Squadron became a part of the 477th FG when they were both reactivated here in October 2007, the group is the Air Force Reserve Command's first F-22 unit and the only Air Force Reserve unit in Alaska. The 302nd FS traces its lineage back to the 'Redtails' squadron. The famous all-black unit fought both American prejudice and Nazi militarism. Another Tuskegee Airmen unit, the 477th Bombardment Group, was activated in 1944. YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- The Air Force has a tradition of encouraging command leadership to take pilot courses on the aircraft that support their mission. Lt. Gen. John Dolan, U.S. Forces, Japan and 5th Air Force commander, recently had the opportunity to take the key staff course and fly an aircraft that often transports him to locations throughout the Kanto Plains, the UH-1N Iroquois. "The purpose of the key staff course is to help senior leadership understand the capabilities and limitations of the aircraft available to them," Jacobs said. "This is so that they can better understand how to employ the aircraft and related personnel. For example, when it looks clear, blue and warm outside but we can't fly because winds are blowing, it can be difficult for the pilot of a heavier aircraft like the C-130 to understand the limitations of a smaller airframe without piloting it firsthand." The key staff course involves four flights, three during the day and one at night. For the first flight, Dolan, traditionally an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot, flew the UH-1N for two hours. Supporting Dolan throughout the flight were two UH-1N crewmembers, Capt. Brandon Jones, 459th Airlift Squadron chief of standards and evaluation, and Tech. Sgt. David Jacobs, 459 AS special missions aviator. Before the flight, Jones and Jacobs walked with Dolan around the aircraft and explained the basic mechanics of the exterior airframe. Jones also instructed Dolan on practicing emergency egress procedures and familiarized him with the cockpit controls and gauges. Dolan asked questions on various features in the cockpit, pointing at gauges and testing the grip and movement of the control stick. After completing the ground training, the three buckled up and Dolan took the aircraft into a hover. "It was a great opportunity to see how the 459 AS does its mission," Dolan said. "Going from a fixed wing to a rotary wing was a big difference. Fortunately, I had some great instruction from Capt. Jones and Tech. Sgt. Jacobs." Dolan practiced sideways, forward, backward and vertical movement as well as transiting and hovering. "I've really been wanting to do a course with the 459 AS because I have the privilege of riding with them often," Dolan said. "I wanted to get an appreciation for them because I usually only get to see them briefly and don't get to visit with the crew and squadron." Jacobs said that he enjoys working with fixed wing pilots and seeing how their experience compares to rotary wing aircraft. "They usually find it extremely strange to be 100 feet off the ground and not moving," Jacobs said. "Doing hover operations over a grassy area can also be disconcerting at first because they're used to staying over a flight line at low altitudes. Also, the three-dimensional movement a helicopter pilot navigates is a whole new experience for them. Every key leader I've flown with has talked about how unusual it feels to take control of a helicopter." Dolan said that the flight definitely helped him understand Yokota's UH-1N operations and has three more flights to better introduce him to the aircraft capabilities. He has been making his way through key staff courses with several airlift squadrons under his command, experiencing multiple aircraft flights. ROYAL AUSTRALIAN AIR FORCE BASE DARWIN, Australia -- Marines with 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, stationed out of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California, arrived April 13, 2016, at the Royal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, Darwin, Australia, to begin the next evolution of Marine Rotational Force - Darwin. MRF-D is the six-month deployment of approximately 1,250 Marines into Darwin, Australia, to conduct bilateral exercises and train alongside the Australian Defence Force. This rotation now consists of a whole Marine Air-Ground Task Force with all four elements: Command Element, Ground Combat Element, Aviation Combat Element and Logistics Combat Element. Four UH-1Y Venom helicopters from Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 367, based at Marine Corps Base Hawaii, will deploy this month to Darwin to support this MRF-D rotation. The training undergone during MRF-D deployments magnifies the combined capability of the two forces which will improve security, disaster relief capabilities and the ability to respond to crisis throughout the region. I think this will be beneficial to our nation, said 1st Lt. Mitchell Graves, a rifle platoon commander for 2nd Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines from Damascus, Oregon. Australia has supported us in many of our encounters since World War II, including our recent conflicts. Actually being able to work with them and understand their techniques tactics and procedures, versus ours, will help solve any differences or friction during training vice on the battlefield. The U.S. Marines presence in Australia displays their commitment to the U.S.-Australia alliance and to the Asia-Pacific region and showcases the operational interoperability of a Marine MAGTF and Australian forces. 1st Lt. Zachariah Rocco, logistics officer for the Forward Coordination Element with MRF-D, said he notices differences in work tempo and battle rhythm working with the Australian forces but also noted theyre easy to work with and work very efficiently. The Australian Border Force and Department of Agriculture are extremely knowledgeable in their field and theyve helped us a lot in terms of pushing the requirements and setting up everything we need to make sure the Marines get here smoothly and efficiently, said Rocco, a Camden, New Jersey, native. Theyre great people, a great culture, and outstanding military, and I think when we get here and we train and we execute certain objectives the amount of knowledge we gain is insurmountable. Beyond military training, the MRF-D Marines will be volunteering their time during community relations events such as the school mentorship program. These community engagements are another way to strengthen ties between the U.S. and Australia. The U.S. military engagement in Australia reflects cooperation to promote global and regional peace and prosperity. It shows that the U.S. Marine Corps and the Australian Defence Forces are committed to continuing their tradition of more than 100 years of global partnerships and security cooperation between the two nations.yal Australian Air Force Base Darwin, Darwin, Australia, to begin the next evolution of Marine Rotational Force - Darwin. One of historys most important battles happened here on a field you can walk across in less than half the 45 or so minutes the battle lasted. If George Washingtons audacity on Jan. 3, 1777, had not reversed the patriots retreat and routed the advancing British, the American Revolution might have been extinguished. Yet such is Americas neglect of some places that sustain its defining memories, the portion of the field over which Washingtons nation-saving charge passed is being bulldozed to make way for houses for faculty of the Institute for Advanced Study. To understand the gravity of this utterly unnecessary desecration, you must understand the astonishingly underestimated Battle of Princeton. In December 1776, the Revolution was failing. Britain had sent to America 36,000 troops at that point, the largest European expeditionary force ever -- to crush the rebellion before a French intervention on Americas behalf. Washington had been driven from Brooklyn Heights, then from Manhattan, then out of New York. The nation barely existed as he retreated across New Jersey, into Pennsylvania. But from there, on Christmas night, he crossed the Delaware River ice floes for a successful 45-minute (at most) attack on Britains Hessian mercenaries at Trenton. This was Washingtons first victory; he had not been at Lexington, Concord or Bunker Hill. Trenton would, however, have been merely an evanescent triumph, were it not for what happened 10 days later. On Jan. 2, 1777, British Gen. Charles Cornwallis began marching 5,500 troops from Princeton to attack Washingtons slightly outnumbered forces at Trenton. Washington, leaving a few hundred soldiers to tend fires that tricked Cornwallis into thinking the patriot army was encamped, made a stealthy 14-mile night march to attack three British regiments remaining at Princeton. They collided on this field. The most lethal weapons in this war were bayonets. The British had them. Few Americans did, and they beat a panicked retreated from the advancing steel. By his personal bravery, Washington reversed this and led a charge. An unusually tall man sitting on a large white horse, he was a clear target riding as close to British lines as first base is to home plate. Biographer Ron Chernow writes that, at Princeton, Washington was a warrior in the antique sense. The eighteenth-century battlefield was a compact space, its cramped contours defined by the short range of muskets and bayonet charges, giving generals a chance to inspire by their immediate presence. When the redcoats ran, the British aura of invincibility and the strategy of securing territory and handing out pardons (Chernow) were shattered. And the drift of American opinion toward defeatism halted. In his four-volume biography of Washington, James Thomas Flexner said: The British historian George Trevelyan was to write concerning Trenton: It may be doubted whether so small a number of men ever employed so short a space of time with greater and more lasting effects upon the history of the world. But such would not have been the result if Washington had not gone on to overwhelm Princeton. This ground, on which patriots blood puddled on that 20-degree morning, has been scandalously neglected by New Jersey. Now it is being vandalized by the Institute for Advance Study, which has spurned a $4.5 million purchase offer more than $1 million above the appraised value from the invaluable Civil War Trust, which is expanding its preservation activities to Revolutionary War sites. In todays academia there are many scholars against scholarship, including historians hostile to history postmodernists who think the past is merely a social construct reflecting the presents preoccupations, or power structures, or something. They partake of academias preference for a multicultural future of diluted, if not extinguished, nationhood, and they dislike commemorating history made by white men with guns. The IAS engaged a historian who wrote a report clotted with todays impenetrable academic patois. He says we should not fetishize space, and he drapes disparaging quotation marks around the words hallowed ground. The nation owes much to the IAS, which supported Albert Einstein, physicist Robert Oppenheimer and the diplomat and historian George F. Kennan. It is especially disheartening that a distinguished institution of scholars is indifferent to preserving a historic site that can nourish national identity. The battle to save this battlefield, one of the nations most significant and most neglected sites, is not yet lost. The government in todays Trenton, and in the city named for the man who won the 1777 battle, should assist the Civil War Trust. A lot of the times, people tend to think that children who were raised in homes with same-sex parents, such as two moms and two dad have disadvantages in lifer or are not really brought up as well as those children who were brought up by a mother and a father. However, a new research has proved that there is no such difference between a child reared in a same-sex couple's home and a child raised by a mother and a father. The research, which was done by the University of Amsterdam, gathered up 95 female same-sex parent household and 95 different-sex parent household that are matched for parent and child characteristics. The families chosen by the University of Amsterdam to study is based from a very large, nationally representative study, the National Survey for Child Health. University of Amsterdam research concentrated on households that had no history of instability, discontinuity or transitions. The researches also compared general health and emotional difficulties, as well as coping and learning behavior among children of female same-sex parents and different-sex parents in stable life conditions. "Our study of households with no divorces or other family transitions finds that spouse-partner and parent-child relationships are similar regardless of family structure," said lead researchers Henry Bos, Ph.D., and Nanette Gartrell, M.D. "These strong relationships are important contributors to good child outcomes, not whether the parents are same-sex or different-sex," Dr. Henry Bos added. The study from the University of Amsterdam gathered the conclusion that there were no differences to a child reared in a same-sex household to that of a child brought up by different-sex parents. The only exception to this is there is more parenting stress amongst the same-sex parents bringing up a child together. Same-sex parenting is a big issue in the entire world, especially in America. However, this study from the University of Amsterdam gives a light on how there is no difference between a same-sex household and a different-sex household. Did you know that almost 10 percent of the world's population is affected by mental health issues? According to a recent study, mental health problems such as depression and anxiety is costing the global economy almost $1 trillion (651 billion) in lost productivity yearly. The total cost is reportedly equivalent to 12 billion working days or 50 million years. The study was conducted by the World Health Organization and was published in Lancet Psychiatry. "Despite hundreds of millions of people around the world living with mental disorders, mental health has remained in the shadows," World Bank Group president Jim Yong Kim said. "This is not just a public health issue - it's a development issue. We need to act now because the lost productivity is something the global economy simply cannot afford." The research also underscored the economic importance and health benefits if nations around the world will invest to a better health treatment, Daily Mail notes. Improved mental health could reportedly add an estimated $310 billion (217 billion) in returns. Unfortunately, study authors emphasized that the current investment in mental health services is far lower than what the world needs. According to WHO Director-General Dr. Margaret Chan, the governments should boost its efforts to ensure that access to mental health services becomes a reality. "We know that treatment of depression and anxiety makes good sense for health and wellbeing; this new study confirms that it makes sound economic sense too," Chan stated, as per Fox News. "We must now find ways to make sure that access to mental health services becomes a reality for all men, women and children, wherever they live." Meanwhile, mental health issues, as well as the costs and treatment benefits, were among the topics discussed at a meeting in Washington, D.C. that started Wednesday, Apr. 13. It was hosted by the World Bank and WHO, VOA News reports. The said meeting, which aimed to encourage governments to provide better mental health treatment, was reportedly attended by development agencies, academic experts and ministers of finance. Nations that have improved mental health care including South Africa, Brazil and Ethiopia also presented their stories. Do you think a better mental health treatment can help solve the global economic crisis? Sound off below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates. "Teen Wolf" Season 6 may undergo several changes, as Scott, Stiles and the rest of the older members of the Pack are headed for graduation. While many fans are expecting that the MTV series will end after Scott's graduation, many spoilers claim that the story may continue with Liam as the next Teen Wolf. This article contains spoilers. Read on if you want to learn more about this story. "Teen Wolf" Season 6 is rumored to be the show's last on TV, as Scott (Tyler Posey), Stiles (Dylan O'Brien) and the rest of the Pack will be graduating. Aside from this, Arden Cho recently announced that she will no longer be in the upcoming season of the show. While many fans are debating on whether "Teen Wolf" Season 6 will serve as the show's series finale or not, several rumors hint on the possibility that the story may go on even without Scott as its lead star. Several reports claim that Liam (Dylan Sprayberry) is being groomed to become the next Teen Wolf. In an earlier interview with The Hollywood Reporter, executive producer Jeff Davis said that there are more stories to tell after "Teen Wolf" Season 6. "If it still has life, if there's still stories to tell, that would be great - [to] see maybe Dylan Sprayberry take over the role of the Teen Wolf and see Tyler Posey move into more of a Derek Hale (Tyler Hoechlin) role," he said. While it remains to be seen whether "Teen Wolf" Season 6 is the series finale, Tyler Posey recently told E! News that they are already filming the third episode. Posey also refused to give further details, but he said that the upcoming season will continue to explore new and exciting mythologies. "'Teen Wolf' also tries to push the envelope and do something creative and something that we've never done so we're trying to do that again," said Posey. "Teen Wolf" Season 6 is expected to premiere sometime this June 2016 on MTV. Schools are supposed to be places where kids can be safe from illegal drugs. Unfortunately, five students at Boca Ciega High School were rushed to the hospital after eating candies laced with drugs. The illegal candies that caused harm to the students' health were marijuana-laced gummy worms, 10 News reports. The victims were given the harmful candies by their classmates. Drug Laced Gummies at Boca Ciega High School https://t.co/Gq9fmKgM0a on @bloglovin aimlessmoments (@AimlessMoments) April 12, 2016 Authorities have already filed second-degree felonies for two students with a third one expected to be charged as well. These students might face school expulsion if they are found guilty, the Tampa Tribune reports. As for the students who were rushed to the hospital, they will be receiving disciplinary actions from the school district for eating candies laced with drugs knowingly. Many parents and students are asking how these illegal candies are being brought to schools. "It is available online and can be brought into our area though it is still illegal in doing so just like it has always been," Sgt. Thomas Woodman told 10 News. 4 students at Boca Ciega High rushed to hospital after eating drug-laced gummies. https://t.co/KG6bNkzBe4 pic.twitter.com/z3avpXE45H 10News WTSP (@10NewsWTSP) April 12, 2016 The illegal candies can also be very hard to detect because they look like ordinary candies. Another huge problem is that school nurses are not trained to spot drug use among students. Fortunately, school nurses are trained to look for signs of impairment such as slurred speech and dilated pupils. School district spokesperson Lisa Wolf noted. Other signs of drug use include unusual smells, tremors and diminished coordination, HelpGuide shares. To educate families about the child care, the Virginia Department of Social Services started a website which also aims to address a number of issues about the matter. It is specifically targeted to make parents aware of what their options are when it comes to child care. In a report, NBC12 said the Virginia Child Care website discusses health and safety topics on child care in the state. "It is just one of a number of initiatives that Virginia continues to roll out in 2015 to strengthen the quality of care in Virginia," said Social Services Director Barbara Newlin. She explained that parents can go to the website to learn more about their child care options in Virginia. Newlin said this will help them ensure that the provider is licensed and can be trusted with the lives of their kids. "What it means, if a child care provider is quality-rated or if that child care provider is licensed, they can understand the types of training that are available to child care providers," she added in the NBC12 report. "[It will] help them find information to understand why it's important to have their child in a licensed high-quality setting each day." Looking at the website, parents can browse through a number of tabs and sections like finding a child care provider, how to pay for these providers and who are the licensed providers in their list. An interesting highlight of the Virginia Child Care website is the statistics that 65 percent of American children below 6 have working moms and dads. Newlin said there is a great need for this website since children should be extremely valued by their parents. Giving them the best and most appropriate childcare service should be a priority. The social services director claimed that children are very vulnerable and still do not have the capacity to look out for themselves. "It really is up to each parent to make to do the research necessary to find a high-quality setting for their child," Newlin added. New research reveals that childhood stress can cause heart-related complications in the long run. Childhood stress can cause the arteries to harden which can potentially lead to serious cardiovascular impairments in adulthood. According to New York Times, researchers from Finland conducted a study on early childhood stress. The researchers gathered the data of more than 300 participants aged between 12 to 18 years old which was published in JAMA Pediatrics. The stress level for each participant was calculated which was then based on a number of indicators. The stress indicators included the participant's financial status, the family's emotional standing, parental behavior, and other aspects that created a negative traumatic impact on the child's life. As the study progressed, it was revealed that by the time the participants reached the age of 40 to 46, most of them revealed the signs of underlying coronary artery calcification. The health condition can eventually lead to a more serious cardiovascular impairment which can have a permanent long-term effect. Aside from the researchers from Finland, Science Daily released an article which pointed out the long-term effects of childhood stress on the brain. The study lead by Jamie Hanson pointed out that extreme stress during childhood can negatively affect the brain's reward system in the long run. "We found that greater levels of cumulative stress during childhood and adolescence predicted lower reward-related ventral striatum activity in adulthood," Hanson stated. "In participants with the greatest levels of early stress, we saw the lowest levels of activity in the ventral striatum in response to a reward." Aside from heart complications published by the researchers from Finland, Dr. Hanson and his team suggested that childhood stress can lead to chronic depression in adults. Hanson and his team focused on the stress levels of kindergartners and third graders. They were them able to come into conclusion that their brain activity revealed a high risk of chronic depression and anxiety. Whether youre deathly afraid of heights or just an adrenaline junkie, screaming on roller coasters is usually an essential part of any amusement park experience. However, if youre at The Big Sheep theme park in Devon, England, maybe think twice before belting out as you go over the first big drop. The all-weather amusement park is kindly asking its patrons not to scream or yell as they ride The Big One, the parks newest coaster and an attraction that is being marketed as Devons Biggest, Highest, and Longest Rollercoaster. The coasters counterintuitive rule is the result of years of complaints by the residents Abbotsham, a nearby village. Throughout The Big Ones construction, many in Abbotsham were apparently concerned about the noise the ride would cause, a concern that led to the amusement park taking a number of measures to ensure its noise level was significantly reduced. After hiring the UKs top noise consultant, which is a thing that totally exists, The Big Sheep implemented a plan to cut down on the noise. In addition to the no screaming rule, the park also planted 2,500 trees, set up multi-direction speakers around the ride and built a giant dirt mound in the middle of the coaster. Its yet to be determined how well all of this will work, but The Big Sheeps ability to enforce its no-screaming policy is sure to cause some trouble for the park. To ensure they know about the rule, anyone riding The Big One is greeted with a sign that says, This is a family ridenot a white knuckle thrill ride. Enjoy the views but we love our neighbors. PLEASE DO NOT SHOUT OR SCREAM! Thank ewe. Beyond this, Rick Turner, the parks owner, believes challenging riders to make it through the ride without screaming thus turning a rule into more of a test of willpower will provide patrons with a good reason to try their best not to make too much noise. If that doesnt work, try just covering your mouth with your hand. Dillon Thompson is a travel intern with Paste and a student at the University of Georgia. At last nights Democratic presidential debate in Brooklyn, Bernie Sanders showed America what a revolution looks like. He remained on point, hitting Clinton hard on issues where she has lagged behind progressiveslike fracking and raising the Social Security tax capand for most of the discussion, he controlled the conversation. It is also becoming abundantly clear that he has changed the narrative. His positions are so popular that Clinton is well on her way to adopting them all from talking about breaking up the big banks to downplaying her support of $12 an hour minimum wage in favor of hopping on the Fight For 15 bandwagon. On the other hand, the night was less kind to Hillary Clinton. Though there were moments where she shined the section on gun control, and her bringing up womens health stand out, in particular these were few and far between. More than once, the former Secretary of State was booed by the New York crowd, while on her strongest issues like foreign policy, Clinton seemed out of her depth. Her night was marked by her inability to control the dialogue. Additionally, her responses to the questions she normally struggles with like her Wall Street ties were decimating. Three times the moderators asked Hillary Clinton about the releasing the transcripts for her paid Wall Street speeches for which she made millions of dollars. Three times, the former Secretary dodged answering directly. Throughout this primary, Clintons biggest problem has been trust. According to Gallup, the word most associated with her is dishonest. By not releasing the transcripts to the speeches she gave to Wall Street banks, Clinton only feeds this perception which will hurt her in November if she is the nominee. The former Secretarys answer that such a demand for transparency is a new requirement is not just revealing of where she stands on the issue of money in politics, but also of a disconnect, or inability to grasp the current political climate. The transactional politics of the last thirty years have fallen out of favor due to the Internet, and speed at which information is shared. Whereas before, candidates could say different things to different people without concern that anyone would find out, nowadays everything is filmed, and subject to scrutiny online. Hiding behind tradition is not going to save Hillary Clinton from backlash not now, and not in November. By withholding the transcripts, she is admitting guilt in the court of public opinion. And at the debate, she admitted it three times. While Wall Street is a weakness for Clinton, Foreign policy is typically her area to shine. But, last night, the discussion got away from her. Two segments that stand out were when the conversation turned to the Libyan intervention, and the bloodshed that followed, and of course, the Israel-Palestine conflict. To the first point, Clinton found herself desperately looking for a way to explain away the bloody aftermath of the US intervention in which Muammar Gaddafi was deposed. At the time, Clinton had proudly remarked We came, we saw, he died. However, today, Libya is less stable than ever; violence and terrorism abound. In an effort to move past this line of questions, Clinton did something especially damaging to her credibility: she blamed Obama. This is what she said: The decision was the presidents. Did I do the due diligence? Did I talk to everybody I could talk to? Did I visit every capital and then report back to the president? Yes, I did. Thats what a secretary of state does.but at the end of the day, those are the decisions that are made by the president to in any way use American military power. And the president made that decision. And, yes, we did try without success because of the Libyans obstruction to our efforts, but we did try and we will continue to try to help the Libyan people. Throughout the primary, Clinton has been wrapping herself in the Presidents legacy. In fact, before the Libya section of the debate, she had invoked him in response to questions about her commitment to reform in light of her reliance on funds from big money interests: Well, make make no mistake about it, this is not just an attack on me, its an attack on President Obama. President ObamaYou know, let me tell you why. You may not like the answer, but Ill tell you why. President Obama had a super PAC when he ran. President Obama took tens of millions of dollars from contributors. And President Obama was not at all influenced when he made the decision to pass and sign Dodd-Frank, the toughest regulations By blaming Obama for Libya, Clinton only confirmed what many have thought about her all along: that her positions are based on expediency rather than genuine commitment. Clinton praised the president until she needed a scapegoat. Then she threw him under the bus. As if the Libya section wasnt bad enough, the Israel-Palestine section was worse. Bernie Sanders criticized the United States role in the conflict as well as former Secretary Clinton for being too uneven in favor of Israel. Clinton pushed back, stating: [A]s secretary of state for President Obama, Im the person who held the last three meetings between the president of the Palestinian Authority and the prime minister of Israel. There were only four of us in the room, Netanyahu, Abbas, George Mitchell, and me. Three long meetings. And I was absolutely focused on what was fair and right for the Palestinians. And thats when things got ugly for the former Secretary. Sanders followed up by calling for his opponent to acknowledge that Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels Prime Minister, is not right all of the time. But this appeared to be a too tall an order for Clinton who would only go so far as to say, I have spoken about and written at some length the very candid conversations Ive had with him and other Israeli leaders. Nobody is saying that any individual leader is always right, but it is a difficult position. This remark lined up a perfect shot for Sanders who promptly reminded the crowd that the former Secretary had given a cringeworthy speech to AIPAC. Clintons inability to keep the foreign policy conversation where she has the strongest appeal focused and away from her ties to special interests her biggest vulnerability was demonstrative of a shift in this primary race. At this point, the race is close, and the only way for Clinton to win enough delegates to secure an uncontested nomination is by relying on name recognition, and closed primaries. This week Facebook held its annual F8 conference in San Francisco where the company discussed new features and the future of the social network. While some of the announcements detailed things that wont come to fruition for several years, some new features are already available to both developers and users. The company had a lot to talk about in two days, with some of it a bit too technical for anyone without a background in programming, but heres a few of the announcements we found exciting that could very well redirect the future of Facebook. Sure, the term chatbot bring up memories of the AOL Instant Messenger days for people of a certain age, but the term is back now that we have AI that can help us interact with brands. At F8 Facebook announced a new platform for chatbots in Messenger and the availability of several bots. You can now use the Facebook Messenger app on your phone to do things like check the weather with Poncho, read the news from CNN or The Wall Street Journal, or order flowers from 1-800-FLOWERS. As Mark Zuckerberg put it during his presentation, We think you should be able to message a business like you message a friend. The chatbots that are available now are relatively slow, as Gizmodo pointed out, but Facebook seems to think very highly of the tech. There are definitely faster ways to find out about breaking news or check the weather, but theres room to grow still. With Microsofts recent chatbot framework announcement it looks like the tech is here to stay for at least a little while. As the parent company of Oculus, its obvious that Facebook would have an interested in virtual reality and 360 video. On stage at F8 the company unveiled its new Facebook Surround 360 system, which it claims makes it easy to shoot and share the 3D-360 video. The system uses 17 cameras to capture the video at 4K, 6K, or 8K, and renders it all without the need for the hand-stitching that many similar systems require. The videos can then be viewed in VR headsets, or in 360 videos through Facebook. To help make 360 video easier for everyone, Facebook will open source the design of the Facebook Surround 360 and put it all on Github sometime this summer. The components will cost about $30,000, according to The Verge, much less than competing devices such as the upcoming Nokia Ovo. If you follow any brands on Facebook, chances are youve seen a few Facebook Live videos pop up in your feed recently. At F8 the company announced tools to let camera makers build Facebook Live support into their cameras. Among the first cameras to take advantage of the new feature is the Livestream Mevo. Drone maker DJI also signed on to build live streaming support into its drones, which could provide for some great aerial streams, or some rather boring ones as tends to be the case with drone videos. BuzzFeed also signed up as partners for the new Facebook Live tools, so we can potentially look forward to more live streams of people putting rubber bands around watermelons to see how many it takes for them to explode. Instant Articles, the articles that load quickly in Facebook mobile apps without sending you to a separate website, will now be available to every publisher that wants them. The feature was previously only available to select publications, but now any publication that wants to should be able to enable the faster articles for their readers. Its a small thing, but something that those of us who end up reading a lot of articles our friends post to Facebook will definitely enjoy. Anything is better than using the slow in-app browser that feels so much worse than the rest of the app. During part of its presentation, representatives from Oculus took the stage at f8 to show off how the Rift can be used to virtually tour any location. Using the headset and a controller, the team showed how users can visit London thanks to 3D photo spheres, and virtually take selfies of themselves near Big Ben. The feature wont be available any time soon, as Oculus still has to get its facial scanning technology right, but the company said it can currently get up to five people into a virtual location at once. Channeling his propensity for honest, human storytelling and casual idiosyncrasies, Jon Favreau found early success in 1996 when he wrote and starred in Swingers, a humble indie that earned covetable cult status. He later made a quantum leap over to the mainstream after finding his passion as an effects man in fantasy and sci-fi, vaulting to his current status as big studio director handling nine-figure budgets. Still, he never outgrew his roots: The Iron Man director, credited with gifting the $4 billion Marvel franchise a reputation not currently enjoyed by DC Comics, just two years ago turned his small-budget passion project about a dad and his food truck into a niche event film (Chef), relying mostly on word-of-mouth to sell tickets. Theres a poem by the late Robert A. Ward that begins, I wish you the courage to be warm when the world would prefer that you be cool. Wards sentiment, combined with Favreaus voracious appetite for being at the forefront of an evolving cinematic landscape, mostly explains the heart of The Jungle Book, Favreaus new real-world re-imagining of the classic Disney animated film. It melds two cornerstones of Favreaus career: venturing into the digital frontier, and having the courage to be warm. The curtain rises on the computer-generated animal kingdom as the camera pans across one of The Jungle Books many breathtaking virtual sets, which were built after recording the raw footage in an empty Los Angeles warehouse. Essentially, on set, actors in motion-capture suits ran around with Neel Sethi, who makes his movie debut as Mowgli, in front of blue and green screens. Favreau and his team then used a camera system known as Simulcam, which was developed for Avatar, to capture, in real time, CG environments superimposed on a physical production set, allowing filmmakers to see exactly how something would look on-screen and then make the necessary tweaks on the spot, meaning every aspect of the image, organic or otherwise, could align and interact with perfect precision. And the results are astounding. Where the level of technology in The Jungle Book has historically been used for maximizing the wow factor in Michael Bay explosion-packed action flicks, Favreau makes the case for special effects that actually affect. Calling the visuals simply realistic wouldnt do them justice, nor would it be technically accurate. Low-angle shots of the simulated Indian jungle, with richer colors, lusher plant life and bigger animals than anything found in the wild, toe the line between immersion and submersion. A baby elephant, typically about three feet tall, has at least a foot on Sethi, who is all legs and limbs. The real-life counterpart to Bagheera (voiced by Ben Kingsley, ever stately), a black panther and Mowglis honorary godfather, averages two-and-a-half feet in height, but the tips of Bagheeras shoulders hit just below the top of Mowglis head. Favreau and his fleet of production designers and effects artists construct spectacularly vivid set pieces to remind older audiences how they may have imagined Mowglis journey as children. Several shots are designed after some of the most iconic images of the genreMufasas final scene in The Lion King, the chicken-sized Compy dinosaurs who get the best of Peter Stormare in The Lost World all helping to combine familiar stories with new technologies, tapping into our nostalgia and repurposing it on a grander scale. The Jungle Book hits the ground running as Mowgli darts through the grass and up trees, sharpening his survival skills through various flight techniques (fighting obviously not available to him). Sethi, 12, is the only truly live-action element of the movie, and carries the physically demanding role with both childlike charisma and the saucy attitude of an adolescent. Bagheera rescued the man-cub when he was just a toddler-boy, minutes after his father died at the claws of the Bengal tiger Shere Khan, voiced by Idris Elba (calling up again his formidable presence as an evil majesty in the wake of his turn last year, in Beasts of No Nation, as another predatory authority figure). Trouble begins during a rare water truce between animal herds in light of the dry season, when Khan discovers the boy at a community watering hole. Khan didnt walk away unscathed on that fateful nightMowglis father dealt him a powerful blow with the red flower (fire), blinding him in one eye. Now, the tiger promises to terrorize the wolf pack that took Mowgli in as their own until he can exact his revenge on the son of the man who cooked the side of his face. It becomes clear that not even the love of a wolf mother (Lupita Nyongo, effortlessly regal) or Bagheeras watchful eye can keep Mowgli safe, so his foster family decides to send him back to the man village. He encounters the usual suspects along the way, hanging out with Baloo (Bill Murray, in his element) for most of the second act, and the film settles into a nice groove before running into a few pacing issues. Kaa, however, gets a major adjustment. The snake is voiced not by a male but by Scarlett Johansson, who shape-shifts her femme fatale persona yet again, having seduced past onscreen prey in the form of an alien, a black widow and an operating system, to name a few. Casting a voice as patently sultry as Johanssons could only be intentional, and its an interesting decision because it sets up Favreaus adaptation for a dynamic between Kaa and Mowgli that was heavily speculated upon in the 1967 version. Theres always been something Stockholm-Syndrome-sexy about Kaa. Ignoring the phallic innuendo of a 30-foot snake touching you to death, the original Kaa was gentle but firm, confident but coy, feminine and hypnoticand he talked with a lisp. Some maintain Kaa was an ambiguously gay snake representing the LGBT community of 1960s counter-culture, a kind of reptilian Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Casting Johansson keeps that subtext going, though with obviously less subversive qualities. But not all throwbacks thrive. The musical numbers could have sat it out. Composer John Depneys comparatively pint-sized renditions of the originals may have worked in a breezier tone, but they feel misplaced under the weight of Favreaus visual and emotional grandeur, especially King Louies (Christopher Walken) I Wanna Be Like You. The numbers are meant to be gigantic in sound and in scope, but the overstuffed framing from inside Louies cave, which is so cozy he can hardly move, allows no breathing room for the sequence. Five days before The Jungle Books April 15 release date, Favreau and screenwriter Justin Marks were already in talks for the sequel. Not only is the Disney follow-up in development, but Warner Bros. is expected to release its own live-action version of the animated classic sometime in 2018. No voice is too loud and no words too impassioned for damning Hollywoods decades-long pivot away from producing original material. But its a consolation that one of the most benevolent filmmakers in the business is at least trying to steer studios in the right direction. Director: Jon Favreau Writer: Justin Marks, Rudyard Kipling (story) Starring: Neel Sethi, Bill Murray, Idris Elba, Lupita Nyongo, Giancarlo Esposito, Christopher Walken, Scarlett Johansson Release Date April 15, 2016 While Chuck Noland, played by Tom Hanks, was on a deserted island for four years in the movie Castaway, three men were stranded for three days on an uninhabited island -and this wasnt a Hollywood movie scene. The unidentified castaways were rescued when a rescue plane saw H-E-L-P written out in palm tree fronds on shore. The men told authorities after setting off for a three-hour sailing trip on their 19-foot skiff in the Pacific Ocean on Monday, April 4, when a large wave capsized their boat. They were forced to swim two miles overnight before getting to the deserted Fanadik Island in the Pacific ocean, which is just north of Papua New Guinea. On Thursday, a Navy plane noticed their innovative S.O.S. sign along with the men waving their lifejackets to get the attention of rescuers. A Navy crew based in Japan was responsible for the rescue according to a confirmed statement from the U.S. Coast Guard. The men were on one of the 600 islands that form the Federated States of Micronesia. The men had been reported missing on Tuesday after they missed a flight they were supposed to catch from Chuuk, in Micronesia in the central Pacific. Immediately, there was a search in the region, which included a search plane and four ships that used radar to track the sailors route. The initial search lasted 17 hours, according to the U.S. Coast Guard. The Navy aircrew joined the search on Thursday morning and found the men after searching for two hours. The three men were retrieved from the island by a small boat and taken to the island of Pulap. Our combined efforts coupled with the willingness of many different resources to come together and help, led to the successful rescue of these three men in a very remote part of the Pacific, said Sector Guam public affairs officer Lt. William White. While these men are safe and in good spirits, we can all note their fast thinking played a major role in their rescue. Lauren Spiler is a freelance journalist based in Athens, Georgia, but most call her Spiler. Theres something very strange happening at Vox this election cycle, and it goes beyond any notion that the site is biased in favor of one candidate or another. (In fact, after accusations flew that they were functioning as the neoliberal intellectual wing of the Clinton campaign, they seem to have taken pains to post a series of anti-Hillary articles recently.) Instead, theres this odd trend of poor research combined with a subtlebut palpablejournalistic dishonesty. Jacobin may have been the first to notice it, in a feature pointing out how Matt Yglesias had bizarrely argued against a past version of himself when he took Bernie Sanders to task for a lack of policy specificssomething he had trumpeted eight years earlier. This, Jacobin argued, came off like a dishonest exercise in managing the Democratic Party base. Then you had Zack Beauchamp with his heinously under-researched essay on free trade, which argued that reversing harmful agreements like NAFTA would doom the global poorwhen in fact free trade has had almost nothing to do with any uptick in third-world standards of living, and has, in fact, had a detrimental effect on many countries. These are just two of many examples, and its been a bad look for a site full of purported policy wonks. But today, in an article about the feasibility of a national $15 minimum wage, Timothy B. Lee took this combinationpro-corporate fear-mongering mixed with a severe allergy to analytical rigorto a new, unprecedented level. Before we get into what he wrote, Id like to note that yes, there is a debate to be had about how a $15 minimum wage would affect American workers and small businesses and local economies. Its quite possible that what works in higher-income areasSan Francisco, New York, Seattlemay not function so well in rural Tennessee, where, who knows, that kind of standard could put people out of business and cost jobs. But its also important to know that we have no concrete evidence of this, and also that even the most bullish wage candidate, Bernie Sanders, wants to achieve the $15/hour goal over the next several yearsnot overnight. How do I know that? It says so on his website, which is the first result if you Google Bernie Sanders minimum wage. This is important because a slower transition will allow for time to study the effects of a rising wage, and adjust accordingly. But it seems as though Lee either didnt perform that simple Google search, or ignored the information when it didnt fit in with the rest of his article. So lets examine what he did write, point-by-point, and maybe we can learn something from his failure. Lees words in bold, mine following. Hillary Clinton knows a national $15 minimum wage is a bad idea. She endorsed it anyway. This is Lees headline, and I want you to notice how it conveys an emphatic conclusion. There is no wiggle room herethe $15 minimum wage is bad, bad, bad, and Hillary is bad for endorsing it. Just like Bernie was bad for advocating for it in the first place. There are several journalistic tics that Vox writers seem to employ, and this has become a prominent one of late: State your point unequivocally in the headline, pre-emptively eradicating any gray area. Which, of course, would be fine, provided there was supporting evidence to follow. But just as in Beauchamps free trade piece, this tough-guy posturing gives way almost immediately to ambiguity, uncertainty, and the kind of argumentative flailing that leaves the reader befuddled at the self-assurance of the original conclusion. We go on The Fight for 15 movement to raise the minimum wage has had tremendous momentum in recent months, winning $15-per-hour minimum wages in several cities and then statewide in California and New York. The movement has apparently become so popular that even Hillary Clinton who had previously refused to endorse a minimum wage higher than $12 said at Thursdays presidential debate that shed sign a national $15 minimum wage bill if it reached her desk. Yes, this is what Hillary doesadopt Bernies popular positions. It has nothing to do with what shell actually do when in office, so its a pretty flimsy premise on which to build ones argument, but thats less important right now. Thats unfortunate, because Clintons first position was the right one. Raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour would mean gambling with the livelihoods of millions of Americans and could produce widespread unemployment in parts of the country where wages are below average. Here, for the first time, we see the confidence of the headline begin to erode. Its subtle, but it comes across in the word gambling and could, both of which signify that were about to hear an apocalyptic prediction that might happen, should some policy be pursued. And this gets us to our second patented Vox journalistic ticproclaim the possibility of a disaster, and then paint in the gory details, as a way to cut short any rational debate on the topic. This is no different from writing, rescinding free trade could kill poor people! Its totally alarmist, and utterly lacking in nuance and fact. Heres what Lee is essentially saying, already: If we go to $15/hour overnight, it could destroy our economy. The fact that the second part of his statement is unproven, and that the first part is a total lie (remember, even the most liberal candidate says this would happen over the next several years) is ignored in the service of doom-and-gloom blather. But shes facing such strong grassroots pressure on the issue that she cant bring herself to clearly articulate the implication of that preference: A nationwide $15 minimum wage is a bad policy that could cost millions of low-wage people their jobs. Could, could, could. Weve yet to get to any actual evidence, but thats coming soon. And dont worryitll be just as disappointing as everything else. Economists disagree about whether these more modest minimum wages have produced significant job losses. One recent study, for example, found that the most recent national minimum wage hike between 2006 and 2009 reduced employment among individuals ages 16 to 30 with less than a high school education by 5.6 percentage points. Other economists dispute that. A comprehensive study of state-level minimum wage hikes between 1990 and 2006 by economist Arindrajit Dube and two co-authors found no detectable employment losses from the kind of minimum wage increases we have seen in the United States. In other words, theres no hard-and-fast evidence for the conclusion Lee had already drawn. What Lee fails to mention is that the original study he cites was looking at the pay raise from $5.15 to $7.25/hour, which almost every major politician agrees is still tantamount to a starvation wage. Lee believes it toolater in the article, he comes out in support of the $12 minimum wage, saying it makes more sense. So unless his actual aim is to reduce the minimum wage back to $5.15, this is not exactly the best supporting argument he could muster. That being said, that research was a working paper, which FiveThirtyEight describes as papers [that] arent peer-reviewed, so their conclusions are preliminary (and occasionally flat-out wrong). As Lee himself notes, there are many economists who already disagree, and even if there are growing pains with an increased minimum wage, I have to reiterate: Contrary to the framework Lee has set up for his argument, nobody is saying this has to happen overnight. The idea of a sudden jump to $15/hour and ensuing economic chaos is Lees fantasy alone; in reality, there will be time to evaluate the much-needed climb up the wage ladder. But when I asked the lead authors of both studies about Californias recent move to boost the minimum wage to $15, I found they were on the same page: The increase was so large that the effects are unpredictable. Neither man could rule out the possibility that a $15-per-hour minimum wage would cause dramatic job losses. We dont really know, because it hasnt been done before. Thats what the economists are saying. What Lee is saying, based on their statement of uncertainty, roughly translates to: THE SKY IS FALLING, THE SKY IS FALLING! I hate that I even have to say this, but the fact that there may be risk associated with certain policy movies is absolutely, 100 percent, NOT a valid argument against that policy. It may impart a bit of caution about the speed at which it should be implemented, but, once again, even the democratic socialist is calling for relatively gradual change. One more point hereweve just encountered the third Vox journalistic tic, which is the cant rule it out! fallacy. You see this trick over and over, and its more frustrating each time. By asking experts whether they can rule out a certain outcome, even though its never happened before in American history, youre ensuring a very specific answer. Of course they cant rule it out! Its never happened, and no economist worth his salt would ever be caught dead in that trap. But that doesnt mean the worst is going to happen! This, then, is a useless question. Let me demonstrate: Reader, based on what you know of household safety, can you guarantee that I wont fall headfirst into the dishwasher the next time Im loading it, impaling myself on a steak knife and suffering the kind of brain damage that leaves me repeating the word gobble for the rest of my miserable life? No, you cannot. But this doesnt mean I should destroy my dishwasher with a sledgehammer. One of the most prominent left-leaning economists in the minimum wage debate is Alan Krueger, co-author of a widely cited 1993 paper finding that a modest minimum wage hike in Pennsylvania didnt cost jobs. Krueger has served in the Obama administration and supports raising the national minimum wage to $12 per hour. But in a New York Times piece last fall, he warned that a $15-an-hour national minimum wage would put us in uncharted waters, and risk undesirable and unintended consequences. Yes, a new situation comes with some risk. Maybe we should go slow, like everybody wants. A big concern with Californias minimum wage hike was that California is a large and diverse state. Some parts of the state like the city of San Francisco have high wages and a high cost of living; in these areas, a large majority of workers are already making more than $15 per hour, and employers paying less than that may not have much trouble finding the money to comply with the new wage. May. Minus supporting evidence. Let me remind you of the headline: Hillary Clinton knows a national $15 minimum wage is a bad idea. She endorsed it anyway. Lots of qualifiers for such a certain conclusion, right? But other parts of California arent so affluent, and in these areas the higher minimum wage could cost a lot of jobs. Small businesses in cities like Fresno could be forced to shut down, as customers just arent willing to pay the higher prices needed to cover the higher wage costs. Could. Minus supporting evidence. In fact, if Im not mistakenyes, thats the rare double-could! Vox probably gave him a special badge for this paragraph. In March I asked Dube generally seen as a supporter of a higher minimum wage if it was a mistake for a state as large as California to try such a big increase. Would it be better to let $15-an-hour experiments in San Francisco and Los Angeles play out? If youre risk-averse, this would not be the scale at which to try things, Dube told me. And nobody wants to try things at that scale. What they do want is to improve the lives of American workers. And thankfully, outside of essays that read like a press release from a corporation who would rather send that minimum wage money to the CEO instead, most people understand that certain quality-of-life measures, responsibly implemented, are worth the risk. If imposing a $15-per-hour minimum wage on cities like Fresno is a gamble, imposing it on states like Mississippi and West Virginia is an even bigger one. More than half of employees in these states will be affected, and while we can hope most of them will get raises, a significant number could get pink slips instead. Could. Minus supporting evidence. The more cautious position Hillary Clinton took earlier in her campaign to raise the minimum wage to $12 while waiting to see how the California experiment works out makes more sense. Boosting the incomes of low-income workers is a worthwhile goal, but its not worth the danger of throwing millions of people out of work. See, I dont think Lee actually does believe that its a worthwhile goal. In fact, I think hes blatantly on the side of corporate interests, because otherwise hed know that there is no single beneficial political policy on Earth that doesnt carry at least some risk. Really, imagine you had commissioned a PR flack at McDonalds to write this article. What would they say? The answer is that theyd follow Lees blueprint: Scaremonger about the possible downsides, claim to be on the side of working people, ruefully conclude that the risks are just too great. Unfortunately, this is a recurring pattern for Vox: Vox interviews three people again, reaches economic consensus that $15 min wage is bad https://t.co/0EhEpDlXWR Adam H. Johnson (@adamjohnsonNYC) April 15, 2016 Vox: $15 min wage: too risky Destroying another country & unleashing ISIS: fuck it, totally worth it pic.twitter.com/8YvdlBnX1I Adam H. Johnson (@adamjohnsonNYC) April 15, 2016 So whats really happening here, under the surface? Its one thing to write a bad essay, but when it keeps happening, over and over, theres something more than meets the eyes. Theres a term for this kind of writing: Concern trolling. Heres the definition: A concern troll is a person who participates in a debate posing as an actual or potential ally who simply has some concerns they need answered before they will ally themselves with a cause. In reality they are a critic. What Vox is doing is not full-on concern trolling, because they dont purport to take the opposite position. Still, the alarmist rhetoric fits right in with a concern trolls modus operandi. As I said, there are reasonable ways to address worries about these issues. But if you ignore the plight of the underpaid American worker and dismiss a $15/hour minimum wage outright while simultaneously misrepresenting the proposed timetable for its implementation, you have an agenda. If you ignore the disastrous economic effects of free trade deals while constructing a paper-thin argument about benefits to the global poor, you have an agenda. And with this particular website, that agenda always seems to favor one group: The neoliberal corporate establishment. Essays like Lees are nothing but modified concern trolling on behalf of the rich and powerful. And even though this is just one article on one website, its sickening to see Americas working poor thrown under the bus by callous, ill-formed intellectual arguments made by glorified apparatchiks. Vox promised to be so much more than thiswhat the hell happened? It's being reported today that Microsoft has sued the U.S. government for the right to tell its customers when a federal agency is looking at their emails, the latest in a series of clashes over privacy between the technology industry and Washington. By filing the suit, Microsoft is taking a more prominent role in that battle, dominated by Apple in recent months due to the government's efforts to get the company to write software to unlock an iPhone used by one of the shooters in a December massacre in San Bernardino, California. Apple, backed by big technology companies including Microsoft, had complained that cooperating would turn businesses into arms of the state. "Just as Apple was the company in the last case and we stood with Apple, we expect other tech companies to stand with us," Microsoft's Chief Legal Officer Brad Smith said in a phone interview after the suit was filed. The lawsuit, filed on Thursday in federal court in Seattle, argues that the government is violating the U.S. Constitution by preventing Microsoft from notifying thousands of customers about government requests for their emails and other documents. The government's actions contravene the Fourth Amendment, which establishes the right for people and businesses to know if the government searches or seizes their property, the suit argues, and Microsoft's First Amendment right to free speech. The Department of Justice is reviewing the filing, spokeswoman Emily Pierce said. Microsoft's suit focuses on the storage of data on remote servers, rather than locally on people's computers, which Microsoft says has provided a new opening for the government to access electronic data. For more on this report, see the full Reuters Report here. Earlier today Reuters reported that Apple and the FBI will return to Congress next week to testify before lawmakers about their heated disagreement over law enforcement access to encrypted devices, a congressional committee announced on Thursday. Apple's general counsel, Bruce Sewell, and Amy Hess, executive assistant director for science and technology at the Federal Bureau of Investigation, will testify on separate panels before a House Energy and Commerce subcommittee on Tuesday, in addition to other law enforcement officials and technology experts. About Making Comments on our Site: Patently Apple reserves the right to post, dismiss or edit any comments. Religion has been a recurring theme in Steven Spielbergs films. Some of his films, like Schindlers List and Munich, have explored key issues in recent Jewish history, and he has long had an interest in the story of Moses, which has manifested itself in Raiders of the Lost Ark, which Spielberg directed, and The Prince of Egypt, which DreamWorks produced at his behest. Other films, such as Amistad, have shone a positive light on Christianity, and particularly Catholicism. And then there are the strong religious overtones in Spielbergs science fiction films, particularly Close Encounters of the Third Kind (which makes an explicit reference to the story of Moses as dramatized in The Ten Commandments) and E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (with its dying and rising Christ-figure from another world). But what happens when Judaism and Catholicism clash in one of his films? Well find out next year, when Spielberg makes The Kidnapping Of Edgardo Mortara. The film is based on a non-fiction book by David Kertzer that describes how, in 1858, a Jewish boy in Italy was taken from his family and raised as a Christian because he had been secretly baptized. The controversy that ensued may have played a part in the unification of Italy and the elimination of the Papal States in the 1870s. The films screenplay is written by Tony Kushner, the politically-minded playwright (Angels in America) who wrote Munich and Lincoln for Spielberg. And Pope Pius IX, who was personally involved in the Mortara case, will be played by Mark Rylance, who just won an Oscar for his role in Spielbergs Bridge of Spies and will soon play the title character in Spielbergs The BFG (i.e. Big Friendly Giant).1 Pius IX, incidentally, is the pope who convened the First Vatican Council, which made the infallibility of the pope an article of Catholic dogma. The Council was cut short when the Kingdom of Italy invaded Rome and ended the Papal States in 1870. As for Edgardo Mortara himself, he was ordained a priest in France in 1873 and died in Belgium in 1940 two months before the Nazis invaded that country. Theres a lot of fascinating material here, but how will Spielberg handle it? Maybe Amistad can give us a clue. As I explained in an article on that film way back when, Spielberg is comfortable with religion as an expression of ones rootedness in tradition, but he is less comfortable with evangelism, i.e. with characters who try to convert other people to their own faith. And yet, he seems to accept the possibility that people can change from one faith to another on their own initiative. (The fact that the abolitionists try to convert the slaves: not so good. The fact that one of the slaves pages through an illustrated Bible on his own and decides to believe in the God he sees there: thats okay.) So I dont expect Spielberg to look too kindly on the Catholics who steal Mortara away from his parents. But how will he handle Mortaras apparently genuine embrace of the Catholicism with which he was ultimately raised? The film could sympathize with Mortaras freedom to choose. Or it could depict him as a brainwashed pawn. Either way, the film should be interesting. Well find out next year. The picture above shows Spielberg and Rylance on the set of Bridge of Spies. 1. In addition to Bridge of Spies, The BFG and The Kidnapping of Edgardo Mortara, Rylance was also recently cast in Spielbergs Ready Player One. The only other actors to appear in four Spielberg films are Tom Hanks (Saving Private Ryan, Catch Me If You Can, The Terminal, Bridge of Spies) and Harrison Ford (all four Indiana Jones films, plus he appears in one of E.T.s deleted scenes). Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, better known as B. R. Ambedkar, and to the many whom he served throughout his life, as Babasheb, one of the singular figures of the Indian revolution was born on this day in 1891. While an untouchable (the term in general use has shifted to dalit, largely led by Ambedkar himself) his father, like his grandfather before, served in the British Army, and because of that he had access to an education. Nonetheless, the indignities he suffered ranging from not being allowed to sit inside the classroom, to having to sit on a gunny sack he brought with him to and from school so as not to contaminate the ground, to only having access to water at school if a paid servant was there to pour the water that the boy would otherwise not be allowed to touch again because his touch would contaminate it for everyone else, marked his understanding of many things. The boy was brilliant. He graduated from Bombay University, and then won a scholarship to Columbia, where he earned his first doctorate. From there he went on to earn a law degree and a second doctorate at the London School of Economics before turning his attention to what would become his life work. In 1924 he established the Bahishkrit Hitkaraini Sabha, the Outcastes Welfare Association. Three years later he led a mass march at the Chowder Tank in Colaba, outside Bombay, demanding that untouchables have the right to draw water. As civil rights leaders Dr Ambedkar and Mohandas Gandhi worked in an uneasy alliance. While Ambedkar was committed to independence, he had little trust of the dominant culture, and continued to press hard on behalf of the dalit communities. When Gandhi and others introduced the term harijans, meaning people of God, for the untouchables, rather than their own preferred term dalit, Ambedkar opposed having the term foisted upon them as one more example of being marginalized. He did quip that if his people were the children of God, then the upper casts would all be the children of monsters. When India achieved independence, Dr Ambedkar was appointed Indias first law minister, basically Indias first attorney general. But, facing endless frustrations at his attempts to advance civil rights on behalf of all marginalized people, as a last straw, when his attempt to enshrine gender equality in laws concerning marriage and inheritance were frustrated, he resigned his office. Instead Dr Ambedkar turned his attention to a new project. For decades, feeling there was no place for him or the Dalit community within Hinduism, he had been on a spiritual quest. He explored the Sikh faith in depth, but eventually settled on Buddhism as the best way for himself and his people. He embarked on serious study and out of that wrote several books outlining what he thought was the great contribution of Buddhism both to modernity, and for oppressed peoples. In 1956 Dr Ambedkar formally converted to Buddhism at a public ceremony, and immediately after his formal conversion, he led half a million Dalits present at that ceremony in their conversions. The movement was based in twenty-two vows, giving the emergent tradition its distinctive flavor. I shall have no faith in Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara nor shall I worship them. I shall have no faith in Rama and Krishna who are believed to be incarnation of God nor shall I worship them. I shall have no faith in Gauri, Ganapati and other gods and goddesses of Hindus nor shall I worship them. I do not believe in the incarnation of God. I do not and shall not believe that Lord Buddha was the incarnation of Vishnu. I believe this to be sheer madness and false propaganda. I shall not perform Shraddha nor shall I give pind-dan. I shall not act in a manner violating the principles and teachings of the Buddha. I shall not allow any ceremonies to be performed by Brahmins. I shall believe in the equality of man. I shall endeavor to establish equality. I shall follow the noble eightfold path of the Buddha. I shall follow the ten paramitas prescribed by the Buddha. I shall have compassion and loving-kindness for all living beings and protect them. I shall not steal. I shall not tell lies. I shall not commit carnal sins. I shall not take intoxicants like liquor, drugs etc. (The previous four proscriptive vows [#14-17] are from the Five Precepts.) I shall endeavor to follow the noble eightfold path and practice compassion and loving-kindness in every day life. I renounce Hinduism, which is harmful for humanity and impedes the advancement and development of humanity because it is based on inequality, and adopt Buddhism as my religion. I firmly believe the Dhamma of the Buddha is the only true religion. I believe that I am having a re-birth. I solemnly declare and affirm that I shall hereafter lead my life according to the principles and teachings of the Buddha and his Dhamma. While his several books outlined his hope for Dalit Buddhism, or, as many call it, Ambedkar Buddhism, he died later in the same year of his formal conversion, and so the implementation fell to others. The Wikipedia article on Dalit Buddhism describes its distinctive features. Most Dalit Indian Buddhists espouse an eclectic version of Buddhism, primarily based on Theravada, but with additional influences from Mahayana and Vajrayana. On many subjects, they give Buddhism a distinctive interpretation. Of particular note is their emphasis on Shakyamuni Buddha as a political and social reformer, rather than simply a spiritual leader. They note that the Buddha required his monastic followers to ignore caste distinctions, and that he criticized the social inequality that existed in his own time. According to Ambedkar, a persons unfortunate conditions are not only the result of karma or ignorance and craving, but do also result from social exploitation and material poverty the cruelty of others.' The same article cites the scholar Gail Omvedt who summarized the unique perspective of Dr Ambedkars Dalit Buddhism. Ambedkars Buddhism seemingly differs from that of those who accepted by faith, who go for refuge and accept the canon. This much is clear from its basis: it does not accept in totality the scriptures of the Theravada, the Mahayana, or the Vajrayana. Dr Omvedt then asks the question, Is a fourth yana, a Navayana, a kind of modernistic Enlightenment version of the Dhamma really possible within the framework of Buddhism? Given the existence of the movement, as well as other variations of modernist or rational Buddhisms in the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, whether some other Buddhists might not like it, the answer obviously becomes yes. Today the movement exists across India, although concentrated in Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh, and counts the majority of Indian Buddhists, probably about five million people. So, today, Dr Ambhedkars one hundred, and twenty-fifth birthday, a moment we might pause and consider him, his movement, and maybe how some variation of these reformed Buddhisms might prove a healing balm for a troubled world. Many bows Babasheb! Many bows! This article from Aleteia re-affirms two things about Pope Francis exhortation. First of all Cardinal Schonborn affirms what Cardinal Burke said in his interview at National Catholic Register that the exhortation needs to be read in continuity with the whole of the magisterium. The magisterium of the churchs teaching is, as it were, the balance and check to the exhortation. The magisterium clears up any ambiguities and clarifies any confusion. Secondly, in a very clear passage, Fr. Jose Granados Vice President of the Pontifical Institute of John Paul II in Rome explains why the document does not change the churchs discipline on the divorced and remarried receiving communion. The Apostolic exhortation puts an end to a two year synodal path. There is much anticipation about one concrete question, not certainly the one most important pastorally: the eventual admission to the Eucharist of the divorced and civilly remarried. In fact, this is a marginal question if we think of the great pastoral challenges the Church faces regarding the family: the fact that young people do not want to get married; a lack of social significance of the family; the great task of bringing Christ to the families in the new evangelization Does the text allow for divorced and remarried catholic to receive holy communion, at least in some cases? After reading chapter eight (where the question is addressed) we need to conclude that this text does not change the discipline of the Church regarding the admission of divorced and civilly remarried Catholic to the Eucharist, a discipline based in doctrinal reasons, as affirmed by Familiaris Consortio 84 and Sacramentum Caritatis 29. In fact, the text of chapter eight of the exhortation does not even mention the Eucharist. In this sense it is clear that Pope Francis, which has insisted on the importance of synodality in the Church, did not want to go beyond the Synods decisions. At no point in the text of the document do we find something like: in some cases the divorced and civilly remarried can be admitted to receive the Eucharist. This clarity would have been necessary in order to change a practice rooted in doctrinal grounds, firmly established by the constant Magisterium of the Church. Notice also that Cardinal Kaspers proposal, who asked for clear canonical rules that help discern in which cases admission to the sacraments would be possible, has not been received in this document. The only possible hint towards a change in discipline is found in footnote 351, where it is said that in certain cases the Church can give to people who live in irregular situations the help of the sacraments. But it would certainly be strange to suggest that the Pope has intended to make such an important change of Church discipline in a footnote of an apostolic exhortation. In addition, the note refers to irregular situations in general, and not directly to the case of the divorced and civilly remarried (an specific case, since a way of life in contradiction with a sacrament is implied). Further specifications would be needed, that the Pope did not want to make, thus not implying any change in discipline. What the documents proposes, then, is to start a way of integration, that allows these baptized people to live according to the Gospel. Thus, Familiaris Consortio 84 and Sacramentum Caritatis 29 continue to indicate the pastoral way, without exception, because these norms are not a judgment on the subjective culpability of the person, but they show the goal every evangelization aims at: a way of life in accordance to the Gospel of Jesus. All this means that those who expected a revolution from the document have to be greatly disappointed. Patna: Police in Patna on Thursday arrested three men in connection with the April 11 murder of local drug store owner Anil Agrawal after a robbery attempt went awry on B.M.Das Road under Pirbahore police station. Patna Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manu Maharaj, at a press conference, said the killers were apprehended after being identified on CC camera footage in the area. The three men were identified as Rupesh Kumar, Chhotu, and Jitendra Singh. Two other men who were identified only as Rakesh and Mukesh were said to be absconding. 40-year old Agrawal was gunned down last Monday morning. The SSP said all five accused in the case had monitored activities of Agrawal for the last four months before putting their plan into action. On April 11, Rupesh, Chhotu, and Jitendra ambushed Agrawal as soon as he opened his shop near Govind Mitra Road. One of them pulled a gun and shot Agrawal from a close range. They then tried to open the cash register but failed to do so. When panic of being caught by the passers-by ensued, they escaped on the getaway motorcycle being driven by Rakesh and Mukesh, he said. Agrawal was rushed to the Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) where he was declared dead on arrival. Attempts are being made to arrest the two absconding criminals, the SSP said. Patna: Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, while celebrating the birth anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar at party office in Patna on Thursday, chose to take cheap shots at Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying the PM was sworn-in at the dusk time which was clearly bad omen for the nation. "Things are happening in the nation that had not happened before. People are dying in temple fires, cases of drought and fire have gone up many fold since Modi became the Prime Minister," Yadav said. The RJD leader, talking about the Grand Alliance government in Bihar, said that the Nitish administration was under no threat from inside or outside and was here to stay. "Some people are saying that I will not allow the government to run smoothly. These people are mistaken. Nitish government is here to stay and my party would give full cooperation to it," he said. Yadav, supporting the government's decision to impose ban on the sale and consumption of alcoholic drink, called the idea of prohibition 'revolutionary'. He, however, favored 'conditional' ban on the sale of toddy saying those who wanted to imbibe in toddy could go to the toddy field, drink it fresh from the tree in the form of 'Neera' and that would be perfectly fine with him. News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism. "We're not used to seeing growth in our check business," said Deluxe's Tracey Engelhardt, who reports a 6% to 7% increase in revenue for check orders from businesses and consumers in each of the last three quarters, driven by various factors originating from the pandemic. Lawyer Released from Prison in Iran Describes Grim Conditions for Political Prisoners 04/15/16 Source: International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran Prisoners Face Denial of Medical Care, Refusal to Transfer Inmates to Hospital despite Life Threatening Illness, Solitary Confinement Aimed at Extracting False Confessions, Poor Nutrition, Denial of Family Visits Mohammad Seifzadeh April 14, 2016-Mohammad Seifzadeh, the prominent Iranian human rights lawyer who for years defended political prisoners in Iran and railed against the inhumane conditions of their incarceration, was freed on March 10, 2016 after serving his own five-year prison sentence, and spoke at length about the harsh conditions he experienced first-hand as a political prisoner. Seifzadeh described the denial of medical care and critically needed hospitalization, white torture (sensory deprivation and isolation), poor nutrition, unsanitary quarters, insufficient fresh air, and denial of family visits in an extended interview with the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran. These conditions directly violate Irans own laws and State Prison Procedures. Seifzadehs imprisonment for defending human rights in Iran was a travesty of justice to begin with, said Hadi Ghaemi, executive director of the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, and the conditions he and other political prisoners face are an affront to the rule of law and the most minimal standards of humane treatment. President Rouhani needs to defend his citizens and confront the Judiciary over these violations, added Ghaemi. Seifzadeh, who was imprisoned for his work defending political prisoners in Iran, also revealed that during his detention in Ward 209 of Evin Prison in Tehran, which is controlled by the Intelligence Ministry, he was put under extreme pressure to falsely incriminate his former colleague, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Shirin Ebadi. Seifzadeh and Ebadi were founding members of the banned Defenders of Human Rights Center. When that was going on, I was in solitary confinement and my blood pressure shot up...It was out of control. They took me to the General Ward 350 and I had a stroke but they didnt say it was a stroke, Seifzadeh told the Campaign. Solitary confinement is a common tactic used in Iran to increase psychological pressure on a prisoner to extract a false confession, which is then used as evidence to convict. They didnt give me any treatment. They didnt even take me to the infirmary. My hands and feet gradually went numb. My hearing and vision weakened. I fell on the ground when I tried to stand, he said. Finally, when the official medical commission looked into [my case] much later in March 2016, it said I had suffered a stroke. In October 2010, Seifzadeh was sentenced to nine years in prison and banned from practicing law for 10 years for acting against national security through establishing the Defenders of Human Rights Center. He was arrested while on bail on April 6, 2011 for allegedly attempting to leave the country. The Appeals Court reduced Seifzadehs sentence to two years in prison, but while he was serving time he was sentenced to an additional six years for writing open letters and signing political statements with other prisoners of conscience. Seifzadeh was released after serving five years, under Article 134 of Irans Penal Code, which allows prisoners charged with multiple offences to only serve the maximum sentence assigned for their most serious offense. The human rights lawyer told the Campaign that doctors from one of Tehrans hospitals for cardiology had warned that he was at serious risk for a deadly heart attack or stroke if he remained in prison, but the authorities ignored the warning. I had one medical problem after the other, and eventually they illegally exiled me to Rajaee Shahr Prison [in Karaj, west of Tehran] without a judicial order, he said. Political prisoners in Iran are singled out for harsh treatment, which often includes denial of medical care. I had breathing problems while sleeping and also while I was awake, he said. They took me to Baharloo Hospital and I was connected to a machine, which showed that during the night I briefly stopped breathing nine times and woke up 13 times, therefore I could not have any sort of deep sleep all night. I paid all the hospital bills myself, added Seifzadeh. It would be unthinkable for the prison authorities or the health system to pay a prisoners expenses. Theres no budget set aside for it. If you dont pay the bills, you wont get treatment on time and you dont know if youll live or die. Every prisoner [sent to the hospital] has three agents to watch him and is responsible for their expenses, such as meals, too, he added. The clinic did not have medicines to treat anything worse than a cold, let alone high blood pressure, he told the Campaign. Bad nutrition and lack of vitamins weakened the prisoners. Fruits and vegetables are non-existent, continued Seifzadeh. Some of us prepared our own food. We gave a list of things we needed and they would buy it for us from outside at our own expense. But there were also those who only ate prison food, he said. Two days a week there was stew and on other days it was only rice and soybean oil, which was greasy and unhealthy. The cells had no ventilation, Seifzadeh said. In Evin Prison, the cell doors opened at a quarter to seven in the morning and you could take in fresh air until sunset, but in Rajaee Shahr we could only stay outside for three hours. He added that the prison was not in any condition to hold that many prisoners, and that they used sub-standard detergents and as a result many of the prisoners developed skin allergies. Seifzadeh also told the Campaign that the interference waves aimed at disrupting mobile phones from functioning inside the prison were so strong that they caused many prisoners to suffer headaches and nausea. I think it was a factor in my strokes as well, he said. The prisoners living quarters would also be subjected to occasional raids. [In Rajaee Shahr Prison] they would conduct illegal searches to look for mobile phones...Having a mobile phone is not illegal, but they dont want prisoners to give interviews to anyone outside the prison, so they would grab the mobiles, he said. Often times, both the prisoner and his family suffer injustice, said Seifzadeh. In our case, [political prisoners] were not only arrested illegally, but also subjected to unfair trials. He noted the prisoners in Rajaee Shahr Prison were only allowed one 20-minute family visit per month. However, Seifzadeh was denied family visits for most of his own prison term, keeping with the harsher conditions that political prisoners are subjected to in Iran. Many of the Rajaee Shahr and Evin Prison inmates are from different cities. They should be sent to prisons near their families, Seifzadeh said. There were several instances when family members got into road accidents, and even died, on their way to prison visits. Hundreds of political prisoners remain in Iranian jails, some dating back to the widely disputed 2009 presidential election in Iran that ended with a violent state crackdown on peaceful protestors. Many Iranians have urged President Rouhani to follow through on his campaign promise of freeing political prisoners. American Party System or Lack Thereof "Educate and inform the whole mass of the people... They are the only sure reliance for the preservation of our liberty." -Thomas Jefferson 04/15/16 Opinion article by Sina Alavi It seems like not a day goes by that we don't hear about Donald Trump making "crazy" comments. It is election time in America but it sure looks and feels different from all the previous elections that I remember - going back 1976 election between Ford and Carter. What gives...why is this election different from the other ones. There is no question that this election is different from the other elections, the question is how different is this election year. If this election was like any other recent elections, we would be given the usual ride with the same song and dance from both parties and things would be copacetic as far as the party establishments were concerned, and at the end of the day we would end up with a president not different from the previous one as I have written about this process here, here and here. This is not to say we will not end up with one of these generic presidents, it is way too early to expect otherwise, the show has just begun. So let's try to make sense out of what's happening. In order to understand what's going on, we should take a quick look at the party system in America so we could put the events in perspective as they happen. To begin with, we need to know- contrary to popular belief- The US of A is not a Democracy; even when you hear it from high level Government officials including President Obama. The US of A is a Constitutional Republic- that means Majority may not rule. Only in a Democracy people vote directly to elect their leader. In the US, we have Electoral College system which means your vote elects an elector who will select the person you voted for. These electors can change their mind and vote for someone else if they are unpledged. The Electoral College system creates a fair system for smaller states to have a say on the election of the President, but the problem arises when something like corruption raises its ugly head. Especially, with the current political parties and their delegate system, voters have no say on who becomes their candidate. This is more true within the current Democratic Party and what they call Super Delegates, this virtually ignores the will of the voters, but since most of the time voters are duped to vote for the candidate the Party has in mind, no confrontation occurs; otherwise, voters would soon find out they have no say in Primary election for their candidates. Political scientists break down the American Political history to six systems beginning with the second term of George Washington at 1792. Prior to George Washington becoming President, eight other presidents served as President of the United States under Constitutional Congress- with John Hanson as the first one and Cyrus Griffin as the last one. But that did not work well. So, the Constitution was written in 1787 and ratified the following year. The Constitution addressed the role of the Federal and State Governments, and the role of Executive Branch. In 1789, George Washington was elected as the first president under the Constitution by the states' electors. George Washington was elected unanimously in both terms he served. Personally, George Washington was not a Partisan person and did not believe in political parties. But, it was during his second term that marks the beginning of the First Party System. With obvious reasons, everyone around George Washington was jockeying for Power. The First Party System Which lasted until end of Monroe's second term, 1824; it was the battle ground between Federalist and Non-Federalist Parties. The Second Party System is marked with the 1824 Presidential election. By that time The Federalist Party was dismantled and Non-Federalist Party, Democratic-Republican Party, was split to Democratic Party and Whig Party. The Democratic Party from this split is considered the present Democratic Party. Throughout the years, America went through four more Party Systems with each one spanning over a few decades. And it is said that we are in the Sixth Party System. But the reality of the situation is that The Sixth Party System ended in 1992. In fact, American Party systems ceased to exist with the election of President Clinton. So, if anyone asks you what Party System governs over the American Political arena, the answer is None, Zero, Zip, Nada. The American Party System is dead, it is deceased, it is no more and its epitaph was written by special groups, mainly by super rich Jewish American Zionist who make up more than half of the wealth of the country. You can read here and here, what the Zionists are doing to the country. By reviewing the rise and fall of these Party Systems, one fact stands out and that is how these parties looked after the welfare of the country and the people. Even though, only two parties dominated the field, other parties did exist and had some success in getting people to follow them and the two main parties addressed major issues of the time. Limiting power of the Federal Government or Finance of the Government at the Federal Level was the main issues in the First Party System. The slavery, treatment of Native Americans, and expansion of the union were the main issues the Second Party dealt with. The Third Party System also dealt with race and industrialization of the country. The seed of problems to come was sown started with the Third Party System, but even this party system served the people and the country. Fast forward through the remaining three Party systems, we can easily observe how the Government was on the side of the people most of the time and the Government looked after the good of the people and the country. We can't ignore the corruption that went on within these systems; I guess we need to accept it and say "That's politics". In 1824 election, probably Andrew Jackson should have been the President with the Majority votes but collusion between Henry Clay and Adams stole Presidency from Jackson. In Many other elections, people's votes were bought by the elites of the community, but with all that, the system provided a path that people lived better and in general the country moved forward. So what happened in 1992, why don't we have a legitimate party system, and if we don't, then why people still go and vote. Well, nothing happens overnight, these things take years to take shape. We can go back in time and find the roots of the problem and at the same time look at the present time for evidence. Well, one of these evidences just raised its ugly head and it was right before everyone's eyes to see. I am talking about the AIPAC event in Washington where all these Presidential hopefuls showed up to suck up on the money men. Hillary needs to get her Head Out Of Israel's derriere and Messrs. Trump, Cruz, Ryan,...stop sucking up to Israel. As long as these candidates stumble on each other to pledge their allegiance to Israel, we will not have a legitimate political system. Another example of the Zionist death grip on America is through Christian Zionist or Christian Talibans which their number is close to 50 million Americans. These people are duped by many organizations that are supported by Israeli's. And in this election they have two favorite candidates Cruz and Rubio. The money for these candidates comes from people like Sheldon Adelson. This is the same guy who suggested to Nuke Tehran to make Iranians stop their nuclear program. This guy spent over 80 million dollars on Romney in the previous election and we know how that ended. Now, he has two dogs in this race and spent tens of millions of dollars so far. Adelson even called on Romney to make phone calls on behalf of his new puppets, Cruz and Rubio. What a shame, and Romney wanted to be the President of the free world, he is acting like a gofer right now- I guess he knows who the boss is. What we have witnessed since 1992 is that the Presidents are acting as a goon for Israel at the behest of Billionaire Jewish American Zionist. It is embarrassing to see the leaders-to-be for the most powerful nation on earth act in such a loathsome manner with no dignity for themselves. They are willing to sell the good of the country and the people just to become the puppet of these crooks. Long gone are the days when a President saw his duty to serve his country and the people. Long gone is the time a President like James Polk made a promise to serve only one term and serve the country to the best of his abilities in that one term. Long gone is the time when a President like George Washington accepted the Presidency with reluctance with concern of not being able to do an effective job. Nowadays, you find a President like George Bush giving himself a raise or a President like Barack Obama asking for more money for when he is leaving the White House. Nowadays, you find bunch of mountebanks to run for the office in hope of enriching themselves by becoming President. Last thing on their mind is the welfare of the country and the people. Clintons went from rags to riches once they left the White House, from a bankrupt couple to a couple who amassed hundreds of millions of dollars. And, please someone tell me what is it these people do that makes them this kind of Money. What's amazing is they are not done, they want to gorge at the Public Trough again. Why she is running is obvious, she knows how to follow orders and while doing that she enriches herself. She has backing of many Jewish American Zionist, in particular the support of Israeli Haim Saban. So this is what America has to look forward to- either we have Mr. Cruz who is supported by Nut-nYahoo's best friend Sheldon Adelson or Ms. Clinton who is supported by Haim Saban. Their contributions to both parties are around hundreds of millions of dollars. What a shame. OpenSecrets.org does a good job showing the flow of money but does not give you the whole story. If America wants to have a legitimate party system, it needs to get rid of its interests groups and foreign entities. America needs to get rid of destructive laws such as Citizens United law. It needs to create a level playing field for all parties to offer their platforms. The two party system may have worked for two hundred years but it is time to erase the monopoly of these two corrupt parties and promote other parties to flourish. The old trick of Welfare/Warfare distribution of wealth is no way to give people hope. The only citizens who benefit from this Welfare/Warfare approach are the top 0.01 percent super rich. It is a very disheartening spectacle for a naturalized citizen who has pledged the allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America to see these presidential candidates pledge allegiance to the flag of the State of Israel. America does not need AIPAC, a foreign entity, to vet out so called Presidential candidates. Organizations like AIPAC do not want to take any chances with these candidates, they want to make sure whoever ends up in White House, would remember Israel comes first. If we didn't know any better, we would have thought it is a requirement for Presidential candidates to have a Jew or Israeli family member. The way Mr. Trump made sure everybody knows his son-in-law is Jewish, so is his daughter and his grand kids, or Hillary Clinton has to let everyone know his son-in-law is Israeli and their granddaughter is Israeli. We need candidates who genuinely believe in "America First" slogan. This slogan should not be just a slogan or an afterthought. We need to reclaim our Party system by promoting other parties who genuinely have the interest of America in their platforms. Throughout the years, other parties tried to have a say in the election but the cartel of these two parties have stifled any effort by other parties. This cartel with the help and engineering of neo-conservatives and neo-liberals has destroyed what was a proud political system. It is time to support parties with "America First" slogan and revive the American Party system where people independently can voice their opinion. Vote Libertarian, Green, Constitution, or any other party but do not vote for either of these two non-parties. 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 The earliest antivirus utilities recognized malware by consulting a database of signatures. These signatures were elements of malware files that remained invariant, and hence could be used for identification. Malware writers quickly learned to write polymorphic programs that mutate slightly with each new copy, foiling simple signature-based detection. In any case, the never-ending proliferation of malware would have required an always-growing database. Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus avoids the whole problem by using a completely different technique. When it encounters an unknown app, it runs it in a bubble, preventing the app from making any permanent system changes until its cloud-based intelligence reaches a conclusion about the program. If its malicious, the tiny local Webroot program wipes out the attacker and reverses its actions. Its a different approach from most competitors, but our tests show that it works well. How Much Does Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus Cost? Price-wise, Webroot runs with the pack. Like Bitdefender, Kaspersky, and several others, it costs just under $40 for a one-year subscription. Where a three-license Webroot subscription cost $10 more, the other two ask another $20 for a three-pack. Norton's standalone antivirus doesn't have a multi-license plan, and one license will run you $59.99. As for McAfee AntiVirus Plus, it also costs $59.99 per year, but that subscription gets you unlimited protection for your Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS devices. As always, you may find any of these prices discounted for the first year, sometimes quite deeply. You can use your Webroot licenses to install antivirus on both PCs and Macs. Some components of Webroot SecureAnywhere Antivirus (for Mac), in particular the web-based protection system, are identical on both platforms. Overall, the two products offer similar security features, though Webroot doesn't go quite as overboard with expert features on the Mac. It's Surprisingly Easy to Be More Secure Online It's Surprisingly Easy to Be More Secure Online Webroot's installer is tiny, less than 6MB, and it installs in a flash. Immediately on installation, it busies itself with a collection of startup tasks, checking off each one as it finishes. Among the listed tasks are: scanning for active malware; analyzing installed applications to reduce warnings and prompts; establishing a system baseline; and optimizing performance for your unique system configuration. Even with these added tasks, the process goes quickly. The product's appearance hasn't changed appreciably in quite a while. Its green-toned main window features a lighter panel that includes statistics about recent scans and a button to launch an on-demand scan. Even if you never click that button, Webroot makes a full scan during installation and runs a scheduled scan every day. A panel at the right manages access to the rest of this product's significant collection of security features. Online Console As part of getting started with Webroot, youll set up a profile online. The process has a strong emphasis on security. I dont always use the strongest passwords for profiles used in testing, since theyre only needed for the duration of the test. But Webroot required a truly strong password and wouldnt accept anything less. In addition, it requires a secondary security code that you enter in an unusual fashion. Each time you log in to the online profile, it demands two specific characters from that security code, different each time. It might ask for the 2nd and 4th characters on one visit, the 6th and 7th on another. As if that werent enough security, Webroot strongly encourages you to set up two-factor authentication. You set up 2FA in the usual fashion, scanning a QR code with Google Authenticator or a workalike. If you do choose to establish 2FA, it replaces the security code requirement. No more counting on your fingers to come up with the right characters! Theres a lot you can do in the online console. If you havent used all your licenses, you can log in and click a button to add protection to another device. You can select any device and view scan results, including the filename and malware class of removed threats. And you can send remote control commands to the device. The ability to launch a scan remotely is clearly a big plus. You can also lock, shut down, or restarts the computer. And if youve removed Webroot from an old computer, you can use the command system to deactivate it, freeing up that license for use on another PC or Mac. Lab Test Difficulties As noted, Webroot handles new, unknown programs by letting them run under strict monitoring. It prohibits irreversible actions like sending personal data to the internet, and keeps a journal of reversible actions, all while awaiting a verdict from Webroot's cloud analysis system. If the program under judgment proves to be nasty, Webroot wipes it out and reverses all its journaled changes. This system just isn't compatible with many independent lab tests. Labs like AV-Test Institute(Opens in a new window) and AV-Comparatives expect antivirus programs to act right away on malware they recognize, whether detection occurs using signatures, heuristics, or behavioral analysis. Webroot's relationship with the labs has been rocky. Just one of the four that I follow has recently included Webroot in testing. Researchers at MRG-Effitas report on two main tests, one specific to banking Trojans and one aiming to cover the full range of malware types. Security programs that don't earn near-perfect scores simply fail; these are tough tests. Webroot used to do particularly well in the all-types test, which offers certification to products that remediate all malware attacks within 24 hours. That sort of test aligns well with Webroots journal-and-rollback system. Alas, its been some years since Webroot participated in this test. Researchers at SE Labs(Opens in a new window) use a capture and replay system to package up real-world malware attacks and unleash them on multiple antivirus products simultaneously. This lab certifies antivirus products at five levels, AAA, AA, A, B, and C; Webroot earned a respectable AA certification. To be fair, all but one of the tested products came in at either the AAA or AA level. The odd man out was Malwarebytes Premium, which earned a B. Like Webroot, Malwarebytes doesnt always align well with standard testing methods. I use an algorithm to derive an aggregate lab score for products tested by at least two labs. With just one result, Webroot doesnt have an aggregate score. As ever, Bitdefender Antivirus Plus and Kaspersky take perfect or near-perfect scores from the labs. With perfect scores from all four labs, Kaspersky boasts a perfect 10 points. Tested by three labs, AVG holds an impressive 9.9 points, with Bitdefender and ESET NOD32 Antivirus close behind at 9.8 points. Excellent Malware Protection For some years now, Webroot has done very well in my own hands-on malware protection tests, though it handles them differently from most other products. It doesnt react when I simply open a folder full of samples, or copy them to a new location. Rather, it checks each process as it launches. In many cases, Webroot recognized and quarantined the sample almost immediately. Other samples ran for a while under Webroots restrictions, only to be wiped out a little later. After each malware removal event, Webroot asked to scan the system again to make sure it left no traces behind. Frequently this secondary scan turned up another sample or two, in a kind of chain reaction. On removing the new-found threats, it wanted to scan yet again. The thought of enduring scan after scan might sound tedious, but each scan just took five to 10 minutes. Thats no big deal for the average user. On the other hand, at just five minutes apiece my collection of almost six dozen samples would have taken six hours. To keep the time reasonable, I settled on running the samples in groups of five, postponing cleanup for the first four of each group. Whether by detection on launch or through a chain reaction capture, Webroot detected 99% of my samples and scored 9.8 of 10 possible points. PC Matic Home nominally scored the same, but its default-deny system doesnt actively detect most malware. Rather, it simply detects that the program isnt on its whitelist. Thats why PC Matics scores have an asterisk in the chart below. McAfee and Malwarebytes did beat Webroots scores, by a hair. Tested with this same sample set, they both detected every single sample. Malwarebytes scored a perfect 10, and McAfee came close with 9.9 points. Webroots scan also put a couple of my hand-coded testing tools in the cooler, but I can't really blame it. Here you have a program that's never been seen before by the cloud analysis system, and its purpose is to launch fraudulent URLs. Suspicious much? I restored my tools from quarantine and proceeded with testing. I use the same set of curated samples for months, because the collection process itself takes weeks. To get a look at protection against the latest threats, I start with a feed of URLs that researchers at MRG-Effitas(Opens in a new window) recently found to be hosting malware. Typically, these are no more than a couple days old. I launch each and note whether the antivirus prevents browser access to the dangerous URL, eliminates the file upon download, or completely fails to notice the malware download. Of more than 100 validated dangerous URLs, Webroot blocked 85% in the browser and wiped out the malware payload of another 11%, for a total of 96% protection. Thats quite a good score, though eight recent products have done even better. Yes, each product gets hit with a different selection of malware-hosting URLs, but theyre always the most recent ones. McAfee leads the pack, with 100% protection. Bitdefender, G Data, and Sophos all came close with 99%. Im pleased the success stories from Webroot and the rest. What better time to quash malware than before it even lands on your PC? Phishing Protection Triumph There's nothing innately dangerous about a phishing websiteno drive-by downloads, malicious scripts, or other active threats, just an inviting imitation of a secure website. You're perfectly safe if youre astute enough to recognize and avoid the fraudulent page. But woe betide the careless web surfer who enters login credentials on one of these fraudulent sites. If you fall for the fraud, you've just given away full access to your bank site, shopping site, even dating site. It's not good. These fraudulent sites get shut down and blacklisted quickly, but the perpetrators simply pop up another fake and start trolling for new victims. To test an antivirus product's phishing protection, I try for an even split between verified phishing URLs and reported frauds that are so new there's been no time to analyze and blacklist them. I launch each URL in a browser protected by the product in question, and simultaneously in browsers relying on the phishing protection built into Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. I discard any that fail to load in one or more of the browsers, and any that don't precisely fit the definition of phishing. Once I have enough data points, I run the numbers. Webroot blocked 99% of the verified frauds and outperformed all three of the browsersan impressive showing. Bitdefender and Norton also scored 99% in their own tests, while F-Secure Anti-Virus and McAfee managed 100%. Phishing is totally platform independent. If your smart fridge includes a full-scale browser, you can get scammed while making a shopping list. Phishing protection, though, can vary by platform. In the past Ive frequently seen situations where a companys Windows product outperformed its macOS product in exactly the same test. With Webroot, the Windows and Mac products scored almost in lockstep, but the Mac edition did just a fraction better, scoring 100%. See How We Test Security Software Mixed Results in Ransomware Experiments The journal and rollback system that Webroot uses can even roll back the effects of encrypting ransomware, though the company warns that limitations, such as available drive space, can impact this ability. In truth, it would be very unusual for a ransomware attack to get past all the other layers of protection. Webroot wiped out all my ransomware samples, most by recognizing them as known bad programs, a few by noticing bad behavior after launch. I had to scramble to figure out how to test its ransomware protection. My coding skills are rusty; there's no way I could write a never-before-seen encrypting ransomware specimen, even if I wanted to. For testing, I wrote a simple-minded ransomware simulator that encrypts all text files in the document folder using reversible XOR encryption. Webroot had already encountered this simulator in previous reviews, so it wiped out the app on launch. To avert that effect, I modified the program, changing its name, length, and a few non-executable bytes. The newly disguised program ran unhindered, and I verified that it did encrypt the target files. In Webroot's Active Processes list, I found the program running in Monitored mode, meaning Webroot was keeping detailed track of its activity. Rather than waiting for a decision from Webroot's cloud-based brain, I cut to the chase. In the processes list I blocked the program, confirmed immediate termination, and launched a scan. The scan removed the file and reversed its actions, restoring the encrypted files, just as I had hoped. Webroot's monitoring system works with all malware types. A similar feature in Trend Micro Antivirus+ Security focuses just on ransomware. At the first sign of ransomware behavior, it backs up important files. If its behavioral detection verifies a ransomware attack, it terminates the malware and restores the backed-up files. That little experiment with a hand-modified version of my ransomware simulator inspired me to try testing with hand-modified versions of actual file-encrypting malware samples. Results were mixed. Out of 10 file encrypting ransomware samples, Webroot detected that two were trying to modify the Registry to launch at boot. When I blocked those actions, the samples did not go on to encrypt files. Three others launched but did nothing. That could be due to the program detecting Webroots presence. Its also possible that by modifying the files I triggered some internal integrity check. Webroot didnt stop any of the other five from encrypting files or posting ransom notes. I treated each of these the way I did my own simulator. Looking at the Active Processes list, I saw just one process in the Monitor state, so I blocked that one and then ran a scan to undo its activity. As far as I could tell, it completely restored the files encrypted by three of the samples. It didnt remove any ransom notes, though, and it left the encrypted version of the files in place. In addition, all the recovered files got their date/time stamp reset to the moment of recovery. As for the other two, Webroot apparently failed to journal their dirty deeds. After a full scan, the encrypted files remained encrypted, with no recovery of their original versions. Youre almost certainly not going to be hit by a ransomware attack that some rando modified by hand. However, this test does emulate what would happen if you encountered a ransomware sample that Webroots analysis system had never seen before. And what would happen isnt great. Do keep in mind, though, that unknowns quickly become known. Whey I tried to launch the same hand-modified samples a day later, Webroot eliminated them all immediately on launch. Helpful Firewall For many security companies, the addition of a personal firewall is one of the features that distinguishes the security suite from the standalone antivirus. Webroot's antivirus includes a firewall, but it doesn't work quite the same as most. It makes no attempt to put your system's ports in stealth mode, leaving that task to the built-in Windows Firewall. That's fine; the built-in does a good job. The only time a firewalls stealth abilities matter is if they take over from Windows Firewall and dont do a proper job. Webroot classifies programs as good, bad, or unknown. Like Norton AntiVirus Plus, it leaves the good ones alone, eliminates the bad ones, and monitors the unknowns. As mentioned earlier, if a monitored unknown program tries a non-reversible action like sending your credit card details overseas, Webroot prevents it. By default, the firewall ups its game when Webroot detects an active infection, which causes the main window to turn from green to dramatic red. In this mode, any network traffic by unknown programs requires your permission, but normal activities like Web browsing proceed uninterrupted. In past evaluations Ive been able to see the firewall in action by tweaking its settings to warn every time an unknown program attempts internet access, not just when an infection is present, or by setting it to warn for every process that isnt already trusted. This time around, I found that those changes had no effect. Checking with my contact at Webroot, I learned that a recent update introduced a bug such that the firewall is disabled. A fix is expected in two to three weeks. Im surprised that a problem of this magnitude got past the quality assurance process. Of course, firewall protection means bubkes if a malware coder can reach in and turn it off. The more processes and services a security tool contains, the more opportunities for such chicanery. With one service, two processes, and no settings exposed in the Registry, Webroot is buttoned up tight. My every attempt to halt its protection resulted in an ignominious "Access Denied" message. For Experts Only Like most modern antivirus utilities, Webroot works fine even if you totally ignore it. It comes configured for maximum protection, and if you don't make any changes, it runs a scan every day. What more could you want? It turns out that theres a ton more to discover under the surface, but only if you want to. Clicking the settings gear next to Identity Protection on the main window brings up a page with controls that toggle what it calls Phishing Shield and Identity Shield. The rest of the page displays a laundry list of just what these shields involve. They aim to fend off a wide variety of typical malware attacks including man-in-the-middle, browser process modification, and keylogging. Identity Shield and Phishing Shield appear on the Online Protection page under Identity Protection. The adjacent Application Protection page lists apps that get special attention from Webroot. Specifically, it aims to ensure that your personal information cant be extracted from these programs. On my test system, Webroot populated the list with Internet Explorer, Firefox, and two versions of Chrome. Oddly, one of the Chrome entries referred to a non-existent folder. You can also add programs to the list for protection. Edge seemed like an obvious choice, so I added it. Its entry in the list of protected applications also referenced a non-existent folder, not the folder from which I selected it. My Webroot contact explained that while this does look odd, it doesnt mean that the apps in question arent protected. Webroots cloud-based master file system renders those randomized temporary paths into the correct path. Clicking the gear icon next to Utilities reveals a set of antimalware tools that let you repair damage left behind after malware remediation, things like malware-modified desktop background, screensaver, or system policies. You can also use it to quickly reboot into Safe Mode, or to perform an instant reboot. Those with the necessary skills can use another tool to manually remove any program, along with its associated Registry data. Even if you claim no tech skills yourself, you can run a removal script created by Webroot tech support. If you really want to see what Webroot has been doing, open the Reports page and check its current or historical activity. You probably won't want to read the available scan log or threat log, but tech support might well ask for them. The System Control page is where you find the Active Processes list, which shows all running processes and flags those that are under monitoring by Webroot. Also on this page is the SafeStart Sandbox. There are features for experts, and features for professionals. SafeStart Sandbox is among the latter. If you're a trained antivirus researcher, you can use it to launch a suspect program under detailed limitations that you specify. If you're not, just leave it alone. I don't even use that one myself. Small Is Beautiful Opening the folder containing a typical antivirus or security suite reveals amazing number of files and folders. When I check system free space before and after installing security suites, I find that most occupy a gigabyte or two of disk space, or even more. As for Webroot, it's ridiculously small. Open its folder and you find just one significant file, WRSA.exe, with a size less than 6MB. That's tiny! As noted, Task Manager reveals just two Webroot processes. Norton also packs its protection into two processes, while others require more. During one test, I found 17 active processes for McAfee, for example. Webroot relies on just one Windows service, but some others run to 10 or more. Just because a product uses more of processes or services doesn't necessarily mean it's eating up more of your system resources. It's conceivable that a program with just one resource-hungry process could overload your system. Conceivable, but unlikely. By every measure I've found, Webroot remains the smallest antivirus around. Still a Winner Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus doesn't jibe with the testing methods used by many of the independent testing labs, though it earned a high score in one recent test. In our hands-on testing, it earned near-perfect scores both for malware protection and phishing detection. Its score against malware-hosting URLs was also quite good. On the negative side, its ability to protect against never-before-seen ransomware proved uneven in testing, and as of this writing, its firewall component isnt working. We also encountered a few glitches when testing the macOS version of this program. For now, were assuming these bumps will be ironed out. Webroot remains an antivirus Editors' Choice winner, sure to please those who want good things in a small package. Kaspersky Anti-Virus and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus routinely earn perfect or near-perfect scores from the antivirus testing labs, and both come with a panoply of useful bonus features. McAfee AntiVirus Plus doesn't always score as high in lab tests or our own tests, but it's a bargain, offering protection for every Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS device in your household. These three tools round out our collection of Editors' Choice antivirus products, each with its own special merits. Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus 4.5 Editors' Choice (Opens in a new window) Check Price (Opens in a new window) Pros Near-perfect score in our malware protection and phishing protection tests Light on system resources Fast scan, tiny size Can remediate ransomware damage Advanced features View More Cons Limited lab test results due to unusual detection techniques Mixed results in testing with hand-modified ransomware Firewall component not working at this time The Bottom Line Webroot SecureAnywhere AntiVirus scans at high speed and uses just a trickle of your systems resources. It earned excellent scores in our hands-on tests and can even roll back some ransomware activity. Its fitting that the childrens book Oliver the Owl was written by soon-to-be-retired teacher David Yorke. The book, after all, is about following ones passion, working hard and persevering. Yorke, 62, will follow his passion of writing for kids and plans to write full time when he retires this year after 22 year of teaching, 14 of them at Vintage Hills Elementary in Temecula. Im going to write some more books and maybe a sequel to Oliver the Owl, he said. The book is also Temecula artist Patti Paulsens first experience illustrating a book. With her artwork in a published book, Paulsen joked, My dad said my college education finally paid off. Like his previous books, Yorkes new book carries an important message. Oliver the Owl encourages children to identify their passion and work hard to achieve it. The story follows a great horned owl who follows his dream and opens a restaurant. His friend, Shannon the Seagull, also pursues her dream of singing in public. The book, which features cover artwork and 14 other drawings from Paulsen, is aimed at third- through sixth-graders, Yorke said. Yorke, who has written childrens books that focused on gossiping and childhood obesity, self-published this book. It was released in March. His previous works, published between 2010 and 2013, were illustrated by Temecula artist Lisa Owen-Lynch. Those books Billy the Bully Goat, Freda the Fashion Ferret and Ephrin D. Elephant deal with three major issues facing children, parents and schools nationwide: bullying, gossiping and childhood obesity. Paulsen, a professional artist whose husband also is a teacher in Temecula, said she enjoyed the Oliver the Owl experience. She appreciated collaborating with Yorke and was surprised at how much research they both had to do to ensure her illustrations accurately reflected the books locales, including spots around Temecula and San Diego. It was fun and more than just painting something, said Paulsen, who studied art at the Royal College of Art in London and whose works recently won the Mayors Choice Award in Temecula. As Yorke and Paulsen worked on the book throughout the school year, Yorke said his fourth-grade students observed the process of how a book is written and published. His class and several others at the school have read the book, which Yorke published through Amazons Create Space. Its good to show the kids you can have a passion and do something on the side of your regular job, Yorke said. Copies of his previous books were distributed to several public and school libraries in Riverside County, and Yorke said he plans to do the same with his new book after retiring, when he will have more time to work on marketing and sales. His new book will likely be available at the Temecula Public Library, pending final approval. Hard copies of Oliver the Owl can be purchased for $10, and eventually the book will be available online. To buy a copy, email vintageyorkeseries@yahoo.com. Contact the writer: community@pressenterprise.com If your ballot for the June 7 primary seems a little long, you can thank the race for U.S. Senate. Thirty-four candidates are on the ballot in the race to succeed retiring Democrat Barbara Boxer. Only two will advance to the November general election. The front-runners include Democratic state Attorney General Kamala Harris and Democratic Rep. Loretta Sanchez of Santa Ana. On the Republican side, the leading candidates include two former state GOP chairman, Tom Del Beccaro and Duf Sundheim. The list includes some local candidates as well. Republican Don Krampe of Murrieta is running after a bid in 2012 for Democratic incumbent Dianne Feinsteins U.S. Senate seat. A former Marine who served in Korea, Krampe has dressed up in a Colonial outfit for public recitals of The Americans Creed. He has said Americas two-party system is dysfunctional and that as senator, he would advocate for a series of saltwater conversion plants to solve Californias water woes. He also wants to help the port of Long Beach accommodate bigger ships. Another candidate is Republican Jerry Laws of Victorville. Im running for U. S. Senator because a vote for Jerry J. Laws is a vote for the Constitution, he wrote on his website. If we do not do that, Honor the Constitution the Lord will have His way with us, he wrote. As your candidate for senator 2016 race, I am pro-life, pro-bill of rights and pro-states rights 10th Amendment. Tom Palzer of Rancho Cucamonga is running as a Republican. On his website, Palzer said he has 32 years experience working with and advising elected and appointed officials at all levels of government. My experience far exceeds that of all other candidates in this race, he wrote. I believe that The hallmark of the Republican Party rests in its conservative values. Without such values, our system of checks and balances would cease to function. An independent expenditure committee backing Inland Assemblywoman Cheryl Brown received a $1 million contribution this month from the Chevron oil corporation, campaign finance records show. The Keeping Californians Working, Dentists, Housing Providers, Energy and Insurance Agents committee also received $500,000 in April from the California Dental Association and $250,000 from the California Apartment Association, according to state filings. Keeping Californians Working spent more than $11,000 in April on consulting, mailers and research to support Brown, a San Bernardino Democrat facing a challenge from Democrat Eloise Reyes. The race for the 47th Assembly District, which includes Colton, Fontana, Grand Terrace and Rialto, is shaping up as a fight between liberal interests and moderate Democrats thats getting a lot of attention in Sacramento. Labor unions and environmental groups are among Reyes supporters while Brown has been endorsed by the California Democratic Party. Progressives are upset with Brown and other moderate Assembly Democrats for their opposition to a provision in Gov. Jerry Browns climate change bill that would have cut petroleum use by motor vehicles. The oil industry and environments waged an intense lobbying campaign last year to sway Brown and other moderate Democrats, including Assemblyman Jose Medina, D-Riverside. In the end, the petroleum use provision was removed from the final climate change bill. Brown has said she was concerned the provision would have hurt her constituents, many of whom drive every day to other counties for work. Reyes wasted no time in using the Chevron donation to portray Brown as beholden to corporate interests. It is now clear why Cheryl Brown voted against the health of children and families in the Inland Empire, Reyes said in an email to supporters. She wanted to make sure the oil companies spent millions of dollars to help her get reelected. This kind of pay-to-play politics is endangering peoples lives and must be stopped. In an emailed response, Brown said: Current California law allows companies and wealthy individuals to create independent expenditures for campaigns. I did not coordinate with them as campaigns are prohibited from doing so. So I am as surprised as everyone else. Regardless of this fact, Im focused on the campaign Im running based on the issues that matter most to Inland Empire working families, that of making sure we have good jobs, access to education and helping protect our seniors. I am proud to have the support from the California Democratic Party, small business owners, and labor unions because they know the type of person that I am, and the work that I have accomplished for our community. In fact, I have more financial support from labor organizations than oil companies but my opponents dont want to admit that truth. In the end, I hope voters remember that Im Cheryl Brown, the same person Ive been throughout my 40-years of service to my community, my government, and my church. The June 7 primary features Brown, Reyes and Republican Aissa Chanel Sanchez. The top two vote-getters in the primary, regardless of party, will compete in the November general election. Worries about the expense of complying with Californias open meetings law seem to have derailed Riverside County Supervisor Kevin Jeffries plan to tighten oversight of county spending. Jeffries this week proposed proposed setting up subcommittees in which two or three supervisors would review parts of the county budget. But his plan has been deferred for further study by a 4-1 vote, with Jeffries opposed. Supervisor Chuck Washington, who co-sponsored Jeffries plan, also voted for further study. Jeffries fellow supervisors said they were concerned it would cost too much money to staff and advertise the subcommittee meetings to ensure they complied with the Brown Act, the state law governing public meetings. The county faces a potential $100 million budget shortfall for the next fiscal year and Supervisor Marion Ashley has come up with 16 ideas to cut costs, including a hiring freeze and work furloughs, although its not clear if any of those suggestions will be enacted. The board recently authorized paying consulting firm KPMG $18.4 million to follow-up its review of public safety spending, which consumes two-thirds of the countys discretionary dollars, and find ways of saving money in non-public safety departments. I find the discussion on not spending to support Brown Act compliance absolutely amazing after we just approved $18 million to have an external firm come in and do our work for us, Jeffries said at the Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday, April 12. Its an incredible argument to say: One, we want it behind closed doors. Two, we want to save money, and then, three, we turned around and then brought in a firm to do what arguably our staff, our leadership should have done from the very beginning. Executive office staff have warned the county risks burning through its reserves unless spending is reined in. One of KPMGs recommendations called for leadership and discipline to cut costs. Jeffries proposed creating four subcommittees criminal justice/public safety; general government/other; health and human services; and public works and divvying up assignments among the five supervisors. I felt it was time to move forward with more board involvement and engagement process than what we do today with one or two board meetings (on the budget), a workshop and then (we) just move on and wait for next years report, Jeffries told his colleagues. Washington said subcommittees worked well in Temecula, where he was a councilman before joining the board last year. But Supervisor John Benoit said he was concerned what it would take for the subcommittees to comply with the Brown Act. There is a cost to that, and its not insignificant, when youre looking at meetings of the size and frequency that were talking about, Benoit said. And I am concerned that we would have that extra administrative requirement and cost. County Counsel Greg Priamos confirmed that as standing committees, the subcommittees would be subject to the Brown Act, including requirements to advertise meetings 72 hours in advance, open meetings to the public and keep permanent minutes. County Executive Officer Jay Orr said the board clerk would have to provide staff for subcommittee meetings; the county finance officer would have to be available. We probably do not have enough analysts. Orr said, noting that his office has been cut 53 percent in recent years. Ashley said while he liked what Jeffries was trying to do, Im not sure this is the way to do it. Were going to create a big bureaucracy right within a bureaucracy (and) sort of bog us down a little bit. Supervisor John Tavaglione said its more efficient and effective to go through staff to get information on budget matters. I think theres another way to do it without taking so much staff time, he said. The countys annual budget is roughly $5 billion, although the board only has direct control over less than $1 billion of that. After losing more than $200 million in ongoing revenue due to the Great Recession, the countys tax receipts are projected to grow, but officials acknowledge theyre not growing nearly fast enough to keep up with spending obligations. Ashley proposed having Orrs office and Benoit, the board chairman, analyze Jeffries idea (to) come up with a system that will improve the way that we deal with and handle our budget without creating a big bureaucratic thing that will bog things down. Contact the writer: 951-368-9547 or jhorseman@pressenterprise.com A Red Flag warning is in effect for the far eastern portion of Riverside County on Friday, April 15, as lower humidity in the region means an increased risk of fire danger. According to a message from the National Weather Service, the warning is in effect for the Lower Colorado River Valley in California as well as the western portion of Arizona. The warnings are sent out when the risk of fire in an area is extremely high because of such factors as dry air or high winds. CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department spokeswoman Jody Hagemann encouraged people in those areas to exercise caution and avoid activities which could cause sparks, as a spark could easily grow into a large scale fire. The warning was expected to remain in effect until 8 p.m. Friday, according to the National Weather Service. Contact the writer: 951-368-9693 or agroves@pressenterprise.com Whether photographer Brian Grimaldo is in his hometown of Riverside or visiting Mexico, he enjoys seeking out the hidden and unknown places. I want it to feel like I live here and am not a tourist, Grimaldo said. Motion and emotion are the things I look for when I am taking photos. Documenting life with his camera has become a passion for the 17-year-old, a junior at Arlington High School. I want to get to know the roots of people, he said. Grimaldos way of sharing his vision is through Instagram, where his account (www.instagram.com/brian.jpeg) has taken off in the past year. He has garnered a growing number of likes for his photographic interpretations of the world around him and has about 10,000 followers. He credits a photo that he saw three years ago on Instagram, taken from the top of one of the worlds tallest buildings, as his inspiration for recording his own experiences. At the time he had only an iPod camera, but he has since upgraded to a point-and-shoot and more recently to a Nikon 35-mm DSLR. Grimaldo is self-taught, studying how to use manual focus and editing software such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. He also tries to practice often, going out at least once a week to shoot photos. I will wander around a certain location looking for a good shot and then wait for just the right moment, he said. He shoots anywhere from his own Riverside neighborhood to Los Angeles, where he said he enjoys the cultural diversity, or even Las Vegas. He believes that others have been drawn to his work by his subject matter and creative editing. Mostly, kids my age take the same photos, but I like to take mine from a different angle, he said. His images of Riverside have been popular and earned him invitations to photograph several music events at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium and around the area. He enjoys street photography and showcasing people when they are doing things that make them happy. Last summer, when he traveled to his fathers birthplace in Michoacan, Mexico, he didnt want to feel like a tourist capturing the usual images. Rather he focused on a father and son enjoying each others company as they celebrated a local religious festival. You could see how happy they were, he said. In addition to still photography, Grimaldo also enjoys making videos and has done some shooting with music and rap groups. He networks with other students through a school film club, with plans to reach out to local small businesses for photography assignments. Future plans include possibly attending Riverside Community College and going on to further studies in photography and media. He wants to mix film and photo together as he gets more adept in both areas. He has been working on a documentary with social commentary, depicting how the lives of people in Southern California vary to a great degree. He especially enjoys portrait photography, showing the subjects personality. Grimaldo sees his photos as an expression of his own interest in other peoples lives and in how they interpret happiness. I want to see a lot of the U.S., if not the world, and to portray how people live, he said. Everyone has a story, he said. And with each shot, I am capturing a moment that wont happen again. Contact the writer: community@pressenterprise.com The technology industrys data-privacy battle with the U.S. government started before the fight over a killers iPhone, and its going to last long after. Microsoft Corp. sued the Justice Department Thursday to block authorities from taking customers e-mails and other data stored by Microsoft without ever having to let them know, an escalation of a two-year tussle with the government over privacy and cloud computing. On Friday, Apple Inc. is set to continue its fight to keep the government out of another iPhone this one seized from a drug dealer in a Brooklyn case, just weeks after the FBI dropped its effort to force Apple to help it break into one used by a terrorist who with his wife killed 14 people last year in San Bernardino, California. While these high-profile legal cases have added momentum, the industrys push against government intrusion into their customers private information began at least two years ago, in the wake of Edward Snowdens disclosures about covert data collection that put them all on the defensive. Meanwhile, some U.S. lawmakers want to require companies to give investigators access to data even when its protected by encryption. Its a debate that is unlikely to be resolved anytime soon as Microsoft and Apple argue the very future of mobile and cloud computing is at stake if customers cant trust that their data will remain private, while investigators seek digital tools to help them fight increasingly sophisticated criminals and terrorists savvy at using technology to communicate and hide their tracks. The companies are trying to find a way forward in a world in which the law is not very good, said Greg Nojeim, senior counsel at the Center for Democracy & Technology. It doesnt provide in the digital world the same protections it provides in the physical world. Securing those protections is good for both their users and their bottom line. In Brooklyn federal court on Friday, Apple is expected to make the case for preserving a favorable ruling from a magistrate judge who refused the governments request for an order forcing the company to extract data from a drug dealers phone. A decision on the matter could help establish who has the current law on their side in future courtroom battles over privacy and encryption. Apples Response The technology company is slated to file its response to the governments appeal of the magistrates ruling. The Justice Department said this month that it would move forward with that proceeding, even though it had dropped its demand for the company to help unlock the shooters phone in California, after an unidentified third party came forward with a method to hack it. FBI Director James Comey has said that method only works on limited categories of phones, and Apple has said that its continuing technology improvements are likely to make any tool the government has for unlocking phones short-lived. While the companies dig in against the governments efforts, U.S. senators this week released draft legislation that would grant the courts greater power to demand companies let investigators access secure information. The proposal has been denounced by civil liberties advocates as a ban on encryption, which they argue is needed to protect data from the growing threat of hackers. Microsofts lawsuit, which names the Justice Department and Attorney General Loretta Lynch as defendants, is the most aggressive step yet by Microsoft in its feud with the U.S. over customer privacy and its ability to disclose what its been asked to turn over to investigators issues that echo Apples fight to preserve the encryption built into its iPhones. Speech, Seizure The software maker called part of the 1986 Electronic Communications Privacy Act unconstitutional, citing its own First Amendment free speech rights and its customers Fourth Amendment right to know if the government has searched or seized their property. The law essentially places the company under an unlimited gag order, according to the complaint in federal court in Seattle. The road to the lawsuit started in December 2013. Roiled by disclosures by Snowden, a former NSA contractor, about U.S. government surveillance which implicated Microsoft and other technology companies for collaborating Microsoft issued a blog post pledging new privacy protections for customers. The company promised to expand the use of encryption and said it would go to court to protect customer data privacy. Specifically, Microsoft said it would notify enterprise customers when the government requested their data and put up a legal fight against any gag orders that stood in the way. It also pledged to fight back when governments seek customer data stored in other countries that Microsoft doesnt think they have the right to see. Those two steps have put the company on a collision course with the U.S. government, resulting in two public lawsuits the one filed Thursday and another awaiting an appeals court ruling on whether the U.S. government has the right to Microsoft customer data stored in Ireland. Unfamiliar Role It has also created a spectacle one isnt accustomed to seeing Microsoft and its President and Chief Legal Officer Brad Smith winning the admiration of privacy advocates and leading the charge of technology companies fighting back. Bill Fitzpatrick, the district attorney in Onondaga County New York, endorsed legislation proposed in the Senate and questioned whether Microsoft and Apple truly understand what it takes to investigate a murder or prevent a terrorist attack Without the tools offered only through secrecy, the countrys law enforcement would fail to prevent another domestic, mass casualty attack, he said. The government doesnt want to be in your phone, it wants to be in the phones of people plotting against our communities, he said. There needs to be that understanding and I dont think these corporations are anywhere close to that. Microsoft, which vigorously supported Apple during its skirmish over the San Bernardino terrorists iPhone, said it expects broad support from other technology companies in its own efforts. Already, cloud-file sharing service Box Inc. spoke out in favor of Microsoft, a partner and rival. Right Case The concerns we are articulating are shared broadly in the tech sector, Microsofts Smith said. We felt that we had the right facts to bring the right case at the right time to address an issue that has been recurring and therefore needs to be resolved but I fully expect we will hear from a number of other tech companies. Neither the proposed legislation nor the companies legal tactics are aimed at finding a compromise to benefit the American public, said DJ Rosenthal, a former White House counterterrorism and cybersecurity expert in the Obama administration. These issues are both just further manifestation of the gulf that now exists between the two sides, he said in an interview. I dont think this issue can be resolved until they both stop fighting each other and sit down to find a solution that protects privacy and national security. One by one, the names of scores of Riverside County residents who have died in violent crimes were read. The victims were as young as an unborn child and as old as people in their 70s and 80s. The names were as familiar as Riverside police officers Ryan Bonaminio and Michael Crain, and as little-known as Andrew Fierro, whose mother attended the candlelight vigil Thursday night, April 14, in hopes of calling attention to his unsolved homicide. Id like you to remember that each light is a symbol of a living, breathing human being who we lost, District Attorney Mike Hestrin told a gathering of about 300 people. But the event outside the Historic Courthouse in downtown Riverside during National Crime Victims Rights Week was also about the victims loved ones, the survivors. It is their stories that must be told, Hestrin said. Fierro, 31, a Riverside native who graduated from Poly High, was shot to death in East Los Angeles in August 2014 as he sat in his car, waiting for his wife to come out of a house with his two children. He was so innocent, said his mother, Michele Leal. He was a hard-working family man. Leal, who attended with her daughters Crystal and Amber, said she appreciated Thursdays ceremony. You can show respect to other people who have gone through this. Only people who have gone through this can understand, she said. Bernice Hobdy, grandmother of another person who attended Poly High, Lareanz Simmons, said that someone from the district attorneys office always walks her to court for hearings for the defendants charged with killing Lareanz, 14, in 2012. She fears running into the defendants friends. I think (the DAs employees) take really good care of us, Hobdy said. Jeanette Martinez attended on behalf of her son, Joe Christopher Chavez, who was shot to death in April 2015 in Banning. Like many of the survivors, Martinez wore a T-shirt emblazoned with a photo of the victim and his dates of birth and death. Its hard to be here, Martinez said. But Im here to make a stand for my son. Escondido police Capt. Michael J. Loarie spoke about the importance of the survivors. Loarie is one himself. Escondido police Officer Laura Perez, a Murrieta resident, in 2014 was killed by her husband, Freddy Perez Rodas. Rodas was sentenced in December to 46 years to life in prison after he shot Perez and set the house on fire. Her body was found in a storage unit in Moreno Valley. We found ourselves reeling, Loarie said after repeating to the crowd the victim impact statement he had read in court. He talked about the courage of survivors to place 911 calls and take a stand against violence. He said survivors push for change in laws and policies. Survivors fight, because thats what survivors do, Loarie said. Survivors cope. We learn what it is like to be courageous from you. Out of your critical experience, you teach us to do a better job. After the speakers finished, the attendees made their way to the district attorneys office, where they viewed a memorial quilt and a wall where the names of those who have died violent deaths are engraved in a wall. For the first time, the event offered Spanish translation, as many of the mourners are Hispanic, DAs spokesman Joseph Agostini said. RELATED First responders honored as heroes Contact the writer: brokos@pressenterprise.com or 951-368-9569 In a confusing twist to a familiar tale, ethereal pop artist Grimes has hit out at the media industry for propagating sexism in the music industry, after her story about experiencing sexism in the latter made masses of headlines in the former. Grimes, who has a new album Art Angels to promote, gave a rare-ish interview to Rolling Stone, and was asked a bunch of questions spanning musical influences, working with Jay Z, tattoos and the inevitable sexism in the music industry one, something that shes spoken out about in the past. She was asked to comment on Keshas highly publicised court case against Dr Luke, and while she refused on the (highly commendable) grounds that she doesnt know enough about the specifics [of a] complicated situation, she did offer her own experiences: I dont know enough about the specifics of that situation, because it seems very complicated. But I will say that Ive been in numerous situations where male producers would literally be like, We wont finish the song unless you come back to my hotel room. If I was younger or in a more financially desperate situation, maybe I would have done that. I dont think there are few female producers because women arent interested. Its difficult for women to get in. Its a pretty hostile environment. That in and of itself paints a grim as hell picture of the kind of bullshit hundreds, if not thousands, of younger and/or less successful artists than Grimes have to deal with on the regular. As could pretty much only be accepted, that one quote made headlines across dozens of media outlets. However, Grimes is apparently not happy that this is what the media chose to republish. She took to Twitter hours later to clap back at the media industry for propagating sexism and painting her as the victim. most annoying thing about my job: being asked about music industry sexism Grimes (@Grimezsz) April 14, 2016 media propagates sexism by portraying me as a victim rather than the successful producer that I am. Grimes (@Grimezsz) April 14, 2016 Source: Rolling Stone. Image: Getty / Pierre Suu. FILE - In this Monday, Feb 22, 2016, file photo, a Samsung Gear VR oculus is demonstrated during a preview of Samsung's flagship store, Samsung 837, in New York's Meatpacking District. VR is clearly a medium in its infancy and creators are still devising new storytelling techniques that can exploit the technologys power. But its impossible to deny the technologys underlying potential. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File) We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form FILE - In this Aug. 25, 2015, file photo, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, right, walks with his campaign manager Corey Lewandowski after speaking at a news conference in Dubuque, Iowa. A Florida prosecutor's office plans to hold a news conference Thursday, April 14, 2016, amid reports that presidential candidate Donald Trump's campaign manager Lewandowski won't be prosecuted over a videotaped altercation with a female reporter. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File) They enjoyed a romantic and royal double date, and now Prince William and Princess Kate are working up a sweat. For their second day in the magical kingdom of Bhutan, the royal parents tackled a 5-hour hike in the Himalayas on Friday. Kate was dressed for the occasion in chic Penelope Chilvers boots which she paired with a nubuck waistcoat from the Really Wild Company. It took the royal couple about an hour to reach the half-way point at the Prayer Wheel and William look puffed but Kate was not perspiring! As they stopped William quipped, Easy! Putting his arm around Kate they posed for a brief photo call with the magnificent spiritual spot perched on a sheer cliff behind them on the mountainside. So far, so good. Stunning, William proclaimed. Director of the National Museum Khenpo Phuntshok Tashi then explained the significance of the spot, the centerpiece of which is the giant Prayer Wheel and a group of 22 smaller wheels. Visitors taking on the pilgrimage to Buddhists most sacred spot in the country stop at the wheel to chant and say prayers, spinning each one as they do. The climb (which can be made by very experienced hikers in less than one hour!) culminates with an arrival at Paro Taktsang, otherwise known as Tigers Nest one of the most breathtaking temples in the world and also the most spiritual place in the whole of Bhutan. On the way up, the royal couple stopped to talk to three trekkers from California who were returning down from the mountain, Lauren McKennan, 29, from San Francisco, Chris Steele, 27, and Alex Willmore, 28, both from Oakland. They were pretty altogether, McKennan told reporters. There wasnt a single trail of sweat. They stopped to talk to us for three to five minutes and were absolutely charming. Willmore added, They asked us how long we had been here and talked about how lovely the weather was. They said how rainy it had been when they were doing the archery and how glad they were doing the trek today. We asked for a photograph they just laughed and wouldnt do it. But they were absolutely charming, very cool, very nice. They kept on saying how beautiful it was. Want to keep up with the latest royals coverage? Click here to subscribe to the Royals Newsletter. Built in 1692, there is a cave inside the temple with special spiritual significance: 8th-century Buddhist deity Guru Rinpoche, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, is said to have flown to the cave atop a tigress before fasting for 90 days to battle the demons that inhabited the valley. The cave itself is only opened once a year in a special ceremony. The adventure follows a day in which the couple lit butterlamps with the Dragon King and Queen of Bhutan and Kate channeled her inner Katniss. It is a magical place that The Duke and Duchess are thrilled to be visiting, their spokesman said previously, adding that the trek will allow them to get a real sense of the natural and spiritual beauty of the country. It is very good for Kate and William come here, Sonam Penjor who works in the Bhutan information department, told reporters. The United Kingdom and Bhutan already had a relationship before Prince Charles came here before in 1988, but he only make it to the cafeteria, the halfway point. So he took some nice shots but he was not able to come to this point. Maybe the altitude affected him, he added. I think his son and daughter-in-law wanted to beat him! They wanted to recapture his fathers memories but go further. And maybe later George and Charlotte will come to follow in their parents footsteps. Petoskey soccer pulls in third straight D2 district championship PETOSKEY The current group of Petoskey boys soccer players have been no strangers to winning at Northmen Stadium. The British Medical Association has organised an emergency conference to address the crises of funding, staffing and morale facing the National Health Service. Doctors will meet on May 3 to discuss mounting financial and workforce pressures that threaten to undermine doctors, patient safety and the NHS, the union said. Further explaining the move, BMA council chair Mark Porter said doctors from across the UK have called on the BMA to hold a meeting in response to the crisis in funding and capacity in healthcare, and the effect these have on both patient safety and doctors ability to help patients. It is time to hear from doctors about the evidence-based solutions needed to protect high-quality patient care, Porter noted, adding: This will be an opportunity for doctors to highlight their concerns and outline the necessary solutions. The NHS is facing huge pressure as it grapples with surging demand, a lack of funds and growing dissent amongst its workforce. The latest monthly data from NHS England show that key performance targets - such as A&E wait times - continue to be missed while, on the financial side, it is feared that trusts could be booking an eye-watering overspend of some 2.5 billion by year end. Gap between demand and capacity On the primary care side, there is a significant and growing gap between demand and capacity in general practice, and the Association is calling for multi-faceted action - such as an increase in funding, reducing workload, reducing the regulatory burdens and expanding the workforce - to help alleviate the problems. Elsewhere, the BMA is currently locked in a battle with the government over its imposition of the junior doctors contract, gearing up for another round of strikes that would see the removal of junior doctors emergency care cover for the first time in the history of the NHS. In the next round of planned action, junior doctors will embark on a full withdrawal of services between 8am and 5pm on Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 April. According to BMA junior doctors committee chair Johann Malawana, by rejecting a return to the negotiating table ministers are wholly responsible for any future industrial action. It is not too late to avoid further action and end this dispute through talks, he said. MEDIA QUESTIONNAIRE Name of Publication Established (Give exact date) ADDRESS TELEPHONE FAX NO NAME OF EDITOR Name of Printer Language Frequency Please attach a copy of declaration certificate Off Days Please specify whether morning, evening or state the date of issue Date on which the first issue was brought out Any special edition Price per copy Annual subscription Editorial Objectives and policy Appeal to any special community, class or section News services subscribed to Special regular features (i.e Womens or Children page etc) & when appearing Utah sandstone rock climbing possibly at risk 15.04.2016 by by Planetmountain Climbing in areas such as Indian Creek, Castle Valley, Fisher Towers, San Rafael Swell, Valley of the Gods, Texas and Arch Canyons, Lockhart Basin and Comb Ridge may be at risk. The American Access Fund is appealing to climbers to help protect these areas. Southeastern Utah is one of the most famous climbing destinations in the USA, offering worldclass crack climbing at Indian Creek, adventurous outings up the stunning sandstone towers of Valley of the Gods and much more. At present though, lawmakers are considering two initiatives that may significantly impact access to the unique sandstone cliffs and remote desert towers and consequently the American Access Fund is appealing to climbers for help. Areas that may be affected include Indian Creek, Castle Valley, Fisher Towers, San Rafael Swell, Valley of the Gods, Texas and Arch Canyons, Lockhart Basin, Comb Ridge, as well as areas yet to be discovered. To find out more about what is at stake, and what precisely the The Public Lands Initiative and Bears Ears National Monument proposals are, visit www.accessfund.org Federal officials are investigating a non-fatal shooting involving police instructors that took place at a training range at the U.S. Army Reserve installation at Fort Devens in Massachusetts on Wednesday. An instructor from the Randolph municipal police training academy was shot at 10:05 a.m. during training, U.S. Army spokesman John Harlow told the Lowell Sun. The shooting was non-fatal and involved police instructors, according to state police spokesman Dave Procopio. Federal authorities will lead the investigation because the range is a federal Department of Defense facility, he said. State police detectives from the Worcester County District Attorney's office will assist. VIDEO: Idaho Deputy Stops Motorist, Prays for Cancer Victim Instead of Giving Ticket A Kootenai County (ID) Sheriffs deputy is being praised for a small act of kindness. Deputy Matthew Brakeman pulled over a woman in Hayden who was speeding a couple weeks ago, but instead of giving her a ticket he offered up something else. Brakeman said the woman was going about 10 miles over the speed limit. "Driver was not happy to be stopped. So I spoke to her for a moment," said Brakeman. When he started talking to the driver he could tell something was different. In the passenger's seat was the driver's mother. "I asked where they were headed. And she said to the oncologist. She then started to become a little bit emotional," Brakeman told KREM TV. He learned the driver's mother had been battling cancer. They were on their way to another painful trip to the doctor's office. Brakeman went back to his patrol car. "And then walked back up to the passenger side and asked her mother if she would accept a prayer. And she said, 'Absolutely.' So then we prayed and told them to have a good day and went back to my car," Brakeman explained. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print The CNN Debate has been a delight for Democrats. Here are five reasons to be glad that you are watching the CNN Democratic debate. 1). Both Clinton And Sanders Were Ready CNN wasted no time in bringing up the recent controversies on the campaign trail. Bernie Sanders was asked if Hillary Clinton was qualified, and he said yes, but pivoted to making the question about Clintons judgement. Anyone who has listened to Bernie Sanders since his campaign launched heard the same talking points repeated. Clinton takes super PAC money, Clinton voted for the Iraq war, and Clinton is too friendly with Wall Street. Hillary Clinton shot back by defending her own record and playing the Obama card, and pointing out to the mixed reaction of the crowd that under the Sanders threshold President Obama wouldnt be qualified to be president. Clinton brought up Sanders struggles on foreign policy and went to the New York Daily News interview. 2). Sanders Couldnt Provide a Specific Instance Where Clinton Made A Decision That Was Influenced By Wall Street Sanders was asked by Dana Bash to name a specific decision that Clinton made as Senator that favored banks. Sanders said that Clinton should have supported his view on breaking up the big banks, and talked about her speeches to the big banks. He said, The proper response in my view is that we should break them up. Clinton replied, Well as you can tell, Dana, he cant come with any example, because there is no example. This was not a good moment for Sen. Sanders, but the script soon flipped. 3). Hillary Clinton Dodges A Question About Releasing The Transcripts of Her Speeches To Wall Street Clinton was asked by Bash just to release the transcripts. The Democratic frontrunner replied with a dodge and discussed the problems that caused the Great Recession and the mortgage companies. Bash interrupted and asked again about the transcripts of the speeches to Goldman Sachs. Clinton repeated her stance that she will release the speeches after every candidate releases their speech transcripts including Trump and Sanders. Bash said that the question wasnt about the Republicans. Clinton stonewalled and made it clear that she wont release the paid speech transcripts unless everyone does it. 4). Hillary Clinton Says She Will Sign A $15 Minimum Wage Bill As President Hillary Clinton made a bit of news when she said that she will use the New York model to phase in a $15/hour minimum wage. Things got heated when Sanders said that viewers would be surprised to see that Clinton now supports a $15/hour minimum wage. All heck broke loose as both candidates started talking over each other. The Sander supporters in the crowd grumbled when she said that she has always supported the Fight For 15. Sanders said that he doesnt know how Clinton supports the Fight for 15 when she supports a $12 minimum wage. The facts though say that Clinton was correct. According to The Washington Post, Clinton endorsed the Fight For 15 in June of 2015. The reality is that if the American people want to see a $15 minimum wage, they need to vote for the Democratic nominee in November. The dispute between Clinton and Sanders boils down to whether or not the minimum wage is immediately raised to $15/hour or it is phased in. 5). Both Hillary Clinton And Bernie Sanders Are Sizzling The debate hasnt been ugly, personal, or nasty, but neither candidate has backed off on highlighting their differences on the issues. The Democratic debate has been tense, and on a few occasions things got a bit heated, but in contrast to the Republican primary, the Democratic candidates dont look or sound deeply divided. The CNN debate has been great on talking about the issues that matter most to ordinary Americans. Wall Street reform, raising the minimum wage to a living wage, and criminal justice reform have all been discussed. The Democratic Party is clearly the party that is most interested in the middle-class and creating more jobs. Clinton and Sanders are delivering an outstanding debate that is full of discussion about the issues that matter most. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) has joined with the DNC and the Hillary Clinton presidential campaign in a lawsuit against the voter suppression tactics of Arizona Republicans. In a statement, Sanders said, The handling of the primary election in Arizona was a disgrace. People should not have to wait in line for five hours to vote. How many people were turned away? What happened in Arizona is part of a pattern of voter disenfranchisement by Republicans. The entire Democratic Party has come together to sue Arizona Republican election officials for their voter suppression tactics. The federal lawsuit was described as, The Democratic National Committee and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee are filing a joint lawsuit in the United States District Court of Arizona on Friday on behalf of voters affected by voting irregularities resulting from the actions of state officials. The suit is a response to decisions that caused extremely long lines and needlessly disenfranchised voters, especially minority voters, during the states March 22nd presidential primary election, and includes affected voters, Former Chairman and First President of the Navajo Nation Peterson Zah, the Arizona Democratic Party, and the Ann Kirkpatrick for Senate campaign as plaintiffs. The message being sent is clear. Democrats are not going to allow Republicans to disenfranchise millions of voters in an attempt to rig the electorate in their favor. It has now become a tradition that every four years, Republicans will try to make sure that as many voters as possible cant cast their ballots. Voter suppression is a key component of the Republican plan to undermine American elections. Bernie Sanders got it right. The practice is disgraceful. Voter suppression tactics are undemocratic and go against the core principles that our nation was founded on. The unity on the voter suppression lawsuit is also letting the world know that come November the Democratic Party will be united and strong. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print * The following is an opinion column by R Muse * Maybe it is a revelation to some Americans, but unlike in America where religious leaders attempt run the government like politicians, the Pope of the Holy Roman Catholic Church is not a politician. He is fundamentally the highest ranking priest in the Catholic Church whose focus is the Christian religion and Catholic dogmata. With the job of ministering to over 1.2 billion adherents worldwide, and overseeing thousands of clergymen, the last thing Pope Francis has on his mind is American politics; until last week. By now it is week-old news that Senator Bernie Sanders was invited by the Vatican to have a conversation with the Pope; at least that is what Senator Sanders said on MSNBC and confirmed on The View. However, according to Father Federico Lombardi, Senator Sanders was not invited by the pope, but by the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences (PASS); PASS is a school, not the Church. At this point, it is apparent that not only did the invitation not come from Pope Francis, or the Secretariat of State or any Vatican authority that invites heads of state or accepts outsiders request for a Papal audience; Senator Sanders will not meet the Pope. The so-called Vatican invite was from the chancellor of PASS, Bishop Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo. What Vatican officials and political observers are not entirely clear about is exactly who in the Sanders campaign pushed Bishop Sorondo for the invitation to speak at the schools conference. Insiders are suspicious that a Sanders consultant, Jeffrey Sachs, and Michael Shank, a communications consultant who has worked with Sachs were behind pushing for Sanders to be invited to speak for 10 minutes at the school conference; not the Vatican and not with the Pope. Both Sachs and Shank have done work for the Vatican in the past and it informs how they were able to press for what they labeled an official Vatican invitation. Politico even quoted Mr. Shank as admitting he occasionally handles press relations for the Vatican. Shank still claims the invitation was an official Vatican one; apparently everybody is lying at the Vatican. The President of PASS, Margaret Archer, was beside herself and said that for Senator Sanders to ask for an invitation to a school conference without going through her was a monumental discourtesy. Even though her signature was nowhere to be seen on the official invitation to speak at the school; Bishop Sorondo said President Archer was lying and that she concurred with his decision to invite a presidential candidate. According to a theologian, Catholicism scholar, and Vatican expert Massimo Faggioli, it is noteworthy that this latest episode developed while there is a transition at the office of the apostolic nuncio (diplomat) to the United States. The transition from Carlo Vigano, who the Pope forced to retire over the Kim Davis ambush, to French immigration advocate, Christophe Pierre is still ongoing. Mr. Vigano was in Rome when the invitation to the Vatican news broke and Vatican watchers are flummoxed that not one U.S. bishop, no-one at the office of the apostolic nuncio and no-one at the Vaticans Secretariat of State was aware of, or in communication about, the unprecedented invitation from the Holy Father leading them to conclude the official Vatican invitation was not an official anything. As was announced yesterday by Federico Lombardi, director of the Holy See Press Office, the Holy Father will not be meeting with the candidate, Bernie Sanders. Mr. Faggioli said this Sanders invitation episode is reminiscent of the Kim Davis episode during Pope Francis visit to the United States in September. Apparently this Pope is a quick study and was not getting caught flat-footed again by American politicians. Another Vatican expert, publisher and editor of Inside the Vatican magazine, Robert Moynihan, said that indeed, Michael Shank had been in Rome to speak at the same school Senator Sanders is scheduled to speak at a couple of weeks before the invitation was announced. Moynihan related that Shank was quite transparent about his antipathy toward Hillary Clinton and his lack of respect for Obamas presidency; details not surprising to Americans aware of the growing animus towards Democrats. Mr. Moynihan recounted phoning the school to get details from Bishop Sorondo himself about the Sanders invitation from the Pope after the big announcement last weekend. He did not get to talk to the Bishop alleged to issue the invitation; instead he was connected directly with Michael Shank the communications director who likely helped push for an invitation to the school he still claims is the Vatican. Perhaps because a former Fox News character from America is running the Popes public relations, first conservatives and now a Democrats campaign misread the Pontiffs intentions regarding American politics. It is true that Pope Francis has changed the style of the papal office in talking about social and economic justice issues and not just scripture and verse, but he has not been very happy about being dragged into, or ambushed by, American politics. Apparently, a few people associated with the Vatican, and some American publicity seekers, labor under the delusion that they can push or use the Pontiff to further their particular agenda. The more one investigates and learns about this particular debacle, the more it appears to be a repeat of the Kim Davis secret meeting with Pope at the Holy Fathers request. According to Mr. Faggioli, the alleged invitation broke an unwritten rule of wise diplomacy; do not interfere with an electoral campaign and do not risk disappointing or antagonizing the eventual winner. He also said it violated a pattern typical of Francis relationship with politics in general and politicians in particular; he insists on keeping a healthy distance. As a Pope, he does interact with politicians as world leaders such as presidents, prime ministers, and chancellors, but he does not invite a candidate for a chat in the middle of a campaign. Vatican insiders are discovering that this Pope does not like at all to be pushed and he does not like being used as a political tool. One wants to believe that Senator Sanders had no hand in inviting himself to speak at the school, PASS, and that it was the work of his campaign acolytes behind his back. If that is the case, then the Senator has to get some honest staffers to run his campaign and a press officer to verify every last statement he makes is going to be true; especially on national television. This is the second time the Senator made statements without vetting their veracity; first claiming Hillary Clinton said he was unqualified when she did not, and now that the Vatican invited him to come and speak with the Pope. Political campaigns can be dirty affairs, but they should not involve a religious leader; much less one of the Popes stature. Particularly when the Vatican was just releasing the Amoris Laetitia and the Pope is meeting with refugees and the Patriarch of Constantinople in Greece on Saturday. The last thing the Pontiff needs is distraction that this episode delivered. As Mr. Faggioli stated, The parties involved have underestimated the sensitiveness of relations between the Holy See and the United States. And, with the papacy of Francis at a particularly delicate moment, the episode certainly does not make things easier for Pope Francis. Mr. Faggioli must understand that these are American politicians and activists; making things easier for the Pope is like expecting them to make things easier for a tool, which looks more and more like all the Vatican invitation and Pope was intended to be. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Earlier, I wrote about how Bill OReilly and his guest, political pundit Bernie Goldberg, argued away Donald Trumps racism. But that was not the only surprising event on Thursdays OReilly Factor. As much of a surprise was OReillys startling pronouncement that, Among women, 24 percent favorable among the ladies, 75 percent unfavorable. So thats hold firm, but now that Trump is friends with Megyn Kelly again, this has gotta go way down, right? Yes, it was reported by Kelly Wednesday on The Kelly File, that she met with Donald Trump at Trump Tower for an hour as a chance to clear the air. A meeting requested not by Trump of course, but by Kelly. Watch Kellys account courtesy of Fox News Insider: In Trumps version, as told to Sean Hannity amid boos directed at Kelly, she was very very nice, and, Maybe it was time or maybe she felt it was time. And by the way, I give her a lot of credit for doing what she did. (entire interview here, Trump on Kelly at 30 minute mark) How magnanimous. Of course, despite Trumps revelation at the CNN town hall Tuesday, that his family wants him to behave in a more presidential manner, it wasnt Trump who reached out to Kelly after directing every slur imaginable at her simply because she asked him questions. And yes, Trump told Hannity that its all false that hes racist and sexist. Now OReilly laughed as he spoke, and it is always possible he was sharing an amused reaction to the GOPs catastrohpic demographics where just about everybody but Fox News White Christian Americans are concerned. If it was not that, then we are apparently at a point where Fox News biased female lead, Megyn Kelly, is the barometer for all women in the United States. If she likes Trump, all women will like Trump, and if Trump likes her, apparently Trump likes all women. Its remarkable. A joke would be apropos. Because Donald Trump. Because GOP. Because Fox News. Goldberg called this an unfavorable thats off the charts and admitted this cant end well for the Republican Party if the numbers hold. And there is no reason to suppose they wont given Trumps refusal to moderate his tone. Time will tell. The problem for the Trump campaign is that not only is Kelly not the barometer for all American women (far from it in fact), but it is too late to repair the damage already done. Even if the Republican establishment rallied behind Trump at this point, these demographic problems not to mention Sarah Palin will remain. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI), who inherited his Speakership and made grand promises of his leadership returning the House to regular order, has fallen flat on his face as the House was unable to pass a budget by the April 15th deadline, as mandated by law. The budget Republican leadership was trying to pass made cuts to to mandatory spending, including Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and SNAP. Not good enough. While Democrats have done all they could to assist former Speaker Boehner (R-OH) and now Speaker Ryan when their own party refused to work, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) wont be rushing to assist Ryan pass his Road to Ruin budget. So he is left with his own party, with the same folks who caused the government shutdown in 2013 now trolling Ryans 2017 budget. Nancy Pelosi was not impressed, but not just because Republicans missed the deadline (both parties have done this and both parties have failed to pass budgets), but because of why they missed the deadline. Pelosi said in a statement, (T)he Republican Leadership proposed the most devastating Ryan Road to Ruin budget in history, and even that wasnt brutal enough for the radical forces that have taken control of the House GOP. Why is Pelosi being so harsh? This budget that would have ended the Medicare guarantee and demanded $6.5 trillion in cuts was too mild for House Republicans. This is the cruel reality of the Republican Congress today: a Ryan Budget that severe, that destructive to working families doesnt go far enough to pass in the Republican majority. This is the same budgetary drama the Republican-led House of Representatives has been struggling with in recent years. They cant get anything done because even when they are super cruel to the vulnerable with their budgets, the radical right objects because its not brutal enough. Paul Ryan brought the lofty promises of the naive, but when it came time to deliver, all he had on his plate was empty promises, chaos, and inexcusable dysfunction. All is not lost for the nation because John Boehner did a solid on his way out of dodge by negotiating a two-year fiscal deal, however Republicans wont be able to do anything about the dozen annual appropriations bills aka, regular order. Thats a no to regular order. Paul Ryan said he could do what John Boehner could not, and yet he is relying on an accomplishment of Boehner to save his political hide. Republicans mocked Democrats when they couldnt pass a budget, and ran a No Budget, No Pay campaign against them. Any takers on that now, after years of Republican-led failure? Speaker Ryan is the guy Republicans want to run as their 2016 presidential candidate. The Republican attraction to failure boggles the mind. Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Print In DC to promote the anti-science propaganda film Climate Hustle, Sarah Palin railed against the Republican establishment, vowing that voters would rise up in opposition if Donald Trump or Ted Cruz are not nominated at the Republican convention. Its a revolution! Speaking to the Associated Press in an interview, the former half-term Alaska Governor and Republican Vice Presidential candidate promised a revolt unless Trump or Cruz got the nod and added, How dare they? Palin denounced arrogant political operatives who underestimate the wisdom of the people. Sarah Palin called some Republican party leaders snakes, telling the AP, There are some snakes in there. Ive had to deal with the political machinery my whole career. Palin suggested that party leaders wont invite her to Cleveland because they are afraid of what she would say, so she might have to invite herself to the party. Palin is probably right about party leaders not wanting her in Cleveland, but they arent afraid shes going to lead a revolution. Party leaders are embarrassed by Palin and would prefer to distance themselves from the reminder that they presented this person as ready to be President. This reminder will be especially painful for Republicans as they seek to shut down this seasons Sarah Palin, the twin GOP down ticket disasters of Donald Trump and Ted Cruz. Never in modern American politics has a political party contained such a group of unlikable characters all under one roof. Way back in 2011, Gallup found that Sarah Palin was the most hated politician in America, Palin is so unpopular that Donald Trump is more popular than she is. Trump had an approval rating nearly ten percent higher than Palins (37%-28%). Trumps unfavorable rating was 17 points better than Palins (43%-60%). The only person with a lower favorability rating than Sarah Palin was Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, who had a 22% favorable rating, but 50% of Americans didnt know who he was. Five years ago, Donald Trump had a 60% unfavorable rating. Today, Trumps unfavorable rating is 69%. Ted Cruz has a 60% unfavorable rating. Sarah Palin is set to lead a rebellion unless the Republican Party gives their presidential nomination to one of the two candidates who is as despised as she is. Just in case anybody thought that there was any hope for the GOP, Sarah Palin has arrived on the scene to ring those bells and fire those guns in an attempt to remind the American people of exactly why they cant stand the Republican Party. 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. WINONA The Winona County Board of Commissioners plans to take a look at a frac sand mining ban in the near future. During Tuesday's meeting, the board was once again met with residents lined up to speak during the public comments period, each asking the board to consider a ban on frac sand mining. "We've had this over the last several months," said Commissioner Marcia Ward, who represents the mostly rural southeastern half of Winona County. "The group that supports a ban has been organized to show up and make that plea." Ward said that there is currently no mining in Winona County for sand to be used in hydraulic fracturing, the process of extracting oil from shale rock. That said, silica sand, which is the same sand used in fracking, is mined at the Nisbit Mine for other industrial and agricultural purposes. "It's the same sand," she said. ADVERTISEMENT That does not mean a ban on mining silica sand for fracking would not be welcome or necessary, said Johanna Rupprecht, policy organizer for the Land Stewardship Project in Lewiston. "It's the end use that determines the activity that's done," she said. Rupprecht said that when silica sand is mined for fracking, everything is on a much larger scale. "There's a much higher scale of mining, there's much higher processing, much higher transportation," she said. Winona County has already made the distinction that mining for fracking is different. The conditional-use permit granted to the Nisbit Mine establishes road use fees if the silica sand is transported for sale to mining interests. "It's the scale of the activity." The LSP has gone as far as preparing a 50-page study on creating a ban that would stand up to legal challenges. The fracking industry has spread misinformation on the legality of a ban, Rupprecht said. "The law in Minnesota just doesn't support this idea that a ban won't work," she said. As long as the county board documents their justification for a ban the industry is hard to regulate, and compliance to conditional-use permits can be difficult and costly to enforce then a ban would certainly stand. Part of the problem with compliance is that the location of the mine can create loopholes, said Joe Morse, a member of the LSP's Winona County Organizing Committee. The Biesanz Quarry previously mined silica sand for fracking, but because the mine is located in the city of Winona, it was not subject to the road taxes that the Nisbit Mine would face. Rupprecht said the ban LSP is working on would also not affect operations at the Biesanz mine. Keith Nelson, director of public works for the city of Winona, said that while the mining permit at Biesanz currently does allow the mining of silica sand for fracking, Biesanz is not mining or selling silica sand to fracking interests. Morse, who has shown up to voice his concern during the public comment periods, said he would like a ban for many reasons, including the need to preserve the beauty of the river bluffs. ADVERTISEMENT "I have shown up there, and I've talked with other folks about showing up there," he said of the county board meetings. "They feel strongly about a ban. Most people I talk to do." Ward said the next step for the board is to discuss a ban. Then the majority of the board would need to vote to change the zoning ordinance and, possibly, the comprehensive land-use plan. "It'd go to the Planning Commission, then we would probably hold a public hearing. The Planning Commission would need to make a recommendation to the board, there might be another public hearing, and the county board would make a decision." In other words, Ward said, the decision to talk about a ban is the first step among many. "It's a very important first step," Rupprecht said. "But it's only a first step." Fast and Furious is back in the news. The reason? In January, Judge Amy Berman, an Obama appointee, ordered the Department of Justice to produce documents relating to the gun walking scandal that Congress had been seeking for four years. DOJ finally produced them, some 20,000 pages worth, this month. For anyone who, thanks to the Obama administrations years of stonewalling, has forgotten about Fast and Furious, heres the short version. In 2010, a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Agent was killed while on patrol near the Mexican border. The only two firearms found at the scene were semi-automatic rifles the Obama-Holder Justice Department allowed to walk as part of Fast and Furious, a firearms trafficking operation. That operation allowed approximately 2,000 firearms to flow illegally into the hands of Mexican cartel associates. When the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform tried to investigate the scandal, Team Obama stonewalled. First, it denied that law enforcement officers allowed straw purchasers to buy firearms illegally in the United States with the intent to traffic them without apprehension. Almost a year later, it finally admitted that this is precisely what had happened. Second, when the Committee subpoenaed relevant documents, Eric Holders DOJ refused to produce them, citing executive privilege. The House voted to hold Holder in contempt and filed suit to obtain the documents. Three and half years later, Judge Jackson ordered production of the 20,000 pages mentioned above. Having reviewed these documents, Jason Chaffetz, chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, has released a memo summarizing what they show. Chaffetz states: More than previously understood, the documents show the lengths to which senior Department officials went to keep information from Congress. Further, the documents reveal how senior Justice Department officialsincluding Attorney General Eric Holderintensely followed and managed an effort to carefully limit and obstruct the information produced to Congress. (Emphasis added) Holder and his subordinates: 1. Presumed that allegations about gunwalking in Arizona were false and refused to adjust when documents and evidence showed otherwise. 2. Politicized decisions about how and whether to comply with the congressional investigation. 3. Devised strategies to redact or otherwise withhold relevant information from Congress and the public. 4. Isolated the fallout from the Fast and Furious scandal to ATF leadership and the U.S. Attorneys Office in Arizona. 5. Created a culture of animosity towards congressional oversight. Chaffetzs memo goes on to substantiate each of these accusations, citing specific emails. In cases like this, people often say that the cover-up is worse than the crime. I dont think this applies to Fast and Furious because the Obama-Holder Justice Departments original malfeasance resulted in death. More broadly, this case illustrates that, whatever the extent of their moral shortcomings, cover-ups probably succeed more often then they fail. Here, Eric Holder largely succeeded in thwarting the Fast and Furious investigation. Four years later, Barack Obama is completing his second term. Sleazy Eric Holder is back at his top tier law firm that reportedly has represented large banks he declined to prosecute for their alleged role in the financial crisis. And Fast and Furious is all but forgotten. The Cambridge University Press (CUP), the oldest publishing house in the world, has set up an office in Nigeria. The CUP publishes academic titles for pre-university students in more than 50 countries including emerging markets such as Malaysia, India, China, Kenya and South Africa. With an estimated 10 million Nigerian children unable to attend school, education reform in Nigeria remains a key priority for social and economic development. Over the last 20 years, the number of schools has almost doubled, and the number of universities more than tripled from 42 in 1990 to 141 in 2015. But good quality teaching resources are still difficult to access. The Cambridge University Press is working closely with Nigerian authorities and leading education professionals to improve this situation. The CUP will be offering its expertise by partnering with local authors and curriculum experts to develop a bespoke series of high quality education materials for the Nigerian market based on the approved Nigerian curricula. While a World Bank study found that quality textbooks are the most constant factor in school success rate, ahead of teaching training, inappropriate and/or low quality textbooks are widely in use in Nigerian schools. Social media is replete with parents outrage at such textbooks; one aimed at primary school pupils contains the phrase head is used for carrying loads. Another that was published for junior secondary school students has a character questioning why men from their tribe should be taking our girls. Such poor quality, inappropriate textbooks are the norm in many classrooms all over the nation. The Cambridge University Press is launching with an event for the education sector, comprising primary and secondary schools and education officials at the State and Federal Government levels at the Oriental Hotel in Lekki Lagos on May 4 2016. Oby Ezekwesilli, former Minister of Education and former Vice President of the African Division of the World Bank will be the Guest Speaker at the event while Professor Ismail Junaidu, the Executive Secretary Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council, will be the Guest of Honour. Mrs. Ezekwesilli will speak about the challenges of providing quality education for all Nigerian children and how attaining the goal will promote social cohesion and economic development. As a demonstration of the importance of the Nigerian market, the launch event will also be attended by Cambridge University Press CEO, Peter Phillips and Colleen McCallum, Managing Director, Cambridge University Press. The CUP will produce English language and science (physics, chemistry, biology) books (based on the Nigerian curriculum) at very competitive costs for the Nigerian school system. With over 450 years of experience in publishing, Cambridge University Press are well placed to provide opportunities for Nigerian students to access the best teaching resources which is key to improving the level of attainment across the whole education spectrum, from primary to higher levels. Rod Smith, Managing Director for Education at Cambridge University Press, said, Cambridge has decades of experience supporting Ministries of Education all over the world with training and quality control for the development of their own learning and assessment materials which is why we are so confident that through working collaboratively with ministers, educators, teachers and students alike, we can make a positive impact. Cambridge University Press are the market leaders in producing material for Cambridge International Exams and have been supplying these books in Nigeria for many years. The entry of the CUP into the Nigerian market means its teaching and learning materials will be produced locally and will become widely available in Nigeria at affordable costs. Covering the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Councils (NERDC) curriculum, the Cambridge resources will be accessible and affordable to all learners at all levels from Primary 1 Senior Secondary 3 across a range of subjects. Rod Smith, continued, The aim of this programme is to give every learner in Nigeria the opportunity to share in and benefit from the gold-standard tradition and contemporary relevance of the University of Cambridge. Lawrence Aladesuyi, the Nigeria Country Manager of Cambridge University Press corroborated, saying CUP books have been priced competitively to bring them within the reach of every class of schools and students from a wide variety of socio-economic backgrounds. Cambridge University Press has registered a Nigerian company and opened an office in Ikeja in Lagos to support this programme. Aladesuyi Adebanji Lawrence, a former Executive Secretary for the Nigerian Publishers Association was appointed as Country Manager to ensure that CUPs offering in Nigeria is targeted and delivered to the highest possible standards. Mr. Aladesuyi is highly regarded in the Nigerian Publishing industry, having worked in senior management positions for a number of publishers. A sales force and office staff are in place. The first set of Cambridge Press books will be available in early May 2016. The launch event featuring delegates from Cambridge University, top officials from NERDC and some of the leading Nigerian educationists will take place to coincide with the launch of the materials. Cambridge University Press is part of the University of Cambridge. It furthers the Universitys mission by disseminating knowledge in the pursuit of education, learning and research at the highest international levels of excellence. Its extensive peer-reviewed publishing lists comprises 50,000 titles covering academic research, professional development, over 350 research journals, school-level education, English language teaching and bible publishing. Playing a leading role in todays international market place, Cambridge University Press has more than 50 offices around the globe, and it distributes its products to nearly every country in the world. The German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, said on Friday that her government has given the go ahead for a formal criminal investigation against a comedian who insulted Turkish President Recep Erdogan. In a state of law, it is not for the government, but for prosecutors and the courts to determine the balance between personal and other rights and freedom of speech and artistic expression, Merkel said. Talk show host Jan Boehmermann will now be subjected to formal criminal proceedings for reciting a crude poem on German television in which he accused Erdogan of watching child pornography and performing sex acts with animals. In contrast to a defamation complaint filed independently by Mr. Erdogan, the criminal probe which is based on the potential violation of a law against insulting foreign heads of state required authorisation by the German government. Ms. Merkel announced that her government would put forward a proposal to scrap the law, referring to it as expendable. It was unclear how long this process would take and what implications it would have for the criminal case against Boehmermann, she said. Though many Germans find the comedians poem tasteless and Merkel herself has called it purposefully offensive, the case has unleashed a fierce debate about the limits of free speech in Germany. I think the decision is wrong. Prosecution of satire because of a lese-majeste law doesnt fit with modern democracy, Thomas Oppermann, head of the Social Democrats parliamentary group, said on Twitter. The case has also raised questions about the European Unions deal to return migrants from Greece to Turkey, which critics say has made European leaders beholden to Mr. Erdogan in their desperate bid to end the refugee crisis. Merkel knuckles under the Turkish despot Erdogan and sacrifices freedom of the press in Germany, said Sahra Wagenknecht, leader of left-wing opposition party Die Linke. The ZDF, the public broadcaster that decided to show Boehmermanns recital of the poem, criticised Ms. Merkels thumbs-up for criminal proceedings as a political decision, he said. The broadcaster has withdrawn the video from its archives, but maintains it did not break the law. Ms. Merkels government spent several days mulling the Turkish request, and the chancellor acknowledged during her announcement that there had been internal divisions. Several members of Ms. Merkels CDU backed the decision, with Peter Tauber, General Secretary of the party, saying the German government takes the rule of law seriously, even if it sometimes hurts, the statement said. (dpa/NAN) Leaders from more than 50 Muslim nations accused Iran on Friday of supporting terrorism and interfering in the internal affairs of regional states including Syria and Yemen. The leaders, including Irans President Hassan Rouhani, have been attending a summit in Istanbul this week of the 57-member Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to discuss a range of issues such as the humanitarian fall-out from Syrias civil war. The Conference deplored Irans interference in the internal affairs of the States of the region and other Member States including Bahrain, Yemen, Syria, and Somalia, and its continued support for terrorism, the OIC said in its final summit communique. It also stressed the need for cooperative relations between Iran and other Muslim countries, including refraining from the use or threat of force. Both Turkey, which has assumed the three-year rotating presidency of the OIC, and Saudi Arabia are part of the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State militants in Syria and are also opponents of President Bashar al-Assad, a stance that has put them at odds with Iran, an ally of the Syrian leader. Shiite Iran is also allied with the Houthi movement in Yemen, which has been battling forces loyal to Yemens Saudi-backed president in a conflict that has killed more than 6,000 people since March 2015. The final communique came a day after Irans President Rouhani urged summit delegates to avoid sending out divisive messages. No message which would fuel division in the Islamic community should come out of the conference, said Mr. Rouhani, according to Iranian state television. (Reuters) In October last year, an American researcher and biodiversity conservationist, Lucy Diagne, hurriedly flew from her base in Senegal into Akwa Ibom state, in South-South Nigeria. Mrs. Diagnes trip was part of an emergency global effort to save a baby manatee rescued from local fishermen who wanted to enrich their soup-pots with the poor little animal. Edem Eniang, the man who led other Nigerian conservationists to buy it off their hands, understood how priceless it was to save the manatee calf. The marine mammal is among the worlds endangered species. Besides, the African manatee is the one species that we know the least about, says Manatee-world.com, a website devoted to the animal. In fact, even getting photos of them is hard. You wont find too many of them compiled even from those researchers that are quite fascinated with the African Manatee. Mr. Eniang said the baby manatee was standing in a little well, (and) couldnt move its body, and was dehydrated when he found it where it was kept in captivity. Mr. Eniang, a senior lecturer at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, who specialises in Wildlife Resources Management, wasnt this lucky in 2013. Before he could get to the scene where a giant manatee was caught in the Calabar-Itu River, the animal had died from wound sustained from the harpoon, a spear-like device, used in hunting it. He was somehow able to take some scientific records of the manatee, said to have been about 3.9 metres long and weighed over 500 kg, almost the weight of two local cows. The poor animal was later butchered, and sold in bits to locals who had a great day feasting on it. The rescued calf, which attracted Mrs. Diagne to Akwa Ibom was just about one month old. Mrs Eniang named it AkwaCross the acronym for the neigbouring states of Akwa Ibom and Cross River because it was caught in the Calabar-Itu River which divides the two states. Immediately Mrs Diagne got information from Mr. Eniang about AkwaCross, she thought the calf wouldnt survive except it was kept inside a special facility that could sustain it. But such specially-built facility wasnt available in Akwa Ibom or anywhere else in Nigeria. The calf couldnt also be released back into the river, according to Mr. Eniang, because there were so many (fishing) nets and manatee traps, and the mother couldnt be found. Fisheries by-catch is one of the biggest threats to manatee population, globally, a great number of fishermen around the world unintentionally harvest manatees trapped in their fishing nets. And so the African Aquatic Conservation Fund, in which Mrs Diagne is the Executive Director, with headquarters in the United States, stepped in, and began the search for a comfortable home for AkwaCross. Luckily, two aquariums one in South Africa, and another in Puerto Rico showed interest. The AACF, according to the information it posted on its Facebook page, began talking with the Nigerian authorities on how to move the manatee out of the country. Meanwhile, at Mr. Eniangs private home, somewhere in the outskirt of Uyo, where the manatee was put in a 2.4 by 4.5 metres pond originally built for catfish. It wasnt easy getting it to take the feed and the supplements sent in as donations from Jonathan Perez-Rivera, a biodiversity conservationist at the Inter American University of Puerto Rico, and Tony Mignucci, at the Centro de Conservation de Manaties de Puerto Rico. For most of the people rendering help at Mr. Eniangs pond, that was their first time of seeing and also getting this close to a live manatee. Mr. Eniang had to put them through training sessions, using the how-to-do-it information he got from the university in Puerto Rico. It wasnt an easy thing, but once we knew how to handle the animal we were able to feed it, the lecturer told PREMIUM TIMES. Four persons, including Eniangs 20-year-old daughter, Eunice, were assigned the responsibility of feeding AkwaCross. We first give it multi-vitamin in the morning, before the milk. We grind the multi-vitamin, and dissolved it in a milligram of warm water, Eunice said. After feeding it with the multi-vitamin, we mix the milk, Similac, into 300 milligram of warm water. Theres water that the white people gave us to mix with the feed; we have the lacatate green water solution, and we also have the calcium solution. We mix it together in the basin, before we prepare the feed, and then we pour it into feeding bottle which we used in feeding the animal. Eunice said the manatee could finish three feeding bottles at a time, and is fed like that seven times a day. On her arrival in Uyo, Mrs. Diagne was introduced to the then Vice Chancellor of the University of Uyo, Comfort Ekpo, in the presence of the then incoming VC, Aniefiok Essien, and other management staff of the school. Mrs. Ekpo told Mrs Diagne she believed the calf would live. One Uniuyo lecturer at the meeting appealed for the establishment of a manatee rehabilitation facility in the school. Later in the afternoon, Mrs Diagne was taken to see the calf. She later stayed on to witness how the animal would take its evening meal. Yeah, I wanna see the little guy, she said, as Mr. Eniang, accompanied by other Nigerian conservationists, led her to the mini wildlife park at the back of his house. I have come a long way to see the little guy, Mrs Diagne said, again. She wore an orange-colour short-sleeves shirt, with a brown combat trouser, and sneakers. She had a blonde hair. She was tall and heavily built. She exuded passion and strength. Mrs Diagne has a PhD in Veterinary Medicine from the University of Florida, and is incredibly fascinated with manatees. She has so far spent 18 years on its research and conservation, and was the first person to scientifically prove that manatees eat mollusks and fish as well as plants, making them omnivores, not herbivores. I learned about manatees in school when I was 12 years old, went home and told my parents I wanted to save them (my mother loves to tell that story!). Ive been fascinated with them for a long time, although I also studied seals for many years and really love them too, she told PREMIUM TIMES. She linked her fascination with manatees to the animals ability to navigate through muddy water to specific areas over large distances, and return to the same places year after year. How do they do it? Their eyesights are poor and the water is opaque, so how do they cover these large distances and return to the exact same places? Nobody knows. People say they are stupid and slow, but they are excellent navigators. And their intelligence is believed to be similar to dolphins, so they arent stupid. Mrs Diagne currently trains and leads a network of African manatee researchers in 19 countries. She believes the African manatee will only be conserved by Africans who care enough to work to save it in their countries. According to her said African manatee exists in 21 countries, and is believed to be the most heavily hunted, although no one knows how many are killed annually. She mentioned Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Cameroon as countries where the hunting of manatee is reported to be worst in Africa. That evening, just as the sun began to set, Mrs Diagne, Mr. Eniang, and four other persons stood by the pond, chattering for few minutes, while waiting for AkwaCross to come up to the water surface. It doesnt like crowd, Mr. Eniang whispered to Mrs Diagne. It has heard noises. See it! See it! They all shouted at the same time. But the manatee, scared by the many voices, swam underneath again, very quickly. Oh, its tiny! Mrs Diagne said. This guy is new born! A young man, wearing water-proof vest, climbed into the pond. With gloves on, he used his hands to search the murky water, for the manatee. The man grabbed the animal within few minutes, brought the 35kg calf out to the surface, to the cheering of the people. They handed him a plastic chair to sit on, inside the pond. He held out the manatee with his left hand, while using the right hand to insert feeding bottle into its mouth. The manatees head remained visible, while the rest of the body remained submerged in water. It was grey in colour. Its mouth resembled that of a cow. It had tiny hairs around the mouth region. According to Seaworld.org, Manatees have a large flexible upper lip. Their lips help guide vegetation into the mouth. Vibrissae (whiskers) are found on the surface of the upper lip. Each vibrissa is separately attached to nerve endings and has its own supply of blood. The calf, held up in an upright position, continued to drink milk from the feeding bottle. It was a beautiful sight to behold a baby manatee being fed, not by its mother, but by humans! It encapsulated the dream of every biodiversity conservationist, of a peaceful bond between man and animal, between the hunter and the hunted. It shouldnt be drinking straight-up, Mrs. Diagne said to the man who was feeding the manatee. When it is with the mum, it feeds side-west. Yeah, like that, Mrs Diagne said, as the man bent the animal a little downward. This might just be my first Nigerian sample for genetic research, Mrs Diagne said, with a smile. The next day would be a busy one. AkwaCross would have to go through detailed examination, some samples would be taken from it for genetic research, its heart-rate and body temperature would be taken, and its length and weight measured, and so on. Because of the dearth of information, generally, on African manatee, AkwaCross provided a good opportunity for Mrs. Diagne. She and the local Nigerian team assembled the next morning, at about 8a.m, at Mr. Eniangs place for the procedure. While taking them through a brief lecture on the process it would take, Mrs Diagne assured the team that manatee could survive pretty outside the water. Someone needs to help us monitor its breathing, she said. Manatees dont know when they are out of water; they still raise their head to breathe, they still think they are inside the water. AkwaCross was pulled out from the pond, and brought under the shade where the procedure was to take place. Mrs Diagne began touching the animal, while explaining some of its body parts to the team. She suddenly stopped, bowed her head, and then sighed. Oh, no! I dont know, she said. It was a sad tone. She sighed again. Its off! One of the Uniuyo lecturers injected. At that point, the painful truth became obvious to everyone: AkwaCross was dead! Its a shame, Mrs. Diagne said. I cant believe this. It went through a lot of trauma, being captured and put in a well. Like I said, it might not have been doing well from the start, but from the surface, it might look okay. Mr. Eniang, too shocked to utter a word, folded his arms across his chest, and was gazing at the lifeless body of baby AkwaCross on the floor. Everyone was downcast, and Mrs Diagne kept telling them that it wasnt their fault. It was looking absolutely fine to me last night. You guys didnt do anything wrong. People around the world who were following AkwaCross progress through the AACF Facebook page felt sad as well. Mrs Diagne was smart enough to quickly reset everyones mood; the team began to probe what actually killed the baby manatee, and few minutes into necropsy, it was discovered that it died of dehydration. She used the session to teach the team about manatee their anatomy, habitat, their significant life cycle, and what could be done to protect and conserve them. They eat water weeds, they keep the water ways clear, and their faeces feed baby fish, and everybody wants to eat fish. Manatees are part of life cycle, they help the fish. At Senegal, we declared a wildlife refuge for manatee and other aquatic animals. We worked in partnership with the local communities, and they banned all fishing activities. And the fishermen are now catching the biggest fish just outside the refuge. Manatee has the potentials to boost eco-tourism in Nigeria and other African countries, but the people must first learn how to stop hunting them, said Mrs. Diagne. The next day, Mrs. Diagne took the manatee enlightenment to Uniuyo campus where a handful of lecturers turned up for a one-day seminar arranged by Mr. Eniang. At the school, some new converts pledged to join the growing campaign for the protection of the African manatees. There were also calls on the government, both at the federal and states, to show more interest and commitment in biodiversity conservation. Mr. Eniang, whose name is fast becoming synonymous to wildlife conservation in Nigeria, is somewhat happy that AkwaCross didnt die in vain. But beyond his love for conservation and the successes he has recorded, Mr. Eniang also symbolises the paradox in the story of conservation in Africa It was animals in the African wild that his parents hunted, killed, and sold in training him in school. This is like a payback for me, Mr. Eniang said. Today, Juliana is going to the university, and Im not killing animals to send her to school, he said. I am going to train her from money made from working for government. My generation will never hunt animals again. But how can you plant conservation etiquette in a mind that is hungry? Theres so much hunger in the land, theres so much challenge for survival. So, nobody will listen to you except you give them an alternative. We need to build that into the conservation plan. With declining global oil prices putting increasing pressure on states to explore alternative ways to shore up their revenue earnings, only 11 of Nigerias 36 states improved their internally generated revenue, IGR, in 2015. The National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, in its latest IGR report on Thursday named Ogun, Anambra, Borno, Edo, Bauchi, Abia, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Taraba and Sokoto as the only states that bettered their 2014 records of revenue generation performance in 2015. The NBS, which relied on records obtained from the Joint Tax Board and states boards of internal revenue, said the IGR earnings in 24 other states declined from the levels attained the previous year. Among the 24 states that performed poorly included Kwara, Imo, Bayelsa, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Benue, Cross River, Delta, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Yobe, and Zamfara. Ebonyi was the only state whose internally generated revenue records were not available. Overall performance of the 36 states showed that the total IGR realised for the year dropped by 3.69 per cent, from N707.86 billion in 2014 to N682.67 billion. Details of the respective states performances showed that Ogun States IGR records were adjudged best, with a 49.42 per cent increase, almost doubling the N17.5 billion revenue earned in 2014 to N34.6 billion. Anambra followed closely, with its IGR rising by about 29.32 per cent from N10.45 billion in 2014 to N14.79 billion, while Borno came third with a 21.8 per cent improvement from N2.76 billion the previous year to N3.53 billion. Other states with improved performances included Edo (10.95 per cent), Bauchi (10.2 per cent), Sokoto (9.75 per cent), Taraba (8.57 per cent), Abia (7.33 per cent), Nasarawa (4.59 per cent), Niger (3.98 per cent) and Kogi (3.05 per cent). Among the poor performers, the NBS showed that Kwara state topped, with its IGR declining massively by about 73.57 per cent, from about N12.46 billion realised in 2014, to about N7.18 billion in 2015. The state was followed by Imo, whose IGR in 2014 dropped by 48.3 per cent, from N8.12 billion to N5.47 billion the following year. Yobe state came third with a 36.53 per cent drop in its IGR from N3.07 billion in 2014 to N2.74 billion in 2015. Others included Bayelsa (25.76 per cent), Jigawa (23.46 per cent), Plateau (19.42 per cent), Ondo (16.05 per cent), Cross River (16.01 per cent), Zamfara (14.88 per cent), Adamawa (12.19 per cent), Kaduna (10.8 per cent) and Gombe (8.61 per cent). Also included among the poor performers were Benue (8.55 per cent), Rivers (8.54 per cent), Katsina (7.46 per cent), Kebbi (6.73 per cent), Enugu (6.47 per cent), Akwa Ibom (5.99 per cent), Osun (5.45 per cent), Ekiti (4.99 per cent), Delta (4.93 per cent), Oyo (4.11 per cent), Lagos (2. 96 per cent), and Kano (0.37 per cent). Among the oil producing states of the Niger Delta, apart from Edo and Abia, all others could not meet their 2014 IGR levels, with their average earnings dropping by about 6.6 per cent. In terms of IGR volume, Lagos state was ranked highest with a total of N268.23 billion during the year, followed by Rivers with N82.1 billion, and Delta, with N40.81 billion. At the inception of the present administration, no fewer than 30 states were said to be distressed financially as a result of the declining earnings from oil exports. Global oil price dropped from an average of $100 per barrel to $24 late last year. Oil now sells for about $40 a barrel. To enable the states meet their minimum obligations, particularly in respect of payment of workers salaries, the federal government unfolded a bail-out package for all the states. But, Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, said only 19 of the affected states applied for and received various sums from the facility. Beneficiaries included Kwara, Zamfara, Osun, Niger, Bauchi, Gombe, Abia, Adamawa, Ondo, Kebbi, Ekiti, Imo, Ebonyi, Ogun, Plateau, Nasarawa, Sokoto, Edo and Oyo states. Although Akwa Ibom and Rivers states were not among the beneficiaries of the bail-out, their respective legislative assemblies recently approved requests from their governors for various loan facilities to enable them survive. The two states are among those that receive the highest allocations from the federation account every month. A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday dismissed an application filed by Senate President Bukola Saraki asking the court to nullify his ongoing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). Mr. Saraki is facing trial for alleged false asset declaration and fraud. The trial commenced in September, 2015, a few months after the lawmaker emerged Senate President against the wish of his party, the ruling All Progressives Congress. The senate president, whose similar appeal had previously been dismissed by the Court of Appeal, approached the Federal High Court, asking it to declare his trial at the CCT a violation of his fundamental rights. Mr. Saraki prayed the court to consider the Tribunals chairman incompetent to try him since the chairman was also under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. After hearing the argument of counsel, the judge, Abdul Kafarati, fixed March 22 for ruling, but later declined giving judgement on the matter and declared that he was stepping down to allow a different judge look into the case. Mr. Kafarati had on that day (March 22) told the court that he was handing over the case to the Abuja chief judge for reassignment due to allegations of bias from an online media. He said any judgement he gave could be perceived as biased. But after returning the case file to the Chief Judge of The Federal High Court, Ibrahim Auta, the case was returned to Mr. Kafarati the following day, March 23, by Mr. Auta. The chief judge acted in response to a request by Mr. Saraki that Mr. Kafarati be allowed to proceed with the case. Mr. Autas decision was hinged on the fact that none of the parties in the suit complained about the conduct of Mr. Kafarati and that he (Mr. Kafarati) cannot disqualify himself from further handling the case based on mere allegations made in the media. Consequently, a new date, April 15, was fixed for judgement. In his ruling on Friday, Mr. Kafarati held that Mr. Saraki was wrong to have returned the case to a smaller court, after it was dismissed by a higher court. If the court grants the application, there will be conflict with the ruling of the appellate court, he stated. The trial judge said Mr. Sarakis appeal can be likened to an attempt by the Senate President to stall his trial, stressing that the CCT is a constitutional body in the discharge of its legal obligation which should not be interfered with by a court of law. This court cannot interfere with the proceedings before the tribunal; it cannot also interfere with the duties of the respondents which have been imposed on them by law, Mr. Kafarati said. The judge also held that the applicants claims that the CCTs trial falls short of the constitutional requirements is a sentimental claim that had no basis in law. I find that none of the claims fall within chapter four of the constitution, Mr. Kafarati said, referring to Mr. Sarakis claim that the trial was a negation of his fundamental rights as enshrined in section four of the 1999 constitution. There are criminal procedure laws that put in place the method of protecting the accused, the Judge added, noting that the trial cannot be regarded as an infringement of Mr. Sarakis right. I do not see the need to go to the merit of the case, the judge said. Mr. Saraki, whose application challenging the Jurisdiction of the CCT was nullified by the Supreme Court on February 5, has also lost several similar attempts at the Code of Conduct Tribunal to stall his trial. The Tribunal, on March 24, a day after Mr. Sarakis case was ordered to be continued at the FHC, dismissed an application by counsel to the Senate President, Kanu Agabi, that the Code of Conduct Bureau should have invited Mr. Saraki to clarify the allegations against him before the commencement of trial. The Tribunal Chairman, Danladi Umar, in that ruling, stated that the Code of Conduct Bureau and Tribunal Act, 1989 allows the Senate President to raise any clarifications at the level of the tribunal. Mr. Danladi said by law, the CCB could receive complaints of breach of the Act and refer such complaints to the Tribunal, provided that it will allow the person involved to give a statement affirming or denying the said misconduct. Political trial? Senators in support of Mr. Saraki rose in his defence on April 6, saying they will resist any attempt to impeach their leader. The senators, represented by Senators Rafiu Ibrahim and Samuel Anyanwu, representing Kwara South and Imo East respectivel,y told journalists on the sidelines of the tribunal hearing that they considered Mr. Sarakis trial an attempt by the APC to blacklist him before the Nigerian people. We have since discovered that the trial of the senate president is a mere attempt to blackmail him and make him look bad in the court of public opinion, Mr. Ibrahim said. No more, no less. A dispassionate analysis of the proceeding of the CCT yesterday has pointed to the fact that the APC-led executive is still embittered against Dr Saraki over the manner of his election as senate president. The senators, 12 of whom accompanied Mr. Saraki to the Code of Conduct Tribunal on that day, said regardless of its outcome, the trial of Mr. Saraki would be subject to other statutory procedure for the impeachment of Nigerias Senate President to happen. For those calling for the impeachment of the senate president, we urge them to avail themselves of the provisions of the law relating to such a sensitive step. They will have to produce as many as 100 senators to achieve that aim. As long as they dont have the majority, the call is a tall dream that will remain a figment of the imagination of the groups and their sponsors, the senators said. During a previous sitting, Mr. Saraki was accompanied by as much as 80 senators. Buharis neutrality President Muhammadu Buhari had in his reaction to the election in June last year said the was in support of the leadership of the Senate, as well as that of the lower house, but wished that the emergence of the leaders in both chambers of the National Assembly followed the choice of the party. The President had in an earlier statement said he had no preferred candidates for the leadership positions in the two chambers of the National Assembly and that he was willing to work with whoever the lawmakers elected. Mr. Buhari noted in his reaction to the elections that:That sentiment still stands, though he would have preferred the new leaders to have emerged through the process established by the party. The President also said the constitutional order of Nigeria and the overall interest of the ordinary Nigerian were most important to him as far as the National Assembly leadership contests were concerned. The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said it is planning to apply option A4 in electing its candidates for all coming elections, including presidential candidate for 2019 general polls. It said that if approved by the membership of the party, the application of the method may begin with upcoming congresses of the party. The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Olisa Metuh, disclosed this when he received the former chairman of the National Patriotic Party of Ghana, Peter Manu, at the partys national secretariat on Friday in Abuja. Mr. Metuh said the decision was part of the reforms to reposition the PDP for the 2019 general elections. He said that the system would not be restricted to presidential election as it would be applicable to other elective positions such as governorship, senatorial, House of Representatives and down to the wards. He explained that with the proposed system, party members would have to queue behind the candidates of their choice. We are going to change our system to be that our presidential candidate would be voted for by all party members in the country. It would be at the ward level. We will no longer elect presidential candidate at the national convention. It will now be for every party member to vote for whoever would be our presidential candidate. Whoever would vie for our presidential ticket would have to tour the entire country before he can be elected. This is part of the reform we are coming up with. Basically, this would be the last convention where we would have people to be elected at the national convention. We are taking the party back to the Nigerian people, Mr. Metuh said. He said that the proposed reform was part of Senator Ike Ekweremadus committees recommendations on how to reform and reposition PDP. He added that the proposed amendments had been sent to the state chapters for their inputs in line with our desire to have peoples opinion. After their inputs, the recommendation would be sent to the National Executive Committee (NEC) for approval. Earlier, Mr. Manu had said that the process of electing presidential candidate was one of the reforms his party adopted after it lost election to opposition party in Ghana. When we lost election, there was need to review and make amends and these amends led to some critical reforms in the party structure and organisation. We realised for example, that the modus operandi of how our presidential candidate was elected had a hand in why we lost the general election. There were as many as 17 presidential candidates in our 2008 contest when our incumbent president, John Kufor, was exiting and all the 17 presidential candidate were running for votes from a mere 3,500 delegates. So, it was money, money, money until the day of congress, he said. Manu said that NPP realised that the then opposition party, which was now in government, used that against his party and cast spell on us as being corrupt, that we were throwing money at the people. So, the first thing I did as the national chairman of the party was to expand the delegates system to cover the nooks and cranny of the party structure. So, the party structure was reorganized to start from the polling unit level where a five-member executive was elected. (NAN) Pan-Yoruba sociopolitical group, Afenifere, has rejected the Grazing Commission Bill proposed by the National Assembly to address the burning issue of farmers and Fulani herdsmen clashes erupting in different parts of the country. Afenifere described the bill as anti-people. The bill proposes the establishment of the National Grazing Commission which will preserve and control the national grazing reserves and livestock routes and other matters related to it. The groups leader, Reuben Fasoranti, while addressing journalists in Akure, said the bill, which empowered the commission to acquire any land anywhere in the country, would violate the subsisting Land Use Act and traditional means of land holding if enacted. He noted that the bill was being proposed allegedly to favour the business of the Fulani herdsmen at the expense of the farmers whose farms were always destroyed by the Fulanis cows in some other parts of the country . We reject any law that would rob the citizens of their possessions and award to another set of citizens as this offensive bill attempts to do. That is against the principle of natural justice, Mr. Fasoranti declared. It is also against federal principle for the government of the federation to therefore want to violate the rights of other sections of the country to please a group from an ethnic unit over and above the interest of other over 400 ethnic groups. He called on all federal lawmakers from the south and Nigerians in general to join Afenifere in rejecting the bill. He also said the group would not keep quiet until true federalism was in entrenched in the country We stand with the decision of the of the 2014 National Conference which recommended the scrapping of grazing route for the establishment of ranches, the octogenarian said. He said the system of roaming animals all over the country was no more in vogue. He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to embrace the ranching system in order to put an end to the incessant clashes between Fulani herdsmen and farmers in many parts of the country . The State Security Service in Rivers has arrested five suspects for the kidnap and murder of a National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, member Sampson Worlu. The deceased, who served in Imo State, South-east Nigeria, was abducted in November 2015. The victim was killed even after his family parted with a N1 million ransom to facilitate his release. After months of investigation, a source in the SSS, who pleaded not to be named because she is not authorised to speak on the matter, said the operatives napped the five suspects. Their names were given as Chijioke Wisdom, Chinwendu Alozie, Wilfred Jumbo, Igwe Chikezie and Gift Peace Amadi. According to the source, the suspects were arrested through Ms. Amadi, who is said to have lured the corps member to his abduction and death. The suspects are expected be arraigned before a Port Harcourt Magistrate Court on April 18. A brother to the deceased, Charles Worlu, told PREMIUM TIMES that the 32-year-old victim is an indigene of Ogbogoro in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers the State. Narrating what happened, Mr. Worlu said the deceased, who was called to Bar on October 2015, left for the NYSC camp in Imo State following his posting in November 12, 2015. We dropped him at Rumuokoro Junction to continue his journey to Imo State. We didnt hear from him again that day, he said. Early the next day, we received a strange call from a dreaded voice who claimed they have abducted Sampson. They gave him the phone to speak with us and he confirmed his kidnapped. The abductors collected the phone from him and demanded we give them Five million naira before we could see our brother again. In fear that they could harm Sampson, we negotiated with them and dropped five hundred thousand naira for them at Eleme/Elelenwo/Akporjo Road near Shell location. They collected it and said we should pick our brother at Rumukurushi by Hospital Junction. But they never kept to their promise. After few days, they demanded for another five hundred thousand naira, we paid but never saw our brother. Mr. Worlu said the family reported the development to the state government, the police, the NYSC and the SSS. He corroborated the information by the SSS source that it was through Ms. Amadi that his brother was lured to his death. Mr. Worlu said the female suspect comes from their village, adding that she tricked Sampson using her phone and took him to where he was kidnapped and killed. We are demanding justice. I do not see the reason why people who commit crimes are allowed to walk freely in the society, he said. President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his working visit to China, which has yielded additional investments in Nigeria exceeding $6 billion. President Buhari believes that the several agreements concluded with the Chinese during the visit will have a huge and positive impact on key sectors of the Nigerian economy including power, solid minerals, agriculture, housing and rail transportation. In the power sector, North South Power Company Limited and Sinohydro Corporation Limited signed an agreement valued at $478,657,941.28 for the construction of 300 Mega Watts solar power in Shiriro, Niger State. In the solid minerals sector, Granite and Marble Nigeria Limited and Shanghai Shibang signed an agreement valued at $55 million for the construction and equipping of granite mining plant in Nigeria. A total of $1 billion is to be invested in the development of a greenfield expressway for Abuja-Ibadan-Lagos under an agreement reached by the Infrastructure Bank and Sinohydro Corporation Limited. For the housing sector, both companies also sealed a $250 million deal to develop an ultra modern 27-storey high rise complex and a $2.5 billion agreement for the development of the Lagos Metro Rail Transit Red Line project. Other agreements announced and signed during the visit include a $1 billion for the establishment of a Hi-tech industrial park in Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone in Igbesa, Ogun State. Furthermore, the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone and CNG (Nigeria) Investment Limited also signed an agreement valued at $200 million for the construction of two 500MT/day float gas facilities. An agreement valued at $363 million for the establishment of a comprehensive farm and downstream industrial park in Kogi state was also announced at the Nigeria-China business forum. Other agreements undergoing negotiations include a $500 million project for the provision of television broadcast equipment and a $25 million facility for production of pre-paid smart meters between Mojec International Limited and Microstar Company Limited. About 100 Nigerian businesses and 300 Chinese firms participated in the Nigeria-China business forum which took place a day after President Buhari began his visit to China. The Federal Government on Friday tasked the state and traditional institutions in the Plateau to work toward sustainability of peace in the state. The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, gave the charge at the 2016 Nzem Berom festival held at Rwang Pam Township hall, Jos. Mr. Mohammed noted that the revival of the festival eight years after it was suspended for security concerns, was an indication that peace had returned to the state. He urged the authority, traditional institutions and the people in general to sustain the peaceful coexistence. The resuscitation of this festival, which heralds the rains and a bumper harvest, is a very powerful message to the world that peace is back to the Plateau, which remains a foremost home of culture and tourism. Culture, of which festival is a subset, is a strong instrument of unity, especially in a country with such a rich diversity as ours. When you understand a peoples culture, you respect them more, thus reducing the areas of friction. I have no doubt that with the good works of the state government, the wisdom of His Royal Majesty and the commitment to peace by all the good people of Plateau, peace and tranquillity will be sustained in this beautiful land, he said. The minister noted that the festival came at an auspicious time his ministry was collaborating with the British Council and the Tony Elumelu Foundation on development of the sector. He said they were mapping out all the creative arts and the various cultural festivals across the country to bring culture from the margins to the mainstream to create a huge economy. Under the collaboration, there will be training for all festival managers and creative artists to put them in better stead to raise the profile of their festivals and arts. It will also turn the various festivals and the creative arts into magnet for tourists and veritable sources of job creation. I do hope that festival managers and creative artists in Plateau will be among the first beneficiaries of this, he said. The minister reiterated governments commitment to its diversification policy, aimed at weaning the country from its addiction to oil. He said government had identified culture and tourism as two of the sectors that would form the core of the diversification process. In this regard, I am happy to announce that the federal government will be holding a National Summit on Culture and Tourism in Abuja from April 27 to April 29. It will bring stakeholders together to deliberate on how the two sectors can effectively become money spinners for the country while also creating jobs and showcasing Nigerias rich cultural diversity and tourist attractions, he said. He congratulated the organisers of the festival for a job well done. Earlier, the chairman of the organising committee, Ericson Fom, said the festival was instituted by the Berom Educational and Cultural Organisation (BECO) to unify the Berom nation. He said the festival was last held in 2008 owing to insecurity and crises in the state. Mr. Fom said that the 2016 festival was symbolic as they were dedicating it to the memory of those who lost their lives and were rendered homeless and orphans during the crises period. We are also dedicating the festival to a new life for the Internally displaced persons, as we solicit all form of assistance from within and outside, our guests and dignitaries through freewill donations, he said. The News Agency of Nigeria reports the festival featured royal procession of the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Buba, and his chiefs, dressed in array of traditional regalia mounted on horses. There was also the parade of well kitted Berom traditional warriors, a colourful parade of traditional dance groups and musicians. The Zere beauty pageant show, the brave hunters presentation and exhibition of Berom cuisine, artefacts and mineral reserves were also featured. (NAN) The leaders of ECWA, one of the largest church denominations in Northern Nigeria, have asked the Kaduna State Government to withdraw the bill seeking to regulate public preaching. The 63rd General Church Council of the Evangelical Church Winning All, ECWA, on Friday rose from its annual meeting to make the demand. The church advised the Kaduna government not to pass the bill into law. The Bill raises fears, concerns and contradiction that will in turn ultimately negate Sections 38 and 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to citizens right to worship, it said. While commending the efforts of the Kaduna State Government towards ensuring peaceful co-existence, Council however cautions against the passage of the proposed Religious Bill which ECWA viewed in the larger context as containing a lot of flaws. The bill, which has the backing of the state governor, Nasir El-Rufai, seeks to make religious persons who want to preach publicly get permission from a registered body which will be made of Christian and Islamic leaders in Kaduna. In its communique on Friday, the ECWA church also commended the effort of the Federal Government in recovering stolen funds. The church notes the efforts of the Federal Government to recover stolen public funds and commends the courage behind it and cautioned that funds recovered are not re-looted. While urging the government to respect the fundamental rights of the suspects in the process, the communique asked the government to thoroughly investigate every corruption case and pursue it diligently to logical conclusion. A former Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, Habib Jega, has died in an auto crash. Close family sources say the accident occurred along Birnin Kebbi-Kangiwa road at about 5:21 p.m. on Friday. The former speaker is also the Special Adviser on Local Government to the current Governor of Kebbi State, Atiku Bagudu. The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Abubakar Dakingari, while confirmed the death on phone said , We are currently attending his burial according to Islamic right in Jega. Late Mr. Jega was impeached in 2015 during the build up to the 2015 general election as rumours emerged he would join the then opposition All Progressives Congress, APC. A Senior Special Assistant on Media and Public Affairs to Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State, Curtis Eghosa Ugbo, was on Thursday arraigned before an Oredo Magistrate Court for criticising the governor on social media. He was also accused of unlawful possession of gun. Mr. Ugbo, 47, was arraigned on a three-count charge of publishing an article against the governor in a manner likely to cause breach of public peace and illegally possessing a double barrel gun without a duly acquired valid license, an offence under Section 430 (2) of the Criminal Code, Cap 48, Vol. II, laws of the Defunct Bendel State of Nigeria 1976 as applicable in Edo State. Reading the first of the three counts, police prosecutor, Inspector S. E. Iredia said the governors aide committed the offence on April 12, 2016 at No 2b Ugbor Road in Benin City, Edo State. The charge reads: That you, Curtis Eghosa Ugbo, m, on the 12th April, 2016 at No. 2b, Ugbor Road, Benin City in Oredo Magisterial District did made a publication in internet, with the caption: Whats wrong with my boss? The ground breaking of Edo State own cement industry in partnership with a private company under Government Public Private Partnership and stakeholders, no State House Members or Speaker and National Assembly Member Presence Notice. Is Edo State now a personal business of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole? Knowing same to be capable of disturbing public peace and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 59 (1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 48, Vol. II, Laws of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria 1976, as applicable in Edo State. After listening to the accused persons plea of not guilty, the Presiding Magistrate, C. A. Nwoha, granted him bail in the sum of N100, 000.00 and a surety in like sum, who must own a property with Certificate of Occupancy in the district. The magistrate adjourned the case to April 29 for trial. Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State on Thursday said the state would soon become the hub of cocoa production in Nigeria with the revival of the moribund Osun Cocoa Production Industry. The governor made the remarks in Ede during a facility tour of the resuscitated Cocoa Production Industry in partnership with Chinese Company, Golden Monkey of China. The partnership between Osun Government and the Chinese Company to revive the cocoa production after 15 years is based on 70 and 30 percent equity respectively. Mr. Aregbesola said the present production capacity of 20,000 metric tonnes per day was a good development when compared to its 5,000 metric tonnes capacity per day in 2001, after which it was abandoned. With this production level, the name of our state will be on the map of the world as a centre of excellence in the processing of cocoa and other products. The governor said the Cocoa Industry would go a long way to support the states agricultural plan to develop cocoa farming in the state. He commended the partnering company for its commitment to the contractual agreement by hitting the ground running. Earlier in her remarks, Song Lin, the Assistant General Manager of Skyrun Cocoa Production Industry, said the management had increased the production capacity of the industry four times. She said the company was presently producing cocoa liquid and soon, the organisation would be producing cocoa powder and cake. In his speech, Adewale Adeeyo, the Chairman, Board of Directors of the Industry, said the state invested a lot of energy to make the project a reality. Mr. Adeeyo explained that with the resuscitation of the company, the business of cocoa produce buyers and farmers had been positively rejuvenated. (NAN) A truck on Thursday knocked down two fleeing armed robbers along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The victims were escaping after robbing motorists and members of the Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministry. The bandits having successfully robbed their victims took to their heels on sighting police operatives attached to Ibafo Division who were on patrol on the expressway A witness said the truck hit two of the men, who sustained major injuries, while the third gang member narrowly escaped the crash. Police later arrested the injured thieves and recovered some of the stolen items. When contacted, the Ogun State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, who confirmed the incident said the robbery victims have identified the thieves. The recovered items have also been returned to the owners. He gave identities of the suspects as Sola Bilaminu and Ibrahim Sandi. The Commissioner of Police Ogun State Abdulmajid Ali has commended the police operatives for their commitment and dedication to duty, and directed that the suspects be transferred to the Special Anti Robbery Squad in Magbon Abeokuta for thorough investigation, he said. Among Nigerias numerous national challenges, which do you think the next president should focus on first? Premium Times (@PremiumTimesng) October 5, 2022 Support PREMIUM TIMES' journalism of integrity and credibility Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government. For continued free access to the best investigative journalism in the country we ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour. By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you are helping to sustain a journalism of relevance and ensuring it remains free and available to all. Donate TEXT AD: Call Willie - +2348098788999 Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Mr. Speaker of the Sejm, Mr. Speaker of the Senate, Madam Prime Minister, Your Eminence Cardinal Legate, Your Eminence Primate of Poland, Your Excellency Archbishop, Metropolitan of Poznan, Former Presidents of Poland, Ministers, Members of Parliament, Senators, Representatives of European Parliaments, Your Excellency Archbishop, Apostolic Nuncio, Your Excellencies Archbishops and Bishops, The Reverend Priests, Representatives of Churches and Ecclesiastical Communities, Your Excellencies Ambassadors, Representatives of Local Authorities, Dear Hosts and Guests present here today, Ladies and Gentlemen, The Baptism of Duke Mieszko I is the most important event in the entire history of the Polish state and nation. I do not say it was, I say it is for the decision taken by our first historical ruler had predetermined the whole future to come for our country. Our Christian legacy continues to shape the destinies of Poland and of each and every one of us, Polish people, until this very day. This is what Holy Father John Paul II had in mind when he observed: Without Christ, one cannot comprehend the history of Poland. Tradition has it that the baptism of the ruler of the Polan people most likely took place on the Holy Saturday of 14 April 966. And it was already at that point that Poland was born. From the baptismal waters it emerged for a new Christian life. It was born for the world, emerging from the prehistoric era and entering the arena of European history. It was also born for its own sake: as a national and political community, since the adoption of the Latin rite at baptism defined our Polish identity. From that time on, we started thinking and speaking of ourselves as we, the Poles. Back then, we said yes to freedom and self-determination. We demonstrated that we were capable of building our nation and our own state solicitous about its welfare. To build it, defend it and die for it. It was not predetermined that the work would succeed, that a community would be formed. And yet, the work was crowned with success. A community was successfully built on a foundation of faith which has ever since inextricably grown into our identity, often featuring in our history as the principal and final shield of freedom and solidarity. By being baptized our forefathers defined the core around which the magnificent Polish nation would then be formed. And in the darkest moments, when our enemies tried to destroy the Church in order to bring down the groundwork of our Polish identity, the Polish people would defy the object and would crowd in temples in pursuit of their sense of community, and thus testifying to the timeless wisdom of the decision once taken by our forefathers. Therefore, 966 is the most important landmark in our history. In our solemn ceremony today we celebrate the 1050th anniversary of the birth of our nation and our Homeland. It is a signal honour and a great joy to have us all gathered here in Poznan, the seat of the first bishopric on Polish soil; to have the Republic's highest authorities, the Episcopate and clergy of the Catholic Church and other Christian Communities reunited with representatives of many friendly countries from Europe and the world to inaugurate the celebration of this venerable jubilee. I cordially thank all our distinguished and most welcome guests for coming. This is a great celebration time of the Polish spirit, which is the source of our pride and joy. It will carry on into coming months to spread all over the country. It will culminate in the first ever visit to Poland by Pope Francis and the World Youth Days. I trust that thanks to the vast efforts made by the organizers, thanks to active engagement of thousands of volunteers, this will be an occasion for unsurpassed spiritual experience. Commencing these jubilee celebrations, we turn our minds to the previous occasion of the millennial celebration of the Baptism of Poland in 1966. This was an extraordinary experience for our whole community and a unique event of the kind in Central and Eastern Europe. We, the Polish people, had been then struggling for 27 years under a regime imposed on us first by German occupying forces, then by communists after the war. Equally the former and the latter worked to weaken and break the bond between our nation and the Church. They realized that this way they would shake the very foundations of our community, that a nation deprived of its spiritual anchorage would be easily remodelled into enslaved masses. To this end, the Nazis applied bloody terror. The communists in power after the war sought to make the Polish people turn away from Christianity. They promoted an atheist ideology, persecuted priests and the faithful alike. They even went as far as to imprison the Primate of Poland. And in those days, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski was inspired with the idea to protect the Polish and Christian identity of the nation against indoctrination and repression by organizing a great National Retreat. It was ushered in by the 1956 Jasna Gora Oaths of the Polish Nation, a direct reference to the oaths made by King John II Casimir in Lvov 300 years earlier. Then, a nine-year novena followed to prepare the Polish people for the millennial celebrations. Fifty years ago, in April 1966, the millennial celebrations of the Baptism of Poland began. On 3 May, on the green at the Jasna Gora Sanctuary 250 000 of the faithful took part in a commemoration. The celebrations lasted a full year, bringing together countless numbers of Polish people. Moreover, the jubilee was celebrated among more than 50 000 of expatriate Poles in London and Chicago, Rome and Paris, even in remote Australia and New Zealand. One can safely claim that thanks to the initiative of the Primate of the Millennium, the entire Polish nation reinforced its bond to its Christian heritage. This happened in spite of the obstacles mounted by the communist regime who for instance arrested a copy of the icon of Our Lady of Jasna Gora, provoked the faithful to clash with the police, tried to bloc access to the millennium celebrations and to disturb their course, and finally organized rival 1st millennium of the Polish state celebrations, forcing whole crews of factories and institutions to participate. The 1966 millennial celebrations and the particular role played by the Primate of the Millennium, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski, revealed the timeless significance of the Baptism of Mieszko I and the uniting power of Christianity for our community. The nation rejected the false slogan: The Polish Peoples Republic is the crowning glory of the millennium of our state. Nor were the Polish people misled by the propaganda initiative to build one thousand schools to commemorate our millennium, this in spite of the fact that it produced valid and good results for the development of education and improvement of teaching conditions. The Poles opted for the faithfulness to the Church, authentic love of their Homeland and hope for regaining of freedom. The authority of the bishops and priests was reinforced. The lifes work of Primate Wyszynski paved the way for the pontificate of the Holy Father John Paul II and for the peaceful Solidarity revolution. Ladies and Gentlemen, The Millennium had lent us, Poles, a sense of sovereignty in its most fundamental dimension: as free people and free citizens. Many initiatives taken by parish communities in defence of their priests and churches throughout the duration of the People's Republic of Poland, full commitment of the faithful who kept illegally building new churches in defiance of the authorities, spontaneous efforts to get organized and mass participation in the celebrations from 1956 to 1966, all of this proved that there is a massive power to be unleashed in our community, our power whose origins lie in our shared national and Christian identity. The power which manifested itself on a number of occasions in our history in recent centuries, which helped us to weather the most trying experiences: the loss of civil liberties and of an independent state, the attempts to denationalise and de-Christianise our people. The power which carried us through confrontation with our enemies, partitioning powers, occupying forces and led us to win and get the upper hand as even stronger and more united a nation. We have always taken and we will always take pride in this invincible national spirit. We can and are willing to draw on this great treasure of ours. It is also a lesson for the future for us: that we, the Polish people, can accomplish great, momentous things, if only we work together in accordance with the values that unite us. The values that have their source in the unbreakable bond between the Polish spirit and its Christian roots. A thousand and fifty years ago, Poland joined the Christian community of that era. She did so of her own accord. Aware of the benefits that this act would bring, including political benefits. Thanks to Duke Mieszkos far-sighted decision Christianisation provided a powerful stimulus for Polands development. The state gained a stronger basis on which to build its security and sovereignty. Over time it became increasingly modern, more efficiently governed, more internally integrated. The preachers of the Good News opened before the Polish people an enormous treasury of spiritual riches, promoting the Christian vision of man in our culture. Since the end of the 10th century, the Decalogue and the Gospel have become ever more deeply rooted in millions of hearts on the banks of the Warta and the Vistula, the Oder and the Bug, the Neman and the Dneper rivers. They have provided a motivation to build a better, more humane world. That is why our joining the domain of Christian civilization, in its Latin rite, represented a real breakthrough for us. The three pillars of this civilization have also become the pillars of Polish identity and culture. The first of the three pillars has been and remains Greek philosophy, or the love of wisdom. And that is the primacy of objective truth. Precise instruments for investigating and analysing reality. An immovable foundation for the development of all sciences to this very day. The second pillar has been and remains Roman legal thought and government concept. The idea of the rule of law. The idea of a republic, i.e. a state that is a common good of the citizens that rule it. It is also the civic ethos, an ethos of privileges connected with responsibilities. These are principles improved and tested over the centuries, principles that provide the groundwork also for modern-day civil, criminal, procedural and national law. The third pillar has been and remains the core of Christian thought: the Old and the New Testament, the Decalogue and the Gospel. This novel, revolutionary vision of humanity as a family, as a community of brothers and sisters equal before the Father and His moral law. It is also a call for peace, for repentance for any evil done and for forgiveness for any wrongdoing one has suffered. An imperative to give priority to the human person over objects, over mundane advantages and the desire for possession. The protection of the weaker ones, an appeal for solidarity in helping the needy and the brilliant subsidiarity principle. It is the recognition of the dignity of women and the contribution made by them to the lives of societies in various fields. The idea of government and superiority as service and the belief that rulers, too, are subject to moral judgment. Christianity is also a unique concept of the separation between the sacred and the profane, that which is divine and that which belongs to Caesar. The idea of autonomy, but at the same time of cooperation between the secular and spiritual authorities. These are also institutions such as the university and the local school, the hospital and the orphanage. It is a new vision of military, medical and economic ethics. And, last but not least, the heights of art and genius, achieved by artists inspired by Christianity: visual artists, architects, musicians and poets. Therefore, it should not come as a surprise to anyone that it is only in the circle of this particular civilization that ideas and phenomena such as the concept of inalienable human rights as every humans birthright, constitutionalism, a democratic state of the rule of law, universal international law, workers and emancipation movements and the modern public debate ethos have appeared. All of them are deeply rooted in the Christian heritage. Today, it is not only Athens, Rome and Jerusalem that define the scope of this civilization. Thanks to the efforts of the 30 generations of Poles, new important centres have been added to the map of Christianitas. For example Gniezno, where the relics of St. Adalbert, who spread the faith with his word and not with the sword, repose. Torun and Frombork, cities connected with Nicolaus Copernicus, the chancellor of the Warmia chapter, and the author of one of the greatest breakthroughs in the history of human thought. Cracow, the city of St. Bishop Stanislaus of Szczepanow, a brave proponent of the idea of moral duties of public authorities, the city of the Cracow Academy and of the Reverend Pawe Wodkowic (Paulus Vladimiri), one of the most outstanding theoreticians of religious tolerance. It is the Cracow of Karol Wojtya, Saint Pope John Paul II, who ushered the Church into the third millennium in the full sense of the term. Poznan, the bishopric capital of Bishop Wawrzyniec Goslicki, a 16th-century author of original conceptions of government, which became a source of inspiration for the authors of the American Constitution and numerous other opponents of monarchic lawlessness. Brzesc Litewski (Brest-Litovsk), the place where an ecclesiastical union was contracted, one of the most important efforts at reconciling the Christian West and the Christian East. Czestochowa, the city one needs to visit in order to appreciate the special status and respect that women enjoy in Poland. The city where Bogurodzica, The Mother of God, a hymn regarded as the first national anthem of Poland, continues to be sung before the icon of Our Lady of Jasna Gora, Polands most venerated cult object. Warsaw, the capital of a state without stakes and religious wars. The city where the Sejm of the Polish Commonwealth enacted the Confederation of Warsaw, the first legislative act in the world to guarantee universal religious tolerance. This is Warsaw, the seat of King John III Sobieski, the victor of the battle of Vienna, and the city on the outskirts of which an invasion of communist barbarism against Europe was stopped in 1920. These are hundreds of localities, especially in Polands old eastern Borderland region, where ethnic and religious minorities used to live peacefully side by side. Last but not least, these are localities connected to the lives and achievements of our numerous compatriots, world-famous artists, men and women of letters, scholars and inventors, individuals who have impressively paid back a debt of gratitude to the culture which had shaped them. Christian civilization, for the past 1050 years co-created and defended with great dedication by the Polish people, is the result of titanic work and struggle of millions of people, an effect of numerous inquiries and experiments, historical trials and errors. It is a mature, universal creation, with a powerful impact on humanity as a whole. It is not a fossil. It keeps organically evolving. It needs its young leaves and sprouts just as much as it needs its hidden roots. It also needs a trunk to mediate between them, that is a natural synthesis of the old and the new. A tree may be felled. One may poison its roots and watch it wither. This does not take a lot of effort or too much time. However, to plant a new tree and wait for it to grow and bring fruit is a long process. That is why the price for destroying the foundations of our civilization and attempts to replace them with other concepts, incoherent and loosely sketched, has always been and will always be enormous suffering and devastation. This was most clearly demonstrated by the 20th century and its two ideological projects: communism and Nazism, with their horrible consequences. The 21st century has quickly faced us with new, difficult challenges. In a global village, the natural rivalry between different civilization models has attained an unprecedented intensity. In Poland and in Europe, debates are ongoing on how to address these new challenges. I personally believe that the thing to do in this situation is to trust the strength of our identity, to draw on the rich treasury of ideas, experiences and solutions developed in a combined mainstream of the two great traditions: the Greco-Roman and the Judeo-Christian ones. They are what we should base our actions on. Indeed, the primary responsibility of the President, the Senate, the Sejm and the Government of the Republic of Poland is solicitude for our present day. Solicitude to ensure a Poland and a Europe where the dignity, rights and aspirations of all citizens are respected and protected. Solicitude to ensure a Poland and a Europe where solidarity and a sense of community should take precedence over rivalry and a play of interests. However, solicitude to ensure a good tomorrow is an equally important task for us. Solicitude to ensure that our heritage of tolerance and openness, our freedom and our material as well as spiritual strength are preserved and allowed to grow further. Ladies and Gentlemen, We are gathered here together today. In the Poznan of the Piast dynasty, the cradle of our state and of our nation, the cradle of our community, on the 1050th anniversary of Mieszkos baptism. We are here because we understand the responsibility that we shoulder. Our responsibility both towards history and towards the future generations of Poles. In the eve of Polands accession to the European Union, Pope John Paul II pointed out that this was a great opportunity for our nation to enrich the West spiritually, the same West that once brought the Christian faith to us. Europe needs Poland, and Poland needs Europe, said the Holy Father. That is why, in paying tribute to our far-sighted predecessors of 1050 years ago, I would like to state most emphatically today that, following the guidance of our great compatriot, Poland is and will remain true to her Christian heritage. For it is in this heritage that we have a well-tested, strong foundation for the future. Andrzej Duda President of the Republic of Poland Spring is the season to break out the bicycle, and theres no better place for biking than oh-so-flat southern New Jersey. Maybe thats why the state is so bike-friendly. The American League of Bicyclists ranks it as the 11th most bicycle-friendly state in the nation. Not quite the top 10, but not bad. A bicycle is the perfect compromise between running and driving. You can get your exercise in and still get someplace relatively quickly. Michael Wiesen, who has operated the AAAA Bike Shop in Ventnor for 38 years, says he is seeing more interest in bicycling than ever before, including among athletes who are converting to biking from running to ease the wear and tear on their bodies. Whether you bike for exercise, recreation or to commute to work, youll have to do a little prep work if your bicycle has been sitting in the garage all winter. Jim Wheatcroft, former publicity coordinator for the Jersey Shore Cycle Club, said a bike thats been idle for six months will need air in the tires, a good cleaning and some chain lubricant. Youll also want to check to make sure all the bolts are tight. As you get your ride ready, check out our guide to bicycles, bike paths and bike safety. Vincent Jackson RULES OF THE ROAD Always ride on the right side of the road with the traffic flow. Make sure to wear bright clothing so that you will be visible to drivers. A bicycle must be equipped with a bell or other audible device that can be heard 100 feet away, but not a siren or a whistle. At night, operating bicycles must be equipped with a front headlamp emitting a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet and a rear lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet. A red reflector may be mounted on the rear. BIKE SAFETY FOR CHILDREN Parents should ride with children on the sidewalk or on a Boardwalk and not in the street. Always have the child riding their bicycle on the inside of you. Under New Jersey law, anyone younger than 17 who rides a bicycle, or is a passenger on a bicycle or is being towed as a passenger by a bicycle, must wear a helmet. Where to ride THE PROMENADES AND BOARDWALKS Several promenades and boardwalks in Atlantic and Cape May counties offer lit areas for biking: Atlantic City Boardwalk(4 miles) Hours: 6 to 10 a.m. daily; extended hours, 6 a.m. to noon and 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 16 to May 14. Ventnor Boardwalk (2 miles) Hours: Daylight hours weekdays year round and Saturday and Sunday from Labor Day through June 30; also 6 a.m. to noon Saturdays and Sundays from July through Labor Day. Sea Isle City Promenade (1.5 miles) Hours: 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays and 5 a.m. to noon Saturdays and Sundays from May 15 to Sept. 15. Access north at 29th Street Boardwalk, acess south at 57th Street Boardwalk. Avalon Boardwalk (a little less than 9/10 of a mile) Hours: 5 to 10 a.m. May through September. Access at the north end at 21st Street, access at the south end at 32nd Street. Stone Harbor Promenade (a little more than 1/10 of a mile): Hours: No restrictions. Access on 80th or 83rd streets. North Wildwood Boardwalk (a little less than half a mile) Hours: 5 a.m. to noon from May to October. Access at E. 16th Avenue. Wildwood Boardwalk (1.89 miles) Hours: 6 a.m. to noon from the middle of May to the end of September. Access at E. Creese Avenue. Cape May Promenade (1.4 miles) Hours: 4 to 10 a.m. May 1 to Oct. 31. Access at Beach Drive between Philadelphia Avenue and Madison Avenue or Beach Drive near Second Avenue. Ocean City Boardwalk (2.45 miles) Hours: 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays to Fridays from May 16 to June 17, excluding Memorial Day, May 30; 5 a.m. to noon Saturdays and Sundays from May 14 to June 19, including Memorial Day; 5 a.m. to noon from June 17 to Sept. 5. BIKE PATHS SPANNING MULTIPLE MUNICIPALITIES The Pleasantville-Northfield-Linwood-Somers Point Bike Path The mostly lit, no-time restriction, except the Somers Point childrens curfew, bike path starts on New Jersey Avenue in Pleasantville and ends on Somers Avenue in Somers Point and runs 7.4 miles. The Atlantic County Bikeway East The unlit, dawn-to-dusk bike path runs from Harbor Square (formerly Shore Mall), 6725 E. Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor Township to the Atlantic County Institute of Technology, 5080 Atlantic Ave., Hamilton Township, Mays Landing, which is 7.56 miles. BIKE PATHS WITHIN A SINGLE MUNICIPALITY BUENA The unlit, 24-hour bike path starts at the intersection of the Boulevard and Route 40 and ends in a field of tall grass with a large circle near Blackwater Pond Park and runs 1.9 miles with a 0.2 mile loop behind Melini Park. HAMMONTON The unlit, one-quarter mile long, 24 hours bike path runs along Moss Mill Road, starting at Lakeview Drive and ending at Hammonton Lake. UPPER TOWNSHIP The unlit, 1.3 mile, dawn-to-dusk bike path follows the perimeter of the Amandas Field Complex at 10 Sunset Road, off Route 50 MIDDLE TOWNSHIP The mostly unlit, 24-hour bike path starts at Cape May County Park and Zoo and ends near the Martin Luther King Recreation Center in Whitesboro. WOODBINE With a mixture of lit and unlit stretches, the no-time restrictions bike path begins at the intersection of routes 550 and 557 and runs 1.5 miles to County Route 660 (Fiddler Hill Road). WILDWOOD CREST With a mix of lit and unlit stretches, the no-time restrictions bike path, which was created in 1996, starts at Cresse Avenue and ends at Rambler Road for the first part and then continues from Rambler Road to the end of Seaview Avenue for the second part for a total of 4 miles round trip. OCEAN CITY Bicycle corridor (7.8 miles) From the Ocean City-Longport Bridge at the north end of the island to the Russ Chattin Bridge on the Ocean Drive causeway between Ocean City and Strathmere at the entrance to Corsons Inlet State Park. Designated on-street route with buffered bike lanes at different points, a HAWK signal to get bikers across busy Ninth Street and lots of traffic-calming measures to discourage high-speed traffic. Route 52 Causeway (2.2 mile miles): A new bike and pedestrian lane on the causeway between Ocean City and Somers Point. CUMBERLAND COUNTY Millville has two existing bikeways called the Maurice River Bikeway Trail. These dawn-to-dusk bikeways are a 1.35 mile off-road bike path on the Maurice River and a connecting 0.3 mile bicycle route on Ware Avenue. Earth Dike in Maurice River Township starts at Menhaden Road and person travels south until it ends at Matts Landing Road, 0.86 miles later. BELLEPLAIN STATE FOREST Belleplain State Forest is located in both Cape May and Cumberland counties. The forest has a 10-mile mountain bike trail. Visitors can pick up a map or receive information at the forest office from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at 1 Henkinsifkin Road, Woodbine. The trail is fairly technical and is divided into three parts, if a rider does not want to do all 10 miles. Families heading to Belleplain for bicycling may want to ride through the main day use area and campgrounds. These areas have flat, paved roads, light traffic and allow children to ride safely. Most of the forests marked trails allow bicycles, but the nature trail around Lake Nummy is for hiking only. Another option for bicyclists is Belleplains East Creek Trail, which is slightly more than seven miles long and offers a nice ride through the forest. There are no lighted trails in Belleplain State Forest. OCEAN COUNTY The unlit, dawn-to-dusk Barnegat Branch Trail starts at Burr Street in Barnegat Township and ends on Hickory Lane in Berkeley Township, which 9.5 miles. The unlit, dawn-to-dusk Wells Mills County Park trail starts at the Wells Mills Lake County Park Nature Center, 905 Wells Mills Road, Waretown, and end at the Wells Mills Lake Bridge, which is 1.3 miles. 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. TOKYO, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Facility offers testing for IT and audio/video, Measurement Device, and Medical products CSA Group, a global provider of testing and certification services and a leading standards development organization, today announced it opened a new laboratory in Tokyo, offering testing and certification services including expanded services for medical devices and a new ingress protection testing laboratory. The new laboratory in Tokyo specializes in testing and certification for information technology equipment and audio/video equipment, Measurement Device, and Medical products and offers schematic evaluations and on-site testing services. "Information technology and new medical equipment are rapidly expanding fields," said Takaki Egawa, Tokyo Operations Manager, CSA Group. "Almost everything we use today has some form of interconnectivity. CSA Group is dedicated to expanding our services in growing markets and encouraging new and innovative solutions for these products and services we use every day. Japan is a leader in innovative technologies, and we will work with our clients here to help promote their innovative products today and into the future." The Tokyo lab is able to evaluate and test products to applicable standards for North America, Europe and other international markets. The facility is IT/AV under 60065, 60950 and new 62368 standard as well as measurement device standard under 61010 and Medical 60601 is the most metropolitan safety testing and certification laboratory in Tokyo. Local technical experts also offer services for Appliances, IT/AV, Industrial and Medical fields. In addition to the above services, the Tokyo laboratory will be expanding in the future to offer testing and certification for industrial products. With the addition of this new facility, CSA Group now has laboratories and offices in strategic locations throughout Asia, including China, Taiwan, South Korea and Singapore. About CSA Group CSA Group is an independent, membership association dedicated to safety, social good and sustainability. Its knowledge and expertise encompass standards development; training and advisory solutions; global testing and certification services across key business areas including hazardous location and industrial, transportation, plumbing and construction, medical, safety and technology, appliances and gas, alternative energy, lighting and sustainability; as well as consumer product evaluation services. The CSA certification mark appears on billions of products worldwide. For more information about CSA Group visit http://www.csagroup.org. CSA Group Contact: Makoto Sasaki, CSA Group Japan Ltd., +81-3-6865-8040, csajapaninfo@csagroup.org; Media Contact: Chie Hayakawa, Hill+Knowlton Strategies, +81-3-6859-6114, chie.hayakawa@hkstrategies.com; CSA Group Media Contact: Allison Hawkins, CSA Group, +1-416-747-2615, allison.hawkins@csagroup.org SOURCE CSA Group Management Corporation LAUSANNE, Switzerland, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Debiopharm International SA (Debiopharm), a Swiss-based company, part of Debiopharm Group, today announces that non-clinical data on the clinical-stage investigational compound Debio 1347/CH5183284 (FGFR 1,2,3 inhibitor) will be presented at the 2016 Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) taking place in New Orleans, by Debiopharm and Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Debio 1347/CH5183284 is currently being evaluated in Europe and USA, in a first-in-man phase I trial in patients with advanced solid tumors displaying FGFR 1, 2, or 3 genetic alterations. Debiopharm is investigating patient selection criteria with the aim of enabling personalized treatments with Debio 1347/CH5183284 associated with a companion diagnostic. 'We are very pleased to present this latest set of scientific data relating to our FGFR inhibitor, which further reinforces Debiopharm's commitment to the advancement of personalized therapies which have the potential to improve and extend the lives of individuals living with cancer,' said Dr Nigel McCracken, Vice President, Translational Medicine, Debiopharm International SA. AACR 2016 Abstract Title Date AND Time Ndegree(s) FGFR selective inhibitor Debio 1347 induces tumor regression in FGFR2-altered gastric cancer PDX Wed, April 20 Presented by Debiopharm International SA 7:30 - 11:00 4784 ERK signal suppression and sensitivity to CH5183284/Debio 1347, a selective FGFR inhibitor Presented by Chugai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Kamakura Tue, April 19 Japan 8:00 - 12:00 3028 About Debiopharm International SA Debiopharm Group is a Swiss-based global biopharmaceutical group of four companies active in drug development, GMP manufacturing of proprietary drugs, diagnostics and investment management. Debiopharm International SA is focused on the development of prescription drugs that target unmet medical needs. The company in-licenses and develops promising drug candidates. The products are commercialized by pharmaceutical out-licensing partners to give access to the largest number of patients worldwide. For more information, please visit http://www.debiopharm.com We are on Twitter. Follow us @DebiopharmNews at http://twitter.com/DebiopharmNews Debiopharm International SA Contact Christelle Tur Communication Coordinator christelle.tur@debiopharm.com Tel: +41(0)21-321-01-11 Additional Media Contacts In London Maitland Chiara Valsangiacomo cvalsangiacomo@maitland.co.uk Tel: +44(0)20-7379-5151 Russo Partners, LLC Lena Evans Assistant Vice President lena.evans@russopartnersllc.com Tel: +1-212-845-4262 SOURCE Debiopharm Group LONDON, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Company: B.S.D CROWN LTD., incorporated and registered in the State of Israel with registered number 52-004292-0 (the "Company") Notice by: Rotenstreich Gitzelter Trust Company Ltd. ("Rotenstreich Gitzelter ") It is announced that the Extraordinary General Meeting of the Company, which was scheduled to be held on Monday, April 18, 2016 at 2pm (London time) at the Hilton London Tower Bridge, 5 More London Place, Tooley Street, London SE1 2BY, United Kingdom, is hereby cancelled. The cancellation of the Extraordinary General Meeting is required due to a postponement of the hearing of the motion filed on February 28, 2016 by Rotenstreich Gitzelter, together with Mr Naftali Shani, with the District Court in Tel-Aviv, Israel, requesting the Court to find and declare that the extraordinary general meeting of BGI Investments (1961) Ltd., held on February 17, 2016 was duly convened and that the resolutions approved at said meeting were duly accepted. BGI Investments (1961) Ltd. holds 25,515,677 ordinary shares of the Company. On April 14, 2016 the Court ordered a postponement of the hearing, to be held on May 5, 2016. Therefore, NOTICE is hereby given hereby given that AN EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING of the Company (the "EGM") will be held on Monday, May 9, 2016 at 2pm (London time) at the Hilton London Tower Bridge, 5 More London Place, Tooley Street, London SE1 2BY, United Kingdom. The EGM is called by invitation of Rotenstreich Gitzelter, a Company shareholder, holding 10,278,451 ordinary shares of the Company (representing approximately 9.34 per cent. of the Company's issued and outstanding share capital and voting rights), whose request to convene an extraordinary general meeting of the Company's shareholders, in accordance with clause 63(b) and 63(c) of the Israeli Companies Law, 5759-1999 (the "Israeli Companies Law") and the Company's articles of association, was served on 3 February 2016 to the board of directors of the Company (the "Board") and refused. Following said refusal, Rotenstreich Gitzelter is entitled to call an extraordinary general meeting in accordance with clause 64 of the Israeli Companies Law. The EGM will convene for the purpose of considering and voting upon the following proposed resolutions: 1. the election of the following persons to serve the office as directors of the board of directors of the Company commencing on the date of approval by shareholders at the EGM and until the conclusion of the next annual general meeting: a)Mr. Naftali Shani; b)Adv. Arnon Gicelter; c)Mr. Yonatan Malca; and d)Mr. David Blass. 2. the election of Ms. Ruth Breger to serve the office as a statutory independent director in accordance with the Israeli Companies Law for an initial fixed term of three years commencing on the date of approval by shareholders at the EGM. 3. the removal from office of all the existing directors (other than the statutory independent director), namely: a)Mr Gregory Gurtovoi; b)Mr Oleksander Avdyeyev; c)Mr Israel Jossef Schneorson; d)Mr Yosef Schvinger; and e)Mr Chanoch Winderboim. EGM documents Copies of the notice, as well as the proposed directors' respective declarations, are available at the offices of Rotenstreich Gitzelter Trust Company Ltd. during regular business hours via email to: office@rglaw.co.il or upon advanced notice at 25 Ibn Gvirol Street, Tel-Aviv, Israel, Tel: +972-3-5258090 Fax: +972-3-5258080. Remuneration and Indemnification Pursuant to the Israeli Companies Law, the remuneration of directors is subject to the approval by the Company's remuneration committee followed by the approval of the board of directors of the Company. Subject to the required approvals by law, directors shall also be entitled to indemnification and Directors and Officers insurance policy covering actions and omissions. Record Date The record date for shareholders and depository interest holders to be entitled to vote is set on April 18, 2016. Quorum Two or more shareholders, present in person or by proxy and holding shares conferring in the aggregate at least 25% of the outstanding voting power of the Company, shall constitute a legal quorum at the EGM. No business shall be transacted at the EGM unless a legal quorum is present, and no resolution may be passed unless a legal quorum is present at the time such resolution is voted upon. If within half an hour from the time scheduled for the EGM a legal quorum is not present, the meeting shall be adjourned to May 16, 2016 at the same time and place (the "Adjourned Meeting"). If within half an hour from the time scheduled for the Adjourned Meeting a legal quorum is not present, then any two shareholders entitled to vote, present in person or by proxy, shall constitute a legal quorum for such adjourned meeting and shall be entitled to resolve any matters on the agenda of the meeting. Contact: Rotenstreich Gitzelter Trust Company Ltd. 25 Ibn Gvirol Street, Tel-Aviv, Israel Tel: +972-3-5258090 Fax: +972-3-5258080 Email: office@rglaw.co.il SOURCE Rotenstreich Gitzelter Trust Company Ltd. According to SinoInteractive's research, there has been significant improvement even in the area of stitching which is indirectly contributing to rising share in the world's cloth Industry. Top e-commerce platforms like "Sammy dress" (Sammydress.com) have started competing with local players. While Sammydress and other Chinese companies have received mixed reviews, Chinese companies have shown consistent improvement in the area of customer satisfaction. Most of them are aware that business is like a warzone where the competitors try their best to beat their competitors by all means including reports of several companies allegedly creating fake customer reviews/products/social media communities. SinoInteractive's research shows that there has been great improvement in quality based on recent surveys on Chinese Made apparels. The "Chinese Made" strategy is to deliver affordable goods to people in both developed countries and underdeveloped countries, resulting in China becoming a major contributor for global growth. In 2015, there was a 23% rise in Russian orders from the Chinese e-commerce industry compared to 2014. From November 11-26, 2015, there were nearly 10 million purchases made in Chinese e-commerce portals by Russians. In order to overcome the supply chain hurdles, Chinese and Russians came forward and established multinational logistics at Khabarovsk to increase the speed of the delivery packages. In the apparel category, one of the preferred shopping sites by Russians is Globalegrow. The company aims to deliver fashion in lower cost so that it's affordable for everyone. Sammydress receives orders globally, mainly from the United States, Russia, Canada and UK. In order to boost their customer service, they have recruited twenty Russian employees in 2016 catering the demand of business and customers round the clock. In the United States, "Sammy dress" and "Sammydress" are googled approximately 70,000 times a month indicating the presence of Chinese e-commerce there. Analysts believe that the price factor contributes to the brand's penetration in the global markets. SOURCE SinoInteractive SCHIPHOL, The Netherlands, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today's Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of Teleplan International N.V., being held in Schiphol, appointed Dolph Westerbos as new member of the Supervisory Board for a term of four years. After the meeting, Teleplan's Supervisory Board elected Mr. Westerbos as its new Chairman. Dolph Westerbos (52) holds Dutch and US citizenship and is currently the CEO of New York based Westcon Group, a global value-add technology distributor providing category-leading solutions in Enterprise Security, Communication, Network Infrastructure, Data Center and Cloud. Previously, Mr. Westerbos held various senior management roles within Brambles, Dell and ModusLink and brings more than 10 years' experience in the after-market supply chain industry. Nikolai Pronk, Partner Gilde Buy Out Partners: "We would like to thank our former Chairman Adrian Schmassmann for his valuable contribution and business insight for more than 12 years and respect his decision to resign. We are thrilled to have Dolph coming on board as the new Chairman. His international business track record and technology supply-chain industry expertise will be a great addition to the Supervisory Board in supporting Teleplan's further growth plans." "I have partnered as a customer with Teleplan over the years, and clearly see the benefits Teleplan provides to its OEMs and other partners. The market has opportunities for further growth, and I look forward to working with Teleplan to capture that value", says Dolph Westerbos, CEO of Westcon Group. Teleplan's Supervisory Board now consists of the following five members: Dolph Westerbos (Chairman), Guy Demuynck, Boudewijn Molenaar, Nikolai Pronk and Rob Westerhof. Teleplan International N.V. is an industry leader in lifecycle care for after-market service, operating in the areas of Computers, Communications and Consumer Electronics. Focussing on Customer Care, Managed Logistics, Parts Management, Screening & Testing, Repair/Refurbish and Resell/Recycle, Teleplan have over 30 years of proven performance providing value propositions throughout the supply chain from the point of purchase to the end of life. Teleplan innovate to consistently keep up with the advances in interactive connectivity and communication and our Telemade approach tailors to each individual customer's needs. Headquartered in Amsterdam/Schiphol, the Netherlands, Teleplan's service centres have a global reach of over 95 countries and employ over 5000 people. For further information please visit: http://www.teleplan.com . SOURCE Teleplan Add another milestone to the Jeep brand's storied history: the 2016 Cherokee Trailhawk is the first gasoline-powered, American-made, American-brand passenger vehicle to qualify for Japan's Eco-Car tax incentive. When equipped with the 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6, the Cherokee Trailhawk also the most capable SUV in its class meets the fuel-efficiency and emissions-level requirements tied to the 58,000 consumer tax break. "At Jeep, we don't sacrifice operating efficiency for capability," says Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand and Global Lead Executive for International Operations FCA. "This achievement vindicates our efforts to deliver products that resonate in a highly complex industry climate." The Pentastar-powered Cherokee Trailhawk achieves a 10.3-km/L fuel-efficiency rating in Japan. The vehicle also earns a 4-Star emissions rating, which is the other requirement to qualify for Japan's Eco-Car tax incentive. The 3.2-liter Pentastar in the Cherokee Trailhawk boasts two mini-oxidation, three-way catalytic converters and four heated oxygen sensors to help reduce emissions. The 3.2-liter Pentastar shares design features with the 3.6-liter Pentastar, named three times to the prestigious list of Ward's 10 Best Engines. The smaller-displacement V-6, which is rated at 200kW (272 hp) and generates 315 Nm (239 lb.-ft.) of torque, also benefits from Engine Stop-Start (ESS) technology. A standard feature on the 3.2-liter Pentastar, ESS increases fuel economy by shutting the engine off whenever the vehicle comes to a complete stop. Meanwhile, the vehicle's radio, gauges, heating/air-conditioning system and other equipment, remain operational. The engine restarts automatically when the driver her/his foot from the vehicle's brake pedal. Further boosting the Cherokee Trailhawk's efficiency are its segment-exclusive TorqueFlite nine-speed automatic transmission and its industry-first driveline system that automatically and seamlessly matches performance settings with driving conditions. With its wide ratio spread, the TorqueFlite gearbox is designed to ensure the Pentastar V-6 operates at optimal levels at all times. Four overdrive ratios benefit highway driving while also reducing overall noise, vibration and harshness. The Cherokee Trailhawk's 4x4 system, dubbed Jeep Active Drive Lock, features a power transfer unit (PTU) and rear-drive module (RDM) that automatically engage and then disengage, depending on driving conditions. This dramatically reduces spin losses and saves fuel. The combined attributes of the 3.2-liter Pentastar, TorqueFlite transmission and Jeep Active Drive Lock 4x4 system not only deliver efficiency, they make the Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk the most capable SUV in its class. Its two-speed PTU produces a 47.8:1 crawl ratio. The ruggedly stylish SUV arrives at Japan dealerships in May. The Jeep Cherokee was also listed among the 10 best cars in the 2014-2015 Japan Car of the Year of Award the first American vehicle to be so honored. The Jeep brand marks its 75th anniversary this year. The entire Jeep Cherokee lineup is produced at the Toledo Assembly Complex in Toledo, OH. About Jeep Brand Built on 75 years of legendary heritage, Jeep is the authentic SUV with class-leading capability, craftsmanship and versatility for people who seek extraordinary journeys. The Jeep brand delivers an open invitation to live life to the fullest by offering a full line of vehicles that continue to provide owners with a sense of security to handle any journey with confidence. The Jeep vehicle lineup consists of the Cherokee, Compass, Grand Cherokee, Patriot, Renegade, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited. To meet consumer demand around the world, all Jeep models sold outside North America are available in both left and right-hand drive configurations and with gasoline and diesel powertrain options. Follow Jeep and FCA US news and video on: FCA Content On Demand (COD): www.fcacod.com Company blog: http://blog.fcanorthamerica.com Company website: www.fcanorthamerica.com Media website: http://media.fcanorthamerica.com FCA360: www.fca360.com Jeep brand: www.jeep.com Jeep blog: blog.jeep.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeep or www.facebook.com/ChryslerGroup Flickr: www.flickr.com/jeepexperience or www.flickr.com/chryslergroup Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/jeep or www.pinterest.com/FCAcorporate Instagram: www.instagram.com/jeepofficial or www.instagram.com/FiatChrysler_NA Streetfire: www.streetfire.net/uploaded/chryslervideo.htm Twitter: www.twitter.com/jeep or www.twitter.com/FiatChrysler_NA YouTube: www.youtube.com/thejeepchannel or www.youtube.com/pentastarvideo Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160413/355151 SOURCE FCA US LLC Related Links http://www.fcanorthamerica.com Ms. Clancy joined the Country Curtains Board of Directors, Finance Committee and Compensation Committee in 2015 after a distinguished leadership career in the retail sector. Ms. Clancy most recently served as CEO of Joyce Leslie, Inc., she is also Founder and CEO of MCC Retail Consultants, LLC, which launched in 2014. From 2011 to 2013, she served as CEO and President at Ashley Stewart, Inc. and from 2007 to 2011, Ms. Clancy was President at AJ Wright, a division of The TJX Companies, Inc. Ms. Clancy was a Senior Operations Consultant at Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. Her extensive experience in retail also includes tenure at Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. where she held positions as Vice President and Divisional Merchandise Manager for womenswear; Senior Vice President and General Merchandise Manager and Vice President Brand Strategy. Ms. Clancy was with Bradlees, Inc. for 15 years where she held positions in fashion merchandising and was named Senior Vice President and General Merchandise Manager. Ms. Clancy attended Boston College Carroll School of Management and earned her B.A. from Wellesley College. "I am excited for the opportunity to lead this beloved family and employee-owned brand, rich in American heritage, quality craftsmanship and family values. I look forward to sharing my expertise and experience as we refresh and reintroduce this great brand to a whole new generation of customers, providing the superior customer service and quality that our customers have grown accustomed to," said Ms. Clancy. About Country Curtains Founded in 1956, Country Curtains is the first mail order curtain company in the U.S. The company has been headquartered in Stockbridge, MA since 1958. 2016 marks Country Curtain's 60-year anniversary. Started by the late Senator John "Jack" H. Fitzpatrick and his wife, Jane (Pratt) Fitzpatrick at their dining table in Whitman, MA, Country Curtains found commercial success offering their signature curtains, including the original ruffle and ball fringe styles which remain bestsellers for the company today. Country Curtains places emphasis on fabrics sourced from around the world and locally handmade window treatments. Today, Country Curtains offers an extensive catalog nationwide, as well as a robust e-commerce site and 22 retail locations. In 2015, Country Curtains introduced Prospect + Vine, an e-commerce destination for designer inspired home interiors and furnishings. For more information visit www.countrycurtains.com. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160413/355489 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160413/355490LOGO SOURCE Country Curtains Related Links http://www.countrycurtains.com ATLANTA, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- On the fourth Thursday of April this year, nearly 37 million school-aged children and 3.5 million different workplaces across the country will participate in Take Your Child to Work Day, which was started as a way to introduce girls and boys to the career world through real-life hands-on experience. Krystal restaurants will also be celebrating Take Your Child to Work Day with a unique twist on the Business Lunch 50-cent Pups, the brand's signature mini-hot dogs. "Getting kids actively involved in their futures is an effort we're proud to support," said Alice Crowder, Vice President of Marketing for The Krystal Company. "Our delicious Pups provide a way for children and parents to reflect on the day together over a fun, tasty, simple lunchtime or after-work meal." Krystal Pups will be available for just $0.50 each all day on Thursday, April 24th at participating locations, while supplies last. There is no limit to the number of Pups guests may purchase. Combo deals, sides, desserts, and beverages will be available at regular pricing. "Krystal has always strived to be a place where people and families come together. Take Your Child to Work Day is an excellent opportunity to support our communities and our children with a great meal and a strong value," Crowder added. About The Krystal Company Founded in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1932, The Krystal Company is the oldest quick service restaurant chain in the South. Its hamburgers are still served fresh and hot off the grill on the iconic square bun at more than 350 restaurants in 11 states. Krystal's Atlanta-based Restaurant Support Center serves a team of 6,000 employees. For more information, visit http://www.Krystal.com or http://www.facebook.com/Krystal or follow the brand on Twitter and Instagram @Krystal. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160414/355716LOGO SOURCE The Krystal Company Related Links http://www.krystal.com LEMONT, Ill., April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- CITGO Petroleum Corporation employees from the Lemont Refinery served as mentors teaching interactive workshops on diverse energy sources and sustainability to local middle and high school students as part of Project Infinite Green. This innovative, locally based afterschool program offered middle- and high-school students the opportunity to learn about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) from industry experts both inside and out of the classroom. Founded in 2011, Project Infinite Green engages students from sixth to twelfth grade in twice-weekly classes and fieldwork studies focused on the energy industry. Throughout the fall semester, five CITGO Lemont Refinery employees prepared and presented lessons at Lemont High School, Old Quarry Middle School and St. Cyrils Middle School on geology, molecular structure, the refining process and environmental stewardship that emphasized the science and business of sustainability "We want to spark our children's interest in STEM-related subjects and encourage academic exploration on a local level," said Catherine Greenspon, co-founder of Project Infinite Green. "One thing that makes this program so special is the community involvement. The real-world experience that CITGO mentors have brought to the students involved in Project Infinite Green is priceless." CITGO is both an active participant and founding partner of Project Infinite Green, providing input in the sections related to the refining industry as an important part of the energy mix and the measures it takes to protect the environment. Since the program's creation five years ago, CITGO employees have dedicated their time to teaching at Lemont-area schools. The company donates annually to Project Infinite Green and this year's support from CITGO went toward the cost of the curriculum, supplies and other program expenses for the academic year. This partnership reflects a broader initiative by CITGO to provide students with opportunities in STEM education, specifically in the communities in which the company operates. "Programs such as Project Infinite Green are a vital part of building enthusiasm for STEM-related fields among our students," said Jim Cristman, vice president of the CITGO Lemont Refinery. "The refining industry provides great career opportunities for our future leaders. However, fewer students plan to pursue college or graduate degrees in this field. CITGO strives to empower tomorrow's workforce through our partnership with Project Infinite Green because it equips participants with the tools they need to be successful in a career in energy." Project Infinite Green introduces students to scientific research and environmental solutions that challenge them to think analytically and work collaboratively. For their capstone project, student teams develop practical business plans that incorporate diverse and sustainable energy sources, based on their coursework throughout the academic year. The program's curriculum complements what the students are learning in school and meets Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) goals. The CITGO Lemont Refinery, which has been in operations for more than 90 years, supports various programs that encourage STEM education. Earlier this year, employees volunteered at Old Quarry Middle School in Lemont to present information on the refining process, environmental stewardship and career opportunities within the petroleum refining industry to approximately 300 eighth grade students. Employees also serve as judges for science fairs and participate in LEGO Robotics programs. Ongoing support from CITGO for educational initiatives inspires students to challenge themselves academically and explore career possibilities they may have otherwise not considered. About Project Infinite Green Project Infinite Green is an after-school program that encourages STEM exploration by taking students on a journey of U.S. energy sources. Both traditional and renewable energy are covered as well as environmental stewardship, climate change, public policy and business plan formation. As a cumulative project, 6-12th grade students are challenged to create a green business plan that is feasible, reasonable and sustainable. About the CITGO Lemont Refinery For over 90 years, CITGO Lemont Refinery has employed more than 750 Chicago area residents on a full-time and contract basis in support of the local economy. In addition to producing high quality fuels for a large portion of the network of nearly 5,500 locally owned CITGO stations across the country, Lemont Refinery employees also make a major positive impact on the community. Each year, more than 2,500 volunteer hours and thousands of dollars are given in support of community programs such as Muscular Dystrophy Association, United Way and a variety of environmental and preservation programs. Operations at the Lemont Refinery began in 1925 with a major expansion, doubling the facility, in 1933. Over the years, new units were added to meet the demand for a better quality of gas for automobiles, aviation fuel for WWII, and the production of asphalt. Petroleos de Venezuela, PDVSA, acquired 100% ownership of the refinery in 1997 and began operations as CITGO Lemont Refinery. For more information, visit www.citgorefining.com/Lemont. About CITGO CITGO, based in Houston, is a refiner, transporter and marketer of transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products. The company is owned by CITGO Holding, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A., the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. For more information, visit www.CITGO.com. SOURCE CITGO Petroleum Corporation Related Links http://www.CITGO.com PHILADELPHIA, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Colonial Penn Life Insurance Company today presented a check for $300,000 to Children's Scholarship Fund Philadelphia (CSFP) at one of its 160 partner schools to support scholarships for low-income K-8th grade students in Philadelphia. The donation is part of a larger partnership in which Colonial Penn has committed to scaling educational opportunities and supporting low-income children and their families throughout Philadelphia. Colonial Penn's donation launches a multi-year partnership with CSFP that will allow CSFP to award over 300 new K-8th grade scholarships over the next two years for low-income children to attend the tuition-based school of their family's choice. These scholarships offer hope, opportunity and success to Philadelphia students by providing financial access to over 160 diverse, private and parochial schools in the Greater Philadelphia area. Each year, CSFP receives an overwhelming number of applications for its scholarship award lottery. This year alone, CSFP received 10,000 applications for 2,000 awards that will be distributed in June. Because of this demand and the availability of seats in local quality private schools, CSFP launched its Campaign for 10,000 Children to provide even more children with financial access to a quality early education. Colonial Penn's partnership allows CSFP to reach its goal of awarding 10,000 scholarships by this year and sustain its efforts in the years forward. "CSFP is grateful for partners like Colonial Penn who strive to live their core values of integrity and community-focus, and whose dedication to our city's children and families will improve our community and educate our future workforce," said CSFP Executive Director, Ina B. Lipman. "We are proud to support CSFP and look forward to providing children with a quality education," said Gerardo Monroy, president of Colonial Penn. "As a company headquartered for nearly 60 years in Philadelphia, we are committed to supporting causes that drive positive change and contribute to the well-being of our community." Colonial Penn's investment will yield compelling results: Over 96% of CSFP alumni graduate high school on time and on grade level. Colonial Penn made its donation through the PA Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit Program that provides scholarships to low-income students living in the catchment zones of the lowest-achieving PA public schools to attend a higher quality school. Because nearly half of the Commonwealth's low-achieving schools are in Philadelphia, Colonial Penn's donation provides crucial assistance for the success of the next generation of Philadelphia leaders, like those students attending St. Francis de Sales School where the partnership was announced and where CSFP provides financial assistance to over 150 Philadelphia children annually. About Children's Scholarship Fund Philadelphia Children's Scholarship Fund Philadelphia (CSFP) is a privately funded program, established in 1998, whose mission is to provide financial access for students from low-income Philadelphia families to safe, high-quality, tuition-based schools. It is the largest provider of scholarship support for grades K-8 in Pennsylvania. CSFP currently serves about 5,400 children in grades K-8 in more than 165 area private schools, who are receiving an average of $1,950 per child, per year. The average tuition for these schools is about $4,200 per year. The scholarships are all need-based and awarded by lottery. https://twitter.com/CSFPhiladelphia https://www.facebook.com/csfphiladelphia www.csfphiladelphia.org About Colonial Penn Colonial Penn Life Insurance Company specializes in offering insurance directly to consumers at affordable prices. The nationwide company, a subsidiary of CNO Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: CNO), was a pioneer in designing insurance products to meet the needs of the mature market. With nearly 775,000 life insurance policies and $3.5 billion of life insurance inforce, we're proud to be serving insurance needs all across America. To learn more, visit Colonial Penn online at www.ColonialPenn.com. SOURCE Children's Scholarship Fund Philadelphia Related Links http://www.csfphiladelphia.org WASHINGTON, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Digital Citizens Alliance Executive Director Tom Galvin made the following statement after President Obama announced his support for the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) controversial set-top box proposal: "It is simply bewildering that President Obama would come out in support of the FCC's controversial proposal to change the way we watch television at home. The FCC's set-top box proposal raises serious issues about privacy and data collection of children's viewing habits. These are issues the White House has expressed concern about in the past, but seems to ignore now. "Americans, however, remain concerned. The majority of Americans in a recent poll said the FCC's set-top box proposal was a bad idea and over 60 percent are concerned about companies such as Google collecting information about their children's viewing habits and interests. "So President Obama has to decide which side he's on the privacy interests of consumers or enabling a tech giant such as Google to get a little richer." Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140218/DC67126LOGO SOURCE Digital Citizens Alliance LOS ANGELES, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Blue Shield of California and Anthem Blue Cross of California have designated Good Samaritan Hospital as a Blue Distinction Center in the Blue Distinction Centers for Cardiac Care program, part of the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. Blue Distinction Centers are nationally designated health care facilities shown to deliver improved patient safety and better health outcomes, based on objective measures that were developed with input from the medical community. To receive a Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care designation, a hospital must demonstrate its expertise in delivering safe and effective cardiac care, focusing on cardiac valve surgery, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) episodes of care. A hospital must also have earned national accreditation at the facility level. Good Samaritan Hospital offers comprehensive cardiac care services, including inpatient cardiac care, cardiac rehabilitation, cardiac catheterization and cardiac surgery (including coronary artery bypass graft surgery). To be designated as a Blue Distinction Center for Cardiac Care, Good Samaritan Hospital met the selection criteria which include: an established cardiac care program, performing required annual volumes for certain procedures (e.g. a minimum of 125 cardiac surgical procedures annually, including both CABG and/or valve surgery) appropriate experience of its cardiac team, including sub-specialty board certification for interventional cardiologists and cardiac surgeons an established acute care inpatient facility, including intensive care, emergency and a full range of cardiac services full accreditation by The Joint Commission, Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program (HFAP) or national equivalent low overall complication and mortality rates a comprehensive quality management program Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., claiming more than 610,000 lives1 in 4each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control.1 By 2030, 40.5 percent of the U.S. population is projected to have some form of cardiovascular disease, and the cost of cardiac care is expected to reach $818 billionan increase of almost 300 percent from 2010, according to the American Heart Association. The Blue Distinction Specialty Care program seeks to reduce this burden by empowering patients with the knowledge and tools to find quality cardiac care. Since 2006, the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has helped patients find quality providers for their specialty care needs in the areas of bariatric surgery, cardiac care, complex and rare cancers, knee and hip replacements, maternity care, spine surgery and transplants, while encouraging healthcare professionals to improve the care they deliver. Research shows that facilities designated as Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate better quality and improved outcomes for patients compared with their peers. For more information about the program and for a complete listing of the designated facilities, please visit www.bcbs.com/bluedistinction. 1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics. Underlying Cause of Death 1999-2013 on CDC WONDER Online Database, released 2015. Data are from the Multiple Cause of Death Files, 1999-2013, as compiled from data provided by the 57 vital statistics jurisdictions through the Vital Statistics Cooperative Program: http://wonder.cdc.gov/ucd-icd10.html. Accessed on Feb 3, 2015. About Good Samaritan Hospital First opened in 1885, Good Samaritan Hospital is a 408-bed tertiary care facility offering some of the most comprehensive care in Los Angeles. Specializing in cardiac, orthopaedic, oncologic, ophthalmologic, and women's services, Good Samaritan Hospital offers various medical and surgical programs in its six centers of excellence: Heart & Vascular Center, Comprehensive Orthopaedic Center, Davajan-Cabal Center for Perinatal Medicine, Pancreatico-Biliary, Tertiary Retinal Surgery, and Transfusion-Free Medicine & Surgery Center. For more information visit www.goodsam.org. About Blue Shield of California Blue Shield of California, an independent member of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is a nonprofit health plan with 4 million members, 6,800 employees and more than $13 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 and headquartered in San Francisco, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare health care service plans in California. The company's mission is to ensure all Californians have access to high-quality care at an affordable price. Blue Shield has contributed more than $325 million over the past ten years to the Blue Shield of California Foundation. Contact your local agent or broker about Blue Shield of California products and services, or visit www.blueshieldca.com. About Anthem Blue Cross Anthem Blue Cross is the trade name of Blue Cross of California. Anthem Blue Cross and Anthem Blue Cross Life and Health Insurance Company are independent licensees of the Blue Cross Association. ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross Association. Also follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/AskAnthem or www.twitter.com/AnthemPR_CA, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AskAnthem. About Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Blue Cross Blue Shield Association is a national federation of 36 independent, community-based and locally operated Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies that collectively provide healthcare coverage for nearly 105 million members one in three Americans. For more information on the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association and its member companies, please visit www.BCBS.com. We encourage you to connect with us on Facebook, check out our videos on YouTube, follow us on Twitter and check out The BCBS Blog for up-to-date information about BCBSA. About Blue Distinction Centers Blue Distinction Centers (BDC) met overall quality measures for patient safety and outcomes, developed with input from the medical community. A Local Blue Plan may require additional criteria for facilities located in its own service area; for details, contact your Local Blue Plan. Blue Distinction Centers+ (BDC+) also met cost measures that address consumers' need for affordable healthcare. Each facility's cost of care is evaluated using data from its Local Blue Plan. Facilities in CA, ID, NY, PA, and WA may lie in two Local Blue Plans' areas, resulting in two evaluations for cost of care; and their own Local Blue Plans decide whether one or both cost of care evaluation(s) must meet BDC+ national criteria. National criteria for BDC and BDC+ are displayed on www.bcbs.com. Individual outcomes may vary. For details on a provider's in-network status or your own policy's coverage, contact your Local Blue Plan and ask your provider before making an appointment. Neither Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association nor any Blue Plans are responsible for non-covered charges or other losses or damages resulting from Blue Distinction or other provider finder information or care received from Blue Distinction or other providers. SOURCE Good Samaritan Hospital Related Links http://www.goodsam.org DENVER, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- High Supply, the innovative packaging company that introduced cost effective branding to the cannabis industry, confirmed that it was recently ripped off by some of its former employees in a corporate espionage scheme that assisted California based Collective Supply in entering the Colorado market. As first reported in a lengthy story this week by MJbrander.com, the company moved swiftly to protect its proprietary information and filed a civil lawsuit in Denver District Court. Testimony in a hearing in early March revealed that one of High Supply's investors met with David Weidenbach, owner of Collective Supply, shortly after the corporate espionage scheme was uncovered and questioned what Collective was trying to do, especially since Justin Walker (High Supply's former owner) had a Non Compete Agreement. Weidenbach boasted that he didn't care about Walker's Non Compete Agreement and they had a big law firm behind them and "can drag this out for two to three years and within six monthsput us out ofbusiness." On the witness stand, Walker admitted "with regret" that he had transmitted the confidential data to Collective. In its first ruling, the Court issued an injunction against Walker for violating his non compete agreement and banned him from various activities in the cannabis industry over the next two years, through February 2018. After Court testimony and an ongoing investigation, assisted by private investigation firm Rick Johnson & Associates, revealed more culprits in the corporate espionage scheme, the original lawsuit was amended to include David Weidenbach of Collective Supply, who was instrumental in illegally enticing High Supply employees to provide him and his team with sensitive and proprietary corporate data. Racketeering claims have also been subsequently filed under the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act against a total of 12 defendants. "I'm always amazed at what people think they can get away with," stated High Supply's President, Anthony Thompson, "and I am surprised at the ongoing snubbing of the Court, including a lack of response from three of the defendants who will now be subject to default judgments." A further hearing on additional injunctive relief is imminent, and per High Supply's filed Court pleadings, the possible seizure of Collective Supply's assets and recall of all products that they've sold to High Supply's customers as a result of using High Supply's stolen proprietary information. High Supply is also preparing their evidence to be submitted to federal authorities for a criminal investigation. Thompson added: "We are grateful that the vast majority of our customers didn't want to get caught up in an illegal espionage scheme and we keep forging ahead looking after our existing as well as adding new customers to our unique branding system." About High Supply Based in Denver, Colorado, High Supply is an innovative branding and packaging company that specializes in branded, child-resistant packaging for the cannabis industry. SOURCE High Supply THE WOODLANDS, Texas, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Huntsman Corporation (NYSE: HUN) will hold a conference call to discuss its first quarter 2016 financial results on Thursday, April 28, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. ET. First quarter 2016 results will be released to the public at approximately 6:00 a.m. ET that day via PR Newswire. Call-in numbers for the conference call: U.S. participants (888) 679 - 8035 International participants (617) 213 - 4848 Passcode 503 030 93# In order to facilitate the registration process, you may use the following link to pre-register for the conference call. Callers who pre-register will be given a unique PIN to gain immediate access to the call and bypass the live operator. You may pre-register at any time, including up to and after the call start time. To pre-register, please go to: https://www.theconferencingservice.com/prereg/key.process?key=P84M7KQQF Webcast Information The conference call will be available via webcast and can be accessed from the company's website at ir.huntsman.com. Replay Information The conference call will be available for replay beginning April 28, 2016 and ending May 5, 2016. Call-in numbers for the replay: U.S. participants (888) 286 - 8010 International participants (617) 801 - 6888 Replay code 29385180 About Huntsman: Huntsman Corporation is a publicly traded global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated chemicals with 2015 revenues of more than $10 billion. Our chemical products number in the thousands and are sold worldwide to manufacturers serving a broad and diverse range of consumer and industrial end markets. We operate more than 100 manufacturing and R&D facilities in approximately 30 countries and employ approximately 15,000 associates within our 5 distinct business divisions. For more information about Huntsman, please visit the company's website at www.huntsman.com. Social Media: Twitter: twitter.com/Huntsman_Corp Facebook: www.facebook.com/huntsmancorp LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/huntsman Forward-Looking Statements: Statements in this release that are not historical are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management's current beliefs and expectations. The forward-looking statements in this release are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances and involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the company's operations, markets, products, services, prices and other factors as discussed in the Huntsman companies' filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Significant risks and uncertainties may relate to, but are not limited to, financial, economic, competitive, environmental, political, legal, regulatory and technological factors. The company assumes no obligation to provide revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by applicable laws. SOURCE Huntsman Corporation Related Links http://www.huntsman.com NEW ORLEANS, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore General Hospital (Department of Pathology), and Clearbridge BioMedics have collaborated on a research project that examines circulating tumour cells from breast cancer patients. Preliminary data from the study revealed heterogeneity in the circulating tumour cells (CTCs) isolated from each patient's blood samples and tumour biopsy or surgical specimens. Heterogeneity refers to the diversity or the differences between different tumours, and in this case, the differences among the different circulating tumour cells at the individual cell level. These results will be presented next week at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting held in New Orleans, USA. Breast cancers with increased levels of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2[1] (HER2) protein driven by the HER2 gene tend to grow and spread more aggressively than other breast cancers. However, the availability of anti-HER2 therapies such as trastuzumab has improved treatment outcomes significantly. Patients are normally selected for anti-HER2 targeted therapy according to the tumour HER2 levels based on a protein expression test called immunohistochemistry, or on a gene test called FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridisation) that measures the number of copies of the HER2 gene. Tumours which demonstrate HER2 protein overexpression or HER2 gene amplification benefit from HER2-targeted therapies. In this study, researchers examined HER2 heterogeneity in CTCs obtained from the blood of 26 breast cancer patients. CTCs were successfully identified and recovered from blood samples of patients with both HER2-positive and HER2-negative breast cancers using the label-free ClearCell FX1 System. The CTCs from these samples were found to exhibit certain molecular characteristics, such as chromosome 17 polysomy, whereby there are increased numbers of chromosome 17 carrying HER2 and other genes. "This study demonstrated that CTCs capture the molecular heterogeneity of breast cancer at the cellular level. Some of the CTCs from patients with HER2-negative tumours were found to be HER2-positive with increased copy numbers of the HER2 gene, while some of the CTCs from patients with HER2-positive tumours did not have increased numbers of HER2 gene. The presence of HER2-positive CTCs in patients, along with tissue biopsies which are commonly used to determine if a patient is HER2-positive, can potentially help determine the appropriate treatment regime. By leveraging upon our proprietary ClearCell FX1 System, which is a label-free automated system to isolate intact and viable CTCs, Clearbridge BioMedics is happy to support such cutting edge research that aims to provide new insights leading to improved cancer management," said Mr Johnson Chen, Managing Director and Founder Clearbridge BioMedics. "Effective treatment begins with the right diagnosis. This is why we are relentless in our pursuit to provide an accurate, specific, and comprehensive diagnosis for our patients. Like Pathology, our collaboration at the CTC Centre of Research Excellence (CTC CoRE), bridges science with clinical medicine. By studying the heterogeneity of a patient's cancer cells, personalising cancer treatment can be achieved. This will enable us to explore new methods to improve patient care and outcomes," said Professor Tan Puay Hoon, Head, Department of Pathology, Senior Consultant, Singapore General Hospital. "Circulating tumour cells can be regarded as a form of liquid biopsy, which is non-invasive and potentially useful for our patients. To advance the development of this technology platform, further research on its applications and utility will be conducted before using it for routine clinical care," said Dr Yap Yoon Sim, Senior Consultant, National Cancer Centre Singapore and lead investigator in the study. For more information on the study results, refer to: Meeting: American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) 2016 Session Title: Predictive and Prognostic Biomarkers Session Category: Clinical Research Abstract number: 5008 Location: Section 27 Poster Board number: 2 About Clearbridge BioMedics Clearbridge BioMedics is a clinical stage oncology research and diagnostics company that enables real-time liquid biopsy using a label-free Circulating Tumor Cell (CTC) enrichment platform. It is a National University of Singapore (NUS) spin-off company that is committed to revolutionizing cancer diagnostics and patient care. The ClearCell FX1 System, using the CTChip, is based on novel microfluidics technology that effectively isolates intact and viable CTCs from patients' blood. The system uses inertial focusing microfluidics for label-free CTC enrichment, capturing heterogeneous and dynamic cancer cells that could be used for cancer screening, diagnosis, staging, personalized medicine and treatment monitoring. Utilizing the next generation non-invasive liquid biopsy to analyze blood samples for CTCs, the device allows for real time analysis of disease before, during, and after treatment, which has become increasingly critical in the new era of precision medicine. Headquartered in Singapore, Clearbridge BioMedics currently has customers spanning Asia, Europe and North America. The company has won numerous awards and garnered global recognition for the ClearCell FX1 System. Clearbridge BioMedics has attained ISO 13485 certification in 2011. Company website: www.clearbridgebiomedics.com. Introductory video: http://youtu.be/aRBuOxLfX3g About NCCS National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) provides a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment and patient care. We treat almost 70 per cent of the public sector oncology cases, and they are benefiting from the sub-specialisation of our clinical oncologists. NCCS is also accredited by the US-based Joint Commission International for its quality patient care and safety. To deliver among the best in cancer treatment and care, our clinicians work closely with our scientists who conduct robust cutting-edge clinical and translational research programmes which have been internationally recognised. NCCS strives to be a global leading cancer centre, and shares its expertise and knowledge by offering training to local and overseas medical professionals. www.nccs.com.sg About SGH Singapore General Hospital, a member of Singapore Health Services, is the public sector's flagship hospital. Established in 1821, SGH is Singapore's largest acute tertiary hospital with 1,700 beds and national referral centre offering a comprehensive range of 36 clinical specialties on its campus. Every year, about 1 million Singaporeans benefit from advanced medical care delivered by its 800 specialists. As an academic healthcare institution and the bedrock of medical education, SGH plays a key role in nurturing doctors, nurses and allied health professionals, and is committed to innovative translational and clinical research in her continual strive to provide the best care and outcomes to her patients. www.sgh.com.sg Media enquiries can be directed to: Clearbridge BioMedics Chan Yiu Lin (Ms) Greener Grass Communications Mobile: (+65) 9765 5897 Email: [email protected] National Cancer Centre Singapore Rachel Tan (Ms) Assistant Manager, Corporate Communications Tel: (+65) 6236 9535 Hp: (+65) 9754 0842 Email: [email protected] Singapore General Hospital Carol Ang (Ms) Assistant Manager, Communications Tel: (+65) 6321 4999 Mobile: (+65) 9845 5354 Email: [email protected] [1] A growth-promoting protein SOURCE Clearbridge BioMedics NEW YORK, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- MercaDolar, an open and free-market solution enabling the individual purchase and sale of U.S. dollars for Venezuela, is now available through a secure & modern online portal. Created by a team of young Venezuelans and Americans, the system is modeled after the current realities of the Venezuelan economy and performs the role of mediator for currency transactions. This is useful for many scenarios, including providing much-needed financial relief to loved ones in the country. MercaDolar connects Venezuelans abroad who need to send money home with others in the country in search for scarce U.S. dollars all within a secure, anonymous, and quick process. MercaDolar does not purchase or sell currency, and it does not impose any artificial exchange rate; it simply provides a market in which transactions occur within a predefined framework, thus safeguarding the best interests of both parties. To use MercaDolar, all that is needed is to submit a one-time application, described in details in https://www.mercadolar.com/requisitos. Once the documentation is reviewed and approved - usually within 24 hours access is granted to buy and sell dollars in the market, and a new world of freedom and economic opportunities become available. It is important to state that in order to use MercaDolar, a bank account in the U.S. is required. However, buyers can use any ACH-enabled virtual payment account, such as Payoneer, to receive their funds. Headquartered in New York City, MercaDolar executes all its transactions within the jurisdiction of the United States, where there are no restrictions imposed on the exchange of Bolivars. If you wish to find more information about the services offered by this initiative, you can visit their website https://www.mercadolar.com, as well as visit any of the popular social media sites, where they will gladly and promptly answer any questions. Related Links http://www.mercadolar.com SOURCE MercaDolar BLUE BELL, Pa., April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Unisys Corporation (NYSE: UIS) today announced that Brittney Burchett, a software engineer at the company's Malvern (Pa.) Technology Center, has been recognized by Philadelphia Business Journal as one of its "2016 Tech Disruptors." Burchett and fellow winners were honored at a ceremony in Philadelphia on April 14. The honor recognizes Delaware Valley technology professionals frequently unsung who are "working hard on projects that have lasting impact on the Philadelphia business community." Burchett received the honor for the positive impact she has had on Unisys' Malvern-based software engineering organization in a tenure of only four years. In that time, she has taken the lead in introducing novel and beneficially disruptive ways of working to the organization. Burchett has formed multiple teams to take new product ideas generated within Unisys Engineering and nurture them through the innovation process. In 2015, she led a five-month long initiative with West Chester, Pa. technology incubator Walnut St. Labs to develop a friendly user interface (UI) and user experience for the Unisys Stealth solution. Stealth is award-winning Unisys security software that uses identity-based micro-segmentation techniques and encryption to help organizations mitigate attacks and hacker incidents by rendering devices, data and end users undetectable on networks. The initiative featured a contemporary twist on the traditional collaborative "hackathon" software-coding project a prototyping competition that used social media to recruit and coordinate development teams. The competition was open to anyone who was interested, from 14-year-old STEM Academy students to the West Chester commissioner's office, and drew 90 participants. "I'm gratified to be recognized along with these visionary technology leaders," said Burchett. "I believe that great ideas can come from anywhere, and I'm continually energized by the opportunity to draw on communities both inside and outside Unisys to develop and deliver great software products." "Brittney richly deserves this award," said Unisys Chief Engineer Jim Thompson, also a past Philadelphia Business Journal technology honoree. "Brittney's vision, energy and creativity are major assets as we evolve the way we engineer our software products to meet our clients' continually changing requirements. She is taking the lead in creating an innovative engineering culture that enhances our organization worldwide and yields tangible benefits for the clients we serve." About Unisys Unisys is a global information technology company that works with many of the world's largest companies and government organizations to solve their most pressing IT and business challenges. Unisys specializes in providing integrated, leading-edge solutions to clients in the government, financial services and commercial markets. With more than 20,000 employees serving clients around the world, Unisys offerings include cloud and infrastructure services, application services, security solutions, and high-end server technology. For more information, visit www.unisys.com. Follow Unisys on Twitter and LinkedIn. RELEASE NO.: 0415/9413 Unisys and other Unisys products and services mentioned herein, as well as their respective logos, are trademarks or registered trademarks of Unisys Corporation. Any other brand or product referenced herein is acknowledged to be a trademark or registered trademark of its respective holder. UIS-C SOURCE Unisys Corporation Related Links http://www.unisys.com EXPERT ALERTS With the Right Treatment, PTSD Can Be Treated Successfully The Devaluation of the Doctor Menswear Formalwear Trends for Weddings in the Spring and Summer Archeological Mysteries in Najera, Spain EXPERT ROUNDUP: Pet Tips (12 experts) MEDIA JOBS Segment Producer Univision Communications (FL) News Reporter/Anchor iHeartMedia (AZ) Executive Editor Idaho Statesman (ID) OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES Expert Spotlight: Don Sullivan , "The DogFather" , "The DogFather" Giving a Good TV Interview: After the Interview Four Budget-Friendly Ways to Promote Your Book EXPERT ALERTS: With the Right Treatment, PTSD Can Be Treated Successfully Glenn Schiraldi, Ph.D., LTC (USAR, Ret.) University of Maryland School of Public Health "Life doesn't prepare us for trauma. Following exposure to traumatic events, millions of people develop PTSD, or lesser forms of this condition, with a wide range of symptoms. Unless proper treatment is found, many, perhaps most, of these people will secretly and needlessly battle distressing symptoms for life. The good news, however, is that PTSD can be treated successfully. With the right treatment, victims can begin to heal and return to the journey of joyful living." Dr. Schiraldi is a graduate of West Point, a Vietnam Vet, and served at the Pentagon developed prototype courses in Stress Management for The Department of The Army. He has also served on the stress management faculties at The Pentagon, the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, and The University of Maryland, where he received the Outstanding Teacher Award. He is author of "The Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Sourcebook: Revised and Expanded Second Edition." Book: http://www.mhprofessional.com/product.php?isbn=0071840591 Contact: Ann Pryor, [email protected] The Devaluation of the Doctor Dr. Elaina George Board-Certified Otolaryngologist "The practice of medicine has changed dramatically over the past 10 years. The joy of practicing individualized medicine with autonomy has given way to apathy, a decrease in the morale, a loss of collegiality, and a mentality of 'go along to get along' with physicians either biding their time until they can either retire or completely submitting to a system that pits the doctor against the patient, thereby making them part of a system that is designed to capture patient information, to control access and eventually to control outcome where 'value-based' medicine is determined by actuaries and government officials." Dr. George graduated from Princeton University with a degree in biology, received her master's degree in medical microbiology from Long Island University, and received her medical degree from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York. Dr. George completed her residency at Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital. She is on the advisory council of Project 21 black leadership network, an initiative of The National Center for Public Policy Research. She hosts her own radio show, "Medicine On Call," and is a keynote speaker many organizations. She is the author of "Big Medicine: The Cost of Corporate Control and How Doctors and Patients Working Together Can Rebuild a Better System." Contact: Ryan McCormick, [email protected] Menswear Formalwear Trends for Weddings in the Spring and Summer Joseph Abboud Chief Creative Director Tailored Brands Inc. "The modern man is wearing a leaner, trimmer tuxedo that fits closer to the body. It's important to have the right fit and tailoring. An ivory dinner jacket is good for the summer and gives off a casual, resort feel. Lighter colored suits are also more casual and laid back. The navy blue tuxedo is also a more formal tuxedo that's on trend. I love the beauty and elegance of a traditional black tuxedo. It looks good against the bride. You can use color in accessories to personalize your look like a silver tie or polka dot pocket square or ivory vest. The groom can set himself apart with subtle accessories like pocket squares, studs and cuff links or a vest. It doesn't have to be extremely different from his groomsmen, but it's good for him to stand out." Joseph Abboud Manufacturing Corp., located in New Bedford, Mass., is the largest tailored clothing factory in the United States. It employs 800 skilled workers and makes 1,300 suits a day. Abboud is available for interviews on a variety of menswear topics. ProfNet Profile: http://www.profnetconnect.com/josephabboud Website: http://www.tailoredbrands.com Contact: Caroline Smith, [email protected] Archeological Mysteries in Najera, Spain Scott de Brestian Co-Director, Najerilla Valley Research Project Central Michigan University From an untouched Jewish Quarter to a church built with about 100 Roman and medieval gravestones, there are many archeological mysteries in Najera, Spain. "The Jewish Quarter, located along the Najerilla River, was one of the biggest and wealthiest Jewish communities in Spain." De Brestian got his BA in archaeology from Boston University and his MA and PhD in art history and archaeology from the University of Missouri. He is co-director of the Najerilla Valley Research Project, an international multidisciplinary project that is examining changes in urbanization, rural settlement, art and architecture in the upper Ebro valley of Spain between the 1st century BCE and the 15th century CE. As part of the research project, De Brestian is deconstructing the town's history and its artifacts. His efforts will culminate in a 3-D model of the city across a 1,500-year period, similar to Google Maps, showing the terrain and cultural remains. He uses photogrammetry, drawings and historic maps, including a map from 1763 showing churches no longer in existence. Website: http://www.cmich.edu/news Contact: Rachel Esterline Perkins, [email protected] EXPERT ROUNDUP: Pet Tips (12 experts) Following are experts from the ProfNet network who are available to discuss various topics regarding pet health and pet care: Bryan Bailey Animal Behaviorist Raised in Fairbanks, Alaska, Bailey -- aka The Wolf Whisperer -- grew to appreciate the wildness of the land and its abundant wildlife. In particular, he developed a fondness for the gray wolves that roamed the vast mountain ranges and forests near his home. Under the guidance of a Special Forces Survival Instructor, he spent years studying the social interactions of wolves in their packs and discovered that, beyond obvious physical similarities, there were also behavioral similarities between the wolves and the sled dogs that were his family's pets. Bailey's unique qualifications include: nationally certified Master Trainer and Pharmacotherapy Behaviorist, decorated veteran of the U.S. Navy, working extensively as a supervisor and trainer for the U.S. Navy's dolphin and sea lion projects, honor graduate of the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy with duties including training supervisor of the Monroe County Sheriff's Department K-9 narcotics detection, and search and rescue teams, and trainer for the Indiana Department of Health and Social Services to train service dogs for children with Muscular Dystrophy. He has also studied canine problem solving and pharmacotherapy at Cornell and Tufts University, wolf behavior and social dynamics at Battleground Indiana and Ely Minnesota wolf conservatories, is a certified Veterinary Technician, and has professionally shown dogs in AKC Obedience, Conformation, Schutzhund and Ring Sport. Bailey and his wife, Kira, reside in Memphis, Tenn., with their children, dogs, and cats. Together, they own ProTrain Memphis and Taming the Wild. His second book, "The Hammer," will be available in late 2016. Website: www.TamingtheWild.com Contact: Marissa Madill, [email protected] Shawn Simons Founder and Headmistress Kitty Bungalow Charm School for Wayward Cats Prior to starting Kitty Bungalow Charm School for Wayward Cats, a groundbreaking feral cat socialization nonprofit in Los Angeles, Simons was a television writer and producer who was extremely allergic to cats. By taking the creative tools from her lifelong relationship with the arts, she created an organization that wraps its mission in accessible branding and brings a creative approach to the work catapulting the organization into the limelight allowing them to not only fulfill their promise to the feral cats of Los Angeles, but push the boundaries of progression in rescue and charity. Simons came upon the work accidentally after buying a house that came with a feral cat colony. Now having socialized and adopted out over 1,000 cats from the street, Simons is a leading expert on progressive training for cats. Her approach balances the physiological understanding of feline emotions and animal behavior. The organization is committed to solving the feline overpopulation issue by taking a proactive approach and participating in community education and Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR). She is available to discuss socialization, leash training, transitions, introducing new pets, rescue, bottle feeding, feral cats, and TNR. Website: www.kittybungalow.org Contact: Barbara Teszler, [email protected] Brian Ogle Professor Beacon College Ogle is an anthrozoology instructor with specialties in zoos, aquariums, animal shelters, human-wildlife contact and pet/animal ownership at Beacon College in Leesburg, Fla., the first college accredited to award bachelor's degrees exclusively to students with learning disabilities and ADHD. Ogle has created and will launch a new academic major in anthrozoology this fall. He has written for Humane Education Quarterly and is an executive member-at-large for the Association of Professional Humane Educators. He has been quoted this year in PetMD, PetSmart.com, SheKnows.com and PolicyGenius.com. Areas of interest: birds in a zoological setting for education programs and animal shows; visitor perceptions of aquariums and the animals displayed in aquariums. Website: www.beaconcollege.edu Contact: Darryl E. Owens, [email protected] Clive D.L. Wynne Professor of Psychology Arizona State University Wynne also teaches a free online course about Dog Behavior and Cognition. He received his B.Sc. from University College London and his Ph.D. from Edinburgh University in 1983 and 1986 respectively. Specific topics he can weigh in on include: dog olfaction (sense of smell); dog reasoning about the physical world; dog social reasoning; the difference between domestication and taming; the importance of critical periods for social imprinting; behavioral development; hunting vs. trash scavenging as the mechanism of domestication; Belyaev's foxes; how to critically assess different methods of dog training; what temperament tests are and what they are used for. Contact: Samantha Cartagena, [email protected] Dr. Carol Osborne, DVM Dr. Osborne is an author and world-renowned integrative veterinarian of twenty plus years. The first veterinarian in the U.S. to be certified as a Diplomat of the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine for humans, Dr. Osborne has applied her knowledge in the field to pioneer the exploration of new therapies for the treatment and prevention of age-related degenerative disease, as well as promotion of optimum health and performance, for pets. After graduating from the Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Osborne completed a prestigious internship at the Columbus Zoo. Shortly thereafter, she launched a very successful private practice. She offers traditional and alternative veterinary care for dogs and cats with a softer, natural touch. Her approach highlights the importance of nutrition and utilizing holistic avenues in combination with traditional treatments. Her first two books, "Naturally Healthy Cats" and "Naturally Healthy Dogs," hit the international bestseller lists. The multi-faceted Dr. Osborne is also an Emmy-nominated television journalist. She has gained national prominence through her frequent appearances on popular shows, including "Fox & Friends," "Today," Discovery's Animal Planet, and "Good Day L.A.," where she was the on-camera staff veterinarian. She has also been featured in USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Ladies' Home Journal, Woman's World, InStyle, PetMD, Dogs Naturally, SheKnows.com, and the New York Daily News. Dr. Osborne is available to discuss holistic treatments for pet ailments; pet nutrition and recipes; anti-aging in pets; avoiding holiday hazards; cold-weather woes; reducing your pet's carbon pawprint; and more. Website: http://chagrinfallspetclinic.com Contact: Steve Allen, SteveAllenMedia.com Don Sullivan Master Dog Trainer, "The DogFather" "We're witnessing a virtual aggression epidemic, with over 1,000 dog-bite victims sent to an ER each day -- and that's in the United States alone! Yet, people don't want to hear the connection between treat training and behavioral problems. Handing a dog a treat (or any piece of food from your hand) instantly says that the dog is the leader and you're the follower. You see, in the animal kingdom, the dog that gives up his food to another is the submissive one. Now, multiply this by the number of tasty morsels you 'lovingly' offer your pet day after day and you suddenly realize why your dog is challenging you in many areas of your life with him. Sure, yes, you might have an advantage over him in terms of size and weight, but take away the restraints like the leash, baby gates and shut doors, and who knows what disasters will quickly ensue?" Sullivan ("The DogFather") is on a mission to get people to ditch the dog biscuits. He wants to see dog owners adopt truly effective training techniques that can prevent aggression -- and all kinds of behavioral problems -- from ever developing. Sullivan hit the world stage in 2008 with his globally televised "Secrets to Training the Perfect Dog" system. He's renowned for achieving amazing behavioral transformations in even the most extreme "bad" dog behavior cases, with positive changes seen in just minutes. Sullivan teaches how to reward a dog's good behavior with lots of physical and verbal praise, exercise and play; and he empowers dog owners to realize that a bit of discipline is not a bad thing, it's the best thing. From Sullivan's vantage, the Nature-Based Discipline, Praise & Play Method is the key to curing an aggressive dog, and it can save countless canines from being given up on every year due to disobedient and destructive behavior. According to the Humane Society of the United States, the number of annual reported dog bites in the U.S. is a staggering 4.7 million, nearly 4 million dogs enter domestic shelters each year, and approximately 1.2 million dogs are euthanized. Sullivan is sickened by these woeful statistics. He sees there's something clearly wrong with the way the masses are heading in terms of dog ownership and training, and he wants to help people turn the tide from dog-related disasters to true master/best friend harmony. Website: www.DogFather.tv Expert Contact: [email protected] Kurt Venator, Ph.D. Veterinarian, Nestle Purina Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, New York Dr. Venator and his team of eight veterinarians at Nestle Purina speak across North America on the topics of small animal nutrition and veterinary medicine. He works closely with all U.S. veterinary schools to provide nutrition education and professional development for the veterinarians of tomorrow. His team also works actively with veterinary clinics across the country to advance the role of nutrition in clinical practice and help pets live long, healthy lives. Lastly, he directs the Purina Advisory Council, a 19-member group of world renowned veterinarians from various medical specialties who help us to advance pet nutrition, health and wellness around the globe. The inspiration for Dr. Venator's career in veterinary medicine came from his first dog, Acadia, an overly intelligent and somewhat irreverent yellow Labrador Retriever who hailed from the small town of Luling, Texas. Memories of this special dog continue to fuel Dr. Venator's lifelong passion for pets of all shapes and sizes. Dr. Venator resides in upstate New York with his wife and children and three yellow Labrador Retrievers. When not working for Purina, he enjoys spending time with his family, or fly fishing on a winding river, and he still finds time to practice medicine. He is available to discuss small animal nutrition and veterinary medicine; the human-animal bond; pets at work; and pet welfare. Contact: Erick Morelos, [email protected] Margo DeMello President, House Rabbit Society Program Director for Human-Animal Studies, Animals & Society Institute DeMello, an expert on human-animal relations, has a Ph.D. in cultural anthropology, teaches masters-level courses in anthrozoology, and co-wrote "Stories Rabbits Tell." The House Rabbit Society is a volunteer-based nonprofit organization with two primary goals: to rescue abandoned rabbits and find permanent homes for them, and to educate the public and assist humane societies. Book: www.rabbit.org/links/sections/stories-rabbits-tell.html Websites: http://margodemello.com and www.rabbit.org Contact: Anne Isenhower, [email protected] Lisa Freeman, DVM, PhD, DACVN, Clinical Nutrition Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University Dr. Freeman earned a bachelor's from Tufts University, a DVM from Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, and a PhD in nutrition from the Gerald J. and Dorothy R. Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts. She is board certified by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition. As a professor at Cummings, she teaches veterinary students, practitioners and pet owners about proper feeding for their animals, especially ones which are too sick to eat or who have chronic diseases such as heart and kidney disease or cancer. She conducts research on nutritional effects on heart disease and is director of the Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute's One Health Program and the Tufts Institute for Human-Animal Interaction. She is available to comment on general pet nutrition and special nutrition considerations for sick patients, particularly those with heart disease, as well as human-animal interaction. Contact: Taraneh Pettinato, [email protected] Deborah Linder, DVM, DACN, Clinical Nutrition Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University Dr. Linder is a 2009 graduate of Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University and head of the Tufts Obesity Clinic for Animals and Associate Director of Tufts Institute for Human-Animal Interaction. She is board-certified in nutrition by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition. Dr. Linder's interests include obesity management and effective client education. Dr. Linder has focused her research on safe and effective weight loss strategies for pets as well as how human-animal interaction affects health and wellness, particularly the impact of human-animal interaction on child and pet obesity. She also has new research out on the effects of reading assistance dogs on reading ability and attitudes in elementary-aged school children. She is available to talk about pet nutrition, pet obesity and human-animal interaction focused on animal-assisted reading and pet and childhood obesity. Contact: Taraneh Pettinato, [email protected] Cailin R. Heinze, MS, VMD, DACVN, Clinical Nutrition Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University Dr. Heinze is a 2004 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and currently serves as an assistant professor of nutrition at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. After veterinary school, she worked in private practice for three years before pursuing a residency in clinical nutrition at the University of California, Davis from 20072009. Dr. Heinze earned a Master's degree in Nutritional Biology at UC Davis in December 2010. She is board-certified in nutrition by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition. Her professional and research interests include canine and feline obesity, nutritional management of renal disease, and long chain fatty acids. She is available to speak about pet nutrition, pet obesity and nutritional management of renal disease. Contact: Taraneh Pettinato, [email protected] Stephanie Borns-Weil, DVM Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University Dr. Borns-Weil earned her doctorate in veterinary medicine at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts. Prior to joining the Tufts, Dr. Borns-Weil owned a behavior house call practice in the Boston area. She is currently a resident in animal behavior at Tufts Animal Behavior Clinic which treats many common animal behavior problems, including aggression, anxiety, compulsive disorders, species-typical behaviors, and nuisance behaviors. She has had a lifelong interest in companion animal behavior, with a special interest in aggression issues. She is available to answer behavior-related questions (why does my dog or cat do X?) and provide tips for managing these issues in pets. Contact: Taraneh Pettinato, [email protected] **************** MEDIA JOBS: Following are links to job listings for staff and freelance writers, editors and producers. You can view these and more job listings on our Job Board: https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/community/jobs/ Segment Producer Univision Communications (FL) News Reporter/Anchor iHeartMedia (AZ) Executive Editor Idaho Statesman (ID) ***************** OTHER NEWS & RESOURCES: Following are links to other news and resources we think you might find useful. If you have an item you think other reporters would be interested in and would like us to include in a future alert, please drop us a line. EXPERT SPOTLIGHT: DON SULLIVAN , "THE DOGFATHER." In advance of National Pet Month (May), we caught up with Don Sullivan , aka "The DogFather," to find out more about how he does what he does, tips for dog owners on taking care of behavioral issues, and what he's up to next: http://prn.to/dogfather , "THE DOGFATHER." In advance of National Pet Month (May), we caught up with , aka "The DogFather," to find out more about how he does what he does, tips for dog owners on taking care of behavioral issues, and what he's up to next: http://prn.to/dogfather GIVING A GOOD TV INTERVIEW: AFTER THE INTERVIEW. You did it -- you had your interview and you aced it. But if you want to increase your chances of being asked back, there's still one final step. Dr. Shawne Duperon , a six-time Emmy-winning producer, PBS host, and media expert, shares her advice on what to do after the interview: http://prn.to/1YhyREU , a six-time Emmy-winning producer, PBS host, and media expert, shares her advice on what to do after the interview: http://prn.to/1YhyREU FOUR BUDGET-FRIENDLY WAYS TO PROMOTE YOUR BOOK. There are an infinite number of ways for authors to promote their books. Since most authors cannot afford a full-page ad in the New York Times Book Review, it's imperative to make dollars stretch as far as you can. Here are four budget-friendly ways to promote your book: http://prn.to/1qlITtA **************** PROFNET is an exclusive service of PR Newswire. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150604/220954 SOURCE ProfNet Related Links http://www.profnet.com TEHRAN, Iran, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Iran Plast Exhibition: According to the news office of the 10th International Iran Plast Exhibition, Mohammad Maghareh, the chairman of the event, touched upon a rise in the number of foreign participants at the exhibit. "Given the lifting of sanctions [against Iran] and the post-sanctions atmosphere, there has been growing demand from well-known European firms to take part in the exhibition, so much so that 500 first-rate foreign companies from 25 countries, including 13 from Europe and 12 from Asia, Oceania and Africa, will be participating in the exhibition. The figure has been unprecedented in [the history of] holding the Iran Plast Exhibition and indicates the importance of the event," said Maghareh. Iran Plast Exibition 2016 On the fringes of the exhibition, the Dusseldorf company tasked with holding international exhibitions is holding the K2016 conference in which the world's best specialized rubber and plastic industries expo is introduced. Maghareh also touched upon the latest changes and developments related to the 10th International Iran Plast Exhibition. "The whole space area in the exhibition has been allotted to Iranian and foreign companies. The presence of this many foreign firms in the 10th International Iran Plast Exhibition is not comparable to any other development, trade and economic exhibitions held in Iran. The Iran Plast exhibit is the only exhibition in Iran which has been able to move closer to international standards and increase the level of its global participation by up to 30%," he said. "The most important policy pursued by holding the 10th International Iran Plast Exhibition is to lay the groundwork to transfer technology and draw investment to Iran's complementary petrochemical industries, so that those working in this industry will be able to seize the opportunity to renovate, optimize and manage energy consumption in their aging production lines. That will help increase productivity in the invaluable complementary petrochemical industry," Maghareh noted. It is noteworthy that a new cell phone software will be unveiled in the exhibition for the first time. Through the software, visitors can see the map of the exhibition hall they want, and can see an alphabetical list of all companies present in the hall. At this point, visitors can choose the name of a given company to see its location, information on its top executives and contact information. The software also offers a list of all participating companies categorized by the kind of goods they produce. Advanced search among companies is another feature of this cell phone application. Iran's 10th International Iran Plast Exhibition will be held from the 13th through 17th of April, 2016. The biennial event is organized by the National Petrochemical Industries Company. Those interested can visit the website of the exhibition at www.iranplast.ir for more information on the details of the event. Contact: Ms. Khalili +98 21 21914049 Email Press Release By: Akhbar Rasmi Media Agency Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160414/355413 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160414/355412LOGO SOURCE Iran Plast Exhibition Related Links http://www.iranplast.ir WASHINGTON, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau: GASTRONOMIC MILESTONE Profile America Friday, April 15th. Today marks the 61st anniversary of the opening of a small hamburger restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois. It was the first of what would become one of the world's best-recognized brand names McDonald's. The franchise shop belonged to Ray Kroc, whose main interest at the time was selling the machines that mixed milkshakes. The name came from two McDonald brothers who ran a hamburger shop in California. The first day's revenue at the Illinois outlet was $366.12. That shop is now a museum housing artifacts from the growth of the chain, which has famously served billions of hamburgers around the world. In the U.S. today, there are nearly a quarter-million fast-food outlets serving hamburgers and other comestibles, with earnings of $185 billion per year. You can find more facts about America's people, places and economy, from the American Community Survey, at www.census.gov. Sources: Kane's Famous First Facts, 2464 Kroc biography/accessed 2/2/2016: http://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en/our_story/our_history/the_ray_kroc_story.html Franchise story/accessed 2/2/2016: http://famousdaily.com/history/mcdonalds-restaurants-founded.html Fast food establishments and revenue/NAICS 722211: http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=ECN_2012_US_72I2&prodType=table Profile America is produced by the Center for New Media and Promotion of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Audio" in the "Library" pull-down menu). Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110428/DC91889LOGO SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau Related Links http://www.census.gov STOCKHOLM, April 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Vendemore, a global provider of Account-Based Marketing (ABM) solutions today announced that it has been named a 2016 Cool Vendor by Gartner. This was announced in the "Cool Vendors in CRM Sales, 2016" report by Tad Travis and Ilona Hansen at Gartner, Inc. The report examines vendors of sales enablement applications that makes selling and maximizing knowledge about processes and products easier for salespeople. "We are honored to be named a Cool Vendor by Gartner. We believe this confirms our choice to focus on Account-based marketing" says Christopher Engman, Founder and Head of Vendemore a Bisnode company. "Vendemore has been in this industry of delivering IP-address targeted ads and sales content for over 9 years and the interest and usage has risen sharply the last few years. Many of our largest global Fortune 2000 customers are now setting up their ABM organizations with the Vendemore ABM-platform as a base. It is important for our clients to be able to continue each sales conversation with their accounts online. We have also been cited by Gartner in their January 2016 Tech Go-to-Market: Four Ways Marketers Can Generate Demand Within Existing Accounts 29 January 2016 report and we see the recognition as a Cool Vendor as yet another reinforcement of our roadmap. We continue to innovate and widen our offering in ABM for all our global customers." Gartner "Cool Vendors in CRM Sales, 2016" by Tad Travis, Ilona Hansen, 07 April 2016, G00300182 Disclaimer: Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in our research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. About Vendemore Vendemore was founded in 2007 and is the first digital Account Based Marketing company in the world. We offer a global delivery for 100+ Fortune 2000 B2B companies worldwide with a special emphasis on North America and Europe. Vendemore is owned by Bisnode, a leading supplier of Data & Analytics in 17 countries and which for over ten years has been a Partner of Dun & Bradstreet. This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com SOURCE Vendemore Related Links http://vendemore.com CARACAS, Venezuela, April 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Vepica, an international engineering, procurement, and construction firm with more than four decades specializing in the energy industry accumulating more than 40 million man-hours on four continents throughout more than 3,500 completed projects around the world, announced today that it signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the creation of the "Vepica Energy Fund," along with Petromanoa, a company whose investors have a long and robust tradition of designing, implementing, and developing investment funds, thereby combining their efforts to launch an investment fund for energy projects in the Americas. The "Vepica Energy Fund" will be formed with capital from both partners, and will aim to finding attractive investment opportunities in the energy sector. "The fund will play a key role in the growth of our company, extending the value proposition of the business by participating as investors in our projects," said Miguel Bocco Jr., Chairman of the Board of Vepica. "With this fund, we'll be able to expand our participation in the very important global energy market, combining our efforts and experience with a company as successful as Vepica, and also allow the participation of small investors in the capital of this important sector for the economic development as is the energy area," said Herman Sifontes T., Chairman of the Board of Petromanoa. With the creation of this fund, Vepica and Petromanoa seek to strengthen their presence in the energy market by participating directly in various prospects. This initiative will favor energy sector companies seeking partners and/or investments to expand their operations, and they will be able to register for the "Vepica Energy Fund" in limited partnership to qualify for benefits. SOURCE Vepica Related Links http://www.vepica.com New Delhi : New Delhi April 12 (IANS) Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that Delhi is ready to provide 10 lakh litres of water daily to parched Latur in Maharashtra and sought logistical support from the central government. In the letter, Kejriwal acknowledged that Delhi itself suffers from shortage of water, but added that the situation in Latur was worse. "It would be very shameful for our country if anyone died of a water crisis in the 21st century. It is the responsibility of the entire country to help the people of Latur. The central government has done a commendable job by transporting water to Latur by train." "The people of Delhi are ready to provide 10 lakh litres of water daily to Latur for the next two months. If the central government can make arrangements for transportation of the water to Latur then the Delhi government will immediately provide the water," he added. He also asked the prime minister to make an appeal to every chief minister of the country to help Latur. "I'm sure all states would be ready to help," he said. Around 15,000 villages in Maharashtra, a majority of them in Latur, Beed and Osmanabad districts, are gripped by an acute water shortage. Islamabad, April 13 : At least 18 people were killed and 14 others injured when a passenger bus hit into a truck in Pakistan's east Faisalabad city on Wednesday morning, local media reported. The ill-fated bus carrying over 50 people collided with the truck coming from opposite direction at Jhang road area of Faisalabad, a district located in the country's east Punjab province, Xinhua quoted Samaa News as saying. Police said that the accident took place due to over speeding of the bus driver who also got killed in the collision. The bus was heading toward Sadiqabad district from Faisalabad when the accident occurred. The injured people have been shifted to Allied Hospital Faisalabad where several of them are said to be in critical condition. The accident disrupted traffic for some time but the rescue teams shifted all the injured people to the hospital and moved the bodies from the site after which the road was cleared for traffic, police said. Turkey, April 13 : The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has reiterated its support for Jammu and Kashmir's right to self-determination. In a meeting held here, on the sidelines of the 13th OIC Summit, the OIC contact group on Jammu and Kashmir voiced its continued support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir "in their legitimate struggle for the right to self-determination" in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions. "The principled position of OIC continued support to the Kashmiri people in their legitimate struggle for the right to self-determination and underscored that the Contact Group had been constantly conveying the OIC's concerns to the international community regarding the flagrant human rights violations and abuse of the basic rights of the Kashmiris," the contact group said, according to a Pakistan foreign ministry statement. Pakistan's National Security Advisor, Sartaj Aziz, led his country's delegation to the meeting, which was chaired by OIC Secretary General's Special Representative on Jammu and Kashmir, Ambassador Abdullah Al-Alim. The foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Turkey, senior representatives from Saudi Arabia and Niger attended the meeting. Aziz reiterated "Pakistan will continue its diplomatic, moral and political support to the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their struggle for realisation of their right to self-determination in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions." The group also "regretted some attempts to equate the Kashmiri struggle with terrorism, and emphasized that the Kashmiris were solely striving to achieve their inalienable right in accordance with relevant UN resolutions." The OIC Secretary General's Special Representative on Jammu and Kashmir welcomed the establishment of a standing mechanism of OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC) to monitor the human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir which would present its report to the next session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers. Al-Alim would also undertake a visit to Jammu and Kashmir shortly. The Contact Group on Jammu and Kashmir was formed in 1994 to coordinate the policy of the OIC on Jammu and Kashmir. Azerbaijan, Niger, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey are its members. Soldiers carry the mortal remains of Major Amit Deswal's who was killed in a gunbattle with Naga militants in Tamenglong district of Manipur on 13th April 2016; in Imphal on April 14, 2016. Image Source: IANS News Gurgaon/New Delhi, April 14 : The family members of Major Amit Deswal, who died in a gun battle with tribal militants in Manipur, on Thursday said they were proud of his "martyrdom". Major Deswal of the 21 Special Force of Rashtriya Rifles who hailed from Surheti village in Haryana's Jhajjar district, 45 km from Gurgaon, died fighting militants in Manipur's Tamenglong district on Wednesday. "The braveheart breathed his last in the true traditions of a warrior," said Deswal's brother-in-law Sanjeev Kumar. His uncle Om Singh said: "The family mourns his death but he died for the country, a commando, fighting till the end." An Indian Army official said in Delhi that the body will arrive on Friday at the technical area of Palam airport, where a wreath-laying ceremony will be organised around noon. Deswal's father and grandfather were also in the army. The army major got married in 2009 and his wife and four-year-old son lived with him in Manipur. His other family members live in Sector 6 area in Jhajjar. Deswal was commissioned on June 10, 2006 into the Regiment of Artillery. "After his basic service, he recognised that his calling was somewhere more adventurous. He opted for the Special Group at first, but finally opted for the coveted Special Forces," Col. Narender Chikara (retd), with whom Deswal served in the Regiment of Artillery based in Gurgaon's Dundahera, told IANS. "He joined the elite unit in January 2011. He was physically robust which was reflected in his performance. He got inducted in Manipur for an operation in January 2016," Col. Chikara said. Washington, April 15 : China will play an important role in the International Monetary Fund (IMF) quota reform, with the global lender boosting a better structure of the world economy, its managing director Christine Lagarde has said. At the news conference held here on Thursday to open the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings, Lagarde said in her next five-year term, she would push for the efforts to let IMF better mirror the global economic status, with the currently underrepresented economies to have a status better mirroring their share of contributions and participation in the global economy. "That does not apply exclusive to China. There are other countries as well," said Lagarde. In February, Lagarde was selected to head the IMF for a second five-year term starting June 5. According to Xinhua news agency, the IMF chief believed the completion of the 14th IMF Quota Review earlier this year is an important step to better mirror the global economic status, but more work should be done. The IMF is to discuss the 15th Quota Review in the next few months and is expected to complete the review by the end of 2017. "I am convinced that, in that context, China will play an important role, because it wants to be a player in the institution and it wants to cooperate in the international domain," Lagarde said. San Jose, April 15 : A group of around 100 Cuban migrants stranded in Panama protested near the country's border with Costa Rica, demanding permission to let them continue their voyage towards the US. According to Panama's daily newspaper La Nacion, the protest on Thursday took place outside the Paso Canoas border crossing, where Costa Rican police cordoned off the area to stop the migrants from getting through, Xinhua news agency reported. The Cuban protesters said that they represented 3,000 migrants who are stuck in Panama for not having the right to continue their northward journey that will take them through Central America and Mexico to the US. They said the treatment they received was unfair since thousands of Cuban migrants stranded in Costa Rica were airlifted to Mexico and allowed to travel to the American border this year. The protest came a day after 1,200 Cuban and African migrants entered the Costa Rican territory violently, although most of them were taken under control by police and sent back to Panama. Mumbai, April 15 : Actor Sidharth Malhotra has praised actress Alia Bhatt's look from the upcoming movie "Udta Punjab". Alia's look from the film was revealed on Friday morning in which she can be seen running from something or someone dangerous and Sidharth has called it a "dramatic and imapctful" one. "Dramatic impactful transformation awaiting trailer Udta Punjab Alia In Udta punjab," Sidharth tweeted along with the poster. Alia will be seen playing a Bihari migrant in "Udta Punjab". The film also features actors Shahid Kapoor, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Diljit Dosanjh. The looks of the other actors were unveiled earlier. Alia's father and fillmaker Mahesh Bhatt too shared the motion poster and captioned it: "Anything is possible if you have got enough nerve". Udta Punjab", a neo-noir drama thriller, is directed by Abhishek Chaubey. Co-produced by Phantom Films and Balaji Motion Pictures, the movie tells the story of substance abuse in the Indian state of Punjab. The film is slated to release on June 17. New Delhi, April 15 : Three men were killed here on Friday morning when the motorcycle they were riding on collided with a road divider, a police officer said. The incident occured in Dhaula Kuan area on Friday at about 3 a.m., when the three friends were returning home on their motorcycle after watching a movie in Naraina area, the police officer told IANS. Their motorcycle collided with the divider of the road while taking a sharp turn, the police officer said. All the three were declared brought dead at the AIIMS trauma centre. The deceased have been identified as Vellai Swami, 36, M. Senthil, 26 and Suresh, 27. The bodies has been sent for post mortem examination, said the police officer. Washington, April 15 : The New Development Bank, the latest multilateral funding institution in the financial world, has sanctioned a $250-million loan for India to fund its ambitious scheme on new and renewable energy, a top finance ministry official has said. "Participated in meetings of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) finance ministers and Board of Governors of the New Development Bank. Major policy issues discussed," India's Secretary for Economic Affairs Shaktikanta Das tweeted. "New Development Bank sanctioned four loans, including a loan of $250 million for a renewable energy scheme in India. Good beginning," Das said after the meeting that was chaired by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley here. This, according to officials, is in the area of solar energy and is also the first such loan from the development financial institution. A statement from the Indian side later said the multi-tranche, $250-million loan will be given to Canara bank to, in turn, lend to renewable energy projects. "The projects will result in generation of 500 MW of renewal energy and savings of about 800,000 tonnes of carbon emissions," the statement said. In total, $811 million loans have been approved for projects in India, China, Brazil and South Africa. Now into its second year, the New Development Bank, with noted Indian banker K.V. Kamath as president, was formed by the BRICS leadership to fund infrastructure projects in emerging economies, as also to meet the aspirations of hundreds of millions of people through sustainable development. The BRICS finance ministers and central bank governors' engagement here was on the margins of the World Bank-International Monetary Fund Spring meetings. Besides Das, Jaitley's delegation includes Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan and Chief Economic Advisor Arvind Subramanian. During the meetings, Jaitley said even though India has consistently recorded the highest growth figures among large economies for the last three quarters, the global growth continues to remain sluggish and has witnessed recurring downward revisions. "Weak demand, tighter financial markets, softening trade and volatile capital flows are key headwinds to robust global recovery. Further, the efficacy of monetary policy instruments has reached its limits and that its pass through has not been seamless," he said. "Global and regional financial safety net and oversight need to be augmented -- including new financing mechanisms," he said, emphasising the need for globally coordinated policy actions to address the persistent economic turbulence. At the BRICS meeting, which he chaired, Jaitley raised issues of common concern of member countries -- global economy, structural reforms, voice reform of IMF and the World Bank and other new and ongoing initiatives. He also expressed satisfaction that two key initiatives of BRICS -- the Contingent Reserve Arrangement and the New Development Bank -- were both fully operational. The meeting decided to form a technical group to examine all issues in detail and present their findings before the next meeting. New York, April 15 : The solar system's largest planet Jupiter exerts a strong gravitational pull on its moon Europa, creating far more heat than earlier thought on the moon's ice-sheet that is enough to support a sub-surface ocean, says a study. A team of geoscientists from Brown and Columbia universities set up experiments to estimate the heat created by the heaves and falls of Europa's icy surface -- a process called tidal dissipation. The only way to create enough heat for these active processes so far from the sun is through tidal dissipation, according to Christine McCarthy from Columbia University. "If you bend it back and forth, you can feel it making heat at the junction," McCarthy said. "The way it does that is that internal defects within that metal are rubbing past each other, and it's a similar process to how energy would be dissipated in ice," she added. People have been using simple mechanical models to describe the ice on Europa. While those calculations suggested liquid water under Europa's surface, "they weren't getting the kinds of heat fluxes that would create these tectonics. So we ran some experiments to try to understand this process better," McCarthy added. The experiments yielded surprising results. Modelling approaches had assumed that most of the heat generated by the process comes from friction at the boundaries between the ice grains, meaning that the size of the grains influences the amount of heat generated. But McCarthy's team found similar results even when they substantially altered the grain size in their samples, suggesting that grain boundaries were not the primary heat-generators in the process. The results, published in the journal Earth and Planetary Science Letters, suggest that most of the heat actually comes from defects that form in the ice's crystalline lattice as a result of deformation. Those defects, the research showed, create more heat than would be expected from the grain boundaries. Hanoi, April 15 : Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Roberto Azevedo arrived in Vietnam on Friday, the first visit of a WTO chief to the country. "Vietnam is a story of success, in which trade makes great contribution to the development of the country," said Azevedo at a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in capital Hanoi on Friday. "We want to enhance cooperation with Vietnam in human resource training in integration and international trade," Azevedo said. The WTO chief said that his organization is preparing a development agenda for the coming time while Vietnam will be part of it, reported Vietnamese government's e-Portal, Xinhua news agency reported. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said that his country remains a low-developing country among WTO members, which is in need of further support to increase capacity for more effective participation in multilateral trading system. Vietnam joined the WTO in January 2007. New Delhi/Patna, April 15 : Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President Hamid Ansari has given the CBI sanction to prosecute Janata Dal-United member Anil Sahani for alleged fraud in leave travel concessions, sources said on Friday. Sahani, however, denied any wrong-doing and warned of defamation case. The scam relates to reimbursements being claimed against fake boarding passes and bills from the Rajya Sabha Secretariat. This is the first time a Rajya Sabha chairman has given such a clearance, the Rajya Sabha Secretariat sources said. A CBI official told IANS a charge sheet in the case was filed last year, and with the clearance from the Rajya Sabha chairman, the agency will now proceed with "further action" which is likely to be arrest of the MP. Members of parliament or assemblies cannot be arrested without prior permission of the speaker of the Lok Sabha or the assembly or Rajya Sabha or legislative council chairman. While this is the first time that the Rajya Sabha chairman has given such a permission, Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar twice sanctioned arrests, first in 2010 against Congress MP Rajaram Pal in the cash-for-query scam, and second time against BJP MP Ashok Argal in the cash-for-vote case. It was revealed that Sahani and three other accused allegedly used forged e-tickets and fake boarding passes to defraud the Rajya Sabha of Rs.23.71 lakh. In Patna, Sahani, however, denied the charge. "Under a parliamentary procedure, permission will have to be given. They are saying I took Rs.23 lakh, if I have even 23 paisa in my account I will resign," he said. "It is a conspiracy against me because I raise issues related to poor and Dalit." "I will ask the chairman, I have given all documents and account statements which prove I did not take any money. How is the CBI prosecuting me then?" he added. Sahani termed it a conspiracy being hatched against him and threatened to file defamation case soon. "Some powerful people have conspired against me, they don not want that a poor's son sit in the parliament to raise issues concerning Dalits and marginalized. I have nothing to do with cheating and corruption in the LTC Scam. I will file defamation case against them," he told media in Patna. Shahani said that he is a victim of a "racket" which operated in raising fake bills for LTC for parliamentarians. "In fact, it was I who drew attention of the concerned authorities twice in 2013 about false bill submitted in my name by racketeers against LTC," he said. "After CBI submitted charges against me to Hamid Ansari, he should have asked me to explain but Ansari has given approval to prosecute me without enquiring with me. It is a political conspiracy," Shahani said. The parliament member said he would invite the probe agency to check his bank accounts in Delhi and Patna to ascertain flow of money on this count. The Bihar MP is reportedly the first from the upper house who will be prosecuted by the CBI after sanction was given by Chairman Ansari. The CBI had filed the charge sheet against Sahani alleging that he, in collusion with other people, used forged e-tickets and fake boarding passes to defraud the Rajya Sabha Secretariat to the tune of Rs.23.71 lakh as travel and dearness allowance reimbursement without undertaking the actual journey. Chennai, April 15 : The PMK on Thursday promised a total liquor ban and cancellation of licenses of all distelleries in Tamil Nadu if it comes to power in the poll-bound state. However, the party, a staunch advocate of liquor prohibition, said in its election manifesto that it would allow sweet toddy tapping. The party also said it would ban genitically modified crops and promised to give Rs.100,000 worth of freebies per year per family under education, agriculture and health heads. "As the needs of education, medical treatment and agriculture will be provided free, each family can save over Rs.100,000 per year. This, they can consider as freebie," the manifesto said. This a departure from traditional election promises made by the ruling AIADMK and opposition DMK which had distributed consumer durables like mixer/grinder, fan, laptops and televisions among voters. The PMK, however, said journalists will get 90 percent subsidy for buying laptops. The PMK has promised doubling of allocation for education, provision of free school education, fixing of school fees and payment of the same by the government to private schools. It said that government schools will be upgraded and reforms will be introduced in eduction system. For the agriculture sector, the PMK promised free seeds, fertiliser and farm motors and writing off of farm loans. It also promised one tractor to each local body for farmers and setting up of agricultural special economic zone in each district. The PMK is contesting the May 16 assembly polls on its own, projecting party founder S. Ramadoss' son and former union minister Anbumani Ramadoss as the chief ministerial candidate. The other promises of the party include: - Lok Ayukta Act and bringing chief minister and other ministers under its ambit - Right to Public Services Act - Yearly publication of assets details of chief minister and other ministers - Yearly review of each minister's performance - Tiruchirapalli as second capital of the state - Scheme for creating over one crore jobs - Tamil Nadu as an international logistics hub - Scrapping of five percent value added tax on sugar - Cash assistance to handicapped and unemployed. New Delhi, April 15 : Tightening its noose on beleaguered liquor baron Vijay Mallya, facing probe on charges of misappropriating a Rs.9,000 crore bank loan, the government on Friday suspended his diplomatic passport for four weeks. The government gave Mallya a week's time to respond to the notice failing which his travel document could be impounded. Mallya, who is in Britain, could face problems for his overseas stay in view of the suspension of the passport, sources said. "On the advise of the Enforcement Directorate, the passport issuing authority in the Ministry of External Affairs has today suspended the validity of Mr. Vijay Mallya's diplomatic passport with immediate effect," the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said in a statement. Mallya has been asked to respond within one week as to why his passport should not be impounded or revoked under Section 10(3)(c) of the Passports Act, 1967. "If he fails to respond within the stipulated time, it will be assumed that he has no response to offer and the MEA will go ahead with the revocation," the statement said. On April 13, the Enforcement Directorate sought revocation of Mallya's diplomatic passport after he failed to appear before the probe agency. He is being probed by the ED under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). The Supreme Court on April 7 directed the liquor baron to disclose all his assets -- movable and immovable, and tangible and intangible -- and other shareholding and beneficial interests in India and abroad by April 21. An apex court bench comprising Justice Kurien Joseph and Justice Rohinton Fali Nariman asked Mallya to disclose all the assets held by his wife and children and indicate the date when he can appear before it in person. Industry watchers say trouble for the sitting, independent Rajya Sabha member from Karnataka, known for his lavish lifestyle, had begun shortly after he launched Kingfisher Airlines in 2005 as the aviation industry slowly started dwindling. Mallya first took loans from IDBI bank in 2006 and again in 2009 got loans from a consortium of banks led by the State Bank of India (SBI) for airline. By 2007, he also had spent a huge amount to take over low-cost carrier Air Deccan. But by 2010, the business tycoon had run into rough weather and tentatively had a debt of over Rs.7,000 crore -- which only increased with the passage of time. In March 2016, the banks moved the Debt Recovery Tribunal over the loans. On March 2, Mallya left India for Britain. However, on March 11, Mallya broke his silence from his overseas location. "I am an international businessman. I travel to and from India frequently. I did not flee from India and neither am I an absconder. Rubbish," he tweeted then. Mumbai, April 15 : In the hectic first two days of the first-ever Maritime India Summit, maritime investment proposals worth Rs.82,905 crore were signed by various players including major ports, state maritime boards and PSUs, officials said here on Friday. A total of 141 MoUs and business agreements, covering a wide range of projects including modernisation of existing ports and establishing new ones, development and expansion of inland waterways, enhancement of cargo handling capacity of Indian ports, improving hinterland connectivity of ports with road-rail networks and upgradation of educational and training facilities for maritime sector, have been signed. Some of the major Indian companies who have signed agreements include the Adanis, Jindal, Vedanta, ESSAR, and Shapoorji Pallonji Company. A major agreement, signed between the Maharashtra Maritime Board and Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, pertains to establishing a greenfield port at Maharashtra's Vadhavan, with its first phase estimated to cost around Rs.9,167 crore. The Andhra Pradesh government signed a MoU with Inland Waterways Authority of India to develop the National Waterway 4 at a cost of around Rs.3,000 crore. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said that once it is developed, this waterway will take a significant portion of cargo traffic off the roads. The Gujarat Maritime Board and Shapoorji Pallonji company signed a MoU to develop a new LNG Terminal at Chara costing around Rs.5,411 crore, while IL&FS will set up a Maritime Services Cluster at GIFT City, Gandhinagar. The Vishakhapatnam Port Trust and HPCL signed a deal to double the capacity of the Visakha Refinery from 7.5 MMT at an estimated cost of Rs.18,412 crore. The Indian Maritime University has signed MoUs with four international institutions including the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Maritime University, Dhaka, the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers and Plymouth University, Britain and Admiral G.I. Nevelskoi Maritime State University, Vladivostok, Russia. Guwahati, April 15 : Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Friday ordered an investigation into the killing of two rhinos in Assam's Kaziranga National Park, including one gunned down by poachers when the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were visiting the famed wildlife sanctuary. The chief minister asked Additional Chief Secretary T.Y. Das on Friday to probe the killings and submit a report to him immediately. While one rhino was killed in the park on Sunday night, poachers killed the other in Burapahar range of the park on Wednesday night, barely 30 km from a private tourist resort adjacent to the park where the British royal couple was lodged. On Wednesday, the British royals, Prince William and Kate, visited the Bagori range of the park and spotted much wild life, including elephants, rhinos, water buffalo, swamp deer and others. The royals during their interaction with the forest staff enquired about the poaching of wildlife, especially of rhinos, and were assured about the anti-poaching measures in the park. Rather embarrassingly, the same night a rhino was gunned down with AK 47 automatic rifle by poachers within a short distance from the royals' lodge. Expressing serious concern over the rhino killings in the past few days, the chief minister asked the additional chief secretary to find out the details and the circumstances of the killing of the rhinoceros and to fix up responsibility. Terming the killings as avery unfortunate, Gogoi also asked the special task force constituted to curb poaching to intensify operations against poachers and their aides and to evolve strategies to tackle rhino poaching by holding discussions with various students, social and community organisations and NGOs involved in wildlife protection. Seven rhinos have been killed by the poachers inside the high security park since January this year. Kolkata/New Delhi, April 15 : The IAF on Friday renamed its Panagarh airbase in West Bengal as Air Force Station Arjan Singh in honour of the country's only living five-star military officer, Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh, on the occasion of his 97th birthday. Eastern Air Command chief, Air Marshal C. Hari Kumar unveiled the new name at the entrance to the air force station, located in Burdwan, 112 km from Kolkata and now set to be IAF's second C-130J Super Hercules hub after Hindan, near New Delhi. "Air Force Station Arjan Singh, now with the induction of C-130J, would have a prominent role to play in our war waging capability, true to its name," he said at the inauguration ceremony. The renaming was announced by IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha on Thursday evening at a function in New Delhi to felicitate Arjan Singh, a defence statement said. Constructed during the Second World War, by the Allied forces as part of their China-Burma-India campaign, the base also played a significant role in 1965 and 1971 wars against Pakistan. During the 1971 war, it was again activated and hosted two fighter squadrons of the Sukhoi-7 and the MiG-21 aircraft. The airbase under Eastern Air Command would now oversee tactical and strategic air operations in eastern theatre with the Super Hercules aircraft. At the age of 44, Arjan Singh took over the IAF in the rank of air marshal on August 1, 1964 and became the first Indian to lead the force in conflict when the India-Pakistan War broke out in 1965. Serving as chief of air staff till July 15, 1969, he was also the first in the post to be elevated to the rank of air chief marshal. The elevation, on January 16, 1966, was in recognition of IAF's vital contribution in the 1965 war under his leadership. After retirement, he was envoy to Switzerland and Kenya and lt. governor of Delhi. In recognition of his lifelong services, the government of India conferred the rank of the Marshal of the Air Force on Arjan Singh in January 2002, making him the first and the only 'five star' officer with the IAF. Chandigarh, April 15 : Though people in the border belt of Punjab are upset over the mysterious death of Indian prisoner Kirpal Singh in a jail in Pakistan's Lahore, the Border Security Force (BSF) authorities on Friday handed back to Pakistani authorities a man who had inadvertently crossed into Indian territory. The Pakistani national, Mohammed Waqas Akram, was apprehended by BSF troopers from the area Border out Post (BoP) Nirmal in Punjab's Abohar sector on Thursday. Akram was identified as resident of Pati Chak village in Pakistan's Bhawalnagar district, BSF DIG R.S. Kataria said. "During questioning, it came to notice that the individual had crossed over to Indian territory inadvertently. Nothing objectionable was recovered from his possession," he said. The BSF contacted their Pakistani counterparts, Pakistan Rangers, on Froday and handed over the Pakistani national back on humanitarian grounds. Indian prisoner Kirpal Singh, 54, who was arrested in Pakistan in 1992, had died in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat prison on Monday. While Pakistani authorities, who had labelled him as a spy and got him convicted for terror attacks inside Pakistan, attributed his death to heart attack, his family has alleged that he had crossed into Pakistan inadvertently and was murdered in the prison. Kirpal's sister Jagir Kaur met union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday in New Delhi to seek return of his body. She had met Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also on Thursday. Chandigarh, April 15 : The Border Security Force (BSF) authorities handed over a man, who had inadvertently crossed into the Indian territory, to authorities in Pakistan on Friday. The handover was done even as people in the border belt in Punjab are upset over the mysterious death of Indian prisoner Kirpal Singh in a jail in Pakistan's Lahore's city recently. Pakistani national Mohammed Waqas Akram was apprehended by BSF troopers from the area Border Out Post (BOP) Nirmal in Punjab's Abohar sector on Thursday. Akram was identified as resident of Pati Chak village in Pakistan's Bhawalnagar district, BSF Deputy Inspector General R.S. Kataria said. "During questioning, it came to notice that the individual had crossed over to Indian territory inadvertently. Nothing objectionable was recovered from his possession," he said. The BSF contacted their Pakistani counterparts, the Pakistan Rangers, on Friday and handed over the Pakistani national back on humanitarian grounds. Indian prisoner Kirpal Singh, 54, who was arrested in Pakistan in 1992, died in Lahore's Kot Lakhpat prison on Monday. While Pakistani authorities, who had labelled him as a spy and got him convicted for terror attacks inside Pakistan, attributed his death to heart attack, his family has alleged he was murdered in the prison. Kirpal Singh's sister Jagir Kaur met union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday in New Delhi to seek return of his body. She also met Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday. Bengaluru, April 15 : Low-cost airline AirAsia India on Friday sought to clarify that its substantial ownership and effective control is with Indian residents and a section of media has grossly misreported the brand license agreement with Malaysia's AirAsia Berhad. "We wish to point out that clause 5.30 of the agreement explicitly states that asubstantial ownership and effective control of the licensee (AirAsia India) remains at all times with Indian residents," said a statement by the line. And as the licensee, the airline said it is not obliged to execute any act or omission leading to a breach of the provisions of this clause. Its response came in the wake of some recent reports in the Indian media which said AirAsia Berhad has the final say in the decision making, violating Indian rules and regulations. The brand license agreement entered with AirAsia India is consistent with other similar ventures AirAsia Berhad (Bhd) executed elsewhere in the world, it said. "AirAsia Bhd has created a world renowned brand name, and like any other corporate with strong brand equity, the company ensures that all legal entities that operate with this name anywhere in the world are subject to strict requirements for protection of our brand and reputation," it said, adding it is "shocked and surprised" by the opposition it is facing in India from "vested interests" to block its endeavour of offering competitive services and fares to consumers. "The constant attack on AirAsia, especially by certain members of media has saddened me but we will prevail. It is time for India to end patronage and put people first. We remain committed and determined and together with my staff, we will see this dream through," said Group CEO Tony Fernandes in the statement. He said he had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi who promised fairness and transperancy. The airline stressed it is fully complying with Indian regulations. "All the important decisions concerning the day-to-day operations of the airline are taken by the management team of the airline under the overall supervision, control, and direction of the board of directors (which include a majority of Indian nationals). The board is chaired by long-time Tata veteran, Mr.S Ramadorai," said the statement. AirAsia X, Thai AirAsia, Indonesia AirAsia, AirAsia Philippines, AirAsia India and AirAsia Japan are the subsidiaries of AirAsia Berhad. New Delhi, April 15 : Posing challenge to the second phase of odd-even scheme, the autorickshaw and taxi union of Delhi on Friday threatened to go on strike from Monday against the Arvind Kejriwal government's "apathy". They have set a two-day deadline before the Kejriwal government for their demands to be met. The demands include "uniform charges" for cab operators like Ola and Uber and their compliance with the Delhi government rules on fares. "Kejriwal is acting like a dictator. We had on numerous occasions, including on April 5, requested an audience with him to discuss our issues, but he didn't care to bother. He forgot that we were the people who supported and campaigned for him during elections," said Rajinder Soni, a Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh leader. Soni said while the auto and taxi drivers charge Rs 8.30 per km and Rs.14 per km respectively, cab agencies like Ola and Uber, backed by "rich business houses", charge Rs.5 to Rs.6 per km. "This is not only against the transport department's rules but threatens our livelihood. Those rich agencies just want to wipe us all out," Soni said. He added the auto-taxi unions of drivers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar are backing the demand as well as the strike. "People come all way from UP and Bihar looking for earnings through auto and taxi. The apathy of Delhi government is threatening them," said a leader. Islamabad, April 15 : Pakistan on Friday briefed the envoys of the Arab countries and Asean member-states on the arrest of an alleged Indian spy and his purported confession about "Indian-sponsored subversive activities and terrorist financing to destabilize Pakistan", the Pakistan Foreign Office said. "It was emphasized in the briefing that in order to achieve regional peace and stability, it was imperative that India immediately stops its interference in Pakistan and resolves all contentious issues, including the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, through the process of sustained dialogue," the Pakistani Foreign Office statement said. India has said that the arrested Indian, Kulbhushan Jadhav, is a former Indian naval officer and denied he is a spy. New Delhi, April 15 : Leg-spinner Amit Mishra clinched four wickets for just 11 runs as Delhi Daredevils restricted Kings XI Punjab to 111 for nine wickets in 20 overs in an Indian Premier League (IPL) contest at the Ferozeshah Kotla here on Friday. After Delhi won the toss and opted to field, Mishra, coming in to bowl in the seventh over, rocked Punjab's boat. When he started his spell, they were 37 for one in six overs, and at the end of his three-over haul, the visiting side's total reached 59 for five in 11 overs. His victims included Shaun Marsh (13), David Miller (9), Glenn Maxwell (0) and Manan Vohra (32). Punjab batsmen showed lack of intent and discipline and fell one after another. Opening batsman Vohra was the only one who showed the will for a fight. Punjab failed to gather any sort of momentum right from the start. In the second over bowled by left-arm spinner Pawan Negi, Zaheer Khan dropped Vohra's catch at the point and as the ball neared towards the boundary, the openers decided to take three runs. But Vijay was found to be short of the crease as the relay throw between Zaheer and Karun Nair reached wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock in time for the stumps to be dislodged, leaving the team at eight for one in 1.3 overs. Even though Zaheer seemed to be lethargic while dropping the catch, the veteran left-arm seamer maintained a tight line and length. The captain conceded only 14 runs in his four overs, taking a wicket. After the powerplay overs, which yielded 37 runs, Zaheer brought in Mishra and the leg-spiner struck in his first delivery. Left-handed batsman Marsh danced down the track, only to miss the line before being stumped by de Kock. Mishra dealt a double blow in his second over, removing skipper Miller (9) and Maxwell (0). While left-hander Miller was trapped in front of the wickets in the first ball of the ninth over, Maxwell was holed out by Carlos Brathwaite at long-off. With the wickets of its batting mainstays falling, Punjab were 54 for four, with Delhi being in full control of the proceedings. Mishra's next victim was right-hander Vohra, who moved back at the crease while fending off a sharp googly. Following this, the tail-enders tried their best but the damage was already done. Spinner Jayant Yadav and fast bowler Chris Morris chipped in with a wicket each. Brief scores: Kings XI Punjab: 111/9 (Manan Vohra 32; Amit Mishra 4/11, Zaheer Khan 1/14) vs Delhi Daredevils. Latest updates on IPL 2020 New Delhi, April 15 : India on Friday completely rejected a statement by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) supporting the people of Jammu and Kashmir for the realisation of their "legitimate right to self-determination". "We completely reject all such references regarding matters internal to India, on which the OIC has no locus standi," the external affairs ministry said in a statement. At the conclusion of its 13th summit in Istanbul on Friday, the OIC said in a joint statement that it "reaffirmed its principled support for the people of Jammu and Kashmir for the realisation of their legitimate right to self-determination, in accordance with relevant UN resolutions and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir". It also said that Jammu and Kashmir was the core dispute between Pakistan and India and its resolution was indispensable for bringing peace in South Asia. "We note with utmost regret that the final communique adopted at the conclusion of the 13th Islamic Summit of the heads of state and government of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states held at Istanbul, Turkey on April 14-15 includes factually incorrect and misleading references pertaining to the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, which is an integral part of India," the external affairs ministry statement said. It also advised the OIC to refrain from making such references in the future. Jhajjar (Haryana), April 15 : The mortal remains of Major Amit Deswal, killed on Wednesday in a gun battle with Manipur militants, were consigned to flames on Friday with full military and state honours at his village in Haryana. The state government announced Rs.50 lakh for the next of the kin of Major Deswal of the 21 Special Force of Rashtriya Rifles. He died fighting Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) militants in Manipur's Tamenglong district on Wednesday. He is survived by his father, mother, his wife Neeta and four-year-old son Arjun. His wife had recently quit her job. Neeta, along with her son, had accompanied Major Deswal's father retired Subedar-Major Rishi Ram Deswal to visit him in Manipur where he was posted for Operation Hifazat-2. His body arrived on Friday at the Palam airport in Delhi where Indian Army chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag paid tributes to him. After a wreath-laying ceremony in Delhi, mortal remains of Deswal were moved to the Major's village in Jhajjar district. Full military honours and a gun salute were given to Major Deswal. Former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Abhay Singh Chautala were among those who paid tributes. On Thursday, Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh reached the army unit in Jorhat to pay tributes to the martyred soldier. One of the military officers who came to attend funeral told people that the braveheart breathed his last in the true tradition of a warrior. He said that Major Deswal died for the country, a commando, fighting till the end. Deswal was commissioned on June 10, 2006, into the Regiment of Artillery. After basic service, Deswal recognised that his calling was somewhere more adventurous. He opted for the Special Group at first, but finally opted for the coveted Special Forces. Haryana Agriculture Minister O.P. Dhankar announced an ex-gratia of Rs.50 lakh to the family of the martyr and a government job to one of the family members. New Delhi, April 15 : India and France have come closer to finalising the deal for 36 Rafale fighter jets which India wants to buy, informed sources said on Friday, adding that an agreement on price may be reached soon. The price has been a major sticking point in the deal with India trying to bring it down for the fighter jet known to be one of the most expensive in the world. While it was not revealed if an agreement has been struck on how much India would pay, attempts had been on to bring the price down to under 8 billion euros or Rs.6,000 crore for a complement of 36 Rafale fighters. An agreement has, however, eluded the two sides, with France, which sold 24 Rafale jets to Egypt at 5.2 billion euros, not agreeing to bring the price too low for India. The deal also has an offset clause of 50 percent, which will mean half of the value of the deal will come back, giving boost to domestic industries. There had been disagreement on the offset clause earlier as well with France insisting for it to be at 20 percent, but it was resolved later. Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said in March that India is trying to get a "good deal" on Rafale. Rafale is a multi-role twin-engine aircraft designed and built by Dassault Aviation of France. The initial plans were, however, to buy 126 Rafale jets, a deal which could not fructify. After that, a government to government contract was signed for India to buy 36 jets off the shelf. The Indian Air Force at present has 33 operational squadrons, against a sanctioned strength of 39.5. The IAF is also eagerly awaiting the delivery of its first squadron of indigenous Tejas light combat aircraft. New Delhi, April 15 : The Congress on Friday declined to comment on Robert Vadra's remarks that he did not need his wife Priyanka Gandhi, the daughter of party president Sonia Gandhi, to "enhance" his life. "I do not think any reaction is necessary," said Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari when asked for comments on Vadra's remarks which earlier created a flutter. Interacting with media here on Thursday, Vadra said: "I did not need Priyanka to enhance my life. I had enough. I always had enough. My parents gave me enough. I think I was educated enough to understand that I can sustain no matter what comes my way. That is my strength really." Vadra's land deals in Haryana and Rajasthan are being probed by Bharatiya Janata Party governments in the two states. New Delhi, April 15 : Terming the conditions in Jammu and Kashmir volatile, the Congress on Friday said that it was "imperative for the governor to keep a close watch on the situation". "Ever since PDP-BJP government has taken over, incidents are taking place which clearly demonstrate that the government is not in control of the situation. As Jammu and Kashmir is a frontline border state, it is imperative that the governor keeps a close watch on the situation," party spokesperson Manish Tewari said at a press conference here. "Since it is beginning of the summer and already the way situation turns out to be, it seems to be at least volatile if not anarchic. Keeping in view the totality of situation, we would like to stress and urge that there should be caution and circumspection and a very close watch on the situation be kept," he added. A civilian was killed and four others were injured on Friday allegedly in a firing by soldiers as angry residents clashed with secutiy forces and tried to storm their camp amid simmering anger over four similar deaths since Tuesday in tense but curfew-bound Kashmir Valley. New Delhi, April 15 : Rightwing group Hindu Sena's student wing Hindu Vidyarthi Sena on Friday organised a Ram Navami prayer at the Jawaharlal Nehru University to "purify the varsity". "(After February 9 incident when anti-national slogans were allegedly raised at an event on the campus) we wanted to show that good people also reside in the campus. This prayer is happening for the purification of the atmosphere of the university. Our students' wing is also planning to fight the JNU Students Union elections this time," said Hindu Sena president Vishnu Gupta. The event, jointly organised by the Sena, its students wing and Hindu Jagran Abhiyan, was held at the lawns of Mahi-Mandvi hostel. Hindu Mahasabha leader Swami Nandkishore Mishra and some other Hindu religious leaders attended the event. Abhiyan national convenor Jitender Khurana said: "I conceptualised the idea for the prayer on March 26 and the preparations began two days later. I would conduct a seminar also in the upcoming academic session in the campus and expose the Mahishasur event that was organised here (to insult Durga)." He also said that an online portal will be released next week to encourage cultural and educational participation of Hindu students on various topics. New Delhi, April 15 : The Congress on Friday demanded a high court-monitored, Central Bureau of Investigation inquiry into the alleged Rs.20,000 crore food grain scam in Punjab. "The Akali Dal-BJP government in Punjab has the dubious distinction of first emptying the coffers of the state and now even food grains are disappearing from the state. This is a very serious situation as it is connected with the food security of the country," said Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari at a press conference here. "Punjab is a producing state from where procurement takes place, a large amount of storage takes place and if the reports of disappearance of food grains is true, it calls for a court monitored CBI enquiry. This definitely calls for at least a HC-monitored CBI inquiry," he added. The Punjab government, however, on Friday refuted the charge of any disappearance of foodgrains from godowns in the state. It also said that all stocks procured over the years have been duly accounted for and handed over to Food Corporation of India (FCI), through well-documented audited transactions. It also said that all the queries raised by FCI have been satisfactorily answered by them. Cairo, April 15 : Hundreds of Egyptians gathered Friday afternoon outside the press syndicate here to protest against the official transfer of two controversial islands in the Red Sea to Saudi Arabia. The protesters chanted slogans against giving up what they believe to be "Egyptian territory" to the oil-rich kingdom, claiming the Egyptian leadership gave up Tiran and Sanafir islands in return for Saudi aid, reported Xinhua. Meanwhile, police fired tear gas to disperse dozens of protesters in Cairo, nearby Giza and coastal Alexandria cities, while some protesters were reportedly arrested. Police warned citizens on Thursday against taking part in the protests after the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group announced participation, yet liberal activists joined the Friday protests outside the press syndicate here. Last Saturday, the cabinet announced, during Saudi King Salman's visit to Cairo, a maritime border demarcation accord that put the two Red Sea islands of Tiran and Sanafir in Saudi waters. The transfer of the two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia has triggered criticism against Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Seen as Saudi political and economic support for Egypt, the king's visit saw the signing of investment agreements worth $25 billion with the most populous Arab country. Saudi and Egyptian officials said Tiran and Sanafir belong to the kingdom and were only under Egyptian control because Saudi Arabia asked Egypt in 1950 to protect them. The agreement will be referred to the parliament to be debated and ratified. On Sunday, several Facebook and Twitter pages under title "The land is honor," have been launched. The Brotherhood, group of the ousted Islamist president Mohamed Morsi has issued a statement on Thursday urging people to protest across the country. The interior ministry on Thursday urged Egyptians "not to get carried away by tendentious calls for protests" and warned against "any attempts to break the law." The ministry added in a statement that it would take "all decisive legal measures" to maintain security. Kolkata, April 15 : A day after assuring "urgent legal action" against Trinamool Congress Birbhum district chief Anubrata Mondal, the Election Commission on Friday ordered the controversial leader's movements be kept under "constant watch" during the entire West Bengal assembly poll period. "Commission has directed CEO of West Bengal that movement and election related activities of Mondal, district president of Trinamool Congress' Birbhum district, during entire election period should be kept under constant watch and shall invariably be videographed with date and time stamping," an official said. "The team constituted for this purpose should comprise CPF (central police force) personnel under a local magistrate," the official said . Chief Election Commissioner Nasim Zaidi on Thursday had said the poll panel would take "urgent legal action" following threats by Mondal that the opposition would "vanish" on the day of the polls there (April 17). The opposition parties as also the civil society members had sought Mondal's arrest to create a conducive atmosphere for holding free and fair polls. "In the interest of conducting free, fair and peaceful election in Birbhum district, the president of the ruling party Anubrata Mondal must immediately be arrested," said a memorandum submitted by a group of eminent persons including former Supreme Court judge Ashok Kumar Ganguly, Akademi Award winning poet Sankha Ghosh, human rights activists and leading cultural personalities. Mondal said he had no idea why the Election Commission has taken the decision. "I respect the Election Commission. I am yet to get any papers about the order. Law will run its course." He said he would step out of his house on Saturday and visit Trinamool offices. "Campaigning is over. I will step out of my house on Saturday, I will go to our party offices. I don't know why it has been done. On what grounds has the Election Commission put me under watch? "I haven't beaten, killed or abducted anybody. Those who complained against me can only say." The opposition parties have for the last three years been blaming Mondal for the political violence in Birbhum district. On Friday, they welcomed the EC decision. BJP candidate from Mayureshwar in Birbhum, Locket Chatterjee said it was victory of the people. "This is particularly a triumph for women he has shown disrespect. I hope peace will now prevail on the polling day". Left Front chairman Biman Bose said this will improve the situation. "He (Mondal) was crushing all democratic traditions under his feet..but we have to wait and see. He can still use his phone to disturb the poll process." State Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said while it was a welcome development, the EC needs to take more firm steps. Mumbai : Mumbai, April 15 (IANS Actor Randeep Hooda says that being straightforward was the reason for his "slow" progress in the industry. In an interview for the film "Laal Rang", Randeep said: "I am a 'muhfat (outspoken)' and that is the reason I have a slow progress in the industry. I try to be diplomatic but you can get the boy out of Haryana but not the Haryana out of the boy. People don't understand my humor and misunderstand me. Sooner or later people know I mean no harm and am a good man." About his success in the industry despite being "an outsider", he said: "Actors from small time can deal with failure but they don't know how to deal with success. In success, how to fake humbleness and fake respect, the industry kids know it very well. But I can't do such things. I achieved success on my own and that has brought about a different confidence." Randeep, who started out with films like "D", and "Monsoon Wedding", is in a good space recently having delivered critically acclaimed films like "Highway", "Rang Rasiya" as well as the commercial successes like "Kick". He is also a part of some big projects like "Sarbjit" and even Salman Khan's "Sultan". He will next be seen as a 'blood mafia' from Haryana in the upcoming relationship drama "Laal Rang". Directed by Syed Ahman Afzal, the film also stars Akshay Oberoi and Pia Bajpai in prominent roles and is slated to release on April 22. International real estate advisor Savills has formed a new association with Provence based real estate agent Valancogne & Partners. Established for over 30 years and led by Corinne Allione-Joutel and Olivier Valancogne, the agency has offices in Bonnieux in the Luberon and in Eygalieres in the Alpilles and specialises in the sale and seasonal rentals of prestige properties also in the Gard, Marseille and Aix regions. Rupert Sebag-Montefiore, head of global residential at Savills, said the association will add to the firms network of over 600 wholly owned and associate offices. Provence is a market which has always attracted both French and overseas buyers, and we believe we are now at a cycle in the market when its fabulous landscape and culture present excellent value for money compared with some other international markets, he explained. Corinne Allione-Joutel and Olivier Valancogne, said that as the exclusive international associate of Savills in Provence, they will be able to offer their clients the strength of an international network and its broad, high end customer base bringing added value to its customised service. Our philosophy is to create an atmosphere of confidence right from the first contact with our clients. Our role is to guide our clients in the best possible way whether they be seeking to purchase a holiday home or main residence or whether they are looking for the perfect holiday rental, they added. Storm damage, burst pipes and damage from break-ins were the top reasons that buy to let property investors make insurance claims, new research has found. The most common claim was for storm damage, which cost an average of 1,500 to repair, followed by damage to ceilings, walls and carpets caused by burst pipe with an average 4,500 repair bill. The analysis of data from 100,000 policies by Simple Landlords Insurance also found that the third most common reason for making a claim was property damage caused by burglars with an average claim of 2,300. The most expensive claim in the top 10 is 25,000 to repair the damage caused by an electrical fire and the report also explains how insurance premiums can vary significantly according to property type, location, and tenant type. Andrew Weston from Simple Landlords Insurance said the research is useful for landlords as it helps them to find out the practical measures they can take to avoid the hassle and time of making an insurance claim, all of which will benefit them further by keeping premiums low. Saving money will become even more important for landlords in coming years as tax increases announced by the Chancellor are phased in, which for many investors could make the difference between profit and loss, he pointed out. Buying insurance is often one of the last things buy to let investors consider. Having a clear understanding of the key factors that can influence a premium will save landlords money in the long run, he added. The report warns landlords about damages that are not covered by insurance policies. The most common reason that a landlord did not have cover was that they hadnt purchased accidental damage cover in their policy. The report also explains that while you never know where a storm will hit, certain features can make properties particularly vulnerable to harsh weather conditions. Properties with conservatories attached and dormer windows are especially likely to be damaged by high winds and excessive rain during a storm. An example is a property in Edinburgh which needed more than 11,000 worth of repairs, including Perspex roof covering to the buildings exterior and solid oak flooring to its interior after two panels from its conservatory roof were ripped off during high winds in January 2015. In Keighley, West Yorkshire, another landlord sustained damage worth just under 5,000 when their conservatory roof was replaced after every single roof pane was punctured by hailstones during a storm in July 2015. A landlord in the West Midlands was contacted by his student tenants following a break in. The burglars smashed through the back door and tried to enter all the bedrooms upstairs. All the doors were locked but the thieves damaged the doors and frames with the damage amounting to almost 5,000. With the residential rental sector attracting more investors than ever before the first cross-industry organisation dedicated to driving the professionalism in the sector has been launched. The UK Apartment Association (UKAA) said it will focus on driving up standards of customer service and delivery to ensure that all renters are given the best possible experience. Its creation has been championed by Housing Minister Brandon Lewis, who is calling on the industry to work together to deliver more homes for rent and better standards for tenants. The UKAA aims to differentiate the multi-family housing market from the amateur ad hoc rental service provided by small scale landlords that currently make up the bulk of rentals. I want to see the private rented sector respond to the nations housing needs by providing new forms of supply and improved quality and choice, said Lewis. I welcome the UKAA as a body that can help build the capabilities of the build to rent sector in this country, bringing together the needs of private renters with the institutional capital that wants to invest in meeting their demands, he added. With more than nine million renters in the UK and vast potential for that number to grow, there is a huge opportunity for build to rent developments as an institutional asset class. In recent months alone, the number of developers and investors committing to projects has risen but there is still a distance to go before renting becomes the professional, service led industry backed by large institutional investors that it is in the United States. As the first international partner of the US-based National Apartment Association (NAA), the UKAA will benefit from the experience of the US multi-family industry. A federation of nearly 170 state and local affiliates, NAA encompasses over 69,000 members representing more than 8.1 million apartment homes throughout the United States and Canada. The NAA is eager to bring industry training, best practices and networking opportunities to the UK. In addition, our US members are increasingly seeing opportunities for global growth and are looking to NAA for guidance when entering a new market. Our partnership with UKAA will be invaluable to our association as we address the growing need for a global rental housing industry, said Doug Culkin, president and chief executive officer of the NAA. As well as providing a valuable platform for the industry, the UKAA aims to lead educational training, customer service delivery, study tours and provide a suppliers forum, market data and a range of resources. A growing number of high profile companies and professionals from across the sector have already signed up as members including Atlas, Hermes, Greystar, Manchester Life and Savills with suppliers including Roomservice by CORT and Yardi. The UKAA is working in conjunction with all of the other industry bodies and is in the process of establishing regional branches, which are so far under way in Manchester and Scotland. This evolution of the rental sector is creating some interesting dynamics and raising many questions about what renting in the UK should and will look like. There is clearly a case for using the extensive experience gained by the US and working together to create a more professional market to ultimately give renters a better service, said founder of the UKAA and chairman of Chainbow, Roger Southam. Graeme Pollock (pictured) is director and head of east agency at the Edinburgh commercial department of DM Hall Chartered Surveyors. Like Banquos ghost, the spectre of endless Brexit hangs over the commercial property market in Edinburgh and its immediate hinterland and, until it is banished, the feasting will necessarily remain subdued. There has certainly been a tail-off in activity since the first Brexit deadline was missed in March this year and the market has paused until some of the mists in the crystal ball start to clear. But, in an indication of how things might begin to develop when there is finally some clarity in the wider geopolitical arena, rents in prime office space in Edinburgh are now topping the mid 30s per sq ft levels not seen for some considerable time. These kinds of returns are, of course, for properties such as brand new headquarter buildings in the heart of the city, but a continuing shortage of stock is still helping to bang rents up generally. This, in turn, is leading to flurries of activity in West Edinburgh, the area in which packs of investors traditionally hunt when they cannot afford to bag anything in the city centre. And, as people are priced out of that market, there is a knock-on effect on the more acceptable outer areas, such as West Lothian and heading up the M9 where, although it is not happening yet, rents will almost certainly start their upward progress in the next six to nine months. West Lothian has been hit by a series of high-profile closures in recent times and there has been a sense of the manufacturing sector slipping away, but there are also positive signs, such as the relocation of defence giant Raytheon to Oakbank Park, which will likely attract related enterprises to the area. Back in the centre, international investment in the commercial real estate sector is as buoyant as ever, underpinned by European, Middle East and Asian interests whose positive view of relative returns in Scotland appears to outweigh the Brexit risk. One of the largest property transactions in Scotland this year the purchase of 4 8 St Andrew Square in the city centre was made by a German pension fund which had no qualms about dashing off a cheque for 120m. Indeed, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen continue to be in the UKs top 10 cities outside London for attracting foreign interest, with Scotland pulling in more than 500m of international capital in the first half of this year. The industrial market in Edinburgh is still extremely strong, with rents increasing for attractive stock. The sector is emerging from about 12 years of very selective speculative development into active building and these forerunners are reaping the benefits of pent-up demand. Operators such as JW Smart and Springfield are showing a healthy appetite for speculative development and doing extremely well out of it. Outwith the city, it is slower, but there is still a market for small to medium industrial units and ground is being broken on new developments all the time. Retail across Scotland remains a concern, with high-profile closures and traditional players refusing to commit to the High Street in the same way as they had previously been happy to do. It would be foolish not to anticipate a significant problem in prime retail areas in Edinburgh. However, on the edges of first order retail, in areas such as Murrayfield, Stockbridge and Morningside, local occupiers are still picking up space. In this sub-market substantial premiums can be achieved quite readily, with most properties on offer going to a closing date. Small business rates relief has helped of course, but many of these enterprises are driven by lifestyle, rather than brutally commercial, considerations. In more traditional town centres outside of Edinburgh, there is little taste for lifestyle ventures and decentralisation continues apace with the retail needs of the communities being met by large out of town retail parks and supermarkets. Is there hope for smaller town centres? Well, there is a trend to repurposing of retail stock with former Class 1 units achieving a new lease of life as Class 11 leisure facilities or Class 10 non-residential institutions. As the old Chinese curse has it, we live in interesting times. It is difficult not to feel, though, that the curse would be lifted if we could finally get past Brexit, enter into a period of renewed confidence and get on with our lives. "Awesome service." (Zahid Iqbal) Bengali expats worldwide are invited to get their Bengali New Year gift: $3 Bonus for international calls to Bangladesh on TelephoneBangladesh.com. The condition to get the 103 free minutes to call landlines and mobiles in Bangladesh is to order a minimum of $20 Voice Credit until April 9th, 2016. The process takes less than 1 minute and can be carried out using KeepCalling app for iOS and Android, or the mobile-friendly website: http://telephonebangladesh.com/buy/voice To get the $3 Bonus one needs to use coupon HAPPY3AR for a minimum order of $20 on TelephoneBangladesh.com. A minimum $20 Voice Credit order is required to get the Bonus, that is added to the account balance instantly. The 103 free minutes never expire, and can be used to call Bangladesh mobiles and landlines, as well as other destinations in the world. This promotion was designed to support communication between expats and their families in Bangladesh during and after the Poila Boishakh celebration. The promotion is open to all people who have an account on TelephoneBangladesh.com, both existing and new customers. For new customers registration on the website costs nothing, and it comes with several benefits: free features, Thank You points, transaction and call history, balance details, etc. It takes less than 1 minute to open an account and also subscribe to "Get Offers" by email. For those wondering how to call Bangladesh using the latest and most affordable technology, TelephoneBanglades.com makes available 3 different ways to call with Voice Credit: -KeepCalling app for Android or iOS is easy to install and works best on WiFi. -One can call from a PC to any phone in Bangladesh using the Web Call app that is available in one's online account on the website; it requires no download, but it needs a new Java version to run well. -Access Numbers help customers make calls without Internet access using a landline, a payphone, or a mobile; the appropriate access number is the number in one's area, available in the following list: http://telephonebangladesh.com/access_numbers_voice TelephoneBangladesh.com, which is a service dedicated to Bengali communities abroad, features really competitive rates on the global market: 2.9 /minute unique price for mobiles and landlines. Voice Credit is basically calling credit for international calls and SMS to Bangladesh. Yet, the lowest rate to call Bangladesh is 1.9 /minute, available with the monthly plans on TelephoneBangladesh.com. "Bangladesh 500" includes 500 international calling minutes to Bangladesh landlines and mobiles for a monthly rate of $9.49. For more talkative bengali, there is another monthly plan that includes 1000 minutes to mobiles and landlines: "Bangladesh 1000." Its price is $18.99 a month, and can be cancelled any time without any penalties or extra fees. TelephoneBangladesh.com is known for its flexibility and for having no hidden fees. Voice Credit can be added to the monthly plan if more minutes are needed. Plus, monthly plans can be cancelled or upgraded or downgraded without any penalty. Payment methods are also flexible. One can use PayPal or any major card displayed in the footer of the website. The service is also rewarding. One gets Thank You points as loyalty points on every purchase or each time someone uses their referral code when placing an order on TelephoneBangladesh.com. These points can be converted into Voice Credit whenever they reach 1000. Besides the calling service, TelephoneBangladesh.com hosts a service that facilitates 1 minute mobile credit transfers from country to country. It is called Mobile Recharge and can be used to send mobile credit online to any prepaid mobile phone in Bangladesh: Grameenphone, Banglalink, Robi, Airtel Bangladesh, TeleTalk and Citycell. TelephoneBangladesh.com is an interactive website designed by KeepCalling, a global telecommunications company registered in 2002 in USA. Presently, KeepCalling provides its services to hundreds of thousands of consumers and businesses, with a focus on customer satisfaction. KeepCalling has been listed by Inc 5000 as one of the fastest growing companies in the USA for 5 consecutive years. In 2015 the company registered a revenue increase of over 200% from 2011 to 2014. Positive Energy Corp. distributes ventilation, insulation, lighting and sealing products from well-known national and international brands such as Panasonic, Renewaire, Tamarack Technologies, Sto-Cote, Bacharach and Reflectix. New owner Loupee said, Positive Energy was one of the first successful distributors of environmentally friendly building products in the Mountain states. We hope to add to that success by introducing a variety of innovative new building products to our customers. We intend to make the customer experience second to none with outstanding products, pricing and customer service. Loupee has over 13 years of experience in product-specific technical support and sees customer service as my strong suit. Loupee noted that Positive Energy will continue to operate its existing warehouse facility in Gunbarrel. The business office has been relocated to 421 21st Ave., Suite 203, in Longmont. Positive Energy currently sells its products throughout the country online but focuses primarily on the mountain states: Colorado, Montana, Wyoming and Utah. My hopes for this business include constantly refreshing our product mix with advanced, innovative products and delivering them more efficiently to our contractors and end users so they can continue to grow and prosper, Loupee concluded. # # # sweetFrog's Perry Hall, MD location will open again on April 18. From birthday parties to fundraisers, we want sweetFrog to be the place our friends in Perry Hall choose to gather and celebrate. sweetFrog Enterprises, LLC. is pleased to announce the reopening of its Perry Hall location in Nottingham, MD. sweetFrog offers a wide selection of premium frozen yogurt flavors, along with fresh topping choices within a self-serve model and was recently named Best Frozen Yogurt in the USA by The Daily Meal. This sweetFrog store, located at 259 9643 Belair Road, Nottingham, MD 21236, will re-open its doors on April 18 with a variety of opening festivities that will continue every day until their Grand Opening on April 23. During this time, free t-shirts will be given out to the first 25 guests each day and a free sweetFrog party for six will be given to a lucky guest through a Like and Share Facebook contest. The grand opening celebration on April 23 will feature prizes, balloons, stickers, lots of giveaways and appearances by the ever-popular sweetFrog mascots, Scoop and Cookie. The first 100 guests receive will free t-shirts and every purchase comes with a return-visit BOGO card. In addition, guests can get their frozen yogurt free if they can guess the weight of their cup and there will be a drawing for one lucky guest to win free FROYO for a year. "We invite the entire community to join us for a sweet treat," said Patrick Galleher, sweetFrog CEO. "From birthday parties to fundraisers, we want sweetFrog to be the place our friends in Perry Hall choose to gather and celebrate. The celebrating will not stop after the grand opening. From May 2-6 , sweetFrog will honor Perry Halls medical professionals, schools, fire and rescue, local businesses and churches with 50% off purchases on their designated day. In addition, there will be a 50% donation of sales to non-profit organizations who book benefit nights and 50% discounts on birthday party bookings by May 7, 2016. About sweetFrog Frozen Yogurt: Sweet Frog (http://www.sweetfrog.com) is the fastest growing premium, all natural, self-serve frozen yogurt restaurant company in the country. Sweet Frog currently has 344 stores including both company-owned, franchise and independently licensed locations either open or under contract in twenty-four states in the U.S, Dominican Republic, United Kingdom and Egypt. The company was founded in 2009 and is based in Richmond, Virginia. Sweet Frog prides itself on providing a family-friendly environment where customers can enjoy soft-serve frozen yogurt, gelato and sorbets with the toppings of their choice. The company was founded on Christian principles and seeks to bring happiness and a positive attitude into the lives of the communities it calls home. Contact: Matt Smith, Chief Marketing Officer matt.smith(at)sweetfrog(dot)net (804) 835-6796 10800 Midlothian Turnpike, Suite 300 Richmond, VA 23235 Pearah joins The HDF Group as new CEO Weve just delivered a major release of HDF5 with many additional powerful features, and were very excited about several innovative new products that well soon be making available to our user community. The HDF Group today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed David Pearah as its new Chief Executive Officer. The HDF Group is a software company dedicated to creating high performance computing technology to address many of todays Big Data challenges. Pearah replaces Mike Folk upon his retirement after ten years as company President and Board Chair. Folk will remain a member of the Board of Directors, and Pearah will become the companys Chairman of the Board of Directors. Pearah said, "I am honored to have been selected as The HDF Group's next CEO. It is a privilege to be part of an organization with a nearly 30-year history of delivering innovative technology to meet the Big Data demands of commercial industry, scientific research and governmental clients. Industry leaders in fields from aerospace and biotechnology to finance join the companys client list. In addition, government entities such as the Department of Energy and NASA, numerous research facilities, and scientists in disciplines from climate study to astrophysics depend on HDF technologies. Pearah continued, We are an organization led by a mission to make a positive impact on everyone we engage, whether they are individuals using our open-source software, or organizations who rely on our talented team of scientists and engineers as trusted partners. I will do my best to serve the HDF community by enabling our team to fulfill their passion to make a difference. Weve just delivered a major release of HDF5 with many additional powerful features, and were very excited about several innovative new products that well soon be making available to our user community. Dave is clearly the leader for HDF's future, and he has the unanimous support of the Board of Directors, said Jed Taylor, The HDF Group Board Member and Chair of the search committee. The Board has always had a strong focus on succession planning. We initiated the formal CEO succession process ten months ago, searching internally and externally to find the best leader for our employees, clients and partners. With Dave Pearah taking the role of CEO and Mike Folk remaining on the Board, we are confident that The HDF Group has the leadership to drive its success for the next chapter. Over the past 15 years, Pearah has held increasingly senior roles in engineering, product and business leadership across multiple industries, including telecommunications, healthcare, and marketing. Most recently, Pearah was Chief Technology Officer of Cision, overseeing Product Management, Engineering and IT for the global business. Prior to Cision, Pearah served as CTO and SVP Product Management for Emmi Solutions, General Manager of the ePrescribe Business Unit for Allscripts, and Director of Product Management at Nuance/Dictaphone. Pearah holds dual masters degrees in Technology Management and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a BS in Computer Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is a recipient of fellowships from the National Science Foundation, NASA and the Ford Foundation. The Hierarchical Data Format, or HDF, was originally developed in 1987 at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with the goal of addressing the growing need to effectively manage very large and complex scientific and engineering data. Organizations in commercial industry, government and academia adopted HDF for many applications demanding high performance data management software. HDF supports all types of digital data, regardless of origin, size or complexity, from remote sensing data collected by satellites and computational results from nuclear testing models, to high-resolution MRI brain scans and financial time series data. The company has grown steadily since we spun off from the NCSA to further develop HDF technologies, says Folk, who led the original NCSA project for 18 years before co-founding the company. But if we are to become truly sustainable and preserve our mission, we need a business model that will provide more consistent revenues, and can also enable the company to grow to meet the increasing demands of a data-hungry world. Folk said, We sought someone with the experience, knowledge, and passion to take us to that next level. The Board and I are elated to have found Dave. With his strong technology management and engineering background, coupled with repeated and consistent success in leading product development efforts and software teams, hes just what we need for the job. The HDF Group is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to advancing HDF technologies to serve the needs of users in ever-changing computational environments, while at the same time maintaining its commitment to ensure the long-term accessibility of data stored in HDF. Located in the Research Park at the University of Illinois in Champaign, Illinois, the companys website and software may be found at https://www.hdfgroup.org/. Within the pages of Chuck DeHaans new book, The Makin' of A Cowboy Evangelist, ($15.99, paperback, 9781498467735; $7.99, e-book, 9781498467742) readers will meet Eric, the main character, a young cowboy who is starting to find answers to put direction in his life. As hes halter breakin some colts, he begins to grasp Gods gentle touch on Who so ever will, and the difference in who so ever wont. After his born again experience he also finds a great peace, the kind thats beyond understanding Gods peace. This is a story telling of Gods simple plan of salvation, based on Gods Word through the Bible. Many cowboys that the author has known in his life, young and old, have had deep questions but too much wounding pride to ask anyone. Even though this is a fictional story, it brings truthful answers unfolding Gods will for everyone even cowboys. I hope readers understand how God can and will establish our thoughts if we will let Him, states the author. We have a choice from Him. In Chuck DeHaans life, his horse training and western art were intermingled for many years. When the demand for his artwork began to take up more of his time, the horses had to be cooled out and put up. For approximately 20 years, Chuck handled the advertising for Potts Longhorn Leather Company. He trained and showed their horses, as well as tested new products on his Cowtrack Ranch. Guildhall of Fort Worth, Texas published his limited edition prints. Through the years he worked with many major publishers such as The Franklin Mint, The Hamilton Collectables, The Bradford Exchange, Leaning Tree, Western Brands, as well as various book and magazine publishers. This all started as a small boy, when Chuck found out that pencils left tracks. And from that moment on, he has unfolded his experiences and knowledge of horses onto canvas for others to enjoy. His talent which God has allowed him to work with has gained him many awards such as Texas State Artist of the year as well as the Golden Spur Award for Best Cover art by Western Writers of America. Many buckles, plaques and medals hang on the studio walls along with other awards. Collecting stories and experience for more than 82 years, Chuck has decided its time to start sharing his memories. Xulon Press, a division of Salem Media Group, is the worlds largest Christian self-publisher, with more than 15,000 titles published to date. Retailers may order The Makin' of A Cowboy Evangelist through Ingram Book Company and/or Spring Arbor Book Distributors. The book is available online through xulonpress.com/bookstore, amazon.com, and barnesandnoble.com. Media Contact: Chuck DeHaan Email: chuck(at)chuckdehaan(dot)com For this whole genome 30x sample, the PetaSuite compressed data is less than a fifth the size of the original gzipped FASTQ file. The judges chose a new product that could give you millions of dollars worth of storage savings right now, a product that several of our judges wanted to go buy immediately after lunch. PetaGene, the genomics data compression and acceleration company, has been awarded "Best of Show" at the 2016 Bio-IT World Conference & Expo for its PetaSuite product, which launched at the conference; http://www.bio-itworld.com/2016/4/6/bio-itworld-honors-new-products.aspx. The Best of Show award recognizes the top innovative product solutions for the life sciences industry on display at the conference. PetaGene demonstrated its PetaSuite product at the event, showing how its innovative compression technology can significantly reduce the size of genomic data while preserving access in industry standards, such as FASTQ, BAM and CRAM formats. This size reduction not only cuts data storage costs, but also makes collaboration faster by accelerating transfers, and can reduce I/O bottlenecks to help speed up analysis. PetaSuite offers both a lossless and an innovative BayesCal compression option, with up to a four-fold reduction in storage hardware costs for lossless compression. BayesCal is PetaGenes revolutionary Bayesian-based analysis that leverages additional evidence to calculate a more complete estimate of base quality scores. The result is that genotyping accuracy is preserved or even improved, while compressibility is further boosted as a side effect. A panel of expert judges from academia and industry examined 46 new products in IT and the life sciences considered from the 190 Bio-IT World exhibitors. "This year saw a record number of applications and technologies for the Best of Show Award, said Allison Proffitt, Bio-IT Worlds Editorial Director. The award recognizes breakthrough innovations by leading vendors in the industry, and this years winners represent technologies that particularly impressed our judges. There were five awards in total, with PetaSuite winning in the category for "Optimising Speed and Storage" beating out solutions from some of the largest storage vendors. In reading out the award for PetaSuite, Allison Proffitt said that "the judges chose a new product that could give you millions of dollars worth of storage savings right now, a product that several of our judges wanted to go buy immediately after lunch." This year, the diverse judging panel included Michael Barmada, University of Pittsburgh; Catherine Brownstein, Boston Childrens Hospital; Joe Cerro, BostonCIO; Chris Dwan, Broad Institute; Martin Gollery, Tahoe Informatics; Richard Holland, New Forest Ventures; Eleanor Howe, Broad Institute; Alan Louie, IDC; Aaron Krol, Bio-IT World; Phillips Kuhl, Cambridge Innovation Institute; Katya Mantrova, Independent Consultant; Jerald Schindler, Merck; Alex Sherman, Massachusetts General Hospital; and Allison Proffitt, Bio-IT Worlds Editorial Director. "We are honored that PetaSuite was selected by Bio-IT Worlds prestigious panel of judges for the Best of Show Award, said Dan Greenfield, co-founder and CEO of PetaGene. "We are excited to help research and diagnostic organizations by making their unwieldy genomics data smaller, faster and better, reducing their costs and even speeding up their collaboration and analysis." About PetaGene PetaGene is a software company helping life sciences companies and institutions to tackle the rapidly growing amount of genomic data from Next Generation Sequencing. PetaGene originally started as a government-backed research project in collaboration with the European Bioinformatics Institute to investigate new approaches to manage genomic data. Its innovative software solutions can significantly reduce the costs of genomic data storage, accelerate data transfers, and even speed up analysis. Today, Tragic Media announced that it has joined HubSpot as a Certified Agency Partner. HubSpot, the worlds leading inbound marketing and sales platform, works hand-in-hand with Agency Partners to grow their businesses through inbound software, services, and support. Of the announcement, Hubspots Brian Signorelli said, We are thrilled to welcome Tragic Media to HubSpots Partner Program. Their savvy, sophisticated, and innovative approach to inbound makes them a company that businesses everywhere can learn from. Watching them transform their Agency with inbound has been a rewarding experience! Over the past year, Tragic Media has grown its business by incorporating inbound strategies to attract, engage, and delight customers. Tragic Medias mission is to create a new kind of agency, one that is built on technology and is committed to their customers growth and success. Working with the HubSpot platform has given Tragic Media the ability to track and measure the success of their clients campaigns and upgrades. Notable milestones and achievements include: Tragic has doubled its lead generation since starting with the HubSpot platform The size and service offerings of Tragics projects have grown 3x since Q4 2015. The addition of Hubspot inbound marketing, online marketing services and conversion attribution bring incredible value to new and existing clients About Tragic Media: Tragic Media was so named because they got started as a white label agency for larger agencies who ran into problems on enterprise web projects with heavy customization, and large e-commerce builds. Tragic Media quickly become known as the emergency 911 call for large, expensive agencies when they ran into capability issues or offshored projects with poor results. Having started as a pure development agency specializing in high complexity builds and fixes on enterprise web projects, Tragic Media has transformed into a digital agency with a focus on delivering high performance online assets for their clients. They are experts in Magento E-commerce, Drupal, Responsive Design, Content and Inbound Marketing, Paid and Organic search all while providing clients with high touch service and giving them a clear picture of return on their project investment. About HubSpot HubSpot ($HUBS) is the worlds leading inbound marketing and sales platform. Since 2006, HubSpot has been on a mission to make the world more inbound. Today, over 15,000 customers in more than 90 countries use HubSpots software, services, and support to transform the way they attract, engage, and delight customers. HubSpots inbound marketing software, ranked #1 in customer satisfaction by VentureBeat and G2Crowd, includes social media publishing and monitoring, blogging, SEO, website content management, email marketing, marketing automation, and reporting and analytics, all in one integrated platform. Sidekick, HubSpots award-winning sales application, enables sales and service teams to have more effective conversations with leads, prospects, and customers. Recognized by Inc., Forbes, and Deloitte as one of the worlds fastest-growing companies, HubSpot is headquartered in Cambridge, MA with offices in Dublin, Ireland, Sydney, Australia, and Portsmouth, NH. Learn more at http://www.hubspot.com Goodheart-Willcox author Melanie Lynch was named SHAPE (Society of Health and Physical Educators) Americas Teacher of the Year. Recognized for her contributions to the high school health education classroom, Lynch is a teacher at State College Area High School in State College, Pennsylvania. She is coauthor of Essential Health and Comprehensive Health, high school health education titles published by Goodheart-Willcox. A special awards gala was held April 8 at SHAPE Americas National Convention and Expo, during which Lynch was among the elite who received recognition in the physical education, adapted physical education, school health, and dance education professions. Attendance at this conference was approximately 5,000 health and physical education educators. Excellent teachers, like Melanie, are ambassadors to their profession, says John Flanagan, President of Goodheart-Willcox. Melanie is dedicated to her students health and well-being in the classroom and beyond. Shes being recognized for something weve known all alongthat Melanie is one of the countrys most effective educators. She brings energy to the classroom and provides her students with knowledge that will impact them throughout their lives. We congratulate Melanie and are proud of our continued partnership. Lynch, coauthor of Goodheart-Willcoxs Comprehensive Health and Essential Health titles, which provide the most up-to-date, skills-based texts for health and wellness classes, made significant contributions to both the pedagogy and activities within the text. Written by a team of award-winning educators, these titles allow teachers to tap into the classroom experience and lessons of some of the field's best minds. Content and skills align to national standards in health education, while providing in-depth coverage of topics, such as sleep, body image, health, cyberbullying, and more. To learn more about Goodheart-Willcox and its commitment to health and wellness education, visit http://www.g-w.com/health. About Goodheart-Willcox Goodheart-Willcox, established in 1921, publishes the highest quality content for Health Education as well as Career and Technical Education. Goodheart-Willcoxs expanding focus on health education emphasizes the benefits of healthy living and its impact on students success in college and career. Goodheart-Willcox titles are available in print and digital formats, and include a full portfolio of student and instructor resources. Goodheart-Willcox: Experts in Todays Health and Wellness. Maize Analytics, a Nashville-based technology firm that provides patented machine learning software to monitor and protect patient data, announced Wednesday that it has completed a second round of funding led by Nashville investor Jim Sohr. Sohr is the Chairman and CEO of Powered Health, a portfolio of health care technology companies positioned to change the business of health care. Sohr was the CEO of AIM Healthcare Services before its acquisition by Ingenix (now Optum) a division of UnitedHealth Group in 2009. Maize will deploy the capital to accelerate growth, expand their product line and support their rapidly expanding customer base. Maize Analytics Founder and CEO, Daniel Fabbri Ph.D. stated: Hospitals must monitor how sensitive patient data are accessed and used. Unfortunately, most providers rely upon manual methods or older technologies to accomplish this. We expect every US hospital will have advanced EMR access monitoring solutions in the next few years, and this capital raise helps us address this growing market. We are happy to expand our commitment to Maize Analytics, stated Jim Sohr. Hospitals and the PHI contained in their EMRs have always been a target for misuse. Innovative technologies, like Maizes, are critical in protecting patient privacy. Maize is expanding to support Canadian health care organizations and anticipates growth in other non-U.S markets. While the North American market is our primary focus, recent Canadian regulations have put increased pressure on Canadian health care organizations to monitor EMR usage, said Dr. Fabbri. About Maize Analytics: Maize Analytics patented and peer-reviewed auditing system allows privacy officers to quickly and accurately identify inappropriate accesses to EMR data. By contrast, legacy technologies provide static flag-based solutions, which commonly create high false positive rates and missed breach detection. Maize uses machine learning to identify why access occurs, and then filters away appropriate accesses, leaving a much smaller subset for manual review. http://www.maizeanalytics.com About Powered Health: Powered Health companies are joined by a guiding mission to provide innovative software and service solutions to the healthcare industry. We power a positive change in clinical decision making, interoperability, engagement and compliance. Together they change the business of health care. http://www.poweredhealth.com Brian Seymour, Photo credit Mark Davitt I encourage you to register to be an organ donor, because you too can save a life and be someones hero. Iowa firefighters and EMTs are widely considered heroes. But the family of one Waterloo firefighter is still waiting for a hero of their own. Jill Junk, 57, the wife of Waterloo firefighter Joe Junk, is one of 19 Iowans on the organ waitlist in need of a new liver. The Iowa Firefighters Association is partnering with the Iowa Donor Network to challenge each county in Iowa to gain 100 additional registered organ donors in 100 days, issuing the challenge on National Donate Life Green and Blue Day to raise awareness of the lifesaving importance of being a registered donor. There are 624 people on Iowas organ waitlist and more than 123,000 people on the national waitlist, said Tony Hakes, Iowa Donor Network public outreach manager. One donor has the potential to save up to eight peoples lives through organ donation and help more than 50 people through tissue donation. Just imagine how many people on this waitlist we could save, if we can reach our goal of 100 people per county. Wendy Lensing, Iowa Firefighters Association executive director, couldnt agree more about the multiple lives that can be saved through organ donation. Last month, Brian Seymour, a retired Indianola Fire Chief, past president of the IFA and an organ donor, died from injuries sustained after a major fall. Seymour dedicated 32 years of his life to public service, as a firefighter, paramedic and EMS director, and to helping others, as mission trip leader to Africa to teach children fire safety and to provide an African community with a fire truck. In one last act of honor in helping others, Brian was an organ and tissue donor, said Lensing. In death, he positively impacted 72 lives through his gift of life. It seemed fitting for the IFA to issue this lifesaving challenge to Iowans in Brians memory and in hope of helping Jill Junk. Judy Rottinghaus, retired Waterloo Fire Rescue firefighter and paramedic, added her support to IFAs challenge. A living kidney donor herself, Rottinghaus is not one to sit back when others are in needand especially a member of her firefighting family. Ive been a registered donor since I signed up for my first drivers license, said Rottinghaus. I didnt have a particular person in mind when I decided to become a living donor and do not know the man who received my kidney. I am simply glad that I have given him six years that he might not have had. Rottinghaus said she felt that because she had two healthy kidneys and could help someone, she should. And, that feeling ended up saving her life. I gave him hope, altruistically, and he gave me life, specifically, said Rottinghaus. Two years after her kidney donation, Rottinghaus was experiencing abdominal pain at the incision site of the kidney surgery, which required her doctors to take more images. Those images showed a problematic tumor on her pancreas. Rottinghaus likens her kidney donation as a gift of hope to the man she provided a kidney, which turned into receiving the gift of early detection and successful treatment of a precancerous tumor for herself. Now, we have a member of our firefighter family whose battle with pancreatic cancer has led to liver failure, said Rottinghaus. We are all rallying around Jill and Joe, and hope and pray Jill receives her liver transplant very soon. I encourage you to register to be an organ donor, because you too can save a life and be someones hero. In 2014, the lives of 29,532 Americans were saved through organ donation. Anyone can register to be a donor regardless of age or medical condition. Watch this video of the first responders encouraging Iowans to be donors and a ceremony at the Waterloo Fire Station sharing these Iowa firefighters stories. Visit IowaDonorNetwork.org to sign up to be a donor today. About Iowa Donor Network: Iowa Donor Network (IDN) is a nonprofit organization that operates as the primary contact for organ, tissue and eye donation services for the state of Iowa. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have certified IDN to function as the single organ procurement agency in the state. IDN also serves as the tissue recovery agency for the state and is accredited by the American Association of Tissue Banks. To learn more about IDN, please visit http://www.IowaDonorNetwork.org or call 319-665-3787. # # # The Womens Business Council Southwest (WBCS) hosts their annual Business Works Expo on April 19th from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm at the Irving Convention Center. The Expo connects women-owned businesses with supplier diversity advocates in the region. Through a series of events, the Expo helps provide and increase mutually beneficial procurement opportunities for women-owned businesses in corporate, government and institutional arenas. The event kicks off with a keynote breakfast with Amanda Messer, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of because I said I would, a social movement and nonprofit, then is followed by a full-day trade expo with a grab-and-go lunch, a silent auction and a networking reception. WBCS members begin valuable long-lasting relationships here, explains Debbie Hurst, president of WBCS. Oncor Electric Delivery Co. LLC, a recognized leader of women-owned business supplier spending with an operating revenue of $3,878 million for 2015, is a very active WBCS Sustaining Member. "They have been participating in the Business Works Expo since its inception. They started meeting WBCS members then, and have given them opportunities from the beginning. Those relationships have grown and now represent some of their top suppliers." Over the years, we have helped members to develop and grow. We have really grown together, said Oncor Supplier Diversity Manager Grace Hastings. Some WBCS members, such as Pinnacle Group and Ricochet Fuel Distributors, Inc., have been with us from the start. As suppliers, you get to know the companies, and know their innovations and solutions. This year, Oncor gave its most prestigious recognition, the Omnis Award, to Ricochet for demonstrating excellence in business and community outreach. According to Kelly Roberts, Ricochet Fuel Distributors founder, president & CEO, the accolade came from a prized client. The same Omnis Award was presented to Pinnacle Technical Resources Inc. in 2014. We continue to see the value from the relationships the WBCS brings, reiterated Hastings. People dont always think of women-owned businesses in the fuel logistics, technology and construction industries, but they are, and the WBCS is a great place to meet them. The Matchmaker program, held as an additional event during the Expo, provides a chance for WBCS members to set up meetings with suppliers interested in doing business with women-owned businesses. It provides the WBCS members with an opportunity to have 1:1 face time to meet and discuss long-term procurement opportunities. The event is co-chaired by WBCS members Jennifer Blakeney, CEO of Guaranteed Express, Inc., and Pam Glover, Manager, Supplier Diversity at Southwest Airlines Co., and organized by a committee of volunteers. Sponsors of the program include Energy Future Holdings, Luminant, TXU Energy, KellyMitchell, Asociar, Baylor Scott & White Health, ISP Studios, Ivie, Lockheed Martin, Painters USA Inc., PepsiCo Inc., Texas Instruments, Anderson Paving, Inc., BUSINESS INTERIORS, Dell, ICON Information Consultants, RMPersonnel, Toyota, American Airlines, FedEx Office, AT&T, Fluor, Brinker International, Chevron, DFW International Airport, Ericsson, Southside Bank, Southwest Airlines Co., UPS, Walmart. About WBCS Headquartered in Arlington, Texas, The Womens Business Council Southwest (WBCS) is dedicated to increasing mutually beneficial procurement opportunities between certified woman-owned businesses, corporations, businesses, government entities, institutions and other organizations. With more than 1,000 WBE members and nearly 100 Sustaining (Corporate) Members, WBCS is in its 21st year of providing national certification to women-owned businesses. To find out more about the WBCS, please visit http://www.wbcsouthwest.org. WBCS is a regional affiliate of the Women Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) covering Oklahoma, north central Texas, Arkansas and New Mexico. Founded in 1997, WBENC has become a powerhouse organization for women entrepreneurs across the country. On the heels of two tremendously successful film festivals complete with audience standing ovations, the emotionally-stirring, controversial film Love Is All You Need? will make its Southern California debut at the Newport Beach Film Festival on Friday, April 22. Based on the sensational short of the same name, which received global media attention and tens of millions of views, Love Is All You Need? tackles the issues of bullying and prejudice head-on. The film captures the realities of the misuse of religion to promote hate in a world where gay is straight, straight is gay, and heterophobia is prevalent. Filmmaker K. Rocco Shields crafted this movie to enable audiences to experience empathy for victims of persecution, rather than just sympathy. The star-studded cast includes Briana Evigan (Step Up Series), Tyler Blackburn (Pretty Little Liars), Emily Osment (Young & Hungry), Jeremy Sisto (Suburgatory), Elisabeth Rohm (American Hustle, Joy) and Ana Ortiz (Ugly Betty). Audiences are praising the film for accurately exposing the realities of bullying, providing valuable perspective, and initiating much-needed conversations, with feedback including: "This is going to change so many people's perspectives in such a great way." I genuinely think it needs to be seen by the entire world." "It should be used as part of the curriculum in middle schools and high schools. In fact, it sparked me to contact my local reps at the school district." Earlier this month, lawmakers in Mississippi and North Carolina passed legislation that will allow individuals and businesses to refuse services based on religious beliefs. Love is All You Need? references real bullying experiences by including the devastating true stories of individuals such as Matthew Shephard, an LGBT youth who was beaten, tortured and left to die for being gay. Shields even addresses the Westboro Baptist Church directly by using sermons written by leader Fred Phelps himself. Every year over 3.2 million students are victims of bullying, with a staggering 45% of 13-18 year-olds having experienced bullying by the age of 18 and an even more alarming 10% of bullied teenagers attempting suicide. Love Is All You Need? has been praised by both parents and children alike for its call-to-action to bring awareness to bullying and anti-discriminatory behavior. To make a further impact, 5% of the films profits will be donated to anti-bullying non-profit organizations. Love Is All You Need? will make its SoCal debut at the Newport Beach Film Festival on Friday, April 22. The film will also have an encore screening on Thursday, April 28. Tickets for both screenings are available at http://www.newportbeachfilmfest.com. For more information about Love Is All You Need? or to watch the short film visit http://www.loveisallyouneedthemovie.com or connect with Love Is All You Need? on Facebook and on Instagram and Twitter @liayn_themovie. Help WoodMafia plant 10,000 trees in 2016 We only expected to plant 1,500 trees in our first 12 months, and we smashed it by planting more than 10,000 in 2015 alone. WoodMafia is celebrating a solid first year of business by planting another 10,000 trees in 2016. Offering a unique range of premium wood watches, WoodMafia plants one tree for every watch purchased. Simon Barnett, Director of Sales and Marketing, today announced the company has pledged another 10,000 trees for 2016. We only expected to plant 1,500 trees in our first 12 months, and we smashed it by planting more than 10,000 in 2015 alone, said Simon. The support from customers and staff is fantastic, they are getting behind our social enterprise. Simon mentioned that WoodMafia has struggled to keep up with demand with enough stock to satisfy customers and enough trees for replanting. We couldnt have asked for a more successful launch, said Simon. We have been working very hard on a new range of watches and have doubled our capacity to cope with demand. WoodMafia prides itself on delivering a destination where Australians can peruse wooden watches, a fashion accessory that has been trending around the world. While offering high quality wood watches and accessories, the company is also dedicated to protecting the environment and has implemented innovative practices to do so. Using a practice what you preach approach, everything done at the WoodMafia headquarters is conducted paperlessly. In addition, WoodMafia offers a unique program in which their team plants one tree per sale. Anytime a purchase is made or someone wins one of WoodMafias regular giveaways, a tree is planted on the customers behalf. WoodMafia has seen success thus far, becoming an overnight sensation that has grown 300% per quarter. The companys team planted 10,000+ trees in their first year, and they are aiming to plant at least that many in 2016. Each tree is grown in WoodMafias glasshouse, and the team ran into a problem recently. Since their items are in such high demand, WoodMafia is now seeking a new tree supplier that can keep up with the demand of their tree planting program. With the demand for wood remaining strong, WoodMafia is offering a one-stop, trusted source where Australian customers can buy wood watches. Keeping the latest trends on tap, WoodMafia is quenching customers thirst for wood by offering the most in-demand brands and styles backed by exclusive offers that customers will only find at WoodMafia. Leveraging expert craftsmen who are experts in their trade, WoodMafia is thrilled to deliver pleasing wood watch designs that are built to last. About WoodMafia WoodMafia was founded in 2015 to offer Australians a destination for premium fashion accessories using recycled wood and environmentally friendly techniques. WoodMafia is dedicated to protecting the environment and demonstrates this passion by implementing in-house paperless means and planting one tree per sale. Contact Simon Barnett simon(at)woodmafia.com.au Phone: +61 468 617 635 Website: https://woodmafia.com.au/ ## A Miami startup has found a solution to parking problems by allowing drivers to reserve a prime parking spot where they need it and when they need it. Drivers frustrated trying to find parking in Miami and wasting valuable time circling a garage or lot have a new solution. A local startup has found a solution to parking problems by allowing anyone to reserve a prime parking spot where they need it, when they need it. Its arriving as a result of a ground-breaking partnership between two South Florida innovators. MyPark, newly located in Miamis Coconut Grove, has developed an app that enables drivers to locate and reserve a prime parking spot in convenient locations close to stores at malls, on the first floor in garages, and close to the gate at the airport. Users simply tell the app where and when they would like to park, select the section where they wish to park (the best spot is selected automatically by default) and confirm their reservation. Once they arrive at their reserved space, a simple tap on a button on their iOS or Android device and the unique MyPark reservation unit will lower to provide access to their reserved space. In addition to creating this revolutionary app, MyPark is creating strong local partnerships. They recently announced their official engineering and manufacturing agreement with Nikao of Weston, Florida. Nikao will be enhancing the design, reliability and performance of MyParks unique parking reservation units and these devices will be manufactured and assembled right here in Weston, Florida. The two companies connected last year at Miamis leading edge eMerge conference. As MyParks business started gaining traction, it became clear it was time to enhance MyParks revolutionary concept and establish quality partnerships. Nikao was an obvious fit with their wealth of experience in design and development, as well as manufacturing. And all right here in South Florida! Over the past year, MyPark has launched the MyPark app on both Apples App Store and Google Play, and have since acquired hundreds of registered users. In addition to the agreement with Nikao, MyPark has signed their first franchise agreement worth close to $2M with MyPark Puerto Rico, LLC and opened their first two parking locations in Miami Beach. Additional parking locations will be launched in South Florida over the coming months, followed by expansion nationwide. Currently, MyPark is in talks with over a dozen International groups interested in opening franchises in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Latin America. With the current Nikao partnership, an updated version of the MyPark app and reservation units are scheduled to be released this month. The MyPark story is one that reiterates the thriving tech and start-up community in Miami and South Florida. With platforms like eMerge allowing local innovators to connect and grow, the community can expect to see more exciting ideas flourishing right here in Miami! For more information regarding MyPark, please contact Luis Mayendia - 305-456-5931 - luis(at)usemypark(dot)com or visit http://www.usemypark.com For more information on eMerge Americas, visit http://www.emergeamericas.org Data feeds for teams who need to innovate using education data Lingk grants institutions and data-oriented solution providers like Macmillan a cost-effective path to aggregating and organizing data to help improve student outcome goals. To meet the overwhelming demand for cost-effective access and the secure sharing of education enterprise data, Lingk now offers an Express Data Feeds service for EdTech vendors, institutions and corporate teams. Express Data Feeds quickly gains access to high quality, legacy system education data using a modern provisioning service and data management at an affordable cost compared to outdated methods. The service is used to power data-connected cloud and mobile apps for many use cases, including improving student lifecycle experiences and student success. Express Data Feeds are provided as a white glove service where customers can simply request a data feed from a data source (like a SIS, LMS, or CRM) and Lingk will provision the data feed in your account. The Lingk Data Engine stores data feeds in a standardized CEDS-aligned data model and provides open REST APIs for easy and consistent access. The CEDS data model is an open standard and aligns with many educational data standards including iPEDS, PESC, SIF, EdFi and xAPI. Lingk provides a standardized set of APIs based on Common Education Data Standards (CEDS). This allows developers to focus on a single integration point for consistent data access, rather than learn the landscape of data system APIs from hundreds of other vendors and platforms, said Jeff Alderson, Principal Analyst at Eduventures, a research firm focused on innovation in education. Benefits of Lingk Express Data Feeds include: Simply start with a single data feed pilot using Lingk Use Lingk to provide white-glove turnkey service for your data integration needs at a fraction of alternative methods and an ROI within a few months Leverage Lingk data experts versus hiring staff for data integration, and redeploy your budget to core strategic initiatives Work with open APIs and open standard data models for maximum ecosystem interoperability Receive on-going enhancements to data feeds, standards support and workflows with a first class seat at the enterprise data table Express Data Feeds are built on top of the powerful Lingk data engine and API platform, which has received high reviews from customers, thought leaders and analysts. The data platform provides a wide range of capabilities for securing, sharing, monitoring and reporting on data feed usage for institutions, enterprises and OEM technology partners. EdTech vendors realize short-term and long-term benefits of the Express Data Feed service. Gareth Hancock, Chief Product Officer at Macmillan Enterprise Solutions Group, said The potential benefits of removing the barrier for connecting higher education data sources in a well organized, secure manner are enormous. Lingk provides an elegant, scalable solution to this problem, granting institutions and data-oriented solution providers like Macmillan a cost-effective path to aggregating and organizing data to help improve student outcome goals. Institutions can use Express Data Feeds as an opportunity to provide technology leadership. Joseph Vaughan, CIO of Harvey Mudd College in California confirms this leadership benefit and claims it changes conversations with EdTech vendors. He stated, "With Lingk in the picture, you would be in a position to say: Here is the REST API for integrating with our data. Please have your developers do the integration using it. The good thing, from the vendor's point of view, is that if they've done the integration once, they've done it for everyone who is using the same data model and APIs. Pricing starts around $5,000 for the service and discounts are available with volume purchase agreements. Customers can upgrade to a Data Platform account to receive the breadth of capabilities needed for strategic data initiatives and for deeper discounts. Lingk will be presenting on April 19 at 11:00 AM in the Americas Cup room at the ASU-GSV Summit for Education Technology Leaders and Investors. The event is held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego. About Lingk Inc. Lingk provides data technologies and REST APIs that facilitate API integration at scale and secure student data through Express Data Feeds and the Lingk Data & API Platform. The solution streamlines connections between legacy systems and enterprise campus and learning solutions. With Lingk, technology and product teams reduce the costs associated with infrastructure interoperability and instead accelerate academic and business innovation. Learn more at http://www.lingk.io or follow @lingk_io on Twitter. Barby K. Siegel, CEO, Zeno Group I am accepting the award on behalf of the women who have inspired me along the way and, as important, the amazing women I work with every day at Zeno from our interns to our Leadership team. It has been a privilege to lead Zeno Group. In recognition of her transformation of Zeno Group from an unknown, small PR firm into a global, integrated communications agency with offices across North America, Europe and Asia, Barby K. Siegel, Zeno Groups CEO will be honored with the This Woman Means Business Award at the 12th Annual M2W - The Global Summit on Marketing to Women. M2W is designed to teach brand marketing and ad execs how to build more business with women who account for $7 trillion annual spending in the US, and over $20 trillion globally. M2W will be held May 2 & 3, 2016, New York, NY. The award, annually presented during M2W, is given to a woman who is a proven leader in her category of expertiseis an innovator and visionaryand has a track record of building successful enterprises while energizing and inspiring the people she touches in all she does, according to Nan McCann, M2W producer. In style and substance Barby K. Siegel has repeatedly demonstrated in every way that She Is A Woman Who Means Business! and has the results to prove it. While I am the lucky one who gets to accept this award on the stage, Siegel said, the truth is that I am doing so on behalf of the women who have inspired me along the way and, as important, the amazing women I work with every day at Zeno from our interns to our Leadership team. It has been a privilege to lead Zeno Group both in terms of the work we do for our clients as well as the environment we are building - a place where careers are built and lives are lived. I am especially thrilled to be part of M2W the Marketing to Women Conference this year as it goes global. We spend a lot of time at Zeno studying global audiences to help clients make deeper connections with the people they want to reach. To be successful among women in the global economy, we must understand the core values and behaviors that guide them every day. Some of the most interesting work we are doing at Zeno is studying women across the generations - from Gen We to Boomers and drawing actionable insights on what makes each age group truly unique." Past winners of the award have included, Angie Klein, VP Consumer Sales Strategy & Distribution, Verizon; Kelly Parisi, CCO, on behalf of the Girl Scouts of the USA; and Kris Malkoski, President, Global Business & Chief Commercial Officer, World Kitchen. Malkoski, who won the award when she was VP/GM of Craftsman and the first woman to lead a male dominated brand in the tools category, nominated Siegel for this years award. She said, Barbys team at Zeno has come up with incredibly creative campaigns for us like the Worlds Largest Measuring Cup to celebrate the Pyrex 100th anniversary (achieving over 1 billion impressions!), and bringing the Craftsman luxury tractor to the Detroit Auto Show, which inspired great media coverage including Indy 500 and Dancing with the Stars winner Helios Castroneves exclaiming he wanted to race the Craftsman tractor! Barby means business in every way! "The award is one of the highlights of M2Ws first day, McCann said. Were all looking forward to the presentation and listening to Barbys comments on the role Fearless has played in her life and the impact it has had on the women she crosses paths with every day. Her insights will reveal a new definition born out of a more personal viewpoint of fearless that the next generation of women leaders will unlock across industries from tech, autos, finance and pharma to CPG, housing, retail and travel." In addition to this woman means business award ceremonies, M2W will include over 30 speakers and a day and half of executive sessions teaching marketers how to build better business with todays women. McCann added. Women are todays power consumers. They control 85% of all consumer spending in virtually every category. More than ever before, here and in markets worldwide, women mean business. M2W is annually attended by Fortune 1000 senior brand marketing executives and their agencies. The audience typically includes companies as diverse as Harley-Davidson, Bayer, Aetna, ESPN, Kraft Foods, Ford, GM, Johnson & Johnson, Kellogg, Diageo, Walgreens, Wells Fargo, NBA, WebMD, Burton, LOreal, ConAgra and Whirlpool. They attend, McCann said, because they recognize the brand-critical importance of engaging women. M2W 2016 is Presented by Google, and sponsored by Associate Sponsor Unity Marketing with Showcase Sponsors: HouseParty, Luxe Bloom, Makovsky, World Kitchen, DeLonghi, VML, DeVries Global, Ketchum, Sampler, Centric, Edison Research, SheKnows Media, Marakae Marketing, Fluent, Stone Mantel, Influence Central, Womens Marketing/SITO, and Coyne PR. M2Ws official Bookseller is Paramount Market Publishing, and the Video Content Resource is Snippies. For complete conference schedule and information visit: http://www.m2w.biz or call 860.724.2649 x11. M2W is produced by PME Enterprises LLC, 912 Silas Deane Highway, Suite 101, Wethersfield, CT 06109. PME http://www.pme-events.com is a sales and marketing agency with a special emphasis on events. Bob Woodward, Synergy keynote speaker KEY2ACT, the construction and field service technology leader, announced that legendary journalist Bob Woodward will be the keynote speaker at Synergy 2016. Bob Woodward and fellow journalist Carl Bernstein contributed much of the reporting on the Watergate scandal. Since then, Woodward has written in depth about the last eight presidents, and has recently been reporting on the 2016 presidential election. During the keynote, Woodward will share his thoughts on the office of the American presidency and what he thinks voters might expect from the next president. We picked Bob Woodward to give the Synergy 2016 keynote because our customers know its not enough to understand only whats going on in their industries. Its just as important to understand whats going on in our world, said KEY2ACT CEO John Jazwiec. We chose a nonpartisan speaker uniquely positioned to comment on macroeconomic and political trends. Woodwards thoughts will be especially relevant coming weeks before a national election. Synergy is the annual conference that brings together members of the KEY2ACT community to learn and connect with other users. Synergy 2016 will take place October 24-27 in Fort Worth, Texas. For more information, visit the Synergy 2016 website. ABOUT KEY2ACT KEY2ACT is the construction and field service technology leader. Combining 20 years of experience serving customers with visionary leadership, KEY2ACT delivers differentiating innovation to its customers. KEY2ACT is focused on mechanical and non-mechanical specialty trades, facilities maintenance and other large asset or equipment-centric industries. Built on Microsoft technologies, KEY2ACTs solution, Signature, has achieved the Certified for Microsoft Dynamics (CfMD) status, Microsofts highest accreditation for partner-developed solutions. KEY2ACT protects customers investments in technology through focused solutions that create workflow efficiencies, enhance cost savings and build customer loyalty. For more information on KEY2ACT, please visit us at http://www.KEY2ACT.com, or call 1-866-KEY2ACT (1-866-539-2228). John Stevens, P.E., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Infinigy Infinigy is an ideal partner for Delta Drone due to its in-depth knowledge of the telecommunications-infrastructure sector, especially since the company has had a long-standing interest in civilian drones. Delta Drone, a leading provider of civilian drones for commercial use, is expanding their operation to the United States to offer solutions for telecommunication antenna inspections by drone. In order to successfully implement this major commercial development, Delta Drone America Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Drone SA based in Denver, Colorado, has partnered with Infinigy, a U.S. company specializing in the engineering and maintenance of telecommunications infrastructure. Delta Drone America will be responsible for the production and management of inspection services, thanks to the deltadrone Cloud Information System to ensure traceability and security. The data acquisition phase will be implemented by a network of U.S. independent operators, based upon specifications linked to the value chain developed by Delta Drone America. Commercially, Delta Drone America will work in conjunction with Infinigy. Since 2001, Infinigy has been a major and renowned player in the services and engineering sector of the telecommunications industry with offices in New York, North Carolina, Georgia, Colorado, California, Florida, Washington and Arizona. The companys clients include a large number of owners and managers of telecommunications-network infrastructures. Delta Drone boasts expertise in the field of antenna inspection, as validated by its numerous missions carried out in France on behalf of the Orange Group. John Stevens, P.E., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Infinigy, said, We are very happy to be collaborating with the Delta Drone Group to provide our clients and, more generally, the entire U.S. sector, with an innovative solution that has a proven track record in Europe. We believe drone technology is the answer to issues faced by field personnel, infrastructure owners, carriers and provides a safe and more accurate means to collect required critical data in our industry. Christian Viguie, Chairman and CEO of Delta Drone added that, Infinigy is an ideal partner for us due to its in-depth knowledge of the telecommunications-infrastructure sector, especially since the company has had a long-standing interest in civilian drones. Moreover, it has been granted its own Section 333 exemption, which will allow for faster deployment of the solution. We must now choose local providers to perform the data-acquisition part of the solution in accordance with our specifications and progressively meet all client needs. In view of the number of sites in question and the logistical aspects as regards the distances involved, the speed of deployment will depend on several technical factors, such as the number of qualified pilots and the computing and storage capacity necessary for the transfer, processing and storage of the data. About Infinigy Solutions LLC: Infinigy Engineering & Surveying was founded in 2001 to deliver quality engineering solutions to support growing wireless needs. In 2006, Infinigy was recognized as an Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Company. Infinigy has evolved into an industry leader by offering full site development solutions with Site Acquisition, A&E, and Construction Services. The company now has seven regional offices providing a national footprint to its customers. http://www.infinigy.com About Delta Drone: The Delta Drone Group is a renowned player in the field of civilian drones for professional use. It offers a complete service, from data acquisition to data processing through a specifically developed information system, including a supply of professional pilots. These pilots are trained and certified by the Ecole Francaise du Drone, a subsidiary of the Group. Delta Drone is listed on the Alternext market of Euronext Paris. ISIN code: FR0011522168. http://www.deltadrone.com At last Friday's Evening of Excellence held at the Spring Business Meeting in Austin, TX, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry presented National Contractor of the Year (CotY) Awards to winners in 36 categories. A list of all winners in PDF format is available at http://www.nari.org/cotywinners2016/. Before and after pictures of winning projects are available at http://www.nari.org/photos/. 2016 National CotY Award Winners include: Residential Kitchen Under $30,000 -- Buckeye Basements, Delaware, OH Residential Kitchen $30,000 to $60,000 -- Adams Company, Cedar Park, TX Residential Kitchen $60,001 to $100,000 -- NJW Construction, Inc., Lancaster, OH Residential Kitchen $100,001 to $150,000 -- Bluestem Construction, Saint Louis Park, MN Residential Kitchen Over $150,000 -- Platt Builders, Inc., Groton, MA Residential Bath Under $25,000 -- Realty Restoration, LLC, Austin, TX Residential Bath $25,000 to $50,000 -- Magnolia Homes, Waco, TX Residential Bath $50,001 to $75,000 -- Realty Restoration, LLC, Austin, TX Residential Bath $75,001 to $100,000 -- Marrokal Design & Remodeling, Lakeside, CA Residential Bath Over $100,000 -- Marvelous Home Makeovers, LLC, Plano, TX Residential Interior Under $75,000 -- TZ of Madison, Inc., Madison, WI Residential Interior $75,000 to $150,000 -- Gordon Reese Construction, Inc., Walnut Creek, CA Residential Interior Over $150,000 -- BRY JO Roofing & Remodeling, Richardson, TX Residential Interior Element under $30,000 -- Berriz Design Build Group, Fairfax, VA Residential Interior Element $30,000 and Over -- Rochman Design-Build, Ann Arbor, MI Residential Addition Under $100,000 -- LaMantia Design & Construction, Inc., Brookfield, IL Residential Addition $100,000 to $250,000 -- CG & S Design-Build, Austin, TX Residential Addition Over $250,000 -- NJW Construction, Inc., Lancaster, OH Residential Exterior Under $100,000 -- Kade Homes & Renovations, Cumming, GA Residential Exterior $100,000 to $200,000 -- AMEK Custom Builders, Bloomington, MN Residential Exterior Over $200,000 -- Mitchell Construction Group, Inc., Medfield, MA Residential Detached Structure -- Bowers Design Build, Inc., McLean, Virginia Entire House Under $250,000 -- DPS Construction Corporation, Charlotte, NC Entire House $250,000 to $500,000 -- NJW Construction, Inc., Lancaster, OH Entire House $500,001 to $750,000 -- WAC Contracting, Mooresville, NC Entire House $750,001 to $1,000,000 -- Timber Innovations LLC, Kimberly, WI Entire House Over $1,000,000 -- My House Design/Build Team Ltd., Surrey, BC Residential Historical Renovation/Restoration Under $250,000 -- Classic Homeworks, Denver, CO Residential Historical Renovation/Restoration $250,000 and Over -- John Kraemer and Sons, Edina, MN Commercial Interior -- Dave Fox Design Build Remodelers, Columbus, OH Commercial Speciality -- DP Contracting and Consulting -- Concord, NC Landscape Design/Outdoor Living Under $60,000 -- Mom's Landscaping & Design, Shakopee, MN Landscape Design/Outdoor Living $60,000 and Over -- Jeff King and Company, Inc., San Francisco, CA Basement Under $50,000 -- Time 2 Remodel, LLC, Madison, WI Basement $50,000 to $100,000 -- Kade Homes & Renovations, Cumming, GA Basement Over $100,000 -- Kraft Custom Construction, Salem, OR # # # About the CotY Awards:The prestigious CotY (Contractor of the Year) Awards are presented each year by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry to its members who have demonstrated outstanding work through their remodeling projects. Entrants can choose from 36 categories in which to enter their projects. Winners from the NARI Regional level vie for the National CotY Awards held each year during the Evening of Excellence. About NARI: The National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) is the premier association of remodeling professionals and industry experts dedicated to advancing the professionalism of the remodeling industry and educating the public on the benefits of using a qualified professional. NARI has 6,000 member contractors, suppliers and service providers and 52 chapters across the U.S. "When it comes to reporting, Jet Enterprise is the 'no brainer' option." Jet Reports flagship business intelligence solution is being showcased as the must-have software tool for innovative UK companies looking to leverage Microsoft Power BI data visualization and get the edge on the competition. When it comes to reporting, Jet Enterprise is the no brainer option, said Ian Humphries, Managing and Product Director of The NAV People which is hosting two events in the UK this month featuring Jet Enterprise. Jet Enterprise will be presented at the companys Season of Knowledge events, where participants learn how to extract relevant and useful corporate business analytics using Jet Enterprise in conjunction with the visual dashboard capabilities of Microsoft Power BI. Jet Enterprise is the default Microsoft Dynamics NAV reporting tool for end-users and IT professionals alike, said Humphries, in explaining why they selected Jet Enterprise for these important demonstrations. For those with larger business intelligence requirements, Jet Enterprise provides flexibility and ease of use and is the perfect data source for Power BI. Among those taking part in the event will be manufacturers in a variety of industries including pumps, childrens toys, food suppliers, along with retailers of home furnishing, fashion and beauty products, as well as restaurant chains. Brian Petersen, Director of Business Intelligence for Jet Reports, said the detailed information revealed through Jet Enterprise provides businesses with the knowledge set to make significant and strategic changes to their operations, paving the way for economic growth while reducing risk or uncertainty. Customers that combine Microsoft Power BI with Jet Enterprise have seen tremendous success in terms of the information revealed and the time saved in creating the reports, he said. We are very pleased to have been invited to take part in this event and to work with one of Microsofts top NAV partners on the globe, Petersen said. Theyve proven their expertise and ability to identify what business needs today to stay ahead and the ability to mine data to reveal useful, targeted information is a critical part of that journey. For more information on the upcoming Seasons of Knowledge events, please follow the links below: Manchester April 19 Newbury April 20 About The NAV People The NAV People started trading in the UK in 2009 and are now the countrys no.1 reseller that is solely concentrated on Microsoft Dynamics NAV with operations in three locations throughout the UK, plus a corporate US office. About Jet Reports Jet Reports delivers unparalleled access to data through fast and flexible reporting and business analytics solutions that are cost effective, provide rapid time-to-value, and are built specifically for the needs of Microsoft Dynamics ERP users. Founded in 2002, Jet Reports is headquartered in Portland, OR, and has distribution offices in 14 countries around the globe. Over 10,000 companies in 94 countries, rely on Jet Reports every day for their financial reporting. Learn more about Jet Reports at: http://www.jetreports.com We are thrilled to work with VisionSafe to provide easy access the training that professional pilots need when flying EVAS equipped aircraft, said John King. VisionSafe Corporation, the creator of the Emergency Vision Assurance System, (EVAS) has reached an agreement with King Schools to host their EVAS Training Course on the King Schools online learning platform, iLearn. The EVAS course is available for purchase through the King Schools website and purchasers of the EVAS product will receive 2 free course keys with each unit. The web-based course can be accessed on any online device. It is also AppAble with the KING Companion App, allowing you to download your lessons to iPads and iPhones for offline access. The Companion is available from the App Store. The EVAS (Emergency Vision Assurance System) is a self-contained system that includes a battery powered blower which draws smoky air in through a filter, removing visible particles, and venting to a flexible air duct, which is connected to an inflatable transparent envelope, called the Inflatable Vision Unit (IVU). The entire EVAS system is contained in an aluminum container that is about the size of a Jeppeson manual, and weighs approximately 6 pounds. The system provides a clear area so a pilot can see flight instruments during a smoke in the cockpit incident. Training is required. We are thrilled to work with VisionSafe to provide easy access the training that professional pilots need when flying EVAS equipped aircraft, said John King. Many professional pilots already rely on the iLearn environment for their training needs, so hosting this important training for VisionSafe was a natural fit, concluded Martha King. For more information: http://www.kingschools.com/evas About King Schools For over 40 years, students and pilots at all levels have enjoyed King Schools clear, simple and fun video courses. King Schools estimates that over 50% of the pilots flying in the U.S. today have learned with King. The company is also a leader in on-line pilot certification and avionics training for pilots of high-performance and turbine aircraft. To find out more, please visit http://www.KingsSchools.com or call (800)-854-1001. For worldwide (858) 541-2200. About VisionSafe VisionSafe Corporation was formed to explore various new ways to provide vision in vision impaired conditions for individuals in common land and air environments as well as marine, submarine, and scuba diving environments. In the process, the company developed and patented the EVAS system for pilots to see to safely control and land when confronted with dense, blinding smoke in the cockpit. The system has been certified by the Federal Aviation Administration since 2001. To learn more about the product, please visit http://www.VisionSafe.com. KingSchools.com 3840 Calle Fortunada San Diego, CA 92123 Toll-Free (800) 854-1001 Worldwide (858)-541-2200 FAX (858) 541-2201 VisionSafe.com 46-217 Kahuhipa Street Kaneohe, HI 96744 Factory: (808) 235-0849 Sales & Marketing: (973) 864-6206 Fax (973) 864-6202 Reverend Liz Walker The Emmanuel community is delighted to welcome Reverend Liz Walker and Patricia McGuire to campus as the Class of 2016 prepares to translate their talents and training into meaningful careers." Reverend Liz Walker and Patricia A. McGuire will both be honored during Emmanuel Colleges 2016 Commencement Exercises on May 14. Reverend Liz Walker will deliver the 2016 Commencement address and receive an honorary degree. Emmanuel will bestow an honorary degree on Patricia A. McGuire, president of Trinity Washington University. The Commencement Ceremony will celebrate the accomplishments of new Emmanuel graduates as they join a global network of loyal alumni who maintain lifelong connections to the College. The Emmanuel community is delighted to welcome Reverend Liz Walker and Patricia McGuire to campus as the Class of 2016 prepares to translate their talents and training into meaningful careers, said Sister Janet Eisner, SND, president of Emmanuel College. Reverend Walker and Patricia McGuire offer extraordinary examples of strong leadership that will serve as inspiration for our graduating students. Reverend Liz Walker Reverend Walker is an ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal tradition and has served as the Pastor of the Roxbury Presbyterian Church since May 2014. A veteran television journalist, Walker was Bostons first African American television news anchor and was a mainstay at WBZ-TV for 21 years. In addition to her work as Pastor, Walker is a community activist, documentary film producer and co-founder of the humanitarian organization My Sisters Keeper, which focuses on economic and educational initiatives for Sudanese women and girls. She has won two Emmy Awards and was inducted into the Massachusetts Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2007. Her coverage of the plight of children displaced during the Sudanese Civil War led to an Edward R. Murrow Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association in 2002. She holds a masters degree from Harvard Divinity School and a bachelors degree in communications from Olivet College in Michigan. Patricia A. McGuire Since her inauguration as President of Trinity Washington University in 1989, Patricia McGuire has enhanced the Washington, D.C. institutions academic offerings and nearly doubled its enrollment. She also oversaw Trinitys transition from a college to a university in 2004. President McGuire is a nationally recognized writer and speaker on topics concerning higher education, women and Catholic education. Her articles have been published in The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post and The Baltimore Sun. She was honored with the Carnegie Corporations Award for Academic Leadership in 2015 and the Henry Paley Award from the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities in 2012. She was also named Leader of the Years by the Greater Washington Board of Trade in 2007, and one of Washingtonian Magazines 100 Most Powerful Women in 2006. She holds a law degree from Georgetown University and a bachelors degree from Trinity. About Emmanuel College The only Catholic college in the heart of Boston, Emmanuel educates and inspires more than 2,200 undergraduate and graduate students from across the nation and around the world. The College provides boundless opportunities for students to expand their worldview through rigorous coursework, collaborations with distinguished and dedicated faculty, participation in a vibrant campus community, and countless internship and career opportunities throughout the Boston area and beyond. Emmanuels more than 50 programs in the sciences and liberal arts foster spirited discourse and substantive learning experiences that honor the Colleges commitment to educate the whole person and provide an ethical and relevant 21st-century education. For more information, visit http://www.emmanuel.edu. Pink Pomelo Salad A delicious choice for mom, Mango Tree journeys your taste buds through Thailand and boasts a diverse menu of traditional Thai cuisine with a modern flair. If you want to treat mom to a world of flavors and fresh, locally sourced fare this Mothers Day, invite her to Mango Tree DC on May 8th, where visiting Chef Nongnaphat Panngam, popularly known as Chef Kate, has recently unveiled a new lunch and dinner menu that will allow guests to celebrate Mothers Day with exciting new gourmet Thai dishes and specialty drinks, including handcrafted mimosas. Plus, a special family-style meal will be offered on Sunday, providing guests with a dining experience full of taste and value. Mango Tree has everything guests need to celebrate Mothers Day with a full line-up of mom-centric gifts and surprises! Along with the meal, mom will receive a complimentary glass of wine, a free framed photo of mom and the family and complimentary valet parking, giving mom more reasons to celebrate with family and friends at Mango Tree DC. A delicious choice for mom, Mango Tree journeys diners' taste buds through Thailand and boasts a diverse menu of traditional Thai cuisine with a modern flair. Give mom a well-deserved day off and treat her this Mothers Day to a culinary experience she wont soon forget. All mothers receive a complimentary entree, when a minimum of two persons dine from either the new lunch or dinner a la carte menu. Chef Kates new menus are inspired by her grandmothers recipes that feature authentic Thai cuisine with a modern twist. She will entice diners with Pink Pomelo Salad (roasted coconut flakes and roasted peanut) and Eggplant Salad, (char-grilled eggplant, lemongrass, cilantro, fresh lime and soft-boiled egg). She will also serve classic Tom Yum Soup and main dishes of Lamb Shank Massaman (slow braised lamb shank, massaman curry, fingerling potato, anise and cinnamon); rich and flavorful Crispy Chicken Basil (thai basil, chili and garlic); Wok-Fried Crab Curry (whole blue crab, yellow curry and egg); and much more. Mango Trees new a la carte lunch menu is availabe from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner menu from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Complementing the restaurants diverse menu, families or larger parties seeking an intimate dining experience with mom, can can enjoy the culinary inspiration of Chef Kate with her specially prepared Mothers Day Family-Style Menu that serves 4 6 persons. Guests who order from the family-style menu can expect to pass around platters of Thai favorites including appetizers like Yum Som O with Prawns (fresh pomelo salad with fresh prawns and grated coconut); Pamelo Pomelo Salad (roasted coconut flakes and roasted peanut); Makua Yao (eggplant, tamarind, dry chilis, slow cooked egg); Chicken Satay (24-hour free range chicken marinated in tumeric, cumin and coconut milk); Scallops (seared scallops tossed in chili and lime dressing); and Thai Beef Salad (beef lightly seared with shallots, dry chili, lime and sawtooth coriander). For the main course, guests can share generous portions of Gaeng Phed Ped Yang Red Duck Curry (roasted red duck with red curry, pinneapple and apricots); Khao Phad Pla Too Mackeral Fried Rice (brine soaked mackeral); Pla Sam Rod (deep fried seabass with tamarind and fresh mango); and Phad Kee Mao Nua Stirfried Drunken Beef Noodles (seared beef, Thai basil, baby green peppercorns, fingeroot). Desserts include Thai Tea Creme Brule and Signature Sticky Rice & Mango. Plus, if mom is mad about lobster, Mango Trees Signature Lobster, prepared three ways, can be added for only an additional $10 if reserved by Thursday, May 5th. Indulge in crustacean goodness overflowing with lobster cooked our signature Phad Thai, Sweet Chili or Panang-style. Youll definitely be come back for more. Family-style dining at Mango Tree DC is available on Mothers Day for just $199 for four to six adults, and two children under the age of six are free and can order from Mango Trees Childrens Menu when the rest of the party dines Family-Style. A childrens menu is available with selections beginning at just $6, for ages four to 12, and kids three and under are free. Reservations for the Family-Style Mothers Day Menu are strongly encouraged and can be made by calling 202-408-8100 or online through http://www.mangotreedc.com/reservations. Mango Tree DC is located at CityCenterDC at 929 H Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001, three blocks from the Metro. Mango Tree is open for lunch and dinner service as well as weekend brunch. For more information please visit: http://www.mangotreedc.com, https://twitter.com/mangotreedc, or https://www.facebook.com/mangotreedc. About Mango Tree: The Mango Tree Group is a dynamic, innovative and fast-growing company that has a vision to bring authentic Thai cuisine with a creative twist to the world, and to plant a Mango Tree in every major world city. At the vanguard of the global Thai food explosion, the Mango Tree Group comprises the Mango Tree, Mango Tree Bistro and Mango Tree Cafe brands, as well as Coca, the contemporary steamboat suki concept. The group's heritage dates back to 1957, when Khun Srichai Phanphensophon opened the first Coca restaurant in Surawong, launching the suki trend in Thailand. The pioneering spirit continued when the group's CEO and celebrity chef Pitaya Phanphensophon, Srichai's son, opened the first Mango Tree restaurant in the heart of Silom in 1994. Today, the group operates more than 72 restaurants and cafes in 17 countries in Asia, the Middle East, and the USA. Part cultural ambassador and part culinary innovator, Mango Tree has charted a course to become the premier global Thai cuisine brand, delivering quality Thai cuisine, stylish design, and intuitive service that always exceeds diners' expectations. About CityCenterDC: CITYCENTERDC (http://www.citycenterdc.com) is a unique, pedestrian-friendly, 10-acre mixed-use development, located in the heart of Downtown Washington on a 4.5-block parcel bounded by New York Avenue, 9th, H and 11th Streets, NW. Foster + Partners, an international studio for architecture, planning and design based in London, served as the master-plan architect and the design architect for the office and for-sale-housing components. Shalom Baranes Associates, P.C., a Washington-based architectural firm, served as the associate master-plan architect and the design architect for the residential rental component. The initial and largest phase of the project contains approximately 300,000 square feet of retail space featuring a unique mix of local, national and international retail brands and restaurants with extensive street frontage. In addition, the project encompasses 520,000 square feet of office space, 458 rental apartment units and 216 condominium units, a 1550 space parking garage, a public park, a central plaza and pedestrian-oriented streets and alleyways. Construction of the Conrad Washington, DC project at CityCenterDC, a 370-room luxury hotel with 70,000 square feet of additional retail space, will commence in the third quarter of 2015. www.doorbearacade.com The Bearacade Door Control System is meant to hang next to a classroom door, where it can be deployed in seconds and prevents the door from opening in either direction. In the coming weeks, Bearacade Door Control System will be featured in a special documentary on Voices In America hosted by James Earl Jones. This program educates and communicates the most crucial stories through its documentaries. Bearacade Door Control System is a device that fits on interior doors to prevent a door from opening in either direction and provides protection to individuals from a hostile intruder. Due to the increasing amount of school shootings, this device is adding security and protection to many school districts. The focus of the documentary will be on the origination, manufacturing and use of Bearacade lockdown response systems and will give an inside look at the system in action at Hudson City School District. I would like to extend a special thank you to the City of Hudson, Hudson City School District, Hattie Larlham, Design Molded Plastics and everyone who contributed to this documentary, said Bill Cushwa, Bearacade Founder and CEO. It is with great pride to introduce this product to school districts and add to the safety of individuals. Bearacade Door Control Systems has been touted by both police and school superintendents as being fast, effective and easily identifiable. The unit features a reflective External Notification Panel to alert and guide administrators and safety forces that the device is deployed. Once in place, the patent-pending Bearacade can withstand 4,800 pounds of external force. Bearacade Door Control System was developed as a response to the inability to effectively barricade classrooms during hostile situations. Bearacade provides an added layer of school safety, in addition to standard lockdown procedures like ALICE training. If evacuation is not possible, taking shelter-in-place and utilizing Bearacade is much more effective and safer than trying to create a make-do blockade. The documentary will begin airing across the country on PBS. For more information about Bearacade or to see how the system works, please visit doorbearacade.com. About Bearacade: Created and produced in Ohio by state natives Bill Cushwa and Dave Soulsby following the tragic events of the 2012 Chardon High School shooting, Bearacade Door Control System was developed as a device intended to slow or prevent a door from being opened. Bearacade is designed for the rare, short-duration moments of a hostile intruder when its safer to take shelter than evacuate. The Bearacade Door Control System is the only device that has external notification for police and emergency services personnel to know who has been barricaded or not. We wanted to offer an additional location for the convenience of our customers and for the growing interior designer community. Arhaus brings its handcrafted furnishings to a fifth location in Texas and third location in the Houston area. Opening Friday, April 14 at 700 Baybrook Mall in Friendswood, Texas (between Kendra Scott and J. Jill). Other Arhaus Texas stores are located at The Center at Post Oak in Houston, The Woodlands Mall in The Woodlands, The Domain in Austin and NorthPark Center in Dallas, Texas. This location marks their 62nd store in 24 states as well as its ecommerce site. We are thrilled to bring yet another store location to the Houston metro area, says John Reed, Founder and Chairman of the Board of the privately held company. He and his father opened the first store in 1986 in Cleveland Ohio, and this year, Arhaus celebrates a major milestone30 years in the business. We wanted to offer an additional location for the convenience of our customers and for the strong interior designer community. Houston has been a great market for Arhaus with customers and designers embracing our brand, the quality and craftsmanship of our product and our stores as a place to visit regularly for design inspiration. Our belief is that retail is theater and our stores are a stage for customers to come and interact with our products and find themselves here, continues Reed. Chief Creative Officer Gary Babcock is responsible for every design aspect of Arhaus stores from the very beginning with the construction design and planning through to the final finishing details. Once the construction of the space is complete, he has a team of 20+ visual designers who descend upon the market 1-2 weeks prior to the store opening and bring the space to life. The team works night and day hand painting wall murals, positioning furniture and decor items, creating one of a kind art installations, and even fresh floral designs which customers can purchase at any time. With Arhaus Baybrook Mall store, Gary took inspiration from the coastal living of Galveston to set the tone for the store. This location has a boutique feel to it. We carefully curated from our wide offerings in home furnishings and decor to bring the store to life. With 14,000 sf of space you can find design inspiration for every style home from the tones and textures of coastal living to more tailored offerings for urban living. comments Gary. One of the most unique elements of the store is its dedicated spaces, indoors and outdoors, showcasing Arhaus collection of Outdoor furnishings and decor. The outdoor space is approximately 3,000 sf with a variety of outdoor living vignettes. Arhaus 2016 Outdoor collection features a wide variety of options in all-weather-wicker, aluminum, teak, reconstructed stone and upholstered seating pieces from sectionals, sofas and chairs that are all designed to withstand the outdoor elements. Inside the store there is a dedicated design center where customers and interior designers can come to make selections when customizing pieces including a large fabric wall with hundreds and hundreds of fabrics and leathers to choose from, nail head selections and wood samples for other finish customizations. Stores are all are beautifully outfitted in the retailers one-of-a-kind designs and timeless classics including: sofas, sectionals and chairs wrapped in organic, leather and custom order fabrics; dining tables and chairs for indoors and out; outdoor upholstery and accents; drapery; antiques and replicas; bedroom furniture and private-label bedding collections; pillows and throws; library and office solutions; wall units and an assortment of media centers for high-tech gadgets; rugs; tabletop; lighting; and a large assortment of seasonal accessories. We are located in the newly expanded lifestyle component of Baybrook Mall, an upscale regional mall, surrounded by other great retailers including Kendra Scott, J. Jill, Zara, and Sur La Table as well as great new upscale dining options including Perrys Steakhouse, Kona Grill and Maggianos. The opening of the Baybrook Mall location, follows the opening of Arhaus first store location in South Carolina in Charleston which opened on March 25th. The Arhaus ethos is all about workmanship and has been since 1986. Going back to the beginning It all started with a single store in Clevelands historic Flats District; the name a combination of Denmarks port city Aarhus (pronounced ar-hoos) and the German spelling for house (haus). We drove state-by-state sourcing materials and products, tracking inventory by hand and making personal deliveries, says Reed. We were committed to finding good design and working directly with the artisan, which was something that wasnt being done at the time. Today, Arhaus is a nationally known lifestyle retailer and the company continues to work directly with artisans all over the worldsome dating back to that first store location with collections signature to the business. And, while all of the retailers upholstery is hand-assembled in North Carolina, more than 60 percent of the overall assortment across categories is made in America and this number is growing, according to Reed. He attributes his companys success and continued expansion to the artisanal assortment of product made by independent craftsmen all over the world and exclusive to Arhaus. He also credits Arhaus unique footprintdesigned to ooh and ah customers into mimicking the looks in their own home. We offer the right combination of designs that Americans are comfortable living with and decorating their homes with, and we merchandise them in the kind of environment that our customers not only feel inspired by, but are comfortable shopping in, says Reed. Making the merchandise Details like hand-painted and distressed finishes, dovetail joinery, hand-hammered copper and eight-way hand-tied upholstery set Arhaus merchandise apart from other home furnishing stores and make the retailer a destination in every market. We travel around the world to find unique pieces, pieces that often inspire original designs, or we work with artisans to remake and we call these reproductions Relics, says Chief Creative Officer Gary Babcock. We also buy from markets in Paris and even from village shops in Indonesia and bring collections home to share with our customers. Earth-conscious since those early years in business too, Arhaus remains committed to never using wood from endangered rainforests in the making of its home goods. Whenever possible, we rely on renewable and recycled materials to make anything from a single bench, to a glass vase, says Reed. ### Arhaus: Arhaus offers a compelling, inspiration-filled environment with one-of-a-kind handcrafted home furnishings reflective of a distinct global point-of-view. Arhaus collaborates with skilled artisans here in the states and all over the world who craft its many exclusive collections, which are complemented by timeless upholstered pieces (slipcovered, leather and custom-order seating), dining tables and chairs, bedroom, outdoor and office furniture, seasonally-inspired accessories, private label bedding, throws and accents, tableware and more. Made of the worlds finest materials (with attention to sustainability), products are presented in dramatic lifestyle settings infused with original architectural elements imported from Parisian flea markets and Tuscan villas, hand-painted murals, Arhaus Relics, or repurposed antiques, and the freshest botanicals sourced locally in each store market. Arhaus is privately owned and operated. The national home furnishings retailer was founded in 1986 by father and son, Jack and John Reed, and is headquartered in Cleveland. For more information, call 866.427.4287 or visit arhaus.com. Furnishing a better world. This is our philosophy; it dates back to 1986 when father and son, Jack and John Reed, opened the first store location in Cleveland and vowed never to use wood from the worlds endangered rainforests in the making of an Arhaus design. Today, nearly 50 percent of our collections are made of recycled materialeverything from glass, to metals like copper and wood cast off from far off lands. To ensure our values are upheld, we work with artisans who share our earth-conscious values and use renewable and recycled materials when crafting pieces for our stores. Sustainably sourced timbers like teak, bamboo and mangogrown for the sole purpose of buildingare used. And because we love a good story, we use reclaimed materials whenever possible, namely wood from countries tearing down dilapidated barns, shipyards and rural structures, and we refurbish one-of-a-kind antiqueswe call these pieces Relics. To further minimize our impact on the environment, our stores, corporate offices and even delivery trucks operate at maximum energy efficiency and promotional pieces are printed using soy-based ink and on recycled paper. PYA Launches New Blog for Title Industry It is my hope that the insights shared in the blog will provide assistance to title professionals when interfacing with the CPA community, especially when considering some level of Best Practices assessment Nationally certified public accounting and consulting firm PYA has announced the launch of a new blog for the title and closing community that offers unique perspective from inside a CPA firm. At the blogs helm will be 35-year title industry veteran Eugene McCullough, PYAs Director of Title Industry Services within the ALTA Best Practices service line. McCullough joined PYA with the goal of aiding the Firms efforts to understand and communicate with the title insurance community. Now also an accounting firm insider, McCullough will serve as a liaison between these industries, and through this new blog, will help facilitate communication and address issues of importance to each. It is my hope that the insights shared in the blog will provide assistance to title professionals when interfacing with the CPA community, especially when considering some level of Best Practices assessment, McCullough said. Through my work at PYA, I have become familiar with the technical jargon and accounting industry processes routinely used by CPAs. This blog will allow us to share that insight with title agents in a way that connects both professions. McCulloughs more-than-three decades experience informs both wayshis PYA colleagues have benefitted from learning how title and closing agents conduct day-to-day business, how they interact with consumers and lenders, and how title and closing practices vary from state to state. Having a former title attorney and title underwriter executive on our team is an important resource for communicating with our title agency clients, said Matthew Rekers, PYAs Director of ALTA Best Practices Services Group. Title agents can feel comfortable that Gene will not only understand their needs, but will be able to explain regulatory complexities and what is required from the accounting perspective in a way that they understand. Thats why this blog will be of such value to the title community. In coming weeks via this new forum, PYA will release a series of blogs designed to offer pertinent information to those seeking independent third-party certification of compliance with the ALTA Best Practices Framework 2.0. The series will address current lender requirements for Best Practices adherence, analyze Best Practices adoption data, explore motivating forces behind lender requirements, consider options for demonstrating compliance, and examine pitfalls of self-certification. As the American Land Title Associations (ALTA) first Elite Provider of Best Practices assessments, PYA helped initiate efforts that would help title agents navigate the complex regulatory environment and attain compliance in accordance with ALTA Best Practices. PYA devotes an entire team to helping title agencies address lender requirements; prepare, evaluate, and implement ALTA Best Practices policies and procedures; assess compliance; and work toward certification. About PYA For over three decades, PYA (Pershing Yoakley & Associates, P.C.), a national professional services firm providing management consulting and accounting, has helped its clients navigate and derive value amid complex challenges. In addition to serving the healthcare and financial institutions industries, PYA serves the title industry with a comprehensive list of offerings, including: ALTA Best Practices implementation and assessment; strategic planning; mergers and acquisitions; tax compliance; and regulatory compliance. PYAs steadfast commitment to an unwavering client-centric culture has served the firms clients well. PYA is ranked 103rd by INSIDE Public Accountings Top 200 Largest Accounting Firms. PYA affiliate companies offer clients world-class data analytics, professional real estate development and advisory resources, comprehensive claims audits for self-insured Fortune 500 companies, wealth management and retirement plan administration, and business transitions consulting. PYA is headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee. For more information, please visit http://www.pyabestpractices.com. Kathy Greene, MSW, Senior Vice President, Programs and Services Integration and Kim Butrum, MS, RN, GNP, Senior Vice President, Clinical Services will be representing Silverado at the 31st annual Alzheimers Disease International Conference (ADI), held April 21 through 24 in Budapest, Hungary. In addition to participating in discussions with some of the worlds preeminent Alzheimers experts, they will be discussing the Nexus at Silverado early-stage dementia program as a part of the conferences poster presentation exhibit. The conference, which hosts more than 1,000 delegates from over 60 countries, serves as a resource for medical professionals, researchers, professional & family caregivers, people living with dementia, volunteers and anyone else with an interest in Alzheimers. Experts attend to share the latest information in medical research, care, wellness and policy related to Alzheimers and dementia. Attendees have a variety of dynamic presentations and workshops from which to choose, in addition to informative exhibits like the poster presentation. Silverados poster presentation exhibit will showcase the innovative Nexus program, which is designed to help people who are living with early-stage dementia maintain and build cognitive ability using six pillars of activities. These pillars include physical exercise, stress reduction, cognitive exercise, specialized digital programs, purposeful social activities and support groups. Nexus residents at Silverado participate in a mix of activities per week, totaling 20 hours. The Nexus pillars are based on research findings from reputable institutions, studied in detail and incorporated into activities appropriate for those living with dementia in the earlier stages. Silverados engagement teams are extensively trained in conducting these activities to ensure participants, which include not only residents but also families and associates, have the most beneficial experiences. Participants are regularly measured on tests of mood, behavior, cognition and function to monitor for stabilization, improvement or progression of their symptoms. Kim Butrum, Silverados head of clinical services and co-creator of Nexus says: Societys mindset has continually shifted over the past several decades. For example, we know there are a lot of things we can do to prevent heart disease, and thats empowering. That same mindset is how our children will view dementia, as something they have control over. At Silverado, were at the forefront of this paradigm shift." ### About Silverado Silverado was founded in 1996 with the goal of enriching lives of those with memory loss by changing how the world cares for people with cognitive decline. Establishing this mindset as the foundation allows Silverado and its associates to leave behind previous misconceptions and operate in a way that provides clients, residents and patients with utmost dignity, freedom, respect and quality of life. Silverado has grown to become a nationally recognized provider of home care, memory care assisted living and hospice services. With more than 45 locations across Arizona, California, Illinois, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin the company delivers world-class care and unmatched service. To learn more, visit silveradocare.com or call (866) 522-8125. Contact: David Gill (949) 240-5127 dgill(at)silveradocare(dot)com Every person has dreams that often require a financial kick start. Spokeo, the leading people search engine, today launched the #SpokeoTurns10 sweepstakes to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Whether its reuniting with friends or family members, paying off college debt, traveling or splurging on a gift for a loved one, Spokeo aims to grant its customers the opportunity to help them realize a dream with this giveaway. The grand prize is a $4,000 gift card and there are five runner-up prizes of $100 gift cards. Every person has dreams that often require a financial kick start, said Sheila Cole, director of digital marketing, Spokeo. The Spokeo founders had a dream of starting their own company. Ten years later, Spokeo is experiencing solid year-over-year growth, has more than 200 employees and is a leading people search engine. We hope to make a few lucky winners dreams come true through this sweepstakes. Starting today and running through June 30, consumers simply enter the contest by submitting their contact information. No purchase is necessary to enter or win. Limit one entry per person. See official rules for more information. To enter the sweepstakes, please visit http://www.spokeo.com/sweepstakes. About Spokeo Spokeo is a leading people search service using proprietary technology to organize public information into comprehensive yet easy-to-understand online profiles. Based in Pasadena, Spokeo makes it easier than ever to help reunite friends and family, browse celebrities, and discover information about your online footprint, by simply searching a name, address, email, phone or username. In the past year, the company launched two new websites: Spokeo Enterprise and Family.me. Spokeo Enterprise is a people search service optimized for high-volume business solutions and helps businesses find and/or validate people and customers. Family.me is a private social network where families interact to discover, share and preserve their memories. Spokeo was recently named as one of the Inc. 5000, Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 and Los Angeles Business Journal's Fastest Growing Companies. Spokeo's CEO Harrison Tang won the 2015 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Award in the Consumer Services category. For more information about Spokeo, visit http://www.spokeo.com or follow @spokeo on Twitter. Under Jims leadership, we will rapidly expand into more schools, districts and states. Think Through Learning, creators of Think Through Math, the award-winning web-based math instructional system for grades 3 and above, announced the promotion of Jim Martin to the role of Senior Vice President of Sales, responsible for leading the companys rapid expansion of its sales efforts in the K-12 and higher education markets. Martin replaces Traci Burgess, who is leaving the organization to take over the role of CEO for a data analytics company serving the K-20 education market. Martin brings nearly 20 years of sales experience in both the K-12 and higher education technology markets, having held progressively broader executive roles within companies such as Blackboard, Cengage Learning and Parature. Prior to joining Think Through Learning, Martin served as a regional vice president within the Blackboards K-12 division, where he was responsible for leading sales and client success teams for their learning management and communications product lines. I joined Think Through Learning because their passion for improving math achievement resonates strongly with me, said Martin. Educators need partners like Think Through Math, which has a proven track record of delivering outstanding academic results for students. With Think Through Maths research-based program, schools and districts can significantly improve the math understanding of every student. Think Through Learning is making substantial investments to extend the reach of our sales force and were very pleased such a strong sales leader is joining our executive team, said Kevin McAliley, CEO of Think Through Learning. With more than 60% of all US students not proficient in math, Jim understands how to communicate to educators how Think Through Maths proven solution can be a game changer for their students. Under Jims leadership, we will rapidly expand into more schools, districts and states by partnering with educators to implement our unique solution of online instruction and on-demand live tutoring. With nearly three million students in more than 180,000 classrooms across the country, TTM is the fastest growing supplemental math program in the U.S. With customized versions for each states learning standards, Think Through Maths lessons include a wide variety of interactive item types, ensuring students are well-prepared for the more sophisticated question types being used on state-level assessments. TTMs unique intrinsic and extrinsic motivational features increase engagement and build self-esteem so students increase their time on task. Think Through Math has received numerous awards since its introduction and is expanding rapidly across the US. For more information visit http://www.thinkthroughmath.com. About Think Through Learning & Think Through Math Think Through Learning, a leader in education technology innovation, is transforming math education throughout the United States. While particularly effective as a remedial or intervention program for struggling students, Think Through Maths adaptive learning technology addresses the learning needs of ALL students, including students working at grade level, English Language Learners (ELL), those with advanced math aptitude, and students with learning disabilities. Designed for grades 3 and above, Think Through Math is the only software system that integrates state-certified teachers who tutor struggling students live in order to improve their math understanding. Think Through Math ignites curiosity about math and helps students learn how to think mathematically. The 2014 and 2012 recipient, and currently a 2016 finalist for the SIIA CODiE Award for Best Mathematics Instruction Solution, Think Through Math is recognized as the fastest-growing supplemental math software. Since its launch in 2012, Think Through Math has become a critical part of the RTI, STEM, and 1-to-1 strategies of state education departments and thousands of districts and schools across the United States. Robert A. Bradway Amgen and KGI share a deep belief in the power of science to transform medicine, and were both committed to developing talented life sciences leaders and helping them reach their potential. Robert A. Bradway, chairman and chief executive officer at Amgen, will be the keynote speaker at Keck Graduate Institutes 15th annual commencement ceremony on May 14, 2016. Mr. Bradway joined Amgen in 2006 as vice president, operations strategy, and served as executive vice president and chief financial officer from April 2007 to May 2010. In October 2011, he was appointed to the Amgen Board of Directors and served as the companys president and chief operating officer from May 2010 to May 2012. He became chief executive officer in May 2012 and chairman in January 2013. Reflecting on serving as this years keynote speaker, Mr. Bradway said, I'm enthusiastic about joining the students, faculty and administration at Keck Graduate Institute for the upcoming KGI 15th graduation ceremony. Amgen and KGI share a deep belief in the power of science to transform medicine, and were both committed to developing talented life sciences leaders and helping them reach their potential. This alignment is evidenced by the many close ongoing relationships and partnerships between Amgen and KGI over the years. Prior to joining Amgen, Mr. Bradway was a managing director at Morgan Stanley in London, where, beginning in 2001, he was responsible for the firms banking department and corporate finance activities in Europe. In 1985, he joined Morgan Stanley in New York as a healthcare industry investment banker and moved to London in 1990. Mr. Bradway is a member of the board of directors of Norfolk Southern Corporation and serves on its audit and governance committees. He is a member of the board of trustees at the University of Southern California (USC) and is on the advisory board of the Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics at USC. He is chairman of the CEO Roundtable on Cancer, a non-profit organization composed of executives and founded to bring solutions to cancer treatment and prevention. Mr. Bradway holds a bachelors degree in biology from Amherst College and a masters degree in business administration from Harvard University. Commencement 2016 will take place Saturday, May 14, on the East Lawn of KGI's campus in Claremont, California. An estimated 176 students are expected to participate in this years event. Read more about KGI. ##################################################################################### KGIs mission is to enrich society with breakthrough approaches to education and translational research in the life sciences. By offering customized curricula and real-world experiences, KGIs School of Applied Life Sciences and School of Pharmacy prepare students to excel in a wide range of professional endeavors, blending innovative science with sound business practice, and provide training in the safe, efficient, and ethical use of technology and biotechnology for the benefit of society. In recognition of April as Month of the Military Child, Operation Homefront hosted its Eighth Annual Military Child of the Year Award Ceremony here on Thursday, April 14. Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, delivered the keynote address, and senior leaders from each of the service branches were present. The Military Child of the Year Award is bestowed annually on six extremely deserving young Americans who have turned the challenges of frequent relocations, and deployments of loved ones, into a passion for excellence, service and helping others. This year, the inaugural Operation Homefront Innovation Award for Military Children sponsored by Booz Allen Hamilton was presented to a seventh awardee. The event took place outside our nations capitol in Arlington, Virginia. 2016 Military Child of the Year recipients: Lorelei McIntyre-Brewer, 10, Duncannon, Pa., representing the Army; Christian Fagala, 9, Quantico, Va., representing the Marine Corps; Jeffrey Burds, 17, Camp Lejeune, N.C., representing the Navy; Madeleine Morlino, 17, Moorestown, N.J., representing the Air Force; Keegan Fike, 17, Fairhaven, Mass., representing the Coast Guard; John Trip Landon III, 17, Ellensburg, Wash., representing the National Guard. The 2016 Innovation Award winner is Elizabeth OBrien, 17, Aberdeen, N.C. Full biographies on the award recipients are available here: http://www.militarychildoftheyear.org/Recipients The following video news release contains event highlights and is 12 minutes, 10 seconds: Link: https://www.dropbox.com/s/f5rs9ap242pgkv6/OHF%20Media%20Release_Raw%20Footage.mov?oref=e&n=105263215 Contents by Time Code: 00:01 Remarks by Brig. Gen. (ret.) John I. Pray Jr., President and CEO of Operation Homefront 01:00 Remarks by Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff 01:51 2016 Innovation Award winner Elizabeth OBrien, 17, Aberdeen, N.C. explains her organization during her visit to the World War II Memorial 02:08 B-roll of Elizabeth OBrien with her parents (right), Shelbi OBrien and Army Command Sgt. Major Matthew OBrien. Standing between them are Operation Homefront Pennsylvania/Delaware/New Jersey Region Director Pete Stinson and Operation Homefront Mid-Atlantic Region Program Director Rosanne Coleman. 02:16 Elizabeth OBrien receives the Operation Homefront Innovation Award for Military Children sponsored by Booz Allen Hamilton. Presenting the award are Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (right); Laurie Gallo, Booz Allen Hamilton Executive Vice President and Operation Homefront Board Member; Catherine Blades, Chairwoman of the Board at Operation Homefront and Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, at Aflac; and Brig. Gen. (ret.) John I. Pray Jr., President and CEO of Operation Homefront. 02:40 Lorelei McIntyre-Brewer, 10, Duncannon, Pa., visits U.S. Sen. Robert P. Casey Jr. of Pennsylvania. 03:20 Lorelei McIntyre-Brewer receives the 2016 Army Military Child of the Year Award. Presenting the award are Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (right); Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, Vice Chief of Staff of the Army; Catherine Blades, Chairwoman of the Board at Operation Homefront and Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, at Aflac; and Brig. Gen. (ret.) John I. Pray Jr., President and CEO of Operation Homefront. 03:48 Lorelei McIntyre-Brewer with emcee John Heald, Senior Cruise Director of Carnival Cruise Lines. 04:25 Christian Fagala, 9, Quantico, Va., receives the 2016 Marine Corps Military Child of the Year Award. Presenting the award are Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (right); Maj. Gen. James W. Lukeman, Commanding General, Marine Corps Training and Education Command; Catherine Blades, Chairwoman of the Board at Operation Homefront and Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, at Aflac; and Brig. Gen. (ret.) John I. Pray Jr., President and CEO of Operation Homefront. 04:57 Christian Fagala gives his acceptance speech beside emcee John Heald, Senior Cruise Director of Carnival Cruise Lines. 05:20 Christian Fagala learns how to play the harmonica during his visit with U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia. 05:40 Christian Fagala practices on the harmonica on the Capitol steps following his visit with U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia. 05:48 Jeffrey Burds, 17, Camp Lejeune, N.C., receives the 2016 Navy Military Child of the Year Award. Presenting the award are Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (right); Vice Adm. David C. Johnson, Principal Military Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition; Catherine Blades, Chairwoman of the Board at Operation Homefront and Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, at Aflac; and Brig. Gen. (ret.) John I. Pray Jr., President and CEO of Operation Homefront. 06:19 Jeffrey Burds talks about his upbringing and the passing of his mother as well as some of the community service in which he has been involved. 06:51 Jeffrey Burds takes family photos at the World War II Memorial. 07:04 During her visit to the World War II Memorial, 2016 Air Force Military Child of the Year recipient Madeleine Morlino of Moorestown, N.J., discusses the Veterans Expo that she conceived and organized. 07:16 Madeleine Morlino of Moorestown, N.J., receives the 2016 Air Force Military Child of the Year Award. Presenting the award are Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (right); Gen. David L. Goldfein, Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force; Catherine Blades, Chairwoman of the Board at Operation Homefront and Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, at Aflac; and Brig. Gen. (ret.) John I. Pray Jr., President and CEO of Operation Homefront. 07:50 Madeleine Morlino gives her acceptance speech with emcee John Heald, Senior Cruise Director of Carnival Cruise Lines. 08:08 Keegan Fike, 17, Fairhaven, Mass., receives the 2016 Coast Guard Military Child of the Year Award. Presenting the award are Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (right); Adm. Paul F. Zukunft, Commandant of the Coast Guard; Catherine Blades, Chairwoman of the Board at Operation Homefront and Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, at Aflac; and Brig. Gen. (ret.) John I. Pray Jr., President and CEO of Operation Homefront. 08:47 Keegan Fike explains his passion for Scouting. 09:00 2016 National Guard Military Child of the Year John Trip Landon III, 17, Ellensburg, Wash., talks about his volunteerism with Awana. 09:37 John Trip Landon III receives the 2016 National Guard Military Child of the Year Award. Presenting the award are Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (right); Air Force Lt. Gen. Joseph L. Lengyel, Vice Chief of the National Guard Bureau; Catherine Blades, Chairwoman of the Board at Operation Homefront and Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, at Aflac; and Brig. Gen. (ret.) John I. Pray Jr., President and CEO of Operation Homefront. 10:17 John Trip Landon III is interviewed by emcee John Heald, Senior Cruise Director of Carnival Cruise Lines. 10:40 Emcee John Heald, Senior Cruise Director of Carnival Cruise Lines, invites all of the award recipients to take center stage. In a row, from left, are Keegan Fike, 17, Fairhaven, Mass., representing the Coast Guard; 2016 Innovation Award recipient Elizabeth OBrien, 17, Aberdeen, N.C.; Lorelei McIntyre-Brewer, 10, Duncannon, Pa., representing the Army; Brig. Gen. (ret.) John I. Pray Jr., President and CEO of Operation Homefront; Christian Fagala, 9, Quantico, Va., representing the Marine Corps; Catherine Blades, Chairwoman of the Board at Operation Homefront and Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, at Aflac; Marine Corps Gen. Joseph F. Dunford Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Jeffrey Burds, 17, Camp Lejeune, N.C., representing the Navy; Madeleine Morlino, 17, Moorestown, N.J., representing the Air Force; and John Trip Landon III, 17, Ellensburg, Wash., representing the National Guard. 11:22 B-roll cutaways, including standing ovations. 12:10 END # # # About Operation Homefront: A national nonprofit, Operation Homefront builds strong, stable, and secure military families so that they can thrive in the communities they have worked so hard to protect. With more than 3,200 volunteers nationwide, Operation Homefront has provided assistance to tens of thousands of military families since its inception shortly after 9/11. Recognized for superior performance by leading independent charity oversight groups, 92 percent of Operation Homefronts expenditures go directly to programs that provide support to our military families. For more information, go to http://www.OperationHomefront.net. Children are precious to everyone in our community, and I know there are a great many people in the area who are going to join us during the charity drive for Lili Shaw and her family Coffey Agencies, a locally owned insurance firm with offices serving the northern Alabama and Georgia regions, is announcing a charity event in support of Lili Shaw, a three year old Alabama girl recently diagnosed with Marfan Syndrome. Marfan Syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects connective tissue throughout the body, affecting a wide range of systems from the visual cortex to the bones to the heart valves and aorta. Lili Shaw requires a series of surgeries and treatment for her chronic condition, as well as specially made eyeglasses that will allow her to eventually attend school. Children are precious to everyone in our community, and I know there are a great many people in the area who are going to join us during the charity drive for Lili Shaw and her family, says Cody Coffey, founder and manager of Coffey Agencies. Working to gather support for the charity event, Coffey and his team are making connections with local families and businesses via social media and email updates. Coffey Agencies will also be featuring the Lili Shaw charity effort in a full page feature slated for release in the upcoming issue of the firms local interest webzine, Our Hometown: http://www.coffeyagencies.com/Our-Hometown-Magazine_46. Lili Shaw and her family are the second of many local charities and causes that Coffey Agencies plans to support. As part of a community improvement campaign, the firm will select and work with new charities in the area at the rate of one every 60 days. All readers who want to join the Coffey Agencies charity event in support of Lili Shaw and her family are invited to visit the following page and make a direct contribution to the cause: http://www.coffeyagencies.com/Joining-in-Little-Lillys-Big-Fight-Against-Marfan-Syndrome_6_community_cause. Those interested in tracking the progress of Coffey Agencies as they work with more local charities in the future are invited to bookmark the firms Community Cause page: http://www.coffeyagencies.com/community-cause. About The Coffey Agencies As a 28 year resident of Fort Payne Alabama with his wife and two children, Personal Financial Representative Cody Coffey knows many local families. A special knowledge and understanding of the people in his community ensures that Coffey and his team can provide clients with an outstanding level of service. Coffey Agencies are here to help families like yours protect the things that are important your family, home, car and more. Coffey and his associates can also help you prepare a strategy to achieve your financial goals. To speak with a helpful and knowledgeable expert from Coffey Agencies, please visit http://www.coffeyagencies.com/ or call 256-845-3637. Recruiting Consultant Psychiatrists In Norfolk and Waveney I have come from being a girl who hoped to never see daylight again, to a girl who is proud of who she is and knows that emotions pass and life is too short to waste it on self-destruction and suicidal thoughts. Children and young people experiencing mental health difficulties in Norfolk and Waveney will benefit from better access to targeted help at an earlier stage thanks to the recent significant investment into the Children, Families and Young People's (CFYP) services. Norfolk and Waveney (part of Suffolk) are receiving an additional 1.9m recurrent funding for the next five years to invest into CFYP mental health services. A proportion of this will go towards increasing staffing in specialist youth services at Norfolk and Suffolk NHS FT (NSFT) and to third sector mental health providers. Dr Jon Wilson, Consultant Psychiatrist, said: Consultant Psychiatrists are encouraged to participate in research and there are numerous teaching opportunities available in Norfolk. These include undergraduate medical school teaching at UEA medical school, which ranges from teaching students on placement to direct teaching of problem-based learning tutor groups, consultation skills and providing lectures. In addition, there are a variety of post graduate teaching opportunities. "There is a specific theme of research around children, adolescents and young people which varies widely in its scope with a programme director and theme lead. NSFT is leading on co-applicants in numerous studies with ambitious plans to support the development of research and evaluation. The service is well-connected to national and international academics in the field." NSFTs CFYP 0-25 service is unique and aspires to address the issues raised by the children and young people's mental health and wellbeing taskforce. Senior clinicians at NSFT had significant input into identifying, articulating and finding solutions to the issues within the "Future In Mind" report. They also continue to present and exchange ideas with other key opinion leaders within the UK and overseas. In Norfolk and Waveney, we want to create more positive young person's voices such as Sam's: "I have come from being a girl who hoped to never see daylight again to a girl who is proud of who she is and knows that emotions pass and life is too short to waste it on self-destruction and suicidal thoughts. Youll have your good and bad days, but theres always support around you. Even if you give up hope, the staff wont". As part of NSFTs ongoing national recruitment campaign - New Beginning New Career - the trust is hoping to attract Consultants Psychiatrists to join its youth services. NSFT are looking for consultants who will help us develop the CFYP innovative service, and support the research and evaluation of the many strands of work. National Debt Relief recently shared in an article published March 11, 2016 how consumers can be warned that they already have too much debt. The article titled How Much Debt is Too Much Debt? takes a look at some of the warning signs people need to pick up to know that they are already deep in the red. The article starts off by by sharing that there are consumers that has too much debt but there are those that can be considered in debt hell. One way for people to know that they are in deep trouble with their debt problems is when their day is plagued with calls from their creditors. Worse, if debt collectors start calling them at different times in a day to collect on a debt. Consumers also needs to be aware if their balances keeps on increasing month to month. This means that either their interest payment is already more than their principal amount or they keep adding new debts every time. This is a clear sign that they are treading in dangerous debt situations. The article also explains that one sure way of knowing if consumers are in way too much debt is if their credit score is already taking a plunge. One reason it is connected to too much debt is because scores consider a persons credit utilization ratio. Simply put, the higher the debt amount is, the lower their score can be. Taking out too many loan applications can adversely affect their credit scores because lenders perform a hard pull on their scores. Another red flag consumers need to keep an eye out for is when they start getting declined and turned down for a credit card or loan application. This is one clear sign that they have too much debt. To read the full article, click https://www.nationaldebtrelief.com/how-much-debt-is-too-much-debt/ In his memoir, Reflections on Sierra Leone by a Former Senior Police Officer: The History of the Waning of a Once Progressive West African Country (published by iUniverse), Ezekiel Alfred Coker, MR, JP, BEM, provides a living history, discussing the social and political landscape of Sierra Leone before, during and after its independence as it succumbs to civil war and political turmoil. Coker says he was inspired by his patriotism: I was concerned about all of Sierra Leone slipping down on the slope of chaos and instability due to ineptitude of the various governments of the country as well as the endemic corruption in almost all strata of the society few years after it had been granted independence from British colonial rule. An excerpt from Reflections on Sierra Leone by a Former Senior Police Officer: I have been reflecting on parts of my personal life, as well as on the governance of Sierra Leone. These reflections bring me poignant memories of the past that contrast with the present. I was born during British colonial rule of Sierra Leone. In my youthful days, I had always entertained dreams of what life would be like if my country could be free from the shackles of British colonialism. I was then both idealistic and naive. My dreams were like a peep into Utopia. Reflections on Sierra Leone by a Former Senior Police Officer By Ezekiel Alfred Coker, MR, JP, BEM Softcover | 6 x 9 in | 324 pages | ISBN 9781491791028 E-Book | 324 pages | ISBN 9781491791035 Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble About the Author Ezekiel Alfred Coker, MR, JP, BEM, was born and educated in Freetown, Sierra Leone. He served for many years as a senior assistant commissioner on the police force, where he later headed the special branch. Retiring in 1981, he acted as commissioner of police from 1978 to 1980. iUniverse, an Author Solutions, LLC, self-publishing imprint, is the leading book marketing, editorial services, and supported self-publishing provider. iUniverse has a strategic alliance with Indigo Books & Music, Inc. in Canada, and titles accepted into the iUniverse Rising Star program are featured in a special collection on BarnesandNoble.com. iUniverse recognizes excellence in book publishing through the Star, Readers Choice, Rising Star and Editors Choice designationsself-publishings only such awards program. Headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, iUniverse also operates offices in Indianapolis. For more information or to publish a book, please visit iuniverse.com or call 1-800-AUTHORS. For the latest, follow @iuniversebooks on Twitter. An Alaska porn shop is becoming a bookstore; a California bookstore receives award for new business model; and ABA announces new board. Art Show Marks Transition of Alaska Porn Store to General Indie: The building in Anchorage is being turned into an art exhibit before being demolished next month to make way for the construction of the Writers Block Bookstore and Cafe. ABA Elects Four New Board Members: The transition in the ABA board of directors will take place at BEA in Chicago. Elected to three-year terms (20162019) are: Kris Kleindienst of Left Bank Books in St. Louis, Mo.; Chris Morrow of Northshire Bookstore in Manchester Center, Vt., and Saratoga Springs, N.Y.; Annie Philbrick of Bank Square Books in Mystic, Ct., and Savoy Bookshop in Westerly, R.I.; and Robert Sindelar of Third Place Books, with two locations in the Seattle. Keplers Wins Sustainability Award: Kepler's Books in Menlo Park, Calif., won an environmental award from the nonprofit Sustainable San Mateo County. The bookstore was recognized as a community champion for reorganizing under a new business model for an independent bookstore. The Secret Behind Alabama Booksmiths Success: Jake Reisss decision to switch the inventory of the used bookstore he opened in Birmingham in 1990 to signed books only four years ago has made a significant difference for his business. Books are arranged alphabetically by the authors last name, not by genre, and when hardcovers are no longer available for some titles, he will print them himself. BookBuyers Closing in Mountain View, Calif.: Sunday will be the last day for the used bookstore in its current location. Although owner Hotranatha Ajaya was unable to find a new space downtown, he is hopeful that he will be able reopen in another city. Brooklyns Community Bookstore Gets Ready to Close: After selling the Cobble hill building that has housed the bookstore for more than 30 years, owner John Scioli still has roughly 100,000 books to sell or donate by May 15. Premium online access is only available tosubscribers. If you have an active subscription and need to set up or change your password, please click here New to PW? To set up immediate access, click here. NOTE: If you had a previous PW subscription, click here to reactivate your immediate access. PW site license members have access to PWs subscriber-only website content. If working at an office location and you are not "logged in", simply close and relaunch your preferred browser. For off-site access, click here. To find out more about PWs site license subscription options, please email Mike Popalardo at: mike@nextstepsmarketing.com. PEN American Center has been called upon to reject the Israeli Government's sponsorship of its upcoming World Voices Festival because of the country's alleged abuses of human rights. The letter was signed by more than 60 writers, including a number of PEN members and PEN Award winners and Pulitzer Prize winners Junot Diaz, Alice Walker, and Richard Ford. Nearly a dozen organizations have also signed the letter. "Given PEN American Centers mission of supporting freedom of expression, it is deeply regrettable that the Festival has chosen to accept sponsorship from the Israeli government, even as it intensifies its decades-long denial of basic rights to the Palestinian people, including the frequent targeting of Palestinian writers and journalists," the letter states. "We call on PEN American Center not to partner with the Israeli government or other complicit institutions until Israel fulfills its obligations under international law and fully recognizes the Palestinian peoples right to live in full equality and freedom in their homeland." Additional statements by some signers elaborated on the crux of the issue. "The Israeli government deliberately uses the arts and culture to divert attention from its repression of the Palestinian people," wrote Geoff Dyer. "The participation of Israeli writers is welcome, but without their governments sponsorship." The letter is available on the Adalah-NY website. Although PEN has yet to officially comment on the situation, the organization's deputy director of communications, Sarah Edkins, told Publishers Weekly that it has reached out to the signatories to inform them of a policy formally adopted in 2007 against participating in cultural boycotts. PEN doesnt participate in cultural boycotts because they are incongruent to free expression," Edkins said. The 2007 statement can be found on PEN American Center's website. ROCK ISLAND The First Church of the Nazarene in Rock Island, will hold a celebration in honor of its departing pastor, the Rev. Richard Barriger, and his wife, Dee Barriger, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 23, in the church's fellowship hall/gymnasium, at 2921 38th St., Rock Island. The Barrigers have served the church for the past 19 years. He will lead his final worship service Sunday, April 24. They plan to return to Michigan after 43 years spent in the ministry in the Northwest Illinois District. Rev. Barriger began his pastoral career as an associate pastor with the Rock Island First Church in 1973. He became a licensed minister Aug. 24, 1973, and was ordained Aug. 12, 1976. He later served as pastor for the Erie Nazarene Church from 1976 to 1980, the New Hope Nazarene Church in Princeton from 1980 to 1986, and at the Sunnyland Nazarene Church in Washington, Ill., from 1986 to 1996. The Barrigers returned to Rock Island in 1996. He also recently worked as an interim pastor at the Moline Nazarene church. He has served as a Rock Island Police Department chaplain for 13 years. For information, visit or the church's Facebook page. SPRINGFIELD A bill cosponsored by state Sen. Neil Anderson, R-Rock Island, that he says was inspired by a former Sherrard school student who was not allowed to bring her service dog to class has been approved by the Illinois Senate. Senate Bill 2137 would require that teachers' in-service training programs include instruction on the federal Americans with Disabilities Act at least once every two years. Sen. Anderson is a chief cosponsor of the bill, which was filed by state Sen. Julie Morrison, D-Deerfield. The bill passed the Senate unanimously Thursday and now goes to the House for consideration. An unfortunate situation happened in my district. Because of confusion surrounding existing federal law, a local girls service dog was removed from the classroom," Sen. Anderson said. "Eventually, she ended up transferring schools in order to bring her service dog into the classroom with her. We cant go back and change what happened to that student, but we can try to stop it from happening again. Sen. Anderson said he hopes additional training will ensure that teachers fully understand the Americans with Disabilities Act to create a better classroom environment for students with disabilities. My legislation aims to ensure that teachers are properly educated on this issues in order to prevent situations like this one from happening in the future, he added. The Sherrard School District last year agreed to pay $95,000 to settle a lawsuit alleging the district prevented Kellsey McGuire and her service dog, Jasper, from attending the school. Ms. McGuire's mother is Brandi McGuire who is running as a Republican for state representative in District 72 in the November general election. Press release submitted by Eastern Iowa Community Colleges The demand for workers in health related fields extends far beyond just nursing. With an ever-aging population there is growing demand in a wide variety of other health occupations as well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, of the 30 occupations projected to have the largest percentage increase between 2012 and 2020, 14 are related to healthcare. Healthcare support occupations are expected to grow by 28 percent during that time period. Scott Community College, one of the Eastern Iowa Community Colleges, offers a wide range of health career options, in addition to its well-respected nursing program. The college is hosting an April 18 open house, from 5 to 7 p.m., to introduce people to all its health-related programs, including: Dental Assistant Sonography Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic Electroneurodiagnostics (Brain Studies) Health and Cancer Information Management Health Informatics Radiology Surgical Technology Nursing The open house begins in the colleges Allied Health Building at its main campus, 500 Belmont Road, Bettendorf. The building is the first building on the northwest end of the college. The college has updated much of the equipment in the health programs over just the last few years, including a total renovation of the Allied Health Building that houses the Radiology, END and Sonography programs. Programs such as Dental Assisting, Surgical Technology and Nursing are located in the colleges main building, near the Allied Health programs. The Dental Assisting program was recently remodeled as well, and the Surgical Technology program is still relatively new to the college. For those looking for an online option, the Health and Cancer Information Management program is offered entirely online. Also in this area is the brand new Health Informatics program that focuses on updating and maintaining the computer systems vital to todays health-related operations. Those attending the April 18 open house will have the opportunity to tour the labs, meet with instructors and have all of their questions answered regarding starting college, financial aid, employment demand and more. For more information call 563-441-4000 or online www.eicc.edu/healthcareers (Editor's note: The following was submitted by Quad Cities Museum Week Committee members Gretchen Frick-Small, Butterworth Center/Deere-Wiman House; Deborah Leistikow, Walnut Grove Pioneer Village; Judy Tumbleson, Colonel Davenport Board of Directors; Kelly Lao, German American Heritage Center; Chris Reno, Catich Gallery St. Ambrose University; Beth Peters, Buffalo Bill Museum; Sara Moby, Figge Art Museum; Catherine Litwinow, Rock Island County Historic Society; Rosanne Krubsack, Davenport School Museum; and Charlotte Doehler-Morrison, Quad Cities Convention & Visitors Bureau) As residents of the Quad-Cities and representatives of over 20 museums in the region, we are writing on behalf of the Rock Island Arsenal Museum to voice our concern about collections being permanently removed from the museum and shipped to Alabama for storage. This is the second-oldest military museum in the United States. It first opened to the public on July 4, 1905. Its primary mission is to collect, preserve, and interpret the history of Rock Island Arsenal. The RIA museum is not just an Army asset, it has touched many lives because of its historical draw. Group tours, tourists and residents visit the museum to learn more about our history and the history of the Island. Why is this collection being moved to Alabama? What will be spent by taxpayers for the removal of so many artifacts from our museum to be shipped out of our area? We should all be against the removal of valuable collections and artifacts from our museums or the closure of our museums. These are things that add to the quality of life in our community. Is our community going to become a long line of strip malls with no culture, no art, no history and no value for education, discovery and pride in our history? Is history to be shoved in a box and put away in storage? Are we just going to sit by as our history and collections are removed from the Quad-Cities? We hope not! Quad Cities Museum Week Committee Before heading to China, PM Malcolm Turnbull was in the Pilbara and caught up with Spirit 1260 Karrathas Pablo Newton Farley for a special 1 on 1 chat. As well as discussing the mining downturn and the future of the Pilbara, Pablo delved into his Bucket Of Truth Questions. Asking the PM his favourite band, favourite app, first concert and other than that famous leather jacket, what is his favourite piece of clothing. One of Pablos notable standard question was left off the list this time though: Strangest Place youve been naked. Pablo commented surrounded by body guards and the Canberra press gallery I chickened out on that one. The PMs favourite band are Oz rock legends Mental as Anything. Im very sentimental about the Mentals, sentimental as anything, perhaps, This year's International Railway Summit offered an excellent insight to the current state of the railway industry in Europe. David Briginshaw reviews the highlights. VIENNA was the location for three days of meetings, networking and debate at the International Railway Summit 2016, hosted by IRJ and IRITS Events on February 17-19. Setting the tone for the discussions that would follow, Mr Christian Kern CEO of Austrian Federal Railways (OBB) told delegates during his address at the opening dinner that OBB will invest 40bn during the next five years. "This is probably the most ambitious investment programme in Europe in terms of GDP," Kern said. He also claimed that the scale of investment in the railway has helped to prevent Austria from going into recession. Kern cited the recently-completed main station in Vienna as an example of what is being achieved and the potential such projects have for the wider economy. "The new main station has reduced the cost of operating trains through Vienna and has cut journey time significantly," Kern explained. He said the project cost around 1bn, but a further 3bn is being invested by the private sector to redevelop former railway land to provide homes for 10,000 people and work places for a further 20,000. However, Kern is fearful for the future, pointing to the deteriorating performance of German Rail (DB), which has since announced a loss of 1.5bn for 2015, its first since 2003. "We have to ask if DB is in this situation, what will the future be for OBB? I feel our industry is lagging behind other industries such as automotive with the development of driverless cars. We need to speed up development and stay focussed on what we are doing. We need to have a much more efficient railway and we need politicians to back this." This view was echoed by Dr Josef Doppelbauer, executive director of the European Railway Agency (ERA), who said railways are in a critical situation in Europe at the moment. "Despite the benefits of rail transport, rail still has a low market share of around 7% for passenger and 17-18% for freight. Unit costs for rail are 100% more than for other modes. The cost of the assets is too high and utilisation is low because of the poor availability of the assets and poor maintenance." Dopplebauer also cited a lack of standardisation as another cost driver. "If we compare air with rail, there are two big families of aircraft with around 4000 Boeing 737s and 3000 Airbus A320s in service, compared with 550 TGVs of seven different types and the Japanese Shinkansen family of 600 trains." Cooperation Mr Jean-Pierre Loubinoux, director general of the International Union of Railways (UIC), said that as a global organisation promoting interoperability, innovation and standardisation, including in Europe, he is keen to develop mutual cooperation between the UIC and ERA. However, he was concerned about the possibility of duplication between the UIC's and ERA's work, a point which Doppelbauer was keen to address. "We don't want to standardise everything because it is not necessary," Doppelbauer said. "It is important to agree with the UIC where we can cooperate and not step on each other's toes. We are very happy that various standards are driven by the UIC and are not subjected to legal standardisation. This helps everyone to operate more efficiently." Doppelbauer added that it is important that the railway industry continues to push for greater competition and innovation. He pointed out that since the introduction of NTV in Italy, trains now depart between Milan and Rome every few minutes which has all but killed off air traffic between the two cities, demonstrating that competition clearly works in the industry's favour. Lord Tony Berkeley, board member of the European Rail Freight Association and chairman of the UK Rail Freight Group, pointed out that growth can be achieved in railfreight where there is fair competition. "Railfreight has grown by 60% in Britain, but has dropped by 50% in France during the last 10 years," Berkeley told delegates. "The infrastructure manager must be independent and treat everyone fairly." Unfortunately this is often not the case, as Berkeley observed. "Single wagon freight accounts for 50% of the freight market in Europe but it is closed to private operators because they are denied access to the terminals. People love monopolies. We need a full liberalisation agenda." Berkeley urged customers, independent operators and others must challenge the status quo: "We need to support EC transport commissioner Violeta Bulc's vision for the rail sector 'to deliver the investment, efficiency, reliability and keep competitive' with 'new business models for passenger and freight services, and innovation such as digitalisation.' The rail industry should stop complaining about competition with road and air and put its house in order first." Open-access Mr Peter Kohler, who is CEO Europe of Czech opem- access passenger operator Leo Express, explained how it has succeeded in running a privately-financed passenger service in competition with the subsidised incumbent Czech Railways (CD). "Our occupancy rate is double that of CD, our Ebitda has quadrupled and we expect to move into profit this year," Kohler explained. "Passenger numbers between Prague and Ostrava have increased by 50% since private operators entered the Czech passenger rail market. We were the first with a full 'infotainment' system on board. But we had problems obtaining attractive sites for depots and ticket offices in stations we want access to idle resources." Leo Express has carried 1.1 million passengers in the first three years of operating its rail service which now connects Prague with Ostrava, as well as Kosice and Presov in Slovakia, supported by bus feeder routes, which it regards as a prelude to expanding its rail network. Kohler is disappointed that the Fourth Railway Package will not usher in fairer competition as quickly as originally foreseen. "The original plan was to get rid of direct awards for concessions by 2019, but now this has been put back to 2024-2026, which with a 15-year term for some concessions means 2042." Dr Knut Sauer, vice-president business development, strategy and sales, with Hyperloop Technologies, gave delegates a glimpse into the future with his presentation on the Hyperloop project which foresees passengers travelling totally automatically in pods travelling at up to 1100km/h inside a tube. "Hyperloop is not here to replace rail but to add a fifth mode of transport," he reassured delegates. Sauer claimed that Hyperloop will use one-third the energy of a high-speed railway, and will provide an on demand, point-to-point service with 25-35 passengers per vehicle. "The original idea was to build a Hyperloop between San Francisco and Los Angeles, but we believe the first Hyperloop will move freight between a large port and a conurbation it is easier to get regulatory approval for freight than for passenger," Sauer explained. "We should have 250 employees and we will prove full system capability before the end of the year. We are looking at passive maglev technology and linear propulsion in a depressurised tube as the air drag is a lot less. We are building a 1200m test track to test the propulsion system and we will have a 3.2km test tube by the end of the year. We are also trying to drive down the construction and operating costs. "By 2020, we expect to have the first freight Hyperloop and the first passenger Hyperloop in 2021 but the first passenger Hyperloop won't be in the United States," Sauer concluded. DRS ordered the locomotives in 2013 through Beacon Rail Leasing, with assembly being carried out at Stadler Rail Valencia's plant in Albuixech, Spain. The four-axle class 88 has a maximum output of 4MW under 25kV 50Hz ac electric traction and 700kW under diesel power, delivering tractive effort of 317kN in both modes. The 160km/h units are equipped with regenerative braking and will have a 500kW electric train heating rating. The class 88s share many major components with the class 68 UKLight diesel locomotive, including bodyshells, cabs, braking systems, bogies, traction equipment, and control software. DRS has ordered 32 class 68s in three batches, 25 of which have been delivered so far. RAIL transport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has come a long way in the past 10 years. From an ambitious vision to extract mineral wealth from the desert interior, history was made in October 2014 when the first train operated on a section of what is now the 264km line from Shah to Habshan and the port at Ruwais. Trial operations were gradually stepped up and the line had carried more than 4 million tonnes of granulated sulphur for its sole customer, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) by the end of 2015. Commercial operations officially began on January 1, and two 1600m-long trains are now running per day, each carrying 11,000 tonnes and taking the cumulative total to more than 5 million tonnes of product shipped. "We have exceeded the expectations of our client," says Mr Shadi Malak, acting CEO of Etihad Rail DB, the operator and infrastructure manager of the line. "When we decided to build the railway we had a tough task to convince Adnoc that it would be suitable because they have never used rail before, they have always used pipelines or trucks. But we managed to do that and they are very happy with the result." Malak has been involved with the UAE's railway project, and the country's national railway Union Railway, which was rebranded as Etihad Rail in 2011, since the very beginning. He initially worked on the feasibility study for the project nine years ago and is now overseeing operations. Etihad Rail DB is actually a joint venture of Etihad Rail (51%), and German Rail (DB) subsidiaries DB Cargo and DB International (49%), and Malak says that having the backing of a respected operator and railway was important in selling the idea of rail to its customer. "To have one of the largest European rail operators working alongside you is an add on to your capability," Malak says. "DB transports millions of tonnes of freight across Europe so it brings that experience. The German name is also associated with quality you think of Mercedes Benz and BMW for example. It was very important to provide this confidence, particularly in the first couple of years." DB's involvement in the project dates back to 2008-09 when Mr Niko Warbanoff, chairman of the board of directors of DB International, says the company began consulting with Union Railway on the operational model for the project. Three options were considered: a concession model, in-sourcing everything into Etihad Rail, or establishing a joint venture. Warbanoff says the feeling was that the joint venture model was right for the project and this proposal was ultimately presented by Etihad Rail to the UAE government. "We believed at the time it was the best option to master the challenges the project faced," he says. A tendering process subsequently took place and DB Cargo was selected as the joint venture partner in March 2014 to operate and maintain the first phase of the network, with the company also acting as a consultant for future phases of the UAE's planned 1200km network. "We are already working in Saudi Arabia and other countries in the region so we have local experience which we are bringing here," Warbanoff says. "For us, it is about being one of the leading companies and railways in the world. The Middle East, the GCC, and the UAE are developing this transport system and we are working as a good partner to do that together." Opening the new line has established the UAE as the world's leading producer of granulated sulphur, a by-product of gas production and a primary ingredient in fertiliser production. It is an unstable material, which if it is not of a certain quality, can combust when exposed to the atmosphere. A key reason therefore for Adnoc to choose rail as its primary transport method was the high availability on offer. Indeed the operator currently has a 91.5% punctuality rate. Yet given the remote and hostile environment in which it is operating, Etihad Rail DB has and continues to combat a variety of challenges to maintain this high standard of performance. Malak says during development the operator consulted extensively with other railways in Saudi Arabia and China, and from other projects in the region, including road. The company has also learnt a lot from its own experiences during its short time in operations and is continually adapting to the various challenges it faces. Sand One major issue is sand. Malak says that this has been a challenge since day one and that the railway was designed to mitigate the impact as much as possible; from choosing a certain track geometry to the specific design of the track structure. Ditches and sand traps were also built alongside the railway, while the railway's seven EMD SD70ACS locomotives are fitted with sand filtration systems. He says that while not every day, and not all of the railway is affected, sand problems are at least a weekly occurrence, and maintenance-of-way equipment is utilised to clear sand much like it is in other countries to clear snow. There is also an emphasis on preventative work. Etihad Rail DB monitors the movement of sand dunes so they are dealt with before they reach the track while trials are underway of alternative methods to reduce the impact such as planting vegetation in the vicinity of the line. "One thing we have learnt is that you cannot fight nature," Malak says. "You cannot keep all of the sand away, some will come in no matter what you do, and as long as it does not cover the entire track then that is fine. What you can do is adapt to it and design and build your railway in such a way that it does not challenge it." The tough environment in which the railway is operating and the hazardous material that it is carrying necessitated the deployment of sophisticated equipment. For example the 240 covered wagons manufactured by CSR are very sophisticated in their design but Malak says this has come with issues. For instance, the fleet team and technicians have had to optimise the wagons' sensors and changed the locking mechanism on the hatches since they were delivered. Other challenges are posed by wildlife in the area. Problems with camels were foreseen but Malak admits no-one predicted the difficulties that gazelles might pose to the railway. He says the company is now working with the UAE's environment agency to deal with the situation. People too are a problem for operations. Campers, which head out into the desert at weekends, often hundreds of kilometres from civilisation, have presented difficulties, mostly because they have never seen a railway before and are not aware of the potential dangers. "You have to literally visit their houses, farms, and schools to warn them about the danger of going on the track," Malak says. The remoteness of the project meant that providing a suitable environment for its employees to live and work was another major consideration. Etihad Rail DB employs approximately 200 people and Malak says work is underway through a private partnership to build an accommodation complex, including schools, for its employees and their families, which will make it more attractive for those currently commuting from Abu Dhabi to live closer to their place of work. "We hit two birds with one stone," he says. "First we are providing proper accommodation and something we like for our employees, and secondly we are giving back to society because we are doing it through investors in the region where the railway is located so it benefits their situation." Workforce development is a major focus for the UAE's railway programme because of the lack of domestic railway experience. The Centre of Excellence for Applied Research and Training signed a memorandum of understanding with Thales in 2014 to develop a new training academy to provide Emiratis with high-level professional and academic training programmes. In addition, as part of the joint venture agreement, DB is allowing access to courses at its training academy, while Etihad Rail DB established a human resources excellence programme which is enabling UAE nationals to gain on-the-job experience. "In this programme they come to Germany and we teach them different disciplines, including in technical and administrative areas," Warbanoff says. "They team up with the people in the DB group and they get to know exactly how we work. Many of them who have returned to the UAE are still in touch with DB and are continuing to exchange knowledge." Strong position Malak says such initiatives are critical for the UAE as it begins its railway journey and he says in the long-term it will place Etihad Rail DB in a strong position to secure additional business. Indeed Malak says the company has ambitious plans for development and has identified three key areas for expansion: carrying additional commodities on the existing line, operating other services and lines as the UAE network grows, and operating services in other GCC states as they come online. "Etihad Rail DB as a joint venture is very well-positioned to win some of these things over the next three or four years," he says. "We understand what we need in the Middle East and North Africa as much as anyone else, and obviously DB demonstrates that it understands other countries. It will require a lot of work, but that's the vision and the ambition." Despite recent slowdowns in some key projects, most notably the second phase of the UAE network, and in Oman, the Middle East rail market is estimated to be worth around $US 80bn. As well as presenting opportunities to Etihad Rail DB, this is a potential boon for suppliers. Yet this remains potential. For existing operators the relative small size of the industry in the region means that many manufacturers have yet to commit to establishing local facilities, meaning that there is a very limited supply chain. "In Europe if you are missing a spare part, or if you are missing a technician, there are plenty of places to get one," Malak says. "In the UAE, where the railway always has to be available because of the commodity that we are carrying, and because we have a demanding customer, we have to procure things in advance and have higher stocks than you normally would have because we don't have the suppliers here, even for the smallest pieces of equipment. Everything has to be done in-house or you have to import it." Clearly this is not just a challenge for Etihad Rail DB but for all of the railways currently or planning to operate in the region and must be addressed. While Malak says he regularly attends conferences and events to talk with and establish relationships with suppliers, he is keen to develop these connections with the backing of the entire region. "With the current project we may attract some suppliers and get them interested despite what they may view as limited demand compared with what you have in Europe," he says. "But we can add on the Dubai RTA, the operator of the metro and tram, SRO and SAR in Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, which is also building a railway. If we can get all these companies to come together we could end up convincing lots of suppliers to locate offices here and take the Middle East a lot more seriously." Malak laughs off suggestions that he is a champion for rail, saying that people can call him what they like. Yet he is adamant of the importance of seeing the bigger picture and trying to secure a better working environment, not just for Etihad Rail DB, but the entire Middle East. "We are not just building a railway we're building an industry and everything we do now sets a precedent for the future," he says. The planned enhancements would reduce Toronto - Montreal journey times from 4h 42min to 3h 45min and Toronto - Ottawa from 4h 1min to 2h 30min by eliminating level crossings and segregating passenger and freight trains with new infrastructure. Via Rail CEO Mr Yves Desjardins-Siciliano told The Canadian Press in an interview on April 14 that that a number of financing options will be presented to Canadian transport minister Mr Marc Garneau within the next few months. Under some of these options, the bulk of the funding required for the project would be covered by pension fund investors, and Via Rail has already held preliminary discussions with potential private sector backers. The federal government would be asked to contribute around $C 1bn. Desjardins-Siciliano says he hopes the government will make a decision on whether to go ahead with the project before the end of the year. "We'd like to think there will be shovels in the ground by the spring of 2017," he says. The federal government's infrastructure plan, which was announced last month, allocates Via Rail just $C 3.3m over three years for an "in-depth assessment" of the proposals. Last October Ontario's provincial Ministry of Transportation appointed former Canadian transport minister Mr David Collenette to look at options for high-speed rail on the Toronto - London - Windsor corridor. Nittany & Bald Eagle Railroad, JRA earn marketing award for clean coal project Written by Carolina Worrell , Senior Editor The Nittany & Bald Eagle Railroad, part of the North Shore Railroad group recently received the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) 2016 marketing award with the Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad at the Association's annual conference in Washington, D.C. The award is the result of an effort between both marketing teams to honor the recent development of rail movements between Graymont on Nittany & Bald Eagle Railroad and the Homer City Generating Station on the Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad. The SEDA-COG Joint Rail Authority (JRA) partnered with Nittany & Bald Eagle Railroad in the railroad track project that helped Homer City Generating Station become one of the cleanest coal-burning power plants in the nation by contributing its own dollars and securing a grant. Graymont mines high-grade limestone from the Valentine formation at its lime plant in Centre County. Thanks to this project, lime is now shipped to the generating station as an essential ingredient for the stations new emissions scrubber, greatly reducing its pollutants. In order for Graymont to get this business, more railroad yard space was critical because of the anticipated high volumes of rail traffic. To meet that need, the JRA secured a $250,000 Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Rail Freight Assistance Program grant, and the JRA contributed $189,356 of its own dollars to build 1,600 more feet of railroad track on JRA property. Within its complex, Graymont also built an additional 2,800 feet of new railroad track and made other related improvements. Both track projects were finished last fall. It was a five-year effort for Nittany & Bald Eagle Railroad and Graymont to secure the new business. The rail cars of lime will originate on the Nittany & Bald Eagle Railroad before being handed off to Norfolk Southern, which interchanges the rail cars to the Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad for final delivery to the power plant. Nittany & Bald Eagle Railroad is a 70-mile short line that serves the Pennsylvania communities of Lock Haven, Tyrone, Bellefonte, Pleasant Gap, and State College. The railroad is the private contract operator of the tracks owned by the JRA. Welcome to Railway Gazette. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of these cookies. You can learn more about the cookies we use here. OK Viacom18 has appointed Narayan Ranjan to a new role of chief of staff as part of a management restructure at the Indian media and entertainment (M&E) company. Ranjan, who joined Viacom18 12 years ago, will assume responsibility for mergers and acquisition, internal audit, internal control and admin functionality, while continuing work on improving group level governance, the company said.Soumen Ray has also been promoted to the position of chief financial officer (CFO) of Viacom18, from the deputy (CFO) role he has held since 2013.With a 30X growth in topline since inception, we are one of Indias fastest growing M&E companies. As we gear up for a more streamlined growth phase, it is imperative to align our corporate functions so that we can leverage both the experience and the expertise that our leaders possess, said Sudhanshu Vats, group CEO, Viacom18.Narayan Ranjan, one of our more experienced and senior leaders, will now take on a more strategically aligned role that streamlines our business and administrative processes across the ever-growing brands of Viacom18. Soumen Ray, who as the deputy CFO, has been pivotal in streamlining the networks financial performance, will now take over as the chief financial officer,Both posts are effective from 15 April 2016. Russian national sentenced to 15 years in prison for murder of Far East MP MOSCOW, April 15 (RAPSI) A court in Primorsky Krai, in the south of the Far East, has sentenced a local resident to 15 years in prison for contract murder of local municipal lawmaker, RIA Novosti reported on Friday. Yuri Emetz, a lawmaker for the Municipal Duma of Ussuriysk and Ussuriysk Region was shot to death in June 2004 on his way to work. Earlier he held a position of head manager of Ussuriysk Balsam, large alcohol production company. According to investigators, the convicted man ambushed and shot the MP in the back with a hunting rifle. His accomplice was acting as a driver and both men were paid $15,000 each for the contract murder. In March 2007, the mastermind behind the attack and the driver were sentenced to 15 and 13 years in prison respectively. Person responsible for shooting the MP was on the international wanted list for a long time but was arrested on October 23, 2015. French court: Rossiya Segodnya funds freeze over Yukos case unwarranted MOSCOW, April 15 (RAPSI) A court in Paris ruled that the freezing of Rossiya Segodnya information agency bank accounts in connection with the Yukos case was unwarranted, RIA Novosti reported on Friday. The judge in award enforcement action passed a judgment to remove attachment of funds on bank accounts of Rossiya Segodnya and RIA Novosti, the ruling reads, according to RIA Novosti. The judge also dismissed the claim for damages submitted by Hulley Enterprises Limited and made it pay legal costs. Representatives of Hulley Enterprises Limited immediately appealed against this ruling with the Paris Court of Appeal. A tribunal for the Hague Permanent Court of Arbitration announced in July 2014 that it had issued awards in three cases filed against Russia. The tribunal ordered that Russia pay Yukos Universal Limited (Isle of Man) over $1.8 billion in damages. Hulley Enterprises Limited (Cyprus) was awarded about $40 billion, and Veteran Petroleum Limited (Cyprus) got over $8 billion. Russian authorities moved to set aside the ruling and turned to the District Court of The Hague. In June 2015, funds in bank accounts of Rossiya Segodnya French office were frozen on request of a French court enforcement officer acting in accordance with the claim submitted by Hulley Enterprises Ltd representatives; however the assets were not transferred to former Yukos shareholders and remained frozen, since Russia Today challenged these actions in court. Donald Trump's criticism of Europeans' unwillingness to invest in NATO is misplaced. What he should have questioned is Europe's reluctance to take its own security seriously. Big foreign policy issues have played hardly any role in the 2016 U.S. presidential election campaign. That briefly changed on April 3 when the Republican contender Donald Trump delivered his verdict on NATO. "It's obsolete," he told supporters in Wisconsin. "It's possible that we're going to have to let NATO go." The reason, Trump explained, was that America's European allies were dragging their feet on financing the military alliance. "When we're paying and nobody else is really paying, a couple of other countries are but nobody else is really paying, you feel like the jerk," he said. "I call up all of those countries . . . and say fellas you haven't paid for years, give us the money or get the hell out.' . . . Maybe Nato will dissolve, and that's OK, not the worst thing in the world." Now that must have been pleasing to the Kremlin, which has always pursued the idea of splitting if not ending the transatlantic alliance. If, however, Trump looked at the "Trends in World Military Expenditure, 2015" factsheet published by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), he might change his mind about the Europeans. The document showed that European military spending increased by 1.7 percent in 2015 compared with the previous year, rising to $328 billion. That's 5.4 percent higher than in 2006-admittedly coming from a pretty low base. Still, Europe's big three -- Britain, France (the two European countries that think and act strategically), and Germany -- will be spending more in the coming years. This is good news for NATO. As for Central Europe, spending rose for a second consecutive year in 2015, increasing by 13 percent, again coming from a low base. In Poland, it jumped a whopping 22 percent to $10.5 billion, with military expenditure reaching 2.2 percent of the country's GDP. There are several reasons why defense spending in many European countries is on the increase. The first is Russia's invasion of eastern Ukraine and its annexation of Crimea in 2014. The second, linked to Russia, is the pledge by all NATO countries at their summit in Wales in September 2014 to increase military spending to 2 percent of GDP. And the third is the terrorist threat. In short, Trump's criticism of Europeans' unwillingness to finance NATO is misplaced. He would have had more credibility had he said that the Europeans have for far too long built a dependency culture by always relying on the United States to maintain and unflinchingly extend its vital security guarantee to the Europeans. Spending more is not the main thing that NATO needs. What the alliance requires is a shared threat perception. "Despite the increase in military spending, [the allies] don't yet have that," said Ian Anthony, director of SIPRI's European Security Program, in an interview. "Their enemy today is uncertainty. The NATO and EU countries have different problems on their plates that don't lead to coherence." Without a common perception of threats, can NATO have a common strategy? There are the makings of a strategy when it comes to improving the defense of NATO's Eastern members. Allies agreed to establish the Very High Readiness Joint Task Force (VJTF) at the Wales summit. In theory, the force should be able to deploy about 5,000 troops within two or three days, with up to five battalions supported by air, maritime, and special forces. But as Daniel Fiott argued in a terrific essay in Survival, the journal of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, NATO lacks the critical defense infrastructure and capabilities to respond with speed to any Russian aggression in Europe. "Without the necessary infrastructure, including transportation networks and hubs, and energy supply lines, it will be difficult for NATO to preposition or sustain military units and ensure that the [VJTF] is able to deploy within a few days," Fiott wrote. Fiott detailed all the technical, financial, and infrastructure challenges for the VJTF. His conclusion was that EU funds could be mobilized to modernize infrastructure, which in turn could have substantial civilian and defense benefits. One wonders how the EU member states and the European Parliament would react to the idea of European funds having such a role. There are rules that stipulate that the EU budget should be invested only in civilian projects or in initiatives with a dual-use capability that would serve civilian and military goals. Even then, argued Fiott, "this is not enough to sidestep the EU's long-held embargo on using EU funds for military purposes." This EU obsession with soft power is redundant given the big threats Europe and its allies face. Surely, the modernization of the EU's infrastructure-from railroads and highways to airfields and ports to power plants and bridges, not to speak of IT networks-should have a security component. It is this argument that Poland, the Baltic states, and NATO's other Central and Eastern European members should be promoting in the run-up to NATO's July 2016 summit in Warsaw. Because NATO will deploy troops in these countries on a permanent basis, there has to be a guarantee that the VJTF will actually work. After all, this is NATO's response to Russian aggression and should be its signal to Trump that the alliance is not obsolete. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale Buy real estate. Find a great selection of commercial real estate, manufactured homes, timeshares and more for Sale in US and Canada. Search Real Estate Mortgage rates forecasters saw the increase in interest rates for 2015 as a sign that home loan rates will also rise. However, the opposite hasd happened because the average on a 30-year fixed loan was at its lowest level this year and it could still go down into new record territory. The combination of economic and political factors are the reason why mortgage rates have fallen. The European and Fed Central Bank are reported to have expressed their concern over the global economy trajectory. Investors and consumers alike are on edge because of the following factors, which include stock correction, oil prices are unpredictable, and the highly erratic presidential race. Lower mortgage rates incited a mortgage refinances reboot last week. However, that did nothing for the homebuyers. Mortgage loan company Fannie Mae, which has just recorded its worst monthly Home Purchase Sentiment Index (HPSI) in 18 months, thinks that buyers and sellers alike believe that now is a bad time in making deals, according to a feature by CNBC. Fannie Mae Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Doug Duncan reportedly stated that "Growing pessimism over the last three months about the direction of the economy seems to be spilling over into home purchase sentiment." "The gap between the share of consumers who think the economy is on the wrong track and the share who think it is on the right track has widened, nearly matching its reading last August, when concerns regarding China and oil prices led to the biggest stock market plunge in years. In turn, we saw dips this month in income growth perceptions, attitudes about the home selling climate, and job confidence," he added. The Mortgage Bankers Association has revealed that the mortgage credit availability tightened in March despite the low mortgage rates, which was mostly due to conventional loans. Government programs like the Federal Housing Association and VA loans, on the other hand, relaxed slightly, according to a feature by the Washington Post. Ohio Governor John Kasich visited the Sandy Springs Town Hall for a town hall meeting on Tuesday, February 23, 2015 in Sandy Springs, Georgia. John Kasich is running for the Republican presidential nomination for 2016. He visited both Kennesaw State University and Sandy Springs Town Hall in Georgia, where at the latter the turnout of supporters was so great he allowed the overflow to gather around his bus behind the Town Hall and he addressed hundreds of people before the main meeting. (Photo/Henry Taylor) Georgia Rep. Stacey Godfrey Evans visited the University of Georgia on April 18 to address the Law Schools 34th Edith House lecture, an event created to commemorate the accomplishments of UGA School of Laws first female graduate and co-valedictorian. The 19-member Board of Regents decides whether undocumented immigrants can attend the University of Georgia, whether smoking will be allowed on campuses, who the president of each state university will be and whether tuition rates will rise for the 318,164 students in the system. FILE - In this April 13, 2013, file photo, a Sikh man holds a child as they take a holy dip in the sacred pond at the Golden Temple, Sikhs holiest shrine, during Baisakhi festival in Amritsar, India. The chronic air pollution blanketing much of northern India is now threatening the holiest shrine in the Sikh religion, making the once-gleaming walls of the Golden Temple dingy and dull. (AP Photo/Sanjeev Syal, File) SHARE By KATY DAIGLE, Associated Press UMAR MERAJ, Associated Press AMRITSAR, India (AP) The chronic air pollution blanketing much of northern India is now threatening the holiest shrine in the Sikh religion, making the once-gleaming walls of the Golden Temple dingy and dull. There is little to be done short of replacing the 430-year-old temple's gold-plated walls an expensive project already undertaken more than a century ago and then again in 1999. To cut down on pollution, environmentalists and religious leaders have launched a campaign that includes persuading farmers to stop burning spent crops to clear their fields, removing industry from the area and cutting back on traffic. A community kitchen called a "langar" that serves up to 100,000 people free meals every day at the temple is also switching from burning wood to cooking with gas. But so far the campaign hasn't had much impact, with change happening slowly and still no pollution monitoring equipment installed. "As far as pollution goes, we are paying attention," said Jaswant Singh, environmental engineer at the State Pollution Control Board, a government regulatory authority. "We are in the process of procuring equipment so that we can check the pollution area, pollution from every source on a day-to-day basis." Officials have also banned burning trash or cooking with certain fuels in restaurants and communities nearby, but enforcement so far remains weak. The city also wants to build an electricity station to stop people from using diesel-fueled generators, but Singh could not say when that might happen. "The pollution degrading the Golden Temple is growing," said environmental activist Gunbir Singh, who heads a group called Eco Amritsar. "We need to do a hell of a lot of work to protect the holy city status of this city." It's unclear how much replacing the gold plating would cost, but it would surely be high. "This is gold. The cost would be huge, but still would not be a problem," Gunbir Singh said, suggesting Sikh devotees would rally behind the cause if needed. "Most of the activity that goes on there is based on donations people will take off their bangles and rings and leave them if work needs to be done." Thousands of Sikh devotees and tourists every day visit Amritsar, the main city in Punjab state, to see the 17th century shrine, surrounded by a moat known as the "pool of nectar," or "Sarovar," and housing the Sikh holy book, the Guru Granth Sahib. Most of the world's 27 million Sikhs, whose monotheistic religion originated in Punjab in the 15th century, live in India. The country suffers some of the world's worst air pollution, thanks to a heavy reliance on burning coal for electricity, diesel in cars and power generators, and kerosene and cow dung for cooking and lighting homes. Heavy construction amid a decade-long economic boom has also kicked up huge clouds of dust, and farmers still regularly clear their fields with fire, sending even more black carbon into the air. The capital of New Delhi was named by the WHO as the world's most polluted city, while Amritsar about 390 kilometers (240 km) to the north was ranked India's ninth most polluted. The Golden Temple is not the only major monument to be affected by pollution. The white marbled Taj Mahal has also become dirty from pollution from the nearby city of Agra, and every few years, workers from the Archaological Survey of India place mud packs on its walls to keep them from turning yellow and brown. But many across the country remain unaware of the risks in breathing unhealthy air, even as scientists warn it is sickening countless Indians every year. About 1.4 million Indians were killed by illnesses related to air pollution in 2013, according to a recent study by researchers at the University of British Colombia, in Vancouver. That tally will only rise unless pollution levels are drastically curbed, experts have said. Instead, the pollution is getting worse, according to NASA satellite images revealing particulate matter in the air. An analysis last month by the environmental group Greenpeace showed the overall concentration of PM2.5 the tiny lung-clogging particulate matter suspended in the air increasing 13 percent from 2010 to 2015. With pollution fast damaging the Golden Temple, some in the Sikh heartland said they were reminded of their religious duty to protect nature. "Our holy book teaches us that the air is the teacher, the water is the father and the earth is the mother. So we have to be mindful of all the elements of nature as true Sikhs," the environmentalist Gunbir Singh said. Authorities plan to ban vehicles from the area immediately surrounding the shrine. "Even the devotees will have to come on foot," said Harcharan Singh, who heads the Shrimoni Gurudwara Prabhandak Committee, which oversees the six major Sikh temples across India. But efforts have been slow, and officials admit so far incomplete. Sikh preacher Baba Sewa Singh said he and his devotees have tried to help mitigate the pollution threat by planting more than 100,000 trees in the region. "If anyone asks about the saplings," he said, "we plant then for free in their villages." ___ Newsom, Dahle to meet in debate today. Here's where to listen Newsom and Dahle are scheduled to debate Sunday beginning at 1 p.m. The debate will be broadcast live on the radio by KQED News. Damon Arthur/Record Searchlight The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is looking for ideas from the general public on how to get fish past tall dams like Shasta Dam. SHARE By Damon Arthur of the Redding Record Searchlight Have an idea about how to get migrating fish past tall dams like Shasta Dam? The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation wants to hear about it. And there is a prize, up to $20,000 for the best proposal, according to the bureau. Connie Svoboda, a hydraulic engineer for the bureau in Denver, Colorado, said the competition is only the third time her agency has opened up a problem to anyone in the nation. Typically the agency has sought proposals from engineering and environmental agencies and companies they work with regularly. "This is such a great tool, because previously we could only reach out to the communities that we already knew," Svoboda said. "The prize competition, through the Internet, allows you to reach out to the general public." While the bureau wants solutions that apply to all of the tall dams it operates, there is a problem the agency currently faces with Shasta Dam. The bureau and other federal and state fisheries agencies want to re-introduce winter-run chinook salmon to the McCloud and Sacramento rivers upstream of Lake Shasta. The first phase of that effort, expected to begin next year, focuses on the McCloud. Fish ladders and other types of passages around dams are common to get fish swimming upstream past dams and other obstacles, but the bureau wants a solution to get fish past dams when they are going downstream to the ocean. In the first year of the proposed plan, the fish would be hatched at the Livingston Stone National Fish Hatchery near Shasta Dam. Once they are about 2 inches long, they would be hauled by truck and released into the river below the dam at McCloud Reservoir. Within a year, the young fish would swim downstream but would be trapped before they swim into Lake Shasta, the bureau's project manager, John Hannon, has said. After the young fish are collected they would be hauled by truck back to the Sacramento River so they could swim out to the ocean. In the second year, they would again release fingerlings and put fertilized eggs in the McCloud . The young fish would again be trapped and collected near the lake. By the third year they would be releasing fingerlings, eggs and adult salmon into the river for spawning, Hannon said. The chinook salmon live in the ocean about three years, and return to fresh water to spawn and die. The bureau wants proposals from the public about the best way to capture the young fish to get them past dams, Svoboda said. "For this prize competition, we are interested in collecting the juvenile fish in the reservoir for transport downstream," Svoboda said in a video posted on YouTube. "There are challenges for collecting fish in the reservoir. The fish can have a very difficult time finding a single collection point in a very large reservoir. They may never find the collection point or they may be significantly delayed in finding it," she said in the video. There is already a trap at Keswick Dam used to catch adult salmon heading upstream from the ocean. Those fish are taken to the Livingston Stone Fish Hatchery. Hannon said that trap can be used to take adults returning from the ocean past the dam and haul them by truck to the McCloud. In the previous two competitions, the bureau chose proposals submitted from companies and groups they had never worked with before, Svoboda said. She did not know how many dam passage proposals had been submitted because the competition is being managed by a company called InnoCentive. She said proposals should be in the range of three to five pages and include drawings. Proposals don't need to include a testable prototype, she said. The judges, who work with federal agencies, may choose one winner and award the full $20,000 prize, Svoboda said. Both of the earlier competitions also chose more than one proposal, which means the winners split the amount of prize money. There will be at least one $5,000 winner and no winners will receive less than $2,500, according to competition rules. More information about the challenge, which closes May 10, can be found online at http://bit.ly/1oohjL8. Susan Kane outside her Redding office Thursday. Kane is retiring at the end of next week from her role as director of the Day Reporting Center. SHARE Andreas Fuhrmann/Record Searchlight Susan Kane outside her Redding Office Thursday. Kane is retiring the end of next week from her role as director of the Day Reporting Center. By Nathan Solis of the Redding Record Searchlight The director of a center that works with people serving probation and parole in Shasta County will be leaving the job at the end of next week. Susan Kane will step down April 22 as director of the Day Reporting Center for personal family reasons. "I feel like I'm leaving at a point where the center has become much more a part of the community," Kane, 57, said. The Shasta Day Reporting Center on Court Street in Redding provides rehabilitation services to people coming out of jail or prison. Programs include anger management and GED preparation. The center works closely with the Shasta County Probation Department, but is managed by BI Inc., and holds graduation services twice a year. It's funded in part by realignment, or AB109, funds. Parolees and people on probation check in daily at the center over six to nine months, depending on their progress. Kane and her staff come to be a constant fixture for the clients. At the end of March, Redding Police Chief Robert Paoletti invited Kane to speak the chief's town hall to discuss the operations and success of the Day Reporting Center. She detailed the goals of rehabilitation in the county and despite not having a direct partnership with the Police Department, Kane said the center could go beyond working directly with the Probation Department and also work with other law enforcement agencies. "I'm hopeful there are future partnerships with other community leaders," Kane said. Kane arrived at the Day Reporting Center about four months after leaving the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitations in 2013, where she worked for about 30 years. There she worked as a parole agent and chief of training. Kane said she was a single mother for much of that time. At the Day Reporting Center graduation in December, Kane, surrounded by county officials and staff in the Redding Elks Lodge, described the members of the graduating class. She talked about stubborn men unwilling to participate in the program when first walking through the doors of the center later becoming model participants of the program. Jerry Street, 47, graduated from the Day Reporting Center with a similar story. Street refused at first, but gradually accepted the staff's efforts to help him turn his life around. "She was not messing around with her job and she was serious, but she also loves the people who come through those doors," said Street, who credits the center and staff in changing his life for the better. Chief probation officer Tracie Neal said Kane set the tone for the center and provided outreach to the community. "She also set a precedent with how her staff works with offenders and provided fidelity to how the model works," Neal said. BI Inc. has not yet named a successor for Kane's position. Kane said she planned to retire in 2013 when she left the corrections department. This second retirement is unexpected, but when asked whether she plans to stop working and enjoy her retirement, she offered a warm smile. "I enjoy what I do. I like to think that I'm leaving at the top of my game." SHARE By Amber Sandhu of the Redding Record Searchlight The California Department of Justice is requiring California physicians and other professionals with the license to prescribe or dispense scheduled drugs to register for a drug monitoring database by July 1. Known as the Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System, or CURES, the database keeps a log of patients with prescriptions for scheduled drugs, to help physicians identify whether patients have an active opioid prescription from a different doctor or a refill remaining on an opioid prescription. According to the California Department of Justice, pharmacists, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists, veterinarians and physician's assistants are also required to register with the database. The database contains patient information such as name, address, date of birth, prescriber name, pharmacy where drug was dispensed, drug name, date of prescription, strength and refills remaining. "I think it's an excellent start," said Dr. Candy Stockton, medical director of Shingletown Medical Center. She calls herself a "legacy user" and has used the database for approximately five years, and has directed physicians on her staff to register to use the database to prescribe opioids safely. Shasta County's rising rate of opioid related hospitalizations hasn't gone unrecognized by the community. "Heroin abuse is a much smaller problem than prescription opioids," Stockton said. She added that people who use heroin started with prescription opioids. And according to data from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, in 2013 Shasta County had 631 opioid related hospitalizations compared to nine heroin related hospitalizations. In 2012, there were 548 opioid related hospitalizations compared to four heroin related hospitalizations. Looking at this data, various stakeholders in Shasta County such as physicians, pharmacists, public health and law enforcement officials banded together to support NoRxAbuse in February, to encourage safer and responsible prescribing practices among physicians. Ivan Petrzelka, president of NoRxAbuse, a former pharmacist and lawyer at Gemini Law, said they've been encouraging local physicians to register to use the database. He said the coalition is also in the process of securing Naloxone, a drug that reverses the effects of heroin and opioid overdose, for law enforcement officers to use on individuals when they suspect an overdose emergency. Petrzelka said that while feedback about CURES registration has been positive, some physicians have expressed concern that the new safe prescription guidelines are "too restrictive" and may not provide "adequate pain relief to patients." "Both concerns are very legitimate," Petrzelka said. Stockton said that while she has encouraged physicians to use the database, there is still some pushback from physicians who feel offended by the concept that their patients can't be trusted. "You can make them register, but you can't make them use it," Stockton said. Redding's Planning Manager Kent Manuel takes part Wednesday in an Administrative Review Board. He is officially retiring Friday, but the city plans to bring him back to assist with several projects that are in progress. SHARE By Jenny Espino of the Redding Record Searchlight Kent Manuel, the planner who helped write his hometown's blueprint for long-term growth, retires today from his post as Redding's planning manager. Nonetheless, Manuel will retain his title and keep an office at City Hall for at least another year. Upon retirement, officials will ask the City Council to bring the Redding native back to assist with the potential relocation of Costco and the update to the Parks, Trails and Open Space master plan. Both projects are in progress. The council on Tuesday acts on the recommendation to hire him back effective April 24. Manuel, whose career at the city began as an intern in the Planning Division nearly 31 years ago, rose through the ranks, becoming senior planner in 1996. He held that role until 2014, when he was named planning manager and in his last year briefly held the development services director's hat. "The great thing for me professionally is very few planners get to work on general plans," Manuel said, explaining how agencies leave the work to consultants. "But for me as an agency planner and planning my hometown, it was really cool." Work on the document took four years, concluding with its adoption in October 2000. During the initial conversations, there was nervousness, Manuel said. Will there be major policy shifts and will they mean changes to the face and feel of Redding? Indeed, Manuel, planning staff and a citizen panel were forward-looking as they crafted land use, greenway and annexation policies. They set growth limits to the city, encouraged building at greater density and established areas for mixed-use development in the South Bonnyview Road area and Shastina Ranch, an area of 225 acres roughly a half-mile south of Rancho Road in the city's far southeast where single-family homes are being built. He noted that cities across the country have been doing high-density, walkable developments around commercial areas. The general plan task force opened a way for such projects. But 20 years later, developers have not taken the city up on that. "Redding is a single-family mecca," Manuel said. Planning Commissioner Bert Meyer on Tuesday described Manuel as someone who brought to the job a "get it done, make it work for everybody" attitude. Similarly, Brian Crane, Redding's public works director, talked about Manuel's keen ability to convey complex information in an easy-to-understand way to the person at the permit counter as well as to a transportation engineer. He gets his point across and makes it reasonable, he said. "He's certainly the sage here," Crane said. "If we had more 'Kent Manuels' and we have a lot of good people here we would do even better." Manuel lamented that despite the city's best efforts he would not see development on Oasis Road before his departure. The Oasis Road area was the subject of a specific plan in the 2000s for future commercial development and, more recently, the site of an on-again, off-again project to relocate Costco Wholesale from its Dana Drive location. The warehouse giant in February pulled out of a contract for a new store at Oasis Towne Center. Since then, rumors are that it is interested in the undeveloped Rother property at the northwest corner of South Bonnyview Road and Interstate 5. Manuel predicted a busy summer for the building industry. "I don't know if the economy has officially turned around or people are thinking it will soon. But (people) are knocking on our door and taking applications," he said. He also expected the city to turn its attention to the Sacramento Riverfront Specific Plan. With the exception of the Sheraton hotel, which is under construction at Turtle Bay Exploration Park, nothing has happened since the document was written in the early 1990s. But the McConnell Foundation's leases are set to expire in about four years. When the land reverts back to the Kutras family, the city may have questions to tackle, he said. "What are we going to do with the Civic Auditorium area and the Rodeo Grounds? Do we have a good handle on how private development (happens) to deal with the riverfront portion of Park Marina?" Manuel said. Under a contract to bring him back to work, Manuel would work no more than 960 hours through 2016-17, receiving a pay of $55,000. At 61, Manuel said he is not ready to quit working. He said he is committed to seeing Costco through and wants to lend his skills to the Shasta Historical Society. He noted his mother's home on Chestnut Street is on the Candidate List of Historic Properties. "I don't have any grand plans to jump in a motor home and be gone for six months down the road. I want to stay involved in planning aspects and other organizations that could use some advice," he said. Pam and Amanda Lipp in Fair Oaks, Calif., in December 2015. (Heidi de Marco/Kaiser Health News/TNS) SHARE By Jenny Gold, Kaiser Health News When Pam Lipps 18-year-old daughter Amanda needed to be admitted to a psychiatric hospital in 2010, she thought it would be easy to find her a bed. Instead, Lipp says, It was a nightmare. Her daughter had been admitted to a psychiatric crisis center during an episode of psychosis but she could only stay there for 72 hours. Lipp asked the crisis center for help finding her a bed and was told she was on her own. So Lipp plugged her phone into the wall in the waiting room and started calling one hospital after the next. They were all full. They wouldnt reserve a spot when a bed opened, nor would they call to let her know. So she called each one every half-hour to check. After eight hours, she found her daughter an open bed near their home in Fair Oaks, Calif. Usually, its an emergency room staff or medical providers making such calls, rather than a patient or caregiver. The result, however, is the same: Finding an available inpatient psychiatric bed in the state of California can be extremely difficult. Many patients with acute psychiatric conditions spend days deteriorating in hospital emergency departments while they wait. But how exactly to solve the problem has become a controversy in Sacramento. An Assembly bill backed by the California Psychiatric Association and the Steinberg Institute, a mental health policy organization, seeks to improve the process by establishing an online registry to collect and display information to help medical providers find psychiatric beds. But the California Hospital Association is staunchly opposed, saying that finding the right placement for a patient is much more complex than identifying an empty bed, and a registry could actually hinder efforts to get patients appropriate treatment. The Assemblys Committee on Health plans to hold the first hearing on the bill on April 12. Under the proposed legislation, AB2743, facilities with psychiatric beds would be required to update the registry as the beds became available, and emergency medical providers would be able to log on to search for openings. A bed registry would eliminate the need for rounds and rounds of calls over hours and hours. Why not just cut that time out and go straight to the source? asks Anna Hasselblad, public policy director at the Steinberg Institute. California is facing a serious shortage of psychiatric beds, said Randall Hagar, director of government affairs for the California Psychiatric Association. As of 2013, there were 6,680 beds in the state about 17 per 100,000 residents, according to a report from the hospital association. Psychiatric experts recommend a minimum of 50 beds per 100,000. In 25 counties in the state, there were no psychiatric beds at all. The issue is not unique to California. Nationwide, the number of state psychiatric beds is shrinking. In 2010, there were 50,509 state psychiatric beds, a decrease of 14 percent since 2005, according to a 2012 report from the Treatment Advocacy Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to removing barriers to treatment for people with mental illness. Thats a total of about 14 beds per 100,000 Americans, and in some states including Arizona, Minnesota, Iowa, there are fewer than five. Adding beds is a long-term goal for many mental health advocates, but its a huge task that could take years. We have to use the beds we do have and we have to know where they are. It can be a hit or miss process. It needs to be more reliable, said Hagar. Weve heard instances where people were told there were no beds when in fact it turns out later that there were. An online registry would fix that issue. It would also provide data on exactly what types of additional beds are needed and where, he said. The hospital association is not convinced it would work. On first blush, if you are not in the trenches, it seems like the best and easiest solution in the entire world. But the reality is that the bill will really increase the amount of time and the frustration people have trying to locate psychiatric acute-levels of care in our state, said Sheree Lowe, the hospital associations vice president of behavioral health. Beyond finding an open bed, staffers must also factor in the age, gender, illness and acuity of the patient. You have to take under consideration your staffing needs, the needs of the other patients, and the therapeutic milieu for the safety of all patients and all staff. And thats not something you can put into a drop-down menu, said Lowe. Requiring hospital staffers to report all those changing dynamics in an online registry, she added, would be yet another administrative burden that could cut into hands-on patient care. Many states have some sort of computerized tracking system for psychiatric beds, but few are mandatory. Lowe points to a recent effort in Virginia to create a mandatory registry similar to the one being proposed in California as evidence that they dont work. In January, the Virginia state inspector general reported that more than half of users of the online registry said it takes longer to find a bed for a patient than it did before the registry was established, in part because hospitals were not accurately updating information about their beds. Hasselblad of the Steinberg Institute, however, said the issues with the Virginia system is a little bit of a self-fulfilling prophesy. We have to get the buy-in from the people who will be updating the registry, because if you dont believe its going to be useful to you, its not going to be useful to you. One solution, she said, would be to include a fine in the bill for hospitals that do not keep the registry updated. Hospitals arent going to do this unless theyre absolutely mandated to. Despite the opposition of the hospital association, the emergency room doctors who staff their facilities are generally supportive of the bill. Holding psychiatric patients for days in the emergency department is a worst case scenario for everyone involved, said Elena Lopez-Gusman, executive director of the California chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians. And she said the hospitals with psychiatric beds may be making the problem worse by trying to reserve beds for patients with private insurance. Our physician members have reported a significant level of difficulty in getting what they feel is an accurate assessment of bed availability, said Lopez-Gusman. They might call the same facility in a short time for two different patients with different types of insurance, and get different answers on whether or not theres a bed available. So our thought is that more transparency reduces the hospitals ability to hide available beds. Lowe of the hospital association denies that psychiatric hospitals are holding beds, which would be a violation of federal law. Assembly member Susan Talamantes Eggman, the Stockton Democrat who wrote the bill, said she believes the bill has a good chance of passing. We are very hopeful. Theres a good coalition, and everyone is talking about mental health these days, she said. This is a practical, small step we can take. Its hard to argue against it. Pam Lipp, who struggled to find a bed for her daughter, said the idea of establishing a registry is absolutely phenomenal. Our situation is exactly the kind of situation that hopefully this bill will help, she said. If I hadnt done what I did, our daughter would most likely have been discharged, back on the street with nowhere to go, and we would have just repeated the cycle again. Maybe she wouldnt have survived. (Kaiser Health News (KHN) is a national health policy news service. It is an editorially independent program of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation.) 2016 Kaiser Health News Visit Kaiser Health News at www.khn.org Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. SHARE Once again, House Republicans have proposed to weaken the Endangered Species Act at the expense of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, a day after the Metropolitan Water District committed to spending $175 million to buy five Delta islands. The combination is enough to give some Northern California environmentalists the willies. The seller, a partnership led by Swiss-based Zurich Insurance Group that owned the islands, long sought to make money off the islands, perhaps by turning them into reservoirs. The buyer, MWD, has designs related to its responsibility to supply water to 19 million Southern Californians. Gov. Jerry Brown's proposed $15.5 billion, 30-mile-long twin tunnels project to move water around the Delta to the Bay Area, Southern California and San Joaquin Valley farms would cross some of the islands. Metropolitan Water District is Brown's ally in support of the tunnels. Although escrow won't close for 60 days, having the water district control the islands would help remove some hurdles to the project. Even if the tunnels don't get built and it's unclear whether they will MWD says owning the islands also could speed emergency water diversions if Delta island levees fail in an earthquake, a disaster in waiting that would allow salt water to rush further inland and foul freshwater supplies for farms and urban users. Major beneficiaries of the tunnels, including some Bay Area cities and agricultural interests south of the Delta such as Westlands Water District, have not committed to supporting the project, much less paying their share. That ambivalence ought to give others pause. Against that indecision, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Bakersfield, together with other San Joaquin Valley Republicans this week began moving appropriations legislation that would increase pumping of Delta water, even if it might further damage the Delta ecosystem. McCarthy contends his goal is to get House and Senate water bills into a conference committee to strike a compromise that President Barack Obama would sign. But his press release took swipes at Democrats including Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who has offered a thoughtful water measure that would not weaken environmental protections. McCarthy's political potshot suggests he is less interested in policy and too interested in playing to San Joaquin Valley interests who say the water shortage is "man-made," rather than the result of drought, a weak El Nino and unrealistic demands placed on an aging water delivery system in a largely dry state. We hope reality sets in. Obama will not and should not sign a bill to weaken the Endangered Species Act. The $15.5 billion tunnels may or may not get built. MWD may or may not have been shrewd to buy five Delta islands for $175 million. But while all Californians ought to have reliable supplies of water, the Delta ecosystem should not be damaged further. The Sacramento Bee Market regulator in talks with SBI Caps, UTI Infra for scrutiny and auction of properties. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) is planning to outsource the Sahara property auction job, which could be worth at least Rs 40,000 crore. The regulator is in talks with SBICAP Trustee Co, a wholly-owned subsidiary of investment bank SBI Capital Markets, and UTI Infrastructure Technology and Services, for potential sale of 87 properties, part of the long effort to recover money from the Sahara group. The move comes after the Supreme Court (SC) allowed Sebi to sell Sahara group properties for generating the bail money required for the release from jail of the latter's chief, Subrata Roy. The hearing on Sebis application for appointing a receiver to auction Saharas properties is scheduled for April 27. The claims made by Sahara on the properties and the respective title deeds can be only verified when we appoint some third party for verification, a Sebi source told the Business Standard. It is unlikely that the regulator would float a tender to manage the task. The properties cannot be managed internally. The court has suggested an external agency be appointed for this and the regulator would probably suggest some outside agencies to the court, said the person cited above. The exercise could involve 87 properties in 71 cities, covering 7,161 acres, of which 47 title deeds seem clear, from the details given by Sahara before the SC in 2013. The 71 locations have some huge properties. These includes Pomgaon and Kumheri villages near its Aamby Valley project in Pune district. The other big chunks are in Faridabad, Noida, Muzzafarnagar and Haridwar. These together could account for Rs 12,000 crore. Details given to Sebi reflect that the properties are largely in agricultural or vacant lands. Title deeds are one issue. The outside agencies need to examine the documents of all the properties figured and at the status of the said lands. This could take several months, said a property consultant, who did not wish to be named. The entire property sale is likely to generate a huge cash pile for the government, as the regulator has received investor refund claims worth only Rs 540 crore so far. Sebis recent all-India advertisement through 144 publications has clearly said this is the last chance for investors to register their claims for a refund. Two Sahara group entities had raised nearly Rs 24,000 crore through optionally fully convertible debentures from 30 million investors. The issue ran into controversy, leading the Supreme Court to order the refund of the entire money to investors, with 15 per cent yearly interest. ________________________________________ MARKET REGULATORS PLAN Outsource Sahara property auction job SBI CAPS, UTI INFRA Can be appointed to auction Sahara's massive real estates 47 PROPERTIES have clear title deeds, claims Sahara, of the total 87 TITLE DEED Is a legal document constituting evidence of a right, especially to ownership of property BIGGER PROPERTIES Could be liquidated first HEARING On Sebi's plea for appointing a receiver is scheduled for April 27 in SC A RECEIVER Is a person or entity chosen by a court to be in charge of a company that is bankrupt The wreath-laying ceremony of Major Amit Deswal who was killed during a gunbattle with Zeliangrong United Front militants in Manipur took place on Friday. Army Chief Dalbir Singh Suhag also paid tributes to the deceased soldier. Major Amit Deswal was killed during a combing operation conducted by the Rashtriya Rifles and the Special Forces in Tamenglong district of Manipur. The soldiers had engaged in encounter with ZUF militants in the Nungba area. Deswal, of 21 Para SF, received a gunshot wound to his stomach during the operation. Unfortunately, his body could not be recovered immediately as the area was densely forested. Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh also extended his condolences to the bereaved father. JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar's family took a strong objection to BSP supremo Mayawati's remarks against their son wherein the former UP CM called him anti-Dalit and a stooge of the Left parties. M I Khan/ Rediff.com report for Patna. Family members of Jawaharlal Nehru University Students University President Kanhaiya Kumar have raised objection to Bahujan Samaj Party supremo Mayawati's castiest remarks against him. Mayawati, while addressing a function commemorating the birth anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar in Luckhnow, had said that Kanhaiya was not Dalit but anti-Dalit. "Kanhaiya belongs to Bhumihar, an upper caste and has been misguiding Dalits," she'd said. Mayawati appealed Dalits not to follow him. "Kanhaiya is the puppet of the Left parties and he is talking about Ambedkar's idea to fight poverty," she had charged. Kanhaiya's parents -- mother Meena Devi and his father Jaishankar Singh -- also criticised Mayawati for attacking their son from a caste-based perspective. "Our son is fighting against injustice, suppression and for cause of marginalised. It is wrong to dub him as anti-Dalit. He is very pro Dalit," they said. "We strongly objected to Mayawati's castiest remarks against Kanhaiya. It is not necessary to be Dalit to fight for them and against their oppression. Kanhaiya has been fighting against this injustice a long time," Kanhaiya's younger brother Prince Kumar, who stay with his parents in Biha in Bihar's Begusarai district, said. "Mayawati is a national leader and should be careful about her words and language," Prince Kumar added. Kanhaiya's family also expressed concern over reports of increasing threats to his lie. Family members of Kirpal Singh, who died under mysterious circumstances in a Pakistani jail, on Friday met Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who assured them of all help to bring back his mortal remains. The home minister assured the family members of Kirpal Singh of all possible help from the government, official sources said. Kirpal Singh's sister Jagir Kaur was accompanied by Dalbir Kaur, sister of another Indian, Sarabjit Singh who had also died in a Pakistani jail in May 2013. Sources said Jagir Kaur sought a probe into the death of 50-year-old Kirpal, who was languishing in a Lahore jail for nearly 25 years on spying charges. Pakistan has said Kirpal had died following a heart attack at a jail in Lahore on April 11. Kirpal had allegedly crossed over to Pakistan through Wagah border in 1992 and was arrested. He was sentenced to death in a serial bomb blasts case in Pakistan's Punjab province. Kirpal, who hailed from Gurdaspur, was reportedly acquitted of charges related to bomb blasts by the Lahore High Court but his death sentence could not be commuted due to unknown reasons. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Kollam visit to take stock of the temple firework tragedy was a "big relief" for the people of Kerala, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said in Kochi on Friday. The chief minister's remarks came after state DGP T P Senkumar's reported statement that he had objected to the visits of Modi and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi to Kollam, hours after the deadly explosion at the Paravoor Puttingal Devi temple last Sunday. "Apart from the prime minister, national leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Communist Party of India-Marxist General Secretary Sitaram Yechury...they all came. That was a big relief for people of Kerala. "This was a big disaster and at that hour, their presence and their advice and help were a great thing for Kerala," Chandy told reporters when asked about the top cop's comment about VVIP visits to the site on the very day of the temple tragedy. Senkumar reportedly said he objected to the idea of the prime minister visiting the area within 12 hours of the tragedy as the entire police force was busy in rescue and relief operations and the visits by Modi and Rahul meant that they had to ensure their "safety and security" as well. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala sought to downplay Senkumar's comments about VVIP visit. "There is no need to give a twist to his statement. He was talking only about the security aspect," he said. Hours after the tragedy, Modi had visited the temple premises and taken stock of the situation arising out of the mishap. Chandy and Chennithala had taken the prime minister around the temple precincts and briefed him on the incident. Later, Modi had visited the injured people in various hospitals in Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram. Rahul Gandhi also visited the temple site and hospitals the same day. The April 10 tragedy which occurred during an unauthorised display of fireworks at the 100-year-old temple, had killed 108 persons and injured more than 300, who are still undergoing treatment at hospitals in Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam. Kashmir continued to be on the boil on Friday with one more youth getting killed and three others being injured in firing by security forces in Kupwara district to disperse stone-pelting mobs who attacked an army camp. IMAGE: Cops take cover behind shields as protestors pelt stones at security forces in Baramulla Town on Friday against Handwara civilian killings. Phtograph: Umar Ganie The death of 18-year-old Arif Hussain Dar has taken the toll in the district to five since the breakout of protests against the alleged molestation bid of a girl in Handwara town Tuesday last. A senior police officer said army troops opened fire to disperse a stone pelting mob in the Natnussa village of Kupwara district injuring four civilians who were evacuated to hospital for treatment. With the latest casualty, the death toll has risen to five in the unrest that began on Tuesday following allegations of molestation of a girl in Handwara. An army official said the forces opened fire only after the mobs tried to storm the camp. "A group of protesters were pelting stones at the (army) camp but the soldiers exercised restraint. However, the situation started going out of hand as a large number of them tried to storm the camp from all directions," the official said. The situation in the north Kashmir district has worsened following fresh casualties as more people are taking to streets against the killings. IMAGE: Police in action against the members of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat who were taking out a protest march against the killing of four persons in Handwara, in Srinagar on Friday. Photograph: S Irfan/PTI Reports of protests were also received from parts of south Kashmir and Srinagar city but there were no casualties in these incidents, the official said. In Sopore, a small group of 40 people indulged in stone-pelting after Friday prayers, a police official said. In Tral town, the protestors pelted stones on a CRPF camp but they were chased away, the official said. Incidents of stone-pelting were reported from Goriwan in Bijbehara area of Anantnag district as well, he added. IMAGE: Protesters clash with security forces at Baramulla Town on Friday against Handwara civilian killings. Phtograph: Umar Ganie An official spokesman said the chief minister has expressed deep anguish over the "unfortunate death" of a youth at Natnusa in Kupwara district on Friday. Sharing the grief of the victim s family over the inconsolable loss, Mehbooba said, "she is extremely distressed as the circle of violence has consumed yet-another life of a young boy. My heart goes out to the bereaved family of the boy who died in the prime of his youth." The chief minister appealed to general public to remain vigilant and maintain calm to defeat the nefarious designs of those who want to disturb peace in the state. IMAGE: Cops geared up to secure the region after the death of another civilian shot dead by security forces. Phtograph: Umar Ganie Separatist groups including JKLF and Hurriyat Conference led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq tried to stage separate protest demonstrations against the killings in Srinagar but their attempts were scuttled by the police and several of their activists were detained. Mirwaiz and chairman of hardline Hurriyat Conference Syed Ali Shah Geelani are under house detention while and JKLF chief Mohammad Yasin Malik is in preventive custody. IMAGE: Protestors attacked security forces with stones forcing the army to fire at them. Phtograph: Umar Ganie Separatist groups including hardline Hurriyat Conference have called for a shutdown on Saturday to protest against the fresh deaths. Kashmir University has announced postponing of all examinations scheduled for Saturday. A spokesman of the varsity said fresh dates for these examinations would be notified later. With inputs from Mukhtar Ahmad. The key airbase at Panagarh in West Bengal has been renamed as 'Air Force Station Arjan Singh' in honour of the Marshal of the Air Force, who turned 97 on Friday. IMAGE: Indian Air Force Marshal Arjan Singh being congratulated by Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on his 97th Birthday Celebration at Akash Officers Mess in New Delhi on Thursday. Photograph: PTI The renaming of the Air Force Station was announced by Chief of Air Staff Arup Raha at a function in Delhi to mark Singh's birthday. Addressing a simple renaming ceremony in Panagarh, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command Air Marshal C Hari Kumar said, "It is a proud moment for the Indian Air Force and the state of West Bengal." "He is an icon and a role model. We have to work hard to ensure that the name is suitably looked after in terms of capability and performance. It is for the first time that we have taken a conscious decision to rename an airbase after an individual," Air Marshal Kumar said. An icon of the Indian military history, Singh, the first Indian Air Force Chief to lead a young IAF into war in 1965, was hardly 44 years of age when entrusted with the responsibility. Air Force Station Arjan Singh in Panagarh, approximately 150 kms from Kolkata, will house the C-130J military transport aircraft, capable of carrying out special operations. These planes will be flying with the Mountain Strike Corps along areas bordering China. Singh was born on April 15, 1919, in Lyalpur (now Faislabad, Pakistan), and completed his education at Montgomery (now Sahiwal, Pakistan). At the age of 19, he was selected to the Empire Pilot training course at RAF Cranwell. His first assignment on being commissioned was to fly Westland Wapiti biplanes in the North-WesternFrontierProvince as a member of the No.1 RIAF Squadron. After a brief stint with the newly formed No. 2 RIAF Squadron where the Marshal flew against the tribal forces, he later moved back to No.1 Sqn as a Flying Officer to fly the Hawker Hurricane. He was promoted to the rank of Squadron Leader in 1944. Singh led the Squadron against the Japanese during the Arakan Campaign, flying close air support missions during the crucial Imphal Campaign and later assisting the advance of the Allied Forces to Rangoon. For his role in successfully leading the squadron in combat, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross in 1944. On August 15, 1947, he achieved the unique honour of leading a fly-past of over a hundred IAF aircraft over the Red Fort in Delhi. After his promotion to the rank of Wing Commander, he attended the RoyalStaffCollege at the UK. Immediately after Indian independence, he commanded Ambala in the rank of Group Captain. In 1949, he was promoted to the rank of Air Commodore and took over as Air Officer Commanding of an operational command, which later came to be known as Western Air Command. Singh had the distinction of having the longest tenure as AOC of an operational base, initially from 1949-1952 and then again from 1957-1961. After his promotion to the rank of Air Vice Marshal, he was appointed as the AOC-in-C of an operational command. Towards the end of the 1962 war, he was appointed as the Deputy Chief of the Air Staff and he became the Vice Chief of the Air Staff in 1963. He was the overall commander of the joint air training exercise "Shiksha" held between IAF, RAF (Royal Air Force) and RAAF (Royal Australian Air Force). On August 1, 1964, in the rank of Air Marshal, the Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh took over reins of IAF, at a time when it was still rebuilding itself and was gearing up to meet new challenges. Singh was the first Air Chief to keep his flying currency till his CAS rank. Having flown over 60 different types of aircraft from pre-World War II era biplanes to the more contemporary, Gnats and Vampires, he has also flown in transport aircraft like the Super Constellation. In 1965, when Pakistan launched its Operation Grand Slam, with an armoured thrust targeted at the vital town of Akhnoor, Singh led Indian Air Force through the war with courage, determination and professional skill. He inspired IAF to victory, despite the constraints imposed on the full-scale use of Air Force combat power. Then Defence Minister Y B Chavan wrote about him, "Air Marshal Arjan Singh is a jewel of a person, quiet efficient and firm; unexcitable but a very able leader". He was awarded Padma Vibhushan for his astute leadership of the Air Force during the war. Subsequently in recognition of the Air Force's contribution during the war, the rank of the CAS was upgraded and Arjan Singh became the first Air Chief Marshal of the Indian Air Force. He remained a flyer to the end of his tenure in IAF, visiting forward bases and units and flying with the squadrons. He retired in August 1969, thereupon accepting Ambassadorship to Switzerland. He was Lieutenant Governor of New Delhi from December 1989 to December 1990. Having been a source of inspiration to all personnel of Armed Forces through the years, government conferred the rank of the Marshal of the Air Force upon Arjan Singh in January 2002 making him the first and the only 'Five Star' rank officer with Indian Air Force. US Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton cited her efforts to get India and China committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions during a heated debate with rival Bernie Sanders as the two clashed aggressively over economic growth and energy security. Clinton and Sanders, meeting for the debate in Brooklyn just days before the crucial presidential primary in New York on April 19, minced no words as they attacked each other over their stand on gun control, Clinton's handling of the Libyan crisis and their readiness for assuming the presidency. When asked about energy security and environment, Clinton alluded to efforts made by her as Secretary of State to help find solutions for the global environmental crisis. "Starting in 2009 as your Secretary of State, I worked with President Obama to bring China and India to the table for the very first time, to get a commitment out of them that they would begin to address their own greenhouse gas emissions," she said. 68-year-old Clinton, who served as senator from New York for eight years, added that she continued to "work on that throughout the four years" as Secretary of State, and was "very proud" when Obama and America led the way to the climate agreement reached in Paris with 195 nations on board. She slammed Sanders, 74, for attacking the agreement, saying that getting 195 nations together on any agreement "was a major accomplishment". Sanders continued his criticism of the Paris climate deal, saying lots still need to be done to translate the agreement on paper into concrete results. "Of course the agreement is a step forward, but you know agreements and I know agreements, there's a lot of paper there. We've got to get beyond paper right now. We have got to lead the world in transforming our energy system, not tomorrow, but yesterday," he said. Sanders began the debate questioning Clinton's judgement to lead the nation. "Does Secretary Clinton have the experience and the intelligence to be a president? Of course she does. But I do question her judgment. I question a judgment which voted for the war in Iraq," he said to applause from the audience that throughout the debate booed and cheered for both candidates. Sanders called the Iraq war "the worst foreign policy blunder" in the history of the US and criticised Clinton for "virtually every disastrous trade agreement which cost us millions of decent-paying jobs". "I don't believe that that is the kind of judgment we need to be the kind of president we need," he said. Clinton also slammed Sanders on his response to foreign policy issues, saying he "could not answer about Afghanistan, about Israel, about counterterrorism, except to say if he'd had some paper in front of him, maybe he could." According to new polls, Clinton is leading her Democratic rival by 17 percentage points among likely Democratic primary voters in the EmpireState. Sanders also slammed Clinton for her "speeches to Goldman Sachs" for USD 225,000 a speech. When asked how he would bring outsourced jobs back to the United States without affecting the cost of goods to America's middle class and poor, Sanders said to begin with he would raise the minimum wage to 15 dollars an hour. "While it is true we may end up paying a few cents more for a hamburger in McDonald's, at the end of the day, what this economy desperately needs is to rebuild our manufacturing sector with good-paying jobs," he said. "We cannot continue to sustain the loss of millions of decent-paying jobs that we have seen over the last 20, 30 years, based on trade agreements of which Secretary Clinton has voted for almost every one of those. That has got to change," he said. Clinton responded saying that she has a "very comprehensive plan" to create more jobs and would focus on strengthening manufacturing in the country. "So I think you've got to go at this with a sense of how to accomplish the goal we are setting -- more good jobs with rising incomes for people everywhere from inner cities to rural areas to every distressed community in America. And that's exactly what my plan would bring about," she said. The two also clashed over support for NATO and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Sanders asserting that peace can only be achieved in the region if the Palestinian people are treated with "respect and dignity". "I believe the United States and the rest of the world have got to work together to help the Palestinian people. That does not make me anti-Israel. That paves the way, I think to an approach that works in the Middle East," he said. Clinton said as Secretary of State, she held the last three meetings between the president of the Palestinian Authority and the prime minister of Israel. "I was absolutely focused on what we needed to do to make sure that the Palestinian people had the right to self-government. And I believe that as president I will be able to continue to make progress and get an agreement that will be fair both to the Israelis and the Palestinians without ever, ever undermining Israel's security," she said. IMAGE: Democratic US presidential candidates Hillary Clinton (L) and Senator Bernie Sanders speak simultaneously during a Democratic debate hosted by CNN and New York One at the Brooklyn Navy Yard in New York. Photograph: Lucas Jackson/ Reuters Mesi, the male Rothschild giraffe at the Abilene Zoo, is so tall that he can stick his head right into Twiga Terrace, the new feeding deck that opens April 23 Twiga means giraffe in Swahili. After four years of hard work and construction delays, the opening of Giraffe Safari is almost here. A ribbon-cutting will take place at 10 a.m. April 23 and festivities will include performances from African dance groups throughout the day. Additionally, Wylie ISD students will have conservation stations throughout the zoo in honor of Earth Day. Because the new exhibit doubles the space previously allotted to the giraffes, visitors will see the animals display behaviors seen in the wild, said Kelly Thompson, marketing and development coordinator for the zoo. The Giraffe Safari includes more than just the zoo's six giraffes. Multiple enclosures are home to other African animals, such as red river hogs; Aldabra tortoises; blue duikers, a small breed of antelope; and large birds called kori bustards. Marabou storks and helmeted guinea fowls share the giraffes' space. A new group of colobus monkeys are just a short walk away. Dr. Stephanie Carle, the zoo's veterinarian, said the red river hogs are her favorites. "The pigs are very personable," she said. Zoo visitors will be able to purchase lettuce to feed the giraffes for $4. Kathy Morehead, chairwoman of the giraffe committee, said it may have taken four years, but the exhibit is worth it. Her favorite part is the Twiga Terrace feeding deck. "It really gets you up there to eye level with a giraffe," she said. "You can actually reach out and pet them." Zoo visitors have watched the progress from the old giraffe home with the feeding bridge to this new building, designed by architects Jimmy Tittle and Collin Zalesak, with African plants adding more authenticity. Tittle designed the previous giraffe exhibit some years ago. "This is the most difficult project I've ever had," Tittle said. "Your client is an animal and you need to design a place where the animal eats well, sleeps well is seen well and can't escape." Although April 23 is just a bit further out than the National Weather Service feels comfortable in forecasting, meteorologist Mark Cunningham said it appears the weather that day will be dry but the chances of a few showers or scattered thunderstorms cannot be ruled out. If the ground is too muddy, zoo staff won't let the giraffes out into the paddock because of the possibility of falls, Carle said. "When it's so muddy, we get really nervous about them sliding on the mud and injuring themselves," she said. Photographer and McMurry University photography instructor Jennifer Nichols is another member of the committee and is thrilled the exhibit is about to open. "I think the most exciting thing was when they went into the space and ran," she said. IF YOU GO What: Opening of Giraffe Safari at the Abilene Zoo When: Ribbon-cutting 10 a.m. April 23; zoo hours 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with African dancing performed throughout the day. Where: Abilene Zoo, 2070 Zoo Lane, in Nelson Park Admission: $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $4.50 for children ages 3-12, free for children 2 and younger. TAKE THIS QUIZ Find out how much you know about the worlds tallest mammal: 1. A giraffe has: A) three times as many vertebrae as a human B) 100 times as many vertebrae as a human C) the same number of vertebrae as a human 2. Giraffes come from: A) India B) Africa C) New York 3. How can you tell if a giraffe is male or female? A) By the pattern of its spots B) By the size of its horns C) If its wearing a pink tutu 4. How many stomachs does a giraffe have? A) Four B) One C) 32 5. How much food can a giraffe eat per day? A) 75 pounds B) 50 Whataburgers C) 25 pounds 6. What is the giraffes primary food in the wild? A) Grass B) Acacia leaves C) Popcorn 7. How much water can a giraffe drink at one time? A) A Big Gulp B) Five gallons C) Twelve gallons 8. What is a group of giraffes called? A) A gaggle B) A tower C) A platoon 9. How big is a giraffes heart? A) 25 pounds; 2 feet long B) 15 pounds; 18 inches long C) 50 pounds; 5 feet long 10. How much sleep do giraffes need? A) 15-17 hours B) 30 minutes to four hours C) Seven to eight hours ANSWERS 1. C, giraffes and humans both have seven vertebrae in their necks, but the giraffes vertebrae are much larger than a humans. 2. B, Africa 3. B, a females horns, or ossicones, are shorter than a males horns and have tufts of hair at the top. 4. A, giraffes are ruminants, like cows, and have four stomachs. 5. A, a giraffe can eat up to 75 pounds of leaves and twigs. 6. B, the acacia leaves and twigs have so much moisture that the giraffes dont need to drink water every day. 7. C, a giraffe can drink up to 12 gallons of water, an amount equal to drinking 128 cans of soda 8. B, a group of giraffes is called a tower 9. A, a giraffes heart weighs 225 pounds, roughly 40 times bigger than the heart of a human male. 10. B, a giraffe needs little sleep, anywhere from 30 minute to four hours, depending on different sources. Sources: animals.sandiegozoo.org; animals.nationalgeographic.com; www.sciencekids.co.nz In between bites to eat Thursday, the four candidates running for the two contested seats on Abilene ISD board of trustees faced a room of teachers, bus drivers and aides from the district they're hoping to help lead. Sammy Garcia and Daryl Zeller, running for Place 3, and James Miller and Angie Wiley, looking to fill Place 7, each spoke their minds Thursday night at the Towne Crier Steakhouse before an audience that included members and guests of Education Abilene and the local chapter of the Texas State Teachers Association. Chief among concerns addressed was the pay scale for educators and support staff. "I can't afford to live here as a school bus driver," said Miller, who is employed by the Abilene Independent School District. "So win, lose or draw, I won't be. I'll find something else." Miller said he, along with many other part-time district support staff members, work additional jobs to supplement their income. But the second jobs, he said, often don't pay enough themselves, because schedules often conflict with district needs among other reasons. So employees often can't earn enough money to make ends meet, he said. But they stick with their jobs because they genuinely care for students and want them to be safe. Another topic discussed is the aftermath of a troubling 2015 in the Abilene ISD community, including the February 2015 buyout of the contract of Superintendent Heath Burns, whose departure after a number of legal issues left a leadership void. "What we went through last year could not have been prevented, but it could've been handled a lot differently than it was," Garcia said. "I'm not going to run away from that. I'm not going to act like last year didn't happen. I'm not going to relive last year, there's a difference. That was a horrible time in our district, that was a horrible time in our community. But what we have to do is we have to learn from it." Garcia is the only candidate of the four with prior experience on the board, having served one term from 2004-08. Zeller, meanwhile, said he wants to overcome the events of the past 18 months. Moving forward requires someone who will help rebuild trust, which he said he's able to do. "I am running to rebuild the public trust in AISD from the leadership standpoint," he said. "Not so much the board, but from where we've been the last 18 months, I know we can be better. That's already started to happen. I'm excited about that, I'm excited about that for (the attendees). I'm a listener and I'm an advocate for children and teachers. I don't think there's any other reason to do this job." Wiley, president of the Abilene Education Foundation, said she would like to see the lines of communication between all parties repaired. She said raising teacher and employee morale a need in the district, she said will happen when trust and communication are once again a part of the school system. The previous superintendent had something to do with the breakdown, she said, but there's a simple mentality that needs to be overcome before things can improve. "What's good for a campus on one side of the district may not be good for a campus on the other side of the district, and vice versa," Wiley said. "It requires open lines of communication, which we need." The Abilene Police Department on Thursday night posted on Twitter that missing Abilene teen Amber Thebo "has been located in the (Dallas/Fort Worth area)" and is in police custody. On April 4, Thebo's mother, April Walker, reported the 15-year-old as a runaway from an apartment complex in the 2500 block of Nonesuch Road. According to the APD's media release Monday, detectives learned that Thebo reportedly had attended a party at Kirby Lake in the early morning of April 4. Multiple witnesses reportedly told police that Thebo was transported voluntarily from Kirby Lake to an apartment complex in the 1200 block of Yeomans Road. In the APD's tweet Thursday night, police said more information will be coming Friday. Assistant District Attorney James Hicks, the unopposed Republican nominee for district attorney in the November general election, is expected to take over the office next month, replacing his boss James Eidson. Hicks, 59, told the Reporter-News Thursday, following a murder conviction, that a plan was worked out over the last week with the governor's office and Eidson. Hicks will most likely take over May 2, he said. 'It's my belief the governor will make a formal announcement quite possibly the Friday before, April 29,' Hicks said. It's been a busy week for Hicks, who said he met with Chief District Judge Jorge A. Solis Wednesday. The former Abilenian swore in Hicks to the federal bar for the Northern District of Texas Wednesday in the middle of the murder case Hicks successfully prosecuted against Michael Crowley and exchanges with the governor's office. 'I hope we do something special every day,' Hicks said. 'I've said it before and I'll say it again, I think Mr. Eidson has put together a fine staff and I hope to use that staff to continue to help fight crime.' Eidson, who has served as Taylor County DA for more than 20 years, will continue to work in the district attorney's office. Eidson is unopposed in the general election for 42nd District Court judge. Eidson also was unopposed in the March Republican primary. Current 42nd District Judge John Weeks did not run for re-election. His term is scheduled to end Dec. 31. Also, Eidson has unfinished business in the DA's office. 'I think what we have planned is for me to hang around and be sworn in as an assistant for a couple months,' Eidson said. He will help in the transition but said he probably will not be handling cases. 'The budget will be done in June and so I think that's a big deal for (Hicks) to get some guidance on how to do it,' Eidson said. Hicks received 51 percent of the vote to beat fellow Assistant District Attorney Joel Wilks in the Republican primary Twitter: ARN_Titus Halloween events, fall festivals pack October in Abilene, Big Country From family-friendly to frightful, there are plenty of opportunities to don the costumes and scare up some treats. SHARE Probably the most feared day of the year this year will remain most people's favorite day of the workweek Friday. Yes, it's April 15 TAX DAY! but our individual tax returns are not due at midnight. This year's due date yes, filling out a tax return has been compared to going into labor is Monday. Well, it is in 48 states. Because Monday is Patriots' Day in Maine and Massachusetts, a state holiday, those folks have an April 19 deadline. Quickly enacting, say, Pastry Day in your state isn't going to work. It's both a necessity that we pay taxes but also our unalienable right to complain about paying taxes. Paying taxes under the Tea Act was what inspired the first tea party and eventually a colonists' revolution against England. Presidential candidate Ted Cruz would shut down the IRS, which is tasked with collecting our tax money. He proposes moving 90,000 or so IRS agents to the Texas-Mexico border who would want to come illegally into the United States with IRS personnel standing in the way, he reasons. That has gotten laughs and applause at his rallies including the one earlier this year in Cisco. However silly that sounds, it underscores our general disdain for our cumbersome tax system. If you are wondering why we are getting three extra days, it's because Emancipation Day is being observed in the District of Columbia. On this date in 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed legislation that freed slaves there. This was before the Emancipation Proclamation freed all slaves starting Jan. 1, 1863. It was only in 1955 that April 15 became the unlucky date that tax returns were due. But today is our lucky day. You don't have to fill our your return at home, with a tax specialist or at work, when the boss isn't looking (or perhaps doing his or her return behind a closed office door). You can finish over the weekend or for those who truly enjoy waiting until the last minute to file returns, there always is Monday. For many, the issue is moot. They already have filed and, in some cases, already spent the money they got back. There is more good news, besides United Supermarkets still offering free beans and cornbread Friday as a Tax Day break. Because April 15 will fall on the weekend the next two years, Tax Day again will be later: April 18 next year and April 17 in 2018. Mike Grissom, Abilene The Alzheimer's Association recently concluded its annual forum in Washington, D.C. On April 6, 1,200 of us wearing our purple Alzheimer's sashes visited the offices of every senator and every representative. Different circumstances brought us to Washington, but we all shared one cause: We all want to see a cure for Alzheimer's disease. During our time on Capitol Hill, we shared ways Congress can help. In the area of medical research, we are asking for a $400 million increase for Alzheimer's research. This is a minimum amount that researchers at the National Institutes of Health say is necessary to fund attempts to find a cure. We asked for support of a bill now in the pipeline called the 'Hope for Alzheimer's Act.' This bill would provide Medicare coverage for care planning services following a dementia diagnosis, and ensure that the diagnosis made it into a patient's records. Currently only one-third of seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer's are aware of it. Other components of this bill are projected to create savings to the federal budget of nearly $700 million over a 10-year period. We also asked for support for a bill called PCHETA (Palliative Care and Hospice Education Training Act). Through training programs, incentive awards and research, this act strives to increase quality of care and quality of life for our aging population with Alzheimer's and other diseases. This bill is also supported by the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society. Would you help us in our efforts? Call the offices of one of our senators or representatives (Randy Neugebauer for our district), and ask them to support these actions. Over 5 million with Alzheimer's and 15 million caregivers would appreciate it. Editor's note: Mike Grissom is a board member of the Alzheimer's Association North Central Texas Chapter. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below This just in... The June 4 Memorial Museum in Hong Kong's Tsimshatsui district is expected to close by the end of the year. The organizers of a Hong Kong museum commemorating the 1989 student-led democracy movement in China, and the military crackdown on unarmed civilians that ended weeks of protest on the night of June 3, say it is being forced to close amid growing political pressure. Located in an 800-square-foot (74-square-meter) office space in Kowloon, the June 4 Memorial Museum has drawn more than 20,000 visitors since it first opened in 2014, marking the 25th anniversary of the massacre, which Beijing has styled a "counterrevolutionary rebellion." Around half of its visitors come from mainland China, which has erased references to the bloodshed from official accounts and bans public debate or memorials for victims. Now, the museum is being forced out of its current premises following a lengthy legal dispute with the building's landlords, which the organizers believe is politically motivated. Hong Kong lawmaker and rights lawyer Albert Ho, whose Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China runs the museum, suspects that Beijing may be behind the ongoing complaints against the museum, whose landlords say it is breaching the building's commercial-use zoning regulations. "We never expected to run into this much trouble," Ho told RFA in recent interview. "Our opponents seem to have access to huge resources with which to pursue a legal fight." He said the museum will likely close by the end of the year, after running a series of exhibits to mark the 27th anniversary of the military crackdown in the weeks to come. "They also make trouble for us via the building management, and they have complained to us repeatedly to various government departments," he said. "Maybe we could pour more time and money into fighting it, but I don't think that would be effective, and it won't benefit the museum much." Ho said the Alliance plans to seek a new venue for the museum eventually, however. "This closure is temporary ... we intend to keep looking for a more suitable location," he said. A sensitive topic The Alliance, meanwhile, is trying to get the Tiananmen protests and massacre added to the UNESCO Memory of the World Register. Willy Lam, visiting professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said the Beijing Spring of 1989 is a sensitive topic in Hong Kong, although the former British colony is the only Chinese territory to hold mass public memorial events to mark its anniversary. "Of course, Beijing is going to do everything in its power to prevent the Alliance from registering June 4 in the United Nations' Memory of the World Register," Lam said in a recent interview. "But even if they did [succeed], this wouldn't amount to a huge amount of political pressure on China," he said. The museum's exhibits include photographs of the protests and massacre, touching mementos saved from the scene, and a two-meter replica of the towering Goddess of Democracy statue that featured in the protests. Under the terms of the 1997 handover, Hong Kong was promised the continuation of its existing freedoms and separate legal jurisdiction for 50 years under the "one country, two systems" pledge from Beijing. But there are fears that those freedoms may already be eroding, as Hong Kong officials warned earlier this month of "limits" to free speech after a fledgling political party said it would campaign for independence for the city. Chinese officials have also warned that Beijing could enact laws governing subversion in Hong Kong, and extend them to cover the city by decree of the country's parliament, the National People's Congress (NPC). And the recent detentions of five Hong Kong booksellers, including one from within Hong Kong's separate jurisdiction and one from Thailand who planned a gossipy book about Chinese President Xi Jinping, have left many fearing that China's state security police is no longer shy of pursuing dissent across borders. Reported by Xin Lin for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Wong Si-lam for the Cantonese Service. Translated and written in English by Luisetta Mudie. Authorities in the southern Chinese province of Guangdong detained and questioned a prominent rights lawyer for several hours on Friday after he reposted a satirical image of China's president, linking him to the Panama Papers. In a move that shows how twitchy Beijing has become in the face of revelations of offshore accounts held by the global rich and powerful, Ge Yongxi was taken from his home by five plainclothes police in the provincial capital Guangzhou in the early hours of Friday morning. He was released after being held and questioned for at least 10 hours, the Hong Kong-based Chinese Human Rights Lawyers Concern Group (CHRLCG) said via Twitter just after 9.00 p.m. local time. The officers who detained Ge showed no official paperwork, and the lawyer was taken to Yanbu police station in Guangzhou's Nanhai district, the Human Rights Campaign in China group said. An officer who answered the phone at the police station confirmed Ge's earlier detention, claiming police held 'evidence' against him. "We wouldn't have gone after him if we didn't have evidence showing that he did something," the officer said. 'Crossing a river, feeling the stones' Ge's lawyer Chen Jinxue said he had been summoned because of a post he made to friends on the smartphone messaging app WeChat linked to the Panama Papers. "It was a photo of three Chinese leaders crossing a river. It was about the Panama Papers," he said. A copy of the heavily manipulated satirical image was still circulating on Twitter, which is blocked in China, on Friday. The 'photo' showed late supreme leader Deng Xiaoping, who was fond of the phrase "crossing the river by feeling the stones," former president Jiang Zemin and current president Xi Jinping chest-deep in water labeled "the Panama Canal." "Hey, it's pretty deep," warns Deng, while Jiang adds: "You could easily drown." "Never fear," says Xi, "I have a brother-in-law [to take the blame]." The massive leak of 11.5 million files from Panama law firm Mossack Fonseca revealed details of the operations and ultimate, hidden ownership of a slew of offshore shell companies owned by the relatives of high-ranking Chinese leaders. Included in the stash of leaked documents were details of an offshore shell company set up by Xi's brother-in-law Deng Jiagui in the British Virgin Islands. Highly sensitive information Since the emergence of the leaked documents, Chinese censors have been fighting to ensure the top-down deletion of information that details how Chinese high-ranking political and financial elites managed and hid their wealth offshore. Propaganda departments have issued a string of directives in recent days banning media organizations from publishing independent reporting or commentary based on the leaks. There are growing signs that President Xi is highly sensitive over anything that mentions him by name. Media insiders said an article defending the president posted earlier this week on Shanghai-based news website Jiemian, under the aegis of the ruling Chinese Communist Party, could only have been penned by the president's office. According to Ge's family, the lawyer posted the photo at around 2.00 p.m. local time on Thursday. "He posted it to his friends circle in WeChat, with the comment: 'Aha, so the river they cross by feeling the stones is the Panama Canal!'" Chen said, adding that there were no guarantees that his client would be released soon. Ge, who represented jailed Guangzhou democracy activist Tang Jingling, is a highly respected member of the city's legal community. "It is totally ridiculous that he has been called in for questioning just because he retweeted that photograph," Tang's wife Wang Yanfang told RFA on Friday. 'Knee-jerk reaction' Fellow rights lawyer Wen Donghai said the authorities were acting in accordance with the current atmosphere of censorship surrounding the Panama Papers. "I think that this is a knee-jerk reaction by the authorities," Wen said. "I think that the leaders of a country should be more statesmanlike about this kind of thing." "When they act like this, then the whole world knows about it." Ge wasn't the first rights lawyer to run afoul of the Chinese government in the past year. China has detained, questioned, held under house arrest or imposed travel bans on at least 317 lawyers, their colleagues and family members since launching a nationwide police operation targeting the profession last July, CHRLCG reported on its website. Reported by Yang Fan for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Lam Lok-tung for the Cantonese Service. Translated and written in English by Luisetta Mudie. North Korean restaurants operating in China just outside the isolated U.N.-sanctioned state are finding it hard to pay their rent due to falling numbers of customers, but in many cases have been allowed to remain open because they provide valuable business contacts for Chinese partners seeking trade across the border, sources say. In Chinas Dandong city, just across the Yalu river from North Korea, North Korean restaurants have opened by forming joint ventures with Chinese businessmen or with the landlord of the restaurants building, one source in Dandong told RFAs Korean Service. This places almost no burden on the restaurant itself to pay its rent, RFAs source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. These restaurants provide their Chinese partners with valuable trading connections inside North Korea, and thus receive preferential treatment themselves, the source said. With rent often forgiven by Chinese landlords, low wages paid to restaurant employees brought in from North Korea help further to reduce operating costs. And even then, these payments are often withheld until the employee returns to North Korea, the source said. Unable to pay The largest North Korean restaurant in Dandong, the Pyongyang Koryogwan, owes about one million yuan (about U.S. $154,000) each year in rent, but for the last two years has been unable to pay because of a decline in its business, a second source in Dandong said. However, they have never been forced out of their location, and they still remain open, the source said. The owner of the restaurants building is the second-largest local trader in goods with North Korea, which was sanctioned on March 2 by the U.N. Security Council after defying international warnings by launching a long-range rocket and testing a nuclear device. Dandongs largest cross-border trading firm works together with the citys second-largest North Korean restaurant, the Ryukyong, RFAs source said. This is well-known to residents of Dandong, the source added. Foreign currency source The 130 known North Korean restaurants that operate abroad serve as a source of foreign currency for the cash-strapped North Korean government, generating some $10 million annually, according to South Korean estimates. A growing body of sanctions imposed on North Korea by the United Nations Security Council aimed at curbing the funds for Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs reportedly have made it harder for the eateries to send funds back to Kim Jong Un's government. U.N. human rights officials have also begun scrutinizing labor abuses committed by North Korea as it dispatches its citizens around the world to toil to earn hard currency for the regime. Early in April, a North Korean restaurant in the eastern Chinese port city of Ningbo made international headlines when 13 staff members escaped to South Korea to seek asyluma mass defection that Pyongyang condemned as a "hideous" abduction by Seoul's agents. Reported by Joonho Kim for RFAs Korean Service. Translated by Jackie Yoo. Written in English by Richard Finney. A Rohingya boy and others walk through a market near Thel-Chaung displacement camp in Sittwe, western Myanmar's Rakhine state, Nov. 8, 2015. A U.S. government commission called on the Myanmar government on Thursday to end rights abuses against the countrys Muslim Rohingya ethnic minority group, hoping that State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi will sort out a better deal for them under the new government. Aung San Suu Kyi, who is also minister of foreign affairs and the Presidents Office, has already earned high praise both inside and outside Myanmar for pushing for the release of political prisoners and detained students who were awaiting trial for participating in protests against national education policy last year. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)s statement urges the new government led by Aung San Suu Kyis National League for Democracy (NLD) party and her proxy President Htin Kyaw to protect freedom of religion or belief. Many have struggled their entire lives for freedom for their country, their families, and themselves, said USCIRF Chairman Robert P. George in the statement. Under the leadership of President U [honorific] Htin Kyaw and Daw [honorific] Aung San Suu Kyi, the government now must guarantee to them the rights and freedoms enshrined in international human rights covenants, including the fundamental right to freedom of religion or belief for all, he said. The group said the government must radically change its abusive policies towards the 1.1 million Rohingya, most of whom live in western Myanmars Rakhine state. The government denies them citizenship, freedom of movement, access to health care, and other basic services, and in 2015 revoked their voting rights and denied them and other Muslims the ability to contest elections, the statement said. Discriminatory laws USCIRF also pointed out that the former government under Thein Sein had implemented a series of race and religion laws backed by nationalist Buddhists last year. Each of these laws discriminates against and restricts the religious freedom of non-Buddhists, particularly Muslims, the statement said. The Myanmar government has not issued a response to the statement. All government ministries are closed this week for the Thingyan New Year holiday. USCIRF also urged the current government, which took over on April 1, to abolish discriminatory laws, including the 1982 Citizenship Law, which has deprived the Rohingya of Myanmar nationality and left them open to restrictions on freedom of movement that have affected their livelihoods. The commission wants the government to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, invite the United Nations special envoy on freedom of religion or belief to visit the nation, and allow the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights to open a country office. USCIRFs statement echoed the U.S. State Departments observation in its latest annual report on human rights practices around the world issued Wednesday that the Rohingya have experienced severe legal, economic, and social discrimination. Taking away their vote The former government disenfranchised the Rohingya during the Nov. 8 national elections, which the NLD won by a landslide, and banned almost all Rohingya and many other Muslim candidates from contesting in the elections. Aung San Suu Kyi has come under fire in the past for not speaking up on behalf of the Rohingya, whom the previous government referred to as Bengalis because it viewed them as illegal immigrants from Bangladesh, although many have lived in the country for generations. Some 140,000 Rohingya were displaced after violence erupted between them and Rakhine Buddhists in 2012, which left more than 200 died and tens of thousands homeless. The Rohingya, who bore the brunt of the attacks, were later forced to live in squalid camps. About 120,000 Rohingya remain in the camps, while thousands of others have fled persecution in the Buddhist-dominated country on rickety boats to other Southeast Asian countries in recent years. Just before leaving office in late March, Thein Sein lifted a nearly four-year state of emergency in conflict-ridden Rakhine, but kept in place the policy restricting the movement of Rohingya interned in displacement camps. Uyghur police officers who die while serving in northwestern Chinas troubled Xinjiang region are being hailed as heroes in an apparent bid by authorities to promote the ethnic minority groups loyalty to Beijing, sources say. Many of those named in a report released this month by Chinas Ministry of Public Security were not killed in the line of duty, though, but died in traffic or drowning accidents or of heart attacks while under stress and in poor health, sources said. The report, published on April 1 on the Ministry website and titled Our Heroes, lists 33 fallen officers, including 16 Uyghurs, 15 Han Chinese, one ethnic Hui, and one ethnic Kazakh. All are further described in the online document as revolutionary martyrs. Uyghur observers in the region and in exile questioned the motivation behind the lists publication, though, with some saying they had never heard of the officers named and others calling the listing strange. I see nothing heroic in this list, a Uyghur resident of Virginia and former university lecturer named Uchqunjan told RFAs Uyghur Service. How can you describe as a hero someone who has died of illness in a hospital, and who was not killed in battle or during a police operation? he asked. This is a very strange list, he said. Need for heroes Chinas ruling Communist Party needs new heroes to hold up as examples to the Chinese people, Uchqunjan said, and the stories of true heroes like [democracy activist] Liu Xiaobo and [jailed Uyghur professor] Ilham Tohti are too threatening to party rule. Therefore, they fabricate these stories to create new examples, he said. Reached by RFA, residents, officials, and police officers in Xinjiang said they had never heard of many of the policemen described as heroes in the Ministry report. One of the officers listed as a revolutionary martyr, Abduqadir Abdukerim, was said to have come from Tashimiliq township in Xinjiangs Toqquzag (in Chinese, Shufu) county. But when reporters contacted township residents, no one seemed to know who he was. We are supposed to know about such heroes who have died for their country, township resident Eli Abdurehim told RFA. At least I am supposed to know about them, because it is my job to promote patriotism among the residents of my village. I think you have been misinformed about this, he said. No questions asked Another township resident, a police officer, said that he had known Abdukerim, but that the man had been transferred before his death to serve with the county police. About two or three months ago, I heard that he had died, but I never heard anything about the cause of death, he said. These days, we do not ask questions about these things, because we have been ordered not to spread rumors or to publicize the negative side of our work, he said. Uyghur policemen meanwhile often find themselves concerned over the conduct of armed operations, in which they are usually forced ahead of their Han Chinese counterparts when confronting armed militants, a former Uyghur police officer now living in Turkey said. If you expose your real feelings about these incidents, you will come to the attention of the [Chinese] state security police, the officer, named Yolwas, said. This will not be good for you or for your children, Yolwas said. Heavy-handed rule Rights groups accuse Chinese authorities of heavy-handed rule in Xinjiang, including violent police raids on Uyghur households, restrictions on Islamic practices, and curbs on the culture and language of the Uyghur people. China has vowed to crack down on what it calls the three evils of terrorism, separatism, and religious extremism in Xinjiang. But experts outside China say Beijing has exaggerated the threat from Uyghur separatists, and that domestic policies are responsible for an upsurge in violence that has left hundreds dead since 2012. Reported and translated by Shohret Hoshur for RFAs Uyghur Service. Written in English by Richard Finney. Kremlin opponents and Western officials have long accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of using his power to accrue massive wealth and lavish real estate, including a sprawling Black Sea estate widely referred to as "Putin's Palace." Officially, of course, the Russian leaders pockets are considerably shallower, as evidenced by his income disclosures released by the Kremlin on April 15 showing that he earned 8.9 million rubles ($133,900) in 2015, up from the 7.6 million rubles ($115,000) he reported last year. There was no mention of the Baroque-style seaside mansion allegedly built for him in the southern city of Gelendzhik, to which the Kremlin has denied any link. Instead, Putin declared ownership only of a 77-square-meter apartment, a 1,500-square-meter plot of land, and an 18-square-meter garage. The declaration also showed that he uses a 153-square-meter apartment. Nor did Putin declare any expensive foreign cars favored by Russias political and financial elite. His disclosure shows that he owns two rare Soviet-made automobiles, a Russian-made Lada Niva off-road vehicle, and a boat trailer. But no sign that he owns a boat -- although a 2012 report co-authored by opposition politician Boris Nemtsov, who was shot dead near the Kremlin last year, said Putin has access to a fleet of four yachts, including one with a waterfall and a wine cellar. The new disclosure echoes similarly modest income declarations by Putin in previous years. But its release comes amid heightened scrutiny of Putins wealth, including the leak of a trove of financial and legal documents detailing the offshore financial dealings of his close associates. Investigative reports based on the documents, known as the Panama Papers, show that his close friend, the cellist Sergei Roldugin, owned secretive offshore firms through which some $2 billion moved. Putin was not named in the documents, but Kremlin critics allege that Putin may be an ultimate beneficiary of this and other offshore cash -- suggestions he and the Kremlin vigorously reject. The U.S. Treasury Department has said that Putin has investments in Gunvor, a company formerly owned by his associate Gennady Timchenko, a Russian billionaire, and may have access to Gunvor funds. Gunvor and the Kremlin deny these claims. Adam Szubin, the Treasurys acting secretary for terrorism and financial crimes, told the BBC in January that Putin has been amassing wealth outside the public view. "He supposedly draws a state salary of something like $110,000 a year," Szubin said. "That is not an accurate statement of the man's wealth, and he has longtime training and practices in terms of how to mask his actual wealth." Putins 2015 income declaration shows he fared worse financially last year than other Russian officials, including his own spokesman, Dmitry Peskov. Peskov over the past year has come under withering criticism for pricey accoutrements -- most notably a wristwatch allegedly worth some $600,000 -- luxury real estate, and vacations that Kremlin foes say are far beyond the means of a civil servant. Peskov earned 36.7 million rubles ($552,500) in 2015, according to his declaration, up nearly fourfold from the 9.2 million he reported last year. His wife, 2006 Olympic ice dancing champion Tatiana Navka, earned 89 million rubles, according to the declaration. However modest Putins official wealth may be, he does appear to have extremely rich relatives. The Russian version of Forbes magazine reported this week that Kirill Shamalov, widely reported to be Putins son-in-law, has become Russias youngest billionaire at the age of 34. Based on his official income, Putin also has a way to go to match the up to $2 billion that the Panama Papers tied to offshore companies held by Roldugin, reportedly a godfather to one of Putins daughters. He needs 17,000 years to earn as much as the cellist Roldugin did by busking in pedestrian underpasses, Russian Twitter user Sergei Guryanov quipped. The Afghan military says its air force has targeted Islamic State militants in the eastern province of Nangarhar, killing at least 40 insurgents. A Defense Ministry spokesman said the air strike took place late on April 14 in Achin district. He said several IS fighters were also wounded. District Governor Gahlib Mujahid said the air strike targeted a meeting of IS fighters that was under way in the Pikha Lataband area. He said most of the dead were foreign fighters and that their bodies were collected by local villagers and handed over to IS, which has gained a foothold in Nangarhar. Nangarhar has seen heavy fighting between IS and Taliban fighters. Analysts say many IS militants are former Taliban members weary of the insurgency's failure to overthrow the Kabul government. Based on reporting by AP The Pentagon said on April 14 that the United States carried out up to 80 air strikes against Islamic State (IS) extremists in Afghanistan during the first three months of 2016 under new rules of engagement. U.S. Brigadier General Charles Cleveland said the increased focus on IS in Afghanistan has been possible because U.S. forces were given broader authority to target the militants since the start of the year. Before January, the U.S. military could only attack IS militants in Afghanistan under narrow circumstances, such as the protection of troops. Cleveland said the air strikes have decreased the capacity of IS in Afghanistan, where fighters loyal to the Islamic State leadership in Syria have been challenging Afghan Taliban in some parts of the country. Cleveland said up to 80 percent of the air strikes have been in the eastern Afghan province of Nangarhar, where the IS has set up a strong base. He also said the southern Afghan province of Helmand was not on the verge of falling into the hands of the Taliban, but was a "difficult, contested area." In February, Afghan forces pulled out of some parts of Helmand Province after months of heavy fighting against Taliban insurgents. Based on reporting by Reuters and AP Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka says his country wants "to strengthen and widen" its ties with the Islamic world. Speaking at a summit of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) in Istanbul on April 14, Lukashenka said that "it is absolutely obvious that creation of a truly multipolar world is impossible without Muslims." "Along with the world's other key geopolitical players, the Islamic world can become one of the pillars of stability and security," Lukashenka said. Lukashenka called on Islamic nations to unify and overcome internal differences." Lukashenka attended the OIC summit on April 13-14 in Istanbul, even though Belarus is not among 56 member states of the organization. Based on reporting by BelTA and Interfax 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 Talk about top-down rule. In a country where many citizens have seen the state bureaucracy as more of a hurdle than a helper for centuries, a message from the Kremlin came across clearly in Vladimir Putin's annual call-in show on April 14: If you want something done in Russia, better ask the president. For the 14th time in his long rule, Putin used the Direct Line program to bolster his image -- and play the role of a tough but caring tsar with the power to help ordinary people -- by answering carefully selected questions from Russians. And, in what seemed to be a coordinated response, authorities across the country reacted to complaints instantaneously and publicly: They dispatched officials to plants that are behind on wages, opened criminal investigations, and fixed roads full of potholes. Here are some of the problems that were solved -- or patched up -- after Putin's show. Omsk Roads After a woman from Omsk complained about the state of roads in her Siberian city, local authorities reported back to the studio even before Putin's 3-hour, 41-minute program was over. They promised to fix 21 roads by May 1. According to media reports, plans costing 643 million rubles ($9.7 million) to fix 21 roads had been approved by local city authorities on March 11. They had not previously set a deadline. The day after the Direct Line aired, local citizens began sharing photographs on social media of construction workers laying asphalt. "Respected Vladimir Vladimirovich! Your order is implemented," this post on the Russian social network VKontakte says. Error rendering VK. Shikotan 'Slaves' Employees of the Ostrovnoi fish processing plant on Sakhalin, the Russian Far East, complained that during seasonal rotations on Shikotan Island they had not been paid. Moreover, living conditions were terrible, but unhappy workers could not leave because of the island's isolation. They said they felt like slaves. The day after Direct Line, Ostrovnoi CEO Aleksei Popov personally brought the overdue wages to the employees. He apologized to them and blamed the delay on a bad fishing season. The local prosecutor's office announced it would inspect the plant and a hotline was set up for employees to share any of their concerns. Regional Governor Oleg Kozhemyaka flew to Shikotan to meet with the people currently working at the plant. Electric Crimea A woman in Crimea, a Ukrainian region annexed by Russia in 2014 with the help of troops and a referendum denounced worldwide, told Putin that electricity in her house is only available on a limited schedule. She said she was glad that "the children spend less time with gadgets," but asked Putin when power supplies would return to normal. Since power lines providing Crimea with Ukrainian electricity were destroyed in November 2015, some homes receive electricity only several hours a day. A few hours after the call-in-show, Russian Energy Minister Aleksandr Novak said that the third branch of a power supply line that Russia has been building to connect Crimea with Russia had been put into operation. According to the minister, the branch will cover the electricity Crimeans are lacking in the morning and evening hours.He promised that, by 2018, Crimea will be electrically "independent" and will even have power reserves. Unpaid Worker Father of four Dmitry Dudkin told Putin that his employer Uralavtopritsep, a Chelyabinsk machinery plant, had not paid him for three months. A few hours later, a senior prosecutor in the Chelyabinsk region said that the plant paid had finally paid its workers' February salaries in full. The official, Natalia Mamayeva, said prosecutors had launched administrative proceedings against the employers. Dudkin, however, got in hot water over his complaint. He told Russian tabloid website LifeNews that, after the phone call, the plant's security service questioned him. "I was asked things like, why did I do that and what am I unhappy aboutThey even had a security guard follow me around the plant while I was there," Dudkin said. Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov plunged his country into a deep political crisis on April 12 when he announced the effective pardoning of more than 50 officials implicated in a wiretapping scandal. But the crisis in the country actually began last year when officials were charged with election fraud, media manipulation, judicial corruption, and a murder cover-up -- all of which were purportedly revealed in thousands of illegally recorded phone conversations. Here's a look at how the tumult started and where it is headed. The Wiretapping Affair On February 9, 2015, opposition leader Zoran Zaev accused then-Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski and secret police chief Sasho Mijalkov (Gruevski's cousin) of authorizing the wiretapping of some 20,000 people, including social activists, religious leaders, judges, political opponents, police, foreign ambassadors, and more than 100 journalists. Gruevski rejected the charges and said the recordings were fabricated with the help of an unnamed foreign intelligence service in an attempt to destabilize Macedonia. But Zaev, head of the Social Democratic Union of Macedonia opposition party, undermined government denials of the wiretappings by releasing recordings of phone conversations -- many of them involving Gruevski and members of his government. Zaev said a whistleblower within the Interior Ministry had provided him with the recordings. Many journalists and others allegedly heard on the wiretaps came forward to say that they recognized their voices on the recordings. Several government officials subsequently resigned their posts. Hundreds of opposition activists and protesters later set up tents and camped near government headquarters vowing to stay until Gruevski and the government resigned. But Gruevski accused Zaev of attempting to blackmail him and the government -- and refused to step down. Abuse Of Power, Electoral Fraud Charges Zaev said the recordings he obtained featured government officials with the ruling party, VMRO-DPMNE, discussing vote-buying and intimidation ahead of parliamentary and local elections held between 2011 and 2014. In one recording, a voice purported to be that of then-Interior Minister Gordana Jankulovska can be heard joking about the "little people" who are going to rig the elections. The same voice also speaks about dragging "gypsies by their ears [to polling centers] and getting them to vote." Zaev also said there are recordings of officials plotting to put journalists under surveillance and ordering editors at state media outlets to publish favorable news stories and kill negative ones. He also claimed that other officials can be heard arranging the outcome of court cases and discussing the placement of friendly judges in powerful positions. Perhaps most disturbing were alleged recordings of Gruevski speaking with Jankulovska and other officials about the cover-up of the killing of a man who was reportedly beaten to death by a special police unit, the Tigers, after the 2011 parliamentary elections. Jankulovska -- who resigned last year amid the protests -- said the recordings had been spliced together and edited by "foreign secret services." Protests Grow Macedonia's state-run media largely ignored the Zaev leaks, but a student-led demonstration of some 1,000 protesters took to the streets of Skopje on May 5-6 to demand that Gruevski resign. Days later, a deadly shoot-out occurred near the Serbian border in the town of Kumanovo between Macedonian security forces and what the government described as ethnic Albanian "terrorists." The incident -- in which eight police and 14 gunmen were killed -- was deemed suspicious by the opposition and others, who suggested it was staged to distract Macedonians from the wiretapping crisis. But demonstrations continued grow, culminating with tens of thousands of people both opponents and supporters of Gruevski -- marching on the streets of the capital on May 18 and 19. Elections Endangered? The crisis prompted to EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn to intervene. After a series of difficult meetings in Strasbourg and Skopje that Hahn mediated between the leaders of Macedonia's two largest parties and other opposition leaders, a deal was reached. On June 2, Hahn announced that all four parties had agreed on early elections in April 2016 and on the resignation of Gruevski's government ahead of those elections. Gruevski resigned in January, and the parliament was dissolved on April 6. But soon after Ivanov announced the end of the investigation and pardoned the main suspects in the wiretappings on April 12, several consecutive days of violent protests erupted. Officials in Brussels and Washington have said Ivanov's action to end the investigation into the wiretapping has jeopardized the credibility of the upcoming polls. The EU's Hahn tweeted on April 12 that he had "serious doubts if credible elections are still possible." But parliament speaker Trajko Veljanovski officially confirmed on April 15 that early elections will be held on June 5 despite the current political crisis in the country. Zaev immediately announced that the Social Democrats will boycott the elections unless their conditions to establish a free and fair vote are met, including a new media bill and a review of the country's electoral lists. Zaev himself was charged in January with planning to overthrow the government. That charge will apparently also be dropped as part of Ivanov's controversial pardon announcement. International Condemnation Ivanov's decision to end the investigation by special prosecutor Katica Janeva has not only angered Macedonians, but sparked sharp criticism from Washington and Brussels as well. EU foreign-policy chief Federica Mogherini said Ivanov's blanket pardon risks "undermining years of efforts within the country and with the support of the international community to strengthen the rule of law." Hahn told RFE/RL that the situation was "really deteriorating" and said the move to end the wiretapping investigation goes against his "understanding of the rule of law." The U.S. State Department said in a statement on April 13 that Washington was "deeply concerned" by Ivanov's move, which it said will "protect corrupt officials and deny justice to the people of Macedonia." It added that failure to allow the courts to do their job and continue the investigation undermines Macedonian leaders' "commitment to the fundamental values of NATO and the European Union." Small Concession As domestic and international pressure grew on Ivanov to revoke his decision, he made an offer on April 15 for those implicated in the scandal to have the investigation into their involvement in the affair to continue. "I think the decision [to pardon potential wiretapping scandal suspects] protects the state interest, and I inform you that I am standing by it," Ivanov said. "Anyone who thinks that a right has been taken from him or that I have done him a bad favor, or wants to prove his innocence in court, I call on him personallyto submit a request to annul the decision regarding him." With reporting by Robert Coalson, Zoran Kuka, and Deana Kjuka Here's a brief snapshot of the headlines this week from Iraq, Syria, and other locations impacted by Islamic State: -- The battle for Mosul, in northern Iraq, continues to heat up but is far from over. The city is very important for many reasons. Before Islamic State took over in June 2014, it was Iraq's third largest city, and while it was a diverse city, it is also located at the western edge of what is commonly known as Iraqi-Kurdistan. Mosul is on an important crossroad as it is located on the Tigris River and is not far from Irbil, Iraq's fourth largest city. -- The U.S. military has been arming and training the Kurdish Peshmerga who are preparing to assault the city. -- Islamic State (IS) terrorists destroyed a 2,000 year-old architectural landmark, the Mishqi Gate, in the city of Nineveh, just north of Mosul. -- French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian gave a speech in Baghdad this week where he said that Islamic State's strongholds in Mosul, Iraq, and Raqqa, Syria, must fall this year. There are indications that Mosul could fall, but the defeat of the Islamic State in its capital in Syria is still a long way off. -- Brookings Institute's Kenneth Pollack wrote that Islamic State is "taking a beating" near Mosul and Fallujah thanks to U.S. airstrikes, made possible by a change in strategy by the U.S.-Iraqi coalition, but warns that "Baghdad's announcement that the liberation of Mosul has begun is a bit premature." -- The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has warned that the Iraqi government is showing signs of collapse as political infighting has seriously damaged Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar Al-Abadi's ability to govern. Iraq's political developments could have a significant impact on the country's battlefields, which is one reason why the United States is looking to other sources, like the Kurds in both Iraq and Syria, to lead the charge against Islamic State. -- In ISW's "Iraq Situation Report" from April 5 to April 11, they reported that Washington is considering building additional firebases to break IS lines near Nineveh since momentum in the area has stalled: "The proposal would provide necessary assistance for the ground offensive while demonstrating U.S. support for the Iraqi Security Forces and the Iraqi government, though these additions may not be significant enough factors to make up for the limited number of ISF [Iraqi Security Forces] members currently engaged in operations." -- In Syria on April 11, IS forces recaptured the northern town of Al-Rai, close to the border with Turkey, captured from IS by rebel groups under the Free Syrian Army (FSA) banner on April 7. The BBC reports that IS was able to push west of Al-Rai and capture six other villages, halting the momentum of FSA rebels who were pushing east toward IS strongholds. Prior to the reversal, FSA rebels had reportedly pushed within 10 kilometers of the key northern town of Dabiq. -- The Daily Beast has written a profile of the misunderstood Abd Al-Rahman Mustafa Al-Shakhilar Al-Qaduli, a man commonly known as Haji Imam, reportedly from Islamic State and described as "the No. 2 man in the worlds most dangerous terror organization." Michael Weiss and Hassan Hassan write that "he was one man, not two. He had at least seven names, and was mistakenly pronounced dead four times. But the fog surrounding [IS's] No. 2 is finally beginning to part." The report warns that the death of high-ranking IS officials is important but, if the two-decade campaign against Al-Qaeda is any indication, this may not even be the beginning of the end: "For a decade, since the killing of its top leaders in 2006 (Al-Zarqawi) and 2010 (Abu Omar al-Baghdadi and his war minister Abu Ayyub al-Masri), [IS] has adapted to changing wartime exigencies (the al-Anbar Awakening, the "surge," the U.S. military withdrawal, the Syrian revolution) and regrouped. It went from being a foreigner-led insurgency to a cosmetically "Iraqized" one to a genuinely Iraqi-led caliphate enterprise. With its renewed emphasis on attacking Western targets inside the West, [IS] has similarly undergone a quiet transformation under the past two years, which is really more of a bifurcation into two organizations." Antigovernment protests continued for the third consecutive night in Macedonia's capital on April 14 following President Gjorge Ivanov's decision this week to halt prosecutions of officials linked to a wiretapping scandal. Several thousand demonstrators bearing banners proclaiming "No Justice, No Peace" protested in front of government buildings in Skopje demanding Ivanov's resignation and the freezing of preparations for early parliamentary elections scheduled for June 5. Protesters clashed with police, throwing rocks and flares at officers guarding the seat of the ruling nationalist VMRO-DPMNE party. Five police officers were struck by rocks and injured, while one demonstrator was detained, authorities said. Protests turned violent a day earlier as well when demonstrators ransacked offices used by Ivanov's team and set fire to the furniture. European Union officials and the U.S. State Department criticized Ivanov's decision and urged him to reconsider his amnesty of more than 50 officials. Ivanov was defiant in an April 14 interview broadcast on national television, saying his primary motive in pardoning the officials is to put an end to the political crisis that has rattled the poor Balkan nation of 2 million. "As president, it is my responsibility to end the crisis that has lasted for too long," Ivanov said. Macedonia has been in turmoil since opposition leader Zoran Zaev accused then-Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski of being behind the wiretapping of about 20,000 people -- including many politicians, journalists, and others in powerful positions. Gruevski, a political ally of Ivanov's, denied the charges and accused Zaev of "spying" on the government and attempting to "destabilize" the country. Zaev was later charged with attempting to overthrow the government and is now among those pardoned from prosecution. Gruevski on April 14 distanced himself from Ivanov's amnesty. "It is against what we stand for. Those who have done something criminal should answer for it," he said. An EU-brokered deal reached last year to try to end the crisis gave a special prosecutor, Katica Janeva, powers to investigate the wiretap revelations. She said on April 14 that she would continue to investigate, including allegations of large-scale misappropriation of state funds. With reporting by RFE/RL's Macedonian Unit, dpa, AP, AFP, and Reuters Thousands protested peacefully in the Macedonian capital for a fifth night as parliament called for snap parliamentary elections in a bid to end a deepening political crisis linked to a wiretapping scandal. Protesters have been demanding the resignation of President Gjorge Ivanov after he halted criminal proceedings against dozens of politicians, including former Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski. Opposition parties have accused Gruevski and his government of being behind a massive scandal in which some 20,000 people were illegally wiretapped, including politicians, judges, police, journalists, and diplomats. This week, Ivanov granted amnesty to 56 officials alleged to be involved in the scandal, a decision that sparked sometimes violent protests in Skopje. Six police were wounded and one demonstrator detained in demonstrations on April 14. Gruevski, who stepped down in January, has strenuously denied the claims and has instead accused opposition leader Zoran Zaev of plotting a coup. Thousands of people waving white flags and banners streamed through Skopje's streets in the evening on April 15, chanting, whistling, clapping, and blowing horns. Some handed out flowers to riot police who watched the crowds behind shields. During a live televised address to the nation earlier this week, Ivanov said he issued the pardons to protect national interests and said he wouldnt change his decision. Under pressure from the European Union, which Macedonia is aspiring to join, lawmakers struck a deal last year to hold early elections and parliament speaker Trajko Veljanovski announced on April 15 the vote would be held on June 5. The largest opposition group, however, has said it will boycott the vote, and Zaev increased his rhetoric, vowing to "intensify" the protests and accusing Gruevski of "preparing another election theft." "This is a coup, the constitution has been violated," he told reporters on April 15. Macedonia's main ruling party, meanwhile, said in a statement the same day that it and three other main parties appealed to Ivanov to review his amnesty decision. Europe and the United States sharply criticized the pardon, and EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn publicly questioned whether credible elections were still possible. With reporting by AP and Reuters Poland's foreign minister has said that Russia is an "existential threat" to European countries and is more dangerous than the Islamic State (IS) militant group. Speaking at a conference in Bratislava on April 15, Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski said "Russia's activity is a sort of existential threat because this activity can destroy countries." The migration crisis and terrorist organizations such as IS, he added, are "not an existential threat for Europe." At the same conference, Czech Defense Minister Martin Stropnicky urged strengthening NATO cooperation but added that Russia "should not be isolated." Stropnicky said Russia has been actively "testing the defensive capabilities of NATO in the Baltic region." The comments come days after Russian warplanes buzzed a U.S. Navy ship that was conducting joint exercises with the Polish military in the Baltic Sea. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on April 14 said that the Russian pilots' actions were "provocative" and "dangerous." He said that under existing rules of engagement, the planes "could have been shot down." With reporting by Reuters and AFP * This article has been amended to correct the spelling of the Polish foreign minister's name. The Kremlin says it has apologized to a U.S. investment bank and a German newspaper over erroneous remarks by President Vladimir Putin. In a televised call-in show on April 14, Putin stated incorrectly that the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper was owned by Goldman Sachs in remarks about who he thought was behind the Panama Papers leak. It was the German daily that first obtained the materials detailing suspicious money transfers of some of the worlds wealthy and powerful, including people close to Putin. "It is more the error of those who prepared the briefing documents -- my error," Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesman, told reporters on April 15. Putin called the Panama Papers leak "a provocation" during his highly choreographed show. "First article about it appeared in the Sueddeutsche Zeitung, the media outlet that is part of a media holding owned by the U.S. financial corporation Goldman Sachs," Putin said. Peskov said that apologies had been offered both to the bank and to the newspaper. Based on reporting by Interfax and Reuters Russia has denounced the U.S. State Department's latest human rights report, which harshly criticizes the Kremlin's expansionism in Ukraine and record on civil liberties. Konstantin Dolgov, the Russian Foreign Ministry's human rights point man, called the annual report a "bossy" document riddled with ideological "cliches" and "anti-Russian stereotypes." Washington should "finally" start solving "the huge amount of pressing problems in the area of human rights, democracy, and rule of law in the United States itself," Dolgov said in comments published April 14 on the ministry's website. The ministry's sharp response came a day after the State Department released its annual report on the state of human rights in countries across the globe. The report said Russia in 2015 "significantly and negatively" affected the human rights situation inside and outside its borders following its forceful annexation of Ukraine's Crimea Peninsula in 2014 and its backing of armed separatists in eastern Ukraine. It also said that the Kremlin last year "increasingly instituted a range of measures to suppress dissent" and "systematically...harass, discredit, prosecute, imprison, detain, fine, and suppress individuals and organizations engaged in activities critical of the government." A Russian judge who agreed to accept a lawsuit filed against Russian President Vladimir Putin has abruptly resigned. Judicial authorities in the countrys Saratov region said on April 15 that they had accepted the resignation submitted by Tatyana Leskina. Last week, Leskina formally agreed to hear a lawsuit filed by a private citizen of the Saratov region, Nikolai Suvorov, who demanded Putin's resignation on the grounds he was an enemy of the nation, responsible for impoverishing the Russian people." Leskina is a veteran judge with 20 years of experience in the Russian judiciary. She originally scheduled hearings to begin on April 28, but later retracted that, citing presidential immunity granted under the Russian Constitution. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has lifted the doping suspensions of 14 Russian and Georgian athletes who previously tested positive for the banned substance meldonium. The April 15 decision came two days after WADA officials eased the rules concerning the drug, saying athletes would not be banned if only minute traces of the substance were found. Around 170 athletes failed meldonium tests, but many claimed they had stopped taken the substance before it was banned as of January. "If in their blood less than one microgram of meldonium was found, they took it before the ban," Temuri Ukleba, deputy head of Georgia's anti-doping agency, told AP. Six Georgian wrestlers, including Olympic silver medalist Davit Modzmanishvili, had their suspensions lifted. Eight Russian athletes, notably runner Nadezhda Kotlyarova, were also cleared. On April 14, the International Weightlifting Federation said the suspension of two-time Olympic medalist Andrey Rybakov of Belarus had been lifted. With reporting by AP and Interfax Turkish authorities have blocked access to Russias state news agency website Sputnik. Mahir Boztepe, editor in chief of Sputnik Turkey, made the announcement on his Twitter account on April 15, saying that Turkish users were denied entry not only to the agencys Turkish website but to all its websites in 31 languages. Theres been no official comment so far from Turkeys telecoms and Internet regulatory agency. The move could further harm relations between Moscow and Ankara, strained since Turkey shot down a Russian warplane in November 2015. Following the warplane incident along the Turkish-Syrian border, Russian President Vladimir Putin imposed sanctions on Turkey and trade between the two countries has plummeted. Human rights groups and some Turkish media decry what they say has been an unprecedented crackdown on opposition voices in Turkey. Several opposition newspapers have been confiscated or closed in recent months and broadcasters taken off the air, accused of terrorist activities. Based on reporting by Hurriyet, Reuters and haberler.com Prosecutors in Ukraine are demanding 15-year jail terms for two Russian nationals charged with fighting alongside Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. Addressing a court in Kyiv on April 15, prosecutors also said that Aleksandr Aleksandrov and Yevgeny Yerefeyev should be stripped of any assets they may hold in Ukraine. Aleksandrov and Yerofeyev again denied their guilt. They retracted previous video statements admitting they were on active duty with the Russian military when they were captured in the Luhansk region of eastern Ukraine in May 2015. The two said on April 15 that the statements were made under duress. Moscow claims the two men were not active service members of the countrys armed forces at the time they were detained by Ukrainian forces. Based on reporting by UNIAN and Interfax Register for more free articles. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. It looks like nothing was found at this location. Maybe try a search? Search for: Search A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. A West Virginia man was arrested after an investigation of a Christiansburg financial scam, according to the town police department. On Wednesday, the police department received a complaint from a local child care facility. An accounts employee with Grace A Child had received emails from another member of the organization asking for her to deposit $18,000 in a bank account, according to a police department news release. It was determined that the emails were fraudulent, according to the release. Upon further investigation, the account information, including the name on the account and the name of the bank in which the money would be withdrawn, was determined. With the assistance of the Charleston, West Virginia, police, David Alan Shaver was arrested while attempting to pick up the money at a bank in that locality, according to the release. Shaver, 51, of Charleston, West Virginia, was being held Friday in South Central Regional Jail in Charleston with no bond, while awaiting extradition. Shaver is charged with a felony count of attempting to obtain money by false pretenses. Forty-four of Virginias 140 part-time, citizen lawmakers own at least $5,000 worth of stock in a company that lobbies the General Assembly. Nineteen of those lawmakers own somewhere between $50,000 and $250,000 in stock in those companies with interests before them, while seven lawmakers own more than $250,000 in stock, according to figures released Thursday by the Virginia Public Access Project, a nonpartisan tracker of money in state politics. The listings of individual holdings, excluding mutual fund investments provide insight into how elected officials invest their money in the stock market, and how much of it they have to invest. Not surprisingly, the most commonly held stocks among lawmakers are blue-chip investments ranging from tech behemoths, to energy, health care and banking. Virginia Public Access Project organized the figures into lists: the most commonly held stocks by legislators, legislator holdings of companies that do business before the General Assembly, and overall stock holdings by legislators. It compiled the data from financial forms lawmakers filed in December that require disclosure of all companies in which they own at least $5,000 in stock. According to VPAP, Apple is the most commonly held stock in the General Assembly, held by 16 members with investment of at least $5,000 or more. Del. Mark Levine, D-Alexandria, has the largest investment in the company, valued at more than $250,000. A dozen lawmakers own General Electric stock, while 11 own Pepsi-Cola Co. shares. Nine lawmakers own shares in Virginia-based Dominion, including three lawmakers who list holdings of more than $250,000: Sen. Bill DeSteph, R-Virginia Beach; Del. Barry Knight, R-Virginia Beach and Del. Manoli Loupassi, R-Richmond. Other lawmakers who have investments of more than $250,000 in individual companies that lobby the General Assembly include Del. Scott Garrett, R- Lynchburg, who owns stock in IBM; Del. Delores McQuinn, D-Chesterfield, who owns stock in Altria, the Henrico County-based parent company of Philip Morris USA; and Del. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, a lawyer for Verizon who lists a more than a $250,000 stake in her companys stock. In Virginia, there is no prohibition on lawmakers investing in companies that do business with the state, nor limitation on the size of the investment state lawmakers may hold in such companies. Abstaining from voting on an issue in which there is a potential conflict of interest invoking House Rule 69 or Senate Rule 36 is done at the discretion of the lawmaker. Statistics were not immediately available for how often lawmakers exercised their prerogative to abstain. The potential conflict that could arise between part-time lawmakers private investment holdings and the public policy decisions upon which they are asked to vote surfaced during this years legislative session. House Minority leader David Toscano, D-Charlottesville, raised the issue with House Speaker Bill Howell, R-Stafford, over lawmakers voting on coal tax credit bills. On Wednesday, Toscano emailed fellow House members offering guidance following research with the Division of Legislative Services. He said the Virginia Code advises delegates to exercise Rule 69 when they have a personal interest in a vote. The man found dead at Goodyear in Danville on Tuesday morning died from drowning and thermal injuries, according to the Medical Examiners Office in Roanoke. The manner in which 52-year-old Greg Cooper died was an accident, said Tracie Cooper, district administrator at the office. Goodyear, the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the United Steelworkers Union which represents Goodyear employees are investigating the incident. The Danville plant resumed operations at 7 a.m. Friday after being shut down following Tuesdays death. As associates return to their jobs, the plant team will be keeping the safety and well-being of our associates as the highest priority, a news release from Goodyear stated. At the start of each shift, plant associates participated in a two-hour safety meeting where they were given the opportunity to ask questions and share any comments they may have. Goodyear said counselors also will continue to be provided at the plant. Cooper was a maintenance mechanic and worked at Goodyear for 18 years. DANVILLE The United Steelworkers Union which represents employees at the Goodyear plant in Danville is conducting its own investigation of Tuesdays fatal accident at the plant. Mike Wright, the unions director or health, safety and environment, said the United Stealworkers (USW) based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania immediately sent an investigator to the plant after hearing of the accident. He has been there the past couple of days, Wright said Thursday afternoon. A union official also is assisting the family of the victim, Greg Cooper, 52, of Chatham, who worked at the plant for 18 years, Wright said. We try to investigate every fatality, Wright said. We also send someone to work with the family to make sure they get the benefits they are entitled to. The union also is arranging counseling for those affected by the incident, Wright said. Of course, were all really devastated when anyone in one of our workplaces is killed, he said. The Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Goodyear officials are investigating the incident. Wright said USW officials are in talks with the company and union members following the accident. There will be some intense discussions with the company about what we need to do about this, and with the members, Wright said. This will go on at the plant level and the corporate level. Tuesdays fatality was the third at the plant in eight months. Goodyear previously had a fatal incident in Danville in 2007, according to OSHA. Goodyear shut down following Tuesdays incident and employees return to work Friday. They were paid while the plant closed production. The USW tries to investigate every serious workplace incident where it has membership, Wright said. The USW the largest industrial union in North America has about 850,000 members in the United States, Canada and Aruba. The union investigated about 70 serious workplace incidents last year, Wright said. USW will investigate incidents at its workplaces that involve non-members, as well, he said. We can learn something from all these accidents, he said. Workplace hazards dont discriminate. They dont care whether or not youre a member. When someone is injured or killed, thats a point in which were all brothers and sisters. Wright declined to comment on what happened in Tuesdays accident and said the unions probe could take days or months. Obituaries 10-21-22 Advisory: Obituary information will only be accepted if sent through a funeral home or cemetery. The Wave does not assume responsibility for any incorrect information that is printed in the obituary section John E. Hynes... Obituaries 10-7-22 Advisory: Obituary information will only be accepted if sent through a funeral home or cemetery. The Wave does not assume responsibility for any incorrect information that is printed in the obituary section John F. Keane... A TEENAGE rapist who attacked a 15-year-old while on bail for the rape of another teenager could be out of jail in just over two years time. A judge handed the youth four-and-a-half years in detention for raping the 15-year-old at Rosehill Park in Rawmarsh and an 18-year-old woman in Warren Road Park in Wickersley - but he could be eligible for parole after serving half his sentence. The Advertiser is barred by reporting restrictions from identifying the teenage sex offender, but has launched a legal challenge to the ruling because we feel he should be named for public safety. Said to have come from a loving and supportive family, he has now been placed on the sex offenders register. The youth - also found guilty of sexually assaulting one of his victims - was just 16 when he launched his first attack on the 18-year-old woman at Wickersley last July. His Honour Judge Mark Gargan, who said the rapist had shown no remorse and continued to protest his innocence, was told that the youth took his victim into woods at a park on the excuse that he wanted to show her his hideout. The girl said she had wanted to leave but he grabbed her shoulders, held her down while taking off her bra and trousers and raped her as she struggled. Eventually she managed to push him off and tried to use her phone to ring her friend but the attacker grabbed it and threw it out of reach. She was finally able to flee, found her friends again and they went to the police. The second attack, committed last October while the youth was on bail, happened after he met the 15-year-old victim and her friend at Rosehill Park. The victim was left with the defendant and another younger teenager, The defendant suggested a threesome but the girl said no and the other boy left. The attacker then hugged the victim, pushed her against the pillar of a building and started touching her, Sheffield Crown Court was told. Despite her telling him to stop, the youth put his hand down her trousers, assaulted her and made her touch him intimately. He then forced her to the ground and raped her. The distraught girl later told her friends and family what had happened. When interviewed, the defendant denied any sexual contact and could not explain the semen evidence in each case. Judge Gargan said: It must have been clear to any reasonable person that (the first victim) was pushing him off and struggling but nevertheless he continued. The judge said that the man took advantage of circumstances resulting from the ordinary meeting of teenagers. He added: By law you are still a child but you have been found guilty of three very serious criminal offences you committed at 16. The judge said that the youth did not appear to recognise what he had done and acted as if nothing serious had occurred. After the first offence, he must have realised the significance of what you had done, the judge said, adding: but nevertheless on October 21 you engaged in similar offences again against a 15-year-old. Judge Gargan heard that both girls had been traumatised by their experiences and added: It does not seem to me that much can be said of remorse because you have maintained your plea of not guilty. Botswanas diamond mining production weakened 33.4 percent during the third quarter of 2015 due to closure of mines, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO). Debswana, a joint venture been De Beers and the Botswana government, reduced production level at Orapa Plant 1 and also closed the Damtshaa mine. African News Agency reports, without giving production figures, that apart from diamonds, other significant declines were in copper-nickel and cobalt output. Acting government statistician Burton Mguni was quoted as saying that the slump had a minimal effect on the countrys position on the global mining index, which remained healthy at 66 percent. Even though these three minerals had huge decreases when compared to that of diamond production, their impact on the year-on-year percentage change of the overall index is minimal as a result of their weight contribution to the overall index weight, he said. Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished The Israel Diamond Institute Group of Companies (IDI) is ceasing publication of its trade magazine, Hayahalom (The Diamond), which was founded in 1944. Hayahalom was the only diamond trade magazine published in Hebrew. Recently its longstanding editor, Shira Ami, announced that she was retiring, precipitating the closing of the magazine. In its early years, which paralleled the development of the diamond industry in Israel, Hayahalom was published sporadically. The magazine began to appear regularly in 1967 with the founding of the Israel Diamond Institute. As the local industry grew the magazine reflected its development, reporting on new markets, rough sources, technologies, innovative cuts as well as important issues and challenges facing the industry. Each issue of the magazine included several pages of articles translated into English, and was distributed abroad as well as in Israel. The magazine is also available on the IDI portal site. Shira Ami edited the magazine for the past 34 years. During that time the magazine grew to become an important source of information for members of the Israeli industry about trends and developments in the diamond world as well as local industry news and events. Shmuel Schnitzer, IDI Chairman, said Shira Ami led Hayahalom with creativity and dedication to become a high quality magazine. With her retirement we decided to rethink the publication of a printed magazine and are now considering alternative options. Alex Shishlo, Editor of the Rough&Polished European Bureau in Brussels Microsoft Corp. sued the U.S. government, requesting the court to declare the Electronic Communications Privacy Act unconstitutional. The company said it has received more than 5600 legal orders under the Act in the last 18 months. In almost half of these orders, the company was bound not to disclose that the customer data is shared with the authorities. Microsoft in its filing noted that the government has been seeking their customer information, email content as well as private information, when the company is required to keep it secret. The fourth amendment of the communication act provides the right for individuals or businesses to know about searches and seizure of properties by authorities. However, the government uses Electronic communications privacy act to get data from cloud. The tech company's contention is that people have the rights, even if they move their private information from physical storage to the cloud. Recently, Apple had locked horns with the authorities when they were asked to create a software to unlock encrypted iPhones. Later, the court order was withdrawn after, the Federal agency engaged a third party to retrieve data from the smartphone. Microsoft and other tech companies have supported Apple in the encryption case. Last day, Uber Technologies Inc, a tech company that connects riders and drivers to facilitate transportation, has revealed in its first transparency report that it has been providing user data to government agencies in compliance of law enforcement requests. More than 12 million drivers and riders were affected in data sharing. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Political News Unilateral U.S. efforts and a spring offensive by Afghan forces have significantly decreased the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant's footprint in Afghanistan, the NATO-led Resolute Support mission's deputy chief of staff for communications told Pentagon reporters Thursday. Speaking by teleconference from the Afghan capital of Kabul, Army Brig. Gen. Charles H. Cleveland said U.S. Forces Afghanistan continues its authorized mission to disrupt, dismantle and defeat al-Qaida, and noted the unilateral counterterrorism mission also was extended to ISIL in January 2015 after that terror organization raised its flag in the country. But the battle for control has changed as ISIL is pushed back, he said. "Our overall view now is we are having an effect [by] putting pressure on [ISIL], specifically in Nangarhar," Cleveland said. One indicator is ISIL appears to exist in two or three districts today, compared to six to eight districts three months ago, he said. Additionally, ISIL fighters are trying to move into Kunar and Nuristan provinces or farther south into Ghazni, Cleveland added. "We don't think they're moving because they're able to expand or they have additional capacity," he said. "We think they're trying to survive. They're under pressure, and are trying to escape from the areas where we've aggressively targeted them." Another indication of ISIL's decreasing numbers in Afghanistan is the number of fighters who are defecting, Cleveland said. "They're either laying down their arms and coming back to the government or trying to get back into the Taliban," he added. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Political News Crude oil futures fell sharply Friday amid diminished expectations for a crucial meeting of oil producers in Doha. Officials from Saudi Arabia, Russia and others are gathering in to discuss an output freeze that could put a floor under crude oil prices. May WTI oil settled at $40.36/bbl, down $1.14, or 2.8% for the session. Still, prices were up 1.6% for the week. Earlier in the week, prices touched a yearly high above $42. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis 21 . (): 13 . 56 56 21 20 . : 1/1 11 . Mass march in Sanaa deplores Saudi aggression continuity SANAA, April 15 (Saba) The capital Sanaa witnessed on Friday a massive popular march deploring and denouncing the continuous brutal Saudi aggression and its unjust blockade on Yemeni people. In the march, which was entitled ( The liberal world responsibility : stopping the aggression and siege ), the participants carried banners and slogans condemning the continuance of the aggression coalition in committing vicious crimes against Yemeni people. The anti-aggression posters pointed to the unfair blockade imposed on the country for more than a year in an obvious challenge to the international and humanitarian laws and customs. The marchers called on the free peoples in the world to stand by the Yemeni people and bear the responsibility to move to stop the aggression and lift the unjust siege on Yemen. They also expressed their strong condemnation of the silence of the international community and humanitarian organizations toward the Saudi aggression crimes in Yemen, considering that a participation in the aggression. BA Saba Facebook Facebook Twitter Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp Telegram Telegram Email Email Print Print [16/April/2016] Millennial Moms Review: 2022 Acura MDX is pretty close to the perfect family car I dont know if perfect is attainable, especially considering weve got the world of options when it comes to modern vehicles. Were spoiled and, as such, we have very specific needs and wants. Driving-wise, the 2022 Acura MDX is one of my favourite ... 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 ... Racist City Employees Are on Notice, and 9 Other Greater Cincinnati News Stories You May Have Missed This Week Catch up on local government, politics, sports, celeb sightings and Halloween fun. Here's what the new Docking State Office Building could look like Dear Editor, Keith, what is your point about the government wasting money on the airport? The problem that Samoa is facing and it has become a stumbling block for further progression is people who complain continuously and yet they have no idea what they are complaining about. Tourism in Samoa has come thus far and they continue to progress as they implement new ideas and develop tourism to their best. Samoa might be dragging its feet in development of tourism but it has done a marvelous job thus far. To be frank I get so annoyed with letters like this aiming to bad-mouth the people of Samoa who are trying their best to beautify and attract tourists to Samoa. Nonsense like comparing Samoa to Hawaii and Fiji is way too childish and baseless argument from a 4th grader if not lower. Samoa could have allowed foreign investors to build like their massive hotels and resorts like they do in Fiji. Have you lived in Fiji like the Fijians do? Have you spoken with the Fiji natives and how they feel about it? I guess NOT because I guarantee almost 150% you havent talk to a Hawaiian and see how they feel about their island been stolen and molested by foreign investors. Samoa is doing a fantastic job and as a 1/2Samoan 1/2 Hawaiian I am proud of my Samoan roots and I take my hat off to those who are running the government of Samoa for doing their best. I would like to help you with a solution to your concern. If you are as a proud Samoan like I am residing overseas the best we can do is to promote Samoa with our basic Faasamoa way of life. Love, Respect and give if you can. These are the qualities that will lure tourists to visit our homeland and it is the best you as a Samoan can do. Stop with the fiapoko and do something productive with your life that will earn Samoa a positive reputation and will attract people to visit our shores. Money spend on the airport in Faleolo is the best thing the government can do. First Impression of a tourist begins at the airport and end at the airport. Bruin Dream it, believe it and achieve it. Thats what Neon Jairo Siaki told her fellow graduates at Pesega yesterday. And she had all reasons to be proud. Along with 28 other graduates from business class, the young woman from L.D.S. Church College Pesega finally received her diploma. I feel so happy right now, because without this, we would not know what to do, she said. As a graduate from Business class, I now have so many opportunities for my future: If I do not find a job now, I can start my own business or might do something else. The Business class was facilitated by Samasoni Pea who congratulated his students yesterday. Everything in this life has to do with business even if its just the shoes you are wearing at the moment, he said. But it was not only the graduates from Business Class who had their proud moment. The school also honoured a great number of English students who were able to successfully complete the colleges Self-Reliance English course, conducted by their teacher, sister Wendy Whittle. Originally from Utah, USA, Whittle serves together with her husband as an L.D.S. missionary and felt more than happy with the goal her students achieved. English is such an important part of Samoa now and it is necessary that the countrys youth learns the language, she said. That is exactly what the graduates of today have accomplished. Every day in class they came up to us and wanted to do more homework, so they were really willing to achieve this goal. The driver who rear ended two vehicles in Apia during a drunken rage has been charged and will appear in Court on 19 April 2016. This was confirmed by the Media officer of the Ministry of Police, Maotaoalii Kaioneta Kitiona. Following the Police investigation, Maota said they have confirmed that the 25-year-old was drunk and he should never have gotten behind the wheel that night. The accident occurred two weeks ago in-front of the Seana night club where the Nissan X-trail crashed into two vehicles parked on the side of the road. The driver was taken to the hospital where he was given emergency medical treatment. Maotaoalii added that the high percentage of the alcohol consumed by the driver that night was unacceptable. Such behavior is unacceptable because it puts the lives of other members of the public at risk, said Maota. We want to ask everyone to please be careful and not to drink and drive. A group of matai fighting for the protection of customary lands in Samoa has stepped up their fight. The group who lodged a complaint with the Asian Development Bank (A.D.B) in 2014 on the back of fears about the alienation of customary lands has elevated their complaint to the Compliance Review Panel (C.R.P), the highest level of grievance mechanism in A.D.B. Confirmed by their Spokesperson, Fiu Mataese Elisara, the decision was made this week following frustrations at the lengthy delays taken by the Office of Project Facility (O.S.P.F) of A.D.B to find a solution. According to the chiefs, the problem solving process to date has failed to address their fundamental concerns as clearly articulated in their complaint. In their initial complaint, Fiu, Lilomaiava Dr. Ken Lameta, of Vaimoso, Teleiai Dr. Sapa Saifaleupolu, of Samatau and Leuluaialii Tasi Malifa, of Afega expressed deep concerns about the individualization, financialisation and alienation of customary land. Their concerns arose as a result of A.D.B Technical Assistance (TA) initiative for Samoa to Promote the Economic Use of Customary Lands. They argued that the project had been carried without meaningful consultation across Samoa. According to the group, under a series of projects called Promoting Economic Use of Customary Land, the A.D.B has driven land and financial sector reforms in Samoa to make it easier to lease customary land and to use those leases as collateral for loans. The A.D.B wants to create a system through which a single authority figure can unilaterally lease out customary land, without consulting other members of the aiga, the group says in a statement. Under the reforms, the lease agreement could then be used by the leaseholder to access credit from a bank. But if the leaseholder is unable to repay the loan, the bank can take control of the lease, which could cover large tracts of customary land for decades. The chiefs points out that leasing of land to outsiders for long durations, registering these under the Torrens system of land titles registration through the Land Titles Registration Act 2008 (LTRA) that does not recognize collective ownership of the extended family, and then mortgaging those leases with banks to secure interests of investors, is tantamount to customary land alienation, forbidden by customary laws as well as the Constitution of Samoa. Speaking to the Weekend Observer, Fiu said that while they have transferred their complaint to the C.R.P, they will still engage in the consultation process being worked out by the consultant and government promised to commence in May. In the meantime, the C.R.P is requested to investigate whether the A.D.Bs safeguard policies, including the Indigenous Peoples policy, were complied with because chiefs do not believe that some of the central concerns with past reforms affecting customary land tenure will be addressed. The chiefs believe that an independent investigation by the higher level of governance and grievance mechanism of A.D.B through C.R.P is necessary because of the gravity of what is at stake in Samoa - the very fabric of the customary way of life and cultural references of all Samoans, the integrity of the matai (chief) system, the inter- and intra-generational responsibility to ensure protection of customary lands, the real danger that the TAs will amount to alienation of customary lands, to name a few are inevitable as a result of these projects. A detailed statement issued by the group will be published in full in tomorrows Sunday Samoan. The government has repeatedly rejected claims by the group. Last year, former Attorney General Aumua Ming Leung Wai assured that customary lands are protected=. Government wants to protect our customary lands and has no intention to amend Article 102 of the Constitution that would authorize the sale of customary lands, Aumua told the Savali. Customary land cannot be sold or mortgaged according to Article 102 of the Constitution of Samoa. However, customary land can only be leased or licensed under the Alienation of Customary Land Act 1965. Customary lands could also be taken for public purpose under the Taking of Land Act 1964. If Government wants to allow customary land to be sold or mortgaged, then it must first amend Article 102. At the time, Aumua also explained the process to amend Article 102. The only way to amend Article 102 is a two thirds majority of Parliament approval and by holding a public referendum, continued Tuatagaloa. And a two thirds voters majority from referendum or pelepesite is mandated by law for the constitutional amendment to be adopted. All other articles of the Constitution can be amended by two thirds majority in Parliament but Article 102 is the only article that has the added requirement of a public referendum. And Government wants to protect our customary lands and has no intention to amend Article 102. The Member of Parliament for Alataua West, Aliimalemanu Alofa Tuuau, has been spared to serve her five-year term in Parliament. It follows a decision from former M.P for the constituency, Lafaitele Patrick Leiataualesa, to withdraw his election petition yesterday. Lafaitele had accused his rival of bribery and treating during the General Election. Lawyers Eliota Fuimaono Sapolu and Unasa Iuni Sapolu represented him in Court. Amelia Faasau represented Aliimalemanu. In informing the Court about an agreement reached by the parties during mediation, Mr. Fuimaono Sapolu said his client was unwell and could not attend the proceedings. But weve been instructed by our client to withdraw the petition, he said. Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiavaasue Falefatu Sapolu is one of two judges presiding. The other is Justice Lesatele Rapi Vaai. His Honour Patu told the Court he could not disclose what was agreed upon during the mediation because it was confidential. But the Court will make an order that the notice of motion for the withdrawal of the petition be published in a newspaper tomorrow, he said. This matter will be recalled on Tuesday 3rd May to give the parties time to complete the withdrawal process set out in the rules. Chief Justice Patu acknowledged the work of the lawyers involved. He also thanked the constituency affected in the matter for their support as well as the petitioner for change of heart. Although there are ups and downs, it ends up being resolved, he said. Outside Court, Aliimalemanu, was a relieved woman. I thank God there is peace and the matter has been resolved, a method that I had wanted, said the woman M.P. This is the spirit of us Samoans, we want to resolve things and not be brought to Court. I thank the mediation for their part and my constituency and families for their support through this. But Mr. Fuimaono-Sapolu did not share the same excitement. We are getting these breaks in the village of breaking the law and its never getting to Court, he explained. Instead of changing the law to address bribery now the law is being changed...there is a break over here its never getting to Court and something is getting in between. We need to start talking about it first that there is something going on. The lawyer added that we have a kid being arrested for selling a leaf (marijuana) and sent to jail. In theory I have the law but it does not protect anyone in the village. Before the agreement was signed, Mr. Fuimaono-Sapolu had told the Court that the parties could not reach a conclusive solution on Thursday. In terms of this case its been extremely difficult because of the pressure that our client is under, said Sapolu. We may come up and talk about mediation but walking from that room to this Courtroom can change things. It is unbelievable pressure your Honour with things going backwards and forth. The petition is one of four petitions withdrawn this week. The others involve the Speaker of Parliament, Leaupepe Toleafoa Faafisi, Urban West MP, Faumuina Wayne Fong and Falelatai and Samatau MP, Taefu Lemi. Valley Cottage, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/15/2016 -- The demand for ready-to-eat, minimally processed and easily prepared food is increasing day-by-day. Initially packaging of these foods was basically to provide protective and barrier functions, against physical and environmental damages. However, the growth or spoilage due to microorganisms in the packaged foodstuff has still continued to cause problems regarding food safety and quality. To deal with this problem, the concept of 'Active Packaging' was introduced, where different active substances are incorporated into the packaging material to improve its functionality. Antimicrobial food packaging is one form of active packaging, where use of materials with antimicrobial properties is involved. The main aim of this type of packaging is to achieve high quality, safety and long shelf life by reducing or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms, which may be present in the packed food or the packaging material itself. The most desired property of antimicrobial packaging material for food is the controlled release of antimicrobial agent. A rapid or slow release would result in spoilage of packaged food. Several factors must be taken into account in the design or modelling of the antimicrobial film or package. It is clear that the selection of both the substrate and the antimicrobial substance is important in developing an antimicrobial packaging system. Condition of processing antimicrobial activity residue Microbial substance and food characteristics Additives interaction with film matrix Temperature for storage Packaging material properties Request Free Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1380 Market Dynamics: One of the major drivers of the antimicrobial packaging market, is the increasing demand for packaged food. Increasing number of working women, migration of people from urban to rural areas, and rise in disposable income in emerging economies, are the factors that fuel the demand of packaged food. At times, packaged food is preferred over fresh food, because of the safety of quality and hygiene. Moreover, it is convenient and made tasty. Antimicrobial packaging industry has an opportunity to enter the beverage packaging industry, where antimicrobial agents can be used to increase the shelf life of alcoholic, non-alcoholic and dairy-based drinks. Flavored milk, fruit juices, wines, etc. can be packaged using antimicrobial films. Antimicrobial packaging can also be used for cosmetic packaging, which would improve the quality and shelf life of the products. Market Segmentation: The antimicrobial packaging ingredients for food packaging market is segmented on the basis of antimicrobial agent type, food type and packaging film type. Antimicrobial agents are divided into chemical antimicrobial agents and natural antimicrobial agents. Chemical antimicrobial agents are further segmented into benzoic acid and potassium sorbate, and natural antimicrobial agents are segmented into nisin, lysozymes and lactoperoxidase. The market on the basis of food type is divided in to baby food, snacks and fresh food. On the basis of the type of film used for packaging, the market is segmented into low density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), paperboard, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), cellophane and polyethylene (PE). Request For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1380 Regional Outlook: The antimicrobial packaging ingredients for food packaging market is segmented on the basis of regions into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Middle East & Africa (MEA) and Japan. North America & Europe are estimated to be the market leaders in the industry. Asia-Pacific is projected to be the fastest growing region during the forecast period. There are heavy expenditures in the R&D segment of the companies, to introduce improved antimicrobial packaging films ingredients for food packaging. Market Players: The major players in the antimicrobial packaging ingredients for food packaging industry are, Mondi Group (Austria), BioCote (U.K.), LINPAC Packaging (England), OPLON (Israel), Amcor Ltd. (Australia) and Sealed Air (U.S.). A lot of food technology companies are venturing with food packaging players to launch antimicrobial films in the market. Deerfield Beach, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/15/2016 -- Global and China X-Ray Protective Screens Market 2016-2021 Market Research Report Complete report With TOC available: http://www.mrsresearchgroup.com/market-analysis/global-x-ray-protective-screens-market-2016-industry.html The report on the Global and China X-Ray Protective Screens Market 2016 Industry meticulously addresses the various drivers, restraints, and opportunities that exist in this space. Compiled by a team of expert analysts, the report offers an overview of the all the key performance indicators of the Global and China X-Ray Protective Screens Market 2016 Industry.The study analyzes the Global and China X-Ray Protective Screens Market 2016 Industry in terms of revenue and volume, where applicable. Get Sample: http://www.mrsresearchgroup.com/report/43920#request-sample All internal and external factors influencing the growth trajectory of the Global and China X-Ray Protective Screens Market 2016 Industry are taken into account. With a firm focus on the companies that compete for a share of revenues within the Global and China X-Ray Protective Screens Market 2016 Industry, the report is a valuable resource that supports competition mapping and strategy development. Besides the drivers and restraints that will be conspicuous by their presence over the next few years, the Global and China X-Ray Protective Screens Market 2016 Industry report also conducts a detailed analysis of the trends and opportunities that currently prevail. The report doesn't stop at listing the various opportunitiesit also picks out threats, growth pockets as well as white spaces that exist therein. latest X-Ray related report: 1:Global and China X-Ray Film Printers Market 2016-2021 Market Research Report The report on the Global and China X-Ray Film Printers Market 2016 Industry meticulously addresses the various drivers, restraints, and opportunities that exist in this space. Compiled by a team of expert analysts, the report offers an overview of the all the key performance indicators of the Global and China X-Ray Film Printers Market 2016 Industry. Complete report With TOC available: http://www.mrsresearchgroup.com/market-analysis/global-x-ray-film-printers-market-2016-industry.html The study analyzes the Global and China X-Ray Film Printers Market 2016 Industry in terms of revenue and volume, where applicable. By doing so, the team of authors working on this report have been able to offer a complete and realistic picture of the future course that the Global and China X-Ray Film Printers Market 2016 is expected to adopt. All internal and external factors influencing the growth trajectory of the Global and China X-Ray Film Printers Market 2016 Industry are taken into account. With a firm focus on the companies that compete for a share of revenues within the Global and China X-Ray Film Printers Market 2016 Industry, the report is a valuable resource that supports competition mapping and strategy development. Contact Us Joel John 3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138 Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442 United States Toll : +1-855-465-4651 (USA-CANADA) Tel: +1-386-310-3803 Email: sales@mrsresearchgroup.com Website: http://www.mrsresearchgroup.com/ Albany, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/15/2016 -- 'Life Insurance in Australia, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides detailed analysis of the market trends, drivers and challenges in the Australian life insurance segment. It provides key performance indicators such as written premium, incurred loss, loss ratio, commissions and expenses, total assets, total investment income and retentions during the review period (20112015) and over the forecast period (20152020). The report also analyzes distribution channels operating in the segment, gives a comprehensive overview of the Australian economy and demographics, and provides detailed information on the competitive landscape in the country. Browse Market info, get a Sample PDF with TOC: http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=704896 The report brings together Timetric's research, modeling and analysis expertise, giving insurers access to information on segment dynamics and competitive advantages, and profiles of insurers operating in the country. The report also includes details of insurance regulations, and recent changes in the regulatory structure. Summary: 'Life Insurance in Australia, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides in-depth market analysis, information and insights into the Australian life insurance segment, including: - The Australian life insurance segment's growth prospects by life insurance category - Key trends, drivers and challenges for the life insurance segment - A comprehensive overview of the Australian economy and demographics - The various distribution channels in the Australian life insurance segment - Details of the competitive landscape in the life insurance segment in Australia - Details of regulatory policy applicable to the Australian insurance industry Scope: This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the life insurance segment in Australia: It provides historical values for the Australian life insurance segment for the report's 20112015 review period, and projected figures for the 20152020 forecast period. It offers a detailed analysis of the key categories in the Australian life insurance segment, and market forecasts to 2020. It analyzes the various distribution channels for life insurance products in Australia. It profiles the top life insurance companies in Australia and outlines the key regulations affecting them. Reasons To Buy: - Make strategic business decisions using in-depth historic and forecast market data related to the Australian life insurance segment, and each category within it. - Understand the demand-side dynamics, key market trends and growth opportunities in the Australian life insurance segment. - Assess the competitive dynamics in the life insurance segment. - Identify growth opportunities and market dynamics in key product categories. - Gain insights into key regulations governing the Australian insurance industry, and their impact on companies and the industry's future. Enquiry at: http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=704896 Key Highlights: - Life insurance was the largest segment in the Australian insurance industry in 2015, accounting for 51.5% of the gross written premium. - Australia's insurance industry needs more skilled workers, as a result of a lack of concentration on and investment in attracting graduates and entry-level staff. - The improved profitability in 2015 is a positive sign for Australian life insurers, who endured a challenging environment during the 20072008 financial crisis. - In the 20152016 Federal Budget, the government proposed changes to Australia's Age Pension Reform Bill. - Australia's life segment is concentrated, with the 10 leading insurers accounting for 91.9% of the net revenue in 2015. About ResearchMoz ResearchMoz is the world's fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMoz's service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators. Contact Us: Mr. Nachiket Albany NY - 12207 United States Tel: +1-518-621-2074 Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free) Email: sales@researchmoz.us Latest Press-Releases: http://www.researchmoz.us/pressrelease Valley Cottage, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/15/2016 -- Macadamia nut was introduced in the early 1960s to the Kenyan highlands from Australia. Macadamia is a member of the family Proteaceae, native to Australia. Australia and Hawaii are the major producing areas of macadamia with others including eastern and southern Africa, and Central and Latin America. Several species of macadamia exist in Australia but only two species such as M. tetraphylla and Macadamia integrifolia and their hybrids are grown commercially. Production of macadamia nuts in Australia is mainly in eastern shore of Australia (northern New South Wales and south-eastern Queensland). Currently, Hawaii is the largest producer of global macadamia, accounting for around 70 percent of total macadamia production worldwide followed by Australia, around 22 percent, rest is produced by other countries including Malawi, South Africa, Kenya, Guatemala, Mexico, California, Costa Rica, Brazil, New Zealand and China. Tree nuts include almond, cashew, hazelnut, pistachio, walnut, macadamia, and pecan. Currently, macadamia accounts for around only one percent among all the tree nuts available across the globe. Almond nut dominates the nut segment, accounting for around 34 percent. Increasing health claims for macadamia have witnessed a surge in recent years, which if succeeded is expected to increase the consumption of macadamia nuts among consumers. Global Macadamia Market Segmentation: On the basis of application the global macadamia market is broadly segmented into food industry, and cosmetics industry. In food industry macadamia is widely used in confectionaries including chocolate bar, chocolate covered candy, ice cream and other baking products. In cosmetics industry it is used in shampoos, sunscreens, soaps and others. Request Free Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1304 Geographically, global macadamia market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and Middle East & Africa. Currently, North America and Western Europe account for major market share for macadamia however, Asia Pacific excluding Japan is expected to grow significantly in the forecasted years. Global Macadamia Market Dynamics: Owing to increasing variety of applications of macadamia, various workshop are taking places in order to increase the international trade for macadamia and since capitalise the growing demand for macadamia. Adoption of macadamia in chocolate and ice cream among consumers is expected to drive the demand for global macadamia in the near future. The biggest restraint for macadamia market is increasing crop losses due to immature nuts and moldy / rotten nuts. The crop losses due to these type of nuts accounts for around 50 percent of the total macadamia wastage globally. Thereby, reducing inclination of crop growers for macadamia and thus, hampering the market growth. There is a high opportunity to increase the market share of macadamia in terms of revenue across countries such as Mexico, China, South Africa and others. Companies are investing in these countries through promotional activities in order to increase the footprint of macadamia worldwide. Download TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1304 Global Macadamia Market Key Players: Some of the key players operating in the global macadamia market are Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Corp., Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company, MacFarms, Wondaree Macadamias, NAMBUCCA MACNUTS Pty Ltd, Golden Macadamias, Royal Macadamia (Pty) Ltd., Kenya Nut Company Ltd. and MWT Foods Australia. Shawnee on Delaware, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/15/2016 -- Charlie Kirkwood, candidate for Pennsylvania Delegate to the Republican National Convention, calls for voters' input regarding the selection of a Presidential nominee at the Republican National Convention. Previously elected twice as a convention delegate, Kirkwood suggests a way for Pennsylvania voters to have their voices heard despite Pennsylvania's unusual election rules. He suggests voters in his district input their preference directly via http://www.facebook.com/CharlieforDelegate to him and that all the delegates make the same arrangement. All of Pennsylvania's elected delegates run uncommitted to any presidential candidate in the primaries where the convention delegates are elected. Those who are elected are not bound to any presidential candidate even on the first ballot no matter how the presidential candidates fare in the primary. Thus, a voter who voted for, say, Sen. Cruz on the primary ballot may also have unknowingly voted for a delegate to the national convention who is a Trump supporter since none of the delegate candidates need declare whom they support. In virtually every other state, delegates' votes must reflect the outcome of their states' primary votes with regard to the Presidential candidates at least on the first ballot. Kirkwood recently launched a Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/CharlieforDelegate), allowing voters to indicate to him whom they support. He intends to maintain this website during the convention so voters can express their preferences right up to the final vote for the Republican Presidential candidate. He urges all delegates to do the same. He has already sent this message to approximately 195,000 potential voters in the 17th Pennsylvania congressional district soliciting their input. In the current complicated Presidential race, Americans need ways to have their views expressed in a contested Republican convention. The last contested Republican convention occurred 40 years ago in 1976. The possibility of a contested convention this year requires delegates to know who voters want the nominee to be in the upcoming convention, taking place in Cleveland July 18-21, 2016. For further information about Charlie Kirkwood as a Republican Delegate in the 17th Congressional District of Pennsylvania, please visit https://www.facebook.com/CharlieforDelegate. Voters are invited and encouraged to share their opinions. About Charlie Kirkwood A lifelong Pennsylvanian, Kirkwood grew up in Bethlehem where both his father and grandfather worked at Bethlehem Steel's grinder mill. He received his undergraduate degree at Williams College and later completed his LL.B. at Harvard Law School. After college, as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Coast Guard, he served in Cuba during the Bay of Pigs invasion and Southeast Asia. Charlie established his own law practice overseas, where he met and married his wife, Ginny in Turkey where she was a Peace Corps volunteer. In 1977, Charlie and Ginny returned home to Pennsylvania and purchased the historic Shawnee Inn on the Delaware River, where they currently reside. Charlie was twice elected Delegate to the Republican National Convention and served as Monroe County's Pennsylvania Republican Party Chairman for six years. If elected, Charlie intends to have the voters of the 17th Congressional District of Pennsylvania guide his vote at the 2016 Republican Convention. For interviews, please contact Jeromy Wo, Communications Specialist at: 570-424-4000 or by e-mail at: charliefordelegate@gmail.com Contact: Jeromy Wo, Communications Specialist Phone: 570-424-4000 E-mail: charliefordelegate@gmail.com Website: https://www.facebook.com/CharlieforDelegate A technology that relies on trained African giant pouched rats named HeroRATS to sniff out tuberculosis (TB) and diagnose the disease faster than conventional diagnostic methods is helping save lives in Mozambique and Tanzania. Mozambique and Tanzania are among 22 high-burden nations suffering from TB, with 58,270 and 63,151 new cases of the disease detected, respectively in 2014, says the WHO. The rat technology is being used by Belgian non-governmental organisation, APOPO, for speedy and cost-effective testing of TB in the two countries prisons, allowing patients to receive prompt treatments. When the HeroRAT detects TB, it hovers over the sample for three to five seconds. Charlie Richter, APOPO According to APOPO information sent to SciDev.Net last month (23 March), the project is benefitting from a two-year US$80,000 funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) awarded in 2015. Charlie Richter, US director of APOPO, says the pilot project is aiding a diagnostic accuracy study of the technology in high risk populations, such as prisons, adding rigorous scientific evidence towards WHO endorsement. The HeroRats are presented with a row of ten suspect TB sputum samples. When the HeroRAT detects TB, it hovers over the sample for three to five seconds, Richter says. All rat-indicated positive samples are then confirmed by LED microscopy or Xpert MTB/RIF, the WHO recommended technology for identifying suspected cases of TB. A single HeroRAT can check about 100 sputum samples in just 20 minutes, compared to conventional methods of microscopy, which would take a laboratory technician two days or more and still miss many of the true positives, Richter says. Early studies show that the rats are able to correctly identify 70 per cent of TB cases and 81 per cent of those without the disease . It takes about nine months to fully train a TB detection rat, but once trained they can screen thousands of sputum samples every month. We have trained 59 TB detection rats in our training and research centre in Morogoro, Tanzania, nine were then transported to Maputo, Mozambique, adds Richter. Of these, 30 are still active in Tanzania and 8 in Maputo. The others are either retired or died from natural causes. The project has screened over 300,000 TB samples, resulting in a 45 per cent increase in TB detection at partner clinics. Richter tells SciDev.Net that without HeroRATs, the clinics would have incorrectly diagnosed 50 per cent of symptomatic TB positive patients as TB negative. In the future, APOPO plans to test the rats abilities to detect other diseases such as cancer. APOPO hopes to roll out its TB programme in at least six countries by 2020 in Africa and Asia Bangladesh, Cambodia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, India and Kenya, but cites funding and establishing partnerships as challenges. Jeremiah Chakaya, a physician and chest specialist with the Kenya Association for the Prevention of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, says work with rats to detect TB has been going on for a long time. The idea, he explains, was spurred by the superb sense of smell of these rats which had been used to detect land mines after the Mozambican civil war. The rats pick up in their smell a group of chemicals collectively called volatile organic compounds (VOCs), says says Chakaya, noting that the rats alert an observer that there are TB-associated VOCs in a sample. The same principle has been used to develop machines called electronic noses. My suspicion is, it is the electronic noses that will move forward to commercialisation, if the technologies prove their worth. Rats may be cumbersome to place in a clinical laboratory but not impossibly so. This piece was produced by SciDev.Nets Sub-Saharan Africa English desk. FLORENCE, S.C. Florence School District 1 and public education in general must remain committed to our core business of teaching and learning. Often our children come to our schools with needs that have not always been the responsibility of schools. Therefore, some days our schools must address issues that may impact how we remain committed to our core business. We address needs for children outside our teaching and learning commitment so they have the opportunity to become educated as defined by established criteria that are assessed each year. We take a more holistic approach to educating the children today because our quality of life is enhanced in an educated community. If you want to know how successful a community is, just examine how they treat their children and the elderly. The accomplishments of our school district last year were impressive. We received an Excellent Report Card rating, and our district was recognized for improvement in the achievement of students belonging to historically underachieving groups for the second year in a row. Florence 1 schools for the first time received 100 percent Absolute Ratings of Excellent, Good, or Average. Our students received scholarships totaling over $15 million; we had eight National Merit finalists, and the list goes on and on. We have a good school district, but we cannot let good keep us from pursuing greatness. In order to be a great school district, we need an engaged and involved community. By combining engaged and involved , we can create a learning community. We must pay particular attention to those members of our community who do not have children in schools. These individuals are taxpayers and contributors to our school district each year. It is imperative that we purposely design ways to effectively communicate to them what their return on investment is as often as possible. Those members of our community who do not have children in our schools are more likely to be the engaged and take a more systemic view of the school district rather than be involved with individual schools. Examples of community engagement: >> Advocating for all children and all schools. >> Championing the link between education and the quality of life in our community. >> Engaging in the political arena to support education. >> Understanding and advocating for early childhood education. >> Articulating the importance of a high-quality work force and what it takes to recruit, develop and retain employees. >> Communicating the importance of home-school-community connection, which is essential in developing a learning community. >> Our parents and employees have the opportunity to be more involved in our schools, but their engagement is needed also. Examples of community involvement: >> Mentoring a child. >> Volunteering in a school. >> Serving as a proctor for testing. >> Serving as a member/officer in PTA/PTO/APT or booster clubs. >> Selling/buying tickets for fundraising events for the schools. >> Becoming a business partner. There are many more ways to become engaged and involved in our schools. In doing so, we must develop the attitude that providing and receiving a great education is everybodys business. Effective 9 May, the maximum authorised transit draught will be set at 11.59m (38.0 feet) Tropical Fresh Water. Vessels loaded to draughts over 11.59 meters (38.0ft) on or before 11 April 2016, will have this draught restriction waived for transit, subject to safety considerations. Vessels loaded after 11 April 2016, have to comply with the draught restriction. As in the past, draught restrictions will be implemented in 15cm (six-inch) decrements at a time, with each restriction announced at least four weeks in advance. The Panama Canal will continue to monitor and manage the water levels. The Panama Canal will eliminate these draught restrictions as soon as Gatun Lake level returns to normal. As always, these are temporary and preventive measures to ensure the continuous and safe operations of the Canal. Greece stands to benefit from Chinas growing global influence, while the port of Piraeus can play a pivotal role in the development of its economy, said Xu Lirong, president of China Cosco Shipping after putting pen to paper. Greece will have many benefits from Chinas growing influence and power in the global market, said Xu. Chinese companies see huge investment opportunities in Greece and this is something backed by the Chinese government, said Xu, insisting his companys objective is to transform Piraeus into the Mediterraneans most competitive port. As Greece struggles in economic quicksand, Greeces Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras saw the agreement as an important message to the worlds financial community. After signing the deal he noted it makes the Silk Road faster and shorter at a time when Greece is putting emphasis on economic recovery, adding, this investment will be the start for a series of new investments. Perhaps trying to explain why the process has taken three years to materalise Tsipras added the Greek government wants to protect the working conditions and the environment. Indeed, Shipping and Island Policy Minister, Theodoris Dritsas, refused to attend the signing underpinning the socialist Piraeus MP's stance on privatisations. Dritsas believes the deal has no legal standing unless it is ratified by Parliament and intends to fight until the parliamentary vote in a few days. Dockworkers are also opposed to the deal saying it will put their jobs at risk. Their union struck during the signing and held a protest in central Athens over the past weekend. Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos hopes this deal is just the beginning for many more investments to come to Greece. He met with Xu after the signing stressed the importance of the agreement for both sides. When we talk about economic development we always mean sustainable growth, which places people at its centre, said Pavlopoulos. Under the deal, Cosco will pay EUR280.5m to buy 51% of the PPA and EUR88m for another 16% after five years, on the condition it commits to investments of EUR350m in the next decade. Xu has pledged that as soon as the deal comes into effect, Cosco plans to invest in maintaining the shipbuilding infrastructure, seek a greater share in the cruise sector and organise coastal shipping. He also assured the company will pay great attention to the labour relations and to provide the best working conditions for the employees. Since 2009, Cosco's subsidiary Piraeus Container Terminal (PCT) has been operating container terminals II and III at Piraeus under a 35-year concession. In 2015, the container throughput of Piraeus increased to 3.36m teu from 880,000teu in 2010, while the global ranking of Piraeus rose from 93rd to 39th in terms of container capacity. According to Tassos Vamvakidis, commercial manager of PCT, since 2010 Cosco has invested EUR600m in the two container terminals, paid Euro 200m to the Greek state in rent, EUR100m in taxes, EUR105m in salaries and provides work for 1,047 people, of which just a handful of executives are Chinese. For more than a decade, Christine Slocumb has been spreading the good word about her clients at Clarity Quest Marketing . And she has learned a thing or two about running a PR firm over that time."Don't worry about the first two years," Slocumb says. "The first two years are the most difficult. Also, over 15 years you will have a few years that are lean and mean."Ann Arbor-based Clarity Quest is celebrating its 15th anniversary this month. The company has 20 employees and an intern between its home base in Ann Arbor and offices in Connecticut and Seattle. Its revenue is up 25 percent last year, and that's on top of a 23 percent increase the year before that. Slocumb wants to hit 30 percent revenue growth this year as her firm's work grows across the U.S."We have some of our first clients in Silicon Valley now," Slocumb says. "That's a region I always wanted to tap into."Slocumb suggest other small companies focus on a handful of things to really grow and establish themselves: patience, perseverance, hard work and finding a niche. Clarity Quest Marketing has sharpened its focus in its later years to concentrate on work in healthcare IT firms. That specialization has really allowed the company to grow in recent years."That really paid off for us," Slocumb says.Source: Christine Slocumb, president of Clarity Quest MarketingWriter: Jon Zemke Venture capital in Michigan has come a long way over the last 15 years, and a new report from the Michigan Venture Capital Association puts some numbers to that growth.The Ann Arbor-based non-profit released its annual report this week showing growth with some impressive numbers for the venture capital in the Great Lakes State. Michigan enjoyed its best year for venture capital investment in 2015, clocking $328 million. That's up from $224 million the year before (it's third best year) and $246 in 2012, its second best year. Venture capital in Michigan is up 150 percent over the last decade, according to the report.Michigan-based venture capital firms have $2.2 billion under management, up 47 percent in the last five years and more capital under management than ever before. Michigan venture investors finance nearly every Michigan venture-funded startup. The report concludes that local venture capital has gone from practically non-existent in Michigan 15 years ago to having firmly taken root and growing steadily."There are a lot of factors at play at this point," says Maureen Miller Brosnan, executive director of Michigan Venture Capital Association . "Venture capital has firmly established its role in as an economic driver in Michigan."Ann Arbor is widely seen as the capital for venture capital activity in Michigan thanks to its proximity to the University of Michigan. There is also a large concentration of local VCs headquartered in Ann Arbor and a number of out-of-state VCs with offices in Tree Town.The report also shows a rise in angel investing in Michigan. There are currently 128 startups in Michigan that have received funding from a locally based angel group, a 42 percent increase in the last five years. Membership in Michigans nine angel groups hit 294 investors, a 59 percent increase in the last five years. Michigans Grand Angels was listed among the three most active angel groups in the country, and a new angel group in the Upper Pennisula, Innovation Shore Angel Network , launched last year, according to the report."Grand Angels has set the pace for growth of the nine angel groups in the state of Michigan," Miller Brosnan says. "There has been tremendous growth there."Source: Maureen Miller Brosnan, executive director of Michigan Venture Capital AssociationWriter: Jon Zemke This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Former Black Panther Party head Elaine Brown is suing the city of Oakland and Councilwoman Desley Brooks for $7 million for injuries she said she suffered when Brooks punched her in a downtown soul food restaurant. The lawsuit, filed Thursday in Alameda County Superior Court, alleges that Brooks, 54, unleashed a tsunami of criminal, assaultive, violent conduct on Ms. Brown during a dispute over affordable housing. It includes three photographs in which Brown, 72, appears to be getting hospital treatment, with one showing tubes running through her neck and nose. You can see the kind of misery that she has gone through, said Browns attorney, Charles Bonner. Brown, who ran the Black Panther Party from 1974 to 1977 following Huey Newtons leadership, claimed she suffered head injuries and bruises and underwent surgery at Kaiser Hospital in Oakland for a massive rotator cuff tear after the Oct. 30 incident at Everett & Jones. Details of lawsuit It stemmed from a conflict that escalated when Brooks allegedly threatened to block Browns bid for city funding to build affordable housing near the urban farm she operates in West Oakland. I have not moved on you before because youre old. But now I am tired of your bull! the lawsuit alleges Brooks yelled at Brown before punching the older woman in the chest with two fists, sending her stumbling over a stack of folded chairs and causing her to land hard on the back of her head and shoulders. Brown has argued for months that the city should be held liable for her injuries because Oakland officials knew that Brooks who chairs the councils Public Safety Committee had a propensity for violence. According to the lawsuit, Brooks assaulted a city staffer during a closed-door council meeting that took place roughly a decade ago, also hitting him in the chest with two fists. She has struck, hit, pushed, assaulted, and battered people before this latest vicious, violent attack, assault and battery on Ms. Brown, the lawsuit claims. Councils rejection But the Oakland City Council rejected that argument in January, after Brown filed a 16-page complaint against the city. Ruling that the incident didnt happen within the course and scope of Ms. Brooks position as an Oakland City Councilmember, the council voted unanimously to turn down Browns demand for $1 million from the city and $6 million from Brooks. She was not representing the council at that meeting, and she certainly wasnt representing me, Councilman Noel Gallo said Friday. Bonner, the attorney, insists that the city is at least partly culpable for Brooks alleged misconduct. This whole thing erupted because Brooks threatened to destroy an application for affordable housing, he said. She was speaking in her official capacity. ... They were not talking about the Warriors, or about going to a beauty salon, or about a trip to Europe. Brooks did not return calls Friday seeking comment, and she has never publicly addressed Browns accusation. A spokesman for the Oakland city attorneys office said he couldnt comment because the office had not yet been served with the lawsuit. Oakland police completed a criminal probe of the incident and submitted the evidence to the Alameda County district attorneys office, where it is under review. Rachel Swan is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan The city of Milpitas has agreed to pay $140,000 to settle an age-discrimination suit by a federal civil rights agency on behalf of three women who were passed over in favor of a younger candidate for the $95,000-a-year job of executive secretary to the city manager. The applicants Rhonda Anderson, 55, Margaret Espinoza, 57, and Rosvida Galinda Penas, 58 all received high ratings in 2012 from a city panel screening candidates for the post of secretary to City Manager Tom Williams. Instead, the city hired 39-year-old candidate Rachelle Currie, who was also rated well qualified but had a lower score than the older applicants. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate For the first time, San Francisco is going to require the 37,000 Lyft and Uber drivers who work in the city seven or more days a year to obtain a business license. City Treasurer Jose Cisneros wouldnt fully explain why he is now requiring the license, which will cost drivers $91 annually, when the companies started operations years ago. But one reason, he said, is that the city launched its online business registration system in March before, registrants had to go to City Hall to apply in person. The move ups the political tension between the city and Uber and Lyft. When faced with class-action lawsuits from drivers seeking status as employees, the companies have vigorously maintained that the drivers are independent contractors. Cisneros is in essence turning that argument back on them and saying: If thats the case, the drivers have to register as independent contractors for a business license. Another reason the treasurer is taking action now may be that he finally has the names of the drivers. Uber and Lyft have long refused to provide drivers names and addresses to the city. Cisneros would not say how he obtained them. The license will cost drivers $91 a year if they earn $100,000 or less in gross receipts. If they have been driving for multiple years, they will have to pay a registration fee for the years in which they didnt register. Cisneros letter, which will be sent in three batches on Friday, Monday and Tuesday states that the recipient has been identified as a driver for a transportation network company and therefore must obtain a business registration certificate within 30 days. Failure to respond to this letter may result in penalties and payment obligations, the letter states. We have a very broad and comprehensive business registration requirement, Ciseneros said. This has been a law that has been around for many years. Its very clearly spelled out on our website the law here in San Francisco requires you to register your business with the city. If they missed that requirement, they are still obligated to do that. In response to the news, Uber struck a conciliatory tone and indicated it would not challenge the city. Uber partners with entrepreneurial drivers and as independent contractors, they are responsible for following appropriate local requirements, Uber spokeswoman Laura Zapata wrote in an email. Lyft spokeswoman Chelsea Wilson said the company is opposed to the plan. We have serious concerns with the citys plan to collect and display Lyft drivers personal information in a publicly available database, she said in an email. People in San Francisco, who are choosing to drive with Lyft to help make ends meet, shouldnt have to compromise their privacy in order to share a ride. Cisneros has aggressively gone after companies that profit from the gig economy, sometimes clashing with Mayor Ed Lee in the process. In 2012, over Lees objections, Cisneros ruled that Airbnb owed back taxes, which city officials estimated at $25 million. The mayor wanted Cisneros to hold off on the decision until a broader tax overhaul could be rolled out. Airbnb acquiesced last year and paid the taxes. Lee was not involved in Cisneros decision to require the Uber and Lyft drivers to register with the city. Christine Falvey, Lees spokeswoman, neither endorsed nor opposed the move. The mayor defers questions about the definition of independent contractor and interpretation of requirements under city law to the treasurer, Falvey said. Cisneros said he doesnt expect that all 37,018 drivers who receive the letter are still drivers. But if they are and they register, it will generate $3.37 million a year for the city. An unknown number of drivers already have the license. It is also unclear to what extent Cisneros will be able to enforce the business registration requirement. He said San Francisco law requires firms to display a registration certificate in their place of business including their car and drivers could be cited for failing to do so. Both Lyft and Uber have faced class-action lawsuits over the past year over whether its drivers are employees or independent contractors. Plaintiffs say they should be classified as employees and entitled to reimbursement for expenses as well as the rights and benefits of employees. Lyft attempted to settle such a lawsuit in January, agreeing to pay $12.25 million to drivers, although not classifying them as employees. A San Francisco federal judge rejected that proposed settlement this month, saying the $12.25 million shortchanged the drivers. A similar lawsuit against Uber is still in the courts. Its incredibly important to Lyft and Ubers business model that the drivers be independent contractors, said UC Hastings law Professor Reuel Schiller. They are not really interested in compromise. This sounds to me like the city of San Francisco is attempting to play hardball in return. Emily Green is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: egreen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @emilytgreen This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Fifteen years after blackouts swept the state, a Federal Energy Regulatory Commission judge has found that a division of Shell Oil engaged in fraud and market manipulation during Californias energy crisis, with company traders joking on tape about burning the evidence if they were ever caught. The tentative decision, which must be approved by the FERC board, holds Shell and Spanish energy company Iberdrola liable for $1.1 billion in ill-gotten profits, money that could be refunded to Californians if the decision stands. It could end the last legal case over the expensive, long-term power purchase contracts that California signed under duress during the 2000-01 crisis, which pushed the states largest utility into bankruptcy and fueled the recall of Gov. Gray Davis. The state has already settled with all other companies accused of unjustly profiting from the long-term contracts, settlements worth a total of $7.7 billion. This crisis was unprecedented in the history of the modern electricity system, and finally were getting some justice for the people of California, said Mike Florio, a member of the California Public Utilities Commission, whose lawyers have been pursuing Shell Energy North America since 2002. California officials are still pushing complaints against 13 companies involved in short-term contracts during the crisis, but have settled with others for a total of roughly $4 billion, Florio said. Enron-like schemes The initial decision, issued Tuesday by Administrative Law Judge Steven Glazer, details Shell traders using schemes similar to those employed by Enron to drive up day-to-day power prices, which then increased the price California had to pay on its long-term contracts. As a result, Californians ended up overpaying Shell by $779 million and Iberdrola by $371 million, according to the initial decision. Both figures include interest. Shell traders jokes In an echo of Enron, some Shell traders joked about the schemes on taped telephone conversations. In audio files and transcripts posted online by Californias utilities commission, traders ask each other whether they have ethical problems with rolling blackouts. In one exchange, a trader notes, I dont know how honest that is, but were not in the honesty game, are we? Another replies, Were in optimizing. Its not a question of honesty. ... Its a question of optimization. A Shell spokesman offered only a brief comment Friday, noting that the case was still ongoing. Shells response Shell Energy has received and is reviewing the administrative law judges Initial Decision in the long term contract case currently before FERC, spokesman Ray Fisher said in an emailed comment. We take our business and compliance with regulations very seriously. One scheme the judge cited, called Ricochet by Enron and more commonly known as megawatt laundering, involved buying electricity within California to ship to a destination outside of the state while simultaneously selling the same power back into the states market at a higher price. No electricity actually left the California market it just appeared that way. Its callousness on par with Enron, Florio said. They knew what they were doing. They just thought they could get away with it. Shell Energy North America currently supplies electricity to Marin Countys community choice aggregation program, Marin Clean Energy, which buys electricity on behalf of the countys residents. CleanPowerSF to debut For several years, San Francisco officials negotiated with Shell to provide the same service for CleanPowerSF the citys long-delayed community choice program, which launches next month. CleanPowerSF is designed to increase San Franciscos use of renewable power, and the programs critics noted the irony of relying on an oil company subsidiary to buy electricity. In the end, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission chose not to sign a contract with Shell. In contrast to Shell, Iberdrola came late to the lingering legal fight that followed the energy crisis. Megawatt laundering In 2007, the company based in Bilbao, Spain, bought Scottish Power and its subsidiary PPM Energy. California officials alleged that at the time of the crisis, PPM known then as PacifiCorp Power Marketing served as a destination for megawatt laundering, acting as a kind of virtual, out-of-state parking lot for fictitious power transfers. Iberdrola argued that simultaneous agreements to buy and resell electricity were not inherently illegal. We are currently reviewing the ALJs recommendation, but continue to believe that the full Commission will accept our arguments and those of FERC staff presented at the hearing, said Art Sasse, communications director for subsidiary Iberdrola Renewables, in an emailed statement. Both Florio and his commission, which regulates California utilities, have come under intense criticism for growing too cozy with the companies they oversee. Tenacious CPUC staff Florio, who was appointed to the commission in 2011, said Tuesdays initial decision in the Shell case showed the tenacity of the commissions staff, working for more than a decade to recoup money Californians lost in the crisis. Quietly, these folks have been toiling away all this time, never giving up to right these wrongs, Florio said. The FERC board faces no specific deadline for making a decision in the case, he said. David R. Baker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: dbaker@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @DavidBakerSF Visit many of Americas top landmarks, and amid the crowds of tourists, youll find hip, young people in pink mustache T-shirts. This small army, spread across 20 of the largest U.S. cities, has been out in full force since late last year, handing out $50 Lyft ride vouchers to anyone passing by. For those who happen to miss the street teams, Lyft Inc. has been running giant billboards around the country. Once a customer signs up, the company keeps them coming back by offering half-off fares on weekdays in some cities. All these promotions are not cheap. In January, Lyft said it raised $1 billion, which is helping fuel the spending spree and steal market share from Uber Technologies Inc. To keep costs in check, Lyft has promised investors to cap its losses at no more than $50 million a month, according to a person familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified because the plans are private. Meanwhile, Uber has been working to fulfill a promise to shareholders and employees that it would achieve profitability in North America by the second quarter of 2016, a milestone it says it has now reached in the U.S. and Canada. In February, Uber earned an average of 19 cents per ride in the U.S. Uber CEO Travis Kalanicks commitment to profitability has left an opening for Lyft, and the smaller upstarts free-spending strategy is starting to pay off. While each company offers different market-share numbers, they agree that Lyft is expanding in major U.S. cities. Because its a two-sided market, its really important that these firms build up substantial market share, said Evan Rawley, a business school professor at Columbia University. Its a good strategy for Lyft. I think it makes a lot of sense. Lyft says it has captured 45 percent of trips in Los Angeles and Austin, and 43 percent in San Francisco, where both companies are located. Uber says it had 55 percent of ride-hailing sales in Austin, 75 percent in Los Angeles and 66 percent in San Francisco, citing third-party credit card data from the first two weeks of March. From everything Im looking at, were gaining share in all top 20 markets, which is where 80 percent to 90 percent of rides happen, said Lyft President John Zimmer. Outside of big cities, though, its still Uber country. Of 169 million trips booked through Uber worldwide in March, the company said, 50 million were in the U.S. Lyft says it did 11 million U.S. rides that month, up from 7 million in October. Lyft continues to devise new and often expensive ways to expand in the U.S., the only country in which it operates. When a Lyft driver refers someone to sign up as a new driver, both get a $750 bonus in some cities. And Lyft has the capacity to keep spending. Zimmer said that the company still has by far the majority of the $2 billion its raised from investors. This allows us to control our own destiny. We do not need to raise any additional capital, and its just a fantastic position to be in. Uber says customers lured away by subsidies are the most likely to return if Lyfts prices go up. Its easy enough to buy trips with heavy subsidies for drivers and discounts for riders, Uber spokeswoman Jill Hazelbaker wrote in an email. But to build a successful, long-term business, you need a path to profitability which Uber has always had. Uber isnt limited by a lack of funds, either. The company is sitting on at least $6 billion in capital, along with a $2 billion credit line, according to people familiar with the matter. But Uber had said that it would spend at least $1 billion in China last year and plans to drop another $1 billion there this year. Uber needs to show investors, who have given the company a valuation of $62.5 billion, that its capable of turning a profit at home if it intends to sink more money into Asia, says Arun Sundararajan, a New York University business school professor. The expectations on when Uber will hit profitability have a shorter clock on them because Ubers valuation is so high, he says. Lyft has a little more runway. Eric Newcomer is a Bloomberg writer. Email: enewcomer@bloomberg.net Microsoft is alleging that a federal law which forces it to secretly hand over peoples emails and other data without notifying them is unconstitutional. On Thursday morning, the Redmond, Wash., company sued the Department of Justice in a federal court in Seattle. In a filing, company lawyers wrote that a statute in the Electronics Communications Privacy Act of 1986 gives courts the power to keep customers in the dark when the government seeks their email content or other private information, based solely on a reason to believe that disclosure might hinder an investigation. Among other things, Microsoft says the act violates its customers Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and the companys First Amendment rights to criticize government investigations. A Justice Department spokeswoman said the agency is reviewing Microsofts filing. The lawsuit is asking for two things, said Jennifer Granick, the director of civil liberties at Stanfords Center for Internet and Society. That people be notified eventually, if they are spied on, and, two, its asking for a much more scrupulous and discriminating use of gag orders, which are now seemingly routine when they are supposed to be extraordinary. This latest tussle with the Justice Department marks an expansion of the public debate over digital privacy that, most recently, has been centered around the ability of governments to search smartphones involved in crimes. This is all part of a recognition that we live much of our lives through our devices, and that these smartphones, tablets, desktops and laptops handle intimate, personal data the kind of secrets we might once have kept on paper, behind lock and key, in our homes. Modern cell phones are not just another technological convenience, Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in an opinion of a 2014 case involving the search of a smartphone. With all they contain and all they may reveal, they hold for many Americans the privacies of life. Yet the plain black screens of smartphones are often just windows into even more intimate and private data kept on servers maintained by companies and accessed over the Internet. Because these companies store data on servers they control, government agents can go directly to companies to compel them to turn it over, rather than seek it from individuals. Cloud computing has spurred a profound change in the storage of private information, wrote Microsofts president and chief legal officer, Brad Smith, in a blog post. Today, individuals increasingly keep their emails and documents on remote servers in data centers in short, in the cloud. But the transition to the cloud does not alter peoples expectations of privacy and should not alter the fundamental constitutional requirement that the government must with few exceptions give notice when it searches and seizes private information or communications. There are fundamental differences between the dispute between the FBI and Apple over data stored on iPhones. The data on those devices is encrypted and secured by hardware and software that seeks to frustrate attempts to guess pass codes. While Apple doesnt have the ability to decrypt the data by itself, it could, the government has argued, help agents by weakening its devices protective technologies and thereby give them access to it. Microsofts complaint is different. It isnt contesting the governments ability to request data stored on its servers. Rather, its asking whether absolute secrecy is legal in such orders. The government has argued that notifying customers would alert criminals and terrorists to open investigations. In the blog post, Smith wrote that, over the past 18 months, the U.S. government has required secrecy regarding 2,576 legal demands. Of those, Smith wrote, 68 percent contained no fixed end date. This means that we effectively are prohibited forever from telling our customers that the government has obtained their data. For companies like Microsoft, one fear is that consumers and corporate customers, particularly those based outside the U.S., will avoid using their cloud-computing services if governments can spy on them secretly. Under CEO Satya Nadella, Microsoft has staked its future on cloud computing, spending $15 billion on data centers for its Azure services, which compete with similar offerings from Google and Amazon. Sean Sposito is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ssposito@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @seansposito Fairfield Police have identified a suspect in last weeks fatal shooting of a 28-year-old man that prompted a temporary lockdown at a nearby middle school. Police are searching for Kyle Matthew Amos, 28, of Fairfield, after a lead in the investigation led authorities to suspect him in the slaying. Investigators learned Wednesday that Amos, who is considered armed and dangerous, was believed to be inside a house in the 100 block of Stephen Street. MINNEAPOLIS One of five Minnesota men due to go on trial next month for conspiring to provide material support to the Islamic State group changed his plea Thursday to guilty, saying he succumbed to propaganda videos that preached jihad. Adnan Abdihamid Farah, 20, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Three other counts were dropped, including conspiracy to commit murder outside the United States. Farah faces a maximum of 15 years in prison but avoided a possible life sentence by taking the plea deal. I take responsibility for myself and actions I committed, Farah told U.S. District Judge Michael Davis, who didnt set a sentencing date. The hearing was interrupted for about 45 minutes after Farahs mother, Ayan Farah, 39, collapsed with chest pain as proceedings got under way. Security personnel hustled her son out of the courtroom, and medics took her to a hospital for treatment. There was no immediate word on her condition. Adnan Farahs brother, Mohamed Abdihamid Farah, 22, is among the other four defendants who are scheduled to go on trial May 9. Adnan Farahs attorney, Kenneth Udoibok, said the stress of the case has been weighing heavily on their mother. Altogether, 10 Minnesota men have been charged with conspiracy to provide material support to the Islamic State group as part of the investigation. Five have now pleaded guilty, one remains at large. About a dozen Minnesota residents have traveled to Syria to join militant groups there in recent years. Unlike the other defendants, Adnan Farah wasnt accused of trying to travel to Syria to fight for the Islamic State. But he told Davis he applied for an expedited U.S. passport with the intention of doing so. He said his parents confiscated the passport when it came in the mail early. He then put a $100 down payment on a fake passport and also tried to help a co-defendant get one. Im more than sorry for the pain I caused my parents, Farah said, his voice choked with emotion. If I had listened to them, I wouldnt be here today. Udoibok said he was confident Davis would treat Farah fairly. WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. Donald Trumps campaign manager wont be prosecuted for battery after briefly grabbing a female reporters arm at a campaign event, but prosecutors said Thursday the situation might have been avoided with two simple words: Im sorry. State Attorney Dave Aronberg said at a news conference there wasnt enough evidence to justify bringing misdemeanor simple battery charges against Corey Lewandowski for the March 8 dustup with Michelle Fields, then a reporter for the conservative Breitbart News website. Although Lewandowskis act wasnt criminal, Aronberg said there may have been an easy way to defuse things. In a case like this we do encourage an apology. Had an apology been given at the beginning of all this, we could have avoided the whole criminal justice process, Aronberg said. Although police in Jupiter, Fla., found enough probable cause to charge Lewandowski last month after viewing a video recording of the encounter, Aronberg said prosecutors are held to a higher legal standard. We have the burden of proving each case beyond a reasonable doubt, he said. Lewandowski denied grabbing Fields and Republican front-runner Trump stood by him, rejecting calls by his opponents to fire or discipline him. Instead, he went after Fields, accusing her of exaggerating and changing her story. Not backing down, Fields tweeted a photograph of her bruised forearm and said she had been yanked backward. The investigation proved that Lewandowski pulled Ms. Fields back as she attempted to interview Trump, according to a memo by another prosecutor, Chief Assistant State Attorney Adrienne Ellis. The memo says Lewandowski could have believed Fields was making unwanted physical contact with Mr. Trump that led him to pull her away. Mr. Lewandowski may have had apparent authority to assist in the protection of the candidate, specifically to maintain the protective bubble around the candidate, Ellis wrote. While the facts support the allegation that Mr. Lewandowski did grab Ms. Fields arm against her will, Mr. Lewandowski has a reasonable hypothesis of innocence. Ellis added that the video showed Trump moving his arm away from Fields initial contact, but said that didnt constitute battery either. It was incidental, she said. At a Wisconsin campaign rally hours after Lewandowski was charged, Trump read Fields account aloud: Maybe he touched (her) a little bit, but I didnt see, Trump told the crowd. It was almost like he was trying to keep her off me, right? Fields weighed in on Twitter: My story never changed. Seriously, just stop lying. She quit Breitbart shortly after the altercation, saying its editors didnt support her as they tried to maintain their relationship with Trump. Other Breitbart employees also quit. Aronberg said he talked with Fields and said she was disappointed. She wanted a prosecution to go forward, he said. HOUSTON A Texas deputy constable is expected to recover after undergoing several hours of surgery for multiple wounds suffered when he was shot while talking to another constable after a traffic stop in Houston, authorities said Thursday. Harris County Deputy Constable Alden Clopton was wearing a protective vest when he was shot from behind late Wednesday, Constable May Walker said during a Thursday morning news conference. A motive for the shooting is unknown. Asked if authorities believed the shooter was targeting law enforcement, Houston police spokesman Kese Smith told said that both deputy constables were in uniform and had marked vehicles. I cant see how someone can mistake them for someone other than law enforcement, Smith said. The suspect fired six shots, four of which hit Clopton, Walker said. Officials had said earlier that Clopton had a bullet lodged near his heart, plus abdominal wounds. The other shots hit the other deputy constables car and the ground. It was virtually an ambush is what it was, Walker said, according to the Houston Chronicle. Authorities were questioning a male who showed up at nearby fire station after the shooting and matched the description of the suspected shooter, Smith said. The person had not been arrested or charged, he said, but authorities also were not actively looking for anyone else. Clopton is an 11-year veteran of the force who is married and has five children, said Pamela Greenwood, spokeswoman for the Harris County precinct seven constables office. He comes from a law enforcement family, with three brothers who are law officers, and the Houston Chronicle reports hes married to a Harris County sheriffs deputy. According to Smith, the shooting happened after a female reserve deputy constable made a traffic stop and called Clopton to assist. The vehicle that was pulled over had left and Clopton was standing outside the window of the females officers vehicle when he was shot. WASHINGTON President Obama will strategize with his Middle Eastern and European counterparts on a broad range of issues during a weeklong trip to Saudi Arabia, England and Germany with efforts to rein in the Islamic State group being the common denominator in all three stops. Obama, who begins traveling next week, recently called defeating Islamic State his No. 1 priority. He paid a rare visit to CIA headquarters this week for a national security team meeting focused on countering the group. The president is scheduled to arrive in the Saudi capital of Riyadh on Wednesday, where he will hold talks with King Salman. Obama will also attend a summit hosted by leaders of six Persian Gulf countries that are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman. The summit follows a similar gathering that Obama hosted with the gulf leaders last year at the Camp David presidential retreat. The White House arranged last years meeting largely to reassure gulf leaders who were unnerved by a deal the U.S. and other world powers negotiated with Iran to ease economic sanctions in exchange for limits on its nuclear program. The Iran deal is now in force, and the meeting next week will focus on defeating the Islamic State militants and al Qaeda, as well as regional security issues that include Iran. Obama will spend most of his time in England. He is scheduled to meet again with Queen Elizabeth II over lunch at Windsor Castle on April 22, a visit that coincides with her 90th birthday a day earlier. Obama will also meet with British Prime Minister David Cameron, who is campaigning for his country to continue its membership in the European Union. Britons are scheduled to vote on its EU membership in a June 23 referendum, the first vote ever by a nation on whether to leave the 28-member, post-World War II bloc. Obama is not expected announce a position on the referendum, although aides have voiced support for a strong United Kingdom as a member of the EU. Hell make clear that this is a matter the British people themselves will decide when they head to the polls in June, Ben Rhodes, Obamas deputy national security adviser, said Thursday as he outlined the trip for reporters. Cameron has also been stung by criticism over his investment in an offshore trust run by his late father. The revelation was part of the recent dump of more than 11 million documents from a Panama law firm that is one of the leaders in setting up offshore bank accounts for the rich and powerful. Obama also plans a town hall-style, question-and-answer session with young adults, which has become a staple of his foreign trips. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate VATICAN CITY Bernie Sanders issued a global call to action at the Vatican on Friday to address immoral and unsustainable wealth inequality and poverty, using the high-profile gathering to echo one of the central platforms of his presidential campaign. The Democratic senator from Vermont cited Pope Francis and St. John Paul II repeatedly during his speech to the Vatican conference commemorating the 25th anniversary of a landmark teaching document from John Paul on social and economic justice after the Cold War. Sanders arrived in Rome hours after wrapping up a debate in New York on Thursday night, saying the opportunity to address the Vatican conference was too meaningful to pass up. The roughly 24-hour visit precedes Tuesdays crucial New York primary, which Sanders must do well in to maintain a viable challenge to Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton. Pope Francis apologized that he couldnt personally greet participants at the Vatican conference. But the trip gave Sanders a moment on the world stage, placing him alongside priests, bishops, academics and two South American presidents. Sanders has been at a disadvantage during his campaign against Clinton, President Obamas former secretary of state, on issues of foreign policy, but he was peppered with questions from academics and ecclesiastics in a manner that might have been afforded a head of state. Sanders trails Clinton in the Democratic primaries, but the trip to the Vatican and his massive rally earlier this week with 27,000 people in New York City may have offered a glimpse of the senators aim to become a progressive leader, win or lose. The discussions gave him a chance to expand on his core campaign messages about the need to reform banking regulations, campaign finance rules and higher education. Asked about inequality in public education, he said it was beyond disgraceful and cited challenging conditions in Detroits school system. He told the audience that rather than a world economy that looks out for the common good, we have been left with an economy operated for the top 1 percent, who get richer and richer as the working class, the young and the poor fall further and further behind. We dont choose to politicize the pope, Sanders told attendees, but his spirit and courage and the fact, if I may say so here, that his words have gone way, way, way beyond the Catholic Church. During the meetings, he sat next to the other main guest of honor at the Vatican: Bolivian President Evo Morales, whose is renowned for his anti-imperialist, socialist rhetoric. President Rafael Correa of Ecuador also attended. The invitation to Sanders to address the Vatican conference raised eyebrows and allegations that the senator lobbied for the invitation. The chancellor for the pontifical academy, Bishop Marcelo Sanchez Sorondo, has said he invited Sanders because he was the only U.S. presidential candidate who showed deep interest in the teachings of Francis. A Connecticut judge declined Thursday to dismiss a lawsuit brought against the maker of the assault-style rifle that a gunman used in the 2012 massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School to fatally shoot 26 people before killing himself. The lawsuit, which was filed last year by nine of the families of people killed and a teacher who was injured, claims that Bushmaster Firearms International, the manufacturer of the AR-15 rifle used by the assailant, Adam Lanza, bore responsibility for selling and marketing a military-style weapon to untrained civilians, creating an unreasonably high risk that it would be used in a mass shooting. But lawyers representing the gunmaker argued that the suit should be thrown out because of immunity provided by a 2005 law that shields firearm manufacturers and dealers from liability lawsuits. In her ruling, Judge Barbara Bellis of state Superior Court did not agree with their argument. We are thrilled that the gun companies motion to dismiss was denied, said Josh Koskoff, a lawyer representing the families. The families look forward to continuing their fight in court. Cerberus Capital Management, the company that owns Bushmaster and another company named in the suit, Remington Arms, through a subsidiary, declined through a representative to comment Thursday. Lawyers for the companies did not return messages seeking comment. In 2005 Congress passed the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, sharply restricting lawsuits against gun sellers and makers and giving them industrywide immunity from blame when their product is used in a crime. But there were exceptions, including for defective weapons or instances of negligent entrustment, in which a gun is carelessly given or sold to a person posing a high risk of misusing it. Gun dealers had been sued on these grounds in the past, but the Sandy Hook lawsuit is the first time it has been used against a gun manufacturer, said Timothy Lytton, an expert in tort law and gun cases at the Georgia State University College of Law. The lawsuit claims that negligent entrustment applies because the manufacturer is marketing the gun to people who are not trained to handle it. WASHINGTON Ask Americans about bad manners in the 2016 presidential campaign and the conversation shifts immediately to Donald Trump, the GOP front-runner who has branded his critics little, lyin, low-energy and worse. I dont recall anyone stirring up as much of a fuss as Mr. Trump, says Sidney Waldman, 81, a retired bookstore owner in Key West, Fla. Hes a bully, says Kellie Zangrillo, 53, of Auburn, Wash., like Waldman an independent. Trump not only may have set the tone in the campaign, she suggested, but his nasty words could have real consequences if uttered as president. I think hed get us into World War III. Most Republicans agree When it comes to rudeness in 2016 politics, the Republican presidential contest wins in a landslide, a new poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research has found. The survey shows that 78 percent of Americans, including most Republicans, see the GOP race as discourteous. Only about half as many 41 percent say the same about the Democratic campaign. Eight in 10 people say remarks about race or gender and sexuality are unacceptable in public places, and that political leaders should be held to a higher standard of behavior than other people. Trump plainly has played a role in setting the tone to extra-coarse, doling out put-downs to a wide selection of critics, political opponents, a religious group, debate moderators and protesters. Former GOP candidate Jeb Bush was low energy. Onetime GOP hopeful Marco Rubio was little Marco. Ted Cruz, who is Trumps most prominent rival for the nomination, is lyin Ted. Famously, Trump said Fox News Channels Megyn Kelly had blood coming out of her wherever after she pressed him last year on his insults of women. Half the public see this years campaign for the Republican nomination as mostly rude and disrespectful, and an additional 29 percent consider it somewhat so. Even 8 in 10 Republicans (79 percent) regard their partys process to determine a nominee for president as ill-mannered. Going easier on Democrats In contrast, only 16 percent say the campaign between the Democratic candidates for president is mostly rude and disrespectful, while 25 percent who consider it somewhat so. Trump likes to dismiss complaints about his manners as political correctness. The poll found that only 15 percent believe candidates should not be sensitive to the possibility of upsetting other people. The AP-NORC poll of 1,004 adults was conducted March 17-21 using a sample drawn from NORCs probability-based AmeriSpeak panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 3.8 percentage points. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Leslie Van Houten, the follower of cult killer Charles Manson who had been sentenced to death for two notorious and brutal 1969 murders, won a recommendation Thursday for release from prison. The 66-year-old former homecoming queen was approved by the Board of Parole Hearings at the state womens prison in Corona (Riverside County). She had been denied parole 18 times. Van Houten had last been denied parole at a hearing three years ago and was not scheduled for another hearing until 2018. But according to Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation spokesman Luis Patino, she had taken self-help programs, classes and counseling over the past three years to address concerns raised at her last hearing about her insight into why she committed the crimes. She petitioned for, and was granted, the early hearing that was held Thursday, Patino said. Her lawyer, Richard Pfeiffer, said the hearing before a two-member parole board panel had lasted seven hours. The name Manson has been the problem all these years, Pfeiffer said. People who oppose her parole either dont know or dont want to know what shes done since then to rehabilitate herself. Shes culpable, but she was brainwashed in a typical cultlike fashion. Van Houten, Pfeiffer said, had counseled fellow inmates, earned a masters degree in humanities from California State University, taken numerous courses and been a model prisoner. Los Angeles County District Attorney Jackie Lacey said in a statement that she disagreed with the boards decision and will evaluate how to proceed. The District Attorneys Office, under Vincent Bugliosi, prosecuted the case more than four decades ago. Van Houten had been sentenced to death in 1971 for her part in the savage killings of supermarket owner Leno LaBianca and his wife, Rosemary, at their home in the Los Feliz section of Los Angeles. The killings came a day after the slaying of actress Sharon Tate and four others by other members of Mansons cult. All death sentences were commuted to life prison sentences after a 1972 court ruling. Van Houten was ordered retried in 1976. That jury could not reach a verdict. Two years later, she was retried, convicted and sentenced to life in prison. A review of the parole board decision could take up to four months. Such reviews are routinely upheld, Patino said. If it is, the governor would then have a month to grant or deny parole. A spokesman for Gov. Jerry Brown did not return calls about the Van Houten case. Manson, serving a life sentence at Corcoran State Prison, was last denied parole in 2012. His next hearing is scheduled for 2027, at which time he would be 92. Steve Rubenstein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: srubenstein@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SteveRubeSF 1 Missing students: Mexicos national human rights commission said in Mexico City Thursday that it had found a witness to the 2014 disappearance of 43 students who reported that two federal police and a third municipal police force were present when 15 to 20 youths were taken off a bus and disappeared. The new evidence suggests two federal police officers at the least allowed local police to take the students away and may have even participated in their disappearance, said Jose Larrieta Carrasco, the commission member leading the case. Investigators had already known that officers from two local forces had turned the students over to a drug gang that allegedly killed and burned them. But the witness said members of a third towns police force, Huitzuco, also participated. The witness, whose identity is being concealed, said that far from stopping the abduction of the students on the side of a highway, the federal police went along with it. 2 Government overhaul: In Ukraines most sweeping political reshuffle since its revolution two years ago, parliament voted in Kiev Thursday to seat a close ally of the president as prime minister and handed critical ministerial posts to presidential staff members. The new prime minister, Volodymyr Groysman, will replace Arseniy Yatsenyuk, who resigned Sunday. Yatsenyuk, a fluent English speaker, won praise in the West but was never able to manage Ukraines notoriously fractured parliament. With his close ties to the president, Groysman will be expected to ease some of the rifts in the pro-European camp. The previous government was swept into power in 2014 on a wave of popular anger at the authoritarian, corrupt and Russian-aligned presidency of Viktor Yanukovych. But infighting soon broke out among the victors, paralyzing the government and stalling International Monetary Fund aid for an economy on life support. This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate UC Davis is facing new criticism after records revealed it spent at least $175,000 on consultants to clean up its online reputation and eradicate from search results references to the 2011 pepper spraying of student protesters. "The university got hoodwinked by spending $175,000 of public money," Digital Brand Specialist Doug Elmets said. "It's all over the internet now. "It's now April 2016, and what are we talking about? The pepper spray incident.," Sacramento digital marketing consultant Thomas Dodson said. But if a brand wants to build on or repair its reputation, how does an aggressive online campaign work? Dodson said it's all about creating noise to drown out content you don't want. "Create a new website, new blog, new tabs, noise, noise, noise," Dodson said. "You can make a lot of noise online for $175,000." Elmets knows this strategy well and said, for UC Davis, it was money down the drain. "The process is to flood the internet with good information so that it drives down the negative information, but it's still there," Elmets explained. UC Davis said communicating the university's value online is an essential element of its mission, especially during a campus crisis. It issued a campus message that reads in part: "Communication efforts during this time were part of the campus's strategic communication strategy. In fact, one of the main objectives during this time was to train staff on how to effectively use digital media to improve engagement with our stakeholders." This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate Those of us living in San Francisco have heard this story many times. A San Francisco renter moves out of an apartment and the owner jacks up the price for the next tenant. Lauren Nickoloff was paying $1,050 a month when she first moved into a studio in a 1923 building at 735 O'Farrell Street, one block from Mitchell Brothers, in 2007. Over the course of 10 years and four different property managers, Nickoloff's rent was raised in small increments and when she moved out early this year, she was paying $1,148. The average monthly rent for a studio in the Tenderloin is $2,050 according to Trulia, and so Nickoloff had an incredible deal. She knew the owner would raise the rent for the next tenant especially since the owner remodeled the kitchen and the bathroom and tore down the walk-in closet to make the space seem roomier. But when she learned it was more than doubled to $2,295, even she was surprised. Nickoloff decided to post her story on Reddit, as the San Francisco page of the social media site has become a gathering spot to express their awe and outrage over the the city's sky-high housing prices. Many joined in the conversation, sharing personal experiences and their opinions. "Jesus. I left just last year and my studio in Bernal was 1700. I shutter to think what it may be now." one Reddit user shared. "$2,295 for the TL? This city is wild... I would take my chances with a suburb apartment," another chimed in. "When I moved in Dec 2010, Mission/7th my rent was $1450. By 2014 it was $3600. It looks like a run down hotel," wrote another. And one person was very interested in renting the studio, even with the higher price because after all, it's pretty much priced at market rate. Nickoloff left her prized apartment for Asheville, N.C., where she's working remotely for the same company that she worked for while living in SF. She's paying only $1,600 for a three-bedroom home she's sharing with her boyfriend. Nickoloff and her boyfriend tried to stay in the city, when they first decided they wanted to live together and realized the studio was too small. But they quickly decided they were completely priced out of the Bay Area. "It seems like it's no longer just a San Francisco thing," she said. "I wasn't willing to pay $3,000 for a two bedroom in Hayward. I know that because friends of mine just moved there. I have a lot of friends who live in Oakland and I know the prices over there. It feels like the problem of high housing prices is spreading. To get away from them, we had to move across the country." FRESNO International crime rings targeting Californias booming agriculture industry are increasingly stealing truckloads of high-value nuts, prompting authorities and the firms falling victim to ramp up efforts to break the spree thats cost millions. The sophisticated organizations in many cases use high-tech tactics, hacking into trucking companies to steal their identities. Armed with false shipping papers, they pose as legitimate truckers, driving off with loads of nuts such as almonds, walnuts or pistachios valued at $150,000, and some worth $500,000 each. $4.6 million lost in 15 Days later, when a shipment fails to arrive to its intended destination, the nuts may already be in another state or on a ship destined for Europe or Asia, where they fetch top dollar on the black market, authorities say. Nut thefts hit an all-time high in California last year with losses totaling $4.6 million from 31 reported cases, more than the three previous years combined, according to CargoNet, an alliance of cargo shipping firms and law enforcement agencies aimed at preventing losses. Losses for all four years combined reached nearly $7.6 million, the group said. Its made my life miserable, said Todd Crosswell, general manager of Caro Nut Co. Caro was victimized six times last year for a total loss of $1.2 million. In each case, thieves stole cashews imported from Vietnam and Africa that were roasted, salted and packaged in Fresno. You get hit with that kind of loss it hurts, Crosswell said. The value of nuts grown and processed in California, the nations leading agricultural state, have soared in recent years as global demand for the health-food snack grows in places such as China and emerging economies. California produces more almonds, walnuts and pistachios than any other state, with a combined value of $9.3 billion in 2014. Almonds alone were valued at $5.9 billion, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. More law enforcement The high value of nuts grabbed the attention of criminal organizations, who are exploiting weaknesses in the cargo shipping industry to reap big profits, said Dan Bryant, supervisory special agent for the violent and organized crimes programs of the FBI Sacramento office. Bryant declined to identify any organizations under suspicion, citing an ongoing criminal investigation. Its not just some teenage kids ripping off nuts, he said. These are sophisticated people. Local authorities also are taking action. One state lawmaker has introduced a bill to fund a statewide task force targeting all types of cargo thefts. And law enforcement officials and nut processors met Thursday to share information to help prevent more nut thefts. Alarmed by a spike in large-scale nut thefts, Tulare County Sheriff Mike Boudreaux last year beefed up his agriculture crimes unit from two to six detectives. In 2013, his office investigated a pistachio theft worth $189,000. No cases were reported the next year, but in 2015, six loads of almonds and pistachios were stolen at a combined loss of $1.6 million. Investigators tracked at least one load to Los Angeles and made one arrest. Boudreaux didnt name the suspect because the investigation is ongoing. They do tend to have some overseas connections, said Scott Cornell, a Travelers Insurance investigator and an expert on cargo thefts. Wherever they can sell it and move it, theyre going to. Easier than electronics Food and drinks are the most frequently stolen cargo items, Cornell said. Nuts are an easier target than other products, such as electronics, because there is no serial number and the evidence is gone once it is eaten, he said. Crosswell said hes put in place new safeguards with hopes he doesnt fall victim once more, taking photographs and fingerprints of the roughly 25 truck drivers each day who pull up to the shipping docks. Despite these efforts, Crosswell said he fears the criminals will strike again. Whoever they are, theyre watching, Crosswell said. Theyll try it again. Theyll figure out how to beat the system. We just have to stay one step ahead of them. Is Daisy feeling settled in her relationship with Daniel now or does she still struggle with the ghost of Sinead? I think she is feeling set...